Hello, my lovelies. Someone may have had overtime each week for the last few weeks. Someone may also gotten metaphorically shoved out of the office early today because she needs to take a break and the other charting can wait until next week. So, I got this ready and decided to post it early. The next chapter will be early, too, because I have plans next weekend.
To respond to the most reviewed item, Hermione is not going to be foolishly telling just anyone who she is. Once Harry had questions he wouldn't leave alone, how could she not tell Ron? She's not taking an ad in the Prophet.
Chapter 3 Summer Solstices.
They saved the philosopher's stone from the Voldemort-possessed Professor Quirrell. Gryffindor won the House Cup even though they lost the Quidditch Cup. Hermione spoke with Amira about Voldemort and what his essence escaping could mean. "Camma and Beiric appearing and calling you the Light foreshadows several possibilities. You could be a sign Druids are returning after our long decline. Or you could be a warrior in a battle for the soul of the British Isles. We shall watch."
"The centaurs said war with a great evil was coming. So, no pressure."
"Still. You are a child. Be a child for a bit longer, my apprentice. If you are the warrior your basic training will complete swiftly. Once you have finished your studies we will speak more candidly."
"As you wish, master."
Hermione promised to write Harry and Ron as she could. She wrote more to Harry since regular post were easier for her to send. However, she encouraged him to answer with Hedwig if that was simpler. Once home she regaled her parents with her adventures and lessons. They expressed concern over the possible return of Lord Voldemort. A concern Hermione shared. She assured them she had spoken with Amira. She would follow her master's advice. She neglected to mention their suspicions about her part in the coming conflict. She continued her meditations, forging a connection with the natural world. Her Nana's garden had never bloomed so lush or vibrant before. The morning a snake slithered out of the bushes for a conversation she nearly jumped out of her skin. 'Apologies, wise one.'
"No, you're fine. You simply startled me."
"I wished to greet you this fine fast morning."
"Blessed be, small friend." Pleased with the interaction the snake continued on its way. She wished she could write to a portrait about her experiences. Instead, she made a note of it in her journal.
Iola Awbury made arrangements to throw a lavish birthday party for her husband's 60th birthday after the Midsummer celebration their circle would be hosting with multiple circles on the Isle of Angsley at Bryn Celli Dolu, the Mound in the Dark Grove. Hermione was allowed to invite one friend to keep her company. She immediately thought of Harry. She jumped at the chance to get him away from his horrible relatives. When Harry did not respond to the mailed invitation, Iola took matters into her own hands, "All too often these people like social climbing. Even a minor title impresses them. An invitation from Iola Awbrey, baronetess of Wynn will definitely impress them."
Hermione wrote to Harry telling him to be prepared. The Baronetess of Wynn accepted no about as often as she used her title. Well, no for no good reason, other than to be cruel. She sat on a stool at the kitchen island while her grandmother dialed Harry's aunt's number. She giggled to herself when Iola used a fake snotty voice to be her own fake assistant. "Hello, may I speak with Mrs. Petunia Dursley? Yes, my name is Octavia Dumas. I am the personal secretary of Iola Awbrey, baronetess of Wynn. Are you available for her call?" She paused, winking at Hermione, and switched to her regular voice. "Good afternoon. I apologize for contacting you without an introduction..." She stopped to listen to Petunia's assurances before continuing. "My granddaughter is friends with your nephew." Pause. "Yes, Harry. I am planning a two week event for my husband in June and Hermione is allowed to invite a few friends to keep her entertained. May we pick him up Friday?" She listened "Oh no, Owain and I insist. We'll collect him at six thirty." She listened again. "No, that's fine. We could not impose upon you for dinner but thank you. Yes, see you then." She hung up the phone. "All settled, my dear."
Hermione leapt from the stool and hugged her grandmother. "You're the best! Thank you. They're just so awful to him. I hate that he has nowhere else to go."
"You are most welcome. Remember that tactic, don't ask permission. Make a statement. Harder for people to refuse that way."
"I'll try," Hermione promised.
"Be ready to pick your friend up with us. And at the site, don't neglect your cousins or other friends."
"Yes, ma'am. I'm going to pack."
"Very good."
Friday Hermione and her grandparents drove to Little Whinging. They made a day of the road trip before arriving promptly at six thirty. "One should always be punctual," Owain said.
"Unless a dramatic entrance is called for," Iola advised. Hermione nodded. She followed them up the walk. The door flew open just after the knock sounded. Dressed in their Sunday best, the Dursleys waited to greet them.
"Your lord and ladyship," Petunia curtsied. "Welcome to our humble abode." She stepped back to admit them. "I am Petunia, this is my husband, Vernon, and our son, Dudley. And that is our nephew, Harry."
They entered the front parlor. Everything sparkled. Hermione suspected they could have safely eaten off the floor. "May I offer you a drink or finger food?"
"Oh perhaps some lemonade since you went to the effort," replied Owain. Hermione sat next to Harry and watched her grandparents charm and play the Dursleys like instruments. When Vernon boasted of an important upcoming dinner party, Iola pounced, "Why doesn't Harry stay with us then? We cannot impose on you to collect him or have us interrupting. We shall simply keep him through the end of summer." When Harry made a face Hermione shook her head slightly and he remained silent.
"Oh, we couldn't impose," started Petunia looking at Vernon.
"No imposition. Hermione mentioned their other friend, Ron. We'll have him over as well," Iola smiled.
"If you're sure..." Petunia said slowly, "I suppose it would ensure things went smoothly."
Vernon nodded, "It might indeed. You'll take the blasted bird?"
Owain looked at Hermione, "Harry has an owl. Her name is Hedwig."
"Sounds delightful," replied her taid.
"Go pack your bags and trunk, boy," blustered Vernon before his wife shot him a look. Petunia made a show of seeing them off to ensure the neighbors noticed. She would downplay Harry's involvement, but still, nobility visited her house.
Hedwig's cage sat on the backseat between the children. "I don't want to be a problem," said Harry.
"You aren't. Though Hermione thought you might want to let Ron know you're away from home." Iola told him.
"I thought he might want to invite you to visit, too," she said quietly. "But if he can't Mum and Dad said you can stay with us until school starts."
"Thanks, Hermione."
"You're welcome." They spent the night at the Grangers' house before continuing to Angsley. Hermione explained they would be camping for the five days of the festival before staying four nights at a local hotel for Owain's birthday. "Kind of a big deal. They invited a bunch of other circles. Touristy types come, too."
"What about the statute of secrecy?"
"Ritual magic doesn't register. Neither does druidic magic. Most of the ritual is for good fortune or such. They don't expect much. I've always seen fairies and sometimes high elves. I don't know if you will or not. No one else seems to."
"Either way, better than being at home," he shrugged.
"Harry, bunking with Malfoy in a one room log cabin would be better."
He snorted in laughter, "Barely. I wrote to Ron and told him how your family sprung me. The Weasleys invited me to stay with them the last weeks of summer."
"That's great, Harry."
"You, you don't mind?" he asked hesitantly.
"If you recall, I suggested it," she reminded him. Harry beamed. He hugged her and she returned the gesture.
"Okay, now that that's settled I have questions. I didn't want to ask too much at school," Harry started.
"Let's have them," Hermione answered.
"What is the difference between being a Druid with a capital D and being a witch? Both have magic, right."
"They both can perform magic, but different kinds of magic. Druids can create and control the elements. A witch can create a small flame, but not manipulate it. You can fill a glass of water, or make a small jet of water. That's about it. I control all four and can make them do what I want. Some Druids can heal magically using their connection to the natural world instead of spells and potions. Some can speak every language. That is not me," she admitted. "Wizards can learn how to become animals, Druids can take more than one form. And the process is vastly different. I can speak with snakes, perhaps more animals, I don't know yet. Druidic magic comes from a different source. The trace the ministry uses to track underage magic doesn't recognize it."
"Could you teach someone else?"
"I could share the meditations and the lessons, those are similar to the types of things I grew up with. But the actual abilities? No, those are innate. Similar to how not every Druid has the same skill set, you either have the abilities or you don't. Some Druids can do fantastical things, like the stuff Ron was talking about."
"Like raining fire and stuff?"
"Yeah."
"Can you do that?"
"Not yet, and maybe not ever. It's too soon to tell. Does that answer your questions?"
"I think so. I reserve the right to ask more questions later."
"Fair enough."
Harry watched with amusement as
Bethan Granger marked items off her list as they were packed. He discovered where and why Hermione learned her organizational skills. Richard Granger was decidedly less on top of things. But what he lacked in order he made up for with enthusiasm, "That's everything. Everybody in!" Harry climbed in the third seat with Hermione, her grandparents in the second seat, her father driving and her mother navigating. Once they left London and its surrounding municipalities behind Richard and Bethan changed places.
Harry looked at Hermione, "Daddy is a champion city driver. However, the open road and mountains terrify him." Harry simply nodded in response.
On the isle, they selected a campsite with a copse of trees nearby. Shamrock colored grass rustled in the breeze accented with wildflowers. The preteens helped erect the family tents. Hermione's grandparents had one, her uncle's family another, and the Grangers one. They positioned the openings to face one another in a circle. Gavin and Mari Awbrey arrived in the night. The next morning Hermione introduced Harry to her cousins: Rhys, Eilonwy, and Gareth along with her friends, Willow and Arlo. The seven of them toured the barrow of Bryn Celli Ddu. Then explore the rest of the grounds. The others explained the myriad activities for the next few days to Harry: drum circles, nature activities, dance circles, meditations, the sunset Midsummer's Eve ritual, plus sunrise and sunset rituals on the solstice. "And Hermione's yearly joke about seeing elves."
Harry looked at her questioningly. She nodded slightly. His eyes widened, "Other higher fairies, too," she teased.
"Can they not see them?" asked Harry.
"No, I don't even know if you will see them," she admitted. "I've never been here with another wizard."
Hermione woke up irritable. Her skin itched. She felt pressure pushing against her from all sides. She apologized every time she snapped at someone. Several times she offered to leave the others to enjoy themselves. They declined, insisting she stay. Harry remained with her in the stream when she admitted the cool running water helped. The press grew stronger as the day grew older. Harry suggested one of the meditation groups forming nearby. "Being calm seems to help somewhat," he explained. She nodded and followed him to the loose group gathering in an open field.
"Welcome one and all, everyone get comfortable. Sit, lie down, find the position that works best for you," said the plump snow-haired woman. Her flowy caftan bunched up as she sat cross-legged. Harry sat with his legs in front of him, the soles of his feet touching. Hermione lay on her back with her hands resting on her chest. "Excellent. Now we begin by focusing on our breathing. In and out. The movement of the air within us. Changing places with the air beyond us. How it connects us with everywhere it has been and will go. Air brings us the sounds and secrets of our surroundings. It cools us in the heat. It brings us the warmth of fire in the cold." She lapsed into silence as the group followed her suggestions.
Hermione focused on her breathing like Amira taught her. True power came from the calm within. Emotions fueled magic, often with flashy results. But it faded swiftly. Just as emotions ebbed and grew so did the power it fueled. Calm casting leads to more consistent results. Her thoughts drifted to the element of air. Without meaning to she stirred the air around her, summoning a breeze to dance and twirl over the meadow. It caressed her cheek and ruffled her hair. She noticed some of the pressure eased. Her skin no longer tingled painfully. She could breathe. Unsure of whether the meditation or the discharge of magic helped, she made a note to ask Amira later.
Harry followed Hermione to their places on the outermost ring of numerous circles. "I like being able to see everyone. Since it is a portal feast the fae walk amongst us. They're coming to watch the Oak King defeat the Holly King tomorrow. You might be able to see them about, too." She pointed to a small hill, "The door appears over there."
"Thanks."
The chant began with the innermost ring and rippled out. As it reached them to door to Tir na Nog cracked open. Hermione learned years ago not to react to avoid attracting attention. Her skin glowed in the dying light. She saw Harry notice, he followed her lead and pretended nothing was happening. The ethereal figures emerged accompanied by bright fairies. They darted about. A few other creatures ventured out. She continued to chant the words to welcome summer, the longest day, and the shortest night. The fae wandered through the crowd, largely unseen. They stopped to observe people before moving on. A tall dark dark-haired male stopped in front of Hermione. Helpless to stop herself, she looked up at his face. "Hello, Little Light. Welcome back. Which path will you walk, I wonder?" He touched her forehead. A glyph glowed sapphire blue upon her forehead. "Walk safely, until we meet again, Little Light. The Hunt will be watching." She responded with a slight bow of her head. He smiled at her and moved to join his companions. The ritual drew to a close not long after this encounter.
As the rings broke up Harry looked at Hermione, "Um, Hermione..."
"I know I look like a glow worm."
"Yeah, and there's a blue mark on your forehead."
"Oh," she replied wishing she had a mirror. Where was Lavender Brown when she could be useful? "I glow when I do druidic magic, especially rituals, nothing I can do about it. The mark is new," she shrugged. The two trailed behind the rest of the family on the walk back to the tents. A small group of three adults and five children stared as Hermione passed. Two of the boys looked somewhat familiar. Their reaction suggested a magical heritage.
"Do they go to Hogwarts?" asked Harry.
"I think so. Only wizards can see the glow. A witch told me that."
Harry chuckled, "You're better than a torch or lantern." She swatted him, "Ow, so violent." They laughed.
Hermione lay in her sleeping bag listening to the sounds of the wildlife. She occasionally held up her hand for examination. She still glowed. Earlier, Harry had drawn the glyph for her. She added it to her growing list of things to ask Amira. She wondered if there were any contemporary books that could help fill in the gaps for her between then and now. She would have to look at Flourish and Blotts. She drifted off to sleep between that thought and the next.
Hermione woke in the predawn gloom. The not quite risen sun gave off a faint light. She felt restless again but in a different way. There was something she wanted to do, or rather, something she felt drawn to do. She rose, dressed quietly, and left a note. She slipped out of the tent. The cool morning greeted her. She closed her eyes and allowed the pull to guide her. She wandered through the surrounding tents and out onto the meadow. She felt the energy change as she stepped into the ancient circle. The small hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Goosebumps ran down her arms. She kicked off her shoes and removed her socks. Barefoot she walked to the center. In the distance, she heard people gathering over near the barrow. She blocked out the sounds.
She turned to the east, "Hail to the guardians of the watchtowers of the East. On this longest day, I greet you." She sent out a tiny breeze. Hermione turned to the south. "Hail to the warriors of the forts of the South. On this shortest night, I greet you." She created a flicker of flame. She made another quarter turn. "Hail to the wardens of the wastes of the West. On this first day of summer, I greet you." She raised and lowered the earth before her. She made a last quarter turn. "Hail to the keepers of the gates of the North. On the day of the Oak King's triumph, I greet you." She dribbled water to the ground. Energy hummed around her. "Send forth your blessings. And accept our gratitude." She threw her arms up towards the cloudless sky. After a moment she closed the circle. Hermione left the sacred circle and returned to the crowds. Her parents smiled at her. Harry looked questioning. She mouthed 'later,' They enjoyed several events like the drum circle. After lunch, her parents sent them to collect more firewood from the ranger station.
"Where were you this morning?" he asked once they were out of earshot.
"At the site of the original druid circle welcoming the sun and summer. Sorry, I didn't grab you. It felt like it was meant just for me."
"I think I can understand that."
They continued in silence to the ranger station. The neat piles of wood sat stacked behind the small building. Harry reached for one bundle only for it to move. "What?"
Confused, Hermione tried. Again, it moved out of reach. "Stop it right now. Show yourself," she demanded. Annoyed she crossed her arms over her chest. A small pale creature with big eyes and large bat-shaped ears appeared. He wore a dingy pillowcase as a tunic. "Explain yourself at once."
"Dobby needed Harry Potter's attention, Wise one. Harry Potter must not return to school." He wrung his hands.
"Why?" asked Harry.
"Harry Potter will be in great danger."
"When am I not," Harry muttered under his breath.
She ignored him. "How do you know?" questioned Hermione.
"Dobby heard master speaking, Wise One. Now Dobby must punish himself." The strange being smashed himself in the head with a log.
"Stop that at once," ordered Hermione. Dobby froze, the log raised to repeat the blow held above his head. "I forbid you from punishing yourself for this." Dobby dropped the log. "Can you explain what kind of danger?" Dobby shook his head. "Very well, we will be doubly on guard this year." Dobby looked alarmed again. "Harry will be unable to protect himself away from school. And he will not be alone there."
"The danger is at
school," protested the creature.
"So is my best chance for defense," Harry said, "but I will remember your warning. Thank you." Dobby looked apprehensive but he departed. "Who was that? What was that?"
"No clue. Ask Ron when you go to his house. Maybe he'll know," She picked up a bundle of wood. "Nothing we can do about it right now." They returned to the campsite. Thoughts of Dobby faded as they enjoyed the rest of the trip.