"Severus!"

No sooner had he open the door and stepped through did the sound of his name hit his ears. Yet it was not from a voice he'd ever thought to hear again. His eyes had collided with hers in mere milliseconds after entering the room. Was he truly looking at what he believed he was? Could this be the woman who haunted his dreams and tortured his thoughts?

"Alexis?" His deep, baritone voice glided through the air, saying her name too soft to be heard. His eyes left hers for a moment to fasten on Dumbledore's. "Albus." At the older man's nod, he advanced toward the small table. Severus' eyes darted between Alexis and her father. She gave him a tentative smile. As he reached the side of the table, he gave her a slight smile. "Alexis. Good to see you? You've been keeping well in...ah, forgive me, as our parting was a while..." his voiced trailed off. He honestly couldn't remember where she'd gone. And as he'd never had the courage to speak with Albus regarding her, he'd just assumed she'd been somewhere in the country. Taking the only seat, which was beside her, he began to study her again. She hadn't changed. Her hair, always so soft and radiant hung in a breezed laziness around her rounded face.

Albus watched with a tentative interest as his daughter stole quick glances at her estranged husband. He could feel both the excitement and the trepidation emanating from the young couple. Taking a sip of his rapidly cooling tea, wishing for the first time in a long time that alcohol was permitted at Hogwarts, he spoke. "I need your help, the both of you." He looked Severus in the eye. "I need you to protect Harry, Severus. He needs to be well hidden and kept from using magic, as Voldemort may be able to track his wand." He picked up a plate with an odd looking pastry and offered it to the sour faced man. Severus waved it away. He continued. "I want you to take him to your manor and keep him there until the start of next term."

Alexis shot her father a dark look. Severus followed suit. "Albus, I understand your concern, but you do realize that Potter and I...do not bode well together? I wouldn't want him in my home, nor would he want to be there." He looked at Alexis. "Besides which, I enjoy my privacy."

Albus sighed. "Unfortunately, Severus, you have no choice in the matter." He gave a faint smile. "Alexis will be joining you, just to make sure there are no mishaps." At the combined gasps of the younger couple, he gave a nod of his head. He'd been expecting a bit more of a reaction. After all, it wasn't everyday that one was forced into sharing a summer with a person to whom you haven't spoken or seen in almost 6 years. Alexis' face was one of complete shock. Severus' was of resentment. "Since you both have...intimate...knowledge of each other, who better than the two of you...together."

Alexis pushed her hair back from her face. "Father, Severus and I are...not...um...well, its just...Father!" She looked at her husband. "Father, Severus and I really aren't well suited. Potter should be looked after by Severus, I agree. After all, he is a strong wizard...but put me into the equation and you may be singing his death wish."

After all, what could she do? She had her own life now. An apartment in New York, a thriving business selling magical ingredients to muggles and magical persons alike, she couldn't leave. Especially to be with a man she could never trust again. She shot Severus a look of utmost loathing, even if she truly didn't feel it. "I have a life...a new life...Father, and I wish to live it." Severus raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"I would never ask you to leave your life, love, but you are married to Severus..." Albus leaned forward. "I need you together, to pose as a family. It is essential to the protection of Harry." He picked up a crumpet and bit into it. "We will wait until he arrives home before you pick him up. You both will go and you both will take him to Snape Manor." He rose from his chair. "I want you to travel as Muggles, no magic for as long as possible. Once you arrive at the Manor, your magic will be undetected. But try to keep Harry from practicing, even while at the Manor." Alexis opened her mouth, but he continued, "Yes, my dear, I am aware that your business is flourishing and you will be opening a second store in July. You may go, if you wish. But you must take Harry and Severus with you." He gave her a look that spoke volumes.

"Fine. We'll pick up Mr. Potter tomorrow. I will meet you here, Severus, at lunchtime tomorrow. Until then..." She rose and nodded. As she reached the door, she heard Severus say, "Minerva is in her chamber." She slammed the door behind her.

"Mother? Mum, are you in here?"

Alexis pushed open the door made of fine mahogany and entered the spacious quarters shared by Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore, married for almost 50 years. Her mother perched on the arm of a cozy recliner, her wrinkled face pursed as if in thought as she read a small, leather bound book. She looked up at her youngest daughter's entrance.

"Just do me a favor and please do not kill Severus."

As planned, she arrived at the school by automobile. This was not a normal sight. Although many of the teachers had left, the townspeople of Hogsmade had never seen such a thing as a cherry red Mustang convertible. When she pulled up to the main entrance of Hogwarts, Severus and her parents waited on the stone steps. Severus raised an eyebrow. "Is this thing safe?" he asked as she got out from behind the wheel.

Giving them all a haughty look, she picked up one of the suitcases on the ground. "In America, everyone gets around by motor car, even Wizards." Throwing his luggage in the back seat she, climbed in to the loud automobile. "Get in."

Severus gave one last look at Albus. "If I die in this damned thing, I'm coming back to haunt you."

The cry "Buckle up!" came as the car shot forward at an amazing speed.