AN: Initially I wasn't going to post today, but I found time so decided why not?

About an hour ago, I found out I was in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID. Right now I am not displaying any symptoms, but haven't found time to get tested. Because of this, I may not post for the next few days.

All that being said, thank you all for your support! Happy New Year and keep being amazing!

The last thing Severus expected to see was Metatron standing beside the right armrest of the sofa. Sirius sat on the other side, his glow flickering like a birthday candle which had been blown on twice.

Severus' glow went white as he opened his mouth.

"So glad you are finally here," Metatron turned to him with a gleam in his eyes Severus instinctively to be wary of. "We have things to discuss."

"Dismas!" Severus shouted.

"Dismas isn't coming," Metatron began.

"Dismas!"

"He isn't coming," Metatron's frown deepened. "He knows he can't interfere with this."

"Dismas!"

"He isn't coming."

"Why?" Severus' glow was arrhythmic.

"He isn't going to interrupt official angel business," the archangel's voice lowered.

Severus opened his mouth.

"And the Trinity will let him know this is official angel business, so his chances as interfering are nil."

"How the hell is you interfering with the program 'official angel business?'"

From the look in Sirius' eyes, it was clear he would've liked an answer to that as well, but was much too afraid to ask.

"Because I'm not here about the program." Metatron twitched his left wing. "Actually, my purpose tangentially relates to the program, but not in the way you think."

"Dismas!"

"Would you stop calling for him?" Metatron approached Severus. "I'm not trying to shut the program down, so there's no reason for him to come."

"If you aren't here about the program then why are you here?"

"I need your help with a mission."

"What kind of mission?" Sirius sat up straighter.

"It wouldn't pertain to Hermione, would it?" Severus asked.

Sirius went red. "So help me if you hurt Hermione…"

"Relax, he did not hurt Hermione" Severus' lips curled upwards. "In fact, he owes her a favor."

"He does?" Sirius glow returned to its usual hue.

"Yes, apparently despite our worst fears, he and Hermione had quite a pleasant interaction. According to her, she helped him with his tequila mission."

"Tequila mission?"

"His girlfriend wanted tequila, so he was forced to go down and get some."

Sirius gave Metatron a sideways glance.

"Indeed, I am indebted to your lover for her help," Metatron admitted.

Sirius' glow brightened. "You may have to keep the program running indefinitely if you owe her a favor!"

Metatron raised an eyebrow.

"If you owe Hermione a favor, she wants to remain with Severus more than anything," Sirius continued. "You have to make sure they remain together now!"

"She would appreciate that," Severus concurred.

"Sadly I do not have the power to do that," Metatron replied. "Only the Trinity does."

"Are you just saying that because you can't do it, or because you won't?" Severus was red.

"I am not the Trinity, nor will I ever presume to take on the role they do."

"Which is why you visited me once Severus and Hermione fused," Sirius cut in.

"That did seem rather presumptuous for someone who did not want to take the place of the Trinity," Severus noted.

"Admittedly, threatening Black was not one of my wiser moves." Metatron scowled. "But that is hardly relevant to my current mission."

"Then why are you here?"

"Because while Hermione was helping me obtain a book, she was rudely accosted by Mr. Cormac McLaggen."

The humor evaporated from the spirits' expressions.

"It appears you two are familiar with him."

"You could say that," Severus' glow was a brighter red.

"Good, that means I can cut to the chase." Metatron unfurled his wings. "It is a grievous sin to behave immorally before an angel."

"It is?" Sirius' glow was a bright yellow.

"Indeed it is. Just look what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah."

"That was real?" Severus asked.

"A few of the details may have been changed, but the story of someone sinning in front of an angel and having their city destroyed is true enough."

"What is the true story?" Severus asked.

"You needn't be concerned with it," Metatron gave them a pointed look.

Sirius opened his mouth to question him, but thought better of asking anything.

"Anyway, I discussed the issue with the Trinity. They agree that Mr. McLaggen has had his chances to repent of his harassing behavior, and that I warned him a sufficient amount of times to choose a different course of action. Alas, nothing worked."

"So are we going to haunt him?" Sirius asked.

"Not exactly," Metatron replied. "He is beyond a simple haunting now."

"Then what do you plan to do?" Severus asked.

"You two are going to appear and give him one last chance to repent. If he still refuses, then," Metatron's glow intensified. "He's in my hands."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Sirius asked.

"It means that when you see a fiery wheel, you must turn away. Cover your eyes as best you can. Do not look up until it gets silent."

"What happens if we do look up?"

"Did you read what happened to Lot's wife?"

Sirius shook his head.

"She became a pillar of salt," Severus cut in. "Will that be our fate if we look at you?"

"Not necessarily, but you may wish you were."

Severus and Sirius gave each other nervous glances.

"Are you willing to help me then?" Metatron asked.

"Will this prevent Mr. McLaggen from ever harassing Hermione again?" Severus asked.

"It will," Metatron smirked.

"Will you also put in a good word for Hermione and Severus to stay together?" Sirius asked.

"Sadly that it beyond the scope of what the Trinity has allowed me to do."

"You spoke with the Trinity about this?"

"They were the ones who told me to involve you two."

Sirius' eyes grew.

"Are there any more questions, or will you be ready for me this evening?"

"Hermione is expecting me this evening," Severus replied.

"This won't take long," Metatron answered. "Just appear to her, tell her you have heavenly business, and return to her once we're done."

"That sounds doable," Severus replied.

"So, will you two help me, or must I do everything myself?"

"I will help you for Hermione," Severus replied.

"For Hermione," Sirius echoed.

Metatron grinned. "For Hermione."