Hello, darlings! I hope this update finds you well. I hope you enjoy this next chapter. Per the paragraph spacing request for audio readers, I hope this helps. Those of you who have been with me since the beginning may remember the cross country meets on Saturdays, well my mini me has started running and winning medals, which mean longer meets. So, frequent Friday updates are on the horizon. (I know, you're devastated, the chapter a day early.)
Chapter 8 Joining the Ranks
Hermione waited to broach the subject with her parents for a few weeks. "I know they don't have big gatherings, but could we please go to Wistman Woods for Litha?"
Bethan looked interested, "Is there a reason?"
"I'd like to have my initiation ritual then and there."
"Your druid initiation," clarified Richard.
"Correct. I wanted to invite some family and friends."
"Of course, we can go there," assured Bethan. "Do you need anything?"
"A white linen outfit and special soap. I have a list."
They invited Iola and Enid to go clothing shopping. Bethan suggested replacing her wardrobe while they were at it since Hermione had grown over the last school year. Iola looked over the list for Hermione's soap while she tried on clothes. "Duckie, I can make this up easy. I just need to pop into the shop for a few things." Owain and Iola owned a pagan supply shop, including all natural soaps and lotions. Iola sold numerous signature blends. "I have most of this at home."
"Really, Nain?"
"I could make this in my sleep, duckie." She hugged her. "And unless it is a close-held secret I would love to carry it in the shop."
Hermione shrugged, "Not a secret, that's out of a book any witch or wizard can buy at a bookstore."
"Do Gawain's children know about this?" asked Enid, changing the subject.
"No, they think the trip is to celebrate the feast and Hermione's birthday since she's always at school for it. That will explain her friends coming. They are arriving the next morning."
Enid requested to make invitations, "Iola is helping in her way, let me help in mine." Hermione could only shrug and agree. The final product looked posh and tasteful. There were no living druids to guide her, so party invitations it was. Hermione owled Theo and Marcus their invitations. She included a note that her parents arranged for the overnight accommodations at Bovey Castle as a gift to her. She agonized over the decision for several days. In the end, she felt she couldn't invite both the Gryffindors and Slytherins. The two groups weren't ready for that. One group didn't even know the other existed. And neither Harry nor Ron had been very supportive over the last year. While Harry apologized, his constant siding with Ron and avoiding her unless he needed something grated. Marcus and Theo deserved to witness the first druid ritual ceremony in 400 years.
Both boys arrived via Knight Bus. Hermione greeted them, "Hi. Okay, ground rule: most of this will be in the muggle world among muggles, be polite."
"We're here for you," Theo responded.
"Thank you. My cousins don't know about me being a witch or about true Druids. Please watch what you say. They think this is to celebrate my birthday. They will join us the morning after so we don't have to hide anything happening from them. They nodded. "You'll be sharing a hotel room, my grandparents will help you with anything you don't understand how works. I think that's it. Come on in."
Downstairs in the rec room, Hermione introduced them to the wonders of muggle telly. They watched cartoons until Richard called them to get ready to leave, "Time to get this show on the road."
"Okay," she turned off the television. "We're traveling by vehicle and dimensional door."
"Dimensional door?" questioned Theo, "Really?"
"Yes. I'll open the door, Daddy will drive through. I'll walk through and close it. After that, we drive to the hotel."
"I thought we were staying in a castle?" asked Marcus confused.
"We are, the hotel is a castle," she explained.
After a brief argument, the elder Grangers paid for five rooms, even though only four of them would be used that night for sleeping. They smoothly passed out the keys. "We'll meet down here at 8 pm. That will give us nearly an hour and a half to get to the wooded area," Jules instructed. The adults graciously assisted the wizards with the new key cards and other muggle things.
Hermione went to the open fifth room to prepare. Her aunt and uncle would check in the next morning. But tonight it gave her a private space to prepare. She ran a bath to wash with the cleansing soap her Nain made. She laid out the loose tunic and pants on the bed and returned to the bathroom.
She settled herself in the large clawfoot tub. A small metal shelf hung over the side to rest shampoo on. According to the instructions she poured hot water over her head to wet herself. She lathered up the bar and cleaned her hair, then her face, arms, torso, then legs. Eyes closed against the soap, Hermione groped for the cup to rinse herself. Water had to be poured from overhead, not dunked into. She kept reaching, unable to find it. Water poured over her head. A voice chuckled, "Can't have our newest member attend herself for something so important, now can we?" Hermione wiped the water from her eyes and looked around.
Immaculately dressed and coifed, Sabia and Una stood next to the bathtub. A house elf happily refilled the cup and rinsed her again. "No, Lady Una, we cannot." Hermione watched them warily. Sabia laughed, "Relax, wise one. Lyall wants you to be our Tempest. He traded for this favor. Any other gifts this night are just that- gifts with no strings attached or hidden traps because the rest of us want you to be our Tempest."
Una held up a towel for her, "Aye, you rode hard and well. You are one of us. We honor you tonight." Hermione nodded her understanding and bowed her thanks.
"Oh, that's right, you're not supposed to talk. Silent contemplation and all that to think over your choice." She snickered, "Like anyone in your place hasn't overthought these kinds of decisions for weeks."
The fae helped her finish dressing. Una dried her hair and the house elf styled it in a delicate braid. Once ready Hermione again bowed her gratitude, including the house elf in her gesture. The little creature pulled on her ears in pleasure. "Careful, Una," teased Sabia, "or Hermione will charm away your maid."
She chuckled in a deep, rich voice, "My people know they are free to come and go as they like. If Lila decides the lass suits, who am I to deny her happiness?" She looked at Hermione, "Go join your people. We will see you when it is time."
Hermione wrote out a little card to remind the others she couldn't talk and grabbed her copied instructions. She dropped her bag off in the room she shared with her parents. She found everyone waiting for her in the front desk area. "Ready, duckie?" Iola asked. She nodded. "Do you need to be alone first or anything?" She shook her head. "Into the car then."
Marcus followed the group, admiring Hermione's hair in the swinging braid. He likes it confined like that just as much as the chaotic curls. He admitted to himself he found his friend quite fetching. He had for a while, probably since she cried on his shoulder and he noticed how soft she was. But as a wise one she was so far above him socially he knew better than to do more than dream. His mate Adrian offered to set up dates for him, maybe he should agree. Hermione looked around and spotted him lagging behind. She grinned broadly. His heart stuttered for a second. She beckoned him to catch up. He smiled back foolishly and obeyed.
Squished in the backseat together, Hermione noticed how much bigger Marcus was compared to her. He was taller and broader than she remembered. She realized she liked how being pressed against his arm and leg felt quite a bit. She pushed those thoughts down fiercely. She had other concerns at present. In the parking lot, Owain showed the attendant a pass granting the bearer permission to enter druidic sites after public hours. "We'll touch nothing, and leave everything as we found it."
"Otherwise we lose the privilege," Iola added.
The man nodded, "Of course."
"We won't be long," Richard assured him.
The group filed past. Once they rounded a bend out of sight, Hermione took the lead. She followed the pull within her to a large carved rock. The spiral carvings barely visible through the moss. She stopped and looked at the group. She pointed down at the path. "We'll stay here," Bethan said. Her daughter nodded in agreement.
Hermione slipped off her shoes and stepped onto the moss covered ground. She felt a thrill of recognition and welcome. She sank to her knees before the rock. Head bowed, she traced the grooves. "Here now, little light, allow us." Her head snapped up. Lyall, Finn, Una, and Sabia stepped through a door. Lyall chuckled, "Did you think we would have you initiate yourself? That would be too sad, lass."
Finn moved in front of her. Hermione shuffled backward to give him room. The other three stood at the cardinal points forming a small circle. "Do you come here of your own volition?"
"I do."
He touched her forehead, "Have you connected yourself to the world that birthed you?"
"I have."
"Show us your wonders," he instructed. She stood and in rapid succession created each of the elements. She drew her athame and sliced her hand and healed the cut without scar. Finally, she became an adder, a golden eagle, and a black wolf.
"Excellent. As the descendant and ancestor of several Druids, I stand in their stead. I welcome you to their ranks."
She bowed her head and returned to her knees, "Thank you, Prince Finn."
"Have you chosen your path, wise one?"
"I will walk the path ordained at my birth," she responded.
"Very well, Light-Amid-the-Dark, do you accept Lord Lyall's offer?"
"Yes, I will stand as the Wild Hunt's Tempest."
"Lofty goals, little one. But be welcomed." He marked her forehead at her widow's peak. Then around her left eye. "Stand, Druid, and be received."
The other three moved closer. "We come bearing gifts to celebrate," Lyall told her.
"And because we have standards to maintain," Una sniffed playfully.
Sabia held out her gift first, "An appropriate gown for formal events, the first of many to be sure."
Una smiled, "Lila took a shine to you. She wishes to serve. She will come to you when you return home. I know you will treat her well."
Lyall took her wrist in his hand, "I give you the marks of your paths." He traced the circle of the Hunt's mark then pressed a finger to the skin inside. Silver lightning bolts, sapphire waves, and scarlet flames wove themselves with the air of the hunt. Inside a black triquetra appeared. Specks of silver glittered in the dying light. "In olden days bonfires burned for days to celebrate the feasts and new Druids."
"I get smores tomorrow, so there's that," she joked.
"There will be feasts as you grow," promised Finn. "Return to your people with our blessings."
"Thank you all," Hermione bowed her head.
"Be well, Lady Hermione," said Finn as he stepped backward away from the circle they formed.
She turned back to her family and friends, "Well, that's done."
Owain stared at his granddaughter in awe. Black outlines of vines twisted together to dip down to a point on her forehead resembling a tiara. Solid lines swirled around her left eye to form a glyph. "You look magnificent, my darling," he held open his arms for a hug. She rushed into his arms.
"Will those marks show all the time?" inquired Jules as he hugged her.
"Not the facial ones. They only show when I want them to. The wrist markings show all the time." Hermione explained as she hugged her way around the group. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach when Marcus hugged her. She noticed he also seemed reluctant to let go, letting the embrace last a little longer than the rest had. She suppressed her facial tattoos as they reached the car park. She thanked the attendant for allowing them in. The man smiled indulgently, not quite knowing why he felt happy and proud. On the ride back to the hotel she traced the new design on her wrist. She did it. She finished her training. Well her basic training anyway. But she could help Harry now and bring justice to a wronged man. She checked, Sirius Black never received a trial. He was sent to prison without being convicted. She could demand one. And she would, in a few weeks when the Wizenmagot reconvened. Those were thoughts for tomorrow. Tonight was for her. "How much could you see?" she asked.
Her mother smiled, "Us muggles, that's the word, right?" After confirmation, she continued, "Us muggles could see shadows. We could only hear you. I think the boys could see and hear more." Marcus could hear and see everything, Theo could only see everything and hear her. "Can we ask questions?"
"I suppose so. Should we wait for dinner?"
"Good idea. We're having dinner in the village," Richard told them. "Dad rented their back room for privacy."
Hermione waited until the wait staff delivered their food and everyone settled in.
"Before questions maybe I should explain some things. It might answer most of them. While there are no other living druids their memories linger on like in the portrait in school. I have seen some in other places, as well. A few recognized the signs of a possible path early on. A druidic path is a life philosophy, you could say. The thing they work to achieve. Some are easier than others. Mine is so rarely taken it has a title, the Light-Amid-the-Dark. It's why I glow when I use prolonged magic. The second title, the Tempest, is a position within the Wild Hunt. It is a fae trained druid. Tonight I confirmed my path and accepted the position.
"You joined the Wild Hunt?" explained Bethan, "You're thirteen!"
"Age means little to the fae. They only care about ability and power," replied
Hermione. "I can more than keep up, that's what they care about."
"Do you have any plans?" asked Theo.
"Yes, and I need your help, or rather your father's."
"Seriously? He'll be delighted, but what could you need from us?"
"I want to demand a trial for Sirius Black, but I'm not ready to declare myself to the world at large. I would like for him to spearhead this for me."
"I'll ask him as soon as we get home."
"Thank you, I'll write him myself with the facts and what I would like."
"Why aren't you ready to announce yourself?" asked Richard.
"I'm a muggleborn minor. Wizards could decide I need to be raised in a proper wizarding home, where magical people could oversee me. Because they think that would make me easier to control. I could be placed with someone like the Malfoys, pureblooded bigots. For my own good, of course. I don't want that. So, until I have to, or can speak for myself, I'll stay in the shadows."
Both purebloods nodded sagely, "That's a good idea. You should probably consider finding a powerful benefactor. Someone you can trust," advised Theo.
"Not your father?" asked Richard concerned.
Theo chuckled, "No, he admitted the temptation to try to use Hermione for political gain would be quite strong. But he'll present her request for a trial for the prestige of being seen as knowing the Druid."
"He doesn't know who she is?" asked Jules.
Theo shook his head, "He knows I go to school with her. Knows the Druid is female. He knows that Marcus's parents have met her, but I don't trust his ambitions enough to give him a name." He looked at Hermione, "He understands and agrees. The zeal to win or overcome an opponent might lead to regrettable circumstances. No one wants to potentially anger her by invading her privacy."
"Whatever you think is safe," Hermione replied. She noticed the nervous look her parents exchanged.
So did Theo, "Don't worry. Hermione would have warning. And can deliver a face full of fire if they displeased her."
"Not that I would," she said primly. "And the benefits outweigh the risks."
"Hermione, don't put yourself in danger for Potter," said Marcus.
"Years too late for that. But I'm not. I'm walking my path. I know Sirius Black is innocent. I know he never received a trial. I cannot sit on the sidelines now that I can do something. That it benefits him is a pleasant side benefit." She paused, "No, you cannot change my mind. Yes, I am sure."
"Okay, I'll leave you to it," Marcus held up his hands in surrender. "What are we doing tomorrow?"
"Hiking, a picnic lunch, then perhaps over to Grey Wethers to the circles there. Then back here to the castle. They are holding a bonfire, complete with roasted marshmallows," replied Owain.
Enid smiled, "I brought the other items for s'mores. Can't have a summer bonfire without s'mores."
Jules looked about mischievously, "Okay, boys, someone explain quidditch."
Rhys, Eilonwy, and Gareth cheerfully greeted Harry and their cousin when they arrived. Eilonwy eyed the other two boys with delight. "She's gotten boy crazy on us," whispered Mari to Bethan. "Heavens help us." The group spent the day hiking through woods and over fields. Hermione joked and laughed with Marcus, while Eilonwy made eyes at Theo. Gareth happily chattered from between his grandparents.
Rhys tried to keep an eye on his sister while spending time with his cousin, "Do I need to keep an eye on him?"
Hermione giggled, "Theo's wary, and possibly terrified. Don't worry, he won't do anything." Noticing her cousin's frustration with Theo's lack of response she skipped forward to join them.
Rhys moved closer to Marcus, "Is she happy at your school?"
Marcus shrugged, "I suppose so. Last year was stressful for her. She took too many classes. She promised not to do that again. She had a few rows with her other friends."
"Other friends? You aren't all friends?"
"Theo and I are in a different house, dorm group, than she is. She has friends in her own. We don't get along well," he explained. "Damn gits made her cry," he muttered darkly. Rhys noticed but remained silent.
"She was going to come to Marlborough with me until her invitation to Hogwarts, is it? I was kind of looking forward to that." He kicked a small rock up the path. "But if she's happy and has friends, then I'm glad. Are you dating?"
"Um, no," Marcus answered quietly.
"Why not?"
"She's too good for me. And I don't want to risk ruining our friendship."
Rhys clapped him on the shoulder, "I get it. But if she decides she wants you, don't fight it. She's the only one who can decide if someone is good enough for her."
"So, being smart is a family thing," laughed Marcus.
"Apparently."
Thoros Nott sat in his study reviewing the latest business contracts. His son knocked on the door and waited patiently for permission to enter. "Good evening, Theodore, to what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked without looking up.
"My friend, the Druid, requested our help, more yours than mine."
Thoros put down the quill and gave his son his full attention, "How can House Nott be of service?"
"She learned that not only did Sirius Black never have a trial, but he is innocent. She wants you to demand a trial."
"What of his crime in escaping prison?" asked Thoros, testing his son and possibly the young Druid.
"She points out he never should have been there to begin with. Five minutes and a vial of truth serum would have set things right. She said pardoning him would be the beginning of restitution for wrongful imprisonment, false arrest, and subversion of justice."
"What else did she suggest?"
"Restore all personal and family vaults, properties, and assets to the state they were in when he was incarcerated."
"That might anger some relatives," pointed out Thoros.
Theo nodded, "She said to tell them 'The Druid, the Light-Amid-the-Dark, who stands with the Hunt as their Tempest, demands justice and balance."
"They will demand her identity."
"You don't know it. If you don't mention gender they will remain clueless until she is ready to announce herself."
"And why House Nott?" He asked again, testing.
Theo answered, "We're known followers of the old ways."
"She has considered most angles. I will present this for her. Though her knowledge of those events might narrow down the suspects."
"She knows. But she says her path won't let her ignore this miscarriage of justice. She's prepared for the possibilities."
"I am pleased to assist."
"Thank you, Father."