Purpose

~ Chapter 48: A Blow After Another ~

Tuesday morning, 13^th November.

The Fire Master was brooding as she silently walked across the wet grounds into the castle. Her headache was growing worse as minutes trickled by and paused at the brick steps to massage her temple. Soft footfalls behind her made her turn and she gave a half-smile at the seemingly-well Aberforth.

"You seem worried, Fenix," Dumbledore’s brother stated bluntly.

Fenix let out a small, sarcastic laugh. "I can’t remember the last time I feel unburdened with worries, Aberforth." She sighed deeply, her eyes growing distant as she turned her thoughts inward, and the two of them proceeded up the staircase leading to the hospital wing in silence. Then she whispered to him. "Hell yes, I’m worried," she gave the tall wizard a sidelong look, "and you better make Pomfrey scan you for head injuries. What hit you anyway?" she asked him curiously.

"I have no idea actually," he answered in an embarrassed voice. "It seems like everyone nowadays is being extremely selfish in informing his dueler what spells he is flinging at you." He ran his fingers through his blood-coated gray hair.

Krill suddenly appeared before her and urgently told the Fire Master to hurry. Mineif evidently needed her help in stabilizing the seriously injured Weasley. Bloody hell... She cast a significant look at Aberforth and at his nod, she Jumped, reappearing at the entrance of the infirmary. Bright mage lights hovered everywhere and she saw that half of the Elven company were helping Madam Pomfrey in her administrations to the injured.

Fenix headed straight to where the Elven Lord was seated, his figure infused with a bright emerald glow as he and Aldren Healed Charlie. He gave her a preoccupied nod and instructed her to deal with the internal complications.

**********

Twenty-eight minutes to six in the morning.

A loud roar of thunder made everyone jump in their sleep but was otherwise unaffected and they went right on sleeping. Snape turned to his side and wondered why the space beside him felt empty. He sleepily opened his eyes and waited patiently for his vision to focus and to adjust to the dim lighting of the Hall. He saw the clear outline of a sleeping werewolf, but there were no signs of the small Fire Master.

I don’t think the werewolf will like it if he wakes up to find that Fenix is not with him, floated an abstract thought. He slowly sat up and looked over to his left and shuddered, and questioned his sanity when he realized that he had slept close beside the handsome Black. Does he roll about in his sleep? Snape asked himself and stifled a yawn.

Snape looked beyond the werewolf and sighed as he watched the oathbrothers sleeping soundly next to each other. A suspicious feeling slowly crept in and he wondered if their (meaning his and Sirius’s) godsons had entangled themselves up in more mischief while their godfathers slept.

Damn that meddlesome woman. I certainly did not imagine myself to be buried head deep with the confusing concepts of maintaining a family. He almost snarled to himself. All of this is so sweetening that it’s nauseating. Certainly my own father would be scandalized if he knew what his precious son was up to. The Potions Master snorted derisively. To hell with him... It’s all well and good that I’m single but I can’t help envying the werewolf. If I had been any different or got to her first, I’m absolutely sure that Fenix would be with me instead of the werewolf. Then he reprimanded himself for thinking like that and he felt galled at himself. And damn that Black! The last person I wanted to be influenced by is this irritating, arrogant, self-conceited jackass! He stared at the innocent-looking sleeping Black with disgust. I wonder if should start acting like the Potions Master everyone knew before I took that cursed vacation in The Burrow, he mused darkly.

: I guess you could but keeping up your act will put a strain on your senses, : Wind’s mindvoice suddenly popped in his mind and he was horrified to know that the wolf had been eavesdropping on his thoughts.

: Let me give you a bit of advice, Severus, : Silver spoke to the Potions Master. : It’s rather hopeless because Fenix would not just stand and watch you being the ‘stone-hearted and difficult-to-work-with’ Potions Master. Not when she has the full support of very dubious females living in Hogwarts, : the male wolf said in a serious tone. : So spare yourself from hours of argument although I think it would be very entertaining if you do argue. Fenix wouldn’t mind in getting physical. :

Snape turned around and stared at the wolves that was curling beside the sleeping Granger. He sighed then gave a cynical smile at the wolves. : I’ve lost my case even before I start it, am I right? : he said in a sulky tone.

Silver gave him a grin. : It’s obvious you know. Once she starts to love someone, it will be rather hard not to return her love. Take your godson for example. :

Snape gazed at the now raven-haired Slytherin and the thought of the youth’s father flashed into his mind. He carefully pushed aside the anger that surfaced and asked the wolves if they knew of Fenix’s whereabouts in an attempt to distract himself from having more murderous thoughts.

The wolves went silent as they communed with the Elementals and passed on the news that the Fire Master was still locked in her Healing trance. Snape blinked his eyes in confusion and Wind pointed out to her mate in an exasperated mindvoice that the Potions Master had not been informed of the Headmaster’s return. Alarm quickly surfaced and the female wolf hastily said that Dumbledore was all right. Snape frowned, then questioned just who it was that Fenix was Healing.

: It’s Ron’s brother, : the female wolf answered tiredly. : He was already injured from broken bones but when his dragon lost control, his already-splintered bones fragmented further. :

: Is it serious? Complications? : Snape questioned her as he stood up. The wolf gave an unmistakable nod. Somehow, the news that Wind slipped in passing about Charlie’s dragon went unnoticed by the Potions Master.

: Why don’t you go up and wait on her? : Silver suggested then cast a thoughtful glance at the werewolf. : And I hope that she gets her job done soon before her partner arouses. :

What is it about couples? Snape thought in aggravation.

**********

Seventeen minutes after six o’clock.

Snape had taken a hot shower and was already on his way to the hospital wing, his right hand holding up his sandwich while his left was holding a medium-sized flask containing hot chocolate, just in case the Fire Master needed something to perk her up.

He finished his light breakfast just as he reached the last flight of stairs leading to the infirmary. It was then that he saw the Fire Master sitting wearily in a corner. He ran up the steps briskly and hastily placed his flask on the floor and gathered the small woman in his arms. He frowned when he felt the heat emanating out from her body and was not surprised to see her exhausted face.

: Fenix, if you are weary, why didn’t you make use of the beds in the ward? : the Potions Master chided her gently.

The Fire Master gave him a sheepish chuckle. : I know, Sev. But I’m likely to end up giving Mineif more trouble if I stayed in there. I’m more likely to give out what I don’t have to Charlie or the injured. :

Snape shook his head helplessly and reached out for the flask containing the hot drink. He urged her to take a sip and was pleased when she looked at him gratefully. She slowly took a drink from the flask when Moody appeared.

"You wanted to see me?" the ex-Auror looked curiously at the two people sitting on the landing.

"Yeah, I did," Fenix answered. "The Weasleys are coming over soon but what I want you to do is to meet up with Tonks, Ash and the Grangers."

Moody raised an eyebrow. "What on earth for?"

"I’m not exactly positive," the Fire Master said slowly, "but I want you to check up on Percy."

"What’s with him?" Snape asked her sharply.

"It is Mrs. Weasley. She was babbling something about him in an accident to Meridien– she’s one of the Sylphs that’s helping out in The Burrow. What worries me is that an accident did happen an hour ago near the area that Percy had made his home," she informed the two men and Moody nodded gravely and finally went out of sight as he descended the staircase.

: By the way, how is Dumbledore? And the Weasley? : Snape questioned her in an anxious mindvoice as he helped her up to her feet.

: Dumbledore’s suffering from mild arthritis but they’re all right. Charlie will regain his consciousness in about two or three days, : she informed him, leaning against his comforting strength. She had to admit to herself that she was not feeling exactly at her best and depended on him to guide her as they slowly walked down the staircase.

Sending out a brief mental probe, she sighed with relief when she found that Remus was still fast asleep. Halfway to the Hall, Snape stopped and pulled her around to give her a warm embrace.

Huh? Fenix blinked her eyes in surprise and blushed when she felt him leaning forward and gave her forehead a gentle kiss. : What brought that on? : she asked the Potions Master curiously. He however, gave her a crooked grin and left her question unanswered. They tiptoed into the Hall, but Fenix could not help giving baffled glances at him and she was already feeling wide awake by the small distraction. Snape watched her fondly as she crawled back to her place. : Sev... : She gave him a pleading look but he smirked and left the Hall to see the Headmaster.

: Am I in trouble or something? : she asked her Elementals but they were as baffled as she was. Sighing, she lifted her partner’s arm and let it rest on her waist. The sleeping werewolf almost instantly pulled her closer and she snuggled against him in sheer bliss.

**********

Half past ten.

Harry finally roused and his accidental movement made his oathbrother grumble sleepily in complaint. Without opening his eyes, he listened for the sounds of activities in the Hall. Snores could still be heard and he wondered if they would be having their classes that day. I don’t think it’s raining. There’s no thunder or the smell of rain... He turned and the light from the window caused him to open his eyes. From the angle that the beams of sunlight were shining upon them, Harry knew that all of them were having a major case of oversleeping.

Most of us are probably dead tired after all the excitement from the past week or so. Hell, I’m getting hungry. Is Dumbledore back? He stretched on the bed and popped several joints noisily and Draco suddenly sat up, looking murderously at the green-eyed boy.

: What? : Harry asked innocently, seeing only the blurred outline of the Slytherin.

A lot of things were running in a fast mode in Draco’s mind and he sighed heavily, feeling grouchy of not being able to continue sleeping. : Nothing. : The Slytherin looked about him, wondering where his godfather had disappeared to, seeing that the space beside Harry’s godfather was empty. : What’s the time now? :

: It’s ten-thirty, : his oathbrother answered, after he had put on his glasses that had been left lying behind his pillow while he slept, then looked at his pocket watch. Draco mumbled a thanks. He suddenly felt the need to go and visit the restroom and got up to his feet lazily. He was still feeling groggy and accidentally bumped into someone wearing a pale yellow witch-robe. The Slytherin blinked his eyes in confusion and a name finally flashed into his mind as he stared at her. It was Mrs. Weasley and she was looking at him uncertainly. Obviously, she was not able to recognize him being a Malfoy.

"Are Ron and Ginny still asleep?" the plump woman asked him and he nodded curtly. The Slytherin examined the witch almost habitually, noting that the dress she was wearing was rather rumpled and her hair was in disarray. He managed to stop himself from sneering at her in disdain and finally decided to call his oathbrother to welcome her. Mrs. Weasley was looking very haggard, and she looked as if she could do with a week’s rest, not doing anything else but sleep. Mrs. Weasley seemed to have lost a bit of weight too.

**********

Harry immediately got up to his feet and woke Ron up, hastily telling his best friend that his mother was outside with the Slytherin.

"Bloody hell..." Ron muttered, struggling to wake Hermione up and at the same time trying to extract himself from the blankets that his friend had conjured up on them to keep warm.

"Mrs. Weasley!" Harry gasped when Ron’s mother suddenly flung herself at him.

"Oh Harry! I was so worried about you!" she cried out, relieved that he was looking fine to her.

Draco watched the two in amusement and the need to relieve himself became more urgent. He winked at Harry, much to the surprise of Ron’s mother and he disappeared down the narrow staircase into the dungeons.

Harry gave a fond smile at Mrs. Weasley, deciding to keep about his oathbond with Draco a secret from her a little longer. Commotion from inside the Hall made him look over his shoulder and tall, gangly Ron ran forth.

"MOM!" Ginny squealed happily and quickly went to embrace her mother.

**********

Sixteen minutes to noon.

The werewolf was sipping on his coffee as he watched the sleeping Fenix with veiled concern, listening attentively to Mrs. Weasley as she informed them of the happenings in the wizarding world outside Hogwarts. She however, did not mention a single thing about her dreams of Percy and Ron seemed to forget that they had yet to introduce the Slytherin to the ‘family’. It felt strange and empty to them without the Potions Master around to add in his sardonic comments.

The Potions Master was still up in the infirmary and they wondered what Mineif wanted with Snape. Mrs. Weasley was waiting anxiously for Moody or the Elementals with news as she listened distractedly to Ginny’s account of the encounter with giants and Heliopaths. But she totally skipped those parts about Harry’s new gift and again, she had completely forgotten about Draco.

Remus was trailing his fingers dreamily along Fenix’s chin and he knew that she had been using her Gift of Healing. He felt a little hurt that she had left his side during the morning and was stunned periodically by Snape.

"Moony?" Sirius looked curiously at his best friend’s stunned expression.

"It’s nothing..." Remus answered in a distracted tone. : What’s that for, Severus? :

: You’re being illogically angry at Fenix. :

: When on earth did I say I am angry with her? : he asked the Potions Master sharply.

Snape walked in through the Hall, nodding his head occasionally to the students who greeted him, and gave a patronizing look at Remus. He dropped the subject and asked Mrs. Weasley. "Has Moody returned?" he inquired the witch but she shook her head. The Potions Master frowned at Remus. : Are you sure she is still breathing? It’s unlike her to sleep this late, : he asked the werewolf, looking worriedly at Fenix.

Sirius narrowed his eyes as he looked at them, not really liking the fact that he was excluded from the conversation. Then he heard his oathsister’s mindvoice echoed sleepily.

: I am all right, just in need of a bit more sleep. And keep it down, will you? : The Fire Master had not moved an inch as she spoke into their minds, eyelids not even twitching.

: What have you been doing to yourself this time? : Sirius interrogated her in a strict tone.

: I had been Healing Charlie, and I’m fairly drained I admit, : she answered and the link became inactive as she fell asleep.

While the three men were busy looking and examining the exhausted Fire Master, another silent conversation was taking place and Harry’s slight shake of his head ended the discussion. The two youths were sparing themselves mayhem by not telling their company of their midnight excursion.

Cadriel, who was having his lunch with a nice-looking Hufflepuff senior suddenly stopped eating and frowned when he heard the clamor that was made by the Elementals. Evidently, Fenix too had heard the sudden noise and growled in her sleep. She tiredly rubbed her forehead and opened her eyes.

: Hello Molly, : she greeted when she caught sight of the witch. Mrs. Weasley’s eyes misted and began profusely thanking the Fire Master for helping to Heal her son. Fenix gave the woman an embarrassed smile and she looked at her oathbrother for help.

Sirius just gave her a lofty look. : You were really being helpful so bravely deal the consequences that come after. :

: You’re being mean. : Fenix finally sat up on the pallet, unconsciously rubbing her ribs. Her eyes took on a distant look as she listened to her Elementals. "Moody’s back," she said after a moment of concentration.

Mrs. Weasley was up on her feet within seconds when she saw the ex-Auror snaking his way to get to their group. Moody spoke to the witch in soft undertones and they saw her paled, starting to tremble as he confirmed the news that her third son had indeed been involved in an accident.

"Ash is seeing to the arrangements of getting Percy into Hogwarts for observation, though I have no idea why he shouldn’t be transferred in Mungo’s," he said, casting a significant look at Fenix, who shrugged. "Molly..." Moody shook his head when the motherly witch started crying. "Percy’s all right, nothing as complicated as Charlie’s injuries," he said as he patted her shoulder awkwardly.

"But he did get himself into an accident!" Mrs. Weasley wailed. Moody sighed.

**********

Wednesday, 14^th November. In the evening.

Percy had been safely transferred into the hospital wing earlier that morning and was evidently well enough to start a conversation, especially with his mother. Ron and Ginny were still being stubbornly unfriendly to their brother and they watched him continuously sniveling, begging her for forgiveness. Mrs. Weasley was more than a happy woman when she saw that her son had finally came to his senses. By early afternoon, the entire Weasley clan was inside Hogwarts to visit the injured ones, but they were especially worried about the dragon keeper. Like his dragon, Charlie was still unconscious.

They all had gone down to the Hall for a brief lunch, but Bill seemed to have other things in mind. So while the Hall erupted into friendly chaos with the twins about, who had brought treats for the students, Bill had snuck past the company and headed up to the infirmary on his own. None of them was aware that he possessed a deathly, cold nature until they went up to the ward and unfortunately intruded on the heavy-duty verbal lashing he was passionately giving to Percy.

Mrs. Weasley who was lagging behind the group as she talked to Sirius was pulled away swiftly by her daughter and Hermione, whose faces were flaming. "Girls!" Mrs. Weasley had exclaimed and stared at her husband in complete bafflement. Mr. Weasley was looking shaky and he was very pale, and she was half-afraid to ask him what went wrong. Those who knew about the miniature verbal war in the ward kept Mrs. Weasley occupied for an hour before Fenix gave them the signal that all was clear. She wore a faintly amused look and informed Harry and his oathbrother that Dumbledore was absolutely shocked to overhear some of the words that had left Bill’s mouth.

The Headmaster was having a fit of coughs as they entered the ward. He was being examined by the Elven Lord, who was also giving the man his prescriptions. The twins were looking at Percy and they were so full of glee that both Fenix and Ginny could not resist the temptation of pinching the cheeky twins. Percy was holding up an aura of shame while Bill looked totally calm, and was being his sweet, charming self. He only gave his father a sidelong look when the latter stammered something to him about watching his language.

Evening finally arrived and both Sirius and Snape had ordered Fenix to take a complete break from her duties, and the Potions Master told her privately that she ought to spend some time entertaining her partner. And that was what she was doing, looking at her partner with her silver, lupine eyes. Her partner was totally unclothed and she waited patiently for his transformation to take place. Dear gods, this man is just beautiful, she thought mischievously to herself. I am glad that he isn’t as lean as Sirius or as muscular as Sev, though you really can’t tell by the way that he is dressed up. She smiled to herself, remembering that impromptu moment when Snape had embraced her without warning. Then her thoughts wandered and she cursed heatedly to herself, borrowing some of the creative words that she heard from Bill. Dear Phoebus! What in hell is wrong with me? I must be going crazy that I find my Remus’s chest absolutely tantalizing!

: Lover... : Remus’s thought floated into her mind. : I’m ready. :

She stopped her daydreaming and watched her partner carefully, especially his facial expression and body language. The twitching began and he knelt on the floor, feeling the anatomical and physical changes of his body. His transformation was no longer a pain for him and it took him only twelve minutes to complete his transformation. He gave himself one final shake, loose fur floated about him, catching the moonlight coming in from the window. He leapt onto the bed. The two were completely alone– minus the ever-present Elementals– since the pair of genuine wolves were hanging out with Aldren.

Remus purred deeply in his throat, rubbing his snout along her muzzle and cheek, really pleased with how she smelled to him. The deep, vibrating hums from her actually caused him to go wild and he gave her a playful nip under her neck. Hence, their friendly, fortnight wrestles commenced to get their blood pumping, along with other emotions.

**********

In the infirmary.

Percy still had not quite recovered from Bill’s intense scolding. When he saw a strutting, black-haired young man, plainly dressed in Slytherin robe coming forward and insinuated himself into Harry’s company with plain ease, he became totally numb. And when Ron sheepishly began informing his mother that Harry had taken an oathbond with the Slytherin, who was the former son of Lucius Malfoy and the one named Draco, Percy was struck speechless. Mrs. Weasley looked utterly dumbfounded that Harry had the guts to establish the bond with someone like Draco.

Only the twins seemed unsurprised by the news, since Charlie had told them of it months ago. Ginny was hanging over Charlie when she heard the Keeper mumbled something unintelligible. She decided not to tell anyone just yet and leaned closer to catch his words.

"Why did... cut?... I like it long. Reminds me of someone," Charlie paused and Ginny strained her hearing to listen to his whispers. "Yes Allaina... love... too."

Ginny blinked her eyes twice before looking around for Mineif. The Elven Lord looked inquiringly at her. "Is it natural if he talks in his sleep?" she asked as she pointed at Charlie. That captured Mineif’s attention and he quickly went over to her side.

After spending a few minutes to give the Weasley a thorough checkup, he finally told the anxious company that Charlie was well on the way to recovery. The twins unobtrusively closed in on their sister. Fred nudged her gently to gain her attention and George whispered into her ear. "What was Charlie mumbling about?"

"I think he really does have a sweetie," she whispered back and Fred struggled to contain his mirth. The twins started to grin devilishly and she backed away from them slowly, intent on not getting herself into trouble by more of the twins’ schemes.

McGonagall appeared into the ward and determinedly made her way to see the resting Headmaster. Not liking the fierceness lurking deeply in her eyes, Dumbledore decided to cheat, hoping to make the Transfigurations teacher forget her intentions. He summoned Harry and Draco over to his bed.

Harry looked uneasily at his oathbrother as they approached the Headmaster. Dumbledore spoke up before McGonagall had a chance to begin her chastisement. "The two of you have acted far too recklessly for my comforts. Harry, I thought you were drained by that encounter with Tom. And Draco, for being a Slytherin and his oathbrother, I had thought you were wise enough not to listen to a reckless Gryffindor."

Both youths blanched and it certainly did not occur to them that the Headmaster would be the one to spill the beans about their midnight adventure.

"What are you saying, Dumbledore?" Snape questioned the Headmaster, his bright black eyes not leaving Draco’s face.

"As I have suspected," Dumbledore leaned back on his pillow, looking calmly at the Potions Master. "This two have acted on their own to carry out a rescue mission," and he began explaining about the troublesome flock that had hindered their retreat two nights ago. Mrs. Weasley paled and their godfathers fumed.

"Ten points off Slytherin!" Sirius thundered.

And at the same time, Snape hissed, "Ten points from Gryffindor!"

"And twenty points off from each of you," Dumbledore said gravely. "You will serve detention for the next two weeks down in the dungeons. Professor Snape and Sirius will supervise both of you."

"And that means no Quidditch practice, Potter, Draco," Snape’s eyes glinted.

"Both of us are going to put the two of you into manual labor that you would not have the time or strength for mischief," Sirius added cruelly.

McGonagall was looking very annoyed and she stared at the two boys fiercely.

"Shit..." Draco muttered softly.

"Fifty points each!" she said in a tight voice. "I am absolutely sure that the Headmaster and his cohorts would have been in much more serious conditions had you not helped them to guard their backs," she continued, her eyes flashing dangerously when Snape was about to make a protest regarding the house-points.

: At least they don’t know of our actions about the crystals, : Draco sent a reassuring thought to Harry.

Sirius flopped sulkily into a chair, scowling blackly at Harry, whose shoulders slumped in defeat when the Black began to lecture and presumably, Draco was subjected to the same treatment by his own godfather.

"Now Albus," McGonagall started in a sweet voice and she gave the wizard a lecture and finally administered his punishment that had been postponed. She had obviously done something very professionally as they were unable to track or detect if she had hexed the Headmaster. Fawkes, who was perching on a chair, started fluttering about on his perch and it gave Harry the distinct impression that the phoenix was amused and was not moving about in agitation. Whatever it was that the Transfigurations teacher had done, it evidently worked as they saw the Headmaster’s face turned bright crimson and he coughed to hide his embarrassment.

McGonagall made a patronizing sound at the back of her throat and regally exited out of the infirmary, leaving the wing to the Weasleys, the teachers and students who were visiting the invalid.

**********