I'm sorry I've been gone so long. I'm really getting into Criminal Minds. I'm on the last season on Netflix. So, expect more frequent update! Thanks for your patience and don't forget to review!

ENJOY!

"Italics are sign language."

"Bold Italics are Parseltongue."

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Merlin!

Chapter 11

Hermione would be lying if she said that she didn't miss Lily. She had only known the little girl for two hours at the most, but she made a lasting impression. One thing that excited her was the fact that Lancelot's test had been moved up and she was testing him. Neither Merlin or Lancelot knew that Arthur had given her permission to test Lancelot's skills. She would not let him win, even if she wanted him to be a knight. All he had to do was stay fighting for a minute. If Arthur couldn't beat her, than Lancelot surely couldn't. She would wear armor that Gwen had made for her a while ago. It looked just like the men's so Lancelot wouldn't know it was her. If he knew he was fighting a girl, he would try and go easy on her and that would be stupid. Plus, it would be fun to see the look on his face!

Hermione went out to the training grounds early and met Arthur there. He helped her put on the armor and told her the rules.

"You must get him at sword point on the ground. Either unconscious or not. He needs to submit if he is conscious. He will need to last one minute or to get you down." Hermione nodded and saw that the Knights had begun to show up. She slipped on the helmet and made sure her hair was hidden away.

Arthur placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "Try to leave him alive." Hermione snorted and walked out to the field. She stuck her blade in the ground and placed her hands above it. She was ready to face the best swordsman in Camelot.

She saw Lancelot, Merlin and Gwen come out and all three paused at seeing her there. Once everyone was settled, Arthur stepped out in between her and Lancelot.

He spoke to the group of people, "Today, Lancelot of Northumbria, you will be facing one of my best and bravest Knights." Hermione had to restrain herself from jumping for joy in being called a knight. The Knights looked confused because they had never seen this person before. Lancelot was taking a breath of relief because he would not be fighting Arthur. Maybe this knight would be easy? He was smaller than normal.

Arthur told them all the rules and then went over to the hourglass. He looked to the two as both got in fighting stances.

"Your time starts…...now!" Hermione waited for Lancelot to hit. The two circled each other for a time and she saw Lancelot lose his patience. He charged at her head on and she side stepped, using his momentum against him. She tripped him and he rolled to the ground. She swung her sword at him as he rolled up from the ground. Their swords clashed together and they fought. Hermione knew they were over thirty seconds and all she needed was one hit. Lancelot hit her to the ground and she was glad her helmet didn't fly off.

He held a sword to her neck and asked, "Do you submit?"

Hermione ground out deeply, "Never." She kicked the sword out if his hand and rose from the ground while he went to retrieve it. Their fight began again and she was too into the fight. She threw her sword in the air and while Lancelot thought she dropped it, he charged at her supposedly defenseless form. She did another sidestep and stomped on his foot and kicked the back of his knee. She caught her sword as he buckled and held it against his neck while her knee was in his lower back and his hand were restrained. He had nowhere to move.

Lancelot sighed in defeat and said, "I submit." Hermione impaled the ground next to his head with the sword and rose from his back. She helped him up and he looked at the ground sadly. That is, until people began clapping in awe at his fight and Arthur stepped up to him.

"Congratulations Lancelot!"

Lancelot looked confused and Arthur said, "Remember the rules? You lasted a minute against the best in Camelot. I cannot even beat her."

Lancelot's eyes widened and he asked bewildered, "Her?" Hermione removed the helmet and she could see everyone's surprised faces at who lay beneath the armor. She smiled smugly at them all and looked to Lancelot. He had dropped his helmet in surprise and was staring at her wide-eyed and slack jawed. Only one thing could be heard through the dumbfounded silence at that was the sound of Merlin's laughter.

He walked up next to Hermione and said to Lancelot seriously, "Don't feel bad. Arthur couldn't even last fifteen seconds against her." Arthur blushed a bit and cleared his throat.

"Well then Lancelot! You'll be a Knight my friend! For you passed the ultimate test." People began to clap again and Merlin lead Hermione to the sidelines to help her remove her armor.

As Merlin helped her, Lancelot had come over to her and asked amazed, "Where did you learn to fight?"

Hermione looked to Merlin and he answered for her, "Severus Snape." Hermione smiled with pride as she removed the chainmill. She breathed a sigh at the weight being removed from her and smiled at Lancelot.

"Thank you" she told him.

He stuttered, "What for?"

She did a quick sign to Merlin and he answered, "For giving her someone to spar with. No one wants to fight her because she's a girl." Lancelot nodded. To tell the truth, if she asked to spar with him before, he wouldn't have. Hermione was finally free of all the armor and she groaned and rolled her shoulders. She would need some potions for that. Lancelot was a heavy hitter. She smiled at him once more and shook his hand.

"Until the next time." Then, she skipped off.

Lancelot looked to Merlin and punched him in the shoulder. "Why didn't you tell me your sister was an expert at this?"

Merlin rubbed his shoulder and said as if it were obvious, "You wouldn't have believed me!" Lancelot guessed Merlin was right. He just sighed and thought of the humiliation of being beat by a girl that was four sizes smaller than him!

Lancelot was knighted and festivities were held for him. Hermione attended all the ceremonies and got many calculating looks from the king. At the end of the party for Lancelot, Uther approached her.

She did a small bow and greeted him, "Sire."

He nodded to her and asked quietly, "Is it true that you have won in fights against both Sir Lancelot and my son?" Hermione hoped she wasn't in trouble for that.

She nodded and the king continued, "Who taught you?"

Hermione cleared her throat and replied, "Severus Snape." Uther looked at her with something akin to respect and she was internally jumping for joy.

He nodded to her and said quietly, "I will think of a way for you to put your talents to good use." Hermione beamed at him and bowed once more.

"Thank you sire." Uther dismissed her and she left. She was so excited!

The next morning was a disaster though. Lancelot was taken away because of the King finding out his lie. Hermione just knew it wouldn't last long. The worst wasn't that though. The worst was the beast that was attacking the other villages had come to Camelot. Hermione was just helping Gaius in some brewing when she heard the bells that signaled an attack. Then a deathly screech was sounded and Hermione couldn't help, but feel the anger in the creature. She had told Gaius it was a Gryphon and that they were protective creatures and someone must have threatened it to make it this angry. Gaius just believed that the thing needed to be killed.

Hermione and Gaius rushed through the castle and Hermione knew that she needed to do something. Arthur and his men were trying to shoot down the creature and that wouldn't work! Hermione sighed and found an alcove. She transformed into her Animagus in small size and then when she was out of the castle, she grew to her Gryphon size dog form. She made sure the Gryphon knew whose territory it was stepping into. She let off a deathly howl and it seemed that the commotion stopped dead in its tracks. Arthur's men turned their attention to her and he couldn't believe his eyes. There, in broad daylight was a creature that sent chills down his spine.

Everyone's panic started up again at the thought of two beasts coming to destroy them all. Arthur's men were way out of their element, but their attack split between the dog and the flying beast. They were amazed when the gigantic hound payed them no mind and instead, threatened the Gryphon. The Gryphon landed and the two creatures stood in threatening stances.

The hound lunged at the beast and managed to get a good grip before the Gryphon got free began to attack the dog. It was a gruesome match and both turned out injured, but the Gryphon ended up flying away. They knew that it would return, but now, their problem was the huge dog. They turned their weapons to it. Waiting to see if it would attack. The dog just plopped on the ground in a tired heap and they all just stared as it shrunk to a smaller size. The once panicked people were staring in awe at the animal that was just as big as a horse now. They watched in curiosity as a little boy got free of his mother's hold went up to the injured animal. The boy hesitantly reached a hand to the hounds fur and the dog stilled. The thing that happened next amazed them all. The dog licked the boys face and he giggled and continued to pet it. Little children began coming up to pet their savior and the dog looked to be enjoying all the attention.

All too soon, the dog removed itself from the children and ran off towards what they believed was the Darkling Woods. Well…...that was one beast that they did not have to worry about.

Hermione stumbled into the woods and transformed back. She breathed a sigh of relief and saw that she didn't have any major injuries. Just a few scratches. She healed the scratches and looked around. She needed to find the source of that Gryphon's anger. So, she sat and focused on the magical signature of the Gryphon. It took her maybe half an hour until she could pick out the Gryphon's signature. She turned into her dog form and followed it. It was hard to pick one of the paths, but another thirty minutes passed and she came upon a cave. The heard small noises from it and figured that this must be where the Gryphon was. She transformed back to a human and removed her jacket, gloves, scarf and shoes. She needed to look as non threatening as possible. Just like she did with Lily. Hermione then climbed up the small wall to the cave entrance and peaked in. She could see instantly why the Gryphon was so angry.

There in the cave was a tiny lump of fur and feathers. Hermione hesitantly stepped forward, making sure to be as quiet as possible. Hermione released calming and trusting magic and made sure she shone her red eyes. It looked up at her with dark eyes and Hermione slowly sat on the cave floor. Hermione held out her hand for the baby Gryphon and it looked just curious enough. The Gryphon moved closer to her and sniffed her hand. She extended her fingered and stroked the little one's feathers. It moved closer and closer and was finally right in front of her.

Hermione patted his eagle head and he head bumped her chin. She chuckled and looked him over. There! On his front eagle legs were rope marks. Looks like he was captured and the mother got him back. She must be taking out her anger on any people close to where her baby was taken. Hermione used some healing magic and healed the rope marks. The Gryphon squawked and jumped around her. Hermione laughed and looked outside. It was night time then and Hermione hoped the mother would come back. In the meantime, Hermione would take the little critter out for some food. Hermione stood up and looked to the hyper Gryphon that wouldn't stop hopping around. She laughed and scooped up the grey and white feathered creature. He squeaked and she snuggled him to her.

"Can you fly yet?" He didn't seem to hear her because all he did was curl up closer to her. She shook her head and began her descent from the cave. Once she reached the bottom, she set down the little Gryphon and put her scarf, boots, and jacket back on. Then, she looked around for her gloves, only to see them in the mouth of the little Gryphon. She rolled her eyes and tried to grab the gloves, but he swiftly moved away from her.

"Give the-em back." She made another grab, but he evaded her. Hermione and the Gryphon chased each other for a while until she finally just summoned them.

She sighed as she slipped on her gloves and said, "You're as fa-ast as a Nimbus 2000!" Then she paused and looked at the little ball of energy. She shouldn't. She should not name the little guy! Oh, but she couldn't resist!

She looked to the little Gryphon and said, "Your na-ame is Nimbus." Little Nimbus did a sort of chirping sound and hopped into her arms. She caught him with grunt and sighed. She prayed for no more animals, but did the world listen? No!

Hermione and Nimbus walked for a bit. Just looking for maybe a mouse, but it was too dark. She put Nimbus down and got his attention. She snapped her fingers and a blue flame appeared. Nimbus jumped back in fright and she waited in bated breath. Then, the little guy pawed at the flame with his talons and tried to bite it! She laughed and just made the flame float through the air. She picked up Nimbus again and off they went. They walked for a little bit longer when they heard it.

The sound of a deathly screech. It just cut off though. Nimbus had paused all movement and looked to her with fear filled eyes. Hermione ran. She ran and ran until she reached where the noise was heard. There, on the ground was a barely alive Gryphon and two celebrating men. Looking closer, she saw that it was Lancelot and Merlin.

Hermione choked and held the Gryphon closer. The two turned around and saw her. Hermione caught Merlin's eyes and hers were flickering red. He stopped smiling, for he knew that what they had done was nothing to celebrate. Lancelot had stepped back from her frightfully.

Her eyes were blazing red as she whispered painfully, "What have you done." Merlin flinched and she walked over to the dying mother. Hermione let the baby go and he desperately tried to get his mother to move. Hermione knelt by the large Gryphon and looked into it's fearful eyes.

She whispered, "I will take ca-are of him. I promise." She could see the understanding in the mother's eyes and Hermione rested her hand on her beak.

"I pro-omise." Then slowly, the Gryphon passed away. Nimbus screeched in agony and lept into Hermione for comfort. Hermione turned back to the now regretful two and stood up. Her anger was flaring. Merlin knew better! She had taught him from a young age that everyone deserves a chance. All he had to do was look deeper. She clutched the Gryphon to her chest and walked over to them almost eerily.

"Do you know what you've done?" Merlin stepped back fearfully.

"I'm sorry." Hermione put Nimbus on the ground and advanced on the two fools. She grabbed Merlin's neckerchief and pulled it off. He choked and looked at her with eyes of complete defeat. Hermione felt pain when speaking, but never stopped or stuttered.

She held the red neckerchief up to Merlin and said lowly, "Do you remember who's this is?" Merlin swallowed and shrunk back.

"Your father's."

"Yes, do you know what happened to him?"

"You never told me."

"He was taken from me! Just like you did to this poor little Gryphon!"

"I'm sorry Hermione! I didn't know! I'm sorry!"

"Apologies won't bring back his mother! Apologies won't bring back my parents. Apologies are nothing! I taught you since you were a little boy that every life has meaning! Even if you can't see it! You don't deserve to wear something from such a great man!"

"Hermione! Please!"

"YOU DESTROYED A LIFE!"

Merlin dropped to his knees in front of her and sobbed. "I'M SORRY! I should have listened. I should have learned. I want to be worthy of wearing something so important! I WILL DO ANYTHING TO MAKE IT BETTER!"

He sobbed on the ground and everything else was silent. Hermione had tears streaming down her face and she exhaled. Her throat hurt so much, but she was too angry to notice. Nimbus came up beside her and nipped at her fingers. She looked down to him and saw his eyes. He was frightened. He wanted comfort. Her anger wasn't helping.

She knelt down in front of Merlin slowly and lifted his chin. She saw the mess he was. She looked and found complete and utter loathing of what he'd done.

She wiped his tears and whispered, "You can't make it better, Merlin." A few more tears slid from his eyes and she wiped them away. "What you can do, is search yourself and evaluate what you can do to make a better choice next time." He sniffled and Hermione reached for the fallen neckerchief and tied it back around his neck.

She straightened it and told him softly, "A bad decision doesn't make a bad person, Merlin. It was wrong of me to use it against you. You are worthy of it. You just need to have a long and hard discussion with yourself and think about what you have done." He looked down to the neckerchief and back up at her.

He told her brokenly, "I want to make peace." Hermione nodded and gave him a hug.

When they released, she pointed to the dead mother Gryphon and said, "Go make your peace." He nodded and went to the mother and knelt beside her with his head bowed. What she didn't expect was Lancelot following Merlin's actions and saying his peace to the mother. Hermione picked up Nimbus and held the grieving Gryphon.

What they didn't know, was that Arthur had heard the whole thing. He had been pretending to be unconscious, but he had heard everything. Hermione's speech was just heartbreaking. She was right too. They stole a life that had meaning and it could never be returned. All they had to do was look deeper. The thing that confused him though, was why she was yelling at Merlin for it all? If Lancelot was there, then surely he would have done the deed. Then again, Arthur didn't know much about his manservant besides his deep sense of Loyalty and awful humor. He did, however, learn a lot about Hermione. So, her family was taken from her, but that was a bit obvious. He never knew Merlin was wearing one of Hermione's father's thing's though. No wonder Merlin got so upset when Arthur had ripped it. Arthur hadn't seen Merlin that mad since…..well, since never. Arthur waited a few moments and then decided to awaken.

Hermione was still cuddling Nimbus when she heard Arthur 'wake up.' She knew he was awake, that's why she didn't say anything about Merlin using magic to slay the Gryphon. Hermione turned her eyes back to their brown color and looked at Arthur.

She told him, "I kno-ow you we-re liste-ening." Arthur looked at her sadly and then looked to the Gryphon in her arms. Hermione protectively held Nimbus closer and Arthur held up his hands in a sign of surrender.

He said to her, "I won't hurt it." Hermione's grip didn't relax on the frightened Gryphon. Merlin and Lancelot walked over to them with heartbroken faces and Arthur stood up to greet them. They had a discussion on Lancelot's fate and that he would have to come back to Camelot for judgement, even if he did kill the Gryphon. Merlin and Arthur began walking back, but Lancelot stayed behind with Hermione. She looked into his deep brown eyes and made hers go red again.

Lancelot sighed and asked, "So you and Merlin have magic?" Hermione nodded and turned her eyes back to brown. "I won't tell a soul." Hermione smiled and nodded.

He looked down to the Gryphon who was eying him and said, "You really have the kindest heart I have ever seen." Hermione blushed and stroked the Gryphon's head. He chirped and snuggled up closer.

The two eventually went separate ways as Lancelot went to the castle to be judged and Hermione apparated to the Cave of Dreams to introduce Crookshanks and Karma to Nimbus. As soon as she got there, Crooks was on edge. Hermione just rolled her eyes and sat on the floor.

She held Nimbus out to Crookshanks and croaked, "Nimbus. Crookshanks." Crooks pawed and Nimbus, but Nimbus just hopped up to the cat and cuddled him. Crookshanks looked annoyed, but Hermione could tell that they would get along just fine. She then let Karma slither out and that meeting went a bit more bumpy. The fact that Nimbus tried to eat Karma was a bit bad, but as soon as she got it through to him that Karma was a friend and not food, everything was good.

She needed to go back out and see Lancelot off because she just knew that he would be leaving. She set down Nimbus with a warning to be good and then disappeared through the floo. She was just in time to get out to the stables and see Lancelot off. When he saw her, he hopped off his horse and strode over to her.

She was a bit confused, but then he told her, "I want to thank you, Hermione. You have taught me many things in the short time I have known you. I would give you a Knight's honor that I were to be forever in your debt, but I am no longer a Knight. So, I will give you my word that if you were to ever need my assistance, then I will be there to assist if you ask. Thank you again, My Lady." He brought her knuckles to his lips and kissed them. She blushed and he smiled softly. He then rode off and Hermione watched him. He would be a Knight of Camelot. She knew it would happen.

Later on, Hermione went to the dead mother Gryphon and made her a grave by the Cave of Dreams. It only took a bit of apparation to manage it, but she did. The resting place was beautiful and even had a gravestone Hermione had spent the day making it. Now Nimbus could be close to his mother.

Hermione then began to think of a place for Nimbus to live. He would begin to grow too large to live in the main space of the cave and she needed to be able to keep an eye on him. So, maybe she would make another extension of the cave that lead out to the forest outside. If he didn't come back at night, then something would be wrong. She would need to activate a tracking spell on him that would let her apparate straight to his location if he were to be in trouble. He wouldn't be that big for sometime though!

He was a magical beast and that meant he had a longer time to grow. That meant he would stay smaller, longer. She would have to guess that he was only a year old and was only the size of a three year old human child. That was good. She would just wait a while to set everything up.

After everything was said and done, Hermione dragged herself to bed, ready to be squished by animals. Crookshanks curled by her side and Karma curled around her arm. Their new addition decided to lay right over her stomach and curl up in a ball. She huffed and said goodnight to each of her animals. Once again, she prayed to anyone out there to let her be free of any more animals!