Disclaimer.
J.K Rowling went out one day so I took her characters out to play.
We ran around, they laughed with glee,
All this fun and she works for free!
Here we go again – thanks to Mark Darcy, Dinamo, Silver1 and JennSmith. I enjoy hearing from you. Glad you like the story. We're off again.
Autumn came early in North East Scotland. Windy wet days were the norm interspersed with gloomy days of overcast sky's and infrequent sun. When the weather was dry, Hogwarts students could be seen escaping the cavernous castle to get the last vestiges of warmth from good old SOL.
Quidditch tryouts were in one week. The prospective candidates were out in full force practicing moves under the coaching of their peers and faculty alike. There were only four Houses with their respective Masters but the teachers of Hogwarts never forgot their allegiance to the house they were sorted into as a child.
Hermione was seated on the Gryffindor seats in the stands reading and reviewing her previous week's lessons. Her best friend and boyfriend were aloft practicing the moves they planned to teach the up and coming team members. Harry had been banned from Quidditch a couple of years ago but the order had been rescinded when Umbridge was unseated.
The entire pitch was bustling with activity. Hooch was in her element demonstrating and coaching as needed. In the distance, the air was disturbed by the high pitched susurrations signalling the approach of a high performance Muggle aeroplane. The plane suddenly roared overhead to the amazement of the people below. Muggle technology rarely if ever got this close to Hogwarts. They watched in amazement as the craft turned and made the approach again. After the final flypast, the plane soared upwards and flipped before leaving the area.
Harry and Ron flew over to where Hermione was seated.
"Did you see that mate?" Asked Ron watching the jet leave.
"Yeah, that was so cool." Smiled Harry watching the departing Tomcat.
Hermione smiled, "I bet I know who that was."
Ron leaned forward with a conspiratorial grin on his face. "You know what I overheard Hooch say to Flitwick?"
The two other heads leaned forward to share juicy gossip.
"She said that McKenzie dared Snape to fly in her plane and that Snape was scared shitless. He tried to get out of it by not asking Dumbledore for the day off so McKenzie did it for him." He whispered.
"No way Ron," said Hermione firmly convinced of Snape's overbearing confidence.
"No, really." Replied Ron, "I just heard them."
Harry snorted. "Snape wouldn't fly in one of those." He looked at his friends who shared a secret smile. "Would he?"
"Should we tell him?" began Ron.
Hermione blushed slightly. "The other night Ron and I were up in the clock tower."
'Is that where you got to?" Harry quipped remembering their disappearance.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Anyway like I was saying, we were in the tower and while we were looking out we saw someone flying towards the castle on a broom."
Ron took over, "That someone was Snape and he wasn't alone." He emphasized.
"When they landed, we saw it was Professor McKenzie with him," continued Hermione, "and before they walked to the castle he put his arm around her and kissed her." She sat back with a Cheshire grin.
"Not just a little snog mind you, it was a major lip lock." Finished Ron.
"Oh god, don't describe it anymore," grimaced Harry. "The very thought of Snape actually French kissing turns my stomach. It's just gross."
Hermione tilted her head to the side. "You know if he wasn't such a mean mouthed, spiteful, bad tempered prick, he might clean up really well. He could actually be very sexy if he tried." Pondered the Head Girl.
Looking at her aghast at her statement the boys cried "Hermione!" in unison.
Hermione shrugged her shoulders and went back to her books.
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A delivery van from O'Bannion's International Bakery had just finished unloading its last order of the day for the Officers mess at the air base where Phaelan had just finished her required flight time. The driver was heaving the empty bread baskets into the back of the van when he noticed the odd couple walking across the tarmac to enter the building he was parked beside. With a frown of concentration Liam Donnelly, lately of Belfast Northern Ireland, tried to recall where he had seen the tall man before. He finished stacking the baskets, shut the doors and climbed into the driver's seat. He drove away still trying to figure out how he came to recognize the man he had just seen. It bothered him all the way back to the bakery.
"Are you all done then Liam?" called Phinnius O'Bannion hearing his companion and co-conspirator enter the through the back doors.
"Right you are Phinn, here's the cheque." Liam replied handing over the payment he had picked up from the Mess.
"Good lad. I heard from Padraig an hour ago. He has our stuff for the job we're doing Monday morning." Phinnius turned from putting the cheque in the ledger. "Are we all set then?"
"Aye, that we are. And when will we be seeing the coin for that fine piece of work?" He asked.
"As soon as the wizards see the newspapers." Replied Phinnius.
Realization dawned in Liam's mind. "That's where it was." He exclaimed.
Phinnius looked at him confused. 'Where what was?"
"At the air base today, I saw this tall fellow with longish black hair and I knew I'd seen him somewhere. It was at the house where we picked up the package for Monday." He declared.
"What would one of their kind be doing at a Muggle military base let alone at one used by Americans?" pondered Phinnius.
"I don't know, Phinnius but do you think maybe someone would pay money for the information?" Liam cocked his eyebrow in speculation.
"We'll just have to find out won't we Liam. The Leaky Cauldron waits." Phinnius smiled. It was always a good day when you could take money from a wizard.
Phaelan and Severus made their way back to the change rooms where she had stored their clothing. While she would have just worn the flight suit, she had hoped to tempt him to stay for a late lunch in the Mess and so had brought her regular uniform to change into. Severus headed into the bathrooms once more to change into his Muggle clothing. When he had joined her she led him out to find his way to return the issued clothing.
"Petty officer," She called a passing rating. "Do you have a moment?"
"Yes ma'am." Replied the sailor.
"Please escort the Professor to the Quartermaster to return the gear and then escort him to the Officers Mess." She ordered.
"Yes ma'am. This way sir." He indicated Severus should follow.
"Go ahead; I'll get us a table." She nodded her head.
With a sigh he followed along after the sailor leading the way. He really hated being out of his element. Humility was not his strong suit.
Phaelan made her way to the Mess to make sure her expense account there was set up. She hadn't used it before. Severus didn't need to know she was paying as much as she was for this day. She had a feeling the macho wizard would bock at the idea of a lady paying his way more than she already had.
Entering the Mess bar, she saw her friends already there. She walked over and joined them.
"So little sister, what's happening between you and the 'Professor'?" Goober tagged the latter word with his fingers drawing quotation marks in the air.
"Very funny Aaron, keep your comments to yourself. Why should there be anything going on between Severus and I?" she tried to evade the question.
Shue snorted, "Are you kidding? You didn't see the look on his face when he saw us saying hello to you. That man has it bad for you little girl."
Phaelan sighed, "He's just protective. It's partly because of the community he's from. They tend to be very conservative about some ….social customs. They can be very formal sometimes."
"You, conservative?" Goober laughed. "You were voted most likely to be the first female CAG. You don't have a conservative female bone in you, Phaelan."
"People change Goober." She couldn't look him in the eyes.
"So these people Phaelan, are they a religious group or what?" asked Shue.
Phaelan shook her head. "No, they come from all walks of life, all backgrounds. The difference between their community and any other is mostly philosophical. They have a different way of looking at things. They approach life differently."
"Can anyone join?" Shue probed.
Shaking her head, she smiled before answering, "No, it's admittance by invitation only."
"How did you manage it then?" asked Goober.
"I sent them my resume for a job listed on the internet." She replied, surprising herself at how simple the answer now sounded versus the actual consequences of the action.
Severus was escorted to the door of the Officer's mess by the Petty officer as was requested by Phaelan. As he was about to enter, the CAG made an appearance directly behind him.
"Professor Snape how was your flight?" he asked good naturedly.
"Captain, "Snape acknowledged, "It was …interesting; at times a little more stimulating than I had anticipated."
Captain Glover chuckled. "Flying in one of these birds is quite different from flying in a commercial aircraft. Frankly, I get more nervous flying on Delta Airlines than I do flying a recon mission."
"Indeed." Snape replied. "It was quite different from my previous flying experience."
"You fly often then?" wondered Glover.
"Often enough." Snape replied without giving details.
They entered the bar together and found Phaelan and her two gentlemen friends laughing over reminiscences of past adventures. Severus thought of how young she looked here and how much at home.
"She looks happy." Glover comment from just behind Severus.
"Yes." Agreed Snape.
"Is she settling in at the school? Has she seemed happy there?" asked her old boss.
At the questions Snape turned to look at the older man and raised a brow.
The CAG decided to explain. "Before Phaelan was assigned to my command, she had undertaken assignments with, shall we say, certain government agencies whose work is rarely heard of and never documented."
He paused and thought about what he would tell this dark clad man.
"I had known her previously from a training course I had instructed prior to my present assignment. She was outspoken, daring; every bit as much bravado one might expect of a hotshot male pilot such as the two she's sitting with." He smirked. "The main difference was that she was as good as she said she was."
Severus looked at Glover, surprised that he would talk about a former subordinate in such a manner.
"Why are you telling me this?" asked Snape confused.
"Something changed in her after her work in dark ops. She lost the bravado. She began spending more and more time alone. Not enough that she would be called a recluse. Her mess mates always saw her at meals; she went on shore leave with them. Any events aboard ship, she showed up but something was missing. Phaelan used to be the centre of action; she had become the wallflower." He turned to look at Phaelan again as she smiled over at them with a small frown beginning as she became curious.
"I saw something today, Professor. I saw that spark of rebellion back in her eyes. What ever she's doing, whoever she's working with has helped her become Phaelan again. Maybe, she's stopped doubting herself, stopped taking the blame for all the bad things in the world she cannot avenge. I don't really know. I'm just thankful she has found somewhere or perhaps someone that lets her conscience be at peace."
Severus looked over at the woman he had asked to permit courtship. She was standing and walking towards them now. Attractive, intelligent, courageous and his Lady.
"Ah captain, she gives far, far more than she takes. Everyone she meets, leaves with an indelible mark upon their memory. I for one will never be able to look upon life as I had before she dragged me kicking and screaming along into hers. I'm the one who is thankful."
The two men looked at each other before shaking hands just as she reached them.
"What are you two talking about?" she asked warily.
"Just inquiring whether the Professor enjoyed his experience today Lt Cmdr. Apparently you haven't lost your touch." The CAG teased.
"I'll have you know I was very gentle, CAG. Only did one vertical climb and one inversion." She smiled as she unconsciously slipped her hand into the crook of Snape's arm.
"If that was gentle I'm so glad you took mercy upon me Phaelan. I still feel my molars vibrating." Quirked Snape.
"If you'd like the full treatment, I can book another day for aerobatics?" she offered.
"I thought that was some form of exercise done to music." Frowned a confused wizard.
"That's aerobics Severus."
The CAG began to chuckle lightly to himself. Phaelan had apparently found a new life, one that agreed with her. He was happy one of his lost ones had found their way.
At that moment another figure entered the Mess. He stopped when he saw Phaelan and looked her up and down.
"Well, if it isn't little Miss Phaelan 'Angel of Death' McKenzie." The new figure looked at Snape and back at Phaelan again. "Is this your new victim?" he sneered.
Phaelan looked back at the newcomer blankly before pulling on Snape's arm.
"Come on Severus, our table's waiting."
Snape looked at the other man wishing he could pull his wand. At the same moment, the CAG came up behind the other man and spoke.
"I believe you have nothing to say to Miss McKenzie, Lieutenant Fuentes. That is unless you have something to say to JAG." He said threateningly.
Looking back at his superior for a moment, Fuentes considered his action then looked back at Snape.
"I'd be careful if I were you. Some women are bad news. They can poison you with their cravings." he said cryptically sliding a glance once more towards Phaelan before turning and leaving.
The CAG watched him leave then turned to Phaelan once more.
"Don't let him spoil your day, Phaelan. He was the one who created the problem and now he's paying for it." He said kindly.
"Yeah, I know. Thanks CAG. Let's go Severus." Phaelan gently urged Severus to follow her. Looking back for a moment, Snape nodded at Glover who returned the nod in understanding.
The uncommonly mild Scottish weather had turned foul and rain began to fall with the promise to continue for the foreseeable future. Trelawney was not required for consultation in this case. The Quidditch pitch quickly cleared as the staff and students sought refuge back at the castle from the driving rain.
Harry had gone to Gryffindor Tower straight from the pitch. Picking up his toiletries, he went to shower and change. He preferred the prefects bathroom which he had ready access to thanks to Ron. Ron had taken time out to spend with Hermione in an area directly under the stands that seemed immune to the downpour. Ginny had returned to the castle previously after a fall from her broom skinned her knee early on.
After a relaxing bath and conversation with Moaning Myrtle, Harry was heading back to the tower to drop off his dirty clothing before dinner. As he made his way along the hall, he heard a voice behind him.
"Harry." Called a female voice. "Harry wait."
He stopped and turned. There back lit by a torch stood a Slytherin girl.
"What do you want?" asked Harry while fingering his wand.
"I just wanted to talk to you. I've watched you since you returned to Quidditch and I think you're amazing." She began.
"Who are you?" asked Harry, still suspicious.
"You've seen me since first year Harry, its Daphne, Daphne Greengrass,"She replied stepping into the light to approach him.
"You've never looked at me before, why now?" he asked warily.
Lowering her voice seductively, she continued to walk slowly towards him.
"You're wrong Harry, all the girls in Hogwarts look at you. It's just that you seem so unapproachable, unreachable." She paused as she stopped in front of him. She reached out to touch the front of his robes.
"Tell me Harry; is a girl able to reach you? Can someone help make you happy with all the pressure that's on you?" she breathed looking up in to his incredible green eyes.
"Who put you up to this Greengrass? Where are they?" he looked behind her for co-conspirators.
"Harry, no one else is here. Why don't you let me make you happy?" she whispered as she wound her arms around his neck to draw him into a kiss.
Unbeknownst to either, a certain redheaded girl was watching from the shadows at the far end of the hallway. Too far away to hear the exchange, Ginny could only see the girl pulling Harry into a kiss while he apparently acquiesced. Stifling a sob, she began to run back the way she had come to return to her dorm; her heart torn. He didn't love her, he didn't care. None of them did. She stormed through the portrait entrance and ran up the stairs to her dorm room. Slamming the door, she threw herself on her bed and stared at the canopy overhead. After a while she turned her head to look at her dresser. The jewel case was still there with the gift from Tom. No one had found it. It called to her promising relief. Closing her eyes she could hear his voice again telling her she belonged to him. Reaching over, Ginny opened the box and pulled out the knife. She lay there for a long time thinking before coming to a decision. She rose up and pulled on her cloak before leaving her room for what she thought would be the last time.
Back in the dark hallway, Harry had wrenched Daphne's arms from around his neck and pushed her away.
"What game are you playing? Who put you up to this? I'm not interested in you! I'm not interested in anything remotely Slytherin." Spat Harry.
He heard some giggling from behind a tapestry on the far wall. Pulling his wand, he focused at the sound and yelled, "Rictusempra".
Three figures fell out from behind the tapestry, laughing uncontrollably. Crabbe, Goyle and Zabini worked to untangle themselves from the knot they formed on the floor.
"Think it's funny do you. Well enjoy your laughter and be thankful that's all I do." Harry sneered. He looked over at Daphne standing back looking at her housemates. "Better look after your boyfriends Daphne before they have an accident in their pants."
"Stupid bastards; you lost me ten galleons." She yelled as she began kicking the nearest, Crabbe, who was still laughing hard enough to turn his face red.
Harry started to walk away thinking to leave them like that but his ever present conscience wouldn't let him. Turning quickly he cast a quick Finite spell and released the three from their misery of mirth. Daphne however continued her physical and verbal assault which Harry thought might be worse than anything he might do.
Phaelan and Severus –the latter now slightly mellowed by lunchtime wine – drove back to London in the miserable drizzle that had finally come from the overcast skies. The radio was playing softly and Severus was leaning back on the slightly reclined seat with his eyes closed.
Phaelan looked at his relaxed form out of the side of her eye and sighed.
"It's not fair you know." She began.
"What's not fair?" he asked still not opening his eyes.
"Every time we go out in the Muggle world, I have to stay teetotal because I'm driving. You get to have all the fun. It's not fair." She pulled out her best pouted face.
"Since I do not drive an automobile there's really little that I can do about that." He still had not opened his eyes.
"We could rectify that in the future." She suggested.
He opened one eye and looked at her. "We? Oh no, when you start thinking it usually ends up with we being me." He sat up and straightened the seat back. "What is that sly mind of yours mulling?"
"I thought you might be up to trying something else new." She suggested meekly "but if you're hesitant to trust me…"
"I don't hear any Sinatra."
"Well he doesn't have anything to fit this idea as I recall." Phaelan replied.
"I knew it – I don't want to become a muggle-ized wizard Phaelan." He stated.
"It's alright, I understand if you're afraid." She countered.
"What do you mean afraid?" he snapped back "I'm not afraid; I just don't see the point."
Phaelan shrugged. "It's okay, really. I mean, everyone has a little phobia about something. If you don't think you can handle it, that's fine."
Snape huffed, "I have no phobia's Phaelan. I am a Wizard, I can control my environment. I'm not afraid." He insisted with a gesture to emphasize his statement.
"Sure, no problem. I mean, you'd probably never be able to learn anyway. It's not like you understand the rules or anything." She said cryptically.
Snape scowled, "What do you mean by that, madam? I can learn anything I choose to, when ever I so choose. There's nothing a Muggle can learn that I cannot." He stated vehemently.
"If you say so Severus." She replied meekly. "I'll believe you, if you want." She added very quietly.
Gritting his teeth he realized she had done it again. This woman was worse than Dumbledore.
"Alright, what is your brilliant idea?" he finally spat out through his clenched jaw.
Phaelan smiled to herself, men – wizards or Muggles – were all the same.
"How would you like to learn how to drive?" she asked.
Snape looked at her, "What?" he asked in surprise.
She looked at him and smiled, "Sure, I'll teach you. I've got a manual back at my apartment."
He was still looking at her "Drive….a car…a Muggle car."
"Yeah."
He leaned back on his seat and covered his eyes with his left hand, "Oh gods I'm becoming a Gryffindor."
Phaelan chuckled silently thinking 'Hook, line and sinker Severus.'
Hermione was in the common room with Neville and Seamus. She had been looking for Ginny since she had returned from the Quidditch pitch. A search of the dorms, Great hall and Library had proved fruitless.
"Did either of you remember seeing her at all?" She asked becoming concerned at the apparent disappearance of her friend.
Both of the boys shook their head.
"We were out in the green houses until the rain got bad. Maybe she left before we came in." Neville suggested.
Dennis Creevey was sitting at a table pouring over a photo album and heard her worried inquiry.
"Are you looking for Ron's sister?" he asked.
Hermione turned and looked at him, "Yes, have you seen her?"
"She left here about an hour ago with her cloak on. I don't know where she went to." He replied.
"Thanks." She replied before climbing the stairs to the boy's dorm.
Coming to the door of Harry and Ron's room, Hermione knocked and called their names. Harry answered the door and admitted her.
"Where is the map Harry?" demanded Hermione.
"What's wrong," he asked.
"I've been looking for Ginny. She's not in her dorm, the library or the hall. No one has seen her for at least the past hour. I have a funny feeling Harry. Hurry up and look." Hermione gestured impatiently.
"I solemnly swear I am up to no good." Harry chanted while waving his wand over the old parchment.
At that moment, Ron returned from his trip to the prefect's bathroom and found his friends with their heads together over the map.
"What's going on?" he enquired.
"We're looking for Ginny." Replied Hermione. "I've been looking for her for over an hour now."
Ron frowned in worry. "Is there something wrong?"
"I'm not sure, Ron." Hermione began, "I just have this feeling something's wrong. I told her I'd meet her in the library before dinner."
"Where is she mate?" asked Ron as he looked over Harry's shoulder.
The three pairs of eyes scanned the map which was busy with pre-dinner activity in the castle.
Finally, Hermione spotted her name in the far corner in a tower alone.
"Come on." Ron led the way to Ginny.
They had to go down one flight of stairs to get to the cross hall that would take them to the stairway leading to the tower. The hallway passed in front of Phaelan's rooms where she and Severus had flooed back from her flat in London. At the moment they had run past, Snape opened Phaelan's door to see Potter running fast on the heels of his two partners in crime.
"Where do you lot think you are, running like this through the castle?" he roared. "This is not a running track nor is it the approved time for an indoor run to be conducted."
Phaelan heard his voice and stopped on her way to change clothes to see what was happening. She opened her door and saw the famous trio looking back at an angry Snape.
"What's going on?" Phaelan asked, "Why are you running like this? You know it's against the rules."
"Please Professors, it's Ginny. She's in the West tower." Harry panted.
Phaelan frowned. "Is there a problem Potter?"
"We don't know Professor McKenzie, but no one has seen Ginny since she left the Quidditch pitch." He replied.
Snape looked at Phaelan and began to walk. "Lets go." He called over his shoulder and led the way in his usual long stride.
The search party climbed the tower stairs. At the top, Hermione and Ron took the Owlery side to search while Harry Phaelan and Snape took the other. In one corner, Harry found a small black bundle of fabric which proved to be Ginny. He reached out and shook her shoulder while softly calling her name.
"Ginny, are you alright? Ginny, talk to me."
Snape crouched beside Harry and called in a louder voice. "Miss Weasley, answer me immediately. Why are you here?"
Severus reached out and lifted her chin. He looked at her face and felt a stab of panic at her colour. Reaching behind her, Snape got his arm around her shoulders and pulled her out of the niche she was sitting in. Her head fell limply against him as he tried to manoeuvre her around to lie flat. As he shifted her body, Phaelan looked at her hands and arms crossed in front of her. They were covered in blood. A rivulet of blood now trickled to the floor where it had pooled in her robes.
"Oh dear God!" Whispered Phaelan. "Is she alive?"
Severus felt for a pulse and nodded, "Just."
At that moment, Ron and Hermione joined them.
Ron's face paled as he took in the scene. "Ginny, what have you done?" he exclaimed.
Severus had his wand out and was passing it over her wrists to staunch the bleeding and seal up the cuts but the wounds needed to be healed properly and her blood restored.
"Potter, Granger, go to the Hospital wing and tell Madam Pomfrey what has happened. Weasley, go down and clear the corridor, I'll be right behind you." Ordered Phaelan.
Snape gently gathered the young girl up in his arms. Phaelan wrapped Ginny's arms in her robes so that they were hidden from view. Looking around she saw Ron still standing.
"Move Weasley, you're a Prefect. Use your authority for once." She yelled. Coming out of his shock, Ron ran down the stairs before them.
"Ready?" she asked Snape.
He nodded, "Let's go."
Phaelan led the way down ensuring there were no obstacles. When they reached the hallway, Phaelan saw that Ron had cleared the way to the stairs but had run into some Slytherin's who had challenged him. She strode ahead of Snape to confront the students.
"Did you hear what he said, clear the hallway now. Twenty points from Slytherin for disregarding a Prefect during an emergency. MOVE!" she yelled.
Looking at the Muggle teacher in surprise the Slytherin's scampered away with several looks over their shoulders at Phaelan and their House Master.
Phaelan and Ron made their way towards the Hospital wing followed by Snape. Several students stood in doorways or looked down from above at the odd parade. Not only were they looking at their fearsome Potions Master bearing Ginny but at the Muggle teacher in a Navy uniform. Finally, they reached the Hospital where Phaelan and Ron held open the doors for Snape and Ginny to enter. Madam Pomfrey indicated where he should lay her and immediately began to examine her.
"Severus, I need blood replenishers and pepper-up potions. Bring me a nasal tube." The mediwitch ordered.
Snape moved to comply, knowing exactly which potions she required. He placed them beside her on the table.
"Alright, everyone out except Professor McKenzie." She demanded before pulling the privacy screens around.
Phaelan watched as Poppy took the nasal tube and inserted it through Ginny's nose to her stomach. She poured a phial of blood replenisher through the tube and handed the end to Phaelan.
"Hold this until we know it's all down." She instructed.
Phaelan took the tube and watched as Poppy again passed her wand over the young girl. Tutting to herself the Mediwitch removed Ginny's clothes with another wave of her wand and replaced them with a white gown. She examined Ginny's wrists and began to heal them again; redoing the quick first aid Severus had applied.
"What did she use? Did anyone know she had a knife?" Asked Poppy.
"I don't know, Poppy. We just wanted to get her here fast." Phaelan replied.
From beyond the curtains, they heard Dumbledore.
"May I enter?" he requested.
"Yes Headmaster." Answered Poppy.
"Ah Ginny, what have you done?" sighed the old man as he sunk to sit beside her on the bed.
Taking the tube from Phaelan, the Mediwitch opened another phial of potion and poured it into Ginny's stomach. Minerva entered the curtained space; her face pale, tears close to falling from her eyes.
"Headmaster, with your permission, Severus and I will return to the tower to find what it was she used." Phaelan requested.
"Yes, yes of course." He replied.
Minerva took over her position and Phaelan slipped out from between the curtains. Ron, Hermione and Harry stood in a knot on one side of the room while Snape leaned against the window sill.
Looking at the three younger folk, Phaelan asked, "Do any of you know if she had a knife or blade of some kind?"
They looked at each other and shook their heads.
"We didn't know she had anything like that Professor. If we had, we would have found a way to take it away from her." Replied Hermione.
Phaelan sighed and looked at Snape, "We need to go back to the tower Professor. What ever she used is still there."
Snape nodded. "Miss Granger, please go to your tower and reassure your housemates of Miss Weasley's condition." Instructed Snape.
"What is her condition sir?" Hermione asked.
"She is alive though quite weak. That should suffice for now." He turned to the boys.
"I believe the Headmaster has contacted your parents Mr. Weasley. Perhaps you should meet them."
Ron nodded and left to take up his position at the front doors.
"Mr Potter, why do I think you are at the root of this?" Snape asked rhetorically.
"Sir, I don't know what you mean?" Harry replied defensively.
"You always have something to do with any of the major tragedies at Hogwarts." Snape spat, "I believe this incident will prove to be no different."
"Professor Snape, I care very deeply for Ginny. I wouldn't do anything to cause her harm." Harry retorted.
Snape sneered, "Sometimes Mr Potter, you need only be acquainted with someone to ensure they will come in harms way. Consider Mr Diggory, consider Sirius Black."
"That will do Severus, "Dumbledore's voice floated over to them, "I believe Harry feels sufficiently concerned about his relationship to Ginny and the root of her problem without your coaching this evening."
"Very well Headmaster. Professor I believe we were going to the tower." Snape led the way out.
Phaelan had to almost jog along to keep up to the pace he set with his long legs. It reminded her of the day she fell from another tower, the same day she admitted her feelings for Snape.
She still had difficulty understanding him. The passion and concern he shared with her when they were alone were completely absent in his dealings with students. Staff members got barely more courtesy than students. He was two people; each entirely divorced from the other.
Glancing over she saw the closed expression of non-emotion on his face. He was in full bastard mode.
"Severus, you saw the cuts, were they clean or jagged?" she asked trying to figure out what they were looking for.
At the foot of the stairs he paused and turned to look at her.
"What, no lecture on how hard I was on Potter?" he looked at her intensely.
Taking a deep breath she stared back at him. "I don't understand your feelings towards the students Severus. Potter just seems to receive more of your venom than the others."
"You don't take their nonsense either," he observed.
"Neither do I go out of my way to make their lives miserable." She replied. "Do you honestly believe in the things you say to them?"
"If you're talking about Potter and his friends, yes." He replied bitterly. "They've flaunted rules, taken unnecessary risks and cost lives. All because Harry Potter has a scar."
Phaelan looked at him through narrowed eyes. "I would think Dumbledore has some responsibility in this too. He's the one who spoon fed Harry with snippets of history and information. He brainwashed that boy from the day he came here."
Snape snorted, "Please state the obvious again. Do you not think I know this? Aren't you a subject of the same brainwashing? I know I am. The difference being I willingly submit with full knowledge of the manipulation. I can use the knowledge to my own ends."
"So you play devils advocate and make them hate you." Phaelan had part of her answer now.
"If it makes them stop and think for one extra moment before charging in to another no win fight, then I've done my job." He added quietly before turning and heading upstairs.
They searched the floor on hands and knees looking in the crevices between the ancient stones. Finding nothing, Snape began to wonder if she had thrown something from the parapets to the ground. Phaelan crawled to the niche where Ginny had wedged herself and sat in the same position. From her position she looked around the space within arms reach. There it was wedged in a vertical crack, a silver object.
"I've got it," she said as she pulled out the oddly shaped folded blade and handed it to Snape.
Turning it over in his hand, Snape frowned.
"This is an athame, a ritual knife." He looked at her, "I used one the day you signed the contract. It is used solely in blood magic and bindings."
Waving his wand over the object lying in his palm he intoned "Reveal."
The silver knife morphed into another shape which caused Phaelan to gasp. It was a phallus.
"What did he do to that child?" she whispered.
He waved his wand once more to return the knife to its original form and pocketed it. Reaching over he pulled Phaelan into his arms and simply held her.
Phaelan relaxed in his arms and murmured "It has to stop Severus. We have to stop him."
He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head before whispering, "I know, I know."