A/N: hey, ya'll. I wanted to give some thanks to the people who have
reviewed, and respond to some of the questions, then I will write chapter
17... oh, and by the way, for those of you who don't skip over the author's
notes, a big surprise is coming in either this chapter or the next.
kit kat, thanks for the reviews, but you have got to stop asking questions that you know I will explain later!!! But they make me laugh any way. I am just playing, ask me what you want.
Gottalovedrakie: hey, you need to up date more often!!!! You're leaving me hanging!
Mistress of the dragons: thanks for the review.
Silver Serpant: He he, Sere pisses me off sometimes too, but it makes her a fun character to write about. And the Cri is going to be very interesting.
Paprika90: hope you have acomfortable edge!!! You might be their a while;)
Proudmudblood: He he, moms never understand fanfiction. My mom looks at me strange too!
Lanhar: he he, well keep guessing, I love to make people think about my stories.
Chapter seventeen
The week went by slowly, while Hermione and the others read up on Ezil Wis and everything that applied to them. Hermione learned to live with her wings (though she still had to have help bathing and then separating the feathers) and found them as a natural part of life after a few days. She could hid them with ease by that Friday, and was happy that she could go to dinner that night instead of having to have Harry, Ron and Ginny go get it for her.
Draco had been clingy until Wednesday, when Hermione got so angry with him being over her shoulder she through a book at him. She liked Draco, but she wasn't sure about what was to happen with them. She didn't want a Relationship with him, not with everything else in the world going on. Ginny said that Draco was worried, because he thought that Hermione didn't trust him.
'Trust him.' Hermione thought as she brushed her hair before dinner. 'I trust him. And I have feelings for him. But I can't act on them like a twit. I need to focus on what has become of me. I am not natural, no matter what they say. It's like, I hear things better, and my sight, I can see faces at the quitddich field from my window. This isn't normal.'
Just then, Draco knocked, and opened the door. "You ready to go?"
"Yeah." Hermione stood up, wearing jeans and her hoodie, the same one she had worn on Saturday last week. She walked over to Draco, and hugged him. "I do trust you, Draco."
"Ginny's got a big mouth."
Hermione smiled, and the walked to the great Hall. Once arriving, they walked to the head's table. Dumbledore had given notice that the head's were hosting the dace as a pair, and that there would be no argument over it. He had set the head's table in front of the hall, on the lower level, in front of the professor's table. Draco and Hermione walked in side by side, Hermione in her jeans and hoodie, and Draco in black slacks and a dark green muscle tee. They sat quickly, with stares from every one. The students who didn't know what had happened over the past week were shocked. The head's weren't bickering, or shooting mean glances at each other. They walked calmly, with slight smiles, and Draco Malfoy had pulled out Hermione's chair for her. Dinner began quickly after they were seated, but many eyes kept on them.
By the time dessert was served, the hall doors swung open. A man in a long black, hooded trench coat walked in, followed what looked like a girl in a Grey cloak. The man looked like he wore ridding breeches, and the girl wore a short black skirt with black leggings and riding boots. Hagrid stood.
"May I help you?"
The man spoke in a scratchy baritone. "I am looking for the headmaster." The man looked to see Dumbledore. "Albus."
"Athos. So, you have come. I would have expected you sooner, and alone."
The hooded man named Athos removed his hood, revealing jet black hair, which was waved slightly. It was to his shoulders. "I had to gather an other potential... student. Some one of whom you have had the pleasure of seeing only as a child. Her sister is an Aleva."
Dumbledore summoned him forward with his hand, and then moved to stand in front of the table. "Athos, you found her?"
"of course. And the other?"
"Already dealt with."
"Very well, tonight we will complete our oath, Brother mine."
Dumbledore looked to Hermione and Draco. "Please, come here, the both of you." They stood and walked over. Harry, Ron and Ginny were watching, and Dumbledore called them over with his hand. Once they were all there, he lead them out, with the school speculating what was going on.
Dumbledore took them to the head's common room. Once inside, the man named Athos pushed the girl towards Hermione. "Damiana, remove your hood, sweet child." The girl did, revealing hair exactly like Hermione's, and a face almost identical to Hermione's, the only difference being blue eyes. The girl's eyes widened and Hermione covered her mouth.
Ron was the one to speak first. "You look like Hermione."
Draco tossed him a glare. "Nice deduction, Weasley." Draco turned to the man. "So, Athos, right? What the hell is going on?"
"Hermione and Damiana are twin sisters. You see, when they were born, the present Cri ordered their mother to disown them. The Cri thought Serenity was the golden child, you see, and after her birth, the union between your father and mother was voided. But they could not stay apart. And so, you were born, together. Serenity still lived in your mother's home, and was madly in love with her two little sisters. The Cri went nuts, and ordered your mother executed on grounds of disobedience. You father whisked you two and Serenity away to Albus and I, one a professor and one a wanderer. We had to keep you and Damiana separate because together, the Cri would feel your power. So Albus sent you to the Grangers, and I kept Damiana with me, passing her off as my own child. Four years later, I gave Damiana to a friend in California to look after, because the road is no place for a child, hoping it would be far enough away from you that your powers wouldn't be felt." "Your sister hated the muggle world, and ran from it to the Aleva. She did not tell them that you were with her, and for that, we thank the heavens. She went to the states looking for Damiana, and found her, only once. My friend called me, and I whisked her away. She's been with me ever since."
Damiana spoke for the first time. "Hermione... What is Serenity like?"
"You don't want me to answer that." Hermione said, looking down at the ground.
Athos touched Damiana's shoulder and spoke to the rest of the group. "She needs to be made tonight."
Dumbledore walked up to Ron, and patted his shoulder. "Ron, the reason I did not pair you with Hermione is because Damiana is the one who you are meant to be companion to. She is the one of whom you've seen." Ron nodded. "I knew you would understand."
Ron shook his head. "I don't understand, but I trust you completely."
Dumbledore smiled slightly. "Hermione, take Damiana to your room, and prepare her for the making. You can catch up afterwards. Draco, do the same for Ron." After the four had left the room, he continued, "Harry, Ginny, you will do exactly what you did before, and Athos and I will ward the room tight. Listen for Draco's release."
When the four had come down, Ron with out his shirt on and Damiana in Hermione's making outfit, Dumbledore turned to Hermione. "You can not be here for this."
"Why not?!"
"Because any Aleva in the room will be bound to her. If she dies, you will become comatose for a year, and the same with her to you... we don't want that."
Hermione was taken back..."Will one of us..."
Athos cut in. "Only to save you from it, not a prediction. You must go to your room, feel for your older sister, and make sure she does not come here until this is over."
Hermione nodded, and turned to her sister. "Before you start," Hermione said, and took off her shirt, revealing a white halter top. "These are my wings." Hermione closed her eyes and let her wings come out. They spread open, and Damiana's eyes grew wide. "Remember that I went through it, and while you are down here, I will relive it, thinking about you, the twin I have never known."
"Mine are silver, with a dusty pink tinge." Damiana laughed, and Hermione smiled. "Too girly for my blood."
"Hey, at least they aren't bright pink!" Both girls started laughing, and Hermione walked into her room and Shut her door.
The making went with out a hitch, Serenity never coming, and Hermione watching vigilantly. After wards, Hermione helped Ginny bathe Damiana, and Draco, Ron, and Harry went to Hogmeade to get sweets. Damiana, or Dami, smiled sweetly, and took her lessons to Heart. Hermione taught her what she knew, and by the time the boys got back (they had bought butterbeers for themselves and enjoyed them in town) Dami was caught up with Hermione in everything. The girls sat reading the books again, and the boys handed over their treats, with Ron sitting close to Dami, and gently rubbing her back in between her wings.
The Dumbledore brothers, Albus and Athos, watched the pupils they had come to trust and love. Albus had always known Draco would turn from his father and Voldemort, and he has made a better person than thought. But they both were troubled. Halloween was the night the Serenity would come for the 1000th anniversary of Hogwarts, were all of the wizarding world, including the magical creatures associations, would come to celebrate. She would come for both of the girls, and then take them if possible. Serenity was the Claw of the Cri, and the Cri does not play games when it comes to power.
"Athos, do you remember when Cri used to be..."
"more human, less power hungry?"
"It worries me. She is causing so much pain for every one."
"Albus, did I tell you what she does to knew recruits? She gives them a companion in the making, but then makes them cast the companion aside. All these wizards are "rented" whenever they leave the Aleva compound. Heaven forbid if an Ezil Wis or Jast falls for a companion... the Companion and Ezil Wis are killed. Right then. Hell, William was only able to get away because Tzira kept the Cri's attention. Albus, something has to be done!"
"The ministry will not get involved, not in this."
"Then all hope for them is lost."
"Athos, you are wrong." Albus nodded toward the students and Dami, all sitting on a couch while Dami told them of her life with Athos. She and Hermione looked so much alike, especially with their wings closed. The only way to tell the difference was their eyes. "These, here. They are the hope."
"And people call me a romantic."
"They will show the Aleva the importance of the companions."
"For once, I hope you are right, Albus. I'ld hate to see Dami hurt. I haven't seen her this happy in a long time. And the boy you picked, he is perfect for her. His attention hasn't left her all night."
"Ron came to me about two weeks ago, very troubled. He asked me if I could explain a dream he was having, and that he didn't want to trust any one but me with it. Of course, I said I would listen. He told me of a blue-eyed Hermione, who spoke sweetly to him, who knew everything about him, and who made him feel like he was flying. I knew then that he was dreaming of Dami. I didn't think it meant he was her companion until you said she had not been blooded. But then, it makes sense. Dami and Hermione, paired with two full blood wizards, and Harry potter with another witch. All to fight Voldemort, and protect the world, right?"
"Who knows, Albus... but I plan to stick around and find out."
"What? You? Stay in one place?"
"Don't act so shocked. Dami is a daughter to me. I would not abandon her."
"You are worried about Halloween."
"Ey, and more. Serenity is powerful... I briefly remember her kicking your ass not that long ago."
"Eleven years, and I was drunk at the time." Athos's hair began to gray, and with a quick flick of his wand, a potion appeared, and Athos downed it. "Still taking that?"
"Yes. I don't like being old. Age doesn't become me like it becomes you. And you can't bother me on it either. You did it too."
"Never every day, and never at the slightest sign of gray. You should act your age, brother."
"Never." Athos smirked, and patted his brother's back.
kit kat, thanks for the reviews, but you have got to stop asking questions that you know I will explain later!!! But they make me laugh any way. I am just playing, ask me what you want.
Gottalovedrakie: hey, you need to up date more often!!!! You're leaving me hanging!
Mistress of the dragons: thanks for the review.
Silver Serpant: He he, Sere pisses me off sometimes too, but it makes her a fun character to write about. And the Cri is going to be very interesting.
Paprika90: hope you have acomfortable edge!!! You might be their a while;)
Proudmudblood: He he, moms never understand fanfiction. My mom looks at me strange too!
Lanhar: he he, well keep guessing, I love to make people think about my stories.
Chapter seventeen
The week went by slowly, while Hermione and the others read up on Ezil Wis and everything that applied to them. Hermione learned to live with her wings (though she still had to have help bathing and then separating the feathers) and found them as a natural part of life after a few days. She could hid them with ease by that Friday, and was happy that she could go to dinner that night instead of having to have Harry, Ron and Ginny go get it for her.
Draco had been clingy until Wednesday, when Hermione got so angry with him being over her shoulder she through a book at him. She liked Draco, but she wasn't sure about what was to happen with them. She didn't want a Relationship with him, not with everything else in the world going on. Ginny said that Draco was worried, because he thought that Hermione didn't trust him.
'Trust him.' Hermione thought as she brushed her hair before dinner. 'I trust him. And I have feelings for him. But I can't act on them like a twit. I need to focus on what has become of me. I am not natural, no matter what they say. It's like, I hear things better, and my sight, I can see faces at the quitddich field from my window. This isn't normal.'
Just then, Draco knocked, and opened the door. "You ready to go?"
"Yeah." Hermione stood up, wearing jeans and her hoodie, the same one she had worn on Saturday last week. She walked over to Draco, and hugged him. "I do trust you, Draco."
"Ginny's got a big mouth."
Hermione smiled, and the walked to the great Hall. Once arriving, they walked to the head's table. Dumbledore had given notice that the head's were hosting the dace as a pair, and that there would be no argument over it. He had set the head's table in front of the hall, on the lower level, in front of the professor's table. Draco and Hermione walked in side by side, Hermione in her jeans and hoodie, and Draco in black slacks and a dark green muscle tee. They sat quickly, with stares from every one. The students who didn't know what had happened over the past week were shocked. The head's weren't bickering, or shooting mean glances at each other. They walked calmly, with slight smiles, and Draco Malfoy had pulled out Hermione's chair for her. Dinner began quickly after they were seated, but many eyes kept on them.
By the time dessert was served, the hall doors swung open. A man in a long black, hooded trench coat walked in, followed what looked like a girl in a Grey cloak. The man looked like he wore ridding breeches, and the girl wore a short black skirt with black leggings and riding boots. Hagrid stood.
"May I help you?"
The man spoke in a scratchy baritone. "I am looking for the headmaster." The man looked to see Dumbledore. "Albus."
"Athos. So, you have come. I would have expected you sooner, and alone."
The hooded man named Athos removed his hood, revealing jet black hair, which was waved slightly. It was to his shoulders. "I had to gather an other potential... student. Some one of whom you have had the pleasure of seeing only as a child. Her sister is an Aleva."
Dumbledore summoned him forward with his hand, and then moved to stand in front of the table. "Athos, you found her?"
"of course. And the other?"
"Already dealt with."
"Very well, tonight we will complete our oath, Brother mine."
Dumbledore looked to Hermione and Draco. "Please, come here, the both of you." They stood and walked over. Harry, Ron and Ginny were watching, and Dumbledore called them over with his hand. Once they were all there, he lead them out, with the school speculating what was going on.
Dumbledore took them to the head's common room. Once inside, the man named Athos pushed the girl towards Hermione. "Damiana, remove your hood, sweet child." The girl did, revealing hair exactly like Hermione's, and a face almost identical to Hermione's, the only difference being blue eyes. The girl's eyes widened and Hermione covered her mouth.
Ron was the one to speak first. "You look like Hermione."
Draco tossed him a glare. "Nice deduction, Weasley." Draco turned to the man. "So, Athos, right? What the hell is going on?"
"Hermione and Damiana are twin sisters. You see, when they were born, the present Cri ordered their mother to disown them. The Cri thought Serenity was the golden child, you see, and after her birth, the union between your father and mother was voided. But they could not stay apart. And so, you were born, together. Serenity still lived in your mother's home, and was madly in love with her two little sisters. The Cri went nuts, and ordered your mother executed on grounds of disobedience. You father whisked you two and Serenity away to Albus and I, one a professor and one a wanderer. We had to keep you and Damiana separate because together, the Cri would feel your power. So Albus sent you to the Grangers, and I kept Damiana with me, passing her off as my own child. Four years later, I gave Damiana to a friend in California to look after, because the road is no place for a child, hoping it would be far enough away from you that your powers wouldn't be felt." "Your sister hated the muggle world, and ran from it to the Aleva. She did not tell them that you were with her, and for that, we thank the heavens. She went to the states looking for Damiana, and found her, only once. My friend called me, and I whisked her away. She's been with me ever since."
Damiana spoke for the first time. "Hermione... What is Serenity like?"
"You don't want me to answer that." Hermione said, looking down at the ground.
Athos touched Damiana's shoulder and spoke to the rest of the group. "She needs to be made tonight."
Dumbledore walked up to Ron, and patted his shoulder. "Ron, the reason I did not pair you with Hermione is because Damiana is the one who you are meant to be companion to. She is the one of whom you've seen." Ron nodded. "I knew you would understand."
Ron shook his head. "I don't understand, but I trust you completely."
Dumbledore smiled slightly. "Hermione, take Damiana to your room, and prepare her for the making. You can catch up afterwards. Draco, do the same for Ron." After the four had left the room, he continued, "Harry, Ginny, you will do exactly what you did before, and Athos and I will ward the room tight. Listen for Draco's release."
When the four had come down, Ron with out his shirt on and Damiana in Hermione's making outfit, Dumbledore turned to Hermione. "You can not be here for this."
"Why not?!"
"Because any Aleva in the room will be bound to her. If she dies, you will become comatose for a year, and the same with her to you... we don't want that."
Hermione was taken back..."Will one of us..."
Athos cut in. "Only to save you from it, not a prediction. You must go to your room, feel for your older sister, and make sure she does not come here until this is over."
Hermione nodded, and turned to her sister. "Before you start," Hermione said, and took off her shirt, revealing a white halter top. "These are my wings." Hermione closed her eyes and let her wings come out. They spread open, and Damiana's eyes grew wide. "Remember that I went through it, and while you are down here, I will relive it, thinking about you, the twin I have never known."
"Mine are silver, with a dusty pink tinge." Damiana laughed, and Hermione smiled. "Too girly for my blood."
"Hey, at least they aren't bright pink!" Both girls started laughing, and Hermione walked into her room and Shut her door.
The making went with out a hitch, Serenity never coming, and Hermione watching vigilantly. After wards, Hermione helped Ginny bathe Damiana, and Draco, Ron, and Harry went to Hogmeade to get sweets. Damiana, or Dami, smiled sweetly, and took her lessons to Heart. Hermione taught her what she knew, and by the time the boys got back (they had bought butterbeers for themselves and enjoyed them in town) Dami was caught up with Hermione in everything. The girls sat reading the books again, and the boys handed over their treats, with Ron sitting close to Dami, and gently rubbing her back in between her wings.
The Dumbledore brothers, Albus and Athos, watched the pupils they had come to trust and love. Albus had always known Draco would turn from his father and Voldemort, and he has made a better person than thought. But they both were troubled. Halloween was the night the Serenity would come for the 1000th anniversary of Hogwarts, were all of the wizarding world, including the magical creatures associations, would come to celebrate. She would come for both of the girls, and then take them if possible. Serenity was the Claw of the Cri, and the Cri does not play games when it comes to power.
"Athos, do you remember when Cri used to be..."
"more human, less power hungry?"
"It worries me. She is causing so much pain for every one."
"Albus, did I tell you what she does to knew recruits? She gives them a companion in the making, but then makes them cast the companion aside. All these wizards are "rented" whenever they leave the Aleva compound. Heaven forbid if an Ezil Wis or Jast falls for a companion... the Companion and Ezil Wis are killed. Right then. Hell, William was only able to get away because Tzira kept the Cri's attention. Albus, something has to be done!"
"The ministry will not get involved, not in this."
"Then all hope for them is lost."
"Athos, you are wrong." Albus nodded toward the students and Dami, all sitting on a couch while Dami told them of her life with Athos. She and Hermione looked so much alike, especially with their wings closed. The only way to tell the difference was their eyes. "These, here. They are the hope."
"And people call me a romantic."
"They will show the Aleva the importance of the companions."
"For once, I hope you are right, Albus. I'ld hate to see Dami hurt. I haven't seen her this happy in a long time. And the boy you picked, he is perfect for her. His attention hasn't left her all night."
"Ron came to me about two weeks ago, very troubled. He asked me if I could explain a dream he was having, and that he didn't want to trust any one but me with it. Of course, I said I would listen. He told me of a blue-eyed Hermione, who spoke sweetly to him, who knew everything about him, and who made him feel like he was flying. I knew then that he was dreaming of Dami. I didn't think it meant he was her companion until you said she had not been blooded. But then, it makes sense. Dami and Hermione, paired with two full blood wizards, and Harry potter with another witch. All to fight Voldemort, and protect the world, right?"
"Who knows, Albus... but I plan to stick around and find out."
"What? You? Stay in one place?"
"Don't act so shocked. Dami is a daughter to me. I would not abandon her."
"You are worried about Halloween."
"Ey, and more. Serenity is powerful... I briefly remember her kicking your ass not that long ago."
"Eleven years, and I was drunk at the time." Athos's hair began to gray, and with a quick flick of his wand, a potion appeared, and Athos downed it. "Still taking that?"
"Yes. I don't like being old. Age doesn't become me like it becomes you. And you can't bother me on it either. You did it too."
"Never every day, and never at the slightest sign of gray. You should act your age, brother."
"Never." Athos smirked, and patted his brother's back.