Purpose

~ Chapter 25: Be On Your Guard ~

Thursday, 14^th September. Early afternoon...

Days passed without any incidents and that made the Fire Master more edgy than ever. She was marking the sixth-years mini-quiz papers in silence. She finally looked up from Malfoy's paper when a thought crossed her mind. This is really funny. I've never worked without at least listening to some kind of music. Well...let's think about some songs then. 'Nobody's Listening' by Linkin Park was playing in her mind and she smiled to herself, singing the song's chorus quietly. This theme actually suits the part of Harry trying to warn the wizard community.

Fenix smiled to herself and carried on marking Malfoy's paper, her feet tapping to the rhythm to the music in her head. No matter how notorious Malfoy was in his social etiquette, Fenix was glad that he took his schoolwork seriously. At least he is paying attention to us during classes... She happily wrote an eighty-five percent at the top right-hand corner of his paper and Goyle's paper came next. She winced when she had finished marking the first page of the quiz. I wonder if peer tutoring might help this guy... She let out a resigned sigh and counted the number of right answers that Goyle had managed to get. Grimacing, she wrote thirty percent on his paper.

Her marking session carried on for about an hour and she took a break, massaging her cramped fingers. Never knew it could be this tiring... The last time I had finger cramps this bad was during the time I took Literature during O' Levels. Even completing Proteomics exam paper was not as tiring. She began sorting out the papers of the sixth-years from the fifth-years, tying each batch with a piece of yellow ribbon. Someone knocked on her office door and Sirius came in with a tray of snacks for her.

: Hello sister. What have you been doing? : Sirius closed the door with a kick of his heel.

: Marking some test papers, : she replied happily and smiled cheerfully. Her oathbrother raised an eyebrow as he placed the tray down on her desk and dragged a spare chair over and flopped down unceremoniously.

: You guys are quick. :

: Remus insisted on giving the seniors the test. Your patrol was quiet, wasn't it? : she remarked as she popped a tiny custard puff in her mouth. Winky appeared with a hot pot of tea and vanished as suddenly as she had appeared. Sirius poured both their cups and leaned back on his chair, blowing his tea slowly. There was no doubt in his expression that her oathbrother was worried.

: Dumbledore's intelligence wasn't able to get much information on Voldemort's plans. And things have just been too quiet lately, I wonder if it's just an illusion. :

: I agree, bro. The elves had plotted a chart of the minions' whereabouts and monitored their activities. Cathal mentioned that they're still building up on their resources and isn't likely to move for sometime. :

: What resources? : Sirius sat up straighter.

: They're pulling Muggles together. I just received this news yesterday and have already informed the Headmaster, : Fenix replied solemnly, as she toyed with a lock of her hair.

: God help us if he's getting Muggle weaponry. : Her oathbrother stared at her, his shock coming in waves on their bond. Fenix nodded her head in agreement.

: There are no evidence whatsoever that they're getting firearms. If that happens, the Mages will have no choice but to interfere. So far, Voldemort's people are just snatching homeless people to be used for sacrificial purposes. : Fenix felt sick just thinking about the possibility of students being hit by the Muggle weapons.

: Why is he doing that? : her oathbrother asked, frowning. : And what do you mean by sacrificial purposes? :

: A form of black magic, oathsib. He's killing them for their life energy to make him more powerful. In other words, he is harvesting power. :

: Dear Lord! : Sirius exclaimed, too shocked to even curse. The office became silent as the two adults brooded. Fenix turned her thoughts inward, assessing her feelings and sense of intuition. A dark mood was lingering in her and she tried to bring it to the fore to try to examine it. Meditate...I think I have to do that before I meet Sev for an early dinner... There was another knock on the door, and the wolves followed by Remus came into the room.

Fenix looked archly at the wolves that panted and lapped at their bowl of cool water gratefully. "What on earth have you guys been doing?" And she almost laughed at her bondmates haggard state. The wolves ignored her as they gulped the water thirstily and Fenix looked at Remus for an explanation.

"Believe it or not. These guys decided to engage themselves to chase Hermione all about the Grounds," Remus said, conjuring up a cup and helping himself to the pot of tea.

"What in heaven for?" she looked incredulously at the wolves as she spoke.

"They want to toughen her up... or so they say," Remus said slyly, ignoring Silver's growl.

***********

Fenix knocked on Snape's door and he admitted her in for the appointed dinner. Fenix sat down gingerly and eyed the Potions Master appreciatively. The moment Snape took a seat; dishes appeared on the desk. They ate their dinner in silence and she suddenly smiled as she took a bite of her desert.

: You should try to dress like this more often, : Fenix complimented him. Snape was dressed simply in black trousers and a black shirt with tight wristbands. After their previous encounter, he had found the way she had dressed much more convenient. She had been able to move much more stealthily and was able to make a much easier retreat than he did. However, dressing in normal clothing meant that they would suffer from the bitter chill of autumn. : You look much more approachable, : she happily commented.

: Are you making fun of me? : Snape said in an unfriendly tone.

Fenix gave him a baffled look. : Why would I? :

They finished their dinner in a short time and Fenix excused herself to wash. She met Snape at the corridor about ten minutes later. It was six-twenty in the evening and she walked slowly towards the Potions Master. The wolves had attached themselves to Sirius and Remus for tonight as well as keeping an eye on the students for as long as she went on her patrol.

: I bet that the girls would look dreamily at you when they see you, : she said impudently and he snorted, not believing her prediction. Fenix smiled inwardly at his own stubbornness. They walked unhurriedly down to the Entrance Hall and Snape managed to hide his surprise when a group of Hufflepuff girls stared at him, unable to believe the rare sight. Fenix slowed and was careful not to grin openly, but she did give the girls a broad wink. They giggled girlishly and Snape turned to give the lagging Fire Master a suspicious look. She just gave him a daring look and turned her attention to her surroundings as they made their way towards the entrance of the castle.

**********

The Slytherin Common Room...

Draco Malfoy was tiredly listening to his girlfriend prattle about the Miss Superhuman, Miss Know-it-all, and Mr. Telling-the-truth. He was not exactly feeling well but felt that it was stupid to go to Madam Pomfrey since he did not know what was wrong with him. She's been repeating those sentences for the past five days, Malfoy thought disgustedly.

"Hey, Pansy," Montague stepped in, feeling a little nervous when Malfoy's eyes began to narrow in annoyance. The girl gave a confused look at him, but quickly shut her mouth when the Quidditch captain gave her a stern look. Malfoy took a deep breath and stared deeply at the fire that was burning in the fireplace. The flickering of the flames seemed strangely hypnotic and he felt himself growing detached again.

"Draco?" Montague looked at him suspiciously.

"What?" the Slytherin Prefect answered, scowling darkly at the Quidditch captain. He was unaware of a dark presence seething in frustration, as Malfoy's intent concentration on the flames was broken.

"Let's go and have our dinner. I feel a bit cooped up in here."

Malfoy gave a moment to reconsider it and finally nodded, motioning Montague with a look to take Parkinson with him. The rest stepped out of the common room, leaving the Slytherin prefect to follow them. However, Malfoy did not move. He was staring into the flames again. A sense of languor filled him and to his horror, a part of his mind shut off completely. The feeling was not new to him. He had been experiencing this ever since before the starting of summer. He had complained to his mother but she ignored him, persistently telling him that he was fine. He felt himself moving off from his seat to join his friends. What's happening? A small part of him wailed in horror and felt himself strangled by an alien presence. Malfoy moved stiffly about the common room, reaching out for a hidden object behind a fallen book and tucked it safely in his school robe.

**********

Out in the Forbidden Forest...

Snape had his wand out. The patrol had separated, putting their advantage of mindspeech to the maximum. Fenix had moved off to a northeast direction while Snape went straight east. The Elementals had warned the two that there was human activity in the Forest, but could not get a closer look. The unidentified humans--maybe wizards--had created a shield that would stun even an Elemental. Fenix was grateful to the gods that the Elementals were born intelligent.

: Sev, : Fenix called out softly and he sent a brief thought to assure her that he was all right. : Where are you? :

: I'm several meters away from the shield, : Snape answered easily. The Potions Master was using his past experience as a Death Eater to scout along the ground effortlessly.

: That's good. I'm already in position-- : Fenix broke off suddenly when she felt the taint of the Dark Lord. : Sev, can you see their faces? :

It was a moment before he answered her, and his thoughts were punctuated by several vulgarities. The two scouts relied on the trees for cover and they blended perfectly in the Forest with their dark clothing, crouching motionlessly to watch the activities of the Death Eaters.

**********

In the castle. Nearly nine in the evening...

Harry was on his way back to his dormitory when he found the corridor bustled with students, all whispering softly. Harry caught side of a familiar figure and whispered to Alamanda, "What's happened?"

"Someone fainted up ahead. Got scared off by the notorious Peeves. What I don't understand is why they're blocking the way when that fainted someone has probably been taken to the hospital wing," she answered, looking at the crowding students with distaste.

Harry looked at the Slytherin junior with surprise. It seemed that she had actually grown mature ever since school started. He heard Hermione's commanding voice ushering the students to go back to their respective dormitories. He was aware that a familiar head with pale hair was approaching him but he had nowhere to move when an influx of students crowded in behind him. He felt intense pain on his arm but ignored it as he was finally free of the crowd and caught up with the hoarse-voiced Hermione.

"Phew... I thought it would take forever to un-crowd the corridor," Hermione panted and made way to a glassy-eyed Malfoy. She stared at him in bafflement then gave a penetrating look at Harry.

"Harry hasn't done anything to him," Alamanda piped up. "Malfoy's been like that since this evening."

Harry scowled at Malfoy's figure. He certainly isn't behaving like himself lately. He scratched his right arm lightly and frowned. His arrow scar had completely healed but beside it was a diagonal angry-looking scratch. Probably caused by some girl with a long fingernail, just now. Harry shrugged it off and joined Hermione to walk back to their Tower together.

**********

Down in the dungeons...

Malfoy cowered in his own mind. He was being dominated by something other than himself and he did not like it when he had actually slashed Potter slightly with the small dagger he had found in the corridor. He tried to muster the strength to stop moving but that same presence suppressed his will.

His body was sweating. I have to do something. Am I under a curse? It's Potter's fault! However, reason made it clear that he had already been cursed before that train ride. I was having those spells even before summer started, but it sort of died when the OWLs came. He saw Professor Lupin walking towards him with the bigger wolf trotting sedately beside him.

He felt his hand groped for the same small dagger and gripped it firmly. No...not the Professor! Malfoy was desperate. He tried to scream but was not able to even speak. Miss Maxwell...wait! She can hear my thoughts!

*********

Fenix frowned at the illegal gathering. It seems like they're waiting for something, she fretted and collapsed on her knees when a loud scream rang in her head.

"Miss Maxwell!"

Fenix blinked her misty eyes several times and felt bile rising up to her throat. : Sev! : she sent out a desperate thought to the Potions Master urgently. Her thought was interrupted by a frantic Wind.

: Fenix! I want you and Snape out of the Forest now! Get to the castle! : the female wolf commanded the two scouts.

: You heard her. Let's go, : Snape said grimly and moved out silently. Fenix joined him at an intersection and fled soundlessly, their instincts as Hunters taking over their bodies. She felt desperation tearing her heart.

: Sev... Remus is hurt... and a student too! : she whispered and Snape sent her a comforting thought. But Snape himself was worried. They bumped into Hagrid who quickly swung his great crossbow but fortunately did not fire when he finally saw who they were. As the three adults ran their way towards the castle, Fenix sent an army of Elementals to surround the Death Eaters back in the Forest.

Wind was directing her towards the dungeons, past the Potions classroom. Fenix hurriedly sprinted up on the steps of the castle, roughly shouldering a surprised Filch and recklessly went down the steps leading to the dungeons. Professor McGonagall caught sight of a black shadow hurtling at a fast speed and thought that she might have seen Peeves. She stopped when she saw Snape carelessly pushed the caretaker away and disappeared down the narrow staircase. Sensing the alarm that had radiated out from her colleague, she followed.

Fenix met Wind not far from the Potions classroom. She was supporting her mate, whose one side seemed to be blackened by fire. Professor Lupin was in a much serious pain. He sat slumped against the wall, breathing rather raggedly.

: Lover, don't move. The Elementals have alerted the house-elves and would soon come down with help. You've got several broken ribs, and a cracked collarbone. You dislocated your arm too. : Fenix knelt beside him, carefully checking him with her Sight. She blinked and with her normal sight, she saw Malfoy several feet away from where she was kneeling. "Dear Phoebus," she said softly, quickly going over to the unconscious boy.

Snape's footfalls echoed along the corridor and stopped when he met the disastrous state of the Defense teacher. He saw Fenix hefting up a head with sleek pale hair and laid it on her lap, her hands resting on the temples.

"What happened?" Snape knelt down and examined the werewolf's dislocated arm critically.

"I'm not exactly sure. What I'm sure was, was that I was making my rounds in the dungeon when your student--Malfoy-- came down. He was looking very pale just now, and he had been that way since I saw him at the Hall during dinner. So I approached him to advise him to go and visit Madam Pomfrey when-- damn you!" Remus hissed in pain when Snape suddenly jerked on his dislocated arm to set it back properly. A ringing sound echoed loudly inside his head and he felt a little nauseous. McGonagall came down with a solemn Madam Pomfrey with a horde of house-elves equipped with stretchers and various medical kits. Snape made way for the healer, and helped her to remove most of the injured Professor's clothes and wrapped a corset around his chest.

"You were saying?" Snape urged Remus to continue.

"He suddenly whip out a dagger and flew at me. I nearly hit him with a spell but Silver intercepted it. At first, I didn't understand why the wolf did that but I noticed that Malfoy's movements were getting a little awkward. Malfoy screamed for Fenix-- with his mind-- and I found myself flung back against the wall when something slightly ahead of Malfoy exploded. Could have been the dagger," he recounted and finally lied down on the stretcher.

Snape gave a brief nod and went over to Fenix who seemed to be in a deep trance. The Potions Master studied the motionless form of the Slytherin Prefect and checked the boy's hands for the dagger. There were no signs of the small weapon on Malfoy and Snape stood up and began checking the ground. Remus was already being carried out of the corridor by the house-elves, with McGonagall trailing worriedly.

Madam Pomfrey stared at the Fire Master and debated if she should interrupt whatever Fenix was doing. She decided to wait and monitored Malfoy's pulse. Silver was already back up on his feet and was helping the Potions Master to find some remnants of the dagger. Snape suddenly let out a hiss of triumph when he spotted a fracture of a blade.

"Lumos." The tip of his wand lighted up and he inspected the piece carefully, without lifting it. There seemed to be a slight reddish tint that made his skin prickle and he conjured up a small piece of black silk. Without touching the blade, Snape lifted the sliver onto the fabric and wrapped it up instantly for further examination.

A slight movement from the Fire Master caught his attention and he swiftly went back to her. Fenix slowly withdrew her fingers from the boy and took a deep breath. Madam Pomfrey and Snape looked worriedly at her and she spoke up softly.

"He'll be all right. He's just in shock. He'll probably be in a coma for a few days until he is ready to face the living." Snape let out a sigh of relief but Madam Pomfrey was frowning a little at the Fire Master's assessment. "Don't worry," Fenix gave an emphatic look at the healer. "He just needs a little time to adjust his attitude a little." Four house-elves came up with a stretcher in hand and Snape lifted the slender youth from Fenix and gently placed the Slytherin prefect on the stretcher. The house-elves automatically started forward to get the boy resting in the hospital wing as soon as possible. Fenix followed them out and was met by the concerned face of her oathbrother. Snape reached out and motioned her to look at the piece of blade under the bright lamps of the Entrance Hall.

"I saw them taking Remus and then Malfoy to the hospital wing. What happened?" Sirius asked softly, watching his oathsister picking away at the black fabric holding the shattered remains of a dagger.

"Has anyone fetched Dumbledore?" she asked absently and Sirius answered a yes and told them that the Headmaster was on his way to see Remus. "Oh... let's all go down to the hospital wing then."

They set off, the wolves walking slowly beside Fenix. She was staring at the blade as she walked and suddenly took a sharp breath. The two men walking ahead of her paused and turned to look at her. "Fenix?" Sirius called her name softly but there was no response from her. Fenix could not answer them either. She was pulled in strongly by her Gift and was now standing somewhere not far from the library. In her mind, she saw herself walking to a corridor filled with whispering students. The situation wasn't exactly the same as what happened in my vision... She felt a little amused that she found herself standing a little taller than most of the students and found herself looking at Alamanda Durz. She bent down to whisper something to the girl and the Slytherin student replied that someone had fainted. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Malfoy walking toward the crowd with a batch of students behind him. She was frozen in the crowd and felt something sting her right arm. She heard Hermione's voice and finally caught up with the exhausted prefect. Fenix watched intently as the bushy-haired Granger made way for a pale-looking Malfoy. Hermione was staring at her with a dubious expression on her face when Alamanda spoke up to tell her that Harry had not caused Malfoy to be in the strange state he was in.

Fenix snapped out of the self-induced trance, looking at Sirius with a frightened expression. Shakily, Fenix wrapped the piece of blade carefully and handed it to Krill. The small package vanished in an instant and Sirius suddenly shook her shoulders roughly.

: What is it? : Her oathbrother asked forcefully.

: That blade-- : Fenix answered to the four of them. : It was dabbed with poison. :

: But Remus was untouched, : Snape said, his eyes looked fearfully at her and stepped closer to the slightly trembling Fire Master.

**********

In the Gryffindor common room...

Harry was lounging on an armchair, reading a book. He was reading so intently that Neville had to raise his voice to catch his attention. "What?" Harry asked with a mystified expression.

"Harry," Neville began, not looking at Harry. His friend was looking at Hermione with a horrified expression. "You're bleeding."

Hermione and Ron snapped their heads to look at their friends. They got up and moved closer to Harry. Hermione gasped as she looked at her friend's lower arm. Harry followed her gaze and stared stupidly at his blood-soaked sleeve. He laughed weakly and said in amazement. "So I am." Blood suddenly drained out of his face, and Ginny screamed at the top of her lungs when Harry suddenly closed his eyes and toppled onto the floor without a sound.