Walking Through Treacle

Chapter 8

Fawkes perches in the Headmaster's office, listening to the plan. The girl is there again, Severus' nestling, as is Harry, Severus himself, and the dog and cat. The pets opt to remain pets for the time being - neither is to be trusted in human form, it seems, although animal form would appear to be scarcely better.

Severus seems frail today, a side effect from his latest potions brewing. Fawkes wills himself to cry, and the drops fall down his spine, barely noticed, save for an unbending and a sigh.

Albus smiles at him, and lets in Zeus, who is spruce once more, and bearing a letter. Hedwig is beside him, bearing a letter for Harry, and another for the dog, who is handed his by the boy. Harry describes his last vision, which Zeus confirms to Fawkes, and thus to the assembled company. Severus stands close by his nestling as she shakes, first in fear, and then in anger. He dares not touch her, but lets her stand near him, willing someone else to know what to do as well as he, but not wishing to comfort her in the presence of strangers.

She could have been his child, and the rage that emanates from him could be no greater than that which he shows now at the proposed violation of any one of his students. The Dog moves far away, as does the cat, both knowing the likelihood of their being a target for misplaced rage. Zeus sits by Fawkes, a warm companion in a chilly room. Lady Hedwig takes the other side, and with an unladylike shove, Zeus is dominoed off the perch, to the amusement of those present. Albus mutters under his breath, and the perch is extended, allowing the three to sit comfortably. Harry commands Lady Hedwig's presence, and she flies to his shoulder. He says something that only Albus catches, and sends her back, head stiff, and ever so slightly ruffled, to sit beside Fawkes once again.

She sits apart from the lovers, apparently unaffected by them, and focuses on the headmaster. Albus, now having the attention of the company, explains what may happen. Severus' head is bowed, taking it in without apparent emotion. That Zeus can have his memories stripped of him is a problem, casting 'obliviate' on an owl is not really an option. Fawkes would be somewhat upset by the measures that the Malfoys might take to reclaim the information. In agreement, Fawkes grooms the feathers of Zeus, who reciprocates gently. If Hedwig were human, she would be folding her arms and whistling. As it is, she merely taps her foot in a manner not dissimilar to the Dog's, as if somewhat impatient. Severus has said nothing, his face white and drawn. The pets finally are allowed to transform, Sirius standing next to Harry, Minerva moving towards Albus, and it is Black who asks the question the others are thinking.

"Professor Dumbledore. Exactly what are you proposing we do?"

Albus merely grimaces.