Song Of The Guardians

A Christmas To Remember

The winter holidays brought some much needed rest for the Hogwarts professors. Most of the students went home to be with families and the rest of the Guardians were able to be at Hogwarts almost constantly. Even David seemed to bond well with the others, finding a sort of surrogate family in the Guardians.

When Severus, Hermione and Harry returned to the castle after escorting the students to the train, the other Guardians were waiting for them in the Great Hall. "So what's the plan?" Andy asked immediately, looking at them expectantly.

"Severus and I need to work on the potion," Hermione said with a sigh. "Teaching hasn't allowed us much time to work on it."

"I'd like to volunteer to be a test subject," David told her.

"That's dangerous David," Hermione said sharply.

"Perhaps," he conceded with a shrug, "but you two are brilliant. We can take precautions." He grinned. "It's not like I'm being selfless here. I'd love to not be a vampire anymore."

Hermione considered him for a moment and then turned to Severus. Severus looked unconcerned. "I think we can keep him quite safe," Severus said. "It would be rather difficult to know if the potion is complete without being able to test the final result. If we poison him, we can reverse it."

"What about the rest of us?" Ginny asked. "I don't think we can all fit in the lab."

"We can work on our song," Andy suggested.

"Which one?" Ginny asked.

"Our song," Andy responded with an enigmatic smile. "It wasn't feasible when I was a lone Guardian, but now that there's twelve..." His voice trailed off at the sight of all the puzzled expressions. "It's tradition for the Guardians to have a song. It's something we create ourselves. It's so powerful because it's from each of us. It emphasizes our strengths and represents what we stand for. Each group of Guardians is unique, as is their song."

"So we'll start working on that, while they're working on the potion," Ginny said, starting to sound excited. She whirled around to face the others. "Who knows how to write a song?"

The next few days seemed to fly by. Everyone stayed busy until Andy finally forced everyone to take a break for his annual Christmas party. Nearly everyone from the Order came to the castle for the festivities. The various teams came in shifts, trading off to continue patrolling for vampire activity. The students that remained at the castle for the holidays were thrilled to have the opportunity to be at the party. The amazing food, music and dancing made for quite a night.

When the students were sent to bed, the Order left as well. They would all be together again the next morning for Christmas. The Sirens and Guardians remained in the Great Hall, pleased with the success of Andy's party.

"I am amazing," Andy said, sitting down and stretching his legs out in front of him. "My parties just get better and better." He grinned when Severus rolled his eyes.

"So humble," Jenna said laughing. "I'm surprised you cut it short. It's only ten o'clock."

Andy glanced at Severus and then back at Jenna. "We're getting an early start tomorrow," he said dismissively. "Besides, we've all been so busy that I thought a little private celebration for the Sirens and Guardians was in order." A tray holding fifteen champagne glasses appeared on the table and everyone moved closer to take one. Andy made a toast to family and new beginnings, his eyes dancing with amusement.

"Andy knows something we don't know," David whispered to Caroline.

"I can see that," Caroline muttered. She glanced at Severus curiously, but he was either unaware of what had Andy so wound up, or he had one hell of a poker face. "Or maybe Andy's just an idiot," she suggested quietly with a shrug.