Chapter 20: Nosce te ipsum! 1

While Poppy took care of the four downed men/boys the others stood worriedly around. "Why won't they wake up, Headmaster?" Tara asked, gently stroking Xander's hair.

Sorrowful shaking his head Albus replied, "I don't know, Tara. It seems that the creatures that appeared had something to do with it."

Irritated by their inability to do something Spike interrupted, "That much is clear! But what the fuck happened!" Spike growled. Something was hurting his Xanpet! Whoever did this won't be allowed to harm him again. Looking at Angel Spike saw the same thought cross his mind and nodded in recognition.

"Language, William!" Minerva admonished him. "We won't know until they wake up. I suggest you go to your rooms and rest…" A loud outcry caused her to step back.

Smiling at the overprotectivness Albus cleared his throat, "I think Minerva is right! The mates can stay, but the others will go rest. I have the feeling we'll need all our strength."

Grumbling Faith took Cordy's hand and led her outside, but not before nodding to the others.

Giles and Ethan erected wards that would alarm them should anything irregular happen to their friends.

Tara mumbled a quick blessing, the glow confirming that they would be looked over by her godess, before taking Oz's offered hand.

Nodding to Angel Gunn took hold of Wesley's arm, leading the mumbling man outside.

When the four pairs had left the others sat down with their respective mates, taking hold of them, protecting them from harm.

But even their combined strength couldn't prevent the blinding light from being taken away, away from Hogwarts and away from the other chosen.

When Poppy came in an hour later to take at look at them the infirmary was empty.

Harry blinked. The light around him was blinding and he felt so hot it seemed as if he was burning.

Slowly his eyes adapted to the brightness. Looking around he saw himself lying on the ground of a cave.

"What the hell?" Sitting up he saw a glow coming from the only tunnel. Slowly standing up he cursed when he found his wand missing from his pocket. Sighing Harry made his way over to the entrance.

Looking around the corner he stopped, jaw dropping in surprise. "A volcano? You've got to be kidding!" He exclaimed. The cave he had now entered wasn't really a cave. It was the interior of a volcano with a narrow path leading to the middle of a lava surrounded plateau.

"HARRY!"

Head whipping around Harry's eyes looked up and into the wide light blue eyes of Lucius Malfoy.

"Lucius!" Quickly running to the path Harry stopped when he heard Lucius call.

"NO! Stop, Harry!"

Confused but used to paying attention to his lover Harry slowed his steps, "What is it? We have to get you out of here, Luc!"

"No, Harry… The path won't hold, not even your weight! Look down, it's already collapsing!"

Looking down Harry saw rocks falling down into the lava. "But I have to get you out of here! Where are we anyway? I don't remember coming here!"

"It doesn't matter, Harry! You have to get out, leave me here. I don't want to see you hurt!" Lucius was begging now. 'Pah! A Malfoy begging! I'm just glad my ex-wife can't see me like this!'

"NO!" Without another word Harry stepped onto the path. A sharp trill and movement from the lava stopped him.

The lava splashed into the air as a tall form emerged from it.

*Who are you?*

"Harry Potter" Recognition flooded Harry. The form hovering in front of him was the same phoenix as he had seen in the infirmary.

*Why are you here?*

Huffing Harry answered, "I don't know, you tell me!"

*Why are you here, child?*

"Hey, I'm not a child!" Harry denied.

"HARRY! Now is really not the time for this!" Lucius had recovered from his shock, seeing his lover argue with a very tall phoenix wasn't something he wished to see again.

"Oh alright… I don't really know. I woke up in that cave and now just want to take Lucius and go back home."

*What will you give me for your lover?*

Surprised Harry asked, "Give you? Eh, what do you want?"

*You*

Harry squeaked, "Me?" while Lucius shouted, "HIM?"

*Yes*

"Harry, No!" Harry didn't pay attention to his now struggling lover.

"What happens when I won't give you what you want?"

*Your mate dies*

Paling Harry shouted, "What? Hey that's hardly fair!"

*What is your choice?*

Not one to put himself before others Harry nodded, "You will release him?"

*I give you my oath*

"Alright…" Harry stumbled as something hit him in the chest. Looking down he saw his shirt burning, but seemingly without heat. He didn't feel the flames or the heat. When the flames quickly consumed his clothes the only thought in his head were of Lucius and his regret at failing the others.

Falling to the ground he heard Lucius howl of grief and rage, "HARRY!"

*Welcome to your destiny, Harry Potter.*

Blinking Harry saw himself lying crumpled on the ground, Lucius holding him crying.

"What happened?"

*You accepted your destiny*

Feeling tears in his eyes Harry swallowed hard, "Was it really my destiny to die?"

*No*

"But…But I'm dead!"

*No*

"huh?"

*Your destiny, Harry Potter, is to accept me. You proved yourself worthy of the eternal flames, of the gift of eternity.*

"But…What…"

*This was a test, Harry Potter. And by sacrificing yourself for your mate you have shown me the proof of your heart. To overcome evil means to suffer, but your suffering will soon end. Your other mate has awakened.*

The phoenix stopped hovering and gently fluttered down to the ground next to Harry's body and Lucius grieving form.

"Other mate? You mean Tom! Is he…"

*Come now, Harry Potter. Your mate is suffering.* Interrupting his question the phoenix flew at him.

A shock went through Harry, when the vertigo stopped he found himself looking into the tear filled eyes of Lucius Malfoy.

Lucius didn't notice the green eyes opening. Only when his lips were crushed in a forceful kiss did he stop crying.

Breaking the kiss Lucius looked at the most beautiful sight he had ever seen, his Harry, alive! "Harry!" Swooping down he pulled the young man onto his lap and embraced him.

When breathing got harder the way Lucius was crushing him Harry protested, "Luc, need to breath!"

Quickly loosening his hold Lucius smothered Harry's face with kisses, "Lord, Harry! I thought you were dead!"

Sheepishly Harry admitted, "So did I! But this was just a test for… eh…I don't really know what for!"

*For yourself, Harry Potter. You have grown so much since being born. Now that you have the needed strength we will be able to defeat the darkness,* the phoenix appeared in front of them, now the same height as Fawkes.

"This was a test?" Lucius asked. "Then what role did I play? Damsel in distress?" Lucius was mortified to see Harry begin to grin.

"Damsel, huh, Luc. I think I like that!" Harry laughed, jumping up when Lucius tried to grab him.

*I will transport you back now, Harry Potter. Until the time is right I will wait for you to call on me and my strength. Take this,* the phoenix fluttered its wings, creating fire in the process. *When the time comes you will know what to do.* The fire bundled together, transforming into a ruby crystal.

Picking it up Harry blinked when suddenly he and Lucius found themselves back in the infirmary at Hogwarts, startling the poor Poppy who let out an ear-splitting scream and fainted.

"Well, I guess we're back…" Harry was interrupted by Lucius jumping him, kissing him breathless.

tbc

AN: 1 latin: Nosce to ipsum! german: Erkenne dich selbst! english: Recognize yourself!

This saying is roughly translated into English by me! I found the latin saying and the german translation on the net.