My Eternal Curse

My Eternal Curse

By Mara456

Chapter Forty-One

The Quest for Stability

Moaning Myrtle sat in the U-bend of her toilet, once again thinking about death. It had been more than fifty years since she had joined the ranks of the deceased, but somehow, it felt like it had taken place just yesterday. Most days were pretty dull, but whenever she felt more troubled than usual, Myrtle checked up on Harry and Hermione, the only two kids who had ever bothered to take her feelings into account. They didn't really come to visit her anymore, but it was nice to watch to them from time to time, and see what trouble they were getting themselves into. Unfortunately for Moaning Myrtle, she had completely lost track of them after that dreadful business at Gryffindor Tower, Myrtle thought with an impish smile. Irritating her greatly, the unnatural, electric feeling that had been bothering her for the last few days now returned in full-force. She wondered, vaguely, if she should seek out Nearly Headless Nick and ask him about-

Her lament was interrupted when she abruptly began choking, just as her vaporous form started solidifying and the pipe became too confining for her. She was drowning! She shot out of the toilet like a projectile, unexpectedly crashing into the stall door with a painful thud. Sputtering and gasping for air she came to a rest on the bathroom floor. She hadn't taken a breath in more than fifty years! Why was she starting now? What was happening to her? She stared at her hands and her clothing as they lost their ghostly luster, becoming truly corporeal. A strange tingling flooded her suddenly undead senses, rapidly chasing away the cold emptiness she had been accustomed to for so long, replacing it with... sensation!

For the first time since she had died, she felt cold... and wet, totally soaked and sitting in a puddle of water. She had forgotten what it felt like to be alive, and she didn't like it one bit! Her eyes blurred with tears of confusion and terror, which she allowed to pour freely down her face. She struggled to get to her feet, but it had been far too long since she had dealt with gravity. She lost her footing and fell. Moaning Myrtle whimpered pitifully, unable to accept this-this nightmare she had been plunged into. She had to see the truth for herself. She had to know what was wrong with her! Afraid to attempt standing again, Myrtle got on all fours instead, which felt so much more stable. She crawled out of the bathroom stall, heading straight for the sink. Once she reached it, she grabbed onto the sink for purchase and froze, shocked by the feeling of the cold, firm porcelain beneath her hands. After the initial shock had worn off, she pulled herself to her feet with difficulty and gazed at her reflection. What she saw she would never forget. Moaning Myrtle saw that she was very much alive!

Moaning Myrtle let out a piercing wail of shock and horror, but it wasn't her, it was a human wail. Merlin, everything about her seemed human, everything that is, except her eyes. At first glance, they looked like her old ones, except they now had an odd, sparkly quality to them. The reality of her current state hit her like a Dark curse to the gut. That's when Myrtle did another very human thing, she threw up, suffering through waves of dry heaves.

"Myrtle?" called a familiar male voice. "Are you in there?"

"Nick?" Myrtle whispered feebly, wiping off her mouth with the back of her sleeve.

Concern filling his face, Nearly Headless Nick floated into the girl's bathroom. Moaning Myrtle quickly turned to face him, almost losing her balance in the process. Luckily, she managed to grab ahold of the sink in time, using it to steady herself. Nick caught sight of her, but to Myrtle's disappointment, he didn't recognize her at all.

"I'm sorry, Miss, I thought you were someone else," apologized Nick. Noticing that she was soaking wet and crying, he slowly drifted towards her. "Are you alright, my dear?"

"Ni-Nick, don't-don't you recognize m-me?" Myrtle stuttered, feeling small and timorous. At her question, recognition overshadowed his features. He closed the gap between them, watching her every movement as if she was the most amazing thing he had ever beheld. Still quite speechless, he stopped in front of her, and tentatively rested a hand just above the skin of her cheek, not daring to truly touch her. She felt the familiar coolness from the elder ghost's hand and slowly looked up, praying for any reassurance.

Stunned, Nick whispered, "It can't be... Little Moaning Myrtle?"

She nodded weakly. Without thinking she wrapped her arms around the spirit and was further shocked when she didn't pass through him. Moaning Myrtle buried her face in Nick's ghostly robes. Breaking down into hysterics, her whole body shook as she let out gut-wrenching sobs. The elder ghost tried to comfort her, but he seemed just as much at a loss as she was. Time passed slowly for the two and gradually her sobbing began to abate. Feeling just a little better, Moaning Myrtle babbled an explanation of what had taken place.

"What am I?" Myrtle pleaded. "We can touch each other, yet I feel like I'm really alive. Like I never died! What else can I be, if not a ghost?"

"I don't know," Nick replied, holding her tenderly. "But I know someone who might... We need to visit Professor Flitwick."

"Why would Flitwick know?" Myrtle wondered.

"Let's just say that he's something of a closet ghost expert," Nick explained, carefully leading her out the room. As Nick helped Moaning Myrtle up the many challenging stairwells to the Professor's private chambers, she got the feeling that her world would never be the same.

*~*~*

Filius relaxed in a small armchair by the fire in his living room. His rooms were large for him but quite amicably decorated, fitted with accommodations both for himself and for visitors with different physical requirements. Zach came in carrying a tray containing their order of strong tea and a large plate of sugar cookies. His friend placed the tray down on the glass coffee table in front of the fireplace, before taking a seat in a larger chair next to his own. Filius wondered why Zach thought it necessary to bring a glass and a pitcher of papaya juice with a cooling charm on it, in addition to the other items he had retrieved.

"Should we be expecting company?" Filius inquired of his young friend.

Zach just shrugged. They continued the work on Virginia's special Charm they had begun at Severus' staff meeting. The two Professors were forced to stop by a hesitant knock at the door.

"I'll get it," Zach said, heading for the door. As he watched Zach conversing softly with someone beyond the entryway, Filius wondered who could possibly be calling on him at this time of night.

Feeling the Divination teacher start to become agitated, Filius asked, "Who is it, Zach?"

"I, umm... I think it would be best if you heard this from them yourself," Zach replied uneasily, letting in their unexpected guests. Filius stared at the bewildering sight, his mind struggling to make some semblance of sense from it. The Gryffindor House Ghost Nick was helping a meek, exhausted, obviously frightened, living girl, that couldn't be more than a second year, across the threshold. She clung to him like her life depended upon it. Stranger still, she wore a Hogwarts uniform from long ago. The two teachers saw the poor girl was soaked and shivering. Swiftly they pushed their confusion aside to aid her, Zach helping Nick guide her to a chair, while he summoned a blanket.

"You poor thing, you're ice cold," Filius exclaimed, touching her skin. He dried her off with a simple spell, then Zach wrapped the blanket around her. He quickly checked the mysterious child's condition. The only thing he gauged that couldn't be cured with a little food and rest was the fact that she was in some kind of shock. Zach poured her a glass of papaya juice.

"Here, drink this," Zach directed, offering it to the girl. Her hands visibly trembled as she accepted it and took a small sip.

Gazing strangely into the liquid, the girl murmured, "It was my favorite." She turned to her attention to Zach. "How did you know we were coming?"

The Charms Professor had the feeling that he knew her from somewhere.

"Pay it no mind. Occasionally, Professor Montgomery just knows things when he needs to," Filius said, a suspicion beginning to form. "What is your name, little one?"

"Myrtle," the youngster answered.

He unquestionably knew her from some place... or some time.

"What is the exact date?" Filius probed.

"November 28^th 2003, I think," Myrtle said slowly. "Of course, I could be wrong. I never paid much attention to dates after my passing."

"Your passing?" Filius repeated, perplexed. The girl stared at the roaring fire, unwilling to, or incapable of elaborating further. He turned next to the Gryffindor House Ghost, suspecting that Nick was far more capable of explaining than Myrtle was herself just now. "What do you know about this, Sir Nicolas?"

"I heard a terrible wail coming from her bathroom, so I decided to investigate," an unsettled Nick explained, indicating the girl. "When I arrived, I found young Myrtle ali-like this."

The truth dawning on him, Filius asked, "You mean to say this is...?"

"Moaning Myrtle," Nick confirmed, placing a calming hand on the girl's shoulder when she shuddered.

"Well, that explains her state of shock," Filius remarked, understanding.

Puzzled, Zach objected, "I don't see how. As an old friend of mine once put it - 'the dead stay dead.' Yet here she is, alive and whole. However this happened, it is a miracle! And what could be wrong with that?"

"Everything..." the youngster whimpered, her already red, puffy eyes glazing over as Myrtle started to cry.

"I'm sorry, Myrtle, I just don't understand," Zach quickly apologized.

Filius summoned a stool to stand upon, so he could comfort the distraught child.

"It's alright, my dear, I understand," Filius offered consolation, handing her a Ravenclaw blue handkerchief. "Just now, things may seem painful and overwhelming to you, but we'll take care of you." He gently lifted her chin, so they were eye to eye. "Try to believe me when I tell you this, you are not an abomination! No matter what you are, you are as real as any one of us. This school owes you a debt for failing to protect you the first time. I swear it, on my honor as a wizard, we will do everything we can to repay it."

The poor girl desperately tried to believe him, but in her eyes he still saw those dangerous crushing doubts and fears.

Never shifting his gaze from her, Filius explained it to his young colleague. "Till now, the dead have remained so for a very good reason. Various attempts at revivification have been made over the centuries, but they've always ended in failure, or worse, in the raising of what could only be described as abominations. They were empty, desolate monsters, zombies with no concept of right or wrong, or, of what it is to genuinely feel. Which is why over six hundred years ago practicing revivification magics were ruled a corruptive Dark Art. The consequences for any caught practicing it are dire with the exception of an order of wizards who have long since died out. Those who have passed on know this truth without question. They know that, once they have left the realm of the living, that is it. Also, more than fifty years have passed since Myrtle breathed her last. Any loved ones she once had are now either old or dead."

"Wait. Then how do you know I-I'm not a zombie?" Myrtle fearfully stammered. "How do you know I'm not a monster?"

"Because you're still capable of shedding tears," Filius reassured her. "Your fear alone is undeniable proof that you are the real Myrtle."

She returned her gaze to the fire, stewing over the one question he knew must be running through her mind: Even if Myrtle is truly alive, is she still human? He knew of only one way to answer that unspoken question. He climbed off the stool, quickly pulling his friend aside.

"This situation isn't going to keep until morning," Filius whispered. "We must awaken Severus at once, and have him bring a vial of Genus draught to administer. Earlier, he mentioned that he had one of his classes brew it, so he should already have it on hand."

"A what draught?" Zach asked.

"Before we can help her, we must put the question of her humanity to rest," Filius elaborated. "And the draught will tell us what she has become. We need to deal with this now, or she'll never be able to accept the reality of her condition."

"And what is this thing called again?" Zach reiterated.

"Genus draught," he repeated. "Severus will know what it is."

"Alright, give me a minute," Zach said, closing his eyes. Filius could feel confusion overshadow his own features while his friend began focusing earnestly, on what he couldn't say.

"He's connected to somebody," Myrtle softly chimed in. "Deeply connected."

Filius turned and saw Myrtle watching them. Through her vintage glasses, he noticed her strange, iridescent eyes, eyes that seemed to give off a glow of their own. He wondered if the effect he was observing was simply a trick of the firelight, but as he drew closer he realized that this was not the case. Thinking back to when he first knew her, Filius remembered that Myrtle's eyes were a perfectly normal brown. It was also the only aspect of her appearance that had changed in her revival. Then there was her ability to interact with Nick, as if some part of Myrtle were still anchored to the other realm... Of course!

"Do you need anything, my dear?" Filius inquired.

Returning her gaze to the fire, she shook her head. Filius went back to his chair and summoned a huge, empty book, an especially charmed bottle of ink and quill. He opened it to the first page and wrote a set of search parameters for his library to work on. Once they were complete, the ink disappeared and a list of books that possibly matched materialized in its place.

Opening his eyes, Zach told them, "Sorry that took so long, but I had some trouble explaining the situation. He should be up here in a few minutes."

"You never left, you've only been standing there a minute or two," Filius rejoined then he remembered Myrtle's statement. "You spoke to him telepathically! I knew you two were close because of Virginia, but I had no idea!" Filius blushed.

"No idea of what?" Zach asked.

Myrtle let out a mischievous, melodic giggle at Zach's expense. Feeling terribly uncomfortable the Divination teacher quickly turned to the girl. Filius couldn't help but feel sorry for the wizard. Zach was still so young in some ways.

Seeking to confirm his hypothesis, Filius inquired, "Zachary, how long do you think your conversation with Severus actually took?"

"About twenty minutes," Zach replied. "Severus had to explain both of the Chamber of Secrets incidents to me... What are you all staring at?"

"Your eyes were only closed for a minute, maybe two at most," Filius informed him. "You do know that normal telepathy isn't nearly that rapid?"

"It works in real-time," Zach nodded, being dense.

Myrtle suppressed yet another giggle, apparently finding the whole situation very amusing. Filius shook his head.

"We'll have this cleared up when your companion arrives," he sighed.

Filius watched comprehension cross Sir Nicholas' features as the ghost began to chuckle. He continued to research into young Myrtle's condition while they waited.

Looking over his shoulder, Nick wondered, "What are you working on?"

"My personal library is connected to this register," he explained, continuing to rule out possible mismatches. "From here, I can research anything I require, without all that tedious mucking about through the stacks."

"Amazing," Zach gushed. "You charmed your whole library to be accessible by that one book? You've got to teach me that one!"

"Certainly, later... Wait a minute, I think I may have found the cause of her return," Filius declared.

"What does it say?" Nick anxiously questioned.

"Severus is coming," Zach alerted them.

As the firelight turned green Filius looked up and saw Severus step out holding a small vial and a neatly folded chart in one hand. The Potions master quickly used a cleaning spell on himself to remove the soot. When Myrtle saw Severus the little girl giggled again, using that same melodic, mischievous tone she had with Zach. He watched Severus stare at her briefly, then head over to confer with Zach.

Seeing them together, Myrtle's giggles increased, "I was right, really right. Their shared light is so pretty!"

"That's quite enough, Myrtle," he gently ordered, noticing his colleges' equally unnerved expressions.

"Yes, sir," Myrtle replied, smiling impishly.

Somehow, that expression seemed natural for her. Filius turned back to Zach and Severus, who were silently communicating, and shook his head. As if those two didn't have enough to deal with. He got up and walked over to the pair.

"I think you know what that girl thinks is so funny, Filius," Severus whispered. "What aren't you telling us?"

"If my guess is correct, you will see shortly," he replied cryptically.

Filius took the Genus draught and the chart from Severus, placing them safely on the coffee table.

Pulling out his wand, Filius said, "There is no cause for concern, I just want to attempt a simple assessment spell. Severus, you will recognize it when you hear it. Zach, if you would just move a little further away from him... Good." He aimed his wand at Severus and began reciting the Mentis Vinculum spell, repeating it until a potent beam of white energy was revealed, running from Severus' chest to Zach's. Zach didn't seem to understand what he was looking at, but Severus' eyes widened as he stared at the beam, the now undeniable reality setting in. Filius had almost forgotten what a traditional bonding looked like. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen a natural life bond form the way it had between these two.

"It's not possible," Severus denied, staring unblinkingly at the beam of energy.

"It's a life bond?" exclaimed Zach, gazing at his companion with an unreadable expression, gleaning the information from the other wizard.

Filius lowered his wand, watching their life bond vanish from view. After observing the way those two had connected in the past two weeks, their newly formed bond made sense. He knew, in time, they would come to see it as being as natural as breathing, but, for now, someone had to deal with their state of confusion and denial.

"There is no mistake, Severus," Filius gently confirmed. "You, Severus Snape, and you, Zachary Montgomery, are part of each other. Some wizards search throughout their entire existence for the gift you two have stumbled upon, and never receive more than a glimpse. Let me be the first to say congratulations! I'm sure you two will want to discuss it in private, but that can wait. After all, you have your whole lives to sort this out! Right now, there are more pressing matters that need to be addressed..."

He returned his gaze to Myrtle, who had apparently lost interest in the Professors' revelation. She had resumed watching the flames with a ghost's delicate sense of observation. The little girl wore a weary expression as she quietly absorbed the simple experience of sitting perfectly still. He felt sorely reluctant to put her through anything more tonight, but was sure this question couldn't wait. Deep down, Filius knew that the child needed the answer too.

Quietly moving to stand on the stool by her side, Filius asked, "Myrtle?" Scrutinizing the little witch, Severus' demeanor seemed to switch back to Potions master mode as he drew closer. Myrtle's attention was drawn to his young colleague as he got down one knee in front of her. He watched the potions master take the now half-empty cup of papaya juice from her, rest it on the table, then pick up the vial. Filius pulled out another Ravenclaw blue handkerchief, carefully drying her fragile hands.

"Professor Snape is going to put a few drops of potion in the palm of your hand," Filius softly explained to her. "When it touches your skin it will make a slight fizzing sound, and you'll feel a tingling sensation. Do not be alarmed. Those are only signs that the potion is working. Once it has identified your species, it will change from clear to the color of your kin. The test should only take a few minutes, and then all we have to do is use the chart to fully interpret it. Do you understand, my dear?"

Myrtle nodded, her face filled with fear. Knowing how difficult this must be to take in all at once, he again wished that they could wait. He observed with bated breath as Severus uncorked the bottle, took Myrtle's hand, and then let several drops fall. The fragile child cringed when it began fizzing and tried to pull her hand away, but Severus held it firmly, refusing to allow her last-minute desire to panic to skew the results.

"No, I don't wanna..." she whimpered in abject terror. Myrtle moved to wipe away the clear liquid with her free hand before the results appeared. Nick grabbed her arm in an effort to restrain her. She glared at the ghost and, suddenly, Nick's hands went straight through her. She tried again. Filius flinched when he heard an audible slap when Severus batted aside her free hand.

"No!" Severus ordered sternly, setting his intense gaze upon her. "You can't stop this."

Young Myrtle looked away, bursting into tears. Defeated, she slumped down in her chair, refusing to watch. Filius tried to comfort her but she recoiled from his touch.

The wait wearing heavily on everyone, she whispered over and over, "I don't wanna know... Don't wanna be a monster..."

Finally, the potion turned royal purple. Severus stared at the results for a long second, then released Myrtle's hand. The young witch scrubbed off the potion as if it were burning her. The Potions master stood to examine the color-coded chart. Filius pulled the hysterical witch into his embrace, telling her that the worst was over and that no matter the results, he wasn't going to leave her. She cried on his shoulder, continuing her awful mantra.

"What are your findings, Severus?" he tensely implored. "What has she become?"

"Human," Severus supplied, turning back to them. "She is completely human, and as alive as she was before that unfortunate business with the Basilisk."

"I'm real? I'm r-really me?" she sobbed, her tears of panic turning to those of relief.

"Yes, my dear, you are real," Filius assured Myrtle, happy for her.

Reluctantly he released the youngster.

"In the morning we should inform the Headmaster and attempt to contact any of the child's remaining family," directed Severus. "We'll need your last name and your family's last known address to get started."

"Sure, they're..." her happy expression gave way to one of confusion. "I can't remember. It's been so long, I should know this but-but, I don't... What's wrong with me?"

"It's all right, Myrtle," he said. "Over the course of time ghosts who passed on at a young age have more trouble retaining the details of their former lives. Don't worry about it. We'll get that information from your records."

"Okay," Myrtle replied.

"You said earlier that you might know what brought Moaning Myrtle back to the living plane of existence," Nick reminded him.

Filius got down from the stool and returned to his armchair. He added what he'd observed to the register's search parameters, along with the fact that she was still human. This greatly cut down the list. The tome that he suspected held the answer rose to the top.

"Lost Arts Through The Ages," he whispered its name. In response the register's empty pages were filled with the contents of that tome.

Beginning to read the chapter, Filius muttered, "Let's see what we have here..."

Suddenly, the details began to fit. He knew that he had previously studied something like this. This was a logical explanation for her spontaneous restoration, really, the only one. In all his two hundred and fifty-five years, Filius never thought he would see their like. If his guess were correct, then her power would make his minor exploits in the past seem insignificant.

"I believe young Myrtle has inherited an art lost more than six hundred years ago, one known as Necromancy," Filius pronounced.

"But true Necromancers are a myth," Severus objected.

"They are now, but in earlier times they were very much a reality," he explained. "According to 'legend' it was your profession that finally gave the Dark reason enough to hunt them into extinction. Before then, Necromancers were occasionally captured for certain... special rites, but wizards rarely had the power for such attempts. Once ancient Potions masters figured out how to harness the power of the Necromancer, the Dark fell upon the order and their families like a pack of ravenous wolves. Very few of the families involved survived it."

"You're not going to cut me up for potions ingredients, are you, Professor?" Myrtle warily asked the Potions master.

"In spite of my reputation, I have never chopped up children as potions ingredients," Severus replied, deeply offended. "You have nothing to fear from me or my apprentice."

Her interest piqued, Myrtle asked, "Apprentice?"

"Yes, her name is Virginia Weasley," Severus answered. "I suspect you two may have already met."

"I remember... Harry went along with that insensitive snot who kept making fun of me, I think his name was Ron, and rescued her from the Chamber of Secrets," Myrtle recalled. "They also had with them that funny Professor who shivered in fear like a wet kitty cat."

She giggled at the thought.

"You'll be happy to know he's no longer a Professor here," Severus informed the child, clearly fighting the urge to smirk.

"Good," Myrtle responded, then turning toward him she asked. "How are Necromancers different from normal wizards?"

"They held a special relationship with the realm of the deceased, one which gave them astonishing abilities, both individually and in groups. Their unique command over the interplay between the other realm and this one was known as 'Death magics'. They had a plethora of gifts, including the power to summon and control spirits, even enabling them to interact with our realm directly. But of all their talents, none was more coveted than their power to revive the dead." Filius recounted, only occasionally bothering to consult the tome, relying mostly on his own studies and the knowledge his family had passed down to him.

"They can bring anyone they want back from the dead?" Myrtle persisted.

"Every magic has its limits, and Necromancy is no exception," he expounded. "As I understand it, successfully reviving once living things is a very delicate process, and any number of factors can interfere with the attempt. The only ones who truly understood how Death magics worked were the practitioners of Necromancy. Part of the foundation of their order was their ability to revive each other, which might explain why they were often reported to be seen in pairs. It was said that experiencing death was the mechanism by which your kind was brought into their full powers, and those powers grew with each new life the Necromancer lived. In the old world, cases such as yours, Myrtle, where Necromancers revived themselves was rare, but not unheard of."

"You're not getting that from the book," Myrtle observed, her eyes losing proper focus as she began to gaze at everyone around her. "You are more like me than the others... Does that make you a Necromancer too?"

Pretending to be shocked, Zach quipped, "I knew you liked spending time with ghosts, Filius, but I had no idea!"

Severus just chuckled.

"No, one of my direct ancestors was also gifted, but that magic has never been strong enough in my line to breed another," Filius revealed in answer to her question. "In my youth, I thoroughly explored the limits of my powers, but I was never very talented when it came to Death magics."

"Well, that explains how he's kept his house plants alive for the past twenty years," he heard Severus whisper to Zach.

"The past forty years, actually," Filius corrected them, taking note of their surprised expressions.

"Have you ever tried dying?" Myrtle innocently asked.

"No, I can't say that I have," he replied.

"Perhaps you should try it some time," Myrtle suggested.

"And, why is that?" he warily probed.

She made a non-committal sound and shrugged.

"Under supervision, what's the worst that can happen?" Myrtle asked.

"He could stay dead," Zach pointed out.

"I guess," the little girl said, nodding thoughtfully.

"There's only one way to test your hypothesis," Severus decided. Then, with lighting-fast reflexes, the Potions master drew his wand and leveled it above the Divination teacher's head. "Adeva Kedavra!"

Filius saw Zach gasp in shock as a spider fell off the ceiling and landed at the Seer's feet. Severus ignored the look on his bonded one's face, carefully retrieved the dead arachnid, and handed it over to Myrtle.

"Save it," his colleague coldly ordered the child.

Filius was surprised by the baleful glare Myrtle gave the Potions master, before directing a pure, child-like expression of concern towards the deceased creature she was holding.

"What did you have to go and do that for?" Myrtle reproached, staring at the spider as if she could see into it. "She never did anything to you. You poor old girl..." She closed her eyes and cupped her other hand over the spider. Her hands began to glow. Once Myrtle's hands stopped glowing, she opened her eyes and then slowly opened her hands. He smiled when he saw the now very much alive spider attempting to scurry away.

"Shh... You're safe now," she whispered soothingly to the creature.

The Head of Ravenclaw was entranced when the spider stopped trying to escape. Myrtle whispered something to the spider he couldn't quite catch, then carefully placed it on the arm of the chair. It quickly headed for the back of the armchair and out of sight.

"I guess that proves your theory, Filius," said Nick.

"What is going to happen to me now?" worried Myrtle.

"Right now, you need your rest," he replied. "You've had a long day, and tomorrow promises to be another. Besides, it's well past your bedtime."

Trying to hold back a yawn, the girl started to protest, "Bedtime? But-"

"Human children, even young Necromancers, need a good night's rest," Filius directed. "As luck would have it, I have a spare room you can use. I promise, I won't let you sleep the whole day away."

"Alright," Myrtle reluctantly agreed.

Attempting to stand she nearly fell, but thankfully, Nick caught her in time. The ghost helped the newly revived witch to his guest room. Filius got up and followed them out, while his colleagues lapsed into quiet discussion. The young witch, who had once been Moaning Myrtle, fell sound asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. Filius tucked her in, realizing that he hadn't done anything like this in years.

Tenderly kissing her on the forehead before climbing down from the bed, Filius whispered, "Good night, my poor little one."

He just hoped that he could keep his promise to protect her, in spite of the hostile atmosphere she was stepping into. In a way, Myrtle couldn't have returned at a worse time. He didn't know why her gift had chosen now to bring her back. They may never know. Maybe all this time, Myrtle had been waiting for something or someone, and was just unaware of it. Filius knew one fact with absolute certainty: there was no way he could allow this innocent child to die again before she had a chance to bloom. He would see to it that young Myrtle survived, even if doing so killed him. Having failed her the first time, he owed her that much. He turned and saw Nick in a state of emotional turmoil.

"What is wrong?" asked Filius.

"Tonight, I've lost a friend," lamented Nick.

"No, not lost," consoled Filius. "While it is true that tonight the nature of your relationship has changed, I doubt she will let go of the history you two share because of that. Now more than ever before she needs you, Sir Nicholas. You helped her adjust to the realm of the deceased. Be that guide again, help Myrtle in her struggle to return to the realm of the living."

"I will try... You know, I don't know if what I should be feeling for her is happiness or sorrow," Nick softly confessed. "It was once said 'There is no soul sadder than that of the last Necromancer.' I think I now have an idea of what was meant by that."

"We don't know if she is truly the last or, in fact, the first of many," he pointed out. "Only time will tell which she is."

"What are we going to do, Filius?" Nick pleaded.

"I don't know. I guess we'll just have to figure it out as we go," Filius responded. "This miracle cannot remain secret for very long and, when the truth comes out, young Myrtle will require all the help she can get. Sir Nicholas, once you leave here I need you to inform the Bloody Baron. You must tell him everything you have witnessed here tonight. You may have trouble convincing him at first, but be persistent. If he won't listen bring him to me and I'll deal with it. Tomorrow, we'll call a council of ghosts, explain everything, and reintroduce her to the spirit population. This incident is bound to effect the dead and undead communities far greater than it will the living ones, but even so, the worst of the backlash she will have to face will come from the human population. Some are not going to take well to her return, and may take steps worse than vitriolic language. With everything going on, I would feel better if the deceased community can act as backup. I fear we will need it."

"It's not going to be easy, but I will do what I can," promised Nick.

"One more thing, once you've spoken with the Baron, would you mind returning to watch over Myrtle?" Filius requested. "I think it would be best if a familiar face is there to greet her in the morning."

"Don't worry, I was already planning to do that," replied Nick.

Those words greatly reassured Filius. He walked back into the living room to find Severus standing there alone.

"How is she doing?" Severus asked.

"Myrtle is resting peacefully," Filius informed him.

"Since you are the closest thing we have to an expert, and the child seems to be taking well to you, I'll leave her in your capable hands, Filius," Severus said, apparently happy that this case had nothing to do with his apprentice. "Perhaps you'll have better luck at reintegrating her as a functioning member of this school than I had."

"The problems Virginia had this week are not your fault," Filius insisted. "No one could have done better in your place."

Severus turned to leave.

"Severus, wait," appealed Filius.

The Potions master stopped.

"I don't think I need to tell you that Zachary has a way of peeling away deception, finding whatever truth lies beneath," Filius stated. "He deserves to know about your dealings with Vol- the Dark Lord. Now that you are bound together, you are out of time. We all have our secrets. If you tell him before he finds out in another way, Zachary will come to understand."

"Let's pray you're right," Severus whispered.

Then he watched him floo away.

*~*~*

Zach flooed into Severus' chambers and then used a simple charm to remove the soot still clinging to him. While he waited for his friend to arrive, he ordered them one pot of tea and another of strong coffee, along with a plate of chocolate chip cookies. After their latest shock, both of them were too wired to rest, and they had a lot to discuss. Zach plopped down on the sofa, making himself comfortable. He couldn't quite grasp the idea of being so intimately connected with Severus. He felt very close to him, true, but this was umm... a surprise. After he had become a Seer, circumstance had forced him to all but give up on making personal attachments. Most people either wanted something from him, or didn't want to be anywhere near him.

Then he found Severus and, somehow, his world changed. From the moment he met Virginia's master, Zach felt drawn to him, like he was the most beautiful puzzle he'd ever laid eyes on. No, not a puzzle, his companion was so much more than that. Then, there was that word, companion. He had no idea when his feelings for Severus had become so strong, but he felt like he would shrivel up and die if it stopped, Zachary smiled to himself. At this point, Zach could not let Severus go, he would not, not for anything. He felt too much for him to do that. Since he had arrived something about Severus Snape had captured more than his interest, but ultimately, his heart.

He sighed. That last thought sounded really absurd, and yet, perfect as well. It was true, Severus filled in a part of him that had been missing, but falling in love was certainly the last thing he expected to have happen between them. They really were an unlikely pair, but that fact hadn't bothered them until his old Ravenclaw mentor had pointed it out... No, Dumbledore had seen it too; he just didn't have the courage to tell them. He heard a timid knock at the door, and let the house elf in with a wave of his wand. He directed her to place their order on the table, with just enough presence of mind to mumble his thanks before she left. Trapped deep in thought, Zach got up long enough to fetch himself a bottle of Blue. He returned to his comfortable seat. As an afterthought, he charmed the bottle to automatically refill itself so that it would never empty. Then he filled his mug halfway with tea and added some Blue. His drink turned a fetching shade of purple. He stirred it, and then went to take a sip.

Suddenly, he was standing in Dumbledore's office. He saw Ollivander sitting in an old armchair across from a somewhat younger version of Dumbledore, sipping at what appeared to be hot cocoa.

"Damn, same mug ..." he cursed under his breath.

The only thing Zach could see through the frost-covered windows was a darkening landscape being covered in heavy snowfall. Christmas music was playing in the background. The two wizards were in the middle of a discussion that the wand maker seemed to be finding rather distasteful.

"I still believe that interfering now would be a mistake, Albus," cautioned Ollivander. "Pardon me for sounding a bit naive, but they're happy together, why not just leave them and let nature take its course?"

"The boy is a student here," Dumbledore argued. "If it got out that her relationship with him is fast becoming more than platonic... I refuse to stand by and watch her ruin her career!"

"That's the easy excuse, but it isn't the real reason, is it?" Ollivander asked pointedly. "After all, he's in his final year and she has grown to be quite an intelligent, shrewd young woman, and, might I add, a good judge of character. Give Minerva some credit; give your teaching some credit. He isn't likely to lead her astray. If anything, I'd bet that she'll be the one doing the leading. My advice, take some time to think it over before you do anything. Trust me on this, old friend, I know a good match when I see one."

Dumbledore looked sickened by the suggestion. Zach suddenly felt the need to sit down and had to forcibly remind himself that, in the real world, he was. There was a lengthy pause.

Setting down his cup and standing, Ollivander decided, "Do what you will, but don't say that I didn't warn you. I will advise you on this matter only when you come to your senses, but not a moment before." The old man headed for the door, grabbing his cloak on the way out. "Happy Christmas. Give my love to Nyssa and the children..."

Ollivander left the headmaster's office without so much as a backwards glance.

Zach returned to himself still holding the mug to his lips and saw Severus standing over him.

"Do I even want to know what you saw?" Severus sighed, fearful of something as he sat next to him on the sofa.

Before attempting to speak, Zach downed the strangely invigorating concoction.

"Did you know that, years ago, Ollivander used this cup?" he remarked.

At his statement, Severus let out a breath and relaxed. Zach noticed that the background noise had vanished.

"How did it become so quiet in here?" he asked.

"While you were... away, I took the liberty of adding a Gray ward to my rooms, and sealing us in so that nothing short of the school exploding would bother us," Severus explained, pouring himself some coffee, putting in way too much sugar, and adding Blue to the mix, making it green. "You know, till now, it had never occurred to me to add that ward to my chambers."

"You think you can add one to mine?" Zach requested.

"Sure, just remember to remind me..." Severus distantly agreed, taking a drink. Zach mixed himself another Blue-enhanced tea, adding a little sugar to it this time.

"I don't think I've ever tried it in tea," Severus quietly commented. "I guess we'll find out if there is enough caffeine in tea to be worth it."

"Why is the caffeine part so important?" Zach asked, sipping his liquor.

"The nature of Blue changes when caffeine is added, making it a very relaxing stimulant," Severus replied.

"Isn't 'relaxing stimulant' a contradiction?" Zach observed.

"Not in this case," Severus elaborated. "When mixed with coffee, the enhanced beverage makes you feel relaxed while increasing both mental and physical acuity, improving overall function by forty percent over the norm."

"Why are you hiding this stuff?" wondered Zach. "Do you know how lucrative a find you've got here? Once wizards get a taste of this, you'll be the number one Potions master in no time."

"A school teacher marketing a liquor?" Severus snorted. "Maybe I'll give bottles to a few friends this year... For now, my aim is emptying this bottle, not selling it to morons who would never appreciate the amount of work that went into it."

"Well... I'm afraid you're not going to be able to finish that," Zach admitted sheepishly. "I charmed the bottle so it will never empty."

"That's going to make it a little harder to keep track of, I guess. At least we'll run out of hours before we run out of Blue." Severus concluded.

Tired of waiting, Zach pressed, "Now that you've proven to me that Severus Snape is capable of small talk, what is really bothering you?"

"Everything," Severus grumbled, avoiding the question as he finished off his coffee and made himself another.

"Everything - that doesn't narrow it down at all," Zach complained. "Is there something in particular getting to you, enough to make you resort to the 'dreaded small talk' to avoid the issue?"

"Do you really want to know?" Severus challenged, the sound in his voice putting him on guard.

"That is why I am asking," Zach persisted.

"Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you," Severus acceded. "What's bothering me is the fact that, once you hear the real truth about me and my history, you are going to run away screaming and I will never see you again. Or, worse yet, you'll stay at Hogwarts and spend the rest of your life hating me."

"I could never hate you!" Zach declared.

Far too sure of the outcome of their discussion, Severus snapped, "Shall I unlock the doors now to make your escape less awkward, or would you rather look like an idiot when you slam face-first into the door on your way out?"

"Aww, come on, give me a little credit," Zach protested. "I know your story isn't all sunshine and roses. You don't get a disposition like yours in that climate."

"You don't know what you are taking about," Severus rejoined. "You didn't even know me before my Gray shift. If you choose to stick around, ask Remus to tell you a few of those tales... Usually, it feels like those things happened a lifetime ago, but every now and again, it's as though it was just yesterday."

His companion sighed sadly, even more vulnerable than he'd been in that meeting.

"Dumbledore almost let slip whatever secret from your past you're so worried about," he revealed.

Downing another drink, Severus hissed under his breath, "Remind me to kill Dumbledore after this..."

Despite what he just heard, Zach continued. "I could have forced it out of him then, but I didn't, because I trust you. I knew you would tell me when you were ready to."

"Perhaps your trust is misplaced," sneered Severus.

"Where is all this coming from?" Zach shot back. "I understand you being hesitant about revealing your history to me, but to think that it would scare me off... Damn it, Severus, I love you! What could possibly be bad enough to make me turn away from you?"

"Because I'm a Death Eater who is a spy for the Light!" Severus snarled.

"That's not funny, Sev," Zach admonished, unable to believe his own ears.

"No it isn't, but it's true!" Severus hissed, rolling up his left sleeve to reveal an odd design marring his forearm. It was the Dark Mark! "I've managed to keep Voldemort happy, while keeping Dumbledore apprised of the monster's activities, at least I did, until the Headmaster betrayed me. Over the years, I've risen through the ranks to where I am now one of Voldemort's trusted, right next to that 'wonderful' cousin of yours."

"Sev... let me get you more coffee, then, maybe you can explain what happened to-to give you that," Zach offered, fighting to keep his voice steady as he refilled their drinks. "I knew things had been rough for you back in our school days, but I guess the situation got more complicated than that. I can understand why you were afraid I would turn away from you..."

After pouring their drinks, he downed another mug, then decided to try the Blue-enhanced coffee instead.

Turning back to him, Zach went on, "I am... shocked, but I'm not leaving. I mean, I know Lucius is a Death Eater. I never had any illusions about that, but still I protect him. Although, I didn't know Lucius had made it that high in Voldemort's army... It does explain why Dumbledore was after him." Zach removed his gloves and tossed them onto the table. "Do you know why I defied the Headmaster all those years ago? Because, no matter what I think of him, Lucius is family, and I can't abandon that." Severus allowed him to take his left arm, exposing the evil Mark. "I don't really understand life bonds, but what I do understand is this: you're my family, and the only thing a true Malfoy can do when family is in need, is embrace it."

Averting his gaze, Severus stipulated, "If you are going to stay, don't do it out of some twisted sense of obligation."

"It's not obligation I'm feeling..." insisted Zach. "I know you, who you are beneath the surface. The Death Eaters I've met, they aren't like you. They've lost their hearts... you haven't. I know just how different you are. You feel everything so acutely. You're afraid of letting anyone get too close, because you believe it could never end well. I will go on trusting in you, no matter your crimes."

"That is the most sappy, sentimental drivel I have ever heard, but thank you... for not making a hasty exit," Severus held, meeting his gaze again. "Until recently, my heart was well-buried, but thanks to Virginia, among other things, I've changed."

"For the better," Zach affirmed.

"Different is not necessarily better," Severus countered.

"I know it's for the better, I can feel it," he maintained, slowly reaching for the Dark Mark. "May I...?"

"Go ahead, nothing's stopping you," his companion granted with a sneer.

Only seeking to somehow make the truth more real to himself, Zach touched the Mark, but he got more than he bargained for. The instant he touched it he felt the presence of another. The malignant magic responded hostilely to his intrusion, burning him. With a soft hiss Severus flinched, as Zach, breathing heavily, pulled his hand away, cradling his injured fingers. Severus turned to him, concerned.

"Are you all right?" Severus asked, genuine worry edging his tone. That had been an unexpected strain. "What was that just now?"

In a shaky voice, Zach breathlessly realized, "That wasn't you. That was... a part of Voldemort, a part of his power inside of you... Tapping into you, into your magic. I didn't think..."

He slowly became aware that he couldn't feel the fingers that had been burnt.

"Let me see," Severus insisted, grabbing his wrist so he could get a look at the hand. They both gasped when they saw the second degree burns on Zach's fingers. He felt Severus' worry for him increase.

"Don't move and don't touch them, I'll be right back," his companion ordered, leaving. As he waited, the burns began hurting greatly. Remembering Severus' instructions, he fought the urge to put his fingers in his mouth. A minute later his friend came back with an unmarked vial and a white cotton handkerchief. He watched as Severus poured what looked like half the bottle of clear potion onto the handkerchief, then gently took his hand again.

Applying the potion soaked cloth to his skin, Severus warned him, "This may sting a bit." Zach winced but held still, allowing his friend to treat his wound. The potion began to take effect, gradually easing the pain. Strangely, Severus let out a sigh of relief when he saw that the potion was turning a deep blue.

"Thank Merlin, it isn't black," Severus muttered as he continued to rub the solution into the affected areas. His companion's guilt was as clear as day. "If the potion had turned that color, I would have been forced to subject you to Pomfrey's dubious care. And, we certainly don't need her gossiping about this to anyone who will listen. I must admit, I have never seen the Dark Mark cause contact burns before."

"Don't feel guilty, Sev, it isn't your fault," consoled Zach.

"You're a Seer, I should have known that you would react... badly," Severus disagreed.

"And so are you. We don't know everything, so don't blame yourself for something you couldn't possibly have known would happen," Zach refuted. "Let me get this straight, both sides think you're their spy? How have you survived all this time?"

"I've always had quite a talent for misinformation," Severus disclosed.

"No wonder you had to bury your true self, it was the only way to protect it," Zach sympathized, the pieces falling into place. "That's what Dumbledore meant! By alienating her from the Light, you would have no choice but to... Does Virginia even know about the Dark path she has stumbled onto?"

"Yes, I did inform her of it before it became unavoidable," Severus answered. "However, she had already discovered my role."

"Oh, from Virginia's vision," Zach recognized.

"You saw... You know that I am about to die and, it doesn't bother you?" Severus exclaimed.

"I did see that, but I couldn't see all of it," Zach replied. "I knew there was more to that vision than what I saw."

"Are you aware that when one bonded dies, the other nearly always follows soon after?" Severus warned. "At best we only have a few short months."

"However long we may have, I don't regret it. And besides, there is still time," Zach asserted. "You can't give up hope, not yet. I'm sure as the event draws nearer Virginia will begin seeing other roads. This isn't the time to put our affairs in order, rather it's the time to let go of self-doubt and do whatever needs to be done."

"How is it you know what to say to make any situation seem less hopeless, even if it isn't?" Severus wondered, concentrating on his task.

"I don't, actually... Sometimes all I know is who needs to hear it most," admitted Zach.

"Hmm..." Severus intoned, not really surprised by his answer.

He listened while Severus' mind wandered, bringing them back to a discussion the wizard was having with Argus Filch just yesterday. Watching his friend caught up in thought with Argus waiting to see what Severus would reveal next, he was surprised by just how realistic the memory felt. He knew that Severus had experienced some of his memories, but he had no idea that it had been this complete.

"As I was saying, nothing I did discouraged Zachary. If anything, my feeble attempts to stop him only made me an even more irresistible puzzle. I don't know how it happened, but we have grown attached to one another. It feels like... I've always known him, like Zachary is somehow a part of me that I didn't know was missing, or even existed for that matter. When I'm with him, I feel... I don't know what I feel. I just know I don't want it to stop. I want- no, I need him by my side. Of course, Dumbledore knows more about our connection than we do. So what else is new? Unfortunately for both of us, he's a Past Seer. The only way to ensure that he'll never discover my ugly history the hard way is to expose him to it myself. I've reached the point where I'm unhinged enough to actually want to do it. And yet, I doubt I could bear it if showing Zachary the truth drove him to forsake me."

Severus took in an unsteady breath, scarcely recognizing as his own, the emotion creeping into his tone. Zach smiled, understanding completely. Without comprehending his own heart, his companion had actually admitted to having those same feelings that Zach held for him, and to Filch of all people! Argus must be much more than a colleague to Severus for him to be so open with the Squib.

"Go on," Severus urged, seeing Argus' expression. "You know you want to say it."

"Are you sure you want to hear it?" Argus asked.

"Just tell me what you think it means," Severus replied irritably, drinking the remainder of his coffee.

"I hate to break it to you, Severus, but it sounds like you're falling in love," Argus announced, candidly.

Not taking the answer well, Severus choked on his drink.

As the memory affected Zach, he also coughed, thinking, "Argus really could have waited to say that."

When Zach coughed he could feel Severus realize that he had been broadcasting and stop. Severus needed to suppress a coughing fit as well, because of the odd mental feedback between them.

Once the urge had subsided, Severus told him, "Yes, Argus is very perceptive. He has been my only friend, aside from the Headmaster, through these difficult years."

Zach made a mental note to invite Argus out for a drink some time and get to know the man a little better.

"That memory felt so real, but The Sight doesn't work that way," Zach wondered.

"From what I have observed of Virginia and Ix Chel, that effect appears to be another aspect of the bonding," Severus said, releasing his now healed, yet slightly numb hand. "The numbness should be gone by morning. Inform me immediately if it worsens or lasts longer than that."

"Thank you, Severus, I'll be sure to remember," he agreed. "So, umm... How did the Dark Lord recruit you in the first place? What happened after the attack at the Shrieking Shack to lead you over to the Dark Side of the Force?"

Looking puzzled, his companion repeated, "The Force?"

"It's from a muggle film," Zach said, with a dismissive wave. "If we ever get the chance to take a day and go to my place, I can show it to you. I have a lot of great, working, state of the art muggle equipment you'd find interesting."

"Sounds more like a field trip for Arthur," Severus quipped.

Zach chuckled.

"Perhaps... it would be better to show you rather than tell you," Severus nervously sighed. "Many wizards believe that memories don't lie, but they're wrong - sometimes they do. However, if you truly want to understand, I can try to show you what brought me here, and let you be the judge of what's true."

Realizing how difficult it was for Severus just to make this offer, Zach confirmed, "You would want to share that with me?" In response, his companion held out his hands. Zach braced himself for what promised to be a trying experience for them both, accepting his bonded's proffered hands.

Zach watched Severus' thoughts go back to the night he'd become disillusioned with both the Light and Professor Dumbledore. The Headmaster sat at his desk while sixteen-year-old Severus, Potter, and Black sat in armchairs directly across from him. Zach felt the weariness and emotional exhaustion the young Severus suffered from, after spending the last twenty minutes struggling to explain his case against the two Marauders...

*~*~*

"...Oww..." Zach groaned with Severus, realizing that they were both lying on the carpeted floor, still feeling the nasty after-effects of the remembered Cruciatus Curse.

Rubbing his temples, Severus grumbled, "In retrospect, it might have been prudent to skip that part of the tale."

Mustering the most sarcastic tone he could manage, Zach growled, "Very astute observation, Sev."

Attempting to move, he immediately regretted it.

"Well, you wanted to know, Zachary," Severus smirked.

"Yeah, but... when I assumed it would be painful to share, I didn't think that meant physically," Zach complained. "A Dementor would starve off of you!"

"And it would have a field-day chewing on you!" Severus shot back.

"What you need are some happy memories. We are going to have to do something about that." Zach decided.

Severus groaned.

"Perhaps we should continue the discussion of my history verbally." Severus proposed.

"It would certainly be safer," Zach agreed, flinching as pain shot up his spine when he nodded.

Severus shook off the Dark spell and helped him to his feet.

"You recovered quickly," Zach noted.

"It gets easier with practice," Severus explained. "Besides in Voldemort's presence, if you don't recover quickly enough, he takes that as license to continue until either you learn to, or die from it. He never really cared which."

"How have you survived all this time?" he reiterated, returning to his seat.

"That remains to be revealed," Severus said, sitting down as well.

His companion checked the time.

"Why don't we break for an early breakfast?" Severus suggested. "After this wearying night, we could both do with some real food."

Severus unsealed his chambers, and they ordered themselves a hardy breakfast and another pot of coffee. After the elves delivered it, in a timely fashion, and took away their other tray, then they locked themselves back in, determined to enjoy their meal. He could feel his friend decide to allow himself the luxury of defocusing while he ate, giving in to the wonder of his enhanced senses. Enjoying the unexpected flood of sensations from his bonded one, Zach just sat there watching him eat. Once Severus had finished his meal, the Potions master noticed that he hadn't eaten anything.

"Is that what Virginia feels when she eats?" Zach asked, amazed.

"Only a portion. Her senses have become far more acute than mine have," Severus clarified "No more questions. Eat. We'll talk more afterward."

"And I thought I sounded like the mother hen," he teased.

Severus sneered, but wouldn't speak again until he had finished eating.

After Zach finished eating, he asked, "What exactly did you do in Voldemort's army? From what I saw of your memories, you were more than just a simple foot soldier."

"My skills on the battlefield made me a valuable asset, but it was both my talents as a potions maker and innate intellect, that singled me out," Severus explained. "Voldemort used my insatiable thirst for knowledge against me. For my unfailing service, he ensured that I was taught well the intricacies of the Dark Arts. Ultimately, his plan backfired. Instead of becoming more like him, the more I learned the more disillusioned I became with our supposed cause... What is it?"

"I just realized, what Voldemort took advantage of was a very Ravenclaw drive," Zach pointed out. "I wonder what would have happened if I had known you in school."

"You couldn't have saved me from that fate, Zachary, no one could have," Severus asserted. "The only difference your presence would have made, is that, in my need for you, I would have dragged you right down with me."

"Or, we would have left," Zach disagreed.

"And how many people would have died then?" Severus wondered. "As I was saying before, out of doubt and my own sense of self-preservation, I quashed any attacks of conscience I had, remaining loyal, for a time, to Voldemort. One evening, the Dark Lord decided to have a 'party' at a run-down muggle orphanage. I remember that he was rather determined to obliterate all traces of the pathetic place. We Apparated into the orphanage at several points, killed the electrical power, then cut off all routes of escape. They didn't stand a chance." Zach caught flashes of his friend's memories as he recounted the terrible tale, but they weren't nearly as potent as they had been with direct contact.

"After that, it was a simple task to round up the staff and children. Voldemort tortured the staff himself, then executed them one by one, right before the children's eyes. I prayed that the destruction and the children's terrified wails would be enough, but his blood-lust would not be assuaged so easily. Voldemort ordered us to kill the rest, and in that moment, I objected. I tried to come up with an excuse that would satisfy him, that would convince him to grant them mercy. In the end, it was stupid move. The Dark Lord has no concept of mercy. He punished me severely with the Cruciatus Curse, but not so severely that I couldn't participate in his next atrocity. The Dark Lord took my hesitancy as a sign of squeamishness so, to break me of it... he ordered us instead to chop them into little pieces, then torch what was left."

Struggling to hold down breakfast, Zach joked, "But you told Myrtle that you didn't cut up children."

"What I said was 'not for potions ingredients!' What did you think, Zachary, that I kept a few bits for my depraved Dark experiments?" Severus accused defensively.

"No, of course not!" he denied, placing his hand on Severus'. "You didn't have any other choice, Severus. I do understand that. Dumbledore should never have forced you onto that road, not when he had another option." Guilt filled Zach when he realized his confrontation with Dumbledore was the only thing that had stopped Severus from taking Virginia and leaving. "You have a bigger heart than you give yourself credit for or you would have gone into hiding long ago. The Light owes you a great debt for what you've done. How dare we call ourselves the wizarding world's moral compass, when this is the way we treat those in need? I... apologize for the way the Headmaster has mistreated you all these years. I'm almost sorry I stopped you from leaving after Dumbledore attacked your apprentice, but I'm glad you stayed. It's given me the chance to get to know you, and I wouldn't trade that for anything."

Zach felt his companion's pain as surely as it was his own, perceiving that his words provided only a small comfort.

"Zachary, just because you're Light doesn't make Dumbledore's crimes your fault," Severus whispered.

Quietly, he observed Severus' thoughts return to the events following the slaughter at that muggle orphanage. As his bonded continued to recount his history he could see Severus running through Hogwarts, in the dead of night, his mind in turmoil, still covered in muggle blood, beyond caring anymore about anything but escape...

Some time after Severus had finished his tale, Zach questioned, "Well, now that I know about your history and the whole spy thing - how does this life bonding stuff work? I read up on it a little, because of Virginia and Ix Chel, but most of what I found was basically useless."

"I'm not surprised. The school's library collection is limited to age-appropriate material," Severus replied. "Professors who have been here for awhile tend to have private libraries of their own. There are also various lost libraries strew throughout the school."

"Life bonds are not common, are they?" Zach wondered.

"No, they are generally disapproved of these days," Severus confirmed.

"But Filius was very happy for us," pointed out Zach.

"Filius is older than most. He was born in a time when connections like ours were seen as practical, preferable to ending up alone." Severus explained.

"So there are drawbacks," he supposed.

"So I've heard," Severus hedged.

Surprised, Zach asked, "You mean you don't know?"

"What I know is quite limited; merely old stories and what I have learned working with Virginia and Ix Chel," admitted Severus. "But our own observations should prove valuable."

"Great, we have to figure it out as we go," Zach griped unenthusiastically. Taking a deep breath, he decided to tell his bonded what he had learned so far. "Remember that conversation I had with you earlier? According to Filius, we were communicating at a twenty to one rate. The Sight only operates in real-time, so that must have been an aspect of our bond... These life bonds - they're more permanent than marriage! At least if you marry someone, you can get a divorce. It's not like I'd ever leave you, but I-I have no idea what we're doing- supposed to be doing." He sighed. "I hate feeling clueless."

"If you hadn't spent most of your adult life under a rock, you would know that there are aspects for which nothing can prepare you," Severus chided. "Don't spend all your time looking for manuals on living, you'll only end up wasting your life."

Uncomfortable for the same reason, they looked away from each other. Neither wanting to speak first, the two fell silent for a minute.

Looking back towards each other, he and Severus complained in unison, "Why couldn't you have been a witch?"

They both laughed at the ridiculous statement, breaking the awkward tension.

"Somewhere down the road we are going to have to find a very understanding witch," Severus chuckled.

"One who won't freak out or get jealous of our connection," Zach added, nodding his head in agreement. "Am I the only who thinks that sounds really unlikely?"

"Who knows? More unusual things have certainly taken place," Severus replied.

"Sure, and I'll end up excavating a girlfriend from the past," Zach quipped aloud before he could stop himself.

"Speaking of unlikely, you were saying?" Severus remarked, shaking his head in bemusement. "And you say I need to watch my tongue."

"It was a harmless joke!" Zach cried, wearing what he was sure was a very unpleasant expression, as he tried to picture his prediction actually coming true.

"And so was Virginia's quip about visiting your ancestral home, but that doesn't mean it isn't going to happen," his friend countered. "Talking about things that shouldn't have happened, in my vision your ward against Arthur failed far too easily. I know you are more powerful than that. When was the last time you bought a replacement wand?"

"Well, I've never really needed one," he answered.

"You mean you haven't seen Ollivander since you were eleven?" Severus reacted disbelievingly.

"No, I haven't," he replied. "Um, is that a problem?"

"Adults tend to need 'grownup' wands, Zachary," Severus scolded him playfully. "Ollivander will just have to explain it to you when we see him."

"You may be right about my lack of experience. The more time I spend around the teachers, the more I feel like I've missed something. This is just proof of that," Zach admitted. "I mean, even the child and the ghost knew more about our connection than I did."

"Don't feel bad about it, Zachary. I believe that, in time, you will adjust to life amongst other people," Severus held, chuckling lightly. "As I have only recently come to realize, some of the people here can be quite understanding if given a chance."

He laughed.

"I fail to see what's so amusing," Severus stiffly drawled, becoming defensive.

Soberly, he observed, "For such a naturally distrustful wizard, you seem to be learning a great deal about trust."

"Well, it helps when you can see the lies. Just what did that mug show you earlier that bothered you so much?" Severus changed the subject.

"A long time ago, Ollivander and Dumbledore were arguing about Minerva," Zach explained. "Apparently, she became involved with a student, a seventh year, who the Headmaster didn't approve of. Although Ollivander believed that their union was a good thing, Dumbledore wanted to break them up. When the wandmaker couldn't change the Headmaster's mind, he refused to help him further. My guess, the boy was Dark and Dumbledore was afraid of losing her too."

"Dumbledore never did know when he had interfered enough," Severus quietly remarked. "I wonder if we'll ever discover what became of the adolescent Dark wizard the old man was so worried about."

"There was something else..." Zach started, trying to remember what Ollivander had said at the end.

"'Happy Christmas. Give my love to Nyssa and the children...'" thoughtfully quoted Severus. "Since when did Albus Dumbledore have a wife and children?"

"I don't know, but it looks like whatever happened was before our time," Zach reasoned. "For all we know, it could be the key to why Dumbledore became what he is today. There is one way to find out what happened to the people Ollivander mentioned. I've been encouraging my Seers to hone their talents. Perhaps, it's time I started following my own advice."

"But I thought you couldn't control your visions," Severus worried.

"I can't, but I have been able to follow a trail when I needed to," he answered. "Maybe I could do it again-"

Barging into the room, the Bloody Baron demanded, "Severus, is what Flitwick told me about Moaning Myrtle true?"

"What, did the school blow up?" Zach joked aloud.

The ghost noticed him and stopped.

"I forgot to include something to keep ghosts out," Severus telepathically groaned.

"Is there really a spell that can do that?" Zach thought back to him.

"I'm not sure. I'll have to ask Virginia about that later," Severus mentally replied.

The Bloody Baron blinked, staring at them in shock.

"You've naturally bonded to this Ravenclaw?" the Baron exclaimed. "I turn my back for a bit and- this is simply too many shocks at once."

Feeling a change in the air, Zach mirthlessly thought, "Looks like the morning has officially started and I'm needed in my office. Don't ask me why, I just am. I'll see you later, Severus."

"I look forward to it," Severus thought back, nodding.

After Severus unsealed the room, he left for the Divination tower, secure in the knowledge that for better or worse, he would never be alone again.

*~*~*

In their large, tastefully decorated dining room at Mulciber manor, Angela Mulciber sat down for breakfast with her husband Reginald and their daughter Melinda. Angela had long, wavy, light brown hair, held back by a simple black hair tie, and gray eyes. She wore elegant obsidian robes, and a long, white gold chain around her neck. She carried herself with the same aristocratic air as her daughter. Her husband had shoulder-length black hair, brown eyes, and proper, forest green robes. He was gazing at a report from the Ministry, a small frown on his usually stern face. Angela spotted Ollivander's eagle owl, Freya, in the distance, heading their way. The owl landed on the table between her and her husband, then held out her leg, allowing the Dark witch to remove the letter attached to it. Awaiting a response, the owl rested on the table. Noticing Freya, Melinda grabbed a piece of fruit, and then headed out of the room.

Just before sliding the doors shut behind her, Melinda announced, "If you need me, I'll be in the second floor study."

"Open it," Reginald urged.

Angela opened the unmarked envelope, removed a small piece of parchment from it, and read its contents aloud.

"The old magic has returned..." Angela recited. "When you are ready, you know where to find me. Ollivander."

They both knew what that meant. It was confirmation that the true Guardian had indeed awakened in their lifetime. Thanks to their daughter, the Mulciber clan knew her identity. Their loyal friend would only call for a meeting if he had already made contact.

Gravely, Reginald said, "So then, the time has come. That child is the harbinger of our future... and very likely our doom."

"It's true she belongs to Severus, but that doesn't mean he knows the girl's value," Angela passionately argued. "We mustn't give up hope, not when we are so close! For Salazar's sake, she may yet grow to be our future leader! We cannot and will not abandon her just because Voldemort's little spy is in our way! Clan Mulciber was once Gray wizards, just as she is now. You know how many of our number were murdered when the Great Slaughter began. We owe Taleen and the old Gray regime a debt. We are honor-bound to assist in the Gray's resurgence. If we just stand by while Voldemort gains control over the Guardian, then our line is as good as dead! Now that Ollivander has made contact, we must meet with him as soon as possible to come up with a plan of action."

"You're right, my dear. I shouldn't jump to conclusions until we hear more," Reginald acknowledged. "Severus may be in the Dark Lord's good graces, but he isn't the only one. If he gets in our way, we'll take care of him. Till then... tell Ollivander that we look forward to seeing him again. Our role in this has just begun."

*~*~*

Lucius sat down with Narcissa for a leisurely breakfast, noting that the Daily Prophet had already been delivered. The timid, young Dark witch whom his wife had insisted on employing after the loss of their house elf, entered the room and served him.

"That will be all, Cheryl," Lucius ordered curtly, then he picked up the morning paper and began reading.

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy," their servant replied, leaving them in peace.

While he ate, Lucius mentioned items he read that his wife might find amusing, but Narcissa was unusually silent. Concerned by her odd behavior, he stopped reading to observe her. His wife appeared unnaturally pale and tired. He became even more concerned when he saw she had hardly touched her plate.

"Is something wrong, my dear?" Lucius inquired. "You don't look well."

"Nothing is wrong, I'm just not very hungry," Narcissa stiffly replied. "I am surprised that you noticed."

"Why wouldn't I?" Lucius asked.

"Never mind," she sighed, being difficult.

Opening his mouth to retort he was cut off when his wife turned a decidedly alarming shade of green.

"Ex-excuse me," Narcissa gasped, placing a hand over her mouth and hurrying out of the room.

Lucius stared at the open doorway, trying to decide his best course of action. His wife was quite obviously ill and, given her irrational fear of doctors, she may have been hiding it from him for Salazar knows how long. Come to think of it, for the past two weeks Narcissa has been increasingly tired and moody. What if it is more than just a simple illness? What if this is some sort of attack on his family? Any number of his enemies would love to see him suffer. Attacking him indirectly by poisoning his wife would be a perfect way to do it. He stood, strode over to the fireplace, and tossed in some powder, placing a call to his personal physician. An irritatingly perky Light witch's face appeared in the fire.

"This is the Order of Salus. I'm Linda, Doctor Minden's receptionist. How may I be of service to you, Mr. Malfoy?" Linda enthused.

"Put Dr. Minden on, now," Lucius ordered her. "Tell him that it's an emergency!"

"Right away, sir," Linda replied.

Her face vanished as she scurried off to comply. Less than a minute later, a middle-aged wizard with sandy blond hair, appeared in the fireplace.

"We're alone. Now, Linda told me there is an emergency of some sort?" Dr. Minden questioned.

"Yes, my wife is ill," he explained. "I suspect someone may be poisoning her."

"If that's the case, then time is of the essence," Dr. Minden said, taking him seriously. "I'll be there momentarily, Lucius."

"We'll be waiting," Lucius said, ending the call.

A short time later Dr. Minden arrived, wearing his usual red robes and carrying a medical bag. As he escorted the physician into the dining room to await Narcissa, Lucius told him what he had seen of her symptoms.

"You were right to come to me, Lucius," Dr. Minden said. "Rest assured, if there is a problem, I will find it."

Entering the room, his wife demanded, "Find what?"

Getting to his feet and leading her further into the room, Lucius introduced, "Narcissa, this is my personal physician, Dr. Minden. I've called him here to take a look at you."

"Is everything said during the course of this discussion considered confidential, Medi-wizard?" she asked curtly.

"Yes, of course, Mrs. Malfoy," Dr. Minden replied. "As a physician I am honor-bound not disclose anything I hear."

"So, you're the Doctor who's kept my husband patched up all this time..." Narcissa prodded. "Order of Salus, are you? One of the Dark ones, no doubt. After all, that is still standard Order practice, right? Match the correct Doctor to the appropriate side. What are you going to do, examine me then give the results to my husband, or are you planning to share whatever you discover, if anything, with me as well?"

"I understand your distrust of doctors, Mrs. Malfoy," Dr. Minden said gently. "I promise you I will keep you informed of my findings."

"Are you willing to swear this on your Order's honor?" his wife asked coldly.

Reflexively tightening his grip on her arm, Lucius hissed a warning, "Narcissa."

"No! He will swear it now, or I will not submit to this," Narcissa argued. "Unless there is something you don't want me to see, something else you are keeping from me?"

"This is not about me, this about your health and keeping it in good stead," Lucius insisted, trying to calm her.

"Oh, please..." Narcissa sneered.

"Stop acting like a child!" Lucius scolded.

"Only if you stop treating me like one!" she snapped. "More to the point, demanding my rights is not childish behavior, nor does simply being a little under the weather make me an invalid."

"Minden, swear it to her, so we can get this over with," Lucius ordered, holding his emotions in check, unlike 'some' witches he knew.

"Very well," Dr. Minden agreed, turning toward Narcissa. "I swear it to you on my honor as a member of the Order of Salus, Mrs. Malfoy, that I will share all of my results with you, and that under no circumstances will I lie to you. Now... shall we begin?"

His wife groaned, but allowed the doctor to lead her into the living room, leaving him alone. Well, that had gone somewhat better than expected, even if she insisted on this juvenile behavior. He didn't even want to think about the trouble that would have been caused had he dragged her to the doctor's office. He saw his son's owl fly into the room bearing a letter. It dropped the communiqué into his hands before flying off.

This had better be good news, Lucius thought, opening the letter to read it.

Dear Lucius,

As I have no doubt you are aware, this past week has been quite eventful. Montgomery was more than happy to accept my request to join his class. Since the moment he arrived, he's been busy redefining every aspect of Divination and is currently trying to, single-handedly, return the subject to its former glory.

Lucius smirked. Since the day Zachary had left, he knew that the wizard couldn't hide from his true nature forever. It was only a matter of time before his cousin tired of hiding from the world, and decided to reenter it. Once Zachary gets a taste of real recognition, there is no way he would leave again. Although once before, Zachary's loyalty to his family had proven stronger than the Seer's misguided allegiance to the Light, Dumbledore's interfering nature might well hinder Lucius' renewed efforts. He was confident that, with Draco as insurance, it would prove the stronger drive once again.

After seeing him in action for myself, I believe he has a chance.

I don't recall ever seeing a seasoned Seer as powerful or capable as Professor Montgomery, with the exception of Virginia Weasley. Of course, she isn't seasoned yet, but the analogy of power and insight is just the same.

If Zachary has managed to impress my son, his isolation must have been good for him, Lucius thought. Such a driving sense of ambition, I knew he had the spirit of a true Malfoy!

Snape's allowed me the liberty of getting to know her a little better. I've found her attitude to be rather different and refreshing.

From the tone of Draco's reports, it sounded like this Weasley child was turning out to be cast from a different mold than the rest of her pathetic, Gryffindor, muggle-loving, misbegotten clan. It looks like Severus' work with the child is progressing well, but only time will tell if she will remain amenable to our cause once this girl is drawn further in.

I have to admit, I was a little hesitant to approach her, when I heard from Alexis that Virginia gets to know a wizard's unique magic, before she agrees to trust them to any extent. I don't know why, but she seems to have taken a great liking to me because of it. Virginia believes that we can put our families' differences aside, and I, for one, agree with her.

After hearing various assessments of the situation, Lucius knew that the youngest Weasley was not stupid. Just like that Potter brat, the girl had probably figured out who had given her his master's old diary. After that, it wouldn't take a genius to sort out why he had chosen to use her to exact his vengeance on Dumbledore and the old man's precious little Mudbloods. He found the very idea that the girl had the power to evaluate a wizard's magic... disturbing. And to think, after all that she didn't hold a grudge against his son for the old feud between their families. He would definitely have to be very careful in her presence, lest he damage Draco's efforts.

An even more unsettling thought surfaced. This Weasley may not be able to identify the Dark Mark now, but if he brought his son into the fold prematurely, seeing the alteration in the boy's magic might scare her off, taking the Levine girl with her. No, it was better to wait and allow nature to take its course. The fact that Draco was getting along with those two was an encouraging sign. Perhaps, barring Severus' designs on her, Virginia Weasley could be cultivated into an interesting addition to their family. If nothing else the Weasleys are heavy breeders, something the Malfoy clan sorely needs. He decided to give the idea further consideration later, and continued reading.

Have you heard about that Seer detecting spell, Montgomery has pioneered? Well, he's finally gotten around to using it on me, away from the prying eyes of others.

At least Zachary had the foresight to be discreet, he thought, taking it as a sign that his cousin was still working to protect the family interests. He would have to find a way to reward Zachary, and encourage the wizard's continued support.

I have The Sight, and all the inherited problems that come with it.

Mortified, Lucius whispered, "By Salazar, it's all in jeopardy!"

Fortunately, I haven't needed to be isolated so far, but Montgomery tells me that it's going to take time before I adjust to my condition.

Recalling Zachary's very public mental breakdown after his gift was discovered, Lucius was not reassured by the thought that his only child hadn't been segregated from the student population. In fact, it would probably be better for the boy if he were. Knowing that Zachary was watching over Draco eased his mind somewhat, but there was no way to know exactly how much his son could take until he snapped.

I'm looking forward to this Sunday's Quidditch match.

"Quidditch? Does he want to go insane?" Lucius hissed, tightening his grip on the parchment. "Does my son have a bloody death wish?"

Disastrous scenarios of his son falling apart tormented him. Draco knew the stories of the Malfoy Seer Curse as well as he did. The moment his powers manifested his son should have quit the bloody team. He should have requested quarters from Severus well away from his housemates. The boy needs to limit his contact with others wherever he can, instead of pretending that everything is normal! What could he possibly hope to accomplish by- Suddenly, the reason for his child's self-destructive behavior hit him. Draco is hiding his condition from his classmates. Lucius cursed under his breath. He couldn't let the discretion they had taught lead to his son's downfall. He had some trouble believing that Zachary knew about this Quidditch madness. It was an error he would have to correct as soon as possible. He decided not to share this worrisome news with Narcissa until he had a chance to fully assess the situation for himself.

An interesting rumor has been going around the school that Potter's quit the team, though no one's been able to confirm it yet. If he has quit, I doubt if it will make any difference, the outcome will still be the same. Since the assassination attempt on Virginia, Potter's been slipping. I doubt he even cares if Gryffindor's team goes down in flames, after the way they've treated him and his friends. I'll let you know how the match works out.

Draco M.

Obviously, Draco didn't comprehend the seriousness of his condition. Because of the boy's precarious state, his son couldn't even perceive that there was a problem. Like so many Malfoys before him, despite the harsh realities of Draco's talent he was determined to recklessly press on until he was destroyed. He would not allow his child to fall prey to his own nature. He had to find a way to stop this. Concealing the letter in his robes, Lucius swiftly went up to his study, not even bothering to take a seat while he wrote a letter to his cousin, expressing his concerns. Once the message was completed, he used a spell to summon his owl, Hades.

"Go to Hogwarts. You are to give this to Zachary Montgomery and no one else," Lucius urgently ordered the creature as he attached the letter to its leg. "Then stay with him until you get a reply, understood?"

The owl hooted in understanding, then flew out the window. That done, Lucius returned to the dining room to await the results of Narcissa's examination. They didn't leave him waiting long, before his personal physician entered the room wearing an impassive look.

"I've completed my exam of your wife. Please, follow me," Dr. Minden requested.

Lucius followed the doctor into the living room. Narcissa was resting on the sofa, waiting for them. The air was thick with anticipation as they waited for the Order physician to speak.

"Let me start by saying that I found no evidence of poison in Mrs. Malfoy's system," Dr. Minden explained. "Considering her delicate condition, your wife is in perfect health."

Reining in his panic, Lucius probed, "Condition?"

"What's wrong with me?" Narcissa pressed.

"Quite simply, Mrs. Malfoy, you're pregnant," Dr. Minden cheerfully informed them. "According to my scans, you're a bit more than a month along. I'd say congratulations are in order-"

"But wait, that can't be!" Narcissa cried, reacting as stunned as he felt. "We were told that the chance of another successful conception was so unlikely as to be laughable!"

"It looks like you've beaten the odds. If you would like, I can recommend to you a midwife from my Order, who will exercise the utmost discretion," Dr. Minden suggested. "I'm afraid all I can prescribe for the morning sickness is dry toast or crackers with tea. A trained midwife will be able to assist you further."

Lucius watched Narcissa rest her hands on her stomach, a small smile of contentment, a look he hadn't seen in a long time, creeping onto her features. The realization began to set in that he was going to be a father again. Having another child, raising them in the Malfoy traditions, it was an enchanting thought. They'd always wanted to give their son a little brother or sister but, after years of trying, they had both given up on the idea. Such a child could go a long way toward bolstering their nearly exhausted bloodline, ensuring that their clan would continue even if the unthinkable were to happen to Draco. For this to happen now... is a miracle, one he would protect with his last breath.

"We will take under consideration anyone you recommend, Doctor," he said, taking charge of the situation. "We should keep this matter quiet for as long as we can. I'll make arrangements to heighten security-"

Narcissa jumped to her feet.

"How can we keep anything quiet if..." her argument trailed off as his wife grew faint. He managed to catch her before she collapsed, and return her to the sofa.

"You mustn't over-exert yourself, Mrs. Malfoy," Dr. Minden advised. "Stress is not good for you in your condition."

"Well, then tell him to stop applying it," Narcissa hissed, directing her venomous gaze at Lucius. Given his wife's overly emotional state, he had to remind himself not to take any insults said too personally. "What I was trying to say before, is that making me a prisoner in my own home will not keep this quiet! In fact, you'll be drawing precisely the attention we don't need."

"She has a point, Lucius," Dr. Minden spoke up. "For now, no one has to know that my visit here ever took place. We can arrange for Mrs. Malfoy to meet with the midwife in secret. Then, once the truth comes out, we can have the midwife along with anyone else needed to ensure Mrs. Malfoy's welfare stay with her around the clock. Mrs. Malfoy and the child would certainly be better off in the care of an Order medical team, as opposed to your... friends."

"How do I know they are capable?" Lucius skeptically drawled.

"Each member who joins our Order is trained to protect the lives of their patients," the trauma specialist explained. "I suspect you have heard of one or two examples. We are quite efficient at our job."

Fighting the urge to flinch, Lucius remembered what became of a small team of Death Eaters who tried to infiltrate a clinic run by the Order of Salus and assassinate one of their patients. The medical order's varied skills were worthy of respect, and their deeply ingrained work ethic should provide less risk than a group of Death Eaters all watching each other watching Narcissa. As long as each person involved was thoroughly screened, this could work.

"Very well," he relented. "But I want a thorough background check done on any wizards you recommend, and my personal approval before they get anywhere near my wife."

"I'm certain we can find a midwife to both your liking," Dr. Minden promised.

Narcissa grudgingly acceded. With Draco fighting to keep his sanity, another child on the way, his cousin striving to expand his sphere of influence, not to mention the fact that Lord Voldemort wasn't too happy with him at present, Lucius had to be strong for them. Silently, he vowed to utilize every resource at his disposal to hold his family together.

_________

TBC