Hey! Sorry it took me a while to get this chapter out but my little sister
glued my disc shut that had all of chapter 9 on it, and now its all gone,
and then my computer lost all of the three pages I had, so this has been
revised many times. Oh well, so I am rewriting this. I hope you like this
chapter, but it is a lot of explaining. Sorry for the long delay and this
will not happen every time, it's just that I have had SOOOOOOO much to do
over the last month, the next two chapters might be like this so, very
sorry from me. Well, I will be changing pairings after this chapter so you
will need to type Epequa into the find author search and get my story from
there. So here we go. Please keep your arms and legs inside the cart and
duck your heads as we now enter chapter nine.
Useless Information: I really like this quote. I got it from Ed, the bowling alley lawyer on NBC: 'You don't solve life, you live it!'
Disclaimer: I think my little sister has an evil plan with J.K. Rowling and Marion Zimmer Bradley, they all don't want me to butcher J.K.'s or Marion's stories this way. Oh well, it all belongs to them anyway, except for my little sister, of course.
If Time is All We've Lost
Chapter 9 - Confused Magenta
'She's been afraid to go out,
she's afraid of the knock on her door.
There's always a shade of a doubt;
she can never be sure.
Who comes to call?
Maybe the friend of a friend of a friend.
Anyone at all?
Anything but nothing again
Seems like even her old girlfriends
might be talking her down,
she's got her name on the grapevine
running up and down the telephone line.
Talking 'bout someone said someone said
something 'bout something else
someone might have said about her.
She always figured that they were her friends,
but maybe they can live without her.
Nothing lasts forever. You never know till it all falls down, that somebody loves you."
'Her Town Too' - James Taylor with J.D. Souther
The ordeal with Lily had left Voldemort in his longest stupor and fast. He spent long hours pacing his study and calling upon each of his followers to give him the latest information on his newest chosen victims. He was most apprehensive, however, about the one he called Wormtail, his link to the Potters.
Lily and James had married a few years after they had finished school, unlike Lucius and Narcissa, who had married what must have been the day after graduation. Lily had always had the feeling that Voldemort would come after her, but the truth was, Voldemort really didn't want to kill Lily at all. It was James he was after, the link that spoiled it all. The thing was, Voldemort had let the two grow too close. But now he was working on a new plan, one that wouldn't fail.
In the meantime, Wormtail had just arrived from England.
Voldemort stopped pacing to look at him. "What is happening with the Potters?"
"The...they...are living in God...Godric's Hollow, sir,' Wormtail stammered. "Sirius is no longer their secret keeper, but I. Dumbledore may be cottoning on though."
Voldemort laughed softly as the last words flowed out of Wormtail's mouth and Wormtail whimpered. "That old fool will never defile this plan. He can dream of knowing more than me, but I am nearer to being omniscient than he is."
"Of course you are, Master," Wormtail said, in a very deep bow. It shocked him that Voldemort picked him up by the scruff of his neck.
"Do not mock me Wormtail!" Voldemort shouted, but he calmed and put Wormtail back on the ground, on which he sobbed silently. "You don't want to be like Potter, do you? Plus, think of the many rewards you will receive once the plot has been fully carried out."
Wormtail nodded and bowed once more, and then swept away. Voldemort sat on his throne, stroking his chin and thinking. Complete vengeance would be his ultimate ambrosia, and it would never change until he had finished his dominance and sent Avalon to the sky.
Minerva kept in touch with Narcissa and often came to visit when Lucius was away. Narcissa was learning to cope with her new life, saying that the harp Minerva had given her was one of the only things that ever gave her pleasure. But one afternoon, Narcissa had an even bigger surprise for her.
"Lady," Narcissa said. Minerva knew at once the girl was trying to be serious, but she couldn't keep a straight face. "I'm pregnant!" and she swept Minerva in a bear hug. "Oh, and how is my sister?"
The Merlin still visited Lily and often told Minerva of all that was happening, but she still wished that Lily would forgive her, but it would never be so.
"Your sister is pregnant as well, as the Merlin has informed me," Minerva smiled warmly at her child. (A/N: Close Enough!!!) "With a son, as is foretold, you will bear a son as well." These words had quite a dismal effect on Narcissa.
"No," she said softly. "No, Lucius will want him as a death-eater, there is no way he could be the Merlin."
"Do not fret, my dear," Minerva soothed. "The Merlin and I will take him to be fostered when he is five."
"And what if Lucius takes drastic action?" Narcissa sobbed.
"Merlin and I will never let him be a death-eater," she said, very sure. "I promise above all. If anything happens, we will just have to take him to Dragon Isle sooner. He will be a fine son, and although he will strikingly resemble his father, he will have your eyes."
Minerva left the Malfoy Manor and headed towards Hogsmeade. Surely a gillywater would take her mind off of everything, and she was hoping to meet the Merlin there.
Rosemerta was quick in bringing Minerva her order. Rosemerta had learned on the Isle of Avalon as well, but she was a protector. She had the plans and she knew what was coming and how to deal with it.
The Merlin came in a few minutes after Minerva arrived and ordered only a water. "I was expecting to meet you here, Merlin."
Merlin looked thoughtfully at her for a moment, then looked as if he'd suddenly remembered what she had wanted of him. "Ah, yes, well there is a fine young woman in town, who was just married. Muggle of course, but I think she could use a mentor, you. That way you will gain her trust. I am certain that this girl will bear a magical baby, but I am unsure whether it will be male or female. Lily is fine, her baby is due in July and they could not be happier. Although, Lily still fears for the safety of both James and her unborn child. They've recently changed secret keepers because they fear that Voldemort will tempt Sirius to the dark side. They have entrusted their secrets in Peter Pettigrew."
For some reason, unknown to the Merlin, Minerva let out quite an audible gasp.
"Lady, what is it?" said Merlin, concern in his light blue eyes.
"There is something about that boy that I never liked. Narcissa says she felt something weird when he was sorted into Gryffindor. He just gives me the vibe that he's not very trustworthy." Minerva whispered.
"I have tried to convince them that I could be their secret keeper, but they say that Peter would rather die than betray them. You can certainly not convince them, but I pray that they are right about him, and my suspicions, almost identical to yours, are wrong." Merlin looked around, staring out the window at the passers-by.
"But we'll put our faith in what we've got, and pray that the God and Goddess will be generous." Minerva said, almost helplessly.
"I second that," said the Merlin, and they toasted to the next generation to come.
Lily called the Merlin to her at the beginning of August. Merlin stepped inside the tiny threshold to find James and Lily simply glowing. James was holding a tiny bundle of blankets.
"Merlin," Lily looked as though she might burst with happiness and glee. "I would like to introduce you to our son, Harry." James gave the bundle to Merlin, who looked at the tiny infant.
He looked exactly like his father; jet black hair and even James's blue eyes, but they would change eventually. Lily looked so happy, happier than she had ever been.
When James went to go put Harry to bed, Lily and Merlin had time to talk about, well, everything.
"I would like you to know," Merlin said very respectfully, "that your sister is also pregnant, and she will soon also bear a son."
Lily turned away from him, a mixture of anger and stubbornness.
"No matter how hard you try, Lily," Merlin said calmly. "You cannot convince me that you do not worry about your sister. I think it is time you faced that fact and listen."
Lily looked at him sullenly. "I just can't believe that she did something so drastic, and against her own will, for the Goddess." She shook her head. "Maybe I have become unfaithful to the Goddess."
"I know as much as the Lady does that you are as faithful as you ever were," Merlin said respectfully. "Both of your children will be so important to the God and Goddess, you will never know how this will effect the coming years."
Lily sighed and took one last, hopeful glance at the Merlin. "I do hope you mean that in the best possible way."
"I would never wish for anything less," Merlin reassured her.
After the night that the Merlin had told her about the young muggle woman, Minerva had decided to find her. Minerva found her in a girl named Helen, who had just married her husband John on December 14th of the previous year. She seemed happy enough; she was staying at home and learning about dentistry, enough to make sure that she would one day join her husband in his practice. Minerva often visited her on weekends and odd times that she had off from school.
She was happy enough to have an older friend like Minerva, and John saw no objection to the healthy friendship that they had. They often had conversations of things they liked, and the first day that they met, Minerva told Helen all about her being a witch and about Avalon. It seemed to Minerva, that Helen was quite anxious to have children before she started her career. She was the perfect candidate to have the future Lady of Avalon.
One day, John was out of town at a dentist's convention, and Helen and Minerva were at home alone. Helen was finishing her model of a well done root canal for her college class and Minerva was reading the muggle newspaper, when Helen jumped a little.
"That's the fourth time this week!" Helen exclaimed, rubbing her belly. "Minerva, you're the best physician I know, can you tell me what's wrong?"
Minerva put down her book and walked over to the girl. She placed her small hands on Helen's stomach. As soon as her minute fingers had touched Helen's belly, she recoiled them as though she had placed them on a flaming burner.
"What's the matter?" Helen asked, scared out of her wits.
"No, nothing is wrong my dear," Minerva said, almost laughing at the girl's fear. "You are with child, a girl." Helen looked at her with utmost delight. "I must ask a gargantuan favor of you. Your daughter will be gifted beyond your wildest dreams, and the only way that it will show is if she is fostered on Avalon. It might be best if you move closer to Glastonbury, so she can visit you weekly. I will take her to be fostered when she is five years old. And do have her middle name start with s. She is magical in more ways than one."
Helen just stared at the older woman for the first few moments, cleared her throat, and then spoke, very hoarsely. "All right, but we need to discuss this with John."
So, Minerva's plan was finally set. John agreed, after a week of debating it, and the couple bought a small cottage a few miles away from Glastonbury. John opened a dental practice in the middle of town.
And with these three children, the future of Avalon was secured: Harry James Potter, born July 31st 1987; Draco Serle Malfoy, born August 25th, 1987; Hermione Sain Granger, born on September 19th, 1987.
During the summer of 1988, on a stormy night in July, Minerva was watching Hermione. Helen and John had gone to Rugby for dinner with some of their friends. A violent storm blew up around an hour after the Granger's had left. Helen called from their friends' house around ten in the evening, saying that they had to stay there for the night because of the damage the storm had caused. Minerva had just put Hermione to bed around midnight, when she heard a knock on the door. She opened it to reveal…the Merlin himself.
"Don't stand there like a fool, Lady, please let us in," the Merlin said curtly. He was soaking, as though he had fled somewhere in a great hurry and he was carrying a wet child, not much older than Hermione. It turned it's head towards Minerva; It's blue eyes gave it away at once.
"Merlin, is that…Narcissa's child?" Minerva gasped as she let the two into the house. The Merlin put the boy on the couch, who immediately began to play with the now wide awake Hermione.
"Of course it is. His name is Draco Serle," said the Merlin simply, taking off his shoes and allowing them to dry by the fire. "Narcissa gave him to me to take to Dragon Isle. She says Lucius has been fanatic about making Draco a death-eater and this was the only time that she could have him escape without Lucius interfering. I've only just gotten away, we need to get them to Avalon as quickly as possible."
"Why Hermione too?" Minerva asked, puzzled.
"Well, Lady," the Merlin looked very thoughtful for a minute, and then turned back to her. "Voldemort's reign right now is at it's peak and the faster we can get them to Avalon or Dragon Isle, the better. Anyone could be an unknown death-eater, and I do not want to take anymore chances with lives, for I feel that I have already taken some with Narcissa's life; I really don't know how Lucius will react when he finds his only son and heir is gone. I can only imagine that horrid man's temper. You can come and visit the Grangers tomorrow, tell them your dilemma, and help them to understand."
Minerva thought about the whole situation for awhile, and them looked up at the Merlin. "You are right. Let's make sure these two are ready for the journey."
Hermione and Draco were looking, or reading, neither the Merlin nor Minerva could tell, a small book. Unusually, they were very tranquil, not fighting about when to turn the pages or what pictures looked the best. In less than twenty minutes the Merlin had bundled Hermione and Draco up and put on his dried boots, while Minerva wrote Helen and John a note, saying she'd come back in a couple of days to explain everything and the importance of it all.
They left, trudging through the mud and shielding the children from the biting wind and rain. The shores of Avalon could not be more welcome, as Minerva parted the mists. It could not have been more different inside Avalon than it was in the mortal world. It was a cloudless night and every star shone brightly in its place. The Merlin and Draco slept in the guest room beside the Lady's, where Minerva and Hermione slumbered. After breakfast, the Merlin and Draco left on the trek towards Dragon Isle.
It was only three months after Hermione and Draco had been able to adjust to their new surroundings when the first of the bad news came, the both unexpected and expected death of Lily and James Potter.
Voldemort was ready to put his revenge into action. The perfect night had come, All Hallow's Eve. He stepped into Godric's Hollow, looking like any ordinary pedestrian. The Alohamora charm did its job on the locks and he stepped inside the small dwelling. Voldemort was surprised to find only Lily and Harry at home; James must be at work. No matter, that would make it all sweeter.
James came home from work, oblivious to the fact that Voldemort was toying with his life.
"Potter, how nice to see you again." Voldemort said smoothly. He had Lily by the scruff of her neck, and the faint sound of a child whimpering could be heard in the bedroom. "What an interesting predicament! I've got your family under my control and I will give them back for one small price." His lips curled into a terrible smile.
James was watching everything fall, crumbling into pieces. Trembling with anger and fear he asked the question that Voldemort had been waiting to hear since James had foiled his first plot. "What price would that be?"
"Oh, nothing much," said Voldemort, shrugging and increasing his grip on Lily. "Just your life." Voldemort watched in pleasure as James's face contorted in disgust and dread. "Take it or leave, Potter! Your life or your family's suffering!"
"Take my life, but listen, Lily, take Harry and run." James said bravely.
Voldemort laughed at James's courage. "I must tell you that your futile attempts are in vain." And when Voldemort let go of Lily, she bolted to get Harry and ran, even though the sounds of pounding and shouts of terror were coming from the living room. She ran to the back door, but it was locked, and she heard the faint footsteps of her husband's murderer.
"Lily, you wouldn't think that I would only leave with half of my life's work completed. I've still got this family to finish off." His hands gripped tightly around his wand.
"No!" Lily shrieked, trying to shield Harry from harm. "Please, have mercy. No, not Harry."
"Get away, you foolish girl!" A sudden thought entered his mind. "It's your fault this is happening. If you had not played damsel in distress, all would be well."
"Please, take me! Take me instead!" but before Voldemort could answer her last plea, he had already said 'Advada Kadavra', his wand pointed in Harry's direction.
As one last act of love for her son, she gave her life. Using her body as a cover for Harry, the curse hit her and killed her instantly.
Voldemort turned to the one year old. "Foolish girl, her act was worthless, you will die anyway," Voldemort muttered mirthlessly, and he pointed his wand at the child. He said the curse, but it was like Harry was protected by a mirror, the curse reflected back onto Voldemort. He fled, half-dead, impaled by his own curse.
Minerva and the Merlin arranged to meet and take him to his aunt and uncle's the next night. Minerva hated to leave him with Petunia; she had hated his mother and she would no doubt hate Harry as well. But they left him on the doorstep, hoping and praying that they wouldn't discard him to an orphanage, not that their raising would be any better.
Years past and tears were shed. Hermione visited her parents every other week and on important days. The Merlin had been right about her; she was even brighter than Lily. Hermione was able to open the mists when she was only six years of age and had very frequent, clear meetings with the Sight, which she understood completely. She was living up to her name, as she was very well-spoken. Able to cipher everything around her and learned everything else as quickly.
During the summer of 1998, Hermione received her acceptance letter into Hogwarts, as both Minerva and Hermione had long-awaited. They left for Diagon Alley a few days before the beginning of school. Hermione was harder to get out of Flourish and Blotts than Lily or Narcissa had ever been. Hermione was ready to explore everything that the world had to offer. But, as usual, the most exciting place was Ollivander's.
Hermione entered the tiny store, fascinated by the thousands of boxes of wands all around her. When Mr. Ollivander came into the shop, she found him just as interesting as his wares.
"Hello, young one," he said very kindly. He noticed that Minerva was sitting in the single chair in the far corner of shop. "Is this the new heir to the throne of the Lady of the Lake?"
Minerva nodded discreetly. Mr. Ollivander took out a box from a low shelf. "Here try this one. Unicorn tail hair, maple, and 9 1/3 inches." But Hermione had only raised the wand, when she herself handed it back to Mr. Ollivander.
"I don't think so, Mr. Ollivander," said Hermione shyly. Mr. Ollivander and Minerva were equally astonished. No one had ever told Mr. Ollivander that a wand was wrong for them, only he had even done that.
Mr. Ollivander raised his eyebrows at the girl as he picked up the wand she was holding. "I think you're right. Why don't you try this; Phoenix feather, chestnut, 14 inches? It's the best wand for anything, but especially charm work."
Hermione took the wand without any objections, and waved it. A rainbow of blue, red, and green stars showered overhead. "Perfect. Well, I hope enjoy Hogwarts young lady." Mr. Ollivander said, and showed them out of the store. He held Minerva back for a moment as Hermione sat on a bench and took out one of the books she had purchased.
"Minerva, a word if you don't mind." Minerva stepped once again into the small shop, unaware of what Mr. Ollivander wanted to tell her.
"Lady, that girl is special, more special than any other priestess I have ever met. You'll do well to keep her protected. Not only will You-Know- Who be after the Potters' boy, but after her."
Minerva went to the Leaky Cauldron, her head swimming in thoughts and possibilities. But one single thought comforted her troubled mind; the Merlin would be bringing Draco tomorrow and they would have a few moments to rendezvous. It would be awful if they had Draco and Hermione meet. Delia told Minerva constantly that if they met before their initiation, they would mortally hate each other. Although they would be going to school together, the Merlin and Minerva hoped that their hate wouldn't prevail at Hogwarts.
After a light dinner, Minerva saw the Merlin enter the pub, with Draco at his side. Draco was a spitting image of his father, even down to the intimidating aura. His eyes were exactly like Narcissa's only toned down a bit, and with a bit more frost, the exact opposite of Hermione's eyes. Hers were a lively, warm cinnamon. Lucius was starting to rub off on him, which would be bad for both Draco and Avalon, because the God and Goddess would want to discipline him.
Hermione and Draco sat across from each other and didn't talk, only ate, each very sparingly, but not taking their eyes off each other, as though wanting to mess up the other. It was more or less a mind tournament.
"Merlin," said Minerva hurriedly. "Mr. Ollivander even noticed that she's different; able to move and control the mists at six! I was only able to do that at the age of eight."
"I see," but Merlin didn't look at all surprised, which seemed very strange to Minerva. "Draco is the same way. He's more qualified than most of the older priests."
"We have got to keep them well protected, as Harry is as well." Minerva whispered, and the Merlin nodded.
"Looks like time is both our ally and our enemy." Merlin said wisely. "But as long as we know the three of them are safe, we might be able to achieve some type of peace of mind."
This was going to be harder than they both thought, even under their watchful eye at Hogwarts. Voldemort could work his way into anyplace, but Harry hadn't set him back for good, but had only made Voldemort thirstier for complete revenge, something that would cause many sleepless nights and unknown futures.
A/N: Like I said, I am sorry a billion times over! So I'm giving you four bizarre, irrelevant items: Tootsie Rolls, Computer Batteries (wish I had a better one!), Q-tips, and Orchids (Pweeeettttyyy!). I hope that these gifts and the length of this chapter make up for the long absence. Love you guys, as always. Thank you to those who review! Epequa.
Useless Information: I really like this quote. I got it from Ed, the bowling alley lawyer on NBC: 'You don't solve life, you live it!'
Disclaimer: I think my little sister has an evil plan with J.K. Rowling and Marion Zimmer Bradley, they all don't want me to butcher J.K.'s or Marion's stories this way. Oh well, it all belongs to them anyway, except for my little sister, of course.
If Time is All We've Lost
Chapter 9 - Confused Magenta
'She's been afraid to go out,
she's afraid of the knock on her door.
There's always a shade of a doubt;
she can never be sure.
Who comes to call?
Maybe the friend of a friend of a friend.
Anyone at all?
Anything but nothing again
Seems like even her old girlfriends
might be talking her down,
she's got her name on the grapevine
running up and down the telephone line.
Talking 'bout someone said someone said
something 'bout something else
someone might have said about her.
She always figured that they were her friends,
but maybe they can live without her.
Nothing lasts forever. You never know till it all falls down, that somebody loves you."
'Her Town Too' - James Taylor with J.D. Souther
The ordeal with Lily had left Voldemort in his longest stupor and fast. He spent long hours pacing his study and calling upon each of his followers to give him the latest information on his newest chosen victims. He was most apprehensive, however, about the one he called Wormtail, his link to the Potters.
Lily and James had married a few years after they had finished school, unlike Lucius and Narcissa, who had married what must have been the day after graduation. Lily had always had the feeling that Voldemort would come after her, but the truth was, Voldemort really didn't want to kill Lily at all. It was James he was after, the link that spoiled it all. The thing was, Voldemort had let the two grow too close. But now he was working on a new plan, one that wouldn't fail.
In the meantime, Wormtail had just arrived from England.
Voldemort stopped pacing to look at him. "What is happening with the Potters?"
"The...they...are living in God...Godric's Hollow, sir,' Wormtail stammered. "Sirius is no longer their secret keeper, but I. Dumbledore may be cottoning on though."
Voldemort laughed softly as the last words flowed out of Wormtail's mouth and Wormtail whimpered. "That old fool will never defile this plan. He can dream of knowing more than me, but I am nearer to being omniscient than he is."
"Of course you are, Master," Wormtail said, in a very deep bow. It shocked him that Voldemort picked him up by the scruff of his neck.
"Do not mock me Wormtail!" Voldemort shouted, but he calmed and put Wormtail back on the ground, on which he sobbed silently. "You don't want to be like Potter, do you? Plus, think of the many rewards you will receive once the plot has been fully carried out."
Wormtail nodded and bowed once more, and then swept away. Voldemort sat on his throne, stroking his chin and thinking. Complete vengeance would be his ultimate ambrosia, and it would never change until he had finished his dominance and sent Avalon to the sky.
Minerva kept in touch with Narcissa and often came to visit when Lucius was away. Narcissa was learning to cope with her new life, saying that the harp Minerva had given her was one of the only things that ever gave her pleasure. But one afternoon, Narcissa had an even bigger surprise for her.
"Lady," Narcissa said. Minerva knew at once the girl was trying to be serious, but she couldn't keep a straight face. "I'm pregnant!" and she swept Minerva in a bear hug. "Oh, and how is my sister?"
The Merlin still visited Lily and often told Minerva of all that was happening, but she still wished that Lily would forgive her, but it would never be so.
"Your sister is pregnant as well, as the Merlin has informed me," Minerva smiled warmly at her child. (A/N: Close Enough!!!) "With a son, as is foretold, you will bear a son as well." These words had quite a dismal effect on Narcissa.
"No," she said softly. "No, Lucius will want him as a death-eater, there is no way he could be the Merlin."
"Do not fret, my dear," Minerva soothed. "The Merlin and I will take him to be fostered when he is five."
"And what if Lucius takes drastic action?" Narcissa sobbed.
"Merlin and I will never let him be a death-eater," she said, very sure. "I promise above all. If anything happens, we will just have to take him to Dragon Isle sooner. He will be a fine son, and although he will strikingly resemble his father, he will have your eyes."
Minerva left the Malfoy Manor and headed towards Hogsmeade. Surely a gillywater would take her mind off of everything, and she was hoping to meet the Merlin there.
Rosemerta was quick in bringing Minerva her order. Rosemerta had learned on the Isle of Avalon as well, but she was a protector. She had the plans and she knew what was coming and how to deal with it.
The Merlin came in a few minutes after Minerva arrived and ordered only a water. "I was expecting to meet you here, Merlin."
Merlin looked thoughtfully at her for a moment, then looked as if he'd suddenly remembered what she had wanted of him. "Ah, yes, well there is a fine young woman in town, who was just married. Muggle of course, but I think she could use a mentor, you. That way you will gain her trust. I am certain that this girl will bear a magical baby, but I am unsure whether it will be male or female. Lily is fine, her baby is due in July and they could not be happier. Although, Lily still fears for the safety of both James and her unborn child. They've recently changed secret keepers because they fear that Voldemort will tempt Sirius to the dark side. They have entrusted their secrets in Peter Pettigrew."
For some reason, unknown to the Merlin, Minerva let out quite an audible gasp.
"Lady, what is it?" said Merlin, concern in his light blue eyes.
"There is something about that boy that I never liked. Narcissa says she felt something weird when he was sorted into Gryffindor. He just gives me the vibe that he's not very trustworthy." Minerva whispered.
"I have tried to convince them that I could be their secret keeper, but they say that Peter would rather die than betray them. You can certainly not convince them, but I pray that they are right about him, and my suspicions, almost identical to yours, are wrong." Merlin looked around, staring out the window at the passers-by.
"But we'll put our faith in what we've got, and pray that the God and Goddess will be generous." Minerva said, almost helplessly.
"I second that," said the Merlin, and they toasted to the next generation to come.
Lily called the Merlin to her at the beginning of August. Merlin stepped inside the tiny threshold to find James and Lily simply glowing. James was holding a tiny bundle of blankets.
"Merlin," Lily looked as though she might burst with happiness and glee. "I would like to introduce you to our son, Harry." James gave the bundle to Merlin, who looked at the tiny infant.
He looked exactly like his father; jet black hair and even James's blue eyes, but they would change eventually. Lily looked so happy, happier than she had ever been.
When James went to go put Harry to bed, Lily and Merlin had time to talk about, well, everything.
"I would like you to know," Merlin said very respectfully, "that your sister is also pregnant, and she will soon also bear a son."
Lily turned away from him, a mixture of anger and stubbornness.
"No matter how hard you try, Lily," Merlin said calmly. "You cannot convince me that you do not worry about your sister. I think it is time you faced that fact and listen."
Lily looked at him sullenly. "I just can't believe that she did something so drastic, and against her own will, for the Goddess." She shook her head. "Maybe I have become unfaithful to the Goddess."
"I know as much as the Lady does that you are as faithful as you ever were," Merlin said respectfully. "Both of your children will be so important to the God and Goddess, you will never know how this will effect the coming years."
Lily sighed and took one last, hopeful glance at the Merlin. "I do hope you mean that in the best possible way."
"I would never wish for anything less," Merlin reassured her.
After the night that the Merlin had told her about the young muggle woman, Minerva had decided to find her. Minerva found her in a girl named Helen, who had just married her husband John on December 14th of the previous year. She seemed happy enough; she was staying at home and learning about dentistry, enough to make sure that she would one day join her husband in his practice. Minerva often visited her on weekends and odd times that she had off from school.
She was happy enough to have an older friend like Minerva, and John saw no objection to the healthy friendship that they had. They often had conversations of things they liked, and the first day that they met, Minerva told Helen all about her being a witch and about Avalon. It seemed to Minerva, that Helen was quite anxious to have children before she started her career. She was the perfect candidate to have the future Lady of Avalon.
One day, John was out of town at a dentist's convention, and Helen and Minerva were at home alone. Helen was finishing her model of a well done root canal for her college class and Minerva was reading the muggle newspaper, when Helen jumped a little.
"That's the fourth time this week!" Helen exclaimed, rubbing her belly. "Minerva, you're the best physician I know, can you tell me what's wrong?"
Minerva put down her book and walked over to the girl. She placed her small hands on Helen's stomach. As soon as her minute fingers had touched Helen's belly, she recoiled them as though she had placed them on a flaming burner.
"What's the matter?" Helen asked, scared out of her wits.
"No, nothing is wrong my dear," Minerva said, almost laughing at the girl's fear. "You are with child, a girl." Helen looked at her with utmost delight. "I must ask a gargantuan favor of you. Your daughter will be gifted beyond your wildest dreams, and the only way that it will show is if she is fostered on Avalon. It might be best if you move closer to Glastonbury, so she can visit you weekly. I will take her to be fostered when she is five years old. And do have her middle name start with s. She is magical in more ways than one."
Helen just stared at the older woman for the first few moments, cleared her throat, and then spoke, very hoarsely. "All right, but we need to discuss this with John."
So, Minerva's plan was finally set. John agreed, after a week of debating it, and the couple bought a small cottage a few miles away from Glastonbury. John opened a dental practice in the middle of town.
And with these three children, the future of Avalon was secured: Harry James Potter, born July 31st 1987; Draco Serle Malfoy, born August 25th, 1987; Hermione Sain Granger, born on September 19th, 1987.
During the summer of 1988, on a stormy night in July, Minerva was watching Hermione. Helen and John had gone to Rugby for dinner with some of their friends. A violent storm blew up around an hour after the Granger's had left. Helen called from their friends' house around ten in the evening, saying that they had to stay there for the night because of the damage the storm had caused. Minerva had just put Hermione to bed around midnight, when she heard a knock on the door. She opened it to reveal…the Merlin himself.
"Don't stand there like a fool, Lady, please let us in," the Merlin said curtly. He was soaking, as though he had fled somewhere in a great hurry and he was carrying a wet child, not much older than Hermione. It turned it's head towards Minerva; It's blue eyes gave it away at once.
"Merlin, is that…Narcissa's child?" Minerva gasped as she let the two into the house. The Merlin put the boy on the couch, who immediately began to play with the now wide awake Hermione.
"Of course it is. His name is Draco Serle," said the Merlin simply, taking off his shoes and allowing them to dry by the fire. "Narcissa gave him to me to take to Dragon Isle. She says Lucius has been fanatic about making Draco a death-eater and this was the only time that she could have him escape without Lucius interfering. I've only just gotten away, we need to get them to Avalon as quickly as possible."
"Why Hermione too?" Minerva asked, puzzled.
"Well, Lady," the Merlin looked very thoughtful for a minute, and then turned back to her. "Voldemort's reign right now is at it's peak and the faster we can get them to Avalon or Dragon Isle, the better. Anyone could be an unknown death-eater, and I do not want to take anymore chances with lives, for I feel that I have already taken some with Narcissa's life; I really don't know how Lucius will react when he finds his only son and heir is gone. I can only imagine that horrid man's temper. You can come and visit the Grangers tomorrow, tell them your dilemma, and help them to understand."
Minerva thought about the whole situation for awhile, and them looked up at the Merlin. "You are right. Let's make sure these two are ready for the journey."
Hermione and Draco were looking, or reading, neither the Merlin nor Minerva could tell, a small book. Unusually, they were very tranquil, not fighting about when to turn the pages or what pictures looked the best. In less than twenty minutes the Merlin had bundled Hermione and Draco up and put on his dried boots, while Minerva wrote Helen and John a note, saying she'd come back in a couple of days to explain everything and the importance of it all.
They left, trudging through the mud and shielding the children from the biting wind and rain. The shores of Avalon could not be more welcome, as Minerva parted the mists. It could not have been more different inside Avalon than it was in the mortal world. It was a cloudless night and every star shone brightly in its place. The Merlin and Draco slept in the guest room beside the Lady's, where Minerva and Hermione slumbered. After breakfast, the Merlin and Draco left on the trek towards Dragon Isle.
It was only three months after Hermione and Draco had been able to adjust to their new surroundings when the first of the bad news came, the both unexpected and expected death of Lily and James Potter.
Voldemort was ready to put his revenge into action. The perfect night had come, All Hallow's Eve. He stepped into Godric's Hollow, looking like any ordinary pedestrian. The Alohamora charm did its job on the locks and he stepped inside the small dwelling. Voldemort was surprised to find only Lily and Harry at home; James must be at work. No matter, that would make it all sweeter.
James came home from work, oblivious to the fact that Voldemort was toying with his life.
"Potter, how nice to see you again." Voldemort said smoothly. He had Lily by the scruff of her neck, and the faint sound of a child whimpering could be heard in the bedroom. "What an interesting predicament! I've got your family under my control and I will give them back for one small price." His lips curled into a terrible smile.
James was watching everything fall, crumbling into pieces. Trembling with anger and fear he asked the question that Voldemort had been waiting to hear since James had foiled his first plot. "What price would that be?"
"Oh, nothing much," said Voldemort, shrugging and increasing his grip on Lily. "Just your life." Voldemort watched in pleasure as James's face contorted in disgust and dread. "Take it or leave, Potter! Your life or your family's suffering!"
"Take my life, but listen, Lily, take Harry and run." James said bravely.
Voldemort laughed at James's courage. "I must tell you that your futile attempts are in vain." And when Voldemort let go of Lily, she bolted to get Harry and ran, even though the sounds of pounding and shouts of terror were coming from the living room. She ran to the back door, but it was locked, and she heard the faint footsteps of her husband's murderer.
"Lily, you wouldn't think that I would only leave with half of my life's work completed. I've still got this family to finish off." His hands gripped tightly around his wand.
"No!" Lily shrieked, trying to shield Harry from harm. "Please, have mercy. No, not Harry."
"Get away, you foolish girl!" A sudden thought entered his mind. "It's your fault this is happening. If you had not played damsel in distress, all would be well."
"Please, take me! Take me instead!" but before Voldemort could answer her last plea, he had already said 'Advada Kadavra', his wand pointed in Harry's direction.
As one last act of love for her son, she gave her life. Using her body as a cover for Harry, the curse hit her and killed her instantly.
Voldemort turned to the one year old. "Foolish girl, her act was worthless, you will die anyway," Voldemort muttered mirthlessly, and he pointed his wand at the child. He said the curse, but it was like Harry was protected by a mirror, the curse reflected back onto Voldemort. He fled, half-dead, impaled by his own curse.
Minerva and the Merlin arranged to meet and take him to his aunt and uncle's the next night. Minerva hated to leave him with Petunia; she had hated his mother and she would no doubt hate Harry as well. But they left him on the doorstep, hoping and praying that they wouldn't discard him to an orphanage, not that their raising would be any better.
Years past and tears were shed. Hermione visited her parents every other week and on important days. The Merlin had been right about her; she was even brighter than Lily. Hermione was able to open the mists when she was only six years of age and had very frequent, clear meetings with the Sight, which she understood completely. She was living up to her name, as she was very well-spoken. Able to cipher everything around her and learned everything else as quickly.
During the summer of 1998, Hermione received her acceptance letter into Hogwarts, as both Minerva and Hermione had long-awaited. They left for Diagon Alley a few days before the beginning of school. Hermione was harder to get out of Flourish and Blotts than Lily or Narcissa had ever been. Hermione was ready to explore everything that the world had to offer. But, as usual, the most exciting place was Ollivander's.
Hermione entered the tiny store, fascinated by the thousands of boxes of wands all around her. When Mr. Ollivander came into the shop, she found him just as interesting as his wares.
"Hello, young one," he said very kindly. He noticed that Minerva was sitting in the single chair in the far corner of shop. "Is this the new heir to the throne of the Lady of the Lake?"
Minerva nodded discreetly. Mr. Ollivander took out a box from a low shelf. "Here try this one. Unicorn tail hair, maple, and 9 1/3 inches." But Hermione had only raised the wand, when she herself handed it back to Mr. Ollivander.
"I don't think so, Mr. Ollivander," said Hermione shyly. Mr. Ollivander and Minerva were equally astonished. No one had ever told Mr. Ollivander that a wand was wrong for them, only he had even done that.
Mr. Ollivander raised his eyebrows at the girl as he picked up the wand she was holding. "I think you're right. Why don't you try this; Phoenix feather, chestnut, 14 inches? It's the best wand for anything, but especially charm work."
Hermione took the wand without any objections, and waved it. A rainbow of blue, red, and green stars showered overhead. "Perfect. Well, I hope enjoy Hogwarts young lady." Mr. Ollivander said, and showed them out of the store. He held Minerva back for a moment as Hermione sat on a bench and took out one of the books she had purchased.
"Minerva, a word if you don't mind." Minerva stepped once again into the small shop, unaware of what Mr. Ollivander wanted to tell her.
"Lady, that girl is special, more special than any other priestess I have ever met. You'll do well to keep her protected. Not only will You-Know- Who be after the Potters' boy, but after her."
Minerva went to the Leaky Cauldron, her head swimming in thoughts and possibilities. But one single thought comforted her troubled mind; the Merlin would be bringing Draco tomorrow and they would have a few moments to rendezvous. It would be awful if they had Draco and Hermione meet. Delia told Minerva constantly that if they met before their initiation, they would mortally hate each other. Although they would be going to school together, the Merlin and Minerva hoped that their hate wouldn't prevail at Hogwarts.
After a light dinner, Minerva saw the Merlin enter the pub, with Draco at his side. Draco was a spitting image of his father, even down to the intimidating aura. His eyes were exactly like Narcissa's only toned down a bit, and with a bit more frost, the exact opposite of Hermione's eyes. Hers were a lively, warm cinnamon. Lucius was starting to rub off on him, which would be bad for both Draco and Avalon, because the God and Goddess would want to discipline him.
Hermione and Draco sat across from each other and didn't talk, only ate, each very sparingly, but not taking their eyes off each other, as though wanting to mess up the other. It was more or less a mind tournament.
"Merlin," said Minerva hurriedly. "Mr. Ollivander even noticed that she's different; able to move and control the mists at six! I was only able to do that at the age of eight."
"I see," but Merlin didn't look at all surprised, which seemed very strange to Minerva. "Draco is the same way. He's more qualified than most of the older priests."
"We have got to keep them well protected, as Harry is as well." Minerva whispered, and the Merlin nodded.
"Looks like time is both our ally and our enemy." Merlin said wisely. "But as long as we know the three of them are safe, we might be able to achieve some type of peace of mind."
This was going to be harder than they both thought, even under their watchful eye at Hogwarts. Voldemort could work his way into anyplace, but Harry hadn't set him back for good, but had only made Voldemort thirstier for complete revenge, something that would cause many sleepless nights and unknown futures.
A/N: Like I said, I am sorry a billion times over! So I'm giving you four bizarre, irrelevant items: Tootsie Rolls, Computer Batteries (wish I had a better one!), Q-tips, and Orchids (Pweeeettttyyy!). I hope that these gifts and the length of this chapter make up for the long absence. Love you guys, as always. Thank you to those who review! Epequa.