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Remember Me	By : TigerBlak Category: Harry Potter > General > General Views: 4136 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
Disclaimer: I'm tired of trying to think of funny things to say; let me put it to you this way, if the characters were mine, do you really think I would be writing fanfiction?

AN: I hope everyone enjoyed the last chapter. I don't plan on doing a chapter that shows every day of their existence at Hogwarts, but just so you could get an idea of what their classes would be like, I thought it would be a good point of reference. I'll be doing some of the same in this chapter and I'll be moving the plot along too.

Oh! I just got an email about letting you guys know which anime character I got the names for Aoshi Shindou from Aoshi is from the anime Rurouni Kenshin and the Shindou is the last name of a character from the anime Gravitation.

AN2: (bows down to the waiting masses) I am so sorry this story is taking forever, but I have so many plot bunnies that I have been exploring that its getting away from me. With the inundation of ideas and information of all things Egyptian I've been trying to get the chapter out and I'm glad that I finished.

Chapter 14: School Daze Part 2

Tuesday found Athyr outside awaiting her first Care of Magical Creatures lesson. Though she had already been introduced she was still surprised that such a large human existed. Harry had explained to her that he was half-giant, but she was still dumbfounded; if he were only half-giant what would a whole giant look like?

"Well, its good to see that everyone's back from the summa break," Hagrid addressed the group at large. "This year I was going to try and get sommat the winged horses, like the ones that pulled the carriage from Beauxbatons, but the ministry denied my requests for pegasi," he explained to the students.

"I even asked Madame Maxine if I could get one of hers for the year," Hagrid continued, "but she said she wouldn't be able to part with one of her horses and suggested I try a breeda," he frowned a little at that, but finished explaining, "and the breeda gave me a rather large price to just borrow one of his pegasi', so I thought better of it."

Athyr who was listening with rapt attention was surprised to learn how rare the type of horse seemed to be. She had had several on Dendera and while they were prized possessions she would not have thought they would be so difficult to acquire. Raising her hand she waited for the games-keeper cum professor to call on her.

"Hagrid, if you would like to teach a section on the pegasus, you can use my herd," she offered. "I have several and while they are often temperamental they have never failed to come when I call."

The class watched as Hagrid flushed red, which faded to a dull pink before he asked, "You actually have flying horses?"

"Of course, I just assumed that everyone else did as well," Athyr shrugged. She looked over at the amazed faces of the other students. Raising two fingers to her lips she let out a long ear-piercing whistle that caused many of the students to cover their ears.

For a moment the air seemed to still and then the pounding of hooves could be heard, the students looked around wildly trying to determine from which direction the sound was coming. Harry, Draco, Ron and Hermione who were standing nearest to Athyr were the first to see them.

There were seven horses in all, three were grey with shining silver white manes and the other four were jet black; of them only one had a shocking white mane. The flew in formation with the jet pegasus with the white mane leading the pack. The air around the students stirred with each up and down motion of their wings. Their hooves struck the air as if it were tangible and sparks flew, beautiful opalescent wings glinted in the morning light refracting the many colors of an unseen rainbow. By the time all of the students had seen them they had descended to the ground and stood pawing the ground in front of Athyr.

The young goddess approached the leader of the pack and ran her hand over his snout murmuring to him in Egyptian. Hagrid parted the crowd of students that had inched closer and made his way over to Athyr.

"Merlin, they're beautiful," he said. Athyr looked over and inclined her head, motioning for the half-giant to stroke the winged creature. "What are their names?" He asked as he petted one of the grey winged horses.

"That one you're petting is Thebes, the others are," she pointed to them as she named them, "Heliopolis," another grey, "Aphroditopolis," the final grey, "Sinaitic, Ammu, Herakleopolis and this," she rubbed the large black winged beast that seemed to be purring from her attention, "is Keset. They are named after each of the seven temples of Hathor."

"Amazing," Draco said in awe. His father had kept winged horses when he was a child, but because of complications from the ministry, he had been forcedto sell them. "I had no idea, that you had access to pegasi', Athyr. How did you get them?"

"They are birthday presents," she explained sheepishly, then blushed further when several students goggled at her. "When I was born all of the temples celebrated. And as tradition dictates gifts were brought to Dendera. Each of the temples presented my mother with a winged-horse. They are enchanted to age as I do, they will be constant companions."

Hagrid remained silently in awe of the winged creatures. The pegasi' shied away from the half-giant initially, but when they saw he was harmless enough they moved closer. While the other horses snuffled through Hagrid's clothing searching for something to nibble on, the raven horse with the shocking white mane seemed to cuddle closer to Athyr.

"I have missed you so much, Keset," she murmured in Egyptian, "I am so sorry that I haven't called for you. I trust that the other priestesses have treated you well." Of all of her winged horses, Keset was her favorite. Her mother had often joked it was because of their similar natures, but she knew it was more than that. They were connected. What she felt, Keset felt, her happiness was his. Even in childhood their bond had existed. Keset knew when she needed to ride. When the realities of her life became too much to bear, Keset was where she lay down her burdens.

"Hagrid," she began gesturing to her pegasus. "Would you mind if I took Keset up?"

"Sure, sure, go 'head Athyr," the gameskeeper said distractedly as he continued to look the horses over, stroking each one reverently.

"Athyr don't you need a saddle and bridle?" Harry ask grabbing her arm before she swung onto the horse.

"No I don't, I prefer to ride bareback. It's a more stimulating ride," the meaning behind the words was not lost on Harry and Draco. Smiling impishly, she grabbed onto the white mane and swung astride the pegasus.

Immediately, the winged horse backed away from the crowd of students and launched itself into the sky. Athyr kept a hand wrapped in Keset's mane as he flew threw the sky. The air lifted the braid along her back and brought back many memories of her time on Dendera. She felt her eyes fill with unshed tears as she remembered the events leading to her departure from her home. After ten minutes, Athyr's head had cleared and she was no longer at risk to cry. Squeezing her thighs she turned Keset back towards Hagrid's hut and the rest of the pegasi. The other winged horses moved away from Hagrid when she and Keset landed and then immediately swarmed them. From her position astride Keset she rubbed each of the pegasi's in turn. She murmured assuring comments to the horses in Egyptian and swung her legs over and down next to her steed.

Keset chuffed at the hand that patted his muzzle and joined the rest of the flock. Rejoining her own group of students Athyr spoke to Hagrid.

"If you would like to teach the unit on winged horses, feel free to use mine for class study. Just understand that they must be watered and fed twice daily, but only Egyptian oats, because they are drier than those found here and they need a small field to run free in during the day."

After Hagrid agreed he released the class early so he could set up the field for the pegasi and confer with the headmaster and Herbology professor about growing the special feed for them. The students headed back into the school, with Harry, Draco, Hermione and Ron shooting off questions at Athyr.

"Is it really better than riding a broomstick?" asked Ron.

"What else do you have to feed them besides the special oats?" this came from Hermione.

"How come you've never mentioned them before?" Draco asked pouting.

"Can I ride one?" Harry asked finally.

Athyr took the questions in stride, knowing that there would probably be more if she didn't answer them now. Turning to each person she answered. "I'm not sure if its better than riding a broomstick, because I never have," she turned to the Head Girl, "Besides the oats I occasionally give them honey (AN: not sure if you can give real horses honey, but I do know that honey was often put in the tombs with Egyptian royals as food to be consumed in the afterlife), sort of a treat for them," she raised an eyebrow at Draco, "You didn't ask and," finally she faced Harry, "of course you can ride one, any of them actually, except Keset; only I ride Keset." By the time Athyr had finished answering everyone's questions they had reached the entrance to the school and the group split up so that the students could get changed for the next class.

*********************

Muggle Hand to Hand Combat was a new class that had been introduced to Hogwarts two years previous to help students prepare for the upcoming war against the Dark Lord, or Voldie as Harry liked to call him. Only 5th through 7th year students were allowed to take the course and this year it had become an elective since the war was over and some students who were not as physically capable (read Neville Longbottom) could use the class period to devote to subjects they were better suited for.

Athyr came out of her room dressed in a cropped white tank top, that stopped right above her belly button. The straps of a turquoise sports bra could be seen on her shoulders and she had decided to forgo shorts and instead settled for a pair of loose black yoga style pants and had decided to not wear shoes, instead she carried her sneakers in hand. She had discussed the dress code for this class with Hermione and discovered that typically jogging suits and the like were what most students usually showed up in, but her normal workout attire would work just as well.

Harry and Ron were already in the common room waiting for Hermione and Athyr when the two girls came down. The group made its way to the other side of the school and to the solarium that housed the Hand to Hand class.

The room was light and airy and while there were many windows there were just as many walls. Each wall contained a different weapon; everything from swords to staffs with sharpened tips, to daggers and there was even a bow and quiver of arrows.

Athyr had visited the room previously when being tested for proficiency in the class by the professor so the various, mats, weights and hovering punching bags didn't phase her in the least. She was however, quite taken with the array of weapons on the wall. Skye seemed to be more interested in the actual equipment.

"Cool, we never got to uses hover bags at Salem. Something about the wards in the school that makes the hovering charm in them act wonky," she explained to Hermione who had asked why. The three girls chattered quietly amongst themselves as other students from Slytherin and Gryffindor began to file in to the classroom. Finally, the professor entered and behind her was another gentleman. After the professor conferred with the man that had followed her in she addressed the class.

"Good morning, everyone, welcome to Mortal Hand to Hand Combat," the professor was dressed in loose black pants and a snug shirt. Her arms were roped with muscle and she moved gracefully across the mats that covered the floor. "For those of you, who don't know I'm Professor Josephine Reign," her accent was decidedly American, and from previous conversations with her Athyr knew that she hailed from across the pond. "Since MHH has become an elective of sorts, I've been given a little more leeway with my syllabus and have decided that this year you guys will be focusing on weapons," as the professor spoke she walked amongst the students, checking to make sure they wore the proper attire for the class.

"That is not to say that we will abandon the sole purpose of this course, which is to teach you how to defend yourself without a weapon in your hand. However," she stressed the word. "If you find yourself in battle without your wand and the other person has a weapon then I think it would be fitting that you have and know how to use one of your own. A particularly American phrase comes to mind, 'Never bring a knife to a gun fight,' in other words all of your hand to hand skill won't mean a damn if someone pulls a weapon.

"The first half of the semester will be used to decide with what weapon your are best suited for and the second half will be spent getting you used to it and providing the proper instruction for your weapon. To assist me in those endeavors," she turned to the gentleman that had entered the room with her, "I have asked for the help of a trusted friend. This," she introduced him, "is Himura Kenshin (shamelessly plugging my favorite anime here). He's from Japan and very skilled with swords," the new professor walked to the center of the class. "Particularly the sakabato (sp?)," Himura pulled out a long blade that seemed to have the cutting edge curving inwards instead of out. "he's very good at what he does and I trust you to treat him as you would any other professor." That said the professor began the class.

"Now before we begin the initial sparring I need you guys to stretch out. In the future I want you stretched and ready for sparring before I enter the room."

The students spread out and began flexing and relaxing their muscles. Athyr and placed herself along one of the walls and standing with her back against it she bent from the waist and touched her palms to the ground. Breathing to the count of ten she changed positions and worked until she was bent over backwards, with her spine curved up bellybutton pointing towards the ceiling.

She slowly lowered herself to the floor, breathing deeply. Athyr moved through her stretches quietly and efficiently. Checking between every few positions to see if the class had begun. She had lowered herself into the last stretch of a straddle split when the professor called the class attention again.

Athyr stood and gathered with the rest of the group as the professor began barking out assignments.

"Okay, you're stretched out. You're limber, now lets see what you've remembered from the past year." She began reading from a list in her hand. The students were paired off and when Athyr heard her name she stepped forward and waited for her partner to do the same. "Shindou," the professor said and immediately the young Asian student with the streaked hair moved to face Athyr. Professor Reign's voice echoed through the cavernous room as she again addressed her students.

"Alright, we're going to have some one on one sparring. Its gonna be first person with their shoulders on the ground. You know the rules," she indicated the large roll of parchment against the far roll that held the rules of proper contact in hand to hand combat. "Now I'll be watching and offering tips when I think they're needed. You'll begin on my whistle."

The students paired off in the room were interestingly matched. Hermione and Draco exchanged friendly banter, while Harry and Santiago frowned hesitatingly at one another. Ron looked over at Hermione longingly from his position in front of Pansy. And Skye looked equally daunted with her pairing of Bulstrode. Athyr and Aoshi however didn't speak at all. Theirs was a quiet study of one another. Vaguely, they heard the professor's whistle peal, but neither student moved to strike.

The sound of sneakers squeaking on the mats and scuffling as the other students began sparring. Yet Athyr and Aoshi never broke eye contact, slowly they began to circle one another. In a corner of the solarium the two professors watched the pair.

"So you still think it was a good idea to pair them together, Himura?"

"Of course I do," the swordsman's voice was quiet and revealed little about his character. "They're trying to figure each other out. They'll get there." No sooner had the words left his mouth than the two students tensed and flew at each other.

A hand flew at Athyr's face and ducking it she aimed a kick at Aoshi's knee. He bounced back in time to avoid being brought down and returned with a sweep of his own. Noticing the shift of balance in his stance Athyr anticipated the moved and slid to the side. This time trying for a punch to the solar plexus which managed to catch his side. She smiled as she heard the whoosh of air. Athyr followed with a volley of punches, but was immediately put on the defensive when Aoshi ducked the first flurry and responded with several kicks of his own. The two leapt at each other and end up locked, hands clasped in a struggle for domination of the match.

"You know," Athyr deadpanned, "this is going nowhere fast." She increased the strength of her grip and was surprised when Aoshi responded in kind.

"True," he responded. "What do you suggest?"

"I won't hold back if you don't," the young goddess said. In Aoshi she sensed a kinship of sorts. She didn't have to worry about doing a lot of damage to Aoshi. He felt stronger than Harry and Draco. She knew she wouldn't have to worry about throwing a punch at him and having it tear a hole in his body. Given how fast he moves it would probably miss him anyway, Athyr thought to herself.

"Agreed." And with a nod the two students broke contact and began the fight anew. This time it was a no holds barred match.

The two attacked each other as if they were under some sort of spell. Punches flew, kicks struck out and neither student went down. The surrounding students had either pinned or been pinned by their opponent and now watched the two exchange students go at it. Aoshi charged Athyr and she ducked and swept a leg out, which he flipped over and came down in a crouch. Throwing a well-aimed punch at the young goddesses temple, Aoshi's face registered surprise when his fist stopped short of it goal. Athyr's hand gripped his and giving the knuckles a squeeze she listened as them crack.

Snatching his hand out of her grasp Aoshi responded with a head butt that dazed the young goddess, but left her laughing at his improvisation. From then the fight turned fast and furious. The students were no longer able to follow the individual moves of the students. Instead, they could only register the sounds of body parts connecting as punches and kicks were landed and the sounds of grunts from the person who had been hit.

Suddenly the two stopped and sprang apart. Both students and professors are shocked to see that Athyr and Aoshi were both a little worse for wear. Rumpled clothing aside, there were bruises starting to show on both students. Professor Reign blew her whistle, "Alright, you two, you both look like victims of the war—this match is over." But the declaration fell on deaf ears. Athyr sniffed and rubbed a hand over her now sweating brow and stalked forward, "One more go."

With renewed vigor Aoshi and Athyr attacked one another. The initial flurry of feet and hands became impossible to see with the naked eye. The match had changed; gone is the simple test of skills and in its place was an out and out match, two wills struggling to bring the other down. Finally, their movements halted and Harry and Draco were both shocked to see Athyr trapped in the circle of Aoshi's arms. Both of her arms were crisscrossed in front her chest immobilizing her upper body. Seemingly, they had arrived at an impasse as Aoshi shifting his grasp would result in giving Athyr the moment needed to break his hold.

"Okay, stalemate you two. Break it up." The professor called out.

The professor's words fell on deaf ears as the two students fought both the physical battle with one another and the inner battle with themselves. Would they choose to leave the bout as is or would one of them force the issue to a conclusion?

Athyr chose the latter. Taking a breath she hissed it out and acted. Popping both shoulders out of joint, Athyr sank to her knees on the mat. Gaining slack from the sudden move she reversed Aoshi's hold and grabbing onto the Slytherin's wrists pulled him over her shoulder and onto his back on the mat where he landed with a resounding thud.

"Now the match is over," she said to Professor Reign. She rolled both shoulders and several students winced as the bones could be heard popping back into joint. Rising she reached down and offered a hand up to Aoshi, who was just starting to sit up on the mat. With a small smile he put his hand in hers and allowed the young goddess to help him to his feet.

"Not bad for someone who doesn't say much," Athyr quipped to Aoshi. Saying nothing the Slytherin simply nodded his head, his lips curling in a small smile of acceptance.

***********************

Following Muggle Hand to Hand the students trooped to the showers and then to lunch where Ron was again telling any and all who would listen about that morning's class.

Shaking her head at her boyfriend's culpability, Hermione chatted with Athyr and Skye telling them about the Gryffindor Ladies Gathering (adapted from Hogwarts Ladies Gathering by Starry-eyed).

"Well, we meet on Thursday nights and usually its just to gossip and the like, but there are times when we have serious things to talk about," the Head Girl explained to the two exchange students. "We share tips about makeup and dealing with the monthly cycle, but basically its girl time," she finished.

"Is 'Mione telling you guys about the weekly hen parties that the upper years' girls have," Ron smirked. "Ow, that hurt," he pouted when his jab at the group was met by a swift smack to the head by his girlfriend.

"As you can see. We girls often need to get away from the men, because their testosterone levels often lead them to putting their feet in their mouths—right, dear?" she glared at the red head next to her, who flushed and mumbled his agreement.

"So we'll be getting together this week in the common area for seventh year girls," Hermione said. "It'll be great fun."

Both girls nodded their agreement and the trio moved on to other topics of interest. Soon enough, lunch was over and the group split up, most of the students heading off to study hall while Athyr and Hermione headed for elective classes. Both girls were taking Ancient Runes and Hermione used the time while they walked there to brief Athyr on Professor Vector's teaching style.

****************

By dinner that evening the students knew that school was officially in session. They had been loaded down with homework and with the upcoming NEWTS in the spring they had their work cut out for them. Professors from that day's classes had handed out projects and papers that would surely fill many rolls of parchment. While some were actually dreading the extra work, Hermione, Skye and surprisingly Athyr were welcoming the chance to flex their mental muscle.

That evening found four seventh year Gryffindor girls sitting in the common area. Athyr was reading in front of the fire, feet in the air as she went over her notes for Muggle Studies. She and Draco shared the class together along with several other students who only knew about the wizarding world. With a furrowed brow she reread the page on the Internet and how Muggles used it to search for any and everything.

Parvati and Lavender sat at one of the desks doing star charts for their Divination class and Skye was hunched over her Charms book, trying to make sense of the wording for the charm they had been working on in class. When the door opened none of the girls looked up from their work.

"Athyr," a voice whispered. Athyr raised her head and looked at the slender red head standing in the doorway. She recognized her as Ginny, Ron's sister and smiled up at her.

"Hi," she whispered back. She stood up and walked over to her so that their conversation wouldn't disturb the other girls studying.

"One of the exchange students from Slytherin is downstairs looking for you," she said. "He wanted to come upstairs, but none of the guys would let him farther than the common room."

"Slytherin exchange student," Athyr murmured, her brow furrowed. She followed Ginny and the two girls made their way down to the Gryffindor common room. Ron's voice reached up the stairs and Harry's could be heard as well and neither voice sounded happy.

"I don't see what you need to talk to her for," Ron was saying as Athyr and Ginny stepped into the room.

Athyr was shocked to see Santiago standing in the center of the room. He stood tall, but his form seemed to have a natural grace and when he looked past the red-haired male and saw Athyr he smiled. To his right, the young goddess saw that Harry was not happy with his appearance in their common room and the set of his jaw showed that he had already spoken on it.

"What can I do for you Santiago?" she asked.

"A word if you don't mind," he answered softly. Taking her elbow, he led her away from the group of Gryffindors that had gathered.

When they were a suitable enough distance away he began to speak. "I was wondering if you had considered what you would be doing for the Cultural Festival?"

"I had, but I haven't settled on anything yet, why?"

"I was hoping you would consider working with me on mine," he said.

"That depends on what it is," she admitted hesitantly.

"Well, I am quite fond of Latin dance. And I noticed that you move very well," when Athyr raised an eyebrow at him, a slow smile spread across his face. His smile was a flash of white against skin tanned dark by the Spanish sun. "And I was wondering if you would consider dancing with me—you do dance, don't you." Though it sounded like a question it wasn't. One dancer could recognize another.

"I do," she answered. "And I think I will take you up on your offer," she said after a few moments contemplation. "However," she warned. "I want you to understand that dancing is all we will do." When Santiago's eyes glittered at the challenge she added, "I already have someone," and she looked over his shoulder and into the fiery green eyes of Harry. His stance had not relaxed at all and when she winked at him he startled for a second and then smiled. Santiago turning saw the Gryffindor's response. There was a smirk on his face when he turned back around to face Athyr.

"He's already taken," he said knowingly.

"Okay, I belong to two someones," she revealed. The Slytherin's eyes grew wide and then a knowing smile appeared. "Ahhh, I see, one is not enough," he murmured.

"It's not that, it's just that we are working things out between us and since I won't share, they won't either," she said carefully. She didn't want to leave any room for Santiago to question her feelings for either Draco or Harry. "So unless you can be dance partners without trying to seduce your partner, I'm afraid you're going to have to find someone else."

"No, no, no," he said rushing to agree. "That is fine. I will have to place my affections upon another," he sighed. "I will work out a schedule with you tomorrow and perhaps we can begin practice this weekend?" he asked.

When Athyr shook her head yes and then moved to walk past him Santiago grabbed her hand and before she could tug it out of his grasp he place a small kiss on her knuckles. "Until tomorrow then," he said. A quick goodbye and he was through the portrait hole.

Athyr shook her head at his overzealous nature and looked over at Harry who was once again fuming.

"It's not how it looked," she said to the very angry Gryffindor.

"And how did it look?" he asked. There was an edge to his voice that Athyr had never heard before. She had never seen Harry angry before and truthfully it sent a small thrill through her to know that he was actually jealous of her small interaction with the Spaniard.

"Like Santiago was proposing some sordid get together in the Astronomy Tower this evening."

"Was he?" Harry asked calmly. Too calmly.

"No."

The air seemed to deflate from Harry's anger and his hands fell to his sides. The rest of the Gryffindors had long since left the common room, seeking their beds as the hour grew late.

"He was asking me to be his dance partner for the Cultural Festival. And while he wanted more," she smiled when Harry's eyes flashed dangerously. Oh, Santiago, you have no idea how easily you escaped with your body and head attached, Athyr thought. "I assured him that I was taken." Athyr shifted and went to walk around Harry when his hand on her retreating shoulder stopped her. "Yes?" she asked looking back.

"I—I—" he started and then blushing stopped.

"I know," Athyr said and leaning forward she kissed Harry on the corner of his mouth. Leaving the speechless Gryffindor she retreated to her room.

*****************************

Two nights later, Athyr, Hermione, Skye and several other upper level Gryffindor girls were crowded into the 7th year girls' common room. Bowls of Everlastin' Popcorn and a bag of Bertie Bott's Chocolate Flavor Beans were distributed amongst the girls. On a small table in front of the young goddess a plate of chocolate chip cookies sat, and a long fingered hand reached out and came away with a chunky nut and chocolate-filled treat. (I told you I loved chocolate chip cookies).

The girls were chatting in small groups and Hermione had introduced the two newest Gryffindors to some of the girls around them. That done she stood and drew the group into some semblance of order.

"Okay ladies," as she began speaking conversations began to dwindle until no one was speaking and the girls were focused on the Head Girl. "I'd like to officially welcome everyone back to Hogwarts, and to extend a heartfelt welcome to our exchange students. For you ladies," she spoke to Athyr and Skye directly. "I would like to introduce you to the Gryffindor Ladies Gathering. Some," she stressed the word, reminding Athyr of Ron's comments earlier in the week and the resulting response. "would have you believe that we only get together so that we can giggle and twitter together. Well, that is just not true. This gathering of upper levels is a right of passage of all girls in Gryffindor. We learn from each other and we take care of one another. But," and she smiled at the girls seated on the floor and in chairs, "we still do manage to have some fun."

Hermione continued on, explaining how the Ladies Gathering worked. When they met on Thursday, ("after all homework is finished, of course," Hermione assured them), they would spend some time talking amongst themselves, then the group would be drawn to order; topics would be issued forth, everything was fair game. Sex usually became the primary topic, but on occasion there was something that warranted serious discussion.

"Since we have two new members here tonight in addition to the newest upper levels we will extend to them the same courtesy as we do all initiates," Athyr's brow furrowed at this. Hermione hadn't mentioned this when she first explained about the group. "Tonight ladies you will reveal a secret about yourself. Tradition dictates that with each new group a secret must be revealed by each girl. It is of your choosing and it will never leave this room. We will share with you, your own pain, sorrow, happiness and joy, because we are bond to one another through the bonds of sisterhood," Hermione finished.

Listening with half an ear to the secrets being Athyr's heart raced. Could she truly trust these girls with her secret? Could she tell them who she truly was? Would they understand? She didn't have time to contemplate further as her name was called, "Athyr?"

"Hmm---yes?" she answered blankly.

"It's your turn," Hermione said.

Biting her lip and staring out at the faces of the girls in the room, she decided to "bugger it" as she had heard Sirius say on more than one occasion. "I'm a goddess," she said quietly. When no one said anything she looked up to find the girls staring at her skeptically.

Skye jostled her, laughing, "Now, Athyr, while I and several others here may agree," she gestured to the hesitantly smiling faces around the room, "that you are very beautiful and probably look like a goddess, don’t you think it’s a little big-headed of you to just declare yourself one."

Eyebrow raised Athyr smiled softly. "That would be true if what I said were a fabrication, but I am a goddess. Truly."

"Prove it," Skye said.

"Okay." Athyr rose from the floor and picked her way through the group to her room. She went in and grabbed her sistrum. Returning to the common room she asked the girls to make some room for her in the center. The sistrum's magic hummed through her and she slowly opened to its calling. Grasping the sistrum in her hand Athyr raised it and slammed it into the stone floor.

From the top of the sistrum a beam of white light spiraled out and through the room. It appeared to be searching for someone. When it reached Athyr it circled the girl and disappeared into her tattoo at the base of her neck. Someone begin to speak, but was cut of when Athyr's voice somehow more ethereal floated out.

The Eye of Re
Appears against you,
His force
Is powerful against you.
She devours you,
She punishes you
In this her name
'Devouring Flame.'

Before the speechless girls stood Athyr, but gone were the shorts and t-shirt she had worn; gone was the braid that curled to her waist. In their place stood the goddess Hathor. Her hair was unbound and seemed to float of its own accord around her body. Her clothing had been replaced by what appeared to be an ankle length skirt, but with slits cut up to the hip. The material was secured at her hip with a line of jewels strung together on a chain of hammered gold. A d bad band of linen covered her breasts and a high color encrusted with the same jewels as her waist circled her neck. Various other bands were clasped around her ankles and upper arms. Skye's eyes traveled from Athyr's feet to her head. She saw the change, she recognized the body and knew that it was Athyr, but it was almost too much to believe. Then the haunting voice spoke again and assured all present that she was the Athyr they had come to know.

Before the time of Isis,
When gods and goddesses ruled the land,
I stood the four corners,
And marked the world.
I was consort to Horus,
I was weapon to Re,
I give succor to the dying,
And strength to the willing.
I am Hathor, goddess of the west,
Mother Eternal and Lady of the Vulva.
Protector of woman and child,
Avenger of abused,
Embodiment of the Eye of Re
I bring pleasure to the flesh
And happiness to the mind.
Seek my fire,
Speak my name.

With that the magic began to radiate out of Athyr and became tangible enough for each of the girls to feel as it brushed along the edges of their own innate magic. Soon the magic faded into a soft breeze and Athyr was left standing in the center of the room. Fearing the reproachful looks from the girls in the room, Athyr turned to go.

"Wait, Athyr," Skye called. When the young goddess turned back to her, she saw something there that she had not expected; acceptance. "You can't just give us a show like that and not explain more about yourself. So exactly who is this Hathor and why have I never heard of her—you?" With that the tension in the room seemed to disappear and the other girls jumped in with questions of their own.

Hermione sat back and watched Athyr be drawn back into the group. It looked like the Gryffindor Ladies Gathering had a full sisterhood this year and she couldn't be more happy.

**********************

(author ducks flying tomatoes and possible flame thrower attacks) I know, I know, not much steamy action in this chapter, but don’t worry the next chappie will be chock full of it. I have some interesting goings on for our trio, but I still want to know what you thought of this chappie so don’t forget to feed the author.
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