Blood Magic

The Gift of Compulsion

Hermione was falling, yet again.

Only this time, she knew exactly where she was.

Her body still went through the same weightless sensation of being tugged between two worlds until it finally breached the surface.

Hermione knew well enough of the eternal midnight sky that roamed beautifully above her head as well as the frightening, bottomless depths that lay below.

She was back... back in the Nether.

All of her limbs floated alongside her but this time she couldn't keep her eyes open. She was truly exhausted. Too tired to even crack her eyes open to gaze at the stunning display of stars that twinkled just for her.

She couldn't recall what had happened once everything had gone dark for her. All she knew was that she had no choice but to surrender her control once more.

Her head was swimming with clipped, broken memories of what had been happening since then.

She was in the Great Hall writing out her letter... Then the Minister appeared with what looked like a small army of Aurors... And then... And then... Draco!

Hermione's eyes shot wide open in helpless fear. Her arms and legs flailed in distress as she tried to gain control over surroundings but to no avail.

Draco was being arrested for an injustice that he hadn't even committed. It wasn't true—none of it was true!

Kingsley was using any excuse he could find just to take Malfoy into custody. Merlin knows she would surely never see him again if they had succeeded in their task.

But that was part of her growing anxiety.

Hermione had no idea what became of the situation since her creature had taken control.

All she knew was that her body was terribly weak and all she wanted was to let herself sink into the comforting water beneath her.

A strange voice echoed from a distance.

" ....Hermione.... "

It slowly grew closer.

". ........Hermione.... "

And closer.

" Hermione! "

Mione shot her eyes open once more with a sharp gasp. She remembered the rich, deep sound of the masculine voice that played in her mind since the last time she was there. Only now, she knew who the voice belonged to.

She struggled for a moment to find her own voice. "C-Calix," she hissed.

It felt strange actually saying his name to address the unknown entity that had become of her subconscious.

" My God, farfalla... "

Calix sounded stunned. Cautious. And somewhat...impressed?

"...You never cease to amaze me, my dear."

Her brows pulled together. "Why do I feel so tired?" she rasped. "The last time I was here, I wasn't nearly as exhausted as I am n-now."

Though she still couldn't see Calix, Hermione could sense that the man's mouth had curved into a smirk. The sound of his light hearted laughter filled her ears.

"The reason you are without energy is because your creature has over extended herself beyond possibility," he said.

Her brows pulled together. "I don't understand."

"You possess a gift, farfalla." Calix's smooth voice rolled over her like a much needed blanket. " One that is rare even for a vampire."