The Princess and The Half Blood Prince

Phase two: Battle Prep

Dumbledore fell. The sight was crushing. He had been our number one defense against the dark lord. Now he was gone. It was up to Harry Potter and the students brave enough to return next year to defend Hogwarts from the greatest threat to the wizarding world.

We'll make it I promised Dumbledore silently. Your sacrifice won't be for nothing.

I watched as Harry tried to take Severus down. Though Harry wasn't nearly skilled enough. I wanted to tell him. I wanted him to know that Severus hasn't betrayed him. Not this time. Everything he had done since that horrible day has been to atone for the sins that caused him to be an orphan.

I didn't have time to dwell. Severus would have time to beg for Harry's forgiveness if he wanted. The war would come to an end. Sooner than they all realized. All that the golden trio needed to do was find the remaining horcrux.

The forbidden forest was full of shifting shadows. Every creak of tree limbs or shift of the wind set my nerves on fire. I had to meet Severus and the death eaters.  We had to keep the charade up for just a little while longer.

Ten was the count in the dark forest. Twelve including Severus and myself. Seven stayed to spy. The rest of us quickly apparated to Malfoy mansion.

"Excellent!" Voldemort smiled like a feral cat. He ran a finger from my temple down to my chin.

It took all my will power not to snap his arm like a twig. I could do that now. Thanks to Severus I could control the monster within.

*****flash back*****

"Again!" I shouted up to Logan to reset my training machine.

Every muscle screamed in agony. It's been a long four hours, but I was getting there.

The sound of gears turning was my only alert to the impending attack. I rolled left narrowly avoiding the massive tree trunk that came swinging down from the ceiling. In the next second I was the wolf. Thirteen tails lashing I snapped the log in half with my mighty jaws. One tail wrapped around the next falling trunk crushing it to splinters.

In the next second I was human again rolling forward to avoid the throwing stars that came whistling out of the wall. I slid my long sword from it sheath making quick work of the two dummies that popped up in front of me.

Then a beast again I shot black flames from my jowls. Sending six tails forward I stabbed through six more dummies. Suddenly a log came from the ceiling. Without hesitation I threw my tails across my back hardening the fur to steel. The log bounced off harmlessly. Lastly I turned human again stopping the last log with my bare hands.

"Enough!" I threw up my hand to single to Logan to turn off the machine.

Finally a perfect run through. Of course not nearly as testing as what a real battle would be, but at least I knew I could control it.

The necklace Severus had given me worked wonders. Weather it was actually the necklace or just the idea that it belonged to someone like me long ago and helped them control their power. Honestly I couldn't tell you. All I could really tell you is that I'm grateful for whatever he went through to get it for me.

*****end flashback*****

"We are to meet the dark lord in the muggle world." Lucious Malfoy said with disgust.

I gave Nassica a small nod before we apparated again. The only indication I could give her that Draco was safe for now. A mother's love is a powerful thing. I had a deep feeling that it would be the fall of the dark lord for a second time. Hopefully for the last time.

Severus had arranged with Logan to retrieve my armor. The wyvern scales wrapped me familiar as an old lover. I would need every ounce of protection I could get.

"Here." I handed Severus a small package when we were alone again.

"What's this?" He took it gingerly from my hands.

"It's a shirt. Specially made from wyvern scales. Wear it until the battle is over?"

"Of course." He kissed me gently.

"I love you Severus."

"I love you Ira."

The door came flying open. Severus and I both stood ready to attack. The same man from Malfoy's mansion came sauntering into the room.

"One of these days Black, I'm going to kill you." Severus said cooly.

I swear I felt the room drop ten degrees. I stood blank faced. Not acknowledging anything this stranger said.

"Our lord wants a demonstration." He indicates for me to follow.

I stood still as if I were carved of marble. I listen to no one but Severus.

Black growled.

Severus smirked. "She obeys only me Black. Come along Miss Greyson."

"Of course Professor." I followed him out of the room.

A demonstration it was. Six wizards were set against me.

"Tell her to kill them all." He stroked his snake lazily.

"Kill them all." Severus barked from the sidelines.

"Yes Professor." I said blankly.

They didn't stand a chance really. Even the killing curse couldn't break through my shield. One fell my claws tearing out his throat leaving him nearly headless. I jumped back in time to dodge another curse. I hardened my fur as another came flying from the side. It bounced off harmlessly. Truth be told I was toying with them. Still not letting the dark lord see just how powerful I was.

I'm another mighty leap I landed on another ripping his heart from his chest. It was delicious. Blood dripping from my fangs I steadied my gaze on the remaining four. They shook barely keeping their wands in hand. My nostrils flared they stank of fear.

Without moving from my current victim I sent two tales underground. They came crashing through the earth ripping holes in the chests of two more death eaters.  The last two tried to run. A valiant effort really. I let them make it ten feet before I pounced. I landed on one crushing their skull, narrowly missing the other. Sadly though she had fallen. Standing over her I took in the fear in her eyes as I landed the final blow.

The dark lord clapped. "Excellent!"

"To me." Severus called across our mock battle field.

I loped over to him. Tails still other than a slight twitching of the ends that I hadn't quite mastered. The only sign of my agitation.

Severus reached out patting my snout. "Is she to your satisfaction my lord?"

"Above and Beyond." Voldemort clamped him on the shoulder almost affectionately. "You'll have a grand reward when this war is done."

"There is no need my lord. It is rewarding enough to serve you." He bowed deeply.

"That's true, but I am a generous lord. Am I not?"

"Very generous indeed my lord." He straightened.

"You get to keep her. I was going to kill her off after our victory, but she seems a fitting replacement for that filthy mud blood you loved so dearly."

Every muscle in Severus tensed. In my wolf form I could smell the rage that built up inside him. However he didn't lash out.

In his usual calm cold voice he said, "Thank you, my lord."