A/N: Sorry it has taken so long to update this. 'The Prophecy' is running away with me, and I try to work on only one story at a time, which, isn't working right now, lol. I hope this chapter is acceptable, as it will be important to the story. I will be away from my computer til Saturday, but will continue to write so I have plenty to update with come then.

Chapter Two: Phoenix

"Harry, you are, for all intents and purposes, my brother, so if you turn around RIGHT now and GO HOME I promise not to tell Shacklebolt that I saw you in here when you are SUPPOSED to be on paid medical leave," said Kaelen, never even looking up from the paperwork she was reading.

"Wha? How?" Harry stuttered.

"Brother, please. I AM a Snape, and my father WAS a great spy. Just because he adopted you doesn't mean you aren't still a dunderhead when it comes to stealth," laughed Kaelen.

"I think I should be hurt by that statement," laughed Harry. Kaelen only snorted. "Whatcha got going on?" he asked.

"You're on medical leave, remember? I'm not authorized to release that information. You can find out when you come back in 6 weeks," Kaelen sneered. "Good God! Is it REALLY six weeks? What am I supposed to do if something actually happens? You're out, Ron's on a case, Shacklebolt is up to his elbows in paperwork, I need a clone to get my work done, you took my secretary, which I WILL kill you for, or perhaps just hex your bits off, Sirius is off with Remus playing a game of cat and mouse, unofficially of course, and Draco is…off with Blaise visiting old…acquaintances."

Harry blanched. "So that leaves you with who?" he asked.

"If it gets bad, no one. If it's little old ladies and crazy trash bins I might be ok. We NEED a competent trainer in here. Whoever recommended that pouf Boot, needs a swift kick in the head. Maybe it would jump start their brain," Kaelen offered.

"You do know that was Shacklebolt, right?" asked Harry.

"Yes, well, he must have been suffering the effects of a confundus charm. That or no one else wants to be responsible for all of the babies they have brought into the department of late," she sighed.

"And who would you suggest?" he mused.

"Don't make me laugh Harry. We have had this discussion a million times, and it always turns out the same. Father cannot move like he once could. Nagini's venom greatly damaged his muscles. Sirius loves the field too much. I have as much patience as father when it comes to teaching idiots. You seem to think you are inept at teaching. Ron is a planner, not a teacher. Shacklebolt is too busy being in charge. None of the old timers will come out of retirement. Draco is too busy being Draco. Remus is content at Hogwarts. Blaise is content being Blaise and doing whatever it is that he does," she paused. "What does he do anyway?"

Harry laughed. "Chases boys."

"Cheeky git."

"Him or me?" asked Harry.

"Both." There was a pause and then, "where are you supposed to be anyway? I doubt Ginny would let you out of the house for long."

Harry smiled. "I'm supposed to be picking up some tonic from Severus. James has a touch of the jaundice and Ginny doesn't trust anyone but him for potions these days."

Kaelen smiled ruefully. "I'm afraid I wouldn't either. For several reasons."

Harry nodded. "It would be nice for it to be simply because Father is such a skilled brewer, and not because I still must fear for retaliation against my family because of what happened five years ago."

Kaelen nodded her head. "How are you doing Harry? Are you ok? Shacklebolt wants us all to see mind healers. Like that's gonna help now."

Harry chuckled. "I'm ok. The nightmares aren't as bad as they used to be. Besides, it's Ginny I'm worried about. I can't tell if she has post-partum depression, or if it's cause it's almost 5 years gone."

"I feel so bad for the Weasleys. Fred was an amazing person. I wish I had known him. I saw Ron earlier, but he took off for the day."

"Yeah, we crossed paths at my house."

"So why are you really here Harry?" she asked sadly.

"Kaelen…"

"Harry, you know there is nothing you can hide from me. Walking Veritaserum, right here, remember," she said pointing to herself.

"There have been whispers…that some of the old crowd is rallying behind a new leader. That they wish to finish what Voldemort started."

Kaelen shook her head. "There's been talk of the old crowd since six months after the war ended Harry. It's just talk."

"Then why did an entire orphanage burn, with no survivors? Why are Sirius and Remus off together? I know it isn't for a bit of fun. Teddy's birthday is in a week, Remus wouldn't miss it for the world. And Blaise may be as slippery as ever in his dealings, but I know Draco, just as you do. Something serious is going on for him to WILLINGLY contact his old associates."

"Harry, I can't tell you any of that. Go home. Spend time with your wife. Get to know your son. Enjoy six weeks being bullshit free. I'll drop a tonic off when I leave, Father isn't home anyway. Kiss my nephew for me. Ok?"

Harry heaved an aggravated sigh. "You know, this is the same shit Dumbledore pulled on me, trying to keep me in the dark."

"I'm not trying to keep you in the dark, Harry. I'm just doing my job. If you were active, it would be different. You'd probably be on the case, but you're not, so you aren't, and I rather like working here."

"What if I came back on duty then?"

"Harry! Nothing is going on! It's okay. The dimwits here can handle it I assure you. Don't be like this! Go home and be with your family while you still have one! I know what I've been fighting for, and I thought it was the same for you! You have everything you ever wanted! Go enjoy it! Don't be a workaholic like my father. Don't try and be a hero like yours. It got us both nothing but heartache. My mother was killed because she wouldn't give me up, and my father didn't stop to get to know me until he was almost dead! Your parents died protecting you! I won't help you take off and risk leaving Jamie without a father! He needs you damnit!"

Harry put his face in his hands. "I know. I'm sorry. I just want to stop all this before it starts again. I can't let it happen again."

"I know Harry. And I swear to you that it won't. We have a few leads, and we have our best sources out there working them. That's why the likes of Thomas and Finnegan are here to handle the rest of the world. It will all be okay. Trust me. I have never lied to you, and I most certainly will not start now."

"At least tell me why the PRO hasn't made a comment to the Prophet yet," he smirked.

Kaelen groaned. "Because she has nothing to say, and no idea where to even start. Ron gave me a statement, short and simple, and I think for now it will have to suffice. There is no sense in causing mass hysteria when there is nothing to be hysterical over," she concluded.

Harry chuckled. "I'll see you tonight dear sister."

"Good-bye annoying brother," Kaelen said as she gave Harry a peck on the cheek and watched him walk out the door.