A/N It's time for another update! Tomorrow is double update day and instead of one morning and one evening post, they will be back to back because I have Halloween decorations to do.

I understand some of you may not agree with the Arthurian lore I used so I would like to offer a bit of an explanation. I did minimal research only because I am familiar with the traditional lore of Camelot (I was obsessed with knights when I was younger) and I know mine wasn't like any agreed upon lore. It is because, for the purposes of the story, I needed those particular events to take place. About Merlin, he still has a large role to play in this story and he did contribute much to magic. I hesitated when I was writing that chapter to say he had average magical prowess but if you doubt, read the passage from chapter 2 about the correlation between discipline and power. I know that Merlin was a renowned wizard of Arthurian legend and he remains so in this story. Things will come to light in the future about his abilities and talent. If you remain doubtful, PM me and I can give a more thorough explanation.

Exciting events are coming, dear readers.

Enjoy

"Are you actually gonna spend Christmas with us at the Burrow?" Ron asked at breakfast, hope in his voice. Those leaving would be boarding the train in a few hours and the entire castle was abuzz with excitement. Well, the entire castle minus the Golden Trio and a few others. Arthur Weasley had been attacked at the Ministry and was nearly killed. If it hadn't been for Harry seeing it in his dream and going absolutely mad, Arthur surely would've been killed. As it was, he was extremely injured and it cast a damper on their mood.

"Yes, Ron. Only if it's still alright with your mum. I don't want to put any unnecessary strain on your family."

"As if mum would ever see you as a burden. Morgana's tits, you're practically her daughter," Ginny cut in.

"That's good to know. It would be nice to have a break from all that's gone on with Umbridge being here. I never thought I would want to leave Hogwarts so much."

"No kidding. The woman's bloody mental."

They shared a laugh, unwilling to continue talking about Umbridge lest she find out and punish them. Hermione was glad they had managed to lighten the mood a bit. Harry had been in a funk, blaming himself for Arthur getting hurt, even though he was the only reason he was alive.

Hermione had continued exchanging letters with Bella but had been unable to meet with her again. She still had the set of quills for the older witch but was waiting until closer to Christmas to send them. Despite the distance, they had grown closer and Hermione couldn't stop thinking about the older witch. She knew the signs all pointed to her liking the older woman, but couldn't bring herself to have that discussion. She feared that if Bella knew, she would refuse to teach Hermione and she would lose her fountain of knowledge. To her, it wasn't worth the risk, especially since she was sure the feeling would pass.

"I suppose I should gather my stuff since we're leaving in a few hours. Gin, do you want to come with me?" Hermione asked, looking at her younger friend.

"Yeah, I should probably pack my stuff too," Ginny responded, putting one last bite of eggs in her mouth before standing and joining Hermione on the walk to Gryffindor Tower.

Hermione didn't realize how much she missed talking to the youngest Weasley. Ginny had a great sense of humour and never failed to make the brunette laugh uncontrollably. They had just had a conversation about how awful Muggle Studies was because the Professor was boring. Ginny had done a spot-on impression of him and the two girls collapsed in a fit of laughter, tears in both of their eyes and stomachs sore.

"We should get going," Hermione gasped. Unable to speak, Ginny nodded in reply, gathering her trunk and following Hermione to the train. She had decided to bring Ammy with her so she could send Bella her present while at the Burrow. Walking to the Hogwarts express was treacherous. The snow had been trampled so much it was more ice than snow. Hermione ended up casting a no-slip charm so they could actually make it to the train on time.

"My arse hurts," Ginny announced as she plopped onto a seat in their compartment. Harry and Ron laughed, having had a similar experience getting to the train. It had been funny to see some of the witches and wizards slipping on the icy path. Harry took especially great pleasure in seeing Draco Malfoy fall on his arse unceremoniously. His mother would no doubt be appalled at the slew of curses that flew from her only son's mouth. The train ride was filled with conversation and laughter, occasionally punctuated with a fifth member in the compartment. They had not even realized how much time had passed until the train came to a stop at King's Cross Station.

"Oh, Hermione, dear! I'm so glad you decided to join us for Christmas. We're so sorry you couldn't spend it with your family, but we're thrilled to have you!" The Weasley matriarch began as soon as she saw Hermione, pulling her into a hug.

"I'm glad you'd have me, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione managed, crushed by the surprisingly strong witch. Upon releasing Hermione, Molly began fussing over the other children, ushering them to the rest of the Weasley family. Draco Malfoy crossed their path, bumping into Hermione before sneering at the group and continuing to his mother and father. Harry barely managed to refrain from verbally assaulting the boy, it was only upon Hermione's insistence that no harm was done did Harry let it go. She had felt Draco slip something into her robes and recognized traces of Bella's magic, causing a tingle to travel down her spine.

"Is everybody ready to go?" Mrs. Weasley asked, watching for nods from the children in her care. Upon receiving the affirmative, she held out the portkey. As soon as her hand touched the portkey, Hermione felt a jerk before she was standing in the living room of the Burrow. She found she had missed the wayward building immensely.

"Dinner will be at half five," Molly announced, effectively dismissing the children while moving to the kitchen to finish dinner. Hermione took this opportunity to take her trunk and owl cage up to Ginny's room. On the way up the stairs, she was acutely aware that she was about to see what Draco had given her and couldn't help the excitement she felt. Hermione was grateful Ginny had wanted to stay downstairs instead of bringing her trunk to her room. It gave Hermione the privacy she needed to see what had been slipped into her robe. Pulling out a small box, Hermione was momentarily confused. She had been expecting just a letter, not something else. Prying off the lid revealed a folded letter and a raven necklace. Confused, she set the box down on the bed and opened the letter.

Hermione,

My aunt instructed me to get this to you before the holidays. I'm sorry for the way it had to be delivered but we can't have people suspecting something. The necklace is a portkey that will be active on the 21st of December at 8 am. There are things my mother and aunt would like to discuss with you. Should you decide to use it, come alone. You may bring your wand but do not have it drawn. Aunt Bella said she will not let any harm come to you. You will be free to leave at any time should you decide you are uncomfortable. If you decide not to come, that is your choice, but know that you will likely not have an opportunity like this one again.

Draco Malfoy

Hermione eyed the necklace, considering the note Draco had given her. Bella must have made the portkey knowing she would recognize the magic. She did not have to think about going, she already knew she could not resist the chance to learn more about everything. She also wouldn't deny that she was looking forward to seeing Bella again. All she needed to do was come up with a reason to get away from the Burrow for the day.

"Mrs. Weasley, is there a plan for Saturday? I got a letter from an old friend the other day and I'd very much like to go see them," Hermione said at dinner.

"I imagine that would be fine, dear. Are you going alone? Maybe you should take someone with you," the matriarch chirped.

"I'll be quite fine Mrs. Weasley. We'll be meeting in Muggle London so I'll just floo to Diagon Alley and go from there," Hermione soothed, hoping the kind woman would buy her lie.

"Of course, how silly of me. You'll be perfectly fine. You're a capable witch."