Disclaimer: Exactly similar to one written at beginning of last ten chapters.

######

CHAPTER 11

TURNING WHEELS

It was bright but much tolerable than yesterday. Whatever happened that day not only blinded him but ruined the progress he made in the last few weeks. But now he had started to feel his surroundings which was enough for him to consider that he would recover in no time. And once that happened he would be there to take care of this feeble mind. Soon he would begin to use this pathetic mind to get what he wanted. And then very slowly and painfully he will destroy the mind and his owner forever.

Voldemort smirked as he used his deadly skills of legilimency one more time to penetrate the white shimmer surrounding Harry's mind. As time passed he increased his efforts and waited. But soon his smirk turned into an angry frown. The shield remained intact; protecting Harry's precious mind from the dark shadow hovering around and leaving a frustrated Voldemort with a throbbing headache.

######

Harry slowed down chewing on his toast as he felt a pressure building under his skull. But suddenly it vanished and he resumed eating.

"Harry, are you alright" asked Megan worriedly.

Mrs. Weasley also stopped drinking her tea and looked at Harry.

"I'm fine" answered Harry pretending nothing weird had happened. It also surprised him that how Megan knew about his weird headache when he wasn't exactly showing the sign. With another bite he finished his breakfast and looked at Ron who was already done with his breakfast. "Umm Ron, where is Fred and George? I wanted to see them."

"Oh, then you just missed them. They left with dad for their Apparition Test."

"If you ask me they don't even need that stupid test. They had mastered apparition ages ago. And I think they have gone there just to show off. They don't need those licenses" said Ginny getting Megan's attention.

"Apparition License! Is it something like getting a Driver's license?"

"Yes something like that. Here in the magical world when you turn seventeen you become an adult and get a few rights like using magic outside school and a license to apparate anywhere; but to get that license you need to pass a test conducted by the Department of Magical Transportation, one of the divisions at the Ministry of Magic" answered Mrs. Weasley. With a second thought she also added. "If you asked me it's a dangerous way of transport. If you lose your focus while doing it there is chance that you leave a limb or any part of your body behind."

"It is called splinching" provided Ginny playing with food in her plate.

"I know Ginny. Now finish your breakfast and help me clean here" ordered Mrs. Weasley.

"Okay mum" agreed Ginny finishing her toast.

When everyone finished eating Megan helped Ginny and Mrs. Weasley with the cleaning. She liked working with them and felt grateful for their efforts in helping her.

"Molly, I really want to say thank you."

Mrs. Weasley looked up drying her palms on a napkin. "What for dear?"

"For accepting and trying to teach me those exciting spells and also giving me a chance to be a part of your family."

"Megan, don't be ridiculous. Lily and James were like my family and that makes you my family too. And trust me I'm having fun teaching you. I must say you are quite a natural at it."

"No, that's not true. You have seen me struggling with that cutting charm. I hope one day I'll use my wand as efficiently as you."

"Now now, you are underestimating yourself. I'm sure a little practice will make you as good as I am. Oh and you will be learning a lot from Remus and Sirius. Not exactly something that's used in the kitchen but something much more exciting and challenging too."

"Oh that reminds me, Remus told me to join him in study. Today he and Sirius will be explaining some basics to me."

"That's great…"

But before she said something else the doorbell rang loudly followed by an ear splitting screech.

"Bloody hell! Not again" Ron sweared inserting his fingers in both ears.

Mrs. Weasley left the kitchen as hurriedly as possible followed by Megan, Harry, Ron and Ginny.

"MUDBLOODS. TRAITORS. FILTH. POLLUTING MY HOUSE. KREACHER.. KREACHER.. YOU OLD TROT. WHERE ARE YOU? REMOVE THIS FILTH FROM MY HOUSE."

The entire house boomed with the nasty threats followed by a loud crack stopping Megan and Harry in their tracks. They got surprised to know the source of all that noise. It was an old hideous painting of an angry woman and in front of it stood a similarly old looking house elf.

A second passed and Harry saw Remus and Sirius descending from the first floor and running towards the painting.

"KREACHER, STAY AWAY FROM THAT HAG" ordered Sirius in equally loud voice. He along with Remus struggled with the curtains hanging in front of the painting.

"FILTHY. HALF BREEDS" the painting shrieked for the last time before Sirius successfully covered it with curtains.

Meanwhile Mrs. Weasley had opened the door and took inside the visitors with a huff.

"Sorry, it is my dead mother. I forgot to warn you about her" Sirius apologized to Harry and Megan. "Oh and that thing that just disappeared was her loyal elf, Kreacher. Harry stay away from him."

Harry listened to Sirius's warning but soon got distracted by another much humanly and familiar squeal.

"HARRY" Hermione ran and hugged Harry tightly. "I missed you."

"Me too, Hermione" replied Harry trying to keep Hermione's curly hairs from getting in his mouth.

With a smile she freed Harry and turned to Ron. She gave him a quick hug and began telling her first experience of sidelong apparition.

"Tonks was right. It was horrible."

"So it was Tonks who rang the bell then" asked Mrs. Weasley with annoyance.

"Yes, she did it. I invited her inside but she told me she will be late for her work. Anyway, who was screaming?"

"It was Mrs. Black in the painting. She wakes up whenever someone rings that bell or makes a loud noise. It's horrible to hear her shriek." Informed Mrs. Weasley pointing towards the curtain covered painting.

Harry caught Megan staring at Hermione keenly and realized he didn't introduce her.

"Hermione, here meet my aunt Dr. Megan Spencer."

"What?.. Your aunt? But…" Hermione asked unbelievingly.

"Yes, you heard me correct" Harry replied with a smile and addressed Megan. "Megan, this is Hermione Granger."

"Hello, dear. I've heard lot about you" said Megan casually.

Hermione quickly extended her arm and greeted Megan. "Nice to meet you Dr. Spencer?"

"Hermione please call me Megan" requested Megan politely.

"Okay" nodded Hermione and looked at Harry with an expression that meant he knew she had a lot of queries.

"Hermione dear, go with Ginny to put away your trunk and come to the kitchen if you are hungry"

"Thank you Mrs. Weasley but I had my breakfast. I'll see you later" said Hermione picking up her trunk hurriedly. Ginny helped her with Crookshanks's cage and headed upstairs towards her room. To the others' surprise Harry and Ron followed the girls without uttering a word.

Sirius smiled as he watched Harry leaving with his friend. It reminded him of his own Hogwarts days. A moment passed and he heard Remus calling his name. "Sirius, come on. It's time we begin teaching Megan something useful." He looked at Molly and asked, "Molly would you like to join us."

"No, you go ahead. I still have some work left in the kitchen."

And with that Mrs. Weasley left for the kitchen, while Megan went to study with Remus and Sirius.

######

"Harry you never told me you have another aunt. Anyway who is she? And… you look different? Where are your old glasses?" Hermione fired her questions the moment she entered Ginny's room.

"Hermione! Slow down. Take a seat and get ready to here a long story. But before that stop examining me like a Potion ingredient."

"Sorry Harry but I can't help it. You really look different. Much taller and healthier than before plus your scar, it looks faded" continued Hermione sitting on the bed.

Ron and Ginny also took a seat on the twin bed and got ready to hear the story that they had already heard.

For the next hour Harry explained everything about Megan. He even told her about the Celtic ritual used by Dumbledore to activate Megan's magic and it astonished Hermione to no end. When Harry finished with his tale Hermione remained silent to grasp the information she just heard.

"So the fact that you are looking much healthier than before is because of it is a side effect of this ritual?"

"Yeah, I think so."

"So what next Harry, I mean are you going to live with Megan?"

"From what I gathered from Megan, Dumbledore wants me to live with her for this entire summer first. And if everything goes smoothly then there will be a chance that he will transfer my custody to Megan."

"That's sounds like a great plan to me" said Ron talking for the first time.

"But what about Sirius? Would he be comfortable with this decision? I mean he is your Godfather and definitely cares for you."

"You are correct Hermione. But this time he is okay with Dumbledore's decision" said Harry "actually there is something else that I want to share with you."

"Go ahead Harry, we are all listening" said Ginny prompting Harry to talk.

"Actually I should not be telling you this but I think Sirius won't mind so listen. There is a girl in our Hogwarts named Rhea McKnight."

"Hey, are you talking about Luna's dorm mate?" asked Ginny with confusion.

"Yes, the same one in your year" replied Harry. He looked at the remaining two and continued, "I think you have seen this girl sometimes. If I'm correct then she was a reserved beater for Ravenclaw's team."

"Yeah, now I remembered her. I've seen her few times with Ginny and think she is much better than Luna" commented Ron with a teasing smile and earned a glare from Ginny.

"The girl with black hair and grey eyes?" asked Hermione tentatively.

"Yes, her. She is pretty and always asks me about twins. I'm think she has a crush on Fred and somehow always figured out who is Fred and who is George" confirmed Ginny.

"Sounds intelligent to me" Hermione seemed impressed by Rhea.

"Off course and that's why she in Ravenclow" quipped Harry and continued his tale. "So as I mentioned earlier, Megan has a house near London which she bought recently through a real estate agent named Lena McKnight. A few days ago Megan took me to this fancy restaurant for a business lunch with her estate agent who turned out to be Rhea's mother. To my surprise Rhea was there too. We recognized each other and talked for an hour. During this time she told me how her mother lost her memory just before her birth and lost her own as well as identity of Rhea's father."

"Oh, poor Rhea, that's why she never talks about her family" said Ginny thinking about Rhea.

"Yeah may be, but now I think I know who her father is and also knew her mother's real name."

"Really? But how?" asked Ron curiously.

"Yesterday, before I came here Dumbledore visited us at Megan's. For some reason he asked us many question about this meeting with Rhea and her mother. He didn't clearly say why he was asking those questions but last night after dinner it became much clearer when Sirius told me to meet him and Remus in the study. He also asked me to bring Megan along. So we visited. The moment Sirius saw us he thanked me and Megan profusely. When I asked why he was thanking he informed us that because it was I and Megan that helped Dumbledore to find Sirius's lost girlfriend named Marlene McKinnon, now known by name of Lena McKnight, Rhea's mother. In other words Sirius is Rhea's father."

"Wow! That… that sounds interesting and I think it's good for Sirius. Do you think Sirius wants to meet them?" asked Hermione.

"Of course, he wants to. But there is one big problem. Sirius fears that Marlene and Rhea would reject him because of his criminal status. And to worsen things Marlene I mean Lena doesn't remember old Sirius. She only knew him from those terrifying news about him in the papers."

"Oh, that's awful and makes everything complicated."

"Actually I was thinking of something."

Hermione narrowed her eyes as she saw that peculiar resolve on Harry's face. And from her past experiences she knew what exactly it meant. "Like what Harry?" Hermione asked cautiously. She had an inkling about where Harry was going.

"I want to help him by catching Pettigrew and hand him over directly to the Aurors. Once that happens everyone will know Sirius is innocent. May be it will help him to get his family back."

"It makes sense Harry but how are you going to find that rat."

"Don't encourage him Ron. It sounds dangerous to me. And as you said Pettigrew is a rat, an unregistered animagus. Who knows he may be living in a sewer or might have fled the country."

"I agree with Hermione. She is right Harry, you don't know where exactly to search for him. He may be anywhere" said Ginny pondering over what Hermione had said.

"Umm, I have a plan but I'm not sure how effective it is."

"Okay, go on mate" said Ron ignoring Hermione glaring at him.

"Unlike many other times, this time I was thinking of asking for help."

"Oh that's very thoughtful of you Harry" Hermione praised "And who is it?"

"Umm… it's Snape!"

"SNAPE!" Ron exclaimed loudly. "Harry have you lost your mind? How on earth do you think that bloody Snape would like to help you? Haven't you noticed that he hates you and every other Gryffindor?"

Harry was expecting the outburst but also knew if he wanted to help Sirius then he needed to persuade his friends first. "May be except for one or two" replied Harry coolly.

"And who are they?" asked Ginny curiously.

"One is Dumbledore and another was my Mom."

"Your Mother, but how?" asked Hermione trying to understand what Harry was saying.

"They were childhood friends and I had this weird feeling that Snape's liking towards my mother was more than friendship."

"Now that's ridiculous. I don't know where you got this information but it is absurd Harry. Do you think anyone can ever think about hanging around that bat of dungeons?"

"Shut up Ron. He is our Professor and its Harry's mother we are talking about."

Ron stared at Hermione for a moment and then suddenly apologized "Okay, I'm sorry mate but Snape is still a bat."

"Ron I kind of agree with you on that bat thing but just try and listen to what I'm saying."

"Fine, I'm listening" said Ron gruffly.

"Ron, do you remember the last task of the Tri-wizard tournament, when Fudge tried to deny accepting Voldemort's return" Every one flinched at mention of Voldemort's name. "and had a fight with Dumbledore and all."

"Yes, I remembered that, you were in the hospital wing and McGonagall was roaring on that foolish Fudge for releasing Dementors on Barty Crouch Junior."

"So except Ginny everyone also had noticed that Snape showed his dark mark to Fudge and tried to convince him."

"Yes, we saw it. It was a bold move" said Hermione remembering the resolute expression she saw on Snape's face that night.

"Wait, the Dark mark? You mean the one that Voldemort used to brand his Death Eaters?" asked Ginny dreadfully "So, Snape is a Death Eater?"

"Yes, he is but I think not like Malfoy, Nott or Crouch Junior. Ginny, it is my guess, but I think he is working as a spy for Dumbledore. And if that's true then he is risking his life for us."

"Harry, that makes sense. But how is that going to help us?" asked Ron trying to think.

"Ron, it was Pettigrew who was helping Voldemort all this time. He was there with him in the graveyard during his resurrection. Rather he was the one who killed Cedric by using Voldemort's wand."

"Oh, Harry" said Hermione sadly. If she remembered correctly then it was the first time Harry had mentioned Cedric's name without breaking down.

"So what you are saying is Pettigrew has to be living with You-Know-Who" tried Ron.

"Yes exactly that. And if Snape is really working as a spy then he must have seen Pettigrew somewhere around Voldemort. So if we get Snape's help then there could be a chance of catching Pettigrew."

"But Harry, how are you going to ask Snape? I mean you are not exactly on friendly terms with him?" reasoned Ginny.

"Yeah, I know it's a difficult task Ginny but don't worry I'll figure something out."

"Harry, just promise me that you would not do anything alone and keep us in the loop."

"Sure, Hermione" said Harry with a teasing smile.

Hermione huffed but then smiled and let the topic end. Then they all talked about their pending homework in Hermione's case the completed work. Meanwhile Ginny freed Crookshanks from his cage and let him wander around.

As time passed their discussion became more serious. They talked about Fudge's passive attitude towards Voldemort's resurrection. Harry told them how Fudge and other ministry wizards voted Dumbledore out from International Confederation of Wizards, and also demoted him from Chief Warlock on the Wizengamot only because he made a speech announcing Voldemort's return. Which Ginny confirmed by telling them she heard her father talking about Ministry trying to find a solution to control Dumbledore and Harry. The news alarmed Hermione. Her panic was so evident that Ron was going to give her a calming draught from his mother's emergency box. Luckily that sort of measure was not needed as at that moment they heard two loud cracks announcing Fred and George arrival. A minute later they all went downstairs and heard news about the twins passing their Apparition Test with flying colors.

Harry congratulated Fred and George for their success. He even took part in the celebration by drinking a butter beer offered by Fred. But then a few minutes later he made an excuse and went to his room to think of a proper way to approach Snape.

######

When Megan finally left the study for lunch she felt exhausted. It didn't mean she did not like the lesson; in fact she enjoyed every bit of it. Because like Harry had told her Remus turned out a very good and patient teacher while Sirius was fun to work with. Remus began the lesson and told her a little about how magic works. He briefly introduced various branches of magic to her. And when it came to Defense against the Dark Arts, he didn't start directly teaching her curses or jinxes. Instead he first told her why it was necessary to learn it. Then he told her about concentration, motivation and correct vocalization- the three vital requirements to perform any magical act. He taught her how to focus and manipulate her magic by using a suitable wand. He also taught her the basic wand movements generally used for casting various spells. And then he showed her few jinxes and curses. After that Sirius gave his output on the basics of Charms. He chose levitation and locomotion charms to introduce her to the subject. Once they both showed her demonstrations they made her perform and repeat every incantation until she got all of them correct. Finally they ended the lesson by giving her list of few books.

"Megan, how was it?" asked Mrs. Weasley the moment Megan entered the kitchen.

"Oh, it was fantastic and I think I got a great deal of information about magic. Here let me show you, what I learnt" said Megan cheerfully pointing her wand at empty bowl on opposite side of table.

"Wingardium Leviosa." Megan incanted - swishing and thrusting her wand through mid air. At first nothing happened but then suddenly the bowl jerked and began floating above the dining table. Concentrating Megan moved her wand to her right. The bowl followed her motion and remained there until she lost her focus.

"Wow, that was excellent Megan" cheered Ginny who came there with Ron and Hermione.

"Was it your first attempt?" asked Hermione curiously.

"No it wasn't. Sirius and Remus made me practice it many times but I think I'm losing my focus."

"Hey, don't worry you will get the hang of it. Just give it some time" suggested Ginny trying to lighten Megan's mood.

"Yeah I hope so" replied Megan looking around for Harry. "Anyway where is Harry? Won't he be coming for lunch?"

"Umm… An hour ago he was here with us but then he went to his room" informed Ron a bit nervously.

"Okay, I'll fetch him" said Megan and left kitchen before anyone stopped her.

She climbed few stairs and stood in front of Harry's room. The door was locked, so she knocked and waited until Harry opened it. It opened and Megan took a look around. To her liking the room was big, clean and had a big window looking over the back garden.

"Oh, Megan I thought it was Ron" said Harry catching Megan's attention.

"Aren't you hungry Harry?" asked Megan looking at the parchments spread over table. "I can see you are busy but skipping lunch is not a good idea."

Harry did not say anything instead he just stared at Megan thoughtfully. Then suddenly an idea popped in his head.

"What is it Harry?" she asked observing the sudden change in Harry's expression.

"Megan I need your help with something" said Harry thinking about she didn't have any prejudice about Snape.

She didn't reply right away instead she took a seat on the chair and stared inquisitively at Harry. Somewhere inside she felt happy that Harry was asking for her help. And she didn't want to blow up that chance by saying no. "Go on. I'm listening."

"I want you to ask Snape for a meeting, tell him that you want to see him." Harry said it in a single breath.

Megan took a minute to understand what Harry was asking to her. The request was odd but Megan didn't mind. Rather it was a good excuse as she wanted to meet Snape anyway. "Okay. I'll ask him."

Harry inhaled a breath of relief.

"But before I do it you have to tell me why you want me to do it" demanded Megan holding an eye contact with Harry.

"Sure, I will Megan" said Harry with smile. For a background he told her everything he knew about Sirius. "And then you heard him last night. He looked pretty desperate to meet Rhea and her mother. I think he really deserves this chance Megan."

Megan heard the pleading and felt the pain too. "Harry, you know you have a really good heart, in way its good but don't you think you are only fourteen. It's not the age of making such kind of decisions. And why don't you ask Dumbledore or Remus for help? They look pretty capable of doing anything."

"I know I'm not adult here Megan but I don't have any other choices. I don't want to bother Dumbledore. He is busy in dealing with Fudge and his dirty politics. And about Remus, I'll prefer he should remain here with Sirius instead of coming with me on some kind of blind hunt. And anyway Sirius is my Godfather, so it's my duty to help him, isn't it?"

"Okay, reasonable enough but there is still one question remains. Why you need help from Severus?"

"Because, I guess Snape is the only person who knows Pettigrew's whereabouts." And then he explained to Megan what he discussed with his friend this morning.

Megan listened to Harry with great interest until she heard the word Death Eater. "Harry wait, you mean he is a Death Eater? Who helped that lunatic in destroying our family and countless other lives?"

Harry became silent when he heard the question. He knew it was not his story to tell and in reality he only knew bits of it. But right now he needed those bits to convince Megan and if possible his own self when too as he himself was having an internal struggle to accept Snape's faithfulness to Dumbledore. So he tried his best shot. "No Megan, he is different. I mean Dumbledore trusts him and had once said that Snape had turned spy against Voldemort, at a great personal risk. And if Snape really wanted to harm us then he had plenty of chances when he was staying in your house for a week."

Megan sighed as she heard Harry trying to clear her doubts. It was not his fault but he kind of sounded unsure. But then again she had few of her own experiences and knew better than to be judgmental. She also believed that no one was exclusively light or dark, everyone has a grey area. The best example she knew was her own mother, who gave her to a totally strange couple just to unburden her own mistake. But everyone remembered her as a kind hearted woman. So who was she to judge Snape? And she like Harry respected Dumbledore's decisions. Thus in essence it would be hypocritical to judge Snape.

"Well, that's enough for me. I'm ready to do it. But there is still one problem Harry."

"And what's that Megan" asked Harry trying to think what he missed.

"I don't have his number to call."

"Oh but that's not a problem. Just write a letter. Hedwig knows where to find him" said Harry with a smile.

Megan just nodded in response. She had few more questions but decided it would be better if she asked them after lunch.

######

"Are you sure it will be a good idea Albus? I mean I'm happy that you suggested my name for Deputy Headmistress but do you really think the board will take that decision any time soon" said McGonagall "when it consists of Malfoy and others who are pampering Fudge for their own advantage. We all heard Fudge threatening you for taking decisions here in Hogwarts. I'm concerned Albus."

"Minerva dear, there is no need to worry about me because we know Fudge and Malfoy very well. As Arthur said they are trying to find loopholes in many laws just to discredit me and stop telling people that Voldemort has returned. But that is not my concern Minerva; I'm concerned about the safety of Hogwarts students. I have a feeling that if we failed to find our next Defense Professor, Fudge will come with some unsuitable options."

Dumbledore's words caught Severus's attention who was sitting in Dumbledore's house wondering why Dumbledore had invited him and McGonagall to his home instead of Hogwarts just to discuss next year's plan. Severus was never been there before, but from the sound of waves he knew they were somewhere near ocean. He also figured out from his apparition time that the mysterious house was only few hours away from London safely hidden under layers of wards created by Dumbledore himself.

"Severus, do you have something to say" asked Dumbledore noticing Severus's interest.

"Well, I agree with you on one thing that Fudge is an idiot and we should find a decent defense teacher very soon" answered Severus.

"What about Kendra Brice or maybe that fellow Edward Ainsworth" suggested McGonagall and with a after though added "or maybe you should give it to Severus and find someone else to teach Potions"

McGonagall's statement left Severus wondering that she might have gone bonkers in her old age. "Minerva I'm grateful for your vote of confidence in my ability to teach defense. If you still remember the post is cursed and the Board will have a fit if they knew that an ex Death Eater is teaching their children the Defense Against the Dark Art. I think for now I enjoy my Potions and also taking points from your horrendous Gryffindors."

"Oh shut up Severus, they are not that bad, they just terrified of your dark persons."

"Minerva" Dumbledore interrupted, "Severus has a point. I know he will be a suitable choice for Defense but it would be difficult to convince the board members. Maybe Malfoy and a few would agree but the rest of the board wouldn't."

"Hmm, of course I forgot Albus'' said McGonagall trying to hide her disappointment. In the last few years she had come to know Severus quite well. In his school days she knew him for two things, one was aloofness and the other was his quick learning abilities in every subject. She even approved of his friendship with Lily and had hoped their friendship would flourish further but then they fought and Severus got lost into darkness. After a few years suddenly out of blue he returned, laden with some kind of burden guarded by his agonizing silence. And then she saw him on the day when Harry defeated Voldemort for first time… the same day when he lost Lily forever. She never told him but that day unknown to him she saw him break down into a thousand pieces and realized somewhere under his stoic masquerade he still had a heart. As time passed she learned to tolerate and sometimes even enjoy his acerbic company with sarcastic remarks. But that didn't mean she wouldn't enjoy watching his Slytherins getting kicked by her Gryffindors on the Quidditch field.

"I'm also thinking of appointing Wilhelmina Grubbly - Plank for Care of Magical Creatures until Hagrid returns from his job. What do you think?"

"Well, at least she knows what should be considered as dangerous" replied Severus.

"Severus, it's your Slytherins who cause most of the troubles in his class."

"Correct, and all Gryffindors are saints!" commented Severus.

"I take it you agree with my decision" said Dumbledore smiling gently.

"Albus, if we are done with our meeting then I would like to leave."

"Sure, Severus" said Dumbledore looking towards the starry sky through his office window. "Rather we all should retire now, it's late."

It was then that something swooped inside through an open window. It was a white owl.

"It's Hedwig, Potter's Owl!" exclaimed McGonagall looking at the beautiful snowy owl circling above their heads.

"And why she is here?" asked Severus irritatingly.

"Of course delivering a letter, her usual job" quipped McGonagall noticing a scroll tied to Hedwig's leg.

To McGonagall's surprise and Severus's annoyance Hedwig landed in front of him. Severus tried to ignore her but she hopped forward and bit on his fingers.

"Bloody Owl!" said Severus freeing the scroll from Hedwig's leg. The next minute she hooted and fled away through same window she came inside.

"Is that from Harry?" asked Dumbledore eying Severus through his half moon glasses.

With a grunt Severus opened the scroll. It was a short message written by someone having better handwriting than Harry.

Dear Severus

If you don't mind, I would like to meet you tomorrow for lunch at my place. It's important that we have this meeting before we start with my potion lessons.

Regards

Megan

P.S. Harry also wants to have word with you.

Severus stared at letter for a moment and then put it into his robe pocket realizing both McGonagall and Dumbledore were still staring at him.

"Severus?" McGonagall called hinting that she was waiting to know.

Severus decided to answer but before he did he threw a glare at Dumbledore. "It's from Megan. She and Potter want to see me tomorrow for lunch."

McGonagall seemed stunned by the revelation. She never thought a day would come when Harry would like to meet Severus Snape. She also praised Megan's bravery to write such letter to Severus. But then she looked at Dumbledore's smiling face and realized they were hiding something from her.

"That is pretty unusual, isn't it Albus?"

Dumbledore saw the tetchy look on his old colleague's face and decided it would be safe she knew the truth.

"Minerva, last night at the Order's meeting I didn't share the whole information about the Celtic ritual. It was Severus who brewed the healing Elixir for Megan."

"Albus, you agreed about not telling this to anyone" warned Severus but Dumbledore ignored him.

"Minerva, I didn't explain exactly but it was blood magic. Harry, Severus and Megan gave their blood to brew this elixir and during that period Severus lived with them. You see that peculiar arrangement enhanced the elixir's efficiency."

"Oh and, that's made Megan brave enough to write this letter then" teased McGonagall with amusement "Severus, if possible wear your muggle suite and try to be nice with them."

"Minerva, keep your insufferable advice to yourself. It's just a meeting not a date" said Severus getting up from his chair and reached the fireplace in two long strides. With a defiant expression he entered inside and threw a pinch of floo powder. "Twenty four, Spinner's End" he said clearly and then vanished through Green flames

"Albus, do you think it is even possible?" McGonagall asked hopefully.

"Minerva I hope for the best for Severus but I fear it will generate new complications."

"Albus he deserves to be happy for once in his life" pleaded McGonagall.

"And no one realizes it better than me, not even Severus himself" replied Dumbledore guiltily trying not to think about the dark night when Severus promised anything in return for keeping his Lily safe.

A.N. : Keep reading and reviewing.