8CHAPTER ONE
As I followed once again down the footpath along the banks of the Glaslyn, my eyes wandered through the houses and sights down the horizon. Simply enjoying the view and the felling of the magical atmosphere surrounding me. This is what I loved most. The tingling sensation of magic in my skin. Ever since I found out I was a witch I never got tired of this feeling.
Finally arriving at my destination, I took a moment to close my eyes and bask in the sheer power pulsing around me. Opening my eyes and scanning the tombstone of Gelert's Grave, my hand reaching for the stone monument and looking for the traces of ancient magic unscripted in the fine runes artwork visible only for the magical folks eyes. It was fascinating really.
Reaching for my inseparable beaded bag I picked my notebook and a pen as my brain already began working on notes and observations for future reference. My mind whirring trying to translate the section I was working on today. I was working on the last part, however there was this strange symbol I didn't know the meaning and without it the rest didn't make sense. So absorbed I was in my work that I failed to take notice of the male presence standing a few meters behind me.
"One would think that all witches only ever used quill and parchment."
Startled, I turned so I could address the person who interrupted my line of thought.
"Yes, one would think that. However, for modern witches not to benefit from the comforts of muggle technology would be unpractical." I answered, as he walked near me.
"I see. A smart modern witch then. Cadfael Rees." He said while closing the distance between us and taking my hand to shake it.
"Hermione Granger. Am I correct to assume you're also a smart modern wizard then?" I asked cheekily.
"Indeed." He answered still holding my hand, then turning it to brush a kiss over it. "Pleasured to meet you." He said and smiled while winking at me.
I blushed. "Pleasured to meet you too." I answered then turned to the monument again focusing on the patterns of the runic symbols.
"Do you mind if I stay here as well? I will remain quiet not to disturb you on your runes research." He asked, his posture relaxed.
"Not at all, Mr. Rees." I responded as I started analyzing the different combinations of the symbols in the text, trying to make sense by checking the patterns.
After an hour of work I had forgotten all about the handsome wizard next to me. I started drawing the strange symbol I couldn't translate that was blocking my progress.
"It's Cadoc." He said quietly.
"What?" I asked, startled by him again.
He chuckled at my startling and repeated. "I said, it's Cadoc."
I just looked at him puzzled for not getting his message and annoyed for having been startled once more.
"The symbol you're drawing. It means battle." He offered smiling again.
"Oh!" I said while making sense of his words and looking at the runic pattern. "Are you interested in ancient runes?" I asked curiously.
"More than interested. These runes are my favorite." He said sincerely.
I smiled. "I can relate, this is wonderful. And of course, battle… now everything makes sense. Thank you." I agreed politely.
"Well, since I helped you on your research it is only fair you accompany me for a cup of coffee in return." He said seductively.
"My, my. Aren't you just the flirtatious kind of wizard." I said, blushing again, but not taking my eyes off his.
"Only when I see something I like." He said smiling that dazzling smile again.
"Thank you for the offer, but I shall decline since I've just met you." I refused but allowing a little tug to appear on the corner of my lips.
"I understand. Can't blame a bloke for trying, though." He said and smirked a little.
"I must go now. Thank you again for the rune, Mr Rees." I said while putting my things back in my purse.
"My pleasure. Good luck on your research, Miss Granger." He said looking for my hand once more to drop a ghost kiss on top of it.
"Thank you. Goodbye." I nodded and started walking away. I was excited for now being able to finish the translation and a little flustered for Mr. Rees flirty behavior. Although I had plenty of experience with men flirting with me after the war, as it came with the fame, I never quite got used to it.
Apparating to the hotel I was staying, I let go of the frivolous thoughts and after ordering supper, immediately started to organize my research notes. Now that the runic translation was complete, my research would guide me to the next destination which was… Llangollen. Yes, Llangollen would do. With a new course set I felt the excitement over going to yet another ancient magical site bubble in me. A knock on the door signaled the arrival of my dinner, a hot bowl of cawl. Humming in pleasure I appreciated the traditional welsh meal, my thoughts wandering to my friends.
It has been weeks since I last sent any of them a letter. I wondered how were they doing. After the war everyone was busy trying to take over their lives and just move on from the tragedies. My golden boys, Harry and Ron, were content on auror training, Ginny was on quidditch training season for The Harpies, Neville on Herbology apprenticeship at Hogwarts, Luna reestablishing the Quibbler… everyone was so sure of what they wanted professionally. Not myself, no. After four years making everything I could to prepare to battle and eventually fighting and winning a war, I wanted to just not have any responsibilities whatsoever for a while. All war heroes were rewarded a sum of gold for their roles in the war, mine being all the more heavier for my crucial participation and so I have been ever since happily spending my money doing what I liked most, learning. I've been traveling to old magical sites and exploring the knowledge of magic present in these places. It's been a dream. And so it led me to yet another promising magical site, following the legend of St Collen and the King of the Fairies, in the city of Llangollen.