Title: Seeing the Light (5/?)
Author: QueenC
Feedback: queenc@HotPOP.com
Rating: R
Pairing(s): Cordelia/Lucius. Mentions Draco/Hermione.
Disclaimer: AtS belongs to Joss Whedon and the Potterverse is J. K. Rowling's playground. Any original characters belong to my muse. I'm making no money from this so please don't sue me.
Distribution: Anywhere I send it. Anyone else wants it just let me know.
Spoilers: Goes way AU after 'Birthday' on AtS. All four HP books, although this takes place long after Harry and co. graduate from Hogwarts.
Summary: Five years later, the PTB decide to intervene once again. Sequel to 'Shadows and Glimpses'.
Author's Notes: Okay, as stated above in the summary, this fic takes place five years after 'Shadows and Glimpses'. If you haven't read that fic already, you might want to do so before reading this one. Otherwise, you'll probably be a little confused. The same basic changes apply here that did in that fic. No Cordelia/Angel romance, no Holtz, no Quor-toth, no ascension. I think that pretty much covers it for the Angelverse. Now, about the Potterverse. Basically, I'm making up everything after GoF. Anything you need to know between their fifth year and now, I'll explain in the fic. As always, Angel is Spike's sire. Words in *'s are emphasized, words in /'s are thoughts, words in ~'s are dreams, and words in ^^'s are flashbacks. Enjoy!
Dedicated: To Child for all the help. You rock my face off, hun!
Special Thanks: To the wonderful people who reviewed 'Shadows and Glimpses' and gave me the encouragement to continue. Especially to 'houses', who gave me one of the nicest reviews I've ever received. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
******
Cordelia stood out on the front steps of the Manor, staring up at the stars. It was amazing to her how clear the night sky was when this far from the city. Wrapping her arms around herself as a chilly breeze blew across her, she idly wondered if she should go inside and get her jacket. She assumed that it was hanging in her closet, seeing as the house elves had put all of her belongings away upon her arrival. However, before she could make up her mind about leaving her peaceful surroundings in lieu of getting warm, a cloak dropped onto her shoulders, followed by a pair of strong arms.
Smiling, she turned her head, peering up into Lucius' eyes. "Thanks," she said softly, not wanting her normally loud voice to disturb the tranquil night.
The man nodded, finally pulling his arms away. While it felt good, almost too good, to hold her like that, he knew they needed to talk. Moving to stand beside her, he stared into the darkness, trying to collect his thoughts. After a moment, he questioned, "I take it the children had no trouble going to sleep?"
Cordelia chuckled softly. "No. Of course, it took me threatening to lock them in the room if they snuck out before they promised to stay put. And I also had to assure them that nothing was going to attack them." Looking at him, she frowned. "I didn't lie to them, did I? There's nothing in this house that could or would hurt my children for no reason, right?" she wondered.
Lucius sighed heavily. "Before today, I would have been more than capable of saying yes without pause. However, given the discovery of that stairwell, not to mention Draco's sudden...memories, I am honestly not certain," he replied honestly.
The young woman raised an eyebrow, pulling the cloak tighter around herself. Nodding, she peered back up at the sky. "Okay. So there's something evil in the house that seems to have a yen for kids. And, according to Bella and Korben, it's some sort of shadow creature." Shaking her head, she glanced at him. "I guess it's time to research."
He gave her a blank look. "And just how do you suggest we go about that? While my collection of books concerning the Dark Arts may be rather extensive, I do not ever remember seeing something along these lines," he stated.
Cordelia shrugged. "Well, that I'm not sure about. Although, I do know someone who can at least point us in the right direction. Two someone's, actually."
Lucius nodded. "I'm assuming one is Wesley. Is Fred perhaps the other one?" he asked.
The Seer laughed. "Definitely not. No, Fred is great when you want to open a portal to another dimension or find out something else scientific. But evil magical creatures hiding in musty old houses, *that's* Giles' specialty."
The blond man frowned. "Giles? Why does that name sound familiar?" he mused quietly.
Cordelia shrugged. "Beats me. He used to be Buffy's Watcher, though. I've known him since high school. And he's also living in England, so we should be able to get an answer from him sooner than Wes." Nodding, she headed back into the house, calling over her shoulder, "So, do I just need to tell the owl to find Rupert Giles or do I need an actual address?"
Lucius gasped, the color draining from his face. "Rupert Giles?" he choked. "You're going to ask *Ripper* to assist us?"
******
Hermione shoved her way through the crowd, smiling faintly at the strangers that patted her on the back and continued to congratulate her for her part in capturing Pettigrew. Straining her neck, she sighed in relief when she noticed that Ron and Harry were still sitting at the same table, conversing happily with Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. Sighing, she hated having to pull them away from the celebration, knowing that it wasn't very often that they had the chance to simply relax. However, Draco needed help, and she was determined they were going to be the ones who provided it.
After all, that's what friends did.
Finally, she managed to break free of the throng of people and approached the table. Biting her lip, she waited for Ron to stop talking about the latest feats of the Chudley Canons. Then, clearing her throat, she eyed her two friends.
"We've got a problem," she said just loud enough for the four people at the table to hear her. The last thing they needed was someone else overhearing the new situation. If that were to happen, the Ministry would most likely want to get involved, and Cordelia and the twins would be discovered.
Not that they were in hiding, or anything. However, Hermione somehow knew that Cordelia wasn't quite ready for the rest of the wizarding world to know about her exceptionally powerful children, nor were Lucius or Draco prepared for the backlash that would come with the discovery that the Malfoy line now had two 'Mudbloods' in it.
Looking up, Harry's smile faded when he saw the worried look on her face. "What is it?" he asked quietly, looking around. While he couldn't sense any dark magic, nor was his scar hurting to signal a Death Eater was near, he knew Hermione. And she didn't claim a problem unless there was one.
Hermione quickly took the only available seat, giving Sirius and Lupin a small smile. Then, she once more glanced back at Ron and Harry. "Remember how I mentioned there was a problem earlier. With the...guests at Malfoy Manor?" she asked, not certain if Harry had told the two remaining Marauders about Cordelia and the twins.
Ron nodded and Harry smiled. "It's all right. They know about Cordelia," he assured her.
Nodding, Hermione continued. "All right. Well, it seems that this same 'shadow' that Bella and Korben claimed to have come in contact with, Draco also saw when he was a child. He apparently had forgotten about it, though, and only remembered when faced with Bella's disappearance." Sighing, she shrugged. "I know that this sounds rather bizarre, and quite frankly I'm hesitant to believe anything to be amiss. However, Draco is quite adamant that the twins are possibly in danger, especially Bella."
Ron groaned, shaking his head. "So, let me guess. You want us to risk our life, go searching about Malfoy Manor looking for some sort of creature that has taken an interest in an *extremely* powerful little girl, and try and save the bloody day?" he questioned. When she nodded, he sighed, looking at Harry, "You know, I can remember when the most we had to worry about was passing Potions, not getting expelled, and defeating Voldemort."
Sirius laughed, looking at the Trio. "I can't believe that I'm seeing the day when the three of you are offering to help Draco Malfoy." Holding up his hand to silence their reply, he nodded. "I know, I know. You say he's changed and I believe he has. However, that doesn't change the fact that it's still shocking." As an afterthought, he added, "Although, I must admit that I'm envious. Ah, to be young again, going from one adventure to the next, without taking the time to rest."
Lupin nodded, smiling. "Agreed. Although, personally, I'm rather grateful for the wisdom that comes with age, not to mention the ability to merely sit and relax without the worry of death waiting around every corner."
Sirius gave his friend a grin. "Why Moony, do you mean to say that you actually *enjoy* the boredom?" he quipped.
The man shook his head, taking a sip of his drink. "Not boredom, Padfoot," he corrected. "I enjoy the silence. The tranquility of it all. No, the boredom is definitely something I could do without."
Harry gave his godfather a thoughtful look. "Would you like to help us?" he asked. Glancing at Lupin, he added, "Both of you?"
Ron nodded, smiling. "Yeah! We could use some help, I'm sure. And it *is* going to be dealing with things that you both know about."
Hermione agreed. "We could certainly use any assistance we can get. After all, we know very little about what we're going after," she added. Sirius shrugged, looking at his friend. They conversed silently for a moment, years of friendship giving them the ability to debate one another without words. Finally, they looked back at the eager Aurors.
"Sure, why not?" Sirius replied. "It'll be worth it just to see Lucius Malfoy's face when he finds out were going to be staying there," he chuckled.
Lupin shrugged. "All right. It isn't as if I have anything to do. With summer vacation having just started, I'm not needed back at Hogwarts for a few months."
Harry smiled. "Great!" Looking at Hermione, he asked, "So where's Draco? We might as well get started."
Ron laughed. "This will be great. Oi! Can I tell him that they're coming, 'Mione?" he questioned.
Hermione groaned. Shaking her head, she stood up. "I'll go get him. And Ron, you had *better* behave yourself! Draco is going through quite enough right now without you adding to it," she warned, before heading back into the crowd.
Sirius watched her go, a thoughtful look on his face. Turning back to his godson, he casually asked, "So, when did Hermione begin having feelings for Draco?"
Ron snorted. "Right. 'Mione and Malfoy. *That's* rich," he muttered, taking a swig of his drink.
Harry gave his friend a pity-filled look, before glancing at his godfather. "I'm really not sure," he replied. "I'm still trying to figure out when Draco began feeling the same way."
Lupin shrugged. "Well, perhaps this...adventure will give them a chance to admit that they're in love," he suggested.
Ron, realizing that the other three men weren't joking around, promptly spit his drink across the table.
******
Giles had just closed the book he was reading and was reaching for his bedside light when the tapping sounded at his window. Frowning, the former Watcher glanced toward his curtains, wondering who or what could be standing outside his flat, three stories off the ground, at one o'clock in the morning.
Shaking his head as the tapping grew more insistent, he stood up and made his way across the room. Pulling aside the drapes, he frowned at the owl he saw sitting on his perch. Opening the window, the man stepped aside as the bird flew in and landed on his dresser.
"Why, hello," Giles said softly, shutting his window and turning toward the animal. "And just who do you belong to?"
The owl merely hooted softly, shaking its leg at him.
Noticing the rolled up piece of parchment that was attached, Giles gently untied it. As he turned it over in his hands, he sighed deeply as his eyes landed on the Malfoy crest that was sealing the document closed.
"Of course. Who else?" he asked sarcastically. "Leave it to Lucius Malfoy to wait all these years to owl me." Shaking his head, he thoughtfully added, "Although, I was the one who gave Cordelia directions to Malfoy Manor. Perhaps she's merely letting me know she arrived safely."
Now curious, Giles gently broke the seal and unrolled the letter. As he read it, he felt the color drain from his face. Dropping onto his bed, he groaned slightly.
So the legends were true then. After all these years, the stories he'd heard as a child were finally coming true.
Standing up, he stared for a moment as the owl. "You can leave. I'm certainly not going to write a response. And I know you can't be *that* hungry or thirsty. After all, I don't live that far from your home," he said, his voice a bit sharper than he intended.
Giving a squawk of indignation, the owl flew from the room. Giles shut the window behind it, watching until the animal was merely a speck in the night sky. Then, turning toward his room, he sighed. He needed to see if he could find his old wand in one of the boxes in his attic, because he was most certainly going to need it.
It seemed he would now be spending his vacation at Malfoy Manor.
******
A/N: Again, sorry for the short part. But my muse has been acting up today and this was all she would give me. Then, after I re-read it, I decided that this was really all I had to say for this part. So, yeah. Lol.
Anywho. How about hitting that review button? Let me know what you think. *g*
Author: QueenC
Feedback: queenc@HotPOP.com
Rating: R
Pairing(s): Cordelia/Lucius. Mentions Draco/Hermione.
Disclaimer: AtS belongs to Joss Whedon and the Potterverse is J. K. Rowling's playground. Any original characters belong to my muse. I'm making no money from this so please don't sue me.
Distribution: Anywhere I send it. Anyone else wants it just let me know.
Spoilers: Goes way AU after 'Birthday' on AtS. All four HP books, although this takes place long after Harry and co. graduate from Hogwarts.
Summary: Five years later, the PTB decide to intervene once again. Sequel to 'Shadows and Glimpses'.
Author's Notes: Okay, as stated above in the summary, this fic takes place five years after 'Shadows and Glimpses'. If you haven't read that fic already, you might want to do so before reading this one. Otherwise, you'll probably be a little confused. The same basic changes apply here that did in that fic. No Cordelia/Angel romance, no Holtz, no Quor-toth, no ascension. I think that pretty much covers it for the Angelverse. Now, about the Potterverse. Basically, I'm making up everything after GoF. Anything you need to know between their fifth year and now, I'll explain in the fic. As always, Angel is Spike's sire. Words in *'s are emphasized, words in /'s are thoughts, words in ~'s are dreams, and words in ^^'s are flashbacks. Enjoy!
Dedicated: To Child for all the help. You rock my face off, hun!
Special Thanks: To the wonderful people who reviewed 'Shadows and Glimpses' and gave me the encouragement to continue. Especially to 'houses', who gave me one of the nicest reviews I've ever received. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
******
Cordelia stood out on the front steps of the Manor, staring up at the stars. It was amazing to her how clear the night sky was when this far from the city. Wrapping her arms around herself as a chilly breeze blew across her, she idly wondered if she should go inside and get her jacket. She assumed that it was hanging in her closet, seeing as the house elves had put all of her belongings away upon her arrival. However, before she could make up her mind about leaving her peaceful surroundings in lieu of getting warm, a cloak dropped onto her shoulders, followed by a pair of strong arms.
Smiling, she turned her head, peering up into Lucius' eyes. "Thanks," she said softly, not wanting her normally loud voice to disturb the tranquil night.
The man nodded, finally pulling his arms away. While it felt good, almost too good, to hold her like that, he knew they needed to talk. Moving to stand beside her, he stared into the darkness, trying to collect his thoughts. After a moment, he questioned, "I take it the children had no trouble going to sleep?"
Cordelia chuckled softly. "No. Of course, it took me threatening to lock them in the room if they snuck out before they promised to stay put. And I also had to assure them that nothing was going to attack them." Looking at him, she frowned. "I didn't lie to them, did I? There's nothing in this house that could or would hurt my children for no reason, right?" she wondered.
Lucius sighed heavily. "Before today, I would have been more than capable of saying yes without pause. However, given the discovery of that stairwell, not to mention Draco's sudden...memories, I am honestly not certain," he replied honestly.
The young woman raised an eyebrow, pulling the cloak tighter around herself. Nodding, she peered back up at the sky. "Okay. So there's something evil in the house that seems to have a yen for kids. And, according to Bella and Korben, it's some sort of shadow creature." Shaking her head, she glanced at him. "I guess it's time to research."
He gave her a blank look. "And just how do you suggest we go about that? While my collection of books concerning the Dark Arts may be rather extensive, I do not ever remember seeing something along these lines," he stated.
Cordelia shrugged. "Well, that I'm not sure about. Although, I do know someone who can at least point us in the right direction. Two someone's, actually."
Lucius nodded. "I'm assuming one is Wesley. Is Fred perhaps the other one?" he asked.
The Seer laughed. "Definitely not. No, Fred is great when you want to open a portal to another dimension or find out something else scientific. But evil magical creatures hiding in musty old houses, *that's* Giles' specialty."
The blond man frowned. "Giles? Why does that name sound familiar?" he mused quietly.
Cordelia shrugged. "Beats me. He used to be Buffy's Watcher, though. I've known him since high school. And he's also living in England, so we should be able to get an answer from him sooner than Wes." Nodding, she headed back into the house, calling over her shoulder, "So, do I just need to tell the owl to find Rupert Giles or do I need an actual address?"
Lucius gasped, the color draining from his face. "Rupert Giles?" he choked. "You're going to ask *Ripper* to assist us?"
******
Hermione shoved her way through the crowd, smiling faintly at the strangers that patted her on the back and continued to congratulate her for her part in capturing Pettigrew. Straining her neck, she sighed in relief when she noticed that Ron and Harry were still sitting at the same table, conversing happily with Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. Sighing, she hated having to pull them away from the celebration, knowing that it wasn't very often that they had the chance to simply relax. However, Draco needed help, and she was determined they were going to be the ones who provided it.
After all, that's what friends did.
Finally, she managed to break free of the throng of people and approached the table. Biting her lip, she waited for Ron to stop talking about the latest feats of the Chudley Canons. Then, clearing her throat, she eyed her two friends.
"We've got a problem," she said just loud enough for the four people at the table to hear her. The last thing they needed was someone else overhearing the new situation. If that were to happen, the Ministry would most likely want to get involved, and Cordelia and the twins would be discovered.
Not that they were in hiding, or anything. However, Hermione somehow knew that Cordelia wasn't quite ready for the rest of the wizarding world to know about her exceptionally powerful children, nor were Lucius or Draco prepared for the backlash that would come with the discovery that the Malfoy line now had two 'Mudbloods' in it.
Looking up, Harry's smile faded when he saw the worried look on her face. "What is it?" he asked quietly, looking around. While he couldn't sense any dark magic, nor was his scar hurting to signal a Death Eater was near, he knew Hermione. And she didn't claim a problem unless there was one.
Hermione quickly took the only available seat, giving Sirius and Lupin a small smile. Then, she once more glanced back at Ron and Harry. "Remember how I mentioned there was a problem earlier. With the...guests at Malfoy Manor?" she asked, not certain if Harry had told the two remaining Marauders about Cordelia and the twins.
Ron nodded and Harry smiled. "It's all right. They know about Cordelia," he assured her.
Nodding, Hermione continued. "All right. Well, it seems that this same 'shadow' that Bella and Korben claimed to have come in contact with, Draco also saw when he was a child. He apparently had forgotten about it, though, and only remembered when faced with Bella's disappearance." Sighing, she shrugged. "I know that this sounds rather bizarre, and quite frankly I'm hesitant to believe anything to be amiss. However, Draco is quite adamant that the twins are possibly in danger, especially Bella."
Ron groaned, shaking his head. "So, let me guess. You want us to risk our life, go searching about Malfoy Manor looking for some sort of creature that has taken an interest in an *extremely* powerful little girl, and try and save the bloody day?" he questioned. When she nodded, he sighed, looking at Harry, "You know, I can remember when the most we had to worry about was passing Potions, not getting expelled, and defeating Voldemort."
Sirius laughed, looking at the Trio. "I can't believe that I'm seeing the day when the three of you are offering to help Draco Malfoy." Holding up his hand to silence their reply, he nodded. "I know, I know. You say he's changed and I believe he has. However, that doesn't change the fact that it's still shocking." As an afterthought, he added, "Although, I must admit that I'm envious. Ah, to be young again, going from one adventure to the next, without taking the time to rest."
Lupin nodded, smiling. "Agreed. Although, personally, I'm rather grateful for the wisdom that comes with age, not to mention the ability to merely sit and relax without the worry of death waiting around every corner."
Sirius gave his friend a grin. "Why Moony, do you mean to say that you actually *enjoy* the boredom?" he quipped.
The man shook his head, taking a sip of his drink. "Not boredom, Padfoot," he corrected. "I enjoy the silence. The tranquility of it all. No, the boredom is definitely something I could do without."
Harry gave his godfather a thoughtful look. "Would you like to help us?" he asked. Glancing at Lupin, he added, "Both of you?"
Ron nodded, smiling. "Yeah! We could use some help, I'm sure. And it *is* going to be dealing with things that you both know about."
Hermione agreed. "We could certainly use any assistance we can get. After all, we know very little about what we're going after," she added. Sirius shrugged, looking at his friend. They conversed silently for a moment, years of friendship giving them the ability to debate one another without words. Finally, they looked back at the eager Aurors.
"Sure, why not?" Sirius replied. "It'll be worth it just to see Lucius Malfoy's face when he finds out were going to be staying there," he chuckled.
Lupin shrugged. "All right. It isn't as if I have anything to do. With summer vacation having just started, I'm not needed back at Hogwarts for a few months."
Harry smiled. "Great!" Looking at Hermione, he asked, "So where's Draco? We might as well get started."
Ron laughed. "This will be great. Oi! Can I tell him that they're coming, 'Mione?" he questioned.
Hermione groaned. Shaking her head, she stood up. "I'll go get him. And Ron, you had *better* behave yourself! Draco is going through quite enough right now without you adding to it," she warned, before heading back into the crowd.
Sirius watched her go, a thoughtful look on his face. Turning back to his godson, he casually asked, "So, when did Hermione begin having feelings for Draco?"
Ron snorted. "Right. 'Mione and Malfoy. *That's* rich," he muttered, taking a swig of his drink.
Harry gave his friend a pity-filled look, before glancing at his godfather. "I'm really not sure," he replied. "I'm still trying to figure out when Draco began feeling the same way."
Lupin shrugged. "Well, perhaps this...adventure will give them a chance to admit that they're in love," he suggested.
Ron, realizing that the other three men weren't joking around, promptly spit his drink across the table.
******
Giles had just closed the book he was reading and was reaching for his bedside light when the tapping sounded at his window. Frowning, the former Watcher glanced toward his curtains, wondering who or what could be standing outside his flat, three stories off the ground, at one o'clock in the morning.
Shaking his head as the tapping grew more insistent, he stood up and made his way across the room. Pulling aside the drapes, he frowned at the owl he saw sitting on his perch. Opening the window, the man stepped aside as the bird flew in and landed on his dresser.
"Why, hello," Giles said softly, shutting his window and turning toward the animal. "And just who do you belong to?"
The owl merely hooted softly, shaking its leg at him.
Noticing the rolled up piece of parchment that was attached, Giles gently untied it. As he turned it over in his hands, he sighed deeply as his eyes landed on the Malfoy crest that was sealing the document closed.
"Of course. Who else?" he asked sarcastically. "Leave it to Lucius Malfoy to wait all these years to owl me." Shaking his head, he thoughtfully added, "Although, I was the one who gave Cordelia directions to Malfoy Manor. Perhaps she's merely letting me know she arrived safely."
Now curious, Giles gently broke the seal and unrolled the letter. As he read it, he felt the color drain from his face. Dropping onto his bed, he groaned slightly.
So the legends were true then. After all these years, the stories he'd heard as a child were finally coming true.
Standing up, he stared for a moment as the owl. "You can leave. I'm certainly not going to write a response. And I know you can't be *that* hungry or thirsty. After all, I don't live that far from your home," he said, his voice a bit sharper than he intended.
Giving a squawk of indignation, the owl flew from the room. Giles shut the window behind it, watching until the animal was merely a speck in the night sky. Then, turning toward his room, he sighed. He needed to see if he could find his old wand in one of the boxes in his attic, because he was most certainly going to need it.
It seemed he would now be spending his vacation at Malfoy Manor.
******
A/N: Again, sorry for the short part. But my muse has been acting up today and this was all she would give me. Then, after I re-read it, I decided that this was really all I had to say for this part. So, yeah. Lol.
Anywho. How about hitting that review button? Let me know what you think. *g*
