Thanks for all the reviews, gang!

I'm still frustrated with the bloody formatting thing - I guess I'm going to have to send FFnet a Howler!

Episcopal Witch - I love the description of Snape as simultaneously noble and obnoxious! How fitting.

Scotty - glad you enjoy the story so much. To answer your question about other continents - I know for a fact that I have a whole group of Australians that read and review regularly. People from both eastern and western Canada, as well as from all over the US have added their comments. As far as other countries go - I know that I have readers in Brazil, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, New Zealand, The Philippines, Puerto Rico, Scotland, and Spain. Did I miss anyone?

Quote of the week. "Those dog puns are a real bitch to think up, aren't they?" - Sirius Black in 'Albus Dumbledore's Inbox' by Indigo Ziona. A highly recommended and very funny fic.***

The Headmaster's Decision ~*~

It was not long after the army of post owls was sent out from Hogwarts that the first parents began arriving frantically to check on their children. Each of the heads of the four houses checked in with Madame Pomfrey and Mistress Lorien to be able to give the most current updates of their house members' conditions before the parents actually went to the hospital ward.

Dumbledore himself was also present in the great hall as the other available professors and staff escorted arriving families to the large room where they were given the current status of their children and the situation as it stood so far.**

In the hospital wing, Lorien was completely miserable. She was dealing with each new set of parents that came in to see their child, and she had all she could do to keep all of the students straight. Poppy was having an easier time of it since she had known all the students since they had started at Hogwarts, and Lorien was grateful whenever Poppy intervened. The only bright spot was the fact that it now looked like every student would live.

She had been preoccupied giving the details of the status of the no longer comatose first year to the parents for quite some time, and was relieved when the girl finally opened her eyes and her parents became engrossed in visiting with their daughter. It looked like there was no one looking for explanations at the moment and Lorien escaped to the office to take a breather for just a bit.

She was just sitting down at her desk when a woman spoke to her from the doorway. "What a horrible night you all have been through."

Lorien looked up at the woman with light blonde hair standing in the doorway. Another parent. She groaned inwardly. "I can't even begin to tell you." She replied. "We are very fortunate to have things turn out as they did."

"Everyone is expected to recover, then?" The woman asked, apparently concerned.

Lorien nodded. "Completely. We're very lucky to have such a competent and talented staff. They all handled the situation admirably."

"Surely you include yourself on that list." The woman said kindly.

Lorien smiled at the woman. "Can I answer any questions for you?"

"Oh, no. Thank you. My son wasn't among the injured, thankfully." The woman stepped further into the office and continued speaking. "You must feel lucky to have such a knowledgeable Potions master at Hogwarts. I hear it was because of him that the victims are all still alive."

Lorien nodded. "He's a lot of the reason. It was quite a team effort actually, but yes, we are very lucky to have Professor Snape here. He really is quite talented."

The woman now took on a different tone of voice altogether, and she leaned casually on Lorien's desk very close to where she was as she spoke. "And I suppose no one would be in a better position to appreciate all of dear Severus's talents than you, my dear." She said in a husky whisper as she touched Lorien's arm briefly.

Lorien startled at the coldness of the woman's fingers on her arm, and suddenly had a feeling of dread when she met the woman's steady gaze, and it dawned on her exactly who she had been speaking with.

Narcissa Malfoy laughed when she saw the expression on Lorien's face. "Dear me. I've been so rude by not introducing myself, but then again, you already know who I am, don't you, Miss Desjardins?"

Lorien nodded and spoke coolly to the woman. "I know who you are, Narcissa. Now, what is it you want?"

"Want?" Narcissa asked innocently. "Why, I've merely come to make sure that my son is safe after such a tragic incident. Well, that and to warn you to be careful, Lorien." She said sweetly. "You need to be very careful about who you let get so... close to you." The woman's gaze was ice as she spoke the last words and she straightened and walked back through the doorway.

Lorien hated to admit it, but the encounter left her rattled, and she sat at the desk trying to compose herself before she went back out into the main room. Narcissa could have easily done her harm before she had ever suspected that the woman was other than another concerned parent.**

Draco couldn't have been more relieved to see his mother walk into his dormitory room, thinking she'd come to take him away from Hogwarts before things settled down too much, and Dumbledore had time to put two and two together.

She embraced her son warmly. "How are you, my love?" She asked.

"Fine." He said quickly.

"You were unharmed?" She asked, tipping his chin to look into his eyes.

"Yes."

"Good. I was very worried about you." Narcissa said, smoothing her son's hair. "It was a very brave thing that you did, Draco." She whispered.

Draco wasn't so sure. "Huh!" Was all he said in reply.

Narcissa looked a bit surprised. "You've pleased your father immensely, and I am proud of your loyalty as well."

"Great. Now let's go." Draco said tersely.

"Go?" She asked. "What do you mean? You're not going anywhere, love."

Draco started to get angry. "What are you saying? You're not taking me out of here?"

Narcissa laughed a little. "No, of course not."

"Mother, they KNOW." Draco said angrily. "Snape knows and when the headmaster finds out they're going to have my head!"

"We all have sacrifices that we have to make, Draco." She said, patting his arm and turning away. "There's a good chance that you'll be needed again, and having you here at Hogwarts is just too important to take you away just yet."

"But, Mother...." Draco started to protest.

Narcissa turned back with her eyes blazing. "Your FATHER's instructions, Draco. Surely you don't want to disobey your father?"

Draco quieted for a moment, and Narcissa changed her tone back to a sweeter one. "It's all for the greater good, son. Your father wouldn't have asked you to do this thing if he didn't think you were capable of handling the consequences."

"Wonderful." Draco spat, as he realized that he was being hung out to dry.

"Now," Narcissa said, embracing her son once more, "chin up." She headed for the door. "I have every confidence in you. You're a strong young wizard, Draco." She said proudly.

Draco merely glared at her.

"You're going to be just fine." She said. "Don't forget, after all, you're a Malfoy." She looked at him meaningfully and left.

"Thanks for reminding me." Draco said caustically to the closed door. **

Dawn found Lorien and Poppy still dealing with patients, and the rest of the staff still dealing with parents. As more and more of the students became well enough to leave the hospital, more parents began to leave the school.

Morning wore on and by noon, Lorien was keeping an eye on all of the remaining patients after she had sent Poppy to get a little rest a few hours before. It wasn't long after that Poppy returned and insisted that Lorien take a break as well.

"Everything is under control here." She said. "We don't need both of us taking up more space in the room. Now shoo!" Pomfrey tried to get her to leave.

"Poppy, really. I don't mind staying a little longer." Lorien protested.

"Well, I can think of at least one really good reason why you should go." Pomfrey replied. She indicated the door where Snape had just come in.

Lorien turned a little red and smiled. "Alright." She said softly. "But come get me if anything happens."

Severus followed Lorien into her chambers, tossed his robes on a chair, unbuttoned his shirt collar and immediately flung himself on the couch and leaned forward, pressing his palms to his eyes. Lorien noted how tired he seemed when he looked back up and spoke to her. "What do you keep on hand for headaches?"

"Do you have one?" She asked tiredly, and came to stand next to where he was seated. He unbuttoned his cuffs and rolled up his sleeves, and although she hated the mark on his arm, she loved that he never tried to hide it from her anymore when they were alone.

"A monster." He said, and closed his eyes as he leaned his head back against the couch. "Please tell me that we're not out of those potions as well."

Lorien smiled to herself. "You don't need a silly potion." She said, moving to kneel on the cushion next to him. "You just need me." She snuggled closer.

He misunderstood her intent. "Lorien, what part of 'headache' don't you understand?"

She laughed at him. "That's not....Here. I'll fix it." She realized as she placed her hands gently on his head, that this was one of the few times she had done anything like this for him. Well, beyond the night of Phoenix CPR. She concentrated and it was only a minute before she could feel him start to relax.

He sighed and finally opened his eyes. "Much better. Thank you."

"I'm not finished." She said quietly, and she smiled when she saw him arch an eyebrow as her hands went to the remaining buttons on his shirt. He started to say something and she quieted him. "Shhhh. Relax."

He complied and watched her intently as she reached the last button and undid it. She tugged his shirt open and he spoke as she slid her still warm hands across his chest. "I fail to see what this has to do with curing a headache."

She was about to remark about how it had more to do with the fact that his headache was now gone, when he suddenly gasped slightly. Lorien was startled, and then alarmed as his hand went reflexively to his left arm.

"Severus?" She asked tentatively, knowing what must have happened.

He said nothing for a moment as he sat there gritting his teeth, face paler than normal, and then at last heaved a sigh as Lorien watched him intently.

"He doesn't let up, does he?" She asked quietly.

"No." Snape replied, rubbing his forearm. "I'm sure he enjoys those little reminders as to who he feels has the upper hand."

She reached for his arm gently. "Does it still hurt?"

He didn't answer her.

Lorien ran her fingers along his arm, and frowned at the feelings seeing the Dark Mark evoked. Those feelings coupled with exhaustion crept up on her quickly, and quite suddenly she felt herself being overcome by a mix of emotions. When she looked back at Severus, she found that she was fighting back tears.

He had seen something change in her expression when she touched the Mark, but he wasn't prepared for the tears. He hated it when she cried in front of him. He hated it, because he never quite knew how to deal with it. He wanted her to stop, wanted her to feel better, but never felt he knew just what the right thing to say was. "What is it?" He asked softly.

Lorien exhaled a deep breath and then spoke. "I guess I'm tired, and it's all just starting to get to me a little."

"What is?" He asked.

She looked grave when she spoke again in a hushed voice. "Voldemort."

"Voldemort?" Severus didn't hide his surprise at her candid answer.

Lorien nodded. "It's becoming painfully apparent to me just how much he affects everything." She said, and she picked up his left arm again and ran her thumb along the Mark. "I hate this. I hate everything he's ever done to you, and everything he's ever caused you to do." She touched the scar below his ribcage on the right. "I hate that you almost died because of him."

She stood up and continued, tears beginning to fall now. "I hate what happened at the ministry, Severus. I still have nightmares about the crash." She was becoming more emotional. "I hate the feeling I get when I think about how I believed you were dead, and I hate what happened last night. Last night was...." She sobbed and covered her mouth to prevent another one from escaping, and then suddenly his arms were around her.

"Don't." He said softly into her hair as he pulled her close. "Don't let it get to you, Lorien. He wins again just a little if you start to lose faith....if you start to lose hope."

She wiped her eyes and looked up into his. "I'm not losing hope, Severus. It's making me really angry."

He smiled at her just a little. "In that case I would venture to say that Mr. Riddle has another problem to worry about." He was relieved when he saw that she was no longer crying. "Come." He said, taking her by the arm and leading her to the bedroom. "I think we both could use some rest."**

Lorien woke several hours later while it was still light, and she ventured a look at the time. Four O'clock. She probably should check in with Poppy. Four hours sleep had been a luxury for them both at this point.

"What time is it?" Severus asked, drawing her closer to him now that he knew she was awake.

"Four." She replied, letting him pull her near him. "Did you sleep?"

"A little." He answered.

"I would think you'd have slept like a rock, after everything." She mused.

"I've been thinking about the meeting." He replied.

"About Draco?" Lorien asked.

"Mmmhmm." He answered distractedly, still thinking about the meeting with the headmaster he had to get through. "I should go. I want to speak with Dumbledore before the other three get there." He let go of her and got up.

Lorien did as well and followed him to the sitting room. After he had shrugged the black robes back on she reached up and smoothed his raven hair. "Come find me later?"

He nodded silently and left. Lorien knew how heavily the issue with the younger Malfoy was weighing on him.**

Snape sat in one of four chairs in front of the headmaster, along with the other three heads of house. They had been discussing what to do as far as Malfoy was concerned. Draco had volunteered the truth to the headmaster earlier in the day, and according to Dumbledore had seemed even a little remorseful. That was good. A little remorse was probably genuine. If he had been dramatically repentant, it probably would have been a lie.

He looked around at the three others, gauging what their vote would be. Of course, ultimately Dumbledore would make up his own mind, but he had asked all of them for their input.

"Well, what say you?" Dumbledore finally asked, and he looked at Sprout first.

She sighed. "Headmaster, I have considered this all afternoon, but I'm afraid that my answer has not changed. I believe the boy should be expelled."

Dumbledore nodded once in acknowledgment and turned to the Ravenclaw.

Flitwick spoke up. "I have mixed feelings still. I would like to see the boy stay, honestly, but I must agree with Forsythia. I think expulsion should be part of his punishment."

McGonagall was next to speak. Snape had little doubt the vote would stand at three when she answered.

Minvera stared at the floor as she spoke, avoiding looking at anyone. "I believe what Mr. Malfoy has done is truly horrific. He endangered dozens of lives, aided our greatest enemy, and caused a great deal of anguish unnecessarily to a large number of families. By all rights, Draco should be expelled."

Snape had expected as much until Minvera continued.

"However," she said. "My recommendation is that he be allowed to stay but given strict punishment. I believe that should we expel him, his future will become very bleak indeed, and he will be more likely to cause even greater harm in the future if he walks down that road. I know how terrible this thing is that he has done, but I believe it often pays off handsomely to offer second chances to those that might take advantage of them."

Snape was astounded. He fully expected the head of Gryffindor to cast her vote in favor of throwing Malfoy out. And what was that sideways glance from her as she made her last statement? Was that for his benefit?

"Severus?" The headmaster was addressing him.

"I believe that Minerva has accurately assessed the situation, and I agree with her. Mr. Malfoy should indeed be punished, but he should not be expelled." His eyes met McGonagall's in a brief look of mutual understanding.

"Very well." Said Dumbledore. "I appreciate all of you taking the time to give me your input. I will let you know my decision shortly."

All four rose to leave the room.

"Severus, a word before you go?" Dumbledore requested.

"Of course." Snape sat back down as the others left, and waited to see what the headmaster would say.

"I have considered both sides of the coin very carefully, but I really feel that I only have one choice in this matter." Dumbledore began. "I thought that as head of his house, you should be the first to know that I will not expel him. The risks that he will run to Voldemort even faster are too great, and I believe, as I know you do, that he can still be saved."

"You think so?" Snape asked.

"Yes." Said Dumbledore. "I know that for many it won't be a popular decision, but it wouldn't be the first time that I kept a student that should have been expelled to further the greater good." He looked at Snape meaningfully.

Snape bristled and found himself challenging the headmaster quietly. "And I suppose that you think that decision paid off?"

"No question at all." Dumbledore replied steadily. "Whatever your personal feelings may be, you have to admit that we are stronger with Sirius Black on our side."

Snape snorted.

Dumbledore looked at him over the tops of his half-moon spectacles. "I didn't say you had to like it."

"Good." Snape snipped.

Dumbledore changed the subject. "I'll let the others know, and I'll inform Black and Lupin as well. I'd prefer, for now, to keep Draco's involvement from becoming known to the other staff or student body."

"Lorien knows." Snape replied.

"Of course," said Dumbledore. "But I believe she's trustworthy, don't you?" The blue eyes twinkled a bit. "Severus, I believe that I will leave Mr. Malfoy in your capable hands. What ever punishment you deem appropriate will be fine by me." The headmaster stood, and Snape stood with him.

"I ought to turn Filch loose on him." Snape replied, only half joking.

Dumbledore shrugged and smiled.**

Snape left the headmaster's office and was on his way down the hall to the hospital ward when he heard a woman call his name.

"Severus?"

He turned. It was Kaneene Moody.

"Do you have a minute?" She asked, as she caught up to him outside the infirmary door.

"Of course." He said, making an effort to be polite.

"I appreciate what you did for me today." She said. She paused, and then spoke again softly. "What you did for him."

Snape waived a hand dismissively. "It's nothing." He said quickly.

"Maybe to you, but not to me." She said firmly.

Snape looked at her, a little uncomfortable with being the focus of her gratitude, and shrugged. "It's best if we lose no one." He said offhandedly, and started to turn away.

"I know you don't like him." She said suddenly.

He turned back to look at her.

"It doesn't matter." She said. "It's a shame that things aren't more agreeable between you, but it doesn't matter. You still tried to do the right thing." She stood close to him and spoke softly. "That's what really matters, Severus. Thank you."

Before Snape could react, the green eyed woman had moved forward and kissed him, and then she smiled and walked away. Snape stared after her for a moment, thinking that she really wasn't so bad for an auror. His thoughts were interrupted by a woman clearing her throat behind him, and he turned to find Lorien standing there with her arms folded. She didn't look pleased.

"I let you out of my sight for one hour, and this is how I find you? Kissing another woman in the middle of the hall?" She started.

Damn. She couldn't have walked into the hall a minute later? Snape knew that he had some fast explaining to do, until he saw her smile. "You actually enjoy tormenting me, don't you?"

"A great deal." She said, walking up to him. "But no more than you enjoy tormenting me at times."

"Lorien, you know that Kaneene was just..."

"I know. She told me what you did." Lorien said, interrupting him. "Thank you." She said, putting her arms around his neck, and then she kissed him in the middle of the hall as well.*****

CHALLENGE UPDATE - Birluvr has offered a two chapter little adventure with our favorite wizards that meets all the challenge requirements! Even Harry Potter says 'Harry Potter'! Go read about Snape, Black, and Lupin defending Hogwarts and Harry from the clutches of Death Eaters!