By David Mycock The Darkest Road 6
Walking the Path
Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the vampire slayer or any other of the characters in this story they belong to Joss Whedon and whoever else created the characters used in this story. Any characters I created I own.
Pairing: Janna Kalderdash/Xander Harris (There will be other relationships in this story but this is the main one)
Summary: Xander and his friends continue their journey before finally heading to the Romany clans to challenge for control of the Lavelle Clan and finding answers to long buried secrets.
(12 Grimmauld place London)
Harry sat trying to force down his anger as Alexander, Tara and Susan entered the room he was in, he tried to ignore them as they sat in front of him but he knew they would not leave until they had said whatever it was they came here for
"What do you want?" he asked with as much calm as he could muster
"We wanted to talk about how you're dealing with the anger you're obviously feeling" Xander answered after a short pause "I know it isn't easy Harry especially after what you've just heard but you cannot let it control you" he added almost in a plea "I've seen what can happen to those who do during our trip through dimensions" he went on "I saw a dimension where I myself fell most likely due to allowing my anger and frustration at my friends to overwhelm me so I would be susceptible to the promises of power and revenge" he finished hoping to cut through the rage he sensed in his friend
"My parents are dead due to one man's petty grudge, one man's weakness and one man's lust for power" Harry said through gritted teeth "I can except that but what I can't except is what that old man has forced me to do when in Snape's presence" he added "He always made me show respect I did not feel, made me always apologise to him if something went wrong and let's not forget those lessons in occlumency he started making me take near Christmas" Harry almost spat "Snape never tried to teach me what he was supposed to he used it as a opportunity to cause me pain and I knew trying to complain was pointless because the old man always believes what Snape says to him so I kept silent" he continued "I've had to look into the eyes of one of the men responsible for my parents deaths for five years at the behest of Dumbledore who had to have known about it, and I feel angry, betrayed and vengeful" he finished taking a deep breathe
"You have every right to feel that way Harry but you must learn to control those emotions" Tara told him gently "Alexander fights the same battle, I was bonded to him to ensure he stays in the light" she added "You do not have that advantage and so you must use everything within you to bring yourself under control before you end up doing something you might regret in the future" she pressed "Your friends and most of the magical world are counting on you to stop Voldemort even if most of them would rather ignore that fact and you cannot afford to make mistakes especially due to lapses in control" she stressed the word hoping to get through to him
"I know that Tara" Harry told her "I am trying but considering everything I've been through in the last couple of months it is not easy" he added
"We know that Harry" Susan finally spoke up "We all know you've been through a lot especially after been sent to Azkaban but you need to stay focused" she continued
"Remain here for an hour or so and meditate for a while it should help" Xander told his friend "Then meet me in the kitchen where we can discuss some things okay" he told him
"I'll see you there" Harry acknowledged before closing his eyes and trying to centre his raging emotions
Xander and Tara left to rejoin the others whilst Susan remained to see if Harry needed any help.
(Other Realm)
Cassandra was very worried about Harry's state of mind after learning what Severus Snape had cost him and the startling fact that Dumbledore must of known some of it, she was as worried as Alexander and Tara were for the young wizard and she could tell her lord was worried also.
Harry Potter had lived a very hard life which had only increased since he rejoined the wizarding world and been forced to face Voldemort and his servants year after year no matter what supposed protections Dumbledore had cast, he had preserved well through his challenges but he had been pushed to the breaking point since the beginning of this year and she knew his stint in Azkaban couldn't have helped as well as Dumbledore's refusal to help him.
She watched as Harry tried to pull in his anger and hate whilst his girlfriend watched, this was going to be a crucial test and would shape how things would progress in the war.
"Is there nothing we can do to aid Harry in controlling his emotions?" Tanith inquired
"Not at the moment" their lord answered "Fate does not see any possibility to do so yet but she is sure one will present itself" he added with a thoughtful look "She seems certain that there is something hidden concerning Harry that will help in the end" he continued
"What can be hidden from us my lord?" Jonas asked looking confused that such a thing was possible
"Magic can do anything Jonas, you should know that by now" their lord replied "Magic in all it's forms is ancient and ever changing" he added "We watch many events in many areas and it is possible we missed something concerning Harry which Fate suspects happened, we shall just have to wait and see" he stated with a smile
The others shared a look between themselves before nodding and hoping to spot whatever it was Fate suspected was there concerning Harry Potter.
(12 Grimmauld place London)
Xander moved through his training alongside Lilith and Adrian as they waited for the order members to return from hiding or moving their families, he was hoping to talk to Harry about gaining some allies for this war but so far his friend was still upstairs trying to regain his control.
"You are worried Alexander?" Lilith interrupted having sensed his mood
"I guess I am" he replied coming to a stop "Things here are not exactly running smoothly, there are cracks within the order and they are splintered from their government who control most of their soldiers" he continued with a sigh "They have no allies and are outnumbered" he added shaking his head
"This is true Alexander but we can rectify most of these problems given time" Lilith advised him "I have seen forces fighting from worst positions" she added gently laying her hand on his arm
"As have I" Adrian cut into the conversation "Sometimes things have to get worst before they can get better" he added "This may very well be the calm before the storm before we take this war to our enemies" he pushed hoping to make his friend understand what he was saying
"He's right" a voice said from behind them and they turned to find Harry had come down along side Susan "We need to start turning things around and making our enemies fear us instead of the other way around" he added "But first we need to have a talk with Dumbledore about this prophecy Snape mentioned is at the heart of all this" he added feeling a lot better that he had in the last few hours
"Might as well do it now whilst there are so few of us" Susan stated "Less chance of anymore traitors hearing us and running to tell Voldemort" she continued having learned to call the dark lord by his name the month after becoming Harry's girlfriend
"I'll go and get everyone" Adrian said and left to find the others leaving the four others in silence
"By the way something weird happened when I was meditating to help me calm down" Harry spoke up as he remembered what else he wanted to talk about
"What happened?" Lilith asked
"I was checking my core when I found two separate magical bonds connected to it, now one of these I am sure is Voldemort's curse from when he tried to kill me when I was a baby and he gave me my scar" he informed them "I can feel the darkness of it as I checked it, I didn't dare try anything with it but the other is a mystery to me" he continued "I have no idea where it came from but it's the exact opposite of Voldemort's" he finished as the room began to fill up
"Very interesting" Xander said "We'll talk about that later" he added as he noticed Dumbledore enter the room with a pensive look on his face "One problem at a time Harry" he told his friend indicating the old wizard
"I agree" Harry replied as he noticed where Alexander was looking and knew he didn't want the old man to know about this discovery just yet "As for this problem I just hope Dumbledore is in a talkative mood" he added
"I take it he usually likes to keep things to himself?" Janna asked as she came up behind them followed by Sarah and Tara
"Very much so" Harry responded frowning as he remembered all the times the old man had kept things from him as everyone began to sit down
"This time we won't give him a chance" Xander told him with a wicked smile "We can't afford to have things hidden from us, we'll also have to make sure we have no more traitors in the order" he continued with a thoughtful look as Janna sat next to him and placed her head against his shoulder whilst Tara did the same on the other side
"I think Hermione can help us with that" Harry said with a smile of his own "She did this great contract for the D.A which let us know if someone did betray us" he explained at the curious looks on Janna and Tara's faces
"We'll have a word with her later about it" Susan said as Alucard arrived meaning everyone who was still in the house was in the kitchen so they could start
"Now Professor Dumbledore I would like to know about this prophecy Snape mentioned which started Voldemort's obsession with me" Harry stated looking hard at the man he had once admired and looked up to
"Very well Harry" Dumbledore sighed knowing he could put if off no longer "The prophecy was given in 1980 just before you were born and I was there when it happened, however Severus was listening at the door and heard the first half of it which he promised me he would keep secret when he was discovered by Tom the Bar Keeper" he began to explain "Now it is clear he lied to me and as he did not give a magical promise he did not have to fear any consequences when he did so and for that I am sorry Harry, my failure to ensure he keep his word cost you and your family dearly" he continued
"Not just mine Professor" Harry shot back with a hard glare "You took him at his word on everything he did including those occlumency lessons you made me take without telling me why" he added "He taught me nothing and did more damage than good" he almost growled before closing his eyes and managing to force his anger back down
"I am sorry Harry, it would seem I have failed you a lot more than I know" Dumbledore sighed as he began to understand he had never known the real Severus Snape "We can hopefully check what Severus did during those lessons later?" he said hoping he hadn't damaged his friendship with the young man completely
"Maybe" Harry replied "Now what is the Prophecy?" he asked
"Before I tell you that I must insist everyone give a binding promise not to repeat it" Dumbledore told him "Voldemort only knows the first half, it is vital he never learns the full thing, we have been guarding the Prophecy in the ministry since he returned and it would be foolish to fail now" he explained
The few witches and wizards all quickly gave their magical oaths never to reveal the information whilst Xander and his group did the same knowing it didn't really affect them but decided it was best the others believed it did.
"Thank you" Dumbledore said relieved to see no one had hesitated to comply with his wish "The Prophecy goes like this 'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches… Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies? And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not… And either must die at the hands of the other, for neither can live while the other survives… The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies'" he recited "Now the Prophecy related to two babies born during the time frame stated as well as them having parents who defied Voldemort three times, one of them was you Harry and the other was Mr Longbottom" he explained shocking everyone bar Xander and his group
"Me?" Neville gasped
"Yes you Mr Longbottom" Dumbledore nodded in agreement "However we know for sure it isn't you due to the fact he attacked the Potters and marked Harry with his scar" he added "The strange thing at the time was he chose to attack the baby who was a half blood instead of the pure blood which considering his goals is quite contradictory and it puzzled me for some time" he informed them
Neville could hardly believed how close he had come too been the supposed destroyer of Voldemort, he looked over to where Harry sat silently with his eyes closed obviously trying to calm himself. He felt somewhat relieved he had not been chosen yet saddened for his friend whose whole life had been made a living hell because of this Prophecy and Voldemort's lust for power.
Hermione moved to where Harry sat and pulled him into a hug aching for her friend whose life never seemed to go easy and now they knew the reason why, she felt Harry return the hug and smiled hoping she could help him make sure it was Voldemort who died and not Harry. She felt others join the hug and noticed Ginny, Molly and Susan had joined her, she finally pulled back as did the others and retook their seats whilst Harry stood and moved to stand near the far wall to gather his thoughts.
Xander and his group shared a few looks between themselves as they worked out what the Prophecy meant, Xander sighed as he realised until Voldemort was truly dead and the Prophecy was fulfilled Harry could never have a more normal life.
"So in the end I have to kill Voldemort or he kills me right?" Harry asked with a strained voice
"I am afraid that is correct Harry" Dumbledore replied sorry to have to cause more pain to the young man in front of him "It is for this reason I have hidden this from you since your return to the wizarding world, I did not want your childhood weighed down by this knowledge" he told him
"You were wrong" Harry stated as he again fought to control himself "My childhood was a nightmare because of the Dursley's and since I came back to this world I have been fighting for my life every year with no idea why" he shouted before turning and leaving to try and think of what he now knew leaving the others in silence
"I think we should wait for everyone else to get back before we talk again" Sir Integra told the others "Harry needs time to think and I think some of us could do with a rest" she added
Everyone nodded and began to break up except Dumbledore who sat back and sighed as he realised he had truly failed the young man, all of his plans had blown up in his face and he did not know how to fix things.
Xander guided Tara and Janna into one of the rooms and sat them down, he was dreading this topic but he had come to a decision concerning Lilith and his feelings for her and he had to get it out of the way before things here got worst. He could feel Tara over the bond reassuring him that everything was going to be okay as she picked up on what he was thinking and feeling
"What's wrong Alex?" Janna asked a little curious at the nervousness she could see on his face
"You may have noticed since we got off the jet in San Francisco I have been a little pre-occupied?" he began and when he Janna nodded in agreement he sighed before pushing ahead "I have a conversation with Alucard who stated Lilith had deeper feelings for me other than friendship and I had to be careful how I reacted to her, I was about to tell him he was misreading the situation when Tara showed me things over the bond I was not aware of" he explained
"What kind of things Alex?" Janna inquired not exactly surprised to learn Lilith liked Alexander more than a friend as she had seen the looks she sometimes gave Alex when he wasn't looking
"It appeared that like Tara I had began to develop deeper feelings for her which I was ignorant of because I was not paying attention to what was going on inside me" Xander answered hoping Janna would not explode in anger at this answer "This shocked me and I have been trying to work out if it was just a physical attraction or something more" he added
"And what have you decided?" Janna asked trying to keep herself under control as a part of her wanted to rage at her lover for again developing feelings for someone else whilst the other was more accepting of this news after what she had decided after learning the truth of his relationship with Tara and that it meant she'd have to share if she wanted to keep her own relationship with him going
"There is something deeper there, and I cannot ignore it" Xander answered a little relieved she hadn't lost it yet "I love you Janna, and yet I love Tara and I love Lilith as well" he added "But I will not do anything without yours and Tara's permission as I agreed with Alucard when we talked" he continued
Janna looked to Tara and noticed there was no sign of any anger on her face and she guessed Tara was fine with sharing Alexander with Lilith as well as her, she wished she could have some time to think but she knew they didn't have time for Alexander to be worrying about what she would tell him. She decided that as long as Alexander loved her she was willing to share him; she doubted he would ever leave her or their baby and so she decided not to cause anymore trouble or heartache
"If you feel that strongly Alexander then I am willing to let you see if you can form a relationship with Lilith, Tara seems to find no problem with it and so far we've managed to handle sharing you between just us two so I don't see how adding Lilith to the triangle is going to hurt us" she told him noting the relived look that appeared on his face at her answer "I believe you when you say you love us and that's enough for me" she added standing up joined a second later by Xander and Tara
"I do love each of you as deeply as the other" Xander said very relived she hadn't lost her temper at his revelation "I will not leave any of you" he added
Janna smiled before kissing him as deeply as she could before going to lie down for an hour or so, Tara watched her go also feeling relived that this had gone well. She kissed Xander as well before going to her own bed for a rest leaving Xander to watch them both with a smile on his face not really understanding what he had done to deserve them been in his life
'You have my permission to approach Lilith Alexander' Alucard suddenly said over his link to him 'But be careful with her' he added
'Thank you Vlad and don't worry I have no intention of hurting Lilith' he replied having gotten used to the link Vlad had forged through the sword
'I know Alexander, but just watch what you do' Alucard responded before breaking contact
Xander took a deep breathe after that conversation, he knew he would have to tred carefully in how he approached Lilith and told her this. He turned back to where Tara and Janna were trying to fall asleep before turning and walking out of the room leaving them to their rest.
Alucard sat in the living room looking out into the night as he replayed the conversation Alexander had just had with Janna and Tara, he was pleased he had made up his mind concerning how he felt about his daughter but he was still worried about this would play out. Lilith had come a long way since she had returned to him and joined him at the Hellsing Manor but he worried about loosing her and when emotions came into play he knew things could get rocky.
He stood and walked over to the window hoping Lilith and Alexander would sort this out quickly, the situation here was worse than he had expected but it was salvageable as long as Harry pulled himself together and became the leader he was obviously meant to be in this war and kept Dumbledore making anymore mistakes like the ones that had cost them so dearly so far
He went to find his master and see what she was planning, he knew his master well and she would be going over everything she had learnt about the war in the wizarding world.
Xander found Lilith talking with Seras and Prue in the dining room, he took a deep breathe before joining them at the table and waiting for them to acknowledge him. He hoped he was doing the right thing in trying to sort this out now but he just couldn't hold it back now that he had found the answer he had been looking for, finally all three turned to face him
"Is something wrong Xander?" Prue inquired noting he looked kind of nervous
"I need to talk to Lilith for alone for a few minutes if you wouldn't mind" Xander replied trying to keep himself calm
Seras and Prue looked between themselves before looking to Lilith who nodded her head signalling it was okay, they quickly left the two deciding to find some of the others. Lilith turned back to her friend noting he was getting more nervous and she wondered what it was that was troubling him
"So what do you want to discuss Alexander?" she finally asked quite curious as to what was the cause of his nerves
"I had a conversation with Alucard just before we went to meet the sisters and he told me you had feelings than ran deeper than friendship and he then warned me I had to be careful how I respond to you" he started watching Lilith carefully who almost blushed as she realised her father had decided to intervene in her personal life "I was going to refute what he was suggesting when Tara showed me over the bond things I had missed within myself" he added "Since then I have been searching myself for an answer to how I really feel about you" he continued
"And what did you find Alex?" Lilith asked feeling her heart beating faster than as she realised where this go and she prayed the answer was something positive
"I'm in love with you" Xander managed to say after almost running in fear of answering "You're father made me promise that I wouldn't say anything unless I had Tara and Janna's permission which I do" he explained "Where we go from here is up to you Lilith but if you're willing I am hoping we can build our own relationship" he finished
Lilith listened very carefully as Alexander answered and she breathed a sigh of relief as he finally said what she needed to hear, she still found it hard to believe she had fallen in love with her friend but once she excepted that fact she had decided to keep it quite after seeing the trouble that was caused when Alexander discovered he had developed feelings for Tara. Now her father had intervened as had Tara who had woken Alexander up to his own buried feelings and instead of feeling angry at either of them she felt relived this was out in the open
She was also pleased to know Tara and Janna both had stated that they were fine with them trying to form a relationship, she hadn't been in a series relationship for close to a hundred years and she was a little nervous and she hoped it would work out for them
"I'm willing to try Alexander" she finally responded "I am sorry I didn't tell you but I did not want to cause anymore trouble like what happened when Janna found about your feelings for Tara" she told him with a small smile
"I can understand that Lilith" Xander assured her "We'll take this slowly like I agreed to do with Tara because I don't want to rush into anything" he told her "I don't want to hurt anyone by rushing things" he added
"Agreed Alexander" Lilith responded leaning in and kissing him for the first time 'Thank you father' she sent over her physic link to Alucard getting a small laugh from him before she cut the contact
Xander was a little surprised but he responded kissing back as hard as Lilith was kissing him, they both pulled back and began to talk about how they had come to this point
(Other Realm)
Cassandra watched a little surprised to see Xander come to a decision about his feelings for Lilith, she was also surprised to see Janna give her consent for him to try and start a relationship with her step daughter. But she was pleased to see things had worked out and they had taken the first rocky steps to been a couple, she was still worried it might fall apart down the road but for now things seemed to be going okay.
"My lord I think I know what fate sensed" Jonas stated with a wide smile
"Don't keep us in suspense Jonas, speak" their lord commanded shaking his head in amusement at his underling
"Harry stated he had two magical bonds connected to his core, my lord whatever the source of this second bond maybe exactly what we need to help Harry deal with his emotions especially his anger and hate" Jonas explained
"Well seen" their lord responded after thinking it over "I will trace the source of this bond and see where it will lead" he added vanishing from the room
"I hope this second bond is something helpful" Tanith said "The bond to Voldemort has done enough damage as it is, he does not need a second causing that kind of damage" he stated
"I agree" Cassandra finally spoke up "Harry has enough to contend with as it is, this second bond has been well hidden though even from Harry himself" she added
They all turned as their lord returned accompanied by Fate herself which was a real shock to Cassandra as she knew she preferred to stay in her own realm of power, she noted their lord looked quite pleased by whatever he had discovered
"We have located where the second bond originated from" he informed them "Observe" he commanded as he waved his hand over the viewing pool and they all turned to watch it begin to play events from Harry's forth year concerning the tri-wizard tournament
They watched Harry all the way through the second task rescuing not just his own target his former friend Ron Weasly but Fleur Delacour's target as well her own sister Gabrielle, they all watched as just after Harry pulled them both out there was a brief surge of magic from the fourteen year old Gabrielle as she watched Harry try and play off what he had done as her sister thanked him as well as asking for nothing in return.
"The bond came from Gabrielle Delacour?" Tanith asked for conformation
"Yes it did, she decided to mate with Harry" their lord replied with a smile "As a half Veela she has the option of choosing to mate with her chosen lover like all full Veela, she was never allowed to approach him to try and formalize the bond and Fleur was forbidden by her parents to say anything to Harry" he explained "They did not approve of her choice not that they can change it or break the bond, Gabrielle is a year younger than Harry but she is very strong willed" he added
"A Veela bond will not give her access to his emotions just make sure neither of them can stray once they are mated is that not correct my lord?" Jonas inquired "Plus Harry has a girlfriend so how can it be working?" he asked a second later
"That is so Jonas" their lord confirmed "The bond has been blocked by her parents so it does not effect Harry or Gabrielle" he added "However the fact she has a bond with Harry means we can perform the bonding ritual on them and make sure Harry has the support he will need in the future" he told them "Cassandra I want you to visit Alexander and Tara and tell them about Gabrielle and the bond, also tell them we can perform the ritual if all parties agree to it is that clear?" he commanded
"Yes my lord I will go at once" Cassandra replied before turning to leave then stopping and facing them once more "My lord I think we should also help shut off the bond between Harry and Voldemort, this will help them a lot as well as safeguard Gabrielle if they go through with the bond" she stated
Everyone turned to look at fate who looked thoughtful before nodding her head in agreement, Cassandra smiled before turning and leaving the room sending a signal that would put Alexander to sleep
(Dream Realm)
Xander looked around surprised to find himself outside Sunnydale high school, when Tara suddenly appeared at his side he knew he was asleep. He shook his head a little annoyed as he knew he had not been trying to fall asleep when he sat down in the living room to think over his talk with Lilith and the few kisses they had shared, he looked around and finally noticed Cassandra walking towards them
"Alex?" Tara asked a little confused to see him there as she knew he had not been tired
"I got called here by Cassandra" Xander said as he watched the woman walk towards them "I wonder what's up" he mused
"I am sorry to do this to you again Alexander" Cassandra told him as she came to a stop in front of them "But we needed to talk immediately" she added "First we have discovered where the second magical bond connected to Harry is from" she informed them
"Where is it from?" Tara asked after sharing a quick look with Xander who seemed a bit surprised by her news
"It was forged during his forth year at Hogwarts, Gabrielle Delacour decided to mate with him after Harry saved her during the second task of the tri-wizard tournament and then down played his part and asked for nothing in return" Cassandra answered "She and her sister were forbidden from telling Harry about this by their parents who did not approve of her choice of mate" she explained
"When you say mate do you mean what I think you do?" Xander asked a little relived this second bond did not come from someone who was a threat to Harry
"Yes I do Alexander" Cassandra confirmed "Gabrielle is a half Veela and like full Veela have the choice of mating with their chosen lovers, once mated it ensures neither will stray ever however her parents have placed a block on the bond between them which is why Harry is able to have a relationship with Susan" she informed them "Now Alexander it has been decided that should Harry, Gabrielle and Susan agree to it then we will perform the bonding ritual between Harry and Gabrielle, she will perform the same role as Tara does for you" she continued "If they choose to except this the bonding ritual will replace the mating Gabrielle did so Harry can continue his relationship with Susan as well as have one with Gabrielle" she finished
"That might cause some problems especially for Susan but I can't ignore how much it might help Harry gain more control over himself" Xander stated after thinking it through
"There is one last thing Alexander" Cassandra spoke up one more time "We have also decided to shut down the bond between Harry and Voldemort, he will no longer have to worry about getting any visions from the dark lord or from Voldemort trying to pry information out of his mind" she added with a smile pleased fate had agreed to this
"That is great" Tara said very happy for the young man she had just started to think of as a friend "I think that will take a lot of the pressure of him" she continued
"I have to agree" Xander said "We thank you for your help Cassandra, and whoever it is you serve" he added a little curious who this we were Cassandra spoke of
Cassandra smiled at them but refused to comment on her lord or any others she was allied with, it was not time for Alexander to know any of that just yet. "Make sure Alexander you go and retrieve the whole Delacour family once you wake and bring them to headquarters, the eldest Weasly child Bill has a relationship with Fleur, Gabrielle's elder sister he can take you to where they live. Then explain to them, Harry and Susan everything I've told them and then let them decide what to do about it" she added before turning to walk away before stopping and facing them once more "Be very careful from this point on Alexander, this is a war you are about to fight" she said gently and both Xander and Tara could tell she was very worried how this would play out before watching her walk away before vanishing causing both of them to wake up straight away
(12 Grimmauld place London)
Xander quickly stood and went looking for Bill Weasly finding Tara already in the kitchen where most of the Weasly clan sat; he noted Remus and Sirius had returned from moving Hermione's parents and hiding them.
"Remus, Sirius I want you to go with Bill and bring the Delacour family here" Xander told them surprising everyone in the room as they had no idea they knew about the Delacour's
"What, why?" Sirius asked
"Not now, just go" Xander shot back "Make sure they are who they seem to be before bringing them back" he added before going to find Harry followed by Tara
"Why does he want the Delacour's here?" Bill wondered
"Must be a reason but for now let's go and get them" Remus answered "Lead the way Bill" he told the red head
Bill looked at him for a few minutes before nodding and going to the living room and the fireplace followed by Remus and Sirius, Remus picked up one of the notes with the address to the house Dumbledore had done for emergencies so they could pass through the Fidelius charm which protected the house.
The rest of the Weasly's looked between themselves confused about why Xander wanted the Delacour family here; they also wondered how their new allies knew about them.
Xander and Tara found Harry and Susan in one of the bedrooms talking quietly about the situation; they both looked up as they entered and noting the series looks on their faces stopped their discussion and waited for them to say something.
"We need you downstairs Harry, Susan you too" Xander finally spoke up "We know where the second bond connected to your core is from and there is a very important choice you both are going to have to make" he added
Harry and Susan exchanged worried looks before following Xander and Tara down to the living room wondering what is was this choice was and where the second bond had come from.
Five minutes later Bill Weasly led Remus, Sirius and the four Delacour's into the living room. Harry was very surprised to see Fleur and her sister enter the room whilst Susan became very nervous at their arrival; everyone noted the two adults looked very annoyed to be there
"Guys this is Jean and Laura Delacour" Bill stated "You already know Fleur and Gabrielle" he added with a grin
"Thank you for coming" Tara spoke up with a small smile
"We were not given much of a choice" Jean responded with a frown wondering what this was all about "Now why are we here?" he demanded to know
"Please have a seat we have a lot to discuss" Xander responded not exactly liking the man from his first impression of him "Sirius you can stay as I think Harry might need you advice but Bill you and Remus need to leave please" he added
Sirius looked to his friend a little curious as to what was going on but Remus just shrugged and left followed a second later by Bill who kissed Fleur before leaving
"Can you make sure no one can over hear us Sirius?" Tara asked
Sirius nodded his head and cast a few charms on the room to make sure no one could listen in on what was clear to him now something very important and would affect Harry the most.
"Now what is going on?" Jean demanded to know
"First things first Mr Delacour" Xander asked "Gabrielle do you know why you are here?" Xander asked wondering what kind of young woman this was who may be given the role of helping Harry
"You know about the bond" she answered with a small smile "You brought us here to talk about it" she added
"Correct" Xander agreed liking the fact she answered truthfully
"Xander are you telling me the second bond came from Gabrielle?" Harry asked shocked whilst Susan became even more nervous where this was heading "How?" he asked a second later
"I'll tell him" Gabrielle said before Xander could answer feeling like she was finally going to get her wish of having a chance with Harry Potter
"No I forbid it" Jean said now quite angry as he realised what this was all about
"You have no right to forbid it Mr Delacour" Tara said now a little angry herself at his narrow mindedness "This was always Gabrielle's choice and she has the right to do what she wants" she added trying not to think of her own father
"We are her parents" Laura finally spoke up "What she did was a mistake" she added frowning at the young woman in front of her #
"Stop it" Gabrielle shouted standing up "It was no mistake I chose Harry as my mate, then you stopped me from trying to form any kind of relationship with him" she continued "You blocked our bond because you wanted me to marry someone you chose" she almost spat still angry at how her parents had acted "It all ends here" she finished noting Fleur was smiling at her actions
Harry was listening to everything that had been said and was slowly beginning to understand what had happened thanks to the research he had done on Veela during his forth year, Susan too had also worked out what was going on. She was very nervous how this would end yet strangely she felt no fear or anger at the other girl for her choice
"Harry it is true Gabrielle is mated to you but because her parents placed a block on the bond you were able to form a relationship with Susan, now because that bond still exists the higher powers have a choice for all three of you to make" Xander explained "One which would help you a lot especially with what's to come" he added
"What choice?" Harry asked after looking at Susan and then Gabrielle before facing his friend once again
"They are willing to perform the bonding ritual between you and Gabrielle Harry" Xander answered "She will become to you what Tara is to me, she will help you control your emotions especially your anger and hate" he continued to explain "You will share dreams and thoughts but also nightmares and pain" he pressed on "She will be the light to keep the dark at bay" he finished keeping his eyes locked on his friend
"This is not all Harry they are also going to shut down the bond you have with Voldemort so you will not have to worry about him getting into your mind or Gabrielle's" Tara added putting all the information to them
Harry sat back as he absorbed all this and was unsure how he felt about this, he knew exactly what this bond would mean from his talk with Tara when he woke up after been rescued from Azkaban. He looked to where Gabrielle sat and noted she was talking with Fleur about what had been said then to her parents who looked shocked but still angry and then to Susan who seemed to be in deep thought.
He closed his eyes and focused on his core once more and found the two bonds once more, he concentrated on the second one and tried to see where it went but all he saw was darkness and he guessed that was due to the block Gabrielle parents had placed on it. He opened his eyes to find Susan watching him
"I think you should do it Harry" Susan told him with a small smile "I do not want to loose you to the darkness, I don't want to see you become another Voldemort and this seems like a great way to prevent that" she added "I know from Tara and Janna an expanded relationship can work and I am willing to share if Gabrielle is" she continued
"I am" Gabrielle cut in having listened carefully to what Susan had been saying
"Three things before you make your final choice, one this bond will mean you will be man and wife in the eyes of whatever great power is really out there as well as in the eyes of the higher powers who serve it" Xander stated as clearly as he could "Two if Harry does fall into darkness he could pull Gabrielle with him just like I could with Tara If I fell" he added in a sombre voice still hating the very idea that could happen in the future "Three the bond bonds you mind body and soul, if one of you dies so does the other but even after death your souls will still be joined" he finished
"Trying to interfere in this bond would either kill them or send them both into madness" Tara warned them
Harry almost winced at this piece of information before forcing down his instant refusal to take such a risk; he had to think about this as objectively as he could. He knew Susan was with him if he chose to do this and when he looked at Gabrielle she nodded her head letting him know she chose this as well, he did not want to become another Voldemort giving into his own anger, hate and fear and so there was only one option to ensure as much as possible that did not happen as long as he was willing to listen.
"Very well we do it" Harry finally told them
"No we forbid it" Jean shouted standing up incensed by all of this
"Dad enough, Gabrielle wants this" Fleur shouted back "I know Harry will die before he ever lets anything happen to my sister, if she can help him destroy Voldemort once and for all then we should do everything we can to help her help him" she stated forcibly hoping to get through to her parents and make them see what they were doing was wrong
"But" Jean tried to protest before his wife stopped him and shook her head
"If we do not let her do this we will loose her" Laura told her husband "I am not willing to do that no matter what, yes it is a risk but it is her risk to take" she added "If they fail here it will not be long before Voldemort tries to take the rest of the world also he hates everything that is not of pureblood and I and your daughters are Veela he will kill us just for that, better it ends here than before it reaches our home" she continued
Jean sighed as he listened to his wife knowing yet hating that she was right, Voldemort was well known for this hatred of other species especially those who would not serve him and the Veela would never bow to him. He looked to his daughters and noted the looks on their faces and knew the only way his family would stay together would be to agree
"Very well" he finally said "I will let this happen but I want your word Mr Potter you will do whatever it takes to keep my daughter alive" he added facing the young man
"You have my word Mr Delacour" Harry responded knowing he meant it
"This will hurt at first you two" Xander cautioned them both remembering the pain when he and Tara were bonded
Gabrielle walked over to where Harry stood and waited for whatever was supposed to happen, a few minutes later she and Harry both collapsed in agony as the ritual began. Xander and Tara made sure no one tried to interfere, Sirius remained where he was still thinking over everything that had been said and feeling a little relived that there were higher beings looking over them and feeling proud that Harry had made this choice on his own
Finally they both went still as they fell unconscious from the pain; Xander checked their pulses and smiled as they were very strong. He picked Harry up and placed him on one of the sofa's and then did the same with Gabrielle
"They will wake up in about an hour" Xander told them "They'll feel the difference straight away" he added
"Will there be any change in their personalities?" Laura inquired
"No it doesn't do anything to change the person you are" Tara responded
"What happens now?" Jean inquired looking at his unconscious daughter
"You'll have to stay here with us, it's to risky to leave you without protection just in case Voldemort ever does learn about any of this" Xander replied "Maybe we can discuss some kind of alliance with the Veela" he suggested
"That may be possible considering what has just happened, most alliances between the Veela and anyone else comes from an alliance of marriage" Laura replied "But that can wait I think we need somewhere to talk about what has happened if that's okay" she added
"I'll show you to one of the bedrooms, please follow me" Sirius replied with a smile as he cancelled the charms on the door and led them out leaving Xander and Tara to watch over Harry and Gabrielle whilst Fleur went to find Bill
(Other Realm)
"It is done" Cassandra stated "Hopefully Gabrielle will be up to the task she has been given" she added
"I think she is quite capable" their lord stated after sharing a brief look with fate before she vanished
"How long before Voldemort knows the link between himself and Harry has been cut?" Tanith inquired
"He'll wake up with a splitting headache and once he is awake he'll check every option as to what happed and then he'll discover he can no longer access Harry's mind" their lord answered with a smile
The others all shared a smile at this bit of news before turning back to the viewing pool to watch as events continued to unfold.