DISCLAIMER: The usual, I don't own anything from the Harry Potter universe and am not making any money with this. That being said: On with the story

Together they walked to Hogwarts, where they were already expected. Arriving just in time for breakfast they told everyone about their trip over coffee and rolls. When they were all done, Dumbledore got up and announced that they should rest now and that tonight there would be a meeting in the Great Hall.

It felt odd to go to sleep in a real bed and apart from Severus. She slept awful and was glad when it was finally evening. She showered, dressed and got downstairs to meet the rest of the Order.

The meeting was long. They talked about their trips and what lay ahead of them all. Basically, the news were bad, the number of Death Eaters was growing steadily and it was getting harder to fight them. But Dumbledore stood before them with a determined look on his face. „We will win! I know it! There is something Voldemort fears more than anything else - LOVE. And we have so much of it. That's our strongest weapon. We need to build on that. We need to strengthen the bonds of those who love each other. I know... it sounds highly unusual and it is, but these are unusual times. This is a very ancient ritual and it will strengthen the powers of those who can do the ritual.

Molly and Arthur, Harry and Ginny, Nymphadora and Remus and also Ron and Hermione, please step forward." Ron and Hermione couldn't quite meet each others eyes, since they just recently admitted their feelings for each other. Harry just rolled his eyes and Dumbledore continued „When I cast the spell, the magic will surge through the couples. If you are soul mates you will be cast in a red light." He smiled. „That will give you more power. There is a very rare connection between two people that even goes beyond the bond of soul mates Then you will be cast in a silver light. If this happens, I don't think it will, though, you and your partner can bond together forever, but the powers you will receive are beyond imagination."

He looked at the couples, half hoping and half fearing that it could be Harry.

He closed his eyes and cast the complicated spell. One by one the couples started to glow red, all of them. Dumbledore couldn't quite fight the feeling of disappointment, when suddenly a silver light filled the room.

Everyone gasped when they saw who it illuminated. Severus looked as shocked as the others, but the light was definitely around him and Marina.

They turned to each other trying to read the expression of the other one. The room was silent. Marina gave a small nod and Severus tilted his head, unable to realize what this meant for both of them.

Dumbledore walked over to them. „I had no clue..."

Severus answered immediately „Neither had we! This is ridiculous!" Marina was hurt that he would shrug this off so easily, but she realized what it could do to him if Dumbledore assumed he had an affair with a stdent.

Severus motioned Marina into a quiet corner. She looked at her feet... „I knew there was something..."

He nodded „Last night, I felt it as well. The question is are you willing to do this and bear all the consequences? We would be bonded together for all eternity!" She nodded and answered with a firm „Yes!".

He looked at her, pondering the situation. "You know nothing about me, Marina. Whatever you think you know, it isn't true. There are things even Dumbledore doesn't know. Dangerous things...", he left the sentence unfinished. Marina looked him straight in the eye. "That may be so, I can feel your power and your restraint, but I also felt your heart last night. I know without the shadow of a doubt, that we can be amazing together. I am willing to bond with you for all eternity, Severus in a heartbeat." He nodded.

„Follow me then." He turned to go, but stopped dead in his tracks when he heard her soft spoken words. „I always will." His head whipped around and his gaze bore into her until Dumbledore coughed.

„You are of age, Marina, so the decision is up to you."

„But Albus, she is a student and so much younger than Severus – no offence, Severus." Professor McGonagall exclaimed. "None taken, Minerva." The younger professor assured her.

"You can't bond with the Greasy Git, Marina!" As expected this comment came from Harry and Ron.

„I know what I am doing, Professor, but thanks for caring. And you two," she turned to her friends, "should be ashamed! Severus has saved our life more times than I can count and I will be honoured to be called his!" Marina declared and glared at her flabbergasted friends.

She followed Severus example and knelt down in front of the headmaster.

He looked at Severus and Marina. „You are both willing to do this and are aware of the consequences?", they both nodded, „Face each other."

Marina was amazed at the change in Severus. His features had softened and he had lost his sourly expression and replaced it with an intense awareness.

They repeated the words Prof. Dumbledore recited. When they were done an eerie silence filled the room Marina and Severus gazed at each other filled with the power and knowledge of the witches and wizards before them.

„I knew you would make it. Once again, dear friend, "Dumbledore laid his hand on Severus shoulder, "the burden is on your shoulders. You will bear it well, I am sure, and this time you are not alone."

They stood up and the look in their eyes was warm but firm, they knew what they had to do.

Severus walked over to Harry, Marina right by his side. Severus started to speak his voice low but steady. "You are the One, destined to fight the Dark Lord, destined to end this war once and for all. By your side", he looked at Ginny, "is the Healer, strong and faithful, whose love will be your driving force. " He nodded to both, ignoring their silent spoken questions, and walked over to Ron and Hermione. „You are the guardians, loyal and fierce; you will protect the One and the Healer and guide them their way. There is strength in your love, based on years of deep friendship that will make you strong." When he reached Remus, the werewolf tensed, long years of hatred weren't easily overcome, but Marina smiled at him and he relaxed slightly. „Remus and Tonks, you are the Teachers, your knowledge will be most important to the survival of the Four. Arthur and Molly, you are their haven, the one place where they all feel safe. Keep it like this. They will need it. You are mother and father to all of them. "

They all had tears in their eyes, but Severus wasn't done yet. Marina guided Harry in the middle of the room and they both knelt down in front of him, ignoring once again their questioning glances.

They spoke together, softly, but sure.

"We are the warriors; we will fight with you and for you. We will give our lives for yours without hesitation. We will protect you and help you. Our lives are yours; our blood will be shed for you."

With that Severus took out his wand and pointed it at his own hand. The tension in the room was almost touchable and when Marina did the same to her hand Dumbledore surged forward and screamed „NO!", but Marina and Snape both raised their hands and Dumbledore stumbled backwards. They drew the tips of their wands over their palms, cutting themselves. The blood started to run and they looked at each other before bringing their palms together.

„I give my blood for you." Severus said and Marina repeated those words and together they said „We give our blood for you. Together. Forever. Not even death can us part! "

The blood hit the floor and just when Molly wanted to go to them a bright light exploded from both of them, blinding the rest and throwing the couple, still joined at their hands, backwards.

They recovered fast and chanted words unknown to any of the other witches and wizards. When they were done and broke apart there was no sign of blood or even a cut on their hands.

Dumbledore was utterly shocked. He looked at them not quite able to comprehend.

"I don't understand….Why?"