Chapter 3
“Luna, you’re back early.” Hermione had returned to the castle a couple of days before breaks end so she could use the library for her school work, it had been quiet but pleasantly so.
“Yes. Daddy had an unlucky encounter with a nest of wild Kneazels in Ireland and had become unwell and while normally I don’t mind helping him out he was driving me quite mad. Rolf said the muggles call it Man-flu.” Hermione couldn’t help laughing brightly at this and actually ended up shushed by the ever present Mrs Pince.
“Rolf is exactly right. Listen to the man he knows things.” Hermione giggled and Luna sat down beside her and leaned into her.
“You had dinner with Draco and Narcissa.” Luna immediately changed the subject.
“What? How’d you know?” Hermione frowned.
“Still not reading the Daily Prophet?” Luna smiled and Hermione let the little with have her hand which she promptly began toying with her fingers.
“Not really, no. It’s full of drivel. Was we in it?” Hermione asked curiously.
“Third page. A small speculation article actually because obviously no one knows why you of all people would be friendly with them.” Luna hummed out softly. Hermione rolled her eyes.
“Narcissa wants to document the war efforts from both hers and my own side of things, since we’d both been so involved in it. She wants me to fact check and what not. Nothing sordid.” Hermione explained flexing her fingers and Luna steepled her own with them.
“Rolf had suspected it was something clinical like that.” Luna chuckled.
“Tell you, he’s a bright man, keep him.” Hermione grinned.
“I plan too, he does wonderful things with his mouth.” Lunas grin was positively wicked and Hermione gasped in playful scandal.
“Luna, did you have sex? I hope you used protection.” Hermione placed a hand over her chest and donned a stern tone.
“Check and check. It was a little awkward. I wasn’t sure what to expect but he was very sweet and patient.” Luna cooed happily and Hermione smiled warmly.
“Did you enjoy it then? Finish?” Hermione asked curiously.
“Oh yes. I’m happy to say he knows what he’s doing.” Luna supplied completely unabashed.
“Look at you, you’ll be a regular little sex kitten in no time.” Hermione teased and Luna just giggled and rest her head on Hermione's shoulder still tangling and untangling their fingers.
“I wish you were happy.” Luna commented finally and Hermione frowned.
“I am.” Hermione argued gently.
“No you’re not. You’re content but you’re not happy. Not since Ginny and the Three Broomsticks.” Luna, after Rosmerta, was the only person who knew what actually happened there at the Three Broomsticks that day.
“I’m alright Luna. Besides I’m busy with this spell at the moment so snogging anyone is not something I want right now. I’m so close.” Hermione attempted to brush it off.
“You miss her and you’re in love with her.” Luna pointed out.
“Only a little. She’s not exactly my favourite person right now.” That was a lie and Hermione was sure Luna knew that. Hermione missed Ginny a lot. She wouldn’t comment on the love aspect of it all.
“I know she hurt you but I think you’d be a lovely couple.” Luna chimed after a moment.
“I wouldn’t do it to Harry.” Hermione spoke firmly.
“Please can we drop it?” Hermione begged before Luna could say anything else.
“Ok. Would you still like me to come with you when you speak the final incantation?” Luna asked changing the subject.
“Absolutely I would. You’ve quickly become my best friend.” Hermione pointed out smiling now.
“It’s cause I’m a good kisser.” Luna teased gently and Hermione chuckled.
“I’m sure that was it.” Hermione teased right back before both girls giggled only to be hushed to Madame Pince again.
—
Hermione and Luna had managed to sneak out of the castle exactly one month after Hermione had started her endeavor. As quiet as they could they made their way down and into the forbidden forest, not too far in but to a small clearing they’d found just after classes had returned. It was a cool night with snow on the ground but they’d rugged up and were content with charms keeping them warm under their clothes.
“What if it’s a bird?” Hermione said suddenly feeling rather anxious.
“It won’t be a bird. But so what if it is.” Luna shrugged, sounding confident.
“But if it is, I'm going to be so tempted to just leave it all behind.” Hermione reasons.
“You won’t no matter how difficult things are right now.” Luna reassured.
“What if it goes wrong and i get away before you stop me.” Hermione added again.
“You won’t get it wrong, you’ve done all the research and all of the steps except this one. You’ll be some gorgeous animal and play with me in the forest before we go back up to bed.” Luna had no doubts at all.
“How are you always so confident?” Hermione smiled at her friend.
“It’s a gift.” Luna grinned gently. Hermione chuckled as they stepped into the clearing.
“Ok. Deep breath, swallow the leaf say the magic word.” Luna intoned brightly.
“Did you just…” Hermione stared for a moment and Luna actually winked at her making Hermione snort lightly.
They got along really well she had found and Hermione had moments where she regretted ever thinking anything poor about the blonde. Yes Luna was different to everyone else they knew but not in a bad way and even if her beliefs didn’t align with Hermione's the brunette still recognised that the blonde was absolutely brilliant and who had a thirst for learning same as Hermione. Lately since Rolf and Luna had become so serious, the blonde had really lightened up which was saying something and she was downright cheeky sometimes which threw just about everyone for a loop bar Hermione simply because Hermione spent the most time with her these days.
“Go on. I want to see what you turn into.” Luna urged fondly and Hermione nodded.
Stepping aside away from Luna she took a deep breath, thanks in full to the storm they’d had the evening before they were able to complete this now, it seemed the universe was on Hermione's side in this because she’d been skeptical of the process when Rosmerta had first suggested it. Yet now she was here she wasn’t afraid but excited to be able to take this step and unlock herself in a new way. This in mind she took a final deep breath, took her potion, pointed her wand at her chest right over her heart and clearly spoke the incantation.
“Amato Animo Animato Animagus.”
No sooner did that last syllable leave her tongue did a burning pain spread through her body. She’d read about this and knew it was happening but she hadn’t expected it to be so intense. Then came the second heartbeat, a fast thrum in her chest beside where she knew her human heart was. Moments later her body seemed to ripple with the change and she dropped her wand, a moment more and there stood a confused and somewhat shaky black crow. Hermione-crow moved and wobbled, wings unfurled and she regained her balance and stood still for a moment as she got her bearings. On her left wing was one single white feather, her defining characteristic and no doubt related to her scar. Luna moved closed and Hermione turned her head and blinked at the blonde.
“You’re beautiful.” Luna cooed gently and Hermione offered a light caw before picking up her wand and hopping closer to the blonde. Luna reached over and took it before stepping back as Hermione stretched out her wings and a moment later took flight.
It was awkward at first but Hermione was able to let go and embrace her inner animal, flighting being an instinct just as much as a learned skill she was able to gain height and stability until she was silently flying through the air above the forest blending in with the moonlit sky. Hermione let out a light rather awkward whistle and drew in a deep breath, this was perfect and she wasn’t so sure what she had been afraid of anymore. Being a bird was extremely liberating. There was that tiny not quite subconscious thought that she could just leave it all. The only person who knew she was now an animagus was Luna.
The issues Hermione had with herself lately, her increasing and depressing feelings for Ginny. That despite only being avoided like she had some kind of plague only seemed to grow when she found herself watching or thinking of the redhead. The fact that said redhead was always mentioned at least once by her best friend in every single correspondence she got from him, the fact that Ginny was her Ex’s little sister. All of these things made her wonder if just for a brief moment she couldn’t just leave it all behind. But it was only brief, she couldn’t do it. Not to Ginny or Luna, not to Harry or Ron and especially not to herself.
Banking in the air Hermione came around and zeroed in on clearing where she knew Luna was waiting for her and glided back, she wasn’t too far when she heard rushed and heavy crashing from below headed towards Luna. A fear rippled through Hermione that some large beast was about to attack her friend but she could hear voices as well, somewhat frantic voices and young. Younger than herself but still headed towards Luna. With a burst of speed Hermione soared into the clearing not overly startled to see Ginny was there as well, the redhead had clearly followed them. Both witches looked concerned as they heard the approaching noise as well.
Hermione glided down and settled lightly on Lunas wrist before taking the wand in her talons and flirting to the ground with it. It took a little more concentration than she expected but she was able to recall her human form and had just transitioned back as two young centaur broke into the clearing. They paused and looked suddenly fearful at finding the three witches there with their Wands in their hands and Hermione could see they were both thinking of turning back into the forest. It was a rather startling sight to see that one of the centaur was a girl, or perhaps a filly. They were barely teenagers though the girl was covered for the most part, her human half at least with a hide top to cover budding breasts, the boy was topless as was typical. The filly was a vibrant chestnut with red hair on her head and brown eyes while the colt was a dark grey with black hair and bright blue eyes.
Along with the fear on their faces a quick assessment informed Hermione that the filly was bleeding over her shoulder and flank and the colt had a bruised cheek and split lip and what seemed to be the telltale scorch marks of a spell on his wither. They were just about to turn and leave when Ginny stepped up and put her wand down on the ground and lifted her hands up in a display of surrender of sorts, a show of good faith that they weren’t about to harm the young centaurs.
“Please, you look injured, we won’t hurt you. We are students up at the school.” Ginny explained gently.
“We seek the crow. We need help.” The colt spoke up first but no sooner did he did the filly step forward looking a little frantic.
“Poachers! They took the mares of our clan and the older stallions. The younger warriors fought and were killed. There was so many. They wouldn’t say what they wanted with us. Orus and I got away, the lead mare told us to find the castle crow. You have to help up.” Luna was suddenly appalled to hear of these poachers.
“Alright. It’s ok. We can help. Calm down ok. Tell us where this happened?” Hermione sheathed her wand as Ginny picked hers up.
“You’re the crow.” Orus, the colt, stated as he looked at her and Hermione nodded.
“You have to help, please.” The filly surged forward and Hermione had to step back or risk being trampled.
“Helleda!”
“Watch it.”
Ginny and Orus both spoke at the same time, Orus to try and calm him companion while Ginny moved forward and pulled Hermione back away from the excitable hooves. Hermione glanced at Ginny before looking to the suddenly sheepish centaur. Luna watched them for a moment before looking to Hermione.
“Perhaps Hogsmead.” Luna suggested.
“Will you come with us to Hogsmead? We’ve a friend there who will keep you safe until we can rally some more people.” Hermione suggested to the anxious centaur.
“Around Humans?” Helleda seemed to become more anxious.
“This late I promise there won’t be many and they are trustworthy people. We are going to need more help if the poacher group was so large it was able to take out your whole herd.” Ginny offered though she stayed close to Hermione. This argument seemed to sway the young ones though.
“We will follow the crow.” Ornus spoke after a moment and Helleda shifted closer to him again.
“Luna, can you summon Rolf perhaps? And Ginny…” Hermione looked to the redhead who nodded immediately.
“I’ll send patronus to Harry and Ron and get them to meet us at the Three Broomsticks. Maybe you should let Rosmerta know we are coming.” Ginny suggested and both blonde and brunette nodded.
Brandishing their Wands the three of them cast their patronus charm and summoned their ethereal protectors. Ginny’s horse split into two though they received the same message and then turned into balls seeming to shoot off into the air and out of sight, the centaur were impressed with Ginny’s patronus. Lunas hare flitted around the blonde for a moment before taking its message to Rolf in the same manner and Hermione's otter swam through the air before settling across her shoulders before taking its message to Rosmerta. The centaur had never seen magic before that night and didn’t know it could be used for good.
“Come on. Hogsmead isn’t too far from here.” Hermione looked to the centaur and both young nodded.
“If you fly we can carry the other two and make it quicker. We will follow you, Corvus.” Ornus suggested easily and Helleda nodded though she looked nervous.
“Just promise to be careful, we aren’t as durable as you two and I don’t want my friends getting hurt.” Hermione warned gently and the young ones nodded again. Ginny moved over and Ornus helped her sit astride him while Luna gently and agilely climbed onto Helledas back. Hermione smiled before taking her wand and transforming into the crow. She let out a low caw and took off keeping low so the centaur wouldn’t lose track of her.
—
“I can’t believe you talked Centaur into coming into a human dwelling.” Rosmerta spoke softly to Hermione. Luna had suggested getting Hagrid down here and so when Rolf had arrived first she had sent her hare off to Hagrid. Hagrid, ever the beasts diplomat, was speaking to the young centaur along with Harry and Ron getting the facts. Ginny was there with them.
“They followed the crow.” Hermione shrugged with a small smirk.
“I can’t believe you’re a bird.” Hermione snickered lightly.
“I’m a damn fine bird.” Hermione puffed a little and Rosmerta giggled lightly.
“Say that reminds me… what’s your thoughts on Narcissa Malfoy?” Hermione asked curiously.
“She’s good to look at but I don’t really know her as a person.” Rosmerta explained gently.
“That’s fair.” Hermione nodded.
“I’m meeting her in a few days here. She’ll be ok right?” Hermione asked lightly.
“Of course. I just the most hospitable business this side of the globe and I won’t have anyone bother a friend of one of my favourite customers.” Rosmerta smiled gently.
“Thanks, love.” Hermione hummed appreciatively and at that moment Harry, Ron and Ginny walked over.
“What did you find out?” Hermione asked as Luna and Rolf took their queue and joined them as well.
“They’re a lot calmer with Hagrid here, they’re from a different clan than Bane and Ronen so they don’t hold the same grudges that Banes herd does against Hagrid. Apparently they were ambushed at their home clearing by two full handfuls of poachers. Witches and Wizards with Wands and cages.” Harry explained.
“Two full handfuls?” Ros asked with a slight frown.
“We think they mean around 20. It would make sense. Centaur aren’t like giants but it still takes more for a spell to affect them. They’d need large numbers to ambush a centaur herd.” Ron explained scratching the back of his neck. Hermione nodded.
“We were able to discern that they headed North and the colt was able to give us general directions back to the herds clearing. I suspect if we leave now we can catch up with the poachers and be back by breakfast.” Harry smiled reassuringly.
“Just you lot?” Rosmerta asked, looking critically at 6 of them.
“We have another friend coming, she should be here any moment. An actual Auror.” Harry added and Hermione tilted her head seeing the way Ron flushed slightly.
“What? Who?” Ginny grinned wondering who was making Ron blush.
“Her name is Astrid, she’s a few years ahead of us but she’s taken rather a liking to Ron. They’ve started dating.” Harry chuckled at his girlfriends teasing nature.
“Ronald, you’ve got yourself a missus?” Ginny gushed playfully.
“What? Who do I have to fight?” Came a new voice at that point and a thing dark haired witch in Auror robes stepped out around the back of the Three Broomsticks.
“No one. Astrid, this is Ginny, my girlfriend, Luna and Rolf, and this is Rosmerta and Hermione.” Harry introduced fondly.
“Hermione. You’re a pretty one, dare say I’m lucky you're not interested in Ron after all.” Astrid grinned, she’d shaken everyone’s hand but Hermiones at that point.
“Dare say you are.” Hermione commented a little dryly.
“Best be off then. Time is of the essence and I’ve held us up enough.” Astrid looked to Harry and Ron then, both of whom nodded. Ginny slipped her hand in Harry’s and smiled at him. Hermione looked at Ros for a moment who chuckled under her breath at the rather pleading expression.
—
“Ok we need a scout of some sort to move ahead. Who is most adept as the disillusionment charm?” Astrid asked softly after the group had gotten to the herds clearing. The group, even Rolf, looked to Hermione who had to stifle rolling her eyes.
“Corvus would be a better idea.” Luna spoke up softly and Hermione nodded.
“Corvus?” Astrid, Harry and Ron all spoke at the same time. Hermione e did roll her eyes this time and transformed a moment later.
“I didn’t know you were an animagus. You know it’s illegal not to be registered right?” Astrid frowned at the crow whose feathers immediately fluffed out and Hermione made a hissing sound.
“She plans to register. She only completed the transformation this evening. It’s why we were in the forest when the centaur found us.” Luna offered casually.
“Oh.” Astrid stepped back slightly and Hermione took off from the ground into the canopy of the closest tree.
Ginny watched the crow until it had disappeared from sight, she was so very impressed by Hermione's talent, she always had been. Yet she was feeling a lingering jealousy she didn’t like either and especially because it had a lot to do with Luna who was her best friend as well as being Hermiones. She was certain that had she not complicated things between them, and she did know it was her fault, that she would have been invited down into the forest with them tonight instead of having had spied on them with Harry’s map and following them.
Then to top it off she was aware that Hermione had had dinner with Narcissa Malfoy of all people, of course Draco had been there too so there wasn’t much to wonder about but then Hermione had gone to Draco and asked to borrow his owl to send a letter to Narcissa which left everyone curious. Everyone except Luna who had simply stated that the two were planning to work on a project together. It just raised more questions and Ginny couldn’t help her jealousy yet at the same time she tried so hard because she loved Harry, he was wonderful and she couldn’t leave him.
So they had avoided each other for weeks now, Hermione even having refused coming to Burrow over Christmas and instead had spent it alone. Hermione had also not only been avoiding Ginny but Ron and Harry as well and the boys had noticed that. They’d asked about it more than once though Hermione still owled them both once a week. Ginny knew it was her fault, that she had complicated things.
Hermione on the other hand was immensely bothered by this Astrid woman, though she could also see why Ron was attracted. She was smart, confident and knew what she was doing and Ron did seem to like that type. It also didn’t hurt that she seemed so interested in him. It was fine really Hermione just didn’t enjoy the personality, she didn’t enjoy that she was officially the odd one out yet again. More than Astrid though, Hermione was rather bothered by Ginny and Harry as a unit. She didn’t want to feel so jealous at seeing them but more and more she realized she wanted Ginny despite her refusal to come between her and Harry.
It was a knife in the gut every time she saw Harry and Ginny smile at each other or hold hands. She didn’t like the way it made her feel which was why she avoided them, she also avoided Harry because she didn’t know how to look him in the eye when she was beginning to fall in love with his girlfriend. It felt like the ultimate betrayal but she didn’t know how to stop it at all. It was a relief when she found the poacher came though, it was a good distraction as she flirted up into a tree and peered down.
There was only around a dozen poachers present at that point, there was a large tent set up in the middle and smaller ones around it, small camp fires lit. The smell of basic foods being cooked and more noise than they had any right making in the eerie yet peaceful forest. There were also two large cages, clearly magically enlarged both uncomfortably full with the centaurs mares and foals. On the bright side she was confident that with a surprise attack they be able to take out the poachers and free the centaur, on the other hand though she had no idea where the rest of them were. With this information she stealthily made her way back to the clearing and transformed.
“There’s a dozen at a fairly large encampment about 300 meters west of here. Two large cages full of centaur, they’re all sitting and talking around fires at the moment. My problem is where the rest of them are, there’s a large tent so it’s a safe bet it’s a magically enhanced tent.” Hermione explained to them.
“I don’t doubt you’re right. I’d strongly suggest going in with stealth and taking out the ones outside. Capture not kill. I can put up an anti-apparition ward over the tent to stop them escaping and we can press on and hopefully get the rest.” Astrid suggested, Harry and Ron both nodded and Hermione would admit it sounded like a good plan.
“Disillusionment charms.” Astrid urged and they all cast them on themselves before leaving the clearing and heading in the direction Hermione had told them about.
It was a silent and stealthy trip and once they were close enough Astrid split them off in groups, the groups being herself, Ron, Luna and Rolf off to the right while Harry, Ginny and Hermione moved off to the left, they flanked the camp and Astrid made herself easily seen for a moment to signal a countdown. On 4 they all surged forward stunning, disarming and binding before the poachers had much of a chance to realize they’d been had. Astrid and Ron moved forward and Astrid erected the jinx around the tent while Harry, Rolf and Luna moved the bound poachers out of the clearing and silenced them.
Astrid gestured for Hermione and Ginny to join her and Ron by the tent entrance. Ginny stood closer to Hermione and Astrid ever so carefully moved the edge of the tent flap to peer inside. She lingered a moment before moving back and looking at the others.
“I say if we go in disillusioned we can get them silenced and bounded before they even wake up. It’s extended but it’s a single room.” Astrid explained and Hermione and Ginny nodded.
With the affirmation the three witches and Ron disillusioned themselves and started moving into the tents inner room. They moved silently and carefully closed the door behind themselves. Hermione looked around as did Ginny and then with some hand gestures from Astrid they spread out whispering silencing spells and incarcerus hexes to. It was about then that a Hermione had tripped over a shoe she hadn’t realized what there making a sound, just enough that she startled one of the men nearest herself awake. It happened a little too quickly, he’d pulled his wand from under the pillow and hurled a knock back curse at her sending her stunning the other way just as he got off a spell of her own silencing him.
This hadn’t stopped Hermione from tripping over the same boot again in the other direction yet when she fell she landed heavy against the edge of the nearest bed rail which caught her across the ribs. She gasped out and groaned softly curling against the pain. Ginny looked startled and upset immediately as she moved over to Hermione the moment the spell had hit her. Ginny was extremely concerned when Hermione right herself and looked extremely pained. The redhead hadn’t even thought about it really when she lifted Hermione's shirt to check on her, a blossoming bruise was already forming there.
“Ginny?” Ron looked over at his sister who flushed a little and dropped Hermione's shirt back down.
“She’s ok.” Ginny mumbled, turning away from Hermione and shrugging at Ron.
“That’s good.” Ron sounded slightly confused and Hermione sighed inwardly.
“Go and tell Harry that it’s time to summon the others. Coordinates.” Astrid smiled at him as she delivered the order. Ron smiled back before moving out of the tent. Astrid looked back to the two suddenly awkward younger witches.
“So… how long have you two been shagging?” Astrid asked lightly.
“We aren’t.” Hermione scowled immediately.
“No… but you’d like to be and you… he’s dense in these matters. Maybe too trusting. But he’s going to figure out that even if you aren’t shagging… you want to be.” Astrid folded her arms over her chest and looked from Hermione to Ginny.
“It’s not any of your business but we are just friends, that’s all we'll ever be.” Ginny huffed out and Hermione couldn’t quite mask the hurt at this. Ginny didn’t see it but Astrid did.
“Ahh the old ‘the easiest way to solve a problem is to deny it exists’ schtick. I see. I won’t say anymore but you may want to consider that denial because you don’t want to hurt him is definitely hurting her.” Astrid gestured towards Hermione before she made her way out of the tent.
Ginny looked after the woman with a scowl before she looked over to Hermione who had turned to make sure that all the poachers were bound. They were but it was a good excuse not to be looking at Ginny. Not that that lasted very long before Ginny shifted a little and cleared her throat. Hermione finally looked over and could only see indecision on the younger witches face.
“We did good here today.” Hermione made a loose gesture.
“So you’re not even going to mention it? Astrid knows or at least she thinks she knows about us.” Ginny frowned.
“There is no ‘us’ Ginny. She doesn’t know anything. It’s nothing you said it yourself, it’s not worth mentioning.” Hermione frowned as well yet she refused to look at Ginny.
“There isn’t…” Ginny admits after a moment and moves closer to Hermione.
“There can’t be. I love Harry.” The redhead adds.
“So you keep saying.” Hermione huffed.
“But I want there to be. It confuses me.” Ginny's tone dropped to a bear whisper as she moved right up to Hermione.
“You can’t have your cake and eat it, Ginny. I told you I won’t do that to Harry and you keep telling me how much of a mistake even kissing me was. I can’t do that to myself either. It hurts too much to hear you say that every time.” Hermione shook her head with a frown. Ginny looked away then and sighed.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you. I’ve loved Harry for so long, I never imagined you’d be… I didn’t consider you would be an option but now you are and I’m confused. I can’t stop thinking about you.” Ginny reached for Hermione's hand.
“Please, Ginny. Stop.” Hermione's eyes filled with tears. Ginny squeezed Hermione's hand.
“I’m so sorry. I’ve ruined it. We can’t even seem to be friends anymore.” Ginny murmured when Hermione didn’t fight being pulled closer.
“Not when we are avoiding each other. Not when I want you so much.” Hermione mumbled and pressed her face into Ginny’s shoulder as the younger witch wrapped her arms around her.
“I’m sorry.” Ginny murmured again, rubbing Hermione's back.
“Alright, you two want to bring them out?” Astrid called from the tent opening and Hermione leaned away from Ginny and wiped her eyes on her sleeve.
“Yep!” Ginny called back after a moment.
The girls didn’t really acknowledge each other after that. It was hard for Hermione, she wanted Ginny and she could admit that to herself now but she still refused to hurt Harry like that. The choice would have to be entirely Ginny’s. It sucked but she wasn’t about to steal her best friends girl. Instead they resumed barely speaking and levitated the bound poachers before leading them out to the clearing. Hermione frowned seeing the centaurs still in the cages.
“Why haven’t they been released yet?” Hermione asked with a deep frown.
“Riled up like they are they are dangerous we didn’t want anyone trampled.” Ron spoke up finally and Hermiones frown deepened.
“They’re riled up because they were round up and captured and their herd stallions were killed off. Leaving them in there is only doing more damage.” Hermione scowled and made her way to the first cage but couldn’t find a lock.
“The locks on top, they’re designed to herd the centaur into it and drop a large gate down.” Astrid informed when Hermione seemed confused. Hermione nodded her thanks before shifting into her crow form. All the centaurs watched her flit to the top of the cage and transform, magically unlocking it before shifting and moving to do the same to the second.
Rolf and Luna didn’t hesitate to use the levitation charm in order to lift the massive gates that clicked into place. As it opened the centaur moved out rather quickly but conscious of avoiding the witch and Wizard that had freed them. Hermione flitted down besides Luna and transformed again as an older mare, or well she looked middle aged to them and with a beautiful golden coat and white tail and forelegs, moved over to Luna and Hermione.
“The crow… we knew you would come.” The mare spoke seriously and Hermione shifted, she never loved the attention.
“Of course. When the foals found us in the forest not far from the school it was only a matter of bringing reinforcements. I’m sorry this happened to your herd. Do you know why they gathered you all up?” Hermione asked the mare curiously.
“They were speaking about our hooves and pelts fetching high prices. They come from across the sea.” The mare explained and the surrounding centaur all looked suddenly uncomfortable.
“The young they planned to take back in an attempt to breed and farm us.” The mare added.
“That’s appalling.” Hermione was outraged.
“Across the sea hm? Ron… bring me that one.” Astrid had moved closer and Ron looked to the man Astrid had pointed to and manhandled him a little, bringing him over to Astrid who removed the silencing spell.
“You. Why are you and why are you poaching centaur?” Astrid demanded.
“Ain’t telling you nothing, bitch.” The wizard spat with a clear American twang.
“I mean it doesn’t really matter. You were caught in Britain poaching in the forbidden forest of all places. You’ll be tried by the British ministry and the American ministry may be informed as a courtesy. I mean you do know bout the forest you’re poaching in right?” Hermione looked at the man who just sneered at her.
“Well you must know that during the goblin rebellion some 130ish years ago that poaching was harshly penalized and prosecuted in the forbidden forest, laws were written up under the strict guidelines written by Phineas Nigellus Black when he was headmaster and have since been upheld and enforced by each head of Hogwarts since. You’re in a wealth of trouble… I simply hope you don’t have family waiting for you to finish with your bad choices when you get home… a tight lip lends a long stay in wizarding prison in the British isles.” Hermione shrugged and looked almost board as she looked to Luna who nodded. Nothing she had said was a lie.
“Wait… you mean I couldn’t go home?” The man asked after a moment he looked maybe a few years older than Astrid putting him in his late twenties.
“Not for years. I believe it’s an 8 year sentence just to be caught poaching in these forests… you’ve been caught and was part of a group that has killed the stallions in one of the protected herds… what is it Astrid… about 11 years he’s up for?” Hermione looked to the other witch who seemed to think about it for a moment.
“At least and frankly I wouldn’t want to go for a month. The dementors leach the happiness out of you.” Astrid wrinkled her nose in disgust.
“D-dementors? What’s that?” The man looked extremely concerned.
“Oh horrible creatures. It’s how we carry out death sentences here. They’re supposedly under ministry control but can you really control a creature like that when they are designed to take every good feeling you’ve ever had? The final straw is when they perform their kiss and literally suck the soul out of your body.” Luna actually shivered and Rolf moved closer to wrap an arm around her.
“Suck out my soul?” The man looked suddenly terrified.
“Mm yeah you just become a husk of yourself. A vegetable. I’ve seen it almost performed before. Horrible turns your blood to ice just to witness it.” Hermione looked appalled at the mere idea.
“Are… and what happens if I squeal?” The man looked extremely concerned.
“If you talk we can at least have your sentence excommunicated to America. You’d be able to have visitation with your family.” Hermione looked to Astrid who nodded.
“Ok fine! Do that. I don’t want no dementors kiss.” The guy said seriously.
“Then speak up. Why’d you round up the centaur?” Hermione asked firmly.
“There’s a break through potion for men who… well the ones that can’t perform anymore if you know what I mean. Makes huge bucks in the states. Helps them get randy and stay that way. It requires centaur hoof in the brewing except centaur have never been very common in the states and they’re hard to breed when their hooves are cut off.” The man spoke and Hermione and Luna both cringed, the mare and many of the surrounding centaur swished their tails in anger.
“So you’ve about near hunted your own to extinction in order to help blokes get a stiffy? Well i'll be damned, men have managed to disappointed me a lot this week.” Astrid heaved a sigh.
“That’s appalling. You’ve been taking them and killing the elders and what? Farming the foals?” Rolf asked entirely indignant for the noble species surrounding them.
“Basically.” The guy nodded.
“They’re just stupid beasts, what does it matter?” He asked suddenly.
“They are sentient creatures and if you don’t stop talking now I won’t just have to charged for poaching I’ll make sure you’re all charged with murder as well.” Hermione growled into the guys face and he had the good sense to stop talking and look away.
“Damn… ok yeah. I think I get it now. What a firecracker.” Astrid muttered as she silence the guy again and looked at Hermione.
“She is terribly attractive when she’s being protective.” Luna agreed in that dreamy tone of hers.
“Even I see it.” Rolf grinned at Hermione who flushed at the attention and then laughed.
“Ease up.” She ordered the three of them just as Harry’s stag appeared in the clearing and then followed several higher ranking aurors. Astrid moved off to explain the situation and help with the hand over while Hermione, Ginny, Luna and Rolf moved off with the centaur to help them clean up and sort out their dead. They managed all of this and still got back to Gryffindor tower by dawn. They were exhausted but elated at what they had accomplished and with the excitement, at least for a little while, Hermione and Ginny had forgotten what was between them and how awkward they were.