Purpose

~ Chapter 51: Hidden ~

Friday, 19^th April 1997. The Quidditch Finals.

The stadium was buzzing with murmurs, squeals, and shouts of excitement. While the house-elves, some of the elves, Kingsley and Charley kept an eye on the castle, the others were there at the pitch to witness yet another Quidditch match. Most of the staff had taken seats everywhere in the stadium, Fenix excluded. She was on the broomstick, keeping an eye for any kind of troubles.

Just four weeks ago, Slytherin had managed to kick the Hufflepuffs off the semifinals after sixty-seven minutes of physical abuse, couple of sabotages (You sure as hell can’t stop a Slytherin from acting like a Slytherin) and reckless flying in determination to get their hands on the Quidditch cup after five years of failing to gain it. Hufflepuff had seen better days, but due to the loss of skilled Quidditch players, they had lost the match with the Slytherins ahead of them by twenty-eight points. It was really a matter of theoretical discussion if the Hufflepuffs were lacking in skills or the Slytherins, after having their training sessions with their rival, had finally managed to polish their skills Judging by the particular feints and heart-stopping dives of a particular silver-eyed, blond-haired Seeker, Hermione found the second theory was much more substantial to the first.

Lee’s loud booming voice rang clearly throughout the stadium and the audience let out a cacophonous roar of welcome. "ALL RIGHT PEOPLE!"the commentator’s voice was absolutely too magnetizing that it was impossible not to pay attention to him, now that he was in his element. "This is what we have been waiting for!" Lee’s charismatic voice boomed. "The final Quidditch match that I’ll witness in Hogwarts for the last time!"

Fenix made a rather loud remark on that. She leaned fully on her Ice Dagger and stared at her wand for a moment before she spoke into it. "Provided that you’re able to maintain your good grades for NEWTs and graduate with flying colors, dear lad, else we’ll be seeing you again next term!"

"Fenix! Get off the mike!" Lee protested loudly. Fenix smirked roguishly at him and she tucked her wand back to its hiding place.

The Fire Master backed away from the indignant Lee, watching the Gryffindor with amusement. She had positioned herself near the commentator’s stand. She had told no one but Harry that she was absolutely amazed by his commentating skills. Her eyes dropped to the sandy pitch, watching the forms of the referee and the two Quidditch captains. They waited, filled to their cores with excitement for the referee to blow that silver whistle of hers. The crowd teetered dangerously on the brink of anticipation.

It came as a surprise to Fenix and Hermione that when it all came down to Quidditch, superior egos refused to be deflated and no one was willing to bet over a Knut whether Harry and Draco are still oathbrothers. The two had already taken up to the air, and were engaging in a stare-fume-scowl-blasphemy contest to past the time. Fenix chuckled at their open animosity.

"What is it about Quidditch that you really have to wallow in violence?" she asked the crowd with a smile on her lips and laughter echoed all about the stadium.

"FENIX!!! If you want to take my place that badly, please say so!" Lee waved his wand dangerously and she backed away, laughing heartily.

A whistle from the ground captured their attention and they held their breaths. Hermione leaned over the railings. Behind her, her schoolmates were cheering loudly and she couldn’t help but cheer too.

"And here we go again! Gryffindor versus Slytherin!"

It was noisy. VERY NOISY. The audience watched excitedly as the Bludgers flew around the pitch with targets to bludgeon. Yowls emerged from the audience as a Bludger was sent flying to hit Warrington by Dean, who was unaware that the Slytherin was directly in the path of the Bludger. The evidence of the uneasy truce between the two Houses seemed to evaporate and the Gryffindors were getting really aggressive toward their opponents as minutes trickled by slowly.

"WHOOPS! Oh you gotta watch your back Ginny! That was a close shave by Montague! Okay, Ginny’s got the Quaffle and... Here comes Spinnet on that broomstick! Oh you make my heart fly, love! And yes! Ginny’s passed it to her!" Lee broke off and he stared at the Slytherin Chasers following the Gryffindor Captain feverishly.

"And here comes Montague again! Bloody hell! His speed is truly amazing!" Lee looked at the Slytherin, impressed. "Watch out for the Bludger, Greenie! Yow! Dodge it love!"

Exclamations of relief rippled through the ranks of the students when both captains managed to evade the ball. Alicia was still holding on to the Quaffle and was looking for a familiar redhead. The younger Chaser was half-hidden by the bulky form of Crabbe and the captain dared to send the Quaffle over his head and sighed with relief when she saw Ginny’s evil grin. The curses coming from the ranks of Slytherins were turning more ominous.

"Ginny’s got it again and YOU GO GIRL!" Lee shouted triumphantly as his eyes saw the Quaffle going through the loop in one graceful arch. "First point goes to the Gryffindors!"

**********

Harry was feeling slightly nervous as he watched the rest of his teammates from a great height. Is Drake going to cheat?

: Of course not! Fenix will give me a trashing if I do! : his oathbrother said indignantly.

Harry grinned then his face turned serious when he saw the same familiar flicker of golden right behind the Gryffindor goalpost and as usual, his instincts drove him to speed for the ball. His sudden movement caught his oathbrother by surprise and Harry distantly heard his oathbrother’s curses as Draco struggled to catch up with him. Harry couldn’t help chuckling as Draco railed about the Gryffindor’s luck.

Harry’s crimson robes were plastered to his body as he flew against the wind at a great speed. He sensed the Bludgers but left Seamus to deal with it. He wondered why Draco was trailing hotly after him. You would have thought that after four years of being a Seeker, he would have noticed what the Snitch is doing right now is nothing but a feint.

The Snitch disappeared as it went behind a pillar and Harry calmly rose in the air and resumed his silent scrutiny. Draco was fuming and he did not bother concealing it from his oathbrother. Harry sent him an annoying thought to his oathbrother who cursed him in return. It was as if the Seekers were separated from the rest of their members and were playing their own game in their own pitch.

Got you! Draco thought him with satisfaction and flew straight for his oathbrother. The Slytherin gave a maniacal grin when Harry’s emerald eyes flared when he realized that Draco was going to crash into him if he did not get out of the way. Harry placed all his trust on his broom and willed his Firebolt to lose altitude quickly and Harry felt his stomach lurch at the sudden drop. He quickly rolled away to the side, evading Draco’s outstretched hand. While Harry was frantically trying to think of a reason why his oathbrother was attempting to grab hold of his raven hair, a metal-like object was clinging at his long hair.

**********

"It’s the fiftieth minute and still the Seekers are on the hunt for our devilish, little Snitch! Back to the scoreboard then!" Lee yelled to the audience and he scanned the board quickly. "The Slytherins are eighteen points behind the Gryffindors!" Lee informed the crowd.

There was no doubt about it. The audience was very restless and those in Gryffindors were more than just worried. Thoughts such as, ‘Will Harry catch the Snitch?’, ‘What if Draco catches it first?’ and ‘I certainly won’t be able to stand the shame if we lose the Cup!’ were running furiously in their minds.

Lee’s sudden exclamation startled everyone. "What on earth is the silver-eyed Seeker playin’ at?!" Lee exclaimed as his eyes took in the forms of the Seekers. It was Draco’s twenty-eight attempt (if Hermione had counted accurately) at grappling his rival Seeker in mid-flight.

The audience heard Harry’s clear, furious shout. "There’s no way I’d let you have it!" Harry propelled himself backwards, pushing the Slytherin Seeker away from him and the audience heard Draco raved.

"THEY MUST HAVE SEEN THE SNITCH!" Lee crowed out excitedly. "But wait! Here we go again! Draco’s coming for him!" Lee frowned. "And what is Potter trying to do now?" His comment sparked off more curiosity.

**********

Sirius watched the Seekers grapple with each other through the lens of the omnioculars and commented absently to the Potions Master. "I think I’m going to give your godson a few days of detention once this match is over."

Snape snorted and he watched the scene in complete serenity, severe black robes billowing about his legs in the strong wind. Remus suddenly started swearing and it startled the living daylight out of his two companions. The werewolf laughed then repeated his swearing.

"Moony." Sirius flushed with embarrassment when he felt the eyes belonging to dozens of students on him, Snape and the werewolf. "Stop acting like a goddamn madman."

"Harry’s got the Snitch all right!" Remus responded in between laughs and Snape swore, hating himself for not resisting Black’s bet. By the end of this term, the Potions Master would have a hundred Galleons lesser in his vault. However, it was the unknown bet he had agreed with the werewolf that unnerved him a little. Why must they have all the fun? Snape asked himself sourly.

The three watched Harry attempting a feat that was totally unadvisable when riding up on a broom and the ground is seventy meters below you. Harry was working both arms furiously behind his back and shivered when he finally felt the Snitch fluttering along his backbone. Just a bit more!

Harry yelled with glee when he managed to get the Snitch out of his robes and firmly grasped the metallic ball in his palm. He distantly heard Madam Hooch’s whistle, and he saw his oathbrother heading toward a nearest pole. The Slytherin started banging his head and Fenix quickly rushed off to prevent the boy from getting more agitated. Bloody hell... Draco isn’t going to forgive me. What an uncomfortable inconvenience, Harry thought absently as Ron gave him a tight hug as they spiraled downwards and Ginny was kissing Dean furiously in her glee.

**********

Sirius rubbed his hands together and tried to hide his triumph from Snape as the latter handed him a small envelope containing a document that will allow the bankers to transfer one hundred Galleons over to Sirius’s vault.

Snape then turned to the werewolf who was looking solemnly at him. Snape took a deep breath. : All right. What’s my forfeit? : the Potions Master asked in a resigned tone.

: You’re going to take another summer holiday, : Remus replied shortly, his face looking strangely blank. : But it’s up to you if you want to. : Then without warning, the werewolf turned and disappeared among the crowd of wildly cheering students.

Sirius carefully pocketed the envelope in his robes and feigned a gleeful expression. He prodded the Potions Master to move. Sirius was puzzled about the odd forfeit. What baffled him more was that the conversation between Snape and his friend was meant to be private but he had no idea why he had heard them clearly.

Bloody hell, Moony. Why do I feel that you’re hiding something from us? Sirius thought grimly as he cheered at the Gryffindor’s success.

**********

Sunday, 21^st April. One in the morning.

Harry felt that he was weighed down by a heavy load of depression as he dreamed. He felt strange since he was suffering a nightmare that he had almost forgotten ever since Fenix had been introduced into his life. It was unsettling. Harry watched himself in the night when he was paralyzed by Voldemort, wand flickering and then Cedric’s body.

Harry knew he was tossing and mumbling in his sleep as he heard Ron muttering several curses at his direction for being noisy. Harry was more than expecting his best friend to wake him up but minutes continued to pass and still he had not been shaken. And then he found Voldemort staring at him, his dark eyes glowing deep amber for a few seconds. Harry found himself staring at those cruel eyes calmly. Time. It’s happening soon.

Harry began to seek out that familiar refuge to brood. That was what he had done if he hadn’t been studying. It surprised him somewhat when he saw that he was not alone. A couple nestled comfortably, using the grove of trees as a backdrop and they watched him expectantly.

"You’ve grown so much," the woman sighed wistfully and held out her arms. She smiled when she saw Harry’s hesitation. Behind her, James got up to his feet and part of him noted in amusement that he was actually several inches taller than his father.

"Well, we can’t stay here for long. Just wanna drop by and drop some hints," the man from whom Harry got his trademark messy raven hair said jovially as he hugged Harry. "Oh, don’t give me that look," James pouted when Harry unconsciously gave his father a look of total apprehension. "Seriously son. You’ve got to laugh more often. We’re lucky that Fenix and Hermione are taking really good care of you since I can see that your growth is no longer stinted. But I have several things to complain however," James said thoughtfully to Harry.

In an automatic reaction, Harry tilted his head to his side and asked curiously, "What?"

"Pranks, Harry. Pranks. You should prank a lot more."

"James," his wife said in a warning tone and his father just smiled roguishly at her.

"Second complaint: Snivellus."

Harry had to laugh at his father. "Dad, he’s still human after all," Harry answered, knowing full well of his father’s irritation.

"After being dead for so long, surely you have forgotten about your enmity?" Lily stared at James who sulked. "And you know what your son’s answer would be for the first complaint."

James looked archly at his wife. "What? That ‘I’m-too-busy-thinking-about-Voldemort’ crap?" When he saw Harry’s flushed face, James felt stunned. He took a deep breath and then exploded. "Okay. Since when did you decide to grow all the way up and say ‘Hell’ to childhood?" Harry was then subjected with a handsome scowl by his father, which could only be rivaled by Harry’s godfather.

Harry winced and stared uneasily at the man who was his father. Fortunately for Harry, James relented and dropped the subject when his wife gave him a penetrating look. James sighed then mercurially said in a bright voice, "You should get drunk with Sirius someday. You know, I’m glad that Fenix chose Moony instead of your godfather. Sirius can be flighty sometimes but Moony’s totally dependable. He’d be a great father one day." James edged away from his wife carefully when she glared at him.

Lily stared at her husband for a long time before she spoke to Harry. "I want you to pay attention to everything that’s happening. Everything." The green-eyed youth stared at Lily and his insides went cold as she spoke the next sentence, "Yes dear. Including dreams and nightmares."

Lily stepped forward and gave her son a hug. Harry squeezed her, comforted by the warmth. He tried not to look away from his mother’s eyes but it was difficult. It felt like her eyes had penetrated through him, knowing his mind, soul and heart.

"You know it, don’t you? You that it will happen soon," Lily said softly.

Harry stared at her in stunned silence. He doubted that anyone but his oathbrother and Fenix knew anything about the Duel. So how did they found out about it?

"Mom," it seemed a little strange to Harry as he addressed her, "why are you and Dad still... hanging around?" Harry gazed calmly at his parents.

James gave his son a fond smile. "You want us out of your life so soon? I understand that this makes Padfoot’s life easier."

Harry was flustered and he stuttered, his voice squeaking. "But that... not..." Harry sighed in exasperation. "That was not what I meant!"

"He was just teasing you, Harry. It’s not quite time for us to leave yet," she said, but Harry saw that she had stared at his father uneasily and James shook his head so slightly that if Harry hadn’t been paying attention, he would have missed it. Harry cautiously put on a blank face and Lily spoke again. "You’ll understand why, when it’s time."

Harry’s shoulders slumped and he grimaced. "You have no idea of how much I hate that phrase." His parents grinned, then disappeared and Harry wondered what he should do next. I hope that my body will receive the rest it needs if I go back to sleep with unpleasant dreams that are more than likely to creep into my subconscious. I understand why Mom had said that I should pay attention to my dreams. There’s probably a simulation exercise waiting for me.

Ninety minutes later, Harry was uncertain as to which scene he should approach. Right ahead of him were three pathways and all of them had a pair of beautiful and dark eagle-like creatures and the blue fiery form of the Phoenix. Harry somehow had the impression that all three were battle scenes and he had three choices. One: He shouldn’t interfere but inform Sirius about it. Two: Harry should be with her. Three: He should stay out of it.

Harry was puzzled by the choices but somehow he felt the third was an appropriate choice and he crossed the line to walk on the third path. There was a rush of a warm breeze and Harry felt something akin to triumph but it quickly disappeared. Darkness fell to fill the room and he heard the soft rattle of chains. It was too dark for Harry to make out anything and instinctively, he tried to call for light but he couldn’t.

There was something familiar inside the room but it evaded Harry completely. He was only aware that someone was in there. Two individuals. Then Harry felt it. The two individuals were on the brink of death and Harry felt like he had to do something about them. He felt a slow pressure at the back of his mind and he was puzzled. Was that regret he had felt?

"You’re not supposed to help them," a gentle voice spoke to Harry.

Harry predictably bristled. He thought hard at the voice. : If I can’t help them then why did you show it to me? :

"You’ll see," the voice said.

Harry ignored the voice and he ignored the dying individuals. For once in Harry’s young life, he successfully suppressed his curiosity. He made his way for the door that he had seen earlier and flung the door open.

He found Voldemort staring insanely at him again.

**********

Draco immediately got out of bed and grabbed his cloak. Fight it. Fight it, Draco. Don’t give in. Fight it. This was the fourth time he had gotten out of bed and wanting to be with someone. The first two times he had approached Fenix and her partner, the third was Aldren.

Draco had barely stepped out of the Slytherin common room when a dangerous hiss whispered in his ear. "You should not be sneaking out even if you’re a prefect, Draco." The Bloody Baron quickly materialized.

"I can’t... I don’t want to be alone!" Draco whispered urgently, trying to fight off the hysteria.

"But your friends were with you," the ghost pointed out. The Bloody Baron stared at the boy nonchalantly although the ghost wondered what had caused the boy to be so alive. "The Fire Master isn’t free tonight," he informed Draco in an emotionless voice, although Draco noted with faint amusement that the ghost went pink for several seconds.

"My godfather?" Draco whispered with effort

"He’s in the classroom."

Seconds later, Draco stood before the Potions Classroom and gave two distinctive and controlled knocks. Moments passed before the classroom door was opened by Snape himself. The Potions Master was both annoyed and curious at the late visit. He was about to give a sharp rebuke when he saw Draco but managed to bottle whatever he had to say when he had taken a good look at his godson.

The Slytherin was looking very pale, there were visible shadows under his eyes and Draco actually looked feverish to Snape. The Potions Master stepped aside and Draco shuffled into the room tiredly and sat on his own seat.

"If you are sick, why didn’t you go over to visit Madam Pomfrey?" Snape asked in concern.

"I’m not having a fever," Draco’s voice trembled as he answered.

"Draco, what is wrong with you?" Snape pestered, going round to Draco’s desk and stood, looking down at the boy.

"It’s nothing..."

"You don’t look all right to me," Snape said softly.

"I... I just need to talk to someone," Draco answered in a hushed voice. Then he raised his weary, silver eyes to look at Snape. "Please don’t tell Harry or Fenix. They have their own problems to contend with."

Snape stared at him for a few minutes before he finally answered. "Give me a few more minutes. I have to grade some of your assignments. You rest there while I’m at it." The Potions Master waited until Draco gave a tired nod and Snape left to be at his desk and resumed his grading.

Snape occasionally rested his fingers and eyes and he spent several moment to study his godson, who had curled his hands onto the desk and his head, now fully blond again, rested on his arms. It was the slight sob that convinced Snape to stop his grading session and determine what was wrong with the Slytherin. But when did he suddenly become so weepy? Snape grumbled. The Potions Master skillfully grabbed the chair where it was usually occupied by Hermione and sat himself across Drake.

: Now we’ll talk. Why are you crying? : Snape asked bluntly.

Life flashed in Draco’s eyes as he asserted, : I am not crying! :

: Then why do you have tears streaking your cheeks? : Snape asked archly.

: Because they’re not in my tear ducts! : Draco snapped.

Snape sighed. He hadn’t expected Draco to engage him in verbal fencing. : Would you please tell me what’s going on inside your mind? : Snape had carefully dropped off ‘to save time’ because that would probably hurt the youth’s feeling.

: Fear. : Draco’s mindvoice was soft. : Fear. I’m afraid of something. I’m afraid to lose... : He trailed off.

Snape frowned. : Lose? :

: Something important. I can’t help it. It’s getting worse every night and I‘m afraid that I would lose something which is important to me... : Draco’s eyes darkened, confused by the depression he was experiencing. : I’m suddenly afraid for everything and everyone. I’m afraid for myself. :

The room was silent, only filled with the sounds of breathing. Draco probably didn’t realize it but he was crying, letting the tears slowly fall from his eyes in an agonizingly silent way. He had also confessed to his godfather about the dreams he had about his father and Snape listened sympathetically. Finally Draco stopped and Snape took a deep breath.

: Might I comment that your cause of depression is quite vague that I can’t really help you out? : Snape asked mildly and Draco managed to smile.

: I know, but I feel better now, : Draco answered, his eyes looking gratefully at Snape.

: Then you could go back to your bed, : the Potions Master replied but paused when Draco shook his head.

: I’m not that well. I still don’t want to be alone, : he answered stubbornly. Snape sighed.

: Then maybe I should move my work upstairs to my quarters. : Snape got up then neatly pushed the student’s chair at its original place and began to tidy up his desk, rearranging the ungraded students’ assignments.

**********

Thursday, 13^th June. In the Great Hall.

The air was buzzing with excitement. Exams were already over and the students were much more relaxed and relieved. Except for the fifth-years who were very worried for their OWL results. There was at least something different about the Hall tonight. The vast room was lavishly decked with the colors silver and green. As it turned out, Slytherin had won the House Cup but the Gryffindors took the defeat quite well. After all they had been only two points behind Slytherin.

Harry was kept busy by the chocolate cake that Hermione had cut out for him and her partner and when he went for another helping, he wondered if Fenix was the one who had baked it. Harry was excited beyond words. It would be the first time that he wouldn’t be going back to the Dursleys. It’s also going to be Draco’s first time that he would be occupying a Muggle house and that he would also have the chance to babysit. Giselle had already given birth to a healthy human boy (outwardly of course).

"Hey," Ron dutifully swallowed his chicken before continuing, "where are they? Dinner’s almost half over."

"Fenix is trying to persuade Snape to spend his summer at her house but she’s going to be disappointed," Hermione answered.

"You sound so sure about that," Harry mused.

"Because I am. Snape has that annual Potion Meeting to attend with his peers," Hermione informed them. "By the way Ron, Moody did tell you we’re not supposed to owl each other during the holidays?"

Ron nodded and she sighed. "Well, at least I could send email to Harry while he’s staying with Fenix. But I absolutely hate it when I have to rely on the sly Sylphs to give my letters to you," Hermione was staring dreamily at her partner and Ron blushed.

"Well... uhm... what’s email?"

"Forget it," Hermione said.

"The Sylphs won’t really see what you write, right?" Ron squirmed in his seat.

"Trust me Ron. I know their minds," his partner said in a fervent tone.

"Well, excuse me!" That belonged to Aelwyn, sounding very horrified at Hermione’s implications. Hermione however refused to entertain the Elemental with more comments then nudged Harry lightly. "See. She failed."

They all studied Fenix’s expressionless face and it was the blank look that hinted that she was upset. She gave one long sigh as she sat opposite Harry and cut herself a very huge piece of cake, all the while muttering something about a stubborn, greasy-haired, beaked nose individual and Ron smothered his laughter.

Fenix snapped out of her black mood and asked Harry mischievously, "Excited?"

"A little. So Sirius is leasing the House of Black to the Order?" Harry questioned her in a curious tone.

"Yeah. I’m glad that my house is big enough to shelter all of you, although I think I might have to expand it sometime in the future," she said thoughtfully. "But I wonder what we ought to do other than seeing you complete your homework."

Draco came around and kissed her on her cheek in greeting before he gave Hermione and Ginny similar greetings. "I’m not going to worry about it if I were you. I think you, and maybe your sister could possibly go crazy once Harry and I start experimenting around with Muggle appliances. Or maybe it’ll be just I," he said, remembering that his oathbrother at least had a Muggle upbringing.

Fenix’s eyes widened and she narrowed her eyes dangerously. "No magic in the house Drake."

"I know that," he answered, batting his eyes flirtatiously at her as he sat beside the Fire Master.

"Stop that!" she poked Draco on his waist. "You’re just like Remus!"

"Professor Lupin did that eye-blinking?" Hermione gasped, then collapsed in a fit of laughter.

"Yes he did, that crazy werewolf," Fenix muttered under her breath, then she stared at the Slytherin. : When I say magic Drake, I meant the magic that is not normally taught in your wizarding world. :

Draco groaned in mock disappointment while his oathbrother smirked. Fenix was pleased by how the cake had turned out and scowled. She pitched her voice loudly so that a lurking Potions Master would be able to hear her words clearly. "Sev, I’m going to finish the cake if you’re too slow for my liking!"

**********

: Well, it seems that she is still mad at you, : Sirius said brightly.

: Shut up. : Snape growled and he hurried on into the Hall.

"Disgusting," Sirius shuddered, thinking about the Potions Master’s addiction to Fenix’s baking. On a sober note, he said to his best friend. : You’ve been quiet. :

:Too quiet for your taste? : Remus raised his eyebrow slightly at his friend.

: Why are you so keen to get Severus holidaying again? : Sirius asked him in a tone that he wouldn’t be satisfied with just any answer.

: I somehow feel more comfortable that if he’s with us, we could protect each other, : Remus answered as truthfully as he could. : I always get this funny feeling every single time I think about him being separated from us. :

: But so is half of the family, : Sirius pointed out in a serious tone.

: With him, it’s different. Severus is an immediate family member. :

Sirius was quiet until they reached the Gryffindor table and he grinned when he saw that the Masters were already starting to bicker loudly, much to Dumbledore’s amusement. : They’ve made up then, : Sirius said as he sat beside Harry and his godson looked at him incredulously.

: You call that ‘made up’? : Harry’s mindvoice was filled with disbelief.

: Trust me Harry. They love each other so much that they sometimes like to show it to each other in a more violent manner, : Sirius said in a mocking somber voice.

Harry was shaking his head. Usually the Potions Master was normally a stoic man but now as Harry realized it, Fenix had effectively turned his life upside down. : Slytherins are truly an odd bunch... : Harry remarked.

: Did you say something Green-Eyes? : Draco asked in a deceptively sweet voice.

: It’s nothing. : Harry answered quickly and then he spluttered when Fenix said in an arrogant voice.

"Yes! I love you! You goddamn, greasy-haired... bat! Dear Phoebus! You make me so damn mad that I want to throttle you! Egoistic bat!" Fenix spat. "Too bloody damn proud to even say three simple words."

Snape bristled and Harry gazed at Fenix in awe. Harry paused to look at the werewolf for any signs of jealousy but to Harry’s surprise, Remus was actually smirking. In fact, he started encouraging his partner by saying, "Go on lover." That earned him a very sly wink by the Fire Master.

Snape’s face was red and she egged him with insults until he turned purple. By now, both of them were off the bench and were standing on their feet and the school watched the free entertainment with good humor.

"Pride be damned!" Snape suddenly shouted. In a flash, he had Fenix in his arms and was squeezing her so tightly that a small gasp came out from her. " I’d rather be stuck in a study than the babble of noises of pointless human debate! Bloody woman! Of course I’d rather be with you than those arrogant bastards who call themselves masters!"

Fenix smiled into his chest and Snape felt it through so many garments. "Devilish little chit. Don’t tell me you went through all that making up insults just to hear me confess that I’ll miss you?" Snape heard her make a small sound of admittance and he sighed. "Fenix, I’m so disappointed."

Then he did something he would never do if he had been the Potions Master of a year ago, especially in public. He openly showed his affection for her in front of the entire school. He kissed her fondly on her forehead and Ron’s eyes bulged out horribly looking like a goldfish while Harry and Draco snickered. Remus and Sirius were grinning so widely and it was impossible for the humans, elves and wolves not to smile.

The eight Death Eaters who were still in custody (They had been let out of the shield but they were trapped by the spells that had been cast by Dumbledore, the elves, house-elves and Fenix), stared at the scene with wide-eyed incredulity. They could only exchange helpless glances, not being able to even curse.

Fenix finally lifted her face and gave the wizard a shy smile, her silver eyes lighting up and it made Snape feel like laughing. So he laughed. A soft, warm laugh that made her face glow in wonderment. That convinced everyone that there was a man living inside the severe black robes and suddenly everyone (Death Eaters excluded) was so proud to have him as their Potions Master.

Sirius sighed. Snape had deftly caught all of them and Sirius shuddered at the sudden feeling of protectiveness for his longtime nemesis. Dear Merlin. One laugh was all it took for us to get wrapped securely around his finger. I think he’s just as bad as Fenix.

McGonagall suddenly stood up and began clapping. "I am amazed by your skill, Miss Maxwell. Perhaps, one day you should sit down with the rest of us and give several useful pointers." She eyed the Headmaster in a rather peculiar manner. "Hmmm. Albus. You look rather becoming with that blush."

Giggles erupted and Dumbledore mumbled something softly while McGonagall smiled faintly at him. Dinner resumed, and by the time it had passed eight-thirty, only Fenix, the elves and the wolves remained in the Hall while the rest had left to see to their packing. The Death Eaters were restored to the antechamber and the Hall was filled with the soft whisperings of conversation.

**********

Saturday morning.

Fenix pulled her hair up into a tight ponytail and quickly slipped on her boots. All of them were waiting downstairs and she grabbed her Ice Dagger. She took a moment to lock the room, walking until she reached Snape’s door. I wonder if he’s in there. She was just about to send a thought when the door opened and the Potions Master held the door, grinning at her.

"Get that grin off your face Sev," Fenix grumbled.

"Why don’t you transfer it to your face then?" Snape said in a mocking voice. His grin became more maniacal when she gave him a one-armed hug. Up to then, Fenix had refused to kiss him while he was standing, knowing that she won’t be able to reach his cheek even if she stood on her toes.

: Sev, take care of yourself and don’t forget to call, : she whispered and Snape knew that he was missing their unplanned bickering already.

: You too. : Snape bent down to kiss her cheek and held her for a few minutes. Fenix gave him one last squeeze before bolting out of the corridor.

**********

Aldren directed Fenix to the edge of the Forest. Her two wolves and the company of elves would be Gating out to their Grove along with the trunks except for the owls and Crookshanks. Aldren also told her that Lion would be waiting for them at the station to pick them up. She nodded and watched the group disappeared before she mounted on her broom and flew off, meeting her partner in the air in a couple of seconds.

The carriages had already begun moving along the trail and Fenix forced herself not to fret about the Potions Master. Remus understood her well enough and tried to comfort her. His insides fluttered as he watched her flying in her Hunter garb. Bloody hell werewolf. Keep your mind off your partner for once.

They reached the station without any sort of mishaps and the train was already waiting for the students to board. Mini-chaos erupted as students scrambled in to get to the best seats and to Hermione’s horror, Fenix slipped out a small, sharp pointed dagger and aimed it at one of the windows.

"Fenix!" Hermione hissed. "What are you doing?"

However, it was Moody who answered her. "She’s testing if they had made improvements on the train." He winked knowingly at Fenix when her dagger clattered harmlessly to the ground. The window was unmarked.

"Well, that’s it." She looked at the train with satisfaction and she scooted up the train.

Forty-five minutes later, the train was moving and gaining speed steadily. Fenix had seated herself beside Draco with her partner and her oathbrother sitting on the opposite. Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny occupied the other seats and were already chatting away.

: I kind of miss my bed. : Fenix smiled mischievously at her oathbrother.

: With me on it? : Sirius replied devilishly and Remus stared at her in a threatening manner.

: Don’t you dare form a thought lover, : Fenix said, her mindvoice filled with anger and amusement. : He never had me. :

Hermione and Ginny gasped at her words, Ron choked on his Chocolate Frog, while Draco and Harry guffawed loudly at the blushing faces belonging to Sirius and the werewolf.

: Fenix, I wasn’t aware that you can be severely blunt sometimes. : Draco smirked nastily.

"If she had been any more blunt Drake, your sexual education could be completed within a day," Sirius said seriously.

"How my godfather would be amazed by that," Draco mused and looked speculatively at Fenix.

"Get your eyes off her, Dragon. She’s mine," Remus said lightly, trying not to sulk in front of the children. Laughter quickly filled the compartment as their journey back to King’s Cross continues.

**********

A few hours later.

The group slowly made their way out of the station, Fenix and Moody scanning the crowd ahead of them carefully. Harry in the meantime, looked for the Dursleys. Sure enough, Harry saw his Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia but there was no Dudley. Not that it mattered much anyway. His uncle was looking at the amateur witches and wizards. Fenix noticed that Harry’s aunt was gripping her husband’s biceps when she stared at someone to Fenix’s right. Fenix took a quick glance and saw that it was her oathbrother and she lifted her right eyebrow in question.

: I don’t think it matters, except maybe for the police, : Harry told her and she nodded.

The group was slowly approaching Harry’s former caretakers and Harry politely began to introduce the company to the Dursleys’ first.

"So... You’re not really going to live with us anymore," Vernon said in a harsh voice, and although it wasn’t a question, Harry nodded anyway.

"But are you sure they can protect you?" Aunt Petunia asked worriedly and Harry sighed.

"I don’t know. But at least that if we get into trouble we can devise some way to defend ourselves. If I’m still living with you..." Harry left the sentence hanging and his aunt nodded.

A flash of black and something that glittered blue caught Fenix’s attention and she scanned the person carefully, just to make sure that he is who he say he is. : Our chauffeur is here, : she said as Lion the tailor approached them carefully. : And there are your parents, Hermione. :

Taking their leave from the Dursleys, the students made their farewells and the Grangers exchanged a brief conversation with the Fire Master and then the Grangers disappeared. The Weasleys were next and Fenix was greeted warmly by the twins and told them all that Percy had made up with them (Bill was still vexed with him and Percy thought it’d be wiser if he stayed out of The Burrow.) Charlie just acted surprised. Arrangements were also made that Harry and Draco would be spending the last two weeks of summer at The Burrow ("If nothing happens that’ll change that," Molly had said tiredly.) Mr. Weasley then handed Harry and Draco an envelope each and just told them they needed that if they wanted to take the test.

The Slytherin exchanged an amused look with his oathbrother, who shrugged. So after Ginny gave all of them their last hug of the day, the Weasleys left and only Moody was left with the group and Lion finally reached them.

"Hi there Mad-Eye," Lion greeted the ex-Auror familiarly and Moody just gave him a lofty look while he muttered something that sounded ominously like ‘– arrogant brat...’. "Well, where’s that striking black-haired man and who is this?" Lion stared curiously at Draco, and quirked up an eyebrow when he saw the Slytherin’s eyes. "Your secret son?" he hazarded, looking at Fenix quizzically then winced when the Fire Master swatted him.

"He is not," Fenix answered sharply and looked about them. "So where are you heading to now?" she asked the ex-Auror and he responded by saying that he would be going to the Headquarters and he reminded Fenix to report to him occasionally. She nodded her agreement and finally the remaining group followed Lion to where he had parked the minibus. Draco looked about him with curiosity but he managed not to act too surprised.

As they went up the small bus (a rather large van), something popped in Harry’s mind and he called Fenix in a somewhat hesitant voice. "Fenix?" Harry heard her make a sound of inquiry as she took care of Hedwig’s and Bootes’s cage. "Do I get to listen to Linkin Park?" he asked hopefully.

Sirius swore when Fenix’s face suddenly turned inquisitive. Remus looked at them in bewilderment as he saw Fenix’s lips twitching with mischief. "And that reminds me. Maybe, I’ll take you guys out on a shopping spree someday."

"No East 17!" Sirius spoke in a firm voice and was distracted briefly by the elf, who was advising the passengers to get seated.

"What’s wrong with East 17?" she asked curiously.

"You just play their songs too damn much that they’ll forever be stuck in my head!" Sirius said loudly.

"You were the one who started it... by singing Ace of Base..." Fenix pouted.

: What’s up with them two? : Draco asked both Harry and Remus in annoyed tone. The latter shrugged.

Harry asked Fenix whose eyes had gone rather distant. "Is it going to be a long ride?"

"Yes. A couple of hours at least," she answered distractedly then she began singing in a soft voice and Harry heard his godfather groaning in the background.

I see you over there

Body would I love to share

I hold you in my dreams

But then I wake up

Just a dream

And almost unconsciously, Sirius joined her as he watched the passing traffic out of the window.

I’d do anything for you

Steal a star down from the sky

Write a song for birds to sing

"Now see what you’ve done!" Sirius complained and she laughed. The elf wisely turned on the radio to occupy their minds. And it was coincidence when East 17's Thunder began playing.

**********

The House of Maxwell was filled with activity as the elves welcomed Fenix and the rest and they were eagerly pushing her into the living room to meet up with her nephew. Draco and Harry stepped into the living room shyly. Draco, being one born with a fine taste in life, scrutinized Fenix’s home and decided it wasn’t that bad. At least it wasn’t shabby. He vowed that he would examine the house in greater detail when it wasn’t as crowded as it was right now. There were a lot of elves and the oathbrothers watched the smaller Fenix getting a hug from every handsome guy, only that they have a strange pair of ears.

Sirius watched the swarming elves with amusement and grinned wickedly when he saw the expression of his best friend’s face. "I didn’t know that she was so popular. But of course, the only blokes I’m familiar with would be those that had turned up at Hogwarts and Derian."

"Hmph." That was all that came out from the werewolf’s mouth. Finally, Fenix reached the point where she couldn’t stand being nuzzled anymore.

"Okay guys. Shoo! I want to see my nephew!" she said happily, as she pushed Cadriel back to his friends. Giselle laughed, her eyes examining the three strangers standing apprehensively beside Sirius. She turned her attention to the not so small bundle she was holding carefully in her arms. The baby stirred when he was transferred into the steady hands of his aunt.

"How nice it would be when he takes a look at me and start crying," Fenix joked and the proud father stood by Giselle’s side as they watched Fenix rocked the baby back and forth.

Remus felt slightly odd as he watched Fenix’s soft expression and he shook his head, trying not to feel so dazed. Fenix spoke again, this time to ask the baby’s name.

"Lucifer," Giselle replied and Fenix stared at her sister, trying to determine if Giselle had suddenly gone mad. "Pulling your leg..." Giselle laughed heartily. "It’s Spencer Shadowwood."

Fenix looked quizzically at the last name and looked at Cadriel. "Standard practice," the handsome elf shrugged. "Whoever marries a male elf will take on the name of the Grove."

Quite suddenly, small Spencer opened his eyes and stared directly at Fenix. His eyes were of a clear, deep blue, just like his father. The living room fell silent and Spencer raised one tiny arm and Fenix clasped it carefully. "Hello Spens. I’m Fenix and I just happened to be your aunt."

A gasp of happiness came from the baby and Fenix smiled faintly, walking calmly toward the wizards. She went over to Sirius first. "This one is my oathbrother, his name is Sirius and I guess he’ll be Uncle Sirius to you," she said in a conversational tone and it amused Draco, listening to her talk to an infant barely sixth months old. Fenix had turned to Harry and she spoke in the same soothing voice. "This is Uncle Sirius’s godson, Harry. That makes you his cousin."

Spencer struggled briefly, one small arm reaching out to touch the lightning scar on his forehead. Harry’s eyes were transfixed on the baby’s blue eyes and he broke off from the stare, exchanging a curious look with his godfather.

"And this is your cousin’s oathbrother, Draco. So, you’re his cousin too." Fenix paused as Spencer gave a very adorable squeal. "I think he’s fascinated by your hair," she said lightly and Draco blushed prettily.

Fenix rested her eyes on Remus, her face unreadable. Spencer had turned quiet again and they got closer to the hazel-eyed wizard. "And this," Fenix whispered in the baby’s ear, her eyes still fixed on the werewolf, "is my mate. His name’s Remus. And he is your uncle too, so don’t forget the uncle when you address him."

All of a sudden, Spencer cried out. He was jumping around in Fenix’s arms and Derian looked totally surprised by his son’s behavior. Then he whispered a witty comment to his wife, "That was certainly not much of a hassle to get a babysitter." Fenix by now had given the baby to her partner and she watched Spencer burrowing his face on the werewolf’s chest and repeatedly flash cute, toothless grins. She smiled faintly at her nephew’s liking for her partner. Seeing that her future husband was concentrating hard on the baby, Fenix introduced the rest of the company to everyone and by the time she had introduced the last elf, Harry felt that his mind was about to burst.

"Harry, Drake? Let’s go up and choose your bedrooms and open their cages will you? Let them explore the house for a bit and tomorrow I’ll see to it that they get familiar with the woods so that they won’t have to stay inside the house all the time," Fenix suggested as Derian shooed their guests back to their own homes.

: Remus, I’ll be upstairs, : she sent a thought to the werewolf then sighed when it appeared that her partner was totally absorbed with the baby. "Oh well... Come on!" she smiled brightly at the Sirius, Harry and Draco.

**********

Tuesday, 25^th June. Along a dim-lighted corridor.

Snape paused at the Fire Master’s office. He sighed then turned back and headed for his Potions classroom. He walked tiredly down the narrow staircase, walked some more, unlocked his classroom and sat on his chair somberly. It was the first time in his life that he had admitted to himself that he was feeling bored. Very bored.

Thank Merlin that the blasted meeting is only three days away. Me. The greatest Potions Master the wizarding world has ever known, the Head of the Slytherin House, is on the verge of falling into depression. Snape fiddled with his quill absently. I wonder what they’re doing right now...

The melancholia that he was experiencing frightened him. Snape had never felt so lonely before. Now that it was the holidays, there were no students and teachers for him to nettle. Some nights, the feelings had been so intense that he had struggled to breathe, his eyes had stung painfully. Sometimes, he imagined he heard Fenix’s sometimes cynical voice, the taunts that came from Black, the gentle humor from the werewolf, and even Ron’s loud voice. He heard the giggles of Ginny and Hermione when they had stared at the sketch of a half-nude Potions Master, then the curses that left Harry’s and his godson’s mouth.

Snape covered his face with both hands, wondering why he had changed so drastically, or why he wanted that change. He slowly pushed the thought away, filing it so that he would be able to examine when he’s in a brighter mood. Snape had never found human contact as warm as what Fenix had given him. Those days with Draco’s father were always filled with taunts (but he hated Sirius’s taunts more), and Narcissa, Lucius’s wife had openly flirted with him and that disgust him still. But then Lucius had become warmer when his heir was born, the gift of fatherhood. Lucius had wanted more as he watched the baby grow, crawling on his knees, taking his first steps, hearing the first word. But his wife refused to give him more. Lucius had what he wanted, his heir and then, cold-hearted, icy Malfoy returned into the picture and so did the obsession (if it had been obsession in the first place) of resurrecting Voldemort. Snape let out a long sigh.

Then his thoughts turned toward the Fire Master and he wondered if Sirius and Remus resented of the close ties that both Masters shared. Don’t dwell on it and make yourself feel bad. Gods... I miss them. Snape was aware that he was trembling, his heart aching to be in the company of his friends. He was afraid that they might be taken away from him and then he recalled the visit that Draco had made one night.

" Something important. I can’t help it. It’s getting worse every night and I‘m afraid that I would lose something which is important to me..."

A ragged breath escaped from the Potions Master’s throat. He wanted to be with them. Snape wasn’t sure if he could stand being alone for ten more weeks without going mad. I wonder if Dumbledore has any clue where she lives?

**********

At the Maxwells’.

"Are you done?" Draco asked his oathbrother patiently, rolling up his finished Potions homework. The two were utilizing Fenix’s study room to complete their homework. Harry frowned, writing feverishly on the parchment and sighed with relief.

"Yeah," Harry answered belatedly and the two youths stacked their stuff neatly and placed it aside before rushing down to the living room. It was twelve minutes past ten in the evening and it suited them just fine that Fenix didn’t place a curfew on them. Draco groaned when he saw that Fenix had occupied the entire couch, entertaining the baby. The moment the Slytherin caught the baby’s eyes, Spencer squealed with delight and Fenix gave a visible wince at the infant’s vocal strength and grunted when baby Spencer began jumping on her stomach.

"Okay Drake. It’s your turn to entertain this fella," Fenix said between grunts and Draco sighed. He complied however, since he was entranced with the baby as everyone else, although Harry still felt skittish at holding Spencer without supervision. Once Fenix was relieved of her nephew, she scooted down to cuddle next to her partner, making Sirius roll his eyes at the couple. Harry laughed and sat next to his godfather on an armchair and watched TV while his oathbrother was contented to make faces at the baby.

Fenix smiled and purred slightly, knowing that her partner liked to head the sound and Remus pulled her closer. She closed her eyes and reached a thought. It was time to make a call on someone they miss very much.

: Sev? : she called out softly.

: Hmmm? : a sleepy inquiring thought filled her mind.

Fenix immediately became worried. She formed her thought carefully before sending it to the Potions Master. : Sev, are you all right? You’re in bed earlier than usual. :

: Blasted research papers and goddamn journals. You know how they make your head feel as if it’s been stuffed full of conflicting research theories, : Snape answered drily and Fenix chuckled. Snape was silent for a moment and he spoke shyly, : I miss you. :

Fenix hid a smile and asked mischievously. : Only me? Or everybody in general? :

: That werewolf of yours would hex me... maybe claw me to death if I say it’s the first. Your oathbrother would drop me off a cliff if I say it’s the first. So of course I miss you... guys, : Snape answered drily, not sounding as sleepy as he had a few minutes ago.

Fenix chuckled harder this time and Remus looked down at his partner curiously. : You’re disappointing me, Sev. :

Snape sent a wave of energy down the mind-link and it felt like she had just been hugged by the absent Potions Master. Out of the blue, he suddenly asked her for the coordinates of her house. Her delight was evident from the burst of light that filled Snape’s mind, and she showed him just how happy she was when he relented.

: Do you miss me? : Snape asked abruptly.

: Yes, : Fenix admitted then smiled faintly when Snape informed her that he would probably be coming sometime in the first week of July, and he listened to her advice about recruiting Moody along. They finally said their goodbyes, and Fenix relaxed against the warmth of her partner.

Remus suddenly rolled on top of her and she gasped at the unexpected weight. She was blushing and through the oathbond she had with Sirius, her oathbrother was truly shocked. Harry looked down at the couple and chuckled, quickly shutting his more unboyish thoughts away. Draco’s eyebrows had lifted so high up to his forehead that it was barely visible.

"Remus! What in hell are you doing?" Fenix exclaimed and her face turned redder. "There are kids present!" Her frantic shouts drew her sister who was in the kitchen and Giselle stared at her sister who was pinned to the floor by the werewolf. She snickered and saw that her baby was looking at the couple with interest. She shrugged to herself and went back to her chores.

"What were you discussing with our greasy-haired bat?" Remus asked mildly.

‘Moony," Sirius spoke after clearing his throat, "if you wish to interrogate her, can you please do it in a less... provocative position?"

The werewolf lifted his head and strands of his brown hair touched with gray covered one side of his face. "I happen to like this position very much, Padfoot," he answered, looking intently at Sirius.

Fenix sighed and poked in between her partner’s ribs and he flinched. "Snape’s coming over soon, after he’s done with that conference," she replied and Draco’s face glowed when he heard that.

"Seems like someone isn’t used to be alone anymore," Harry snickered.

: You seem to have gotten the question wrong, lover, : Remus said lightly. : So, I’ll be blunt. Sometimes I think you’re fascinated by Severus more than I fascinate you. :

Fenix stopped herself from answering him immediately. This was not the first time that Remus had caught her in a private conversation and she had no idea how it happened. Not that it mattered, since from her gift of Empathy confirmed that Remus was feeling slightly envious. Fenix knew that she had to do something about it before the envy turns into something much more serious.

: So you’d rather explain and argue about it? : Remus lifted his eyebrow in inquiry and she nodded. : Very well. :

The atmosphere suddenly changed when the couple got up in silence and left the living room. "I say we shouldn’t try to contemplate what happened between the two," Sirius suggested and Harry agreed.

Draco too, seemed to have forgotten what had transpired between the couple when Spencer kept him busy by refusing to let go of the silvery blond hair from his little fingers. It was only fifteen minutes later when he spoke up, with baby Spencer still holding on to his locks. "It’s jealousy I think."

**********

In the bedroom.

Fenix was feeling slightly nervous. Her partner had calmly seated himself on the bed and was leaning against the headboard. He watched her unwaveringly as she stood before the bed in the dark room, with moonlight filtering through the window.

: You’re hurt by the words I shared with Sev, : Fenix whispered in his mind.

: Yes, I am, : he answered, mindvoice flat.

: And you don’t really like the way how both of us had become so close to each other, : Fenix went on.

: Yes, : Remus answered in the same flat voice.

: But you’re aware that I won’t be able to change the relationship with Sev, : she said softly that Remus barely heard it.

: Fenix, you have to pick either one of us. You can’t possibly have the two of us and expect me ti be fine with it. :

Fenix stared at her partner for a long time. She wanted to be angry with him for thinking that she was double-crossing him but she didn’t really want this to become a full-blown argument. If it was Sev who she had crossed, it would be all right because they would make up immediately but not with the werewolf. The two of them had seldom entangled themselves with misunderstandings but somehow, misunderstandings would come inevitably for them. Fenix sighed, then moved over to his side. He stared at her, his face hard and his eyes were icy.

: Sometimes dear, you make me so angry that I’m at a loss for words, : she said softly, her eyes boring deeply into his. "Stupid, idiotic wolf." She leaned down until their faces were only an inch apart.

: You can’t make the hurt go away with kisses, : Remus answered in a warning tone.

: Yes, I can’t, : she agreed. : Do you think you can live without him now that he’s firmly part of our lives and hearts? Can you go for weeks without wishing that he’s here to give his opinions? : Fenix questioned him calmly and straightened her back. Grabbing the available stool, she planted it beside the bed, so that the couple were staring at each other in equal height.

: You know, Remus, : she began calmly. : If I had no intention of having only you as my mate, do you think I would have accepted this in the first place? : Fenix fingered the ring that was on her ring finger. She stared at him and he briefly felt the resentment coming from her. : For a man of a cool character, you can be incredibly narrow-minded. :

Remus blinked his eyes once.

: I love Sev, just as I would love a female best friend. It’s not our fault that we ‘click’."

Remus said nothing and Fenix began to trace his jawline. : I love you more, : she said.

: And how would you know that? : Remus casually pointed out, trying to maintain his firm demeanor and anger but he found it difficult to concentrate with the way her fingers were lightly touching his cheek.

: I know my own heart better than you do, : she whispered in a dangerous way and he involuntarily gasped when she kissed him on his neck, just below his left earlobe. : Are you going to stop thinking about this ‘two-timing’ thingy or not? :

He made a faint sound of acquiescence, not being able to form even a coherent thought. She kissed him gently on his cheek and drew back to stare into his eyes. Even in the dimness of the room, she was able to see that his eyes were slightly unfocused. She gave him a brief mental caress and he suppressed the moan that threatened to emerge from his throat. : There’s no other man that would take care of my heart as well as you do. : His hands were already pulling her closer to him but she evaded his attempts to kiss her. : And I’m simply too enticed by you to go and tease someone else, even if that someone’s shoulders are nicer. :

: Fenix... : Remus called her dangerously and she giggled.

**********

Tuesday, 2^nd July. Four in the afternoon.

Snape suppressed the urge to yawn. Yawn? I can barely keep my eyes open! He stared blankly at the pockmarked face of his colleague who was rambling about the need to exploit more of the werewolves as test specimens. Patience is a virtue Severus. Remember that. A few more hours and you’ll be on your broomstick to be with your family. Patience is a virtue, he repeated the phrase in his mind.

"Snape, are you even listening?" the speaker’s voice whipped out and Snape was careful to maintain his cool exterior.

"Yes, I am, Hawke. Now get to the point. We have five more speakers to go and not enough time to make a discreet escape out of this building." His voice was steely.

"Just so he can cuddle up with that small, wanton Fire Master," someone uttered and Snape’s coal-black eyes scanned the conference room slowly.

"Snape is right Hawke. Might I remind you that You-Know-Who and his lunatics are still on the loose? It’s not like we’re strong enough to take them on or having ample bodyguards to guard our lives," one wizard spoke in a very serious voice.

"I agree," the same wizard who had commented about Snape and the Fire Master. Snape stared at the man icily. "But as for the lunatics, it’s already too late because we have one already seated comfortably in this room." The wizard leaned back in his chair, smirking.

Snape maintained his calm although his mind was creating tortures for that wizard. No, I think Fenix freezing him in the insides is much cooler... "Keep going Hawke," he heard himself order.

**********

At the Maxwells’.

Draco left Harry to feed the baby. Both adult wizards had accompanied Giselle, Aldren and Derian to replenish some supplies. Only Fenix, the wolves and the two oathbrothers with the baby were left in the house.

Leaning against the kitchen’s doorframe, Draco watched Fenix as she grated a thick bar of chocolate. Judging by what’s been laid on the table, the Slytherin resolved that she was going to do some baking. The loud rumblings of his stomach galled him and Fenix chuckled because it had been loud enough for her to hear.

"Dinner will have to wait until the rest comes home from shopping," Fenix said softly, still grating her piece of chocolate.

"I know," Draco said. "But the chicken wings smell so good..." He sniffed the air and sighed.

An excited giggle from the baby reached their ears and Draco turned to peek. Harry had placed the empty milk bottle on the floor since the table was too far and he was rubbing gently on Spencer’s back. The infant seemed to be amused by his own burps and bounced unsteadily on Harry’s right thigh.

"I never thought that both of us would actually successfully babysit Spencer." Draco smiled gently. "You can use magic to do that you know."

Fenix looked up from the bowl. "I can?" At his nod, she pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Too late for me to use it. Anyway, the quality of the cookies might be different if I let magic contaminate the recipe." She rested her fingers for a bit before she continued with her grating.

Draco sighed plaintively when his fingers started to itch. "Do you want me to batter up?"

Fenix looked at him doubtfully and he gave her a sulky look, his eyes showing that he felt insulted. "I’ve watched you use your instruments before and I know in which order I’m supposed to throw everything in the mixing bowl. Cream the butter and sugar first, then flour that was already sifted with chemicals, I have no idea what they are and then the grated chocolate and chocolate chips."

"It’s bicarbonate of soda, baking powder and a bit of salt," Fenix said helpfully, and gave him a sheepish grin. "You learn fast," she said, sounding very impressed. Draco felt flattered and he moved closer to the table. One thing he liked about Fenix was that she prepared everything beforehand. The cake mixer was already ready for use and she had weighed everything. Draco went to the sink and washed his hands thoroughly before drying his hand on the disposable towels.

He then checked the butter and finding that it was soft, he picked the small bowl and grabbed a spoon, prodding the butter to drop into the center of the mixing bowl. Next, he reached out the bowl containing a mixture of white and brown sugar, and he watched it cascade down into the bowl.

Draco then switched the main source of power on and then he carefully pushed the lever of the mixer to its minimum speed. Draco loved to watch Fenix batter but he admitted only to himself that he did not care much for weighing flour, butter and sugar.

Fenix had already finished grating the bar of chocolate and watched Draco stir the mixer. At least my arms won’t be tired today. When the mixture had turned fluffy, she helped him to pour the flour down a little at a time.

"Why didn’t you just melt the chocolate down?" Draco asked absently and Fenix began pouring the grated chocolate. Draco, with his free hand, reached for the bowl of chocolate chips. Lots of chocolate chips of brown and white.

"I’ve tried it but it didn’t taste as nice as pieces of chocolate," Fenix answered.

A happy gurgle came from just outside the kitchen and Harry came in, holding Spencer securely in his arms. Although the chore was quite difficult since Spencer was kicking about happily. Fenix smiled at the baby and an adorable gasp came from Spencer as the infant watched Fenix’s smiling eyes. She began clearing the table and washed the used utensils before she took the greased baking trays and several small spoons.

"Ummmm... this taste really good," Draco said dreamily, licking his finger. He had just scraped off some of the batter from the side of the mixing bowl. "Very chocolatey."

Fenix grinned at him conspiratorially and began to scoop up and soon, dollops of batter were on the tray, ready to be baked in the oven. Harry was about to sit when his godfather yelled in his mind.

: We’re home! :

"That guy is crazy. Probably every elf within ten miles from my house heard his scream," Fenix muttered under he breath as she placed the tray into the oven with two Salamanders in them, making sure that the temperature remain constant.

They all left the kitchen and Spencer struggled harder when his father appeared, arms waving wildly. "If you don’t mind me making an observation Derian," Harry spoke as he kept his hold onto the baby, "I swear that your baby isn’t acting normally."

The elf chuckled as he placed his grocery bags on the floor and took Spencer. "But then, my son isn’t exactly normal, judging by the male who fathered him," he said roguishly.

Fenix stood by the front door and surprised her partner with a kiss and he nearly dropped the bag containing several breakables. "What’s this about?" he asked her suspiciously.

: I missed you, : Fenix answered simply and tugged the werewolf into the house.

"What’s for dinner?" Sirius asked brightly.

"Barbequed chicken only that it’s been pan-fried, fish and chips, salad, and chocolate chip cookies," Draco answered and his stomach growled again.

"The chicken smells really good," Remus agreed, licking his lips hungrily.

"You guys get cleaned up and then we can have dinner," Fenix advised. She faced Derian. "Spens," she called out and the baby stopped his gurgling and cooing, and stared at her. Then the baby shrieked out, struggling against his father to reach for Fenix.

"You see what I mean when I say he’s not normal," Harry commented to his oathbrother who was chuckling softly at the infant’s unnatural antic.

"Fenix, I haven’t got to cuddle him all day!" Sirius, Remus and Giselle exclaimed at once

"Don’t offend the baby’s nose," Fenix said implacably and she received mindslaps from the three of them.

**********

Nightfall.

Eyes watched the black clad man warily and at a given signal, two men loitering outside a bar began to tail the man cautiously. By the time Snape realized that he was being followed, it was already too late. All he could see was the rough piece of wood arcing up above him and it hit the back of his head. The second man managed to catch the limp body and the Apparated out of the area. A busking elf saw it but watched helplessly as she was too far away to be of help. Her eyes were good, and she saw just whom it was that had been abducted. She took a deep breath and sounded the alert.

**********

Back at the Maxwells’.

The dining room was as noisy as it could get and Fenix was happily washing the dishes as she half listened to the friendly debate between Sirius and his godson. She felt excruciating pain lancing in her mind. The plate in her fingers dropped into the sink and shattered.

She wasn’t even aware that she had blacked out until she saw Aldren’s concerned face looming over her. Memories came back to her; she saw Snape’s smiling face turned into shock when the attackers appeared. Gods... Sev... Fear began to claw its way into her heart and she sat up, her eyes looking desperately for Draco.

"Lover, what’s wrong?" Remus asked her, his voice uncertain. He sounded as if he didn’t really want to know what had happened.

"Drake..." Fenix could barely speak. Her voice came out as a harsh whisper. "Sev... Your godfather... Gods... Voldemort has him."

Eyes widened and Spencer began whimpering. Draco suddenly sat down on a chair. His fear returned in huge waves. His mind whirled with confusing and horrible thoughts. His vision faded in and out, he was horribly shocked by the news. No... no... I don’t want him to die... No... Not Snape. Gods... I won’t cry. I realize it now... I don’t want to lose my father... I don’t want to lose Snape... I don’t want to lose the people that I love.

**********