Hello, darlings, I may or may not be dragged to the water park tomorrow, so you loves get your weekly chapter on Fridays. Summer has arrived in Swampeast Missouri. (Southeast Missouri is full of drained swamps and small rivers. Second highest national humidity, no Disney park.) I adore all of you for reading this. Your reviews/comments are so sweet and always make me smile. Thanks for reading this thing I do not own.
Chapter 8 After
They emerged for food later that morning. Harry greeted them with a sleepy smile, "I'm gonna need a day to catch up on some sleep." Tove offered them breakfast and Annika simply wished them a good morning.
"Oh, Annika, have you been waiting long? You should have had Harry come say something."
"No, you are our honored guest. We wait for you. I am here to check on you and explain how to share the blessing."
"Oh, okay then." Hermione sat down at the table. Tove placed a plate in front of her. Hermione smiled, "Thank you. It looks delicious as always." She began eating before returning her attention to Annika.
"The elders are still gushing about how successful this year was. This means you are brimming with extra energy. Despite rumors that energy cannot be shared through simple touch. It requires intent." Annika took one of Harry's hands to demonstrate. "One hand on the bottom, one hand on top. Then two deliberate shakes of the hand. And the words, 'May joy find you in all your ways.'"
"Sounds simple enough."
Balor addressed Marcus and Harry, "Now is the time more of us will be attracted to Hermione."
"Are we restricted from coming or going?" asked Harry.
"No, of course not. You are as free now as you were before. You guards simply need to be more aware."
"Also, keep in mind, anyone at the festival is filled with magic's blessing, we don't need you to bless us, we just want to be near you."
"Noted," Hermione nodded. She looked at Harry, "Oh my gods, Harry! Your scar!" The lightning bolt scar on his forehead faded to a faint white line, barely visible.
"Look at your arm," he responded, pointing towards her left arm where Bellatrix cursed the work mudblood into her skin. She could only see the faintest outline. She looked up shocked. "Right?" he asked in an excited tone.
"We should caution you, Christmas Eve is our monthly market day. Wizards, veela, and other magical types come from all over every month. Given the historical nature of your involvement we anticipate an increase in attendance," Balor informed them.
"We'll be prepared," promised Marcus.
They finished eating and sat around talking about various things. A squeezing pressure pushed against Hermione making her feel trapped. She started pacing about the common areas. "Hermione, love, are you alright?" Marcus asked.
"Yes, no, I don't know," she answered. "I feel caged in."
Harry jumped to his feet, "Let's go for a walk. Open space might help."
"Can't hurt at any rate," she grabbed her winter coat.
The breeze caressed her cheeks and eased some of the tightness inside. She grinned and spun in a circle in the front garden, her hands spread wide. Impishly she grabbed Marcus's hand and pulled him after her. He allowed her to spin him. "I feel so light and free. Do you?"
Marcus shook his head, "I feel about the same."
"This is the best I've felt since Riddle fell."
"That's good," Hermione skipped towards the gate pulling Marcus along with her. Harry trailed behind wishing he could give them privacy. But the second Hermione left the sanctuary of the fence all attention riveted to her. Small children rushed over, chattering excitedly. The bemused smile faded from Marcus's face. Hermione entertained the small children by creating butterflies for them to chase. They scattered giggling. The stern looks from the wizards kept the adult at a respectful distance as they wandered the town.
Every day after followed the same pattern: indulging in whatever Hermione felt she needed. One day she sat in the sauna most of the day. The next she insisted on lying in the snow watching the clouds. At night she and Marcus retreated to bed where they talked about anything and everything before making love. Sometimes Hermione fretted to herself about the speed and depth of her feelings. When she confronted Harry on the matter he shrugged, "When you know, you know. Maybe he feels the same way. You should talk to him."
"Easier said than done, and I recall numerous times suggesting the same thing to you, without results."
"I'm not as smart as you," he laughed. Harry convinced Tove to let Hermione sort dinner for herself and Marcus while the hit wizard went for a run. "Closest you can have to a date until we get back," he explained.
Hermione prepared her mother's favorite lamb stew. Marcus looked around when he returned. "Where's Potter?"
"Back garden until he saw you enter the house. He's giving us space this evening. He also convinced Tove I won't poison us if she let me cook."
"Is this a date?" he asked quietly.
"I consider it kind of the quiet stay-in evening I like to enjoy."
"Perfect," he kissed her forehead. "Let me go clean up."
"Sounds good. Dinner should be ready in about twenty minutes." They are in companionable silence after the pronouncement of her superior cooking skills. She served sticky buns for dessert. "If we were home I'd introduce you to the wonders of the muggle telly."
"Can't wait," he grinned.
She fidgeted for a moment. He dropped his hands, "Can I talk to you about something?"
"Anything," his face grew stern, worried about her expression. "I know we discussed that we aren't casual people, but I worry maybe we aren't emotionally on the same page."
His heart thumped painfully in his chest, "I will never pressure you into moving faster than you want. I admit I fancied you before we spent time together, and now I'm crazy in love with you. Sometimes you just know. But I can and will wait for you to determine if you feel the same way. And will accept it if you never do. If I've done, or do, something to make you uncomfortable just say the word.
She blinked as his panicked words sunk in, "You love me?"
"Yes, I love you," he dropped his head, looking at his lap.
"Good," his head snapped up, "because I love you, too."
He studied her face, "Really?"
"Really." She allowed him to pull her onto his lap and snogged him in celebration. "Harry knows everything," she told him. "He'll keep his mouth shut."
"He'd better, or I'm telling Skeeter he's slept with three hamingjas," responded Marcus.
"Only three?" Hermione laughed, "I could have sworn it was five."
"He claims he just talked to two of them."
"Is that what the kids are calling it?" she laughed.
"Should I be concerned he hasn't said anything to me?" Marcus asked.
"No, he knows he doesn't have a leg to stand on. The last person he trusted hurt me in ways he never dreamed possible. So, we've established our depth of affection, but what about the level of commitment?"
"I don't want to share you with anyone. My self esteem isn't strong enough," he admitted in a small voice.
"I don't want to share you or be shared, either," she answered. "Want to tell me why? You've listened to enough of my pain."
"I was dating someone. She always seemed to be looking for someone better, someone richer, better looking, higher social standing. She refused to commit. Constantly compared to others with demands to beat their romantic gestures wears on you."
"I understand. It wasn't the same, but anything Ron ever did for me he's done for Veronica, only bigger and better." She sighed, "Not that I needed, or wanted, better or big. Not that Ron made gestures often."
"I get it. You don't need grand gestures, but you like being appreciated," he reassured her.
"Yes, and I will treasure every effort made."
On Christmas Eve Hermione slept in. Then endeavored to keep Marcus in bed as long as possible. "My brave Gryffindor isn't avoiding the market, is she?"
"Certainly not. I'm just enjoying a lazy morning in," she sniffed indignantly.
"Nice try. Come on, you've been super curious to see it. I'm not letting you miss it." He paused, "If I have to I will get Harry to help me. Maybe Tove, Annika, Balor..."
"I conceded, you win," she started climbing out from under the covers. "Monster," she muttered.
"Your monster," he sassed back, "and you love me."
"Yeah," she agreed smiling.
Hermione took her time preparing, paying extra attention to her appearance. She tried to suppress her nerves enough to eat, but the food tasted like ash.
"Everything okay?" Harry asked.
"Just nerves. Most of the hamingja have become accustomed to my shininess. But today in come new people without the same social constraints. I'm having flashbacks to our post-war day mobs."
"Yeah, but this time you feel overwhelmed and we hex first and apologize never," Harry grinned.
"I approve," Marcus clapped Harry on the back. "Good plan."
"Meeting anyone, in particular, today, Harry?" Hermione asked.
"No, the novelty of British wizards has worn off. Along with the knowledge that I leave in six to seven days. None of them want to relocate." He laughed, "Not that I blame them."
"Me neither," Hermione nodded.
Tove looked over at them, one of the seidkonur, a female seer that is, or seidmenn, a male, would go with you if they foresaw they could be your true love match."
"How much can they see?" asked Marcus.
"Depends on the individual. Some only see major events for others, only see minor things. Some see only for themselves."
"That sounds frustrating," mused Hermione. "To only know slices of things for some people."
"Not going to make fun of divination?" Harry looked shocked.
"They aren't claiming to know the future because of my tea leaves. I acknowledge seers exist, that they make prophecies and have visions. But it is a gift one is born with, it cannot be taught. If one is vague
enough anything you say can be prophetic. Tove, a dark-haired woman is going to say something positive to you." She paused, "I NEED you to come to Britain with me, you are the most amazing cook." Tove blushed at the praise. "See, my prophecy came true." They all laughed.
Tove spoke up, "I am flattered but must decline."
Hermione sighed dramatically, "I understand, and expected you to, honestly."
Dressed against the weather, a light snow decided to fall, they exited the quiet peace of the house. The market square exploded with color and noise. It rivaled Diagon Alley during back-to-school shopping. Brightly dressed people seemed to be everywhere, selling wares and greeting old friends. Many froze and stared as Hermione passed. A few gave her covetous greedy looks but reconsidered after noticing the cold glares on Harry and Marcus's faces and the drawn wands in their hands. For her part, Hermione ignored the stares and focuses on the festive mood and stalls.
She purchased four soft wool scarves, one of herself and the others for the hamingjas that had been her direct hosts. She then moved on to peruse the jewelry stall. A small hand shot out and grabbed hers in an iron grip. She yelped and yanked her arm back. Blue and red lights flew past her. Everyone in the vicinity froze as a short thick man toppled over. Harry stood over him as Marcus shoved Hermione behind him. Two official-looking men joined them. "We shall take the dwarf. Our apologies."
"I'm fine, just startled. You've all been so wonderful I wasn't prepared for it. I wasn't as vigilant as I should have been."
One bowed deeply, "You are not to be, that is our job, us and your guards." They each grabbed an arm and dragged the dwarf away.
The clothing vendor clucked his tongue, "Fool. Probably a petty pickpocket or thought a touch would take away part of the blessing. Though, if I can impose upon you, my flock crafted a gift for you. Like the hamingja, we wish to thank you for your efforts on our behalf."
"Flock?" asked Harry.
"They are veela," Hermione answered. "I am beyond honored."
"This way then, please." He gestured for her to come deeper into their tent. Rich, vibrant colors filled the tent. Lush, elaborately decorated fabrics hung on hooks strung across the open spaces. "My name is Teb. Welcome to our humble traveling abode. We use only the finest materials harvested, mined, or created ourselves, according to the old ways.
Teb summoned his apprentices, "Bring Miss Granger's gown." The two teenage girls and the slightly older boy hurried to a long slim chest. They opened the side and pulled out a shimmering midnight blue dress. Astonished by the glittering lace, Hermione stepped closer to examine it. "Are those gemstones?" she gasped.
"The highest quality diamonds, yes," said Teb proudly "Painstakingly selected for their clarity and fire."
Hermione stepped back, "This costs a fortune."
"It does," confirmed Teb. "But what is the price of freedom, safety, and respect? What you see as small things or duties of your employment, have been life-changing and monumental to others. This gift comes from every generation of veela, past who watch with gratitude for your efforts, and future who will never realize there is a debt to be repaid. Each of us paid a small price to create this dress. We give it to you with no payment accepted." He gestured and the apprentices brought out a platform and revealed a fitting room.
"We do need to do a final fitting. Lisel and Johannah will assist you."
The veela girls hustled Hermione into the fitting room. There they assisted her into a slip, then lowered the dress over her head. The form-fitting gown's scooped neckline revealed the swell of her breasts. The tiny cap sleeves were covered by a gossamer cape that flowed from her shoulders. The diamond "lace" formed snowflakes that swirled across the dark field of the skirt. The hem held a similar border. The front hem raised to give a peek at her feet, and a small train swept the back.
"Simply perfection," one of the apprentices told her.
The other gathered the train, "We return to Master Teb and Avad." Hermione returned to the open area to find only Harry waiting. She cocked an eyebrow.
"We both think you should wear this to the New Year's ball, and Marcus wants to be surprised by the final look."
"You don't think it's too much?" She fretted with the neckline briefly.
"Let me put this another way, try to wear anything else and I will personally inform Narcissa Malfoy this gown exists."
"No need to be nasty, and simply no would have sufficed," Hermione sniffed.
"You are an amazing witch who needs to learn that. When your friends forget to give you the same level of support they receive remind them."
"Easier said than done," she muttered.
"Make you a deal, accept every gift offered today as your due and I'll drop the matter. Waver once, and I mean saying no or reaching for your purse, and I get to repeat myself until I'm sick of me. I realize asking you not to double and triple check might make your head explode."
"Fine," she huffed, "you don't like the attention any more than I do."
"No, I hate being the Boy-Who-Lived instead of Harry the hero. You refuse to accept being Hermione the heroine. Someone who deserves to be honored."
"I understand, I think."
"Good, and looks like Teb's done, too."
"Indeed. We shall put the finishing touches on and have it ready for you before you return home," Teb smiled brightly.
"Thank you for your generous gift," Hermione dipped her head.
"You are most welcome," Teb returned her small bow.
Harry and Hermione exited the tent and joined Marcus. Harry bragged about his bargain with her. Marcus struggled not to laugh. Hermione pouted until two small children ran up and offered her sugared fruit. She accepted with a smile. Marcus took her unoccupied hand and lead her to the next stall. They stopped to eat in the food stalls. Hermione noticed a raven haired beauty staring longingly at them, moreover at Harry. Scanning for overzealous fans kept him from noticing. When Hermione made eye contact with her she beckoned her over. The young woman nodded gratefully and rushed over. "Hello, I'm Hermione Granger. That's Harry Potter and Marcus Flint."
"Hello, my name is Malin Bakken."
Hermione patted the bench beside her. "Are you a seidkonur?"
"No, I'm just a witch, but my mother and father's mother are. I grew up among them."
"May I ask what that is like?"
"My mother only sees events for her family, and only then major events. My grandmother sees what seem to be minor events that usually become major events. It lead to my parents sending me to Drumstang to be educated instead of homeschooling me. They both believe I will marry a powerful European wizard." Her eyes cut to Harry, who still wasn't paying attention.
"Should we tell him?" Hermione asked somewhat serious.
"And spoil the ending for him?" Both women laughed.
"Join us?" Hermione asked.
Malin smiled again in gratitude, "Yes, please."
She enjoyed Harry's clumsy greeting and Marcus's amused expression when she introduced her new friend.
By sunset, the four had made the rounds. Beyond some general trinkets, various groups gifted Hermione sapphire and diamond earrings, a glittering diamond choker, and sapphire and diamond hair decorations. She wondered if Harry had known or at least suspected something like this would happen. Harry struggled to pull his attention from Malin to work, who valiantly tried not to distract him. Taking pity on the two. Hermione made an offer, "Malin, I would love to have your take on some issues and lifestyles. Would you be willing, or even interested, in coming back to Britain with me? We leave on the 29th."
"I would be delighted. Thank you, I'll have to pack." She looked about excitedly.
Two older women approached, one of them dragging a floating trunk behind her. They each kissed both of her cheeks, "Be well, my daughter. We remain only a message away."
"Mama?" Malin looked confused.
Her grandmother answered her question, "We knew this day was coming. Go forth and claim your destiny." She turned to Harry, "Treat our treasure kindly." He nodded in response. She looked to Hermione, "Thank you for staying a kind soul. Your loyalty will aid Malin in her new life. Remind her to write her mother." She kissed each of them on the forehead. When she got to Marcus she grinned, "Keep up the good work, young man."
"Well, that's settled. We should see if Malin can stay with us," Hermione clapped her hands.
Harry snapped back into auror mode, "Are You certain, Hermione?"
"Of course, she doesn't want anything from ME," she waggled her eyebrows suggestively. Harry blushed. "I trust her intentions. I trust her mother and grandmother's premonitions. Are they perfect and concrete? No, but unlike some they acknowledge that. You seemed to have a connection, easier to explore that if you're in the same place. Unless you don't want to..." she trailed off.
"No, no, I do," he replied quickly.
"So, she's staying with us," Hermione announced perkily.
"Little early to be sharing a room," he countered.
"We have an extra one," she said turning towards their little cottage.
"We do?"
"You are not this unobservant, Potter," remarked Marcus.
"I know you're having sex. I'm not stupid."
"My clothes are the only thing staying in that room."
"Oh," Harry stared for a second, shook his head, and followed Hermione.
Tove graciously incorporated Malin into their lodgings wordlessly. Hermione turned to her, "I absolutely demand you take tomorrow morning off. I intend to stay in bed most of the day and will be keeping Marcus with me for protection."
He pressed a kiss to her neck, "Who's going to protect you from me?"
"Me," she said firmly before returning her gaze to Tove. "We can fend for ourselves. Merlin knows there are leftovers."
"I understand, I will see you in the afternoon."
Hermione nodded and looked at her guards. "I mean it. I'm sleeping in and then staying abed. We can exchange gifts after dinner."
"Sounds like a plan," Marcus headed for the stairs. "I'll go clear out the closet for Malin."