Chapter Eight: Summoned

Miss Granger,
As I understand it, you're unoccupied between five and six each evening. Please, come visit me in my office, on Tuesday evening. If you cannot make it, please write me back with a better time.
Professor McTavish.

She arrived just before five, and knocked on the Headmaster's office door. He had a large office on the second floor of the administration building. She walked across the grounds from Essex, smiling at the smaller students running around, backpacks stuffed. She knocked on the Headmaster's door, and waited. "Come in!"

She walked inside, and saw Draco sitting in one of four chairs. Donovan McTavish's office was much different from Dumbledore's Hermione noted. Much like everything else on campus, the overtones of magic were a great deal less than at Hogwarts. Most magic on campus was used in the classroom, and not inside the dorm, allowing for the presence of electrical objects, which were subsequently scattered about the office. He had a computer, electric pencil sharpener, even a radio. She smiled, and sat down. "Hi."

"Hi."

"My what a grumpy bunch. How are you doing Miss Granger? Is everything working out all right?"

She smiled. "Oh, yes. I'm enjoying myself immensely. Professor Nelson has been explaining to me how to incorporate the calculator into my Arithmancy work, and how advanced mathematics makes for much more detail in understanding spells. It's really very fascinating."

"I'm glad to hear to it, Miss Granger. You're suitemates are acceptable?"

"Absolutely. I love them already. Sam wants me to try and learn to play football."

"A fine sport, my dear."

Hermione blushed. "Thank you, sir."

"You're quite welcome. I just finished asking Mister Draco the same thing. It seems he's a seeker on the house teams at Hogwarts."

"Yes sir."

"What do you think? Is he any good?" Draco almost groaned. Ask Granger?! She was bound to be biased. She hated him, and loved perfect Potter. "I understand his team has won the cup the last few years he's been at Hogwarts."

Hermione looked over and glared at Draco. Okay, so it'd be horrible to deny him a chance to play on the teams here, but- oh did she want to set the record straight. She sighed. "Sir, I'm best friends with the Gryffindor Seeker. I can't be unbiased in my answer. Ask Lisa."

"Very well, Miss Granger. That was honest if not informative."

Draco stared at her. "What are you doing?"

She frowned. "What do you mean, what am I doing? I'm doing you a favor."

"By insinuating that I suck?"

"I said no such thing, Malfoy! I said I couldn't be unbiased. Would you rather I told him my real opinion of you, Ferret-Boy?"

Draco flinched. "You have no right to speak to me like that, you dirty little-"

She hauled off and smacked him. "Call me that name ever again, and I will do worse. I'll hex you seven ways from Sunday. I'll do it so fast they won't know what to do to put you back together again. You're an arrogant spiteful little brat, and you need to get over yourself."

Donovan watched as the two went at it, too shocked to intervene. They were standing nose to nose, nearly touching as they hissed between themselves.

"I am not arrogant. I'm proud."

"You're stupid is what! You think tormenting us will make it better, you little ferret? You think you can play with the Dark Arts, follow like your father, and it won't consume you, but it will, and it has. Don't touch me, and don't touch my friends. I might seem like I'm nothing but a Ravenclaw, but I assure you, I was put it the right house. Are we clear?"

Draco stared at her eyes, they were a deep brown, but right now were full of fire. She'd never looked prettier. She'd never looked pretty period, as far as Draco was concerned, but in this span of only seconds, standing only centimeters from her, he wanted her. She wasn't going to giggle and give up everything for him. She was—interesting. So, in true Malfoy fashion, he took what he wanted and pressed his lips to hers, crossing the very small distance between them.

She pushed away immediately, and Draco sighed. He was going to get it now. But, oh that fire was so pretty.

"What are you doing?!"

Draco smiled at her; a smirk, but more interested. "Go out with me on Friday night."

"No!"

"I need a challenge. I'll make it worth your while. A wager, hmm?"

"For what?"

"You go out with me, Friday. If you like it- I get another date."

"If I don't? If I still think you're a sniveling coward-"

Draco almost insulted her for that comment, but held back. He wasn't a coward. He'd prove it to her, too. "You don't like it, you can turn me into a ferret for a day."

"Can I keep you in a cage, and show you to all my friends?"

"Yes. No bouncing."

Hermione giggled. "Deal. Seven. I'm in Essex 35D. Don't be late."

Donovan stood shocked. What on earth had he just witnessed? He shook his head. "If, Mister Malfoy, you spend a day in a cage as a ferret, all work must be made up."

"Of course, sir."

Lisa entered just then, and frowned at Hermione and Draco who were both looking a bit flushed, and the headmaster, who looked little more than utterly baffled. "Is something wrong?"

"No, not at all Miss Turpin. Come right in, we're just waiting for Justin."

"I'm here! I'm sorry I'm late! Did I miss much?"

Donovan smiled. "Not at all, Mister Fletchley. Now then, down to business. Is anyone having any problems within their dormitories?"

No one seemed to. Hermione wondered if Draco were being honest. She didn't care, she decided.

"Miss Granger has expressed an interest in joining the girls soccer team. Have the rest of you found anything of interest?"

Justin smiled. "You have a football team! It's been ages since I got to play, but I'd love to. Even if I just practiced with the team. It'd be great."

"We'll arrange something for you. Miss Turpin? Mister Malfoy?"

Lisa smiled. "I've been spending time fencing club already. My roommate, Deirdre is in it, and she lent me a foil, and a suit."

"Good for you."

"I'd still like to try for a place on the Quidditch team, sir."

Donovan nodded. "Of course. Of course. We'll arrange for a try out with Dan soon."

"Thank you sir."

"That being done, I'll see you all around campus. You can go." They all left and Draco sidled up to Hermione. "Not going to call it off, are you?"

Hermione rose to the challenge. "Are you?"

"No."

"I'm glad. I'll start working on transfiguring you a small water bottle, and cage." She waved, and headed up the path to Essex dorm, Lisa trailing behind, as Justin and Draco turned up a different path that would lead them over the hill to Suffolk.

***

The letter to Wishy's parents had been sent off days ago. Snape decided it best not to return to the manor for the time being. The possibility that the Death Eaters had set up alarms to alert them to any human presence in the manor was too great. If he returned immediately it'd be too conspicuous. He gave permission for a proper burial and funeral to be held, and that any fee for arrangements were to be charged, as usual, to the manor. His elves had pledged themselves to him, and he would not take their loyalty lightly.

He was marking a long essay which had been submitted by a Hufflepuff fourth year for extra credit when he felt the mark on his arm begin to burn. A summons. He rubbed his arm through his robe, and headed off for the suite of rooms he shared with Remus. When he and Remus has started to work together they'd started a ritual, before he had to leave for his summons. From the ritual, it had developed into something more as they had fallen in love. He walked inside, and found Remus asleep on the overstuffed sofa. He was draped with a blanket, and a hand rested over his abdomen, as if to protect, or try and feel, the small beings growing inside of him. Severus sat down, and ran his fingers through the honey and silver strands. "Rehmy."

Remus woke up slowly, smiling up at his lover. "Hey."

"I have to go. He's called me again."

Remus sat up, and wrapped his arms around his mate. "All right. Come home to me, love, in one piece." It was the moments like these when Remus realized why they were together, as strange a pair as they were. They needed each other. Someone to care they were alive, someone to care if they didn't come home. And, in the other, they'd found that person.

It'd been after Voldemort's rising. They Order had been meeting, but Sirius had been sent with Fletcher and Figg, and Remus had been, by necessity of his monthly condition. Together, they had been a solemn pair. Severus had been teaching his classes all day, and at night, working amongst the Death Eaters, trying to acquire information. He was constantly tired, and Remus had stood by to watch him deteriorate. Remus himself, had been managing Severus' paperwork, grading papers, making sure he stayed healthy enough to function. Nursemaid. He'd hated it, but at the same time, they were working as a team. They'd fallen in love by necessity.

And, Remus, his natural pack-instincts, had readjusted once again. James had been pack leader, with Sirius, and himself as Betas. Even Peter had been given the status of beta-wolf. Omega wolf had been a title given to Severus, who never knew he was even part of the pack. Remus, of course, had known- had hurt the most when the pack-shit taker, as Sirius had always called the role of Omega, had turned deadly. His prank. Then he'd become a lone wolf, and now, thank Merlin, and all the gods there are, and ever were, he had a pack again.

Severus, Omega, had become Alpha, Harry a Beta, and nothing beyond that had been established. He needed his pack. He held his lover, close, tight, not willing to let go.

Severus half-smiled. "I'll do my best, love."

"I love you."

Severus smiled, and pulled back a few inches only to lean in again to press a kiss to Remus' lips. It'd been a night not too much different from this one when Severus had told Remus what he felt for the werewolf. "I love you. Take care."

Remus smiled. "I will."

Severus rose from his half-seat on the couch edge, and headed for the door, picking up a cloak that had been draped over a wing backed chair. He stopped for a moment and smiled at his lover, and four unborn children, and then headed for his master.

*

Severus had hidden under the customary black hooded cloak. Old members were hidden in the secrecy of robes, and the new, flaunted their purpose. Snape mourned the faces he knew so well. Flint, Montesque- children he had taught. They didn't even know enough to hide their faces, but he would give them up if he saw their atrocities. His only hope was in knowing that Draco had been saved from this. He would spend a vital year in America, and grow up there.

This evening was a small gathering. Snape had mentally prepared himself for all kinds of interrogation. His affinity for Veritaserum existed for a reason. It was potent, but not impossible to resist. And he could. He could lie, bold faced, to the Dark Lord. It had been a necessity as a spy. He could hide his son. He had to. Lily had protected him, and given her life, and he could do no less. The invasion and murder of his elf was a warning.

"My loyal spy," the horrible voice hissed, calling him out.

"I have come, milord." he said, coming to kneel before the master.

"It seems today, I have more information for you, than you have brought for me."

"As you say."

"You have taken a mate!" he sounded furious. Snape felt for his son, who would be dreaming of this, rising in pain.

"Before your return, milord."

"Why haven't you brought him before me?"

"He does not wish to choose sides. I cannot force him."

"You will bring him before me!"

He had to keep Remus away. The Dark Lord would know who he was, what he was, and bend him. "He in a fragile state, milord. With child."

"A child, you say?"

"Yes."

"When is the child due?"

"December, milord." Severus knew the folly of too many lies. It would confuse him too much, and loops would appear in his testimony. This would buy them time as well.

"February, then. What have you for me, regarding Dumbledore's movements?"

"He's keeping it so very quiet this time. He cannot move too far, because Fudge hinders him. No one in the ministry recognizes your return."

Voldemort grinned, or some serpentine equivalent. "A very good thing to know. They will know then. Oh yes," he hissed. "They will know. And so shall you—you have made a serious lack in judgement, my servant." He hissed ever louder, and then pointed his wand at Severus, and before he could register the curse, he was on the floor writhing in pain. All he could think of was how sorry he was for his son's matching pain.

*

Harry woke up, his forehead on fire. He stumbled from his bed, to wash his sweat soaked face. The dream, sweet Merlin, that horrible dream. Snape- Dad. He was being punished by Voldemort. Voldemort knew about the pups! Harry stumbled blindly, his forehead throbbing sharp pains through his body, down the stairs, and into the main corridors of the castle. Unconsciously he headed for the suite of rooms that were the home' that Remus and Severus had made with each other.

He banged on the door, desperate for an answer. Remus opened it, eyes wide and panicked. "What? What happened?"

"Is he here?" He knew he wasn't.

Remus put a hand over his heart. "Don't do that to me again, Harry! You scared me half to death. Come in, no your father isn't here at the moment."

"He's at a meeting."

Remus sighed. "Yes. He was summoned. You know he attacked at the manor- killed the elf. He knows about me, I'm sure of it."

"Yes. And, the pups. I had another dream."

Remus sat up. The pups!? "Tell me."

"There were gathered. I dunno where. I couldn't tell- the same place as usual for meetings. Voldemort asked Snape about his mate- a few questions. He admitted it, and then said you were going to have pups. Well, that you were pregnant. Not that they were wolf cubs. But he told him!"

"And you're scared for them?"

"Of course! And for you! He wants to see you right after they're born. And them a year later!"

"Harry. Harry, calm down, first. You need to take a few breaths. Your father did that for a reason, I'm sure. He bought us time to figure out what to do. Your father knows how to handle Voldemort."

"I don't like it. They hurt him. Cruciatus. It was bad."

Remus sighed. "I'll let Poppy know. I'll have to take his classes today. Go back to bed, Harry."

"My forehead."

"It still hurts?"

"Yes."

Remus sighed, and pulled Harry into a hug. Harry returned it. It wasn't often he got hugs, and he liked them, the contact, the comfort. Hermione used to, but she wasn't here this year, and Mrs. Weasley-. He held on for a minute at least before letting go. "I'll be okay. I'm sorry I woke you up."

Remus put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Harry- you're welcome here whenever you have need of us. The door is always – well, I'll open it. I don't trust Peeves enough to leave it open."

Harry gave a half-hearted chuckle. "Thanks Remus."

"I'll send for you when he gets home."

Harry nodded, and left the room, returning to his dormitory thankfully without running into Mrs. Norris, or Filch. He woke the Fat Lady, and slipped inside. He was halfway to the staircase when he noticed Aki sitting in one of the wing-backed chairs.

"Aki?"

"Where'd you go?"

"Uhm," Harry hesitated.

"It's okay. You don't have to tell me. I just kind of thought that-" Harry sat down in a chair across from him. This was a positive note- for such a horrible evening. Aki was worried. Aki liked him. "-we'd connected a bit-"

"Aki?"

"Yes?" he shut up quickly.

"If I'd had been meeting someone I wouldn't have left without my cloak- in my pajamas. I have dreams- not like a true diviner. I can see Voldemort though. And he just hurt Professor Snape, and threatened my family." Harry settled onto the couch, tucking a pillow under his head. "Right now, I'm just gonna lay on the settee and get some sleep before then- if I can. But, tomorrow- later- we'll talk about us, okay?"

Aki nodded. "Absolutely. I'm sorry- now is a very bad time. Do you- Do you want some company?"

Harry smiled, and scooted over, making room on the couch.

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thanks to oompa who gave me a kick in the pants.
Tune in next time, same Snape channel, same Snape time (wtf? i need sleep!)
Next time: What will become of Harry & Aki? A pre-natal exam, and a bit of plan hatching.