#7 ~ The Ghost and Lady Snape

Disclaimer: All characters belong to JKR (except Marcus Delaluci). All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.
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Chapter 27 – The Battle Begins


The spirit of Fiona Delaluci scoured the astral plane in search of the spirits of the murdered witches. This led her into the lesser, darker regions of the plane. Most spirits of the dead ended up in a certain part of the astral plane that corresponded to their beliefs in life after death, and then in a consolidated little world, formed from their subconscious and brought to form by the astral matter. Most were not even conscious of this fact, believing their place to be the true culmination of their lives. So there were heavens, hells, nirvanas and paradises all over the plane, each conforming to the spirit or spirits contained there. In fact, the astral world reflected the earth, in that it had its own larger areas and sections, like the earth has its own continents and countries.

These women had died after being seduced by Alistar, probably in a state of shame for the most part. Like many abused women, it was likely that they believed they had brought their demise upon themselves. Guilt on the astral plane was a powerful force, and created a world that was next to impenetrable. It was tantamount to hell, but a flameless hell, more of a thick, dark plane permeated with hopelessness and self-inflicted misery. There the spirits languished, so bogged down by their pain and guilt they barely moved. It was in a place like this, that Fiona found the women, each of them huddled in a small ball, hugging their knees, rocking in place. It was a sobering view. Two hundred women, seated on the ground, hopeless, in mourning, their forms barely visible in a place that had next to no light. The place was oppressive, the sadness and bleakness pressing down on Fiona, like an invisible weight. She moved sluggishly as she approached the group of women. She had never entered this area of the realm before, and if she had her choice, never would again. There was a sound that occasionally moved through the ether. It sounded like the cry of a child in great distress. The witches’ unborn children.


The plane was level. There was no place that Fiona could stand where she could be seen by all the women, if they would even acknowledge her at all, so deep were they consumed by their misery. With effort, Fiona flew upward and hovered.

“Daughters! I am Fiona Delaluci! I have come to retrieve you from this dismal place!” she called down to the witches. Not one responded. She thought for a moment.

“Alistar is here!” she called again.

Several of the women stirred slightly, looking up at Fiona.

“He who has stolen your lives, your blood and your generations is here, attempting to continue his evil!” she cried.

A few more witches looked up. A small voice cried back at her.

“What can we do about Alistar? He has taken everything from us. He is too powerful.”

“There are those here who would destroy him, but he is grounded by your blood. Reclaim the spirit of your blood from him, and he will pay for the crimes he has committed against you and yours, and never trouble the muggle-born again!” Fiona claimed, flitting over the women. More of them were watching her now, a few stretching out their legs.

“We cannot leave this place.” One called up at her.

“This is not a place. This is a world made of your misery and your shame. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You were all victims of Alistar. He murdered every single one of you, simply because you were not purebloods. It was not because you were promiscuous or stupid. It was because he hated who you were and what you would become. He didn’t want your children to enter the world. He took your lives. There was no way you could have known his purpose when he came to each of you. And now he seeks to do the same to a new generation. Do not let him harm more women. Do not let him kill more muggle-borns. If you do, that will be your true shame. Then you will deserve to languish here. Help destroy Alistar. Reclaim what he has taken and become whole again!”

A murmur went up from the women. Fiona could sense a lessening of the oppressive weight around her, and smiled.

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Alistar arrived at the section of the astral plane where Marcus, Hermione and Severus searched for him.

Peeves who had been leading the three, suddenly froze…his armor dissipating in his fear.

“Alistar is here!” the poltergeist said, visibly trembling

Suddenly they were surrounded by several spirits. Marcus and Severus drew their swords, and Hermione notched an arrow.

“Wait!” the spirit closest to Marcus said, “We are sent to serve the dragon.”

Hermione lowered her bow, but Severus and Marcus still maintained tight grips on their weapons.

“Who sent you?” Marcus demanded, holding the hilt of his sword so tightly his knuckles were white.

“The Mistress. Obeah. She offered us freedom if we protect you. We are yours to command,” the spirit said, bowing low. Marcus counted them, there were six total.

“Well, what can you do to help us?” the blonde wizard asked, lowering his sword slightly. Severus relaxed a bit, letting the tip of his sword fall towards the ground.

“We can intercept energy and send it back to the sender. We can ease the force of Alistar’s attack against you,” the spirit replied, drifting closer to the wizard. Marcus could see that although the spirit was human-like, it had some scaly protuberances on its body. The other spirits were also slightly deformed.

“Can you turn invisible?” the wizard asked, “Fight without being seen?”

“Yes, but Alistar will know we are here,” the spirit answered. Marcus sighed. So much for the element of surprise.

“Very well. I want you to do your best to protect me, and my companions,” Marcus said as he gestured toward Severus and Hermione, who were both watching this exchange with interest.

Two spirits floated over and flanked Hermione, and another two hovered near Severus.

“What about Peeves?” Peeves cried, flitting about nervously.

Marcus looked at the poltergeist. “Well if you aren’t going to fight, you shouldn’t be a target, now should you?” the wizard answered him.

“Alistar will try to destroy Peeves anyway,” the poltergeist responded his eyes wide with terror.

“Then I suggest you make a weapon to protect yourself,” Marcus said, turning back to face the spirits guarding Hermione. “You must protect her well, Alistar will most likely go for her first. He desires her power.” The ghosts nodded, moving closer to Hermione. She could feel their chill and shuddered a little, but was grateful for the added protection.

“Look!” Peeves squealed, his voice made unbelievably high by terror. “Alistar!”

A figure walked out of the darkness. A black cloud emanated from its form, a dark glow. Thin cords writhed around the being as he drew closer and more distinct. Hermione could make him out now. He appeared to be a fairly young man of about twenty-seven years of age, quite handsome actually, with piercing black eyes, black hair in a pageboy cut, and heavy black brows. He had a small, full but cruel mouth and a straight well-formed nose. He was tall, and of a medium but athletic build. He was dressed in black, not robed, but wore what passed for pants and a shirt. A black cloak billowed around him as if wind-blown. He sort of looked like an evil Prince Valiant. He focused on Hermione.

“Ah, we meet at last, witch,” he said in a smooth, clear tenor. “I see you have the dragon-spawn and your dark paramour with you.”

Alistar paused, his eyes flicking over the spirits that flanked each of them.

“You’ve managed to bind some spirits, too, I see. Six in fact.”

Suddenly he flung his hand out. A black rope of energy shot forth before any of them could move, and wrapped around the spirit on Hermione’s right. The spirit let out an unearthly scream of pain, before being enveloped in the blackness, and ripped back toward Alistar, absorbed through his outstretched hand.

“Oops,” Alistar purred, “I meant five spirits.”

Severus moved swiftly to Hermione’s side, his sword drawn. As far as he knew, that could have been his wife that was taken. He had a sinking feeling inside. Alistar was much stronger than he thought. He looked at Hermione, who was staring at Alistar with fear in her eyes.

“Hermione, I’m here,” he said, taking her hand. The white glow of their love flared up. Alistar’s eyes narrowed.

“You think love will protect you!” he cried furious. Suddenly another black cord flew out, attaching itself to a startled Marcus. It didn’t envelope him though. It began to pulse. Severus ran over and sliced at it with his sword. The cord parted, then reformed.

“You can’t save the dragon with your love, man. He is mine. And so is she…”

Alistar laughed and flung another cord out, attaching it to Hermione, who screamed at the cold contact. She felt ice beginning to form in her veins. A look of bliss covered the evil spirit’s face.

“You taste so good, mudblood,” he said.

Severus ran back to Hermione, and raised his sword high above his head. He was bathed in light. The glow leaped to Hermione and she too was covered with the fire of their love

“You shall not have my wife!” Severus cried through gritted teeth, “She is mine for eternity, you sick bastard!” He brought the sword down, severing the black cord. This time it did not reform, but writhed about, spilling dark energy like blood as Alistar screamed with pain.

Marcus gripped the cord attached to him. It was like holding dry ice and burned his hand as he pulled at it with all his might while the spirit whipped about in pain. “Go!” he yelled at the spirits around him. They flew toward Alistar, sending pulses of energy at him. At the same time, the spirits who had been following Alistar, swooped down and wrapped themselves around him, covering him as he flailed.

Severus, seeing his chance, charged Alistar as he wrestled with the spirits. The Potions Master raised his sword, intending to slice him in half, when Alistar exploded with power, blasting Severus back and destroying the both the spirits that clung to him and those firing energy at him. Marcus buckled as the power the ghost emitted flowed through the cord into his body.

“Cassandra!” he gasped, still pulling at the cord. Hermione notched an arrow and shot it at Alistar, who stopped it in mid-air and flung it back at her. The spirit on her left side darted in front of her, absorbing the impact and disappeared.

Below, Cassandra was shaking Endora viciously.

“Wake up, my friend! Marcus needs you! Wake up!” she cried.

Endora opened her eyes groggily, and looked at the Obeah without comprehension.

“Alistar is killing Marcus!” Cassandra hissed, “He needs you. Think of him. Think of last night! Think of your home! Think how you will feel if he dies!”

Endora woke fully, an image of Marcus making love to her flooding her mind.

Suddenly a blue glow covered the wizard, and he ripped Alistar’s cord away from his body. Dark energy spilled forth. Stilling gripping the cord, Marcus shouted an incantation, not sure if it would work, but Alistar screamed in fury and was flung back, landing hard on the ground. Marcus remained bathed in blue light.

“What is that?” Alistar roared, rising and glaring at Marcus, “that isn’t the power of love!”

“I don’t know what it is, you fuck, but as long as it works, I really don’t care,” Marcus said, charging the spirit.

“Marcus! No!” screamed Hermione as she watched in horror as the blonde wizard tackled Alistar with his bare hands. “Severus, help him!” she cried, but the Potions Master was already on his way.

It seemed as if the blue light around Marcus was interfering with Alistar’s powers. He wrestled with the wizard, struggling to reach into his core of darkness and grip it. Severus stood over them, trying to strike the spirit with his sword, but Marcus was in the way.

“Let him go, Marcus!” Severus shouted.

Marcus flung himself away from Alistar, who looked up at Severus wide-eyed as the wizard brought his sword down. Alistar screamed and evaporated.

Severus looked stunned. He wasn’t sure it could have worked.

“It couldn’t be that easy,” he breathed, looking at Marcus.

“No. It couldn’t,” came Alistar’s voice behind them.

Both Marcus and Severus spun, just as Alistar thrust both his hands into each of them, clutching their darkness and drawing it out. Both wizards writhed in agony, unable to even scream. They could feel their insides growing cold. Marcus’ blue light faded. Hermione rushed forward but was stopped by some invisible force and held, unable to move.

Alistar laughed wickedly as he shook both men.

“Did you really think you could defeat me? I have the power of the blood, and the dragon’s strength. I am invincible!” he gloated. He looked over at Hermione. “I will have you as soon as I am done with these.”

“A strength you stole, you black-hearted cretin!” a female voice cried. Fiona appeared out of the fog. She flew forward.

“Who are you, bitch?” Alistar asked as he continued to drain the two wizards, who were struggling feebly now.

Fiona moved closer, and Alistar’s eyes widened with recognition. He was so shocked he dropped both Severus and Marcus.

“The Virgin,” he said, his eyes narrowing.

“The Dragon’s Wife,” Fiona shot back, “and you have something that belongs to me!”

She shot a blast of crimson light, not at Alistar, but at Marcus, who shuddered and shook beneath the power entering his body.

“Rise, my son. Reclaim the blood of your Ancestor!” Fiona cried.

Marcus, without knowing exactly what he was doing, flung himself at a startled Alistar, clutching him in a bear hug so they were face to face. Alistar emitted a powerful pulse of dark magic, but could not break the wizard’s hold. Marcus lowered his mouth to Alistar’s and drew in. The spirit stiffened, then a terrified moan welled up from his black soul as power flew from his mouth, to he blonde wizard. Marcus felt himself strengthening, the metallic taste of blood filling his mouth, pouring down his throat, rushing through his veins.

Hermione was able to move again, and rushed to her fallen husband, falling to her knees and embracing him. Light pulsated around them, and Severus roused. Both stared at the scene in front of them, Marcus kissing the dark spirit, a crimson glow beginning to rise from his body. Something was happening to him.

Marcus began to grow, his body bursting from his clothing, his flesh and bone structure changing. His fair skin darkened, taking on a bronze tone, his back hunching, sprouting ridges. His neck elongated, as did his face, taking on a reptilian mien. His arms lengthened and talons sprouted from his hands as they transformed into claws. Glittering bronze scales covered his body, and a long, spiked tail stretched forth. Great leathery wings folded, then unfolded, half-spread.

The bronze dragon turned to face Fiona, his violet eyes whirling in his head. He stretched forth his neck and roared, shaking the entire realm. Alistar lay on the ground before him, sapped of strength. Marcus looked down at him, a waft of smoke puffing from his nostrils.

Hermione and Severus held each other staring up at the bronze wyrm. Hermione recognized the dragon from her dreams.

“Damn,” she breathed as Marcus looked at her, lowering his head so the figure eight symbol was visible. Then the dragon turned back to Alistar, who glared up at it.

“You may have reclaimed your ancestor’s blood, wizard, but you still cannot destroy me! Even if you manage to dissipate me, I will reform and continue Salazar’s great work! I still have the blood of the muggle-borns. You cannot take that from me!” he cried.

Fiona laughed unpleasantly.

“So, you think that do you?” she said, looking back at the mist.

Hermione, Severus, Peeves, Alistar and the dragon followed her gaze.

Shapes were forming in the cloud, many, many shapes. But there was no roaring, no growling. Just silence as the beings formed. Alistar watched as the first woman walked out of the fog, expressionless. She was followed by another, and another. Then a crowd of women appeared. All looking at him with empty expressions. They stopped behind Fiona, their eyes never leaving him.

“Anyone you recognize?” Fiona said smugly.

“No.” Alistar whispered, “No, it can’t be. They were all trapped. Powerless.”

“Well, they aren’t trapped now, Alistar. And they want their blood back,” she said in a low voice.

“No!” the spirit screamed, rising and trying to flee. But he was too weak. The women watched him and began to walk forward, then to jog. A united scream went up as they charged at him, leaping into the air and becoming spirits, flying at him.

“No!” Alistar screamed as the first spirit reached him, swooping through his body and drawing out a long red mist as it passed through. It disappeared, freed. Then they were all on him, rushing through him like a great wind, spinning his body so his cloak billowed around him. He was screaming in agony as they took back what he had stolen from them. Above him, the dragon watched, its violet eyes focused on him as the spirits ripped through him. Finally, the last spirit disappeared, leaving a broken Alistar lying on the ground, panting. He looked up at the dragon, who was taking a deep breath.

“I did it for us! The purebloods. The muggles were murdering us. Their children would have defiled and destroyed us. They have no place in the magical world. We needed to keep our blood pure!” he cried.

Fiona walked up to the fallen spirit.

“So you seduced and murdered innocent witches, and used their blood to strengthen your own powers. That doesn’t sound like you were trying to help anyone but yourself. It is time for reckoning Alistar. I would say make your peace, but for one such as you, there can be no peace.”

She stepped back from Alistar and looked up at Marcus. The dragon telescoped its eyes at her, and she smiled, placing her hand on his scales and rubbing them gently. “You are much like your ancestor. Beautiful and strong. I know you have done much evil…”

Here Marcus bowed his head sorrowfully.

“…but now, you redeem a part of yourself. You know what you must do.” Fiona said, withdrawing to stand beside Hermione and Severus.

Marcus looked down at Alistar and inhaled.

“No!” Alistar cried, raising his arms before his face.

Marcus released a white-hot blast of sustained fire, bathing the spirit in flame. Alistar’s screams were horrible, ringing from one end of the plane to the other. Still Marcus flamed the spirit, until the cries died away. The dragon stopped his fire. All that was left of Alistar, was a bit of gray ash.

Peeves flew over and blew at it, scattering the ashes until they were no longer visible. The poltergeist brushed off his hands as if finishing a difficult job satisfactorily.

“And that’s, that,” he said, smiling all around.

The dragon snorted a bit of flame at Peeves, who jetted away quickly.

Hermione embraced Severus. It was over. She rose and walked over to Fiona, who was gazing up at Marcus, her eyes glistening.

“Thank you for helping us,” she said to the spirit. Fiona turned brilliant blue eyes on the witch. “I helped the last of my line,” she responded, “helping you was incidental.”

Hermione flushed. Apparently, rudeness ran in the family.

Fiona stood before Marcus and waved her hand.

“Return,” she said.

Marcus transformed, and stood nude before his ancestress. She raked her eyes across him curiously.

“I wonder, my son, if you received any other ‘gift’ from your ancestor other than his eyes?”

Marcus grinned rakishly, and nodded. Fiona laughed.

“It’s quite a gift,” she grinned back at him. He fuzzed and was dressed like before. Fiona embraced him, and whispered in his ear.

“It isn’t good you are the last. Promise me you will have an heir, my son. At least one.”

Marcus hesitated for a moment. “I promise, he said softly, relishing the love he felt radiating from her as he held her gently. She kissed him on his cheek then removed herself from his embrace.

“I must return to my husband. He will be dying to know how this turned out,” she said to Marcus, who smiled at her. “We will be watching over you, always, beloved son.”

With that, she touched his cheek and faded away.

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A/N: And there it is, the defeat of Alistar. Hermione still has to face her fear. I am very interested to know what you thought of this chapter, so please review. Thanks.