The next week flew by in a blur of classes and preparation. I convinced Ron and Harry to help me train by using some of their old Quidditch skills; I found that dodging Bludgers on foot was an excellent simulation of combat defense. Harry also taught me a good bit about effective Spell dodging, and teaching Ron some more complex Bedouin Charms sharpened my memory of Spells I hadn't used in years.
Hermione, meanwhile, threw herself into researching Muslim theology and Bedouin magic, searching for possible plan concepts. The little Arabic I had taught her my first year back had proven a good foundation for her own study of the language; her knowledge of classical Arabic far surpassed mine, making her a natural choice to comb through esoteric alchemy texts.
Friday dinner was one of Dumbledore's special meals. In a fit of whimsy, he arranged for a full Egyptian meal, complete with exotic fruits and spices. I groaned inwardly– I would be facing the food soon enough, and what I really wanted were several weeks of the traditional British food I wouldn't be able to get abroad. The students were also of mixed feelings, especially when confronted with stuffed grape leaves for the first time.
Midway through the meal, Ron inquired after my colleague. "Have you heard anything, Anne? I thought he was supposed to be here this week."
"He was. That's a problem with this work– if someone doesn't show up, you can't really find out where they are. You just have to wait." I bit into a stuffed fig.
A flash of blue light exploded in the middle of the Great Hall. Students scattered shrieking as the faculty whipped out wands to defend against a possible threat. I flung a bubble around the figure that materialized inside a pillar of smoke. The figure gestured, ripping through my shield as if it were made of tissue. A large black bird soared in through an open window and settled on the figure's wrist. Only then did I realize who it was.
"Stop!" I threw a restraining arm in front of Severus. When he lowered his wand, I rushed around the table and hurried up to the figure. I folded my hands in a pose of greeting and bowed as the figure tossed back his hood.
"Fahad. Welcome to Hogwarts, elder brother." He extended his arm to me; I clasped it tightly. He hesitated a moment before pulling me into an embrace.
"Little sister. I did not recognize you as an Englishwoman." His voice was musical with laughter, as warm and flowing as I remembered. I pulled away and studied his face affectionately. He had long hazel eyes in a face seemingly untouched by the desert sun. His hair, thick and mahogany-colored, still fell to his shoulders in careful waves. He was clad in black, the garb of a Bedouin nomad; he tossed his loose djellabah open to reveal robes of deep indigo and black.
I grasped his hand in my own. "Come, Fahad. You must sit and eat with us." I escorted him to the faculty table. The other professors rose, a gesture of hospitality that touched me deeply. Fahad bowed to the table and clasped hands with each of my friends. I purposefully avoided introducing Severus until we were seated. Once Fahad was settled into a chair and provided with food, I laid a hand on Severus' shoulder.
"Elder brother. I would like to introduce you to the final member of our faculty. This is Professor Severus Snape." The two men shook hands, Severus eyeing Fahad warily. "Severus, Fahad's family adopted me when I first came to live with the Bedouin." I grinned, anticipating the next few moments. "I believe you will need to discuss your intentions with him, since he is the only representative of my family available."
Both men stared at me, not comprehending my meaning. I chuckled. "Elder brother, Severus and I...well...something has developed between us." I stopped, noticing that Fahad's face was darkening thunderously.
He leaned closer to me. "Little sister, I trust that nothing has occurred that would compromise your honor." His voice was dangerously calm. I felt Severus draw breath to protest; I clamped down on his hand to silence him.
"How do you mean, elder brother? Please explain how I would dishonor myself." He flushed darkly. His next words were in Arabic.
"He has not taken advantage of you, sister? Nor coerced you or threatened you? Does he respect you and cherish you as one of our own tribe would?" Ah. That was the point. I wondered which of his many cousins my brother had intended for me.
I pressed my palms together in a gesture of supplication. "Elder brother, he is a good man. He is strange and melancholy and regrets much of his actions as a youth, but I believe that he loves me. He treats me well." I paused, considering my next words carefully. "I love him, brother. And I am happy."
The effect on Fahad was palpable. His face split in a wide, brilliant grin. He swept me into his arms again, shouting out a praise to Allah. The faculty, startled, stared in amazement as Fahad sprang from his chair and embraced a very surprised Severus.