A/N: Alrighty. I'm only posting this chapter so quickly cause it's a shorter one. I'll apologize right now – this chapter focuses more on the adults than on Harry, Sakura, et al. However, it's necessary. I promise much more of the CCS and HP kids in the next chapter. Anyways, I won't bother you with a long author's note! So read now! Yay! And please leave reviews! I love the feedback!

This Chapter First Posted On: 5/25/04

Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling, nor do I work for CLAMP – thus, I own none of this.

Chapter 9: The New Counselor

Jade stalked through the halls, looking nearly as menacing as Snape on a bad day. She wasn't only concerned over the fact that she'd just lost her job because she loved her job, but because of what the Dark Lord would have to say (and do) about her getting fired.
She swiftly ascended the stairs behind the griffin statue that led to the Headmaster's office and burst through the door. "You can't let her do this to me, Albus!"
Jade froze as she saw the headmaster was sitting with Snape, who both stood at Jade's surprise entrance. "Lani? What's going on?" Snape took a step towards her.
Dumbledore came from around his desk and gently took her arm. "Come sit down, Alanni, and tell me what happened." Jade's rage appeared to subside as the old wizard led her to a chair in front of his desk. She sat down cross legged in the chair, folded her arms over her chest, and began to slightly rock back and forth in her seat. Dumbledore resumed his position behind his desk, glancing up at Snape, who quickly sat in the chair next to Jade. "Now, Lani, tell me what happened."
Jade bit her lip, then spoke quietly, "She sacked me. That horrible toad sacked me." She blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall. Jade paused for a few moments, then, in a barely audible whisper, "He's going to kill me for this."
Dumbledore picked up his ever-ready and full pot of tea, and poured 3 cups. Snape took one from the desk and held it out to Jade. At first she refused to take it. "Lani," Dumbledore said quietly but forcefully, "drink some tea." The now former DADA professor slowly took the cup of tea, and had a small sip. "Good," the headmaster smiled, "now tell me what happened."
Jade's temper flared once more. "She bloody sacked me, Albus!!" She set the teacup down carefully before standing angrily, then began pacing in front of the desk. "That toad said that I had no reason to be giving the students practical lessons because they had no need to learn how to defend themselves! And then Harry spoke up for me, mentioning the fact that Voldemort has returned, and that idiot had the nerve to say that Harry was delusional! She gave him detention! Of course, I told her she couldn't do that, especially since Harry was telling the truth. Then she said I was crazy too! And fired me!" Jade sank down into the chair again, then resumed rocking back and forth slightly. "He's going to kill me. He really will."
Snape sipped his own cup of tea during Jade's little tirade. He was trying his best to not let himself feel too much concern for the woman who had finally resumed her seat beside him. He was rather disturbed by the way Jade could make him break out of his cold shell and actually care. He sighed and put a hand on Jade's shoulder, in an attempt to comfort her. However, the moment he touched her she burst into tears, and so he quickly snatched his hand back.
Dumbledore stood and came around his desk. He stood in front of her and placed his hands on her shoulders in a fatherly manner. She continued to sob quietly. "Have no fear, Alanni. I... thought that this might happen, and so I have planned for this eventuality." She looked up at the headmaster, her silver eyes puffy and red from crying. Dumbledore smiled kindly down at her, "And I think it will be good enough for Voldemort."

After dinner Jade left the castle and went down to Hogsmeade. She made her way quickly through the town, oblivious to the fact that she was being followed by a figured robed in black. Jade finally slowed her pace as she neared the old tree that she had been using as an apparition point. She drew out her wand and gently put the tip of it to the second mark over her heart. In her mind she saw where Voldemort was, and without further hesitation she disapparated.
She appeared before the Dark Lord and sank to the ground. "My Lord," she said quietly.
"Alanni?" He sat in the high backed chair before her. "I felt your urgency when you activated the mark."
"My Lord," Jade began again, "I have encountered a problem with the High Inquisitor sent by the Ministry." She paused, waiting for a reaction from him. When Voldemort said nothing, Jade continued. "Umbridge has found me to be unsuitable for teaching. She exercised the power of the Ministry and fired me."
Voldemort was immediately on his feet. "What?!" He pulled out his wand, preparing to cast the Killing Curse.
"She fired me, my Lord. But Dumbledore, the old sympathetic fool, would not take the injustice of one of his teachers being fired. He has come up with a way for me to remain at the school."
The Dark Lord slowly lowered his wand, which had been trained on Jade's form. He sank down into his chair, narrowing his eyes. "And just what is his solution?"
Jade finally found the courage to raise her head and look into Voldemort's eyes. "He has offered to let me stay on at Hogwart's as an academic counselor. Dumbledore feels that he should have always had one on staff to help the children with their problems, and is pleased that an opportunity has arisen to allow him to appoint one. I asked him to give me a day to think it over. I," she glanced down at the floor before looking back up at Voldemort, "wanted to consult with you first, my Lord, before accepting his offer."
Voldemort gave a wicked smile, "Very wise, my servant." He motioned for her to rise, which she did. "You will return to the school and accept the old fool's offer."
Jade bowed deeply, "As you wish, my Lord." She turned and took a few steps away from Voldemort, preparing to disapparate.
"Oh, Alanni? Before you go..." Jade turned to face the Dark Lord once more. A wave of panic struck her as she realized he had his wand leveled at her again. "Crucio!" She fell to the floor, screaming in agony.

After dinner the Headmaster retired to his office. He went to stand before his fireplace, and picked up a small bowl from the mantle. He tossed a bit of powder from the bowl into the flames, "Eriol Hiiragizawa."
The smiling face of the blue haired sorcerer appeared in the flames, "Yes, Albus?"
Dumbledore sighed, "It has happened."
"So soon?" Eriol looked a bit puzzled and worried. Dumbledore nodded. "Alright. I will be at the castle by morning."
The old wizard smiled, "Thank you, Eriol. See you in the morning." Eriol's head disappeared from the flames. Dumbledore turned and walked over to his desk. Fawkes trilled sadly as the headmaster sank down into his chair. The headmaster turned to his pet phoenix and smiled, "Don't worry, Fawkes. Everything will work out." The familiar twinkle returned to the headmaster's eyes as he turned to the paperwork on his desk.

Hours had passed. He guessed by the position of the moon and the stars in the sky that it was nearing midnight. The early fall night was chilly, and he pulled his robes tight around himself. Severus Snape was definitely not happy to be waiting here beneath the old tree, but for some reason he could not bring himself to leave.
He jumped slightly as he heard that all too familiar pop behind him. He spun quickly, only to find Jade shaking on the ground. Snape swiftly knelt beside her, tentatively placing a hand on her back. She gasped in pain at his touch. He drew back quickly and fumbled with a pouch on his belt. Snape drew out four vials filled with a pale blue liquid. He uncorked the first vial, "Lani. Drink this, quickly."
She spun, a look of recognition passing over her face. Jade took the vial and down it quickly, coughing. Snape uncorked the rest of the vials, giving one after the other to Jade, who drank the contents of each. He stood and helped Jade to her feet. "Thank you," she whispered, leaning most of her weight on him.
"It's nothing," he replied quietly. "Just don't get used to it."
She laughed softly, "I won't." The two slowly made their way through Hogsmeade and back to Hogwart's. Snape saw Jade to her rooms where he bid her good night.
Once back in the safety of his own chambers, he sighed. He barely had enough energy to strip off his outer garments. He sank onto his bed and sighed once more. His thoughts were plagued with worry, guilt, and self- loathing as he drifted off into a fitful slumber.

Thursday morning was gray. Many of the first year students at breakfast in the Great Hall were amazed to look up at the enchanted ceiling to see rain falling, and disappearing at a certain point. All of the students were surprised to see that yet another setting had been added to the head table. And sitting at this new place was a familiar blue haired wizard.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, and silence quickly fell over the hall. "Good morning, students. I trust you have all heard about what happened yesterday." His gaze rested briefly on Harry. "And I have found a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I would like to present to you Professor Eriol Hiiragizawa." Eriol stood and waved lightly to the students as the Hall broke out into a nervous applause.
Sakura beamed, and Li sunk lower in his seat. Harry felt a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth as he watched the Chinese boy's mood darken. He turned his attention back to Dumbledore as the headmaster continued speaking. "Now, you may be wondering what is to become of Professor Jade. These trying circumstances have given me an excuse to do something that I have always wanted to do. Professor Jade has agreed to stay on at Hogwart's as a counselor. She will most especially be dealing with fifth and seventh years, as those students have to deal with the extra stress of their O.W.L.'s and N.E.W.T.'s at the end of the year. However, Professor Jade will be available to help any student with any problem they might have. We will be arranging an office today, and tomorrow she will begin to be available to students." He smiled brightly, his blue eyes twinkling behind the half-moon spectacles. Harry glanced over at Umbridge, and saw that the toady witch was purpling with rage. Harry nudged Ron, who was sitting next to him, and motioned at Umbridge. Ron grinned, and Dumbledore continued. "Now, students and teachers let us finish our breakfasts so that the day can continue!"
Sakura began whispering in Japanese to Li as Dumbledore sat back down. Harry frowned as he noted a look of worry on the beautiful Japanese girl's face. He was going to ask her what was wrong when Ginny mentioned that they should get going to class. Sakura flashed them all a bright smile as she left with Ginny. Harry and Ron left not long after, heading back for Gryffindor tower.

Jade left the Great Hall with the headmaster to seek out a place to set up her new office. It wasn't long before she and the headmaster found an office that suited Jade's tastes. The office was on the ground floor and looked out onto the courtyard.
The headmaster left Jade to set up the new office as Snape arrived to help. "Is there anything I can do to help you settle into your new office, Lani?"
Jade flashed Snape an uncertain smile, "No, that's alright, Severus. I can take care of everything myself."
"Oh, I don't know, Miss Jade, I think you should take any help you can get."
Snape whirled around, narrowing his black orbs at the short witch in the doorway. "Miss Umbridge. Can we help you?"
Dolores Umbridge smiled sweetly at the potions master. "Actually, Professor Snape, I'd like to have a word with Miss Jade."
"That's Professor Jade, Miss Umbridge." Snape leveled his most intimidating glare at the woman, but it seemed to have little effect.
Umbridge now narrowed her eyes at Snape. "Oh, is it? Tell me then, Professor Snape... what exactly is Miss Jade a professor of?"
Snape fumed. He was just about to let the pink clad witch have a piece of his mind when he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Don't, Severus," Jade whispered as she stood next to him. She looked up into his eyes and smiled, "Now, Severus. If you'd excuse us, Miss Umbridge and I have many things to talk about." The potions master simply nodded and left without another word. Jade looked to Umbridge, "Well? What can I do for you?"
The High Inquisitor smiled, "Well, Miss Jade. You are more clever than I originally thought. I don't know how you convinced the headmaster to give you this post, but don't get too comfortable here. I will see to it that you are put out of this school."
Jade smiled her sweetest smile, "Well, I shall keep that in mind, Miss Umbridge. But Dumbledore will never let me go. Even if he did, there are other forces, beyond your limited control, that would assure my presence here at Hogwart's."
"Oh, really? And what exactly are these 'other forces', Miss Jade?"
"Friends of mine, Dolores. Powerful friends, who are in high places, and who would be most perturbed if I were removed from this school."
Umbridge narrowed her eyes, "Are you threatening me, Miss Jade?"
Jade gave a short laugh, "Threatening you, Dolores?" She smiled wickedly, "If that's what you want to call it."
The High Inquisitor scowled and stormed out, leaving Jade alone. Jade smirked, then began to set up her office. She glanced over at an old, dusty mirror in the corner of the room. Jade went to it and cleaned it off, looking at her reflection. Sighing she took the robes off and tossed them onto the desk. She scrutinized her reflection, and decided a bit of a change was in order.
Slowly her hair lengthened a few inches and turned from it's almost permanently fire red to a deep blackish blue. Jade smiled, her eyes flashing and changing to a pale, icy blue. "There we go. That looks nice." She inspected her appearance in the mirror, rather pleased with herself. Jade tugged at the sleeves of her black shirt, making sure the cuff came past her wrists and onto her hands. She brushed her hands over her black cargo pants, straightening them. "Well," she said as she turned from the mirror, "I better start moving things into here."

He stalked the empty halls with a sneer. Snape had not been in his office and he had no class first thing in the morning. The sound of his cane echoed eerily through the halls. Lucius Malfoy turned another corner, still in search of the potions master, when he happened upon a student not dressed in robes, but dressed like a Muggle. In fact, this particular young girl seemed to walk the halls with an air of authority. Malfoy smiled wickedly. At least now he had something to do.
"What is a lone mudblood doing wandering the halls in the middle of class, girl?" His voice was full of poison and disgust.
The girl whirled around, and as she did her hair shortened, turning fiery red. Her blue eyes landed on Malfoy, and in a flash they were silver. "You should really pay closer attention to who you insult, Lucius."
Malfoy fell to his knees, bowing down to the ground before Jade. "My Lady, forgive me. I did not recognize you."
"Of course you didn't, Lucius. It is one of my many talents." She sneered down at the proud Malfoy who was humbled before her. "Now get up. You wouldn't want anyone to see you like that, would you?"
The blonde haired wizard rose quickly, brushing the dust from his robes as he stood. "I am fortunate to have run into you, my Lady."
"Oh?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "Why do you feel so fortunate, my dear Lucius?"
"Our Lord bid me deliver this to you." He drew a small box out of his robes and held it out to Jade. She took it silently and opened it, revealing a delicate silver necklace. Jade slowly took the necklace from the box, staring at the pendant. It was the Slytherin house crest, and the snake had a tiny green emerald for it's eye.
"Thank you, Lucius. Send our Lord my gratitude." She quickly slipped the necklace on, letting it drop beneath her shirt.
The elder Malfoy smiled and offered her his arm, "I will, my Lady. Now, may I walk with you for a while and perhaps get your help?"
Jade nodded, "Of course, Lucius." The two continue down the hall and out of sight. Snape watched them go, thinking about the implications of the conversation he had just witnessed. He hurried down to his office and immersed himself in work.

It wasn't long before there was a knock at his door. "Come in," he called, not even bothering to look up from his work. He had been expecting visitors.
"Good morning, Severus."
"Lucius," Snape turned his gaze to the blonde wizard. "Good morning." He looked to Jade, who was standing next to Malfoy, "Hello again, Professor Jade."
She smiled girlishly, "Oh, Severus. No need to be so formal. We're all friends here." He nodded curtly, turning back to his work. "I ran across Lucius in the halls, Severus. He was looking for you."
"I had to go back to my rooms to get my grade book. But I am here now. What can I do for you, Lucius?"
Malfoy smiled wickedly, "I think you know, Severus."
Snape stiffened, but not visibly. "I think I do." He set his quill down, then stood. "The first class of the morning is almost over. Shall we go, then?"
"Go where?" Jade smiled innocently.
"I need to have a word with my son, Alanni." Malfoy smiled charmingly. It was almost enough to make Snape sick. Malfoy took one of Jade's hands in his own, then kissed it. "Thank you for helping me find our dear potions master, Alanni."
She beamed, "It was no trouble at all, Lucius. Drop by again soon." Jade looked to Snape, "I've got to go finish setting up my office. I'll see you at lunch?"
"Yes, Lani. See you at lunch." He watched Jade leave his office, the door falling closed silently behind her. Snape turned back to Lucius, "I believe she has McGonagall's class next. If we are quick about it we can catch her on her way there." Malfoy nodded and followed Snape as he left his office.

The magical bell sounded, signaling the end of the first class period. Malfoy and Snape reached the corridor that led to the Transfiguration classroom and waited. Students hurried past, trying to avoid the glare of their loathed potions master.
There was one student, however, who not only welcomed the potions master's glare, but even strode right up to the man himself. "Good morning, Snape-sensei."
"Ah, good morning, Miss Kinomoto." He did not dare smile at her, as he was inclined to, but rather he gave her a rather cold expression. The Japanese girl did not seem to mind at all, however.
She turned to Lucius Malfoy and bowed, "Good morning, sir. You must be Mr. Malfoy."
Snape smiled inwardly as a look of surprise passed over Malfoy's face. "Yes, I am." He held out a hand towards her, "How did you know?"
Sakura shook his hand, still smiling. "Your son looks very much like you, sir."
He nodded, "So I have been told." He released her hand.
She bowed to the two men, "If you will excuse me Mr. Malfoy, Professor Snape; I must get to class now."
Snape nodded, "Yes, hurry to class before McGonagall takes points away from her own house." Sakura left quickly, and the halls were soon empty again as the next bell sounded. Snape turned to the man beside him, "There now, Lucius. You have met the Card Mistress."
Malfoy nodded, slightly in awe. "She radiates power, Severus." Snape said nothing, and Malfoy continued, "If our master could convince her to join us... he would be unstoppable."
"Yes," Snape turned and began walking back towards his office, Malfoy following him closely. "He would be unstoppable."

((A/N: Oooo. Sakura meets Malfoy. Snape sees the interaction between Malfoy and Jade. Oh! And a present!! From Voldie! Hehehe. Alrighty. Now you get to leave me a note about how brilliant I am, ne? Please review!))