My Eternal Curse

Latin note:

emineo: to stand out, project, be remarkable, conspicuous.

lupus: wolf.

Chapter Twenty Six

Peculiar Interludes

Ginny wasn't sure how to react to Tom's sudden revelation, but she could see how important this was to him. At last, Tom had true physical proof of his connection to the wizarding world, something Voldemort never had. And, she just knew they would need it later...

"Princess, I hear something," Tom said, trying to catch her attention. She listened closely with all of her senses, trying to understand. A low, pained growl filled her ears, and she could feel a life slowly, painfully slipping away.

"It needs our help... which way, Tom?" she thought.

As he directed her through the underbrush, she realized that they were hopelessly lost in the Forbidden Forest, at night, with no practical defenses. Even if they could save it, how are they ever going to find their way back to master Snape, much less to Hogwarts again?

"We're not completely lost. Listen through the Gray, and you will know that," Ix Chel instructed. They could feel that they were heading into the heart of the forest, and that master Snape and Professor Hagrid were searching for them. She felt master Snape's worry and anger, even at this great distance, and flinched.

"Answer him, young one," Ix Chel implored.

"You better tell him to bring Hagrid along," Tom mentioned. "Whatever this thing is - its huge."

Ginny pulled slightly inward, allowing Tom to completely control their actions, and attempted to reach master Snape.

"Master Snape, it's Virginia, can you hear me?" she mentally called out. Almost instantly, master Snape connected with her, and she could feel a wave of relief sweep through him.

"Virginia... is that you?" master Snape asked, coming to an abrupt halt.

"Yes... something's called us," she explained quickly. "Bring Professor Hagrid with you. We'll need him."

"Are you safe?" continued master Snape, his growing concern projected along with his questions.

"For the moment," she answered. "Please, hurry..."

Ginny lost her concentration, and the link broke. She could feel master Snape and Professor Hagrid leaving the path behind, and heading towards them. She took partial control of her body again, and saw that, though night had closed in on them, they could still see the creatures of the forest and perceive the trees as they passed them. She hoped they would be able to help, whatever called out to them so desperately. They entered a large clearing, strewn with obvious signs that some sort of battle had taken place.

In the center of the clearing they found a giant, sliver wolf, with beautiful wings similar to a Pegasus, whimpering in pain. One of its wings rested at a terribly unnatural angle beneath it, unmistakably broken. Its underside was bleeding profusely, creating a large puddle of bright red blood. Ginny's heart instantly went out to the poor creature, and she cautiously started towards it. Tom saw the fear in the creature's strangely dull, yellow eyes, and realized that it was more than large enough to eat them if it wanted to. Merlin! She must be insane, wanting to get closer to a thing like that without Hagrid there to help them. He felt an imprint of Dark magic saturating the place, and suppressed a shudder.

"Be careful, my princess," he cautioned, feeling uncomfortably sympathetic for the strange beast. "This place reeks of Darkness..."

"It's an Emineo Lupus, in your tongue," Ix Chel breathed. "I never fathomed that any still lived in this part of the world."

The wolf's ears perked up at her familiar's words, and his gaze fell upon Ix Chel. He took in an unsteady breath and relaxed slightly, silently giving Ginny permission to attend to him. Ginny heedlessly walked into the growing puddle of blood, and sat next to the wolf to examine him. The wolf was in a bad state. Its left wing was badly broken, crushed underneath its own massive weight, and it seemed to have serious internal injuries. She checked the wolf's pulse. It was failing. She hoped Professor Hagrid would get here soon. She saw that it was crying, and removed some of the blood from her hands, before wiping away its tears. Tom heard Snape shout in the distance, and hoped the Potions master wouldn't assume the worst when he saw them.

"Don't worry," Ginny cooed softly in the wolf's sensitive ear. "Help will be here soon. Professor Hagrid is great with caring for the anomalous ones. He'll help you..."

"Virginia, get away from there!" master Snape shouted, just behind her. Ginny turned and saw him, his wand trained on the wolf.

"Put down your wand, master!" she cried. She noticed Professor Hagrid, and Fang right behind him. "I'm fine..."

Master Snape reluctantly lowered his wand, but didn't put it away.

"Help us, Professor Hagrid!" implored Ginny. "He's dying!"

She got to her feet, and moved out of the way so Professor Hagrid could attend to him. Fang stayed back, looking like he wanted to bolt. Ginny walked up to master Snape, hoping she could make him understand without revealing their secret.

The bizarre girl with the child Divinus moved away from him toward the one she referred to as 'master'. Why was the human girl gifted with the old magic, now long gone; destroyed by very the humans who the forest held an uneasy alliance with? Now, the humans' enemies seek to despoil the forest, and destroy everything The Elders fought and suffered to preserve. Despite the fact he was only a child himself, he'd disobeyed The Elders and fought at The Elders' side... and now here he was, at the mercy of these creatures! The forest takes care of its own. When they'd discovered the true extent of his wounds, The Elders knew it was his time to carry out the will of the forest. It was a mission he couldn't deny, for his life, and that of the forest could depend on it. He prayed The Elders weren't wrong about the girl. He noticed the dog that traveled with them, and growled in minor disgust. The dog was no better than the humans were! Were all of the mutt's true instincts tortured out of him?

"What were you thinking, running off like that?" the girl's master seethed. The man wrongly believed that the wolf could not hear him. "You could have been injured, or worse! You know you shouldn't leave my side while we are out here, especially now, Virginia... What possessed you to do something so foolish?"

"I'm so sorry, master," she said. "But when I felt his pain, I just knew I had to come!"

The wolf knew that she wasn't telling him the whole truth. The child has her own secrets. He studied her master for a moment, and saw that he carried the old magic as well.

"I understand you feel sympathy for the creature, but that doesn't change the fact that you shouldn't have run off," the girl's master scolded her, with an icy edge of warning, oddly mixed with just a hint of deeply hidden concern. "You are not to do that again, understand?"

"Yes, master," Virginia whispered, guiltily looking away.

"How are we ever going to find the path back to Hogwarts, especially in time to save this beast you've found?" the girl's master muttered, under his breath. Virginia used the old magic, stretching her senses.

"It's that way," she answered in a far-away tone, as she pointed to a seemingly random direction.

"How do you know?" Hagrid asked.

"Because I can feel the others from here," Virginia replied. "How is he?"

"He's pretty messed up," said Hagrid. "We might be able to help him, if we can get him back to my hut in time... but his chances aren't good."

"Keepers of the forest, we do not wish to break our word with you, but the need is great," the girl turned, addressing the forest. "The Emineo is dying! We will do what we can for him, and return him to you, no matter how this goes, but we cannot do so here. Please, I beseech thee, allow us safe passage out of the forest!"

He watched the girl pick up on the forest's decision through the old magic. He knew that the humans would be helped in any way possible to exit the forest, quickly and safely.

"We have permission," she said, returning her attention to her human counterparts. "We must go, now."

The girl's master kept a levitation charm on the wolf so Hagrid could carry him. The girl known as Virginia guided them out of the forest, making note of the dangerous night predators they passed. He knew they were guarding them and him, as well as clearing a path further ahead to speed their journey. The wolf bore the pain as well as he could, as he wondered with a creeping dread what was going to happen to him. If The Elders were wrong then he could die, or, worse yet, end up as some sort of slave to the humans. If they were right and she could be trusted, then his work had only begun.

*~*~*

Finally they left the forest. Professor Hagrid led them behind his hut to a sheltered and secluded paddock, which had been recently built. After helping him carefully place the wolf on a large comfortable floor mat, and he left to get his supplies. Ginny did her best to comfort the wolf, which she knew was afraid. A minute later, Professor Hagrid returned with medical supplies, including a large box filled with potions. She took the box from him, inspected it for quality, and groaned loudly in disgust.

"What is it?" Professor Hagrid asked.

"Whoever made these potions did a pathetic job of it!" she exclaimed. "With these, you'll barely be able to kill a flu with a hangover, much less serious internal injuries. Merlin, a bunch of muggle kindergartners with fingerprints could have done better! Where did you get this swill?"

"Madam Pomfrey gave it to me," Professor Hagrid answered, surprised at the sheer abhorrence in her response. "She was tired of me coming into the hospital wing all the time, so she gave me my own supply."

"Pomfrey, it figures..." Ginny spat, remembering what Ix Chel had told her about Pomfrey's actions the night of the storm.

"She probably gave you the stuff the Ministry sent," Tom added aloud, also sickened by the medi-witch. "Keeping the stuff master Snape makes for the people Pomfrey thinks deserve it."

Tom noticed Snape stiffen at the implications of what he had just said.

"Do we have enough in stock at the castle?" Ginny asked master Snape.

"Yes, but it will take time to retrieve that much," he replied. "I doubt the beast will last that long."

"What are we going to do?" Hagrid asked, worried.

Ginny picked up a clear bottle filled with a pearly white potion. On instinct, she poured extra energy into the potion to boost it, and it changed from white to light blue. She wordlessly handed master Snape the potion for inspection. He examined the altered potion quickly, and handed it to Professor Hagrid.

"This should buy it some time, but not much," master Snape said. "I'll return as soon as I can."

"Use my floo," said Professor Hagrid, tossing him a set of keys. Master Snape caught them with ease, nodded tersely and left.

*~*~*

Remus sat in Severus' office, waiting for him to return, while Harry and the others waited for Miss Weasley in her chamber. They were long overdue, and if something was wrong, he was bound to return to his office first, long before he'd go to Miss Weasley's chamber. The flames of the fireplace turned emerald green, and Severus stepped out. Severus almost frantically searched for what looked like healing supplies, taking no notice of Remus. He saw the blood on Severus' hands and face, along with the blood on his clothes, and stood. Severus spun around, startled, noticing him for the first time.

"You look like me after a bad night," Remus said. "What happened? Is-"

"Virginia is unharmed," Severus answered, returning to his collection of healing potions. "The blood isn't hers..."

He sniffed the air and knew that it was animal blood. Blood which smelled like kin? That didn't make any sense. Remus noticed that he referred to the girl by her first name again. Severus never talks about children like that... He wondered how much more there was to Severus' relationship with Miss Weasley. Severus shoved a large set of healing potions into his arms, and turned to take a second set.

"If you want to know what is going on, follow me," Severus said. "I'll explain more later..."

He followed Severus to the fireplace. Severus took some floo powder from a small, open box on the mantle, tossed it into the flames, turning them emerald green again. He stepped in.

"Hagrid's hut!" Severus shouted.

Not wanting to be left behind, Remus quickly followed suit, just missing Zach, who came to the office looking for them.

Zach noticed the flames turn from green to red, as he spotted blood on the floor.

*~*~*

Ginny tried to keep the wolf still as she could, while Hagrid reset the bones in his wing, and bandaged his wounds. Her eyes blurred slightly with unshed tears from the pain she could almost feel as her own. She carefully wiped them away.

"Master Snape should be back soon," Ginny said, almost to herself. "He's one of the best Potions masters in the world. If anyone can brew a potion that could heal you, its him."

"I will... try to hold on," the wolf growled.

"We can understand each other?" Ginny asked, shocked. "How?"

"That is... a good question," the wolf growled in return.

"What-" she started, only to be cut off by master Snape's return, but he wasn't alone. Professor Lupin came in behind him, carrying an armful of potions. Master Snape made Ginny move out the way, so that the other two could work. She sat next to master Snape and anxiously watched them labor to save the wolf. When they were finally done, Professor Hagrid came over to speak with them.

"Is he...?" Ginny asked.

"He'll be fine, thanks to you two," Professor Hagrid happily replied. "If you guys hadn't acted when you did, he wouldn't have made it. It's gonna be a long time before he's on his feet again, much less in the air, but he should have a full recovery."

"That's wonderful," she yawned. "Can I see him?"

"I thinks its time we returned to Hogwarts," master Snape answered for him.

"I agree," Professor Lupin said, coming over to greet them. Master Snape stood and helped Ginny to her feet. She realized how exhausted she was, and nodded. They began to head to the door, but Professor Lupin stopped them.

"You may not want to walk around Hogwarts covered in blood," he suggested. Ginny realized how they must look - the Potions master and his apprentice covered in blood, running around Hogwarts, looking like axe murderers. That would definitely be a bad idea... Master Snape used a cleaning spell on them to remove the blood before they left. With master Snape still carrying their supplies, they walked back toward Hagrid's hut, returning to Hogwarts, each too tired to speak.

*~*~*

With each step through the long journey back to Miss Weasley's room, Severus felt her beginning to fall asleep. He unconsciously slowed his pace to match hers. He never should have taken the child outside so soon... Miss Weasley stumbled into him slightly, barely able to keep her eyes open. He put an arm around the girl to steady her, hoping he wouldn't have to end up carrying her. Already half asleep, she leaned into him for support. Severus stiffened slightly, uneasy with such close contact. He began to feel something surprising from the girl as they walked - a sense of security. Merlin help him, Virginia actually felt safe in his presence.

He saw Malfoy heading towards them, far too late to avoid being seen, and tried to ignore the boy's questioning gaze as they passed each other. He was going to have 'fun' dealing with Malfoy tomorrow... Severus finally managed to get Miss Weasley back to her quarters and put her to bed, before dealing with the children's questions. She was in a heavy slumber before her head even hit the pillow, with Ix Chel lying at her side. He gave a terse explanation of what happened, then dismissed everyone, save Levine. He gave her orders to watch over Miss Weasley for the night, and handed her an envelope to give Malfoy in the morning. Once that was done, Severus returned to his own chambers, determined to forget just how screwed up his life had become, even if for only a little while.

*~*~*

The next day during lunch Zach entered the library, unable to get out of his mind, what Filius had told him about his session with Miss Weasley. How could the child turn a simple repellent charm into a dangerous weapon? Many strange, unprecedented things seemed to happen around Miss Weasley. If he were ever going to get a clear picture of the real person behind the power, he needed to interview someone close to her. He spotted the teenage brown-haired witch reading, amidst a selection of large, old tomes. He soundlessly crept up behind her, and recognized the book at once.

"Reading up on your friend's gifts, I see," he said, causing the girl to almost jump out of her chair. She turned around and looked up. "I went looking for answers in the same place when I first learned of my talents. I'm Professor Montgomery, the new Divination teacher, and you are?"

"Hermione Granger, sir. I hear you're supposed to be here to help Ginny." she skeptically commented.

"You don't believe I'm the real thing," Zach replied. He took a seat across from the young witch. "Don't judge us all based on Trelawney. She was a fraud, and what little gift she did have was used only to promote herself. Believe me, I am just as real as Miss Weasley is. Speak freely, I won't take house points from you for being honest with me."

"I have trouble believing that, Professor," Hermione responded. "In fact, I have trouble believing the category of The Sight is truly credible, not as it stands today. While Ix Chel might be right about the true definition, I have not seen any proof, other than Ginny's gifts, to substantiate it."

"You're a skeptic!" he exclaimed, smiling. "It's refreshing to meet one again. I was afraid the species was becoming extinct. Do you believe that Miss Weasley's talents are real?"

"I believe that she is very powerful," she answered.

"You didn't answer my question," he persisted. "Do you believe her gifts are real?"

"In Ix Chel's definition, yes," said Hermione.

"I keep hearing people refer to her pet when The Sight is mentioned, why?" Zach asked. "What piece is her pet in the puzzle?"

"Ginny's familiar is a Divinus Animus," she explained. "I assume you've heard of the species. Ginny has taken a life-bond with it. Ix Chel has been explaining different aspects of The Sight which she tells us, have been long forgotten."

"Like what?" Zach asked. Hermione told him Ix Chel's definition, as well as other things Ix Chel had explained to them. She also told him what she could about Mr. Potter's and Professor Hagrid's gifts, but Zach knew that she was still holding back a great deal. By the time she left the library, his list of questions had gotten a whole lot longer.

*~*~*

Severus sat at his desk in the Potion classroom, watching Malfoy brew healing draughts in silence. He could almost hear the boy stewing over the real reasons he was summoned for this extra credit assignment. Unfortunately for Severus, Miss Weasley's plans for Malfoy jeopardized his cover to a degree. He had to be sure which way Malfoy jumped, before he could make his next move.

"This should be the last batch," Severus said, breaking the tense silence. "After you're done bottling this one, you're free to go."

"Why am I here, Professor?" Malfoy asked carefully. Severus put up heavy silencing and locking charms.

"You're here because of the alliance you've made with my apprentice," he answered, standing over the boy's shoulder. "I know what you're really after Malfoy. If you ever wish to achieve it, you must be very careful with what you say and do around the others."

"Like you and your true standing with Voldemort?" Malfoy asked, already knowing the answer. "Your secret is safe with me."

For now, Severus mentally added.

"A word of warning, Malfoy, " he sneered menacingly, whispering in the boy's ear. "Your father and his lackeys can't protect you every moment of every day. If you harm Virginia in any way or blow my cover, I will see to it personally, that you pay dearly for your mistake. An error, I assure you, that will be your last. Before Voldemort or anyone else gets me, I will hunt you down like the irritating little ferret you are, and while they may find your remains one day... They will never be able to identify you from what is left. Have I made myself quite clear, Mr. Malfoy?"

"Completely," Malfoy whispered, flinching in spite of himself. From what he could sense, and judging by his reaction, Malfoy had been properly cowered. He wouldn't dare betray them, not unless he wished to die slowly, and painfully. Now, to find out why he hadn't come to him with this.

"Why didn't you come to me when you first had... reservations?" Severus inquired softly.

"I thought the answer to that would be obvious," Malfoy answered. "All the Slytherins know you're a Death Eater, or at the very least a supporter of Voldemort. As far as they're concerned, coming to you with doubts would be seen as weakness by the Dark Lord, and he doesn't like weakness."

"That is why Levine didn't come to me?" Severus said almost to himself, the truth at last dawning on him. Damn Dumbledore, and his bloody war! There was no way he could truly protect his students, not like this... but perhaps, there is someone who can. One who is born for it, one uniquely positioned amongst the Slytherin hierarchy.

"Yes," replied Malfoy.

"Then, is there any way we can redirect them to Miss Weasley?" Severus asked. "With her gift for meddling, she should be able to assist other Slytherins in... dilemmas I cannot."

"It's dangerous, but possible," Malfoy contemplatively replied. "She is in the perfect position to do the most damage, and she certainly appears to have the cunning, and the will. But, can we take the chance of someone else discovering the truth?"

"As long as I don't appear to know more than I should of her activities, we should be able to pull it off," Severus said. "It will be tricky, but it's workable. There is much we still need to discuss, if you plan to deceive your father effectively..."

*~*~*

Zach headed back to the Dungeons at top pace. He'd spoken with Hagrid at Miss Granger's urgings, and discovered what Severus and Miss Weasley had been up to. He was already tired of their antics, and it's only been a week! When he got his hands on Severus, he was going to drag that man back to bed by his ear! His search through the Dungeons ended abruptly, when he caught sight of last person he wanted to see - Sirius Black, running around in dog form. What was that bloody bastard doing down here? Zach drew his wand and stopped in front of the dog, barring his route.

"That's far enough," he said acidly. "I suggest you flee the Dungeons, before Severus turns you into a potions ingredient... On second thought, he would never do that. He only uses quality components for his potions."

The mutt glared at him, before nodding to the empty Potions classroom. Zach considered it briefly, and followed Black in. He put up a silencing charm and locked the door before Black risked changing form.

"Montgomery," Black said, staring at him like he was nothing more than something to be squashed. "Why are you back here this time? Tired of hiding from all the people you suckered, or did you just want to hog the spotlight?"

"If memory serves, the only hog at Hogwarts the last time I was here, was you," Zach countered. "You know, I had never understood why you made my skin crawl, until now. I know everything, what you've deluded yourself into believing, what you did to Severus, and what you would like to do with Miss Weasley, if and when you get bored again. I don't care that you didn't actually kill Mr. Potter's parents. You were a part of that damned mess long before, and will be long after, if my guess is right. I don't care if you were wrongfully imprisoned either. In that regard, I think you deserved it, as punishment for the crimes you did commit. In a sick way, I even consider it poetic justice, considering the snowball you started with Peter... Know this, Black, if you harm Severus or his apprentice in any manner, I will see to it that a Dementor finds its way into your bedchambers! Believe me on this, I know where you sleep at night. Naturally assuming that there is anything left for the Dementor to chew on, after Severus is through with you. Now leave the Dungeons, and don't come back unless invited, understood?"

"How dare you sit in judgment of me?" Black fumed. "You have no idea what you're talking about! I will go where I please, and do whatever's necessary to ensure Harry's safety. If Snape or Weasley get in my way, I will make sure they regret it!"

Black took out his wand, removing the locking and silencing charms. The door sprung open. Immediately transforming, the dog made a run for it, but Zach was ahead of him. He stupefied the mutt before he had a chance to escape.

"No one ever listens to me," he said, shaking his head. He conjured a leash with a choke chain, and a muzzle onto Black. For finishing touches, he gave him a Ravenclaw blue collar, complete with a large sliver bell which would ring every time the dog moved a muscle. Zach gave the leash a small jerk to wake Black, and started dragging him out of the Dungeons.

"Don't even think about changing back," he cautioned. "The choke chain will strangle you, if you attempt go to human form with it on."

When Zach noticed he wasn't making much headway he pulled on the leash hard, causing Black to whimper in pain. Taking the hint, the mutt unwillingly followed him out of the Dungeons, and into the currently empty entrance hall. He tied the leash to the entrance hall steps, and pulled out a wizarding camera. He took three pictures, and stopped to admire his handiwork. Severus was going to love this!

"The students should be out of classes soon," Zach muttered. "I'm sure one of them will let you out... eventually. Good day, Sirius."

He wandered back into the Dungeons, ignoring Black's futile protests and whimpers as he went. He found Severus near the Weasley girl's quarters. Severus looked much worse since their last encounter. At this rate, the Dark Lord wouldn't get the chance to kill him, Severus was going to do that all on his own.

"Enough is enough, Severus!" Zach declared. "First you refuse to rest when everyone else has things in hand, now you and the girl pull that crazy stunt in the forbidden forest. Now look at you two; both of you have backslid in your recovery! I swear you two are going to be the death of me! I've spoken to Remus; he'll be watching Miss Weasley for the remainder of the day. As for you, you are going to your chambers to rest, even if I have to tie you down and stupefy you! If you're really good, I'll even wait in the hall and leave you alone for a while. Come with me."

Taking matters into his own hands, Zach seized Severus by the arm and all but dragged him to his chambers. Severus tried to object but a nasty dizzy spell, which almost caused the man to faint, seemed to change his mind. Zach muttered to himself on the way, wishing someone would just hex him, and get it over with.

*~*~*

Sirius growled as he struggled against his restraints, but only succeed in choking himself till he almost lost consciousness. Realizing how futile his actions were, he sat on the cold, stone floor of the entrance hall, sickened by the indignity. His ears perked up when he heard someone coming. It was a little Hufflepuff first year. She stopped just in front of him, eyeing him curiously. He gave her the puppy dog look, which no one except the most hardened individual could resist. The little girl smiled, and came closer.

"Something wrong?" she asked.

Sirius whimpered pitifully in reply.

"I know just what you need!" she exclaimed. He held still, convinced that his ruse had worked, but when she withdrew, he wasn't free. Looking up he saw what she had done. She had tied a large yellow ribbon into an adorable bow on his head! He tried to shake it off, but couldn't.

"There, that's better!" she giggled. "Now you're perfect! Bye!"

The little girl skipped out of his view humming a cute little tune. Sirius snarled to himself. Now he was going to be the laughing stock of the school! He was going to get Montgomery back for this, if it was the last thing he did!

*~*~*

Harry, Hermione, and Alexis were bound for the Dungeons when a small crowd of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins in the entrance hall caught their attention. He followed Alexis and Hermione into the crowd to see what it was. He caught sight of Sirius and gaped, while Hermione and Alexis tried to stifle a giggle.

"Oh, my..." Hermione gasped.

"Is that...?" Alexis asked.

"Professor Lupin's dog!" Harry finished.

"He's adorable!" Alexis gave up trying to hold it back, and laughed with the other students. "The Hufflepuff - Ravenclaw colors are a nice touch..."

"Let's get him out of here," he said, untying Sirius' leash from the banister. "You two go on ahead, I'll catch up."

"Alright, Harry," Alexis said. Alexis and Hermione continued toward the Dungeons. Harry escorted the dog back to Remus' office, where they could floo to Sirius' rooms.

"What have you gotten yourself into now, Padfoot?" asked Harry, shaking his head. Harry took Sirius into Remus' office, shutting and locking the door behind them. He removed the muzzle and choke chain from the dog. Sirius transformed, ripped apart the bow, and took off the bell.

"When I get my hands on that bastard Montgomery," Sirius ranted. "I'm going to tear his throat out! He'll be lucky if he can still chew solid foods when I'm done with him... Harry, I want you to stay away from the Dungeons, along with Snape and his bloody apprentice, Ginny Weasley! I don't want you anywhere near them. It's not safe for you to be too close to them. They'll ruin your reputation, and bring you nothing but trouble. Look at what they've done to you, to Gryffindor-"

"Sirius," he said, with an edge of warning in his voice.

"She destroyed Gryffindor tower and blamed it on the very people who tried to stop her," Sirius continued. "She's working with the Slytherins, trying to destroy everything that made Gryffindor what it is today! Now Weasley's tricked the other students into believing that you would spread all those horrible rumors-"

"They're true," Harry countered, his anger rising. "The rumors we've been spreading, everything. Several Gryffindors did try to murder her! Ginny fought back the only way she knew how. The Slytherins have been doing everything in their power to help her. Professor Snape even saved her life, when the power she unleashed in self-defense nearly killed her! Listen to me very closely. Ginny is my friend. I will stand by her and my promise to R- my promise to safeguard her, no matter what you or anyone else says! Don't make me choose between you and her... I can't do that! I love her like a sister, and I love you like family, too. As for Snape... he cares about what happens to her. He's risking everything to help her, to help us. Aside from the nasty remarks, Snape's not that bad, and he's at least making the effort to be civil with me. If you can't make the same effort, stay away from the Dungeons. I don't want you bothering either of them right now."

"Harry..." Sirius said, unbelievingly. "Can't you see what they're doing to you? They've even got that Slytherin tramp acting as your Keep-"

He slapped Sirius hard in the face. Sirius touched his face, gazing at him in complete and utter shock.

"Don't you dare say something like that about Alexis!" Harry yelled, suddenly enraged. "All she's done is try to help her friend through this nightmare! I will not sit around and listen to another word of this! I'm going back to the Dungeons. Talk to me again when you've come to your senses..."

Harry stormed off, leaving Sirius at a complete loss for words.

*~*~*

Argus walked to Severus' chambers, wheeling a cart with dinner for both of them. He hated dining with the little brats and since Severus had never come out for dinner, he decided to bring Severus a decent meal. The man was probably working or something, and lost track of time. One thing he had always admired about Severus was his single-minded devotion when there was a problem to be solved, or a child to be punished. Argus stopped when he saw the new teacher, Montgomery, sitting across from the door, reading a muggle book.

"What the hell are you doing, Montgomery?" he asked.

"Ah, Filch, there you are," Montgomery smiled kindly at him. "You can go right in. I think Severus will be happy to see you."

Argus shook his head and knocked on the door.

"Come in," Severus barked. Argus walked into Severus' living room, which was furnished with a coffee table, a large black sofa, and several comfortable armchairs, all carefully arranged in front of the hearth. Severus sat on the sofa working on something in a small leather-bound book.

"I thought you might want something to eat," Argus said. Severus nodded. He waited for the Professor to look up from his work, then set a tray with a small bowl of stew and a glass of ice water before him. He took a seat in a chair to Severus' left and started eating, as the other man hid the book in his robes. Severus took one bite, and seemed to drift off into his own world. Argus watched Severus eat his meal, slowly savoring every spoonful, like it was the most wonderful thing the man had ever tasted. He was happy to see his friend taking enjoyment from something for a change. When Severus finished eating, returning his attention to Argus.

"Hello, Argus," Severus said. "I'm sorry I haven't had more time for you. I've been a little... distracted, of late."

"I understand," he replied. "Taking on a new apprentice can be dangerous business, especially when every one else wants her dead, or worse. Don't worry about the little animals that tried to kill her. I'll take care of them."

Argus thought again about what he had felt in Gryffindor Tower, and suppressed a shudder.

"What's wrong, Argus?" Severus asked, looking slightly concerned. "Is there something you need to tell me?"

"It's nothing," he denied.

"It's not nothing," Severus pressed. "You're disturbed deeply by something... something you've encountered. What is it? Maybe I can help."

He told Severus what had happened in the Gryffindor common room. Severus listened dispassionately, but Argus could read the disquiet in his friend's eyes. Severus knew something.

"What you felt was what my apprentice went through that night," Severus explained quietly. "This is what you are punishing those Gryffindor bastards for! You felt her pain as the storm of power she unleashed began to devour her. I don't know how, but the magical waste left behind affected you, when it shouldn't have..."

"I felt magic..." Argus said, trying to comprehend. "How? Why? What made that storm different from other magic I've encountered?"

"I don't know," Severus answered. "Would you like to meet Miss Weasley, and see the person they tried to kill that night?"

He got the feeling there was something he wasn't being told. What was Severus protecting, or who?

"Maybe, I'll think about it," said Argus.

"Good," Severus replied. Argus shook off his doubts, and filed them in the back of his mind for further study, as the floo of conversation moved on.

*~*~*

Remus entered his office and found Sirius sitting in front of his desk, in dog form. He closed and locked the door behind him. Sirius transformed and started pacing back and forth, looking completely beside himself.

"What's wrong, Padfoot?" he asked.

"Everything's wrong!" Sirius exclaimed. "I haven't seen my godson in over a week. He's been sequestered in the Dungeons with that greasy bastard Snape, and his little Dark Witch in training Weasley. I swear, they're brainwashing Harry into believing all those obvious lies about Gryffindor! Snape's even got him under the impression that he's not a heartless bastard. I tried to talk some sense into Harry, and he hit me! Harry's out of control, and it's all Snape's fault! I won't stand for it, Moony. I won't let Snape and that-that bitch use him for their own ends."

"Neither Virginia nor Severus are brainwashing Harry, or coercing him into anything he doesn't want to do," Remus responded, calmly. "All Severus is trying to do is to protect his apprentice."

"How would you know?" Sirius asked.

"Because I've been helping Severus watch over her," he replied. "I understand what they are going through, so does Harry. What did you say to him just before he hit you?"

Sirius told him what he had said.

"No wonder he hit you," Remus said. "He's been spending almost all of his time with Alexis lately. They seem to be getting along quite well."

"You don't mean that...?" Sirius asked, slightly sickened.

"I wouldn't be surprised," he answered. "Sirius, just because she's in Slytherin, doesn't mean she's not good enough for him. I think if you spent some time with her-"

"Now you're sounding as bad as Harry," Sirius accused. "The next thing you're going to tell me is that Snape's just been misunderstood all these years, and that he's forgiven you for what happened at the Shrieking Shack."

"I've made a great deal of progress with Severus over the last few days," Remus said. "In fact, that's part-"

"I don't believe what I'm hearing!" Sirius blurted out. "First Harry - now you. It's a bloody epidemic! How can you believe a word coming out of that monster's mouth?"

"Severus is not the monster you think he is," he replied. "Also, the rumors are true-"

"Can't you see what that bloody parasite is doing to you?" Sirius exclaimed. "I'm not going to listen to you go on about how Snape's changed! He's tricking both of you. I refuse to just sit around and watch. I'm out of here..."

"Wait!" he tried to grab Sirius' arm, but he shrugged him off. Sirius dumped some floo powder into the fireplace, leaving before Remus could stop him. He sighed. How was he going to warn Padfoot about Miss Weasley's misconceptions? He would just have to find Sirius later, and try to make him see reason.

*~*~*

Sirius flooed into Albus' office, hoping he would be able to fix this mess. He had told Remus what happened with Harry, but instead of listening to what he had to say, and taking his side, Remus took Harry's side. What was happening to everyone? It was as if someone had turned the world upside-down.

"Hello, my dear boy," Albus welcomed him. "What seems to be the problem?"

He told Albus what happened with Harry and Remus.

"I'm sorry, but there is nothing I can do to help you with this," Albus smiled at him sympathetically, shaking his head. "Both of them are old enough to make their own choices. I can't interfere, not this time. Harry and Remus are helping Severus of their own free will, because he's earned a measure of trust from them, not because he's deceiving them. Do not worry about them, Sirius, they know what they are doing."

"But-" he started.

"No buts," Albus cut in. "Now, I suggest that you sit down, and have a nice long talk with them over tea. I'm sure things aren't as bad as you think. Talk to them, and keep an open mind. That is the only way you'll get through to either of them."

Sirius thanked Albus for the advice, and returned to his chambers. Even Albus wouldn't help him... Was there something in the water? Did they all just go off the deep end one day, and not tell him? Who could he go to for help now, who was unaffected by the madness overtaking them? Of course, why didn't he think of that sooner! If there was anyone who could help Sirius, it was him. Sirius decided to find him and get this straightened out as soon as possible.

____________

TBC