Disclaimer: I feel as if I stressed this enough. It's not mine, Harry
Potter and Co. belong to the great JK Rowling.
A/N: Okay, this chapter is most definitely going to be longer, and I am going to have to go to great lengths to get the degree of detail needed for this. In this chapter Hermione is going to make her grand transition from simple schoolgirl to Storm Magi. I've also got to explain what exactly a Storm Magi is, why it's so important (and believe me, it's important.) and what role Rohan plays in all of this. It just feels to me as if my little plot has taken on a life of it's own. It's almost spinning out of control. I had no intention of this when I first began this little endeavor. It was just going to be a little short about Fred/Hermione/George and maybe why Hermione feels left out. But then it spiraled to include Hermione's Quadruplet Cousins, Hermione's own power, and the fact that she has to deal with it. Oh dear, it seems as if I have an epic on my hands. Thankies to the Reviewers. I know I said I'd name you on this chappie but unfortunately, I cannot, so next chappie for sure.
Double Trouble
Chapter Six
"Rohan, I need to ask you something, regarding Hermione." Caralynn followed him to his chamber. They had just settled Hermione for a short nap before the proceedings later. Rohan was going to meditate for a bit, gather his strength because it would take all his power and then some to induct someone of Hermione's character into their rightful position.
"Yes, Beloved?" He turned to her, his dark eyes filled with a longing that was mirrored in hers. He touched her face softly, rubbing a thumb over her cheek.
"She is the one you've been searching for, isn't she, love?" Caralynn leaned into his caress, her eyes half closed. "The one who occupies your thoughts when you think I am not paying attention. I know she is needed, and that her true purpose is nothing that you nor Dumbledore could possibly guess at. So, she is the one?"
"Yes, my love. She is the one, though she has no clue. Until this night, I do not believe she had even heard of the Storm Magi."
***
"What exactly is a Storm Magi?" Ron looked at Harry, who shrugged, then turned to Raya.
"Ron, it is hard to explain. A Storm Magi has power that no one in this room could possibly hope to acquire, even in a thousand lifetimes. We-" She gestured to her sisters, "Together do not come close to the power of a Storm Magi."
"What my sister is saying, Ron," Danielle interrupted, seeing the confused look on the boy's face, "Is that the power that a Storm Magi wields is much more significant than is almost possible to wrap one's mind around. We can control our Elements, and the power that goes with it, but a Storm Magi's power comes from the combination of all the Elements, even Fire and Earth. A Storm Magi could, at will, call up a Tempest or Tornado, without tiring. They can control volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Even floods and tidal waves aren't beyond their capabilities. They are the Pinnacle of the Elements, the Focus." Danielle sighed, "The only vice to being a Storm Magi is that with all that power, some can lose their focus, be drawn into the power and swept away, lose themselves and kill millions in the process. That was how Atlantis was lost."
"Why so shocked Harry?" Skylar looked at the raven-haired boy oddly.
"It's just that, Hermione? A Storm Magi?" Harry shook his head.
"Why is that so hard to believe? Because she too is so young? She is as new to this thought as you are Harry. She didn't know, none of us did, except maybe Dumbledore. This power is a great Gift, but it is also a great responsibility. There is said to be great pain in making the transition. The power that has been held in check for all these years will, for one night at least, flow through her body, and she has to face each and every emotion that feeds this power. Her fears and joys, her anger and happiness, her hate and love, all of these strong emotions, each of them on opposite poles, feed this growing entity within her. Only the strongest survive the transition and induction." Raya placed her head in her hands, "I would not wish that on my most hated enemy. It's hard enough to cope with your love, but with your hate?"
George looked at his hands, maybe he should wait to tell Hermione of his feelings. She would be exhausted when she returned the next morning. * But if you wait, you might never tell her. * His conscience chided softly.
***
Hermione lay on her pallet, staring at the darkened ceiling of the room that she was placed in. She couldn't sleep, her body had finally settled on one emotion, excitement. She was going to find out this very night who she could possibly be. She was going to make the transition from innocent schoolgirl to knowledgeable Magi. It was almost too much.
"Hermione?" A soft voice asked through the door. She was oddly reminded of the morning. It seemed lifetimes away now, that girl was gone, and would soon be replaced with someone else.
"Yes?" Her voice was timid, and she almost shook with trepidation and anticipation. She was all complete opposites. Oddly enough, she wanted, couldn't wait, for this to be over, and then again, she didn't want it to happen.
The door opened, and the smiling face of the woman who rescued her entered her vision. "It's time."
Hermione stood and nodded, her eyes wide. Every part of her vibrated with intensity, every fiber of her being sang with a kind of understanding, her whole body screamed for a change.
The woman led her through the twisting and narrow halls of the Manor that was Rohan's estate. She would have been lost if she hadn't a guide.
"There's no reason to be nervous, child." The woman slowed to walk beside her. "I am called Caralynn. As you might've realized, I am not a Halfling, like Rohan. I'm pure human. Though sometimes-" She trailed off, smiling wistfully.
"What other race is Rohan?" Hermione looked at Caralynn curiously, her fear momentarily forgotten at the prospect of gaining some piece of new information.
Caralynn laughed, a rich sound that echoed in the empty halls, "He is a Halfling of the Trini's." Hermione stopped, looking at the woman in bewilderment.
"But a Trini, they are.well that would be almost impossible."
"Rohan's mother was human, his father a Trini."
"Oh, well that clears that up." Hermione nodded, Trini's could no longer procreate because the females of the Clan usually died before mating age, leaving the male to fend for themselves. They were a highland people, tall and fair, not unlike the Tir Nanaan of Irish legend, they were a magical folk, descended from the fae.
"Well come on girl, we haven't all night y'know." Caralynn descended a steep set of stairs and walked into a room. "Here." She thrust a white shift at Hermione, her eyes soft. "Put this on, you'll be more comfortable."
Hermione nodded, and did as she was told, shedding her clothing when the woman turned. She pulled the shift over her head, the loose cotton material enveloped her in a cloud, clinging to her softly. Caralynn turned around, smiled, then led Hermione through another door out into the surrounding forest.
"I have brought her." Caralynn spoke softly, her voice carrying over the hushed silence. Rohan turned from the man he was speaking with to look at Hermione. The clearing they stood in was ringed with cowled figures.
"Come." He gestured to Hermione, and led her to the center of the circle. Caralynn had disappeared into the group, pulling her cowl over her head. Hermione shifted nervously, aware that every eye in the clearing was trained on her.
"Lie down here." Rohan's voice sounded strained, as he indicated a rather large stone slab. Hermione blushed, then did as she was told, relaxing onto the stone, noting that it was strangely warm, not cold like she was expecting it to be.
"Now, we shall begin." Rohan turned to the group, "Is there anyone who disagrees?" His voice took on an edge, as he issued forth the challenge. Wisely, no one spoke.
"Good." He took a dagger from the ritual bowl beside him. "Hermione Leigh Granger, tonight you are taking a journey only a select few have ventured on before. This group surrounding you is composed of the only living Storm Magi. This is not a thing to be taken lightly, and you would not be here if any in the group deigned you unworthy to join our circle." He tightened his grip on the dagger then touched the cold steel to his unmarred forearm, dragging the blade across, slicing into the skin. Hermione winced as blood poured from the wound. He took the bowl and captured some of the crimson liquid within, then he took her arm, and repeated the process, making sure to capture the precious liquid. She marveled at the fact that she felt no pain. "In this, we are joined. In this we are one." He lifted the bowl to his lips, taking a drink, then he took a finger, dipped it in the still warm blood, and smeared it across her forehead. "Embrace yourself, Hermione, and Gods Speed."
"Embrace yourself." The group intoned. Hermione shuddered, wondering what she had gotten herself into. The moon came out from behind the clouds, shining down upon her. Suddenly, her eyes rolled back into her head, as the blood on her forehead began to burn. Her extremities felt like they were frozen, and her stomach knotted. Her body arched of it's own accord, pain ripping through her in waves of excruciating sweetness. She screamed, without realizing it, and everything went dark.
***
Danielle's head jerked up, her whole body tensed. She felt the surge of power shimmer on the night air. Her sisters were now awake also, thrust into waking by the feel of the immense power. Danielle's lower lip trembled slightly, as tears filled her eyes. She wished she could spare her cousin this pain, but it would have to be endured.
"It has begun." Skylar gazed out the window, at the moon.
***
Hermione felt emotions bubble beneath her surface.
Fear, she was drowning, her body slowly being dragged under the swift
current. She scrambled to reach the surface, to fight what was
happening to her. *It's just a dream * she thought wildly, willing
herself to wake. But it never came. She felt herself slide away, she
could see the surface, but couldn't reach it. She was going to die.
Then she realized something. She stopped struggling, went limp. Her
body slowly floated upward. She broke the surface with a resounding
gasp.
Joy, She looked at the mountain troll, her jaw dropped in shock. Then
she looked at the two boys that rescued her. She felt herself smiling.
"Thanks." Professor McGonnagal stalked in, a frown on her face. "You
two! Mister Potter and-" Hermione sighed, looking at them, "Actually,
Professor, it was my fault, I went looking for it. I had read about
it, and thought I could handle it on my own." The two boys smiled at
her, and she smiled back.
Anger, Draco Malfoy's face loomed in her vision, she felt the hairs on
the back of her neck lift. "So, mudblood, think you're so smart?"
Hermione felt the beginnings of tears in her eyes. "Are you going to
cry? Is the ickle Mudblood going to cry?"
Happiness, Hermione pulled back her hand, smacking Malfoy hard in the
face. He looked at her, shocked. She grinned, self-satisfied.
Hate, Hermione felt herself go cold, his voice loomed in her head.
"Well, well, what have we here? A lost Mudblood, perhaps?" She turned,
every fiber of her being screaming. Lucius Malfoy.
Love, Hermione looked at her hand, when he had let go of it. The
shocking little tingle still traveling up her spine. She smiled
slightly as she watched him rejoin his twin. "George Weasley." She
breathed.
Hermione felt the pain once again, but this time she was ready. It rose in her, tearing at her, but she tore back, in her mind the image of George Weasley. She didn't know how she had gone from the crush stage to love, all she knew was that if she were going to survive, she was going to have to use that emotion. The pain receded, dulled, and soon disappeared altogether. She took a deep shuddering breath, her body covered in icy sweat. All that pain!
"Merlin!" She groaned, stirring. How long had she been unconscious? Her body protested as she began to move. Something felt decidedly different. She opened her eyes cautiously, glancing about the clearing. Cowled figures surrounded her, dark and ominous, but for some reason, she wasn't afraid. It wasn't that she didn't know fear, it was more that she lacked the need for it.
The nearest cowled person reached out, touching her. Before she could stop herself, the air about her crackled and the person went flying backwards. The other cowled figures retreated uncertainly. A strange new exhilaration swept through her veins.
"Do not touch her!" Rohan lowered his cowl, scowling at the group en masse. "That was only part one, as you well know! Even now, she's slipping away!"
Hermione stood, then sank to her knees, her body drawing in on itself. Would the pain never end? Her screams echoed through the clearing, as the power that had laid dormant in her body for so long ripped through her.
She dug her fingers into the soft ground, and the earth itself trembled. She let out a high keening moan, and lightening lanced across the cloudless sky.
Rohan stepped back uncertainly. He had never seen anything like this, and he had participated in most of the inductions performed in this group. Others followed suit, giving Hermione plenty of room.
She threw back her head and howled, blood trailing down her face from her nose. Her body rocked with spasms as raw unadulterated power flowed through her. The earth broke open around her, steam hissing from the open fissures. She sobbed, convulsing, and rain poured down from the still cloudless sky.
Caralynn felt the familiar pain rise in her body. She tried to stem the flow, but was unsuccessful. Grunts of surprise around the clearing alerted her that the others were having the same problem.
Her cowled robe disintegrated in a ball of flame, as did the others. Pure white light surrounded her small frame, illuminating her in the almost total darkness. Every other person in the clearing was similarly engaged, even Rohan, who was the strongest of them all.
"Hermione." They all whispered as one, as the girl in question rocked forward, white light bursting from her in lines, connecting everyone in the clearing to her. Caralynn shuddered as she felt her power being drained from her body, and her eyes widened as the ground beneath her feet lurched again.
Hermione was standing now, her eyes wide open and glassy, her chestnut hair lifted away from her body. She held her arms out in supplication, throwing her head back, a wild scream of pain and ecstasy echoing around the clearing. She fell to her knees once more, digging her fingers into the earth. The ground shuddered again, then the white light around Hermione imploded with a crack, sending everyone flying back a few yards, some even into trees.
Rohan jumped to his feet after a few moments, racing to Hermione, who was laying prostrate on the ground, gasping. Her body still shuddered from aftershocks but the pain was gone, and in the absence, she felt darkness rising to claim her once more, and fell into the cool blackness without worry.
Rohan lifted her gently, as if she were some fragile piece of china, and not a girl of flesh and blood. By this time most of the Mages were back on their feet. Some were looking at the girl, confused, other's with a look of fear and awe. Caralynn walked toward Rohan and Hermione, feeling slightly sluggish. She noted the pale opalescence of her skin in the soft moonlight, the way her hair fell about her face, and the softness of youth that radiated from her.
Rohan set her back on the stone couch, his eyes widened and his breathing harsh. "I never imagined, Cara. I never thought-" He stared hard at the girl, then swallowed, "All that power, all that pain." His voice was soft, pained. "I didn't know. Oh Gods! How could I have known?"
"What is it, Rohan? What's wrong?" Caralynn glanced at her lover, then back at the unconscious girl.
Rohan lifted his eyes to his beloved, "Cara, this-this girl, if one can call her such, is in possession of an ancient power older than us all." He stared at the girl with a mixture of awe and trepidation. "Don't you realize what she did? She shielded herself with our power, and she didn't even realize she was doing so. It takes years to master the technique of borrowing another's power. She did it on her induction night! If only I'd known! I could've spared her so much pain." Cara stared at him, her eyes wide. "You see Cara, she's not like us at all, her power is so much more than ours. I should have seen it!"
"Seen what?"
"She is a Magi, yes, even a Storm Magi, but she is also so much more." Rohan glanced back at the sleeping girl, "She is a Goddess incarnate, she not only channels the Earth Power, but that of a Goddess too. And from the signs, yes I should have seen it!"
"Who is the Goddess, Rohan?" Cara shivered.
"The Greek Goddess Athena, Goddess of Knowledge and War." Rohan stated simply, closing his eyes. "Do you not see the mark on her shoulder?" When Cara shook her head, Rohan reached over and pulled at one side of the shift, revealing Hermione's right shoulder. "She's been marked, by the Goddess herself." Right on Hermione's creamy shoulder was a vivid red mark that was slowly turning brown. A lightening bolt in a circle, surrounded by a star. The mark of Athena.
***
Hermione opened her eyes, she was lying on a soft bed in a brightly lit room. Her body ached horribly, the only thing that convinced what had happened the night before was real.
"It's good to see you awake." Hermione jumped, startled by the voice of Hogwarts' Headmaster.
"Professor Dumbledore?" She stared at him, confused. "Where am I?"
"Oh, you are currently in Ginny Weasley's room under strict orders not to move from this bed the rest of the day." Albus chuckled at the grateful look on Hermione's face.
"I wasn't going to get up anyway." She murmured, then hissed as the muscles in her body suddenly contracted.
"Ah, so, do you remember what happened last night?" Dumbledore sat forward a little.
"Not really, it's all a bit hazy. All I really remember is the pain." She gave and involuntary shudder, which caused her to hiss again.
"Then you do not know?" He looked at her with an odd grin.
"Know what?"
"That you scared half the Order of the Magi. Terrified them really." Albus chuckled again. "Apparently, you knocked out a few Mages and then used every one of their powers to shield yourself from the pain you were in. Quite an impressive feat for a girl your age, Storm Magi or not."
Hermione flushed, "Oh Gods! Do they all hate me?" She felt hot tears spring to her eyes, as she thought of Caralynn or Rohan hating her.
"No, no, my dear, just the opposite in fact. They are terrified of you, but they seem to be under the impression that you are some sort of savior." Here Dumbledore's eyes twinkled brightly, "Do you know why?" Hermione shook her head. "Ah, I suppose not. Well, it seems you, Hermione, are some sort of Goddess incarnate."
Hermione was dumbfounded. She might not have heard of the Storm Magi, but she knew what a Goddess incarnate was. "But.how? How is that possible?"
"Well, it's hard to say for sure, but you are marked." Dumbledore pointed at her shoulder. Curious, she ignored the pain, reached over to pull away the shift, *Still in that I see *, and gaped. On her shoulder was a brown mark, looking almost like a birthmark. But it was a lightning bolt in a circle surrounded by a star.
"That's-that's-" Hermione stuttered.
"Yes, that's the mark of the Goddess Athena. The Goddess of War and Knowledge. It could have been worse you know." Dumbledore continued, "You could have had the mark of Aphrodite."
Hermione shuddered, Parvati and Lavender would kill for a mark from that Goddess. But, she, a Goddess incarnate? Why?
"Very simple, Miss Granger." Hermione wasn't aware she spoke aloud. "It seems as if Athena senses something in you that is part of her. Maybe your Gryffindor spirit, perhaps? Or the insatiable thirst for knowledge?" He laughed again. "But I need to let you get your rest." He stood, "Congratulations Miss Granger, but I don't think it needs to be said that this should be kept quiet?"
Hermione looked at Dumbledore, "Can't I tell Harry, my cousins, and the Weasleys?"
Albus nodded, "Molly and Arthur know already, but do not tell anyone but those, understand? It is a very rare gift you have been given Miss Granger. Something some would kill for." Hermione understood some referring to Voldemort and his Deatheaters. "Well, I'd best be off. It seems you have some very worried visitors." Dumbledore opened the door, and exited, admitting her cousins, all the Weasley children, and Harry.
They all began talking at once. Hermione nodded as she was barraged with questions. She told them all she remembered, the room going quiet when she told them about her being a Goddess incarnate. They all stared at her for a moment, then her cousins enveloped her in a Quadruplet hug. After that, they all left, except George, who stood staring at her for a moment, then sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Are you okay Mione?" He looked worried.
Hermione nodded, then hissed, the muscles in her body protesting. "I'll be fine, just a little sore." She added, noticing George's scowl.
"Hermione, look. I'm sorry for yesterday." His voice was soft, and he stared at his hands. "I shouldn't have said anything, you're right. What you do is your business. Forgive me?" He looked at her, giving her a lopsided grin.
"It's okay, George, I was just stressed, that's all." She smiled back. When he still sat there fidgeting with her blanket, she raised an eyebrow. "Something else on your mind?"
George nodded, then took a deep breath, "I-I think that I might have a crush on you." He blushed brilliantly, ducking his head. She sat there, silent, shocked. "I-if you don't feel the same way, I-I understand." He added, cursing the fact that he had said anything.
"No.it's not that." She looked at him, her eyes large, "It's just that, I think I might have a crush on you too." *Yeah right, Hermione, who're you kidding, you don't do things by half, you're falling for him! *
George looked floored, his eyebrows raised in shock. "Did.did you just say what I think you said?"
She nodded.
George leaned forward, pressing his lips to hers in a chaste light kiss, then pulled away, looking at her shyly. She grinned.
"I'm still going to that party to help your brother." She stated, George just nodded, then pulled her in for another kiss.
When they parted, he smiled, "Just as long as I'm the one kissing you, I'm fine with that."
Hermione nodded, trailing her fingers down his cheek. "That's a can do." She giggled, then pulled him forward, kissing him thoroughly.
They were still kissing minutes later when Ron and Harry entered, then exited quickly, looking scandalized. Ginny looked at her brother and boyfriend oddly. "What is it?" She asked, as she went to go in the room. She didn't need an answer, and she exited just as quickly. Pulling the door shut behind her.
Ron and Harry smirked.
*___________________________________________________ *
A/N: As you can see, they've gotten their feelings out. What about Hermione being a Goddess Incarnate? Wow, that was one on me, I don't know where that came from! But it's cool, a nice new little plot twist. Heh. Anyway, sorry about not including the other pairings in that one, but it was just too much for one chapter, and I'm exhausted. I'm putting up a new chappie everyday, and doing college stuff. I realize I neglected to mention names, but hey, I'll do it next chapter. Don't forget to read and review.
Love
~Me~
A/N: Okay, this chapter is most definitely going to be longer, and I am going to have to go to great lengths to get the degree of detail needed for this. In this chapter Hermione is going to make her grand transition from simple schoolgirl to Storm Magi. I've also got to explain what exactly a Storm Magi is, why it's so important (and believe me, it's important.) and what role Rohan plays in all of this. It just feels to me as if my little plot has taken on a life of it's own. It's almost spinning out of control. I had no intention of this when I first began this little endeavor. It was just going to be a little short about Fred/Hermione/George and maybe why Hermione feels left out. But then it spiraled to include Hermione's Quadruplet Cousins, Hermione's own power, and the fact that she has to deal with it. Oh dear, it seems as if I have an epic on my hands. Thankies to the Reviewers. I know I said I'd name you on this chappie but unfortunately, I cannot, so next chappie for sure.
Double Trouble
Chapter Six
"Rohan, I need to ask you something, regarding Hermione." Caralynn followed him to his chamber. They had just settled Hermione for a short nap before the proceedings later. Rohan was going to meditate for a bit, gather his strength because it would take all his power and then some to induct someone of Hermione's character into their rightful position.
"Yes, Beloved?" He turned to her, his dark eyes filled with a longing that was mirrored in hers. He touched her face softly, rubbing a thumb over her cheek.
"She is the one you've been searching for, isn't she, love?" Caralynn leaned into his caress, her eyes half closed. "The one who occupies your thoughts when you think I am not paying attention. I know she is needed, and that her true purpose is nothing that you nor Dumbledore could possibly guess at. So, she is the one?"
"Yes, my love. She is the one, though she has no clue. Until this night, I do not believe she had even heard of the Storm Magi."
***
"What exactly is a Storm Magi?" Ron looked at Harry, who shrugged, then turned to Raya.
"Ron, it is hard to explain. A Storm Magi has power that no one in this room could possibly hope to acquire, even in a thousand lifetimes. We-" She gestured to her sisters, "Together do not come close to the power of a Storm Magi."
"What my sister is saying, Ron," Danielle interrupted, seeing the confused look on the boy's face, "Is that the power that a Storm Magi wields is much more significant than is almost possible to wrap one's mind around. We can control our Elements, and the power that goes with it, but a Storm Magi's power comes from the combination of all the Elements, even Fire and Earth. A Storm Magi could, at will, call up a Tempest or Tornado, without tiring. They can control volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Even floods and tidal waves aren't beyond their capabilities. They are the Pinnacle of the Elements, the Focus." Danielle sighed, "The only vice to being a Storm Magi is that with all that power, some can lose their focus, be drawn into the power and swept away, lose themselves and kill millions in the process. That was how Atlantis was lost."
"Why so shocked Harry?" Skylar looked at the raven-haired boy oddly.
"It's just that, Hermione? A Storm Magi?" Harry shook his head.
"Why is that so hard to believe? Because she too is so young? She is as new to this thought as you are Harry. She didn't know, none of us did, except maybe Dumbledore. This power is a great Gift, but it is also a great responsibility. There is said to be great pain in making the transition. The power that has been held in check for all these years will, for one night at least, flow through her body, and she has to face each and every emotion that feeds this power. Her fears and joys, her anger and happiness, her hate and love, all of these strong emotions, each of them on opposite poles, feed this growing entity within her. Only the strongest survive the transition and induction." Raya placed her head in her hands, "I would not wish that on my most hated enemy. It's hard enough to cope with your love, but with your hate?"
George looked at his hands, maybe he should wait to tell Hermione of his feelings. She would be exhausted when she returned the next morning. * But if you wait, you might never tell her. * His conscience chided softly.
***
Hermione lay on her pallet, staring at the darkened ceiling of the room that she was placed in. She couldn't sleep, her body had finally settled on one emotion, excitement. She was going to find out this very night who she could possibly be. She was going to make the transition from innocent schoolgirl to knowledgeable Magi. It was almost too much.
"Hermione?" A soft voice asked through the door. She was oddly reminded of the morning. It seemed lifetimes away now, that girl was gone, and would soon be replaced with someone else.
"Yes?" Her voice was timid, and she almost shook with trepidation and anticipation. She was all complete opposites. Oddly enough, she wanted, couldn't wait, for this to be over, and then again, she didn't want it to happen.
The door opened, and the smiling face of the woman who rescued her entered her vision. "It's time."
Hermione stood and nodded, her eyes wide. Every part of her vibrated with intensity, every fiber of her being sang with a kind of understanding, her whole body screamed for a change.
The woman led her through the twisting and narrow halls of the Manor that was Rohan's estate. She would have been lost if she hadn't a guide.
"There's no reason to be nervous, child." The woman slowed to walk beside her. "I am called Caralynn. As you might've realized, I am not a Halfling, like Rohan. I'm pure human. Though sometimes-" She trailed off, smiling wistfully.
"What other race is Rohan?" Hermione looked at Caralynn curiously, her fear momentarily forgotten at the prospect of gaining some piece of new information.
Caralynn laughed, a rich sound that echoed in the empty halls, "He is a Halfling of the Trini's." Hermione stopped, looking at the woman in bewilderment.
"But a Trini, they are.well that would be almost impossible."
"Rohan's mother was human, his father a Trini."
"Oh, well that clears that up." Hermione nodded, Trini's could no longer procreate because the females of the Clan usually died before mating age, leaving the male to fend for themselves. They were a highland people, tall and fair, not unlike the Tir Nanaan of Irish legend, they were a magical folk, descended from the fae.
"Well come on girl, we haven't all night y'know." Caralynn descended a steep set of stairs and walked into a room. "Here." She thrust a white shift at Hermione, her eyes soft. "Put this on, you'll be more comfortable."
Hermione nodded, and did as she was told, shedding her clothing when the woman turned. She pulled the shift over her head, the loose cotton material enveloped her in a cloud, clinging to her softly. Caralynn turned around, smiled, then led Hermione through another door out into the surrounding forest.
"I have brought her." Caralynn spoke softly, her voice carrying over the hushed silence. Rohan turned from the man he was speaking with to look at Hermione. The clearing they stood in was ringed with cowled figures.
"Come." He gestured to Hermione, and led her to the center of the circle. Caralynn had disappeared into the group, pulling her cowl over her head. Hermione shifted nervously, aware that every eye in the clearing was trained on her.
"Lie down here." Rohan's voice sounded strained, as he indicated a rather large stone slab. Hermione blushed, then did as she was told, relaxing onto the stone, noting that it was strangely warm, not cold like she was expecting it to be.
"Now, we shall begin." Rohan turned to the group, "Is there anyone who disagrees?" His voice took on an edge, as he issued forth the challenge. Wisely, no one spoke.
"Good." He took a dagger from the ritual bowl beside him. "Hermione Leigh Granger, tonight you are taking a journey only a select few have ventured on before. This group surrounding you is composed of the only living Storm Magi. This is not a thing to be taken lightly, and you would not be here if any in the group deigned you unworthy to join our circle." He tightened his grip on the dagger then touched the cold steel to his unmarred forearm, dragging the blade across, slicing into the skin. Hermione winced as blood poured from the wound. He took the bowl and captured some of the crimson liquid within, then he took her arm, and repeated the process, making sure to capture the precious liquid. She marveled at the fact that she felt no pain. "In this, we are joined. In this we are one." He lifted the bowl to his lips, taking a drink, then he took a finger, dipped it in the still warm blood, and smeared it across her forehead. "Embrace yourself, Hermione, and Gods Speed."
"Embrace yourself." The group intoned. Hermione shuddered, wondering what she had gotten herself into. The moon came out from behind the clouds, shining down upon her. Suddenly, her eyes rolled back into her head, as the blood on her forehead began to burn. Her extremities felt like they were frozen, and her stomach knotted. Her body arched of it's own accord, pain ripping through her in waves of excruciating sweetness. She screamed, without realizing it, and everything went dark.
***
Danielle's head jerked up, her whole body tensed. She felt the surge of power shimmer on the night air. Her sisters were now awake also, thrust into waking by the feel of the immense power. Danielle's lower lip trembled slightly, as tears filled her eyes. She wished she could spare her cousin this pain, but it would have to be endured.
"It has begun." Skylar gazed out the window, at the moon.
***
Hermione felt emotions bubble beneath her surface.
Fear, she was drowning, her body slowly being dragged under the swift
current. She scrambled to reach the surface, to fight what was
happening to her. *It's just a dream * she thought wildly, willing
herself to wake. But it never came. She felt herself slide away, she
could see the surface, but couldn't reach it. She was going to die.
Then she realized something. She stopped struggling, went limp. Her
body slowly floated upward. She broke the surface with a resounding
gasp.
Joy, She looked at the mountain troll, her jaw dropped in shock. Then
she looked at the two boys that rescued her. She felt herself smiling.
"Thanks." Professor McGonnagal stalked in, a frown on her face. "You
two! Mister Potter and-" Hermione sighed, looking at them, "Actually,
Professor, it was my fault, I went looking for it. I had read about
it, and thought I could handle it on my own." The two boys smiled at
her, and she smiled back.
Anger, Draco Malfoy's face loomed in her vision, she felt the hairs on
the back of her neck lift. "So, mudblood, think you're so smart?"
Hermione felt the beginnings of tears in her eyes. "Are you going to
cry? Is the ickle Mudblood going to cry?"
Happiness, Hermione pulled back her hand, smacking Malfoy hard in the
face. He looked at her, shocked. She grinned, self-satisfied.
Hate, Hermione felt herself go cold, his voice loomed in her head.
"Well, well, what have we here? A lost Mudblood, perhaps?" She turned,
every fiber of her being screaming. Lucius Malfoy.
Love, Hermione looked at her hand, when he had let go of it. The
shocking little tingle still traveling up her spine. She smiled
slightly as she watched him rejoin his twin. "George Weasley." She
breathed.
Hermione felt the pain once again, but this time she was ready. It rose in her, tearing at her, but she tore back, in her mind the image of George Weasley. She didn't know how she had gone from the crush stage to love, all she knew was that if she were going to survive, she was going to have to use that emotion. The pain receded, dulled, and soon disappeared altogether. She took a deep shuddering breath, her body covered in icy sweat. All that pain!
"Merlin!" She groaned, stirring. How long had she been unconscious? Her body protested as she began to move. Something felt decidedly different. She opened her eyes cautiously, glancing about the clearing. Cowled figures surrounded her, dark and ominous, but for some reason, she wasn't afraid. It wasn't that she didn't know fear, it was more that she lacked the need for it.
The nearest cowled person reached out, touching her. Before she could stop herself, the air about her crackled and the person went flying backwards. The other cowled figures retreated uncertainly. A strange new exhilaration swept through her veins.
"Do not touch her!" Rohan lowered his cowl, scowling at the group en masse. "That was only part one, as you well know! Even now, she's slipping away!"
Hermione stood, then sank to her knees, her body drawing in on itself. Would the pain never end? Her screams echoed through the clearing, as the power that had laid dormant in her body for so long ripped through her.
She dug her fingers into the soft ground, and the earth itself trembled. She let out a high keening moan, and lightening lanced across the cloudless sky.
Rohan stepped back uncertainly. He had never seen anything like this, and he had participated in most of the inductions performed in this group. Others followed suit, giving Hermione plenty of room.
She threw back her head and howled, blood trailing down her face from her nose. Her body rocked with spasms as raw unadulterated power flowed through her. The earth broke open around her, steam hissing from the open fissures. She sobbed, convulsing, and rain poured down from the still cloudless sky.
Caralynn felt the familiar pain rise in her body. She tried to stem the flow, but was unsuccessful. Grunts of surprise around the clearing alerted her that the others were having the same problem.
Her cowled robe disintegrated in a ball of flame, as did the others. Pure white light surrounded her small frame, illuminating her in the almost total darkness. Every other person in the clearing was similarly engaged, even Rohan, who was the strongest of them all.
"Hermione." They all whispered as one, as the girl in question rocked forward, white light bursting from her in lines, connecting everyone in the clearing to her. Caralynn shuddered as she felt her power being drained from her body, and her eyes widened as the ground beneath her feet lurched again.
Hermione was standing now, her eyes wide open and glassy, her chestnut hair lifted away from her body. She held her arms out in supplication, throwing her head back, a wild scream of pain and ecstasy echoing around the clearing. She fell to her knees once more, digging her fingers into the earth. The ground shuddered again, then the white light around Hermione imploded with a crack, sending everyone flying back a few yards, some even into trees.
Rohan jumped to his feet after a few moments, racing to Hermione, who was laying prostrate on the ground, gasping. Her body still shuddered from aftershocks but the pain was gone, and in the absence, she felt darkness rising to claim her once more, and fell into the cool blackness without worry.
Rohan lifted her gently, as if she were some fragile piece of china, and not a girl of flesh and blood. By this time most of the Mages were back on their feet. Some were looking at the girl, confused, other's with a look of fear and awe. Caralynn walked toward Rohan and Hermione, feeling slightly sluggish. She noted the pale opalescence of her skin in the soft moonlight, the way her hair fell about her face, and the softness of youth that radiated from her.
Rohan set her back on the stone couch, his eyes widened and his breathing harsh. "I never imagined, Cara. I never thought-" He stared hard at the girl, then swallowed, "All that power, all that pain." His voice was soft, pained. "I didn't know. Oh Gods! How could I have known?"
"What is it, Rohan? What's wrong?" Caralynn glanced at her lover, then back at the unconscious girl.
Rohan lifted his eyes to his beloved, "Cara, this-this girl, if one can call her such, is in possession of an ancient power older than us all." He stared at the girl with a mixture of awe and trepidation. "Don't you realize what she did? She shielded herself with our power, and she didn't even realize she was doing so. It takes years to master the technique of borrowing another's power. She did it on her induction night! If only I'd known! I could've spared her so much pain." Cara stared at him, her eyes wide. "You see Cara, she's not like us at all, her power is so much more than ours. I should have seen it!"
"Seen what?"
"She is a Magi, yes, even a Storm Magi, but she is also so much more." Rohan glanced back at the sleeping girl, "She is a Goddess incarnate, she not only channels the Earth Power, but that of a Goddess too. And from the signs, yes I should have seen it!"
"Who is the Goddess, Rohan?" Cara shivered.
"The Greek Goddess Athena, Goddess of Knowledge and War." Rohan stated simply, closing his eyes. "Do you not see the mark on her shoulder?" When Cara shook her head, Rohan reached over and pulled at one side of the shift, revealing Hermione's right shoulder. "She's been marked, by the Goddess herself." Right on Hermione's creamy shoulder was a vivid red mark that was slowly turning brown. A lightening bolt in a circle, surrounded by a star. The mark of Athena.
***
Hermione opened her eyes, she was lying on a soft bed in a brightly lit room. Her body ached horribly, the only thing that convinced what had happened the night before was real.
"It's good to see you awake." Hermione jumped, startled by the voice of Hogwarts' Headmaster.
"Professor Dumbledore?" She stared at him, confused. "Where am I?"
"Oh, you are currently in Ginny Weasley's room under strict orders not to move from this bed the rest of the day." Albus chuckled at the grateful look on Hermione's face.
"I wasn't going to get up anyway." She murmured, then hissed as the muscles in her body suddenly contracted.
"Ah, so, do you remember what happened last night?" Dumbledore sat forward a little.
"Not really, it's all a bit hazy. All I really remember is the pain." She gave and involuntary shudder, which caused her to hiss again.
"Then you do not know?" He looked at her with an odd grin.
"Know what?"
"That you scared half the Order of the Magi. Terrified them really." Albus chuckled again. "Apparently, you knocked out a few Mages and then used every one of their powers to shield yourself from the pain you were in. Quite an impressive feat for a girl your age, Storm Magi or not."
Hermione flushed, "Oh Gods! Do they all hate me?" She felt hot tears spring to her eyes, as she thought of Caralynn or Rohan hating her.
"No, no, my dear, just the opposite in fact. They are terrified of you, but they seem to be under the impression that you are some sort of savior." Here Dumbledore's eyes twinkled brightly, "Do you know why?" Hermione shook her head. "Ah, I suppose not. Well, it seems you, Hermione, are some sort of Goddess incarnate."
Hermione was dumbfounded. She might not have heard of the Storm Magi, but she knew what a Goddess incarnate was. "But.how? How is that possible?"
"Well, it's hard to say for sure, but you are marked." Dumbledore pointed at her shoulder. Curious, she ignored the pain, reached over to pull away the shift, *Still in that I see *, and gaped. On her shoulder was a brown mark, looking almost like a birthmark. But it was a lightning bolt in a circle surrounded by a star.
"That's-that's-" Hermione stuttered.
"Yes, that's the mark of the Goddess Athena. The Goddess of War and Knowledge. It could have been worse you know." Dumbledore continued, "You could have had the mark of Aphrodite."
Hermione shuddered, Parvati and Lavender would kill for a mark from that Goddess. But, she, a Goddess incarnate? Why?
"Very simple, Miss Granger." Hermione wasn't aware she spoke aloud. "It seems as if Athena senses something in you that is part of her. Maybe your Gryffindor spirit, perhaps? Or the insatiable thirst for knowledge?" He laughed again. "But I need to let you get your rest." He stood, "Congratulations Miss Granger, but I don't think it needs to be said that this should be kept quiet?"
Hermione looked at Dumbledore, "Can't I tell Harry, my cousins, and the Weasleys?"
Albus nodded, "Molly and Arthur know already, but do not tell anyone but those, understand? It is a very rare gift you have been given Miss Granger. Something some would kill for." Hermione understood some referring to Voldemort and his Deatheaters. "Well, I'd best be off. It seems you have some very worried visitors." Dumbledore opened the door, and exited, admitting her cousins, all the Weasley children, and Harry.
They all began talking at once. Hermione nodded as she was barraged with questions. She told them all she remembered, the room going quiet when she told them about her being a Goddess incarnate. They all stared at her for a moment, then her cousins enveloped her in a Quadruplet hug. After that, they all left, except George, who stood staring at her for a moment, then sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Are you okay Mione?" He looked worried.
Hermione nodded, then hissed, the muscles in her body protesting. "I'll be fine, just a little sore." She added, noticing George's scowl.
"Hermione, look. I'm sorry for yesterday." His voice was soft, and he stared at his hands. "I shouldn't have said anything, you're right. What you do is your business. Forgive me?" He looked at her, giving her a lopsided grin.
"It's okay, George, I was just stressed, that's all." She smiled back. When he still sat there fidgeting with her blanket, she raised an eyebrow. "Something else on your mind?"
George nodded, then took a deep breath, "I-I think that I might have a crush on you." He blushed brilliantly, ducking his head. She sat there, silent, shocked. "I-if you don't feel the same way, I-I understand." He added, cursing the fact that he had said anything.
"No.it's not that." She looked at him, her eyes large, "It's just that, I think I might have a crush on you too." *Yeah right, Hermione, who're you kidding, you don't do things by half, you're falling for him! *
George looked floored, his eyebrows raised in shock. "Did.did you just say what I think you said?"
She nodded.
George leaned forward, pressing his lips to hers in a chaste light kiss, then pulled away, looking at her shyly. She grinned.
"I'm still going to that party to help your brother." She stated, George just nodded, then pulled her in for another kiss.
When they parted, he smiled, "Just as long as I'm the one kissing you, I'm fine with that."
Hermione nodded, trailing her fingers down his cheek. "That's a can do." She giggled, then pulled him forward, kissing him thoroughly.
They were still kissing minutes later when Ron and Harry entered, then exited quickly, looking scandalized. Ginny looked at her brother and boyfriend oddly. "What is it?" She asked, as she went to go in the room. She didn't need an answer, and she exited just as quickly. Pulling the door shut behind her.
Ron and Harry smirked.
*___________________________________________________ *
A/N: As you can see, they've gotten their feelings out. What about Hermione being a Goddess Incarnate? Wow, that was one on me, I don't know where that came from! But it's cool, a nice new little plot twist. Heh. Anyway, sorry about not including the other pairings in that one, but it was just too much for one chapter, and I'm exhausted. I'm putting up a new chappie everyday, and doing college stuff. I realize I neglected to mention names, but hey, I'll do it next chapter. Don't forget to read and review.
Love
~Me~
