AN: There are new pictures! You know, something I only just noticed is the difference in skin tone between the first pic of Marzanna and the latter ones. Before she was as tan as a normal person, then she somehow became only slightly less pale than a vampire. I can't even blame it on lack of sunlight while she was stuck in SAO because Kazuto's still his normal skin tone. Also, I finally made pics of Mike! Both before his adoption and after, in the after one, he has the same tri-colored hair as Marzanna, since they're actual twins now. Links to all the pictures are on my updated profile.

February 24, 2024- 476 days since SAO launch:

After parting ways with Silica, she and Kirito begin making their way to the teleport plaza to head back up to the 50th floor. On the way, Kirito messages Manu to inform him of their success. Just before they reach the teleport gate, he receives a reply. Reading it over, he makes a startled noise.

Hanna glances at her mate, "Everything alright?"

Kirito nods, "Yes. I was just surprised. Apparently Manu has been waiting at the Black Iron Prison to see if we caught them. So he already knew. He says the only reason he hadn't messaged us yet was because he was speaking to the members of Titan's Hand. Said to tell you thank you though. I guess Rosalia told him you were the one that did it."

She makes an annoyed sound, "He makes it sound like you didn't help."

Kirito shakes his head, "He thanked me too. It's simply a matter that both he and I know the biggest reason they surrendered was because they were scared of you. I probably could've gotten them to as well, but you certainly sped things up."

She shrugs, "If you say so. Come on, let's get back to the inn. There's something we need to talk about, and I doubt it's a conversation you want to have in public."

Kirito suddenly won't look at her, which only makes her more worried, "I don't know what you mean."

She narrows her eyes in annoyance and concern. Kirito undoubtedly realizes she wants to talk about whatever had bothered him at the Hill of Memories. They'd had more than a few conversions that made Kirito uncomfortable, mostly about his terrible opinion of himself. He had tried to deflect such conversations, but he'd never outright avoided talking to her before now.

She studies him out of the corner of her eye, then lets it go for now. As she'd said, she wasn't about to bring it up in public, plus Kazuto looks like he needs to sort out his own thoughts on the matter. He can't very well explain what's bothering him if he doesn't understand it well enough himself. She'd give him a couple days to think it over before she brought it up again.

With a huff she changes the topic, "So, I've been thinking…." Kirito makes an inquisitive hum, "Well, what do you think about getting a house?"

Kirito gives her a startled look, "A house?"

She shifts awkwardly, suddenly wary that he might be against the idea, "I mean, we've been staying at inns this entire time. I'd be nice to have a place of our own. Plus it'd save money in the long run. Though if you're uncomfortable with the idea or something, then that's fine. Just forget I said anything."

Sge was already regretting bringing it up. Kazuto may be her Soulmate, but that doesn't mean he'd be ready to take every step with her the moment she suggests it. She'd just thought.. Well, he'd asked her to marry him. Honestly, having a house wouldn't be much different than staying at inns. They already share a room, sleep in the same bed even, it would just mean more space for them, but it'd be nice to have someplace consistent. A place that was theirs. It may not be a big difference, but the little differences matter to her. If Kirito wasn't ready for that though, she wasn't going to push. No matter how much she wants it to happen.

She's pulled from her thoughts by a huffing laugh. When she gives him a confused look he shakes his head, "Just two months ago our positions were reversed. I was the one regretting opening my mouth when I asked you to marry me. Do you remember what you told me?"

She nods without hesitation, "That you were being silly. That it didn't even really qualify as a question when the answer was so obviously a yes."

Kirito nods with a smile, "Precisely Hanna."

With her nervousness, it takes a moment for what Kirito is saying to sink in, but when it does she beams at him, "I don't know if you have anything in mind, but I was thinking the 28th floor."

Kirito gives her a surprised look, "The 28th floor? But it's a taiga! It never gets hotter than ten degrees!"

Hanna tilts her head at him with a bemused smile, "In Celsius, sure, it's 50 degrees Fahrenheit for us Americans though, thank you very much. More importantly, you say that like you're complaining, but we both know you love it there. Which is why I suggested it. I really have no climate preference, but you definitely do. So, what do you say? Wanna go house hunting on the 28th floor with me?"

Kirito smiles widely, "Only because you silly Americans are being stubborn about switching to the metric system. And I'd love to. When do you want to start looking? Sooner is better."

Hanna nods, "Might as well start tomorrow."

February 28th, 2024- 480 days since SAO launch:

Mike enters Severus' office warily. Earlier in class, he'd been given a detention for 'incorrect and rather dangerous' handling of powdered Asphodel root. Except Hermione assured him he'd been handling them correctly, and even if she was wrong, which Mike was beginning to believe was nearly impossible, Severus would've simply deducted points given their new relationship.

Which means he needs to speak to him and doesn't want anyone knowing. An assumption proven correct the moment he walks into the office. Severus signals him to be silent as he waves his wand for a few minutes, the tip of his wand periodically lighting as each spell is complete, before relaxing, "I've removed any possible listening spells on both you and the room, and secured my office completely. We can speak freely now."

He swallows thickly, "You've never gone to such lengths before. Something's happened."

Severus grimaces, "Dumbledore has given me new orders pertaining to you. Though I have no more reason to believe he spelled you or my office now than before, what I'm about to reveal demands such precautions."

He pauses, "But Dumbledore had plenty of reason to put such spells on me or my clothing before, from his perspective anyway. Shouldn't you have done something the other times we've met? If he found out you've been helping me-"

Severus cuts him off impatiently, "My door is warded against such things. Normally when you walk through that door, all such spells are removed. I was merely double checking to be sure. So if we can get on to why I've called you here?" The look he gives Mike tells him it was less of a question and more of a warning, so he nods his assent quickly, "Good. Dumbledore has realized you've been developing your occlumency since you were reunited with your mother. He is very…. displeased with this. He's ordered me to sabotage your shields under the guise of occlumency lessons. Obviously, I won't do that, but Dumbledore will no doubt be monitoring my progress by testing your shields often. Which leaves us with only one option. I must somehow teach you one of the most advanced and risky techniques of occlumency in the same amount of time it would take me to permanently damage your shields. And I must do it right under Dumbledore's nose and directly against his orders."

He takes that in quickly, then nods slowly, "What exactly are you teaching me, and when do we start?"

Severus seems mildly pleased by his lack of protest, "I'll be teaching you how to project seemingly weak shields, along with creating and storing false information behind those shields. It's risky because you have to make these weak shields your primary defence followed by the false information and memories, then hide your real shields and memories behind those. This means this technique technically allows others into your mind, and merely withholds your real memories and secrets. Even if they do not gain true information, letting others into your mind can still be dangerous. That being said, it was this technique that allowed me to hide the fact I am a spy from Voldemort, who often intruded into his followers minds. It's incredibly difficult though, so I shall need to give you quite a few detentions in order to have enough time to instruct you. As for when we start, we shall begin now."

March 4th, 2024- 485 days since SAO launch (because 2024 is a leap year):

Hanna is confused when she wakes up rather abruptly. The confusion fades briefly into the faint happiness she's been experiencing since she and Kirito had purchased this house. However, it turns back into confusion when she glances down and to the right and sees it was two in the morning. She frowns. There is something wrong with this picture. Her frown and confusion both deepen when she realizes what it is, namely that her sleepy head isn't in bed with her. It was especially confusing since they're opting out of labyrinth grinding tonight because the boss raid is tomorrow.

Slipping out from under the covers, she leaves their bedroom in search of her wayward mate. She finds him in the living room, sitting in the window seat absently watching the snow fall with a faraway expression on his face. It says something about how distracted he is that he doesn't immediately notice her entering the room. She searches his face reflected in the window, trying to figure out what's troubling him. She just can't figure it out though no matter how hard she looks.

Padding over lightly, she touches his shoulder to get his attention. He jerks and whirls around, then relaxes when he sees it's her. She runs her fingers through his hair soothingly, "What's wrong?"

His lips twitch upwards for the briefest of moments, "If I didn't know any better I'd think you could read minds. Seriously, how do you always seem to know when something's bothering me? I'm not an open book like most people."

She smiles at him, "Yes you are. You're just... written in an encryption. You've gotta know the code to read you. I just know your code. Not that I really needed it this time. You're never up at two in the morning." He chuckles lightly, and for a moment she lets him, then she sighs, "What's bothering you so much?"

Kirito looks away, "I was thinking about Silica and Pina. Silica… she really loves Pina, doesn't she? Even though Pina is just a small bit of programming in the Cardinal System. Then again, Pina sacrificed herself for Silica, something completely outside of her programming, so maybe she's more real than she's supposed to be…. Still, in the end, when Aincrad is defeated Pina will disappear. She's only real in Aincrad."

She frowns. He hasn't told her everything yet, there's something more bothering him, "So this is what you've been thinking about since the Hill of Memories. What's really the issue Kirito?"

Kirito's lips twitch lightly, "Decrypting me again, huh?" He finally looks at her, though he seems almost… pained, "Is this real? Us, I mean. Will what we have disappear when Aincrad is defeated, just like Pina?"

She sighs, then sits in Kazuto's lap and cradles his face, lightly running her thumbs over his cheekbones, "Don't be silly Kazuto, of course this is real. As crazy as Kayaba is, there was something rather important he said the day all of this started. When he gave us those mirrors and we became our real selves, he told us he was giving us proof that this was our only reality. The real world is undoubtedly important, but for now, Aincrad is the only place that matters. Everything here is just as real for me as though it happened in the real world."

Kazuto looks away, tears of frustration gathering in his eyes, "Even so…. You live in the U.S. and I live in Japan….. I just don't see how…."

She presses a kiss to his forehead before brushing the unshed tears away, "There's no need to worry about that, ok? With the current circumstances, I have no doubt that my family moved to Japan for my medical treatment, since as the county where the NerveGear was invented and the majority of the players already are, Japan is likely the best equipped to deal with it. We'll meet up when we get out of this game. I promise." Then she grins a bit, "Actually if I were you, I'd stop worrying about non-issues and start worrying about yourself. My dad and uncles are all ridiculously overprotective, and won't like the idea of me having a boyfriend at all. My mom will probably stop them from doing anything purely because she'd be ecstatic that I'm in love, but they'll leap at the chance to skin you alive for any number of minuscule reasons."

Kazuto looks a bit wary, but wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her closer, "You're worth it though…."

She smiles at him, "Don't say I didn't warn you, my family can be pretty damn scary when they're being protective. Don't worry though, I'll protect you."

Kirito finally grins lightly, then jokingly says, "My hero."

Hanna hums lightly in agreement, "Obviously. You definitely aren't capable of looking after yourself, that's for sure. Which leaves me, the fool who fell in love with you, to look after you. Probably forever since despite your amazing learning curve, you seem incapable of learning to look after yourself."

Kirito sighs and nuzzles her neck lightly, but instead of protesting her teasing as she'd expected, he gives her an almost pleading look, "You promise?"

She nods without hesitation, then smiles, "I agreed to marry you, didn't I? I don't know about you, but I wasn't just talking about Aincrad."

His breathing hitches and he tightens his hold on her, "Really?

She nods again, "Really."

He smiles widely, "Best thing I've heard in awhile."

Hanna laughs then grabs his hand as she stands up and begins leading him back to their room, "Good. Now come back to bed. I'm pretty sure you not being in bed is what woke me, it just felt wrong for my sleepy head to not be, well, sleeping with me."

Kirito smiles, "Sleep sounds like the second best thing I've heard in awhile."

March 5th 2024, 486 days since SAO launch:

Kirito gives Hanna a grateful smile as she hands him a health potion, which he uses immediately. Less than a minute before, they'd beaten the 50th floor boss, a metallic six armed statue. It had been a difficult and highly stressful battle. Especially given that when the boss went into the red of the third of its five health bars, it launched a terrifyingly fierce and efficient assault. In response, over half the front liners panicked and teleported away without permission. To be honest, if Heathcliff hadn't managed to hold the line with the rest of the floor clearers, and if the reinforcements had been even a minute later, they'd probably all be dead.

With a sigh, he finally gathers himself and begins looking over his drops. The minute he looks at the screens in front of him, he straightens with interest. Apparently, in that final assault he'd gotten the killing blow. In front of him was a familiar screen reading:

Last Attack Bonus:

Elucidator

He tilts his head in curiosity, then quickly checks over the rest of his drops, before navigating to the item. It was a one handed straight sword, just what he prefers. He taps on the weapon and begins looking its stats over. It was impressive that was for sure, and it was heavy, the heaviest sword he'd owned to date in fact. Materializing the weapon his eyes widen. It. Was. Perfect. Exactly as long as he prefers, heavy, and best of all, almost entirely pitch black, with few exceptions, such as the blade's edge. It was truly a beauty.

As he continues to stare wide eyed at the breathtaking blade, he absently murmurs to Hanna, "I think I've found the second love of my life…"

Hanna makes an absent inquisitive hum before turning her attention to him. She quickly takes him, the blade, and his awe in, then bursts out laughing. She calms after a minute and gives him a teasing look, "Should I be worried? You look like you're not far from divorcing me to run off and elope with that thing."

He grins at her, "No. I wouldn't leave you, especially not for a sword." He turns his attention back to Elucidator, "It's definitely the second most beautiful thing I've ever seen though." He smiles at his wife, "Right behind you of course."

She smiles back at him and bumps his shoulder with her own, "Flatterer. If you're so in love with that thing, stop staring at it and just equip it ready."

He nods firmly, and quickly does just that. Glancing over his shoulder as his new blade takes the spot of his old, he whispers, "I'm never replacing you, my dear Elucidator. I don't care if you become obsolete, I'll faithfully carry you to the end of this game."

Hanna laughs again, shaking her head at his antics.

March 19th, 2024- 500 days since SAO launch:

Mike was having trouble sleeping. His head and scar had been feeling like they were getting stabbed over and over again since he started making progress with Severus.

He asked Severus about it, and it had worried him. A few vague inquiries had led to Dumbledore informing Severus that he believed Mike had some sort of connection to Voldemort, but he hadn't given the man details. The only reason the other man could come up with for the pain was that it had something to do with that connection. Since he'd already been developing his shields before Voldemort came back, he'd been protected up until now, but by applying the new occlumency technique to fool Dumbledore, he was opening himself up to Voldemort as well.

They both have a suspicion that along with wanting to be able to read Mike's mind himself, Dumbledore wants to weaken Mike's barriers precisely because of that connection.

He sighs as he takes one of the pain relief potions Severus had given him when he realized how difficult it was for Mike to sleep. Laying down, he settles himself in for the night. He's so tired, he falls asleep almost the second the potion takes effect.

He was low to the floor, sliding along on his belly. The stone floor is almost unbearably cold against his stomach and he wants to go home, but he has a mission he needs to complete. Down the corridor a door comes into view. There is a man sitting beside it, sound asleep, and only partially viable. His fangs ache to bite the man, but he has orders. The man seems familiar, it tugs at something in his memory.

Before he has a chance to figure out what was familiar about the man, he begins to wake up. He tenses in preparation to strike, then quickly lashes out at the man, biting him repeatedly.

Mike wakes with a gasp. His scar feels like it was on fire, and his head is pounding. Arthur(1). The man was Arthur Weasley. Rolling out of bed, he quickly pulls his shoes on and grabs his invisibility cloak and the Marauders map before rushing out of his dorm.

He pauses halfway down the stairs to the common room. Who should he go to? Severus and Dumbledore are probably the only ones who'd believe him. The problem was, he doesn't want to go to Dumbledore, but the man would get suspicious if he went to Severus instead. He supposes he could pose his reasoning to Dumbledore for going to Severus as worry that something was terribly wrong with his shields. On the other hand, Mr Weasley probably didn't have much time, and for all the issues he had with Ron, he was still rather fond of most of the other Weasley's, and Dumbledore is closer.

Swallowing thickly as nervousness washes over him, he quickly checks the map. He is incredibly relieved to find Severus is still awake, so he quickly sends him a Patronus message. That done, he gathers his nerves, puts the cloak on, and heads to Dumbledore's office. He doesn't like the idea of heading in there alone, but at least backup is on the way.

An hour later the rest of the Weasleys except Bill and Charlie, Professor McGonagall, Severus, and Mike are gathered in Dumbledore's office waiting for him to finish with his floo call to the hospital.

Dumbledore pulls his head out of the fireplace with a tired sigh, "Well, the healers at Saint Mungo's believe he should be fine. Apparently, it was touch and go for awhile there, but he made it through the worst."

Mrs Weasley lets out a sob of relief and clutches Ginny, who's sitting in her lap with her face buried in her mother's neck crying, tighter to her.

Severus sneers at them, sarcastically drawling, "How wonderful."

He can see the relief in his eyes though. He may never have gotten along with Arthur, but he was a good man and a good father, both things Severus absolutely respects, especially the latter given his own abusive father. As such, despite their differences, he doesn't wish harm on the man.

Ron eyes Mike in distrust, "How'd Mike even know dad was in trouble anyway?"

Molly Weasley turns a sharp look on him, quickly wiping her eyes, "Ronald Weasley, you will stop that this instant! That is no way to talk to the person who just saved your father's life! I won't have you treating him like he's in league with You-Know-Who just because you two had a falling out. We talked about your behavior towards Mike last year, and I'd thought being grounded for the summer might have set you straight, but perhaps you need to be grounded this summer as well."

Dumbledore lifts his hands in a placating manner, "Now Molly, I'm sure he didn't mean it like that. It's a fair question, but I have the answer. I've suspected for a while that Mike may have a connection to Voldemort, but I've never had proof until tonight. Voldemort must have been observing or controlling his familiar in some manner, so through his connection to Voldemort, Mike saw what the snake was doing."

Everyone silently takes that in for a few minutes, then Ron, still obviously distrustful, asks another question, "How come he's only just getting stuff from You-Know-Who? He's been back for almost nine months. Why's he only getting stuff now?"

Dumbledore sighs tiredly, even though it was his fault, not that the majority of the office's current occupants knew that, "From my understanding, young Mike started learning Occlumency from his… mother and blood adopted family last year, correct? It's what you told Severus when I suggested Occlumency lessons to protect you from this connection anyway."

Mike silently fumes at Dumbledore. How dare he pretend he was trying to help him? Thankfully he manages to keep a straight face, though he never would've imagined it could be so two years ago, Severus' presence helps him keep a facade of calm, "That's correct. My family has taught me many things since I reunited with my mother last year. I'm nowhere near mastering any of it of course, but they've at least begun the process of teaching me to defend myself."

He really wanted to verbalize the 'unlike some people' hanging in the air, but openly antagonizing Dumbledore wouldn't be wise. Dumbledore and Severus pick up on it anyway, but leaving it unsaid in a way that no one else picks up on it makes it so Dumbledore can't use such open hostility to his advantage.

Dumbledore peers over the tops of his glasses at him with a faint disapproving frown, still attempting to pull the grandfatherly mentor card, then shakes his head, "Anyhow, Voldemort is a master of the mind arts, whereas Mike is only a beginner. It's amazing he managed to keep his shields up for as long as he did."

Mike barely fights back the urge to react to that. He would freely admit he doesn't have as much experience as Voldemort, but what he does have is a telepathic connection to his sister, who has been studying Occlumency for the majority of her life. Not to mention, between his mother, grandparents, uncle Vergil, and Severus, he had some of the best magical tutors in the world, and they all had things to contribute to his Occlumency lessons. His grandparents have sheer experience due to their age, and his grandfather was especially helpful with his lessons on controlling oneself that he insists on because of the natural rage Devils need to control.

His mother and Severus had studied many thing together over the years, the mind arts and potions being rather high on the list, making them some of the best in those fields. Vergil, despite being mentally unstable since his mate's death, was also astonishingly helpful. Then again, he'd been temporarily driven mad because of what happened to his mate before his grandparents managed to coax him back. Perhaps it was actually due to his personal experience with mental health that gives him such insight into the mind.

He shakes his head, unable to help correcting Dumbledore, especially since the man was likely only complimenting him in an attempt to reconnect with him and cover his tracks. He's embarrassed to realize that two years ago, such a compliment from Dumbledore would have had him preening, and he wouldn't have noticed how dishonest he was being either, "It's not amazing or astonishing at all. My family just have a very good understanding of magic, and they are excellent teachers. Honestly, so much so that when I got the book list this year, it all felt sub-par." He turns his attention to the twins momentarily. They have been as silent and solemn as a graveyard since they heard of their father, and comments in a dry tone, "Mind you, when your teachers are the best Demon Hunters in the world, getting knocked on your ass every thirty seconds is ridiculously common in practical defense lessons."

He was happy that it draws small smiles from them, which is what he'd been aiming for. They aren't nearly as large as the mischievous grins the two were rather known for, but they are sincere, and he was glad he managed to lighten his friends' moods even a little.

What he wasn't expecting, was the small laugh from Ginny. With the way she had always seemed to hero worship him, he hadn't thought she'd take the idea of him getting his ass beat rather soundly well, but apparently he was wrong. She grins at him, "Is that how you got so good? I mean, I'll admit I've always thought highly of you, but even I was surprised with the ease you took on both Hodhedge and Smith."

He huffs, "My Uncle Vergil is one of my primary instructors in physical combat, and he's stupidly fast. Fastest person I've ever met actually, and I've met a lot of people, even professional duelists. Two things you learn very quickly when sparring with Uncle Vergil? How to dodge like it's raining Unforgivables, and how to be fast."

That draws more giggling from Ginny, snickering from the twins, and a small amused grin from Mrs Weasley. Hell, out of the corner of his eye, he even sees McGonagall's lips twitch upwards. Mike can't help the pleased grin that surfaces as most of the Weasley's relax. They're drawn from their conversation by Dumbledore clearing his throat, "As amusing as young Mike's tales of his summer are, I'm sure you and the children would like to visit Arthur. The hospital is allowing it despite how early in the morning it is. The healers believe Arthur should wake soon, so you should be off if you wish to be there when he does. You are welcome to use my fireplace to floo there of course. Mike, you should be heading off to bed."

Mrs Weasley nods as she gently sets Ginny on her feet before standing, Mike follows suit. He turns to her and slightly opens his arms in question. Mrs Weasley gives him a watery smile and pulls him into a hug, "Since when have I ever turned down a hug Mike, especially from my kids. You may not be related to us by blood, and you may have your own family, but you'll always be family to me."

Mike tightens his hold slightly, but is careful not to hurt her with his now higher Nephilim strength, "Thanks Mrs Weasley. Despite everything between me and Ron now, and my blood adopted family, I still think of the Weasley's as family too." He pulls away and glances at Professor McGonagall briefly, before returning his gaze to Mrs Weasley, "Actually, I was wondering if I could visit Mr Weasley myself tomorrow. As long as Professor McGonagall is alright with it of course, seeing as it's a person's Head of House that needs to approve leaving school grounds. I wouldn't want to intrude tonight, and the hospital is probably only allowing blood relatives anyway, but if it's alright with you…"

He trails off and Mrs Weasley nods, "As long as Professor McGonagall is fine with it, I don't have any problem with it. I'm sure Arthur would be glad to see you."

McGonagall nods as well, "I don't see why not."

He nods back, "Thank you Professor."

Dumbledore breaks into the conversation again, "Well, if that's all, young Mike should be heading off to his dorm, and the rest of you should head over to the hospital. Severus, I need to speak to Minerva, so if you could please escort Mike back to his dorm?"

It was less of a question and more of an order, so Severus makes his obligatory snide remarks but quickly leads him out of the office. He leads him down a route Mike is unfamiliar with, but he figures Severus has a reason so he waits patiently. Sure enough a few minutes later they pause in a seemingly unremarkable hallway, and Severus quickly waves his wand a few times. Mike glances around and immediately he was certain he knew why Severus led him this way, there was literally nothing in this hallway. No portraits, no suits of armor, no windows or mirrors, and no ghosts as far as he can tell.

Severus finishes with his spells in less than a minute and quickly turns to him, "Normally I'd take you to my office if we were having a private discussion, but there isn't enough time for that at the moment. Are you alright? Did Dumbledore try anything before I got there?"

Mike shakes his head, "No. He seemed concerned for Mr Weasley, but more than that, he seemed pleased. At this point, I'm certain it's safe to say you were right as to the connection being part of the reason he wanted my shields ruined."

Severus relaxes slightly, then nods, "I suppose it makes sense. The Weasley's don't know what sort of man he really is, and because of that are some of his most loyal supporters. It would be bad for his image if he let one of them die. Most people see the Weasleys as his faithful dogs at his beck and call, his second favorites only after the Potters, since most still see you as his son."

He purses his lips in anger, and Severus sighs, "Incorrectly, I know, but nonetheless how the public still sees you. The point is that everyone knows the Weasley's are nearly his favorites. If he lets one of them die, others will begin questioning if he can really protect them."

Severus shakes his head, "Plus, he was likely pleased you went to him with this. He probably feels like he's finally getting some of his control over you back."

He scowls, "As if! I'll never give into that bastard!" When Severus raises an eyebrow and opens his mouth to speak, Mike deflates and looks away while cutting across him, "I know, I know. It was stupid to go to him on my own, but Mr Weasley didn't have much time, and you were so far away, but even if I did go to you, Dumbledore-"

Severus cuts across him, "Enough. Look at me." He waits until Mike is doing exactly that, "You did the right thing. As you said, Arthur didn't have much time. Contacting me before going to Dumbledore was the best option. The only anger I'm experiencing right now is not directed at you. It's at the situation, the Minister, Umbridge, Voldemort, and Dumbledore. You did exactly as you should've. Do you understand?"

He nods slowly, and Severus gives his own firm nod in return, "Good." He checks the time with a spell before changing the subject, "Enough of that though, given how long Dumbledore and Minerva's meetings usually last, we're almost out of time. How are your shields? Are they holding? What about your headache, worse or better?"

He shakes his head, "My head feels fine for now, my shields are alright too. Honestly, I don't think he meant for me to see that. The… visions of the Department of Mysteries have always had a feeling of purpose to them. This didn't, it was more a feeling of… anticipation."

Severus thinks that over for a moment with narrowed eyes, then nods slowly, "Given that he definitely knows of the connection between you, and what you've just told me. It seems like tonight was the first true 'vision' you've gotten. It seems like he purposely sent you the previous dreams."

Mike gives him a confused look, "Why though?"

Severus sighs, "Isn't it obvious? He's likely setting up a trap. If not, then at the very least the constant 'visions' will give you headaches, prevent you from sleeping, and wear you down in general."

He frowns in thought, before slowly beginning, "Perhaps not." Severus raises an eyebrow, clearly about to make a snide remark, so he quickly elaborates, "I mean I think this might not be the first real vision I've gotten from him. I only started learning Occlumency after the Tournament started, before that, before the school year even began, I was having strange dreams. Dreams of an old house on a hill, of an old man dying, of Peter Pettigrew, and a man I now know to be Barty Crouch Jr. I thought they were just strange dreams though, so I brushed them off, but they gave me headaches too, and made my scar hurt, not to mention they feel similar to tonight's vision. More… real, I suppose."

Severus takes a slow calming breath, "And you've never mentioned this before why?"

He raises an eyebrow, "I just said didn't I? I thought they were strange dreams and brushed them off. By the time I started learning Occlumency and knew better I'd forgotten about them."

Severus sighs, "Very well. From what you said, the contents are unimportant at this point anyway, but the fact they occurred in the first place, can still occur, would've been helpful. I trust you'll inform me of any future visions or problems with your Occlumency?" He nods, so Severus begins removing his privacy spells, "Good, then all that's left for now is for you to go back to your dorm while I call your mother."

He nods, "Alright. Goodnight Severus."

Severus bids him goodnight, finishes removing the spells he cast, then quickly strides off. Undoubtedly to floo call his family and tell them what had happened. As nice of a man as Arthur is, his family would be far less interested in him, and far more interested in the confirmation of Mike's connection to Voldemort.

May 19th, 2024(2)- 561 days since SAO launch:

Hanna smiles when she feels Kirito shift with a sleepy sigh, repositioning his head in her lap and briefly nuzzling her hand that was carding through his hair. He isn't quite asleep yet, but she knows he will be soon.

That morning she'd decided that while neither of them was too stressed, it had been too long since they'd just taken a day for themselves and relaxed. As soon as she declared that they were taking the day off, Kirito had suggested a picnic, and she'd happily agreed. Partly because it was a good idea, but mostly because the only picnic they'd been on together had ended up kinda like a date but not really since they were both still been firmly thinking the other wasn't interested. As nice as that picnic had been, she kinda wanted to go on an actual date.

She'd let him lead her to the location he'd already picked out in his head like last time. This time it was under a tree on a slight hill on the outskirts of a little town on the 59th floor called Danac. They'd sat in the shade and ate their brunch over an hour ago. Now they were simply enjoying the nice day. They'd been just chatting about everything and nothing, but Kirito had started to doze off in her lap, so she'd pulled out a book to read. It was really just flavor text for the game, just a book explaining some of the lore, but it was interesting, and furthermore it was nice to do something as normal as reading a book while lounging in the shade.

She's pulled from her reading by the sound of something approaching. Tilting her head she immediately decides it was likely a non-hostile player, given that it was footsteps and that the player wasn't even trying to be silent. A moment later she slightly adjusts her deduction as Asuna comes around the tree. Asuna could be remarkably hostile if irritated.

She stares them down for a moment with a scowl before angrily demanding, "Just what, exactly, are you two doing?"

Hanna raises an eyebrow, "What does it look like we're doing? We're relaxing."

Asuna puts her hands on her hips and purses her lips, "Everyone else is working hard to clear the dungeon, and you're just relaxing?" Her eyebrow begins twitching, "Kirito is even napping!"

She huffs, "Stress is bad for your health, y'know. It's good to relax every now and then."

Kirito hums, "Besides, it's Aincrad's nicest season, and today is its best weather setting. Going to the dungeon on a day like this is a waste."

Now Asuna seems torn between anger and confusion, "Don't you get it? Every day we spend here is one we've lost in the real world."

She chooses that moment to rejoin the conversation, "That's where you're wrong Asuna. Every day we spend here isn't a day lost in the real world, it's a day gained. A day of friends and experiences we'd likely never get to have in the real world. We'll make it back, at the rate we're going, we'll likely reach the 100th floor around June next year. We can't go any faster. The front liners are pretty much working as efficiently as you're going to get a group that size, so there's not really anywhere to shave time off of. Kirito and I aren't going to speed the process up in any noticeable way. Besides, you seem to be forgetting that Kirito and I usually do most of our grinding and labyrinth exploration at night. With how chaotic our sleeping schedules are from having to be up during the day for most of our errands, the two of us lazing the day away and napping doesn't necessarily mean we aren't doing any grinding today." She pauses briefly before smiling lightly, "Besides, Kirito's right, it's far too nice of a day to waste in some dark dungeon."

Kirito hums in agreement, and a moment later a nice breeze starts, "See? The wind and the sunlight feel good."

Asuna tilts her head, "Do they? There's nothing special about this weather."

Kirito lets out a tired sigh, though she doesn't know if it was from trying to explain the concept of relaxing to a workaholic or simply because he was already dozing off again, knowing Kirito it was more likely the latter, "If you'd lie down for a bit, you'd understand."

It turns out to be simply sleepiness, seeing as he falls asleep seconds after finishing his sentence. Asuna turns and squints as sunlight hits her face, then raises her hand to block the direct light. For a moment she just stares up at the sunlight streaming through the leaves.

She watches her out of the corner of her eye. She doesn't try to entice Asuna into relaxing, as she'd likely just take it as a reminder that she needs to get back to work. A moment later Asuna's eyelids drop halfway, and Hanna has to wonder when the last time she'd let herself relax was, or if she even allowed herself enough sleep. Asuna seems to have forgotten she was there and awake, as she seems to let some of her barriers down, it doesn't reveal anything surprising, just an overworked stressed teenager who seemed exhausted. The two of them had never really gotten along, but she can't help but frown. Asuna really needs to take better care of herself.

Asuna slowly sits down on the grass a few feet away from them, and Hanna nearly laughs. She looks so stiff and awkward, it really makes Hanna wonder if she even knew how to relax. For a few minutes they just sit there. Hanna silently observing Asuna as she absently continues to card her fingers through Kirito's hair, and Asuna awkwardly attempting to relax and enjoy the weather, seemingly unaware of her.

After a few minutes the breeze comes back, and Asuna's eyes slip closed. A few seconds later she finally relaxes, and leans back until she is laying down, a small content smile tugging at the edges of her lips. She finally turns back to her book with a small grin when she notices that Asuna has drifted off. Apparently Kirito's Sleep Skill had an AOE attribute.

She pauses in her petting as Kirito begins to stir, lowly murmuring, "Finally decided to wake up?"

Kirito sighs happily, "Missed you too much to sleep any longer, the dream version of my personal Goddess pales in comparison to the real thing." She laughs lightly, both at the comment and the nickname he occasionally uses for her, and he grins contentedly. After a moment though, he cracks an eye open and gives her a confused look, "Why are we whispering though?"

She puts a finger to her lips and glances at Asuna with a grin, "It seems no one is immune to the magic of your Sleep Skill. Not even workaholics. Then again, perhaps it's because she's so overworked that she was vulnerable to your weird ability to make anyone sleepy."

He gives her a confused look, then turns to look. He was understandably startled to find someone as uptight as Asuna dozing in the grass, "Why's she sleeping?"

She chuckles, "You're the one who pretty much invited her to."

He glances at her, "Well yeah, but I didn't actually expect her to do it. I thought she'd just get all huffy and storm off like she usually does when she's annoyed with us."

She turns her gaze back to the sleeping Asuna, "You wouldn't find it that surprising if you'd seen the look on her face. I think she forgot I was here, because she pretty much dropped all her barriers after you fell asleep. She looked so exhausted. I don't think she even allows herself to get a decent night's sleep. It was going to catch up to her at some point, and you made dozing in the grass sound rather enticing."

He pouts, "Well yeah ok, I'm all for Asuna letting herself relax for a bit, but did she have to do it here? We're in the open. We may be inside the town's safe zone, but since she's asleep she's still vulnerable to PKing. Which means we can't just leave her her."

She gives him a confused look, "It's not like keeping an eye on Asuna is a difficult task. No one will try anything while we're around. All we have to do is continue to enjoy our day off here."

Kirito glances away, "Well, yeah, but…."

She considers him for a moment, then grins lightly, "You're hungry aren't you? That's the only reason you're complaining, because your stomach is a black hole."

His response is more of a whine than normal speech. Coming from anyone else it'd be annoying, but from Kirito it just seems adorable. She idly wonders if it was because he was her mate, or if she genuinely finds it cute, "I'm starving! Haaaannnnaaa heeelp…"

She laughs as she pulls the picnic basket back out of their inventory, "Well then, I suppose it's a good thing I thought to bring extra food, isn't it?"

Kirito's eyes light up, "You really are my personal Goddess! My savior coming down from above!"

She just laughs and shakes her head at her mate's antics, then hands over the food he so desires. She glances over at Asuna again. She has a feeling they were going to be here for a while.

Hanna sighs as Kirito starts fidgeting again. They'd been here watching over Asuna for hours now, and the sun is beginning to go down. This, of course, means Kirito is hungry again, hence why he keeps fidgeting. Honestly, she can't blame him, she was starting to get hungry as well. She was also starting to get annoyed at this point. Don't get her wrong, she was all for Asuna relaxing and letting herself get some sleep, but at this point they'd been here for over 7 hours, five of which had been keeping an eye on Asuna.

She glances down and to the right at her clock. She'd wait 15 more minutes, if Asuna wasn't up by then, she'd go pick up something to eat while Kirito continued watching Asuna. Danac is small, but it has a couple shops, surely one of them sells something they can snack on while they wait.

Eleven minutes later, Asuna sneezes then finally begins to stir, much to Kirito's obvious relief. Asuna slowly sits up and looks around. Hanna's lips twitch when she realizes there was a piece of grass stuck to the side of Asuna's face, a bit of drool at the corner of her mouth, and her hair had gotten a bit messy. It was kinda funny to see someone as strict as Asuna looking like that.

Finally, she turns to them and stares at Kirito for a moment, still looking half asleep. After a moment she seems to finally register what, or rather who, she was looking at, as she jerks and her eyes go wide, "What…"

Kirito smiles lightly, "Morning, well evening I suppose, but anyway. Sleep well?"

Rather than answer, Asuna quickly climbs to her feet, grabs her sword, and begins to draw it with an expression that was a mix of embarrassment and anger.

Kirito makes a strange choking noise of shock, then quickly drops down off the short stone wall they'd moved over to and crouches behind it. Hanna, who had been facing Asuna from her spot on the wall with her legs dangling off, shifts forwards and rests her hand on the hilt of her falcata.

She may have been all for Asuna relaxing and keeping an eye on her, but all bets were off if the bitch is going to attack her mate. Asuna doesn't even see her grab her own weapon though, given that she had her eyes screwed shut in embarrassment. She seems to get a hold of herself a moment later though, as she forces a breath out and pushes her barely drawn weapon back into its sheath.

She was shaking and flushed as though she was mortified as she murmured almost too low to hear, "One meal…" Kirito lets out a quiet confused 'huh', and Asuna quickly stops her shaking, lets go of her weapon, and straightens as she looks off to the side and raises her voice to slightly above a normal volume, "One meal! I'll buy you one meal of any kind. Then we'll be even, okay?"

Hanna sighs as she releases her own weapon. The movement seems to finally remind Asuna that she was there and she flushes again, but thankfully she doesn't flip out again. Hanna was beginning to think Asuna was bipolar.

Half an hour later the three of them are all sitting in a nice restaurant two floors down in a town called Martin. There was something of an awkward atmosphere at the table, given that Asuna is just sitting there scowling with her hands linked together in front of her face, and everyone is staring and whispering, having recognized Asuna. Kirito, not liking all the attention their table is getting, is frowning in annoyance with his chin resting in his hand. It was strange to see Kirito so unhappy when they were about to eat, but she knows he hates attention. She's used to both Asuna and having people stare at her, it had been a constant after she started her magical schooling and everyone found out who and what she was, so she isn't really put off by either of those things. On the other hand, Kirito being so bothered was starting to make her annoyed at everyone else.

Asuna drops her hands to the table, "Well, anyway… Thanks for today." Kirito makes a confused sound, so Asuna elaborates, "For watching over me."

Kirito sounds unsure, "Ah, no problem…."

Asuna lowers her eyes to stare at her hands, "The towns are safe areas, so no one can attack or player-kill you. But it's different when you're asleep."

Kirito nods, "Yeah. Sleep-PKs, dirty tricks that use the duel system. Normally, duels are just tests of strength. But during a duel, HP can go down, even in a safe zone."

Asuna continues where Kirito left off, "So you can challenge a sleeping person, using their own finger to press the ok button. Then you just keep attacking. It's happened before. So, well… Thank you." Then she glances at Hanna, "Both of you."

Kirito sits up, slightly startled by Asuna thanking them again, "W-Well… Uh… Y-Your welcome."

A brief awkward silence settles over them again, but it only lasts a few seconds before it gets broken by a loud horrified scream coming from nearby. They all shoot up from their seats and quickly leave to find out what was going on.

It doesn't take them long to reach a plaza with a large crowd gathered in front of a building. Following their horrified gazes, they look up to see a man hanging from a balcony, stabbed through the chest.

As they run over Kirito shouts to the man, "Hurry and pull it out!"

The man turns his terrified gaze to them briefly, then begins trying to pull on the sword. After a moment Asuna turns towards the door, saying over her shoulder, "You stay down here and catch him."

Kirito voices a confirmation, before moving towards the area below the man quickly, Hanna follows as she begins pulling a health potion out of their inventory. Before they reach the man though, he shatters into polygons, the noose swinging loosely, and the sword falling to the ground.

The two of them stop, and Hanna slowly closes her menu as Kirito stares in disbelief. She can practically hear his thoughts racing as he tries to figure out what the hell just happened, so she waits for him to figure out the next course of action.

She barely has to wait five seconds before he starts scanning the crowd, "Everyone! Look for the 'Duel Winner' notification!"

Hanna narrows her eyes even as she begins to look around. It was the most logical assumption, but given the manner in which the man had been attacked, it seems like more was going on here.

A moment later Asuna calls out to them from the balcony, "There's no one inside."

A few minutes later, Hanna and Kirito have moved inside to speak with Asuna privately. Asuna is leaning against the wall next to the balcony with her arms crossed, Kirito is standing in front of the door leading to the rest of the tower, and Hanna is in the doorway of the balcony, attention split between watching everyone below, hoping to spot something that could help them figure out what was going on, and keeping an eye on Kirito and Asuna. The former because her mate was definitely and understandably disturbed by what they'd witnessed a few minutes prior, and the latter because Asuna's bipolar tendencies tend to lead to aggressive behavior.

Kirito, who had been examining the admittedly strange sword, lifts it up, "Just what is this?"

Asuna, who has been staring off to the side where the rope is tied off, turns her head so she was facing forwards, "The obvious conclusion is that the challenger impaled the victim with that spear, put a noose around his neck, and pushed him off the balcony. Wouldn't you say?"

Kirito purses his lips, "But no one had the Winner message."

Asuna uncrosses her arms as she turns her head fully towards Kirito, vaguely gesturing with her hands, "That's impossible. The only way to hurt someone in a safe area is via duel."

They're quiet for a moment, the crowds shocked and frightened murmuring the only thing breaking the silence.

Asuna glances towards the balcony then crosses her again, "Either way, we can't ignore this." Kirito quickly agrees, and she continues, "If someone's found a way to PK within safe areas, it will be dangerous inside towns as well as outside." Again Kirito agrees without adding anything, which feels strange since he almost always has something to add, but Asuna was summing up the situation rather nicely, "We'll have to leave the front lines for now, but we have no choice."

She quickly moves away from the wall and walks over to Kirito, extending her hand to him, "I'll need you to help me until we solve this. Just so we're completely clear, there won't be any time for napping."

Kirito slowly lifts his hand to shake Asuna's, "You're the one who was napping."

Asuna makes a startled noise and squeezes his hand in a manner that would be incredibly painful in real life, but in the game where pain is non-existent, was likely just very uncomfortable. That said, she does not appreciate Asuna messing with her mate, "Oi!" Asuna turns to her, startled but still attempting to crush Kirito's hand. She'd obviously forgotten about her. Again. Hanna frowns at her, "If we're going to be working together, I'd suggest you get a grip on those bipolar tendencies of yours."

Asuna scowls fiercely, "I am not bipolar!"

Hanna narrows her eyes, "You almost pulled your sword on Kirito earlier, and now you look like you're trying to crush his hand. You'd better knock it off, or I'm gonna drag you over here by your fucking hair and the two of us will do a little experiment on just how unpleasant it is to be hung from a noose even though you can't feel pain and don't need air."

It isn't the best threat, but when you live in the kind of world they did at the moment, there isn't much you can say to a person and have it mean anything. No, she doesn't often have a reason to threaten anybody, but what she has learned was that in a place like Aincrad, tone of voice and expression got the point across far more than words, though they certainly helped. It was quite easy to pull such a tone and look when someone keeps abusing her mate.

Asuna isn't one to be rattled easily, but it definitely works, seeing as she quickly lets go of Kirito's hand and raises her own in surrender with a nervous expression, "I-I understand."

Hanna stares her down for a moment longer before turning back towards the balcony, "Good. We should head back down there and figure out if anyone saw anything, preferably now. Before people start leaving." She gives Asuna a pointed look, "So if you're quite done?"

Asuna nods quickly, "R-Right. Well. Let's go then."

Kirito quickly moves out of the way so she can open the door and head out. He waits there briefly for her to make her way over to him, staring at where Asuna had disappeared, then when she draws even with him he turns his gaze to her, "I think you might've broken her."

She just shrugs, "Not my problem. She shouldn't have been behaving in such a hostile manner."

He rolls his wrist, which he'd been rubbing since he retrieved it from Asuna's death grip, "It's not like it hurt."

She huffs in annoyance, "It's the principle of the matter."

He shakes his head at her, and she pouts. She knows that head shake. She did it all the time. It was that 'you and your antics' head shake she did when Kirito was being silly, "Fine, be that way. Next time I'll just let her squish your hand."

He raises his hands in surrender, "O-Oi, there's no need for such drastic measures."

She can't help grinning in amusement at that. So threatening to drag Asuna by her hair to hang her from a noose wasn't a drastic measure, but letting her squish Kirito's hand was? She probably shouldn't do it, seeing as she just got onto Kirito for it, but she can't help shaking her head at him, which of course makes him pout.

Hanna just grins at him for a moment, before sighing and becoming serious as she gestures towards the still open door, "Come on. We've got a murder to deal with."

(1): In canon, Arthur got attacked earlier in Harry's 5th school year, but due to the changes I've made, I decided to reorder some events.

(2): In the anime, Asuna finds Kirito sleeping under the tree on the 11th, but in the novel, this occurs on the 22nd. Which by the way, is minor detail that I don't know why they changed when they were animating it, but that being said, like Elucidator, with the floors it took place on, it doesn't make since for these events to have occurred this early in the series. So I just reordered the events.

Omake- You can all blame KyoudaiDoushi for this. I told them about the idea for this and they encouraged my insanity:

James rushes into his house both eagerly and warily. He'd been on a mission for Dumbledore the past six days, and two days ago Sirius contacted him on their communication mirrors to inform him that Lily had gone into labor. Now, he can't wait to see his heir. Of course, since Sirius was there he'd have to see the other brat too, and pretend to care about it. Sirius might get suspicious otherwise, but at least as soon as he was gone he would no longer have to pretend. Seeing his heir would be worth it though.

Opening the door he comes face to face with Sirius' wand. He rolls his eyes, "Move it Padfoot. I want to see the kids. Honestly, I don't know why you bother, with the Fidelius in place no one will be able to just walk in the door unless they belong."

Sirius narrows his eyes, "Unless they forced Peter to tell them the location. So you'd better tell me something only James would know right now or I'll blow your head off."

James gives Sirius an irritated look, "Hell of a way to greet your best friend in his own house. If it'll make you feel better, I happen to know you used to have a crush on Madame-"

Sirius flushes in embarrassment and quickly puts his wand away, "Is it really necessary to bring that up?"

James scowls, "It is when you're being a prat and won't let me see my wife and kids."

Sirius huffs, "I was only trying to ensure their safety. There's no need to be rude. I'd see the kids and leave Lily be for the time being. Her labor was a difficult one, and there were some complications. The healer Albus got said she'll be ok, but she'll need lot of rest. Actually, she hasn't even been awake long enough or aware enough when she is to name them yet."

James nods slowly, "Alright. I'm gonna go see the kids."

Sirius nods back with a smile, "Yeah, you do that. Oh, I don't know if anyone told you, you have a boy and a girl. They're adorable. Congratulations by the way."

James nods again then heads upstairs. Reaching the nursery, he studies the kids. They were awake, and weirdly silent. He'd been told that twins tended to be quiet for a while after being born as their bond settled, but he hadn't thought it'd apply to them since they weren't true twins. Plus, he'd been skeptical. He's met Molly's twins, and they're little terrors. He can't imagine that they were ever quiet. If the babies in front of him were any indication though, they must've been.

He scrutinizes the two children trying to figure out which was his, a thoughtful hum leaving him.

Neither of them had much hair, but other than the different colored clothes, it was the only difference between the two. One of the babies had purely black hair, whereas the other had strange dual red and black hair. He brushes his fingers over the dual colored hair and narrows his eyes as he mentally corrects himself. It was three colors, not two. It was barely noticeable, but there were two tufts of silver in the child's hair.

Suspicion sets in as he eyes the child's strange tri-colored hair, and James eyes the baby in thought. Another hum leaves his mouth as his gaze flickers between the two. After a few minutes of this, he nods firmly and picks up the black haired baby, holding it in front of him triumphantly, "This one's mine!"

James jumps slightly, nearly dropping his child when Dumbledore speaks up behind him. He'd been so intent on the children that he hadn't even heard the other come in, "Why exactly do you assume it's that one?"

James gives him an incredulous look, "Isn't it obvious? Because the other one has weird hair!"

Albus pinches the bridge of his nose, and sighs in exasperation, "James... There are things called paternity spells, you know..."