Prodigal Witch

Let's see how this ritual goes!

Hermione gripped Harry's arm as they walked toward the ritual circle. The grass felt cool underneath her bare feet. Hermione surveyed the scene in front of her. The grassy path to the circle was clear. Minerva and Lucius Malfoy stood in the circle, also barefoot, but wearing long, emerald green robes. Their robes were embellished with copper, bronze, and gold.

People lined the outside of the ritual space. Narcissa Malfoy stood between Arabella Pucey and Inge Flint, making a trio of the most strikingly beautiful blonde witches Hermione had ever seen. Pius Flint was there too, next to Severus, Pansy, Neville, Master Bouchard, and Healer Adams. Bronwyn, Percy, and Director Penrose stood next to Kingsley, who looked impressive in his formal purple Minister robes. Hermione almost rolled her eyes at all his pomp, given that there was no press there. Next to him, Blaise looked exceptionally dashing. Blaise stood next to Bane and Ronan, the centaurs that promised to come, though he did give them plenty of room. Standing more comfortably next to the centaurs were Master Toshi and Sasha.

Hermione, still holding Harry's arm, stopped at the circle's edge. Her little entourage stopped behind her as well. Luna and Selma both came up and gave her kisses on the cheek, smiling warmly. They went to stand next to the centaurs and Toshi. Harry whispered good luck, gave her a tight hug, and went to stand with his wife and Neville.

Hermione took a deep breath and tried to steady her nerves. She felt strong arms wrap around her from behind and she smelled Theo's distinctive scent of ink, parchment, and lemon verbena soap.

"You know what to do, Mi," Theo murmured in her ear. "We've researched this and you know all there is to know. You can do this! I know you can, my brilliant, sexy witch."

Hermione blushed at Theo's words and because he very surreptitiously gave her bum a squeeze through the white linen shift. He pressed a kiss into her temple and stepped aside. It meant so much to her that he had faith in her. Theo's confidence made her feel like she could do anything.

Marcus turned Hermione to him and leaned forward. She tilted her head back and Marcus rested his forehead against hers.

"I'll be right here, princess," Marcus whispered in his low, rumbling voice. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

"I know, Marcus," Hermione replied. She felt her heart swell. It warmed her inside to know that Marcus was there, ready to protect and support her. She tilted her face just a little more so she could brush her lips against his. Marcus groaned and stepped back.

Draco pulled Hermione into to him, pressing her small frame against the length of his. He was so self-confident. Draco was larger-than-life sometimes, as if nothing and no one could touch him. He had no trouble being in the spotlight. Hermione rubbed against him, hoping some of that attitude would rub off on her.

"Best get on with it, Granger," Draco grinned. "You're the most stubborn witch I've ever met and I need you to put that to use for me now. Whatever happens in that circle, you aren't going to give up. After all, who else is going to keep me in line? You haven't even given me a lecture for hexing your friend Sasha last night at the pub!"

"Draco!" Hermione said, disapprovingly. Adrian and Marcus hadn't mentioned that earlier, not that Hermione was surprised. She had already figured out that her four wizards would watch out for each other.

"See?" Draco chuckled. "You have to be fine, just so you can punish me later. I'll even cast the Incarcerous charm on myself, so you can have your wicked way with me."

Hermione couldn't help but laugh. Draco was so bold. He made her feel like she could face all the scrutiny, all the attention with grace. He leaned down and gave her a firm kiss, nipping her lip with his teeth slightly.