Disclaimer: I do not own HP. I repeat, I do NOT own HP. But, of course, you lot know this, right? If not, whack yourself repeatedly in the head with a blunt object until you do.

Serpens Erus Temptatio

"Serpent Lord's Temptation"

Chapter 18 – There's Nothing Left

When Harry and Severus returned to Hogwarts, there was a dark mood over them and the small crowd of mostly redheads that followed them. Hermione had rounded up those Weasley children that were currently at Hogwarts and they were now standing in the entrance hall with McGonagall as the younger witch had retired.

Nadia, Draco's wife, stood a little away from them with Lillianne, Charlie's oldest daughter. The third year's green eyes were red-rimmed and she clenched a letter tightly in one fist.

Molly Weasley, who only had a bit of silver peppered here and there in her hair to show her age, rushed across the entranceway to her granddaughter. She swept Lillianne up into a tight embrace and the thirteen-year-old immediately burst out into fresh tears. Nadia watched them with a sad expression on her face – one that was mirrored by her eldest son, who was standing nearby.

"Thank you for having us, Minerva," said Arthur quietly, shifting the weight of the two-year-old child in his arms slightly. Amelie Weasley opened gray eyes and peered about sleepily at the movement but immediately fell back asleep in her grandfather's arms. Her twin Adriana peered about the entranceway with curious brown eyes from her father's arms.

"No trouble at all, Arthur," said McGonagall. She then placed a hand on his arm and added, "I am very sorry about Charlie."

Arthur's throat tightened and he nodded slightly.

"Thank you. I know you did your best to keep them safe. I – I'm glad that the young one's got out." He glanced at his second eldest son's children, who had all been swept up into their grandmother's embrace. "I wish they didn't have to go through this."

"You and I both," said Severus, suddenly appearing at the older man's left. He smiled tightly as he continued, "I can't imagine what you're going through. But I know what they are going to go through, those children. Losing a parent is not something you ever recover from."

"Not even if you never knew them," added Harry softly from Arthur's right. He then looked at McGonagall and asked, "Where are they going to stay?"

"Guest rooms," replied the Headmistress. "Eighth floor. Severus, you know the way."

"Indeed. I shall lead them."

"I'll get Molly," said Arthur, walking towards his still teary wife.

Harry looked after him for a moment before he turned and caught Benjamin Weasley's sleeve. The fifteen-year-old ground to a halt and blinked curiously at him.

"Professor?"

"You know where the kitchens are, don't you?"

Benjamin frowned as he nervously replied, "Yes…"

"Good. Go there and ask for Dobby. Tell him that I want food for twenty-one people delivered to the eighth floor rooms. And tell him not to overdo it. A simple breakfast is all I want."

"But…"

"We all missed breakfast because of this," said Harry. "And I need to think on something other than your uncle's murderer." At a flash of anger in Benjamin's eyes, he added, "As do we all, it seems."

The fifth year started to say something then stopped and just nodded. Harry patted him on the shoulder then sent him on his way. After he watched Severus lead the Weasley clan off, he turned towards McGonagall.

"Where's Mischa?"

Nadia stepped forward before the Headmistress could speak and said, "She's resting in our rooms. The poor dear was quite tired when Hermione brought her up. Seemed like she hadn't gotten much sleep."

Harry sighed and rubbed his hand over his chin, noting the stubble growing there.

"I don't think anyone's gotten much sleep lately," he said slowly. "Especially not me."

"Perhaps you should go get some," said McGonagall. "You need it."

"What I need is my family safe," growled Harry lightly. He frowned and added, "A stiff drink might also be in order."

"Sleep," ordered McGonagall. "No drink. Just sleep. This isn't a request, Harry."

"Aye, ma'am. I know."

McGonagall smiled slightly and gave him a gentle shove in the direction of his rooms.

"Go then."

Harry glanced back at her then began to walk, hands stuffed in the jeans that he wore underneath his open robes. When he reached his rooms, he locked the door and pulled off his robes, throwing them onto the couch. Medusa gave a soft yowl as the robes landed on top of her and Harry smiled apologetically at the cat as she glared at him.

"Sorry, Dusa."

"Mrow," said Medusa, flicking an ear. She then proceeded to clean one of her paws, ignoring her master completely.

Harry shook his head and strode past the couch towards his bedroom. When he pulled the curtain aside, he paused and stared at the figure curled up on his bed.

Mischa lifted her head and smiled sleepily at him.

"Hi."

"Hi yourself," said Harry. "I thought you were in Draco and Nadia's rooms."

"I snuck down," said Mischa. "Was that wrong of me? I'll leave…"

As she started to rise, Harry stepped forward and gently pushed her back down.

"No, no… Stay. Please."

"Of course," said Mischa with a smile. She laid back down and Harry sat down near her feet, bending over to take off his boots.

Mischa sat up again and curled her arms about his waist as she laid her head against his shoulder.

"What happened?" she asked in a soft voice.

Harry paused for a moment then continued to untie his left boot.

"Charlie Weasley's dead."

There was a moment of stiff silence.

"Aubrey?" whispered Mischa.

Harry just nodded.

"Oh, Harry… How could he? His own brother?"

"It wouldn't be the first sibling he's killed," said Harry, shoving his left boot off. He then turned his attention to the right.

"No," said Mischa softly. "No, it wouldn't. But…what would drive him to something like that?"

"He wants me to suffer."

"Why?"

Harry shoved his other boot off then turned to look at the woman.

"Because," he began, "the Weasley's have been the only family I've ever had. Aubrey knows that because he's still – somewhere – Ron. By killing them, he slowly kills a part of me."

"What about Severus and Hermione?" asked Mischa. "Draco?"

Harry nodded.

"Them too."

"And me?"

Harry looked at her for a long moment before he lifted a hand to caress her cheek. He then leaned forward and whispered fiercely, "He can't have you. You're mine."

"He can't have you either," murmured Mischa, leaning close to kiss the side of his mouth. "I need you. We need you."

"You have me. I love you, Mischa."

"I love you too."

Harry smiled and slid onto the bed behind Mischa, pulling her tightly against him as they lay back. He buried his face in her dark hair and whispered, "Marry me."

Mischa stiffened and rolled over, staring at him with wide eyes.

"Are you serious?"

Harry blinked then laughed nervously and replied, "Yeah. I'm serious."

"I'd love to."

"I'm glad."

Mischa smiled and curled up against Harry's chest, her arms about his waist. His own curled tightly about her, making her feel safe.

They swiftly fell asleep in the grasp of the one they loved.