Chapter 6! Woop Woop!

So, I'm wondering - have anyone read anything with Solas/Hermione before? Because I have yet to find anything xD

Oh, and by the way - I've written half a ton of these stories, and mostly I call my inquisitor Lala, which I have replaced with the default name here. But if you suddenly see the name Lala - please inform me, because then I have missed it! The inquisitor is supposed to be a human female, but since I mostly play elf, I my mind may have slipped there as well. Basically, if you see that I have messed up, feel free to mention it in a review or pm!

Disclaimer: not mine, yo!

-o-

Chapter 6 - It's Only The End of the World

Hermione woke up the next morning feeling surprisingly energized. The Fade did not drain energy apparently, even if she had spent at least two hours running around the forest with The Dread Wolf.

She had even killed a bird, resulting in her coming to a screeching halt, staring at the bird with sheepish eyes.

The Dread Wolf had laughed. Laughed. More like snickered, of course, but she was very well aware that he was really laughing on the inside. She had growled impatiently at him, and he had given her a glittery look before pouncing on her.

Hermione had forgotten all about the bird, throwing herself into combat with The Dread Wolf.

What is the world coming to? Hermione thought as she got out of bed, heading for the bathroom. What in the name of Merlin is the world coming to?

-o-

Solas gave her a glittery smile when she entered the war room, and there was this light in his eyes that left Hermione rather breathless.

Don't fall in love with The Dread Wolf, indeed, she thought as she smiled back. How is that working out for you, hm?

-o-

As every day, they began with Hermione choosing missions on the war table, and then Hermione sighed.

"So, I had a demon visiting me last night."

Cullen gave her a sharp look. "And how did that turn out?"

"She passed with flying colours, as they say," Solas said when Hermione found it difficult to locate her voice, and she gave him a grateful look. He met her eyes. "I could explain, if you find it…difficult."

Hermione just nodded. "Please."

"How do you know the tale, then?" Cullen asked, giving Solas a sharp look as well.

"She called out to me, in fact. I was rather surprised," Solas said, giving Hermione a glance before continuing. "I found her sitting on the floor of the Fade-version of her childhood home, surrounded by pieces of demon. The demon took the shape of her…estranged mother."

"I didn't know how to get out," Hermione said quietly. "I've never been to the Fade. And I was somewhat…distressed. I didn't know what to do, so I just tried to call for Solas. It worked, luckily."

"That must have been difficult," Cullen said in a softer voice. "What did it…what did it offer you?"

Hermione just looked at Solas, and he turned to Cullen. "To return her to her world, or to stay there, with her parents. Live a life with her loved ones."

"I'm so sorry, Hermione," Cullen said quietly. "Even I recognise the difficult decision you were faced with."

"That is, in fact, wrong," Solas said. "As she did not consider the option of accepting the offer. The demon then tried to enter her mind, to make her more…agreeable, as demons tend to do. It did not succeed, however."

"Why? How?"

"Hermione is able to shield her mind, blocking anyone from affecting her in any way," Solas said before looking at no one and nothing, and his voice was somewhat strained as he continued. "To test her shields – there will be more demons in the future after all – I tried to break down her defences, something I was completely unable to do."

"It's called Occlumency," Hermione said quietly. "I have trained my mind for fifteen years or so. It is strong magic, and apparently very effective in this world."

"Wait," Dorian said, "an ancient elven god was unable to break down your defences?"

"Yes, thank you, Dorian," Solas quipped, "for pointing that out in such a subtle way."

Dorian gave Solas a somewhat startled look. "Are you sassing me, Dread Wolf? What is the world coming to?"

Solas smirked at him, and Hermione had to laugh when seeing Dorian's perplexed expression. "I keep asking myself the same, Dorian."

"He does have a point, though," Cullen said. "If Solas was unable to break your defences, Hermione, I imagine the demons will find it difficult to sway you." He paused for a moment. "I admit I am relieved. Your magic is different, and I have thought about what effect demons would have on you. Good job, Hermione. Good job."

Hermione just gave Cullen a small smile.

-o-

"You can choose to wait with the demon army, and go to Halamshiral first, or you can travel to the Western Approach first."

"Do you fight, Hermione?"

Oh, shit, Hermione thought. She would be joining them, wouldn't she? And it would be best if I did. Oh, bloody hell.

She looked at the Inquisitor . "Yes. Yes I do. Although I have not tested my magic in this world yet."

"You did, however, deal with that demon in a rather effective way."

"True," Hermione said, looking at Solas before turning to the Inquisitor. "You are going to ask me to come, aren't you? Because I should come, considering how I know that Fade area like the back of my hand. Not to mention the Western Approach. Or any zone, for that matter. Merlin's beard, I'm so glad you have dealt with Crestwood already."

She looked up, and realised everyone was staring at her. Blushing furiously, she gave them a sheepish smile. "Am I getting ahead of myself? Didn't you intend to ask if I would come with you?"

Trevelyan gave her an amused look. "No, you were right about that. I'm just wondering why we haven't made you Inquisitor yet."

The panicked look on Hermione's face resulted in everyone laughing.

"Yes, thank you," Hermione said, giving them an amused look. "Lovely. Anyway, I'm not about to embark on facing a huge nightmare-demon without having actually tested my magic on something less…lethal first. The Western Approach will do fine for that though, I suppose. Not to mention there is a chance you will do better without me. You have all worked together for a long time, and I am rather new at this."

"Western Approach it is, then. Scout Harding is already on her way there, so we can leave whenever."

Hermione had a sudden realisation. "Oh, Gods," she said, staring at the Inquisitor. "How long is the journey? Are we travelling by horse? Oh, Gods, I have no idea how to ride a horse."

Trevelyan laughed. "Western Approach? Six days, or so. And yes, we will be travelling by horse."

Hermione stared at the Inquisitor for a long moment, but then she sighed. "Give me a week? Is that acceptable? I will bloody well learn how to ride a horse. Wait, I don't have a horse."

"The stable is full of horses," Trevelyan replied. "And most of them are without specific owners."

"I suggest you take your time," Solas added, "Perhaps you will find a horse you connect with."

"I'm doomed," Hermione said, but gave them an amused look. "But, hey, it's only the end of the world, isn't it?"