(A/N- here is where I change the story and ignore Deathly Hallows, so if this doesn't interest you then stop here)
One Year Later
I was curled up tightly next to the fireplace, and although it blazed merrily I still felt undeniably cold. It was the middle of summer but what with dementors running lose throughout Britain the temperature had dropped significantly, I was surprised that Muggles hadn't noticed this however Severus had said that they had blamed something called Global Heating, a load of nonsense as usual, trust Muggles to bury their heads in the sand. The small cottage that my Master and I currently resided in was not exactly the best accommodation, well maybe that's a bit too harsh. It was clean, warm and tidy. But the person who had decorated must have been blind; Gryffindor red clashed with canary yellow and that was just the living room. I shuddered to think of the bathroom which I now refused to enter, but then again judging on the person whom had found us this residence I shouldn't really have been surprised at the décor.
Sighing I pulled my tail tight against my body and suppressed a shiver of cold. Ever since Severus had had to kill Dumbledore we had been on the run, and it was not agreeing with me. Though I had only myself to blame, initially he had wanted to leave me behind at Hogwarts where I would have no doubt have been able to take care of myself. It took three hours of me yelling at him plus various scratches on his anatomy until I convinced him that there would be no abandoning on his part. I could still tell he was reluctant though and now I know why, the nightmare really began on the night of Dumbledore's death, I had watched from my position at the school gates where I had been told to wait as boy-wonder attempted to curse my Master. There would have been some serious ankle biting if Severus hadn't of come hurtling towards me, Draco in tow before grabbing me and apparating us out of there. Since then we had been on the move almost constantly and although Severus had finally found favour with the Dark Lord and as a result was suffering less I could see how his actions had drained him.
The front door of our accommodation (I'd given up on calling them all home, we had moved so many times) slammed shut. I couldn't find the energy to raise my head so instead opened my eyes and fixed them on the doorway leading to the hall. I could hear footsteps outside the room and knew instinctively that they were not Severus', my fur began to rise and I bared my teeth.
Only to promptly relax as a familiar face peered into the room. "Ah Sophia" exclaimed Albus Dumbledore pottering into the room and seating himself in a rather squishy armchair, Fawkes flew in and perched himself on the back of said chair "and how are we today?" Not having the energy to speak (it would have had to be translated through Fawkes anyway) I dooked quietly, letting him know that I was listening despite my eyes falling shut. Noticing my discomfort Fawkes began to sing quietly and I could feel the tension leave my body.
"Will tears do any good" he asked ruffling his feathers in concern.
"No, I do not have a wound" so tired was I that I could not come up with one witty comment, so instead I thanked him.
"Rest Sophia" he insisted and began to croon a lullaby.
I awoke at being picked up, despite how gently it was done. I began dooking when I realised it was Severus. Once he had seated himself opposite Dumbledore he placed me gently on his lap.
"Are you alright Sophie" he asked, concern thickening his voice slightly.
"Yes I'm fine Severus, now get on with business, you know Dumbledore will have to leave soon." I chided gently, burrowing into is robes.
"As you wish" he replied gently stroking me. I was so tired but I wanted to remain awake so that I could give my own advice to Severus later, so I lay there quietly and listened.
"How go things with the Dark Lord Severus?" asked Dumbledore, unwrapping a lemon sherbet and sucking on it noisily. I winced slightly at the smell of it; I never was a fan of lemon sherbet.
"Fine sir, I have continued to do as you have instructed and things are going well"
"Well that is good, and I am grateful to you my boy. However there is one small matter that I wanted to raise with you." I lifted my head at that; a small matter to Albus Dumbledore was likely to have large effects on the person (or ferret) concerned. He once raised the small matter of allowing students to bring their dogs into Hogwarts as well as cats, around 10 years ago now. Pandemonium is an understatement. I could sense that Severus was feeling the same way about this "small matter" however he remained silent.
"Well..." began Dumbledore "I believe that it is time for you to re-join the order"
We both remained silent; however it is a bit difficult to speak when your mouths are hanging open in shock. The man had finally cracked, all those weeks of hiding from everyone so as to keep up the image of Severus killing him had taken its toll and the man had finally succumbed to insanity.
"Are you insane!" exclaimed Severus, obviously thinking along the same lines as me.
"Not yet my boy" he said chuckling "but the end is drawing near, the order needs both of us."
"But why me?" asked Severus "I am sure they will not hesitate to kill me on the spot". My hackles began to rise; I'm very protective of what is mine.
"They won't hurt you Severus, not when they see that I am with you, it's just a matter of explaining what occurred"
"You do realise that if you are seen then you will sign my death warrant" stated Severus.
"Of course my boy and all necessary measures will be taken to assure your continued position within the death eater ranks and your safety." I wasn't pleased when Dumbledore put something before my Masters safety, I would have to talk to Fawkes about this later.
"Think about it Severus, you will finally be able to stop running, and once again take a more active role in the defeat of the Dark Lord" said Dumbledore in a rather crafty manner "potions need to be made and we both know that you are the best and only potions master in Europe, we need you"
Severus still looked a bit doubtful so Dumbledore played his trump card, "and look at Sophia this travelling is making her ill, surely you don't want her to suffer? I would offer to find her another place to stay until this is over but there is a chance that she may be recognised, there are not many silver ferrets with her markings."
My tail was lashing in my rage, "Don't listen to the old coot Severus, you do what you feel is right, I'm fine and don't you even consider finding another place for me to stay."
"I could dye your fur" offered Severus, I nearly bit him until I realised that he was attempting to lighten the mood "I won't leave you anywhere Sophie but Dumbledore is right, I may be needed."
I decided that silence was probably the best option; I would follow where my Master led and although I did usually voice my opinions without restraint this was a decision that he would have to make on his own.
"As you wish sir, I will do as you instruct" said Severus.
"Brilliant" exclaimed Dumbledore, before hurriedly leaving the room, most likely in case Severus changed his mind, but not before telling my Master that he would be back in a few days when he would re-join the order.
The house was silent again once Fawkes and Dumbledore had left; only the crackling of the logs on the fire filled the air. I shivered again, my fever returning full force. Gently Severus stroked my head, his concern for me evident through our bonding.
"Do not worry so Severus" I mumbled setting my head comfortably on his lap "I will be fine soon"
"Once we go back to headquarters I will be able to make a potion that will cure you."
"Just concentrate on getting back into the headquarters Severus, anything after that will be dealt with in due course."
"Who knew that you were so sensible" teased Severus scratching me in just the right spot, dooking gently I drifted off into a light slumber.
