Disclaimer: I only own the plot and some characters you do not recognize :)
A/N: GAAAAH, it's the second to the last chapter of "When Two Worlds Collide"! Guys, I seriously cannot believe that this story will almost end... it seemed so long ago when I first hesitate posting it online, thinking that nobody would really like a Hermione Granger/Edmund Pevensie pairing. BUT NOW, wow, this story already reached 600 plus reviews and you have no idea how ecstatic I am.
So yeah, here it is. A LITTLE WARNING, THOUGH - this chapter has a mild sex and violence. I already warned you beforehand in the first chapter, so if you don't want to read it, you can skip it.
Without further ado, I present to you Chapter Thirty-One of "When Two Worlds Collide". Please review afterwards and do enjoy!
Chapter Thirty-One: A True Gryffindor
Her castle was not the same during the Age of Winter, yet Jadis knew this would do. Although time and age had destroyed her once ominous castle, she still chose to use it as her place for her temporary stay.
Minotaurs, Giants, Dwarves, and Wolves all gathered around in the Great Hall of the White Witch's castle, their voices boisterous and deep, conversing with each other with such fervor and rudeness. As Jadis observed her followers, she knew it was time.
Her powers were fully restored as she rested for days after her freedom from eternal sleep. Those who had turned their back on her after she died once again emerged and gathered in her castle when they were summoned. The desire to once again reign over Narnia grew intense.
Yes, it was time.
"Maugrim!" she had ordered, her voice cold and calloused.
The Wolf emerged out from the crowd and ran towards his Queen. He courteously bowed and lifted his yellow eyes. "Your majesty, you have called," he stated.
Jadis waved her wand and produced a parchment in her hands. "Bring this to Cair Paravel," she said, her face growing dark. "And tomorrow, we must be ready."
Maugrim gently snatched the parchment off the White Witch's hand by using his teeth and backed away. He once again bowed down and ran out of the ruined castle, clearly following the witch's order.
As she watched the Wolf leave, her thoughts were centered on the great prophecy and one Hermione Granger. The prophecy stated that the Daughter of Eve, the Princess of Lions, would be able to defeat her once the battle started. Sneering, she was disgusted by this, knowing that whatever happens, she would crush the girl… she would defeat her.
The White Witch once again keenly observed her servants, a burst of anticipation in her cold heart. Weapons were already made during their small stay in hiatus. Her great servants had also met with her to discuss battle plans and strategies once the New War arrived.
With a satisfied smirk, she believed that they were definitely ready.
In the veranda were the Narnian royalties, plus Hermione and Sybill, having afternoon tea. It was somehow a rightful break for all of them, seeing that they had been working so hard for the past few days. Sybill had joked one time that she found it very amusing how they could all be faithful in doing a British custom despite the fact that a war was looming.
Hermione felt perfectly at ease as she looked at everybody. Afternoon teas like this always gave her the glimpse of everyone's old, happy self. Conversations would be light; they had this unspoken agreement to steer clear of any talks related to the great prophecy, the White Witch, and the impending war. Most of the time, they would be joking about a particular funny incident amidst their very stressful day, and everybody would just laugh at their hearts content.
Fussing over baby Caspie had been frequent now, especially because the little boy had already started to speak. The first time he had uttered the word "Mama" to both Susan and Caspian, the former had burst into joyous tears and Caspian, with a wide grin on his face, proudly lifted his baby in the air. After that, all of his aunts and uncles would teach him to say a few more words, simple enough for him to understand. As of now, Caspian the XI could already say a total of eight words: Mama, Papa, Ed, Lu, Pete, Herm (Hermione), Bill (Sybill), and Eat.
Her attention shifted to Edmund when the latter squeezed her hand. She looked at him and fondly smiled, when the just king boyishly grinned at her.
Hermione could say that their relationship had been growing tremendously as the days passed by. Although Hermione still found herself extremely busy due to her immense trainings and late nights in the library, there were times when Edmund would be selfish enough to ask her to spend at least an hour with him. And she, allowing herself to be selfish, too, would agree.
"Are you all right?" he asked, his thumb rubbing against her knuckles. "You're awfully quiet."
She shrugged and looked around, a small grin appearing on her face when Lucy smacked the back of the head of the High King. "I don't know," she honestly confessed. "I just felt like… observing everybody."
Edmund looked at her curiously, but nodded in the end. "A very peculiar thing for you to do," he pointed out. "But I guess even you don't understand."
She beamed up at him. Hermione could not believe how Edmund was steadily becoming good in reading her. Sometimes, she would do things that even she could not understand but Edmund would have a logically answer. Sometimes, she would try her very best to hide something in her heart but he always managed to guess it even before the others could detect it. She thought he was becoming like Lucy already; her keen observing of everybody rubbing off of him.
"I'm fine," she reassured him, squeezing his hand back. "Don't worry yourself too much… worrywart." She added the last part just to rile him up a bit. Edmund slightly scowled at her teasing, but she merely grinned back at him. His scowl then gradually turned into a small, fond smile, and he leaned closer to give her a brief kiss on her forehead.
"With all due respect," Lucy piped in. "We would very much appreciate it if you both don't act all lovey-dovey in front of us."
Edmund turned into a brilliant shade of red and Hermione chuckled, turning around to stick her tongue out at Lucy. Her mistress grinned widely and shook her head. The brunette's eyes then landed on the High King sitting beside Lucy, and her smile slightly faltered.
Peter was sporting a small, kind smile on his face and Hermione knew it was genuine. They had not exactly talked, but she knew he already accepted the relationship between Hermione and Edmund. The just king had told her one time that he and Peter already talked, although his story was a little vague.
She still felt a little guilty for leading him on. A simple 'no' to his proposal would have saved him from the feeling of betrayal from two people he cared about. Hermione deduced that if she were to answer him 'no' when he first proposed to her, perhaps all the White Witch fiasco might not have happened. Still, she was happy that Peter was back, acting like his usual self, and accepting whatever had happened among him, his brother, and the woman he loves.
He was a wonderful person and Hermione wished for him to have a happy future with someone who would love him in return.
A surprised gasp from Sybill had torn her attention away from Peter. All of them simultaneously looked at the panicking witch, her wand on her hand as she pointed at the Wolf now standing by her side. Edmund stood at his fullest height and unsheathed his sword, Peter and Caspian following suit.
"Maugrim," the High King said, his voice menacing and threatening.
"Your highnesses," the White Witch's servant said, even giving them a mocking bow. His mouth was stretched widely into a frightful grin, all of his sharp teeth now bared and dangerous. "I come here because of the White Witch's request."
Peter straightened his back upon hearing the ice queen from the Talking Animal's mouth and strode cautiously towards him, his sword still outstretched. "Talk," Peter ordered, but the Wolf shook his head.
"I'm afraid I was not ordered to do so by my queen," he spat. Peter darkly glared, but Maugrim was unfazed. Instead, he handed a parchment to the High King. "Beware," was his last farewell before turning around and bounding away from Cair Paravel.
His departure was met with a tensed silence as Peter slowly opened the letter in his hand. Color instantly drained from his face, his eyes reading the words intently. When he finished, he looked up, and his eyes immediately bore into Hermione. The brunette, on the other hand, had a bad feeling about it.
"We must get ready," he whispered, his voice ominous and grave.
Susan reached out to hold Caspian's arm. Lucy's eyes widened, horror written all over her face. Sybill placed a hand on her heart, the weight of Peter's words finally sinking into her. Edmund placed a protective arm around her shoulder, already understanding what Peter meant.
And Hermione, her face hardened, determination shining through her eyes.
"Tomorrow, we battle."
Edmund shifted on his bed for the umpteenth time, annoyed that he could not sleep. He stretched languidly on his bed, feeling some of his bones crick, and a monumental sigh tore its way out of his mouth. Yet, he could not sleep, and he blamed it on what would happen tomorrow.
Peter announced that they would be battling with the White Witch and her servants tomorrow. It was time to put all of Edmund's battle plans and strategies into action. The Narnian soldiers were already warned and before the night fell in Narnia, they all prepared the weapons that they would use.
The just king knew he must sleep. Years and years of leading a battle against other nations had been a difficult feat and Edmund knew that he must be as energized as possible. Still, it was impossible for him to fall into dreamland. With dismay, he noted that of all wars that had happened in his whole life, this made him worry the most.
Of course he knew the reason. Tomorrow, the prophecy would be unravelled for all of their eyes to see and smack-dab in the middle was Hermione. His stomach twisted uneasily, knowing what the danger of tomorrow brings. The moment Peter announced the White Witch's intent to have a battle tomorrow, Hermione had holed herself up inside Edmund's library, refusing to have at least a fraction of conversation with the others. While most of them practiced, he figured she researched.
In spite of himself, he smiled against his pillow. Even at the peak of danger, she would be so stubborn and do things she usually did. There was this selfish side in him once again, wanting to spend the remaining safe time with Hermione as much as he could. But of course, Narnia needed her more than he did. Still, it did not stop him feeling uneasy.
A loud knock from his bedroom door startled him. Frowning, he walked towards his door, not even bothering to grab his robe and wear his slippers. When he opened the door, what greeted him was Hermione Granger, standing outside his threshold, only clothed in her nightdress. He noted that she, too, was not wearing a robe and slippers.
He was snapped away from his astonishment when he noticed she was freezing. Wordlessly, he grabbed her arm and gently pulled her inside, closing the door behind her in the process.
"What are you doing here?" he softly asked.
Hermione released a soft sigh and frowned. "I-I honestly don't know," she stuttered, looking embarrassedly on her feet. "I just… I couldn't sleep and I thought I could, err, visit you tonight."
He raised an eyebrow at her stumbling words. "It's quite unusual you forgot it's winter," he pointed out. "Seeing that you lack some clothes."
She frustrated closed her eyes. "It's a spur-of-the-moment decision, okay?" she slightly snapped, annoyed with his cheekiness. "Just…" She slowly opened her eyes and he was surprised with how much desperation was in her eyes. "May I… sleep here? Until tomorrow comes?"
Edmund gulped and awkwardly shot a look at his bed. Her request was simple, yet it was extremely complicated for him. He was a king, yes, but still, he was a healthy, eighteen-year-old teenager. He knew it would take a great deal of self-control not to… He paused, slightly scowled, and was thankful she did not notice how his cheeks furiously blushed. Tonight was not the right time to think of such silly thoughts.
"O-of course," he stuttered, his voice cracking. He nervously cleared his throat and gestured to his bed. Hermione gave him a sweet smile and she lied down on the other side. Edmund awkwardly stood in front of his bed for a while, disbelieving that a girl was on his bed. Never in his whole life had there been a girl on his bed.
He then took a few, agonizing steps towards his bed and lied down on the other side. He was tensed, his body stock-still. He was afraid that if he moved, he would lose some of his self-control.
But then, to his surprise, Hermione slowly scooted closer to him and wrapped an arm around his torso. She leaned her head against his neck and trembled. Edmund slowly relaxed, a small frown of worry appearing on his face.
"Are you all right?" he whispered, absentmindedly shifting to pull her closer to himself. "You're acting weird."
Against his skin, she bitterly chuckled. "What do you think, you git?" she asked, prompting him to raise an eyebrow at her name-calling. "Tomorrow, there'll be a war and it's up to my hands whether I save Narnia or not."
His frown deepened as he placed a hand on her cheek. Edmund forced her to look at him and even though it was dark, he could make out the extreme terror in her eyes. Gingerly, he kissed her forehead to calm her down. "Don't be too hard on yourself," he whispered. "Just do your best."
Hermione crumpled the back material of his shirt, slightly glaring at him in frustration. "Edmund, I might lose Narnia to the White Witch," she said, her voice oddly strangled. "You and your siblings had worked so hard just to earn it back from her clutches and now that tomorrow's war was up to me… I-I don't even know what to do anymore."
Much to her surprise, Edmund playfully pinched her nose. "Stop it," he ordered, seeing the affronted look on her face. "Stop stressing yourself over this. Don't you understand? Tomorrow, you are not alone. Five people also do not want to lose Narnia to some ice queen and rest assured, we would fight 'til our last breath."
Her eyes softened. "I vow to try my best," she whispered, prompting him to nod. "I'll also fight until my last breath. Narnia had become a huge part in my life. I don't know what I will do if I failed to protect this country."
Edmund smiled and fondly looked down at her. "I know you can do it," he said. "Just trust yourself."
An odd look then crossed Hermione's eyes; Edmund deduced she was on the verge of tears. When she gently placed a hand on his cheek, her expression turned desperate. "Be safe, Edmund," she whispered. "God, I-I've lost quite a number of people in my life during the Second Wizarding War and I can't lose you, too, Edmund. Not you, too."
She leaned closer to give him a quick, small kiss on his lips, immediately pulling away to lean her forehead against his. "You might think I'm just going to say this because there's a probability that we w-won't see each other tomorrow anymore," she continued. "You might think I'm just going to say this because my emotions are at their highest and I might be confusing it with another thing. But no, Merlin no. From the moment you told me it was me who kept you alive when you were injured from Ettinsmor, I felt it. I knew… I understood."
Hermione paused and searched his eyes. And then, the words she uttered next stopped his whole world. "Edmund, I love you," she whispered.
In that moment, he knew all of his self-control was lost. He shifted on the bed, now hovering above a stunned Hermione. He held both of her cheeks, searching her eyes for her answer to his silent permission. When she lifted her head and gave him a sweet kiss on the lips, it was the answer that he had been waiting for.
Their clothes were slowly discarded, now laying scattered on the floor. Hermione placed her hands on his back, her nails digging deep into his skin as soft gasps tore from her mouth. Edmund's kisses turned desperate and passionate, kissing her as if it was the last time that it would happen.
Her hands were everywhere and it left trails that burned him up to his very core. He kissed her, everywhere he could and she would lean into his lips.
"Edmund," she moaned his name, arching her back. "Edmund, I love you."
When they were nearing their union, he reluctantly pulled back away. He silently looked at her, her bare chest heaving deeply, her face flushed and her eyes closed. She slowly opened up her eyes when he had stopped, and he could clearly see that they were dark with passion, desire, and undoubted desperation.
"Should I - "
But she cut him off when she placed a thumb against his lips. "I want this," she firmly told him. "I want you."
Edmund then lowered himself down, his eyes firmly glued on her. He slowly slid inside and Hermione gasped in surprise, her face twisting with slight agony. He paused, reluctant, but when she lifted herself up and wrapped her legs around him, he knew he was too far in to stop.
Hermione moved beneath him, getting in sync. Edmund could not stop the growing groan from leaving his mouth.
With labored breaths, frantic thrusts, and sounds of pleasure, Edmund grew intoxicated. He wanted her, so badly… so much. Her smell was everywhere and he swore to all the cosmic powers above that he would never let this creature out of his sight.
Sweet talks were exchanged, quick kisses were bestowed. And as they finally climaxed, Edmund Pevensie finally knew what heaven felt like with Hermione Granger in his arms.
He soon rolled down beside her, landing on his warm bed with an exhausted sigh. Slowly, he looked at Hermione, her face flushed and a picture of pure bliss and contentment. A pained, rueful smile appeared on his face, staring at her with such adoration in his eyes.
Desperately, Edmund stretched out his arm and pulled her flush against his chest, holding her as tight as possible. He could feel her sleepy smile against his skin, giving him feathery kisses that sent shivers down his spine.
"Hermione," he finally whispered in the dead of night. "I love you, too."
He woke up when he suddenly felt cold and empty. Edmund shifted on his bed, the warmth that had been with him during the last night was gone.
Slowly, he frowned and opened his eyes, only to see that he was lying on his bed, alone. He sat up with a jolt, slight disorientation on his face. His clothes were folded neatly beside him and he grew confused. And then, the events of last night came crashing back into his mind and gravely, he slowly ran a hand through his hair.
Good Aslan, last night was the best thing that had ever happened to him and God knows he would never trade that memory with all of the good things in this world. Edmund had never felt so contented, so blissful in his entire life.
He ran a hand through his face, closing his eyes as everything finally sunk in. Fear gripped his heart, the possibilities of what could happen as they ventured off to war against the White Witch crossing through his mind. A million of 'what ifs' came crashing down and Edmund had to rub his temples just to calm his nerves.
"Edmund?"
He slowly lifted his eyes, immediately connecting with Hermione's brown, worried ones. He noted that her hair was damp, having taken a shower in his bathroom while he was still asleep. She was wearing her nightgown now, her smell invading his senses.
As he looked at her, he swallowed his unspoken fear. "Hermione," he simply said, and yet, how he said her name spoke volumes of all the apprehensions he was feeling right now. Her eyes had softened, an odd look of slight desperation appearing on her face.
Wordlessly, he ushered her to come closer to him, which she immediately did. Barely a minute passed, but her arms were already tight around his bare torso, desperately clinging to him as if he would disappear within a minute. Edmund equally hugged her tight, burying his face at her mass of her hair and breathed her scent in.
"I…" she started, her voice cracking. She slightly pulled back to look at him, her eyes already glossy with unshed tears. "I have to get back to my room to get ready."
Reluctantly, he nodded his head. It took him a few minutes before he finally released his hold of her. Hermione pressed a small kiss on his lips before slipping away from his embrace.
"I'll get ready myself. I'm sure the others are already waiting for us," Edmund said, his voice strangely strangled.
Hermione nodded, biting her bottom lip to stifle the growing sob in her throat.
For a full minute, she just stood there, looking at him with such earnest and genuine feelings. And then, slowly, Hermione turned around and left his room.
As he watched her leave, his heart turning into lead, Edmund knew that today, everything would change.
"My dear girl, where have you been?" Sybill asked, her eyes wide as soon as Hermione entered inside.
She directed her red-rimmed eyes towards her professor and wordlessly flashed a small, wry smile. A look of understanding gradually crossed Sybill's face, her eyes growing soft as a small, sad smile appeared on her face. "I understand," she said, slowly standing up from her seat to approach Hermione.
The brunette wordlessly nodded her head. Her bedchambers door then burst open and in came a panicky Lucy, an armour hugged tightly against her chest. "Peter said you must get ready," Lucy said, her voice strangely strangled as she approached Hermione and gave the armour to her. "The Narnian troops and my siblings are already lined up outside Cair Paravel and…" Her voice crack, tears now springing up from her eyes. "Be safe, Hermione. Dear God above, please be safe. I don't know what I will do if you do not su-survive this war."
Hermione pulled her mistress into her arms, moved by Lucy's tears. "I will do my best," she said, rubbing her back soothingly. "I promise I will do my best and return, Lucy. Just, stay put in here and take care of Sybill and Caspie, okay?"
Lucy determinedly nodded and wiped away her tears. "I-I promise," she said.
Both Lucy and Sybill soon left her alone and it was up to Hermione to wear her armour.
Never in her whole life had she worn one and it felt weird on her. The coat-of-arms of Narnia was proudly placed right at the middle of her armour. Hermione sheathed her sword and slid her wand inside the sleeve, a soft sigh expelling from her mouth.
She then sat down on her bed, a contemplative look on her face. 'This is it, then,' she told herself. Hermione wondered if this was how Harry exactly felt, seeing that he was the Chosen One in the Wizarding World, hours before the actual battle. She could not deny the fear that was trickling down her nerves up until the roots of her hair. Although she had been in a great war before, that did not mean she was used to it; in fact, she felt more tension, knowing that one wrong move of her could already cause the whole downfall of Narnia.
Hermione placed her head in between her legs, now feeling slightly nauseous. 'I knew I should have slept properly,' she thought, her cheeks slightly burning up as she sat back up again. Still, she never regretted what had happened between her and Edmund last night.
Last night, simply put, was the best night she ever had. The feeling was indescribable, immeasurable, and she couldn't even think the right words to say to explain it.
When they made love, it held so much desperation it almost twisted her heart in pain. Hermione hated the idea that it was probably their last night together if either of them weren't able to… survive this war. She slumped down, her anxiety and paranoia growing.
It was a little unfair, now that she properly dwelled on it. She had finally told Edmund she loved him despite everything they had been through. Edmund had told her he loved her, too, and the happiness that was coupled with his declaration was too huge for words. Just when their relationship was blossoming, reality had to barge in and remind her that they were in the midst of a war.
A knock from her door cut her off from her musings. It creaked open and in came Edmund, the expression on his face mirroring hers.
Hermione deduced he was thinking exactly the same thing; of reality being unfair, that is.
He was already wearing his armour, his helm tightly clutched on his arm. He looked extremely handsome on it and Hermione thought he looked comfortable, seeing that he had worn it a thousand times before.
Wordlessly, he stood right in front of her door while she sat still on her bed. When she slowly stood up from her bed, the expression on her face pained and worried, he jolted forward and arrived right in front of her in five, big strides. He placed his helm on top of her bed and held both of her cheeks, swooping down to give her a kiss.
When he pulled away, the silent look in his eyes spoke volumes. Hermione fondly rubbed her thumb against his cheek.
"Hermione…" he started, but stopped in the end. The expressions on his face conflicted with one another and Hermione had to constantly rub her thumb to relax the tension on his face. Edmund then caught her hand and kissed her palm.
"Eyes front, soldier," she softly teased, seeing the deep frown on his face. "Focus on your task."
Edmund squeezed her hand tightly and determinedly looked at her. "I will protect you," he said. "I swear to that Merlin of yours that I will."
Her smile faltered, her eyes already brimming with tears. "I know you will," she shakily said. "I trust you."
He then pulled her towards him to bestow a soft kiss on her forehead. "I love you," he whispered. "Remember that."
She nodded her head. "I love you, too," she said.
Both then grabbed their respective helms and hand-in-hand, they ventured off to the Place of Arms.
All of the Narnian and some Telmarine soldiers were already gathered around. Some of the creatures, such as Centaurs, Unicorns, Fauns, Satyrs, and Nymphs lay scattered outside, most gravely conversing with each other while others flexing their arms as they waved their weapons around.
Peter, Caspian, Susan, Lucy, Sybill, and baby Caspie were right at the very front, looks of anxiety obvious on their faces. Susan and Caspian were frantically saying instructions to Sybill about their baby; Caspie, on the other hand, had started to cry boisterously, feeling the sudden tension in the room. Peter was having his last minute talks with all of his generals when Edmund and Hermione arrived right at their side.
All of their fussing stopped as they looked at Hermione, identical expressions on their faces it had almost hurt to look. The brunette, fondly looking around the group, stated, "We can do this. Stop looking as if we've already lost."
Peter smiled at her as Lucy launched herself into Hermione's arms. The youngest queen was already softly crying and the brunette merely patted her head to calm her down. "Don't let all of them see your anxiety," Hermione instructed, looking at all of the people inside the room. "They want to be hopeful, you know, and the least thing that we can do is to show our confidence to win."
Lucy determinedly wiped away her tears and nodded.
"Your highness," Supreme General Ardon said. "It's time."
The sound of his voice startled Lucy and she looked at him. Hermione gently smiled at the couple, seeing how they both struggled to keep their emotions at bay. It did not surprise her that it was Lucy who first snapped.
"Oh, to hell with secrecy!" she exclaimed, grabbing Ardon for a kiss. It had stunned almost all of them, Edmund and Peter the most, and when Lucy looked at them all, a threatening look on her face, she stated, "If you come back without Ardon, all hell will break lose."
Peter shot an odd look at his Supreme General, before nodding his head. "I'll keep that in mind," he said. "After that, we must talk."
The soldier puffed out his chest and nodded, shooting Lucy one, last yearning look, before mingling back with the troops.
"We will be back soon," the High King said, his eyes on Lucy and Sybill. "For now, protect Cair Paravel. I have trust in both of you."
They both nodded, their faces bearing willpower.
Peter then gestured for all of the soldiers to all prepare.
And together, they all went to Beruna.
Right up at the very front were Caspian and Peter, all mounted on their horses. At their back were Edmund and Hermione, also on their trusted horses. Around them, most Narnian creatures and soldiers were scattered around. At the far right corner was where Supreme General Ardon stood, together with the soldiers under him. At the far left was Reepicheep, standing tall and proud despite his stature on top of a Centaur. Scattered at the back was Oreius and his troop, mostly consisting of huge Minotaurs and Centaurs. At the very top of the mountains were Susan, bow and arrow at hand, and Nikabrik, together with the other archers of Narnia.
It was strange that despite the cursed winter in Narnia, Beruna was perfectly free from snow. Hermione deduced that the White Witch's power did not reach this place. All the greenery and peacefulness of Beruna gave the illusion that it was a nice, fine day. Only it was not, especially when they started to see the approaching figure of the White Witch, mounted on one of the Polar Bears.
She was dressed for battle, her trusted wand clutched tightly in her right hand. Creatures such as Dwarves, Minotaurs, Wolves, Giants, and the like, flanked her side, all holding weapons that could possibly maim their enemies.
"At last, we meet again," the White Witch exclaimed. The wind carried her voice towards their direction and Hermione could feel how Edmund tensed up beside her.
Jadis' eyes landed squarely on her and Hermione involuntarily felt shivers run down her spine. The look on her face was feral, almost murderous, and the brunette knew that the White Witch would not stop until she was dead.
'Great, I might die the second time around,' she said, closing the visor of her helmet.
Edmund instinctively rode in front of Hermione, as if she shielding her away from the White Witch's prying eyes.
Jadis then lifted her wand. For a heart-stopping moment, she was immobile. And then, with a mighty force, she pointed forward and all of her servants charged forward, their weapons raised above their heads.
Peter then immediately looked back at Hermione and nodded his head for his signal. Hermione nodded her head in return, brandished her wand, and with a loud, booming "Finite Incantatem", red sparks shot off from her wand into the sky. Griffins carrying humongous rocks materialized, catching the opposing troop off-guard. The Griffins released the rocks and several enemies were hit. Some Dwarves, desperate, drew out their bow and arrows and shot some of them dead.
The High King then signalled with his sword for all of them to charge. Instantly, sounds of hooves and feet resounded in the whole field.
Soon, Hermione was lost amidst the warring troops. She was separated from Edmund and the others once she frantically waved her wand around, shooting spells here and there. Most spells she used knocked off the enemies unconscious; others restrained their swords from slicing through her. Harry was starting to grow a little ballistic due to the horrifying sounds and actions surrounding all of them.
"Calm down, Harry," she said, patting his mane. "It'll be all right."
Hermione swerved him around when an arrow almost pierced her straight through her heart. Unfortunately, this had caused Harry to be hit instead. The horse grew wild and moved around, throwing Hermione immediately to the ground.
She narrowly missed a protruded sword, pierced straight into the heart of a Centaur. Upon her impact to the ground, her helm was thrown away, her russet hair now splayed messily around her face.
The smell of blood started to grew thick and Hermione was getting nauseous. Snippets of the Second War in the Wizarding World flashed through her eyes and she groaned, awfully distracted.
A claw almost slashed through her body; thankfully, she rolled away just in time. A Wolf bared his teeth against Hermione, saliva dribbling down his mouth. He charged forward once again and Hermione ducked. To her dismay, her wand was nowhere to be found. Instantly, she drew out her spare sword and beheaded the Wolf, its blood managing to sprinkle around, including her armour.
A sword then almost cut off her arms but she lifted her sword just in time. A Dwarf, small in stature but menacing in demeanour, waved his sword and it clang loudly in the battlefield. She had battled with him for minutes; her muscles suddenly growing tired. She noted immediately that the Dwarf, too, was suddenly getting exhausted.
Without any second thoughts, she slammed her hilt against the creature's head. The blow made him unconscious, as he toppled on the ground and fainted.
She pushed away the dead creature and ran around, finding the White Witch to battle with her once and for all.
She saw Ardon, much to her relief, still fighting yet obvious bruised.
"My lady!" Reepicheep cried, climbing up her shoulders and jumping towards a Minotaur, piercing his eyes and blinding him. Hermione immediately rushed forward to help the Mouse, slashing her sword and finally killing the Minotaur.
"I am forever indebted with you, Miss Hermione," the Mouse said, before turning around and fighting more of the enemies.
"Daughter of Eve, we finally meet," that eerie voice, one that had haunted her ever since she arrived in Narnia, filled her ears. Hermione turned around and pointed her sword threateningly in front of the White Witch. "A sword? Pity. Where is this wand of yours so that you can battle me as a witch instead?"
Hermione glared and took a few cautious steps forward, pointing her sword right under Jadis' chin. "This madness must stop," she said. "You're dead. You're not supposed to be alive today."
"Ah, but I am," Jadis taunted, casually pushing her sword away. "And it is all thanks to your High King." The White Witch mockingly bowed at Hermione, her eyes dark with murderous intent. "His selfish desire."
The brunette lunged forward but with a flick of her wand, Hermione was thrown away.
"Narnia is mine," the White Witch proclaimed, standing ominously above her. Hermione could feel coldness seeping through her veins. "And not even you, Daughter of Eve, can stop me."
Jadis pointed her wand towards Hermione's direction, a spell right at the tip of her tongue. Frantically, Hermione searched around and to her immense relief, her wand was within her reach. She surged forward and grabbed it, rolling away from Jadis and immediately standing up.
"Expelliarmus!" she cried, but it narrowly missed the White Witch. Instead, it had hit a Beaver and sent him hurtling away from his enemy.
"Impressive magic," the White Witch said, looking genuinely amused at her wand. "You possess such powers, Chosen One. Powers that, once combined with mine, would bring great wonders to Narnia." Jadis outstretched her hands, and intently, she stated, "Side with me, Hermione Granger. And I will surely make you one of the most powerful witches that had graced onto this universe."
Hermione scoffed. "Do you honestly think I will buy that?" she spat. "I may be a witch, Jadis, but I am not as selfish as you are. Aguamenti!" A wave of water shot out from her wand and immediately, she waved it again, exclaiming a loud "Glacius!" The water froze, turning into sharp, pointed icicles and darted towards the White Witch. With a flick of her wand, Jadis was able to stop its movement, all falling down on the ground and shattering.
They continued to battle, spell against a spell. Hermione, with a dismayed frown, concluded that the White Witch was powerful than what she had originally thought. The spells that came out from her wand were foreign to her, which was not exactly surprising since they were witches of two, different worlds. But most of the time, Hermione was able to counter them with a flick of her wand; when the spell proved to be stubborn, she would duck or swerve away, watching as the spells hit other creatures.
One spell, though, had managed to knock Hermione off her feet. She fell on her knees and scrambled to get up, but Jadis' wand was pointed right under her chin. Defiantly, Hermione looked up at her glared. "Come join me, Daughter of Eve," she asked once again, her eyes lit up with desperation and the joy of foreseeing the future, their powers combined. "I vow to spare the lives of the Narnians. I vow to spare the lives of the Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve." Jadis neared her face to Hermione's and sweetly smiled. "I vow to spare the life of Edmund Pevensie."
Her heart clenched tightly upon the mention of his name. She remembered the First Battle of Beruna, how Edmund had valiantly smashed the Witch's sword and earning him a wound that almost killed him. She remembered how Jadis' lured him into the dark side, promises of fame and glory clouding the mind of a child merely yearning to have attention. She remembered how Edmund suffered under her reign, having to be tortured and fed with stale bread and frozen water. She remembered how Edmund almost betrayed his siblings, but he came back to their side to fight off this evil creature.
Momentarily, she closed her eyes, Edmund's face flashing in her mind. At this time, she knew what Edmund would have done. Energy now coursing through her vein, she inconspicuously raised her wand and blasted the distracted Witch away.
Hermione immediately scrambled to her feet and pointed her wand at her. Jadis was crumpled on the ground, cries of pain tearing from her mouth. "Help me," she cried, lifting her arms shakily up at her Hermione. "Spare me, oh Daughter of Eve. Spare me."
The brunette, disgusted with such obvious acting, pointed her wand down at the White Witch. "One basic rule in fighting," she said, echoing Edmund's words. "Never, ever, sympathize with the enemy."
Jadis dropped her pretense and regarded Hermione with amusement. She slowly sat up from the ground, narrowly missing a fallen Minotaur, and said, "I have underestimated you, Daughter of Eve. Your resilience is quite… admirable." Flawlessly, the White Witch stood up and brandished her wand, all traces of amusement, mockery, and pretense now absent on her face. Instead, sheer determination and repulsion replaced them. "It makes me want to rip off such ridiculous traits from you single-handedly."
She waved her wand, which Hermione was able to avoid. But then, to her surprise, another surprise spell hurtled away, blasting off her wand. She dove to grab it, thankfully missing another spell thrown her way.
As their battle continued, Hermione deduced that if she battled against her with her wand, this would take on forever. It was obvious that Jadis was good in wand-handling and Hermione knew it would be hard to defeat her with mere magic.
And then, an idea suddenly clicked into her mind.
"Use this at your bravest."
Sybill's disguised form had uttered those words to her on the day she revealed that Hermione could not go back to Hogwarts anymore. Raising her wand, she summoned the Sorting Hat, much to the suspicion of the White Witch. It took a while before she heard the familiar whizzing of her spell, signalling that the object she had summoned had finally reached her.
Hermione raised her hand grabbed for the Sorting Hat. The White Witch stared at it with amusement.
"I do believe that can prove as something useless during this time, Daughter of Eve," Jadis said.
"This," Hermione said, waving the Sorting Hat, "might be useless. But the thing it holds will be your downfall, White Witch."
And then, she inserted her hand inside the Sorting Hat and felt something cool and solid inside. She grabbed for it and in one, swift motion, she pulled Godric Gryffindor's sword, much to the astonishment of the White Witch. Hermione pocketed her wand and held the handle of the sword with both of her hands, surprised at how light it was compared to the sword she usually used.
Hermione fought against the spells that Jadis threw her way. She later on discovered that the magical sword could act as a shield against magical spells and enchantments. It was clear that Jadis was starting to get a little desperate and tired, exhaustion radiating from her body.
The brunette then lunged forward and slammed the hilt against the White Witch's hand. Startled, Jadis released her hold with her wand and she watched in horror as it fell on the ground. Hermione then grabbed her arm and twisted it around, pinning it behind her back.
"Light will always reign over Darkness here in Narnia," Hermione stated, the sword pointed at Jadis' heart. "I failed to save Hogwarts before and so, I swear to everything I love and treasure that I will protect this country no matter what. Narnia will never, ever bow down to you again, Jadis."
And then, with great might, she pierced the heart of the White Witch, who released such an ear-splitting scream. Those around them had heard and stopped, watching as the Fire defeated the Ice.
Jadis fell on the ground, death slowly creeping into her. But then, before she could completely close her eyes, she weakly grabbed her wand and pointed it at Hermione. The brunette, unsuspecting, was not able to see the White Witch wave her wand one last time, throwing a spell her way.
It had hit her and instantly, Hermione froze, her body turning into stone. Her frozen form wobbled precariously and toppled forward.
The last thing she remembered was the face of Edmund, his arms wrapped around her, before everything turned black.
A/N: Wee, so end! Was it good? Bad? Eh? Meh? Tell me in your reviews!
Whew, this chapter was actually a little hard to write, seeing that there were a lot of things that had happened . But I hope I did all right. Haha, I hope I did the sex scene all right; it was my first time writing one so there... :)
So, the anticipated battle already happened! I still struggle writing battles so I hope I did all right and didn't disappoint you people. I honestly tried my best, you know XD
Next chapter will be the last :( I'm thinking of writing an epilogue, don't worry, but the bad news is... it might take a while before I post it online. For now, the next chapter will be the end of "When Two Worlds Collide".
I won't say my goodbyes yet. The next chapter will hold all of those goodbyes :)
That's it for now! See you next Sunday or Monday (depending on my schedule).
With love,
WickedlyAwesomeMe