Chapter 15
The Ascension
(A/N: This is a work of fanfiction and as such the characters are used by this author without the original authors express permission, but like with term papers, hopefully citing the original author will prevent calls of plagiarism. All the recognizable characters belong to JKR. So more power to her.)
My felt the heat in her skin rise, felt the fire that was always beneath the surface spike and stoke itself. She rolled over in an unfamiliar bed and looked around everything was tinged a strange and heavy red. She glanced in a mirror and gasped. The fire in her body was reflected in her eyes. Twin gates to hell. She felt her tears tear up, only to have the liquid evaporate before the tears spilled down her cheeks. A beautiful song filled the air and My felt a comforting weight settle on her lap.
"Oh Fawkes," My ran her quivering fingers over his warm feathers, "I'm scared. What if they're wrong? What if I can't come back?" My bent her head over the birds head. He lifted his head and forced eye contact on her. Somehow for the first time, the fire in her eyes met a match in the heated blackness of his. For the first time My felt that she might actually have a chance at survival. The beauty of Fawkes song rang through her mind, drowning out any doubts, it was different then the throbbing beat of a club but just as effective.
All of her fears and worries were dampened, all her important memories were refined and distilled. She saw the moment she received her Hogwarts letter, the rush of her first successful spell, the first glimpse of the castle that would become her home. Her first Well done Miss Granger, eleven year old knights in shining armor saving her from a troll. Then learning to see beyond her knights to the boys she loved with all her heart, her boys, Harry and Ron. Every happy moment, every triumph, from accio to the patronus charm. Every moment of the Trio flitted through her mind. Every memory flashed through her mind as bright and searing as the lightening bolt scar on Harry's forehead. She re-experienced the joy of getting perfect OWL scores and her first real date. Tears rolled down her cheeks as the sound of dirt was thrown on top of her parents coffin echoed through her mind, the feeling of her eyes unseeing as strong arms encircled her. She remembered the feeling of true freedom that enveloped her as she watched Voldemort dissolve after Harry's curse. She felt the quaver in her soul to the beat of her first dance, the first heart-wrenching, painful and liberating dance. The Dance. The dance that had worked its way into her soul becoming as much of apart of her as magic. Dance calmed her, cured her, brought him into her life. Him.
Drake. Drake who loved her, protected her, forgave her, saved her. Her Drake. The security of his love anchored her as a thousand other faces filled her mind. Mother, Father, mentor, professor, friend, brother. The love she felt for them swept through her, a tidal wave of feeling, that left in its wake a sense of calm and detachment. She knew they loved her, she watched the spell arc into her body, felt a comfortable weight settle deep within her. A weight she could no longer feel. She was prepared, she could let go and allow the magic of the phoenix take over, she only hoped that they could let go of her.
She rose from the bed, muscle protesting after being so still. Her brain adjusting to the sight of everything washed in crimson. Looking at the stand next to the bed she pulled on the light white shift and let it lightly fall down her body settling with a quiet rustle. She pulled her hair from its knot and allowed it to tumble naturally down her back, a heavy halo of fiery dark hair. She could feel the heat beneath her kin grow hotter, a flush of heat rippling along her body. She had to escape, the room was to warm, the heat inside of her nearly to much to bear.
The white dress whispered against her knees as she walked along the halls, searching for anyone to answer her questions. Dumbledore, Snape, mostly however, she searched for Drake. The portraits watched as the dark angel passed them, the internal fire lighting her from the inside. She wondered at the silence, had she managed where Voldemort failed, and closed Hogwarts? Of course know one would want their child to watch a fellow student burst into flame. She walked along familiar halls, fingers running along rough stone, listening for an whisper of familiar sounds. Finally her feet took her to the great hall, where a strange beat echoed up through the stone under her feet. As she approached the doors opened to reveal a dance floor. The lights flashed and changed, a trip hop beat echoed in her mind. Standing in the middle of the floor was a familiar figure. Drake stood there eyes focused on her form, dressed as he had been so long ago, that first night at Pulse.
Hello mystery girl. Draco's face lit up at the sight of the woman he loved so much. Do you have time for a dance? He held his hand out to her and waited for her to come closer.
Where are the others? Are there others? My stepped up to Drake and began to sway to the music, her body moving to the beat controlling her actions. Drake moved with her, matched her, allowed them one more chance at being complete. Another chance at being together.
Dumbledore and Snape are guarding the door, giving us a dance.Guarding it?
Drake laughed a warm noise deep in his chest. Guarding it from Harry, McGonagall, and more than half of the Weasley family. My smiled against his chest and lost herself in his presence, their problems disappearing leaving only their love, the dance, and the fact that while the music was playing they had eternity.
They never noticed the people who rushed into the room in time to see Draco and My entwined together, their whole world in the other persons eyes, dancing together for what could be the last time. They watched the couple trying to memorize the feel. One by one Hermione's second family left, able to feel the love and despair in the air. Soon the only one remaining was Harry watching his sister dance with what was once his worst school yard enemy. A few moments passed and it finally struck him he was going to lose another family member, even if she returned, she would still be gone. Feeling his heart grow heavier he turned and allowed the couple to dance.
Finally the music ended and My turned, the heat under her skin spiked made her feel ill. Drake grinned remembering how so many of of their nights ended. He grabbed her wrist and dropped it with a gasp. It burned like hot metal.
her voice was rusty, It's time. The world Drake stood on dropped out from underneath him. How ironic the woman he loved was a creature his family created, and in the same token, taught to self-destruct. He reached out and took her hand, ignoring the severe heat, and the faint odor of burning hair.
Come on My. Things are set up outside. He led her towards the door when her eyes rolled back into her head and her body sagged. The golden irises he loved so much disappeared underneath the wealth of flames trying to burn their way through. He scooped her slight frame into his arms and walked purposefully through the door. Calling for Dumbledore, Snape, and even Potter. Finally reaching the fields outside of the school, the sight of people in the people in the fields made him hesitate. This was more than the people that had tried to support him waiting for My to wake up, this was more than the people that had been their to help with the spell. There were Gryffindors, young and old, Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws that stared in silence. He walked forward, shifting Hermione in his arms, trying to protect her from the stares. Not far ahead of him, black tousled hair gleamed in the late afternoon sun.
Potter. What in the bloody hell is going on here? Drake glared at the people pretending not to listen to their conversations, pretending not to stares at the girl hanging limp in Malfoy's arms. What the bloody fuck are these people doing here? This isn't some sort of show meant to entertain the masses.
Harry grabbed his elbow and made him start walking again. They want to say goodbye, even if she is going to be back in a few days. He pointed to a blonde Ravenclaw. That's Muriel Hardcastle, Hermione tutored her in charms for six months, with out her tutoring Murielle wouldn't have gotten a job with the charms department at Serestum industries. He pointed to another, this time a brunette boy with sad eyes. That's Alexi Vargus, he followed My around from three months our sixth year, she reminded him of his mum, and he was willing to be cuddled when her parents were killed. Green eyes met gray. We all love her Draco. You can hide her from the world, but not from the people that love her. Harry looked at the girl resting in Draco's arms, cheeks flushed as her head rested against a hard chest. He leaned over and kissed her cheek, ignoring the pain.
My's eyelids fluttered after the touch. Slowly, Drake could feel her body begin to stiffen in his arms.
Where are we? What's going on? Her voice was strange, a dual voice, one the familiar voice of a friend and lover, the other a crackling powerful voice, the voice of fire, elemental and pure.
At that moment Dumbledore appeared.
Miss Granger-- For a moment he paused, eyes faintly puzzled. Dumbledore gestured at Draco to set her down.
If you come with me I can show you to a place we set up. My nodded and followed him, her steps shaky and slow. Behind her Harry and Draco hovered, ready to leap forward for anything. Together they walked across Hogwart's grounds to the setup near by the Quidditch Pitch.
Milling around with no direction or organization were all her professors, the Weasley family and more than half the school. They were there for her, waiting for her.
Dumbledore turned to face the aimless people, he began to speak, his aged voice ripe with power and sadness. Thank you all for being here today, however, this isn't a show, I have to ask that if you haven't been cleared to be here by myself or Professor McGonagall please return to your Common room and then the train. He placed a wrinkled hand on her back and escorted her to an circle burned into the grass. For My's sensitive eyes, the magic from the circle radiated and rippled above the circle.
Before she stepped into the circle he stopped her with a gentle touch to her arm. Miss Granger, Hermione. I have spent many years teaching and I have cared for each and everyone of them. Yet, there are certain students that work their way so deep into my heart that they will always remain vivid in my mind and heart. You are one of these students. Forever more you have a place in my heart as a student, a friend, and a daughter. I eagerly await your return. His voice was quiet, only Harry and Draco able to hear all of his words. Anyone watching however, could read the sincerity in his face, nor could they miss the shadow that crossed his face as the daughter of his heart struggled with an internal battle.
Dumbledore stepped back as other teachers stepped forward thanking her for her contributions to their classes for seven years. Vector, Lupin, and so many others. The final teacher to step forward was Snape. He stepped up to her and looked into fiery eyes, trying to find the girl that annoyed him for so many years. Miss Granger, you were always the most infuriating, maddening, and obnoxious know-it-all I ever had the chore of teaching. But beyond that, you were always my favorite. My best, my brightest. The utter honesty in his voice stalled the angry motions of the Weasley's even as it echoed across the silent field. He leaned over and smoothed away sweaty hair and kissed her forehead. Much to his surprise a voice whispered in his ear.
I would have gone and done potions. It was a weak and gasping voice, growing softer.
Always my favorite, if you hadn't be such a bastard-- her voice faded, and Snape smirked for old times sake. He stepped back and allowed others to step forward. Approved classmates and younger students stepped forward told her the truth. How she affected them, how she changed their lives. The tears trying to well in her eyes let them know she cared as they said their goodbyes. After all her friends said goodbye, the seventh year Gryffindors stepped forward. Neville with tears in his eyes, hugged her, unable to even try to verbally express his love for the brown haired girl. Dean and Seamus, for some reason decided to bow, respect given to the undisputed Queen of Gryffindor. Moving in tandem Dean kissed her hand and Seamus gave thanks and love. Stepping back they stood to support Lavender and Pavarti. The air headed girls simply stepped forward, their heavy tears preventing any words. They simply smoothed salve on cracked and dry lips. Hermione smiled a tired grin.
Not close, but always, Always in heart. At that the two girls broke down, crying in the arms of the other Gryffindor boys.
The Weasley family stepped forward, love written on their faces, sadness in their eyes. Fred and George stepped forward and tried to joke.
The ultimate prank huh? We bow to your superior prankness. My nodded You know we love you right? A second sister? Even the slaphappy twins were affected by the moment, the younger students, going to school in the shadow of the Weasley twin legend were in awe of the tears in their eyes.
Ginny stepped forward and looked My in the eye seeing both friend and phoenix. Acknowledging both. She wrapped her arms around the girl, ignoring the building heat, and the smell of ozone. My sister. was all Ginny said before she stepped back, tears in her eyes.
Fred stepped up and wrapped his baby sister in his arms, ignoring the tears staining his shirt. Molly and Arthur stepped out from behind Snape and walked to the girl they had adopted. Arthur began to silently cry, overcome by his emotions. Molly patted her husbands shoulder and passed him, before wrapping Hermione in the patented Weasley hug. She leaned forward and placed their foreheads together.
Hermione, I had always hoped that you would be the next Mrs. Weasley, but you always knew your own mind. You are one of my own, I am sorry for all the misunderstanding that we have gone through, and I hope you know I consider you a daughter. She stole a look at the stoic Draco, Don't worry my dear, we will take care of him while you are gone. Don't forget we love you my dear. At that Molly broke down and her and her crying husband walked away.
Following the trend, Ron stepped forward and looked into the eyes of his best friend for seven years. I love you Hermione Granger. Ever since the day you took the credit for fighting the troll in first year. I love you so much that seeing you ache hurts my soul. I know your heart belongs to malfoy and I can accept that, I don't understand it, but I can accept it. While you're gone I'll look after him, make sure he doesn't get into any trouble. I know I haven't been the best friend, I know you needed help in fifth and sixth year and I didn't do anything. I know I yelled at you and made you cry, but all of it is because I am an idiot. I love you and I always will, when you get back I hope that I will have learned how to not be an idiot because you deserve a friend far better than me. Ron pressed his lips to hers, and stepped back. My's eyes widened with shock, stunned by the depth of his emotion.
the voice shook, I love you Ronald Weasley in the only way that has ever mattered. Never forget me? A tear fell from the boy's long face. He turned and walked towards his family's embrace, feeling a piece of his heart, his soul were missing. On his way, he gripped Harry's shoulder and muttered, Tell the truth and she understands. But hurry I don't think there is much time left.
Harry nodded jerkily and stepped closer to his sister. So ah Herms looking a little warm there, feeling all right? Draco surged forward to pull Harry away when snape held him back, even as the crowd shifted uneasily. The last thing they expected to here however, was a slightly crazed laugh.
Potter you great giant prat. Harry grinned and walked closer to his sister and looked her in the eyes.
Fire met verdant woods.
You know you taught me everything I have ever needed to know. Harry was serious again. When your parents died I decided that we both couldn't be alone, could have lost our family. So I made you my sister, in my mind, heart and by law. You are listed as my next of kin and my heir. You have a share in the Black and potter fortune and libraries. I fully expect you to be back and share it with me. I'll never get through all the books without you. I refuse to loose my sister right after she finds out that she is mine.
Hermione's voice was choked, whether on flames or emotions.
I love you Brother.Know that you will always have a place with me.I know. Another voice broke through.
She doesn't need one. She already has a place with me. Draco's voice was tight, fighting the tears that threatened to fall in front of others. The two looked at him. She will always have a home with me. A home filled with laughter and dance, where tears are forbidden. he withdrew a black box from his pocket. I'd like to to marry your sister Potter if she'll have me. Harry didn't even look surprised, he simply glared at Draco and kissed his sister before erecting a silencing charm around the duo. Before he left them he whispered.
I'll watch out for him, don't worry, if I can keep from killing him, I'll make sure that no one else will.
Drake noticed the sudden silence and thanked Potter in his head. He opened the box to reveal a diamond engagement ring, a diamond flanked on either side by an emerald and a ruby and a simple wedding band, a blended mix of gold, etched with a serpent and phoenix entwined together.
My I love you. I know you have to go. Have to complete the process my ancestors began so many centuries ago. I just want you to know that you have a place to return to. To me. As my wife. I love you. Will you marry me?
The crowd watched as bits of fire rolled down Hermione's face, even if they couldn't hear they knew what was going on. Draco dropped to one knee and slipped the two rings onto her slender finger.
My let these rings guide you back. Back to me. My nodded and looked at the rings
I love you Drake. Always. I need at least one more dance with you. If I can return, I will. return to you, to Harry, to my family, but to you. Its always you. Drake leaned forward and brushed the hair from her face, not even noticing the heat from her skin.
He looked deep into her eyes and found the golden irises he loved so much, reaching forward he pulled her into a kiss, sweet and searing, filled with longing, love, passion and sadness. He gave her all that he had and accepted all that she gave.
Suddenly an inhuman wail shook the air, shattering the silencing charm that Harry had cast. My's head snapped back and she shoved Drake away violently. Ron and harry rushed forward to flank Draco. A beam of red light shone from her mouth, expanding to encase her whole body. The light grew darker and the wail grew higher until there was no sound left. The red light grew brighter and brighter shining with pure incandescent until it imploded into a single point. From that point a sound was heard, a companion to the song of Fawkes that spoke of love and loyalty, friendship and loss. Following the song a great bird of flame appeared and flew above their heads dropping sparks down on the watchers. It circled once around the trio of Draco, Harry and Ron before shooting straight into the sky, where it disappeared from view.
Draco looked down at his hand and saw a large clear jewel, the color of a ruby, but the clarity of colored glass. He looked around and saw that everyone that loved Hermione had received one. He looked at it in wonder, a Phoenix Stone. Fire freely given by the Phoenix, by Hermione. Looking closer he noticed a flaw in the perfection. Holding it up to the light, he looked into the center and saw it.
The engagement ring.
The ring he had placed on her finger just a few minutes ago. It felt like an eternity.
Coming to his senses he raced to the point where My had stood and stared down at the ashes. He sat. Waiting for the ashes to reform into the woman he loved.
At first everyone waited with him, all staring intently, waiting for a dear friends arrival. As time passed with nothing, the others began to leave, first other houses, then other years, and then other Gryffindor seventh years. Soon everyone had left, the Weasleys only under dire threat by Dumbledore.
Even Dumbledore looked lost, the twinkle gone from his blue eyes. The love had not saved her. It should have. He turned to leave as the sun set, leaving the trio of broken boys to stay at the ashes. Finally even Harry and Ron left, leaving Draco by himself to sit in the dark at the edge of the ashes waiting for them to stir.
They let him sit for three days, hoping he would come in for food, or sleep, or a cloak to ward off the chill of night, but he didn't. He waited. Mid morning on the fourth day Ron and Harry remembered their promise to their friend through a cloud of grief and went outside to confront Draco.
His head snapped up, eyes bloodshot but dry. She isn't coming back. We weren't enough of an anchor.But my ring. she kept the wedding ring. he showed the boys his phoenix stone. She is just waiting for the right time. This time ti was Ron. Ron with tears in his eyes and running down his cheeks. She isn't coming back.
Drake looked from one to the other, dread and a sorrowful understanding in his eyes.
She isn't is she? the boys shook their heads, and Drake began to sob, the heart wrenching gasps of a shattered heart, broken hope and crushed dreams. The other boys took him in their arms and they cried. Cried for the one person that made them whole.
And somewhere across the world, over the rainbow and throughout time, the ashes stirred.
Fin
Well this is the end. It has been a long time since I've updated and all I can say is real life was more important. If anyone really cares about it feel free to e-mail me and I can tell you about everything. Well thanks for over a year about support and enthusiasm. My novel will hopefully be called The Call of Avalon so in a few years look for it.
Its been a trip kids. I love you all.
Cat
