A/N: Here's chapter 2! I am SOOOOO sorry that it took so long but... I'm in PARAMEDIC SCHOOL!!!!!! I had to take a test, so no one would let me type! I had to study! That, and I spent the last week dealing with my mom getting sick, hospital trip and overnight stay sick, not average run of the mill sick, and then a road trip from Chicago to Cleveland for a family reunion. I'm so sorry I couldn't get this chappie out soon enough! That being said, here it is and I'm happy to say that I like this chapter! Enjoy!
Chapter 2
"What?" Laurel gasped her eyes wide with terror.
Severus grabbed her and hugged her close. "It's all right. I won't let him hurt you, Love. I promise." He gently rocked her back and forth, his onyx eyes resolute.
"We'll have to call Claudette, Lucas, Lorien, and the rest of the leaders," Harry said, staring at the table.
"Would Master like to make a wish?" Genie asked, staring at Harry inquisitively.
"Is it unethical to wish that Clautius were dead?" Harry asked dryly. Alanna laughed.
"Genie cannot kill, Master. I am sorry." Genie pouted and stared dejectedly at the floor.
"Harry, I don't think anything she does in this world will be effective once we figure out what happened and how to send them back." Lily rested her head in her hands. "I don't understand. Where did they come from? How did they get out of their books?"
"Genie, what would you wish for?" Harry asked suddenly.
Genie stared at him, her eyes wide. "I do not know, Master. I guess Freedom. We are slaves to the lamp, you know."
Harry grinned. "Wish granted. Do you want freedom, Genie?"
"You're changing the story!" Lily hissed.
"Oh well," Harry said. "I didn't like that story from Arabian Nights anyway. It was horrible."
"I want Freedom," Genie nodded.
"I wish for your freedom," Harry announced. The gold bracelets of Genie's wrists fell away and she sprang forward, hugging Harry.
"Thank you!" She grinned widely and disappeared.
Lily raised her eyebrows. "You do realize that could be dangerous- a freed genie running around. Besides, now that she's free, she might not go back into her book."
Harry shrugged.
"All right, so we need the support of the Magical world-" Harry interrupted Alanna's musing.
"Scratch that," Harry said softly. "We need everyone. Muggle, Wizard, Drow, Dragon, Elves, Faerie, Veela, Werewolves, Vampires, and Magical Creatures - we need to stand together on this. It's time to approach Voldemort again, and we need to strike soon before Clautius is able to mass forces. We also need - Alanna, is there a way to put a tracer on everyone on the planet?"
"I suppose," Alanna said. "Why?"
"How did he make the Dementors?" Harry countered.
"Xander and I will get right on it," Alanna said, understanding his train of thought.
"But that will expose us to Muggles!" Severus hissed angrily, his eyes flashing.
"We don't have time for this!" Harry yelled. "They are coming and they are going to kill ALL of us, regardless of Magical ability! We need whoever we can get!"
Draco appeared in the Dining Hall, sleepily rubbing his eyes. "What's going on? Hi Alanna!"
"Hello, Draco," Alanna said in a subdued voice.
"What's going on?" Draco repeated, worried.
"Clautius isn't dead and he's massing an army," Harry said point blank.
"Well, duh," Draco said. "I knew that." Everyone stared at him incredulously. "What? Did you honestly think the energy from us killed him? He isn't Mother's soul mate for nothing. He's more powerful than we are due to that bond. He can and probably does draw on Her strength on a regular basis." He put his head on the table and closed his eyes.
"HE SPEAKS THE TRUTH."
"Hello, Mom," Harry said with a grin. Draco sat up with a start.
"THIS IS WHY I NEED A CHAMPION. I NEED SOMEONE WHO IS NOT TIED MAGICALLY TO CLAUTIUS SO HE CANNOT USE THEIR MAGIC AGAINST THEM. HARRY, DRACO, YOU KNOW HE IS COMING. YOU MUST BE READY."
"So, what's he coming with?" Draco asked, mentally calculating.
"Demon hordes, most likely. He doesn't have time to create good, powerful Dementors," Sirius said with a scowl.
"How long before he can completely rebuild?" Harry asked.
"IF HE HURRIES, IN TWO YEARS HE CAN HAVE OVER FOUR BILLION DEMONS, ONE FOR EVERY TWO PEOPLE ON EARTH."
"And how long do we have until he's up to full strength, where he was before?" Draco asked.
"No more than five years," Alanna said, calculating quickly.
"So we need to attack within the next year if we have any chance of winning," Severus said thoughtfully, his eyes narrowed.
"What do we do about Adrian?" Harry asked suddenly.
Everyone except for Draco stared at him in surprise. "What do you mean?" Alanna asked tentatively, her expression troubled.
"Well, he is Ginny's soul mate, as is Darius. It'll kill the both of them if Adrian were harmed." Harry explained.
"He's the second most evil person in existence!" Xander protested after Apparating into the room.
"But he's Ginny's and Darius's soul mate. What happens if one or both or all three of them die without bonding?"
Alanna stared off into space. "Can we not talk about this?" Xander asked desperately, grabbing her hand and guiding her out of the Dining Hall. "It'll be ok, Love. You'll see."
"What is going on?" Lily asked, rocking Gareth back and forth. "Why does she freak out every time Adrian's name is mentioned? She just about goes catatonic!"
Gaila walked in the Dining Hall, pulling Captain Jack and Raphael in behind her. "Come on, all this fun has made me hungry!" she chirped.
"But, Love, I don't want anyone else seeing me in my underbritches, savvy?" Jack protested, trying to cover his lack of clothing with his hat.
"My Love, not yours!" Raphael snapped. The three of them stopped short, staring at the people in the Dining Hall.
"Uh oh," Gaila said, her face bright red. "Hi, guys." Harry snickered and Draco fell over from laughter. Blushing furiously, Gaila conjured clothing for Captain Jack as they sat down at the table.
"Gaila, maybe you can answer this. Why does Alanna freak out when Adrian's name is mentioned?" Severus asked speculatively.
"Ooh, they have a bad history. I know she told you that they had children together, Morgan Le Fay and Merlin. Clautius told Adrian to find her and get her to trust him and then he came to take her back to his realm so he could take her power again. Well, Morgan went with Adrian when she and Xander cast them back into Hell. I don't think she's ever forgiven Adrian for doing that to her." Gaila sat on both Raphael and Captain Jack's laps. "Is there any way to get food in this place?"
"I don't think that's it," Remus mused. "She smelled sad, not angry." Sally popped into the Dining Hall.
"Lord Potter, there is a talking tea pot in the Kitchen! She's trying to order me around!" Sally complained, burying her face in James's pants leg.
James rolled his eyes heavenward. "What the hell is going on in my house??"
"YOUR YOUNGEST HAS BEEN DOING MAGIC," Mother replied, quite amused.
"What?" Lily asked, staring at Gareth incredulously. The month old baby gurgled back at her.
"HARRY SHOWED MAGIC TWO DAYS OUT OF THE WOMB. WHAT MAKES THIS SO IMPOSSIBLE?"
"But- but -but," James stuttered, completely shaken.
"BUT NOTHING. SIRIUS, WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT WHEN YOU READ GARETH A BEDTIME STORY?"
"Oh, yeah," Sirius said, scratching his head. "Gareth touched the wolf picture and it moved, and almost walked off the page. I thought it was part of the story!"
"HE DID THIS," Mom laughed. "YOU'LL HAVE TO REVERSE THIS SOMEHOW AND SEND THE CHARACTERS BACK INTO THEIR BOOKS. GAILA, YOU ARE NOT TO ABUSE THE STORYBOOK CHARACTERS THAT WAY."
Gaila blushed but Captain Jack grinned. "Oh, Ma'am, I don't mind being abused like that, savvy? Now, does anyone have any rum around here?" Gaila conjured some and handed it to Jack, who tipped the bottle back heartily. "Thanks, love."
Raphael groaned and muttered under his breath, "Shut up, you wanker. She's mine. My love! The only person she can abuse is me!"
Captain Jack smirked at Raphael.
Harry groaned and rested his head in his hands. "All right, let's put them back," he muttered. He and Draco joined hands, a soft glow surrounding them. The characters from the books started to become transparent. They wavered and finally disappeared.
Gaila pouted and Gareth started to cry.
Lily stared at her son and stood up. "Where's the book, Siri?" she asked, rocking the inconsolable Gareth. Sirius muttered a spell and the book flew through the window and into Lily's hand. Gareth stared at the white wolf on the front and gurgled happily.
"You were reading him White Fang?" James asked, staring at the book with amusement.
"Hey, he picked it," Sirius countered.
"Yeah right. My month old son picked that book," James snorted.
Gareth grinned and the book started floating, to Lily and James's surprise and consternation. Draco grinned. "I have an idea." He walked over to Gareth, his arms outstretched. "May I?" Lily handed the baby over and Draco transformed into his wolf self, curling up around the ecstatic baby. Gareth cooed as he lay against the silk fur, occasionally fisting and yanking on a tuft. Draco, to his credit, kept the yelping in pain to a minimum as Gareth fell asleep, his hands curled tightly in his fur.
Gaila still pouted. "Sure, appease the baby. Can I get Jack back?"
"Hell no!" Raphael glared. Gaila sniffed and flounced from the room.
"Jack?" They could hear her calling around the Manor. "Jack, where are you? Come out come out where ever you are!"
"Mr. President," There's someone here to see you," the aide announced nervously. The current President of the Unites States stood up quickly as a young woman of medium height with waist length black curly hair strode into his office, effectively pushing the aide out of her way.
"Mr. President, my name is Alanna and I have a proposition for you." The President sat down heavily.
"Yes, my Lady?" he asked neutrally, a resigned expression on his face.
"You know who I am?" she asked curiously.
"Our newest Naval Captain, Captain George, spoke highly of you and of the situation you found yourself in regarding two friends of yours and, I believe, it was the powers of Hell?" the President asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, it was." Alanna grinned sardonically. "Then you know why I'm here."
The President stared at her. "You are asking for more wizards to bolster your forces. I'm not sure what I can do, but-"
Alanna held up her hand. "He's coming, Mr. President. The time to single this out as a Wizarding or Muggle problem is over. We need everyone who can fight to do so. We are approaching the other countries as well. This is serious and all out war."
The President stared at her in horror. "You can't be serious! How can Muggles fight demons???? I mean- you're gods! You can deal with this, right?"
"Demigods, actually. And, we can't deal with this alone. That's where we need you. Nuclear warheads kill everything," she said grimly. "That's what this has come down to. He's massing an army of incredible proportions and will be coming for us. Bullets, curses, bombs- you name it, we need it. Will you help us?"
"This is going to expose Magic to everyone! How are the Wizards taking it?" the President sat back, shaking his head.
"It's past the point of caring. We need everyone in this. Besides, we always planned on unifying the magical and Muggle worlds- now seems as good of a time as any."
"I'll run this by Congress's Magical Committee and see how best to broach the subject."
"You have a month to do that before I speak to Congress myself," Alanna warned.
The President sighed and rubbed his eyes. "You had to do this before an election year, didn't you?" he accused with a wry grin.
Alanna sighed, and then perked up considerably. "Hey- if we win, you'll be the President who vanquished Satan. If we lose, there won't be an election anyway. It's a win-win scenario!"
The President scowled at her. "Funny. Only someone as powerful as you can joke about this."
Alanna's eyes held a haunted look. "It's either laugh or run screaming. I know how monstrous he is from first hand experience. Believe me; we're ALL fighting for survival here."
The President just stared at her. "Tell you what. Why don't YOU approach Congress? Say that and you'll have our entire fighting forces at your beck and call."
Alanna looked at him. "As one Leader to another, I hope you're right."
Xander swept into Riddle Manor, right in the middle of a Death Eater meeting, with a disdainful sniff. "You call this a secret fortress?" he asked to no one in particular. Voldemort, now with a head full of ebony hair streaked with gray, and looking less skeletal, visibly bristled.
"Who the hell are you?" Voldemort spat, standing up and stalking over to Xander, raising his wand threateningly.
Xander yawned and snapped his fingers. Voldemort's wand suddenly became a bouquet of flowers.
Voldemort stared at the flowers in his hand with a resigned expression before tossing them to the floor. "Let me guess, you're a big bad demigod and you're here to eternally damn me for my sins."
Xander laughed. "Nope, not right at all. I'm THE big, bad demigod in charge of this planet, and I'm here to find out how deep your bond to Clautius goes."
"Bull sh-" A Death Eater started to yell, raising his wand. Xander stared at him and he turned into a miniature cow. The cow started munching on the flowers happily. Voldemort kicked the cow across the room.
"Nope, not bull shit. I'm here to test your bond. So, if you don't mind, could we lose the audience? I don't think you want to start screaming in agony in front of your minions," Xander said with a nasty smirk.
Voldemort gulped slightly. Parkinson was now a cow, a very tiny cow. His wand was now a useless bouquet of flowers. Hastily, he made his decision. "Death Eaters! OUT!" he bellowed. The assembled Death Eaters grumbled and started Apparating.
Once they had all left, Voldemort crossed his arms. "Do your worst."
Xander grinned. "Really? Cool!" Voldemort was suddenly sporting a blond beehive wig, long scarlet nails, and a Carmen Miranda outfit, complete with giant pineapples.
Voldemort rolled his scarlet eyes. "Are you quite finished?"
"Nope, just getting started!" Xander stalked around the Dark Lord critically. A scarlet beam shot from his hand and enveloped Voldemort, who went rigid.
"Go ahead and scream," Xander encouraged. "This is going to hurt."
For an agonizingly long thirty seconds, Voldemort screamed continuously.
As soon as the scan was done, and the scarlet beam released him, Voldemort collapsed into a boneless heap on the floor. "Ouch," he wheezed.
"I told you," Xander said cheerfully, offering Voldemort a hand up. With a snarl, Voldemort batted the hand away and stood up on his own.
"So, Healer, what's the diagnosis?" he asked sarcastically.
"Well, you're pretty much useless to us," Xander said with a sigh. "I wish it were different because we don't like to lose anyone, but you're magic is under his control. It has been for decades."
Voldemort's eyes widened. "What do you mean?" he asked, suspiciously. "He's taught me, but not given me powers. At least, none that I've been aware of."
"And, I know who your soul mate is, but if you bond with her you give her mind and magic to Clautius as well," Xander continued as if Voldemort hadn't spoken.
"Wait- that's the second time someone has said I have a soul mate. What are you talking about?" Voldemort scratched his hair in confusion.
"Well, you have a really nice, slightly high strung lady whom you belong to- mind, body and soul. Unfortunately, somehow- wait, how often did you write in that diary, the one Lucius Malfoy used to open the Chamber of Secrets?" Xander asked, his eyebrows raised.
"Every day for several years, and every day since my resurrection, why?" Voldemort asked suspiciously.
"Where did you get it?" Xander sighed, already knowing the answer.
"Clautius, my teacher." Voldemort's eyes widened. "You mean-"
"Yup, it's how you were linked. That's why Ginny isn't linked to Clautius but has demon powers. She didn't write in it long enough."
"Why- why are you bringing this up now?"
"Is your Veil to Clautius still open?" Xander asked.
"No. It was destroyed some months ago, along with the better half of my dungeons."
"Clautius is going to destroy this planet," Xander said bluntly. "He's not going to take control. You all will lose if you side with him. I was coming here to ask for help- you're human. You should fight for your planet, moral sides be damned. Everyone loses- light, dark, if he wins. But you pretty much belong to him."
"Is that so bad? He's been my Master since I was twenty," Voldemort asked.
"Well, that depends on your idea of bad. If you want to become a Dementor, it's wonderful, because that's the only use he has for humans, besides demon food. If you actually want to live, it's horrible because this planet is going down the crapper if he takes over the Universe like he plans to."
"The Universe?" Voldemort choked. "That's nuts! Even I'M not that crazy!"
"I'm glad you think so. However, you won't be able to join our side. Your magic and life pretty much are his. I don't know if Mother could break his hold on you."
Voldemort scowled. "He and I are going to have a little talk. I'm NO ONE'S puppet and I don't like being bound like that unknowingly."
"You're going to tell off Satan," Xander said disbelievingly. "Could you get it recorded? I want to see that."
"I suppose the governments I control are his as well?" Voldemort asked, switching subjects.
"Who came up with the Dark Mark and do the people in those governments have them?" Xander asked, rubbing his temples.
"Three guesses. He did, and yes, they have them. But, Lucius's mark was broken," Voldemort suddenly said, struck with inspiration.
Xander's eyes widened. "By who?"
"The Boy Wonders themselves," Voldemort said with as much sarcasm as he could muster.
"Harry and Draco can break Clautius's mark. Cool. This may not be hopeless. Oh, question- why are you so helpful?" Xander asked suspiciously.
"Clautius is too controlling. I want to be in control and I don't like dancing to another person's tune. Besides, he wasn't teaching me much anyway. He kept saying I wasn't powerful enough to learn. Who's my soul mate?"
Xander smirked and bent his head towards Voldemort's ear, whispering.
Voldemort's eyes widened comically. "WHAT???"
Xander smirked and nodded. "Tell you what. You let Harry and Draco slowly remove the Marks, and I'll hook you two up."
Voldemort's eyes widened. "Well, I'll be damned. It really was her." His eyes lost their focus and turned misty.
"Do we have a deal?" Xander asked, grinning.
"They say it's always the one who got away," Voldemort mused. He stared at Xander. "You find a way to break his hold on me so she doesn't get hurt and then we'll talk. For now, I'll slowly get the others maneuvered so that they can have their marks removed without Clautius noticing. I have a question now. What happens when Clautius dies? You are going to kill him, right? Well, what happens to those that have the mark still?"
Xander paled. "They- well, he drains them of energy in an effort to save himself. They shrivel up and die."
Voldemort gulped. "You better find a way to remove his bond."
Over the next three weeks, Alanna and Xander Apparated in and out of the Manor, visiting the Muggle and Magical governments of the world and making alliances. Most of the Magical communities readily agreed to train troops for the war, with the exception of those already controlled by Voldemort, and after the Muggle Leaders got over the fact that there was a Demigod in their offices, they agreed as well. Everyone else worked on the wedding preparations, preparing for their roles in the imminent ceremony.
Ginny popped in and out every day, generally in the company of Darius; the two of them completely joined at the hip. They ran around, helping set up for the wedding preparations. Four days before the ceremony, Claudette, Lucas and everyone invited arrived on Harry and Sirius's doorsteps and moved into the manors.
At last, the big day arrived in a flurry of activity. Harry, Draco, Severus, James, Sirius and Remus were at Black Manor, getting Severus ready.
"Damn it!" Severus swore for the tenth time that hour. Harry grinned at the sight- Severus Snape, Potions Master, Greasy Git and All around Bastard of Hogwarts, swearing because his hair wouldn't behave. "This is bloody ridiculous! I've NEVER had this problem! And, why, for the love of God, can't I wear the BLACK Snape robes????" James and Harry looked at each other and broke into peals of laughter.
"It's not funny," Severus growled, eyeing his nephew and brother in law with malicious intent. "I am not going to look like a bloody idiot-" Harry snorted and Draco elbowed him sharply, "on my wedding day!" He gestured to the deep blue, jade and silver ancestral robes he was trying to magic off that Harry and Draco kept charming to stay put.
Lucius, resplendent in ebony robes of finest satin with the Malfoy crest over the left breast and a beautiful modern cut tuxedo underneath, walked into Severus's room, unannounced, and eyed the fuming Potions Master before snickering. "All right there, Severus?" the elder Malfoy asked with a smirk.
"No, Lucius, everything is NOT all right! I look like a bloody poof in this blasted robe and my hair won't behave!!!" Severus snapped, yanking futilely at the mandarin collar of the silk robes.
"Hey, I'm deeply offended by that," Sirius, Harry, Remus and Draco deadpanned in unison.
Remus rolled his eyes and Apparated, mumbling about a mercy run to the girls for some hair gel and Valium for the groom.
Lucius rolled his eyes, grumbling to himself. "It's bad enough that my son is gay. Does he have to flaunt it?"
"Two words, Father," Draco drawled, smirking and straightening his silvery blue robes. "Merlin's Fortune. I'd like to see you do better than that." Lucius opened and closed his mouth several times before throwing his hands up into the air in exasperation.
Harry huffed mock angrily. "I knew it! You just want me for my money!" He flounced off, swirling his deep emerald robes impressively.
"Well it can't be the sex," Draco teased. Harry stuck his nose in the air, insulted.
Lucius choked and a dull pink appeared on his cheeks. Severus stared at his old schoolmate with wide, incredulous eyes.
"Oh, look," Harry snickered. "We made your father blush, Draco."
Draco raised an eyebrow as he stared at his scowling father. He grinned suddenly, an angelic smile that completely masked the devil within. Lucius blinked and started to back up. Severus did as well, both of them staring at Draco with something akin to horror.
"Do we run?" Severus whispered to his longtime friend.
"He's too powerful. He'll catch us," Lucius whispered back.
Harry, Sirius and James stared at each other, confused. "What's going on?" Harry asked, staring at his soul mate with bemusement.
"When he looks like that, all Hell's about to break loose," Severus whimpered. Lucius simply nodded, never taking his eyes from his son, who smile back innocently, seemingly unable to hurt a fly.
Harry snickered and wrapped his arms around Draco's waist, resting his chin of Draco's shoulders. "Love, isn't it bad luck to traumatize any member of the Wedding Party before the big event?"
Draco snickered slightly and turned his angelic expression on his soul mate. "Who says I'm traumatizing anyone?" Harry grinned at Draco just as angelically.
James snorted and rounded on Lucius Malfoy angrily. "Your son," he spat, "has corrupted MY son!" Lucius sneered at James. Lucius raised his wand and James's hand swirled deep blue.
Remus appeared, carrying an industrial size bottle of hair gel, a case of Valium and a red envelope that immediately began to smoke around the edges. He grinned wolfishly. "These," he dumped everything into Severus's arms, "are for you."
Severus grinned at the sight of the Valium and dumped everything else into a heap. He ripped open the case and grabbed a bottle, wrestling it open. He popped a tiny white pill, completely ignoring the Howler.
The Howler began to smoke around the edges. Finally, it burst into flames and Laurel's voice, magnified a hundred times over, echoed throughout the Manor.
"SEVERUS!!! IF YOU DON'T GET YOUR FREAKING ARSE OVER HERE AND MEET ME AT THE AISLE THEN I WILL DROWN YOU WITH THE HAIR GEL!!! AND DON'T USE UP ALL OF MY VALIUM!!!!!"
Severus grinned lopsidedly at the voice. "Okie dokie, Laurie," he murmured, his eyelids drooping and swaying slightly back and forth. Harry started laughing at the Valium induced high his uncle was currently riding on.
"Oh- Severus?" Lucius asked, staring at his long time best friend with first concern and then mirth. "Is someone recording this? This would be perfect blackmail material."
"We already have that covered," Harry said, producing a camera and snapping pictures as Severus started spinning in a circle, singing softly about drunken pirates and the sailor's hornpipe.
Draco snickered as Severus started dancing a tango all by himself, dipping as he staggered across the room. Harry just grinned, snapping pictures every few seconds.
They managed to get Severus ready without any further problems. At last, it was time for everyone to relocate to Stonehenge. The guests were seated inside the alabaster stones with gold inlay vines. Alanna with Mom included, stood in the center of the stones, ready to start the ceremony. Four candles marked exact North, South, East and West twenty feet diameter around the altar. Laurel, Xander, and Harry stood at the Northeast point outside the stones, and Severus, Lily and Draco stood at the Southwest point. Laurel was resplendent in a medieval, floor length white gown with gold trim. A golden embroidered crown of thorns with a rose through the center adorned her left breast and the center of her back. Severus was sober and magically unable to complain about his robes or hair.
At exactly eight o'clock, the two groups slowly walked into the circle of alabaster stones, Harry and Draco first as honor guard for the bride and groom, Laurel and Severus in the middle, and Lily and Xander bringing up the rear. The four guards took up their positions: Harry at North, Draco at South, Xander at East and Lily at West.
Alanna began chanting in old High Gaelic, her voice intermingled with the thundering, ethereal voice of Mom. Harry started to glow first, a deep verdant green. Draco was next, a bright silvery blue. Lily and Xander started glowing right after, red and deep blue. The stones glowed, at each compass point, red, green, dark blue-purple and light blue-silver. The colors spread from stone to stone, touching its neighboring colors and converging to a single point in a semicircle above Stonehenge. The colors flared and rippled, turning a faint silvery white before disappearing completely.
"We are gathered here this evening to witness the public affirmation of the bonding of Severus Snape and Laurel Rosethorne," Alanna and Mother intoned. "If there is anyone who knows of any reason why these two should not bond, speak now or forever hold your peace."
"She belongs to my father, as do you, Alanna," a voice yelled from empty air. Alanna's eyes widened and Xander growled. Severus wrapped his arms around Laurel, daring anyone to take her from him. Adrian appeared instantly after, a sneer set firmly on his face.
Ginny and Darius shot out of their seats. "Oh, no you don't," Ginny hissed, grabbing Adrian's left arm. Darius grabbed his right, equally angry. They dragged the Prince of Hell out of the stone circle amid cat calls and boos.
"He has no objections!" Darius yelled before leaving the circle. Everyone cheered and Alanna continued the ceremony.
Adrian's mouth dropped open. "I do so! I object! They cannot bond! I- " Swearing in Parseltongue, Drow, and countless other languages, Ginny and Darius dragged the demon from Stonehenge
Once outside the stones, Ginny twisted his arm. "You'll shut up or we'll NEVER include you in the bond!" she snarled, her eyes black slits.
Darius smirked grimly at Adrian's suddenly pale face and sickly expression.
"You wouldn't dare," Adrian protested weakly, suddenly terrified. "You aren't that cruel. You can't be. You're the nice ones."
"So help us God, we would," Darius snapped.
"SO SWORN, SO UPHELD." There was a flash of light and a crack of thunder.
Adrian kept his mouth shut, his eyes wide and fearful.
"Now you listen and you listen good," Ginny growled. "I've had it with you. You will either shape up, and stop being an asshole or we'll exclude you. You have a choice to be a better person than this. Your father is a fucked up, low life, piece of scum and you don't have to listen to him, damn it!!"
Darius raised his eyebrows. "I think that sums it up nicely. You are your own person, Adrian. And, while we both find you hot as Hell, no pun intended," Adrian grinned sardonically, his face still pale, "we won't have anything to do with you if you persist in being your father's evil spawn."
"But I am my father's evil spawn!" Adrian protested, biting his lip. "You're asking me to change who I am!"
"You misunderstand," Ginny snarled. "We're not asking- we're telling and you'll do it or you'll be alone forever."
Adrian closed his eyes. "You're asking me to give up my entire life or what could be my entire life. Just about unlimited power with my father for second string, yet eternal happiness with you. This isn't fair."
"We can't play both sides." Ginny sighed, her anger suddenly spent. "You're hurting us and hurting our family. That's my uncle's wife you're threatening as well as my older sister. I can't let you hurt them without having to stop you."
Darius shrugged. "Great Grandmother, for me. Besides, with your father being Satan and all, you're never going to have the kind of power you crave. He'll always make sure you're never more powerful than he. With us, we'll be probably second only to Draco, Harry and Mother."
Adrian's eyes grew calculating. "Just how powerful are they?" he asked.
Ginny smirked at him. "Cut ties with your father, join us, and we'll tell you. Better yet, we'll show you."
Adrian's eyes grew cold. "That powerful, huh?"
"Your father doesn't stand a chance," Darius smirked.
Adrian started. "What?" he snapped, disbelieving. "Father is All Powerful!"
"Only because of his bond to Mom," Ginny smirked and then slapped a hand over her mouth.
Darius smacked her lightly on the back of the head. "Smooth, ace. That was really smart. What else do you want to tell him before Alanna, Xander, Harry and Draco kill you?"
Adrian's mouth dropped open. "But that's impossible! They'd have to be-"
"AS STRONG AS I. ADRIAN, YOUR FATHER ALREADY KNOWS HOW STRONG THEY ARE AND WILL NOT ACQUEISE. YOU MUST CHOOSE FOR YOURSELF. YOU CAN BE WITH YOUR FATHER OR YOUR MO- SOUL MATES. JUST KNOW THAT THERE ARE THOSE WHO CARE ABOUT YOU ON THIS SIDE, WHILE ON THE OTHER YOU ARE A MEANS TO AN END. I KNOW CLAUTIUS'S MIND, AS HE IS MY OTHER HALF. HE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT ANYONE. YOU MUST CHOOSE. IT IS UP TO YOU."
Adrian's eyes grew cold. "She lies! My father does care about me! He cares about all my brothers!"
"She's God, you dumbass, "Ginny snapped. "All good, remember? I don't think She CAN lie."
"Correction, Gin," Darius held up a hand. "She can lie, but She chooses not to. It's not in Her nature."
Adrian rolled his eyes. "Could we not get into a theological debate here?"
"Leave, Adrian. Run home to your father and think about what we said," Darius said suddenly. "Come on, Gin, we have a Wedding to attend." He and Ginny linked arms.
"But," Adrian protested, extending his hands to them pleadingly. "What should I do?"
"That's up to you, Adrian. Choose wisely," Ginny said. Darius and she extended their hands, clasping Adrian's hands firmly, their fingers glowing. They let go reluctantly, turned and walked back to Stonehenge, Ginny's head resting on Darius's shoulder. Adrian watched them go, his face blank except for a deep longing in his eyes. As soon as they entered the circle, he turned and Apparated.
Ginny and Darius walked back through the stones together. Severus and Laurel floated several inches off the ground, gold and silver ribbons swirling around them. Alanna stood behind them, glowing a brilliant white.
"Do you, Severus Snape, promise to take Laurel Rosethorne as your bonded soul mate, to love, honor and obey, to become one mind, body and soul for all eternity?"
"I do." Severus's voice carried across the silent circle.
"Do you, Laurel Rosethorne, take Severus Snape as your bonded soul mate, to love, honor and obey, to become one mind, body and soul for all eternity?"
"I do," Laurel said proudly, her eyes shining. Behind them, Lily sniffed and wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her scarlet robe. Draco was tearing up, as was Harry. Even James and Lucius couldn't stop sniffing.
"And I thought he'd be a bachelor forever," Lucius muttered, discretely wiping his eyes.
James's only response was a strangled sniff. They both turned to each other and started sobbing openly on each other's shoulders. Narcissa just stared at her husband and patted his back.
"It's all right, Luc," she soothed softly. "Here, have a handkerchief." She pulled out a white handkerchief and handed it to her sobbing husband.
"Then join minds fully and repeat after me: I take thee, Laurel or Severus, as my bondsmate. When apart we are never parted, one mind, one body and one soul for all eternity."
The glow around Severus and Laurel intensified into a blinding light. "I take thee, Laurel/Severus," they chanted, their voices thundering, "as my bondsmate. When apart we are never parted, one mind, one body and one soul for all eternity."
"SO WITNESSED, SO MOTE IT BE!" Alanna's and Mother's voices boomed through the stones. An enormous wind whipped up and the blinding light around Severus and Laurel exploded outwards. The shields flared to life again, directing the blast up and away from the guests.
As soon as the light had dissipated, Severus and Laurel turned to each other, smiling.
"You may now kiss your bondsmate," Alanna and Mother remarked drolly, chuckling softly.
The sun set over the horizon as Severus and Laurel kissed, bathing them in brilliant oranges, purples, and reds.
Twenty minutes later, everyone was back at Potter Manor for dinner and cake. After an hour of playing host, Severus and Laurel had had enough of waiting.
"Lily, would it be horrible if we took off?" Severus asked his sister quietly over a glass of champagne.
Lily grinned. "Not at all. Get out of here, you two. Have fun and stay safe, all right?"
Severus grinned, relieved. "Thanks, Sis. You're the best."
He stopped by Harry and Draco, who were slowly dancing in the hallway. "We're going to head out now," he said, putting a hand on each of their shoulders.
They turned and hugged him. "Have fun, Uncle Sev," Harry said softly, grinning.
"Don't do anything stupid," Draco admonished, shaking his finger.
Severus mock sneered. "Isn't that MY line?" he asked dryly.
"Get out of here!" Harry and Draco made shooing motions.
"All right, all right," Severus grumbled good naturedly. He Apparated next to Laurel. "Are you ready?" Lucius and Narcissa grinned.
She grinned, relieved. "Thank God. I thought we'd NEVER get out of here."
Without any warning, they Apparated. Harry, Draco, Lily, Lucius and Narcissa stared at the place where they had stood with enormous grins.
Harry and Draco looked at each other and stepped back, Apparating as well. They appeared in their bedroom, wearing identical grins. Harry turned and hugged Draco.
"How long until they miss us?" Draco asked, his voice muffled.
"I have no idea, but all that energy they put off made me horny."
Draco turned and gave Harry a searing kiss. "I know, me too. That is so wrong!"
"Severus is our Uncle!" Harry sniggered. Draco reached around and caressed his bottom and he gasped. "Oh well, what the hell."
They tumbled into bed, any misgivings gone.
Downstairs, the guests started to leave, the energy affecting them as well. Once everyone had gone, Lily, James, the demigods, Sirius and Remus had the same idea and retreated to their rooms.
A/N: Okie dokie, Laurel. Hee hee! Severus was stoned, Severus was stoned! Ok, I'm off my medications and happy happy joy joy! WHOOHOOO THE WARPED TOUR IS THIS WEEKEND AND OZZFEST IS IN THREE WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, I get to go to the concerts! Chapter 3 won't be out before July 26th... actually, I probably won't start typing until then. I have a 4-5 pg paper due Monday! And then, I'm done with classes!!!!! And then, On to Paramedics School!!!!! And chapters will not be done every couple days like the other book. The Paramedics school is almost 1000 hours, 500 of which are clinical and ambulance hours. I'll probably get one out a week. Sorry, letting you know. This is gonna be an intense class.
B/N: And I would like to apologize for us not having this one out sooner; there was some big crap going down over here. But it's all good now, and the story is back on. And be sure to take a looky at Laura's other stories, because they rock mountains (as opposed to biting monkeys)! Have fun with it! Xoxoxox, Annie.
Chapter 2
"What?" Laurel gasped her eyes wide with terror.
Severus grabbed her and hugged her close. "It's all right. I won't let him hurt you, Love. I promise." He gently rocked her back and forth, his onyx eyes resolute.
"We'll have to call Claudette, Lucas, Lorien, and the rest of the leaders," Harry said, staring at the table.
"Would Master like to make a wish?" Genie asked, staring at Harry inquisitively.
"Is it unethical to wish that Clautius were dead?" Harry asked dryly. Alanna laughed.
"Genie cannot kill, Master. I am sorry." Genie pouted and stared dejectedly at the floor.
"Harry, I don't think anything she does in this world will be effective once we figure out what happened and how to send them back." Lily rested her head in her hands. "I don't understand. Where did they come from? How did they get out of their books?"
"Genie, what would you wish for?" Harry asked suddenly.
Genie stared at him, her eyes wide. "I do not know, Master. I guess Freedom. We are slaves to the lamp, you know."
Harry grinned. "Wish granted. Do you want freedom, Genie?"
"You're changing the story!" Lily hissed.
"Oh well," Harry said. "I didn't like that story from Arabian Nights anyway. It was horrible."
"I want Freedom," Genie nodded.
"I wish for your freedom," Harry announced. The gold bracelets of Genie's wrists fell away and she sprang forward, hugging Harry.
"Thank you!" She grinned widely and disappeared.
Lily raised her eyebrows. "You do realize that could be dangerous- a freed genie running around. Besides, now that she's free, she might not go back into her book."
Harry shrugged.
"All right, so we need the support of the Magical world-" Harry interrupted Alanna's musing.
"Scratch that," Harry said softly. "We need everyone. Muggle, Wizard, Drow, Dragon, Elves, Faerie, Veela, Werewolves, Vampires, and Magical Creatures - we need to stand together on this. It's time to approach Voldemort again, and we need to strike soon before Clautius is able to mass forces. We also need - Alanna, is there a way to put a tracer on everyone on the planet?"
"I suppose," Alanna said. "Why?"
"How did he make the Dementors?" Harry countered.
"Xander and I will get right on it," Alanna said, understanding his train of thought.
"But that will expose us to Muggles!" Severus hissed angrily, his eyes flashing.
"We don't have time for this!" Harry yelled. "They are coming and they are going to kill ALL of us, regardless of Magical ability! We need whoever we can get!"
Draco appeared in the Dining Hall, sleepily rubbing his eyes. "What's going on? Hi Alanna!"
"Hello, Draco," Alanna said in a subdued voice.
"What's going on?" Draco repeated, worried.
"Clautius isn't dead and he's massing an army," Harry said point blank.
"Well, duh," Draco said. "I knew that." Everyone stared at him incredulously. "What? Did you honestly think the energy from us killed him? He isn't Mother's soul mate for nothing. He's more powerful than we are due to that bond. He can and probably does draw on Her strength on a regular basis." He put his head on the table and closed his eyes.
"HE SPEAKS THE TRUTH."
"Hello, Mom," Harry said with a grin. Draco sat up with a start.
"THIS IS WHY I NEED A CHAMPION. I NEED SOMEONE WHO IS NOT TIED MAGICALLY TO CLAUTIUS SO HE CANNOT USE THEIR MAGIC AGAINST THEM. HARRY, DRACO, YOU KNOW HE IS COMING. YOU MUST BE READY."
"So, what's he coming with?" Draco asked, mentally calculating.
"Demon hordes, most likely. He doesn't have time to create good, powerful Dementors," Sirius said with a scowl.
"How long before he can completely rebuild?" Harry asked.
"IF HE HURRIES, IN TWO YEARS HE CAN HAVE OVER FOUR BILLION DEMONS, ONE FOR EVERY TWO PEOPLE ON EARTH."
"And how long do we have until he's up to full strength, where he was before?" Draco asked.
"No more than five years," Alanna said, calculating quickly.
"So we need to attack within the next year if we have any chance of winning," Severus said thoughtfully, his eyes narrowed.
"What do we do about Adrian?" Harry asked suddenly.
Everyone except for Draco stared at him in surprise. "What do you mean?" Alanna asked tentatively, her expression troubled.
"Well, he is Ginny's soul mate, as is Darius. It'll kill the both of them if Adrian were harmed." Harry explained.
"He's the second most evil person in existence!" Xander protested after Apparating into the room.
"But he's Ginny's and Darius's soul mate. What happens if one or both or all three of them die without bonding?"
Alanna stared off into space. "Can we not talk about this?" Xander asked desperately, grabbing her hand and guiding her out of the Dining Hall. "It'll be ok, Love. You'll see."
"What is going on?" Lily asked, rocking Gareth back and forth. "Why does she freak out every time Adrian's name is mentioned? She just about goes catatonic!"
Gaila walked in the Dining Hall, pulling Captain Jack and Raphael in behind her. "Come on, all this fun has made me hungry!" she chirped.
"But, Love, I don't want anyone else seeing me in my underbritches, savvy?" Jack protested, trying to cover his lack of clothing with his hat.
"My Love, not yours!" Raphael snapped. The three of them stopped short, staring at the people in the Dining Hall.
"Uh oh," Gaila said, her face bright red. "Hi, guys." Harry snickered and Draco fell over from laughter. Blushing furiously, Gaila conjured clothing for Captain Jack as they sat down at the table.
"Gaila, maybe you can answer this. Why does Alanna freak out when Adrian's name is mentioned?" Severus asked speculatively.
"Ooh, they have a bad history. I know she told you that they had children together, Morgan Le Fay and Merlin. Clautius told Adrian to find her and get her to trust him and then he came to take her back to his realm so he could take her power again. Well, Morgan went with Adrian when she and Xander cast them back into Hell. I don't think she's ever forgiven Adrian for doing that to her." Gaila sat on both Raphael and Captain Jack's laps. "Is there any way to get food in this place?"
"I don't think that's it," Remus mused. "She smelled sad, not angry." Sally popped into the Dining Hall.
"Lord Potter, there is a talking tea pot in the Kitchen! She's trying to order me around!" Sally complained, burying her face in James's pants leg.
James rolled his eyes heavenward. "What the hell is going on in my house??"
"YOUR YOUNGEST HAS BEEN DOING MAGIC," Mother replied, quite amused.
"What?" Lily asked, staring at Gareth incredulously. The month old baby gurgled back at her.
"HARRY SHOWED MAGIC TWO DAYS OUT OF THE WOMB. WHAT MAKES THIS SO IMPOSSIBLE?"
"But- but -but," James stuttered, completely shaken.
"BUT NOTHING. SIRIUS, WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT WHEN YOU READ GARETH A BEDTIME STORY?"
"Oh, yeah," Sirius said, scratching his head. "Gareth touched the wolf picture and it moved, and almost walked off the page. I thought it was part of the story!"
"HE DID THIS," Mom laughed. "YOU'LL HAVE TO REVERSE THIS SOMEHOW AND SEND THE CHARACTERS BACK INTO THEIR BOOKS. GAILA, YOU ARE NOT TO ABUSE THE STORYBOOK CHARACTERS THAT WAY."
Gaila blushed but Captain Jack grinned. "Oh, Ma'am, I don't mind being abused like that, savvy? Now, does anyone have any rum around here?" Gaila conjured some and handed it to Jack, who tipped the bottle back heartily. "Thanks, love."
Raphael groaned and muttered under his breath, "Shut up, you wanker. She's mine. My love! The only person she can abuse is me!"
Captain Jack smirked at Raphael.
Harry groaned and rested his head in his hands. "All right, let's put them back," he muttered. He and Draco joined hands, a soft glow surrounding them. The characters from the books started to become transparent. They wavered and finally disappeared.
Gaila pouted and Gareth started to cry.
Lily stared at her son and stood up. "Where's the book, Siri?" she asked, rocking the inconsolable Gareth. Sirius muttered a spell and the book flew through the window and into Lily's hand. Gareth stared at the white wolf on the front and gurgled happily.
"You were reading him White Fang?" James asked, staring at the book with amusement.
"Hey, he picked it," Sirius countered.
"Yeah right. My month old son picked that book," James snorted.
Gareth grinned and the book started floating, to Lily and James's surprise and consternation. Draco grinned. "I have an idea." He walked over to Gareth, his arms outstretched. "May I?" Lily handed the baby over and Draco transformed into his wolf self, curling up around the ecstatic baby. Gareth cooed as he lay against the silk fur, occasionally fisting and yanking on a tuft. Draco, to his credit, kept the yelping in pain to a minimum as Gareth fell asleep, his hands curled tightly in his fur.
Gaila still pouted. "Sure, appease the baby. Can I get Jack back?"
"Hell no!" Raphael glared. Gaila sniffed and flounced from the room.
"Jack?" They could hear her calling around the Manor. "Jack, where are you? Come out come out where ever you are!"
"Mr. President," There's someone here to see you," the aide announced nervously. The current President of the Unites States stood up quickly as a young woman of medium height with waist length black curly hair strode into his office, effectively pushing the aide out of her way.
"Mr. President, my name is Alanna and I have a proposition for you." The President sat down heavily.
"Yes, my Lady?" he asked neutrally, a resigned expression on his face.
"You know who I am?" she asked curiously.
"Our newest Naval Captain, Captain George, spoke highly of you and of the situation you found yourself in regarding two friends of yours and, I believe, it was the powers of Hell?" the President asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, it was." Alanna grinned sardonically. "Then you know why I'm here."
The President stared at her. "You are asking for more wizards to bolster your forces. I'm not sure what I can do, but-"
Alanna held up her hand. "He's coming, Mr. President. The time to single this out as a Wizarding or Muggle problem is over. We need everyone who can fight to do so. We are approaching the other countries as well. This is serious and all out war."
The President stared at her in horror. "You can't be serious! How can Muggles fight demons???? I mean- you're gods! You can deal with this, right?"
"Demigods, actually. And, we can't deal with this alone. That's where we need you. Nuclear warheads kill everything," she said grimly. "That's what this has come down to. He's massing an army of incredible proportions and will be coming for us. Bullets, curses, bombs- you name it, we need it. Will you help us?"
"This is going to expose Magic to everyone! How are the Wizards taking it?" the President sat back, shaking his head.
"It's past the point of caring. We need everyone in this. Besides, we always planned on unifying the magical and Muggle worlds- now seems as good of a time as any."
"I'll run this by Congress's Magical Committee and see how best to broach the subject."
"You have a month to do that before I speak to Congress myself," Alanna warned.
The President sighed and rubbed his eyes. "You had to do this before an election year, didn't you?" he accused with a wry grin.
Alanna sighed, and then perked up considerably. "Hey- if we win, you'll be the President who vanquished Satan. If we lose, there won't be an election anyway. It's a win-win scenario!"
The President scowled at her. "Funny. Only someone as powerful as you can joke about this."
Alanna's eyes held a haunted look. "It's either laugh or run screaming. I know how monstrous he is from first hand experience. Believe me; we're ALL fighting for survival here."
The President just stared at her. "Tell you what. Why don't YOU approach Congress? Say that and you'll have our entire fighting forces at your beck and call."
Alanna looked at him. "As one Leader to another, I hope you're right."
Xander swept into Riddle Manor, right in the middle of a Death Eater meeting, with a disdainful sniff. "You call this a secret fortress?" he asked to no one in particular. Voldemort, now with a head full of ebony hair streaked with gray, and looking less skeletal, visibly bristled.
"Who the hell are you?" Voldemort spat, standing up and stalking over to Xander, raising his wand threateningly.
Xander yawned and snapped his fingers. Voldemort's wand suddenly became a bouquet of flowers.
Voldemort stared at the flowers in his hand with a resigned expression before tossing them to the floor. "Let me guess, you're a big bad demigod and you're here to eternally damn me for my sins."
Xander laughed. "Nope, not right at all. I'm THE big, bad demigod in charge of this planet, and I'm here to find out how deep your bond to Clautius goes."
"Bull sh-" A Death Eater started to yell, raising his wand. Xander stared at him and he turned into a miniature cow. The cow started munching on the flowers happily. Voldemort kicked the cow across the room.
"Nope, not bull shit. I'm here to test your bond. So, if you don't mind, could we lose the audience? I don't think you want to start screaming in agony in front of your minions," Xander said with a nasty smirk.
Voldemort gulped slightly. Parkinson was now a cow, a very tiny cow. His wand was now a useless bouquet of flowers. Hastily, he made his decision. "Death Eaters! OUT!" he bellowed. The assembled Death Eaters grumbled and started Apparating.
Once they had all left, Voldemort crossed his arms. "Do your worst."
Xander grinned. "Really? Cool!" Voldemort was suddenly sporting a blond beehive wig, long scarlet nails, and a Carmen Miranda outfit, complete with giant pineapples.
Voldemort rolled his scarlet eyes. "Are you quite finished?"
"Nope, just getting started!" Xander stalked around the Dark Lord critically. A scarlet beam shot from his hand and enveloped Voldemort, who went rigid.
"Go ahead and scream," Xander encouraged. "This is going to hurt."
For an agonizingly long thirty seconds, Voldemort screamed continuously.
As soon as the scan was done, and the scarlet beam released him, Voldemort collapsed into a boneless heap on the floor. "Ouch," he wheezed.
"I told you," Xander said cheerfully, offering Voldemort a hand up. With a snarl, Voldemort batted the hand away and stood up on his own.
"So, Healer, what's the diagnosis?" he asked sarcastically.
"Well, you're pretty much useless to us," Xander said with a sigh. "I wish it were different because we don't like to lose anyone, but you're magic is under his control. It has been for decades."
Voldemort's eyes widened. "What do you mean?" he asked, suspiciously. "He's taught me, but not given me powers. At least, none that I've been aware of."
"And, I know who your soul mate is, but if you bond with her you give her mind and magic to Clautius as well," Xander continued as if Voldemort hadn't spoken.
"Wait- that's the second time someone has said I have a soul mate. What are you talking about?" Voldemort scratched his hair in confusion.
"Well, you have a really nice, slightly high strung lady whom you belong to- mind, body and soul. Unfortunately, somehow- wait, how often did you write in that diary, the one Lucius Malfoy used to open the Chamber of Secrets?" Xander asked, his eyebrows raised.
"Every day for several years, and every day since my resurrection, why?" Voldemort asked suspiciously.
"Where did you get it?" Xander sighed, already knowing the answer.
"Clautius, my teacher." Voldemort's eyes widened. "You mean-"
"Yup, it's how you were linked. That's why Ginny isn't linked to Clautius but has demon powers. She didn't write in it long enough."
"Why- why are you bringing this up now?"
"Is your Veil to Clautius still open?" Xander asked.
"No. It was destroyed some months ago, along with the better half of my dungeons."
"Clautius is going to destroy this planet," Xander said bluntly. "He's not going to take control. You all will lose if you side with him. I was coming here to ask for help- you're human. You should fight for your planet, moral sides be damned. Everyone loses- light, dark, if he wins. But you pretty much belong to him."
"Is that so bad? He's been my Master since I was twenty," Voldemort asked.
"Well, that depends on your idea of bad. If you want to become a Dementor, it's wonderful, because that's the only use he has for humans, besides demon food. If you actually want to live, it's horrible because this planet is going down the crapper if he takes over the Universe like he plans to."
"The Universe?" Voldemort choked. "That's nuts! Even I'M not that crazy!"
"I'm glad you think so. However, you won't be able to join our side. Your magic and life pretty much are his. I don't know if Mother could break his hold on you."
Voldemort scowled. "He and I are going to have a little talk. I'm NO ONE'S puppet and I don't like being bound like that unknowingly."
"You're going to tell off Satan," Xander said disbelievingly. "Could you get it recorded? I want to see that."
"I suppose the governments I control are his as well?" Voldemort asked, switching subjects.
"Who came up with the Dark Mark and do the people in those governments have them?" Xander asked, rubbing his temples.
"Three guesses. He did, and yes, they have them. But, Lucius's mark was broken," Voldemort suddenly said, struck with inspiration.
Xander's eyes widened. "By who?"
"The Boy Wonders themselves," Voldemort said with as much sarcasm as he could muster.
"Harry and Draco can break Clautius's mark. Cool. This may not be hopeless. Oh, question- why are you so helpful?" Xander asked suspiciously.
"Clautius is too controlling. I want to be in control and I don't like dancing to another person's tune. Besides, he wasn't teaching me much anyway. He kept saying I wasn't powerful enough to learn. Who's my soul mate?"
Xander smirked and bent his head towards Voldemort's ear, whispering.
Voldemort's eyes widened comically. "WHAT???"
Xander smirked and nodded. "Tell you what. You let Harry and Draco slowly remove the Marks, and I'll hook you two up."
Voldemort's eyes widened. "Well, I'll be damned. It really was her." His eyes lost their focus and turned misty.
"Do we have a deal?" Xander asked, grinning.
"They say it's always the one who got away," Voldemort mused. He stared at Xander. "You find a way to break his hold on me so she doesn't get hurt and then we'll talk. For now, I'll slowly get the others maneuvered so that they can have their marks removed without Clautius noticing. I have a question now. What happens when Clautius dies? You are going to kill him, right? Well, what happens to those that have the mark still?"
Xander paled. "They- well, he drains them of energy in an effort to save himself. They shrivel up and die."
Voldemort gulped. "You better find a way to remove his bond."
Over the next three weeks, Alanna and Xander Apparated in and out of the Manor, visiting the Muggle and Magical governments of the world and making alliances. Most of the Magical communities readily agreed to train troops for the war, with the exception of those already controlled by Voldemort, and after the Muggle Leaders got over the fact that there was a Demigod in their offices, they agreed as well. Everyone else worked on the wedding preparations, preparing for their roles in the imminent ceremony.
Ginny popped in and out every day, generally in the company of Darius; the two of them completely joined at the hip. They ran around, helping set up for the wedding preparations. Four days before the ceremony, Claudette, Lucas and everyone invited arrived on Harry and Sirius's doorsteps and moved into the manors.
At last, the big day arrived in a flurry of activity. Harry, Draco, Severus, James, Sirius and Remus were at Black Manor, getting Severus ready.
"Damn it!" Severus swore for the tenth time that hour. Harry grinned at the sight- Severus Snape, Potions Master, Greasy Git and All around Bastard of Hogwarts, swearing because his hair wouldn't behave. "This is bloody ridiculous! I've NEVER had this problem! And, why, for the love of God, can't I wear the BLACK Snape robes????" James and Harry looked at each other and broke into peals of laughter.
"It's not funny," Severus growled, eyeing his nephew and brother in law with malicious intent. "I am not going to look like a bloody idiot-" Harry snorted and Draco elbowed him sharply, "on my wedding day!" He gestured to the deep blue, jade and silver ancestral robes he was trying to magic off that Harry and Draco kept charming to stay put.
Lucius, resplendent in ebony robes of finest satin with the Malfoy crest over the left breast and a beautiful modern cut tuxedo underneath, walked into Severus's room, unannounced, and eyed the fuming Potions Master before snickering. "All right there, Severus?" the elder Malfoy asked with a smirk.
"No, Lucius, everything is NOT all right! I look like a bloody poof in this blasted robe and my hair won't behave!!!" Severus snapped, yanking futilely at the mandarin collar of the silk robes.
"Hey, I'm deeply offended by that," Sirius, Harry, Remus and Draco deadpanned in unison.
Remus rolled his eyes and Apparated, mumbling about a mercy run to the girls for some hair gel and Valium for the groom.
Lucius rolled his eyes, grumbling to himself. "It's bad enough that my son is gay. Does he have to flaunt it?"
"Two words, Father," Draco drawled, smirking and straightening his silvery blue robes. "Merlin's Fortune. I'd like to see you do better than that." Lucius opened and closed his mouth several times before throwing his hands up into the air in exasperation.
Harry huffed mock angrily. "I knew it! You just want me for my money!" He flounced off, swirling his deep emerald robes impressively.
"Well it can't be the sex," Draco teased. Harry stuck his nose in the air, insulted.
Lucius choked and a dull pink appeared on his cheeks. Severus stared at his old schoolmate with wide, incredulous eyes.
"Oh, look," Harry snickered. "We made your father blush, Draco."
Draco raised an eyebrow as he stared at his scowling father. He grinned suddenly, an angelic smile that completely masked the devil within. Lucius blinked and started to back up. Severus did as well, both of them staring at Draco with something akin to horror.
"Do we run?" Severus whispered to his longtime friend.
"He's too powerful. He'll catch us," Lucius whispered back.
Harry, Sirius and James stared at each other, confused. "What's going on?" Harry asked, staring at his soul mate with bemusement.
"When he looks like that, all Hell's about to break loose," Severus whimpered. Lucius simply nodded, never taking his eyes from his son, who smile back innocently, seemingly unable to hurt a fly.
Harry snickered and wrapped his arms around Draco's waist, resting his chin of Draco's shoulders. "Love, isn't it bad luck to traumatize any member of the Wedding Party before the big event?"
Draco snickered slightly and turned his angelic expression on his soul mate. "Who says I'm traumatizing anyone?" Harry grinned at Draco just as angelically.
James snorted and rounded on Lucius Malfoy angrily. "Your son," he spat, "has corrupted MY son!" Lucius sneered at James. Lucius raised his wand and James's hand swirled deep blue.
Remus appeared, carrying an industrial size bottle of hair gel, a case of Valium and a red envelope that immediately began to smoke around the edges. He grinned wolfishly. "These," he dumped everything into Severus's arms, "are for you."
Severus grinned at the sight of the Valium and dumped everything else into a heap. He ripped open the case and grabbed a bottle, wrestling it open. He popped a tiny white pill, completely ignoring the Howler.
The Howler began to smoke around the edges. Finally, it burst into flames and Laurel's voice, magnified a hundred times over, echoed throughout the Manor.
"SEVERUS!!! IF YOU DON'T GET YOUR FREAKING ARSE OVER HERE AND MEET ME AT THE AISLE THEN I WILL DROWN YOU WITH THE HAIR GEL!!! AND DON'T USE UP ALL OF MY VALIUM!!!!!"
Severus grinned lopsidedly at the voice. "Okie dokie, Laurie," he murmured, his eyelids drooping and swaying slightly back and forth. Harry started laughing at the Valium induced high his uncle was currently riding on.
"Oh- Severus?" Lucius asked, staring at his long time best friend with first concern and then mirth. "Is someone recording this? This would be perfect blackmail material."
"We already have that covered," Harry said, producing a camera and snapping pictures as Severus started spinning in a circle, singing softly about drunken pirates and the sailor's hornpipe.
Draco snickered as Severus started dancing a tango all by himself, dipping as he staggered across the room. Harry just grinned, snapping pictures every few seconds.
They managed to get Severus ready without any further problems. At last, it was time for everyone to relocate to Stonehenge. The guests were seated inside the alabaster stones with gold inlay vines. Alanna with Mom included, stood in the center of the stones, ready to start the ceremony. Four candles marked exact North, South, East and West twenty feet diameter around the altar. Laurel, Xander, and Harry stood at the Northeast point outside the stones, and Severus, Lily and Draco stood at the Southwest point. Laurel was resplendent in a medieval, floor length white gown with gold trim. A golden embroidered crown of thorns with a rose through the center adorned her left breast and the center of her back. Severus was sober and magically unable to complain about his robes or hair.
At exactly eight o'clock, the two groups slowly walked into the circle of alabaster stones, Harry and Draco first as honor guard for the bride and groom, Laurel and Severus in the middle, and Lily and Xander bringing up the rear. The four guards took up their positions: Harry at North, Draco at South, Xander at East and Lily at West.
Alanna began chanting in old High Gaelic, her voice intermingled with the thundering, ethereal voice of Mom. Harry started to glow first, a deep verdant green. Draco was next, a bright silvery blue. Lily and Xander started glowing right after, red and deep blue. The stones glowed, at each compass point, red, green, dark blue-purple and light blue-silver. The colors spread from stone to stone, touching its neighboring colors and converging to a single point in a semicircle above Stonehenge. The colors flared and rippled, turning a faint silvery white before disappearing completely.
"We are gathered here this evening to witness the public affirmation of the bonding of Severus Snape and Laurel Rosethorne," Alanna and Mother intoned. "If there is anyone who knows of any reason why these two should not bond, speak now or forever hold your peace."
"She belongs to my father, as do you, Alanna," a voice yelled from empty air. Alanna's eyes widened and Xander growled. Severus wrapped his arms around Laurel, daring anyone to take her from him. Adrian appeared instantly after, a sneer set firmly on his face.
Ginny and Darius shot out of their seats. "Oh, no you don't," Ginny hissed, grabbing Adrian's left arm. Darius grabbed his right, equally angry. They dragged the Prince of Hell out of the stone circle amid cat calls and boos.
"He has no objections!" Darius yelled before leaving the circle. Everyone cheered and Alanna continued the ceremony.
Adrian's mouth dropped open. "I do so! I object! They cannot bond! I- " Swearing in Parseltongue, Drow, and countless other languages, Ginny and Darius dragged the demon from Stonehenge
Once outside the stones, Ginny twisted his arm. "You'll shut up or we'll NEVER include you in the bond!" she snarled, her eyes black slits.
Darius smirked grimly at Adrian's suddenly pale face and sickly expression.
"You wouldn't dare," Adrian protested weakly, suddenly terrified. "You aren't that cruel. You can't be. You're the nice ones."
"So help us God, we would," Darius snapped.
"SO SWORN, SO UPHELD." There was a flash of light and a crack of thunder.
Adrian kept his mouth shut, his eyes wide and fearful.
"Now you listen and you listen good," Ginny growled. "I've had it with you. You will either shape up, and stop being an asshole or we'll exclude you. You have a choice to be a better person than this. Your father is a fucked up, low life, piece of scum and you don't have to listen to him, damn it!!"
Darius raised his eyebrows. "I think that sums it up nicely. You are your own person, Adrian. And, while we both find you hot as Hell, no pun intended," Adrian grinned sardonically, his face still pale, "we won't have anything to do with you if you persist in being your father's evil spawn."
"But I am my father's evil spawn!" Adrian protested, biting his lip. "You're asking me to change who I am!"
"You misunderstand," Ginny snarled. "We're not asking- we're telling and you'll do it or you'll be alone forever."
Adrian closed his eyes. "You're asking me to give up my entire life or what could be my entire life. Just about unlimited power with my father for second string, yet eternal happiness with you. This isn't fair."
"We can't play both sides." Ginny sighed, her anger suddenly spent. "You're hurting us and hurting our family. That's my uncle's wife you're threatening as well as my older sister. I can't let you hurt them without having to stop you."
Darius shrugged. "Great Grandmother, for me. Besides, with your father being Satan and all, you're never going to have the kind of power you crave. He'll always make sure you're never more powerful than he. With us, we'll be probably second only to Draco, Harry and Mother."
Adrian's eyes grew calculating. "Just how powerful are they?" he asked.
Ginny smirked at him. "Cut ties with your father, join us, and we'll tell you. Better yet, we'll show you."
Adrian's eyes grew cold. "That powerful, huh?"
"Your father doesn't stand a chance," Darius smirked.
Adrian started. "What?" he snapped, disbelieving. "Father is All Powerful!"
"Only because of his bond to Mom," Ginny smirked and then slapped a hand over her mouth.
Darius smacked her lightly on the back of the head. "Smooth, ace. That was really smart. What else do you want to tell him before Alanna, Xander, Harry and Draco kill you?"
Adrian's mouth dropped open. "But that's impossible! They'd have to be-"
"AS STRONG AS I. ADRIAN, YOUR FATHER ALREADY KNOWS HOW STRONG THEY ARE AND WILL NOT ACQUEISE. YOU MUST CHOOSE FOR YOURSELF. YOU CAN BE WITH YOUR FATHER OR YOUR MO- SOUL MATES. JUST KNOW THAT THERE ARE THOSE WHO CARE ABOUT YOU ON THIS SIDE, WHILE ON THE OTHER YOU ARE A MEANS TO AN END. I KNOW CLAUTIUS'S MIND, AS HE IS MY OTHER HALF. HE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT ANYONE. YOU MUST CHOOSE. IT IS UP TO YOU."
Adrian's eyes grew cold. "She lies! My father does care about me! He cares about all my brothers!"
"She's God, you dumbass, "Ginny snapped. "All good, remember? I don't think She CAN lie."
"Correction, Gin," Darius held up a hand. "She can lie, but She chooses not to. It's not in Her nature."
Adrian rolled his eyes. "Could we not get into a theological debate here?"
"Leave, Adrian. Run home to your father and think about what we said," Darius said suddenly. "Come on, Gin, we have a Wedding to attend." He and Ginny linked arms.
"But," Adrian protested, extending his hands to them pleadingly. "What should I do?"
"That's up to you, Adrian. Choose wisely," Ginny said. Darius and she extended their hands, clasping Adrian's hands firmly, their fingers glowing. They let go reluctantly, turned and walked back to Stonehenge, Ginny's head resting on Darius's shoulder. Adrian watched them go, his face blank except for a deep longing in his eyes. As soon as they entered the circle, he turned and Apparated.
Ginny and Darius walked back through the stones together. Severus and Laurel floated several inches off the ground, gold and silver ribbons swirling around them. Alanna stood behind them, glowing a brilliant white.
"Do you, Severus Snape, promise to take Laurel Rosethorne as your bonded soul mate, to love, honor and obey, to become one mind, body and soul for all eternity?"
"I do." Severus's voice carried across the silent circle.
"Do you, Laurel Rosethorne, take Severus Snape as your bonded soul mate, to love, honor and obey, to become one mind, body and soul for all eternity?"
"I do," Laurel said proudly, her eyes shining. Behind them, Lily sniffed and wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her scarlet robe. Draco was tearing up, as was Harry. Even James and Lucius couldn't stop sniffing.
"And I thought he'd be a bachelor forever," Lucius muttered, discretely wiping his eyes.
James's only response was a strangled sniff. They both turned to each other and started sobbing openly on each other's shoulders. Narcissa just stared at her husband and patted his back.
"It's all right, Luc," she soothed softly. "Here, have a handkerchief." She pulled out a white handkerchief and handed it to her sobbing husband.
"Then join minds fully and repeat after me: I take thee, Laurel or Severus, as my bondsmate. When apart we are never parted, one mind, one body and one soul for all eternity."
The glow around Severus and Laurel intensified into a blinding light. "I take thee, Laurel/Severus," they chanted, their voices thundering, "as my bondsmate. When apart we are never parted, one mind, one body and one soul for all eternity."
"SO WITNESSED, SO MOTE IT BE!" Alanna's and Mother's voices boomed through the stones. An enormous wind whipped up and the blinding light around Severus and Laurel exploded outwards. The shields flared to life again, directing the blast up and away from the guests.
As soon as the light had dissipated, Severus and Laurel turned to each other, smiling.
"You may now kiss your bondsmate," Alanna and Mother remarked drolly, chuckling softly.
The sun set over the horizon as Severus and Laurel kissed, bathing them in brilliant oranges, purples, and reds.
Twenty minutes later, everyone was back at Potter Manor for dinner and cake. After an hour of playing host, Severus and Laurel had had enough of waiting.
"Lily, would it be horrible if we took off?" Severus asked his sister quietly over a glass of champagne.
Lily grinned. "Not at all. Get out of here, you two. Have fun and stay safe, all right?"
Severus grinned, relieved. "Thanks, Sis. You're the best."
He stopped by Harry and Draco, who were slowly dancing in the hallway. "We're going to head out now," he said, putting a hand on each of their shoulders.
They turned and hugged him. "Have fun, Uncle Sev," Harry said softly, grinning.
"Don't do anything stupid," Draco admonished, shaking his finger.
Severus mock sneered. "Isn't that MY line?" he asked dryly.
"Get out of here!" Harry and Draco made shooing motions.
"All right, all right," Severus grumbled good naturedly. He Apparated next to Laurel. "Are you ready?" Lucius and Narcissa grinned.
She grinned, relieved. "Thank God. I thought we'd NEVER get out of here."
Without any warning, they Apparated. Harry, Draco, Lily, Lucius and Narcissa stared at the place where they had stood with enormous grins.
Harry and Draco looked at each other and stepped back, Apparating as well. They appeared in their bedroom, wearing identical grins. Harry turned and hugged Draco.
"How long until they miss us?" Draco asked, his voice muffled.
"I have no idea, but all that energy they put off made me horny."
Draco turned and gave Harry a searing kiss. "I know, me too. That is so wrong!"
"Severus is our Uncle!" Harry sniggered. Draco reached around and caressed his bottom and he gasped. "Oh well, what the hell."
They tumbled into bed, any misgivings gone.
Downstairs, the guests started to leave, the energy affecting them as well. Once everyone had gone, Lily, James, the demigods, Sirius and Remus had the same idea and retreated to their rooms.
A/N: Okie dokie, Laurel. Hee hee! Severus was stoned, Severus was stoned! Ok, I'm off my medications and happy happy joy joy! WHOOHOOO THE WARPED TOUR IS THIS WEEKEND AND OZZFEST IS IN THREE WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, I get to go to the concerts! Chapter 3 won't be out before July 26th... actually, I probably won't start typing until then. I have a 4-5 pg paper due Monday! And then, I'm done with classes!!!!! And then, On to Paramedics School!!!!! And chapters will not be done every couple days like the other book. The Paramedics school is almost 1000 hours, 500 of which are clinical and ambulance hours. I'll probably get one out a week. Sorry, letting you know. This is gonna be an intense class.
B/N: And I would like to apologize for us not having this one out sooner; there was some big crap going down over here. But it's all good now, and the story is back on. And be sure to take a looky at Laura's other stories, because they rock mountains (as opposed to biting monkeys)! Have fun with it! Xoxoxox, Annie.