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!
Thanks to my reviewers. Duj – On chapter 15 and most likely 16 – I know that Australian vernacular has changed over the years. Every country has undergone a similar evolution due to mass media and the influx of North American entertainment on the English speaking world.
As a rule regional dialects in England and Scotland are becoming homogenized as well. But to enrich a character, the accent helps readers identify with the personality.
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Dumbledore was taking his customary turn about the castle in the wee hours. As he passed Phaelan's portrait entrance he asked the lady if her mistress was sleeping.
"No sir," the guardian replied, "she retrieved her robe and left over two hours ago."
Dumbledore nodded and made his way to the tower he knew she frequented. As he climbed the stairs, the old Wizard sensed her presence and another. Entering the tower, he saw the small figure of Phaelan curled into the cocoon of her robes obviously asleep. To her side, he saw the Gryffindor Ghost Sir Nick standing watch over the damsel in repose.
"Nicholas, a bit out of your usual haunt?" asked a mirthful Dumbledore quietly.
"The lady is forlorn as her courtier is without the castle walls. Methinks she fears for his wellbeing." Replied the spectre.
Looking down at her once more, Dumbledore shook his head, "She looks little older than those she instructs Nick. Yet, she accepts such burdens on her body and soul."
Hovering closer to the headmaster, the ghost sought to share a confidence. "There is an aura about her but not of her. All the ghosts have noticed Headmaster."
"What manner of aura, Nick? Malevolent, benign?" inquired Dumbledore, now curious.
"Nay, it is none of these. It is far more ancient, more primal. It is neither evil nor good. It merely…is." The ghost simply said.
"Thank you Sir Nick, for watching over her." Dumbledore dismissed the ghost.
Walking over, Dumbledore stooped down and gently shook Phaelan's shoulder. "Phaelan…Phaelan, wake up my dear."
Stirring from a dream where she was flying with Severus, Phaelan smiled and stretched as she awoke. Opening her eyes, she realized she was still in the tower and the Headmaster was twinkling down at her.
Taking a deep breath to clear her head, she asked, "Is he back?"
Dumbledore reached out and took her elbow to pull her to her feet as he rose. "No, not yet." He replied simply.
Phaelan sighed in deep concern, "Has he ever been gone this long before?" she asked.
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes. It has been a while, but it usually means Tom has a task so delicate only Severus can handle it." He turned and looked at his Muggle teacher again. "Tom does value Severus. There are few in the world that would be able to produce the potions required by Tom. Severus is pre-eminent in his field."
"I'm..I….I've never felt this way…this scared for another before. Even when I was on active duty, I didn't feel this way for a crewmate down. That fell within predictable parameters. This…I don't know." She trailed off as she hugged her arms around her body wishing they were his.
"Come Phaelan, I will escort you to his chambers. I know he will want to see you as soon as he returns." The old man turned to lead the way smiling at the young woman's confusion.
With one backward glance just in case, Phaelan followed the Headmaster.
Making their way to the dungeon chambers, the pair didn't speak. Too much was already communicated without words.
Dumbledore opened Snape's chambers with nary a word. As Phaelan entered, the Headmaster followed her.
"Summon Polly if you require anything. When he returns, Severus always comes here first. I will be alerted to his presence and if he is injured. I do not disturb his domain unless he requires Poppy. Now, try to rest. I believe Severus keeps a fine sherry on hand." The old man teased as he left.
Phaelan made her way to the bedchamber. Opening the armoire, she pulled out the pyjamas she kept there now that she was a semi-permanent resident. Walking into the bathroom, Phaelan prepared for bed – alone. Crawling into bed, Phaelan tossed and turned, unable to find a position of comfort. Finally, she turned and buried her face in Severus' pillow. It held his unmistakable scent. Hugging it to her body as she did his torso, Phaelan fell into a fitful repose only to wake every hour missing his true warmth.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Voldemort and Pettigrew had appeared later in the evening as Severus was analyzing the venom produced by the hybrid. Apparently the venom itself was not lethal upon contact to the air. It only became so when it was introduced into the body of the victim where it rapidly broke down the red blood cells and lymph into a gas. The unfortunate who was stung actually suffocated as there was no delivery of oxygen to the brain and organs. The conversion of blood and venom to gas was self propagating once begun.
When Voldemort appeared, Snape and the Muggle captive had been comparing notes. As soon as Faubert saw the Dark Lord, he threw himself into a corner and cowered. Pettigrew approached him and poked him with his wand.
"Have you been a good 'ickle Muggle today?" Peter mocked. "Do you deserve a little treat?"
Reaching into his pocket, Peter pulled out a chicken leg which he dangled over Faubert's head.
"Sit up and beg nice, come on." Tormented Peter.
"That's low even for you Pettigrew." Uttered a disgusted Snape.
Voldemort laughed briefly, "Peter is resentful of the Muggles' attempt to escape. Took a few days to recover from that, eh Peter." He looked at Snape, "He may not use them much but he does not like his balls kicked up into his scrotum. "
Snape reached over and took the chicken from Pettigrew to hand to Faubert.
"My lord," Severus began as he turned back to Voldemort, "I have begun my analysis as you have commanded. The Muggle has made mention of notes you had. If they were available…"
Voldemort reached up and tapped the side of his head. "Here, all in here Severus. My written work is safely locked away. Suffice it to say, this Muggle has expanded on the work I had started, quite by accident, as a student. The idea to cross the Billywig with a Bee was due to a fortuitous accident."
Moving to a lab stool, Voldemort sat to continue his story. "A swarm of angry bees had come across the mud hive of an imported Billywig colony gone wild. The queen was still alive and fertile. As the bees infiltrated the hive, they found the queen and began to do what bees do to their queen. I watched the hive and saw the first hybrids emerge 2 weeks later. I also saw the first victims of the sting and the resultant gaseous emissions. I was fortunate to be far enough away to use a Bubble head charm and escape."
Severus was astounded at Voldemort's story but he was still confused at why they needed the hybrid.
"My lord, as ever, your tactics and methodology are far more advanced than ours. If you will, what is the purpose of this insect in your plans?" asked Snape hoping he got the tone right.
Rising, Voldemort approached him and looked at him through narrowed eyes. "You will be told at the appropriate time Severus, not before."
Snape bowed in acceptance of his master's will.
Gesturing to the side, Voldemort asked, "You find the Muggle useful?"
"Yes my lord," Snape replied, "he is most pliable and informative with the correct encouragement."
"Fine, we'll let him live for now. Peter, find him a corner and throw some straw in it. We might as well keep him here." Voldemort waved at Peter who scurried to do his bidding. "Work quickly Severus, we need this weapon soon."
Snape bowed as Voldemort turned to leave. Peter was levitating a bale of straw over to where the ring used to fasten the chains was attached to the wall.
"Make sure he's locked up before you leave Snape." Instructed Pettigrew, "Someone will be by tomorrow to stay. Oh, and watch your balls."
Watching Peter leave, Snape was hard pressed not to spit at his back. He turned back and helped Faubert to stand.
"Come we have work to do." Snape indicated their analysis.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Phaelan woke in the darkness of the dungeon still alone and still worried. Snapping her fingers, she summoned Polly.
"What time is it and can you please get some light in here?" asked Phaelan tersely.
"It is but seven o'clock miss." Answered the little elf with a sad expression. Using elfin magic, she lit the candles around the room.
"I'm sorry Polly; I didn't mean to be upset with you. Can you get me something to wear?" Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, Phaelan padded to the bathroom.
Under the shower, Phaelan thought over what her agenda for the day was. Marking papers, a session in the Room of Requirement. Preparing her presentation for the fifth years in art history. Yada Yada Yada. She was pulling sixteen hour days and loving it but for the absence of her lover. After showering, Phaelan entered the bedroom to see a long skirt and bulky jersey laid out.
"Polly, why this?" she asked, to tired to argue.
'It is cold today Miss, these things is warm." Polly answered as she waited to coif Phaelan's hair. She rarely got the chance as her mistress usually used a pony tail more often than not.
"Can you brush out my hair Polly?" Phaelan asked. The elf jumped in glee as she moved to comply.
Ccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc
Ron, Harry and Hermione met in the common room of Gryffindor tower before breakfast. Ginny was not with them. It had been decided she should go home for a week under the careful scrutiny of Molly and then return to Hogwarts. Lessons were being owled to her to complete at home so that she might keep abreast of her peers.
As the infamous trio sat at breakfast, Hermione noticed Snape was missing from the Head Table.
"It's not like him to miss two meals in the Hall." She observed.
"Look at McKenzie;" observed Ron, "her scowl's as bad as Snape's. Maybe they had a lover's quarrel and she's giving him the cold shoulder."
Harry and Ron snickered together at the thought. Hermione frowned over her morning tea.
Phaelan had left her uneaten breakfast, deciding to spend time in the staff room marking essays. As she left, she passed the Gryffindor table only to be stopped by Hermione.
"Professor, where is professor Snape?" she asked.
"He has …. Business outside of Hogwarts." Phaelan replied tersely
"Will he be back for this afternoon's one o'clock session?" Hermione continued.
"I'm not sure when the professor will return. Why the sudden interest?" asked Phaelan with a frown.
"It's just unusual for Professor Snape to miss two meals in a row." Answered Harry. "Since yesterday lunchtime when he left so quickly."
Frowning more deeply at the students understanding, Phaelan finally spat "I am not about to discuss the private business of another professor with a group of nosey students. If your enquiries are so urgent I suggest you speak to the Headmaster." She then turned as swept from the hall in a manner worthy of Snape, including having her robes billow out as she walked.
Hermione shook her head and Phaelan's back. "I think she looks worried, very worried." Hermione countered. "I think he's been called and hasn't returned." She added in a hushed voice.
Ron frowned in confusion, "Well he's been called before and been gone for a while hasn't he?"
"Not during the school term Ron. Something's happening." Said Harry catching Hermione's mood. "I'm going to see the headmaster. We need to know what's happening now more than ever."
Following breakfast, Harry made his way to the gargoyle and called "Skor bars," shaking his head at the password. When the portal opened, Harry made his way upstairs to confront his mentor.
"Good morning Harry. Quite a match yesterday, too bad about the snitch; no matter, it was only the first game." Opened a smiling Dumbledore.
"Yes sir. Sir, I didn't come to speak to you about Quidditch." Harry began.
Sitting back in his chair, Dumbledore stroked his beard, "I'd have been very surprised if you had Harry. What's troubling you?"
Without preamble, Harry dove in, "Where's Snape and what has happened that he would be away from the school for two days during the term? Is there a development you haven't told us about that we should be preparing for?"
Dumbledore's face switched from welcoming to closed in an instant. "That's Professor Snape to you Harry. Sit down."
Taking a seat opposite, Harry waited as the old man ruminated on the questions.
"It appears Miss Granger has been employing her intuition to your mission again Harry. I would hardly have thought you would have noticed or cared if your Potions Master never appeared in the Great Hall." Dumbledore offered.
"Sir, I may not have the kind of … camaraderie with Professor Snape that I do with Professor Lupin but I do understand his value. And yes I do notice if he is around if only to save myself the aggravation of a detention with him." Harry retorted. "Now, if you don't mind, can you please answer my questions?"
With a calculating look, Dumbledore leaned forward on his desk. "Severus has been summoned during the school year before. He likely will again. This is not unusual. If there is any development that should impact your training, I will pass it on to your mentors. I need to know I have your confidence Harry. You do trust me to do what's best for all don't you?"
Looking back at the man who had given him the world of Magic and stolen his childhood, Harry decided to be honest.
"No sir, I do not trust you. You say you know what's best for all but really you only care about beating Voldemort. If that means innocents get hurt then so be it in your mind." Harry stated hurriedly.
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed, "Harry, think about what you're saying."
"I have thought about it. Since Sirius passed though the veil, I've thought of little else." Harry stood and began to pace. "At first I blamed Snape, then myself, then Snape and myself. Then I realized …. Why was I sent to the family who despised everything about magic? I know now that any number of people would have taken me gladly. You gave me to an Aunt and Uncle who ensured I would turn my back on them as soon as I could. I would have no ties to the Muggle world to run back to."
"You were sent to Petunia for protection…" countered Dumbledore.
"The same protection I could have gotten with a Fidelius charm with you as my keeper." Harry countered.
Dumbledore shook his head, "It's not the same Harry."
Harry, now feeling the frustration of years of anger bubbling over, yelled at his Headmaster. "Close enough! At least I might have felt some love. I might have felt wanted; I might have gotten a birthday cake for Christ's sakes. Do you know what hurts the most?" Harry whispered at the end. "You knew. You knew what kind of home you gave me and you did nothing to try to make it better even when MY money was squandered on their luxury."
Dumbledore looked at his hands folded before him. He had nothing to say to counter the youth's accusations. His calculations had gone awry somewhere and the boy was straying from the path Dumbledore had planned.
Taking a deep breath Harry looked at the old man once more. "To be frank Headmaster, I do not trust you. I have no choice right now but to follow what ever plans you have in place but rest assured, I will not allow anyone else to be put at risk. If I even think you are using someone as a sacrifice for me, even Snape, I will leave and take those who wish to go with me." He said with finality. "You see sir, I do have people who trust me and will follow me without question because they know I would never NEVER betray their trust."
Dumbledore nodded more to himself than Harry and looked up at the young warrior he had created.
"When Severus returns, there will be a meeting. You will be attending. Will that suffice?" asked a humbled Dumbledore.
"Ron and Hermione too." Harry replied with finality.
Dumbledore at first thought to refuse but looked once more at Harry's eyes and nodded in acquiescence.
Harry left the office knowing he had won a small victory but feeling as if he had lost a war.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Severus and Faubert spent the night discussing the characteristics of each of the hybrids that have been produced. In the early morning hours, Faubert had fallen into an exhausted slumber on the hay. It was at least softer than the stone floor. While Snape continued his analysis, he took time out to brew a fortifying potion for Faubert. Wondering how he could give the man several doses to secrete about himself, he looked about the lab for containers that would be unbreakable and yet would allow the Muggle easy access. Looking in the corner, Snape noticed several wax bee combs. Smiling to himself, he figured out how he could make the potion portable. Forming several bullet shaped capsules, Severus filled them with potion and sealed them. When Faubert awoke, Snape helped him place several about his person and then instructed him when to use them. He gave the captive one large dose to begin with and Faubert felt stronger immediately.
"Thank you for being decent. I wasn't sure there were any decent wizards in your world." Faubert said after downing the potion.
Snape snorted, "If I were truly decent, I would take you out of here. I don't want to betray my position yet."
"If you come back, I have something to ask you, but only if you come back." Faubert said cryptically.
"I shall return, never fear." Replied Snape.
A few minutes later Crabbe Senior walked in, "I'm here now so you can leave Snape."
"Fine." Snape replied, "Make sure he's not damaged, I still need his knowledge do you understand?"
"I'm just here to feed and water him Snape, I won't play. I'm not Lestrange." Crabbe replied.
"Well, let's give thanks for small mercies Crabbe." Retorted Snape as he turned to leave. He cast a glance at Faubert and gave a slight nod which was returned.
Making his way to the apparition point, Severus sighed. He was exhausted physically and mentally. He closed his eyes and thought of home and Phaelan.
Phaelan had gone about her day as she had the one previously. She operated mechanically without much thought about what she was actually doing. Thankful to Polly for once for the long skirt and warm jersey, Phaelan pulled her teacher's robes around her has she made her way down to the dungeons. As she walked down the stairs to the main floor she saw a black vision billow in through the front doors. He was back. It felt as though a weight had been lifted from her that she hadn't known was there.
Keeping her dignity as a professor, Phaelan made her way towards him. He had stopped when he saw her.
"So Professor you have returned at last." Phaelan began acerbically.
"Obviously." He replied in kind.
"Well, we are so pleased that you have deigned to grant us your presence for the rest of the week. Your House is sorely in need of your guidance sir." She tried to make the conversation real.
"I'm sure they have upheld the name of Slytherin in their accustomed fashion." He retorted in Snape mode as he turned and strode to his chambers.
"I haven't finished sir." Called Phaelan in an irate tone.
"Then walk with me madam, I have little time for your prattle." He snapped.
Phaelan followed him to his chambers and entered. Throwing off his outer robe, Severus strode to his sideboard and his decanters of spirits. Pouring himself three fingers of firewhiskey, he downed it in one gulp. He then poured another and sat on his sofa. Phaelan poured a glass of sherry and joined him.
Looking at her glass, Phaelan opened the conversation. "You were gone a long time, at least, longer than usual."
"It was not the usual meeting. It was, as I suspected, a beginning to the work with the hybrid."
"What has you so unsettled if the work was of a scientific nature Severus?" asked Phaelan now knowing some of the nuances of his moods.
"Faubert is still alive. "He replied as he downed his drink at last.
She nodded in sad understanding.
"You're tired, let me draw you a bath. "Offered Phaelan as she rose to walk to the bedroom.
"Stay with me Phaelan." He asked quietly.
"My evening is free as always on Sunday Severus. I'm yours; just like you keep telling me." She teased before walking to the bathroom.
Severus rested his head on the back of the sofa; mine he thought and then thought again as a smile crossed his face….Mine. He rose and joined her in the bathroom where the water was running into the tub she had scented with TI. Discarding his clothes, Severus stepped into the steaming bath and leaned back to relax. Kneeling beside the bath, Phaelan dipped and soaked a sea sponge in the water. Using the lanolin based soap he preferred, she began to bathe him. Opening his eyes, Severus reached over and touched her hair.
"Join me Phaelan." He asked.
Smiling, Phaelan continued to sponge the fragrant water over his chest. "Not tonight Severus, It's my time…" she told him in a quiet voice.
Understanding, he gave a soft chuckle. "I don't mind. I knew you were more sensual than usual." He stroked her cheek and passed his thumb over her lips.
Phaelan smiled indulgently, "You may not mind but I do. Now what would you like for supper? I'll call the kitchens."
Severus leaned to the side of the bath and pulled her face to his and kissed her deeply.
"I want you." He said simply.
"I think you need to sleep." Answered Phaelan indulgently as she responded to his kiss again.
"Then lay with me Phaelan. I sleep well when you are near."
"There is no where I'd rather be Severus."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Severus and Phaelan slept through dinner until they were wakened by Polly bearing a tray of food and a message.
"Master, Miss, Master Dumbledore says you is to meet him in the Room of requirement in an hour." Setting the tray on the dresser the little creature left with a pop.
"What time is it?" asked Phaelan.
"Nearly eight. Odd, he usually waits until I'm ready." Said Snape as he swung his legs over the side of the bed.
After eating and dressing, the both headed towards the meeting. As they approached the portrait of Barnabus the Barmy, they saw Harry, Ron and Hermione.
"What do you three want?" Snape barked.
"I assume we are to attend the same meeting you are sir." Hermione replied.
Snorting, Severus gave them a look of disdain, "Children don't go to meetings with grown ups. Now run along to your tower and play with you little friends."
Harry stepped forward and looked at Severus directly. He was not as tall but he had become a well conditioned athlete and was imposing in his own way.
"Dumbledore and I had a discussion this morning, Professor and it was decided that we should be included in the meetings. Now, we need the door so please stand aside."
Narrowing his eyes, Severus began to retaliate for the forwardness of his students. "Of all the cheek..."
"Severus," called out the Headmaster, "Potter and his friends are permitted to attend."
Dumbledore was standing in the doorway of the Room of Requirement looking at them.
Looking first at his other Master, Snape finally jerked his head indicating the three youths should enter.
"I don't like this, Headmaster." Growled Snape before following Ron into the room.
Phaelan came next and paused to ask. "Did Harry speak to you?"
Dumbledore looked at her with a dark glint in his eye, "We had words." He said quietly before indicating she should enter.
The room had been transformed into a large sitting room with chairs of every description. Harry and company took over a large sofa at one end of the room while Minerva McGonagall sat on a Louis XIV chair. Looking around, Phaelan noted Lupin, Shacklebolt, Tonks, Olwen and Gillhooly. Severus stood to one side of a large fireplace and leaned on the mantle. Phaelan took a seat between Tonks and the students.
"Kingsley, for the benefit of our youth cohort, can brief us on the events since June as you understand them. Severus, if you would, you may then bring us up to date." Albus opened before taking his place in a large overstuffed armchair by the fire.
Harry, Hermione and Ron listened intently as Shacklebolt described the evening of multiple attacks, the murder, kidnapping and of the young girls condition. They gave equal attention to Snape as he related his knowledge of both the attack on Hermione's parents, the kidnapping and subsequent developments.
Hermione was visibly shaken that the knowledge of her parents attack had been known yet not revealed to them.
"They could have been on watch for them; the authorities could have evacuated the area and prevented any injuries at all." Hermione argued.
"Of course Miss Granger, we could have put large banners in place announcing the potential danger in frequenting the environs days ahead." Snape said with a sneer, "and I could have personally autographed them as my last act for surely I would be dead or worse by now."
Tonks looked at Hermione and said, "Look love, Olwen and me, we wanted to give your mom and dad the pictures so's they'd know the scum when they showed. But Moody nixed the idea. That's why we sat outside the building watching. Olwen did pull the alarm in time to get everyone out. We did the best we could ducks."
Hermione sighed and nodded her head. "What about Faubert? Can we save him?" she asked looking once more at Snape.
Severus looked at Phaelan before answering. She gave a small shake of her head to say, 'don't slag her off.'
"I believe Faubert is resigned to his own ultimate demise at the hands of the Dark Lord." He replied in an even tone.
Harry snorted in derision, "You can't do that! You can't write him off like a piece of rubbish. There must be a way to get him out." He insisted.
Dumbledore looked at the young man over his glasses. "It's not quite as simple as that young man. Ask your own strategist." He suggested nodding at Ron.
Ron was leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "We need to move carefully Harry or the diversion will fall apart. Faubert is only a pawn. He can be moved around to any advantage but in the long run, he's only a small part of a large game." Ron stood and walked over to face Snape.
"You've ensured he's still in a position to be useful to us Professor?" he asked his hated Potions Master.
"Yes, at least for a while. He may be our key to the downfall of this plan of the Dark Lord's." Snape replied with a flat tone, surprised at the maturity of the red haired young man.
Hermione had fallen quiet, now thinking and organizing the information. "We need to get as much from him as we can while he is in a pivotal position. Would he consent to Legilimency, Professor? He may remember things that are important but does not understand the implications of his memory."
"I'm not sure; I will broach the matter…" Snape had begun to answer.
Harry now looked at Dumbledore, "If we can't save him, we must let him feel his death was not in vain. Is there something we could give him as weapon?"
Phaelan sat back and listened to her protégé's at work. They were learning. Learning well and quickly. She smiled quietly as the adults around the room listened in shock.
Lupin stood up and approached Harry, "Harry slow down, we'll come up with something I'm sure. Leave it to us."
Dumbledore was smiling at Lupin and Harry, "Remus is right Harry, Severus and I will think of something at the appropriate time."
Pulling away from his favourite teacher and friend, Harry walked to face the Headmaster.
"You've forgotten what I said. I meant it. If I am to continue in this power play then I will have some say. If we can't save this man then we let him feel he did something to save others. We will think it out and plan it and give him the final decision." He declared while his hair began to ruffle as though a breeze were blowing.
Phaelan could feel it in the air; a gathering of energy. Hermione and Ron began to exhibit the same symptoms.
Standing now Dumbledore looked eye to eye with the young man.
Snape walked up behind Harry and hissed, "Take it down Potter. We are not your Muggle relatives. You will obey."
Phaelan now stood and walked to where the confrontation was happening.
"Headmaster, Severus he's right. On both counts he's right." She interjected. "Harry sit down." She asked quietly but he didn't move.
Dumbledore spoke quietly but his voice filled the room. "I agreed to let you attend the briefings and allowed you and your companions to speak. I will not be instructed on tactics nor have my plans overwritten by a student or a junior Muggle teacher.
Phaelan looked at her elder, "You two faced bastard. You hired me to come and instruct your senior students in tactics and the craft of war and then tell them they will have no say in their future. What the hell was the point then? Do you plan lead them by their noses just so that they might become lemmings?"
"How dare you speak to me that way!" Dumbledore shouted.
"How dare I? How dare I not." Phaelan shouted back. "Your students, your precious students you seek to protect, are working night and day on your behalf. They continue on with their school studies and then train as mercenaries. For you. And they PAY for the privilege of becoming your unsuspecting subordinates only to find all their training will be cast aside because the great Dumbledore will plan the strategy alone."
"You forget your place Mmmmadam." Said Dumbledore finally.
Phaelan sneered, "Are you sure you don't mean Muggle, old man?"
Taking a step back, Dumbledore looked at the woman before him as though he had never met her. Severus looked at his leader's reaction noting the unusual emotion of doubt crossing his face.
Looking to the side, Dumbledore announced, "Meeting adjourned." Before striding quickly from the room.
Severus came up behind Phaelan and touched her shoulder. She started and looked over at him. "Severus, I need some time alone." She whispered loud enough for him to hear.
"I'll floo later." He whispered in reply.
Taking a deep breath Phaelan left the room followed closely by Harry, Ron and Hermione. She turned to walk to her favourite tower for air but stopped when she heard her name called.
"Professor McKenzie." Called Harry.
With a resigned sigh, Phaelan turned and felt her heart warm at what she saw. The Golden Trio as they were so tritely named were saluting their overbearing and demanding drill instructor. Smiling, Phaelan bowed her head before coming to attention and returning their respect with her own salute.