A/N: So I'm not one to rant and rave over not so favorable reviews, so I'm not going to do it here…suffice to say you can't make everyone happy and I hope that this person finds a fic that they do enjoy even if it's not my meager attempt, that said, I absolutely adore all of you lovely readers, thank you for taking your time to read what I'm putting out there as well as reviewing you make me want to wrap each and every one of you guys in a big bear hug!
Disclaimers: alas, I still own nothing except my love of puns and cheesy humor
Also story note here: I have taken some more liberties with some creature abilities and histories, so again just chalk it up to writers' prerogative. Also I used google translate on the Latin, any incorrectness I would gladly correct if notified
Hermione had just finished her last patrol of the Hogwarts grounds as she shifted back and headed into the carriage. Since she had come back to the castle from break she took what she learned from her pack in the Americas and began patrolling every night after her imprint fell asleep. She would only retun once the perimeter was secured, protecting her mate and wanting to keep the skills up that she had just learned.
Her first night out, she had ventured deeper into the forbidden forest than she had ever gone. She was so deep in thought, that she stumbled into the heard of centaurs sleeping.
Flashback
She skidded to a stop and stood stock still, blinking eyeing them with respect and more than a little bit of trepidation once they stood.
The leader of the herd walked forward speaking plainly and with authority.
'Alpha shifter, shift back so we may speak'
She nodded her head once in agreement and shifted back, not bothering to put her coverings on she stood there shoulders squared showing the strength of her heritage, creatures had no concept of nudity or care about it.
She cleared her throat of a light growl and spoke with conviction and honesty.
'Hello brave and honorable centaurs my name is Hermione Jean Riddle-Delacour, Alpha of my pack, mated and bonded to Fleur Delacour of the Delacour Veela flock, Gryffindor student of Hogwarts, and member of the Order of the Phoenix. I humbly present myself and apologize for trespassing on your clearly marked lands. Much has distracted me lately and I can only request forgiveness for this transgression.'
She bowed her head in respect, waiting for a reply.
The centaurs took a few moments to let the words of the young shifter sink in. The elders of the herd conversed in ancient Centaurian in calm tones, once an agreement was reached the leader trotted forward.
'Lift your gaze young one'. Waiting until Hermione did so he then began. 'My name is Magorian, leader of the centaurs of the British isles. The other elders assembled are Bane, Firenze, and Ronan. '
Hermione took each member in nodding respectfully at each mentioned.
'We have heard of you and your brother Harry Potter along the years and each time you were in the forest we could smell the change coming from you, as such we knew you would come across our path one day.'
Hermione blinked, thinking about the times they had walked with and without Hagrid through the forest.
'Young one, do not be wary, we accept all magical creatures, but from past experiences we are wary of most witches and wizards. Our friend Hagrid has spoken kindly of you and your brothers. Harry especially has a heavy burden to bear, one we would wish upon none of our kind.'
This made sense, the level of trepidation he spoke of, if the history Professor Binns had spoken of was true, their past was a bloody one full of sorrow at their losses at the hands of many dark wizards systematically pushing them off prized lands and killing them off to the point of almost extinction. One could almost draw a parallel to her mother's own people in the Americas sad history.
'With all of this knowledge we wish to extend our invitation to use our lands alongside us as you and your mate seem fit. The other flock mates of your mate are welcome as well. We have known several Veelas in the past and their nature compels them to need to shift and explore wooded areas in their shifted form. Since their arrival, we have only seen you and your mate in the distance and realize that they may be in desperate need to utilize this area. Let them know it is with our blessing that they do so.'
Hermione smiled at that and nodded enthusiastically. Her imprint would be so happy hearing this news. She had heard much rumblings from the other Veelas about not being able to shift safely while here.
'We know something big is coming, war of a large variety, but at the time being cannot offer our assistance to your cause. We have lost too many brothers and sisters, our kind is on the verge of extinction and must preserve our species. However we will not turn our backs on you or your mate and flock, our fellow creatures. While in this forest you and your Veelas will be protected always.' The centaur stepped forward and leaned down, placing a palm on Hermione's right front of her shoulder. Bright colorful light, and power radiated from the pressed palm and the centaur spoke the ancient language, that was a mix between whinneys, neighs, and Latin, while concentrating on the outstretched hand. He ended his incantation and removed his hand stepping back.
Hermione looked down at the new marking going back from the bright light to a black single arrow with a line of what looked like Latin written upside down, she surmised that it was placed that way so that she could read it without difficulty.
'Young one, we have given you the marking of our people, this is our sign to our brothers and other kin that you are under our protection always. In a time of need press your left palm over the marking and repeat the words etched under the arrow that only you will be able to read. The translation is –
Brothers, assist in my time of need, spoken –
Fratres, in adiutorium in tempore tribulationis.'
Hermione was taken back by this, and bowed deeply to her new brethren. Once she was back to her original position she spoke. 'You honor me greatly and I too vow my protection of your people. Thank you for the trust bestowed upon myself and my mate's flock. We will never misuse that trust and I will forevermore be indebted to your herd for your kindness.'
The centaurs nodded smiling lightly.
'This is where we will leave you young one.'
The herd without any further preamble turned and trotted away, leaving the stunned wolf behind. Shaking her head she quickly shifted back and finished her rounds for the night.
The next morning the flock was ecstatic about the revelation. The loud excitement pushed for Madame Maxine to excused them from classes to explore the forest in their shifted forms. They were trailed by their Alpha and bushy wolf playfully following behind.
The headmistress's respect deepened for the young wolf and took the opportunity to visit Hagrid on the premise of explaining the new treaty with their centaur neighbors. The man was beyond adorable to the giantess.
Life in the castle had returned to their new normal, after the shock had worn off about Hermione's new status. She had been sitting at the Gryffindor table without Fleur this morning as well, since she was once again training with her mentor for the upcoming second task.
Upon announcement of her bonding Ron of course was the most vocally shocked to hear about it stating, 'blimey Hermione! Married, but you're only…'
Hermione interrupted, 'seventeen, my true age was hidden from everyone, including myself.'
'Blimey'. Was all Ron could reply.
An etherial blonde sat beside him staring at seemingly nothing in the distance, 'honestly Ron it should not be that big of a surprise. The wackspurts alone should have tipped you off it was going to happen.'
Turning to Hermione she spoke sincerely, 'Wolfy, myself and my father send our congratulations on your union. We have heard that Veela binding ceremonies can be quite intimate.' She smiled a knowing smile
Hermione only blushed a deep red in response, to Luna's responding laugh.
'Wow Georgie must have been some ritual.'
'You're right Freddie, wish I could have seen it myself if Hermione is too embarrassed to comment.'
The surrounding friends all laughed at their comments and went along with their breakfast. At the end of the meal Luna stood stating, 'come along Wolfy I think you need walked before class and I need to check on possible Niffler sightings close to the Blibbering Humdinger colony in the forest.'
Hermione rolled her eyes at her friend but stood anyway and trotted behind her catching up quickly. Luna sensing her friend scratched playfully behind her ear, an itch she didn't know she had and leaned into the hand purring.
'I've missed you over break my friend. I'm so happy for you Hermy.'
'Thanks Luna, that really means a lot. Thank you for always accepting things about me that even I struggle with at times.'
Luna only smiled in response enjoying their morning walk around the Black Lake.
Knowing what was ahead for her mate in the second task she walked behind the skipping blond. Hermione eyed the body of water with trepidation deep in thought.
