Disclaimer: I own many things, but these characters aren't among them. They belong to this very nice woman by the name of J.K.Rowling.
Like many of you, the last book made me want to cry like a school girl, which I am, but that's not the point. I decided to fix that, and this is what I've got. I posted this on the proboard awhile ago, but the response has not been overwhelming. If you guys could let me know wether or not it is utter tripe it would be appericated.
Phoenix Rising
Thunder crashed outside in the pitch black sky, shaking the window panes ominously. The thunderstorm had appeared suddenly, but despite the pounding rain and wind raging outside, one room in the large castle was warm and inviting.
Albus moved around his sitting room quickly; Minerva was due back in twenty minutes from the Burrow, and he wanted everything to be perfect. She had been cleared by Poppy only the last weekend, and he was released from her care only the day before. He flexed his charred hand painfully, and with a grim smile, before turning his attention back to small table before the fire.
It was covered in a simple white table cloth, but he had flooed over and brought of some their best china back from their summer home. He had every intention of spoiling his wife within an inch of her sanity. This would be the first night that the two could spend together, and there was nothing that would ruin it for them. Albus grinned as dozens of candles littered the room, adding to the fire's glow and a small bundle of forget me nots, her favorite flower, sat, waiting, on her plate. Everything was ready, the food was waiting for his signal in the kitchens, the appropriate members of the remaining staff had been warned not to disturb them, and with fifteen minutes to wait, Albus smiled and made himself comfortable on their couch.
Leaning back and closing his eyes, Albus' thoughts drifted back to his wife, as they often do. The term had ended only a month ago, but so much had happened. Cornelius was on his way out, he was busier than ever, but it was Minerva that continued to amaze him. She was still moving a little slower than she used to, but despite it, she refused to be held back. She spent much of her free time trying to keep him correspondence at bay now that he was no longer the deranged harbinger of death so that he would be free to travel.
He couldn't help the small pang of guilt that gripped his heart. He had refused to tell her about his travels, simply saying he was gathering information. He knew she would worry if she knew just what he was gathering. That became quite clear that night in the infirmary. He could still only remember bits and pieces of the evening. Flashes of her, her eyes, the softness of her voice, or the touch of her hand along his hair punctuated the mind numbing pain that had overcome him. She had been there with him, and that had soothed his wounds like nothing else could.
Looking down, even he was disgusted by the appendage, but she hadn't even flinched when she wrapped her own around it gently. If anything was certain, he could live another thousand years and not even begin to show her just what that simple gesture had meant to him.
A smile graced his lips as he felt the sudden surge of heat and the green glow penetrated his eye lids. Lifting his head, Albus was surprised to see, not Minerva, but Severus unfurling himself from the fireplace. Severus was pale as death, his customary sneer conspicuously absent. "Severus, what," Albus started, standing up, but Severus interrupted him. "We have a problem; it's Draco."
"What's happened?" Albus asked, pushing the younger man down into a chair. It wasn't like Severus to show much emotion, other than contempt, but he was literally trembling under Albus' hand.
"I'm not entirely sure, which worries me more. I had a little visit from Narcissa and Bella this evening. Narcissa is having a fit. Apparently, the Dark Lord has given our young Mr. Malfoy a task she doesn't want him to complete. And no," Severus said, cutting off Albus' question, "I haven't the faintest clue as to what it is. That's what has me so worried. I played along of course, but Bella was still suspicious. So, I.." Severus trailed off, his eyes dropping to his white knuckles and his shaking intensifying ever so slightly.
"You what Severus," Albus asked, becoming more worried. What could have happened to cause such a reaction. "I made an unbreakable vow Albus. I convinced them both to leave Draco be. And now, if he cannot complete his task, I have too."
Shock was not an emotion that Albus experienced often, but now, he could think of nothing to say. He sat back heavily into his own chair, his hand coming up to squeeze the bridge of his nose. This new information certainly would make the new year more interesting. "So, it's Mr. Malfoy's turn to take a stab at me so to speak. Well then, we shall just have to keep a closer eye on him. Try and find out just what it is he's up to Severus. I suspect Mr. Malfoy has gotten in over his young head, and if there is any chance to save him, and I want to find it."
Albus stood, and Severus, understanding the silent dismissal, followed suit. "What do you want to tell Minerva."
"We're not." Albus' tone was firm, but Severus couldn't believe what he was hearing. "But surely she should know. She has," "far too much to worry about as it is," Albus cut in. "I won't give her anymore and neither will you. Am I understood Severus. Do not tell Minerva anything."
In that moment, Severus was sure the older man looked every one of his hundred and fifty years if not more. "If, and only if," Albus continued wearily, "we can find out something more substantial will I inform her. Believe me Severus, I'm doing this just as much for Draco as I am Minerva. Could you image what would happen if she were to find out. I truly don't believe he would last through the welcoming ceremony."
Albus walked him toward the door. "Go home Severus, have a drink, and get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow we will begin preparations, but tonight, I have a date. Now go, she should be home any minute." Albus watched as Severus made his way out of the door and down the winding staircase. Just as the door closed, another flash of light announced another visitor. Taking a deep breath, Albus stepped forward, doing his best to push the conversation to the back of his mind. He had other, more agreeable, activities planned for this evening.
