Heretic Child:

Nike lived her whole life by two words: Toujours Pur. With powerful black magic running through her veins, it seemed to be only a matter of time until she was consumed whole by her family's strong beliefs. But then Harry Potter made it all crash and burn right before her very eyes.

Rating: Mature

Archive Warnings: Graphic Depiction of Violence, Major Character Death

Categories: F/M, Gen, Other

Relationships: Harry Potter/Original Female Character, Hermione Granger/Ron Weasley, Daphne Greengrass/Original Male Character, Blaise Zabini/Original Female Character, Original Male Character/Original Female Character

Characters: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Gryffindor Students, Nike Black (OFC), Draco Malfoy, Daphne Greengrass, Blaise Zabini, Cashmere Vanity (OMC), Cassius Warrington, Cyra Warrington (OFC), Emerson Carrow (OMC), Pyxis Lestrange (OFC), Slytherin Students, Voldemort, Portrait Walburga Black, Narcissa Black Malfoy, Black Family, Order of the Phoenix, Kreacher, Sirius Black, Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter Characters

Additional Tags: Gryffindor Harry Potter, Smart Harry Potter, Gryffindor vs. Slytherin Rivalry, Gryffindor/Slytherin Inter-House Relationships, Slytherins Being Slytherins, Major Original Characters, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Pureblood Culture, Pureblood Society, Pureblood Politics, Purebloods, Morally Grey Harry Potter, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Sirius Black in Azkaban, Magically Powerful Harry Potter, Paganism, Pagan Gods, Pagan Festivals, Anti-Muggle Content, Muggle Studies, Manipulative Albus Dumbledore, References to Witch Hunts, Celtic Mythology & Folklore, Greek and Roman Mythology, Norse Mythology & Lore, Minor Sirius Black/Marlene McKinnon, Slow Burn, Book 5: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Walburga Black's A+ Parenting, Book 7: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Slightly Dark Harry Potter, Dark Magic, Elder Wand, Power Couple, Shameless Smut, Original Female Character, Secret Relationships, Cross Posted on AO3

His eyes opened. "Name one hero who was happy."

I considered. Heracles went mad and killed his family; Theseus lost his bride and father; Jason's children and new wife were murdered by his old; Bellerophon killed the Chimera but was crippled by the fall from Pegasus' back.

"You can't." He was sitting up now, leaning forward.

"I can't."

"I know. They never let you be famous and happy." He lifted an eyebrow. "I'll tell you a secret."

"Tell me." I loved it when he was like this.

"I'm going to be the first." He took my palm and held it to his. "Swear it."

"Why me?"

"Because you're the reason. Swear it."

"I swear it," I said, lost in the high color of his cheeks, the flame in his eyes.

"I swear it," he echoed.

We sat like that a moment, hands touching. He grinned.

"I feel like I could eat the world raw."

—Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles

Chapter 1: Seven Years Later

21st March, 1998

Caisteal Maol near the Harbour of the Village of Kyleakin, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Four candles were placed upon the ground in each of the four quarters. The green one faced the North; the orange to the South; yellow to the East, and blue to the West. Leading the ceremony, the High Priestess entered the forming circle from the East.

"Let it be known that the circle is about to be cast," she announced. "All who enter the circle may do so in perfect love and perfect trust." Everyone waited outside the circle for the casting to be completed. The High Priestess moved clockwise around the circle, carrying a lit candle. "We cast the circle of ancient lore; waves upon a timeless shore. With no beginning, nor an end; it always knows a foe from friend. Oroboros, of legends old; rings of power, forged in gold. Circle of Life, ring of stones; cycle of creation, birth to bones. A ring around the silver moon; we cast you now, oh ancient rune."

She lit the candle to the East from the one she carried. "We call the Eastern powers of air, you whose breath of life we share. Bring an understanding, kindness, care, and loving words, both clear and fair, come less this day our rite of love, as below then so above." She moved to the South and lit the orange candle. "We call the Southern powers of fire, whose light does stir the poet's lyre, with love's bright spark our hearts inspire, bring passion's flame, bring sweet desire, come bless this day our rite of love, as below then so above." Next, she circled around to the West. "Oh powers of the Western sea, oh water's flowing unity, bring feeling, warmth, and empathy, that all our lives may blessed be, come bless this day our rite of love, as below then so above." Finally, the High Priestess went to the last candle in the North. "Oh Northern powers of living Earth, charge our souls from death to birth, on solid ground or rock and loam, bring forth our food and build our home, come bless this day our rite of love, as below then so above."

With that, the High Priestess announced that the circle was cast, and two figures stepped forward.

"How do you enter the circle?" The Priestess asked.

"In perfect love and perfect trust," the two individuals responded.

And then the circle was closed.

"The Bride and Groom would like to take a moment to thank each one of you for being here today. They are deeply grateful for your love, support, and presence at this most special time in their lives—their rite of passage into marriage, a sacred commitment that both enter into willingly, with great love, respect, and dedication. It has been said that ritual is prayer in action. Today, we witness the transformation of two lives coming together as One, a calling to which both Nike and Harry have answered freely and without hesitation. We begin by inviting in the support of each of the cardinal directions, and the gifts and qualities contained therein, to create a sacred space from which we will proceed. The circle in which you stand is symbolic of the cycles of life, the womb of the Great Mother, a sacred place created for mortal and divine interaction, in which any negativity from the mundane world can be left outside and all the love and joy we feel for Nike and Harry contained within.

"Although for many the sacred and the mundane meet and coexist as often as is humanly possible, marriage is very much a sacred union, for it is a union of souls in which the bride and groom pledge unto one another their Higher Selves and all that is Divine within themselves. In the Earth-based traditions, it is considered the marriage of the God and Goddess within. You will also hear an elemental blessing. All the world's religions still parallel the agricultural calendar. We are a part of the tapestry of all life on Earth—inseparable from its laws and flow, no matter the illusions of modern life that may blur our connection to the natural cycles of life. By asking these elements of the natural world into this ceremony in a conscious way, we have the opportunity to experience greater vitality, support, and a sense of wholeness at this sacred rite of passage."

Nike Black felt like she had been floating on a cloud all day. She remembered not even twenty minutes ago of staring back at her reflection in the mirror, noticing how different she actually looked. Her dress was a golden yellow with an extra dose of dramatical with the full length illusion sleeves. The neckline was an open illusion just like the back; edged with striking lace appliques. A romantic lace adorned the bodice as it met the flowing chiffon skirt. The finishing touch was a delicate belt that was covered with buttons over the zipper closure.

Her hair, which had grown longer in the passing months, was pinned in a classical updo with a braid going across the top of her head in the back; sticking out perfectly because of her long, thick, unruly hair.

Fleur had squealed that Nike looked like a goddess. And even though that was the furthest thing from the truth, she had accepted the compliment nonetheless. It had been Harry who looked otherworldly. All Nike could do was stare at his face, like it was tunnel vision. He was all she could see and it was overwhelming. His eyes were a hard, illuminating green; chiseled face almost cut up with the depth of his emotions. And when his gaze had met Nike's, his face became as bright and soft as hers.

"Human beings are not separate from nature, nor will we ever be. We are a part of a larger tapestry, both spiritual and physical, taking part in a complex and ever-evolving dance of Creation with All That Is. And when we consciously choose to reconnect to the natural world while sensing the magic, beauty, and Love that flows through all things, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. It is from this place of awareness, and of spirit-filled living, that miracles happen with more grace and ease than we could ever imagine. Nike and Harry are aware of the interconnectedness of all things, and of the importance of honoring natural cycles and the elements of which they are both separate from, and an inseparable part of. It is for this reason that they have chosen to include an Elemental Blessing—to call forth the support of these ancient and timeless energies to fill their union with Light, Love, and magic that carries them through their lives together.

"We ask the spirits of Air to keep open the lines of communication between this couple. May their future be as bright as the rising sun. As Air flows freely to and from, and through us all, may their hearts, minds, and souls come to know the world and each other in this manner. Seeing not only with their eyes, but may they grow wiser together as their love deepens. We ask the spirits of Fire to bless Nike and Harry with a steady flow of passion and desire for each other; for their dreams; for life itself so they may go forward living their purpose and sharing their gifts in ever-expansive ways that strengthen the union and bless all the world around them. May they remain vital and strong for all their days together, each day fortified with a vibrancy rooted in boldness and courage. As Fire clears the way for new growth, may they know that this power is theirs as well—to create, to expand, to bring about the richness and quality of life that comes from merging with the love of one's life.

"Spirits of Water, we ask that love flows freely between the shores of these lives, which will soon become One; that their love for one another, and the comfort that loved ones have to share with them be as deep as the sea, a source of respite and rejuvenation that forever flows around and through them. May they be well-loved, and love well, letting the surety with which Water makes its journey to the ocean, flowing over rocks or around trees, shape-shifting into mists that hover in the dawn's pure light, serve as a reminder that their love can evolve and transform as they grow and mature as individuals and as a couple, with the passing of time. Spirits of Earth, we ask that you give unto those you see standing before you this day, the rock-solid place to stand and fulfill their destinies. May their journey mirror the vast plains and fertile fields, expansive and fully alive. May they find the right seeds to sow to ensure a bountiful harvest in every era of their lives. And when they look up at the North Star, may they know that it is as bright and constant as their love for each other, as well as the love that the Divine has for them.

" Mother Goddess and Father God, whose presence is felt in all things and at all times, we as, your endless blessings upon this couple, upon their union, and upon the family and friends who cherish them. May they become One in truth and forever revel in the magic that is the eternal Love they share."

The High Priestess acknowledged Nike first and then Harry.

"Nike, I invite you to open to the presence of the Divine Feminine that is with you always. Allow the energy of the Goddess to flow through you, to radiate out into the world. Allow Her presence to illuminate the Divine Feminine that resides within you always—a presence that already dances in your heart and mind, that gives life to your very cells, that glows deep within your bones. For you are Goddess incarnate, and the merger with your love Harry brings forth a sacred opportunity to experience wholeness and union of these energies in a most sacred way. For you are also She who has been worshipped and adored for centuries—as Mother, Wife, Friend, Prophet, Healer, and Confidant. May the spirit of the Great Mother shine forth from you and bless this union always. So mote it be.

"Harry, I invite you to open to the presence of the Divine Masculine that is with you always. Allow the energy of God to flow through you, to radiate out into the world. Allow His presence to illuminate the gifts that reside within you always - a presence that already dances in your heart and mind, that gives life to your very cells, that glows deep within your bones. For you are God incarnate, and the merger with your love Nike brings forth an opportunity to experience wholeness and a union of the energies of the Feminine and Masculine in a most sacred way. For you are also He who has been looked to for protection, strength, comfort, and honor for centuries. May the spirit of the Great Father shine forth from you and bless this union always. So mote it be."

The flames of the candles danced higher, and Nike shivered as she felt the non-existing wind creep up her spine, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

"Mother Most Loving and Mysterious, touch with your grace and fill this woman with your beauty and strength in the unending cycles of growth and change that are the years and seasons of lives spent together in love and wonder. Share with her your fertile nature from which all abundance flows. Father of Light and Life, touch with your power and fill this man with your knowledge and wisdom, to guide him in this divine alchemy which is the union of two souls. Share with him the secret union of heart and mind upon which this union known as marriage is based."

" As Nike and Harry have prepared themselves for receiving one another in marriage today by connecting with the supporting energies of Heaven and on Earth," The High Priestess continued on, "they declare their intention to join one another in sacred union in front of you cherished guests, and of all of Creation."

"Nike, is it your intention to give your heart to Harry today in the rite of marriage—to cherish him, to support him, and to love him with a tender, passionate, and faithful heart until death do you part?"

"It is," Nike said firmly.

"And, Harry, is it your intention to give your heart to Nike today in the rite of marriage—to cherish her, to support her, and to love her with a tender, passionate, and faithful heart until death do you part?"

"It is," Harry said just as firmly.

"We now bear witness to the vows that Nike and Harry will share with one another." In that moment, Nike couldn't breathe. It seemed Harry wasn't fairing well either because he appeared to be more pale than usual, taking a deep breath and then exhaling through his nose. Seeing that she was just as nervous, Harry held out his hand and Nike placed hers in his. The cooling of his skin felt familiar, like home. And Nike knew that there was nowhere else she belonged in the world. "Vows that will carry them into their new lives together with joy, honor, and the profound fulfillment of romantic love and partnership. Nike, repeat after me."

"I, Nike, take you, Harry, to be my husband." She repeated after the Priestess, her eyes staring into an endless ocean of green. "I give you my heart, my companionship, and my faithfulness in love through life's joys and greatest challenges; through periods of abundance and periods of apparent lack; to support you in fulfilling your dreams and life's purpose, and in encouraging and supporting you when doubts creep in and you need a reminder of the Divinity and potential that dances within you always. I offer myself always as a listener, a shoulder to cry on, with arms that treasure each moment spent holding you and hands to soothe and comfort you. You are my heart and soul's most perfect completion piece in this life, and I cross the threshold into married life with you with great joy and a wellspring of gratitude in my heart. These, and so many more, are my promises to you, until my last breath."

"Harry," The Priestess called out, gaining his attention. "You may now repeat after me."

"I, Harry, take you, Nike, to be my wife. I give you my heart, my companionship, and my faithfulness in love through life's joys and greatest challenges; through periods of abundance and times of apparent lack; in times of health and vitality, and times of sickness; to support you in fulfilling your dreams and life's purpose, and in encouraging and supporting you when doubt creeps in and you need a reminder of the Divinity and potential that dances within you always. I offer myself always as a listener, a shoulder to cry on, with arms that treasure each moment spent holding you and hands to soothe and comfort you. You are my heart and soul's most perfect completion piece in this life, and I cross the threshold of married life with you with great joy and a wellspring of gratitude in my heart. These, and so many more, are my promises to you, until my last breath."

The Priestess moved around the circle as she spoke, watching the intendeds as old, decreded dark magic slowly began to bind them in not only life, but in spirit, too. "The circle is a universal symbol of cycles, unity, and eternity. In the wedding ring, we place these symbols upon the ring finger as a sign to all the world of the deepest love we share with joy and pride; to commemorate the sacredness of these moments shared here today; to act as a reminder of the vows taken and the blessings of marriage for those who seek to keep the bright flames of Love, joy, passion, faithfulness, and compassion alive and evolving within it. Just as two interlocking circles form the number "8"—an endless weave of sacred geometry and spiritual significance—the lives of Nike and Harry intertwining are made more tangible by this exchange."

Passing over a sword that idly sat by for majority of the ceremony, the Priestess said, "Harry, if it is truly your desire to be united as one with this Lady, then present her with a token of your love."

Harry bent his knee and presented the sword.

"Lady Nike, you are the most gracious and lovely woman that Harry has ever seen, for he understands the essence of your true self and loves you wholly for it," The Priestess stated. "He knows that your outer beauty is matched by the beauty that radiates from within you. As he pledges this sword, he pledges his soul to you. It is his prowess, his fire, his passion, his strength and courage, his ability to protect, defend, and care for you. With the strength of his blade and the endurance of its steel to represent that which is in his heart, take from him now, as his beloved, the ring that rests upon it, and choose him to be your own."

Nike took the ring from the sword and said, "I accept the pledge of your blade and eternal promise that this wedding band represents." She then took the sword from Harry and gently placed the blade on his left shoulder; then his right one; and the top of his head, as if she were a queen bestowing his knighthood.

As she "knighted" him, Nike recited after the Priestess. "For the boy you were, for the man you have become, and the husband you shall be to me, I choose you to be my own." She gave the sword back to Harry and said, "If you will place this ring upon my finger, I shall from this day forth, 'til beyond the end of time, take you to be my own." She opened her hand and presented him a wedding ring, which he took from her and placed it on her bare finger.

"With this ring, I thee wed," Harry said softly, almost like a prayer. "I take you as my lover, my friend, my wife from this day forth and into the fullness of time, where we will meet and remember and love again."

"Lady Nike, if it is truly your desire to be united as one with this man, then present him with a token of your love."

Nike bowed before Harry and gave to him a chalice with a ring inside.

"Harry, in the eyes of this woman, you are the most handsome and captivating suitor in all the world. Yours is the voice of reassurance and unwavering support. You are he who sparks the fires of her passion and yours are the arms within which she would lay herself down to love and rest. The pledge of her chalice is the pledge of all that is within her, her tenderness and devotion. The place in her heart where two souls can be sheltered and nourished, that they may grow together ever closer, and flourish as leaves on trees and the fruit of the vine, is a sanctuary that belongs to you. As the depth and bounty of her chalice foretell the richness of your future together, take from her now the band that lies within it, and choose her as your own."

Harry did as instructed and took the ring from inside the chalice. "I accept the pledge of your chalice and the promise of this wedding band." Making a toasting gesture, Harry returned the chalice to Nike. "If you place this ring upon my finger, I shall from this day forth, 'til beyond the end of time, take you to be my own."

He opened his hand, and Nike took the ring. When she placed it upon his finger she felt tears stinging her eyes. She still couldn't believe that this moment was real. "With this ring, I thee wed. I take you as my lover, my friend, my husband from this day forth and into the fullness of time, where we will meet and remember and love again."

A delicious shiver ran down their spines as the last ring sealed their binding further, like a bolt of lightning. Thin, cracked lips curved into a wide grin and equally wide eyes glowed, crinkling at the edges.

"Bring forth the cake and ale," The Priestess commanded, and two of her mentors ushered forward with a plate and a cup. "As we witness the union of Nike and Harry, they have chosen to partake in the age-old tradition of cakes and ale—a feast of celebration, of receiving nurturance from Mother Earth and the pleasure she has to offer."

"Drink now of one another's love," the Priestess said to Nike and Harry. "A love that will quench the thirst in your hearts, minds, and bodies, remembering that each of you possesses gifts and qualities that can nourish and sustain the other in times of need. Let this be a reminder of the wellspring of love that flows for each of you if you so much as remember to indulge in your love of one another, and often. As food and drink sustain the body, so does love sustain each of you. Feed now one another, sharing in the nurturance that joy and love have to offer."

Doing what was required of them, Nike and Harry shared the cake and ale; both laughing when their nervous hands made some of the icicing miss their mouths.

"Is it also your wish that your hands be fasted in accordance with the old ways?"

Handfasting, an old pagan tradition that was no longer used in today's marriage bonding because the magic used went deeper than any unbreakable vow ever could, was actually Harry's idea to include much to Nike's surprise, but she had agreed excitedly nonetheless. It was sweet that he was willing to incorporate her upbringings and traditions.

"It is," they said in perfect unison.

"Each cord in the handfasting rite represents a different aspect of marriage, of promises made to one another to unify your intentions and merge your energies as husband and wife. I invite you to join hands, and to look into one another's eyes, as these intentions become unity vows this day."

Harry and Nike did as they were instructed. As soon as their hands were intertwined, a lace ribbon tied their hands together by the binds of magic. The Priestess continued on.

"Harry, will you cause Nike pain?"

"I may," he answered truthfully.

"Is that your intent?"

"No."

"Nike, will you cause Harry pain?"

"I may," she answered just as truthfully.

"Is that your intent?"

"No."

The Priestess addressed them both. "Will you hold space for the expression of each other's pain and seek to ease it?"

"Yes," they said at the same time.

"And so the first binding is made." The first chord of lace was draped across the bride and groom's hands. "Nike, will you share in his laughter?"

"Yes."

"Harry, will you share in her laughter?"

"Yes."

"Will you both seek to see the goodness and Light in life, and in each other?"

"Yes."

"And so the second binding is made." The second chord was draped across the couple's hands. "Will you burden her, Harry?"

"I may," he answered.

"Is that your intent?"

"No."

"Nike, will you burden Harry?"

"I may."

"Is that your intent?"

"No."

"Will you seek to ease each other's burdens to the best of your ability, fostering an atmosphere of love and support between your spirits in this union?"

"Yes," they said together.

"And so the third binding is made." The third lace chord was draped across their hands. "Harry, will you share her dreams?"

Harry couldn't help the goofy smile on his face. "Yes."

"Nike, will you share his dreams?"

"Yes." There was no use fighting off her own smile.

"Will you dream together to bring more of your innate goodness and potentials to life, elevating this union to new levels of depth and fulfillment?"

"Yes," they said.

"And so the fourth binding is made." The chord was draped across their hands. "Harry, will you cause her anger?"

"I may."

"Is that your intent?"

"No."

"Nike, will you cause him anger?"

"I may." Her heart began to constrict out of guilt. She knew that, by extension of being related to Bellatrix and the Malfoy family, that she would be the main reason for his anger. No, she told herself—forced herself to remember; Harry had told her time and time again that no one was lucky enough to choose their birth family. Their mistakes and actions did not belong to Nike, nor did they define her. She controlled her own destiny, just like Harry.

"Is that your intent?"

What a silly question to ask. "No." She promised herself, and Harry. Never.

Out of nowhere, tears began to sting her eyes. She shook her head, forcing the tears away. The Priestess ignored the emotions that began to crack Nike's neutral set face, but Harry stared intently at her.

"Will you take the heat of anger and frustration and use it to strengthen the heart of this union?"

"Yes," they both said. Always, was the silent promise between them.

"And so the fifth binding is made." The magic chord draped it across their hands again, one step closer to binding them together, forever.

"Will you honor her?" The High Priestess asked Harry.

"I will."

"And will you honor him?" The Priestess asked Nike.

"I will."

"Will you always seek to uphold that honor in your hearts?"

"Yes," they said oh, so softly. They held their breath and watched on with fascination as the chord began to glow a tawny gold with reflects of silver shining brightly.

"And so the sixth binding is made." As the final chord draped across their hands, both of them felt a slight burning sensation. It was nothing unbearable, more like a brush against hot water. Nike smiled at the small symbol etched onto the back of their hands. The triquetra—representing their mind, body and soul; past, present and future; life, death and rebirth; Maiden, Mother, Crone; creation, preservation and destruction; thought, feeling and emotion; earth, air and water; thought, feeling and emotion. But, most importantly, their eternity and equality. " So as your hands have been fasted today in these promises, may the core tenants of your union remain strong throughout the passing of time. As life's changes ebb and flow through your lives, may you hold fast to one another with a love that is unwavering, eternal, and true."

They stared into each other's eyes; green meeting grey. A sense of peace washed over them, and the Priestess continued, moving onto the final, sealing process of the ceremony. "May the blessings of all of Creation be upon your life together; may you bask in the sunshine of the love that radiates from each other's hearts. May you always find comfort in the little things, from the rustling of autumn leaves to green grass below bare feet, from the hearth fires that burn in winter to the first tender buds that burst into life at spring. May the love of family and friends sustain you through hard times, and celebrate alongside each of you in good times. And may you always know the miracle that is this Love you share—a love that transcends time and enriches all who cross your path, making the world all the more magical because of the synergy of your partnership."

Then, finally—"Harry, you may now kiss the bride!"

Without warning of what he planned to do, Harry grabbed Nike by the waist and kissed her so passionately right in of all their guests. She was taken off guard, but she let him take control of the situation because he was normally the dominant kisser. She just melted right into him.

Somehow, Harry managed to unclip her hair and one arm was holding her tight around her waist and the other was caressing her hair, and Nike simply got lost in the fabric of time. He was a bit taller than she was and her head was tilted slightly back. It seemed like eternity and infinity stood still at that moment.

It was ecstasy to say the least, and something sparked between them. The warmth of Harry's mouth sent a current running through Nike's body. She threw her arms around his neck as she lost herself in his peppermint, chocolate breath and soft lips.

And just like that, the kiss was over. The two of them pulled back from each other and they suddenly became aware of their surroundings when someone, most likely Remus or Ron, cleared their throats. Laughter bubbled in Nike's throat and Harry felt the vibrations of her silent joy against his lips. He smiled down at her and winked just for her to see.

"Friends and loved ones, it is an honor for me to present to you—for the first time—Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Nike Black-Potter, joined in law and in love."

Information/Credits/Disclaimers:

—All characters and events belong to J. K. Rowling and to the publisher(s) Bloomsbury Publishing (UK), Scholastic (US), and Pottermore (e-books; all languages). Events from the movie(s) belong to the production and distribution companies.

—The Casting of the Circle was inspired by 'How to Cast a Circle for a Pagan Ritual' by Patti Wigington.

—The wedding ceremony was inspired by 'Pagan Wedding Ceremonies' by Stellar Weddings.

—Triquetra means "triangle" or "three" (tri-) "cornered" (Quetrus). It is made up of three intersecting vesica Pisces. The Vesica Pisces is the shape created by the intersection of two congruent circles. A triquetra symbol is sometimes interlaced with a circle. An ancient Celtic symbol, the triquetra is considered one of the oldest; dating back to as early as 500 BC when it was used to symbolize the triple goddess (maiden-mother-crone). Over the centuries it has become the symbol for the Holy Trinity among Christians in Ireland. The symbol is often used to represent the 3 fundamental elements–air, water, and earth or the infinite cycle of life. It is also known as a rune of protection.

—This chapter was not overlooked by a beta.

—If there is ever any error within my story pertaining to the Pagan religions and ceremonies then please let me know.