I can't express how bad I feel that this has taken so long to update. But, I hope everyone will forgive me when they find that I'm posting two chapters today. Future updates will be much faster now. Please review and let me know how I'm doing.

Becoming Legendary

The Guardians were running out of time. The vampire attacks were becoming more frequent, each more gruesome than the last. They needed a bit more training to be battle ready, but some were a bit resistant to the unorthodox methods of the Harbingers.

"I don't see why we have to dance around like idiots," Seamus grumbled.

The Guardians fell silent. Seamus had been complaining a lot that evening, and his comments were becoming more and more offensive. The Sirens had attended the training session, remaining mostly silent and watching how the newly dubbed Harbingers would handle things. But, eventually Sam got tired of just watching.

Before her sisters could stop her, Sam stood up and approached Seamus. He eyed her warily. She leaned in close, never breaking eye contact. "Shut up," she said slowly and clearly.

Seamus glared at her. "I have the right to express my opinion," he retorted. "And dancing is stupid and a waste of valuable training time."

Sam rolled her eyes. "If you don't knock it off, I'll have to hurt you," she warned him.

"You think you can?" Seamus demanded, standing up straighter.

In the next moment, Seamus landed on his back. Sam had sidestepped and then kicked her leg out to sweep his legs out from under him. She had moved so quickly that it took his breath away. He got back on his feet in a hurry, a stream of obscenities flowing from his mouth. In a flash he lifted his wand to retaliate. A hand darted out from behind him and gripped his wand arm firmly. At the same moment, Harry, Andy, and Severus had run forward to stand between Sam and Seamus. Seamus turned his head and was shocked to see that Lucius Malfoy was the one grasping his wand arm.

"Stand down," Severus growled at Seamus.

"She started it," Seamus objected, angrily pointing at Sam.

"Only because you were being a twat while we're trying to train you," Andy snapped. He whirled around to glare at Sam. "Stop being a bully," he commanded angrily. Sam responded by rolling her eyes, but she returned to her chair without another word. Andy turned back to Seamus. "Never again," Andy said coldly. "Either you are part of the team, or you're not. This training has a purpose. You are the only one wasting time here. And let me just say, that had you been able to cast a spell just now, it would be nothing compared to what would happen to you. You do not anger a Siren and try to challenge her one on one. Especially that Siren," he added, jerking his thumb to where Sam was sitting.

"Okay, let's cool it," David said, moving closer. He rested one hand on Andy's shoulder. David had known Andy for many years and he recognized that though Andy was angry, he was also quite shaken by the exchange. Being the only Guardian for quite some time had taken it's toll on Andy, and the stress of the coming battle was getting to him. David gave Andy's shoulder a slight squeeze. "It's fine," David said quietly. "The girls are safe. This won't happen again, I'll make sure of it." He frowned slightly when Andy wouldn't quite meet his gaze, but chose not to comment since he did at least get a nod of acknowledgement.

David looked around until he met Hermione's gaze. He nodded pointedly to Andy, smiling when she seemed to understand. She hurried to stand at Andy's side. He responded by smiling slightly and hugging her to himself.

David turned back to the Guardians, noting that they looked wary. "Let's try to get past this," he said kindly. "We're all under a lot of stress. And I realize that what we do is very strange," he added, nodding slightly at Seamus. "To be honest, you don't necessarily have to dance. But I would highly recommend it." He clasped his hands behind his back and looked around at everyone to see that he had their attention. "It is not easy to channel your magic through music. Dancing helps to pull your whole body into it. You need your voice, your mind and you body engaged. Your friends here," he said, gesturing behind himself to the other Harbingers, "have this down. They know their stuff and you'd be amazed by what they can do without even using a wand."

David took a breath and smiled slightly, pleased to see that he had a very attentive audience. "Taking Severus as an example," David went on. "You'll very rarely see him dance. Occasionally, his saucy little wife can coax him into dancing with her. Other than that, he dances the least out of everyone in the group. But, if you'll watch him, you'll see that his body is still fully engaged. If you do not feel comfortable with dancing, you don't have to. While you're training, I recommend that you participate. You may even find it difficult to remain still. But, if you can find away to connect it all for yourself without needing to do the tango, feel free."

This comment brought chuckles from the group, and everyone seemed pleased that the tension had melted away some. Training continued with the Guardians being split into smaller groups and the Harbingers each coaching one of the groups through channeling their magic into their song. As the session came to an end, groups slowly began leaving.

David had a small group of men with him and was explaining the concept of beat boxing, to the amusement of his sisters. Dean Thomas and Seamus seemed fascinated by the idea so David was going over some sheet music and demonstrating his technique for that particular song. Hermione and Severus watched, amused by Dean and Thomas attempting to replicate the sounds David was producing.

"That's not bad," David was saying in encouragement. "Just remember that you are the percussion in this instance." He stopped their attempts to mimic him again. "Ok, stop there. That sound isn't quite right. It's less percussion and more just a sound effect, but it sounds great when you throw it in with the beat boxing. Make it sexy." He looked thoughtful, then said "Think of it like exhaling but with just a bit of vocalization. Think of it like a moan."

A sudden clattering made everyone look around. Andy looked flustered and his wand lay at his feet. He swiftly snatched it up and left the room. David frowned in concern, but Caroline motioned for him to stay with the group, indicating that she would check on Andy. Hermione and Severus followed her from the room.

Once they were away from the others, Caroline glanced at her companions. "I've never seen Andy drop anything," she commented.

"And he looked... nervous," Hermione added.

Severus glanced at the two women, hesitating. Was he really the only one that had noticed? "Has anyone considered that Andy may be harboring... affections for someone in the group?" he asked carefully.

Hermione looked surprised. "Who?" she asked.

"David," Severus replied simply.

Caroline was stunned by this idea. "David is straight," Caroline reminded Severus.

Severus rolled his eyes. "Andy is not," he retorted. "Need I remind you that thinking that you can never have someone doesn't stop you from wanting that person anyway?"

Hermione considered this for a moment. When she thought about, it didn't seem so far-fetched. Caroline seemed to have the same thought.

"Crap," Caroline muttered. "Let's go find Andy."

The search didn't take long as Andy had simply walked out of the castle and sat down on the steps. He was looking up at the moon thoughtfully as his friends caught up with him. "Are you okay?" Caroline asked softly.

Andy met her gaze with a slight smile. "Of course," he replied.

Caroline frowned at him. "It hurts that you don't feel that you can be completely open with me," she said sadly. Andy's eyes widened and he shook his head in denial. "Then start talking," she said firmly. "You've not been acting like yourself. I can tell when something is off with you. But, if Severus hadn't been so observant I wouldn't have any clue what the problem was."

Andy let out a nervous laugh. "So, what does Severus think he knows about me?" he asked, casting an anxious glance at Severus and Hermione.

Severus cleared his throat and looked away. He didn't care to be the one to bring such a delicate and emotional subject to the surface. Hermione, however, had no such qualms. She looked Andy in the eye and gently asked "Do you have feelings for David?"

Andy's eyes widened, and it seemed that he was going to deny it. But, then he sighed heavily. "I'm sorry Caroline," he muttered. "I didn't mean for it to happen. I tried to ignore it."

Caroline squeezed Andy's hand. "Why would you apologize?" she asked. "I'm not upset with you for having feelings for David. David is amazing and I don't blame you. I'm not pleased, however, that you didn't tell me," she added with a disapproving frown.

"I'm sorry," Andy said, offering her a half-hearted smiled. "I didn't know how to tell you. I was a little afraid you'd be upset with me. It's pointless anyway. I can't ever say anything to him. I can't risk making him uncomfortable. Eventually I'll get over it and start dating again. I just haven't had the heart to try having a fling with some dude." Andy heaved another sigh and then glanced at his friends. "What gave me away?"

"You've been really on edge," Caroline noted. "And then you dropped your wand earlier while David was talking about 'moaning'." She chuckled when Andy blushed. "You're always so dexterous, and I've never seen you have a clumsy moment like that."

"And you never seem to get embarrassed, but you were really flustered when you dropped your wand," Hermione added with a smirk.

"Can you blame me?" Andy groaned. "He's so hot and I just couldn't take it when he started making that... sound." Severus smirked while the girls giggled. Andy chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm a little stressed at the moment, and I didn't handle myself particularly well. It doesn't help that I haven't been able to talk to anyone about this."

"You can always talk to us if you need to," Caroline said, gesturing between herself and Hermione.

All three of them looked at Severus expectantly. He looked back at them with raised eyebrows. "I have no interest in taking part in this," he said flatly.

Hermione gave him an irritable look while Caroline rolled her eyes. Andy's shoulders drooped a bit and he glanced away, looking a bit disappointed.

Severus huffed in irritation. "Fine," he snapped. "But keep in mind that the minute you start talking about your sexual activities, the conversation will come to an abrupt end."

Andy nodded in agreement. "That's not a problem," he assured Severus. "It's really not about sex. Not that I don't want to," he said quickly, not wanting to be misunderstood. Before he could try to clarify any more, he spotted the scowl on the potions master's face. "It's not about that," Andy muttered, deciding that elaborating wasn't likely to go well at the moment.

Caroline snorted with laughter while Hermione struggled to smother her giggle behind her hand. Their amusement faded quickly when they heard another male voice that made Andy's eyes widen with panic.

"What are you doing out here?" David said, walking toward them wearing a slightly puzzled smile.

Caroline recovered quickly. "The usual," she said with a careless shrug. "Andy's being himself and Severus is not happy about it."

"Well, that figures," David laughed.

In an effort to give Andy time to compose himself, Severus moved to shake David's hand firmly, effectively blocking David's view of Andy. "I trust that the issue with Mr. Finnigan has been resolved?" Severus asked smoothly.

"All taken care of," David replied with a nod. "I took him aside and we spoke for a little while. I think all the strain has gotten to everyone; Seamus is just a little more vocal than others. In the end, he apologized for his behavior and insisted that he's with us completely. He and Sam even talked without any blood shed. Sam has promised to behave herself."

"Well done," Severus said looking pleased. "Perhaps our remaining training session will be without the whining."

"I hope so," David chuckled. Growing serious again, he looked around Severus at Andy.

Severus stepped back to stand next to Hermione, offering her a conspiratorial wink.

"Are you okay?" David asked quietly, his eyes searching Andy's face with concern.

"I'm fine," Andy responded, trying his best to appear more cheerful than he felt.

"No you're not," David retorted with a frown. "It occurred to me when you got between Seamus and Sam that you went through a lot when I disappeared. You were the only one left to protect my sisters, and it couldn't have been easy. I just want you to know that you're not alone anymore. I'm back and I'm standing with you. Plus there are ten other Harbingers and an army of Guardians." He grinned, unaware of the effect his smile had on Andy's heart.

"Thanks," Andy said, his gaze dropping to his feet. "I'm just really tired and I've let all the stress get to me."

"Always the diva," Caroline muttered, earning a glare from Andy and a smirk from David. "We should probably head to bed. It's pretty late," she said, suddenly realizing how tired she was.

"Absolutely. You need to rest," Andy said motioning for her to go inside the castle. A second later he grabbed her hand to stop her. "First I have to tell you about my brilliant idea," he said eagerly.

"Please do," David said with a smile, pleased that Andy was sounding a bit more relaxed.

"Before you came out," Andy said, gesturing to Hermione, Severus and Caroline, "I was thinking about the fact that I'd dropped my wand because I was distracted." He paused, casting a quick nervous glance at David and then looking up at the moon to gather his thoughts. Having collected himself, he went on. "I was thinking that there's a good chance that we could be disarmed by the enemy. We really can't let that happen." He drew in a breath, his eyes twinkling in the moonlight. "I am going to make us wand free."

Hermione and Severus shook their heads. "Andy, wandless magic is pretty unpredictable," Hermione said carefully, hating to disappoint him. "We simply cannot be effective fighters while relying on our ability to perform wandless magic."

Instead of looking disappointed, Andy's grin grew wider. "I'm not suggesting that we try to do wandless magic," he said patiently. "I'm suggesting that we replace the wands with something else."

The Harbingers and the Sirens met in the Room of Requirement just two weeks later as Andy had requested. Andy was feeling pretty pleased with himself. This was, perhaps, not wise since his new creation hadn't been tested. However, he couldn't bring himself to suppress his own enthusiasm when David was looking so very impressed.

Everyone watched anxiously as Hermione carefully tugged a pair of gloves onto her hands. They were soft black leather and Hermione was pleasantly surprised when she felt the size adjusting to fit her hands properly. She looked at the gloves closely, marveling at the intricate stitching. She turned her hands over and her mouth dropped open in amazement. Covering a large portion of the palm, was the image of a phoenix. From a distance it wouldn't be noticeable because the thread was black like the leather. But up close, the slightly glossy sheen of the thread made the image quite clear.

"This is amazing," Hermione murmured. "Will they work?"

"They should, but that's why you're testing them," Andy replied. "I've done my research. Your wand contains a dragon heartstring, so I embedded the same material into the leather of your gloves." He caught hold of one Hermione's hands and looked it over carefully. Apparently satisfied, he smiled at her. "Now I need you to take out your wand and hold it in both hands. Make sure that both of your palms touch the handle. I hope to create a bond between the gloves and your wand. We want these to work as well for you as your wand does."

Hermione did as Andy asked, carefully holding her wand in both hands. At his urging, she even cast a few simple spells. She waited patiently while the other Harbingers were fitted with gloves as well. As they finally sat down with the wands grasped in their hands, Andy motioned for Hermione to put her wand away.

"Now, show me what you can do," Andy said eagerly. He saw the anxiety on Hermione's face and offered her an encouraging smile. "I wanted you to go first because I knew that if it was possible, you could do it. You'll be fine."

Hermione sighed, looking down at her gloved hands. She turned to look at Severus, sighing when he merely raised one eyebrow in challenge. Hermione turned away with a frown, thinking hard. She took a breath and stretched one arm out in front of her, fingers splayed. In the next moment, Draco's wand flew out out of his hand and zoomed toward Hermione. She caught it easily, her eyes wide with amazement. She tossed the wand back to Draco and then made a sweeping motion with her arm, causing all of the candles to go out and cloaking them in darkness.

Andy chuckled when he heard Hermione's excited intake of breath. The candles were lit again and Hermione could be seen standing in the center of the room, slowly lowering her arms with an expression of awe. She met Andy's eyes with a grin. He smiled in return holding his hand out to her. Resting in the palm of his hand was a small red ball. Andy glanced at the ball and then looked back at Hermione expectantly.

Hermione smiled slightly and lifted her hand slowly, looking smug as the ball lifted away from Andy's hand. Once the ball was two feet above Andy's head, Hermione flipped her hand over, her palm facing out, throwing the ball across the room so it hit the opposite wall and bounced off. Hermione turned and held out her hand again, slowing the ball before it could fly into them.

The room was quiet for a moment, but the silence was broken when Andy started laughing. Hermione ran to him and nearly knocked him over, but he managed to stay upright while hugging her tightly. "We did it," Andy murmured.

"You did it," Hermione corrected him, tightening her grip slightly. "You're brilliant."

"Indeed," Minerva spoke up, inspecting her own gloves carefully. "This is very clever. And excellent craftsmanship," she added, peering at Andy over her spectacles with a slight smile.

"Great work," Harry added, opening and closing his hand experimentally.

"You'll make a fortune off these," Draco commented, impressed. The intricate stitching was really quite impressive. Even Malfoy Sr. would have been hard pressed to find a flaw.

Andy seemed flattered by the praise, but he shook his head. "I'm not interested in making a profit from these," he said, nodding his head toward his own gloved hands. "I just thought..." He paused, considering his words. "We could be legendary. The Sirens have never had Harbingers before. That begins with us. Our training was multifaceted. I've done my research, and there's never been a legion with a dynamic quite like ours."

"He's right," Sam agreed. "Historically, the Sirens have always called the shots and the Guardians have merely been protectors, practically worshiping the power of the Sirens. Circumstances forced us to rely on you early on. As a result, you became like... Generals."

"I guess I really hadn't thought about it," Jenna said, frowning at her sisters.

"We hadn't intended to take over," Harry began, looking uncertain.

Caroline waved away his concern with a smile. "I don't think they're complaining," she assured him. "All of you are... warriors," she said with a decisive little nod. "I'm happy to have the Harbingers in charge. It's a break from tradition, but it's right." Sam and Jenna nodded their agreement.

"So since we're changing things," Andy said, "I thought we'd go big. The gloves will replace our wands for the battle setting. We'll keep our wands for regular use. These gloves are for Guardians and Sirens only. Plus I have some outfits in mind."

"Merlin help us," Severus groaned, making David chuckle.

"Hear me out," Andy chided, with a grin. "I'm not planning anything crazy. I want to create a sort of uniform that'll have some protection spells in it. Obviously there are limits to what I can cram in the fabric, but I may be able to make them resistant to some spells. And it occurred to me that we might seem more imposing if we had a uniform. Think about it," he insisted when he saw Severus roll his eyes. "An official uniform will give the impression that we're more than just a ragtag militia. Plus, it'll help reduce the risk of 'friendly fire'. Don't curse the guy dressed like you are."

The others laughed with the exception of Severus who sighed in resignation. "Just don't make us look ridiculous," Severus growled.

"I wouldn't worry about it," David told Severus. "Andy may like to play dress up with the girls, but he knows his stuff. He'll make you look great. The real struggle will be getting your wife to keep her hands to herself."

"Business as usual then," Andy muttered. He laughed when Hermione sputtered indignantly. "Relax, he's not complaining," Andy told her with a smirk as he gestured to her husband.

Severus tugged Hermione toward himself and turned her so that her back was pressed against his chest. His fingertips brushed over her neck lightly as he whispered into her ear. Hermione ducked her head slightly as a blush stained her cheeks.

"Alright," Harry said, shaking his head in amusement. "Andy I think the gloves are great, and some additional protection would be nice. Let us know if you need help. I know it'll be a lot of work." He looked around to see if everyone was in agreement. Satisfied that nobody objected Harry said, "Then we'll be finished for tonight." Bidding everyone goodnight, he led Ginny away.

David and Andy spoke briefly, and then David left with the others. Andy turned and looked relieved to see Severus and Hermione still in the room. He approached them with a smile. "I thought you two would be rushing off to bed," Andy said with a smirk. He leaned closer to Hermione. "I can just imagine the dirty things he was whispering in your ear."

Hermione looked a little embarrassed, but Severus looked smug. "I take great pleasure in making my wife blush," he said with a smirk.

"I bet," Andy chuckled.

"We stayed behind to check on you," Hermione told Andy, glad to change the subject. "Are you alright?"

Andy's smile faded quickly. "I'm alright," he said flatly. "Just trying to stay busy. I'm glad that I can at least talk to you. It's been tough to hold it together between David and all this crap with the vampires."

Severus nodded in understanding while Hermione gave Andy's hand a comforting squeeze. "Maybe you could talk to Andy," she suggested.

Andy just shook his head sadly. "I can't," he sighed. "There's no point in pushing that on him. I'll be fine." Hitching on a more convincing smile he said "For now I'll just enjoy the fact that I helped bring you two together. I can't tell how glad I am to see you both so happy."

Hermione hugged Andy tightly, swallowing around the sudden lump in her throat. "I love you," she whispered, just before releasing him.

This time, Andy's smile was genuine. "I love you too," he responded. "You too Severus. But please don't say it back to me. It'll just make things weird," he said with a mischievous grin.

"I'll try to control myself," Severus replied, rolling his eyes.

Andy laughed. "Go take your wife to bed," he said, giving Hermione a suggestive wink. Without further comment, he left the room.

Once they were alone, Severus walked Hermione backwards until he had her body pinned to the stone wall. "I think our bed can wait a few moments longer, don't you?" he murmured in her ear before trailing kisses down to her collarbone. Hermione's only response was a moan of approval as she held onto him tighter.