Thanks to everyone who is following the story and leaving me reviews! I love you all, and hope you enjoy this chapter! :D

Chapter 19

Hermione made her way back towards the center of the camp, where there was a huge bonfire going on. It seemed that Ethriel wasn't kidding when he said they would have an Elven feast.

Hemera had taken off saying she needed to feed before they went to Hogwarts. She would need all the strength she could possibly get.

Hermione looked around, trying to find her boys. She spotted them near Ethriel. Walking over, she offered them a small smile.

Ethriel bowed to her, causing Hermione to turn red. "Ethriel," she mumbled, "That isn't necessary."

He simply smirked, ignoring her comment. "We'll begin the feast in a moment, and I shall introduce you to the rest of our people. More will be arriving in the morning, and then we'll be ready for battle."

Hermione nodded. "Brilliant," she turned to the others. "You three will go to Hogwarts earlier."

There was a large outburst of disagreement.

Charlie shook his head, "I'm not leaving you." Harry opened his mouth to protest too, but Hermione held her hand up.

"You three need to sneak in, and try and find the diadem and other horcrux. I'll be there, with backup, but we need to try and do this as quickly and quietly as possible. Harry, you need Ron, and Charlie is good with a wand. You three can do this, I know you can." Hermione said, giving each of the boys a smile. "Besides, I need to be with the elves. They finally have a ruler again; I can't just leave them alone."

Ethriel watched the exchange in silence. He knew after seeing Hermione deal with her friends that she would be the one to reunite the elves.

Charlie bit his lip, but entwined his hand with hers. "If that's what you think is best, I'll do it."

Harry nodded. "I just thought you'd be there with us…"

"I will be, don't worry, just a bit later," Hermione smiled sadly.

Harry half smiled back, looking at Hermione. "You look more like an elf every time I see you."

She blushed. "Well, I suppose I am an elf."

There was a pregnant pause and Ethriel took this moment to step forward. "It's time for the feast to begin."

Circling the fire, there were seats on the forest floor. Hermione was seated in the center, with Ethriel on the left and Charlie on her right. Harry and Ron sat next to Charlie. Hermione looked around, eager to meet more people and learn about the Elvish culture. She knew she didn't know much, but wanted to learn.

Ethriel stood, and a hush fell among the crowd. "My family, as you may have noticed, we have some new members here among us. One of them is very important, and we have been waiting for her for a very long time. In this time, she goes by the name Hermione, but in the past, our legends, she goes by the name Astraea." He motioned for Hermione to stand, which she did.

The moment the fire flickered across her face, applause erupted out. Blushing, she gave a small wave. "Thank you, being here, finding you, is the best thing that could have happened to me."

Ethriel smiled at her words. "Together, we will rebuild our world."

Hermione nodded in agreement. "Together, we will move forward, uniting the land and people. There will be peace before the other races, and we shall all be of one, as we are of this Earth."

Charlie watched in amazement as Hermione spoke. She was commanding her people, encouraging them to grow. She'll be an amazing ruler, he thought.

Charlie had thought Hermione was beautiful before, now, she was even more beautiful…. More than humanly possible. Every moment they spend with the elves, she became more like them. Her hair grew longer and wavier, her ears more pointed. Now she was heavenly beautiful, surrounded by an ethereal glow.

She was a goddess. And she was his. They were mates… bonded for life. He wondered what implications that would have on his life, but he found he didn't care. Charlie was smitten with Hermione, and would do whatever was needed to be sure their future together was secure.

Hermione sat back down, her face flushed. "I'm not used to public speaking like that," she whispered to him.

Charlie smiled. "Well, you couldn't tell. You did wonderful," he said, reaching over and linking their hands together.

Hermione relaxed as she felt his touch, her heart started to slow down. Being around Charlie made her feel so much more calm, and she suspected that had something to do with the bond.

Ethriel clapped his hands, causing the feast to begin.

Hermione's stomach growled; she didn't know how hungry she actually was. Looking around, she noticed there wasn't any meat. She stored that information in the back of her mind.

"Where's the meat?" Ron asked Harry, looking at all the fruits and vegetables with a look of disgust.

Charlie leaned over, shushing him. "Animals are viewed as people in this culture, so eating them would be disrespectful. Elves are vegetarians."

Hermione was surprised Charlie knew that when she didn't.

The rest of the feast went by quickly. The food was delicious, and Hermione had tried things she had never eaten before. In a matter of fact, she had never eaten so healthily.

At the end of the meal, Ethriel stood, gaining everyone's attention. "My people, our Queen needs us. The Wizards she is traveling with needs our warriors, magical skill, and strength in a battle. In the morning, we will take for Britain, to do our part in the War that has been brewing." There was pause, as his words sunk in. "It has been awhile since our people has fought, but I know that we are ready. We have spent lives, preparing us for this moment. So tonight, we shall sharpen our swords, string our bows, and rest. For tomorrow, we set out for battle."

A cheer erupted through the elves, filling the camp with an energy that wasn't there before. Everyone took off into different directions.

Ethriel smiled, helping Hermione up. He motioned for the others to follow him. "The young ones may stay here, while you may stay there," he said, pointing to two houses. They were carved inside the bases of large trees. "In the morning, we will set off. I have sent words to the dwarves, but I am unsure if they shall answer our call. There has been animosity between the groups, but we shall see."

Hermione nodded, smiling. "Thank you Ethriel, for everything."

He bowed low. "Thank you, my Queen."

Hermione blushed once more, bidding Ethriel goodbye. As soon as he was out of sight, Hermione let out a sigh. "I don't think I'll ever get used to anyone addressing me in that matter."

Charlie chuckled. "Well, if we live through tomorrow, you'll be called that every day."

Hermione slapped him on the chest. "Of course we'll live through tomorrow!"

Charlie shrugged. "It isn't certain…" He trailed off, not wanting to upset her.

Harry was quiet, lost in his own thoughts. Charlie was right; there was no telling what tomorrow would bring. "I'm going to bed," he mumbled.

Hermione gave him a quick hug, trying to reassure him. Ron followed after Harry, the two of them disappearing into their home.

Hermione turned to Charlie, taking his hand. The two of them entered the separate house, butterflies in their stomachs.

I have a question for all of you! I'm thinking about writing a prequel for this story, when Hermione did live in Alagaësia. Would you be interested in reading that? And do you think I should list it under Eragon as Galbatorix/OC (as Hermione.. aka Astraea) and should I list it as a crossover, with Hermione/Galbatorix. Let me know! I'd love to know what you think. J