Standard Disclaimer: We own nothing. No House elves were harmed in the creation of this chapter. Read and Review! IMPERIO! YOU WILL REVIEW! YOU FEEL AN OVERWHELMING URGE TO REVIEW. We apologize for the delay in posting this, but the system was being bad bad bad.


Harry Potter and the Spiritus Crystalus
Chapter 11


Blaise and Wan…

Blaise Zabini and Susan Bones were escorting a third year muggle born back to the common room from the library. While the attacks on students at Hogwarts had mostly died down, some of the younger students were unwilling to risk being out by themselves. It was near curfew, and the darkened castle was still an eerie place for muggle born and half blood students.

As the three rounded a corner heading for the stairs, a soft voice called out.

"Blaise?"

Turning, the former Slytherin looked behind him curiously to see Wan Chang walking towards them.

"Miss Chang? What can I do for you?" Blaise asked, cold, but polite.

"May I speak with you for a moment? Alone?" Wan asked, glancing towards Susan and her young charge.

Blaise looked at Susan, who raised an eyebrow and shrugged.

"Susan, would you take Miss Walkins back to the common room while I speak with Miss Chang?"

Susan nodded before placing a hand on Maria Walkins shoulder. "We'll see you later, Blaise. Good evening, Miss Chang," she added civilly.

As the two turned to leave, Blaise faced Wan once more and waited.

"First, I want to thank you. Not very many people are willing to listen to me after what I've done. I know I deserve it, but it's hard."

Blaise nodded, but didn't comment. When Wan continued to look at him, not speaking, he asked, "Was that all, Miss Chang?"

"No. Look, I know now that I made a mistake. I can't believe I fell for Danny and his lies. I didn't know what he was, but I should have. Why else would he say such horrible things? Why else would he want me to hurt other students? But he was the first boy who ever liked me, the first to make me feel special. Everyone talks about Cho and how beautiful she is. No one ever noticed me before. When Danny came along, I fell for it. I would have done anything to make him happy. I was so stupid," she finished quietly.

Blaise leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms, eyeing the young woman before him. She could be lying, but Blaise didn't think so.

"It's a common tactic, Miss Chang. Take a young, vulnerable girl, flatter her and give her everything she feels she's missing in life, be it affection, gifts, attention, whatever. After that, it's rather easy to manipulate her into doing whatever you wish. But then, you know this, don't you?"

She cringed away from him, looking down. "I…yes. Danny was a good teacher," she whispered.

"So what do you want from me, Miss Chang?" he asked curiously.

"I need to talk to Harry Potter," she said, looking up at him with determination. "I need to apologize to him. I'm hoping he'll give me another chance. I know I don't deserve it, but I have to try. I want to make up for what I've done. I know the student's won't trust me. I know I won't be accepted into the Phoenix Brigade, and there's no time for me to learn what I need to know to help fight. But there must be something I can do, some way I can help."

"So why aren't you speaking to Harry about this instead of me?"

"Are you kidding?" she asked, her eyes widening. "If I got anywhere near him, I'd be torn to pieces, either by your security or Ginny Weasley."

"Mr. Potter is able to protect himself from the likes of you, Miss Chang," Blaise said dryly. "You may have surprised him the first time, but that won't happen again. That's something you should keep in mind if you ever get the idea to find yourself another Death Eater boyfriend. Dumbledore may have saved you the first time, but Mr. Potter won't let that happen again."

"That won't happen," she said fiercely. "I know I can't convince anyone with words, but I will not be manipulated again."

He watched her for a moment, staring into her eyes. When she didn't fidget or look away, he nodded. "Very well, Miss Chang. I'll speak to Mr. Potter for you and let you know what he says. He might want to meet with you. If he does, I suggest you don't lie to him, no matter what he asks you."

"I won't. Thank you, Blaise."

Shrugging off her thanks, he straightened. "It's almost curfew. Let's get back to the common room before Filch starts ranting. He hasn't been able to hand out many detentions this term and he's rather put out about it."

Her lips twitched at the joke and she turned towards the stairs as he waved her ahead of him. Things were looking up for Wan, and she felt lighter than she had in days. This might just work!


Revelations and secrets…

Once Harry had learned of the restored portraits, he dragged Ginny with him down to the Snape's private quarters. He had meant to tell them a few things and, to be honest, he wanted Ginny there for moral support.

Knocking, they only had to wait but a minute. Severus opened the door and arched an eyebrow, questioning the presence of Ginny. Harry smiled apologetically, but Severus let them enter anyway.

If Serena was surprised by Ginny being there, she didn't show it.

"Before we get to the paintings, there's something I'd like to show you both. Something that I think you deserve to know. I had planned on waiting, but the other day on top of the astronomy tower I gave away a little too much information," Harry said glancing at Severus.

"Sooner or later, your husband will figure it out. This way, I'll beat him to the punch," he concluded with a smile.

Serena and Severus shared a glance between them. "How about a nice cup of tea?" Serena asked, leading them over to the table and inviting them to sit. Serena poured tea for everyone, then sat, waiting for Harry to speak.

"In the summer between my fifth and sixth years, something happened. A mistake by a goblin, which changed my life drastically," Harry started.

He went on to explain about the letter he received from his parents and its subsequent strange behavior. Then explained how his friends had purchased a locket, which he kept the letter in, and how the locket was what gave him warnings, and sometimes told him what he needed to do. He also explained about how the letter had expanded in content, adding a new section when he had showed it to Molly and Arthur Weasley. Ginny gasped at that, Harry had not told her about the new section. He looked at her in apology.

"It contained a private message for your Mum, Gin. I wasn't sure if it was alright to share it, but I talked with her over the holiday and she said to let you see it as well," he explained.

Harry looked at the two professors. "I'd like to show it to you both. It will explain a few things and, I may be mistaken, but I've gotten the impression that there may be a new message waiting… a message for you, Sir."

Serena leaned forward in interest while Harry fumbled with the clasp of the locket. Getting it free, he placed it on the table and tapped it once with his wand. As had happened previously, an image of the letter appeared above the locket, the words easily readable.

Ginny gasped when the image scrolled up to see the second portion of the letter that was addressed to her parents. The Snapes read the messages avidly. Once everyone had read the second portion, the image scrolled again and a feminine hand began to write.

Harry love,
I am pleased you finally decided to share this with Severus and his lovely wife. Severus, even back when we were children going to Hogwarts and you acted like the biggest prat on campus, I knew you had the makings of a fine man. I am surprised that it took so long for you to figure that out for yourself. I suspect Serena had something to do with that, but that's only right. We women do mold and train our men to behave. Now, I have two men here that wish to say something and it better be the correct thing or I will hex them into next week!

At this point the handwriting changed to a more mannish script.

Sev old boy, I'm sorry we ever turned your hair pink and for all the other pranks we pulled on you. I know we didn't see eye to eye on anything, but I'm very grateful for how you've befriended and helped my Godson over the past year. I know we'll probably never like each other, but I do thank you for helping Harry.
Sirius Black

Then the script changed again.

Severus, I'd like to think that if we were still there today, we'd have a relationship like you have with Harry. Like Sirius, I'm sorry for pranking you so much, especially the time we made you blow up the potions lab. I'm glad you finally stopped seeing me in my son. He's a fine man unto himself, although he doesn't pull enough pranks.

OUCH! Stop that Lily.

Anyway, we've all watched with pride as you and Harry managed to put your differences aside and work together. For that, you have my eternal gratitude.
James Potter

The writing then reverted to the feminine, flowing script of Harry's mother.

Harry, the charm I placed on this parchment is nearly exhausted. We can still use it to help advise you. Know that we all love you and miss you terribly. You have grown into a fine man and we are so very proud of you. Take care of Ginny, she's the source of your strength. Ginny, take care of my little green eyed monster.
Lily Potter

Harry grew a little misty eyed at the last part. Ginny reached up to wipe away the tear running down his cheek. After another moment the image collapsed back into the locket.

Severus let out an explosive breath and sat back in his chair like he'd been punched in the stomach. Serena reached out took his hand.

"Merlin!" he exclaimed, then ran a hand through his hair.

"Severus," Serena said softly looking at him with worry written in her eyes. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, yes, I'm fine Serena. I just never thought I'd see the day… to think, a charm that reaches beyond the grave… incredible! If anyone could have done it, it would have been Lily Potter. Her knowledge of charms was phenomenal. This explains much." He looked at Harry speculatively. "Like why you and the Headmaster fought at the beginning of last year and why you still have problems trusting him. Am I right, Harry?"

Harry refused to meet his eyes, but replied anyway. "It's hard to forgive and forget what I went through with the Dursleys Sir. He knew about it all along. He may not have been the one to hit me, but he never lifted a finger to stop it either. I've tried hard to put it behind me, but sometimes it still catches me off guard. He also hid my heritage from me. Had I known sooner, Sirius might still be alive."

Severus nodded. "Yes, I can see how it would be hard to trust after that."

Serena interrupted. "Severus, did you really blow up the potions lab? I wonder what Mr. Longbottom would think about that?" she teased.

Severus shot his wife a look that said, 'Don't you dare!' and both Serena and Ginny laughed.

Serena turned back to Harry. "So that's what you meant by getting warnings? The locket has been somehow advising you?" she asked.

Harry nodded. "Yes. When there's a problem coming, it sort of thumps against my chest. Other times, when I don't know whether or not to do something, it tells me it's all right to do something by getting warm. Do you remember last year when we first started working on the Protean? The locket told me I could trust you both with the information."

Serena leaned across the table and touch Harry's hand. "You've shared so many secrets with us over the past year Harry, but this one is perhaps the most special. I realize how personal and important this is to you. And I don't think it will hurt any that Severus may be able to finally find some closure with a part of his life that has pained him for a long time. We both thank you for that."

She looked at her husband, knowing full well that tonight would be a night for one of 'those' discussions. Severus nodded mutely in agreement.

Harry fumbled with his locket, trying to put it back on. Ginny intervened and helped him. He shot her a grateful smile for her help. That blasted clasp always gave him trouble!

"Now, let's finish our tea and we'll go look at those paintings," said Serena with a smile.

The four of them sat for a while over their tea, talking of inconsequential items. Harry seemed almost reluctant to see the portraits. Serena mentioned how she was surprised to see Wan Chang when they brought in a muggle born student who had been beaten up. Wan had assisted Madam Pomfrey, and then sat with the boy while the potions took effect, helping keep him calm. Harry told the Snapes that he had talked to Wan briefly during his infirmary stay and realized the predicament she was in now. She knew a few of the people who were behind the continuing attacks and was afraid for her own life.

"Harry, what is the difference between Wan Chang and Draco Malfoy?" asked Severus, wondering if the young man truly saw the difference.

Harry took a sip of his tea then leaned back in his chair. "I think Sir, that it boils down to the fact that from day one, Draco was taught that he was superior to half bloods and muggle born. Wan Chang didn't come from that kind of environment, she got tricked into it. Oh, I don't think she's entirely blameless, and I'm don't agree with the Headmaster in what her punishment should be, but I know what it's like to be tricked by someone…" His voice trailed off and Ginny reached over to take his hand.

Severus nodded his agreement. When Serena gave him a questioning look, he glanced at Harry, who shrugged.

"At the end of Harry's fifth year, he was tricked by Voldemort into thinking his Godfather was captured and being tortured in a subbasement at the Ministry of Magic. Harry led a group of students to rescue his Godfather, only to find out it was a trap. When help finally arrived, Harry was the only student still uninjured, but he watched his Godfather murdered in front of his eyes," Severus explained quietly.

Serena's eyes widened, then she turned to Harry who only shrugged.

"I've had an interesting school career…" He turned to Ginny. "I should warn you, you're probably going to have to do some fancy convincing to get me to send our kids here," he said with a grin.

"Interesting school career is putting it mildly, Harry," said Serena with a snort. "I'm not sure you've had a single normal month in this school, let alone a full year."

"I'd like to see you explain to the Headmaster your reasons for sending our children to another school when you're teaching here, Harry. I'm sure he'll find them most amusing," Ginny told him, causing Harry to wince.

A soft pinging sound suddenly echoed throughout the room. As one, the group turned towards the source of the sound.

One wall of the room turned blank and the words, 'Brought to by Weasley Wizarding Wheezes! Diagon Alley, Coming Soon to Hogsmeade!' scrolled over it. The image faded, only to be replaced with a picture of a room. It contained a small round table with two chairs and a checkered tablecloth. The image remained still for a moment, then the door opened…


Who's the romantic now?…

Ron breathed a sigh of relief. With Harry and Ginny out of his hair for a few hours, he could finally have some time alone with Hermione. There was only one problem. Privacy, or lack thereof. He couldn't use the Room of Requirement, as Neville and Luna were running some first aid training sessions for fourth year volunteers. The Astronomy tower was just too popular, especially in winter with its permanent warming charm. So in desperation, he had gone to his brothers, yes, those brothers, asking if they had a cozy room that Hermione and he could use for a few hours of privacy.

Ron watched Harry and Ginny leave for their meeting with the Snapes, and then he made his decision. Hermione was sitting at a nearby table working on her Arithmancy report.

"'Mione, would you like to take a walk with me?" he asked.

She looked up at him. "Ron, you know I have to get this report done."

"Aw, come on, 'Mione. A walk will do you some good," he said, giving her his best pleading look.

She looked at him, thinking. With a shrug, she decided maybe a short break wouldn't hurt much. She placed her homework in her bag and stood up, taking his hand. Ron led her from the common room towards the main entrance.

Puzzled, Hermione allowed Ron to lead her out of the castle and over to the Warbangers building. He pulled her inside and ducked into a room she had not visited before.

Ron had spent some time preparing this room so it was just right. He didn't trust his brothers, so he had asked Dobby to prepare a light snack and that he'd be called when they were ready for it.

Inside the room was a small round table with a checkered red and white tablecloth. In one corner stood some enchanted, self-playing instruments. A candle adorned the table and sconces lined the walls.

When Ron assisted Hermione into her seat, she found herself bemused. Ron was being romantic and succeeding?

Neither of them noticed the soft glow coming from one of the sconces on the wall.

He called for Dobby in a soft voice and the little elf appeared, Winky at his side. Dobby placed plates and a platter of cheeses and meats in front of them. He then snapped his fingers at the instruments in the corner and they started playing softly. Winky put an ice bucket, containing a bottle of muggle champagne, on the table. Then she put two champagne glasses next to the bucket.

With soft pops, the two elves vanished. Hermione's eyes widened when she saw the bottle of bubbly. "Ron… is that?" she asked.

"Yeah," he said with a blush. "I asked Harry and he said it was pretty common to celebrate a romantic evening with…champagne?" His brows furrowed in confusion over the unfamiliar word.

Ron got up and walked around the small table. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small ring box, then he sank down on one knee and looked up at Hermione. She turned to face him, her hands in her lap. Her eye's misted over as he took one of her hands in his.

"Hermione Jane Granger, will you marry me?" he asked softly, his heart in his eyes.

She blushed and looked deep into his eyes. "I'd like that very much, Ron," she replied as he opened the box and pulled out the ring.

As if on cue, the perfect evening he'd planned went suddenly wrong. It started simply, harmlessly. He dropped the ring.

Hermione ducked down to pick it up just as he sprang to his feet to see where it had gone. Their heads collided.

Ron sank to his knees, holding his head and Hermione rocked backwards, holding hers. Both of them groaned and looked at each other before they started to laugh.

Ron reached down and picked up the ring, placing it on her finger. Hermione gave a shout of joy and lunged into his unprepared arms. Ron, caught off guard, fell backwards, bouncing his head against the hard stone floor. It took Hermione a moment to realize she was kissing an unconscious man. Checking the back of his head, she leaned over him, waiting.

When he came to, Hermione was still leaning over him, her face filled with concern over what she had done. He pulled her into an embrace, startling a squeak from her. He kissed her with a passion he had never felt before. She melted against him, returning his kiss. When she ran her hands through his hair, he winced. Pulling away from him, Hermione stood and offered him a hand up, which he gratefully accepted.

They returned to their seats, Ron a little unsteady on his feet. He reached for bottle of champagne and eyed the complex bottle top warily.

"You peel the foil off Ron, then gently work the cork out with your thumbs," Hermione offered. Yes, we had a bit of a rocky start, she thought, but this is turning out to be a wonderful evening!

Ron nodded gratefully to her, then stopped for a moment to gaze into her chocolate brown eyes again. With a shake of his head he broke free from her gaze and started to peel the foil away from the neck of the bottle. That was the easy part. The cork wasn't a cork, it was some soft of muggle white thing, and it was rock hard and stuck!

Placing the bottle between his legs for more leverage, he rocked the cork back and forth. When the cork finally shot free from the bottle, it ricocheted off the ceiling and hit Hermione in the forehead. The bottle sprayed champagne in a frothing fountain, soaking Ron's pants.

Hermione blinked as the bottle opened and the cork hit her. She was about to say something to Ron when she noticed him turning a strange purplish color. His head sank down to the puddle on the table, his breath ragged.

"Ron!" she exclaimed in concern.

She leapt from her seat in such a rush that she tilted the table. It rocked back and forth several times, smacking Ron in head repeatedly.

She knelt by his side and gasped. He had been holding the base of the bottle against his crouch as he opened it. When the cork flew out, the bottle had smashed downwards.

"'Mione?" Ron croaked.

"Yes, Ron?" she replied her eyes full of worry.

"I think I broke my dangly bits!" he groaned.

She pulled the bottle from his hands and gently pulled him into her arms. "Do you want to go to Madam Pomfrey? I'm sure she has a potion…"

"No!" he exclaimed, looking at her in shock.

"Well, I could kiss them and make them better," she suggested wickedly.

He eyed her in astonishment. Seeing his expression, she giggled.

Once Ron had recovered, they repaired the damage and were once again seated, sharing a glass of champagne and the platter Dobby had prepared.

Neither noticed that one wall sconce had stopped glowing.


Back to the Snapes…

Harry and Ginny were holding each other, laughing. Serena had nearly fallen out of her chair several times, and Severus was openly grinning. From the sounds coming from the hallway, it was obvious that more than one wall had been displaying the images from Ron's little adventure.

"Shall we check out the portraits now?" asked Serena, finally calming down.

"I think so. I want to check them out then get over to the Great Entrance to meet Ron and 'Mione when they get back," replied Harry with an evil grin.

With that, she led them to the private potions lab where the paintings were kept.

Harry's eyes were immediately drawn to one painting. He pulled out his sketchpad and started drawing the hilt more closely.

'Harry, is that…" asked Ginny.

Harry nodded with a huge smile. "Yes Gin, it is. Now the real question is, what activates it? An incantation? A movement?" he replied.

"You may be over complicating it, Harry. It is, after all, a sword. It could be something as simple as activating on contact with blood," offered Severus.

"Yes! That makes sense Professor!" said Harry.

Harry took the one portrait of interest, shrunk it down along with his sketch pad and put them in a pocket. "I daresay the Headmaster will be pleased to have these three portraits back. I'll give him the one I have after I've finished making my sketches. I have a much clearer idea of what I have to do now," he said.

Thanking the Snapes, Harry and Ginny left the apartment and headed towards the entrance. It was apparent from the crowd that they weren't the only people wanting to wish the happy couple well.


Ron and Hermione…

Ron and Hermione left the room at Warbangers. As they did, they couldn't help but wonder about the laughter coming from a nearby room. Hermione looked at Ron suspiciously. Ron could only shrug his shoulders.

"They're probably laughing over some new thing they've invented," he said. "You know those two."

As they crossed the courtyard in the deepening light, they heard a shrill whistling noise coming from the building they'd just left. A single rocket launched from the building and into the night sky above the castle.

When they stopped to watch it, Ron had a sinking feeling that maybe, just maybe, asking his brothers for help was a bad idea. That thought was confirmed a moment later when the rocket exploded and the words 'CONGRATULATIONS RON AND HERMIONE' floated above the castle in huge flaming letters.

Hermione groaned and clutched Ron's arm. "I'm going to kill them!" she hissed in anger.

Approaching the entrance to the castle, they noted the large crowd of grinning people and stopped. Harry and Ginny stepped forward and dragged the happy couple forward.

"Hey mate, congratulations! But you really want to watch out for your dangly bits, if you know what I mean. After all, what good is a marriage if you have damaged bits?" Harry asked with a grin.

It took a moment for Harry's words to sink in. When they did, Hermione turned on Ron.

"I'M GOING TO KILL THEM," she shouted.

Harry looked at her and laughed. "It wasn't all the twins' fault, Hermione. Lover boy here should have never gone and asked for their help. But come on, we have a party going in the common room and you two are the guests of honor."

Hermione calmed down somewhat as Lavender, Parvati, Susan and several other girls rush up, demanding to see the ring. She shot another angry glare at Harry who winked back at her as she allowed herself to be led back to the common room.


Back to the Snapes, later that night…

Serena rolled over restlessly, muttering as the blankets twisted around her legs. She had been dozing on and off for the last few hours, but true sleep hadn't come. She had thought Severus wanted to talk tonight, but when she broached the subject with him after Harry and Ginny had left, he had snapped at her and retreated to the library to grade papers. She had taken the hint and left him to it.

She went to bed alone that night, knowing he would join her in his own good time. When he had finally slid in beside her, he had remained awake and tense while she tried to drift off. Now, as she untangled her legs from the blanket, she noticed the bed beside her was empty.

With a sigh, she grabbed his pillow and hugged it to her tightly. She knew they would both sleep better if he'd only talk about it. But trying to force Severus Snape to do something he didn't wish to do was a Herculean task, and she just didn't have the energy for it. Besides, she was never at her best when she hadn't had enough sleep. So she lay in the darkness, letting her mind drift.

She wasn't sure how long she had lain there. It could have been hours or minutes. But the background hum was beginning to bother her. It was something she'd never told Severus about, but when he was in a broody, dark mood like this, she could feel him in the back of her mind. It was like an itch one couldn't reach, but longed to scratch.

Giving up, she sat up, pulling her knees into her chest. Why couldn't he have done this earlier?

"Severus?" she called softly, knowing he was there, but unable to see him.

"I didn't mean to wake you."

"Well, you did. You think to loud!"

There was a startled silence before he replied. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, I'm not fully awake yet. Now, would you like to talk about it, or continue to brood?" she asked grumpily.

"Go back to sleep, Serena," he said coldly.

Damn! He's going to brood, which will make him more pissy than usual, and I'll never get any sleep, she thought. Time to wake up and start banging my head into the wall that is Severus Snape, Snarky Bastard.

Climbing out of bed, she grabbed her night robe and put it on against the chill. Working her way cautiously towards his voice, she found him by the simple means of stumbling into his back. She moved around in front of him and leaned her back against his chest. When he didn't move, she grumbled a bit and reached for his arms, folding them around her waist. When she started to shiver from the cold, he tightened his arms, causing her to smile.

"You know, if we're going to stand here, we might as well have something to look at," she said as she reached out and pulled the drapes away from the window. "How you can stand to stare at nothing in the dark is beyond me," she added with a yawn as moonlight filtered into the room.

"I didn't want to wake you," he replied softly.

"And that worked so well," she murmured lightly, snuggling back into this warmth. "So, tell me," she said when he remained silent.

"I don't know where to start," he said simply.

"The beginning, of course. I know some of it, but that's come from others, and mostly through the eyes of adults. Tell me about your time at Hogwarts."

And so went the third confession of Severus Snape. Serena knew many of the ugly things he'd done in his past as a Death Eater. It was something he had insisted on before they married. He refused to allow her to tie herself to him without knowing the worst. Two weeks before their marriage, he had shared the worst of his actions with her via a Pensieve. He had thought he would lose her after that. When she hadn't turned from him, he had vowed then that he would never let her go.

He had become a Death Eater during his seventh year, at the age of seventeen, as his father expected. Very few members of the Snape family strayed from the dark. It had been so for centuries. With Voldemort's first rise to power, the Snape family had been one of the first to follow him. While not quite as rich as the Malfoy family, the Snape's, it was said, were more truly Slytherin in nature than any other. The Dark Lord was no fool. With the Malfoy money and the Snape's intelligence, his plans were sure to succeed.

While it was true that Severus could have avoided taking the Dark Mark by appealing to Dumbledore, his experiences at Hogwarts had taught him that the only thing that mattered was power. It was his continual run-ins with the Marauders that solidified that belief.

The loathing the four Gryffindor's felt for him was entirely mutual. Their constant pranks and his retaliation against them followed through all their years at Hogwarts. While the four focused on his appearance, Severus focused on their one weakness. Lupin. Werewolf and half blood combined, worthy of contempt in his mind. While he included them all in his petty revenge for their tricks, he always added an extra twist, designed to torment Lupin.

In later years, Severus came to realize that it was this, more than anything else, which caused Black to lure him to the Shrieking Shack that night. Black had grown tired of Snape's constant baiting of his friend and thought it a fitting revenge to scare the young Slytherin with a confrontation of that which he claimed to loath so much. If James Potter had not saved him that night, Snape would have died, or worse, been turned.

Unable to let the incident go, he took the Dark Mark gladly. With the power of the Dark Lord behind him, the Marauders would be easily dealt with. He may have owed James Potter a life debt, but he owed nothing to Black, Lupin or Pettigrew.

Circumstances changed however, and in his seventh year, he came to know Lily Evans better. Her association with Potter was unfortunate in his mind, but he was able to put his feelings aside for her sake. They avoided talking about the Marauders when they spent time together, usually studying. She was intelligent, witty and very beautiful.

"Did you love her?" Serena interrupted to ask quietly.

"Yes, but not in the way that you mean. Lucius was a friend of sorts, but it always came with conditions. It was to his advantage to be on friendly terms with my family and he chose to do so through me. If that advantage ever disappeared, so would the friendship.

"Lilly was different. She never asked for anything in return. Simple companionship, a study partner, someone who understood how important schoolwork was to her. She didn't know what I had become of course. At least, not then. She was… my friend."

He became aware of just how wrong his dark choice had been upon graduating. After the graduation celebration at Hogwarts, his father took him to his first Dark Revel. The experiences of that night were burned into his soul. The screams of the victims still echoed down through the years to haunt him.

It wasn't long after that he approached Dumbledore and confessed all. He expected to be turned over to the Aurors and sent to Azkaban. Instead, he found absolution and a new purpose. What he hadn't expected was the subtleness of the Headmaster in twisting Severus to meet his own needs. Thus, Severus Snape, Death Eater became Severus Snape, spy and Potion Master. There were many things that he regretted throughout the years, but his decision to turn spy was not one of them.

He later joined the Order and once more found himself in the company of the Marauders. Much as he detested their presence, he was happy to see Lily again. She had married James and was pregnant. They renewed their friendship quietly. While James never understood what his wife saw in Severus, he chose not to interfere. That was something Severus was thankful for, though he would never admit it to anyone, not even Lily.

Severus had not been told when Voldemort decided to attack the Potters. He had found out about it from Lucius, but it was too late. When he had arrived at the house in Godric's Hollow, it was a charred, burning wreck, the Morsmordre floating menacingly overhead.

What good was being a spy then, if he couldn't even save a friend?

He found James first, but had hoped Lily might have survived. That hope was crushed when he finally stumbled upon her body. For the first time in many years, he wept. He wept for the friendship he'd lost, for the bright witch who's life had ended to early.

After laying her body near James, he searched for her child. When he found no trace of the boy, he returned to Hogwarts, where Dumbledore had informed him that young Harry was safe.

He grieved privately in the weeks that followed. He also developed an irrational anger towards James Potter. If the man had taken proper steps to safeguard his wife and child, Lily would still be alive. But James, ever the Gryffindor, had refused to leave England. He put his faith in the Fidelius Charm. Severus could not forgive him that stupidity.

He also came to hate Harry. If the boy had not been born, there would not have been a prophecy and, once again, Lily would still be alive. It didn't help his anger that young Harry looked so much like his father. But he had Lily's eyes. Every time Severus looked into the boy's emerald gaze, he saw Lily, and his own failure.

"And the letter brought that all back?" Serena asked when he remained silent for several minutes.

"To some extent. The loss and sense of failure will always be with me, Serena. I've learned to live with it."

"Then what is it? What has you so broody tonight?"

Severus sighed. "You'll think it childish."

"We all have our childish moments, Severus. You more than others, of course." She chuckled when he squeezed her tightly and growled in her ear. "Come on, tell me," she prodded. "I'll try not to laugh."

"As I told Harry, Lily was extremely gifted in charms and that letter was something young Harry needed very badly. A connection to parents he never had a chance to know."

"But?" Serena asked.

"But did she have to let James and Black add to it? She had to know how much I'd hate letting them have the last word!"

Serena blinked as understanding slowly dawned her. After all the grief and heartache he'd been through, he was angry over not having the last word?

"What?" she yelled, spinning to face him. "Are you telling me that all this brooding, snapping at me earlier tonight and your pissy mood is because Potter and Black got the last word?"

Looking down into her furious face, he grimaced. "I told you that you'd find it childish," he muttered.

"Childish?" she said, poking him in the chest. "It is beyond childish, Severus Snape! They thanked you," she reminded him, poking him once more and causing him to back up a few steps. "They're happy you're here for Harry!" She marched after him, intent on poking him once more, but he retreated further.

She continued to stalk him around the room as he backed away, venting her anger at his behavior. He watched her, amused and aroused by turns. She was beautiful in her anger, her skin bathed in soft moonlight, her white hair glowing in the dim room.

She caught him as the back of his knees came up against the edge of the bed. She shoved him down and straddled his hips. Looking down at him, she told him exactly what she thought of his behavior, questioned his parentage, asked if his mother had ever mated with a jackass or if he'd ever been dropped on his head as a child. She stopped when she finally noticed he was grinning at her.

"This isn't funny, Severus," she said heatedly. "Why are you grinning like an idiot?"

In answer, he grabbed her hips with both hands and pulled her tightly against him. When her eyes widened in understanding, he ground his pelvis against hers. Realizing her error, she tried to scramble off him, but he turned, still holding her, and pinned her down on the bed.

"I'm not finished, Severus," she ground out between clenched teeth.

"And I haven't begun," he replied, lowering his mouth to her lips.

"This isn't over," she muttered against his mouth.

"I certainly hope not," he said, thrusting against her.

"Damn," she murmured, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I hate it when you do this."

"Would you like me to stop?"

"Shut up and kiss me!"


Grimmauld Place…

It was late but Remus was still awake. Jason had come down with a bad cold and Tonks, with much advice from Molly, was helping him get through it. Remus wandered around the big old house before deciding to head down to the main conference room the Order used to monitor Voldemort.

There weren't many people there, considering the hour. Just a couple monitoring 'The Map'. He hadn't checked the map since he and Harry had fought over Peter Pettigrew. Pettigrew's name appeared and vanished like clockwork from the map, rarely staying in one place for long.

Now he looked up at it, surprised to see that, in the months since he had last looked at it, Order members had tagged nearly two hundred of Voldemort's Death Eaters.

"They're finally starting to converge. Maybe we'll get lucky and be able to pick up several intact cells before April," said a voice behind him.

Remus whirled around to see Hestia Jones. "Sorry Remus, I didn't mean to startle you. I just came off duty and wanted to check the map before I grab a bit of sleep for myself," she said.

"It's ok Hestia, I just didn't expect anyone sneaking up on me," he replied.

She pointed to the map again. "Jack thinks that Voldemort will have all his pieces in place three to five days in advance of his attack," she said.

Remus grinned. Harry had made him aware of Hestia's interest in Jack Parsons. Remus thought that, if anyone could break through the tough guy's defenses, it would be Hestia. "Speaking of Jack, how are things going with him? I don't get up to Hogwarts as much as I'd like to see him and Harry."

Hestia smiled mysteriously. "He's doing well, now that he's gotten over the shock that a witch might be interested in him. I never thought I could be interested in a squib, but there is something about him, a kind of power and confidence I've never felt before in anyone, except maybe Dumbledore. It's as if he knows who he is and exactly what he can do."

Remus looked thoughtful. "He's tested himself in the worst kind of muggle conflicts possible, Hestia. That's got to show a man what he's made of."

She nodded thoughtfully and went back to studying the map.


Meeting with Wan…

Harry stood upon the Astronomy tower, looking over the peaceful grounds of Hogwarts. The full moon cast its gentle light upon the lake, and he could just make out the waves as the giant squid broke the surface.

The tower door opened behind him and he turned to see Blaise Zabini and Wan Chang step out. He nodded to them both as Blaise closed the door, warded it against eavesdropping and leaned back against the castle wall.

"Good evening, Miss Chang. Blaise informed me that you wish to speak to me?" Harry asked.

She approached him nervously and stuffed her hands into her coat pockets. Seeing her actions, Blaise straightened and narrowed his eyes. When Harry waved him off, Wan turned back to look at him.

"I didn't bring my wand. Professor Dumbledore still has it," she told the brigade's security officer anxiously.

Blaise nodded and relaxed against the wall once more.

Facing Harry, noting his calm, curious expression, she let out a soft sigh. This might not be as difficult as she first thought.

"Thank you for meeting with me," she said quietly.

When he only nodded and waited for her to continue, she took a deep breath, sent a silent prayer to anyone listening and began.

"First, I want to apologize for what I did, not only to you, but also to the other students. They're not willing to listen to me, but I know I deserve that. I asked Blaise to speak with you first because I wasn't sure if I would be allowed to approach you, or if you'd even listen to me if I did."

"Allowed to approach me?" he questioned with a scowl.

"Well, between Blaise and his people and Ginny Weasley, I figured I wouldn't be allowed anywhere near you. After what I did to you, I don't blame them."

"Blaise wouldn't have stopped you, but it's true that Ginny might have," he said with a grin as he glanced over her shoulder and into the shadows. "She may be working on her temper, but I think she'd be more than happy to have a few goes at you, Miss Chang. I don't think she's forgiven you yet."

"And you, Harry?" she asked.

"Forgiveness is something that's earned, Wan," he said gently.

When she flinched as if struck, he sighed and dragged a hand through his hair. "But I also know what it's like to be tricked. For you, it earned you the scorn of your family and fellow students. It cost me the life of someone I loved."

Seeing the pain in his eyes, she nodded in understanding. He hadn't said it, but she knew he was willing to forgive her past actions.

Harry looked out over the grounds once more and continued in a quiet voice. "I watched you while I was in the infirmary, you know. You displayed an empathy that was rather surprising when compared to your earlier actions. I don't know if you'll ever earn back the trust that you lost Wan, but I know you're trying."

"Thank you," she replied, softly.

"Was there anything else you wanted to talk about?" he asked.

"Yes. I want to help. Like I told Blaise, I know I can't help in the actual fighting. With my skills, I think I would only drag everyone down. But since I've been working with Madam Pomfrey, I thought maybe I could be of use. I know what's coming and I want to do my part, if you'll let me."

"I'm sure Madam Pomfrey would be pleased to have your help. Have you discussed this with her?"

"No, I wanted to talk to you about it first. When the time comes, those who are injured probably won't want me anywhere near them. I didn't want it to be a surprise."

"Good point," he said wryly. "I'll talk to the brigade and let them know you're working with her."

When she smiled her thanks, he held up a warning hand and added, "A lot of the younger students are afraid of you, Wan. And many of the others are still very angry. This isn't going to be easy for you."

"It shouldn't be," she said. "Few things worth doing are. They may not forgive me, but it won't stop me from trying to help."

He looked into her dark eyes for several moments, probing. She didn't blink or look away, simply accepting whatever happened. When he broke eye contact with her, she blinked several times and exhaled the breath she didn't know she'd been holding. She shuddered once, then reached up and touched her temple.

"One more thing, Wan," he added. She stilled as she heard the coldness in his voice.

"Yes?" she asked.

"If you ever cross the line again, I'll find out. If you ever purposely harm another person, neither Dumbledore, nor the Ministry will be able to save you from me. Do you understand?"

"I understand," she said warily.

"Was there anything else?"

"No, that's all. And…thank you, Harry."

"Welcome back, Wan," he said with a small smile.

After Blaise escorted the girl from the tower, Harry leaned against the wall and sighed. He hadn't been able to detect a lie from her, but time would tell. He couldn't monitor her every move, nor did he wish to. He hoped his warning, false as it may have been, would go a long way in keeping her honest. If she did cross the line, there was a good chance that he wouldn't find out about it. However powerful he may be, he wasn't omnipotent.

When small arms wrapped around his waist, he grinned.

"Hiding in shadow's doesn't really suite you, love," he said, turning in her embrace.

"I wanted to hear what she had to say," Ginny said with a shrug.

"And?" he asked.

"I don't trust her. After what she did to you, I don't know if I ever will. But it has to start somewhere, doesn't it?"

Harry looked at her in surprise. "Yes, it does. I just never thought I'd hear you say that."

"Why?" she asked with a scowl.

"Ginevra Weasley holding her temper and willing to give Wan Chang a chance? I think I hear the sound of hell freezing over," he teased.

"Prat!" she said, smacking his chest gently.

He laughed and pulled her close. "I love you, Gin. Thanks for being here."

"Always," she said, simply.


Late Night Worries…

It was late, and Ginny was on a mission. For the fourth time in as many nights, she woke up and found Harry gone from the bed. She was knew where he'd be. The first two nights she had lain awake, waiting for him to return. But last night she had went searching for him, only to find him walking the castle battlements. And that's where she expected to find him again.

As she walked towards the main entrance of the castle, a hand reached out to touch her shoulder. Instantly she spun, wand out. She only relaxed after seeing it was Harry's friend, Jack Parsons.

"Easy, girl. I'm not going to hurt you so put that chop stick back into your pocket," he said.

She pocketed her wand and Jack nodded towards the window were they both could see Harry walking the wall.

"You're going out to bring him in again, right Ginny?" asked Jack.

She sighed, looking at the figure in the distance. "Yes I was, Professor," she replied. "I don't know why he's sleeping so little these days. I try to help him but…" She trailed off in frustration.

"Ginny, he's worried and it's beginning to affect him and everyone around him. Think of it this way. Everyone's getting ready for this coming battle, including Harry, but a lot of us know the truth. Harry is going to have to fight Voldemort alone. The rest of us are merely pieces on a chessboard and Harry feels responsible for us. He's worried. He's worried that someone won't do their job, or he'll fail, or someone he loves will get hurt. It's twisting and knotting him up inside.

"He and I have talked about this before, and he has a better understanding of what he's feeling, but that doesn't make how he feels any easier. Take yourself, Ginny. I know for a fact he'd love to send you someplace safe, but he won't. He respects you too much to do that to you. So, instead he worries and it keeps him up late nights, it affects his appetite.

"He knows he shouldn't, but he can't help it. I heard your friend Hermione complain the other day that Harry's got a 'saving people thing'. But there's something you all need to realize. It's not a 'thing'. It's who he is. It's a part of him, just like his green eyes or messy hair. I've known men like him who had a 'saving people' thing and even when they aren't saving people, they are worrying about them. Think on it, Ginny. Understand that it's part of who he is as sure as the blood in his body."

Ginny blinked in surprise at Jack. She had dealt with him in Advanced Defense class and on a limited personal basis. And while she acknowledged he was a superb teacher, as well as a good friend to Harry, she never knew him capable of such insightfulness.

"So what should we do, Professor? This can't be healthy for him and sooner or later it's going to affect not only him, but everyone around him," she said, the concern obvious in his voice.

"Well, I have a few ideas, but I'll need to talk to the Headmaster. In the meantime, there are a few things you and your friends can do. First, don't let him skip any meals." When she nodded in understand, Jack continued with a grin. "Second, and you should enjoy this part, get him to bed earlier. I don't care if you play poker with him in bed, but get him to relax. Go easy on him, Ginny. He needs the strength you and your friends give him."

He watched Ginny intently, hoping she understood what he was telling her. She gazed at the dark figure that stood on the battlements, staring off into the night. Then she looked at Jack, smiled and nodded her understanding. He returned her smile, touched her shoulder lightly, then turned and walked away.

Harry stopped and leaned into the crenel. His gaze fixed on the road leading up to the castle gates. In his minds eye he could see the approaching Death Eaters and the ensuing battle. He examined move and counter move in his imaginary scenario and pondered several 'what if" situations.

His dreams, of late, had become particularly graphic. In them, he'd win against Voldemort, only to find that everyone he loved was dead. Ron, Hermione and Ginny. Dumbledore, Fred, George, and so many more…all dead.

He shivered and tried to crush that image mercilessly from his mind. The urge to seek out Voldemort and have it done before April had been growing strong in him. It lured and pulled at him like a seductive dream, promising an end and peace.

A pair of arms wrapped around him and the tension drained out of him. He leaned back slightly, feeling familiar warmth.

"Hey Gin," he said softly.

"Couldn't sleep again?" she asked.

He shook his head. "The nightmares have been getting too bad of late. Plain old fashioned nightmares. Strange how something so normal can affect one, isn't it?" he replied.

She tightened her grip on him. "Why didn't you wake me?" she asked gently.

He turned in her arms and looked down at her. "I didn't want to disturb your sleep just because I'm having a silly nightmare. It doesn't mean you have to get up," he replied.

Ginny sighed in exasperation. "Oh Harry, do you ever listen to yourself? It's ok to have a nightmare, and it's ok to want someone to talk to afterwards. I don't care what time it is, Harry Potter. If you have a nightmare that wakes you up, you wake me! Understand?" she asked fiercely.

"Temper, Miss Weasley," he reminded her teasingly.

With a growl, she shook him. "Stop changing the subject and answer the question."

Harry chuckled. "Yeah, I understand."

"Good. Now we're going back to bed and you're going to sleep. Tomorrow we'll talk about these nightmares," she told him.


Headmaster's Office, the next morning, before breakfast…

Dumbledore looked up from his desk at the knock on his door.

"Enter," he called.

Jack Parsons entered, chuckling to himself. "You know Headmaster; I know some people at the security office in Quantico who would just love your gargoyle. If you ever want to make a killing as a defense contractor, I'll be happy to set you up with them," he said.

Dumbledore waved the man to a seat. He liked this strange squib, but he admitted to himself that he sometimes said the strangest things.

"Professor, one of these days I think you and I will have a long talk, but alas, that day will have to wait. What, may I ask, brings you here this morning?" asked Dumbledore.

Jack leaned back in his chair. "Well Sir, it's like this. I spent the last ten years of my career commanding troops. During that time I learned a lot about the type of pressure that sort of job puts on a person. Right now, you have a problem. You have a command team that's watching its commander kill himself with worry. The whole group is sitting in a pressure cooker and everyone's waiting for the lid to blow."

Dumbledore looked pained. "I take it you mean Harry and his friends? It's true his teachers have informed me that Harry's work has started to slip, and I am not unaware of his late night walks. Tell me Professor, since you've been in his shoes, what do you suggest?"

"Sir when a unit's wound too tight, they start to fall apart. I'd recommend that you make Harry stand down the Phoenix Brigade for at least five days, and insist that Harry take some time off from everything. He needs some R and R, Headmaster," Jack replied.

"I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage Professor. R and R?" asked Dumbledore.

"Rest and Relaxation, Headmaster. Send him away from school, from the war for a couple days. His command team as well. If you don't let them blow off some steam and relax they're going to come apart at the seams. Harry's starting to see himself as the weapon you once treated him as, rather than a person," replied Jack.

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, pinched of his nose and sighed heavily.

"If you don't mind me saying so Sir, you look like you can use some R and R yourself," said Jack.

Dumbledore gave Jack a wry smile before going to the floo and placing a few calls.

A few minutes later, McGonagall, both Snapes and Remus arrived.

"Now Professor Parsons, if you would be so kind as to repeat to them what you just told me?" asked Dumbledore.

Jack repeated his comments and expanded on them, detailing what stress Harry and his team were under and what was happening with Harry as he reacted to that stress. Then he explained how Harry needed some serious relaxation away from Hogwarts and the war, even if it were only for a few days. Sitting back, he waited for everyone to explode.

Serena paced the room, drawing everyone's attention away from Jack for a moment. "That explains the drop in his grades of late. I knew he wasn't sleeping well. Ginny and I had talked about some sort of relaxing potion like a stronger calming draught, but all of those things have addictive properties." She stopped and looked at Albus. "I think Professor Parsons is correct. A few days away would do Harry a world of good. I can offer a suggestion of where, if everyone else agrees that time off is needed."

Minerva McGonagall sipped at a cup of tea thoughtfully. "Normally, I would disagree with Professor Parsons' assessment. But we're not talking about a normal school schedule for Harry. Despite his lighter course load, he's doing more work than any other student. I know Poppy was most upset when he left the infirmary early when he was recovering from the Dementor attack. How many students are we be talking about here?"

"That's easy. We'd stand down the brigade, meaning we would cancel their training sessions for a few days, including the advanced defense class scheduled during the day. That will give most of them a break. Harry's command team are the one's I'm most worried about. The command team includes Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna, Blaise and Susan," Jack replied.

Dumbledore leaned forward looking at Jack intently. "I wasn't aware that Miss Bones was considered part of the command team. When did that happen?" he asked.

"Blaise has been training her to be his second in command in charge of security. He felt that getting someone other than an ex-Slytherin in that slot was important for everyone." He glanced at Severus. "Sorry Professor, I'm not trying to offend your old house. The point is, ever since Harry and his people captured that Death Eater in Hogsmeade, she's been learning the position and has gotten pretty good at it."

Dumbledore nodded, and then squinted at Jack. "Professor, this wouldn't also have anything to do with the fact that Mr. Zabini is currently dating Miss Bones, would it?" he asked.

Jack chuckled. "Well, there's no sense trying to slip stuff past you, Headmaster. But yes, if we were going to send them off to relax, we'd accomplish more send them off as they're paired. I'll bet you ten bucks that sending Zabini off alone would only result in him stressing more, not less."

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows at that, then nodded. "Severus? We've yet to hear your opinion," Dumbledore said.

Severus hesitated for a moment. "Headmaster, I work closely with all of Harry's group. There have been some 'incidents' among them…"

"Incidents?" Dumbledore interrupted. "Has Miss Weasley…"

"No, not her Sir. In fact, were it not for her total focus on Harry at this point, I'd say she's the least affected of the group. There has been some friction though. They're all worried about school and what they have to do, and more than a bit frightened by it. More importantly, they're concerned about Harry, which is only fueling their own problems. Harry's barely getting four hours of sleep at night, and he's started skipping meals. On more than one occasion he's shown up at class clearly exhausted," Severus said.

Jack looked around at the faces of the people in the room, and then turned back to the Headmaster. "I think you have a consensus, Headmaster. The next question is, where to send them?" he asked.

"Well I know a place that's far away from the war and England," Serena said. "But how do we convince Harry to go? And none of these kids will have the necessary clothes they need."

"I'll pay whatever costs are incurred," offered Remus.

Jack laughed and said, "Don't ask Harry. Just tell him they are all needed for a conference and shanghai them."

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. "Hmm, well that is a colorful way of putting it, but it would work. Serena, will you and Remus make the necessary arrangements?" he asked.

Both of them nodded at the Headmaster.


Somewhere in England, Location unknown…

Voldemort sat in his chamber looking at those surviving members of his inner circle. The number had dwindled considerably in the past month and a half.

"Summon Wormtail," he snapped abruptly.

A few moments later Wormtail ran into the room throwing himself prostrate before Lord Voldemort.

"You summoned me, Master?" asked Wormtail.

"Wormtail… you have pleased me of late, now I have… a new task for you that requires your special abilities. I want to know what is happening within the school. Your animagus form is well suited for finding that out," Voldemort said.

"I am yours to command, Master," whined Wormtail.

"I am pleased with you Wormtail, I must think of a suitable reward for when you come back," Voldemort said in a low tone, causing Wormtail to shiver.

"Unlike that one, he has… displeased me," Voldemort said pointing at another man. He lifted his wand in a gaunt hand. "Crucio," he said, causing the Death Eater to drop to the floor in agony.

Wormtail started to scurry from the room when Voldemort stopped him. "Oh, Wormtail, you have only a short time to complete this mission. Soon, very soon, we are putting our plans in motion. I expect to hear back from you soon," Voldemort said while casually torturing the Death Eater.

Wormtail bowed low and left the room.

A little bored, the Dark Lord lifted the curse and looked closely at his victim. The man was curled into a fetal position, blood dripping from his ears and nose.

"Perhaps a little time spent under the tender care of his brothers and sisters will teach him a valuable lesson," Voldemort said, address those in the room. As the group drew forward eagerly, he held up a warning hand. "Do not kill him. As useless as he is, he still has some value to me. If he can bring me the mudblood, I may yet forgive him."

As the man was pulled to his feet, he hissed in pain as his hair was yanked back, forcing his head up so he faced his Lord. When Voldemort smiled at him, Viktor Krum flinched back from the unholy pleasure blazing forth from those red, malevolent eyes.


The Great Hall, Dinner, Second week of February…

Harry sat at his usual table with Ginny and their friends; his head buried in an old book Jack Parsons had given him. He'd pushed his plate away from him, the meal barely touched. He scowled when Ginny pulled the book from his hands and pushed his plate back into place.

"Harry, you need to eat," she said. "The book can wait."

He opened his mouth on a sharp retort when Professor McGonagall interrupted him.

"Professor Potter, the Headmaster would like to see you, Miss Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger, Mr. Longbottom, Miss Lovegood, Mr. Zabini and Miss Bones in his office. He suggests that you leave your books and such in your dorm rooms first. You eight are to attend an emergency meeting at the Ministry tonight."

Harry looked up at her, startled. He'd seen Jack Parsons with Hestia Jones earlier and no mention had been made of any meeting. Surprised, all he could do is nod at Professor McGonagall. With one last stern look, the Professor turned away.

Harry scowled. "An emergency meeting? I left Jack a little while ago and he didn't say anything about a meeting. Maybe I'd better run over to Dumbledore's office and see what this is all about," he said.

Harry started to stand when Ron hand snaked out and yanked him back into his seat. "Mate, it can wait. Finish your dinner first. You heard McGonagall, she said after dinner."

Harry looked at his friends, all of who were frowning back at him. "Why do I get the impression you all have something you want to say to me?" he asked slowly.

"We're worried about you, Harry. You're not eating well enough lately…" Started Hermione, but Ginny interrupted her. She grabbed Harry by his head so he was looking at her.

"Love, it's part of a family's job to look out for one another. And that's what we're doing. Now eat your dinner, please?" she said softly.

Harry stared into her soft brown eyes for a long moment before pulling his plate back in front of him. He took a bite, swallowed, and then tried to stammer an apology to them all. Ginny put her hand on his leg under the table while he ate under the watchful eyes of his friends.

After dinner, they trooped to Dumbledore's office. Filing into the room, Harry wasn't surprised to see Serena and Severus already there. He became wary once he noticed the grins on their faces, however.

Dumbledore stood and passed out a long rope, telling everyone to grab hold. Harry glanced around, noticing that the only person not holding the portkey was Dumbledore. As Albus raised his wand to activate their transportation, Harry spoke.

"Headmaster aren't you comi…"

With a wave of Dumbledore's wand, the portkey was activated.

Portkeying is usually quick, just a few seconds. But this particular trip was taking a very long time as far as Harry was concerned. After what he was convinced was more than a minute he started to panic. No portkey from Hogwarts to the Ministry should last this long! What had gone wrong?

A few seconds later, the portkey stopped and they were in the lobby of a strange building. Unfortunately for Harry, he went crashing into Ron, knocking them both down. His glasses flew off his face and skidded another ten feet.

Grumbling, he allowed himself to be helped to his feet while Hermione handed him his glasses. Putting them on, he looked around. This wasn't the Ministry! Then he spotted Jack Parsons and Hestia Jones walking towards them with several house elves in tow. Jack was wearing the strangest clothing.


Back at Hogwarts…

The word was passed from Professor McGonagall to several of the squad leaders of the Phoenix Brigade. Advanced Defense classes had been canceled for the next few days and there would be a five day rest from the evening meetings. It was explained that Harry and his command team were away.

Gradually an impromptu party started in the common room that night. Eventually, and not even knowing the reasons for it, the entire student body and some of the teachers joined in.

No one noticed the small creature moving in the shadows within the castle.


Welcome to the Bahamas…

Harry gaped at Jack and Hestia. Jack was wearing a Hawaiian shirt that literally exploded with color, a pair of cut off jeans and, to top off his ensemble, he wore the most ridiculous straw hat.

Jack stopped in front of Harry and his friends. "Ok folks, listen up. As you've probably noticed, this is not the Ministry and there is no emergency meeting," Jack began. Harry started scowling. "We are about to undertake a time honored tradition of R and R. Now normally that would include several bar fights and some hook…" He paused for a moment and thought better of completing that statement. "Rest and Relaxation people," he said instead. "For the next four days you people are going to forget the war. You're going to forget about muggles, pure bloods and all of that horse hockey!"

Most of the group started smiling, the two exceptions being Harry and Hermione.

Hermione was frowning. Four days? No Books? She turned her attention back to Jack as he started speaking once again.

"These elves are going to take you to your bungalows. You'll find clothes already there for you, courtesy of Uncle Remus. Tomorrow, Serena here will teach you all two new charms, which you'll need to use while you're here. So, I want everyone to meet back here in the lobby in the morning for breakfast and a little lesson. Believe me, if you don't learn the sun block charm, you're going to regret it. Same goes for the bug repellent charm. Now, follow the elves and they will take you to your rooms," Jack concluded.

Harry followed the small creatures as they left the lobby of the building. He stopped suddenly, causing several people to run into him. Jack turned and looked at him curiously.

"Harry, what is it?" he asked.

"Is that the ocean?" Harry asked back, his voice filled with wonder. Ginny gripped his hand tightly. "I've never seen the ocean, except in pictures," he whispered.

Each couple was shown to a bungalow containing two bedrooms. Jack made the same speech to each couple about behaving themselves and doing what's right. And it might have worked as far as speeches go, except he spent an inordinate amount of time winking at the couples and rolling his eyes.

Harry didn't know whether to be annoyed or not. He had so much work to do back at Hogwarts and here he was on some tropic island. On the other hand, the ocean seemed to call to him. Ginny had gone into her bedroom to see what kind of clothing she had. Harry quickly changed into a pair of shorts and t-shirt and went outside.

Leaving the porch of the bungalow, he stepped onto the sand and walked down to the water's edge. The beach glowed softly in the moonlight and the waves gently lapped around his feet. The water was warm and inviting.

It would be so nice to sit here and just watch the ocean, he thought. NO! This is wrong! I should be back at school, working on the sword, or training. Not here.

Harry tensed and was seriously thinking about changing to Wings and flame traveling back to Hogwarts when a hand fell on his shoulder. He turned to look, seeing Jack standing next to him.

"Listen to the old man, kid. You need this time off. Your running on empty at this point and it shows. Not only in yourself, but your friends. If you won't relax for yourself then do it for them," he said evenly.

"First rule of command, take care of your people…," Harry murmured. Jack beamed at him. Harry sighed and nodded back.

Jack shook his shoulder. "Don't worry about it, Harry. When we're done, remind me to tell you about the time my buddies shanghaied me and I woke up the next day in bed with two hookers… ah never mind." Jack blushed as he spotted Hestia coming towards them.

Harry watched in amusement as Jack and Hestia walked away, leaving him with his thoughts. He moved a few feet up the beach and sat down, watching the ocean again. Out in the distance he could see the silhouette of an ocean liner all lit up. Ginny came up behind him and sat down so she could rub the tense muscles in his shoulders. He leaned back into her.

Harry jerked awake to see all of his friends sitting around him, talking softly. Ginny felt him tense and she tightened her grip around his neck. He relaxed back into her embrace and watched as his friends talked. The main topic was a simple one, what were they going to do for the next few days. Hermione seemed rather upset that she didn't have a single book to read. According to her, nothing beat sitting on the beach with a good book.

The group sat out talking until nearly midnight. Then, by an unspoken agreement, everyone went back to his or her respective bungalows. Ginny expected Harry to fall asleep quickly, so she was surprised when he turned to her in bed and started kissing her with a soft passion. Always before, their passion burned hot and fast. Tonight was something different. He made love to her slowly, bringing her to orgasm again and again before finally finding his own release.

Spent, he rolled to his side and pulled her back against him. He was asleep within moments. Ginny smiled, snuggled closer in his arms and followed him.

Harry awoke the next morning, the sun high in the sky. Dressing, he stepped out onto the porch and blinked in the blinding sunlight.

"I see your finally up, Harry. Ginny asked us not to wake you since you hadn't slept well in months. I daresay you look better because of it," Serena said, smiling at him as she stepped onto the porch.

Harry blushed, thinking about the fact that it wasn't until nearly three am before he fell asleep.

So my suspicions are correct, thought Serena with a wry smile. "With your permanent tan, I don't expect you'll need to use the sun block charm, but I want you to learn it anyway. And keep an eye on Ginny. With her fair skin she can easily become quite ill from too much exposure to the sun. The same can be said for Ron. For that reason, I'll teach you an extra charm that I also taught to Hermione for treating sunburns."

Later that evening after spending a day relaxing and swimming, Jack had, with the help of Hestia, built a large fire for everyone to sit around. Jack had cooked up barbequed burgers, which he called 'old fashioned American food'. He also served something that he called Texas Belly Burner Chili, which reminded Harry of some of the more distasteful potions he'd had in his life.

Harry was sitting next to Ginny, holding her hand, when he looked over at Neville and Luna. Luna wore her usual dreamy smile. Curiously, Neville was wore an expression that closely matched his girlfriends.

"Luna, Neville, I completely forgot. Have you guys worked any further on your animagus forms?" he asked over the crackling fire.

Conversation around the fire stopped. As everyone turned to the couple, awaiting their reply, Harry smiled. Apparently he wasn't the only one interested.

Luna smiled vaguely at Harry and changed into a blond colored Great Horned Owl. Harry's wasn't the only jaw around the fire to drop open as the owl circled the fire a few times. Landing beside Neville, she resumed her human form.

"That was bloody brilliant, Luna!" Ron exclaimed.

Harry frowned, then he ran his hand through his hair in frustration.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Ginny asked in concern.

"Her!" he said, pointing at Luna. "She needs a name. She's a blond horned owl, what are we going to call her? Horny? Can you imagine the Marauder roles then? Moony, Trips, Wings, Spots and oh by the way, meet Horny?"

As the group burst into laughter, Ron yelled at Neville, "Oy mate! Is she?"

Neville blushed and started to stammer, but Luna turned her smile towards Ron. "And why would you like to know, Ron?" she asked.

Hermione smacked Ron in the back of his head. "Yes Ron, why would you like to know?" she asked in a steely tone.

Luna looked over at Harry. "I don't mind being called Horny, Harry." When the laughter started again, Luna actually blushed slightly. "But I would think Hunter or Talon would be a better name. As for horny, well, I'll save that for my Nevi-bear," she said in a dreamy tone.

Ron started rolling in the sand, shrieking in laughter. "NEVI-BEAR!" he hooted in amusement.

"I think that will be enough out of you tonight, Ronniekins!" Hermione said archly.

Ron paled as Ginny started to snicker.

Harry turned towards Luna. "Hunter. That's good Luna. How about it Neville? Have you had any success?" he asked.

Neville shook his head. "I'm afraid not, Harry. I think I know my form, but I haven't been able to release it."

Harry looked over at Hermione and Ron, who both shook their heads at him. Harry thought about it for a moment. "Alright then, would you like me to help? I'd have to test your mental shields first though," he warned.

Neville and Ron looked eager but Hermione looked anxious. Severus and Serena looked very interested.

"'Mione, what's wrong?" Harry asked softly. She was looking down and he could tell she was upset. He quickly stood up and went over to her, kneeling next to her in the sand.

"'Mione? Tell me what's the matter?" he asked her, a hand on her shoulder.

"I-I-I can't seem to find my form, Harry. I'm sorry, but I didn't want to disappoint you," she said, refusing to look into his eyes.

"'Mione, you're my sister and nothing you've done has ever disappointed me, nor do I believe you ever will disappoint me," he said, giving her a quick hug and a kiss on the head. "If you want to continue trying this, I'll speak to Professor McGonagall when we get home and see if she knows a way of helping you find your form. But you don't have to do this just because we've all done it."

Hermione searched his face carefully, looking for the reassurance he offered. Then she nodded at him and gave him a weak smile. Harry stood and glanced at Ron.

Ron never bothered to look at him as he moved closer to Hermione and wrapped his arms around her. Holding her close for a moment, he murmured something in her ear. Looking up at Harry, he said, "Mate, I'll wait 'til she's ready, if you don't mind. I'd like us to do this together."

Harry nodded approvingly.

"If Professor McGonagall can't help you Hermione, I may be able to," said Serena softly.

Severus blinked at her in surprise. "Serena?" he asked.

She smiled at him and transformed into an Osprey. When he gasped, she spread her wings and answered with a piercing cry.

"How come you never told me Serena?" asked Severus in surprise.

She transformed back and shrugged. "In the Americas, animagus don't need to register. And while I can make the change, I don't use it very often. Certainly not enough to bother registering. But I can help Hermione if Minerva can't."

Hermione smiled. "I'd like that, Professor."

Seeing that little problem resolved, Harry turned his attention back to Neville. "So Nev? Do you want me to help?"

Neville nodded eagerly, so Harry waved him over. Everyone else turned to watch.

"Alright Nev, the first thing I need to do is check your shields. Let me do that for a moment, then we'll see where we stand," Harry said.

Severus watched and shook his head as Harry checked Neville's shields. The young man didn't use a wand or any verbal incantation.

Harry leaned back after a moment and smiled. "You're fine there, Neville. Now I think we need to practice drawing on your magic. You have the power Nev, you just haven't learned to focus it yet. Do you remember the last spell we learned a few weeks back, 'et pulvis concido'?"

Neville's eyes grew wide. It was an extremely powerful and destructive explosive spell they had learned. He nodded at Harry with a look of worry in his eyes.

Harry chuckled and smiled back at him. "Don't worry Nev, you're not going to cast it tonight. I just want you to start feeling your magic, as if you were going to cast it. Close your eyes and let the magic build up within you. Feel it, feel the power gather and rise within you, Nev. When you feel like you can't take that feeling anymore, push it back down. Push it hard until you can't feel it anymore."

Neville sat there for a long minute his eyes closed. Luna moved over to sit next to him for support. Suddenly his eyes popped open, "Merlin! That was something, Harry! I could feel the magic raging in me and, without a spell, it had no place to go," he exclaimed.

"Alright Nev, now close your eyes and do it again. Do it until you can call the magic up quickly and push it down quickly," Harry told him.

A few quiet minutes later Neville opened his eyes and looked at his friend. "That's amazing, Harry. Is that like what you feel when you call on your magic?" he asked.

Harry shook his head. "I don't need to call it up like you do. It's always there. But that's a topic for another day. Now, I want you to picture your form. But this time, put it in a cage, because that's where it really is. You need to call up your magic and use it to break the form from the cage. Remember, if you succeed in releasing it, master the beast first and foremost!"

Neville gulped and nodded nervously, then closed his eyes. Everyone watched him breathlessly as the seconds ticked away. Beads of sweat started to appear on his forehead. Then his features rapidly shifted, as his body grew larger and furrier.

Everyone gasped as they stared at where Neville had been sitting. In his place was a large Grizzly Bear.

"Nevi-Bear!" shouted Luna as she lunged to hug him in his new form. Everyone gaped at Luna for a moment. It seemed the flighty girl had finally gone off the deep end. A minute later Neville had returned his regular form, panting from the effort.

Luna looked at everyone smugly. "I told you he's my Nevi-Bear!" she said happily.

Harry looked around at his friends, then whispered something to Ginny. She nodded eagerly in return. Harry looked at Luna who arched an eyebrow, then nodded at him. Then she whispered something to Neville, who grinned.

"Well folks, I think a few of us will go for a stroll. We'll be back shortly," he said to the stunned people. With that, he transformed into Wings, Ginny became Spots, Luna changed into Hunter and Neville into his bear form and they moved away from the fire, towards the tropical forest.

"MERLIN!" Severus let out in an explosive breath. "Did you see that? His method shaved years off of the animagus training!"

"Will they be safe in the forest?" asked a worried Hermione.

Ron laughed. "'Mione, think about it. Harry's a phoenix, Ginny's a wildcat, and Neville's a bear! The question should be, will the forest be safe from them?" he asked, grinning.


Author's Notes:

Someone thought it odd that Dumbledore didn't know about/hadn't found/didn't ask the elves about the Heart Chamber. Let's see, in the second book, we deal with the Chamber of Secrets. Dumbledore never found that, but knew of the legend of Slytherin's creation. Dumbledore is not omnipotent. Especially in our story! Give the guy a break. He's old and buried in lemon drops.

To the reviewer named Snuffles: Is your homework done? No? Then shut off the computer and get to work!

No, I didn't serve in the Gulf War. I have worked with the military, however I can't tell you about it. The whole 'If I tell you, I'll have to kill you' thing sort of applies in this case.

Once again…and please listen this time folks. This story is NOT TO CANNON. We ignore cannon when it gets in our way. So, if you feel the need to point out that, on page 394 of book five, paragraph 4, line 8, Ginny's favorite color is blue, when we said it was green, do us a favor. Sit on your figures until the urge passes. Thanks! Oh, and don't bother to look that up. You won't find that information on that page.

To the person who wants us to adopt them: Please forward your resume and photograph to our house elf, Snookem's. She'll file it in the appropriate place. However, we are curious. Why do you want us to adopt you? You wouldn't like us. We're grumpy, annoying troglodytes who rarely see the light of day because we're chained to our keyboards!

Oh, one last thing about Dumbledore. In our story, he never pays attention to muggle news. He recently renewed his subscription to PlayWitch Magazine, and hasn't had as much time on his..er…hands as he used to.

OK Now for a new section we're adding to the Author's Notes which I'll call Author's Pet Peeves. (That's PEEVES, as in things that bug me, not the poltergeist in the story)

Today's Pet Peeve: Chapters that are less than 2000 words long, followed by 8000 words of personal replies to reviewers and a note from the author congratulating her/himself on writing a long chapter. I HATE THAT!

If you give us eight pages of authors notes accompanied by twenty pages of story, we'll forgive you. Otherwise CRUCIO!