Disclaimer: I only own Persephone and Miranda. Believe me, if I was JK Rowling Snape would not have died in Deathly Hallows.
Thanks to everyone that reads and reviews. I'm sorry I haven't posted for a while, but you know, school, exams, fun stuff, NOT. So, without further ado, on with the story.
"Sev, wake up," Miranda said, sitting on the bed next to him. "I have a question."
"She really is like a student. And Granger, out of all the possible dunderheads, the know-it-all," he mumbled and groaned at the end of the statement.
"What did you say?" He still had the blanket pulled over his head, making it impossible to understand a single word he was saying. "Oh, it doesn't matter. Look, I've got a few questions about horcruxes."
"A few?" he asked, yanking the comforter off his head. "You said a question, indicting one."
"Well, I changed my mind. Now, may I ask these questions or not?" He didn't answer, but waved his hand telling her to continue. "Right, how do you spell horcrux?"
"You don't know how?" he asked, arching a brow. He spelled it, regardless, and told her to continue.
"Well, at least I can pronounce it. Anyway, how do you know about them?"
"I don't see what that has to do with destroying them."
"Not much, I'm simply curious."
"The Dark Lord informed me of them years ago. I had been doing some of my own research in the Dark Arts and asked him about some things. Of course, I was held in high esteem by the Dark Lord, or surely, I would have been tortured for even asking."
"Don't call me Shirley. Now, number three where should I start researching them?"
"I'll find you the book I discovered them in. I'll also give you a pensieve of the memory involving information the Dark Lord gave me. And what is this about Shirley?"
"It's a muggle joke from a movie. Not important." She looked at her list of information she had been writing. "Okie-dokie. That's all."
"Okie-dokie? Have you been drinking some of your coffee this morning?" He checked to see if her pupils were dilated.
"No, of course not. I'm simply happy to actually be doing something to help the Order."
"You already help the Order by spying."
"No, you help them by spying. I just tag along. I'm just the sidekick. You're Batman, and I'm Robin."
"Funny, I had pegged you as Wonder woman, but I believe many people would agree with the Batman part of that."
"We're getting off the original topic. Look, I'm just trying to find this out and contribute the information to the Order."
"I see, and how do you plan to do that? Start a horcrux hunting party?" He instantly regretted his words when he saw the expression on her face.
"You're brilliant. Okay, so who do you think should hunt them?"
"Does it make any difference if I tell you this is ridiculous and you shouldn't do it?"
"Heck no. You know I'm stubborn like a mule. Maybe it's a good thing I didn't go to Hogwarts. They would have had to make a separate house just for me."
Severus smiled slightly at the joke. "In that case, I nominate Sirius Black for the front lines."
"Oh, Sev! I had no clue you wanted to participate in those getting to know each other workshops! I think I have the pamphlet around here somewhere."
"Now, my dear lovely, beautiful, intelligent wife, you wouldn't submit your own husband to that level of torture would you?"
"No, but this isn't for your sake, I'm simply afraid for the lecturer's life. You may choose to hex him."
"Once again, my wand saves the day!"
Miranda snorted at that. "Come on, you and your wand can help me research."
"But summer's supposed to be my time off. I only have a few more days before I face the dunderheads. If I hex one of them it will be your fault!"
"Would you prefer I had someone else help me?"
"So long as it's not Black, that's the best idea you've had today."
Miranda arrived at headquarters within a half an hour of her conversation with Severus. The library there was as good a place to start as any. Now her only problem was finding someone to help her with her research. It had to be someone that knew the importance of secret keeping, if that involved having a notorious prankster help her so be it. The Weasley twins were working, as it was one of the last days of summer and they would be very busy. Most aurors would question why she was researching, probably not believing the truth due to the fact that she was Voldemort's granddaughter and was still thought by some to be on his side.
'What a stupid, preposterous notion,' she thought. 'Bloody Gryffindors!' She giggled at that, knowing she was starting to sound just like Severus. Most professors would lecture her on the dangers of researching the Dark Arts. Just then, her answer walked by.
"Good morning, Miranda," said Lupin, followed closely by Sirius.
"Ah, finally come to your senses and left Snivellus?" he questioned. "Come here, cry on my shoulder."
"No, I did not come to my senses! Erm, that is, I don't have to come to my senses. I mean, I have my senses. I am very happy with Severus thank you, and am not leaving him. I'm here for a reason."
"Of course she's not leaving him Sirius! I apologize for my friend, he can be a bit obnoxious at times."
"That's understatement of the year," she muttered under her breath. "Don't worry I'm used to it," she said more loudly. "Maybe you can help me, I need to study up on horcruxes and how to destroy them."
"Why?" asked Sirius.
"Oh, don't tell meyou think I'm dangerous or supporting my grandfather. I'm on your side which is why I need to know how to destroy them and get rid of the monster once and for all."
"We know you're on our side, we were just curious." They set off for the library.
"I told you not to get help from Black!" Severus hissed.
"He didn't help, not really. Honestly, I think half the time he was hiding a Playwizard behind the book. The one who really helped was -"
"Lupin, I know. So you chose the werewolf to help you instead. Do you really think that was the better option?"
"He's actually a nice person if you get to know him. Besides, aren't you glad that I found information?" She held out fifteen pages of notes about horcruxes, though not much information was included about how to destroy them. It simply listed things that had been tried and failed, though even that was lacking because not many people were dumb enough to want to split up their soul. But at least it was a place to start.
"Did you find anything useful?" She just shook the papers in front of his face. "Fine, research with your precious marauders." He turned and walked away.
'Ah, so that's what this is about. He's still holding the grudge. Guess I would too, though. I think I know how to cheer him up. Where did I put the coffee?'
"I don't need coffee!" he shouted as Miranda tried to get Severus to drink a cup.
"Okay, fine, I was just trying to cheer you up."
He scowled at her.
"I'll make you a deal."
"I'm not drinking coffee you make."
"Forget the coffee. Just listen. I am going to continue to get Lupin and Black to help me research. Listen or I'll kick you in the shin! Now, if during that time, either one begins to make strong advances toward me, you can hex them, but only when I say it's okay. Deal?"
"Deal," he said somewhat begrudgingly, though he had a smirk on his face.
"Good, now cheers!" she said toasting him, downing her own cup of coffee. He toasted with her and drank half the cup.
"You tricked me!"
"You Slytherin-ized me!" she countered.
"So, tell me, why does your library have so many books on Dark Arts?" Miranda asked as she wrote down information on horcurxes.
"The notorious house of Black had a lot of dark wizards and witches. The rest were erased from the family tree. It only makes sense to have Dark texts. I just never got around to removing them from the shelves."
"Oh, well, for once, your laziness is a good thing then." Miranda looked up and smiled at him.
"I'm not lazy!" shouted Sirius.
"Sorry to inform you my friend," said Lupin with a small smile.
"Ugh, you're both against me, great!" Sirius stood up and stomped to an overstuffed armchair that was far away from the other two occupants of the room.
Not the most I've ever written, but it's all I've got tonight. I'll try to update more often. Check out my other story the Potion Master's Assistant. As always, please, please, review.