Song Of The Guardians

Into The Skies

The Guardians met up at the edge of the Forbidden Forest just after an early breakfast. The sun had not even risen over the horizon yet. Hermione approached the tree line with a cold feeling of dread in her stomach. The thestrals were waiting for them, grazing lazily.

"Alright everyone," Harry said. "We have all of our supplies and we're ready to take to the skies. Almost," he added, giving Hermione a sympathetic look.

"We know you have a hard time flying Hermione," Caroline said. "We thought that the thestrals might look a bit ominous for someone who's feeling anxious already. So, Hagrid is bringing someone that doesn't look as terrifying."

Hermione turned and found Hagrid striding toward the group, leading a hippogriff. He explained that this hippogriff, Hera, was quite gentle and he was confident that Hermione would be perfectly safe. Hermione bowed to the hippogriff, smiling nervously as Hera bowed back almost immediately. This action was repeated by Severus, who also received a bow in return. When Hermione gave him a questioning look he said "I believe that I told you that you could ride with me. Do you still find that arrangement acceptable?"

Hermione nodded, feeling a bit relieved. She carefully reached out and stroked the white feathers on Hera's neck, smiling when the hippogriff closed her eyes in obvious enjoyment. She then accepted the vial of calming draught that Severus handed her and swallowed it quickly.

Ginny watched morosely as Harry mounted one of the thestrals. She was hugely pregnant by this time and Harry wouldn't even consider the idea of her going with them. She was forced to stay behind with McGonagall, Hagrid and the house-elves. Harry saw her face and gave her a sympathetic smile. "Don't worry Love," he said gently. "We'll be back before you know it."

Severus climbed onto Hera's back and then held his hand out to Hermione. He settled her in front of him and secured her hair in a ponytail with a quick spell. "Shouldn't I be in the back?" she asked apprehensively.

"Where you can hide your face and miss what is sure to a magnificent sunrise?" Severus asked with a smirk. "Certainly not."

"We've got something else to make you feel better anyway," Andy said with a grin. He was sitting atop on of the thestrals, holding an accoustic guitar. He began strumming, giving Hermione a knowing wink. He knew this song would make her smile.

Harry took the hint and started singing. Caroline, Sam and Jenna clapped to the rhythm, smiling at the cheerful sound of Harry's voice. The thestrals and Hera flapped their wings and took to the sky. Hermione gasped fearfully and tensed as the ground fell away. Severus wrapped his arms around her, making her feel a bit more secure. She was a bit distracted when Ron started to sing too.

Hermione smiled, listening to her two best friends sing while Andy continued to play the guitar. Ron and Harry looked at Hermione expectantly, urging her with their voices. Hermione rolled her eyes, but smiled and joined their song. She could feel some of the anxiety draining out of her as the wind caressed her face. Severus suppressed a sigh at the sound of her voice. He reached around her and took hold of her hands, slowly bringing her arms up and out to the sides. Hermione smiled, her arms wide as if to embrace the rising sun.

Caroline smiled when Harry and Ron mimicked the gesture, their arms spread out wide, welcoming the dawn with a joyous song. It was no wonder that they had been such close friends in school. Their love for each other reminded Caroline of her love for her own sisters.

When the song ended, Hermione lowered her arms and sighed. "This is beautiful," she said.

"Indeed," Severus responded, his arms once again wrapped comfortably around her. "Are you ready? We need to speed this up. Potter simply wanted to give you time to get calm before we went any faster."