"Cousin Mya!" Isla's shriek made Hermione wince.
Sarah smiled apologetically, "She's been really excited to see you," she offered.
"I haven't seen you in ages!" Isla informed her, making Hermione feel instantly guilty.
"Sorry, I'll be better."
"Good." Isla nodded.
"Isla!" Sarah scolded, "Merlin, where are your manners!"
Nuri chose that moment to yawn. "Cousin Mya," Isla began hesitantly after several beats of silence, "Why did your necklace yawn?"
Hermione laughed, "Well…." lifting Nuri off of her neck, Hermione settled her gently on her palm, noting how much bigger she seemed as she just fit and no more. Nuri gave her a baleful glare. "Oh stop it, it's time you were up, lazy beastie."
"Hermione…" Sarah began faintly, trailing off, her eyes glued to the dragon.
"Is that real?" Lachlan demanded, appearing in a doorway. Behind him, Callum was smirking.
"I knew there was something I was supposed to warn them about," he joked.
"You knew?" Sarah accused, her eyes darting to her husband briefly before landing back on Nuri in disbelief.
"We were introduced when I met Hermione for lunch."
"So it is real?" Lachlan asked.
"Yes," Hermione replied, "Her name is Nuri."
"Sweet mother of Circe," Sarah breathed.
"She's tame if it helps?" Hermione offered seeing the trepidation on the other witch's face. "In fact, it's lunchtime, if you two want to feed her?"
"Yes!" two voices screeched, making Nuri jump as even Lachlan lost his cool.
The tiny dragon gave a panicked-sounding whine, trying to scurry up Hermione's arm.
"You're alright," Hermione soothed, plucking her from her arm and cuddling her close, "They're just excited."
"Sorry," Lachlan muttered, flushing.
"It's fine, just maybe no sudden loud noises? She's still just a baby."
"This way," Sarah murmured, still eyeing the dragon disbelievingly.
"Will she grow huge, huge, huge, cousin Mya?" Isla asked, linking her arm through Hermione's as they followed Sarah.
"No," Hermione shook her head, "or we don't think so. She shouldn't get any bigger than a small dog."
"Oh," Isla breathed, "I didn't know dragons could be small!"
"Well…it's unusual," Hermione replied, sitting down on the floor in front of a coffee table, beginning to attempt to coax Nuri onto it. She didn't look sure. "Come on beastie, it's lunchtime," she crooned, trying to avoid the dragon's teeth nipping at her fingers, forcing herself not to give in to the plaintive notes she was admitting.
"Why does she make me want to cry?" Isla demanded, sounding choked.
"She's had a bit of a stressful week," Hermione murmured, unearthing Nuri's lunch from her bag. "The Unspeakables are trying to see how far apart they can send us and she didn't like it."
"Why?" Callum asked with a frown.
"Because I can feel her, they want to know how far it extends," Hermione explained, stroking under Nuri's chin.
"Ah," he nodded. "I can see how it makes sense but….looking at how unsettled she is, it just seems cruel."
"I'm trying to remember that if someone was to take her I'll be glad of it," Hermione admitted, stroking a hand down Nuris' back in an attempt to calm her. "But I don't like it any more than she does and she's definitely clingier which is hard." With a sigh, she turned to the children, "Right you two, if you take a piece of lamb, you can feed her. She'll let you touch her but watch her teeth, they are sharp."
With a nod, an awestruck Lachlan held a piece of lamb out to Nuri who immediately gambolled over to him. She turned her head when she reached him as if to check Hermione was still there before she gave a happy little note and devoured it, licking his fingers until he was giggling, "She tickles!"
"That she does," Hermione agreed with a smile, watching as the children fed a now much calmer dragonet.
"How did you end up with her?" Sarah asked, stroking a finger down Nuri's spine, looking like she couldn't believe she was doing it.
"Oh, I ah…her egg sort of wouldn't let me leave."
"What?"
"Those little sounds she makes that make you feel things? Her egg could do that or more accurately she could do it from inside her egg. It made me feel so guilty, so Saul said I could keep her."
"Of course he did," Sarah nodded with an incredulous look on her face. "And when she starts breathing fire?"
"I'm ah…a little bit immune?"
"A little bit immune," Sarah repeated flatly.
"Yes." Hermione sighed, "I appear to have a slight affinity with fire."
Sarah blinked, "Elemental affinity?"
"Yes." Hermione agreed, opening her palm, allowing the blue flames to fill it.
"Oh!" Isla breathed, her attention diverted from Nuri momentarily, "Mine are black!"
The entire room froze. "Say that again?" Callum asked faintly.
"Mine are black?" she looked much less sure this time. "Granny Moir said I shouldn't mention it."
Hermione's eyes darted to Callum questioningly, "Sarah's grandmother," he murmured before turning back to his daughter, "Can you show me?"
Hesitantly, Isla opened her palm in a similar manner to Hermione minutes earlier, black flames filling it. He blew out a slow breath before crouching down in front of his daughter, "Next time ignore Granny Moir, we want to know. Do you understand?"
She nodded hesitantly, her eyes filling with tears, "She said only the devil has black fire and they'd take me away for being evil"
Sarah groaned, pulling her daughter to her, "Granny Moir talks nonsense. No one's taking you anywhere."
"Promise?"
"Promise," Sarah agreed, squeezing her tight. "Mummy will have a word with Granny Moir." Hermione heard the underlying threat in her words and wondered whether Granny Moir had any idea what was coming for her.
She turned as she felt someone come to stand beside her, "What do we do with this?" Callum whispered, sounding slightly fearful. "The stories of fire elementals being consumed…."
Hermione's heart stopped as she watched Isla return to Lachlan and Nuri, "It won't happen." she replied when she'd convinced it to start again. "I'll speak to Saul and Madam Flamel…."
"Will you work with her?" he interrupted with a hint of desperation to the question.
"Yes," she agreed without hesitation.
He blew out a breath, rolling his shoulders as if forcing himself to relax, "Right. Right, we can do this."
"We can do what Daddy?" Isla demanded.
"Cousin Hermione is going to help you with your fire," he offered, his eyes meeting Sarah's over the top of her head.
"Oh! What are we going to do?" Isla bounced on her toes.
"Well, we need to practise working with it to see what it can do."
"What do you mean?" Isla frowned.
"Well…." with a slightly impish grin, Hermione sent flames dancing from her fingertips, wrapping a coil around Lachlan who froze for a moment before he laughed at Nuri snapping at the sparks.
"It doesn't burn!"
"Nope," Hermione agreed, "It can but I can ask it not to."
"Ask it not to," Isla repeated with awe.
"Yes. We'll practise with yours, who knows maybe you'll be able to do something I can't."
"Do you think so!" Islas eyes lit up.
"Maybe, I guess we'll need to practise to find out."
"When?" Isla demanded.
"I'd like to speak to some people first, just to make sure I don't do anything that might hurt you," Hermione warned. "I'll owl your mum and dad."
"Ok," she sighed, huffing slightly as she sat down abruptly in front of Nuri.
Hermione snorted before she looked at Callum and Sarah who were still looking apprehensive. "I will speak to Saul and Madam Flamel, it'll be fine."
"Thank you," Callum sighed, running a hand over his face. "Never a dull moment with you, is there?"
"Sorry?" Hermione offered.
He rolled his eyes at her but quickly returned to watching his daughter, the worry barely hidden behind his mask.
Callum blew out a breath watching his children play with Nuri following lunch, his shoulders were still tense and it was clear he was trying to force himself to relax. "I hear you're being trained by the world's deadliest witch," he blurted into the silence.
"Who told you that?"
"I bumped into your dad in Gringotts last week. He mentioned specialised training."
"Ah." Hermione nodded, "Well then yes. I met her this morning. It was…well, it was something."
"Something good?" Sarah asked.
"She's terrifying." Hermione retorted bluntly, making him laugh. "I got the better of her last week but Merlin she must have just been humouring me because this week was brutal. I lasted all of five minutes the first time."
"And the second?"
"A bit longer than five thankfully." she laughed. "She's just…I don't think I've ever seen someone wield magic with such deadly precision before. She's put me on a bloody training plan alongside the running. Apparently when in doubt use muggle means." Callum's eyebrows arched, clearly intrigued. "I am good wandless," Hermione shrugged, "But she quite rightly pointed out that the element of surprise could be the difference between winning and not and no one expects a punch when we have magic."
Both Sarah and Callum gave a startled laugh, "No I imagine they don't," he agreed.
"So now I've self-defence with her preferred instructor for an hour on Saturday morning before she gets her hands on me."
"What is she doing with you?"
"Testing reflexes mostly," Hermione replied thoughtfully, "but we're going to begin working on getting out of impossible situations apparently."
"Like?" Callum queried.
"Ah being tied up was mentioned, being boxed in, she debated including magically nullified spaces, multiple attackers in various situations….ah…I'm sure there was more."
"Good god," Sarah muttered, "That's some education you're getting."
"The thought of it helps to be honest," Hermione replied honestly, "I…didn't feel safe for so long and knowing that whatever happens I'll have the tools if I need them." she shrugged helplessly, "It just helps. Even if I never need it, and Merlin I hope I don't, knowing that hopefully the knowledge is there? It's reassuring."
"I can imagine it is." Sharah agreed softly, a look of understanding on her face.
"In other news," Hermione interjected quickly looking at Callum, not liking the return to the heavy atmosphere they'd only just shook off, "Uncle Charlus wants a proposal put together for the Wizengamot about those ideas you had for muggleborn integration."
"He does?" Callum checked, sounding surprised.
"Yes, I don't know what time you have but I'm supposed to start next week."
Callum made an incredulous noise. "I ah…Godric I don't know. Did you speak to some of the matrons?"
Hermione flushed, "Well I meant to…" she trailed off as he groaned.
"So we're doing this without confirming that they are even interested?"
"Well I could owl Aunt Dorea," she sighed "Or…or we could present her with an ironclad proposal that makes it very difficult for her to say no?"
Callum snorted, "I don't think that's how it's meant to work."
"Fine." She sighed, "I'll owl or something."
"I have time on Wednesday afternoon, other than that it'll need to be in the evening."
"I can do Wednesday." she agreed. "I've promised to take Charlie Weasley in to see the dragon eggs about four-ish though so I don't have a huge amount of time. Actually, if you want to bring your two, I imagine they'd like them too."
Shaking his head goodnaturedly, Callum mock glared, "You're going to turn them all into dragon handlers!"
"I don't think they'll need much persuasion." Hermione inclined her head towards the children who were catering to Nuri's every whim.
"Aye well other dragons aren't pocket-sized," Sarah muttered wryly.
"No. Bonus though….fire elementals are thought to be immune to dragon fire so Isla will be fine."
Sarah gave a choked little noise, "That is nowhere near as reassuring as you seemingly believe."
"I tried," Hermione shrugged.
"Try harder," Callum retorted before muttering something that sounded very like "Going to have to fireproof the house."
Hermione left several hours later, having answered all of Isla's current list of questions with an exhausted Nuri sound asleep around her neck. Neither child had been happy to hand Nuri back, only ceasing their complaints when they were promised a trip to the DOM to see the dragon eggs.
And despite wanting nothing more than to curl up at home, she called out for Potter Manor, intending to speak to Dorea before she forgot again. A surprised Effie carrying a giant vase of flowers met her at the floo.
"Hello dear, I wasn't expecting you."
Hermione flushed, "Sorry, I meant to ask my Aunt Dorea something and forgot. My cousin is refusing to cooperate until I have."
"Ah," Effie's eyebrows rose, clearly not sure what the correct response was. "Well unfortunately dear she's out, one of those meetings of Albus'. I couldn't face it tonight."
"Oh, I'm sorry, I'll just…"
"Is it something I can help with?"
Hermione paused, considering that, "If you truly don't mind, you could."
"Not at all," Effie smiled, "It's always nicer with young people in the house. It's never the same when my boys are at school. Let me put this down where it's meant to go and then I'm all yours."
Hermione smiled slightly as the woman all but glided over to a side table, fussing with the blooms once she'd sat it down. "Mother always insisted we have a hobby," Effie voiced, "I was rather lacking when it came to the piano unlike my siblings, but flowers, flowers I loved."
"They look beautiful."
"They do, don't they," Effie smiled, standing back to admire her work, "I grow them myself."
"You do?"
"Oh yes, how can you possibly arrange them to their best if you don't understand them?"
"I suppose that's fair," Hermione murmured.
"And you, dear?" Effie hooked her arm through Hermiones, "What are your hobbies? I know you said you dance, of course. But are you musical?"
"I was sent to lessons," Hermione allowed with a rueful smile, "Piano, violin and then flute. I am not a natural."
"Hence the different instruments?" Effie asked, looking amused.
"Yes, it was thought that I just hadn't found my instrument."
"Yes, I can imagine. So what do you enjoy?"
"Reading," Hermione shrugged, "there is something magical about getting lost in another world or discovering something new."
"That there is," Effie agreed, settling into the sofa next to her. "Now then, what can I help you with?"
"My cousin and I were discussing a plan to help muggleborns integrate into this world. He thought that a programme running the year before Hogwarts would be beneficial."
"Go on," Effie urged, looking intrigued.
"Uncle Charlus wants me to put something together for the Wizengamot. We were thinking that it could be run by those who were…looking for something to do, like Aunt Dorea, Madam Longbottom, yourself."
"And what would it cover?"
"Whatever was thought to be most beneficial. We thought that those teaching would probably have some thoughts but ideally, Gringotts and money, cultural expectations, creatures and beings not found in the muggle world, cutting techniques for potions."
"Basic Latin?" Effie suggested, an excited gleam in her eye.
"Yes, that would probably help."
"Magical plant care?"
Hermione smiled slightly, "If you think it's beneficial."
"Oh, I think I like this idea of yours! Let's see, Dorea would of course be interested, Augusta too, you weren't wrong. Your grandmother perhaps? And Cedrella Black! Oh and Miriam Fawley. I'll speak to some ladies when we next do tea!"
"Thank you. I ah…what about Wizengamot and Ministry structure and ah…maybe the existence of ritual and elemental magic. Get in before Dumbledore can pretend neither exists?"
Effie's smile was wicked. "Splendid idea. Now, only a year?"
"We thought that was all we'd get approved…at first."
"I see. Presumably increasing as it's proven to be beneficial?"
"Yes. We are hoping for a day school eventually but we weren't sure how far to push the Wizengamot in one go."
Effie hummed. "Well then, we'd best make it as spectacular as possible so they cannot argue with its results."
"If you could," Hermione smiled.
With a huff of laughter, Effie requested tea from her elf, "You'll indulge an old woman won't you?"
"You're not old!" Hermione protested with a laugh even as she agreed to stay for a while.
"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Alastor queried the next morning, stopping her on her way to the floo.
"I'm meeting Caradoc for a little bit," Hermione shrugged, "I'll only be an hour or so, his exams are taking up most of his time but he owled and asked so he had an excuse for a break and I didn't have the heart to say no."
"Of course, you didn't." Alastor muttered, "Well then off with you. I want a patronus if you're going to be any later than two hours."
"Yes sir," she saluted, dodging the jinx he sent for her cheek.
She stepped out of the floo at the Leaky, heading for Diagon Alley, spotting Caradoc loitering near the entrance.
"Miss Moody!" he grinned at her before taking a chance and hugging her. Hermione gave a startled squeak before tentatively hugging him back.
"Potions fumes getting to you," she teased as she let him go, attempting to will the pink dusting her cheeks to disappear.
"Can't I just have missed you?" he shot back.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Ridiculous."
"You caught me," he sighed dramatically, stealing Nuri from her neck, "I was just trying to get close to your dragon."
With a genuine laugh, Hermione backhanded his arm, "Well that's more believable."
Caradoc snorted, holding Nuri up to his face, "Would you like some ice cream sweetheart?" he cooed.
Nuri gave a happy croon, clearly reacting to the tone of his voice.
"Traitorous wee beastie," Hermione muttered.
"The love of my life has spoken," Caradoc informed her seriously, "We can do nought but follow her commands."
"Oh my dear god," Hermione muttered, plucking the dragon out of his hands. "He's ridiculous, isn't he, sweetheart? Shall we go and get ice cream and ignore the silly man?"
Hermione spun neatly on her heel and started walking towards Fortesques. "Upset her already?" a horrifyingly familiar voice called as an arm wrapped around her shoulders.
"Hello, Miss Moody. Fancy meeting you here."
"This was planned wasn't it?" she whined.
"Perhaps," Caradoc admitted, attempting to stifle a smile. "Fabian's been spending a lot of time with the other Moody in his life recently after all, we thought we'd redress the balance."
"Of course you did," she sighed, almost slumping into Fabian's side in resignation.
"So, ice cream?" Caradoc checked with exaggerated innocence.
"Lead on," she agreed, "But you'd better have something to feed the love of your life or she's going to be majorly pissed off with you."
Caradoc faltered, "I'll just nip to the Leaky," he muttered, running off down the street.
Fabian blinked slowly, watching him go. "I feel like I missed something," he voiced finally.
"Nuri needs to be fed."
"Ah." He nodded, "Still missing something."
"Caradoc informed me she's the love of his life, and after watching him canoodle with her here in the street I'm inclined to believe it."
Fabian stared at her clearly not sure what to reply. "Apparently you were right," he murmured, "He really is ridiculous."
Hermione snorted, "Now, I was promised ice cream."
"Indeed you were," he agreed, holding out his arm for her. "I can be a gentleman," he defended seeing her look at it suspiciously.
Gingerly, she took his arm, wandering down the street towards Fortesques, wondering where his hesitancy had disappeared to. "I hear you're stealing my nephews on Wednesday,"
"I am indeed, " Hermione agreed, with a fond smile. "I promised dragon eggs. Two or three of my cousin's children are coming too which'll be interesting."
"Oh?"
"Callum's Lachlan whos a bit older than the boys; he'll go to Hogwarts in September. Josie's ages with Bill and Isla''s a year older than her, there's not much between any of them."
He hummed. "So five children and just you?"
"Oh, Merlin no. Callum will be there, maybe Sarah, and Molly said Arthur would meet us there as an extra pair of hands."
"Even the odds a bit," he grinned.
"Yes. No one needs to be losing a hand to dragon fire."
"Best to avoid that," he agreed. "Gid and I can always nip down if we're about. I'd quite like to see these eggs too. No sign of them hatching?"
"Not one," she sighed, "It's all rather experimental and none of it seems to make sense. All we can do is wait and see."
"What'll happen to them if they don't bond with someone like this little lady?" he murmured, stroking a finger over Nuris's head.
"I honestly don't know. We don't understand why she bonded the way she did, it's unheard of. But then again, so are cross-breed pygmy dragons."
He snorted, reaching to open the door, "Fair point. Shall we grab a seat and wait on the poor lovesick fool?"
"We'd probably better," Hermione agreed with a smirk.
Caradoc rushed in panting ten minutes later, "Tom thinks I've lost my mind."
"Tom might be right," Hermione nodded sagely.
"Oi!" he protested before smirking when Nuri rubbed her head against his hand like a cat. "You'd never be so cruel to me, would you?"
"Oh my dear god," Hermione muttered, watching the by-play incredulously.
"You're just jealous that I'm her favourite," Caradoc informed her smugly.
"We'll see," Hermione arched a brow.
"She's going to break his heart isn't she?" Fabian sighed dramatically.
"Once the food is gone, I worry she might," Hermione agreed seriously.
"You'd never be so fickle my love, would you?" Caradoc crooned, feeding Nuri a piece of meat. She gave a happy little note in response. "I'm going to take that as a sign of agreement."
"You do that," Hermione nodded, "In the meantime, I'm going to get ice cream."
"I'll take your order," a harried voice informed her. " What can I get you… is that a dragon?"
"Tame one…" Hermione offered with a shrug.
"Right. I ah…right. Uncle Tom mentioned seeing one I thought he'd be helping himself to too much firewhisky," the witch muttered.
"Sasha Blair!" Fabian proclaimed, looking pleased with himself. "Knew I knew your face."
"Fabian Prewett," she responded dryly. "I don't think I'll ever forget yours or your twins. Hogwarts was far quieter once you left."
"And a lot less fun surely?"
The witch arched her brows, "Some of us liked the quiet."
"But it's boring!"
"We'll agree to disagree," she muttered, "Merlin knows there's no winning an argument with you. Now, what are you having?"
"Chocolate with caramel sauce in a cone please," Hermione requested, attempting not to laugh at the offended look on Fabian's face.
"I'll have what she's having." he replied finally, "but with some of those little candied nuts on top."
"Can I have strawberry without any of that nonsense?" Caradoc asked, shifting his focus from Nuri momentarily. "Honestly, what's wrong with classics?"
"Since when was chocolate not a classic?" Hermione demanded.
"When you started adding unnecessary things to it!" he exclaimed.
"Alright," Sasha interrupted, "I'll get that over to you."
Nuri gave a plaintive little note, drawing Hermione's attention to her. "Yes?" she arched a brow, hiding a smile at Caradoc's offended look. "Is the food gone, sweetheart? Has he outlived his usefulness?"
The dragon stared back at her until she produced her now worn-looking snitch. "Spoiled beastie," Hermione murmured fondly.
"I really want one," Caradoc muttered, still pouting.
With a bark of laughter, Hermione shook her head, "Oh she's cute, but I'm a bit concerned about what I'll do with an adult diva dragon."
"Surely that'll be your own fault?" Fabian laughed.
"Look at her though! You try saying no to that face!" she whined.
"Nope." he replied succinctly, "Not all of us are immune to all forms of bloody fire. Did the witch tell you she's immune to Fiendfyre?"
Caradoc looked momentarily startled, "Ah no."
"Oh yes, bloody mental witch spent Friday afternoon being egged on by my brother to see if she could stop fiendfyre incinerating a person."
"And can you?" Caradoc asked with interest.
"Well…yes. Sort of. They tend to be left slightly charred. I'm working on it."
"Of bloody course you are."
She shrugged, "How's the exam prep coming on?"
"I'm going to fail everything!" he exclaimed dramatically as their ice creams were handed to them.
"Don't be absurd!" Hermione scoffed once she'd thanked the witch.
"It's hard!"
"It's a bloody Mastery, it's meant to be!" she shot back, trying not to smile when he pouted exaggeratedly.
"Still hard," he muttered.
Fabian snorted, "Pathetic. Now, Miss Moody, settle an argument would you?"
Hermione's eyebrows arched, "Go on."
"Young Mr Dearborn here seems to think we don't need to celebrate his results when he's done, but I, being so very obviously right, disagree."
"I see." she smiled, "And why doesn't Young Mr Dearborn want to celebrate?"
"Oh, some such nonsense about War and frivolity and there being a time and a place." Fabian waved his hand carelessly.
"Ah," Hermione nodded. "One could argue that war is exactly the time for some frivolity." she mused.
"No!" Caradoc gasped, "Not you too!"
With a badly concealed smile, Hermione nodded, "Sorry and all, but yes. War is…depressing enough without never doing anything fun."
Caradoc slumped. "Fine." he muttered with ill grace before he brightened, "On the understanding you let us take you dancing."
"Yes!" Fabian sat up straight. "Marley knows a place. She was raving about it. It's in the muggle world so we'd need to be careful but…."
Hermione blinked, " If you break the statute I will not be bailing you out," she warned. "In fact, I will absolutely pretend I don't know you. My father would murder me if the obliviators had to be called."
Fabian paled slightly, "Murder you? What the fuck do you think he'd do to me? And then Molly…."
"We'll behave." Caradoc nodded rapidly, his own face pensive at the thought of what Molly Weasley would do. He'd endured enough lectures from the witch for his escapades with the twins, he didn't need another one.
Hermione snorted but wisely didn't comment, allowing them to redirect the conversation, wondering, yet again, where this Fabian had been hiding lately.
For the first time, Hermione was waiting on Lily when the other witch bounced into the room.
"Wandless magic?" she checked, "I've been meditating!"
Hermione smiled weakly at her enthusiasm. "How much caffeine have you had and did you bring me some?"
"The elves are sending some. I'm just…"
Hermione's eyes narrowed as she trailed off, blushing slightly. "Just?"
"I took your advice," Lily mumbled, not looking at her.
"About?"
"James!" she blurted.
"Oh," Hermione frowned, not understanding for a second before it suddenly hit her, "Oh! And?"
"He's not quite what I was expecting," Lily admitted, "We went to Hogsmeade and…well…he's rather lovely when he's not being an arse, to tell the truth."
"I see," Hermione smirked at Lily's increasingly red cheeks.
"So wandless magic," Lily repeated in a clumsy attempt to redirect the conversation.
Hermione laughed, "In a moment. I wanted to talk to you."
"About?" Lily frowned, sitting down with a pensive look on her face.
Hermione took a deep breath. "What do you know about the Covens?"
"The what?"
Hermione let out a long slow breath, "The Covens. Alice never mentioned them?"
"No." Lily replied slowly, her frown deepening, "Should she have?"
"Well it would make this conversation easier," Hermione muttered, mentally writing off the next hour as she attempted to explain.
Lily looked at her stunned when she finally finished speaking, "And this, Perenelle Flamel, she wanted you to speak to me?"
"Yes.
"Why?"
"Because Hogwarts doesn't teach this type of magic and it…weakens the links to those without links to the older families. New blood means new ideas, new magic. It makes sense."
"And you think I should take her up on this offer?" Lily checked, her eyes scanning Hermione's face.
"Yes," Hermione replied truthfully, "I'm not being inducted until Wednesday so I can't speak for how working within a Coven feels but ritual magic, Lily…it's like nothing I've ever felt."
"OK." Lily blew the word out on a breath. "I ah…what do I do?"
"I'll speak to Perenelle but maybe speak to Alice or Amelia? I was going to mention it to Cassie too so maybe both of you could speak to them, they grew up with it so they'll have a better idea than I currently do."
"I see," Lily murmured. "Can I see a ritual?"
"Um. Maybe?" Hermione hedged. "I'd need to speak to some people but I had a spell I wanted to do anyway so maybe?"
Lily hummed, glancing at her watch. "No meditating today then," she sighed.
"Sorry!"
"No! No, it's…interesting. I just…why is it not taught?"
"Because Dumbledore thinks it's evil," Hermione replied with a shrug.
"But why?" Lily demanded, "You said it wasn't!"
"It's not or not usually anyway. Like all magic, it can be. And while I don't know for sure why he disapproves I have a suspicion that maybe it's because there's power there. Power he can't control and quite frankly magic that is greater than anything he could wield alone."
Lill nodded, her face still showing her disapproval. "You don't like him," she stated.
Hermione paused wondering how best to answer that. "I think...he paints himself as the leader of the light, all that is good in this world and actually, he's both narrow-minded and limiting. He holds three extraordinary roles, Headmaster, Supreme Mugwump, and Chief Warlock...I wonder both how one man can do all those roles justice and whether one person should have so much power," she replied carefully.
"I never thought of it like that," Lily mused.
"Yes, well..." Hermione shifted uncomfortably, "It's not something I intend to go shouting from the astronomy tower but...be careful around him. If rumours are true he'll be issuing invitations shortly, please speak to someone before you accept."
"Invitations to what?"
Hermione shrugged, "We're at war. We need a resistance."
Lily paled before squaring her shoulders, "I want to fight." she declared.
"I know," Hermione sighed, "But...do you want to fight under the rule of someone who won't use everything at his disposal. Who views his beliefs as right and discounts others' opinions."
Lily froze. "No," she whispered.
"So speak to someone. He is not the only resistance."
"Ok." Lily agreed softly.
"And Lily. I'm sure I don't need to tell you to keep this conversation to yourself."
"But the others..."
"Remus, James, Sirius, Amelia, Frank and Alice are accounted for. I need a plan for Cassie and hopefully Severus."
"Severus? You really think so?"
"Yes," Hermione replied bluntly. "I know a little of what happened and I wouldn't in a million years presume to tell you what to do about your friendship, it's none of my business. But...don't write him off completely. House prejudices have a lot to answer for and he's in a difficult position. He should never, ever have said that word, there is nothing that excuses it but he's trying to fix things now."
"I know," Lily agreed, "I saw him being civil to Black. They're better when you're not here too, Frank read Sirius and James the riot act which helped. Peter's not happy but the other three have reined it in."
"Good, I'm glad."
"Do you think he'd speak to me? I..was so angry, so hurt, that I wasn't ready for his apology when he gave it."
"I think he'd be over the moon," Hermione admitted seriously.
"I don't love him the way he wants me to," she blurted.
"I think... you were the only good thing in his life for a long time." Hermione began carefully, "Hes...branching out, you won't be his sole focus, which let's face it, is healthier. I don't think he knew how to name those feelings other than love. But I don't actually think he's in love with you."
"Oh," Lily looked momentarily stunned before she continued hesitantly, "You seem to know him well."
"As well as he'll let me," Hermione replied with a sad smile. "It's a work in progress."
"Why?"
"Because I was an awkward, friendless child. I knew too much, I was bossy and slightly condescending with little patience for silliness." she shrugged, shoving down the pain, "And then two little boys rescued me from a troll and became my anchors. I met a boy with a runaway toad that needed a friend as much as I did, a girl who was used to being seen as weaker as the only girl in a family of boys, who needed someone who saw how bloody strong she was, and a girl who believed in the unbelievable, who loved fiercely, who was my sanity even when everyone thought she was insane." Hermione swallowed harshly, swiping at the tears that had fallen. "I wouldn't have survived without them. I miss them like a piece of me's gone. A piece of me is gone. But even knowing how much it hurts now, I'd do it all over again, just to get to have them for the time I did. And if I can help someone else, be their anchor even for a short while, I will, because I know what it's like to live without one."
"Oh Hermione," Lily looked close to tears before she launched herself at her, wrapping her in a hug. "You have us now too. You're not alone."
At that, Hermione sobbed.
"What is the plan for tonight?" Severus murmured, flinging himself down onto a pile of convenient cushions looking exhausted.
"A nap?" Hermione suggested with a yawn.
He gave an amused snort but didn't comment. The day had been absurdly long. After her breakdown with Lily, Perenelle had been brutal testing her shields and while she was stronger having coerced her father into testing her daily, she still wasn't good enough and so it hurt. Badly. Having that followed by Remus and then James and Sirius meant her sanity was hanging on by a thread. And while she had been able to blow off some steam duelling, she was constantly on alert. They were all getting better at an alarming rate. Rufus had informed her that they were practising regularly and it showed. They'd come close to besting her tonight so she was either going to have to split them or up her game.
"We made you work today," he murmured, sleepily.
"I made you work too."
"Yes," he agreed, his eyes closing, "Bloody knackered. Longbottom keeps making me be nice to people."
Hermione choked on a laugh, "Pardon?"
"Longbottom, he informed me that it was my duty to help the younger years forge inter-house friendships and to do that I had to be nice."
"To the younger years?"
"To everyone," Severus sneered. "Younger years, other houses. He made me sit with him and Fawley in the library and kicked me every time I sneered. My legs are covered in bruises!"
Hermione let out a loud laugh. "Gods I'd pay to see that."
Severus' eyes narrowed and sent a lazy stinging jinx her way. "I didn't think Gryffindors were sadists. Apparently, I was wrong. He was definitely enjoying inflicting pain."
"Frank is not a sadist!" Hermione protested with a choked-sounding laugh, "And we know he's not wrong."
"It's uncomfortable," he grumbled.
"I imagine it is, but surely it's better than everyone hating your house?"
"Perhaps," he admitted grudgingly before he blurted. "Meadowes keeps trying to talk to me. Why?"
Hermione blinked back at him, utterly blindsided, "I have no idea, Severus. Perhaps she enjoys your company?"
"No one enjoys my company," he muttered.
Her eyebrows rose, "I do."
"Yes, well you are questionably sane."
"Oi!" Hermione protested, flinging a ball of fire at him that he batted away lazily.
"I'm too tired for that nonsense, witch." he groused, "tell me something that's happening in the real world. You never talk about it."
"Oh my apologies, your majesty," Hermione replied sarcastically.
"You are forgiven" he waved regally, making her laugh against her will. He looked utterly ridiculous lounging on a pile of pillows in varying garish shades and patterns, his eyes almost closed and his robes dishevelled after their duelling.
"I don't really know what you want to know," she hedged.
"Well you just appeared, looking rather ill, with…scars that are quite frankly nightmare-inducing and duelling skills that suggest some sort of combat experience."
Hermione hummed. "I thought I was muggleborn, I assume you knew that?"
"Yes," he agreed, "Although I don't quite understand how."
"My mother…invoked a family spell that was meant to keep me safe before she died. I had no idea who I was. And so now, I have a rather large and overprotective family." she gave a huff of laughter, wondering what it was today and emotional conversations. "I miss…before so bloody much but I can't imagine not being here now."
"And there isn't a way to combine both?"
"No. They're…dead. All of them are dead."
Severus sat up, looking at her with concern. "I am truly sorry," he murmured.
Hermione shrugged, not looking at him, "It is how it is."
His frown deepened, "Why do you do that? Shrug it off?"
"Honestly?" Hermione sighed, "Because if I think too hard, or for too long I might give in to how much it hurts and I can't. Not yet."
"Why?"
She met his eyes, giving him a sad smile, "There's a war on." she whispered. "And my entire family will fight. I can't lose another family, I won't."
"So you'll fight beside them," he sighed, his face pensive.
She shrugged, "I certainly won't sit at home waiting on them to fight for me."
"No I imagine you won't," he agreed.
"What about your real world, Severus?" she probed wondering if he'd trust her enough to tell her anything. She watched with interest as he tensed before forcing himself to relax
"My real world is…less cosy than yours," he murmured finally.
"Oh?"
"My father is a violent alcoholic and my mother can no longer produce magic because he beat it out of her."
"I'm sorry Severus," she murmured. "That's…no one should live like that."
He shifted uncomfortably, "It is what it is," he muttered.
"If there's anything…"
"Don't!" he hissed.
She held up her hands placatingly, "Alright."
"Now be quiet, I need a nap."
With a snort. Hermione shook her head but burrowed into her own pile of pillows. "I'm setting an alarm," she warned him, wondering what was causing him to lose sleep.
"Fine," he muttered, already sounding half asleep. He was snoring before she finished the incantation.
"I feel like I never see you," Cassie pouted as Hermione tried to convince herself she had the fortitude to cope with Sirius one to one tonight.
"What?"
"You! You rush in here do your tutoring, do your revision, kick our asses with Scrimgeor and then rush back out!"
"I'm sorry?" Hermione offered, sounding unsure.
"Good" Cassie nodded, "So, when are you coming for girls' night?"
"Girls night?" Hermione repeated.
"Absolutely, I want some time with my best friend and she seems to be busier than the damn Minister. So…."
"I ah…" Hermione stammered. "Ah… Thursday? I have the DOM, proposal writing and Coven induction tomorrow, the DOM, Unspeakable training Thursday during the day, tiny Weasleys followed by duelling Friday, the kids on Saturday for my cousin and the spa on Sunday."
Cassie laughed, looking slightly incredulous. "Merlin you are busier than the bloody Minister! Right, Thursday. Bring your pj's, we'll sneak you into the dorm."
Hermione shook her head to clear it. "Why not." she shrugged eventually.
"Good! I'll leave you with Sirius. Don't kill him."
"It's always so hard," Hermione whined, "My self-control only stretches so far!"
"Oi!" Sirius complained as Cassie laughed, finally heading out of the room.
Hermione turned, smiling sweetly, "Yes Sirius?"
"You're going to get me back for not telling you your ears were still like rabbit ears yesterday and letting you wander about until Alice fixed them, aren't you?" he groaned.
"Of course I am." Hermione agreed. "Ready?"
"No!" he whined even as he cast a shield
"Master must be going to the little Mistress now!" Lolly commanded, startling him out of his after-dinner peace.
Alastor ran. She didn't sound distressed, if anything she sounded excited but old habits were hard to ignore.
He found Hermione standing in the middle of the library, turning in a slow circle. "Lass?" he queried.
"Look!" she whispered, pointing at something just above her head.
He blinked, slow to comprehend what he was seeing. "Sweet Merlin. She's flying!"
"Yes!" Hermione agreed, her eyes still tracking the smug-looking dragon circling her head. "I imagine that things are about to get a bit more interesting from now on."
He snorted, "How on earth are you meant to contain the bestie now?"
"No idea," she laughed, "I don't think the leash is going to cut it. God, I wish it wasn't too late to tell Charlie. Can you imagine how excited he'd be?"
"Aye, but it's after nine and I doubt Molly would thank you for it tonight."
"Probably not," she laughed. "I'm taking him in to see the eggs tomorrow so I suppose I can wait until then.
"Are you?"
"Yes," Hermione murmured, her eyes still tracking Nuri. "Isla and Lachlan are coming too. Josie can't apparently, but I'm taking them all on Saturday so…"
"Merlin, all three of them?"
"Yup. No idea what I'm going to do with them…cinema maybe? Bowling…is that a thing?"
"What is bowling?" Alastor asked cautiously.
"Oh, I ah…you send a ball down a lane to knock over pins. It's meant to be fun."
"I see," he murmured. "Then sorry lass but I've no idea if it's something we have."
Hermione hummed, "I wonder where I could find out."
"You could ask in a shop surely no?"
"I could pretend I'm new to the area."
"Well then. Take someone though, aye?"
"Who?"
"I don't know! You've the kids tomorrow, Callum or Sarah, just to make sure you know where you're going."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Sure."
Alastor hummed, not commenting on her less than impressed face. "Now then, how are you going to get that beastie down?" he mused.
Hermione wandered through the ministry attempting not to run as several people stopped and stared at the tiny dragon on a leash flying behind her. She had finally coaxed Nuri down with a chunk of lamb after a further twenty minutes the night before, Nuri's stubbornness keeping her in flight even when it became clear that she was flagging and she was hoping that the novelty would wear off soon.
"That's new." Saul stopped in front of her looking at Nuri incredulously.
"Yes,'' Hermione agreed with a sigh, "Last night. And it's lovely she's doing something new and all but she's a stubborn little sod and didn't want to come down when she was clearly tired."
Saul gave a huff of laughter. "Bode and Collins are going to be insufferably excited," he sighed.
"I know," she agreed. "I should probably get this over with."
"Probably," Saul smirked, "Although I hear that you are not working on werewolves for a bit."
"No. But Callum's coming in this afternoon to see if we can draft a proposal on muggleborn integration for the Wizengamot."
"I see," Saul looked intrigued, "I look forward to seeing that then. What's in the diary for tomorrow?"
"Um. Legilimency practice, I think."
"Pardon?" Saul asked sharply.
"Legilimency practice." Hermione repeated slowly, "Didn't Unspeakable Haston mention it?"
"No," Saul replied succinctly.
"Ah. We were discussing whether with legilimency you could pinpoint what the imperius does to the brain. And she has a team checking that but she realised I couldn't help because I wasn't a legilimens so she thought I should learn."
Saul blinked, clearly assimilating that information. "I see," he murmured. "And did they find anything?"
"Ah, not that I'm aware of but it was last week and they might have since then?"
"I think I'll ask." he mused."It's an…intriguing theory."
"Let's hope it's a fruitful theory," Hermione responded dryly.
"Well one can hope," Saul agreed. "Now take your dragon off to Collins and Bode, she's dropping in altitude."
Hermione glanced up, "Come on, down you come," she crooned, whistling at her. Nuri glanced down, clearly looking for her treat making Hermione snort. "Spoiled beastie!"
Saul shook his head with a look of amusement as Nuri glided down onto Hermione's hand the moment she spotted the meat. After devouring it, she gave a draconic yawn and closed her eyes curling into a ball on her hand. Hermione shook her head exasperatedly before cuddling her close.
"How long until she wakes?"
"No idea," Hermione shrugged, "I imagine we'll find out soon."
"Good luck to you then. They're going to be furious that they missed her flying."
"Hermione!" Broderick Bode grinned as she wandered into the room, "What have you done with your dragon?"
"Nice to see you too,'' Hermione quipped. "And she's here. Sound asleep. Turns out flying is exhausting."
"It will be," he agreed, before he froze, "Flying? She's flying?"
"As of last night."
"Oh my!" he breathed, stroking the dragon who gave a sleepy-sounding trill, he turned back to her visibly tamping down his excitement. "Right, let's let her sleep it off, and we'll discuss the plan for today. Come and let's look at the map, we had some thoughts of what our route should be."
With a nod,' Hermione followed him over to the map spread out over two tables, listening as he ran through the stops they'd planned. An hour later as Collins was teaching her the monitoring spells they used on the eggs, Nuri gave a yawn and opened her eyes.
"Wonderful," Collins smiled, spotting her," Good morning sweetheart," she cooed. "Are you ready to play some games?"
Nuri gave a cautious little croon, her eyes darting to Hermione. "You're alright," she soothed automatically, tightening her hold on her slightly.
"Interesting," Collins mumbled, "She clearly remembers not being impressed with us last week."
"Apparently," Hermione murmured. "Which makes me wonder how badly today is going to go."
"Yes," Collins grimaced, "It'll be interesting if nothing else. Right. She doesn't seem to be as suspicious of Bode, so I'll apparate you and he can stay here with her, alright?"
Against her better judgement, Hermione nodded, gently handing Nuri off to Bode who attempted to distract her with breakfast. She didn't appear to be falling for it this time as she let out a plaintive little noise that tore at Hermione's heart.
"You're alright," she cooed, stroking down her spine, Nuri rubbed her head against her hand, before allowing Bode to feed her.
"Right, while she's distracted," Collins instructed, apparating her to Diagon Alley. The panic hit Hermione immediately, making the Unspeakable's eyebrows rise, "Already?"
"Yes,"
"Alright," with a pop they disappeared.
"That was quick," Bode murmured, hastily handing the wrigging dragon over.
Hermione breathed out a sigh of relief when Nuri was back with her. "Settle her and try again," Collins instructed.
Hermione looked at her incredulously, "You think I'm going to be able to settle her?"
The unspeakable sighed, "Possibly not," she admitted. "Let's…try a different tact."
"Oh?"
"Put her down, play with her, feed her and once she's happy, we're going to leave her..unconstrained and go."
Hermione blew out a breath." Right."
"We'll skip straight to Hogsmeade, I don't think we're going to get away with it twice and it was the furthest place on the list."
It took over half an hour for Nuri to resettle but as calm as she was Hermione still felt wrong leaving her.
"We'll floo," Collins informed her.
Hermione stumbled when she was exiting the floo, a feeling of fear and sadness almost overwhelming her.
"Right so…here too then."
"Yes." Hermione gasped before a feeling of happiness washed over her and Nuri appeared in front of her looking uncommonly pleased with herself.
"Holy mother of Morganna," Collins breathed. "That's… that's not possible."
"Apparently it is," Hermione murmured, snuggling the dragonet close to her, allowing the feelings of contentment and relief that were only partially hers to wash over her.
"I…I…think we're done." Collins stammered, staring at them incredulously.
"Thank Merlin for that," Hermione murmured just as a panicked Bode appeared at the floo.
"I lost the dragon." he blurted.
"We know," Hermione agreed.
"How…How.." he gaped, finally noticing Nuri. "I don't understand."
"I don't think someone stealing the dragon is going to be an issue," Collins muttered wryly.
"Right," he replied weakly.
"Now, shall we go back and try and convince her she wants to let us see her fly?"
"Hermione," Callum smiled, enveloping her in a hug, "How are you?"
"Good."
"And the beastie?"
"Not entirely happy,'' Hermione admitted, "We learned today that she can ah…come to me if I leave her. She was not impressed that I left her."
Callum paused, computing that information, "I ah…wow."
Hermione laughed, running a hand through her hair, "Yeah. it was a bit of a surprise for us too."
"Well…it's reassuring if nothing else, no?"
"Well yes, I suppose it is," Hermione agreed, reaching up to stroke a snoring Nuri where she was draped around her neck.
"Now where are we going?"
"We're invading Uncle Charlus' office, he pissed off the witch responsible for new furniture after he sat on her toad so I warn you, we're sharing his desk."
Callum gave a choked bark of laughter, "Right."
"This way then."
She led him through the corridors, opening the door to the DMLE, "Miss Moody!" an exuberant voice called.
Callum's mouth twitched in amusement, "Going to introduce us, Hermione?" he asked lightly, his eyes never leaving the now uncomfortable-looking redhead in front of him.
Hermione sighed, "Callum, Fabian Prewtett. Fabian, my cousin Callum."
Fabian's eyes darted between her and Callum before he smiled, holding out his hand, "Nice to meet you."
Callum hummed, shaking it, "How long have you known my baby cousin?"
"Callum," Hermione growled.
"What?" he asked with exaggerated innocence. "It's just a question."
"Stop it." Fabian wisely kept silent until Callum turned to him.
"Was there something you wanted Auror Pretwett?"
"Oh!" Fabian looked momentarily unsure before shrugging, "Gid wanted me to let Hermione know that we'll be back to help wrangle children. Arthur is going to take Molls out for dinner so he won't be there. It will mean we have Perce but he's not exactly difficult."
"Fair enough," Hermione nodded. "We're meeting in the atrium at four."
"See you then. Ah…nice to meet you," he offered Callum an awkward smile.
Callum smiled widely, putting him on edge, "See you at four, Auror Prewett."
"What was that?" Hermione hissed as Fabian walked away.
"Just getting to know the man with designs on my baby cousin," he shot back. "He's more nervous than I expected."
Hermione blinked at him, "What?"
"Well…Aunty Netty isn't exactly the shy and retiring type, Aunt Min isn't either. In fact, cousin, you come from a line of terrifying women, and the men aren't to be sniffed at either even if I do say so myself. If he can't handle very mild intimidation from me they're going to eat him alive."
"You are absolutely ridiculous, do you know that?"
"Sometimes, but let's not pretend you'll be happy with a weak man." he laughed at her glare, "Oh don't look at me like that, I'm well aware you can look after yourself, my point is that if he can't cope with some slight posturing from me then he's not going to cope with you, or any of the bloody rest of them. But mainly you."
He dodged when she sent a stinging jinx at him. "Arse."
"But?"
"He's been…more hesitant around me recently, other than the last time I saw him, where he was decidedly not hesitant," Hermione admitted. "And I'm not sure why."
"And have you asked?"
"No." Hermione shook her head, "His twin might have spoken to me about giving him a chance but…I'm not entirely sure what to make of his behaviour."
Callum hummed, following her into Charlus' office, "Has it crossed your mind that he decided to take you seriously and it freaked him out?"
"What?"
"What did Gideon Prewett say?"
"Yes, Hermione, what did Gideon Prewett say?" Charlus asked pointedly.
"Jesus!" Hermione shouted, jumping at the sound of his voice. "Where did you come from?"
He let out a booming laugh, "I was attempting to get something from the very back of my bottom drawer."
"And you couldn't summon it?"
"Sadly, not. It is resistant to magic."
"Oh?" Hermione looked intrigued.
He waved her off, "A lot of confidential files are, do not attempt to divert me. What is this about Gideon Prewett?"
"You're all bloody ridiculous," she muttered, "Do you do this with James or Alex?"
Charlus shrugged, "I did with Izzah, poor girl. But James…well we've not met this Miss Evans yet and from the stories he's the one we should be interrogating."
Hermione's mouth quirked up against her will, "Fine. You're not wrong. As for Gideon, he was just…advocating for his brother."
"I see." Charlus nodded, "And you're considering it?"
"Not beyond friendship at the moment, no. I've got too much to do."
Charlus hummed, "Well then, his interrogation can wait until you change your mind." he shifted to look at Callum with a slight hint of mischief on his face, "Do you think the interrogation room with shackles on the seat would be too much?"
Callum sorted as Hermione let out a screeched," Yes!"
At that Charlus laughed loudly, "Your father would disagree, you know."
"Yes, well my father is also patently ridiculous." she groused.
"Shall we get started?" Callum asked diplomatically, attempting not to laugh at her pout as she pulled parchment out of her bag with more force than necessary, tiny little sparks lighting up her hair.
"It's almost four," Charlus announced, interrupting their debate. "How did you get on?"
"I think we've got the bones of the argument," Hermione sighed. "We can flesh them out once Effie confirms how many would be willing to help."
"Yes, she mentioned that," Charlus mused, "Augusta was keen, I can't remember who else she said. They want to see the proposal and tweak it if you're willing?"
"Yes," Callum replied immediately, "If they're teaching the need to be happy with it."
"So is it good enough to show them?" Charlus nodded towards the parchment they'd been scribbling on.
"Once we've cleaned it up," Hermione replied. "I'll do it tomorrow."
"Well then, wonderful, now don't you have children to collect?"
"Shit yes," Hermione glanced at the clock before scrambling to tidy their mess, turning to Callum, "You go and get the kids, I'll meet you in the atrium."
"See you soon," he called as he all but ran. "They'll revolt if I'm late."
"Cousin Mya!" Isla screeched upon seeing her, "Can we go and see the dragons now?"
"In a minute,'' Hermione laughed, hugging her when she barrelled into her middle.
"I've never been here," Lachlan murmured as if to himself, his eyes travelling over the atrium. "It's bigger than I thought."
"Hermione!" a voice interrupted him as someone small barreled into her for the second time, "I haven't seen you in ages!"
Hermione smiled down at Charlie, running a hand over his curls, "Hello to you too Charlie,"
"Where's Nuri?" he asked, looking around her.
"She's here," Hermione gently removed the dragon from around her neck, she stretched on her palm, yawning slightly.
"She's got bigger," he breathed.
"Cousin Mya," Isla's plaintive voice interjected, a put-out pout on her face.
Callum stifled a smile, watching the interaction with interest as Bill and the Prewett twins finally reached them, Percy bouncing excitedly on Fabian's hip.
"Yes?"
"Who's he?"
"Ah." Hermione smiled slightly, "Isla McGonagall, meet Charlie Weasely, his brother Bill and little Percy." Hermione reached for Percy, pulling him into her arms as she handed Nuri to a waiting Charlie before nuzzling him with her nose making him giggle. "Boys, this is Isla McGonagall and her brother Lachlan."
Isla's eyes narrowed as she took in the boys who clearly knew her cousin well. "Why are they here?" she demanded.
"Isla," Callum warned.
Hermione shook her head, crouching down with some difficulty, trying to balance Percy as guilt chorused through her again. "I really have been a bit rubbish haven't I?"
Isla frowned, "What?"
"Charlie loves dragons, he wants to work with them when he's older."
"Ok," Isla replied, still looking unsure.
"So he's spent some time with Nuri for practice. I help one of my friends watch the boys when their mum goes out."
Isla nodded, biting her lip, "Is that why you don't visit often?"
Hermione smiled sadly, "And that's where I've been a bit rubbish. I got a bit caught up in all the things I have to do that I forgot one of the most important. So, Miss Isla McGonagall, I know I've already promised to visit more often but how do you feel about being my reminder and owling me when it's been too long?"
"And you'll come and see us?"
"And I'll come and see you," she agreed, still feeling horribly guilty.
"Ok," Isla agreed, wrapping her arms around Hermione's neck.
"Good." Hermione squeezed her back, whispering in her ear, "Bill's around your age, you know, maybe give the boys a chance?"
Isla sighed, pulling back to stroke Percy's face, "He's quite cute." she admitted.
"He's adorable," Hermione laughed, tickling Percy's tummy, "Aren't you darling?"
"Can we go and see the dragons now?"
"Yes," Hermione agreed, moving to stand. Isla clutched her hand immediately, making Charlie pout.
"Come here you," Gideon laughed, reaching for him, "You'll need to make do with your boring old Uncle."
"She suits that look, doesn't she?" Callum mused with a mischievous smirk, his eyes on Fabian.
"What look?" he squeaked, dragging his eyes from Hermione as Bill looked at him questioningly.
Callum smirked, inclining his head, "Don't tell me you can't see it," he murmured, "A tiny redheaded baby, a little girl with curls and a need to know everything."
Fabian gulped, able to see it all too clearly. "Right well…" he stammered, "That wasn't…I ah…"
Both Callum and Gideon howled. "Of course, it wasn't." Gideon soothed insincerely, muttering "Absolutely hopeless" under his breath.
"Why is Uncle Fab hopeless?" Bill asked innocently, only making them laugh harder.
"I'll tell you when you're older," Gideon promised.
"Hermione!" Saul smiled at her as she walked into his office, the children looking around curiously.
"Where are the dragons?" Charlie asked.
"Hermione will take you to them in a minute, young man." Saul soothed, "I just need to cast a little spell so that you can't lead anyone to them."
"What? Callum asked sharply.
"Well people know about Nuri obviously, we can't hide that, but they don't know there are more eggs. We can't have anyone trying to get them, so the spell makes it impossible to mention until clearance is given. You'll be able to talk about seeing the eggs but won't be able to say where you saw them or lead anyone here."
"Ah." he nodded, as Saul raised his wand and cast over them. "Right then, over to you Unspeakable Moody."
Hermione shot him a dirty look, "Last time I checked…"
"You worked for the DOM," he interrupted, "Yes quite. I might not use your title but make no mistake you are an Unspeakable. Now have fun."
"Sneaky little man,'' Hermione muttered, leading the group into the room housing the dragons. "Right everyone, this is Unspeakable Collins and Bode, they're the ones primarily in charge of the dragons."
In Charlie's hands, Nuri began to fuss, letting out heartbreaking little notes. "Shit," Hermione muttered, as Charlie looked at her clearly not sure what to do. Quickly handing Percy back to Fabian, she let go of Isla's hand to take the dragon back. "She wasn't a fan of the experiments today," she offered by way of explanation. "It might take some time for her to forgive the Unspeakables."
She stopped talking when she heard Callum's frantic, "Isla no!"
"Oh fuck." she breathed as she watched Isla put her hand directly into the black flames surrounding the white egg.
"It's sad, Daddy," Isla whispered, stroking the egg as a feeling of contented excitement swept around the room.
"Look at the numbers" Unspeakable Collins breathed, her eyes on the diagnostic above the nest.
"They're dropping rapidly," Bode agreed, eyeing the estimated time until hatching.
"So they need people." Hermione mused, sounding awed, slowly reaching for Isla so as not to startle her. Hermione's touch on her shoulder seemed to wake her up and she turned to look at her with wide eyes.
"I didn't mean…I…I know you said not to touch…I…"
"Breathe," Hermione commanded. "It's alright."
"It is?" Isla checked, sounding close to tears."
"Yes. Complicated, but alright."
She met Callum's eyes over Isla's head. "You know the fireproofing spell right?"
Horrified understanding washed over his face, "No!"
"Well, you've got a few months to learn then." Hermine shrugged, turning back to Isla. "I think it'll let you pick it up."
"Ok," Isla breathed, scooping up the egg reverently.
"So you'll need to take the nest so they stay warm." Hermione counselled, cupping her hand under the nest to keep the egg in contact with the fire.
"Ok." Isla shifted curling her arm under the nest, her other hand remaining on the egg.
"Let's go and sit down," Hermione murmured, guiding her gently, ignoring the watching Unspeakables' palpable excitement. "Isla?" she murmured softly, reluctant to break whatever was happening between her tiny cousin and her new egg.
"Yes?" Isla whispered.
"Isla, I need you to look at me."
With great difficulty, Isla dragged her eyes up to meet Hermione's. "Is…did I do something wrong?"
"What? No! Your egg chose you the way Nuri chose me. You did nothing wrong." Hermione rushed to reassure her.
"Oh. Oh, that's good," Isla breathed, her shoulders slumping in her relief. Her egg let out a tiny reassuring note that Nuri echoed.
"Sweet Merlin." Callum breathed.
"I do need you to listen to me though," Hermione repeated firmly.
"Ok." Isla agreed, straightening to give Hermione her full attention.
"Nuri is a gift," she began, "But she is a lot of work and one day soon she's going to be dangerous."
Isla frowned "But she's never hurt anyone. You said so!"
"No. She hasn't. But she's still a dragon. One day soon she's going to breathe fire. And I'm immune, I imagine so are you but your family is not. You're going to have to work so hard to make sure that your dragon knows who's safe. And we're going to have to work on you controlling your gift sooner than maybe we would have. Do you understand?"
"Like you asked your fire not to burn?"
"Yes," Hermione, "just like that."
"Ok. But…if I do that…I won't need to give him back?"
Hermione looked up at the Unspeakables. "We couldn't insist even if we wanted to." Collins shrugged. "You remember how it was."
"Yes," Hermione sighed.
"Now Miss McGonagall," Unspeakable Collins interjected, "We'll need you to come here to work with your dragon at least once a week, your cousin can help with your fire I'm sure."
"Of course, I'd already agreed," Hermione replied before mentally running through her week. She looked at Callum, "I know we left it open-ended but maybe some structure might be a plan. Do either Thursday nights or Sundays work?"
"Thursday nights might be best?" he replied, looking lost.
"Ok. I'll speak to Madam Flamel tonight and speed up getting some guidance so we can make a plan."
"Right," he sighed. "I…gods, of course."
With a small smile, Hermione reached for him, squeezing his arm. "It's going to be fine."
"Is it?" he checked, the fear clear on his face. "Fire elementals…"
"Don't even finish that sentence. We've already had this conversation. We'll work with her. It will be fine." Hermione interjected, fear making her voice harsh.
"Ok." he agreed, blowing out a breath. "Ok."
"Good," she smiled down at Isla. "Now, I'm going to help this time, but what do you say we see if we can make your fire not burn so you can introduce your dad to your egg?"
"Yes!" Isla grinned.
"Alright, you need to focus really hard and tell it not to."
"Ok," a look of exaggerated seriousness crossed her face, her nose scrunching, "I did it."
"Ok," Hermione murmured, her finger stroking a flame as she monitored the temperature. Callum put a timid finger through the fire to stroke the egg, breathing out a sigh of relief as he remained unscathed. Lachlan followed behind him.
"This is so cool," he breathed. "You're going to have a pet dragon!"
"I know!" Isla crowed, still monitoring, Hermione felt the moment the tiny witch's control slipped so took over guiding the flames.
"OK, so no one other than Isla can touch the flames unless I'm there," she cautioned, "she's still young so her control will take time to build. We don't want anyone to get burned."
"How am I going to explain this to Sarah?" Callum whined.
Hermione grimaced, "Um…from behind a shield charm?" she offered.
Callum snorted. "Or by owl behind another country's boundary lines."
"Or that." she agreed. "Right let's leave Isla to have a chat with her dragon for a bit, it tends to help. We'll go and see the other two."
Three small boys hummed their agreement. "Shout for me if you need something.'' Hermione smiled, running a hand over Isla's head. "Otherwise, let your dragon settle. They've been waiting on you."
Isla smiled distractedly, "They feel…relieved. Is that how Nuri felt?"
"Little bit," Hermione agreed.
"Oh," she mused, stroking the egg. "They were sad before."
"Yes, I imagine they were. I'll leave you to get to know them."
"Why are they so different?" Lachlan asked as she approached.
"We don't know. The Unspeakables are hoping that they'll understand more once they are hatched and they can watch behaviours and check their blood."
"Because their species shows up." Charlie pied up.
"Exactly that." Hermione agreed.
"Ah…Hermione?" Bode voiced nervously.
"Yes?" she frowned.
"I ah…look."
Hermione's eyes darted up towards the diagnostic he was pointing at. Above the red egg, the numbers were changing rapidly. She looked at Bode fear sweeping through her. "Does that mean what I think it does?"
"Based on your cousin I think so," he agreed.
"Miss Moody?" Fabian frowned.
She turned to face him slowly, "If…if we're right." she began haltingly, "Then that egg belongs to someone here."
He went so pale that Hermione started to step forward but it was Gideon that caught his arm. "We wondered," he whispered.
"Wondered what?"
"For years the Prewetts were known for having generations of elementals." Gideon began. "Mainly fire if the stories are to be believed, legend has it that's where the hair and the temper comes from but…I am the first with an elemental affinity in five generations, and I'm air not fire obviously."
"I don't think I understand."
"Elementals, fire elementals especially are…prone to outbursts. Ten children over three generations were consumed by their own magic so one of my ancestors did a ritual, binding the elemental aspect of Prewett magic. We wondered when I presented whether the next generation would as well."
Hermione blew out a breath, fear on her face as she looked at the three redheaded boys.
"We need to know." Collins murmured, "We don't know what will happen to the egg if we don't but we all know what happens when a familiar bond is broken."
The other adults in the room paled, "I don't ." Hermione admitted.
"They either pine and die," Gidon replied, "Or they go feral."
"Jesus." Hermione muttered, "And no one needs a feral dragon."
"No."
"What happens if none of the boys have expressed any elemental magic?"
"We don't know," Bode admitted, "elementals usually present around six or seven."
"I'd rather risk a feral dragon than them," Hermione pointed out softly.
Collins nodded sympathetically. "Yes, as we all would. But we also have to remember what a broken familiar bond does to a person."
"Which is?"
"It's…painful, forceful breaking or rejection. It's said to be excruciating."
"So either way we're fucked." Fabian muttered.
"I'm sorry."
"Ok. So…how are we doing this"? Gideon asked, his face drawn.
"Don't you think we should speak to Molly and Arthur?" Hermione asked.
"No. Mols was never given the elemental talk, I only got it because of my affinity. The fear…it's palpable in the family journals we read."
"Fuck, right. One at a time then." Hermione blew out a breath, asking the fire not to burn as Bill gingerly stroked the egg when instructed. When nothing happened, both Gideon and Fabian looked sick.
"He's older, he'd have been better equipped to handle it," Bode whispered, seeing her watching.
"I see," Hermione breathed, forcing down her own urge to vomit as the implications of that hit her. "Charlie, sweetheart you next."
The results were instantaneous the moment his tiny finger made contact with the red egg. Awe gave way to fear as fire erupted all over his body and he screamed. Without thought, Hermione wrapped herself around him, her own flames licking at their skin as she commanded them to freeze before wrestling for control with his magic, forcing his flames back into submission through sheer force of will.
He was sobbing when she finally succeeded, her arms so tightly wound around him it had to be painful. "It's alright," she soothed, rocking him, "You're alright, you're alright" She didn't know whether she was trying to convince him or herself. She felt several arms wrap around them both at once as a terrified-looking Bill curling around his brother and both Gideon and Fabian squeezing the life out of them all.
It took almost half an hour to calm them down enough to disentangle, Charlie still burrowed closely into Hermione.
"I don't like it," he whispered.
"No darling, that was scary." she agreed, her own heart still racing. "But we're going to figure out how to help you control it like I do."
"Promise?" he asked, looking up at her with red-rimmed eyes.
"Promise." Hermione agreed, her eyes meeting Bodes. "Get Saul. Now." With a nod, he all but ran.
"Did the dragon not like me, Hermione?" Charlie asked in a small voice.
"Oh, oh darling, no! It just got a bit excited to finally meet you," she soothed. "They chose you like Nuri and Isla's dragon chose us. It just…your fire hadn't figured out how it worked yet so it got a bit of a fright."
"Oh." Charlie seemed to turn that over inside his head. "Will it happen every time I touch it?"
"Oh Merlin I hope not." she breathed. "I don't know, Charlie. Will we try again?"
Gideon and Fabian tensed as they approached, with Bill looking close to tears. "Slowly now," Hermione murmured, guiding his hand, letting out the breath she'd been holding when he giggled.
"It tickles Hermione!"
She turned from him slightly at the sound of the door opening.
"I was summoned?" Saul pinned her with a look. "Broderick looks more terrified than I've ever seen him. I was expecting the walls to be falling down."
Hermione nodded her head towards Isla, watching as Saul's eyes widened. "It chose her?"
"Yes. She's going to come in one day a week and work here to get control. I'll work with her too. When you've got two minutes, I'd like to pick your brain about exercises."
"Ok." Saul nodded, "unexpected but not cause for panic."
Her eyes travelled to Charlie, "He's only five."
Saul paled as the implication of her words hit him. "Sweet Merlin and ...it was triggered?"
"Yes." she breathed, "I had to…force it…"
"Right. I… right."
Is there anything we can do to make things more stable as they learn control?" Hermione looked at him pleadingly.
"Yes," Saul replied, gathering himself, "It's not foolproof, we will need to work with them both but it will help. Let me get them."
"Oh thank god," Hermione exclaimed.
He bustled back in carrying a cord necklace with a black stone on it. "Now then you two, he beckoned Isla forward. "This will help until you can control it like Hermione. You cannot take it off. Ever. Do you understand?"
"Yes" they nodded, their tiny faces serious as Saul slipped the cord over their heads, the necklace adjusting to fit them. "Good."
Hermione helped Charlie pick up the nest and settled him in a seat.
"The necklaces should absorb excess energy, giving greater control but we will need to work on it," Saul explained. "If either of them loses control send for Hermione immediately, she's likely the only one who can touch them. Can you send messenger patronuses?"
"Yes," Hermione taught us," Callum murmured.
The twins looked intrigued but nodded, "We can."
"And his parents?"
"We'll teach them."
"Good. Now, young Mr Weasley will need to join Miss McGonagall here for lessons with his dragon, and I would advise lessons with Hermione."
"Of course." Gideon agreed. "Mollys going to bloody murder us though isn't she?"
"Probably." Fabian gave a weak grin, his focus still on his nephew who was happily chattering away to his egg.
"Hermione, we'll discuss a programme tomorrow after you've spoken to Perenelle. Perhaps ask if she'll join us?"
"Of course," Hermione agreed, before with one last look at the children, Saul left, squeezing her arm comfortingly on his way past. "Right then, no more excitement today please.'' Hermione asked faintly, "Why don't you two feed Nuri and play with her for a bit? You could take her for a fly."
"She's flying?" Bill perked up.
"Yes, she's flying." Hermione smiled, handing the dragon to Lachlan before unearthing her leash and dinner. "Here, if you take her to that table, you can feed her. She might fly for her snitch."
With a grin, the boys raced off.
"Are you alright?" she murmured, eyeing the twins.
"I don't think I've ever been so scared in all my life," Fabin admitted.
"I wonder why the ritual is weakening now." Gideon mused.
"Perhaps it was time," Hermione murmured, "He's not alone, we're going to make sure he can control it."
"Promise?" Fabian asked in mimicry of his nephew, naked fear on his face.
"Promise" she whispered, trying not to wonder if she really could.