Chapter 19

"Nexus, you certainly lost your footing." Athena quipped when she walked into the bedroom to see Nexus and Lucius bound by chains to each other, their wands resting on the mantle.

"Don't start with me, you spiteful bitch." Nexus snarled at her.

"Oh, I don't think you should anger me anymore then you already have." Athena said sharply. She walked over to him and smacked him hard across the face. "You deserve to rot away in Azkaban, death will be a blessing for you."

"Are you alright?" Severus asked, giving his mother a hug.

"Fine, what about you two?" She asked moving to hug Alex.

"We're alright, just a bit shaken."

"Uh… Dumbledore is here." Harry said walking into the room, followed closely by the headmaster of Hogwarts.

"Harry, are you alright?" Alex ask rushing over to him and giving him a hug. There wasn't really time earlier to check.

"I'm fine, are you? I mean with him…" He gestured to Nexus. Harry had awoken to see his aunt bound to a bed and two evil men standing close by. Needless to say that his imagination had produced some theories.

"Fine Harry. No harm done." She smiled down at him.

"Well if it isn't Saint Dumbledore." Nexus said spitefully, looking up at the bearded man who had helped Athena put him in Azkaban the first time.

"Nexus, I must say this is a surprise. Although my news may not surprise you. The dementors are on their way here, along with the Minister of Magic. You will both be returning to Azkaban." Albus smiled at them.

"Come on. I'll have Rappy fix some tea." Athena said, leading Albus out of the room. "You three coming?"

"In a moment." Severus said, pulling out his wand and casting heavy charms on the chains that bound his father and enemy. "That should hold them."

"Professor Snape… thank you… for… you know." Harry stumbled trying to thank the man that was usually an antagonist rather than a hero.

"You're welcome Potter, don't get used to it."

"Wouldn't dare." Harry smiled, Severus put an arm around Alex, who was beaming at the small exchange that had occurred. She knew they would never truly like each other was a big step.

Harry hurried a head of them to go speak with Dumbledore. "So, the summer festival is soon, isn't it?" Severus asked, holding Alex close to him.

"I believe it is. Why know someone interested in going?" Alex asked with a knowing grin.

"I might just." Severus stopped them right at the top of the stairs. "You would tell me if you were hurt right?" He asked, putting both hands on her arms, forcing her to keep eye contact.

"Trust me Severus if I had been hurt you would be the first to know… Severus… let go of my arms… you're hurting me…" That's when Alex realized, the eyes peering at her were cold green. "LeStrange!"

REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW PLEASE