A/N: I tried to make shopping as interesting a possible for all you non
shoppaholics out there... did I succeed?
Chapter 11
Voldemort gathered his Inner Circle inside the dungeon of Riddle Manor. "Lucius, where are the brats?"
"My Lord, they have escaped to Diagon Alley. What do you wish us to do?" Lucius Malfoy asked, bowing low before Voldemort.
"You, my second, will gather forty of my best Death Eaters and fifteen Dementors. We attack Diagon Alley in ten minutes. Find the brats, and take them alive. Destroy everything else. You know what to do."
"Yes, My Lord." Lucius knelt, and then started issuing orders as he stood. "Nott, Crabbe, Goyle! Come with me!" He swept from the room, three other robed figures trailing after him. Voldemort could hear him bellowing commands to the rest of the gathered Death Eaters.
"He had better not screw up this time. I refuse to break him out of Azkaban once more," the Dark Lord sneered. He turned and spoke out loud to a seemingly empty room. "Master, I would appreciate it if I could borrow a few upper class demons to augment my Death Eaters."
A sibilant hiss reverberated from the walls. "I WILL SEND TEN THROUGH THE PORTAL, MY STUDENT. TAKE CARE OF MY CHILDREN." Voldemort bowed in relief and gratitude.
Harry staggered, caught up in the vision of the Dark Lord's plans. *Oh I haven't missed this at all* he thought grimly as Draco steadied his arm. *How the hell did I ever deal with this on a day to day basis?*
*Let's see, you spent most of your time screaming in the Hospital Wing or being thought of as crazy by your dorm mates and three fourths of the school* Sev's sarcastic voice cut into his thoughts.
*Thanks a lot, Uncle Sev. I really needed that inspiring comment,* Harry thought, exasperated. *You aren't helping.*
*Sorry.* Severus grabbed Harry's other arm as Ginny burst through the door, skidding into the room. She looked around, and then rushed over to where everyone had congregated in the back.
"I felt that. Harry, are you all right? When are they attacking?" Jacques gasped, staring at her.
"Who are you and who is attacking?" he demanded, shaking in terror. Ginny put her arm around his trembling shoulders.
"Ginny Weaseley and about forty Death Eaters are coming to Diagon Alley. You better close up and leave," she said grimly. Jacques's eyes widened and he nodded hastily. He waved his wand and the shades in the window closed. He locked the front door and apparated to safety, leaving the students and Severus alone in the shop.
"Blaise, Marianna, we have to leave. We have to get back to the Leaky Cauldron as fast as possible and get to Hogwarts where it is safe." Draco ordered Blaise and Blaise's Mini Me. Harry guessed, correctly that the girl, Marianna, was Blaise's younger sister.
*Remus, Ceily, Ron, Hermione, Petunia, Dudley, Death Eaters and worse are coming to Diagon Alley. Stay low and out of sight. We are coming to get you* Harry called to them, desperately feeling for their minds.
"How? They're coming for us en masse. How can we get all the way across Knockturn Alley and halfway across Diagon Alley without being attacked?" Blaise asked, brow creasing in concentration. Marianna whimpered and clung to her older brother.
*Harry? WHAT? HOW CAN YOU- LYING BACKSTABBING FREAK- WHEN ARE THEY COMING?* Half a dozen voices responded to him, alternating between worried, fearful, and extremely pissed off.
*You need to stay low, and don't draw attention to yourself. We are coming for you. Please stay safe.* Harry sent them the message, overriding their panic with calm. *Just stay where you are and hide. We will find you.* He could feel them consent and left them alone.
"Blaise, don't let them hurt me, PLEASE," Marianna whispered to her brother. Draco knelt down next to her, Harry and Ginny right beside him.
"Mari, honey, we promise that nothing is going to happen to you. Harry, Uncle Sev and I can protect you from anything, even the killing curse," *I hope* he thought anxiously. *Harry, do you remember how to block it?* he asked his soul mate.
Harry rolled his eyes. *Draco, I was a year and a half. All I remember is my dad screaming for my mum to run, her screaming for Voldemort not to kill me, and then a sickly green light that somehow bounced off of me.* Draco stared at him in wonder.
*How do you remember all that?* he asked, genuinely impressed.
*It's what I see when Dementors get too close. That's why they affect me so badly, not that you would care. You exploited that one so badly...* Harry trailed off, close to tears but stubbornly withholding them.
Draco hung his head. *I'm so sorry* he thought, ashamed.
Severus cut into their cloud of self pity. *As much as I like to see you two apologizing for treating each other like shit for the last six years, now is not the time to kiss and make up! DEATH EATERS ARE COMING HERE, NOW!* he bellowed, scaring Draco and Harry out of their pain and anger.
"Right, we need to move. Ginny, how well can you manipulate magic?" Harry asked, assuming the role of the leader. Severus's eyes widened.
"You and I really need to have a talk," he told her.
"Uncle Sev, you were right in what you told Harry and Draco. Now is not the time. I promise, when we get back, I will explain everything," Ginny snapped, already forcing herself to concentrate deeply, ignoring Severus's widened eyes and insulted expression. Dimly, she could hear shouts outside and the feel of the killing curse being used. *Oh hell, it's starting* she broadcasted to everyone in the room. Harry nodded, determined, ignoring Blaise's and Marianna's frightened gasps.
*Ginny, Draco, Uncle Sev and I are going to flare our shields then pass them to you. You MUST hold them around Blaise, Marianna, and yourself. We have to move now, before they trap us in here. There is a back door, and we are taking the back alleys to Diagon Alley. It will cut down on time and they will be less likely to see us. Ready?* he asked everyone. Blaise and Marianna nodded hesitantly, just accepting everything they heard.
Harry and Draco drew on their bond, touching each others' temples. They locked eyes and the room was filled with an incredibly bright white light as they completely melded their minds together. They turned as one, both reaching hands out to Severus. He reached his hands out and firmly slid his hands over their temples. They in turn slid their fingertips over his.
They felt drawn together completely, sharing memories, thoughts, feelings, until there was no I, no you, just WE. *Is this heaven or is it hell?* Severus wondered before his individuality was added to the already vast consciousness surrounding him. They locked themselves like that then removed their hands. They turned to the others, and the three mortals gasped in fright. Harry's, Draco's and Severus's eyes glowed an incandescent white that illuminated their faces, and a good part of the room.
"WE MUST GO NOW" A voice boomed and echoed in the room, a faint whisper echoing the words in an eerie hiss. Their combined auras flared, swirling light blue, verdant green, and silver in a white smoky haze. The shields locked and solidified around the six people in the room. Ginny calmly strode in between the three demigods and extended her hands. A brilliant white light with a red and gold ribbon flowed around her, immersing her completely. She drew in their shield and made it her own, pulling Marianna and Blaise to her with her mind. They clasped her hands and the multicolored, shimmering force swallowed them as well before becoming transparent.
Ginny nodded. "We are ready," she announced quietly. The conjoined demigods led the three mortals out the back door into the alley. In the main streets, they could see bodies lying everywhere and buildings burning.
*AROUND BACK, WE CANNOT GO THAT WAY* the voice boomed again in their minds. The three demigods took up a triangular position around the mortals. *WE WILL PROTECT YOU. JUST KEEP WALKING. DO NOT LOOK BACK.* They hurried through the back alleyways of Knockturn Alley, finally reaching the seedier part that meant Diagon Alley was close.
The back alleys ended abruptly. They calmly strode out into the main street, instantly drawing the attention of every Death Eater in the vicinity. One raised his arm high and pointed a wand at the Dark Mark, making it glow bright red. The Death Eaters abandoned the witches and wizards they were killing and flocked to their summoner. The six were immediately surrounded by Lucius Malfoy and his hand picked force.
"Well, well, what have we here?" Lucius drawled, removing his mask and swaggering forward. Draco hissed at him in fury, Harry and Severus echoing his actions. They drew closer to the three mortals protectively. Blaise and Marianna stared, petrified as the Death Eaters leveled their wands at the six.
Harry, Draco, and Severus grinned evilly, snarling at the forty Death Eaters circling around them. Lucius faltered, staring at the expressions on their faces.
*They look really creepy* he thought, and then tightened his resolve. "Draco, I told you to pick the winning side. Now I won't even have to disown you. Goodbye." Lucius pointed his wand straight at his son and shouted "Avada Kedavra!" The sickly green light sped towards the demigod.
Draco grinned even wider as the light was absorbed by his shields, just disappearing before it could even touch him. "WELL, FATHER, WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY FOR YOURSELF? YOU ARE THE FAILURE. YOU CAN'T EVEN KILL A SIXTEEN YEAR OLD BOY," the voice boomed and echoed, making the Death Eaters' skin crawl.
With three matching snarls of rage, the three demigods slammed their hands out at the Death Eaters. The ground suddenly bucked and rolled, toppling the Death Eaters like dominoes. A chasm opened in the street beneath some of them, and seven of them fell, screaming, into the abyss. The ground closed back up, sealing them in for all eternity. Lightning crashed into their midst, killing several more instantly. A whirlwind sped down the street, destroying everything in its path. It picked up four or five Death Eater and threw them into walls, roofs, and other Death Eaters.
Ginny raised her hand from the center of the shields. A hungry flame shot to the whirlwind, turning it into an inferno straight from the mouth of Hell. The ranks of Death Eaters were decimated as they turned tail and ran, desperately trying to save their lives. *Run like the scared rats that you are,* thought Ginny, grimly triumphant. She felt several pops and decided to have some fun.
*Let's see, where to send that one?* she thought mischievously as she manipulated the magical energy in the apparation field. *Antarctica sounds good this time of year.* She sent one to Antarctica, another to the Moon, and a third into the Marianas Trench. *I'd like to see them try to explain that one to Moldywart* she thought in satisfaction as all the remaining Death Eaters wound up in perilous places.
They continued on, striding through the abandoned streets. Everywhere around them, they could see carnage and devastation. Bodies littered the streets like garbage, blood and gore everywhere. *THIS DOES NOT FEEL RIGHT* boomed the voice again. *WHY WOULD THE DEATH EATERS LEAVE BLOOD AND GORE IF THEY USED THE KILLING CURSE?* The three demigods warily stared at the MOVING shadows. They entered Diagon Alley, trying to spot trouble in every direction.
Five Dementors glided out of the shadows, heading straight for them. Dimly, the vast consciousness that separately was Harry, Draco and Severus could feel them trying to incapacitate them. They waved their hands and immense Patronuses appeared, ready for battle. Harry's stag joined a fiery dragon and a basilisk in driving away and, in a burst of inspiration, completely obliterating the Dementors.
The Patronuses turned, seeking other Dementors to destroy. The demigods kept them swirling around them as they moved cautiously towards the Leaky Cauldron. Ginny comforted Blaise and Marianna as best she could while keeping a tight hold on the shields. While they hadn't even felt the effects of being so close to the Dementors, their presence alone had been terrifying. *We better get there soon* she prayed fervently. *I don't know how much longer I'll last if we have any more fighting.* She cold feel her strength start to waver, and with a muffled curse, bolstered it. *NO. I refuse to give in.* Grimly, she kept walking, holding Blaise's and Marianna's hands in a death grip.
Harry, in point position, turned to face Madame Malkin's Dress Robes shop. The door blew open, and a very frightened and angry Remus, Bill, and Ceily were levitated, against their will, into the waiting shield. Harry's incandescent eyes searched the surrounding buildings for survivors. Finding none, they continued walking.
Harry stopped them again in front of Flourish and Blott's book store. He again blew the door open, and pulled a loudly swearing Ronald Weaseley from the shop.
"Fuck you! BASTARDS! You won't take me alive. I'm going to get every last one of you!" Harry dropped him into the shield and Ron blinked owlishly at the faces surrounding him. Harry dropped Hermione in after him. They regained their feet, wisely refusing to say anything else.
*LET'S GO. WE HAVE EVERYONE WE NEED. PETUNIA AND DUDLEY ARE ALREADY IN THE LEAKY CAULDRON.* They continued moving, aware that time was running out for them. Ginny's neck prickled, and she saw something dart up a wall. She turned her head, almost refusing to believe what she had seen.
Finally, she admitted it to herself. *Congratulations, Ginny, you have seen your first demon today.* She addressed the demigods. *Demons are behind us and to our sides. What do you want to do?*
*WE MUST GET YOU MORTALS OUT OF HERE AND CALL FOR BACKUP.* came the response. Ginny grimaced. They finally reached the Leaky Cauldron. Harry shattered the door and they strode inside. Draco waved his hand and the bar disappeared, revealing an incredibly pale Petunia, a terrified Tom, and a crying Dudley. Severus strode to the Floo.
"HOGWARTS" boomed the voice again, and he shoved the entire mass of people under the shield through the fireplace. Ginny hopped out at the last minute, angrily brushing her hands on her leather pants. Tom apparated away to safety, certain that everyone was going to die.
"Oh no" she announced grimly. "You still need me." She strode over to Draco's side.
"YOU ARE RIGHT. WE NEED YOU AS OUR CENTER." *ALANNA, XANDER, COME NOW. DEMONS ARE IN DIAGON ALLEY.* Severus shoved Petunia and Dudley through the Floo, along with the assorted shopping bags that everyone had accumulated as Alanna and Xander apparated to their sides.
"We're here and ready to link." Xander announced quietly. He and Alanna linked together, and then they extended hands out to the others. Harry, Severus, and Draco touched each other's temples to reaffirm the bond, then Harry brushed Alanna's temple. Draco brushed Xander's as well. They began to glow a blinding white, the power forming a sphere in the center that slowly built until it encompassed them all. Ginny ducked under their outstretched arms and stood defiantly in the center.
"Go ahead. I'm ready." As one the five demigods nodded and dropped their hands from each other to lightly rest their hands on her temples. *OH WOW* she thought as her consciousness was stripped from her, joining with the others. She felt the entirety of their powers rest inside of her and hold fast. They turned and strode from the Leaky Cauldron, power whipping around them like wind, Ginny in the center.
They entered Diagon Alley again, the ground rippling under their feet. The few people that had managed to survive the massacre took one look at them and apparated the hell away from what they were certain was going to be the worst battle of all time. The six continued to stride down the street, avidly searching for the elusive demons responsible for the carnage, as well as the stray Dementors.
As they rounded the corner past Gringotts, two enormous, crimson, scaly monstrosities slinked into view. They were almost twelve feet tall, had ebony claws the size of hunting daggers, and teeth that could, and probably, from the wreckage of human remains, did sever human heads from their bodies quite easily. The demigods watched as they tensed their enormous muscles, preparing to spring.
They could feel the rest of the demons closing in on them from all sides. They held tightly on their powers, then, with a thought of exasperation, let them loose. Hellfire ripped up and down the street, courtesy of Ginny's abilities, magnified times one million by the demigods' powers. The hellfire combined with a whirlwind of epic proportions, and Severus locked the demons' minds, forcing two of them to remain still as the fire whipped around them, hot enough to incinerate bones. The demons fought back with tooth, nail, and magic, trying to find a weakness. Ginny held the center fast, not giving an inch in their battle. One demon was able to slash Severus across the chest, laying him open to the bone. He disregarded the wound and continued to fight.
Harry and Draco stood together, combining every elemental power they had to take out as many of the demons as possible. The two demons facing them whipped out with a magical force that threw the two demigods into a wall. They flared, and hovered in midair, gathering their exponentially magnified powers. Draco slammed one of the demons back, and Harry crushed him with a barraged of boulders and fire. They watched, battle thirsty, as the demon was completely flattened by the combined forces.
*THREE DOWN, SEVEN TO GO. WHERE ARE THEOSE DEMENTORS?* they thought, concentrating on the battle. Dimly, the vast consciousness felt, through Harry, the telltale presence of Clautius's wraiths, The Dementors. Six patronuses burst from the group, shredding the wraiths where they glided. A Stag, Dragon, Basilisk, Winged Unicorn (Ginny), a Gryffin (Xander), and a Phoenix (Alanna) chased the fleeing Dementors and obliterated them.
The seven remaining demons hissed, and twenty foot wings unfolded from slits in their backs. They took to the air, hoping to gain an advantage. As one, the demigods and Ginny rose, in attack formation, into the air to meet the spawns of Satan head on. Bolt after bolt of lightning flashed at Draco's call, catching one unlucky demon unawares. It fizzles and burst into flames, falling back down to earth. The rest turned, trying to out fly certain death. Only two escaped as Alanna created a tidal wave out of nothing, batting the demons down to the ground like a giant cat's paw playing with a mouse.
Harry opened another chasm in the streets of Diagon Alley, and the demons slammed into the abyss. He sealed the ground after them, trapping them for all eternity. Xander, Draco and Ginny created a maelstrom of wind and flame that incinerated the remaining two. Slowly, afraid to believe that the battle was over, they slowly powered down and returned to the ground.
Ginny was the first to be released from the bond. Turning, she staggered from the sheer amount of power still flowing through her. *That was... intense* she thought wearily, slumping her shoulders. The others released themselves, exhausted. None were more exhausted than Harry, Draco, and Severus, who had been bonded for longer than the others.
Ginny turned and caught Severus as he fell, backwards, in a dead faint. She saw, out of the corner of her eyes, Alanna and Xander catch Harry and Draco as they also toppled over.
"We have to get them back to Hogwarts." Ginny managed to say before sitting down heavily with the unconscious Potions Master lying cradled in her lap. Alanna and Xander stood up, Harry and Draco in their arms. They walked over to where Ginny was seated. The two conscious demigods nodded wearily and apparated them straight through the wards they created around Hogwarts directly into the Hospital Wing.
Alanna and Xander lay their siblings on the hospital beds then turned to help Ginny lay Severus on a bed as well. Madame Pomfrey bustled in and let out a startled squawk as she took in the exhausted, bloody demigods. "What happened!!!" she demanded angrily. She watched, fascinated, as Severus's gaping chest wound glowed faintly and the edges began to knit together.
Alanna looked over at her, slumping against the bed. "Demon attack in Diagon Alley. Go there, it's safe. They need you more than we do." She collapsed against the bed, Xander catching her in his arms before she toppled onto Harry. He lowered her to an empty bed and kissed her forehead. He stretched his hands out and, with one last conscious thought, giving them a time limit of two hours; he created a healing sleep around everyone, including himself.
Harry and Draco awoke, slightly refreshed, two hours later exactly. Harry groaned and stretched, feeling the familiar pull of Draco's mind in his own and the weight of Draco's hand in his. He opened his eyes, blinking around the strangeness of the contacts. He turned his head, sighing, and stared at Dumbledore, who was watching him with a deranged twinkle in his eye.
"What do YOU want?" Draco asked harshly from the other side of Harry. Dumbledore jumped, shocked.
"Good afternoon to you, too, Mr. Malfoy. I trust you are feeling better." Dumbledore tried to smooth the Slytherin's ruffled feathers.
Draco scowled and propped himself up on an elbow. "Don't call me that," he hissed, snarling at the Headmaster.
Dumbledore blinked. "Whyever not? That is your name, is it not?"
"That FUCKING BASTARD is NOT MY FATHER!!! THAT SANCTIMONIOUS ASSWIPE AVADA KEDAVRA'D ME! FUCK HIM! HE SHOULD ROT IN HELL!!!!!" Draco screamed, enraged beyond reason. He could feel Harry in his mind, agreeing with him wholeheartedly.
"DRACONIS ANGELUS MALFOY! You are, one, not to swear like that in public, and two, DO NOT SPEAK ABOUT YOUR FATHER THAT WAY!" A feminine bellow made both Draco and Harry jump and whip around. Narcissa sat in the chair next to Draco's bed, Ceily and Bill at her side. Ginny lay next to Bill's chair and she was gradually stirring.
"Aunt Narcissa! Your HUSBAND tried to KILL your SON! DRACO has EVERY RIGHT to swear like that!" Ceily's eyes shot daggers at her aunt. Narcissa glared at her icily and sat back in her chair in a huff.
"Draco was the one who betrayed our family. He refused the Mark. Lucius has been grooming him for that role since he was born, and he threw it in his face! Lucius had every right to be angry!" Narcissa defended her husband's actions.
Ceily and Draco gaped at her. "Mother!"
"Aunt Narcissa!"
They continued in unison. "Torture and the killing curse are not reasonable actions when you are angry!"
Narcissa stared at her son in exasperation. "Well, you have no lasting damage and you are still alive, so it couldn't have been that bad, could it? Draco you exaggerate too much."
Harry gaped at her. "Ma'am, the only reason he survived is because he is a demigod and because I am one too. I healed his injuries. Without that, he would have DIED. Lucius wants your son DEAD. Please understand that. I was there both times, as was Severus." Harry leaned back against the bed, still exhausted. He turned to Bill. "What time is it?"
"4:30, bro," Bill replied, stretching. "Ginny told me, over the last hour, exactly what has been happening between the three of you. Welcome, you both, to the family." He extended his hand first to Harry, then to Draco. They took his hand gratefully, grinning. Narcissa sniffed.
"Really, Draco," she drawled. "Why would you be associated with the Weaseleys, of all people?"
A muscle in Draco's clenched jaw jumped and twitched. "Because, MOTHER, I happen to enjoy the company of Miss Weaseley very much. Since you have failed to provide me with siblings, I am attempting to make up for your negligence." Narcissa gaped at him, quickly recovering her composure.
"Draco, you will assist me in changing the wards. As much as I love your father, he is intolerable to live with for now." She stood up and swept regally from the room. Bill gaped at her back.
"Didn't that man almost kill her?" he asked in wonder. Draco sighed and stretched.
"She would deny anything was wrong if he had her in chains in the dungeons, the way he had me. That's just her way." Draco released Harry's hand and scooted to the end of the bed. Harry, having the same idea, prepared to stand up. They stood, swaying slightly. Remus, who had been napping at the end of the bed, sprang forward and caught them both under the arms.
"Harry, Draco, Madame Pomfrey, Molly and Petunia are assisting with the relief efforts in Diagon Alley. They asked if you, Alanna, Xander, and Severus would help when you woke up, since you both are proficient at healing," Dumbledore asked. Alanna and Xander stirred and groaned, drawing everyone's attention to them. Harry and Draco walked unsteadily over to their beds and sat down. Xander sat up and opened his eyes.
"You couldn't have put us under for, say, the rest of the night?" Draco asked with a sheepish grin. Xander stretched and shook his head, yawning.
"It would have been nice, but don't we have a party to attend?" Harry looked at him strangely, and Dumbledore choked behind him, making a slashing gesture at Xander. Xander's eyes widened. "Did I say something I wasn't supposed to?" he asked, grinning.
Dumbledore slammed his forehead with the palm of his hand, and groaned. "Thanks for ruining the surprise, Xander." Harry turned to Dumbledore, grinning.
"What makes you think that I even want a birthday party today?" he grinned, sitting cross-legged on the bed. Dumbledore stared at him, confused. Harry continued, stretching his back. "I had the best day today shopping with my friends, and then we took on the demons from Hell and won. I'm exhausted and want to go back to sleep. Plus, we should help with the relief efforts in Diagon Alley, although the people that were left were dead and pretty much can't be helped anymore."
Dumbledore sighed. "Molly and Narcissa contacted several of Draco's friends as well as the entire DA to celebrate. Plus, Nymphadora Tonks and several other Order members will be here. We can't just cancel. That would be rude, and Molly and Narcissa have worked so hard to make the party perfect." Draco stared at Dumbledore.
"My mother worked with MRS. WEASELEY to make a perfect party for a GRYFFINDOR???" he asked, incredulous. Dumbledore nodded happily.
"Yes, it seems that she wants Harry to be happy."
*More like wants to be in your good graces now that she knows how much money you have.* Draco snorted, angry at his mother's hypocrisy. Harry laughed and shook his head.
"Come on," he said, stretching as he stood up. "We mustn't disappoint everyone. SHOTGUN SHOWER!" he yelled, racing out of the Hospital Wing. Draco took off after him, laughing.
In the Hospital Wing, Ginny sat up and stretched. "Mmmm, Bill?" Her older brother turned to her.
"Ginny? How are you feeling, love?" She grinned sleepily.
"I'm fine, Bill. Could you help me up? I heard someone mention a shower and that sounds really, really nice right now." Bill helped his sister to her feet, and she tottered over to where Severus was still sleeping.
"Oh, Uncle Sev, what are we going to do with you? Rest well, and wake up soon." She impishly gave him a kiss on the cheek. Bill's eyes widened, as did Dumbledore's. Severus smiled in his sleep, sighing. She smirked at them and skipped out of the Hospital Wing, following Harry and Draco.
Harry and Draco ran down the stairs, into the Entrance Hall. Harry suddenly tripped over the shopping bags on the staircase, and flew down the rest of the stairs. "HOLY SHIT!!!!" he screamed, and suddenly stopped, an inch from the bottom of the staircase. He slowly lowered himself to the ground and turned around.
Draco stood behind him, hand outreached. "Nice, Harry, you found our stuff!" he happily grabbed his bag and Harry's one big bag. He saw Ginny's and wondered aloud, "I wonder if she wants this stuff right away?"
Ginny answered him from five feet behind him. "Actually, I summoned all my stuff. You mind if I come down into the Slytherin Dorms with you? I'm too traumatized by Hermione and Ron's public and very frequent displays of affection. I really don't want to go up to our dorms right now." Harry and Draco sniggered.
"Sure, why not. Come on down." Draco handed Ginny her bag and they walked down into the dungeons together. They walked into Draco and Harry's room in the Slytherin Dorms. Blaise and Marianna were sitting on the unused bed, Blaise rocking Marianna in his arms.
"Shush, love, they'll help Mum and Dad. Don't worry." Blaise raised his head, surprised when he saw the two Gryffindors in the Dorms. "Draco, what are they doing here?"
Harry cocked an eyebrow. "For your information, I have been living down here ever since I got here, and Ginny is escaping the many tongue wars of Ron and Hermione." Ginny turned green at the thought, clashing with her hair.
Blaise stared at Draco, incredulous. "I thought we hated Gryffindors, Dray. Why are you chumming with your worst enemy and the youngest daughter of your family's worst enemy?"
Draco sighed and sat down. "A lot has happened this summer."
Harry snickered, sitting next to Draco. "That's the understatement of the millennium."
Draco absently hit his shoulder. "Stop interrupting, Potter, and let me speak." Harry pouted, and Ginny laughed at his antics. "Where was I, oh yes. I refused the Mark like we had all vowed, and my father let Voldemort torture me." Harry sat up.
"What vow?" he asked, curious. Blaise sighed.
"None of us except for Pansy and Nott really want to get involved with that madman. It's insane. We can see what is happening. Pureblood families are all becoming squibs. It sucks. Longbottom isn't the only one who has problems with magic. A lot of us are getting weaker and it isn't cool." Harry nodded, understanding. "We made a vow, most of the Slytherin House, to not take the Mark, no matter what. We have three of us that will, but will be spies for us. I cannot tell you who they are, but you get the picture." Harry nodded again. "We made this vow, a Blood Oath, last winter. It cannot be broken, not matter what he does to us. We would rather die than become pawns."
Harry scowled. "My sentiments, exactly, except it is Dumbledore I am pissed at." Blaise stared at him, brow furrowed.
"Why?" he asked, confused.
Harry sighed. "Let Draco tell his story then I will tell mine." Blaise nodded and Draco continued.
"Voldemort sent Harry the vision of my torture, and he, with Osiris, my pet cobra, managed to rescue me from the Manor. I am not too sure what happened next, all though I remember a long broom ride." Harry blushed, laughing.
Blaise stared at him, mouth hanging open in shock. "You rode YOUR BROOM to the MANOR????" Harry nodded.
"It was my only option. It's not like I can drive or apparate." Blaise laughed.
"Potter, you are insane. But, thank you for getting him. You mind if I change?" Draco sighed and shook his head. The very male Blaise suddenly morphed into a very female Blaise. "Thank you," she said in a husky voice. "I was tired of being a boy." Harry's mouth dropped open.
"Harry, Blaise is a gender Metamorphagus. Don't ask, it's a long story." Harry nodded dumbly.
"Anyway, Potter here managed to heal all my injuries with his aura. Flare, Harry." Harry flared his aura briefly. Draco nodded at the stunned expression on Blaise's and Marianna's faces. "That's when we met Alanna and Xander, you haven't met them. They are the coolest. Anyway, we both woke up in Hogwart's infirmary, and made a truce. It turns out that neither of us really hated the other, just perpetuated it for the sake of fighting. So, we finally met Alanna and Xander and they told us that we were demigods. Cool huh?"
Blaise stared back and forth between the two of them, shaking. "You really are?" she squeaked.
"I am the Human Champion for the side of the Light," Harry said, bowing and snickering.
"I am the Demigod Champion for the side of the Light, and the Human Champion's soul mate," Draco also bowed, laughing. Blaise choked, looking back and forth between the two.
Ginny jumped on the bed between them. "And I'm their bratty, incredibly cool little sister." Blaise stared at them as if they were insane. "Honestly, Blaise, how else do you think they were able to do all that?"
Marianna finally spoke up. "Can you help my Mum and Dad? Please? The Death Eaters are at our house, and they're hurting Mummy and Daddy." Harry and Draco stopped laughing and straightened up.
"Let's go." Ginny, Draco, and Harry stood as one, Blaise and Marianna in tow, the shower forgotten. *Alanna, we have another problem.*
*Go ahead, little brother. We're listening.*
*Blaise's parents are still being held by Death Eaters. We need you to help, not in fighting, we can take care of that, but in setting up wards like are on Privet Drive.*
Alanna and Xander appeared right next to them. "Let's go," they said, unconsciously echoing Draco's earlier statement.
They apparated straight through the wards, patching them as they went through, right to Zambini Mansion. they appeared right in the middle of the living room, catching a Death Eater sleeping on the sofa off guard. Harry instantly killed him and he slumped to the ground, lifeless.
*I can feel them in the basement,* Draco sent his soul mate. Harry nodded, and they powered their auras, prepared for anything. They cautiously crept downstairs, Ginny right behind them. Ginny sensed something not quite right and whirled. A Death Eater stood menacingly over Marianna. Alanna stood behind him, and, with a discrete snap of her fingers, the Death Eater slumped to the ground.
Harry and Draco had continued down the stairs to the expansive basement. There, Mr. and Mrs. Zambini were tied to two chairs, gags in their mouths. Other than the restraints, they looked unharmed. Two Death Eaters stood over them, bored with their guard duties. The Zambinis locked eyes with the demigods, and Harry gestured for them to stay quiet. They snuck up behind the two guards. Harry and Draco let lose with a bolt of electricity, frying them instantly. They untied the Zambinis and, en masse, rushed back upstairs.
"Mum! Dad!" Blaise and Marianna yelled, running to them. They hugged, and Mrs. Zambini turned to Harry and Draco.
"How can we ever repay you two? Thank you so much." Draco and Harry grinned.
"You are all invited to Hogwarts in an hour to celebrate my birthday and the defeat and subsequent demise of forty- wait, make those forty-four Death Eaters, fifteen Dementors, and ten demons from Hell," Harry deadpanned. The Zambinis blinked.
"Ooookay," said Mr. Zambini. "You are going to have to run that by me again." Harry, Draco, and Ginny grinned.
Alanna and Xander walked over to the Zambinis. "You are master of this house?" Xander asked. Mr. Zambini nodded. Alanna and Xander powered up. *Watch and learn, little brothers and newest sister.* Ginny beamed.
Alanna and Xander quickly wove mental protection spells around the mansion and its grounds. Alanna touched each of the Zambini's faces, drawing their minds into the process. Harry watched, fascinated, as Xander wove the wards around their minds, allowing only them and persons accompanied by one of them onto the grounds. Thirty seconds later, the wards were complete, having taken less than a minute to weave.
Harry, Alanna, Xander, Ginny, and Draco apparated back to Hogwarts, landing in the Great Hall, leaving the Zambinis to dispose of the bodies. They saw Narcissa sitting at the table, drinking tea.
"Are you ready, Draconis?" she asked, arching an eyebrow. Draco, Harry, Alanna, Xander, and Ginny groaned.
"That's right, we need to change the wards on Malfoy Manor." Draco sank onto the bench next to his mother. "All right, Mother, let's go." Narcissa nodded, and Harry, Ginny and Draco accompanied her to the Manor.
"What are you doing here?" Narcissa asked Ginny, trying not to be rude for her son's sake.
"I'm here to help them. I stabilize their powers. It's one of my talents." Ginny put her hands on their shoulders, steadying them. Harry and Draco slowly began to weave protection spell upon protection spell, layering them so thickly that no one would be able to penetrate them.
Ginny added, on a whim, her own personal touch, promising anyone who tried to break the wards a very interesting skin reaction in very uncomfortable places. Draco added the finishing touch, which allowed only him and his mother, and any guests into any of the Malfoy estates.
In Morocco, in the Malfoy Summer Home, a black shape suddenly flew out the front door and landed, a half mile away, in the ocean.
Lucius Malfoy sputtered as he came to the surface. "WHAT THE FUCK???" he bellowed, then grasped his backside in pain. "Ohh, it hurts. Why the hell do I have boils on my ass?"
The three teenagers flooed back to Hogwarts, stumbling into the Great Hall. Naricssa had stayed behind. Hermione and Ron rushed over to them from where they had been sitting at the Gryffindor table.
"Harry! You saved our lives!" Hermione exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck. Harry staggered under the weight and exuberance. She started to cry- again from the looks of her face.
"Um, it's all right, Hermione, what else did you expect me to do? Just stand by as everyone was slaughtered?" Harry gently peeled the sobbing girl from his shoulder. Ron came up behind him and clapped his shoulder.
"Good show, mate," Ron gruffly spoke, holding his girlfriend. "You really kicked ass." He extended a hand to Harry. "I'm sorry I called you a freak. It was uncalled for, and I apologize."
Harry took his hand. "I accept." They grinned sadly, knowing, that, while they didn't hate each other and would be friends, things would never be the same.
Draco pulled him towards the Dungeons, Ginny in tow. "Harry, not to be rude or anything, but you need a shower."
Harry laughed and allowed himself to be pulled. "Look who's talking. You don't smell the greatest, either." The three of them laughed and finally made it to their much appreciated showers.
Forty-five minutes later, three refreshed teenagers bounded up the stairs from the Dungeons. Harry, in the lead, ran ahead, calling over his shoulder, "Hey, I got to go do something. I'll catch up with you two later."
Ginny and Draco shouted back, "OK!", and ran up to the Hospital Wing.
Harry went looking for Mrs. Weaseley and Lady Malfoy. He found them in the Room of requirement, putting the finishing touches on the party decorations. Molly squealed in shock when she saw Harry standing there, staring at the streamers.
"HARRY! You shouldn't be in here! GO! SHOO!" Molly yelled, causing Narcissa to snort in a very unladylike manner.
"Mrs. Weaseley, would it be all right if Ginny celebrated her birthday tonight as well?" Harry asked as Mrs. Weaseley shoved him out of the room.
"But, Harry, it's your special day! It's YOUR birthday; Ginny's isn't for another two days!"
"Narcissa raised her eyebrows. "You know, Molly, he does have a point. Why not have a double party? I'm sure that the DA would love to celebrate her birthday as well, and it is no problem. The party doesn't start for another hour as it is. We have plenty of time to make the changes and tell everyone." Narcissa immediately started firetalking to the invited guests, informing them of the request.
Molly shoved Harry out of the Room of Requirement completely and sighed. She started to change the decorations, adding Ginny's name to the banners.
Harry ran to the Hospital Wing after Draco and Ginny. He jogged into the Wing to see Severus open his eyes, Draco and Ginny sitting next to his bed.
"Uncle Sev, you're a wake!" the three of them chorused. Severus blinked and shook his head. He looked around blearily, finally focusing on Ginny.
"What- What – Why are you here?" he croaked, confused. Harry gave him a glass of water and he drank it gratefully. "Why are you here, and did I just hear you call me 'Uncle Sev'? he asked, shaking his head in disbelief.
Ginny laughed musically. "Yes, you did, and I'm here because I carried you all the way from Diagon Alley to that bed. Now, how are you feeling?" she asked, smirking.
Severus looked at his chest in confusion. "I was hurt, badly. How did I heal?"
Harry laughed. "All demigods and demigoddesses can heal themselves. You've seen me do it. You can do it too." Severus nodded.
Alanna sat on the edge of the bed. None of them had noticed her and Xander come in. "Ginny, we need to speak with you. It is of the utmost importance." Ginny looked at her and gulped, suddenly afraid.
*Ginny, it can't be that bad. Don't worry, we're here.* Harry and Draco put their arms around her comfortingly.
"How much do you want everyone else to hear?" Alanna asked.
"They're my family. I want them here with me." Ginny jutted her chin, defiant. Alanna and Xander looked at each other and nodded.
"Ginny, I don't know how to tell you this, but you aren't human. You're somehow a demon." Ginny's face turned white. Harry and Draco looked at her, shocked, then hugged her harder. Severus stared at her, and put a hand on her shoulder.
*No matter what, we're family. We'll figure this out somehow.* Severus assured her, and she crumpled into his chest, sobbing.
Alanna waited for her tears to subside, then continued. "You didn't start out that way, but you have demonic abilities, or the abilities Clautius bred into his children. You can do wandless magic extremely well without ever being trained, you are a natural conduit for power, which is why we could use you for our center, and you can manipulate the magic of others. We did not allow mortals to possess these powers, and you are not one of our true siblings. So, if you are not of our creation, then you must be one of his."
Ginny stared at her. "So what are you going to do with me?" she asked, finally.
"Train you, of course, and let you make your own decisions. We do the same with our brothers. Just because you have interesting abilities, doesn't mean that we will abandon you. What do you think we are? Evil?" Ginny laughed in relief and launched herself at Alanna and Xander.
"So, littlest, newest sister, would you like to really join the family?" Xander asked, stroking her hair. She nodded and burrowed into his shoulder.
"Who'd have thought that we'd have a demoness on our side?" Alanna asked, ruffling Ginny's hair. Harry and Draco laughed.
"So, do you have any idea how this happened?" Harry asked, trying to figure out what could have happened to change Ginny so fundamentally.
"Not a clue," Alanna replied.
Harry walked back from the Dungeons, a large, gaily wrapped package under his arm. Draco walked beside him, carrying a large package and small package. They were joined by Ginny who was carrying a small box. Grinning at each other, they strode into the Room of Requirement, getting gasps from the assembled students and Order members.
Dean rushed over to his girlfriend. "Ginny, I WOW! You look incredible" he stammered, loving the changes she had made to her appearance. He shyly handed her a medium sized package. "Happy Birthday, Ginny."
"Thank you, Dean. Hey, next time I go shopping, you want to come with?" Dean hastily nodded, already dreaming about black leather.
Neville walked over to Harry and Draco. "Happy Birthday, Harry! Wow! Where did you get such cool clothing?" Draco smirked and pointed at Claudette, who was standing in the corner, talking to her grandmother and a tall, extremely pale man with silky, blue-black hair.
"That's Claudette. She owns this incredible store called The Dungeon. Maybe, on our next shopping trip, we'll invite you." Draco drawled, causing Neville to stare at him in shock.
"You – you aren't going to insult me?" Neville asked Draco, confused.
Draco smirked. "Do you really want me to?" Neville hastily shook his head no, then squeaked as Severus swept up behind Harry.
"Potter, showing off again? How Gryffindor of you," Snape hissed, sneering.
Harry turned, smirking. "Thanks, Professor Snape, I'll take that as a compliment." He laughed, and to the amazement of almost everyone else in the room, Severus laughed as well, pulling Harry into a hug. "We did good today, didn't we?" Harry asked quietly.
Neville squealed again and passed out. "You're HUGGING that GREASY-" Harry whipped around, sneering at Seamus. Seamus squeaked and shut up instantly.
"Can't I hug my favorite uncle?" Harry hissed, eyes glowing eerily. Ginny tore away from Dean to stand beside him, Draco next to her.
"The next person who refers to Uncle Severus as a greasy git gets boils on their ass, understood?" Ginny hissed, drawing flames around her. Dean stared at her, in shock and awe. Draco created a small whirlwind that made his leather trench coat snap and crack.
"Simmer down, you're scaring your guests and that, unfortunately, is a bad thing," Alanna drawled, striding to Harry. Claudette and the mystery man followed with identical smirks on their faces. Harry grinned, looking positively evil, then relaxed. Draco and Ginny relaxed also. Severus stared alternately at the three of them, shaking his head, smiling.
"Right, now that was cool." Dean walked over to his girlfriend, amusement in his eyes. Ginny, how long have you been able to do that?"
"Since second year. They just kind of woke up after all that stuff with the Chamber of Secrets happened." Harry stared at her, rapidly piecing the puzzle together.
*Of course! It all makes sense now!* vowing to talk with Draco, Sev, Alanna and Xander later, he decided to enjoy the party.
They partied late into the night. Harry and Ginny alternately opened presents after about four hours of dancing, talking and pulling pranks. Ginny loved her trench coat, and Harry loved the tongue bar, a silver snake that actually moved and wriggled. They hugged each other, and then opened the rest.
Severus and Draco bought Harry a seven foot king cobra, complete with magical aquarium that only took up about three feet by two feet on the outside but gave Isis, as she informed Harry Isis was her name, over a half mile to roam. Ginny loved the tiered choker and bellybutton ring, and quickly put them on, to her mother's dismay.
"Virginia Weaseley! When did you get that?" Molly yelled. Bill ducked, blushing. "William Weaseley! What did you let your sister do???" She chased Bill out of the room, shouting at him.
Harry loved the book on Animagi Hermione bought him, and the deluxe Weaseley's Wizard Wheezes prank kit Ron had gotten him. Remus and Tonks pulled out a large box. "Harry, we found this in Sirius's room. He bought this for you a few days before he died." Harry's eyes welled up with tears and Draco squeezed his hand under the table. Harry waited for Ginny to open her gifts from Ron and Hermione- a magical diary and a book on makeup charms and tips- before touching his.
He opened the box and gasped. Inside was a pensieve, with a letter attached to the side. Harry opened the letter with trembling fingers and read it.
My dear Godson, Happy Sixteenth Birthday! Inside are my, Remus's, Dumbledore's and several other people's memories of your parents growing up and attending Hogwarts. I know how much you miss them. I miss them too, kid. Again, Happy Birthday and I love you.
Sirius
Harry put his head on the table, tears streaming down his face. Alanna hugged him, and pulled him up from the table. She walked him over to the corner of the room and hugged him.
"Harry," she told him gently. "First, he may not be dead, and second, Xander and I have a gift for you that we think you will really like. However, it cannot arrive until the first day of school."
Harry stared at her, feeling marginally better. "Not even a hint?" he teased, a wan smile gracing his features.
"That's my boy!" she praised, cuffing his shoulder. "Let's just say that memories do not take the place of the real thing." Harry stared at her, confused. Draco, who had caught the end of that, stared at her in surprise and comprehension. Alanna stared at him, and put a finger to her lips. Draco nodded, tears of joy streaming down his face.
A/N: Ok, who liked it? It was so much fun to write, and my mom actually read this one over my shoulder and likes my storyline! YAY! So, keep reading, and chapter 12 should be up in several days.
B/N: I LIKED IT! I LIKED IT! Good story, very good. DIBBS ON ONE OF THE DEMONS! That will make an awesome pet! Mwahahahahaha, fear me, puny mortals- who-don't-have-really-cool-pets! ........... ................ Yes *ahem* well anyways, COOKIES for those who read it and extra FUDGE for those who reviewed and made my sis happy! If you are allergic to fudge (or cookies for that matter) review, tell my sis, and I will send you what you like... just make sure it isn't pork rinds (shudder). Hasta luego!
Chapter 11
Voldemort gathered his Inner Circle inside the dungeon of Riddle Manor. "Lucius, where are the brats?"
"My Lord, they have escaped to Diagon Alley. What do you wish us to do?" Lucius Malfoy asked, bowing low before Voldemort.
"You, my second, will gather forty of my best Death Eaters and fifteen Dementors. We attack Diagon Alley in ten minutes. Find the brats, and take them alive. Destroy everything else. You know what to do."
"Yes, My Lord." Lucius knelt, and then started issuing orders as he stood. "Nott, Crabbe, Goyle! Come with me!" He swept from the room, three other robed figures trailing after him. Voldemort could hear him bellowing commands to the rest of the gathered Death Eaters.
"He had better not screw up this time. I refuse to break him out of Azkaban once more," the Dark Lord sneered. He turned and spoke out loud to a seemingly empty room. "Master, I would appreciate it if I could borrow a few upper class demons to augment my Death Eaters."
A sibilant hiss reverberated from the walls. "I WILL SEND TEN THROUGH THE PORTAL, MY STUDENT. TAKE CARE OF MY CHILDREN." Voldemort bowed in relief and gratitude.
Harry staggered, caught up in the vision of the Dark Lord's plans. *Oh I haven't missed this at all* he thought grimly as Draco steadied his arm. *How the hell did I ever deal with this on a day to day basis?*
*Let's see, you spent most of your time screaming in the Hospital Wing or being thought of as crazy by your dorm mates and three fourths of the school* Sev's sarcastic voice cut into his thoughts.
*Thanks a lot, Uncle Sev. I really needed that inspiring comment,* Harry thought, exasperated. *You aren't helping.*
*Sorry.* Severus grabbed Harry's other arm as Ginny burst through the door, skidding into the room. She looked around, and then rushed over to where everyone had congregated in the back.
"I felt that. Harry, are you all right? When are they attacking?" Jacques gasped, staring at her.
"Who are you and who is attacking?" he demanded, shaking in terror. Ginny put her arm around his trembling shoulders.
"Ginny Weaseley and about forty Death Eaters are coming to Diagon Alley. You better close up and leave," she said grimly. Jacques's eyes widened and he nodded hastily. He waved his wand and the shades in the window closed. He locked the front door and apparated to safety, leaving the students and Severus alone in the shop.
"Blaise, Marianna, we have to leave. We have to get back to the Leaky Cauldron as fast as possible and get to Hogwarts where it is safe." Draco ordered Blaise and Blaise's Mini Me. Harry guessed, correctly that the girl, Marianna, was Blaise's younger sister.
*Remus, Ceily, Ron, Hermione, Petunia, Dudley, Death Eaters and worse are coming to Diagon Alley. Stay low and out of sight. We are coming to get you* Harry called to them, desperately feeling for their minds.
"How? They're coming for us en masse. How can we get all the way across Knockturn Alley and halfway across Diagon Alley without being attacked?" Blaise asked, brow creasing in concentration. Marianna whimpered and clung to her older brother.
*Harry? WHAT? HOW CAN YOU- LYING BACKSTABBING FREAK- WHEN ARE THEY COMING?* Half a dozen voices responded to him, alternating between worried, fearful, and extremely pissed off.
*You need to stay low, and don't draw attention to yourself. We are coming for you. Please stay safe.* Harry sent them the message, overriding their panic with calm. *Just stay where you are and hide. We will find you.* He could feel them consent and left them alone.
"Blaise, don't let them hurt me, PLEASE," Marianna whispered to her brother. Draco knelt down next to her, Harry and Ginny right beside him.
"Mari, honey, we promise that nothing is going to happen to you. Harry, Uncle Sev and I can protect you from anything, even the killing curse," *I hope* he thought anxiously. *Harry, do you remember how to block it?* he asked his soul mate.
Harry rolled his eyes. *Draco, I was a year and a half. All I remember is my dad screaming for my mum to run, her screaming for Voldemort not to kill me, and then a sickly green light that somehow bounced off of me.* Draco stared at him in wonder.
*How do you remember all that?* he asked, genuinely impressed.
*It's what I see when Dementors get too close. That's why they affect me so badly, not that you would care. You exploited that one so badly...* Harry trailed off, close to tears but stubbornly withholding them.
Draco hung his head. *I'm so sorry* he thought, ashamed.
Severus cut into their cloud of self pity. *As much as I like to see you two apologizing for treating each other like shit for the last six years, now is not the time to kiss and make up! DEATH EATERS ARE COMING HERE, NOW!* he bellowed, scaring Draco and Harry out of their pain and anger.
"Right, we need to move. Ginny, how well can you manipulate magic?" Harry asked, assuming the role of the leader. Severus's eyes widened.
"You and I really need to have a talk," he told her.
"Uncle Sev, you were right in what you told Harry and Draco. Now is not the time. I promise, when we get back, I will explain everything," Ginny snapped, already forcing herself to concentrate deeply, ignoring Severus's widened eyes and insulted expression. Dimly, she could hear shouts outside and the feel of the killing curse being used. *Oh hell, it's starting* she broadcasted to everyone in the room. Harry nodded, determined, ignoring Blaise's and Marianna's frightened gasps.
*Ginny, Draco, Uncle Sev and I are going to flare our shields then pass them to you. You MUST hold them around Blaise, Marianna, and yourself. We have to move now, before they trap us in here. There is a back door, and we are taking the back alleys to Diagon Alley. It will cut down on time and they will be less likely to see us. Ready?* he asked everyone. Blaise and Marianna nodded hesitantly, just accepting everything they heard.
Harry and Draco drew on their bond, touching each others' temples. They locked eyes and the room was filled with an incredibly bright white light as they completely melded their minds together. They turned as one, both reaching hands out to Severus. He reached his hands out and firmly slid his hands over their temples. They in turn slid their fingertips over his.
They felt drawn together completely, sharing memories, thoughts, feelings, until there was no I, no you, just WE. *Is this heaven or is it hell?* Severus wondered before his individuality was added to the already vast consciousness surrounding him. They locked themselves like that then removed their hands. They turned to the others, and the three mortals gasped in fright. Harry's, Draco's and Severus's eyes glowed an incandescent white that illuminated their faces, and a good part of the room.
"WE MUST GO NOW" A voice boomed and echoed in the room, a faint whisper echoing the words in an eerie hiss. Their combined auras flared, swirling light blue, verdant green, and silver in a white smoky haze. The shields locked and solidified around the six people in the room. Ginny calmly strode in between the three demigods and extended her hands. A brilliant white light with a red and gold ribbon flowed around her, immersing her completely. She drew in their shield and made it her own, pulling Marianna and Blaise to her with her mind. They clasped her hands and the multicolored, shimmering force swallowed them as well before becoming transparent.
Ginny nodded. "We are ready," she announced quietly. The conjoined demigods led the three mortals out the back door into the alley. In the main streets, they could see bodies lying everywhere and buildings burning.
*AROUND BACK, WE CANNOT GO THAT WAY* the voice boomed again in their minds. The three demigods took up a triangular position around the mortals. *WE WILL PROTECT YOU. JUST KEEP WALKING. DO NOT LOOK BACK.* They hurried through the back alleyways of Knockturn Alley, finally reaching the seedier part that meant Diagon Alley was close.
The back alleys ended abruptly. They calmly strode out into the main street, instantly drawing the attention of every Death Eater in the vicinity. One raised his arm high and pointed a wand at the Dark Mark, making it glow bright red. The Death Eaters abandoned the witches and wizards they were killing and flocked to their summoner. The six were immediately surrounded by Lucius Malfoy and his hand picked force.
"Well, well, what have we here?" Lucius drawled, removing his mask and swaggering forward. Draco hissed at him in fury, Harry and Severus echoing his actions. They drew closer to the three mortals protectively. Blaise and Marianna stared, petrified as the Death Eaters leveled their wands at the six.
Harry, Draco, and Severus grinned evilly, snarling at the forty Death Eaters circling around them. Lucius faltered, staring at the expressions on their faces.
*They look really creepy* he thought, and then tightened his resolve. "Draco, I told you to pick the winning side. Now I won't even have to disown you. Goodbye." Lucius pointed his wand straight at his son and shouted "Avada Kedavra!" The sickly green light sped towards the demigod.
Draco grinned even wider as the light was absorbed by his shields, just disappearing before it could even touch him. "WELL, FATHER, WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY FOR YOURSELF? YOU ARE THE FAILURE. YOU CAN'T EVEN KILL A SIXTEEN YEAR OLD BOY," the voice boomed and echoed, making the Death Eaters' skin crawl.
With three matching snarls of rage, the three demigods slammed their hands out at the Death Eaters. The ground suddenly bucked and rolled, toppling the Death Eaters like dominoes. A chasm opened in the street beneath some of them, and seven of them fell, screaming, into the abyss. The ground closed back up, sealing them in for all eternity. Lightning crashed into their midst, killing several more instantly. A whirlwind sped down the street, destroying everything in its path. It picked up four or five Death Eater and threw them into walls, roofs, and other Death Eaters.
Ginny raised her hand from the center of the shields. A hungry flame shot to the whirlwind, turning it into an inferno straight from the mouth of Hell. The ranks of Death Eaters were decimated as they turned tail and ran, desperately trying to save their lives. *Run like the scared rats that you are,* thought Ginny, grimly triumphant. She felt several pops and decided to have some fun.
*Let's see, where to send that one?* she thought mischievously as she manipulated the magical energy in the apparation field. *Antarctica sounds good this time of year.* She sent one to Antarctica, another to the Moon, and a third into the Marianas Trench. *I'd like to see them try to explain that one to Moldywart* she thought in satisfaction as all the remaining Death Eaters wound up in perilous places.
They continued on, striding through the abandoned streets. Everywhere around them, they could see carnage and devastation. Bodies littered the streets like garbage, blood and gore everywhere. *THIS DOES NOT FEEL RIGHT* boomed the voice again. *WHY WOULD THE DEATH EATERS LEAVE BLOOD AND GORE IF THEY USED THE KILLING CURSE?* The three demigods warily stared at the MOVING shadows. They entered Diagon Alley, trying to spot trouble in every direction.
Five Dementors glided out of the shadows, heading straight for them. Dimly, the vast consciousness that separately was Harry, Draco and Severus could feel them trying to incapacitate them. They waved their hands and immense Patronuses appeared, ready for battle. Harry's stag joined a fiery dragon and a basilisk in driving away and, in a burst of inspiration, completely obliterating the Dementors.
The Patronuses turned, seeking other Dementors to destroy. The demigods kept them swirling around them as they moved cautiously towards the Leaky Cauldron. Ginny comforted Blaise and Marianna as best she could while keeping a tight hold on the shields. While they hadn't even felt the effects of being so close to the Dementors, their presence alone had been terrifying. *We better get there soon* she prayed fervently. *I don't know how much longer I'll last if we have any more fighting.* She cold feel her strength start to waver, and with a muffled curse, bolstered it. *NO. I refuse to give in.* Grimly, she kept walking, holding Blaise's and Marianna's hands in a death grip.
Harry, in point position, turned to face Madame Malkin's Dress Robes shop. The door blew open, and a very frightened and angry Remus, Bill, and Ceily were levitated, against their will, into the waiting shield. Harry's incandescent eyes searched the surrounding buildings for survivors. Finding none, they continued walking.
Harry stopped them again in front of Flourish and Blott's book store. He again blew the door open, and pulled a loudly swearing Ronald Weaseley from the shop.
"Fuck you! BASTARDS! You won't take me alive. I'm going to get every last one of you!" Harry dropped him into the shield and Ron blinked owlishly at the faces surrounding him. Harry dropped Hermione in after him. They regained their feet, wisely refusing to say anything else.
*LET'S GO. WE HAVE EVERYONE WE NEED. PETUNIA AND DUDLEY ARE ALREADY IN THE LEAKY CAULDRON.* They continued moving, aware that time was running out for them. Ginny's neck prickled, and she saw something dart up a wall. She turned her head, almost refusing to believe what she had seen.
Finally, she admitted it to herself. *Congratulations, Ginny, you have seen your first demon today.* She addressed the demigods. *Demons are behind us and to our sides. What do you want to do?*
*WE MUST GET YOU MORTALS OUT OF HERE AND CALL FOR BACKUP.* came the response. Ginny grimaced. They finally reached the Leaky Cauldron. Harry shattered the door and they strode inside. Draco waved his hand and the bar disappeared, revealing an incredibly pale Petunia, a terrified Tom, and a crying Dudley. Severus strode to the Floo.
"HOGWARTS" boomed the voice again, and he shoved the entire mass of people under the shield through the fireplace. Ginny hopped out at the last minute, angrily brushing her hands on her leather pants. Tom apparated away to safety, certain that everyone was going to die.
"Oh no" she announced grimly. "You still need me." She strode over to Draco's side.
"YOU ARE RIGHT. WE NEED YOU AS OUR CENTER." *ALANNA, XANDER, COME NOW. DEMONS ARE IN DIAGON ALLEY.* Severus shoved Petunia and Dudley through the Floo, along with the assorted shopping bags that everyone had accumulated as Alanna and Xander apparated to their sides.
"We're here and ready to link." Xander announced quietly. He and Alanna linked together, and then they extended hands out to the others. Harry, Severus, and Draco touched each other's temples to reaffirm the bond, then Harry brushed Alanna's temple. Draco brushed Xander's as well. They began to glow a blinding white, the power forming a sphere in the center that slowly built until it encompassed them all. Ginny ducked under their outstretched arms and stood defiantly in the center.
"Go ahead. I'm ready." As one the five demigods nodded and dropped their hands from each other to lightly rest their hands on her temples. *OH WOW* she thought as her consciousness was stripped from her, joining with the others. She felt the entirety of their powers rest inside of her and hold fast. They turned and strode from the Leaky Cauldron, power whipping around them like wind, Ginny in the center.
They entered Diagon Alley again, the ground rippling under their feet. The few people that had managed to survive the massacre took one look at them and apparated the hell away from what they were certain was going to be the worst battle of all time. The six continued to stride down the street, avidly searching for the elusive demons responsible for the carnage, as well as the stray Dementors.
As they rounded the corner past Gringotts, two enormous, crimson, scaly monstrosities slinked into view. They were almost twelve feet tall, had ebony claws the size of hunting daggers, and teeth that could, and probably, from the wreckage of human remains, did sever human heads from their bodies quite easily. The demigods watched as they tensed their enormous muscles, preparing to spring.
They could feel the rest of the demons closing in on them from all sides. They held tightly on their powers, then, with a thought of exasperation, let them loose. Hellfire ripped up and down the street, courtesy of Ginny's abilities, magnified times one million by the demigods' powers. The hellfire combined with a whirlwind of epic proportions, and Severus locked the demons' minds, forcing two of them to remain still as the fire whipped around them, hot enough to incinerate bones. The demons fought back with tooth, nail, and magic, trying to find a weakness. Ginny held the center fast, not giving an inch in their battle. One demon was able to slash Severus across the chest, laying him open to the bone. He disregarded the wound and continued to fight.
Harry and Draco stood together, combining every elemental power they had to take out as many of the demons as possible. The two demons facing them whipped out with a magical force that threw the two demigods into a wall. They flared, and hovered in midair, gathering their exponentially magnified powers. Draco slammed one of the demons back, and Harry crushed him with a barraged of boulders and fire. They watched, battle thirsty, as the demon was completely flattened by the combined forces.
*THREE DOWN, SEVEN TO GO. WHERE ARE THEOSE DEMENTORS?* they thought, concentrating on the battle. Dimly, the vast consciousness felt, through Harry, the telltale presence of Clautius's wraiths, The Dementors. Six patronuses burst from the group, shredding the wraiths where they glided. A Stag, Dragon, Basilisk, Winged Unicorn (Ginny), a Gryffin (Xander), and a Phoenix (Alanna) chased the fleeing Dementors and obliterated them.
The seven remaining demons hissed, and twenty foot wings unfolded from slits in their backs. They took to the air, hoping to gain an advantage. As one, the demigods and Ginny rose, in attack formation, into the air to meet the spawns of Satan head on. Bolt after bolt of lightning flashed at Draco's call, catching one unlucky demon unawares. It fizzles and burst into flames, falling back down to earth. The rest turned, trying to out fly certain death. Only two escaped as Alanna created a tidal wave out of nothing, batting the demons down to the ground like a giant cat's paw playing with a mouse.
Harry opened another chasm in the streets of Diagon Alley, and the demons slammed into the abyss. He sealed the ground after them, trapping them for all eternity. Xander, Draco and Ginny created a maelstrom of wind and flame that incinerated the remaining two. Slowly, afraid to believe that the battle was over, they slowly powered down and returned to the ground.
Ginny was the first to be released from the bond. Turning, she staggered from the sheer amount of power still flowing through her. *That was... intense* she thought wearily, slumping her shoulders. The others released themselves, exhausted. None were more exhausted than Harry, Draco, and Severus, who had been bonded for longer than the others.
Ginny turned and caught Severus as he fell, backwards, in a dead faint. She saw, out of the corner of her eyes, Alanna and Xander catch Harry and Draco as they also toppled over.
"We have to get them back to Hogwarts." Ginny managed to say before sitting down heavily with the unconscious Potions Master lying cradled in her lap. Alanna and Xander stood up, Harry and Draco in their arms. They walked over to where Ginny was seated. The two conscious demigods nodded wearily and apparated them straight through the wards they created around Hogwarts directly into the Hospital Wing.
Alanna and Xander lay their siblings on the hospital beds then turned to help Ginny lay Severus on a bed as well. Madame Pomfrey bustled in and let out a startled squawk as she took in the exhausted, bloody demigods. "What happened!!!" she demanded angrily. She watched, fascinated, as Severus's gaping chest wound glowed faintly and the edges began to knit together.
Alanna looked over at her, slumping against the bed. "Demon attack in Diagon Alley. Go there, it's safe. They need you more than we do." She collapsed against the bed, Xander catching her in his arms before she toppled onto Harry. He lowered her to an empty bed and kissed her forehead. He stretched his hands out and, with one last conscious thought, giving them a time limit of two hours; he created a healing sleep around everyone, including himself.
Harry and Draco awoke, slightly refreshed, two hours later exactly. Harry groaned and stretched, feeling the familiar pull of Draco's mind in his own and the weight of Draco's hand in his. He opened his eyes, blinking around the strangeness of the contacts. He turned his head, sighing, and stared at Dumbledore, who was watching him with a deranged twinkle in his eye.
"What do YOU want?" Draco asked harshly from the other side of Harry. Dumbledore jumped, shocked.
"Good afternoon to you, too, Mr. Malfoy. I trust you are feeling better." Dumbledore tried to smooth the Slytherin's ruffled feathers.
Draco scowled and propped himself up on an elbow. "Don't call me that," he hissed, snarling at the Headmaster.
Dumbledore blinked. "Whyever not? That is your name, is it not?"
"That FUCKING BASTARD is NOT MY FATHER!!! THAT SANCTIMONIOUS ASSWIPE AVADA KEDAVRA'D ME! FUCK HIM! HE SHOULD ROT IN HELL!!!!!" Draco screamed, enraged beyond reason. He could feel Harry in his mind, agreeing with him wholeheartedly.
"DRACONIS ANGELUS MALFOY! You are, one, not to swear like that in public, and two, DO NOT SPEAK ABOUT YOUR FATHER THAT WAY!" A feminine bellow made both Draco and Harry jump and whip around. Narcissa sat in the chair next to Draco's bed, Ceily and Bill at her side. Ginny lay next to Bill's chair and she was gradually stirring.
"Aunt Narcissa! Your HUSBAND tried to KILL your SON! DRACO has EVERY RIGHT to swear like that!" Ceily's eyes shot daggers at her aunt. Narcissa glared at her icily and sat back in her chair in a huff.
"Draco was the one who betrayed our family. He refused the Mark. Lucius has been grooming him for that role since he was born, and he threw it in his face! Lucius had every right to be angry!" Narcissa defended her husband's actions.
Ceily and Draco gaped at her. "Mother!"
"Aunt Narcissa!"
They continued in unison. "Torture and the killing curse are not reasonable actions when you are angry!"
Narcissa stared at her son in exasperation. "Well, you have no lasting damage and you are still alive, so it couldn't have been that bad, could it? Draco you exaggerate too much."
Harry gaped at her. "Ma'am, the only reason he survived is because he is a demigod and because I am one too. I healed his injuries. Without that, he would have DIED. Lucius wants your son DEAD. Please understand that. I was there both times, as was Severus." Harry leaned back against the bed, still exhausted. He turned to Bill. "What time is it?"
"4:30, bro," Bill replied, stretching. "Ginny told me, over the last hour, exactly what has been happening between the three of you. Welcome, you both, to the family." He extended his hand first to Harry, then to Draco. They took his hand gratefully, grinning. Narcissa sniffed.
"Really, Draco," she drawled. "Why would you be associated with the Weaseleys, of all people?"
A muscle in Draco's clenched jaw jumped and twitched. "Because, MOTHER, I happen to enjoy the company of Miss Weaseley very much. Since you have failed to provide me with siblings, I am attempting to make up for your negligence." Narcissa gaped at him, quickly recovering her composure.
"Draco, you will assist me in changing the wards. As much as I love your father, he is intolerable to live with for now." She stood up and swept regally from the room. Bill gaped at her back.
"Didn't that man almost kill her?" he asked in wonder. Draco sighed and stretched.
"She would deny anything was wrong if he had her in chains in the dungeons, the way he had me. That's just her way." Draco released Harry's hand and scooted to the end of the bed. Harry, having the same idea, prepared to stand up. They stood, swaying slightly. Remus, who had been napping at the end of the bed, sprang forward and caught them both under the arms.
"Harry, Draco, Madame Pomfrey, Molly and Petunia are assisting with the relief efforts in Diagon Alley. They asked if you, Alanna, Xander, and Severus would help when you woke up, since you both are proficient at healing," Dumbledore asked. Alanna and Xander stirred and groaned, drawing everyone's attention to them. Harry and Draco walked unsteadily over to their beds and sat down. Xander sat up and opened his eyes.
"You couldn't have put us under for, say, the rest of the night?" Draco asked with a sheepish grin. Xander stretched and shook his head, yawning.
"It would have been nice, but don't we have a party to attend?" Harry looked at him strangely, and Dumbledore choked behind him, making a slashing gesture at Xander. Xander's eyes widened. "Did I say something I wasn't supposed to?" he asked, grinning.
Dumbledore slammed his forehead with the palm of his hand, and groaned. "Thanks for ruining the surprise, Xander." Harry turned to Dumbledore, grinning.
"What makes you think that I even want a birthday party today?" he grinned, sitting cross-legged on the bed. Dumbledore stared at him, confused. Harry continued, stretching his back. "I had the best day today shopping with my friends, and then we took on the demons from Hell and won. I'm exhausted and want to go back to sleep. Plus, we should help with the relief efforts in Diagon Alley, although the people that were left were dead and pretty much can't be helped anymore."
Dumbledore sighed. "Molly and Narcissa contacted several of Draco's friends as well as the entire DA to celebrate. Plus, Nymphadora Tonks and several other Order members will be here. We can't just cancel. That would be rude, and Molly and Narcissa have worked so hard to make the party perfect." Draco stared at Dumbledore.
"My mother worked with MRS. WEASELEY to make a perfect party for a GRYFFINDOR???" he asked, incredulous. Dumbledore nodded happily.
"Yes, it seems that she wants Harry to be happy."
*More like wants to be in your good graces now that she knows how much money you have.* Draco snorted, angry at his mother's hypocrisy. Harry laughed and shook his head.
"Come on," he said, stretching as he stood up. "We mustn't disappoint everyone. SHOTGUN SHOWER!" he yelled, racing out of the Hospital Wing. Draco took off after him, laughing.
In the Hospital Wing, Ginny sat up and stretched. "Mmmm, Bill?" Her older brother turned to her.
"Ginny? How are you feeling, love?" She grinned sleepily.
"I'm fine, Bill. Could you help me up? I heard someone mention a shower and that sounds really, really nice right now." Bill helped his sister to her feet, and she tottered over to where Severus was still sleeping.
"Oh, Uncle Sev, what are we going to do with you? Rest well, and wake up soon." She impishly gave him a kiss on the cheek. Bill's eyes widened, as did Dumbledore's. Severus smiled in his sleep, sighing. She smirked at them and skipped out of the Hospital Wing, following Harry and Draco.
Harry and Draco ran down the stairs, into the Entrance Hall. Harry suddenly tripped over the shopping bags on the staircase, and flew down the rest of the stairs. "HOLY SHIT!!!!" he screamed, and suddenly stopped, an inch from the bottom of the staircase. He slowly lowered himself to the ground and turned around.
Draco stood behind him, hand outreached. "Nice, Harry, you found our stuff!" he happily grabbed his bag and Harry's one big bag. He saw Ginny's and wondered aloud, "I wonder if she wants this stuff right away?"
Ginny answered him from five feet behind him. "Actually, I summoned all my stuff. You mind if I come down into the Slytherin Dorms with you? I'm too traumatized by Hermione and Ron's public and very frequent displays of affection. I really don't want to go up to our dorms right now." Harry and Draco sniggered.
"Sure, why not. Come on down." Draco handed Ginny her bag and they walked down into the dungeons together. They walked into Draco and Harry's room in the Slytherin Dorms. Blaise and Marianna were sitting on the unused bed, Blaise rocking Marianna in his arms.
"Shush, love, they'll help Mum and Dad. Don't worry." Blaise raised his head, surprised when he saw the two Gryffindors in the Dorms. "Draco, what are they doing here?"
Harry cocked an eyebrow. "For your information, I have been living down here ever since I got here, and Ginny is escaping the many tongue wars of Ron and Hermione." Ginny turned green at the thought, clashing with her hair.
Blaise stared at Draco, incredulous. "I thought we hated Gryffindors, Dray. Why are you chumming with your worst enemy and the youngest daughter of your family's worst enemy?"
Draco sighed and sat down. "A lot has happened this summer."
Harry snickered, sitting next to Draco. "That's the understatement of the millennium."
Draco absently hit his shoulder. "Stop interrupting, Potter, and let me speak." Harry pouted, and Ginny laughed at his antics. "Where was I, oh yes. I refused the Mark like we had all vowed, and my father let Voldemort torture me." Harry sat up.
"What vow?" he asked, curious. Blaise sighed.
"None of us except for Pansy and Nott really want to get involved with that madman. It's insane. We can see what is happening. Pureblood families are all becoming squibs. It sucks. Longbottom isn't the only one who has problems with magic. A lot of us are getting weaker and it isn't cool." Harry nodded, understanding. "We made a vow, most of the Slytherin House, to not take the Mark, no matter what. We have three of us that will, but will be spies for us. I cannot tell you who they are, but you get the picture." Harry nodded again. "We made this vow, a Blood Oath, last winter. It cannot be broken, not matter what he does to us. We would rather die than become pawns."
Harry scowled. "My sentiments, exactly, except it is Dumbledore I am pissed at." Blaise stared at him, brow furrowed.
"Why?" he asked, confused.
Harry sighed. "Let Draco tell his story then I will tell mine." Blaise nodded and Draco continued.
"Voldemort sent Harry the vision of my torture, and he, with Osiris, my pet cobra, managed to rescue me from the Manor. I am not too sure what happened next, all though I remember a long broom ride." Harry blushed, laughing.
Blaise stared at him, mouth hanging open in shock. "You rode YOUR BROOM to the MANOR????" Harry nodded.
"It was my only option. It's not like I can drive or apparate." Blaise laughed.
"Potter, you are insane. But, thank you for getting him. You mind if I change?" Draco sighed and shook his head. The very male Blaise suddenly morphed into a very female Blaise. "Thank you," she said in a husky voice. "I was tired of being a boy." Harry's mouth dropped open.
"Harry, Blaise is a gender Metamorphagus. Don't ask, it's a long story." Harry nodded dumbly.
"Anyway, Potter here managed to heal all my injuries with his aura. Flare, Harry." Harry flared his aura briefly. Draco nodded at the stunned expression on Blaise's and Marianna's faces. "That's when we met Alanna and Xander, you haven't met them. They are the coolest. Anyway, we both woke up in Hogwart's infirmary, and made a truce. It turns out that neither of us really hated the other, just perpetuated it for the sake of fighting. So, we finally met Alanna and Xander and they told us that we were demigods. Cool huh?"
Blaise stared back and forth between the two of them, shaking. "You really are?" she squeaked.
"I am the Human Champion for the side of the Light," Harry said, bowing and snickering.
"I am the Demigod Champion for the side of the Light, and the Human Champion's soul mate," Draco also bowed, laughing. Blaise choked, looking back and forth between the two.
Ginny jumped on the bed between them. "And I'm their bratty, incredibly cool little sister." Blaise stared at them as if they were insane. "Honestly, Blaise, how else do you think they were able to do all that?"
Marianna finally spoke up. "Can you help my Mum and Dad? Please? The Death Eaters are at our house, and they're hurting Mummy and Daddy." Harry and Draco stopped laughing and straightened up.
"Let's go." Ginny, Draco, and Harry stood as one, Blaise and Marianna in tow, the shower forgotten. *Alanna, we have another problem.*
*Go ahead, little brother. We're listening.*
*Blaise's parents are still being held by Death Eaters. We need you to help, not in fighting, we can take care of that, but in setting up wards like are on Privet Drive.*
Alanna and Xander appeared right next to them. "Let's go," they said, unconsciously echoing Draco's earlier statement.
They apparated straight through the wards, patching them as they went through, right to Zambini Mansion. they appeared right in the middle of the living room, catching a Death Eater sleeping on the sofa off guard. Harry instantly killed him and he slumped to the ground, lifeless.
*I can feel them in the basement,* Draco sent his soul mate. Harry nodded, and they powered their auras, prepared for anything. They cautiously crept downstairs, Ginny right behind them. Ginny sensed something not quite right and whirled. A Death Eater stood menacingly over Marianna. Alanna stood behind him, and, with a discrete snap of her fingers, the Death Eater slumped to the ground.
Harry and Draco had continued down the stairs to the expansive basement. There, Mr. and Mrs. Zambini were tied to two chairs, gags in their mouths. Other than the restraints, they looked unharmed. Two Death Eaters stood over them, bored with their guard duties. The Zambinis locked eyes with the demigods, and Harry gestured for them to stay quiet. They snuck up behind the two guards. Harry and Draco let lose with a bolt of electricity, frying them instantly. They untied the Zambinis and, en masse, rushed back upstairs.
"Mum! Dad!" Blaise and Marianna yelled, running to them. They hugged, and Mrs. Zambini turned to Harry and Draco.
"How can we ever repay you two? Thank you so much." Draco and Harry grinned.
"You are all invited to Hogwarts in an hour to celebrate my birthday and the defeat and subsequent demise of forty- wait, make those forty-four Death Eaters, fifteen Dementors, and ten demons from Hell," Harry deadpanned. The Zambinis blinked.
"Ooookay," said Mr. Zambini. "You are going to have to run that by me again." Harry, Draco, and Ginny grinned.
Alanna and Xander walked over to the Zambinis. "You are master of this house?" Xander asked. Mr. Zambini nodded. Alanna and Xander powered up. *Watch and learn, little brothers and newest sister.* Ginny beamed.
Alanna and Xander quickly wove mental protection spells around the mansion and its grounds. Alanna touched each of the Zambini's faces, drawing their minds into the process. Harry watched, fascinated, as Xander wove the wards around their minds, allowing only them and persons accompanied by one of them onto the grounds. Thirty seconds later, the wards were complete, having taken less than a minute to weave.
Harry, Alanna, Xander, Ginny, and Draco apparated back to Hogwarts, landing in the Great Hall, leaving the Zambinis to dispose of the bodies. They saw Narcissa sitting at the table, drinking tea.
"Are you ready, Draconis?" she asked, arching an eyebrow. Draco, Harry, Alanna, Xander, and Ginny groaned.
"That's right, we need to change the wards on Malfoy Manor." Draco sank onto the bench next to his mother. "All right, Mother, let's go." Narcissa nodded, and Harry, Ginny and Draco accompanied her to the Manor.
"What are you doing here?" Narcissa asked Ginny, trying not to be rude for her son's sake.
"I'm here to help them. I stabilize their powers. It's one of my talents." Ginny put her hands on their shoulders, steadying them. Harry and Draco slowly began to weave protection spell upon protection spell, layering them so thickly that no one would be able to penetrate them.
Ginny added, on a whim, her own personal touch, promising anyone who tried to break the wards a very interesting skin reaction in very uncomfortable places. Draco added the finishing touch, which allowed only him and his mother, and any guests into any of the Malfoy estates.
In Morocco, in the Malfoy Summer Home, a black shape suddenly flew out the front door and landed, a half mile away, in the ocean.
Lucius Malfoy sputtered as he came to the surface. "WHAT THE FUCK???" he bellowed, then grasped his backside in pain. "Ohh, it hurts. Why the hell do I have boils on my ass?"
The three teenagers flooed back to Hogwarts, stumbling into the Great Hall. Naricssa had stayed behind. Hermione and Ron rushed over to them from where they had been sitting at the Gryffindor table.
"Harry! You saved our lives!" Hermione exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck. Harry staggered under the weight and exuberance. She started to cry- again from the looks of her face.
"Um, it's all right, Hermione, what else did you expect me to do? Just stand by as everyone was slaughtered?" Harry gently peeled the sobbing girl from his shoulder. Ron came up behind him and clapped his shoulder.
"Good show, mate," Ron gruffly spoke, holding his girlfriend. "You really kicked ass." He extended a hand to Harry. "I'm sorry I called you a freak. It was uncalled for, and I apologize."
Harry took his hand. "I accept." They grinned sadly, knowing, that, while they didn't hate each other and would be friends, things would never be the same.
Draco pulled him towards the Dungeons, Ginny in tow. "Harry, not to be rude or anything, but you need a shower."
Harry laughed and allowed himself to be pulled. "Look who's talking. You don't smell the greatest, either." The three of them laughed and finally made it to their much appreciated showers.
Forty-five minutes later, three refreshed teenagers bounded up the stairs from the Dungeons. Harry, in the lead, ran ahead, calling over his shoulder, "Hey, I got to go do something. I'll catch up with you two later."
Ginny and Draco shouted back, "OK!", and ran up to the Hospital Wing.
Harry went looking for Mrs. Weaseley and Lady Malfoy. He found them in the Room of requirement, putting the finishing touches on the party decorations. Molly squealed in shock when she saw Harry standing there, staring at the streamers.
"HARRY! You shouldn't be in here! GO! SHOO!" Molly yelled, causing Narcissa to snort in a very unladylike manner.
"Mrs. Weaseley, would it be all right if Ginny celebrated her birthday tonight as well?" Harry asked as Mrs. Weaseley shoved him out of the room.
"But, Harry, it's your special day! It's YOUR birthday; Ginny's isn't for another two days!"
"Narcissa raised her eyebrows. "You know, Molly, he does have a point. Why not have a double party? I'm sure that the DA would love to celebrate her birthday as well, and it is no problem. The party doesn't start for another hour as it is. We have plenty of time to make the changes and tell everyone." Narcissa immediately started firetalking to the invited guests, informing them of the request.
Molly shoved Harry out of the Room of Requirement completely and sighed. She started to change the decorations, adding Ginny's name to the banners.
Harry ran to the Hospital Wing after Draco and Ginny. He jogged into the Wing to see Severus open his eyes, Draco and Ginny sitting next to his bed.
"Uncle Sev, you're a wake!" the three of them chorused. Severus blinked and shook his head. He looked around blearily, finally focusing on Ginny.
"What- What – Why are you here?" he croaked, confused. Harry gave him a glass of water and he drank it gratefully. "Why are you here, and did I just hear you call me 'Uncle Sev'? he asked, shaking his head in disbelief.
Ginny laughed musically. "Yes, you did, and I'm here because I carried you all the way from Diagon Alley to that bed. Now, how are you feeling?" she asked, smirking.
Severus looked at his chest in confusion. "I was hurt, badly. How did I heal?"
Harry laughed. "All demigods and demigoddesses can heal themselves. You've seen me do it. You can do it too." Severus nodded.
Alanna sat on the edge of the bed. None of them had noticed her and Xander come in. "Ginny, we need to speak with you. It is of the utmost importance." Ginny looked at her and gulped, suddenly afraid.
*Ginny, it can't be that bad. Don't worry, we're here.* Harry and Draco put their arms around her comfortingly.
"How much do you want everyone else to hear?" Alanna asked.
"They're my family. I want them here with me." Ginny jutted her chin, defiant. Alanna and Xander looked at each other and nodded.
"Ginny, I don't know how to tell you this, but you aren't human. You're somehow a demon." Ginny's face turned white. Harry and Draco looked at her, shocked, then hugged her harder. Severus stared at her, and put a hand on her shoulder.
*No matter what, we're family. We'll figure this out somehow.* Severus assured her, and she crumpled into his chest, sobbing.
Alanna waited for her tears to subside, then continued. "You didn't start out that way, but you have demonic abilities, or the abilities Clautius bred into his children. You can do wandless magic extremely well without ever being trained, you are a natural conduit for power, which is why we could use you for our center, and you can manipulate the magic of others. We did not allow mortals to possess these powers, and you are not one of our true siblings. So, if you are not of our creation, then you must be one of his."
Ginny stared at her. "So what are you going to do with me?" she asked, finally.
"Train you, of course, and let you make your own decisions. We do the same with our brothers. Just because you have interesting abilities, doesn't mean that we will abandon you. What do you think we are? Evil?" Ginny laughed in relief and launched herself at Alanna and Xander.
"So, littlest, newest sister, would you like to really join the family?" Xander asked, stroking her hair. She nodded and burrowed into his shoulder.
"Who'd have thought that we'd have a demoness on our side?" Alanna asked, ruffling Ginny's hair. Harry and Draco laughed.
"So, do you have any idea how this happened?" Harry asked, trying to figure out what could have happened to change Ginny so fundamentally.
"Not a clue," Alanna replied.
Harry walked back from the Dungeons, a large, gaily wrapped package under his arm. Draco walked beside him, carrying a large package and small package. They were joined by Ginny who was carrying a small box. Grinning at each other, they strode into the Room of Requirement, getting gasps from the assembled students and Order members.
Dean rushed over to his girlfriend. "Ginny, I WOW! You look incredible" he stammered, loving the changes she had made to her appearance. He shyly handed her a medium sized package. "Happy Birthday, Ginny."
"Thank you, Dean. Hey, next time I go shopping, you want to come with?" Dean hastily nodded, already dreaming about black leather.
Neville walked over to Harry and Draco. "Happy Birthday, Harry! Wow! Where did you get such cool clothing?" Draco smirked and pointed at Claudette, who was standing in the corner, talking to her grandmother and a tall, extremely pale man with silky, blue-black hair.
"That's Claudette. She owns this incredible store called The Dungeon. Maybe, on our next shopping trip, we'll invite you." Draco drawled, causing Neville to stare at him in shock.
"You – you aren't going to insult me?" Neville asked Draco, confused.
Draco smirked. "Do you really want me to?" Neville hastily shook his head no, then squeaked as Severus swept up behind Harry.
"Potter, showing off again? How Gryffindor of you," Snape hissed, sneering.
Harry turned, smirking. "Thanks, Professor Snape, I'll take that as a compliment." He laughed, and to the amazement of almost everyone else in the room, Severus laughed as well, pulling Harry into a hug. "We did good today, didn't we?" Harry asked quietly.
Neville squealed again and passed out. "You're HUGGING that GREASY-" Harry whipped around, sneering at Seamus. Seamus squeaked and shut up instantly.
"Can't I hug my favorite uncle?" Harry hissed, eyes glowing eerily. Ginny tore away from Dean to stand beside him, Draco next to her.
"The next person who refers to Uncle Severus as a greasy git gets boils on their ass, understood?" Ginny hissed, drawing flames around her. Dean stared at her, in shock and awe. Draco created a small whirlwind that made his leather trench coat snap and crack.
"Simmer down, you're scaring your guests and that, unfortunately, is a bad thing," Alanna drawled, striding to Harry. Claudette and the mystery man followed with identical smirks on their faces. Harry grinned, looking positively evil, then relaxed. Draco and Ginny relaxed also. Severus stared alternately at the three of them, shaking his head, smiling.
"Right, now that was cool." Dean walked over to his girlfriend, amusement in his eyes. Ginny, how long have you been able to do that?"
"Since second year. They just kind of woke up after all that stuff with the Chamber of Secrets happened." Harry stared at her, rapidly piecing the puzzle together.
*Of course! It all makes sense now!* vowing to talk with Draco, Sev, Alanna and Xander later, he decided to enjoy the party.
They partied late into the night. Harry and Ginny alternately opened presents after about four hours of dancing, talking and pulling pranks. Ginny loved her trench coat, and Harry loved the tongue bar, a silver snake that actually moved and wriggled. They hugged each other, and then opened the rest.
Severus and Draco bought Harry a seven foot king cobra, complete with magical aquarium that only took up about three feet by two feet on the outside but gave Isis, as she informed Harry Isis was her name, over a half mile to roam. Ginny loved the tiered choker and bellybutton ring, and quickly put them on, to her mother's dismay.
"Virginia Weaseley! When did you get that?" Molly yelled. Bill ducked, blushing. "William Weaseley! What did you let your sister do???" She chased Bill out of the room, shouting at him.
Harry loved the book on Animagi Hermione bought him, and the deluxe Weaseley's Wizard Wheezes prank kit Ron had gotten him. Remus and Tonks pulled out a large box. "Harry, we found this in Sirius's room. He bought this for you a few days before he died." Harry's eyes welled up with tears and Draco squeezed his hand under the table. Harry waited for Ginny to open her gifts from Ron and Hermione- a magical diary and a book on makeup charms and tips- before touching his.
He opened the box and gasped. Inside was a pensieve, with a letter attached to the side. Harry opened the letter with trembling fingers and read it.
My dear Godson, Happy Sixteenth Birthday! Inside are my, Remus's, Dumbledore's and several other people's memories of your parents growing up and attending Hogwarts. I know how much you miss them. I miss them too, kid. Again, Happy Birthday and I love you.
Sirius
Harry put his head on the table, tears streaming down his face. Alanna hugged him, and pulled him up from the table. She walked him over to the corner of the room and hugged him.
"Harry," she told him gently. "First, he may not be dead, and second, Xander and I have a gift for you that we think you will really like. However, it cannot arrive until the first day of school."
Harry stared at her, feeling marginally better. "Not even a hint?" he teased, a wan smile gracing his features.
"That's my boy!" she praised, cuffing his shoulder. "Let's just say that memories do not take the place of the real thing." Harry stared at her, confused. Draco, who had caught the end of that, stared at her in surprise and comprehension. Alanna stared at him, and put a finger to her lips. Draco nodded, tears of joy streaming down his face.
A/N: Ok, who liked it? It was so much fun to write, and my mom actually read this one over my shoulder and likes my storyline! YAY! So, keep reading, and chapter 12 should be up in several days.
B/N: I LIKED IT! I LIKED IT! Good story, very good. DIBBS ON ONE OF THE DEMONS! That will make an awesome pet! Mwahahahahaha, fear me, puny mortals- who-don't-have-really-cool-pets! ........... ................ Yes *ahem* well anyways, COOKIES for those who read it and extra FUDGE for those who reviewed and made my sis happy! If you are allergic to fudge (or cookies for that matter) review, tell my sis, and I will send you what you like... just make sure it isn't pork rinds (shudder). Hasta luego!