Disclaimer: I don't own the characters otherwise I would be living in the style of which I would like to become accustomed. At times quotes from BtVS and HP are either used in original form or adapted to fit the story. The songs used belong to their prospective owners/writers/performers. So, not mine, no money is made from my efforts.
Previously: Ginny fussed over her for a while. She couldn't explain why their bond was closed and promised to try and research possibilities. She sent them back to their room with some headache potion and the assurance that Hermione didn't have a concussion.
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Although she complained, Hermione received a thorough check up from Poppy as an additional safety measure. But besides a slight concussion, she was unable to find anything wrong with the younger Witch. After she took a healing draught, Oz promised to keep an eye on her and they returned to their room. He couldn't help but feel there was something off about the whole situation. Try as she might, Hermione couldn't force herself to relax enough to sleep. Every time her eyelids started to droop a sharp sense of dread would overwhelm her and she'd snap awake.
This went on for several days with Hermione resorting to concentrated caffeine drinks to assist in her attempts to stay awake. Oz and Severus were becoming increasingly concerned by her erratic behavior. She avoided Dru and Harry, only venturing out of her and Oz's rooms when she was sure they weren't about. The Were' was becoming agitated and short tempered as the stress wore on him.
They were due to begin training with the other Elements, but Hermione kept begging off with the excuse that she couldn't concentrate. Oz finally snapped and yelled that she should sleep then since they weren't using the bed for anything else. Severus found her later and pushed a sleeping draught into her hands.
"You must sleep Hermione. Are you sure you won't come down to our quarters? Dru is trying to respect your wishes but she is desperate to see you and make sure you are alright. Quite frankly, I'm sick to death of the avoidance. Talk to us. Let us help you."
"I… can't. I can't explain it, but the thought of all of my friends in one room generates a wave of fear I cannot control. I don't know if it has to do with Ron's disappearance or something else, but I think it's best of I don't attend the training sessions."
"Will you at least take the draught and sleep?"
"Yes. I think it's inevitable."
Hermione made it to the bed and took the sleeping draught, an exhausted sigh escaping before she slipped into sleep. Oz padded silently to the bed, his expression filled with worry and regret. He had hoped to apologize to Mia before she went to sleep, but seeing her at peace for the first time in days; he merely crawled into bed and spooned behind her, falling asleep instantly.
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After an eternity, Voldemort was able to push his way out of his prison and into control over the Siren's body. There was a masculine arm draped over her waist and he sat up carefully, not wanting to wake the sleeping man next to him. Frustrated by his inability to sense anything while she was awake, he dressed quietly and moved into the outer room. Musical equipment dominated the room, but left no clues as to the Siren's identity. He walked into the bathroom and looked into the mirror. Her face was fairly plain, large brown eyes and straight midnight black hair that couldn't be natural. Searching her body, he was disappointed that she didn't carry a wand. 'Brilliant! No wand. So no way to contact Pettigrew in this body.'
He searched the bathroom, but found no identifying items in the small room. He was about to head out of the suite when a soft masculine voice called out, "Mia…?" Irritation washed over him and he desperately wished for a wand. The violence with which the Siren's repressed consciousness reacted to the dark intentions running through his mind was unexpected and it took all of the evil Wizard's will and concentration to fight her off. The touch of a hand on her shoulder nearly cost his control as it merely lent her more energy to fight him. Voldemort whirled around and spat at the short redhead, "Don't you touch me!" before rushing out the portrait hole, leaving the bewildered man to follow her out into the hall. His headlong flight was brought up short after only a few steps when his stolen body crashed into a seemingly unmovable object.
Hands as strong as the finest crafted manacles in his personal dungeon held him in a tight grip and he looked up into the dark eyes of the current Bane of his existence.
"Someone's been very naughty… Stealing things that don't belong to them…"
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As Mia jerked away from him, Oz felt a flash of desperation through their link before it was cut off once again. The bottom dropped out of his stomach and he rushed after her. When he made it to the hall, he was relieved to see Mia in Drusilla's arms. The anger on her face and the words she directed at Mia chilled Oz to the bone.
Running to the Professor's door, he flung it open and yelled, "Severus! Help! Something's wrong with Mia!" before rushing back down the hall to the now motionless pair. The Professor was by their side in a heartbeat and as he came up behind Drusilla, the sight of Hermione's eyes knocked the air from his body. It was only through his years of training and service as a spy that he did not react visibly.
The blood red eyes of Voldemort stared out of the young Witch's face and as they met the Professor's, they lit with delight. "Ah! My faithful servant! Severus, I thought for sure you were dead when you didn't answer my call. I see that your physical circumstances have changed due to your alliance with this vampire. Have your creature unhand me at once! The Phasmatis Teneo potion did not work as expected. I need to transport the Siren's body back to my abode before I lose control of it."
At that three things happened simultaneously:
The fear of losing Mia caused Oz to partially shift, his eyes glowing gold and his body bulking and lengthening to wolf-man height. As guttural "No!" burst from his transformed throat.
Drusilla slipped into game face and hissed into Hermione's face in anger at the thieving Wizard's statement.
Severus realized that without his help, Voldemort had made a serious error with the very obscure and dangerous potion. Well, that and the idiot actually thought he was a vampire and had control over Drusilla.
The Professor's gaze flickered to Oz and the Were' caught his eye. The protective wolf watched as Severus carefully and deliberately placed his bare hand on the exposed skin of Drusilla's neck. At that contact, Oz began to feel as if whatever had closed off his link to Mia was losing its grip.
A smirk crossed the Professor's face as he focused his attention back onto the body in Drusilla's grasp. He bared his teeth and a nasty grin, "Drusilla is not my creature Tom. She is my Mate. You no longer have any hold on me, so BUGGER OFF!!"
Regaining some control over his beast, Oz's hands reverted to human and he wrapped his arms around Mia from behind with his hands touching the skin over the chi points of her heart and mind. When his skin made contact with hers, it was the final step Hermione needed to release her consciousness from the mental prison Voldemort had created while she slept. Howling in fear for her mate and rage at the violation, she pushed Voldemort out of her mind so forcefully that his re-entry into his own body knocked him out of his chair and across the floor. The Death Eaters guarding him scrambled to get out of his way as he jumped up hissing and screaming in anger as blood dripped from his eyes and ears and nose.
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"Nooooo! Get out! Getoutgetoutgetout! GET OUT!!!!! AHHH! RUN OZ! He's going to kill you!"
Her arms were flailing again and it took all of Oz's strength to hold her down as he talked to her soothingly. "Mia, sweetheart, it's okay. He's gone. Dru said he's completely gone. Please Mia, wake up. It's been three months. You've got to wake up."
He looked up at Severus with wet eyes. "She's stuck in this loop. I feel the terror cycling through constantly. Why won't she wake up?"
The strain on the Were' was beginning to show visibly and Severus gripped his shoulder.
"Oz, we have to let Dru go into her dream."
"Oh, like that helped last time." He sat up and scrubbed at his eyes.
"She knows what to expect now. I truly think it's our only option."
"Okay! You're right. Should everyone be here?"
"That's an excellent idea. It's quite possible that our combined energies will be useful in breaking this nightmare loop Hermione is stuck in."
It took two more days before everyone was assembled and met in the Room of Requirement. Dru entered last and seemed to float across the floor to where Hermione was laid out on a platform like bed. The young Witch was dressed in a simple shift identical to the one Drusilla wore. Ginny administered several nutrient heavy potions to her friend before the Vampiress joined Hermione on the bed. There was a snicker and all eyes turned to Draco.
"What? Come on, you have to admit this looks like the start of a bad pornographic movie." The resounding slaps were loud as Ginny and Luna, flanking him, swatted him about the head. "Oww! Sorry, Sorry!"
The tension was broken and although no one would admit it, they were all grateful for Draco's interruption. The last two months had been stressful for all parties and the group was eager to have Hermione returned to them.
Dru pulled the younger woman into her arms, bring their faces level. With soft fingers she stroked Hermione's head and the witch seemed to relax into a deeper sleep. "I'm here my sweet. Mummy's here. Going to fix you up, make you strong. It's so blue, you're in blue. I can see into it." Her voice drops lower until no one can hear it and she stills, the only sound in the room is breathing from all but the Vampiress. The time passed deceptively quickly as the figures on the bed remained still. Something shifted in the air and power seemed to fluctuate, passing from person to person until they were all connected, much like the night of the Ball. It ebbed and flowed, becoming almost visible. Dru reared up and pushed Hermione on her back as she lifted the Witch's arm to her mouth. Her face shifted and she latched onto the soft skin of Hermione's elbow joint, drawing out a small quantity of blood before pulling off and staggering off of the bed, retching. The fluid that emptied onto the floor was black and had a putrid odor.
Ginny Evanesco'd all traces of the bile and all eyes watched the figure on the bed, looking for any sign of change. A choked laugh sounded and crept onto the bed to avoid disturbing Hermione. Oz looked up and smiled. "She's sleeping. Really sleeping." And he lay next to her, pulling her in close and wrapping his arms around her.
Dru clutched at her Wizard's arm. "So many questions, the blue moon comes and brings war. Let her sleep."
"Everyone go to dinner and then meet us in the Dueling Hall at ten to avoid the students. The little miscreants should be tucked in by then."
"What are we going to do then?"
"We will continue to train as we have for the last three months. Hopefully Hermione and Oz will join us tomorrow evening."
They all met, trained and tried to hide their worry for the two missing from the group. The next evening, Hermione was greeted with smiles and hugs as she stepped into the room. She moved carefully, Oz ever present at her elbow, anticipating her needs. Her muscles were weak from disuse, but her manner was coldly determined.
There were endless training sessions both as a group, in pairs and individually. Even though each Element was paired off, they all agreed that having a familiarity with the others would be beneficial.
Dru had experienced another vision as she traveled through Hermione's dreams. It took several group meetings and discussions, some of them ending in loud arguments, to determine the facts and pin down its meaning. The time for the Final Battle was believed to be in November, during the Blue Moon.
Harry asked what that meant and Remus looked to Oz.
"Go ahead man."
The older Were' explained, "A Blue Moon is the occurrence of an additional full moon during a seasonal quarter."
"So when is this happening?" Harry asked in a tight voice.
"November first is the Blue Moon this year." All eyes turned to Hermione in shock. Ever since her possession and emerging from the resulting coma, the young Witch spoke sparingly, smiling wanly when teased that Oz was more talkative than she. Oz assured all that she was okay, just dealing the best way she could with the trauma she had experienced. Ginny had reached out to offer a willing ear and sympathetic, but frank discussions regarding their experiences with Tom Riddle. Hermione was grateful for the younger woman's efforts and they grew as close as sisters.
With the days flying by, the training continued, each person growing stronger and more confident in their abilities. Hermione seemed to be recovering nicely under her family's watchful eye, but her almost nightly sleepwalking was disturbing to Oz. She seemed to be searching for something, but when asked she couldn't say for what. She never remembered her dreams upon waking.
Dru and Severus were watching over her one night when the younger woman stopped, her head cocked as if listening for something. A scuttling sound caught the Vampiress' attention. She was a blur as she pounced and laughed in delight as she held her catch high in the air. Severus grimaced at the sight of the grungy fat rat she waved around. Every time it squealed, she would shake it and dance, babbling about rats in the cornfield. This went on for about five minutes until he grew impatient.
"Drusilla, what are you doing with that dirty rodent?"
She skipped to him, her eyes dancing with wicked glee. "Nasty, nasty, dirty thing, skulking about. Trying to listen, seeking secrets. Naughty buggar thought he could hide from me."
Something glinted in the candlelight and he held her arm still.
"Fucking hell, it's Pettigrew!" He Stupified the Animagus. Hermione turned around and without help, she went back to bed. The rat was found and she could rest.
Drusilla was insistent about interrogating the traitor and he made her promise that they would inform Dumbledore before the bastard died from her ministrations. It took several hours, but Drusilla managed to force him back into human form and, coward that he was, Pettigrew managed to wet himself within minutes. Of course, the Vampiress threatened him with the amputation of his shiny silver hand if he failed to tell her everything. One minute after that, he confessed to every misdeed he had committed since first levels. It was a long list. He tried to refuse to answer when she asked where Ron was, but someone as weak willed as Pettigrew never had a chance against her thrall and he virtually squealed out the answer.
She left Severus to clean up the bloody mess as she left the room.
Harry and Hermione were talking quietly in her sitting room when Drusilla appeared, hands behind her back. The smell of blood drew Oz's attention immediately and Dru smiled as he went to sit with Hermione. It was the face of vengeance that approached them and Harry couldn't help but feel nervous.
A dark, soaked object was set on the low table with a thunk. Oz growled and Hermione looked up in alarm, knowing somehow that she really didn't want to see what was wrapped in the dark cloth. Harry pulled the edges apart with shaking fingers and red coated silver peeked out. Swallowing against his gag reflex, he pulled it open completely and revealed what he had suspected.
Peter Pettigrew's silver hand, ripped from his arm. A tear rolled down Drusilla's cheek. Her voice was husky as she explained. "It didn't lay him in a dark place, kept safe for discovery. It put him in his nightmare and there's nothing left."
Hermione had a heavy knot in the pit of her stomach as Harry tried to question Dru. She couldn't bring herself to question her. She had a vague idea and didn't think she was ready to face what was about to be revealed. It meant the loss of hope for someone dear. Severus arrived with Dumbledore in tow and he explained what they had learned from the Animagus. Dru asked Severus to forgive her for breaking her word. She had become enraged and forgot her promise. Harry stood and moved toward her and held out his hand. Curious, she took it and he shook her hand, thanking her for killing the wily, traitorous Wizard. She had accomplished what many had tried, including himself.
He left quickly and sought out Luna. Unable to grieve, he merely laid his head in her lap and held on tight as she cried for him, stroking his hair like a child needing comfort.
Hagrid was asked to retrieve Ron's remains from Aragog's Lair and Drusilla insisted on a wake. It was held in the Room of Requirement and although they could only invite his family and a few trusted people from the Order, there were many stories told, both funny and sad. Lavender was not present. She had never made an appearance at the Ball and her flat was abandoned. No body had turned up and a determination had yet to be made on whether foul play was involved or if she had switched sides.
The scariest part of the evening for Severus was when he spotted Drusilla in the corner with the Twins, obviously conspiring about something. The something was a spectacular fireworks show on the front lawn. Drusilla had threatened the Twins into submission. Severus had no illusions that it was a permanent condition.
The following months proved fruitful for the Elements as a group as well as Hermione specifically. She regained her health and though saddened at times when memories of her friend came over her, she was beginning to put it away and move on.
Harry managed to keep his focus on the matter at hand. There was time enough when this was all over to grieve for Ron. Luna wasn't sure this was the healthiest decision, but did everything she could to support him.
There had been little time for visiting, but Draco had managed to get Hermione alone one afternoon and drag the story of his father's death out of her. He didn't blame her for his death. Lucius Malfoy had made his choice long ago. But it didn't negate the pain he felt at losing his father. He had actually been a good father up until Voldemort had come back and Draco was eager to remove the Dark Wizard's taint from this world.
Voldemort seemed to be lying low and most of their informants still undercover had no new information. Severus could only hope that his violent expulsion from Hermione's body had injured the evil wizard. In light of the prophecy, it was too much to ask that he was critically damaged and they prayed injury was the cause of his absence. There had been very little werewolf activity and Remus couldn't say if the majority of them had fled or allied with the Death Eaters.
Unless there had been a surge in turnings, Drusilla had culled most of the fledglings and the older vampires had wisely fled England.
As their deadline drew near, the tension became unbearable and tempers were short. Arguments were commonplace, but were reconciled with some effort.
It was a familiar sight to find the women: Hermione, Dru, Ginny, Ava and Luna; scheming for time alone with their men. After a particularly successful training session one evening in October, the women declared a holiday.
Dumbledore tried to refuse. "There's no Holiday until the end of the month."
The women converged on him and he wisely backed down. What they asked for was not unreasonable. One weekend away from the castle. Severus, Dru and the band wanted to spend the weekend at home and the others had plans as well. All would be located in unplotable locales and would return by Sunday evening. They had two weeks until the Blue Moon and some R&R was desperately needed.
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In a hurry to get back to the flat, Oz was not paying attention to his surroundings as he left the café and ran into someone as the door opened.
"Sorry man. Are you… Giles?"
The shocked face of Buffy's Watcher whipped up and two pair of blue eyes clashed in surprise.
"Oz? What in the world are you doing in London?"
"I live here. What are YOU doing here?"
"I ah… well…" The older man choked as sad eyes threatened to spill over.
"Aww, man. Buffy." Oz saw movement behind Giles and pulled the Watcher out of the doorway. "Shit. I ah, live just down the street. You wanna come with?"
"Oh, that's very kind of you Oz. I couldn't impose."
"Just need to call Mia."
"Mia?"
Giles saw a shine of happiness flash in the young man's eyes.
"She's my girl. Just going to make sure she knows I'm bringing you home."
Oz pulled out his cell phone. "Hey," he said into the phone with a soft smile. "Ran into an old friend at the café. Everything's fine, well almost. Could you let Sev know that his girl should keep him company today?" He nodded. "Yep, not that I don't enjoy their company, but this is Sunnydale business. No, you don't have to go. Me too." Oz closed the phone and offered a sheepish smile. "She's a little protective of, well, all of us."
"All of you?"
"Our band and some friends. It's kinda complicated."
Oz escorted the Watcher to the flat and introduced him to Mia. The older man laughed at Mia's unending questions and he answered quite happily, pleased to have an interested audience. Oz coaxed the story of Buffy's death from him and the Were' was floored. An actual Hell goddess and Buffy had defeated her, but not before Dawn's blood had been spilled. Hence Buffy's swan dive. Giles excused himself to the loo and Mia went into the kitchen for a fresh pot. The Watcher glanced through the doorway as he passed and choked as he witnessed the young woman waving a wand at the ceramic teapot. She spun and he ducked, a red flash of light narrowly missing his head.
Oz ran down the hall. "Giles! You okay?" The older man nodded his head and watched the young woman warily, noting her obvious embarrassment.
"I'm so sorry! It's just that, we've been on edge for ages and training has my reflexes wound tight."
"What could you possibly be training for young woman?"
"A war Mr. Giles. I take it that you've not heard of the Wizarding World, even from your Watcher's Council?"
"I admit there were brief and adamant warnings to avoid Witches; wand using Witches that is. I hadn't met one myself, so I never thought about it."
"We're not supposed to tell anyone. It's a rather secretive society."
"Then why are you telling me?"
"Because there is a group of Wizarding folk here in Europe that follow a Dark Wizard and Muggles, non-Wizards are in danger from them. They call themselves Death Eaters. Do you have a way to protect yourself from a magical attack?"
Their discussion went on into the night and Mia made up a few charmed pendants the Watcher could use for protection. They disappeared after he put them on and soon he forgot he wore them. After the fall of Sunnydale, he would remember the charms and send Mia a silent thank you.
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After Giles left, Oz held Mia tightly. She knew he was sad for his friend and she was grateful that he had been here with her and not in the middle of their battle.
She ran her hands up and down his back, stroking away the anxiety he was feeling. Someone was happy to be pressed up against her. She shifted and he hissed. "Sorry."
"No need to be sorry. I know we've been distracted and busy and I'm sorry that we've not had much alone time." Mia's hand traveled from his back to his chest and her thumb flicked his nipple.
His voice was low and heat filled. "You're playin' with fire."
"So burn me baby."
Oz groaned. The smile on his face the reaction she hoped for.
"That was incredibly cheesy."
"Made you smile."
He pressed his lips against hers and whispered, "Yes, you do."
Everyone returned promptly and thankfully without incident. Dumbledore knew he was out of the loop; his leadership of The Order was secure, but the Elements seemed to be working outside their authority. Through the weekly meetings with Severus and Drusilla, Albus was confident that things would work out in their favor, although he tried to refrain from overconfidence. Drusilla had warned him early on that could be his downfall. He decided to follow her advice and did his best to liaise between the Elements and The Order.
He was pleased when Remus and Ginny approached him with a request that he officiate their marriage. Weasley genetics held true and Ginny had discovered she was pregnant. To avoid a national incident, they decided to rush the date and prevent her brothers from murdering Remus. The Room of Requirement was once again utilized and the ceremony was held with both groups in attendance. It was a slightly muted affair due to the upcoming battle, but Ginny was radiant and Remus smugly proud as Mrs. Weasley squealed and cried at the news of Ginny's impending motherhood. There was brief grumbling about Ginny being kept safe during the battle, but Oz put a stop to them.
"We need her. No one will be safe if the other side wins."
TBC...
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