By David Mycock

By David Mycock The Darkest Road 4

Walking the Path

Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the vampire slayer or any other of the characters in this story they belong to Joss Whedon and whoever else created the characters used in this story. Any characters I created I own.

Pairing: Janna Kalderdash/Xander Harris (There will be other relationships in this story but this is the main one)

Summary: Xander and his friends continue their journey before finally heading to the Romany clans to challenge for control of the Lavelle Clan and finding answers to long buried secrets.

(Other Realm)

Cassandra was a little worried by the events that seemed to have transpired within the magical world, she could tell things were heading for a major conflict however without enough support Harry and those who believed in Voldemort’s return could not hope to win and that would be deadly for them and for Alexander who she knew would not leave until he had helped Harry remove Voldemort.

She knew already Alexander was planning ahead again even as he talked to those who wished to help him free Harry from Azkaban, he was thinking about what kind of allies the order had or what they had done so far to try and make alliances. The lessons Vlad and Sir Integra had given him on leadership were coming back to him as he planned how to breach the wizarding prison.

She wondered what he would say when he learned Dumbledore and his main order had done little in trying to win the support of any allies bar other witches and wizards so far, she doubted he would be impressed and considering how disappointed he had been when he learnt of some of what had been going on and the fact they had left Harry in prison she guessed this would not be a good thing.

“My lord I believe there is a danger this conflict could become bigger than it already is” Tanith stated with a worried frown on his face as he thought things over

“How so Tanith?” their lord inquired interested in his views

“Should the source or the first manage to locate Alexander and his group and then learn of what is going on there is a possibility they will send forces to aid Voldemort is his war hoping they can kill Alexander and his group during the conflict” Tanith explained still frowning “Considering the losses they both suffered because of Alexander and Alucard I feel they would see this a great opportunity to strike back, especially as most wizards and witches of the magical world have not dealt with demons for some time” he finished

The others took all of this in and began to think it through and they all had to agree it was plausible, both the source and the first would be looking for ways to strike back at Alexander and his growing group before they became anymore of a threat. The first would send more of it’s assassins to kill them hoping it would be easier during a conflict like this, that’s if the first was aware of where they had gone. As for the source if it too managed to track them, then they assumed it would send a large force of demons and vampires to aid Voldemort hoping to destroy them and also the order leaving Voldemort in control.

“We will have to be watchful and if they do indeed send any forces to aid Voldemort I will send Cassandra to warn Alexander so he and his friends are not caught unaware” their lord finally spoke “This war is going to become a major event in Alexander’s quest as I do not believe he will leave until it is finished and Harry and his friends can live in peace” he added with a grim smile

“I have to agree my lord” Cassandra responded “Learning how things have been handled by Dumbledore and his order as well as what the corrupt government has done to them I believe Alexander will stay to help change things in the magical world forever believing it’s the best thing for both worlds” she continued

“I believe she has a point, that is what he will be thinking” Jonas put in after thinking of what he had learned of Alexander’s character so far “He knows how deadly it would be if Voldemort was to win this war and what kind of destruction they would bring into the normal world” he added “He will do everything he has to I believe to prevent it from happening” he finished

“It’s even possible he may call in Buffy, Kendra and the rest of the hellmouth defenders if things get really bad” Tanith spoke up again as he continued to think things through

“I doubt he’d do that unless things became really bad” Cassandra replied “However if things do come to a pitched battle then it is likely he will call them in especially if the source and the first send any forces to aid Voldemort” she continued

“I will have a force of warriors prepared to be sent to the hellmouth to guard it should that happen, I will have Whistler begin preparations for such an event” their lord informed them after a few seconds “We have plenty of fighters all over the world, some of them can be spared to guard the hellmouth for a small while” he added before turning and leaving to find the balance demon

“Do you really believe it will come to a pitched battle?” Jonas inquired after watching their lord leave

“I do” Cassandra replied “Voldemort has continued to build his army and once Harry has been rescued you can be assured Alexander will push them to build their own especially if they have trouble removing Fudge and his supporters from office” she explained her view

“I hope Alexander is ready for this kind of war” Tanith stated with a shake of his head

“Maybe he isn’t just yet but I think he will summon every lesson he has learned so far to make it through alive, plus he has Vlad, Adrian and Lilith who have all fought in conflicts such as this before to advise and guide him” Cassandra answered

They nodded their heads in agreement as their lord returned after giving Whistler his orders; they all turned back to the viewing pool to watch events unfold.

(12 Grimmauld place London)

Xander listened as the two aurors Alistor Moody and Nymphadora Tonks outlined the prison of Azkaban however what he needed was a look himself so he could plan a proper break in without a warning been sent out for some time, none of the people in the room noticed Severus Snape watching them under a disillusionment charm as they were too busy with their discussion

Snape hated the very idea of Harry Potter been released from Azkaban not only because of his own hatred of the entire Potter family dead or alive but because he knew his master Lord Voldemort would be very angry should they succeed in freeing him and he knew he’d bare the brunt of that anger and so he hoped to find some way to stop them.

“Alright as good as your memories our I’m going to have to go there and see for myself” Xander finally spoke up

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea” Janna responded slightly annoyed at Alexander’s inability not to want to dangerous things himself even as she knew that he wouldn’t send his friends into such a situation if he wasn’t willing to do it himself

“Janna, I’m only going to have a look around believe me there will be no fighting” Xander said hoping to reassure her ‘I hope’ he mentally added as he stood

“Still I don’t see why you won’t take someone with you” Janna persisted in her argument

“The more of us there are the more chance we’ll be noticed” Xander replied trying to keep his frustration and anger over the whole situation boiling over and snapping at his lover

Tara watched quite concerned as Janna kept pushing and the effect it was having on Alexander’s control of his emotions, which had been on a tilt ever since he had learned of what had happened to Harry and the lack of action by Dumbledore and his order. She stepped forward and touched Janna’s shoulder gaining her attention and shook her head at her making her realise she was just worsening the situation, she was worried about Alexander’s plan as much as Janna was but she had faith in his skills that he would return.

Janna looked up at Tara and noticed the look in her eyes as well as the shake of her head which told her Tara wanted her to drop her argument, she knew why as well. It was clear that if Tara was interfering that Alexander was close to loosing his temper, she was not helping things by arguing. She closed her eyes and sighed as she felt Sarah reach over and squeeze her hand to let her know she to shared her concern but it was best just to let things be for now

“Very well Alex” she finally spoke “But you better be careful” she added before going silent

Xander sighed at the tone in Janna’s voice but he knew it was better only one of them went to scout out the prison, he walked over and kissed Janna putting all of the passion he felt for Janna into it before kissing Tara as just as deeply shocking Susan and the others who did not know about their shared relationship before walking back to the others

“Where is the best place to arrive without been seen?” he asked the two auror’s

“Near the water’s edge on the north side” Alistor Moody responded liking the courage of this new comer he reminded him of Frank Longbottom when he first joined the auror’s “I’ll prepare a portkey” he added as he walked over and grabbed a pen and cast the portus spell turning it into a portkey as Xander handed over his sword and sidearm as he believed it would be better to leave them here just in case something went wrong

Snape quickly left the house and apparated away.

(Azkaban)

He arrived at the appartion point and quickly headed for the prison which was close to the arrival point, seeing the near by guards he quickly told them that a spy working for the deatheaters would soon arrive on the north side near the water’s edge and they should quickly move to apprehend them and lock them inside the prison as well. The guards quickly summon two others and head to the location he had given them, Snape smiled as he thought of the torment Potter was likely going through at the hands of the dementors before leaving and heading back for Hogwarts as he had told Dumbledore he would.

(12 Grimmauld place London)

Dumbledore walked into the living room to find Alexander about to leave by portkey and he wondered where he was heading, the considering what he was planning to do the answer came to him quite quickly

“Alexander I urge you to reconsider what you are planning” Dumbledore said “We need first to regain the support of the people before we can act” he added hoping the young man would be reasonable and ignoring the annoyed looks on the faces of Susan, Hermione, Moody and Tonks who had grown tired of hearing this speech

“No we don’t Professor” Xander shot back with a heated look “The cowards will soon learn the truth one way or the other and then they will line up to help in a hope of earning forgiveness for their own inaction and desire to ignore the threat of Voldemort” he added “By doing nothing you are helping Voldemort and his followers, you have to act and deal with the views of people later when it’s over” he finished before the portkey activated and he vanished leaving Dumbledore to think over what he had said

(Azkaban)

Xander arrived to find himself suddenly surrounded by four wizards all of which were pointing their wands at him, he frowned as he wondered how they knew he would be arriving here as this precise place and the only answer he could come up with was that their was a spy in the order and yet he couldn’t see any of the ones who had joined them in the living room been a spy as they all seemed to care about Harry and what had happened to him.

“Hands up” one of the wizards shouted at him

He glared at the wizard before snapping his arm upwards and knocking the wand out of his hand before following up with a palm strike straight to his face which broke his nose, he had caught the guards by surprise and he quickly followed up by nailing the second guard in the gut with a spin kick and then a elbow to the back of his head rendering him unconscious.

However the element of surprise was now gone and as he turned to attack the next guard he was hit him in his left leg by a spell which knocked him to the ground, he cried out in pain as the spell seemed to have broken his leg, before he could do anything else expect sent the word ‘trap’ and ‘spy’ to Tara over the bond before the other guard stunned him and he slumped to the ground

“I’ll take this one back to the prison and lock him up, you help these two idiots” the first guard said “I can’t believe they got taken down by someone without a wand” he added before point his wand at Xander and using the wingardium leviosa made him float upwards before heading back to the prison followed by the floating unconscious form of Xander as the second guard looked over his two companions shaking his head at what he had seen

(12 Grimmauld place London)

Tara watched as Dumbledore talked to Moody and Tonks about what they had helped start, still convinced that by breaking Harry out of the prison they would make their situation with the government and the people much worse and help Voldemort gain ground.

He seemed to have ignored the advice Alex had told him before leaving to scout the prison, she noticed Amy, Sarah, Susan and Hermione walking over to her

“Is something wrong?” she asked with a small smile

“No” Sarah replied with a shake of her head, she had come to like the young witch and value her advice and she didn’t want to make her worry but she and the others were all worried how Xander was doing

“We just wanted to know how Alex was doing” Amy put in before Sarah could continue

Tara looked between the four and noted the worried looks they were trying to hide; it didn’t help her calm her own worry for Alexander’s safety even as she tried to keep a hopeful outlook. She was about to check on Alexander when she suddenly felt a large surge of pain over the bond which almost caused her to fall out of her chair, she was about to say something when she heard Alexander’s pained voice over the bond almost shouting the words ‘Trap’ and ‘Spy’ before she lost him completely meaning he had been knocked unconscious

Susan noted the suddenly alarmed look which overtook Tara’s calm look and then the wince of pain that followed and she knew something had gone wrong

“What is it?” Hermione asked having seen the same thing before any of the others could ask

“Xander is in trouble, he was injured” she replied trying to steady herself and keep herself in control “He sent the words trap and spy to me before I lost him” she added as she finally managed to calm her suddenly raging emotions

The others seemed to have noticed something was wrong and moved closer to them to listen. Alucard growled as he heard Tara’s answer and checked his own link but found he too could not get through; he glanced to his daughter and Janna and noted both had a combined look of worry and rage on their faces

“If there is a spy here who is it?” Prue asked focusing on that fact for now instead of the worry she felt for her new friend

“I do not believe anyone here is a spy” Dumbledore calmly informed them as the rest of the order members entered the room bar Snape who had left

“What’s wrong Albus?” Amelia asked noting the different looks of worry, rage and anger which showed on most of the others in the room

“Alexander was ambushed during his scouting mission of the prison, he got a warning off to Tara over the bond they share, and he stated it was a trap and that there was a spy here with us” Lilith all but growled in response

“As I have said I do not believe any one of us is a spy something else most of gone wrong” Dumbledore again stated with complete belief in what he was saying

“Are you saying Alexander is lying?” Janna asked in a dangerous tone as Sarah pulled her back away from the old wizard noting her anger was beginning to get the better of her

“No, but I am suggestion he made his suggestions based on incomplete facts” Dumbledore answered with a calm smile

“They knew exactly where he was going to show up Professor” Tara stated with a frown “They were ready for him, which states quite clearly that someone tipped them off” she added

“Where is Snape?” Sirius growled noting the missing potions master

“He returned to Hogwarts earlier” McGonagall answered

“Wasn’t Snape the man Harry did not want involved in the ambush at the Bones Mansion last time me and Alexander were here?” Lilith inquired with narrowerd eyes as she recalled the mans name

“Yes he was” Remus answered with a thoughtful look “Harry protested his inclusion in the order stating he was a deatheater but Albus over ruled him as usual telling us he trusts him” he added

“I wish to talk to this Snape?” Alucard informed them almost stalking forward with a hard look in his eyes as he came to a conclusion this man must of gave away Alexander’s location and plan

“Serverus did not do this I can assure you” Dumbledore argued really not liking where all this was heading “Harry is misguided in his belief that he is a deatheater” he added

“I don’t care” Alucard replied “I will talk to him to ascertain his innocence or guilt” he growled beginning to dislike the elderly headmaster

“If you are so sure of Mr Snape’s innocence then there can be no harm is us questioning him can there?” Sir Integra finally spoke up having listened quietly to everything that had been said and what she saw was that the headmaster was to trusting and not willing to consider every option there was

“They have a point Albus” Amelia put in “A lot of us have doubts about Snape’s true loyalty and this is just another situation which questions who he truly follows” she went on

“You know my view on this Albus, plus Snape’s left about the same time we were discussing where Alexander should arrive at Azkaban if you were correct that he left earlier” Moody all but growled out

Dumbledore looked around and noted there was not one person not even Professor McGonagall who was willing to take his word that Serverus was loyal to the order and sighed. He knew he would have no choice but to call Severus back so he could be questioned if he wanted to keep his control of the order intact

(Other Realm)

Cassandra almost growled as she watched Alexander fall to an ambush gaining a broken leg in the process, she knew Tara must of felt that pain as much as she did. She also listened as Tara explained what Alexander had managed to send over the bond about a spy and that it had been a trap, she frowned as she heard this, she had a very good guess that was responsible for this and a few minutes later it was voiced by Sirius Black and her step daughter Lilith.

That Headmaster Dumbledore insisted that Snape was a loyal member of the order as well as that no one within the order could be a spy was stupid and narrow minded, could he not even entertain the notion that there was a spy in the order. This was not a sign that he was a very effective leader if he could not keep an open mind, the fact that most of the order had voiced doubts about the man’s loyalty and had only gotten simple reassurances in return again showed the headmasters lack of imagination,

“This could get messy if the old man continues to defend Snape” Jonas mused with a shake of his head at the events that were unfolding within the order

“It could also cause a breech between the members if Dumbledore does not allow him to be questioned” Tanith pointed out

“I think he is already blind to the discontent that has surfaced in regards to this mans actions especially in young Harry if what I am hearing is correct” their lord finally spoke “It’s a shame, in the last two wars he was a leader you could count on to always make the difficult choices” he added

“People change my lord especially in light of war” Cassandra added her own point of view “It is possible Dumbledore does not even see the harm he doing with his current actions or the anger it is generating within Harry and the majority of the order” she continued

“Then he better wake up soon or he may find himself loosing his position as leader of the order, even worse he may find himself cut out of the war effort completely” Jonas stated a little annoyed at the old man

“I think that will depend first on what he does in regards to Snape and second what Harry will say once he is rescued from Azkaban and he learns the old man did nothing to rescue him” Tanith rejoined the conversation

“I have to agree, it seems after coming into contact with Alexander the first time Harry has grown more and more into his role of leader and is no longer afraid to voice his own opinion and he has gathered a followering not only with his fellow students but some of the order as well” Cassandra agreed with their views

“We can only hope they sort these things out before things get more troublesome during this conflict” their lord finally spoke again “I think things will keep up again once Harry and Alexander are retrieved from Azkaban” he added before turning his attention once again to the viewing pool joined seconds later by the others

(Azkaban)

Xander groaned as he slowly pushed himself upwards before wincing as he felt the sharp pain in his broken leg, he used his meditation exercises to ignore it for now and looked around the cell he found himself in. It was a mess, there was a broken bed to the right near the far wall with a ripped blanket on it and there was rubbish piled in the corner near the cell door.

Before he could do much else he suddenly felt colder than ever before in his life and suddenly he knew what was approaching as he remembered Harry’s story of his third year, he began to bolster his mind with a combination of meditation and focusing on his link to Tara. He almost smiled as he felt Tara lock onto his presence and the relieved feelings she sent him, she then quickly picked up in the uneasy fear that had began to build within him as the dementors approached his cell.

Finally he saw two of the creatures show up outside his cell and he felt the full effects of them hit him, he managed not to cry out as his worst memories began to assault him and battered at his mental shields as he tried to focus on Tara and her comforting presence before finally five minutes later he slipped into blissful oblivion.

The dementors floated away to find more prey to feed on followed a few minutes later by the guard who had placed Xander in the cell, he chuckled at the unconscious body of the unknown man before walking towards the cell where Potter was kept.

(12 Grimmauld place London)

Tara smiled as soon as she felt Alexander awaken and she felt better as he assured her he was okay apart from the broken leg he had sustained in the ambush, suddenly she frowned as she felt a growing fear within Alexander before suddenly she felt pain and terror as her darkest nightmares began to invade her mind. She felt the word ‘dementor’ over the link before she lost contact with Alexander again and she collapsed to the floor almost unconscious herself

“Tara, are you okay?” Amy asked she knelt next to her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder followed a second later by Leo and Piper who had concerned looks on their faces

“I had Alex again for a few minutes before we were both overwhelmed by dementors” Tara finally managed to answer

“They affected you over the bond?” Adrian inquired with a surprised expression

“Yes they did” she answered as Leo and Amy helped her into a near by chair “They truly are horrible creatures” she told the others “They make you relieve your worst nightmares and you feel the pain and terror that go with them” she added with a shake of her head

“How is Alexander?” Lilith asked as she listened to Tara’s description of the dementors

“Apart from the broken leg he got in the ambush he’s okay, but if we leave him in the hands of the dementors that will change” Tara answered with a sigh as Janna came to stand next to her “They had a big impact on him, he won’t be able to sustain his defence for long” she added

“Then we must recover them both before we question this Snape about the ambush” Alucard stated with a insane smile “I suggest a small assault force of myself, Seras, Lilith, Sirius, Remus, Moody and Tonks” he went on “Adrian you will remain here to guard Sir Integra and the others, I do not want anyone to leave to warn this Snape of what we suspect is that clear my son?” he asked

“Yes father” Adrian replied even as he felt frustrated at not been able to go and rescue Alexander and his friend but knowing guarding Sir Integra took priority

“Do you think seven will be enough?” Amelia asked a little doubtful

“I believe so” Alucard replied “These dementors will not affect me, Seras or Lilith due to our vampiric nature and according to Moody the others I mentioned are all capable of performing a patronus charm” he added

“Did you just say you are vampires?” Hermione asked with wide eyes

“I did” Alucard nodded in answer with a smile at the young girl that had her back up a few paces as did Susan before she halted and stepped forward again

“You wouldn’t be with Alexander if you were dangerous” Susan stated as calmly as possible “He would kill you if you ever threatened his friends or family and considering how close he and Lilith seemed I doubt she is dangerous either, the same for you son and friend” she added

“Lilith is my daughter and Seras is my childe” Alucard informed her liking the fact she was not afraid of him and smart enough to use her head

“As long as Alexander trusts you I will trust you” Susan replied fileing the information about the family ties away for later

“I like you young one, you show much promise” Alucard replied with a smile “I will return with Alexander and your mate” he added as he walked over to where the others members of the assault squad stood and while Remus and Tonks gave him, Seras and Lilith a few stray looks Moody and Sirius basically just expected the fact and continued to focus on the mission

The rest of the people in the house watched as they all vanished as the portkey Moody had created activated and took them to Azkaban, Janna, Tara and Susan all shared the same worry that they would arrive too late to be any help to Alexander and Harry.

“Now what do we do?” Emmeline asked as she sat down next to Bill Weasly who had shown up during the conversation

“Guess we wait” Bill replied “And pray they succeed” he added as the rest began to sit down including Dumbledore who noted Adrian was watching him very closely making sure he did not try and leave to warn Snape of the suspicion he was now under from the rest of the order and Alexander’s group

(Azkaban)

Alucard quickly looked around the forbidding island the prison was located on and had to approve of its location, there was little chance of any prisoners escaping. He looked up the prison which he could see from his position and slowly began to head for it, he hefted his sword which he had removed from its scabbard in Alexander’s trench coat and laid it on his shoulder as he went

“We’re not just going to go in the front door are we?” Tonks asked in confusion

“We are actually” Alucard responded with a wicked smile making his red eyes almost look like they were glowing “Me, Lilith and Seras will take care of the guards and cover you so you can drive away the dementors and launch your own spells” he added

“How much damage can your type of vampire take?” Moody inquired having already figured out that these vampires were different than the kind he was used to dealing with

“A lot” Seras replied with a happy smile “We also have the power to resurrect each other should we fall” she explained “Master of course has the most power considering who he is” she added

“And who is he?” Remus asked with a curious look

“He’s Dracula” Moody answered before anyone else could “Alucard is an anagram of Dracula” he added “Which means we’re working with the king of all vampires” he finished with a dark smile

“Holy mother” Sirius gasped in shock whilst Tonks almost tripped in surprise at this revelation

“So you really do exist?” Remus inquired “I always wondered if you did or if the whole thing was just based on a story written along time ago” he added with a thoughtful look “How did Alexander come to work with you?” he asked

“Of course I exist, as to how Alexander and I are connected I’m afraid you’ll have to wait to hear that story we have other business to attend to” Alucard answered with an insane smile as he neared the doors of Azkaban

Remus didn’t reply as they approached the chilling looking doors of the wizarding prison, he was still unsure of the idea of working with three vampires but considering his own status he decided he had no right to judge and concentrated on what they were about to do. Sirius and Tonks took up positions just to the side of the doors whilst Remus and Moody dropped into crouches and prepared to cast stunners at the guards as soon as they appeared.

They watched as Alucard slammed his fists against the doors making them shake, after a few seconds the doors opened and two guards stepped out with their wands out

“What are you doing here?” the first guard asked a little confused at the sword wielding man “Are you deatheaters?” he asked a second later

“Who cares just take them down and put them behind bars” the second guard hissed with a frown

Before either guard could do anything they were dropped by stunners from Remus and Moody, Seras and Lilith rushed forward and took down another two guards who had been approaching the doors, Tonks and Sirius quickly brought up the rear

“Where do you think they will be holding Alexander and Harry?” Lilith asked wanting nothing more than to rip through these guards and find Alexander

“According to our information Harry was been kept in the lower levels, it’s a safe bet Alexander will be there as well” Tonks answered noting the angry look on the female vampire and guessing it board ill for the guards of Azkaban if they put up to much of a fight

“They we better move quickly before one of these idiots calls for back up” Moody growled as he pointed to the right and stunned another guard as he tried to get the jump on them

“Which way?” Seras asked

“Straight ahead then left, then we go right and we’ll find the stairs to the lower levels” Moody answered “We’ll start to encounter dementors as soon as we go right” he added as a warning

“Then everyone better keep an eye on your surroundings” Alucard warned them “Lets move” he added as he led the way into the prison

(Other Realm)

Cassandra watched as her husband led the small group into Azkaban, so far there had been no violence but she knew her husband and if they encountered too much he would begin to use more deadly force and from the look on Lilith’s face she too would especially if she found Alexander too badly hurt. She watched as the viewing pool changed to show Alexander awake once again but been beaten by the two guards he had taken down during the ambush.

She growled as she watched the two guards continue to beat him and she knew her husband and his group better hurry.

(12 Grimmauld place London)

Tara fell to the floor as Alexander’s pain quickly flooded over the bond and it was clear to her he was been beaten, she felt someone trying to help her and managed to see it was Janna and Sarah

“What’s wrong Tara?” Sarah asked very worried for her son and Tara herself

“He’s been beaten” Tara replied even as she felt another large blow over the link which almost caused her to loose consciousness

“Who by?” Janna hissed incensed by the very notion and feeling her anger grow over the entire situation

“Two of the guards he took down during the ambush, they want revenge” Tara managed to say before she collapsed against Sarah unable to take any more

“Alucard and the others better hurry” Amy whispered angered by the idea of her friend been hurt and angered over having to watch Tara experience it as well when there was nothing they could do to aid here

“Is she going to be okay?” Leo asked as he knelt next to them and ran his hand over the blond witch to check her status

“If Alexander is found soon yes she will be” Adrian replied as he joined them “But if there too late and Alexander is seriously wounded then Tara too will be” he explained “It’s one of downsides of the bond they share” he finished with a sigh

“Is there nothing we can do to help her or to block the pain?” Phoebe asked as she leaned against Cole

“I’m afraid none of us have the power to affect the bond to do even that” Adrian answered wishing it wasn’t so “And it’s not wise to mess with it anyway, we could end up causing even more damage” he added

“I would like to know more about this bond the two shares?” Dumbledore spoke up having watched the entire thing with a curious expression wondering what was going on

“Go ahead, there’s nothing else for us to do until they get back” Sir Integra told Adrian

“Very well” Adrian replied and then began to explain to the order and Harry’s friends about the bond whilst Sarah and Janna tried to keep Tara comfortable and still so she wouldn’t hurt herself

(Azkaban)

Remus fell to the floor holding his side from where the cutting curse had managed to hit him but he pushed himself back up as Tonks quickly used a small healing spell every Auror was taught during training, he ignored the pain as much as he could and continued to follow the three vampires.

Moody again cast his patronus to drive another dementor away as Alucard picked up a guard who had charged them and threw him against a wall knocking him cold, so far he hadn’t used the sword to do anything but Moody could see the great vampire was about to loose his patience. Sirius and Seras again moved forward and took down another guard whilst Remus managed to send his patronus against a dementor who had been coming up on them from behind and chased it away from them.

“We should spilt up here father, I will look for Alexander” Lilith stated as something told her that her friend was near “You find Harry as it’s my guess he will be heavily guarded I will get Alex” she added

Alucard looked at his daughter and noted the anger and fury she was trying to hold back and he knew that from here she was going to unleash that fury and she was trying to keep the others from seeing it, he also couldn’t fault her view of the situation Harry was a political prisoner and so would be guarded heavily

“Seras go with Lilith we’ll get Harry” he ordered his childe who nodded her headed in understanding having also seen her friend begin to loose her control

“Are you sure that’s wise?” Tonks asked a little unsure of this tactic

“I am, Lilith is correct about Harry been the one they will try and keep here” Alucard replied as he watched his daughter and childe vanish around a corner “Alexander is unknown to them so he should be easy to get too” he added “Now let’s go we haven’t much time” he finished as he pushed forward

Tonks exchanged a worried look with the others at this before following him down the left side noting ahead of them are five guards and three dementors and she knew Harry must be close.

They watched as Alucard raised his sword and slam it down in a wide arc and saw in amazement a burst of magic erupt from the sword and hit three of the guards and one of the dementors, the guards screamed as they were flung backwards into the wall behind them at tremendous speed causing head wounds on all three and removing them from the fight.

The dementor fled as it felt a surge of power which made it afraid for the first time in a long time, the other dementor also fled as the wizards who were approaching sent their patronus’s at it leaving the two guards who quickly began sending curses at them. Tonks and the others took cover as they could but Alucard had finally reached his limit and charged forward imbedding his sword into the stomach of one of the guards while swinging his fist into the other’s face with enough force to break his nose and send him crashing into the cell they had been guarding and out cold.

He removed the sword and placed it inside his own duster where it was held by his magic, Tonks and Remus grimaced in distaste at the sight of the dead guard whilst Moody ignored it knowing before this war was over more people would die and Sirius believed they deserved it for what they had done to him and his godson.

“Is this him?” Alucard asked as he pointed at the boy who was within the cell

“Yes that’s Harry” Sirius said with a growl as he noted how bad he looked

The others looked in the cell and noted Harry seemed to have been beaten quite badly most likely on Fudges orders, Alucard grabbed the cell bars and ripped them off their hinges allowing Sirius and Tonks to enter and check him over

“He’s alive” Sirius told them with relief as Tonks pulled him up and forced him to swallow a pepper up potion to give him some strength

“We have to move” Moody growled as he looked around

“We need a few seconds to allow the potion to work” Tonks replied as she checked to make sure this was Harry with a reveal spell and was relieved to know they had found him

On the other side of the prison Lilith stalked towards where she believed Alexander was been held, Seras followed as quickly as she could. They stopped as suddenly they heard what could only be someone been beaten, Lilith growled low in her throat before rushing forwards and entering a near by cell which was open to find two guards savagely beating Alexander.

As one of the guards asked who she was she lunged forwards and thrust her hand straight through his chest shocking the other guard into silence, she pulled her hand back out and allowed the body to drop to the floor before turning to the other guard who tried to flee only to run into Seras who pushed him back into the cell and close to Lilith who picked him up and threw him into the cell wall with enough force to break his back.

She ignored him then content to allow him to die slowly before kneeling to check on Alexander, she was relieved to find his pulse was still strong but it was clear they had to get him seen too. She sent a metal probe to her father confirming she had Alexander and asking that they send for Leo to come get them all saving them the trouble of fighting their way back out, she smiled as her father agreed considering the state Harry was in

“Leo” she called as Seras joined her

They looked up as their was an orb of light and Leo entered the cell and looked around noting the injured guard he went to heal him before back off when Lilith growled at him

“He does not deserve to live Leo for what’s he’s done to Alexander” Lilith spat “He’s the enemy and most likely his fellow guards will find him in time to save him, it’s up to fate” she added

“Let’s go” Seras said

Leo sighed before complying as he had to agree this was a war they had stepped into and in war there was always casulties, this man had beaten Alexander prity bad and it had obviously enraged Lilith to see. He didn’t agree with it but it was her call. She was also correct he could be found in time to be saved and so he walked over and orbed Lilith, Seras and Alexander to one of the bedrooms of Grimmauld place before leaving and returning with the second group including the injured Harry Potter.

(Other Realm)

Cassandra shook her head as first her husband and then her step daughter lost their tempers and killed some of the guards and yet a part of her couldn’t feel any pity considering what they had done to Alexander and Harry all because they had the strength to fight.

“At least they are safe” Tanith said

“Still they could have rescued them without resorting to killing them” Jonas countered

“No, Lilith emotions were too enraged for her to keep in control and seeing what the guards were doing to Alexander I am not surprised she did what she did” their lord interrupted “Alucard simply wanted to complete the mission as quickly as possible so they could get Harry and Alexander to safety” he added “Remember they are now in a war and they will have to kill in the future especially against the deatheaters” he reminded them

Tanith and Jonas shared a look before nodding their head in agreement whist Cassandra watched as Leo and Madam Pomfrey the order’s healer worked on Alexander and Harry as the majority of he order watched. Tara was also in one of the beds still recovering from the effects of the beating Alexander had taken which she had felt from the bond.