Sirius stepped out of the Floo and dusted off his robes, taking a seat at the table in Snape's quarters. "Please tell me you've figured it out."

"There were some distractions, but we were able to find the source," Andy said easily, pushing the bottle of firewhisky toward him.

Sirius filled the glass and poured one for Remus who was hanging up his cloak. "How bad is it?"

"The unknown element in Potter's blood is the Elixir of Life," Snape said with a dark look. "Madam Pomfrey has recorded four instances where the Headmaster has given her an unknown red potion. Each time Potter was either on the brink of death or the Suppression Cuff was draining her magic to the point of nearly killing her."

"Elixir of Life," Remus repeated. "Flamel's alchemical invention? How will that affect her?"

"That's the one," Andy said with a sigh. "The issue we're facing is that the elixir doesn't affect Mary at all. Not that we can tell at least. At the time it was administered it helped her regain her health, but past that, its only purpose is to extend her life."

"There was a caveat," Snape said. "The Elixir is what brought Voldemort back into a fully working body, one untainted by whatever Dark magic he used to keep himself from fully dying."

"So Dumbledore's meddling with Mary's treatment did nothing more than bring Voldemort back at full power," Sirius said, taking a gulp of liquor. "What does this mean for Mary?"

"Nothing," Andy said, letting out a breath. "From what we can tell, she'll continue to age rapidly, physically and mentally, until we find a cure."

"And how is that going?" Remus pulled the tumbler of whisky closer. "Finding a cure."

"Four years," Snape said. "Five at the most before her body fails. Under normal circumstances, this would have been difficult to treat, but Potter's immunity and reaction to spells and potions produced by others makes it unlikely we will be able to create anything that will slow down or stop her from aging."

"Five years," Sirius breathed, rubbing his eyes. "That's- that's not long enough. She's just a kid."

"The Suppression Collar, will that stop the aging?" Remus asked.

"There is a chance it could help, but I won't know more until we're able to study it at length," Snape said. "Even if we find that it will help, there is a significant chance that the attachment process could kill her."

"Ami's not exactly thrilled about me asking for it. Apparently the Unspeakables weren't keen on giving it up," Sirius said with a shake of his head. "And I'd rather not take the chance of it hurting her."

Andy put her hand on top of his. "We'll find a way. I promise."

"In the meantime, it'd be best to inform you about Potter's latest adventure." Snape smirked. "I dare say it will give you and Minister Bones something else to talk about."


Not ten minutes after Bill and Charlie left, Mary's godfather's started in on her. Lightning cracked outside, shaking the house as the rain beat against the windows, creating an ominous atmosphere that went with their moods.

"What were you thinking?" Remus held her face in his hands.

"That I couldn't sit back and watch my friends die," Mary answered honestly. "I thought that'd be obvious."

"Don't get cheeky, young lady." Sirius bit out. "Apparating straight to Voldemort, using Unforgivables, killing someone?"

"Don't give me that shit," Mary scoffed, moving away from Remus. "The world's a better place without Greyback and any argument you have against that not only is an insult to his victims, but a fucking lie and you know it."

Sirius slammed his hands on the table in front of her. "You are not the judge, juror, and executioner! You have no right to-"

Mary stood at her full height, meeting Sirius' eye. "I thought by now you'd know that I don't give a fiddler's fuck about doing things the 'right' way. I'll kill Death Eaters and Voldemort himself using any means necessary. Unlike your precious Order, I don't care about staying on the 'Light' side. I care about winning. I care about leaving behind a safe and peaceful world. I care about my friends and family. So sod off with your lectures, given half the chance you would have killed Greyback too."

"You could have been captured! You could have died!" Sirius screamed, leaning toward her. "I can't lose you! Don't you understand that?"

"I'm sorry I caused you to worry," Mary said, taking in a deep breath and blocking out the phantom anger.

"Caused me to worry," Sirius whispered under his breath. "Do you not realize that you could go to Azkaban for this?"

"They'd have to catch me first," Mary said, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Honestly, I'd like to see them try."

Sirius snapped his fingers, pointing at her. "That right there. That's what worries me. You're getting cocky."

Mary rolled her eyes. "What the hell are they gonna say? 'You're under arrest, Miss Potter, for killing a piece of shit Death Eater.' There's no way they could justify the charges. I covered my tracks."

Sirius fell back into his chair, holding his head in his hands. "James, give me strength."

"Mary Jane," Remus rebuked her. "Sirius and I are doing everything in our power to keep you safe. We can't do that if you're rushing headfirst into danger at every turn."

"You know, I tried to mirror call you both for hours," Mary said, shaking her head. "I tried. Had you gotten home sooner I might have been able to save Daphne's parents. What's a couple more orphans as long as Dumbledore's 'mission' is accomplished, right? That's blood on my hands because I waited for permission. I won't make that mistake again."

"I'm sorry," Remus pulled her into a hug. "We should have had our mirrors on us. It was an oversight on our part. But you have to understand how worrisome your actions are."

"Just go," Sirius said, meeting her eyes. "Go to your room. Pack and then straight to bed. We leave first thing in the morning."

"Leave?" Mary asked, feeling her heart in her throat. "Where are we going?"

"We can't say," Remus whispered, looking over his shoulder. "Not in the house."

Mary frowned, wondering what was with the secrecy, but knew better than to push. "Mrs. Weasley was expecting me back tonight."

"I'll talk to Molly," Remus said. "You can't go back until we get things sorted out with the Ministry, otherwise you'll put them in danger."

"Oh," Mary breathed, wrapping her arms around herself. "Goodnight then."

"Night, Mary Jane." Remus hugged her quickly, but Sirius didn't even look up from his tumbler of whisky.


Mary lay in her bed an hour later, staring up at the glow in the dark stars on the ceiling, wondering how things had gone sideways so fast. Sirius had never been so callous to her before, and seeing the look of resigned disappointment in his eyes hurt. At the same time, she couldn't bring herself to feel guilty for what she'd done. Sure, the way she'd gone about things was questionable at best, but the end result was the same.

Daphne and Astoria were safe. Snape was no longer a spy and free to do whatever he wanted with his life. For his sake, Mary hoped her dour professor would get a job in the States and leave all of this mess behind.

Deep down, she wished she could do the same.

The biggest issue she faced now was the need for secrecy in her own home. What weren't they telling her? Had the protective enchantments been breached? Was there a traitor among their group?

For a brief moment, she envied Harry's independence and lack of adult supervision. At least he was able to get things done without guardians interfering. A shudder ran through her, guilt roiling in her gut at the turn of her thoughts. She'd rather have them interfering and angry with her than dead.

Thoughts spinning, Mary flopped onto her side, turning the music up on her radio, and stared at her wall until the sun came up, wondering what would happen next and hoping it all would be okay. Mary rubbed at her arms, a cold feeling running up her spine, and occluded until the warring emotions faded into the back of her mind.

Nerves on edge, she packed her trunk, not knowing what she'd be packing for. They'd given her no clue as to what type of weather or situation they'd be facing, so she took a little of each, along with her most important belongings.

Bacon scurried around on the floor and Mary picked him up, looking into his dark brown eyes. "What will I do with you while I'm gone?"

That in mind, she shrunk her trunk and went downstairs, smelling breakfast already cooking.

Kreacher turned when she walked into the kitchen, his wide eyes crinkled at the edges. "Would Mistress like tea and toast?"

"That sounds wonderful," Mary said, going to the counter and cracking a few eggs. "I'm guessing Siri and Remus aren't up yet?"

"Bad Master and his pet were gone all night," Kreacher said with a pointed look. "They only returned an hour ago. Dobby is to be waking them up."

"That's okay then," Mary said quietly. "What else do you need help with?"

Kreacher grumbled under his breath, but directed her to the counter with a bowl of fruit. Mary sliced an apple and stuck a wedge into her pocket for Bacon to enjoy while she finished cutting up the rest.

It wasn't long before Remus ambled in, scrubbing at his face. "Morning."

"Morning," Mary said back, placing a plateful of steak and eggs in front of him. "Should I get Sirius a sobriety potion or did he lay off for once?"

Remus winced. "I'll take one too."

Mary shook her head, summoning two vials and placing them on the table. A lump formed in her throat that things had got as bad as Remus drinking himself into oblivion. He was usually the more sensible one.

"All packed?" Sirius asked, stepping into the dining room and holding his head.

Kreacher dropped a handful of pans, making all of them cringe as the sound echoed around them. "Sorry, Mistress."

"It's okay." Mary's eye twitched, knowing the old elf was only trying to support her in his own weird way.

Nerves on edge, Mary helped with the washing up, then turned to Sirius. "Can Bacon come along or should I leave him here?"

Remus stood. "Kreacher, take Bacon to his habitat. I'll care for him, Mary Jane. We'll explain more in the car."

"Car?" Mary repeated dumbly, handing Bacon to Kreacher.

Remus nodded. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah," Mary said, following them out to the front door.

A sleek black car was parked on the edge of the street and Mary opened the door and sat in the backseat, feeling her heart in her throat. If they were going to the great lengths of using Muggle transportation, things were really bad.

Luckily for Mary, it was Remus that chose to drive. Sirius couldn't handle the motorbike on Muggle roads, putting him behind the wheel of a car would be disastrous.

The scenery sped by and as much as Mary wanted to question her godfathers at length, she also didn't want to start a row with them.

"We're never going to get there at this rate," Sirius whined from the front seat. "You're nowhere near the speed limit!"

"Would you rather risk getting stopped and questioned?" Remus asked, not taking his eyes off of the motorway.

"You drive like my grandmother," Sirius said, crossing his arms and slinking lower into his seat. "And she's long dead. Merlin, it was raining last night, why does it have to be so bright today?"

Mary put on her headphones and turned the volume up, drowning out the sounds of their voices. As much as it annoyed her, she loved to see them like this. So alive and so free. Both complaining nonstop about the mundane things in life. It was far better than the alternative.

The scenery sped past in a haze of browns and greens as they left London and further into the suburban areas, making her wonder how far out they were going. Something flashed in the reflection of Sirius' window and Mary looked up, staring at the window and seeing him holding a thin silver band in his hands, twisting it around and around. A spark of fear ran through her and she sat up straighter, watching the silver band in the reflection of the glass.

It was too big to go on her arm and too small for her leg, not that she expected to shoot spells out of her toes.

Oh gods, they were going to put the Suppression Cuff around her neck!

The rows of houses became more and more familiar as they drove and her fear picked up even more.

Remus turned the wheel onto Magnolia Crescent and Mary questioned her ability to apparate from a moving vehicle. She didn't want to leave them, but she couldn't go through that again. Not if they were going to cut her off from magic completely.

When the threat of magic hung over their heads, the Dursleys' were fairly harmless. A few slaps and sharp words, but nothing permanent. If she was stuck there with no ability to use magic, and they knew it, there would be hell to pay. Uncle Vernon would have her dead within a week.

One or the other she could take. She could either live without magic, with Sirius and Remus. Would she hate them for it? No. Would she be able to accomplish her mission? Also no. At the Dursleys' with magic she could at least get away and not have to worry about supervision. She wouldn't stay for more than a few minutes without making her great escape.

An odd pressure settled on her chest, making her back ache and that familiar lump to form in her throat. Each breath she took started to hurt and Mary wondered if this was what true heartbreak felt like. Something cracked and Mary felt magic tingle in the air around her.

Tears stung at her eyes. "Please don't do this," Mary whispered.

Remus met her eyes in the rearview mirror and he frowned. "I know it's an awful thing we're asking you to do here, but I think it's for the best."

Mary trembled, wrapping her arms around herself. "I'm begging you, please don't do this. I'll be good. I promise. Don't put that thing on me and leave me here. Please, Remus. I can't take it. Here? Without magic? I can't- Please!"

Remus looked at the Suppression Cuff and then to Mary. "Mary Jane. We aren't going to leave you!"

"Merlin, kid." Sirius breathed. "Stop the car, Moony."

Mary felt the car screech to a halt, but her stomach was too far in her throat to do more than gasp.

Sirius opened her door, kneeling in front of her. "There's been rumors that Voldemort is watching the Dursleys'. We've only brought you here to convince them to go into hiding."

Mary heard and comprehended what Sirius said, but her body refused to cooperate and she struggled to take in a breath.

"That's it, kiddo," Sirius said, rubbing her arms. "Just take another deep breath."

"We're not leaving you here, Mary Jane." Remus slipped into the seat beside her, pulling her against his chest. "And we wouldn't put that thing on you. Not ever. Ami gave it to Sirius last night. We're trying to research any effects it may have had on you and the only way to do that is to have a working version on hand."

"You- you were so angry," Mary breathed.

"Still am," Sirius said pointedly, holding her hands. "It sends me into a panic each time I think of you out there doing stupid shit. I hate it. But I'd never hurt you."

"I know that," Mary said, sitting up straighter, trying to make that odd pain go away. "But I wouldn't blame you for wanting to be rid of me. I really wouldn't."

"You're stuck with us, kid." Sirius hugged her tightly. "No question about it."

Mary took in a breath, holding it in until the ache in her chest eased. "So what's with all the secrecy?"

"The animagus wards were tripped the other night." Sirius held tighter to her arm. "They didn't get through, but there are other signs of scrying spells in the house and Moony and I didn't want to take chances."

"That makes sense," Mary replied. "Any idea who could be behind it?"

"Both Skeeter and Umbridge were released in the past month." Remus shrugged. "With everything going on with the Tournament, we didn't really see them as our biggest threat."

Mary thought of the two vindictive women and shuddered. "I really hope they haven't been in our house."

"Same as me," Sirius said, standing up. "If you don't want to talk to the Dursleys' that's fine. I can do it. But we have to be going."

"I'm sorry," Mary said, sitting back in her seat. "I didn't mean to go all barmy on you."

"Don't apologize," Sirius said, moving to the front seat. "If you put me on a rowboat to Azkaban with no explanation, I'd be in the same state. Matter of fact, I'd be hexing everyone on this side of the island to escape going back there."

Remus started up the car and Mary hastily applied a few freshening charms to her face, as well as an illusion spell that covered up her bloodshot eyes. Before she knew it, they pulled up to number 4 Privet Drive.

"I best do this alone," Mary said, opening her door. "They won't listen if you two are with me."

"Considering how you looked the day I met you, I'm not leaving you for a second," Sirius said firmly.

"Nor am I," Remus added. "Petunia will see reason."

Together they went to the front door. Mary knocked, feeling her stomach in her throat as the heavy footfalls moved closer.

The door swung open and Dudley stood there, watery eyes goggling at her. "Potter?"

"Hey, Dud," Mary said gently. "Are your mum and dad home?"

"Mum!" Dudley called out over his shoulder. "The freak's here!"

The door slammed in her face, barely giving her time to react before it opened again. Only this time it was Piers standing in front of her, his beady eyes roaming her body.

"You've aged well, Potter," Piers said with a crooked grin on his ratlike face.

"Shame I can't say the same for you." Mary shot back, feeling Remus stop her from grabbing her wand.

"You boys go upstairs. The biscuits will be ready shortly." Aunt Petunia pushed Piers aside and then turned to Mary. "What are you doing here, girl?"

"Voldemort's back," Mary said quietly. "While our last interaction wasn't a favorable one, I'd still regret it if anything happened to you or your family. For mum's sake."

"Get inside!" Aunt Petunia hissed, pointing to the sofa. "Not you!"

"Mary's not going in if we can't," Remus said easily.

Sirius pushed past her, flopping down on the sofa. "I'd say it was good to see you again, Petunia, but it really isn't."

It took all of ten minutes to convince Aunt Petunia that her family was no longer safe. The ugly looks she shot Mary's way could have put a basilisk to shame as she simpered to Piers that it was time for him to go and that an urgent family matter had come up. Dudley whined and complained, as usual, wanting to hang out with his friend, and for once, Mary felt sympathy for him. She knew all too well what it was like to be cut off from her friends.

"You don't get to tell us what to do, freak!" Dudley shouted after Piers left. "Just wait until dad gets home. We won't be going anywhere."

"Go upstairs and pack, Duddy," Aunt Petunia patted his shoulder. "Be a good boy and listen to mummy."

"No!" Dudley stomped his foot on the floor. "Dad won't stand for this and you know it! He'll beat the stuffing out of her and the freaks she brought with her."

Sirius stepped away and Mary moved in front of him. "Just go, Dudley. Please."

"You can't-" Dudley started.

Mary pulled her wand into her hand, burying it between his eyebrows as Aunt Petunia shrieked in fear. "I've killed four people since I started Hogwarts, Dudley. All of them trying to kill me because of something I couldn't help. They will stop at nothing to torture and kill you. If I have to wipe your memory or use mind control, I'll do it. Not because you were nice to me. Not because you're technically family, but because I don't want any more blood on my hands. Do you understand?"

Dudley stared at her - eyes wide - and nodded

"Good, now do what Aunt Petunia said," Mary nodded toward the stairs. "Pack light."

Dudley scurried up the stairs and Mary let out a sigh, her shoulders dropping.

"I regret the day you were brought here," Aunt Petunia said, crossing her arms.

"So do I," Mary replied.

With one last look at her aunt, she went back out to the car, knowing that there wasn't much else she could do. They would either head the warning and leave, or they would be targeted. The choice was their own and either way, she would respect it.

Remus started the car and Sirius shut his door, letting out a sigh.

"I'm sorry, kiddo. She shouldn't have spoken to you like that."

"She's honest at least." Mary shrugged. "That was about the only good thing about being here. I never questioned where I stood in their eyes. They were always consistent with their hatred of me. "

Remus pulled onto the motorway and then looked at Mary in the mirror. "That doesn't mean they were right to treat you like that, Mary Jane. You were a child placed in their care."

"It's done with now," Mary said easily. "No sense wool gathering over the past when we have bigger issues to deal with. Where are we headed?"

"London," Sirius said with a small smile. "Remus is dropping you and I off at the Ministry."

Mary's brows furrowed. "Why? Where are we going? Why can't you come with us, Remus?"

"Dora and Moody have both volunteered to help me search the house and replace the protective wards," Remus replied. "The Greengrass sisters will be staying there until they find a more permanent solution, and as much as we believe them to be innocent, we'd rather have some time to be sure of their intentions before we put them under the same roof as you."

Mary frowned. "I'm pretty sure I could take them in a fight."

"We're hoping it never comes to that." Sirius added. "But better safe than sorry. And I'm sure some time away from everything is in your best interest."

"Was Ami really mad?" Mary asked with a grimace.

"Mad is an understatement." Sirius scoffed. "Luckily for you, Snape took credit for Greyback's death and the rescue of the Greengrass girls. Ami took his full statement last night and assured him that he'll be protected by the Ministry should there be any fallout for his 'actions'."

Sitting back, she listened attentively as her godfathers talked about the wards they would be adding at the house. Mary let out a sigh of relief, but couldn't help but worry at the same time. At least Snape was out of Voldemort's ranks. That was the best she could hope for given the situation. Maybe he'd even get that Order of Merlin he always wanted.

"Here we are," Remus said, parking the car in front of the red phone booth and stepping out.

"Be careful." Mary hugged him tight. "And keep your mirror close. I'd like to be able to interrupt you and Tonks every so often."

Remus chuckled, letting go of her. "Keep Sirius in line. Don't let him get into trouble. And no more running off."

Mary nodded, waving quickly as she stepped into the booth with Sirius.

Sirius tapped his wand over her head. "No need in letting everyone know that you were walking around here today."

"What about you?" Mary asked with a raised brow.

Sirius huffed and disillusioned himself. "Happy?"

"I'm trying," Mary said, shrugging her shoulders.

Down they went, Sirius keeping a hand on her arm so they didn't get separated in the throng of witches and wizards that scurried around the busy atrium. Four lifts and a Floo later, Mary and Sirius stepped into a large round room with green tiles lining every surface.

"Mary!"

Mary spun around, catching Hermione around the middle. "What are you doing here?"

"They're coming with us," Sirius said with a smile. "It was supposed to be a surprise, but given everything, well, this seemed to work out better."

"Thank you!" Mary rushed to Sirius' hugging him quickly.

"Portkey for a Mr. Black?" A blonde girl walked into the room holding a frisbee.

"That had to be Ami's idea," Sirius said with a shake of his head.

Mary let out a small laugh.

The blonde tapped her wand against the frisbee, handing it to Sirius along with a large envelope. "Thirty seconds to your destination, Mr. Black. The activation phrase is in the envelope with the next portkey."

"Everybody grab hold now," Sirius said, holding out the frisbee.

"I hate portkeys," Mary whispered, grasping the edge of the red disc.

Charlie put his arm around her. "I'll make sure you don't fall, MJ."

Too late, Mary thought, moving closer to him, her heart in her throat once again. The world twisted around her, sending her flying through the air and straight towards a large stone platform. Strong hands held her steady and she was able to land with a little dignity.

"It's been a while since I've been here," Charlie said, patting her shoulder and stepping away.

Mary looked up at the tall fortress in awe. Dragonkeepers flew back and forth on brooms, holding huge crates between them. People milled about in the courtyard carrying slabs of meat and stacks of books from one side to the other. A lonely mountain sat in the distance, its peak staring down at them while massive dragons flew lazily around the snowcaps.

"Welcome to the Isle of Skye," Sirius said with a grin on his face.

"It's gorgeous." Mary spun around, taking everything in.

A large man in a kilt walked forward, pulling Charlie into a manly hug. "Good on ya, Weasley, you came at just the right time, I think the wee eggs are hatchin'."

"I wouldn't miss it." Charlie nodded. "Think they'll be ready for transport by morning?"

"If all goes well, we should have the whole lot of them cleared out by then." The man beamed. "The ministry sent a bird this morning, high level visitors. Don't know how we're going to handle that with all of this shite going on."

"We'll try not to get in the way," Sirius said with an easy smile. "In fact, you can put this crew to work. Let them earn their keep."

"Angus MacFusty," Angus said, holding out a hand to Sirius. "I'll take you up on that offer. Lord knows there's plenty to do around here. Happy to see it's this bunch and not a group of stuffy officials."

"We won't keep you, Angus," Charlie said. "I'll take this lot to the nursery and we'll get settled for the night."

They followed Charlie along the stone path to another round building. The air was stifling, but the reasoning was obvious by the small pit that held four large eggs that were speckled with grey spots.

"Charlie!" A broad shouldered elderly woman swooped forward and hugged him. "How are you?"

"Good, Enid," Charlie said easily. "I've brought some friends and family to help."

"It's a good thing ya did, son." Enid wiped her hands. "I'm needed over in sanctuary five and we're all out of people to watch over the wee ones."

"We've got this," Charlie said easily.

"That's a good lad." Enid patted his cheek and turned to Sirius. "Guest rooms are in the tallest tower. You can follow me. Bring the children, they'll be serving dinner soon and they can visit the library or observation decks. Lots to see today."

"My lady," Sirius bowed slightly, a crooked smile on his face.

"You had me at dinner," Ron breathed, following Enid with a grin.

"There's a library?" Hermione squeaked, her voice trailing off as she interrogated Enid at length.

"We'll be lucky if we ever see her again." Ginny grinned.

The walls in the nursery were lined with some odd looking leather and Mary ran her hand across it, recognizing it as dragonhide. Rows and rows of cages were stacked around the edges of the room, resembling the ones from the first task.

Ginny leaned over the pit, blinking at the heat. "Woah, no offence, Charlie, but this is like watching water boil from inside the pot. I'm going to check out the observation decks."

"Don't go out of bounds and don't get in the way," Charlie ordered her with a look.

"Sure thing, mum," Ginny said with a grin. "Coming, Mary?"

"And miss this?" Mary pointed to the eggs. "No way."

"Be sure you're back by dinner," Charlie said.

"Yeah, yeah," Ginny mumbled, walking out with her hands in her pockets.

"An hour or two and they'll be ready to hatch." Charlie walked around the table, examining the eggs with a shrewd eye. "Possibly sooner, but you can go catch up with the others if you want. It is a bit like watching a cauldron."

"Wouldn't it be safer to transfer them like this?" Mary asked, leaning against the wall.

"They need constant heat at this stage, otherwise they'll die before they can break through the shell." Charlie said, tapping his finger lightly on the top of one egg. "The first few hours after hatching are crucial for orphans too, so we've got to have them in an area where we're capable of handling them."

Mary looked around the room. "Well, it looks a bit sturdier than Hagrid's hut."

"I'm surprised he was able to get Norberta to hatch at all in those conditions, but I'd never bet against Hagrid." Charlie leaned closer to the heated stone. "Looks like we've got one ready to come out."

Within twenty minutes, two of the baby dragons ambled around on the large stone table while Charlie mixed them up a batch of breakfast. They were gorgeous babies with dark scales and light purple eyes.

"You mind shuffling the eggs more toward the center?" Charlie asked, holding four bottles.

"I'd be honored," Mary said, wide eyed as she donned the heavy gloves and gently nudged the eggs closer to the heat. "What are you making them?"

"Deer blood and scotch," Charlie replied. "Basic fare for a Hebridean."

The egg cracked open at the top and Mary lifted her head. "This one's ready."

"Give me a moment and I'll be right there," Charlie told her.

The shell crinkled and a tiny blue creature popped out, whining pitifully. Its pale blue feathers started to smoke, and it spread its wings, trying to keep its chicken like feet off the hot rocks. Without thinking, Mary picked it up, patting its wings gently and blew the red embers off the delicate feathers.

Charlie stared at her, eyes wide. "Don't move, MJ."

"What's wrong?" Mary asked, keeping her eyes on him. "Did I do the wrong thing? Am I on fire? Please don't tell me there's a big mama dragon behind me."

Charlie pointing his wand at the creature in her arms. "That's not a dragon. That's a Snallygaster."

"What the hell's a Snallygaster?" Mary hissed.

"Part dragon, part occamy, serrated steel teeth that it uses to exsanguinate its victims." Charlie crept closer, sending his patronus off toward the main tower.

"It's a vampire bird?" Mary squeaked. "I have a vampire bird cuddled up to my neck?"

"Easy," Charlie whispered. "They're deadly, but this one's just a baby."

"Please don't bite me," Mary said under her breath. "I mean you no harm. Just don't bite me."

The little creature weakly raised its head, tilting its neck side to side, and stared at her with brilliant blue eyes.

"What are you saying to it?" Charlie asked.

"Er, not to bite me." Mary looked up. "Was that not in English?"

Charlie shook his head, eyes wide. "It seems to understand you well enough. Must be closer to the occamy family to understand Parseltongue."

One of the baby dragons sniffed the air and let out a squawk, heaving in a breath before blowing out a tiny stream of flames. Mary took a step back, barely avoiding it, but the Snallygaster in her arms had other ideas, turning to stare at the baby dragon and let out an angry squawk of her own.

Charlie leaned closer. "I wouldn't get too snappy, little one. Looks like you have no teeth. Gorgeous blue eyes though."

"I don't think they like each other." Mary grinned.

Charlie let out a gruff laugh, tucking the dragon into a crate. "That obvious, eh?"

"I'd put her down and help you, but she's got a firm grip on my shoulder," Mary said.

"I've got this lot handled," Charlie said easily. "Here, see if you can get Blue Eyes to eat something."

Mary accepted the bottle, prying the creature's claws from her shoulder, and trying to coax her into eating. After a few tries, Mary leaned back against the table, watching the four newest inhabitants of the reserve enjoy their meals.

"Is it always this exciting in this line of work?" Mary asked quietly.

"Only with you around, MJ." Charlie smiled, placing the three hatchlings into a large metal crate. "I doubt these guys are going to stand for a Snallygaster staying in the same room as them. They're natural enemies if I recall."

"What'll happen to her?" Mary asked, placing the empty bottle on the table.

"Not sure," Charlie shrugged. "I'm more curious as to how the eggs got mixed up. Snallygasters take upwards of twenty years to hatch."

"Hers looked near identical to the others." Mary shrugged.

"Angus and Enid are going to be shocked over this one." Charlie bent down slightly, staring at the little Snallygaster. "Let's see if we can get her in a crate."

Charlie reached forward and the Snallygaster folded her wings in, trying her best to bury herself in Mary's hair. Sharp claws dug into her chest and Mary winced, taking a step back. A discarded bottle stuck to the bottom of her boot and she stumbled slightly, holding tight to the Snallygaster.

Charlie's warm hands grasped her hips, holding her steady. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Mary gasped, trying to calm her racing heart. "Sorry, I almost fell for you- On you. Almost fell on you. Not-"

"It's okay," Charlie said, his face so close she could feel his breath on her cheek. "I'm not very good about picking up after myself."

Mary stared at his lips, then forced herself to meet his eyes. "You should work on that."

"Oh I hope the wee ones aren't hurt." Enid's voice was heard from the corridor.

Charlie let go of her, taking a few steps back, and Mary turned her head, swallowing hard as her cheeks burned. That was too close. Ten more seconds and she would have lost the will to fight it. Panic flooded through her as she quickly buried her feelings as deep down as she could. And by the stunned look on his face, she'd really stepped in it now.


A/N:

Thoughts? Questions? Concrit? I'm here for it all.

I read and respond to every comment/review.

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Basically, you lot are the best bunch of readers a writer could ever hope for and I appreciate all of you dearly.

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Let me know. :)

Also, I have this story on Ao3 under the name BexSilverthorne where I put pictures at the end of the chapters.

On my profile page is a picture of Saphira. XD