A/N: And now we see why Harry needed all that background, last chapter. Any questions about what's going on? Refer to that. :)
Also, I'm going for authenticity with the ritual. Well, as authentic as it can be with Harry Potter witches and wizards, Fae, shape shifters, and Naga running around, or slithering around in the case of the Naga. That means artistic liberty is taken, but for the most part...
Chapter Twenty-Five
Snakedance
"The power of life causes the snake to shed its skin, just as the moon sheds its shadow. The serpent sheds its skin to be born again, as the moon its shadow to be born again. They are equivalent symbols. Sometimes the serpent is represented as a circle eating its own tail. That's an image of life. Life sheds one generation after another, to be born again. The serpent represents immortal energy and consciousness engaged in the field of time, constantly throwing off death and being born again. There is something tremendously terrifying about life when you look at it that way. And so the serpent carries in itself the sense of both the fascination and the terror of life."
- Joseph Campbell
Nurmengard Prison, Germany, July 17, 1996
No one ever came to visit Gellert Grindelwald.
Well, there was the prison staff, the guards, representatives from Germany's Ministry of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards. But, those weren't social calls, so they hardly counted.
Still, he contented himself as best he could with what little human contact he was allowed to have. He couldn't even befriend his fellow prisoners, because there were none. For over fifty years now, he was the sole inmate in this place.
Rather flattering, in a way.
It wasn't always like this. This place once was full of inmates. He knew this prison, very well. After all, he built it as Germany's Minister for Magic during the Third Reich.
The rise of Fascism had been the grand experiment he'd masterminded and conducted on behalf of the Black Coats. For a time, it had been a very successful one. Naturally, though, they met resistance, which proved to be overwhelming in the end. Before it came to that, though, he placed many of his opponents here, where some of them would serve the greater good, as he saw it at the time, as test subjects.
He'd hoped to discover why some people had strong magical cores that allowed them to channel magic through wands and the like and others did not. Here, he and his team conducted experiments on wizards, witches, squibs, and muggles, the latter of which were supplied by the S.S. from their own prison and labor camps.
At his trial, they called these and the other experiments on people by the Nazis inhuman, and they were right. He'd had to shut off a part of his own humanity to be able to bring himself to do those things, though his muggle protege, Adolf, had no difficulty with it.
Most wanted to give him the death penalty, but Albus Dumbledore, his old friend turned enemy, used his newfound war hero status to persuade the committee conducting the trial otherwise. Death was too easy, Albus argued, his punishment over all too quickly. Instead, he would be the sole inmate of the very prison he'd condemned so many to, literally a prison of his own design. There, he'd have the rest of his life to reflect on his crimes and failures. And a long life it would be, too, as his was one of the magical families that produced magi with unusually long lifespans. That was, if the isolation didn't kill him. He thought Albus expected that, so he was determined to outlive his former friend just to spite him. Dancing on Albus's grave would be nice, too, but he'd have to be able to escape from this place to be able to do that.
Albus added one final taunt, Grindelwald noticed as he was brought to the prison gates: the words "FOR THE GREATER GOOD" added to the entrance, how they'd described their plans for the world in their youth.
And reflect, he did. He didn't have anything else to do. He reflected on his ideas, his successes, his failures. He reflected on the Black Coats and their mistress, Lilith, and how he was seduced and ultimately abandoned by her. He reflected on the atrocities he had caused to be committed for her and why.
He thought about the family he'd lost because of his actions, the daughter who ran away, the grandson he never met, and wondered if there were great-grandchildren he didn't know about.
He had a lifetime of regret.
They allowed him a few amenities, mainly a typewriter, and paper and ribbon when it needed replacing. He'd grown used to using a typewriter while working with the Nazis, and came to prefer it to quill feathers and ink bottles. He hoped that magical Germany had kept that reform, along with the pens and paper, from his regime.
He had used his time to write his memoirs, though he had been unable to get them published. He'd even translated them into a few languages. He'd suggested the proceeds from their sale go to the families of his victims, so he wouldn't be seen as profiting from the evil he had done. But, publication was blocked by some very highly placed and powerful individuals, the biggest being Albus Dumbledore.
He knew why. There were too many things Albus didn't want the world to know about, such as the Elder Wand and how it came into Albus's possession. It seemed the world believed Albus had defeated him in a great duel, with no mention of the reason Albus was able to disarm him being because Morgan le Fay had just kneed him in the balls.
Another thing he had written about in detail that he knew Albus wanted kept silent was their earlier friendship and plans to subjugate the muggles, and the tragedy that ended that friendship. Albus especially wouldn't want the world to know about the time he drank to much firewhisky and kissed Gellert on the mouth. After Gellert had shoved him away and yelled at him, Albus started crying and wailing about what a horrible sinner he was. Gellert had to keep him from harming himself.
He suspected all this was why he wasn't allowed visitors. He was certain journalists and historians had to have requested interviews with him, but no one from the outside was allowed within these walls.
That's why he was surprised to find the copy of the Daily Prophet with a handwritten note attached in his cell.
He decided to read the note, first.
Dear Sir,
I hope you are feeling well... as well as you can under the circumstances, at least. Please inform no one of this letter, as it would be best that your jailers be kept unaware of weaknesses in their security.
Attached is a copy of this morning's edition of the Daily Prophet. I thought you might be curious about your grandson and great-granddaughter (Oh yes, you're a great-grandfather, if you didn't know), and who's seeking to destroy your family.
I'll be in touch.
Yours truly,
R
Thelema's ritual room was large, and Harry could see why. There were a lot of people here, some he recognized, most he didn't. Everyone was wearing similar colors, though only members of the household were wearing the purple robes he, Luna, Hermione, and Dora were. The guests were wearing more or less normal clothes, either purple or white trimmed with the other color or black.
At the very large alter were Bill, Fleur, Xeno, Ted, and, wearing a more elaborate purple robe, a matching flat round cap, and Seth draped over her shoulders, Andromeda. There was something very strange about her tonight, Harry thought, but he couldn't place what it was.
Luna noticed his confusion, and asked, "What is it, Harry?"
"There's something unusual about Andy, but I can't put my finger on it."
"She's dressed. This is the first time you've seen her not naked."
"Ah, that's it. It just seems..."
"Strange, I know. But she does have to wear clothes when she leaves the house..."
Dora said, "Unless she's in her Naga form..."
"And many religious and magical rites require ceremonial clothing."
"Mum actually likes to dress up. She's very good at putting together outfits. But at home, she usually just stays casual like the rest of us."
Hermione said, "Casual meaning nothing at all."
"You don't get more casual than that. Though I can see why Harry, given what he's used to with her, might find her wearing clothes a bit scandalous."
Harry laughed and said, "It's indecent, her flaunting her clothed body, like that!"
Hermione added, "I know! Think of the children!"
"Oh well... Let's go chat with my shameless hussy of a guardian."
As they strolled to the alter, Luna said, "Clothing was invented to protect humans from the elements, but Fae don't actually need it. We do feel the cold a bit, but we're fine without it. I still dress warmly during the Winter at Hogwarts, because people would notice if I didn't."
"Is that why you didn't seem to mind your shoes going missing as much as I thought someone would?"
"Yes. I don't understand what they think they're accomplishing with that."
Hermione asked, "But, what if they stole all your clothing while you slept, leaving you with just what you wore to bed?"
"Since I sleep nude, I wouldn't have anything to wear. I'd still have my wand, since I keep that under my pillow, so as long as my books and supplies were untouched, and it wasn't a Hogsmeade weekend, I'd be fine for the day. Of course, the staff would feel otherwise when I walked naked into the Great Hall for breakfast and explained why I wasn't dressed in proper uniform, that morning. That's not something those particular housemates want."
"You wouldn't even wrap a towel around yourself?"
"That would imply I was embarrassed about the situation. Also, not nearly as effective. Plus," she said to Harry with a smile, "there would have been the added benefit of you noticing me, sooner."
Since they'd arrived at the alter, Andy said, "That method of getting a boy to take special notice certainly worked for me with this bloke," motioning to Ted. "What brought this conversation on?"
Hermione answered, "Harry's shocked and scandalized by your lack of nudity."
"Oh well... I think he's known me long enough to where he can see me clothed every once in a while."
Harry looked over the alter, which was filled with all sorts of things, some he'd expect, others not. It was covered in a large purple cloth. There were red, white, and purple candles, some large, some small, some lit, some not. There were a few crosses of different designs, as well. Incense was lit. In the middle of the alter was a large goblet of water.
There were what Harry recognized as images of Saints, on candles, pictures, and small statues, along with pictures and statues of people and beings who... Well, he didn't know what they were. Phineas's portrait from the study was even here, looking around curiously.
And there was food on the alter, mounds of it, presumably American dishes since he didn't recognize most of it. Part of what he did recognize was a cake with green icing.
"Did Jeeves make all of this food?" he asked.
"No," Andy answered, "though he supervised. Most of it was done by the brownies of Avalon. He always calls home for help with big projects like this. The Loa have big appetites, so plenty of food, and since they're Yanks, very spicy. They love their hot spices over there. Those people put raw jalapeno slices on hamburgers and hot dogs."
"Really?" asked Hermione with a grimace.
"People from Texas and Louisiana consider English food to be very bland. Jalapenos are their favorite treatment for allergies. They do open your sinuses, I can say that. Papa Legba loves candy, red beans and rice, coconut, and Louisiana hot sauce. This bottle of rum is for him, as well as the pipe and tobacco and the toys."
"Toys?"
"He's a kid at heart. It's too bad Sirius wasn't open to this. Legba has a special love for both mischief makers and dogs."
Harry asked, "What happened with you two? From what I've gotten from both of you, you were very close for a while."
"Dumbledore happened. Something else that man has to answer for."
"For what it's worth, you were still his favorite cousin. He told me that."
"Well, look at my competition." She sighed and added, "Still... nice to know he still spoke fondly of me. Thank you.
"For the Baron and Brigitte, as they're who we're petitioning tonight, we have black beans and rice with lots of peppers, bread, more coconut, grilled corn, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and smoked mackerel. Black coffee, both with sugar and without, and whisky. Any good whisky will do, but given most of those we're invoking, we're going with Irish. And, of course, we have the rum steeped with hot peppers that Brigitte is so fond of that's been nicknamed Haitian Tear Gas. Firewhisky is like butterbeer by comparison. We have cigars and cigarettes for them, and a top hat and baton for the Baron. two pairs of sunglasses with one lens removed, and a deck of cards.
"The raw eggs and the cake are for Ayida and Damballa Wedo. I hadn't planned on them attending, but Ayida told me they'd be here. Since Jeeves knew they were coming, he baked a cake."
"Earlier... Were you channeling Ayida Wedo?"
"No. She was... whispering in my ear is the best way to put it. Someone will be channeling her tonight, though."
"Now, for the rest of what's here... That eye in the triangle is the Eye of Providence. It's an old Christian symbol, the eye being the all seeing eye of God and the triangle representing the Holy Trinity. The U.S. put it on their Great Seal, and the Freemasons picked it up from them.
"This," she said indicating a large picture that had a matching candle on the alter, "is Our Lady of Guadalupe."
The image of St. Mary was striking.
Andy said, "Clothed in the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars. She's the Woman of the Apocalypse from the Book of Revelation. Lilith was very upset over the image this is a copy of and the miracle that brought it into being, so she had some of her agents, the Ku Klux Klan, finance an attempt to destroy it. The bomb damaged the alter, wall, and everything around it, but the image was undamaged."
Harry said, "That answers one question. I wasn't sure if those were sun rays or spikes."
"Both, actually. The rays of light also represent maguey spines, and she was called the mother of maguey. Maguey is the source of pulque, a sacred beverage. In Aztec times it was drank during human sacrifice rituals to make it easier for both the victim and the priest. In Christian times it remained a popular beverage until the German settlers introduced Mexico to beer."
"Have you ever drank it?"
"Yes, and I immediately understood why beer became more popular. Our Lady of Guadalupe is called the first Mexican, who brought together the Aztecs and Spaniards to create a new people. Now these," she said, motioning to three strange symbols, "are veve, which act as beacons for the Loa. This is Papa Legba's. This is Baron Samedi's. I'm sure you guessed which was Maman Brigitte's before I told you the other two."
Yes, Harry figured the one that looked like a stylized heart with eyes wearing a corseted dress with even more crosses than the Baron's had would have to be Brigitte's. As he looked at these figures, they seemed familiar. When and where he might have encountered them before, he couldn't recall. This was his first exposure to Voodoo... Wasn't it?
Andy explained more of the pictures and candles. "This is St. Peter. He opens roads, brings opportunities of success, and is connected to Legba. Also connected to Legba is St. Anthony of Padua. He works wonders and finds lost objects. Moses... Well, I don't have to explain who he is. St. Patrick is one of Ireland's patrons, and he and Moses are two of our history's greatest mages. They're both connected to Damballa Wedo. St. Patrick designed the Celtic cross," she indicated a cross with a ring surrounding the intersection, "by combining the Christian and Sun crosses. This is Shakti, who you'll remember from from your Tantra lessons. Naturally, she relates to Ayida Wedo. And with Shakti, we naturally have Shiva.
"This is St. Martin de Porres, who is conneted to the Baron. And this... This is my patron, and the woman who created this unique cross," indicating an unusual cross made of rushes, "St. Brigid."
Harry found himself fascinated with the portrait. It was of a beautiful woman with flowing red hair and emerald eyes. She was holding a small flame. Like with the veve, there was something strangely familiar about her. He felt as though the answers to so many questions about his life were in her eyes, which seemed to be looking directly into his.
Andy interrupted his musings by saying, "And you already know Phineas."
Phineas replied, "And as interesting as all this is, I don't know why I'm here."
"Because in Voodoo, the ancestors are honored. You're here to represent them."
"Oh. Well, thank you, then."
"You're quite welcome. Ah, Ripper, glad you could make it." she said to a tall man with glasses that Harry remembered from his first visit to Madcaps.
"How could I miss it?" he replied.
Dora introduced Rupert Giles to Hermione, Bill, and Fleur.
He said, "This is my first Voodoo ceremony. I've studied the American systems, of course... With my duties, I could be re-assigned to the States at any time, so I need to know as much of the local magic as I can. But I would have had to accept an invitation from such a lovely and wonderful woman, regardless."
"Flatterer. I'm dissapointed none of the Devon coven came, though."
"They are Wiccans."
"You're here, and you're not Catholic. We've both attended their rituals."
"Yes, but we're both more concerned with results than trappings. Also, the coven finds some aspects of Voodoo... unseemly."
"Hmmph... I remember when Wiccan rituals were centered on nudity, light bondage, blindfolding, and mild whipping."
"Yes. I remember your initiation, well. Most modern Wiccans are embarrassed by the kinky roots of the practice, however."
"Good times," she said, nostalgically.
Noticing Harry's reaction, Ted told him, "We'll show you photos and Pensieve memories, later."
Hermione asked, "May I see them, too?"
"Of course."
Giles said, "Since I was raised Anglican, I'm familiar with the Litany, though not this version of it."
"Yes," said Andy. "Given who we're calling tonight, I thought the Irish version would be best. The responses are still the same, though. I just have to remember the calls."
A couple approached, and Andy said, "Ripper, let me introduce you to some Fae royalty. Queen Ozma and Princess Dorothy of Oz, this is Rupert Giles, an old friend."
They were wearing white dresses, as witches of Oz do, but with purple trim.
After exchanging greetings, Giles said, "There's something I've wanted to ask the Princess, if she doesn't mind."
"Shoot," said Dorothy.
"Well... You're from one of one of the most... dramatic places in the world when it comes to the weather... Why do so many people choose to live there?"
"The people who move there don't know how it gets 'til they've settled in. I mean, you can tell 'em that it can go from warm and sunny where you're wearing short sleeves to freezing in about four hours, but they're not gonna really believe it 'til they see for themselves. As for me, I was born there, so that was just how things were.
"One thing I can tell you... Living there, you develop a healthy respect for nature. People in other parts like to think Mother Nature is all sweet and gentle and nurturing. Anyone who has lived through the twisters and floods, and the hurricanes on the Gulf Coast... They know better. Sure, she's all that good stuff, but she's also angry and violent when the mood hits her. When the twisters are about to hit, there's a feeling in the air unlike any other. It gets all still, but you can feel the pressure. You know she's about to blow, and all you can do is try to find shelter or get out of her way. No matter how much Man thinks he's conquered her, she shows who's boss.
"As for myself, I accept her for everything she is. I love her, embrace her, and I am her instrument." With a dark smile, she added, "Soon, very soon, Albus Dumbledore will learn what it means to reap the whirlwind."
Ozma smiled and said, "She's been wanting to kick his ass for over fifty years, now."
Xeno replied, "She was always the most tempestuous of Alice's goddaughters."
A lovely petite girl with a black bob hairstyle approached the group.
Ted looked at his watch and said, "It's time. Is the band ready?"
"Ready, willing, and very able," she answered.
Harry asked, "Since some of them don't play with Emily regularly, are they going to be able to... I mean, they couldn't have had time to rehearse..."
"I've given 'em all my kiss," said the black haired Fae. "They'll not only know all the songs, but they'll play 'em like they've all been playing together for years."
Ted said, "Harry, Hermione, this is Lulu. She's a jazz fairy, and an old friend of the family."
Lulu said, "Pleasure to meet ya. Looking forward to getting to know you two."
Dora kissed Hermione before making her way to the band, where she picked up her acoustic guitar and spoke.
"This is an old hymn, and since I'm using Leadbelly's arrangement, there'll be bits of a couple of other songs, too."
She started the song slow and easy...
Let it shine on me, let it shine on me
Oh, let Your light from the lighthouse shine on me
Let it shine on me, let it shine on me
Oh, let Your light from the lighthouse shine on me
Then, she started playing faster.
Let it shine on me, let it shine on me
Oh, let Your light from the lighthouse shine on me
Let it shine on me, let it shine on me
Oh, let Your light from the lighthouse shine on me
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound!
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
Let it shine on me, let it shine on me
Oh, let Your light from the lighthouse shine on me
Let it shine on me, let it shine on me
Oh, let Your light from the lighthouse shine on me
She picked up the speed, even more, playing and singing intensely, as if being driven by something outside herself.
Let it shine on me, let it shine on me
Oh, let Your light from the lighthouse shine on me
Let it shine on me, let it shine on me
Oh, let Your light from the lighthouse shine on me
Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?
Let it shine on me, let it shine on me
Oh, let Your light from the lighthouse shine on me
Let it shine on me, let it shine on me
Oh, let Your light from the lighthouse...
She slowed it back to the pace from the beginning...
shine on me
Dora spoke again. "For this next one, we'll be doing Blind Willy Johnson's version, the first recorded one, and in my opinion, the best."
Emily then sat beside her to make it a duet, singing the "response" to Dora's "call." Dora played in a folk blues style.
Well who's that a writing? John The Revelator
Who's that a writing? John The Revelator
Who's that a writing? John The Revelator
A book of the seven seals
Tell me what's John a writing? Ask The Revelator
What's John a writing? Ask The Revelator
What's John a writing? Ask The Revelator
A book of the seven seals
Now who art worthy, crucified and holy
Bound up for some, Son of our God
Daughter of Zion, Judea's Lion
He redeemed us, Jesus bought us with His blood
Now tell me who's that a writing? John The Revelator
Who's that a writing? John The Revelator
Who's that a writing? John The Revelator
A book of the seven seals
Well what's John a writing? Ask The Revelator
What's John a writing? Ask The Revelator
What's John a writing? Ask The Revelator
A book of the seven seals
Well Moses to Moses, Watching the flock
Saw the bush where they had to stop
God told Moses pull off your shoes
Out of the flock, a well a you I choose
Now tell me who's that a writing? John The Revelator
Who's that a writing? John The Revelator
Who's that a writing? John The Revelator
A book of the seven seals
Well what's John a writing? Ask The Revelator
What's John a writing? Ask The Revelator
What's John a writing? Ask The Revelator
A book of the seven seals
Emily stood and said, "And now for some Soul. This is a song of rejoicing and liberation, about the heroic actions of one of our distinguished guests, Princess Dorothy of Oz." Applause and cheers sounded, then the band played and Emily began singing.
Everybody look around
'Cause there's a reason to rejoice you see
Everybody come out
And let's commence to singing joyfully
Everybody look up
And feel the hope that we've been waiting for
Everybody's glad
Because our silent fear and dread is gone
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about
You owe it to yourself to check it out
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Everybody be glad
Because the sun is shining just for us
Everybody wake up
Into the morning into happiness
Hello world
It's like a different way of living now
And thank you world
We always knew that we'd be free somehow
In harmony
And show the world that we've got liberty
It's such a change
For us to live so independently
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about
You owe it to yourself to check it out
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Everybody be glad
Because the sun is shining just for us
Everybody wake up
Into the morning into happiness
Hello world
It's like a different way of living now
And thank you world
We always knew that we'd be free somehow
In harmony
And show the world that we've got liberty
It's such a change
For us to live so independently
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about
You owe it to yourself to check it out
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
After the song, Andy said, "Let us pray." As she did the Sign of the Cross, the others followed suit. Harry was thankful Luna had instructed him, as the Dursleys weren't church goers. He didn't even know he'd been baptized as a baby until Sirius explained what a godfather was to him.
As they crossed themselves, Andy led them in saying, "In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Andy began the next prayer, "Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us ths day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who tresspass against us. And lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen."
"Amen," repeated the group.
"Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for our sinners, now and in the hour of our death. Amen."
"Amen."
"I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen."
"Amen."
"Lord, have mercy on us."
"Lord, have mercy on us."
"Christ, have mercy on us."
"Christ, have mercy on us."
"Lord, have mercy on us."
"Lord, have mercy on us."
"Christ, hear us."
"Christ, graciously hear us."
"God the Father of Heaven,"
"Have mercy on us."
"God the Son Redeemer of the world,"
"Have mercy on us."
"God the Holy Ghost,"
"Have mercy on us."
"Holy Trinity One God,"
"Have mercy on us."
"Holy Mary,"
"Pray for us."
"Holy Mother of God,"
"Pray for us."
"Holy Virgin of virgins,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Joseph,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Killian,"
"Pray for us."
St. Rumold,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Livinus,"
"Pray for us."
"Blessed Oliver,"
"Pray for us."
"All ye Holy Martyrs,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Celestine,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Patrick,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Malachy,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Macnise,"
"Pray for us."
St. Finnian,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Mel,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Macartan,"
"St. Eugene,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Colman,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Felim,"
"Pray for us."
St. Eunan,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Laurence,"
"Pray for us."
St. Conleth,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Laserian,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Aiden,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Kieran,"
"Pray for us."
St. Albert,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Ailbe,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Colman,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Finnbar,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Flannan,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Munchin,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Fachtna,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Otteran,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Carthage,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Jarlath,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Nathy,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Asicus,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Nicholas,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Colman,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Muredach,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Declan,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Virgilius,"
"Pray for us"
"St. Senan,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Frigidian,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Cuthbert,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Rupert,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Celsus,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Cataldus,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Donatus,"
"Pray for us."
"Blessed Thaddaeus,"
"Pray for us."
"All ye Holy Pontiffs and Confessors,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Columba,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Kevin,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Brendan,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Canice,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Kieran,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Columbanus,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Gall,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Fursey,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Fintan,"
"Pray for us."
St. Comgall,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Fiacre,"
"Pray for us."
"All ye Holy Monks and Hermits,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Brigid,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Ita,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Attracta,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Dympna,"
"Pray for us."
"St. Lelia,"
"Pray for us."
"All ye Holy Virgins and Widows,"
"Pray for us."
"All ye Holy Saints of God,"
"Intercede for us."
"Lord, be merciful,"
"Lord, save your people."
"From all evil,"
"Lord, save your people."
"From all sin,"
"Lord, save your people."
"From your wrath,"
"Lord, save your people."
"From a sudden and unprovided death,"
"Lord, save your people."
"From the snares of the devil,"
"Lord, save your people."
"From anger, hatred, and all ill-will,"
"Lord, save your people."
"From the spirit of uncleanness,"
"Lord, save your people."
"From lightning and tempest.,"
"Lord, save your people."
"From the scourge of earthquake,"
"Lord, save your people."
"From plague, famine, and war,"
"Lord, save your people."
"From everlasting death,"
Lord, save your people."
"By the mystery of your holy incarnation,"
"Lord, save your people."
"By your Coming,"
"Lord, save your people."
"By your Birth,"
"Lord, save your people."
"By your Baptism and holy fasting,"
"Lord, save your people."
"By your Cross and Passion,"
"Lord, save your people."
"By your Death and Burial,"
"Lord, save your people."
"By your holy Resurrection,"
"Lord, save your people."
"By your wonderful Ascension,"
"Lord, save your people."
"By the coming of the Holy Spirit,"
"Lord, save your people."
"On the day of judgement,"
"Lord, save your people."
"Be merciful to us sinners,"
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"That you will spare us,"
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"That you will pardon us,"
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"That it may please you to bring us to true penance,"
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"Guide and protect your holy Church,"
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"Preserve in holy religion the Pope, and all those in holy Orders,"
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"Humble the enemies of the holy Church,"
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"Give peace and unity to the whole Christian people,"
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"Bring back to the unity of the Church all those who are straying, and bring all unbelievers to the light of the Gospel,"
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"Strengthen and preserve us in your holy service,"
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"Raise our minds to discover the things of heaven,"
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"Reward all our benefactors with eternal blessings."
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"Deliver our souls from eternal damnation, and the souls of our brethren, relatives, and benefactors,"
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"Give and preserve the fruits of the earth,"
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"Grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed."
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"That it may please You to hear and heed us, Jesus, Son of the Living God,"
"Lord, hear our prayer."
"Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,"
"Spare us, O Lord!"
"Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,"
"Graciously hear us, O Lord!"
"Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,"
"Have mercy on us."
"Christ, hear us,"
"Christ, graciously hear us."
"Lord Jesus, hear our prayer."
"Lord Jesus, hear our prayer."
"Lord, have mercy on us."
"Lord, have mercy on us."
"Christ, have mercy on us."
"Christ, have mercy on us."
"Lord, have mercy on us."
"Lord, have mercy on us"
The band began playing again, this tine in a New Orleans jazz style.
We are traveling in the footsteps
Of those who've gone before
But we'll all be reunited
On a new and sunlit shore
Oh when the saints go marching in
When the saints go marching in
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
And when the sun refuse to shine
And when the sun refuse to shine
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
When the moon turns red with blood
When the moon turns red with blood
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
On that hallelujah day
On that hallelujah day
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh when the trumpet sounds the call
Oh when the trumpet sounds the call
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Some say this world of trouble
Is the only one we need
But I'm waiting for that morning
When the new world is revealed
When the revelation comes
When the revelation comes
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
When the rich go out and work
When the rich go out and work
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
When the air is pure and clean
When the air is pure and clean
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
When we all have food to eat
When we all have food to eat
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
When our leaders learn to cry
When our leaders learn to cry
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
The music then shifted to a slower, exotic beat. The rhythm of the drums, including bongos, was irregular, but deliberate. This was followed by bass, then guitar, before Emily began singing.
You'll be hmm hmm hmm, magnet for money
You'll be mm mm mm mm, magnet for love
You'll feel hmm, light in your body
Now I'm gonna say, gonna say these words
Rompiendo la monotonia del tiempo
Rompiendo la monotonia del tiempo
It might hmm mmm mm mm, might rain money
It might hi hi hi hi, might rain fire
Now I'm gonna call, gonna call on Legba
Get yourself a sign, get your love and desire
Rompiendo la monotonia del tiempo
Rompiendo la monotonia del tiempo
Singin' Papa Legba, come and open the gate
Papa Legba to the city of camps
Now we're your children, come and ride your horse
In the night, in the night, come and ride your horse
There is a queen of six and sevens and nines
Dust in your garden, poison in your mind
There is a king that will steal your soul
Don't let him catch you don't let him get control
Rompiendo la monotonia del tiempo
Rompiendo la monotonia del tiempo
Papa Legba come and open the gate
Papa Legba to the city of camps
Now we're your children, come and ride your horse
In the night, in the night, come and ride your horse
In the night in the night come and ride your horse
In the night in the night come and ride your horse
In the night in the night come and ride your horse
In the night in the night come and ride your horse
After the song ended, Andy spoke.
"Papa Legba, open the gates for me. Papa Legba, open the gates so I may pass through. Papa Legba, open the gates and let me pass. Papa Legba, open the gates so I may pass through.
"Papa Legba, I give you this offering as a payment so that you may open up this gate and let me pass. I must speak to Baron Samedi and Maman Brigitte. Papa Legba, open the gates so I may pass through."
Andy poured some of the white rum on the floor three times and lit a white candle.
She said, "Baron Samedi! Master of the Cemetery! Heavenly judge! Maman Brigitte! Queen of the Dead, beautiful woman, healer of the sick! Brav Gede, first among Ancestors, Papa! Come here, I beg you and accept these offerings!"
She then put a small white candle on each of the food offerings. She took each of the offerings and breathed on them, then touched them to her head, heart, and pubic area before returning them to the alter. Harry thought it a good thing she was robed, since his guardian was even bushier than Hermione. But then, from what he'd heard about the Baron and Brigitte, they might not have minded that. She then lit the candles in the offerings. From that moment on, Harry would always think of this whenever he saw a birthday cake.
Emily said, "And now, we dance. If you know the banda, do it. And I don't mean the Mexican banda dance, but the Voodoo one. If you don't, just dance suggestively. Make it sexy! Anything short of full scale sex and nudity goes! I want raunchy!"
Make it sexy? Now, Harry was worried.
A strange, trippy, rhythmic, jazzy song began being played, centered on drum and bass, but with other instruments such as keyboards and horns adding to the hypnotic atmosphere. The guests started dancing, and it was in fact quite suggestive. Not that Harry could tell who was doing the banda, as he'd never seen it.
Harry felt a hand on his shoulder, then felt himself forcefully spun around.
It was Lulu, far stronger than her small frame would suggest, with a very intent expression. She forced her tongue into Harry's mouth.
He felt light headed as her tongue danced with his. When she released him, she then went to Luna and did the same thing to her. Luna looked as dazed as he felt.
After releasing Luna, Lulu winked at them, and danced away.
When his head cleared, Harry realized he now knew how to do the banda dance, and so did Luna. They then did it, and did it well. It was as raunchy as Emily could ever ask for, a mixture of dance and clothed sex simulation. Harry was looking forward to getting Luna back to their bedroom.
The song ended, Harry looked into Luna's eyes, and saw that she felt the same.
The band began playing an intense, percussive, psychedelic song.
Turn off your mind, relax
And float down stream
It is not dying
It is not dying
Lay down all thought
Surrender to the void
It is shining
It is shining
That you may see
The meaning of within
It is being
It is being
During the musical break between vocals, Luna turned around and began grinding her ass in Harry's crotch. He held her and kissed her neck, having to restain the urge to tear her robe off and take her, right there. While he had no experience too base it on, he was certain this sort of dancing wasn't typical of a church service.
That love is all
And love is everyone
It is knowing
It is knowing
That ignorance and hate
May mourn the dead
It is believing
It is believing
But listen to the
Color of your dreams
It is not living
It is not living
Or play the game
Existence to the end
Of the beginning
Of the beginning
Of the beginning
Of the beginning
Of the beginning
Of the beginning
Of the beginning
The band didn't pause before shifting into the next song.
Gabhaim molta Bríde
Ionmhain í le hÉirinn
Ionmhain le gach tír í
Molaimis go léir í
Lóchrann geal na Laighneach
A' soilsiú feadh na tíre
Cean ar óghaibh Éireann
Ceann na mban ar míne
Tig an geimhreadh dian dubh
A' gearradh lena ghéire
Ach ar Lá 'le Bríde
Gar dúinn earrach Éireann
The song shifted to a faster pace.
Brighid of the sunrise
Rising in the morning
Rising with the Springtime
Greening all the land
See you in the soft cloud
See you in the raindrop
See you in the winds of change
Blowing through the land
You the red eared white cow
Nourishing the people
Nourish now the hunger
Souls longing in our land
Bird that is unfolding
Now the time's upon us
Only have we eyes to see
Your Epiphany
The song then shifted back to the slower pace from the beginning.
Gabhaim molta Bride
Ionmhain i le hEirinn
Ionmhain le gach tir i
Molaimis go leir i
After the song concluded, Andy said, "Psalm 23.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Amen."
"Amen."
Harry felt it. It had been gradual, slowly building, but now he felt it fully, their presence. They felt... strangely familiar.
Andy then said, "Baron! Maman Brigitte! Brav Gede! My own ancestors! You see this food? You see this rum? You see ME?"
She motioned Hermione to come forward with the doll representing a certain manipulative Headmaster. She took a handwritten note from a pocket of her robe and read, "I am here to banish negative influences from my life. Right now, Albus Dumbledore is exerting an extremely negative force upon me. I ask for Maman Brigitte and Baron Samedi to assist me in banishing these forces and eliminating his destructiveness."
She then put the note inside the doll.
The ceremony wasn't done, however. At Andy's signal, the band began playing, again. Andy motioned Hermione to stay right where she was, where she would remain the focus of attention.
Harry was startled when he noticed Dora was beside him, having left the band and quietly moved close to him and Luna.
"Here it comes," she said with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.
The music was percussive and rhythmic, a mixure of Egyptian and tribal fusion, though including electronic instruments the tribes never had. Hermione suddenly gasped, then, after a moment, relaxed and exhaled, sensually.
"And here's Ayida Weda," said Dora.
Hermione began her dance.
Harry watched, fascinated, as his best friend moved fluidly, gracefully. The movement of her hips accented the beat of the music. Her body was in continuous motion, flowing and sinuous. She shimmied, shivered, and vibrated, and undulated like a snake.
She winked at Harry and smiled before looking intently at Dora. Then, not missing a beat, she threw off her robe, and was now dancing bare, her nipples hard.
Andy then nodded to Dora, who then threw off her own robe, her nipples, like Hermione's, indicating her desire. She then shifted into her Naga form, though instead of her usual pink markings, she was now a white boa.
Harry's own snake had risen again, and he wondered how many times this was going to happen tonight before he could satisfy it.
Dora coiled her way up Hermione's body and they danced. Though Hermione lifted Dora over her head at one point, Dora spent most of the dance moving over her partner, eventually with the lower part of her serpent body rubbing between Hermione's legs, prompting a pleased gasp and moan from her.
Dora wrapped her body around Hermione's torso, and their eyes locked with each other's. As the music concluded, Hermione fell to her knees, her legs spread, her serpent lover coiled around her.
During the applause and bravos that followed, Hermione smiled and kissed Dora joyfully. Harry now truly understood another aspect of the Divine Feminine, and was even more determined to achieve his Naga animagus form.
Emily said, "I'd call tonight a success. Our last song will be a slow dance, dedicated to Ayida Wedo, and all the other rainbows."
As the soft song played, Harry and Luna simply held each other and swayed to the music.
Why are there so many songs about rainbows
and what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
and rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it.
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.
Who said that every wish would be heard
and answered when wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that and someone believed it.
Look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us star gazing
and what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.
All of us under its spell. We know that it's probably magic.
Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that called the young sailors.
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.
At the song's conclusion, Andy closed the ritual, thanking the Saints and Loa, calling on Papa Legba to close the gate, and ending it as it began, with the Sign of the Cross and saying "In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Ted announced that there was food and drink in the dining hall. Harry and Luna joined Hermione and Dora. Hermione was sitting on the floor with Dora wrapped around her, positively giddy.
"That was amazing!" she gushed.
"It was amazing to watch," Harry replied. "I didn't know you had it in you."
"Look who's talking. Dancing and simulating sex with your girlfriend at the same time..."
"I need to thank Lulu for giving us the knowledge."
Andy, who with Ted had walked up during their conversation, said, "She'll want her payment, but it's a price you won't mind paying."
Harry filed that information away for the moment, and asked Hermione, "Do you rembember how to do the snake dance now that you're not channeling?"
"Yes... Yes, I do."
Andy said, "From personal experience, I can tell you you've learned a lot of dances. We'll need to shop for outfits for those as well as your belly dancing costumes."
Hermione thought for a moment and said, "I can pole dance!"
"And we even have a pole for just that purpose."
Hermione looked at the snake she was cuddling and asked, "Do you want me to pole dance for you when I have the outfits?"
"Oh yesssss..." Dora answered.
Harry said, "Um, Hermione? You're speaking Parseltongue."
"I am?"
Andy said, "Another gift from Ayida Wedo. She really likes you."
"But the outfits and costumes I'll need... How do I explain to my parents what I need the money for?"
"Don't worry about it," said Ted. "We spare no expense for our daughter's happiness, or our ward's"
Andy said, "Dora's a great pole dancer, herself."
Dora answered, "Not as good as you, Mum."
Harry wondered what kind of dance would need a pole and what kind of outfits such a dance would require, but figured he'd find out, soon enough.
Andy said, "Let's go refuel, since we've still got work to do with the doll. Then, we call it a night."
After grabbing a bite, Harry, Luna, Hermione, Dora, and Andy were ready to leave. Hermione was still naked, and Dora was still a white boa wrapped around her, an arrangement neither were in a hurry to change.
Dora said, "So, where we're going is isolated, so it's really unlikely anyone will see us, and it's warm enough, right?"
Andy replied, "You don't want anything to come between you and Hermione for the rest of the evening."
"Well, yeah."
"If she doesn't mind, we should be safe. And if anyone does see us, we'll be done before the bobbies can get there. I'll keep your wands until you need them."
Harry was handed a bag by Jeeves, and he and Luna joined Andy and Hermione, each with their respective serpents wrapped around them and Hermione holding the doll, as they grabbed the portkey that would take them to their destination.
Where they arrived was dark. Harry could make out enough trees to indicate they were near a forest.
"Lumos," said Luna, her wand them providing light.
Yes, Harry thought, they were somewhere isolated.
Andy said, "Harry, if you please do a small blasting curse on the ground, just enough for a big enough hole for the doll. Concentrate on the desired result."
Harry concentrated, but wasn't sure he had enough control. Luna took his hand, pouring calm and control into him. He visualized the result he wanted, pointed his wand and said, "Confringo."
It worked. The hole wasn't perfect, but it didn't have to be. The hole in the ground was the needed size.
Andy handed Hermione her wand. Hermione placed the doll in the hole, then pointed her wand at it and said, "Incendio," lighting the doll ablaze.
As the doll burned, Andy intoned, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Enemy be gone, far away you must."
When the doll was burnt, they covered the remains with the loose dirt from the blasting spell. Luna then took a thermos of black coffee and two cups from the bag Harry had been carrying, placing them where they buried the doll. They then took the portkey back to Thelema, never to return to this spot.
At Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore suddenly felt a chill and shuddered, like someone had just walked over his grave.
Upon returning home, Andy said, "Time for bed. We've got a busy day tomorrow, so we'll need plenty of sleep. Bed now gives us all plenty of time with our respective lovers."
Harry looked around.
"What is it, Harry?" asked Luna as the group walked up the stairs to the bedrooms.
"I was looking for Lulu," he answered. "There's that payment for what she gave us. I'd like to know what she expects and when she wants it."
Andy said, "She'll let you know. In fact, I -"
Andy found herself ambushed before they turned the corner by Ted, who grabbed her and gave her a deep French kiss, followed by Xeno and Emily, who took off Andy's cap before moving to her feet to remove her shoes.
"Could you lift your foot up so I can get this shoe off?" asked Emily. "Thanks."
"Now, the other one," said Xeno. "Did the outdoor part of the ritual go well, Luna?"
"It was a success, Daddy," Luna replied.
"Good," Xeno replied as he and Emily worked their way up to Andy's robe.
Soon, Andy's robe was removed and Harry was relieved to see her back in her normal, proper, nude state.
"It seems my lovers couldn't wait 'til I got to the bedroom," she said. Ted scooped his wife up, Seth still wrapped around her, and carried her to the master bedroom, accompanied by Xeno and Emily.
"Good night, Daddy," said Luna.
"Sweet dreams, Luna," said Xeno.
As they got to Dora's bedroom, she and Hermione bid Harry and Luna a good night and entered. After closing the door and reaching the bed, Dora uncoiled herself from Hermione and slithered onto it. Hermione wasted no time joining her, and began stroking Dora, lightly kissing and caressing her white scales. Dora then shifted into her human form, her movements still graceful and serpentine, with none of the clumsiness that usually went her human shape.
Her eyes were preditory, as was her smile. Her mouth claimed Hermione's, her flicking tongue finding it's counterpart. After rolling on top of Hermione, she broke the kiss and began slowly sliding down her lover's body, kissing and touching along the way, providing special attention to her nipples. As she finally reached her destination, she showed Hermione another advantage to being a Parselmouth.
When Harry and Luna entered their bedroom, they discovered they were not alone.
On their bed was a lovely, petite, black haired jazz fairy. She was naked.
"Hello, Lulu," said Luna.
"Hi, Luna! Hiya, Harry!" replied Lulu.
"Um... Hi," said Harry.
Luna asked Harry, "Have you ever watched two fairy girls make love, then shagged them both?"
"You know I haven't."
"Would you like to?"
"Um... sure."
"Goody!"
In the otherwise empty ritual room, a gloved hand picked up a bottle of Irish whisky. Baron Samedi took a swig, smiled with satisfaction, and said, "Andy and Ted always deliver."
"Of course, they do," said Maman Brigitte, taking a swig of her own bottle of rum with hot peppers. "Mmmmm, perfect."
"They're good kids," said Papa Legba, sitting in a chair, straw hat on his head and cane by his side, with a plate piled with food.
"They're not kids, any more," said the Baron. He looked off into the distance... actually, Thelema's master bedroom... and said, "Definitely not kids. Damn, now I'm horny."
Brigitte replied, "You're always horny, dear."
"No more than you, hon."
Legba said, "You're all kids to me. My wild, crazy, sex addict kids, but I love you, anyways."
The Baron said, "Now, how're my wife's kin and Morgan's girl doing? Ah, doin' good. Boy's finally taking after his mother."
"Lily and Morgan are so proud," said Brigitte.
Legba said, "Now, when I leave the room, I know you two are going to start..." he paused, looking for the right word.
"Fucking?" asked the Baron, helpfully.
"Yeah, that. And I know how long you two go at it. So, be sure you're done before that boy comes by here in the mornin'. That's not how he needs to meet you two."
"Right," said Brigitte. "No fucking in front of Harry until he's gotten to know us."
"Good. Glad we're clear about that." Legba sighed, realizing this was the best he was going to get out of them.
Baron Samedi tipped his top hat and bowed to his beloved.
"Shall we dance?" he asked.
Maman Brigitte curtsied and took his offered hand. By magic, music filled the room, a recording of a big band from a 1930s movie musical, and the voice of Fred Astaire.
Like the beat, beat, beat of the tom tom,
when the jungle shadows fall.
Like the tick, tick, tock of the stately clock,
as it stands against the wall.
Like the drip, drip, drip of the raindrops,
when the summer shower is through.
So a vioce within me keeps repeating, you, you, you.
Night and day, you are the one.
Only you beneath the moon or under the sun.
Whether near to me or far,
no matter, darling, where you are,
I think of you night and day.
Day and night, why is it so,
that this longing for you follows wherever I go ?
In the roaring traffic´s boom,
in the silence of my lonely room,
I think of you night and day.
Night and day, under the hide of me,
there´s an oh, such a hungry yearning burning inside of me.
And it´s torment won´t be through
til you let me spend my life making love to you
day and night, night and day
And they danced.
A/N: I'd noticed that Andy had been nude in every scene she's had with Harry, going back to Chapter 9. So, I needed to have Harry's reaction to seeing her clothed for the first time.
As some of you noticed, I'm sure, Lulu is modeled on a real person, silent movie legend Louise Brooks. Look her up to see why, when I needed a jazz fairy for the story, she's who came to mind, not to mention who every woman you've ever seen with that hairstyle was paying homage to.
Again, if the ritual seemed weird, refer to Chapter 24. It'll still probably seem weird, but you'll have context. :)
And yes, that's the structure of both an authentic Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo ceremony. The differences are one doesn't require initiation in the U.S. version as one does in Haiti, and the difference in the two cultures. In both Voodoo and Hoodoo you say "In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit" to be sure you get Jesus's friend instead of that other guy, and in Voodoo, you do the Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, and the Apostle's Creed. The Litany of the Saints isn't always done, but often is when there's a group. I picked the Irish version because of Maman Brigitte's roots in St. Brigid.
Voodoo is very big on singing and dancing, so that's a major part of group rituals. Of course, they usually don't have the big band we had here, but the Tonkses could arrange that, and wanted to make Harry's and Hermione's first Voodoo ceremony special.
There are Hatian songs spefically for these kinds of rituals, but as Americans generally don't relate to Haitian music, New Orleans Voodoo practitioners often use songs that mean more to them on a personal level that still relate to the spirits being summoned, including especially gospel music. That song from The Muppet Movie is actually recommended by Voodooists for Ayida Wedo, and it really does fit her.
The director of that film, Muppets creator Jim Henson, was given a Jazz funeral when he died. Jazz funerals originated in New Orleans, a musical ceremony in which the participants mourn the loss of the deceased from their own lives, but also celebrate that person's life and the knowledge that they're in a better place.
And now, onto song credits...
Amazing Grace written by John Newton
Am I a Soldier of the Cross written by Isaac Watts
John the Revelator written by Blind Willie Johnson, as near as anyone can tell. His lyrics are the definitive ones, at any rate.
Everybody Rejoice written by Luther Vandross for the musical, The Wiz. The original stage version is great. Unfortunately, Hollywood took a Broadway musical that was seemingly impossible to screw up in a film adaptation, and managed to do just that. Start with a director with a "vision" to "improve" the story by moving it from its turn of the century Kansas farm setting to then modern New York City. Add an egotistical celeb who pushes the star of the Broadway show out of the lead, even though said celeb was two decades too old for the part, requiring said part to be re-written. then, said ego must have this song, even though its not that character's moment in the original show, but the Winkies rejoicing and celebrating Dorothy freeing them from slavery, and... Well, you get the idea.
Papa Legba written by David Byrne, performed by Talking Heads
Brighid's Kiss written by Eithne Ni Uallachain, performed by La Lugh
Tomorrow Never Knows written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, performed by the Beatles
The Rainbow Connection written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, performed by Kermit the Frog
Night and Day written by Cole Porter. Look up Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers performing this song on Youtube to see the type of dance the Baron and Brigitte do at the end of the chapter.
Next: The Wizengamot session, plus Harry meets family he never knew he had that Molly Weasley would consider a bad influence.