Crimson Moon

Disclaimer::All Harry Potter Characters belongs to JK Rowling.. we'll put them back when we're done...

Written by Morganlefay1958 and Calanor for the 7 spells LJ community


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Chapter 7

The last rays of the setting sun faded into the horizon. Samael stood on the battlements of the castle, listening to the sounds around him. Things had been in motion ever since the moment they returned from Severus' manor. Even Neely was busy assisting in the preparations. She could be seen happily popping in and out as she helped wherever she could.

Severus, Tempeste and Gaylen had been locked up in the Founder's library for hours at a time. Researching a possible way to destroy Voldemort once and for all. It was only this morning, before the sun rose, that they found what they were looking for--a portal straight to hell. Gaylen found the spell in Morgana's book. The same book that Voldemort himself had been searching for. Tempeste shivered as she and Severus read through the book. The woman was evil, but a brilliant witch in her day. If Tom Riddle had ever found the book, there would have been way to stop him. Darkness and bloodshed would have reigned across the Wizarding World.

As Samael stood there waiting for events to unfold--for Tom Riddle to make the first move--to cross the line in the sand, he considered their most important element. They had to find a node of power to fuel the spell. It was ironic that a fairy ring was found nearby. Samael would lure the bastard here where everyone was waiting. Once he entered the circle of power, he would not be able to step out. Tom Riddle was nearby. He could feel his evil slithering across the land. Samael had drawn the line and it was only a matter of time until the Dark Lord stepped over it. All they needed to do was to wait patiently.

A hand came to rest on his lower back, warm and inviting as it slid around his waist. Samael inhaled the scent of his lover as he gathered him in his arms. "Severus." He let his magic envelope them. "It's almost time. I can feel his darkness seeping out into the lands." Resting his forehead against Severus’, he looked into the onyx eyes. "I want you to stay with Albus."

Severus' arms tighten around his lover and Lord. "Samael..."

"Reach with your magic, Severus. Feel what I see." Samael laid a hand across Severus' abdomen. "We have created a life. I won't have you putting you or our child in danger."

Long elegant fingers came to rest over Samael's hand, "A child..." Onyx eyes widened as he searched out the life within him.

"Jacob and Marius, assisted by a pack of werecats, will stay with you and Albus. They will keep you safe if we fail."

Severus reached up with his hands, cradling his love's face. "You won't. You have sacrificed so much and given up your life for others. Indeed now you have so much more to live for."

A gong sounded through the castle. "Go, Love. It is beginning. The castle will tell me when you're safe."

Severus brushed his lips against Samael's before turning and leaving.

"I love you, Severus."

Severus turned just before he descended the stairs, smirking, "And I you, My Lord."

Samael turned towards the stone battlement-his long black battle robes snapping in the sharp breeze and the heavy comfort of his ancient sword strapped to his back. Stepping atop and looking out into the growing darkness with only the moon to light the surrounding grounds. He let his magic flare out into the night. The castle sounded again as the enemy grew closer. Around him Warriors gathered, taking positions--their bows cocked and ready. A hellhound howled, cutting into the deadly silence. One by one they appeared; Caderyn, Tempeste and then Dorian-all dressed in battle robes and armed with ancient swords similar to Samael’s. They moved to stand around him--ready to fight. Ready to face their destinies at long last.

Below him at the doors of the castle, he could see others waiting. Among them, stood Remus, Sirius, Hagrid, and the Weasley men. He could feel the shifting of the werewolves, werecats, and wereleopards hidden in the shadows nearby. He felt the telltale tingle of the castle’s magic, as she told him that his mate was fine, and that the students were locked away safely in the dorms. All of them were accounted for.

"It's time. Let's bring this war to an end once and for all."

As one, the four friends stepped off the battlements and dropped gracefully to the ground below. From the forest, shadows moved, and Vampires, Elves, and Seelies came to stand beside them, waiting for the enemy to make their move.

Their wait was brief.

Samael glared as he saw the rogue vampires move forward. Colors of the clan was noticeable even in the moonlight.

The Clan of the Kragan would be vanquished this night for not heeding the declarations made. "So shall it be. So mote it be Clan Kragan. You have chosen your side against the Conclave. Now accept your punishment." Samael pulled his sword from the scabbard on his back... others along the line pulled theirs as well. The scraping of blades could be heard through the still night. The coming rogues not realizing they were walking into a trap. Spells had been placed around the grounds giving the Side of Light an advantage. It would be the downfall of the enemy’s initial attack.

In the distance, the hellhounds howled again, long and hard. It had begun. "Now," Samael whispered as arrows flew from bows and found their targets. Rogue vampires disappeared into dust, as their screams where carried away on the winds.

"Spell fire." Caderyn said from Samael's right.

"I will lure him to the node…and the ring. Stay close," Samael said, moving forward as the next wave of Vampires approached. His Kin moved forward to distract the approaching enemy and cover Samael as he left to go to Hagrid’s cabin, fighting his way through Vampires and Death Eaters.

Up in the headmaster's tower, Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk; A large crystal snow globe in front of him--a small replica of Hogwarts and it’s grounds at it’s center. Severus stood at his side--his gaze fixed on the globe itself-the glass signifying the outer wards of the castle and grounds. A physical manifestation of the strong protections he knew were there but were invisible. The glasses itself, glowed faintly, showing the wards were still in place and at full strength. Every now and again… a crackle would sound as another blast of magic tried to break the wards. It was not common knowledge that the Founders had purposely built the Headmaster's tower on a node of earth power. It provided constant fuel to the wards. It was why the castle had never fallen. On this day, gods and goddesses willing, it would remain unbreached.

Tiny figures moved across the landscape---representations of the warriors battling the enemy. Severus’ chest tightened knowing his Love was among them. If the area of the Quidditch pitch was any indication, a bloodbath had occurred--as the ground was bathed in red and still bodies lay everywhere. Albus uttered a quiet spell that allowed them to see the pitch up close. Both breathed a sigh of relief when no members of the Light were among the dead. Only the hellhounds were present, gorging themselves on the flesh of the fallen. Hagrid could be seen, watching from a distance, his voice carrying on the wind,” Misunderstood puppies, they are.” Shaking his head, he turned and ran to again join the battle.

Severus shook his head, mumbling quietly, ”Misunderstood puppies, indeed.” He laid a hand on his abdomen. "There will be no pets from Hagrid. None."

Albus looked up at him, smiling---blue eyes twinkling. “That would be a wise decision my boy. "Just don't except any eggs from the man.” He reached over and tenderly patted the hand on Severus’ abdomen, before returning his attention to the globe. Severus’ eyes grew wide, but he said nothing as he continued to watch the battle.

"Eggs?" He asked, not taking his attention from the globe.

"Ah, a story for another time, Severus for when Samael is here." Albus replied quietly.

Outside, the Side of the Light fought hard and swift as Rogue vampire and Death Eater came at them. Bodies dropped left and right as they moved forward. Every few strides, Samael would let out a burst of power to show Tom Riddle where he was. And he knew, despite the absence of the link he once carried, the magic the madman radiated was so enraged, that he was following Samael’s power blindly. His own senses were telling him that his Kin and their allies were making their way to the Whomping Willow. Only the strongest of the light could help when they started the spell. Remus, Sirius, Lucius, and Minerva were slowly pacing them along the ridge above. The Seelie's and Dark Elves kept close as they moved. The fighting was brutal and fast--hard and bloody, as they crept closer to their destination.

As they reached the area, Tom Riddle stepped out into a pool of silver moonlight. "Ah, Harry Potter and his compatriots. Mr. Parkinson could tell me nothing except that you were alive and well."

Samael stepped out of the grove of trees, his friends standing behind him. It was now or never. Glancing around he saw the others waiting for his signal. Taking a deep breath, he moved towards the monster that had ruled his life for far too long.

"It ends tonight, Tom."

"You think yourself powerful, Potter. You'll go down fighting… just like your father. He didn't stand a chance against me… the same as your mother--begging for your life."

Samael tamped down his anger, and let a burst of magic swirl around him before he release it. The wave of power burst outward and knocked Tom Riddle back towards the waiting fairy ring.

Tom rose gracefully from the ground, and brushed off his robes, a sneer on his face. "What's this? A show of strength? Petty. Nothing."

Dorian, Cade, and Tempeste came to stand beside him. A slight nod was the only warning, before another burst -stronger this time, pushed the dark wizard back again, closer still to the fairy ring. Only a few more steps, and Tom Riddle-the Dark Lord Voldemort, would be trapped. Elves and Seelie's took their place, next to the Conclave’s vampires-adding their power.

Another burst and he was pushed back until he stumbled into the ring itself. Suddenly a light pulsed around him as the others came from the shadows and started chanting the long lost spell; an ancient spell that would rid the Wizarding world of his dark terror, forever. Voices rose in unison and harmony as the ancient words sounded and the strong magic flowed---from the earth and from the warriors. A language long forgotten spilled from thier lips. Power rose up and swirled as a portal appeared behind the Dark Wizard.

Only Darkness could be seen as ghostly hands reached out and pulled the unsuspecting half-man into the void. He cursed and fought, but to no avail-his eyes widening in a rare display of fear as he realized there was no escape this time. A bone-chilling wail escaped his lips and chilled the bones of those who watched him disappear into the blackness and the void disappeared.

"So mote it be." Samael closed his eyes, released a sigh and spoke quietly.

Cheers began to be heard as the news traveled across the battlefield. The Dark Lord was dead---his reign of terror was over.

In the tower, Albus leaned back and sighed. Harry had accomplished, with the help of many, that which he had been born to do. He smiled and his eyes twinkled as he looked up at the dark-haired Veela/Wizard at his side. Severus’ eyes were wet and tears tracked down his face and relief coursed through his body. He rubbed his hand over his abdomen as he contemplated raising his child freely in the Wizarding world. He felt the loving brush of Samael’s magic against his mind and he sobbed.

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Albus met them at the castle doors. The remaining Death Eaters were brought to the main lawn for trial and judgement. He had already whispered in Kingsley's ear about making sure those marked were tested to see if they had joined Voldemort willingly or had been forced, as Lucius and Severus had, by their fathers.

Samael was almost giddy with the excitement and happiness floating through the bond he shared with Severus. Who knew the former snarky man could be this happy? He smiled at his mate. Severus stood just behind and to the right of the Headmaster, listening intently to the conversation between Albus and the Head of the Aurors. Severus happened to look up and see Samael’s smile and returned it. Who would have thought that only a few days ago, a chance meeting would have brought the two most unlikely people together?

Samael, Cadeyrn, Dorian, and Tempeste stopped walking suddenly when a golden dome of light appeared around them only feet away from the Castle doors. A phoenix song radiated around them-the sound was uplifting and beautiful. Severus and Albus joined the four, watching and listening, unhindered by the dome. A portal so unlike the one they had just condemned Tom Riddle to, only moments ago, opened before them. This one was as bright as the shining sun. From the misty swirl forms moved and took shape. Eight people stepped through into this world; Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff, Godric Gryffindor, and Salazar Slytherin, were first...followed by Cedric Diggory, Narcissa Malfoy, and …finally… James and Lily Potter.

The four took a step back, from the ghosts of the past, as Sirius, Remus, and Lucius moved up behind them.

"We are not here to take you," Helga began.

"Only to tell you to live." Rowena smiled. "And give you a gift."

"The Goddesses and Gods have watched the four of you do so much more than bring down the Darkest Wizard of the world, but unite the creatures who had nothing before. You gave them a sense of family. You gave them a home." Godric smiled as he spoke and Salazar nodded his agreement.

"We cannot take the curse of the Vampire away and we would not. There are those who would be heartbroken and we would not do that to them." "We give you the gift of daywalking."

"The sun no longer has any hold over you." Salazar continued.

"For children should be raised in the sunshine and open spaces," Lily whispered, as she moved to Severus’ side and her transparent hand ghosted over his still-flat abdomen. Samael took one step, and then another, as he was met half way by the parents who gave him life. A father who stood guard till his last breath and a mother who gave her love to save her only child.

“Mum…Dad…” Tears filled his eyes. “I wish I could have…” His voice was tight and trailed off, as he reached for Severus’ hand.

“Shhhh….Harry, love…we understand…you could not change history.” Lily smiled and cupped her son’s cheek. Samael leaned into it, eyes closed, barely feeling the feather touch against his skin. Tears began to slowly slide down his cheeks as he felt his mate’s arm slide around his waist.

James turned to Severus. “Severus, I apologize for everything the Marauders ever did to you. You have become a brave and valiant wizard…and a loving mate for my son. Please take care of our granddaughter."...."Your mother sends her love and a message. She says she doesn’t want to see you for a Very long time.”

“Thank you…J-James…” Severus replied in a quiet, almost stunned voice.

Draco and Lucius approached Narcissa, tears in their eyes.

"Oh my handsome and brave men. I have watched and cried as you both climbed and rallied against those who tried to keep you down.”

"Mother, I've missed you so much." Draco smiled through tear-filled eyes.

"And I have missed you, but the Gods were generous and granted you two beautiful and brave mates." She turned to Lucius. "And you Lucius...I know that we did what we had to do by bonding...and you had to leave behind your lover as well. But you have been reunited with him... and I hope you are both happy.”

“Thank you, Cissa…that means so much to me. I did love you in my own way and we had Draco.” Lucius smiled warmly at her as he spoke, reaching behind him to grasp Remus’ hand.

Narcissa reached out to Tempeste, "Your parents could not come but I bring a message for you as well. “Their deaths were painless because of the cleverness and bravery of Harry’s mate, Severus. He couldn’t save them, so he spelled them to feel nothing, then cast a spell on the other Death Eaters so they only thought they had tortured them. They have been able to watch you all these years and are proud of you. Be happy with your loved ones. Your parents love you very much.”

Tempeste sobbed as Cadeyrn and Dorian wrapped their arms around her. They knew how much she missed her parents. “Please tell them I love them and miss them very much.” She wiped a tear from her cheek and tried to smile.

Rowena and Helga stepped up to Tempeste and cast a silent spell. "We promised when the time was right, that you would be able to have children…two new lives are growing within you now; a boy and a girl---one child from each of your mates. New lives that have waited almost a thousand years to be…cherish and love them well. Teach them all your knowledge that they may pass it on.” Tempeste, Dorian and Cadeyrn hugged each other and cried tears of joy as they all touched Tempeste’s flat abdomen, trying to imagine two new lives growing there.

"Harry?"

Samael turns towards the young man who would be forever youthful in his eyes--someone who died far too young. "Cedric..."

"I don't blame you...I understand who killed me and it wasn't your fault. My parents are with me now and we are happy. Be happy Harry--Samael. Just remember to love and live." Smiling at Severus, then Samael, he continued. “ You have made a good start.”

The phoenix song began to fade and the ghosts of the past stepped back toward the portal. Samael moved forward and attempted to grab his parents. They turned and smiled at Samael, holding up their hands indicating he should stay where he was.

James spoke with a melancholy tone. "Good-bye Padfoot … Moony. When the time comes, Lily and I will be waiting. Take care of our grandchildren. They are going to need grandparents to spoil them." Sirius and Remus mumbled vows to do as they had been appointed, with tears in their eyes as they watched their best friends go.

Lily looked at Samael’s distressed expression with understanding. “We love you Harry, and you as well Severus. Love our grandchildren as we would.” Everyone watched silently as the ghosts disappeared into the portal, followed by the Founders.

There was not a dry eye to be found amongst them and now all that is left, is a full future.... and love.

Lots of love.

~finis~

But is anything truely over.... ever...


A/N::only an epilouge left folks.. Remember to give a shout out to Morgan.. she's the force behind the sex...