Blood of Enemies, Blood of Friends
Chapter 36 – Blood of Friends
When classes ended for the day, Shannon decided to skip dinner. She had been preoccupied all day, thinking about her boyfriend and her best friend locked away somewhere by Voldemort, waiting to play their role in the second part of the prophecy. Shannon was also annoyed with Buffy and Giles. She didn't believe that they had any right to prevent her from helping with the rescue. She was a Slayer. It was her job to fight evil. Her emotional attachments to Harry and Dawn made her stronger, not weaker.
Shannon exchanged her Hogwarts robes for a pair of jeans and a heavy wool sweater. She needed to clear her head. Harry had once told her that flying helped him, and she hoped that it would have the same effect on her. After changing, she grabbed her broom and headed to the quidditch pitch.
Shannon was surprised to see a lone blonde figure zooming around the pitch on a Nimbus 2001. She mounted her broom and kicked off from the ground, soaring toward the other flyer.
Draco was surprised to see Shannon at his side. "What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I needed to clear my head. You?"
"The same."
It was obvious that neither was in the mood to talk at that moment. "See if you can keep up with me," said Shannon, before racing off across the pitch. Draco was always up for a challenge and took off after her. She looped around the goals, and then raced toward the other end of the pitch with Draco on her tail. Shannon decided to make the chase more interesting. She dove below the spectator stands, weaving in and out of the support beams, but never losing Draco. She reentered the pitch and soared up high, unintentionally giving Draco the opportunity to cut in front of her.
"You're making this too easy," he drawled in his usual haughty tone, though the smile on his lips betrayed him.
"Think you can do better," Shannon replied, also with a smile.
In response, Draco took off again, this time with Shannon trailing him. The two teens spent the next hour racing back and forth across the pitch. Their game ended, when Draco went into a steep dive. Shannon, knowing her limits, pulled out of the dive early and landed. Draco pulled out only a few feet from the ground. He smiled and landed beside her. Both teens were winded.
"Thanks, I needed that," said Shannon.
"Me too," Draco replied.
They stood in silence for a moment, before Draco spoke again. "I can't stop worrying," he said.
"Me neither. I'm not very good at standing aside and relying on everyone else," she replied. "I should be doing something. I should be going tonight as part of the rescue team."
"So, why don't you?"
"Buffy and Giles told me I couldn't," replied Shannon dejectedly.
"And you always do as you're told?" asked Draco.
"No, but how would I get there?"
"I've been thinking about that," Draco admitted. "Everyone is leaving from the Scooby common room. If we were to grab onto one of the portkeys just before they activate, no one would be able to do anything about it."
"What do you mean we?" Shannon asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Don't you damn Yanks understand the English language? I mean we as in you and me," replied Draco.
"No, you can't go," said Shannon in a determined voice. "I'm a Slayer. I fight. You could get hurt, and then Dawn would never forgive me for letting you tag along."
"I may not be a Slayer, but I am a wizard, and I grew up with the dark arts. I am more than capable of taking care of myself," said Draco, his voice sounding equally as determined.
Shannon locked eyes with Draco. It was obvious that he was not going to back down. "Fine," she replied. "We do this together."
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Bill arrived at Hogwarts ahead of the other order members. He had not had the opportunity to spend time with Charlie during the past few months. Bill found Charlie sitting with Buffy in the Scooby common room. "Hey, bro," he said.
Charlie looked up, surprised to see his older brother. "Hey, what are you doing here so early?" he asked.
"I thought you and I could spend some time together before the mission tonight. I haven't gotten the chance to really talk to you since Fleur and I got married," Bill replied.
"Which you apparently told mum that I knew about. She was not exactly happy with me for keeping your secret. You owe me big time."
Bill gave his brother the famous lopsided Weasley grin, causing Buffy to giggle. "Can all of you do that?" she asked.
"Just the boys," replied Charlie. "Ginny never perfected it."
"Though her look has much more power to get her what she wants," added Bill.
"Well, I have some preparations to make for tonight," said Buffy. "Why don't you two spend some brother time, while I take care of things here."
Charlie knew that Buffy was just making an excuse to allow him time with Bill, which he greatly appreciated. Charlie kissed her quickly on the lips then stood. "Why don't we take a walk around the castle?" he suggested to Bill.
Buffy wondered up to her quarters, as Bill and Charlie exited the common room. After the portrait closed, Bill spoke. "So dating a Slayer?"
"Is the married man jealous?" kidded Charlie.
Bill ignored his brother's comment. "She seems nice, and she is definitely pretty. Looks like you are doing well for yourself for a change."
As the two men walked through the castle, they continued conversing. Charlie told Bill about Buffy. Bill told Charlie about married life and their mum's reaction to his eloping. They also spoke about their other siblings' relationships, their work, and their nervousness about the rescue mission.
"I trust Buffy's judgment," Charlie was saying. This kind of thing is what she does, and she is damn good at it. As long as we follow her lead, everything will work out fine tonight."
Their conversation was interrupted by a chuckle. "Sounds like the Slayer finally found a boy willing to play second to her."
Bill and Charlie swung around, wands drawn, and came face to face with Angel and Spike. Angel was glaring at Spike, but turned his eyes to fix them on Charlie before speaking. "We need to talk to you," he said to the wizard.
"You can go," said Spike, giving Bill a dismissive wave.
"I don't think so," replied Bill, wand pointed at Spike.
"It's ok, Bill," said Charlie, lowering his wand, but keeping it in his hand. He knew that a conversation with the exboyfriend vampires was inevitable. He and Buffy had discussed it just that morning. "I'll meet you back in the common room."
Bill begrudgingly left his brother with the two vampires, after commenting that his brother better return in one piece.
"Like we're scared of him," said Spike, rolling his eyes.
"If I were you, I would be more afraid of Buffy," Charlie deadpanned.
"He doesn't seem too afraid of us," noted Spike.
"It's pretty stupid to think that you can take two vampires," added Angle, slipping into his game face then back to his human face.
Charlie knew they were just trying to unnerve him. Of course, he would never admit that it was working. "You call those teeth. I work with dragons. Now dragons have teeth worth fearing."
Spike slipped into game face and made a lunge at Charlie. Charlie was quicker. He lifted his wand, shouting, "Petrificus Totalus," Spike's arms locked at his sides and he fell over.
Charlie turned his attention to Angel. The older vampire nearly fell over as well from laughing at Spike. "I guess you can take care of yourself," he said between fits of laughter. Angel composed himself and looked at Spike still lying on the floor. "You know we can't leave him like that."
"He'll be fine there until we finish this conversation," replied Charlie.
Angel glared at Charlie, trying to look as menacing as possible. "You hurt Buffy, and we hurt you," Angel said.
"Well then you and I will not have a problem, as I have no intention of ever hurting her," replied Charlie, his voice calm.
Charlie turned and began to walk away. About twenty feet meters down the corridor, he turned back, raised his wand, and said, "Enervate." Spike jumped to his feet preparing to go after the wizard, but was stopped by Angel. "I think he got our point."
****************
At 11:00pm everyone was gathered in the Scooby common room. Dumbledore provided three portkeys to transport the rescuers to the outskirts of the cemetery in Little Hangleton. It had been decided that Xander and Anya would remain behind with the students to prevent them from trying anything foolish.
At 11:25pm the rescuers gathered around the three portkeys. Ron noticed that Shannon and Draco had positioned themselves nearest two empty spaces around the portkeys. They had been exchanging conspiratory looks that were unnoticed by the adults in the room.
Ron put his arm around Hermione's shoulder and leaned toward her. If anyone had noticed, it would have appeared that he was kissing her neck. In actuality he was whispering to her. "I think Shannon and Malfoy are planning to grab onto the portkeys and go help Harry and Dawn. I'm going too."
"Not without me, you aren't," Hermione whispered back. Ron and Hermione also moved into a position to grab a portkey.
At 11:30pm, the four teens lunged toward the portkeys. Draco and Shannon successfully grabbed on in time to be transported to the cemetery. However, Ron and Hermione were unsuccessful. Charlie caught the motion out of the corner of his eye, as the two teens lunged forward. He let go of the portkey himself and intercepted them. As the rescue party disappeared from the Scooby common room, Charlie, Ron, and Hermione found themselves on the floor in a tangle of limbs.
"I can't believe they did that," said Buffy.
"Like you wouldn't have done the same thing," grumbled Ron.
Buffy glared at him. "He has a point, Buff," noted Xander.
"Well there is nothing we can do about it now," said Giles. "Charlie, it looks like you are stuck here."
"That's ok. I'll stay and make sure that a certain baby brother of mine doesn't try anything else that stupid," replied Charlie, as Ron fumed.
A few minutes later Buffy and Giles took hold of the goblet left by Voldemort. They felt a tug behind their navels and were whisked away.
****************
Dawn and Harry were pulled from their cells by several Death Eaters. "Take down the wards," someone shouted. Both teens felt their hands being grabbed by the masked men that surrounded them. Their hands were forced against a goblet that matched the one left for Buffy and Giles. Dawn and Harry felt the pull of the portkey, as they were transported to the ritual site.
The two teens found themselves in the middle of an old cemetery. Harry recognized the location immediately. They were still surrounded by Death Eaters, who must have apparated to the site. Only seconds later, Buffy and Giles appeared and several Death Eaters surrounded them as well.
"It is nearly time," said a serpent-like voice that caused chills along Dawn's spine. "You will commingle your blood," he commanded Buffy and Giles. "Any sudden moves and the children die." A Death Eater stepped forward and slashed their hand open. Giles nodded to Buffy, as they pressed their hands together. Another Death Eater stepped closer to Dawn and Harry. HE slashed their hands and forced their bleeding palms together.
"Bring the Watcher to me," commanded Voldemort. Two Death Eaters grabbed Giles and dragged him forward. "And Mr. Potter," Voldemort ordered. Harry was also dragged forward.
As a distant church bell tolled the midnight hour, Voldemort slashed his own hands. The Death Eaters pulled Giles and Harry toward the Dark Lord. Voldemort grabbed their hands in his, commingling the blood of friends.
The ritual complete, Voldemort spoke again. "Kill them all," he ordered, and then disapparated.
Unbeknownst to the Death Eaters, the Scoobies and several members of the Order of the Phoenix were hiding behind the tombstones and mausoleums around the cemetery. At Voldemort's words, the rescue group stepped into view. The wizards had their wands drawn. The Scoobies had their weapons ready.
"Get down," yelled Buffy. She, Giles, Dawn, and Harry dropped to the ground as curses began flying. Narcissa pulled off her mask and hood. She crawled to Harry. He never thought that he would be happy to see a Malfoy, but he was elated to see his wand in Narcissa's hand. She threw it to him, and then turned to find Dawn.
Buffy and Giles got to their feet and joined in the fray. They worked to disarm as many Death Eaters as possible, while avoiding the curses flying around them. Faith, Robin, Spike, Angel, and Shannon were doing the same. Wesley, Cat, and Draco were working with the Order members to block curses and stun the Death Eaters. Willow did not even attempt to use her wand. She pulled from her own magic to block the unforgivable curses hurled by the Death Eaters.
Draco and Shannon worked their way toward Dawn and Harry, who were blocking curses that came too close. Both were exhausted from their ordeal and were having difficulty protecting themselves. They were relieved to see Draco and Shannon. Draco stood in front of them blocking curses, and Shannon hit anyone who came close.
Lucius Malfoy worked his way closer to Narcissa. He had seen her give Harry his wand. Lucius was fuming. His wife would have to pay for betraying their master. Ignoring Giles fighting beside him, Lucius raised his wand toward Narcissa. "You traitorous bitch," he spat. "Avada. . ."
The curse was interrupted by an uppercut from Giles. Lucius flew backwards, dropping his wand and grabbing at his jaw. "That lady deserves proper respect," Giles declared through clenched teeth. Giles was so focused on glaring at Lucius Malfoy that he did not have time to avoid the stunning spell that flew in his direction. Giles fell to the ground unconscious.
Narcissa did not have time to worry about Giles. She had to get back to the children. She crouched low and ran toward them, motioning for them to follow her behind a mausoleum. She ripped off her necklace and handed it to them. "This is a portkey. It will take you four back to Hogwarts," she said. "Go now."
"Come with us, mother," pleaded Draco. "It is no longer safe for you here."
"No," replied Narcissa. Her voice was stern, leaving no room for argument. "I have to help Rupert. We will follow you. I have another portkey." She indicated her bracelet. "Now go."
The four students grabbed the necklace tightly. In a few seconds they were gone.
Narcissa crawled back toward an unconscious Giles. As she passed Buffy, she called out. "The children are safe. They took a portkey back to Hogwarts. I'm going to take Rupert back."
"Time to wrap things up," Buffy called out loudly.
Narcissa crawled to Giles' side. She took off her bracelet and wrapped it around his hand. She then placed her hand over it and her other arm around Giles' waist. They were transported back to Hogwarts.
The battle was winding down. Many Death Eaters had realized that they were on the losing side of the battle. They had already disapparated. Lucius Malfoy was among those who had fled. The Order members rounded up those Death Eaters who had been stunned, while the Scoobies gathered around the portkeys to return to Hogwarts.
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Dawn, Shannon, Harry, and Draco were the first to arrive back at Hogwarts. They landed on the grounds in front of the main entrance to the castle.
"We need to get you two to Madame Pomfrey," said Draco.
"Let's go back to the Scooby common room first," suggested Dawn.
"No," replied Draco, his voice taking on the same tone as his mother's did during the battle. "You are going to the hospital wing first. One of us can send word that we are back."
"I don't want to go to the hospital wing. I'm fine," argued Harry.
Shannon, who Harry had been leaning on heavily, disagreed. "You, Harry Potter, are going to see Madame Pomfrey even if I have to knock you out and carry you."
Shannon helped Harry, and Draco helped Dawn, as they made their way into the castle and to the hospital wing. As soon as they entered, Madame Pomfrey began fussing over them. She got Harry and Dawn into pajamas and insisted that they would stay the night. Before they could argue, they were interrupted by Narcissa, who had entered with an unconscious Giles floating beside her. Madame Pomfrey rushed over to them.
"Well, it wouldn't be a Scooby battle if Giles didn't get knocked unconscious," quipped Dawn.
Within the hour, Giles, Dawn, and Harry were resting comfortably. Buffy, Charlie, Willow, Xander, Anya, Spike, Shannon, Andrew, Ron, Hermione, Draco, and Narcissa were sitting beside their beds, refusing to leave. Madame Pomfrey finally gave up and allowed them to stay, as long as they were quiet.
Faith, Robin, Cat, Wesley, and Angel remained behind in the Scooby common room to inform Professor Dumbledore of the events of the evening.