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Draco Malfoy & the House of Seraphim	By : KaliDiah Category: Harry Potter Crossovers > General - Misc Views: 20461 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own Buffy, Angel, or Harry Potter or their associated characters, settings, or concepts. They belong to their various creators & distributing agencies, and have only been borrowed for entertainment purposes with no intent to profit.

Chapter List
- 27
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AUTHOR’S NOTE: FINALLY!!! I know you’ve all wondered if I’d bailed on you. Not a chance. I wanted to wait until AFF straightened itself out a bit before daring to update. Now it finally seems as if I’ll be able to do so without complications. SO, here’s the latest update.

For those of you interested in being included in my mailing list, as always, drop an email to cerri_kalidiah@hotmail.com. Also, as MSN no longer supports adult-oriented groups (what is UP with that, anyway?), the group has been moved. Its current home is World Groups, but I am NOT very happy with them. If anyone has any other ideas (other than Yahoo, please), I’d LOVE to hear ‘em.

Lastly, this is the LAST CHAPTER of Draco’s summer. Meaning, next chapter, they go back to Hogwarts. That’s right, what you’ve all been waiting for. It’ll more than likely be a LONG chapter, because I have quite a few things planned that must take place between Harry boarding the train and the end of the first night back. After that, things will definitely move more quickly. I promise. : )

Oh, I’ve also noticed that a lot of the formatting in the previous chapters has been completely messed up … AGAIN. I’ll be going through and re-uploading each and every one. Don’t worry, there will be no changes to the actual content of these chapters, only format corrections. Now, ON WITH THE STORY!

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Remus sat beside Xander’s bed, a book open on his lap. Unfortunately, he was having a difficult time reading it, as he was rather distracted. Firstly, he found the non-moving pictures in the book somewhat disconcerting (it was, after all, Muggle-made). Secondly, what little information he had been able to glean from it caused him to shoot worried looks at Xander.

Xander had assured him that researching hyenas prior to the merging was not necessary; he’d learn everything he needed to know during the process. Somehow, Remus was not convinced. So, he’d asked Wesley to find him a book about the subject. As soon as Xander was in a full trance state, Remus had whipped out the book and began reading. Barring the weirdness of still pictures, he found the book pretty useful. Of course, he wasn’t too thrilled with what he’d learned.

Xander had told him that the hyena was female, and that had the potential to lead to all sorts of problems. Firstly, Remus was unsure whether the new Xander would accept Angel as a leader. Sure, he had seemed fine with it beforehand, but would the hyena’s influence change that? And how would it affect the relationship Remus could feel forming between he and Xander?

He heaved a sigh and returned his attention to the book, trying hard not to fidget. He once again read the same sentence (this was the third time now), and was just starting on the next when a slight groan caused him to spin round to face Xander. It seemed Remus would find out very soon how it was all going to play out.

Xander shifted a bit, still under the trance, then settled. Remus waited with bated breath, not daring to move. But it seemed that whatever had disturbed the other man had passed, as Xander had grown as quiet as he had been before. He was about to return to reading (he truly wanted to get past that one damn sentence) when Xander’s head whipped to face him, his eyes wide.

Remus froze. Something about the wild look in his companion’s eyes told him it would be best to refrain from making any sudden moves or loud noises … or breathing. He waited for almost an eternity as Xander just stared at him, both of them unmoving.

Xander finally relaxed, though his eyes were still feral. He did blink though, and then emitted another slight groan, followed by the most curious sound. It was like a … soft squeal. Remus slowly turned to the book and paged through it to the section on hyena communication. Ah, there it was. Groans and – yep, it was definitely a little squeal … often exchanged during greetings. Well, that’s good, Remus thought. He doesn’t see me as a threat. I hope. He heard movement and turned in time to see Xander roll onto his stomach, then push himself up onto his knees, stretching as he did. Remus found it utterly fascinating. On hands and knees, Xander made his way to the edge of the bed and regarded Remus, his entire demeanor lazy and relaxed. It was going far better than Remus had expected, much less hoped.

But Remus had never been lucky, and he really should have remembered that.

Voices suddenly sounded in the hallway, and even with his enhanced hearing Remus was caught off guard. He was even more stunned by the fact that Xander heard it was well. In a split second, the younger man’s stance grew rigid as he whipped his attention toward the closed door. The voices grew louder, and one was discernable above the others. Angel.

Oh no oh no oh no, Remus chanted silently.

He didn’t need to look in his book to decipher the deep, loud rumble coming from Xander. While he had suspected the new-and-somewhat-improved Xander would have issues with a male leader, he had hoped it would be settled in a civil manner. But as he watched Xander slowly rise from the bed and quietly head for the door, he knew that hope was shot. So, he did the only thing he could.

"Angel! Incoming!" he yelled when he thought Xander was about to break through the door at the passing vampires.

He was not prepared for the angry, betrayed look Xander flashed him. But he recognized that look, felt it deep in his own blood. Not only did Xander feel he had to compete with Angel for leadership of the clan, but he now felt he had to do so for Remus’ affections. Not. Good, Remus groaned inwardly.

"Remus? Everything okay in there?" Angel asked from the other side of the door, and that was all it took.

Xander grabbed the doorknob and nearly ripped the offending piece of wood off its hinges as he flew out into the hall, plowing straight into the larger vampire and pinning him to the wall.

"What the hell?!" Spike cried, at once moving to aid his Mate.

"No!" Remus shouted as he wrapped his arms around the blond. It took all of his werewolf strength to hold Spike still. "Xander is disoriented!" he tried to explain. "Females are dominant. He feels Angel has no right to rule, so he needs to challenge him."

Spike twisted around in Remus’ grip. "Are you crazy?! You seriously expect me to stand here and …"

"Will, stay out of this!" Angel said as he pushed Xander away. Remus could see that Angel was trying not to hurt the confused man, but it was clear Xander was making no such allowances.

"But … Angel!" Spike protested, and again moved forward. Remus grabbed an arm, and was surprised when both Harmony and Draco joined him.

"My fight, Will," Angel answered.

And that was when things got interesting.

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Angel had been far from expecting Xander to come barreling out of his room. Even so, one look in the boy’s eyes made Remus’ hurried explanation totally unneeded. Angel knew what this was. He’d experienced it before. His former Childe Penn had challenged him on several occasions. His last attempt, long after Angel had regained his soul, ended in a pile of dust where Penn had stood.

Of course, Kate Lockley was nowhere to be found, and even if she was, he wouldn’t allow her to hurt Xander. He knew Remus was right, that Xander was not in his right mind. Unfortunately, that made this whole ordeal dangerous. The crowded hallway did not serve as a good arena, and Xander could get hurt in such close confines.

"Remus," he said, "group of hyenas …"

"Clan," the werewolf supplied, and Angel thanked the man’s intuitiveness in anticipating his question.

He met Xander’s angry gaze. Obviously, any interaction between himself and Remus only served to piss Xander off more.

Interesting.

He met the glare head on and shifted into what served as his new game face. "Xander," he said in a sing-song tone. "Want my clan?" He watched as Xander tensed, ready to spring. That was all the answer Angel needed. "Then come and take it!" He spun and tore down the hall, heading for the stairs. Heavy footfalls told him everyone had followed.

He charged down the stairs, vaulting over the railing once he neared the lobby. "Behind the counter, NOW!" he commanded to whomever was milling about – he didn’t take the time to look. In the center of the lobby, he spun around and threw off his coat, just in time to catch an armful of enraged Xander.

Normally, Angel would try to talk some sense into Xander, but somehow that didn’t feel right. His instinct insisted that this must be fought out.

The sounds coming from the boy were disturbing, to say the least. The ferocity with which Xander struck out at him was even more so. He barely registered a second hurried account by Remus as he dodged a few wild punches. Again, he pushed Xander away and braced for another onslaught. But it wasn’t quick in coming.

Xander instead crouched on the floor watching Angel through hooded eyes, never taking his gaze off of him. Angel decided that staying still was less than a good idea, so he kept active. Xander remained low, but pivoted as Angel moved around him, waiting for an opening. Angel had to admit he was impressed. He could see the predator shining through Xander’s eyes, and knew that with some tempering, the boy would become an imposing warrior indeed.

With a sudden snarl Xander launched himself at Angel, attacking with a flurry of punches and kicks that Angel was having a hard time blocking. Angel surmised Xander was now subconsciously drawing from the soldier’s experience. They danced their way from one end of the room to the other, blocking and attacking, each fighting as hard as they could.

The entire group had assembled by now, including Snape and McGonagall. However they had no desire to get involved, and opted to stay close to the exits or behind the tall counter. They all watched in silent amazement.

Point. Counter-point. Strike. Block. Back and forth they went. Angel was growing tired. He had already had quite a workout during the earlier training session with the Childer, and it took more energy than he expected to pull his punches in order to not harm his opponent. Unfortunately, weariness led to mistakes, even for centuries-old vampires.

Xander found an opening and executed a perfect spinning drop kick that sent Angel flying backwards. Angel shook his head clear and flew back across the room. He barreled forward, leaning low at the last moment and planting a shoulder into Xander’s sternum, taking the boy down. Xander twisted about as he fell, landing face-down and on his palms. But before he could push himself upright again, Angel pounced on him, locking his arms around Xander’s shoulders and wrapping his legs around his torso, pinning him completely. Xander howled like a wounded animal, the sound making the hair on the back of Angel’s neck stand on end. So unnatural.

It was time to end it, Angel decided. Using all of his strength and skill, he flipped Xander over without releasing him. He waited until his opponent’s wild gaze settled on him. He then pointed toward the others. "My clan!" he boomed. "MINE!"

Xander stilled instantly. He slowly turned to follow the direction of Angel’s finger … and whimpered. He then closed his eyes and relaxed completely. He was defeated, and he knew it.

Angel stood and stepped back. Xander lay still for a moment, then slowly rolled to his stomach. He rose to his feet unsteadily and, gaze fastened firmly to the tiles, shuffled toward the stairs.

Angel watched him go, unsure of whether or not he should celebrate. He was a vampire, after all, and defending his position was a victory to be proud of. But as he watched Xander flinch away from Remus as he passed, he decided that this was no victory at all. He suddenly felt he was missing something important. And somehow, he just knew Remus had the answers.

He strode over to the werewolf, who stood staring after Xander with a curiously bereft expression. "Remus."

"You need to talk to him," Remus said without turning.

"Letting him beat the living hell out of me wasn’t enough?" he asked, but only half intended the sarcasm that laced his words.

Remus sighed as he finally faced Angel. "When you staked your claim on the clan, you didn’t include him."

Oh, shit, Angel thought. Not only had Xander been defeated, but he now thought he had been cast out.

"Not to mention, you were pointing straight at me when you said, ‘mine’."

Angel blinked in confusion, but it only lasted for a moment. "So that’s why he seemed to get even more pissed when you said anything to me. He thought he was competing for …" He didn’t finish, but instead smacked himself in the forehead. "I am so fucking stupid."

"It’s not your fault, Angel," Remus said gently. "He had less of an idea what was going on than you did, I’m sure. But, I think he’ll have come back to his own mind enough to understand now. You really should talk to him."

Angel just nodded and bounded up the stairs.

Someday, he promised silently, I will stop alienating my friends.

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Xander was a flurry of motion as he hastily stuffed his duffle bag full of clothes. He didn’t have time to go through his things, to fold them neatly. He had been banished, and lingering too long in Angel’s territory was not a very good idea. He fought back the tears stinging his eyes, a part of him wondering why they were there at all. But Xander’s human sensibilities were slowly returning to the surface, and as they did, he became more and more depressed.

Angel had staked his claim on the clan, which was his right. Xander could somewhat handle that, as well as being cast out. He was good at making friends, so he was sure it would be no time before he found himself a new group to belong to.

But Angel had also staked a claim on the man Xander definitely had feelings for. That was just a bit too much. Xander’s love life had always been more rocky than road, and he had hoped that this was it. He hoped this was the relationship that would change everything. But now he would never know.

"And just where the hell do you think you’re going?"

Xander froze. He’d dallied too long, and Angel had come to punish him for remaining in his territory when he’d been so clearly cast out. The only thing Xander could do was grovel and hope Angel went easy on him.

"I’m just grabbing a few things, then I’ll be gone," he said softly, sure to keep his tone calm and his gaze cast down.

"Like hell." Angel grabbed Xander’s shoulder, making him jump. Even so, he refused to look up. "Xander, look at me."

Xander slowly raised his eyes, and was stunned that he saw no anger in Angel’s expression. All he saw was … regret.

"I’m sorry," the vampire said softly. "I didn’t realize that you’d interpret what I did this way. I’m sorry I didn’t include you."

Xander was confused now. Something just wasn’t clicking right. "What …?"

Angel placed his other hand on Xander’s other shoulder. "I never meant to make you think you weren’t part of my family."

Bright hope blossomed in Xander’s heart. Was this real? "You’re … you’re not kicking me out?" he squeaked, the tears threatening to fall more than ever.

Angel smiled. "You’re far too important to us to do that."

"I’m … important?"

Angel chuckled and then did something totally unexpected. He pulled Xander close … and hugged him. Xander struggled not to panic. It wasn’t that he didn’t like men hugging him; it was just that it was Angel. It was so abnormal for the vampire to do this.

"You’re very important, Xander," Angel murmured. "We need you. In fact, one of us needs you more than the rest of us."

"Who?"

"Isn’t that obvious?" Angel asked, pulling away. "I lay no claim to him, Xander. I wouldn’t do that to you, or him."

Xander’s mind spun. In the course of five minutes, he has lost his family and the one man he could possibly love, and then gained them both back again. It was like playing a country song backwards.

"Now," Angel said, taking on a patient tone, "I want you to repack your clothes neatly. We’ll be going to Hogwarts soon, and I don’t want any last-minute running around." He began pulling the horribly mishandled clothes out of the duffel. "But, that can wait until you talk to Remus."

"R-Remus?"

Angel just glanced at him, definitely amused. "He’s lurking outside, pretending I’m not a vampire and can’t smell him."

Xander had to laugh at that, especially after an exasperated "damn!" sounded in the hallway. "Alright," he said softly.

"Good," Angel said as he turned. "And, Xander? If you ever think of running away again, I’ll send Dawn after you. After all, you know she’s your number one fangirl." Angel chuckled as he left.

No sooner was the vampire out the door than Remus slipped in. "Are you okay?"

"I’m sorry," Xander said instantly.

Remus’ brow furrowed. "Who conditioned you to accept blame for everything?" he asked.

Xander blinked in surprise. He hadn’t expected Remus to realize he had been conditioned to do so. He then knew that there was absolutely no hope of hiding anything from this man, so he decided he may as well just start laying everything out on the table. "My parents," he answered with a small shrug, trying to appear nonchalant about it.

Lupin regarded him intensely as he stepped toward him. He stopped only inches from Xander and said, "Would you like them … taken care of?"

Xander’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets and he gasped. "W-what? Remus, you can’t mean …""

"Yes I can, and I’m sure Angel and Spike would both agree."

"Damn straight!" Spike called from the hall, where he and his Mate were obviously eavesdropping.

"See?" Remus said, without missing a beat.

"But, I didn’t think …"

Remus took another step, and before Xander knew it, he was surrounded by werewolf. "No one hurts what’s mine. Even retroactively."

"Yours?"

"For God’s sakes, Xan!" Spike cried. "You’ve got a goddamn backbone, now use it! Kiss the man and get it over with!"

Usually, Xander would have begun stuttering and stammering. He would have backed away hastily, made some jokes, and hightailed it from the area. He then would have planned revenge on the Blonde Menace.

But he wasn’t that Xander anymore. This Xander was quite happy to lean in and stake his claim on the werewolf … his werewolf.

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Draco checked himself one more time in his mirror. This was his first time wearing one of the many different ritual robes Snape had found for Angel and his family. As he was still considered a Fledgling, his wasn’t all too elaborate, though it was very nice. It was a simple knee-length robe of black silk belted by a thick crimson sash. A crimson labyrinthine pattern had been embroidered around the hem and cuffs. The cut was as simple as the decoration, though it fit him snugly. He was shirtless underneath (as Angel had insisted), and wore black silk pajama bottoms (he had never realized how very versatile those things were until now) and simple black satin slippers.

He wished Blaise was there to see him, but alas, Mrs. Zabini had called him home shortly after the Xander Incident. Blaise had been looking forward to seeing a real live vampiric ritual, too. Oh, well. He’d have to settle for a retelling, at least until Draco was able to form Blood-Bonds himself.

Not to mention, Draco really missed him. He had never dreamed he could miss someone so much, but Blaise had become such a constant in his life the past few weeks that Draco had a hard time recalling what it felt like to be without him. He was positive this was what love was, and that made him smile, though it was bittersweet. Then he remembered that it would be less than a week before they were back at school, and that made the bitterness leave his grin completely.

He returned his attention to making sure the robes looked right. With one last turnabout, he was satisfied.

He scooped up the Book of Angelus and left his room. Harmony was waiting in the living room of the family’s suite. She wore the same outfit he did (including no shirt), and the sides of her hair were tied back. The collar of the robe dove in a deep V, and while Draco was sure her breasts wouldn’t fall out accidentally, it did allow for quite a bit of cleavage. The girls of Hogwarts would never hold a candle to his Sister, he realized.

Harmony noticed she was being scrutinized and turned shyly to her Brother. "Do I look okay?"

He smiled warmly. "More than."

She giggled. "Really? I mean, I don’t look too slutty with the bare chest thing, do I?"

He crossed the room to her and put his free arm around her waist. "No, you don’t. And woe be to anyone who dares say you do in my presence." He kissed her gently on the cheek.

She turned to him and he could see her eyes sparkling with tears. "Really? You’d do that for me."

"You’re my Sister. I would do anything for you."

She squealed and flung her arms around his neck. He hugged her as tightly as he could in return, and sighed with contentment. All his life he had done without this. He had gone without love and affection, and now it was being handed to him in spades. "Life could not be more perfect than right now," he whispered.

"I’m sure it could be," she said quietly, pulling back slightly. "But this is damn close." She then leaned in and kissed him on the tip of his nose. Giggling again, she twirled out of his embrace and headed toward the door. "C’mon, we have work to do!" she called behind her, her voice melodic.

"Lead on."

They made their way to the lobby via the stairs, enjoying their companionable silence. They both knew how momentous the coming event would be, and they need not speak to share their excitement. When they finally reached the ground floor, they glanced around briefly.

Sheets had been tacked over the doors and windows to make sure no one could peek in. The furniture had been moved aside and a low altar had been set up on the far side. But what really set the atmosphere were the dozens and dozens of candles in addition to the fireplace. The soft light danced, occasionally hitting the crystals dangling from the chandelier and casting shifting shadows all across the room. But these shadows were not scary. They were comforting; silent witnesses to the ritual that was about to take place.

All of the future Blood-Bonds were waiting in plain black robes (also courtesy of Snape). It seemed they shared Draco and Harmony’s anticipation as they spoke enthusiastically with each other. A hush soon washed over them though, as they realized Harmony and Draco had arrived.

The two young vampires made their way toward the altar. Draco carried the Book of Angelus to the right of the altar. He situated himself behind a podium, opened the book and began to flip through the pages. Meanwhile, Harmony went to the left and stood behind a small table where a couple large pitchers of orange juice, enough glasses for all of them, and a fully stocked first-aid kit had been set up. They both remained silent, and the others followed suit.

Finally, Spike and Angel came down. They each wore a high-collared formal robe sewn from fine, featherweight silk in deep black, woven with fiery golden highlights. The floor-length robes were clasped lightly along the front with small garnet pins framed by golden knotwork settings. Long, loose sleeves flowed down from each shoulder to fall in dagged folds from each elbow, where the cuff was turned back to reveal elaborately embroidered chains of golden knotwork beneath. More ruby-and-knotwork pins gathered the fine silk on each hip, giving the full-length robe a tailored appearance. These robes were reserved for the highest members of the Order, and seeing as he was the Heir, once Draco moved past his Fledgling stage he would be given his own.

Angel and Spike went to the altar, moving to stand behind it. They both gazed at the assembly, soft smiles on their faces. It was clear they were just as thrilled as everyone else.

"We bid you good evening and welcome," Angel said, his voice carrying clearly despite its soft tone. "We are very pleased that you all have decided to join us this night. This truly is a momentous occasion, as Bonds such as the ones we will forge tonight have not been done so for decades. It’s a practice that has all but been forgotten. We are honored that you have decided to remember it with us."

It was now Spike’s turn to speak. "We have asked all of you to Bond with us for several reasons. First and foremost, you are family. True, some of you are very recent additions, but you are family all the same. It’s also hard for us to dismiss the fact that each of you has great value, and would be able to contribute greatly to our Order, and our cause. We love you as family, and honor you as allies. It is because of this we have asked you to join us."

"I know you are all aware of what this ceremony entails," Angel said, "as well as the laws of our Order. If any of you wish to decline …"

"Angel," McGonagall interrupted sharply, "if you ask if any of us are having doubts one more time, I will Avada Kedavra you, just for fun."

After the laughter died down, Angel said, "And there you have it. Draco?"

"Ready to record," Draco answered, taking up a quill.

"Harm?"

"Good to go, Sire," she chirped.

"Then we will begin," he said. "Will and I will be acting as each other’s officiators. And since you seem to be so impatient, Kitty, you can go first."

After another round of chuckles, Spike straightened, and with undaunted authority said, "Let Minerva McGonagall come forth."

Draco watched as McGonagall strode to the altar. She was the epitome of Gryffindor pride, though when she reached the altar, she dropped to her right knee and bowed her head. Draco was sure that there were few people Minerva McGonagall would ever kneel to, and he doubted even Dumbledore was on that short list.

"For what reason have you come this night?" Spike asked.

Without raising her head, she solemnly answered, "To be bound to Angelus, Master of Aurelius and First Sovereign of Angelus, and thus to the Order of Angelus."

"What do you offer?"

"I offer my abilities as a Mistress of Transfiguration, as well as a fully-trained Animagus. I offer all my power as a witch, and all that I hold as Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I offer my loyalty, friendship, and support."

Spike then turned to Angel. "Angelus, do you accept this offer?"

Angel smiled warmly down at Minerva. "Yes."

"Have you informed Minerva McGonagall of our Laws and traditions?" Spike asked.

"I have."

Spike turned back to the professor. "Minerva McGonagall, will you strive to uphold our Laws and traditions as have been described to you?"

"I will."

"Will you strive to love and protect and aid the Order, as you would your own family?"

"I will."

"Will you betray us?"

"I will not."

"Are you willing to take the Oath as has been described to you?"

"I am." With a deep breath, she recited the Oath that Angel had so painstakingly created. "I, Minerva McGonagall, hereby swear my everlasting loyalty to the Order of Angelus and all its members. I am of their Blood, and they are of mine. We share our lives, our goals, and our achievements. I shall obey those the Order sees fit to name my superiors, and treat my inferiors with all the respect and care they earn for themselves.

"I will not deprive nor attempt to deprive any member of Order of Angelus of his magickal power. To do so would be to act against the strength of our Order. I will not slay nor attempt to slay any member of the Order except in self-defense, or when a member has been ruled outlaw by the Sovereign. If a member has been ruled an outlaw, I shall bend all efforts to bring them to justice.

"I will abide by all decisions of the Sovereign, and respectfully honor the wishes of my superiors. I have the right to appeal a decision to a higher tribunal, if they should agree to hear my case.

"I will not endanger the Order of Angelus through my actions. Nor will I interfere with the affairs of mundanes in any way that brings ruin upon my Order. I will not, when dealing with devils, or others, in any way bring danger to the Order, nor will I disturb the faeries in any way that should cause them to take vengeance on the Order.

"I will train only those who will swear to this code, and should any of them turn against the Order, I shall be the first to strike them down and bring them to justice. No one shall be called the Blood of Angelus until he first swears to uphold the Laws. I shall treat my underlings with the care and respect that they earn.

"I concede to my Elders the right to take any of my underlings should it be found that they are valuable to an Elder's work. All are members of the Order and valuable first to these precepts. I shall abide by the right of my superiors to make such decisions.

"I shall further the knowledge of the Order of Angelus and share with its members all that I find in my search for wisdom and power. No secrets are to be kept regarding the arts of magick, nor shall I keep secret the doings of others which might bring harm to the Order.

"I recognize that the enemies of the Order of Angelus are my enemies, that the friends of the Order of Angelus are my friends, and that the allies of the Order of Angelus are my allies. Let us work as one and grow hale and strong.

"I demand that, should I break this oath, I be cast out of the Order of Angelus. If I am cast out, I ask my brothers and sisters to find and slay me that my life may not continue in degradation and infamy.

"I hereby swear this oath on this night. Woe to they who try to tempt me to break this oath, and woe to me if I succumb to such temptation."

When McGonagall was through, a brief but powerful moment of silence settled over the gathering. Draco couldn’t stop the shiver that ran down his spine. Even when he had been helping Spike memorize the Oath, he knew those words were powerful.

The silence was broken when Spike softly said, "Stand."

McGonagall did so, finally raising her eyes to regard Angel.

He smiled at her and picked up a dagger from the altar. "I, Angelus, Master of Aurelius and First Sovereign of Angelus, do hereby offer my blood to you, Minerva McGonagall, Mistress of Transfiguration, Animagus, and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, in a bond of alliance, friendship, and family." He slowly drew the blade down his wrist, enough for blood to start trickling from the cut. He then handed the knife to McGonagall.

"I, Minerva McGonagall, Mistress of Transfiguration, Animagus, and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, do hereby offer my blood to you, Angelus, Master of Aurelius and First Sovereign of Angelus, in a bond of alliance, friendship, and family." She cut her own wrist, and Draco had to give the woman a great deal of credit for not flinching.

McGonagall and Angel then took each other’s bleeding wrists and drank. Draco knew neither was taking too much, as much wasn’t needed for this type of Bond, especially if done annually. They then clasped hands, linking their thumbs and thereby pressing the cuts together.

"My power is your power," Angel said softly, nearly a whisper.

"And my power is yours," McGonagall responded, just as quietly.

They stood like that for a few moments, gazing at each other.

Draco was suddenly hit with a fit of vertigo as new power flooded through him. McGonagall’s power was joining the Order’s, making them all stronger. It was positively euphoric. As he gripped the sides of his podium to keep from falling into a twitching mass of ecstasy on the floor, Draco hazarded a glance towards Harmony. She was doing the same to her table. Turning to Spike, Draco saw him with his arms wrapped around his stomach, eyes closed. He could feel McGonagall’s consciousness seeping into his. Like Spike’s had been, it wasn’t intrusive, but it was certainly present. He now knew that he would be able to communicate with her mentally, though it would take a bit more effort than it did to speak with his family.

Finally, the rush began to subside, and he could let go of his podium (and it was a good thing he did, as he was quite sure the wood was in danger of splintering).

Once the vampires were able to regain some semblance of composure, Angel said, "Minerva, come forward and receive the Mark of Angelus." She did so, and with stylus in hand, Angel began placing the Mark on the inside of Minerva’s left wrist. It took an insanely short amount of time compared to normal tattoos, but Draco knew that was due to the inherent magick in the ink. Angel was finished in no time.

"Honorable witnesses," Spike said, "I ask you to stand as witness to this final decree."

Draco and Harmony both bowed.

Angel’s voice echoed through the lobby as he declared, "I claim Minerva McGonagall, Mistress of Transfiguration, Animagus, and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as Blood of the Blood of Angelus, second only to they who are my Childer and he who is my Mate."

In unison, Harmony and Draco responded, "Let it so be sanctified."

Angel smiled. "Let it so be noted in the book of Angelus."

"It shall be so noted," Draco said as he nodded and wrote McGonagall’s name, the date, and to whom she had been Bound.

As he did so, Angel gently nudged McGonagall toward Harmony, where she was handed a glass of orange juice and her wrist was bandaged.

And that was it. Minerva McGonagall was now a member of the Order, and it was Angel’s turn to call someone forward to be Bound to Spike. And so it went, the two elder vampires taking turns. Each time, more and more power flooded through them, and by the time the ritual was finished, Draco was quite literally drunk with it. He was amazed he was still able to hold his quill, much less write legibly with it. He made a mental note to amend the ritual to warn against Bonding more than two, possibly three people at a time. Twelve was just too damn many, especially with two wizards, a witch, a Slayer, a transdimensional key-made-human, a werewolf, and a demon involved.

Everyone said their goodnights and headed off to their own rooms. Draco and his family went to their suite, leaving the cleaning up for the next day. Without a word, they went straight to Angel and Spike’s room where they all stripped, climbed into bed, and promptly passed out.

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Draco Malfoy & the House of Seraphim