A/N: Hey folks :-)I've struggled to find time and inspiration to write recently, but finally have completed this chapter. I lost a couple of people after the last chapter...perhaps they didn't like it, or where they thought I was going with the story. But, a couple of new people have taken their places, so hello and thank you for favouriting /following...I really appreciate all you lovely people who are reading my story :-) SA

'At the very start

There were whispers in the dark.

And for all the world to see

There was witchcraft at its heart.

And on the autumn air

The scent of bonfires everywhere.

And a fell wind stirred the leaves...'

"The Persecution Song " - Cradle of Filth

Thursday 31st August 2000, 5.30am

'The fool!' An unusually irate Kingsley strode around the center of his room. The muffliato curse had been cast to avoid anyone overhearing the conversation,and Kreacher felt the energy and magic radiating from Kingsley.

'We have both always known how impulsive master Sirius can be. He has been worried sick about mistress Rose, and frustrated at our lack of success in rescuing her from the Dark Lord.' Kreacher said as Kingsley continued to pace and reflect upon his revelations.

'And...master Sirius has been...troubled by his...suspicions about...relations between mistress Rose and the Dark Lord.'

Kreacher finished his speech, feeling uncomfortable discussing intimate issues such as these.

'He told you this?'

Kingsley turned around and looked at the elf, who shook his head. 'No, master Kingsley, we do not discuss such things. But in the conversation I overheard between him and Morgan Le Fay, she told him that...mistress Rose welcomes the...attentions of the Dark Lord. Master Sirius' reactions to this were most angry and violent.'

Kingsley rubbed a hand across his head in frustration and sighed loudly.

'I was afraid that this was what might be going through his head. I have tried to talk with him about it, but he has chosen to drink and brood instead, which has clearly deepened his suspicions. And now he is allowing himself to be manipulated by Morgan!'

Kreacher nodded. 'You do not trust her motives then, master Kingsley?' Kingsley laughed harshly. 'Do you, Kreacher?' The elf shook his head once again. 'I can see truth and lies, master Kingsley. I saw the looks upon her face when master Sirius's concentration was elsewhere...she is deceptive and manipulative.' Kingsley suddenly thought briefly of his late wife, whom he had loved deeply. He returned his concentration to Kreacher.

'If I were in Sirius' position, and as worried and desperate as he is, I might have been persuaded to blindly trust her. On the face of things, she seems to want what we do; Voldemort destroyed, and Rose safe...all very simple.'

Kreacher frowned. 'But it is much too simple, isn't it, master Kingsley?'

Kingsley sighed. 'Yes, especially when Morgan is demanding the Dark Amber stone for her help, and wanting a body to possess. You say that she wants to return to human form?'

'Yes. She told Master Sirius that mistress Rose could have helped her with this, but refused to do so. I imagine she has been just as deceptive with mistress Rose.'

Kingsley nodded. 'I don't doubt it. And now Rose is carrying Voldemort's child.'

He let out a breath. Despite them all knowing of the Prophecy, and that this was Voldemort's intention, it still came as a shock. He couldn't even begin to imagine how Rose must be feeling. A mixture of fear, excitement and dread, no doubt. She was going to become a mother, yet the father of her child was a man who had made himself an twisted and murderous monster, and immortal as well.

Kingsley returned his thoughts to the matter at hand.

'We can't let Morgan have the Dark Amber stone, Kreacher...Rose needs it now.'

Kingsley turned, and walked over to the wall. He pulled out his wand.

'Ostende te occultis tuis.'

Kreacher watched as a whirling vortex began to form in the wall. Kingsley pushed back the sleeve of his robe, and then placed his arm into the vortex.

'Tenebris electri,'

Moments later Kingsley removed his arm from the wall. They both stared at the beautiful colour of the amber stone that lay in Kingsley's palm, and felt the power that it contained radiate around the room. Kingsley took hold of the chain that the stone hung from and walked over to Kreacher. He bent down and placed the it around the elf's neck.

'Take this to Rose, Kreacher. I'd like to think that Sirius would not have been foolish enough to hand over the stone to Morgan, until she had fulfilled her part of the deal...even if he has been persuaded to agree to this plan with her.'

He sighed, and shook his head. 'Perhaps I'm wrong, and that this plan of Sirius' is the right idea, and would be successful, if we allowed Morgan to have the stone. We are are out of any solid ideas right now about how to defeat Voldemort. And Morgan could be a valuable ally, and powerful enough to defeat him. But my instincts tell me otherwise. I feel so strongly that Morgan is just as dangerous to us as Voldemort is. And that if the Dark Amber stone comes into the possession of either of them, then it will end badly.'

Kreacher nodded and bowed. 'I will leave now, master Kingsley. I think that your decision is the right one. I am an elf, and I can see the good and bad of you humans. Both Mistress Le Fay and the Dark Lord crave power and control. They have no true care for their fellow species, or for the magical creatures, animals and nature that inhabit this world alongside them. They use and manipulate all for their own ends.' He touched the stone. 'This belongs to mistress Rose now. I will place my faith in her...that she will be far more worthy an owner than either of them.'

Kingsley smiled. 'The wisdom of elves. We humans could learn a lot from you...it should be us serving you, and not the other way round!'

Kreacher's face broke into a wry smile. 'Perhaps. But I think no species is without its faults. I myself have made my own mistakes in the past. Perhaps this world should be left only to the animals, reptiles and insects instead...' Kreacher held the stone that had been placed around his neck in the palm of his hand. 'This ruminating will not change the reality of the world we live in. I shall go now, master Kingsley.'

With a rush of air, the elf apparated from the room, and Kingsley walked over to the window and stared outwards. He still could not believe that Sirius had been persuaded to plot behind his back, and that he was going to persuade some of the others to take part. Yet he could not feel any anger towards his friend. Even though he disagreed with Sirius' decision, he understood his reasons.

Love...such a wonderful and powerful emotion, capable of making you feel as if you had soared heavenwards. But when you believed that love was being snatched away from you, and by such evil, you could fall down into a pit of anger, suspicion and doubt. And Sirius' heart seemed have fallen into the abyss of such dangerous emotions.

xox

7.30pm

They had gathered in the ruins of a small church nestled in a wooded area, not far from the safe house. The evening air was pleasantly warm, with a light breeze on this last day of August, and the sunlight peeped through the trees invitingly. Her presence was having an effect on everyone gathered, and they felt themselves in awe of her. None of them had ever felt such an overwhelming desire for a woman before. Even though she was not in human form, their eyes followed her transparent figure every time she moved. Her voice was warm and inviting, and it washed over them, as if they had just taken a shot of Fire whiskey, and the warmth of the liquid had spread through their bodies.

'I'm not using his body.'

Alvin Muggleton stood quietly in the middle of the the ruins. He had volunteered willingly, determined that he would atone for his betrayal of Rose's location. Drusilla was slowly recovering from her ordeal, but his conscience had been eating away at him, and he couldn't sit by knowing that he had helped deliver that young woman to Voldemort. When Sirius had called this urgent meeting and had explained the plan, he was uncomfortable that he was going behind Kingsley's back, but he knew that he could not say no. He was now stood before the legendary witch, Morgan Le Fay, offering his body for her to possess.

'I don't understand!' Sirius said, impatiently. 'I've found you a willing volunteer as you asked!'

Morgan looked at Alvin, and he could not help but feel entranced by the warm smile she gave him.

'Please do not take my refusal to your offering me use of your body, personally, Mr Muggleton.'

Alvin felt a ripple of pleasure through his body when she spoke to him. 'Of...of course not, my Lady.'

He could not help but show deference to the spirit-woman before him. Morgan spun around to face Sirius.

'I do not possess a man's body unless I absolutely have to. Surely there's a woman amongst your followers brave enough to let me use their body.' Sirius felt his frustration rise.

'For pity's sake! You said you wanted a body...you didn't specify whether it had to be a man or a woman!' He moved over to her, until they were inches apart.

'Calm down, Sirius.' Morgan said, smoothly. 'You've never possessed someone before, so you don't know how disconcerting it is to the mind. It is even stranger to be inside the body of someone of the opposite sex!'

She touched his arm lightly, her eyes penetrating his. He felt his heart rate increase, and the pull of attraction deep inside of him.

'I'll do it.' Sirius was not really focused on whose the voice was, but he was glad they had spoken, for it broke the spell that had been washing over him. He pulled away from Morgan's form, and turned to face those assembled. His eyes met those of George Weasley's briefly, and he saw the knowing, searching look they held. He broke the eye contact, clearing his throat, and fixed his concentration on the person who had spoken, as they moved to the front of the rest of the Order members.

She spoke again. 'I'll offer my body for you to possess, mistress Le Fay.'

A petite, fair-haired woman in her late twenties had stepped forward, her light brown eyes showing a determined expression. 'And you are…?'

Morgan eyed the woman appraisingly, sensing her magical ability. Not bad, Morgan decided. She could draw upon the magic of others when she possessed them. It was not essential, for her power was great.

'My name is Ruby Goddard,' the woman replied. Morgan approved of this girl. She was confident, but had the sense to show deference to her. Yes, she will be easy to take possession of. She grimaced as a thought came to her. Unlike that obstinate descendant of mine...stupid girl!

'Are you certain you want to do this, Ruby?'

Sirius asked her, and she gave him a nod in affirmation. He saw the grief and anger flare up in her eyes.

'Yes. I'm doing it for Garnet. He would still have a soul if it weren't for Voldemort.'

Morgan also felt the emotions from the girl, and knew she could harness those.

'Who is Garnet, my dear?' Morgan enquired, and watched as the tears pricked at the girls eyes.

'My brother,' Ruby replied, fighting to keep control of her emotions. 'He had his soul sucked out by the Dementors that Voldemort sent out to hunt the Order down.'

Morgan reached out, and touched her cheek. Ruby gasped in shock at the sensation she felt.

'I'm sorry for your brother, my dear. Not even I can undo what has been done to him. But with your help, I can destroy the man who is responsible.' Ruby nodded. 'If I can help to destroy Voldemort, that will bring me some comfort.'

Morgan stroked the woman's cheek gently. 'You are brave, Ruby, and loyal to your family. Very well then, I accept your offer. Shall we begin?'

The woman nodded in affirmation, as Morgan withdrew her hand and gestured for her to come forward. Sirius felt a sudden unease creep over him. Ruby's parents were already suffering. What if something happened to to their daughter too? He knew that Kingsley had promised the Goddard's he would look out for Ruby, who had insisted she wanted to continue to help the Order.

'Ruby,' he called to her. 'Maybe you should let someone else do this.' Both Ruby and Morgan turned to him. 'What is the problem, Sirius?' Morgan frowned at him. 'Ruby has offered me her body for our cause, and I am gratefully accepting her offer.'

Sirius held out his hands. 'There is no problem. I just think that Ruby's family have sacrificed enough to our cause.'

Ruby interjected. 'I'm doing this, Sirius. I'm twenty-eight years old, and able to make my own decisions.'

Sirius came closer to Ruby and touched her shoulder. 'I know. I just want you to be sure that you want to do this.' Ruby nodded and smiled at him. 'I am...thanks for your concern, Sirius.'

He returned her smile and then looked to Morgan again. 'You promise me this won't harm her?' Morgan looked at them both. 'I promise I shall take care of Ruby's body as if it were my own.'

Morgan beckoned to Ruby again, and they positioned themselves in the centre of the church ruins, facing one another. Those assembled stood by what remained of the stone walls and watched silently. Ruby began to feel a little nervous.

'Is it going to hurt?' She asked, her courage faltering slightly. Morgan smiled as she raised her hands out in front of her, palms facing towards Ruby.

'No, my dear. Do not worry, I shall not harm you. It will feel a little strange at first. You will be aware of what is taking place but I shall have control of your body. Now, place your palms against mine, and we can begin.'

Ruby did as she was asked. Her hands had begun to expire slightly, and the frisson of static pulsated through her body as her hands made contact with Morgan's form again.

'See?' Morgan said to the young woman, 'That wasn't so bad, was it?' Ruby returned the smile, nervously.

'Now all you must do is say these words…"My body, your spirit, together entwined…" you repeat the words until the possession has taken place.' Ruby nodded, biting her lip. 'Okay.'

Everyone gathered watched intently. None of them had seen someone being possessed before. And to be present as Morgan Le Fay took possession of a body was something none of them had ever imagined they'd see.

The possession was surprisingly simple...there were no potions, flashes of light or complicated rituals. The two women chanted in unison, Morgan's chant having a slight difference... "My spirit, your body, together entwined".

Soft strands of mist began to form around their bodies. As they continued their chants, the strands of mist began to merge together until the two women became completely shrouded. Moments later, a woman's cry echoed in the air. They watched as the mist began to evaporate, and Ruby Goddard's body came back into view...the transparent form of Morgan was gone. She inhaled deep breaths, and then began to look down, first at her hands, and then at the rest of her body.

She looked up to the sky, her arms raised out.

'Corvi, qui vocat vos,' she cried out.

They heard the shrill cry of birds, and the flapping of wings. A torrent of ebony bodies appeared from nowhere, and surrounded her. They all watched as the ravens whirled around her until she could not be seen. The piercing cries of the birds reverberated through everyone. Eventually the ravens began to depart one by one, and the woman became visible once more, one lone raven perching upon her shoulder. Her fair hair was intricately braided, and trailed down her left shoulder and breast. Her petite body was sheathed in a simple floor length dress of black satin.

Sirius walked slowly towards the body of Ruby Goddard, and she turned to him, her light brown eyes fixing upon him with a teasing, knowing expression. It was disturbing to see that look in her eyes, and feel the potent presence of Morgan surrounding her. He could feel its tendrils begin to move towards him, threatening to overpower his senses once more.

'Ruby...' he said, forgetting for a moment she was no longer the dominant spirit in her own body.

'Not any more,'

It was still Ruby's voice that spoke the words. She moved in close, and before he could react, grasped hold of his jacket lapel, pulled him to her, and kissed him. His senses were overwhelmed, and he responded to her, becoming oblivious to everyone else.

'Sirius!' George's voice broke the spell, and he pulled himself away. Morgan let out another laugh, and began walking around the ruins in her new body. Sirius faced the rest of those gathered, feeling the awkward tension in the atmosphere.

George strode towards him, and grabbed his arm. 'Sirius,' his voice was low. 'What the hell was that mate?' Sirius shook his head, feeling embarrassed and ashamed. 'I don't know...she kissed me...'

'I couldn't help but notice...but you weren't exactly fighting her off were you?' Sirius moved away, walking over to the arched doorway that had once been the entrance to the church. George followed him, refusing to let it go. Sirius sighed and turned to face his friend.

'You've felt it too, George. Morgan has the power to attract anyone...its...hard to resist.' George nodded in agreement. 'Bloody hell, everyone here can feel it! But the only bloke she's got eyes for, and has kissed, is you!'

Sirius sighed, and his expression was troubled. 'I've seen the way you look at one another, mate, and the way she touches you. I'm advising you, as a friend, to be careful. You don't want to to do anything that you'll regret. Think about Rose...you love her.'

Sirius, though he knew George was right, felt bitter resentment well up inside him, as Morgan's disclosures entered his mind.

His face became hard. 'I never stop thinking about Rose, George, and I'm hers...heart, body and soul. Whether that's also still true for Rose...well, I'll find out soon enough...'

George was surprised by Sirius' anger, and curious as to what he meant. Did he have doubts about Rose, and her feelings for him?. 'What do you mean?' he said. 'Has someone said something?' George instinctively glanced towards the body of Ruby Goddard that Morgan now controlled.

'Leave me be George, I don't want to talk about it.'

Sirius moved away from George abruptly, walking through the doorway, and out into the woods. Everyone had witnessed the exchange, and looked to George, who shrugged his shoulders. George stalked over to a large stone and sat down. He sighed, rubbed a hand through his bright red hair, and let out a low whistle. He thought about Sirius once more.

'I hope you know what you've gotten yourself into, mate.' George said under his breath. His eyes met those of Morgan and the raven, and they observed him intently.

'I hope we all bloody know what we've gotten ourselves into.'