Chapter 19
Hermione descended the spiral staircase to the Badger’s Hollow, her robes billowing in her wake, her mind abuzz with anticipation and curiosity. She reached the bottom, stepping into a warm and inviting space filled with the scent of fresh herbs and the soft hum of bees. The chamber was adorned with potted plants, spell ingredients, and a plethora of cosy, worn-in furniture. Her eyes landed on the portrait of Helga Hufflepuff, who looked up from her embroidery with a welcoming smile.
Helga Hufflepuff’s gaze was as warm and open as the room itself, and she took in Hermione’s presence with a gentle scrutiny.
Breaking the silence with a kind but firm voice, Helga spoke first. “Hermione Granger, your reputation precedes you. Your diligence and loyalty to your friends and cause are well-known.”
Hermione nodded, acknowledging the compliment with a modest smile. “Thank you, Lady Hufflepuff. I have come because I seek your guidance and wisdom to awaken Lady Hogwarts.”
Helga set aside her embroidery, leaning forward with an air of gentle authority. “I know why you’re here, Hermione. Elliot has already conveyed your purpose, however, it is imperative you understand that this will not be an easy task, especially for one such as you who possesses no Magic of the Old Religion. ”
Hermione straightened, determination clear in her eyes. “I understand. What must I do?”
Helga’s expression softened further, and with a gesture, a book flew between them, summoned from the distant bookshelf. The pages fluttered frantically until it settled open in front of her. “All I have to say is thus; You have ten days, Hermione. Ten days to complete the quest, should you take any longer, you will forget the way out.”
Hermione took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the task ahead settle upon her shoulders. “Ten days... I understand.”
With a final, determined nod, Hermione turned towards the book. She placed her hand against it, feeling the magic pull her into a whirlwind of light and time.
~~~~~~~
Hermione woke up shivering, her harsh breaths fogging her vision. She looked around, finding herself in a forest surrounded by dense trees. Other than the rustling of leaves, there was no other sound—no hooting of owls, no chittering of insects, and no one else around except for her. The silence was eerie, almost oppressive.
Pulling out her wand, she made quick work of transfiguring her jumper into a heavy cloak, which she pulled tightly around herself against the biting cold. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. Ten days. She had ten days to complete a quest she didn’t know anything about.
She shook her head, trying to dislodge the overwhelming thought. There was no time to stand there and do nothing. However, she looked up at the dark sky and realised she would have to wait until the sun rose to achieve anything. Drawing from what she’d learned camping with her family, she accio’d dry branches to her and made quick work of starting a campfire with incendio. The flames flickered to life, casting a warm glow around her small clearing and providing some comfort against the chill.
Setting an alarm charm on her wand, she settled into a gentle rest, not quite asleep, yet not awake. Her mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead, but exhaustion soon claimed her, and she drifted into a light doze. When she woke, her time limit will have begun.
~~~~~~~
As the first light of dawn filtered through the canopy, Hermione woke with a start, her alarm charm buzzing softly beside her. The campfire had long since dwindled to embers, providing little warmth against the early morning chill. She stretched, feeling the stiffness in her limbs from the night on the hard ground, and rose to her feet, surveying her surroundings more closely in the soft morning light.
The forest, though silent, was beautiful in its own way. Tall trees, their leaves a mix of green and early autumnal hues, stretched high above, their branches forming a thick canopy. The ground was covered in a carpet of fallen leaves and soft moss, and shafts of sunlight pierced through the foliage, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor.
Hermione pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders and took a deep breath. She knew she had to stay calm and collected if she was to survive the next ten days. The first priority was food as water was readily available with an Aguamenti. Her stomach growled, reminding her she hadn't eaten since the previous day.
She took out her wand and began exploring the area. Hermione's knowledge of Herbology and her countless hours spent in the Hogwarts library would serve her well now. She walked carefully, eyes scanning the forest floor for anything that might be edible. After some time, she found a small bush bearing clusters of deep purple berries. Kneeling beside it, she cast a quick Specialis Revelio to check for any magical properties or poisons. The berries glowed faintly green, indicating they were safe to eat.
Hermione picked a handful and tasted one cautiously. The berry was sweet, with a tart aftertaste, and she quickly ate a few more to stave off her hunger. She transfigured a nearby pile of fallen leaves into a small pouch and filled it with berries. While her transfigurations were not yet powerful enough to be permanent, she was confident in her ability to find another food source within twenty-four hours.
Hermione’s goal was clear: escape the forest. Yet, the dense underbrush and towering trees made it nearly impossible to see any landmarks. Each step felt like a push through a tangled maze, where every direction seemed identical. The day passed slowly as she moved cautiously, marking trees with her wand as she passed, creating a breadcrumb trail of magical marks. She searched tirelessly for signs of civilization or any hint of a way out, but the forest offered no clues.
As the evening sun began to cast long shadows through the trees, Hermione felt a strange sensation wash over her. It was an inexplicable tingling at the back of her mind, a sense of being watched or of something significant approaching. She paused, looking around cautiously, but the forest remained as silent and still as it had been all day. Shaking off the feeling, she decided it was time to set up camp for the night.
Using her wand, Hermione silently wove wards around her campsite, enchantments designed to alert her to any approaching creatures or magical presences. She made the protective spells as strong and thorough as she could, layering them with care. With the wards in place, she began to set up her camp fire, her mind returning to the strange sensation she had felt.
As darkness fell, the forest seemed to press in around her, the silence growing even more profound. Hermione sat by her fire, the flames casting a warm glow that contrasted sharply with the cool night air. She ate some of the berries drank from her wand, her thoughts drifting to the days ahead.
Despite her efforts to focus on her plans, Hermione couldn’t help but feel a flicker of apprehension. The forest was vast and unknown, and the sense of being watched hadn't completely left her. She glanced around the darkened woods, the firelight flickering over the trees, and took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. The wards around her provided a sense of security, but the uncertainty of her situation weighed heavily on her mind.
As she settled down to rest, Hermione clutched her wand tightly in her hand. She lay close to the fire for warmth, allowing herself to drift into a light sleep.
~~~~~~~
Hermione woke slowly, immediately aware of the uncomfortable sensation of rough rope digging into her wrists and waist, tree unyielding behind her. Her eyes remained closed, and she regulated her breathing, trying to appear as if she was still unconscious. She could feel the cold seeping into her bones; her cloak had returned to its original form as a jumper and lay discarded on the ground where she had slept. The small campfire she had built was now much larger and crackling with a warmth she desperately craved. The fire’s construction was far more intricate and expertly crafted than anything she could have done.
Through her barely open eyelids, she saw a cloaked figure sitting opposite her, close to the fire. The figure was completely covered, their face obscured by the deep hood of their cloak. They were fiddling with her wand, inspecting it with an intense curiosity. Nearby, the empty Marauder’s Map lay spread out, evidently puzzling to the stranger, and her berry pouch emptied out and turned in on itself.
Realising that feigning unconsciousness would get her nowhere, Hermione let out a soft groan and slowly opened her eyes wider, pretending to awaken. The figure immediately noticed, their head snapping up to look at her.
"Ah, you're awake," the figure said in a low, menacing voice. "I was wondering how long you would keep up the act."
Hermione blinked. "Who are you?" she demanded, trying to sound braver than she felt. Her mind raced, assessing her situation and the possibilities. The fact that this person had bypassed her wards meant they didn't have magic, which oddly made her feel a little safer. At least they weren't a Death Eater or another dark wizard.
The figure tilted their head, examining her with an unsettling intensity. "I've been watching you," they said slowly, voice tense. "The magic you wield, the wards around your camp... it’s remarkable. Are you the ‘legendary Merlin’?"
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise, and she couldn't help but let out a laugh, though it sounded more nervous than she intended. "Merlin? No, I'm not Merlin.”
The figure seemed to consider this, their fingers still playing with her wand. "If you are not Merlin, then how do you possess such powerful magic?”
Hermione's mind raced. Clearly, this person had no understanding of modern magic or her world. She needed to use that to her advantage. "I studied at a school for magic," she said carefully. "But I promise, I'm not anyone legendary.”
The figure leaned forward, their posture still menacing. "A school for magic, you say? Interesting. You will tell me more about this place and how you came to possess these abilities."
Hermione swallowed hard, trying to buy herself some time. "I'll tell you what I can, but first, can you untie me? It's rather difficult to talk like this."
The figure laughed, a harsh, mirthless sound. “Do you think me a fool?” they sneered. “I’m not going to untie you just because you asked nicely. Now, tell me about this school and your magic.”
Hermione took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She needed to be careful with her words. “Alright,” she began, choosing her words deliberately. “I attended a school called Hogwarts. It’s a place where young witches and wizards are taught to harness and control their magical abilities.”
The figure's grip on her wand tightened, their interest clearly piqued. “Hogwarts,” they echoed. “And what kind of magic do they teach there?”
“All kinds,” Hermione replied cautiously. “Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, and Defence Against the Dark Arts, among others. We learn how to use our magic to protect ourselves and help others.”
The figure leaned back slightly, contemplating her words. “Interesting. And how did you come to possess such powerful magic? You’re clearly not just any witch.”
Hermione hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. “I’ve always had a talent for magic,” she said finally. “But it’s through years of study and practice that I’ve become proficient. Hogwarts provided me with the knowledge and skills I needed.”
“And how did you find out you had this… talent?”
Hermione's eyes narrowed, a slow feeling of understanding welling up inside her. "When one who belongs in Hogwarts shows their magical ability for the first time, they are recorded within an enchanted book. However..." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "Had you possessed any magical ability, you would never have been able to enter my wards. It's a fundamental principle of magical protection."
The figure's voice darkened, their grip tightening on Hermione's wand. "You dare to imply that I am incapable of magic?" they growled, their voice low and dangerous.
Hermione held her ground, her voice steady despite the rising tension. "I'm merely stating a fact," she replied firmly. "Magic cannot penetrate certain types of magical barriers unless the caster has sufficient skill and power to overcome them. It's basic magical theory; my wards were not broken nor did they alert me with your entry, I can still sense them."
Hermione could hear their teeth grind as the figure's gaze bore into Hermione, their eyes probing for any sign of deception. "What are you doing on this island?" they demanded. "People don't normally stay here. It's not a place for travellers."
Hermione considered her response carefully, weighing her options. Merlin was the only thing she had recognized since her arrival, and despite the figure's evident disdain towards Merlin, they still acknowledged him as a legendary figure. Perhaps invoking his name would earn her some belief if not favour.
"I'm travelling to seek Merlin," Hermione replied, her voice steady. "I've heard stories of his wisdom and power, and I believe he can help me with... certain matters."
“Merlin, you say?" they repeated, their tone less hostile. "The legendary warlock himself?"
Hermione nodded, hoping her words were convincing. "Yes, that's right. I've travelled far and wide in search of him, hoping to gain his guidance and wisdom."
The figure studied her for a long moment, as if searching for any hint of falsehood. Finally, they seemed to relax, a faint glimmer of recognition in their eyes. "You're not so different from me, then," they said slowly, their tone less hostile than before. "I, too, am seeking Merlin."
Hermione's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing with possibilities. Could this person be an ally rather than an adversary? She kept her expression neutral, careful not to reveal too much too soon. "You're seeking Merlin as well?" she asked, feigning surprise. "What for?"
The figure hesitated, their gaze flickering away for a moment before returning to meet Hermione's eyes. "That's... a matter for another time," they said evasively. "But it seems we have a common goal, you and I. Perhaps we can help each other."
Hermione's mind raced with possibilities. If this person truly was seeking Merlin, perhaps they could provide her with information or assistance to aid in her quest. But she couldn't afford to let her guard down completely. There was still much she didn't know about this mysterious figure, and she needed to proceed with caution.
"Perhaps we can," Hermione agreed cautiously. "But first, untie me.”
Hermione's request hung in the air, the tension palpable as she waited for the figure's response. They regarded her with a calculating gaze, their expression unreadable beneath the shadow of their hood.
"Why should I untie you?" the figure countered, their voice tinged with suspicion. "What guarantee do I have that you won't try to escape or turn against me?"
Hermione swallowed hard, her mind racing as she searched for a convincing answer. "Because," she began, her voice steady despite the rising stakes, "we both seek Merlin. If we're to work together towards our common goal, we need to trust each other. And trust starts with mutual respect and cooperation."
The figure seemed to consider her words for a long moment, their gaze flickering between Hermione and her bound wrists. Finally, with a reluctant sigh, they reached out and began to untie the ropes.
"But make no mistake," they warned, their tone firm. "This is a gesture of goodwill, nothing more. If you betray that trust, there will be consequences."
Hermione nodded, her relief palpable as the last of the ropes fell away. Flexing her wrists, she resisted the urge to rub at the chafed skin, instead focusing on maintaining her composure.
"Thank you," she said sincerely, meeting the figure's gaze with a steady look of her own. "I appreciate your trust, and I won't betray it."
The figure nodded curtly, their demeanour still guarded. "Now that you're free, let's discuss our next steps," they said, their voice clipped. "We need to find Merlin, and we need to do it quickly. Time is of the essence."
Hermione nodded in agreement, her mind already racing with plans and possibilities. She knew she had to tread carefully, but if this person truly was seeking Merlin, perhaps they could provide her with the information and assistance she needed to complete her quest.
Hermione slowly reached out to take back her wand, sighing in relief when she closed her fingers around it. She joined the figure by the fire, the flames casting flickering shadows across their faces as they regarded each other in silence.
After a moment, Hermione cleared her throat, breaking the quiet that had settled between them. "Perhaps if we started again," she suggested, her voice calm but tinged with curiosity. "My name is Hermione Granger. What's your name?"