It is ten years post-Hogwarts and Voldemort rules over a shattered Magical Britain where civil war is imminent, palace revolutions are brewing and Harry Potter leads a resistance based in the Muggle World. At the centre of all this is Hermione Granger, who is about to discover within herself an ancient power that may not only be the key to defeating Voldemort, but may also succeed in restoring to the Magical World that which faded into the mists with the death of a legendary king.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
This story owes much to several facets of inspiration but, as they are much too numerous to name, I shall content myself with recounting those that are of perhaps the most import. The genesis is the result of Maenad's Challenge, however much it has veered away from the idea she set forth, and the idea of 'strega' created by Riley in Pawn to Queen even though I have not used her concept, history or terminology. Important literary inspirations and purloined ideas come from Marion Zimmer-Bradley's The Mists of Avalon, and readers Jacqueline Carey's novel Kushiel's Dart will no doubt find the Dark Court of Lord Voldemort a bit familiar. Dumbledore's line in the fifth prologue is courtesy of Mel Gibson's character, Benjamin Martin, from The Patriot. However, I wish to stress that this is NOT a crossover with any book or story in the traditional sense -- rather, assume that the events of The Mists of Avalon are a part of the history of the Harry Potter universe. Also, I believe Minerva McTabby created the character of Julius Marvolo that stars in her wonderful Two Worlds and In Between; I admit to liking the name Julius, but otherwise he bears no resemblance to her character.
I'm also twisting history a bit, especially the earlier dates. Unless otherwise noted, most information comes from A Short History of Western Civilization (8th edition; Sullivan, Sherman and Harrison). Most of my information on Hetairai (although I should note here that I have altered it for this story) comes from years of sitting in Classics courses, but for those interested in reading up on the subject try Goddesses, Whores, Wives, & Slaves by Sarah Pomeroy and/or Courtesans & Fishcakes: The Consuming Passions of Classical Athens by James Davidson. Also, though it does not deal strictly with Hetairai, try The Book of the Courtesans: A Catalogue of Their Virtues by Susan Griffin.
This WILL be SS/HG, but there's a bit of ground to cover before we get there.
And last but never least, a special thank you goes to Enfleurage and Claire for the wonderful beta reading. Thanks again!
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Prologue [PG13] The past is foreign country; they do things differently there. Or, why Hermione was Sorted into Gryffindor.
In Medias Res [R: mild sex and non-explicit rape] In the Dark Court of Lord Voldemort nothing is quite as it appears, something Severus Snape is about to learn. Unfortunately, Hermione Granger already knows all too well.
Nemesis [R] In Progress. Your nemesis is not always your enemy; sometimes it's your best friend, a rival or even a lover.
Of Cloaks and Daggers [R] In Progress. Wherein we have a charming evening with Snape the Spymaster, Hermione the Hetaira and Voldemort the Voyeur. With appearances by Weasleys, Zabinis, Malfoys and a Potter.
The Game's Afoot [R] In Progress. " ... cry God for Harry, England and Saint George!"
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ANTI-LITIGATION CHARM
All recognizable characters and places related to the Harry Potter universe belong to J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury Books. This is a not-for-profit fanfiction. No infringement is intended. The work of several artists represented within the Hawkeforte Legacy include, but are not limited to, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, John Collier, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and John William Godward. Image Disclaimers
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