Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns the characters but the plot is mine.
Chapter 14—Of Past Lives and Present
After Monday'classes were finished, Hermione made her way down to the dungeons a bit early to meet with Professor Snape. She stopped at the library on the way to get the next couple books she decided to use for her research on druids, the origins of the Irish monarchy, past lives, prophesies, and curses. The parts that made her leery of her discoveries were the prophesies and past lives. She thought that was all rubbish. After all, she was muggle-born. It didn't seem logical that she would have been born to magic before but in this life she wasn't even related to her former self, as far as she knew. Besides, if she was Deidre in her past life that implied, well, given the Muse's memories, Harry's dream, and Snape's history as something of a knight really, that Snape was Naisi.
If that were true, and the imprint on their tombstone was part of the prophesy, and the clearing in the dreams is where the tombstones and yew trees are, then she would have to love Professor Snape for the magic to work. Not just love either. It would mean their lives were bound already, even before a marriage ceremony or anything of the sort. It would mean that magic older and greater than anything in today's world already claimed them for each other. This realization made Hermione blush as she sat down preparing her mind for what she was about to suggest to Snape of all people. Her mind scattered around the issue at hand.
'Sure, I respect him, even probably have a bit of a crush on him, but love. No way! He's twenty years older than me, and a greasy git. Not to mention a total social outcast. Not that I'm a charmer myself but ... ah! Besides who cares about this anyway? What is the point of the orbs and circles in the clearing? What could it possibly have to do with Voldemort? For that matter does it even have anything to do with Voldemort? How does Dumbledore know about it, and how does Snape always manage to show up when his name is mentioned? Well, if Catha was Dumbledore and Conor was Voldemort and Snape . . . Oh, I don't know.' Just when the frustration peaked, and she began to have second thoughts, Snape appeared in front of the desk she was sitting at.
It appeared as though he was standing there just staring at her for quite sometime before she looked up and he said,
"Ah, Miss Granger, you are alive after all. I was concerned you weren't because you haven't started babbling about the nonsense the Headmaster is forcing me to listen to. Please, by all means, take all the time you need."
"Don't worry, Professor, I don't intend to be long winded."
"Good. It's good to know sarcasm isn't lost on all Gryffindors."
"Not every Gryffindor is a dull-wit, sir." Snape hide a chuckle at her words, and startled her with his usual professor voice,
"Begin."
"Do you know, sir, the story of Deidre and the Sons of Usna?"
"Yes, I think it is Celtic. Is it not?"
"Yes, sir it is." Snape recited the story in a bored voice,
"Naisi was a member of the Knights of the Red Branch, protectors of Ireland. He was under the monarch Conor whom he betrayed over the woman Deidre. They founded Scotland but still yearned for Ireland. So when Conor pretended to offer amends they went despite Deidre's prophetic dreams and warnings. I think a druid cursed Conor after he had the sons killed. A druid's curse is much worse than anything we have today. I think that's what I recall. Why?"
"That the right tale, sir, minus the relevant details. Do you remember how Deidre and Naisi were buried and the inscription on their tombstone?"
"Sure, she killed herself. The knights buried her on top of Naisi. The tombstone said something about how their love will bring peace, or some nonsense like that, and it is said that two yew trees grew together above their grave. I rare thing that some people find romantic."
"I gather you aren't a romantic, sir?"
"Correct. What's the bloody point, Miss Granger."
"Well, there is quite a bit more to the story, but the point is I think I have figured out something that may bring down Voldemort."
"Sure, Celtic myths tell us just what to do today, Miss Granger. Pardon me if I laugh at that" Snape mocked.
"When I tell you the whole theory you'll really think I'm crazy." Hermione rolled her eyes and muttered, "I think I am."
"How did this all start? I assume you weren't just reading mythology when it hit you."
"Right. I never would have read about any of these myths or read up on any of the threads if it hadn't been for a muse and Harry's dreams."
"What about a muse?" Snape snapped suspiciously.
"Harry and I have both been given ideas, memories, whatever you call them, from a women named Blanche Hope Nouveau." Snape's eyebrows rose with the name. "We've been trying to find her, but we've not found where she went to after she left Hogwarts. We think she might be here or coming here, because Harry saw her in one of his dreams riding a train to someplace in this area. I just realized that right now, actually. Anyway, I've been given memories it seems. I saw the yew trees. I saw Deidre die. I saw Naisi and Deidre fall in love. I saw the tombstone."
"So the story is real. Enchanting, really. Very enriching. What does that have to do with Voldemort?" Snape said skeptically.
"Do you believe in reincarnation, sir?"
"I can't say I've given it much thought. I've been too busy staying alive."
"Well, I'm not sure I do either, but it seems that the curse Catha, the druid you mentioned sir, used made it so Conor would continue rising in each life to fail at being the leader of Ireland, or all of Britain, in this case. It seems Deidre, Naisi, Conor, and Catha are bound to repeat their story until Conor is once and for all destroyed."
"So?"
"I think . . . umm . . . that after seeing Deidre and Naisi in my dreams, that I am Deidre. Or was. However it works. Apparently, Deidre and Naisi's love has the power to kill Conor and bring peace." Snape scowled at her impatiently and mocked her.
"So, is this the part where you tell me about your undying love for Mr. Potter? Or is it Mr. Weasley?" Hermione just ignored him and continued to ramble.
"Judging from the dreams I've had and the ones Harry has had both regularly and from the muse, there is only one person that could be Naisi of Usna. Naisi was tall, very pale, raven haired, and a knight who turned traitor." Her eyebrows rose with pause for effect. "He also was strong enough to found Scotland, and had a love for music and poetry. Harry and I saw the new Naisi in the same clearing as us within a circle of green light. He was tall, pale skinned, and raven haired, dressed in all black robes. Sir, I didn't notice anything else except I was drawn to him, but Harry noticed he was dressed in black, and carried himself confidently. After he said as much, I noticed myself. Other than the music and poetry bit we think the evidence suggests that you may be Naisi."
"So then, it follows that the Dark Lord is Conor," said Snape almost believing her a little too quickly.
"And Dumbledore is the druid, Catha." Hermione raised her head to look at him. She looked into his eyes and waited for the scathing remark when he realized what the story means. Instead his eyes glinted with something she'd never seen in them before and he turned away from her seeming to try to gain composure.
"That explains the cryptic teasing the headmaster has been given me. That means he knows he is the druid. It appears the headmaster agrees with you, Miss Granger. So that means Voldemort is cursed and cannot win, but the cycle will continue beyond our time in the next generations if we don't stop him for real."
"Yes, if we all are to believe that this nonsense is true. The thing is, sir, only the love of Deidre and Naisi will bring the peace. If that's not vague I don't know what is, and well that also means . . . "
"It means that I would have to love Deidre."
"Yes, sir." Snape turned back to her and snapped,
"Let's forget that nonsense for now, Miss Granger. What was going on in the clearing with you, Harry, and I? Please don't leave any details out."
"Are you giving me permission to babble, sir?"
"Whatever it takes, Granger. Now begin." Hermione proceeded to lecture her professor on the orbs, circle of lights, and what each of them did within their circles. Then she told him of the woman at the end who said, "Beware Conor reborn. The curse of Catha follows you to this life and ever. These three are now protected in the Phalanx of Avalon and shielded with the love of ages. These are the words of the Goddess."
"The Phalanx of Avalon?"
"Yes, sir."
"Miss Granger, thank you for telling me all of this. It seems I have much to talk to the headmaster about. I imagine you will be continuing your research?" Hermione nodded. "Be sure to keep me updated. I'll let you know what I can. In the mean time, Potter should go find that chest his father left him. I believe Sirius mentioned something about orbs in his will."
"Yes, he did. But we can't leave unless there is a Hogsmeade trip, sir."
"When had that ever stopped the golden trio before? Why should it now?"
"Well, isn't now more dangerous than before, sir? Shouldn't we have someone along with us?"
"I think you can manage, Miss Granger. You did all survive the Department of Mysteries, and this time there probably won't be anyone waiting for you."
"Okay, sir, if you think it's fine then I'll get the boys to go. Do you have any other ideas to guide my research, sir?"
"Probably nothing you didn't think of, Granger. Except maybe you should try to find out who could be the Lady of Avalon. I thought the line had died out, but judging from what you've said there must still be a lady of the priestesses." As Snape said this he suddenly thought of the mysterious Viviane Fay. Ha. "In fact, check on the Le Fay line. It was a matriarchy like Molly Weasley's family. I have a hunch . . . Well, check Le Fay. Start with Morgan. I'll check with the headmaster. Oh, one last question."
"Yes, sir?"
"If it is the love of Deidre and Naisi that is required for the power to kill Conor, why was Mr. Potter present in the center circle? Why couldn't Mr. Potter be Naisi?"
"I don't know why he was there, sir, but he can't be Naisi."
"Why?"
"Harry can't carry a tune and he hates poetry."
"Did you ever stop to think that I would be the same way?"
"Yes, but the more we thought of it the more we thought you had a flare for the dramatic arts. You know bewitching the mind and ensnaring the senses. Music and poetry have that effect, sir. "
"Yes. That is true . . . Is there any other reasoning behind all this?"
"I only love Harry like a brother, so . . ." Hermione looked away and Professor Snape shifted in his sit. She needed to leave soon.
"Oh . . . That is all. You may leave now, Miss Granger."
Two days later the mail was falling to the recipients in the Great Hall. Hermione received her issue of The Daily Prophet and a mysterious packet dropped in front of Ron. Harry and Hermione looked at it with curiosity. Ron saw the twins' shop seal on the blue paper wrapping and decided it was safe, well as safe as anything from the twins would be. Ron cautiously opened the packet hoping against hope that nothing would spring, shoot, or howl out of the box. Of course, it was far too much to hope for. With the last string undone, and the lid removed, a new and improved set of fireworks that outdid those the twins used on Umbridge burst in multi-color sparks and noises. The finale of the set was a miniature airplane with a banner with the words 'Weasley for Minister' following it. The truly ingenuous bit was the miniature pilot yelling the words out the window of the plane every ten seconds.
Eyes in the Great Hall watched the airplane fade away above the Head Table, leaving a fascinated Professor Flitwick smiling and clapping.
"The twins get better every year!" the proud charms professor cheered. The rest of the professors, except the potions professor, responded with a twinkle in their eyes and a smile toward Flitwick. Back at the Gryffindor table Ron was handing out the buttons that repeated the message of the fireworks, blinking on and off in red and gold lights.
"So, Ron, are you going to tell us what is happening or not?" Harry asked, hoping that it was Arthur Weasley and not one of the twins running for Minister of Magic.
"Dad's been nominated to run for Minister of Magic by Professor Dumbledore, and he's accepted. And the twins are running his campaign."
"Well, this year's election will be entertaining at the very least with Fred and George on the mission," Hermione said taking a pin out of Ron's hand.
"That's true. If my brothers know anything it is how to keep people entertained. But seriously, with the ambition they put into their joke shop they really know how to network their ideas to profit. I think they may be very good as campaign managers," Ginny reasoned.
Before the proud Gryffindors could contemplate the coming election, Draco Malfoy with his goon squad came over to taunt them.
"So Weasel, is your mom running for Minister now? Everyone knows how good she is at dragging your family out of messes."
"Sod off, Malfoy."
"Oh, so it is your father then. Well, I guess my father doesn't need to worry over the competition."
"You mean your father is running against Mr. Weasley? Isn't he still in Azkaban?" Hermione asked with fury behind her words.
"Yes, and yes. My father has friends in very high places. He'll be out in plenty of time to ruin a mere weasel's running at the ministry. He already has the pureblood vote, even in Azkaban. At least there is some class among purebloods. Blood traitors are worse than your mudblood friend here, Weasley. Remember that."
With those words Ron, Harry, and Hermione pulled their wands out and pointed them at the three Slytherins.
"Just remember who put your father there in the first place, Malfoy," Harry said with his eyes blazing. Draco backed off a few steps and replied with an edgy tone,
"Don't worry, Potter. I never will forget."
The tension in the Great Hall was thick as the students from all houses watched the two trios glare at each other. Bets were being made as to who would come out victorious or who would run first. The Dream Team was winning all bets with 20 to 0 odds. Everyone was sure the Slytherins would run for it before the first hex could be cast. As to who would cast the first hex, bets were on Ron, but the worst hex would be Hermione's. Unfortunately, for the gamblers, Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape flanked the six students before an all out brawl could commence.
"Fifty points from Slytherin and detention with Mr. Filch for one month, Mr. Malfoy, for behavior unfitting a prefect and harassing fellow classmates," the headmaster chided with the twinkle absent from his blue eyes.
"Mr. Potter, I believe you and your friends should be heading to charms this morning. Why don't you get an early start," McGonagall calmly suggested.
"Yes, Professor."
"Mr. Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, to my office immediately. You will be excused from the first part of charms this morning," Professor Snape added coldly before speeding off in a fury of billowing robes. After all the students in the Great Hall had left to their assigned places, McGonagall sighed and turned to the headmaster,
"So it's true then? Lucius is the competition even though he's presently in Azkaban."
"Yes, the Wizengamot asked for Fudge's resignation, and made it clear that he would not be running in the next election. Madame Umbridge nominated Lucius Malfoy, while the rest of the Wizengamot nominated me. I, however, stood down for reasons you know, and nominated Arthur. Unfortunately, the Wizengamot didn't prevent Fudge from seconding Malfoy's nomination."
"Who seconded Arthur?"
"Amelia Bones, but I think anyone else would have. It will be a fight. Everyone who still wants the old wizarding traditions to remain will vote for Lucius despite his record. However, if Arthur shows his perseverance and courage, our world will turn to him for this war. I think we are all starting to see that action needs to be taken and Arthur Weasley is a man of action, as is Molly." Dumbledore sighed and said, "This means we need to set the arrangements in order."
"I will send Dolby and Winky on their way. Have you been yet?"
"Yes, just after the nominations." Dumbledore sighed. "So many memories . . . it will be hard for the children, Harry in particular, when we finally allow them to officially be involved. Especially now at the new headquarters."
"Because of the portraits?"
"Yes, and the memories he will never get to have. He didn't even get to know the three of them. He only had moments with Sirius. He didn't even know him enough to really love him. But he did. Harry is a passionate boy becoming an even more passionate man. I hope . . ."
"We all do, Albus. He still has much to live for. He luckily has many people who do love him. He will make do. He is strong."
"I hope so. I'll have to ready Remus, Andromeda, and Tonks to move the Phoenix."
Not an hour later a kindly pair of house elves disapparted to a hidden tower between Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade next to the Old East Hogsmeade Bridge. The new headquarters weren't even known in legend as the three remaining founders used the tower for security after Salazar Slytherin left the school and the wards ran deep. The secrets of Hogwarts also ran deep, and only the headmaster of the school was ever privy to all them. Dumbledore was the first headmaster to use and confide this secret since Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff used it as their refuge and security base.
The three founders had made special private entrances facing West (Top floor, Slytherin), North (Third Floor, Hufflepuff), East (Second Floor, Ravenclaw), and South (First Floor, Gryffindor) to the tower for each level and the entrances enchanted the circular elevating platform to arrive at that particular level. The platform landed on the same side as the private doorway. The main entrance lead to the ground level, which was a grand ballroom decorated in all house colors with a huge circular seal combing the seals of the four Hogwarts founders. The combination of talents and wisdom made this room a comfortable place to meet and share ideas, as well as, to dance and have parties. The elevation platform rose from the seal in the marble floor using a specific password for each floor. The floors beyond the ballroom level catered to the specialties of each founder. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff may have known they wouldn't see Slytherin again, but they did miss him and hoped that someday things would be different and perhaps the four heirs of the houses would share the refuge. This hope made them dedicate the top level to Slytherin.
All levels had a personal office, a specialty library, and two "lab" areas. Gryffindor's floor had a long room set up for dueling with a large dueling stage and benches for on lookers. His second specialty room was a sitting room, which displayed hundreds of ancient artifacts and a very fine liquor cabinet. Godric's Library had books specializing in curse breaking, dark charms, defense against the dark arts, prophecies, and sports.
The second floor held Rowena Ravenclaw's large potions lab with ingredient cupboards preserved along all sides but one, which had a floor to ceiling shelf of potions manuals and Herbology listings. Ravenclaw also had a room dedicated to reading with four ancient spell books displayed on the corner podiums. The furniture in this room was conductive to long study and was therefore both comfortable and practical. Rowena's library had everything on potions, potions ingredients, history of magic, and muggle literature.
Helga Hufflepuff's floor was an overgrown jungle by now. In a way, it had become The Secret Garden of Hogwarts centuries after its first planting. Hufflepuff was, of course, a master of Herbology, both for the medicinal qualities of the plants in potions and for the beauty of the life the plants created in her rooms. The solarium she had begun in the one-room balcony sided with windows now covered the floor, bringing the outside in. Luckily, the charms the founders put in the very stone of the building had lasted to protect the tower from the erosion damage plant life could potentially create. The windows were not as lucky. Her other room held four cots and medicine cabinets filled with potions and supplies to help the sick and injured. Helga's library specialized in Herbology, human anatomy and physiology, medical potions, and magical cooking.
For the missing founder's level, the three took care to remember Slytherin's finer qualities and not focus on the disappointment they had suffered seeing him leave and essentially betray their friendship. Since Slytherin was also a dueling master, like Gryffindor, they made Salazar a dueling room equipped in a similar fashion to Godric's, except decorated in different colors. Within the dueling room was a lever that lowered the dueling stage to allow the room to become a small room for dancing. Attached to the dueling/dance room was a practice room holding all of the instruments Slytherin left behind. The wall that connected the practice room to the dance room would lift with a simple charm so that performances could easily happen while allowing for people to dance to Salazar's fine sounds. The instruments were charmed to remain in perfect condition despite the want of silver to tarnish and wood to decay, within several fine mahogany and glass armoires. Within Salazar's library the three friends, placed what was left of his collection of dark arts, etiquette books past lives, song magic, and sound spells.
All floors were decorated with traditional house colors and seals. The walls held portraits of ancestors of their individual lines, and paintings from the Magical Renaissance. Furniture was to each founder's liking keeping much to dark woods and rich fabrics. Within the offices, four portraits were the same. Each portrait was a member from each family, the most ancient of ancestors, and served as the way the friends communicated when in their solitude. These portraits didn't get much action though, because the friends did much together. While the tower was state of the art and beautifully crafted by three of the best magical people of all time, it still gathered dust over the course of centuries.
For Dumbledore to say there was a lot of dust to rid the place of was the understatement of the year. Luckily, the two best house elves the wizarding world had to offer loved their employer and had ancient powerful magic to whisk away the grim and fix all that was broken. It took Dolby and Winky three days to clean, furnish, fix, and move what they had of the Order's possessions in the five-story tower. Then, they were able to make the offices and quarters livable for many people. Helga's hospital ward also came in handy for this. Finally, the elves' last task was to hang additional magical portraits in Godric's office/quarters. They were portraits of three dearly departed Gryffindor's very special to Godric's last heir brought to the tower by a friendly werewolf.