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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
- 8
- 9
- 10
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Harmony was flabbergasted. She didn't know much about the Powers That Be, but after hearing what Doyle had told Angel during his meditation, she had a feeling she didn't want to know much. They were supposedly the ones Angel had been working for since he moved to Los Angeles. Doyle had received visions of who needed help from them, and when he died, he passed them on to Cordelia. That much Harmony knew.

What she, and apparently no one else, knew, was that they weren't THE Powers That Be. They were more like the Powers That Sorta Are. They weren't some supreme beings in charge of the Universe. They were demigods, who had a thing for playing with the lives of people for kicks.

Their favorite creation was the Slayer, their most beloved toy. With obscure prophecies, they guided her across their game board, commanding her every move. But then came Buffy, and she was never one to play by the rules. They lost control over her, and when she dared to awaken all of the potential Slayers, the Powers abandoned her.

Of course, back when Angel had first become involved in her life, they became interested, and decided to play with him as well. This occasionally meant others had to be dragged in, and they became part of the game. Angel had been quite incensed when he had learned about this, and as he told the others, they followed suit. So many friends and loved ones had died because of this childish game, and they had blindly followed along, letting it happen.

Harmony was even more shocked to discover that the Senior Partners were not the opposite of the Powers That Sorta Are. The Powers created them, and therefore Wolfram & Hart, centuries upon centuries ago. Apparently, they needed a Bad Guy for their action figure heroes to fight against. Wolfram & Hart was it, and Angel wasn't the first that the Powers pitted against them.

Because it was all just a game with rules the Powers changed as they went along, there was no way of telling what their agenda was. They had no idea what would happen next.

However, there were a few things that Angel was sure of, and those were the things that Doyle told him the Powers weren't involved in. Things such as him getting his soul, or being contacted by Whistler. They also had nothing to do with Spike's soul, or their meeting with Draco. Half of what Buffy had done was against their rules as well. Doyle had been unsure of who was controlling those things, but he knew someone was. He figured that said someone had their own plans, and the Powers That Sorta Are were screwing it up with their little games.

This had left the entire group wondering who and what they could trust. They felt they could trust each other, of course, but anything that was labeled "From: the Powers That Be" would come under suspicion immediately. And it seemed that from now on, they were on their own. No more guidance from a higher anything. At least, not until the Grand Master Plan-Makers let themselves be known. And this left a rather large gap in everything.

"So, what do we do now?" Harmony asked.

"Spike and I still intend to teach at Hogwarts. If anything, it will help us form an alliance with them. Never know when that will come in handy. I'm also hoping to eventually reconcile with the Slayers."

"Finding out that they've been manipulated the same beings as we have may help that," Wesley suggested.

"I think so, too," Angel agreed. "But, we may want to wait a bit. Let me and Spike get a few months teaching under our belts. I also want to get my Order more ... stabilized, before we go telling Buffy what I told you today. That way, I'll be able to show her that it works, and that we're not some big bad evil she needs to slay."

"Good plan. Even though there's still only one way to kill you, which you won't tell us."

"I know, but really, having one Slayer hunting you is annoying as hell. Having an army after you ... it would put a major cramp in my lifestyle, you know?" Angel said, chuckling.

"Not to mention how very thrilled she'll be when she hears of the, ah, nuptials," Spike added.

Everyone laughed. "Actually," Angel said through a chuckle, "I'm rather looking forward to telling her."

Wesley gaped. "Angel! That's so mean!"

"Oh, come on, Wes! Ever since I came out here she's done nothing but get all uppity if I even think of seeing someone! But her? Oh, she can move on just fine, with numerous people, mind you. I mean, the last time I saw her, she told me she didn't know who she was, and she wanted to find that out before she got involved with someone again. Practically the next day, she's telling Spike she loves him!"

"While I'm frying to a crisp, by the way," Spike added.

"She expects me to wait around for her to figure shit out? By the time she does, she'll be all old and wrinkled and call me superficial and shallow, but I like my lovers pretty, thank you very much."

Harmony and Draco laughed at this, enjoying the new, upgraded version of Angel. The others were a bit stunned by his outspokenness. They weren't used to Angel being so blunt and forthright, and they weren't sure what to make of it.

"Not like she's waiting until she's ... what did she say ... finished baking?" Spike said.

"Yeah. What the hell was up with the cookie analogy anyway? She's a freaking grown woman, and she's comparing herself to cookie dough."

"Are you saying you don't care about her anymore?" Wesley asked, not sure what else to say.

"I do care for her, and if she ever needs help Spike and I will be the first ones there. But romantically ... it could never really work. She'll always be a child compared to me and Spike, even when she's ninety. Now, if I had met her maybe two hundred and forty years ago, sure, it could work. But, there's just too much experience between us."

"Same here," Spike said. "Of course, that whole using me for meaningless sex just so she could feel something puts something of a damper on things, too."

"Now, see, I didn't really know about that when I last saw her. I knew you two were involved in some way, but I didn't know the specifics. Believe me, if I ever see her again ..."

"You gonna give her a talkin' to?" Gunn asked with a smirk.

"Yes. That is, if I'm not too busy running away from her little army."

"I say we avoid that confrontation until absolutely necessary," Wesley suggested. "As you said, let's get everything squared away before we bring them into it."

"Agreed," Angel said. "Now, if there's nothing else of import to discuss ...?" He waited for answers, which were all negative. "Good. Draco and I have some research to do."

With that, the elder vampire and young wizard rose and left the room.

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The dining room table was strewn with various books and parchments, with barely a square inch to spare. Draco sat, trying to concentrate on the text before him, but it wasn't working. Ever since the Runaway Incident, as it came to be called, he had become confused. At first, he was thrilled that Spike and Angel would be Mated. However, with some time to think about it, he no longer knew where he stood.

Angel had said, "Someday." Did he still mean it? Draco was no longer sure they would be interested in him once their bond was complete. Why would they need him? They won't, he thought to himself sadly.

He then chided himself for getting his hopes up. He should have known it was impossible. They had just said those things to make him feel better, so he wouldn't run off again. Once again, he felt like a total fool.

"Dray?" Angel asked softly from the other side of the table.

The single word cut through Draco's heart and he couldn't stop himself from wincing.

"What is it?" Angel's tone became stern, though not unkind. Draco knew he wasn't going to be able to fib his way out of this one.

He sighed heavily and closed the book. He then looked Angel square in the eye and asked the question that had been weighing on his mind all day. "What am I to you?"

Angel's eyes widened as he drew his head back in shock. "Draco? How can you even ask that?"

"Because I don't really know?" he answered. "I mean, with you two getting Mated, it changes things ..."

Angel smiled lightly. "No, it doesn't."

Draco blinked a few times. "How can it not change? You will share the strongest bond there is. How can there be any room for me?" He closed his eyes tightly and mentally kicked himself. He was starting to become selfish again. He was happy for them, but he couldn't help feeling left out.

But, before he could apologize, he heard Angel get up. He opened his eyes and watched the vampire come around the table to sit beside him. He placed a hand on Draco's neck, gently caressing his temple with his thumb. "Will and I already share the strongest bond there is ... and we still love you." He smiled and pulled his chair closer. "You may not share the same kind of relationship with us that he and I share with each other. That doesn't mean you don't have a very special place in our hearts. You do, Draco, and no one will ever be able to take that away from you."

"But, what am I to you?" he repeated. "A member of your family, a concubine? A ... a ... pet?"

"Pet?! Do you honestly think we want to slap a collar on you and lead you around with a leash?!"

Draco cast his eyes down, but Angel grabbed both sides of his head and forced him to look up. He was faced with angry golden eyes.

"How dare you think that of us," Angel growled.

Draco fought back the tears as he whispered an apology. He was trembling now. The last thing he wanted to do was anger Angel, but it seemed that he always had a way of screwing things up. A possible relationship with the vampires, friendship with Harry ...

Angel's expression softened, though his eyes didn't revert back to their usual brown. "Draco, I know you've been through hell. I know you're in pain and confused. But you have to have faith in us, okay? We would do anything for you. We knew, that first morning we all had breakfast, that you belong with us. We knew that, no matter where our relationship went, you would be part of it. It may not happen right away, or even soon. But it will happen." He smiled again, though this time it was rather sheepish. "I ... I always wanted to share my bed with twins. And you come very close. How could I resist?"

Draco's eyes grew wide. He suddenly couldn't breathe. He had not been expecting that kind of admission. But there is was, ringing through his head, followed by very vivid images.

Angel's smile turned into a smirk. "You won't be with us all the time, though. He and I will be Mates, and we will need some time to ourselves." Draco nodded. "And we won't expect you to deny others for us." Again, Draco was shocked. "If you find someone you want to be with, for whatever reason, you have every right to do so. We promise not to get too jealous."

Draco finally found his voice, though it sounded much too far away. "Anyone I get involved with will have to understand and accept whatever it is I'll have with you. I don't think that, once I become a part of you two, I would ever be able to give it up." He smiled weakly.

Angel's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he smiled. "Now you're starting to understand."

"Understand ... what?"

"Humans have a funny way of looking at love," Angel answered simply, leaning back in his chair. "You see, they think that they only possess a certain amount of romantic-type love in their heart, and they won't have anymore. And they believe that you must give it to only one person at a time. If something happens and that relationship ends, you take that love back, polish it up, slap a new coat of paint on it, and pawn it off on the next person. Now matter how nice it looks, it's still used. There are still scratches and dents underneath.

"Now, vampires don't buy into that garbage. We know that the heart is boundless, and there is no limit on how much romantic love we can possess. Because of this, it would be rather foolish to give it all to one person, right?" Draco nodded, and Angel continued. "Because our love is endless, we are able to love more than one person at a time. We are able to ... shape and form that love into something unique and special for each person, and what we feel for one person will never affect what we feel for someone else.

"Even with Drusilla, it never changed what I felt for Will. It changed how I showed it, if at all, yes. But the core emotion never changed."

Draco nodded again. "That makes a lot of sense."

Angel beamed. "I knew you'd understand it." He leaned forward and took Draco's hands in his, drawing up the boy's right hand to place it over his unbeating heart. "Right here, Dray. Right here there is something unique and special, just for you and no one else. And there's something quite similar in Will's heart, too. No one will ever take that from you. Even if we're not quite sure what it is ..." and he smiled again, "... it's yours. Forever."

Draco was grinning himself. He flung himself at the larger man and hugged him with all his might. "Thank you," he whispered.

"No need," Angel murmured, directing the young wizard back to his own chair. He then stood to return to his previous seat. As he sat once again, he said, "And don't you ever, ever think you're just a pet to us." He then smirked and winked playfully. "Though, would look rather adorable with little kitty ears and tail ... and a bell."

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A few days later, the Rite of Mating was constructed and ready to be performed. This was a three-part process, beginning with a Trial. Wesley thought it slightly barbaric that Angel wanted Spike to prove himself, but to the others, it made sense. As Angel was Spike's superior in rank, it was up to him to set the challenge, although Spike wouldn't know what that challenge was until he faced it. After Wesley was persuaded that this wasn't such a bad thing, he helped Angel get things set up.

It didn't take long before everything was ready. As Angel was the only Elder of the Order of Angelus, and he was already participating, he asked Dumbledore to act as Elder, en absentia. As the ritual also required two witnesses of high standing from outside the Order, McGonagall and Snape were invited as well. Wesley, Gunn, Fred, Harmony, Lorne, and Draco were also present.

The troupe traveled to an unused warehouse by the coast. They stood on the upper floor, overlooking the lower, where weapons and other objects that could be used in battle had been placed. Spike eyed the lower floor warily. It was clear he was going to have to fight something, but he still didn't know what. While the final details were taken care of, he began running through all the demons he knew of, trying to remember their weaknesses, and planning out strategies. He could see a large box toward the far end, and as he watched, it shuddered. Whatever he had to fight was in that box, and it didn't like being in there.

"Alright," Dumbledore said. "If everyone could please take their places?"

Angel stood opposite the railing, Dumbledore standing to his right, followed by Wesley, Gunn, Fred and Lorne. To his left stood McGonagall and Snape, as well as Harmony and Draco. With a deep breath, Spike stood in front of the railing, facing Angel. He nodded once, and smirked.

Dumbledore saw that everyone was ready, and stepped forward, carrying the Book of Angelus (which Angel had charmed temporarily so others could read it). He turned to face the larger group, and bowed to Angel, who inclined his head and smiled. "In the name of the Sovereign Angelus, we welcome you honored guests," Dumbledore said, bowing to his fellow professors, "family," he bowed to Harmony and Draco, who repeated the gesture, "and friends." After bowing to the others, he returned to his place beside the elder vampire. "We have gathered here to stand as witness to this most sacred Rite. Let the Intended stand forth and be known."

Spike took a few steps forward, and repeated the sequence of bows. He tried desperately to not let his nervousness show. He was surprised that he hadn't yet shaken himself right out of his Doc Martins.

"William," Dumbledore said, "he who was made by the blood of Drusilla, Childe of Angelus, Childe of Darla, Childe of Nest. Accredited master of the Aurelian Order in the year 1893. William the Bloody, Spike, slayer of Slayers. Does the prospective Companion recognize the Intended?"

"Angelus, Master of Aurelius and Sovereign of Angelus recognizes Master William, as Childe of the Blood and proclaimer to the Rite." Angel said proudly.

Dumbledore smiled and nodded once before continuing. "The Order recognizes William, Aurelian Master, as Childe of the Blood and proclaimer to the Rite. This most sacred of Rites has been called in honor of the Mate's Challenge as set forth by Angelus, according to the Book of Angelus. Honored guests please stand forth and signify."

McGonagall and Snape took a step forward. "Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Master and Professor of Transfiguration."

"Severus Snape, Master and Professor of Potions at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

After they returned to their places, Dumbledore stepped closer to Spike. "William, Aurelian master, do you stand ready to face the Trial?"

Spike nodded once. "I stand ready to face the Trial."

"Then go forth and prove your worth."

With one more nod, and a quick wink to Angel, he turned and vaulted over the railing. He slowly approached the box, which had begun to shake violently. The closer he got to it, the more magick emanated from it. He realized it was charmed to be stronger than normal, and silenced, so he wouldn't be able to hear whatever was inside. He picked up a broadsword as he went, and readied himself. He turned back in time to see Dumbledore wave his wand and mutter something. He faced the large crate again. Suddenly he could hear frustrated, and decidedly feminine, screams from inside, and the wood started to splinter. Alrighty, Spike, he thought to himself, time to get this show on the road.

Suddenly, the crate burst apart, sending kindling everywhere. When the commotion cleared, Spike was standing face-to-face with a very confused, very frazzled, very pissed off Drusilla.

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Wesley and Gunn gasped. "Isn't that ..." Harmony began as everyone moved to the railing for a better view.

"Yes. She is the one who Turned Spike," Angel answered, his voice devoid of emotion.

"But ... why?" Draco asked in bewilderment.

Angel sighed. "She was the one thing that kept coming between us. I loved her dearly, and so did he. We spent so much time fighting over her that we didn't realize how much he and I truly cared for each other, until I left. And when I lost my soul again, she came between us again."

"So, by destroying her, there would be no more obstacles between you?" Snape asked.

"Theoretically, yes."

"Can't you just giver her a soul?" Lorne asked. "I mean, I know she's uber dangerous now, but with a soul ..."

Angel shook his head. "She's still insane. Even with a soul, she would be unpredictable, and far beyond repair."

"Mercy killing?" Snape murmured with a sneer.

Angel looked down and sighed. "Yes. Spike holds the right to give her that peace she's been denied for over two hundred years just as much as I do."

"But, she's his Sire?" Draco insisted. "Isn't that supposed to be one of the strongest bonds out there?"

"It is. But, the legends have it wrong. Dru Turned him, yes. But she had no idea what to do afterward."

"You mean, he was like me?" Harmony asked.

"He was."

More gasps sounded. "Dude, you're tellin' me Spike was a minion?" Gunn asked.

Angel nodded as he watched his love trade blows with his Childe. "It took a while for the two of them to find their way back to me. I was upset that she had brought home a minion, though I saw great things in him."

"You re-Sired him, didn't you?" Draco asked.

Angel smiled down at the young wizard. "Exactly. But, she was never happy about that. She didn't like that I took her toy. So, to appease her, he called her Sire, and me Grand-Sire. It became habit, and we stuck with it."

Everyone grew silent as they watched the blonde vampire dodge a chair that Drusilla had launched at him. Angel had to admit he was more than a little worried. He had no doubt that when it came to fighting prowess, Spike was more than a match for the vampiress. However, when it came to sheer rage and unpredictability, Drusilla was unmatched. Not to mention, there was a great possibility that Spike's own feelings would play against him. He suddenly wondered if he had done the right thing.

The two were in the process of hurling things at each other, normal weapons forgotten. It didn't take long for the two to start grappling with each other. Spike punched and kicked while Drusilla struck out with her claw-like nails. Spike never stopped moving, using every ounce of speed, strength, and agility until he was almost a blur. She lunged at him, but in another a blur of movement Spike leapt straight up, his body tucking into a summersault. Drusilla leapt, trying to catch him, but she passed harmlessly beneath him. He rolled to his feet and kicked a savage sideways blow to her side. With a shriek, she tumbled to the ground, but was up again in seconds.

The crazed vampiress ran and picked up an axe, giving chase. Spike didn't stop to watch as he ran for the corner. Planting his foot he ricocheted off one wall and planted his opposite foot on the other, spinning into a kick that propelled Drusilla several feet away, the axe clattering to the floor in the process.

Although the fight was vicious, Angel could tell that neither were truly interested in hurting each other. It went on this way for nearly a half hour, alternating between throwing things and what would be considered play-fighting. Angel was half tempted to go down there and call it off. He had the right to, after all. He moved to jump over the railing, but Dumbledore placed a hand on his arm.

"You are the Sovereign of the Order, Angelus. You, of all people, must follow the rules you yourself have established. If you don't, how can you possibly expect others to?"

"Albus ..."

"Give him time, old friend. He will realize where his heart stands."

Angel prayed the old wizard was right as he turned back to the lower floor. As he did, he locked eyes with Spike, and the two froze. Angel willed every ounce of love he felt for the younger vampire to flow to him in hopes that it would help Spike. The blond vampire smiled at him, and Angel's heart nearly fluttered. Do what you will, Angel thought. I'll still love you, no matter what.

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Spike was astounded. Drusilla was here. Drusilla was his challenge. In order to be joined with Angel forever, he had to kill her. Spike could understand why, certainly. Drusilla had been a wedge between him and Angelus from day one. She had always been very demanding, requiring constant attention from both of them. Even though she wasn't truly his Sire, the bond was strong enough. This, of course, caused even more strain. Angelus had the right to claim him, but he had given himself so completely to Drusilla. Angelus was never one to share.

And Drusilla thrived on it. She loved the way her boys would fight over her. She would spin and dance about the room as they yelled at each other, and then eventually it would come to physical blows. She would watch and clap like a spectator at a little league game, cheering one and then the other on. And then, when one finally emerged the victor -- and Spike won as many times as Angelus did -- she would skip away, denying them their reward. The two would then reconcile, and find comfort with one another. It was the most twisted kind of relationship.

As he and Drusilla circled each other in the warehouse, Spike had to wonder to himself why he and Angelus had never just skipped the fighting and gone straight to the vampiric loving. It would have made things a whole lot easier. But then, neither he nor Angelus had ever liked anything easy. That, and they were both rather dense when it came to relationships.

Not anymore, though. Both he and his Grand-Sire ... no, his Sire ... knew what they wanted. And destroying his Dark Princess was the only way they could get it. "So be it," he muttered. "Play time is over, sweetheart," he said to her.

"Playing?" she snapped. "This is not playing. I remember playing, and this isn't it."

He stopped circling. "You're right, it's not. Do you know why you're here?" A part of his brain was in shock that he even asked, but he had to know, and she had to understand.

She stopped moving as well, to regard him. She then turned to look up at Angel. Spike followed her gaze, and he could see that his love was tense, the old wizard's hand on his arm the only thing keeping him from leaping down and joining them. She turned to him again, and smiled sadly. "He loves you."

"Yes, and I love him."

"You always did."

"Yeah. I loved you too, though."

She smiled again and said, "I know."

Something was wrong. She was too still, and not rambling nearly enough. "Dru?"

She took a few steps toward him, but as she didn't make any threatening moves, he did not retreat from her. "My time is drawing to an end. I know. The stars have been telling me for months. 'They will come for you,' they said. 'They will come for you, and you will return to us'."

Spike blinked. "What do you mean? Return to who?"

As she stepped even closer, he could see her deep brown eyes, and they seemed to glow. But not with the insanity he was so used to seeing. No, he saw clarity and intellect there. "William, do you know what we are?"

"Vampires?"

She giggled. "Yes. Vampires. Do you know where vampires come from?"

He blinked again. Since when had this turned into a school lecture? He felt like a first-year fledgling, receiving the lessons he would need to survive. The lessons that Angelus had given him. The lessons she should have given him, had she been capable of actually Siring him. He wracked his brain for a moment, trying to remember the legends. "The ... last demon to leave this plane fed from a human, and allowed the human to drink from it. This ... tainted the human, infecting them with the demon's spirit. That human then repeated the process, creating Childer, and then the Childer did it, and so on."

"Close."

"You tellin' me 'Gelus was wrong?"

"Angelus did not remember."

He cocked an eyebrow at her. "Didn't remember what, pet?"

"It is true that that demon infected the human, but not with its own spirit. The power of its blood only opened the gateway for us to inhabit the humans."

"Right, the human dies, we move in."

"Do you know what we are?" she asked again.

"We already covered that, love."

She ignore his statement and continued. "We are not physical creatures. We live on our own plane, not material. Only energy. We are lonely there, and crave these senses." She brushed a long finger down his cheek. "Touch, most of all. That demon unknowingly opened the door for one of our kind to come into this plane, and revel in its substantiality. But, it took so much energy just to keep the dead body animated, that the First One had to consume the life energy in blood.

"But, the First One grew lonely again. It knew the other demon's taint was still in its veins. So, it drank of another human, and let them drink from it, and another vampire was born. The two were the closest of companions, and shared the deepest of loves. They were true Mates."

"Okay," Spike said, not sure where any of this was going. Granted, this was a slightly different version than he was taught, but it did make sense. "So, the demon inside is really a spirit?"

She nodded. "An individual, just like the human we inhabit." She began circling him again. "But, as we are energy, we cannot be created, or destroyed."

Spike thought on this a minute. He remembered the several discussions he had had with Fred into the early morning hours about the scientific side of magick. Energy couldn't be created or destroyed, only changed. The cogs in his mind worked feverishly for a few moments. Then his eyes widened. "There are only a certain number of vampire spirits?"

She smiled and nodded. "Always was a smart one, my William."

"But, you said since they're energy, they can't be destroyed. What happens when they're dusted?"

"Humans have reincarnation, why can't we?"

That made even more sense. "So, the spirit leaves the body, goes back to the dimension it came from, and waits for another opportunity." With her nod, he continued. "That would explain why complete geeks will suddenly be Kung-Fu masters once they're turned."

"We change, we grow. But the strength of the blood is what counts. The stronger the blood, the more power we are able to exhibit."

Spike was once again shocked at her utter clarity. Gone was the insane chatter and giddy dancing he was so used to. "Why are you telling me all this?"

"You must know."

"Why?" he urged.

"Because, our Sire has changed everything. His demon will never be able to return to our dimension."

" 'Cause he's got a human soul attached."

She nodded again. "The demon will go with the human. It will be reborn into a human, but it will not be a normal one."

"Like Connor!" he hissed.

She clapped merrily. "Little Brother was the first!" she said.

"You know about that?"

"Dear William, there is precious little I don't know." She giggled, and spun a few circles. When she stopped, she stepped even closer. "Daddy did it. The Powers tried to tell him it was their plan, but he did it. It was his soul that called a human one to join with the demon. Little Brother's mind has been wiped clean, but he will remember, and he will return. He will never forget who and what he is, and he belongs with the new Order. He will bear the mark." She stopped abruptly and tilted her head, as if listening hard to something. "But not for a while coming. And he will not bear the Mobius, or the Crown."

"The Mobius ...? Oh, you mean the infinity symbol, that is given to the Heir?" She nodded. "Why not?"

"It is meant for another. And I can say no more." She smiled mischievously, placing a finger on her lips.

Spike knew better than try to pry information out of her when she wasn't readily forthcoming. So, he decided to go for clarification instead. "Okay. So, Angel's demon-soul thing will go on to be reincarnated as a super-human. Will that happen with the others he brings into the Order?"

"It shall."

"And they will side with the Light?"

"Yes."

"So, whether we re-Sire other vampires, or Sire new ones, eventually, the vampire spirits as they are will become extinct."

She smiled mischievously once more. "They will. Our home dimension will be emptied, and the evil taint of the demon that first opened the doorway will be forever eradicated." She then turned to Angel again. "Do you know who he is?"

"He's Angel?"

She laughed outright as she faced him again. "He was the first of us to dwell on this plane."

Spike nearly fell, that tidbit had hit him so hard. "He was the first vampire?"

She nodded. "And you were his First Childe. That is why I did not Sire you. I recognized you as soon as you entered that body, and I knew that you belonged to him. In those first times, he loved you fiercely. You were his first companion, and his true Mate."

Spike's eyes widened.

"And I was his Second Childe, bound to you as well. I had two other Siblings, and then the three of us created our own Childer, and our family grew. That is why we are so powerful. We are the oldest. Millennia of experience and power, all ours. Only now, now that Angel has joined with the human soul, only now can our true power be known. Through us, we will reshape the vampiric existence, and we will become what we were meant to be."

"We? Dru, I ... I'm here to kill you, to prove myself to Angel so we can be ..."

"I know." She walked over to one of the few crates that had not been over turned and picked up one of the dozen stakes laying on it. She then returned to stand before Spike, thrusting the stake into his hand.

"Dru?"

"Drink from me, William. Take the power this form possesses, and make yourselves stronger."

"You want ... to ..."

"I cannot be destroyed, remember? I am forever a part of Angelus and his family. In every incarnation, I have returned to him, and to you. I will do so again."

"But ... if I talk to him, maybe he'll re-Sire you ..."

"NO," she said emphatically. "I can no longer bear this existence. This insanity. This human mind was twisted beyond repair, and I cannot stand it any longer. It is taking everything I have to remain clear right now, and I am only doing so because you. Must. Know." She was beginning to tremble, and he could now see the exertion in her eyes. "Free me, William," she whispered. "Free me and let me rejoin you whole. I promise you, I will return to you very soon. Please." Her eyes grew moist. "Quickly!" she hissed.

"But ..."

"No! You must do it now! Before I lose hold, before the madness returns. I want you to remember me as I truly am, not the mad woman you have known for so long. Let me die with dignity, not insanity. I must go while I have this lucidity. Do this for me, sweet William. Do this for your Dark Princess."

He suddenly grabbed her around the waist and pulled her into a tight embrace. "I understand now. I know why we both loved you, and you loved both of us, but we could never have you. Because he and I ..."

"Yes."

"You promise you'll come back?"

"I will. Drink now, William, and do not weep. You are not losing me. You and Angelus will never lose me."

Without another word, Spike sunk his fangs into his beloved Drusilla. He forced himself not to recoil at what he was doing. It was against the Laws to do this. To completely drain another vampire was the most heinous of crimes. But this was what she asked, this what she wanted, and he was powerless to do anything but comply. It seemed to take forever, and a part of Spike's brain marveled at just how much borrowed blood the body of a vampire could hold. Finally, he drew nothing more. Even so, she was not yet dead, relying on whatever energy reserves the vampiric spirit still had.

"It's time to go home now?" she rasped.

"No, Princess. Your home is with us."

"A holiday then?" she asked, a touch of the maniacal innocence creeping into her voice once again.

"A holiday," he said, nodding.

"Will you throw a welcome home party for me?" He could see her eyes glazing over. He knew he would have to act fast.

"Absolutely, pet."

"Good."

He bent and kissed her gently. "Good-bye," he whispered, drawing back his arm, stake clutched firmly in his hand. Then, with a swift stroke, his Dark Princess burst into a cloud of ash. He dropped to his knees as what remained of the vampiress drifted down about him. He heard Angel call his name, but couldn't move. Not yet. He closed his eyes and choked back a sob. She had told him not to weep, and he wouldn't. "See you soon," he murmured at last, standing.

Spike then looked up at the faces staring down at him with expressions ranging from disbelief to pride and right through to sheer terror, but only one face mattered to him. He ran toward them, then gathering his legs under him he leapt, easily clearing the fifteen or so feet to perch with effortless grace on the railing. As he rose his head to regard the vampire he loved, he was beaming.

"Will?" Angel asked tentatively.

Spike didn't say anything. He only hopped from the railing and threw his arms around Angel's neck. He then planted a fierce kiss on the older vampire.

"Will," Angel repeated firmly, pulling away, "what happened?"

"She's coming home, love."

Angel blinked. "Wh- ... What?"

Spike just smiled again, and gently pressed his fingers against his lover's mouth. "In a bit. Right now, we have a Rite to finish." He then turned to the headmaster. "Albus, if you would?"

"Oh!" Dumbledore exclaimed, seeming startled. "Yes, yes, of course. Now, let me see ..." He began mumbling along as he read through the ritual to find his place. "Ah, here we are. By the tenets set forth by the Sovereign Angelus I declare this Rite to be true and upheld. I declare that William, Aurelian master, Childe of the Blood of Angelus to be worthy to stand as Mate. Honored guests will you sanctify?"

McGonagall smiled and nodded once. "I do hereby sanctify that William, Aurelian master, Childe of the Blood of Angelus is worthy to stand as Mate by the tenets of Angelus."

Snape, though he did not smile, nodded as well. "I do hereby sanctify that William, Aurelian master, Childe of the Blood of Angelus is worthy to stand as Mate by the tenets of Angelus."

Dumbledore beamed. "As an Elder of Angelus, en absentia, I do hereby sanctify that all the tenets of Angelus have been upheld according to the Rite as set down by Angelus in the sacred scriptures." He repeated his bows from earlier in reverse order, ending with a deep bow to Angel and Spike. "As it is written so it has come to pass. Your chosen stands sanctified as worthy to stand as your Mate."

Angel, though still confused, smiled. "Let it be so noted, honorable Elder, in the Book of Angelus."

Albus turned to the back of the book to where the records of Matings were to be kept, and waved his wand. Under the column of "Companion", Angelus' name appeared along with his title of Sovereign. Next to it, under "Intended", William's name, with his titles, was scrawled. Then, under "Challenge", the words "combat and destroy Drusilla, Childe of Angelus" appeared. Then finally, under "Date", the date was written. "And so it is noted."

A moment of silence passed. Everyone was torn between congratulating Spike and asking what happened between him and Drusilla. Finally, Angel spoke. "William, what happened?"

Spike beamed once again. "Let's go back to the house, love. You can all get comfy, while I tell you all a story." With that, he sauntered out of the warehouse. Everyone exchanged glances, ranging from confused to amused, then followed him out.

*********************************************************************************************

Angel was in shock. Why the hell hadn't he realized this? How was it, that even with all this new power he had, he had not recognized who he truly was, or who Spike truly was? But most of all, what did this mean for their future? He barely registered the excited chatter going on around him. He scarcely realized that Draco was scribbling notes hastily, and some far-off portion of his brain laughed, thinking, Bet he never thought he'd get this kind of information with his little vampire project. He had to fight down the maniacal giggle that threatened to escape him.

Too much. It was all too much. The past few weeks streaked through his mind like a whirlwind, days blending together into a blur of time. So much has happened, he thought. And it seems we're not done yet. He was old, he knew that. But he had never suspected he was actually Ancient-with-a-capital-"A". And Spike, his beloved William, had been his from day one. Literally.

But more than that, he was the start of a huge change. Vampires, once brought into his Order, would never be the same. Did the Powers That Sorta Are know about this? Did they have anything to do with it? Or was it actually that other mysterious Power that was behind it all? Oh, how he hated not knowing things!

He sighed absentmindedly, still not paying attention to the conversation. At least, he wasn't until he heard Spike's voice. Oh, that voice. Wrapping around him like a black satin ribbon, or maybe velvet? No, a black ribbon with velvet on one side, and satin on the other. Oh, yes, it wrapped around him and held him tight. There was no escape, not that he'd want to.

Because, that voice came with crystalline eyes that could mesmerize even the strongest-willed demon. But they never tried to mesmerize Angel; they never had to. Instead, Angel only saw love and lust and want and desire and when coupled with that voice ... Angel had to adjust his seating, as his pants were growing a bit tighter, and he casually placed his hands in his lap.

And those eyes and that voice came with an incredible body. Hard and compact, yet oh so bendy. Petal-soft porcelain skin, and Spike had always been abnormally warm, for a vampire. Those nimble fingers working their magic, touching all the right spots again and again ... and again.

And the mouth that voice came out of. Oh, good gods, he remembered spending hours just watching that mouth move as William the Bloody had nattered on and on about some new conquest. Angel adored every smile, every smirk, every slight lick of the lips. Mmph, tongue. Angel remembered that tongue, too.

Angel was growing more and more uncomfortable. He had to fight every urge to look at the platinum vampire, knowing that if he did, he would have no choice but to pounce. And ravage. And embarrass the entirety of the living room. He could really feel Spike now, more than he ever could before. He could feel Spike's strange heat soaking through his clothes and permeating his skin, making him tingle. And he was sure that once the Mating was complete, and Spike was a true member of his new Order, they could be continents apart, and he'd be able to feel his Mate.

Suddenly, Spike's voice once again broke through his reverie. "Peaches, you okay?"�

Angel swallowed hard and turned to his love. As he did, he had to catch his breath, though he didn't really have any. Something deep and primeval overcame him. Voice ... eyes ... body ... mouth ... tongue ... MINE! His eyes flashed gold, and he didn't bother to suppress the low growl. Without warning, he lunged at Spike, forcing him against the arm of the couch. "MINE," he snarled, and then proceeded to devour Spike's mouth.

Shocked silence fell over the room, interrupted only by growls and snarls from both vampires. Finally, Spike managed to push Angel back, which the older vampire was none too happy about.

"MINE!" he snarled again, and tried to resume claiming his Mate.

"Whoa! Liam! 'Gelus! ANGEL!!" Spike yelled. This caused Angel to pause and blink. "What the fuck is all this about?!"

"Mine," Angel said simply.

"You don't bloody say?" Spike said with a sarcastic grin.

Angel huffed with impatience and frustration. "Yes, you dolt."

Spike laughed. It was a hearty laugh, one the others weren't used to. His whole body shook with it, his eyes scrunched shut. "You ... you really should see yourself! All gold eyes and fangs and ... hey, waitaminnit." Spike stopped laughing and looked intently at Angel. "Gold eyes, fangs ..."

"But no bumpy forehead," Harmony offered.

This brought Angel back to his senses as he brushed his fingers across his brow. He then ran his tongue across his teeth. Where his front teeth would have once been jagged and uneven, they were now blunt as a human's. However, his canines were longer and sharper. He had felt the demon part of him when it had come forward. So, why didn't his features change completely?

As if to answer his unasked question, Wesley spoke up. "It's in between human and vampire. Since the two have blended ..."

"Makes sense," Fred said.

"Will I ... will I be like that?" Harmony asked quietly.

"I would assume all those brought into the Order of Angelus would be," Wesley answered.

"Wow," Spike breathed. He traced his fingers over Angel's face.

Angel fought back another urge to ravage his love. They had decided to wait until the final part of the Mating, which would be the consummation of the relationship. True, they had had sex in the past, but not since Angel had regained his soul the first time. Angel wanted to do things right this time, and he was going to stick to it.

"I'm sorry," he whispered to Spike.

"For what, pet?"

"I don't know what came over me."

Spike smirked. "I do." He winked before continuing. "But, we're gonna wait, right?"

"Yeah. I dunno how long I can wait, though," Angel said with a grin of his own.

Suddenly, Draco grabbed Harmony's hand and started dragging her out of the room.

"Dray ...?" Spike called after them.

From down the hall he shouted, "You two go purify yourselves, then everyone downstairs!"

"Do we even want to know?" Gunn asked as the basement door opened and slammed shut again.

"I have a feeling we're going to find out, whether we want to or not." Snape drawled.

"I was afraid of that."

*********************************************************************************************

Angel closed the door to the upstairs bathroom behind him and Spike. He sighed deeply as he watched the younger vampire. "You're nervous," he said.

"That obvious?" Spike looked up at him through his lashes.

"You're cowering. You don't cower."

"I am not cowering! I'm ... fidgeting."

Angel laughed. "Fine. Fidgeting." When Spike's demeanor didn't change, he stepped closer to him. "What's wrong love? No second thoughts, are there?"

Spike shot his head up to look Angel in the eye. "Never!" he cried, closing what was left of the distance between them. "I love you, I am yours, and you're mine and you're never getting away from me and if you try, I'll hunt you down!" He jabbed a finger in Angel's face for emphasis.

Angel chuckled. "Got it. So, what is wrong?"

Spike sighed. "I think the term 'overwhelmed' would be a bit of an understatement right now. I mean, three weeks ago, everything was normal. Now, I've got a great-gran'-nephew, you're more powerful than those Uber Vamps we fought on the Hellmouth before it sunk, we're gonna be teaching at some magick school, I'm gonna be your Mate ... God, we were the first bloody vampires ... It's just so much."

"Too much?" Angel's tone was full of worry, and Spike could feel it.

He took the elder vampire's face in his hands and forced him to look him in the eye. "No. Not when it's you. I'm just ... not sure how this is all supposed to go. We're crossing so many frontiers here, and there is no help manual."

Angel smiled and wrapped his arms around the blonde's waist. "Since when does William the Bloody need a help manual?"

"Since you said, and I quote, 'let's start over, and do it right.' I don't know how to do this right. I mean ... God, didn't we have this conversation already?"

Angel chuckled again. "Well, there's only one way to overcome all this. Strip." He smirked slightly as Spike's eyes went wide.

"What the hell happened to waiting ...?"

"Oh, we're waiting. We just need to be purified. So, you get undressed and start running the water, and I'll be right back with the stuff." He kissed Spike lightly and left the room.

Spike stood rock still for a moment, then hastily removed his clothes. Angel was right; the only way to get over this nervousness was to jump in and get this done. They could figure out what to do as they went. The only thing that was important right now was that they were going to be one. Equals. Mates.

He was amazed at how easy it suddenly was to forget nearly two centuries of conditioning by Angelus. Angelus would never have considered taking Spike as a Mate, the outlaw of such a thing in the Aurelian Order not withstanding. Angelus, while he did care, was never one to share power. He was, in nearly every fashion, a traditionalist. The Childe was to obey the Sire's every whim. The Childe was never to dominate the Sire, no matter what the Sire might feel for the Childe. And Angelus was a stickler for protocol.

And it seemed to have carried over to Angel, or maybe it happened when the demon and the soul merged. It was clear that this new Order was not going to be half-assed. Angel was going all out, complete with Laws and Rites and a bloody hierarchy. And to be honest, that was just fine with Spike. Despite his rebellious nature, he too was a stickler for vampiric protocol. It gave his life a source of order, to counter balance all the chaos he did so love to create.

He began to hum to himself absently as he turned on the tap, making sure the water was steaming hot, the way he knew Angel liked it. He nearly jumped when Angel rushed in, holding some jars.

"Sorry it took so long. First, I got yelled at by Harmony for going into the basement before we were ready. Took me forever to explain that the basement was where the herbs and stuff were." He placed the jars down and opened all save one, the one with the ointment. "Then, Albus and Draco wanted to go over some last-minute things." He then began sprinkling the herbs into the water.

"S'okay. I was just thinkin'."

Angel cocked an eyebrow as he removed his shirt. "That is never a good thing. What were you thinking about?"

"About how things used to be. You know the whole domination thing. And all the protocol."

"Will, I thought we agreed that was all behind us," he chided as he shimmied out of his jeans.

"Well, yeah, but there's something to be said about protocol. I mean, that is why you wrote all those Laws and are having Dray help you with all these rituals, right?"

Angel, now stark naked, stopped and thought a moment. "True."

Spike looked at the floor, as it was the only way he could keep control. But then he realized that it was too obvious that he was avoiding looking at Angel, so he decided to look in the mirror behind the older vampire and slightly to the right ... and he nearly fainted. As it was, he couldn't speak. He could only stare wide-eyed at the mirror.

"Will?"

"Peaches," Spike breathed. He slowly pointed to the mirror.

With a perplexed expression, Angel turned ... and saw that perplexed expression looking back at him from the glass. His eyes, too, grew wide, and his mouth moved, unable to form words. He pressed a palm against the mirror, and gasped as his reflection mimicked the action. "Will?" he looked in the reflection to where he knew Spike should be, but couldn't see the younger vampire.

Spike shook his head, even though his Sire couldn't see it. "I ... I don't know. Must be another side-effect of your ritual."

Angel's expression became feral as he turned toward Spike. "Get in the tub. Now." At the blonde's obvious confusion, he added, "The sooner we're Mated and you're brought over to the Order, the sooner I can watch us making love in a mirror."

Spike grinned and stepped into the still-steaming water.

*********************************************************************************************

Draco shifted from foot to foot in anticipation fifteen minutes before sunset. He knew that what he was about to witness was huge. After all, he had helped create it. But that wasn't the full reason he was excited.

He was going to have a family again. A real family. Yes, Angel and Spike were sort of like family as they were, but now, he couldn't help but feel that once the Mating was complete, it would be even more indisputable. And, once Harmony was re-Sired, he'd even have a sister! He hoped the vampires would hurry up and get downstairs already!

The headmaster stood at the end of the room opposite the stairs, with Snape on his left and McGonagall on his right. Before them was a low table with Angel's stylus and enchanted ink. Wesley, who would be speaking for Angel per the vampire's request, stood beside McGonagall. Fred, who was the first to truly accept Spike and befriend him when he arrived at the firm, would be speaking for him and stood beside Snape. Lorne, Gunn, Harmony, and Draco flanked either side of the area.

The energy was high among all of them, even the two professors, though their expressions remained closed. Draco was about to run upstairs and drag the vampires down when they heard voices above them.

"So, we gonna tell 'em, or should we just let 'em figure it out on their own?" Spike asked as the basement door was opened.

"We'll tell them. Figuring it out on their own might give one of them a heart attack."

"Too true," Spike agreed as they descended the stairs in nothing but loose-fitting cotton pants.

"Figure what out for ourselves?" Harmony demanded, arms crossed and a stern expression on her face.

"Peaches has a reflection now," Spike stated plainly.

Gasps and exclamations resounded around the room.

"How?!" Wesley demanded.

Angel just shrugged. "Must be a side effect of the ritual I did." He then turned to Draco. "Like I said, you are going down in history for this, Dray."

Draco beamed with pride. It was his ritual that did this. Yes, he realized that the spirits of some of Angel's friends had given him special gifts, but all the things that affected a vampire's basic nature were due to him. He had a feeling that Harry Bloody Potter's eyes were going to be greener than usual this coming school year.

"And now," Spike said, rubbing his hands together, "we have another ritual or two to complete. So, let's hop to, yeah?"

"I am ready when you are," Dumbledore said, smiling.

Angel and Spike approached him, Angel on the left, and Spike on the right. They then knelt, and Fred and Wesley moved to stand behind them. When everyone was in their place, Dumbledore once again lifted the Book of Angelus and began the ritual.

"It is, in many traditions, believed that a union such as this is what results when someone consciously recognizes their spiritual 'other half', from when they were separated upon being born into this incarnation, and for whom they have been searching all their lives, knowing that someday they would find, recognize and love their soul-mate again.

"We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of Liam O'Connor, called Angelus, called Angel, and William Malfoy, called William the Bloody, called Spike. This is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs. The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth. Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?"

Angel and Spike shared a quick glance before answering in unison, "Yes, we seek to enter."

Dumbledore nodded. "Is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?"

Again, they answered together. "Yes, it is true."

"Liam, with whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you?"

Wesley smiled and took a step forward. With confidence, he said, "He comes with me, his friend, and is accompanied by all of his friend's and family's blessings."

"William, with whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you?"

Fred also stepped forward. Her voice was full of pride as she said, "He comes with me, his friend, and is accompanied by all of his friend's and family's blessings."

Dumbledore continued. "In times past it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief that assigned virtues to this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony. Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East -- communication of the heart, mind, and body, fresh beginnings with the rising of each Sun. The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences. Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South -- warmth of hearth and home, the heat of the heart's passion, the light created by both to lighten the darkest of times. Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West -- the deep commitments of the lake, the swift excitement of the river, the refreshing cleansing of the rain, the all-encompassing passion of the sea. Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North -- the firm foundation on which to build, fertility of the fields to enrich your lives, a stable home to which you may always return. Each of these blessings emphasizes those things that will help you build a happy and successful union. Yet they are only tools. Tools that you must use together in order to create what you seek in this union. I bid you look into each other's eyes and join hands."

Angel and Spike turned to each other, Angel taking Spike's left hand in his right.

"Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth pass, remember: like a stone should your love be firm. Like a star should your love be constant. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your union, let the strength of your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they will pass quickly.

"Liam, I have not the right to bind you to William, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your sigil upon his chest."

Angel took up the stylus on the low table and quickly set to task. "I, Liam O'Connor, called Angelus, called Angel, Master of the Order of Aurelius and Sovereign of the Order of Angelus take thee, William Malfoy, called William the Bloody, called Spike, Childe of the Order of Aurelius, to my hand, my heart and my spirit, at the setting of the sun and the rising of the stars. You are my chosen, above all others. I promise to love you wholly and completely without restraint, for this life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I will be for you as the stars are to the moon, and as the sun is to the earth." By the time he was speaking, an ornate "A" in enchanted ink adorned the younger vampire's chest, placed over the heart. Angel bit his lip, letting it bleed. "With a kiss I give my love. With my blood I seal this promise." He leaned forward and placed a firm kiss onto the new tattoo and it glowed red for a few moments.

Dumbledore then turned to Spike. "William, I have not the right to bind you to Liam, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your sigil on his chest."

Spike smiled and took the stylus from Angel, poking the tip into his finger. He then let nine drops of his own blood fall into the ink and refilled the stylus. He then began to carefully inscribe his sigil above his Sire's heart. "I, William Malfoy, called William the Bloody, called Spike, master vampire of the Order of Aurelius take thee, Liam O'Connor, called Angelus, called Angel, of the Order of Aurelius and Sovereign of the Order of Angelus, to my hand, my heart and my spirit, at the setting of the sun and the rising of the stars. You are my chosen, above all others. I promise to love you wholly and completely without restraint, for this life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I will be for you as the moon is to the stars, as the earth is to the sun." He finished the elaborate "S" that matched the "A" he now wore and bit his lip. "With a kiss I give my love. With my blood I seal this promise." He leaned forward and kissed the mark and it too glowed red for a few moments.

"May these sigils be the visible symbol to all of your union. May all who see these marks know that you are bound to another, and to whom you are bound. Let none come between the union you have made. May all present bear witness that the souls of Liam and William have been joined here today, never to be parted, in unlife or in final death; for in the fullness of time, they shall be born again, at the same time, and in the same place as each other, and they shall meet, and know, and remember, and love again. Honored guests will you sanctify?"

McGonagall nodded once. "I do hereby sanctify that Liam and William are bound together for all eternity."

Snape nodded as well. "I do hereby sanctify that Liam and William are bound together for all eternity."

Dumbledore smiled brightly. "By the tenets set forth by the Sovereign Angelus I declare this Rite to be true and upheld. I declare Angel, Angelian Sovereign, and William, Childe of the Blood of Angelus to be bound together for all eternity by the tenets of Angelus. Let it be so noted, in the Book of Angelus." He quickly flipped to the back of the book, and again waved his wand. Under the column of Date Mated, the date appeared. After a few moments, he smiled again. "You may kiss your Mate, if you wish."

Angel laughed, but kissed Spike tenderly anyway. "I love you," he whispered.

"So I've heard," Spike whispered back.

*********************************************************************************************

*********************************************************************************************

AUTHOR'S NOTES

The actual Mating ceremony was based off a couple of handfasting rituals I have on my hard drive from WAAAAAY back. Alas, I don't remember where they came from. Most likely the message boards I frequent.

ALSO, some of you will be happy to know that next chapter is the consummation. That's right kids, Angel and Spike get down with some slashy fun (as promised), and poor Draco has to sleep in the next room and listen to it. :::pets the Draco::: Poor baby.

DRACO: ~whimpers~

Those of you who AREN'T interested in that aspect of the story, fear not. Nothing else interesting will really be happening, save Spike has some inferiority issues and has to come to terms with the fact that yes, he is now Angel's equal. So, you can skip over the next chapter and not really miss anything. :)

TO MY REVIEWERS

Sora: Thank you for those disturbing images. I still say whoever catches the bouquet gets to sleep with the "bride"�. :)

Abienne Dawning: You're right -- it's NOWHERE NEAR finished. I've got PLANS, baby! As for the relationship between the three: I realized it was a bit ... nebulous. So, I added in the conversation between Draco and Angel just for you. It may not make everything cut and dry, but it should clarify things a little bit (not to mention FORESHADOWING -- HUSH, SORA!). It will continue to do so as the story goes on. On another note, they WILL be going back to Hogwarts, but they won't exactly be wandering around.

Ferfer: I am a HAYUGE Angel/Buffy fan. And I am always sure to do my research. Ask Sora and Aimee. They know how much research I put into this thing. :)

Warconq: :::helps War to a soft cozy chair::: Calm down hun, heheh. I am thrilled that you've enjoyed it thus far. You oughta LOVE the next chapter. ;)

Dassani: "but now she's sort of grown on me. Something like poison ivy but less itchy"� I HAVE to use that (or some variation)! Please? That will SO fit how Draco feels about Harry ... once I get there. Anyhoo, I am having FUN designing the Order of Angelus. I'm actually making up the Clan book. I'm in the process of making my own site for this, and I might end up putting it up as well. I'll let you guys know when the site is ready. :)
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Draco Malfoy & the House of Seraphim