DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of it, JK Rowling and associates own all rights, no infringement intended, no money is being made, unfortunately.

WARNING; Pre-slash if you do not like do not read remember you have freedom of choice. Reviews appreciated but no flames those will be ignored.

A/N:

PAIRINGS: HP/DM, SS/RL, GW/OC, RW/HrG, NL/LL

Chapter 16

Harry looked at Malfoy as he spoke not liking what he saw. Malfoy was not supposed to look so, so defeated, it was not a good look on him. He was the prince of Slytherin, his archrival, his opposite, he was supposed to be arrogant, controlled, strong not this hurt, defeated person. He could not help the surge of protective feeling rushing through him, he did not like seeing anything in pain much less a person he knew, especially in the kind of pain that Malfoy was in. No one should hurt like that, he could not imagine what the loss of his wand could feel like, and just thinking about it sent a cold chill down his spine. He decided to rationalize it as his saving people thing after all that was what he was good at and it had nothing to do with the fact that it was Malfoy. "I said that's another one I owe Lucius and I intend to collect on that someday soon" Harry spoke firmly with a grim promise in his voice.

Draco was a little surprised and he admitted pleased at the expression on Potter's face. Potter was so easy to read which had always made baiting him so entertaining. He could see the mix of anger and protectiveness on his face, a mix he had seen for others but never for himself. Several sarcastic remarks floated quickly through his mind before he relaxed again. "Only if Sev doesn't get him first, my godfather was ready to go after him, Remus had to sit on him", with a little smirk he added, "and I do mean he literally had to sit on him. First time I laughed since vacation started."

Harry grinned please to see him acting normally, "Now that I would pay money to see. So what's that charm I'm supposed to use again?"

Remus watched quietly as Severus cleaned the cut on his shoulder his hands as gentle as nay nurse. He tried to keep a repentant look on his face as Severus continued to berate him his sharp tongue at complete odds with his concerned black eyes.

"Stupid wolf, didn't you ever learn to duck when someone is aiming at you? No like a foolish Gryffindor, you let yourself be distracted. What were you thinking? Oh, wait; you are a Gryffindor you do not know how. What possible good would you have done for Potter or me or any of us if you got yourself taken out of the fight because you can't keep your wits from wandering?"

Remus just nodded and kept his mouth shut as Sev continued his lecture. He knew that Sev would eventually calm down. After his shoulder was bandaged, he watched Severus putting things away still muttering about stupid werewolves and arrogant Gryffindors he waited for him to finish then stood and moved to stand in front of his irritated lover. Smiling gently he said, "I am sorry I worried you, I promise I will try to not do that again" and leaning forward slightly he laid his cheek against Sev chest. He could feel the frustrated sigh that Sev gave before wrapping his arms around him tightly.

"Stupid wolf, I don't know why I put up with you."

"Because you can't live without me, all Slytherins need a Gryffindor to keep them balanced otherwise you get too tyrannical and stuffy." Remus did not bother hiding his smile at the snort from his love, he was content, his cub was safe, his lover uninjured, and there was a possibility that they had a new ally. He had not missed how many Deatheaters the instructor had crippled. There was a soft pop and he heard Dobby's voice behind him.

"Can Dobby get anything for professors? There is stew in the kitchen and hot bread and tarts and tea and butterbeer and …"

Remus quickly clapped his hand over Sev's mouth before he could speak. "Thank you Dobby, stew, bread, and tarts sound good. We will both have a butterbeer. Have Harry and the other boys eaten already?"

"Yes Professor , Dobby took food and drink to Harry Potter and Little Master."

"No butterbeer for Draco it will interfere with the potions." Sev managed to lock Remus's arms behind his back, not a difficult task since Remus was laughing at him.

Shaking his head hard, Dobby quickly assured them that he remembered his instructions, "No Professor, Dobby remembered what you said and Little Master remembered too. The others are in the kitchen with Wheezy's mom and professor McGonagall. Dobby will bring you food right away" and with a pop disappeared.

Severus Snape looked down at the laughing man in his arms and wondered not for the first time if he was losing his mind. Shaking his head ruefully, he wondered what he was thinking to get involved with a Gryffindor. He felt Remus calm down and snuggle closer into his embrace. Oh yeah, that was why. Sighing he thought 'Next thing you know I'll be associating with the trio and awarding points for stupidity…umm, bravery.'

Sergio smiled at the headmaster, "What's in it for me? I am more then capable of taking care of my students and myself. I have the money to hire help if needed and there is the fact that few will mess with my family. We have traditionally held neutral in the majority of wizarding wars and when someone targets the family, they live only long enough to regret it. We will fight to the death any that interfere with family. So I ask you what is in it for me?" Sergio watched as the twinkle died a little while the headmaster contemplated his words. He had every intention of helping but no desire to be manipulated and it was best if the headmaster understood that from the beginning.

Dumbledore nodded and stood, "I can see your point and all I can really offer you is the opportunity to help some young people that have too large a burden placed on them in particular young Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. Mr. Potter is looked upon as a saviour or a lunatic by the majority of the wizarding world. They will expect him to lead the fight regardless of his age. As for Mr. Malfoy, he will have an uphill battle on his hands as he has defied his father and refused to take the dark mark. There will be many in the wizarding world that does not believe his conversion to the light side. They will not bother to hide their suspicions and he will need to learn to defend himself. I am sure that Mr. Potter will be at his side since that is his nature. Of course, I leave the decision entirely up to you. You can reach me at Hogwarts at anytime. With a gently smile and a mad twinkle in his eyes Albus Dumbledore swept from the room ignoring the muttered, "barmy manipulative old coot", after all he was used to hearing that.