CXCVI

Severus paced the sacred circle, doing his very best to not react to the cries of passion to which he seemed especially sensitized. He could feel Molly's eyes on him, and for once in her life Sybil was keeping her mouth shut.

The magic in his marriage bond was still there, and he had persuaded Poppy to show him how she'd coaxed it to the surface. He kept renewing the charm, for it only lasted about five minutes.

After he'd done so the third time, he approached Puck. "What news?"

The little moth who was whispering in Puck's ear squeaked and darted away.

Glowering, Puck answered, "They have searched the majority of the realm, but so far only one subject of the Queen has seen her, a siren of questionable value. She claimed that your wife was picked up and carried away from the waters between by Lord Donn himself." He waved a hand carelessly. "This cannot be so, for if she'd entered his house, that bond would not be shining. And so, I have mobilized the sea and sky dwellers, and my King has joined in the search." The fae looked troubled, as he added, "His interest is unexpected."

CXCVII

"I am humbled by the efforts your people have made on my behalf. My memory is long lived." Severus was calling on his years of practice in self control, for he actually wanted to pick up the fae and shake the answer out of him instead of exerting diplomacy.

With a wicked cackle Puck said, "Too bad you mortal folk are short lived."

"Though my avatar is mortal, I am not. I too, shall remember your kindness." Severus twitched his head, for the breath of the God in his mouth tasted strange, like fresh green grass, rain, and sun-warmed stones.

CXCVIII

Molly spoke, "How would Hermione return to our world? If not by barrow, would it be by crossroad?"

"It should be obvious, but perhaps your folk have forgotten more than I expected." Puck continued, "When is a door not a door?" There was mischief in his eyes.

Severus answered with irritation. "When it is ajar! Every child knows that joke."

Tilting his head quizzically, Puck said, "I've no idea of what you mean. Try again."

McGonagall quipped, "It wouldn't be a muggle joke, now would it?"

Minerva meant well , Severus reminded himself. He suppressed a snarl and returned to pacing.

CXCIX

On the shore of Tech nDuinn, Hermione gripped her wand and centred herself. She could do this, she told herself. Already her heart was straining to take flight, to return to her love and her life, if she could only find the way.

She missed the warmth of The Goddess. That quiet presence had given her strength, encouraged her to grow. Here, she was entirely on her own.

A warmth bloomed on her left forearm, and she raised it to find the rainbow colours of her marriage bond manifesting.

Calm smoothed over her doubts. She wasn't alone. Severus was waiting.

CC

Hermione's chest filled with warmth. Severus had promised her kisses, one for every day and more still. She wanted to see where the night led, for he was so different. Perhaps the Goddess had leant her new eyes.

A smirk crept across her lips as she recalled how little he wore. He always observed traditions and it was delightful.

Shaking her head to clear herself of those thoughts, she spoke aloud, "Alright, Hermione. Focus."

She closed her eyes, willing away the memory of his hands upon her, his lips caressing her own.

Hermione flicked her wand and cast, " Hominum Avis! "

CCI

Lavender poked her head out of an upper window to wave to the owl as she launched into the air on wings of silence. She shouted with glee, waving her hands for all the world as though Hermione was a Quidditch player and not a clumsy bird. "Ha ha! You're doing it! I knew it."

The owl pumped its wings, spiralling upwards.

Lavender tipped her head back, calling, "Don't forget! Don't eat or drink anything, even if it is from the King himself! Follow your heart!"

The owl screeched, and Lavender's eyes became suspiciously wet. "Goodbye. Don't ever look back!"

CCII

It was easier than she thought. Hermione caught a helpful thermal current, which her mind likened to a current in the ocean. As she travelled, the light on the horizon brightened, and the stars above were fewer.

A giggle from below, nearly lost upon the wind, brought Hermione's attention to a company of wind sprites who had managed to flank her. Each was little more than a wisp of mist held together in an approximation of a woman.

"We have been looking for you!" The voice was sing-songy and child-like. "Naughty mortal. The King bids you attend him at court!"

Hermione didn't like the sound of that one bit, and clacked her beak at the Wisp who'd scolded her. They approached the isle, she only had a little further before she could land.

Her left wing pulsed with the myriad of light from her wedding bond again, and the fae gasped.

As the bond-light began to fade, one of the smaller ones darted in for a closer look. Hermione could hear her whisper, "Beautiful. I like you, mortal. I will help, just listen to me."

All Hermione could do was hoot as the wind sprites forced her to fly onwards.

AN:

Written for grangersnape100 Spring Fever challenge.

Thanks to Qdrew for using her beta skills for good and not evil!