Title: Harry Potter and the Queen of Serpents
Author: Sinayah
Distribution: Just Ask
Rating: PG for now but will move up to R in later chapters.
Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns everything except the plot and the original characters, creatures, etc. The language Quenya and most anything elven related is the creation of J.R.R. Tolkein.
Authors Note: As always, I want to thank my partner in crime Zenura Ravenscar. Without her support I would've never had the courage to write a single sentence. I'd also like to thank the dedicated fans who gave me so many wonderful reviews for my other fics. I hope you enjoy this as much as the others.
Chapter 5
"Molly, that was a wonderful meal, as always." Remus commented as he pushed his empty plate away from himself. Everyone seated at the large table in the kitchen at 12 Grimmauld Place made similar comments in thanks for the delicious dinner the red haired woman had made for them.
The group had retired to the kitchen for dinner not long after Drakkara had finished answering Hermiones' questions. The hour was drawing near now when the children would have to go back upstairs as the members of the Order of the Phoenix would be arriving soon. "Thank you everyone, it was nothing." Molly stated as she watched the porcelain dishes fly from the table and arrange themselves in the sink under the direction of Drakkaras' wand. "Children, I think it's about time you lot headed upstairs for the rest of the evening."
The adults chuckled when that statement was greeted with much grumbling from the six teens, who were anxious to be included in the workings of the Order. "Come on kids," Drakkara said, standing and moving towards the stairs. "I'll come up with you until the meeting begins. It'll be easier for Albus to explain my presence to everyone at once."
The teens continued to grumble a little as they followed the older woman up to the second floor of the house. Hermione and Ginny led the group into their shared bedroom and they all sat around, each wondering if they'd be able to eavesdrop on the meeting. "Why can't we go to the meetings? It's not like none of us has never dealt with You-Know-Who or his Death Eaters in some form or other." Ron stated angrily, glaring at the carpet.
Drakkara sighed, leaning forward on the edge of the bed where she was sitting with Harry so that she could meet the eyes of the teens. "Look kids, I've argued this keeping you in the dark thing with Professor Dumbledore on Harrys' behalf already. He's thinking very hard about letting you in on some of the things that have been happening, but it's hard. Like it or not, you're teenagers, just children in the eyes of most of the adults here. If you truly want to be included on some of the things the Order is doing, and have your ideas and comments listened to, you're going to have to show Albus and the rest of them that you're mature enough to handle the information you're being given."
She saw Ron and Hermione open their mouths and felt Harry stir beside her, all three ready to defend their maturity. She held up a hand to forestall them, "Shh, I know you three have toughed it out in some desperate situations over the years, and done things that most fully grown wizards couldn't have, and I greatly respect you for that. But most of the people gathering downstairs have never heard of your exploits or think you should have handled the situation differently, that you should have told a teacher what was going on and let them handle it. I think they'd all like to think they would have believed you if you came to them with your worries."
"What can we do to make them see that we're mature enough to handle being a part of this Kara? If the things we did in first, second, third, and even last year aren't enough to make them see that we're not ordinary teenagers, then what can?" Hermione asked quietly.
The older woman thought about that for a moment before replying. "Well, first you need to stop grumbling when you're asked to come up here while there's a meeting going on, and trying to eavesdrop on their conversations. Let them come to you with the information they feel they can share, and give them suggestions if they ask your opinion on something. That's something I'm personally going to bring up at the meeting, and I think Sirius and Remus at least will back me on it. For now though, think of things this way. You're here, in the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. The six of you are the only people your age who know with a certainty that Voldemort is back, and that something is actively being done about it. You kids alone know the truth, and you can show your maturity by handling it well and being thankful that you have a group of adults who care about you enough to bring you here, where you're safe."
The group of teenagers thought about what she'd said and nodded in agreement. It was true; they were the only ones who knew this much. "Are you really going to stick up for us at the meeting Ama? Do you think we can help here if they give us a chance?" Harry asked, looking into his godmothers' lovely violet eyes.
"Yes, Harry-love. I'll bring it up to the Order tonight. My opinion may not count for as much as it did the last time, since I've been away so long, but it isn't just me supporting your rights. Sirius and Remus at least have seen you, Ron, and Hermione in action so to speak, and they're sure to add to my comments. Not to mention that Fawkes has a great deal of respect for what you've done in the past, and his opinion counts for much with Albus, at least now that I'm back to make his opinions known." The raven-haired woman said, placing her arm around the boys' shoulders and squeezing lightly.
Everyone was quiet for a few moments, thinking about the older womans words and watching as she and Harry hugged, smiling at seeing their friend receiving the love he deserved. The silence was broken though when Remus walked up and stood in the doorway. "Kara, everyone's here. Albus wants you to come downstairs 'in full preparation for another dramatic scene', whatever that means."
Squeezing her godsons' shoulders one last time the dark haired woman stood, laughing. "Alright. I suppose the old man deserves to sit back and watch while everyone else gets a major shock, since he was the subject of one earlier. I'll have to stop in the sitting room for my cloak and familiars before we make a grand entrance. Are we meeting in the kitchen?"
The tawny haired man nodded and the two adults exited the room, giving the teens a smile of good-bye as they left. In the entrance hall Drakkara bid Remus to go on without her and proceeded to the sitting room where she'd left her cloak, the serpents, and the phoenix. She donned the cloak, making sure she was fully covered, and placed her hands on the perch. "Well my friends, it seems Albus wants a repeat performance of this morning. Is everyone up for a short apparation?" In answer Vrisan and Narasi slithered up to retake their places around her biceps, Siranev to her right wrist, and Fawkes to her left shoulder. A moment later all five vanished with the slightest of pops.
* * * * * * * * * *
The woman and her friends reappeared a split second later at the head of the table, just behind Albus Dumbledore. Before the fully trained wizards and witches could draw their wands and fire a curse at the stranger, Fawkes trilled a calming note. The groups' attention turned to the phoenix and they calmed as they realized he was perched on the strangers' shoulder, meaning the person must be a friend.
"As I was saying, before the timely arrival of my cloaked friend, one of our number has today returned to us. For fourteen years the world at large has believed this person dead, and only I knew otherwise. This person was and continues to be much loved by all who know them, and in the past was a great asset to our Order. On the night of the Halloween Slaughter, this person alone was responsible for the many Death Eater casualties, and indeed, as I have long kept secret, was responsible for the fall of the Dark Lord." Albus spoke softly, but clearly, and paused so that the people gathered in the room could gasp at leisure before he continued.
When the assembled wizards and witches calmed and began firing questions at the old man, he held up one had to hold them off. When they'd quieted he continued his story. "I realize that all of you, the whole of the wizarding world in fact, believes that it was our young Harry Potter who disposed of Voldemort that night. When I learned the truth of the matter, hours after the fact, that story had already spread throughout the country. It was decided that the story should remain, as the world would be told that my friend here had also been a casualty of that night, and therefore could not have told me the truth of the matter."
"Now, in our moment of need, our friend and ally has returned, on the council of Fawkes, to aid us in this new battle with Lord Voldemort. I ask those of you who knew her and long believed her dead to forgive me my secrecy and again welcome her into the Order of the Phoenix." The old wizard paused a moment and Drakkara lifted her hands to unclasp her cloak in anticipation. Just as her hands reached to throw back her hood he spoke again. "Ladies and Gentleman, I present to you our own Drakkara Vanimaer." She threw back her hood and just as he had that morning, Fawkes took wing and swiftly lifted the garment away, revealing the lovely woman to her old friends.
When the phoenix returned to her shoulder, Drakkara laid one long fingered slender hand on her mentors' shoulder. "Thank you for that wonderful introduction Albus. I trust you enjoyed the drama of the scene and our friends' reactions? I must say, they look quite as gobsmacked as you did this morning."
The headmaster laid his wrinkled hand over hers and patted it gently. "Yes my dear, I did quite enjoy it. It's only fair that they be as shocked as I was when you appeared in my office earlier. Come now and take a seat there beside Remus and we'll get this meeting underway. I daresay the children will be overcome with the need to eavesdrop soon." The old wizard chucked.
Drakkara took her seat before replying, "Not this time Albus. I spoke with them about that before I came down. You know my feelings on keeping them, especially Harry, in the dark about what's happening. I told them that I would speak to everyone about it this evening and that they would have to show us they were mature enough to handle being involved and that we could trust them to keep our secrets. They won't be grumbling or eavesdropping anymore, as they're determined to earn our respect and trust."
The head of the order nodded in assent, "Well, my friend, it seems you've accomplished quite a bit of what you and Fawkes had planned before you arrived this morning. You've quite taken everything in hand as it were and I thank you. It will be much easier to conduct our business without worrying about the children listening in, though I agree that we may be able to tell them a few things now, and perhaps more when they've demonstrated their ability to handle things."
A gruff voice interrupted the conversation between the two from the other end of the table. "Dumbledore, how can you be sure that's our Drakkara? I can't believe you let her in here and around the kids without checking her for Dark magic or Polyjuice."
"Ahh, I knew you wouldn't be satisfied with my mere presence Alastor, but tell me. Who else do you know that walks around with two magical serpents on her arms, who also has the complete trust of Albus Dumbledores' familiar, such that the phoenix would choose to perch on their shoulder and be apparated by them? Someone who also knows that you're itching to throw a flurry of hexes at them, just to see if, maybe, you can hit them this time?" The raven-haired woman replied to her old sparring partner cheekily.
The scarred older man let out a bark of laughter before replying, "Alright, now I'll believe that's our Kara. You best watch your backside little girl, cause when you least expect it I'm gonna hex you up one side and down the other."
The older members of the Order, who had been well acquainted with the raven-haired woman and knew of the strange game she often played with the ex-auror laughed out loud. The newer members gave their friends curious and confused looks, or looked in shock at the gruff man known as Mad-Eye, having never seen him behave in such a friendly manner with anyone. "Alright everyone, settle down." Albus said, still chuckling a bit himself.
"I believe we should get this meeting underway before we all get caught up in our memories and further confuse our new members." The old mans twinkling blue eyes scanned the room and landed on the tall, thin, black clad form that was his potions master and spy. The younger man was glaring around the room in general, and more specifically at the violet-eyed woman sitting next to her former fiancé. "Severus, do you have any news from your last meeting?" Albus asked.
The greasy haired potions master turned his onyx eyes on the headmaster and replied in a smooth, silky baritone. "I'm sorry headmaster, but I have nothing of significance for you. The Dark Lord is keeping quiet for now, since the ministry has been so kind as to completely ignore his rebirth. As I've already informed you, he is bending his efforts toward retrieving the prophecy from the Department of Mysteries, but he has told very few of us any of his specific plans. My loyalty to him is under much scrutiny at every meeting, and I fear that until I can bring him specific information about the goings on at Hogwarts, and with yourself and Potter in particular, I will remain of little use to you as a spy."
Albus nodded, thinking hard for a few moments. The old wizard turned to Drakkara and asked her advice. "Drakkara, do you believe it would do any harm to allow Severus to report your return to Voldemort? The public will know soon, as you are to be teaching DADA this term, and I believe the Dark Lord would be very interested in your reappearance."
"I agree Albus. I will have to go public with my return in the next few days anyway, or the Prophet will report it as soon as you inform the ministry of the name of your new professor. If Severus can report my return first, it may increase the old bastards trust in him, though Severus himself should pretend that the information is of little use, and perhaps report it in conjunction with Minister Fudge being displeased with your discovery of a qualified teacher to take the post. Voldemort himself probably believes that he is the only living, well somewhat living, person who knows the truth of his defeat" The dark haired woman replied quietly, thinking aloud.
The other members of the order were nodding their agreement. As much as most of them disliked the dour potions master, they knew his position as a spy was invaluable and the information he could gather if he regained the Dark Lords' trust would be very useful. Professor Dumbledore turned back to the spy and asked, "Do you believe this information would aid your position within Voldemorts' circle Severus?"
The younger man nodded, greasy black hair swinging. "Yes, I believe it would help my position. The name Drakkara Vanimaer is well known to the Death Eaters in that she was a powerful force in the opposition during the last war. News of her return would be valuable even without knowing that it was she who banished the Dark Lord fourteen years ago. I believe, from speaking with Lucius Malfoy a few weeks ago, that the Dark Lord asked about her and was informed of her death just days after his rebirth. That I can report her as very much alive and back at Hogwarts may even earn Malfoy a Cruciatus or ten."
"Very well." Albus replied, "We will delay announcing Drakkaras' return to the public until after you are called again Severus. Does anyone else have anything that should be discussed this evening?" He asked the group.
Drakkara saw a thin, balding, red haired man raise his hand and stand to address the group when Albus pointed to him. First he turned to Drakkara and introduced himself. "My name is Arthur Weasley Miss Vanimaer, and it's a pleasure to meet you. Before I begin I just want to say thank you for curbing the curiosity of my children." The violet-eyed woman smiled a greeting and nodded acceptance of the mans thanks and listened as he addressed the group. "This isn't really anything we can do something about, just something I thought you should know. Lucius Malfoy has been nosing around the Ministry building quite a bit the last week. He's been in private meetings with Fudge, and I believe the Minister now considers him an unofficial advisor on his council."
Arthur sat down next to his wife again and another man stood. "Kingsley Shacklebolt ma'am. I'm an auror with the MLE, in charge of the search for Sirius Black." The large, dark skinned man introduced himself. "I've got another tidbit of information that might tie in with what Arthur just told us. Amelia Bones called me into her office today and relayed orders to me from Fudge to investigate any Dark Magic activity in the areas around London and Hogsmeade for signs of Sirius. With what Arthur just told us, it seems to me like Malfoy is setting it up so that anything the Death Eaters do gets blamed on Sirius."
When the auror again took his seat, Drakkara looked around the table to see if anyone else wanted a turn. Her eyes lit on Bill Weasley down towards the end with another red haired man and she gave him a bright smile, which was returned enthusiastically. When it seemed that no one else wanted to say anything Drakkara stood herself and addressed the headmaster. "Albus, I know we spoke about this a bit this morning, and a little here earlier, but I promised I'd put it to the Order and see what they think, I hope you don't mind?"
"Not at all my dear, I was going to say something about it myself once we'd cleared all the official business off the table. Go ahead and have your say, you have my support on the matter" He replied, smiling through his beard at the younger woman.
Violet eyes turned to the group of friends and allies and she spoke softly in a sweet, alto voice. "First of all I'd just like to say that it's good to be back among you. Most of you know me from our last alliance, and I've missed you greatly over the years, yes even you Severus. For those of you I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet, I look forward to working with you in the future."
She looked around again and her eyes lingered on Sirius, Remus, and the Weasley parents. "What I'd like to talk to you about tonight is the children upstairs, and their involvement in all of this. They're desperate to be included, to have the same information that we do, and to help us in this fight. I realize that to you, they're just children, and children should not have to fight an adult's war. If these were any other group of teenagers I'd probably agree with you. But this group, especially Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, are special. Those three children have already encountered and fought Voldemort and his Death Eaters several times, and come off the better of each fight."
"For those of you that don't know, and may think I have no business concerning the children, Harry is my godson. Each of those teens, from what Fawkes has told me, have unique and valuable talents, and a great desire to help. Hermione I'm told, is a great researcher with an almost photographic memory for everything she's learned. Ron defeated a chess set designed by our dear Minerva at the age of eleven, which is no mean feat, and shows an aptitude and talent for strategy and tactics. Even the twins, though they've never faced the dangers Ron and Hermione have, have a special talent for mischief, and consider themselves the heirs of the Marauders. Most of you know just how valuable the Marauders were in the last war, once we directed their mischief." She paused for breath and looked at her colleagues, pleased to see that most seemed to be considering her words.
"Lastly, we have Harry and Ginny. These two teens have unique experience with Voldemort that I have no doubt could prove invaluable. Harry has an actual magical connection to the Dark Lord that I believe will start to manifest fully now that Voldemort has returned. And Ginny, having actually conversed with a young version of the Dark Lord, and been possessed by his memory, may prove able to give us valuable insights into his motives. I know how hard it may be to think of including children in this war, children we love dearly. But I believe that it would be in everyones best interest to start familiarizing them with the Order and our purpose, giving them some information, and considering any suggestions they may give us. I spoke with them earlier this evening, and they are now determined to show us that they can be trusted, and that they can help if we give them a chance." Drakkara sat down, having finished for the moment, and looked to Albus, Sirius, Remus, and the Weasleys to gauge their reactions.
The headmaster nodded to her, acknowledging that she had made her point. Sirius and Remus looked contemplative. Molly Weasley was trying to hold back tears at the thought of her babies being involved in a war, while her husband looked thoughtful. Albus leaned forward after a few moments to add his opinions to Drakkaras'. "As Drakkara said, it is a hard decision to make, asking for the aid of children to fight an adults war. Until I spoke with her this morning, I too was of the opinion that they should be kept away from such things. But after hearing her views, which are shared by Fawkes, I reconsidered. Years ago, I too had to make the decision to bring people into the Order whom I considered children. Only four of those are left now, and I grieve for the lost ones every day."
"Sirius, Remus, Drakkara, and Severus, along with James, Lily, Peter, and Alice and Frank Longbottom had just graduated from Hogwarts when I approached them about joining the Order. They were so young, just barely eighteen, but they fought for our side with strength and courage, and each one was affected by the war. Now we're faced with another group of children, these even younger, and again I find myself making the decision to ask for their help. My support is with Drakkaras' suggestion that we begin to include them, slowly, letting them gain our trust in their maturity."
Molly Weasley looked at her husband for a moment before speaking. "Four of those children are mine, my youngest, my babies. The other two are children that I love dearly, and have cared for since I first met them. I'm very proud of all of them, each for their own strengths. I hate the thought of any of them having to face You-Know-Who or the Death Eaters, but what Drakkara said is true, and I almost hate admitting that more. They're children and this is something they shouldn't have to do, but I have no doubt that they will do whatever they feel they must to help us." The woman sighed deeply and let a tear fall. "If we don't let them help us, they'll fight on their own. At least if they're informed, they won't be fighting blind, and they'll have us to help them. As much as I hate it, I'll agree to Drakkaras' plan."
Before anyone else could speak, Remus added his bit, with a quick glance at Sirius to judge his best friends' opinion. "I think Molly summed it up perfectly. We may hate it, we may live to regret it, but we have to do it anyway. Siri and I have experienced first hand what those kids are capable of. Harry, Ron, and Hermione faced off with us, believing that Siri killed Harrys' parents and that I was a mad werewolf. Any other children their age would've run screaming if they were faced with us together, thinking we meant to harm them. Those three listened to what we had to say and made an informed decision when presented with the evidence. Harry even pleaded for Wormtails life, though the rat didn't deserve his kindness and Harry probably regrets his decision now. I think we should trust them and let them show us what else they can do."
Sirius nodded his complete agreement with the werewolf and once the others saw that the childrens parents and parental figures were agreeable, they fell like dominoes. Even Severus, though he growled, grumped, scowled, and glared, decided that the children should be included.
Albus adjourned the meeting a short while afterwards and people began to leave, either apparating away or using the floo to return home. Before leaving, each person made an effort to speak with Drakkara, the new members introducing themselves, and the old members saying how happy they were that she was alive. Soon enough only a few who did not reside in the house remained.
Drakkara was standing in the kitchen, talking with Molly and Arthur Weasley when she was suddenly grasped in a bear hug and lifted off her feet. The raven-haired woman squealed as her feet left the ground, and she saw Molly and Arthur laughing. She realized it must be Bill holding her in the air and confirmed it with a glance down at the deeply tanned forearms dusted with ginger blond hairs. "Put me down Cubling! I'm not a toy to be picked up and squeezed!" She cried, which drew the attention of the others in the room.
Bill Weasley laughed loudly and set the smaller woman on her feet again, only to whirl her around to face him and embrace her again. "It's good to see you again Kara. I must have cried for a week when I heard you'd died! Merlin, I've missed you. All through my years at Hogwarts if I was there for Christmas I went into the forest. I always expected you to come through the trees and take me on another adventure, even after I heard you were dead."
The tall redhead nuzzled his face into her neck, remembering the sweet girl who'd been his friend during his first year at school, and made his first Christmas away from home a wonderful day. He felt slender but strong arms wrap around his back and the older woman squeezed him tightly. "I missed you too Cubling, but I had to go, and no one could know that I was still alive somewhere. Forgive me little lion cub. Maybe I'll take you riding this Christmas if you turn up at Hogwarts. Now stand back a minute and let me get a look at you!"
The curse breaker did as she ordered and released her, taking a step back and turning a circle in front of her. "Not such a little lion cub anymore am I?" He said teasingly.
"No, I guess not. My little cubling is all grown up! But really Bill, long hair and an earring? I can only guess what your mother has to say about that. My goodness, but we have a lot to catch up on. Not to mention that Albus, your parents, Nymphadora, and the kids all want to hear the story of your first Christmas at Hogwarts." Drakkara replied, smiling brightly as she ran her fingers through the long red hair and cupped the younger mans cheek for a moment.
Bill laughed and hugged the shorter woman again, "Been telling tales have you? You always were good at telling stories, and I bet you have a hundred more now. Maybe I'll get you to tell me some since you'll be here the rest of the summer. Thank Merlin I'm back in the country for a while, I'd hate to have heard you were back and be stuck in Egypt."
Drakkara gave him a questioning look, "Egypt? It sounds like you have a few stories to tell yourself. How about this, I've heard we're meeting weekly, so after every meeting I'll tell stories for you and whoever wants to listen okay? I remember you used to love hearing my tall tales, but you're a bit too big to sit in my lap for them now" She laughed, remembering that during her school days she could often be found telling stories to the other children.
"Sounds like a plan to me Kara. I really did love your stories, and they're part of why I chose the job I did. I'm a curse breaker for Gringotts now, that's why I was living in Egypt. The tales you told about curses and treasures and warriors and huge adventures really caught me. I went home after first year and told them to my brothers too, and our Christmas adventure and stories about magical creatures is probably what made Charlie go into dragon taming. Have you met Charlie yet?" He asked, turning and pointing to the redhead he'd been sitting next to at the meeting. When she shook her head he called his brother over.
"Charlie, I'd like you to meet my old friend Kara. Remember the seventh year girl I told you all about after my first year, the one whose stories you loved so much, well this is the lady herself. Kara, this is my brother Charlie, the dragon tamer." He made the introductions, slinging an arm over the womans shoulders as he spoke.
The newcomer gaped at his brothers' friend and a bit of awe tinged his voice as he spoke. "This is the story lady? The girl who took you to meet all the creatures in the Forbidden Forest and convinced a unicorn to let you ride on its back?" At Bills nod he took the hand of the woman and kissed it lightly. "It's an honor to meet you Miss Vanimaer. Bill told me so many stories about you over the years. He even took me to the forest in my first year, hoping to see the magical creatures he met with you."
Drakkara laughed lightly and gave Charlie a smile, "It's a pleasure to meet you Charlie, and please call me Kara. I hear you're a dragon tamer? The Romanian dragon preserve I assume? I lived near it for a while, a few years after I left England. They had some wonderful dragons there, a very sweet old Norwegian Ridgeback I got to know quite well."
The woman continued her conversation with the two men, their talk leaning mostly towards dragons and magical creatures. Charlie was quite curious about her beast speaking abilities. Someone must have told the children it was all right for them to come down because Harry and Ron appeared in the middle of Drakkaras' story about meeting the old Ridgeback dragon and becoming friends with it. "Don't tell me Charlies' dragged you into talking about nothing but dragons Kara. I swear all he thinks about is dragons and Quidditch." The youngest Weasley boy commented as he and Harry came to stand with the adults.
"And all you think about is chess and quidditch little brother, so I wouldn't be talking." Charlie stated, ruffling his youngest brothers' hair. "How ya doing there Harry? The eggs from that Horntail you bested have hatched now. We named one of her boys after you; we were so impressed by the way you handled her. My boss, the master of the preserve is even thinking of having us use brooms to help us deal with the more difficult dragons now thanks to you." The redhead grinned, still happy to have been there to see Harry complete the first task of the Triwizard Tournament so well.
The teen blushed in embarrassment; "I'm alright thanks Charlie. I hope the brooms work as well for you as mine did for me. I'd have never gotten my egg without it."
Drakkara pulled her godson in front of her and rested her arms over his shoulders, "I hear you're the Gryffindor seeker Harry-love. I can't wait to see you fly this year. It'll be like old times with me sitting in the Slytherin stands while rooting for Gryffindor, dear Merlin but I took a lot of flak for that when I was in school." She chuckled lightly, not noticing that Harry and Ron were staring at her in shock.
"You were in Slytherin? I thought you were a Gryffindor, since you were friends with my parents, Sirius and Remus." Harry questioned, looking up over his shoulder at his godmother.
The violet-eyed woman shook her head, "Me, a Gryffindor? Not hardly Harry-love. I was a Slytherin, tried and true. Your mum and I didn't give a fig about the whole house rivalry thing. We met earlier, before we were sorted and it didn't matter afterwards that we were in different houses. After a while the Gryffindors kind of adopted me as their token Slytherin, once they figured out I wasn't evil. Even Bill here didn't care once he got to know me and he was a tiny little first year when we met. He used to brave the dungeons all the time to come find me in the Slytherin common room."
Bill laughed loudly, soon joined by the others, "What can I say? There was a beautiful, older woman trapped in the dungeons with a bunch of snakes. I had to play the hero and come rescue her, though it ended up with her saving me the first few times. She threatened to hex the other Slytherins so badly their children would feel it if they didn't leave me alone. Surprisingly, it worked, and they didn't bother me anymore except for nasty comments about Karas' lion cub."
The group was still talking and laughing when Remus and Sirius joined them a few minutes later. "Kara, Moody's had his eye on you for about twenty minutes, you might want to get the kids out of the line of fire and put a shield up." The animagus commented seriously.
"I know Siri, I can feel him watching me. That's why I've got my back to the room and Harry directly in front of me. Bill and Charlie are shielding Ron. When he comes at me just pretend you don't see him." The woman gave a slightly sinister chuckle.
The two men moved to stand on either side of her, completely blocking Harry and Ron from any stray curses. "What are you going to do Kara? You know Moody always throws at least one really painful curse at you when he does this. If you two start dueling right here in the kitchen someone's going to get hurt." Remus asked worriedly.
Drakkara smiled in anticipation as she replied, "Don't worry so much Remy. Moody has always had a great aim; he won't hit anyone but me. This time I thought I'd just wait until he finished and then ask him if he likes my outfit. It ought to prove entertaining."
Everyone was giving her curious and slightly fearful looks, "Wait till he finishes cursing you and ask him if he likes your outfit? Kara are you out of your mind?" Sirius asked, shooting a glance over his shoulder at the ex-auror.
"Mmm-hmm. Just wait and see you'll understand when it's over. He'll be here any minute now, I can tell. Remember, just pretend that you don't see him." She told them, giving a little shiver of excitement. She always managed to get the best of the famous auror in the most unusual ways, and their duels were legendary among the order members.
Just as she'd said it would, Moody crept up to the group a couple minutes later and aimed his wand at Drakkaras' back. Spells flew from his mouth in rapid-fire succession, and by the time the first hit her exposed back, four more were on their way. Mad-Eye Moody gaped in shock as the curses he'd fired hit the younger woman and just…bounced back. He was too surprised to put up a shield before his own series of spells rebounded off her body and back at their caster.
A moment later everyone in the room gathered around the prone body of the ex-auror, with Drakkara kneeling beside him, a half amused, half despairing look on her face. "So Alastor, how do you like my outfit?" She asked lightly, as if he wasn't lying on the floor under the effects of his own curses. "Let's see what you've gotten yourself into this time. Hmm, good combination with the spellwork. First was a shield dispel right? Second was a Fire-Eater curse, the dragon fire variation to stop me voicing any spells in retaliation. Merlin that must hurt, let's take it off shall we?"
She removed her wand from its sheath and recited a complex counter curse. "Now, after that nasty little curse was a leg locker to stop any physical attack, then a disarming charm to take my wand and knives away, and the last was a full body bind to take me out. I always said you did some lovely curse work, and I always enjoyed going on Death Eater raids with you." She then recited the dispelling charm to remove the effects of the leg locker and body bind, and held a hand out to help the older man back to his feet. "So, now that you can talk again, what do you think of my outfit?"
"What? What do I think of your bloody clothes you say? I want to know what the hell made those curses rebound the way they did!" Moody shouted, waving his arms in violent gesticulation.
Drakkara held her hands up, palms out to calm the auror. "Calm down Alastor, you'll give yourself apoplexy. I asked how you liked my outfit because that's what repelled your curses."
The older wizards' normal eye widened and his jaw dropped open. "Your clothes repelled those curses? You telling me that you didn't have any shields up at all? Right then, what the hell are you wearing that can rebound curses like that?"
The younger woman smiled and gestured for her old sparring partner and the others to take a seat around the table. She sat down across from Moody and removed the chopsticks from her hair, letting the thick mass of long black hair fall to her hips. "These repelled the fire eater curse. They're imbued with the strongest shielding charms I know, unbreakable unless you cast the counter to each individual shield. They cover me from head to shoulders where my blouse takes over."
"The blouse is made from the hide of a cold drake, which is a snake like beast with four legs, just a bit smaller than a basilisk. I ended up having to kill this one in northern Russia about six years ago, it attacked the village I was staying in. I took its hide as my reward from the people since I'd found out the hard way that it repelled curses. The blouse threw off the dispel and the body bind, but I've tested it and it'll repel most anything. The disarming charm didn't work because my wand and knives are sheathed in leather spelled to specifically rebound any spell to remove them, and will burn anyone attempting to take them physically, except me. My skirt is made of crushed fibers of dragon scales which repel spells naturally." She explained easily, appeasing her friends' curiosity.
Most of her friends were gaping in wonder at the clothes and accessories that acted as natural shields against spellwork, though some, like Albus and Alastor, were eyeing the clothing as if calculating how they could get something like that for the order members. "How hard is it to get clothes like that girl? If we could get a uniform like that for the field order members it'd cut down our injuries, casualties, and captures by a hell of a lot." Moody finally asked.
The dark haired woman considered before saying, "It'd be very difficult to get things like this Alastor. Cold drakes are very rare from what I've heard, and it takes a lot of effort to kill one without magic. Besides being basically immune to most spells, their eyes are hypnotic, and they'll draw you to them for an easy meal. You can throw it off like the Imperius but it takes a lot of effort. Not to mention if we did manage to kill one and take its hide, it takes about six months to treat the hide so that its pliable enough to wear as clothing and still retain its repellant properties. Same with the dragon scale skirt; it takes a lot of scales, the effort to crush them down to fibers, and then make material from them."
"What about the hide you already have Drakkara? Is there enough left to do anything with? You did say it was quite a large creature." Albus asked, hopeful that she could come up with something for the sake of his colleagues.
Drakkara nodded happily, "Yes, I do have quite a bit left, its stored in my trunk. Once I had the hide treated I made a few things with it. A second blouse like this and a full length dress for myself and some shirts about the right size for Siri and Remy. If I got into my trunk and actually looked at the clothes I've made from bits and pieces of that hide over the years I could probably come up with shirts for a few of the order members. I have some of the scale fiber material left too. This skirt is all that I've made from it, and I was given an entire bolt of the material as a gift from some people I stayed with a few years ago."
The headmaster nodded, extremely pleased with his young friend. "Well, that is something we'll look into before the school term starts. I would feel a great deal better about sending order members into potentially dangerous situations if they were wearing protective clothing such as yours. For now though, it has been a very long day and I believe we could all use a good nights sleep."
The older wizards suggestion was quickly agreed on by everyone and they retired to their rooms on the upper floors of the large house after saying good night and good-bye to those who were leaving for their own homes. Those remaining at Grimmauld Place separated on the second floor, each to their own rooms to change into pajamas and retire for the night.
Sometime after the meeting ended, Molly Weasley had removed Drakkaras' trunk from the sitting room and placed it in one of the few clean bedrooms on the third floor. She directed the younger woman as to where she would be sleeping and left to her own room on the second floor with her husband and the children. The raven-haired woman headed up the stairs after promising to come back down soon to say good night to her godson.
Drakkara found her bedroom easily and gratefully sat down on the huge four poster bed. Unadulterated joy washed through her as she remembered all that had happened today. She had her family back, and they were happy to see her. She'd reunited with her old allies from the Order, caught up with her cubling and met his family, watched Alastor get hit with his own curses which was always fun, and she'd gotten the efforts of the children recognized by the adults who formed the Order. It had turned out to be a wonderful day, and she was now thoroughly exhausted and looking forward to a good nights sleep.
Standing again, Drakkara aimed her wand at her trunk and enlarged it to its proper size. She quickly opened the fourth compartment and looked down into a large room that held her extensive wardrobe. Stepping down into the trunk, she undressed and placed her outfit on a rack labeled 'Laundry'. Her sandals went back with the large assortment of shoes on the floor next to the wall, her knives and hair sticks to a table holding jewelry and accessories.
Next she walked to one of the wall racks set near the ladder out of the trunk and chose a sleep set in sky blue that consisted of a silk tank top and matching boxer shorts. A knee length robe of white cotton went over the sleepwear and matching white slippers were slid onto her feet before she climbed up the ladder and exited the trunk. She closed the closet compartment and opened another, then used her wand to summon out a perch and glass tank for her familiars. Placing the objects next to her bed and depositing her familiars on the perch, she made her way back downstairs.
Knocking softly on Harry and Ron's door and receiving a reply for her to enter, Drakkara opened the door to find her godson sitting up in bed talking to his best friend. "Hey boys, I just came down to say good night. I'm sure Molly will be coming in soon to do a bed check so you two need to get to sleep." She said, walking over to Harrys' bed and sitting down next to him.
"Yeah, Mum's been doing bed checks every night since we got here. Is your room all right Kara? Most of the rooms in this place are filthy and full of nasty Dark Arts stuff." Ron said lightly, lying back in his bed.
Nodding, Drakkara replied, "It's fine Ron, thanks for asking. I'll have to check for Dark Arts stuff in the morning though; I didn't really look when I was up there. Harry, would you like me to conjure up a perch or tank for Siranev in here? She'll need something to sleep on when she's not with you until we can get to Diagon Alley and get some proper things for her." The serpent had moved from Drakkara to Harry after the meeting and was now sleeping on the boys' wrist.
"Yeah, thanks Kara. I was wondering where I could put her for the night. I need something that'll keep her safe from Hedwig and Pig until they're used to her and realize she's not food." Harry replied, smiling over at the two owls in their cages on the desk.
Drakkara pulled her wand out and conjured a suitable habitat for Harrys' familiar and put a strong shielding charm around it to keep the owls from getting too curious. Harry got out of bed and walked over to the new tank, depositing his companion into it and hissing a good night to the snake. When he came back to the bed Drakkara stood and held her arms out to him, "Alright then Harry-love, it seems you're set for the night. Give us a hug now and hit the sack. I'm not sure what we'll be doing tomorrow but I'll try for something fun."
The raven-haired teen embraced his godmother tightly, reveling in her warmth and the comfort of being held by her. After a moment she released him with a last squeeze and a kiss on the forehead. "Good-night Harry-love. Sleep well, and I'll see you in the morning." She said softly.
Harry got into bed under the covers and laid his head on the pillow. The violet-eyed woman bent down and smoothed his hair away from his eyes and tucked the covers around his shoulders before heading for the door. With another softly spoken good night to the two boys, she turned out the light and left the room, shutting the door behind her.
Back upstairs, Drakkara entered her room to find it occupied by the last two Marauders. Dressed in their drawstring pajama pants, Remus Lupin and Sirius Black were sitting on the chaise lounge in her room sipping cups of hot tea. "Hey guys, I thought I might find you up here. We haven't had half a minute for a private talk all day." She greeted warmly.
Sitting their cups on the low table where another cup rested, presumably for her, the two men rose and walked to their old friend. Remus gathered her gently in his strong arms, pressing her face to his bare shoulder, while Sirius wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, leaning down to rest his cheek on the top of her head. Drakkara put one arm around the werewolf and rested the other over the crossed arms of the animagus, twining their fingers. They stood like this for many long moments, silently reuniting.
Drakkara felt tears start to well up in her eyes and did nothing to stop them from falling this time. She cried silently into her former fiancés' shoulder, releasing fourteen years of grief over losing the two men who she called family. "Oh Merlin, I'm so sorry Remy, Siri. I never should have left, no matter what Albus said. I missed you two and Harry every day, so much sometimes I thought I would die from it. I'm so sorry for leaving you." The woman sobbed, clutching the two men to draw them as close to her as possible.
"Shh Love, you couldn't have known what would happen. From what Albus told us there was no choice. If you hadn't left you would have lost control again and we would've lost you anyway." Remus whispered, letting a few tears of his own fall as he nuzzled the womans pale throat.
Sirius squeezed her tightly and added his own words to comfort the woman. "Remy's right Kara, you couldn't have known. You always did what you thought was best for everyone. I have no doubt that when you left you thought it was in our best interest. You thought Remy and I would be together, and that we'd have Harry to take care of and keep us from grieving too much. Maybe things would have ended up different if you hadn't left, or if Albus had called you back when I was arrested, but we'll never know. It's in the past and we're both just happy to have you back with us now."
For a moment, Drakkara cold only cry harder, not really believing that her friend and lover would welcome her back so easily, that they weren't angry with her for deserting them. "You have no idea how happy I am to be back, how happy I am to be here with you two. I never stopped worrying about you or wondering how you were doing. I thought of you everywhere I went, whenever I learned something new or saw something you would love. After a while, the only thing that kept me from coming back was the thought that you would reject me, would hate me for leaving you when we needed each other the most. I don't think I'll ever forgive myself for abandoning you."
"We've all done things we regret Kara. All that matters is that you're back now and we're together again. The three of us will take care of each other and Harry from now on, and we won't let anything separate us again." Remus said in a quiet, confident tone.
Needing no more words, they stood together in silence, taking comfort in each other and the strong bonds of love and friendship they shared. Years before, their embrace would've included Lily and James, and at one time even Peter; but these three were all that was left of the tight knit group of friends and Remus was right, they would take care of each other and let nothing tear them apart again.
Eventually, they loosed their hold on each other and moved to sit together on the lounge, drinking their now cold tea and talking about everything and nothing. Hours later, overcome with exhaustion from the emotional day, all three stumbled towards the bed and collapsed under its covers, tangled together in an embrace that spoke of long friendship and love.