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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
- 7
- 8
- 9
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It was nearly midnight, and Spike couldn't have been more anxious. If it hadn't been for Gunn guarding the basement door, he would have torn down there hours ago. What the bloody hell is taking so long?! he wondered to himself. "What the bloody hell is taking so long?!" he wondered to the others.

"Will, you knew that it would take a while ..." Draco started.

"Yeah, a while, as in an hour, maybe an hour and thirty. But he's been down there for four bleedin' hours!"

"Spike ..." Wesley began.

"I mean, he's just gotta whip up some ink and draw on himself and poof! He's done, right?"

Draco sighed. "The ink alone would take a couple hours and don't interrupt!" he yelled as Spike once again opened his mouth to rant. "It's an easy enough procedure, but it has to be done carefully, and just right. Therefore, it takes a while."

Spike pouted. "He's been doing the magick thing all damn day. From the second he woke up. Making that ointment stuff, enchanting the emerald. This can't be good for him," he said, once again heading for the basement door. "What if he became so exhausted he passed out ...?" He was then reminded why he hadn't gone down there before now. Crossing Gunn was bad enough. Add that shiny axe he was holding ... Spike trudged back to the dining room and plopped into a chair.

"Want some blood?" Harmony asked softly, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"No, I want Peaches," he whined. He allowed her to wrap her arms around his shoulders as she stood behind his chair. He was worried as hell about Angel. He knew that the elder vampire could hold his own when it came to magick, but these spells were designed to mess with his very nature. That was dangerous. He wanted to take part in the ritual for two reasons. First, it was a very big deal, and he just wanted to be part of it. But most of all, he wanted to be there in case something went wrong. But now, he had no clue if Angel was alright. Hell, he could have been whisked off to some other dimension without any of them being the wiser.

He jumped up again and started pacing. He hazarded a glance at the youngest and newest member of their group. He could tell Draco was even more worried than he was, despite his seeming calm. After all, these were his spells and his ritual Angel was performing. Spike knew that if even the smallest thing went wrong, Draco would blame himself until the end of his days. He crossed the room and swept the boy up from his chair into a tight embrace, earning him a surprised squeak.

"Spike." Wesley's soft voice startled the vampire. "Why don't you, Harmony, and Draco head up for bed?"

"Like I could sleep!"

Wesley chuckled. "Well, try. You three will most likely be the first ones he'll want to see once he's finished. It would be best if you were ... coherent. And if you want, I can cast a small sleeping spell, just to help you drift off ..."

"He's right," Draco said. "Whatever happens, he'll need us when he's done, even if only to celebrate."

Spike groaned, then huffed. "Fine."

"And don't worry, Spike," Gunn called from around the corner, "I'll be staying right here for a while longer, till Wes tells me you're really out."

"Damn your dutifulness," he grumbled, but allowed himself to be led upstairs by Harmony. He went into his room, shucked off his shoes and shirt, then flopped onto the bed. He must've been more tired than he thought, because he barely heard Wesley's quiet chants as he drifted off to sleep.

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Angel couldn't believe his eyes. How could his Sire-slash-Grand-Childe be here. She had been dusted ... twice. Had she been resurrected again? And for what purpose?

Darla seemed to sense her boy's apprehension, for she smiled and crooned, "Don't worry, Angelus. I'm not here to harm you or yours. In fact," she said, taking a step forward and curtseying, "I'm one of you now."

Angel could only blink in confusion. "W-what?"

"When I was pregnant with Connor, his soul purified me. And when I sacrificed myself to make sure he made it into this world, well, They really approved of that."

"You're a Higher Power," he breathed.

"She's not the only one," came an all too familiar voice behind him. He whirled around to find a group of people behind him, all of them in white.

"Cordelia?"

Cordelia Chase beamed at him. "Miss me?"

"YES!" he cried as he moved to give her a hug. He was only half surprised when he didn't fall right through her.

"Hey, what about me?!" Francis Doyle demanded.

"Yes, Doyle, you too." The vampire gave a friendly hug to the half-demon who had been his first Seer when he had relocated to Los Angeles. The man returned the embrace briefly, but stepped back quickly.

A lovely young woman with dark blonde hair stepped forward. "I'm not sure if you r-remember me. W-we only met once or twice."

Angel smiled and nodded. "Tara McClay, Willow's girlfriend. You're ... you're dead?"

Tara smiled. "Yeah. Gunshot."

His eyes widened. "That's horrible!"

"Willow didn't take it well, either."

"So that's why she went ballistic a couple years ago?" When Tara nodded, he added, "But she's healed now."

Tara frowned slightly. "For the most part. It's something she will never truly be able to get over."

"No," he said. "I imagine not." He then turned to the last person of the group. "Hello, Mrs. Summers."

"Angel, you are far older than me," Buffy's mother chided playfully. "Call me Joyce."

He smiled at her. He then stepped back from the group. "What are you all doing here?" When they started to exchange glances, he knew something was up. "Okay, out with it."

Darla sighed. "Angel, you know there's a lot going on. And, as usual, you and everyone you love is stuck right in the middle of it. In order for you to get through this, you'll need some help. That's why we're here."

"Okay," he said dubiously.

She smiled at him. "We have some ... things ... to give you. That ritual you performed prepared you to receive them."

"These are very special gifts, Angel," Joyce said. "Many of these no other vampire will possess. They will set you even farther apart from your kind."

He nodded. "I ... I understand. And I trust your judgment in my own worthiness."

"You better," Cordelia said with a smile. "Ready?" When he nodded, she turned and nodded to Darla.

She glided to him and placed her right palm on his chest. She then closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Without opening her eyes, she said quietly, "I bestow unto you all the power of Aurelius, for you are its Master. These powers are vast and many, and shall pass through your line by blood. Let your Childer drink from you, and let their Childer drink from them, and may the power of Aurelius be reborn and transformed into the power of Angels."

Angel had felt a slight tingle as she had begun talking, and as she continued, it turned into an almost unbearable burn. He began to pant heavily and fought the urge to pull away, or punch her, or something. Anything to make the pain stop. But somehow he knew it had to be done. This was an incredible gift she was bestowing, not only on him, but his Clan as well.

Finally, she pulled her hand away. She opened her eyes and smiled at him. "You are the true Master of the Order of Aurelius now, Angel. It's yours to do with as you please. You can either save them, or destroy them, the choice is yours." Her smile brightened and she stepped back.

Tara nervously stepped forward. She also placed a delicate hand on his chest, then looked up at him in question. He nodded and grinned, indicating he was ready. She mirrored the act, then closed her eyes as well. With a deep breath, she said, "I bestow unto you the power of magick, for within you runs the blood of a wizard, borrowed as it may be. These powers are vast and many, and shall pass through your line by blood. Let your Childer drink from you, and let their Childer drink from them, and may the power of magick forever aid our Champions of Light."

This sensation was also tingly, but remained that way, much to Angel's relief. It swirled within him and around him, and he felt it imbuing every fiber of his being. He had to wonder why he was being given such wondrous things.

Tara finished the transfer, and she stepped back. "Y-you and yours will walk in both worlds. That of wizardry, and that of the mundane. But forever shall magick follow you." She smiled.

Cordelia stepped forward, and flashed her trademark Smile O' Diamond Brilliance. "You've been cut off for far too long." He began to protest about how the Powers That Be had been screwing with him from day one, but she held up a hand to stop him. "There are some things you don't know. That none of us knew. Doyle will tell you all about it. That's why he's here. Me, on the other hand ..." She straightened her shoulders, took a deep breath, and placed her hand on his chest. "I bestow unto you the power of knowledge, for you must know what others do not. These powers are vast and many, and shall pass through your line by blood. Let your Childer drink from you, and let their Childer drink from them, and may the power of knowledge help you and yours to see all that must be seen, and know all that must be known."

Angel felt light flashing in his head. It left him with a mild headache, but he knew it would pass.

Joyce was the last to step up. She smiled a motherly smile, and did what the others had. "I bestow unto you the power of unity, for separation will be your undoing. These powers are vast and many, and shall pass through your line by blood. Let your Childer drink from you, and let their Childer drink from them, and may the power of unity bring together your Clan as never before."

This was the most painful experience of them all. Even Darla's burning couldn't compare. He felt like his entire being was being pulled and yanked in several directions, tendrils of his soul snaking out and wrapping themselves around ... something. What it was, he wasn't sure. And he wasn't sure if he wanted to pass this on. But, it seemed he had no choice.

Joyce opened her eyes and smiled knowingly. "It hurts, I know," she said quietly, cupping his cheek with her hand. "It'll pass, and I promise, it's worth it."

He just nodded. It was all he could do at the moment.

As she stepped away, Doyle came forward. "Now that th' ladies'r done, it's my turn. Angel, yer gonna wanna sit. This might take a while."

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When Angel finally jolted awake, he found himself sprawled on the floor. He sat up quickly, checking to make sure nothing had been broken due to his toppling. Luckily, nothing was, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He absently wondered what time it was, as the Balefire had burned all the way down, as had half the candles. He absently waved his hand, and the rest of the candles were simultaneously snuffed out. He froze in shock for a moment before closing his eyes tightly and shaking his head. Part of Tara's gift, he rationalized to himself. He climbed to his feet, and after staggering a few moments, put on his robe, picked up the large bottle of ink, and headed up the stairs. He opened the door quietly and found no one in the hall. Making his way into the kitchen, he looked at the wall clock. One in the morning. Everyone was probably asleep by now.

He wanted to wake everyone and tell them of what he experienced, but he decided against it. Instead, he crept silently up to his room. From the closet he retrieved two plastic bags, then turned back around and returned to the kitchen. He sat down at the circular table and carefully removed over a dozen small bottles of calligraphy ink in nearly every color imaginable from one of the bags. He carefully uncapped them and lined them up beside him. He also brought out a calligraphy set; it had one pen-stick and several changeable nibs in different sizes and shapes. He opened the box that it was in and removed all the nibs, lining them up carefully on the table. Finally from that bag, he removed several small paper bowls used for mixing paint.

From the other bag he removed a large, leather-bound book filled with manila-colored parchment. It was about twenty inches long and fifteen wide. It wasn't remarkably thick, but that would eventually be remedied. This was an enchanted book, found for him by Dumbledore a week ago. With a special word, he could remove each page, draw and write on it individually, then with another special word, he could reinsert it, anywhere he wanted. It was also self-numbering. There were also tabbed pages that he could use to mark the beginning of new chapters. Then, once the name of the chapter was written on the special Contents page, with another word, he could connect the tabbed pages to the Contents. No matter how many pages he added or removed between chapters, the Contents page would always show the correct page number. But most importantly, once he wrote a specific incantation on the inside cover using his own blood, it would be enchanted so that only those bound to him by blood could read its contents.

He smiled as he ran a hand over the cover. He had very special plans for this book. Very special plans indeed. With a fang, he pricked his finger and let the blood flow into one of the paper bowls. Then, after carefully deciding which nib he wished to use, he attached it to the pen-stick and dipped it into the blood. He opened the cover, and with a grin, he wrote out the incantation in flowing, elegant script.

This was going to be wonderful.

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Spike struggled through the haziness of spell-induced sleep and finally came around. There was something nagging at the back of his mind. Something important that he was supposed to remember. He tried to catch the errant thought, but it kept escaping him. So, he looked at the clock on the bedside table. Eight in the morning. Suddenly, his eyes flew open. "Liam!" he cried. He fell out of bed and tore down the stairs. Was the elder vampire still in the basement, was he okay?

He was barreling down the hall to the basement stairs when movement in the kitchen to his left drew him up short. There sat Angel in his robe, lounging back in one chair and using another to rest his legs on. One arm was draped across his stomach, and in his other hand he held a mug of warm blood. But the most amazing part was he was looking out the large kitchen windows ... as the morning sun streamed in, drenching him in light.

Spike gasped. "Angel?" he breathed.

Angel didn't turn away from the window, only smiled. He then took a leisurely sip of blood.

Spike was too stunned to even speak. He couldn't tear his eyes from the sight before him. Sure, he had seen Angel in natural light before. The necromantic glass at Wolfram & Hart allowed the sun to shine through without posing a danger to the vampires. But this was different. Somehow, the light was warmer, more golden, and it made Angel positively glow. His pale skin almost seemed to glitter, and it was a stark contrast to his dark mahogany eyes and hair. He wanted to just touch that face, to make sure he was even there.

"I'm here, Will," Angel said softly. "And I'm not going anywhere."

Again, Spike gasped. How did he know what he had been thinking? Before he could formulate that question into a verbal query, Angel stood, placing his mug down, and nearly floated to Spike's side. He lifted a hand, and Spike was amazed at how soft the sunlight had seemed to make Angel's skin as his Grand-Sire caressed his face. He couldn't help but nuzzle into the touch.

"I know you were worried," Angel murmured. "I would think you'd have more faith in me and my magickal ability."

Spike looked up and was relieved to see the playful smirk. He smiled himself. "Sorry, Peaches. This was just so risky."

Angel's smile broadened and nodded. He wrapped his arms around Spike's waist and pulled him close. "I know, love. But no more worries. It worked. Better than we had expected."

Spike was confused. "What ... what do you mean?"

Angel only answered with a kiss. Spike welcomed it, and could feel Angel's power radiating from him. Something huge had happened during that ritual. This close to him, Spike could literally hear Angel's body humming with energy, and his presence enveloped him, pulling him into the elder vampire. The kiss deepened, and Spike became dizzy. Finally, he had to break away. If he had continued, he would have ended up attacking Angel and doing something he didn't think he was quite ready to do yet.

It was true that they had yet to engage in sexual relations ... or as Spike had once barked at Harmony, "No, we haven't shagged yet, so bugger off!" But, as Angel had said when they finally admitted what they felt, they were going to do it right. That meant they were going to take it slow. Of course, that didn't mean Spike didn't want Angel in the biggest, baddest way. And now, with him still glowing (despite he was no longer in the light) and soft and warm and that voice and that power and ...

Spike removed himself from Angel's embrace and backed away a few steps. At Angel's hurt expression, he was quick to reassure him. "I did enjoy that, believe me. Just ... we should get the others and ... I just ..." He stopped with a heavy sigh. "I can tell you've changed ..."

"I'm still me, Will," Angel insisted, taking a step forward.

"Yeah, but ... you're different. There's ... more to you now. I don't know what it is. It don't change the way I feel, promise. But ... it's gonna take a little adjusting, kay?"

Angel just smiled, then nodded. "Alright. Just be sure to remember that, no matter what happened during that ritual, I still love you." The last few words were a mere whisper as he leaned in and planted another light kiss on Spike's lips. It lasted but a moment before he was heading down the hall. "How about you rally the troops, and I'll go take a shower?"

"O-okay. You're not tired?"

Angel laughed. "Not in the least. Besides, I want to get everything out there as soon as possible."

"Right. You go make yerself all pretty, and I'll get everyone up." He turned toward the phone, trying to decide who to annoy first. He then looked at the kitchen table. In all of the wonder that was Angel-In-Sunlight, he didn't notice the multitude of ink bottles and the large book. He stepped toward it, stopping at the edge of the patch of sun.

"Oh, and Will?" Angel called from the bottom of the stairs.

"Yeah?"

"Hands off the book."

Damn.

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They waited anxiously in the living room for Angel to come downstairs and reveal to them what had happened. It was nearly noon when he descended the stairs. He pulled the large wingback chair from beside the fireplace to the middle of the room and sat down. His every movement was regal and flowing, and his presence filled the room. In a honey-silk voice that was virtually never heard anymore, he asked Draco to retrieve the book from the kitchen.

"Well?" Gunn asked, impatient as ever.

Angel just smiled. "First and foremost, it worked. Draco, you're going to go down in history for this." Draco beamed as he handed the vampire the book. "However, it didn't work in the way we expected."

"What?" Fred asked, slightly alarmed.

"It's okay, Fred. It's better than what we planned. You see, even with Spike, whose soul is permanent, both the demon and the soul are anchored to the body. Either one could leave for whatever reason at any time, as I've proven a few times. The soul leaves, the demon has reign and evil usually ensues. The demon leaves ... well, we'd just be a soul in a motionless corpse. It's the demon's inherent magick that animates us.

"Now, what Draco's spell did is anchor the demon and soul together. Where one goes, so does the other."

"And no one's ever been able to banish a vampiric demon from a body without destroying the corpse," Wesley added.

"Exactly. It can't be done. So, my soul is staying."

"What happens if you're ... you know ... poof?" Harmony asked, simulating an explosion with her hands.

"Well, first off, that has now been made a very unlikely event. Those spells cast on the emerald were meant to simulate the Gem of Amarra. Secondly, I believe this is permanent. As in eternal. If my soul is reborn, the demon goes with it." Everyone was silent for a few moments as it sank in. He smiled again. "Now, the invulnerable part worked too. Well, for the most part. There's only one way to kill me, and it's rather complicated. And no, I'm not going to tell you. I'm sorry," he said, putting his hands up to stall the objections, "but I can't risk it. If an enemy was to get a hold of you ..."

Wesley nodded. "That is understandable."

"Thank you. I don't like hiding things from you guys," he said, trying to suppress his ever-present guilt about Connor, "but this is necessary. In any case, I'm nigh invincible. And, after a couple of rituals, Spike and Harmony will be too."

Harmony squealed. "You mean ...?"

"Absolutely," Angel said, grinning. With a startled "oomph" he suddenly found himself with an armful of Personal Assistant. He returned the embrace and chuckled. Once he was released, he turned to Spike. "I will be re-Siring Harmony. You however ..."

Spike's face fell and his heart sank. He had been hoping that Angel would not only re-Sire him, but do so as First Childe. That was a high honor indeed, and he thought Angel loved him enough to bestow it upon him.

Angel caught the look of utter disappointment. He quickly moved to kneel before the younger vampire. He gently stroked Spike's face and smiled warmly. "Love, it's true that I don't want to re-Sire you."

"Why not?" Spike barely whispered.

"I don't want you to be my subordinate. I want you to be my equal."

It took a moment for Spike to register what Angel was saying. Once it clicked, his eyes grew wide. Harmony must have realized it too, because she gasped. "You ..."

"Will, I love you, and I want you by my side forever."

"B-but ... Aurelians ... we don't do that. It's against the Laws of the Order ..." Spike protested, although he had no idea why.

Angel chuckled. "This," he said, pulling his sleeve up to show his new tattoo, "is the mark of a new Order. My Order. My rules. Aurelians don't do it because they hate sharing power. They either want to rule, or be ruled. But, those of the Order of Angelus know better. We know that to share power is not to weaken it, but strengthen it."

"What are you talkin' about?" Gunn demanded.

"William Malfoy, called William the Bloody, called Spike, Childe of Drusilla, Childe of Angelus, Master of both the Order of Aurellius and Sovereign of the Order of Angelus, it would do me great honor and pleasure if you would stand beside me as my Mate." Angel smiled shyly up at Spike, awaiting an answer.

"Whoa, dude! Did Angel just ask him to ... to ... marry him?!"

Wesley chuckled. "Yes. Now shut up so we can hear the answer."

Spike paled even more than normal, and his eyes threatened to pop out of his head. Never. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever expect this. He didn't dare hope for it, as he knew it was futile. Or at least, he was pretty sure it was. It was true that Aurelians hated sharing power as equals, and so the bond of Mating had been outlawed within the Order. But, here was the vampire he loved more than anything, the one who had taken care of and put up with him for so long, kneeling before him, changing the rules on him. To say he was terrified was an understatement.

He watched as Angel's smug grin slowly faded, and worry showed in his eyes. It was clear that Angel truly wanted this. With him. It fully struck him then. Angel did have the power to change the rules, and now that he has done so, he could have anyone he wanted. Even Buffy. Spike was quite sure that if Angel went to her right now with this proposition, she would grab at it without hesitation, especially with him being able to walk in the sun with her. But, he was here, in front of him, asking him. Not her. It was suddenly clear just how deep Angel's emotions ran for him, and in light of that revelation, Spike's own emotions became more evident.

"I only wanted family," he said softly. "But, as always, you offer me so much more than what I ask for." He paused to bite back a sob. "I love you, Peaches. If this is what you really want ..."

"Yes, this is what I really, really want."

"Then so do I." And with that, he kissed the elder vampire deeply. After a few moments, he pulled away and grinned. "Now, you gonna tell us what's in that bloody book, or what?"

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Draco sat, beaming at his great-grand-uncle. He was thrilled that Spike and Angel were going to be ... well, married. He knew they loved each other, and after everything they had been through, they deserved happiness. He didn't stop smiling as Angel rose and once more returned to the wingback chair. His curiosity blossomed as the vampire picked up the black leather-bound book off the coffee table.

"This," Angel began, "is a very special book. Its contents will only become visible if one of my Order is holding it. Like so." And with that, he held the book up and opened the cover. The front page was decorated with an elaborate border, entwined with vines. Toward the top it read "Order of Angelus". Underneath the title was a beautiful winged ankh, much like the one on Angel's wrist. Everyone gasped in amazement, and knew that Angel had drawn it all himself. "This is the Clan book of the Order of Angelus. Within it are all the Laws, Codes, and rituals of this Order. It's not complete yet, of course."

"Angel, that is remarkable," Wesley breathed.

Angel inclined his head. "Thank you, Wes."

"What do you have in there so far?" Fred asked.

"The purpose of the Order, and yes, we do have one. I have the so-called history of the Order. A brief bit of my background, then how it came to be. After that, there are the Laws of the Order. Then the structure, and I must warn you, I made some major changes. A sorely lacking family tree and information about the more prominent members of the Order. And we have the Rites of the Order, and some specific magickal rituals and spells, including the ones Draco's made. And finally, a place for records, to keep track of who comes in when and how. Perhaps a few other things will be added in along the way, but that's it for now."

"Wow," Harmony breathed, "that's a lot."

"It is. And a lot of it is completely different from what you may have learned."

"Like what?" Harmony asked.

"Well, for one, we don't make minions. Bringing someone into the Clan will be a very big deal, not done willy-nilly because we feel like it. Each new addition will be carefully selected, and they will all be turned as either Childer or Mates. No minions."

"Wait," Wesley interrupted, clearly alarmed. "You're saying that you intend on turning others? But, what of your redemption?"

Angel just smiled and gestured toward Harmony, Draco, and Spike. "I have it, Wes. It's sitting right there. Besides, like I said, we're not going to go around turning every person we come across. For the most part, any new members will be re-Sired from the Order of Aurelius. As I'm also Master of that Order, it's my right to do that. Not to mention, anyone turned into this Order will automatically be bound, demon and soul. Draco wrote two versions of the ritual I did last night, including one to be used when re-Siring or turning someone. With that ritual, they will have their souls and all of the immunities I now have."

Draco could tell that Wesley was not overly pleased with the idea, but he realized that it was better not to argue with Angel. Personally, Draco saw nothing wrong in turning others, so long as they did keep their souls. He did understand the bonds within a vampire Clan, and knew that such a bond would cause any newcomers to side with the light. Realizing that, he figured that it would be a great idea to expand the Order as much as possible and as quickly as possible. A small army of unkillable vampires devoted to good would come in handy. He was quite sure that Angel would agree with him.

But, at the moment, Angel was talking about other rules. "Another Law is ... well, I'm sure all of you know about the more ... sexual side of vampire relationships." Harmony visually squirmed at this, and Draco could tell she was slightly uncomfortable with the idea. "Well, the relationships within this Order are based on respect, trust, and love. Not control and dominance. So, using sex to establish said dominance is not necessary. Any interaction of an intimate nature will be purely consensual."

Harmony breathed a sigh of relief. Draco knew she was attracted to both Angel and Spike (why wouldn't she be? He was!), but he also knew that she wasn't like most vampires when it came to the more violent aspects of their nature. Damn, there he went, thinking about vampires and sex again. Angel and Spike and sex and ... Harmony?! Draco needed help. He was halfway tempted to just admit himself into St. Mungo's and be done with it.

Angel went on. "There's one more thing I want to bring up. Wes, you're not going to like this one either. We will be allowed to drink from humans." He waited as Wesley and Gunn jumped to their feet and started yelling. He didn't move, just sat stoically in his chair until they ran out of breath. "We are vampires," he said quietly. "We need blood to survive. We need the life energy it contains in order to function, to help replenish the energy spent by the demon to keep us animated. Animal blood is all well and good, but ... we're not pig vampires. We need human blood. Yes, we can hit up blood banks, but the fresher it is, the more energy we get, and the less we need to drink." He waited for a moment to let this sink in. "Now, we could go around draining criminals and stuff, but their blood is usually so tainted it's of no use to us."

"So you're saying drain innocents instead?!" Wesley demanded.

"It is wholly possible to get our sustenance without killing people," Angel stated firmly. "You don't see it happen often because, as a rule, vampires are greedy and gluttonous. They completely lack control. We wouldn't."

"What makes you think that?" Gunn asked.

"Hello?" Spike said. "Conscience! Vampires don't care about humans. You know, Happy Meals with legs and all that. But having a conscience changes that."

"I have drunk from humans without killing them," Angel added. "Buffy, Kate Lockley, to name a couple. It is possible, and part of the Siring process will be to train the new vampires in how to do that. They'll know when to stop before any irreparable damage is done."

"But you can't just walk down the street and grab some helpless person," Fred finally spoke up. She didn't seem as outraged as the other two, but it was obvious she was having a little trouble with it.

"You're right. That's why we'll have donors."

"Donors?" Lorne asked. "You mean like the mortals who think they're vampires have?"

"Yes. People willing to let us drink from them. We'd be sure to have enough each that we can rotate them, so that each will have time enough to recuperate."

"That is preposterous!" Wesley cried.

"Actually, no it's not," Spike said. "In the days of yore, or whatever, it was actually common. A vampire usually had a ... harem, so to speak. A throng of humans who willingly gave their blood to him and his subordinates. This kept the vampires from going out and taking innocent, unwilling victims. But then some jackass named Hellsing decided this was a bad thing, and started his little revolution against all the big bad creatures of the night."

"Don't forget Holtz," Angel added.

"That was purely your fault, love."

Angel chuckled. "I can understand your dislike of this, Wesley, Gunn. But, it's time we stopped trying to ignore what we are. We'll still drink animal blood most of the time. But, maybe twice a week, we should consume human blood in order to keep our strength at one hundred percent."

"Well," Fred said quietly, "that wouldn't be as bad. If it's only a couple times a week, or in emergencies, and they're willing ..." She looked to Wesley and Gunn.

"You sure you can stop before you kill 'em?" Gunn asked.

"Yes. And I can teach others."

Gunn and Wesley exchanged a glance. Finally, Wesley sighed. "I suppose we can get used to it. Just as long as we don't have to hear about it constantly."

"Yeah, and no lockin' those donors of yours in the basement or nothin'," Gunn added.

Angel chuckled. "They won't be slaves or servants. They will still live their own lives, and we would call when we needed them."

A few moments of silence followed. Draco thought it was a sensible idea. Vampires didn't just need human blood, they craved it. The longer they denied themselves, the greater the craving would become, and the less control they would have. Then, they would most likely go out on a binge and kill someone. This way, their craving would be met on a regular basis, so the pressure wouldn't build. Of course, he also understood why Wesley and Gunn weren't too keen on the idea. After all, they were humans.

"Do you have a ... uh ... Mating ritual in there?" Spike asked.

"Actually, no. Since the Aurelians don't do that, I really know little about it."

"I'll help," Draco beamed.

"Why does that not surprise me?" Angel said with a chuckle. "Alright, we'll start going over different vampiric traditions, see what we can glean from that. Also want to look into blood-bond rituals. That's something else the Aurelians don't do."

"What does that mean?" Draco asked.

"A blood-bond is created between a vampire and a non-vampire, usually human. Someone who is blood-bound to a vampire is also bound to their Clan, and they become something of an honorary member. They receive the same loyalty, protection, and familial ties as any vampire within the Clan would. In return, they would offer the same things to the Clan itself. As it's a blood-bond, there is an exchange of blood, and from what I've read, it's repeated on a yearly basis or so. Having consumed vampire blood on a regular basis, the human will gain some of the vampire's abilities, though at a lower scale. Their senses will become a bit sharper, their reflexes a bit faster, they'll be harder to hurt and they'll heal quicker, and they will probably age slower and live longer."

"Oh, kinda like Connor ..." Spike began, but stopped at the alarming look Angel pinned him with.

"Connor?" Wesley asked in confusion.

"MacLeod," Spike amended weakly. "Of the Clan MacLeod. You know, Highlander? Except, they'd be able to be killed, and none of that Quickening bit, and ... yeah. So, maybe not."

Angel shot him another glare as he continued. "This is also not something that would be done at random. Those to be bound into the Clan would be carefully chosen."

"Would other vamps outside the Order know that they were blood-bound?" Gunn asked.

"Yes, they would receive a tattoo something like this one," Angel answered, once again brandishing the mark. "Others would see it and, hopefully, recognize the person's status. This alone should be enough to deter any vampire, and most demons, once the word gets out."

"What word?" Fred asked.

Angel smiled. "That's the best part. You see, after the ritual was complete, I went into a meditation, and had some visitors."

"Visitors?" Wesley asked. "Who?"

"Well, let's just say that Cordy says, 'Hey'."

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TO MY REVIEWERS

Tpena: Yes, somehow I thought giving them tattoos just seemed appropriate. And I do hope this chapter helped allay your worries about Evil!Darla.

Sora: You are so damned good for my ego. :)

Raven: I had to throw some angst in there. Draco was just too ... chipper for him. And I love Cunningham's books, too.

Warconq: Harmony has been left in the background for far too long. It's about time she got the recognition she deserves. :) As for the tattoo, I think it's the perfect representation of everything Angel has (and still will) become.

Dassani: Hey, if anyone is reading it solely for its threesome potential, I have NO PROBLEMS with that. :) And lemony stuff is coming up, chapter after next, I believe.

Crushed: Fear not! Harry will be crashing into Draco's life (as he does with most things, it seems), but in totally unexpected ways. AND you may have to wait a while (please don't hurt me!). This sucker is gonna be LONG. But I promise to keep things interesting, and the wait will be worth it.

Ferfer: Oh yes, I AM EVIL!!! BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHackcoughwheeeeeze ... anyhoo ... Yeah, Spike being related to Harry, even if you factor in his quiet poet self before he was Turned, just doesn't fit. Angel and Harry would seem to, though. But, that's neither here nor there, as neither of them are related to Harry in my fic, so it's ALL GOOD. :)
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Draco Malfoy & the House of Seraphim