Chapter 9 — A Daughter of the Sea

Hermione and Harry were both at the complete mercy of their 'tour guides'. If they decided to drop them off in the middle of the ocean and leave, there was nothing they could do. Sure, Hermione had brought her wand, and she knew Harry had his (he never went anywhere without it anymore), but she'd rather not use it if she didn't have to. Harry was holding onto her wand for now since she would lose her clothes. If her vinewood sunk to the bottom of the ocean, she would be absolutely devastated.

Finally, the boat came to a stop.

"You two ready to go?" R.J. called as Geoff approached them.

"Ready," Hermione called as Harry gave a thumbs up. He waved his wand, and the boat opened up, lowering them out and down into the sea. Once they were level with the water, Geoff waved his wand again but at Harry's head creating the Bubble-Head Charm. Harry then swam out into the water.

"Your turn, Hermione," Harry said, gesturing for her to follow him.

She slipped off her shoes and threw them back into the boat as she didn't want to lose those. Sitting on the edge, she slid into the water and swam to Harry.

"Alright breathe, Hermione," she said out loud to herself. She closed her eyes to relax, and she felt her body transform, much like it did many months ago in the Prefect's bath, her clothes falling from her body as it changed. Once she felt the tingling in her veins stop, she opened her eyes.

Harry reassured her with a nod of his head, and she looked to where Geoff was standing. "All good?" he asked, giving a thumbs up.

Hermione nodded her head in response, scared to speak knowing they might not be able to understand her. But she was relieved nevertheless that the salt water didn't seem to be having an effect on her at all. It was information that she would store away for later, as she knew it could be helpful in future research knowing that half-mermaids, like herself, could adapt to any marine environment.

"We'll be here waiting no matter the hour. Though it might be best if you try and be back before dark. It gets a little dicey out here," Geoff said, closing up the side of the boat. He waved at them and gave another thumbs up. "The colony should be almost directly below you. Don't swim too far off or you could be in some serious trouble."

Hermione turned back to Harry. "Well what do we do now?" he asked.

She opened her mouth to speak, and relief flooded her once again as she heard her voice and it wasn't mermish.

"I guess we just swim until we reach the colony," she said, ducking underneath the water, pulling Harry with her.

"Okay, I'll be right here with you," he promised. She nodded in response.

Letting the water flow through the gills on the side of her neck, she took a deep breath, or what would have been a deep breath above the water and swung her tail experimentally. She flapped it back and forth, getting the hang of it before taking off downward.

Hermione grinned as the water glided over her skin, almost as if she had been just doused in wax at a car wash. Looking to her side, Harry was right there with her, just as he had promised. He grinned at her, the Bubble-Head Charm distorting his features a bit.

As they swam deeper and deeper, the light from the sun couldn't penetrate through, but Hermione still seemed to see okay. Mermaids lived in the deepest depths of water, and her eyes must have adjusted as she transformed. Harry pulled out his wand and said, "Lumos." It didn't light the area around them much, but enough that it was easier to see.

They continued to swim, deeper and deeper. "Stop," Harry said. "Listen. Do you hear that?" Hermione stopped and listened.

"I hear them!" she said, excitedly. "They're singing."

"What do you think it means?" Harry frowned. "Do you think we are in danger? You did say they use to lure sailors to their death with their singing."

"Well, they don't intend to lure us, do they. We are coming to them, not the other way around."

Harry nodded. "You're right. Let's keep going."

They swam toward the sound and the closer they got Hermione realized that the Sirens were indeed singing a song to lure Sailors to them.

Hear my voice beneath the sea

Sleeping now so peacefully

At the bottom of the sea

Sleep for all eternity

Sailors live so restlessly

Come with me, sleep peacefully

Listen to this siren's song

Worry not for nothing's wrong

Let my voice lead you this way

I will not lead you astray

Trust me as we reach the side

Jumping out where men have died

Hear my voice beneath the sea

Sleeping now so peacefully

At the bottom of the sea

Sleep for all eternity

Let ocean fill your lungs

Struggle not, soon peace will come

Taking in your final breath

Sink down to the ocean's depths

I wish I could always be

In the ocean's arms, you see

He who'd wanted nothing more

Sleeps now at the ocean floor

Ocean was your lover's name

You had loved her all the same

Now you'll always be together

Sirens are so very clever

Hear my voice beneath the sea

Sleeping now so peacefully

At the bottom of the sea

Sleep for all eternity

The song gave Hermione chills, or it would have had she been above water. Looking at Harry, he was looking at her with his eyebrows raised.

"Well, then," he said, an odd expression crossing his features. "Still think we should go into their colony?"

"We'll be fine…" Hermione said unconvincingly, trailing off.

"Ha, ha, right. At least you're a mermaid. They try to lure humans like me to them and kill them."

Hermione gave him a look. "Please, Harry. You're not an ordinary human, you're a wizard! And remember what R.J. said — since they are magical beings, magical persons can fight off the lure more. And being a very powerful wizard, you aren't going to be affected. Besides, you've dealt with mermaids before, in the Black Lake."

"Yeah, but they don't lure people to their death!"

"No, they just listened to Dumbledore and kept four of us captive and refused to let you rescue me. That's all!"

Harry frowned. "Okay, I see your point. They could be just as vicious. I did have a spear at my neck before I raised my wand on them."

"See, but we have to do this Harry. We have to. Please," Hermione begged. "Voldemort could use this against you, remember? And I want to know all there is to know about this. Can I change myself, can I rid myself of this affliction? So many unanswered questions."

"I never was going to back out, Hermione. I am just getting a bit nervous. My Gryffindor courage is waning."

Hermione nodded in agreement. "Mine too." She reached out her webbed hand and grabbed his free hand. "But we can do this."

"Alright, let's go," Harry said, letting go of Hermione's hand. Minutes later, the first sights of the colony were in their view.

Hermione gasped at the sight. It was nothing like the Black Lake colony she had found in pictures and heard from Harry's descriptions. Caves and caverns had been made by burrowing under reefs, a grotto Hermione knew it was called. As they swam deeper and toward the opening, the little village disappeared from view. They stopped at the large opening that led into the area, and Hermione ran her fingers over the side of the boulder. There was a raised emblem there, washed away and unable to be read. Though she could point out that a picture of a mermaid had once been there as the tail was visible.

As they crossed what seemed to be the barrier to the village, they were immediately accosted by two merpeople who appeared to be the guards of the village. Hermione didn't know too much about the genetics of merpeople, but they seemed to be male both sporting thicker skin around the chest, their features leaner and longer.

"State your purpose here," one of the merpeople said, the other crossing his arms in a threatening sort of way. Not that Hermione would dare go around them, but they had blocked their path.

"I'm Hermione Granger," Hermione said, "And this is Harry Potter. I am part human, part mermaid and we have come with some questions."

The two men looked at each other then back at Harry and Hermione. "We've been waiting for you, follow us."

The two men swam away, and Hermione immediately followed, Harry holding up the rear. Hermione paused a little, allowing Harry to catch up, wanting to discuss with him this change of events.

"Did you hear what they said?" Hermione said, looking briefly to the two mermen in front of her, hoping they were too preoccupied to be eavesdropping on their conversation before turning back to Harry.

"Yeah I did, what do you think they meant 'we've been waiting for you'?"

"I don't know Harry, but I am freaking out on the inside. What if they are waiting to kill me or what if—"

"Hermione calm down, you're overthinking this. Most likely if they wanted to kill you, they would have killed you on the spot. And why would they kill you? We don't mean them any harm, and they have to have some conscience."

Hermione took a deep gulp of water, letting the water run through her gills on the side of her neck, calming her. "You're right, I am being dramatic. Nothing has happened yet, so nothing to worry about, right?"

Harry nodded and jerked his head toward the two mermen in front of them. "Right. Now let's catch up, we are falling behind."

Now that she was a bit calmer, Hermione took this time to look around her surroundings and take in all that she could. Before, when they were above the colony, she could see that they had burrowed underneath several reefs to make caves and caverns. Now that she was close up, she could see that they had built little homes within the caves, some of which even had doors to their homes.

Looking to her left, several merpeople had stopped and were staring at her and Harry, but that didn't bother her. If a someone new came into her environment, she would probably stare as well. What caught her eye though, is that the women were holding some sort of basket, weaved from seaweed? It looked as if they had their own marketplace like an underwater version of Diagon Alley with shops lining the main pathway. It was something she was curious about and would like a closer look.

Hermione looked behind her and saw that several smaller merpeople were following them. She smiled. They were children by the looks of it, whispering in each other's ears and regarding them with careful eyes.

Looking forward, Hermione realized they were nearing a covered area that had steps leading up to it. It was apparently a place of significance with another two additional guards planted outside.

They swam in past the guards, and Hermione gasped once more at the sight in front of her. They were in a large throne-like room, all of the furnishings pure gold. Several murals covered the wall depicting shipwrecks, merpeople brandishing tridents, and sunken treasure. There were also illustrations of what looked like Merkings, Merqueens and their progeny sitting upon their thrones. In front of them, there was a similar large throne, where a very old, frail-looking Siren sat.

"Your Majesty," one of their guards said, bowing at her feet. "We bring Hermione Granger and her human partner, Harry Potter." Hermione blushed at the words 'partner' despite knowing they meant companion rather than in the literal sense. But it was true. He was her partner in almost every way.

The Siren on the throne waved her hand, and the guards backed off, fleeing to the sides of the room to watch from afar.

"You are most likely wondering why you were greeted as such." Hermione nodded and opened her mouth to speak, but the mermaid continued. "But first let me introduce myself and have a look at you."

With the help of two other Sirens, she swam toward them. Hermione stayed still as the older mermaid looked her over occasionally lifting up an arm or tilting her chin. She was even so bold to run her long, bony fingers over Hermione's scales sending shivers down her back.

When she finished, she retreated back to her throne. She sat there in silence for many moments, her fingers drumming the edge.

"You are a strong one, Hermione Granger," she said, the 'r' rolling off her tongue. "And you've been patient." She looked toward Harry. "And you too, Mr Potter. Your mate will be of great help to you, do not let her get away."

Hermione blushed, and Harry smiled at her before looking back at the Siren. "I don't plan to, ma'am."

"Good. Now, I am not only Merchieftainess Damara of the Mykonos Merpeople Colony, but I was also dubbed many years ago Daughter of the Sea by my predecessor." Hermione opened her mouth to ask what exactly that was when Damara smiled. "Ah, so eager and ready to soak up every bit of knowledge. So much like myself, you are."

Hermione closed her mouth and smiled. Merchieftainess Damara continued, "Daughter of the Sea is a position as old as time. Long before there were colonies of merpeople spread out around the world even. I am the Queen of the Ocean if I must put it that way. It is my duty to protect all races of merpeople — Merrows, Selkies and Sirens alike."

"And what does that have to to do with me, ma'am? We came down here looking for answers and hoping to find out why I have become a mermaid." Hermione looked toward Harry, and he gave her a nod of encouragement before she turned back to face the chieftainess.

Merchieftainess Damara smiled, showing her teeth that seemed too perfect after all the years spent underwater. "And answers you shall get, my dear. You were bitten for a purpose, Hermione Granger. As I grow old and weary, I cannot hold off the forces of darkness for much longer. My people — your people — need someone strong, someone fierce to be their protector."

"Bu-But why me?" Hermione asked, flabbergasted.

"I knew that the International Confederation of Wizards had approved the use of The Black Lake during the Triwizard Tournament. You see, they had to come to both Merchieftainess Murcus and I before they could move forward with their plans. I, too, am half human, half mermaid. Daughters of the Sea always are. You were chosen because of the four hostages that were taken down, you were the strongest female — the one with the most power—"

"Sorry to interrupt, ma'am," Harry said politely, speaking for the first time since they had entered Merchieftainess Damara's presence.

The Merchieftainess looked at Harry and nodded her head. "Go ahead, young man."

Harry gave a tight smile. "Thank you. How did whoever bit Hermione know that she was the strongest? Cho isn't a slouch and Gabrielle is part veela."

"Excellent question, Mr Potter. Merchieftainess Murcus, leader of the Black Lake Colony, is the one that bit Miss Granger. As Merchieftainess, she has the ability to sense others' powers and dive into their minds. She saw that Miss Granger was indeed much more powerful because of her heritage and the obstacles you both have faced. Miss Chang and Miss Delacour have not had to face the hardships in the past and would not be fit to face them in the future."

Hermione's mouth had gaped open halfway through the explanation. "Sh-She dived into my mind without my permission. Isn't there something against that?" Harry nodded his head in agreement. Hermione continued. "And what do you mean my heritage; I am muggleborn." Hermione adjusted and held herself up a bit higher wanting to show that she was proud of where she came from.

"My dear girl you have to see the predicament were are in. I need a successor; I am only months away from being unable to leave my bed at all. I cannot move without assistance as you can see. If you must blame anyone, blame me, but I will not apologize for an action that could save our entire race."

Merchieftainess Damara paused and coughed, her two helpers rushing to her aid. When the coughing subsided, she looked back up at Hermione and continued as if nothing happened. "As for what I meant by your heritage is that you are from a magical family — all muggles are. Somewhere down the line, one of your ancestors produced a squib and magic was passed down but not enough to give them full powers and to attend a magical school. Those of pure blood have shunned magical families who produced squibs for ages and refuse to acknowledge that is how muggleborns come about. All of that magic built up over time and eventually manifested in you. That is why you are so powerful, why magic comes to you so easily."

Hermione thought for a moment, taking in all of the information. Her brain was reeling a hundred miles a minute. She couldn't wait to go and research her family, her ancestors and trace her family back to when they were magic. Her thoughts were interrupted by Harry speaking again to Merchieftainess Damara.

"Merchieftainess, what does this mean for Hermione? You have given us a lot of information, and I feel like more questions are swimming around in my head than before."

The Merchieftainess laughed. "I like you, so very witty. If I was 100 years younger." Hermione looked at Harry, and he was blushing. She felt kind of awkward that a who-knew-how-old Siren was hitting on him.

"Only a Merchieftainess can bite someone, it's something extra in our saliva that allows you to transform into a mermaid. In your case since you were bitten by a Selkie, you became one. But that brings us to the point of activating the bite."

"What? What does that mean?" Hermione said, reaching up to where her bite would be had she been in human form.

Merchieftainess Damara sighed, but did not say she was tired of Hermione's questions. "Activating your bite mark will continue to allow you to change at will to a Selkie like you already do, but since I am a Siren, you will transform to look more similar to us despite being half human." She paused. "With that being said, you will struggle to ever be in freshwater again in your mermaid form. Your human form won't be affected."

"To succeed you, do I have to have the bite activated? Do you have to be the one to do it?"

"Yes and no. You do have to have the bite activated to become the next Daughter of the Sea, but I do not have to be the one to do it. If you so choose, you can return to The Black Lake and Merchieftainess Murcus can assist you in activating the bite. For you to succeed me, there will be something of a coronation before you officially take over as protector."

"And what happens if I do not activate the bite?"

"Eventually you will lose the ability to turn into a mermaid, and you can lead a normal life. Though the original bite mark will never disappear completely, it will always be there."

"Will the darkness you speak of be able to use me being a mermaid against Harry and me and our allies?"

Merchieftainess Damara shook her head. "You gain a new power when you become Daughter of the Sea. Derketo as the Greeks call her and more widely known as Atargatis will embody you to an extent, transferring some of her powers to you. As a mermaid goddess, she was baalat of her city and people, responsible for their protection and well being. It cannot be used against you."

Hermione nodded and looked at Harry, but she didn't know for what. Support? Guidance? Answers? He just shook his head and shrugged his shoulders — he didn't know. She looked back toward Merchieftainess Damara, opening and closing her mouth several times before closing, unable to form words to explain the thoughts racing through her head.

"No need to speak now, child. I do not expect you to make a decision so quickly and so rashly. This is something that must be decided very carefully lest we make a horrible decision. No, I advise you to visit a temple or statue where you can reach out to the spirit of Atargatis. Let her guide you in this decision."

Relief rushed through Hermione at not having to make the decision right away, but she knew it would have to be made soon. Before she could ask, her question was answered. "It is crucial that you make a decision by the end of this year. I am not sure I can hold on much longer so the sooner, the better, but I must be around to perform the ceremony, or the future of our colonies and our place in this world could spin into turmoil."

"I will make the decision as quickly as possible, but I would like to do some research and reach out to the spirit of Atargatis as you have advised." Hermione paused. "Are you sure you want a fifteen, almost sixteen-year-old girl taking over for you and protecting all of the mermaids around the world?"

Merchieftainess Damara smiled. "My dear, I was just fourteen when I was bitten, and I almost immediately became Daughter of the Sea. Now, if you'll excuse me, I tire quickly and must rest. I hope to be hearing from you soon, Miss Granger." She turned to Harry. "Mister Potter, you ever wonder why misfortune always seems to find you?" He shook his head. "According to muggle mythology mermaids are known to be the cause of misfortune and death, isn't that something?"

Hermione's eyes widened at that revelation and the Merchieftainess laughed at the look on their faces. "That's just muggles for you, isn't it. Always making something out of nothing. Well, not always I suppose since we have wrecked their ships in the past. But that is neither here nor there. Farewell," she said, waving them off, the two guards who had met them at the gates once more escorting them out.

"Is that supposed to be a joke?" Harry asked, looking back at the Merchieftainess who was still laughing.

Hermione paused. "I think so. And I haven't always been a mermaid, so that isn't why misfortune always follows you is it? If it is, I will just leave you be because I couldn't bear to be the reason you are hurt more. I am sure that you and Ron could —"

"I'm going to stop you right there, Hermione," Harry said grinning. "You don't think I would just kick you out of my life because of something an ancient, and possibly crazy mermaid said do you?" She thought she heard him mumble 'sorry' when their two guards looked back at them at Harry's comment.

Hermione opened her mouth to argue, and Harry must have sensed it because he started talking again before she could. "Don't make me kiss you again to shut you up, it's becoming a habit." He grinned, and Hermione blushed.

"Fine, I won't argue with you Harry, but don't bring up the mermaid thing when something goes bad."

"I won't," he promised. They swam until they reached the entrance to the colony. Hermione turned around and take it all in once more, hoping this wouldn't be the last time she saw it.

Finally, Harry said, "Ready to go?"

Hermione held up her index finger and swam to the entrance where she had laid her hand on the emblem when they first came in. "Atargatis," she whispered, finally understanding the significance.

"They put a lot of faith in a Goddess of the Sea, who seems to only be a spirit. Seems barmy to me," Harry said as they swam out and up.

Hermione frowned. "It's just like any religion, I suppose. They have a spiritual connection to this goddess, and they seem to worship her so that she will protect them. And part of her abilities come into the Daughter of the Sea when she takes reign. That is pretty crazy to think about; I wonder how that works."

"Do you know what you are going to do yet, Hermione?"

She shook her head. "I don't know. And like I said, I would like to do more research before officially committing to anything. It does feel odd though to potentially have so much responsibility when I am not of age."

"Is it so crazy though? You are only a year and a few months from being seventeen which is of age in the Wizarding World. And you heard the chief, she was fourteen when she began her reign."

Hermione sighed, bubbles floating in front of her. "You're right. It's just a big decision to make, and I don't want to make it without being unprepared."

"Good idea," Harry agreed. Hermione looked around, noticing the water had grown lighter meaning they were closer to the surface. "Where are we going to have to go to meet or talk to this Atargatis goddess lady? And what are your parents going to say?"

"Well, I thought about that. What if we ask Viktor? We could visit him and get some information — I think I have read before that Atargatis is a Syrian deity."

"But isn't Viktor from Bulgaria?" Harry asked. "Why would he know anything about a Syrian deity?"

"He is, but Syrian traditions have seeped into Bulgaria over time. He might not know anything about her in depth, but there is a good chance he knows something."

Harry gritted his teeth and tried to hide it with a smile, but Hermione caught it. "What? Why did you do that?"

Harry groaned and went to smack himself on the forehead before realizing that he still had the bubble around his head and stopped before he popped it. "I know he likes you more than a friend, Hermione. It just bugs me alright? Don't make me say that I'm jealous."

"I never liked Viktor more than a friend, Harry. He was just nice to me when things were rough, told me I was pretty even when I thought I wasn't. It just nice to hear once in a while you know?"

"I'm sorry if I ever made you feel that way, I—"

"Harry, now it's my turn to interrupt you. You don't need to apologize for something that was nothing more than an insecurity on my part. Viktor helped bring me out of that, so I am more confident now." Hermione continued. "And I don't mean to cut off this little emotional, let's talk about our feelings pow-wow, but we are literally feet from the surface." She pointed up, and within moments their heads broke the surface, Harry's bubble charm popping immediately.

"Looks like they were for real," Harry said.

"What?"

He pointed behind her, and she turned around. The old, white, paint-worn ship that carried R.J. and Geoff stood floating in the water. "They didn't leave us after all. We worried for nothing."

Hermione smiled. "I suppose you're right. Swim with me?" Harry nodded, and they took off in the direction of the ship, eager to be out of the water and back on dry land. They caught R.J. and Geoff's attention, and they opened the side of the ship as promised to allow Hermione and Harry to crawl onto the part of the deck that would lift them up.

When they were back on the deck, safe and sound, Geoff threw them a of couple towels. "You might want that for when you turn back into a human," he said, winking. Harry grumbled beside her, and she had to hold back a laugh. She wouldn't make him say that he was jealous, but he was. Even Geoff flirting with her was enough to set him off.

Hermione wrapped the towel around her, covering the parts she didn't want the others to catch a glimpse of and closed her eyes, thinking hard about her human form. She didn't know if it worked until she heard, "Hermione, you're back. Open your eyes." Sure enough, Harry was right — where her mermaid tail once lay, her legs were visible once more." She breathed a sigh of relief. "Do you have my clothes?" she asked, directing the question at Geoff.

He smiled at her again, and this time she was getting the creepy vibe. He definitely was flirting with her, but she couldn't shake off that he was several years older than her and she was still underage. Hermione shivered and not because she was cold. Waiting for Harry to change, she had him guard the door when it was her turn despite knowing Geoff probably wouldn't try anything in this environment.

When she was changed, she and Harry both walked out onto the deck to see that they could see the shore once more. Hermione dragged Harry to the edge of the deck facing away from the island and leaned on the railing, watching the clear blue water flutter underneath the ship, the sun reflecting off its surface. It was beautiful and a sight Hermione hoped she would be able to see again.

When the boat docked, Hermione took it upon herself to speak to R.J. and Geoff one last time, especially since they wouldn't need them to reach the colony again.

"Thank you for guiding us to the Sirens, R.J. and Geoff," she said, shooting them a smile. "Our journey was beneficial, and we learned many things that will hopefully help us in the future."

"Thank you, Miss Granger, for allowing us to take you. We are happy to help someone who doesn't intend to harm the Sirens in any way."

Hermione nodded. "Be wary of those who come to you with ill intentions. Darkness is rising all around us, and they may come to you asking for help. I beg you to continue what you are doing in your protection of the Sirens."

If they were confused by a sudden change in attitude, they didn't say anything but instead promised they would continue to protect the Sirens at all costs. Hermione hoped they would — she wouldn't put it past Voldemort and his followers to go after the Sirens and force these two men to guide them to the colony.

By the sound of it, Merchieftainess Damara said the darkness was already closing in, and that meant Hermione didn't have much time to make her decision, not much time at all.

A/N: The song mentioned in this story is called The Siren Song by Sara Singer. It can be found on Youtube, Spotify, or on Itunes.

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