Severus sank into his favorite chair in the sitting room of his and Morgan's living quarters in Hogwarts and took off his shoes before leaning back and closing his eyes wearily. He smiled slightly when he heard Morgan come up behind him, "what do you want darling?"

Morgan wrapped her arms around his neck from behind and leaned down to whisper in his ear, "I've come to work my feminine wiles on you."

Severus laughed softly as he pulled her around the chair and down into his lap, "I cannot wait for you to start."

Morgan place her hands on either side of her husband's face and kissed him deeply, they didn't separate for a long time. They finally broke apart and Severus wrapped his arms tightly around the small frame of his wife, "now what is it that you want?"

Morgan smiled playfully and chewed on her lower lip for a moment before leaning in very close to whisper something in her husband's ear.

Severus instantly tensed up and frowned, "does this have anything to do with us having another child?" His tone was harder than he intended it to be.

"No!" Morgan replied instantly, and then took a deep breath before continuing, "No Sev, this isn't about that. I just want you." She laid her head on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry I snapped at you like that. I know it's not much of an excuse, but it has been a very long day and I just wasn't expecting that."

"I understand," Morgan kept her head on his shoulder but began to undo the top few buttons on her husband's shirt.

"What do you think you are doing?"

Morgan smiled up at her husband, not quite managing to look innocent, "nothing..."

"Nothing?" Severus echoed her as he raised an eyebrow.

Morgan rolled her eyes, "don't look at me like that Sev, it makes me feel like a child who's been caught doing something naughty when you look at me like that."

Severus laughed as he softly caressed her face, "hmpf... that's a rather accurate assessment."

"Whatever are you going to do with me?" Morgan reached up to kiss him again.

Severus pulled away, "I think I'm going to take you up on your suggestion. You have once again completely won me over with your 'feminine wiles.'"

Serena smiled when Mark reached for her hand; he always made her feel so good, so special.

"A knut for them?"

"For what?" Serena shot a quizzical look at her boyfriend.

"Your thoughts," he smiled down at her, "something is bothering you, what is it?" He gently squeezed her hand.

Serena sighed, "It's nothing really. I was just wishing that we could see each other without sneaking around like this."

"But we could. I've told you before; I'm willing to deal with the consequences of letting everyone know that we're a couple if you are."

"But it's so complicated Mark. You know that my dad will watch us constantly if he finds out. He watches me enough as it and I don't want you to have to go through that."

Mark kissed her gently, hoping that Serena would calm down. She had been irritated with everything recently, even him, "You're worth it. I would do anything for you hon."

"Mark, do you really want him watching us constantly? We'll never have a moment of peace." She glanced up at him timidly, feeling very unsure about what the best course of action would be.

"Are you afraid of him?"

"What?" Serena's head shot up, she was completely taken aback by that question.

"Are you afraid of him? It's a yes or no question Serena."

"No, of course I'm not afraid of him. Why would I be?" Her brow furrowed in confusion, she frowned up at Mark.

"Well, everyone else in the school is, and I can't think of any other reason for the two of us to keep our relationship a secret."

"I just want you to myself for a little while Mark. I know how closely Dierna and Stefan were watched last year. They barely got any time alone. I like being with you without worrying about being watched."

Mark gently cupped her face in his hands, "but we do have to worry about being caught. I'm starting to get tired of this charade. But, if it is what you want then I will continue to go along with it."

"Thank you, that means the world to me." Serena kissed him softly, trying to hold back when she really wanted more.

"You are aware of the fact that everyone is going to find out about us eventually, aren't you?"

"Of course I am, but I want to put that off for as long as possible," she smiled as Mark's arms wrapped around her tightly. "Until then I would be perfectly happy to just be with you and be kissed."

Mark was more than happy to oblige her.

It was Sunday afternoon, and Severus made his way down the long hallway that was bathed in the slanting light of the late summer afternoon as he headed towards the staff room. It was nearly time for the first teachers' meeting since the term had started.

He entered the room, knowing that as early as he was no one else had probably arrived yet. So he was slightly surprised to see that Harry, Sirius and Remus were already there.

Remus stood up, "Severus, how has your weekend been?"

"Tolerable, and yours Lupin?"

Remus sat back down as Severus joined them, "well, I guess interesting would be the best word. I was just trying to figure out where an interesting new rumor started. Apparently I murdered a student." Remus laughed as he shook his head, "I have no idea where they come up with this stuff."

Severus surprised them all when he threw back his head and laughed loudly, "I know exactly where that one started Remus, you can thank my children for that one."

"Sounds like you rather enjoy that rumor Severus," Sirius shot a sideways glance at his colleague.

Severus' amused expression faded from his face, but his eyes still glowed with amusement, "If you are implying that I encouraged them with that piece of information you are incorrect. I actually grounded them a couple of weeks ago for trying to convince their cousin that it was true. However, it is rather amusing."

Morgan entered the staff room and smiled at the way the four men before her were talking companionably, she remembered a time when they had not got along in the slightest. Although she realized that she was strongly biased in favor of her husband's side, it made her very happy to see them all as friends.

She smiled sadly, with the way things were going it appeared that they would need all the friends they could find. It was so important to stick together during times of crisis. She only hoped that things wouldn't get too desperate.

Her smile became warm when the four men noticed her presence and came to their feet. She was going to make every effort necessary to keep any unfounded doubts concealed. She didn't need anyone, particularly her husband, worrying about her over nothing.

She flashed Severus her warmest smile as he gently settled her into a chair, he was always so considerate of her, always the perfect gentleman. She loved the attention that he lavished on her.

"Morgan, your presence, as always, has managed to brighten up the room. However do you manage it?" Remus winked at her.

Morgan grinned as she felt her husband grip her shoulders tightly. Remus was always trying to bait him by flirting with her. It worked every time. "You're too kind Remus; I don't deserve all the compliments you throw at me." She winked back at him.

"On the contrary, you deserve every compliment that I can hand you. You are a truly magnificent woman," Remus picked up her hand and kissed it gently.

"Lupin, if you touch my wife again you won't have any reason to worry about taking that Wolfsbane potion every again." The glare that Severus sent Remus' way was positively murderous.

Remus held onto Morgan's hand, even when she tried to pull away, "now Severus, it's not very nice to threaten me like that. Especially since she's already agreed to run away with me."

Morgan finally managed to retrieve her hand and she rolled her eyes at the pleading look Remus was giving her, "you're going to get me in trouble if you keep this up Remus." She put a restraining hand on Severus' arm as he took a seat next to her, "and Sev, don't let him get to you like that. If you would learn to control your temper he wouldn't try to aggravate you like that."

"My temper has nothing to..."

"Sirius, how is Elizabeth and how are the wedding plans coming along?" Morgan cut her husband off as she tried to change the direction of the conversation. It never failed to amaze her that the group of men surrounding her still had so much growing up to do.

Stefan swallowed hard, trying to fight the feeling of nausea that was quickly escalating. He stiffened when a heavy hand fell on his shoulder and he turned to face Walden Macnair. "What now?"

"Kill him." Macnair gave the order in an offhand manner, a distinct lack of emotion in his voice.

Stefan had a very hard time keeping the many protests that invaded his mind from becoming vocal. His mind reeled at the fact that someone could give an order like that so unfeelingly. "Does he have to die?"

Macnair grinned at the younger man, "If I were you I would learn to follow orders without question, otherwise you're going to end up meeting a much worse fate than that filthy muggle. If they get in our way we take them out. It's very simple really."

Stefan fought for any measure of self-control, he had to do something. But he could not kill the man. He looked down at the intended victim. The middle-aged man was bound and gagged, and his eyes held a look of sheer terror.

Stefan searched his mind for something, anything that he could do to stall. He didn't think he would ever be able to face Dierna again if he killed someone so innocent and for no reason.

As he gazed into the eyes of the prisoner he came to a fast conclusion. Hardening his heart and closing his eyes, Stefan did the only thing that would keep both of them alive, at least for the time being, "crucio."

Stefan tried to block out the sound of the muffled screams as the muggle twitched in pain. He held the curse for what seemed like an eternity until Macnair came up beside him and motioned for him to stop.

"Very commendable young MacNeill, not quite what I asked for, but still impressive. You'll find that killing will come easy to you after awhile. We'll just have to keep working at it."

Stefan tried not to visibly flinch at the way Macnair made that announcement. This job was getting more terrifying by the minute.

Macnair shrugged, "until then I guess I'll have to clean up after you, not that I particularly mind," he pointed his wand at the man who was still withering in pain on the floor. "It is so easy, and yet so satisfying."

"What is?" Stefan glanced at Macnair as he tried to control the feel of dread that was growing in his stomach.

Macnair merely flashed him a menacing smile before turning back to his victim, "Avada Kedavra."

Everything else was a blur to Stefan. He barely registered the death of the innocent muggle in the flash of green light. Everything seemed to alternate between slow motion and dizzying speeds. He barely registered Macnair telling him that he could go.

Stefan got out of the dark house quickly and apparated to a nearby section of forest. He had to get away. As soon as he was sure that he was far away from any of Malfoy and Macnair's henchmen he grabbed his portkey, which was charmed to activate at his touch, and was quickly transported back to the haven the Ministry had set up for this mission.

Stefan stumbled and fell as the portkey stopped; all he could do was wish that the spinning sensation would stop. It wasn't helping the queasy feeling in his stomach.

"How did things go?" Viviane held out her hand to help Stefan up off the floor.

"Not good." Stefan instantly regretted standing up and rushed towards the bathroom.

Viviane poured a glass of water and followed Stefan into the bathroom. She took in his pale features as he leaned against the sink, "I thought you might need this," she handed him the glass of water.

"Thank you," Stefan replied weakly. He took a small sip of water, hoping that his stomach wouldn't rebel against it.

"What happened tonight?" Viviane slowly led Stefan back into his room and watched him carefully as he sank into a chair.

Stefan closed his eyes, trying to block out the memories as he buried his face in his hands. "It was so horrible..."

Viviane knelt in front of him and placed her hands on his knees, "I know that you probably don't want to relive anything that just happened, but I need to know Stefan."

"I had to perform one of the unforgivables," Stefan's voice was thick with emotion, but his eyes were empty.

"I'm sorry it came to that, but I still need details for the report."

"They asked me to kill a man; he was just an innocent muggle who happened to stumble upon some of Malfoy's men. He had no idea what was going on. They brought him in, tied and gagged, and told me to kill him."

"What did you do?"

"I couldn't do it Viviane. I just couldn't do it. To hell with this assignment and the Ministry, I'm not killing anyone. I would never be able to face your sister again if I did that."

"Stefan, don't name the well from which you'll never drink."

"What?"

Viviane smiled sadly, "it's an old expression. Just don't say you will never kill anyone. Remember, this mission is more important than either you or me. Countless lives could depend on your actions. Now, what did you do?"

Stefan sighed deeply as he tried to focus again, "I tortured him, with the crucio curse."

Viviane took a deep breath, "And then..." she prompted him.

"And then Macnair killed him. It was so mindless, so unemotional for him. I can't imagine ever killing like that; it meant nothing to him..." Stefan's voice held a note of wonder in it.

"And that is why I have no qualms about you being with my little sister."

"What?" Stefan looked up confusedly at Viviane as she stood up.

"I'm glad you could never kill like that Stefan, your heart is in the right place. Just remember, you may be called upon to do some unimaginable things during this assignment

"I know, I just hadn't realized that it would be so hard."

"It's probably just going to get harder."

Stefan examined his hands carefully, trying to understand that he may have to use them to kill. "Viviane, do you think I should tell Dierna what I've done? Do you think she can still love me knowing that I've tortured a man with an unforgivable curse? Do you think she'll ever be able to kiss me again if I have to kill?"

"I can't answer those questions; you'll have to decide what you tell her when this is all over. And, although I can't answer for my sister, I believe that she will love you no matter what. You are everything to her Stefan. Please be careful, I can't imagine what it would do to her if she lost you."

William and Kamen made their way to the back of the Transfiguration classroom and took seats next to each other, barely making it on time. As soon as Sirius began his lecture at the front of the room the two boys began their own quiet conversation.

"I need a challenge." Kamen scanned the room, hoping that something would present itself to him.

"What kind of challenge are you looking for?" William leaned in; Kamen was a constant source of entertainment.

"The female sort."

"You always have girls hanging all over you; I don't see where they would present a challenge.

"I had one particular girl in mind."

"Who?"

"Celeste Markham."

"Are you serious?" William looked at his best friend skeptically, "you have got to be kidding, there is no way you could get her."

"Why not?"

William shook his head, "she's the head girl you git and you're one of the most predominate trouble makers in school. She followers every rule and is one of the only girls to never show interest in you. You'll never be able to get her."

"I have complete confidence in my abilities." Kamen leaned back in his chair as he contemplated ways to make the pretty blond Ravenclaw, who played the 'good girl' part to a tee, to fall for him.

"How are you going to do it?" William didn't think Kamen would succeed, but it would be fun watching him try.

"Well I thought I could go through her best friend, who just happens to be in our house."

"Andromache Weasley?"

"Yep."

"She's a sixth year, right?"

"Yep, I thought maybe I could set her up with someone, and then she could return the favor by hooking me up with Celeste."

William grinned, "That's too perfect."

Kamen leaned forward slightly, "so Will, my closest and dearest friend, what are you doing tonight?"

"Hey, don't even try it. I have no intention of getting set up with that red headed fury. Besides, all she ever does is homework, not my idea of the perfect person to hang out with. And, she's a prefect; you can't break all the rules if your girl is going to be breathing down your neck the whole time."

"Alright, alright, point taken. I'll think of someone else."

"Gentlemen, what is so interesting that you feel the need to discuss it during my class?" Sirius smiled good naturedly at his future step-son and Kamen.

"Nothing Professor Black, just trying to keep things interesting." Kamen flashed his lopsided grin.

"I'd appreciate it if you would pay attention, I would hate to have to take points away from Gryffindor," he laid a hand on William's shoulder which William instantly shrugged off. Sirius headed back up to the front of the classroom fighting the feelings of inadequacy which were threatening his peace of mind. He truly wanted William to like him, but the boy just didn't want anything to do with him.

"I hate him." William made the statement very calmly as Sirius walked away.

Kamen chose to ignore that comment, he wasn't sure how exactly to react to William's dislike of Sirius. "What about Nick?"

"Nick?"

"Yeah, Nick Wood. He's unattached; maybe we could hook him and Andromache up. And then he can do his fellow quidditch team member a favor by getting Andromache to set me up with Celeste."

"That's bloody brilliant." William smiled broadly.

"Of course it is, I thought of it. I'm going to make Celeste Markham mine, and she won't know what hit her."