A/N: Sorry for the long delay. My computer is refuses to go on-line. On the plus side, I have more chapters already written and only need to edit them, so as soon as I get access to a computer with on-line I'll be able to update again. (grins)

A/N: There's a !! VOTE !! at the end, so don't forget to tell me what you think.

Going To War

Shadow slipped into the one of the many studies in the Chamber and smiled when he saw Severus waiting for him. The Potions Master hadn't gone to breakfast, so he'd been afraid his father may have forgotten the meeting he'd requested yesterday. Shadow moved toward the couch, which sat across from the sofa chair Severus sat in comfortably. He was wearing a black wizarding robe and his legs were crossed at the knee, his long fingered hands linked over his knee.

"I apologize for my unavailability recently. Thankfully, I have finished the project I've been working on and can return my attention to more pressing matters. Tell me what you've been doing. Omi informed me you've been entering Hogwarts at night."

"Draco and I have been going to DA meetings. We could use the practice and I wanted to gage the mood of the students," Shadow explained, sitting across from him on the couch. He wasn't afraid of his father's opinion. Severus had been unavailable, as he'd said. He had no right to question the decisions made in his absence. "It's been really good actually. Draco and I've been getting a work out. And it's nice to see everyone again."

Severus nodded. "That is good."

"We made three pendants that hiss in Parseltongue. I gave one to Rogan for emergencies if they ever really need to escape Carrow. I gave another to Neville for similar reasons, and the last to Sirius so we could shut the side door. Now I'm not the only one who can open the Chamber."

"That seems necessary, but I worry the charms could fall into the wrong hands." Severus smiled wryly. "I assume you've considered this."

Shadow nodded. "The charms I gave Neville and Rogan will only work for adolescent magic. Sirius' will work for anyone, but I'm sure he won't let anything happen to it."

"Clever. I am also proud that you discovered the key to the snitch. You've been doing very well here."

"Thanks." Shadow blushed, surprised by how much Severus' approval affected him. He brushed curls from his eyes in a nervous gesture and eyed his father. "That's not why you wanted this meeting though."

"Draco mentioned you've been withdrawn, and we have yet to talk about Salazar's discoveries concerning Seraphim." Severus leaned forward. "I've been reflecting on the relationship you have with your alter and have decided that a less antagonistic attitude toward Seraphim might be beneficial."

Shadow scowled and crossed his arms. "Draco put you up to this, didn't he?"

Severus lifted an eyebrow. "I assure you I have not spoken to Draco any more than I've spoken to you."

"He thinks I should find a way to use Seraphim. He doesn't understand that there is no using him." Shadow threw up his hands in frustration. "I'm not conscious, or aware, or in control in any way. And he's too dangerous to be letting Out. As far as I'm concerned, I'm not angry at him any longer, but I'm not just going to set him free. This is my life, and I want to be in control of it as much as I can."

"That is understandable," Severus agreed. "So you are still set against merging?"

Shadow stared at his father in disbelief. "Of course."

Severus nodded to himself thoughtfully.

"What? You're actually thinking it might be a good idea?" Shadow leapt to his feet, his voice rising as he stared in shock at his father. "Are you completely insane? Seraphim is nuts. Merging with him would be like a death sentence. You heard Salazar. He can't be fixed! Merging would just strip me of the last bit of sanity I have."

"Perhaps. But you are correct. Now is not the time to consider such things." Severus reached forward and tugged Shadow's hand until the teenager was sitting again. "We are in too much danger during the war to contemplate a move that may render you vulnerable."

Shadow sneered at the man. The fact that he brought it up at all made him doubt Severus' deductive skills. Maybe the potion fumes had gotten to him?

"How are you and Draco? I am aware that your relationship seems to have deepened. Not to mention the fact I found you curled up in his lap last week when we first arrived at Hogwarts."

Shadow blushed a deep crimson. "You did? Oh. Well… uh…"

Severus smiled. "I do not need details. I am merely inquiring as to how you feel about this development."

"Severus…" Shadow groaned, covering his face with his hands. He was mortified, but at the same time he actually felt like it might be nice to be able to talk to someone about his feelings regarding Draco. He opened his fingers to peer through them. Severus was waiting patiently, his face calm, his breathing even. Gathering his courage, Shadow dropped his hands into his lap and stared at his twisting fingers. "It's actually pretty serious. I mean, he said he loved me out loud, and recently I was shown without a doubt how much Draco cares for me."

"Do you feel the same?" Severus asked evenly, seemingly unperturbed by the topic.

"I do," Shadow said on a sigh. "I hate admitting it because… Well, it frightens me. But while I was watching him die slowly, I knew without a doubt how much of my life would be wrecked if Draco were to leave me. I need him. I depend on him. I want him to be happy. I like that I can fight with him, that he doesn't treat me differently because of my mental condition. And he's beautiful; I admire his strength. He makes me laugh, and he takes care of me."

Severus was amazed that Shadow was saying so much, but listened intently to his son. He could feel a huge but coming.

"I like how he helps Seraphim and is able to tame him somewhat, but I hate that he likes Seph so much. I want Draco to understand, but I also want him to like me better, to want me to stay like this, whole and sane. It really, really pisses me off whenever Draco talks about Seph like he's a person that he cares about. It's insane, but it makes me feel jealous, and I don't know what to do about it. That's another reason why I don't want Seph Out at all. I don't want Draco spending more time with him. Obviously Seraphim likes Draco, too. It makes me uncomfortable because Seraphim isn't me, as much as he is. If that makes sense? I don't want him doing things with Draco like marking him or seducing him."

Severus sat silently as he considered how to address his son's concerns. Shadow was staring intently at the wall, his cheeks red and his hands clenched together so forcefully that his knuckles were white. "The situation you are both in is complicated, and I am certain that Draco is equally confused. I suggest that when you are more comfortable, you talk to him about it. He's the only one who can help you come to a mutually acceptable resolution."

"I did talk to him about it," Shadow admitted with a grimace. "That's when he actually admitted to loving me. He didn't seem confused at all. He just insisted that Seraphim and I are the same. That Seraphim is just me in a more raw and primal state. Because he loves me, there is no possible way for him not to love Seraphim, he said."

"I see." Severus steepled his fingers before his mouth. "And how did you respond?"

Shadow flushed red. "I was a bit overwhelmed by everything he was telling me. I mean, I'm really grateful that he can accept me and Seraphim, and he said he loved me. We, ah, made out, I guess, before really finishing the discussion. I, ah, haven't brought it up since then."

Severus' eyes widened. "Do you feel that comfortable? I am surprised, but happy that you seem to be finding peace with your fears."

Shadow flushed. This conversation was getting more difficult, but he didn't want Severus' praise when it was undeserved. "I'm not all that over my fears," he confessed softly. "I walked in on Hermione and Ron kissing." He took a deep breath, pushing past the remembered feelings watching them had evoked. "It made me feel sick. Like what they were doing was disgusting. In general, I still feel that way about…" He bit his lip, wringing his hands. "… you know, sex."

Severus lifted an eyebrow. "And yet you are kissing Draco."

"I know."

"The human mind is very complex. It isn't unusual for people to manage rationalizations to allow them to do things that in general they have a problem with. Especially if such actions are physically or emotionally satisfying. I assume that being with Draco provides you with both."

Shadow bit his lip, his stomach clenched with deep unhappiness. "It's different with Draco. He makes me feel…" Uncomfortable, he didn't finish the sentence and looked at his father helplessly.

"I understand," Severus said softly, eyes steady and deep. "Believe me, I do."

"Well, he makes me forget everything else for those few moments. And it just sort of happens, and I know Draco likes it, and I want to make him happy. I do love him. I admit that I like it, too. I just can't stand thinking about it when I'm cool-headed."

Shadow shook his head. Sweat slid down the side of his face and he felt about ready to bolt. Severus must have recognized the signs because he said nothing for a long minute while Shadow sat quietly, gulping in discreet mouthfuls of air and trying to ease the tension constricting his lungs. Severus called Omi and asked for tea for two. The elf reappeared a moment later with the asked for drinks. They prepared their cups with careful deliberation and sipped at the scalding liquid.

"I'm certain Draco would not want you to push yourself. He would understand if you wanted to slow down the physical aspect of your relationship," Severus ventured cautiously.

"I know," Shadow admitted. "But in the moment, I'm okay."

Severus nodded and took a long sip at his tea, his expression thoughtful. "I believe you've come far enough to truly accept that what Lockhart did to you was in no way your fault. I also believe that you are confident enough in yourself and in Draco that you are no longer afraid of being victimized."

Shadow thought about it. "I think you're right." He smiled, pleased by this realization.

"Therefore, the problem that remains is the matter of your sensitization to the subject. Besides Draco, you have no positive references to physical affection or intimacy. I don't believe your relatives were very affectionate in your presence."

"No," Shadow agreed with disgust. "Thank god. Did you really have to put that idea in my head?"

Severus ignored that. "The only way to overcome this instinctual revulsion is to experience harmless sexual experiences, like the one you witnessed between your Gryffindor acquaintances and between you and Draco."

"What are you suggesting?" Shadow asked, eyes wide. "I go around looking for snogging couples and stand there until I realize that it isn't really that horrible?"

Severus snorted. "Hardly. Don't force yourself to do anything. That would make the experience negative and reinforce the unhealthy associations you have formed due to your trauma. I merely suggest that you give yourself some time. Go slow, but don't avoid such situations if you feel you are capable of enduring it."

Shadow grimaced. "Thanks a lot. That's not really helpful. In fact, it's the opposite."

"There is no easy fix, Shadow," Severus said softly. He reached over and gently patted his son's clenched fist. "You know that."

The teen sighed and slouched into the couch. "Yeah. I know." He closed his eyes for a minute and just enjoyed being in Severus' soothing presence.

Slowly, the tension in the room eased. When Shadow felt he could face the conversation again, he cracked open his eyes to see Severus holding his tea cup while staring off thoughtfully. He smiled and sat up, drawing his father's eyes. "So what have you been working on? You've been like a ghost walking around here."

Severus carefully set his cup aside and regarded his son solemnly. "I've been trying to create a way to allow you to become Harry Potter when needed without glamours or other such things that can be detected."

Shadow immediately grew agitated. "I don't want to go back to being Harry Potter. I like being Shadow Snape."

"And you always will be Shadow Snape," Severus said evenly. "That will never change, no matter your outward appearance." He held up a hand when Shadow opened his mouth angrily. "I am aware that returning to Harry Potter's form permanently would be unpleasant for multiple reasons. That is why I said when needed."

"I don't understand," Shadow admitted with a frown.

"I've devised a potion that will return your genetic structure to what it was before the adoption by suppressing my genetics. It lasts a duration of twelve hours before wearing off and will be completely undetectable by any diagnostic spells."

"I don't know what to say." Shadow was amazed. "I've never heard of anything like that. It's genius."

Severus inclined his head. "I've been working on this since mid-July. Ms. Tonks helped months ago by supplying her blood so that I may study the Metamorphagus ability. The potion will only work for those in your situation, those who have been through the Familial Adoption Ritual, so I don't foresee the potion being in high demand."

"Still…" Shadow felt tears burn his eyes. "You did all this because you knew I'd need to be Harry Potter again?"

"Of course," Severus said softly. "You are my son. I will do what I can to protect you and provide you with a stable and safe future."

Shadow leapt to his feet and moved quickly across the space separating them. Severus stood with a faint tint of red on his cheeks and opened his arms. Shadow hugged him tight, feeling a glowing sense of pride, gratitude, and love almost overwhelm him. His cheeks hurt he was smiling so wide. Severus' arms held him gently, tightening once before falling away. Shadow stepped away reluctantly and smiled up at his father.

"So how does it work?"

"I've not had human test subjects, as you can guess, but I'm fairly certain that the potion will work. I've put rabbits and cats through the Adoption Ritual and then fed them my new potion. The animals returned to their original form for twelve hours before changing back into their adopted form. I'm unsure if they are now able to change at will, much like a Metamorphagus, or if you will need to continue ingesting the potion every time you wish to make the change. In any case, the potion can only be ingested once in twenty-four hours. Overdosing is fatal."

"Let's try it," Shadow exclaimed excitedly.

"I must warn you," Severus said somberly. "The change is painful due to the fact that it is forced and the lack of a natural Metamorphagus talent. I was unable to add an analgesic without rendering the potion useless."

"Okay," Shadow said slowly, eyes serious. "How much pain are we talking about? Enough to bring Seraphim to the surface?"

"I'm uncertain. Your control over when you switch has risen exponentially. It would have been enough before Boy and Demon's merge." Severus rubbed his potion-stained fingers over his eyes. "The readings I've recorded off the rabbits rated just above Cruciatus levels. It could differ in a human in either direction."

"There's only one way to find out," Shadow stated the obvious.

Severus nodded. "If I didn't feel the ability to take Harry Potter's form without endangering Shadow Snape's identity was essential, I would not ask you to do this."

"I know. I agree with you." Shadow reached over and squeezed his forearm. "I'll be okay. We'll have Remus there, and Draco in case Seraphim comes Out."

"Then we'll try it tonight, after you return from your DA meeting."

Shadow nodded. "I'll tell Draco." That said, he smiled at his father reassuringly and left in search of his friend.

xXxXxXx

Neville was feeling… Tense would be too light a word. He still wasn't able to go to DA meetings, and this especially galled him now that his brother was going. Ginny was so busy with the lessons and such that she hardly had time for more than a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. When they did find time to be together, she often fell asleep leaning against him. He felt out of the loop and useless. On top of this, he still felt like something or someone malevolent was watching his every move.

The only thing that made him feel the slightest bit in control was his visits to Remus, but tonight his mentor regretfully explained that he was needed down in the Chamber for some dangerous experiment involving Shadow. Neville itched to go down with him, but the same thing that kept him from going to DA kept him from the Chamber. He didn't want whatever, or whoever, watching him to discover his brother's location.

He was too tense to go back to Gryffindor Tower, so he decided to wander the halls aimlessly to hopefully burn off his anxiety. His fingers twitched for his razor, but in a different way than before. Instead of intense emotional pain and despair, he felt frustrated and angry. It didn't help that winter was still gripping the earth, muting his magical senses and making him feel tired and edgy.

Suddenly, without warning whatsoever, his wrist was snared and he was yanked sideways into a dark unused classroom. Neville let out a startled cry and fumbled for his wand, eyes wide with terror. Light bloomed, blinding him further, and he flung himself backward, crashing into a broken desk, and tumbled to the floor. Soft laughter tinkled in his ears and he blinked furiously, blood rushing to his face as his heartbeat slowed to a more reasonable pace.

"Luna! What are you doing!" he snarled, slowly getting back to his feet. His hands were still shaking.

"You haven't come talk to me for a while," she pointed out. In the soft light of her Lumos, she looked almost like a ghost. The only thing colorful about her was her intense blue eyes. "I've missed you."

"I'm sorry. I guess I've just been distracted lately." He brushed his robes off nervously, a blush still staining his cheeks.

Luna nodded. "You should be more careful, Neville. If I had been the alien, you would have been abducted."

Neville frowned and regarded her suspiciously. "Do you know who's been watching me? What do they want?"

"What all aliens want. To dissect you to understand new life forms." Luna tossed her long, fine hair over her shoulder and smiled. "But don't worry. Aliens are just as scared of us as we are of them."

Neville shook his head. Luna was his friend, but he wished she made more sense. It made him feel awkward; like he was missing something important. Shadow probably would know what she meant, he thought despairingly. A small hand curled around his own and he looked over to see Luna watching him with worried eyes.

"Are you hungry? We can go to the kitchens," she suggested.

"I'm not hungry, but thanks, Luna. You're a good friend." He smiled at her and she smiled back.

"Then let's duel. Practice is important in everything you do."

Neville felt his spirits lift and he hugged Luna tightly. "You always know just what I need, don't you?"

Luna laughed and squeezed him back before spinning away and firing off a mild Cutting Curse. Neville barely managed to dodge it in time. He fell with his wand in hand and fired back a Stinging Hex. Blood rushing with purpose, magic beating through his veins, Neville felt the build up of tension slowly wane and he laughed happily, despite Luna shredding his robes with a well-aimed curse.

xXxXxXx

Shadow lay on his bed, his back propped up against pillows. Remus stood in the corner with Sirius, both men looked nervous and grim. Neither wanted Shadow to go through with this. They thought it was too dangerous without further testing first, but when asked how else they could test the potion, neither had been able to come up with anything.

Severus stood beside the bed, a large goblet in his hand filled with the potion. It was an ominous black color with murky purple depths. Draco stood tensely on the other side of the bed. He hadn't tried to talk Shadow out of it, but he wasn't thrilled either. His grey eyes were smoky with worry. Shadow knew if there was any way Draco could take the potion instead to test it before Shadow had to drink it, he would have. Knowing this made him feel strangely lightheaded. He was just glad that Marissa was asleep and would be spared whatever was about to happen.

"All right. Let's get this over with," he said firmly and reached for the potion. His whole mind focused on one thought: No matter what happens, Seraphim must not come Out.

Severus released the goblet and stood solemnly by, his face carefully blank of all expression as his son lifted the potion to his lips.

Shadow was surprised when the potion tasted like nothing. Frowning, he considered that it didn't taste like nothing, rather it tasted like him. It was thin and fluid, sliding down his throat almost before he had a chance to swallow. He braced himself, expecting a burn. Nothing. He could feel everyone poised, ready for an explosion, but nothing was happening.

"I don't feel any diff…"

His voice cut out and he gasped silently, his back arching. It felt like his ribs were being prized out of his chest. Can't let Seraphim Out. The pain hit him so hard and so fast that he almost didn't recognize it as such. His whole body went startlingly numb before erupting in agony. No Seph! He screamed desperately and thrashed, trying to fend off the invisible hands peeling his skin away in a slow, torturous manner.

He wasn't aware of Severus holding him down, of Remus shouting, of Draco's cold hand in his own, before awareness dissolved. He practically flew toward the black abyss, eager to escape his own body.

xXxXxXx

Draco covered his mouth with a shaking hand. The sounds that had come from his love's throat had flung him backward in time when Lucius had forced him to view his memories of Shadow being tortured in the graveyard. The way Shadow's body twisted out of shape and seemingly melted didn't help either.

Eyes wide, he stared blindly. All the progress he'd made, all the mental stability he'd gained, were washed away and he was again just a scared fifteen-year-old who'd just finished his fourth year of Hogwarts with an insane father lurking behind every corner and a powerless mother who he feared for, who feared for him. He wasn't even sure if his best friend was still alive. The last image he would have of his one and only friend would be his pulverized and tortured body in a dark cemetery with looming headstones that might as well bear the name Harry Potter.

A sharp pain speared through his face and he blinked quickly, unknowingly spilling tears down his cheeks. He stared into Sirius' eyes and suddenly he was released from the past and hurdled forward into the present. His mother was murdered. Lucius was no longer his father. Draco was no longer a Malfoy. And Shadow wasn't dead. He was healthy and strong.

"You back with us?" Sirius demanded lowly.

"Yes." Draco wiped at his cheeks and straightened his shoulders out of their hunched position. He took deep, gasping breaths. Nothing like that had ever happened to him before. His heart belatedly kicked up into a rapid pace that almost had him blacking out again. Growling, he forced himself to calm and turned his attention to the rest of the room.

Remus was bending over the still form on the rumbled bed. Severus stood at his back, peering over his shoulder. He was standing so rigidly, Draco thought he'd fall over if anyone pushed on his shoulder. Sirius was standing beside Draco, his presence somehow reminding him of the Pureblood standards of behavior and comforting him at the same time. Reluctantly, his eyes drifted to the last person in the room, dreading what he'd see.

Harry Potter lay on his back, his arms straight and loose at his sides. There was no mistaking the figure. The teen had messy dark brown - practically black - hair, golden skin, a round face, and thicker eyebrows. Shadow's robes looked too big on him, attesting to the fact that he'd lost some height. The only thing missing was the lightning bolt scar on the unmarred forehead. Draco knew it would still be over his heart.

"How is he?" he asked calmly, firmly in control of himself once again.

Remus straightened and stared at the young teen with amazement. "Fine, besides exhausted from the change. I detect nothing wrong physically."

Severus let out a tense breath. "We should let him sleep."

"I agree." Remus nodded and moved toward the door.

"I'll sleep with him here," Draco spoke up. All three adults turned to look at him. He met their gazes evenly. "In case he wakes as Seraphim."

Severus nodded. "Very well."

Sirius grinned and elbowed his Heir before following the other two out of the room. As he was shutting the door, he winked and said, "Do be careful with him. He's been through an ordeal."

"Sirius. Get out," Draco growled.

Sirius laughed and shut the door softly behind him.

xXxXxXx

Shadow cracked open his eyes and groaned. His head felt full of cotton. The room wavered strangely, and no matter how much he blinked his eyes, it refused to come into focus. The bed shifted under him and he turned his head carefully to the side. Even blurry, he instantly recognized Draco. He felt a strange regret, wishing it was the natural soft blond instead of dyed black.

"Hey," Draco said softly.

Shadow jumped. He hadn't noticed his friend's eyes open. "Hey," he said back and blinked again. His voice was different and yet familiar. It'd been months since he'd heard Harry Potter's voice. He smiled. "It worked." The smile melted in concern. "Seraphim didn't come Out again, did he?"

"No," Draco reassured. "I'm here because we were afraid you may wake up as him."

"Good." Shadow sat up carefully, relieved when the pain didn't get worse. "How do I look?"

"Like you're squinting." Draco chuckled.

Shadow glared at him. "Well, excuse me. I think I need glasses still in this form."

"Come on. I'm sure Lupin will be able to help you." Draco stood and bit his lip to hide a smile when Shadow made a disgusted face as he noticed how his robes hung loosely around him.

"Great," Shadow grumbled. "Just what I needed. To get even shorter!"

Draco stepped up to him and grinned openly when he realized he was now a good four inches taller than his friend.

"Oh shut up," Shadow growled, his two green eyes glowering up at him.

Draco dutifully swallowed his laughter and followed Shadow into the dinning room where everyone was waiting. Remus and Sirius smiled in welcome. Severus studied him in a more scientific manner. Marissa, however, looked upset and confused. Her face was dark with a frown. Draco immediately moved over to her and scooped her up onto his hip.

"Hey. It's still Shadow, but he's pretending to be Harry Potter to help people. You understand, don't you, sweetheart?"

Marissa's light brown eyes regarded Shadow. "Angel?"

Two green eyes watched her back. "No. I'm not Seraphim. I'm still Shadow." Avoiding her disappointed look, he turned to Remus. "I need glasses. Do you think you could help me? Everything's really blurry, and it's giving me a headache."

"Of course." Remus stood and quickly came around to him. "Let me get a reading and I'll have Poppy order some. I assume you want them to look as much like your originals as possible."

Shadow nodded. "Thanks, Remus." He stood still as Remus pointed his wand at his eyes. The test took only a few seconds before he was released. He looked to his father. "So how long until I change back?"

"Eleven this morning," Severus answered. "Four more hours."

"Will it… ah… hurt as much?" Shadow asked carefully, attention on the food in front of him.

All eyes turned to Severus. The Potion Master shook his head, to everyone's relief. "Returning to your now natural form will cause pain, but not to the level of the first change."

"Good. I think I can handle this, then. Seraphim didn't come Out. The potion will be very useful." Shadow smiled at the dour man. "Thanks, Dad."

Severus didn't respond to Shadow's gratitude, instead he sneered lightly and served himself some eggs. Draco and Shadow shared a wry smile at this and followed his example. Some things would never change.

xXxXxXx

Severus felt numb and knew he'd descended into the cold way of thinking where he went when he had to make especially hard decisions. This time however it was to escape his churning emotions. He felt stripped bare and strangely like he had in his early Death Eater days. Watching the agony he inflicted on his son had taken him to a very dark place inside his mind. The place where his cruelty and ruthlessness waited to be called forth once more.

"Honeysuckle," he said softly, and the ancient gargoyle leapt aside.

He let the stairs carry him upward. The Headmistress' office looked similar to the days Dumbledore had occupied the space, but there were no funny pictures on the walls or instruments cluttering every surface. Minerva had installed shelves where such things sat in an organized manner. He pulled off the invisibility cloak of his son's. Minerva looked up with a tired air. Her face was lined with stress, but her eyes were hard and alert. She was a war-witch determined to protect her soldiers and take down the enemy.

"Thank you for coming, Severus." Her voice was even, but vibrated with tension. Severus knew he was about to be told bad news. "Emmeline Vance was compromised and murdered. Charlie autopsied her corpse and discovered they interrogated her before they made the killing blow. They asked about the Order and other members, but of course she was prevented from speaking. Then they questioned her hard on Harry Potter's location. She revealed that we believe he is in training in China. We believe they were rather desperate for this information, that Harry is their true concern, more so than the Order. Be careful, Severus. Make sure Shadow doesn't risk himself unnecessarily. The Dark Lord is ready to make his move on the Chosen One."

"Her wife?" he asked.

"Devastated," Minerva admitted and closed her eyes. "Lenora loved Emma very much. It doesn't help that when she fire-called funeral services, she was told that it would be a week before anyone would be able to get back to her, they are that busy."

"Dementors?"

"Yes. Now that they've built up their strength preying on Muggles, they have returned to Wizarding areas to hunt down more substantial food. We had the Daily Prophet print an article on the Patronus, but not many can perform the charm, especially without hands-on instruction."

Severus nodded, acknowledging the information.

Minerva regarded him solemnly. "Is there anything you can tell me regarding your strategy? It's not looking good, Severus."

"We are in the process of dismantling some of the defenses that surround the Dark Lord. Once that is finished, a full assault will be more likely to be successful."

"Then we will continue to buy you time."

Severus held her intense gaze apathetically before pulling on the invisibility cloak and moved toward the stairs.

xXxXxXx

Shadow looked up in relief when Severus entered his bedchamber. There were only five minutes left until eleven. The way everyone was standing around him reminded him of last night and the remembered pain sent his heart rocketing against his chest. He had to consciously take deep, steady breaths and remind himself that it wasn't going to be like that. It wasn't going to hurt that much. He closed his eyes and waited.

"Eleven-oh-five," Remus spoke softly from his corner.

Shadow's eyes popped open. "What? Really?" He frowned and looked to his father. "Does this mean that I'm supposed to initiate the change? That it won't happen automatically?"

"Possibly," Severus murmured, his brow wrinkled. "The potion always wore off on its own with the animals. Drinking the potion again would not return you to your normal state. It suppresses my genetic contribution, after all. The expiration time may be different due to your more complex anatomy, but I am unsure at this point."

Shadow nodded and closed his eyes. He was always Occluding nowadays, so it was easy to slip into the waterscape filling his mind. It looked the same. Green vegetation, bright coral, and even brighter exotic fish; he searched for any anomaly. It took him a moment it figure it out. The surface of the water was a sea-green instead of the deep blue of the rest of his mind. Instinctively, he knew it should match.

The green tint to the surface of the water must be reflecting his physical change. Mentally, he summoned a current to wash away the green water, returning his mindscape to the uniform blue. Pain echoed distantly in his awareness; the fish swam in tighter patterns and formations in response, but Shadow continued to Occlude until all the green was washed away.

Blinking open his eyes, Shadow felt sore and achy. Remus was hovering over him, muttering diagnostic and healing spells. He smiled when he realized that the werewolf was in sharp focus. His eyes were better again. He turned his head to the side and smiled at Draco. "Looks like I'm back."

"Yeah. You're back." The Slytherin smiled in obvious relief.

Shadow looked to his father who stood silently at the foot of the bed. "Guess I can control the change back. I think I would have stayed Harry Potter for as long as I wanted, but I don't think I can go back on my own now that I look like Shadow again. I'll need the potion."

Severus inclined his head. "I suspected as much."

"You check out okay," Remus reported. "No sign of damage, but you are magically and physically exhausted. I recommend a good meal and a nap."

Shadow scowled at that, but couldn't argue. He did feel tired. It was very annoying, however. It seemed like he was always in bed lately. He turned to Draco. "Wake me for DA, okay? It's at six."

Draco nodded. "Deal."

Shadow allowed his eyes to close, a frown still on his face, but that softened into a smile when he felt someone spell him dry and clean. The feel of the magic told him it was Draco.

xXxXxXx

The weekend passed quietly in the school. The DA took advantage of the lack of classes and had two sessions a day, but were extra careful not to get caught. Homework was done, Shadow spent time with Rogan, Miles, and Lillian, as well as some time with Neville. His brother seemed bothered by something, but whenever he asked about it, Neville promised that it wasn't anything important and that he was figuring it out on his own.

Severus attended more Order meetings now that he wasn't locked away working on his potions project. Shadow had tried to talk to Draco about Seraphim again, but chickened out twice. He couldn't bring himself to tell his friend what he discovered about the Peacock, either. Marissa was excited to have the two teens' attention now that they had the snitch figured out. They were still researching the location of Hufflepuff's Cup and Ravenclaw's Diadem, but so far hadn't discovered anything about their current locations.

xXxXxXx

Things were almost going too well until Sunday morning's Daily Prophet.

Demands for Protection Against the Dark

Finally Answered by Wizengamot

The Muggle Prime Minister arrived at the Ministry of Magic Saturday morning and refused to leave until he was promised results and protection from the magical disturbances and attacks happening on his people. The Muggle world dissolved into chaos as they assumed their Minister had been abducted by some unknown entity. Dangerous Muggle weapons were armed.

In response, the Wizengamot met with Minister Fudge and demanded to know what he planned to do to bring peace and order back to both the Muggle and Wizarding worlds. Wizarding riots were at their peak this weekend causing a total of two hundred thousand galleons worth of damage. Aurors are being attacked and derided in the street, and death tolls are higher than they have been in decades.

Not satisfied with Minister Fudge's answers, the Wizengamot decided to remove him from office and temporarily appoint the Head of the Ministry Law Enforcement, Rufus Scrimgeour, as Minister of Magic until a more traditional election can be held. The new Minister is in the prime of his life and had only been recently appointed Head of MLE after the recent death of Amelia Bones. This reporter attended a secret press conference in which every newspaper was present. The new Minister had this to say:

"We have returned to dark times, but Britian and all the magical communities know how to handle the dark. We've survived war before, and we will again. I recommend everyone calm down and think carefully. Survival is now of the utmost importance. Protect yourselves and your children. The Aurors have been hindered by bureaucracy, but no longer. I am declaring a state of emergency. Curfews are now in effect, as well as strict commercial laws. Buy only what you need, be careful of going into public alone, do not go out after dark. Anyone in violation of these rules will be arrested and brought in for questioning. I thank you all in advance for your cooperation. We will need to stand together in order to return peace to the streets and our lives."

The Muggle Prime Minister attended the press conference as well and was satisfied by what he heard and saw. He returned to the Muggle world and promised to do all he could to control the Muggle population and aid the Wizarding efforts to stand against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Both men felt confident that together, with the help of their communities, the dark will be brought to heel once more.

xXxXxXx

There were various reactions to the article. For the students, most were presented with the fact that this wasn't a game. People were fighting and dying. Some of the students had already lost family and loved ones. The fact that the new Minister had declared Martial Law reassured them, but it also frightened them.

Among the teachers, most felt that this was the best thing that could have happened, and in fact hadn't happened too soon. Fudge would have led them to their deaths. They hoped that Minister Scrimgeour would actually prove effective in this war instead of a hindrance.

Umbridge was perhaps the most angry. She worshiped Cornelius Fudge and felt the world had turned on him unwisely. She was determined to see the Ministry remain strong and whole while her beloved Minister was temporarily out of office. There was no doubt in her mind that come the election, Cornelius would be reinstated. She decided it was her duty to keep the Ministry moving in the direction Cornelius would have approved of.

To this end, Umbridge took a temporary leave of absence from Hogwarts to confer with the new Minister and to guide him. She was, after all, more experienced with the office of Minister than Scrimgeour, who had only recently been appointed Head of MLE. He would need her advice, and she was only too happy to provide it.

Chapter end.

A/N: Okay. I plan to have things pick up really, really soon. So bear with me. One question, though. !! VOTE !! I'm torn between two options. I'm wondering if Seraphim and Shadow/Harry should be able to communicate with each other occationally (maybe Shadow/Harry can look in a mirror and see his reflection talking back or something when he's keeping Seraphim In?), or if I should leave them completely seperated. !! VOTE !!