Friday 23rd December 1988.
"So, all that the goblins could come up with was to emancipate Harry?" James asked incredulously. "How exactly are we supposed to achieve that?"
"James," Lily whispered, her hand resting on his shoulder.
"No, Lily. It's ludicrous. I can hardly pop down to the bank and sign some documents. Even if the goblins came here with them, we still have no way to sign them. And whether or not magic recognizes Sirius as his guardian, how are we to get documents to him to sign?"
"And the Ministry would certainly be able to overturn most other methods of emancipation I am aware of," Charlus added.
"Maybe, if we let Pops finish, we can find out if there are any other options." Dorea offered, trying to calm her own husband, and leaving Lily to deal with her son.
The tension in the painting was clearly visible to Hermione as she watched from the far end of the library, where she and Harry had been shooed once Pops had returned, Mipsy staying beside him as he talked to the painting. They had been bickering about the news the old elf had brought for what seemed like ages now.
"The only other option it seems we have available is a ritual. It is a form of old magic, something that neither the Ministry, the Wizengamot nor Dumbledore could overturn. So long as the ritual accepts Harry's magic is of age, it would take."
"But he's not of age. He's still just a boy. The ritual would be a failure." Michael Potter shouted from the back of the gathered Potters.
"By your governments' arbitrary rules, no. Harry is not 'of age'." Pops replied. "But he has defeated a Dark Wizard in 'combat', so to speak. Survived near death at least twice. And has the magic of a full-grown house-elf coursing through his system and entwined with his own to a level we still don't really understand. Magic keeps her own council on what does and does not constitute 'of age'."
"You think this could truly work, Pops? I won't risk him leaving unless we can be sure." James asked, kneeling down to be at eye level with the diminutive elf.
"I spent two days doing research with the best teams Gringotts has to offer. It will cost a small fortune, for the specially prepared molten gold runes and the use of the goblin's ritual space. But this is the only option we can find that seems assured of success. We cannot know Magic's reaction before the ritual, but if she accepts, a lot of problems go away.
"Emancipated, young Master becomes Head of the house. He can officially manage the accounts, which would begin making real money for the goblins once more. Which motivates them to achieve this goal. Of age wizards can use magic outside Hogwarts without special dispensation, making training Harry a much simpler prospect, though I'll eat this house the day that the Ministry can detect magic within its grounds."
Hermione glanced at Harry, trying to suppress a giggle at that last comment, as the pair listened to the meeting. It sounded like the ritual could potentially do a lot more than simply offering protection from this Dumbledore person. She entwined her fingers into his own and squeezed his hand, noting how his eyes widened slightly but he remained focused on the voices at the far end of the library.
"Can it prevent Dumbledore from finding him?" Lily questioned.
"It depends on the method used. The researchers seem to think that Dumbledore has access to several powerful artefacts that can track Harry, regardless of his status. Which is probably why the effect was so pronounced on the young Master's magic. But we've already proven he can't reach him here, by the very fact that he isn't banging down the front door. It would block some methods, but even if he were to locate the boy, the new status would cut off almost all avenues of control. Beyond potioning or charming him to do his bidding, whatever that truly is."
The adults all fell silent as Pops drank the tea he had been provided by Mipsy as he presented his findings. Soft murmuring soon spread through the painting as the many former Potters discussed the options.
"What exactly would be required for this ritual?" Dorea asked.
"From the scrolls I was shown, it is a fully human ritual, though one that hasn't been used in over a millennium. This works in our favour as being so old means it's unlikely anyone is aware it exists. It is also exceedingly simple as far as rituals go. It requires a prepared ritual space with a certain alignment of runes, which can be prepared up to two days in advance. Two people, the child petitioning magic and their guide, enter the circle and ask Magic for her blessing, basically."
"This guide? Do we know more about that role?"
"The guide is the one who opens the ritual and petitions magic on the applicant's behalf. They lead the process and close it out once complete. There are a few words that need to be spoken, and apparently, they can be given in modern language, but they don't seem overly complex. And while in the past this was usually a role filled by the child's guardian, it doesn't appear to require the guide to be such to the supplicant."
Hermione looked at her friend and noticed his attention was no longer fixed on the painting, he instead appeared to be lost in his own thoughts.
"So they would provide someone from the bank to fill the role?" Charlus enquired.
"Unfortunately, no. The oaths that humans must make to the bank would interfere. It would need to be someone outside of their employ." Pops finished.
"No chance. There is no one else besides Remus and Sirius. Padfoot is locked in Azkaban and Tybalt has orders to ignore any summons until the trail is gone. It will just have to wait until he's finished and gets back." James stated firmly.
"I can do it."
Hermione slapped her free hand over her mouth as she glanced from the green eyes staring at her from her side to the painting full of people now watching them crouched behind the shelves. The two elves were looking over the edge of the chair in their direction as well, and Hermione felt her face grow hot. She hadn't meant to say that aloud, but it had slipped free nonetheless. The squeeze she felt on her hand drew her eyes back to Harry who had a soft smile on his face.
"Thank you," he whispered softly, filling her with renewed vigour.
She nodded as she stood and slowly walked to the painting, every eye in the room fixed on her.
"I can be the guide."
"Nonsense, child. Go back to your room."
"Quiet, Sampson." Dorea snarled at the distasteful member of the family before turning a far softer gaze on Hermione. "You are too young to lead a ritual, my dear. It's not safe."
"That's not what Pops said. The ritual is simple. No special requirements beyond the ritual room and some standard runes. All that can be prepared by the goblins. But a human you and Harry trust must be the guide. We can't wait for someone else to be available. Harry is in danger now."
"Harry is fine so long as he stays in the manor, sweetie. We cannot ask you to bear that burden." Lily explained.
Hermione glanced at the redhead and saw the motherly affection in her eyes. Harry's eyes. She knew that she could be a stubborn child at times. She often butted heads with her parents, though never quite to the level they were at just now. Her friend was in danger. And while he could easily stay hidden within the manor forever to avoid it, that was hardly a way to live one's life. This mysterious Remus could probably fill the role, but it sounded as though the Potters had no idea where he currently was, or how to contact him.
"I can help, though. Harry can't stay locked up forever. It will keep him safe but at what cost?"
"Harry has lived inside these walls his entire life so far, dear." Dorea's voice was soft, Hermione knew when she was being talked down to, as though she couldn't understand properly. "Until he met you, he barely seemed to care about what was beyond them."
Harry's head drooped and Hermione felt a new heat grow inside; anger. He may have been content to survive in here before, but he knew of the world he would be missing now. And not in an academic way from reading books. But from having been a part of it himself.
"It won't be the same. Harry is a part of the world now. He has friends out there. People will miss him. And he them." The last was barely a whisper but her resolve grew as Harry squeezed her hand once more. "I care about what happens to Harry just as much as you do. I want him to be safe, but being held prisoner in your own home isn't safe, it's cruel."
"That is what must happen." James countered. "We cannot allow him to leave until we can ensure the success of the ritual. And how are we to explain to your parents if something went wrong during it? If you were hurt?"
"Pops, what is the likelihood of the ritual being dangerous to either participant?" She asked, looking the elder elf square in the eyes.
"As the goblins explained it," Pops replied, glancing nervously at the portrait and receiving a nod from Charlus, "extremely minimal. There are two outcomes. Emancipation, or nothing. The attempt itself is perfectly safe for a ritual. The worst that could happen is exhaustion from being under the judgement of magic itself. But that would fall only on the supplicant."
"So there is no risk of harm to me," Hermione stated, her chest puffing out and her face set.
"You would be out in the world alone. We cannot go with you. You are our responsibility while you are staying here Hermione." Lily's calming tone washed over her, but it did not soothe the anger at being cast aside.
"I can do this. I can help keep Harry safe." Hermione was set, she was going to do this. She would protect her friend.
"We can't let you do that Hermione," James stated, his own resolve evident in his face.
Hermione glared at the painting for a moment, trying to decide how to convince them before an alternative came to mind.
"No, what you can't do is stop me; Nemea." Hermione released Harry's hand, drawing his eye in surprise as the wee elf appeared beside her. "Gringotts Bank."
With a loud displacement of the air, she was gone.
ϟ
Her arrival in the atrium of Gringotts drew several curious eyes, but as they noted the elf by her side, most went immediately back to their own devices. Hermione was startled at the appearance of the enormous space, all marble and stone. It was incredible to look at, but she quickly squashed the awe. She had a purpose here.
She didn't release Nemea's hand as she walked over to join the nearest line. The little elf was glancing about, seeming to be caught somewhere between shock and awe herself.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" Hermione asked.
Nemea nodded slowly in response. "Yes, mistress."
"I'm sorry for dragging you here like this, Nemea. I don't want you to be in any more trouble with your family…"
"What do you mean, mistress? You are my family now." Nemea replied as they shuffled closer to the desk.
"I'm your family? But you are a Potter elf, aren't you?" Hermione questioned, ensuring she kept her voice down in the public atrium.
"I was. But when we bonded, I joined your family, mistress. Do you not want me?" Tears started to form in the big brown eyes.
"Of course I want you, Nemea. But I didn't mean to take you from your old family." Hermione offered the wee elf a big smile to reinforce her statement, which Nemea quickly returned.
Their conversation was brought to a halt as the two reached the front of the line they'd been in. Hermione was slightly startled at the gnarled appearance of the creature looking down at her, and a small corner of her mind wondered, from her reading, if the benches were intentionally sized to make magicals feel inferior when dealing with the goblins.
"Good morning, sir," Hermione began, noting as the goblin raised a single eyebrow as he stared down at her. "I was hoping to speak to someone about arranging a ritual. A… er, Falkor, no Farkor. Farkor if he is available."
Hermione's nerves intensified as the stoic goblin continued to stare at her. By her side, she barely noticed Nemea stand taller and snap her fingers. The goblin's eyes left her own and flicked down to something that had appeared on his desktop, far above Hermione's line of sight.
The goblin glanced at them both once more before pointing to a seated waiting area. "Take a seat," he instructed gruffly, "someone will be with you shortly, miss."
Hermione remained frozen in place as she noted the teller writing something before hitting it with a very heavy-looking stamp and making her jump. Upon hearing her loud eep, he glared at her again, gesturing momentarily with his eyes in the direction of the waiting area before fixing his gaze on the people in the line behind her.
Hermione allowed Nemea to guide her away from the desk and took several calming breaths, trying to steady her heart rate once more. Pops had not given her the impression that goblins were so gruff. Her own banking experiences were few and far between. Just the occasional trip to deposit her savings and the staff were always bright and cheery at her usual bank.
She had only just settled in when another much younger, or at least smoother, looking goblin approached. He looked at her and Nemea closely for several moments before gesturing her forward with a wave of his hand. Hermione swallowed audibly before standing and moving towards him.
"Follow me." His voice was far smoother than the teller and Hermione quickly shuffled along behind him as he guided them off the atrium floor and into much smaller two-toned corridors. The walls and ceiling seemingly hewed from naked stone, which was odd given the bank was above ground from the light she could see coming in the windows of the atrium, and the lower third of the wall and floor made of the finest marble Hermione had ever seen. But she could identify no obvious seam where they came together. One simply shifted into the other. As if the two pieces of stone had grown right on top of one another naturally.
The goblin stopped abruptly and indicated the open office doorway. Hermione hesitated a moment before stepping through, Nemea following closely on her heels before the goblin loudly closed the door and stepped to the far side of the desk, taking a seat.
He waited a moment, merely staring at the pair before rolling his eyes and indicating the chairs on the opposite side of the desk.
"The message from the teller stated you have business with the Potter account. I am its junior account manager, Farkor. What is it you wished to speak about?"
Hermione felt a small measure of relief as she glanced at a smiling Nemea. She figured that the young elf had shown her initiative again and provided some proof that she originated from the Potter family.
"I am here to speak with you actually. To arrange for an emancipation ritual." Hermione replied, considerably cheerier than she had been since entering the bank. A cheer that soon faded once more as Farkor simply stared at her over his clasped hands. "It is terribly important that we start as soon as possible."
"And who might you be to make such a request on behalf of a dead family?" Farkor questioned, making the same eyebrow motion that the teller had.
"I'm Hermione, I'm…" she trailed off. Hermione believed that Farkor was in the know, but she couldn't be certain. She couldn't risk Harry's safety by telling the wrong person about her friend. Panic began to settle on her as she furiously tried to figure out a way forward.
"Stop toying with the girl, Farkor." An extremely gravelly voice sounded from the direction of the doorway.
Hermione spun on her chair to see two figures inside the room and several more heavily armed goblins outside it. Of the two figures inside, one was a tall and very smartly dressed goblin. He looked older than any other she had seen since arriving. The other figure was Pops.
"Pops. Don't take me back. Please, we need to help Ha…" She slammed her hand over her mouth for the second time that day and could feel the colour drain from her face.
The goblin swung the door closed and started to laugh at her as he moved over behind the desk, which Hermione noted that Farkor had vacated. As he sat, Pops took the empty seat to her left and looked at her gently.
"Don't worry, Hermione. You might have acted rashly, but you got the Potters to see sense on a thing or two. Harry has a good friend in you." Pops offered, gently patting her shoulder. "Might I introduce Ragnok? Head of Gringotts Bank and Gragnar of the Under of London. The highest position a goblin can hold on this isle."
She noted that Pops gave a slightly inclined bow to the goblin as he spoke and Hermione copied him as she lowered her hands.
Pops continued the introduction. "Gragnar, this is Hermione Granger. Harry's best friend."
"I like her. Storming into the bank without a plan in the world. Proper raw courage and loyalty." Ragnok claimed, his voice seeming amused. "And it's clear she cares a lot for your charge. So Miss Granger, what is it you came here for? Let's see how far you can take this."
Hermione glanced at Nemea, her heart rate soaring once more as she tried to keep the panic from her face. "Well, um... " she took several deep breaths, hoping to calm her nerves. "Harry is in danger. Pops has informed… us… that you have a ritual that can take almost all of that danger away. And that it requires a second willing and trustworthy human to act as a guide for Harry throughout. I offer my services as that guide."
She tried to sit as straight and still as she could under the scrutinising gaze of the elder goblin. But was thoroughly confused when he once more burst out laughing. She felt her cheeks heating once more with anger. Here she was putting it on the line to help Harry, and he was laughing at her.
"Brilliant. You have provided more entertainment in the past decade than I've had in over a century, Pops. I really like her. She's even preparing to give me what for, for laughing, you can see it in her eyes." Hermione blushed heavily at being so caught out. "You are in luck, Miss Granger. I already have a team preparing an appropriate space with the required runes."
Hermione let out a breath she didn't realise she'd been holding and sagged with relief. She started and sat straight once more as she recalled she was in front of someone very important in the goblin world, which drew another grin from the aged goblin.
"We'll be ready to go after lunch at the latest. But there are a few other things that would need to be addressed first." Pops added. "For the best effect, we'd need to cover the ascension protocol beforehand. The less time Harry is in public at present the better. We never know when another attempt might be made. And the next one could be a summoning rather than a scrying."
"While I have never heard of anyone successfully achieving human summoning, I am in agreement," Ragnok replied, looking at Pops curiously, but still with a smirk. "Farkor can accompany you back to the boy and we can finalise any documents. As soon as he is recognized as emancipated they would take effect"
Ragnok cleared his throat before continuing. "He would be the Head of the Potter family and by their own long-standing laws, free from control as a Ministry stooge. Beyond any of their typical meddling and taxation, of course. The old coot is another case. Laws have never seemed to stop him from acting all that much. If he found a loophole, he would exploit it."
"Does that mean that even if he completes the ritual, Harry could still be in danger?" Hermione asked quietly.
"We're all in danger every day, Miss Granger. You could be killed by so many things in this world just walking around. All we can do is prepare for those we can foresee and hope for the best. In Mister Potter's case, this ritual is the best preparation we can make. Anything further will need to wait until we have the result of the ritual. Speaking of…"
Ragnok trailed off as he signalled to Farkor, who grabbed a large tome from a shelf by the desk and laid it open in front of Hermione. "If you're going to be the guide, you will need to do some reading. There can be nothing besides the two of you in the room during the ritual. No books, clothes, wands, and especially no external magic. Not even an observer. Even your portkeys will have to come off. The room will be sealed until either of you touch the rune by the door."
"Nothing?!" Hermione gulped frightfully.
"The only safe material is the magically inert robes you shall be provided. Fret not little one. Junior robes are much thicker than those worn by adults in ritual." Farkor smiled softly at her as he explained and Hermione relaxed. She and Harry were very close friends, but she wasn't too thrilled at the idea of having to perform her first-ever ritual alone with him without clothing.
"Only extremely powerful rituals performed by groups of adults are done nude," Pops explained with his usual instructional tone. "Simple rituals like this are fine to wear specially-prepared robes. They are usually spun from non-magical spider silk and specially prepared over many years to be completely magically inert. That way they do not interfere in the magic of the ritual. We wouldn't have covered rituals with you both for many years to come in your studies. But as will happen, plans can change."
Hermione took comfort in the elf's words and focused her attention on the book before her. It seemed that she had successfully convinced them that she could adequately perform the role of guide. Now she had to back up that confidence with a flawless performance.
Harry was depending on her.
ϟ
Harry was extremely nervous.
They had spent most of the morning signing parchment after parchment to the point where his wrists ached from the effort. And then he had been made to memorise the entire upcoming ritual. His brain felt like it was full with all the information he'd been asked to absorb in such a short time.
He could see that the family was as nervous as he was. But the ritual was fully prepared, and all the required paperwork was filled out. Farkor had departed the Manor for the Ministry about an hour ago. Taking a circuitous route, just in case the Ministry had made any major leaps forward in tracing magic. He would probably have lodged all of the paperwork with their own department there by now.
An extra level of obscurity that also had the benefit of basically ensuring no one paid it any attention, thanks to the antagonism that continued between the two bodies. A situation that under better circumstances, Harry would be eager to analyse.
All they needed to do was head to Gringotts and perform the ritual itself.
Which was where Harry's main problem arose. Ever since he'd felt the intensity of the pull on his magic, he had been afraid. Scared to step outside his home and risk another incident. Would it be stronger out in the world at large? Would the culprit show up and whisk him away? Or do him harm.
Did his ability to pop make him harder or easier to scry and summon? After all, an elf's master could summon them to their side almost anywhere in the world with a word. And for the first time since their blending, Harry was truly afraid of Mipsy's magic running through him.
"Relax, Harry," Mipsy stated, holding his hand tightly. "I'll be with you the whole time except for the ritual itself. I cannot be inside while you perform it. But Pops, Nemea and I will all be outside. Along with a phalanx of heavily armed goblins. And no foreign magic can penetrate the ritual space itself from outside. Except for Magic itself, which is the point."
She smiled at him reassuringly and Harry gave her a soft smile in return. He released some of the pressure he was exerting on her poor fingers.
"Follow your instructions carefully, Harry. You know the words. And Hermione will be with you the whole time. You trust her don't you?" Lily asked.
Harry nodded and took several deep breaths. "I'm scared."
"Me too, sweetie. If I could, I'd wrap you up tight and never let you leave my sight." His mum replied, sighing heavily at her restricted existence. "Be brave, and follow Mipsy's instructions. You can do this."
He rolled his shoulders and stood taller. His parents had faced down their enemy like the Gryffindors they were. He would not shy away now. He would be strong, like them.
"Ready?" Mipsy asked, wrapping her arm around his shoulders.
"Yes." He replied, giving one last deep breath, and with a familiar pop, he found himself in a huge marble atrium, looking into the eyes of his best friend.
"Hello," She smiled, offering her hand. "This way."
Harry took it, drawing comfort from her presence. They were surrounded by almost two dozen heavily armed and armoured guards. Shining silver metal and what looked like dragon scale leather covered them from head to toe, all decorated in fine designs he was too nervous to truly take in.
He could see the curious customers in the background trying to get a glimpse of what was the cause of all the ruckus.
Hermione took the lead and guided him quickly into a side passage, the entire entourage following along behind, except the handful of guards keeping pace to ensure they were protected on all sides. The goblins made surprisingly little sound for how much metal they were wearing and carrying.
Down four sets of fine stairways, they soon arrived outside a domed space with a large stone chunk swung outward towering over them as it hung in the air, suspended by nothing that Harry could see. Pops stood by the opening with a large swathe of white cloth slung over his shoulder.
Beside the elf were several goblins. One he recognized as Farkor, the one who'd had him signing paperwork all day. But he didn't know the goblins on either side of Farkor.
"Welcome, Mister Potter," One of the older goblins said, stepping forward. "We've filed all the paperwork you signed with the appropriate departments. Thankfully the wizards never really look at what we send them most days. By the time they do check, we'll be done. As of now, Harry James Potter, you are the legal and magical heir to the House of Potter. And shall take control of said house upon your future…" he paused and gave a vicious-looking smile, "majority."
Harry couldn't help but grin slightly at the idea. Even if they checked the paperwork, it would only indicate that his parents' will had been executed by the goblins. No one would suspect that he was on the verge of emancipation and that the paperwork would have new meaning by nightfall. And even if they did, they'd be hard-pressed to read it all, understand the implications, and get here to stop them in time.
"Well, let's not waste time shall we?" Another of the older goblins spoke.
Pops stepped forward and guided Harry into the domed room. Inside was the most beautiful room Harry had ever laid eyes on.
The walls and floor were made of seamless solid black marble with tiny filigrees of gold throughout. On the surface were what seemed to be a hundred golden symbols Harry recognized as runes. While they hadn't started studying them yet, he was familiar enough from his own personal reading to know some of them.
The gold seemed to shimmer as it sat atop the shining black surface, almost looking liquid as it did. Though Harry knew from his studies that was not possible for gold at room temperature.
Harry noted that the guards had formed up across the entrance and turned away, blocking all sight from outside.
"Come now, Harry. Let's get you changed. You need to wear this for the ritual." Pops indicated the cloth over his shoulder and quickly helped as Harry removed his other clothes. "Underwear too, lad."
Harry blushed, he'd not been naked in front of Pops since he'd been first able to bathe himself. He passed the folded clothes to Pops and grabbed the white cloth from the elf. It was quite thick fabric but still felt light and airy. It was wonderfully comfortable on his skin.
"Portkey." Pops gave Harry an encouraging smile as the boy reached for the chain around his throat. It was so comfortable, he'd almost forgotten it was there already. He dropped the dark stone into the elf's waiting hand and set his shoulders.
Pops gave Harry a firm squeeze on his shoulder, looking into his eyes as he did. Harry gave him a smile in return and took another set of deep breaths as Pops guided him back to the opening.
"Ready, Harry?" Hermione asked, stepping over to him.
He glanced up at his best friend. He could see his own nervousness reflected in her eyes.
"You don't have to do this, Hermione. We can wait…"
She cut him off by grabbing his hand in her own and squeezing it firmly. The smile on her face was more comforting than anything he had seen in days. "I volunteered for this, Harry. I want to help my friend."
Harry couldn't help but return the smile and squeeze the soft hand captured in his own. "Thank you."
The eldest of the goblins stepped forward. He was draped in similar robes to Harry and Hermione, though these were considerably thinner. Harry could see parts of goblin anatomy through them that he'd never wanted to see.
"The space is prepared. Be sure not to disturb any of the runes when you enter. Ensure you have naught but yourselves and your robes on you." His voice was gruff yet smooth and he held out a hand for anything they might still have on them. Harry checked himself over as did Hermione yet they were clean. "Very good. You both remember your roles and lines?"
Harry glanced at Hermione, who nodded vigorously. "Yes, we're ready to go."
"Excellent. The guards are in position around both the space and the outer walls of this room. Your three elves are staying here by the opening. Nothing shall disturb you. Best of luck to you both."
The goblin bowed slightly to them, which the children both returned. Turning to one another, they quickly grasped hands once more and with a synchronised deep breath, turned and entered the space.
ϟ
The large stone door of the room let out a loud boom as it met the floor, causing both children to feel a spike of fear at their isolation. But the isolation was a required part of the ritual they were about to undertake. Any outside magic could be dangerous, even in a simple ritual such as this.
The room itself was dark, the marble gave off no light and there could be no other form of magical lighting in the space. But after a moment, their eyes adjusted to the dim light being let off by the countless golden runes on every single surface.
Hermione took a deep breath and dusted her clean robe down.
She stepped forward, being careful not to step on any of the raised golden runes with her bare feet. The moment she passed over the first ring, she felt a buzz suffuse her entire body. There was a potential energy to this circle of runes, unlike anything she had ever felt before.
The only close comparison she could make was that it was like touching a Van der Graaf machine, but much much more intense and the only thing she was in contact with was the black marble floor.
As she reached her position within the circle, Hermione turned and noticed Harry was still standing over by the sealed door. She gave him a half-hearted smile and beckoned him forward with her hand. Not wanting to speak anything but the required words so that she didn't taint the ritual in any way.
Harry soon reached his own position and Hermione tried to settle her racing heartbeat. She'd been certain she was capable of doing this when they had first learned of it. Had studied the requirements over and over while the goblins prepared the space. She knew there could be no mistakes. Harry was depending on her now.
Nervously yet with a clear voice, Hermione began. "We who are gathered call on Magic itself to bless our purpose and guide our actions."
Strong magic filled Hermione's body before streaming out in all directions, igniting the runes on the floor and walls with a clear flame as it passed over them, massively brightening the space, yet the increase did not hurt her eyes. She noticed Harry's body shudder as it passed through him a moment later.
"Have you, Harry James Potter, taken your place in this circle of your own free will?"
Harry cleared his throat before speaking in a loud yet slightly uneven voice, "I have."
Another small pulse of magic filled the space, emanating from Harry and washing over Hermione. She felt it inside and all around and it felt like Harry's entire form was wrapped around her, even though she could see he was still standing a metre in front of her.
She quivered under the intense and pleasurable feeling it gave her and realised what had made Harry shudder earlier. Her cheeks took on a pink dusting as she refocused on the memorised words.
"We gather today to put forth our petition to the Essence of Magic to look inside of young Harry. To assess his being and decide for all time if he has the strength to stand for Her, the will to fight for Her, the compassion to love for Her. To stand anew as not only one of Her children, but also recognized as one of Her champions as well."
Hermione swallowed around the lump in her throat. They were approaching the big moment, and the longer their small circle was open the heavier the magic churning the air became. It had almost become so thick about them that she struggled to breathe.
"Do you, Harry James Potter, accept the judgement of Magic and choose to receive Her blessing upon your magic!"
"I, Harry James Potter, do hereby accept the will of Magic and Her judgement."
A third, even larger burst of invisible magic rushed inwards from the bounds of the circle itself, engulfing them both in its embrace. Hermione's breath stopped as she felt it wrap around her own magic, as tightly as Harry's was. But this didn't feel comforting as his magic did. It felt heavy and judgemental, and she was afraid of it.
She saw a similar fear in Harry's eyes and remembered this ritual hinged on her. Clearing her throat in the dense air, she commenced the final line.
"I, Hermione Jane Granger, beg the Essence of Magic to render Her decision now, that we may heed Her will."
The pressure in the room became immense and both children struggled to remain standing under its weight. An eternity seemed to pass under the intense gaze of something so much bigger than themselves before the atmosphere changed and suddenly the oppressive magic in the room, without lightening, became comforting as well.
It swirled eagerly about the room, stirring the robes the pair wore before rushing out from the circle, causing them both to stumble slightly.
As the lighter air settled around the pair, they couldn't help but release several relieved giggles at the dishevelled appearance of the other. Hermione's hair was a mess at the best of times, but right now she was glad there wasn't a mirror around. She would have to remember to forbid Harry from ever showing anyone this memory.
"We gathered here accept the judgement the Essence of Magic has bestowed and thank Her for Her guidance." A light swirl of magic danced at the edge of the circle at Hermione's words and Hermione drew heart from the event as she wound up the ritual. "We seal our purpose and return. Let it be done."
With those words, Hermione felt Harry's magic leave her presence as her own swelled within once more, feeling so much denser than it had when they began. It made her feel amazing, helping to make up for the loss of Harry's own holding her tightly.
A snap of bright magic broke over the circle and all the runes became still and dulled once more. The space fell to a thick darkness once more, only barely broken by the lightly glowing golden writing.
Two pairs of uncontrolled giggles filled the space as the children fell to their knees and laughed wildly. It was over, and they were both alive and well. Hermione felt an intense level of relief fill her up, not realising that she had been holding a tension in herself since the pull on Harry's magic right up until it had vanished with the success of the ritual.
Magic itself had decided that Harry was a full part of Her world. Of age as they reduced such a heady concept into paltry language. Unable to be bought and sold for the power and standing of others.
With a particularly strong set of giggles, Hermione felt the world around her darken even further, and with a surprised shout of her name from familiar lips, she fell into the darkness's embrace.