A/N: Holy Cow! Yes, I am still alive! Jeez, it took me forever to get this one done. This will be going somewhere, just as soon as I can drag my muse back to work. We had a bit of a disagreement shortly after I finished The Ghost's Vampire. So, enjoy!
Time passed quickly at Hogwarts after Rin returned from the Underground, and her students became very skilled in the use of their swords. Harry even gathered several members of the old D.A. together in the afternoons to practice in the Room of Requirement. The bonds of friendship that had formed the year before grew even stronger, and Rin was able to feel the subtle layer of added magic in the ancient castle. Before any of them had realized it, the Christmas Break was fast approaching. The students were all abuzz with their holiday plans, but it was Harry and his friends that were truly excited. Rin and Sirius had decided to wed in a private ceremony in the Above, and the children had been welcomed as part of the wedding party. But as often happens when things seem to be looking up, something always comes along to throw a wrinkle into plans already laid out.
Three days before the Christmas Break was to begin, a small gypsy caravan approached the school. Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall were both waiting by the gates to the school as the group approached. A woman about Professor McGonagall's age stepped forward, pushing the hood back from her head and bowing to the two teachers.
"Good evening to ye both. I understand young Labyrinth Jones is a teacher here," she said in a thick Irish accent. Professor Dumbledore eyed the woman cautiously.
"Our DADA professor is indeed Professor Jones. May I ask how you know of her whereabouts?" he asked politely. A dark haired woman standing just behind the leader scoffed.
"Ye think we wouldna be able to track our own blood?" she asked with a sneer. At that moment, Rin appeared in the courtyard. When she spotted the caravan, her eyes lit up with joy.
"Aunt Tess!" she cried, launching forward and flinging her arms around the elder woman. Tess laughed even as Rin lifted her off the ground and spun her around.
"My, but you've gotten stronger. I see yer father finally revealed yer heritage," the elder woman said with a smile, running a hand along Rin's red and gold hair. The Fae princess smiled widely at the older woman.
"I should have known you would be in on the ruse," she replied, her own accent thickening slightly. The black haired woman stepped forward, smiling coolly at the Fae woman.
"Well met again cousin. The magic of the Underground suits you," she said. Rin's own smile softened slightly as she gathered the woman into her embrace. Seemingly hesitant, the woman returned the hug.
"It's good to see you out again, Moira. How are you?" she asked, looking the black eyed woman over. Moira's smile warmed slightly as she gently squeezed her cousin's arm.
"I am well. Yer father told us you have news?" she asked, looking cautiously over the slowly growing crowd of students and teachers. Rin's smile grew once more as she held up her left hand for the gypsies to see her ring. She was immediately mobbed by the group, all of them babbling excitedly. After a few moments, Professor Dumbledore stepped forward and bowed slightly to Tess.
"It is growing quite late. May we offer you the hospitality of the castle for the evening?" He asked politely. Tess smiled warmly at him.
"I thank ye for yer kind offer, but if we might simply place our camp on the grounds, that would be sufficient fer us. In thanks, we would gladly offer yer school a bit of entertainment," she offered. Rin's eyes lit up at the elder gypsy's words, and she looked over at the Headmaster.
"The clan's entertainment is a real treat, Headmaster. It would give the students a chance to see some of the Old Magic," she said. Dumbledore smiled, his blue eyes twinkling with curiosity.
"We would be delighted. Hagrid will show you to a spot where you can set up your camp," he said, gesturing to the half giant. Hagrid walked forward and nodded to Tess. Rin glanced back over at Moira, realizing the woman was trembling violently. Cursing under her breath, she stepped closer to her cousin and passed a hand over her face. Moira promptly went limp in the Fae's arms and she cursed again.
"Come on, Moira. A calming spell shouldn't have done that to you," she muttered under her breath.
"The girl has taken a pain draught," a voice behind Rin said. She looked up into the pale face of the Potion's Master. "I can smell the ingredients on her skin," he explained. Rin looked back down at her cousin in dismay.
"Moira, you said you were getting better. Severus, will you help me get her to my rooms? I don't want to alarm the clan. Moira hates it when Aunt Tess fusses over her," she asked. Snape nodded and cast a quick Notice-Me-Not spell before lifting the unconscious woman into his arms and following Rin up to her rooms. When they arrived, Rin summoned a crystal and tossed it at the floor, creating a comfortable bed out of the small sofa in front of the fire. Snape carefully laid the woman on the bed, drawing back once she was settled.
"She has been taking pain draughts for some time. Why would she have such a need for so long?" he asked, looking over the pale woman. Rin sat by her cousin's side, gently brushing her black hair away from her face.
"I don't know all the details, but about seven years ago, Moira was kidnapped. She was held for several days and tortured before she escaped. She never spoke of her ordeals, but she was haunted by nightmares for a long time afterward. She is still afraid among large groups of strangers, and she is especially terrified of most men, even among the clan. I fear she takes the pain draughts for the same reason that some Muggles take medications for pain. It makes her forget for a while," she replied softly. Snape drew his wand and pointed it at Moira, whispering spells under his breath. Wisps of red and sickly yellow seemed to lift from the gypsy's body, and she whimpered in her sleep. Snape lowered his wand and looked toward the window.
"She endured several Crucio curses, as well as a few Sectimsempra. This is the work of a Death Eater," he said solemnly, turning to look at Rin once more. Her mismatched eyes widened in horror at his words, and then her fists tightened with anger.
"Those damned fools play a dangerous game. What could they possibly want with Moira? She is not a witch, she is a gypsy. As far as I knew growing up, she had no connection to the Wizarding World," she hissed.
"Regardless of the reasons for her abduction, she has endured much. She is far stronger than she appears," Snape said grudgingly.
"So glad you approve, wizard," Moira grumbled, struggling to sit up. Rin reached forward to help her cousin.
"Easy Moira. You've been using those pain draughts too much. What were you thinking?" she asked. Moira wrenched her arms away.
"I take them because I need them. Tess wasna able to heal all the damage, and so I endure constant pain in my limbs. If I knew the bastard's face I'd hunt him down and have his guts for garters," she snarled.
"The Sectimsempra is intended to create lasting damage; I am unsurprised that you still feel pain. It is worse on certain nights, is it not?" Snape asked from where he stood, his face carefully blank. Rin peered closer and saw the haunted look in his eyes. Moira gripped her arms tightly, looking towards the fire.
"Yes. On colder nights when the fires are high," she whispered. Snape slowly straightened and bowed slightly to Rin.
"I know of a potion that can counteract the effects of the Sectimsempra, but it will take me some time to make. I will take my leave, Your Highness," he said, turning and walking out the door. Rin watched him go, noting the slight limp in his left leg as he went. She frowned as the door shut behind him.
"I know that look, cousin. What bee is in yer bonnet now?" Moira asked. Rin turned back to her cousin with a gentle smile.
"It's nothing. Do you feel well enough to join the clan, or would you like to stay here for a while?" she asked. Moira swung her legs off the bed, setting her feet firmly on the floor in reply. With a soft laugh, Rin helped her cousin to stand and led her back out of the castle and over to the wide field where the caravan had set up camp for the night. Professor Flitwick had cleared the snow for the gypsies, and Hagrid was leading the horses to a pen near his hut to be fed. Rin brushed a hand over the mane of one mare as they passed, and grinned at the sight of the large bonfire being erected for the evening. When Tess promised entertainment, she delivered. The musicians brought out their instruments, and the dancers gathered their scarves. Rin watched the familiar movements of her extended family, wishing Sirius was there. She jumped when she felt arms go around her waist, and looked over her shoulder to see her fiancé smiling down at her.
"You called, my love?" he teased. She turned in his arms and pressed a warm kiss to his lips.
"I did. How did you get here so fast?" she asked. He grinned.
"Harry called me through his mirror thirty minutes ago to inform me of your gypsy cousin's arrival at the castle, so I Apparated into Hogsmeade and made my way here," he replied. Rin laughed as he brought her close for another kiss.
"I love you," she whispered against his lips.
"Well now! I would assume that this must be yer future husband, otherwise ye have changed a bit too much fer my liking, girl!" Tess exclaimed from a few feet away. Rin looked over with a warm smile at her family, and slid her hand into her betrothed.
"Yes, Aunt Tess, this is Sirius Black. He is to be my husband. We plan to wed over the holiday," she replied. Tess moved forward and carefully scrutinized the wizard. Sirius did not flinch, merely met her gaze impassively. The old gypsy chuckled finally.
"Aye, he's a tough one. Been through hardship, and finally making his way to where he belongs. Yes, I think he'll make a fine Consort," she said, clapping the man on the back. As the gypsy walked away, Sirius turned to Rin.
"Consort? I rather thought I was to be a bit more than that," he teased. Rin giggled as he drew her close.
"It will be your title in the Underground. As my husband, you will be Prince Consort. I can't wait to see the look on all those courtier's faces when they have to bow to you," she said, still giggling. Her words seemed to sober the Animagus, for he tensed slightly.
"I had almost forgotten that you have other responsibilities beyond this world," he murmured. Rin reached up and caressed his cheek.
"Sirius, don't worry. We can stay in the Above if that is your wish. We can stay as long as you want, anywhere you like. I still have my family home in America, or we can find somewhere here in England. We don't have to live in the Underground, just visit from time to time," she said softly. Sirius cupped her face in his hands and pressed his forehead to hers.
"As long as there is breath in my body, I will stand by your side. I am yours, now and forever," he vowed. Rin smiled fondly.
"Not long at all," she whispered, pressing her lips to his. As they kissed, the music started up suddenly, and Rin looked over to see that many of the students had gathered to watch the show. Eagerly, Rin pulled Sirius to the forefront of the crowd to watch. The singers began as the dancers moved around the fire, swaying languidly to the drum beats. They watched, enchanted, as the gypsies wove their magic over the crowd. Then, the music shifted, and Moira stepped forward, swaying slightly. He arms moved in graceful arcs and her eyes were heavy lidded with the magic around her. Rin shivered as she felt her cousin's spell wash over the group. Then, she opened her mouth and began to sing. Figures leapt to life inside the fire, images of knights of horseback, and a great battle being fought. As she continued to sing, the images in the fire shifted to show a couple dancing slowly, their eyes only on each other. Rin felt the enchantment tug at her, and she drew out several crystals, setting them to float among the students and teachers in attendance. Moira glanced over at Sirius, and after a moment, he stood, drawing Rin to her feet. She didn't question him, simply allowed her fiancé to lead her into a dance. Dimly, she was aware that some of the students were also getting up to join the dance, but she paid it no heed. All that mattered to her in that moment was the feel of Sirius holding her, moving them through the dance. Another singer came forward and began to sing as Moira moved to the side of the fire, watching the group. Something seemed to flash in her eyes, and Rin glanced around to see Snape slowly approaching the gypsy. He stopped several feet away and spoke softly to her. She nodded hesitantly and stood carefully. He held out his hand to offer something to her. She was slowly reaching out to take it when a goblin burst from the shadows and leapt on Snape's head, shrieking and clawing as he went. Rin bolted into action, moving forward as she summoned a crystal. He stood before her cousin with her sword in hand, several goblins flanking her as Snape finally flung his attacker off. Rin caught an acrid scent and sneered.
"A terrible idea, using a Polyjuice Potion around goblins. They can smell it on you," she called, raising one hand to cast the illusion form the man. He lashed out with his wand, only to have Sirius launch himself at the man, half transformed already. Rin's heart nearly stopped as she watched the man she loved attack the imposter viciously. Moira grabbed Rin's hand and the Fae turned to see her cousin holding an oaken quarterstaff in her hands. Rin smiled wickedly and the two women rushed forward as figures melted out of the shadows. The gypsies changed their drumbeats, and magic pulsed around the bonfire. Rin and Moira leapt into the group of Death Eaters and began to attack with precision. Sirius and the goblins flanked the two women and held the enemies at bay while the two women wove around each other in a circle, striking with perfect skill and deadly accuracy. The Death Eaters, unused to fighting in close quarters, were at a terrible disadvantage. The one that had pretended to be Snape turned and pointed his wand at the crowd, firing off several curses before a goblin leapt onto his back. The spells shattered harmlessly against the shield the gypsies had formed around the group, and the teachers urged the students in the opposite direction. Harry and his friends turned to the fight and drew their wands, rapidly firing hexes as they ran forward. Seeing they were outnumbered, the Death Eaters beat a hasty retreat, vanishing into the shadows with the goblins hot on their heels. Rin was breathing heavily as she looked around to assess the damage done, and Sirius trotted up to her side, panting himself. She laid a comforting hand on his head.
"Well done, love, but you nearly gave me a heart attack," she said. Sirius looked up at her with a doggy grin and then back to the forest.
"I think the goblins will give them merry hell all the way back to Voldermort," Harry said, coming to stand next to his godfather and Rin.
"What about Snape? Wasn't he the one the first goblin jumped?" Ron asked. Rin shook her head.
"It was a Death Eater using a Polyjuice Potion. Goblins can smell illusions, that's why he attacked. Still, we should check on the Professor," she said. Sirius huffed beside her, but still climbed to his feet. Moira moved forward.
"I'd like to come with you, if I might," she said. Rin nodded as she turned to stride for the castle. The teachers were very busy trying to get the students to return to their dormitories, and Rin and company passed easily through to the dungeons where Snape's office resided. The princess did not knock, simply pushed the door open and stepped through.
"Moira!" she called. The gypsy rushed forward and kneeled beside the unconscious Snape. Her nimble fingers ran along his head, and over his limbs.
"Just knocked silly by a Stunner, I'd guess. Yer mediwitch will be able to rouse him just fine," she replied tightly. At that moment, Snape's eyes slid open, and he found himself meeting the eyes of the black eyed gypsy.
"Death Eaters," he started groggily, and Moira laid a long finger over his lips.
"Doona worry over themselves. Her Majesty is a fair hand with a sword, and the goblins have already set to hounding them back to their master," she replied calmly. Snape seemed to be a little bewildered by the gypsy looking down at him, not the least of which involved the fact that she had yet to move her finger from his lips. Rin noticed this with some surprise, her eyes crinkling in thought.
"Alright then. First things first, we should inform the Headmaster of the current situation, then help get everyone inside the castle. And I mean everyone, Moira. Even if that means dragging Aunt Tess in kicking and screaming," she said, turning and striding out the door. Moira smiled softly as her cousin left, followed swiftly by the large black dog and two Gryffindor students. She helped Snape to his feet and stepped quickly toward the door.
"If ye have no questions fer me, I'll take my leave, Professor," she said, her eyes turned toward the door.
"How long did they have you, precisely?" he asked, subtly pressing one hand to his leg. Moira crossed her arms about herself, feeling the painful memories rise.
"Several days. The moon had risen fer the fourth time when I broke free. That is as much as I can remember," she said, turning on her heel.
"The pain should fade, with time. Eventually, it will only rise up when you are under stress," he said, watching her pause in the doorway. She turned her head slightly.
"And do you feel the pain more when the night is cold, and the fires are high?" she asked softly. Without waiting for his reply, she strode out the door, letting it close behind her with a soft 'click'.
A/N: Well? Please hit the little green button and tell me what you think? Pleeeeaaaasssseeeee?