Part 13: In Which the Gold and Ruby Combine
Hermione awoke to a pair of bright amber eyes. She smiled sleepily and snuggled up closer to him. He bent his head and gave her a sweet kiss on the lips.
"Time to get up," he said hoarsely from his slumber.
"No. I wanna sleep," she whined childishly. She couldn't think too coherently this morning, which slightly irked her.
"I know you do and so do I. But we got to get up. C'mon, love," he said tying to wake her up. She was dozing on and off. "Don't make me reach for wand," he said trying to get her to move.
"The one on the dresser or the one that is against my stomach," she said sarcastically. She opened an eye and saw him glare at her before smirking.
"Tsk, tsk," he said waving a finger about.
"Tsk, tsk yourself Monsieur. What do we have to do today that is so in dire need of my presence?" She asked.
"We have a day off! We get to spend the entire day together!" He exclaimed.
"God help me," she teased. He pounced on her, so her head was far up on the pillow.
"Apologize," he said. She rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"Nope. Good night," she said closing her eyes still under his weight. He pressed against her, and he noted she held back a moan. He did it again, and again she suppressed a whimper. "No fair!"
"Say 'Remus I am so sorry! I will gladly spend thy day with you!'" He said as he began to tickle her. She squealed and tried to throw him off her.
"Remus I am so sorry! I will gladly spend thy day with you!" She cried and he finally stopped.
"Excellent. I suggest a shower perhaps?"
"Perhaps. But I'm going to be so lonely," she whined with a flirtatious glint in her eyes.
"Aye. Perhaps you need a chaperone? I will gladly oblige," he said. She nodded and sat up. Remus climbed out of bed and walked into the bathroom. She sighed and forced her stiff body to join her beloved in the shower.
After three long hours of showering with supervision, Remus and Hermione headed out of her flat. She was wearing a baby pink boho top that was long and soft. It showed her generous chest appropriately, as it hung from two thin straps. She wore a pair of denim boot-cut jeans that had various wholes in them. She and her mum had cut them upon her kitchen table a year ago. Her wand was placed in her pocket; however, it was still in easy reach. Her feet were graced with a pair of white Asian styled flip-flops. Her foot was covered halfway with a sort of weaved like material that was decorated with flowers made of sequins. They made a gentle flipping sound every time she took a step. A pair of clear pink sunglasses rested on her small nose ready to shade the sun. The only jewelry she wore was her promise ring that glowed slightly every time Remus brushed his hand against it. They began descending down the stairs, and she got a chance to see her love's attire for the day.
He wore a pair of cargo shorts that went past his knees. His wand was also in his pocket for his reach. He wore a navy shirt with three buttons at the top. A pair of sneakers had gone along with this outfit. Her attention kept going to his right hand, where she pictured a lovely band would rest.
Her attention was drawn back, when they entered the street.
"You seem to be in thought today," he commented, as they headed down the street.
"I was, but most importantly I was enjoying the view," she said pushing her sunglasses slightly down with her free hand. He blushed slightly.
"And the view was-"
"You," she answered. He smiled and kissed her fingers that were interlace with his.
"Do you like the water?" He asked absentmindedly. She glanced at him and noticed he was deep in thought.
"Yes. As in oceans, waves, and currents?"
"Indeed."
"I do. Do you?" She asked confused. He looked at her and smiled.
"Most definitely. Excellent. Follow me into this lovely dark alley," he said smirking. She giggled and followed him.
"Hold on tight," he said and without warning, he apparated them away.
The first thought that crossed her mind, when they arrived was "Wind." She opened her eyes and gasped. They were standing on a dock next to a beautiful lagoon. Their was a bay with very few houses scattered around. She saw someone flying on a broom in the distanced and assumed it was in fact a Wizarding location. Forgetting Remus was beside her until the sudden contact, he led them down the dock to where a large sailboat awaited them. A lone man was standing there in a pretty nice outfit with a friendly smile on his face.
"Mr. And Mrs. Lupin?" He asked. Hermione blushed read and noticed Remus had too.
"Yes, is everything ready?" Remus asked. The man nodded and motioned for them to step onto the boat.
"Do you know all the operations Mr. Lupin?" The man asked. Remus nodded and with a wave of his wand, the boat had settled into the bay. They were both silent as they took in the beautiful views of the extravagant houses.
"Where are we?" Hermione asked breaking the quiet.
"We are in France off of a secluded wizard part of Nice," he said smiling. Her eyes lit up and she hugged him tightly.
"This is the greatest!" She said before kissing him. He smiled and broke their kiss and began to lead her into a different part of the ship. A blanket was laid out with a basket filled with food. He helped seat her on the deck and sat beside her. She looked at him with a calculating look.
"No protests or questions," he said smiling at her. "You're too intelligent."
"Why thank you. Shall we dine?"
"We shall."
The rest of the afternoon was joyful. Hermione and Remus sat side by side on the boat, which glided through the water with ease. He would raise his wand and the boat would turn or head in a different direction. Hermione could hear the blood rush in his ears and knew something was up. She looked at him, as he stood up. He walked down two tiny steps and around the little deck to face her. She was sitting two feet above him with a very quizzical look.
"Hermione, please don't interrupt before I loose my nerve," he said placing a hand up. She was about to cry. Oh god! What did she do?
"Did I do something?" She asked scared.
"Yes," he said smiling. Now she was downright bewildered. "How long have we been together? It's rhetorical. We've been together for about a month. We've already promised ourselves to each other. Here's the thing. Time vexes me beyond belief. When I was at school I always got everything done early because I was afraid I wouldn't get it done in time. Time always constricted my life, and now yours as well. Every full moon cycle we wait and wait to change, to become sick. You and I won't age like everyone else due partially to time. Time! Time! Time! It's beautiful and ugly, destructive and harmless, wasted and savored all at once! I've done enough waiting in my thirty-seven years of my life. Do you like to wait?" He asked staring deeply into her eyes. She hated being confused. She noticed his anticipation and shook her head no.
"We're going to be walking this earth for a very long time, love. We'll have all the time in the world. I just want security, for the both of us. Hermione Jane Granger, will you give this werewolf your hand in marriage? Will you Hermione Jane Granger, make the me happiest man alive and marry me?"
Oh Merlin.
She did not just hear that. She looked at him shocked and noticed she in fact did just hear that. There he was on one knee, an open box in hand. The diamond she saw was large. It was one of the most beautiful things she ever saw. It was a golden band with the simple rose pattern that had matched her promise ring. There were tiny diamonds shaped like hearts that surrounded the largest diamond. Tears rolled down her eyes without her even noticing.
"I thought you wanted to wait?" She thought aloud. He shrugged his shoulders. She smiled at him. 'That's very cool. I wish I marry Remus, but all we need is time.'
"Yes!" She cried. He looked at her, his eyebrows raised.
"I will marry you!" She cried. He stood up and enveloped her into the tightest hug they ever had. She sought his lips and kissed him passionately, loving the feel of his tongue battling with her own. They pulled apart for air and he popped the ring out of the case. He grabbed her slender hand and slid the beautiful ring next to her promise one. There was a golden light that was omitted from the engagement ring and a ruby light from her promise ring. The roses from her promise ring connected with those of the engagement ring. The female lion on her ring roared approvingly as it danced between the two rings. Hermione watched entranced. Finally the lion calmed down as it purred. She looked up at Remus, who was watching him carefully. She walked up to him and kissed him lovingly before setting her head on his chest.
"This has been one of the best days of my life," she whispered. He ran his hands through her curls and kissed her cheek gently. The sun was starting to set now. Remus stood behind her and rested his head upon her head. They watched as the sun was nearly gone and a quarter moon had risen. They brought the boat back to the dock, which was now empty. Once on the dock, Remus turned to Hermione.
"HQ?" he asked quietly.
"Yep. Meet you in our room? You're too tired to take us both," she said patting his arm. He grinned sheepishly and nodded.
"One, two, three."
They were standing side by side in their bedroom. They could hear many voices downstairs. Hermione walked into their closet and pulled out their robes for the attire that evening. Each wore deep ruby robes, especially designed for the Order. They were their formal ones, rather than combat. Hermione's robe had many patches from the war and her work. A patch for the Order of Merlin first class resided next to her patch for services to Hogwarts. She had patches for being Head Girl, breaking OWL and NEWT records. She had patches for being one third of the trio to defeat Voldemort. She could go on and on and on. Remus had many similar patches as well. The sleeves were sewn with Ancient ruins, designed by herself, that enabled numerous things. This allowed communication and protection, as well as it showed your rank. The higher rank you were, the more Ancient Ruins you had on your sleeve. The Ancient Ruins were to help keep sectors and divisions together as well as show power. Remus and he, needless to say had many Ancient Ruins.
"Thanks," he said quickly before slipping it over his clothes. She followed suit, and felt immediately comfortable in her robe. They walked hand in hand down the stairs with haste, even more so when the many voices grew nearer.
Dumbledore was waiting in the kitchen in his robe along with Fawkes perched on his shoulder. He greeted them, as the phoenix flew to Hermione's shoulder and welcomed her old companion.
"Hi Fawkes," she cooed. Remus shook Dumbledore's hand. Fawkes flew back to Dumbledore, and Hermione held Remus' hand again. She saw Dumbledore's eyes go to her hand very casually. She held a grin back at his not so subtleness.
"Sorry we're late. We were away," he said blushing slightly. Dumbledore smiled fatherly.
"I bet. Hermione, are you ready?" He asked. She nodded.
"Yes, sir."
"Excellent. Come along, everyone is seated."
They walked outside to the garden, which was set beautifully with floating candles and beautiful flowers. The all to familiar alter was set up at the top of the aisle. No, it did not look like someone was to marry, but it looked like the typical Order of the Phoenix Induction. Hermione spotted Harry, who was seated first row next to Snape and Draco. In these inductions, you sat by rank. The highest were seated closet to the altar. She saw two seats next to Harry, who had decided to start making puppy dog faces at Ginny, three rows back. She saw Kevin sitting beside Harry in his ordinary clothes, the only one present in doing so. She could feel his nervousness, which was broadcasting like a television program. Everyone stopped talking, as Remus and Hermione walked up the aisle. He rubbed her hand soothingly, a gesture he made quite often. They sat beside Harry and remained silent as Dumbledore and Fawkes walked to the altar.
"We are gathered here this evening for a very special event. We are going to be taking in another soul under our wing. An induction shall commence for Kevin Nathaniel Dowson."
A collective gasp was heard throughout the gathering.
"Keep your wands down and away!" Dumbledore cried. "As the founder of this organization, I am able to choose who I see fit for induction. If you have any comments about this direct them to me and not to Mr. Dowson. Let us begin with the ceremony. Miss Granger? If you will begin us please," he said kindly. She stood up and faced the altar.
The altar.
It was clear and made of a no breakable glass. Its basin was also translucent, ready to show its spectators a show. She pulled out her wand as the silence rang in her ears.
Total concentration Hermione1 Tala, I ask for silence.
Hermione stood at the altar, her wand level with her head. She walked around it so she faced the basin and the audience. She took a deep breath, went into total focus, and began to chant.
"Brothers and sisters,
Family and friends.
United together,
Until one's end.
We are gathered today,
To bring in another.
His name Kevin Nathaniel,
Who shall be your brother.
Protection from the start,
And until the end.
True loyalties are in his heart,
One that does not bend.
Old alliances bygone,
And a fresh start for thee,
Trust, Loyalty, and Faith,
Is what you shall see.
I ask upon thy spirit,
Of the cold and chilling North.
Like a river runs its course,
His shall be forth.
I ask upon thy spirit,
Of the warm and comforting South.
He shall have the courage to fight it
When problems see fit to rouse.
I ask upon thy spirit,
Of the dry and dusty West,
Help him reach his limit,
When his life is put to the test.
I ask upon thy spirit,
Of the moist and breezy East.
For his strength is one to merit,
In which his life is carefully pieced."
A dark blue liquid appeared in the basin of the altar. Hermione mixed it around with her wand before being satisfied. Kevin watched on in bewilderment as the magic rippled off her body. A strong chilling breeze came from the North and swirled around Kevin. It then directed itself into the basin, where the liquid splashed and turned a dark green. A second wind came, this one warm, from the South. It swirled around Kevin and followed the North by plunging into the liquid. It then turned a shade of purple. A dry wind from the West came and whirled around Kevin before also sinking into the liquid, which turned black. The final moist breezy came from the East. After encircling a very freaked out Kevin, it jumped into the liquid, which turned clear. The only thing that exemplified its presence was the rim of the liquid. Hermione regained her focus and began to chant once more.
"Hold The Platinum Blade,
In which we have drawn thy blood.
Thy river of magic that's made,
Shall collect like an ever-growing flood.
Thy flood upon thy palm,
Shall flow into this basin.
Words shall bring calm,
And your brotherhood shall hasten.
Ruby lights from the North and West,
Shall uplift thy potion into the sky.
You forever shall be infinitely blessed,
And the light will eventually die.
Golden lights from the South and East,
Shall uplift thy potion into the sky.
You forever shall be infinitely blessed,
And the light will eventually die."
The Platinum Blade appeared in mid-air and suspended above the basin. Kevin took hold of the blade and stuck out his palm. He ran the dagger quickly across his palm without a wince. Hermione quickly began to chant again.
"The blood has been drawn."
Kevin's blood soon oozed off his hand and into the liquid below. It shimmered and began to stir itself crazily as tons of colors sparkled. Soon enough, two ruby lights from the North and the South uplifted the potion. The potion turned into a wolf and then it slid right back into the basin without another splash. Moments later, two golden lights from the South and East came and lifted the potion once more. This time it was a phoenix flying through the heart of the wolf. It resided back into the basin. The gold and ruby which had segregated into halves began to combine. A soft mist was admitted from the potion. Kevin's hand was not bleeding; however, the wound remained open. Hermione brought her wand up and began to recite once more.
"The Ruby light from the North and West,
Resembles the blood of your life.
The Golden Light from the South and East
Resembles the Phoenix's Flight."
At that time, Fawkes flew around the room singing beautifully for the ceremony. Kevin watched in awe as the phoenix perched itself on an invisible roost. She dropped two crystal clear tears into the potion and a feather of hers.
"The phoenix has given back what you originally gave."
Suddenly, a ruby cloak appeared in front of Hermione. She began to do tons of wand waving, making the audience watch her in awe.
"Effingo illa alica quod carmen in suus amiculum pro tutela , levamentum , quod defero. Ostendo suum ordo."
The cloak spun quickly as invisible stitches worked its way around. Finally, the ruins were in place. It remained suspended into air
"And now for the binding. Dip your wound into the potion," Hermione instructed. Once his hand rested in the liquid Hermione spoke for the final time. "Redimio duos una insquequo totus of infinitio. may is redimio venia suus pectus pectoris."
The potion completely drained into his veins. The wound on his hand sealed with the faintest of scars. A minute later, a misty phoenix flew out of his heart and into Hermione's. Two more phoenix's flew out of hers, and soon the whole room was filled with misty phoenix's as everyone was re-connected with every one else. The last person left was Dumbledore who received all of the phoenix's with a smile on his face. The cloak finally dropped onto Kevin and tied itself. Hermione was out of energy. Remus walked onto the stage and helped her sit down.
"That was brilliant. I never knew you could do that!" Remus cooed in her ear. She smiled and a small blush crept onto her cheeks.
"Neither did I until Fawkes and I bonded. I apparently was cut out for the job," she said sleepily, her head resting on his shoulder. His arm was wrapped around her as she began to slightly doze.
"That was an excellent ceremony!" Dumbledore said in front of the altar. Everyone clapped and Kevin sat down in his chair by Dumbledore. "Kevin will be working with Remus Lupin and Hermione Granger. We wish them the best of luck with their research," he said as everyone clapped. "There is food and drinks for everyone, so do enjoy yourself!"
"Hermione, Love," he said. Her weary eyes looked up at him. She was certain he could feel the drain she was experiencing.
"Perhaps we can go home?" He suggested. She nodded and he helped her up before they walked inside the house where the party was. Dumbledore spotted them and waved goodbye after briefly indicating he'd owl Remus. Hermione was so tired, it took effort to keep her eyes open. They reached the fireplace and with a handful of floo powder they went home.