A/N: All characters in this story (other than my own OC creations) are the property of JKR. I am happily borrowing her wonderful world. NOTE: Mature section ahead. Updated 04/19/12

Chapter 54 – Appointment at the Gate

"Wizards for a Free World." Severus sneered in disgust as he threw the note down on Andrea's worktable. "Out to save us all, whether we like it or not. How noble of them … and oh, so very brave, attacking innocent women and children. Perhaps they'll blow up the school next."

"Severus, don't," Andrea sighed, her voice muffled with tiredness. "You're just torturing yourself."

"I am simply making a point. Bloody fanatics …" Severus muttered the last two words under his breath as he paced, unable to keep still.

Dumbledore ignored him. Instead, the headmaster picked up the letter and read through it once more. Absorbed in his thoughts, Albus continued to mull over the script's meaning as he tapped his ring-laden fingers on Andrea's workbench. Something about the message bothered him.

"I thought I read something about one of their leaders a few months ago. Wasn't he arrested and then released?" Andrea inquired, vaguely remembering an article she'd recently perused in the Daily Prophet.

"He was arrested, but unfortunately, after his conviction, he escaped," Dumbledore explained. "The prison staff was in the process of escorting him to Azkaban, but just before they handed him over to the Dementors, the man's followers attacked the transport boat."

"How long ago was that?" Andrea asked.

"Five days," Dumbledore replied, his expression still distant. "Just enough time for him to put this new plan into action."

"Shall we notify Shacklebolt?" The tone of urgency in Severus's voice was unmistakable. Resolutely, he clenched his jaw, his impatience unfurling like a cloak in a stiff breeze.

"I've already spoken to him," the headmaster informed them. "He and his men should be here shortly. I think it would be best if we left this, officially, in the hands of the Ministry. I am usually not in favor of their interference, but this is far beyond the capabilities of the Order."

"As distasteful and unappealing as that option appears, I must agree," Severus said. "These criminals will stop at nothing, and we do need the help. Our only chance of success is to defeat them directly at the gate and entirely under the authority of the Ministry."

"I agree," Dumbledore concurred with an enthusiastic nod, enjoying a rare moment when the two men were in complete accord. "You must appear to accept the terrorist's demands."

"As much as it pains me to admit," Snape continued. "Your Gryffindor approach seems to be the only answer. I will take my time approaching the gate so they can get a good look. They'll assume I'm alone. If the Aurors setup well before midnight, they may be able to catch the them in the act."

"But-but you can't go," Andrea sputtered anxiously to Severus, her hand automatically gripping his forearm. Her other hand flew to her neck, her small hands pulling nervously on the pale, pink skin of her throat. "That's exactly what they want. You'd be playing right into their hands. It's too dangerous."

"Don't be foolish," he replied in a soft voice as he gently detached his arm from his wife's grasp. "I am not about to sacrifice myself to these cretins."

"Of course, but why can't the Aurors just wait for the terrorists to arrive and then arrest them?" Andrea offered. "Why do you have to be a part of all this?"

"Isn't it obvious? They can't arrest innocent men. Until the group actually commits a crime, the Aurors are powerless," Severus reasoned.

"Aw, come on. They've already committed a crime. They attacked me, didn't they?" Andrea said stubbornly. "And there were a dozen witnesses."

"I assure you they will not be wearing badges or carrying signs of introduction." Snape quirked the corner of his mouth as he valiantly tried to hide his amusement. "Until they identify themselves, they could be anyone out for a midnight stroll." Turning to the headmaster, he continued, "We need to catch them committing the crime. Besides, the note was obvious and to the point. I am the key to whatever evil scheme they have planned. Without me, the trap will have no bait."

"Hmm, bait, you say?" Dumbledore mused. "Yes, I agree, but perhaps we can tempt them with an additional prize – one that would sweeten the trap."

Suddenly, Andrea felt a cold stab of fear. He was going to give them Eileen. "You've got to be kidding," she blurted in disbelief. "I-I won't allow it."

"They would not be able to resist," Dumbledore replied doggedly. "If we add a tracking charm, it could lead us right to their lair."

"Over my dead body—" Andrea threatened dangerously.

"Yes, I see," Severus nodded as he finally understood, completely ignoring his wife's protests. "The letter was written before the attack. The bloody fools automatically assumed they'd be successful."

"They believed your daughter would already be in their possession." Dumbledore pushed his glasses up his nose and looked at the letter again. "Eileen was the original target, and I am sure they were quite disappointed when she got away. But now when they realize you have her with you, they will jump at the chance to try again. You will simply be the icing on the cake."

"I know of several monitoring spells that we could use in combination," Severus added, his eyes narrowing slightly as he began to plan. "The tracking must be infallible. But we'll have to come up with a plausible explanation as to why I'm bringing her along."

No longer able to keep silent, Andrea yelled, "NOOO!" Her hair had come undone as she shook her head, the violent movement forcing a hair clasp to launch itself across the room. With a dull thud it slammed into Severus's chest. Andrea stamped her feet in frustration, truly fighting the urge to slug one of them. As both men turned to stare, she added breathlessly, "Are you both out of your minds?"

Severus lifted an eyebrow in a dramatic arch. "Are you?" he inquired with sarcastic backlash. "There is no need for dramatics. We happen to be on your side, or haven't you taken the time to notice?"

"But—"

"We will be using a decoy," Severus explained as he glared down at her, his voice simmering in irritation. Clearly, his feelings were hurt.

"What?" she said incredulously. "A decoy?"

"Of course. What kind of monster do you think I am?"

"But-but what else would I think?" she stammered back, her face turning a bright shade of pink as her fury was redirected. "You could have taken two seconds to explain—"

"Think? You never take the time to think. You assume the worst because it's easy—"

"Who's calling the cauldron black? I've never known anyone as unfeeling and self-centered as you—"

"Silence!" Dumbledore raised his hands like Moses staving off the flood. The hurtful accusations were threatening to escalate into a hellish verbal battle. "This is not the time." Tactfully, he looked over the edges of his glasses, first at Severus and then Andrea. "By any measure, this has been a rather distressing afternoon, one that has caused each of us a lot of anguish. I, for one, need to remind myself in these troubled times to keep a clear head. I urge you to do the same."

Andrea lowered her head and turned away, the long skirt of her robes swishing angrily around her ankles. Although she knew Albus was right, she refused to apologize, at least not this time. Severus or Dumbledore should have explained about the decoy. They were both at fault.

Into the silence of the wand workshop, they heard Minerva's voice calling from the Floo in Andrea's office. Kingsley had arrived.

"I suggest we continue our discussion in my office," Dumbledore hurriedly advised.

Severus nodded, but he couldn't help stealing a glance in Andrea's direction. Captured by a twinge of guilt, his eyes were pinned uncontrollably to his wife's stiffened back.

Dumbledore followed Snape's gaze before clearing his throat. "Perhaps it would be best if you joined us in a few minutes? It will give me time to explain all this to Kingsley."

Severus said nothing. His attention was focused elsewhere. Discreetly, Albus made his way out.

After the headmaster left, Snape quietly took a few steps closer to his wife. Her long hair, he noticed, hung in a semi-tangle; the wisps of unleashed curls fanning out in a bushy mass completely obscuring her upper body. Underneath, he imagined her shoulders set in a tight stance, her arms stiff and trembling. The only part he could see ended in a pair of clenched and angry fists. He'd been wrong, and he knew it. And now, he had absolutely no idea what to say next.

"I will take the decoy," Andrea stated firmly in a soft voice, breaking the silence.

"What?" Severus gasped. It was his turn to be shocked.

"Yes, me." She whirled around. "It makes perfect sense."

"I think not. Even if I was unfeeling enough to toss you to the terrorists, they'd never believe you'd give up your own child," he scowled. "As for myself, they're already convinced of my lack of scruples. When I ask them to take Eileen in exchange for saving my life, they'll have no reason to doubt me."

"Now you're the one talking nonsense," Andrea argued. "Once they've captured you, they'll never let you go free. They'll realize you've tricked them, and then … then you're as good as dead."

Severus shook his head. As he moved, a few uneven strands of his sleek, black hair dropped inconveniently across his right eye, making him blink. He was about to speak when Andrea stepped forward and placed a finger on his lips.

"Wait," she continued. "There's got to be another way. What if I took some Polyjuice and disguised myself as you—"

"Pfft," he scoffed, the idea so absurd he almost burst out laughing. "Why on earth would you do a foolish thing like that—?"

"Because they'll kill you," Andrea replied, quickly cutting him off. "Don't you see? If I go with them appearing to be you, they'll be completely fooled. And once the Polyjuice potion wears off, they'll realize their mistake and let me go. They wouldn't hurt an innocent—"

"And I'm not innocent, is that it?" Severus sneered.

"That's not what I meant."

Frowning, Severus reached up and touched Andrea's cheek. The pale, pink skin was marred by a small, vertical cut he hadn't noticed before. The fine, red slash stung his heart. It was a cruel reminder of her vulnerability. "I know," he conceded in a low voice, barely hiding his frustration. "But you're not looking at all the facts. For one thing, you can't go beyond the Hogwarts' gate without an escort."

Andrea rolled her eyes. "Kingsley will be right there—"

"Secondly," he interrupted, dipping his head down just enough to kiss her forehead. "Once they've taken you prisoner, they'll have every reason to keep you. You would be the perfect hostage. They could demand anything in exchange for your release." Andrea sighed. "Besides," Severus added smugly, allowing a sly smile to grace his lips. "Polyjuice takes over a month to brew. We only have six hours until our rendezvous."

"Are you done?"

"No, I am not," he replied a little too harshly. "I am a selfish man, or perhaps I should say 'self-centered,' as you so aptly described earlier—"

"Severus—"

"Let me finish. I never do anything unless it is for my own benefit." His voice fell to a mere whisper as he spoke directly into her ear. "The truth of the matter is … if anything would happen to you … I would die." Taking her in his arms, he opened his mouth to say more, but he simply couldn't. Instead, his hot, moist breath came in waves as it settled heavily on her neck. Rendered momentarily speechless, he waited.

"Okay," she replied in a small voice. "You win. But if this really works, I guess we both win."

"Precisely."

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Later, in the headmaster's office, a workable plan had come together. Well before midnight, a group of five Aurors would position themselves along the wall on both sides of the western gate. Concealed by an Auror-reinforced Disillusionment charm, the team had been advised to lay hidden and wait for Snape to appear with the decoy. The gate was to be left open and unlocked, the wards and protective spells completely removed. It was hoped that the inviting lure of an open gate would pull the visitors directly onto the school grounds. At least that would prevent them from escaping by Apparition. Once the terrorists revealed themselves, the Aurors would not immediately attack. Instead, they were instructed to lie low and monitor the situation until Snape completed the transaction. It would be his job to convince the criminals to take the decoy in exchange for both his safety and Andrea's.

Next, the decoy was made ready. Andrea took charge, packing a bundle of clothes in a light blanket. Slyly concealed within the coverlet's wool fabric, the contents had been charmed to move and react exactly like that of a young child. In addition, a babbling charm had been added. With Severus's help, the intonation was ingeniously adjusted to imitate Eileen's voice. Although repetitious, the sound was partially masked by the fabric of the blanket. Dumbledore hoped that in their eagerness to snatch the baby, the attackers would never notice the ruse.

The plan's success would ultimately be determined by the actions of the kidnappers after they'd stolen the decoy. If the bundle arrived safely at the villains' headquarters with the tracking charm still intact, the joined forces of the Ministry Aurors and the American MBI should easily locate the site and make the arrests.

Despite her insistence to do otherwise, Andrea was instructed to remain under the protection of Hogwarts castle watching over Eileen in the nursery. After all, it was an important job, and with a guard posted just outside the wand workshop, the apartment seemed a reasonably safe place to wait.

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A few minutes before midnight, Severus strode purposefully down the path to the western gate, arriving exactly on time. On his back he carried the small bundle of bewitched clothing, the package already making a variety of soft, cooing sounds. As he shifted the weight across his shoulders, the noises rising from the bundle changed pitch slightly, the spell adjusting the tone based on the decoy's movements.

As instructed, the five Aurors waited in their hiding places, two on either side of the entrance. Shacklebolt stood directly between the stone pillars, intent on covering Snape's approach.

Once he'd arrived, Severus stood quietly a few paces beyond the gate, observing the scene. Although unable to see the Disillusioned Aurors, he knew they were there, but his watchful eyes continued to monitor the path in the darkness. While he waited, Snape noted that the night air had turned unusually warm. A modest breeze had blown up from the southeast to run unhindered across the school grounds. The direction of the wind caused the smell of moist, rotting leaves to drift toward his position from the Forbidden Forest to fill Snape's nostrils. The pungent smell, he thought, would forever be linked in his memory to this night. Forcing himself to concentrate on the task ahead, he straightened and continued to peer watchfully out into the night.

After waiting an uneventful half hour, Severus heard a disturbance to his right. He'd caught a brief sound of scratching, the noise indicating the possibility of movement along the outside wall. An animal of some sort, he thought, its feet occasionally snapping a twig as it hobbled slowly along the perimeter. In the dim shadow of the stones, Snape could barely make out a faint pair of white stripes, the marking a vibrant warning of an approaching skunk.

Based on Andrea's description, Severus immediately suspected the animal to be the Animagus that had caused the disruption in the Three Broomsticks. She'd pointed it out to him earlier in a wildlife identification book. Based on her research, the dual stripe pattern of this particular species of skunk was native only to North America. It was a clear giveaway.

Snape realized he had to act fast. Motioning discretely to the watching sentries, he recognized the faint shimmer of magic as two Aurors moved carefully in the direction of the animal. His attention temporarily diverted, Severus, too, turned to observe the suspected menace, never noticing the small, white mouse that approached from the opposite direction. It hopped in a series of short spurts, moving steadily forward until it reached the heel of Snape's boot.

Instantly, it transformed into a wizard. Making use of the shadows, the short, bent body of the intruder easily tore the bundle off Severus's back. Caught by surprise, Snape had no time to react. The decoy was ripped completely away, its contents remaining intact as the thief ran to reach the far side of the gate. Within seconds, the Animagus – now turned wizard – Apparated out of sight, the loud "pop" from his spell echoing off the stone walls.

The skunk had continued to approach, timing his arrival with the theft of the decoy. Transforming back into a wizard, the man dexterously slid his hands forward along the stones to retrieve his wand. The tool had been concealed within a secure niche among the stonework. Joined immediately by two others, the new arrivals converged on either side of Severus.

Shit, Severus thought. He'd had no time to negotiate. Now, without 'Eileen' to use as trade, there was no other option but to fight. But perhaps a dose of verbal wordplay would delay their actions long enough for the Aurors to react.

"Well, I see congratulations are in order. You've finally succeeded in taking my daughter." Severus sneered and took a step back. "I commend you on your fine acheivement. Now that you have what you came for, I'm sure you'll understand if I take my leave."

Ignoring Snape's snarky comments, the attackers remained silent as they thrust their wands forward, ready to apprehend their target. A quick spell sent ropes flying in wild loops across Snape's body, but he blasted out a non-verbal Protego, the Shield Charm, scattering the magical bindings in all directions. At the same time, a green shot of magic flew directly between the attackers from the right, the hex barely missing its target. The Aurors had entered the fight.

In the midst of the struggle, the perpetrators noticed movement behind them. Despite the Aurors' improved disguise, the telltale shimmer of the Disillusionment spells gave away their position. Together the three opponents began firing curses back at the Aurors.

One of the assailants shot off a barrage of spells aimed directly at Snape, but the Potions master's quick movements dodged the assault. Aided by a swift jump, Severus gained flight for a moment before dropping back near the wall. While the original two Aurors sought shelter behind the stone barrier, the other half of the Auror team fired back, finally revealing themselves to the attackers. Their counter-curses blasted away in defense, allowing Severus to Apparate to a point several yards away. Hiding behind a beech tree, he shot off three quick hexes, the last one making contact. Falling to the ground in a full Body Bind Curse, the skunk Animagus, now turned wizard, was no longer a threat.

Two opponents remained. Snape tried his best to lure them back through the gate and onto the school grounds, but they refused to take the bait. Snape heard a loud grunt as one of the criminals was blown completely off his feet by a well-placed stunner spell. Shortly after, Severus attempted another hex, this time on the last man. With a quick flick of his wand, Snape blasted away, but the other wizard twisted to the side just in time to avoid the spell. Furious, Snape fired again, but the tallest of the attackers managed to swerve to the left. The man's luck was with him that day, his quick movements allowing him an avenue to escape. With a loud, cracking pop, the terrorist Apparated away.

After the two disabled attackers were taken into custody, Shacklebolt approached Severus to offer his congratulations on the fine wand work. "So far, so good," Kingsley said confidently, his smile matching his optimism. "It looks like the first part of Dumbledore's plan is a success. They now have the decoy. Hopefully the tracking charms Andrea added will do the job. We'll try to get a fix on it as soon as we're back at the Ministry."

"Well, then what are you waiting for?" Snape growled. "You've already wasted three minutes."

"The Americans are standing by," Kingsley chuckled. "There's no need to worry. I'm more concerned about their location. Unfortunately, we have no idea where their headquarters might be. If it's anywhere near one of our deployment teams, we'll get them for sure, but if it's not—"

"Then you will have underestimated them, Mr. Shacklebolt," Severus replied curtly.

"They couldn't have Apparated completely out of our surveillance ring, at least not on the first move. Don't worry, we've got an excellent chance for success."

"And if we fail? What then? Will your crack Ministry staff have an answer?" Severus challenged, his sarcasm never missing a beat.

Kingsley shook his head. "I think we'd better cross that bridge when we come to it. One thing's for sure; we can protect Eileen. That should be easy enough as long as she stays at the school, but the WFW will surely be looking for Ellenore, too," Kingsley added quietly, voicing his fears.

"I am well aware of that fact, and I'm doing my best to contact Lucius to warn him. Until then, her fate is in his hands. As much as I despise waiting, we will simply have to trust Mr. Malfoy's tactics. Although I find useless optimism a waste of time, I do concede that she may be safer from the WFW than Eileen at the moment."

"Well, Professor," Kingsley drawled, his smile returning. "Then we have nothing to worry about."

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"I can't stand all this waiting," Andrea complained in frustration as she joined Severus on the loveseat. A roaring fire had been started in the grate, and the mound of logs crackled and spit in a furious riot, matching her mood. With Sunday evening rapidly coming to an end and still no definitive news on the decoy's success, Andrea's impatience was threatening to match her husband's.

The updates from the Ministry had been vague, at best, filled with optimistic drivel. The tracking beacon had initially worked as designed, the latitude and longitude appearing clearly on the charmed map held by the Ministry, but something must have gone wrong. At 11 a.m. that morning, they'd been informed the decoy was still on the move, but they'd heard nothing since.

With one long arm draped loosely around his wife's shoulder, and the other occupied with a sturdy goblet of wine, Severus's long frame was stretched comfortably across the cushions. As he tried to relax, Andrea observed her husband thoughtfully. Perhaps tonight he might be in a mood to talk. He'd been so busy lately with the double teaching schedule, that they'd had hardly any time together. The intermingling of his standard potions curriculum with the Defense classes had been a taxing challenge. But with all the excitement in the last two days, he'd decided to take a rare night off.

She watched him intently as he stared at the grate, his eyes transfixed by the flames. Clearing her throat to get his attention, she said, "I didn't say thank you. You were very brave yesterday."

"Well, I couldn't let the Aurors do it alone. Someone with brains had to show them the way. Brawn is not the only measure of a man." A fleeting smile played across his lips before his expression was replaced by a dark seriousness. "I've never been happy to let others do my work. I know what I'm capable of, and so, I trust myself to do a job right. I just hope it was enough." His eyes softened as he turned to look at her. "I'm sorry if I worried you."

"Yes, you did worry me, but gosh knows I couldn't have stopped you. I tried, didn't I?" She raised an eyebrow and lifted her eyes to meet his, her lashes gleaming like spun gold in the firelight. His smile returned, but he remained silent.

"I admit," she confessed, "I did feel better knowing you were there, but I was still worried. It's just a shame the third attacker got away. He was the same one that tried to snatch Eileen in the tavern, and I'll bet anything that he's the one responsible for putting the dolls in the pram."

"I agree that he deserves to rot in Azkaban. But if he had not escaped, we wouldn't be tracking the decoy now."

"You're always so logical."

"Not always," he murmured almost to himself. "I must confess, though; I am concerned. It's been almost twelve hours without news. If we don't hear something definitive by morning, I shall ask Dumbledore to demand a full report." Severus examined his glass with a frown. "It's their blasted red tape. The security bottlenecks could ruin this whole endeavor."

Setting down his goblet, Severus pulled Andrea sideways into his lap. Automatically, his hand moved to her mounded waistline as he began to stroke the pregnant bulge. "You know how much I hate to wait." His statement had carried a definitive dose of impatience. It wasn't long, however, before he let the fire consume his attention once more.

"Severus," Andrea tried again. She had managed to undo three buttons of his dress shirt, his frock coat, tie and collar having been removed hours before. Temptation took control as she tucked her small, cold hands inside the fabric and placed them against his bare skin.

"Hmm?" he answered softly. He didn't seem to mind her touch, so she continued to rhythmically rub his chest before letting her head drop down on his shoulder.

"When I was attacked … in the tavern …" she began.

"Yes," he answered simply, waiting for her to explain.

"Well, when it happened, the first thing I thought of was that I had to get out of there. So, I picked up Eileen and tried to Apparate. But … here's the strange part. I couldn't. It scared the heck out of me. There I was, surrounded by a bunch of thugs, holding a frightened baby, and I couldn't get away. Now I'm wondering … why? I've never had trouble before. Do you think they cast an anti-Apparition spell on me?"

"Hardly," Severus replied with a knowing smirk. "It was your twenty-four-hour pass. Surely you remember when you Apparated away from me during the Christmas holiday. The Ministry didn't appreciate that little maneuver. They decided it was in your best interest to add one more restriction to your confinement decree. No more direct Apparition. From now on, every pass you use will be hexed. You will only be allowed to travel using side-by-side Apparition with your assigned escort."

"Oh, that's just great." Frowning, Andrea sat up. "How is that supposed to be beneficial? I can't even escape when I'm in danger." Frustrated, she crossed her arms. "And why didn't you tell me? You knew all about this before I left yesterday, didn't you?"

"If you would have needed to Apparate somewhere, I would have told you."

"No, Severus. That's not going to cut it. Not this time."

Severus raised both eyebrows and looked up, a dangerous glitter reflecting the light of the fire in his obsidian eyes. He smirked again and pulled her back down on the couch. "What would you have me do? Ruin all your surprises?"

"What else have you been hiding from me?"

"A lot of things," he teased. "Like how to make you squirm …" Reaching around her, he took a firm hold of her left breast and squeezed its plump form.

"Stop it. I'm not kidding, Severus. We keep talking about this – over and over – and you just keep doing it. You as good as lied to me."

His eyes grew very black as they flicked his gaze down at her accusing eyes. "I confess that I have been less than truthful to you in the past; however, lately, I have been trying to … ah … improve …" He inhaled, and then exhaled loudly. He did not like the direction this conversation was going. "I have been busy. It slipped my mind."

"Yes, you have been busy." Gently, she turned his head and pushed his hair back. She had to do it several times before it stayed put. "But that's no excuse. Not for something as important as this. Tell me the truth. Were you ever going to tell me?"

He blinked slowly and looked at her. She could tell he was thinking carefully about what he was about to say. "Yes. I intended to. The only reason I … that is to say …" he swallowed slowly, not wanting to admit the truth. "I-I didn't want to make you angry."

"Well, that worked, didn't it?" she cut back sarcastically. "Waiting just made it worse."

His hand moved to the back of her neck. Gently, he applied pressure, pulling her forward. Soon, her mouth was close enough for a kiss. She kept her lips pressed firmly closed at first, but when he proceeded to rub his palm slowly down her back, she relaxed. They enjoyed a long, deep, passionate kiss before Andrea pulled away.

"What now?" he complained with a sigh, he hips lifting unconsciously against her thigh.

"There's something else." Carefully, Andrea looked in his eyes. "Something that's been bothering me." She was only a few inches away, but despite the shadows that blocked the light from his dark orbs, the glitter was present again; the shine had returned in full force, seemingly ignited from within. She definitely had his attention. "When you went to the gate yesterday, I watched."

"So!" he exclaimed, a surge of amazement flooding his answer. "You were there – in my mind. I thought I'd imagined it." His eyes widened, the black now encircled by a rim of white. "On Valentine's Day, when I was poisoned, you … you entered my mind then, too, didn't you? It seemed like a dream at the time, but—"

"Yes," Andrea nodded eagerly. "I couldn't think what else to do—"

"And yesterday, it happened again."

"It's been happening on and off for weeks now."

"It's our connection, isn't it? Something's changing," Severus concluded excitedly. "It's getting stronger – mutating. Perhaps the reaction is trying to find other outlets, other ways to break through."

"Do you remember," Andrea asked in wonder, "how I used to get visions … or … thoughts from you, but only once in a while? I had no control over when they came to me. Yesterday, it was different. I remember consciously wanting to be with you – wanting to see what you were seeing, and suddenly I was there – really with you." She was struggling to make him understand. As difficult as it was to explain, she'd been sure he'd doubt her, but it was just the opposite. He seemed thrilled.

"I felt you there. I sensed it. But it didn't seem possible, so I assumed it was just a delusion. That I wanted you to be with me." Struggling with this new revelation, he tried to look at the facts. "I was over a half mile away. That's an incredible distance."

"But distance never seemed to matter with my visions."

"Yes … this seems to be breaking all the rules. I've practiced Legilimency for years, and eye contact is essential. This is simply not the same thing. Your talent is special. And … it appears to be growing."

Andrea looked worried. His excitement was scaring her. Was she some sort of freak? Was this going to turn out like their other problem and manifest itself into something monstrous? Biting her lip, she tried to listen to him and think about it scientifically like he did, but it wasn't going to be easy.

"I've always been on the receiving end before," she explained. "I see things. I get glimpses of thoughts – as they're happening. From you and Ellenore—"

"Perhaps, like any other magic, you need to learn how to use it. Control it. It took years for me to master my flying skills. You must practice this. If what I think is going on, our connection is boosting your natural ability. You and I are joined at some elemental level."

"Your mind is drawing me in?"

"Precisely. Yesterday afternoon," Severus continued, "when you came back from Hogsmeade, I looked into your eyes, and prepared myself, as usual, to extract your memory. I expected to have to peel back the layers, but it wasn't like that at all. I didn't have to do anything. It simply leapt into my head, like you were offering it to me. The intensity … it was clearer than a Pensieve. I've never felt anything that strong before."

"My images from you are stronger, too. Last night I could see as your head turned. I jumped when that wizard grabbed the pack, and I could feel it coming off of your back." She slipped her arms around him and trembled as a shiver of uncertainty clouded her thoughts.

"Don't be afraid of it," he urged, trying to convince her. "It is a gift." As his deep, vibrant voice calmed her, she began to relax. Reaching up, he took her face firmly in his hands so she could not turn away. "Now, I want to try something. Look at me."

Andrea concentrated, opening her mind as she'd done that day in the potions office when she'd entered his mind. This time, he wasn't drugged. He was there with her, strong and fearless. His eyes appeared to expand and elongate as they lured her in. The fathomless tunnels opened like a sensual, dark pool. The feeling was hypnotic and thoroughly pleasurable. Her body tingled with arousal, and she was suddenly reminded of how it used to be – long before they routinely took potion 286. A flicker of hesitancy warned her to stop. They were asking for trouble. But the feeling was exquisite.

He vaguely heard her moan, but the sound wasn't coming from her lips, it was already in his head. She was there with him, feeling his urges, caressing his mind. This was like nothing he'd ever felt before. The sensation was one of touching, yet it was superheated. They were diving deep into an ancient core of each other's brains. Severus felt her arousal as she felt his, and it converged in a way that heightened their senses as never before.

Severus gasped, and they both quickly looked away, breaking the connection. "Merlin …" he said breathlessly, his chest heaving. It was all he could manage. His heart was racing like a Firebolt.

"Holy dragon sh-shit!" she stammered.

"Indeed," he replied with difficulty, still feeling the attraction.

"It was … so strong – I could feel inside you and … and … mmmm."

Her words were consumed by his kiss, but as she melted into his arms, he placed his hand on her cheek. "Please, open your eyes," he said almost begging her to continue.

Remembering, Andrea immediately did as he asked. The eye contact had been the catalyst, the extra stimulus that had started it all. Her eyelids flew open, and this time she needed no guidance. The link grasped her tight, and she was instantly consumed again with waves of pleasure. Frantically, they both began to pant. She clung to him as the sensation rolled through her body, the passion raking through her mind and soul on crests of lust.

Severus wanted her desperately now. He could hardly think of anything else. His arms slipped under her legs and around her back in a tight molding embrace. Awkwardly, he stood up. Barely able to move, he managed to get them into the bedroom. There, he pulled his wand and quickly removed their clothes.

Rubbing his hands along Andrea's body, he massaged the flushed, rosy skin of her swollen breasts. The nipples were taunt and hard as his fingers stroked the tips. She moved her hands down the length of his torso, his tightened muscles sizzling with every touch of her slim hands. With a swiftness betraying his need, he gripped her shoulders and pounced into place. His hips rolled against her. As she opened her thighs, his lower body molded against her pregnant form.

Their eyes stayed locked, and the link remained unbroken. With each breath Severus's body soared with rapturous, lustful sensations. He felt her, breathed her, smelled her. The lust was consuming him: her lust, as well as his own. She was feeling his erection, not with her hands, but with her mind. When he moved his thumbs across her breasts, he felt the surge of pleasure rolling into her groin.

"Tell me – tell me," he demanded wildly. "What do you feel?"

"I-I … feel your … desire," Andrea hissed as he entered her. The feeling was doubled, then tripled before rocketing completely skyward. His sensation of their union sliced together with her rising flood of passion. Weakly, her eyes started to close as the rapturous, tingling pulses overwhelmed her, but he wouldn't let her stop.

"NO!" he shouted. "Look at me! LOOK AT ME!"

Like a madman, he slid himself into her again and again; his nerve endings were flooded with sensory overload. As Andrea rode his body, her mental synapses fired like the devil's breath: hot and blazing. Crazily, they moved together toward a climax, their senses roiling to a frenzied peak. At the very brink of release they were united, perfectly aware of each other's presence and completely inter-dependant. They moved as equals, two halves of a whole, locked in a unique dance of love.

With a surge, Severus felt it coming, the unstoppable shared blast. Andrea was there with him, feeling every pulse. With a force like none before, he made one last thrust and released his seed. As Andrea's own explosion swept through her, she felt the connection breaking. From all around, the sound of their moans vibrated through their every part of their bodies, but slowly it faded. Only a hovering cocoon of pleasure remained.

Shaking, Severus collapsed and rolled onto his back. They both lay next to each other panting in the dark, the insanity ebbing away like water down a drain. For several minutes, neither one spoke, but eventually, their hands intertwined.

"Severus," Andrea finally whispered.

"What?"

"I'm not sure what just happened, but ..." she said weakly. "I want to do it again."

He answered with a laugh, the sound of it rich and low and full of meaning. "Can you give me a minute?"

"Seriously, I want to ask you something. Is the feeling … I mean the intensity of it – is it always like that for you men?" she asked timidly.

Then he really laughed. She'd never heard him laugh so hard. Finally he quieted and rolled next to her, his arm twisting around her body to pull her close.

"No, it is not like that." He took his finger and traced her lip. "I can still feel it," he whispered. "The attraction. It's stronger now, after we made love. It's our bond."

"But aren't you worried? What if this thing grows? What if it gets dangerous again?"

He looked around the bedchamber and then replied lazily, "Nothing has disturbed our room. We are not on a beach, and there has been no earthquake – at least not the type that makes cracks in the floor. I think we are safe. Now, let's get some rest. I have a feeling we may need it." He pulled the quilt over them both and closed his eyes. Within seconds, she heard his breathing grow steady as he slept. She'd get nothing more form him that night.

Turning her head to the side, she kissed his nose. "I love you," she whispered and promptly fell asleep.

A/N: Thanks to all that have added this story to your favorites or alerts. Thank you Gissellerain for the review. I encourage you all to tell me what you think. It's easy – just click on the link below. I would be very grateful. As always, thanks to my beta Fainting Fancies.