CHAPTER NINE--A MEETING

"Osiris."

The young War Mage stared at the gloomy castle. "Here it's only been two years but my mind and body says it has been over ten years. I've missed Hogwarts. It was my home for four years."

Two hands gently caressed his shoulders, "You have another home as well, Osiris. But we are glad to have this chance to re-visit with you."

Osiris turned to his friends, thankful for their support but wishing it could have been two other people. For now he hid his thoughts, concentrating on the present, "Raja, send this with your familiar." He held out a rolled parchment to one of the twins.

"Osiris, wait." They all started at the weak sound of their friend, for once forgetting they had used most of her energy to raise the dead.

"Isis!"

Crowded with her friends, she was fighting her basic instincts, "We need make the meeting small. He has a dominant working for him."

"You can use the connection to show, though?" A nod. "Very well. I will ask for someone else and a ministry member, both who are fully human." Osiris ignored his friends' snickers at the remark about someone else, they all knew who that other person would be.

Darkly glaring at the quietly laughing mages, he shoved a new parchment into a waiting hand. "Just deliver it."

And Raja delivered. She had sent a creature that would attract the headmaster's attention. A lovely silver blue tinged Phoenix glided through the castle walls without a care.

Inside the castle, students were settling down for a hot meal when a sorrowful song rang out. Eyes peered about just as a Phoenix suddenly flew through the solid stone walls of the Great Hall. Stunned, they watched as the bird fluttered to a stop before the headmaster.

Albus gently tugged the rolled parchment from its leg. A soft humming echoed through the room as he tried to pet the bird. Blue eyes widened in shock as his hand went right through the beautiful creature. The warm golden eyes twinkled back as the Phoenix gracefully jumped into full flight.

With one sweep of the room, the lovely bird perched itself on the shoulders of one student, a student that stunned everyone, Draco Malfoy of the Slytherin House. With poise and grace, the bird preened its feathers as the other Slytherins tried to pet it. Just like the headmaster, their hands went right through the body. But when a stunned Draco reached out with trembling hands he was able touch the soft feathers.

Albus glanced quickly through his letter before speaking, "Mr. Malfoy," the aristocratic blonde fought to neutralize his demeanour, "you have been chosen to be Ilianya's caretaker until her owner decides to claim her." The blonde Slytherin nodded as Albus turned to the other students, "Students, Ilianya is a very rare Phoenix, a Spirit Phoenix. These types of creatures are very loyal to their chosen but can be very difficult in obtaining their trust. They can remain intangible at will. They are also very aggressive and powerful creatures when threatened. They also cannot abidepure evil or hatred from anyone; only choosing a pure soul to touch them as their owner. For these reasons, Mr. Malfoy, you may have her with you at all times."

Draco grinned at the shocked students even as the headmaster continued, "I will not tolerate anyone bothering Mr. Malfoy. The punishments for those who try are immediate 50 points taken and a month's detention of Professor Snape's choosing, not matter your House." Everyone could see the look the Headmaster had given the few mutinous Slytherins, even the dark glare from their own Head of House, before Albus continued, "But on a lighter note, enjoy the rest of your dinner."

"Albus, what was that all about?" The other professors quickly pounced on the headmaster while the students grudgingly finished their meals.

"Simple, Minerva. Our new guests have arrived and requested a meeting with one human ministry member and Severus Snape." Blues eyes twinkled madly as he waited for a reaction, although he was curious about choosing a human ministry member.

"Severus!" Said professor almost choked on his drink at the squawk from Minerva. Albus chuckled at the woman's reaction, as well as those who had managed to spit out their drinks, though Flitwick had fallen from his chair. Students began to look at each of them strangely. "That's what the note requested. Now, since most of the students are already leaving, Severus will follow me."

The joyful older wizard practically skipped out the Great Hall; followed by a scowling, robe flaring Potion Master. "And who is this ministry member we are entertaining?"

Chuckling, "I knew you would lighten up, my boy." The scowl became darker and deadlier. "I believe Arthur Weasley should suffice."

Severus groaned in disgust. "I've dealt with enough incompetence from this family."

Allowing the man to rant his feelings, Albus tossed a bit of floo powder into his fireplace, "Arthur Weasley."

Moments later a head appeared in the flames, "Albus?"

"Hello, Arthur. I do hope I haven't interrupted anything. But I need you here in my office, please."

"Sure. Molly's busy with the twins." Arthur's head pulled away from the flames seconds before his entire body tumbled through. "What can I help you with? Oh, hello, Severus."

Severus grunted. Albus grinned at the lack of comment, "I've been summoned to my own office for a meeting. I was told to invite Severus Snape and a human member of the ministry. Naturally I asked for you, Arthur."

Arthur opened his mouth to speak about the human part when Fawkes gave a shrill cry before bursting into flames. "That's strange. Fawkes is days from a burning day."

"Raja told him to wait outside and to keep the others from interrupting us."

All three turned quickly to see six figures glide from various shadows about his office. Albus was the first to recover, "Who are you?"

"We're Death's Messenger." Two figures took a step forward, one draped in purple and the other in black, bowing. The one in black slipped a hand out to point to the others. "These are the twins."

Two identical emerald hooded figures bowed, pushing back their long capes. They could see the identical women smile, "We are Spirit Mages Raja and Maya."

One twin took one step forward, her husky lilt ringing clear, "I am Maya."

The other twin stepped to her sister's side, a childlike sweetness to her voice, "I am Raja."

Taking his own cue, a figure in midnight blue colours revealed his face, "I am Elemental Mage Thor."

A fourth draped in dark grey bowed deeply, pulling off his hood as he straightened, "I am Silver Mage Lucas."

The black hooded leader turned to his companion as they both revealed themselves, "We are War Mages Osiris and Isis." Three pairs of eyes widened when Osiris revealed his features. The long black hair and brilliant emerald eyes almost made them believe that Harry Potter had arrived.

But Severus was the first to toss the idea. Harry Potter would have been about seventeen, should he return. This man was at least in his late twenties and broader in looks than the skinny teenager he had taught. Nor did he find the famous scar on the man's face, "Why are you here?"

"We are here for Tom Marvolo Riddle, Voldemort to most. Voldemort had at one time created an unbreakable deal with She-Demon. She-Demon promised to be his ally in ruling the world but he has failed to follow her words when he lied to her about the destruction of one of her descendants, The Potters. James Potter had demon blood in his family; this type of blood automically has She-Demon's protection. But at the time She-Demon had believed Tom's lies of being framed."

"Who is this She-Demon?"

"NO!" Albus jerked back, blinking at the hostile tone. Osiris quickly intervened, "Forgive us. But unless you are of her bloodline or her direct ally you are forbidden to speak her name for fear of punishment. To others she has always been called Queen."

"Ah, yes. The legendary Queen of power."

"She-Demon has a vast empire, a hellish realm of demons. She also controls the vast amount of power needed to build schools, ministries, and banks as well as the land they areon, in which the Founders had always obtained permission. Otherwise the magic needed for these buildings would drain even the most powerful wizard."

"This contract you speak of, what was it, if I may ask?" Albus listened to the descriptions given. Most of it began to explain the unexplainable events that had happened, as well as the strength of magic within the halls of Hogwarts.

"Voldemort had invoked She-Demon's magic to become the most powerful being he is today. With her alliance, he would rule the magical world as agreed. But after the night of the Potters' death, everything began to change. Until she learned the truth about who murdered a part of her bloodline, her protection to Voldemort allowed him to survive the Killing Curse while Harry Potter lived through his parents' sacrifices to save him. Should this alliance had remained, you, Albus Dumbledore, would have never be able to defeat him nor Harry Potter, though Voldemort would have had a hard time defeating the boy. It is truly rare for a demon to die by the Killing Curse; only half demons can, which explains the Potter's death. She-Demon decides the life and death of those in her bloodline, as well as her enemies."

Blue eyes had lost their gleam at first but the smirking group brought the gleam back, ten-fold, "What happened?"

"She-Demon had seen the resurrection of Voldemort, through his own familiar. But something about the blood taken Harry Potter had intrigued her, as well as the brilliance of the boy's green eyes. She-Demon had a few 'friends' research the entire Potter heritage. Within days she learned that she had been lied to. She-Demon loves to torment her enemies by sending someone who would do whatever it took to destroy them first. Then the enemy's soul is captured in a blessed object of her magic and sent to her for eternal torment. Although, the body still has some life and the captors can do as they will to the body until they are satisfied. Whatever the body feels, the soul suffers."

The twins answered the confusion at this statement, "Queen's blessed magic splits the spirit from its shell but leaves enough residue to allow life. She controls the spirit until her allies have exhausted their need for revenge. Then the spirit will be brought to full animation for her enjoyment."

Isis shuddered, "Let me tell you that it is not very pretty either."

"Very well. Lemon drop?" Snickers graced his change of questions but six hands reached out for the candy, "What now, my friends?"

"We all require a position with your staff but shall leave that decision to you. First, you must know a little about us, especially Isis. I'll allow the twins first."

Raja was the first to speak, "I have the ability to control and communicate with wildlife. As a Spirit Mage I do not have to worry about what creature, or spirit creature, I call forth, whether they're a myth or reality."

Maya was next, "I have the ability to control plant life. I call forth plants of all types, as well as control the surroundings they need to thrive in. As a second Spirit Mage I am also able to communicate with the dead as well as find life threads of those in danger."

Osiris rolled his eyes before adding, "They are also spirits themselves but have the ability to become tangible."

"You would be the owners of the lovely Phoenix?" The word tangible reminded Albus of the lovely Phoenix.

Raja bounced on her feet, "Me!" Glaring at her laughing friends, "I belong to her. Spirit Phoenixes do not belong to someone. In reality we belong to them."

"As you know I'm Elemental Mage Thor. I hate to interrupt but you can't shut the twins up once they start." He smirked at the glaring twins, "I have control over the elements, though I happen to personally enjoy lightening. I also happen to be a vampire of the Ambroise Clan."

Osiris leaned forward, brushing against Severus as he jokingly whispered loudly, "Thor never could say much to save his life."

A low threatening growl made Osiris stand behind the tensed professor, purposely brushing their bodies closer, "Go ahead, Lucas, before I do something I'll regret to our esteemed leader."

"I'm a Silver Mage. I have control over anything silver. I am also a Litherian Elf, the only clan of elves never to have healers. We are also the only elves having control over the iron in the blood, allowing us a hold over life. We're also the only ones to have actual veela blood mixed with elfish blood, without having to integrate the two lines."

"Is it safe?" Green eyes peered around Severus, who had forgotten about the male hiding behind him. Osiris smirked when the man tore away from him, "I'm the only human to have training as a Mage, let alone a War Mage. I am also the right hand to She-Demon, her first Death's Messenger." He purposely forgot to add anything else to the list.

Isis nervously turned to the headmaster, "I'm a War Mage, a second Death's Messenger, and a rare Fallen Angel." Several breaths were inhaled quickly as she hurried on, "I am a dominantly powerful demon who turns submissive around true dominants. My kind can only mate with a true dominant, though I have yet to find my mate." Pointing towards Lucas and Thor, "Dominants include vampires, elves, veelas, werewolves, and such. Should I become close to my mate, I turn into my true form. Otherwise my eyes turn from lavender to a dark purple, indicating possible dominants nearby." Here she pointed to her eyes as they glimmered a dark purple with flashes of lavender.

She stood aside from the others, eyes darkening further, "I know you have a dominant in this castle. I'm drawing upon his dominant gene, as well as my fellow Mages, to override mine. She-Demon is influencing the need to change for my mate to show you my true form. Should I change, I become submissive and dependent on my mate." Closing her eyes, they watched as Isis melted into her true form. Her purple cape shrunk into delicate chains, wrapping into the floor length black hair. A V-shaped golden tiara settled upon her forehead as her clothing shimmered into an ankle length dress. Her bare feet shuffle beneath the dress as her hands played with the black cord about her waist, causing the open sleeves to dance about. Carefully turning at her queen's order, they could see that her dress had slits from ankle to thigh. But truly surprisingwere the two large black purple tipped wings sprouting forward, spreading their large wingspan in the office. The silky tips brushed those close enough to feel them.

Another order from her queen helped her change back into her regular form. "We are the only demons to resemble humans."

"I shall find a placement for you all but first, what was that spell you said earlier against Voldemort and why didn't Finite work on the other spell against us?" Albus had been eager to know this since meeting the young Mages again.

Osiris smirked at the curious wizard, "Avi Condoleo means to cause severe pain. This spell creates a link from the caster to the victim, linking them mentally. The caster is then able to force pain onto their victim until the spell is undone, in which She-Demon is using my link to her to cause Tom pain. I may be the caster but she is in full control. And the counter spell for the shadow wall, was Desino, meaning to finish or break off. These spells require higher levels of magic or the most powerful caster, such as She-Demon."