Episode 24- Romania
August 1993
"What cha reading," Astoria asked, turning away from the window of the train as they sped across Europe.
"Art through the ages," Daphne said, holding up a rather large book.
"Why," Astoria asked.
"Because runt, I don't want to be ambushed with more art questions and look foolish," Daphne said.
"Oh…." Astoria said.
"Yes," Daphne said. "I need to be prepared."
"For what," Hermione asked.
"Everything," Daphne said.
"That's impossible," Hermione said.
"Tell that to my mother," Daphne muttered under her breath as she returned to her reading.
"Mom's really strict with Daphne," Astoria said.
"That's because she cares," Daphne said.
"But Emma cares, and she doesn't," Astoria said.
"That's enough Astoria," Daphne snapped.
"But…." Astoria said.
"It's fine," Daphne said.
"It's not fine," Astoria said storming out.
"Don't….." Daphne said.
"Don't what," Hermione said.
"I don't need anything," Daphne said.
Break
"This is castle Dracula….." Daphne said looking up at the large imposing structure that seemed to defy the laws of physics at times.
"We prefer to call it Castlevania," a tall lean blond haired man said.
"Are sick mister," Astoria asked.
"Astoria…" Daphne hissed.
"But he's all pale and stuff, like that time," Astoria said.
"Astoria," Daphne said, clamping a hand over her sister's mouth.
"Hahahahahahaha," a woman said, walking towards them. "Out of the mouths of children. You must be Hermione; you look just like your mother. So that makes you the Greengrass sisters."
"Yes, Ma'am," Daphne said. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
"You must be Daphne," the woman said.
"I was so sorry to hear about that dreadful accident," the woman said.
"I don't wanna talk about it," Daphne muttered.
"Of course not, which is why we made our displeasure known, and that issue has not been sold in Romania," the woman said.
"Thank you," Daphne stammered trying and failing not to blush.
"Emma you didn't tell me she was so adorable," the woman said, hugging Daphne. "She's even cuter in person than the pictures from the gala, and I loved your dress."
"Maria," Emma called out.
"Emma," Maria said, releasing Daphne.
"Klutz," Daphne said.
"Yes, tomato face," Hermione replied.
"Did Maria Renard Tepes just hug me," Daphne asked.
"Yes, is that a problem," Hermione asked.
"The wife of the patriarch of the strongest vampire clan in the world just hugged me," Daphne said, still in shock.
"And this is important because," Hermione asked.
"Daphne doesn't get hugged enough," Astoria said.
"Yes…. No….. That's not the point," Daphne said.
"The point is hugging a vampire is an incredible gift of trust," Daphne said.
"Why," Hermione asked.
"That is because from that position it would be very easy to put a stake through their heart," the man said. "But my wife is a hugger," the man shrugged.
"Thanks for letting us visit Mr. Tepes," Hermione said.
"Wait you knew who he was the whole time," Daphne exclaimed.
"Nope, but once he said his wife was a hugger it was easy," Hermione said.
"Ugh…. but at least I got a gesture of trust between the Tepes and Greengrass family," Daphne said.
"Nope," Maria giggled, poking Daphne's forehead. "That was a sign of trust from me to you, not the Tepes and Greengrass family."
"So are you really a vampire, do you have fangs," Astoria asked.
"Yes, I am a vampire, and yes I have fangs," the man said opening his mouth.
"Cool, so you drink blood and stuff," Astoria rambled on.
"Astoria, what are you doing," Daphne said once again muffling her sister.
"It's quite alright she is asking questions about something she's never seen before," Mr. Tepes said.
"I'm still getting used to all of this magic and vampire stuff myself," Dan said.
"And I still can't believe your wife did what she did," Mr. Tepes said.
"It's like I already told you, kids are kids, I don't care if they're a vampire, human or otherwise," Emma said.
"And that is why I invited you, Emma, you are a very interesting human, and please call me Alucard," Alucard said.
"The pleasure is ours," Dan said. "We've always wanted to travel and see the world, but until recently we didn't have the time or means to do so."
"Then we shall show you the best of Romania," Maria said as they entered.
Break
"Oh, I almost forgot," Maria said, giving the girls a quick tour of the castle.
"Forgot what," Emma said.
"That you can practice magic here," Maria said.
"But the school said," Hermione said.
"This is a magical residence, so you do not have to worry about getting any reprimands," Maria said.
"Does that mean," Hermione said looking at Daphne.
"Yes, the pureblood houses can get away with it," Daphne said.
"Well that's not fair," Hermione said.
"Life isn't fair," Daphne said.
"Life's difficulties ebb and flow like a river, sometimes you float gently down the river and sometimes you end up on the rocks," Maria said.
"You must be on the rocks then," Daphne said.
"I am not," Hermione protested, stomping her foot.
"Our report cards arrived, and your parents are standing over there" Daphne said.
"Hermione, can we talk to you for a moment," Emm and Dan said.
"Is there a problem," Hermione asked, moving towards them.
"No, we just wanted to talk to you about school," Dan said entering a small sitting room.
"I worked really hard this year. I really tried my best," Hermione said.
"We know honey, but it seems that you did not pass some of your classes," Emma said.
"No, I, that's, no, this isn't," Hermione said.
"It's alright Hermione," Dan said, pulling her into his lap.
"I'm not a dummy, I'm not," Hermione muttered.
"You are my smart intelligent daughter not a dummy," Emma said, patting her back.
"But I failed, Hermione Granger doesn't fail classes, and doesn't get held back." Hermione muttered looking at her parents. "I'm getting held back aren't I."
"Not exactly," Dan said.
"Yes, it seems you did fine in Magic theory, History of magic, Herbology, and defense. It's just transfiguration, charms, and potions that need some work," Dan said.
"What does that mean," Hermione asked.
"It seems that you need to start over in first year classes in those subjects," Emma said as the color drains from Hermione's face a look of shock and horror etched on it.
"I have to take first year classes as a third year…." Hermione said.
"Yes, it seems that you lack the basics needed to properly advance," Emma said.
"I'm a dummy," Hermione said sadly.
"You are not a dummy," Emma said.
"But I'm behind in some classes," Hermione said.
"Yes, but that doesn't mean you can't catch up," Dan said.
"Two years, it's two years," Hermione said "It's impossible."
"Did I ever tell you about my college days," Dan said.
"No," Hermione said, looking towards her dad.
"Well I was behind in some of my classes when I started college," Dan said.
"You were, but you're, like super-duper smart" Hermione said.
"That's because I worked hard and had a little help," Dan said, putting an arm around Emma.
"Mom….." Hermione said alternating looking between the two.
"I was his tutor for a bit, and well things just kinda spiraled from there," Emma said.
"So, don't give up, you are not a dummy, and I know you will work your way back to your year and beyond," Dan said.
"Thanks Dad," Hermione said hugging him.
"Hermione you're missing all the good stuff," Astoria said, sticking her head in the door, "They've got these giant suits of armor that throw axes,"
"That's impossible," Hermione said.
"Magic," Astoria shot back walking over to them. "And who knows what other cool stuff they've got, come on," Astoria said tugging on Hermione's arm.
"Go on, we can talk about it more later," Dan said before the girls ran off.
Break
"Interesting," Daphne muttered as she wandered the halls of the castle. Despite the dark wood, stone, and low light it had an almost homey feel. Soon however the hallway seemed to shift dark colors giving way to light as the red carpet replaced the cold stones. "Wow," Daphne gasped as she entered what could only be thought of as an art gallery. "Amazing," Daphne said as she wandered deeper into the gallery. "It's just as good as the Ghent Altarpiece, but why does it?" she muttered gazing at a painting.
"Look different," a voice said behind her.
"Mr. Tepes," Daphne said, spinning around so fast she fell over.
"Stupid, stupid, stupid," Daphne hissed.
"I hardly see you as a stupid girl," Alucard said. "Young, confused, but not stupid," Alucard said helping Daphne up.
"I am not a little girl," Daphne said.
"Of course not," Alucard said. "Now what is confusing you about the painting."
"It's…... " Daphne said.
"It is a Eugene Delacroix," Alucard said.
"Who was that," Daphne asked, staring at the painting.
"The leader of French Romanticism," Alucard said.
"I don't recall a political movement by that name," Daphne said.
"That's because it was an art movement in the 19th century," Alucard said.
"Oh…." Daphne said looking away.
"Is that why it makes me feel different," Daphne said.
"Romanticism did focus on emotion," Alucard said. "But as to why it elicits the emotions it does only you can answer?"
"I don't understand," Daphne said. "It's just paint on canvas, how can it…"
"That is the nature of art, it can stimulate mindful contemplation," Alucard said.
"I see," Daphne said.
"I will leave you to your contemplation," Alucard said, taking his leave.
Break
"Warm, bleh," Hermione said after taking a sip from her glass a look of revulsion on her face.
"Would you like…." Maria said.
"No it's ok," Hermione said, pulling out a small sapphire from her bag. "Kalte Freisetzung," she whispered in German before dropping it in the glass.
"Hermione was that magic," Emma said.
"Yes," Hermione said, taking a sip. "Bleh, luke warm," she said, putting it back down.
"Did you just cool down the glass," Emma said.
"Only a little, it should have frozen the whole thing," Hermione sighed.
"Where did the energy come from," Emma asked.
"Magic," Hermione said.
"True, but you were trying to lower the entropy of the water turning it into ice, which requires energy, so where did the energy in the magic come from," Emma asked.
"I don't know," Hermione said, fishing the sapphire from the glass. "The last time I did this it was cold enough to break iron."
"Hermione do the same spell with your wand on my glass," Emma said, handing her another glass of water.
"Kalte Freisetzung," Hermione repeated watching as the water slowly froze.
"So the energy must be coming from the wielder…" Emma mussed as Maria stood back and watched.
"Try it again but hold onto the gem," Emma said.
Hermione nodded holding out the gem. "Kalte Freisetzung," she said watching the glass frost over.
"Interesting, the gem can channel magic, but it is not as good as a wand," Emma said.
"That is because you did not charge the gem," Maria explained.
"Charge the gem?" Emma and Hermione asked.
"Yes, gems are terrible at channeling magic, but can store large quantities of magical energy," Maria said.
"How do I charge them," Hermione asked.
"One way is to consciously channeling magic into the stone, which can be quite tricky so don't try that just yet. The second and more practical way is to sprinkle a bit of blood on them each day and let the gems naturally absorb the magic. It takes longer but you don't run the risk of overcharging a gem causing it to explode," Maria explained.
"That means that the body generates magic," Emma said.
"Yes," Maria replied.
"But how does the human body generate magic," Emma asked.
"Witches and wizards are still debating that particular topic," Maria said as Hermione pricked her finger letting a few drops of blood splatter onto the sapphire.
"Interesting, I would have thought there would have been more research into it," Emma asked.
"Most wizards and witches focus on more practical application of how to magic, and not what magic actually is," Maria said.
"That is disappointing," Emma said.
"Kalte Freisetzung," Hermione said, dropping the sapphire into the cup before falling backward in surprise as the cup exploded an ice stalagmite standing where the cup once sat.
"Oh my," Maria said.
"Amazing," Emma said looking at the icicle.
"Sorry, I didn't think it would be so reactive," Hermione said looking up from the floor. "I'm not a very powerful witch."
"Nope," Maria said, helping Hermione up.
"But my spells….." Hermione said.
"Nope," she said again, poking her nose.
"But…." Hermione said.
"I think the results speak for themselves," Maria said pointing to the ice. "Your blood powered that spell, you powered that spell, you are powerful," Maria said.
"But my spells," Hermione said.
"Will get better, you just need to work on connecting with your magic," Maria said.
Break
"Library, library, library," Daphne said walking through the castle. "Come on, where is it?" Daphne continued to wander the halls looking for the rather elusive library, only to once again find herself walking into the art gallery. "The art gallery," Daphne said as she found herself amongst the paintings and sculptures again. "I guess it can't hurt to look at a few," Daphne said, taking out her art history book. "This one's in a romantic style, and this one… looks like blobs of paint," Daphne muttered looking through her book. "Oh it's an impressionist painting so if I back up it should look better," she said backing up from the painting. "So it's not just the subject matter, but technique used that matters. That still doesn't explain why it makes me feel the way it does," she said stopping at a painting of a mother and child. Soon though she found herself winding her way through the gallery stopping at a large window looking out over the countryside. The sunlight cutting through the clouds illuminating the vibrant forest below. What the…." Daphne gasped as the light illuminated the wreckage of what could only have been a once great manor house. It was an almost surreal experience seeing the forest consume the remains of the manor. A once mighty house destroyed and being consumed by the nature it used to command. "It's hauntingly beautiful," Daphne muttered, pulling out a blank piece of paper.
"What's Daphne doing," Astoria said, walking into the art gallery.
"SSssshhhh," Hermione said as the pair observed a very different Daphne sitting in a large chair looking out the window as she appeared to be writing or drawing something.
"No that's not it….." Daphne said crumpling up the sheet joining a small pile next to her. "Why don't you look like…"
"Girls it's…." Emma said.
"Ssshhh…." Astoria said pointing to Daphne.
"Oh my," Emma said watching Daphne hard at work.
"So this is where she's been running off to the last few days," Dan said.
"Apparently she keeps trying to find the library," Alucard said.
"But that's easy," Astoria said.
"Yes, but the castle has an interesting quirk of guiding people to the rooms they really want," Alucard said.
"Daphne wants to be here, but all she talked about was the library," Astoria said.
"What one says and what one does can be two completely different things," Maria said.
"What cha drawing," Astoria said, popping up next to her sister.
"Astoria!" Daphne squeaked. "What are you doing here."
"Looking for you," Astoria said, picking up one of the crumbled drawings. "What's this supposed to be."
"None of your business runt," Daphne said, swiping the paper back.
"Hey this one's pretty good," Astoria said, snatching Daphne's most recent attempt.
"No, it's not," Daphne said. "Now give that back."
"No," Astoria giggled darting away.
"Why you," Daphne hissed, spinning on her foot as she turned around.
"Hi Daphne," Hermione said, waving.
"We wanted to know if you wanted some lunch," Emma said.
"Lunch… But it's only…..." Daphne muttered looking at her watch. "Oh it's nearly lunch and I haven't…..' Daphne said looking at Maria and then down at her clothes. "Crap baskets….. I need to…." Daphne said quickly, gathering up her papers.
"Here let me…" Maria said.
"No, I'm," Daphne squeaked stumbling backward into the chair. "Good…" Daphne said looking at the crowd of people. "You're….. All…. Here… Daphne muttered her whole body turning a light shade of red.
"Yep," Hermione said. "I thought maybe you got lost tomato face."
"I am not a tomato face," Daphne said.
"Then why are turning red," Astoria giggled.
"I am not turning red runt," Daphne hissed standing up. "I just need to…." Daphne said grabbing her stuff and proceeded to trip on the edge of the plush carpet.
"Impressive," Dan chuckled at the twirling Daphne as she tossed her papers into the air spinning around her nightgown fluttering in the air as she fell arms flailing before crashing into the ground.
"I would give it a 6 out of 10," Alucard said. "Belmont always had a way of ending up in unusual situations after annoying Sypha."
"And what about…." Maria said.
"We promised to never speak of that again," Alucard said.
"You did, but I don't remember making such a promise," Maria chuckled.
"I'm ok," Daphne muttered slowly standing up wincing a bit stepping gingerly on her foot.
"You're limping," Hermione said.
"I am not," Daphne said before falling only to be caught by Dan.
"Yes, you are now, let's get a look at it," Dan said.
"I'm….." Daphne stammered.
"Yes, I know you're a big girl now, but that doesn't mean you can't be taken care of from time to time," Dan said. "Now let's get that ankle taken care of." He said giving her a smile as he picked her up.
"... um….." Daphne said. "I…. can…"
"No, not until it's checked out," Emma said.
"It's nothing," Daphne said as Maria put a glowing hand over Daphne's ankle.
"What's that," Astoria asked.
"Just a simple scanning spell," Maria said.
"But you're not using a wand," Astoria asked.
"There are more ways to do magic than just using a wand," Alucard said.
"Cool," Astoria said.
"It's just a tiny twist, nothing serious," Maria said. "You'll be good as new in the morning."
"Thank You," Daphne said softly.
"Who's the klutz now, tomato face," Hermione said.
"Hermione," Emma hissed. "It's not nice to make fun of people for their mistakes."
"I know but…" Hermione sighed.
"No but's now apologize," Emma said.
"I'm sorry Daphne," Hermione said as the blond haired girl glared daggers at her.
"Apology accepted," Daphne forced out.
"And not to worry I was a bit of a klutz at your age too, but some dance lessons really helped me fix my two left feet," Maria said.
"I am not a klutz," Daphne said.
"I never said you were, but a little bit of dance knowledge can't hurt," Emma said. "You know I might just join you. I always wanted to learn how to dance. You wouldn't believe how many times I stepped on Dan's feet at our wedding."
"It was no trouble dear," Dan said.
"Only because you wore steel toed shoes," Emma remarked.
Break
"Yes, Hermione," Alucard said as he fished in a nearby creek, pausing as she squeaked rolling out of the bushes. "Can I help you?" he asked looking down at Hermione.
"Um hi sorry to bother you but Maria said I could find you out here, and well Mrs. Flamel said you might be able to help me," Herimone said standing up.
"Perenelle you say, I haven't seen her since dealing with Saint Germaine," Alucard said. "Now what is it that Perenelle said I might be able to help you with," Alucard said.
"Well you see," Hermione said nervously.
"Relax, child, if you trusted Perenelle with this information you can trust me as well," Alucard said. "Now the eyes are the windows to the soul. If you would like just think about what concerns you while I look you in the eyes."
"Ok," Hermione said thinking about the battle for the stone.
"You are an incredibly brave child to keep your mind about you while facing such evil, and you were right to contact me," Alucard said while viewing her memories.
"You can help," Hermione said cracking a smile.
"Yes, Dumbledore is said to be a powerful legumens," Alucard said.
"Is that mind reading," Hermione asked.
"Yes, that is what the magical world calls it," Alucard said.
"How do I stop it," Hermione said.
"You can't," Alucard said.
"But you said," Hermione whimpered, tearing up.
"Just because you can't stop Dumbledore, doesn't mean you can't beat him," Alucard said.
"That doesn't make any sense," Hermione said.
"You do not have the power or experience to stop Dumbledore from reading your mind if he makes a concerted effort. What you can do however is let him see what he wants to see." Alucard said.
"I don't understand," Hermione said.
"Think of it this way. You know what actually happened, but you told Dumbledore you blacked out," Alucard explained.
"So, I show him blacking out, but won't he know I'm lying," Hermione said.
"Normally yes, but that is where I come in," Alucard said. "I will teach you how to create a partition of sorts in your mind for when you have to deal with Dumbledore."
"So, my mind is like rooms, and if I can't get him out, I can guide him to a room," Hermione said.
"Close enough," Alucard said. "Now the real trick to making this work is to make sure he sees what he expects to see."
"Ok, I think I can do that," Hermione said smiling. "Um…. How do I do that?"
"Hahahaha," Alucard chuckled. "That I can help with, what do you know about meditation?"
"I do yoga," Hermione said.
"It's a start," Alucard said.
Break
"Yes," Daphne said as a knock sounded on her door.
"How is your ankle," Maria asked.
"I've had worse," Daphne said.
"I'm sure," Maria said sitting down next to Daphne. "You know I saw your sketches."
"You did," Daphne said, eyes widening in surprise.
"Yes, and….." Maria said.
"They're terrible I know," Daphne sighed.
"I would call them rough," Maria said. "You are young and unskilled, but I see promise in your work."
"You do….." Daphne said.
"Yes, what you were trying to sketch was the former Belmont home which was destroyed due to allegations of witchcraft, and yet I don't think that's what you were going for in this picture," Maria said.
"I…" Daphne began.
"I think you were wondering if this once great house was destroyed for its crimes or fell apart from within," Maria said.
"I was just trying to make…." Daphne said.
"A pretty picture, I know, but no matter the subject the artist's feelings are translated into the image," Maria said. "You skill might need some work, but even if you don't realize it, you know how to put feelings into your work."
"But I'm not very good," Daphne said.
"Says who," Maria replied.
"..." Words dying in her throat all Daphne could do was look at Maria.
"You were comparing your artwork to what was in the gallery," Maria said, waiting as Daphne slightly nodded. "Silly girl," Maria said, poking Daphne's nose. "You're only just starting out, of course you're not very good."
"Hmmmpphhh," Daphne huffed glaring at Maria.
"Oh you're one of those types," Maria said.
"What is that supposed to mean," Daphne snapped.
"That it is ok to not be the best in everything," Maria said as Daphne gave her a scathing glare. "Hehehehehe, so cute," Maria giggled as Daphne crossed her arms in frustration. "It's ok to show a softer side at times, and if you'd like I can arrange for some lessons."
"I don't…." Daphne hissed as Maria put a finger to her lips.
"Just think about it," Maria said, leaving.
Break
Daphne couldn't decide what was the most shocking as she walked into the dance studio. The fact that Hermione had lost a fair bit of weight, that her sister had gained a few pounds, or that the two were starting to look eerily similar. However, the biggest shocker was that Mrs. Granger actually came in and, in a leotard, no less, proving she really was Hermione's fat out of shape mother. "Does she have no shame," Daphne muttered amazed at how Emma was just oozing out of the ballet leotard thick and heavy with fat. With her brown hair pulled back her face looked even rounder than usual putting her short fat nose on full display. A rather large belly that probably surpassed her chest exposed to the world, with fat thighs rubbing against each other. "Mother will like hearing about this," Daphne said softly.
"Emma you didn't have to wear the leotard," Maria said.
"I know, but it's extra motivation," Emma said.
"Whatever works I guess," Maria said. "Now these will be your instructors for today, Paula Abghoul and Fred Askare, no relation to other famous individuals."
"We're being taught by ghosts, so cool," Astoria gushed.
"First time for everything," Emma said.
"Now is everyone ready to begin," Paula said.
"Yes, the group replied as Daphne nodded her head.
"Alright the first thing is stretching," Paula said demonstrating the first stretch.
"Flexible much," Daphne said, smirking at Hermione as she laid her head on her knees.
"Not yet," Hermione shot back, reaching out to touch her toes before stopping.
"Can you do this," Daphne said, shifting position to reaching behind her back pulling her foot up to stretch her quads.
Hermione looked at Daphne moving to march her blond haired rival struggling to grab her foot. "Come on….."
"Apparently not," Daphne smirked.
"I can…." Hermione panted, flailing around. "Can't do it…." Hermione sighed slumping to the ground.
"Told you so," Daphne said.
"Can't do it yet," Hermione said.
"The day you match me, is the day I get fat," Daphne said finishing up.
"Good, good, excellent job," Paula said as the group stood. Daphne looked the best, not a hair out of place barely a bead of sweat running down her body. Hermione came next breathing hard and sweating, but looking ready to learn. Astoria struggled to stand sweating more than Daphne would care to admit, but that that paled in comparison to Emma. The poor woman was drenched sweat soaking into the wood floor as she laid flat on her back, chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath.
"Now to the barre," Paula said.
"What's that?" Astoria asked.
"This," Paula said, putting her spectral hand on a bar next to the mirrors.
"Excellent, good job Daphne," Paula said, clapping her hands as Daphne displayed the five main positions of ballet. Daphne couldn't help but smirk in Hermione's direction.
"Not bad Hermione, but your feet are not quite in the correct position," Paula said.
"Now for some plie," Paula said, demonstrating with a simple bend in her knees. "Let's do twenty. One, two,"
"Try and keep up," Daphne said, smirking at Hermione.
"Watch me," Hermione replied, locking eyes with Daphne as they each completed twenty plie's.
"She made all twenty…." Daphne muttered looking at the smiling Hermione with a bit of surprise on her face.
"Nicely done, both of you," Paula said. "But Hermione, those last few were a bit off and you need to work on your positioning. Please work with Fred a bit more," Paula said. "Daphne I think you're ready for en pointe, or standing on your toes."
"Looks like I win again," Daphne said before following Paula.
"For now," Hermione whispered, taking a last look at Daphne before focusing on her own practice.
Chapter 24.5- Santorini
August 1993
"Some things have a nasty habit of coming back and biting you," muggle phrase
"And just where do you think you are going," Maria said, marching into the great hall as Alucard reached for the door handle.
"Out," Alucard said.
"Out where," Maria said, hands on her hips.
"I have been asked to consult on a new archeological discovery," Alucard said.
"Oh no the last time you did that I didn't see you for 10 years, and the Russian magicals almost running amok over the estate," Maria hissed.
"There were extenuating circumstances," Alucard said raising his hands in the air.
"Yes, yes, I know the whole last battalion nazi vamprire thing," Maria said. "I am still miffed you left me out of the fun," Maria pouted.
"Dear it was….." Alucard said.
"Do I need to remind you how we met," Maria said, summoning a flock of birds.
"No," Alucard sighed.
"Now where is this new discovery," Maria asked.
"Santorini," Alucard said.
"Excellent," Maria said. "I hope everyone brought swimsuits," Maria sang.
"It could be worse, this one-time Emma," Dan said approaching the centuries old Vampire.
"Hey I only did that once, ok maybe twice, but you were being an idiot," Emma huffed.
"I know," Dan said, putting an arm around Emma.
"So are you up for a little side trip," Maria said.
"Certainly," Emma said.
"I'm sure mother will not mind," Daphne added.
"Score," Hermione and Astoria cheered.
Break
"So what do you need to examine in Santorini," Hermione asked as they arrived at Santorini.
"It seems that recent volcanic activity has unearthed a new cache of magical bronze age relics," Alucard said.
"Mycenaean?" Daphne asked.
"Yes," Alucard stated.
"Shaft grave, Koine, or the collapse era," Hermione asked.
"Dork…." Daphne muttered.
"From the collapse, initial dating puts it at the time of the eruption," Alucard said.
"Can I come," Hermione asked.
"Won't it be dangerous," Emma said.
"No not really, I was called in for my extensive knowledge of esoteric subjects," Alucard said.
"They found something weird that does not exist in the historical record," Hermione said.
"It appears that way," Alucard said.
"Can I come," Hermione pestered as Maria shot Alucard a look.
"Certainly," Alucard said.
"Yes," Hermione cheered.
"You are such a dork," Daphne sighed.
"You know you want to come, tomato face," Hermione said.
"I do not," Daphne said.
"Yeah right, little miss perfect prissy pants is going to pass up a chance to see a once in a lifetime archeological discovery. Imagine all the bragging rights I'll get when I get to tell Binns that I saw a rare magical bronze age site. A site that is at the focal point of the fall of the Atlantians," Hermione said.
"You are such a klutzy dork, I should come along to make sure you don't break anything," Daphne said.
"I am not a klutz," Hermione protested before tripping.
"I think that proves my point,"
Break
"Thank you for coming," the head of the dig said, leading them to a secluded spot deep in one of the craters on Nea Kameni.
"So cool," Hermione giggled as they walked through the site as Daphne rolled her eyes. "So what did you find? Why do you need Mr. Tepes?"
"Mr. Tepes has a wealth of knowledge on rare and unique magical beasts, and we hope he can help us identify the remains," the man said.
"I'm telling you it's not a hydra," a young woman with dark purple hair in a billowing cloak said looking over the remains of what looked like a dragon's neck.
"Anna, we've been over this, it is just a hydra," a man said as he continued to excavate the neck.
"She is right, that is not a hydra," Alucard said.
"Finally someone who has some sense," Anna said.
"Impossible," the man said.
"A hydra has three heads, and you've unearthed more than that so far," Alucard said looking over the remains.
"We assumed it was a mating pair," the man said.
"Hydra's do not mate," Alucard said.
"Then how do they reproduce?" the man asked.
"Oh I know this one," Hermione exclaimed, shooting her hand into the air.
"I don't have time….." the man said before a curved scythe found its way to his neck.
"I don't like idiots so let's hear her out," Anna said calmly.
"So cool… It's not magical, but there is this small creature called a hydra that's kind of like a jellyfish but doesn't swim, and it reproduces through a process called budding where it makes a copy of itself," Hermione explained.
"That is the…." the man said.
"The truth, there is actually a muggle creature called a hydra that reproduces that way," the head of dig said.
"And it just so happens that my father raised several hydra," Alucard explained.
"That…." the man said, taking a closer look as Alucard grinned showing off his fangs. "Actually makes sense."
"So what is then?" the head archeologist asked.
"A clutch of dragons nesting," Daphne chimed in.
"A good thought, but look at the direction the necks are heading in, and how uniform the bones are between them," Alucard pointed out. "I suspect that if you dig," Alucard said, pacing around the heads, before walking off to a near the edge of the dig. "Right here," he said casually slashin at the side of the crater wall. "You'll find the rest of it," He said as the wall turned into dust revealing the main body of the creature.
"Impossible," the adults gasped. Calling it massive would be an understatement was what little they could see of the main body was easily the size of a blue whale, with multiple necks leaving the main body. Then there were the wings that seemed to reach out and form the walls of the crater itself.
"What is that….." Hermione gasped stepping behind Anna.
"Typhon, or at least what's left of him," Alucard said.
"Can't be," the researchers gasped.
"No, it's him," Anna said.
"How can you be so sure," Daphne said.
"Let's just say that my family has a special connection to this bastard," Anna said. "The more important question is where she is?"
"Miss Anna who are you talking about," Hermione asked.
"Typhon's wife Echidna," Anna said.
"The mother of all monsters," Daphne said.
"Yes," Anna said.
"So far we've only found the remains of Typhon," the leader of the site said.
"If you find any evidence of Echidna please inform me immediately," Anna said.
"Inform me as well," Alucard said.
"Why are you worried about a long dead monster," Daphne asked.
"I have my reasons, Anna said.
"Whatever it's long dead," Daphne muttered.
"This is the magical world girl, it's not dead until it's cold and dead," Alucard said eyes boring into Daphne.
"Right," Daphne squeaked, joining Hermione behind Anna.
"Scared tomato head," Hermione giggled.
"No," Daphne snapped fingering her wand.
"Typhon aside, why did you really call us here," Alucard asked.
"We found some very life-like statues," the men said.
"I thought that might be the case," Anna said following along as they moved to an area where the crater formed a dome-like shape.
"And you call me the klutzy one," Hermione said as Daphne tripped, falling next to one of the many heads.
"I stand by what I said," Daphne shot back dusting off her clothes while placing an object in her pocket.
"Cool statues," Hermione said looking at the stone men dressed in bronze armor covered in a heavy layer of dust and dirt. Despite the age the weapons and armor looked ready for a fight as did the statues.
"They're not Mycenaean," Daphne said.
"Oh, what makes you say that," Anna asked.
"These statues are very lifelike in nature, showing the absolute perfection of the human form. Mycenaean statutes are typically highly stylized to the point of looking non human," Daphne said.
"Who's the dork now," Hermione whispered.
"Excellent, and where did you learn about Mycenaean art," Anna asked.
"I read about it in a book, and I saw a few statutes in Mr. Tepes private gallery," Daphne said proudly.
"Art nerd," Hermione giggled, dodging a swat from Daphne.
"Shut it," Daphne growled.
"Girls, do I need to talk to Emma," Alucard said, glaring at them.
"No, we're good," the pair said, quickly falling in behind Anna.
"Could the statues have been moved in at a later date," Alucard asked.
"No, the dating places them as the same age as the skeleton," the lead researcher said.
"Their not statues," Anna said, closely examining one.
"They're not, they look like statues to me," Hermione said, reaching out to touch one. "It feels like…." Hermione said, pulling out her wand. "Elementarscan," Hermione said, dropping her wand in shock as her knees gave out.
"It's….. It's…," Hermione gasped trembling as she looked at the statue.
"A person," Anna said. "Your spell must have detected higher amounts of water than what should be in a stone statue."
"Incredible," several of the researchers said.
"Does anyone have any soft potion," one of the scientists called out.
"Right here," another one said, opening a bottle. Never know when you might run into petrified anything, or petrification traps."
"No wait," Anna said as the potion fell upon one of the statutes.
"Get back," Alucard yelled as cracks began to form on several of the statues. An ancient battle cry cutting through the silence as the stone fell away revealing the statue's true form of a tall warrior, a look of rage etched across his face. Swords raised they charged only to be intercepted by Alucard and Anna.
"Impossible, they're still alive after all this time," the researcher cried out.
"Move," Hermione yelled, pushing Daphne out of the way.
"They're not human," Alucard said, throwing his opponent back.
"They sure look like it," Anna replied dodging a strike. "But you would be the expert."
"Don't insult us, we are superior to you pathetic humans," one of the warriors growled in ancient Greek.
"Nephilim," Anna hissed.
"Daphne, we need to help," Hermione said.
"And do what," Daphne snapped as the warriors spread out forming a ring around them. "Your spells are useless."
"Can you do the flame charm," Hermione said.
"Of course," Daphne said as one of them approached.
"Just do it," Hermione said.
"If this kills me I will haunt you," Daphne snapped. "Onis!" She yelled pointing her wand at one of them a jet of red hot fire shooting from her wand.
"Kälteabsorption," Hermione said pointing her wand at Daphne's flames.
"What good is that going to do," Daphne said as the warrior raised his shield blocking the now orange colored flames.
"I'm absorbing the cold and making the flames hotter," Hermione said as the flames began to turn white melting the warrior's shield before driving him back.
"It's not nice to pick on children," Anna said, kicking the burned warrior away. "Naptime girls, mystic eyes of binding," Anna said looking at them, her purple eyes glowing.
"Sleepy," Daphne mutterd slumping against Hermione.
"Kalt, kalt, kalt," Hermione muttered, forcing magic through her body struggling to stay awake. Her eyes closed her body unable to move, but she was able to hear what was happening.
"It's safe to take the gloves off Alucard," Anna said.
"Then why don't you take the head band off," Alucard replied.
"Mystic eyes of Binding," Anna roared, her eyes fully open glowing with power as she caught the warriors off guard.
"Weak, you might be related to her, but you are not her," the lead warrior said stepping forward, his movements slow but determined.
"Anytime now," Anna groaned, keeping her eyes locked on the group.
With a nod Alucard flashed into action moving at such speeds he seemed to be in multiple places at onces as the warriors fell one by one to precise slashes and cuts hitting their vitals through weak points in their armor.
"I can't believe they were still alive," several of the men said.
"To think Nephilium could still be around," the head of the site said.
"Where is a Belnade when you need one," Alucard said, throwing the bodies in a pile.
"This is now under the control of the Greek Ministry of Magic," Anna said.
"You can't," several of them protested.
"I can and I will," Anna said slamming the staff of her scythe into the ground.
"But…." the men said.
"My name is Anna Matou, member of the Greek hit wizard corp, and I am taking control of this location," Anna said.
"Alucard, can you summon hellfire and destroy the bodies," Anna said.
"All ready on it," he replied as a large ball of black and red flames engulfed the bodies.
"Think of the knowledge that was lost," the men decried.
"I prefer to think of the people I am saving," Anna said.
"I happen to agree with her, some things are better off staying dead," Alucard added as the bodies were charred beyond recognition.
"Now gentlemen please look this way," Anna said, throwing back her robe to reveal a slim curvaceous body in a skin tight black leotard. "Mystic eyes of suggestion," Anna said, winking at the men. "Gentlemen you found the remains of a nesting hydra, and the victims of a medusa attack. While investigating the site you stirred up a chimera which Alucard and I dealt with. The site is off limits until it is clear of any other creatures lurking in the surrounding area."
"Right, thank you for your help," the archeologists said before leaving quickly.
"Alucard can you take Daphne back to her hotel, while I talk to someone who isn't sleeping like she is supposed to," Anna said.
"Eep," Hermione squeaked, opening her eyes.
"Impressive," Alucard said, picking up Daphne.
"I um, well…" Hermione stammered.
"You're not in any trouble," Anna said. "It's just not everyday someone can resist my eyes."
"I didn't exactly," Hermione said.
"You didn't fall asleep like your friend. I would call that resisting," Anna said.
"Oh…" Hermione said, eyes widening. "I promise not to say anything," Hermione blurted out.
"I know you won't," Anna said. "But how did you do it," Anna asked, sitting down next to Hermione.
"I just channeled my magic," Hermione said.
"Interesting," Anna mused. "Were you trying to cast a spell."
"No, I just kinda channel my magic like I'm going to cast a spell, but I move it around my body," Hermione said.
"Reinforcement," Anna whispered in surprise.
"Is that what it is called," Hermione asked.
"Yes," Anna asked. "It's an innate skill found in many magical animals, and those of us with some nonhuman blood."
"You're not human, but you look like a nice lady," Hermione said.
"Oh I'm completely human, but one of my ancient ancestors wasn't and that gives me a few gifts," Anna explained.
"You're eyes," Hermione said.
"Yes, and the ability to augment my physical abilities with magic, it is not impossible for humans to learn, just very difficult," Anna said. "Which leads me to ask how you learned how to do it."
"The hard way," Hermione muttered.
"What do you mean the hard way," Anna asked.
"Bullies," Hermione muttered.
"You poor thing," Anna said, hugging her.
"Miss Anna, could you teach me how to do the mystic eyes," Hermione asked softly.
"Sadly I can not, it is genetic, one either has mystic eyes or not. What I can do is teach you how to use reinforcement on your senses, improving them a bit," Anna said.
"So I wouldn't have to wear my glasses," Hermione said excitedly.
"For a short period of time," Anna replied.
"Cool," Hermione said.
"Reinforcing your senses is not quite the same as reinforcing your body. When reinforcing your body you have more leeway before the magic starts to damage your body," Anna explained.
"Yeah, I kinda over did it once," Hermione said thinking of Cerberus, and how she was sore for days afterward.
"Good so you know that flooding your body with magic is a bad idea. The other thing you need to worry about when enhancing your senses is the mental strain," Anna explained.
"Mental strain?" Hermione asked.
"I want you to take a tiny sliver of magic and channel it to your nose," Anna said.
"Kalt," Hermione said softly thinking of the cold and ice filling her body. Carefully she directed a tiny amount of the "cold" to her nose, letting it settle in a slight chilly feeling on her nose. "Now what," Hermione asked.
"Take a whiff," Anna said.
Exhaling deeply Hermione proceeded to breathe in through her nose only to be assaulted by a cacophony of scents. The cool ocean breeze, the stench of rotting corpses, flowers, it was over powering, and Hermione made it a few seconds before cutting off the flow of magic to her nose. Falling against Anna she struggled to comprehend everything that assaulted her senses. "What was that….." Hermione muttered nursing a splitting headache.
"That was you dramatically increasing your sense of smell to a point that your brain wasn't ready to handle. You smelled everything, and I mean everything," Anna explained.
"Owe…." Hermione groaned, rubbing her temples.
"I suggest starting small, and only once a day," Anna said. "And a fun game you can try is to block out your other senses and try to identify something using one sense alone."
Break
"Ugh," Daphne groaned slowly waking up.
"Come on, sleepy head it's time for the beach," Astoria cheered.
"What happened," Daphne said slowly sitting up. "Wait where is Her…. The klutz," Daphne said glancing around the room.
"Getting changed, and how was the dig site," Astoria said.
"It was…." Daphne said thinking about her morning. "Interesting…" Daphne said looking down at her clothes stained with bits of blood and ash.
"You're awake," Emma said entering the room. "We're going to head to the beach if you want to come, and I can get that cleaned if you like," Emma said pointing to Daphne's outfit.
"It has charms added to it so it's a special type of cleaning," Daphne said quickly.
"Neat," Emma said. "Well when you're ready we'll be down at the beach." Emma said, taking her leave with Astoria.
"Alright, just let me get changed," Daphne said slowly removing her outfit and carefully packing it away in a separate sealed bag, Typhon's tooth packed safely inside. "I don't know who those people were, but to survive being petrified for so long is peculiar." Daphne said making sure the clothes, blood, dirt, and all were well protected in a stasis bag.
Break
"Swimsuit check, Hat check, sunglasses check, cover up check, sarong check, book check, sketch pad check, room key check," Daphne said carefully checking to make sure she had everything before leaving. One look in the mirror to make sure her white bikini with a black trim and frills along the straps was sitting perfectly on her slim girlish figure with a white sarong around her waist. Her hands made quick work putting her hair in a fluffy ponytail with a black bow holding it in place and she was ready to go.
"Bright," Daphne said, biting back a sneeze as she stepped out into the afternoon sun of Santorini in August before putting her sunglasses on. The cool sea breeze was refreshing as she made her way out of the hotel heading for the beach making sure to check multiple times before crossing the road determined to avoid those infernal muggle cars. Her barefoot lightly touching the hot road surface. "Hot, hot, hot," Daphne hissed rushing back inside. "Sandals check," she said before leaving again. "Ok, now I've got this," she said heading for the beach.
"Daphne!," Astoria yelled, waving from their spot near the waves.
"Have a nice nap," Dan asked.
"Yes," Daphne replied sitting in an empty chair.
"Astoria…." Daphne said looking at her sister as she approached covered in sand.
"Is something wrong," Astoria asked as Daphne stared at her.
"You're…" Daphne paused, still coming to terms with the short chubby girl in a red one-piece swimsuit with a skirt, that did nothing to hide her belly that was beginning to bulge outward. Her hair in two big brown fluffy pigtails did little to help her either, emphasising her chubby cheeks. "Covered in sand." she finally said.
"That's because I was making a sand castle," Astoria said proudly, chubby hands resting on her hips.
"Oh really," Daphne said, raising her eyebrows at her sister.
"Yes, Hermione and I are trying to make Hogwarts," Astoria said. "Come on," Astoria said, grabbing her sister's hand.
"But I just got here," Daphne sighed.
"Please," Astoria protested.
"Ugh, fine, but after this I want to do some reading," Daphne groaned slowly standing up.
"Yeah!" Astoria cheered.
"I'm surprised the klutz hasn't ruined it," Daphne said looking at the rather large construction.
"Well hello to you too, tomato face," Hermione said, stepping out from behind the castle.
"See we've got the outer wall, and the lake with water in it, and Hermione says this is Hagrids hut, and greenhouses," Astoria said, moving next to Hermione.
"Interesting," Daphne muttered looking between the castle and the girls who created it. In a blue and white striped one piece suit with a little skirt on it Hermone looked much smaller than she expected. Gone was the doughy fat girl she remembered. Hermione was still soft, but slimmer, not skinny, but not fat either, with a bit of muscle on her limbs and even her hair looked lighter in color, more brown than dark brown pulled back into a ponytail. Daphne couldn't decide what was more worrisome, the fact that Hermione had lost a good deal of weight, or that Astoria was the fat one of the pair.
"Some like what do you think," Astoria asked.
"I am surprised you were able to build the entire castle out of sand," Daphne said.
"It took a while, but anything worth doing does," Hermione said, putting a hand on Astoria's shoulder.
"Too bad you missed the details," Daphne said looking over the castle.
"Like what," Astoria said.
"The walls aren't smooth, they are built out of bricks," Daphne said.
"How do you make bricks though," Astoria asked.
"You can't," Daphne said. "But you can imitate them," she said, pulling a pencil out of her bag. Carefully she began to carve a thin indent into the sand gently blowing away the excess sand slowly repeating the process. As the lines began to intersect and grow the image of a castle wall began to appear on the surface of the sand.
"Wow," the girls gasped.
"You forgot the windows as well," Daphne said, adding windows with her pencil.
"Cool so what can I do to help," Astoria asked.
"Some stones for the base of the castle and if you find any little fish in a tide pool you can add them for the lake. Oh and seaweed for the forbidden forest," Daphne said tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she continued to work.
"On it," Astoria said, scampering off legs flailing in the soft sand before she splattered face first into the sand. "I'm ok," Astoria said, giving them a thumbs up.
The sun continued to fall as the girls continued to work, Daphne meticulously adding detail to the castle, while Astoria ran around providing material. Slowly the rather abstract representation of Hogwarts became more realistic as Daphne and Astoria continued to work at it, while Hermione provided the drinks. "No this is the astronomy tower, and the inner courtyard goes here," Daphne said hard at work recreating the castle.
"She is hard at work," Dan said watching from afar.
"Adding all of that detail work is very impressive," Emma added watching as Daphne stood up walking around the castle taking one final look over it before smiling. It was not a forced smile put on for appearances, or a smile taking delight in the pain of others, but a smile born of genuine happiness from her own hard work. She just seemed to glow as she looked down at her and Astoria's creation.
"How'd you do it," Astoria asked the adults.
"Do what," Emma asked.
"Get Daphne to smile, she never smiles," Astoria said before joining her sister.
"The more I learn the more concerned I get," Emma muttered.
"Agreed, and a moment like this deserves a picture," Dan said, pulling out his camera.
"Is this really what Hogwarts looks like," Astoria asked.
"Yes," Daphne said. "But it is even more impressive in person."
"Really, I can't wait," Astoria cheered. "Going to Hogwarts with you and Hermione is going to be awesome."
"Just as long as you aren't sorted into Slytherin," Daphne muttered under breath.
"I hope we're in the same house," Astoria said.
"Girls over here," Dan said holding up the camera. "Smile for the camera,'' he said before snapping a few pictures.
"Mr. Granger may I take a few more pictures," Daphne asked, watching the tide slowly roll in.
"Certainly it's just point and shoot," he said, showing her how it worked.
"Thank you," Daphne replied, carefully holding the camera before taking a variety of pictures from several different angles. "Astoria," Daphne said.
"Yes," Astoria chimed in.
"The tide is coming in so why don't you play giant and smash the castle," Daphne said holding up the camera.
"Really," Astoria said looking up at her sister.
"Yes, go wild," Daphne said.
"GRAH," Astoria roared, stomping through the castle as Daphne took several more pictures.
"Would it be possible….." Daphne said, handing the camera to Emma.
"Certainly," Emma replied.
"Thank you Daphne," Astoria said hugging her sister.
"Hey watch it you're covered in sand," Daphne cried out.
"You're both covered in sand," Dan said. "And you know what that means," he said with a grin.
"No," Daphne stated.
"Bathtime," Dan grinned, grabbing both girls holding each one under his arms, marching to the ocean.
"Hey put me down," Daphne protested as Dan entered the ocean up to his knees.
"Number one!" Dan yelled, throwing Astoria into the air before she crashed into the water with a big splash.
"And number two," Dan said, throwing Daphne into the ocean who shrieked as she crashed into the waves.
"Again," Astoria cheered, jumping out of the water.
"I hate you so much right now," Daphne groaned but smiling as she stood up her once bouncy ponytail slapping heavily against her skin.
"You've got some seaweed," Hermione said, reaching out for the seaweed on Daphne's head only for her blond acquaintance to slowly pick it up and throw it at her.
"I hear a seaweed wrap is good for your skin," Daphne said.
"And I hear it's a diet food," Hermione said, throwing it back at her.
"I am not the one who needs a diet," Daphne shot back.
"Oh really then why is your suit pressing into your hips, and you don't have xylophone ribs anymore," Hermione chidded.
"Says the girl with love handles," Daphne said, grabbing Hermione's sides.
"Well at least my but isn't falling out of my suit," Hermione said snapping the back of Daphne's bikini.
"That's rich coming from a little girl, what are you 11," Daphne said as the pair began to wrestle in the surf.
"I'm almost 14 thank you very much," Hermione shot back locking arms with Daphne.
"Really, you're so tiny," Daphne laughed.
"Wow a compliment from you bubble but," Hermione said.
"That wasn't a compliment," Daphne hissed. "And I do not have a bubble but." Daphne growled as the pair continued to wrestle. Or at least they did until a large wave slammed into the pair knocking them over tumbling in the waves until they washed up on the beach.
"Mergle," Hermone groaned, flopping onto her back as the surf washed over them.
"I hate you so much right now," Daphne said covered in seaweed laying next to Hermione.
"The feeling's mutual," Hermione said. "Tie…."
"No way I kicked your but," Daphne said. "And there is a lot to kick."
"I could say the same about you," Hermione said. "You're so bottom heavy, so that's how you turn better than me."
"I am not bottom heavy and we will settle this tomorrow," Daphne said standing up.
"Works for me," Hermione said, hoping up.
Break
"I am not fat, I'm growing," Daphne said looking at herself in the mirror, yes some of her outfits were snug, but she still looked good. So what if her stomach wasn't sunken in, or her thighs were thicker, or her but a little bigger. "I'm not Hermione, I'd never let myself go like that," Daphne said, putting her long blond hair up before leaving happy with how the white skirt she was wearing highlighted her legs.
"Wow you really do look like a tomato face today," Hermione said.
"I am not a tomato face," Dapne snipped.
"Relax you just got a little too much sun yesterday," Emma said.
"Ready for the big race," Hermione said, holding up her roller blades.
"Ready to lose," Daphne shot back.
"Ready to eat my dust," Hermione said strapping on her inline skates.
"I have nothing more to say to you," Daphne replied.
"Did I miss it," Astoria chimed in.
"Nope," Emma said.
"Now the race is down to the end of the road and back," Dan said as the girls nodded taking positions on the empty road as the sun slowly rose in the sky. "Ready," he said as the pair readied themselves, Hermione placing one foot perpendicular to the other. "Set," Dan said as Daphne looked over at the crouching Hermione. "Go," Dan said as the girls shot off.
Pushing hard off her back foot, Hermione took an early lead staying low driving all the power into her legs.
Daphne's eyes widened in surprise as Hermione sped off taking the lead. Gritting her teeth, Daphne dug deep leaning into the wind hands behind her back taking long powerful strides. Slowly she began to catch up and take the lead blond hair streaming in the wind as they approached the turn. Daphne's hand brushed the ground as she leaned deep into the curve, keeping her speed as she sped back to the finish line.
"Oh crap the turn," Hermione yelled at high speed. Acting on instinct she grabbed a light pole. "Bad turning strategy," Hermione yelled, spinning around it several times before racing off nearly catching up to Daphne.
"I don't think so," Daphne hissed catching Hermione's wild brown hair in the corner of her eye. Arms now swinging in time with her legs Daphne dug deep as her legs began to burn increasing her speed again pulling away from Hermione. She didn't know or care how far back Hermione was as she flew past Dan sliding to a stop with a classic hockey stop.
"Can't stop!" Hermione yelled careening past everyone her arms flailing before landing headfirst in a bush on the side of the road. "Bad stopping strategy," she sputtered.
"Looks like I win, bubble but," Daphne said, pinching Hermione's but as it pointed into the air, smirking at how soft it felt.
Break
After some fun in the sun and a layover in Vaduz, they were finally back in England after a whirlwind of a trip. "Alright your mother said that she would meet us in Diagon Alley," Emma said.
"Yes," Daphne said. "And Astoria don't run off,"
"Too late," Herimone said.
"Not to worry she couldn't have gone far, come on Dan," Emma said.
"I swear that girl is like the wind sometimes," Dan said.
"She can't have gone far," Emma said as they left.
"So…" Hermione said rocking back and forth on her heels.
"What…" Daphne said.
"Did you have fun in the muggle world," Hermione said, quoting muggle.
"It was passable," Daphne replied looking around the crowd.
"I'll take it," a smiling Hermione said.
"You are not making this any easier," Daphne said, pulling them into an alcove outside one of the shops.
"What," Hermione said, making sure to stay within eyesight of the crowd.
"Look, you're not a complete waste of space," Daphne said.
"A compliment, are you feeling well," Hermione giggled.
"Argh, just be quiet," Daphne snapped.
"Sorry," Hermione muttered.
"Look….. I just wanted to say….. maybe….. I misjudged you," Daphne said stunning Hermione. "And I'm sorry…..." Daphne said as her eyes exploded in fear.
"Sorry….' Hermione whispered frozen in surprise.
"Sorry your such a stupid klutz, who has to take remedial classes because your dumb and look like a first year. It's a miracle you're even still allowed to attend Hogwarts," Daphne snapped.
"Daphne, you have grown…." Catherina Greengrass said looking over her daughter.
"Mother," Daphne said with a curtsey.
"It seems you enjoyed your summer vacation," Catherine said.
"Yes, I got to see….." Daphne said before a hand slapped her across the cheek.
"Silence, that was not a compliment. You made a fool of yourself, and had to have a muggle come to your rescue," Catherine growled slapping Daphne's other cheek. "And you have gotten fat," Catherine said, pinching her daughter's sides. "I have already scanned you and you are several pounds heavier, and your waist is an inch wider. You have muscles like a commoner and don't even get me started on your tan. You are a noblewoman not a commoner," Catherine hissed.
"Mother I…" Daphne pleaded.
"No but's now get your fat ass in gear so I can fix you before the school year starts," She said smacking Daphne's posterior.
"Catherine Greengrass," a woman's voice said.
"Yes," Catherine said, turning around. "Oh it's you," she said looking down at Emma.
"Please excuse me," Emma said before slapping Catherine across the face in full view of her daughters.
"You dare strike me," Catherine hissed.
"Yes, strike a child in my presence again and it won't be a simple slap," Emma growled slapping Catherine's other cheek. "Your daughters are lovely girls and do not deserve to be demeaned and belittled like that."
"I will have you," Mr. Greengrass said.
"You will do nothing, because your laws only seem to cover magical violence and not physical violence, and as muggles you can not use magic against us," Dan whispered into his ear.
"Come daughters," Catherine said before a crowd could gather.
Break
"Mother," Daphne said, stepping into her mother's study.
"Come daughter," Catherine said.
"Yes," Daphne said.
"Disrobe," Catherine said before Daphne stripped to her underwear. Slowly she raised her wand at her daughter. "Vestibulum inpulsa," she said as Daphne fell to the floor screaming in pain. "You are the heir to the Greengrass family, a future countess, I expect better, I demand better," she said before lifting the spell.
"Yes, Mother," Daphne hissed, struggling to remain standing.
"Vestibulum inpulsa," Catherine said again. "You made a fool of yourself in front of the entire world, and needed a muggle to save you and uphold our family honor. Do you understand the embarrassment you have brought upon the family."
"Yes," Daphne hissed, struggling to hold back the tears as she slowly stood.
"Your success with Baron Harkonen has earned you a slight reprieve," Catherine said.
"Thank you mother," Daphne said.
"Do not thank me yet," Catherine said, crossing her arms. "Now were you able to learn anything from the Tepes library?"
"No," Daphne said.
"Sermo," Catherine growled.
"I tried hard to find it, but I kept ending up at the art gallery," Daphne said, biting back the pain as the pinching curse bit into her arm.
"I did not send you there to look at pretty pictures. I sent you there to discover their secrets," Catherine said hitting her other arm with the pinching curse.
"We went to a newly discovered archeological site on Santorini," Daphne said scrunching her eyes in pain.
"Useless all they found was a nesting Hydra and some statues," Catherine said.
"It's a lie," Daphne said as her mother dropped the spell.
"And you know how," Catherine said.
"Because I was there," Daphne said.
"Explain," Catherine said glaring at her daughter.
"It wasn't a nesting hydra but Typhon," Daphne said.
"And you have proof of this," Catherine said.
"I have one of it's teeth in a sealed bag in my luggage. Also they weren't statues, but petrified warriors from the time period. One of the diggers revived them with a soft potion, and they attacked us. It was at this point a woman named Anna put me to sleep with mystic eyes," Daphne explained. " I do not know who the warriors were but there is blood and dirt on my clothes from the encounter stored with Typhon's tooth," Daphne explained.
"Nippy, bring me Daphne's suitcase immediately," Catherine said waiting before a suitcase appeared on her desk. "Show me."
"Here," Daphne said carefully, removing the tooth and stained dress from the stasis bag.
"It is certainly old, and draconic in nature" Catherine said doing a basic scan with her wand. "And the blood is human and yet non human interesting," Catherine said.
"I might be Nephilim blood," Daphne said.
"Explain," Catherine said.
"They were strong, after being petrified for thousands of years, attacked us immediately, and I think I heard Mr. Tepes or Anna mention that word before I fell asleep," Daphne said.
"Interesting, I will be sending these for further study, you have done well in this task," Catherine said.
"Thank you mother," Daphne said.
"Do not think that this excuses your failure to humiliate that woman and her daughter, or your weight gain and lax behavior, which we will rectify starting tomorrow. You need to be the best is all things, you are a Greengrass," Catherine said. "Now leave and send in your sister."
"Yes mother," Daphne said leaving her study.
"I'm sorry," Daphne muttered to her sister as she walked by shedding a tear as the door closed cutting off a muffled scream.