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Chapter 17

Up ahead, there was a village, unlike anything Charlie had ever seen before. The buildings weren't buildings at all, but actually trees. The elves had built their homes into the trees.

Ethriel walked ahead, disappearing into one of the homes. Charlie followed him inside, tightening his grip on Hermione's body.

Inside, there was a table in the middle of the room. It reminded Charlie of an operating table. Candles floated throughout the room, giving a calming feeling.

Ethriel motioned for Charlie to lay Hermione on the table.

Someone moved forward from the shadows. He looked much like Ethriel, except his hair was much longer. He bowed slightly to Ethriel, before coming to examine Hermione.

"Mortal, this is Elkia. He is the healer to our people." Ethriel explained.

Elkia moved forward, placing his hands on her temples. Closing his eyes, he stayed completely doing.

"What is he doing?" Charlie asked.

"Viewing her memories. It was how I knew she was Princess Astraea in her past life." He paused, cocking his head to look at Charlie. He sighed, turning back to the two. "Hopefully, it'll spend up the healing process."

Charlie nodded, too numb to speak. He prayed to God, Merlin, and every other deity he could think of, that Hermione would be all right.

Elkia looked up. "She will be all right, I believe. However," he turned to Charlie. "I understand you're her… romantic interest?"

Charlie nodded. "The dragon calls me her mate."

Elkia breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. I need your blood."

"Anything!" Charlie said. "I'd do anything for her."

"Good, Ethriel, prepare him." Elkia turned and began to shift through some jars he had in the back.

Ethriel moved forward, asking for Charlie's hand. Charlie placed it in his, taking a deep breath.

Elkia returned with a handful of vials. He poured a few down her throat, massaging her throat to help them down. He produced a small knife, handing it to Ethriel. Producing another one, he held it above Hermione's hand. Ethriel did the same, holding the knife above Charlie's hand.

At the same exact moment, the hands were cut. Elkia took Charlie's hand, pressing it to Hermione's, allowing the blood to mix.

Closing his eyes, Elkia spoke something in Elvish, and a bright white light surrounded the three of them.

Groggily, Charlie opened his eyes. "What happened?"

Ethriel chuckled. "You fainted. But you're all right now." Lending a hand, he helped Charlie to his feet. "The other two you came with are outside. You may go to them."

"Will Hermione be all right?" He asked, afraid of the answer.

Ethriel nodded. "She'll awake soon. Her body is healing the cuts as we speak."

Charlie nodded, quickly thanking Ethriel and Elkia. Exiting the tree, he saw Ron and Harry siting there.

"Charlie!" Harry bolted upright, Ron doing the same. "Is she okay?"

Charlie nodded. "Hermione's going to be fine. She's asleep now, so we just have to wait for her to wake."

"Oh thank god," Harry said, leaning up against a tree.

Ron let out a deep breath. Itching the back of his neck, he looked to Charlie. "So what happened?"

"I gave her my blood." He said, finality in his voice. "We're bound now Ron, and you have to accept that."

Ron's hands clenched into fists. He had officially just lost the girl he loved to his brother. "Whatever," he grumbled, walking away.

Charlie went to go after him, but Harry stopped him. "Just let him have some time. He needs to get over it, and he will. But right now, he just needs some time."

Charlie nodded. "I feel terrible Harry. I didn't mean to swoop in and fall in love with Hermione… it just happened. I would never hurt my family like that intentionally."

Harry clapped him on the back. "I know. And Ron will realize that too. Just give him some time."

Ethriel appeared in the doorway. "She's awake."

Charlie went inside while Harry went to find Ron. "Mione?" He called out, to see her awake, sitting on top of the table. She had never looked better.

"Charlie," she said, smiling. She hopped off the table.

"How do you feel?" He asked, pulling her into his arms.

"Great," she replied. "Honestly, I've never felt so strong before."

"That would be a combination of a few things," Elkia said from the corner of the room. Walking towards them, he stopped, bowing in front of Hermione. "Princess Astraea, or Hermione as you by now, it is a pleasure to make your meeting. My name is Elkia, the healer of this place." Kissing her hand, he murmured, "I am your servant."

Blushing, she pulled her hand away. "Those formalities aren't necessary."

Ethriel stepped forward. "My name is Lord Ethriel, and I am the Leader of this council."

"A council?" Hermione asked.

Ethriel nodded. "It's been unlawful for anyone for the leader of our people to be anyone but someone of your bloodline. Once you died, that was it. The monarchy died out."

Elkia stepped forward. "Seeing you here though, is beautiful. There is hope that our people may be reunited once more."

Hermione shook her head. "I want to stay, but there's something I have to do first."

Ethriel nodded. "We've seen your vision. I have already rallied our warriors. They will travel to Hogwarts with you, where you will find the two items you're looking for."

Hermione's eyes widened. "You will send help to the wizards?"

"If our queen wishes it," Ethriel said with a small bow of his head.

Hermione was speechless, but nodded. "Yes, please."

Elkia clapped his hands. "Wonderful, tonight we'll feast, and tomorrow, we'll go to Hogwarts."

She nodded. "Yes, excuse me gentleman." She took Charlie's hand and went outside. She wanted to explain what was going to happen to Ron and Harry.