A/N: Oof. I thought that this quarantine would make me more eager to write and help me focus. It did the opposite. I had been writing little by little on this, but before I knew it 3 months had passed. So sorry, I'll try to get back in gear now. Thanks for all of your lovely reviews.

Also this chapter was suppose to be much longer, but I decided to split it into two chapters since its taking so long.

Disclaimer: JK owns HP; Always

1989

Chapter 27

(Two weeks later)

Hermione was curled up in a sitting position, staring out at the landscape from her window seat in the common room. Her hand was resting against the glass pane as she watched the snowflakes fall to the ground below.

The Hogwarts Express was due to return today; bringing Charlie back with it. Though she had missed him terribly, the things she had discovered over the past two weeks were going to cause them to have a much different reunion than she had originally planned.

She wanted to spend the rest of the day holed up with him somewhere warm and cozy. A private place where they could continue to explore their newfound sexual relationship. Fate, it turned out, meant their conversation would have to be a bit more serious than how much they wanted to jump each other's bones.

Now that she had all the information, it was time to start making preparations; preparations only someone like Charlie could accomplish.

As much as Hermione hated the subject of divination, she could no longer deny that fate and destiny did actually exist. The prophecy that doomed Harry to his title of the chosen one was one thing, but a discovery she had made that very morning proved even further that it existed. She was now convinced fully that it was either fate, destiny, or a combination of the two that had brought her to the past to begin with, and that meeting Charlie had been a part of that plan all along.

- - - -begin flashback- - - -

After Hermione had been treated by Madame Pomfrey the day after her trip to Snake Island, she had secluded herself in Gryffindor tower to go through all her findings. She had started with the trinkets and artifacts in her bag first; knowing that the books could take several days to go through by themselves.

Laying them out one by one, she organized the ancient versions of omnioculars, sneakoscopes, and other magical devices. There had even been a few odd pieces of jewelry that looked like they belonged to a set matching the ring turned horcrux.

After taking inventory, she charmed each item with a preservation charm and loaded them back into her bag for safekeeping. As promised, she planned to donate them to a museum once the war was over...or if Voldemort won, at least they were proof to rub in his face that she had found his hiding spot and made it out alive anyway.

When she had finished examining everything that was not a book, she started on the texts she had taken from Slytherin's bedroom; wanting to save his journals for last. There were books on Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle. Tomes of foreign magical discoveries. Manuals of magical construction and tenth century architecture. Though these books were intriguing, and shed a certain light on how Salazar lived his life post Hogwarts, there was no profound information in them that could help her destroy Nagini in battle.

Four days after her journey, she was finally able to crack open the first journal in a stack of eleven. It was an interesting read for sure, though it took her a little longer to read through than most books. They were written in Old English, and his handwriting hadn't been the smoothest; so she'd been forced to read the paragraphs slowly and carefully in order to avoid missing any valuable information.

Salazar, it turned out, had lived a fruitarian lifestyle; eating only the fruits and nuts grown naturally on the island for sustenance. He had also spent the remainder of his life thoroughly studying snakes. Everything about their behavior had been documented; from the way they hunted, to the way they ate and slept, and even how his arrival to the island had changed them.

There were several pages dedicated to the short visit he'd had with his daughter, and it wasn't until the sixth journal that she finally found a hint of what she'd been looking for. The messy scrawl made the suspicions in her head come full circle as she deciphered his words.

Not every serpent that resides here is what it seems. As I continue to interact with them, I learn more and more about the world from the past. Some of these snakes are not actually snakes at all. Those not, are very special indeed, and have very interesting tales to share.

I can hear it in the way they hiss, and their whispers show me the secrets of the lives they've left behind. Some of them have angry and vengeful thoughts, and it seems they are only too happy to have an ally who can understand them.

One of the larger, green vipers told me of a curse that ran through the women in her family. It passes mitochondrially; through their blood.

I had been told of the maledictus as a child; through stories my father told while hunting. This, however, is the first time I've discovered irrefutable proof of their existence. I plan to conduct more research on the subject in the future. If only I'd had more time before leaving Hogwarts so abruptly, I could have brought more books to help me in my quest of knowledge and understanding these magnificent creatures.

Though this confirmed that maledictus did exist, and that they liked to travel to snake island upon the curses completion, Hermione was no closer to discovering how this related to her own quest to destroy Nagini. It wasn't until half way through the next journal that he returned to the subject of interest; finally shedding some light on how this all came into play.

My pretty green viper has become extremely attached to me. It seems having someone close who can understand her has caused her to latch onto me. She has told me of her life; how she came here from India after the curse was enacted, and that her name in life was Nidra.

I find myself becoming enthralled with her myself, and she spends most of her days curled up in the armchair by my desk. As I continue to get to know her, I find myself wondering if somehow the curse can be broken.

Unfortunately, I also learned she birthed a daughter before learning the extent of her family history. That means that the curse has been passed on, and her daughter will suffer the same fate eventually.

The words on the page caused a ripple effect in Hermione's brain. She had always thought it curious the way Nagini was so attached to Voldemort. There was something strange about the way Nagini not only understood him, but followed him with absolute loyalty. No familiar she had ever heard of before demonstrated that level of servitude.

Hermione finally found herself asking the right questions. Was Nagini really a Maledictus? A Hindu witch forever cursed to live as a snake; like her female ancestors before her. Was having someone like Voldemort, a parselmouth who could still understand her, the reason she was such a peculiar snake. And if she is, was there a way to protect her and her friends so they could get in close enough to destroy her?

The second to last journal, which she had been up late reading the night before, had finally given her some answers.

Nidra has become my companion. Our bond reminds me of my old familiar, a particularly large and regal yellow python, only this feels much stronger. She follows my instructions almost instinctively, and in a way I know is unique to the two of us alone.

I've started an experiment of sorts in an attempt to research and document our strange connection. It came by way of some visitors the island had today. A small group of muggles that arrived by boat just after dawn.

Though they did not see me before their deaths, I was curious of the power or influence I have over Nidra. I instructed her to pick them off one by one, which she did happily and willingly; sinking her fangs into their arms and legs, and infecting them with her potent venom.

After witnessing her skill and strength in combat, I allowed a group of nearby serpents to pick their bones clean; not wanting a fresh kill to go to waste. As the muggles were being devoured, my curiosity got the better of me.

I began to ask myself questions about her abilities. Were they due to her breed of viper specifically, or did her magical past and the curse make her a stronger opponent? Did her bond with me, another magical, contribute to her abilities as a fierce predator, or is it just wishful thinking.

I personally believe it is a factor, but I will have to conduct more experiments to be sure. By bonding with her in this way, can I create the ultimate weapon? Is she truly unstoppable in her state?

Everything about this passage reminded her of the bond Harry described between Voldemort and Nagini. Hermione was now all but convinced that Tom Riddle had recreated the relationship described in the journals. She had always wondered how he had come by such a snake that showed him unwavering loyalty, and the answer now started her straight in the face. He must have met Nagini there on that island, just as Slytherin had met Nidra. Isolated and alone, it was no wonder his ability to understand her lead to their unnatural bond.

Hopeful that there was more to learn, Hermione had turned to the final journal that very morning; finding the last clue half way down the fourth page.

So far Nidra is every bit as unstoppable in battle as I'd hoped. Between her and the Basilisk I left deep within Hogwarts, I could easily have my revenge on those traitorous fools who took over my school.

I test her power and skill set every time we have visitors to the island. She's quick and witty like a human, but her poison and ability to blend in with nature gives her an extra advantage. I find myself wishing we had magical visitors from time to time instead of only muggle vermin, that way I could give her the ultimate test. If only my health were better and I had the energy to travel off the island; we'd use the other founders in an instant.

Other times, Nidra and I converse. She tells me what she knows about her species and ancestors, and I tell her the lore I'd been brought up on of the Maledictus. She's confirmed most of it to be true, and even added more that hadn't been translated from her original language.

The legend said that once a witch had turned into the beast for the last time, part of their mind would start to go. They would be compelled to attack those unaffected by the curse whom they had once loved. According to Nidra's aunt, in order to protect those they cared for, there was an amulet that could be forged beforehand. This amulet would protect the wearer from not only them, but any dark creature that dare cross their path.

It is unclear if such an amulet could actually be made, or if it is just part of a story to entertain. Unfortunately, the one book that comes to mind on the subject was left at Hogwarts with the others I wish were still in my possession.

Though the idea of an amulet that could protect them was not lost on her, it was the word forged specifically that struck a cord deep within Hermione.

"Forging." She had whispered to herself, as her mind reeled back to the day in October when Charlie had kissed her for the first time.

It was the day he had left Hogsmeade early so he could catch up to her instead; where he'd found her just after she'd left the library. She'd been in the restricted section looking for clues on how to protect her and her friends from harm, and had gathered a stack of books that eventually made their way into her bag for transport.

As Hermione flashed back to that day, she could clearly see each book she had loaded into her beaded bag before getting the distraction of a lifetime minutes later when he kissed her. There were two spellbooks, one from India and one from Spain; neither of which contained a single noteworthy charm or spell that could help them. An almost undecipherable latin text that she later realized had to do with creating grimoires. And lastly, the heavy, iron book that had peaked her interest just by its looks. The book she then realized she'd never picked up again.

The book titled The Art of Forging.

As soon as the memory of the book had been triggered, Hermione had dashed up the stairs to her dorm to get her bag. She couldn't believe it possible that the solution to her biggest problem had already been in her possession for months.

The moment the purse was in her grasp, she had it overturned on her bed; dumping all of its contents onto the mattress. A wave of personal belongings, preserved artifacts, and books clattered and bounced against each other as she shook each item from within. She wanted to kick herself for not remembering that blasted book before now.

As was typical, the old iron book was the last thing to shake free. The unbelievable weight of it had likely caused it to sink to the bottom the instant it had been placed in her bag; hence why it had not been rediscovered before now.

It was in her hands just seconds after it landed; feeling the need to absorb all of its information at once and to see if the story of the amulet was real. The overhead lights reflected off the shiny metal cover and she could just make out the etchings of archaeological symbols embedded into it.

There was a latch keeping her from flipping through the thick pages immediately, also made from metal. Hermione had to hold it by the spine to inspect the locking mechanism, before she could learn its secrets. It didn't take long before she figured out there was a dial in the shape of a sun that had to be twisted into exactly the right position and pressed down. Once she had it in place, the lock clicked open; finally allowing her to flip the cover and reveal instructions on how to make an assortment of staffs, swords, and amulets.

It was on the fourth page in particular that she discovered what she was looking for; an amulet that would protect the wearer from any dark creature that dared them harm. It was the answer she had been looking for all along; the thing that would allow them to get close enough to Nagini without getting attacked in the process.

Included was a list of materials and ingredients; several hard to come by, along with a final step so specific that there was no way her meeting Charlie in the past could be classified as a coincidence anymore.

Completed once touched by the flame of a dragon's first fire.

- - - -end of flashback- - - -

As her mind finally finished its rerun of events, she turned away from the window to stare at the old metal book on the table again instead. The words of the final step for forging the amulet stared up at her from the black steel page.

Her pointer finger traced the etched words over and over again as she contemplated how much more she was going to have to reveal to Charlie by the day's end. The secret of the horcruxes was supposed to be kept just between Harry, Ron, and herself; but it was now clear that she would have to let Charlie in on that too. His knowledge and expertise, along with the access his future career would grant him to the final step of forging the amulet meant she had no other choice.

If they were going to win the war without losing anyone else, they needed his help. And for him to help them, he was going to need to know everything. Every last detail.

xxxxxxxx

Hermione's thoughts were still running a mile a minute when he found her half an hour later.

Charlie had been a nervous wreck the entire train ride; so eager to see her that he'd cast a confundus on the conductor to make it go faster. As intended, this caused them to arrive earlier than normal.

Before the train had even made a full stop, he'd jumped off the railing into the snow. He needed to know that she made it back safely from her mission, and he couldn't wait any longer. Knowing that he would be faster on foot rather than wait on one of the carriages, he took off at a run for the castle.

Because he'd been surrounded by his family, Hermione hadn't wanted to risk sending him an owl in case anyone saw it and started to ask questions. Though he understood her reasoning, he still couldn't stand not knowing if she'd made it back or not and he was worried.

The snow was coming down softly, but he barely noticed it as he sprinted along the path. His mind was focused solely on finding Hermione, and if she wasn't in the castle he'd go straight to Dumbledore to send out a search party.

As he'd leapt off the train so fast, and taken off at a run before the carriages had even been called, he was by far the first person to make it back to Gryffindor Tower. Though slightly out of breath, he coughed out the password to the fat lady and clambered in through the portrait hole; hoping beyond hope that he would find her there.

"Hermione." He called out.

Before her name had even fully left his lips, he saw her. Though previously hunched over a book on the table, she had turned in surprise at the sound of his voice; their eyes locking from across the room. She seemed frazzled, but she was alive and seemingly unharmed.

"Oh thank the founders." He sighed.

The relief he felt just knowing she was safe overtook all of his other senses as he hurdled toward her. He was in front of her in an instant; pulling her into his chest and wrapping his arms around her tightly.

"You made it back early." She breathed into his chest with a slight smile; his presence immediately lifting her spirits.

"I confounded the conductor into speeding the train up a bit." He replied; the glee in his voice reminiscent of his younger twin brothers. "I needed to make sure you were alive and in one piece, and I couldn't wait any longer." He admitted as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

Before she could laugh at his impatience, he suddenly pushed her back from him at arms length; looking her over carefully. "You are in one piece aren't you?"

"Yes, Charlie." She nodded with a coy smile. "And while I know you are dying to hear about my dangerous journey, there are a lot of things we desperately need to talk about." She explained. "...but first can you please just kiss me and tell me how much you missed me?"

His usual grin finally surfaced as it spread across his face. "Of course." He said as he leaned down. "I missed you terribly." He whispered just before pressing an enthusiastic kiss to her lips.

Hermione's arms wrapped themselves around his neck as she kissed back, and a shiver ran down her spine as she felt the tip of his tongue swipe across her bottom lip. She couldn't believe how much she had missed this.

"I missed you too." She whispered as she pushed herself up on her tiptoes; needing to bring herself closer and feel his body pressed against hers.

She was just starting to get into it when he suddenly hoisted her up in his arms bridal style. A squeak slipped from her lips at the sudden movement, and she noticed he was walking them toward the portrait hole he had just come from.

"What is it?" She asked confused, unhappy that their snog had been cut short.

"I ran ahead of everyone else, but I imagine they will be back soon." He explained as he maneuvered them through the opening. "And I'd rather have you all to myself if you don't mind."

"Not at all." She said smiling; suddenly getting an idea. "In fact, I think I know the perfect place."