Purpose

It was after lunch and the two females decided to take a break. "Cool it, Ginny. Don’t get yourself worked up."

"Why is it that Harry can shield his mind so quickly and I can’t?" Ginny fretted.

"I have no idea actually. Maybe…you should try to learn Occlumency, since you’re having trouble doing it my way," Fenix said thoughtfully.

"No way…"

"Yes way, Ginny-lass…" Fenix said wickedly, exercising her numb fingers.

"Does it have to be him?" the sole sister of the Weasley asked in a small voice.

"Fenix?" Harry popped his head into Fenix’s bedroom, and prevented her from answering Ginny’s question.

"What’s up?"

"Sn--Professor Snape’s in quite a dilemma right now," he informed her. Fenix gave him a curious look but the boy just shrugged and they followed Fenix into the sitting room where Snape was frowning to himself.

: Bro, what’s wrong with him? : Fenix looked down at her oathbrother who was practicing Reversi with Ron.

: You should ask him yourself, : Sirius said in good humor.

"Afternoon, Severus." Fenix said abruptly. "I’m not going to beat around the bush so I’ll be blunt. What’s up?"

Snape narrowed his eyes at Harry, and the boy stared at him right back, unafraid. Snape remained quiet for approximately five minutes before giving up, and gave a long sigh. He looked directly at Fenix who watching the man patiently, with her arms crossed.

"I have to get to King’s Cross tomorrow," Snape began, trying to force the words out of his mouth.

"Yes, I know that." Fenix nodded and waited for him to continue.

"We can’t afford to be spotted by Muggles…"

Fenix tilted her head as she contemplated his words and it finally hit her. "You don’t have the appropriate garments?" The Potions Master gave a tight nod. Fenix eyed Snape carefully, trying to picture him in normal human clothes and nearly laughed aloud when she pictured him wearing very casual stuff. "Oh dear…we are in a predicament…" Fenix said lamely. Snape began to frown again. Fenix took a chair, sat near Remus, and fiddled with her hair as she began to think. Something formal…and something black…and long-sleeved too. Will dark blue work? Nope…impossible. He looks wrong in colors except black. "Severus, let me have a look at your shoes," she spoke up suddenly.

The Potions Master looked up at her and uncertainly stretched his feet out. Fenix critically examined his boots. His shoes look normal to my eye…so I can ignore his footwear.

: We’re not allowed to go out, am I right? : Fenix asked Remus, who was entertaining Crookshanks with his fingers.

: Yes…it’s too bad that none of us are his size. Any ideas…lover? : Remus said in a very sly mindvoice.

: Yeah, I do, but I had better warn Tonks on the elf that I plan to invite. :

: Lion? : Fenix called out softly. She felt the fumbling of a sleepy elf trying to get his thought across.

: Who is that? :

: It’s me, Fenix. :

: Long time no hear, babe. : Fenix felt the elf’s grin in her mind. : How are you? : Lion asked. His mindvoice sounded more alert this time.

: Well enough. Listen, I need your help in getting someone some clothes… : Fenix said slowly.

: For whom? Your lover? :

: How fast does news travel to you guys? : Fenix suddenly asked out of annoyance.

: Fast enough. We do have our own spy network you know, : Lion replied sardonically.

: Yeah, whatever. So you do know, where I am now right? :

: Yes. You want me to come over for the measurements? How fast do you need the clothes? :

: I’m afraid that it has to be on my hands in less than twenty-four hours, and yes, you should come down here and take a look at the guy. :

: That urgent? Well, expect me in about maybe twenty…thirty minutes time. Do tell the bouncer outside. She’s kind of cute. :

: I’m sorry to disappoint you but I think she’s already been taken. :

: How sad. Well, I’ll see you later. :

"Done!" Fenix exclaimed suddenly and looked bashfully at Snape when he glared at her. "Sorry," she said softly then went out of the room and beckoned to Ash.

"Your girlfriend’s on watch outside, right?"

The nonplussed Ash nodded his head and looked dubiously at Fenix.

"Would you ask her to permit a man, dressed in dark blue and has a pair of dark blue earrings attached, in here?"

"But that would jeopardize the security!" Ash protested vehemently.

"That’s what the shield outside is for. It would not let anyone cross over unless that someone is innocent. So if my friend is unable to cross the shield then don’t bother about it," Fenix assured the tall man.

"If you’re sure about it."

"I will be here with you when he enters. I could give him triple scans. How about it?" Fenix negotiated with the wizard.

"Sounds good."

It was about twenty minutes later when the magical bolts and locks opened and Tonks, who was looking at Fenix in a bewildered manner, came in. Lion stepped in quickly behind the woman and Fenix had to shake her head as she grinned with amusement. She spent a moment Looking at the elf and he cocked his head in inquiry.

: Spot check approved? :

: Just being cautious. :

"People wouldn’t believe that someone who look like you do is happy enough being a tailor," Fenix said lightly, and Lion shrugged indifferently.

"So, who is it that’s needing the clothes?" Lion asked as she led him up the stairs and proceeded to the sitting room.

"I’m not really sure. I can’t really say he’s a friend because I don’t know if he wants me to be his friend. To play safe, he’s an acquaintance," she replied shortly as they entered the room, her friends watching the elf curiously. "Everyone, this is Lion, and he’s a tailor. And there’s your client," Fenix looked pointedly at Snape.

"Well, let’s get on with it," Lion announced and went briskly to attend the Potions Master.

Lion tucked his notebook back in his pocket and looked at Fenix for further instructions.

"Collar, long sleeves, get a suitable belt for him too, and the garment must be black," the Fire Master instructed firmly, gave a sly look at the elf, and beckoned him out to the corridor. : Free service or do I have to pay? : Fenix asked the handsome elf, who suddenly began to blush. : Never mind that…here. : Fenix pressed several notes into his palm, which he clutched tightly.

: This is really embarrassing, : Lion informed her just how much the situation was disturbing him.

: Balderdash. : Fenix snorted. : When can it be ready? :

: Maybe mid-morning or noon, : Lion replied confidently.

: Okie… Call me when you’re coming. Moody will be on watch and I hate to think what will happen to you or him if he were to chase you. :

Thursday, 31^st August. The Headquarters…

Fenix was meditating quietly in the sitting room when Snape came in, immaculately dressed as always, a Daily Prophet tucked in his arm as he carried a fresh pot of hot chocolate. Hedwig glided silently over Snape’s head and landed carefully on Fenix’s shoulder.

"Morning," Snape greeted curtly, and she greeted him in a more cheerful tone. Wordlessly, Snape poured a cup for the Fire Master and settled down in his usual seating place. Fenix chuckled a little when Hedwig decided to preen her hair. Fenix kept on meditating, freeing her mind and used the opportunity to reenergize herself and trained silently within the depths of her mind. Hedwig launched herself from Fenix’s shoulders to perch on her favorite chair. Snape looked at the Fire Master uneasily and choked back on his words. Not now… I don’t think she’s able to hear me anyway.

Fenix was aware that someone was calling her and abruptly opened her eyes. It was Snape, and he looked very uneasy for some reason. "Were you calling me, Severus?"

Snape cleared his throat several times before he managed to whisper, "I never did properly thanked you for what happened to me that night," Snape flushed slightly, not looking at the Fire Master. I can’t believe that I’m doing this…

Fenix gave him a bright smile that made him look at the Fire Master in wonder. "It was my pleasure to do it…I’m honored actually."

Snape could not say anything so he turned his attention to the Daily Prophet. Fenix reached out for her mug of chocolate when she exclaimed and placed the mug back on the table. "Don’t tell me he was working all night!" she muttered and went off and bounded down the stairs. The elf was already waiting for her, Snape’s clothes ready on one arm.

"Tried to call but I think you were meditating or something. Anyways, I’m all right, Mad-Eye here didn’t gut me or anything," Lion said casually as he handed her Snape’s new clothes.

"You didn’t sleep?" Fenix asked, feeling a little guilty.

"Don’t be silly. You know our kind doesn’t need much sleep. See you around and take care. Bye, Mad-Eye!"

Fenix was looking at Moody, and he grinned sadistically at her. She cast her eyes upwards and trotted back up. She called out happily to Snape. "Your suit’s ready!"

Friday, 1^st September. Time to get to the station…

Fenix woke up automatically and sighed in contentment as she snuggled close to Remus. Don’t dawdle girl. Neither Remus nor Sirius will forgive you if you don’t wake them soon. She woke Remus up with a kiss and he roused immediately.

: Hmmm…resting days is over. Back to work now. : Remus gave her a sleepy smile and she turned towards Sirius.

: Bro, : Fenix touched her oathbrother’s palm lightly, : time to get up. :

: So soon? : Sirius complained, catching her hand and giving a squeeze that she returned.

: Better wake the kids up first and then you can go and bathe. They should be rousing when you finish bathing, : Remus advised as he put on his robe. : Padfoot, get up before you regret it. : The werewolf poked his best friend playfully at Sirius’s side.

Fenix did a couple of stretches to get rid of her drowsiness and silently crept into the bedroom next door to wake the girls up. Ginny was mumbling protests but Hermione quickly jerked up into a sitting position, surprising the hell out of Fenix. The Fire Master was not expecting the Granger’s quick reflexes; Hermione woke the moment she touched the girl’s shoulder lightly. Fenix was indecisive as to enter the boys’ room but her partner solved it for her, handing a towel to her and opened the door to wake the boys.

By the time Fenix had showered, the guys were helping to carry the girls’ trunks down. Sirius was carrying his and Fenix’s black trunks down to the hall when she finally stepped out of the bathroom. The Fire Master greeted the bleary-eyed Ginny who muttered something incomprehensible under her breath, as she headed to the bathroom for her turn to wash. Fenix went quickly into the bedroom to change. She stuffed her laundry into a bag before placing it into another black trunk, where they were to keep their last minute accessories. She quickly wore her underwear and changed into her Hunting gear. Remus came in behind her to steal a kiss and a hug and helped her to fasten her black cloak.

: You look wonderful, : he whispered gently in her mind, stealing another kiss.

: You too. The haircut was a wonder, : Fenix said impishly as she recalled on how Remus and Harry reacted when they found themselves suddenly floating about the room with a pair of scissors and a mirror hanging in mid-air. She laughed.

Sirius had washed up and Fenix helped him to don on his clothes, and prompted him to tuck his shirt neatly. The Salamanders were hovering about her hair as they dried and brushed it, so that she was unable to do anything but fold the clothes that Sirius had just discarded. They pulled her hair back to a straight ponytail and left it at that, giving her almost an icy expression.

"Why the severe style?" she asked at the air around her.

"So that you would scare any students who tries to make trouble during the journey," Krill’s deep voice answered.

"I think he’s referring to the Slytherins," Harry remarked as he paused outside the bedroom to examine Fenix. "I’m glad you did not decide to disappoint us. Can I repeat that you do look like Sirius?"

"Whatever," Fenix said, smiling a little, "hadn’t you better gel up your hair?"

"Can’t…Ron’s still in the bathroom and there’s no other mirror in the house," Harry informed her.

"We can style your hair for you," a young Salamander said excitedly. Harry shrugged and went to fetch a comb and the bottle of gel, which was already on the way by floating on the Salamander’s back. Fenix glanced at her wristwatch, showing that it was nine-forty exactly.

"Fenix?" Hermione called out. The girl was showing signs of vexation with her hair, and Fenix chuckled, drawing the girl into the bedroom and calmly brushed the girl’s hair and braided it for the young woman.

"Thank you. If not for the fact that I hate to have short hair, I would have cut it," Hermione sighed, then began to systematically stuff all her unwanted hair accessories back into a small trunk. Sirius and Remus were already downstairs with the wolves, which had cast illusions upon themselves to look like very adorable dogs.

Remus ushered Fenix into the kitchen when she came down and placed a toast in her right hand and a mug of chocolate on the other. He dashed out of the kitchen to help Sirius wrap their brooms, and Fenix nearly choked on her chocolate when Snape came in, looking nothing like the Potions Master every one knew before.

"Do I look that terrible?" Snape asked curtly as he drank a bit of chocolate. Fenix felt it was wise not to say anything. As if I could find my tongue to speak out right now…

Ginny bustled in to the kitchen, shouldering the Potions Master aside. Probably mistaken him for Sirius, Fenix thought with humor. The girl suddenly stopped in the action of eating a toast and whirled around suddenly, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Professor Snape?" Ginny and Harry called out in disbelief. Snape growled at them and gave Fenix an accusatory glare. "Dear Merlin," Hermione breathed when she paused beside Harry. "I think I’m going to faint."

"Nice," Aelwyn complimented, although no one could really see her, except for Fenix and Hermione, so they could not be sure just what exactly the Sylph was complimenting. The Sylph hovered near Fenix for a moment, smiling brightly at Snape before vanishing.

"I agree…" Fenix replied absently and finished her toast and poured herself a cup of plain water.

"Can’t any of you people tell me how I really look?"

"You really want to know the truth, Severus?" Fenix asked slowly, she stood on tiptoes to whisper to the Potions Master. "I’m not lying but you look very attractive. That’s me of course, but I bet when people glance at you for the first time, they’ll see a very stern but at the same time, a striking man."

Sirius stopped the threshold of the kitchen and looked archly at the Potions Master while Remus whistled his astonishment.

: Fenix, I hope you are not considering to throw me and snatch that fellow instead, : Remus said plaintively.

: Silly man. I’m yours and you know it. : Fenix gave him a wink. : But he does look good, right? :

"All right kids, it’s time to move!" Mr. Weasley called out. "Moody’s keeping an eye outside!"

The males helped carry the trunks out and soon, they were all under the benevolent warmth of the sun. Fenix breathed in the autumn scent gratefully then began to scan the crowd instinctively.

: You can’t believe how relieved I am to be under a sky, : Fenix said fervently.

: Seems like I’m not the only one who was feeling a little imprisoned back there, : Harry agreed silently, and paused over the steps to tilt his face up to the sky.

Moody came up to Sirius and whispered, "Make a move. Coast’s clear." The ex-Auror went ahead of them and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley followed directly behind him. Just like on the night they were flying to the rendezvous point, the kids were shielded by the adults, and by some of their own family members. Sirius and Fenix walked casually and slowly as they scanned the surroundings and Fenix carefully tagged a Death Eater who was coming around on a bend.

: Moody, Death Eater to your left, approximately seventy-six meters from us. He’s watching us pretty carefully, : Fenix informed the scout, and scanned the crowd again. Edginess began spreading to the group and Fenix Felt their tension. She prayed they would reach the station without any kinds of unnecessary incidents.

: Lady, there’s a group of Death Eaters waiting for you and they looked like they really mean business, : Krill filled her in and after a silent consultation with Moody, Fenix broadcast that they were to take a little side trip, which was actually a short-cut to the station. Somewhere in the distant, Fenix felt the group of Death Eaters burst in irritation and annoyance and began rushing for the station.

: Let’s hurry. Moody, inform the guards. : Fenix hung back to watch the entire area.

: I’m on it, : Moody’s mindvoice grated. : All right. They’ve been warned, so let’s go in. : They wove their way about the crowd where Fearn and Blade were taking care of the students’ trunks while Mr. Weasley and the twins helped to take over Fenix’s and the suitcases of the others.

: There…that’s the wall that we have to walk into. But we have to be casual about it, : Sirius warned as he eyed the wall and Fenix scanned the crowd. The group huddled and waited for a momentary lull in the crowd to take place naturally. The moment Fenix said ‘go’, Bill, with Ron and Hermione stood at the wall, then slowly leaned in and they disappeared.

: Remus, Harry, and Ginny… you’re next. Quick! No one’s coming! : Fenix said urgently and the three, with their trolleys, dived straight for the wall. Fearn and Blade was the next pair to move, followed by the twins and their parents.

"Moody?" Sirius asked but the Auror shook his head.

"I have to keep an eye here."

"Moody, if you don’t mind, two of my Elementals will be staying with you. They’re the ones appointed to protect the Weasley family in The Burrow," Fenix said softly, and the ex-Auror gave a nod.

"Severus," Moody grumbled. Snape gave a casual kick to his trolley and went straight into the wall. "And the four of you," Moody’s magical eye stared at the two ‘dogs’ for a moment, "watch each others’ backs."

"Be well and safe," Fenix whispered and the wolves went in first before Sirius took her arm and guided her to the wall. They came out to another train station where the Hogwarts Express was waiting for passengers to board. Mrs. Weasley gave her children several tight hugs and complained that they should never be so early that there would be time for farewells.

: I get her meaning, : Fenix said to Sirius as she watched the woman with sympathy and smiled when she included Harry in the tearful hugs. The Fire Master watched Snape with amusement as he got out his wizard’s cloak and put it on. The Potions Master was back. Mrs. Weasley was now giving Harry and his friends warnings and advice and was about to set off with another round of hugs. She heard several disdainful snorts and sniggers along with mutterings of Mudbloods and half-blooded wizards from somewhere in the crowd.

Mrs. Weasley stiffened at the subtle insults and as one, they turned their heads towards where the taunts came from. Several gasps were heard and Fenix saw three pairs of witches’ eyes looking at Sirius and her in astonishment, which slowly turned into fear. Fenix remembered the women from her trip to Diagon Alley. Mrs. Malfoy faltered when Fenix gave her a very direct stare in recognition. Mrs. Malfoy was flabbergasted. Her eyes darted from Fenix, and then to her infamous cousin. Fortunately for the witch, another wave of people emerged into the station, and Mrs. Malfoy lost herself in the crowd.

: I wonder… have you seen their sons? : Fenix asked Harry and Remus.

: Nope, : Harry replied, : but they could already be in the train. :

"You had better get yourselves seats," Mr. Weasley said to the large company, but kept his eye on the crowd. They gravely shook hands and Remus helped Fenix up to the carriage. The Fire Master stood for a moment on the steps to look at Mrs. Weasley and gave her a salute. She was answered with a tremulous smile.

It was eleven in the morning and the train was leaving the platform.