Disclaimer: I am not J K Rowling or Robert Jordan and their worlds of Harry Potter and the Wheel of Time. These two created the fun little worlds I have decided to play in with no thought of profit to myself. So I promise that if I did own these I wouldn't have had Hermione with Ron, though I would have been happy to see her be married to Rand al'Thor if ever the two worlds should meet.

($parseltongue$)

Chapter Twenty Seven: Moonlight on the Water

Gathered around their captive Red Sister, the escaped Aes Sedai and all but Luna of the postulants were weighing what to do with the woman. She was unashamed to be counted as one of those whom had been a part of the violent coup that shattered the direly needed unity of the White Tower. For the Hogwarts girls, this vile cow had also been an active party to the attempt to enslave the boys, and their Luna by proxy. If not for the presence of the three full Sisters, the girls may have been tempted to stuff the Red in a sack to be tossed off the aft of the boat. As it were they still might do just that.

"Tenesirin, I won't mince words here. I detest you." Corilta Sedai venomously spoke with a cultivated Aes Sedai iciness, "Kidnaping boys in hopes of finding some to unleash as male channelors or False Dragons, my dear Sister, that is unforgivable."

"Do I care what you think Corilta? I think not." the Red sneered in a dismissive toss of her head. "If these tarts and my traitorous whore hadn't betrayed me, you'd have been caught and disposed of alongside the rest of your self righteous Ajah. All of you will soon be rightfully lost to the pages of history. Yes my dear Sister, under Elaida's reign the Red will erase the Blue, capturing and stilling the lot of you so that the Tower can take its rightful place in the world. Does that upset you to know that us of the Red will correct all of your Ajah's many little hidden failings? One day I'll have the pleasure of watching you lose that bland faced head of your's as these tarts are groveling at my feet. That tasty little red head your Blue has been pampering will be broke by me to replace my Nal. Some others may take the rest of you under their wings, or maybe some will put you to use like Elaida has that blond waif. Oh yes my dears, I know you lot dare not do a thing to me for fear of Elaida's wrath. All I can say is, I hope you all are memorizing your contrite pleas for mercy for defying the White Tower."

Hermione recoiled at the evil promise in that. Her Circlemates, especially Ginny, all blanched at its being spoken of so casually. They only thought they had felt hate for the Red Ajah before. Now there wasn't even words for it.

Unknown years as a Sister shown in how unruffled Corilta Sedai remained. In fact the older witch gave the Red cow a chilling little smile, "As you say Tenesirin, my Ajah is dead. I've no reason to play by your rules, do I?"

Unfazed, Tenesirin purred challengingly, "I've been trained by the best Corilta, pain is my friend. I welcome it as any lover. It is how I have brought to heel so many strong men and women. Can you claim the same?"

"The river runs deep." was all the Blue Sister said in casual reply.

Jerking as if slapped, Tenesirin gasped in disbelief, "Your Oaths?"

"My own oaths may hinder things, but I'm no more held to protecting your life as you are mine. I'm afraid my dear, you forgot that in your own delusions. There will be no use of the One Power here as a knife is as effective as any. Just as poison is. We can not allow you to run home to Elaida carrying tales. Sister have you forgotten from where I hale from? Let me clarify things for you. Where the Cairhienin play games with each other for position, and we all know the Domani chase each other's husbunds around bedrooms for the same reason, neither of these pleasant diversions were a part of my formative years. However us in Murondy are deft at the use of exotic spices for our rivals or foes, to their chagrin. You once may have thought yourself unassailable by us, but that will not last, my dear Red Sister. Ask yourself why we are holding this charming little discussion in the captain's state cabin, with its lovely large aft windows." casually gazing out said windows, the Blue Sister sighed in a light friendliness. "The moonlight is lovely this night. It's so beautiful to be so far away from the rest of civilization."

Tenesirin's eyes grew an uncertain tightness at that casually delivered message.

Corilta's Green friend, Kinerial sipped at her wine with a languid ease. "Lovely night for a swim, if one didn't wish to be found by anyone."

That had the Red glaring defiantly at them, till Tracey asked with an innocent voice, "What could happen to a Red Sister exactly, if this al'Thor possibly captured her?"

That had the blood leave the Red's face, but her voice and poise remained arrogant, "If he has even a modicum of intelligence, he'll let me bring him to Elaida."

"If he has a modicum of intelligence he'll sell you to the Seanchan." Alicia hissed from beside the door. "Turn you into what you force on others."

Their captive visibly gulped back some bile, "Your threats are meaningless."

"Threats? What threats are you speaking of? Sister, I was just inquiring what others may do with you in comparison to what we might do." Tracey innocently replied.

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Listening to the creaking of their boat's rope lines and wood chorus in counter point with the slap of the river lapping against the craft, Harry felt his heart growing heavy. What all had went on in the White Tower for the witches remained a mystery to him and the other wizards. None of the girls would say a word of what all truly occurred to them. Any pressing for information by him and his mates was met by a stony wall of silent solidarity by the girls.

Then there was Luna, and why she had lost all her native buoyant nature bothered him more than he could put words to. If there had been nothing wrong happening to the girls, then his gentle lover would not be crumbling in on herself. Yet when he tried to find out why, the girls all grew a sad fearful silence. Trying to speak with Luna herself about it only ended in frustration as she would flee with tears streaming down her pale cheeks.

Hate for the Tower burned in his heart for harming his loves. They tried to murder his Parvati, and now he sees that they crushed his tender hearted Luna. What else did that vile place do that the witches were refusing to tell him of?

Sitting up on deck, hidden in the shadowy darkness of the aft gunwale, he worked his frustration out by sharpening his numerous blades. His mind playing through a thousand and more scenarios as to why his Luna was withering away. Every single one required him to ride back to the White Tower and pull the entire place down on top of Elaida's head. Conversely he also had committed himself to not ever doing anything that would further break his lovers' hearts. Thus he was trapped here without any answers and aching to reach his Luna before she was lost to him forever.

A knife he had won in a bet with some of his former fellow Warder trainees caught the moonlight with a silvery flash as he oiled it's blade for rust prevention. It resembled the way the light also played across the wide river. Glimpses and flashes of dazzling beauty he knew should calm him, however the moon's light recalled to him the days when his tiny blond love would reach into his darkness to pull him back from the brink. How could he do the same for her when she would vanish as soon as he saw her.

That day on the docks, with her in that red blanket as her sole covering had him cringe. What would have required her to be so attired? It didn't make sense to him. Nor did he understand why she only spoke to him long enough to see him and Par Healed that day. Since then she was a more silent ghost than many true ones he knew personally.

Trembling in his hands from those thoughts and the image of his Par laying broken on the grass caused him to carefully put away his knife. It was ready for battle and he'd only wear down its edge by all his frittering with it.

He was not about to lose any of his loves, especially when all he had to do was get her to see he was here for her. He'd get on his knees and beg her to take him as her Warder and husband if he knew she'd let him and return to his care.

Unable to sit still any longer he unwound his legs from his hidden nook. He'd have to find her, corner her if he must, and try to get her to see that he loves her. Praying that she sees that he would give her anything, do anything, and be anything for her to come back from this bleak abyss she was in.

One day soon he was going to need to have a long talk with all his loves. How was he to be their Warder and see them protected if they kept him from knowing a single thing? Did they not know how much he loved them? Did they not realize that as their Warder, it was his right and duty to give them his life so that they lived?

Coming from below decks was a ghostly white clad witch. With how dark it was he might not have been able to tell whom it was, except he knew how all his loves moved. He'd religiously studied them for the day he'd have to ride for the Blight, knowing that he'd never see them again.

It was time he got some answers, and to make them see that if they wanted him as their Warder, they had to stop keeping secrets from him.

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Hermione's inquisitive nature and love of law and order were finding themselves demanding answers from the group's prisoner. Nothing in her experience or knowledge could find a shred of reason or logic in the cow's stated goals or assumptions. In all that was said or hinted at by the loathsome Sister, the teen witch was developing a startling hypothesis. One that made her uneasy to have ever considered, but could no longer deny.

Their captive actually believed that her many known crimes were not only necessary for personal gains, but were also the actions of a sane upright individual. This cow thought she was some saint for the kidnaping of men and boys to be publicly hunted for the glory of the Red Ajah. Torture, rape, and murder of these poor men was all an act of an honorable woman of the Light. Frighteningly her just rewards for doing these abominable crimes, was that she could participate in them, and then she could do the same to other women for simple pleasure. Few people in the teen's short life ever gave her such chills of horror.

Back home, she knew that many of the purebloodists were followers of Voldemort just for the freedom to do the most unspeakable of crimes. Some though were true believers, and were in prison for being such. Then there were those monsters from history like the Inquisition, the Nazis, the American KKK, and so many more. Men and women that were butchering people by the score in what used to be Yugoslavia or in Ruwanda. In this Age and mirror world there was the Children of the Light, these Seanchan, and others. No matter the Age or world, all of these people were monsters of the highest order in her opinion.

Yet the White Tower, though flawed by some self seeking individuals, was to be a beacon of the Light in this Age. It was the duty of the Aes Sedai to guide, protect, and Heal the world so that the Shadow could not conquer it. However the cancer of this woman's self-righteous sort has led to the possible death of not only the Tower, but possibly the whole world and Pattern. It was unsettling, and then it was also enlightening on the troubles of her proper Age and mirror world. This woman's ilk only gain a foothold when those tasked with countering them by education and reason, instead choose to let the monsters have their way.

Having this epiphany during all this, Hermione felt the queasy grip of personal responsibility to return home to set right what she had once intrusted Dumbledore to correct. Even if he was great and wise, and truly was fighting for the Light, he's only one man. When things have gotten this bad there was no room for the timid, for it takes a mighty roar to silence these sorts. As an Aes Sedai, it was her responsibility to be a Servant that protects those in need and fight the evils of humanity.

"Pardon me Sisters, but I have a question." she spoke up as the vile cow was further entrenching herself in the dogma of her compatriots. Glad of the mutual support of her hand being entwined with Ginny's after the Red's declared intent of enslaving the red head, Hermione felt nearer to invincible.

Corilta Sedai glanced her way with curiosity, but said nothing.

Thankfully the normally quiet Brown Sister, Sualdra, replied kindly, "Go ahead child. An inquisitive mind must be given guidance. We shall endeavor to see to aiding yours."

"Can this woman even dare call herself a true Red Sister when she actively cultivates and releases male channelors for sport? It does not sound to me as if she is even a member of her once proud and honored Ajah if she does this. It was the whole stated purpose of the Red to protect the world from the Taint and to give solace to even the poor men they guarded against. So Shawl or no Shawl, she is not a real Aes Sedai." Hermione put forth, and felt powerful for the first time in her life for raising her voice for more than to answer a teacher's question.

Her Circle were all giving her small smiles and nods of support. Ginny squeezed her hand while whispering in a stilted, accented English, "Brilliantly put. Just look at how the cow is squirming to find a way out of that."

Daphne looked predatory as she put in, "I'm at a loss as to how any Aes Sedai can do such, when it patently further ruins the image of the Tower. Trust is how we guide the world, as there are so few of us. Even most Novices know there is no way we could ever directly rule the world. Tarnishing that trust is why there has only been two Red Sisters raised to the Amyrlin Seat legally. It is also why they were pulled down, as will Elaida's own usurpation will be remembered as. Then I wager that if you were a true Sister, you would know this."

"You're all children, you have no opinions of worth." Tenesirin spat in defense.

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Watching his love standing so forlornly at the small foremast, Harry gathered his courage to remain calm and patient with her. Judging by how she's been acting broken and alone, she was in need of his best. Seeing how she was leaning against the thick wooden column with a slight quaking tremble just discernable in the moonlight, her world was fractured beyond her heart could naturally heal. Knowing this wrenched out his own heart. Definitive proof that something dark had occurred to his sweet tempered love, and if he'd had the power for it, people would pay dearly.

All of his Voices were in firm agreement with this. Then again it didn't take all that much to convince Lews Therin to wish to burn the world to ash. He cared little if it did not sound good for himself to be of the same mind with a psychotic Voice in his head.

On light, unshod feet, he approached her with tender caution, justifiably afraid she'd run as she had since boarding this scow in Tar Valon. It chilled his soul to catch sight of her heavenly wide blue eyes. Where once her eyes were so alive and welcoming, they now were lusterless hollows. That filthy blighted hole was at fault in some way for the guarded terror that replaced the radiant effervescence her eyes viewed the world with.

He may be doomed to become a rotting, insane monster, but he'd give her all the love she gave him.

"Stay away Harry." she wept in a raspy rawness that was unnatural for her. "You won't want me now. Not now that..." the rest was so low and lost in the sounds of the night he missed it. "You deserve better than me. I know you'll want better than me."

She was barking if she thought that. Nothing could destroy his love and need for her. "Look at me, my love." He stated while standing there at arms length, arms open for her. He would never force her to reciprocate his love, but he'd not ever let her see it was closed to her either. She wasn't the only one whom could be a rock of patience for those they love.

In the creaking rock of their boat, they stood unmoving or speaking. During this interminably unnerving time, she never once looked his way. With a shuddering sob she announced the absolutely most ludicrous thing he'd ever heard from her, "I'm filthy, Harry."

"So am I. Luna, I'm cursed to be going bloody well insane. On top of that, I kill people for a living." he answered resolutely, not willing to back down from loving her. "Worse yet, I'll not stop doing it if it keeps you and our Circle safe, or unless the Taint finally takes me. My life for yours. My soul for yours. It's a small price to pay for someone as precious as you are my love. Nothing in all creation can take away the love I bare for you, Luna."

Out on the river, the moonlight's silver radiance flickered and flashed in the slight roll of the sedate river making this trip have a lazy feel to it. Reinforcing this illusion was how the only things aside from their boat to really disturb the water, was the rare splash of a fish or two leaping up and out to snatch a water bug or whatnot. In this quiet lull, it could be easy to forget that they were all fleeing for their lives from the Red Hag.

"Do you think that gives me comfort to know I'm the reason you've condemned your soul?" she finally questioned, yet still avoided meeting his gaze. Instead she laid her forehead upon the cool metal splint of iron that bound the mast from a past misadventure.

"No, but it gives me comfort to know I've saved you from the depredations of others." he explained in a quiet voice, "To me, you are worth any and every sacrifice required of me for your sake."

An oppressive silence was all that filled the night, save for the creaks of the river boat and the lapping water. For her love, he'd go bare handed into a fight with giants, so he stood waiting. One day he'd seek justice for whatever crime was unleashed on his love. Tonight though required him to draw deep on his abilities to maintain a diligent patience. Tonight was about her and not anything else, if he was to win the battle for her soul and life.

"I feel the same about you Harry." she informed him with a choking sob, "But how can you love me after this?"

"Whatever was done back there has nothing to do with what I have inside my heart. I love and need you Luna. My life is not worth a knut if I don't have you in my arms. When I am near you, like we are here, I feel as if I can keep fighting on. With you I feel safe and strong enough to keep fighting on. Luna, I love and need you and I always will." he boldly took a step closer, praying he didn't spook her.

Turning her wide eyes on him, she whispered tinily, "Even if I gave what was yours alone to another?"

"Was it your heart, because that is yours alone. As for anything else, what's mine is yours. But if it was something personal of yours that you wanted to give me, I'll be satisfied with you alive and the love you've chosen to bestow on me."

"They never had my heart, that is solely for you and our Circle. They could never take that, but because of that they demanded I give them something else. I gave-." she stopped herself to turn away from him again, wilting even further into the abyss trying to claim her, "I'm dirty now."

"Not to me." he could stand aside no longer. He decided he must fight even harder for her as he enfolded her into a hug from behind, "Never to me, Luna."

At first she was stiff and unresponsive, then it was as if someone cut the strings holding her up as she crumbled into a mute wail of sorrow supported solely by his arms. Holding her was all he could do as he cared for her. Lending her his strength and will to live on this deceptively calm night. What ever she required, he'd give it to her no matter how long it took.

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Hermione was in a perplexing place as she listened to the calm Corilta Sedai speaking, "Dear Tenesirin, as you do not see what we here have to say, I must ask you what use are you to us? We clearly can not afford to simply let you dash off to the Tower, and thus I am finding it tedious to keep you with us."

In the reality of the moment, Hermione had to decide what would be the best way to punish this evil cow they held prisoner. Knowing that Corilta was right about not being able to afford to let the Red go home telling tales, or a chance to return to her wicked ways, did not mean she could stomach simply murdering the Red like the Sisters were advocating. Doing that would be almost to light a judgement for Tenesirin, and something that would haunt Hermione the rest of her days.

Analyzing the dirty hag's crimes gave plenty of evidence to Hermione of the fact that the death penalty was a deserved punishment. Just imagining the sight of her Harry being in the woman's clutches filled her with visions of the unthinkable. Naleva's mention of something called the Stable had the teen see her lovely wizard held in some sort of barn like prison. A giant kennel full of men and boys to be played with till it became boring, then it would be time to take one or more out to hunt them down like some poor fox. Adding to this was the promise of turning young innocent girls into pet whores to be bought and sold by the likes of Elaida Sedai, for both fun and as bribes to get away with other crimes. Just as how Ginny had been used by Tom Riddle back at Hogwarts. These crimes alone were condemning, but then Hermione felt certain this Red was guilty of so much more.

Back on her home world she knew that to the Ministry, Tenesirin's biggest crime would be considered that she was a lesbian witch, and thus denying a lordly pureblood wizard the right to fill her with child. Second to this was that she would dare to attack a wizard at all, though they may have been fine with allowing a muggleborn wizard to be treated this way by a pureblood witch. All of which were facts that galled the muggleborn witch as the Red Sister's cabal were more a cartel of human traffickers, and that was the true crime. Sexual identity did not make the Red a criminal, nor the gender of her compared to her chosen victims. Murder and rape should be considered heinous, no matter the rest of it. Evil was and will always be evil.

It boiled down to power, and whom was allowed to hold and weald it to these vile sorts. Power over others is what gives them a thrill. So the question was how to destroy the cow and not murder her like she does to others. However to bring any judgement suitable to this situation, Hermione has one major leap of ideals she is unsure she can make. Its niggling fear of unleashing her own inner darkness has her heart and soul screaming, for this would be Star Chamber justice. Could she live with herself if she allowed herself to be a part of this all too slippery slope?

Did she have a choice though? To not do anything endangered her family and the future of so many innocents.

Having Ginny, her cinnamon locked Circlemate, trembling as she held hands with her for mutual strength had her thinking harder than she ever had before. Not only had this Red slag made it clear what she intended for Gin by enslavement, the continual smug leers confirmed what the cow said. To say it was disturbing would be a grand understatement. Thankfully Luna was out, away from hearing any of this. Their precious blond waif of a Circlemate was already in a downward spiral as it were, hearing this cow may have been a coup de gras on the former Ravenclaw's chances of recovery. Tenesirin Sedai may have got her last jollies off the utter failure of Luna's sanity.

Seeing Luna becoming more and more a living ghost because of this woman's vile thieving ilk burned Hermione's past senses of trusting authority figures. Some one like Dumbledore may immediately think that simply letting go of the monster, but then they may never let themselves think of the future victims this Sister may have. How many more men will this harridan hurt? How many more innocent girls could she corrupt or crush? All for the shrew's ideas of might makes right.

A new idea struck Hermione with this train of thought. A plan, or at least its basics that very well could see justice done while not forcing them to stain their hands. Though she knew it was a dreadful punishment in its own right.

Sharing a look with a slightly frightened Ginny, she pulls her Circlemate in for a small hug before speaking up once more. This was for their family's safety and to protect their souls from plunging into darkness themselves.

"Pardon my interruption once more Sisters, but what if there is another way than executing her?" she postulated with deference for the full Sisters.

Corilta's eyebrow lifted in question as she gave leave to speak more with a slight grin. It gave the teen witch the idle tangent thought that some Aes Sedai must be able to read minds.

"Thank you Corilta Sedai." she recollected her thoughts from their unnerving side track, "I have to ask, as it seems apropos for this filth, why don't we Still her? Knowing that she derives some sick pleasure in Gentling men and boys, would it not suit to make her face the same fate? We've all seen what it did to Logain, and he deserved it for what he did in Ghealdan. What of those poor souls that she and her cabal have kidnaped in hopes of finding new foxes for their schemes and entertainment? Surely not all that have been taken were channelors, were they simply murdered when that was found to be the case?"

Her small speech froze the tiny room with the palatable fear any witch would feel at the concept she too could lose what makes her a witch.

Fearing that they may baulk at this and instead go with simply taking the cow's life, Hermione adds, "Her sort only listen to those with power. To them she will be a nobody."

The Blue Sister's eyes twinkled with comprehension, smiling with reluctant agreement as Tenesirin's face lost all color and her smug assurance. "An excellent suggestion, child. Fitting and none of us have to stoop to assassination to protect ourselves."

Trembling violently, Tenesirin squeaked while trying to escape their hold on her, "Do it, and I'll see the lot of you suffer far worse. There is still time to let me go and save yourselves for a time. If you do- If you dare try and- Corilta, think what you are doing to a fellow Sister!"

Angelina roughly grabbed hold of the Red's arm, hissing coldly, "What, don't like your own games? Does it not give you the thrill you adore to do the same to others? Well look on the bright side Sister, you'll get to live long enough to regret what all you've done to so many innocents."

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Letting the warmth of her love's arms infuse her with life while they stood on the slowly rocking deck, Luna's quaking heart left her weak. In Harry's tender firm embrace, the trembling in her limbs was slowing, though she wished she could forgive herself as readily as her treasured wizard claims he has. Fears that this was a delusion of her fractured mental state was keeping her from fully accepting this as the complete truth. If not for his very real touch, she might never accept that he still could love her.

A distant night bird's call rang out as the water gave the scow a rolling uplift that left her tummy doing flippy flops. Harry's cradling arms saved her from collapse and losing her barely held composure. He was a rock she could safely cling to, and she ached to believe he'd let her do just that.

Silently the pair watch this quiet river take them away from the horrors of Tar Valon, but secreted away in her heart was the glimpsed knowledge that her Harry will face a greater evil over another river. She only caught the vaguest of shadows of this insight, but it was there. A Raven screaming in righteous defiance of the Shadow. A fanciful image, and yet it was coming some day and she could do nothing to stop it. If left up to her they and their Circle would be tucked away safe and free from any more heart ache. In such a place she could hopefully have their children. A beautiful baby, or better yet babies, to bring about something truly worthwhile from this insane journey.

True they had never been together in that way to even get her in the family way, but she could hope. Being held so comfortingly in his caring arms gave her the wish that he may still want her that way, and that she may feel safe enough to ever let such occur. She prayed that one day she might have that chance and that it would erase the horrors of Elaida's rule over her life.

Nuzzling his muscular right arm with her cheek, she sighed in pleasure of his protective presence. With him holding her, she was safe from the world. No one would ever be allowed to touch her as long as he was there. Though they were not bonded yet, he was her Warder. Too bad she felt that she had betrayed him and his love.

"Luna, do you know how precious you are to me? When you let me hold you, I'm not a freak or monster." he wept so softly she may have missed it if not for how close they were right then. "One day I want to be even half the man you deserve."

Was he barking? He was more than any girl could dream of in a man. Her and her Circle were the lucky ones. It had to be those Dursleys to have twisted his awareness that he was a very good man.

"You are the man I want, Harry. You're the only man I'll ever want or need as a husband..." she fought not to cry again at how she feared he'd reject her, "If you still- Harry, I love and need you so much it hurts."

He kissed the top of her head, whispering with a gentle sob, "Then never again leave me like you have been doing. Please stay with me Luna. I know it's unlikely, but I dream of one day being the husband you and our Circle need, and the father of all your children."

Delicious images of herself and her beloved Circlemate's all swollen with his love had her close to giggling. They would truly be a family then. Every one of her Circle were gorgeous witches, and would only be more so with such a wonderful gift. Together they would all be amazing brilliant mothers and founders of so many positive changes to the world at each others sides. Having her Harry there as her loving husband and protective Warder would give her the courage to defy those like Elaida.

"I really do love you Harry. I don't ever want to leave, but I'm dreadfully afraid." she confessed, letting herself tether her soul to his rock like strength as her sanity's anchor.

His arms squeezed her tighter, "Your love is all I could ever wish to have. Let me protect you. I promise I'll keep you safe."

Leaning her head to the side just enough to partly meet his eyes, she begged, "Don't leave me then. Not tonight at least."

"Your wish is my command." he chuckled a bit tearfully as they shared a soft kiss.

Seeing him illuminated in the silvery moonlight had her falling in love with him all the more harder. Coming here to this mirror world and having plenty of good food alongside his rigorous Warder training had built him up into a lithe lordly lion of a man. She was small and delicate in his arms to her great delight. Maybe one day she truly could feel right enough to let him take her to bed. Maybe letting herself live was an option she still had as well.

Maybe surviving what had taken place back in the White Tower was worth it.

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Standing in defiance of Tenesirin Sedai, Hermione felt at odds with her raising in both the magical and muggle worlds back home. Her parents taught her that laws and justice went hand in hand so that everyone receives an equal protection under the eyes of the court. Among the magicals back home at Hogwarts she was forced to modify that to accept that some leaders like Minister Fudge and a few others were less than trustworthy, but in counter to them were people like Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore. However after learning the full unvarnished truth of Harry's home life as well as all the atrocities that have been allowed to occur in the halls of Hogwarts, she had began to lose the awe she once held for all leaders. Facing the horrors of Elaida and Tenesirin's Red Ajah take over of Tar Valon finished the last vestiges of her humble obedience to authority alone.

Laws and justice were only protections of equality and what was truly right if those laws were right and true in the first place. Also if those laws that were good had no one seeing to their enforcement then they were mere words on a fragile bit of parchment. Her father kept telling her when she was little that the reason he kept having to be redeployed was for the defense of truth and justice. Later he explained to her that he served in Her Majesties Air Forces so that he could ensure that her and her mum could live in a free country. Regularly he made it a point that it takes people willing to stand up for what was right against the monsters of the world in order for just laws to exist.

As a child she assumed all laws were just and true. She didn't understand at the time that her father was saying, that he was seeing that honest and good laws were upheld in opposition to those crimes that might be perpetrated by villains like Tenesirin. That without him and others defending truth and justice, those like this Red Sister would gladly make laws to sanction their attrocities. Here and now, on this slow moving river boat, her Papi wasn't around. No one she once hid behind as a child were here. It was her time as an adult to be the torch bearer of truth and justice. She could no longer be the tiny child in the shadows behind her parents or professors. Hermione was an adult witch for most intents and purposes, and she was going to be an Aes Sedai worthy of the name.

This was her time to stand or to continue on being the voiceless child none heard. Out of the corner of her eye she saw that her friends and Circlemates were coming to the same conclusions. If they did not stand, who would? They did not know these full Sisters or what these Third Age women believed was right and true. Standing aside may mean they let more travesties take place.

Feeling Ginny grip her hand tighter in mutual dedication, Hermione was hit with an unexpected personal epiphany. Out somewhere in the infinite mighty multi-verse was a Hermione whom was still childishly heartsick for Ronald Weasley, and would never dare contemplate severing a witch's innate ability to be a witch for the fear of hurting another human. Out there, that Hermione may live a preposterously wasted life as a mere mindless submissive baby oven to a wizard that cared nothing for her feelings or ideas. Burying herself in the consolation that if she was good enough people may love her. Never allowing herself the right to truly have her own voice or the love of those that really loved and needed her as who she truthfully is. Out there this other Hermione was letting herself be used as a doormat for other people's games and excuses, instead of being a woman of worth and value. Aside from her hopes to help House Elves, she herself has done only what others has said is the right and true path. That other Hermione, as deluded and misguided as she was once herself, would never let the idea that she was meant for, and raised to be, something greater enter her head. Poor soul that silly chit was, that Hermione could never face life as an Aes Sedai or participate in this Star Chamber tribunal.

Nor would that naive version of herself have the right to hold safe her soul mates of Harry and the Circle. They deserved more than just a human encyclopedia, they needed a witch with a voice and the backbone to use it.

"Why must we still her child?" Corilta questioned in the silence following Hermione's earlier suggestion.

"Her kind would ignore her, as I said. In their minds she would no longer be human, and thus deeming all she had to say as lies, or the rumblings of an insect. Better yet," this new Hermione paused before going on once all there were listening solely to her, "as Angelina put forth, she would have to learn to live as those she so easily forsakes. No longer would she be a goddess made flesh, that has the power to destroy any she deigned to name as expendable."

Her dearly loved Ginny, gave her a nod of agreement. Their friend Tracey nodded too but looked to be thinking that Stilling would not be enough. Alicia's lips pursed before she weighed the Red with a hard stare, then grew a grim set to her jaw while nodding agreement.

Tenesirin tried to glare Hermione down but the former Gryffindor stood her ground. In her mind she knew that if she were still just like that other her, she may have been cowed. As much as she would like to deny it, that girl was a sad simple minded witch unfit to rule where she must. Even if that had been herself when they first came to this mirror Earth, she had no doubt that personal trepidation and fear would have left her cringing and cowering here. She may have fought when told to and had no other available options, or to think she could use only cleverness with the weakest of tools in order to not disappoint passivists like Professor Dumbledore. Never mind the cost of being so foolish, she would trust that it was the only right way to address the needs of combating the Dark.

"They're only men, Child." spat the frightened Red Sister.

Only men? How could someone ever think of people as being only anything and not as human beings? It was a ludicrous argument to make.

However it spurred the idle thoughts of what she felt for her loving betrothed and future Warder. Saying her Harry was only a man like that raised her blood pressure. He was a kind, strong, loving, and honest wizard, even if he was a bit daft and hard headed on occasion. This woman was placing Hermione's true love in the rubbish heap in order to exonerate her crimes against humanity. That in and of itself made it hard for Hermione to try and think critically this night. A change she also felt distanced herself from that unknown more timid her out there.

Again, she was brought up short by how naive she had been when considering her love life and expectations there of. Standing here in defense of their Harry was her and her Circle. As a whole they were not going to allow the world to steal their wizard or their heartbroken member, Luna. Out in the multi-verse, that other version of herself most likely is pining for the love of Ron, whom probably will abandon her and Harry when times inevitably grows difficult. He'd pack it in and run for home, leaving her as easily as a child's lost ball on the beach. Sure it was missed for a time but was ultimately replaceable. Well she was not replaceable, or a doll to play with only when fun or convenient. Having her life filled with the love of her wizard Harry and her Circle had opened her eyes and heart to what true companionship meant and feels like.

Seeming to sense this in her, Ginny gave her a tiny nudge of playful support. Confirming that though she still saw Ron as a friend, they were not meant to be lovers as he seemed to think at the Yule Ball. In a way he was clearly exemplifying that the pureblood wizard could get, or think he could get what he wished no matter the truth or feelings of others. It also filled her with pity for that silly naive other her out there who did not see or realize this. That Hermione was still trapped in Ron's play chest aching to be freed, but not herself whom would never allow any one to have such control over her again.

Glaring defiantly at the vile Tenesirin, she cooly condemned the cow that dared seek to harm her family. "This woman has forgotten the real meaning of the term Aes Sedai in the Old Tongue. It does not stand for Immortal Master or Mistress of the World, as she appears to think. No, the meaning is far more profound and humble a title to bear. Aes Sedai means Servant of All. No where in that term is there room for a person bearing that title to be enslaving or molesting others. She has broken the very tenants of our kind and her rank in society. She has tarnished the reputation of both the White Tower and any one else of the rank of Aes Sedai."

Cold fury at the cow's attempted assault on her family, and the determination to see suitable punishment for that gave her the will to stare down the Red Sister. Gone was the timid little walking library that strode the halls of Hogwarts. Gone was even the dedicated Brown acolyte that humbly knelt in the Tower in obedient hope that studies alone would make her worthy of the rank of full Sister. Here in this packed cabin was a witch to be reckoned with, whom was opening her mind and soul to the reality that if she didn't stand for what was right, she'd not ever deserve the title of Aes Sedai herself. Nor would she be worthy of calling herself her Papi's daughter.

"Aes Sedai have always led, and so we must bring to heel the world for its own good. No matter the cost in the mean time." the Red responded harshly to Hermione's assertions. "Without us sacrificing a few men now and again people will forget how dangerous the lumbering brutes are."

Seeing red Hermione silently swore she'd break this filthy slag for coming after her family and hurting so many innocents. A direct break with the crippling passivity of Dumbledore, who acted as if he'd never do anything to directly challenge the rotters of life. Unlike what Ron or others thought, this Hermione was not destined to become Hermione Weasley, haggard housewitch. No this version of herself was becoming Hermione Potter Aes Sedai nee Granger, and must think beyond what the timid may wish.

She'd swore not to ever just follow the safe course in life again when she awoke to how horrible Ron was to her. Doing so had gave her Harry and her Circle, it was also taking away her personal excuses to not do her utmost to be a witch worth trusting.

Giving her Circlemates here a look of fond respect and love, she added in a calmer voice than she felt inside, "Tenesirin Sedai advocates the enslavement of Novices for playthings, not raising them to be the guides the world needs for a better future. We as Accepted, Sisters, and even Novices in Emm's case have a duty to protect the Tower and the Light from this woman's sort. This woman has lost the right to be a user of Saidar. She may not be a servant of the Shadow, but she has aided its cause by all her sins and crimes."

Hermione was not going to ever cower or hide away in what ever books others shoved into her hands. A Brown Sister was supposed to be cool, analytical, and the keeper of wisdom for the world. She was dedicated to being such a witch. There was no room for that other her she had been for so long in her life if she wished to be worthy of her Harry and Circle.

"The Shadow must be rebuffed any where it has gained root in the World. This is imperative for the safety of the Pattern and the whole of the Age Lace. This is our moment to make a stand, and this Red can not be allowed to go on doing as she has." Hermione met the eyes of every woman in the cabin, forcing them to see that they had to act tonight. Tenesirin must be Stilled, it was their only logical course of action.

Corilta and the other two Sisters smiled and nodded in agreement. The teen aged witches were not smiling as they were battling their inner demons in order to be the women they must now be. They were all no longer children as they could not afford to be so any more. As for the Red, the woman was ruing the day she crossed the Circle and their friends.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++WOT/HP+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Watching the flickering play of the moonlight on the water with his Luna in his arms, Harjit fought not to cry at what all has taken place on this world. Her warmth and unidentifiable scent that always reminded him of sunlight had him adrift in a sea of emotions he was sorely unprepared to face this night. Hope and relief were far too unfamiliar experiences for Harry even now after years away from his troubled home world. Mixed into this was his momentarily muted rage at the crimes the Tower had harmed his loves with. Anger and suffering were very familiar companions in life, but to know that it was from the suffering of those he loved was unacceptable. It may have angered him if the Tower hurt him, but it would not have been alien to him. He could not tolerate these attacks on his friends and loves. Then to have them hide it from him stung as well. He had sworn his life to protect them and they had seemed to reject that. Did they not realize how precious they were to him.

Nuzzling into his embrace, Luna kissed his forearm. An act that shunted his outrage to the side once more. Feeling her lightly petting his arms as if he were a treasure of great worth brought a tear to his eyes, not many ever expressed that for him. Reveling in her touch he sighed with a peace that he didn't have the words to describe. In a way her and the rest of the Circle drew out the best in him.

Sublimely content right then to just hold his Luna close like this, he was surprised when she guided one of his hands to lay over her heart. The bourgeoning swell of her slight breasts gave him a thrill he did not wish to get carried away by. All five of his loves gave his nights dreams of things far more stimulating than his nightmares could readily squash. Years of living in terror of Voldemort's popping into his slumbers had made sleep a chore. Yet his loves presence have been slowly banishing his foe's invasions, helping to lend him the strength to truly rest for a change. So now actually touching his lovely Luna this way as he had Hermione that night by this very river so long ago was even more invigorating. However he did not wish to let himself think of anything other than comforting his love as she needed his best care, not his worst boyishness.

"It feels your love Harry. My heart has stopped hurting for now." she informed him in a sighing giggle that sounded more like the Luna he knew before the White Tower entered their lives. It was one of the sweetest sounds he'd ever imagined to ever exist.

Light how he loved this tiny witch. She made him feel invincible.

"I wish you never doubted me, my love." he whispered into her hair, inhaling her bright scent deeply.

"It never did, but it fears you'd never forgive what was sacrificed for your sake." his Moonlight leaned into him, allowing herself to be held up solely by his strength, which brought a smile of surprise that she still truly trusted him for such.

Her head nuzzled into his arms as if he were a giant pillow. Her warm softness was setting his sanity ablaze, some bits more than the rest to his embarrassment. A sharp spike of fear she'd be angry at him for it gibbered in his mind louder than even Lews Therin could.

"Thank you Harry." she giggled, clearly noticing his discomfort. "One day I'll be ready for that. I promise."

"I'm," he squeaked out, mortified that he was not a better man. "I'm in no hurry. Honest. I didn't mean-."

She petted his hand on her chest still, "I know my love. It makes me feel better though that you still want me... I love you Harry. Every breath I take is for you."

They fell into a comfortable silence then. Both of them taking comfort from each other while standing there like this, just simply watching the water and light at play. Content in each other's love and joy at being together again.

Soft footsteps approached them, startling him as Tracey declared, "Luna, you're needed. The decision has been made and even Emm is required for it. Harry, please go inform the other Warders to keep us from being disturbed. No one dares touch my Blaise."

"I'm ready. Harry, thank you for saving me. For you I can face anything." Luna turned in his arms to brush his lips with a light kiss. "I'm lost without you." She then straightened her dress and set her shoulders, "Let us be done with it then Tracey. The woman deserves this."

This sounded ominous.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++WOT/HP+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Welcoming Luna back amongst them was her four Circlemates. Revulsion and love tortured her in equal measures by the two emotions warring in her at the hugs of her treasured Circle. Unlike Harry, whom she was born to love and be one with as husband and wife, these witches she adored beyond measure, were nonetheless women. It had been a woman that had used her, with other women not hiding their intent to use her as well. That all had left a scar on her very existence. Logic stated she discount that as her Circle would never dream of doing such to her, yet the fear was all to real even in this light. Never mind even how madly she craved to be surrounded by their love and protection, she was terrified to the core.

Elaida had stolen so much from her.

"So we are to sever Tenesirin Sedai's ability to embrace Saidar completely and forever." she noted sadly.

It didn't take her gift to see this coming. Cold blooded murder was alien to them all save the Red Sister herself ironically enough. Plus they required thirteen channeling women to see this decision done in full. Only one thing she knew of demanded a full circle to complete, and thus deductive reasoning put it together for her.

Hermione was hugging her still, with one of the muggleborn's sisterly bone crushing hugs that Luna normally thoroughly enjoyed. It felt nice and safe compared to what Luna feared it would be like. Far better even than the light hesitant embraces of their friends Alicia and Angelina. Tracey seemed to understand the moment and merely gave a warm hopeful smile. When Ginny squeezed her tight it was full of a sense of welcome but also telling her the Circle was there for her and would never abandon her. However the touches all carried the burden of Elaida's ghostly haunting her.

Then again to know that her Circle was not rejecting her still want to grind it into the Red Hag's face. No matter how hard the mad woman had tried, she couldn't fully steal away Luna's treasured Circle. There was hope that they still could make a life together with their loving Harry. She couldn't help letting free a tear or two from the knowledge.

"We can't let Tenesirin go back. It can not be allowed to let her freely return to what she has all done. Not only for our sakes, but for those she will target we do not know." Hermione apologized in a level tone that had an iron to it the girl didn't have when they first met the night of the Yule Ball.

"I know, and we're not murderers either." she assured her friend.

Parvati cautiously took her hand, "You're to stand between me and Gin. We want you to feel that we'll protect you no matter what it costs us." Her best friend smiled impishly, though tarnished a slight bit by a deep sorrow of regret, "Welcome back by the by. I seem to see that starry, "I've Just Been With Harry Gleam", we all get."

"He was rather persistent." Luna's stomach tried to revolt, but she'd not let her tummy vanquish her love for these four other witches. Elaida was not going to rob her of them, she'd not allow it.

Elaida would not win. Luna's heart belonged to her Harry and the Circle, not trapped by her onetime dark Mistress.

"Ladies," Corilta Sedai caught their attention with a resigned determination, "do as I say only. I am lead on this as I've done this before with Logain and other men."

Ginny's strong hand took her free hand while whispering, "Par and me will keep you safe. Let us be your strength. I know what it feels like."

Turning her head stiffly towards her oldest friend's gentle face, Luna asked softly, "Will I ever be normal again?"

"Not ever like you were before. That's gone I'm afraid. You'll need to rebuild now, and see that you have a life worth living still. You are worthy of all the love a person deserves and can have in life. You're still human and just as precious as you were before what they did to try to destroy you. You're like an oyster with a bit of sand, you can create something far more beautiful than words can give justice too. But it won't be overnight and it will hurt even still." Gin softly informed her with a haunted smile that held some of the same darkness Luna was drowning under.

They were both survivors, though she had to fight to believe it in herself.

They had all tried to always be there for her, only Elaida had seemingly held all the cards as she quietly removed Luna from the Accepted Quarters, imprisoning her in amongst the Red Ajah. During that time, she had felt so isolated and dirty, exactly what Elaida wanted her to be. Ceaselessly instructing her with cruel efficiency.

Corilta Sedai was watching them with a tender frown that darkened at a glance at the captive Red. Seeing that Luna strove to comport herself to a semblance of the Aes Sedai she one day would be to protect the innocents out there.

Par squeezed her hand as they all readied to follow the Blue's lead.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++WOT/HP+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Standing watch with Neville and Blaise at the forward entrance to the below decks as most of the crew was above deck on account of the night's heat, Harry was this side of losing his Warder cool with how wondrous it felt to hold his tiny blond angel again. All five of his loves deserved better than this weird arrangement, but he'd never walk away from any of them. Not now that he was committed to being their Warder in full.

If only he could find a way to help them realize he was going Taint Mad.

"Tracey told me that these Aes Sedai are a bit more volatile than Kaliandra was prone to be. I hope they don't do something we'll regret later." Blaise commented tersely, with his eyes never leaving his watching the crew on the dog watch. "Between them and what these Seanchan are said to be doing, I'm a bit jumpy."

"You jumpy? Never." Neville ribbed their Slytherin mate with a wink, "You're the very soul of serenity."

"Laugh it up mate, but things are moving out there. I wouldn't be too surprised to find the armies of the Shadow waiting to say hello when we make port again. That or this ruddy al'Thor has gotten it into his head to recruit men to become Aes Sedai. Can't you two Lions feel it? The world is cracking, and we're all going to suffer for it." Blaise grumbled with an incredulous twist of his lips. "This whole ruddy world is nutty."

They had nothing to say against that.

It got Harry to thinking though. Something about the lot needing even Emmatilde to attend what ever they were about down there. What would require them to have to have fourteen witches was beyond him. Especially as Emm was still in her All Whites and supposedly having difficulty with holding Saidar consistently. It bothered him. None of it made sense, as Luna was still healing mentally from whatever went on in the Tower. Yet he did have to discount Tenesirin Sedai as she was the one they were deciding on... That left the chilling number of thirteen witches, a number any sane male channelor feared.

Master Therell's words came floating back to him here, "Aes Sedai are their own worst enemies in any situation."

His blood ran with ice at the epiphany, "Blaise, thank you for being a paranoid berk. Neville, you and Blaise roust out the twins. I've got to go keep our lovelier halves from burning too many bridges too soon. Light, what has happened to our girls in that bloody Tower."

Another chill hit him here. One that strangely was shared by his two mates. He shrugged that ill feeling off as he roundly cursed the female mind. Why were witches given over to doing the worst sorts of silliness at the absolute worst times? He really wished to know that, along with how to stop them from doing it again the next go round.

Sliding down the steep crewman's ladder to avoid the Warder guarded aft entry, he prayed he'd not be too late. That Red was rotten to the core, but she was still Aes Sedai. The White Tower would not care what the cow has done when compared with these silly geese Stilling her outside of the Hall's authorization.

Dashing down the hallway and through the cargo of the Saldean merchant that had hired the river boat in Maerone, he was near frozen solid by the fell chill in the air that matched the dread in his souring stomach. He was surprised his breath wasn't coming out in puffs of steam by how freezing his skin and blood felt. Shivering at the thought of what the Tower would do to his loves, it worsened his certainty that this was going to be a disaster. Desperately he tried to form a logical argument for sparing the Red's miserable life. None came to him outside of what the Tower would undoubtedly do in retaliation, and the witches were in a strange enough mind set that they may not care to heed such warnings.

Ducking under the last few free swinging bundles of spare sail cloth, he had a shuddering breath as the chill sharpened. With its amplification came the horrific flood of visions of his loves and friends tied down to stone blocks amongst a mob of blood thirsty Red Sisters out for revenge. At their lead was the smug Elaida with a cruel twist to her lips as she gloats over his Luna's immobilized form. A knife was in the Red Hag's hand as she pronounced a death sentence for the lot. All from his loves doing the unimaginable and irreparable to this Tenesirin Sedai on this quiet night.

"Bugger it all! Why are women so hard headed?" he groused while throwing his weight against the locked cabin door. This unusual circumstance he took as valid proof they were up to what he feared.

Slamming himself against the door once more, he knocked the thing off its hinges. Half falling into the captain's cabin full to the rafters with women, Harry's heart stopped. Inside were the whole lot of looby witches arranged in a rough circle around the Red Sister, whom was in a sobbing heap. A renewed bust of the icy chill he'd been feeling brought him to his own knees as Corilta Sedai was staring down onto their captive with reproach and regret. Confirmation that he had been correct, but was too late to put a stop to it, but that is not what horrified him the most.

Arranged directly behind the Blue and across the small cabin from himself, were his five loves holding hands while standing in judgement of the Red Sister. In everyone of their eyes was nothing but cold condemnation. An alien emotion in the girls he knew before coming to that vile heap of lies in Tar Valon. It broke his heart to see the grimness there in them all. Even the cool level headed Hermione and the gentle doe like Luna wore that mask of frigid hate for this blighted Red Sister kneeling before them. His heart screamed in anguish that he had failed to keep them safe from the darkness he himself had fell into so long ago.

What had the Tower done to his beautiful angels? He never wished to see such in their once innocent eyes. It was his duty and mantle to bear their burdens as their Warder and wizard. They were too perfect for such chilling decisions and the execution of them. He was already stained beyond salvation, and as such it was just one more burden he alone would suffer.

If he could, he'd return to the White Tower to tear it down on top of Elaida and the rest's heads. This was an abomination to his senses.

"What have you done?" he demanded in a choking whisper. The freezing air and the vision of his loves so full of hate hurt way down deep inside of him.

Alicia, whom he'd jostled upon entering, tenderly touched his shoulder. "We've done what only us witches could do to protect what is sacred to us, and for the sake of the Pattern as a whole. What has been done is a good thing, Harry."

Though the chill in the air had vanished suddenly, her words terrified him, "Do you lot not realize what the Tower will do? They will hound you lot of women for this. How can we ever hope to protect you from them now? Tell me! Tell me how?"

His friend recoiled as if slapped, but Tracey cut in, "We must be women worthy of the name Aes Sedai, and for you lot of silly buggers we love. No one touches my Blaise. No bloody minded blighter will ever take him from me if I can help it."

His mind was whirling in a tail spin. He must protect them. It was his duty, his only worth now that he was so dipped and painted with the Taint he was well beyond redemption. Anger and darkening insanity clawed at his insides as he met their unified gazes. Even Emmatilde stood defiant to his desire to save them.

Boiling with that set of emotions seeking to rule him, he questioned the lot of silly witches, "Then tell me how you lot have forgot our oaths to you? Do you think so little of them? We have more or less sworn ourselves to becoming your Warders, and it is our right and duty to die for you. Do you lot not understand this? Do you not realize what we've given you? Is it of such little concern to you that our duty to you is out of love and hope? There is only the hope that we bring you back home to teach what you've learned here. If it means our lives are sold to that filthy Red's sort for their sport and games, we'd gladly pay it for you lot. Blaise, Fred, George, Neville, and myself mean nothing compared to you here. We know these Aes Sedai have worked to twist and maim you. A fact we can not change though it galls us. Us five were dead men the moment we took the first steps of this journey. And do you know what?" he stared into every single one of their eyes before continuing on, "It's a price we all gladly have paid for you. Not for those bloody Light forsaken sheepherders back home, but for you lot. You lot have shut us out. You lot have refused to tell us of what you faced in that Light cursed heap of lies, and we held our tongues. Bit the things so hard and so often it's a ruddy miracle we can even still speak. Now something has taken place with Elaida and Luna, and this is your answer to that? Blood and ashes, what in all that sits under the Merlin cursed Light could equal that? If it was so horrific it is my right and duty to go slide my blade through the crone's ribs and any who dares to stand in my way. No one hurts you lot without going through us five. We love you all too much for that. Your lives are worth it, whereas our own lives are already forfeit, but we can only give them up once. The Tower will take that and still keep coming."

He was trembling as he finished, it took everything he had not to just shake some sense into the lot of them. Did they not understand what it meant for him and his mates to swear to become their Warders? Did the lot not understand what a Warder truly was?

Luna parted from the others to glide to him, reaching down to aid him to his feet. Her wide blue eyes trapped and held his, to silently beseech him to understand what was in her heart. For a quiet moment he was held tight by her gentle gaze that implored him to grasp some hidden mysterious message that her and the rest seemed to expect him to know and comprehend. However he was also caught by how the swaying lantern light made her appear the delicate ghost she had become. Agony and anger were banishing all other emotions he felt as he wanted to scream his demand to the heavens for answers as to what the Tower has done to his friends and loves. However Luna carefully took hold of both of his hands, chaining him to this spot.

"Harry, to us, you five mean life and all we've sacrificed was worth it. That thing here tried to take what we hold most dear. You five gave your solemn oaths to safe guard and protect us, and yet you do not realize that us here have gave similar vows concerning you all. My Truhart, all that I have to hope for is you. A hope that one day you and I will have the quiet life we both ache for. A life we can share with our Circle, our children, and our friends. That some day we can put all the pain and suffering behind us." Her eyes silently commanded his never leave hers as she spoke this. Which he obeyed without a word, though he wished to speak when she started to cry a bit. "To us, going home without you five would not be worth calling going home at all. We don't want just warders to charge in sacrificing their lives to make the world kneel before us. Harry, we want the loves of our lives to be with us for however long our lives may turn out to be. We endured the White Tower in order to be the witches worthy of you five."

That silenced him, for he'd never fully appreciated that love was a two way street at minimum. All his life up to now had taught him that love meant he had to sacrifice all he had for others. Love's true meaning or power was an ephemeral mystery one such as he was never worthy of being taught. To him, reinforced by his life's many misadventures, love was for him to give, give some more, give again till he lay sprawled out an empty forgotten husk. He was to keep on giving until he was bled white from it, just in the hope it was enough to keep in the good graces of his loves and friends. Luna's gentle reprimand illuminated a completely different vision of what love is.

Where back home he only received love and respect after doing something grand and full of sacrifice for some one, his loves were saying they were willing to face the flames of the Tower's retribution for his sake. Never had it been this way for him. Even his former mentor Dumbledore never willingly came to his aid till after Harry, sometimes with Hermione and rarer still Ron at his side, has bested some calamity. At home he was completely on his own against the whole world. Luna's vision of love and friendship declared that what he knew of love was all wrong. Her soft words spoke of a beautiful relationship where all the parties involved gladly give and humbly take so none lay empty, but instead all were left full to bursting.

It was an exquisite view of life and real relationships, but in a way it frightened him. Did many of those he loved and trusted truly feel the same about him? Did Dumbledore ever really care for him? These were thoughts he could not address right then as the weeping vile Red Sister intruded on his lesson of what love is.

"How pretty." Tenesirin spat with a bitter hopelessness he never thought possible from any woman of her normally haughty Ajah, "Elaida will have them all boy, and you know it. I won't have my reward that I had hoped for, but I will get to see them made to howl. Oh how they'll be made to howl so bitterly they will cease to be human. All while you will be used for the glory of the Tower to discredit this al'Thor."

Visions of his Luna at the mercy of that vile hag had him nearly sick up. Every Voice in his head and the madness creeping into his soul snarled in total agreement. No one would ever touch his loves and friends.

"They can try. Neither us or our men are puppets or tools for your sort." Hermione challenged the shrew.

Harry saw and felt the adoring care his loves felt for him. Even their friends were gazing on him with care, including Alicia, whom he had been so cold to earlier. These women may wish to stand in the fires for him and his mates, but they must not. He knew what must be done to protect the lot. They must be above all else in his life. They were above all else anyway, but too many lives depended on their return home.

"I'll see her ashore." he spoke calmly while breaking eye contact with his lovely Luna. They could not see what he had planned.

Corilta Sedai's eyes regarded him before nodding, as did the other two Sisters. They had witnessed what he was capable of for his loves' sakes. They knew he would see to this no matter the cost to himself. Judging by the horror in the Red's eyes, she knew it as well. If there was to be a Dragon back home, his loves simply had to return in order to teach the ways of channeling. His scarlet stained hands would never scrub clean anyway as the Taint had to strong a hold on him. Ironically it would also be his executioner as well.

"You do realize that the Tower sees all?" the woman demanded in a plea for her life, ruining her imperious image was how she scrambled back away from him.

"Possibly." he snatched hold of her to force her to stand. "Why else would I be seeing to your care?"

Parvati was staring at him, imploring him to not do as he planned. Hermione and Luna were weighing that verbal byplay between him and the condemned Red with naked concern. Ginny had a puzzled look that was so much sweeter a vision than the hate she bore earlier. However Daphne was not content to remain silent.

Seeing through his calm demeanor immediately, she hissed tearfully, $She's no longer a threat. We removed that Harry.$

His calm hiss in reply had her bow her head to cry on Ginny's shoulder. $She breaths. She's a threat to you.$

Tracey swiftly moved to him and took his hand silently in order to press her own bodice dagger's hilt into his palm in such a way so that none would see it. A fiery spark in her eye told him of how that she'd do it herself for Blaise's sake. Not taking it, he lightly patted his newly sharpened belted on knives as if just wiping off some dust. This was a war of survival, and the Red was on the other side.

His would be victim yanked herself free from his grip, snatching away one of his belted on daggers. "Try and stop me ending your sweet precious man now you filthy whores!" she cackled insanely as she leapt upon him while lashing his dagger down wildly.

Trying to stop her, he overbalanced in the roll of the boat, to which she flung herself upon him. His jaw was sliced open by her frantic assault's first few slashes. Grappling with her he kept her from plunging his own blade into his chest, but received a deep gash in his left forearm in the offing. She was like a feral cat fighting to get free or make him pay for capturing her. With his left arm a bit lamed he was unprepared for her next stroke aimed at his neck, but suddenly she went limp as a rag doll. Slumping over him, she bathed him in a hot scarlet flood that flowed out of her neck. Protruding out from that long pale expanse, and the source of that gushing river of her crimson life fluids, was an elegant hilt.

Everyone was staring in horror at the scene, except for a weeping Tracey whom was kneeling beside him and the dead Red Sister. His friend was a terrifying sight with her shaking hands covered in blood and her crying eyes wild with hate. With everyone else locked in gobsmacked disbelief, he shoves off the limp form of his would be murderer to get to his friend's side. He knew personally the horrid weight of killing another human being, even if it was needed. The guilt could destroy his dear boisterous friend, and he'd not allow that if he could.

Gathering her up into his arms, he heard her mumble in horror, "I just couldn't let her hurt you and Blaise. I couldn't- I didn't even think... How could I kill someone? Oh Light I'm a... a murderer. What have I done, Harry? What have I become?"

Rocking her steadily in his arms, he whispered into her hair, "You're not a murderer. You saved me. You saved Blaise. I didn't want this for any of you, but she forced your hand. She forced all our hands. If you didn't do this, she would not have stopped. Tenesirin was the murderer, not you. She was a monster that had to be stopped at all cost. Don't let her kill you too. Don't let her win."

Cradling her in a protective embrace, he cursed his bumbling this. He was a Warder, he shouldn't have let the vile cow get the upper hand over him. He was just as culpable in forcing Tracey to stain her hands red with the blood of another.

"Yet another name..." spoke the solemn Voice in love with Min.

"Quiet. The past is done, the little Sister chose evil. Do not bear her guilt." another sagely advised, "War is burdensome enough as it is."

He wanted to bellow at them to stop filling his head. His friend needed the best from him, not his insanity.

"Alicia," Angelina quickly cut through the stunned silence, "You can vaguely pass for her in height and coloration. Help me strip her down so that you can get into her clothes. We'll get the captain to make landfall to let her off. I know you can use partial disillusionment charms since forth year, it's time to put them to use for something more vital than sneaking past Filch. You'll disembark as her with one or two of us and a Warder, then vanish to ride back in with us. We're only a day or two away from Mearone so if Tenesirin wishes to ride away now it's not to strange. We'll buy some provisions in the town to cover for our bringing the horse back. We can't let the boys know about this, or they'll question why we did what we did. Boys get daft when they feel they need to protect a woman's honor. If I could I'd obliviate Harry here as well. Especially as he's the worst of the lot."

Hearing and seeing the grim planning of the women, Harry had to reevaluate his own views of them. They were not the innocent girls he once knew back at Hogwarts. But they were not destroyed by the Tower either, but instead were just as much warriors as him and his mates were. Albeit they were not as blood stained as him and his mates either. Not respecting them and what they felt or did was wrong. They deserved his respect and more, though he had difficulty in not wishing he could have shielded them from the harsh world better.

In a carefully firm voice he spoke softly so as to not upset Tracey any further, "That would not have been necessary anyway. Tenesirin was not going to survive the night, and I was not going to tell anyone of it."

Hearing his dark announcement in assurance of keeping their secret, Hermione paled noticeably. Seeing that he probably disappointed her, hurt him terribly, but he would not yield. What ever the cost to himself, he'd see them safely home, even if he lost their love in the process. Knowing that he was a condemned man in any case, losing their love was probably for their own goods in the end anyway.

He could live with that, as long as they were safe and alive.

Swaying in tearful sorrow, Hermione came to kneel on the blood covered floor at his side. Surprisingly she hugged him close as tears poured freely from her gentle brown eyes.

Daphne was breathing in determined if shuddering breaths as she spoke, "None of us will speak of this ever again. Not even you three Sisters. What has been done, is done. All of us have got far too much riding on surviving this nightmare war Elaida's created."

Clearly shocked to be addressed in such a way by a mere accepted, the trio studied them in silence. Then Corilta spoke with a slight pinching of her lips, "Agreed. If al'Thor is the Dragon Reborn, the Tower can ill afford to be worrying over the questionable demise of a rogue Red Sister. Now Children, we must hurry before we're discovered here in this highly irregular circumstances."