Purpose

~ Chapter 35: Sirius's Black Day ~

Back in the 'infirmary'...

Madam Pomfrey grumbled slightly as Sirius helped her to remove Fenix's black leather shirt. Luna had cast a temporary shield so no one else would take a peek on the half naked Fire Master, if you ignored the fact that Fenix was wearing her black sports bra. The nurse was muttering under her breath just how lucky the Fire Master had been, to be saved by the stranger, and also healing her reproductive organs before it was too late. Most of the students were asleep except for Luna and a handful of others, who had complained that they were far too keyed up to sleep. That was fine with Dumbledore, as they kept watch on the Hall while the Headmaster, Aberforth, Snape and several of the elves went with them to investigate if the hospital wing was intact, and also to move most of the medical supplies into either the Hall or to one of the dungeons.

: Don't get any ideas, Padfoot, : the Fire Master's fiancé spoke firmly, feeling slightly annoyed at the way that Sirius was looking at his oathsister. It was lucky that only Remus was watching. If Snape had been there with them, he would have been gravely insulted and start a brawl with Sirius for the sheer fun of doing some damage to the handsome Black.

: I'm not, but she has a rather nice stomach, doesn't she? Have you ever notice it, Moony? : Sirius answered absently, looking at Fenix's slim waist and admiring the subtle muscles then winced when Madam Pomfrey whispered harshly.

"Mr. Black!" the nurse objected, her eyes flaring widely in disgust and Sirius apologized profusely to her.

: I did get to see her sword mark in great detail, you know. Several times, in fact, : Remus replied flippantly. Sirius looked at the werewolf, aghast. He then began to utter several curses at his best friend by silent communication, with 'carnal' being the mildest of them all.

: I will kill you, if you happen to get her pregnant even before you marry her, : Sirius threatened seriously as he examined the tender scar just slightly before her navel, scowling blackly at the werewolf, who was trying to muffle the low growls of amusement coming from his throat. Wind nipped him gently at his side to remind him to behave himself. Remus's amusement subsided, embarrassment now filling him. Madam Pomfrey handed Sirius a bottle of salve that Snape had rescued for her, that was specially for Fenix, handing the precious bottle to one of the house-elves that had tagged along to help Dumbledore. They-- the house-elves-- seemed terribly fascinated by the Elven warriors that accompanied them.

Winky seemed to be smitten with Cadriel. Her eyes often strayed to his handsome face, staring dreamily at his pair of deep blue, catlike eyes. The elf was not displeased with the attention he was gaining so he moved right along, looking at the state of the hospital room with pity. The house-elves and the Elementals helped to stabilize the floors of the wing with their magic, as elves, house-elves and wizards moved briskly in emptying the hospital wing of its medical supplies.

Sirius carefully applied the salve, which was strongly smelling of chamomile and other fragrances, gently onto her scar. Fenix suddenly levitated, supported by unseen hands. Wind informed him that it was just the Sylphs and Sirius quickly applied the salve to her back. The nurse was not surprised at all at the floating Fire Master; she quickly scoured the bags of bandages and finally came up with one that she wanted. The two humans, and other invisible hands, began wrapping the bandage about Fenix's tender abdomen briskly.

**********

In the dungeon...

The two students in the dungeon fell silent after fifteen minutes of nonstop conversation. Harry had asked the Slytherin just how he was able to replicate Fenix's blue fire but all they had been able to do was contemplate and made several wild guesses. Draco was just as clueless as Harry was, regarding to the sudden transition of his gray eyes to silver ones.

: Draco... about just now... : Harry began, fidgeting uneasily on the bench.

: I was acting irrationally, Four-Eyes, : Draco said brusquely, referring to the hug he had given Harry impulsively. The latter however, was glad that the hug he gave the Slytherin was a brotherly one, much like the kind of hugs he exchanged with his best friend, Ron.

: I knew you would say that, : Harry said in feigned disappointment and Draco gave a derisive snort.

: I think if we were to question Fenix, she would confirm that a period of absurdity generally occurs after a battle or a major case of adrenaline rush or something. I knew I've read something about temporarily going 'mental' after major dueling somewhere in a history book... : Draco mused. : That doesn't mean I don't care about you though. But what do I know about love between siblings? I'm the only child. :

: I guess that's a way to explain it... but brothers? : Harry grimaced. : With you? :

: I'm supposed to be the one to ask that question, : the Slytherin argued, his mindvoice was thick with resentment, making Harry grin widely. Draco gasped suddenly, clutching his head and Harry felt disconcerted for a moment due to the immense pain that traveled down the link from the Slytherin to Harry. Draco went limp and Harry moved in quickly to catch the Slytherin. A quick examination told Harry that the boy was still alive; he had just fainted. Great... I know Sirius will think very creatively if he finds out that I had been with Draco, in a dungeon that was barely lighted. But it will be fun if he did...

**********

Sirius straightened his back as he finished helping Madam Pomfrey fastening Fenix's bandage, then covered his oathsister with a thick blanket. He saw that Remus had inevitably fallen asleep, and then looked around to inspect the vast room that was punctuated by the light snores of the students. He frowned when he found that Harry was not in the Hall. His eyes narrowed and scanned the Hall once more, but still, no Harry.

: Sirius? : Harry's mindvoice called out rather urgently.

: Harry, where are you? : His godfather was still scowling as he strode forward to the entrance of the Great Hall. Aldren, who was standing guard by the door, gave him a sly look and Sirius did not like what the look portended.

: I'm in one of the dungeons, : Harry's mindvoice faltered, almost afraid that his godfather might explode. Sirius went down the narrow steps of the dungeons and bumped into his godson. : Drake had just collapsed... he's too heavy for me to lift. :

: And what were you two doing? : Sirius's mindvoice said darkly, so filled with suspicions. Harry just gave him an innocent look and just stated that they had been talking-- which was true. He controlled the laughter that was bubbling inside him when he felt Sirius's various feelings that came down through their link and he gave a slightly audible sigh because his godfather had assumed the worst. He led his godfather back into the room where he and Draco had spent several minutes talking, and winced when Sirius's eyes widened at the darkness of the room. I wonder why he's thinking too much about that... maybe he should have a girlfriend. Harry stared at his godfather's back in amusement.

Sirius in the meantime felt a headache began to build up in his head. Although he could not see Harry's face, he was able to tell by the link that his godson was profoundly embarrassed by something and Sirius was not sure if he wanted to know why. Of course Harry felt embarrassed! His godfather was thinking that Draco had seduced him, and what an apocalypse it would be if Sirius interrogated Draco under pressure before he had the time to make the truth known. Sirius's wand lit up, giving it to Harry as he examined the oblivious Slytherin, where Harry had laid him on the bench. His hand snaked out to feel the boy's forehead and as he had expected, Draco was having a high fever. It was either that, or he had lost his control of fire again. Critically examining the boy, Sirius reckoned that not even he could lift the Slytherin. Dobby and another house-elf appeared at Sirius's silent request, holding up a stretcher in their hands.

Sirius silently commanded Harry to lift Draco's legs and they heaved the boy down to the stretcher and carried the Slytherin back up to have him examined by the nurse, or better still, have the Elven Lord to do it. They went up the narrow staircase with no difficulty at all, and Harry met the same elf that had informed him the whereabouts of the Slytherin prefect. As Harry was holding the rear of the stretcher-- which was where Draco's feet were-- Sirius was the first to face Aldren. The violet-eyed elf was still gazing slyly at him and Sirius muttered a curse and the elf shot a wink at Harry as they passed him and entered the almost-silent Hall.

The Elven Lord broke off his muted conversation with Firenze, walking quickly over to them and peered down at the pale face of the boy. Mineif pointed to an unoccupied pallet in between Fenix's, and the one that was shared by Ginny and Dean. The Elven Lord gracefully sat down and waited for them patiently to load the unconscious boy to the makeshift bed. When they did, he began his examination and ten minutes later, he concluded that Draco was just suffering from a great deal of stress. Mineif rattled off the causes before any of them could impose questions on the elf. One: by taking the full brunt of the Cruciatus Curse, two: using his Wild Talent to overcome the Curse and then using the talent to attempt at making a bonfire out of the Death Eaters, and three: straining his mind a little to bring Fenix back to them. At the same time, Mineif was communicating silently with Harry, who was acting as if nobody was conversing with him the other way.

: It is just as well that this friend of yours had called Fenix back over to the living side. The loss of the oathsister might just drive your godfather mad and he might become suicidal. So no point taking chances, : Mineif informed the young boy gravely. "So, this one should be all right, but he needs plenty of rest for the next three days. I reckon that it will also be when Fenix will finally regain her consciousness..." His soft, musical voice trailed off when Harry looked doubtfully at him and then at the form of the sleeping Fire Master. Mineif gave an encouraging look to him.

"Would Fenix try to go for the light?" he asked solemnly. Mineif gave a brief start of surprise before he started to scowl.

"How do you know about the light?" the Elven Lord questioned him sharply.

"Draco was the one who found it. I guess it has got something to do with him being a Mindhealer..."

"He is?" the Elven Lord exclaimed, then rechecked Draco. "You're right," he said absently, peeling Draco's right eye open then suddenly gave a sharp breath. "His eyes..." Mineif automatically stared at Fenix.

"His eyes were gray, but somehow after he let the flames engulf him earlier just now, his eyes changed," Harry answered.

"Enough talking." Madam Pomfrey suddenly interrupted them. "Sirius, Harry, go and get some sleep," she instructed firmly, and the Elven Lord nodded in agreement.

**********

Thursday, 1^st November. Mid-morning...

Sirius was feeling irritated as he helped Madam Pomfrey, Sprout, Cadriel and Snape rearrange the medical supplies in one chilly dungeon. The Salamanders had politely declined to heat up the room, as most of the medicines were stored best in chilly conditions. What on earth is going on between Draco and Harry? He thought, ignoring Snape's contemplative look. Remus had escaped to one of the isolated dungeons where Winky attended him as he changed back to his human form. Sirius had introduced him to Aldren and they seemed to get along well with each other, for the werewolf and the elves were back to scouting about the castle while Aberforth, Hagrid and another group of the elves searched for a place where the Elven steeds would be safe. Sirius was thinking about the rooms available and safe on the ground floor when the Potions Master interrupted his brooding.

: Does it bother you so much? : Snape's thought reached him.

: What on earth are you talking about, Snivellus? : Sirius evaded the Potions Master's question with one of his own, feeling rather testy.

: Well, if you're too blind to see... there's no point in enlightening you up. : Snape calmly rearranged the set of clean bandages into a cupboard that had been wiped sterile with the antiseptic potion that Fenix had concocted months ago and totally ignored Harry's godfather. Somehow, that sentence made Sirius more edgy than ever.

**********

That evening...

Flickers of lightning flashed through the windows of the Hall, and created an eerie atmosphere in the vast room. The temperature had dropped greatly and the Salamanders had no qualms about using their magic to heat the room up to a more comfortable temperature. Murmurs of soft conversation filled the Hall with Lee's group being the loudest. Draco, who was still having a fever and looked it, kept glaring at whoever who suddenly spoke up too loudly. The high-pitched sounds that suddenly ripped the air made his head pound even more. Alamanda whispered something to Hermione, and the prefect announced clearly that she would cast the Silencing Charm if they would not behave themselves. Draco was whispering so softly to Harry about the elves but the latter was not able to tell him much about them and the Slytherin was constantly fretting about his eye color, while Harry pondered how long Fenix's shield would stay up. Draco had reassured him that it was still holding and probably the Elven Lord had laid another shield as a fail-safe.

Sirius kept giving uneasy glances at the softly speaking forms of Draco and his godson, as they all lounged after dinner. Why isn't he talking to Alamanda? Sirius did not know that Alamanda was sulking because Draco seemed totally engrossed in his debate with The Boy Who Lived, and had failed to catch her boyfriend's attention or understand what their debate was about. Sirius strangely felt tired, but that was to be expected as most of them had to cast a Freezing Charm on the carcasses of the dead giants because the only way that they could be disposed was through Fenix's Fire. However, since she would not be able to function without killing herself, they had to devise a spell that would prevent the giants from rotting until she was completely Healed. Sirius could not keep his silence any longer. He stood up, then began to create a shield about himself, his godson and the Slytherin prefect, surprising Alamanda, Hermione and the rest of their close friends. Harry looked at him in horror as he realized what his godfather had just done while Draco stared at both of them in puzzlement.

: Sirius! Wait! : Harry yelled but his godfather ignored him and began questioning the puzzled Slytherin impassively. Draco paled even more, eyes narrowing as his head began to pound painfully, after hearing the most offensive question he had ever been asked, then calmly requested Sirius to explain how he had arrived at that particular conclusion. Draco then wore a look of sufferance and sarcastically commented, looking at Harry as he said it.

: And you got this man to be your guardian? : Draco shook his head sympathetically.

: It wasn't exactly my idea you know. : Harry sighed.

Hermione and the others were looking at the silent profiles of three of their friends. "What on earth are they doing?"

"Don't bother with them, Hermione." Ron shrugged, lying down on his pallet.

: We're family, right? Except for Fenix and Lupin who are engaged, and Granger and Weasley who are an item. Since Snape is technically, Fenix's brother, and you are also her brother, right? I'm Snape's godson, which puts me in the same rank with Harry, right? Doesn't that mean the both of us are... like cousins? Possibly brothers? : Draco finally came down to the conclusion, sadistically enjoying Sirius's increasing embarrassment. : Even if you don't object, I'm quite sure that my godfather would heartily disapprove of incest, : the Slytherin said icily.

: All right! : Sirius's handsome face was red with embarrassment, not hearing Ginny's comment on how dashing the blushing man actually looked. : I apologize! : Sirius then swore, and Harry chuckled lightly as his godfather was extremely dunked in total embarrassment.

: Hey, Drake, : Harry said as he casually threw a Chocolate Frog at him, : are you giving Snape his latest ammunition? : he asked, eyeing his godfather teasingly and the Slytherin looked thoughtfully at him.

: I think I'll save it until Fenix awakens. It's more profitable by the way, : Draco answered earnestly.

Harry's godfather looked at them in alarm. The two boys then laughed heartily when Sirius lamented, "Why am I so stupid to be trapped by a pair of kids?"

: Who the hell are you calling kids? : Draco broke off from his laugh, feeling rather insulted at Sirius's comment, while Harry doubled up, laughing uncontrollably.

Hermione looked hopelessly at the three silent figures then gave a long sigh. "Just as well that Sirius had built a soundproof shield."

**********

Sirius had taken off the shield, revealing Harry who was captivated by laughter. Ron, still lying down on his makeshift pallet, reached for a red cushion and lazily aimed it at Harry's face. Harry gave a groan when it hit him directly on the face and looked sheepishly at his friends, disapproval showing clearly on their faces. Harry mouthed an apology, making Hermione roll her eyes upward theatrically, before going back to read a book that Remus had given her.

Earlier that day, since Dumbledore had strictly ordered the students to remain in the Hall, Hermione had grown increasingly hysterical. She seemed to have forgotten about her cat after the encounter with the Lethifolds and Dementors, and then the fight with the giants occupied her mind totally. After listening to Hermione's worries, Draco blanched as he thought of his eagle owl and was about to get out off his pallet when Professor Grubby-Plank came in. She informed them that all their pets were all safe, and a flash of orange whisked past her to head straight for his owner. Hermione let out an exclamation of relief and cuddled Crookshanks tightly, not really listening to Grubby-Plank's news that their pets had been installed into the antechamber situated beside the Great Hall.

"What about the owls?" Draco asked urgently.

"They're coming..." she informed them and headed out just as dozens of owls trickled in. Hagrid steered away from the cats that had followed Crookshanks into the Hall and backed out of the place, since he was terribly allergic to cat fur.

Back to the present, Harry was still laughing at his godfather and his euphoria carried over to the link that was still connected to Draco. The Slytherin was wearing a slightly pained expression but he was also amused by the incident. He requested Harry to tone down his ebullience. "Sorry..." Harry choked down on his laughter that turned into a series of coughs. Draco shook his head in disgust and looked around for Alamanda.

"Come," Draco commanded the girl, feeling a little surprise by the unfriendly way she was staring at him. She was still feeling displeased but got up and sat next to him. The Slytherin looked pointedly at Harry. "Get off my bed, Four-Eyes."

"Chill out... git," Harry's reply was punctuated by racking coughs as he crawled away from the Slytherin's bed to Sirius's.

"Harry!" Alamanda protested in a weak voice.

As if he was still feeling dissatisfied with Sirius, Draco tugged Alamanda closer to give her a kiss. Catcalls erupted as they looked at Alamanda's face turned bright red, while Hermione collapsed in laughter. Sirius laughed weakly at the open display of affection while Harry grabbed a soft pillow and covered his face, eyes streaming tears as he burst out with laughter, which was slightly tinged with hysteria.

Draco slowly broke off from the kiss and looked fondly at his girlfriend, who quickly hide her face on his chest. I wonder why she was not the one to come looking for me in the dungeon... but judging by the way I acted with Harry yesterday, I'm lucky she didn't came down. I might have done something that I might regret. He extremely loved the way Alamanda was holding him and could not resist giving her another kiss.

The catcalls quickly turned into coughs and the students pretended to busy themselves when Snape and Remus returned. The latter wore an amused expression when he saw Draco and Alamanda together, then slowly made his way down to the still-sleeping Fenix, leaving the Potions Master at the entrance. Snape was looking at his godson in disbelief, then he strode forward silently and stopped directly behind his favorite student. He cleared his throat noisily and muffled chuckles echoed about the Hall, drawing in some of the elves to look at the students with interest.

The Slytherin prefect carefully screened Alamanda's face while he gave a sigh so full of regret. "Yes, Professor?" he asked lazily, looking up at the Potions Master with his silver eyes.

: Draco, for once... act your age, : Snape pleaded, rubbing his temple tiredly.

: But I am, aren't I? : Draco pointed out dryly.

: I think you are sorely in need of discipline, : the Potions Master scowled darkly at his student.

: No one has taught me yet. I am still a spoilt brat after all, : Draco replied indifferently. Snape threw his hands up in the air in defeat, then his eyes widened when he saw Fenix began to sit up. Remus was looking quite angry when she stubbornly pushed him away. Her 'family' began to crowd around her. Moody, seeing the sudden commotion, quickly instructed them to give the Fire Master a breathing space when she looked slightly breathless.

"Thanks, Moody," Fenix croaked out. "Although I don't want to know how you managed to find out that I'm claustrophobic." The ex-Auror nodded his head calmly and satisfied that her 'family' now had understood to give her a breathing space, he went back to Mineif. Fenix still looked slightly dazed but her silver eyes turned clear and she began to frown at Sirius.

"Fenix," Snape began, kneeling beside her, his eyes showing his concern. "You're not supposed to be awake...yet."

: Draco, take pity on me, : Sirius gulped, not liking the way the Fire Master was scrutinizing his face. He stared anxiously at his oathsister, while trying to control his emotions. It's possible that she would be very sensitive to emotions and thoughts, he thought to himself.

: I know, Sev. But something broke my concentration when I was recharging my reserves while I'm sleeping. : Her mindvoice was acidic as she glared at Sirius, then at Harry and Draco.

: I think we're in trouble, : Harry sent his thought to his godfather and to the Slytherin beside him.

: No doubt, : Draco replied with a straight face and Sirius winced when Fenix questioned them coldly.

: What's this about Draco seducing Harry? : Fenix broadcast her inquiry to Sirius, Remus, Snape and the named ones, looking quite intimidating for a woman who had just recovered from her near-death.

: I knew I hadn't blocked myself fast enough. : Harry's godfather moaned softly and at the same time Draco's godfather yelped out.

: What? : Snape exclaimed, giving Draco a horrified look.

: It's nothing, sister, : Sirius answered quickly. : Just a small misunderstanding. :

Snape stared coldly at his godson. : Explain, Draco. :

"Are you sure you want to hear my explanation?" the Slytherin answered calmly, and their friends exchanged puzzled looks at his abrupt sentence. The Potions Master did not answer so Draco began to describe his feelings and confusion in great detail and then added in Sirius's wild conclusion, communicating with their alternative way of speaking.

Fenix shook her head in amusement, as she listened to Draco, and finally chuckled weakly when the boy finished. : As Sirius told you, it was a small misunderstanding. : Draco ended his explanation, looking impassively at the Potions Master, who was staring at the two boys and then Sirius with shock.

That was understandable because he had just thought that Draco had let go of his pride to acknowledge that he was beginning to care for the people that he was working with. Snape had not expected that Draco might actually want Harry to be his partner. Thankfully, his student had regained his senses and prevented any other complications. Snape then sneered at Sirius. : For a man, who had seen Death in the face, you have an extremely perverted mind, Black. :

: Don't push it, Snivellus. I'm feeling bad enough, : Sirius lashed out.

: Bro... you're not thinking clearly... : Fenix's amusement drifted through their links and Harry and Draco smiled brightly at her, relieved that she was acting like her usual self.

"Dear Lord." Snape sighed, suddenly feeling drained. Draco crawled on his knees and prodded Snape away so that he could approach the Fire Master. A lot of questions were building in his mind but he knew that now was not the time to bombard her with his questions. They all looked at him curiously when he carefully drew her into his arms, ignoring her fiancé who was looking at him archly. Fenix did not fight but let Draco hug her carefully. Snape did give a faint smile as he watched the two.

Montague and the rest of Draco's gang looked at their gang leader in amusement. "I feel like I've been dunked a little too long in syrup," he observed and gave a grimace.

"What an unhealthy influence," Warrington agreed, making a face. "But I wouldn't mind having someone like Alamanda to cuddle me... though," he added dreamily. Evina Grierson, one of Dina's girlfriends, whispered something to her group of girls and they burst out giggling, making the Slytherin boys looked at them with suspicion in their eyes.

Fenix was dazed by the intense emotions coming from the youth holding her and chuckled lightly. There was something different however. Draco had appeared normal to her before this but somehow being near him actually comforted her. So what is different? She frowned slightly. Something must have happened yesterday, but I can't really remember what happened when I fell to the ground. Fenix gently probed the boy with her Gifts, then quickly withdrew them. She was trembling. A mirror... reflection...

"Draco..." Fenix breathed, pulling away and instinctively cupped his chin to look into his eyes. "Dear Gods..." She was speechless. She was looking into a pair of eyes that was her own. Elation began to build up in her.

"Fenix?" Snape questioned the Fire Master softly, not understanding the wonder that was radiating out of her.

: It's nothing, Sev, : Fenix replied dreamily.

: What do you mean by nothing? : Draco questioned her dangerously. : If it's nothing, then why are you feeling so happy? :

Fenix could not stop smiling. : You will understand... soon enough... : she reassured him.

"You're awake..." Mineif approached the group, his face glowing with happiness.

"It's obvious, isn't it?" she answered, glowering at him. "What can I do to keep you in the Grove, Old Wolf?" She finally released the Slytherin boy, while the rest watched her giving casual treatment to the Elven Lord. "Wrap you with coercions?" Mineif chuckled as he looked down at her. Fenix paled and Draco immediately made her lay back down again. "Sorry guys... but I think I have to go back to sleep..." Her eyes began to close and fell asleep instantly. The Slytherin covered her with the light blanket and paused long enough to give her a kiss on the forehead.

Snape sighed and looked around the Hall. "Since you have nothing else to do," his voice carried effortlessly to all corners of the Hall, "you might as well get some sleep." The students sighed and began breaking up. Alamanda had already gone back to her circle of friends and Draco was contented to remain with Harry and their godfathers.

Sirius gave a silent signal to the three other people and moved away slowly, to let his best friend spend some time with the Fire Master. While Sirius and the two boys lied down on their makeshift beds, Snape sat himself against the wall, looking at Draco intently. : What? : The boy could not help but ask his godfather.

: I think you have been marked by your 'Aunt', : Sirius answered for the Potions Master. Draco gazed expectantly at his godfather and Snape finally gave a nod.

: What do you mean, 'marked'? :

: Come to think of it, it's slightly obvious, : Harry interjected, turning on his side to look at Draco directly. : First, you have the same abilities that Fenix has, you know? She has the capability to incinerate something, like you had done yesterday. And another, you're a master of shields. Funny, : Harry gave a lopsided grin at his friend, : it seems that there is much more to you than meets the eye, Drake. :

Snape chuckled lightly. : Well, as soon as your 'Aunt', : he gave a sly look at Harry's godfather, : gets her strength back, I'm sure that she would want to train you. :

: That is a good idea, : Harry said fervently. : You had better learn how to control your emerald fire, Drake. :

: Do you want to know why your eyes are silver by the way? : Aldren casually implanted himself beside Sirius, smiling at the two boys.

: All right. How? : Draco asked easily.

: You have the capability at controlling Magick the way Fenix does. I'm not really talking about her being an Elemental Master. The ability to create and penetrate complex shields for one. Having you as a Mindhealer clearly labels you as something different from your counterparts here. By the looks of it, you do seem like you have the Adept Potential, : the violet-eyed elf answered.

: But how does that explain me being silver-eyed? : Draco asked in exasperation, though he did not understand what the elf meant by Adept-potential. Aldren laughed at his impudence.

: That emerald-fire was the one that had caused the change. You are something much like Fenix, although if I were to bet, I would say rather than a Phoenix, your natural form would be the Great Dragon. You do know that she is a Phoenix, don't you? : Aldren asked the company and they nodded. Harry had informed Draco about Fenix's real identity when the Slytherin began to unbend enough for him to be friendly with the others, and the Slytherin had approached the Fire Master to confirm the news, and had returned to his friends, looking a little wild-eyed. : I assume that your eyes glowed like how Fenix's did, when she's extremely irritated? : the elf asked in interest, leaning forward slightly to stare at Draco then chuckled when all four males nodded. : That's her all right; except that her Fire is blue. The simplest way I could explain is that you had taken Magick to the maximum and began transmuting it into pure energy. I think that's how Fenix went silver-eyed in the first place. She's immortal-- well... sort of. Maybe reincarnation is a better word to describe the process. She is born a human, but with deep memories that had been locked away until she's ready... :

That sentence made Draco twitch nervously, because it felt familiar. Aldren continued as if he had not seen the look of surprise on the Slytherin's face. : So all she knows-- back then-- that she had strange powers, when she was nearing her puberty and had attracted the attention of her school teacher, who was also a Fire Mage. He had a general idea of her real identity and was careful to bring her Fire out. When it did, it was... well, rather spontaneous, and not controlled. It damaged her mentor's workroom quite a bit. : Aldren paused for a while and winced when lightning hit the wall directly behind him. It was quite deafening. : So began the practices, for her to contain her Fire by making it and herself into the form of animals. I remembered that her mentor told us once, when she had tried to work in the form of a boar, the results were rather disastrous. It was just as well that they held their practice in a secluded area. :

: When did she find out about her Phoenix? : Harry asked curiously.

: A few months later. Her mentor noticed that her control was more reliable when she took the form of birds, especially a raven or an eagle. It was quite amusing actually. By then, Fenix had attracted quite a handful of the elves, especially my father and a cousin of mine. Luis helped her mentor to draw up a list of all bird species, and somehow without knowing why, my father had also impulsively added the word Phoenix. :

: That sounds tiring. : Draco gulped as he tried to imagine himself being trained that way by Fenix. : You mean that she had to go through the A-Z list? :

: Yeah... but of course that stopped when she tried her Phoenix form. : Aldren chuckled. : So she didn't have to waste her time on the Q-Z list. :

: Did anything else happen when she took on that form? : Snape asked curiously.

: Yes. She gave us a fright when she became invisible and took off without warning. Went missing for several days, and came back with quite a different personality. From young, she had been silent and does not socialize a lot, preferring to stay indoors to read her books or go outside and tend her garden. That hasn't really changed as she went into adulthood. If I had remembered correctly, : Aldren pursed his lips as he thought hard, : she went missing for about five days, then returned with silver eyes and a sharp tongue... and a sense of humor... if a bit warped sometimes, and as you know, she also possessed the talents of an assassin. She extremely loves to nettle my father a lot, : Aldren informed them.

The elf let them think on his words for a while, before Sirius hazarded a question. : So her memories as the Ancient were activated only when she took her form? : The Elf nodded. Snape, Sirius and Harry looked speculatively at Draco, and the Slytherin blushed uneasily.

: Somehow it feels good to know that I'm normal. : Harry grinned at him.

: What are you implying, Four-Eyes? : Draco said threateningly.

: Nothing... : Harry answered innocently.

Draco snorted, then gave his friend a sidelong look. : Don't be too sure about your normalness though, : he said in a warning tone. : 'The Chamber of Secrets was meant to be opened by you, but thankfully you did not. I did not reckon Tom Riddle to have a basilisk habituating in there. And I absolutely hate it when I have to abort my plans because of that.' : he recited, almost imitating Hermione. Harry had completely forgotten about Salazar Slytherin's cryptic remarks on Hallowe'en night.

: Why must you remind me? : Harry moaned, lying flat on his back and looked up at the ceiling of false starry sky. : Now, I have to deal with my curiosity. Unlike you, who could ask Fenix about your Fire, I have to ask a ghost who might not appear soon enough to my liking, or if I want to know what he wants... : he said rather sulkily, making the rest of the group chuckle. Why am I supposed to be the Heir? So was Voldemort carrying out Salazar's wishes, or had Voldemort acted out on his own? Damnation... I don't understand a single thing about the Chamber of Secrets now... Harry gave a pensive sigh.

Snape gave a long sigh and gave Draco a look that seemed to be disappointed. His godson frowned at him and Snape spoke to him alone. : I was thinking about making you my protégé, : the Potions Master explained, his mindvoice sounding a little wistful.

Draco suddenly sat up, his eyes going round with incredulity. : Why? : His heart was pounding excitedly, not able to believe that Snape had actually considered the idea.

: Do I really have to explain myself? : Snape said in a rueful tone. : Other than Granger, you're the natural in Potions. And since you're my godson... : The Potions Master did not bother finishing his sentence.

Draco's face lit up with a bright smile. : So what's making you hesitate? Fenix's training wouldn't last that long... and I do need a career to last me a lifetime, don't I? : he asked cheerfully, suddenly feeling happy.

: You won't really have time to rest, you know... Being a Potions Master isn't an easy course... : Snape said dubiously and glowered at Draco when the boy swore.

: Whatever, but I want to be like you. : Draco said abruptly and did not bother letting Snape answer, as he released the mind-link and went to sleep.

**********

"Salz..." Godric called out. The founder of Slytherin was looking down at The Boy Who Lived from above. "What are you doing?"

"As you can see, Ric, I'm watching," he answered sarcastically.

"None of that... you're going melancholy again."

"How could I not be? If Voldemort wasn't a rotten soul in the first place, I wouldn't have found the need to linger and this destruction of the School wouldn't have happened." Salz gave a long sigh.

"Might I remind you that your kind has souls like that? Anyway, what is this business with Harry Potter? Even I do not understand what you had said yesterday." Ric pestered his best friend.

"Are you saying that the lovely lady down there has a rotten soul?" Salz asked acidly and his friend flushed. "He was supposed to receive something in the Chamber of Secrets... but not the basilisk. How long had that been in there anyway?"

"A couple of decades? I'm not too sure though..."

"It's just as well that Voldemort has passed his gift of animal speech to Harry, and making Harry the Heir almost by default. I don't think I have the guts to remain here for another century or so. And Harry is much a suitable candidate for what I had in mind." Salz looked at the sleeping werewolf. "My messenger had passed the gift to Harry, and the Purpose that Harry should fulfill-- if he survives this major interruption-- would be revealed if Harry goes down with the gift to the Chamber again, up to the dais." He gave another sigh. "It's just as well I couldn't cry... being a ghost... but I feel..." his voice trailed off, and he sank into depression once more.

"I think being separated from Helga's making you fey-- no pun intended, Salz. Come, we'll visit her and Wen." Roc pulled his friend into the direction of the Hufflepuff's common room.

The Hall was silent except from the tempest that was brewing outside. Aldren and his father remained behind the Hall to guard the students while the other elves, with Charlie, the Aurors, and the Dumbledore brothers began their patrol for the night again. Aldren had heard the soft conversation between the founders of Slytherin and Gryffindor. All elves possessed good eyesight, and although the ceiling of the Great Hall was high, Aldren was able to pinpoint that Salazar was looking at Remus and not the Fire Master as he said 'My messenger had passed the gift to Harry'. Aldren pursed his lips as he contemplated, watching the sleeping forms of Fenix's friends. I have to remember this and maybe ask Remus about the gift that he gave Harry tomorrow...