As Severus stood there staring at the Royal Phoenix his heart felt different. Slowly he walked toward the mighty Phoenix and bowed as he neared it. As he knelt he heard a voice began to speak. At first he thought it was War Mage Phoenix, but then he realized it was phoenix language and it was in his mind.
"Dear lost child, you have finally found your path. You have suffered much in your life. Evil found you and lied to you about being your true path. I am overjoyed that you have once again returned to the true path of life set for you." Tears fell from Severus' eyes as the loving words touched his soul. Stay as he was he felt a soft touch of feathers upon his cheek. Turning slightly he realized that the ancient phoenix was giving him the bird's equivalent of a hug. Sighing he leaned in to the loving embrace. "Severus, hold out your arm for me." Without hesitation he rolled up his sleeve and revealed the dark mark to all that was close enough to see the horrid thing. The Phoenix moved its head over and looked upon the mark. Suddenly she began to sing. The song was filled with love that once was lost but had been found, sadness that became joy. Severus knew that any evil would make a quick retreat from the song. He felt the ice he had built up around his heart melt. Tears began to fall freely. For the first time in a very long time Severus knew deep with in his heart he was loved. Tears fell from the Phoenix upon the dark mark. The tears that Severus shed mixed with those of the Phoenix over the dark mark. Suddenly his arm began to glow a golden light. The darkness that had once filled hi mind and body was leaving only to be replaced with the light of life. The Dark Mark faded as the glow grew brighter. He felt a hand touch his shoulder, so turning to look he saw Harry…Phoenix smiling upon him.
Phoenix watched as the mark vanished from Severus' skin. With his hand resting upon the man's shoulder he smiled. Severus looked up to him with tears still falling. Phoenix reached out and took one of Severus' hands and pulled him up to a standing position. Both stared into the other's eyes. Soul meeting soul, heart meeting heart. New life was showing through the once cold black eyes that belonged to Severus. Ever so slowly the two came closer. Power was pulling the together. Closing their eyes just their lips met power burst from the contact. Light filled the room. There was n shadow or dark spot in the room. Wind encircled them pushing them closer together. Phoenix song filled the hall as the two began to rise off of the floor. Their arms encircled the other holding each other close. Raw power flowed between the two as they went higher into the air. Their robes flapping as wind swept around them. As their heart became one so did their power. Gently they began to return to the ground. The wind slowed to nothing, and the light that was almost unbearable dimmed. As the last of the golden light vanished the others in the room saw the two newly bonded men, hugging each other. If one was to look upon the arm of the older man, they wouldn't see the Dark Mark but rather a flaming phoenix wings outstretched read to fly.
"Are you okay Sev?" Harry asked Severus.
"I am perfectly fine love." Severus replied with a smile. Turning to look at the Grand Mage they waited for him to speak.
"Severus, you have become pure as you once were. Let the love that is shared be the strength of your power. It's time for you to return to Hogwarts. Phoenix, the council gives you all authority of those in Hogwarts we will not step into the happenings there. Be safe and let love lead you." With that the Grand Mage vanished. Phoenix bowed to the spot that the Grand Mage had stood. Returning upright he took a hold of Severus' arm and led him out of the chamber.
"How are we returning?" Severus asked once they were out of the chamber. With out stopping Phoenix spoke.
"I will apparate us to the Entrance Hall of Hogwarts. I can bypass the apparating wards. But first we must make our way to the Central Hall." Severus nodded and followed Phoenix. Severus had the feeling as he and his companion walked through the Fortress of the Mages, that he had seen all of this before. He almost knew where everything was and how to get there. There was something Severus hadn't realized as of yet. He hadn't noticed his robes had turned from black traveling robes to gleaming white and gold Mage robes. The markings that were present on the robes showed to all who knew that this man was mated for life. In the center of chest was the mark of the Golden Phoenix, delicately sewn in with magic. Phoenix had seen the transformation of his now mate. Phoenix stopped before a large domed room. "Severus this is the Central Hall. There in the center is a golden ring that is like a teleporter of sorts. It will allow me to bypass the Schools security. But before we leave I have to ask you something. Do you plan on returning wearing your Mage robes or your Black Robes?" Severus gave a look of confusion. He looked down at his attire and gasp in surprise.
"How...when, when did this happen?" Severus stuttered. Phoenix just smiled.
"When you were cleansed the Royal Golden Phoenix accepted you as a Mage. And so your robes changed to that of your status. You my dear Potion's Master are now Potion's Mage Master. Meaning you are a Mage who has Master the art of Potion's. And Severus, You are the only one to ever have done so. Most here are Just Potion Mages, meaning that they are Potion Master's according to the wizarding guidelines but are not master's of the Mage Potion's. This is part of your destiny Severus." Severus needless to say was amazed. He knew he was good with potion's but he didn't think he was that good. As his mind accepted the new status he smiled a rare smile.
"Let's go home Harry, we have a war to win and classes to teach." Phoenix nodded and smiled as they stepped into the golden ring. Holding his staff upright. Phoenix chanted a short chant and the vanished in a flash of light.
Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry were all gathered in the Great Hall eating dinner. Many were worried about the two Professors who have been gone for nearly a week. Substitutes were called in to teach the two classes so the students wouldn't fall be hind. The Teacher's table at the head of the Great Hall held two empty chairs. Though there was a low rumble of voices in conversations that spread through out the Hall. There was a worried atmosphere. There wasn't a lot smiles that normally graced the hall. The Headmaster Albus Dumbledore sighed as time passed. Two of his children were away from his care. He tried to stay focused upon the conversation's that passed by him. But until his two strays returned his mind would be worried. Albus was about to make an announcement about the missing teachers when suddenly wind gusted through out the room. The enchanted ceiling showed the storm that had suddenly appeared. The doors at the back of the Hall flew open from the wind pressure. Students were beginning the scream in fear. Teachers were fearful but trying to keep things calm. Then from the enchanted ceiling a tornado began to form. Charms of all sorts were being cast to stop the twister. But nothing worked. As the tornado touched the floor just a few feet from the teachers table a bright light formed in the center of it funnel. Gently the Light touched the floor. The wind vanished as suddenly as it had begun. The ceiling showed a perfectly clear night. But where the tornado touched down a bright orb of light was still pulsating. But the light began to dim softly until two figures were able to be seen. As the light vanished Every one in the hall gasped as they recognized the two figures. But the gasp wasn't for the younger man but for the older man who had been given the title of The Meanest Greasiest Potion's Master. No one was prepared to see the man who they have hated dressed in brilliantly white and gold robes. Holding a shorter staff than his companion he turned to see the students.
"The first person to make as wise crack about the way I am dressed will serve detention with Mr. Filch till they graduate." Snapped the Potion's Master. Everyone gave a sigh, Yep Snape was still as mean as ever. But then he did something they had never seen before and that was double over laughing hard. Then the rest of the Hall fell out laughing. Albus left the teachers table and came before the two and gathered them into a fatherly hug they both returned.
"It is good to see you in good form Severus…" Dumbledore stopped as his eye caught sight of Severus' arm. He gasped but smiled. He knew that things would right now. Destiny was back on track for these two. Albus turned back to the students, "Would the Prefects take their houses back to their dorms classes are tomorrow." Silently the food and dishes vanished and the hall was emptying of students. The teacher's left the three alone and retired to their chambers.
"Albus, is it possible for us to change the location of the Potions classroom to a more airy and brighter place?"
"Yes, yes it is and that will be taken care off. Now you two head on to bed, it is going to be a long day tomorrow." With that Albus patted them on the back left to retire to his own chambers. Severus turned to Harry.
"Let's get some rest Harry, my Ancient Elemental War Mage."
"I agree my Potion's Mage Master." Hand in hand the two retired to their rooms for a peaceful night's rest.