Purpose

~ Chapter 11: Dreams and Daggers ~

Sunday, 13^th August. Hogwarts. Severus Snape's office...

Professor Snape, Potions Master, Head of Slytherin House of Hogwarts, was muttering absently to himself. He was busying himself in the research on the Wolfsbane potion to prevent werewolves from harming anyone when they transformed.

"This must be it...Get out of my office, Peeves!"

"Aren't you feeling testy tonight?" The poltergeist laughed maniacally before disappearing through the wall.

The Potions Master returned his attention to his work. "Fools...they did not have an account on the detailed attributes of Wolf's Bane...as I had suspected." Snape read the papers carefully; so absorbed in trying to determine the fact that those who had taken the potion for years experienced resistance from their own body. One such person was a colleague: Remus Lupin. Snape was blind and deaf to the world, only seeing his papers and reached out for the reference book absently.

His marking on his arm burned suddenly and he stopped what he was doing, calmly taking deep breaths and began to ignore the painful tingle. He determinedly read out the reference book, and was not surprised when he found that Wolf's Bane had side effects if consumed.

"Fools!" Snape uttered a series of curses. There was a knock on his door, and Professor Dumbledore came in.

"Am I bothering you, Severus?"

"No, Headmaster. Do sit."

"You've been keeping yourself busy, I can see that," the Headmaster said, glancing at Snape's broad table that was covered in papers and reference books. "People from the Health Department contacted me earlier this evening. They need your help in listing down the possible ingredients that are causing trouble for werewolves, who had been using the potions for a few years," the Headmaster began mildly and was not surprised when Snape gave a disdainful snort.

"They are not fit to be Potions Masters...their objective at that time was to curb the damages done by a werewolf. They did not really care if consuming the potion will endanger the werewolf's health. Tell this to them; it is their main ingredient that is causing their consumers trouble," Snape snarled, waving a hand full of research papers.

"The Fire Master had begged a favor from me," Professor Dumbledore said thoughtfully. "She wants to know if this is an isolated case...so it is not?"

"It is not," Snape answered abruptly. "Those who had been consuming the potion for about four to five years will find themselves being totally 'werewolf' occasionally."

"Remus's looking far better these days," the Headmaster stood up and paused to look out the office's window, "why don't you go down and visit the Fire Master, Severus? Treat it like a mini-vacation."

"Why would I want to consort myself with tha--" Snape protested but stopped when the Headmaster raised his hand warningly.

"There is more to her than meets the eye, Severus. She was able to teach Harry to close his mind from influence in just a few hours."

"Impossible!"

"It may be...for us...but Harry is a strange boy. The Fire Master is even stranger. Well, Severus, there is something I'd like to clear up on a particular misconception that some people had been having."

Snape frowned at the Headmaster. "And what misconception would that be, Dumbledore?"

"I did not create an illusion of the Phoenix," Professor Dumbledore said. Snape looked at the Headmaster without disguising his incredulity. The Potions Master remained stunned when the Headmaster proceeded to leave the office. "Think about what I've said tonight." Professor Dumbledore quietly shut the door and left Snape to himself. The Potions Master took a deep breath and unrolled the sleeve of his robe to stare at the Mark. For a moment, he heard a voice and quickly blanked his mind.

Return...return...return...My Servant...return...

Sweat beaded his forehead as he leaned against the bookcase. He gave a strangled cry when his arm burned to an inferno.

Snape blacked out.

**********

Snape was awake, feeling a little disoriented and was surprised to find that he was lying on his own bed. Strangely, his left arm felt numb.

"He will be all right." Madam Pomfrey peered down at the Potions Master's eyes and nodded grimly.

"You should rest, Severus," the Headmaster said softly and the moment his fingers touched Snape's temples, he instantly went back to his sleep.

**********

Monday, 14^th August. In The Burrow...

Fenix was dreaming but maybe she was not. She was walking aimlessly in a forest, with numerous oak trees. Is this a dream? Why does it feel so familiar to me? Fenix wondered silently. Even in her sleep, she was aware of Remus's reassuring hand and her oathbrother's comforting warmth beside her.

A strange elf came up to her, and suddenly she was aware of the ground, littered with reddish leaves. This is getting weirder and weirder. The leaves up on the trees are still plentiful and green and the air still smells summer to me. The elf reappeared a few meters away from her and beckoned. She followed him, then found herself face to face with a woman. Weird, Fenix observed critically. Her nose is like that of the Blacks. The stranger snarled at her and Fenix blinked in surprise. She's a witch! She ducked quickly when a red bolt darted towards her. It missed.

Her vision switched. This time she knew where she was. Mineif was talking quietly to Aldren and smiling, he held out his arms. Fine, I'm not exactly dreaming. She ran towards the Elven Lord and laughed joyously.

: You're taking your own sweet time to see me, so I cut it short, : Mineif spoke gently in her mind. Aldren looked fondly at her and she hugged him as tightly as she held his father.

: I miss you. :

: I thought you would be too busy with the other one to spare me a thought? :

: Bullshit. :

: Young Ruis, : Mineif greeted her formerly by her Celtic name.

: Aodhfin, : she replied as formally. His lips quirked up in a gentle smile.

: We seek your aid. :

: Oh? :

: Keep calm... : Aldren said, his face betraying his anxiousness. Fenix stared calmly at them. She was aware that the other elves were edging in closer and she Felt tension radiating from each one.

: Giana, my youngest, is missing. :

Fenix had barely gotten Mineif's message when her Gift of Foresight swept her mind off again. Damnation!

She was inside a house. The place seemed dangerous. She crept towards the door stealthily. It suddenly disappeared and she was amazed to see the Potions Master and another man.

"Do not fight it, Severus. Give in to me. You will return to me."

"I will not..." Snape hissed in pain.

"You will give in...eventually...Lucius!"

Fenix watched the scene impassively and memorized the name she heard the strange man called out. The Potions Master seemed to be rebelling against something and he let out a broken cry. A peculiarly light-haired man entered the room cautiously.

"Do you want the woman, Master?" Lucius inquired.

"Yes..."

Master? Peculiar title. Fenix stared at the woman bounded in chains and who was also blindfolded. A flash of silver caught Fenix's eyes and searched the woman again for that brief flicker of light. Her eyes were transfixed on the woman's neck. By the Hands of Phoebus! That is Mineif's Firemark! The man by the name of Lucius removed the blindfold and the woman stared fixedly at where Fenix was standing, as if the woman could see her. Fenix felt her insides chilled as Aldren's pair of violet cat-like eyes looked directly into her.

"Choose, Severus...choose...or I will break this woman down...for you...choose!"

"You broke off your connection with Voldermort a long time ago! Snap out of it Bréanainn!" Evangiana screamed, writhing in her bounded chains. "You're a fool! You should have been with her and the rest! Why must you be so stubborn!" the Elven woman kept on screaming.

"Ceridwen..." Snape whispered. He was already kneeling on one knee.

"YOU WILL NOT GIVE IN!" the elf screamed in anguish.

Mineif carefully guided the Fire Master gently.

: Fenix? :

: Sorry about that. My gift decided to make a side trip. When did Giana go missing? :

: Two nights ago, while patrolling near the site where the Mnids congregate. :

: Damn. He must have someone watching then. Aldren, tell the Elves to be careful while they are scouting, and always go in groups. Stay out of sight. Tell them that this is a strict command from me. This is getting serious, and you and Derian had better not do anything stupid, : Fenix said firmly.

: What did you See? :

: What I Saw is of no matter. Meanwhile, you get some volunteers. I'll go with you on the rescue mission. :

: Is my daughter in dire trouble, Ruis? : Mineif asked in a controlled voice. Fenix did not answer but hugged both of the elves.

: I'll be here as soon as possible. Have to go. We don't have time to lose. :

Fenix woke up, shaking Remus gently.

"What's wrong?" he asked, yawning a little.

"I need to get in touch with the Headmaster," Fenix said urgently. Sirius sat up in bed quickly, earning a thoughtful look from her. "What did you see?" she asked her oathbrother calmly.

: I think I saw what you were seeing. :

: Curious. :

: What's going on? : Remus interrupted them both.

"Just do as she says, Moony."

"All right. Let's go down to the fireplace," Remus agreed, getting out of bed quickly.

: Snape knew Evangiana? : Sirius asked her in amazement. : He had a girlfriend? :

: Keep your Black nose out of it! : Fenix snapped at him with a touch of annoyance. : You keep that information to yourself, you hear? :

: Okay...don't get snappy! : Sirius replied.

: I'll be more than snappy if anything happens to them both! :

Uh oh...she's losing her temper again, Sirius thought silently. He knew Fenix much better now to know that not only was she worried about the missing elf and the ex-minion of the Dark Lord, she was also afraid for the Elven brothers. The wolves that were napping in the living room looked curiously at the sudden intrusion.

Remus was doing something in the fireplace and she heard a sudden puff.

"Remus?" Professor Dumbledore's face peered curiously.

"Fenix has something important to ask you."

"Albus, would you get the Potions Master to stay with us for the next few days, until school term starts?"

"I assume you have a reason? Severus isn't well enough to travel by himself."

"What happened?" Fenix asked sharply.

"Voldemort has been calling him."

"I know. That's why I want to keep an eye on him," Fenix said quickly.

"If it is so important to you, I will escort him to The Burrow myself."

"Do that."

The fire went out and the room went silent.

"Don't you think it's better if you had asked the Weasleys first?" Remus asked nervously.

"Inform them for me. Sirius, you two," Fenix looked at the wolves, "stay here and guard The Burrow. I'm going to the Grove."

"Fenix?" Mr. Granger trooped down the stairs hurriedly.

"Is there some kind of trouble?" his wife asked worriedly.

"Giana's gotten herself into bad hands. I have to go and rescue her before she is ported off to the Dark Lord. Sirius, stay here." Fenix stressed each word clearly. : I have more than enough people to worry about. Stay out of trouble, : Fenix said to Sirius. : You keep a watch on him, : she said to Remus.

: But who is going to watch him? : Silver inquired mildly.

: I'm counting on you werewolf, : Fenix said before she vanished.

"I don't think Harry's going to like this," Mr. Granger began.

"I don't think any of us have a choice but to comply," Sirius said tiredly, rubbing his forehead.

"What's going on?" Harry's voice emerged from the staircase.

**********

Fenix Gated herself to the Grove.

: That was quick. : Derian got up from his seat to give her a hug.

: Who's taking care of Giselle? :

: Every elf that is sitting all around me. :

Fenix smothered a giggle when she saw her elder sister dressed up in a typical Elven gown.

: Good thinking, : Fenix complimented Derian. : What's the plan? :

Aldren approached Fenix with a couple of Elven warriors in tow. Cadriel gave the Hunter a wink before he spoke up. : The Elementals have given a general area where Giana was bound captive by three wizards, all bearing the mark of the Dark Lord. :

: And where's that? : Fenix asked.

Cathal, a slim Elven warrior, a computer wizard at other times, produced a map and laid it against the flat stone the Elves use for a table.

: They're here somewhere on the mountain range, : he waved his had at the map, : and that was sixteen minutes ago. They are not using brooms to fly but the Sylphs confirmed that they are bound to the one of the little islands southwest, so either they have a boat ready or they are taking the cover of night and fly. :

: I see. Is this area protected by other Elven lords? : Fenix questioned the elves.

: Yes, : Mineif answered, : but I have already asked for permission from the Elves of Rhuaine to sweep the area. :

: Someone chain him to a Mnid. : Fenix narrowed her eyes. : You are not about to risk your life in a simple skirmish, : she said firmly. Mineif looked darkly at the Hunter.

: It's for your people, Father. I don't have that much experience to succeed you, should anything happen, : Aldren agreed.

: So...how are we going to do this? : Fenix started looking around at the band of Elven warriors. : Do you want an open confrontation or do you want a hit-and-run version? : the Fire Master asked around.

: We wish to keep our identity secret. This is for the good of the wizarding world as well as the other world. We would obviously choose the latter, : Cadriel replied. Fenix gave the elves a devilish grin.

: Suits my nature. : She smirked. One by one, the warriors blurred, and all were identically dressed in black, their faces naturally changing to mimic a tree bark.

: Shall we go then? : Fenix created a Gate for them, and in twos, they crossed over to the deep forest in the mountains.

**********

The rescuers moved easily in the darkness of the dense forest, flitting silently amidst the trees. Fenix gave them frequent instructions to the warriors, coming closer and closer to their abducted kin.

: Lady, Evangiana's hurt, : Krill said gravely in her mind.

: What kind of injury? :

: It's the chains. The wizards have tied her so tightly that several of her ribs are cracked. She has a concussion and a broken wrist. :

Phoebus, help and guide us...watch over the little Elf...

: Hunter, : Cadriel who was scouting ahead of them called out silently and gave them the signal to remain still. Like the rest, Fenix pressed herself close to the tree trunk, and listened carefully. The crickets chirped and the bats clicked all around. Somewhere ahead of them, Fenix could hear the distant murmurs of three male voices.

"Are you absolutely sure that the weather won't turn against us?" one voice asked worriedly.

"The weather is clear and calm. What? Do you think someone had the ability to control weather?" another voice sneered, sounding very skeptical.

"How would you know? The Dementors did got killed by some unseen killers wer--" the third voice did not finish his sentence as one of them yelled 'Silencio!'

"Learn when to shut up won't you!" the voice belonging to the first who spoke up hissed.

: Krill, is that the group? :

: Yes, lady. They're resting for now. But they wish to hurry before dawn arrives. :

: Very well. Where is Giana situated? :

: She is left at the rear, none guarding her close. All three wizards are ahead...about six meters away from her. Giana's background is filled with oak trees, so sent at least two nimble walkers, : Krill answered readily.

: No sentries? : Fenix questioned. The Salamander gave a negative.

: All right people. Aldren, Derian, you two have worked together to retrieve things fast before. Circle round and get her out of the wizards' sight. To play safe, my Salamanders would surround Giana in flames to protect you from any spells that had been set on Giana's chains. :

: Just like old times, : Aldren whispered to the computer whiz.

: She is even slyer than her mentor ever was, : Cathal concurred.

: Let's get moving then. : Aldren nodded at his younger brother and they crept out, treading silently on the ground.

: All right. Aldren, I'm sending Rendierr, Aderyn, Aelwen, and Cyfel to cover your retreat. Now, we have to eliminate these wizards. As they are working for the Dark Lord, we can't afford to let them sent information back to him. We'll go in for the kill straightaway, clean and easy, : Cadriel instructed and the appointed elves went for their task. Five of them were left.

: Illuwen and I will remain here, : Zeriel volunteered.

: All right, : Cadriel nodded. : Fenix, take west, Jaheera, take north and I'll take east. :

: Confirm when you are in position. : A wave of assent and they parted. Her light sword materialized in her hand and she moved in for the Hunt in silence. Striding silently, holding her blade behind her, she crept into place and held her sword carefully away from the firelight that the wizards have lighted.

: I'm ready. : Fenix sent her thought to the Elves. One by one, the warriors confirmed their positions.

For morality's sake, Fenix had sent her Sylphs in search of a wolf pack. Right on cue, the wolves gave ear-shattering howls repeatedly. The three wizards jumped up with their wands in hand, and looked about their surroundings with wariness. They could see nothing but the dim shape of the trees. The howls became louder and louder with each passing moment.

"Let's get out of here!" the voice belonging to the second man spoke up in panic.

"Stay where you are, Hudson! The fire will keep them away. More than that, we're wizards and we have weapons!" the man with the first voice grated out. The other two wizards looked unconvinced.

: Let's go. They are warned and they're not helpless. They have the ability to defend themselves, : Fenix cautioned.

: Ah...that's why you got the wolves... :

The wizards were totally caught by surprise when three people suddenly emerged from the dense forest from three directions, brandishing their swords.

"Medieval, aren't they, Dolohov?"

"Quite right, Lestrange. They don't really think that their swords can help them..." The man named Dolohov smirked nastily. Cadriel and Jaheera echoed Fenix's merciless smile.

"Three on three..." Lestrange breathed. The wizards seemed to have forgotten about their captive, and were not even aware when Evangiana was engulfed in a ball of flame and the two elves quickly took her off and fled. "I'll take this woman."

The three wizards moved forward to their respective opponents. Fenix stood her ground and waited calmly as the man Lestrange approached her.

"Confident, aren't you?" Lestrange said softly. "This is my favorite...Crucio!" his face had begun to curl into a maniacal grin but it quickly turned into a snarl when she simply held her sword up and the blade simply absorbed the spell.

: Eliminate them before they have a chance to call their master for help, : Fenix said coldly.

"Crucio!" Lestrange repeated but the spell did not hit her as she rolled on the ground, coming up quickly and beheaded him with her blade with a single stroke. The wizard named Hudson was next to fall; Dolohov was still amusing himself with Cadriel.

The tables turned when the Elven Mage uttered a single, insulting word. "Amateurish." And with a single thought, he engulfed the wizard with intense white flames. Seconds was all it took to reduce the wizard to a pile of ashes. Fenix pulled the two still intact wands and burned them with her Fire.

: Let's go. :

**********

"Noooo!" Voldemort screamed in denial as he felt the deaths of three of his own Death Eaters.

**********

Aldren sighed with relief when Evangiana was freed of the spells and the chains binding her.

: I think it's prudent that we leave before the Dark Lord comes to investigate. The Sylphs said he's flying right now, : Fenix said, her eyes narrowing in thought.

: Build the Gate, Hunter. :

Fenix did as Cadriel requested and nodded to Aldren who was carrying the wounded elf carefully in his arms to proceed. She hung back for a time, carefully wiping out residuals of their presence from the confrontation site. She closed the Gate as she crossed back to the Grove.

**********

: You ought to be fine in a few weeks time, : Fenix reassured the young elf.

: Few weeks? : Evangiana complained.

: You knew Severus Snape? : Fenix asked carefully. Evangiana gave a start of surprise that she quickly hid. Fenix lifted an eyebrow.

: Okay...okay! I Healed him when he escaped from the Dark Lord's rule. Sheltered him for a while here in the Grove, : Evangiana said grudgingly, then continued at Fenix's stern face. : Long enough for me to feel something for him, : she admitted, blushing slightly.

: His middle name is Bréanainn? : Fenix asked slightly. Aldren's sister paled. : And Ceridwen? : The Elven woman flushed with embarrassment.

: Don't tell anyone, please? :

Fenix laughed heartily.

**********

Fenix Teleported herself into the living room of The Burrow. Like Sirius, Harry and Remus had been waiting anxiously for her to return and heaved a huge sigh of relief when she reappeared intact and well.

: I can't really forbid you against any more skirmishes can I? : Sirius said, holding his oathsister tightly.

: Probably not, : she agreed. "So any news from the Headmaster? Do your parents mind, Ron?"

"It's settled," Ron said in disgust. "He's taking over Professor Lupin's. Is it really necessary for him to be with us?"

"You can't comprehend how necessary it is, Ron," Fenix said rather firmly.

"What happened? Is your friend all right?" Remus asked curiously.

"Eliminated the wizards, the elf's in safe hands," Fenix answered rather hastily. "I'm sorry, Remus, but I feel so damn tired. I'm going to bathe and then I think I'll catch a nap."

Fenix was halfway climbing up the stairs when she remembered to ask. "When is he arriving?" she yelled.

"Friday!" Ron yelled back.

That's good...probably by that time I could control myself not to smile...I'm really looking forward to my sleep. But first... She paused in the corridor and strengthened the protections in The Burrow. Now...to my bath!