Hey! Thanks to all of those who reviewed, I'm glad you liked it! Well, here's my interpretation on how the future of everything and everyone works. This is really factual, but I hope a bit action packed at the very least. I highly recommend the movie 'Gladiator' to everyone. Although it is very gory (which adds effect) it is a very good story and it now has me raving over Joaquin Phoenix's wonderful performance (and everybody else's as well). I want to say another thanks to everyone who took time out of their lives to read this VERY long story. (Me such a sap!) But really, you guys rock, and your comments, well, THANK YOU!!!!!!
Disclaimer: I'm really happy that you guys enjoy my plot, and the characters that are J.K. Rowling's and the additions that are Marion Zimmer Bradley's, which are not mine. (I hope that's enough clarity.)
Useless Information: Well, I'm into Mark Twain right now, so I'm going to give you another of his quotes! "Put all your eggs in one basket and - WATCH THAT BASKET!" - Mark Twain (The guy's a genius!)
If Time is All We've Lost
Chapter 11 - Envious Emerald
"You're cold that way
And that's why you say
The things that you say
You can't attract
The things that you lack
You're trying in vain."
Jars of Clay / 'Crazy Times'
Kenda picked Hermione up at the train station under the alias of Hermione's aunt. Kenda helped Hermione with her trunk and Crookshanks. Once out of eyeshot from the muggles and all the wizards and witches that were coming home from school, Crookshanks resumed his normal form, a full grown man. It was Gus Fletcher, his red hair the same color as the cat's ginger hair and a squashed face not unlike Crookshank's as well. Gus had agreed to do this because of the safety of James's son. Once a marauder's friend, always a marauder's friend. Gus was also one of the only ones that knew that Sirius was innocent. Gus now resided on Dragon Isle, continually discussing new tactics with the Merlin.
Unfortunately, the Merlin would not arrive on Dragon Isle for the next few days. After securing that Hermione was fine, he still had to arrange Harry's summer situation, make peace with giants before Voldemort did, and somehow do away with the dementors. All of this had to be done behind the British Minister of Magic's back. But the Merlin had his ways, and he was building alliances with all the other Ministers, which would convince Fudge better than he could ever do.
Gus was the first to talk as they headed up the hill, towards the transport sector, a specified area where they could transport themselves to Avalon. (Like the one in Chapter 1 with Lily and Narcissa)
"Hermione," Gus said, staring very pensively at the ground before looking at her. "Who was that blond haired boy that tried to hex you?"
"Oh, him…" Hermione said and her face contorted in disgust. "That's Draco Malfoy, and he's a stuck-up git. Actually, he did elongate my teeth this year and I think it was because I don't think he's over the fact that I slapped him."
To Hermione's surprise, both Kenda and Gus had wide eyes when Hermione told them this. "I mean, really, he deserved it. He's an egotistical prat." Hermione said, trying to convince them of her motives.
"You know, Hermione," said Gus, looking at her. "I went to school with his father. He seems to take after him. Have you met his mother?" Kenda shot Gus an angry look, but Hermione didn't notice it.
"As a matter of fact, I have," Hermione said, but there was no way to tell if she loved or hated the woman. "Only for a little while, we were in the top box together at the Quidditch World Cup. She looked very unhappy if you ask me. Why?"
"I knew her well before she married Lucius," Gus dropped his lids painfully, remembering her before she had moved to Slytherin. "She's very different from her husband, really."
Kenda cleared her throat nervously, as though she thought Gus was disclosing too much information to Hermione, which Hermione caught. "We're here…" she said.
As soon as they had completed their circle and said,
"Guide us, great Goddess,
to the place that You call home
To the Isle of Avalon, Your place,
may it stay Your own.
Surrounded by the sacred mists
A curtain to shield in serenity.
A magic that remains unknown,
let it flow now through me."
A flash of blue light burst between them, and then they were on the edge of Avalon, the little boat coming toward them.
"It seems so long since I have been here," Hermione stated, her eyes very glassy. "May I part the mists?"
"Of course you may," Kenda said, smiling. And as soon as they had approached the mists, Hermione stood up, closed her eyes, and raised her arms in the air. Her fingertips touching each other, she parted her arms slowly, the mists following their lead obediently. Slowly, the oarsmen rowed to the shore. A little girl was waiting expectantly for Hermione, with a few older priestess and the Lady herself standing nearby.
"Her-mi-nee!!!" the little girl exclaimed, rushing to the shore. "You're back!" And she hugged Hermione's knees before Hermione could kneel to embrace her.
"Tania!" Hermione said, finally looking at the now six year-old girl. "Look how much you've grown! You're going to be taller than me soon." Hermione stood up and looked at everyone else.
First there was Lycoris, an older priestess who kept the gardens on Avalon. She was Delia's only daughter and loved Hermione because she was so helpful in keeping the gardens pruned and watered, and she loved the plants themselves. Lycoris greeted Hermione in her usual fashion, a hug, and, "You've still got a green thumb, I hope?"
"Of course," said Hermione jovially, which made Lycoris happy as well. "And how is Delia?"
Lycoris sighed heavily, which made Hermione tense up in fear. Delia was now over ninety, and still the only Speaker on the island. But Lycoris laughed when she saw Hermione's face. "Do not worry about her. I will be very surprised if the Goddess herself could kill her. She is tutoring Tegwyn at this very moment." Lycoris said. "She will be very pleased to see you."
Tegwyn was another priestess, about twenty or so, that was chosen to fulfill Delia's place once she had deceased, if that was even possible. Delia had outlived all of her other children; Breyon, her beloved son that had died while fighting in World War II, Elva, a daughter that had died in childbirth in Greece, and Devinne, a baby girl that had not survived her first winter on the island, despite all their attempts to aid her. Delia was kind and wise, a very omniscient vibe always came from her, which she had earned by living ninety-two years.
Next was Shardae, a girl the same age as Hermione who was undergoing training similar to Hermione's and had become a valuable friend of hers. Shardae didn't go to a wizarding school because she wasn't a witch. Shardae was a muggle, but she had devoted her life to what she believed, like others on the island. The Goddess saw past magic and all other barriers, for only she knew who would help her most, and who would send disaster.
"The House of Maidens was getting boring without you, Hermione," Shardae said truthfully. "I can't wait to hear about everyone at your school!"
"Oh! I'm full of stories this year, Shardae, don't worry," Hermione said, giving Shardae a hug as well. "I've missed someone to talk to!" This was true, very true indeed. She had friends at Hogwarts, but, being a priestess of Avalon was a big part of her life, and it was hard only being able to talk about it to Minerva and Dumbledore.
Migina was next in line. She was a middle-aged, eccentric, and beautiful African-American woman. Being the only priestess from America, she wasn't on the island much because she spent much of her time handling the dealings that occurred over there.
"The real question should be…Are you ready for my stories?" Migina muttered, chortling as she squeezed Hermione.
"I can't wait!" said Hermione expectantly.
"Then you're in for an earful, at the very least!" Migina informed her. "A lot has happened in the past year, and I'm not just talking about You-Know-Who…"
And last, other than the Lady, was Lani, who had just became a full priestess last summer. Her mother had been a priestess and her father a priest, so she was raised on the island. Unfortunately, her mother had passed away only a few months before from natural causes, and it had dampened Lani's spirit ever since, but she kept mostly positive. Hermione admired her for that, and for the fact that she did go through the same priestess training as she and Shardae, and had no complaints.
Becoming a priestess was hard, no doubt about that. Besides all the training and learning you went through during your time on the island, there was a week of preparation before your full initiation. This was preparing you for the tests of the elements, water, earth, air, and fire. But since Hermione was to be the Lady, there was the test of the Goddess, which, being her most holy right, was the hardest to bear on a human being, physically, mentally, and emotionally. The Merlin would undergo similar trials before he could become the most important person on Dragon Isle.
Lani didn't speak, but there was a glint in her eyes that told Hermione that Lani was very happy to see her. Finally, the Lady spoke up.
"Come, we have a guest here and a guest to arrive in the morning, we must prepare!" Minerva said, clapping her hands. "And tonight we will celebrate the homecoming of Gus and Hermione!"
"And you, Lady!" Tania piped up as she grasped Hermione's hand and started to make her way up the hill. "We mustn't forget you!"
"Of course not," Minerva heard Hermione say to Tania. Lycoris came up behind her.
"I don't think we've had a girl like her on the island since, well, Lily," Lycoris said, looking at Hermione help Tania up the steepest part of the hill.
"Narcissa also," Minerva muttered, her thoughts swimming around in her head. Kenda rushed up to Minerva.
"Excuse me," Kenda gasped, trying to catch up. "May I have a word with you, Lady?"
"I'll be in the gardens later," said Minerva to Lycoris. "I'll help you make the meal for tonight's celebration." Lycoris bowed, and took the left at the next fork, heading towards the gardens, while Minerva and Kenda took a right, headed for the House of Maidens and the other main buildings.
Minerva could tell Kenda was very nervous about something. "What is wrong, Kenda?" She asked at last, wondering whatever could also be wrong with the world at that moment.
"It is about the future Merlin," Kenda gulped, still very shaky. "He is Narcissa's son, and yet, all I see is his father. Gus said that he tried to hex Hermione and Harry on the train back today and Hermione can't stand him. How are they supposed to work together, like you and the Merlin now?"
"We can only pray, Kenda," Minerva said in a final tone, and Kenda left, knowing the conversation had come to an end. Minerva now walked very slowly now, allowing her thoughts to come full force. True, Hermione was the best candidate for the Lady Avalon had seen in many years, but how would Avalon and Dragon Isle work if they're leaders didn't get along?
Then the most horrible thought entered Minerva's already full mind. They would have to work together, there was no doubt about that, but would she be forced to confront Hermione about the situation as she did with Lily? The Goddess loved Hermione, surely she wouldn't punish her? Something later on that night put her fears to rest, well, at least most of them.
As the feast started, Hermione was in deep conversation with Migina about recent happenings in the muggle world, especially in America. "Oh, it was horrible! Absolutely devastating to everyone there!"
"What happened?" Hermione asked, but not really wanting to know. If it was half as bad as it sounded, Hermione wasn't sure if she wanted to hear it or not.
"In New York there are two huge towers, and on September 11th, terrorists flew planes into them and knocked them down." Migina said, shaking her head. "But you wouldn't believe it, it's made that country stronger! They're banning together to help everyone, really showing those terrorists up, eh?"
"That's amazing! You wouldn't think that something that good could come out of that dreadful," Hermione said in awe.
"Really," Migina said, exasperated as she swallowed a piece of barley bread. "I think that wizards underestimate how well muggles recover and rebuild. It's quite odd though, I mean, we wizards are now faced with aspect of Voldemort back in his full power…"
"What was it like, Migina, when Voldemort was in full power in America?" Hermione wondered aloud, taking a sip of water.
"Oh it was awful. There were spies there too, so you really didn't know who you could trust. You never knew if you would touch a portkey if you picked up a piece of trash. Total paranoia." Migina explained. "But know, there's the aspect of terrorists, which affects both wizard and muggle, and Voldemort and the rebirth of his type of terrorists. They affect the muggles, but, its an unknown threat to them, unless the Minister chooses to alert the public."
"Who is the American Minister of Magic?" asked Hermione, more interested in the discussion than in her meal.
"That would be Aiden Rainer," Migina said, waving her fork. "Wonderful man! So much better than that Fudge. He's good friends with Dumbledore and there's no doubt that Rainer will be one of the ones to convince Fudge to rid Azkaban of those repulsive dementors and to ally with giants."
Meanwhile, there was entirely different conversation going on at the other end of the table. Gus, Minerva, Lycoris, and Kenda were all talking about the past year, which was really summed up in the past few weeks.
"The Merlin is the most prestigious office that we hold, other than the Lady," Gus half said and half whispered. "Are we right to give this place to someone like Draco Malfoy?"
"The Goddess has chosen him for a reason," said Lycoris, shaking her head. "We cannot deny what the Goddess has decreed, no matter how bizarre it may seem."
"But will he turn his back on the God and Goddess and retreat back into being a death eater?" Kenda asked, fear overflowing in her eyes.
"No, he will not," Minerva said, speaking up for the first time and alarming everyone. Gus, Kenda, and Lycoris stared at her. "I do not care how he his persuaded now, but he will not, I repeat, will not, turn back on his mother, his faith, and his destiny. The Goddess does not make mistakes, and I refuse to believe that this is Her first. Draco is special, as special as Hermione is and Lucius will not win him over as long as the Goddess keeps me alive on this Earth." That conversation was over at the end of that powerful sentence.
Minerva made her way down the labyrinthine path, going towards the well, and the silver bowl. Goddess willing, one could look into the bowl and see into the future, both the immediate and far future.
She bent over the bowl, staring into it. Ripples grazed over the water, caused by a small gust of wind. As the ripples cleared, there was a picture. It was Draco, in a face paint mask, being tested by the Goddess. It was the best of visions that the Goddess could give, but one thing haunted Minerva; What thing would make Draco so sure of becoming the Merlin of Britain?
Her thoughts were interrupted by Hermione, shaking her out of her trance. Minerva was lucky it was Hermione, for any of the older priestesses would have questioned her, which would be depriving on the body the next day. She had no doubt in her mind that Hermione knew this fact, and Hermione, being selfless, knew that Minerva would be in no state to see the Merlin tomorrow if she pushed the vision upon her.
Hermione had been out walking with Tania, and they both helped Minerva back to her quarters, where Kenda took care of her. Tania and Hermione returned to the house of maidens, and both had a peaceful night's sleep, which was good, because the next day would be quite eventful.
The Merlin arrived early the next morning, along with Wendell, the bard. They ate, and then were escorted around the island. Hermione had never met Wendell before, so she decided to get to know him better.
"Ah, and this must be Hermione," Wendell said fondly, shaking her hand. "It is a pleasure to meet the future Lady of Avalon." He bowed to her. "I am at your service."
Hermione giggled. No one had ever shown her that much reverence. "Actually, I was wondering if you could teach me
about the harp. I know a little, but nothing compared to you."
Wendell's middle-aged face showed a tinge of pink when he smiled. "Of course I will. You may use my harp." He took the large sack off his back, which allowed him to straighten up. He unwrapped the harp and set it upright. It was beautiful, made of dark ebony. Hermione was in awe, and was almost afraid that if she touched it, it would crumble before her eyes.
"May I?" Hermione asked, and when he nodded, she plucked one of the strings. It sounded so majestic, so free.
"You may play if you wish. Go on, show me what you already know," He said with interest.
Hermione sat on a nearby stool and took the harp in her arms. Her fingers danced across the strings, forming a well known tune on Avalon, which was giving life as Hermione added her voice.
"The winter snow is white and fair-
Lost, 'tis lost and I sit mourning-
It melts and leaves earth moist and bare.
Oh, it may come again,
but never twice the same.
The flower that blooms proclaims the spring-
Lost, 'tis lost and I sit mourning-
For it must fall, the fruits to bring.
Oh, it may come again,
but never twice the same.
The summer fields with grain blaze gold-
Lost, 'tis lost and I sit mourning-
Cut down for bread for winter's cold.
Oh, it may come again,
but never twice the same.
The autumn chill gives the sun bright glow-
Lost, 'tis lost and I sit mourning-
Prepares the way for the virgin snow.
Oh, may it come again,
but never twice the same." (A/N: The first three verses are in the book, Lady of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley, but the last verse was made up by yours truly)
From the moment Hermione started playing, everyone on the island stood still, and as soon as she stopped, they went back to their work, as if under a trance.
"Very good, Hermione," Wendell said, looking very excited. "I think I can teach a few more songs, but your playing was exquisite!"
Minerva and Merlin were headed up the rocky path towards Tor (A place that is Stonehenge like and very important to Avalon and Dragon Isle.) when they heard Hermione's voice. They stopped and listen, then continued in silence, until the Merlin finally spoke.
"Hermione is in danger," Merlin said, looking at Minerva, who had no response whatsoever. "More danger than we first had thought. Voldemort knows about her, but not enough. Karkaroff has probably told him about how special she is, but not about her priestess-hood."
"Hermione has her head on straight, I have fewer concerns about her than I have about Draco." Minerva said, shaking her head. "I know that he will be Merlin in the end, but what will change his mind. Will Lucius die?"
"I don't think any of us have the right to guess, for only the Goddess knows for sure," Merlin said heavily. "There are many ways, and Lucius's death could be one of them. But I don't think we could begin to guess…all we have left is patience. Patience and hope…"
"Merlin, what about the Rights?" Minerva said, stopping dead in her tracks, as if just noticing this flaw in their plan.
"I knew I could count on you to remind me of that," Merlin chuckled. "Minerva, in our time, and with our positions, it was not a shameful thing, which I hope it is not to them. But with the extreme dislike and high expectations of their peers, I do believe the God and Goddess would not be dissatisfied with a single kiss. But we cannot tell them who the other really is, or their knowledge of the other's reputation will overshadow the true meaning of the Rights. We will use middle names, for they most likely do not know the other's. What do you think, Lady?"
"I knew I could count on you," Minerva said, smiling broadly. "Have we protected the Grangers?"
"As best as we can," Merlin said, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "Harry is only to stay at the Dursleys for two weeks, at the very most, to keep him safe while Mr. Weasley is away on my instructions. I am allowing Mr. Weasley to tell Harry why Voldemort wanted to kill him."
"Albus," Minerva said shakily. "Are you sure he is ready?"
"I am very sure," Merlin said, very taken aback with Minerva's reaction. "Harry lives his life on questions with which he has no answers for. This is what we can give him now, later he will know more."
The next day, Hermione and Tania went to help Lycoris as promised. Today they were picking coriander and rhubarb, which were needed to make a serum to ease the pain of childbirth, which they were running low of. Tania stumbled on one of the rocks and skinned her knee on it. Shardae came and got her, taking her to the House of Maidens to be taken care of. Lycoris and Hermione continued to work without her.
"Hermione," Lycoris said, wiping her brow. "Would you go to the far edge of the garden to get that last bunch of coriander? I'll go ahead and take these to the shed, and you can meet me there."
"Sounds good to me," Hermione started down the row of plants, finally reaching the very edge of the garden and picking the coriander carefully. As she turned to leave, she found that she couldn't. She was surrounded by mist similar to those that guarded the isle. Had she gone too far? Was she in the land of the Faeries? A haze surrounded her, and a golden figure descended before her, toes barely touching the ground, levitating in the air. She was a beautiful woman, a sort of unearthly beauty.
"Hermione Granger," Her voice was soft and kind, yet it sounded so distant. "I am Sheannon, the Faerie Queen. My child is being raised on the island. She often talks about you. I am so glad you are her mentor, I had chosen you long ago…"
"Tania is your daughter?" Hermione asked, completely transfixed.
"Yes," Sheannon's voice was not harsh but still extremely gentle. "Her father was one of the mortal folk, and Minerva has been kind enough to teach her the ways of the priestess. I knew that she needed a good influence, or she would never reach her full potential, and I chose you to help her."
"But how?" Hermione said, astonished and confused at the same time. "I am nine years older than she, how could you know that I would be her mentor?"
"Never underestimate the ways of the Faerie," Sheannon said knowledgeably. "But it is your future that scares me."
"My future?" Hermione was now feeling prickles on the back of her neck.
"Lord Voldemort is not only after Harry, but after you," Sheannon stated, without any emotion showing on her face. "He knows you are extraordinary, so much that you might even be a threat to him."
"A threat…to…to…You-Know-Who?" Hermione gulped. This was just too much.
"Hermione, I bestow on you the blessing of the Faerie folk," Sheannon's voice rang in Hermione's ears. "You will never be alone. You are a princess to my people." She kissed Hermione lightly on her forehead.
"Forever protected and never forgotten," Sheannon echoed, and her figure disappeared from sight. Hermione felt herself hit the ground and heard Lycoris's voice, but she couldn't open her eyes, everything around her was slowly slipping away.
"Oh, my- Hermione!" Lycoris saw Hermione hit the ground, so Lycoris dropped what she was holding, ran over, and tried to revive her, but her attempt was in vain. "Help!" Lycoris yelled, praying that someone would hear her. "Please, someone, anyone - help!"
The Lady and Merlin were almost to the top of the Tor when they heard Lycoris.
"This can't be good," the Lady said, as she turned her head in an attempt to hear the calls better. "Lycoris never looses her head like this. This has to be a true emergency."
The Lady apparated at once, which left the Merlin standing flabbergasted by himself, but within a few seconds he too apparated to the urgent scene.
Once the Lady landed firmly on the ground, she sprinted across the field to see what had really happened. Lycoris was bending over a lifeless form, that proved to be Hermione. The Merlin arrived soon after.
Minerva stared at Hermione, waiting for any form of movement, but when it didn't come, Minerva began to worry as well. The Merlin silently stood beside Minerva.
"Don't worry, Lady," the Merlin said, looking intently at Hermione's lifeless nature. "She has only sustained a very powerful visit, one that most priestesses usually survive." He lifted Hermione up, but he looked so frail, and brushed her hair away from the top of her brow. There was a mark, shaped like a star, the glowed bright blue. "Just as I suspected. The Faerie Queen has given Hermione protection, not unlike the type that Lily's sacrifice gave Harry. It will numb when danger is near."
"She will wake," the Merlin was still staring at her, as though determining her condition by just looking at her. "But allow her to wake on her own, it will ease some of the stress and exhaustion.
The Merlin carried Hermione back to the House of Maidens, and laid her on her bed.
"Minerva," the Merlin said, after exiting the house. "Would you tell Hermione to grow her bangs back out? I don't believe that Hogwarts is ready for this yet. Voldemort is closing in, and he wants to conquer the whole world, Avalon included. I have spoken to a few ministers, and they see nothing wrong with my plan. Fudge will have to be convinced, especially since Rainer is in on it; Fudge hates getting behind the American Ministry. Hagrid and Olympe are involved in uniting most of the giants. It is as much as we can do now, all we can do is wait…"
Draco was excited. Tonight was the night when he would finally meet the Dark Lord Voldemort, a most important meeting to a soon to be death-eater.
Draco and his father had spent the whole day preparing (Aww, father/son activities!) for the encounter. Voldemort would examine the youngster then, seeing if he was suitable to be one of his disciples. This often came with a challenge to test loyalty and endurance.
Draco was ready for anything, but the guilt was coming. He hadn't seen his mother, and he knew that, however she tried to hide it, she did not like the idea of her son becoming a death-eater.
"Well," Lucius said, straightening his robe sleeves. "It is time we should be leaving, Draco, the Dark Lord values punctuality."
"I'll be there in a moment," Draco said, trying to fasten the many buttons on his new robe. He heard Lucius begin to hum "Over There" and the door shut behind him. Only a few seconds afterwards, there was a soft knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Draco asked impatiently as he struggled with a button, he didn't even want to fathom what would happen to him if he were late.
The door creaked open to reveal his mother, slightly paler than usual. "Draco," her voice was hoarse, as though she's been crying.
"Yes, mother?" Draco looked up, still fiddling with the same stubborn button.
"Here, let me help you," Narcissa said, walking over and fastening his final button on his robe. "I want you to know that being a death-eater is not your only choice for your vocation. It is up to you, but you can defy your father," she stopped, amazed with what she had said, but Draco understood.
"Thanks, mum," Draco smiled vaguely. He didn't feel like smiling at the moment.
"Let me have a look at you," said Narcissa, looking at him carefully. "More like your father everyday, but you've still got my eyes, I hope that doesn't change." She kissed him lightly on his forehead. "Please be careful, please. I don't know what I would do without you."
They heard the door open. "Draco! Are you ready yet? Voldemort doesn't like those that are fashionably late. We need to go!" And the door slammed after the ring of Lucius's voice had fallen.
"I promise to be careful," Draco said hastily, running towards the door. "Love you!"
Narcissa sat on the bed, breathing heavily, she thought she might start to cry again. "That boy doesn't realize how important he is," Narcissa wasn't talking to herself, but praying. "Please, whatever happens, please do not let any harm come to Draco, he will find his way. If he is in harm's way, then let me take his place." That ended her prayer, yet she never realized how powerful and true those words would become.
Nagini was bored, and waiting for the new recruits was not very exciting for a snake. Only Voldemort could talk to her, and he was busy. But, for a simple snake, she had problems of her own.
Nagini had been raised in captivity, in a small, cramped cage in a zoo, until that glorious day that she had been set free. That was the day that she first met someone she could talk to, a small human boy. She hated people banging and tapping on her glass, but this boy talked to her, in serpent tongue, which had amazed her.
He unknowingly set her free, somehow making the glass disappear, vanish into thin air. That was the last time she saw the 'magic' boy, but remembering only one thing about him, a curiously shaped scar on his forehead. She had fled, determined not to be recaptured. In the Black Forests of Albania, she had met Voldemort, and they became friends, since he was able to talk to her as well. Being a snake, she had no idea that he was evil, she only knew what she told him.
The thing that was bothering her was the boy Voldemort was after. Nagini knew nothing of a Harry Potter, except that Voldemort wanted to kill him.
Earlier that summer, Voldemort had been able to transport the boy to his rebirthing ceremony. Nagini arrived later, and got a chance to see the boy. He has the same cut on his forehead as the boy that set her free did. They couldn't be the same person, could they? But because of her ignorance, Nagini didn't know if some humans had these, for she knew of people that didn't have a trace of the oddly shaped incision on their faces, or if this boy she was helping to kill, was actually the one that had set her free, which she was in debt to.
Then the meeting got more interesting when two people arrived, Lucius and his son. As soon as all the death-eaters were assembled, Voldemort swept over to where Draco was, his face the only one not hidden by a mask.
"Draco Malfoy," Voldemort said silkily, looking him up and down. "I can only hope that you will be more faithful than your father."
"I will, master," Draco said, not scared or nervous, even though he knew everyone was looking at him.
"But," Voldemort stared at Draco with his red eyes, piercing him. "I smell guilt upon you," Voldemort turned his gaze from Draco to Lucius. "Have you been letting Narcissa have free reign on him?"
"For his first few years," Lucius said quietly. "But soon she had no say in his future."
"You fool!" Voldemort yelled directly at Lucius's face, which did not move. "Narcissa has forces behind her, the forces that I wish to remove from this earth!"
Draco felt a pang in his heart. He was still not sure about Dragon Isle, sure it was important, but being a death-eater was so much more challenging. But he loved his mother, and Voldemort knew this was going to be a problem.
Voldemort slowly turned back to Draco, looking at him thoughtfully. "You will have to prove your worth and loyalty to me, not to the God and Goddess, therefore your challenge will be against their will. Let's see then…" Voldemort thought for a moment, then a brilliant idea came to him. "I want you to find out what are Potter's weaknesses. Every hero has one, and it is your job to find his."
"I will, my Lord," Draco said, and he bowed deeply.
"You may leave," Voldemort said, waving his hand in a dismissal sort of way. "Your father will join you shortly."
And with that, Draco apparated away, landing in a field close to his mansion. He walked slowly, pondering everything in his mind. Getting information from Potter would be easy, but it was making his mind up about which way to go. If he deserted Dragon Isle and abandoned the belief that he had been raised and taught to be true, he'd be leaving his 'family' over there, which was something he did not want to do. His fifth year at Hogwarts would be starting soon, and maybe that would help him make his decision a little bit easier, Snape would help.
Snape had been one of Draco's best influences, and a good person to confide in. Draco could never trust anybody with the secret that he was both for Voldemort and against him, involved with something that Voldemort himself had vowed to destroy. Snape understood, after all he did turn his back on the dark ways as well, and he felt more comfortable talking about being a death-eater with Snape than with Dumbledore. But he still discussed visits with the Sight with Dumbledore, although the Death-eater side of him wanted to make fun of the muggle-lover, but he was torn between his two destinies. Half a charade, and half a real person was Draco Malfoy.
Two weeks with the Dursleys had been hell. They were at the worst as they had ever been. They no longer referred to Harry as a creature, vegetable, animal, or mineral, and anything referring to a tongue or the tongue incident was the highest form of blaspheming that could be committed at number four, Privet Drive.
But now that was over, and he had finally come to the Weasly's, which, to him, was his real home. Everyone there was so happy to see him alive and well. Ron and Mr. Weasley had come to pick him up at the Dursleys in a Ministry car, so this visit was less eventful than last years. Ron said he had received some letters from Sirius about his whereabouts and information that he had learned while traveling. And one fact that confused both Ron and Harry.
"Harry, dear, how have you been?" Mrs. Weasley squealed as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Fine, Mrs. Weasley," he managed to say as he was being squeezed to death. "Just fine."
All the other Weasleys smiled at him with a half welcoming, half sympathizing look. They hadn't changed much at all. Bill still had his long ponytail and fang earring which seemed much to the dismay of his mother.
"Nice to see you again, Harry," said Bill, shaking Harry's hand.
"Alloa, Harry," Charlie said enthusiastically, also shaking Harry's hand, which Harry found to be covered with yet more calluses and burns.
"Norbert giving you a hard time, eh?" said Harry, smiling broadly, as did Ron, remembering the troublesome little dragon they had to leave in Charlie's care in Romania.
"Not as bad as the herd of Peruvian Vipertooths that we received last month," Charlie looked exasperated at the very thought of the dragons. "Nightmare, an absolute nightmare, honestly…"
"Harry!" Fred said, shaking his hand vigorously. "We've heard from dad that Quidditch is on this year, for sure."
"And thanks for, um," George looked around to make sure no one was listening. "The help you gave us."
"Yeah," Fred agreed. "Zonko's has offered us a spot in their Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley shops. They said its good for us youngsters to be helping wizards laugh."
"Anything to help," Harry said, looking a bit crestfallen. "After all, it was my fault."
"Don't talk nonsense Harry," said Fred compassionately.
"Yeah, don't be so hard on yourself," said George, looking at Harry's melancholy expression. "He was bound to come back again. He's got a strong power driving him, whatever it is."
"Hi, Harry," said Ginny, blushing slightly.
"Ginny, how have you been?" Harry said, smiling at her.
"Well enough," she replied then she turned to Ron. "When is Hermione coming?"
"I already told you, she'll be here in a few days," said Ron, a little suspicious. "She's had a family emergency, why?"
Harry looked at Ginny, and knew that what she would say was not going to be the complete truth. "Just wanted to know," she said rather quickly, and she ran up the stairs, her footsteps could be heard resounding through the entire house.
Harry raised his eyebrows at Ron, who shrugged. They both reached a silent agreement, 'Girls'. Finally Harry realized someone was missing from the Weasley clan. When Harry pointed this out to Ron, Ron didn't seem very excited to tell Harry why Percy wasn't present.
"Oh, Percy," Ron sighed heavily and rolled his eyes at the same time. "Percy was devastated with the whole Mr. Crouch thing, and has lost his faith in Fudge, so he's serving an internship in America with their minister, Aiden Rainer." Suddenly, Mrs. Weasley bustled over, waving a wooden spoon threateningly at the both of them.
"Now, Ron, you help Harry take his things upstairs and then you two can help the others catch the Jarvey outside." Mrs. Weasley scowled. "I wish Arthur would just let me keep it in the garden for a few days, but he insists its cruelty to the gnomes. Well, they need to stay away and if that's what will do it, then I'll use it…" She continued rambling, but Harry and Ron left quietly to go help the other Weasley's catch the insane Jarvey, but not before some more of Harry's questions were answered.
"What's happened to Ginny?" Harry asked, interested. "She's acting so different."
"I know," Ron said knowledgeably. "She's been acting weird all summer, keeping a lot to herself. Oh, and Sirius says that he hadn't been getting any responses from Hermione."
"Do you think she's all right?" Harry wondered, a little worried.
"I don't know," said Ron, concerned. Harry saw him turn pink, and he couldn't believe Ron hadn't told Hermione that he liked her, but things would turn out, somehow.
"Weird," said Harry, sighing.
"Get out of the way, Hephaestus hands!" said the Jarvey to Charlie.
A/N: I really did not mean for this chapter to be this long! The whole chapter was supposed to be fifth and sixth year, but this is as far as I got before I figured you'd be bored, but the coming chapters will be exciting. Thank you for reading! I give to thee Quidditch through the Ages, a capital D, Mardi Gras beads, and lip gloss to all my reviewers! Next chapter shouldn't be long! Thanks for reading, Epequa!
Disclaimer: I'm really happy that you guys enjoy my plot, and the characters that are J.K. Rowling's and the additions that are Marion Zimmer Bradley's, which are not mine. (I hope that's enough clarity.)
Useless Information: Well, I'm into Mark Twain right now, so I'm going to give you another of his quotes! "Put all your eggs in one basket and - WATCH THAT BASKET!" - Mark Twain (The guy's a genius!)
If Time is All We've Lost
Chapter 11 - Envious Emerald
"You're cold that way
And that's why you say
The things that you say
You can't attract
The things that you lack
You're trying in vain."
Jars of Clay / 'Crazy Times'
Kenda picked Hermione up at the train station under the alias of Hermione's aunt. Kenda helped Hermione with her trunk and Crookshanks. Once out of eyeshot from the muggles and all the wizards and witches that were coming home from school, Crookshanks resumed his normal form, a full grown man. It was Gus Fletcher, his red hair the same color as the cat's ginger hair and a squashed face not unlike Crookshank's as well. Gus had agreed to do this because of the safety of James's son. Once a marauder's friend, always a marauder's friend. Gus was also one of the only ones that knew that Sirius was innocent. Gus now resided on Dragon Isle, continually discussing new tactics with the Merlin.
Unfortunately, the Merlin would not arrive on Dragon Isle for the next few days. After securing that Hermione was fine, he still had to arrange Harry's summer situation, make peace with giants before Voldemort did, and somehow do away with the dementors. All of this had to be done behind the British Minister of Magic's back. But the Merlin had his ways, and he was building alliances with all the other Ministers, which would convince Fudge better than he could ever do.
Gus was the first to talk as they headed up the hill, towards the transport sector, a specified area where they could transport themselves to Avalon. (Like the one in Chapter 1 with Lily and Narcissa)
"Hermione," Gus said, staring very pensively at the ground before looking at her. "Who was that blond haired boy that tried to hex you?"
"Oh, him…" Hermione said and her face contorted in disgust. "That's Draco Malfoy, and he's a stuck-up git. Actually, he did elongate my teeth this year and I think it was because I don't think he's over the fact that I slapped him."
To Hermione's surprise, both Kenda and Gus had wide eyes when Hermione told them this. "I mean, really, he deserved it. He's an egotistical prat." Hermione said, trying to convince them of her motives.
"You know, Hermione," said Gus, looking at her. "I went to school with his father. He seems to take after him. Have you met his mother?" Kenda shot Gus an angry look, but Hermione didn't notice it.
"As a matter of fact, I have," Hermione said, but there was no way to tell if she loved or hated the woman. "Only for a little while, we were in the top box together at the Quidditch World Cup. She looked very unhappy if you ask me. Why?"
"I knew her well before she married Lucius," Gus dropped his lids painfully, remembering her before she had moved to Slytherin. "She's very different from her husband, really."
Kenda cleared her throat nervously, as though she thought Gus was disclosing too much information to Hermione, which Hermione caught. "We're here…" she said.
As soon as they had completed their circle and said,
"Guide us, great Goddess,
to the place that You call home
To the Isle of Avalon, Your place,
may it stay Your own.
Surrounded by the sacred mists
A curtain to shield in serenity.
A magic that remains unknown,
let it flow now through me."
A flash of blue light burst between them, and then they were on the edge of Avalon, the little boat coming toward them.
"It seems so long since I have been here," Hermione stated, her eyes very glassy. "May I part the mists?"
"Of course you may," Kenda said, smiling. And as soon as they had approached the mists, Hermione stood up, closed her eyes, and raised her arms in the air. Her fingertips touching each other, she parted her arms slowly, the mists following their lead obediently. Slowly, the oarsmen rowed to the shore. A little girl was waiting expectantly for Hermione, with a few older priestess and the Lady herself standing nearby.
"Her-mi-nee!!!" the little girl exclaimed, rushing to the shore. "You're back!" And she hugged Hermione's knees before Hermione could kneel to embrace her.
"Tania!" Hermione said, finally looking at the now six year-old girl. "Look how much you've grown! You're going to be taller than me soon." Hermione stood up and looked at everyone else.
First there was Lycoris, an older priestess who kept the gardens on Avalon. She was Delia's only daughter and loved Hermione because she was so helpful in keeping the gardens pruned and watered, and she loved the plants themselves. Lycoris greeted Hermione in her usual fashion, a hug, and, "You've still got a green thumb, I hope?"
"Of course," said Hermione jovially, which made Lycoris happy as well. "And how is Delia?"
Lycoris sighed heavily, which made Hermione tense up in fear. Delia was now over ninety, and still the only Speaker on the island. But Lycoris laughed when she saw Hermione's face. "Do not worry about her. I will be very surprised if the Goddess herself could kill her. She is tutoring Tegwyn at this very moment." Lycoris said. "She will be very pleased to see you."
Tegwyn was another priestess, about twenty or so, that was chosen to fulfill Delia's place once she had deceased, if that was even possible. Delia had outlived all of her other children; Breyon, her beloved son that had died while fighting in World War II, Elva, a daughter that had died in childbirth in Greece, and Devinne, a baby girl that had not survived her first winter on the island, despite all their attempts to aid her. Delia was kind and wise, a very omniscient vibe always came from her, which she had earned by living ninety-two years.
Next was Shardae, a girl the same age as Hermione who was undergoing training similar to Hermione's and had become a valuable friend of hers. Shardae didn't go to a wizarding school because she wasn't a witch. Shardae was a muggle, but she had devoted her life to what she believed, like others on the island. The Goddess saw past magic and all other barriers, for only she knew who would help her most, and who would send disaster.
"The House of Maidens was getting boring without you, Hermione," Shardae said truthfully. "I can't wait to hear about everyone at your school!"
"Oh! I'm full of stories this year, Shardae, don't worry," Hermione said, giving Shardae a hug as well. "I've missed someone to talk to!" This was true, very true indeed. She had friends at Hogwarts, but, being a priestess of Avalon was a big part of her life, and it was hard only being able to talk about it to Minerva and Dumbledore.
Migina was next in line. She was a middle-aged, eccentric, and beautiful African-American woman. Being the only priestess from America, she wasn't on the island much because she spent much of her time handling the dealings that occurred over there.
"The real question should be…Are you ready for my stories?" Migina muttered, chortling as she squeezed Hermione.
"I can't wait!" said Hermione expectantly.
"Then you're in for an earful, at the very least!" Migina informed her. "A lot has happened in the past year, and I'm not just talking about You-Know-Who…"
And last, other than the Lady, was Lani, who had just became a full priestess last summer. Her mother had been a priestess and her father a priest, so she was raised on the island. Unfortunately, her mother had passed away only a few months before from natural causes, and it had dampened Lani's spirit ever since, but she kept mostly positive. Hermione admired her for that, and for the fact that she did go through the same priestess training as she and Shardae, and had no complaints.
Becoming a priestess was hard, no doubt about that. Besides all the training and learning you went through during your time on the island, there was a week of preparation before your full initiation. This was preparing you for the tests of the elements, water, earth, air, and fire. But since Hermione was to be the Lady, there was the test of the Goddess, which, being her most holy right, was the hardest to bear on a human being, physically, mentally, and emotionally. The Merlin would undergo similar trials before he could become the most important person on Dragon Isle.
Lani didn't speak, but there was a glint in her eyes that told Hermione that Lani was very happy to see her. Finally, the Lady spoke up.
"Come, we have a guest here and a guest to arrive in the morning, we must prepare!" Minerva said, clapping her hands. "And tonight we will celebrate the homecoming of Gus and Hermione!"
"And you, Lady!" Tania piped up as she grasped Hermione's hand and started to make her way up the hill. "We mustn't forget you!"
"Of course not," Minerva heard Hermione say to Tania. Lycoris came up behind her.
"I don't think we've had a girl like her on the island since, well, Lily," Lycoris said, looking at Hermione help Tania up the steepest part of the hill.
"Narcissa also," Minerva muttered, her thoughts swimming around in her head. Kenda rushed up to Minerva.
"Excuse me," Kenda gasped, trying to catch up. "May I have a word with you, Lady?"
"I'll be in the gardens later," said Minerva to Lycoris. "I'll help you make the meal for tonight's celebration." Lycoris bowed, and took the left at the next fork, heading towards the gardens, while Minerva and Kenda took a right, headed for the House of Maidens and the other main buildings.
Minerva could tell Kenda was very nervous about something. "What is wrong, Kenda?" She asked at last, wondering whatever could also be wrong with the world at that moment.
"It is about the future Merlin," Kenda gulped, still very shaky. "He is Narcissa's son, and yet, all I see is his father. Gus said that he tried to hex Hermione and Harry on the train back today and Hermione can't stand him. How are they supposed to work together, like you and the Merlin now?"
"We can only pray, Kenda," Minerva said in a final tone, and Kenda left, knowing the conversation had come to an end. Minerva now walked very slowly now, allowing her thoughts to come full force. True, Hermione was the best candidate for the Lady Avalon had seen in many years, but how would Avalon and Dragon Isle work if they're leaders didn't get along?
Then the most horrible thought entered Minerva's already full mind. They would have to work together, there was no doubt about that, but would she be forced to confront Hermione about the situation as she did with Lily? The Goddess loved Hermione, surely she wouldn't punish her? Something later on that night put her fears to rest, well, at least most of them.
As the feast started, Hermione was in deep conversation with Migina about recent happenings in the muggle world, especially in America. "Oh, it was horrible! Absolutely devastating to everyone there!"
"What happened?" Hermione asked, but not really wanting to know. If it was half as bad as it sounded, Hermione wasn't sure if she wanted to hear it or not.
"In New York there are two huge towers, and on September 11th, terrorists flew planes into them and knocked them down." Migina said, shaking her head. "But you wouldn't believe it, it's made that country stronger! They're banning together to help everyone, really showing those terrorists up, eh?"
"That's amazing! You wouldn't think that something that good could come out of that dreadful," Hermione said in awe.
"Really," Migina said, exasperated as she swallowed a piece of barley bread. "I think that wizards underestimate how well muggles recover and rebuild. It's quite odd though, I mean, we wizards are now faced with aspect of Voldemort back in his full power…"
"What was it like, Migina, when Voldemort was in full power in America?" Hermione wondered aloud, taking a sip of water.
"Oh it was awful. There were spies there too, so you really didn't know who you could trust. You never knew if you would touch a portkey if you picked up a piece of trash. Total paranoia." Migina explained. "But know, there's the aspect of terrorists, which affects both wizard and muggle, and Voldemort and the rebirth of his type of terrorists. They affect the muggles, but, its an unknown threat to them, unless the Minister chooses to alert the public."
"Who is the American Minister of Magic?" asked Hermione, more interested in the discussion than in her meal.
"That would be Aiden Rainer," Migina said, waving her fork. "Wonderful man! So much better than that Fudge. He's good friends with Dumbledore and there's no doubt that Rainer will be one of the ones to convince Fudge to rid Azkaban of those repulsive dementors and to ally with giants."
Meanwhile, there was entirely different conversation going on at the other end of the table. Gus, Minerva, Lycoris, and Kenda were all talking about the past year, which was really summed up in the past few weeks.
"The Merlin is the most prestigious office that we hold, other than the Lady," Gus half said and half whispered. "Are we right to give this place to someone like Draco Malfoy?"
"The Goddess has chosen him for a reason," said Lycoris, shaking her head. "We cannot deny what the Goddess has decreed, no matter how bizarre it may seem."
"But will he turn his back on the God and Goddess and retreat back into being a death eater?" Kenda asked, fear overflowing in her eyes.
"No, he will not," Minerva said, speaking up for the first time and alarming everyone. Gus, Kenda, and Lycoris stared at her. "I do not care how he his persuaded now, but he will not, I repeat, will not, turn back on his mother, his faith, and his destiny. The Goddess does not make mistakes, and I refuse to believe that this is Her first. Draco is special, as special as Hermione is and Lucius will not win him over as long as the Goddess keeps me alive on this Earth." That conversation was over at the end of that powerful sentence.
Minerva made her way down the labyrinthine path, going towards the well, and the silver bowl. Goddess willing, one could look into the bowl and see into the future, both the immediate and far future.
She bent over the bowl, staring into it. Ripples grazed over the water, caused by a small gust of wind. As the ripples cleared, there was a picture. It was Draco, in a face paint mask, being tested by the Goddess. It was the best of visions that the Goddess could give, but one thing haunted Minerva; What thing would make Draco so sure of becoming the Merlin of Britain?
Her thoughts were interrupted by Hermione, shaking her out of her trance. Minerva was lucky it was Hermione, for any of the older priestesses would have questioned her, which would be depriving on the body the next day. She had no doubt in her mind that Hermione knew this fact, and Hermione, being selfless, knew that Minerva would be in no state to see the Merlin tomorrow if she pushed the vision upon her.
Hermione had been out walking with Tania, and they both helped Minerva back to her quarters, where Kenda took care of her. Tania and Hermione returned to the house of maidens, and both had a peaceful night's sleep, which was good, because the next day would be quite eventful.
The Merlin arrived early the next morning, along with Wendell, the bard. They ate, and then were escorted around the island. Hermione had never met Wendell before, so she decided to get to know him better.
"Ah, and this must be Hermione," Wendell said fondly, shaking her hand. "It is a pleasure to meet the future Lady of Avalon." He bowed to her. "I am at your service."
Hermione giggled. No one had ever shown her that much reverence. "Actually, I was wondering if you could teach me
about the harp. I know a little, but nothing compared to you."
Wendell's middle-aged face showed a tinge of pink when he smiled. "Of course I will. You may use my harp." He took the large sack off his back, which allowed him to straighten up. He unwrapped the harp and set it upright. It was beautiful, made of dark ebony. Hermione was in awe, and was almost afraid that if she touched it, it would crumble before her eyes.
"May I?" Hermione asked, and when he nodded, she plucked one of the strings. It sounded so majestic, so free.
"You may play if you wish. Go on, show me what you already know," He said with interest.
Hermione sat on a nearby stool and took the harp in her arms. Her fingers danced across the strings, forming a well known tune on Avalon, which was giving life as Hermione added her voice.
"The winter snow is white and fair-
Lost, 'tis lost and I sit mourning-
It melts and leaves earth moist and bare.
Oh, it may come again,
but never twice the same.
The flower that blooms proclaims the spring-
Lost, 'tis lost and I sit mourning-
For it must fall, the fruits to bring.
Oh, it may come again,
but never twice the same.
The summer fields with grain blaze gold-
Lost, 'tis lost and I sit mourning-
Cut down for bread for winter's cold.
Oh, it may come again,
but never twice the same.
The autumn chill gives the sun bright glow-
Lost, 'tis lost and I sit mourning-
Prepares the way for the virgin snow.
Oh, may it come again,
but never twice the same." (A/N: The first three verses are in the book, Lady of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley, but the last verse was made up by yours truly)
From the moment Hermione started playing, everyone on the island stood still, and as soon as she stopped, they went back to their work, as if under a trance.
"Very good, Hermione," Wendell said, looking very excited. "I think I can teach a few more songs, but your playing was exquisite!"
Minerva and Merlin were headed up the rocky path towards Tor (A place that is Stonehenge like and very important to Avalon and Dragon Isle.) when they heard Hermione's voice. They stopped and listen, then continued in silence, until the Merlin finally spoke.
"Hermione is in danger," Merlin said, looking at Minerva, who had no response whatsoever. "More danger than we first had thought. Voldemort knows about her, but not enough. Karkaroff has probably told him about how special she is, but not about her priestess-hood."
"Hermione has her head on straight, I have fewer concerns about her than I have about Draco." Minerva said, shaking her head. "I know that he will be Merlin in the end, but what will change his mind. Will Lucius die?"
"I don't think any of us have the right to guess, for only the Goddess knows for sure," Merlin said heavily. "There are many ways, and Lucius's death could be one of them. But I don't think we could begin to guess…all we have left is patience. Patience and hope…"
"Merlin, what about the Rights?" Minerva said, stopping dead in her tracks, as if just noticing this flaw in their plan.
"I knew I could count on you to remind me of that," Merlin chuckled. "Minerva, in our time, and with our positions, it was not a shameful thing, which I hope it is not to them. But with the extreme dislike and high expectations of their peers, I do believe the God and Goddess would not be dissatisfied with a single kiss. But we cannot tell them who the other really is, or their knowledge of the other's reputation will overshadow the true meaning of the Rights. We will use middle names, for they most likely do not know the other's. What do you think, Lady?"
"I knew I could count on you," Minerva said, smiling broadly. "Have we protected the Grangers?"
"As best as we can," Merlin said, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "Harry is only to stay at the Dursleys for two weeks, at the very most, to keep him safe while Mr. Weasley is away on my instructions. I am allowing Mr. Weasley to tell Harry why Voldemort wanted to kill him."
"Albus," Minerva said shakily. "Are you sure he is ready?"
"I am very sure," Merlin said, very taken aback with Minerva's reaction. "Harry lives his life on questions with which he has no answers for. This is what we can give him now, later he will know more."
The next day, Hermione and Tania went to help Lycoris as promised. Today they were picking coriander and rhubarb, which were needed to make a serum to ease the pain of childbirth, which they were running low of. Tania stumbled on one of the rocks and skinned her knee on it. Shardae came and got her, taking her to the House of Maidens to be taken care of. Lycoris and Hermione continued to work without her.
"Hermione," Lycoris said, wiping her brow. "Would you go to the far edge of the garden to get that last bunch of coriander? I'll go ahead and take these to the shed, and you can meet me there."
"Sounds good to me," Hermione started down the row of plants, finally reaching the very edge of the garden and picking the coriander carefully. As she turned to leave, she found that she couldn't. She was surrounded by mist similar to those that guarded the isle. Had she gone too far? Was she in the land of the Faeries? A haze surrounded her, and a golden figure descended before her, toes barely touching the ground, levitating in the air. She was a beautiful woman, a sort of unearthly beauty.
"Hermione Granger," Her voice was soft and kind, yet it sounded so distant. "I am Sheannon, the Faerie Queen. My child is being raised on the island. She often talks about you. I am so glad you are her mentor, I had chosen you long ago…"
"Tania is your daughter?" Hermione asked, completely transfixed.
"Yes," Sheannon's voice was not harsh but still extremely gentle. "Her father was one of the mortal folk, and Minerva has been kind enough to teach her the ways of the priestess. I knew that she needed a good influence, or she would never reach her full potential, and I chose you to help her."
"But how?" Hermione said, astonished and confused at the same time. "I am nine years older than she, how could you know that I would be her mentor?"
"Never underestimate the ways of the Faerie," Sheannon said knowledgeably. "But it is your future that scares me."
"My future?" Hermione was now feeling prickles on the back of her neck.
"Lord Voldemort is not only after Harry, but after you," Sheannon stated, without any emotion showing on her face. "He knows you are extraordinary, so much that you might even be a threat to him."
"A threat…to…to…You-Know-Who?" Hermione gulped. This was just too much.
"Hermione, I bestow on you the blessing of the Faerie folk," Sheannon's voice rang in Hermione's ears. "You will never be alone. You are a princess to my people." She kissed Hermione lightly on her forehead.
"Forever protected and never forgotten," Sheannon echoed, and her figure disappeared from sight. Hermione felt herself hit the ground and heard Lycoris's voice, but she couldn't open her eyes, everything around her was slowly slipping away.
"Oh, my- Hermione!" Lycoris saw Hermione hit the ground, so Lycoris dropped what she was holding, ran over, and tried to revive her, but her attempt was in vain. "Help!" Lycoris yelled, praying that someone would hear her. "Please, someone, anyone - help!"
The Lady and Merlin were almost to the top of the Tor when they heard Lycoris.
"This can't be good," the Lady said, as she turned her head in an attempt to hear the calls better. "Lycoris never looses her head like this. This has to be a true emergency."
The Lady apparated at once, which left the Merlin standing flabbergasted by himself, but within a few seconds he too apparated to the urgent scene.
Once the Lady landed firmly on the ground, she sprinted across the field to see what had really happened. Lycoris was bending over a lifeless form, that proved to be Hermione. The Merlin arrived soon after.
Minerva stared at Hermione, waiting for any form of movement, but when it didn't come, Minerva began to worry as well. The Merlin silently stood beside Minerva.
"Don't worry, Lady," the Merlin said, looking intently at Hermione's lifeless nature. "She has only sustained a very powerful visit, one that most priestesses usually survive." He lifted Hermione up, but he looked so frail, and brushed her hair away from the top of her brow. There was a mark, shaped like a star, the glowed bright blue. "Just as I suspected. The Faerie Queen has given Hermione protection, not unlike the type that Lily's sacrifice gave Harry. It will numb when danger is near."
"She will wake," the Merlin was still staring at her, as though determining her condition by just looking at her. "But allow her to wake on her own, it will ease some of the stress and exhaustion.
The Merlin carried Hermione back to the House of Maidens, and laid her on her bed.
"Minerva," the Merlin said, after exiting the house. "Would you tell Hermione to grow her bangs back out? I don't believe that Hogwarts is ready for this yet. Voldemort is closing in, and he wants to conquer the whole world, Avalon included. I have spoken to a few ministers, and they see nothing wrong with my plan. Fudge will have to be convinced, especially since Rainer is in on it; Fudge hates getting behind the American Ministry. Hagrid and Olympe are involved in uniting most of the giants. It is as much as we can do now, all we can do is wait…"
Draco was excited. Tonight was the night when he would finally meet the Dark Lord Voldemort, a most important meeting to a soon to be death-eater.
Draco and his father had spent the whole day preparing (Aww, father/son activities!) for the encounter. Voldemort would examine the youngster then, seeing if he was suitable to be one of his disciples. This often came with a challenge to test loyalty and endurance.
Draco was ready for anything, but the guilt was coming. He hadn't seen his mother, and he knew that, however she tried to hide it, she did not like the idea of her son becoming a death-eater.
"Well," Lucius said, straightening his robe sleeves. "It is time we should be leaving, Draco, the Dark Lord values punctuality."
"I'll be there in a moment," Draco said, trying to fasten the many buttons on his new robe. He heard Lucius begin to hum "Over There" and the door shut behind him. Only a few seconds afterwards, there was a soft knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Draco asked impatiently as he struggled with a button, he didn't even want to fathom what would happen to him if he were late.
The door creaked open to reveal his mother, slightly paler than usual. "Draco," her voice was hoarse, as though she's been crying.
"Yes, mother?" Draco looked up, still fiddling with the same stubborn button.
"Here, let me help you," Narcissa said, walking over and fastening his final button on his robe. "I want you to know that being a death-eater is not your only choice for your vocation. It is up to you, but you can defy your father," she stopped, amazed with what she had said, but Draco understood.
"Thanks, mum," Draco smiled vaguely. He didn't feel like smiling at the moment.
"Let me have a look at you," said Narcissa, looking at him carefully. "More like your father everyday, but you've still got my eyes, I hope that doesn't change." She kissed him lightly on his forehead. "Please be careful, please. I don't know what I would do without you."
They heard the door open. "Draco! Are you ready yet? Voldemort doesn't like those that are fashionably late. We need to go!" And the door slammed after the ring of Lucius's voice had fallen.
"I promise to be careful," Draco said hastily, running towards the door. "Love you!"
Narcissa sat on the bed, breathing heavily, she thought she might start to cry again. "That boy doesn't realize how important he is," Narcissa wasn't talking to herself, but praying. "Please, whatever happens, please do not let any harm come to Draco, he will find his way. If he is in harm's way, then let me take his place." That ended her prayer, yet she never realized how powerful and true those words would become.
Nagini was bored, and waiting for the new recruits was not very exciting for a snake. Only Voldemort could talk to her, and he was busy. But, for a simple snake, she had problems of her own.
Nagini had been raised in captivity, in a small, cramped cage in a zoo, until that glorious day that she had been set free. That was the day that she first met someone she could talk to, a small human boy. She hated people banging and tapping on her glass, but this boy talked to her, in serpent tongue, which had amazed her.
He unknowingly set her free, somehow making the glass disappear, vanish into thin air. That was the last time she saw the 'magic' boy, but remembering only one thing about him, a curiously shaped scar on his forehead. She had fled, determined not to be recaptured. In the Black Forests of Albania, she had met Voldemort, and they became friends, since he was able to talk to her as well. Being a snake, she had no idea that he was evil, she only knew what she told him.
The thing that was bothering her was the boy Voldemort was after. Nagini knew nothing of a Harry Potter, except that Voldemort wanted to kill him.
Earlier that summer, Voldemort had been able to transport the boy to his rebirthing ceremony. Nagini arrived later, and got a chance to see the boy. He has the same cut on his forehead as the boy that set her free did. They couldn't be the same person, could they? But because of her ignorance, Nagini didn't know if some humans had these, for she knew of people that didn't have a trace of the oddly shaped incision on their faces, or if this boy she was helping to kill, was actually the one that had set her free, which she was in debt to.
Then the meeting got more interesting when two people arrived, Lucius and his son. As soon as all the death-eaters were assembled, Voldemort swept over to where Draco was, his face the only one not hidden by a mask.
"Draco Malfoy," Voldemort said silkily, looking him up and down. "I can only hope that you will be more faithful than your father."
"I will, master," Draco said, not scared or nervous, even though he knew everyone was looking at him.
"But," Voldemort stared at Draco with his red eyes, piercing him. "I smell guilt upon you," Voldemort turned his gaze from Draco to Lucius. "Have you been letting Narcissa have free reign on him?"
"For his first few years," Lucius said quietly. "But soon she had no say in his future."
"You fool!" Voldemort yelled directly at Lucius's face, which did not move. "Narcissa has forces behind her, the forces that I wish to remove from this earth!"
Draco felt a pang in his heart. He was still not sure about Dragon Isle, sure it was important, but being a death-eater was so much more challenging. But he loved his mother, and Voldemort knew this was going to be a problem.
Voldemort slowly turned back to Draco, looking at him thoughtfully. "You will have to prove your worth and loyalty to me, not to the God and Goddess, therefore your challenge will be against their will. Let's see then…" Voldemort thought for a moment, then a brilliant idea came to him. "I want you to find out what are Potter's weaknesses. Every hero has one, and it is your job to find his."
"I will, my Lord," Draco said, and he bowed deeply.
"You may leave," Voldemort said, waving his hand in a dismissal sort of way. "Your father will join you shortly."
And with that, Draco apparated away, landing in a field close to his mansion. He walked slowly, pondering everything in his mind. Getting information from Potter would be easy, but it was making his mind up about which way to go. If he deserted Dragon Isle and abandoned the belief that he had been raised and taught to be true, he'd be leaving his 'family' over there, which was something he did not want to do. His fifth year at Hogwarts would be starting soon, and maybe that would help him make his decision a little bit easier, Snape would help.
Snape had been one of Draco's best influences, and a good person to confide in. Draco could never trust anybody with the secret that he was both for Voldemort and against him, involved with something that Voldemort himself had vowed to destroy. Snape understood, after all he did turn his back on the dark ways as well, and he felt more comfortable talking about being a death-eater with Snape than with Dumbledore. But he still discussed visits with the Sight with Dumbledore, although the Death-eater side of him wanted to make fun of the muggle-lover, but he was torn between his two destinies. Half a charade, and half a real person was Draco Malfoy.
Two weeks with the Dursleys had been hell. They were at the worst as they had ever been. They no longer referred to Harry as a creature, vegetable, animal, or mineral, and anything referring to a tongue or the tongue incident was the highest form of blaspheming that could be committed at number four, Privet Drive.
But now that was over, and he had finally come to the Weasly's, which, to him, was his real home. Everyone there was so happy to see him alive and well. Ron and Mr. Weasley had come to pick him up at the Dursleys in a Ministry car, so this visit was less eventful than last years. Ron said he had received some letters from Sirius about his whereabouts and information that he had learned while traveling. And one fact that confused both Ron and Harry.
"Harry, dear, how have you been?" Mrs. Weasley squealed as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Fine, Mrs. Weasley," he managed to say as he was being squeezed to death. "Just fine."
All the other Weasleys smiled at him with a half welcoming, half sympathizing look. They hadn't changed much at all. Bill still had his long ponytail and fang earring which seemed much to the dismay of his mother.
"Nice to see you again, Harry," said Bill, shaking Harry's hand.
"Alloa, Harry," Charlie said enthusiastically, also shaking Harry's hand, which Harry found to be covered with yet more calluses and burns.
"Norbert giving you a hard time, eh?" said Harry, smiling broadly, as did Ron, remembering the troublesome little dragon they had to leave in Charlie's care in Romania.
"Not as bad as the herd of Peruvian Vipertooths that we received last month," Charlie looked exasperated at the very thought of the dragons. "Nightmare, an absolute nightmare, honestly…"
"Harry!" Fred said, shaking his hand vigorously. "We've heard from dad that Quidditch is on this year, for sure."
"And thanks for, um," George looked around to make sure no one was listening. "The help you gave us."
"Yeah," Fred agreed. "Zonko's has offered us a spot in their Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley shops. They said its good for us youngsters to be helping wizards laugh."
"Anything to help," Harry said, looking a bit crestfallen. "After all, it was my fault."
"Don't talk nonsense Harry," said Fred compassionately.
"Yeah, don't be so hard on yourself," said George, looking at Harry's melancholy expression. "He was bound to come back again. He's got a strong power driving him, whatever it is."
"Hi, Harry," said Ginny, blushing slightly.
"Ginny, how have you been?" Harry said, smiling at her.
"Well enough," she replied then she turned to Ron. "When is Hermione coming?"
"I already told you, she'll be here in a few days," said Ron, a little suspicious. "She's had a family emergency, why?"
Harry looked at Ginny, and knew that what she would say was not going to be the complete truth. "Just wanted to know," she said rather quickly, and she ran up the stairs, her footsteps could be heard resounding through the entire house.
Harry raised his eyebrows at Ron, who shrugged. They both reached a silent agreement, 'Girls'. Finally Harry realized someone was missing from the Weasley clan. When Harry pointed this out to Ron, Ron didn't seem very excited to tell Harry why Percy wasn't present.
"Oh, Percy," Ron sighed heavily and rolled his eyes at the same time. "Percy was devastated with the whole Mr. Crouch thing, and has lost his faith in Fudge, so he's serving an internship in America with their minister, Aiden Rainer." Suddenly, Mrs. Weasley bustled over, waving a wooden spoon threateningly at the both of them.
"Now, Ron, you help Harry take his things upstairs and then you two can help the others catch the Jarvey outside." Mrs. Weasley scowled. "I wish Arthur would just let me keep it in the garden for a few days, but he insists its cruelty to the gnomes. Well, they need to stay away and if that's what will do it, then I'll use it…" She continued rambling, but Harry and Ron left quietly to go help the other Weasley's catch the insane Jarvey, but not before some more of Harry's questions were answered.
"What's happened to Ginny?" Harry asked, interested. "She's acting so different."
"I know," Ron said knowledgeably. "She's been acting weird all summer, keeping a lot to herself. Oh, and Sirius says that he hadn't been getting any responses from Hermione."
"Do you think she's all right?" Harry wondered, a little worried.
"I don't know," said Ron, concerned. Harry saw him turn pink, and he couldn't believe Ron hadn't told Hermione that he liked her, but things would turn out, somehow.
"Weird," said Harry, sighing.
"Get out of the way, Hephaestus hands!" said the Jarvey to Charlie.
A/N: I really did not mean for this chapter to be this long! The whole chapter was supposed to be fifth and sixth year, but this is as far as I got before I figured you'd be bored, but the coming chapters will be exciting. Thank you for reading! I give to thee Quidditch through the Ages, a capital D, Mardi Gras beads, and lip gloss to all my reviewers! Next chapter shouldn't be long! Thanks for reading, Epequa!