Chapter 76: Prisoner

Hermione and Luna searched the warehouse, which was littered with signs of the graveyard battle. Behind a dusty pallet, Hermione found the cloak of invisibility, neatly folded with her time turner on top.

As they combed through the area, they kept an eye out for Valencia's return. Hermione's heart pounded like a caged animal, her skin tingling and her movements jumpy. Outside, the earth crackled as pulsing veins warped the sky.

"I don't think there's anything else to find," said Luna, in her light, lilting voice. "Unless you'd like to examine a few curiously desiccated rat tails."

Hermione sank down on an abandoned box, a plume of dust forming around her. She coughed and crossed her arms. "Luna, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

Luna's hologram perched on a box near her. "Yes?"

"How did you end up living on the Source of Magic? I thought it was supposed to be impossible to travel there."

"Nothing is impossible for magic, it just depends on what you're willing to give up." Luna's gaze turned skyward, her blue eyes reflecting their light. "I remember painting this sky. I didn't know it was a prophecy, at first–I just thought the lights were pretty." She kicked her feet lightly. "Once I discovered that my dreams were actually visions of the future, I wanted to warn people, but I realised nobody would believe me. It's earlier to think someone's looney than to consider your own mortality, you know. Nobody ever gave me much credit before I became a seer, anyway."

She said this in a disaffected, matter-of-fact way that made Hermione's heart hurt. "I also had visions of how the Source of Magic could be remade, how we could save her and bring about a new golden age. But the only way to make it happen was if someone on the inside prepared the way."

"So…" said Hermione. "How did you get inside?"

Luna gazed down at her clasped hands. "There is a portal spell, sort of like a portkey but different. It can take you anywhere you want, even into the world between worlds. But you have to pay a price to use it, and you don't get to decide what that price is."

"Oh," said Hermione. "And…what price did you have to pay?"

"I'm not allowed to return to Earth," said Luna, in that same unconcerned, lilting voice. "I'll never see my father again, never get to have a family."

Hermione felt a pang in her heart. "That's awful."

Luna shrugged. "Not really. I never really belonged on Earth, anyway. At least in the Source of Magic, I can be useful. The Patronus talk to me, and they're sort of like friends. It won't be so lonely once there are more people there."

Hermione stared silently at her shoes, which were torn and scuffed like she'd walked over broken glass.

"But you have your own decision to make about that," said Luna gently. "And I know it isn't so easy for you to leave your home."

"Maybe it's because I ask too many questions," said Hermione, sighing. "But when I look at my options–save the Source of Magic or destroy it–-I can't help but feel like there should be a third way. Valencia assures me there isn't, has all this evidence about probabilities of success and I just…I don't know."

Luna tilted her head, giving it some thought. "You're not wrong to be sceptical. The Patronus are quite intelligent and skilled at predicting probabilities. But they're also highly rule bound, and this restriction sometimes causes them to dismiss certain possibilities, or just never notice them at all."

She gazed at Hermione steadily. "However, I don't think there's any solution–however improbable–where Harry gets to live. And I think, deep down, that's why you're having such a hard time accepting it."

Hermione sighed, staring down at her hands.

"I mean, that's part of it. It's just so hard to believe he's actually gone. I didn't know…" She stopped, biting her trembling lip. "It feels like I've lost a part of myself, and I'm trying to act as if I'm fine when there's chunks of me missing. I know the mission is important, that Harry died so I could live on and finish it. I'm not going to waste that gift, I know I have a job to do, but I just…"

"You don't want to do it without Harry."

Tears filled her eyes. "Is it selfish? Is it wrong that I want to bring him back?"

"No, Hermione," said Luna gently. "It's not."

Hermione held her head in her hands.

"It's not just about Harry, though. I've always wanted to change the world, and to save people. I never expected an easy life, and I've never had one. Yet, I was sure that once I found my calling, I'd find peace and a sense of purpose along with it. And now here it is, right in front of me, my destiny–and it feels like I'm about to make the biggest mistake of my life. Like I'm trying to stuff myself into a role that isn't mine, and never will be. It's like I'm standing over a dark pit, and everyone is telling me to jump in, and I'm so terrified that I'd rather crawl out of my own skin."

She let out a heavy sigh. "I know that, when the time comes, I will do what I must. Maybe that's what it takes to be a hero. But I also know, when I make that choice, it will feel like dying. And I am starting to despair that my life will always feel that way."

Luna couldn't touch Hermione, since she was a hologram, but she placed her translucent hand against Hermione's shoulder.

"I wish I had answers for you, Hermione. All I can say is…I'm sorry you didn't get the life you wanted. I'm sorry we couldn't save Harry, Tonks, and everyone else who died. I know life isn't fair and we don't always get our happy endings, but for what it's worth, I hope you'll learn to love the Source of Magic. It's a beautiful place, full of wonder, possibility and new life. I hope that you'll find something there worth living for."

Hermione turned to the translucent girl, her frame slight as a bird, eyes big as saucers. The students at Hogwarts found it easy to dismiss her as strange and out-of-touch, 'Looney Luna' they called her. How they'd all underestimated her. She was the only one who saw the future clearly and was brave enough to do something about it. It was because of her sacrifice that the world even had a fighting chance.

"Well…if I have to spend an eternity on a space rock," said Hermione. "Then I'm glad I'll be with you. Thank you, Luna."

Luna's face lit into a brilliant smile. "Anytime…friend."

###

Thousands of years ago

A small island in the North Sea

Of all the things she'd expected, Perenelle never thought she'd see Merlin drive their future straight into the ground.

"Merlin. This is madness."

He didn't say anything, and kept carving his ritual into the dirt. She tried to grab him.

"Merlin, stop it. You can't do this!"

He jerked his arm from her grasp. "I have to, Perenelle. Trapping the corrupted ones is the only way to fix what we have done, what Atlantis did to this planet and its people."

Her hands grasped her hair, feeling her blood pressure rising. "No, it isn't! Time gave you her own life and magic! We should be saving Atlantis and our sister cities, not binding ourselves to this barren rock!"

"I could spend myself to save Atlantis, yes," said Merlin. "I could try to take control of the Source of Magic, unlock its regulations that were bound by the Council. I could try to bring back our sister cities from their journey to the stars. But if I went down that path, I would be too late to save them."

"Save who? Atlantis?"

"No. The children of men. One day, when the people of Atlantis are only myth and memory, it will be their descendants who will reopen the Source of Magic."

Perenelle felt her face grow hot, and she spat into the Earth. "I can't believe you would betray our people for those...those bastards."

"I never understood why their lineage matters so much to everyone," Merlin said acerbically. "Most of them are the children of Atlantis's finest, as you know."

That was debatable, but beside the point. Their blood was not pure, and never would be.

Perenelle thought of her sister, flying away into the stars. She would search for Perenelle on the ship, secretly happy that her sister finally had nothing but time to spend with her, and perhaps she'd finally get around to teaching the grandchildren magic. Perenelle wondered how long it would take her to realise they'd never see each other again.

Merlin, she realised, had never even asked her about her family.

"So what now, then?" Perenelle crossed her arms. "You just…what, give your life in sacrifice, to stop the demented ones?"

"Not exactly," Merlin continued his carving into the Earth. "After we trap the dementors, we will be bound to Earth as they are. Then we must bide our time for several millennia. We're too early to make the changes that will heal the Source of Magic."

Perenelle laughed out loud. "Oh, you mean putting that stupid magic sword into a stone? Befriending a swamp witch in a lake? All so you can establish a magical king in England? Do you understand how insane that sounds?"

Merlin wiped sweat from his forehead. "We'll need a place for magic to grow safely among the children of men. In time, it will lead a worthy successor to the Source of Magic, who will bring about a world brighter than Poseidon's greatest dreams."

The ground grew warm with magic under their feet as Merlin's spell took hold. She heard a howl as the wind picked up around them.

"And…what about me?" she said, her voice quivering. "You would make me stay here in exile for–what, thousands of years? When we should be looking for Atlantis and trying to save them!"

He shook his head. "They will be outside of time for many years. When they return, they will want nothing to do with Earth, or with us."

Perenelle felt like she was being dragged underwater, her lungs gasping for air. Her thoughts sharpened to a single desire. "Merlin. Release my vow."

He stood up, his gaze focused on her. "Perenelle."

"If I'm to die on this planet, away from everyone I know and love, at least let me die free! Please, I'm begging you!"

"Perenelle," he repeated with gentleness. "Someday, the world will need you. All that remains of Atlantis–all its magic and artefacts–you must safeguard, making sure they do not fall into the wrong hands. You will protect the world until they are ready to receive the secrets of magic." He placed his hands on her shoulders. "Then, you can lead them to our people, and we will be one again."

She backed away, shaking her head, shock etched into her features.

"I never wanted this. I never asked for this."

"You don't need to want it," he said. "This was your vow, and this your destiny. Time herself has decreed it. I know you will try to fight it, as that is your way. But I hope that centuries among these people will soften your heart."

"We do not need to be like them." He pointed to the stars. "We do not need to repeat their mistakes. You know now that their way leads to ruin. Let us find a new way, for our new people."

###

Centuries passed, grey toned and fuzzy like a black and white film. In that time, she'd learned to play many roles. Pernelle was a hermit, hiding with Merlin for centuries. She was a wanderer, never staying in one place too long. She was an acolyte, standing at Merlin's side while he advised kings and queens. Once or twice, she was almost a queen herself. She'd take long walks in the forest where she cried bitterly, feeling like a bone rubbed raw.

The entire time, no matter what role she played, she was never free.

Once Merlin was gone and magic was bound by his Interdict, she ran away to Ireland. She could not abandon the Earth, and neither could she destroy it. But she could be a nuisance.

Newborn babies would be taken, replaced by strange life-like dolls. Mothers would weep and send them out into the forest, hoping to have their true children returned.

Sometimes Pernelle did so, and sometimes, she didn't.

She'd give the living child to someone more worthy, or perhaps whichever house was closer. It was all the same to her.

People would disappear and reappear decades later. Others would go for a walk in the sacred groves, and be driven to madness. Slowly, she became notorious. Some called her a demon, others a goddess. Villagers started leaving sacrifices of food at little shrines for her. Every so often, a magic wielder would find an Ancient artefact, and her vow would force her to "protect the secrets of the Ancients." She did so, finding a meagre joy in playing the vengeful god.

Eventually, a plan started forming in Perenelle's mind. She gathered a few devoted followers, had them do various menial challenges to make them feel bonded to their mission, and then gave them one final task.

Perenelle had them walk into the Veil of Death.

Her followers wandered in hesitantly, curiously, never suspecting for a moment that there was nothing at all on the other side. As their bodies disintegrated, Perenelle heard a gong, and felt the electric tingle of magic flood the room.

Perhaps it would be enough power to send a message across time itself, if she knew where she was sending it to.

###

Perenelle strolled through her haunted woods, following the sound of a baby's cry.

She played a game of chance with these foundlings. If they cried when she picked them up, she would send them to another continent. If they continued sleeping, she'd send them to another town. Anything else, and she'd send them home.

The baby she found that grey morning was tiny, with a shock of black hair. He cried piteously until she took him in her arms. Then, his dark eyes opened and gazed curiously at her. He cooed and reached for her hair.

Perenelle stared for a long time at the child, then laid him against her shoulder and carried him with her through the forest.

###

Of all the cities of Europe, Paris was the crown jewel, and it was to this place she brought the child. He stayed with her that night, and then the next morning. After three days, she decided she might as well get him a cradle.

Perenelle gave him the French name Henri, and an Atlantean name known only to her. It was in this city that she met the alchemist Nicholas Flamel, one of the first wizards trained at Beauxbatons. He was a meek and gentle man, obsessed with alchemy like most wizards of that time. He was very fond of Henri, crafting him little toys and teaching him French. When Nicholas asked Perenelle for her hand in marriage, she took an entire month to think it over. Eventually she said yes, deciding it would be good for Henri to have a father while he was young.

Thus began one of the happiest times of Perenelle's life. She'd never loved Nicholas, but she was more fond of him than any other human, except Henri. Together they made a happy little home for the boy. She still remembered the patter of his feet as he began to walk, the bubbling joy of his giddy laughter. Trouble seemed to find him wherever he went, but he was the sweetest child and always found his way to safety in her arms.

For years beyond counting, Perenelle had desired nothing, loved nothing. As this changed, a tenuous joy awakened in her heart. She found herself humming as she worked, sleeping well and eating better. She began making plans for the boy's future, and she even started collaborating with Nicholas to achieve it. There were alchemical potions and enchantments they could use to lengthen Henri's lifespan, but she couldn't make him immortal…not while the stone of permanency remained hidden.

Perenelle sought it everywhere, combing through every location that Merlin could have touched before his passing. Using every magical art at her disposal, she raked through entire cities and towns, scouring ancient caverns and tombs full of lost things. And when two years had passed, she finally caught a lead on where the stone might be.

She also received another message–this one from Nicholas.

"Come quickly. Henri's sick."

###

Perenelle stood before the little black box, the darkness that held her entire world. The sound of weeping came from behind her, prayers and words of comfort mingling with the tears.

They all loved Henri. He was such a sweet, good boy. Such a tragedy to be taken so young. He was with God's angels now.

Pernelle's body grew rigid, a ringing sound in her ears. What did they know about Henri? None of them had seen him smile like a radiant sun as he bounced into her bedroom, singing a song to wake her. They didn't know that his favourite food was apple tarts with whipped cream, that he'd once eaten so many he'd been sick for two days. They didn't know his dream of being a wizard like her someday, his fear of the dark and of being alone.

And now her Henri–that she'd fought to save with every power she possessed–was simply gone. Everything that he ever was, or ever could be, was now shoved inside a box that was so, so small.

Tears blurred her vision, but she refused to cry. Not in front of the well-wishers. They would latch onto her like a leech, spreading comforting words like a farmer spreads dung. She held in her emotions until the sun set, and they'd left her alone in the twilight. She pulled open the casket, and gazed once more at her slumbering little one.

"Henri," she whispered. "I found the stone. We can be a family forever. Please…wake up."

"Maman?"

All the hair stood up on her body. The sound came from behind her.

She turned around, stumbling after the voice. Perenelle found a portrait on the far wall, and even in the near darkness, she knew what Nicholas had done. He'd captured a fraction of her baby's soul into an eternal childhood. He still had hope he could bring Henri back.

Henri's dark eyes were wide with fear as he sat by an apple tree, surrounded by his favourite toys. "Où suis-je, maman?"

Where am I, mama?

A tremble shook her voice. "Tu…n'es nulle part, mon amour."

You are nowhere, my love.

Pernelle fell to her knees and wept.

###

Nicholas and Perenelle came to an agreement. She would remain his wife, for appearances sake. He could do as he pleased with his time and his passion.

He chose to research bringing the dead back to life. She would have told him it was foolish, if she cared at all what he did. But she remembered he loved Henri too–and so she gave him what resources she could.

Then, she let him go his own way, while she went hers.

Days passed into years. Perenelle barely noticed or cared, her heart simmering with a leaden hatred of everything and everyone. The air itself felt like a vise, slowly squeezing her to death. If she didn't get out soon, it would tear her apart.

Her eyes turned up to the stars, and she made a silent vow.

I will see Atlantis again, even if I must burn the very stars in heaven.

###

Perenelle spent the next few centuries trying to contact Atlantis.

And once, she almost caught a whisper, and she realised…they knew.

They knew she was on Earth and alive, trapped there for centuries. They knew she'd been trying to contact them.

She called out to them, shouted as loud as she could across the galaxies.

Their response was silence.

###

As the past unravelled in her mind, she never stopped wrestling with the Ring of Truth. She would turn its power back on Dumbledore, she would find Atlantis, she would finally be where she belonged.

But in the blinding pain of her worst memories, the ring whispered to her heart.

Even if you find them, you will never be free.

The bands tightened around her chest, until she could barely breathe. Judgement rained down like a torrent, accusing her of every crime and evil thought that came from inside her. The voices mocked her wasted hours and vain tears. They cursed her for the blood on her hands, for stealing that little boy she so desperately wanted to be hers.

You are your own prison.

Perenelle gasped for breath, her body collapsing in on itself, her eyes squeezed shut against the thundering agony.

She felt Dumbledore move out of her power. For just a moment, he was free of her.

She grasped him, pulled him back, forced him back under her gaze.

And the blazing eye of truth was upon them both once more.

###

Through the mist, Harry saw Dumbledore suddenly appear, tossing something behind him. He opened his mouth to speak, but disappeared before he made a sound.

The Weasleys scrambled to pick up what Dumbledore threw. It was a red ball of some kind. They stared for a long moment, the colour draining from their faces.

Then, they turned to Hermione's Patronus, and told her what they knew.

###

Valencia appeared suddenly in their midst.

"Hermione," she said. "Perenelle is going to destroy the world."

Her mouth went dry. "How?"

"She will use dark magic, and her plans are already in motion. If she's not stopped, everyone will die."

Hermione's eyes flicked to Luna. "Do we know that for certain? What changed?"

"Dumbledore. He told us Perenelle's plan. It will happen within the next hour, as soon as she gets the information she wants from Dumbledore. The only way to stop her is to destroy the Source of Magic."

"What?" Hermione baulked. "But that was supposed to be a last resort. If I destroy the source, it will kill you and Luna."

Valencia didn't even flinch. "Yes, it will. But our lives are forfeit either way. This is the only option that allows humanity to survive."

"She's right, sadly," sighed Luna. "Perenelle has longed for years to destroy the world, even if only as revenge for her exile. If we had more time, maybe we could…but…" She shrugged helplessly. "This is the only option left."

Hermione took a deep breath, her heart thundering in her ears. She had already memorised what she needed to do to destroy the Source, back when she was preparing for this. It wouldn't take more than a moment.

"I need five minutes," said Hermione.

She turned to Luna, wishing she could hug her. "Is there anything you want me to do for you?"

Luna considered this. "I keep thinking about my father. When my mother died, it was sudden and terrible, so I can only imagine how he must have felt when I disappeared." Her face clouded. "It is my one regret. So…if you get the chance, tell him I love him. Tell him I'm glad to have died for something that mattered. And that one day, I hope…"

She trailed off, glancing behind Hermione. "Who's there?"

Hermione turned around. She saw only an empty street illuminated by unnatural light.

"What do you see?" asked Hermione.

Luna frowned, peering closer. "I think…no, it can't be…" An expression crossed her face. "But I wonder…Hermione, do you still have your time turner?"

"Yes," she said.

"Shall we see if it works?"

Hermione blinked, glancing at the sky riddled with dark magic. "I...isn't that dangerous?"

"Oh definitely, but we'll need it. I think I know a way we can save the Source of Magic–and just maybe–we can save Harry Potter, too."