Firebird by NorseFan1

Chapter 12

Ana was openly staring at him and he was getting a little bit concerned. "Anastasia, are you alright?" Loki asked her.

"Hermione? Hermione is Helena?" Her voice was incredulous.

"I know, I did not believe it either when I was told. It took actually seeing her to confirm it. But she is still highly confused and asking for you."

"Right. So, my best friend, who was at one point my only friend who I knew very well and helped me to escape a life I hated by helping me stage my own death is actually the reincarnation of the daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw who's other half of her spirit was most probably trying to tell me about my rune to find a way to move on to her next life?"

"Pretty much, yes."

"Huh, I did not see that coming I will admit. Right, where is she?"

"In the healing rooms. Ullr is with her now."

"Right, I'm going to go see her," Ana said, before looking up at him. "You coming?"

"Of course," he nodded, offering her his arm, which she accepted.

When they reached the healing rooms, Ana saw Hermione propped up on the bed, Ullr holding her hand tightly and Eir bustling around her, magic sometimes doing a circuit around Hermione's head.

"You seem to have no damage done. With a bit of time, and help, you should be able to sort out your memories. Seeing as this is your first rebirth, and it was such a sudden transition, it will take more conscious effort."

"Thank you, Lady Eir," Hermione said, smiling weakly. Then, she caught sight of Ana and Loki. "Ana?"

"Hey Hermione. It's me. Do you prefer Hermione or Helena?"

"I'm not sure. It's so confusing right now."

"Take your time. No one can harm you here. I will not allow it," Ullr said gently, running his free hand through her hair.

She smiled up at him, before leaning into him and Ana approached her. She could see how much relief that brought her highly confused friend. "He's right. You should take your time. It's going to be fine."

"But, you were hurt… weren't you?"

Ana nodded. "I was, but that was a while ago. I've recovered now, well, mostly."

"I can remember promising to get you help, and those chains, but not much more than that."

"You will, in time. Don't worry about it now. You helped get me and Jane out and to safety, but now this is about you getting better. Just relax, it may make things easier. I'll be here to help when you need it."

"Thank you Ana."

"What are friends for?"

It was a fortnight later when Hermione, who had decided to stick with the name due to it being hers in this current life, was well enough, and had enough order in her mind to be able to tell her story to the court, so it was only then that the court was assembled to hear what happened to her, Anastasia and Jane at the hands of the British Wizarding community and hear Fudge try and defend his actions. Anastasia had been assigned a handmaid to help her get ready- which was good, seeing as many of the dresses women wore were extremely difficult to do up without help. It annoyed her to no end that they didn't seem to have anything simpler. But Nàl was very patient with her and helped her pick something she could be comfortable in for the day, while looking presentable. She pulled two thick strands of Ana's hair from the sides of her head and knotted them together intricately at the back, while the rest fell down her back. The idea was to present the three of them as having already become a part of the society to Fudge, demonstrating one of the reasons why he and his people were in trouble. Ana wished all this was not necessary. She was sure of the outcome already. Most people were. So why were they bothering with this charade?