Edelweiss

8 – Edelweiss

I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief.

Gerry Spence

Relief washed over Hermione as they all landed right by the Tor in Glastonbury. The magic hadn't been...yet...disabled there.

She headed for the lake and smiled as the children oohed and aahed once it became visible to them.

Louisa suddenly looked happier, and Hermione wondered if her Sight had reassured her.

The young priestess summoned a boat, which arrived almost instantly, and ushered them all into it, helping Gretl as she stumbled. The fog was the most intense she'd ever seen between Glastonbury and Avalon. The worlds are parting again...

The barge made its way slowly but steadily towards the isle. The children sat in awe, their eyes wide, as Hermione lifted the fog with one swift movement and the beauty of the island was revealed before them.

The grass was still green here, the temperature more summer-like, and cows and sheep and goats and horses grazed peacefully amongst to each other. Trees displayed their stark winter nakedness, yet everything seemed milder and filled with life.

Minerva was waiting on the beach and helped Gretl out of the boat. "Thank you, Lady." Gretl bowed, and Minerva smiled down at her before turning to greet Hermione.

"Come, let's go inside and have some tea, and you can tell me the details." She led the way to the small house, motioning for a young priestess to prepare tea as she entered the kitchen, and then gestured to the table. "Sit down, everyone."

Minerva was silent while Hermione relayed the events of the morning, with occasional additions thrown in by Louisa, Kurt, and Gretl. Finally, when all had been told, she turned to Hermione. "Yes, you must find Hermann. It would not do to leave him in the care of ignorant Muggles. I presume you know where to look for information?"

At Hermione's brief nod, she continued, addressing Louisa. "Hermione is right. Mr Potter may even know Draco's whereabouts. I know they've been building something akin to friendship since the end of the war. I also hope Harry can pull some strings at the Daily Prophet. It is becoming vital that the entire wizarding world be informed of this abomination. Trying to take our magic away!" Minerva shook her head in indignation.

After a short silence, she addressed Hermione again. "How is your Animagus training coming along?"

Hermione glanced at Louisa, smiling. "We've been practising, and I think under normal circumstances, another week or two and we would both succeed."

Minerva nodded. "Good. We can spend the daylight hours to further your training." She turned to call a young priestess and asked her to show the children around the isle.

Soon, the Lady, priestess, and young witch headed for a lawn not far from the beach. "It'll be easiest to practise in a wide-open space, unless you already have a definite idea what your form is," Minerva explained.

The sun moved unnoticed across the late autumn sky, watching as Hermione and Louisa practised to become Animagi, and eventually set in the far West, leaving a bluish-purple sky behind as twilight slowly set over the country.

"Try once more, both of you!" Minerva exclaimed, excitement evident in her voice. "I could feel the shift of energy just now; you're almost there!"

Hermione took a deep breath, concentrated, and cast the spell for what felt the millionth time. Then, for a moment, the world stopped spinning. I did it! I think I did... A wave of utter panic washed over her.

She took a few tentative steps and realised she couldn't walk as well as in her human form. Water didn't seem attractive except for, perhaps, catching fish. Fish? She'd never liked fish before, but the idea of catching fish suddenly appealed. There was one more option left.

She flopped and was amazed to find she had wings. Next, she tried to flap her arms and was shocked she could, lifting up a few feet before falling back onto the ground. Oh, Merlin, I'm a bird!

When Hermione attempted to soar up into the air, tentative hope transfigured into firm knowledge. Yes!

Looking down below, she saw the lawn and the beach, the smallest dragon she'd ever seen, and the Lady of the Lake, who expressed her joy by clapping wildly and laughing delightedly and transforming into cat and back into human. "You both did it!" she exclaimed, clapping again.

The dragon suddenly spread its wings and rose rapidly upward until it'd reached her. "We did it!"

Hermione didn't hear the words, but they were as clear in her mind as if they'd been spoken to human ears. How intriguing... She tried to smile at the dragon, but then remembered that, as a bird, it was probably impossible to actually show emotions on her face.

Strangely enough, the dragon managed a crooked smile. Hermione soared to new heights. It was so easy to fly higher and higher, to kiss the few cumulus clouds, to bid the sun goodnight, to embrace the dark that made no difference to her sight. Oh, look! A pine tree! I've never seen any in Avalon before! she exclaimed to her dragon companion and headed straight for its crown to sit down on.

It felt delectable, it smelt scrumptious, and she realised that, right now, life was delicious. Oh, Louisa, isn't life wonderful? she exclaimed.

The dragon, who had found a strong branch just beneath the tree's crown, laughed. Yes, indeed!

We've done it! Hermione rejoiced. Then the high of her first transformation dispersed rapidly. We need to get back!

We do, yes.

Together, Hermione and Louisa flew back to the lawn where Minerva still stood and landed within feet of each other.

"By Merlin, you've done it!" Minerva cried. "I knew you would! Well, well done!" She stepped towards the girls and pulled them into a tight embrace.

Then, turning to Hermione and sobering quickly, she asked, "Are you prepared for the task ahead?"

Hermione nodded slowly. "The Muggle public offices are closed for the day, and most are cleaned early in the morning. By the time I get there, I'm certain any overzealous civil servant will have gone home, and I'll have plenty of time to go through the files to find out Hermann's whereabouts."

"Let's have a bite to eat first," Minerva suggested, and together, they slowly walked back to the house where a simple meal of scrambled eggs on toast with some greens awaited.

When Hermione stepped back outside, ready to leave for the social services, youth division, office in Glastonbury, dense fog had descended over the lake and beyond, in the direction of the Muggle town. There must be Muggles about... she thought warily. It was hard to even make out the boat only a few yards away.

"Hermione," the Lady said, "be careful," and stretched her hands out in silent blessing.

Hermione nodded, bowed, and pushed the boat into the water, then stepped inside. The journey seemed slower than usual, but she had no doubt it was due to the anticipation of her task ahead rather than the fog. She'd made the journey across the inland sea in moonless as well as foggy nights before, and it had taken no longer than during daylight. Or perhaps it is because the worlds are parting again... she mused and shivered at the thought of the isle disappearing permanently in the mists, as it had before for hundreds of years.

Hermione heard the Muggles even before she reached the bank. Scraps of conversation drifted to her ears, causing a deep frown to form on her face.

"I'm sure it's here! The old biddy told me!" one said, sounding annoyed.

Ah, yes, Dolores Umbridge. I hope someone will enlighten you as to what he's just called you... Hermione thought grimly.

"Did she bother to point out that we can't disable the magic here?" another asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Oh... now that's interesting! Suddenly, Hermione remembered a lesson from the earliest days of her priesthood training, the only lesson ever held right within the ring stones located in the centre of the isle. This,the Lady's voice echoed in her mind as if she were standing right before her, is Britain's most powerful magical point. Ley lines connect these stones to the Tor, to Stonehenge, to the Externsteine in Germany, even to the Great Pyramid in Egypt and Macchu Picchu in Peru.

Of course, Hermione nodded to herself, ley lines, and we're standing on one right here. I wonder if that's why they can't stop the magic. Hm... She made a mental note to look into ley lines from a magical perspective.

"N...no, she didn't. I wonder if she knows at all; not like she's all that familiar with, what'd she call us? Muggles or something," the annoyed voice said.

Muggles indeed, Hermione scoffed and disillusioned herself in the manner of a priestess, but then cast a Disillusionment Charm with her wand for good measure.

Once back on firm ground, Hermione disillusioned the boat and then made her way swiftly towards the Tor and into the village, carefully skirting around the two Muggle men, who were now complaining about the fog.

Once past the Tor, the fog lifted a little. Hermione was grateful, for she didn't know Glastonbury all that well, and too dense a fog would have prevented her from reading the map the tourist office handed out all over the town.

She found the Child Protection Services department of Her Majesty's Public Services without trouble...it was just off the High Street...and a simple Alohamora granted her entry the moment she'd ensured the building was empty. Hermione concentrated, feeling with her Sight, and quickly found the right office and started looking at files piled on the only desk in the room.

The first batch she investigated contained the day's cases, and her eyes flew over each page, searching for Hermann's name. Finally, when she reached near the bottom of the pile, his name stared at her. The notes accompanying his name made her head shake. Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy, parents (suggesting DNA testing here; the boy has pitch-black hair whereas both parents are platinum blond and he looks nothing like either parent; the only resemblance to his "mother" is his prettiness), alleged "wizards," apparently able to cast "magic" (who'd have thought such nutters survived the Hippie trend). Temporarily placed with professional foster parents, Sheila and Colin Johnson, fifteen, Pendragon Park, Glastonbury (see foster parent files for further information) until longer-term solution is found.

Hermione snickered to herself as she wrote down the address and pulled out the map. Magic is still unreal for most Muggles. Will it ever change...? she thought before concentrating on finding Pendragon Park. It was on the edge of town, in the opposite direction of the Tor, probably a good ten-minute walk. She looked at her watch. Nearly eight. Hopefully, Hermann will be in bed but not asleep yet... Sending a plea to the Goddess, she exited the building and started walking down the deserted, still foggy street.

Occasionally, Hermione cast a spell to see if the magic was holding up; she had no idea how far the protection of the ley lines...if that was what prevented the disabling of magic...spread.

When she reached Pendragon Park and started looking at house numbers, it was suddenly very quiet, and there was an eerie silence about like the one she'd felt near Malfoy Manor earlier.

Hermione took her wand out, cast Wingardium Leviosa, and slowly nodded to herself. No magic here... She stopped briefly, taking a deep breath, and considered different scenarios. Then, thinking, Nobody should see us. It's too cold for people to stand outside, and if Hermann remains quiet, nobody will notice any commotion outside... If things go awry, we can hope to make it back to where the magic works; it can't be more than a hundred yards, she started walking again, now briskly, until she reached number fifteen, Pendragon Park.

A sigh of relief escaped her when the house came into view. It was an unconverted Victorian, and chances were that the bedroom Hermann was assigned faced the front.

Hermann... can you hear me? Look out of the window so I know where you are!

She stood in front of the house. There was some light emitting from the ground floor, but upstairs was all dark. Please, Hermann!

After what seemed a very long wait, Hermione finally saw some movement behind the dark window upstairs. Her heart leapt when she recognised Hermann waving at her, smiling. He had difficulty with the window, but eventually managed to yank it open.

"I have a sheet fixed to the shelf and can climb down some," he whispered.

Hermione nodded and held her arms up in readiness to catch him, watching his descend on the bed sheet until he reached the end only a foot above her. She caught him deftly, put him on the ground, and whispered, "Quickly, let's get to where the magic works." Taking his hand, she hurried back towards the main road and only slowed down when the low hum announced the presence of magic.

"Thank you, Hermione," Hermann said. "I knew you'd come for me." The events of the day seemed to be catching up with him; he sounded weary.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through such an ordeal, Hermann." She smiled at him. "It'll all be all right. Gretl and the other children are on the isle with the Lady, and hopefully, we'll hear from Severus soon. He's gone to try and get Narcissa and Lucius out of jail."

His face lit. "I'll be happy to see Gretl again. And I know Severus won't stop until he's found a way out for them."

His hand still clutching Hermione's, they walked at a slower pace now up the hill, with the fog intensifying as they neared the Tor. "There were Muggles around the lake shore earlier, so we'll have to be as quiet as possible," Hermione said.

Hermann grinned at her. "How about casting a Muffliato? The magic is working here, you know."

"Oh, silly me," Hermione said sheepishly. "It's been a long day..." She quickly cast the spell, noticing the magic was almost forcefully strong near the Tor.

The Muggles seemed to have left the area, for the only sound that rang through the air was the hum of magic and the occasional rustle from a gentle breeze.

Hermione breathed in relief when the lake became visible to her. Almost immediately her hairs stood. Someone was nearby, and though she did not sense danger or malice, it was prudent to investigate. She silently cast a Revealing Charm and startled.

"Who is there?" Draco Malfoy asked.

Hermione cancelled the Disillusion spell.

"Grang...Hermione," Draco Malfoy said and smiled when his eyes fell on her companion. "Hermann! I'm so glad you're all right!"

Hermann flew into his outspread arms and hugged his stepbrother tightly. "I was worried where you'd gone!"

Draco laughed. "Oh, I sensed danger, and Mother had told me weeks ago to disappear if the magic stops working. I think I only just made it through the Floo." Then he turned to Hermione. "Severus told me to come here and wait until we hear from him or Potter."

"You went to Harry's? Did you see Severus, then?" Hermione couldn't help asking.

Draco smirked. "Severus turned up around lunchtime, informing us what happened at the manor after I'd left. Potter and I tracked down Patil at the Daily Prophet and filled her in. She promised to put it on the front page in tomorrow's paper. Then we went to see Skeeter, who apparently has some renegade Squib friends who are assimilated in the Muggle world and are looking for ways to stop the government from running such a police state. Must be really bad... Oh, and Ginny went to see old Lovegood, who also promised to run a prominent feature on Muggles trying to steal our magic. And then I came here in the hope that someone would have pity on me and take me over to the isle. Severus said his entire brood is staying in Avalon." He looked awkward now.

If exhaustion hadn't washed over her at that moment, Hermione would have teased Draco. So he does like Louisa... She'll be pleased. Instead, she merely offered a weak grin. "Let me find the boat."

It took mere seconds to locate the boat once she'd cancelled the protective spell from earlier. Half-way through the lake, it took all her power to lift the fog enough to reach the beach of the isle, and when the boat finally hit sand, she stepped onto firm ground and sank down, grateful this horrid day was finally ending.

Minerva came rushing out of the small house, Gretl holding on to her, struggling to keep up. "Hermann!" she squealed and let go of Minerva's hand to run the few steps.

The Lady watched with a smile as the children embraced each other before she turned to greet Hermione and Draco and ushered them all inside. "It's cold out here; let's warm up and have some tea."

Louisa's eyes widened when she saw Draco. "I was so hoping you'd be all right, Draco," she said softly and blushed at his smirk.

"I am fine. Even more so now," Draco said and sat down next to the chair she'd occupied a moment ago. His eyes followed her.

Louisa busied herself making tea for all while Hermione told Minerva about the smooth rescue mission. "I need to look into ley lines. It looks like their measures don't work on them," she finished.

Minerva nodded slowly. "I've been wondering about that. The Malfoys' home is not near any of them, and it seemed to be easy for the Muggles to stop the magic flowing around there." Then she gazed at Hermione. "You need some sleep. It's been a long and eventful day, and you'll do no good if you're exhausted."

Hermione knew Minerva was right. She also knew arguing with the Lady of the Lake was futile. Allowing a sigh to escape, she nodded. "Four hours. Then I'll figure out how to help Severus."

"Go, sleep, child. I'll see what I can find on ley lines in the meantime," Minerva said and pointed to the door leading off the kitchen. "Use the guestroom...no need to go back to the Maidens' House, dear."

Sorry about the delay, but RL has kind of taken over lately. Back now, with one more chapter to go (and it's written). Would love to know what you think of the tale!