Chapter 11
Saturday April 11th, 1998
The Great Hall
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
10:00 a.m.
Over four months had passed since Ginny, Draco, and Blaise had woken up from the Ancient Bonding, at least in the Immortal Realm. Since that day there in many ways hadn't been a moment's rest for the five of them. Plans had been made and discarded and others made as they tried to come up with a plan that would truly work, to stop Voldemort and truly seal the Unseelie beneath the Crystal Lake. It was mostly only when everyone in the 'circle' would gather in the Throne Room with Llyweln and the Inner Circle to discuss options that anyone really saw the five of them, the majority of the time they were out on their own, healing old wounds as much as possible, while also planning.
Ginny, Draco, and Blaise had finally been able to completely work through everything, and truth be told they were stronger now than they ever had been in the last life, much to River's eternal happiness. The two men weren't exactly at the point where they had forgiven Ailill, but they were at least able to joke and weren't attempting to kill him, much to Ginny and River's relief. Both knew that given more time, they could get back to the relationship they had before everything went so horribly wrong in their last life, it was an image both women welcomed.
It had been River once more, who had gone to try and contact the Gods and Goddesses, once more leaving in the wee hours of the morning so the others couldn't follow, though she had no doubt her life would be quite safe this time. It had actually been Morrigan herself who had come down to speak with her, as they discussed once more the magic and spells used to trap the Unseelie. When she returned, after much yelling on the parts of the four she had left behind, they set to work explaining the spells and such to Ailill, somehow it seemed so much easier a prospect to face this time, they knew the magic worked, and knew that now that it was the five of them, none of them would be in danger… The only issue with this new plan was that they'd have to break the seal first, releasing the Unseelie before being able to bind them once more to their prison beneath the water.
It had been two months after the two were rescued from Voldemort that Ailill and Alywne, who had stayed there in Tír Na Nóg, were brought before Llyweln and the Inner Circle. While Ailill wasn't completely forgiven per se for everything that had happened, he was once more recognized as a Seelie, and Alywne was claimed as a Seelie for the first time, already long since reunited with her brother and twin. Alywne was still closer to Ailill than anyone else, but the bonds were being reestablished with her family. It was after his reclaiming that Airmid came to visit for the first time since shortly after the three had woken, explaining to them that the connections that bound Ginny to her husbands, and River to Ailill, and the blood between Ginny, Draco and River in the past, as well as that between River and Draco in this life, could let the five be able to communicate within their minds. Similar to how River had been able to reach Ginny that first day in Voldemort's stronghold, it was a manner of Astral Projection between those not linked by the Ancient Bonding, but it would be easier due to the other connections than it was to those who attempted it without a connection of some sort already being there. It wasn't something the group did often, but they had practiced and managed to truly master the art, knowing that there would be times when it would truly come in handy.
During the Beltane Fires, Llyweln had officially recognized River as his daughter, the time finally being right, and at the Feast celebrating the holiday, a special hand fasting ceremony had been held, once more joining Ginny with her loves in the eyes of others, and River and Ailill were joined, the plan was instead of having the actual wedding ceremony in a year as was tradition, they would wait until Lughnasadh if the war was over, or Yule if it was not. River had long since talked with George, and they had made the change from lovers to friends rather easily, George in truth her closest confident after the other four, surprisingly George and Ailill even got along after the first few weeks… The same couldn't be said for the relationship between Luna, Neville and Ginny, at least not during the previous months. Ginny had learned of the feelings Luna had for Harry, a secret kept from most everyone save those who had been born in the Mortal Realm, and as was expected in some ways, was extremely uncomfortable around Luna. So for the time being, Draco and Blaise played interference whenever there was a chance the two could approach her, which was pretty much only at the weekly 'meetings' to discuss ideas and once they had a plan that worked, further figure out the details and such.
They had finally reached the point where everything now depended on seeing what the world of Man, or at least the Order of the Phoenix, would say and do in regards to 'the plan' a few days earlier. They simply waited for morning to pass in the Mortal Realm, making their way to Hogwarts to arrive at ten exactly, thirty-four hours after the rescue mission for the Mortal Realm. The five led the group that had come out of the room, Tonks, Andromeda, the twins, Luna, and Neville following silently as they made their way through the castle to the Great Hall where an Order meeting was already in progress, as they knew from Andromeda's husband. Severus Snape had arrived the previous morning to inform Albus of everything, and immediately Ron had been taken into custody as it were and they had waited until that morning to gather everyone together to discuss options and such.
Once they reached the Great Hall, River merely waved her hand and the locking charms were undone, before they opened the doors and made their way inside, all conversation stopping as everyone turned to look at them.
/-/Can I just say I'm getting really tired of being the one that everyone stops and stares at/-/ sighed Ginny.
/-/It will only get worse stór mo chroí (darling of my heart)/-/ Draco replied from his spot on her left.
/-/He's right mo ghrá (my love)/-/ agreed Blaise from her right. /-/Wait until they realize just who you really are. That the Banphrionsa (Princess) that stands before them was once Ginny Weasley./-/
/-/Stop giving her more to worry about/-/ River glanced back at them as Albus rose, focusing her attention back upon him.
"Andromeda..." he glanced at her.
"Forgive the intrusion Albus, but there are some who need to speak with the Order," she explained. "May I present Princess Méabh, Princess Deirdre, and Prince Naoise of the Seelie court, children of King Llyweln, and Lords Cúchulainn and Ailill."
"Welcome to Hogwarts your Highnesses," Albus nodded.
"Um, forgive me for interuppting, but isn't that Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Zabini?" Poppy asked curiously.
"Those are the names our mortal families chose for us," Blaise responded.
"Uh, not to ask a really dumb question, but who exactly is who? And what is the Seelie court?"
River focused on Hermione, it had already been decided she would handle the majority of the conversations and explanations as, while not the eldest member of the Royal Family, she was the eldest in the group in this life, and had in essence lived the longest. Besides Ginny really didn't want the job and Draco would rather be able to focus mostly on Ginny if she needed the support, "You've heard of fairies, what is not spoken about much in the Wizarding World is the Fey, Mortal Muggles consider them to be like Fairies but different, they look like men, are not exceptionally tiny like Pixies for example. Fey were created by the Ancient One himself after he created the Gods and Goddesses, blessed with gifts, there are a number of type of Fey, elves for example are Fey, similiar to those described in the works of the Mortal Muggle author Tokien. The Seelie Court is ruled by King Llyweln, he was one of the original twelve Seelie created by the Ancient One, King since the beginning of our kind. After Mortal Men were created, part of the Fey broke away from the main group, wishing to destroy the world of Men, they became known as the Unseelie, while my father's court became known as the Seelie. As to which of us is who, I am Méabh, my sister Deirdre, the one you know as Draco is my brother Naoise, Cúchulainn is the one known as Blaise, and Ailill is obviously the last among us."
"Oh," Hermione nodded. "Um, how come the Unseelie haven't managed to kill all of us..."
"May I?" Albus asked before River could tell the tale, she merely inclined her head and he turned to Hermione, "There was a great war long ago, the Seelie and Men joined forces to stop the Unseelie. A spell cast by Princess Méabh trapped the majority of the Unseelie beneath the Crystal Lake, within the Immortal Realm. Man though had betrayed the Seelie as well, a bargain had been made when they first joined forces that Man would choose a section of the world to live in, they picked everything above ground in essence intending to banish the Fey below ground. Instead the Fey asked the Gods and Goddesses to create a world for them, and the Immortal Realm was hidden within the Mortal Realm, and there the Fey have lived ever since."
"But how can Malfoy and Zabini be Immortal?" asked Harry. "They've grown up here with the rest of us."
"This is not the first life my brother, sister, Cúculainn and I have lived, only Ailill has lived since our first life," River replied.
"Is there a reason your sister refuses to speak?" asked Severus, wanting to see if Ginny would reveal her mortal identity to those gathered.
"Deirdre will speak when she is ready or if she is asked a direct question that she agrees to answer," replied Draco, glaring at Severus, knowing what the older man was trying to do.
"Why in heaven's name are you all with the five of them?" Arthur asked.
"Because we are members of the Seelie Court," Andromeda answered.
"You're Fey," Mad-Eye asked skeptically.
"Over the millenia since the Unseelie were trapped, Fey have married Mortals. Not every member of a family which bears Fey blood is recognized as a Fey, some are and are claimed as Seelie. Andromeda, her daughter, Fredrick and George, Neville and Luna are all the members of their family who have inherited the Heritage and been claimed by my father."
"My sons can't possibly be Fey," Molly snapped.
"Why not? You've known it for some time," River focused on the woman, "Just as you knew your daughter was Fey and tried to block her heritage, letting your anger that the Heritage your Father and Uncle claimed was not passed to you influence your treatment of your children. You nearly killed your daughter, though I suppose that does not matter considering you ordered your son to harm her, no wonder he turned to Voldemort," she focused solely on Molly, it had long been decided that it would be alright for such things to be mentioned, but only if the occasion arose would it be appropriate, all the same River turned part of her mind to her sister, /-/Dearfiúir (Sister)... /-/ she called concerned.
"Where is the one they call my brother?" Ginny said suddenly, her voice catching the attention of Harry, who recognized it instantly.
"Ginny?" Harry asked.
"Where is Ron Weasley?" Ginny asked, ignoring Harry for the moment, she would deal with that complication later.
"Ginny is it really you?" Harry asked as he made his way over to where Ginny was standing in between Draco and Blaise. Ignoring the glares of the two men to either side of her, Harry gently placed his hand on her cheek and looked deep into her amber eyes.
As her eyes were drawn to Harry's, Ginny couldn't help herself responding quietly," Yes Harry, it's me."
"Ginny thank God you're safe," Harry said as he pulled her into his arms holding her tight. "I've been worried sick about you."
"I'm fine Harry…"
"Thank God for that," Harry said pulling back just enough so he could kiss her.
Hearing the growling coming from the two men who now stood just behind her, Ginny slowly broke the kiss. "I'm sorry Harry but this can't continue," she said taking a small step backwards.
"What are you talking about Gin, I love you…"
"No Harry, you don't and I hope you can forgive me for my part of what my brother has put you through."
"Ginny…" Harry began stepping towards Ginny, his hand rising to caress her face once more.
"Harry don't," Ginny said stepping back quickly and out of his reach. "Please don't touch me again, for your sake. If you touch me again I don't know what my husbands will do to you."
"Did you just say husbands, as in plural?" Hermione spoke up surprised.
"I did and they're extremely protective of me after everything that's happened to me recently, despite what I was forced to do to survive. I wouldn't be here standing before you if it wasn't for Naoise and Cúchulainn," replied Ginny.
"But I do believe the discussion of my sister's marriage isn't exactly what brought us here today," River spoke quickly, "We wish to discuss a partnership, between our kind and yours, so that Voldemort might be stopped, as well as the Unseelie, for the better of both our worlds."
"Why should we trust your kind?" demanded Molly.
"Well, considering of the two of us, we didn't betray those we had made an agreement with," River smirked. "Besides, it is not you to whom I was speaking, to be quite honest Mrs. Weasley, you are the last person we want on our side." /-/Only reason we want you is to bring you before Áthair (Father) and the Inner Circle/-/ she muttered in her mind, knowing the others could hear.
"Well, who's to say that the Order even wants your help? I mean what kind of people are you if you allow brother and sister to marry?" sneered Molly. "It's indecent and immoral."
/-/Let go of me/-/ Ginny snarled at Blaise and Draco, who had each grabbed the arm closest to them when Ginny went to lunge towards Molly.
"Ginny what are you doing?" asked Harry in shock when he saw Ginny struggling to get herself free so she could attack her mother.
"My sister, as you can imagine, is quite upset with the woman who gave birth to her in this life. She is questioning our ways, her relationship with her soulmates... Personally I would love nothing more than to slap her once in this life simply for all the other things she did to make my sister's life a living hell," River explained conversationally before focusing on Molly. "And Mrs. Weasley, you are judging things you know nothing about. Besides which, you yourself should know, my brother and sister in reality have no blood shared between them in this life, well unless you count the fact that they share the same ancestor in Phineas Nigellus Black."
"There is no way my daughter would marry scum like the Malfoy and Zabini boys. She's destined to marry Harry there, my son made sure of thatfact," Molly countered.
"Did he now?" River raised her eyebrow. "How exactly did he do that?"
"He gave him a love potion," Ginny said quietly before Molly could answer, her voice carrying across the room as if she had yelled it. "He's been giving it to Harry since the start of the year. It's why he asked me to Hogsmeade that first weekend."
"What?" asked Harry in shock.
"I'm sorry Harry…" Ginny trailed off.
"You knew," Hermione asked softly, no anger in her voice though, just... confusion.
"Not at first," Ginny admitted.
"When?" demaded Harry.
"When I came back at Christmas. I knew then that you were under a love potion. I'd seen it in a vision a few days before…"
"And you didn't say anything?" demanded Harry angrily.
"I'm sorry Harry…"
"Harry," Hermione made her way to his side, "Stop and hear her out," she continued quietly before looking at Ginny. "Why didn't you say anything Gin?" she asked gently, no anger in her eyes surprisingly, sympathy yes, confusion yes, but anger no...
"Before you asked me out for the first time Harry, Ron ordered me to answer yes when you asked. Do you remember what happened in Hogsmeade that day?"
"You tried to stop us getting into it with Malfoy and Zabini," Harry said. "Ron said he wanted a word with you and then when he came back he said that you weren't feeling well and that you'd gone back to the castle."
"Our talk consisted of him using the Cruciatus Curse on me…"
"Oh no," Hermione gasped.
"My son would never!" Molly yelled as Harry just stood there in shock.
"Harry, Ron would beat me anytime I did something he didn't approve of," Ginny said quietly. "He beat me so badly on Halloween that if Draco hadn't found me when he did…Harry, he nearly killed me…"
"He would never!" Molly screeched.
"Just like he'd never become a Death Eater, or beat his girlfriend?" River countered quietly.
"My son is not a Death Eater, and he never beat Hermione or his sister."
"Actually..." Hermione started quietly. "That's not exactly true..." she whispered.
"Mione I am so sorry," Ginny whispered, knowing that Ron must have taken his anger and frustration out on Hermione when Ginny disappeared. "I'm telling you the truth Harry. Draco can confirm everything I've told you since he felt the effects of every one of my beatings."
"It's true Potter," Draco said. "If you don't want to believe me, then believe Luna and Neville. They, along with Blaise, were responsible for healing Ginny after every one of her brother's attacks, except for the last one. The only thing that pulled her from Death's clutches was an ancient bonding ritual."
"They're telling the truth Harry," Luna agreed softly.
"We actually have an antidote..." Neville offered quietly, "If you would want it later..."
"But that still doesn't explain why you didn't say anything when you came back at Christmas," Harry pointed out.
"I had a vision that scared me terribly and I was afraid for those that I loved. In the hopes of protecting them I came back to Hogwarts but I knew that the only way I would be able to do that safely, without bringing my brother's wrath down on me was to continue on as he wanted me to…with you…"
"So you were going to just let me live the rest of my, our, lives thinking I was in love with you when I wasn't?" he asked slowly.
"Harry I'm sorry," Ginny said, finally giving into the tears she'd been fighting ever since this conversation had started. "I never meant to lie to you. If it's any consolation, I would have been dead before the year was out anyway. When I left my Áthair's (Father's) castle to return to Hogwarts at Christmas, I had already started down the path to my death."
"I don't think that's really all that much consolation," Harry shook his head, "Um, can we just focus on the possible partnership thing at the moment?" he looked back at Albus.
"Harry I'm sorry…" Ginny tried apologizing again. When he turned and made his way back up to his spot at the table, Ginny found herself being pulled into Draco's protective embrace, Blaise rubbing her back soothingly as she cried.
"Okay, so shall we discuss our options?" River asked after a moment.
"Albus, you can't tell me you're just going to sit there and listen to them bad mouth my son?" demanded Molly.
"Mrs. Weasley, they aren't exactly the only ones accusing your son of actions you deem impossible," Severus spoke up evenly.
"Don't you start Severus. You've never cared for any of my children," Molly countered.
"I would beg to differ on that Mrs. Weasley considering he was the one who helped Cúchulainn into the room my sister was being held hostage in by your Voldemort."
"That girl is no child of mine. I never wanted her in the first place," snapped Molly in irritation.
/-/Dearfiúir (Sister)... do you want a chance to tell her how you feel?/-/ River asked gently.
"Ginny has never done anything but try to please you," Blaise sneered. "And how do you treat her? You allow your son to beat her, nearly to death. She is one of the smartest witches of your time and you force her to hide behind her brother's ineptitude simply because heaven forbid someone should outshine your precious baby boy. What must if have been like for you knowing that your idiot son was constantly being bested by his best friends. It's no wonder he became a Death Eater."
"My son is not a Death Eater!" Molly screamed, her wand suddenly drawn and pointed on Blaise.
"Then have him prove it," snarled Draco, still holding Ginny tightly. "Bring him here before us and have him prove his loyalty."
"That might not be the wisest course of action..." Albus began.
"We actually were intending to ask for young Mr. Weasley as part of the agreement for our partnership," River began, "He is to be brought before the King for his crimes against the Princess, but of course if you and yours feel the need to judge him first..." she trailed off purposely.
"I disagree Professor Dumbledore," countered Draco. "His mother sits there flatly denying her son did any of that which we accuse him of on behalf of my wife, I demand that he be brought before us and prove which of us speaks truly. It was his actions that led to my wife being held prisoner by your Lord Voldemort."
Albus glanced at Molly, then Severus, River, and finally Draco, Ginny, and Blaise, before nodding his head. "Severus please go and get Mr. Weasley."
"Shh…" Draco soothed, sharing a concerned look with Blaise when he felt Ginny's arms tighten around him at the prospect of coming face to face with her brother.
/-/We're here Dee Dee/-/ Ailill assured softly, that they would all be there with her even as River was solely focused on the door Severus had gone through.
A few minutes later, Severus returned with Ron in tow, his hands tied behind his back, his wand in Severus' hands. When Ron began to shout upon seeing the group, they quickly figured out there was a silencing charm on him as well.
Ginny couldn't stop the whimper that escaped or herself from flinching; burying her face into Draco's shoulder when she caught sight of how irate Ron was; knowing that most of his anger was directed at her.
/-/We're here deirfiúir ionúin (beloved sister)/-/ River spoke soothingly even as Albus turned to Ron.
"Mr. Weasley, as you know by now, you are being accused of being a Death Eater. On top of those charges, you have been accused by the Fey of beating your sister, using the Cruciatus Curse on your sister, kidnapping your sister and handing her to Lord Voldemort, using a Love Potion on Harry, and Hermione as well has stated that you have beaten her. Now would be the time that you are allowed to speak on your own behalf, though I will warn you, any attempt to do anything else will be swiftly dealt with as you can probably see, Severus is more than ready to silence you if need be."
Ron nodded in agreement as Severus lifted the silencing spell. "They're lying Professor, Ginny especially, Sir. I'm a Gryffindor. What possible reason would I have for joining the Death Eaters?"
"He's lying," cried Ginny as she tried to break free from Draco so she could attack Ron. "He's the reason I had to sell myself to that monster…"
"Deirdre," River spoke softly as she turned her eyes to her, /-/Hurting him now will not see things done as they should be, we have a few things left to do before revenge can be rightfully yours/-/ she continued quietly, /-/Hold your anger close to your heart for a bit more, then you can do to him everything he did to you and more, and none of them will step forward to stop you./-/ Turning her attention back to Ron, River slowly strolled forward, "Tsk tsk Ronald," she chidded, "You know, for all your claims to the contrary, there is a very easy way to prove whether you are the good and true Gryffindor you say you are, or the bastard and brat we know you to be..." she mused as she circled him.
"Don't touch me you Malfoy scum," snarled Ron angrily. "If it wasn't for you and your meddling pain in the arse nephew over there then my sister would be where she belongs. With Harry."
"Whatever makes you think my brother is my nephew? Or that I'm a Malfoy? Aren't they typically quite blonde and have blue eyes?" River asked curiously.
"You may have brown hair now and brown eyes but I saw you with that annoyingly blonde hair you Malfoys are famous for, and the same blue eyes as your bloody nephew. If there was a way to block your Fey tricks, they'd see it too." Ron snarled.
River tilted her head, "Whenever do you think you saw that? In a dream perhaps? Because it certainly never happened..."
"It did too!" he yelled, "You were there with blonde hair and blue eyes while your brother dragged you around by a leash like the bitch you are."
"So you were with my brother in this life were you?" she smirked as she turned and calmly strolled back towards the others. "How interesting..."
"Wait so you are a Malfoy?" Hermione spoke up.
"In this life," River replied calmly. "In this life I was born to Abraxas Malfoy and his second wife Titania Zabini."
"Might I suggest Albus, that we further prove the fact that Mr. Weasley is a Death Eater, though considering he just admitted to being near Lucius Malfoy is a most interesting type of proof, by simply checking his skin for the Dark Mark?" Severus spoke up as River turned back to look at them as she took her place beside Ginny, Draco, and Blaise.
"My son is not a Death Eater," insisted Molly angrily, ignoring Severus' contemptuous snort.
"Then a simple inspection of his arm should prove his innocence Molly," Albus countered quietly, "Remus, Mad-Eye, if you would..."
"Don't touch me!" Ron yelled as he backed away from them, trying to get his arms freed from their binding behind his back.
"Mr. Weasley!" Minerva exclaimed, "Do control yourself; you're doing nothing to help your claim of innocence."
"Stay away from me you muggle loving scum," Ron hissed as he continued to move away from the two, not realizing he was moving closer to the five Fey.
"Would you be so kind?" River glanced at Ailill with a smile and he merely stepped forward and wrapped his right arm around Ron's chest, easily lifting him off the ground a degree as he used his left hand to silently cause the sleeve of Ron's shirt to burst into flames even while making the bindings disappear from around his wrists so he was able to yank his arm in front of him, waving it even as the flames extinguished themselves and Ailill let him fall to the ground with a resounding thump, grinning as he moved back to the sides of the others.
/-/That was fun... I've had my enjoyment at his expense, the rest is all yours./-/
/-/Same for me/-/ River agreed with a smile as she glanced at Ginny, Draco and Blaise.
"Oh my God, it's the Mark..." someone exclaimed as a shocked hush fell over the Order and everyone just stared at Ron in shock.
"With the blessing of my father, King Llyweln and his court, it is within my right to punish the one who harmed me," Ginny said as she stepped forward, away from the others, her hand reaching out and taking something from Blaise that he seemed to pull out of thin air.
"Wait, what are you doing?" Hermione looked away from Ron to look at them. "Ginny?" she continued as she stared between the bow and quiver and Ginny's face.
"Exactly what you think I'm going to do," Ginny said as she placed one of the arrows from the quiver that now rested on her back, into the bow.
"But... but... but..." Hermione stuttered.
"Don't you dare harm my son!" Molly yelled, "Expelliarmus!"
River waved her hand, sending the spell flying back at Molly and sending her wand flying from her, "Do not throw a spell at my sister again. Next time I'll let her husbands deal with it," she growled. "And my sister is entirely within her rights for what she is about to do. Ronald's life was forfeit the day he raised his hand to a Banphrionsa (Princess) of the Fey. You should be glad that it is to us that our Father let his punishment fall, instead of to the Inner Circle as his fellow Death Eaters were taken. Deirdre will be much more merciful than our Father, her Mother, and the members of the Inner Circle would for harming the daughter of our King and the Lady of Light herself."
"Albus you can't possibly let them do this!" Molly turned towards Dumbledore as most everyone in the place just stood there in shock at what was happening.
"I'm afraid Lady Méabh is right Molly. There is nothing Ron can do now to deny their claims, he has betrayed us all. The Fey do not allow any to harm one of their own, I can only imagine what King Llyweln would do to one who harmed one of his only daughters. It is a more merciful punishment for him at Ginny's hands than at the Seelie King's," he countered quietly. "I will not pretend to understand why you have joined Voldemort, or why you would do the things that have been revealed this day Ronald. Perhaps in any lives after this you might find peace or a chance to redeem yourself, I do not know. Or perhaps the Gods will be merciful on you... though," he raised his eyes to where River and Blaise stood, "somehow I doubt they are pleased with you, considering their favor towards Méabh and Cúchulainn in the past." Shaking his head slightly Albus focused on Ginny, "Might I request, that you do not punish him here within the Castle walls?"
"Albus! You can't!" Molly screeched, sounding rather like a seagull being strangled.
"Enough Molly," Albus snapped as he turned his head towards her. "Arthur control your wife, this is out of our hands, Ron crossed the Fey, if we interfere we will bring down the wrath of the Seelie, and the Gods and Goddesses themselves who still protect the Fey."
"Do not worry Professor Dumbledore sir," Ginny said with a smirk as she turned around and lifted the bow, ready to fire. "His punishment will only begin here…"
Hearing Ginny's words Ron scrambled to his feet and started to run from the Great Hall.
River, Ailill, Draco and Blaise had all stepped to the sides when Ginny had stepped forward so that Ginny had a clear shot towards Ron's rapidly retreating back. Seconds before he reached the doors to the Great Hall, a whizzing sound was heard in the Great Hall as Ginny let her arrow fly, landing it exactly where she wanted it to in Ron's shoulder.
"No!" cried Molly as she forced her way over to where Ron had slumped on the floor when Ginny's arrow had impacted his shoulder.
"Take your traitorous son home and watch as the poison that laced my arrow slowly takes him from you. Watch and know that you brought this on yourself," Ginny said coldly.
"You're no child of mine, from this day forward, I have no daughter," Molly hissed at Ginny as Arthur approached and he helped Ron up. "I hope your bastard Slytherin scum husbands turn on you and treat you the way you deserve to be treated," she continued before turning on her heels and promptly stalking from the room after Arthur who had already led Ron through the doors.
/-/You know, I'm going to enjoy the day we bring her before Áthair (Father) and the Inner Circle/-/ River mused. /-/I think I'll even bring popcorn like the muggles do to movies./-/
"Don't listen to her Dee," Draco said as he approached Ginny, having heard her thoughts and seen her pale at Molly's words, taking her into his arms once more.
"He's right mo chroí (my heart)," Blaise said as he joined them. /-/We are bonded by the rite of Danu, we will never leave you, nor harm you in any way./-/
"Take me home?" Ginny asked quietly into Draco's shoulder.
River glanced at them and nodded before focusing on the others, "King Llyweln has sent me to discuss the possibility of a partnership between our two worlds once more; I would request to be allowed to partake of your hospitality so we can discuss such things. My sister, brother, and the rest of our circle are to return to Tír Na Nóg."
"Of course, it would be our honor to welcome you and any others," Albus nodded.
"Thank you Headmaster Dumbledore," she nodded, "If you would be so kind as to excuse us for a moment so we can bid farewell."
"Certainly," he nodded. River inclined her head once more before turning and the group quickly made their way out of the Great Hall.
"Are you okay?" she asked softly once the doors were shut, moving over to Ginny's side.
"I just want to go home," Ginny said quietly. "I knew my mo…Molly never cared for me and I knew my actions would upset her but I never expected her to…
"Dee," River reached forward to brush a lock of hair back gently, "Go home, find peace with Nee and Loo. She doesn't deserve for you to be upset because of her actions, though I know it's hard not to be," she smiled sadly. "You need Ailill and I there too, we'll be there in a heartbeat alright?"
Ginny nodded as Blaise and Draco each wrapped an arm around her and led her from the Entrance Hall.
River sighed before looking up at Ailill, then turning to go back into the Great Hall as the rest of their group immediately split to go to the sides of any family members or friends who remained after much of the Order had left, leaving only the higher members of the Order for now.
Mí na Nollag fiche a hocht 800,199,860 ID – (Friday April 17th, 1998 – Mortal Realm)
The Shores of the Crystal Lake
The Immortal Realm
Just after Sunrise – (10:01 am – Mortal Realm)
A great many things had happened in a very short time, or so it seemed to those involved in this war that was Mortal. After Ginny, Draco and Blaise had left, River had sat and explained their plan, and the partnership between the Order of the Phoenix and the Seelie was made, both sides knowing that when all was said and done in this war, there would be no changes for the Seelie, no possibility of a difference made in their lives, save for the possibility that finally, for once, the Unseelie would be gone and the Seelie would be free of them, free of their mission in life to protect Mortal Man from the Unseelie and able to live their lives in peace if it was what they wanted.
During the Mortal Days, River and Ailill remained in the Mortal Realm, arranging things with Dumbledore as he gathered together the members of the Order, save for Molly and Arthur Weasley who refused to have anything to do with it, though the other Weasley men were all there, while during their nights they returned to the Immortal Realm to continue arrangements there and spend time with Ginny, Draco, and Blaise, the three never returning to the Mortal Realm after they left that morning. With time Ginny was able to get through the issues raised by Molly's actions, and for once River was actually a bit glad for the time difference between the two worlds, the five days that passed for the Mortals being nearly two years for Ginny.
Information was leaked to Voldemort through another spy the Order had, who was working supposedly as a spy for Voldemort. Supposedly Dumbledore had found a book written by the Seelie that explained how one could release the Unseelie and reverse the magic that trapped them beneath the Crystal Lake. Also providing a means to get there, and in turn kept an eye on Voldemort as he prepared his Death Eaters to go into the Immortal Realm and release the Unseelie.
Word had come that he planned to make his attempt, and so they had gathered, hidden among the trees by Fey magic, the Seelie warriors and the Order members, all waiting and watching for Voldemort to arrive. As before, Llyweln led the Seelie, with the other members of the Inner Circle there prepared to fight, while River, Ginny, Draco, Blaise and Ailill stayed back. Fred, George, Alywne, Regulus, and Andromeda there to guard them with Nódia, while the rest of their 'circle' spread out to fight.
The six who were there, watching over the five exchanged more than one look as time passed and Ginny, River, Draco, Blaise, and Ailill just continued to stand together with their eyes closed. Nódia had visibly shuddered the first time she saw them, seeing the same golden fan staff in River's hand that she had held in it before, the sight of the same fan in Ginny's hand left her muttering prayers to the Ancient One himself in elvish, which to be honest did nothing for the five who hadn't witnessed the first Sealing. The two women were dressed in simple white gowns that brushed the ground, fitted bodices though their upper arms were bare, sheer white material fell in a single piece over their lower arms to the ground, held by silver bracelets around their arms. The slight wind that moved through the trees made the light material of the skirts dance over the grass, even as their 'sleeves' fluttered around them and the three men. Both women had their hair down, also being picked up by the breeze, and the jewelry they always wore was gone, save for the bands on their hands that showed the bondings between them and their Anamcharas (soulmates).
The three men were dressed similarly, dark pants as they used to wear in the time before men, with simple loose tops, Draco surprisingly wore red, at least to those who still couldn't help but picture him in his Slytherin colors, while Blaise wore a blue shade and Ailill wore green. Like the women, any gems they wore to enhance their magick were gone, only their wedding bands, and like the two, their hair was down, being lifted on the wind. Nearby their Elvellons paced restlessly, the unicorns and pegasus were actually comfortably resting in the shade of the trees, waiting until they would be needed, while the two Cáit Sídhe and the two Cu Sith paced in a circle around the group, further aggravating Nódia but... she remained quiet.
The five opened their eyes once, when Voldemort and his group appeared on the other side of the lake and made their way there, before their eyes fell shut once more and everyone gathered stopped and waited, even the breeze falling away as he spoke the words and performed the magic needed to break the seal. None of those from the Mortal Realm even took a moment of regret when Wormtail fell, his life taken for the spell. Everyone did step back though when the water began to churn, then erupt skyward as the hundreds of Unseelie came climbing out of the water.
They watched in silence though, as Kieran approached Voldemort who started to explain that he had released them so they might join forces... until Kieran promptly chopped off the head of the closest man near him and all hell broke loose as the Unseelie charged towards the Death Eaters and Voldemort started throwing spells while putting as many people as he could between him and Kieran.
When three-quarters of the Death Eaters and other minions Voldemort had brought had fallen, Llyweln raised his sword and with a fierce cry ran from the trees as hundreds of Seelie warriors charged after him, the members of the Order mixed among them, and the Unseelie stopped to see them before the battle truly began, Kieran left Voldemort as he turned to face Llyweln, though the Wizard only turned away to find himself face to face with Dumbledore and Harry, and Remus, and Hermione who refused to leave Harry's side, Luna and Neville there as well the last of the group from the Department of Mysteries.
Nódia, Alywne, Andromeda, Fred and George watched, ready to fight as well, while also keeping an eye on the five they protected.
River opened her eyes slowly before looking out at the war that was spreading around the lake, "It's time," she spoke before focusing back on her Anamcharas (soulmates) as they opened their eyes. She caught Ginny's eyes and they held each other's gaze before she held out her free hand and took Ginny's, and they turned, making their way towards the lake as Draco, Blaise, and Ailill fell into place behind them, Draco in the middle in essence behind both of them. They stopped when they reached the lake's edge, both closing their eyes and seeking the blessings of the Gods and Goddesses as Ailill bent to pick up a handful of dirt, while Blaise moved to cup a bit of water from the lake. Ailill tossed the dirt into the air, as Blaise threw the water towards the same spot, and Draco sent a ball of fire to meet them, the fire disappeared as a length of silk floated down from where the three elements had met, a shimmering fabric that held hints of red, green, and blue while mostly white.
Opening their eyes, River and Ginny let go of each other's hands before reaching up to grab an end of the scarf, letting it dangle between them before stepping out onto the water's surface, the three men following behind and they all began to move across the water, feet bare as River's had been in the first life. They all sensed when others began to notice them, especially the Unseelie who started racing towards the water's edge only to be distracted by the closest Seelie or Order member, but they continued on their path undeterred, until they reached the middle of the lake and the men stopped, River and Ginny alone stepping further forward. They stopped after a few feet more when they were at the exact center, glancing at each other they shared a smile before stepping apart from each other as they raised their hands so the scarf was held taunt between them, and began to dance in sync with each other, and the music River had heard before, the music Ginny had heard when she had seen River's memories of the first time the spell had been cast, danced on the wind that blew around them.
Behind them, Draco, Blaise, and Ailill spread apart slightly before raising their arms, palms out, meeting those of the man next to them while Blaise and Ailill on the end had one palm extended out to the world, their magic merging and reaching out to the two women. The dance continued as they felt the three watching over them, soon they were using the fans as well, calling the souls of those who had gone before, always connected by the scarf they held. When the water began to move, they spun towards each other before crossing each other's paths and continuing, knowing the column of water would hold both of them, even as individual columns formed under each of the three men, raising them as well.
Glancing down they saw the lights of the souls coming as the water rose, before focusing on each other as they simultaneously raised the staffs to be held in both their hands, the scarf lowering but not touching the water as they moved into the next part of this dance with the Gods, Goddesses, even the Ancient One himself, reaching down towards the water and bringing the staff up along their body, pulling their own magic to join that of those there to see this done right, once and for all. The dance continued on ever more, twirls and spins, dips and kicks, and they repeated the action that took their magic and gave it to the spell as they rose ever higher until the clouds fell away and once more River found herself within the Halls of the Gods and Goddesses, though this time they were all together.
The Dagda nodded and smiled as Morrigan herself rose and stepped down the steps towards them, raising one hand and all five felt the invisible caress of magic, though stronger than any from any mortal or Fey. Felt the hint of each of the elements they represented touch them all, Draco's fire, Blaise's water, Ailill's earth, Ginny's air and River's link to the spirits. And then the halls disappeared as the water began to fall, taking them with it.
As they fell through the clouds, River and Ginny both let the staffs go, reaching out towards the three behind them as they remained connected by the scarf. Somehow the three were able to join hands before Blaise grasped Ginny's free hand and Ailill found River's. As the clouds disappeared, they saw the Unseelie being drawn beneath the clear waves as everyone else stopped and watched as they went, kicking and screaming, or else focused instead on the five of them as they fell. Turning their heads, River and Ginny smiled at each other before closing their eyes as the last of their strength went now that their magic was gone, neither feeling the water as they hit it and sunk under the waves, even as Draco, Blaise, and Ailill now able to move better, pulled the two towards them.
"Where are they?" Nódia and the other four rushed to the water's edge once the lake had settled, the sealing complete. The others of their 'circle' joining them as they searched the water for any sign of the five.
"Lose someone?" Voldemort laughed, drawing everyone's attention back to him, even those fighting him had stopped to watch, though it hadn't been that big a thing since Voldemort himself was staring at the water in shock as it rose and the Unseelie were drawn beneath the waves and the five subsequently fell from the sky.
"Could have sworn we lost a lot of people," River's voice drew everyone's attention to behind Voldemort, and they turned to find the five of them coming out of the trees.
"By the Gods and Goddesses," Nódia breathed as she stared at them.
"I think we surprised them," Ailill mused as he looked at the others, "Really I don't see anything different..."
"A rún (my dear), do shut up," River glanced at him and smirked.
"As you wish my Banphrionsa (Princess)," he inclined his head and she shook her's, perfectly dry red curls dancing.
"How the hell did you get over there... and why aren't you wet or even in the same clothing!" Voldemort screeched, making the five smile as they moved forward in sync atop their mounts, Ailill on the far left, River next to him with Draco in the middle, then Ginny and Blaise on the far right.
"There is a certain advantage to being bonded to magical creatures," Blaise explained as they moved, everyone taking in the differences in their clothing, gone were the white dresses and black pants with their specific colored top, instead the five wore the same style of clothing as worn by the Elders of the Seelie, the same garments they had worn to battles in their first life, all of their hair was pulled back once more, save for River's, which fell down her back in a mass of the same deep red curls she'd been born with in her first life. A quiver of arrows rested against Ginny and Blaise's backs, bows in their hands as they sat astride the white unicorn and copper pegasus respectively. Draco, River and Ailill held swords in one hand, as River and Ailill rode their white and black pegasus, and Draco was the odd one so to speak, with his own Elvellon, a large fully grown Fire Dragon. In front of them were the two Cáit Sídhe and two Cu Sith, very obviously stalking as they moved, eyes focused on any Death Eaters near, and Voldemort.
"Harry, if you don't mind, we already discussed it, we know that obviously the honor of actually killing the crazy man falls to you, but we'd like a chance to get a bit of revenge ourselves and all. And I'm sure you can understand why Deirdre and I especially would like to do that, considering he held us hostage for so long…" River spoke conversationally as the unicorn, three pegasus, and dragon strolled to a halt, Ginny sliding easily from Cosantóir's back while River took a few moments extra before she was on the ground, maneuvering around Eímh's wings.
"Sure," Harry shrugged as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Thanks," River grinned even as Voldemort's eyes widened, and a dagger appeared in her hand that she promptly threw, before anyone could blink it had traveled through the air to lodge in the apex of his legs as he doubled over. "Well, I feel better, you're turn," she turned to Ginny as the three men found their footing on the ground behind the two of them.
"Thank you," Ginny said as she lifted her loaded bow, taking aim at Voldemort, only to swing around suddenly at the last minute, sending the bolt sailing past Harry's ear, missing it by mere millimeters and lodging into the neck of Nagini, who had been poised to strike a blow at Harry behind his back.
Harry looked behind him before looking back at her, "Thanks... I think I'm going to move though..." he kinda pointed to the left and quickly moved a good ten feet from the snake's body.
"Good shot," Blaise mused.
"You little bitch," Voldemort growled.
"Is that any way to speak to a lady? Let alone a Princess?" Ailill shook his head. "Honestly, do they even teach mortals manners? No offence to the rest of you of course..."
"Thanks," Ginny said with a smile at Blaise before turning back to Voldemort. "As for you…" she trailed off, loading another bolt into her bow only to let it fly moments later and have it lodge itself deeply into the bicep of Voldemort's wand arm. "Manners are too muggle a thing for the likes of this monster."
"That explains it," Ailill nodded.
"Lover, shut up," River lightly elbowed him in his stomach. "My sister is having fun, let her enjoy while we possibly frighten the poor mortals a bit."
"Nope, not frightening me any!" Hermione spoke up quickly.
"I stand corrected... and going to stop talking now dierfiúir (sister)," she added with a quick smile to Ginny.
"Talk away," Ginny said as she loaded a third arrow into her bow and let it fly, not really paying attention to where it landed until she heard Voldemort's cry of outrage. She had managed to lodge it in the centre of his wand hand so that half of the arrow was sticking out from either side of his palm. "Ouch. That looks a wee bit painful," she observed.
"Oh it certainly does. I vote for his foot next, get one just right he won't be able to move it and make things easier for more painful arrows and for the ultimate death that's coming to him..." River mused.
"Oh good plan…HEY!" Ginny cried as she ducked a bolt of green that went flying past her head. "The bastard just tried to kill me!" she snarled as she quickly loaded and fired a forth and fifth bolt simultaneously, one landing in each of Voldemort's feet, slicing through them and lodging in the ground, effectively pinning him to the ground under his feet.
You know I'm all for torture but... what do you say we just let Harry do his thing and finish him off?" Tonks suggested.
"Works for me," Ginny shrugged.
Come on, what do you say we go for a walk?" River looked over at Ginny, "Let Harry do his thing in peace, besides I have the sudden need for a hug from Áthair (Father)... Nothing like seeing the Halls of the Gods and falling through the air for the second time in your life to make you panic and think you're going to die, and when you don't, seriously want to hug your loved ones you know?"
"Yes I do and I'm sure Áthair (Father) feels the same way," Ginny said as she put her bow over her shoulder. "Be safe," she said to Blaise and Draco before kissing each one on the cheek.
"We will," Draco assured her. "Go see Áthair (Father). We'll find you when it's over."
"So," River linked her arm with Ginny's and they started to move away, "What do you say we disappear with our husbands for the next six months?"
"Six months our time or six months mortal time?" questioned Ginny.
"Either," River smirked. "We could do mortal time and go explore the world, Hawaii is lovely, and the historic sites in Japan are amazing. We can do a safari in Africa, go on a muggle cruise, they're quite fun from what Andie says... Anything we want to really, and just hop back here for a few hours Immortal time every now and again whenever we want to..."
"Sounds lovely, although some nice quiet time with my hubbies wouldn't go amiss," Ginny said.
"You two look happy," Llyweln's voice drew their attention. "Oh it is good to see you both," he continued gruffly before wrapping an arm around each of them in a three-way hug. "Never, never, never do something so dangerous again. My heart simply can't take it."
"Áthair (Father), you're immortal, you can't die of a heart attack," River pointed out into his shoulder.
"Who said I'd actually be dead?"
"They do need to breathe Llyweln," Elin spoke from behind him.
"Don't worry Áthair (Father), the Unseelie are trapped permanently beneath the Crystal Lake. We'll never have to do something like that again," Ginny said.
"Good," he smiled as he stepped back, reaching up to brush his fingers on her cheek before reaching up with his other hand to wrap one of River's curls around it, "Now things are as they should be, both of you returned to us," he smiled.
"Yes, yes, now move," Airmid appeared on his right as Elin appeared on his left, "We want our daughters and we aren't afraid to hit you like the rest of the Fey."
"You know, I think I know where we get our unique way of handling our husbands from," River mused quietly to Ginny.
"Too true," Ginny agreed with a smile as she hugged Elin.
"What are you going to do now?" Elin asked as the two finally stepped back from holding their daughters.
"We had a few ideas," River glanced at Ginny and smiled.
"I think those three better be afraid," Airmid chuckled.
"What three?" Ailill asked as he wrapped his arms around River's waist from behind her, Draco and Blaise with him.
"Hello again," River tipped her head back to look at him.
"What should we be afraid of?" asked Blaise as he and Draco each wrapped an arm around Ginny.
"We're plotting," River replied. "Of how to steal a good deal of time with our husbands with no worries whatsoever."
"And we should be worried about that why exactly?" Ailill mused.
"Well, if my one possible idea is picked, it could mean lots and lots of shopping..."
"Shopping?" Draco and Blaise chorused. "I'm confused, are you?" Blaise looked at Draco then Ailill.
"Shopping, for trinkets and clothing... after all if we do the one that Andie did we'd have to get new swimsuits," River glanced at Ginny, "Bikinis could be fun..."
"Unless we decide to completely torture the guys with the look but no touch option," Ginny offered.
"Okay I think we need to make them explain this," Draco nodded, "Because there is going to be no running around in bikinis by our wife and us not being able to touch her, and I'm sure Ailill agrees although the idea of my sister in a bikini," he shuddered slightly. "I'd rather not see..."
"Can't have just one of us," River argued.
"Besides this I have to see, which by the way, what's a bikini?" Ailill frowned.
"It's type of swim suit," Ginny offered.
"A very revealing one that we can thank the muggle mortals for," Blaise nodded.
"Anyway, I'm assuming you three being here means everything is over and done with yes?"
"Yes, the It is dead and the mortals are making their way back to Hogwarts," Ailill nodded.
"Good, Then we can safely go and celebrate being alive and Dee and I can possibly start plotting in oh five days when we probably manage to escape our bedrooms finally..." she trailed off, one eyebrow raised.
"Did your daughter just suggest to her husband and her brother and your great-nephew that they can go and celebrate with my daughters in the bedroom?" Llyweln leaned to his side to ask Airmid.
"How Naoise ended up with a romantic bone in his body I'll never know..." Airmid rolled her eyes.
"Hey! I can be romantic..."
"No, your voice makes women melt and you're exceptionally drop dead goregous as River put it in one of her lives, don't ask me which anymore, there's a difference," Elin argued.
"Can we go before we start hearing details about our parents' love life in the past?" River whispered to the others.
"Works for me," Ginny shuddered.
"Come dear ladies, away we go to freedom from hearing things you should never hear about your parents. And to celebrating the fact we are very much still alive," Ailill smiled as he promptly swept River up into his arms, "I'll let you two figure out how you want to carry your love if you decide to," he winked at Draco and Blaise.
"I think I'll walk for now," laughed Ginny as Draco and Blaise shrugged.
"Well then, see you in a few days," Ailill smirked before promptly phasing and the two disappeared.
"I like his thinking," Blaise said as he grabbed a hold of both Ginny and Draco and phased them from sight before either could say anything.