Crimson Moon

Disclaimer::JK owns them all.. the plot is ours.. and the other Characters you don't recognize..

Written by Morganlefay1958 and Calanor...

Warning:: Remember this is slash folks..

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Chapter 3

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In Romania, deep in the Carpathian Mountains, is a refuge for those oppressed; persecuted for being more than a wizard. For being different; for being a dark creature.

For them it is home.

There are wards and spells placed by the Wizards, Vampires, Sidhe, Fae, Elves, and Roms of old to protect their home.

Wards and spells surround their place of refuge-strong and ancient spells cast by the Wizards, the Vampires, the Sidhe, the Fae, the Elves, and the Rom. These were cast with strong desires for love, protection, and security from the outside world that does not understand. But on this night, on the eve of destiny, true evil has stepped into their domain. Violated their security by using one of their own children. For that act alone, they have brought death down on their heads. There would be no mercy on their souls.

One by one they came; the clans, members of the council of twelve. Knowing that blood and judgement would be dealt fairly and swiftly. Each creature, human, and wizard knew when he or she stepped into this room that they were equals. Kin. It was the way of the Conclave of the Hidden.

The ballroom of Crimson Moon Coven’s mansion was their neutral ground-the center of meeting for the Conclave. A meeting place for arguments, discussions, debates, judgments, dances, parties and celebrations…this was a place of welcoming. Each took their seat at the half moon shaped table, waiting for the Vampire Lord and his Seconds to appear.

When the main doors finally opened and they stepped through, it was to the pleased eyes of all present. Surprise, soon followed by happiness flooded the room. They were delighted to see a companion on the arm of the Lord, also dressed in the coven's colors. The Vampire Lord, respected and renown had finally found a mate.

Moments before, Samael and his Seconds had been waiting for Lady Angelina to bring Severus. When they stepped into the small room, the sight of his soulmate took his breath away--beauty, innocence and power radiated from this man. Innocence was never a word associated with Severus Snape. But here he stood. Samael could not have been happier. Life had finally come full circle for him. He held out his hand, beckoning Severus forward. Lady Angelina glowed with pride, as Samael smiled at her and nodded his gratitude. Severus came willingly. He walked with pride and trust shown in his eyes for his Lord. It was this man they saw on the arm of the Vampire Lord, wearing the colors of the Coven-crimson blood red and the black of a moonless night.

Even with the dire circumstances that brought the covens here tonight, they were ready throw it all aside and celebrate. As one they stood and clapped, welcoming this new and beautiful creature into their fold.

Samael moved to the center of the table; Severus sat to his right, and his seconds to his left. "My Kin, I welcome you. Even with the dire mood that has brought us together this night. I wish for you to welcome my mate, Severus. He is my heart and my soul."

"Welcome!" The voices in the room echoed together in a chorus of greeting for their newest kin. Samael waved his hand, signaling all permission to seat themselves. Samael remained standing.

"Emissaries from the one calling himself the Dark Lord Voldemort have entered into our domain--our home. Force and dark magic were used on one of our young to reveal our borders and home."

"Who was harmed?" An elder of the Roms leaned forward as he asked, waiting for the answer.

"Sidney. Lady Angelina has sedated her. Guards and wards protect her room while she is in a healing sleep."

"Why do they come?" the Elder of the Dark Elves asked. "We refused to join him in his first rise of power."

"I do not know, but they did not come alone this time. I sent Hunters into the night to determine if more than just emissaries have come. They rounded up thirty of his men. Marcus and Jacob are interrogating them as we speak." Samael stood in front of a red haired woman of small statue. Size did not matter with the Werecats and never had. Most often in battle the enemy was razed to the ground for such foolish thoughts. "Anita of the Werecats, I welcome you and yours to join with my guards and hunters in their...sport."

"We accept your gracious offer, Lord Samael." The tiny woman turned to her own guards and nodded. Four figures disappeared into the shadows.

One of the others stood, Ryu of the Dragons. "Before we left, a large man came. He called himself Rubeus Hagrid, of Hogwarts. He was looking for the Conclave himself, saying he was sent by Albus Dumbledore of the Order of the Phoenix. He was not alone."

Samael looked to his oldest friends even as Severus stiffened beside him. "How many?"

"Four men. One was a werewolf, who asked where he could find the clans, so he could pay his respects. I told them to wait at the Pub until someone came for them, if the Conclave agreed to meet with them."

"Rorric, take four men with you and retrieve these travelers." Samael turned to the group as a whole. "These travelers have not come to us as a threat. I will meet with them when we have passed judgement on those who have come to us, with no other reason than to bring harm to us and our kin--to make us think that they see us as equals when they really see us as nothing more than vermin under their heels. I will not be a slave to anyone."

Zarek of the Werewolves stood. "Is this the will of the Conclave?"

Dimas, a tall elegant man, his eyes of blue glowed with knowledge. "This is the will of the Elves."

One by one they stood and agreed.

"So mote it be."

Samael sat down beside his pet. "Whatever happens, don't be surprised at what comes about. All will be explained later."

Severus looked up in his Lord's face seeing nothing but honesty and truth. "All right Milord."

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The large wooden doors opened and six figures entered--a tall regal looking man followed by five others. Behind them moved a small contingent of Vampires and Dark Elves. The shadows hid them well as they spread themselves out, waiting for the action to begin.

A muscle in Samael's jaw tightened and twitched. Bella Lestrange and Peter Pettigrew-hated enemies. It has begun.

Peter would pay for the deaths of his parents and Cedric, and for the unfair incarceration of his Godfather.
Armand stopped a few feet from Samael, and stepped to the side…


"My Lords and Ladies, I present emissaries from the Dark Lord Voldemort to speak with the Conclave."

"Thank you, Armand." Samael replied, before the elegant servant could introduce each visitor individually. Armand nodded and exited the room.

Samael noticed that Severus shivered slightly beside him before he regained control. One of the Death Eaters was eyeing him. He growled low under his breath. Especially when Bella hissed under her breath.

He placed a hand on Severus’ knee. "Speak humans."

Bella Lestrange strode forward. "I come here offering you an alliance with my Lord."

Your name Human," Azariel of the Sidhe stood from his seat. "I am Azariel of the Sidhe."

She frowned for a moment. How dare they speak to her like that. "Bella Lestrange." She replied through gritted teeth.

Behind Samael’s seat, Dorian growled low in his throat at the woman. She was a disgrace to his family. Fingers caressed his cheek, calming him. Tempeste--his heart, smiled from the shadows. "Patience, my love. It's almost upon us."

Samael gracefully rose from his seat. "Speak your names, Humans."

A dark haired man stepped forward, grabbing Bella before she did something regrettable. "My name is Theodore Nott. My companions are Bella Lestrange, Peter Pettigrew, Walden McNair, and Matthew Parkinson.

Someone growled from the shadows behind Samael, and whispered, "McNair. The British Ministry of Magic's Executioner."

"How many werewolves did he kill?" another whispered.

"How many kin?” whispered yet another voice.

The broad shouldered man shrunk away from the shadows that seem to close around them. He knew he shouldn't have come.

"What brings you to our borders?" Samael asked.

"My Lord, we bring treaties from our Lord. He promises freedoms to you and those gathered here."

"What guarantees does your Lord have? We have our freedoms here. We live here in abidance with the humans. We live peacefully."

"You live in Hiding!" Bella snapped in a tight voice. Her patience was coming to an end. Nott gripped her arm in warning.

Samael stepped forward into the light. "Death Eaters live in hiding--as does your Lord."

"You asked us our names. What are yours!"

"Are you prepared to know our names?" Samael asked cooly.

"What is that suppose to mean, Vampire!" growled Parkinson.

Those gathered hissed and growled. The shadows started moving. Strong magic crackled and rippled around the room.

"You will do best to know your battles before you begin them, Death Eaters. Blood will flow this night as vengeance is taken."

"Who are you?" Nott asked, warily.

Samael looked back at his friends and at his mate. Smiling, his fangs elongated, "I was named a thousand years ago as was my friends by the great Salazar Slytherin." As he swept his hands out, his three closest friends and kin stepped from the shadows to stand around him and his mate.

“May I introduce, Tempeste Alacoque D'Arcy.” Samael's hand came out and led the beautiful woman down the steps. A curvaceous woman with deep auburn hair glided down the stairs, dressed in a blood red gown that covered her from shoulder to wrists and ankles. She wore a beaded choker and a black rose adorned her hair. She turned glowing hazel eyes on their visitors, and her cold smile revealed glistening fangs. She stopped on the step below where Samael stood.

“And… Cadeyrn Aedh Taran and Dorian Brencis Mazentius."

Two men stepped from either side of Samael and headed down the steps to stand to either side of Tempeste. Both men were pale and dressed in black from head to toe. The taller man had long hair of deep russet red and wore a blood red tie. His companion’s hair was as white as snow and fell down his back to his hips, and he wore a blood red silk scarf draped around his neck. Their eyes glowed blue and grey respectively, and their fangs looked as deadly as their lady kin’s did.

"And I," taking a deep bow, "Am Samael Ardius Marceau. But we were born as..." He closed his eyes for a moment, opening them to bright emeralds and a scar materializing. "Hermione Jane Granger, Ronald Bilius Weasley, and Draco Lucian Malfoy... and I was born Harry James Potter."

There were audible gasps from the Death Eaters. Peter dropped to the floor in a dead faint.

"You're DEAD!" Bella screamed, shocked.

"Well yes."

Severus gasps and his eyes widen. Harry Potter? Alive? He begins to feel dizzy and light-headed. He grasps the arms of his chair firmly attempting to steady himself.

Angelina appeared at his side, "Calm Little Master. All will be explained in due time." she whispered. She then settled herself at his feet, her hand holding his tightly. “Remember, he said there would be surprises."

"Indeed." Severus replied quietly, as he let out a shaky breath he didn’t realize he had been holding. Feeling a bit better, he returned his attention to the events unfolding in front of him.

"You come here as emissaries but you have harmed one of our own. For this crime you shall be punished." Samael’s voice echoed loudly in the room. There were murmurs of agreement from all areas of the room.

"Harry Potter is dead--he AND his friends. And my nephew, the blood traitor!" Bella ripped her arm from Nott’s grip and attempted to stride forward before he grabbed her by both of her upper arms. Standing behind her, he held her in place.

"Peter Pettigrew!"

The small rat-faced man squeaked. "Yes," he said trembling. He hadn't wanted to come on this mission. Now here he was, about to die.

"You were my parent's Secret Keeper. You betrayed your friends, and me. For that you shall die," Samael said as he stepped closer to the shaking man. He dropped his waistcoat to the floor, and swung his arms out, clawed hands reaching for the traitor’s throat.

"You should have died instead of my parents as they would have for you," he said as he picked him up and held him in the air. "What say you!?"

"Forgive me, Harry," Peter pleaded, gasping for breath.

"There is no forgiveness for you." Samael crushed his throat snapping his neck in the process. He dropped the body to the floor. Samael turned to one of his men, “See that his body is delivered to the British Ministry of Magic. I will see my Godfather’s name cleared.”

The man bowed and moved to throw the body over his shoulder, and strode from the room.

"Oh look. Wee baby Potter has killed. Not so golden are you!"

"Bellatrix Lestrange. My soul may not be pure. But yours is black."

"What are you going to do?" Struggling against the hands holding her. Nott hissed at Bella to be quiet, but soon let her go. It was pointless trying to contain her. He stepped away, distancing himself from her.

"Lestrange, you murdered my godfather, and cursed the Longbottom's into madness. For that you have forfeit your life."

Bella pulled her wand, but before she could utter a spell, Samael's clawed hands lashed out. Blood poured out of the torn neck. Another swipe and her head rolled to the ground, her body collapsed alongside it.

Nott tried to back away from the carnage, but he came face to face with the blonde, the man once known as Draco Malfoy.

"Running Nott?" Dorian hissed in a deadly tone, as he ran his tongue over the tips of his fangs.

"What do you want?" Nott was scared. He trembled, thinking of all his past sins. Then he remembered.

"You had a taste for young boys, Nott. Father was not pleased when he found you had made a move on me."

"I didn't hurt you."

"No, but you tried." Arms came from behind and wrapped around his torso. "And you will never touch another child ever again."

Dorian looked over Nott’s shoulder at Caderyn. Caderyn nodded. Dorian reached down and ripped Nott’s trousers and pants from his body. Then a swipe of his claws left the wizard’s genitals on the floor. Nott screamed and struggled against the arms holding him before he passed out from the pain. Caderyn twisted his neck, snapping it before throwing the body to the floor.

Dorian spoke to a shadow, "Make sure his genitals are hanging from his neck before he is sent back to his master."

Severus cringed. He never knew that Nott had made a move on Draco. He understood from the other Death Eaters that they kept close tabs on their children when he was around. Angelina squeezed his hand in comfort.

McNair had backed away from the continued carnage. They hadn't taken notice of him yet, until he heard a growl from the shadows.

Samael turned cold eyes on the retreating wizard. "Human. Executioner. How many of our kin did you kill? For pleasure?" Not waiting for a response, he ordered. “Take him!”

McNair eyes widened when furry arms grabbed him. He never saw light again as the darkness and pain surrounded him and swallowed his screams.

Samael looked over at the remaining Death Eater. The wizard was trembling and white faced. The smell of urine was strong in the air. "Parkinson... what should we do with you?

"A messenger, Samael. He can return his… friends to his master," Tempeste said from his side.

"So be it." Samael scanned the members of the Conclave. "Anita of the Werecats. He is yours to play with until he takes back his friends."

“No! Give him to me, my Lord.” Sidney stepped from the shadows, her expression stormy and her anger clear. “Vengeance is my right.”

Samael looked to Anita. She nodded. "So be it, Sidney of the Werecats. He is yours. Do as you please…but…he must still be able to return himself and his companions to his master under his own power, when you are finished. "

“Thank you my Lord.” Sidney smiled at Samael, then turned a feral glare on Parkinson as she approached the trembling man-stalking him.

“You will be one of us… serve us…” She purred in a deadly tone, as she grabbed Parkinson by the front of his robes and pulled him roughly toward her. She reached up and grabbed a handful of his hair and yanked his head roughly to the side. Licking up the exposed flesh of his neck, she growled. “I am going to enjoy punishing you…”

Everyone, satisfied that the events of the evening were over, began to move to the refreshment tables. Behind them, Parkinson’s voice echoed in a terrified shrill scream.

Samael looked at the carnage around him and down at the blood soaked floor. Dark red pooled and stained the stone floor. It's essence wakening the hunger, the need for blood. His voice taking on a deep growl as he turned towards his mate, eyes aglow.

"Pet."

Severus looked back and forth between the blood on the floor and Samael. Much had happened and much had been revealed. He hadn't processed it all yet and his face showed how overwhelmed and afraid he felt.

Angelina patted Severus' hand. "He will not hurt you Little Master. The blood has awakened the hunger. Let him feed and then let him explain."

Samael extended his hand when he saw the fear. He did not like that from the man he cared for--claimed on this night as his mate. "I will not hurt you, Pet. I promise." He breathed deeply as he stepped closer. "Please, Pet."

Severus stood up and took the offered hand. His Veela senses would not fail him. This man would never hurt him. Even in rage.

Angelina disappeared. When they returned to thier rooms, they would be already prepared for the night.

Samael took his Pet into his arms and just held him, before leading him out of the Hall. Tempeste was instructing the house elves and servants on cleaning up the carnage, as Dorian and Caderyn looked on.

Dorian turned, "Samael?"

"Yes." He replied from over Severus’ shoulder, his voice weary and tired.

"We will stop by before sunrise."

"That will be fine. Rest well, my kin."

Dorian, ever the politician, turned his attention towards the other members of the Conclave. "Rooms have been prepared for your stay if you wish. Eat and refresh yourselves. Rest well our Kin."

Cirdan stepped forward. "We of the Dark Elves have decided to travel with you to England. It is time to bring this mad man to his knees."

"Thank you, Cirdan. You and yours are welcomed on our journey."

Cirdan bowed low before turning and leaving with his entourage. Samael turned to his closest kin. "It is time for us to retire for the evening. We will speak with you in the morning."

Tempeste leaned in and kissed Samael's cheek before reaching up and squeezing Severus' shoulder. "Blessed rest, Severus."

Dorian and Caderyn each patted Samael's shoulder and wished Severus blessed rest, before the three turned and exited the room.

Samael led Severus into his rooms. He stripped his blood-soaked shirt and dropped it to the floor. His chest rose and fell with each breath he took. Sweat glistened in the candlelight as he stepped closer to his mate. Cupping the pale face with his hand, he raised Severus’ face so he could look into his eyes.

"Beautiful."

Severus reached up, pulled the strings loose on his shirt-never breaking eye contact with his Lord.

Samael watching the long tapered fingers move slowly as they pulled the shirt up and over his head. It dropped to the floor with a silky whisper.

"I trust you, Samael." He whispered-his voice low and rich with Veela magic.

Samael feels the Veela magic roll over and around him--feeling his mate's love and trust for him. He revels in it as he looks deep into those dark pools of black.

He wanted more than blood… he wanted to claim his mate in the most basic and animalistic way. Bury himself in his Pet’s body-claim him. Spill his seed deep within him. Sink his teeth into that warm flesh and feed. Claim him in every way.

He swooped down and claimed the bright red lips; his tongue sweeping across them and tasting him. His hands wrapped around Severus’ waist, sliding down to cup the leather covered arse.

"Mine." Samael growled, into the dark silky hair, as he leaned in to scent the long neck. "Mine," he whispered again, as he pushed his hardened length against Severus’.

"Merlin, Yes." Severus' breathing was ragged. His senses were filled with this being. "Please." He begged. He wanted to be one with his mate.

Samael gripped the firm arse and lifted Severus up, causing his Pet to wrap his long legs about his waist. Samael continued to kiss his Pet as he walked towards the nearest wall of the bedroom.

"Hold on to me, Pet." He ripped the back of the leather pants open. Fingers traced down the cleft of his mates arse to the puckered opening he had filled only hours before.

"Release me." Desired filled eyes lifted up and met his own as he pushed one finger easily into his mate.

"I should make you walk around with your arse lubed up and ready for me anytime, My Pet."

"Veelas… Dark Veelas…" gasping as another finger entered him."...natural lubrication."

"I'm so pleased, Pet," Samael hissed in his ear sending shivers all over Severus' body. Severus’ hands shook as he tried to undo the buttons on his pants. Exasperated, he spelled them away.

"Impatient?"

"Just. Fuck. Me." He hissed, letting more of his Veela magic flow free.

"As you wish, Pet," Samael lifted Severus up and impaled him on his member in one smooth hard thrust. His hands gripping the tight globes of arse as he pounded his Pet against the wall.

A swift pace was set as Samael continued to stroke hard and fast, in and out of the lean body wrapped around him...a need for completion as Severus held on. Samael licked a place on the long neck as he grew closer. Severus moaned loudly, his head thrown back against the wall, lost in the sensations ripping through his body.

"Stroke yourself, Pet." He whispered against the warm pulse, as his fangs elongated. He struck quick and fast, sinking his fangs deep into the warm flesh seeking the warm blood he could smell. The sweet essence flowed into his mouth, and he moaned. Severus cried out when his neck was pierced and his blood flowed, increasing his arousal as he wrapped his hand around his weeping member.

Severus pulled at his cock, once, twice, three times, then his orgasm overcame him and he spurted onto his lover's stomach. Only moments later, Samael stiffened as he started pulsing deep within the warm body, filling him with his seed.

Holding Severus tightly, he withdrew his fangs and licked the wounds to seal them. Severus’ body still trembled as he slowly came down from his completion. Sweat glistened on both of their bodies. Samael slipped from Severus’ body and he turned his Pet’s body so he could carry him to the bath. Severus' head lay on Samael's shoulder. Both men were breathing heavily, but contentment hummed through the bond they shared.

Samael's hand came up and stroked the dark head. "Let me take care of you, tonight while I tell you a story."

"Better be a good story," Severus rumbled.

Samael laughed. "Oh yes. It's a good one. Almost unbelievable, but good. "

He held the other man close as he pulled away from the wall and walked towards the bathroom and the waiting bath he knew would be there. Angelina would have charmed it to stay warm.

"Do you know that...." he wanted to say foul, but held back, "Woman threatened to bathe me? And… she calls me, 'Little Master'," Severus tried glaring but it failed.”

Samael laughed aloud, “Yes, she does tend to treat us all as if we are her children, but there is a reason. One day I will tell you the story of how she came to be one of us.”

He set Severus down and helped him slip into the tub, and get settled, before following him in. After settling into the curve of the tub, he pulled Severus back against his chest.

"Indeed. I look forward to hearing that tale." Severus closed his eyes and leaned his head back on Samael’s shoulder.

"I have many tales." Samael replied as he reached for a crystal bottle on a ledge above the tub. Pouring some of the deep lavender liquid onto a fluffy flannel, he dipped it into the water then began to rub it across his Pet’s chest.

"I only need to hear the important one now." Was the reply between contented sighs.

"Yes, you do." Samael smiled. The heated water warmed them. Relaxed them. He moved his free hand in the warm water and thought back to the day they had disappeared. Severus remained quiet, waiting for him to speak.

"Where do I start? Ah yes the damned detention with the dreaded Professor Szilargyi. I'm embarrassed that he got one up on us after all the times he tried hexing us. I think Ron was the one who ranted the most, about the 'Constant Vigilance' that Lucius, Alastor and you had instilled in us." Samael chuckled at the memory. "He cast the body bind on the four of us before we knew what happen. And one by one he levitated us into the Fairy ring after he lectured to us about the legend of them. When next we awoke, we were at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, with the four Founders."

"The Founders?" Severus opened his eyes and turned to look at Samael. He could hardly believe his ears.

"Now there are some stories I could tell you, but they have to wait." Samael sighed. "We told them of the prophecy and that we had to go back. But Rowena was the one who said there was no spell to send us back. The Fairy rings are a strange magic and no one could control them."

"I've heard of them and seen a few in my time. They are best avoided." Severus laid his head back on Samael’s shoulder and closed his eyes again.

" Godric and Salazar came up with the plan. We would wait a few years… until we were a more proper age for the change, then Lénárd Slytherin, Salazar's Great-great uncle, would turn us. He is a Master Vampire. “

Samael finished lathering Severus’ upper body. He reached for a pewter pitcher and began to pour warm water over the lean body, rinsing away the lather.

"We have lived a thousand years, Severus. I have waited for this time--to destroy Voldemort. Exact vengeance for my parents and Sirius, and other's who have died at his hand or at those of his minions."

"You couldn't destroy him on his first rise to power or you would have changed history."

"Yes. It was tempting, but I couldn't. We slept through those years to keep from doing just that."

"Your parents."

"I very much wanted to meet them...or at least see them in the flesh, from a distance...." Samael whispered, pain evident in his voice.

Severus turned his head to see a tear fall. "You did the right thing, Samael. The temptation would have been too great."

"Tempeste has always said I had a Hero Complex." A small smile tugged at his lips. "You surprise me, Severus. You’re taking all this very well, considering…"

"That Harry Potter and his friends disappeared two years ago, thought dead. And here I am, bonded to a thousand year old vampire who is Harry Potter or was..." He smirked over his shoulder. "I'm fine, really."

Samael threw back his head and laughed. Angelina who was picking up clothes in the bedroom smiled. It had been a long time since her Master laughed freely.

"What happened to the snarky professor who made my life hell?"

"The charms that held back my inheritance were the cause of that, and my spying for Dumbledore. I had to play the part."

"They kept your emotions locked away."

“Yes.”

"Once this is done, there will be no more parts to play. Your emotions will be able to flow free. We’ll all be free."

"Indeed." Then it dawned on him. "Samael...Harry?"

"Samael, Severus. I have not been Harry Potter for far too long."

"My apologies. But it's Sirius...he was found a couple of months after you disappeared. He appeared in the Gryffindor Common Room shortly after the start of the Christmas Hols. Dobby was cleaning when he appeared and took him straight to the Headmaster."

Samael frowned. "I don't understand. How did he get there? "

"It seems the Veil has a way out. The beings that guard the mysterious gateway, judge those who pass through. Your Godfather was an innocent man who fell through, so he was pushed out somewhere else-somewhere he had strong ties to."

“Sirius is alive?” Samael was stunned.

"Very much so. As a matter of fact, there is a strong possibility, he is with Hagrid right now…"

"Who would the fourth man be? Lucius?"

Samael buried his face in Severus' hair. Breathing in the scent that was his mate's, he needed calming. Sirius was alive. It seemed too good to be true, but his mate would not lie to him. So few things had gone right in his life before he was thrown into that fairy ring. He was almost afraid to be happy. First he found his mate and now Sirius is alive. It was about time.

Severus leaned forward and turned in the bath until he faced Samael. "Why don't we finish here, gather your friends, and go meet with them." Severus smiled at his mate, watching the conflicting emotions crossing the handsome face.

"That's a grand idea, Love."

"Well lets hurry then…or I'll shrivel up like a prune in this lovely bath." Severus stood and stepped from the bath, followed by Samael.

“And a lovely prune you would be…” Samael winked as he handed Severus a thick towel.

"Funny. Very funny." The reply contained only a hint of snark. Severus wrapped the large towel around his hips before following his mate’s naked form into their bedroom. Angelina was just finishing laying out fresh clothing for them, sensing they would be going out again.

Angelina smirked when her Little Master saw her standing there. "I've set out clothes, My Lord for you and the Little Master." She picked up a dark shirt and turned to Severus. "Do you need help?" She asked, reaching for the towel around his hips.

Severus held tighter to the towel and backed up a step. "I think I handle dressing madam. Thank you."

Samael looked on with an amused glint in his eyes. "Angelina, could you inform...."

"Already done, My Lord. They are waiting as we speak." Angelina made another grab at the towel around Severus' waist and was able to secure a firm grip. She then gave a very strong tug, leaving Severus attempting to cover himself as he made a desperate grab at the retreating towel.

"Madam!"

Samael, very familiar with the techniques of thier surrogate mother, could barely contain the snort that was attempting to escape, as he watched the struggle in front of him.

"Hurry up. Quit dawdling about," she said holding a pair of soft drawstring pants out to Severus. Scowling, Severus leaned out and quickly snatched the pants from her as he tried to cover himself with his other hand.

“Bloody meddling woman,” he grumbled to noone in particular, “She’s worse than Albus.”

"Oh, yes. Albus Dumbledore. Lemon drops. Can't wait to meet this man." Angelina replied with a grin.

Severus looked up as he pulled on the pants, "You're coming?"

"Angelina goes everywhere with us." Samael interjected, as he smoothed the front of his tunic. “You look good in red, Pet. We must make sure you wear it often.”

Angelina beamed. "Yes, he does. I'll have the tailors fit him before we leave."

Severus pulled his tunic over his head. "I am in the room you know."

"Yes, Little Master.” she said. She leaned down and placed their leather house boots in front of their feet. After they were slipped on, she made shooing motions toward the door. “Now off with you both."

"Come, Severus." Samael held out his hand. Severus reached out and took it, letting himself be led from the room. As they walked the carpeted hallway they met up with Dorian, Tempeste, and Caderyn, coming from the other direction.

Dorian pulled Severus into a hug. "Uncle Severus, I’ve missed you."

The little boy he held on his lap was grown up and a man now. "And I have missed you." Severus stepped back a bit and looked at him with a critical eye. "You look like your father, but your Grandmother's features have asserted themselves it seems."

"Do you think my Father is among the men we are meeting?" The look in Dorian’s eyes was hopeful.

"More than likely. He and Lupin have... become lovers over the last few months. It was grief over loosing you and... Samael, and was almost too much for either man."

Dorian choked back a sob, "I missed him so much in the beginning. If it wasn't for my mates and Samael, I would have gone mad."

Tempeste grabbed Dorian in a hug and pulled him down the hall, followed close behind by a concerned Caderyn.

"You're dawdling in the hallway." Angelina said as she pushed past them. "I want to meet these men I've heard so much about."

“Samael, they will be very happy to see all of you alive.” Severus whispered to his mate, as they followed the others to the great library.

Excitement and anticipation fairly reverberated in the hallway as the group approached the doors to the library. Samael and Dorian had unknowingly moved to the front of the group in their anxiousness to see the family they had missed for 1000 years. Severus was right behind them, somewhat unsure of how he felt. After all, he had just vanished as far as the Wizarding World was concerned. Noone had been sure if he was truly dead or not, but they had stopped searching all the same.

Stopping in front of the ornately carved doors, Dorian and Samael each grabbed a handle and pushed simultaneously. As the doors swung wide, Severus, Tempeste, and Caderyn were immediately behind them as they all entered the spacious room.

The two groups stood for a moment, looking one another over.

A hush fell over the room. Dorian searched out and found his father. Lucius hadn't changed. He was still a tall and elegant man.

Remus had lifted his head from the book he was perusing when a scent caught his attention. A look of confusion crossed his face as he tried to make sense of what his wolf senses were telling him. His pup. His cub was here. That couldn’t be…Harry was dead. Remus shook his head trying to clear it. His wolf senses were never wrong. He laid the book down and slowly stood.

Severus steps out from behind Samael. "Gentlemen."

"Prof’ser Snape!" Hagrid exclaimed as his eyes went wide.

"Severus! You’re alive!” Remus ran his hand through his hair as he realized what the other familiar scent had been.

"Father?" Dorian said cautiously, as he eyed the man he so clearly resembled.

Lucius' eyes narrowed at the endearment. Only one person had ever called him Father. "Who are you?"

Dorian moved into the light. Lucius' eyes widened. "Draco?" he whispered.

"That is the name you gave me at birth. Now I am known as Dorian." Slowly he walked up to his father, stopping in front of him and laying a hand on the older wizard’s chest. “How I have missed you…”

Lucius dropped his cane to the floor and wrapped his arms around the son he’d thought was gone from him forever. He hugged him tightly, then pulled away and reached out a hand to the face he had missed so very much. “My little boy, my son.”

Tears ran freely down both men’s faces as they relished their unexpected reunion, oblivious to events unfolding around them.

Watching the exchange between the Malfoys, Caderyn and Tempeste didn’t hear the approaching steps. “Ron? Hermione?” Both turned at the sound of their birth names.

“Bill!” both exclaimed in unison when they saw the red-headed curse breaker standing in front of them with a confused, but hopeful look on his face.

“Tis’ a miracle, tha’ is!!” Hagrid remarked as he walked up behind Bill, a huge smile splitting the hairy face of the half-giant.

Bill quickly pulled Caderyn and Tempeste into a hug, then all three were dwarfed by a hug from Hagrid. The joy of the moment pulled them all into a fit of laughter.

Samael walked hesitantly further into the room. He could see Remus sniffing the air. "Moony," he whispered.

"Cub?"

Sirius stepped up behind Remus, and shook his head. "If I'm dreaming please wake me up."

"Padfoot. Is that really you?" Samael’s voice broke. Severus moved to Samael’s side and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“Yes, Samael…Harry. It is he. I told you he is alive.” He said gently, as a sob escaped Samael.

Sirius looked at Severus, then narrowed his eyes to study Samael more closely. He seemed to turn things over in his mind. "It is you." He said slowly, before launching himself across the room with Remus right behind him.

Sirius and Remus stopped before the dark haired man. Green eyes filled with tears. "I never thought..." he never finished as he was engulfed in a three-way hug.

Angelina came to stand beside Severus, Sniffling and wiping a tear, "Isn't it beautiful?" Severus only nodded in response as he watched his mate’s tearful reunion with the only family he had ever known as a mortal. He looked around the room at all the happy faces. People enjoying unexpected reunions with loved ones. It gave him a warm feeling he had only felt rarely before Samael had found him.

Samael looked over his godfather’s shoulder at his mate. Dark times were ahead for all of them, but he would not travel those roads alone. Never again--not without his family and his lover at his side. He released Sirius and Remus and turned them toward Severus, then beckoned everyone else in the room to join them. He did, after all, have to introduce his new mate.

Tbc......