The early morning air in Anglesey was crisp enough to make Pansy wrap her cloak around herself even tighter. But she wouldn't be deterred, not by the wind or the dark clouds brewing overhead. She needed to get to her mate, and with urgency if the steadily pulsing ache in her chest was anything to go by. She wanted Hermione safely by her side, and needed to feel her magic curling with her own again. Her fast steps led her to her family's magical stone circle and she knelt down before the head stone with Lady Hecate's symbol on it. She barely flinched as the ornate athame sliced into her palm, blood pooling in the valley before sliding over her fingers.
Pressing the palm up to the stone in offering, she closed her eyes and whispered a silent prayer to the Goddess for guidance and favour, for herself and for one of her children, her árpia . She felt the magical circle respond with an answering pulse of magic and felt the air around her shimmer and still.
When she blinked her eyes open, the clouds were still dark and dreary, a drop of morning dew stood still on the edge of the stone in defiance of gravity, and a dark raven stood still mid-flight up ahead in the middle of the sky. And just to her right the shimmering figure of the Goddess Hecate looked at her with a firm expression, the snake wrapped around her arm tightly as she stepped closer towards the runic offering.
"My Lady Hecate," Pansy greeted her with a reverent bow of her head.
My child, I know why you are here. Your sun is in danger. But I cannot help you .
Her expression was tight with worry and pain. "But my Lady, please, I will do anything you ask of me to save her. Anything," she was beyond pride or caution at this point. The Goddess' outright refusal had her reeling. What could she have done to anger her and fall from favour in such a way?
The Goddess however smiled and nodded her head regaly, seeing they had come to the point that would seal these witches' fates forever in unity.
You misunderstand me, child. You already have all that you need within you. All you have to do is use it wisely .
Pansy looked at her in confusion. How was this helping? And how had the Goddess already helped her- Gaze snapping down to the tattoo on her forearm, she caressed the outline of the magical key etched into her skin and felt a zap of magic answering.
You will know what the key unlocks when the time comes.
Those had been the Goddess' words and she felt a surge of magical power at the knowledge that she had something within her that could help her find Hermione. She only had to figure out how to use it. Her gaze fell on the dark grey swirling tattoo once again and she instinctively reached for it, drawing on the magical surge she felt at the touch of her skin. She closed her eyes, breathed deeply and instead of smooth warm skin, she touched metal, cold and pulsing with magic, slowly leaving her forearm to stay in her hold instead.
Her eyes blinked open and she looked at the ornate key in wonder. Did it open a cell? A basement where her mate was being held? How could she use this? She looked at the Goddess before her helplessly, not sure how to formulate her thoughts.
Hecate however smiled and motioned for her to hold the key against her bleeding palm, an offering to the powers that she would have to use. Close your eyes child, feel your mate, and let the key unlock the door to the crossroads you seek.
The soft hypnotic tone of the Goddess' voice made her eyes heavy as she took a slow, deep breath and pictured her mate, her beautiful wild curls, the way one of the scars tugged on the corner of her lips when she smiled brightly and cried her pleasure, the feel of her in her arms and her magnificent wings wrapped around them protectively.
She didn't see the glow of the key as it warmed under her touch. Instinct guided her as she felt the pulse in her chest solidify into a single point, a vibrating thread as clear as day that started with her and ended with her mate. The words came to her unbidden, true and fitting. "I stood at a crossroads and fate came to meet me," she whispered before extending the key before her and turning it three times clockwise to unlock her destination. Three for the three forms of the Goddess and for good luck.
She felt a tug on the thread in her chest and a whoosh of air before the ground beneath her knees softened and she sunk into damp earth. Blinking her eyes open against the brighter skies, she got to her feet and looked around to make sure she landed in a deserted spot. The key in her hand held no more magic. It was solid and cold, and heavy in her hand. She placed it in her pocket for safekeeping nonetheless and cast a quick charm to clean the earth from her knees.
Her location was a mystery to her, it looked urban with plenty of green, both industrial and full of modern elements and flats. And she could smell the river passing by. Google Maps told her she was in London, Shadwell Basin, and her mate must be somewhere nearby. But here? With flats and posh little boats? But no, it wasn't just a posh little place. She could hear larger boats on the river, the distinct horn of one cutting the slow morning buzz. And though there seemed to be a few flats and renovated areas, there were also a couple of buildings that looked industrial, and as she took a few steps closer, she felt the thread in her chest growing warmer. She was right, her mate was here.
She reached into her pocket and activated the silent alarm that would alert Draco she needed backup. It took all of forty-five seconds before he was apparating by her side with three Aurors in combat gear, ready and in position.
He blinked at her in surprise, eyes scanning the surrounding area for any threats before frowning. "Pansy? Why did you-"
"She's here," she pointed ahead to the two buildings. "I don't know which one but she's in one of those buildings."
Draco looked at her as if he wanted to ask more questions but with the present company, he couldn't very well ask without giving away her mated status. "Any activity on the buildings?" he asked.
She shook her head. "I just got here but no, so far it's been quiet. I haven't spotted any movement yet."
"Sir," one of the Aurors piped up and pointed up ahead to a sliding door on the side of the building.
It was being approached by a man in black jeans and leather jacket. He looked around casually, not even bothering to do a full sweep of the area or he may have spotted them huddled behind a bin as they were. Draco's blood boiled at the ugly smirk on what was undoubtedly Marcus Flint's equally ugly face. Constance had been correct, he was absolutely embroiled in this and judging by the smirk, enjoying himself immensely. Flint pulled the doors open and disappeared inside, two more men walking slowly around the building in full combat gear.
"How are the muggles not freaking out about that?" one of the Aurors mumbled.
Pansy blinked and looked at the jogger who was passing by and paid the scene no attention at all. "Because they can't see it. Repello Muggletum . We can see them because we have magic. Which is a bit lazy if you ask me, they should be under a full set of wards."
"This is a muggle area, you will rarely ever see a wix here. It's a typical presumption of superiority. And this is good for us because we can visually confirm the building is being guarded," Draco pushed them further behind the set of bins and cast a perimeter safety bubble around their group. "By the activity on the right-hand building, let us presume she's there. So far we've seen two guards but there are likely cameras, wards and other charms that can bring forth reinforcements. Robards knows we're here and there are three others that can join us immediately. We'll be using mixed combat methods, don't rely on your wand solely. Pansy, you will stay here."
"Like hell I will," she gritted her teeth, dark eyes blazing at the suggestion she sit the situation out.
"Pans-"
"No," she shut down his consoling tone before he could make more of an arse of himself. "If she's hurt, you need me in there immediately. And I can get her out while you deal with the security. Must I remind you I can be quite lethal when I choose to be?" she had her wand in hand and pointed at his throat before anyone could move.
Draco stood still, though he felt the tension in the bodies of the men around him. "Halt," he said calmly, letting them know not to interfere.
The determination and sheer fire in Pansy's gaze was nothing new to him but he had only ever seen it a few times in his life, and it told him all he needed to know. About the woman who was once his closest friend, about her love for the Potions Mistress, about their friendship which he could see will need some work after this case was resolved. For now, he reached out and gently grabbed her wrist, his thumb rubbing over her pulsepoint as he used to calm her when they were in school and she had a rough day.
"Point made, Pans. I appreciate these are special circumstances. But I don't have additional gear for you, and I cannot protect you as well as the hostage," he explained as he gently lowered the wand from his throat and they stood across from each other, both unmoving in their position.
One of the Aurors cleared their throat awkwardly. "Sir, we should move."
Draco studied her a moment longer and sighed at the stubborn tilt of her chin before taking off his combat jacket. He pushed her flowing cloak off her shoulders and helped her into the jacket, strapping the inner snaps to tighten a bit on her chest. She would be at least somewhat protected.
"Draco, no, you have children," she tried to protest. "Astoria would never forgive me-"
"It will be this way or you're staying here," he said with a finality she didn't dare challenge after her earlier outburst so she stepped back and let the team discuss point of approach and strategy for entry as she closed her eyes and gently tugged on the thread, hoping her mate could feel her…
Hermione took a deep breath and extended her hand in front of her, watching it tremble for long moments until she took a deep breath and consciously worked on stabilising it. Then the other hand. Finger by finger, stretching the aching muscles and joints from where her grip on the mat beneath her had been white-knuckled during the cruciatus.
Morgana, she could have gone without that feeling for the rest of her life, especially after the torture at the hands of the deranged Belatrix Lestrange during the war. But it was a true reflection of Flint's character, being able to cast the Unforgivable so proficiently.
Her legs were next, toes all the way up to her hips until she was able to sit up. She was still shaky, but she was sitting and that was an achievement in itself. Her body felt tight, muscles still not quite right but it would be at least a few days until she felt marginally better, unless they gave her a muscle relaxant potion.
And there was a dull ache in her chest. She rubbed at it gently, her skin sensitive and lungs a bit tight. Her magical core pulsed a little sporadically under her ribs, adjusting to the assault of the dark harmful magic last night. But as she took a deep breath to try and feel her body, there was a bolt of warmth, and a tug on her very being, the harpy within her pressing to the surface.
As quickly as it came, it was gone.
But her harpy knew, and Hermione felt her back itching to let her wings out. Her mate, she had felt her so acutely, but differently than before. She could really feel her, their connection so strong, but with it came her mate's absence. They've been apart for at least sixteen hours. It was the longest they've been from each other's side since completing the bonding and she was keenly feeling the need to see Pansy. Would she ever again? Will they find her in time before the transport?
The metal doors across from her opened again and Flint stepped through with an ugly, gleeful smirk. "Ah, our favourite beast is awake."
She hissed at him, the sound all harpy as it came past her vocal cords.
He tutted and crouched down a few feet away from her. "Touchy touchy, last night wasn't enough for you?" He pulled out his wand and twirled it threateningly between his fingers.
If he hoped for her to cower, he was sorely disappointed by her impassive stare, the whiskey glow giving way to the expanding darkness of the harpy's gaze looking into his very soul. This man, she could deliver him to the Underworld to face Aeacus, King Minos, and Radamanthus for his judgement of eternal punishment in Tartarus. Lord Hades would be pleased with such an offering, as would Lady Hecate. Though fates may yet have a plan for such an ugly soul.
The tense silence between them was interrupted by the sounds of struggle outside. She rose on shaky legs, ready to seize the opportunity if she could escape. Marcus raised his wand and she could see the Crucio on his lips but the harpy within her surged and with a high-pitched cry let loose her wings, curling them over her body protectively. She felt the curse hit her but rebound to its source and hit Flint dead in the chest, making him crumple to the ground in a heap of spasming muscles.
She was determined to get free but the magical field around her pulsed strongly and she couldn't break through. When the metal doors slid open again, she crouched down, wings ready to close over her protectively but halted at the sight of platinum hair followed by the pulse of her bond in her mate. "Mate!" she called and straightened, the harpy still in charge as she edged to the magical barrier, unable to cross it to feel her.
"Hermione!" Pansy dashed past the man on the floor and to her, noticing the stones keeping the magical field intact. She kicked one out of alignment and then she was in the embrace of her partner and her wonderful soft wings.
Hermione breathed her in, their magical cores pulsing wildly at being so closely collected, unaware that a field of pure golden magic surrounded their embracing forms and the heavy scent of pomegranate molasses in the air.
Marcus Flint had been apprehended along with the security guards outside, and his team was already transporting them to the cells at the Ministry. Draco noticed the camera in the corner and flicked his wand to neutralise it, wondering where the signal led. Backup would be here soon to go into the neighbouring building to investigate the whole area, and now that they had Hermione, make further arrests.
He waited patiently until they broke apart slowly, still stunned by the incredible sight of Hermione Granger with wings. It was one thing to hear someone is a rare magical being, and completely another to witness it. He watched the wings unwrap from their forms and retreat into her back, leaving behind a tattered shirt. He reached into his pocket and found a tissue which he transfigured into a fresh white shirt and held out in offering, keeping his gaze turned away politely.
"We need to get you into Mungo's and checked for injuries before going back to the Ministry to provide evidence. This should do for the trip."
"Thank you," she took in gratefully and hissed at the pull in her muscles but Pansy helped her shrug out of the old shirt and into the new, getting her as comfortable as she could. "I'll need a muscle relaxant. Flint was trigger happy with Cruciatus," she sighed, allowing herself to lean into the supporting hold of her partner on her waist. "But first, you need to arrest Claude Gilmel before he disappears."
"What?" Pansy's head snapped to look at her in surprise before a deep frown marred her brow in thought.
"He came to boast about his plans for me himself. Do you remember, my harpy came out in front of him when he laid his filthy hands on you by the lift? The Obliviate must have not worked fully," Hermione explained.
"I knew it, somewhere deep down I knew he was an absolute cunt," Pansy growled viciously, the unload-like language giving Draco pause.
"I can't just arrest him. I need your statement, evidence, something to put before Robards to give me the go ahead," he argued.
"Then look at my memories, here, now, and get him before he disappears somewhere in Europe where you won't find him," Hermione stepped forward, motioning for him to go ahead.
"Are you sure?" Draco hesitated in face of her trust.
Hermione nodded. "You were taught Legilimency by one of the best practitioners of our time. I trust you," she promised and looked into his eyes, thinking back to her whole ordeal to force the memories to the forefront of her mind for him to access easily.
It felt like a trickle of water at her temple, making her shudder but she held still as he slipped into her mind and took a few minutes to run through the memories quickly, confirming the visit from Gilmel and the use of Unforgivables by Flint. He withdrew carefully and nodded. "That's all I need to get a warrant in minutes and get him arrested. Pans, can I trust you to get her to Mungo's?"
She nodded and he quickly headed for the doors to organise the team that just arrived. Pansy however focused on her mate, taking in her pained and tired features, the dried blood on her head. "Let's get you to a healer, love."
The next two days were a complete whirlwind between treatment and overnight observation at 's, giving evidence and statements at the Ministry, managing the media madness when the news broke about her being a harpy, kidnapped, and mated to Pansy. She wasn't sure who blabbed but Draco was on a warpath to interrogate his Aurors and the Healers that worked with them to find the mole. When Neville and Kyra heard she was back home, they came through and spent a couple of hours with them as well before retreating back to Hogwarts for the Potions Mistress to rest her exhausted body.
It would be the first night in days back in her bed, and Hermione couldn't wait to just hold onto Pansy and not let her go. Byron refused to move from her side and either sat with her or lay at her feet protectively, even following them into bed where he stretched out at the end of the mattress and woofed a good night to them both before settling his head and pointy ears down.
Pansy joined her under the covers, her short nightie riding up as their legs twined and they pressed as close as their bodies would allow them to. She carded her fingers through the wild curls falling across her chest and neck as Hermione held onto her tightly. Her fingers travelled the path down her neck to her back, just allowing her magic and body to feel her mate so close again.
"I was so scared we wouldn't find you in time," she finally broke the silence softly, he voice hoarse with emotion.
Hermione only squeezed her tighter in her hold. "I wanted to reach out to you, feel that you're alright but it was too far, our bond is too new, I couldn't…and then I didn't want to, I didn't want you anywhere near that excuse for a man," she practically hissed, wrangling the harpy back tiredly, wanting to be herself for this night.
"Shhh, it's done. They have him, he'll be going before the Wizengamot and everyone will make sure he goes to Azkaban. There's too much evidence against him," Pansy rubbed her back gently to reassure her.
Hermione couldn't help herself when she quipped next. "Well, at least we have one less competition on the market and he does have a fabulous young herbalist working with him that Neville would love to meet," she pointed out, her wry humour making Pansy chuckle despite the stress of the past few days.
"I guess there's that. But right now I just want you to be alright. We'll make it work, the publicity may even be a good thing," she pointed out.
"How?" Hermione raised her head to look at her with puzzlement. "Other than the free advertisement for the brand that is."
"Well, technically you are a war heroine, you were famous already and people were weary of you already in a way. Now they know, but so does the Ministry, so do the authorities, and they will be forced to protect you due to your rare status. And if they won't, I'll hire private security for us, because now that the knowledge is out, it may be a threat to you but it also means people would be stupid to try to act against you again," she pointed out.
Keeping up with Pansy's scheming was an art form and Hermione could sort of see where she was going but laid her head back down to listen to her heartbeat, leaving her to contemplate the possibilities.
"Honestly, I just want to feel you, make our bond stronger, and get back to the lab. Anything else can wait," she admitted and held onto her tightly. "Will you hold me tonight? I might have nightmares…the cruciatus…"
"I'm not going anywhere, love," Pansy kissed her forehead and flicked her wand to blow out all the candles but one to keep a little light in the darkness for her partner.
She caught a flash of movement, just out of the corner of her eye, and turned her head to look at the Goddess that stood silently beside their bed, observing their rest. Her caramel features softened into an approving smile and she nodded to Pansy before shimmering out of view and back to her realm. They had the blessing of Lady Hecate, and they would draw from that strength in the coming days. They had a rough few weeks ahead of them to recover from the ordeal and until the society settled with the news about Hermione and their relationship, but all that mattered was that they were once again together as they belonged.