-1One Down

While the teens were sleeping, curled up in the sofa chairs, Severus returned with Marissa. The girl squealed upon seeing her two favorite people, but the Potions Master quickly quieted her. Madam Pomfrey had discovered old fractures in her arms, as well as ill-healed scars on her back that made wide movement of the little girl's arms uncomfortable. She had repaired this damage as best she could, but magic worked best on wounds newly acquired. Its ability to heal old wounds was limited.

There was still evidence of the three fractures - two in her right, one in her left - but now the bone was as strong as if it had never happened. The same with the scars. You could still see them, but now they were faint and no longer inhibited movement. Pomfrey had also estimated the girl as being three and a half years old. She hoped whomever had hurt the precious child had been held accountable for their horrific actions. Severus assured her they had.

"I'm not sleepy, Sev'rus," Marissa whispered softly. She was still in her pretty dress and she swished it back and forth just to feel the material move around her as she stared at the two sleeping teens.

"I suppose not. You've been asleep most of the day. However, the boys have not slept, so leave them be," Severus instructed.

He looked around the Chamber. The huge, half-dissected basilisk sprawled near the doorway, which led to a short hallway that opened up into the room at the bottom of the slide hidden within Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. At the back of the large oval room stood Salazar's great statue. Six huge pillars on each side rose up into an elegant arched ceiling. The side door that led to the passage into the Forbidden Forest stood open because once shut it became invisible.

"If I were a great wizard," Severus murmured, glancing down at the little girl, "and this were my great Chamber of Secrets, it would be more than just a large empty room. I bet this Chamber has more secrets yet."

Marissa smiled up at him, her light brown eyes dancing with excitement. "There's more secrets, Sev'rus?" she stage whispered.

"Yes, my dear. That is exactly what I think. Care to become an explorer?"

"Oh, yes!" She took off running toward the statue, but then froze, her eyes wide and worried. "But what about my pretty dress?"

Severus smiled. "I believe that is what magic is for." He pointed his wand at the girl and muttered protection charms. "There. That should do it."

Marissa was so happy she bounced on her heels and thanked the man very politely. Severus inclined his head graciously. He very carefully kept the pang of sadness he felt from his face. The child had wanted, for a split second, to hug him, but she was still afraid that physical contact meant pain. It would be a long while yet before she initiated a touch.

xXxXxXx

Shadow woke to a dog licking his face. "Ugh!" he cried, sitting up and wiping the drool from his cheek. "Sirius!"

The big black dog barked, his tongue lolling in a doggie grin.

Scowling, ready to yell at his godfather for his immaturity, he froze and looked around. He was in a bedroom. Opulent and splendid, thick lush Persian carpeting, ornate golden bedposts, midnight blue silk sheets, and a white down comforter. An Italian armoire stood against the wall, and a heavy matching chest sat at the foot of the bed. Oriental landscape paintings hung on the wall and were so clear and precise, they almost made it seem like he was looking out windows.

"Sirius, where am I?" he asked in a hushed whisper. He looked up and gaped at the intricate painting on the domed ceiling of angels and demons fighting a waged battle among the clouds.

Sirius transformed into his human self and laughed hard. "Better than… I expected… if you could see… your face!" he said between guffaws.

"Just answer the question. Where are we?" Shadow demanded. He climbed out of the tall bed and realized he was still dressed in the jeans, long sleeved shirt, and black jacket he'd had on the day before. At least no one undressed him without letting him know.

"The Chamber. Snape let me in this morning. The side door is still open so we can get in and out through the Forbidden Forest without you. I was meeting Remy there so we could switch places again and Snape found us." Sirius, wiping tears from his eyes, slung an arm around the slender teen's shoulders. "What do you expect from Slytherins, Harry? Snape found a whole suite of bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining area, four studies dedicated to the four foundation subjects of magic, and a small library all while you were snoring away."

Shadow rolled his eyes. "Well, excuse me. And don't go back to calling me Harry."

"Sorry," Sirius said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "Don't know where that came from."

"It's all right."

They walked through a curving hallway with doors on either side. Going through a large arched doorway, he stepped into the dinning area. A long wooden table, similar to the tables up in the Great Hall stood ready with fruits in bowels and candles spread down it's length. Unlike in the Great Hall where one long bench sat on either side, there were about seventeen chairs, padded and upholstered. Severus sat at the head of the table, Draco sat to his left, a tired but happy Remus sat to his right.

"Where's Marissa?" Shadow asked, taking the seat next to his boyfriend. Draco quirked an eyebrow at him with a smirk.

"She's sleeping. She was up late helping me find these rooms," Severus answered. "Omi!"

A crack sounded and the little elf appeared with a dignified bow. "Shadow is awake. Please serve breakfast now."

"Yes, Master. Right away." Omi disappeared again and not a second later plates appeared before each of them. Sliced tomatoes, two eggs over easy, some sausage and bacon, and toast sat on each. Juice, tea, and coffee appeared in the middle and they each chose and poured what they wished.

"You summoned Omi?" Shadow asked, grateful because his stomach was desperately empty.

"I did. Slytherin's Secret Chamber is still unknown to the majority of people. I was afraid summoning Hogwarts' elves would alert Headmistress McGonagall to its location." Severus poured himself a large cup of coffee and added neither milk nor sugar.

"Draco was just telling us about your new family addition." Remus smiled at his second cub.

"Yeah. We need help taking care of her." Shadow sighed and glanced at his godfather. "You're not busy. Can you watch her?"

Sirius looked startled. "Me? You want me to watch a little girl? I don't know anything about kids!"

"Come on, Black. Don't tell me you're afraid? She's not even four feet tall," Severus sneered over at the Animagus.

"I don't see you volunteering," Sirius snapped.

"I've been watching her for two days. I have no problem with Marissa's company. However, I will be otherwise engaged in fighting the Dark Lord to care for her fulltime." He patted at his mouth and took a sip of coffee, his eyes dancing with joy at being able to bait the man.

Sirius slammed his hands on the table, making the plates and glasses rattle, as he leapt to his feet. "I'll be fighting, too, Snivellus!"

"Sirius…" Shadow shot his father a warning glance. "I know you'll be helping us fight. When you can't watch her, we'll let someone else watch her, maybe someone available in the Order. I'm just talking day to day for now. You'll be helping us plan, but going out is another matter. You're still a wanted murderer by the Ministry. You have to keep a low profile."

"I can be disguised. And it's not like you're not wanted by those fools, either!" Sirius protested, scowling at them.

"The Headmistress managed to get Fudge to rescind the order to have my son and I arrested on sight," Severus informed him, "as payment for her assistance."

"I bet he loved that." Remus smiled a toothy smile that Shadow and Draco shared with him.

"Well, hell…" Sirius sighed dejectedly. "Fine. I'll watch her."

"Thanks, Sirius." Shadow reached across the table to pat his hand. "I'm sure it'll be fun. She's really sweet."

"Speaking of the young…" Remus squared his shoulders and sat straight in his chair. "I have news."

"Moony!" Sirius barked and began laughing. "You didn't! You old dog!"

"Care to explain?" Severus asked darkly.

"It seems that our preventive measures were inadequate." The man was blushing bright red and Sirius began laughing harder, pounding Remus on his back. "I'm afraid, she's pregnant."

"What!" Shadow's mouth dropped open.

"The Ministry will terminate the baby if they find out," Draco said lowly.

That stopped Sirius' laughter in its tracks. "Well, then they won't find out," he vowed.

"The baby may have the werewolf virus," Severus said solemnly. He met and held Remus' eyes. "If that is the case, it will transform during every full moon even while developing in the womb. It will become less and less human with each transformation, and perhaps may even tear the womb, killing both it and the mother."

"I don't understand," Shadow said tightly. "I thought the virus was only transferred through a bite."

Severus shook his head. "Through any DNA infusion, actually. The bite is just the most common way. If Remus were to bleed into someone's open wound, they would be infected. Sperm also carries traces of DNA. There is a fifty-fifty chance that Tonks' body will recognize the inhuman DNA and be able to fight it off because it is so small. However, her body might just accept it and allow the fetus to develop with the virus intact. Each month as the baby grows, the virus will replicate. The mother shares blood with the baby. That is how it feeds while in the womb. So as the baby's blood cycles out of the baby and into the mother, her body will become infected as well."

Remus looked devastated. "Madam Pomfrey explained all this to us last night. I tried to get Tonks to abort, but she won't. She's certain the baby will not be a carrier of the virus. And Pomfrey detected no trace of the virus so far. She said it was too soon to tell, really, but Tonks is stubborn."

"Oh, Remy." Sirius grasped his best friend's shoulder. "Tonks is strong. She's a Metamorphagus. Her body is very sensitive to genetic changes. It'll get rid of the virus."

"Possibly," Severus agreed.

"I'm sure Pomfrey has her on immune boosters, as well," Draco guessed correctly. The werewolf nodded. "Then there's a chance."

"Thank you, Draco." Remus smiled at the young Slytherin. He straightened and tried to hide his terror and despair. "I'm sure things will be fine. Sometimes you just have to have faith."

Severus snorted, but said nothing.

Breakfast was cleared away and Remus snuck out and went to teach his first class. Shadow and Draco went to wake Marissa, while Severus retreated to the study dedicated to potions. The sleepy little girl had a room that was identical to the one Shadow woke up in, except it had paintings of Ireland on the walls, magical creatures on the ceiling, and an armoire full of her new clothes. They got her dressed in jeans and a baby-doll blouse and brought her to the dinning room table for her breakfast. Sirius was waiting for them there to meet her.

"Marissa, this is Sirius, my godfather," Shadow told her as he set her down on a chair.

She stood and smiled shyly at the dark-haired man. "Hello."

"Hey, Marissa. After breakfast, I was wondering if you wanted to play with me," Sirius asked, hoping the invitation would be accepted. He didn't really have any other ideas for the kid. "I'm kinda bored and these guys plan on getting some work done. How about we have some fun instead?"

Marissa looked over at Shadow and Draco doubtfully.

"You can play with him," Draco reassured her as he took a seat. "I'm sure you'll have fun."

"But don't I got chores? I can help you," she asked anxiously, sitting herself.

Shadow sat on her other side and shook his head. "Not today. We're going to be working with books and papers today."

"Oh." The girl pouted down at her plate.

"Hey. You'll be a big help later, but today is just boring stuff," Draco said softly, stroking her hair.

"Really?" She looked up hopefully at him, her eyes large.

Draco nodded firmly. "Really."

"Okay. I'll play with you, Sirius." She smiled, and the Animagus smiled back.

"Oh, good. I know we'll have lots of fun."

At the older man's mischievous expression, Shadow and Draco exchanged a worried glance over Marissa's head. Shadow hoped he'd made the right decision. Sighing, he sipped on some tea as Marissa had a quick breakfast and then ran off with Sirius to do god knows what.

xXxXxXx

Shadow, Draco, and Severus had a very busy day indeed. Shadow explained to them his plan on how to get the locket without revealing or endangering themselves. Severus and Draco had stared at the smug teen and had to admit it was ingenious. Shadow just needed the twins to help him with the finishing touches, and they'd be down after dinner.

Still, it took Draco and Shadow the better part of the day getting what they needed together. Severus, meanwhile, was buried in a potions project that he explained he'd been close to finishing before Christmas and he'd like to get it done soon. Shadow asked what it was about, but Severus said he'd tell him when it worked.

Sirius and Marissa appeared every now and then, and sometimes they could hear Marissa's high-pitched laughter and Sirius' deeper, bark-like laugh. None of the Slytherins felt the need to investigate. They figured it couldn't be too bad, and, really, who knows what would happen to them if they tried to interfere. The Animagus was obviously really enjoying his job as babysitter.

That night, when the alarm registered the signal knock, Shadow moved toward the entrance to let them in. He muttered to himself the whole way. They had to find a way around the Parseltongue. He didn't want to have to come to the door every time someone wanted in, and he really didn't like leaving the passage open to the Forbidden Forest.

A manticore had already come in, investigating the open passage. Shadow smiled, remembering the look of horror on Draco's face when he saw the large creature. Now they had a repelling charm at the door, but it wouldn't repel people, since that would be defeating the purpose of leaving the door open in the first place.

"Hey, mate!" Fred called cheerfully after he slide down the slide and landed in front of Shadow.

George was less restrained and just wrapped the smaller teen into a bear hug. "Long time no see!"

"Hey, guys." Shadow smirked. "Care to help me cause panic and mayhem in the halls?"

The twins shared identical evil grins, and said together, "Do you really have to ask?"

Shadow laughed and led them into, what they now called, the strategy room. In front of the statue was a large round table with papers and plans spread out on it. The two green sofa chairs were set over to the side, ready when needed. A pot of tea also sat at the table and Draco poured the twins a cup as Shadow explained his plan.

"Genius! Pure genius!" Fred said in awe, clasping Shadow's shoulder. "Why didn't I think of that?"

"What's so important about the locket?" George asked.

"I just need it," Shadow answered simply. "It's not that I don't trust you, but the fewer people who know about this, the better."

George nodded slowly. "Okay. We understand."

"Good." Shadow lifted his eyebrow at Fred. "So, any ideas for the distraction?"

Fred grinned slowly and began to laugh. "You have no idea! But…" He glanced at his brother. "It will likely get us expelled."

"Not that we care," George explained when Shadow frowned. "We were planning this regardless. Umbitch has it out for us. We breathe wrong and she gives us detention."

Shadow's eyes sharpened. "You okay?"

The twins looked unusually solemn. They were unable to answer.

"Okay. Then lets do this." Shadow silently promised himself that he would make Umbitch pay before she left the castle. "If your mother kicks you out or something drastic, you can stay with us permanently down here, but I'd rather you stay with the Order," Shadow explained, running a hand through his curls. "Your inventions have really helped them out. I'd like that to continue."

The twins nodded, and Fred leaned forward to explain their plans. Draco and Shadow listened with wide eyes and soon were laughing.

"This will be absolutely fantastic," Draco drawled, eyes bright. "It's a shame we won't be able to witness it."

"Perhaps we can," Shadow said slyly. "I think there's a ward on the castle for surveillance. Maybe we can bribe Godric into letting us tap into them."

After that, the teens buckled down to really iron out the plans. Tomorrow was going to be explosive, that was certain.

xXxXxXx

Neville was sitting in History listening to Remus' lecture on how the Muggle World War affected the Wizarding communities when he felt the floor tremble under his feet. Remus fell silent and moved toward the classroom door. He opened it just in time to see a phoenix made of purple and blue fire stream past down the hallway. The students gasped and jumped from their seats. Remus considered making them stay seated, but when another tremor went through the floor, he decided it was best to figure out what was going on.

"Everyone to the Great Hall!" he said loudly. "No stops, walk in a controlled line."

The fifth years streamed out into the hall and ducked to the side as a unicorn made of golden light cantered past. Laughs and excited cries went up and soon they were all running after it toward the Great Hall.

"What do you think's happening?" Ron asked.

Neville grinned. "I think the twins have something to do with it."

Hermione eyed her friend. "You know something we don't?"

"Just a hunch!" He laughed.

They made it to the Great Hall in less than ten minutes to see every House gathering there. The teachers were standing in the center and talking loudly and quickly. Neville was tugged to the side by Ron and was led over toward Ginny.

"Have you seen your brothers?" Hermione asked her.

The redhead shrugged. "No. You?"

"No," Ron answered.

He stood on a bench to scan the crowd. Everyone was milling around, talking excitedly as more mystical creatures of light ran and flew into the Great Hall, herding students and teachers alike. Once in the room, they circled the ceiling, putting off sparks and smaller fireworks. Everyone was looking up and pointing, eyes bright and grins on their faces. Umbridge was gesturing violently and yelling at McGonagall while that creepy Carrow woman stood at Umbridge's back and just smiled smugly.

"Students, Teachers, we have come to demand an accounting!"

Gasps and shrieks were heard as the colorful animals merged together into a gigantic face. The voice boomed out across the hall making several people cover their ears desperately.

"It's Godric Gryffindor!" Hermione yelled.

"Hogwarts was supposed to be a place of light. And Hogwarts, the great light, is dying!"

The face morphed into Rowena Ravenclaw's. "Where is the laugher in the halls? Where is the joy of learning? Hogwarts is more than bricks and mortar; Hogwarts is the people who walk the halls!"

Again the face changed, into Salazar Slytherin's. "Do not forget the true purpose of Hogwarts. Do not let Hogwarts die. Hold to Hogwarts, even if it must be done in secret. Be cunning."

Last, Helga Hufflepuff smiled down on them. "Hogwarts binds you together as brothers and sisters. Do not let the dark deceive you into believing you stand alone."

The face collapsed inward and then exploded into a huge fireworks display that deafened everyone. Huge blooms of color and sound rocked the Great Hall. Children screamed and gasped in pain and awe. The teachers were casting spells to tame the display, but nothing was working. The ceiling was a maelstrom of magical power and individual spells were merely swept aside. Slowly, after long minutes of glorious explosions of color, they tapered off, leaving the ceiling smeared with soot and the tables coated with ash.

Talk began instantly. Umbridge was so infuriated that she could only sputter. Carrow's smile was gone and instead she stared around her with cold anger, making the students near her back away quickly. Before McGonagall could answer the accusations of the Ministry appointed High Inquisitor, Filch walked in with a Weasley twin in each hand.

"No," Ron gasped and Ginny clutched his hand desperately.

Fred and George had singed sleeves, soot smeared across their nose, and their hair stood out with smoke rising from the tips. Both were wearing shit-eating grins.

"I found them trying to sneak back up to Gryffindor Tower, Miss," Filch said proudly, walking up to Umbridge instead of the Headmistress.

Umbridge practically glowed, she was so ecstatic. "Well, well. I should have known. Yes. You two have always leaned toward dangerous ventures. But this! You've really outdone yourselves time, delinquents."

"Not yet," Fred argued sweetly, as George turned toward McGonagall and said, "Headmistress, we hereby withdraw ourselves from Hogwarts School."

"We find it is no longer providing us all we need," Fred added, blue eyes burning hatefully as they stared at Umbridge.

"Oh, boys," McGonagall said sadly.

"This changes nothing! They will be punished!" Umbridge shrieked. "They have encouraged rebellious thoughts toward the Ministry and have defied Ministry authority! I will have them arrested at once!"

"I'm afraid we're rather busy," George said with an easy grin.

Simultaneously, the twins lifted wands and cancelled a spell. Brooms immediately unshrunk and appeared in their hands. They kicked free from Filch, their combined effort sending him sliding across the Great Hall floor, nearly reaching the door. Hooting, Fred and George lifted off into the air and dodged the Blasting Curses that Umbridge and Carrow shot at them. Students screamed as huge chunks of stone crumbled as the spells hit the walls instead. They dropped a few more fireworks and shot out of the Great Hall and out of the school, cackling madly and calling goodbye to the cheering students.

"Stop them! Close the wards!" Umbridge demanded, grabbing the Headmistress by her robes.

McGonagall obediently closed her eyes and pretended to do just that. "No. They escaped before I could complete the lockdown. Unfortunately, now we are locked in here with no way to contact the outside. It will take me hours to dismantle them."

Umbridge screamed in frustration and stormed toward her office, Carrow on her heels.

Once the two women were gone, McGonagall smiled at her students. "Everyone return to your House dorms. Classes are canceled for today, and I believe you all have a lot to think about."

"Can you believe that?" Hermione hissed, eyes wide as they slowly exited the Great Hall.

"That was amazing!" Dean opinioned.

"Those two rock!" Seamus agreed.

"I hope they're okay," Ron said nervously.

Ginny hugged her brother. "They'll be fine. If anyone can take care of themselves, even against the Ministry, they can."

"Yeah. They always have tricks up their sleeves," Neville reassured.

Ron smiled at them. "Yeah. Yeah, you're right. That was some show, wasn't it?"

"And the message," Hermione added. "We really needed to hear that, I think. It's going to get worse before it gets better. We can't forget that we're not alone."

The Gryffindor's nodded and walked back to the Tower feeling strengthened and encouraged by the twins' defiance. They weren't the only ones. Everyone walked a little bit straighter, held their heads higher. Especially the Slytherins. Seeing their House founder and hearing his message of being cunning had really reminded them of their power, if they but used it wisely.

xXxXxXx

"Mission accomplished!" Shadow called. He lifted the locket by its delicate chain, his lip curled in disgust.

Draco's head lifted from his own large pile and he grinned. "Great. Let's destroy it now."

Severus stood from his own examinations and nodded. "Yes. Quickly. I don't want you handling it overlong."

"I agree with you there," Shadow muttered, feeling oily magic pulsing from the Horcrux.

He waded carelessly through the Nifflers he'd borrowed from Hagrid yesterday and headed toward the basilisk trunk that contained the basilisk parts they had dissected already. The fangs were stored in there.

The furry things chattered excitedly as they played with all the shiny treasure they had found. Using secret passages and the Marauders Map, Severus, Draco, and Sirius had traveled through the school letting Nifflers into every teacher's office and private rooms to retrieve anything shiny.

Good thing Shadow had cast a multiplication spell. They had needed the two hundred Nifflers to carry out all the candle stick holders, glasses, quill sharpeners, ink wells, jewelry, watches, and everything else. They had three piles that were as tall as Shadow's waist of stuff due to the fact that they had hit all the teachers to disguise the fact that Umbridge was the real target. Plus, Severus wanted to examine anything they got out of Carrow's office, hoping it could give him a way to get at the vicious woman. The best part was, no one would suspect that they did anything. Everyone would think the twins had done it so they could have things to sell while they lived on the run.

"You have no idea how glad I am that this will be over soon," Shadow murmured at the spinning locket.

Draco opened the case and prepared the fang.

"I think I have to open it first. I stabbed the inside of the dairy, and I don't want to chance it not working," Shadow said.

"That will release the Dark Lord's influence," Severus murmured, a dark frown marring his features. "I'm not sure that is wise, but I agree. We should try to replicate what you did with the diary as closely as possible."

"I know Seraphim isn't connected to the Dark Lord anymore, but maybe we shouldn't risk you doing this." Draco gripped the fang tightly and glanced at his teacher. "Or you Severus. I'll do it."

Shadow wanted to protest, but that made sense. Since he'd marked Draco and Marissa with the mysterious wings, he was afraid his connection to Voldemort wasn't as severed as he'd thought. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Do it quick."

Pale but determined, Draco nodded. He accepted the locket and placed it on the small work table they used last year to dissect the basilisk. His right hand clutched the ready fang tightly as his left prepared to open the locket. Shadow and Severus backed off a few feet, their eyes trained on the blond teen.

Draco took a deep breath and maneuvered his nail over the clasp. Closing his finger to pop open the locket, Draco raised the fang high over his head and tensed to lower it. The locket hadn't opened. Heart pounding, tension making his hands and arms tremble, he tried again. Again the locket stayed firmly shut.

"It's spelled," Severus spoke up and walked closer to the foul thing. "In a way, we should be glad. Umbridge was unable to open it and access the Dark Lord's soul shard."

"Can you open it?" Shadow asked anxiously.

"I can. Anyone even slightly versed in Dark magic should know the spell. Umbridge is evil, but she would never stoop to using the Dark unless desperate. She fancies she is a guardian of Light and order."

"And the locket itself was good enough for her. A Pureblood artifact to mark her superiority," Shadow sneered. "She might've even been happy it wouldn't open and reveal a face or a name, proving she had no right to it."

"Are you ready, Draco?" Severus asked, wand raised.

"I know the spell," Draco snapped. "I can do it."

"It would be better if I did," Severus said coldly, eyes burning with threat. "Just plunge the fang down as quickly as you can."

"I'm well aware of what I need to do, Snape." Draco's grey eyes brightened dangerously as he glared at his professor.

"I think it's already affecting us. Do it quickly!" Shadow shouted, startling the two.

Draco nodded and Severus said the Dark unlocking spell. He didn't hear the actual words. His vision narrowed until all that he could see was the locket as it slowly popped open. Invisible rain pelted upward at him, filled with pure Dark magic. He could feel it soaking into his skin and he went ridged, a strange invasive pleasure making his muscles twitch.

"I see you, Draco Black. I see your hunger for more power. You want to be the equal, the better, of those around you. You deserve it! I can give you that power," a seductive voice whispered in his ear.

Draco shook his head. He was suppose to plunge the fang down. Pierce the locket. He had to.

"You would be so great. They will admire you. And your lover… He will learn to depend on you. He will trust that you are strong enough to keep up. He would be so pleased, Draco. How can you be anything less than his equal?"

"Draco! Stab it! What are you waiting for!"

The voice came from so far away. Shaking, confused, Draco shook his head again. He wanted to step away. He wanted to snatch the locket up. Paralyzed, he stood frozen in place.

"Oh, sweet Draco. You could be so much greater than you are. And you would have the power to protect the ones you love. You've failed in that, haven't you, Draco? You lost your mother. Don't lose your lover. Can you protect him as you are? I think not. Take me up. Take the power to keep him safe, or his death will be on your hands."

"Draco! Please. Kill it! Do it now!"

Draco glanced to the side at the urgency of that voice, but then back at the locket. He couldn't look away. Darkness swelled in him and pulled him in. He took a step forward, his arm lowering slowly. He needed the locket. But… There was something wrong. Something pounded at the back of his mind. Suddenly, a snap-shot of feeling, sight, and thought broke through the spell ensnaring him.

He remembered that night with Seraphim. The winged creature with glowing green eyes and animal-like facial features. He remembered the Black caressing his skin, making him arch with desire as it shivered along his nerves. The Black was so much purer than the Dark magic scrabbling at him now, so much sweeter than that voice hissing in his ear.

With a hoarse cry, Draco let his arm fall completely. A horrible scream pierced the air as the fang plunged into the inky darkness within the locket. Draco was flung off his feet and he collapsed onto his side. The Dark magic tattered and evaporated as if it had never been, leaving Draco shaking and horrified at how close he'd come to succumbing to Voldemort and betraying Shadow.

"Dray…" Shadow stood, finally releasing his father who had tried to attack Draco to protect the locket. Severus still had some control of himself and had not resorted to magic, but he'd physically lunged at Draco before Shadow grabbed ahold of his robes. Shadow stood and hurried over to the sobbing teen. "Draco, hey…"

Draco swung out, trying to keep Shadow away from him.

Determined, Shadow knelt and pulled him half into his lap. "Draco. You did it. You did it; it's over."

"He almost had me!" Draco screamed at him, yanking away.

"But he didn't get you," Shadow told him firmly. "You beat him. How many other people can say the same? How many other people would have the strength to do what you just did?"

Draco shook his head, his dyed hair swinging in front of his face.

"Dray." Shadow scooted over and wrapped his arms around him again. "You did it." He grinned against his love's neck. "It's destroyed. Forever."

Draco laughed and brought his hand up, cradling the back of Shadow's head. He was still shaking, but the absolute disgust slowly spilled from him as Shadow held him tight. "Thank Merlin."

Shadow laughed and pulled away. He glanced over at his father who was getting to his feet. "You okay, Dad?"

Severus' eyes flashed up in surprise. Very rarely did Shadow call him father. "I am well. And yourselves?"

"Good to go." Shadow stood and helped Draco to his feet. The Slytherin cast a subtle charm to clean his face of tears, but he was still pale and shaky. "You, Draco?"

"I'm fine," he rasped. "That was… intense."

"Yeah. Wasn't exactly how it went down with the diary," Shadow admitted ruefully.

"Perhaps because the shard had already manifested," Severus conjectured. He straightened his robes and looked over the two teens. "I recommend we go to dinner. Marissa and Sirius are most likely anxious to hear of our success."

Draco nodded and walked forward toward the back doorway that led to the dinning room. As he passed Severus, his teacher put a hand on his shoulder. He looked up with wary eyes.

"You did very well," Severus said evenly, holding his gaze.

Draco flushed. "Thank you, sir."

Shadow smiled fondly at them. Motion to the right caught his attention and he glanced over to see a Gryffindor walking over from between two pillars. He frowned severely. "Godric."

Severus and Draco turned around, wands held discreetly at their side.

"I have something for you. It is the last thing left by Headmaster Dumbledore. I was to give it to you when I sensed the destruction of a Horcrux within these walls." The serious teen reached out expectantly.

With a deep sigh, Shadow lifted his hand, palm up. Godric dropped a golden snitch into his palm and disappeared. Severus and Draco hurried to his side and stared down at the innocent looking instrument. Turning and tugging on it didn't reveal anything special about the small ball and Shadow rolled his eyes.

"Yes. Thank you. Very helpful, I'm sure," he said dryly.

"Let me see it." Severus snatched the thing from him and stared at it.

After several moments of nothing happening, Draco shrugged. "Maybe it's on a timer."

"Maybe." Shadow ran his hands through his hair furiously. "That man drives me batty, I swear. Let's go eat."

Severus trailed behind the two teens, still examining the snitch. Now he was muttering at it, his wand circling and poking the metal surface.

"Shadow! Draco! Did you beat the bad guy?" Marissa asked, bouncing on her knees at her seat.

"Draco did," Shadow told her proudly.

Sirius grinned at his adopted Heir. "Good job. Wish I could've seen it!"

"It's a good thing you didn't," Shadow shook his head as Draco accepted the exuberant hug from the little girl. "It wasn't anything she needed to see. I'm glad you stayed with her."

Sirius nodded, still unhappy at not being able to witness the destruction of the Horcrux but understanding. "Well, let's celebrate! Omi!"

The elf cracked into view. "Yes, sir?"

"We just kicked old Voldie in the shorts! We want a good celebration dinner!"

"Yes, sir!" the elf squeaked excitedly before disappearing.

Draco laughed at Sirius' behavior and settled in a chair with Marissa on his lap. He held her close, still not fully recovered from his near miss with the Dark Lord. Had he taken up the locket he wouldn't be sitting here right now. Not like this. He wouldn't be hugging Marissa or smiling at Shadow as he bantered with Sirius. He wouldn't be smirking at Severus who was lost in his own world, oblivious to everything around him as he examined the snitch the manipulative deceased Headmaster had left Shadow. He would have been lost.

Plates appeared before them and Marissa burst into excited laughter. The steaks had sparklers sticking out of them, the mash potatoes flashed all different colors, and the peas waltz around both. Draco snorted and then he was laughing, too.

Shadow rolled his eyes, although privately he was very glad to hear Draco laughing, and mock glared at his godfather. "Oh, well done, Sirius. Now we'll get motion sick while eating dinner. Brilliant idea."

"It was, wasn't it?" Sirius sighed happily and scooped up some potatoes while they were pink.

"Those were my idea," Marissa admitted with a grin. "Sirius was the one to make the peas dance."

"They're very pretty," Shadow admitted and took a bite himself when the potatoes were a peach color. His eyes widened. They tasted like a peach, too!

Marissa giggled at his expression. "I wanted dessert for dinner, so Mister Omi said he'd make it taste like dessert. The colors tell you which pie they taste like!"

"What a fabulous idea," Draco said and took a big bite when it flashed blue. "Mmm, blueberry pie."

Chapter end.