As much as Florence enjoyed the company of the Weasley family and the Order members, she couldn't help but worry about Severus. She hated the frequent feeling of fear she had in the pit of her stomach. It wouldn't go until he was at home.

'More tea, dear?' Molly asked Florence as she topped up Remus Lupin's cup.

Florence forced a smile, 'Yes please. I am still amazed you can fit everyone, and the furniture in your house. I feel like our house is cluttered with three people and a dog!' Everywhere she looked there was a new ornament that hadn't been seen, or a family photograph that hadn't been watched.

Molly chuckled, 'It is a skill! But there is nothing a few charms can't fix,' she gave Florence a warm smile.

'True,' she leaned closer to Molly, 'What is Arthur and Harry talking about? It looks pretty important.' She glanced over to Arthur and Harry who were huddled together talking earnestly. Every now and then checking no one was listening to their conversation.

Molly sighed, setting down the teapot, 'Harry believes Draco Malfoy is working on a project for You-Know-Who. I am sure you are aware of the feud that has gone on between the boys, but since Lucius Malfoy's arrest and the incidents at the school, Harry has become more adamant about it.'

Florence chewed her lip, 'Harry does have a knack for these things,' as much as she wanted to reassure Harry that he was right, she couldn't break Severus' trust and risk him breaking the Unbreakable Vow.

Molly gave Florence a reassuring smile, 'I am sure it's nothing to worry about. He's told the Order and if it does amount to something, they'll help Harry.'

Florence nodded, shuffling so Hermione could sit down on the sofa to read stories to Eileen, 'I'm sure they will. The Order has become very diligent. Most likely thanks to Mad-Eye.'

Florence glanced over to Tonks who was attempting to talk to Remus Lupin. It was very clear there was a mutual attraction between the two, and Tonks was not willing to give up on him. Even if Remus believed he was not worthy of her affection. Florence couldn't help but think back to the start of her relationship to Severus. The confusing signs of mutual attraction coupled with Severus' insistence of not pursuing the relationship. She most definitely understood Tonks' situation.

Misty's sudden growling at the door pulled Florence from her thoughts and she sighed, attempting to distract Misty from whatever was annoying her, 'Misty! It's probably just a gnome or something. Nothing to get wound up about, sweetie,' she groaned as Misty managed to open the door and sat with her head tilted in confusion.

Remus went still, his eyes fixed firmly on the window, slowly moving towards to the open door, 'Remus? What is it?' Remus stood still; eyes glued to the fields surrounding the house. Misty's growling started again; this time more furious.

A rustling came from the fields followed by a ball of fire hitting the cornfields. Florence shot up at the sound, looking at Hermione, 'Keep an eye on Eileen for me, please.' She moved outside the house, wand firmly in hand.

A maniacal laugh alerted them to Bellatrix's apparation, her dazed glare aimed at Harry. Enough for him to race after through the fire. Her voice ringing in their ears: 'I killed Sirius Black!'

'HARRY!' Remus roared, attempting to chase after him, 'Fuck!' he swore as the flames swallowed the path Harry and Bellatrix had taken. Ginny ran out the Burrow, concerned for Harry. A calming in the flames allowed to follow Harry into the fields.

'Ginny!' Arthur yelled, 'How are we meant to chase after them? Who else is with Lestrange?'

'Greyback,' Remus murmured, 'that is what me and Misty were smelling.'

'The moment I get the flames down, we need to run. Harry and Ginny will not be able to hold off Lestrange and Greyback for long,' Tonks said, 'Molly, send a message to the Order.'

'We want to aim for the flashing of spells. Greyback is most likely lurking in the fields,' Remus said, 'Let's move.'

Florence and Arthur moved to the left and right of Tonks and Remus who moved in the middle of the fields. She stayed as low and quiet as she could, her wand ready in case an attack was sprung upon her. Severus is going to be furious! She grimaced, it's only logical I help… I can't let Harry or Ginny get hurt.

The fields were eerily quiet. So quiet she could hear her own shaky breathing. There was a sudden pressure in her mind, as if someone was trying to squeeze in without her knowledge. Severus' lessons flooded to the forefront and she imagined a steel door slamming shut on the invader. She sighed in relief as the pressure slowly retreated, knowing nothing would be gained from Florence. She glanced to her right. Tonks' mousey brown hair was just about seen. She was on target. Splashing was heard directly in front. Her heart beat a little faster as Tonks signalled to move on and quickly.

'HARRY!' Remus yelled. He saw Lestrange.

'GINNY!' Arthur screamed.

The sudden flashing of spells urged the group on faster and the relief they felt to see Harry and Ginny uninjured was immense. The adults quickly circled around them, ready for any further attacks. Silence fell again.

'They wanted us gone…' Florence whispered, noticing the duo disapparate and the Dark Mark illuminating the sky above the Burrow.

'Molly!' Arthur said, worry lacing his voice.

A boom told them the Burrow had been targeted by the Death Eaters. Another attack. Another sign the Death Eaters were becoming more brazen with their mission.

/

The attack on the Burrow was, to Florence, more distressing than she could've imagined. The Burrow was everything to the Weasleys. A symbol of comfort and worries were left at the door. The home was filled to the brim with sentimental knick-knacks and memories crammed each room. Florence couldn't help but think how she would react if Spinner's End was attacked. Despite her living there for only a few years, she couldn't help but think she would be pained at the thought of it being damaged.

Tonks, Remus and Florence stayed until the dead of night helping to put the fire out and to repair the damages to the house, 'Why would they do this? We haven't done anything wrong,' Molly sobbed, casting numerous spells around the home.

Tonks cringed slightly, 'I imagine Lestrange and the others see you as…' she paused, 'blood traitors. They want to make a rather horrible point.'

Florence glanced to see Hermione's reaction. She knew the girl never took the insults to her heritage well and would often show her displeasure at the slurs being used towards any Muggle-born. Draco Malfoy knew all about that.

Where are you? Florence felt Severus' presence in her mind, allowing him to speak to her.

The Weasleys' house. Lestrange and Greyback attacked the house.

WHAT?! Are you safe? Eileen? I did not know of this plan… I'll come immediately.

We are all fine. Molly and Ginny are a bit shaken up. I'll be home within the hour.

I'll be waiting. Florence smiled to herself, knowing Severus was safe and home. Someone tried to break into my mind. She chewed her lip as she surveyed the Burrow, checking any signs of damage was fixed.

Must have been Bellatrix. She loves invading her victims' minds. Or the Dark Lord wanted her to gain some information on you… Florence winced at the thought of You-Know-Who finding out the truth of her relationship with Severus and her unpredictable powers. She wordlessly cast reparo, watching brick and wood neatly combine.

She didn't access anything. I had her out before she could do anything. Florence felt a wave of pride. Severus must have been pleased that she was able to use Occlumency quickly and efficiently.

I am glad. Please come home when you can.

/

After returning to Hogwarts, the Golden Trio ended up in more chaos, not to the surprise of the staff, 'how on earth did Slughorn end up with a poisoned bottle of mead?' Florence asked Severus as they hurried to the hospital wing.

Severus sighed, 'I have a feeling who was behind that…' he hissed, noticing the gathering of students outside the hospital wing.

'You're not saying…'

Severus nodded, 'It is all part of the plan,' he spat, annoyed at the younger Malfoy being dragged into the power struggle between Dumbledore and Voldemort, 'Dumbledore will probably say he has it until control.'

They reached Ron Weasley's bed. The boy was unconscious, with Hermione and Ginny sitting by his bedside. Harry had taken to stand with Horace and Dumbledore. Most likely answering questioning, Florene would've thought.

'Quick thinking on your part Harry for using a Bezoar,' Dumbledore said, giving Harry an approving look, 'you must be proud of your student, Horace.'

Slughorn was in a daze, gripping the bottle of mead, 'Hm? Oh yes.' Florence couldn't help but notice Slughorn's face was filled with embarrassment and shame. His eyes kept drifting back to the bottle.

'Why were Harry's actions necessary?' Minerva asked.

Dumbledore moved to take the bottle from Slughorn, 'We do indeed. This appears to be a gift Horace. You don't remember who gave you the bottle?' Florence smiled slightly as Dumbledore listed off the ingredients within the drink, the man's abilities never failed to surprise her.

'I did intend it as a gift… to you Headmaster,' Horace hung his head in shame. The man looked crushed. Severus had taken the bottle, he too smelling it, his face wrinkled as the poison hit his nose.

Before anyone could quiz Horace further, the sudden wailings of Lavender Brown, 'Where is he? Where is my Won-Won?' Florence cringed at the sickly-sweet nickname, 'Has he been asking for me? She pushed past Severus and Horace to stumble to the bed. Her face hardened at the sight of Hermione, 'What's she doing here?'

Hermione stood, her face flushed, 'I must ask you the same question!'

'I happen to be his girlfriend!' Lavender said, pride rippling from her.

'I happen to be his… friend,' Hermione replied, somewhat lamely.

Lavender smirked, 'Don't make me laugh, you haven't spoken in weeks. I suppose you want to make up with him now he's all interest-'

Hermione cut her off, 'He's been poisoned you daft bimbo. And for the record, I've always found him interesting.'

Much to the relief of the staff, Ron started stirring, 'Ah! See, he senses my presence. Don't worry Won-Won, I'm here.'

Everyone waited with bated breath to see which girl Ron would acknowledge first, 'H-H-Hermione.'

Lavender's face paled and she stumbled back, unable to take the mild rejection from her boyfriend. She ran off, tears streaming down her face.

'Oh, to be young and feeling love's keen sting. Come along everyone, Mr Weasley's well-tended to,' Dumbledore said, urging the small gathering to leave Hermione and Ron alone.

Florence noticed the small smile on Hermione's face as she held Ron's hand. The girl was most definitely smitten with the fact he wanted her there, not Lavender. The rivalry between the two girls had caused some awkward moments in the classes, with some staff keeping the two as far apart as physically possible. The only one who hadn't the faintest idea was Severus. Much to Florence's amusement he wouldn't sense the teenage hormones as well as the others and the startled look on his face as they left showed that.

Did you have any idea…?' he asked Florence. She giggled as she nodded, 'So I was the only one who did not have a clue?' she nodded again, 'I am incredibly glad I do not notice these things. Wasting precious time on such ridiculous trivialities.' She smirked as he frowned, deep in thought.

'For the record, if I'd been at school with you, I would've been all over you,' she winked as his face flushed at her words.

'R-really?' he raised an eyebrow.

She nodded, 'Definitely. I'll prove it after work,' she winked again as he groaned, 'don't give too many students detention today!'