Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or any of the characters. This is for entertainment only.

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Ch. 26

Two Guests Arrive

Miriam closed the front door of the Bourgia residence and set the wards. She leaned heavily against the cool wood as she ran a hand absently through her curls. The doctor would be back first thing in the morning, and Miriam arranged earlier to meet with the undertaker after lunch. She glanced at her watch and shook her head. The hour was late, but there was much to tend to. Miriam pushed away from the door and walked slowly through the entry.

Helga met Miriam at the bottom of the stairs. She looked unchanged; her robes were still neat, not a hair was out-of-place. Only those that knew her well could see the sadness in Helga's eyes. There, in those pale orbs Miriam saw her own grief reflected. No one else would be able to tell from looking at Helga's stoic expression that the witch just lost a grandchild.

"How is Inga doing?" Miriam asked.

"Resting," Inga replied. "Will is with her."

Miriam nodded. Her heart ached for the niece she would never know, but it ached more for Will and Inga. Miriam was left adrift in a land of uncertainty. What do you say to someone who lost a child? She did not know. Miriam cleared her throat gently. "I need to start a calming draught."

Helga nodded. "Let me help you."

"You really don't -"

Helga held up a withered hand. "Please. It's not like I'll get any sleep tonight."

Miriam nodded, and the two witches walked to the back of the house to Will's rudimentary lab. Potions was not his forte, but he had the basic instruments and ingredients Miriam needed.

"What do you need me to do?" Helga asked as she turned to Miriam.

"Check the cupboard stores; I need to know how many vials we have of pain potion. If need be, I can start that one in the morning. The doctor left enough to get Inga through the night."

Helga nodded and made her way to the cupboard. Miriam set to work on her calming draught. She lit a fire under the cauldron and added the water. While she waited for it to boil, she visited the ingredients cupboard to gather what she needed.

"We have ten doses left," Helga said quietly as she came to stand next to Miriam. Miriam nodded and slid some ginger root over to Helga. The older witch flipped open the potions book on the table, checked the needed amount and began to cut the root into equal-sized pieces.

Miriam worked from memory, and she soon had the potion finished and poured out to cool. Silently, the two witches cleaned up the work area and stored the potion in the cupboard. They walked to the kitchen, each wrapped up in their own thoughts.

Helga sat down at the table and Miriam took a seat across from her. Miriam sprawled out, her legs stuck out in front of her and her head resting against the back of the chair. Her posture wasn't ladylike, but Miriam was beyond exhausted and simply didn't care. She closed her eyes and tried to think of anything other than the trying birth she'd helped Inga through. It was life-changing, Miriam knew, what the family would endure now. Miriam realized that she needed to get it together; she would have to brush the pieces of her messed-up circumstances aside for now. The boys would need her strength. Inga faced a long recovery, and Will and Helga would need to help her.

The clink of glass stirred Miriam from her thoughts, and she raised her head to gaze across the table. Helga had two shot glasses before her, and she was in the middle of filling them with Firewhiskey. "Here," Helga said as she magically slid the shot across the table to Miriam. "Drink."

Miriam picked up the shot. She turned the glass in her hand, the amber liquid like spun honey in her palm. "I didn't think we'd find solace in a bottle tonight," Miriam said dryly as she raised a skeptical brow.

Helga shook her head. "We won't. One shot won't hurt us, and maybe it will help us relax."

Miriam acquiesced. The two raised their glasses and drained them. Miriam frowned and sat the empty glass on the table. "Oh, Helga. What are we going to do?" Miriam asked, her voice hollow. She looked up at the other woman with sadness in her eyes.

Helga sighed and squeezed Miriam's hand. "We do as all women have done. We unite, carry on, and persevere. This too, will pass, and we will all be stronger for having lived it."

Miriam nodded slowly. Helga was right. They would rally together as a family and overcome this. It was Ian and Phineas that needed her full attention now. Miriam's plans for the weekend were forgotten; the meeting would wait. She needed time to plan a way for her to care for the boys and still uphold her teaching responsibilities.

/-/-/

Severus handed back a worn leather book to Dumbledore and waited impatiently. It was once again time for their regular meeting, but Severus found it hard to concentrate. Miriam was gone from the castle all weekend, and Dumbledore knew the reason. Snape absently gazed out the window into the darkness. The hour was late- if he wanted any information from Albus, Severus would need to act soon.

A firm rapping at the door interrupted the two. Dumbledore glanced at the clock and nodded slightly. "Come in!" he said as he snapped the book closed.

Severus turned slightly in his chair towards the door as it opened. Miriam walked through it, but she wasn't alone. A leather satchel was slung across her body, and on her hip was a sleeping child. His brown hair blended in with Miriam's as his head lolled against her shoulder. Another boy stood by her side, his hand firmly attached to Miriam's, while the other clutched a small rucksack. His pale blue eyes widened as he took in the Headmaster's office. Though Severus had never met them before, he recognized the two boys as Miriam's nephews.

"Miriam, do come in. Severus and I were just finishing up."

Miriam's eyes flitted over to the chair Severus occupied. Though they only held each other's gaze briefly, Severus noticed immediately a change in Miriam. She appeared weighed down, and Severus could see faint dark circles beneath her eyes, but there was a sense of purpose that radiated from Miriam. It was clear in the way she carried herself and the focus of her gaze that Miriam was on a mission.

"I don't want to take too much of your time, Headmaster-"

"Nonsense!" Albus exclaimed as he stood and came around his desk to stand in front of Miriam. "Is this my almost-namesake?" Dumbledore asked as he brushed back a lock of Phineas' hair. Miriam nodded and Albus smiled proudly. He glanced down his crooked nose to the blonde boy standing beside Miriam. "Then you must be Ian."

Ian nodded and said quietly, "Yes, Sir. Pleased to meet you, Headmaster Dumbledore."

Miriam smiled down at Ian, pleased that he remembered his manners while Dumbledore chuckled. "Such a polite lad! Here, would you like a sweet?" Dumbledore asked as he held out a bowl of lemon drops.

Ian's nervous look was quickly replaced with joy, but he hesitated and looked to his aunt for reassurance. Miriam nodded, and Ian reached out for the bowl, but then he paused. "Sir," he said slowly. "Thank you, but it's not fair if I get candy and Phineas doesn't."

Albus smiled and nodded in understanding. "I think I can help with that." The Headmaster drew his wand and conjured a small box from thin air. He placed a handful of lemon drops in the box, closed it and handed it to Ian. "There, now. Phineas can have those tomorrow and you can take a handful now."

With a wide smile, Ian placed the box in his pocket and scooped up a handful of candy. Albus smiled again and turned to Miriam. "Is there anything you need to talk with me about?"

Miriam shook her head. "Not in mixed company, no." The Headmaster frowned slightly at her comment. Before Dumbledore could reply, a knock at the door interrupted them and Minerva walked into the room. Miriam looked surprised to see her, and turned her questioning gaze to Albus.

"Minerva took the liberty of overseeing the changes you requested."

"Really, I can manage!" Miriam protested. "You should be home, Minerva, not here waiting for me."

"Nonsense!" Minerva exclaimed. She reached down and took Ian's rucksack and held out her free hand. "Come, it's much too late for little boys to be running about. Let's get you all settled."

Severus watched as Minerva led Ian out by the hand, with Miriam close behind with Phineas. Their abrupt departure left a void, and in the silence Severus heard Dumbledore settle back into his worn leather chair. Severus turned his gaze back to the old wizard. Albus' penetrating blue eyes stared back at him knowingly.

"You may as well ask, Severus. In return, I have a question I want to ask you."

Severus frowned as he attempted to seem disinterested. "I don't know what you're talking about."

The two stared at each other in silence. Finally, Albus spoke. "Will's wife, Inga, delivered a stillborn child Friday evening. Miriam went home to help with the delivery. Phineas and Ian will stay here until Inga has recovered."

Severus closed his eyes as he absorbed Albus' words. Of all the possible reasons for Miriam's departure, that one never crossed his mind. He immediately recalled the afternoon where Miriam bounded in, all smiles over the prospect of being an aunt again. It was odd how life could change in the blink of an eye. How crushed Miriam must feel, Severus thought bitterly.

When Severus opened his eyes, Albus' stare was still on him. "Severus, what's going on with you and Miriam?"

Severus scowled at the old wizard to cover his surprise. If anything, he and Miriam were overly cautious about showing undue affection in public. What did Albus think was going on? From the knowing look he was giving Severus, the Potions Master realized the old codger somehow knew everything. Evidently nothing that happened inside the castle walls escaped Albus. Severus weighed the options. He could continue to deny that anything was wrong, but that would be folly. It was blatantly clear that things were not as they once were.

Snape took a measured breath. "Things are not…..well between us."

Dumbledore's gaze was steady as he looked at Severus. Finally, he spoke. "I thought the two of you shared a friendship, since school if I'm not mistaken." Severus gave a curt nod, and Albus continued. "And when did this friendship turn romantic?"

The look of surprise of Severus' face brought forth a deep chuckle from the Headmaster. "Come now, Severus. I'm old, not dead. To be clear, your actions were never untoward or unprofessional, but to those who know you both well it was obvious there was something more going on."

Albus watched as Severus sat across from him, his countenance stiff. Though his face remained impassive, Albus knew the young man's mind was churning. A shadow appeared to settle over Severus' face.

"Things change," Severus replied drily. "Not always for the better."

"How can having someone's affections be a bad thing, Severus?"

Severus scoffed. "Don't make as though you have no idea. For someone in my standing, it is a very bad thing."

Albus looked at Severus questioningly. "You're worried about Voldemort, then?"

At the Dark Lord's name, Severus winced and glanced away. Albus remained silent. He knew, given enough time, Severus would talk. At length, Snape spoke. "I know what I am, Albus. To many I am nothing more than a Death Eater, regardless of what you say on my behalf. A person never walks away from the Dark Lord. Never. I also know what I owe you. Now tell me, where does that leave room in my pitiful existence for someone as good as Miriam is?"

"Wherever you make room for her, Severus."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Severus shot back.

Dumbledore sighed heavily. "Miriam is a very complex witch, Severus," was all he said. "I had hoped with bringing Miriam on staff the two of you would realize how well suited you are for each other."

Severus looked at Albus incredulously; surely he heard the old wizard wrong. "You hired Miriam so you could play matchmaker?"

"No, no! Well, perhaps a little," Albus said lightly with a wave of his hand. "I needed a Charms professor, and Miriam is more than qualified. I also thought that having an old friend around could be of help to you."

"What, has your conscience been eating at you?" Severus asked angrily. He stood abruptly. "I don't need your meddling!"

"Sit down!" Albus barked. Severus hesitated, then grudgingly sat back in his seat. After a minute ticked by, the headmaster continued. "I'm just trying to help, Severus. I rather like the idea of you and Miriam together; it makes my foolish old heart feel light. There's also the added bonus of having you both readily at hand. The cause needs you, and it needs Miriam too though I'm not yet sure why."

"The cause doesn't need Miriam," Severus said forcefully. "Miriam needs to stay far away from all this. She needs to forget me, marry someone else and live a long life far from the tangles of you and the Dark Lord."

Dumbledore's blue eyes widened slightly. "So this separation between you two isn't mutual," he said softly.

Severus waved an agitated hand. "Of course not! I am through asking others for help. You can't keep her safe, no one can except for me. I will not have another person I care for die because of my actions!"

Albus shook his head sadly. "Lily's death was not your fault, Severus." Snape scoffed and Dumbledore ignored him. "You still care for Miriam, don't you?"

Severus looked away from Albus, but after sitting in silence, he eventually gave a curt nod of affirmation.

"You should tell her, then."

Severus arched a brow. "Do I look Gryffindor to you?" he asked disdainfully. "What would you have me do? Profess my feelings on bended knee? Even if I were to do that, she wouldn't have me."

"Why not? There is always a way, if those involved are willing."

Severus frowned as he debated what he could tell Albus that would satisfy his meddling nature and still leave his privacy intact. "I can't offer Miriam a normal life, one without worry and danger. Miriam feels she deserves an explanation for certain things, things I cannot divulge without putting my duality out in the open."

Dumbledore smiled knowingly. "Severus, what about Miriam speaks of the ordinary? She is an extraordinary witch; driven, intelligent, talented, and devoted to those who have a place in her heart. If Voldemort returns, we are all in danger- our whole world, Severus, will be in danger. Pushing Miriam away will mean nothing at that point, except leaving you without a confidant."

"I cannot tell you what to do. But I doubt there is anything you could tell Miriam that would jeopardize your position. She is almost as skilled at Occlumency as you are. And I think she would rather die than betray you," Albus added as he turned to a bookshelf. He ran his fingers across several spines before selecting a tome and removing it from the shelf.

Severus watched as the book fell open to reveal something worn. Albus slid a photograph across the desk and Severus picked it up. Before him stood a group of people, which Severus recognized immediately as the Order. His eyes moved over the Longbottoms, past Moody and Lupin...Pettigrew, to stop in the middle of the bunch. His heart grew heavy as he stared at Lily, standing next to that git, Potter and his lap dog, Black.

Forcing himself to move on, he found Albus in the group, and close to him a person he didn't expect to see. There, staring back at him, was Miriam. A small smile played about her lips as her vibrant curls fanned out around her face and down her jumper-clad shoulders.

"When did Miriam join the Order?" Severus breathed as he looked at Albus.

Albus' somber expression never wavered as he looked at Severus. "I asked Miriam to join the Order while she was still at the Ministry. She'd accepted her apprenticeship and would move to an area where I needed ears and eyes. She agreed, and passed information to me until after the Potters died."

Confused, Severus asked the first question that came to mind. "So she spied on me, then?"

"No," Albus said with a small smile. "I kept my own tabs on you, Severus. Miriam gathered information from her Master and others she had close contact with under her apprenticeship. She was valuable to us, being a Pureblood and not making her affiliation with the Order common knowledge helped us gather choice bits of unfiltered information about those loyal to Voldemort and their doings. But I knew you two were in contact, and that she worried considerably about your safety."

Severus didn't know what to say. He absorbed Dumbledore's words in silence, surprised that Miriam kept something like this from him. What else do I not know, Severus wondered.

Albus cleared his throat. "As I said before, I cannot tell you what to do; what you do with this information is your decision. This choice shouldn't be made lightly, Severus, as it will have serious ramifications for your future. Do you stay as you are, alone and miserable? Or will you take this opportunity to get back the joy and companionship you've missed these past few months?

Severus exhaled slowly, and he felt the start of a headache behind his eyes. This conversation was over –at least from his viewpoint anyway. Snape stood and glanced at Dumbledore who gave him a small smile and a nod of dismissal. Severus began his walk to the dungeons, lost to his thoughts.

He honestly had no clue Miriam belonged to the Order, though he felt taken back more by Albus. Severus didn't need Albus' approval, but the old wizard gave it so readily. The quaffle was in his pitch now, and he felt divided. As much as he missed her, part of Severus still didn't know if he could jeopardize Miriam's life for his happiness. Albus raised several good points, though, about Miriam's strength and evidently superior secret-keeping skill. The other part of Severus wanted Miriam, and was willing to tell her whatever she wanted to know to get her back.

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Several days later, life settled in to a new routine for the residents of Hogwarts. The students and staff readily accepted their two young guests. It was easy, really. The boys, though eager and energetic, minded their aunt without question. They were often spotted trailing after their aunt like two baby ducks as they traversed the halls. Miriam kept them with her always, except the few instances when circumstances prevented it. During those times, Miriam secured a sitter; either Minerva, Albus, or Miss Cressgrove (the Slytherin Prefect) watched the boys.

Even Severus, who didn't know what to do with children, couldn't complain about the boys being at the castle. It was rather interesting for him to watch their interactions with Miriam. He found himself impressed by their mindful nature, but even more so by Mia's ability to juggle their needs with her teaching duties. She was very patient and kind with the boys; she never tired of answering their endless questions, and for the first time in months, Miriam began to smile again.

Severus found himself thinking about Miriam and her nephews as he waited for the students to exit his last class. The last student placed their potion vial on the work table before him and scurried out the door. The Potions Master frowned at the pale yellow liquid and shook his head. That wouldn't pass for amber by anyone's standards, let alone Severus' high ones.

Snape left the vials and went to his store cupboard to gather a few ingredients that needed prepped for tomorrow's demonstration. As he laid them out on the table, someone knocked firmly on the classroom door. "Enter!" Severus commanded.

He glanced up as Miss Cressgrove walked in, but it was who she had with her that captured Severus' attention. Little Phineas Bourgia stood next to Miss Cressgrove, a barely suppressed look of excitement on his young face. He glanced around the potions classroom, and Severus could see the hungry look in the boy's eyes as he took in the cauldrons and jars of ingredients.

"Sir, here is our house report from last month," Miss Cressgrove said as she handed a scroll over to Severus.

Severus nodded and took the scroll as Maryanne turned to Phineas. "Come on, let's go get your brother."

Phineas' face fell. "But we just got here," he said sadly.

"I know, but Ian is with Madam Hooch out on the game pitch. We need to pick him up and go back to Professor Magowan's classroom. Then you can go have dinner," she added cheerfully as she tried to sway the young child. Phineas frowned; he obviously was not impressed by Maryanne's attempt to placate him.

"It's alright, Miss Cressgrove, he can stay," Severus heard himself say. "I can return Mr. Bourgia to his aunt, as I'm sure you have studies to tend to after you get Ian."

Severus watched as the girl wavered. He could see her internal conflict play out on her face: disobey Professor Magowan's undoubtedly explicit instructions, or argue with her Head of House. Severus smirked as he saw the girl relent. Miss Cressgrove awkwardly excused herself, leaving Severus alone with Phineas.

There was a long pause as Severus glanced down his hooked nose at the boy. Severus found it odd that he wasn't frightened. Quite the opposite, Phineas appeared excited. Severus arched a brow as the Phineas extended his hand. "I'm Phineas Bourgia. It's nice to meet you."

Severus shook the offered hand. "I'm Professor Snape."

"Potions Master," Phineas breathed. "I know. Auntie M talked about you. I've wanted to meet you since I found out we were coming to Hogwarts."

"Really?" Severus said smoothly as he watched the boy take in his surroundings. Miriam talked about him? Maybe there was a small chance he and Miriam could start over if she still talked about him. Severus' black eyes narrowed when he realized Phineas could be his way in to Miriam's good graces. Perhaps this time together would prove useful.

Phineas' brown eyes settled on the vials in front of him, in their varying shades of amber. He frowned when he saw the yellow vial. "Isn't Calming Draught supposed to be an amber color?"

Severus raised a brow incredulously. "How do you know so much about potions?"

"Auntie M reads her potions book to me sometimes. I even got a potion's starter kit for Christmas!" Phineas said excitedly. "Someday I want to brew potions and have my own lab."

"Well then, let's give you some practice. To begin, line these potions up for me as though you were grading them. Best to worst," Severus added as he gestured from one end of the table to the other.

Phineas set to work and Severus finished gathering the ingredients he needed. When the boy finished, Severus surveyed his work and declared it well done. "Would you like to help me prepare ingredients?"

Phineas nodded eagerly and climbed on a stool at the end of the table. Severus placed a mortar and pestle in front of him. "Grind these dried beetles to powder," Severus said as he placed a bowl of dried black beetles next to Phineas. Severus watched Phineas for a short while to check his technique, then began to cube daisy root. They worked in companionable silence for several minutes, and the sound of crunching beetles filled their ears.

Suddenly, the classroom door flew open with a bang. Miriam swept into the room, her dark purple robes billowed out behind her. Severus and Phineas stopped their work, and looked up at her with similar expressions of mild curiosity. Miriam's grey eyes took in the scene before her. She scowled deeply as her eyes fixed on Severus.

Before the adults could say anything, Phineas piped up. "Look, Auntie M! Professor Snape is letting me crush beetles!" he exclaimed, oblivious to the underlying tension.

Miriam approached the table, folded her arms, and glanced away from Severus to look at Phineas' beetles. "I see that! You're doing well," Miriam encouraged. She hesitated, then added, "Just get that big chunk of head right there."

"I'm already on it," Phineas said as he ground the bug against the stone, completely engrossed in his work.

Miriam turned her attention back to Severus. Before she could speak, Severus said, "Do not be cross with Miss Cressgrove. I told her to leave Phineas with me, though I could tell she didn't want to. He just wasn't ready to leave yet."

Miriam's eyes widened in shock as though Severus had sprouted antlers. She reached into her robes and drew out her wand. By the flick of her wrist, Severus could tell she cast a Muffliato. Phineas frowned and looked around as he attempted to find the buzzing sound that now filled his ears. "Look," Miriam said lowly. "I don't know what you're playing at, but you had best tread lightly with my nephews." Severus saw the grip tighten on her wand as she continued. "If you so much as look at them crossly, I will unleash a fury on you so great it will make the heat of Hades seem like a damp Ireland spring. Is that clear?"

Severus' temper flared in indignation, but he quickly stamped it down. If Miriam was going to speak to him again, he needed to show some restraint. Besides, he grudgingly admitted to himself, her mistrust was well-founded. Severus suddenly realized the course he'd chosen would be be a steep uphill road. So, Severus said nothing and nodded his head in agreement.

Satisfied, Miriam flicked her wrist. Severus watched as Phineas shook his head, and the confused look he wore turned to one of accomplishment. "Look at my beetles, Professor Snape! I got them all ground to powder, 'cept here's a leg that wouldn't go. Can I come help you again?" Phineas asked as he looked imploringly at Professor Snape.

Severus leaned over and looked at the pile of powder. He'd had first years do worse; in fact, Phineas had done well. "That's excellent, Phineas," Severus replied, his surprise evident in his voice. "You are welcome back anytime, provided it is alright with your Aunt."

Phineas beamed proudly, and Miriam shot Severus a withering look. "Tell Professor Snape thank you," Miriam said as she ushered Phineas to the door.

"Thank you!" Phineas called out. No sooner had his foot hit the hallway, Phineas exploded. "Auntie M! Professor Snape let me grade his vials, and he liked the way I crushed my beetles. This was the best day EVER!"

Severus heard Phineas' exclamation through the door and couldn't hold back the small chuckle that escaped him. He had never met someone as young as Phineas be so enthusiastic about potions. Severus shook his head. The boy was something else; they definitely shared a common ground. Now, Severus thought, time to work on getting to know the oldest nephew.

/-/-/-/

A/N: Hello again! Sorry if the wait left you feeling abandoned, but it's been a busy month. Don't worry, I have not abandoned this story, I have every intention of finishing it so I can write the other ones floating around in my head :) Thanks so much for the favorites, views, and reviews. Your support means so much! See you in chapter 27...