Lachesis assumed the body and greeted, 'Gaia, dear, how are you?'
The Incarnation of Nature was a woman of no defined age, nor old nor young, but she was definitely a striking beauty. Dark skinned with a huge mane of hair, she was elegant yet rough in appearance, like a rugged royal lady. Hermione suddenly thought of a Tolkien elf, timeless and wise, but with beautiful dark skin colors.
Her voice was mellifluous, sounding like a warm summer breeze, 'Hello, my child. May I come in?'
'It is always a pleasure, Mother,' said Lachesis. 'Come in, please. Tea? I know you are partial to some lemongrass.'
She sat down, answering, 'It would be lovely, thank you.'
Lachesis made tea preparations as she said, 'You know, we were planning a visit to you. You see, we have a new aspect.'
'That would explain the sounds in the Void,' said Nature.
'But not all of it, I'm afraid,' said Fate. 'Our brand new Clotho was there to harvest for new threads and Satan went there to harass the poor girl when she was completely alone.'
Mother Nature raised an eyebrow, 'Oh. That one can be truly annoying. I don't know why Mars keep him company.'
Lachesis served tea to the lady and offered, 'Why don't I let you introduce yourself to our new arrival? You can get to know each other. Meet our brand new Clotho.'
Hermione was brought to the body with some trepidation, and found herself facing Mother Nature. The girl blushed.
'Mother Nature, it's an honor.'
'Oh, child, you are so sweet,' she said. 'Welcome to our merry group of female incarnations.'
'Thank you,' said Hermione. 'Although I still feel I owe you a visit.'
'Please drop by any time you want. But now that I am here, tell me: how are you coping with being an Incarnation of Immortality?
'Everybody has been so nice so far,' said Hermione. 'Except for the Incarnation of Evil.'
'That is to be expected, I must admit. But I want you to feel free and tell me if there is anything that I can do to help you in any manner.' Mother Nature sipped some more tea and exclaimed, 'Lemongrass is indeed so delicious.'
'I quite agree,' smiled Hermione.
'Sorry I have to leave in such a hurry,' said the dark-skinned lady, standing up. 'But this was so lovely. I look forward to sharing another cuppa in my humble abode.'
Hermione said, 'I would be delighted, mother. It was so nice to meet you. I will take my leave of you now, for my sister Lachesis would like to say goodbye.'
'Of course, dear. And I greet you welcome once again.'
Hermione heard Lachesis (who always played host on the Abode of Fate) see Nature out with half an ear. So many things happened and changed that she still did not understand.
Little could she predict that they would change yet again quickly enough.
o0o 0o0 o0o 0o0
Severus went back to Spinner's End with a heavy heart. For hours he tried to figure a way out of his sentimental predicament, one that was acceptable to his honor and his heart.
He could find none.
It hurt him terribly that he had been lonely to his own sorrows while in the job. Death went to collect a few extremists' souls during a battle in the Middle East and there he met Mars, reveling in the heart of war.
Severus was told about the new Clotho, and Mars looked disappointed about the whole thing. He told Severus that the Incarnation of Time was extremely happy, proclaiming his love life had taken a turn for the better and that he never recalled having been this joyful or fulfilled in his whole life. Mars was sad because Chronos obviously was not inclined to share the new girlfriend. Severus was surprised about not fuming over the crude remark. He was too stunned for that. So he went home.
Once in Spinner's End, Severus let his rage loose and threw things around violently for quite some time. He hadn't done that in the last ten years at least. Were he still a wizard, he'd have cast a Muffliato spell to lower the noise. Alas, as a mere psychopomp, he had no way to muffle the sounds emanating from the ruins of Spinner's End, and they surely must have freaked out some passersby.
How dare Mars talk about Hermione like that? Also, how dare Chronos be happy and fulfilled with his Hermione? How could them betray him like that? And why, God, why couldn't Severus be happy even once in any lifetime? It was quite unjust in his life made of so much injustices.
Many teacups died violently for the sake of Severus's unattainable happiness. He regretted that later. Tea with Lachesis were one of the few satisfying activities in his home, and now he would have to scrape some money to replace them. Without Dumbledore to help him, getting money had become a very difficult task.
Severus had just swept his kitchen floor of the debris when there was a knock on the door. Considering Spinner's End was concealed to Muggles and wizards alike, and that most incarnations liked to come in unannounced, Severus thought this was new.
He opened the door and raised an eyebrow. 'Gaia?'
'Hello, Thanatos. May I come in?'
'Please do.' He stepped aside to let her in. 'May I offer you something?'
The Incarnation of Nature looked worried. 'That is very kind of you, but this is not a social call. There are grave matters that I would like to discuss with you.'
'Please take a seat.'
She obeyed before explaining herself, 'You may have heard we have a new aspect of Fate.'
His face remained impeccable. 'As a matter of fact, I have been to Abode of Fate and met the new aspect. The exchange was quite sudden, wasn't it?'
Nature nodded. 'It would seem so, yes. Did they tell you anything about it?'
Severus was sincere. 'Even if they wanted, there was no chance. Satan was there, pestering the spinners. It was most unfortunate that I was unable to bid my friend farewell.'
'Yes, that is right,' agreed Gaia. 'There was even some saucy rumors about you and old Clotho.'
With a bit of indignation, Severus protested, 'I would never. She was Chronos's girlfriend and I respect both of them not to jeopardize their relationship.'
'And New Clotho?'
He maintained a lofty attitude. 'According to Mars, Chronos has also hit it off with the new aspect. Isn't he fortunate?'
'It is my opinion Chronos hasn't much choice in his love life due to his circumstances. But that is not the reason I came. You said you went to the Abode and Satan was there.'
'Correct,' said Severus.
'And do you know what was he doing there?'
Severus snorted, 'That was no social call, let me tell you. He seemed to be very upset when I appeared. Fate said he was there to convince young Clotho to quit his job and go live with him as his protégé.'
Nature frowned. 'Was that so?'
'The Evil One made it sound as if all male incarnations were on the prowl to molest her at all times.'
The dark-skinned lady was not impressed. 'Those were his words, but what were his intentions?'
'He most definitely has a reason to insist on keeping Clotho away from the job.'
'There have been rumors,' said Gaia grimly. 'But no one can tell for sure. It would seem that Satan has spies inside Purgatory. They might have told him that new Clotho would foil his plans in the future, so he wants to prevent her from doing so.'
Severus felt some dark foreboding feeling inside, but all he said was, 'That makes sense. Did you talk to Chronos?'
'I know better than that. He would never confirm it as it would break his oath. But it is clear Satan is up to something.'
'When is he not?' dismissed Severus.
Nature sighed, 'Thanatos, you can trust me. I know you have feelings for our new Aspect of Fate.' Severus jerked, caught completely by surprise, and she continued. 'Don't bother denying it. I am Nature. I keep an eye on my children. So, although I intend to alert all incarnations about Satan's plans towards Clotho, I am especially counting on you to keep her safe.'
Severus was still under the impact. 'But how -'
Gaia said, 'One of the minor incarnations alerted me a long time ago. Aphrodite, you know.'
Ah, thought Severus, with a sigh. Aloud, all he said was, 'What would you think mortals would do if they realized Love is a minor incarnation?'
'My hope would be that they would stop giving it so much time of their lives,' confessed Gaia. 'But don't change the subject. Satan is up to something, and it involves the woman you love. Will you help me?'
Severus's watch began to blink and he answered, 'Of course I will. Now, unfortunately, I have a client.'
'Yes, yes, my friend, you go now. And don't worry. Let Nature run her course.'
Severus tilted his head politely, but his heart was heavy. Hermione might be in grave danger because of Satan. What could that Evil One be plotting?
o0o 0o0 o0o 0o0
On many occasions, Chronos approached Severus for a talk, but the Incarnation of Death was in no mood to listen to his colleague brag about his perfect and annoyingly happy love life. Mars had already painted a picture clear enough so that Severus knew what was coming. He wondered how long could he avoid the other.
Damn it. Chronos was a good friend. And as a friend, Severus should be glad for him. But how could he?
Maybe with a bit of time.
Severus had forgotten, though, that time was precisely Chronos's occupation.
'You are avoiding me, Thanatos.'
Severus tried to explain. 'I am sorry to have given that impression. It is just -'
'There is no need to excuses, because I think I know why you are avoiding me,' said Time. 'I came here to relieve you of any ill-feelings you may harbor towards my sentimental life. For I believe you have been misinformed. Do not believe everything you hear.'
Severus frowned. 'May you enlighten me what are you talking about?'
'You may have heard I am happy in love with a new lover, and it is true. You may also have heard my lover is one of the aspects of Fate, which is also true.' Severus felt an invisible hand squeezing his heart. Chronos went on, 'You may have been under the misapprehension that this lover is young Clotho, and I can guarantee that this is not true, my friend.'
Severus looked at Chronos and saw that he was smiling. His friend was not joking.
'Not true?'
He nodded, still smiling, 'Not true.'
'But -'
'Fate has a total of three aspects,' reminded Chronos gently. 'And one of them was secretly in love with me for awhile. I was a fool for not seeing it.'
It was still hard to believe it. 'And this aspect was not -'
'Not the one you love, my friend,' reassured the Incarnation of Time now with a wide smile. 'We decided to maintain the facade of Clotho being my lover in order to fend off other suitors. It still is a secret, by the way. We would appreciate it if you keep it that way.'
Severus could hardly believe it. He could pursue his Hermione without betraying his friendship! It was almost too good to be true. And it was supposed to be a secret.
'You can count on me about keeping it under wraps,' Severus said sincerely. 'Perhaps it can fend off Satan.'
Chronos frowned. 'About that... Have you seen Gaia lately?'
Severus's interest was piqued. 'She came to see you, too?'
'Was it about the Evil One?' asked Chronos. 'It seems Mother Nature is on a mission.'
Severus said, 'She is adamant on finding out his plans about Fate.'
'I could not confirm anything specific, of course,' said the Incarnation of Time, 'but she is sure he is after Clotho. That was why I needed to talk to you. No one is better qualified to keep an eye on Old Nick before he can trick the young lady.'
'It would be a lot easier if we knew what he is up to,' said Severus nonchalantly. 'It is clear his plans are on the future.'
Chronos readily adverted, 'You know better than trying to make me betray the oath of my office, Severus. If I didn't know you were defending your beloved, I would be very disappointed in you.'
'It was worth a shot,' said Severus unrepentantly. He didn't even looked sheepish. Chronos let out a roar of laughter.
'I always knew Death wouldn't disappoint me,' he said.
Precisely at this moment, Severus's watch began blinking, indicating a client was about to pass on. Both incarnations looked at each other for a second, knowing the meeting would soon be over.
Time broke the silence, 'Are we cool, then?'
Contrary to his rigid education and self-imposed discipline, Severus said, feeling quite relaxed, 'Yes. We're cool.'
And he proceeded to Fate's Abode as soon as he could.
o0o 0o0 o0o 0o0
There was an expected trepidation as Severus knocked on the Abode. All his insecurities preyed on him. If the relationship between Hermione and Chronos was only for show, then why didn't she say so the last time he was there and he showed an interest on her? Maybe she just didn't want a relationship with him.
Great, Severus, he thought grimly. Not even dead does the girl want anything with you.
Then the door opened, and Lachesis smiled at him. 'Severus! That is a friendly face! Come on in.'
He did so, asking, 'Is this a good time? I hope I am not interrupting anything.'
'At the most, just some not remotely urgent weaving. Have a seat,' she reassured. 'What took you so long to stop by? We were starting to think we had offended you some how.'
Severus sat, 'Of course there was no offense, but I can't deny a slight yet very understandable misunderstanding.'
Lachesis's reaction was brief. 'Oh?'
'I was pleasantly surprised to hear my old friend Hermione was now an aspect of Fate, and I looked forward to rekindle our friendship.'
Lachesis offered friendly, 'I am sure the feeling is reciprocated.'
'And so I thought until I had word of her romantic relationship with my dear friend Chronos. I was most horrified to be the cause of dissention between the couple so I kept my distance.'
Severus saw the clear play of emotions over the middle aged lady: first dismiss then concern. She surely wanted to reassure the Incarnation of Death that his beloved was not romantically involved with Chronos, but then realized that she could not tell the truth, because the ruse was a means to protect Hermione. Poor Lachesis looked horrified.
Severus ended her misery. 'It was a while before he finally had a chance to explain things properly. That was very clever of you, this facade.'
She looked extremely relieved. 'He explained it to you?'
'Yes, he did indeed. Otherwise I would not be here,' he guaranteed. 'I am not in the habit of visiting other men's lovers.'
She sported a huge smile. 'Always an old-fashioned gentleman, aren't you, my friend?'
'Helps me sleep easier', he shrugged. 'So, er, is Hermione home?'
Lachesis threw her head back before letting out a soft, quiet laugh. 'Considering how we share the same body, I'd have to say yes, she is home, Severus.'
He interrupted her, 'But before you go may I offer you my sincere congratulations? Chronos looks extremely happy, and you are positively glowing, my dear.'
She smiled softly, 'Thank you very much, Severus. I will let you talk to Hermione now.'
And before Severus could be psychologically ready, Hermione appeared before him, more beautiful than ever.