A/N : I'm really unhappy with the last chapter. I'm sorry that it sucked so much. If I get time tomorrow to rewrite it, I will. But until then, here's the next chapter.

Chapter Six – Phoenixes.

For the next few days, Harry read through the book on Phoenixes. According to the book, there was a midwinter ritual to summon a phoenix, in the night of the darkest dark, a light wizard would be able to shine through the darkness and summon a light inclined animal. Harry read through the ritual and frowned, it was quite complex and required a lot of luck for a phoenix to hear his call and respond. But that was all he could do. Harry wasn't happy with Snape and he didn't think he ever would be, just because Harry disliked Snape didn't mean that he should be left to die, especially when Harry felt pretty confident about summoning a phoenix. His wand contained a phoenix feather -willingly given- and he felt that might persuade a phoenix to at least listen to him. He hoped.

The ritual would require a set of runes, among other things. Harry knew that he could easily ask Hermione and she would be able to tell him instantly, it was just that... a part of him wanted to do this for Snape by himself. He didn't know why, maybe it felt stupid to get a friends help to do something for his husband. Then, a part of him didn't trust his friends to get over their animosity towards Snape, not Hermione, more Ron. Ron still hadn't forgiven him for hexing the ear off one of the twins. Harry understood, he also understood why Ron might be having trouble getting over it. That didn't necessarily make the animosity correct though. Ron should've known that Snape had no choice.

It was then that Harry realised he would defend Snape to his friends. At least Snape didn't ditch you for a Honeymoon. Damn, that nasty voice was back. Even though he's hurt you, it's not as though you haven't deserved at least some of it. Harry didn't know what to do. A part of him was longing to at least befriend Snape – everyone had their flaws, it just happened that some of Snapes were a bit nastier and who the hell is Harry to judge? Another part was screaming that Snape was a greasy old bastard who hated his guts and almost always would. All those confused emotions aside, Harry was still going to try and summon a phoenix.

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"Harry," He looked up from the books scattered across his desk.

"Prof. - Minerva," Harry corrected himself still blushing.

"How are you?" she asked kindly. "I haven't seen you in the staff room for a few days,"

"Oh, I have been busy," Harry smiled. "I've become interested in Ancient Runes," he lied, gesturing to the books around him. "And I've also been brushing up on my Gryffindor History,"

"Has Severus been good to you?" Harry nodded, he was worried his voice might betray the lies. "Excellent," she smiled. "I must admit to being rather surprised," she paused. "Congratulations," and then she left.

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After checking through numerous times and numerous books, Harry was certain that he'd gotten the Runes correct. He had lied extensively to the Headmistress, Ancient Runes was the most boring, insufferable subject of them all – including potions. Harry didn't want to think about the potion he'd need to make for the ritual. He'd checked out the girls bathroom on the second floor and found all of their potions kit still there – cauldron and all. Now he just had to work out how he'd smuggle the ingredients there and whether or not he could brew it.

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A/N: Just a short chapter, mainly stuffed full of plot points. I'm well on the way to finishing the next chapter, I want to have it done by tonight, simply in case I get snowed under at work and don't get to write as much as I want to.