A/N I must offer my own apologies for keeping all of you waiting for such a long time! Life tends to interfere at the most inopportune moments! I hope that chapter 51 is worth the long wait. Enjoy!

Ms. Padfoot

Apologies Accepted, Plans Perfected

Severus awoke from a beautiful dream only to have cold reality hit him like a stunner. Juno was not sleeping peacefully by his side where she belonged, where she had been in his dream. Instead, he turned and gazed upon the peaceful face of his son. He was flooded with guilt over his appalling behaviour the moment he saw the slash across Siri's cheek. He brushed the hair away from Siri's eyes and whispered, "I'm more sorry than I can ever make up for." He swallowed a sob that threatened to burst from his chest and slipped silently from the bed, careful not to wake the sleeping young man. He had made it halfway to the door before Siri called out, "Don't go."

Severus turned back slowly and stood beside the bed. Siri slid over to the edge of the bed and sat up. He patted the mattress in invitation and Severus sat stiffly beside him.

"Where were you off to?" Siri asked quietly.

"My own room." Severus said sharply.

"Why?" Siri watched his father closely, knowing that something wasn't right and knowing what that something was all about, he braced himself for the attack.

"Do I really have to have a reason for wanting to go to my own rooms?" Severus said harshly, glaring at Siri in self-defense.

"Normally, I'd say no, but at the moment, I don't think it's a good idea." Siri replied sincerely.

"Well, I didn't ask you for your analysis, Dr. Snape!" Severus snapped.

"Dad…remember what I said to you nearly a year ago?" Siri said softly. "Remember sitting in our thinking spot, when things were tense between us and we were fighting to become a family?"

Severus didn't say anything, but the anger was gone from his eyes when he looked up at Siri.

Siri stroked over Severus' head in a calming gesture and spoke even more softly, as if to a wounded animal. "I told you then and I mean it just as much today, if not more, as I meant it then. We'll fix this together, Dad, even if it takes forever. Do you remember?" Severus nodded and still didn't speak. "Running to hide in your lab or your rooms or lashing out at us, your family, is not the way to go about it. You know that, right? I'm meant to be the one we had to fix, but it seems it's you we have to retrain into not hiding out in that goddamned lab or lashing out at us."

"I know that." Severus growled, anger tingeing his voice once again.

"Don't get upset." Siri said soothingly, still stroking Severus' hair. "We're just talking it out, alright?"

"Yes." Severus whispered softly. "I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it." Siri smiled. "Rome wasn't built in a day and I would imagine a Severus Snape is a much greater undertaking." Severus snorted in reply, but a smile was teasing at the corners of his mouth.

"I owe all of you a huge apology for my actions yesterday." Severus murmured. "I don't know where to even begin. I guess with you, we're here now and it's probably the best place to start."

"If you want to." Siri shrugged, dismissively. "I've already forgiven you. You apologized last night. But if you're worried about the rest of us…Dad, we're family. Granted, we're a crazy mixed up lot of misfits, but family nevertheless. We all love you and each other. Apologizing isn't something that needs to be a grand gesture. A simple, 'I'm sorry' and maybe a hug, is perfect if you ask me." He concluded.

"Perhaps a Healing charm or two?" Severus suggested as he eyed the slash on Siri's cheek.

"Perhaps." Siri smiled. "Start with me?" Severus nodded and with a simple wave of his hand the slash was healed.

"I'm so very sorry, Siri. I'm very proud to call you my son. Don't ever doubt how I truly feel. I love you with every fiber of my being and I always will." He whispered, taking him in his arms. "I'm losing my mind without your mother. I miss her so much, Siri." He choked back another sob and Siri hugged him even tighter.

"I miss her too, Da. We'll get her back soon. Uncle Remy is already working on it." Siri reassured him, breaking away and wiping his eyes. "Maybe we should go ahead and get ready for the day and have some breakfast?"

"I think that is a brilliant idea." Severus smiled briefly, tears still swimming in his eyes. "I'll see you downstairs."

"Dad?" Siri called him back.

"Yes?" Severus turned to him, eyebrow raised.

"I'm proud to call you my father as well." He swallowed hard. "I love you too, no matter what you do or say. You're my Da and I'll always love you." Severus swallowed a lump and nodded, quietly slipping from the room.


"My son, brilliant as he is, has indicated that all that is required of me is a simple apology for my unforgivable behaviour yesterday and that all would, in fact, be forgiven." Severus said quietly when everyone had gathered for breakfast. "I, however, feel I need to do more than that to atone for my actions."

"Ron, I'm sorry for the things I said to you. My comments about you and Miss Granger were uncalled for and crude." Severus began with the young man seated to his left. "I have no real excuse other than to say that I'm not handling this situation in a very logical manner. I know I hurt you and I beg your forgiveness."

"Professor, I know this situation is the hardest on you and Siri." Ron said quietly. "I never really took any of your words to heart. I understood it for what it was, sir. There's nothing to forgive. Besides, I got a good snog out of it when I told Hermione…who by the way…thinks I'm exaggerating" The two men grinned at each other and shook hands and Severus turned to Draco on his right.

"Draco…" He paused, head hanging, as he took a deep breath and expelled it shortly. "I really was on orders from Lucius. That part was true. Everything else I said was intended to hurt and push you away. You are nothing like Lucius at all. You have shown that time and again and I am proud of the changes you have made in your life." He glanced over at Remus before he continued. "The remark about your 'real' daddy was the worst of all of it. I know that Remus is the most 'real' father you've ever had. I'm very sorry I said such awful things…to you both." He looked at Remus again and Remus nodded once in understanding.

"It's alright, Professor." Draco said softly. "I know, without a doubt, who my 'real' father is. I forgive you too." He hugged Severus briefly and sat in his seat.

"Sirius?" He turned to his friend. "Paddy…how's your head?"

"Got a knob on it you could steer me by, but I'm alright." Sirius grinned. "Merlin knows I've been in worse shape than this, but it's normally Remus I wrestle with."

"Let me see." Severus strode over and Sirius bent his head so he could get a good look. He winced as soon as he saw the purple lump on the back of Sirius' head. He waved his hand over the area and the wound disappeared. "Better?" He asked.

"Much better." Sirius smiled as he rubbed his head.

Severus placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Paddy, I'm…" but he couldn't finish as he suddenly fought for control. Sirius stood up and wrapped his arms around Severus.

"Shadow, it was Hell in there, knowing all the while that I was innocent. I came away with a lot of issues and I lost a huge chunk of my life." Sirius murmured. "But I'd go through all of it again and more for you. You're my family, my brother and I love you!"

Severus was clinging to him, sobbing into Sirius' robes and saying, "I'm sorry, Paddy. I didn't mean it. You know that, right? You're the strongest man I know, coming through something like that and able to become whole again. I don't think I ever could."

Sirius looked helplessly at Remus who quickly came around the table. He knew that Severus, usually reserved to the point of being stern, was on the verge of losing control. He stood behind Severus and wrapped his arms around him and laid his head on Severus' shoulder.

"It's alright, Shadow." He soothed. "We're here for you. We love you and we're not going to abandon you simply because you hurled a bunch of anguished insults at us. Family doesn't do that. We all know you weren't logically aware of what you were doing. You were, and are, full of pain and anger and you're trying to deal with it the best you know how."

"Remus, I want you to know that I have only the highest respect for you." Severus turned and murmured into his ear. "You're one of the bravest men I know. You put yourself through what you did to help me with my research. You took a chance on not surviving in order to ensure that I had what I needed to help others, even if it was going to be too late for you. I'm proud to call you brother." The two men hugged each other tighter for a few moments.

"If you need our forgiveness, need to hear it from us, then, I forgive you." Remus patted him on the back and murmured in his ear before letting him go. "You should try the lake sometime. Water's lovely."

"I forgive you, Shadow." Sirius said softly, squeezing his shoulder.

"I forgive you, Sir." Ron said solemnly, standing close to the others.

"I forgive you, Uncle Severus." Draco added quietly, rising and putting an arm around Severus and Remus. Both men realized the significance of this changed title.

"I forgive you, Da." Siri completed the round and flung himself at Severus. They hugged each other for several long moments. Severus rubbed the beloved comforting circles over his son's back and Siri melted into the embrace. The others just wrapped their arms around the tormented father and son.

Sonya had sat quietly observing the whole time, but the last exchange, all of them supporting Severus so unconditionally and full of love, brought tears to her eyes. Severus looked over to her as Siri released him. He moved to her side and crouched down to be at her eye level.

"I know I didn't lash out at you directly, but I said some awful things about you and for that, I beg your forgiveness as well." He said quietly.

"I forgive you too, Sev." She smiled and cupped his cheek. "We all miss her and we're scared to death for her. Don't lose hope, Severus. Pull us, your family , closer to you in this time of need. We're here to get you through this and do whatever we can to get Juno home safely."

"I know and I'm lucky to have all of you." Severus smiled sadly, looking at his rather mongrelized family. "Thank you, all of you. I really am grateful to have you. I'm proud to call you my family." He stood and moved away, tears threatening once again.

"I need some time alone. I'll be in my rooms if anyone needs me. Excuse me." He quickly left the kitchen before he completely lost control. Six worried family members sat in silence for several minutes after he was gone.

"How are you doing with this plan to rescue Juno?" Sirius asked, breaking the silence.

"I've had a few false starts, but I'll come up with something." Remus sighed with irritation. "Just give me some time to think!"

"I wasn't pushing, Rem." Sirius replied. "I'm just worried about Severus and I thought that if maybe you had something to show him, it might help. You know?"

"I know." Remus agreed. "I'm sorry. It's just frustrating. I don't know what would be the best way to go about this!"

"Uncle Remy, we know you'll give it proper planning." Siri soothed. "If there is something we can do to help at all, please, don't hesitate to let us know."

"Yes, sir." Ron spoke up. "I can get Neville to help too. We're getting better at putting our own little plans together and some of the raids we've worked on have been quite successful. We'd be happy to work with you on it."

"Any of us, Moony." Sirius smiled. "Even if you just need to bounce things off someone to see how it flies."

"Thanks for that guys." Remus smiled. "That might be just what I need to get it going. I know I have got to keep busy! I'm going mad with worry. I can imagine how Sev and Siri feel!" He wrapped his arm around Sonya, silently acknowledging her fears for her friend with a simple squeeze that pulled her close to his side.

"I'm worried, but Dad is losing it." Siri said quietly. "He had been alone for so long and now that he has all of us, he's learned to need human contact again.. He isn't handling it well at all thinking that he might lose Mum."

"Guilt." Sonya added quietly. "He is so full of guilt. He blames himself for all of this, you do realize that don't you?" They all nodded silently. "I think it might be best to keep him busy. Make him feel useful, indispensable. That will work to assuage his guilt."

"How long should we let him brood up there in his rooms?" Remus asked softly.

"Honestly? I think he needs to be alone for the rest of today, but no longer." Sonya answered, surprising all of them.

"All day?" Siri yelped.

"He needs to sort the events of yesterday and today, clear them in his conscience, settle himself to the idea that he does not have to carry it all." Sonya explained. "You have to realize the burden he has shouldered for the last twenty years! He isn't going to be capable of just handing that over to the past. He has to accept it. Figure it out for himself that he was never meant to handle it all alone. Then he'll come around to us."

"And if he doesn't?" Remus asked the question everyone had on their mind in that moment.

"Then we go in and make him." She replied simply.

"Oh yeah." Sirius snorted. "That'll be one jolly holiday, eh?" He slapped Remus on the back.

"Whatever it takes, Paddy." Remus answered solemnly.

They all sat lost in their own thoughts until Sirius sat up with an intense look on his face.

"I think we need to do some training." He announced.

"Full armour?" Draco asked, immediately.

"No…..no armour, no weapons, no shields." Sirius grinned.

"Hand to hand?" Ron queried.

"No." Siri smiled mischievously. "Animagus."

"That's right." Sirius grinned. "Have any of you been practicing?" He added, eyeing Remus sternly. He had the foresight to look abashed and shook his head. "I didn't think so. Alright…the rest of the morning, we'll be in the sitting room, practicing transforming."

"Not me Paddy." Remus said remotely.

"You need to practice too, Rem." Sirius cautioned.

"I know, but I think I have an idea for a rescue germinating and I want to give it some serious thought."

"Dismissed from training!" Sirius barked. Remus gave him a cocky salute and he made his way to the sitting room. A long table held sketches and maps and other notes for their planning sessions. He set straight to work and was joined a short time later by the rest of them. They began practicing their transformations while Remus struggled to formulate a plan to bring Juno home where she belonged.


Juno sat staring out the window of her gilded prison. She had no idea where she was. There were only rolling green hills for as far as the eye could see. The day was gloomy and shrouded in a dense chilly fog that blanketed the ground. She shivered as she imagined the chill seeping into her bones and knew it wasn't caused by the weather.

She turned and eyed the scarlet robes with creamy brocade trim and golden stitching that Peter had brought to her shortly after breakfast. He had informed her that she was ordered to wear the robes to dinner that evening and he had whispered his customary cautionary words to her before he left. At least she had managed to slip the timid man a letter for Severus and one for Siri and she felt a little better with the reassurance from him that he would be delivering them soon.

She idly twisted her empty ring finger, missing the familiar weight of Severus' ring resting there. That monster had taken it from her and told her that she would no longer be needing it. She shivered with dread as she thought back to his slimy words and icy touch. She never let him see how frightened she was of him. Instead she lashed out, often physically, and she spat at him every chance she got. He merely found it amusing, but she would rather die here than let him think she welcomed his touch. When she was alone in her room and it was quiet in this tomb of a house, then and only then, would she let down her guard and cry for her love and her family and let her fears take over.

Tears filled her eyes once more as she whispered Severus' name. She missed everyone very much. She hoped they all were coping with her capture. But Severus? She longed for Severus; every fibre of her being ached to be near him. She missed his quiet presence in the bed beside her at night. The warmth of his body, the sound of his breathing. She missed his sleepy eyes and his ready smile and his husky baritone as he murmured, 'Good morning'. She longed for that first kiss of the day, from sleep-warmed lips, and his arms pulling her close to him. She missed him burying his nose in her hair and inhaling deeply. She missed the whispered words of love, so rare from him, they were to be cherished forever. She longed for his touch, feather light and intimate as it mapped her body and made her nerve-endings sing. She wished, hopelessly, for his quiet strength, his brilliant mind and his constant love and support.

She wondered if he was taking care of himself. 'Was he sleeping at night? Or at all?' She worried about him not eating for days as he was wont to do in times of high stress. She hoped he wasn't falling back on his past defensive measures and creating a living Hell for everyone in the Manor. Knowing her Sev, he was being a nasty bastard and everyone was a target for his venomous barbs. She prayed that Remus and Sonya were keeping him under control and that if he did lose it, she hoped more than anything he was careful with Siri. They had worked so hard to become close, but Siri was still sensitive to every hint that he wasn't wanted.

She worried about Remus and how he was doing, especially this close to his last treatments. She knew that Severus would be there for him, but she had wanted to be a part of it too. She was still upset about their fight that day. She desperately wanted to talk with Remus, smooth things between them. She had thought about their argument in her long hours spent alone, reliving every word exchanged between them. She had plenty of time to sort it all and after she had, she realized that Remus had been right. She was smothering him. He had been fine, when all was said and done. The guys had been messing around and he would have been a bit out of breath and flushed in that situation after months spent laid up in bed. She owed him an apology and as soon as she had the chance, she was going to make things up to him.

She hoped that Sonya was alright too. She was grateful for Remus more than ever right now. Sonya would need his quiet strength and steadying presence. She knew that Sonya had probably thrown herself into her work. Remus would make sure she didn't go too far out on a limb. She trusted him to be there for her.

She missed her friend and often thought back over New Years' morning. It gave her a small smile as she remembered making fun of the guys and their obvious discomfort. She also realized that Severus hadn't said too much during the exchange. That meant that the crafty dodger already had Hangover potions on hand for them all! She shook her head and smiled when she realized that Ron had been so chipper first thing in the morning simply because Severus had already given him a dose. She'd have a talk about that too! She had no doubt that he had passed vials around to all who needed them as soon as they had left the Manor.

She didn't know Sirius very well, other than his history. She decided that it was time to get to know all of her 'family' a lot better. She liked Sirius well enough, mostly because he made Severus laugh. He cared for his friends very deeply and you just knew he would do anything for them. He could be rather funny and tended not to take too many things seriously. But she had paid enough attention to catch him, unaware, in a brooding moment. His haunted eyes made her shiver as she thought of all he had endured. For all of his cocky attitude and devil-may-care way of dealing with life as a whole, he showed his own form of quiet strength. He had faced his demons and come out a winner.

She knew the teens were getting the help and encouragement they needed. Ron came from a large family and he had his friends and Hermione to support him. Draco had Remus and Sonya and she wondered if they were managing to pull together as a family now. She had watched him as he morphed from a snotty, egotistical brat into a fine young man, full of honourable hopes for the future. He had trained hard to become an Auror and surmounted a huge preconception by the community simply because of his name. She had never been happier when Remus offered to adopt him and he chose to take Remus' name. She felt it was the wisest choice under the circumstances. She had been just as proud as Remus, Severus and Sirius when Draco had finished head of the class in training. It was good to see him rise above prejudice and become a powerful wizard in his own right.

Her thoughts turned sadly to her Sweetie. She missed him so much. He was as much her son as he would be if she had carried him and birthed him. The three of them had been through so much together as a family already. She had watched him come into himself. She felt every pain her boys felt as they struggled to form a relationship. So many sacrifices had been made as well as so many mistakes. But Siri was strong. She knew that within hours of laying eyes on him, battered and broken in that bed. He was a fighter. She was so proud of the young man he had grown into over the last year. He shouldered a great deal of responsibility for someone so young. She was angered by the unfairness of putting such a burden on a child. But her son was strong, powerful and determined to rid the world of the evil they all faced. He had the love of his family and the guidance of many who would point him in the right direction and stand by him to the very end. She just hoped the end wouldn't be fatal for him.

She realized that all of the men were more than just powerful wizards. They were honourable, noble, inherently good and incredibly strong in spirit. She felt a surge of relief as she knew in her heart that her 'champions' would lead the charge and bring her safely home and prayed it would be soon.

She sighed deeply, sniffed and wiped her eyes. She turned her gaze back out upon the foggy hills and returned to idly twisting her finger. She was startled from her thoughts by an evil, oily voice hissing in her ear.

"You're not dressed, my dear." Voldemort said quietly. "Are your new robes unsatisfactory? Are they not to your liking?" He ran his hand over her shoulder in his demented idea of a caress.

Juno turned on him like an enraged cat. "Get your hands off me, you pig!" She shoved him away and stalked into her private sitting room, slamming the door and locking it in a useless and childish gesture.

Voldemort followed her, easily opening the locked door. "Darling, you know you can't lock me out. That was a foolish attempt to keep me away." He smiled viciously.

Juno turned her back on him and ignored him. He slithered up behind her once again, his robes rustling quietly as he crossed the floor.

"So soft." He mused as he stroked her hair and Juno shuddered in revulsion.

"Don't touch me." She ground out furiously.

"Oh come now! Don't be shy." He soothed, turning her to face him and he pulled her close. "I can feel you trembling. I know you are affected by me as much as I am by you." He bent his head and Juno's eyes widened in horror as she realized he was going to try to kiss her.

She gave him a forceful shove that nearly off-balanced him. "Get away from me!" She shouted. "Don't you ever lay a hand on me again! You disgust me! How can you find this…situation…enticing? I find you repugnant, repulsive, hideous, vile and foul. There is nothing redeeming about you or worthy of any form of acceptance from anyone, especially me. Get out of my rooms and never come in here again!" She was breathing hard, her hair falling across her face. She was pointing her finger for him to leave the way he had come, but he merely smiled at her.

"Have you any idea how alluring you are with your eyes flashing and your face all flushed the way it is?" He stepped closer and traced a finger down her cheek. Her heart was pounding and her mind was frantically seeking a way to escape his attention. "How your beautiful hair framing your face and your alabaster skin are so demanding of my attention?"

"I told you to get out!" She growled menacingly. "I am not in the least interested in your filthy lust-driven ideas. You can't come close to being half the man Severus is!" She spat at him.

"Oh, I assure you, my dear, I'm interested in much, much, more than simple…lust." He murmured, his eyes traveling the length of her body and back to her face. "I also told you when you first arrived to forget all about Severus…Altair…Snape. He is a dead man. He no longer exists…for any of us." He quickly bent and kissed her cheek, earning himself a quick as a flash slap in the face. He merely chuckled and closed the door behind him. Juno picked up the nearest thing she could get her hands on and hurled it at the door with a roar of frustrated rage.


Severus stood at the window, staring out over the fog enshrouded grounds of Snape Manor. He idly twisted the ring on his pinky as he thought about the woman he had given it to and the promises he had made to her when he did. His shoulders slumped dejectedly as he stared blankly at the lands that surrounded his home. He had given up searching for some small sign comfort from the dead winter landscape. The familiar peace the whistling winds usually afforded him escaped his grasp. The crashing waves were no longer a comfort any more. Everything mocked him. Even the creaks and groans of the ancient Manor seemed to remind him that she was gone and offered no comfort or solace.

A pecking sound drew his attention to a robin on the window sill. He watched it for several long moments, wondering, 'Does she like robins? I'm not even sure…I'll bet she does.' It looked up at him curiously before flying off in the direction of the moors to the north, eventually disappearing into the gloomy English sky. His gaze dropped to the neatly trimmed gardens below. His beloved roses, so bright and full of life in the summer, were bare and brown and dejected looking during the cold winter months. They suited his mood perfectly and he grimly smiled down upon them.

He had been standing there, just thinking, since he had escaped to his rooms that morning. Although it wasn't visible in the cloud-swollen sky, the sun was already creeping to the western horizon, signaling another day's end. His stance had not altered, his feet planted firmly, his arms crossed over his chest. His shoulders didn't move, there was no visible evidence to prove his grief until one lone tear fell. It was soon followed by many more and a flood of them bathed his face, attempting to wash away the anguish and bleed away the guilt that filled his soul. Even with all of this sorrow, he barely made a sound, never moved from that spot before the window. His back, feet and shoulders ached from the tension and his fingers were icy in the chill of the room, but he hadn't bothered to light the fire. Still he didn't move, simply stared mournfully out his tall windows through a pair of puffy, bloodshot eyes, a lonely shell of a man, lost in memories of his Lady.

Remus was already bent over maps and parchments and scribbling furiously on another scrap of parchment when Sirius and the teens joined him a little while later. They sat quietly around the roaring fire and discussed their progress up to that point.

"Ron, let me see how you've done so far." Sirius ordered.

Ron wrinkled up his nose, screwed his eyes shut tight and strained, trying to physically force his transformation.

"Ron, you're going to pop a vein!" Siri laughed. "Your face is as red as your hair, mate!"

He opened his mouth and intended to tell Siri to just 'shut it', but instead, a low, warning growl erupted from deep within his chest.

Draco's eyebrows raised in shock and Siri laughed loudly and fell back on the sofa as Ron cleared his throat and growled again, looking rather pleased with himself. Sirius shook his head and grinned and Remus could be heard chuckling across the room.

Suddenly, Siri's expression changed and he leapt to his feet. Reaching behind himself, he brought a long, sleek, black tail around in his hand. It was hanging limply, just the tip of it twitched slowly back and forth.

"Why is it limp?" He yelped, eyeing it in dismay.

"Maybe it's imitating…" Draco snorted and choked back his comment when he caught the stern look in Remus' eyes. He sat down quickly and laughed at the pathetic excuse for a tail Siri held in his hand.

"It's alright, Pup." Sirius soothed. "It's like a new limb. You have to learn how to use it, build up your strength a bit, your control over it. Try giving it a swish…"

Siri focused intently on his weak appendage and put all of his concentration into making the tail behave as it should. Sweat beaded on his face and he growled in frustration. He dropped his tail and left it to twitch tempestuously on the floor at his feet. Draco was bent with his head between his knees, gasping for breath. Every time he looked up and caught sight of Siri's tail, he was sent into fits of hysterical laughter.

The laughter abruptly stopped when he looked up again, eyed Siri and twitched his nose…with whiskers attached to it.

"Whiskers!" Ron exclaimed, a deep rumbling growl still very evident in his speech.

Draco raised a pale hand to his face and felt his nose. It was now flat and wet and the beginnings of fur were sprouting on his cheeks.

"My face! My handsome face!" He wailed as Siri and Ron burst out uproariously at a furry-faced Draco Lupin.

"Alright, guys. Fun is over. Let's get serious about this now." Sirius cautioned as he rose to join Remus at the table. "Rem, have you been practicing at all?" He asked as he placed a hand on Remus' back.

"Yeah…I'm very furry." Remus deadpanned and turned back to his plans.

"Well, don't shed on the sofa." Sirius snorted and slapped his back before joining the teens again.

Remus didn't comment. He felt the beginnings of a tension headache stirring in the back of his neck. The laughter and camaraderie had been pleasant at first and he had chuckled willingly along with the rest of them. Now, however, as he struggled to form a viable plan of attack and subsequent rescue for them, stumbling upon roadblock after roadblock, his humour had turned foul.

When Sirius transformed and sat there on the floor looking at the boys, his silly doggy grin on his face, ears cocked and tongue lolling out of his mouth, the ensuing roar of laughter from the young men had been the last straw. Usually the silly look on Padfoot's furry face and his playful paw waving would always bring a smile to Remus' face. But this time it had been too much.

He slapped his quill down on the table and sank into a chair. He held his head in his hands and tried to rub the tension and pain away. The pressure of this plan and the disorganized thoughts in his brain were keeping him awake nights, so he was constantly turning ideas over and never caught a break from it. His shoulders and back ached from bending over the table and his head was pounding. The noise in the room hadn't helped the situation at all and now he couldn't even focus. His ears were so sensitive to every sound. Constantly trying to filter out all of the white noise wasn't doing him any favours either, but it was better than the disruptions of the four behind him.

The fire, which crackled merrily in the background for others, roared in Remus' ears. The scratch of a quill on parchment was almost comforting to some, but for Remus, it grated constantly. He had adapted over the years and learned to filter most of these everyday sounds from his conscious thoughts. He covered his ears and willed the cacophony of the room to fade into nothing but the hum of white noise he was so used to hearing at all times, even in his sleep. After a few moments of concentration he had managed to turn his companion's laughter and voices into a faint hum in the background and that was when another sound made itself known. He realized that this quiet niggling sound had been there all along. Now that it was 'quiet' and he could clear his mind, it wouldn't leave him alone. It tingled at the back of his mind and it distracted him from his plotting and planning.

Finally, he stood and paced back and forth before the tall windows, not paying any attention to the room or its occupants. He was listening intently to the odd, constricted sound that was foreign to the natural order in the Manor. The room felt claustrophobic and he fled its cheerful warmth. He stood in the cool corridor outside the room and leaned against the wall, simply breathing and listening. The creaks and groans of the Manor slowly faded from his conscious thoughts as he filtered everything but that odd, yet human, echo from his ears. Realization hit and the wolf stood straight and alert, head cocked to the side, tracking where it was coming from…Severus' rooms.

He made his way, on silent feet, up the stairs and along the upper floors to the southern end of the Manor where Severus' rooms were located. The heavy oak door was closed tightly, but unwarded. Remus felt no magic near it at all. He was about to knock, when an agonized sob thundered against his ears and he simply entered the room.


Severus stood, unmoving, before the tall leaded windows, appearing small and wretched against the vast, gloomy world outside. Tears dripped from his nose and chin as his head was bowed in sorrow. His arms were wrapped tightly around himself and he was shivering in the frigid room. His choked sobs echoed painfully as they bounced off the walls and ceiling in the massive room. Remus could even hear his throat constrict as he futilely attempted to swallow them down

Remus waved his wand and murmured an 'Incendio' spell and a roaring fire leapt to life. The chill immediately began to fade. Severus didn't even acknowledge that anyone was in the room with him until Remus reached out and placed a comforting arm over his shoulders.

"I know what you're doing and I'm not going to let you." Remus said quietly. "Not this time Severus. You can no longer afford to hide inside your walls. Let me help you, Shadow."

The tall man, once again dressed completely in black, instantly folded himself into Remus. He wrapped his arms around Severus and held him up while he broke down. Severus clung to Remus for dear life and Remus held him tightly as his agonized crying roared more loudly than the fire behind them.

When Severus' legs folded under him, Remus went right to the floor with his friend, never losing his hold on him. He never noticed that Severus was sitting on his leg, which was bent at an odd angle. He didn't care that the floor was cold and hard. All that mattered to him was the broken shell of a man in his arms. He rocked him and rubbed his back and murmured in his ear to soothe and comfort him. After several long moments seated there on the uncomfortable floor, Severus shifted off Remus' leg and feeling returned with pins and needles and a rush of warmth as the blood returned to the limb. Still Remus didn't care, he only wanted to help Severus hold on to his sanity and survive this horror he faced.

"It doesn't help if I say it's going to be alright, does it?" Remus murmured into Severus' hair. "No, I suppose not. Not when we're sitting here hoping she's safe, despite where she is. Her being safe isn't really it, either, is it? No. Her being safe doesn't fill the huge void she has left here for all of us, does it?" Severus remained quiet, his sobs slowed to an occasional hitching breath. He turned his head and buried his face in Remus' neck, surprising the werewolf with his childlike behaviour.

"I won't say that then." Remus continued, a tiny bit unsettled to see the strong man in his arms in such a fragile state. He rocked the taller man and rubbed his back, murmuring comfort and reassurance into his ear.

"Instead, I'll say that we're working on a plan. I'm working on a plan and I'll figure out a way to get her home where she belongs, Sev. I promise you!" Remus vowed forcefully and tightened his grip on Severus.

"She'll be home in time for tea." He said brightly and shook his head. "No, no time for jokes." He murmured more to himself than to Severus, who still had not said a word. He seemed to be drawing strength from Remus' quiet reassurances.

"You know me so well, Moony." Severus whispered at long last, his face still buried in Remus' neck. "I was headed down that old familiar path, blaming myself once again for failing one more person I loved."

"Severus, you haven't failed anyone!" Remus exclaimed. "You can't take the blame for something you had no control over!"

"Didn't I, Moony? Didn't I, really?" Severus cried. "I never should have let her in! I never should have dared to think I was able to have love and a family. I must have been out of my mind! I lost Lily. I should have learned from that. I cocked that up. I don't deserve to love anyone like that again."

"Severus!" Remus roared. "That's not true and you know it. Stop this right now! Juno loves you with every fibre of her being. The two of you were meant to be together and if you would stop feeling sorry for yourself for one minute, you'd realize that the two of you are two halves of the same whole. You can't exist without her and she can't exist without you. You have got to pull yourself together, man. Come on, Shadow!" Remus urged quietly.

"I'm having nightmares, Rem." Severus said softly. "Horrifying visions of what he might be doing to my beautiful Lady." He choked back another sob that threatened to make him break down again.

"We can't let ourselves get caught up in that Sev. We can't think about the 'what ifs'. We have to concentrate on rescuing her." Remus whispered back, rubbing Severus' back once more. "We need to get downstairs and bend over that table and figure out a way to get her home to us, safe and sound, where she belongs."

Severus nodded and sat up, pushing Remus away from him. "Is Siri alright?" He asked, sniffing as he checked his pockets for a handkerchief, before grasping the tissue Remus had pulled from his robes…always prepared for any eventuality. He smiled his thanks as he blew his nose and tossed the used tissue in the fire. "Thanks for the fire. I just couldn't, you know." He gestured helplessly.

"I know." Remus smiled. "You're welcome. As for Siri, when I came up he was still lamenting his uncooperative tail." Remus grinned broadly and Severus laughed softly.

"Made it as far as a tail, eh?" Severus asked. "What about you? Any progress?"

"No." Remus said with a sigh. "I really haven't been giving it much attention with all that is going on. That's alright, though." He said brightly getting to his feet and offering a hand to Severus. "I have a rescue to plan and I think I may have it figured out."

"Why didn't you say that right off?" Severus yelped, his eyes brightening considerably.

"I didn't know right off." Remus shrugged. "It kind of just came to me and when you all hear what I have to say, I'll never hear the end of it!" He slapped Severus on the shoulder and said, "Come on. Let's get everyone together. I'll head back down to the sitting room and get it all finalized and gather the four 'children'. You floo call Albus and have him contact Grigori or Peter. We need them here for this as well."

"Right." Severus nodded sharply and left the room in two long strides, Remus following closely behind him. "It's four o' clock now. Shall we invite them for tea and then adjourn to discuss your plan after we eat?"

"I think that would be an excellent idea." Remus agreed. "This may not be accepted readily by everyone and we will be able to discuss other options if necessary."

"Moony?" Severus said guardedly.

Remus raised an eyebrow in question, waiting for Severus to speak as they descended the stairs.

"Do you trust them?" Severus asked at last.

"Yes." Remus said without hesitation. "Don't ask me how I know that we can. It's just a feeling I have. Wolf thing. I know Peter was responsible for destroying your family and ruining your happiness. Mine too. I understand how you can be so cautious. I would be if I were in your shoes too, but, Sev, I can tell he has changed. He regrets what he did all of those years ago. Even though there is nothing to be done for Lily and James, he truly wants to do what he can to return Juno to you. Give him the chance. As for Grigori, he's lived a long time. He's seen a lot and I can tell he is an extremely intelligent man. He, too, has changed his perspective. He has taken a monumental chance with approaching Albus and the rest of the Order. He deserves a chance as well." Severus nodded as they reached the main hall and went their separate ways.


While Severus floo-called Albus and asked him to contact Grigori or Peter and pass along the invitation to dinner and the subsequent planning session, Remus returned to the sitting room intent on working out the final details to a plan that had started to form.

The animagus training had ended for the day, leaving the three young men rather worn out from their efforts. The four of them were draped along various pieces of furniture in the room, too tired to muster the strength for a simple game of wizard chess or Exploding Snap. Sirius was dozing in his seat, catching any sleep he was able to get. Siri was quietly talking to the portrait of his Aunt Sadistra about Juno while the portrait of his teenaged father listened intently as well. Ron was flipping lazily through Quidditch Quarterly, not really interested in any of the articles or the action-packed shots from the previous quarter's matches. Draco was draped over the arms of a comfortable chair, simply staring into space.

He was the first to sit up and take notice when Remus had rushed into the room and headed straight for the large table against the tall windows that faced the front of the Manor. He stood and waved an arm to get everyone's attention and Siri tapped Sirius on the shoulder and pointed over to the Marauder that was pacing back and forth before the windows and mumbling to himself, frequently running his hands through his hair and pulling parts of it free from the long plait he kept it bound in, only to shove it back out of his face in frustration when it tickled his face. They all made their way over and quietly took their seats, waiting to hear what Remus was going to have to say and soon from the looks of him.

He was deep in thought, tapping his wand in the palm of his hand, an occasional shower of sparks shooting from the end of it if he happened to slap it a little too hard. He stopped suddenly, his eyes raised to the ceiling as he stroked his beard. "How about…?" He murmured. "No, no…that won't work." He dismissed the idea. Draco shifted in his chair and looked to Siri, who shrugged and turned his attention to Remus.

'Come on, come on!' Sirius growled in his mind. 'Get on with it, man! I swear his flashes of genius used to be faster than this.'

Remus rushed forward and started shoving parchments aside, looking for one in particular. "Where is it?" He murmured in frustration.

"What are you looking for Rem?" Sirius asked as he stood and started to shuffle papers aside as well.

"Ah! Found it." Remus held up a plot map of the village of Little Hangleton where Riddle Manor once towered in grand fashion. He slapped it on the table before him, his fingers tracing through street markings and outlying areas. "I'm going to need more information from Grigori and Peter." He said at last, placing the parchment on a much neater stack to his right. He looked up as Severus entered the room.

"Dad!" Siri jumped to his feet and rushed over to give his father a bear hug. "Are you alright, Da?" He asked, a worried frown on his face.

"Don't worry, son." Severus smiled warmly. "I've got myself sorted. We're good to go now. Remus? Are we ready to go and get my woman and bring her back home where she belongs?"

"Soon, Shadow." Remus smiled. "I need more information from Grigori and Peter."

"They should be here shortly and after dinner, we'll get this done. It's time for Juno to come home to us." Severus pulled Siri close and squeezed his shoulder comfortingly.

At that moment a chime sounded, much like a doorbell, announcing that someone was attempting to floo into the Manor. Severus rushed from the room and answered the floo, allowing Grigori and Peter to enter.

"Severus." Grigori nodded solemnly, brushing soot from his robes.

"Grigori. Peter." Severus bowed in the honourable tradition when greeting one another. "Welcome to Snape Manor. My home is yours. Enjoy your time here, I pray you."

Grigori and Peter bowed in return and Grigori chose to speak for the two of them. "We are most honoured for your hospitality and look forward to a most enjoyable evening." Peter nodded his agreement, but was so intimidated by Severus' tall presence, he was at a loss for anything coherent to say and remained silent.

When Severus turned to him with an intense look on his face and grabbed his arms, he let out a startled squeak and struggled to get away, his ready panic urging him to flee. Realizing that he had sent Peter into a panic, Severus released him immediately.

"I'm sorry, Peter." He apologized. "I am…I just wanted to ask…."

"She's safe, Severus." Peter said quietly, calming instantly when he realized that Severus was going insane worrying about the woman held captive in Riddle Manor and not after blood, namely his. "In fact, she gave me a letter to deliver to you." Peter said, reaching into his pocket and removing two creamy envelopes sealed with the Riddle Crest

"How did she get these to you and how did you get them out without Voldemort noticing?" Severus asked suspiciously, his eyes narrowed and focused intently on the timid man before him.

Peter shifted nervously. He knew he was going to get blasted when he revealed Juno's actions to Severus and he dreaded what was to come.

"She never lets him see that she's afraid of him, Severus." He said meekly. "She has given him a run for his money at every turn. I have witnessed her slap him, shove him, and spit in his face. She holds nothing back and she gets right nasty. She does pretty much what she wants to and he lets her with the exception of leaving. He has given her plenty to keep her occupied with and this stationery is one thing. I think he expects her to write you and me to deliver it. He is nutters." He cringed, squeezing his eyes shut tightly, as he waited for the blast that never came.

He opened one eye slowly and peered over at Severus and both eyes opened wide and his mouth fell open in shock as it registered that Severus was holding his sides and laughing! In fact he was laughing so hard, he had tears streaming down his face and he was gasping for breath. Peter was curious as to why there was no sound coming from his former friend when the blood quit pounding in his ears and Severus' laughter roared to life, taking its place.

"That's my girl!" Severus gasped, trying to catch his breath, as the rest of the household came in to see what the commotion was all about.

"It's not funny Severus." Grigori spoke calmly, sobering the younger man instantly.

"You're right." Severus' lips tightened into a thin line and his black eyes glittered dangerously. Turning to Peter, he said, "Have you told her to stop?"

"I've tried to, Severus. Honest I have. She is just as stubborn as you are and she won't listen to me. She tells me to mind my own business, which has an incredibly familiar ring to it." Peter smiled grimly, gaining a little confidence from Severus' accepting manner of speech and answering smile.

"Give her a message from me, Pete." He said quietly. "Tell her that I beg of her to be careful. Tell her not to push too much. We all know what he is capable of doing to her. I couldn't bear it if he hurt her because of me or her strength and determination to fight him."

"I'll tell her, Severus." Peter nodded, startled to hear a name he hadn't been called in twenty years. It warmed him and gave him a small flicker of hope for forgiveness. "Siri, Juno has a note for you too. She asked me to deliver them to you and your dad." He added as he handed the second envelope to the younger Snape.

"Thank you…er…Peter." Siri murmured, unsure of what to call the man anymore.

"I will slip replies to her if you wish." Peter offered. "I shall see her in the morning. I supervise her walks after breakfast."

"She is allowed outside of the Manor?" Remus asked sharply.

"Er…yes, after breakfast and after tea in the evening." Peter replied.

"Where is Voldemort during these walks?" Severus asked curiously.

Peter looked a great deal more agitated as he choked out, "Planning your deaths." Siri looked nervously over at his father, whose mouth was once again set in a thin grim line.

"Let him plan." Severus snapped. "I have no intention of letting it happen. I suggest we adjourn to the dining room. Tea is served and we can continue our discussion over our meal. Then we will move to the sitting room where our plans are laid out and get this operation set in stone."


For the first time since Juno had been taken, all of the residents of Snape Manor appeared to have regained an appetite. After eating a second plate full of food and accepting a third cup of tea from Dobby, Severus pushed his plate away and leaned his elbows on the table.

"Peter, tell me everything you know of Juno's regular schedule." He ordered. "Don't leave one thing out. I need to know when and where she eats, sleeps, takes her exercise, all of it."

"Well, she has her own rooms and she is still refusing to join Voldemort for meals, so she has been eating there as well." He swallowed. "I take her for walks, sometimes as far away as Little Hangleton, but mostly on the moors behind the estate. She says she likes the view out there because it is open and…free."

Everyone grew silent as he spoke this last, lost in thoughts of the woman they were trying to bring home.

"How often does Voldemort…visit…Juno?" Remus asked carefully, his eyes on Severus.

"He comes to her rooms at least once a day, but has been known to enter as many as three times a day." Peter flinched when Severus startled in his chair, a look of alarm on his face as he allowed his mind to jump to all manner of possibilities.

"What goes on when he visits her?" Severus asked, his voice strained and tense.

"I'm not entirely sure." Peter cringed. "I know that he hasn't…touched her." You could feel the entire room relax as the worst fears were set aside, at least temporarily.

"How long do these 'visits' last?" Sirius asked sharply, a scrap of parchment appearing before him as well as a quill and ink well. He began writing down everything Peter had revealed of Juno's life in Riddle Manor. Ron, seated next to him, leaned over and watched what he was doing. At one point he pointed at the parchment and whispered in Sirius' ear. Sirius nodded, scribbled a bit more furiously and looked at Ron, who nodded his approval.

"Well, depending on how quickly she can get him out, sometimes physically shoving him out the door, they last from ten minutes up to an hour, maybe?" Peter guessed. "I can keep track of them if you need me to." He volunteered.

"Yes. Do that." Sirius murmured vaguely, writing furiously, as Ron kept nodding and whispering to him. Silence fell over the table as they watched and waited to see what had him scribbling feverishly. Sirius looked up at Remus at last and slid the parchment across the table to him.

He picked it up and quickly scanned what Sirius had written, his eyes taking on a new glittering light. "This is a very good idea guys." He said admiringly. "I think it would work quite well."

"Grigori, how many Death Eaters are around the manor on a regular basis?" Sirius asked.

"Well, depending on what is going on, anywhere from perhaps six up to twenty." He shrugged. "If there is a meeting, you know it can be upwards of fifty at a time." He looked at Severus as he said this last. Severus nodded in understanding.

"Fifty would be a bonus, eh Moony?" Sirius winked, a feral grin on his face.

"That it would Paddy, that it would." Remus agreed, a grin on his face as well.

"What are you two getting at?" Severus asked impatiently.

"If we're finished, I suggest we take this into the other room and I can explain it to you and we'll see what we can come up with." Remus stood and led them down the Main Hall to the sitting room.

When they had all settled around the table and coffee had been served to those who wanted it, Remus stood and paced a bit before speaking.

He stopped and looked at the anxious faces of those gathered around the table, fretfully waiting, and sighed heavily.

"I know this isn't the best idea I've come up with recently. It's rather simple, but for that reason alone, it just might work." He said seriously.

"Go on." Severus urged, his eyes sharpening as he leaned forward with renewed interest.

"Why don't we simply just go in and get her?" Remus asked quietly.

"What do you mean…go in and get her?" Sirius asked incredulously.

"Remus, we've been of the mind that that is exactly what we shouldn't do." Severus argued mildly, eyeing Sirius with a look that clearly said, 'Let's wait and hear him out.'

"Just listen a minute." Remus gestured with a 'wait a moment' press of his hands. "I agree we shouldn't just converge on the place. We need to plan and execute carefully, down to the last detail, but go in, get it done and get her home!"

"Alright. Let's hear it then." Severus leaned back and waved his hand toward Remus to reveal his plan.

"First of all, while we were discussing things in the dining room, Sirius and Ron were adding a new aspect to this whole plan and I want to let you in on that as well." Remus began. "Their thoughts on this were that we could make this mission serve a dual purpose. Not only go in and rescue Juno, but take the opportunity to also eliminate some of Voldemort's lackeys as well." He explained.

"Pete, would you be able to draw up a map of the wards around the manor and detail where the weakest points would be?" Remus asked, startling the meek man once again.

"Sure, Moony." Peter agreed eagerly, feeling more and more accepted as each of his former friends slipped back into the old familiar habits. "When do you want it? I can get on it right now."

"That would be great." Remus nodded and Draco passed parchment, quill and ink to Peter. He began to sketch out the area around the crumbling mansion.

"How are you seeing that happen?" Severus asked, not sure if he liked the idea all that much. "I don't want to risk Juno's safety in some hair-brained idea of wiping out half of the Death Eaters!" He argued a bit more forcefully, not liking where this was heading at all.

"Well, for starters, the boys, here, are going on a bender." Remus grinned at the teens who suddenly perked up at the idea of getting some quality time in a pub.

"Excuse me?" Severus' eyebrow shot skyward and Sirius chuckled at his friend.

"Just listen!" Remus growled. "They're going to visit the Hanged Man Pub in Little Hangleton near Riddle Manor and…"

No." Severus snapped, cutting him off.

"Severus, just hear me out first. Then we'll talk about it." Remus looked pleadingly at him. He understood where Severus was coming from. He could relate to the feelings of extreme over-protectiveness. He was having unexpected twinges of the condition himself when he thought about putting his son out there in such a dangerous mission.

Severus nodded shortly and lowered his eyes to the table. It was evident that he was not happy with it already, but he would at least listen.

"They're going to visit the pub in the village near Riddle Manor. Take a well-deserved little break from the fighting. Toss a few back, unwind a little. You can give them an inhibitor potion so they keep their heads." He further explained.

"Then, Grigori, you will arrive a bit later. Give them time to be there long enough to 'loosen up' their tongues a bit. Bring a 'friend' with you as back up, preferably someone loyal to Voldemort, just in case. The two of you will 'overhear' the boys bragging about Sev's plan to attack Riddle Manor." Severus' head slowly rose as he listened and digested what Remus was saying.

"I think I see where you're going with this, Moony." Severus smiled, a new light shining in his onyx eyes.

"Right." Remus said, a true Marauder grin spread across his face as his gold-flecked eyes brightened with excitement. "Grigori and his little buddy will run straight to Voldemort and reveal our plans to him. He will alert his forces. It's an added risk, but the benefits? We can't ignore that. At this point in the war, we're losing our shirts. If we can carry on, rescue Juno and take a few of them off our hands in the process, all the better for us."

They all remained silent, thinking over what he had said. It was a risk, but as Remus watched their faces carefully, he could see them realize it was a risk worth taking.

"You're right Remus." Peter said quietly. "Simple. Very simple, but it just might be what works best. Sev? What do you think?"

Severus drew a deep breath and exhaled slowly, not even noting the familiar use of his name. "I want her home with me." His voice cracked as he struggled with his emotions. He would never admit it out loud, but he was scared to death. He knew with every fiber of his being that he would never survive losing another love. Lily's death had nearly killed him. Juno's would for sure. "When will we do this?" He asked hoarsely.

"One week?" Remus suggested. "Peter, how are you coming on that map?"

"I have it." He stood and brought it around to Severus. "Here, here and here are going to be your safest bets for breaking the wards." He pointed to the three weakest areas in the wards, one, surprisingly, near the dungeons.

Severus studied the parchment intently. "I'm surprised to see this area as a weak point." He murmured, his long finger pointing to the area near the dungeons. "I will go in here." He added decisively.

"Grigori?" Remus eyed him. "Anything you wish to add?"

"Nothing young man." Grigori shook his head. "You may consider it a simple plan, but I consider it simply brilliant. I will gladly do my part in this mission. I look forward to helping you rescue the young lady. I am sorry I had to take her away in the first place." He said, looking at Severus, hoping for forgiveness from the young man for what he had put he and his son through.

"You did what you had to, Grigori." Severus said quietly. "I have learned one thing quite clearly over the years. You do what is for the greater good. I understand the difficult choice you were forced to make and I am grateful to you for treating her well."

"Thank you Remus, Sirius, Ron." Severus turned to his friends. "For everything."

"Don't thank us yet. Let's get Juno home safely, then you can express all the gratitude you need to." Remus smiled at him, relieved to at least have a plan settled upon.

"Dad, why one week?" Draco asked suddenly. "Why can't we do it right away?"

"Full moon, Draco." Severus spoke up. "I'm assuming that's why you're waiting a week?" He raised an eyebrow in question to Remus.

"Yes, exactly." Remus agreed. "I don't want to have any distractions when we do this. I feel it would be better to have this out of the way and then we all will be able to focus on the mission. Not to mention the fact that there is no way in Hell you're doing this without me."

"What if it makes you sick like it did before?" Draco asked.

"It won't." He said sharply, then relaxed and continued. "Last time it was only really bad on the night of the full moon and then the night after. I was still trying to change and it took a lot out of me. I was exhausted and ill and needed to rest." Remus explained. "This time is the last and I'm hoping that I'll just get a little tired and nauseous. Hoping that I will merely need some sleep and I'll be fine"

"That seems logical." Severus agreed. "Full moon is in three days. Then give another three days after, that fills our week. It should work."

"So, when do we hit the pub?" Siri asked eagerly.

"Grigori? You want to handle that and inform the boys when to go?" Sirius asked.

"I can do that." Grigori agreed. "I will owl your instructions, but I do believe this coming Saturday night would make the most sense."

"Finalize your plans and just let us know." Remus stated. "Now, here is what I see when it comes right down to the rescue itself. I think we need Jason's team and maybe one other to go along with us. That gives us about sixty troops, plus ourselves. Enough?"

The others nodded in agreement. "Sirius? Do you know what Kingsley's status is at the moment? Perhaps his group would be up to assisting?"

"I can find out and let you know about that." Sirius nodded, scribbling notes on another parchment. "I believe his group has just come in for a short leave. If they have, this would fit right in our plans."

"That sounds perfect. All teams would be well rested and ready to go out again." Severus nodded. "The recipe for success; rest, skills and determination."

"I think that Severus and Sirius should handle the rescue and be the only ones to actually enter the manor. The rest of us will surround the outside and prevent any Death Eaters from entering." Remus explained, pointing at a drawing he had made of Riddle Manor with Severus' assistance.

"No. I go in alone." Severus argued.

Siri immediately jumped to his feet. "I'm going too!"

Severus and Sirius both spoke, "No, you aren't."

"I am going in alone." Severus reiterated. "If anyone is going up against this bastard, it is going to be me."

"But Dad, I might be able to take him out and this will be over with!" Siri cried.

"Son, not this time." Severus shook his head. "It's not time yet. We need to get your Mum home first. Then we'll take care of him." He squeezed Siri's dejected shoulder gently and gave him an encouraging shake. "You'll have your chance. Let me get your mother, Siri." Siri nodded and brushed a tear of frustration away.

"I'm so tired of this." He sniffed and a hitching breath escaped his lungs. "I just want to face him down and get it over with. Him or me, whichever it's going to be. I want it done!" Severus folded him in his arms and Siri grabbed a hold tightly.

"I know you're tired, son." Severus murmured. "We all are pushed to our limits. But I'd rather it be him and there's a better chance of that happening the longer we wait. We'll call it a night. Get some rest. Alright?"

"I can't sleep." Siri admitted sadly. "I haven't been sleeping for a while now."

"Why didn't you come to…" Severus began and stopped, guilt flooding him once more as he realized he hadn't been there for Siri to turn to. "Never mind. I can give you something to help you sleep. Anyone who needs some help, I'll give you something." He added looking around the room.

Everyone shook their heads and Severus nodded. "It looks as if Siri and I are the only ones who can't sleep. That actually makes me feel better." He added with a small laugh. "That means I only have Juno and Siri to lose sleep over!" Remus said nothing.

"Severus, we will take our leave now and say goodnight." Grigori bowed. "I will be in contact with you soon to make the final arrangements to set our plan in action."

"Thank you, Grigori." Severus bowed. "Pete, thank you, too. I appreciate what you are doing for us, passing notes back and forth, keeping an eye on Juno for me. Thank you isn't enough, but it's all I have for now."

"No, thank you Sev." Peter bowed. "For giving me a chance. I won't let you down ever again. I swear it!"

Sirius blew a heavy breath out his nose that wasn't quite a snort and Remus scowled at him. Sirius looked annoyed and disgusted and turned away, angry that everyone was so willing to give this rat-faced bastard the chance to stab them in the backs again. 'I'll never understand it!' He growled to himself and refused to acknowledge Peter's wishes for a good evening. He turned on his heel and stormed from the room, the door banging loudly behind him and echoing off the high walls and ceiling.

"He'll never forgive me." Peter said sadly, his voice full of regret.

"Can you really blame him, Peter?" Remus asked quietly. "You ruined his life! You stole his youth away from him! Look what you've done to all of us!"

"That's enough Remus." Severus warned. The other man turned his back on him and flexed his hands to release tension. "Now isn't the time. Now we concentrate on getting Juno home."

"You're right, Sev." Remus agreed immediately, relaxing and running his hands through his hair again. He sighed and his shoulders sagged. "Gentlemen, good night." He bowed and left quietly, the three teens following close behind.


Severus escorted the two men to the study and closed the floo before heading up the stairs to his rooms. He settled in for the night and sat propped against the headboard, staring at the envelope with his name on it. It flowed across the face with Juno's graceful handwriting and his chest felt tight. He desperately wanted to read her words, feel close to her, but yet, he feared what those words would reveal. His heart thudded painfully in his chest and he took a deep breath and let it out. He broke the seal and pulled the single sheet of parchment from inside, smoothing it against his chest. His hands were shaking and he closed his eyes, willing himself to calm down. He swallowed hard and looked at the words. They blurred suddenly as his eyes filled with tears. He was flooded by a wave of longing and blinked to clear his vision.

'Sev,

I was going to write, 'My Darling Sev' or 'Dearest Sev'…but that just didn't seem right to me. You're just 'Sev'…plain and simple, my Sev. I have a lot of time to think around here…no wait….

First, I want to say, I love you. And then, I miss you. I don't want you to worry too much, but I know you will anyway, so I just wasted ole snake-face's ink. That makes me feel rather good actually. I'm alright, Severus. I'm being treated very well. The place is clean, the food is edible and Peter has been good company. All of that aside, I'm scared, I will admit it, but only to you, love. Peter tells me to be patient. That you're coming soon. Not soon enough, Severus! I want to come home! I'm trying to stay strong for you and for Siri, but I just want you to come and get me. Enough of that, now. I didn't mean to do that. I'm sure it doesn't help you at all. I'll be alright, honest.

As I said, I have a lot of time to think around here and I find myself, more often than not, thinking about us. I was trying to think about what it was like before you were around and I found that I couldn't remember. I mean, I know there was a 'before' you, but I can't express it. It seems that time is immeasurable since we met. There was no life before you and since you, every trial, every joy, is vivid and alive...it is existence as I now know it. The time has flown by in great leaps that last only a moment but stretch on forever. Does that make sense to you? We have only been a family for a short period of time, but I can't recall a time when you weren't there, it's as if we have been together since time began. Maybe I've been holed up in here too long and I'm losing my mind.

They say time isn't linear and it definitely doesn't seem that way. I miss you so much. I long for you. Time drags here. All I want is to go home…your home…our home. That's where I was. That's what I was doing…you know…when they came and took me away. They didn't hurt me. They were actually very kind. Isn't that funny? No…I guess it's not. I still have my things, I had them all shrunk and in my pockets. I'm not sure why they weren't taken from me. He only took my wand. I don't trust him, even though he hasn't harmed me. I hate him, Severus. He truly is evil and he tells me things like, "You no longer exist." and that, "I should forget all about you.", that you are a "dead man". I fight him every step of the way. Peter tells me to stop taunting him, that I'm playing a dangerous game. I'm not playing games, love. I am dead serious. I never let him see my fear, only my disgust and my revulsion.

You know, when I met you, I thought you were the loneliest man in the world. I couldn't understand how you could reject your son so easily. Then, I learned what a complex web of lies and deceptions your life really was. I suddenly understood that it wasn't rejection at all, but the deepest form of love on Earth, the love of a parent for his child. When your walls shattered and fell away, they revealed a man who had sacrificed so much of himself for the good of everyone else. I was amazed by your strength, dedication and determination. I watched you hold Siri when he pushed you away. I saw him grow in strength, both physical and emotional, under your steady guidance. I grew to love him as much as you and along with the two of you came your quirky patched together family. I've grown to love them all and now they are my family too.

Remus is like a brother to me…he really is. We fight and argue like siblings, but care and fuss over each other as siblings do too. Tell him, won't you? Tell him for me, that he was right and that I'm sorry. You know what I mean. How is he, Sev? I'm so upset that I'm missing his last rounds of treatments. I wanted to be there to witness it. He must be so excited about it. Sonya and Draco…are they doing well? Are the three of them pulling together as a family now? I'm so impressed with Draco. He has really come into himself. He is a fine young man. Don't let Sonya go overboard, alright, love? I know Remus is taking good care of her, but she buries herself in work when she is troubled. Give her a kiss and a hug for me, will you? Thanks, love.

And Sirius. What can I say about him? He has such a strong little...no, big…huge…soul, that you can't help but love him. How is he dealing with all of this? Still throwing about his devil-may-care attitude, no doubt. I love him. He makes me laugh. I'll bet he has been a good source of strength for you and so has Remus. Right?

Then there's Siri…our little man. Without him, we may never have met and fallen in love. It's terrible that he had to go through all he did, but in a small way, I'm glad he did. I'm thankful that you were the one to come to the hospital that night and that it was me you found.

Siri's other attachments, Draco, of course, wedged himself right into the family, just like Sonya and me. Ron…you have to just love the little lion, so feisty and so funny. Hermione, brilliant to the bone and very good for Ron. They'll have a long and happy life together. I just know it.

But this…all of this is just a waste of paper when all I really, truly want to say is how much I love you and miss you. I know that sounds all mushy and clichéd and horribly sappy, but, it is the classic line! I love you, Severus Altair Snape. I miss you and I long for you. This bed is much too large and cold without you. I cast heating charms on it every night, but it isn't the same as having your warmth lying in the bed next to me.

I held a piece of silk in my hands the other day and it reminded me of your silky fine hair. I look at the sky in the night when I can't sleep and I think of your deep dark eyes and your jet black hair (and those abominable robes that you insist on wearing). I even miss them! I miss the joking and the playing. I even miss your snarky comments when you are annoyed. I miss everything about you, everything that defines you…I miss you. I don't know what else to say, but…I'm so lonely. Please hurry and bring me home.

I love you,

Juno"

Severus carefully folded the letter and returned it to the envelope. He put it to his nose and tried to smell Juno there, but it was only ink, wax and paper. He swallowed a hard lump in his throat and sighed, clutching the letter to his chest. His mind roamed over her words, mentally counting how many times she had mentioned her love for him, how much she missed him and how many times she begged him to come and get her. He closed his eyes and whispered, "I'm coming, love. Hang in there. I'm coming."


Down the hall, a younger man was sitting in pretty much the same position, his own letter clutched in his hands. Siri had tears in his eyes and his chest ached painfully. The letter from his mum had been full of strength and encouragement. She had admitted that she was frightened, but knew that her 'boys' would be coming to get her soon. She hadn't dwelled on her situation at all. Most of what she had to say was centered more on Siri and speculating on his training, how he felt now that he was able to get out and actively fight the forces of darkness. She told him how proud he made her and that she loved him very much. She asked him to take care of everyone for her while she was away, especially his father. She told him to be careful and to remember that he always had his family to support him. And then she had signed off with hugs and kisses.

He carefully placed the letter in the night table drawer alongside the stack of his mother's letters from years ago. He tipped the contents of the sleeping draught into his mouth and settled down under his blankets. Within minutes, he was asleep, only to be jarred awake by the alarms going off throughout the Manor in the wee hours of the morning.

He was close on Sirius' heels, as all of them made for the stairs, attaching various articles of clothing to their frames. Severus arrived in the study first and answered the alarm, which was sent by Albus Dumbledore.

"Albus, what is it?" He asked anxiously when he saw the grave expression on the old Headmaster's face.

"Severus, there has indeed been a prison break from Azkaban, just as Grigori and Peter told us there would be." Albus reported wearily. "We had extra Aurors on duty and for the most part, all of the prisoners were contained. However, I do have some rather disturbing information to pass along to you as it concerns you and your family most directly."

"Yes, sir?" Severus replied, looking anxiously around at his companions.

"There were several prisoners who managed to get away." Albus said quietly. "Among them, Vincent Crabbe, Sr.; Gregory Goyle, Sr. and Lucius Malfoy. Those are three we know of for sure. Not all reports are in as of this hour, but I will inform you of any more news as it filters in. I wanted you to know as soon as possible, my boy. Be safe. All of you."

"Thank you, Albus." Severus nodded. "We have already strengthened the wards around Snape Manor. I feel we are very well protected here. Now that we know there is added threat, we will take extra precautions as well."

"I trust you will, child." Albus smiled sadly. "I'm sorry for waking the whole household, but I felt this could not wait."

"That is quite alright, sir." Severus assured him. "We appreciate your concern."

"Goodnight, all of you." He added before he disappeared in a rush of flames.

"Well, this is just peachy." Sirius said snidely and the others could only nod in agreement.

"There's not much to do about it now." Severus added wearily. "Let's just try to get some sleep, shall we?"

"Fun, fun, joy, joy." Remus mumbled as he trudged back to bed.

The tired group shuffled into the hall and up the stairs, saying their goodnights once more on the landing before going their separate ways.

Thursday morning dawned dark and snow-cloud laden. The fireplaces roared with blazing flames in every room, but around the edges of the rooms and the corridors, the air still felt chilly. It was too frigid to train outdoors, so the group opted to study their battle plans and update their maps with the recent attacks on small villages and outcroppings of civilization.

As Siri placed one more red dot on the large map on the wall, he turned to the rest of them and said, "He's getting closer to finishing his mission."

"We'll stop him, Pup." Sirius declared.

"Not soon enough for me." Siri growled.

"Have a little patience, son." Severus urged. "We're making progress. This added aspect to your mother's rescue is going to really go a long way to our advantage. It may even turn the tide in our favour for once."

"I'm sure it will." Remus said quietly. "We've planned carefully. Everyone has their part to play, even Grigori. It has to work, both for the cause and for our personal reasons."

They spent the remainder of the morning, drilling the young men and going over everything they were to do and say on Saturday in Little Hangleton. By that afternoon, the clouds had carried their burden for as long as they could and it had started to snow.

A rather thick blanket was covering the ground and Severus pulled a heavy cloak over his shoulders and went outside. He cast a warming charm as soon as the icy air hit his face, freezing his breath in his chest. He pulled his cowl over his head to keep the warmth around his face. He wandered over the grounds and out to the stables. He stood in the middle of the dirty little office and turned full circle, taking in all of the grimy and aged ribbons and photos. He sneezed violently as the dust tickled at his nose and he waved his hand to clear the room. He walked over to the picture that Siri had carefully wiped clean months ago and took it from the wall. He ran his finger over the image of the proud horse stamping his feet in the frame. Abeo tossed his head in recognition and his younger image grinned at him as he stroked the powerful horse's neck.

Severus sat in the old swivel chair and leaned the picture against the wall, staring at the image, lost in thoughts of the past.

"Do you think you'll ever have horses again?" Siri asked quietly, startling Severus to the present. He had noticed his father slip quietly away from the warmth and comfort of the family and followed him, determined to stop him from closing off again.

"No." Severus said sharply, getting to his feet and hanging the picture on the wall.

"Why not?" Siri pressed. "The stables are in great shape. Wouldn't you like to at least be able to ride again? Maybe even teach me how to ride?" He added hopefully.

When he had first had the idea of getting his father a horse and finding one that was descended from Abeo, he hadn't considered what his father's feelings on the matter might be. Now that the time to bring Abeo to Snape Manor was fast approaching, he found himself thinking on it more and more. He was filled with a feeling of dread. It was a done deal and his father had just indicated he no longer wanted horses.

"Siri, it was a dream I had as a child." Severus sighed. "I no longer have the time to devote to caring for an animal like that. They take a lot of work and you can't just own them. You have to use them, ride them, care for them. They are a huge responsibility. One I can't afford to take on and I don't see it happening in the near future either." Siri remained silent, waiting for Severus to say more. "If you want to learn to ride, then I can still teach you. We do not need to own our own horses in order for you to do that."

"Alright." Siri said sadly.

"What's wrong, son?" Severus asked as he saw the sad look on Siri's face.

"I just kind of thought it would be something that the two of us could do together, is all." Siri admitted reluctantly. He didn't want to appear as if he were laying a guilt trip on his father over the situation.

"I'm sorry, Siri." Severus said softly. "I just can't, at least, not right now. I can't. I'm sorry."

"It's alright, Dad." Siri smiled briefly. "It was just an idea."

"If you want to learn to ride, I will teach you." Severus squeezed his shoulder. "As soon as things settle down and we have some free time." Siri nodded and looked up at the picture once more.

"He sure was beautiful." He murmured. "You must have been so proud of him."

"He was a wonderful animal. I loved him very much." Severus whispered. "I was so angry with my father when he sold him and they took him away. We didn't speak for nearly a year. I was so devastated. I didn't think I would ever forgive him for doing that to me. Now I think I understand how he felt." Severus smiled over at Siri. "He was frightened for me. I was crushed by Sadistra's death. We were so close, Siri. I was getting to be a danger to myself. I really was on the brink of becoming suicidal. He did what he had to do to save my life."

"Did you ever try to…you know?" Siri asked hesitantly, not sure if he really wanted an answer. He rather liked the image he had of his dad always being strong and in control.

"Have I ever tried to kill myself?" Severus asked gently.

"Yeah." Siri answered quietly.

Severus drew a deep breath and expelled it. "I wish I could say that I never tried, Siri. But I would be lying to you if I did. When your mother and James were killed it was the last straw. I had had enough and I was ready to end it all."

Siri nodded. "But you never tried when Aunt Sadistra died?"

"I wouldn't exactly say that." Severus admitted. "I wasn't consciously trying, I guess, but racing Abeo along the cliffs after dark would certainly qualify as a definition of suicidal, don't you think?" He raised an elegant eyebrow and Siri grinned and snorted.

"Yes, I'd have to say you were certifiable." He laughed softly. "You're not thinking those kinds of thoughts now with Mum…gone…are you?" He asked, concern colouring his voice.

"No, son, I'm not." Severus reassured him. "I am much stronger now than I was then. I have no desire to shorten my life span. I have you and I have Juno and the rest of the misfits around here in my life now. I want as much time with all of you as I can get. I promise. Don't ever worry about that."

"Okay, I won't." Siri nodded. "May I have this picture?"

"Sure." Severus reached over and took it from the wall. Handing it to Siri, he said, "Let's get inside and warm up. After that, I have to brew the last batch of Remus' treatments. Would you care to help me?"

"I'd like that very much." Siri grinned and led the way out of the barn, the photo held tightly in his hands. He was flooded with dread as he thought about what he was going to have to face in a short time. He was worried now more than anything about presenting Abeo to his dad. He hoped just the sight of the horse would change his father's mind. If not, there was going to be trouble. 'Damn!' He thought miserably to himself. 'My impulses get me into more trouble!'


Severus was just bottling the last of Remus' potion when his mark flared to life. He barely managed to get the stopper fastened before the pain became so severe he had to grab his arm. Siri had hissed and grabbed his scar at nearly the same moment as Severus' arm throbbed. He was currently bent over on the stool grabbing his forehead and trying to breathe through his pain.

"Something's up." Siri gasped.

"I noticed." Severus said wryly. "Are you alright?"

"Hurts like Hell, but I'm alright. You?" Siri asked as he stood up and came around the work table.

"I'm fine." Severus dismissed his concern. "Think you'd care to link up and see what's going on?"

"Sounds like a plan to me." Siri agreed. "Let's go up to the room, shall we?"

"Lead on." Severus smiled grimly. His arm was burning completely to the bone. He knew that Voldemort was being deliberately harsh in order to send them a message. He was curious to see if Siri could figure out exactly what the message was.

Siri settled into the comfortable chair in the secret room as soon as the door closed behind them. He whispered, "Mewlin" and the locks clicked into place securely.

He concentrated on what he wanted and his inner being appeared and sought out the link to Voldemort. With a whispered word, he shimmered to invisibility and followed the link into Voldemort's head and watched from Voldemort's eyes.

He nearly lost his composure when the first sight to meet 'his' eyes was his mother. He swallowed hard and studied her carefully. She appeared to be in good shape physically. There were no marks on her as far as he could tell. She looked angry and steadfastly ignored Voldemort even though he was speaking directly to her. She had entered the room with Peter and he had led her to a chair that was just as gaudy and maudlin as Voldemort's 'throne'. She sat only on the very edge of the chair, as if to touch it made her skin crawl. Her hands were folded in her lap and her knuckles were white with tension.

"My faithful ones!" Voldemort greeted them gleefully. "I have gathered you together tonight to share the most excellent news! But before I make my announcement, I wish to express my great pleasure in the fact that three have returned to us. My loyal servants, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle and my most dependable and indispensable right hand, Lucius Malfoy. Welcome home, my friends!"

A murmur of greetings and welcoming wishes rolled through the crowd and the excitement in the room grew.

"We are most humbled by your support and well wishes, my Lord." Lucius bowed deeply before Voldemort. "We would most gladly have laid down our lives for your vision. Thank you for rescuing us from our confines. We are honoured to serve your cause in whatever manner you see fit."

"This is all I ask of any of you, my chosen ones." Voldemort addressed all those gathered. "I trust you will do as I require when I ask it of you, but tonight? We celebrate!" He snapped his fingers and tables appeared along the walls laden with food and drinks. "Before we begin, I wish to announce one more reason for our celebratory mood." He pronounced and the room grew silent.

"I am quite sure you all have noticed the lovely woman seated by my side." He smiled benignly around the room as he placed his hand on Juno's shoulder. She jerked it away and glared at the hideous creature beside her "I would like to introduce you to Doctor Juno Aesculapius, my future bride!"

A loud cheer rose up from the crowd at the announcement and Juno looked ready to bolt and run, but when Voldemort turned to take her hand and have her stand beside him, she snatched her hand away and hissed, "Don't touch me you slimy bastard!" Anger flashed in her eyes and her chin lifted defiantly. "I would rather die than marry you!"

"Careful my dear," Voldemort murmured in her ear. "or you just may get your wish." He took her hand and tucked it into his arm and moved into the gathered crowd.

Siri felt sick and was torn between remaining linked and reporting his news to the family. He desperately wanted to watch over Juno, but knew he had to go back and tell his father what was going on. He also knew there was going to be a revel and felt sick to know that his mum was going to at least have to witness all manner of horrors and prayed that Voldemort would leave her alone and not force her to participate. With a huge sigh of reluctance, he broke the link and fell back in his chair.

"Well?" Severus asked anxiously. "What did you see?"

Siri closed his eyes for a moment and swallowed obviously. "Lucius is back at Riddle Manor." He said tiredly.

"What about Juno? Did you see her? Is she alright?" He asked, tension straining his voice.

"She was there." Siri nodded. "She looked good, Dad, despite her circumstances."

Severus looked immensely relieved. He took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, I didn't ask you. Are you alright?" Siri nodded. "Need anything? Pain killer?"

"Something for my headache would be greatly appreciated." Siri admitted softly as he reached up and felt his scar. It was throbbing dully now, but picking and itching oddly too. When he pulled his hand away, his fingers were smeared with blood. "Dad…I'm bleeding."

"Let me see!" Severus knelt beside him and pushed his fringe back. He gasped as he noticed the scar. It was inflamed and a trickle of blood was running from it. Instead of a scar, it was now more like an open wound.

"Siri, I don't think you better link with Voldemort anymore. I have a feeling the more contact you have with him, the worse this is going to be for you." Severus waved his hand and the bleeding stopped. The scar sealed over, but was still more of a wound than a scar.

"I'm tired of this, dad." Siri said softly. "I just want it over with. I wish I could just go and face him down and wash my hands of it! My whole life's been dedicated to that cause and now I've found something to do after it…I want to get to that."

"I know, Siri." Severus hugged him close and rubbed his back. "I wish it could be that simple for you myself. Unfortunately, things just don't work out the way we want them to. Be patient. The time will be here soon enough and I want you as prepared for it as I can make you, if I can't do it for you." Siri nodded and yawned.

"Come on. I'll get that pain killer and you can get into bed and rest." Severus got to his feet, tugging Siri up with him.

"Mewlin." He ordered and the door opened silently. "I want to go and make sure Sonya is alright. That was one Hell of a summons and I know I was nearly blind from the pain. She might need something too. I'll get you taken care of and that's where I'll be if you need me."

"Okay." Siri yawned again and stumbled a little. Severus wrapped an arm around him and steadied him.

When they stepped into the main hall, Severus waved his hand and two vials of pain killer appeared instantly. He startled a bit, but the look of shock on Siri's face was priceless.

"Dad…how did you do that?" Siri asked in a hushed tone of awe.

"I just asked for it." Severus said, suddenly brought up short by the realization that he hadn't even spoken the 'Accio' spell out loud. He had merely thought, 'Two doses of pain killing potion' and they had appeared instantly.

"I don't know if you've realized it or not, but, you've been doing things like that a lot lately and it's getting kind of scary." Siri said quietly. "Dad that's a lot of power and you're doing things even I've not been able to figure out, like those fireballs. Are you alright?"

"I feel fine." Severus shrugged dismissively. "Maybe my heightened emotional senses are giving me a boost. I'm not quite worried about it yet. I am mildly curious about it."

"You don't think we should be worried? That maybe you should have yourself checked out? Can you control it?" Siri asked, anxiety straining his voice.

"If it'll make you feel better, I'll drop in on Poppy and have her take a look. How's that?" Severus gave him a quick one armed hug and handed him one of the vials. "I'll come down and check on you when I've seen to Sonya."

"Sounds good. I'll see you in a little while. Wake me if I've fallen asleep. I want to be sure you're fine." Siri ordered.

"Yes, Mum." Severus grinned and swatted him on the backside.

He grinned broadly when Siri playfully punched his arm and yelped, "Hey! Hands off the merchandise!" It seemed eons ago that whenever Severus had touched Siri in any way, the young man had flinched or cowered away. He had come so far thanks to the love and support of his family and friends. They owed a lot to Sonya and with that thought, he headed down the stairs to the North Corridor and Sonya's apartment.


While Siri and Severus had been dealing with brewing Remus' potion, Remus and Draco had been visiting with Sonya in the cozy living room of her apartment. They were enjoying the fire and spending time together, talking about anything and everything, when Sonya had suddenly cried out and grabbed her arm. Remus was on his feet and by her side in an instant.

"What can I do, love?" He asked worriedly.

"There's nothing, Remus." She gasped. "I just have to deal with it."

He wrapped her in his arms and she buried her face in his neck. He could feel hot tears trickle down into the collar of his shirt and he began to rock her back and forth, her head cradled in his hand.

"Dad, can I do anything?" Draco asked hesitantly.

"Would you get us some fresh tea?" Remus asked. He knew it wasn't going to be all that helpful, but it at least let Draco feel as if he were involved, which was just as important.

He stole a look at the mark on Sonya's arm and winced in sympathy when he saw how inflamed it was. The outlines of the mark were sizzling as if she were being branded. It was as if each summons, reinforced the bond by re-burning the mark into their arms.

"Does this happen every time Sonya?" Remus asked softly. "This burning of your flesh?"

"No, Remus." She whispered. "Something has him in a highly emotional state. I'm scared to death to think of what that might be. What if it has to do with Juno? Oh Merlin Remy, we have to get her out of there!" She clung to his arm and her tears flowed more freely. He wrapped a cool hand over the mark and imagined freezing the searing skin, hoping to lessen the sensation.

"I've got a plan all worked out. We'll have her home soon, love. I promise." He snuggled her up close to him and kissed her tears away. He rocked her gently and stroked her hair until the worst of the pain passed. "Alright now?" He asked, a frown of concern on his face, worry deep within the depths of his amber eyes.

Draco had returned and was pouring them all a fresh cup of tea. He handed each of them a cup and Sonya smiled gratefully.

"Thank you so much, Draco. I appreciate this more than you know." She smiled and sat up straighter. Remus didn't let her go, but cuddled her snugly into his lap and she took a sip from the cup. "I'm much better now." She caressed his face and tried to smooth away the frown lines around his mouth. "I'm glad I had you here with me. It made things easier to work through having your support and comfort." She smiled as she leaned forward and kissed him softly. She reached over and hugged Draco tightly. "It's so good to have such a loving family around me."

"We love you, Sonya. We wouldn't want to be anywhere else." Draco said, honestly. "Would we Dad?" He looked over Sonya's shoulder at his father.

"I can't think of anywhere else I'd want to be." Remus shrugged and grinned. "Are you sure there isn't something we can get for you?"

"Well, actually a pain…" She was interrupted by a knock on the door. Draco hurried to answer it.

"Good evening, Draco." Severus smiled. "I came to see if Sonya was alright."

"She's better now, sir." Draco replied. "She was really bad a while ago."

"I know. Voldemort was rather delighted this evening and I am quite sure he put extra effort into his summons." Severus remarked dryly. "May I come in?"

"Oh! Yes, sir." Draco opened the door wider and stepped back. "Sorry, sir."

"Draco?" He said shortly, commanding immediate attention.

"Yes, sir?" Draco snapped to attention smartly.

"The name is Severus or Sev or Shadow." Severus smiled. "I know that you have a hard time seeing me as a person rather than as a professor or your former Head of House, but please…we are more like family now than anything else and I prefer you use my name. Uncle if you like."

"Yes, sir." Draco cringed. "Alright Uncle Sev." He forced out with an apologetic grin. Severus laughed and slapped him on the back. He stepped further into the room.

"Remus." He nodded in greeting. "Sonya, how are you doing?" He asked gently, crouching before her and turning her arm over to look at it closely.

"It hurt like Hell, Sev." She admitted, choking up again in reaction at the flood of emotion that overtook her. Severus was the one who truly understood what it was to live with this.

"I know, love." He soothed gently and stroked her hair. "I have a pain killer for you and let's see if a bit of a healing salve won't help a bit." He smiled as he handed her the vial. She drank it down immediately as Severus pulled a small jar of salve from his pocket.

A soft scent of mint and aloe filled the air as he opened it and applied a generous amount of it to her mark.

She sighed as relief was immediate and the burning sensation soothed away. "That feels so much better, Sev. Thank you."

"You're welcome." He smiled as he closed the jar and handed it over to Remus. "Reapply that every two hours until the redness and swelling are gone." He instructed as he sat in another chair nearby. Remus still hadn't let Sonya up, despite his legs beginning to go numb

"How are you?" Sonya asked quietly.

"I'm fine." Severus reassured them. "Siri and I went to the security room and he linked."

"He did?" Remus sat forward with interest, shifting Sonya to one knee. "Did he see anything important?"

"He saw that Crabbe, Goyle and Malfoy are back at Riddle Manor." Severus replied shortly, anger tingeing his voice. "We expected that much."

"What about Juno?" Sonya asked hesitantly, not sure she wanted to know.

"He saw her too." Severus answered and Remus saw a muscle bunch in Sev's jaw.

"What is it, Sev?" He asked, knowing something was wrong.

"Siri said she looked good considering her circumstances, but I know he didn't tell me everything." He said angrily. "He's keeping some details from me and I want to know what they are."

"I'm sure he'll tell you, Shadow." Remus soothed. "He's probably knackered. He told you the vital parts, right? Let him sleep and he'll tell you the rest."

"You're right. He had a tough time tonight too." Severus admitted. "His scar opened up like a fresh wound. I healed it enough to stop it from bleeding, but it still looks like a wound instead of a scar. He's gone off to bed and I'm going to check on him before I call it a night."

"That sounds like a good idea." Remus agreed. "I think we all need to try and get a good night's sleep."

"With that, I am going to say goodnight." Severus slapped his knees and got up. Remus finally let Sonya shift off him walked Sev to the door and stepped into the hall behind Severus.

"What's going on Sev." He asked suspiciously. "There is something else going on here and you aren't fooling me. What is it?"

"Rem, have you noticed anything odd about me lately?" Severus asked guardedly.

"You mean other than the obvious problem you have dealing with things?" Remus grinned.

"I'm serious Rem." Severus said urgently, his voice low and strained. "There's something going on with me. I don't know what it is or what's making it happen. Haven't you noticed an uncanny amount of free spelling on my part? Those fireballs when I lost it? Sending you all the way to the lake? Look what I did to Sirius! There is something going on here!"

Remus took his arm and led him further away from Sonya's door. They continued to walk until they ended up in the study. "I have noticed it, but usually you were nearly out of control emotionally and I just passed it off to that. Why?" Remus asked.

"Tonight, for example, I was able to summon those two vials of pain killer without even speaking, let alone use my wand!" Severus exclaimed. "Rem, that is some damned powerful magic. I mean, I was upset about Siri and his scar, but I wasn't anywhere near losing control of my magic! I've never been that powerful in my entire life! Why now?"

"I don't know what it might be, Sev." Remus replied. "Why don't you see Poppy? I'd guess…I don't know, maybe a magical surge from general stress, or for some reason your restriction on your magic is weakening. Poppy should be able to tell you more. I'll think on it"

"I'm going to, but do you remember Juno saying that there were protective and concealing charms on me that had been there for years, possibly since I was born?" Severus said urgently.

"I remember." Remus said. "Sonya told me. Do you think it might be related to that? If they're weakening and any concealed magic is leaking, we need to know."

"I don't know." Severus shook his head. "It has me just a little on edge, not knowing what it is and why it's happening."

"Are you relatively calm right now?" Remus asked.

"Yes. Why?" Severus tilted his head curiously.

"I was just wondering if you might want to demonstrate for me." Remus replied. "I'd kind of like to see what you do and how it works."

"Remus! This is Dark magic!" Severus growled. "I don't want to mess with it."

"Psht." Remus dismissed the argument and continued curiously. "It's only Dark if you use it that way. Summon the map from the wall in the sitting room."

"And you're supposed to be the law abiding one." Severus muttered snarkily under his breath, knowing full well that Remus heard him. With a deep sigh, Severus merely raised an eyebrow and tilted his head. He looked over at Remus and smiled grimly. The map had appeared in Remus' lap.

"Merlin's beard, Severus!" He exclaimed softly as he lifted the map up and opened it. "This is a Hell of a lot of power. Maybe you better talk to Albus too."

"That's not a bad idea. I think I'll go in the morning and be sure to be back in time for your first dose tomorrow night." Severus replied. "And now, I am knackered and going to bed. I will see you in the morning. If Sonya needs anything in the night, don't hesitate to call me."

"I won't. Thank you Severus. I appreciate what you do for all of us." Remus stood and rolled up the map. "I don't think we would be as well off as we are without your skills and dedication."

"Uh…thank you, Remus." Severus was taken aback, still unused to getting acknowledged for his efforts. "Good night."

"Good night Severus." Remus murmured, his eyes on the map as he left the room. Now that he had it before him, maybe he could work something out with it for an additional mission.