Seven Years Later...
Chapter 17
"The Eye of The Storm"

Author's Note: Yes, We Updated! Yes, you can jump for joy... Seeing as I, Deep Shadows, had nothing to read and all thrity chapters of Seven Years Later at My fingertips, I figured i might as well give you all something to read... So PLEASE REVEIW! It will give me somethig to read...

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Alexis apparated back at the busy campsite, Ron a mere second behind her. They stood in the midst of the circle of tents, silent for a moment. Then Alexis, still shaky of the events she had just witnessed, plopped to the dusty ground in a fit of childishness. Ron stepped back in surprise, looking down at her in confusion. They several or so people around them gazed towards them oddly, wondering what the hell she was doing.

Alexis crossed her arms, lower lip trembling as she glared up at Ron, tears shimmering in her bright green eyes. Ron looked lost on what to do as she hissed.

"You are a fucking idiot."

"Wha... huh?" He stammered, looking down at her in confusion. Alexis looked away momentarily, sniffling quietly, a tear running down her cheek. She snapped her head back up at him, yelling.

"I can't believe you did that! For all I knew, and you as well probably, you could've been toasted alive! Did you not care or something!"
Ron's eyes widened, and he looked down at her a bit guiltily as the tears started coming. He replied quietly.

"Of course I care Lexy... I was just..."

"No you don't! What if you weren't immune to the flames, what if you died? Did any thought run through your head on how I would take that! I wouldn't be able to!" She sobbed out, glaring up at him in anger, concern, and slight relief. Ron swallowed the lump in his throat, wincing at her expression.

Alexis continued on relentlessly. "Right. You dying on top of Artimis these days and all the death and nervousness and all the fear... It's... It's just too damn much!" She wailed, burying her head in her arms as she cried. Their small audience immediately quieted as they stared at Alexis in disbelief, this little stunt being a first for her.

Ron looked around nervously for a moment, then kneeled down next to her, hesitantly touching her shoulder.

"Alexis... I, it's alright... see, I'm fine. That's all that matters... everything's okay..."

"Yeah, maybe to you! Here I am, trying to be calm and chipper so as to comfort these people somewhat, and you go and pull that little stunt. There's only so much I can handle okay! I'm not the damn She-Hulk as some people like to think! I don't like you right now... go away..." She sobbed into her arms, bringing her knees up under her chin. Ron looked hurt and very guilty, and he stood up dejectedly, turning slowly to leave her. Alexis looked up fearfully, gazing at him with wide eyes, tears staining her cheeks.

"Wait! Ron! Don't leave... I do like you, don't go... I n, need chocolate..." She sobbed out, once again burying her face. Ron turned and looked down at her, a very slight smirk on his features for a moment as he knelt next to her, pulling her into an embrace.

"You are such a dork... but right now, I just want an extra hot fudge sundae with chocolate chips and chocolate syrup... and some peanuts... without a spoon..." She mumbled to herself, leaning her head against his shoulder as she trembled with quiet sobs.

Ron patted her hair as she quieted somewhat. "Okay honey... we'll go get some chocolate... just stop crying, please..." He spoke quietly into her ear, standing and pulling her to her feet. She leaned against him, sniffling as she took a deep breath, nodding. He slowly started towards her tent, Alexis leaning on him, glaring at a few people as they passed.

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Draco went to the back bedroom of his and Artimis's tent, grabbing the blanket off of the bed and walking back to the living room where Artimis had collapsed on the couch. He laid it over her, tenderly tucking her in. He lifted her head slightly and sat on the couch, placing her head on his lap as she slept. He watched her sleep, feeling guilty as hell for not letting Artimis know about the power the branding mark had over her. He never thought the bond would be that strong. He teared up as he leaned down and kissed her forehead gently, moving aside her braid of ebony hair. She moved her arm in her sleep and he looked at it, seeing it as the one where his father's mark had been. He noticed a dark stain on Artimis's dueling suit and he took her arm in his hand, lifting the sleeve to examine it. He saw a bleeding wound where the burn was. It didn't look good to him and Draco grew worried. He quickly lifted her head and walked out of the tent, rushing toward Hailey's tent. He entered it and saw her looking in a book.

"Hailey, Artimis is bleeding. From the burn mark. It doesn't look good." He panicky told her and she straightened up quickly, grabbing her wand and following Draco as he rushed for their tent. Draco saw everyone looked at them in concern as they bolted into the tent. Draco lead Hailey over to Artimis and showed her the wound and Hailey winced.

"That must hurt like hell." She spoke as she pointed her wand at it and quickly stopped the bleeding. After examining the wound she pulled out some gauze and wrapped the wound tightly. Draco watched her with eagle eyes as she got up and looked at Draco carefully. She put a hand on his shoulder and smiled at him.

"She's fine. She's going to be fine." Hailey told him and with that she left, Draco watching after her.

"WHAT WAS THAT ALL ABOUT?" Artimis was heard and Draco turned around quickly, kneeling by Artimis.

"Oh, thank goodness. Hailey just wrapped your arm. It was bleeding bad. Are you feeling ok honey?" He questioned and he saw as Artimis calmed and smiled at him after looking at her bandaged arm.

"Oh. Yes, I am fine. But the baby, its wants food. But me, I want a hug." Artimis told him and he smiled lovingly at her as he leaned down and embraced her, picking her up almost as he held her to him. After a minute he laid her back down and smirked.0

"The baby will just have to wait. I have something to ask it's mother." Draco spoke softly, reaching down and caressing Artimis's cheek. She smiled and placed her own hand over his. He looked into her eyes and knew the time was right.

"You know how much I love you right?" He asked her and she smiled, kissing his hand.

"More than I can ever know." She spoke and his heart melted. He braced for the biggest question of his life, reaching his hand in his pocket for the box.

"Artimis, I have been trying to say this all week, but Artimis, will you-"

"Artimis, sis, where are you! Oh. Sorry." Apollo was heard shouting and Draco shut up, pulling his hand back to himself. He looked to Apollo and glared and then stormed to the back bedroom without a word. He flung the door closed and kicked the nearest piece of furniture, which was a dresser.

"God damn it! Trying to be romantic is goddamn impossible with all these interrupting people." He yelled, kicking the dresser again. He took out a good amount of frustration out on that and then collapsed on their bed, closing his eyes, trying to go to sleep. After a moment, the door opened and he feigned sleep. He felt Artimis walk up to bed and crawl into it beside him. He pretended to be asleep and wrapped her in his arms. She spoke softly to him.

"I don't know what you want to ask me, but if it is so important to you dear, then ask me when ever, even if there are people around. I wouldn't care if the whole world was present. I don't even know why I am saying this, you're asleep, but I guess I needed to say it. Night my love." She mused to herself and he held her tighter to him, snoring a bit for effect. He felt her snuggle close to him and then he heard the deep breathing of slumber. He opened his eyes and kissed her cheek.

"Alright love. I'll ask you tonight." He stated as he laid his head down behind her, feeling the warmth and softness of her body against him. He moved his hand down over her stomach and then closed his eyes, falling asleep holding Artimis in his arms.

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Remus had apparated back to the campsite, looking around urgently for Alexis after seeing her slammed with the spell and Artimis's little anger spiel. He walked out from his tent, scanning the campgrounds. A quick glance showed him where she was, plopped in the middle of the circle of tents, crying her eyes out and yelling at a really confused Ron. Upon listening to her, he knew she had good reason. Yet he was still dumbfounded on how Ron had managed to find a way to become immune to Alexis's flames in the first place. He stepped forward, brow furrowed at Alexis's state. He knew that all this had to have affected her more than she let on, and he guessed it was just her time to express that.

Ron had seemed to quiet her, and after a few words, they both started towards Alexis's tent. Remus watched them go, shaking his head with confusion. Severus, who was standing beside him, mumbled something, but Remus was too preoccupied to listen.

He sighed, rubbing his temples as he tried to think.

I know I shouldn't say anything... should just let them be... but this is too bloody confusing! I have got to know something!

He fought with himself for a minute, then dropped his hands to his side with a sigh, making up his mind and started walking determinedly towards Alexis's tent. He approached it, entering quietly and silently making his way to the Kitchen, looking in upon the scene.

Alexis sat at her Kitchen table, all papers and weapons pushed to the floor, holding a large ice cream cone drowned in three different types of chocolate, sniffling as she ate contentedly. Ron sat beside her, an arm around her shoulders comfortingly as he trailed his fingers across her back, watching her with slight worry. Remus leaned against the doorframe, watching them quietly for a moment. Then Alexis looked up towards the door, going wide eyed and almost choking on a peanut.

Ron cocked his head in confusion, then turned and met Remus's gaze. He quickly moved his arm, folding his hands in his lap as he stared wide eyed at Remus. Remus stepped forward into the Kitchen, walking up beside the table as Alexis lowered her half eaten ice cream cone. All three were quiet for a moment, then Remus cracked.

"I know I'm not suppose to say anything, but this is driving me bonkers. Please, I'm begging you, tell me what's going on with you two?" He spoke a bit pleadingly, watching them eagerly. Ron and Alexis looked at each other for a moment, then Alexis sighed.

"Alexis, you can talk to me. I'm your father... please. I think I have some right to know." Remus added. Alexis looked up at him with slightly reddened eyes, then took a deep breath, looking back at Ron.

"Well... we aren't too sure ourselves... but, yes. There is something between us Remus. We... I was, too nervous to say anything to you... afraid you'd disapprove... hm, guess you found out anyway..." Alexis spoke, looking away. Ron nodded, looking at the ground, blushing slightly. Remus sighed with relief, glad that he at least had some substantial facts to go on. He gazed at them tenderly, smirking.

"I don't disapprove. But I worry at times... I just want you to be happy. I don't want you two to be scared of me. I also want you to know that I'm always there if you need help or something. Remember that." Remus spoke softly, and they both gazed up at him, looking relieved. Then Remus gazed a bit sternly at Ron.

"Still... I would like to talk to you sometime soon... just to get things straight..."

Alexis sighed with exasperation, shaking her head and looking away as Ron nodded quickly, staring wide eyed at Remus. Remus smirked at them and spoke again.

"Now, are you alright Alexis? You seemed a bit well, frustrated, a few minutes ago out there... you aren't hurt or anything are you?" Remus asked with concern, stepping up to the table as Ron turned to look at Alexis as well.

"No, just everything at once... it, it finally caught up with me. My turn for a little outburst." She replied sheepishly, using her free hand to rub her arm.

"Otherwise I'm- ouch!" She hissed quietly, wincing. She looked where she had just rubbed, bringing her hand away sticky with blood. Remus's eyes widened with worry, and Ron pulled her around to study her arm. There was a lengthy slice across the top of her arm that was still bleeding, seemingly from a sword of sorts. She hadn't actually realized it, pushing the pain away in the midst of her hissy fit over Ron. Well, she felt it now. Remus stepped up to them.

"Let me see it... my god. Let me fix that for you before it gets worse..."

"No. let me do it. I, I want to talk to her too." Ron stopped him. Remus looked down at him for a moment, then nodded, looking to Alexis once more with worry. She nodded gratefully, then Remus quietly left the tent.

Ron turned back to Alexis, gently probing her wound and summoning some medical supplies. Alexis put down her half eaten ice cream cone, watching him with interest, still sniffling slightly. They were quiet for a moment as Ron gently wiped away the blood from the open wound, Alexis wincing slightly. As he went for bandages, he spoke softly.

"I'm sorry Alexis."

Alexis looked up at him with confusion. He continued on.

"I didn't mean for you to get nervous... but, I had to make sure. I had an idea the night you... lost it for a while, but wasn't certain. I had to find out... I, I can't explain why..."

Alexis smiled softly at him as he gazed at her apologetically. Unshed tears shimmered in her emerald eyes as she whispered back.

"I understand Ron. It's just that... you scared me bad... I don't know what I'd do if I had hurt you. I wouldn't be able to live with myself, and-"

Her breath was stolen from her as Ron leaned over and kissed her softly. She closed her eyes, melting against him as he wrapped her in a loose embrace, kiss growing more passionate. She brought a hand up to his face as he caressed her neck softly, her heart beating quicker as she leaned against him.

They parted after a moment, Ron gazing down at her with half lidded eyes as she looked up at him giddily. He smiled sweetly at her, and she sighed contentedly. They lost themselves in each others eyes for a moment, still in each other's arms. They had never felt so whole in their lives as they were now, together.

Ron pulled away finally, gazing down at her injury with shining eyes and proceeding to finish bandaging it, Alexis watching him with admiration the entire time, oblivious to all else.

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Severus apparated to the camp with a very heavy mind. Alexis Whyte had saved him. Him, the bane of her existence, someone he felt she held in the same regards that she held the Dark Lord himself. And she had saved him. He was confused. He, Severus Snape, would not be stuck with confusion. He would find Alexis and figure out why the hell she had saved him. He walked out of his tent looking for Alexis when he heard her screaming at Ron. He looked and gasped in surprise at what he saw. Alexis Whyte was sitting on the ground, throwing a hissy fit and, well, crying.

"I have got to stop drinking." He spoke as he watched Ron kneel by her and get her to her feet, walking them to her tent. He started that direction when he saw Remus sneak into the tent. I shall wait... He thought as he headed to the shadows to wait by her tent. Then as he stood there, another thought dawned on him.

I saved her... The bane of my existence... The one true pain in the ass... And yet, I did not even hesitate in saving her... There is something wrong with this situation... I know, It was just me feeling a debt of sorts and quickly repaying it... Yes... That is it... He thought as he watched Remus walk out of the tent. Severus pulled his cold reserve over his face and stalked quietly into her tent.

As silently as possible, he made his way to what he thought was the Kitchen, but stopped at the scene he had almost walked in upon.

Alexis sat in one chair pulled up right next to the chair Ron was situated in. She had her head leaning against his shoulder, smiling as she licked at a large ice cream cone. Ron sat with a grin, gazing down at her with an arm around her shoulders, gently rubbing her bare arm. Severus raised an eyebrow as Alexis looked up at Ron, smirking as she brought her cone up to his face, accidentally rubbing some of the ice cream onto his nose. Ron pulled back in slight surprise, and they both laughed. Once quieted, Alexis grinned up at him, raising her head and licking the ice cream off his nose. Severus sneered as he spoke aloud, interrupting them.

"I think I'm going to be sick..."

Alexis froze, eyes going wide as she recognized the silky voice. Ron snapped his head around, gazing nervously up at Severus as he stalked out of the shadows, arms folded and sneering at the two. Alexis swallowed, moving slightly away from Ron as he brought his arm back to himself.

"Oh, excuse me. Did I interrupt something important?" He commented sarcastically, watching them.

"Uh, no..." Ron stammered, looking slightly red in the face. Alexis glared slightly.

"Does no one know how to knock in this bloody camp!" She exclaimed frustrated.

Severus rolled his eyes, then stood straight, speaking a bit softly. "I would like to speak to you for a minute, Whyte. Alone.'' He emphasized, staring at Ron, who didn't seem as if he was going to budge. Alexis studied him for a moment, but she would like to find something out as well. She looked up at Ron. "Just for a minute, K?"

He frowned slightly, but got up, nodding. Alexis smiled gratefully as he began walking out he Tent, glancing at Severus warily for a moment.

The Kitchen was very quiet as Severus stood there, avoiding eye contact as Alexis looked about a bit nervously. She swallowed, coughing once. "So uh... what was it you wanted to talk about?"

Severus took a breath, finally looking to her. There was no sarcasm nor irritation in his coal black eyes, only curiosity and confusion. "Out on the battlefield, not to long ago... You had um... interfered in a confrontation that might have very well ended up with uh... me being..."

"You're saying I saved your life." Alexis stated calmly, watching him. Severus also saw no sarcasm or humor in her eyes, which slightly unnerved him. He continued. "Yes. And I was wondering... why?" He finished softly, watching Alexis curiously. Alexis looked down at the ground, actually lost for a reply. Why did she save Snape? Well, it was the right thing... and she hadn't really stopped to think about it, she just, well, did it. She looked up at him a bit smugly.

"Well... maybe I just... felt like it. Yeah... is there a problem with that?" She informed, watching him a bit nervously. Severus nodded to himself. "No, there's nothing wrong with that... I was just curious..."

Alexis narrowed her eyes for a moment, studying Severus. He raised an eyebrow at her, a bit confused.

"Hold on a minute... you... you saved me as well. What's up with that?" She questioned, watching Severus with a slight smirk. His eyes widened for a brief second as he fished around for an excuse of his own for his past actions. He straightened himself after a moment, inclining his head slightly in a proud manner as he looked down at her, equally smug.

"I... I had felt like it as well. Why, do you find that wrong?"

"Oh no... no, not at all. I was, like you, just curious." Alexis replied, looking confident. Severus nodded, and they stood there quietly for a moment, gazing at each other. Alexis smiled at him, and, after a moment, Severus gave her a small smile as well. Then he nodded to her, turned and promptly exited the tent, feeling much better now that he had gotten that off his shoulders, knowing there was more to Alexis's words than she let on. But, he knew that Alexis felt there were more to his words as well. But they both were content to let that go unspoken, more than satisfied with the spoken reasons.

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Artimis was once again awoken by an owl and she got up quickly, waking Draco up in the process. She got up, fixed her hair and stuff and headed to make sure everyone was ready. To her surprise they were, even Alexis, who walked in her conference room, two minutes after Ron.

They are getting closer... Artimis mused as Dumbledore showed up and gave them instructions. The thing that made Artimis drool was the ornate sword to which Dumbledore bestowed upon Harry. Artimis couldn't help but drool, come on it was a sword. After another riddle like lecture Dumbledore left and they all looked over a map for a moment. Then, after figuring out the best place for a good offensive and a defensive, they all, armed and prepared, apparated to the battlefield, all a bit apprehensive.

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Deep Shadows