Chapter Four.
Hermione, Constantia and Seraphina sat in Kinglsey's office, the man's eyes wide.
"So you're telling me that Merlin was actually a dark wizard who possessed Salazar Slytherin and Morgana Le Fey was actually an enchantress who trapped him away in a prison for the last thousand odd years?" He said shocked, "But now Merlin has escaped his prison and is most likely going to try to destroy Wizarding England as we know it?"
"Yes, that's about right." Hermione said, sipping her tea.
Kinglsey swore loudly.
"We need your assistance, Minister." Constantia said tiredly, "We need an auror task force to locate and track him without making contact."
"Why don't we just shove him into Azkaban?" He asked, his arms crossed.
"He could escape a prison with the strongest wards in the world, Azkaban would be childs play." Hermione said, "We're working on a way to get rid of him, for good but we need time and we have no clue where he could be located at this point in time."
"I'll get Harry and Ron as team leaders and get them to select a team." He said tiredly.
The three enchantresses nodded, "Please do and we'll brief them directly."
"This must not leak to the press." Seraphina said seriously, "It would make the public panic and alert him. He is under the impression that we have no clue of his existence and we would like to keep it that way."
Kingsley nodded. "And will you keep seeing the public, Hermione?"
She sighed, "I have to, the press is vividly tracking my movements, if my routine deviates too greatly, it will be in the papers and he will get an inkling that we're onto him. I will be scaling back on the hours at the office but that we can say is for the research of the new wards for Hogwarts."
"Any update on that?"
Hermione hesitated, "There is a ritual we can do but it can only be done once. We're not certain if we should it use on Hogwarts or use it to trap him in another prison. Our first choice would be to get rid of him entirely."
Kingsley nodded, "Right. I'll get Ron and Harry to assemble a team."
"Please tell the boys to come to Dover Cottage this evening at six and we will see the whole team here first thing tomorrow morning." Hermione said standing.
§§§§§§§
"The soul anchors that Morgana mentioned are Horcruxes that he made." Hermione said to the women gathered in the dining room, "At least we don't have to hunt for those."
"Are we sure that he hasn't made more since he's been freed." Marigold asked.
"Seven is the absolute highest one can spilt his soul." She replied quickly, "Our biggest hurdle is to get rid of him."
"I agree." Constantia said, "We need to do decide if we're going to imprison him again or neutralize him outright."
"I think the latter." Naledi said quietly, "We can't make it the future enchantresses' problem."
Hermione heard the floo.
"I agree. I think we should seal Hogwarts off and tackle the problem of neutralizing him." She said as the floo went off again.
Everyone agreed except Seraphina, "And what happens if we don't find a way to get rid of him? What do we do then?"
"Then I will enact magic's blessing." Constantia said sternly, making everyone turn to her.
Before anybody could say anything, Ron and Harry stepped into the room, both of them decidedly awkward.
"Let's reconvene tomorrow afternoon." Seraphina said standing, "Everyone other than Hermione should be spend the morning researching."
The women nodded and quickly disappeared away.
"Let's get a glass of wine or two," Hermione said, "I think you two may need it."
Neither of them said anything while she poured the wine and it was only when they sat around the table when Harry cracked, "What's going on."
Seraphina looked at Hermione who sighed and said, "It looks like we're going to have to get rid of two dark lords in our time."
§§§§§§§
Hermione stood in front of eight assembled aurors.
"This mission is classified as top secret until the threat is neutralized." Harry said, "Enchantress Hermione will explain."
She nodded at them briefly explaining the threat and Merlin's and Morgana's history.
"Our theory is that Merlin escaped his prison during the battle of Hogwarts either because Voldemort brought down all of the wards or because of a magical blast that happened shortly before the battle started, at this point we are still unsure but we do not think it is a necessary puzzle piece. Headmistress McGonagall has allowed you all to visit the Chamber of Secrets to identify and hopefully track his magical signature. This will be your starting point. The next will be to closely investigate any magical missing persons, if there are any." She said sternly, "We would like for all unexplained muggle deaths to be investigated as well…Merlin has to the power to drain you of your life source. We're uncertain from which proximity he is able to do so."
The aurors shuffled uncomfortably, a few sharing glances.
"Should the target be identified and located, you are to discretely track him. You are not to engage." She continued, " We do not want to explain to your friends and families that you were murdered because you couldn't follow orders. Am I clear?"
"Yes, ma'am." They sounded back at her.
"Auror Weasley will be taking lead when. You are to follow the standard protocol once you locate him. Questions ?"
"How long after we locate him will you and the others neutralize him, enchantress?" one of them asked.
She sighed, "As soon as possible. We are in the process of researching to on how to neutralize a threat that is unkillable, so if you have any suggestions on that, you let me know."
"Why don't you treat him like a horcrux?" Ron said, his eyebrows frowned.
Hermione opened her mouth and then paused, blinking at him, "Mer-Morgana you're right. With the Gryffindor sword and burn his remains with fiend fire. Ronald you're a genius!"
He blushed brightly.
"You all are scheduled to go down the Chamber this morning." Hermione said quickly, "I have to go."
Nobody managed to get a word in before she disappeared away, leaving the small group bewildered.
Hermione appeared in her dining room, joining the rest of the enchantresses who were surrounded by books.
She smiled brightly at them, "We kill him with a goblin made sword that's absorbed Basilisk Venom and then burn his remains with fiend fire."
Six faces snapped to her, varying degrees of thought processes flickered on their faces.
"You know Hermione," Constantia said slowly, "That may work."
"It was Ron's idea." She smiled.
"Now we just need to get close enough to run the sword through him." Natalya said frowning.
"Not necessarily." Hermione shrugged, "We can always enchant it at him, better yet, numerous swords and daggers. More chance of success that way."
Seraphina nodded.
"This settles it then." Hermione said seriously, " We do the Virgin Seven at the next full moon."
§§§§§§§
Hermione sat on an armchair with Ginny next to her, Christmas a full week away.
Ginny was positively huge by then and complaining loudly about the lack of sleep she was getting because the twins kept kicking her ribs. One of them had cracked a rib of hers a week previously.
Hermione listened to all the complaints patiently and quietly offered to heal the aches and pains. She hadn't even lifted her hand off Ginny before she was asleep on the couch.
Harry sighed in relief at the sight of his wife asleep and got back into a conversation with Andromeda about Teddy, the small blue haired boy asleep on his arms.
"Are you alright dear?" Molly asked Hermione as she gathered cups and plates around the living room.
She nodded, aware of the additional ears, "Just tired. And we have a big day tomorrow too."
"Yes Constantia mentioned." The Weasley Matriarch said quietly, "Why do you go on home and get some extra shut eye tonight."
"You know I may just do that. Thanks Mrs. Weasley." Hermione said tiredly.
Within moments Ron and Hermione were home, with the former brewing a cup of tea for them both.
Together they headed outside to her favorite spot and settled in on one of the couches.
Hermione trying to ignore how close they sat together.
"Scared about tomorrow?" he asked softly.
She shrugged, "Nervous?"
He looked away into the darkness. "At least you get to use it for good than losing to a random stranger in a bar."
Hermione looked intently at him, "Is that what happened with you?"
This time he flushed bright red and nodded, "Afterwards, it's not a great feeling, I wish it was with someone who cared about me."
"My mom always said that sex and making love are two very different things." She said quietly, not being able to meet his eyes.
Ron put his arms her shoulders and squeezed slightly, "I'll be here tomorrow. Whatever you need, just say the word.
§§§§§§§
Hermione's hair was matted with sweat. Her breathing labored. Her Legs shaking, she slowly moved into the next movement of the ritual.
The other enchantresses were in a similar state to the brunette.
All chanting "Praesidio aedificium. Prohibe a sanguine meo dum vivit, sine quibus intrare volunt. Sic fiat semper." A pregnant pause between each word.
They all moved in unison performing a similar routine to the popular Amazonian rain dance.
"Just one more strike and the children will safe." Hermione thought as she moved out her left arm and left leg in unison her staff in firmly in her hand.
"Praesidio aedificium. Prohibe a sanguine meo dum vivit, sine quibus intrare volunt. Sic fiat semper." Hermione said, her voice raising above the others as she hit the ground with her staff.
With a scream, she collapsed to the ground, pain enveloping her.
The remaining six enchantresses hit the ground seven more times before stopping completely.
Seraphina rushed to Hermione, who lay unconscious on the ground, a small bit of her own blood underneath her, staining the tunic red.
"You can't heal her, Phina." Naledi said tiredly, "She needs to heal on her own. Hermione knows this. The magic will know if she does and the wards will fail."
"I'll see she gets home." Seraphina said, brushing a lock of hair away from the brunette's forehead.
Slowly, the enchantresses disappeared with the exception of Constantia who briefly spoke to McGonagall.
Eventually Seraphina stood.
Hermione floating next her.
She nodded goodbye to Constantia and appeared in Dover Cottage living room.
"What happened? Is she okay? Should I-" Ron immediately said jumping up.
"She's fine Ron." Seraphina said gently, "The wards took a lot more out on her than the rest of us. I'm going to settle her into bed, she needs rest."
Ron nodded, staring at Hermione's floating form, trying not to compare her to Katie Bell their sixth year, "I've made a broth for her. I'll bring it up once she's awake."
He followed the two enchantresses up the stairs and hesitated at the door of Hermione's room, he'd never been inside before.
At Seraphina's nodded he stepped in to the light blue room with the large bed and armchair in the corner.
Seraphina tucked Hermione in and Ron sat in the corner.
"Send me a Patronus if she needs anything." She said quietly Ron sat in the arm chair.
Before he could say anything, the middle-aged enchantress disappeared, making him sigh.
For a long time, he watched her sleep, it was only when she got restless did he stand, quickly putting together some broth and bread on a tray and quickly carrying it upstairs and putting it on her bedside table.
It was only a few moments after he sat in the arm chair again did Hermione wake with a frown.
"Hey you, its okay." He said softly, "You're home and in bed."
Slowly she tried to sit up and groaned.
"You're abit weaker than usual." He added.
Hermione nodded slowly, "Can…you help me to the bath ? I need to get clean. "
"I'll sort it out, don't worry." He said quickly stepping into the bathroom, drawing her bath, noticing some soothing oils on the windowsill he added a few drops in.
A groan from Hermione drew him back to the bedroom.
"Let me help you." He said scooping the witch up gently.
Hermione didn't have the energy to blush.
"I'll put you in the bath and you can vanish your…err…tunic once I leave." He said stepping into the bathroom.
He gently lowered her into the bath, noticing her small wince.
Letting go of her, he said, "I'm going to get you some clothes you can change into."
Hermione nodded.
Ron hesitated for a moment about getting under pants before saying, "Accio Hermione's comfiest pants and shirt."
He smiled, surprised it worked.
Ron tried to avoid her pained expression as he set her clothes not far from her.
"Towel." He mumbled to himself, putting it on top of her clothes.
"I've put some broth next to your bedside table, I'll make you a cup of tea and be back." He said, stepping out the bathroom.
"Ron," she said softly turning to look at him. "Thank you."
He grinned at her and gently closed the door.
§§§§§§§§
Christmas Eve at The Burrow was a lively affair. All the Weasleys and their significant others along with the enchantresses and Andromeda and Teddy gathered at the crooked house.
The enchantresses had once again rose a heat dome around the garden to fit the houses many occupants who were floating about.
Ron and Harry were in quiet conversation with Bill, who had visited Hogwarts with the sole intent of probing the new wards.
"I've never seen anything like it." The scarred man said, "It was layer upon layer of wards that seemed to never end. I've only seen something similar in Peru but those were weaker than the Hogwarts ones and even then, we weren't able to break through them."
Harry whistled, his arms crossed. "Unbreakable?"
Bill nodded, "Undoubtedly."
"You're certain?" Ron asked frowning.
"Let me put it this way," Bill said, "If every witch and wizard in Britain hit at Hogwarts at full power for one week, they still wouldn't be able to get through."
"And unweaving it?" he pushed.
"The types of wards they are, nobody would be able to unweave it. Not even if the best people combined their knowledge and worked on it for a decade." Bill nodded.
Before they could continue the conversation little Victoire ran up to her Dad and pleaded for a chocolate.
On the other end of The Burrow, Hermione and Seraphina were both keeping a close eye on a very large, pale Ginny, neither having to say anything.
The numerous dining tables had to be re-enforced under the weight of all the food Molly had cooked up, roasted potatoes, chicken, lamb, Yorkshire puddings galore.
It was halfway through dinner that Hermione and Seraphina nodded at each other.
"Harry, can you please pop over to Grimmauld Place and grab the bag that Ginny packed for ?" Hermione said to him.
Ginny frowned, "What? Why?"
"We need to get you to the maternity ward. Your blood pressure is rising and Seraphina and I can't keep it suppressed for too much longer." Hermione said standing.
At this Ginny paled, well aware of preeclampsia and the dangers of it.
"Let's go, dear." Seraphina said standing next to her, "Harry will meet us at ."
"Mum," Ginny said, eyes wide, "Can you-"
"I'm coming with you. Fleur and Angelina can handle the rest of Christmas dinner." Molly said quickly joining her daughters' side.
Hermione and Seraphina nodded to each other before appearing the four of them to maternity ward of .
A medi-witch looked up at them, obviously bored.
"Healer's name ?" she said in a monotone.
"Healer Struss." Ginny said quietly.
Within moments Ginny was seated on a hospital bed in a large birthing room, with Healer Struss and a medi-witch checking her vitals.
"You're blood pressure is slowly rising," The aging Healer said, "We-"
"You need to get them out right now." Ginny almost growled at the man, "I'm not losing one of them, not today."
Before he could say anything, Harry burst through the room, laden with bags.
"Have I missed it?" he shouted, looking around blindly.
"No. I'm still pregnant." Ginny said to him.
"We'll get you prepped for a C-section immediately," Struss said, glancing at Harry, "You'll all have to wait outside."
"No, Harry and Enchantress Seraphina stay with me." Ginny said at the man grumpily.
"They-" he started to complain.
"We don't have time to be dealing with your grumbling Struss." Harry said, putting his hand on Ginny's shoulder. "Seraphina is an expert on all things medical and Molly and Hermione will wait outside."
The man paused and nodded.
Hermione quickly kissed Ginny's cheek and squeezed Harry's hand before stepping out into the hallway.
She sat on the uncomfortable chairs with Molly joining her a moment later.
Hermione took the older woman's hand in hers and held it there.
They both waved to Ginny, Harry and Seraphina as the expectant mom was wheeled away into theater.
Neither said a word until Ron and Mr. Weasley arrived, joining them in the hospital chairs.
Molly filling them in quietly.
Slowly, the rest of the Weasleys filtered in along with Constantia, who brought tea with her and started handing it out.
Hermione let the tea burn her tongue as it went down.
Constantia filled the silence with chatter that Hermione drowned out, concentrating on ingredients of different complicated potions instead of everything that could possibly go wrong.
To Hermione it felt as if a whole life time had passed by the time that Harry and Seraphina appeared.
Harry beaming brightly. "Two boys. Two healthy baby boys. Ten fingers and ten toes." He said loudly before he even reached them.
"And massive set of lungs on them both." Seraphina added smiling.
Ron whooped loudly and pulled his best mate into a bone crushing hug.
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief and hugged her black-haired friend.
"They're going to bring Gin in a moment and the Kids Doctor put them in an incubator for the time being, just to be on the safe side." He added.
The Weasley's swarmed the only Potter in the midst and Hermione and Constantia gently pulled Seraphina aside.
"Are you okay, dear ?" Constantia asked.
The blonde nodded, "It was a close call for Ginny but she'll be fine."
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief, "And the boys?"
"The healers want them in incubation as a precautionary measure. It has more to do with the fact that they're Harry Potters Twins than anything medical." Seraphina said smiling, "It won't do them harm and it will give Gin time to rest."
They watched as the medi-witch wheeled Ginny back into her ward.
Everybody trying to get a word in until Molly told the Weasley hoard that they can visit once she's had a rest.
Hermione briefly kissed the red head on her forehead before appearing back home.
§§§§§§§
AN; And there we go. I've posted this before I've even started chapter 5. Chapter 5 will be less "fluffy" than this. Chapter 5 will take slightly longer than this one, with work and varsity piling up but it will arrive. I promised to complete this fic and completed it shall be.
I'm only writing this because it's fun. Fanfiction has always been fun for me, whether it was reading or writing and I sincerely hope it is fun for you too. Or as an 'escape' during these crazy times we're in. If at any point this story is something you're not enjoying, you are always free to stop reading it.
As always, a big thank you to Smos who is quickly becoming one of my dearest friends, without her support, this fic would still be sitting in a box at the back of my head.
Also, a huge hello to my fellow South Africans.
Be kind to one another, you never know who needs it most.
Stay safe, stay sane.
All my love,
BlondeTyche XX