Purpose

~ Chapter 36: Consequences ~

Saturday, 3^rd November.

The Fire Master woke up from her self-induced sleep of about thirty-seven hours. It was cold and Fenix could not help trembling, although she was covered with a thick woolly blanket. Even through her closed eyelids, she was able to tell that it was already midmorning and smelled stormy weather approaching the castle. The Hall was actually warm and there was only one cause that she could think of as to why she had felt cold. The Fire Master was having a fever. When was the last time that I had gotten sick? Thirteen months ago? This would be a very bad day for her and those who were caring for her, for ironically, she was not the best of patients.

Bloody hell. I hate getting sick. The Fire Master sniffed and raised a hand to massage her aching temple that signified that she had overused her Gifts. And I am so glad I didn't turn into a Phoenix during the last moment when those three Death Eaters had surprised me, or it would be more than just a headache. At least I'm awake now... and I have heaps of questions to ask. Her movement alerted Draco, who was recuperating from his high-fever beside her. Most of the students were helping the Headmaster clear out the rubble of the Ravenclaw Tower and some of the seniors were tasked in helping to scoop up the remains of the Death Eaters that had gotten the full effects of Draco's Fire. Somehow, the late autumn air still reeked of death and violence that had occurred almost three nights ago and certain students like Luna, were having to cope with the echoes of the battle. While most of them were doing physical work, Aberforth, Mineif, Cadriel, Aldren, and Hermione had gone up to the library to find the ancient manuscripts of enchantments. The Elven Lord believed that the magical protections about Hogwarts were similar to the ones the elves used to protect their Groves. If they were able to find the manuscripts holding the information, then they would be able to improvise and maybe create a back-up shielding system if Voldemort gets the idea to break into the School again.

The presence of the Slytherin beside her caused her to open her eyes and found Draco peering at her, his silver eyes bright with cheerfulness. : How are you feeling? : he asked her, and she gave a faint crooked smile.

: I feel sick... help me up... : Fenix pleaded and the boy hesitated. Snape had warned his godson to be strict and not allow her to move much. Well, she's just asking me to help her sit up... He carefully placed his left arm around her shoulders and lifted her carefully. : Where's my mate? And the rest? :

: Dumbledore had given them tasks. It's just you, me, the wolves. And a couple of students who were on the night shift yesterday and are sleeping in. : Draco maneuvered so that she was leaning against him for support. She winced at the gentle discomfort of her wound and another kind of pain, trailing her fingers gently across the bandage that covered it. : You are really having a high fever, : he said in concern, looking down at her black hair. A strand of it covered her eyes and he pulled it back for her, remembering Snape's commands to minimize her movements.

: I feel icky... I want to bathe... : Fenix complained, turning her head to look at him with doleful eyes.

: Snape will kill me if I let you move an inch out of the bed, : Draco replied with a stern expression. He was saved from any more arguments from the Fire Master when his godfather came in with her fiancé in tow.

: Remus, I would really like to bathe! : Fenix's plea was desperate but the werewolf shook his head. : Why? : she wailed in distress.

"It's too cold and it's quite a bit of a walk to the nearest bathroom, which is quite inaccessible for you since it's up on the second floor. I don't think it's good for your injury and..." Remus laid the flat of his palm on her neck and then her forehead. "And your fever."

: I don't care, I feel... dirty, : she said stubbornly, feeling the cramp of hers getting worse by the moment.

: That stranger was right. You are stubborn, : Snape remarked.

Fenix gave him a cross look and then stared impassively at Remus. Idiotic wizards! Wind, who was watching the whole scene in silence, interrupted before Fenix could speak. : Dearheart, get a grip. Remus, why don't you oversee that she doesn't stress herself too much as she bathes? Or you can bathe her... : she commanded in a strict voice.

"But--" Remus protested.

: She has her reasons for wanting to bathe, : Wind replied evasively, then settled down to nap next to her mate. Fenix, feeling that Remus had absolutely no option but to do as Wind commanded, sighed with relief. That relief sparked into anger when the werewolf told her privately that he would not help her. Her eyes flashed for a moment with blue fire.

: You idiot, insensitive, dense... : she swore, trying to control the pain in her stomach and anger at the same time. She broke off then turned to Draco. : Draco, why don't you go to that corner for a while? I want to show this idiotic, boyfriend of mine something. You too, Sev. : After a moment of scrutinizing her and realized that she was serious in her command, Draco moved off but the Potions Master refused to budge from his seat. : You better go, Sev. I don't want to scandalize you. : He ignored her.

Fenix took a deep breath and slowly withdrew her blanket. Snape blanched and blushed furiously in embarrassment and quickly got up to search for towels, cursing himself silently for not listening to her. Remus however, stared down at the makeshift bed in shock. He could see that a part of the bed was soaked with blood. Fenix looked at him mercilessly. : What the hell do you think I am? A robot or something? Dear, if you must know I am a female and there are days when I have to absolutely be a female. Get it? Damnation, don't you guys ever study the reproductive system in school? No? Then I think Dumbledore ought to insert sexual education as part of the curriculum! : she lashed out angrily and gave Snape an unfriendly stare when he came back with towels in hand.

Remus silently helped Fenix up to her feet while she effectively covered the bloodstain with the blanket. She wrapped herself in a towel before allowing Remus to lift her in his arms and slowly moved off, with a sheepish-looking Snape trailing behind them. Before Draco could inspect the pallet that they had left in a hurry, the house-elves came and vanished with the pallet and then returned to make a new one. He shrugged then smiled when Bootes swooped over his head, crying out a raptorial greeting. The Owlery was partly destroyed but somehow, all the birds had flown out to safety, taking refuge in the Forest. Raising an arm, his eagle owl gracefully descended lightly on his arm and the Slytherin went back to sitting on his bed, scratching his owl's chin dreamily.

**********

Fenix grimaced when a painful wave erupted in her abdomen and she sighed when it subsided. They met several elves along the way to the bathroom up on the second floor and bumped into Harry and Ron who clearly looked as if they had been on the run. Snape handed them the pile of towels he had filched since they were also on their way to find a bathroom and wash up, then turned back to join the group of elves that was heading out toward the grounds. Harry took the lead cautiously and sighed when the group of four people came across a step that had vanished. They paused to look at it, and Harry exchanged a glance with the Defence professor. As if knowing that it would be extremely dangerous for Remus and the woman he was carrying in his arms, the invisible step solidified and remained that way until the group came back down again.

When they reached the landing, they found that Winky was waiting for the Defence teachers by the entrance of the girl's bathroom and Remus went in while the house-elf held the door open for him and closed it. Harry and Ron managed to get their shocked faces in control and went into the boy's bathroom, only to double up with helpless laughter.

"What do you reckon Lupin's doing with Fenix?" Ron was red-faced after laughing so hard.

"I think we shouldn't think about it." Harry grinned, grabbing a towel from Ron and entered a cubicle to shower.

**********

Remus had taken off his robes and shirt to prevent them from getting wet while bathing Fenix. He fished his wand out from his robe and pointed it on his trousers and muttered, "Impervius." The bathroom was empty and the bathtub at one end of the room was ready for the Fire Master's use. Winky helped her get rid of her garments, then took a moment to remove the bandages and disappeared to wash the garments while Krill appeared with Fenix's clothes and her bag containing her sanitary napkins and another bag holding her toiletries.

Aelwyn was carefully scooping up water with a bowl and poured it over the Fire Master's long black hair. Fenix sighed, because the Salamanders were heating up the bathtub to a temperature that was so soothing for her stomach cramps. : I wonder why us women have to tolerate cramps every time we come to that time of the month. It's really irritating. :

: It can't be as bad as turning into a werewolf, right? At least you only experience them once in a month, : he gently pointed out, fishing for her bottle of shampoo. When the Sylph had wetted her hair to a satisfying degree, he began working the shampoo into her hair.

: Trust you to look at it that way... It feels great to be washed... : Fenix sighed.

: Of course it does... but you're being selfish you know, : Remus answered, trying not to peek at her. She gave a silvery laugh as she felt his discomfort at the situation. Aelwyn then poured the hot water and helped her rinse her hair as Remus helped her wash her back.

: I wonder what Dumbledore plans to do now... I'm referring to the classes that is... : She turned her head slightly to face him, and his lips curved into a smile.

: Classes will resume once they get the protections in place and the rebuilding of the Ravenclaw section starts. I don't think it's necessary to cancel the classes though the trips out for the Care of Magical Creatures might be a little dangerous for the students. But other than that, classes will go on as normal, : he answered. Fenix's body temperature had decreased and he sighed with relief. I wonder what the two kids would think of me bathing her... but then... who cares?

**********

Back into the Hall...

Most of the students had already washed up and were ready to eat their lunch when Remus came in with Fenix, cradled safely in his arms. Several giggles and catcalls erupted, especially from Draco and Harry's group of friends. Sirius, who was seated in between Aldren and his father, looked archly at his best friend.

"Fenix! Did Lupin really give you a bath?" someone asked as Remus headed for her pallet and turning to look, she found out that it was Warrington who had asked. She made a face at him as Remus carefully knelt and slowly let her down to the pallet. Winky appeared then and asked Fenix what she would like to eat and she answered. "Hot porridge. And just water... nothing exotic today..." She sighed then leaned back against her partner's chest.

"Do you want something for that headache?" Madam Pomfrey offered but Fenix declined, saying that it was mild enough for her to tolerate it.

All the way through lunch, Harry and Ron were snickering at the couple. While Fenix winked mischievously at them, Snape had a queer expression on his face and she carefully reined her curiosity and ignored him. For a man in his prime, Sev is conservative. She chuckled to herself, and finally gave up on her half-eaten porridge. The bowl vanished with her glass and she gave a gentle nudge against her partner, signaling that she needed to lie down. She started calculating to herself when her reserves would be charged up to its maximum and gave a huge sigh of relief that it would take less than another three days for her to be up and functioning. I wonder if it would make any difference if I had just used my Gift instead of using my sword, she mused as she stared up at the ceiling. Somehow responding to the stormy weather settling down over the castle, low dark clouds began to form magically and artificial lightning flickered through the clouds. But then I couldn't, because my reserves were burnt.

While the rest were discussing on how they were to repair the castle walls, Fenix painstakingly began rebuilding her shields and found out the intensity of her headache was also decreasing. She had to be slow in her works for she did not want the elves to know that she was keen on re-shielding Hogwarts and maybe this time, the environs about it too.

: Feeling better? : Her oathbrother's mindvoice penetrated her mind.

: Okay, I guess. Are we going to sleep in the Hall from now on? :

: Yes but only for a week or two... : he replied as he chewed on his chicken meat.

: Sirius, whatever possessed you to think that Draco wanted Harry? : Fenix asked with a straight face, not bothering to look at her brother for she closed her eyes to rest. : I mean... really bro... :

: But Draco did admit that he wanted Harry! :

: You're such a big idiot, oathsib. Harry's liking doesn't really tend towards to that side. And you know that most of us do make hasty decisions now and then. :

Sirius surrendered, not bothering to argue with her and returned back to the conversation between Snape and the Elven Lord.

**********

Later during the day...

Fenix stayed in her bed all day for the trip to the bathroom and her cramps had quite exhausted her. She was contented to do that as she began to build up her resources and slowly strengthened her shielding before slowly expanding it. The sudden appearance of her Salamander with her black box containing the dagger surprised her.

: I assume that there is a reason that you have brought me this? : she asked her chief Elemental lazily.

: Yes. And that reason will appear by itself in the next forty-eight hours or so... : He disappeared and left her to ponder about the reason.

**********

At Voldemort's Stronghold...

The Death Eaters that had followed Voldemort during the campaign in Hogwarts were all being treated by Narcissa and several others. Lucius's wife held a dazed expression on her face as she made her rounds, not quite believing that it had been her son and not the famous Potter who had caused the damage to the Dark Lord and his followers. Her husband remained silent during her constant nagging. Voldemort had avoided him ever since they Apparated back and Lucius could not quite hide the trepidation that was building inside him. Narcissa was changing his dressing again and carefully wiped her husband's arms and chest, and began reapplying a burn-healing paste. It was then when Macnair, sporting an almost mummified face, whispered to Lucius that their Master had summoned him.

Lucius stared at his wife with his remaining eye, to quicken her task, then quickly covered his naked upper body with a cloak and strode quickly over to the room where Voldemort was sitting comfortably in his armchair, facing directly at the door. Lucius paused over and entered only when his Master gave a nod. Voldemort's wand gave a sudden flash and the door was quickly sealed.

"Kneel before me, Lucius," Voldemort commanded softly, staring impassively at Lucius as he trailed his fingers across his wand. His servant did as he asked, bowing his head down and not looking up. "Draco has greatly insulted me, Lucius... Are you sure that you fathered him with Narcissa?" His voice was silky and dangerous and Lucius maintained his silence. "It could not be really... coincidence... that had made him so much like the one they call Fenix?" Still Lucius remained silent. "And the arrows... were they caused by the centaurs? I'm impressed that those slender arrows could penetrate the thick armor the giants were wearing. Such advanced weaponry..." He leaned forward and trailed his wand along his servant's face. "We will launch another attack to the School in a few days, but after we pay attention to somewhere else. That should be enough for some of you to recuperate. Send agents out to keep an eye on their activities. I want to know where Crabbe and the rest are. I know they are still alive but I could not trace them." Like his servant, Voldemort had also suffered burns on his chest, neck and arms, but his face was unscathed.

"Yes, Master," Lucius obeyed quickly, starting to rise.

"Oh... no... not yet, my servant... I am feeling slightly vexed about that incident with your son." Voldemort's lips began to curve into a malicious grin; the hand holding his wand held Lucius down. His free hand quickly grabbed his servant's long pale hair and began pulling it painfully. Lucius's left eye began watering at the sudden movement, but his pain was not enough to satisfy the Dark Lord. "Crucio!" Lucius's terrified and anguished screams resonated through the whole house. Some of the Death Eaters managed to hide their expressions of glee as their Master tortured his favorite servant. His wife fled away to the furthest wing of the house and remained there for the rest of the day.

Still, his servant screamed in pain. Adding to the torturous curse, Voldemort was having a good time strangling Lucius. "Master... please..." he croaked out, his world blackening in and out as he struggled to stay awake. Voldemort laughed at his servant's plea. His servant fainted and Voldemort let the unconscious man fall limp in his arms.

"You are such a good servant to play around with, Lucius..." Voldemort whispered into his servant's ear. "Finite. And sweet dreams..."

**********

Monday, 5^th November.

Fenix had ignored the strict instructions coming from her friends and was already up and about, patrolling the school grounds with the wolves. Remus had given up on forcing her to stay in bed, and Aldren agreed that giving in was the best thing he could do.

"A female she says..." Remus grumbled under his breath as he watched the Potions Master patrolling the grounds. A couple of the elves, looking strangely like Aurors joined them, as they began to separate themselves in scouting the Forbidden Forest. Sirius understood the feelings of his best friend well and threw an arm about his shoulders in comfort. "Why doesn't she act like one then?"

"It's her sense of duty, Moony. Anyway, the workout will be good for her. At least she has something to occupy her mind now instead on focusing on her stomach cramps," Sirius said in a good-natured voice. His friend gave a sigh and they concentrated on rebuilding the Tower.

**********

In the Restricted Section of the library...

Madam Pince the librarian, had allowed Hermione, Harry and Ron into the Restricted section as Dumbledore had sent Hermione in search of more books on Runes. Harry felt it was a good time as any that he got both of his friends into a discussion about the words of Salazar Slytherin.

As Hermione was feverishly scanning through the books, she listened to Harry's arguments then answered. "Yes... I agree. I thought that he was the one that had kept the basilisk, not Vol--Voldemort. And that stuff about the true Heir of Slytherin being able to command the basilisk, is false? The Founder is really being cryptic. Anyway, what's left of the Chamber? Other than the basilisk, I mean..." She peered curiously at Harry, who gave a helpless shrug.

"I don't know, Hermione."

"I think you just have to wait until he makes himself available then..." Ron suggested and Hermione nodded her head in agreement.

"I hate secrets..." Harry complained.

**********

In the Great Hall...

Draco was sitting at the center among the circle of elves. Fenix and Mineif had given them the task of rebuilding shields to protect Hogwarts from illegal Apparitions. The Slytherin was most suited to handle this job and the elves were contented to feed the boy with magical energy. While he was Seeing to his shields, he was also thinking about the bond he had with Harry. What could I do that will make it remain that way? I sure do not want to act irrationally again... An oathbond? He broke away from his thoughts to concentrate on the merged workings of the elves on making Apparition or penetrable to the more lethal Dark Creatures impossible.

Finally, they were finished, but as all the elves opened their eyes, they were baffled by the frowns on Draco and Aldren's face. : Is she crazy? : Draco asked Fenix's childhood friend flatly.

: I wouldn't know, Draco. But it's just like her to disobey the rules set by my father. Anyway, she is not depleting her resources too much that it would be a hazard for her. : Aldren sighed, shaking his head a little and gave a faint smile. He then reassured his kind in their own tongue that it was nothing, just that Fenix had ignored the Elven Lord's warning about not using her Gifts to replenish the shield. The Elves began to disperse, leaving Draco with Aldren.

The Slytherin got up, feeling satisfied with himself and went out, walking along the corridor until he came upon the side door that led him to the courtyard. He casually sat himself down on the grass and brooded. Would an oathbond work between him and me, like the way it did with Sirius and Fenix? But is this what I want? Do I want to be stuck with him for the rest of my life?

Aldren watched the brooding boy in silence and startled briefly when he saw the same stranger approached the boy. The stranger stopped when Draco jerked his head up in surprise. Aldren was able to tell that something passed between them as they looked at each other's eyes. The stranger gave a faint smile at Draco before he vanished, and a wisp of golden light followed his disappearance.

Draco could not believe what had just happened to him. He gulped, feeling slightly awed by the visit. The stranger advised him to take the path that he felt would be good for him, and left it at that. Then, I'll go for it and hopefully it would not bring me into a dead end. He stood up, his eyes looking fierce and determined, and set out to find Harry.

**********

Harry was walking aimlessly about the seventh floor and finally went to window that was situated along the corridor, not far away from the Room of Requirement. The sounds that were coming from all over the castle were strangely muted and he felt himself isolated from everyone else. He looked up at the gray sky and the chill in the air brought signs of winter. I wonder if I should get Fenix a gift. He stared blankly at the sky, emptying his thoughts and tried not to think about anything. Suddenly a small voice erupted in his mind. "You owe a life debt to someone..." Harry gave a sigh, as his conscience prickled. If you had said life debts, it would be much more accurate, because Drake saved you more than once. I wonder where the coward that had served detention with me in the Forest went. His breath fogged the window and he absently cleared it away by rubbing his sleeve against it. "You are tied to him forever..." He scowled to himself. Don't remind me. But I hope the tie between us is not as complicating as Fenix's bond with Snape... "You could be brothers... you are much more alike to each other than you would care to admit..." Harry snorted to himself. I wish, he said sarcastically to himself and then shouted in frustration. "I must be going insane that I'm talking to myself!" He stormed off, with his face turning as black as the angry clouds looming over the castle and went to search for company.

**********

In the Forest...

Fenix tried not to gag as she approached the bodies of the Death Eaters that had been left to bleed their life away. The stench was appalling as the wind picked up. : Fenix, do something about this... : Cadriel urged her as the rest of the elves began climbing up the trees to escape from the odor.

: I agree, : Snape said in agreement, one hand screening his nose as he looked around the site carefully. : Do it before Voldemort comes in and tries to transform them into zombies... or something. : She sighed and in an instant the bodies were engulfed with blue flames and were reduced to a pile of ashes. They froze when they heard something moving in the foliage.

: Snape, take my hand. : Cadriel reached a hand out and grasped the hand that the Potions Master raised, and pulled him up effortlessly to the tree's branch. Fenix had no such requirement for aid as she scrambled up a great oak tree, relying heavily on her dark suit for camouflage. The elves quickly readied their bows and aimed at where the noises had emerged.

"Something must have gone wrong, Henry." The scouts heard the whisper and held their silence. Soon enough, a Death Eater emerged from the dense foliage. Thorns had scratched his face and he looked at his two other cohorts, while taking out a handkerchief to wipe his face carefully.

"Yes. Why can't we Disapparate? We have to go back and report that Dumbledore seemed calm about the entire situation. The walls of the castle that the giants had partly destroyed were already going under repair."

: It seems like your godson had achieved in creating a very good shield, : Fenix said lightly. Snape did not bother to answer her with words but sent her his feelings of relief and pride. : So are we taking them hostage or are we exterminating them? :

: I don't know. Why don't you see if you could send a message back to the castle? :

Fenix nodded to herself, and not taking her eyes off the three troublemakers, she established a connection with Sirius. : Hey, bro. Is Dumbledore there with you? : Her oathbrother sent a negative and she relayed the question. They had to wait for several minutes before Sirius answered her. Dumbledore wanted them assassinated. : That's really strange, : she commented.

: Not at all. Intelligence report just came in; Voldemort is planning to launch another attack on the School, in a matter of days, : Sirius replied and she repeated the answer to Snape.

: You have got to be serious, : the Potions Master said incredulously. : All right. Kill them quick and easy. : Cadriel, Fenix and two other elves slid down their branches soundlessly and ambushed their prey so fast that all Voldemort could feel was that his followers had been killed in two seconds and was unable to get more information out of their deaths. He felt a brief moment of surprise but no pain, and no fear.

**********

Back at the Hall.

Most of his friends were absent from the Hall. He stopped by Neville, who was sleeping soundly before he went over to a brooding Slytherin. The moment he sat down, Draco popped a silent question. : Do you want to be my brother? : Harry's green eyes flared in surprise at the suddenness of the request. : Anyway, : Draco got up and went out of the Hall, : consider it. :

Harry felt the Slytherin withdrew the mind-link and Harry's head pounded with confusion. Not him, too? Dragon's teeth, why must things get so complicated now?

"It is an option, though," the small voice in his head spoke up. Harry took a deep breath and pondered on the request, thinking of something that would make him say 'no' to the request. There isn't anything else except we used to be enemies. "But even brothers would sometimes hate each other... think about Percy and Ron..." the voice pointed out dryly. Let's not be too hasty. Harry compromised and the voice in his head remained mute.

**********

Later that night. Ten thirty-seven in the evening.

Fenix was standing out at the courtyard, ignoring the flashes of lightning as she just stood under the sky, taking deep breaths of air. Her blouse and skirt were blowing in several different directions and she looked as though she was being attacked by Lethifolds. Draco paused at the side door. Most of the students were already asleep, except for Harry, Sirius, Snape and the Defence teacher. They were engrossed in watching Snape playing wizards chess with the werewolf and they were unaware that Draco had gone off by himself.

He crossed the grounds silently, feeling the damp and cold wind penetrate his sweater. : Joining me? : Fenix's mindvoice whispered softly and he smiled.

: I thought you loved the sun more than anything else, : he asked her curiously, smelling the scent of rain.

Fenix chuckled lightly. : I do love the sun... but I love the sky too... the Sun would not be complete if it were just on its own. Even up there, planets and giant stars and galaxies surround the Sun. :

: Your thoughts are deep... : Draco complimented and she winked at him.

: I'm born in the melancholiest month of the year... according to the Gregorian calendar, : she pointed out, then mercurially changed the subject. : So what's brought you out here to join me in gloomy weather? :

Draco peered at the night sky, lightning dancing its lengths every ten seconds. : I won't say gloomy, excited is much better. Anyway, the reason why I came out here is that I wish to ask you how the oathbond works. :

: In a myriad of ways. The strength of the bond between two people will change according to their intents when they take the oath. For example Sirius and me we wanted to be like twins. : She looked up at the boy. : There are certain advantages to having a bond. Like knowing the mood of the other one and knowing that you will never be short of a confidant. Disadvantages, well it depends on how you look at it, you could not be separated for long. Also, if one were to die because of some reasons, the other one left alive might turn suicidal. Oathbonds are meant to last a lifetime, even some won't be broken when they move on to the Otherworld. Oathbonds are not meant to be taken lightly, this is serious stuff, for you will become partners and equals. : Fenix smiled at his disappointed expression. : I sound as if I'm describing lovers, don't I? Actually, I'm describing a kind of kinship, unless if you intend to be lovers, of course. :

The boy was silent and Fenix tilted her face up to the sky. Something incredibly fishy is going on right beside me. First Harry and now him. I understand why Krill had placed the Dagger within reach now but I hope both of them had thought about this enough that they would not regret their bond later in life. Assuming that they want to share a bond with each other of course.

: Don't worry. : Krill's voice echoed in her mind. : They know why they should do it. Draco at least knows why he wanted the bond, but it will take sometime for Harry to realize why a part of him wants the oathbond badly. :

: Would you care to enlighten me? About Draco knowing why he should take the oathbond, : she inquired the Elemental curiously.

: He had a visit from Him-- you know whom I am referring to. Draco has seen something about the future, that Harry would need his talents and it would work well than if Harry had called for the help of nothing more than a friend. Compared to Hermione, Draco's rather fickle in his decisions. Their lives are going to intertwine in more ways than one. That's why Harry visited you just now. It was because Draco requested him, : her Elemental responded.

: He took the first step of asking him? Unbelievable! : She tried to keep her expression calm.

: You were the one who wanted to change him... : Krill said indifferently.

: So it all lies with the intent of the caster and the receiver, : the Slytherin concluded absently, catching her attention and she nodded. : Next question then. : His mindvoice was resolved. : How do you initiate the oathbinding ceremony? :

As if right on cue, Krill appeared with the black box that held her Dagger. Draco suddenly frowned at the sky. "What happened to the storm?" he asked curiously, missing the moment where the Salamander appeared with the box in tow. A half-moon peeked out from the dark clouds.

"Tonight's a good night, if you want to know. Even the weather's cooperating," Fenix said lightly as she opened the box and retrieved the Dagger of seven inches. "It's relatively simple. But I have to warn you something; not all oaths... let me rephrase that. Not all initiations are successful. It is up to Him to acknowledge the bond. But if He answers, be prepared to handle all the consequences all right? Once blood is shared, it will be shared forever," she said in a warning voice. She handed him the slim weapon. "Tilt the blade against the moonlight. All the two of you have to do is to memorize what is written on the blade and slash your right palms diagonally. Not the left one-- brings bad luck. Then you clasp your palms together and let your blood mingle, then chant the incantation. I know the part about the blood mingling is a little unhygienic but both you and Harry are free of any kind of diseases. Well, I'm going in." She handed the black box and swiftly turned and entered the castle.

Draco stared at the blade intently; the words written seemed to jump out of the silver blade. Is my intent so transparent that she mentioned Green-Eyes? Do I really want to do this? Fenix said it's a good night but would Harry answer me now? The Slytherin stood alone under the dark sky for a few moments.

**********

Harry noticed that Fenix had just came in and she casually implanted herself on Remus's lap. Wait a minute... where's Draco? He narrowed his eyes speculatively and jumped slightly when the Slytherin's mindvoice penetrated his mind.

: Have you decided? :

Harry evaded the question and asked, : Where are you? : And he stood up, ignoring his godfather's surprised look.

: Meet me in the courtyard, : was all he said and left Harry no choice but to go to him. He carefully steered among the numerous sleeping bags all about the Hall and walked down into the corridor and finally stepped out into the courtyard. Draco was holding something in his hand and he approached the Slytherin cautiously. : What is your answer, Green-Eyes? :

: Drake, you call me that again and I'll call you Silver-Eyes for the rest of your life. : Harry threatened.

: It is a deal... Green-Eyes. So what is your answer? :

: I don't see anything wrong with it, except that the family life I will share with you will not be exactly comfortable, : Harry answered truthfully then looked up at the half-moon, peering straight down at him.

: Are you prepared to take the oathbond with me? : Draco cocked his head to one side. : And prepared to shoulder the consequences that would come after? : Harry nodded, staring at the dagger the Slytherin was holding.

: Fenix lent that to you? : he hazarded and the Slytherin confirmed by nodding slightly. : She gave you the instructions of how it would work? : Another nod from Draco. : Have you asked Snape for permission? :

: What I'm going to do does not concern him, : Draco replied stubbornly.

**********

"Are you sure this would work between them, Fenix?" Four of them crowded at the side door, watching the two students intently.

"It's up to them if they want the bond to work, Sev..." she answered with a smile.

**********

The two had already slashed their right palms and Harry winced because he had cut across his palm a little too deeply. They began to chant the incantation as they clasped both their palms together. There was a strange tingle going through their palms but Harry ignored it, thinking it was his wound just itching. But just as both of them recited the last phrase, a strange green glow emerged from their clasped hands and then exploded to engulf them.

Fenix suppressed her exclamation of surprise because that had not happened between Sirius and her. "So...their oaths had been accepted," Snape spoke up in a hushed voice.

"Let's leave those two alone. Their cuts would be fully healed right?" Remus whispered and Fenix nodded and they went back to the Hall to rest.

**********

Harry looked down at their hands in wonder. The light had died and so did the itching. They finally unclasped their hands and Harry looked down at his right palm. A silver scar of Six-pointed star was etched deeply into his palm, and so was Draco's. They then stared at each other, not believing that the initiation was a success. The blade was already in the box and it disappeared as Krill took it.

"So, we are finally kin now," Draco said softly.

"I guess there's no turning back then." Harry shrugged and grinned widely. : Let's see how we try to maintain the peace between ourselves. :

: Starting from now then. : The Slytherin returned his grin and shook the right hand that Harry had offered.