Demonstration
Hermione Granger walks smartly up to the teacher’s table, a wad of fliers and a clipboard clutched to her chest, and steps up to the place at the end to address her Charms Professor.
‘Good morning Professor Blishwick.’ She says, loud enough to attract the attention of at least some of the nearby staff and students.
Petra sighs and looks up. She recognises the look of righteous determination on the girl’s face – as it is an expression she herself has worn several times throughout her life – and waits to hear whatever speech Granger has prepared.
‘Professor, as a fellow proponent of the rights of all creatures in our world, I, as spokesperson for the Society for the Promotion of Elvish Welfare would like to formally invite you to be the first to make a stand for the rights of House-Elves and pledge to free your own House-Elf from servitude.’ She intones.
There are a few mutters and sniggers amongst those who are listening, and some looks of surprise or vague intrigue on the staff members faces.
Petra rubs her forehead, it really is too early in the morning for this.
‘Miss Granger.’ She starts. ‘Are you sure you would not rather discuss this matter in private?’ She tries to prompt, knowing that her answer is not going to be what the girl wishes to hear.
Hermione wavers a moment, then steels herself.
‘You know as well as I do Professor that enforced slavery of an entire species is an abhorrent practice which has no place in modern society. Therefore I ask you to put your morals where your mouth is and free your elf.’
Petra takes a long gulp of coffee, places the mug neatly on the table and sits up.
‘No.’ She states.
Hermione looks gobsmacked, and there is a distinctive snort form the Slytherin table.
‘But… I… surely…’ Granger stumbles.
‘Miss Granger.’ Petra tries to keep the annoyance out of her voice. ‘While I agree with you in principle. This is a much more complex issue than perhaps you have had time to properly research and fully understand as of yet.’
Hermione opens her mouth to interrupt, but Petra holds up a hand.
‘If you wish to discuss this matter in more detail with me I suggest you do so when I have had more coffee, and you have completed your lessons for the day. Perhaps during office hours this evening?’ The Charms Professor says.
‘Oh, er, yes Professor, I suppose. Thank you for your time.’ Hermione manages, before walking away, trying to hold her head high, but looking a little embarrassed.
~~
‘I do not appreciate being put on the spot as you did this morning Miss Granger.’ Petra intones the moment she opens her office door to the girl later that afternoon. ‘And it did your campaign no favours as I am sure you have realised.’
‘Is that because your morals were exposed to be not quite as liberal as you might proclaim?’ Hermione challenges, looking half defiant, half nervous.
Petra raises a brow, somewhat impressed at the girl’s hubris.
‘It is because you assumed you knew how I would answer, and attempted to use me to further an objective which you had neither discussed with me, nor requested my support for. I choose the causes I advocate for carefully, and will not be tricked into putting my name, and my backing to a campaign I know nothing about.’ Petra states firmly.
‘Oh.’ Granger looks down.
‘You have a leaflet?’ Petra holds out her hand.
‘Oh, yes.’ Hermione hands one over, and Petra frowns at it.
‘S.P.E.W. A rather unfortunate acronym.’ She scans the rest of the flier. ‘Hermione have you spoken to any elves about this?’
‘Yes, Dobby.’
‘Any others?’ Petra raises her brows, already knowing the answer.
‘Well, they’re brainwashed aren’t they.’ Hermione protests. ‘They’ve been brought up to believe that their only worth in life is to serve others, that they are lesser than witches and wizards.’
‘So, you have spoken to elves who have, in the vast majority, told you that they do not wish to be freed, and yet you have taken it upon yourself to disregard those wishes. You believe yourself to… know better than they do about what is best for themselves? In essence you are ignoring their autonomy and their right to choose, to make decisions about their own lives just as much as any slave owning wizard as ever done.’
Hermione looks utterly devastated.
‘On the other hand, that is an easy excuse, which we may tell ourselves in order to continue the status quo unhindered by guilt.’ Petra leans back in her chair and tilts her head.
‘I’m confused Professor. Do you think that the elves should be freed or not?’ Granger questions.
‘I believe that any elf who wishes to be freed should have that right. And I believe that House-Elves are entitled to the same rights as humans, and that those rights should be enshrined in law. However, I also believe that this movement should come from the elvish community themselves, and not from another wizard telling them what they should want, or how they should live their lives.’
‘But that…’
‘Is a complex issue which may take many many years – decades even – of dedicated support, campaigning, and subtle encouragement, as well as a fundamental shift in the attitudes and lives of the majority of wizardkind? Yes. This is not an issue which can be fixed by one teenager with a few fliers. However, Hermione, I do respect your enthusiasm. If this is something you truly care about, and wish to see to fruition, I would be most happy to support you as and when I am able. To start with I recommend that you talk to as many elves as you can – and this time really listen…’ The Charms Professor suddenly stops mid sentence, going completely still and staring into space.
‘Er… Professor…?’ Hermione prompts.
‘I’m an idiot!’ Blishwick suddenly exclaims. ‘Hermione, you brilliant girl, come with me.’ She instructs, marching from the room.
Hermione has to almost run to keep up with her, pleased though a little confused to see that they are heading for the kitchens. This seems like a rather sudden change of heart, and she cannot imagine what Blishwick is planning to say or do.
‘Excuse me.’ The Professor says as they enter through the door. ‘I know you are all busy…’
‘Busy!’ Exclaims an older elf, who wears a stern scowl and the air of someone who is in charge. ‘Busy she says.’ He grumbles as he turns away to send a row of large pots onto the burners. ‘On top of all of our usual cooking we also have to plan a welcome feast for this Tri-Wizard business, feed a hundred extra mouths for most of the year, and put on a full banquet for the Yule Ball. And that’s just the cooking duties…’
‘Yes Pitts, I know, but I just need to ask…’ Blishwick interrupts a little testily.
‘Extra accommodations, Christmas decorations, laundry…’
‘Oh it’s awful.’ Hermione puts in. ‘You are terribly over worked. Actually that’s what we wanted to talk to you about.’
‘No it’s not.’ Petra cuts the girl off, and Hermione gasps indignantly.
‘Do any of you know an elf named Winky?’ Petra calls out in her most Professorial voice. ‘She was with the Crouch family…’
Most of the elves are ignoring her as they get on with their tasks, a few glance up and shake their heads.
‘Professor Blishwick m’am?’ A small voice squeaks to her left. ‘Did you say Winky?’
‘Yes Winnie, do you know her?’ Petra asks, crouching down to speak to the elf whom she thinks of as Severus’.
‘Winnie hasn’t seen Winky in a long long time Professor, but before Winnie was being at Hogwarts, Winnie was serving the Mulciber family – that’s where Professor Snape was rescuing Winnie from…’
‘Yes Winnie, I know.’ Petra says, trying to be patient. ‘But what has this to do with Winky?’
‘Oh right m’am, yes well before Winnie was serving the Mulcibers Winnie was at home with mother and father, and Winnie’s sister. Winky.’ The elf explains. ‘We was being with the Crouch family, but mother and father is being dead a lot of years now m’am.’
‘Winky is your sister.’ Petra murmurs. ‘Did you know Master Crouch freed her?’
Winnie gasps.
‘Oh no m’am! Winnie was not knowing that. Winnie has not been hearing from Winky in a long long time Professor. Oh dear whatever shall she do?!’
‘Well, I suggest that we find her and bring her here Winnie.’ Blishwick intones. ‘Now, do you have any idea where we might find her?’
~~
‘I have a lead on Winky.’ Petra states as she enters Severus’ quarters later.
Severus glances up from his book, and waves his wand at the wine bottle, which promptly pours her a glass.
‘She’s Winnie’s sister.’ Petra says, plucking the glass out of mid air.
Severus blinks.
‘Of course, I should have thought of that.’ He frowns. ‘The Mulcibers and Crouches used to be allies back before Grindelwald’s time, and elf families do tend to give their offspring similar sounding names.
‘Well, I was reminded today that we are all inclined to overlook elves.’ Petra says. ‘They have helped us many times, and perhaps could be a great ally for us.’
‘They are also unyieldingly loyal to their masters.’ Severus states.
‘Not always.’ Petra raises a brow. ‘And not the freed ones.’
Severus squints and closes his book.
‘I thought you were against enforced freedom?’
‘Yes, and I don’t expect to be able to raise a great army, but I now have a very self-righteous and head strong Gryffindor to work with.’ Petra smirks.
‘Granger?’ Severus raises a brow.
Petra nods.
‘Winnie’s going to search for Winky, she has a few ideas of where to look. I told her to bring her back here, and report directly to one of us.’ Petra tells him.
Severus nods his approval.
‘Ready for Mabon?’ He asks. ‘Slytherin House is all aflutter with excitement.’
‘Yes, it’s been rather more popular than I anticipated actually.’ Petra cringes. ‘Especially with the older families. Although there has been a surprising amount of interest from the muggle born students too. I believe paganism has had a bit of a resurgence in popularity in the muggle world again.’ She comments.
‘Don’t worry, I’ll come and do crowd control.’ Severus smirks, pulling his partner towards him.
‘Thanks love.’ Petra kisses the end of his nose. ‘And thanks for letting Luna assist you with the wolfsbane.’
‘Ugh, don’t remind me.’ Severus grumbles. He’d be starting that tomorrow night, and had been bullied into allowing Lovegood to observe. He tries to muster up a bit more grumbling – just so Petra would be sure to know what an inconvenience it will be for him – but her lips have travelled down to this jaw, and her fingers are working on the top buttons of his shirt.
In the end all he manages is a small groan, which is rather more pleased than annoyed, and willingly allows himself to be lead away to their bedroom.
~~~~
Severus’ first response when Miss Lovegood had requested to learn how to brew the wolfsbane potion had been… dismissive.
For one reason and another, he had been persuaded to allow the girl a huge amount of flexibility with the curriculum. In fact she enjoyed more freedom, and was allowed to get away with more than any other pupil he had ever taught. Including his own son.
But allowing Luna to pick and choose her lessons, her learning level, and even what potions she was brewing within class was one thing. At least she was always supervised, and only the wave of a wand away from banishing any unsuccessful brews – of which here were admittedly very few. However, it was clear that her intention in learning to brew this specific potion, would be to provide it for her father’s boyfriend herself.
Wolfsbane was a complex and delicate potion which Severus only trusted himself to properly brew. He’s not even sure he would trust Master Belby himself to adequately brew the potion (how the half-wit had managed to crack the recipe in the first place was a mystery to him). Hence Severus continuing to provide wolfsbane to ensure that the Lovegoods were not ripped to shreds by Lupin on the full moon.
‘It wouldn’t hurt to allow Luna to simply observe the process.’ Petra had argued. ‘Perhaps assist with some of the prep. You said yourself she has a natural talent. Then, only once you are confident in her abilities, she might learn to brew it herself.’
‘I would have thought you would wish to discourage her from any such activity.’ Severus had responded.
‘If Luna is comfortable in following her in her mother’s footsteps, as long as she is taught proper safety protocols – as I know you do – then I see no reason why she should be discouraged.’ Petra had said. ‘You know her, she will only do it on her own anyway. Trying to stop that girl from doing anything is rather like asking the wind to stop blowing.’
The argument had continued on and off for a couple of weeks before Severus relented – as he knew he would eventually. Luna Lovegood was a law unto herself, and he never could say no to Petronella.
And so that is how he finds himself carefully laying out the ingredients for the wolfsbane potion in his lab after lessons on a Wednesday evening, being observed by a blonde elfin cherub with radish earrings and pom-poms on the ends of her shoelaces.
‘Do exactly as you're told. Don’t touch anything, don’t even speak unless asked a question.’ Petra had instructed Luna firmly before she came. ‘Severus will not hesitate to throw you out, and refuse to teach you, so don’t upset him.’ She thought she had been pretty unsuccessful for the most part in getting Severus to soften his teaching technique at all over the years. It was less of a bone of contention between them these days though, perhaps because he did bend to her will more often than not, and therefore she was careful to only ask occasionally.
‘Alright.’ Luna had responded cheerily. And she did just that. She sat and observed, with a gentle eager expression on her face.
Severus found himself falling into lecture mode, reciting each step precisely as he carried it out, words flowing along side his actions. He rarely demonstrated like this in class because the students tended not to listen. After five minutes they would start day dreaming, or chatting amongst themselves, and after ten they would be throwing things around the classroom. Thus he kept demonstrations quick and simple, letting them get stuck into brewing themselves, whilst stalking the room to ensure that no-one caused too much damage.
Luna however seems to be hanging on his every word – which he certainly would not have expected. She was the most day-dreamy child he had ever met. Though rarely in Potions class to be fair. Often she would simply start brewing something on her own – a habit which he had chosen to allow after the first time she had brewed a perfect shrinking solution while the rest of the class were still struggling with a simple herbicide.
‘You do not wish to make any notes Miss Lovegood?’ He asks while stirring the mistletoe berry essence into the wormwood infusion.
‘Oh no thank you sir, I’ll remember.’ The girl smiles. ‘Especially after I’ve watched you a few times.’
Severus is not convinced, but he’s certainly not going to let her near any of the ingredients, let alone the cauldron, until he is quite sure of her comprehension, so if she is happy to be stuck observing then so be it. He will soon see how serious she is about this venture.
~~~~
Despite a busy week, Severus doesn’t relent on their Saturday morning training schedule, much to Petra’s annoyance, but they do take it a bit more gently this week. They begin with some basic meditation, followed by a gentle jog down the hill, then take the path past Petra’s cottage into the forest.
Harry is pretty excited to see the clearing set up with a practice duelling dummy – though the fact that Severus had his sword slung on his hip had been a clue to expect something different this morning.
‘If I am going to utilise this at any point, you should be familiar with how it operates.’ Severus tells Harry. He knows his father trains with the sword occasionally, but he hasn’t seen him use it since the incident with the Basilisk. ‘I am reasonably competent with the Toridachi now, but you still must be aware of it’s movements so as to avoid accidents. First, watch.’
He nods to Petra, who transforms and flies in a slow circle around the clearing. Severus takes a low duelling stance, knees bent, back straight, and with a flick of his hand the sword flies out of it’s scabbard.
Harry watches enthralled as the crow and the sword swoop and turn around each other. Twice he gasps when the blade skims past Petra with only a couple of centimetres clearance, but neither of his parent’s seem worried. They must have trained like this a lot. When Petra lands in a crouch Harry cheers and claps.
‘Well if all else fails we can always join the circus I suppose.’ Petra quips, while Severus returns his sword to his side. ‘Now, your turn.’ She says to Harry.
‘Jog slowly around the clearing.’ Severus instructs. ‘Try not to make any sudden movements. Trust that I will allow no harm to come to you.’
Sunlight skips down through the branches and flickers off the sharp edge of the curved sword as it swoops one side, and then the other. Harry keeps his breathing, and his steps even, watching as the Tachi thrusts at the practice dummies. Sometimes it comes close enough to him that he can hear the wind ringing off it’s polished surface, and the thought of what that sharp edge could do to soft flesh is quite terrifying. However, Harry isn’t afraid. Maybe it’s his Gryffindor bravery, or maybe it’s because he knows his father would never risk hurting him, but he barely flinches, even when it whispers over his shoulder, close enough that he can see his own green eyes reflected in it’s surface.
‘You did well.’ Severus says when they have finished, a smile playing behind his lips and obvious pride in the depths of his dark eyes.
‘I didn’t do much.’ Harry shrugs. ‘How are you able to control it so well?’
‘It requires a lot of concentration.’ Severus admits. ‘Though the more I train, the more it is becoming second nature. Occlumency helps as well. I am able to compartmentalise my mind so that one part is focused completely on controlling the sword, while other parts are aware of my surroundings, watching for movement, and looking out for anything unexpected.’ He explains. ‘Next time we’ll have you casting a few simple defensive spells.’ Severus says, as he sheaths the Tachi into it’s saya.
Petra is gathering hazelnuts a little way ahead and they stroll to catch up, then head back to the castle.
~~~~
Sunday morning starts off cold again, but they don’t have to go out quite so early today. By 11am the warm late summer sun has mellowed the edge of the fresh chill in the air. It is indeed a day which feels like a balance between summer and autumn. Birds chirping, the odd bee still buzzing from heathers to gorse and clover, but the leaves are beginning to turn yellow, and a breeze from the north brings the promise of colder weather to come.
Draco and Bridget had been waiting outside Sev’s office when the family emerged after breakfast, and Luna joins them in the entrance hall, dressed in a long skirt and multi coloured stripey jumper. Petra had insisted there would be no flower crowns or wreaths this time, but there is a lopsided tangle of dried wheat fronds and cornflowers atop the young Ravenclaw’s long blonde hair.
‘Da sent it me from the meadow.’ She smiles, and Petra returns an indulgent look.
Luna and Bridget run on ahead, and Severus and Petra are cuddling as they walk, so Harry finds himself walking along side Draco. The Slytherin has an old sleeveless robe over his plain black trousers and shirt. It appears to have once been a rich dark green, but is a little faded in parts, though the black and silver dragons embroidered into the lapels still look almost new.
‘Family heirloom.’ Draco mutters. ‘Father wants to make sure everyone knows there’s a Malfoy there. As if they don’t all know who I am.’
‘Of course.’ Harry smirks. ‘How could anyone not know who the great Draco Malfoy is?’
‘Oh piss off Potter.’ Draco retorts, though there is a small smile on his lips.
The other students begin to arrive only a few minutes after they have reached the stone circle, as do some of the Professors. Most bring offerings, which Petra has Harry, Draco, and Luna collect and bring into the circle. Minerva had volunteered to remain in the castle in order to supervise the rest of the students, but the other Heads of Houses, plus Charity, Aurora, the Headmaster, and Moody are all there. Filius brings a small nugget of Goblin Gold to add to the offerings; Pomona a little bouquet of rare flowers; Aurora a quartz crystal; and Charity a straw doll which she had bought at a muggle market fair.
Albus strolls over and lays down a beautiful Phoenix feather.
‘I am most intrigued to observe your ritual Petronella. It is a delightful activity.’ He smiles, looking around at the bounty of offerings which have been brought. ‘Very positive for school spirit I should say.’
‘And unity I hope.’ Petra responds. ‘Alastair doesn’t look so enthusiastic though.’ She says, peering over the old wizard’s shoulder. ‘He’s not going to arrest me for practising dark magic is he?’
‘Oh no I don’t think so!’ Albus chortles.
By a quarter to twelve there is quite a crowd arranged around the stone circle, some standing, some sitting on boulders, tree stumps, or in the case of the staff members a conjured bench. Severus stands to one side where he can keep an eye on everyone.
‘As I told you in class everything I do, all parts of the ritual, are about channelling one’s own magic.’ Petra speaks loudly to the assembled. ‘The solstices, equinoxes and their cross points are times at which the ancient magic is particularly strong, and close to the surface in a manner of speaking. But it is with one’s own magic which one reaches out to make that connection. These ritual steps on their own are quite basic actions, but they help to guide one, to prepare one’s mind and magic, similarly to how a wand channels one’s magic to cast a spell.’ Petra explains, then proceeds to demonstrate.
‘The fire represents protection and rebirth.’ She states. ‘Oak for strength, Hazel for magic, Rowan for protection, Ash for healing and rebirth.’ She hands branches to her four assistants to place into the flames. ‘Four bowls for the four elements; Earth, Fire, Water, and Air.’ She hands the bowls to Bridget, Harry, Draco, and Luna to place around the circle. ‘Charcoal or ash mixed to a paste with oil or water to paint the symbols.’ Petra says as she paints the full and crescent moon on their foreheads. ‘I use the symbol of the moon to represent the cyclical nature of life, though runes or other symbols can be used. Now.’ She pauses and looks at those assembled outside the circle. ‘I need quiet please.’
Almost everyone is still and silent, and any last few whispers and sniggers are soon cut off with a stern glare from the Head of Slytherin.
Petra sits down with her four students and holds out her hands to them, so that they form a circle.
‘Close your eyes. Feel the heat of the fire, the cool breeze, smell the damp dew lingering on grass and stone. Beneath us earth and rock, firm and steady, above us the air, the sky, extending away into space. Though the planet tilts further from the sun, and the nights grow long it still warms us, and as surely as day follows night, spring will follow winter. On this day, in this moment, we are perfectly balanced between the light and the dark.’ Petra draws a deep breath in as she feels the magic rushing up to meet her. To her left, Bridget squeaks slightly and squeezes her hand. ‘We’re safe.’ Petra tells her, holding her hand tightly. ‘If and when you feel ready, allow yourself to fall into the magic’s embrace. If it helps, you may picture her as the Goddess Hecate, or Persephone. But I will also be here to guide you.’
Petra allows herself to slip into it then. It is as easy and natural as always, like stepping into a cool stream, but there is a rush of energy too, more vibrant than she has felt for a long time.
She opens her eyes to a grassy hillside. Luna appears in front of her, then Harry to her right, Draco a moment later, and lastly Bridget, who looks around inquiringly.
‘Is this a dream?’ The girl asks.
‘Yes and no.’ Petra answers. ‘It is a projection into our subconscious thoughts. I have found that the magic usually decides for itself what it would like to show me.’
Just then a strong breeze ripples up the hillside bringing with it a sweet floral scent of heather and moss. Bridget grasps hold of Petra’s hand again, and a voice whispers through the breeze.
So much life! It proclaims. You have brought so much! Not for many turns of the wheel have I had so many come, so many offerings. And four special mages. I feel your magic, your strength, let me show you… let me show you...
The scene shifts slightly, though the grass beneath their feet remains, as does the mountain backdrop. They see people coming with huge granite stones; levitating them with large staffs instead of wands, and placing them around to form a circle of eight standing stones, the largest monolith having a hole which aligns perfectly with the setting sun.
Then the scene shifts again and crowds of people are walking up the hill, carrying harvest offerings; great bales of wheat, baskets of fruit, and barrels of mead. They light fires, sing and dance, and cast spells; and fairies, centaurs, and all manner of other magical creatures join them.
Seasons spin past them in a whirl, and then there are four adult wizards standing within the circle, dressed in old fashioned robes of red, blue, yellow, and green. Petra recognises the bonding ritual which she herself performed a few years ago, and watches the two wizards and two witches enter into a bond with the ancient magic.
Time turns on again, and a castle appears at the top of the hill, it’s smooth pale stones gleaming in the sunlight.
The mages keep me strong, feed me, and always the young ones learning control. The voice almost giggles. But so long it has been since so many came to pay respect, to bring offerings. Thank you daughter of the dark moon. Thank you young mages. For your gifts, in return, a gift.
~~
The spectators had begun to get a little restless. It had all been quite fun to start with, bringing their offerings, watching the lighting of the fire, and listening to their strange Charms Professor explain about the ritual. But after the Professor and the four students actually participating had sat down, it had become a bit dull. The fire had sprung up higher, and a breeze rippled through, but after that nothing. For several minutes everyone had watched enraptured, not knowing what to expect, but thinking something big was surely going to happen. Some of them had heard stories or rumours from older siblings about Blishwick’s first year at Hogwarts. But after a few more minutes, most of the students start to shuffle about and mutter amongst themselves.
Professor Snape hisses a couple of warnings, but surprisingly doesn’t heavily reprimand anyone. He mostly keeps his attention fixed on the stone circle, a slight smirk playing across his lips.
The more sensitive kids feel it first. A little tingle across the skin like static electricity. Then someone gasps, and points, and they see their charms teacher rising from the ground. Those closest can see that her eyes are open, but entirely black, and her lips moving though the words are lost. The breeze strengthens, swirling around the stone circle, whipping at robes and leaves, then it suddenly sucks inwards as if drawn to the fire. Professor Blishwick raises her arms out to the side, and with a light whistle like a sharp breath being drawn the masses of offerings which had been left by the students vanish.
There is a crackle and a bluish light pulses outwards from the stone circle all the way to the outer wards of the castle grounds. Most feel it as a rush of energy, some experience light giddiness, and one or two students are a little frightened.
Petra’s feet settle back down onto the ground, and her eyes clear, as her four acolytes shake themselves and stand up.
‘That was amazing!’ Harry grins, looking to his mother with pride.
‘Was that… did we just see the founders?’ Draco murmurs.
‘Yes I think so.’ Luna responds casually.
‘Alright Bridget?’ Petra asks.
The girl nods, looking thoughtful.
Outside the circle there are wide eyes and excited chattering, though someone is sobbing slightly.
‘Thank you for coming, the ancient magic was most pleased with all of your offerings.’ She tells the assembled. ‘I believe we just strengthened the castle wards.’ Petra tells them, which starts another round of lively conversation.
~~
‘That was most interesting Petronella.’ Dumbledore hums, strolling up to his Charms Professor as they all walk back to the castle. ‘I sometimes feel something when you perform a particularly potent ritual, but this was quite something. You obviously have a natural affinity with the magic here. It’s almost a shame you would have no ambitions on the Headship.’ He tilts his head.
‘Oh no thank you.’ Petra cringes. ‘I’ve seen the amount of paperwork on your desk for a start.’
‘Indeed, indeed.’ Albus chuckles.
‘Besides, it wasn’t really anything to do with me.’ Petra shrugs. ‘The magic was pleased to have so many offerings, it seems that at one time people would have come to the stone circle from all around to celebrate the festivals of the wheel.’
‘Ah, but it was you who connected with the magic, and thought to encourage others to participate.’ Albus responds, his eyes twinkling. ‘Some may have sought to keep that connection, and that power, for themselves.’
‘What benefits all does benefit me.’ Petra says. ‘Holding power and knowledge for oneself is pointless. By teaching others about the elemental arts I encourage more understanding of ancient magic within society as a whole, as well as a better understanding of the magic which resides in us all. That can only be for the good in the long term.’
Dumbledore is smiling and nodding slowly.
‘I think I am beginning to understand the crow.’ He hums, then strolls away to talk to Pomona.
Severus catches up then and slides an arm around her waist.
‘You were magnificent.’ He murmurs in her ear.
‘Oh give over.’ She rolls her eyes and shoves him lightly with her shoulder.
Severus opens his mouth to say something else, but pauses as he hears a heavy and uneven gait approaching behind them.
‘Quite the demonstration Petronella.’ Moody rumbles, drawing up on her other side. ‘Flirting dangerously close to the laws on Dark Magical Practices though.’ His voice is gravelly but gives away little emotion.
‘Observing the rituals of the wheel is not illegal.’ Petra states.
‘Aye. But only because certain powerful families had enough influence in the Wizengammot to ensure certain practices were not outlawed. Neither is communing with ancient magic illegal, though I’d wager many would frown upon it, and any ritual involving blood…’
‘Did you see any blood today Professor Moody?’ Severus cuts in.
‘No. No I didn’t.’ Moody states.
He looks them both over intently for a moment, before stopping and letting them walk off ahead. Petra and Severus glance at each other. That had been quite odd. Moody’s tone and demeanour was off somehow, and it was very difficult to tell with he approved or disapproved of the matter.
Just then Harry runs up, breaking them out of their ruminations.
~~~~
The week passes, and many of Petra’s classes are taken up with questions about the ritual. There are also a few letters of complaint from parents nervous of practices which fall outside of the usual teachings. Petra responds personally, explaining the rituals plainly and reassuring that there is nothing dark nor nefarious about it, though she is sure some will refuse to take her word for it.
Eventually the weekend comes around again as it is like to do, and after a quiet(ish) dinner, which had only been interrupted twice with issues in Slytherin House, they settle into the living area to read. It almost seems a shame to disturb the peace.
Petra takes a long sip of wine. She has been waiting for a while for the right moment to ask Severus something, although every time she uses that excuse in her mind her wand tingles. The truth is she’s been putting it off, because she has no idea how Severus is going to react. It has been all too easy to keep telling herself that it is not the right time; the start of term, Moody’s antics, then last weekend the ritual, but she has now run out of excuses. Tonight is the perfect time, or as perfect as it will get. There are no immediate pending disasters to deal with, but there’s no telling how soon the next crisis might come along.
She looks over at her partner. His hair is tucked behind one ear, and the other side spilling over his sharp cheekbone and laying over his hunched shoulder. His eyes are focused on the book in front of him with intense concentration, and his brow slightly furrowed. His long fingers, slightly stained blue from the brewing of the wolfsbane earlier this week, cup the cover of the book and lightly stroke the edges of the pages. Petra smiles to herself and takes a deep breath.
‘Do you still want to get married?’ She asks.
~~~~~