The Serpent and the Lioness

Chapter 4

The lioness felt so confused and hurt. She searched endlessly for the serpent. Day after day month after month she searched for the serpent because she knew, that no matter what anyone said against him, that he was a mighty healer...

ooOOoo

"Ginny, have you seen my hairbrush?"

"Sorry, Albus had it." Ginny came in holding the culprit on her hip.

"It was da broom it go woosh!"

Hermione turned, a soft curve at the corner of her lips and met them halfway, "Little monkey," her steps were slow but steady. Placing a kiss on the boy's cheek and she plucked her brush from his hand.

"You can have it back once I'm finished okay?"

"Yay! It's da final match! Spidermans versus Ogers!"

Hermione gave him a very impressed and mock serious look, "I'll be quick about it."

Ginny's smile faded when she noticed the weight her friend seemed to be carrying with each step. Ever since the day she almost hurt Albus she had become extremely withdrawn. She hadn't asked for her wand back or attempted any magic afterward. Ginny had finally convinced her, to at least carry it, so her magic would remain in control.

Hermione only seemed to smile at Albus anymore and dutifully avoided both her and Harry's eyes. It had taken some time for all of them to remember that they still very much cared and loved each other but Ginny still felt as though the older woman wasn't completely convinced.

She watched her turn away and set Albus down shooing him off. She too, wasn't very quick these days, a soft smile came to her lips as she rubbed her rounding stomach. Her eyes turned back to Hermione who had to use both arms to set herself on the vanity chair.

"You want some help?"

Hermione smiled wryly at the kindness in her friend's voice, one quick glance at her exhausted features in the mirror decided for her, "If it's not too much trouble, I fear by the time I finish with this disaster Albus will be starting Hogwarts."

Ginny smiled sadly behind her hand and she came to stand behind her. She ran her fingers through the trimmed mass, Hermione had cut it herself after Albus had gotten his hand tangled in it one afternoon. The boy had become a constant companion to her. Though at first Ginny had felt a bit worried, she couldn't deny the boy had lifted her mood.

With a new potion regime to fill the gaps, her health and stamina had steadily been increasing too. Even though Ginny could very clearly remember her on the floor unable to move, that day hadn't been repeated and in the time that passed Hermione had been making a quick and steady recovery physically. Though at times Ginny had to resist filling her in on the memories she hadn't yet gained access to, they had come in their own time steadily enough.

Watching the older woman's face in the mirror she accepted the offered brush putting in just a little oil to help tame the curls. It rested just below her shoulders now and while it was significantly shorter than before, it had only started to curl in protest.

"Are you having those dreams again?"

Hermione let out a relaxed sigh as she allowed Ginny's touch to soothe her frayed nerves. "Yeah, but they're different now...the doors, they're oriented and they move in slow circles. I almost made it to the center this time before he caught me." Her voice was listless but strong enough to be made out. Hermione's eyes went sort of unfocused as her dream started to replay itself.