#Antonine Wall

[scotianostra]

Today is World Heritage Day

Oiginally known as the International Monuments and Sites Da it is a global celebration of this planet’s heritage. It’s all about increasing the awareness of the importance of the diversity of cultural and natural heritage and preserving this heritage for future generations..

In Scotland we’re lucky enough to have no less than six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. they are;

St Kilda.

The remote Hebridean island archipelago is one of only two-dozen global locations with World Heritage Status for both natural and cultural significance.

The archipelago shares this honour with natural and cultural wonders such as the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu in Peru and Mount Athos in Greece.

I'd love to visit, but it is a wee bit too expensive for me.

Edinburgh Old and New Towns.

Some people have asked me which part of Edinburgh is covered by this title, well the simple answer is all of it!

The capital is a city of many eras, and its World Heritage Site comprises both the old and new towns. The Auld Toon has preserved much of its medieval street plan and Reformation-era buildings along the wynds of the Royal Mile.

The (relatively) New town contrasts this perfectly with neoclassical and Georgian architecture in regimented order.

Antonine Wall.

I've explored many parts of the wall. Constructed around 142 AD by the Romans, the Antonine Wall marked the north-west frontier of their empire. Stretching from the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde, the Antonine Wall separated the civilised Romans from the wild Caledonians.

The Heart of Neolithic Orkney

I've not visited The Northen Isles as yet, plans were in the early stages to go this year, but my friend ended up in hospita and is still recuprating, hopefully we can get something sorted when she becomes more able.

The Orkney mainland is synonymous with archaeology. It boasts the mysterious standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar and megaliths at Standing Stones of Stenness, as well as the 5,000-year-old settlement of Skara Brae and chambered cairn and passage grave of Maeshowe. Together these four sites form the heart of Neolithic Orkney, which was given World Heritage status in 1999.

The Forth Bridge

I remember as a bairn drawing and painting the bridge with a steam train going over it, but the train going over the "bumps!"

One of our most iconic and beloved bridges, the Forth Bridge was named a World Heritage Site in 2015 just after its 125th anniversary. The bridge was one of the most ambitious projects of its kind ever attempted at the time. When it opened it had the longest single cantilever bridge span in the world.

New Lanark

The last mill closed in the 1960s but a restoration programme saved the 18th-century village from falling into dilapidation.

It is an early example of utopian socialism in Scotland as well as a planned settlement – making New Lanark an important milestone in the historical development of urban planning. I have never visited, I must say I much prefer my ruined castles and abbeys.

#scotland #scottish #history #edinburgh #forth bridge #new lanark #antonine wall #St Kilda #Orkney

[thesilicontribesman]

Croy Hill Roman Fortlet at the Antonine Wall, Scotland

#Croy Hill #roman #romans #roman living #roman fort #roman soldiers #roman culture #archaeology #Antonine Wall #Scotland #earthworks #landscape #outdoors #ancient cultures #ancient sites #roman ruins #roman empire

[illustratus]

The Romans cause a Wall to be built for the Protection of the South (One of a series of eight oil paintings illustrating the history of the English Border)

by William Bell Scott

#william bell scott #art #roman britain #wall #antonine wall #hadrians wall #history #britain #britannia #roman #soldiers #centurion #ancient rome #ancient roman #europe #european #landscape #england #scotland #walls

[ancientorigins]

Scotland's Antonine Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just got a little more interesting with the discovery of a lost Roman fortlet.

#Scotland #Antonine wall #Roman #walls #forts #Roman Empire #ancient #history

[dragonkingancalagon]

Roman Limes

Limes means road – originally, it really was a road connecting border fortifications with each other. Over time, it began denoting a geographically shaped or fortified border. It is incorrect to use limes as a term for all borders of the Roman Empire, though the world will sometimes be used in such a manner as well. System of border fortifications fulfilled its functions generally from 1st until…

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#antonine wall #border wall #diocletians limes #hadrians wall #late roman limes #limes #limes africanus #limes alutanus #limes arabicus #limes britannicus #limes dacicus #limes germanicus #limes moesiae #limes orientalis #limes transalutanus #roman #roman limes #trajans wall

[warfantasy]

Roman Limes

Limes means road – originally, it really was a road connecting border fortifications with each other. Over time, it began denoting a geographically shaped or fortified border. It is incorrect to use limes as a term for all borders of the Roman Empire, though the world will sometimes be used in such a manner as well. System of border fortifications fulfilled its functions generally from 1st until…

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#antonine wall #border wall #diocletians limes #hadrians wall #late roman limes #limes #limes africanus #limes alutanus #limes arabicus #limes britannicus #limes dacicus #limes germanicus #limes moesiae #limes orientalis #limes transalutanus #roman #roman limes #trajans wall

[onceuponatimeinthe70s]

Once Upon A Time in The 70s (That's AD 70s)

Russ Stewart: London On a recent trip to Zaragoza, Spain, I was impressed with the scale and quality of Roman ruins which included significant remains of an early 1st century AD, 6,000-seat theatre, built for a town of only 18,000 souls The Roman Theatre of Zaragoza I was also impressed by the 200 km/hour train ride from Tarragona (which also has extensive, well preserved Roman construction…

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#70s #Antonine Wall #Bearsden #Bearsden Primary #Douglas Park #featured #Roman Road #Romans #Ruchill #russ stewart #Tacitus #Tarragona #William Hole #Zaragoza

[deadstonemasonssociety]

A Roman fortlet thought lost to time is rediscovered

This newly discovered fortlet would have been part of several fortlets along the Antonine Wall.

It would have been occupied by 10 to 12 Roman soldiers who were stationed at a larger fort nearby, likely to be Duntocher, and manned the fort for a week at a time before being replaced by another detachment.

The fortlet would have been made up of two small wooden buildings to house the soldiers staying there and will have been used for the 20 years (142 CE – 162 CE) that the Antonine Wall was defended as the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire.

#Antonine Wall #Scotland #Ancient Romans

[archaeolorhi]

The Cramond Lioness

Greetings Tumblr! I wanted to kickstart the new blog with one of my favourite Roman Sculptures EVER: the Cramond Lioness! The sculpture depicts a lioness mauling a native man. She was found in the River Almond in Cramond, Edinburgh, by the Local Ferryman. Most likely she was created to stand guard over the tomb of a Roman officer, but she was cast into the water before reaching her desired location - or perhaps dumped into the river by locals after the Romans withdrew from Britain!

For a full, indepth analysis of her, her context and her symbolism, click the link below to check out my YouTube video dedicated to the Lioness herself! Feel free to subscribe too if you fancy it x

#Youtube #scottish archaeology #scottish history #ancient history #archaeology #scottish youtuber #cramond lioness #roman britain #roman scotland #romans in scotland #antonine wall #cramond roman fort #roman funerary art #roman funerary sculpture #archaeolorhi

[bantarleton]

Trimontium Roman Fort

A departure from the Early Modern period to do a thread about the Roman fort of Trimontium in what is now the Scottish borders. I visited the museum at the weekend, and it was great! 1/14

Trimontium, now called Newstead, was first built about around 80 AD, during the Roman General Agricola’s invasion of Caledonia. It stood for over a century in an area known as Trimontium – between three hills.

The land had been occupied by native tribes since at least the Iron Age, with multiple settlements existing on the slopes surrounding the fort.

It served as a military base in Caledonia, and seems to have primarily been a cavalry depot for long periods – there are lots of horse remains, as well as these helmets and ceremonial faceplates belonging to Roman cavalrymen.

The XX Legion spent time there (as did the VIII, earlier on), as evidenced by the remains of this plaque.

A Roman soldier’s service record!

The fort’s strategic function shifted over time –it was a bulwark existing beyond Hadrian’s Wall, then after the construction of the Antonine Wall further north it became more of a logistical hub, then resumed being a frontier fort after the Antonine Wall’s abandonment.

Small settlements sprung up around the fort’s walls, and it is likely there were regular peaceful contact with the surrounding tribes. However there is also evidence of conflict. Roman forts came under sustained attack across several periods, and it looks as though when the fort was finally abandoned, it was done so in a hurry.

As per soldiers from the Ancient World to modern-day Iraq and Afghanistan, when the troops move out they leave a lot behind – lucky for the archaeologists and historians.

I am amused by how miserable Roman soldiers must have been after getting assigned to northern Britain. The ends of the earth indeed! I also do scoff at the whole “I think about Rome every day” meme, but I can see the allure, and I find it extremely interesting comparing and contrasting what I know about 18th c. militaries with the Roman Army. There were definitely a fair few things that I think the Romans were better at, especially when it comes to organisation, logistics and efficiencies!

#history #military history #roman history #scottish history #scotland #scottish #rome #roman #roman empire #ancient history #classics #classical history

[nauticalparamour]

11- Antonin/hermione ☺️

Antonin crept through the dungeons beneath Malfoy Manor where the highest ranking prisoners were being kept, out of the hands of the lowly snatchers who might have found them. He walked by numerous people — Lovegood, Ollivander, Creevy — but paid all of them no mind. None except for one.

The prisoner he sought was all the way at one end, furthest away from the narrow staircase that led underground. It showed how precious she was.

Hermione Granger had been caught by Fenrir Greyback and brought to Malfoy Manor with Potter and the Weasley boy. Her friends escaped, but she had been left behind, caught in Bellatrix’s grasp. She remained in Malfoy Manor since then, unaware of the War coming to its ultimate conclusion, unaware of the Dark Lord’s victory.

He found her huddled on a bed, staring listlessly at the wall. “The War is over,” he said, announcing his presence.

Her fiery brown eyes flickered to him. “And since you are here that must mean that Voldemort was victorious,” she spat out.

Antonin flinched at the word. “Yes,” he said simply, doing nothing to soften or sharpen the blow. “We are being granted boons. Each Death Eater can ask for one thing, whatever we’d like.”

Hermione sat up, a curious look on her face. She pulled her hair over one shoulder. Even though she could use a bath, she was still striking. Antonin could see the wheels turning in her mind. “You want something to do with me, is it?” she asked, slowly. “Pay back for the Department of Mysteries perhaps? Or maybe the coffee shop? You want to torture me or k-kill me?”

She jutted her chin up in the air, the illusion of fearlessness, though he could tell that she was scared inside.

“I had something else in mind, something a bit better. Something that might be equally beneficial for both of us,” he said, giddy at the prospect of her being his. He was so close to her now, he could almost reach out at touch her. “I will ask not to torture you or to kill you, but to make you my own.”

Hermione stood up and walked to the gate that held her in, her fingers around the bars. “Don’t be delusional, Dolohov,” she chided. “I’m a mudblood remember. You are supposed to be riding the Wizarding world of my kind, not intermingling. He would never allow it. And even if he did I am sure your brothers at arms would have something to say about it.”

“He will not deny me this if I ask,” he promised her. “And the Dark Lord knows that there can be… special cases. Like Severus. Like me. Like himself.”

“And the rest of your friends?” she countered, her interest in getting out of her prison winning out.

“No one would dare say anything to you if you were on my arm,” he said, his voice low and seductive. “You could do whatever you want — keep learning, take your NEWTs, become a cursebreaker for all I care. But come back to me — and my bed — every night.”

Hermione suddenly began shaking the door to her prison and gave a little shriek. “You barely even know me,” she spat at him. “Why would you want me anyway.”

He smirked at her. “We’ve dueled enough times for me to know that we would be compatible,” he said, remembering the way that she’d captured his attention, the way her magic felt interacting with his. Surely, she must have felt it, too, or she wouldn’t have entertained him for so long.

She was silent, her eyes searching his for any hint of treachery.

“Say you’ll do it,” he commanded imperiously. “Be my wife.”

#drabbles #390 prompts #antomione #Antonin x hermione #antonin dolohov #fanfic #fanfiction

[scotianostra]

The Antonine Wall: Rome's Final Frontier'

The entrance gallery in The Hunterian has an interesting exhibition on The Antonine Wall. Having stayed a stones throw from a section of the wall I really enjoyed visiting this, I have posted about sections of the wall, and Roman finds a number of times, the most recent being The Cramond Lioness in Te National Museum.

Built around AD 142 in the reign of the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius, the Antonine Wall ran coast-to-coast across Scotland from the Clyde to the Firth of Forth. This permanent gallery at the Hunterian Museum showcases the collection of spectacular monumental sculpture and other Roman artefacts recovered from the Wall, including richly sculptured distance slabs, unique to the frontiers of the Roman Empire.

'The Antonine Wall: Rome's Final Frontier' explores the biography of this important Roman monument and through The Hunterian's rich collections investigates four key themes: The building of the Wall, its architecture and impact on the landscape; the role of the Roman army on the frontier, the life and lifestyle of its soldiers; the cultural interaction between Roman and indigenous peoples, and evidence for local resistance; and the abandonment of the Wall and the story of its rediscovery over the last 350 years.

The display also reflects the story of over three centuries of collecting and research by the University of Glasgow on the World Heritage Site.

#Scotland #scottish #glasgow #Romans #antonine wall #Hunterian #history #My pic's

[thesilicontribesman]

Croy Hill Roman Fortlet at the Antonine Wall, Scotland

A first visit for me to this strategic point along the Antonine Wall.

#roman #roman living #roman army #roman empire #Antonine Wall #Scotland #landscape #outdoors #wild places #roman soldiers #roman building #roman fort #roman design #archaeology #stonework #earthworks

[dramioneasks]

Hey!! Really grateful for all the work y'all do around here. Lifesavers, honestly.

I'm looking for fics with the 'Voldemort died but the death eaters lived on' premise. I've already read The Pretense by Colubrina, and the theme of Draco helping Hermione act as a spy and what not, it was all just so interesting. So yeah, fics similar to The Pretense or maybe just the 'Voldemort died but the death eaters rule didn't end' kinda fic?

Thank you sooo much!

Aurelian by BittyBlueEyes - T, 43 chapters - Two years after the war, a young stranger pays a visit to the burrow. His arrival alone is baffling, but the news he brings of an upcoming war turns the world upside down. Hermione’s quiet, post-war life will never be the same.

The Best of Me - mrsren - M, 27 chapters - Officially, Hermione Granger was killed in action during the Battle of Hogwarts. Unofficially, Draco Malfoy has never stopped searching for her. Years after the war during a mission in France, his salvation comes in the form of a little blond boy and a familiar half-Kneazle.

The Art of Ascension by GinnyFics21 - E, WIP - Ten years after the fall of Voldemort, Auror Draco and Detective Hermione are partnered together on the Ministry’s high profile case hinting at a Death Eater resurgence. Can they put the pieces together to stop it as the plot unfolds and secrets unravel between them? “I know what you did, Malfoy; what you sacrificed,” Hermione said quietly. “There is good in you somewhere if you’ll let yourself see it.”His eyes were dark, unreadable and calculating as he stared back at her, “I may be on the side of the angels, Granger, but don’t think—for one second—that I am one of them.” ****A fic written around this particular quote from Sherlock.

The Gloriana Set by ThebeMoon - M, 81 chapters, Words: 271,830 - The War is won, and Hermione Granger is back at Hogwarts as an “Eighth Year”, feeling reckless and determined to shed her prim bookworm persona. She will do as she pleases, and anyone who doesn’t like it will see the business end of her wand. Also returning is Draco Malfoy, universally hated but determined to restore his family’s name. Hermione’s hopes for a quiet school year are quickly dashed as she contends with mischievous First Years, killer plants, enchanted hair accessories, a totally inappropriate Moaning Myrtle, renegade Death Eaters, a nice vampire, a poorly named study group, a depraved party, and mysterious, threatening blood messages on the castle walls. We have redemption, partial redemption and (sadly or hilariously) no redemption at all. Throw in a snarky, disturbingly attractive Draco with his own secret agenda, and we have a very slow-burn Dramione with a side of who-dun-it. COMPLETE!

How To Love A Slytherin by SlytherinsGreenPrincess - M, 11 chapters - When the ancient Marriage Law is reenacted, Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy agree to marry. But while dodging her abusive ex-boyfriend, Ron Weasley, and a new group of rogue death eaters, will they survive?

The End’s Intent - shewritesall - T, 33 chapters - Hermione Granger did not know just what she was getting into when she made friends with a pointy faced, blond boy during her first year. Draco Malfoy did not know how utterly in love he’d become with the bushy haired muggle born girl. Both of them thought they knew what they could expect when they returned to Hogwarts for their final year, but after a freak encounter with some werewolves and an unfortunate incident with wannabe Death Eaters, things turn out much, much different than either of them could have ever imagined.

Shifted - hiccupfound - E, 26 chapters - Three years after the Battle of Hogwarts, Voldemort has gone deep into hiding behind the protection of the remaining Death Eaters. The few surviving Order Members are given one Death Eater to assassinate to draw Voldemort out for the Final Battle. Ginny is given Bellatrix Lestrange, Harry takes Antonin Dolohov. Hermione has Draco Malfoy.

-Lisa

#anonymous #death eaters #post hogwarts and post war

[noxtms]

❝ WE GATHER ON THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF HOGWARTS to honour all those who lost their lives in the fight against he who must not be named and his supporters. ten years ago to the day, so many brave wix fought tirelessly against the brutal regime that then ruled their lives with no guarantee that they would see the future they so desperately hoped to bring. it's hard to say if we can even call ourselves the lucky ones, when surviving that most fateful day has burdened us with the cruel and crucial responsibility of remembering those that can't join us here, today. without them, the world would surely be a darker place and though we must carry their memory with us, forever, we must also remember to LIVE for them ; to lead remarkable lives, and perhaps most importantly, to be as brave as they were. now more than ever, we must remember to fight for what is right - not what is easy - and ensure that the future they created remains as bright as they deserve it to be.  ❞

WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE :  

the tenth annual battle of hogwarts memorial is to be held, as all others have been, on the grounds of hogwarts school of witchcraft & wizardry over a four day period at the start of may. wixen britain at large doesn't allow the day to pass without note ( survivor discounts are commonplace across most businesses and temporary remembrance walls are arranged at the heart of major wix towns ), but the hogwarts memorial - an elaborately planned event that has always been run to the highest of standards - is understandably considered the most important, given that it was itself the site of the final battle. originally organised by the ministry of magic, antonin karkaroff has worked slowly but surely on pulling back ministry support, halving the budget ( and forcing headmistress mcgonagall to make up the difference from her own pocket ) and succeeding, this year, in finally pulling back the auror support that was only ever meant to be on loan to the hogwarts security team. perhaps due to how safe the community now feels when minister karkaroff is now confirmed in attendance of an event, only the people who understand the pressure that has now been placed on mcgonagall have really complained about this.

the war heroes who fought within the battle receive handwritten invites on heavy parchment paper weeks in advance, with the same care given to the ones that are sent to the surviving family of those that lost their lives. for the tenth anniversary - the pain just as keen as it was that very first year - the event will run a day longer than usual, with the opening remembrance ceremony being held on castle grounds early on may 2nd. prominent public figures that include the members of dumbledore's army who killed lord voldemort are tasked with giving speeches to the gathered crowd and expected to muster a little something for the friends and family lost that day, with the minister of magic providing this years closing words. a feast follows inside the great hall with house tables & colors abandoned in favor of an intimate set up of smaller tables and chairs, all to encourage the mingling of the crowds at large. the white candles usually suspended overhead are switched out for a more somber black, and they remain lit through to the end of the weekend. given how difficult this first day usually is, it's understandable that a huge number of the guests tend to head towards hogsmeade for a stiff drink as soon as they possibly can.

as with most years past ( aside from 2023 when the final was called off due to mumblemumps that mysteriously only affected the slytherin house team ) the last quidditch match of the hogwarts season is lining up with friday the 3rd, and guests at the castle are welcome to watch the gryffindor vs ravenclaw game. saturday the 4th is to be considered a day of quiet reflection, during which invited wix are permitted to wander the school and grounds and take time to reflect, and the goodbye ceremony - a gathering in the courtyard where wands are raised to the sky and orbs of multicolored lights are sent upwards like muggle fire lanterns - will go ahead as normal late on the 5th.

after a number of years of insisting that attendees stayed exclusively in the hogwarts guest quarters, wix travelling in from farther afield are once again welcome to pay for a room in hogsmeade or in one of the neighbouring muggle villages, though mcgonagall has ensured that there's still room for anyone who chooses the school. hogwarts alumni can take beds in the guest rooms of their old common rooms while non hogwarts alumni may claim spaces in the guest quarters located beneath professor lodgings - both have been freshioned up by well paid elves over the past week, and both will be well tended by the same elves over the weekend.

OUT OF CHARACTER:

( ollivander vc ) it seems like only yesterday that we were getting excited for the sixth anniversary of the boh, and it's weirdly comforting to me that after four real life years, we're still here for such a huge ic milestone ! that's wild ! ten years ago, dumbledore's army brought an end to lord voldemort. four years ago, the dark mark hung in the sky over hogwarts while sybill trelawney ( rip ) delivered the first prophecy that nox ever had. three years ago we also happened to have an unfortunate death occur during the memorial, but let's not dwell on that one ! the extra security measures introduced after the death of judy strout have eased up somewhat this year, and while those that fought in the battle direct ( and those that plan on attending every day of the memorial ) are welcome to avail of the hogwarts guest quarters, they're now allowed to avail of guest accomodation in hogsmeade village again if that's what they'd prefer ! the professors are the ONLY wix who have put forward protective enchantments this time around, and the only people making up the 'guard' who will take shifts at the secret passages and ensure that everyone coming in and out is who they say they are - to headmistress mcgonagall's chagrin, the minister has decided that he won't be sparing any aurors to join the teams. it's his professional opinion that two years without incident is a good enough sign we won't see any more drama on this hallowed day, and everyone knows that what the minister wants trumps all else. keep your fingers crossed he's right !

this event starts on friday the 3rd of may at 6:00pm gmt - click here to see what that translates to for your timezone ! the plan is for it to run two weeks and end on the 17th, and in character, this covers the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th !

we're going for another discord / dash hybrid event ! though it isn't a requirement for you to pause all your current threads, please make sure that you continue to differentiate between old threads and new in some way ( title, tagging, etc ).

most characters would be expected to attend at least one of the memorial days, though of course it ultimately comes down to your characterisation and what you feel is in character. just keep in mind that regardless of whether they fought or not, most people at the very least know someone who was caught up in the war and this is the biggest event honouring the lives lost. it sends a message if they're not present, hence why involvement is important to consider !

starters can be tagged with nox.event041, and you have the wide range of location choice that comes with an event that is set at hogwarts and the surrounding hogsmeade area !

if you have any questions or concerns, please message the main ! once you've read this post, give a little riperoni to a character we lost in the comments !

#nox.event041 #nox.event #hp rp #harry potter rp #appless rp #fandom rp #canon rp #oc rp #mumu rp #established rp

[griffin-girl-r]

Chapter 2: Denial

Masterlist

Chapter 1

—

June 22, 1996

The sunlight filtered through the hospital's windows, casting long shadows on the walls as hushed whispers echoed inside the room.

"Do you think she'll wake up soon?" said a voice.

"I hope so," replied another. "She's taking quite some time in doing so, mate."

"Madam Pomfrey said that she should have been awake by now," a calm, high-pitched voice added.

Hermione groaned weakly as she started to emerge from the darkness that had enveloped her.

Her eyelids fluttered open for a brief moment, but her eyes struggled to adjust to the light that seemed so harsh now.

Her head was throbbing, and her ribs felt as if they had been broken into a million pieces.

Everyone in the room held their breath as Hermione slowly regained awareness.

Hope filled their hearts as the brunette girl finally opened her eyes fully, her clouded gaze flickering around the room before settling on the face to her right.

Ron's face broke into a wide smile as he saw Hermione's eyes open and full of life again, despite the lingering pain within them.

"Hermione!" breathed Ron, relieved. "You're awake!"

"How are you feeling?" Harry asked, appearing into her line of view. "You gave us all quite the scare."

"I can agree with Harry on that one," Neville mumbled from his chair.

"I feel like..." Hermione choked out. "Like I've been run over by a train."

Ginny, who was laying on the bed on Hermione's left, looked at her brother and his friend concerned.

"Harry, I think you should go and call someone here to check on Hermione," Ginny worriedly stated.

"I'll call someone," Luna chimed in, jumping down from the edge of Ginny's bed where she was seated.

"Hey..." Hermione tried to sit up but winced, the pain in her ribs intensifying tenfold. "Ouch... I was just joking. It's a Muggle joke."

"Still... You need to be checked," smiled Luna before leaving the room.

Hermione turned towards her best friends, her vision returning to normal as she could now see her friends clearly.

"What happened?" Hermione questioned curiously, trying to piece together the fragments of her memories.

"During the battle, one of the Death Eaters threw a wordless curse at you," Harry explained, a hint of guilt flashing in his eyes.

"It was Antonin Dolohov," Ron furiously added, knowing that the name would ring a bell for Hermione. "Bloody murderer!" He exclaimed, revolted. "If Harry hadn't petrified him, we could have lost you there."

Hermione squeezed her eyes shut as her brain struggled to process the information she had just heard.

She almost died.

She could have been dead by now.

She could have been dead, and for what? For a war that wasn't even hers?

But that didn't matter.

The only people who would have missed her were her parents.

Maybe even Harry and Ron.

But she thought that Harry would have been a little too busy to allow himself to grieve for her.

So only Ron would remain.

But to the rest of the Wizarding World, she would have been just another casualty. A young witch who fell protecting her friends fiercely.

"For how long have I been asleep?" The brown-haired girl asked, in a poor attempt to distract herself from her thoughts that threatened to overwhelm her.

"For almost four days," answered Ginny.

Hermione turned around to look at the ginger girl, taking a moment to have a good look at her.

Ginny's ankle was bandaged, but judging by the position of her foot, her ankle had long been fixed.

"It was that bad?" asked Hermione, surprise present in her voice.

"It did quite enough damage to be going on with," Madam Pomfrey's voice boomed as she walked inside with Luna behind her. "Yes, the curse was less effective than it would have been if cast aloud, but you still need a lot of potions and bed rest to fully heal."

The woman walked towards Hermione's bed and started checking the girl.

Hermione made no move, but she could feel everyone's eyes on her, which made her feel uncomfortable.

She tried to think about other things that were more positive, like the fact that if she had been unconscious for the past four days, it meant that she was just one week away from the end of the school year. That also meant she was one week away from returning home to see her parents.

She was so lost in her own head that she hadn't even noticed when Madam Pomfrey stopped checking her. But she did get startled when Ron grabbed her hand shyly, giving it a gentle squeeze before letting go.

Her head snapped in his direction, but before she could say anything, Harry beat her to it.

"You should rest, Hermione," said Harry quietly. "I promise that we will explain everything to you in the morning. But for now, you need to sleep and recover."

Hermione wanted to protest. No one tells her what to do. But the heaviness in her eyelids was too hard to ignore and, with a long sigh, she nodded.

Maybe a nap didn't sound that bad after all.

—

The distant sound of birds chirping filled Hermione's ears as she woke up with a start. She had somehow managed to sleep through the entire evening and night.

As she opened her eyes now, the soft morning light blinded her vision before she adjusted to its intensity.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," a voice greeted her, and she instantly recognized Ron's voice. "We were wondering if you would join us for breakfast this morning."

Hermione chuckled weakly, her head turning to look at one of her two best friends, noticing that she, Ron, and Ginny were now alone.

"What my idiot brother is trying to say is that Mom will bring us some homemade food this morning," Ginny sternly explained. "He hasn't been able to sleep all night thinking about it."

Hermione smirked 'Classic Ron,' she thought, 'Always thinking about food.'

"Right," chuckled Hermione once again with a nod.

Hermione gathered the strength she had to slowly push herself into a sitting position as her muscles begged for relief. But just as she relaxed, she caught sight of something she hadn't noticed the prior day.

"Merlin's beard!" she cried, getting startled.

"Oh, that?" Ron chuckled. "Yeah, she's been like this for the past few days."

There, in a far away corner of the room, Professor Umbridge was lying still on the bed, her eyes wide open but staring into the void.

She looked relatively unscathed, if you didn't count her hair in.

Hermione couldn't help but feel a slight pang of guilt in her heart for the state Umbridge was in. She knew that Dolores Umbridge deserved it, but still...

"How did she end up here?" questioned Hermione hesitantly.

"Dumbledore rescued her from the forest," Ginny said as she stretched her arms before sitting up on the edge of her bed. "How he managed that, I have no idea," she shrugged.

"Bloody mental, that old man is," said Ron loudly, his eyebrows reflexively darting upwards. "I'm telling you!"

Hermione nodded absentmindedly at Ron's remarks, making a mental note to investigate what happened later, when she would be allowed to leave the boring hospital room.

"What more should I know?" asked Hermione, looking between the two siblings, her arms crossed over her chest.

—

"And then Bellatrix killed Sirius," Ron finished his story, his tone grave and filled with sadness.

"Sirius is dead?!" Hermione yelled, her eyebrows shooting into her hairline.

"Yes," Ginny confirmed in a somewhat unbothered tone. "Then Harry wanted revenge on Bellatrix, used the Cruciatus Curse on her, You-Know-Who showed up out of nowhere, Dumbledore saved Harry and after everything, Fudge officially declared that we are now at war." She finished, passing the Sunday Prophet to Hermione.

"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named Returns," Hermione read the big bolded title on the front page.

She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat, realization hitting her like a tidal wave.

"Poor Harry!" breathed Hermione, lowering the newspaper into her lap.

She could feel tears stinging her eyes but she refused to let them fall.

She felt pity for her friend. He lost the man who was his only family and now they were thrown into an unwanted war.

It simply wasn't fair.

"You know," started Hermione revolted. "Us Muggles have our own kind of wand that I would love to use on Bellatrix for killing Sirius."

"You do?" Questioned Ginny surprised

"Yeah!" Nodded Hermione "It's called a gun and it's more efficient than a wand."

"Hermione, no!" Ron shouted

"I'm just saying." Hermione rolled her eyes

"Anyways, Dumbledore was reinstalled as the headmaster," Ron shrugged awkwardly, trying to offer Hermione at least one piece of good news.

"Thank you, Ronald. What would I do without your good news?" Hermione offered him a small nod, the room falling into an uncomfortable silence.

Thankfully, it did not last long as Mrs. Weasley walked inside the room, her face lighting up at the sight of Hermione awake and alert.

"Hermione, dear!" cried Mrs. Weasley happily, spreading her arms open to engulf Hermione in a tight hug. "I'm so happy to see you awake! You gave me such a scare."

Hermione's body protested against the hug, yet she couldn't deny the fact that she quite enjoyed the motherly hug she was receiving.

"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione smiled, pulling away from the embrace, trying to hide her pain. "It's good to see you as well."

"My girl..." Mrs. Weasley smiled widely, pinching Hermione's cheeks.

"It's good to see you, Mother," Ginny and Ron chanted simultaneously, attempting to catch their mother's attention.

—

"Albus Dumbledore, newly reinstated headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, reinstated member of the International Confederation of Wizards, and reinstated Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, was unavailable for comment last night. He has insisted for a year that You-Know-Who was not dead, as was widely hoped and believed, but recruiting followers once more for a fresh attempt to seize power. Meanwhile, the Boy Who Lived..." Hermione stopped reading and lifted her head. "There you are, Harry, I knew they'd drag you into it somehow," said Hermione, in a sarcastic tone of surprise, looking over the top of the paper at her friend.

Harry sat on Ron's bed, a frown etched on his face as he appeared to be lost in thought.

After Hermione, Ron, and Ginny had eaten the breakfast brought by Mrs. Weasley, they were joined by Harry, Luna, and Neville to discuss what had been wrote in the Sunday Prophet.

"He's 'the Boy Who Lived' again now, though, isn't he?" Ron said darkly, a sneer on his face as he reached for some Chocolate Frogs from the pile on his bedside cabinet. "Not such a show-off maniac anymore, eh?"

Hermione watched as he threw some to Neville, Harry, and Ginny before ripping the wrapper with his teeth instead of his hands, causing Hermione to roll her eyes annoied.

"Yes, they're very complimentary about you now, Harry," Hermione nodded, now scanning down the article, that was making her frown. "I notice they don't mention the fact that it was them doing all the ridiculing and slandering, though."

Hums of agreement were heard as Hermione kept scanning the article with her eyes quickly.

"Well," Hermione folded up the newspaper and threw it aside, too fed up with it to keep reading. "It's certainly given them lots to write about. And that interview with Harry isn't exclusive, it's the one that was in The Quibbler months ago..." She pointed out.

"Daddy sold it to them," Luna mumbled distractedly, while turning a page of The Quibbler that she was reading upside down. "He got a very good price for it too, so we're going to go on an expedition to Sweden this summer and see if we can catch a Crumple-Horned Snorkack."

Hermione frowned as her mind tried to come up with anything to say about Luna's plans, trying to find something non-offensive to say. "That sounds lovely." She squinted her eyes with a nod of her head. "So anyway," she tried to sit up a little straighter but winced, her ribs protesting once again. "What's going on in school?"

She wanted to know everything that happened in the time she was unconscious.

"Well, Flitwick's got rid of Fred and George's swamp," Ginny was the first to speak. "He did it in about three seconds. But he left a tiny patch under the window and he's roped it off..."

"Why?" Hermione questioned, almost flinching at the news.

"Oh, he just says it was a really good bit of magic," explained Ginny, shrugging unbothered.

"I think he left it as a monument to Fred and George," Ron spoke with his mouth full of chocolate. "They sent me all these, you know," he looked at Harry before pointing at the small mountain of Frogs beside him. "Must be doing all right out of that joke shop, eh?"

Hermione shook her head disapprovingly as she forced herself to not make any remark at Ron's antics. "So has all the trouble stopped now Dumbledore's back?"

"Yes," Neville said, speaking for the first time since he entered the room. "Everything's settled right back down again."

"I s'pose Filch is happy, is he?" asked Ron, propping a Chocolate Frog card against his water jug.

Hermione looked at the card and saw it was featuring Dumbledore on it before turning to look at Ginny.

"Not at all," said Ginny, catching Hermione's attention. "He's really, really miserable, actually..." She lowered her voice to a whisper, afraid someone might hear their conversation and get them in trouble. "He keeps saying Umbridge was the best thing that ever happened to Hogwarts."

Hermione said nothing as she looked around the room, her gaze settling on Umbridge who was wide awake but didn't show any signs of awareness.

She knew that it most probably wasn't anything serious. Right?

Madam Pomfrey had said it herself that Professor Umbridge was just in shock, although Ron had discovered that she did react to certain sounds.

Horse galloping sounds, to be more specific.

Yet, Hermione barely muffled her laughter as Ron showed them once again his discovery, making Madam Pomfrey, who was just then passing by their room, ask Umbridge if everything was okay.

"Speaking of centaurs,'' Hermione asked once she was able to control her laughter, "Who's the Divination teacher now? Is Firenze staying?"

Now that was information she not only wanted to know but needed to know.

"He's got to," Harry supposed, shaking his head. "The other centaurs won't take him back, will they?"

"It looks like he and Trelawney are both going to teach," Ginny added.

"Bet Dumbledore wishes he could've gotten rid of Trelawney for good," Ron said, munching on another Frog. Hermione lost count of how many he had eaten at this point. "Mind you, the whole subject's useless if you ask me. Firenze isn't a lot better."

"How can you say that?" Hermione gasped demandingly. "After we've just found out that there are real prophecies?" From the corner of her eye, she noticed Harry shifting in his seat nervously. "It is a pity it broke," she quietly continued, shaking her head in disappointment.

"Yeah, it is," Ron said. "Still, at least You-Know-Who never found out what was in it either. Where are you going?" he added, as Harry stood up.

"Er - Hagrid's," said Harry, nervously. "You know, he just got back and I promised I'd go down and see him and tell him how you two are..."

Hermione had a feeling that Harry was lying, trying to find an excuse, but she brushed it off as a mere thought.

"Oh, all right then," Ron replied grumpily, disappointed that his best friend was leaving so soon. "Wish we could come..."

Harry started speedwalking towards the exit, leaving his friends behind in a state of confusion and curiosity.

"Say hello to him for us!" called Hermione. "And ask him what's happening about..." She quickly tried to find the right word to use. "About his little friend!"

She didn't receive an answer as Harry was already gone.

Hermione sighed sadly, reaching for one of the potions that were on her bedside cabinet. She scrunched her nose in disgust, opening the cap of the small bottle of the potion.

"Is that the fifth one?" questioned Ginny.

"The sixth," said Hermione, quickly drinking the potion to get it over with as quickly as possible. "Just four more to go."

"Four more?!" said Neville, surprised.

"Madam Pomfrey said I have to take 10 different potions a day for the entire summer," Hermione nodded sadly. "Not the most pleasant way to spend your vacation, but she says I need it."

"Which you strongly disagree," added Ron, shoving another Chocolate Frog in his mouth.

"Stop eating, Ron," Hermione ordered. "You're going to have a chocolate rush."

"Who says that?" Ron mumbled.

—

It felt like an eternity for Hermione until she was finally deemed completely recovered to be allowed to leave the hospital.

It has been five long days and she couldn't have been more bored, despite having time to read as many books as she wanted. Being the last one to be discharged didn't help with the boredom either.

But on the bright side, there were only three more days left until the end of the term, and the girl couldn't be happier.

She had already started packing her things, eager to have a respite from the brewing war and fights.

She was now in her room, her clothes scattered around on her bed as she preppared her luggage just in case.

She groaned, bending down to pick up one of her shirts that she had accidentally dropped while folding. The soreness was too stubborn to leave her alone too soon it seems.

"What kind of curse had he used?" Cried Hermione loudly, taking advantage of the fact that she was alone in the room.

She scoffed.

"Hex you, Dolohov," she added through gritted teeth.

She continued folding her clothes, but her mind was worrying about Harry.

Hermione had tried to bring up the matter of Sirius' death on various occasions, yet Harry tried to avoid the topic, with Ron not being much help as the ginger boy made hushing noises each time she tried to say Sirius' name.

She knew that Harry was in a state of denial. He tried to block out the fact that Sirius wasn't coming back, lying to himself that his godfather would return in one way or another.

Harry refused to hear any mention of the Department of Mysteries or of Sirius being dead, and Hermione wasn't blaming him, but denial wasn't going to help him face the loss.

Nonetheless, he would have to accept the truth sooner or later.

She couldn't deny that Sirius' departure brought a sense of sadness to her as well. She had grown to like Sirius over time and he offered her a feeling that she had known him long before they actually met. Yet, he was nothing to her.

Shaking her head, she abandoned what she was doing, deciding that a walk near the lake would do her good, helping her clear her mind.

She left the dormitory and made her way outside, only to find Harry and Ron already sitting by the lake.

"Don't worry, mate," she heard Ron say, patting Harry's back, "we'll find a way."

"Oh, how lovely to see you two having such an intellectual and engaging conversation without me. I'm sure your discussion about Quidditch tactics is absolutely riveting," she stepped closer to the two boys, her tone half filled with sarcasm, half with mischief.

"Ya wish!" chuckled Ron, turning to face her.

"It's good to see you walking around these grounds again," Harry said, trying to offer Hermione a smile.

"So what's the plan now that the Ministry has finally acknowledged that You-Know-Who is back?" asked Hermione.

"We're not sure just yet," said Harry, looking down at the ground.

"Hey..." breathed Hermione, placing her hands on Harry's arms, "We're a team, okay? We'll get through this just like we have done before." She took a deep breath before adding, "Together."

"Always," Ron smiled.

"Always," Harry nodded.

"There you three were," a voice called, making the trio turn their heads only to see Professor McGonagall speed walking in their direction. "I've been searching for you everywhere."

"Something wrong, Professor?" Harry asked, concerned that something might be wrong.

"I swear, we didn't do anything this time! We were just discharged from the hospital, barely even got out!" Ron's voice shook with fear. "I thought we were going to rot in there if they kept us one more day locked up."

"Mr. Weasley," Minerva McGonagall began, disappointed. "I am asking you to stop being dramatic. Luckily, you three haven't caused any mischief this time."

"Then what is the matter, Professor?" Hermione raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "What do you need us for?"

"Dumbledore is requesting your presence in his office," said McGonagall. "He said there is something more he wants to privately talk to you about before you leave."

"What more could he want to tell us?" Harry said quietly.

McGonagall fixed Hermione with her eyes, a mix of sadness and apprehension shining in them.

"I'm afraid I cannot answer that question, Mr. Potter," the woman said. "But I heard it is something that concerns Miss Granger."

"Me?!" shouted Hermione, but before she could say anything else, she was interrupted.

"Come on now," McGonagall said, turning around to walk back to the castle. "Everything will be revealed in its own time."

Hermione, Harry, and Ron shared a concerned look.

They were scared of what secrets would be revealed this time.

The afternoon sun reflected its colors on the surface of the lake as the three friends walked side by side towards Dumbledore's office, ready to face whatever was coming as a united team.

—

@theunchosenonee

#harry potter au #hermione is bellatrix's daughter #pureblood hermione #hermione granger