Alright, on to the next chapter! I'm excited to write this one because I obviously changed a lot of Merlin's home life. Also, I have finally decided the pairing. It will be subtle because romance sickens me. Anywho, the final verdict is…..*drum roll*...Hermione and Gwaine! I haven't read any of those so let us try something new! ENJOY!

"Italics are sign language."

"Bold Italics are Parseltongue."

"Regular bold is mind talk"

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Merlin….not mine. Clear? Crystal!

Chapter 14

Hermione and Merlin were in the village that spring day. Gathering supplies and just having a chat. It was peaceful. Like most days though, peace didn't last for long.

Merlin happened to spot a familiar face and shout, "Mother!" Hermione swiftly turned and her face lit up in the largest grin imaginable. That is, until their mother reached them. Hermione dropped her supplies and so did Merlin. On their beloved mother's face, was a big bruise. It took up her entire right eye and was beginning to swell. Hermione reached up a shaking hand to mother's face and her eyes flickered red with extreme emotion.

Merlin seethed, "Who dare lay a hand on you?"

Hunith took her children's hands and said sadly with tears in her eyes, "Ealdor is in trouble." Hermione looked at Merlin and he nodded. They needed to go to a better place to speak. So, they lead their shaken up mother to the outer walls of the castle where it was silent and demanded to know everything. Hunith told them about everything in Ealdor. How Kanen comes to take their food with his men. How Matthew tries his best to defend the village, but it doesn't work. How the children were going to starve if they didn't get food. Hermione couldn't control her pent up anger.

They were in a private place with no one around, so she did the one thing she knew would let off steam. She turned around and blasted out a long breath of fire. It was almost explosive and burnt the bricks. She finished her tantrum and turned to her mother and brother. She huffed out a puff of smoke and smiled almost serenely. That felt good. Really good. Her mother was looking at her wide eyed and so was her brother, but their gazes were not fearful. More amazed than anything.

Hermione signed to her mother after taking another deep breath, "Why didn't you tell me? I've come to visit you and Lily many times, but you've never mentioned a word of it?" Hunith followed Hermione's signing and looked down in shame.

"Whenever you came back, you were so happy and, and, I didn't want to ruin that for you." She looked to Hermione with sad eyes and said quietly, "You were always so haunted, Hermione. Seeing you smile just made my problems not seem important enough to bring your face to frown." Hermione sighed and hugged her mother. She really was just too kind hearted.

Hermione and Merlin thought that they would try appealing Hunith's case to the king and see where that lead them. Merlin went off to see if Arthur could get a hearing and Hermione lead her mother to the castle, getting past the security guards took a while. By the afternoon, they were in the courtroom, watching the king shoot down their mother's requests.

Hermione couldn't blame Uther though. He had responsible reasoning for not helping, but it didn't make her anger any less. Her eyes were flickering red when her strong willed mother got on the floor and pleaded for Uther's help. She could see the pain in the king's eyes when he rejected Hunith once more. Hermione and Morgana strode over to Hunith at the same time.

Hermione signed to her mother fiercely, "Do not beg for your life like an inferior. You are worth more than this. Be the strong woman I know you are."

Hermione saw Hunith's eyes harden as Morgana helped her up. Hunith took her arm away from the king's ward gently and walked away with a withering look to the king. The king looked at Hermione in suspicion, for it was something the girl had said that made the woman look at him with malice. Hermione just stood up straighter and bowed her head in a respectful, but angry. Hermione went after her mother while Merlin went off to talk to Arthur. He and Hermione had the same thing in mind and that was that they needed to go back to Ealdor to help their mother. Hermione may not have been born to Hunith, but she was family in every sense.

It took them a while to prepare, but Merlin and Hermione were finally by the horse stables. Hermione was surprised and a bit touched that Morgana and Gwen offered to come along. More than ever Hermione doubted that Morgana would become an evil witch. She had so much compassion and kindness. How could she ever become so hateful? Hermione didn't want to get into that thought too much, so they rode off on the road to Ealdor. Hermione stayed close to her mother in the back of the group while Merlin lead and the other girls rode in the middle.

Hermione was just extremely worried for not only her mother, but the entire village. It had become her first home in this time and she would protect it fiercely. There was no room in the world for people like Kanen. He was slimey swine that needed to be taught a lesson. Oh, and a lesson she would teach that dirty, rotten, no good, dishonorable, lowlife, bastardly, coward-

Her thoughts were cut off by a touch on her arm. She looked at her mother's worried eyes. She told Hermione quietly, "Your eyes are flickering. Calm down, darling. I'm fine now." Hermione took a breath and smiled at her mother. Gosh, how Hunith reminded Hermione of her birth mother. They were so similar in so many ways, it was almost painful.

The group stopped for camp as the sky began to darken. Hermione wasn't tired at all, but she could see the fatigue on all their faces. She set up the camp with Merlin quickly while Gwen and Morgana collected firewood. Hermione had to force her mother to sit still and take it easy. The camp was set and they had a small meal of bread and broth that Hermione had packed. Gwen and Morgana fell asleep while the family of three stayed up and chatted quietly.

Hunith told the two, "Those two shouldn't be here. Especially Morgana. Isn't she Uther's ward?"

Merlin nodded and said, "Yes, but they wanted to. Plus, no one will know."

Hunith looked at him and smiled. "I'm glad you found friends to care for you."

Hermione dramatically waved her hand and signed with an affronted look, "Hey! I'm right here! You know, the one that kept your clumsy son out of trouble."

Hunith shook her head and said, "Yes, Hermione. But I'm glad he has other people." Hermione rolled her eyes and pretend pouted.

Merlin shook his head and said, "For one of the king's most trusted advisors, you sure are childish." Hunith gaped at Merlin as well as Hermione.

Her mother looked at her and asked, "Advisor?"

Hermione shook her and signed furiously, "I am not the King's advisor!"

Merlin shook his head and replied, "He asks you for reports on training, advice on mission strategies, on money matters and everything! Even if it's not official, you're as good as titled, Royal Advisor!" Hermione blushed a bit as she realized that she really did do all that.

heard a voice behind them say, "You really should listen to the idiot, Hermione. My father really does rely on your counsel...ah!" She had gotten up and thrown her dagger as soon as the last word left his mouth. She gasped as she looked at the dagger that had ended up in the tree behind his head. He looked at her and straightened.

The prince wasn't mad like she expected, he just said mockingly, "You missed."

Hunith got up from her seat and said in disbelief, "Prince Arthur?"

He nodded respectfully and Hunith asked, "Why did you come?"

Hermione saw Arthur pause and then reply, "Well, I couldn't let my servant go and kill himself! I'm not mucking out the stables." The three smiled at his response, knowing that he was there for Merlin. Arthur, uncomfortable with the looks he was getting, grabbed the dagger Hermione had thrown at him and handed it back to her after inspecting it.

He told her, "I never got close to it before, but you seem to favor it. Who gave it to you?" Hermione smiled ruefully and pointed to her neck and to the dagger. Arthur understood instantly. The dagger was owned by the ones who took her voice. The ones who put her through hell. Arthur held Hermione in high respect, but that fact alone made him respect her just a that much more. To hold the weapon of your tormentors and use it as your trusted weapon was the bravest thing he had ever heard of. It was honorable and he noticed that.

After a while, the group fell asleep. All except Hermione who was used to going days without sleeping. Some habits stuck with you forever. Like being prepared for an attack at all times and not sleeping for fear that someone would come in your cell and finally slit your throat. She heard the fire pop in front of her and took a breath. She slowly stuck her hand in the burning flames and wondered why it didn't burn. It was something that had confused her since she came here.

When she entered this time, she could feel her magic had shifted. It was more powerful than anything she had ever felt and she felt like a new person. She was always chilly and needed warmth. Which was probably the reason she didn't die of heat in the summer wearing long sleeves. She enjoyed night time and slept less. Shadows fascinated her even if she could always bend them to her will. Severus explained to her that it was a skill called Shadow Bending. It was never this strong though. She had managed to make a full set of large feathered wings and attached them to her back. All she had to do was learn how to use them. It was all so strange and in a way, she didn't feel like Hermione anymore.

The awkward, shy, and clumsy bookworm was gone for good. Yes, she still held reading as her favorite activity, but it was different. Her life revolved around more important things than research and school work. It was about keeping the ones she loved safe. Her brother was always her main priority. She didn't have time to worry about anything else. All in all, Hermione was a different person and she couldn't tell if it was a good or bad thing.

They left the next morning after Gwen and Morgana's surprise at Arthur's presence. They talked about plans to rid the village of Kanen, until they were close enough to hear screaming from the village. Hermione and Merlin were the first in the group to speed at breakneck speed to the village. They were just in time to see who Hermione guessed was Kanen, holding an axe over Matthew. One of the bravest and kindest people in the village. Hermione grabbed her dagger faster than light and threw it at Kanen's head.

It just missed it's target. She growled and jumped off her horse, grabbing a sword. As did Arthur and the others except for Merlin and Hunith. Merlin was getting his mother to safety. Hermione was beyond enraged with these people, but what really set her off was the fact that one of the men had Elfric, Lily's father, in a death grip. Hermione grabbed her dagger out of the post it was stuck in and swiftly killed the man with a dagger to the head. Elfric gasped for air and Hermione helped him up.

She heard Kanen leave with the threatening words, "You'll pay for this! All of you!" Then, the coward rode out with his men still alive. Elfric looked into Hermione's face and gasped.

"Hermione! Oh, thank you!" He gave her a tight hug and released her. She chuckled and nodded to him. She grabbed her dagger out of the dead man's head, cleaned it in the dead man's shirt, and put it back in her belt. She looked at Elfric hesitantly and he just shrugged.

"Survival is key." Hermione smiled and nodded.

She heard the most relieving sound all day behind her.

"Hermione!" Hermione turned around to catch the sight of an excited little girl running towards her. Hermione caught the girl who had jumped into her arms and swung her around once.

She set her back down and said, "How's my Lily flower?"

Lily blushed and replied shyly, "Fine." Hermione smiled and looked to Elfric with a stern face. She looked for Merlin and spotted him. Hermione called him over and he came.

She quickly signed to Merlin who looked at Elfric and asked, "She wanted to ask why you never told her of Kanen."

Elfric sighed and replied, "Hunith asked us not to. Said you needed as much happiness as possible and shouldn't ruin it. Plus, we didn't want to bother you. You've already shown us great kindness."

Hermione felt her cheeks flush and Merlin chuckled. "Seems like people like you Hermione."

She rolled her eyes and was about to respond when Arthur shouted, "Gather the people Merlin!" Merlin nodded and went off. Hermione held on to Lily's hand and urged Elfric to join the group. Amora was already in the gaggle of people and hadn't seen Hermione or her family yet. Hermione was suddenly approached by Arthur and he stood in front of her, arms crossed. Lily squeaked and hid her face in Hermione's side.

Arthur asked Hermione, "Who is this?" Pointing down to Lily. Hermione tapped Lily's shoulder and pointed to Arthur.

Lily swallowed and said shyly, "I'm Lily. Hermione healed me from the attack on my village from the flying monster." Hermione could see Arthur melt at the sweet tone of the scared little girl. He could imagine why she was frightened. He was a tall stranger wearing armor that surely had some blood on it. He cleared his throat and nodded.

"Well, you are lucky then. Hermione is a fine healer."

Lily smiled and nodded eagerly. "She's the best." Hermione flushed at the compliment and Arthur raised an eyebrow.

All he said before leaving was, "Indeed." Hermione looked to Lily's hair and noticed that there was no clip.

She looked at the girl questionably and Lily chewed on her bottom lip and replied, "It's an expensive clip and I didn't want Kanen to steal it. Ma had me hide it." Hermione smiled and ruffled the girl's golden curls.

"I hope that wo-on't be a proble-em any longer." Lily looked at her with hopeful eyes and she felt even more determined to either kill Kanen or torture him to insanity. Since the man was already insane for laying a finger on her mother, she would have to kill him. Slowly and painfully.

Hermione heard her name being called by a sweet voice and looked to face Amora. Hermione smiled and hugged the woman. "It's good to see you Hermione!"

She nodded and said, "You too." They released from the hug and Merlin and Hunith had traveled over to them. Lily smiled at the both of them and waved.

Amora asked, "Are you really going to be helping us?" Merlin and Hermione nodded. They could see the relief just pouring off of Amora. Hermione thought for a second and pulled out her bag. She handed Lily a small wrapped object and Amora one larger.

When they went to unwrap it, Hermione stopped them and said, "For when you are alone." Amora was confused, but listened. As did Lily.

The group disbanded and Lily and her family went back to their home to fix things Kanen's men had broken while Hunith went to do the same for her own him. Hermione and Merlin joined Arthur, Gwen and Morgana. They were talking of a plan.

Arthur told them, "We don't have too many people to work with, but we need to start training. First thing in the morning. Hermione." She looked at him confused. He looked to Gwen and Morgana and then sighed heavily. "I need you to train the women that wish to fight." Hermione looked at him and then to a smiling Gwen and Morgana. Those two were full of good ideas. Hermione nodded to Arthur and then turned to Merlin.

"You're going to have to help me."

Merlin nodded and smiled. "Just like I promised Hermione. I'll be your voice." Hermione smiled once more and noticed Hunith walk up to them.

She said, "You all can sleep in my home tonight. Be warned, it'll be the floor, but at least it'll be warm." The three guests thanked her gratefully.

The evening fell upon them and the group found themselves in Hunith's small house. They looked and only saw two beds, but Hunith had two children. They wondered who slept on the floor, just out of curiosity. Hunith pulled out the blankets from under Merlin's bed and set them out over the floor while grabbing more from behind the curtain in the back of the room.

Hermione chuckled and signed to her mother, "You were expecting company?"

Hunith blushed a bit and replied, "It's a calming hobby of mine. Plus, the material you give me to make them should not be wasted." Hermione smiled and nodded. Hunith settled Arthur and Merlin on the floor closer to the table while Gwen and Morgana took the floor beside the bed that Hunith had to force Hermione to take.

Everyone was settled in, but there were only three occupants of the room asleep. Hermione was wide awake, pretending to sleep. Sleeping for her was harder without her animals. When they weren't around her in a comfy cocoon of safety, she just didn't feel tired. To be fair, she could feel Karma trying to radiate as much warmth and safety as possible. She was thankful for that.

Meanwhile, Arthur and Merlin were wide awake. They both had things on their mind. Arthur wanted to know more about Merlin's original home life and Merlin wanted to know why Hermione wasn't sleeping. He could just sense her discomfort. Added to the fact that she was curled in a ball instead of stretched out. It was usually a sign that she felt tense or just not safe enough.

Why though? His thoughts were interrupted by Arthur asking him in in a quiet voice, "So, did you always sleep on the floor?" Merlin thought it was an odd question, but answered it nonetheless.

"Not really. Mum made a cushion on the floor for Hermione early in her stay, but she just ended up sleeping in my bed with me."

He could almost hear Arthur frown. "Isn't that a little…"

Merlin nodded and finished, "inappropriate? Maybe. We suffered from nightmares sleeping close to each other helped a lot. Didn't matter anyways. Hermione always left the house in the middle of the night and came back early morning."

"Why is that?"

"She loves the woods. So, I guess going for a leisurely stroll in the moonlight."

"What was it like?"

"Huh?"

"What was it like to share everything with someone? Someone you barely knew."

"It didn't bother me any. Me and Hermione have always had a special bond."

"Why did you leave?"

Merlin sighed and looked to Hermione. "Life was too simple. Day in and day out it was farm, clean and do chores. There was nothing else to it. Adding to that fact, no one really liked us anymore. Maybe that was the fault of Hermione's demon cat though."

Arthur shifted nervously, "Demon cat?"

Merlin nodded. "Big furry orange ball of meanness with a face only Hermione could love."

Arthur chuckled. It sounded fitting for some reason. Arthur told Merlin quietly, "I'm glad you came to Camelot."

Merlin startled and sat up, looking towards Arthur. The prince said, "I wouldn't have anyone to yell at in the morning! My other servants were just too good to find any fault to yell at."

Merlin snorted and shook his head. Merlin blew out the last of the candle light and tried to sleep, but it would not come to him. So, he did the one thing he knew would bring him and Hermione some sleep. He got up from the floor with expert silence and made his way over to Hermione's bed. She instantly scooted closer to the wall and Merlin slid in. Yes, it may be seen as inappropriate, but he honestly didn't give a damn. He would be as close to his sister as he wanted and that was final.

Merlin held Hermione close and whispered, "You miss your fuzzy menaces?" He could feel her laugh and reply with a nod.

He sighed and said, "I guess I'll just have to do." Hermione held onto his hand and that's how the fell asleep. Safe in each other a embrace.

The next morning, Gwen and Morgana had gotten up after Hunith while everyone else was sleeping. Hunith was silently cooking and working around Arthur's snoring form. The girls looked to Merlin's spot and saw it was empty. He must be getting firewood or something. The two got up and sat on the benches at the table. Hunith greeted them with a silent good morning. Arthur got up a few minutes later and sat at the table, waiting tiredly for food.

Morgana asked Hunith, "Where is Merlin?" She looked over to Hermione's bed with a fond smile and that answered their questions.

Morgana was still confused and asked, "Well, where is Hermione then?" Arthur rolled his eyes and pointed to the same bed.

Morgana and Gwen's eyes widened and Gwen asked, "Isn't that a bit…" Hunith came up with bowls of food and set them in front of the group.

Hunith answered Gwen's question, "Maybe, but that can't stop the two from being close. Plus, Hermione has trouble sleeping and so did Merlin for a while. It soothes them." With a better understanding of the siblings, the group dug into their delicious breakfast. Even Arthur enjoyed it. After they were finished, the group decided it was time to get ready. They watched as Hunith went to wake her children and were amused when Hermione pushed Merlin out of the bed when he wouldn't move. He landed on the floor with a thud and the group couldn't hold in their chuckles.

With everyone up, they began their day. Arthur began training the men and Hermione gathered the women. Hermione refused to let her mother and Amora fight, but the two overruled her. Great, now she had three people to look after in the fight! Elfric decided to fight as well. Hermione still didn't know what they would do with the children. They weren't safe in the forest and couldn't stay in the fight. She could only think of one thing and that was to find a cellar and hide them in it with a locking charm. She would make it comfortable obviously and soundproof it so they weren't afraid by the noise outside.

Hermione paused the training and asked Merlin to ask the women who had cellars. Merlin did so and six women raised their hands. She signed to Merlin and he translated, "Would you be willing to let the children hide in them for the fight?" They nodded and Hermione sighed in relief. Good, now that that was taken care of, they got back to training.

A nice little surprise happened during training. There was a shout over by the men and Hermione quickly turned, dagger ready, only to see one of the men on the ground and Crookshanks looking awfully smug. Hermione smiled brightly and walked over to the orange cat. He looked up at her and she put her hands on her hips.

"Crooks. What di-id you do-o?" He just purred and jumped into her arms.

She patted his head and said softly, "Orange menace." The man that was knocked down snorted.

"Orange menace indeed." Hermione turned to him and saw that he was the man that Crookshanks had beat up after he came at him with a pitchfork.

Hermione glowered and Merlin spoke up behind her, "You might want to watch your tongue, Mr. Simmons. Remember what happened last time you tried to skewer the cat." The man's eyes widened in a sort of fear and quickly got up from the ground and turned away. Hermione chuckled and turned away from the training men. When training started up again, Hermione was interrupted by a pull on her shirt. Hermione looked down into the beautiful eyes of Lily.

Lily whispered shyly to Hermione, "I want to fight, too." Hermione shook her head and called Merlin over. She signed to Merlin and Merlin nodded.

He knelt down to Lily's level and said, "We have a special job for you."

Lily looked excited and Merlin continued with, "You're going to keep Crookshanks safe."

Lily gasped and looked excited. "Really?" Hermione nodded and Crookshanks came to her. She picked up the cat and placed him in Lily's arms. He purred as Lily stroked his fur.

"So soft. I'll protect him! I promise!" Hermione smiled and Lily went on her way. Amora looked at Hermione with soft eyes and was glad Lily had a role model as kind and generous as Hermione.

Hermione watched in curiosity as Arthur sent Matthew to survey the borders. She hoped Matthew would be alright. Even with his Gryffindor bravery, he was still a bit of a clutz. Actually, Matthew reminded Hermione of Neville. They finished training that day and spent the evening sleeping. The next morning, they were strategizing for a trap to slow Kanen's men.

It wasn't until later when there was a scream heard by a very distressed woman. Hermione smelt blood and death. Oh no, Matthew! Hermione swiftly turned to see the horse Matthew was riding come back with a dead Matthew on top of it. He had an arrow lodged in his back and what she guessed was a note. Hermione sprinted over to the gathering of people and saw Matthews wife drop beside him and sob. Hermione slowly made her way to his wife, Sophia, and sat down next to her. Hermione slid her fingers on top of Sophia's and the woman looked at Hermione helplessly.

Hermione gave her her best reassuring smile and said, "It'll get better." Sophia broke down again and clutched onto Hermione. Hermione held Sophia until her sobs stopped.

Hermione whispered in her ear, "Matthew was brave. He's in a be-etter place no-ow. Probably breaking so-omthing in the afterlife." Sophia chuckled softly and released Hermione. Hermione gave Sophia's hands one last squeeze and left her alone with her husband. She ignored the looks she was getting and ran into the woods. Hermione needed to be alone at the moment. She had seen death and the sadness it brought, but actually witnessing its destruction on a human's emotions….it hurt. Hermione knew now what she would do to Kanen. She would kill him the slowest way possible. Even if people saw her as a monster after it, she would do it. Slice by slice, limb by limb. Hermione's mind filled with thoughts of pure and evil revenge.

That is, until an image came to her. The very dagger she held was being sliced into her skin. Over her wasn't Bellatrix though. It was herself. Wild hair, crazy red eyes and a feral grin. Hermione dropped to the ground on her knees and threw the dagger away from her. She didn't want to become a monster. She didn't want to become Bellatrix. Hermione clutched her head as the image repeated and repeated. She hunched and tried to control her breathing. She had just thought like an insane Death Eater! That's not who she was. She was- she- she-

Hermione never finished what she was about to think because comforting arms grabbed her wrists and gently pulled them away from her probably bleeding head. She most likely scratched up her scalp. A finger was gently placed under her chin and was lifted. She met the comforting eyes of Merlin.

She choked and said desperately, "I don't wa-ant to be a mo-onster."

Even if Merlin didn't know what she was talking about, he told her comfortingly, "Then you won't." She clutched on to his hand and they sat there. Hermione was organizing her thoughts from her mental breakdown and took a breath. Her conscience was clear and she found that she was just having an episode. Hermione didn't plan on not killing Kanen because that would be stupid to let him live. She however, wouldn't torture him. She would humiliate him by beating him and then kill him.

Merlin helped Hermione up and she shakily signed to him, "I'm sorry."

He shook his head and asked her, "Why?" \

Hermione just sighed sadly and signed, "You will understand someday." Hermione had no doubt in her mind that he would someday understand her turmoil. The two went back to the village to help their friends and family prepare for the fight of their lives. They weren't anywhere near good at fighting, but it was enough. People would lose their lives and it would be tragic, but that's what happens in war. You suffer losses.

Night fell upon them and Hermione had set up camp for the kids in the different cellars. They were sleeping in the cellars and Hermione soundproofed them and put a locking charm on them. She made sure Crookshanks and Lily had no chance of getting out. That was one thing she needed to make sure was correct.

While the village slept, Hermione set up magical traps. She wouldn't risk her or Merlin doing magic in front of the people, but magic traps could help. She made sure that only the enemy could get caught in them. There were triggered sticking charms, venom shots, ropes, and some burning feet jinxes. That would surely give them the advantage. She sighed and set more things up. She told Arthur she would set up the fire wall and the other walls.

She finished everything in the early morning and felt ready for the fight. Arthur was rounding people up and getting them into armor. She went to check the locks on the cellars and found everything set. Morgana was set to light the fire wall and Hermione was set by the walls hid under hay.

Kanen's men were coming. The sound of horses could be heard and she was ready. They just tromped in and searched the houses. Arthur signaled her and she pulled the walls up. Their horses freaked out and went on a rampage towards the fire wall. Why wasn't it lighting? Morgana, come on! That's when she saw Merlin run out in the open towards Morgana. Oh, the fool!

Kanen shouted, "Kill him!" The shot arrows, but Hermione held a shield over her brother and he knew it.

He must have reached Morgana because the fire wall flew up and that was it! Kanen's men were trapped.

She heard Arthur shout, "For Ealdor!" There was a shout in response and the fight commenced. Hermione didn't want to admit it, but she was enjoying the fight. She slashed and used subtle magic. She found the men being stuck in her traps and drop like flies. They were down to half their people and the village people had little loss. Hermione looked over and found her mother facing a burly fellow. She stomped the ground with a blast of magic. It ran in the ground and electrocuted the man.

Her mother looked towards her with thankful eyes and the fight continued. They were so close. So close to victory. Hermione saw a man charge at her before she could react. He held her against a wall, choking her. She wasn't strong enough to unclamp his hands from her throat. Damn that hurt.

She hissed out "Karma!" Her trusted snake lifted from her arm and the man froze. She flashed her red eyes and the snake made his strike. The man dropped to the ground dead and Karma re-inserted into her skin. She took a breath and looked around. Kanen's men were beginning to retreat. She fought harder, killing more and more and she…...enjoyed it. Yes, that fact scared her a bit, but she accepted that she enjoyed the thrill of battle.

Kanen's men finally retreated, accepting the fact that if they continued they would surely all die. The only one who didn't run, was Kanen. Oh, she would have fun with this. He stood in fear, but still ready for a fight. She dragged her sword on the ground and walked over to him, slowly, maddeningly. Once they were face to face, she let her eyes blaze red. He gasped and tripped backward, still not falling. She turned them back to brown and knocked him off his feat.

Once she was standing over him with the blade held over his heart, she said with a scratchy voice, "No one lays a hand on my family and gets away with it!" His eyes widened and her eyes flashed red while she impaled him with the sword. He died after staring at her red eyes for an agonizing second. She made sure her eyes were brown and turned slowly to the crowd.

They were all looking at her with feelings between fear and amazement. Then, they began to cheer. The enemy was gone and would never bother them again. They were safe and thanked the visitors many times. Hermione received a lot of Hugs and handshakes. They all did.

Next, Hermione went to the cellars and let the children out. They all rejoiced with their parents and Hermione was greeted with the warm face of Lily and a very relaxed Crookshanks. Lily hugged her tight and then greeted her parents lovingly. Hermione looked to the ground and saw Crookshanks asking for her attention. She scooped up her half-Kneazle and snuggled him close. Oh how she loved him. Merlin ran up to her and hugged her tightly. She dropped Crooks and hugged her brother.

He whispered in her ear, "What did you do to drive them off?"

Hermione just shook her head and croaked, "Fear." Merlin stepped back and looked at her closer. He reached a hand to her neck and pulled her scarf down a bit. There were large handprint bruises and blood? One of the scars must have opened from the pressure. Hermione grabbed his hand and shook her head. She would heal it later. Let everyone enjoy their victory. Merlin understood her look and nodded.

Hermione could take care of it. She readjusted her scarf and looked to the ground where Crookshanks had yowled at her. Oh! She dropped him didn't she? Hermione picked him back up and apologized with many pats.

The group left an hour later and headed to Camelot. It would be a tiring Journey, but a peaceful one. They did a good thing that day and it would stay in their minds for as long as they lived.