Hogwarts: A Hope Through Time (Book 1)

Chapter 27 (*)

Myrddin shot across the plains and the rural roads along Southern Ireland, starting at Crookhaven and finishing up at Seven Heads. Hope was trailing after him with her full Tribrid speed but every so often a streak of lightning would overtake the onyx Phoenix and the coppery auburn haired girl before the Thunderbird lost her momentum, falling behind slightly before flashing forward in front again.
The three Magical Creatures were racing against one another. Hope chose a quiet and mostly isolated countryside to test their speed, power and magic along a 100km trek, but most importantly they were doing this to have fun. Myrddin was getting restless during the school terms, feeling Hope's angst and Alexandria's youthful and relentless energy that needed an outlet.
Myrddin felt like he was acting like a mother hen between two children who were vastly on separate ends of the spectrum, one that was too energetic and the other who was too moody.

Thankfully the midnight Phoenix was appreciative to the Greengrass Heiress, who was able to break past Hope's defences with ease. The only downside was that whenever Daphne wasn't around Hope, the Tribrid went back into a recluse, working exclusively on trying to figure out how to get back to her own world and also learning everything she can about Wizading Politics in this world.
During their run the Phoenix used the opportunity to distract the Tribrid and to unleash Alexandria's pent-up energy, magic and lightning giving the sunlight coloured Thunderbird clarity of mind and to tire the young hatchling out.
Unfortunately the run didn't distract the Mikaelson witch as much as Myrddin had wanted and he let out a thrill of frustration as he perched himself on Hope's right shoulder. Alexandria landed on Hope's other shoulder once they came to a stop at the edge of a cliff face, overlooking the raging sea with her arms crossed over her chest in with a loud sigh.

Hope stood there quietly watching as the waves crashed against the cliff face for nearly an hour as she complemented her choices, such as the choices she had already made when she first arrived here and the ones she knew she would have to make in the future. She questioned herself 'is what she doing the right thing'. Myrddin and Alexandria tried to alleviate Hope's worries but the Tribrid was being stubborn.
After a while Hope sensed two magical beings appeared to either side of her in a crack of apparition. Lady Emrys turned her head to the left and right to see Nicolas and Perenelle to each side of her. A confused look came across Hope's face as she brought her arms down to her side. "What are you two doing here?"
"Luna." The Flamel's answered simply as if it answered all questions, which it technically does.

Hope rolled her eyes in amusement as she gave a small smile.
"So Luna knows that I'm having an existential crisis? That's slightly annoying." The auburn girl snarked lightly.
There was a hint of a smile at the corner of Nicolas' mouth while Perenelle wanted to pity the girl who had the weight of the world on her shoulders, but the naturing woman would never treat Hope like someone who was broken, so she threw those feelings behind an incredibly thick Occlumency wall.

"Hope, sweetie. I know what it feels like to question every choice you make. Nic and I have had this exact same conversation multiple times over the last few centuries. We question if we should help the Wizarding World to the fullest extent of our capabilities or if we should ignore the cries for help." Perenelle started to explain as she took one of Hope's hands into her own, holding it gently.
Hope brought her attention to Perenelle with a curious look. "What made you choose to help or not?"
Nicolas picked up where his wife had left off. "We have helped out many times over the years, mainly in France. That's why we have so many debts owed to us in France and why we also owe a couple of debts to other families, like the Delacours. We help and the people depend on us completely, forgetting how to fend for themselves. Thereby making the Wizarding Community weak and obsolete."
"On the other hand by not doing anything, but knowing that we have the knowledge that could have saved many lives, it leaves a certain amount of guilt that is difficult to shake." The Immortal Alchemist mentioned with a distracted look on his face.

Hope pursed her lips as she considered her adoptive father's words. "So the outcomes are admiration and hero-worship or undeniable guilt and regret?"
Hope groaned loudly. "Got to admit those options suck. Especially for people like us."
Perenelle chuckled with a serene smile on her face. "Do you mean introverts or martyrs?"
A smirk appeared on the Mikaelson girl's face, "Of course." She replied vaguely.
Hope saw the unimpressed looks on the Flamels' faces, her smirk only grew as she followed up with, "Both."
Nicolas and Perenelle shared a look behind Hope's back before they both called out, "Brat." As the two immortals shook their heads in annoyance.
Hope let out a light laugh as she unfolded her arms as she turned around to walk back so she could walk back to the closest town at a slow pace as she heard Nicolas and Perenelle follow behind her hesitantly. "Well this year will be the year when everything changes. I've already discussed this with Daphne. I'm going to be entering the Tri-Wizard Tournament so Cedric doesn't die this time round, to make sure the Merpeople don't break the treaty by attacking an underage Veela and to give Harry some backup against Voldemort."
Nicolas hummed in acceptance. "But doing this doesn't bother you."
Hope glanced over her shoulder to look at her father of this world with a questioning gaze, as the 680 year old man continued on with his thoughts. "You help people because it's the right thing to do. But you don't want any recognition for your actions as you don't believe you deserve it, due to some need to atone for your family's sins."

Hope sighed loudly as she stopped in her tracks and looked down to the ground in shame, Perenelle wrapped an arm around Hope's waist and pulled her into a side hug. "Sweetheart, there is no reason for you to make atonements for your family, especially for mistakes that you hadn't even been alive for. Their actions are not on you, Hope. You create your own legacy."
"I may not be burdened by my family's actions in this world but it doesn't change how I was raised and what the Saltzman twins call my 'Martyr Complex'." Hope replied solemnly.
"I'm fairly certain a blonde haired witch will knock you out of that complex pretty quickly." The healer rubbed Hope's arm in a soothing motion.
Hope gave a genuine smile at the mention of her Mate. "Yeah, maybe."

The two legendary birds shared a glance behind Hope's head before letting out a thrill of noise and took off with a gust of wind before disappearing in a flash of fire and lightning. The Flamel's gave Hope a curious look wondering why the birds left.
Hope rolled her eyes at her adoptive parents as she answered. "They're a little tired from our run... well flight for them, they're going home to rest. Alexandria finally managed to access her larger form with four wings. Myrddin and I are proud of her. She's learnt how to use her lightning in that form and also took down some farm animals to find out how strong she was."
"Very impressive. I thought Thunderbirds couldn't access their larger form until their 50th year or so?" Nicolas remarked in curiosity as he rubbed the stubble on his chin.
"Probably." Hope replied simply.
Lady Emrys turned around to the cliff again before changing the topic back to her recent troubles. "Although back to what Nic said earlier, performing the actions to help people doesn't bother me. It's knowing that I will be a predominant figure in the Wizarding World is what worries me."
"Everyone will be judging me openly as soon as I come out as Lady Emrys and will be combing through my life with a fine tooth comb. Your lives and the Greengrass's will be affected by this the most." Hope admits worriedly as she wished the waves would wash away her fears.
Nicolas placed a hand on Hope's shoulder before pulling her into a hug, resting his chin on the top of her head. "My sweet girl. Perenelle and I will be absolutely fine. We have for centuries. Besides you have upgraded both ours and the Greengrass's security on the wards. You are already protecting us, even though it is not your responsibility."

"It may not be my responsibility. But I would rather fight The Hollow or jump into Malivore again than leave my friends and family unprotected from people who are obviously coming after me. I've made that mistake before and it almost killed me." Hope murmured, regret and sorrow laced her words.
Both Perenelle and Nicolas let out a sad sigh as Perenelle also embraced the young girl, trying to offer as much comfort as they could.
"This time you don't have to do it alone." Perenelle remarked as she ran her fingers through Hope's long auburn locks.
"You have Daphne, me, Nic, Luna, potentially the rest of the Greengrass', the Bones' women, Professor's Flitwick and Babbling, the Goblin Nation and Harry. Your friends from the other school houses, Neville, Hannah and the Patil twins." Perenelle pulled back slightly and brought Hope's sea coloured eyes to meet her own hazel ones.
"You've already amassed a small army and the people you have trusted with wandless magic are in a league of their own thanks to you." Perenelle pressed a light kiss on Hope's forehead before resuming their group hug.
A small sniffle was heard and a quiet noise was spoken. "Thank you. For not giving up on me."
"Never." Both of the Flamel's replied instantly before tightening their hug, "Always and Forever. Right?"
Hope chuckled silently and nodded against her parents.

When the family finally apparated back home Hope felt better than before, needing to be able to clear the air about some of her fears but she had more questions in regards to her political standing. Hope organised to do her Goblin training starting tomorrow with Daphne but she chose to go into Gringotts a day early, so she could tackle the Bills and political memos first before being able to take her frustrations out in training for the next week.
"Good evening, King Ragnok, King of the Goblins, Blooded Warrior and Proxy to the Legendary House of Emrys. May the souls of your enemies run in fear by the mere mention of your name or power." Hope greeted with a small bow as she came face to face with the impressive Goblin.
The Goblin King ginned feral as he gave a small bow of his own. "Good evening, Lady Emrys, Queen of the Werewolves, Princess of the Vampires and seasoned Warrior. May the blood of your enemies coat your blade forevermore."
Hope's eyes widened at the greeting. "I thought I still had one more week left of Goblin training before I could receive that title?"
"You also mentioned in your deal for Lancealot's Spear, if you exceeded our expectations we could name you a Warrior earlier. However 3 one week sessions are still required. But we would be pleased to have you come back whenever you wish to train with us. You push my Warriors to new limits against your powers. It humbles them and encourages them to continue learning new skills or improving old skills." King Ragnok mentions with a proud smile.
Hope smiled back at the Goblin King, as she raised a fist over her heart and bowed respectfully to the elder Goblin. "Thank you for your generosity, King Ragnok."

The Goblin clapped his hands together loudly and rubbed them together. "Thank God the niceties are out of the way. Walk with me to my office and you can tell me what's troubling you while we go over everything from the Wizengamot."
Hope rolled her eyes dramatically as she walked side by side with the Goblin as this was the only way they walked together these days. A Goblin leaving his back open to a strike was considered suicidal, but having the ruler of another species leave their flank open for attack is also stupid. The Goblin and Tribrid figured out this was the easiest method of travel for them and they both respected each other enough that it was seen as a power play.
As they entered Ragnok's office he pulled out a Blood Quill to which Hope groaned at and subconsciously rubbed the top of her right hand as she could almost feel the upcoming pain. The Goblin just chuckled at Hope's displeasure. "Start with this pile first. It has the Dark and Light Bills. The Neutral Bills are... unique."
Hope raised an eyebrow at the Goblin at the choice of his words. "Unique, how? Like Marcus Greengrass hindering us or helping?"
A tooth grin was Ragnok's response. "Guess you will have to wait and see. Why do you think it's Greengrass?"

"I kind of threatened him when I told him I was going to marry his daughter with or without his permission and if he interfered I would rain down hell on him politically as Lady Emrys." Hope replied casually with a smile as she picked up the Blood Quill and took the first sheet of paper, scanning over it quickly before declining the Dark Bill in front of her with a flourish of her hand across parchment.
Ragnok let out a deafening roar of laughter as he heard the reasoning behind the leader of the Neutral Faction change of direction with his Bills. "Geez Hope. That's not the smartest play in any political book."
Hope scoffed lightly. "Doesn't really matter. If Marcus becomes a liability I can always use my position as Lady Emrys and the Consort Greengrass to force Marcus out as Head of the Greengrass family and place Daphne there in his place. Other than that, he owes me a Life-Debt that he's not even aware of since I cured Astoria."
The Goblin King blinked a few times in disbelief before asking. "How did you cure someone with a Blood Curse that old?"
Hope was speeding through the Dark Bills in record time after she realised she could use her superspeed to speed-read, before she turned to face the Goblin with a serious expression. "I used a combination of my blood and Phoenix Tears. I've also discreetly removed the Blood Curse from the family. No more Greengrass's will ever be afflicted with that curse ever again."

Just as Hope moved onto the Light Bills she unloaded her troubles with the Goblin King. Politically, Ragnok told her she had nothing to worry about, she was a natural and he enjoyed working with her. Ragnok even mentioned if he was ever removed as her Proxy he would still quite happily stay with Hope as an advisor, to which Hope thanked the Goblin profusely.
As the duties as a saviour to the Wizarding World, Hope just agreed to do what she believes to be right and will try to keep peace between Magical Creatures and Wizards while destroying Voldemort. The Tribrid also mentioned to the elderly Goblin that there are only 3 Horcruxes left, the ring, the locket and Nagini.
"So you're leaving the ring for Dumbledore to find, so the withering curse on the ring will be placed on Dumbledore and take him out of the equation for the Light Faction. The snake you will just perform a locator spell after the ring has affected the Hogwarts Headmaster and kill it. Whereas you plan on getting Harry Potter and Sirius Black's help to get the locket from a House-Elf hiding behind a Fidelius charm?" Ragnok summarised.