Hello, my darlings, I hope you enjoy the first ritual in this story. Legal disclaimer: I own nothing, I'm just playing with the toys of others. Other business: the rituals in this story are a combination from various sources- actual practitioners mixed with Hollywood theatrics. (And Viktor will be back next chapter.)

Chapter 4

Hermione arrived at the Burrow just as Bill and Fleur did. "Hermione! Bonjour, m'amie. Ca va?" Fleur flung her arms around the other woman.
Startled by the use of French, Hermione hugged back. A glance at Bill's sheepish smiled caused the light bulb to click on. "You still haven't learned French? Bill, it's been seven years."
He shrugged, "I'm trying."
She hugged him, "Not hard enough. I learned two new languages in the time I was away."
"Sure, it was that or starve." he retorted.
"Enough about my husband's failure of language. How have you been?"
"Enough standing at the front door," declared Molly. "In. Then Hermione can answer without having to repeat herself." She pulled the younger woman into a warm embrace. "Hello, darling."
"Hello, Molly," she returned the tight hug.
"Come inside, come inside." She all but dragged Hermione into the kitchen. At the table, a small blonde girl sat finishing a piece of cake.
"Mum," scolded Bill, "we discussed pudding as a meal."
"Yes, and you wisely remembered mothers know best." She playfully swatted her son as Fleur laughingly sat next to their daughter.
"Victorie, ma cherie, do you remember Hermione?"
The girl studied Hermione. "Non, maman. Bonjour, mademoiselle."
Hermione chuckled, "Recruiting help?" she asked Fleur.
"Perhaps."
"Bonjour, mademoiselle." Hermione replied.
"Are you Uncle Ron's friend that went far away to become a master?"
"I am."
"Did you?"
"Yes."
"That's good." Victorie returned to her cake leaving the adults to catch up.
"Let me see if I can sum up and avoid playing 20 Question. I'm great. I'm going to stay with Harry for a while. I've sorted through the requests I've already received. I met with Kings this morning. Annoyed the unspeakables by refusing to do their work for them.
Interviewed a possible assistant and had lunch with Viktor Krum."
"No moss going on you," Molly laughed. "So is this visit business or pleasure?"
"Can't it be both? You all welcomed me into your family years ago. Of course, I wanted to see you and help you first."
"That's so sweet of you. So, pleasure first, how are your parents?"
"Great. They're coming back to England when their current mission trip ends."
"Will they be staying long?"
"I think so. They made it sound like they were going to take longer breaks now that I'm home."
After catching up on each of the surviving Weasleys, Hermione turned back to business. "So what are you wanting to accomplish with the cleansing?"
Molly sighed, "Everything feels dark like the war is still looming over us."
Hermione nodded, "I can work with that." She scribbled notes on a pad. "Do you think Charlie could make it home on a weekend, or really any day Ginny and Ron are both available?"
"I'm sure he could. Why?"
"I'm thinking a nine-person ritual with the whole family would be best. Find out when everyone is available and I'll set up the rest."
"He mentioned having a bunch of leaving adding up," Bill remarked. He looked at his watch. "He's on night watches this week. I might catch him at work." He went to the floo to call.
"Do you have something of Percy's that has sentimental value, or something that symbolizes him?"
"I keep his Head Boy badge on the mantel."
"That would be perfect. Can I take it with me for preparation? I intend to use it for the focal tie."
"I know you will take good care of it."
Fleur looked at her curiously, "What is a focal tie?"
"A physical item to focus the magic on. In this case, he died saving Fred, a member of his family. Using a representation of him as the focus taps into that magic."
"That sounds beautiful." Molly wiped away the stray tear.
"I intend to etch the rune for sacrifice and loyalty on the back."
Bill returned to the kitchen, "Charlie says for this he can take immediate leave. He knows how much the residual dark magic upsets you. He'll be here tomorrow. Just tell us when and we'll be here."
"Thanks, I'll coordinate with Ginny and Ron this afternoon and let you know. Warning, since it is spring sunrise is the best time for rituals." Fleur rubbed her rounded stomach and groaned. "Sorry."
"You cannot help it, it is magic demands."
"Let me fix you some lunch, Hermione."
"Social niceties dictate I refuse, but who in their right mind refuses Molly Weasley's cooking?"
"We should also discuss your fee," Molly said standing up.
"Yes, I was hoping we could use the old barter system," Hermione began nervously. Molly looked at her confused. "My mother is a wonderful woman, warm and loving, but she is a horrible cook. Would you teach me how to cook?"
"In exchange for the ritual?"
"Yes, and so we can spend time together. I don't regret going for a second, but I missed my family."
"I would be honoured and delighted." She smiled and bustled about before handing Hermione a sandwich.
"Thank you for everything." She began eating.
"You're welcome."
Bill smacked the table lightly with his palms, "My lunch break is over, and someone needs to get to afternoon kindergarten."
"School, yay!" Victorie cried, jumping up. She hugged Molly. "Bye, Gran, love you. Good-bye, Miss Hermione."
"Have fun, sweetie."
"Have a good day at school, Victorie."
Once she finished eating, Hermione excused herself citing much to do and little time in which to do it. She flooed back to Grimmauld Place and set to work. First, she penned letters to Ron and Ginny asking for their schedules. Second, she drew up a contract for Cassius detailing the numerous duties she expected from an assistant. Just as she was completing that when Bron returned with Ron's answer. He had the next four days since the team was playing away. She owled the contract and turned to her next task.
She etched the rune tiwaz into the back of Percy's badge. The rune suited his personality: justice, order, principles, as well as sacrifice. She set it aside to allow the acids to do their work. Ginny's response arrived as Hermione stretched, getting up from her desk. The day after tomorrow seemed to be the one they both had off. She sent off a message to Molly and Arthur asking them to have everyone spend tomorrow night at the Burrow in preparation. It also ensured everyone was present before sunrise.
She moved to the bedroom Harry selected to block off for electronics. Using chalk, she drew the runes required. She wanted to study the effects before making anything permanent. An unfamiliar owl pecking on the window told her the runes didn't interfere with their ability to locate people. She opened the window and collected the note from the bird. "Let's go find you a treat." While the owl nibbled on a bat wing she read Cassius's note requesting to meet and discuss the contract. Hating to talk about private matters in a public place, but not wanting to invite a stranger into not quite her home, she gave him directions to a nearby park.
She considered changing into more professional-looking clothes, but ultimately decided this was how she dressed when working, and she didn't need to impress him. She made her way to the park and settled in with a good book under a tree to wait. War honed instincts alerted her of someone's approach. She looked up in time to watch Cassius walk across the park towards her. Closing her book, she stood and pointed to a nearby bench. He joined her there.
"Miss Granger," he started.
"Hermione."
"Hermione, there is no way I can accept this contract."
Her heart fell. "Oh, okay." She had been looking forward to the idea of working with someone with a passion for the field, not just in it for the paycheck.
"You're offering twice the annual salary for a ministry department head!"
"Wait, you're rejecting it because you think I'm offering too much money?"
"I don't want people to find out and think I'm taking advantage of you."
"Cassius, your salary is no one business but ours. And I set it that high for a reason. I don't want someone to see your good work and try to steal you. Your hours will not be set, we could be going hours before dawn, or after sunset. You've probably heard the stories about how I could lose myself in research, I assure you they are not exaggerations. And now, you have to help or be the poor sod dragging me out. You have to maintain my schedule. You will earn every knut, I promise." He nodded, "And there is the advantage to you specifically. There are some people I would be hesitant to work with, your presence could ease tensions before they even built. That will go far to help mend the wounds in our society."
He nodded again, "That makes me feel better. I accept. When should I start?"
"Tomorrow we set up a cleansing ritual at the Burrow for the Weasleys. You didn't have any significant run-in with any of them, did you?"
"Not that I remember."
"Good, meet me at the cafe in Ottery-St. Catchpole tomorrow around noon. I'll add you to the wards at Barrett's Haven. We'll be working out of there until we get an office set up."
"See you there."

She returned home and watched Kreacher begin preparing dinner. Harry joined her. She notified the elder Weasleys she would be bringing her assistant the next day. They promised to warn their children to be on their best behavior. Business taken care of for the day, she sat down with Harry for dinner in the kitchen. "Is two days enough time to set everything up?" He asked as they ate.
"It is one day, but since the Weasleys don't want a permanent space, that is, indeed, plenty of time. Especially with help." She sighed, "I need an easier way to communicate with Cassius than owls and floo calls, like the DA galleons."
"I still have mine," Harry offered.
"I want something more like the two way mirrors Sirius gave you."
"That might work better," Harry admitted.
"Heads up, since the ritual is at sunrise, I might spend the night at the Burrow."
"Thanks, I won't wait up."
"You're welcome, and you never should anyway."

After

checking on Percy's badge, she asked Kreacher for a cup of tea and settled into bed with an old favorite. She relaxed and lost herself in the imaginary world of pixie dust, pirates, and flying children. Intending to sleep in, she read late into the night.

Ten minutes to noon, Hermione arrived at the village cafe. Cassius sat at one of the outdoor tables. When he saw her, he jumped to his feet, nearly knocking over the table in his haste. "Relax, you're fine."
"Sorry, I'm just excited."
She laughed, "I remember those days. Follow me." She led him to just outside the wards of the Burrow. "Arthur is meeting us to allow you in."
The older man welcomed them, hugging Hermione and offering Cassius his hand. "Welcome. What can we do to help, Hermione?"
"Nothing at the moment. We'll handle the setup. I was thinking near the orchard, where the wedding took place."
"I like that. And Bill just cut the grass there."
"Brilliant saves us a step." Hermione surveyed the field, selecting the flattest area. She opened her beaded bag and removed several items. She handed Cassius a wooden stake with a piece of rope tied to it. "Walk towards the house until the rope is taut, then stick the stake in the ground."
When he accomplished this, Hermione tied the rope to a line painter. She painted a crisp white circle on the grass. "Work smarter, not harder," she winked at Cassius. "Now, we carve the runes in the ground." She handed him a plain anathme. "You can borrow my old one until you find one you like."
"Why do I only recognize half of these?" he asked.
"Half are the ancient runes we learn at school, and half are younger Celtic runes."
"Ah, I see."
"We'll give the family their lines and explain everything tonight. Give them a little time to practice."
As Weasleys poured in, Cassius moved to the background, not wishing to intrude on the family reuniting with each other and Hermione. He politely attempted to refuse dinner, but Molly laughed off his excuses, pulling him to the table behind her. He sat between Hermione and Bill. Conversation flowed around him as they ate. He didn't pay attention to it. Ron addressing him by name, drawing him out of his thoughts. "Cassius, not what you're used to, huh?" "Do you mean usually eating alone, or pub fare?" He ignored Ron's confused look to address Molly directly, "Mrs. Weasley, this is amazing. Thank you for your hospitality."
Molly preened at the compliment. "You are most welcome."
He turned to Hermione, "Should we get down to business? While I appreciate dinner, I'm not sure I'm brave enough to sleep under the same roof as the infamous Weasley twins."
The twins dramatically reared back in mock affront, while everyone else laughed. "Fair enough. We start at sunrise, which is 6:15 am. There will be two of you at each directional marking. Each of you will have a rune selected for that direction. I will be at the center with the focus, in this case, Percy's Head Boy badge." Cassius handed out the small cards. Hermione continued. "As fathers, Arthur and Bill will be to the north symbolizing stability. Charlie and Ron will be to the east as versatility and intelligence. Incidentally, you lot go first. The ever creative twins will be to the south. And Molly and Ginny will be to the west with healing. We are building on Percy's sacrifice for family. Once the ritual is complete it goes back on the mantle and helps keep away further dark magic."
"We appreciate this immensely, Hermione," Arthur said, "and you, Cassius."
"You lot are doing a lot of the work, Arthur."
"Still, thank you."
"You're welcome." Cassius departed after dinner, promising to arrive by floo at five-thirty in the morning. Hermione urged the Weasleys to bed. She turned down Ginny's offer to share, citing the use of Percy's room might help her tune into his energy, what she really meant was she wanted to avoid Ginny's snoring.
She returned from the bathroom to find the female Weasley sitting on the faded red quilt. "Hey, Gin," she greeted.
"I want to ask your opinion about something."
Hermione joined her on the bed, "Okay."
"I know Harry and I keep breaking up and getting back together, but we should be together, right?"
Hermione sighed, "Honestly?"
"Honestly," Ginny nodded.
"There's a reason you two are exes. You should probably stay that way," she said gently.
Emotions raced across Ginny's face, disbelief, anger, then sadness. "I asked for your honest opinion." She deflated, sagging a bit.
"Gin, Ron and I tried, in part because we wondered if we would work, but also because everyone expected it. Ultimately, we realized we weren't quite right for one another. We decided to call it quits while we could still be friends. If we had kept trying, given into the pressure to get married, we might be divorced and not speaking anymore, or miserable and hating one another. Don't risk for friendship with Harry chasing a fairy tale ending. I know that isn't what you wanted to hear, but I think it's for the best."
Ginny sighed, "Probably. Good night, Hermione."
"Night, Ginny." The redhead returned to her room. Hermione laid down and settled into sleep.
The alarm charm roused her at five fifteen, giving her enough time to dress and get to the living room and greet Cassius. Molly puttered around the kitchen, prepping a small breakfast for after. Arthur roused the remaining sleepers, including Fleur and Victorie.
"We may not have a role in the circle, but this is the first family ritual in hundreds of years, we should be present."
"Of course, you can stand by Cas." Hermione led the Weasleys out to the meadow. She directed each to the proper location, instructing each to stand on their rune. She took hold of a polished oak staff, a glance at her watch indicated the time was six thirteen, close enough. She walked to the center of the circle and replaced the stake with her staff. "Our circle is open to all who enter with an open mind and a loving heart." She pointed at Charlie and Ron to start.
In unison, they began, "Hail to the guardians of the watchtowers of the east, powers of air and versatile intelligence."
Ron dropped out, letting Charlie continue, "We present duir to show our strength and resilience."
"Adding uruz for our strength of will in the face of adversity."
Once Ron finished, the twins spoke up together, "Hail to the guardians of the watchtowers of the south, powers of fire and creation."
Fred went first, "We give you beith for the change of new beginnings."
"Including dagaz to inspire the hope that they will be filled with happiness."
Molly and Ginny picked up the dialogue, "Hail to the guardians of the west, powers of water and healing."
Ginny broke the pattern of elder then younger by speaking first, "We use uhr to encourage healing and generosity.
"Adding eihwaz to remind us of stability and strength those grant us."
Arthur and Bill spoke last, "Hail to the guardians to the watchtowers of the north, powers of earth and stability."
Bill spoke first, "Oir to show our durability and the bonds of family."
Arthur finished, "Othalan to symbolize our commitment to our heritage and tradition."
He held up his and hand and the eight of them spoke together, "By our magic, this land stands cleansed. As we will it, so mote it be."
The staff at the center attracted the magical energy, Hermione channeled it into Percy's badge. "Tiwaz with his justice, principles, laws, and sacrifice all directed towards family, here to seal, as we will it, so mote it be." The Head Boy badge glowed brightly in the growing daylight, then its light faded away.
"Huh," grunted Ron.
"You take place in something this ground shaking, and all you can say is 'huh?'" Charlie demanded.
"I suppose I just expected more flash."
Victorie ran over to her father, "It felt like Granddad's hugs all over."
Ginny grinned and ruffled her hair, "I felt the same way, Torie."
Molly smiled, looking around and her family, listening to the chirping birds as the world woke up. "It already feels lighter. Thank you, sweetheart."
Hermione dislodged her staff and approached the matriarch. "You are most welcome. Percy's badge is ready to reclaim its place of honour."
"And after that breakfast." The rest of the family cheered and moved into the house chatting excitedly.
AS they ate Arthur asked, "Do we need to do anything with the circle?"
"No, just let the grass reclaim it. It was never meant to be permanent."
"What's next for you?" Ron asked after making sure to swallow before speaking.
"Setting up my private research place, find a public office to meet people, and start reviewing the maybe pile."
"And get an owl." Cassius added, "She put that on my list. And remember to block off every Wednesday morning for a standing appointment with the world's greatest chef for lessons."
The look on his mother's face clued George into who he meant. "Suck up."
Cassius laughed, "Do you think I'm wrong?"
"Hell, no."
"And beautiful women deserve to hear compliments regularly, even if they are your employer's adopted mother." He smirked.
"There is no argument to that statement that doesn't land me in the doghouse." George laughed. "You win this round."
"George, you are not allowed to break my new assistant." Hermione looked at him sternly, before looking over at Fred, "And if you join the fray, I'll be on Cassius's side, understand?"
Both twins looked a little nervous, "Yes, ma'am."
Feeling confused Cassius turned to Ron, "What am I missing here?"
"Mione is rather devious and has a mean streak when provoked. Don't provoke her." Cassius nodded while the rest of the family laughed.