I Have Confidence

4 - I Have Confidence

In everything natural there is something marvellous.

Aristotle

Hermione suppressed a shudder at the horrific memories floating to the front of her mind as she walked through the gates into the grounds of Malfoy Manor, but was soon distracted by the setup of the informal dinner. If that's informal, what do they do for a formal dinner? she wondered.

A large, green tent covered at least a quarter of the vast grounds, its interior split into an eating area on one side and a space for dancing on another; a bar took over an entire corner. The tables were of varying sizes, some seating only two or three, others providing enough seats for ten people.

When Hermione sat down next to Gretl, who had demanded she be her chaperone for the evening, she realised Warming Charms had been cast over the dining area. House-elves were entirely absent, though she had no doubt they'd been the ones busy in the kitchens.

Dinner appeared magically on the tables, its quality impeccable, but Hermione only picked at her food. Something felt off, though she was unable to place it. I need to get a grip, she thought, annoyed with herself for not controlling her emotions when her glance fell at the central table, which was occupied by the Malfoy couple, Draco, and Snape. She forced her attention away from it and back to the children, ensuring all behaved.

As dinner came to an end, an orchestra started to play, and couples gradually made their way to the dance floor. She noticed with amusement Kurt's eyes following Narcissa, who was now dancing with her husband.

Looking impeccable, elegant, even regal, the blond couple took over the dance floor, first moving to the rhythm of a rumba, then a foxtrot.

"They look so beautiful," Louisa whispered, but her eyes sought out the youngest Malfoy and came to rest on his form.

Before Avalon, Hermione would have readily pointed out that their beauty was merely outward, and deceiving at that, without giving it a second thought. Now, she said, "As do you, Louisa," and smiled at the girl, whose eyes were widening.

"Would you care to dance, Miss Karkaroff?" Mr Malfoy bowed in front of a blushing Louisa.

"Oh... o...of course, Mr Malfoy. I'd be honoured." She took his proffered hand and followed him.

Hermione gazed at the dance floor. Severus was now dancing with Narcissa...a Viennese waltz. They made an equally remarkable couple, Hermione thought without enthusiasm. She was almost glad when Kurt interrupted her thoughts.

"Hermione, you can dance, can't you? Will you teach me?" he asked.

Why not? It will divert my attention, she thought and rose. "Of course. Let's go to the edge of the floor so we don't disturb any of the dancers."

The orchestra was now changing the tune to a slow waltz. By the time it was finished, Kurt had the hang of it. "Oh, that's so much fun!" he exclaimed when the music ended, excitement written on his face.

"Dancing can be fun," Hermione agreed and was thankful when another slow waltz started. Kurt was a fast learner, and she'd not danced for years; they were on fairly even footing.

Hermione started when, just as the music was ending, a hand touched her shoulder. "Care to dance, Miss Granger?" Turning to Kurt, Severus said, "Why don't you find Louisa and dance with her." It sounded like an order rather than a question, and Kurt obviously thought so as well, for he hurried off without protest.

The music started to play again, and Hermione panicked for a moment as she recognised the cha-cha. It had once been her favourite dance, she remembered. She could do it. Even with him.

Especially with him. The proximity to him made her tremble, but the moment he led her, she felt as if ensconced in a safe cave where no evil could reach. He was a fine dancer. But I'd probably think that as long as he doesn't step on my toes...

He chuckled lowly. "No mind reading tonight?"

She managed to shake her head. "No. I do try to avoid it, even more so when there are crowds of people."

"Hm, yes. Makes sense," he agreed and went quiet again.

She wasn't sure whether he enjoyed the dance with her...if he enjoyed anything with regard to her...but it would make a lovely memory for the days when she returned to Avalon, would perhaps help her to adjust to life on the isle again until her crush was overcome, and then she would smile at herself for being a silly young girl while preparing for the Solstice festivities.

Suddenly, she heard Minerva's voice...faint and far away...and wondered why the Lady was calling her and how to find a quiet space so she could listen properly; at the same moment Lucius interrupted their dance.

"Miss Granger, my apologies. Severus, something is going on. Can you check the spells, please? I know we put Warming Charms in place, but the dining area has gone freezing cold. And the glasses aren't refilling themselves. I know we cannot possibly have depleted our stocks."

Something was off, definitely off. A feeling of dread washed over Hermione. "I'll gather the children," she said and turned to head towards the table. They were huddled close together with their cloaks on, except Gretl and Hermann. "Where did Gretl go?" Hermione asked Louisa.

"She and Hermann wandered about," Louisa said. "What is it, Hermione? Something is wrong."

"I believe so, yes, though I can't pinpoint it. Can you use your wand, Louisa?"

"You know I usually can. But I failed at a Warming Charm a minute ago." Louisa took her wand out and cast the spell. Nothing happened. She looked miserable. "I don't want to lose my magic," she whispered.

Hermione shook her head and took her own wand out, casting a spell. Nothing. She frowned. "It's not you. Something...or someone...is messing with the magic." She faced Louisa. "Walk deosil through the tent, and then come to the door and let me know whether or not you've found Gretl and Hermann. Minerva contacted me a bit ago, but I need somewhere quieter to actually communicate with her." She stroked the young witch's head in blessing and left to go outside.

As soon as she stepped outside the tent into a clear night with a sky splattered with stars and a slowly waning moon, she knew something was wrong. Very wrong. It had been impossible to perform a simple spell inside the tent, yet the noise outside had never entered it. Something was missing in the air, despite the racket, something Hermione had felt more than heard since she could remember. Magic, where art thou? She blinked as she looked around, her goal to communicate with Minerva forgotten. There, on the once immaculate lawn parked two helicopters with engines causing enough noise to deafen an entire army.

Hermione narrowed her eyes, then blocked out the noise, the worry over what was happening, the fear of not finding Gretl and Hermann, and concentrated inward.

Hermione! There is tremendous danger. The Muggle government is plotting to eliminate magic. Minerva's voice was faint, but Hermione managed to hear her at least.

The magic is off here at Malfoy Manor, and two Muggle helicopters have landed on the grounds. Hermione's eyes widened when she spotted Gretl and Hermann struggling in a bulky man's arms in the open door of one of the choppers. Oh, Merlin. Gretl and Hermann have been kidnapped. They're inside a helicopter. She started to run towards the helicopters.

Hermione! Summon your powers! Our magic cannot be disabled by any means...

Hermione stopped abruptly. Idiot, she chided herself, taking deep breaths. It took a moment to gather the concentration needed; then, she summoned the East wind to counter the storm the blades of the choppers were causing.

A breeze suddenly started, from the opposite direction of the chopper blades', and gained rapidly in strength. The bulky man yelled into a megaphone someone was holding in front of him, "Surrender your wands, and you can have your prats back! Tell everyone inside to surrender their wands. We know there are fifty people in there, and only four of them are too young to carry wands. I want to see forty-six wands, and you'll have your children back."

The wind was howling. Hermione called upon the goddess to disable the engines. Her head felt as if it were about to explode. Silence would be calming and enable her to call for help if needed. Help? The Great Mother will help me, no matter the noise. A soothing wave of reassurance washed over her.

She'd nearly reached the chopper now. Concentrating with all her might, she addressed Gretl and hoped the little girl would hear her. Gretl! Kick him in the stomach. He'll let go of you, and you'll fall directly into my arms. She looked at the girl above her.

"Kick him, Gretl!" Hermann yelled suddenly, and both children kicked the man, one in the stomach, the other lower down. With a yelp, he dropped both, and Hermione only just managed to catch one in each arm before collapsing in a heap on the ground. "Are you okay?" She looked from Gretl to Hermann.

Both engines stopped, and the sudden silence was almost as deafening as the noise had been. But then, gradually, a barely audible humming returned to refill the air with magic. Hermione sighed in relief.

"We're fine," Gretl and Hermann said as one and scrambled to stand. Hermann held his hand out to her in an offer to pull her up.

What a sweet, sweet boy... Hermione took his hand, but rose on her own strength. "Right. Now, stand behind me. We'll go back to the tent in a minute." Hermione concentrated once more and this time Summoned the fog.

The Easterly breeze obliged, brought the fog in a gesture of camaraderie, and then settled into a quiet, gentle blowing. The fog delivered ice-cold air, making Hermione shiver. "Come," she said quietly. "Let's go back inside."

They turned away from the fog, and Hermione started. The entire party was standing in front of the tent, mouths open, eyes wide.

Lucius ran towards them, his wand in front. He stopped and cast a silent spell that blasted both helicopters, then threw a Scourgify to return the lawn to its former perfect condition.

Thank Merlin, the magic is fully back. A small voice added, For now, but Hermione decided to ignore it. For now.

Narcissa and Severus ran towards them, met a few feet in front of her by two children running to their respective foster parents.

"Cissy!" Hermann flew into her arms and hugged her tightly, burying his head against her shoulder.

"Severus!"

"Gretl! Merlin, you gave me a fright," Severus chided and held her close.

With the children safe, Hermione knelt on the ground, making another effort to contact Minerva. We are safe. For now. The magic is back. Mr Malfoy blasted the helicopters with his wand.

We'll talk tomorrow. I'm proud of you, child. Minerva's voice sounded reassuring.

"Are you all right, Miss Granger? Let me take you inside. It's cold out here." Mr Malfoy gently pulled her up, cast a Warming Charm, and steered her towards the tent.

She ignored the fact he was a Malfoy, grateful she didn't have to walk unaided in her exhausted state. They slowly followed Narcissa with Hermann and Severus with Gretl back to the tent, and Hermione collapsed on the nearest empty chair, burying her head in her arms as fatigue washed over her, her thoughts an undefined stream of blur.

A hand tugged gently at her shoulder. It wasn't a hand she wanted anywhere near, but she was lucid enough to hide that notion.

"Hermione," Narcissa said, "I know you must be utterly exhausted. But there are fifty people here very keen to find out what happened before they're willing to leave."

Hermione looked at her as if for the first time. This wasn't the woman she was jealous of; this was a caring woman, compassionate not only for a child foisted on her but considerate for anything she deemed important. Her blue eyes weren't cold at all. "I... Minerva..." Eventually, she managed to convey to Narcissa what she knew and then watched in wonder as the older witch spoke to the audience.

"It looks like we all could do with someone knowledgeable in elemental magic, since they cannot disable that," Narcissa finished her speech.

Severus turned up with the children in tow. "Come. Let's go back home."

Well... we survived a first test. I think Gretl doesn't remember quite so much yet; I heard Hermione speak loud and clear to her, and yet, she didn't react at all. Maybe it was just the shock.

Oh, finally! I think Severus has discovered Hermione. Or she him. Whichever way, it's fine. Still dreading the near future.

A/N: Grateful thanks to astopperindeath for the beta of this chapter.