Myra shoved her hands into the pockets of her jeans and slowly zigzagged her way through the crowd back to Alana; who had taken to flipping butterbeer caps into the now empty mug. "I thought you weren't going to take very long?" Alana questioned, sounding genuinely irritated.

"Sorry," Myra offered, flopping herself down in a chair.

"I saw Malfoy leave fifteen minutes ago. What happened?"

"Oh he wanted to interrogate me on certain matters before making me an offer." Myra turned her attention to the drink in front of her, now getting warm.

"What kind of an offer?" Alana demanded looking at her suspiciously.

"He wants me to join him."

"Join him?" Alana stopped mid-drink. "You don't mean -- you can't possibly mean --"

"Yes."

"Malfoy actually offered you a position as a you-know-what?"

"He did."

"This is becoming ridiculous! Please tell me you didn't accept." It was obvious to Myra that her best friend sat literally on the brink of hysterics. She hadn't come to any conclusions, although she had considered his offer. What a fabulous opportunity for the Order if she could get inside the headquarters of the Death Eaters and Voldemort himself. Ever since Severus' cover had been blown they were at a serious disadvantage.

"I had considered it," Myra shrugged.

"Well stop, please put it out of your head, it's too dangerous. I know what it would mean to the Order and I get that you're an accomplished Occlumens, but are you as accomplished as Snape? Look what happened to him?"

"I'd like to think I am, after all, I learned from the best."

"Yeah, I know, you learned from Snape, but even he had his cover shredded to bits."

"True, except he didn't have the advantage of Malfoy under his thumb."

"Myra, don't underestimate Lucius Malfoy, he's using you just like you're planning to use him."

"I'm tired Alana, could we talk about something else?"

"I get the feeling you're not telling me everything that happened back there, are you?" She looked her friend over closely and gasped.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You didn't? The two of you back there? For the love of Merlin this is a public place!"

"What is the big deal? We're all adults here and he secured a private room." Myra grumbled, nibbling on a crisp.

"Alright Myra, you win, I give up. Malfoy must be a phenomenal lover for you to carry on this way."

"I see we aren't going to drop this so yes, he's great in the sack, the best I've ever had honestly and I can't physically stand when he's through with me. Is this what you wanted to hear? That he knows his way around a woman, and of all men, has every right to brag about his attributes?" Myra gripped her mug with such force it made her hand shake.

"Now don't get angry," Alana sighed. "I know when to quit and if he makes you happy then I'll try to be understanding."

"Thank you, that's all I ask. It isn't something I'd ever expect you to like, but I need my best friend, now more than ever." She felt the tears stinging her eyes as a great relief washed over her. Almost instantly she was embraced in the familiar warmth of her best friends arms and sunk into the affection; all events of the day finally ebbing into a distant mist of emotion.

"I think we'd better get you home," Alana offered warmly, rubbing her friends back.

Several weeks later...

Myra heard someone banging rather loudly at her door and wondered what could be so important at this unearthly hour. After unsuccessfully covering her head with a pillow, hoping whoever it was would go away, she gave up and padded lazily through the front room.

"What in heavens name is so bloody important," she asked through a muffled yawn while opening the heavy oak door. Myra looked up to see Severus Snape peering down at her through coal black eyes and a furrowed brow.

"Really Severus, it's disgusting to be that wide awake so early in the morning. Couldn't this wait until breakfast?" She questioned, leaning against the door frame, waiting for a response.

"No, it can't" he scoffed. "The Headmaster wishes to speak with you."

"Oh fine then," she sighed. "I'll be there in a few minutes." Myra attempted to shut the door, but Snape prevented it.

"I've been asked to escort you."

"Alright, just give me a moment to throw something on." She eyed him curiously before making her way to the bedroom, rather unconsciously dressing in whatever bits of clothing happened to be lying around. Myra made her way back to a rather impatient Snape, still waiting for her in the doorway. She had the distinct feeling he was sniffing the air and she tried, with great difficulty, to stifle a laugh.

"Something wrong Severus?" Myra choked, in an attempt to cover her amusement.

"I know it sounds ridiculous, but I swear I can smell Malfoy." He looked almost embarrassed having to admit such a thing. The creepy bit of it was that she had unknowingly thrown on the garments she'd worn during their last encounter.

"Well let's not keep the Headmaster waiting any longer than necessary," Myra added quickly with a smile. "Shall we?"

Snape nodded his agreement and waved her graciously ahead of himself. They walked together in relative silence, their footsteps echoing on the cold marble floors. Obviously the students were all still tucked away in their beds and it made the school feel much larger and spookier than normal. 'Tucked away in bed,' Myra thought to herself. 'Oh what I wouldn't give to be under nice warm blankets right now.' The idea of it made her shiver, as they continued briskly through the drafty corridors.

"Are you cold?" Snape asked with slight concern.

"Yes actually, I am." Myra responded, folding her arms to conserve body heat. "I'd forgotten how icy Hogwarts could be during winter."

"Here take this," he demanded, offering his cloak. "It'll keep you warm."

"Don't you need it?" she asked as he placed it around her shoulders. "I mean -- I wouldn't want you to get cold." Myra found herself blushing slightly.

"Cold? Me?" he chuckled quietly. "You forget, I live in the dungeons, where it is customary to wake with frost on your bedposts."

'Snape chuckling? That was odd,' she pondered. 'I can't recall him ever doing anything remotely pleasant.'

"Well thank you," she smiled up at him. "Oh and the bit about frost on your bedposts -- very funny -- you have a lovely sense of humour."

This time it was Snape's turn to blush and his heart melted, if only slightly. 'What better way to start the morning than a compliment from the woman you care for,' he decided.

"Severus? I don't know the password to Dumbledore's office." Myra whispered.

"Oh, right, sorry," he cleared his throat. "Fizzing wizbees." Snape rolled his eyes at having to utter such a disturbing password.

Dumbledore was waiting patiently at his desk, the twinkle in his eyes the same as Myra had remembered.

"I apologize for the lengthy absence, Headmaster, but getting her attention while asleep is like trying to raise the dead," Severus stated.

"It's alright, Severus," Dumbledore grinned, ushering them into empty seats. "Myra, I have something quite serious to discuss with you, which also concerns Professor Snape and that's why I've asked him to escort you this morning."

"What is it, sir?" she questioned. "Have I done something wrong?"

"Nothing intentional, my dear girl, but I need to ask a few questions, if you don't mind?"

"Of course not."

"Have you taken employ as a Death Eater under Lucius Malfoy?"

Myra felt her heart sink into the pit of her stomach and thought she noticed Snape nearly tip from his chair.

"Yes sir, but it isn't what you think, I swear!"

"Myra, please calm down. I understand the circumstances and know what you're trying to do. I simply felt it my duty to remind you that this isn't necessary and the personal risk is too great."

"I don't suppose anyone would mind filling me in?" Severus snorted.

"Miss Smythe has taken a position as Death Eater to obtain access to their headquarters and specifically Lord Voldemort. It appears she has done so to gain an inside advantage for the Order." Dumbledore peered at them over his spectacles.

"Myra are you completely insane!" Severus leapt to his feet and began to pace nervously. "Do you have any idea what you're getting yourself into? Trust me, I do, and it almost shattered me on a number of occasions. Not to mention," he rubbed his left forearm. "You're never rid of the Dark Mark -- and it will haunt you."

"I know Severus," she muttered barely above a whisper; pulling up her own sleeve to reveal the mark newly burned into her arm. "I pray my parents will understand and forgive me for this."

Snape grabbed her arm and stared blankly. "Oh Myra, you didn't. Why? Your life is worth more than the Order," he let go and sat back down in his chair, covering his face with his hands.

"Is that all, or is there anything else, my dear?" Dumbledore prodded gently.

"No, there's more," she began. "I've also taken to Mr. Malfoy's bed and have done so under my own free will for months." This was the first time Myra felt truly dirty, as both Dumbledore and Severus stared at her, yet she needed to confess for her own peace of mind.

"You do realize he could snap your neck if you look at him funny," Snape hissed. "I would say I can't fathom why you'd bed the man, but honestly I've seen the way he seduces women and it doesn't surprise me."

"Doesn't surprise you? What is that supposed to mean?" Myra demanded, the anger rising in her voice. "Perhaps I enjoy the casual nature of our agreement and the ability to come and go as I please."

"Then you are most definitely with the right man," Severus sulked now leaning back in his chair miserably.

"Professor Snape," Dumbledore tutted warningly. "You and I both know that Myra has risked her life time and again for the Order, as we all have. I do not question her loyalties and neither should you. It is not up to us who she decides to spend her free time with."

"Yes sir." Snape grumbled.

"However, a woman in your condition shouldn't take any unnecessary risks, understood?"

"My condition, Headmaster?" Myra repeated looking puzzled. "What condition? I feel perfectly fine."

"Perhaps Severus should escort you to Madam Pomfrey. I assumed you already knew," Dumbledore hesitated, fidgeting with a box of lemon drops.

"If there's something wrong with me, I'd like to know now."

"No, no, you're perfectly healthy. The nurse is obligated to give me the exams of each new staff member and unfortunately your appointment was slightly delayed. No matter, I've obviously beaten her to revealing your results," he paused. "You're pregnant, Myranah."

Myra felt as though the blood had drained from her body. "I feel sick," she muttered. Severus, looking worried, came to her aid; now kneeling by her chair.

"Headmaster, what should I do?" Snape asked, trying to comfort her.

"I don't imagine there is much you can do, Severus, this has been quite a shock to her already precarious system."

"Sir, I can't be pregnant, this has to be a mistake," she swallowed. "I've always been careful."

"In my experience, babies often appear when we least expect them," Dumbledore smiled impishly.

"I had wondered if Lucius could even produce more children, as he only has the one," she muttered, more to herself than anything.

"That has always been Narcissa's burden to bear and not her husband's," Snape spat. "If he has any other children besides Draco, he's never acknowledged them."

"Oh that's terribly pleasant news," Myra sighed. How could she let this happen? A child with Lucius Malfoy seemed impossible. Telling him of the pregnancy felt like a weight she wasn't strong enough to bear.

"Myra, the one smart thing Lucius has done with his life, that I can see, is take you as his partner. If he would like proof as to his role, I'm sure we can give that to him." Severus looked to Dumbledore for confirmation.

"Yes of course we can. A simple blood test will determine the paternity of this child."

"I need to tell him immediately," she put out a hand to stop the Potions Master. "And I need to do it alone."