Song Of The Guardians

Performance And Reproduction

As Harry had expected, the members of the Order were less than pleased by the prospect of adding their names to a parchment that had been enchanted by Hermione. The members that had been in Dumbledore's Army remembered the consequences of betrayal back in their school days. Surely the punishment would be considerably more severe if they were to judge by Harry's grim expression. The remaining members of the original Order of the Phoenix were a bit alarmed by the hesitance and apprehension clearly visible on the faces of the DA members.

"What's this about?" Molly asked, peering suspiciously at her children, Harry and Hermione.

"You have to trust me," Harry insisted, giving her a pleading look. "Everything will be fine. This is just for security. We'll explain and then have everyone sign." He looked around everyone, trying to not allow his anxiety show. "Any one who does not wish may leave now. You are also welcome to stay and listen to what we have to say. You will then have the option to sign the parchment or be obliviated."

Kingsley looked unsettled by this statement. He opened his mouth to protest but remained silent when Minerva gave him a stern look. He may have been the minister of magic, but he knew better than to cross Minerva. She was obviously in full support of whatever Harry and his friends were involved in, so Kingsley chose to not to comment.

"Does this mean Hermione's not a vampire?" Lavendar asked suddenly, staring curiously at the young woman in question.

"She's not a vampire," Harry said, smiling when Hermione rolled her eyes. "But she did get bitten," he added, smirking at the gasps of horror.

Molly rushed to Hermione side, her hands fluttering around in her vain efforts to determine where to offer a comforting pat. "Poor dear," she muttered, clucking her tongue as she settled for yanking Hermione in for a crushing hug. "Are you alright? How did you avoid being turned?"

"Mum you're killing her," Ginny muttered, prying Molly off of Hermione. She winked playfully at Severus, who was sneering in distaste at the emotional display. He met her eye and smirked in return.

"I'm fine," Hermione assured everyone, giving Molly's hand an affectionate squeeze.

"How she was cured is part of the big secret," Harry said carefully. He looked around at the people gathered and sighed in resignation. "The Freemans are not regular witches. They are Sirens."

Many people chuckled in amusement and disbelief. The rest of the Weasley family seemed to accept Harry's statement instantly despite their obvious shock. "How is that possible?" Percy murmured, his eyes wide in astonishment.

Sam took that moment to step forward and tell their story. Once she had finished, she gestured to the group standing behind her. "These are the Guardians," she said, her voice full of pride. "They are like family to us. They protect us and we protect them. They have been trained by the Sirens to use some of the abilities that we have."

"That's how Hermione was healed," Caroline added with a grin. "Severus created a potion to keep her from being turned and clear the poison from her body. She would have died anyway from the damage the poison did to her body, if the Guardians hadn't stepped in and healed her."

"Why didn't the Sirens heal her?" Dean asked skeptically. "That would make more sense if they have the greater abilities. Why leave it to amateurs?"

The Guardians exchanged looks of embarrassment. They hadn't anticipated such a question. Luckily, Draco was quick thinking. "We're hardly amateurs," he scoffed.

"How about a demonstration?" Andy suggested with a grin.

"What do you suggest?" Harry asked, crossing his arms. But before anyone could respond, a house-elf appeared with a loud pop. It was clutching a howling baby and looking a little panicked. Harry chuckled and took the baby with a kind smile. "Thank you Winky. We'll get James calm so you can feed him."