A/N: This chapter includes a description of a magical ritual for Imbolc. It is the first of several magical holiday rituals that will appear throughout this story. These rituals are all fictional — creations of my imagination. However, the elements are all drawn from mythology, history, ancient pagan practices, and contemporary Wiccan or neo-pagan practices. So they are genuine elements of actual historical or contemporary beliefs and practices which I have put together in a new way. As far as I know, no one actually does what I describe (even ignoring the magical parts), and it is not intended to depict any actual religious beliefs or practices. There are also themes running through the rituals which parallel themes running through the overarching story. Some of it will be obvious now; some may only be obvious in retrospect after more of the story has unfolded.
Recommendation: This chapter's recommended fic is "Harry Potter and the Shared Destiny" by Sharptooth. Instead of meeting on the train, Harry and Hermione meet at the zoo. This, as they say, changes everything — for the better, too.
Chapter 29 - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Friday, January 29, 1995, Morning.
Hermione Granger was conflicted. History of Magic class was about to start, and while it was almost universally disliked in Hogwarts, Hermione had made it almost a point of honor that she would stay awake and pay attention to every lecture, no matter how boring or tedious. Oh, yes, she knew the lectures were boring, but it had become a personal challenge to stay awake and pay attention despite how bad the lectures were..
She had even harangued Jasmine into staying awake through Binns' lectures, just so she wouldn't feel completely alone. She would never admit to her girlfriend how horrible she thought Binns was, nor would she admit to how much she relied on Jasmine's presence to stay awake herself — in her mind, that would mean conceding defeat. So she persevered, both taking strength from Jasmine's success and giving inspiration in turn (except for that one time that she actually dozed off, but no one saw it so it didn't count).
Today, though, she was faced with her first real temptation to stray from the path of righteousness: a letter from her parents.
Hedwig had brought it to her at breakfast, and she knew that it was the anxiously awaited response to her questions about combining friendship and romance. She wanted to read this letter more than she probably ever wanted to read any letter from home — but to do that, she'd have to ignore her History of Magic lecture. And even worse, she'd be sitting right next to Jasmine, who might notice.
As Binns began to drone on about the Goblin Rebellion of 1533 led by Ironclaw the Incontinent, and focusing in particular on the rebellion's effects on bubotuber smuggling in Wales, Hermione was practically vibrating with pent-up anxiety and emotion. Finally, she threw caution to the wind and pulled the letter out — though in such a way as to prevent Jasmine from noticing, because she still wasn't willing to look weak in front of her girlfriend.
"Dear Hermione," she read silently to herself, "We told you so!"
It took all of her will and strength not to bang her head on her desk upon reading that. Granted, she had given them permission to say it, but deep down some part of her had been hoping that they wouldn't. Somehow, she managed to stay still and keep reading.
"OK, that's the last you'll hear that from us (on this subject, at least). Sorry, sweetie, but as parents, we're contractually obligated to get that in at least once. One day you'll understand."
Hermione sighed very softly, shaking her head at the joke. "Now, on to your question. Your father and I found it very interesting and, dare I say, amusing. No, we're not laughing at you — not at all. It's just that you've hit upon a problem that many people have, but in typical fashion you're coming at it from the opposite direction. And that should turn out well for the two of you. So, right from the top, smile, because what you fear to be a problem isn't as bad as you think."
Hermione did smile at that. She hadn't experienced this much emotion from her parents in a long time and found herself becoming more and more engrossed in the letter — and not entirely because of the subject matter, either.
"The problem so many people have is that they start dating someone who isn't a friend and then don't know what to do when the initial rush of feelings subsides. They are physically and romantically attracted to someone, but eventually they start to realize that that isn't enough for a long-term relationship. If they don't or can't create a real friendship, then the romantic relationship will fall apart sooner or later — usually sooner. This is a common reason for bad relationships and bad break-ups."
"It doesn't sound like you have that problem, sweetie," the letter continued, "and that's why we're very happy for you. Any long-term romantic relationship — not even necessarily a lifelong one — requires friendship at its foundation. And you already have that. If you and your boyfriend are already good friends, then you're both way, way beyond most couples your age."
Hermione suppressed a snort at the comment about "your boyfriend." She knew that the assumption was to be expected, but it was still a little jarring to actually see the word.
"As to the conflict between romance and casual, friendly interaction," the letter went on, "there really isn't any. How do you think your father and I manage? He is my best friend, just as I am his. Obviously you aren't in the same sort of relationship as we are and won't be for quite a few years, but the same principle applies. Every happily married couple act more like friends sometimes and romantic partners other times. They switch back and forth on a regular basis, usually without even thinking about it. So no, they aren't mutually exclusive. Friendship with a person doesn't have to kill romance (if you don't let it — I'll admit that it happens to some couples). Seeing a person when they are moody, depressed, sick, or otherwise at their worst also doesn't have to kill romance. Where there is love, romance will follow. As long as you both are sincere in your desire to make the relationship work, it will. So focus on the love, sweetie."
Hermione started to feel a warm glow from reading those words. It wasn't the flush of embarrassment that she sometimes felt; instead, it was the warmth of love — the love she recognized in her mother's words to her, and the love she now realized she must be feeling for Jasmine. Where there is love, romance will follow, she repeated to herself. I love Jasmine, and we are sincere in our desire to make this work. Therefore we can and will have a romantic relationship in addition to our friendship. Love and sincerity. Will and intent. How is it that my muggle mother seems to implicitly understand the nature of magic?
She had no idea what Binns had to say about Ironclaw the Incontinent or the Welsh bubotuber black market, nor did she care. She also didn't notice any of Jasmine's knowing glances. She knew she was loved and was in love, and for that brief period, all was right with the world.
Saturday, January 30, 1995, Morning.
Jasmine dropped to the rocky ground, breathing heavily in exhaustion. Hermione was only just finishing her own spellcasting exercises, and it didn't look like she was in any better shape. Neither witch had thought very highly of the barren canyon when they had first portkeyed in with Professor Flitwick, especially since it had required so much to get there: first a floo trip to Diagon Alley, then a floo trip to some unidentified house, then two portkeys before they were deposited here... wherever here was.
According to Professor Flitwick, few ever got the chance to train here, and the two witches privately wondered if that was because few ever wanted to. That was the reason for the convoluted trip: those who controlled this area (whoever they were — Flitwick refused to say) imposed very strict security procedures on outsiders.
Scenery aside, though, Professor Flitwick's lessons had been intense and exhausting. He let them really cut loose with the powerful spells that Hermione had scheduled for them today. Only the high level shield charm, Fortis Aegis, hadn't done any damage anywhere, though it was tough to cast and even tougher to hold onto for very long. At least we can practice that one at Hogwarts, Jasmine mused. If I get into any serious fights, a more powerful shield will be necessary.
The gouging charm, Defodio, created massive gashes in the hard, stony ground and solid rock walls of the canyon. Even from the wand of an average wizard or witch, it would create multiple gouges; what the girls' extra power added was a greater depth and length to the cuts — though for some reason, the length and depth of those cuts kept varying.
Professor Flitwick surmised that their recent increase in power had left them a bit erratic in their ability to control it, much the way a teenager experiencing a growth spurt tends to be clumsy until they get used to their new size. The more power a spell demanded, the more their lack of control became apparent. He expected that once they were able to cast it with a consistent amount of power, a Defodio from Jasmine or Hermione would create large wounds in unshielded attackers. If cast at the feet of opponents, it would force them to move while simultaneously shooting up debris that would harm them or conceal the movements of the caster.
Much to Hermione's consternation, Jasmine found herself particularly taken with Sphaera Ignea, a fire spell that released a large ball of fire at a target. It's even cooler than Incendio, Jasmine thought. The best thing about it is that the size makes it hard to shield against. Even if it doesn't hit someone directly, it can still splash around the edges and catch clothing on fire. And the massive heat still transfers, too. I just need to learn how to cast it at a consistent size.
Jasmine knew she was going to catch all kinds of flak over her preference for this spell, especially with her dark red hair, but she just couldn't help it.
For her part, Hermione was quite taken with Corace Corruo, the siege engine spell which she was currently using to great effect by tearing apart the rock walls of the canyon they were in. The spell had been created in the middle ages to assist in assaulting the most heavily fortified positions. A strong witch or wizard could use it to take down the walls of a well-defended castle, assuming they could get close enough.
That was probably the biggest drawback of the spell: one had to be a bit closer than was necessary with most spells. Fortunately the incantation wasn't too long, but it left the caster feeling drained for several minutes afterwards — even Jasmine and Hermione — so it would be tough to follow up with another offensive spell or even a shield.
Of course, if the Corace Corruo connected with a person rather than a building, the caster wouldn't need a follow-up spell: a spell strong enough to take down castle walls would be absolutely devastating against people standing around out in the open, shielded or not. Even if they survived the initial blast of the spell, chances were they'd lose their wands and be buried under the dirt and rock they'd been standing on moments before. One way or another, they would be out of the fight.
The thought of such effects bothered Hermione, but the fact that she didn't need to specifically visualize the harm made it easier for her to ignore the consequences for the time being.
Jasmine watched her girlfriend practicing the spell a good distance down the canyon. Even some of Hermione's weaker attempts were impressive. It's a good thing that the siege engine spell takes a lot of power just to cast it at all, Jasmine thought, otherwise it would be tossed around on the battlefield quicker than stunners.
Their inability to produce consistent effects with these spells had been plaguing both witches all morning. As exhilarating as their successes were, their lack of control was frustrating. On a more positive note, Flitwick felt that they had developed enough restraint with low-level spells that they could practice them without supervision, though he did caution them to continue being careful.
Jasmine was so lost in thought that she didn't realize Hermione had finished until she dropped into a seated position next to her, looking as exhausted as Jasmine felt. "You looked like you were enjoying yourself," Jasmine said by way of a greeting.
"Merlin, yes!" Hermione said with quite a bit of enthusiasm. "I've never had so much fun casting spells. I don't know what it is, exactly. Is it the amount of energy I'm releasing? Is it seeing how much of an impact I'm making by the force of my will and intent? I don't know, but if I weren't so tired out right now I'd still be doing it."
"What you're describing is quite common, Miss Granger," came the voice of Professor Flitwick from behind them. "Sooner or later, the more powerful witches and wizards discover what you are describing. It's a rush that comes from expending large amounts of magic all at once in the use of spells that have a huge impact on the world around us. So it's everything you suspected: the use of so much magic, the use of powerful spells, and making massive changes around you by the exertion of your will."
Both witches smiled broadly at their professor, happy to be learning something that, as far as they knew, was never taught in any classes at Hogwarts. However, their good mood deflated quickly when he continued, "And it's exactly that rush which plays an important role in leading so many impressionable witches and wizards into using the Dark Arts."
After giving them a moment to let that sink in, he went on. "Just about all serious Dark Arts spells are powerful curses which have a big impact on whatever they hit, so they easily provide the rush you are talking about. Young witches and wizards looking for that rush frequently start using darker spells, not realizing that in addition to the rush, darker magic also sometimes comes with its own addictive qualities.
"This is why Professor McGonagall and I are so cautious about what we're teaching you. We know that you need to learn more powerful and more destructive spells, otherwise you won't be able to survive the trials you're sure to face in the future. At the same time, though, we don't want you to become a threat that is even more powerful and terrible than those you will be fighting against.
Jasmine and Hermione looked at each other, fear and concern etched on their faces. This wasn't something either had ever considered.
"On the one hand," Flitwick said, "the fact that there are two of you, and the fact that you are in love, should help prevent any slide into darkness. If one starts to slip, the other will be there to help pull her back. And the loving connection you have with each other is the antithesis of the sorts of emotions needed to drive true Dark Arts. On the other hand, it's entirely possible that two people in your position can end up encouraging the other into more and more darkness. Love has been used as a rationalization for cruelty and oppression more than once over the course of history."
Professor Flitwick's hard face softened as he concluded, "I'm not telling you this to scare you. In all honesty, neither Professor McGonagall nor I think that such a fate is likely for the two of you. However, you need to know that it is not impossible, either — that such things have happened in the past and will certainly happen in the future. In order to avoid it for yourselves, you need to be aware of it and take precautions — like for example, not getting too caught up in the rush you feel from using powerful spells, Miss Granger."
Their professor's stern look returned. "Such powerful spells are a tool. Sometimes, they are a weapon. They must never become a recreational drug."
Both young witches nodded gravely at Flitwick's words.
Sunday, January 31, 1995, Late Night.
When Jasmine and Hermione landed on Jasmine's broom in front of the Beauxbatons carriage, they could feel the night practically crackle with energy. Is this real? Is this the power of this particular night? Hermione wondered to herself. I've never felt it before, but I've also never been outside and heading to an Imbolc celebration before. She couldn't see Jasmine's face very well, even after she had whipped the invisibility cloak off of them, but she felt sure that her girlfriend's thoughts were very similar to her own.
After a soft knock, the carriage door opened to reveal Fleur Delacour wearing a white cotton shift that was thin enough to demonstrate that she wasn't wearing anything else. Smiling broadly, she ushered them quickly into the carriage and led them to a small room where there were a number of piles of neatly folded clothing and two more shifts hanging on the wall.
"I'm so glad you could come," Fleur told them. "Zees eez very exciting. 'Ere you must change into zese shifts. Ze ritual expects zat you will be wearing nothing but zem. No other clothing, no jewelry, and especially nothing magical, zough you may keep your glasses. It eez common that ze ritual eez done in ze nude, but we will not be doing zat tonight. I will go let ze others know you are 'ere while you change."
Once Fleur left, Hermione immediately began to take off her clothing, and because she was so caught up with thinking about the upcoming ritual, she didn't notice Jasmine hesitate and look anywhere but at Hermione before finally joining her. After a few minutes, Fleur returned and led them to another room where about two dozen other witches were waiting, all of them dressed the same way.
Looking around, Hermione saw that they were all very beautiful and wondered if they were all veela. I don't remember seeing all of them eating at the Ravenclaw table, she noted to herself. I wonder how many of them are students at Beauxbatons? How many are here for the tournament, and how many came just for this ritual?
After introducing the two English witches to the group, Fleur turned to them and said, "Many magical 'oliday rituals involve a lot of chanting, dancing, and boisterous activity. Zat eez especially true of Imbolc, which traditionally 'as a large zentral bonfire zat people dance around and some even jump through."
She smiled at their wide-eyed reaction before continuing, "We will obviously not be doing zat in our carriage. We did not 'ave time to complete negotiations with ze centaurs to 'old this in the forest, so we will be 'aving a quiet, more reserved ritual 'ere. Instead of a large bonfire, we will 'ave a small fire in a brazier. Instead of people taking smoldering wood 'ome to light zeir 'earths with, we will be lighting candles which you will take back with you."
When the two Gryffindors nodded in understanding, she said, "I know you do not know all ze traditions, and unfortunately we did not 'ave time to talk in advance so I could describe it all to you. So I will stay close, explaining what is 'appening and telling you when you need to do anything. It will also be in English for your benefit."
Jasmine frowned, apparently realizing that she hadn't considered the language aspect of this. "Thank you," Hermione said, feeling even more excited than she had been before. "I had been worried about that because my French isn't all that great — just basic conversational. I'm sure I'd miss all specialized terms and concepts."
Soon everyone started moving towards the door, as if following some command that Jasmine and Hermione hadn't heard. As they walked down the hall, Hermione heard Fleur whispering, "When we get to ze door of ze room where ze ritual is being 'eld, you will each be given a white candle. Take it, and when you enter ze room, zere will be a fire burning in a brazier in ze center. Light your candle, zen take your place around ze room going clockwise. Since we will be entering last, you will be closest to ze door."
Upon taking the candle, Hermione stepped into a large, circular room. Wow, she thought, this is a lot bigger than I expected! I wonder how many space expansion charms had to be used here to achieve it?
As soon as she found her place in the circle of witches around the central fire, Hermione shivered and realized that the room was rather cold — maybe even as cold as it was outside the carriage. Looking around, she saw that the others were feeling the cold as well.
When she had her own candle lit, Fleur stepped between them and brought them closer together so she could whisper while still being heard. "Zose two statues on either side of the fire are Artemis and Aphrodite," Fleur said. "Zey are ze two goddesses which tonight's celebration is dedicated to."
A middle-aged and very beautiful witch walked into the room, lit her candle, then addressed the room, turning slowly so that she faced each of the witches briefly. "The world is currently shrouded in darkness, but on this day we know that the darkness will soon end. Accept the flame that we have shared with you, so that you might carry some of the light and warmth of our fire out into the world. Take the light to show others the path out of the dark. Take the warmth to give others succor against the cold. Winter lasts but a season and will be vanquished by those whose faith in the light and warmth of the goddesses remains strong."
Once she was finished, another witch slowly entered. She looked older, but was still very beautiful and Hermione suspected that she was probably veela. Unlike the others, her candle was not only already lit upon entering, but it was burned almost all of the way down.
The first woman spoke again: "The Winter Crone prepares to depart, leaving behind ground that has lain barren for these many months. The Spring Maiden approaches, bringing with her hope for new crops, new growth, and renewed vigor. Gradually our cold ground begins to thaw, becoming ready to accept the seeds of new life. As the ground warms and awakens, life and love will grow and flourish. And as with the ground, so with the womb; as with the earth, so with the mother, the source of all new life."
At that point, a young girl, perhaps 9 or 10 years old to Hermione's eyes, entered carrying a long white rod that appeared to be decorated with some pattern and had something carved at the top. Hermione couldn't see well enough to be sure because the girl started walking away from her and around the room in a clockwise direction, banging the rod on the floor in front of each of the witches. When she did so, Hermione could see a flash of energy, and it felt like the pressure in the room grew. At the same time, the fire in the brazier seemed to grow just a little bit higher and the temperature became a little bit warmer.
"Zat is Brigid's rod," Fleur whispered. "It represents both a serpent and a swan, two animals zat are very important to the goddess. It eez natural zat ze veela would adopt it, given our avian forms and 'eritage. At ze top are two 'eads, one a serpent and one a swan."
When the girl stepped in front of her, Hermione expected the burst of magic when she banged the rod on the floor, but the actual experience was unlike anything she'd ever felt before. Her skin tingled all over and she felt as though all of her senses had been heightened.
That feeling still lingered even as the girl moved on to Jasmine. When she banged the rod on the floor, Hermione felt another burst of magic; but then the rod shuddered, and the carved serpent head started to move. Everyone in the room gasped and stared when the head twisted to face Jasmine and began hissing. When Hermione looked more closely at Jasmine, she saw recognition in her girlfriend's eyes and knew that the serpent must be speaking to her, even though it wasn't real.
The serpent head then turned to face the girl and hissed briefly before the girl's eyes started glowing, and she began to speak in a deep, resonant voice that was clearly not her own:
The time of the Great Prophecy approaches.
The maidens have arrived.
Their magic must unite.
Their power must emerge.
Their love must flourish.
The Feminine must ascend.
The Great Prophecy must come to pass.
Once she was finished, she seemed to sag a bit while the serpent head turned back to Jasmine and hissed yet again, about as long as it had the first time. After that, it returned to its original state. The young girl shook her head, blinking rapidly as if she weren't sure what had happened, and then continued walking the last few steps of the circle as she had been doing.
Everyone else in the room looked very uneasy and kept casting uncertain looks in Jasmine's direction. None of them, though, felt nearly as uneasy as Jasmine herself looked. What the bloody hell was that? Hermione wondered. What did it say to her? And what was that little girl talking about? Jasmine hates it when snakes talk to her, and now it's gone and happened in public. Hopefully all of these other witches don't think she's a Dark Witch who has ruined their ritual!
Fortunately, when she looked at Fleur, she didn't see any fear or condemnation; instead, the dominant expression was curiosity.
Finished with the circle, the child moved to the center of the room, where she lit her candle from that of the old woman, who in turn dropped her nearly finished candle into the brazier. This caused the fire to rise up even higher. Suddenly there was a burst of magical energy that washed over them all, and Hermione felt more energized than before. Then the old witch pulled out a new candle, lit it from the brazier, and joined the others around the circle.
"Ze rod and ze brazier both imparted to us some of ze magical energy created during ze ritual," Fleur said, explaining why Hermione was feeling the way she was. "All ze participants take in a bit of ze ritual's energy before making a sacrifice of energy for ze sake of ze coven back to ze ritual and ze goddesses. When ze rituals are performed outside, ze magic is taken in more gradually as it rises up out of ze ground."
A new witch entered the room, carrying a large chalice. Standing in front of the brazier, she turned to each of the statues briefly and bowed as she asked the goddesses Artemis and Aphrodite to bless them all for the coming year. She then handed a small dagger to the child, who pricked a finger, drawing blood, then placed the dagger in the chalice, which was itself placed at the base of the brazier.
"Zat was a ritual representation of ze sexual union," Fleur whispered. "Zere is no actual sex in our celebrations, at least most of ze time, but we 'onor the ze importance of sex because of its role in life and love at ze dawning of spring."
"And why did she cut her finger?" Hermione asked.
"Zat eez my sister," Fleur answered. "She's just turned thirteen and zis eez 'er first time. It eez always ze first time for ze young girl chosen to represent ze Spring Maiden, and ze drop of blood is ze representation of ze loss of 'er virginity. She eez ze young maiden who becomes ze woman, zough Maman would be quite upset if it 'appened for real any time soon."
"Thirteen?" Jasmine asked incredulously. "She looks so much younger."
"Oui," Fleur said. "Veela mature slowly until we reach puberty, zen we grow fast to catch up."
While they were talking, another witch had walked in with a much larger chalice and had asked Artemis and Aphrodite to bless it as had been done with the previous chalice. She then started walking around the circle, giving a sip of something to each witch.
As she did so, the first woman began speaking, "Partake of this milk, a sign of coming birth and the means by which a mother sustains the new life she has created. In this way, you are partaking of the life of our coven and community. "
"Milk was sacred to ze ancient Celts, especially in Ireland and Scotland," Fleur explained quietly. "It was far more zan just another food — it was a symbol of life itself, especially in ze spring when ze sheep started being full of milk. Zat eez why it plays an important role 'ere."
Jasmine and Hermione both took a small sip of the milk; it was sweeter and thicker than the milk Hermione was used to drinking, and she wondered where it had come from. Once everyone had taken a sip, the woman said in a loud voice, "Thank you, Brigid!" Fleur whispered quickly to repeat the line and they did, thanking Brigid along with the other assembled witches.
As soon as Jasmine, the last witch in the circle, finished saying the final word, Hermione felt as if magic rushed out of her towards the center of the room. She barely had time to notice that the other witches looked as drained as she felt when magical energy seemed to burst back out of the fire, through her, and out of the room itself.
"Did you feel zat?" Fleur asked, sounding a little breathless and surprised. Hermione nodded and Fleur continued, "Zat was first ze sacrifice of magic which collected in ze fire. When ze goddesses are pleased with ze ritual, ze magic eez enhanced and multiplied, zen returned and shared with nature around us. Zis time, it was much stronger zan I am accustomed to. Ze goddesses must 'ave been very, very pleased."
Apparently the other witches were also surprised at the power of the ritual because it took them a few moments to recover. Once everyone started filing out, Fleur said, "Ze main ritual is done, but now we have a small meal. It eez not much, just a way for ze community to gather and break bread together."
Everyone returned to the previous room where there was now a large table set up with fruit, cheese, and bread. Hermione noticed as they sat down that the other witches had started chatting in rapid French. She could pick up a few words here and there, but they talked too fast for her to get much, and she knew that Jasmine understood none of it.
As if that weren't isolating enough, all of them kept sneaking glances at the two English witches, and at Jasmine in particular. They weren't subtle enough about it to remain completely inconspicuous, and Hermione was all too familiar with the signs. It was almost like eating in the Great Hall after some new catastrophe had made Jasmine the talk of the school again.
"Fleur, do you know what happened with your sister and that serpent?" Hermione asked, saving Jasmine from having to do it. "Is that a normal occurrence?"
"Non," Fleur replied, her expression apologetic. "I do not know why she said zose zings. Zey did not make any more sense to me zan zey did to you. And ze serpent..." Fleur shuddered at the thought of the carved serpent coming to life. "I 'ave never seen or 'eard of anything like zat. I promise, zough, to ask my maman if she 'as any ideas. Regardless, you did nothing wrong, I assure you."
"Was the snake speaking parseltongue?" Hermione asked Jasmine. "Could you understand it?"
Jasmine nodded silently. "I didn't even realize at first that it was speaking parseltongue — I never do. It was only when I thought about the fact that it was a snake speaking that I realized it must sound like hissing to the rest of you."
"It was speaking?" Fleur asked, surprised. "Can you tell us what it said?"
Jasmine hesitated, then answered, "I'd… I'd rather not talk about it. It didn't say anything bad or about the ritual, but I don't like being reminded about something that's caused people to hate and bully me."
Fleur looked a bit disappointed but promised not to pester her with questions about it, something which earned the French witch a smile of gratitude. Hermione wanted to ask more, but she kept it in, trying to focus instead on how the magic of the ritual seemed to have affected her. When the magic rushed out of her, she had felt severely fatigued, but when it returned, she felt energized again — not quite as energized as she had prior to that when she was affected by the extra magic being produced during the ritual itself, but definitely energized.
The tingling sensation was without a doubt stronger, and it extended to more than just her skin now. Hermione wasn't sure how to describe it, but it seemed to be a combination of happiness, excitement, and anxiousness. Jasmine looked like she might have felt a bit energized, too, but her anxiousness seemed to be more due to the incident with the serpent.
Hermione hoped she'd be able to distract her girlfriend from her worries soon...
Monday, February 1, 1995, Even Later.
This is it, Hermione thought excitedly. This is the best time.
She had been positively brimming with energy and excitement since the ceremony a few hours earlier. She wasn't willing to commit to any explanation as to why, but she had to agree with the descriptions that such ceremonies created quite a build up of magical energy. Hermione felt like she could do absolutely anything right now!
There was, however, just one thing she wanted to do — something she had been planning on for a while: move the physical aspect of her relationship with Jasmine forward. The previous steps forward which she had initiated had all been very small, but this one would be significant and she was eagerly looking forward to it. The flight back from the carriage had been divine, in Hermione's opinion. Being pressed up against Jasmine had made her feel even more empowered, to the point of being almost giddy.
The timing could be better, she had to admit to herself as she started to change her clothes and put on what she thought was her best-looking silk nightshirt. This late at night before Monday morning classes will cause problems... but there really is no better time otherwise. I don't want to go too far, so it shouldn't take a lot of time, anyway.
Making sure to put on just a tiny bit of perfume behind her ears, she gave Crookshanks a quick kiss on his head, then padded quietly over to Jasmine's bed. On the way she paused briefly to note that, like her, Jasmine had put her white Imbolc candle on her bedside table. Upon sticking her head through the curtains, she saw that Jasmine was still awake, her head and shoulders propped up on pillows against her headboard. She still looks worried and upset, Hermione noticed. I'm sure this will make her feel better.
Previously, the magical energy had simply been making her excited and energized; now, in Jasmine's presence, it was having an effect somewhat analogous to being drunk. Because of that, Hermione didn't stop to think about why Jasmine was so upset. Or whether what she was about to do was a good idea.
"Hermione?" Jasmine asked. "You couldn't sleep either?"
"No," Hermione answered as she climbed into the bed. "I'm feeling so energized, and excited, and… and… I'm not sure what exactly, but I couldn't wait to come over here to you."
"I'm glad you're here, Hermione," Jasmine said a bit morosely. "I have no idea what that girl was trying to say to me. And then that snake! It was a bit rude, actually. I so hate being a parselmouth." She wanted to lay her head on Hermione's shoulder, but instead of settling in next to her as she often did, she stayed on her hands and knees and positioned herself over Jasmine, with one hand on the bed on either side of her girlfriend and one knee between Jasmine's outstretched legs.
"Snake?" Hermione asked, not entirely paying attention and instead nuzzling her girlfriend's neck, delighting in her scent and warmth.
Jasmine smiled softly in pleasure before saying, "Usually you want to talk things out! But I suppose being distracted like this isn't so bad..."
"Yeah," Hermione whispered as she started kissing along Jasmine's jaw. "You're worrying too much, and I've been thinking about this all week."
Before Jasmine could say anything, Hermione moved to her lips and started kissing her much more passionately than she had ever done before. It surprised Jasmine, though not too much because Hermione had always been rather assertive in that area, and Jasmine generally let Hermione take the lead when it came to physical interaction. Despite her anxiety over what had happened during the ceremony, Jasmine felt herself respond to Hermione's advances, finally allowing herself to feel the magical energy of the ceremony enough that her emotions and body were urged forward while conscious thought started going fuzzy.
Gradually, Hermione lowered her weight to her elbows and leaned down against Jasmine, who responded by wrapping her arms about Hermione's back. Lifting one hand from the bed, Hermione held it against Jasmine's waist, then slowly drew it up her body. Jasmine didn't really notice what was going on until she felt Hermione's hand cup something that her girlfriend hadn't ever touched before. Jasmine stiffened in surprise, then felt Hermione's thigh come forward and press between her legs.
At that, Jasmine yelped and pushed Hermione off of her and to one side of the bed, moving quickly herself to the other side. As narrow as the dorm beds were, they weren't very far apart, but to Hermione it felt like a massive gulf had just opened up between them. "Jasmine?" Hermione asked, shock and hurt evident in her voice as her mind cleared. "What… what's wrong? What did I do?"
Jasmine had a panicked look on her face, then started shaking her head as the words tumbled out. "No, no. I can't. I'm sorry, I just can't. I... I... I'm not a freak!" Suddenly, she reached under her pillow, pulled out what was clearly her invisibility cloak, and ran.
"Jasmine!" Hermione called out in a hoarse whisper. Poking her head out through Jasmine's bed curtains, she saw the door open and close, but there was no sign of Jasmine herself. Hermione slid back into the bed and curled in on herself. "What did I do?" she cried softly as she sobbed under Jasmine's blankets.