Ariadne Davoren was in mid-race with Harry Potter towards the door of the reading room when she heard the sound of the front door opening. It must be him, she thought reflexively but quickly discarded the thought because of a sudden pain in her knee followed by a spectacular fall. This provoked riots of laughter from her and her friends. Even Ron let them hear his unmistakable laughter, rare since his family tragedy.

"All right there?" asked a slightly concerned Harry.

"Of course! What else?" smiled Ariadne "But don't think you will win so easily next time, when this stupid piece of furniture is no longer your ally!" replied while standing up and sending a mocking glare towards the offending cupboard.

"Do we go inside? I want to start right away…and this is heavy, you know?" said Ginny carrying a big brown box.

"Let me," said Harry, rushing to take the box and entering the room.

Ariadne then took Hermione's similar looking box and they all then went inside, thought she couldn't help but glance briefly towards the stairs that went to the hall. After two depressing weeks of healing, taking care of the injured, and assimilating the terrible losses, they had decided to start moving again. The first step would be reorganising, and in some cases, redecorating the Blacks' house. However, even immersed in this wave of energy and activeness, it was still painfully obvious that something wasn't quite right. Although they always carried their wands with them and employed them when necessary, they had somehow reached the unspoken agreement to not use them for things that could be done without them, as though they were wary or tired of magic. Besides, doubts about their future were lurking permanently at the back of their minds.

Until the demise of the Dark Lord, it had seemed for them that nearly all their actions were somehow influenced by the war. They were all focused towards the very same goal. But now they no longer had a mission, an end in mind. It was the time for them to truly decide about their future, which was previously determined by the war, was now vague, and they were at a loss. In addition to that, they were all now plagued with sadness for the losses, thought they were carrying their burdens in very different ways. Ron seemed at first the most afflicted, but now he was tentatively regaining his previous self. Harry, on the other hand put on a brave face whenever someone was present, but when alone he fell apart. It was heartbreaking for Ariadne the first time she witnessed her best friend so utterly broken. Ginny was coping with the losses similarly to Harry for the most part; it was just that she let the others be with her during her worst as well as her best.

Hermione and Ariadne had realised soon enough that they must be there, supporting the others because of their ability to remain calm and be the soothing presences amongst them. But this was wearing them down, especially Ariadne, because Hermione had Ron, and Harry and Ginny had each other… but she felt more and more alone with the pass of time. It wasn't that her friends didn't count on her but they didn't realise her façade was as frail as theirs, even being her always the strongest-looking.

But why didn't they notice it…? Don't follow that path! It's just me being selfish. But… what if I'm becoming a nuisance…? No, enough of that! They will always be there for me. They wouldn't push me away. Never. Unlike him.

Her face formed a frown. She would always remember that day. It had been one Friday night nearly five months ago. It had been a hard session for both of them. After months of training and preparation it had been the first – and last - time they had had a duel. They had fought for nearly two hours trying to break into the other's mind while protecting their own. She could recall perfectly how the tiredness he felt had been only betrayed by the lines around his eyes and the languor of his movements while bringing her customary cup of chocolate. The warm light of the fire had made his features less daunting, and the scene had taken an air of intimacy, not unlike all their post-lessons times. She had smiled gratefully and one of the corners of his mouth had lifted fractionally. She cherished those tiny smiles, maybe because it was one of the little things that actually assured her she was welcome around him. Of course, he had been treating her exceptionally well for months – taking into account who we are talking about - but politeness didn't necessary mean he enjoyed the extra time we spent together!

It reminded her of her all-time present insecurity. That was the main problem of dealing with Severus Snape: you never knew what he would be thinking. Most of the time she had thought she was tolerable for him, and sometimes she had seemed welcomed but after that day…

She hadn't understood what had changed that night or what development she truly had expected from their 'friendship'. I overstepped my bounds. Surely, I shouldn't have fallen asleep. It was a teacher's quarters, his quarters… but still, his reaction had been completely surprising. He had woken her up with a cold and authoritarian 'Miss Davoren', followed by an icy request – order - to leave his chambers immediately. His eyes had been hard and had lost all their warmth. His stance had been stiff, as though he had been ready to fight and was restraining himself. She had already seen this posture, and he had been thoroughly enraged at the time. After that, there hadn't been more Legilimency lessons.

Maybe he was just waiting for an excuse to get rid of me… but why such contempt?

She shrugged off the uneasy feeling and focused on the present, where Harry and Ron were taking the magazines out of the boxes while Hermione and Ginny were already leafing through one of them. They were Hermione's mother's collection, and she thought it might be a good way to start taking ideas for the redecoration. They had already established 'the reading room' as headquarters, mainly because it was one of the only rooms they liked as it was. Though noticeably smaller than the ballroom downstairs, that room had always appealed Ariadne and Harry since their moving because of the sense of hominess that emanated from it. There was a large sofa and two armchairs facing the fire, surrounded by bookcases full of tomes, and heavy dark purple velvet curtains gave a cosy feeling to the room, mostly used as a reading point for some of the inhabitants or a place for an occasional nightcap after the Order meetings.

In fact, it was just there when he was taking said nightcap when she had first had a glimpse of the real Snape. About eight months after the beginning of their Legilimency lessons, she had entered the reading room in her pyjamas, intending to spend some quiet time reading after a most tiring day before going to bed. She had found him in her favourite armchair, sipping some golden liquor with a book on his lap. She had started to retreat trying not to disturb him but…

"If you are about to celebrate a little pyjama party with your friends and were looking for a suitable room, I recommend you to start thinking of another place. However, if you are going to simply read a book in silence, you can stay. Unless you find my mere presence absolutely unbearable, that is." He had ended baritone warning with a sneer, although he hadn't even looked at her.

Never the one to retreat from a challenge – she was a Gryffindor, after all -, she had looked at him steadily, picked a book and sat on the other armchair with determination.

"I'm staying, then"

He had looked up from his book and had given her a half amused, half curious glance before taking up his volume without another word. After about half an hour, he had finished his drink and seemed unusually at ease. After observing her for a few moments, he had spoken to her.

"Is this your usual routine before retiring for the evening?"

"Is your usual routine to interrupt people who are occupied, with such pompous expressions?" she had retorted, irritated by the interruption, but she immediately regretted it, seeing he had regained his cold demeanour and stiff posture.

"I apologise. It's just it has been a very long day and when I'm tired I tend to be rude. I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that," she had said quickly and he had seemed to relax a little.

She had closed her book then and decided to make amends. After all, she had always respected him profoundly and he had seemed approachable that night. She remembered looking him straight in the eye and answering his question tentatively, afraid of his possible sharp retort after her slip.

"Yes, it is. I used to spend some time reading before going to bed, both here or in my room." Seeing he hadn't reacted badly, at least outwardly, she continued "What about you? Do you often come here to read… and drink?" She had ended with a small apologetic smile; it really hadn't been his fault that her day had been horrible. Ron and Hermione had had an argument and were sulking while Harry was moody because one of his investigation paths had just been closed.

After a pregnant pause, Severus Snape's reply had been pouring himself another glass of the golden liquid with a raised eyebrow and a challenging but nearly playful expression. The tense atmosphere dissipated after a moment.

"I'll take that for a 'yes'". She had smiled, fully relieved at his response.

"I don't usually indulge myself with drinking… but after some Order meetings I just find it necessary," he had replied with a smirk.

"Is it really that bad?" she had asked still playfully, but he had seemed to take her question seriously, had sobered and had turned his head towards the fire, the moving flames illuminating his face in a most mesmerising way.

"Sometimes it is," he had finally said in a muted tone before turning back to look at her with a strange expression in his eyes. They had stayed like that, just staring at each other for a few moments before he had stood up and exited the room with a soft 'Have a good night, Miss Davoren'. But in the instants she had been holding his gaze, she had ached for him and her heart had started to beat strongly, as if to warn her that something important was happening. For a moment all she had heard had been the nearly painful thud of her heart and all she had seen had been his occluded dark eyes. Ever since, her interest in him and her intention of getting to know more of the mysterious man had become a firm objective. Whatever it took was worth it just to feel like that again…

She shook her head once more. What is the matter with me? He has been perfectly clear about his feelings for me this last five months: distaste at the top of the list. Well, if she was honest, she could recall some disturbing moments in their 'relationship' - especially before that night - that could clearly unbalance her assessment but she had opted a long time ago to not try to figure anything out about him and let things unfold over time. She was very wary of wishful thinking.

"Ari? Are you ok?" Harry worriedly asked once more. He seemed to think all of them were on the brink of an emotional breakdown.

"Yes, yes. I'm fine. Just rambling about something, as always." She smiled reassuringly. The cloud around Harry's amazing green eyes dissipated. He was already accustomed both of her mind-wandering moments and her extremely active ones and didn't gave either of them much thought. That is why he could never guess what was passing through his friend's mind. Fortunately, Ariadne thought, because even though since the revelation of Snape's motives to betray Lord Voldemort, Harry had profoundly respected Snape, though the loathing he had felt towards him all these years hasn't disappeared yet. No, no matter how much he respected him, he wouldn't be the least bit happy to hear one of his best friends couldn't stop thinking about him. Well, maybe that 'couldn't stop' was a bit excessive... But she had to acknowledge her thoughts have been directing themselves at him more than she cared to admit. It isn't good. No good at all… But isn't this the time to start again?

She jumped from her chair in reaction to that thought, startling Ron, who was beside her chair lazing about – he wasn't especially enthusiastic about 'redecorating', it sounded too much like a girl's thing - and with a quick apologetic smile, she immersed herself in their project, firmly intending not to waste another second thinking about the lost case Severus Snape was.

::::::::::::::::~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~::::::::::::::

That very night, after a noisy dinner – as were most of the meals at headquarters – they were told they were expected the next day at noon in the meeting room, much to Ginny's annoyance because she was being excluded from their activities once again.

::::::::::::::::~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~::::::::::::::

Ariadne didn't know what to expect of this meeting. She had seen the Headmaster once since the battle, but briefly, and he seemed the same as always, although maybe the weight of the time was beginning to show. Or the weight of the injuries from the battle. They had been greatly worried when he had been carried unconscious to St Mungo's, but his prompt release had reassured most of the Order members. However Ariadne was still wary. She was sure he had been injured enough to have at least a month of internment. Gods, we had feared even for his life at first! She rather suspected something wasn't quite as it looked.

The end of the war had revealed some fairly useful pieces of information and had revealed more than one meaningful detail, for those keen enough to hear them. And if Ariadne had learned something from Severus Snape, it was that each piece of information should be taken into account because even if at the time it doesn't make sense, maybe in time it may fit in to a greater scheme of things. This way, and despite her profound affection for the old man, Ariadne Davoren reached the surprising conclusion that the Headmaster relied on deceit and false appearances nearly as much as the Potions Master himself, with the enemies as much as with the allies. That is why when she entered the room, the first thing she did was check up on the Headmaster and also why she was the only one who noticed that he hadn't stood up to greet them as was his custom before the war.

After the exchange of pleasantries and concerned questions they took a seat around the table, realising there were still two empty seats.

"Umm… Professor… are we expecting someone else?" Harry asked finally , whose face seemed to glow, as it always did whenever Dumbledore was present. Although Harry and Dumbledore had had their differences, to say Harry cared deeply for the Headmaster would be an understatement.

"Indeed we are…" Just then came the unmistakeable sound of the front door opening. "But if I'm not mistaken, they have just arrived" he continued cheerfully. A moment later, the door was opened and Neville Longbottom entered followed closely by Draco Malfoy.

"Hi guys! Headmaster," Neville said and bowed, while Draco only nodded before sitting beside Ariadne. He had ended up collaborating with them against his father's wishes. Now he was virtually alone although was slowly being accepted by the Order people. Ariadne was especially amiable with him, because she understood his position and didn't envy it at all; he'd had to betray his parents and all that he had firmly defended for the sake of 'doing the right thing', and obligation towards the family could be an extraordinary strong force. And on top of that, his supposed allies still despised him. So she smiled swiftly to him before returning her attention to the Headmaster.

"Welcome, my boys," replied Dumbledore. "Well, now that we are all here, I shall begin. As you have been already informed, you are to take your NEWT's next October." They all nodded, some more enthusiastically than others. "And as you have been actively involved in this war, I suppose you haven't had enough time to properly focus on your studies, am I right?" They nodded again. "I also remember all of you have showed interest in the Order of the Phoenix's functionality and some of you even requested to join it. Well, you may think that now there isn't much point in belonging to it, but there is in fact much to do and the Order is still working for that purpose. That is why I wanted to propose to you all, you would be joining in a way that would benefit both the Order missions and your studies." He made a pause to gauge the reactions, which wavered from openly eagerness to polite interest.

"In case you agree, I will pair each of you with a veteran Order member who would be your mentor and would instruct you both in the ways of the Order and in your academic subjects. You, in turn, are expected to help them in whatever way they deem appropriate in the ambition of their missions. I have already talked with veteran members of the Order and in general they are agreeable to go on with these arrangements if you decide it suits you. Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Longbottom and Miss Granger would be mainly helping with Hogwarts reconstruction, both structurally and magically. Mr. Weasley would be focused mainly in the ministry, as I've heard that would likely be your chosen career, while Mr Potter and Miss Davoren would be expected to help in missions such as researching and seeking out the hiding places of the remaining Death Eaters, though occasionally you might exchange positions." Excited glances were starting to be exchanged between the young people. "But before you agree or not, I want you to be fully aware of the situation," he said, his voice turning sober.

"Do bear in mind that belonging to the Order entails a great deal of responsibility and many personal risks. You will have to work hard and be ready to act whenever you are summoned. It definitely isn't a decision you should take carelessly." He paused once again and watched each of them carefully in turn. When his eyes pierced Ariadne's, she had to struggle to remain impassive, because those eyes clearly betrayed his façade. There was no trace left of the ever-present twinkle and there was a hint of something fragile in the previously powerful gaze. A flash of recognition passed through his face and she could swear he smiled minutely to himself, but then curtly nodded in her direction.

"Well. Do you have any questions?"

"Who will we be paired with? Is that already settled?" Draco Malfoy asked calmly.

"Yes it is. You and Mr. Longbottom are to be with Messrs. Weasley and myself as supervisors at Hogwarts, though you will also work closely with the other professors. Miss Granger is paired with Professor McGonagall, Mr. Weasley with Kingsley, Mr Potter with Remus and Miss Davoren with Professor Snape."

Ariadne gasped, almost inaudibly but at this Draco looked swiftly at her with a somewhat puzzled expression.

"You will have until the end of the week to think about it. I'll come back on Sunday, when I would like to hear your responses, and, depending on your decisions, make you official members, if that is your will, at the Order meeting scheduled on Monday evening. Have a good week," he ended once again cheerfully. They stood up to exit the room when he called with a meaningful look in his eyes "And Miss Davoren… remember discretion is sometimes our best ally." She nodded seriously and exited the room, while Harry, after looking at her questioningly, approached him and started a conversation. Ariadne felt a tug of her sleeve and when she turned she met Draco's eyes, who pointed her towards the ballroom instead of the kitchen, where the others were heading. She nodded once and entered said room without further comment. When the door closed behind her, she turned to face him.

"What's the matter?" she asked, intrigued. He gave her a calculating look before apparently deciding it was 'safe' relaxing his posture and easing himself into a chair, without the cold countenance he had previously kept.

"Nothing special, but I wanted to talk to you and as you have realised, no doubt, I'm not comfortable with them," he drawled, waving a hand towards the kitchen.

"And are you comfortable with me?" she replied raising her eyebrows.

"Let's just say that I'm not so uncomfortable with you." He half sneered-half smiled. "Not really. I know we are not best friends, but I consider you a person I can talk with. You know, we do get on well, don't we?" he continued managing to sound confident and insecure at the same time. She smiled slightly and he felt reassured.

"Mmm…. Perhaps we do.… Who would have guessed it?" she finally teased while leaning against the wall. He smiled. Although they had become polite to each other through the war and increasingly amiably, it was the first time they had acknowledged it. He cleared his voice and sobered.

"So… what do you think about it? You will join the Order, won't you?" he asked.

"Yes, I think we all will…" She hesitated for a moment, and then continued; she had a feeling that she could trust Draco with this. "But frankly, I'm a little wary about the way he had explained the situation. Specifically that 'in general'… it didn't sound good at all. I got the feeling that there was something he wasn't telling us." And I have a fair idea about at least one person who surely was opposed to these arrangements…

Draco watched her for a moment and then nodded slowly.

"To be honest, I myself had the very same impression… But I think I will join the Order anyway… It may ease some of the tension or at least help somehow to 'cleanse' my name, which it isn't quite as good as it used to be…" He trailed off, conceding this truth in exchange of her previous one. Ariadne shrugged uneasily; she agreed with Draco but wasn't about to tell him so anytime soon. After a little contemplative pause, he added focusing his gaze on her,

"Can I ask you something?" he said.

She nodded, glad of the change of topic and a little curious.

"Do you really hate him so much after all? I saw you flinch when Dumbledore told you your partner… He truly is a good man. He has done for us so much more than spying. He doesn't deserve your dislike." he said, ending with an edge of steel, ready for a confrontation if necessary.

"I know… Believe me I know." she said softly and diverted her gaze so he couldn't see the hurt look in her eyes. He started slightly; that wasn't the reply he was expecting.

"I know he had a façade to portrait and that he didn't truly have a choice. Above all, I respect him deeply. I certainly don't dislike him. What made me flinch is that I'm not sure it isn't the other way round, even taking into account his role…" She shrugged once again and smiled towards Draco "But don't pay it any mind… The Order is more important than our differences. We'll manage."

He watched her with considering expression once again, finally nodding in understanding. He tried lightening the mood while he stood and directed his steps towards the door.

"You know, sometimes I think the sorting hat got it wrong with you… You are far too perceptive to be a Gryffindor." She forced a smile at that; it had brought up some of her own doubts on the matter. However, as he was reaching the front door, she called to him.

"Hey, Draco, do you want to know a secret?" she asked playfully. He paused and turned with a raised eyebrow.

"If you absolutely have to tell me…" he drawled with a smile.

She rolled her eyes but sobered and responded with a hushed voice "The sorting hat did have the very same doubts." And just with that, she turned towards the kitchen without a second glance, leaving a stunned Draco Malfoy behind.

::::::::::::::::~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~::::::::::::::

Ariadne's predictions were fulfilled; on Sunday morning there were six new Order members to be.