A/N- Do not own. This is jumpy and I would apologize but... It starts with a shopping trip and ends with a secret coming to light. A bit of swearing, a stinging spell, and Alexis get's in trouble. There is also a very brief description of familial magic. But no worries, it will be discussed it later chapters or even later stories. Italics are thoughts or phoenix conversation, x's are scene breaks. Also, I added a very cute, in my opinion, scene of Remus and Severus. Enjoy. And as always, use your words.

~Case

-x-
Getting fifty children through breakfast and ready to go was not as hard as expected. But after portkeying them to where the buses were waiting proved that there were difficulties ahead. Many of the children had never seen a bus before; others had seen the Knight's bus and were terrified of it. And still others had ridden muggle buses all their lives. Severus grunted, shaking his head at the teenagers. Why he was on the older bus, he had no idea. Perhaps Alexis was hoping to kill him? At least the adults were equally distributed through both buses but that didn't stop them from distracting him as he tried to remember how to make the bus run. He had driven before, but only once had it been a bus. And that had been years ago, when he was much younger. But the owner had been kind enough to loan them some CD's, with music that was appropriated for the children. "Henry? Could you please put something in that contraption." He growled over the shouts and giggles, the arguments and loud conversations.

Henry grimaced, digging through the CD collection and finally finding one that wouldn't drive him, or the rest of the adults, insane. He placed it in the player, hitting the play button and turning it up just a bit. Slowly, part of the bus fell silently, but the music couldn't reach the back.

"Oi, Henry! Push the little white circle!"

Severus glanced in the mirror at the boy, recognizing him immediately. He was a muggleborn, hopefully he knew what he was talking about. He nodded to Henry and the man shrugged, pushing the button carefully. Instantly, music filled the bus, coming from speakers from all around. But it wasn't too loud and the children started to settle. And then they realized what was playing. He groaned when the entire bus started to sing. And he would deny it, but he started to sing softly too. A yellow submarine indeed.

-x-

"And where are you going?" She called, frowning at the boy.

He groaned, rolling his eyes. "To the bathroom." He muttered, hands in his pockets and scuffing his feet. Shopping made him uncomfortable. He could never repay them and he definitely did not need that many pairs of trousers!

Alexis bit back a sigh, eyeing the sixteen year old for a moment. They had broken the children into reasonable groups and then further paired each child up. He shouldn't be alone. "Where's your buddy?" She questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm sixteen for gods sake, Alexis!" He snapped, glaring at the floor for a moment. Why, oh why did she have to spot him?! Couldn't he just hide in the bathroom until time to leave?

"Humour me, Daniel." She drawled dryly, shaking her head slightly. The large department store that they were in wasn't as busy as it could be, but her crew had filled it up quickly enough. Keeping eyes of fifty children wasn't easy but she knew it could be worse. It would help, however, if they remained where they were suppose to be and didn't try to sneak off.

He huffed, shaking his head. If he couldn't escape to the bathroom, then he'd just find a nice corner to sit in. Somewhere quiet, where there wasn't so many people. He turned to leave, flinching slightly when a hand landed on his shoulder.

"Easy. Relax." She murmured quietly, gently turning the boy toward her. She maneuvered them both away from the centre of the floor, to a slightly quieter area. "Talk to me, Dan." She requested softly, keeping her hand gently on his shoulder. She had seen the look in his eyes, when he had turned away. There was much more going on here than a teenager who wanted to relieve himself alone.

"It's fine. Just loud." He grimaced, not meeting her eyes. There were other children who needed her; she didn't need to worry about him.

"It's not fine if it's bothering you."

He shrugged, flinching again when fingers gently tugged his chin up. He knew, logically, that she would never harm him but it was instinct. Flight or fight.

She sighed, realizing quickly that she would not get much from him. "Just hang in there for a bit longer, yeah? I hate shopping as well, but we shall leave here soon and head to a bookshop and toy store." She added quietly, keeping her eyes locked with his until he nodded and managed to drop his eyes.

She had him at bookstore. He would be pleased to leave here but a bookshop? That would be awesome. "I should find Pete, yeah?"He replied finally, glancing back up at her. He would go find his...buddy. Hopefully the other boy was done trying on clothes by now. Pete had been getting aggravated because nothing in their section had fit him. But he wasn't the only one. He had noticed that several of the younger teens had been taken to the children's clothing, some even to the younger children's clothing. Pete would be pissed if he had to shop pre-teen clothes.

"Yes. He was over in the smaller teen sizes last I saw. Make sure you finish your shopping as well. You need shirts, Dan. Ten of them!" She responded, raising an eyebrow when the boy scowled. She knew he hadn't finished his shopping but he would. And if he didn't, she just get his sizes and purchase clothing for him later. They had told all of the children that and if he didn't want clothing that she picked, he needed to actually shop.

He groaned but nodded, finally strolling back over to where his group had been. He needed to find Pete, after all.

-x-

Remus frowned deeply, scanning the aisles quickly. He had the only mixed gender group, as separating them by gender helped keep the group in one area and on the same side of the store. They had shopped for Karrie first, all but underthings which he had gladly turned her over to Ariana's guidance. He hadn't been sure they'd even have anything that would fit the girl, but Ariana had worked a bit of magic, apparently. Finding Teddy and Harry clothing was just as difficult. All three prepubescents were in the children's clothing, not the young teen section. Karrie stuck by him and he had been keeping an eye on the two boys, but now Harry was gone. He didn't see him anywhere in this section. More importantly, he couldn't smell or hear the child. Where the hell had he gone?

-x-

He had been making his way through the store by attaching himself to adults, making it look like he was with them by following just a few feet behind. No one seemed to notice him that way. He was almost to the door, just a bit further and he could leave and then no one would be hurt because of him. Everything would be fine again; he was useless and worthless anyway, so this way nothing bad could happen to those he loved just by being around him. He was nearly there, just a few steps more...

"Mr. Potter!"

He grimaced and darted toward the door, biting back a gasp when a stinging spell hit his bottom. His feet were over the threshold and he was nearly outside when another stinging spell hit. This time he did gasp, his bottom felt like it was on fire! He tripped over the door and tumbled to the ground, throwing his hands out to catch himself. Surprisingly, the impact of the ground didn't hurt at all, it was nearly...soft. He flinched when a hand landed on his shoulder, turning his head to see who had caught him.

Severus glowered down at the boy before lifting him up like a small child and onto his hip. He deftly checked him over with his eyes and hands, noting that the child had been lucky. He was uninjured, except perhaps for the sting to his bottom but that would fade eventually, probably within an hour or two. He gave a reassuring smile to those who looked at them in concern, for it wasn't normal for a child to run away from an adult like that. "He hates shopping, can't say I blame him." He murmured reassuringly to an older woman who was watching him like a hawk. She relaxed and nodded, turning back to her own shopping. It wasn't surprising that many people glanced at them and then away, that most weren't about to interfere with a parent and his child, no matter how frightened that child might seem. But what made him feel hope were the dozen or so people who watched him closely, watched how he held Harry and how he treated him. People who seemed to care that this child was frightened, who would interfere if they thought he was in danger. And that pleased him. There needed to be more people like that in the world, more people who would step in if they thought a child was in danger. "Tell me why you ran?" He inquired softly, keeping the child on his hip. The boy didn't fight him or try to pull away, instead clinging to him like a younger child might.

"Sorry." He muttered, burying his face into Severus' shoulder. He was in trouble, his bottom hurt, and now they'd be mad at him. They'd get rid of him.

"That's not what I asked you, Harry." Severus sighed, rubbing the child's back as he maneuvered them through the store looking for at least a semi-private area.

He grimaced, one small fist grasping a handful of shirt. "Didn't want anyone to get hurt. You can send me back. I understand." Harry mumbled, almost inaudible. He held tighter to the older man, knowing that he was acting like a baby. He wasn't a kid, he could walk. He was fine. Wasn't he?

"Send you back? To where, Harry? Where would I send you to?" He questioned briskly, stopping in a deserted section but he didn't put the child down. Soon Harry would protest that he was too old to be held like this, even as little as he was. The child fit clothes meant for seven and eight year olds, for Merlin's sake! Granted, he wore clothing from the teen department and Alexis easily fit into younger teen clothing. Thankfully, they both knew shrinking spells and there were some very unique shirts in the teen section, so he didn't mind as much. But still, the child was too small.

"Dursleys." He whimpered, biting down hard on his lip.

"Never. You are ours, Harry. You belong with us and your sister does as well. We would never give up either of you. Never, understand?" He replied firmly, leaving no room for argument. The small nod against his shoulder wasn't really an answer but he knew that they could discuss this more at home, the four of them. Perhaps Karrie felt the same way, like she wasn't wanted. But they both were wanted and love. More importantly, his magic and Remus' had started the process of forming bonds with both children. Those kids were stuck with them. "What's this about someone getting hurt?" He added suddenly, remembering the other bit the child whispered.

He hesitated, kicking his foot into the air for a moment. He wasn't used to being so still, it was weird. He knew the man would laugh but he might agree with him and decide he did want to get rid of him, even if he said never. He couldn't really mean it, could he? He was just a freak after all. "Everyone around me ends up hurt. I thought...if I left no one would hurt." He whispered finally voice trembling.

"You are wrong child. We would hurt. You do not cause pain Harry, it is not your fault when accidents happen. We need you and we love you. Remus and I would hurt if you disappeared. So would your friends. So many people would hurt." Severus remarked softly, hugging the child to him tightly. He felt wetness seeping into his shirt and started to slowly sway back and forth, holding the child to his chest and rubbing his back until he finally calm down. "Shh, Harry. It will all be alright. " He murmured.

Harry relaxed against the man, finally letting go. Severus loved him. Him. No one had ever loved him before. It made his stomach feel all warm. "Are you mad at me?" He asked finally, leaning back just a bit so he could look at the older man for a moment.

Tear-streaked cheeks and that tone made him seem so young, so vulnerable. The pain in his eyes, though, that was something no child should know. He had seen that pain in so many sets of young eyes of late and he hated that these children hurt so much. "No Harry. I am not 'mad'. I did not, however, appreciate you trying to run from me." He responded dryly, tapping the boy's bottom gently but not as discipline. No, this was security, safety, comfort...love. The boy had tensed at first but quickly relaxed to the rhythmic tapping. "Better now?" He murmured as the child snuggled closer into his chest. The boy could probably use a nap. He was twelve, yes, but even prepubescents needed rest and comfort.

He nodded tiredly, wrapping both arms completely around Severus' neck. He should be embarrassed for acting like such a baby. But at the moment, he didn't care. He liked the comfort and the warmth of the dark Professor's hold. He felt safe and loved and that was all that matter to him.

He smiled softly down at the head of messy black hair, moving back toward where Remus and the children were. He knew his partner was worried after all. He had been too. They had a long journey ahead, with both their children. But here was hoping they could stay children just a bit longer, that he could hold him for just a bit longer, to reassure himself that the child was safe, that he would heal.

-x-

She took a breath, studying the paper in her hands. The trip had went as well as expected; getting the children to actually buy things for themselves had been difficult and clothes shopping had been frustrating. There wasn't a store for underweight, malnourished teenagers after all. Nor adults, for that matter. But there had only been a few minor incidents and everyone was safe now, back within Hogwarts. She felt safer knowing that all of her children were within the castle. To think that one tried to run away! And then another two started a fight. But honestly, it could have been worse and she knew that. Alexis sighed, summoning a file with a twitch of her hand. She flipped the file open, studying the relevant page for several moments before setting in aside once more. Lucius had managed to get the Weasley child's medical records and she had dug through the infirmary's records, finding the very little bit there was on the boy. His pediatrician's notes were interesting, to say the least. She glanced at her floo, tilting her head slightly as it went off. She raised an eyebrow at the healer, setting the parchment aside. "Eric?"

"I ran the test on the sample. It is safe to try on the child. Severus is brewing the potion now and it shall be ready by tomorrow afternoon. " He stated quietly, narrowing his eyes slightly. The younger woman was too stressed; there were bags under her eyes, under the glamours, and she looked exhausted.

She nodded, eyes distant for a moment. "I will owl the parents and have the correct forms ready for tomorrow then. Keep me posted." She dismissed, picking up the parchment again.

"I shall. Is that the child you believed attacked Millicent?" He questioned, ignoring her brief glare. She couldn't get rid of him that easily. He glanced at the parchment, trying to read it upside down.

She sighed, handing over the parchment. Millicent was his patient, he had a right to any information that could help the child, although he wouldn't be involved in the legal process if it ever got that far.

"She told me that she remembers the boy's voice. I think she could identify him." He commented, reading through the paper quickly. He paused, scanning back over the notes again. The healer had told the child's parents that he was worried for the boy's mental health, that the child was rash and had a tendency to be violent but it had been brushed aside? If they could do a voice test with Millicent and she could identify the boy...he would not be surprised if it was this boy. There were other signs in the file that this boy could have used some form of help, someone to talk to when he was younger.

"Then I will set it up, but it will take time." If the child could identify the boy by his voice, that would help them immensely. She would just have to speak with Lucius about setting up a voice over and getting a group of teenage boys to speak. The prefects would do nicely, and then if it wasn't the Weasley child, they could see if any of the other prefects matched voice-wise. She took the parchment back and placed it inside the file she had set up for this case, setting it back into her drawer. Alexis moved to do more paperwork, ignoring the man who still watched her. If she ignored him long enough, he would leave.

He hesitated, watching her for a moment. He had helped raised this young woman, had calmed her down when she was upset; he had dried her tears when she had fought with Tim, which was often. He could always tell when she was hiding something. But was this something important, something that could blow up in her face, or something private, a crush or fling? His instincts were telling him that it was the former.

She growled, looking up several minutes later. The man was still studying her, having sat down on one of the chairs in front of her desk. "If you are going to sit there, at least help me get something done." She snarled, gesturing toward the always full incoming box. There were letters from parents, paperwork, and internal memos in there. It all been sorted into piles but it still had to be dealt with. The important papers, most of them about the children, were all in one pile, organized by what needed to be tended to first. That was the pile she always went to first and the one she was currently still working through. She shoved a pile of unopened mail at him, picking up a note from one of the camp counselors.

Eric merely nodded, absently checking the pendant around his neck. All was calm at the infirmary, no one needed him currently and he had no appointments for a while yet. The wards would alert him if anyone needed his help and Jemma was minding the office at the moment, so he had time to help her out, if nothing else. He opened the first letter, scanning it and raising an eyebrow. It was a message from a student about classes. He sighed, reading through it again before setting it aside and picking up another.

Alexis snorted, shaking her head. She scribbled an answer to the note in her hand, snapping her fingers and it disappeared. She picked up another one and furrowed her brows, tilting her head slightly. Charity's craft ideas were going to be the death of her sanity, and she might have to redecorate after some of them. There was still paint on the ceiling in the now designated craft room! "Remind me to never let Charity run crafts again." She grunted, scratching out a quick answer to the request.

"What is she doing now?" He inquired, frowning down at the letter in his hand. Five in and he was understanding why she never dealt with the mail if she could help.

"She needs five kilos of flour to make salt dough, as well as food colouring and twenty kilos of dried beans to make 'masterpieces'. She also wants coloured sand, plaster...and to make slime. Slime. With the cauldrons." She snorted, tapping the parchment with her wand. It vanished and would appear on the woman's desk. She had told the woman that she had to ask Severus if they could use the cauldrons because she was certainly not doing it. But Alexis had approved everything else. She just didn't want her brother hexing her for such a silly suggestion.

He chuckled, pulling yet another letter out of its envelope. There were way too many letters left to be read. He scanned the letter and froze, glancing up at the young woman for a moment before reading it through again, slowly this time. Eric leaned back, lowering the parchment and turning concerned hazel eyes to rest on the woman. She was writing a response to something, frowning in thought. If she had been hiding this...but the only way to know was to ask. "Alexis." He called sternly, causing gray eyes to automatically snap up to him.

She raised an eyebrow, frowning slightly at him before setting down her quill. That was a tone that never boded well; Eric never raised his voice, instead he used that tone, the one that clearly stated that he was upset or angry. "Sir?"

"Who wants you dead?"

She grimaced, closing her eyes for a moment and holding her hand out for the letter. She took a deep breath, opening her eyes and scanning the parchment before handing it back to him. "No one." She lied easily, shrugging. "Probably just a joke." She held his gaze for a moment before turning back to her work.

"Don't you dare lie to me." He hissed, eyes snapping.

She sighed, toying with her quill for a moment before finishing what she had started. "I have work to do, Eric." She replied, not bothering to look at him. She would lose her resolve if she did.

He snapped his fingers and the papers in front of her rose, landing in a neat stack out of the way. "There will always be work. Must I really call Tim and Filius?" He drawled dangerously, arching a brow at the younger woman. Why she could never comprehended that her health and safety were important was beyond him.

Alexis flinched, studying her desk intently. "I- that's not necessary, no." She murmured quietly, biting her lip.

She looked so much younger in moments like this, it reminded him that she was still so young. "Talk to me." He responded softer, gentler now.

"There are a lot of people who would like me dead. One of them tried, if you remember correctly. I recall you and Tim springing me from the hospital and not letting me out of your sight for a week. I survived that time, I will be just fine now. It is just a letter, Eric. Just a stupid letter." She growled finally, clenching her fists for a moment and forcing her magic to stay under her control. She had received a few threats lately but they were not important. As long as no one attempted to harm her children, everything was alright. It would be alright, with time.

"I remember how close to death you came last time. That won't happen again. You are too important and these children need you. I won't allow you to put yourself in harms way nor to go through this alone." Eric stated briskly, shaking his head slightly. He would have to tell Filius and Tim, but that could wait for the moment. They would know by the end of the day, because this was not something he could hide or let go.

She growled, baring her teeth for a moment. She took a deep breath, forcing her mind and magic to calm. She glared at him for a moment, her hand snapping out, fire consuming a nearby chair. The phoenix landed on her shoulder, crooning softly into her ear.

"Calm kit. Let him help you." Fawke ordered inside the young mage's mind. He could only communicate with those bound to the Castle's magic. The Headmistress and her Deputy. But mostly the Headmistress, the young woman in front of him. The kit who channeled Her magic like it was nothing but a river flowing through her veins. The kit who knew to release her frustration and anger, instead of letting the magic build up in and around her; who knew that the buildup hurt Her, weakened her. Whereas the released energy strengthened Her wards, made Her stronger, better. He had explained that to the young mage to first time she tried to hide her emotions. She still hid them but only until she was alone, releasing her anger and grief to lessen the burden of Her magic. The young sorceress had much to learn still but she would get there, if only she would ask for help, spread the burden. That had been the last Headmaster's downfall; but this kit was different. She cared and that was what mattered. She would do whatever it took to save Hogwarts, to keep Her magic running and Her students safe. "You are not invincible. Help will strengthen you as you strengthen Her."

Alexis snorted, shaking her head at the phoenix for a moment. "As you wish, Wise One." She scratched his head with affection for a moment, turning liquid silver eyes to rest on the dark-skinned healer. She had always thought of him as the fun uncle, the one who was always there to comfort her, to make her laugh and smile. Not that Tim didn't do those things, he did, but Eric was just so gentle and calm. She hated that look in his eyes, the one that made her feel a few centimeters tall. He was disappointed and upset, angry. Sad. Emotions she hated to see in his eyes, hated to have put there. She took a deep breath, hating the words she would say next. She didn't like asking for help, it was a bad habit from when she was younger and she never gotten over it. "You are right. I cannot do this alone. I try but...too much depends on me. I cannot afford to break nor will Her magic allow it." She drawled finally, biting her lip and looking away.

He understood what she wasn't saying; the slight pleading tone was more than enough to give it away. "We will help you, Alexis. You are not alone anymore. We will be the walls to hold you up. If you just let us in." Eric answered softly, feeling magic stir around him. It was not the binding magic of an oath but the gentle caress of Hogwarts, magic he had come to feel occasionally over the last few weeks. He was only slightly jealous to know that the younger woman felt that magic constantly, because he knew that she also felt the castle's pain and anger; she felt when its students and staff suffered. More importantly, she cared deeply about all of them, even without the added magic.

She merely nodded, leaning back and closing her eyes for a moment. She was tired and honestly a bit frighten, although she would never admit it. For she did not worry what someone might want to do to her, but what they would do to her children and what would happen to her children if something happened to her. She knew who was after her and perhaps tonight when her family gathered in her quarters, she would tell them. Because she couldn't do it alone and Fawkes would peck her if she tried. Not to mention what Filius and Tim would do. She opened her eyes slowly, nodded at him once more and turned back to work. She knew he would stay, until he was needed anyway, and that was alright with her.

-x-

Remus sighed, shifting through the parchment on his lap. He was attempting to finish his lesson plans so he could write an accurate book list for each year and have his syllabuses done. But he kept glancing over at the three children sprawled on the floor, kept sneaking photos of them whenever he could. Their attention was fixed completely on the game they were currently playing. After three rounds of playing 'dragons', the boys had asked Karrie what she wanted to play. And so they were on the floor playing Pretty Pretty Princess, because he had seen the child eyeing the game with longing, had known that she had never been allowed it when she was little. So he had bought it, slipped it into his and Severus' purchases. The school had about six copies of this board game now, as he had also bought one for the Gryffindor toy, game, and book shelf. He'd be damned if those children were going to run wild and get into mischief because they had no toys or games to entertain themselves with. Many brought stuff from home, but not all of them. And he knew that the other Houses all had those shelves, all had sections specifically for each age group, to offer them comfort and activity. To help with home sickness and to create bonding between housemates. He had seen the children currently residing here bond through shared activities, interests, and situations. They held an understanding and acceptance of each other; they could relate easily to each other. And he had seen mixed groups of all ages and genders, children who found solace in the familiar. These three had bonded easily and now there were two preteen boys wearing jewelry to make their friend smile. The boys did seem to be enjoying themselves, letting go of their outer shells and masks, just for a moment, and letting their childishness shine through.

Severus raised an eyebrow, stepping out of the floo unnoticed. Remus was smiling down at their children and the children were arguing. He was smiling at them arguing? He paused, standing silently to listen for a moment.

"I don't want the black ring!"

"But you got it!"

"Take it!"

"Give it to Karrie!"

"Teddy."

"Well, I don't want it!"

"Aw, dammit. Do I hafta keep it?"

"Duh."

"Harry, language please." Remus scolded, causing the boy to grimace and Karrie to stick out her tongue. He shook his head at their antics, glancing at his lover. He had noticed the man the moment he stepped into the room. Because although Severus could blend in with anything, could go unnoticed everywhere, he could not hide his scent. Not from the wolf in him.

He smirked, watching the pouting black-haired boy and the giggling black-haired girl. The brown-haired child had two necklaces around his neck and was twisting another tightly around his wrist. He glanced at the board game and fought back a snort, shaking his head. He had a feeling that he would get talked into being a pretty princess soon enough. But it would be worth it if he could get a picture of Remus with gaudy necklaces and a tiara on his head. He caught Remus' eyes, giving a slight nod at the other man's inquiring look. He had spent the last two hours arguing with Alexis. Arguing over paperwork, organizing class schedules, the new point system, her lack of care for herself, arguing for the sake of arguing. Honestly, they could argue for days over nothing if they chose. But he had learned some things of interest from her. Severus inclined his head toward the kitchen, giving the children one last amused glance before striding into the small kitchenette.

Remus set his paperwork away, standing and stepping easily around sprawled out preteens. Three sets of eyes gazed up at him briefly, relaxing and returning to their game when he gave them a reassuring smile and a brief nod. He stepped into the kitchenette, silently observing his partner putting on water for tea. He moved swiftly, noiselessly, wrapping an arm around the man's waist. He pulled the slightly younger man against him, nuzzling his neck for a moment.

He leaned his head back to rest on the other man's shoulder. "The children could walk in at any moment." He murmured before turning his head and trapping the other man's lips. Not that he actually cared if the children saw them. They would never do anything inappropriate where the children could find them and their bedroom was warded when they were being deeply intimate.

He kissed him back, staring into onyx eyes for a long moment before breaking the kiss with a chuckle. "I can hear them now. 'Ew, gross'." Remus teased, kissing the man again and nipping lightly at his lip. He turn Severus' body easily, so that their chests were pressed together. Long arms looped around his neck, the other man tilting his head back so that their eyes met for a moment. The kiss that followed was passionate and comforting.

"My eyes, my eyes." Bain groaned, moving pass the two men to the ice box. He rummaged in the cold chest for a moment, finding a pitcher of juice and some hidden brownies. He sniffed one, deemed it safe and took a large bite, summoning a glass with his wand. He snorted, glancing at the two men again, before pouring his juice and, balancing the entire container of brownies and the glass, moved to leave the small kitchen.

"Whoa. Not so fast kid." Remus easily grabbed the container of brownies, shaking his head. "Do you wish to start a riot?" He questioned, pulling away from his partner to study the teenager. The young man had been in and out of the lab all afternoon, appearing only to use the bathroom or, after Sev had left, at regular intervals to let him know he was still alive.

"No eating in the lab." Severus drawled, raising an eyebrow at the boy. Really, he was going to spoil his dinner if he ate all that. Even if he shared it with the children.

"Compensation." Bain shrugged, reaching for the container and grinning at the two men.

"For?" Remus arched a brow of his own, frowning at the child. Compensation?

He snorted, smirking now. "For burning that image in my eyes, thanks. Didn't need to see my Master and his partner snogging." It was actually funny really. He never thought he'd catch the two being so carefree and positively loving to each other. He only hoped to find someone he cared about like that. One day. When he was older, much older. And if Alexis had anything to say about it, he'd be like fifty. Ugh.

He chuckled, shaking his head at the boy's antics. "Off with you boy." He growled playfully, summoning a plate and the box of brownies. He placed four onto it and held the plate out to the teenager. "Share those." Severus ordered, smirking at the child. An impish grin was his only answer as the boy grabbed the plate and darted away before he could change his mind. He turned back toward his partner, arching a brow at the man. "Now, where were we?" He purred silkily, watching the older man shiver delicately.

Remus groaned, sinking into that melting kiss for a moment before pulling away. "You were just about to tell me about your meeting." He reminded reluctantly, grinning at the other man's pout. "Severus." He sighed, stepping fully away and moving to finish the tea.

"Spoil sport." He growled under his breath, moving to get two mugs from the cabinet. He became somber quickly, returning his thoughts to the meeting with the Headmistress. The potion would be ready by tomorrow afternoon, it had to brew for several hours after the last step was finished. If all went well, the girls nerves should slowly start to regenerate, although it would take a few days for any progress to become evident. They would know by the weekend if it was going to work at all. Hopefully, it would. And then Alexis had processed to warn him to prepare for a heated discussion that evening. "As well as expected." He shrugged, finally.

He raised an eyebrow, leaning back against the cabinet to observe the man. "Did you accomplish anything besides arguing?" Remus questioned quietly, knowing how those two were together. Honestly, they argued like they had been raised together, not hundreds of miles apart.

He sighed, looking away for a long moment. "Yes. I will tell you tonight." He murmured finally, glancing toward the living room full of children. His partner nodded in understanding and he relaxed slightly, taking a deep breath. They had a long road to travel but they would get there in the end. He wasn't Deputy for nothing, after all.

-x-

She paced her quarters restlessly for a moment, not bothering to look at any of the men taking up space on her furniture. They were silent, waiting. When Eric had brought up the letters, she had snapped at him. And maybe she shouldn't have. Maybe growling that she knew who wanted her dead had been a bad decision. But they would find out eventually, and now they would just wait, knowing that she would talk when she was ready. But was she ready? Was she really? Revealing herself to these men, to these five who she considered family...but it was something she could do. She knew that. Because they loved her and her boys loved her. Her boys who were all currently in their group meetings, even Bain who had went reluctantly. And there was a silencing ward around the room, just as a precaution. But that didn't make this any easier. Truthfully, the men could probably guess the answer but she knew, she just knew, that they wanted to hear it from her lips. She took a deep breath, finally turning to face them. Alexis let her eyes wander for a moment, finding onyx eyes with ease. She could do this. She kept her eyes locked with Severus, knowing that he understood exactly why she was focusing on him. Because if she looked at Filius or Tim, or even Eric, she would lose her will. She wouldn't be able to start. "My foster father has wanted to regain custody of me since I first managed to escape. Now, he can do no such thing. So he wants me dead. Better dead and silenced if not under his control." She shrugged, tone and expression completely emotionless. She had always locked down all feelings of him, locked them away. Now was not the time to stop doing so.

He growled softly, calming slightly at his partner's hand resting gently on his arm. He and Eric had known, of course, that the girl was hunted in her home country. When she had first came to them and they had assessed what damage had been done to her, physically and mentally, they had decided to stay at their home in France. Eric wouldn't let him leave for nearly a month, fearing that he would kill the man. And that was only with the scans! Once she had started talking and they had started to teach her English...he had wanted to harm him. To make him suffer as she had. But Eric had stopped him, reminding him that the child needed them there, that harming the bastard wouldn't help her. He also might had ignored him and his warning...but he hadn't done any damage to the man, if he could even call him that. Which was perhaps the only reason he didn't end up sleeping on the couch, even if he did end up sleeping on his stomach. Not that Alexis even knew that he had met her so called foster father nor would the man remember him. "He cannot harm you here, he must realize this." He remarked finally, breaking the long, tense silence. Tim could feel the anger rolling off of Filius and Remus had bared his teeth. The wolf in the man was closer to the surface than he normally allowed. Interesting.

Severus kept his eyes locked on his sister, inclining his head slightly and beckoning to her. Remus was tense beside him and he knew the slightly older man would relax only if he knew for a fact that Alexis was safe. When Remus had asked for his hand, this past winter, he had knowingly accept Alexis into their family, into their 'pack'. And in the pack mentality, Alexis was theirs. Any threat to her was a threat to the pack. One of the reasons he was quite glad the children were not around. Because the look in his partner's eyes was frightening. His partner only deferred to two others: Filius and Eric, which was slightly surprising. But then, Remus knew the healer much better than he did, as he only knew Eric from a brief few meetings and only as Tim's partner. Although, that was rapidly changing. He beckoned to Alexis again, giving her a slight, reassuring nod, before sliding over and making room between him and Remus on the couch. The other man would remain furious until the wolf inside was reassured.

She kept her eyes locked on his, making slow, automatic steps toward him. Once Alexis was close enough, a hand caught her and pulled her down onto the couch, nestled safely between her brother and his mate. Severus might be controlling and demanding in his work life, his job was dangerous enough to require it to an extent, but she knew that Remus was the dominate one in their relationship. The wolf inside the man demanded it and once he had stopped fighting it, he was able to control in much more than he had once feared. The man that was currently sniffing at her possessively. The first time he had done that, she had not been pleased and had tried to get away from him. Not because she feared him, she didn't, but because she had thought it was weird. And she had been a bit younger then and a lot more private. The last time he had done such, she had scared him and Severus. He had sniffed her as he did now, reassuring himself that she was present and fine, before swatting her. And then lecturing. God the lecturing! But he had agreed not to tell Filius, so she had just listened to it. This time, she sat perfectly still, not moving until he nodded. She was fine, she would be fine. The two men flanking her would not allow any harm to come to her. And the three men watching them with piercing stares would prevent anyone from even coming close.

"You should have told us sooner, Alexis." Filius remarked calmly, hiding his fear and anger with ease. For he was afraid that someone would try to take one of his children away, that someone would harm her. He was angry that someone wanted to hurt his child. But he was also angry at her for hiding this from them, from him; for brushing it off like it was nothing. For lying to him. But he understood, even if he didn't like it. She wasn't used to other people taking care of her, to allowing others in. Even if that was what they had spent years trying to accomplish. He had had this girl under his wings for just over two years now, and yet she still didn't trust him enough to come to him with this. He was planning to adopt her but she couldn't trust him. It made his heart hurt, an old ache that reminded him of his wife of long ago. "Do you trust us so little, to hide this from us? To lie to our faces?" He asked softly, dangerously. The younger woman, and her brother, shivered.

She grimaced, moving to stand back up so that she could pace again but a hand caught her wrist. She glared at the man, baring her teeth for a moment.

Remus raised an eyebrow, not letting go of the bony wrist nor releasing the pressure, although he was careful not to place too much pressure on bones that were surely frail. "Stay." He ordered lowly.

"I'm not a fucking dog Remus!" She snarled, sneering at him. She hid a grimace when brown eyes darkened to gold and narrowed, when the older man bared his own teeth in a silent growl. Damn. Hadn't she tested him before, as she had tested every single person in that room, and seen what happened when she did? She knew better than to push him too hard, knew how far she could push him. And she had crossed that line. Oops.

Severus sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. He had seen that look in his partner's eyes and he knew that look quite well. He grimaced at the loud smack that rang out in the deadly silent room and felt his sister flinch. She had challenged him, when she already knew that he was on edge, that they were all on edge. She knew better, but perhaps it was what she needed. A reminder that they cared about her, in good times and bad, when she misbehaved and disobeyed, and when she fought against them. He knew why she pushed them away, why she hid things like this. Because she believed it was too good to be true, that someone could actually love her and care about her, let alone a group of people would. And he knew this quite well, because he often felt the same. But Remus reminded him every day with his kisses and gentle touches that it was real, and Filius reminded him with his words, with the firm pat to his arm, and that look in his eyes. He opened his eyes, glancing at the girl beside him. Her eyes were focused on the floor, blushing slightly and rubbing her leg. He grimaced in solidarity, knowing how much Remus' hand could hurt. His partner was strong.

"Alexis."

She blinked, staring blankly at the floor for a moment, not daring to look up at the man on her right. But Merlin, that had hurt! Granted, she knew it could be worse. Remus would never hurt her, not if he could help it. Her thigh stung but she had had much worse when she was younger. "Sir?" She responded softly, biting the inside of her cheek.

"Do not speak to me like that again." He warned quietly, knowing that only she, and Severus, would hear.

"Yes sir." Alexis whispered, hating the fact that she instinctively deferred to him. She was his boss, so why did she defer to him? Why did she obey him? She was headmistress! She shouldn't have to obey anyone, she was an adult and she was in control. Right? She hissed suddenly, feeling the castle's reaction. She was wrong and Hogwarts knew it. In school matters, he deferred to her. They all deferred to her. But in family matters...she was the youngest, she wasn't in charge, nor could she be. She had too great of a responsibility to lead the family. Yes, she had her children and her magic was bonding to them and she was responsible for them, and all of Hogwarts children, but she couldn't head the 'pack'. She knew that; better yet, her magic knew that. She could not hold both the school's magic and familial magic, her body couldn't channel both. Perhaps that was why most of the previous headmasters and mistresses had not had families of their own, or if they did they were not the Head of that family. She looked up suddenly, taking a deep breath and focusing purely on the magic. Her eyes scanned the room, finding the threads of magic she had never thought to look for, the magic the connected them as family. Threads wove around the room, different colours and different lights, with five strands vanishing through the floor. Those would be the children, then. Although Severus and Remus had not had the bonding ceremony yet, their magic was wrapped tightly around the other's, each strand barely separating at all. She could clearly see the threads linking Remus to Eric, just as she could see the ones linking herself to Eric and Tim. A darker, thicker thread linked her and Severus, twining together to link them both to Filius. All the threads eventually led to Filius and the magic marked him quite clearly as the Head of the Family. Even Tim and Eric were linked to him. But then why...ah. The magic thicken, showing her clearly what she wanted to know. It flowed throughout the room, changing hues as it went, easily marking the familial bond. Filius, then Eric, and then Remus. And one day, as Filius grew older, he would pass the bond to Remus to hold; the man, not that much her senior, would be head of the family. Even if it was years in the future, her magic recognized that. It made sense then, the need, the want, to obey them. Her magic needed it, to keep the connection. It was different when she was acting as Headmistress, but when she was Filius' daughter...the magic demanded the connection to stay. She couldn't sever it even if she wanted to and she didn't want to. The lost of such magic would be devastating to all of them. Huh, it was something to study further though.

He nudged her gently, causing startled gray eyes to blink and meet his for a moment. "I believe Filius wanted an answer." He reminded kindly, forcing the wolf in him to stay calm. He had seen that brief, distant look in her eyes and knew instantly that she was observing magic. Perhaps, their magic. He had heard, from Tim, that their familial bond was unique, intense, and a bit odd. But then again, it was their family. He watched her hesitate with a suppressed sigh, her hand absently rubbing her thigh. Remus hated that he had caused that pain, but he also knew it had been necessary. It had also calmed his magic quickly. Filius had given him books, recently, about familial magic, so he understood why he reacted like that and he knew that the monster...no, the wolf, inside of him demanded that he do so, that she obey him. He would obey her in school matters, but here she was not in charge. She was lucky that he had only smacked her thigh, instead of taking her across his knee or, gods forbid, biting her to show dominance. Before he had gained complete control that was often how it showed itself; he had often reacted as a wolf, instead of a man. And this close to the full moon... it would have been easy to slip. But his will was much stronger.

Alexis grimaced, turning her eyes to her papa. "I didn't want to worry you. I thought I could handle it." She admitted softly, dropping her eyes to her lap. She had thought she could handle it, she could handle it. She just had to protect her students. But perhaps she didn't have to protect them alone. Isn't that what Fawkes had tried to tell her, after all? That she wasn't in this alone. That had been the downfall of previous Headmasters; the power had went to their head and they had stopped caring about the students, the staff and the magic. But that wouldn't happen with her. She wouldn't let it; more to the point, these men around her wouldn't allow it. She took a deep breath, finally looking back up at him. "I have received threats since the moment I became of legal age. They stopped phasing me a while ago and, until now, they have been empty threats. I am more worried about the safety of the students than about myself. I am, after all, quite capable of defending myself. I am sure the lot of you have heard that story, so details are unimportant." She drawled, grimacing slightly at the thought. It was still a painful memory, one she tried to not think about.

"The students are safe as long as they are within the wards. We will just have to up patrols during Hogsmeade weekends and school trips." Severus remarked quietly, turning the subject quickly away from his sister. Perhaps she could protect herself, but that didn't mean they would not protect her also. He also knew she was overwhelmed at the moment; the five of them ganging up on her wouldn't help.

"We will keep your students safe, Alexis. No need to worry there." Tim added, shaking his head slightly. He knew exactly what the two youngest were doing and he knew Filius wasn't happy about it. But the man could speak with them later, after they all had calmed down. He didn't like it either, that she was in danger. That that bastard was still after her, after all these years. He should have done something years ago...but he couldn't change that now. And he was needed here, to help with the students. They all were. None of them could afford to go off after a man quite capable of vanishing into thin air.

Filius frowned, arching a brow slightly. He didn't like it but he knew when to let it go. He was not happy about her lack of concern for herself, but there was very little he could do about that. He had thought that he had installed even a slight belief that her life was worth something back when he had first started to care for the younger woman. Clearly, not. But that was alright. He knew, with time, that they would teach the young Headmistress exactly how much she meant to them and her student. They would just have to get through this first. Gods willing.

-x-