Welcome once again to another longer chapter. I hope you enjoyed the previous one!
I'm not going to answer any questions now, but I am going to make some comments. My many, many thanks to Irina who has been added as a character to the story. The explanation as to why is described in this chapter. Lucius Malfoy's condition is also explained.
I'm so proud of the reviewers for connecting the dots. But... I will reveal a few things, since more will be revealed later on. Tara is not the evil one here, someone else close to Willow is. The woman from the last chapter (woman one) was Amy Madison. The male was a vampire. And the secondary woman was Lilah. Now... I haven't seen much of Angel, but I know enough to suspect that Cordelia killed her to make it look like Angelus had killed her. Any Angel fans want to help me out? Oh, and I saw that Wesley chopped off her head.
So, yes, Lilah has risen from the dead. In other words, the American Ministry found it a better idea to have an agent of evil running the operation against the Slayer and thus against Angel. Amy was added because she's a mightily-pissed-off witch. There are still two people returning from the dead, thanks to the talisman that Lilah now has.
So... where did Wesley go? He'll be back in full tails for the wedding, I'll assure you. He is one of my favorite characters because he's gone from being a bit titchy to being one of the deliciously dark characters I happen to love.
But for now, one last clue: Willow's power is a threat to the American Ministry. The Ministry knows this and they're willing to use people who love her against her. Which opens up the next two chapters...
Last disclaimer claiming I see and bring back dead people stands true. One will return here. The other will return in the next.
Enjoy the chapter and many, MANY thanks to the reviewers! You keep guessing... because in an odd way, you're reading my mind!!
- - - - -
Chapter 18
Heart of Valor
- - - - -
Buffy had just returned to Angel's office when a soft knock sounded at the door.
"Ah," Angel grinned, standing up. "I figured she would want to meet the all-powerful original Slayer."
"Who?" Buffy asked suspiciously as Angel pulled the door open. To her surprise, a woman floated inside. "Whoa."
"I can see the family resemblance!" the woman said, her voice echoing ethereally. She lifted her glowing eyes and surveyed the dark, windowless office with only a small panel of blue lights running along the perimeter of the room.
"Is this..." Buffy began, too astonished to continue.
"Introduce yourself," Angel told the woman gently. "She'll figure it out sooner or later anyways."
"My name is Irina, Goddess of Thespia," the woman replied, bowing her head slightly. "I have been summoned by Angel to seek out your sister's energy, for now it has become dark and distorted."
"You can see that too, huh," Buffy muttered under her breath.
"Dawn suffers because of what was done unto her, and what they have taken from her," Irina explained gently. "It is my duty as a deity to help her overcome this so she can regain her focus and take back what the darkness has taken from her."
"You summoned a god?" Buffy said in shock, turning to Angel, still not willing to move past this fact. "You know Dawn's prior history with gods... she was created for one."
"The key," Irina said quickly before Angel could interrupt her, "as you know it was created by the monks of my people. I was once like them before I elevated to my new existence."
"So you know what Dawn is?" Buffy asked softly. "Why weren't you here when Glory--"
"It wasn't the right time," Irina replied sadly, turning toward the door and glancing toward the direction of the room Dawn was waiting in. "But I think that now is the best time, for Dawn has lost her focus in life."
"She just spent the past year in a state of catatonia," Buffy said, with a sigh. "How do you think she'd feel?"
"She doubts your ability to bring her child back to her," Irina said, focusing her own energy on Dawn's. "She doubts you will find out why she was taken and why her child remains with the Ministry. She doubts you will be able to stop whatever is inside that place. She doubts you now because she has no where else to turn."
"Okay," Buffy said, glancing at Angel. "Whatever that means."
"I shall explain it once I have spoken with her," Irina promised before rising. "If you will both excuse me, I have a meeting with a Key."
That said, she left the room.
Buffy turned to Angel in disbelief. "What was that?"
"The start of a beautiful friendship," Angel teased.
Down the hall, Irina reentered her office to see Dawn sitting on the fountain, her hand trailing in the cool water. "I know what you told her," Dawn said in greeting.
"You were meant to hear all," Irina told her, taking a seat beside her. "I think we need to begin with what happened when you first arrived at the American Ministry."
"All I remember was a helicopter ride through the mountains," Dawn admitted. "It was really snowy and I was freaking out because I was almost three months pregnant and I was scared to death we'd crash... but we arrived. I think it was somewhere in Colorado, or someplace close, because that's what the pilot said...
"As soon as I arrived, they put me in this room and had this Doctor check on me. He ran a lot of tests on my fetus too, to make sure that it had the energy... and he told me that my baby would have all three: Slayer blood, key energy and magical powers. They said my baby could be the most powerful asset to whatever the planner was planning."
"Could you explain to me what it was this planner planned?" Irina prodded gently.
"I think you already know," Dawn said, chuckling uncomfortably. "But the planner was someone the Doctor told me was creating this... master plan. I never got to meet him. Or her. I was sent to this dark bunker. It was really hot and smelled a lot like... wet wool. It was after that that I started forgetting...
"They took me into this chamber one morning, at least I think it was a morning... and they brought me to this person... she looked so familiar, but I couldn't say her name because I couldn't remember it... she was there and she told me that I was essential in the final plan of the American Ministry of Magic. She told me they wanted to take on the world of Magic... and rule it. They wanted to take over the world. They wanted to destroy the world.
"Needless to say, I tried to resist, and that's when the electric shock treatments began. They were so incredibly painful at first... and then I started to forget about everything magical... Hogwarts... Draco... I didn't want to forget him. I still loved him and prayed night after night he'd come after me. It was then they told me that he was the person who sent me there in the first place.
"I remember the night Joy was born... I was all alone on a cold metal table. I begged them to let my sister come, to let anyone come... but they couldn't. I screamed and cried... that was the last night I saw my daughter. I spent the next few days in the hospital in... Casper, I think. I wanted to die it hurt so bad... but then I was back in my room. The rest becomes very fuzzy. I... got so lost. I felt like my mind was so dark... and suddenly... I was... I was here..."
Irina reached over and took Dawn's hand. "The powers of my people saved you from death for a reason, Dawn. We let you into our reality so that your body could rest. You managed to escape and hide aboard a cargo plane to New York. It was then you were taken back to Los Angeles and returned to your sister."
"I don't remember any of that," Dawn said in a tight voice. "I just remember waking up and seeing Willow standing over me... except for..."
"Draco," Irina said softly. "I let him in to see you."
"He found me?" Dawn asked in a tiny, tearful voice. "You let him in to see me?"
"His heart was in the right place," Irina replied. "He spoke the truth when he said he had nothing to do with your disappearance. He loved you enough to risk his life to come over here. He risked everything."
"He did, didn't he?" Dawn chuckled, glancing down at her hands. "I miss him," she finally admitted in a tiny voice. "It's been so long... and after all... he is Joy's father."
"But is your heart in the right place?" Irina asked in her ethereal voice.
"I don't know if I have a heart anymore," Dawn replied. "I don't know if I'm capable of loving someone who I thought abandoned me."
"Your heart is lost," Irina told her. "I can feel your energy... it's distorted. They did something to you... they made your body weak... they made you forget... my people tried to help you gain it back but... the Witch woke you up."
"There was something else I noticed," Dawn said, still gazing at her hands. "I still have my magic."
"That will not be taken from you," Irina responded. "It is now bonded to you. As your heart is."
"Why can't I figure this out?" Dawn asked in a tearful voice.
"We have time to figure that out," Irina promised Dawn, standing up. "But I think you have had enough remembering for a day."
- - - - -
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon when Ron left the dorms behind, staring at the clear blue sky. He turned the corner and walked toward the large ponds behind the stables.
Melanie was waiting for him beside the dock, sitting on a blanket with a large picnic basket waiting. She was sitting with her back facing him, her short, fair hair blowing in the light breeze sweeping across the green.
He reached her after another moment and she turned to greet him with a smile. "Hey."
"Hey yourself," Ron said, taking a seat across from her.
She handed him a glass and he took it, glancing inside. "Lemonade?" he asked, mildly surprised.
"I had Cecilia from the kitchens whip us up a little basket," Melanie replied, opening the basket and pulling out containers and packages and spreading them around the red checkered quilt.
"Mel... I think we need to talk."
"Oh, my God," she said, setting down a large plastic bowl of fruit. "Ron... please... if this is about--"
"I think it's time you knew about Hermione," Ron replied.
"Oh, this is good," Melanie replied, setting down the plates and plastic utensils. Reaching for a plate, she began to spoon various dishes onto the platter.
"I know what you've heard," Ron said, also reaching for a plate. "But I think you need to know the truth. Hermione is and has always been my best friend... we've been together for so long now... she... she's been there with me through everything..."
Melanie glanced up, her fork frozen between her plate and mouth. "What happened?"
"Don't get me wrong... I love her a lot... but there's so much history between us... nothing new... there's no spark anymore. The chemistry, it's fading into oblivion. Hell, my brother has more chemistry with his owl than I do with my own girlfriend... but now... I've met you. Things change."
"They really do," Mel said slowly, handing him a can of whipped cream.
"The moment I got to know you... I felt there was something there," Ron admitted in a rush of words.
"This is the first time I haven't missed Canada," Melanie said, laughing softly. "And you're the first guy I've seen in that light. You're an amazing guy, Ronald Weasley. I really really like spending time with you."
Ron grinned at her and despite her fading apprehension, she grinned back. "But I'm just this teenager with a crush," Melanie said, prodding the strawberries around on her plate.
"I'm just an old man," Ron teased, his eyes dancing. "Honestly, Mel... I'm glad I met you."
Melanie blushed slightly as she set down her plate. She crawled over to where Ron was sitting and knelt next to him. "Look at me."
He turned to her, his eyes curious and yet drawn to hers. She took his face between her hands and brushed her lips to his. "I've been wanting to do that for so long," she whispered, her own eyes shining.
Ron felt his own trembling hand reach out and brush aside the hair blowing in her eyes. "Better late than never," he said in a voice much unlike his own as their lips met again.
- - - - -
"All in all, that was a fantastic trip," Cho was saying enthusiastically to Hermione and Ginny as their plane approached California. "I have a band for my wedding reception, we finished the flower arrangements and we finally have a menu planned for the reception. My parents are currently driving across the United States for my wedding which is exactly six days away."
"You're pretty lucky," Ginny said, her nose buried behind a copy of 'Modern Bride'.
Hermione grinned from the other side of Ginny. "I can't wait six more days," she said, her voice happy at the thought of seeing her Ron again. "I cannot wait for your wedding."
"Me neither," Cho said, grinning back.
Six rows ahead, Tara and Willow were engrossed in conversation as Willow checked her email messages.
"There are quite a few emails here from the Ministry," Willow said, quickly opening the first one. "This one is about a trial date set for Lucius Malfoy in Dawnie's disappearance."
"When is it?" Tara asked curiously, looking over Willow's shoulder.
"Two days ago," Willow replied, closing the first and opening the second. "He's been charged with kidnapping and conspiracy against the Ministry of Magic. Apparently he's going back to Azkaban for life."
"I wonder if Draco knows," Tara replied, watching as Willow opened the third. "He does now," she continued, scanning the much longer third email. "The Ministry sent a letter to Draco yesterday telling him of his Father's arrest and imprisonment. It also says that the Ministry is recalling Percy back to England immediately."
"He's our liaison to the Ministry," Willow said in protest, closing the third and opening the last one. "Damn."
Tara was engrossed in the fourth one. "The Order has been activated due to the upcoming threat of the American Ministry of Magic?" she gasped.
"Something's up," Willow replied, minimizing that email and glancing over the others. "Here's one from Giles."
"A goddess has been summoned to help Dawn?" Tara asked in surprise. "I never thought Dawn would like any god again."
"It's the Goddess of Thespia... she rules over the dominion of Dagon. The Monks that made her human..." Willow said, quickly lowering that screen and opening one to the Ministry. "I'm going to send them everything I know."
"Copy it over to Giles too," Tara suggested, glancing quickly over her shoulder. "I should inform Hermione."
They had their chance a few moments later as Hermione came forward. "Hermione, we have some to show you," Willow said. It took her and Tara a quarter of an hour to explain what was going on. When they silenced, there was a look of abject horror on her face.
"So that's what happened," Hermione said, taking the empty seat on the other side of Willow. She seemed to be lost in thought. "I wonder how they got word of the threat from the other side."
Tara suddenly choked and pointed at the hole between the seats to a newspaper the man in front of them was reading. "That."
"Oh, God," Willow gasped, covering her mouth.
Hermione stood up and asked the man if she could borrow the paper for a moment and sat down, spreading it open so all could see.
"There was an attack in London by American supremacists at St. Mungo's," Hermione concluded after scanning the large article showing many British people fleeing a large scene.
"It looks like the Ministry here is ready to strike," Willow replied, handing the paper back to the man in front of them.
"It's just a matter of time," Tara concluded, turning back to Willow's laptop, "before this whole thing comes up."
- - - - -
There was a small pop followed by flames pouring from a portal on the cold floor. After the smoke cleared, a figure stepped forward. "Who dares disturb us?"
"I dare," a feminine voice replied smugly. "I have summoned you in the hopes of gaining a... trade. My people have recovered the bones of two people from Sunnydale. One of whom used to be in your services. I wish to bargain for her release from wherever she was sent upon her death."
"There is no bargain. She was not in our services when she died."
"That's most unfortunate because I believe we have news of a certain Goddess who has appeared in our reality... one who has taken from your ranks to add to her own... and I believe this trade would be in your benefits if you were to go through with it."
"Name your terms."
"Easy. You give us back her demon powers... and we'll call it even. As for the spare... he just needs a little skin on the new world, literally. And we'll give you the one person you've been dying to find for the past thousand years... the Goddess of Thespia."
"You wish to raise Anyanka when she no longer lives?"
"That isn't a problem. See, we have her bones... they've been well preserved and we've already got the orb to restore her soul and of course magic to restore her body. All we need is her powers. That's where you come in. She will be your vessel to the Slayers and thus to the Goddess. The Goddess is working with them now."
"You don't say?"
"Oh, but I do. Conquering death is no longer a great mystery. After all, I myself was dead and beheaded by someone who loved me. Won't he be surprised once he returns to my side... the Slayers will have no chance and the Key will be ours."
"You speak of the Key?"
"She and her child are part of our master plan, didn't you know? The demon underworld is brimming with news that the dimensions will open and our Ministry will stand triumphant... over all. Controlling evil, controlling good... ruling the world. I can't wait. After losing my life to that... angel... it's about time I got my revenge."
"Your terms are acceptable."
"Excellent. I shall look forward to speaking with you again once we have come to a better... arrangement. As for now, we'll raise the demon and we'll count on you to make her powerful again. And we'll return her to her people. Let the fun begin."
The demon returned through the portal, leaving the woman behind. She crossed her arms and walked once around the portal before turning to a wall unit and tapping a simple button. "Lilah to the labs... it's time. Release her soul. Our work here is done... for now."
"And the boy?" came the crackled voice on the other side.
"Raise him. And... pretty him up a bit. He's been dead longer than the demon. But he will prove useful. He will break that witch."
- - - - -
Dawn hardly spoke the entire drive back to the Academy. She just stared out the window, claiming to need time to absorb the three hours she spent with the goddess. All she told Buffy was that she was good at her job and she put a lot of things into perspective.
Buffy hoped it was good news. As she pulled into the driveway, she noticed that another vehicle had also stopped. Willow and Tara had returned at last.
"Welcome back, guys!" Buffy said cheerfully as she and Dawn left the vehicle. Tara turned from where she was dragging luggage from the back of the van, and Willow waved and ran forward.
"Did you get our email?" Willow asked in a hurried rush.
"Dawn, help Tara with the bags," Buffy said quickly. Surprisingly, Dawn didn't argue and moved forward. "Giles called me at Angel's office. I realize it was a strange weekend for Dawn to spend time with someone, but I figured it had to be done."
"She saw a psychiatrist?" Willow asked curiously as they both walked inside the school.
"It was better than that," Buffy replied in a low voice. "She's Irina."
"The Goddess of Thespia?" Willow gasped. "Wow... You really went for the big guns."
"I was hoping you could tell me what you know about her."
"I'll tell you what I know right now and it's practically nothing," Willow replied quietly. "All I know is that she comes from a world where everyone helps everyone else. Her people are the demon rejects rehabilitated into everyday life. Her people include the monks that created Dawn's human form."
"I thought so, especially after what Angel told me," Buffy replied with a frustrated sigh. "I'd like to meet with everyone tonight, especially you, Xander and Giles. Now that we have a goddess in the picture, maybe we can get answers from her Dawn isn't willing to give yet."
Willow nodded and the two women separated. As Buffy headed toward the library, she nearly ran into Hermione Granger. "Hello," she greeted quickly as the Slayer strode by. Shaking her head as the Slayer retreated, Hermione headed for the back door and opened it, glancing around for Ron. Harry had been at the van when it had pulled in, volunteering to take her and Ginny's luggage and spend a few moments of precious time with a girl he hadn't seen all weekend.
When Harry had shown up for Ginny, it made Hermione anticipate seeing Ron, but he hadn't shown up. Harry had told her he was at the pool.
Shielding her eyes from the blinding sunlight, Hermione spotted Ron sitting at the side of the pool alone, fully clothed, and staring at the calm blue waters.
She moved quickly to his side. "Hello."
He blinked up at her and smiled wanly. "Hey, Hermione!"
She sat down next to him. "Penny for your thoughts."
"If only it were that easy," Ron said tightly, looking away from her.
"I've been waiting to see you," Hermione said warmly, placing her hand on his shoulder. "I've been dying to talk to you the past few days... but now that I'm here... every single word I planned to say is gone now... but--"
"Hermione," Ron said, edging away from her slightly. She looked up, hurt flashing in her brown eyes. "I need... to talk to you."
Hermione knew where this was heading and looked away. "Oh my," she moaned softly. "It's about her, isn't it?"
"Hermione..."
"Don't," she said, standing up, wanting to do anything to not be here and this given point in time. "Don't say anything..."
"--I never wanted to hurt you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "But... I can't pretend this is working anymore..."
"... I think I'm going to be sick..."
"What happened to us, Hermione? What happened to what we once had? Where did the magic go?" Ron asked, feeling even more dreadful by the moment by glancing at the expression on Hermione's face. "I'm sorry... but... I can't do this anymore. I just can't."
Hermione felt as though all the air had been let out of her. Her legs wobbled as she sat down quickly on a lounge chair. "Oh my God," she moaned, burying her face in her hands. "Ron..."
He moved toward her, but she mustered the strength to move away from him. "Don't touch me!"
"I'm sorry," he said, looking truly so. "I... I don't know--"
"You don't know?" Hermione screeched. "You don't know?" Her face suddenly crumpled as all rage disappeared. "I have loved you for so long... it's killing me to know that you no longer feel the same for me... even after all we've been through together..."
Ron tried to look away, but he couldn't. His eyes were still drawn to hers.
"I was willing to come back here and try to fix things, but instead you've found someone new, someone better... and all I can think to say is, why didn't you tell me you were feeling this before? I... I..."
Ron reached out for her and this time, she didn't move away. "I'm sorry," he choked out, pulling her to him as her protests dissolved into tears. "I'm so, so sorry..."
Hermione pulled back slightly, wiping away her tears. "I can't hate you... I don't think I ever could... but I just want you to know... no matter happens with her or with any other... I still love you. I'm still in love with you. And nothing will change with me. But I can't stay here because it'll kill me to see you with her... and I can't deal with that. I feel like the past four years have been nothing but lies..."
Ron had tears in his eyes now and was trying to blink them away.
Hermione moved from his grasp and turned to walk. "Time doesn't make us change, Ron. Our choices change us. I made my choice a long time ago, and I'm not taking it back. And you've just made yours. It's killing me. I hope you're happy. It's all I've ever wanted for you. But if she hurts you, in any way... I will hurt her. It's what you told me three years ago. And it's my promise to you today."
That said, she moved away.
Ron just stared after her, at a loss for words.
- - - - -
"It was awesome!" Cho exclaimed that night at dinner. Xander sat next to her, a pained look on his face as she described every last detail she worked out on their wedding.
Yet, he couldn't get the image of his vision quest out of his mind.
He tried to push it away, but it kept returning. Anya. Anya's face. Her movements, her actions... it was like his subconscious was trying to warn him about her.
But how could it? Anya was dead and had been dead for over four years now. She wasn't coming back.
He glanced at his tapioca pudding and spooned a bit up, thinking that if he could just get through this dinner, he'd be fine.
He couldn't force down this bite though. He found himself setting the spoon back down and excusing himself from the table. Cho glanced at him in surprise. "I'm going to lay down for a while... I'm not really feeling that good," he said quickly, leaving the table behind.
He returned to his apartment, listening to his footsteps echo on the empty floor. He was ultimately surprised to see someone standing at the edge of the dormitories, staring out at the black abyss of night. As he drew closer, he recognized Hermione Granger. "Hi," he greeted her.
She turned toward him with devastated eyes. "Hello."
"Are you all right?" he asked, stunned to see her red-rimmed eyes and long, drawn face.
"I will be," she said with a heavy sigh. "I just never realized how much it hurts to give up the one you love for what is right."
"I've been there myself," Xander said, feeling himself treading dangerous waters with thoughts he was desperately trying to force into oblivion. "All it takes is time."
"Time is the cruelest," Hermione replied, straightening. "But also can be the best friend in the world."
"If you need someone, I'll be in my apartment," Xander said, pointing down the hall.
Hermione gave him a tight smile.
He leaned forward, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Hey... it'll be all right, you'll see. Just give it a day."
"I think I will, thanks," Hermione said, giving him a much warmer smile before moving toward the dining hall.
Xander let out a heavy sigh as he unlocked his apartment and stepped inside. After changing, he found a bag of old tea and prepared himself a cup. Just before he could take it into his bedroom, a knock sounded at his door.
He knew Cho had night patrol tonight and was most likely out already. It could be Hermione, which was the reason why he put down the tea and stepped toward the door. He unlocked it and pulled it open.
He felt his heart drop into his shoes. The thoughts that had been dwelling with him the past few days surfaced admirably. He found himself at a loss for words.
It felt as though he was having a heart attack.
It wasn't Hermione at the door.
It was Anya.
- - - - -
To be continued...
Chapter 19 - Ron and Hermione have fallen apart... but Harry is destined to keep his Ginny. Dawn has an important decision to make regarding Draco. Anya is back... at the worst time, since Xander is due to get married in a week. Another relationship blossoms as yet another crashes and burns... and the other evil is released.
Chapter 20 & 21 - the wedding of their dreams is about to occur... if only someone would play by the rules!