A/N: Thanks for being patient with me. This chapter is the longest one so far- at least by my numbers. The weapons are italicized so that if you feel the urge to look them up, you can. If I haven't replied to your review yet- I will. I just got in the house and put my kiddos to bed. Thanks again---oh and smut ahead. You've been warned!

Visions

Joinings

Chapter Thirteen

"Ron, I have to go after Irina. You should go meet Ivana, she is like Mum."

Ron glared, crossing his arms over his chest. "You are siding with her even knowing how much she didn't tell us?"

Charlie ran a hand through his hair and struggled to explain it. "Irina and I are-" Ron cut him off. "So you two shag. Don't betray Ginny and me, Charlie."

"I'm not!" he protested. "It's more than a shag, Ron. I love her, don't you get it?"

Ron gaped. "But…but…"

"But, nothing, Ron! Irina is my world. I wouldn't think twice about stepping in front of an Avada Kedavra for her!"

Ron shook his head. "Fine, where does this Ivana live?"

"Go out the main doors and go right. Keep walking along the mountain and you will find a stone path leading up to the Rom encampment. I'm sure Theo has explained and they will be waiting for you."

Ron stormed away calling out, "I'll not betray Ginny, Draco, and Blaise. Not for anything in the world."

Charlie could only watch him go, breaking his own heart in the process. Irina was his and he was hers. It wasn't like he was overjoyed about siding with her. It was just something he had to do.

---dbgdbg—

Theo paced the kitchen. Why did this have to happen now? Why did Irina chose now to keep secrets? How long has she been keeping secrets? How the hell am I going to get along with Ron Weasley long enough for us to do our jobs…without giving away my secret? How will everyone react if they do find out? This is where I am meant to be, I can't be booted from here.

"Theo, calm yourself. Tell Mama what is wrong."

He pulled out a chair and sighed as he sat and laid his cheek on the table. "Mama," he protested half-heartedly.

He felt Mama's hands on his shoulders and immediately felt better. Her low, soothing voice calmed him further.

"You are a dear boy, a son to me. If those who need you don't see that…why I'll take my spoon to their arses and make them see."

"Mama, now isn't the time. There is a redheaded boy, the youngest Weasley male- Ronald I believe- walking the path. Perhaps Theo should meet him?"

Theo raised his head enough to spear Tasha with a knowing, resentful look. "Don't push it, Tash."

Tasha chuckled, smiling cheekily. "He is handsome, don't you think, Theo?"

Mama chuckled. "Leave the poor boy alone, Natasha. What will come, will come and there is no need to push anyone."

Tasha huffed, though her face softened when Mikhail snuck up and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Are you meddling, baby sister?"

Mama and Theo laughed this time.

"Of course I am, I learned from the best mama there is," Tasha replied dryly. "Theo, go and meet the boy."

Theo rolled his eyes, but got to his feet. "Fine, I'll go meet him and bring him back here. There is quite a bit he needs to know."

Mama's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Irina went too far."

Theo shrugged and turned to leave. "That is what I think. Many will see her actions as justified, at least that is my fear."

Mikhail glared at him. "How did Draco and his friends take this?"

Theo sighed, opening the door. "I don't know since I came here to escape the explosion."

"You will help this boy Ron," Mama ordered. "He will need a friend like you in the days to come."

Theo looked out and spotted Ron on the path. I can't let on that I've watched him. Mama would never let me live it down. We've a job to do, a destiny to fulfill…Ron will never want me how I want him. Theo shook his head.

"I'll help him, Mama, we called a truce. He doesn't trust Irina at all."

"Well go bring him to me then," Mama said softly. "We can be his family while he is here."

Theo ducked out the door wondering how much Mama knew about his feelings. Like family wasn't something she offered easily. Was it for me that she offered? Did I slip up and let something slip? Iad, I'm not sure what I feel for him yet. Damn it all, why can't life be simple for once?

--dbgdbg—

Ron trudged up the mountain, thankful that he was in good shape though the mountain air would take some getting used to. He could see a small village up ahead, set into the side of the mountain. But, it was going to be a long climb. He would need it to get his thoughts in order.

When he sided with Ginny, Draco, and Blaise he never thought that seemingly insignificant decision would lead him to Romania and a birthright that deemed him a warrior, a vassal to his sister.

It wasn't that he wouldn't do it or even that he resented it. After dealing with Harry and Hermione for so long, he would welcome being treated as an equal. He may not have the power base that Draco, Blaise, and Ginny had…but it seemed that he had an equal in Theo Nott.

"Weasley!"

Ron's head shot up and his jaw dropped. He didn't remember climbing all the way to the village, but he must have. Nott was standing at the end of the stone path and obviously waiting on him. He decided to voice the one question he had.

"Nott, how did you get up here so quickly?"

Nott smiled mischievously. Ron didn't miss how the expression lit up Nott's eyes. It was in that moment that it hit Ron. Nott…no…Theo looked nondescript and forgettable. That was until he smiled. When he smiled he simply shined and Ron felt something in his stomach fluttering. He took a deep breath and met Theo's eyes, his jaw dropping when he realized that they really were lavender. He stared, unable to resist. Lavender eyes, shoulder length brown hair full of red highlights, tall and lanky…Theo Nott was utterly and completely gorgeous.

Oh ruddy hell! Why did I have to realize this now?

--dbgdbg—

Mikhail watched as Theo led Ronald Weasley into the kitchen. He grinned when he saw the sly look the redhead shot his honorary brother. So, Theo may get lucky if he ever fesses up. Things are getting really, really interesting around here.

Everyone gasped when the blank frame above the fireplace began to speak.

"The Dauphin has spoken. All allegiances and vows must now be honored. All who will fight at his side must prepare to receive him. Time is short, you know what to do. The Order of the Dragon has been recalled."

Mikhail turned on his heel and walked out of the room. He wasn't going to mess this up. He may have lived away from his home for many years, but that didn't mean he hadn't been training all the while. This was what they had all been waiting for, what he and Ivan had trained Theo for. The time had come for the Order of the Dragon to step from the shadows and remind the world why they had been feared for centuries.

He couldn't wait.

"Mik?"

He didn't turn from his weapons chest at the sound of his baby sister's voice. Tasha had trained alongside him growing up, she knew as well as he did what was ahead of all of them. She dropped to her knees beside him, not saying a word as he lifted the bichiwa from its velvet-lined box. The dagger, Indian in origin, had a dragon-shaped hilt. He smiled softly, remembering the day he had been honored with one of his very own. He reached out and gave Tasha a one-armed hug, remembering the day she too received her bichiwa.

"The time has come, big brother. Will you allow me to plait your hair?"

He kissed her cheek and nodded. "As long as you allow me the same luxury."

She chuckled, reaching out to unwind the leather thong from around his bichiwa which held the small pendant that marked him a warrior of the Order. "Mama is retrieving mine so we aren't late."

He tipped his head back and didn't bother arguing. She may be a female, but Tasha wasn't one to be coddled or pushed aside while the men went to battle. Mama would be right here preparing with them that was if his papa hadn't asked her years ago to stay home and help in that way. She hadn't liked it much, Mik remembered, but she had acquiesced… for Tasha, Ivan, and himself. Her love for her children and honorary children knew no bounds.

"You two make me very proud."

Mik grinned, but waited until Tasha dropped his plait over his shoulder to turn towards Mama's voice. She was standing in the doorway, a dark wood box in her arms. Mik knew it was Tasha's bichiwa; the engravings would have given it away even if he didn't have one nearly identical to hold his.

Mama stepped inside, setting the box carefully on his bed and sighed heavily. "If your Papa could see you now, he wouldn't have the words to express his pride in both of you. I don't seem to have the words myself. Just know that I will do everything in my power to have all of you come home safely."

Mik got to his feet slowly. He had never felt more pride in his life and choices than at this very moment. Mama wasn't one for flowery words or speeches- that was unless one of them was in trouble. To hear her reverence for Tasha and himself nearly brought tears to his eyes. He crossed the room and hugged his mama unlike he had ever done before. She had validated him with her simple declaration. Everything he had worked for, all the years of training Theo and being away were worth this one moment with her.

"You will have me crying, Mikhail, I love you."

"Oh, Mama," Tasha said tearfully, joining in their hug.

Mama sniffled. "I love you too, my baby girl. No tears, this isn't a sad time. It is a joyfully time. The Order and the Dauphin will need you both, Theo will need you both. Prepare yourselves and I will explain to Theo and Ron."

Tasha sniggered. "Did you see how Theo's eyes lit up, Mama?"

Mama chuckled. "Don't go teasing Theo, Tasha. They are young; maybe neither is ready to admit their feelings."

Mik shook his head, trying not to laugh aloud. He stepped back and began plaiting Tasha's hair. His fingers completed the task quickly and he wasn't surprised to see Mama holding the thong.

"I will tie it off," she said wistfully. "I wish I could be with you two, you know this?"

"We know," he and Tasha chorused.

Mama tied off Tasha's hair, stepped back, and patted both of their faces. "Ivan will likely meet you at the castle. Finish your preparations and join us in the kitchen."

Mik didn't dare argue with his mama, not when she had that fiercely protective look in her eyes. He had known she had taken pride in being a warrior, but he hadn't realized until this very moment how much she missed it. He could only watch as she left, pulling the door closed quietly.

"She misses it," Tasha whispered. "I didn't know how much she missed it, Mik."

He laid his arm about Tasha's shoulders. "I didn't either, Tash. We will make her proud."

Tasha held him close for a moment before stepping back. "I'll go, but I'll be back to help."

He waved her off, moving to his armoire and pulling out a set of leathers. Today might be ceremonial, but the warriors had been waiting for this day for so long. He had no doubts that every one of them, that weren't being called in from the far reaches of the world, would be fully armed and ready for battle. He stripped, pulling the trousers on and lacing them quickly. He chuckled, remembering Theo's confusion when he had been shown the battle gear the first time. They may be called leathers, but in reality they were dragonhide. It was better than that muggle Kevlar, especially when dealing with magical attacks. Next came the knee-length tebo and dragonhide boots. Mik remembered Theo's million and one questions about why the warriors didn't just adapt some of the muggle armor. Patiently, he and Ivan had explained that dragon and tebo hide (when prepared properly) could deflect magical as well as muggle attacks. It wasn't perfect, but thanks to the Mughal armor they had adapted, most injuries could be avoided.

Mik stood, retrieving his wand sheath and lacing it into place at his hip. He slid his wand home before laying out the rest of his weapons on the bed. He shrugged on his armor. There were six sheathes that he would have to don before he tackled the weapons.

"Oh, hurry up, Mik," Tasha teased from the doorway.

He quirked up an eyebrow when he saw that she was fully dressed- weapons and all. "Did Mama help?"

Tasha tossed her plait over her shoulder and picked up his main sheath. "She sent Theo and Ron on to the village, ordering the two of them to keep to their truce and back the Dauphin no matter what was said. She also said that you should be the one to track down Charlie and Irina."

Mik chuckled, allowing her to slip the sheath over his shoulders. The familiar weight of his kastane, as it slid into the sheath between his shoulder blades, brought home the reality of what would happen shortly. He heard Tasha sigh as she ran a hand over the dragon head hilt.

"You will be Ron's primary trainer," he reminded her gently. "When he passes the test you too will be honored with a kastane."

"I know," she murmured, passing the bundle containing his throwing knives over his shoulder. "The wait is hard though."

He chuckled; unrolling the bundle to reveal two sets of throwing knives engraved with the intertwined dragon and horse that was the official seal of the Dauphin and the Order of the Dragon. He slid them into sheathes which crossed over his chest. He looked down to see Tasha sliding his stilettos into sheathes which were built into his boots.

"I have never seen this many weapons on one person," Tasha teased, getting to her feet. "Next?"

He grinned. "The Indian katar."

Tasha eyed the dagger lovingly. "I really want one of those."

"Put your order in, I'm sure no one will object."

She pulled the dagger from its scabbard cautious of the h- shaped hilt that had been sharpened. "I remember training with this. It's the only weapon that can make it through our armor, isn't it?"

Mik nodded, lacing the scabbard on his left thigh. "That's why the hilt had been sharpened…if you remember the lessons."

Tasha glared. "I remember; I was just reminiscing, brat."

He rolled his eyes, taking the katar from her. "Reminisce later, I need to go and find those two. After Irina's actions, I hope I catch them shagging."

"That was slightly evil, Mik."

He shrugged. "I was going for completely evil, guess I have to work on it."

"Just go, I'll see you at the meeting."

"You are my second- in- command; the troupe will be waiting in the clearing."

Tasha waved him off. "I know, Mama trained me well."

"I'm sure she did," he murmured. What he left unsaid was, I only hope Mama doesn't join them.

He took out his wand and apparated to the castle doors, more than willing to cause a bit of frustration for Charlie and Irina.

--dbgdbg--

Charlie hurried towards the castle. He'd explained to Ron that he couldn't just abandon Irina. Ron hadn't liked it, but seemed to understand at least a little bit. As it was he had witnessed her row with Draco, Blaise, and Ginny. It hadn't sat right. Something in Irina's expression as she fled had been off. Even with fear in her eyes and tears running down her face, she had seemed almost proud. He knew how devious she could be and he had to wonder if she had been manipulating even him the past couple of days…months…years.

He slipped silently into her suite and paused, listening for so clue as to her current mood. When he didn't hear crying or breakables meeting the wall, he slipped off his boots and crossed to the door to her room.

A muffled, "Come on in," reached him as he raised his hand to knock.

He pushed the door open and sighed. Irina was sprawled on her stomach cross-wise on the bed. Her long, dark hair had escaped its plait and spread out around her, obscuring her face even as she lifted her head. One of her dark eyes was visible; red- rimmed and blood shot.

"Irina," he whispered, moving instinctively towards her.

She rolled to her side and held a hand out for him which he took the moment he could reach it, kicking her boots out of his way. She pulled him towards the bed and he sat next to her, carefully studying her face.

"Why did you do it?" he finally asked, not able to read her as well as usual.

Irina sighed, moving just enough to lay her cheek on his thigh. "I knew something drastic needed done or Draco would hesitate."

It hit him hard. "You set it up didn't you? All of it?"

Irina shrugged, not looking him in the eye. "Not anything in Britain, no. But, I was aware of what was happening. You have to understand that everything I did was necessary."

Charlie sighed heavily. He knew he should push her away and leave. After all it had been his siblings she had manipulated. To some extent she'd done so to him as well. Even as he struggled to move away his hand found its way to her hair. As he stroked her hair he wondered how it was that she had such a hold over him.

"Rina?"

She sighed, bringing her arms up to circle his waist as she shifted closer. Charlie felt her hands slip under his shirt and along his stomach.

He groaned.

He hissed when he felt his belt open and her hand at the laces of his trousers. His eyes slid closed. He knew he was helpless to stop this now. He felt Irina's weight shift and he laid back, willing to let her take control…at least for now. He felt her hands slid up, unbuttoning his shirt with shaking fingers as she whispered, "Dragoste tu."

Charlie sighed, feeling helpless to resist her. His heart, his body, his very soul called to her. "Dragoste tu."

She lowered herself over him, nipping the shell of her ear. "Even when you hate me?"

His eyes flew open in shock. "I could never hate you."

She shook her head and he saw the disbelief in her beautiful brown eyes. He pushed off the bed and kissed her softly, putting everything he felt for her into it. She melted, falling against his chest and her hands gripped his hair. His tongue slid across her lips, begging for entrance. She didn't deny him.

He rolled them, holding himself above her with a wicked grin on his face. In the back of his mind, he knew they should be talking about what had happened and what would happen next. Those thoughts flew away when Irina pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it over his shoulder, quickly following it with her own.

He lowered himself careful not to put all of his weight on her. "I don't hate you," he repeated.

"Then love me," she whispered pleadingly.

"Always," he replied, licking her collar bone. He slowly drew circles across the tops of her unfettered breasts, eliciting a long, low moan from Irina. He chuckled, suckling her nipple.

Her back arched and her hands fisted in his hair, tugging him closer. He complied, divesting her of her trousers, as he kissed his way down her stomach. He slid back up her body nearly exploding when he felt her unlacing his trousers and pushing them down. He wasn't prepared for her to flip him, crouch over him, and take him into her mouth in one fluid motion.

"Irina," he managed to whisper huskily. "You are killing me."

She chuckled even as she took him into her mouth fully. His hands fisted in her hair as he struggled to stay still and not thrust his hips. He knew when she got like this she was affirming that someone loved her, no matter what she did. Here she wasn't Director Lugosi but simply Irina.

A loud banging on the door interrupted, and Charlie contemplated thrashing whoever dared interrupt.

Irina crawled up and kissed him soundly. "We'll finish this later."

"Damn right," he muttered, watching her with hooded eyes as she tossed his shirt on and hurried through the suite.

"The Dauphin has called for a meeting," he heard Mikhail say as he pulled on his trousers, lacing them as he hurried to join Irina.

Mikhail's black eyes widened when he caught sight of Charlie. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

It would have sounded sincere if not for the barely concealed laughter and wicked glint in his eyes.

"Stuff it, Mik," Charlie retorted irritably. "Who all has the Dauphin called for?"

Mikhail shook his head, his previous humor melting away. "The Order of the Dragon."

"Shit," Irina muttered. "What is he planning now?"

Mikhail shrugged, his long black plait falling over his shoulder in the process.

Charlie hissed when he caught sight of the small pendant hanging from the leather thong Mikhail had used to tie his plait. If the weapons and armor hadn't been enough of a clue, the pendant was like a large glowing sign.

"Surprised?" Mikhail snapped. "You shouldn't be, either of you. My loyalty is to the Dauphin. I may be friends and in the past have taken orders from Irina…not any longer. You screwed up, Rina. Theo convinced Mama that braining you with her rolling pin was unnecessary…for now."

"Mik," Charlie snarled. "Show Irina respect."

Mikhail's eyes narrowed dangerously and Charlie was reminded just how dangerous he was when crossed. "She is no longer Director. As Heir to the Lugosi line she is beneath the Dauphin, Princess Prewett nee Weasley, and Prince Zabini."

Charlie pulled Irina into his arms, hoping to comfort her. She laid her head on his shoulder and whispered, "I knew it would come to this."

Mikhail's voice was low and icy as he said, "Ivan is returning as well. Lord Nott will take up his duty unlike others I know."

"Enough," Irina ordered. "I did what I had to do, Mik."

Mikhail turned on his heel and stalked away, calling over his shoulder. "So you say, Irina, so you say."

Irina slumped against his chest, burying her face in his neck.

"It will all work out," he whispered, running a hand up and down her spine in hopes of soothing her.

"I hope so," Irina confided. "We should get ready. I have no idea how far I've pushed Draco."

"The Dauphin," Charlie reminded her gently. "Neither of us can risk slipping up and forgetting ourselves. I have a feeling that underestimating any of them would be unwise."

"You had best go, propriety will be necessary."

Charlie brushed a kiss on her brow and hurried back to the bedroom, scooping up his boots. He knew that she was right. Now wasn't the time to get uppity or assume that either of them would be forgiven anytime soon. He did wonder how Ron and Theo were going to react to all of this. If Mikhail was correct, Theo wouldn't care that Irina was his guardian. It wasn't that big of surprise. After all Theo had been raised to take his place here, to protect and defend the Dauphin.

With a world weary sigh, he rushed to his suite. It just wouldn't due to be late.

--dbgdbg—

"What just happened exactly?"

Draco sighed, wrapping his arm around Ginny's waist as he led her through the village. "I took control from Irina."

She shot him a look of confusion. "What does that mean for the three of us? For Theo? For Ron?"

Blaise chuckled. "It means we have to step up, ready or not, and accept our birthright, our destiny."

Ginny winced. "I still don't get it and now I have to play like I do?"

"No worries," Theo Nott said, stepping from the shadowy alley. "I'll help you three."

Ron appeared behind Nott, looking implacable. "As will I. It is our charge to do so."

"Ron?" Ginny whispered disbelievingly. "What the ruddy hell?"

Ron smiled at her, amusing Draco with the speed in which he went from menacing to adoring. "I am not stupid, you know. I can read as well as the next bloke. Theo and I called a truce earlier. I met the Rom version of Mum, Ginny. Wait until you get to meet her, you'll love her."

"Ivana?" Draco asked, chuckling. "That was why Molly seemed familiar."

Blaise snickered. "You're right; I never put it together before."

"What exactly do you have planned, Draco?" Ginny asked, leaning into him.

Draco's eyes met Blaise's over Ginny's head and Blaise nodded in understanding. No matter how strong the urge was to coddle and protect Ginny, they couldn't. She had already proven how strong she was and they couldn't keep her out of it, any of it.

He sighed. "We have to take control. Our birthrights are waiting for us and we can't wait any longer. Irina will need to be replaced. I wouldn't be surprised if by saying aloud that I accept my birthright was enough to recall the Order."

"The blank frame at Mama's did just that. And don't worry, I can help Tasha train Ron," Nott offered confidently. "Ivan and Mik will help you three."

Draco nodded. It really was the best option; Ron should have been Irina's right hand. He should have traveled wherever the three of them did while she stayed back and ran the Order. He stared Theo Nott down; trying to recall everything he knew or had been told about his quiet house mate. "Can Ivan continue on so that you can stay with us?"

Theo grinned menacingly. "Mik can stay here as well, that way Ron and I can stay with you three."

"You knew something like this was coming?" Draco inquired even as everything fell into place in his mind.

Theo motioned towards a bench. "Have a seat and I'll explain what Irina never knew about me, no matter how close she had me watched."

Draco led Ginny over to the bench, settling her between himself and Blaise. He knew what Theo had to say was going to be very interesting indeed.