A/N: Normally I do not post at the very beginning of the chapter just because I want a specific flow, however, I feel like this is something worth putting up first. I'm not here for a debate, nor would I feel comfortable or like to delve into the current situation that is happening in the USA when it comes to the politics. I'm sure if you read my stories, you can figure out how I feel. With that being said there is a very, very high possibility that fanfiction in all forms (AO3 and Wattpad included) could be taken away from us in this country. That means, no writing or reading our hard work and creativity. Our speech erased. So, after trying to figure out a route to allow you readers to finish this story so I don't have to write a synopsis chapter and rush through so you aren't left hanging, I've decided to start an email story chain. Meaning, I have an email (thornemaeve gmail . com) just take out those space and send me an email if you'd like to keep up in the future. If you can do that at your earliest convinence I'd appreciate it, because I am not sure when this will be enacted :(

Another thing we can do to enjoy our favorite fanfics is use: fichub . net (take out the spaces) and that will allow you to download fanfics to read offline. It's devestating to know that our creative freedom is being persecuted to such an extent, so if it does come down to that please remember this wont silent us writers. We're creative for a reason, and we will find a way to express ourselves.

With that being said, this chapter has been edited and reviewed as much as I could bare it. I have to admit, I am not happy with the ending of it, but with the current stresses happening in my country, my personal life and overall just feeling drained from all the outside influences I sincerely apologize if the ending did not come out well. I am genuinely sorry, but I promise you that I will complete this story because it deserves to be told. The people who have supported me, who encourage me to continue, you all mean so much to me and I do this for you. Maeve's story has a long way to go, and she has a lot to do.

Much love and thanks,

TJ

Chapter Twenty-One: Little Dark Age

"Policemen swear to God, love seeping from their guns
I know my friends and I would probably turn and run
If you get out of bed, come find us heading for the bridge
Bring a stone, all the rage, my little dark age"

So long as I focused on the remaining days of the break, spending it with my little family, students and friends, then I could enjoy what little time we had. Playing games, watching the two half-Kneazle cats be obsessed with each other, and the lively teens who kept us on our toes made the rest of the break fly by quicker than the previous week. I could reminisce on a feeling similar to the contentment and joy I had experienced here, but nothing came close to having probably the most wholesome Christmas holiday I had ever experienced. Being able to see Elowyn and Harry spend time together like siblings who might actually like each other was a treasured memory now, not to mention how she flourished surrounded by her friends after watching her struggle for years to hold a friendship. Watching Jethro and Remus debate on if Quidditch was actually worth the hype was a comical event all on it's own.

Remus, keeping a cool, calm and collected stance found amusement in Jethro's tizzy of a counter point.

"I've never known of a sport that imposes so much danger than one flying on brooms!"

"They're not as exciting, Jethro. Where's the fun if there isn't a little risk?"

"They're much safer—not to mention playing in thunderstorms is permitted! How asinine is that?!"

However, not every minute of the day was roses when on occasion I'd run into Sirus out in the hallway. I did what I could to be polite, even giving a small, unsure smile to him the first time it happened. He acted as if I weren't even there, keeping his eyes forward and briskly continuing on within the house. The iciness of his cold, grey eyes never wavered in how they left me feeling about as seen as Kreacher. Considering how ready he normally was to jump into any fight, or start an altercation when provoked, it was an option that I preferred. Even if it felt strangely saddening.

Mealtime was unavoidable, and his colder behavior had taken the attention of those who noticed the difference. Harry and Elowyn had asked on separate occasions if we were fighting, which was a hard answer to deviate from. To give the simple answer of 'yes' seemed to be the easier route than explaining the intricacies of our situation. Jethro understood a little bit more since he was able to read between the lines, maybe even having inside knowledge from Sirius since the two had grown closer since being introduced to each other, and considering it was no secret to me he had hoped from a coupling between me and Sirius.

The thought of Jethro's reaction to knowing me and Severus were together gave me mixed ideas of how he'd react. He didn't seem to be taken with Severus, often finding it worth his time to object or deflect Severus's input in favor of Sirius's. Yet, I wondered if he just understood what I had seen of Severus, maybe he'd view the man in a different lighting.

However semi-peaceful things had been in Grimmauld Place, on the very last day there, a disruption had occurred that I hadn't anticipated. In the middle of speaking with Aurora and Molly over our plans for the rest of the term, catching him up on the probation of our teaching, I heard him through my mind.

"I have to come to headquarters and speak to Potter." The silky, baritone voice of Severus Snape filtered in my mind. No wonder he acted startled when he first heard me use it; it was as if smoke had suddenly filtered through my mind before dissipating.

"Maeve?" Aurora's concern broke through the concentration, pulling her attention to me with a furrow of her eyebrows, "are you alright?"

I blinked and nodded, "Yes—yes, sorry, bathroom!" I excused myself while quickly shooting upward, walking briskly through the home to the restroom up the stairs. Once I entered the bathroom and closed the door, I drew up a privacy charm just for safe measure before pulling up my collar of my blouse to speak into pin.

"Is everything alright?" I asked in hurried fashion, and waited for a response that felt drawn out.

"I need to speak to Potter about his Occlumency, and… see how you are."

I felt the relief wash over me instantly, while a giddier feeling came over me. A feeling that was quickly replaced with a bit of panic at realizing what could potentially happen if Severus and Sirius ended up seeing each other. There was no way things could go over smoothly for anyone in the house if those two explosive forces were put into a room together, and I would bet Molly would hate to have the recently cleaned out home destroyed on that premise.

"A chance to see me? I'd want to see me too for the birthday present I have for you." I chuckled, thinking of all the ideas I had the chance to mull over during break. Granted, the day itself had passed, and all I was able to do was speak to him through our communicator, but that wasn't going to stop me from finding a way to celebrate. "Just…" I cleared my throat, eyes narrowing in concentration as I tried to figure out how to word my warning, "maybe steer clear of Sirius if you can… Maybe pull Harry to the side," grimacing, I failed to think of an explanation, or a reasoning to follow up with.

"Why…?" His words held curiosity, but there was the unmistakable indication of a budding vexation.

I hesitated, flicking my eyes upward and sighing. As if Severus would take that and let it be the final say, especially with someone like Sirius. I gathered my courage realizing what I needed to say, licking my lips before replying, "I may have… perhaps… told him we were together… I–I know we have an understanding of keeping it low-profile, but he—he… it felt right to be honest about it, I don't know. I'm sorry, Severus." Wincing at my horrible explanation that fumbled out of my mouth.

A moment of silence that sounded like it lasted for eons, the anticipation and worry eating me alive with each second that passed, before I heard his voice within in my mind, "While I can't say that's not the most pleasant thing to hear… I'm just sorry I wasn't able to see his face," I hated to hear the hint of reprimanding in his voice, but the mirth in his tone told me I was not exactly being chastised for what I did. I felt some relief, but even after snorting lightly from his words, I found his entertained spirits to be inappropriate for the situation at hand. Sirius wasn't going to see him and just let this pass, and Severus had been itching to retaliate in some fashion.

"Severus, please…"

"I'll be there soon; let boy know and it'll keep this meeting short. Don't worry about the mutt, Selini."

I sighed, feeling the dread of an impending battle within the confines of this home approaching. He almost sounded eager now compared to when he first mentioned coming by. I really hoped this wouldn't be a show of ego between them; the thought was already irritating me. I had to hold out hope that Severus wouldn't take this moment to make it worse, and that somehow Sirius would remain ignorant to his presence within the house. I worried that might be too much for the universe to promise. Shaking my head, I pulled back the privacy charm with a wave of my hand and headed up one more flight of stairs to retrieve Harry. After knocking briefly, I found him in the room he stayed in with Ron, the two of them playing Wizards Chess while Hermione, Elowyn and Ginny were watching and playing with the cats.

"Harry," I called out from the doorway, earning the gaze of the boy who looked at me with confusion, "Professor Snape is coming to see you."

"Wa–what–Snape?" Harry's disbelief was evident in his words, just like his friends.

"What's Professor Snape need him for?" Hermione asked before looking to Elowyn, a delicate eyebrow raised at her friend who had tilted her head to the side.

"Don't look at me," the Slytherin girl shrugged before picking up Persephone, and cuddling her close. "Maybe it's tutoring—well, if you'd let me help you, then you wouldn't need Professor Snape coming over!" Elowyn stuck her tongue out at Harry who gave his friend a soured look.

"Yes, Professor Snape, needs to talk to you about something important is all." I gave Harry a reprimanded look for his casual phrasing once he looked back to me. "Let's not keep him waiting,"

Harry's reluctance was obvious as he took his time to come with me down the stairs, but the timing couldn't have worked out better. As soon as we had stepped off stairs the door to enter the home had opened and in swooped the tall, blacked cladded figure of Severus. His eyes immediately locked with mine, a flash of widening before returning to their normal state, as he closed the door behind him. A smile started to creep on my face at the sight of him.

"Severus—" I caught myself, a light shake of my head before clearing my throat, "Professor… I'm glad you could make it."

Severus's eyes looked over my face for a moment, a lightness in his eyes that felt like only I could decipher. He nodded lightly as he kept his posture straightened, almost like another version of the professor persona that was relaxed, "Miss Thorne," he greeted before his eyes moved to stare at Harry's confused expression. "Potter, let's… find somewhere less open to discuss this."

I nodded and took the lead to head toward the kitchen basement. Before reaching the door, it had opened to reveal Jethro coming up who spotted us and flashed his famous Cheshire Cat smile to all of us.

"Well, if it isn't tall, dark and mysterious himself," Jethro gave a wiggle of his brow before looking between the three of us, "what brings you here on this fine, January day? No horrible news, I hope?"

"Depends on your perspective." Severus answered in a uninterested tone, clearly not amused by Jethro's less than obvious dramatics. He reached in his cloak to pull out a closed envelope, "This is for Black's eyes only, Thorne."

"Oh, we should be on a first name basis by now!" He waved Severus off before eyeing the envelope that was being handed to him, "besides, Sirius is already down there so you can feel more at ease just delivering that." Jethro stated with ease.

I looked back to Severus who shared the same reserved look, but even I caught something different in his eyes. A glimmer of accepting a challenge that I wanted nothing to deal with, and after hardening my gaze just slightly I looked back to Jethro.

"Jethro, maybe it would be best to not—"

"Nonsense, Selini! I'm told they've made great leaps and bounds to be able to sit in the same room!" Jethro replied before turning back around and motioning for us to follow.

Sighing, I faced defeat and prepared myself before taking Harry by his shoulder to guide him forward. A part of me couldn't deny the dizzying effect of gnawing dread that was slowly building with each step that we took down. Twisting my ring repeatedly while biting my lip I thought of the worst-case scenario that these two truly might have no self-restraint. Sirius was a bubbling simmering pot, and with the undertones that Severus's contempt with what he knew so far, my lover seemed inclined to raise that man's temper to a broil.

'Please don't be an outrageous fight, please don't be an outrageous fight…' I chanted in my mind, swallowing the rising nerves. As much as I would've wanted to be in denial, I had to accept the fact that the confrontation that was about to happen wouldn't be civilized. Following the steps downward felt like I was repeating each one with how time felt like it slowed, making the agonizing process of the confrontation even more treacherous.

Once we entered the room I was greeted with the sight of Sirius and Remus sitting together, discussing something that we clearly interrupted.

Remus looked up first, a flash of realization as the four of us had entered and his eyes landing on Severus. Sirius, who turned to see us had landed his sights on the same man that was behind me. Immediately Sirius was brought to his feet as his chair was pushed back, eyes that seem to bulge with venomous hatred contorted his expression.

"How dare you—get out of my house!" He yelled while flinging his finger back to the doorway, his lips flattening into a line beneath his facial hair, "If you know what's good for you Snivellus you'll get your putrid—"

"Well, now he just walked in," Jethro looked perplexed as he looked between the two, "you never acted like that bef—now just hold on!" Jethro threw up his hands and held them out as the situation took a drastic turn.

Sirius had pulled out his wand, vicious lividity in the snarl that curled on his lips, but Severus was all too quick to draw his own. Severus did not back down with his own menacing stare, his upper lip curling at Sirius's provoked action. Remus held up his hands while also trying to call his friend down to no avail, and in the attempt to settle the emotions I had raised my energy to enact a shielding charm between them, pushing Harry behind me. I felt as if my heart that was pounding could've called their attention to me, feeling the shakiness in my hand as it was stretched out protectively of Harry. Neither of them reacted to the red swirling energy between them in their heated stare down, nor did they seem to care. The way the tension had built and could've materialized like lightning shooting directly from their eyes at each other.

"He has orders from Dumbledore, Sirius!" I tried to reason, feeling out of sorts from just speaking directly to him. "He needs to speak to Harry—"

"Yeah, I'm sure he needs to speak to Harry," Sirius scoffed, eyes narrowing into a twisted glare at Severus.

"See for yourself, fleabag," Severus pulled out an envelope and threw it on the table where it fell just under my shield. Sirius did not move to read what was given but left that to Remus who reached forward slowly to retrieve it. After Remus opened it, looking between the two men who had yet to put their wands down, he stood to put a hand on Sirius' shoulder before extending the letter. Sirius, who did not falter in his glare, slowly lowered his wand just a tad to take the letter with his free hand and read it over. Sirius gave a humorless chuckle before looking back to Severus.

"Lessons?"

"Occlumency lessons, to be exact." Severus answered as he slowly put his wand down slightly as well.

"What's that?" Harry asked from his place behind me.

"Mind magic, Harry." I explained while keeping my sights between the two men, "It's a magical means of keeping those using Legilimency out of your mind. Legilimency is a way to peer in, and Occlumency closes them out."

"Dumbledore thinks Harry should learn that?" Remus asked, "did he say why, Severus?"

"He felt it best to keep that knowledge to a minimal amount of people." Severus explained with much practiced patience,

"Why you?" Sirius spat, "Why not Dumbledore?"

"I can assure you that I didn't beg for the opportunity," Severus's silky tone stated, "Perhaps because it's the headmaster's privilege to delegate less favorable tasks." Severus turned to face Harry, "My office. Six o'clock on Monday evening, Potter. If anyone get's curious, you are taking Remedial Potions. It's not likely anyone would object to that."

Severus gave me a look before turning to start to leave until Sirius started moving toward him, "Wait a minute—"

"I have other things to do, Black, unlike yourself… I don't have unlimited leisure time…"

Rolling my eyes inward as the two men were simply incapable of restraining themselves.

"If I hear you're using Occlumency to give Harry a hard time, you'll have to answer to me." Sirius flashed a heated look my way before looking back to Severus, "You ought to answer to me about Maeve while you're at it!" Sirius started to round the corner too quickly heading straight for where we stood, Remus catching up to grab his friend's arm who jerked out of his grasp.

"Calm down Sirius!"

Severus was just as quick to step in front of me as an attempt to meet Sirius halfway, Jethro had stepped up to hold out his hands between them, and Harry had even gone to hold back Sirius by the arm. My eyes widened at his words, his actions as well as Severus's, fear stiffening my body as the panic spoke for me, "This is not the time for this you two!"

"What's he talking about, Maeve?" Harry asked, and after glancing between the confused pair of green eyes from my Godson to my uncle who mirrored the same perplexed look, I felt like a cornered animal within the hunters' sights. How would I even explain what was happening to Harry? Let alone confessing to Jethro what the situation was about. How far would this go?

"I think now's the perfect time—go on, tell 'em Maeve—tell them what you're doing behind everyone's back—" Sirius took another step closer, a vein around his temple engorged at this point, and had shaken off Harry and was only held back by Jethro's hand on his chest, Severus taking several steps to show his own intimidation. A reflex to try and make sure nothing violent erupted, I reached out to put a hand on Severus's tense shoulder. Strangely enough this all felt familiar, flashing back to the days when two teen boys would have their battles in the hallways. Chests that were puffed out, accelerated breathing, the tightness in their eyes all of which were not uncommon to see in those days. This, however, was under different circumstances that were directly linked to me, and a shame that only tended to my anxiety.

"Sirius, control yourself!" Remus raised his voice as he stepped forward as well, Harry looking between his former professor and Godfather.

"You should heed their warning's, mutt, I have a few answers I'd like from you—and trust me when I say I won't be as restraint!" Severus egged on in a sinister hissing voice. I couldn't see his expression but could hear it in his tone; Severus didn't care to match Sirius in this fight that was budding. Severus had a lot of reasoning behind his stance, and I couldn't completely blame him. Ever since I told him, however indirectly, about the torentual relationship with Sirius I wondered if he'd truly let it only be me to settle situation. Was I naive to believe that he would? Someone who was hell bent on keeping me out of the horrors of war, going as far as to find my stolen heirlooms just to make me happy, and even looking out for Elowyn unprovoked?

Sirius scoffed, "I don't need to answer to you, Snivellus, when she's between your filthy sheets!"

It happened all too quickly for me to initially react. Like a viper striking after recoiling Severus had knocked his fist straight into Sirius's face, a sharp crack could be heard before a fist was sent from Sirius hitting Severus right in his lip.

"Stop! Fucking stop!" I yelled as the chaos of Jethro pushing Severus back while I grabbed his arm to pull back. I barely noticed that Remus had stepped completely in front of Sirius and kept pushing him back, Harry pulling Sirius back looking completely stunned at the adults within the room.

To make matters more anxiety inducing, not to mention awkward, the kitchen door had sprung open creating the sound effect of my horror as the entire Weasley family, along with Elowyn, Hermione and Aurora, filtered all around inside with an incredibly happy Arthur Weasley who proudly walked in and dressed comfortably in striped pajamas covered by a mackintosh.

"Finally, cured!" He declared, "completely, and utterly, cured!"

The once happier looks on the others faces of Elowyn, Ron and Hermione had melted into frozen and confused, stunned expressions. George and Fred looked between each other as Molly held onto Arthur with a reddening face of applaud horror. Aurora immediately came by my side looking frantically between the faces of those in the room before her, the children had moved between the front of the table where Sirius held his nose and Remus had looked to them, following his gaze to settle on Jethro. My uncle had stared down Severus who didn't break his eye contact on Sirius before looking down to me with a furrowed brow. The two men continued to glare at each other with venom dripping from their sights.

"Merlin's beard, what's happening?" Arthur questioned,

"Is that true?" Harry asked at once, looking at me from his spot next to Sirius, but I couldn't face him as I narrowed my eyes at Sirius, "Are you two…?"

The horror of realizing that those words weren't unnoticed by Harry, and the vile sensation of wretched words that his Godfather had said about me slammed into me. The processing was difficult to wrap my mind around everything considering the fight that broke out, and only made sense to bite back.

"Ask me again why I could why I couldn't be with you." I hissed at him, feeling my breath race as Sirius finally looked at me, halting as he held his bloodied nose and blinked at me. Sirius did not answer as he watched me, a flash of remorse in his eyes as they flickered.

"I think that's enough," Jethro, in an usual display of straightening himself up and putting a hand on my shoulder, looking between Severus before looking to Sirius, "This house won't hold what battle you two are desperately trying to have, and I won't have you—" Jethro pointed a finger at Sirius, "saying anything more against my niece in such a manner—you," Jethro took that same finger to point at Severus as he whipped his sights to him, "may leave… you've relayed your message well enough."

I looked from my uncle to Severus whose breath started to even out, glancing to me with a blank as he wiped the blood that came down his lip, "Monday, six o'clock evening, Potter." Severus confirmed once more to Harry in a tone that still held bitterness before turning on his heels and exiting through the crowd of people up the stairs. I thought of nothing else but to follow, and as I turned on mine, I was stopped suddenly by Jethro's hand grasping my arm. Snapping my vision to him I noted the bewilderment, the denial as his eyes flickered between mine, and slacken jaw. He must've registered my ire in the ways my nose flared, a defiance to remain any longer in this awkward situation, and finally let me go as he swallowed and blinked. I made my way up the stairs as the memories replayed within my mind; the ferocity of each man displayed in such a way I knew would soon be retold to the others that interrupted.

To witness a fight that wasn't settled with magic, but physical violence, wasn't something I had expected from either of the two. Emotions running high and given the situation, maybe I should've expected something different. This was the same man who had no problem threatening Igor Kakaroff during a formal dance.

After ascending the last step and pushing the door open, I was able to catch up to Severus who quickly made his way to the door, turning after hearing my quickened steps.

"Severus—"

"He should've been cursed back there, Selini." Severus growled, the blood on his lip spilling once again as he spoke, the lividity had yet to completely leave in his bared teeth. He looked down as he continued, "it's taking everything in me to not go back there—I've had it with him getting away with—"

I stopped him by putting my hands on the side of his face, shaking my head, "I need you to take a deep breath, Severus…" My voice trembled with the still frayed nerves of what I just witness and experienced, "I know… Severus, I know," I tried to take deep breaths to calm myself, "I think maybe… that you got your point across… in more ways than one." I sighed while looking over his busted lip and moving my hand to attempt to stop the bleeding. "You'll need potions to heal it up better, but this should stop most of the blood loss."

The skin began to sew together and the blood barley seeping out now. Air filtered through his nose reached up to grab my hand. He looked at me with a seriousness that felt hard to decipher in the moment.

"I… don't regret what I did. To hear him speak about you like that, the tone and the way he looked—everything he did just…" His face scrunched in disgust as he looked down, taking a deep breath before speaking once more, "The situation shouldn't have been handled like that, nonetheless. I let my… pride take over. Not to mention Potter heard it all..."

I winced at the thought of Harry witnessing the events, "Yes, well… he saw me lose control, too." I wondered if Harry had heard my cursing and wondered how he would've thought of me after seeing me in a vicious state against Sirius.

"It's different," Severus countered while his lips pulled back in a wince, seeming to be frustrated with my lack of understanding. Shaking his head he looked to the ground, the color in his face had drained of the color. I could see so much swimming in those obsidian eyes; desperation, dread, and wariness, "This could—" He stopped himself, as if the realization that I had remained ignorant of came over him.

Blinking, I tried to understand what I had missed. If Harry knew then surely, he would tell his friends but couldn't possibly reveal any of that information to those outside of his circle. This information in the hands of a fifteen-year-old boy couldn't cause this much worry in Severus's mind, could it? Maybe it dealt more with the professional stance between them; did Severus believe this somehow would impact him as a professor?

A roll of my shoulder and I raised my eyebrows. I was at a complete loss for what could possibly make him act like this, "I'm not sure that I follow."

Severus closed his eyes as he sighed heavily as he finally looked back to me, a slight nod as if to say he knew I wasn't understanding, "Tomorrow, after his lesson, we have more of a reason to talk about why he's having to learn Occlumency."

While it wasn't a complete explanation, and only added more disorder to what I could comprehend, I put my trust in Severus that he'd be able to eventually clear the waters in my mind. Nodding slowly and pausing for a moment to just look at him, I leaned forward to kiss the side of his face that wasn't currently injured.

"I knew it!"

I pulled away to snap my sights at the wide eyed, bewildered expression of Elowyn behind me accompanied by Hermione with her jaw dropped open with an equally surprised expression.

"Elowyn!" Aurora called out as she passed the threshold, grabbing the two girls by their shoulders and pull them back, "I told you to leave them alone!" With an apologetic look on her face, my friend guided the Slytherin and Gryffindor girls back downstairs.

"But I was right!" Elowyn protested as they descended.

Letting out a frustrated, long sigh I rolled my eyes to look at Severus, who stared after the two girls with a pinched expression, "At least she didn't start interrogating you," I grumbled.

"Can't say that'll be the same for tomorrow," He answered, flicking his eyes to the ceiling with a grunt. "To leave you in this mess is unfair to you, Selini."

I waved my hand and shook my head, "I've handled crowd control before… Granted with students who don't have ties to me, or involving my uncle, but I'd rather you not have to handle whatever comes my way." I put a hand on his chest, looking at him with an ache in the way I frowned and looked deeply into his eyes. "I'll see you tomorrow."

I did not want him to go, and I did not want to depart after a turbulent scene. Any time we'd depart there would always be that question and fear that it would be our last. He nodded, taking my hand to kiss it as if to say "I will be back" before turning slowly to leave through the door. Once his presence was gone, I could feel the empty air around me, and I couldn't help but rub my face thinking of all the complicated emotions. Longing for him in a needy way, something that I partially thought was pitiful but didn't dismiss. The awkward avoidance of those who wouldn't speak about what was said, what happened, but the unacknowledged understanding that I chose someone they did not know fully.

The way Sirius would paint his portrait of me in unflatter hues, and I wondered who would soak up the medium of those words. The way Elowyn would hold a grudge that I'd have to pry open with more difficulty than before. Aurora, ever so loyal and fierce in her protective nature, coming to my defense that possibly extended to Severus. Jethro, whose face held within my mind of his conflicted and surprised expression with familial eyes. The group that was here today had been gathered by lockheartedness, and no matter the circumstances that would persist outside of this group, we were nothing but odd comrades coming from every different walk of life. Yet, their judgement came all the same, didn't it?

So many responses to juggle around in my head that I wasn't sure what they would do, and even worse, what they could say to me. A bitterness within the situation made the taste in my mouth sour; what I wouldn't give to show them the real Severus in a way to silence them before they could say another word.

"Is that why you tried to hide him from me?" I was startled out of my thought to look up and see Jethro leaning against the door frame. His arms were folded, staring at me with a seriousness that created this haunting flash of seeing my father as he watched me from down his nose. His lips were tightly lined, twitching ever so slightly. "That during your lessons you always fought me, memory after memory, to keep this charade?"

As unnerving as he appeared I did not back down, scoffing while narrowing my eyes at him. "It's much more complicated than you think, Jethro."

"Then speak plainly!" Jethro's voice raised pushing himself off of the doorframe and taking a step further. The outburst earned the sounds of Walburga Black stirring, her grunting and small whimpers became the only noise around us as I stared at him. I had only seen him as someone as easy going, melodramatic, or even taunting. I had only heard of his anger from my father and couldn't recall a memory of him ever acting like this to me now. Blinking I shrunk back from him, unsure of what to say to my uncle.

He sighed, looking down and running a hand through his hair that draped around his eyes before walking through the hallway, motioning with his hand to follow him. Pursing my lips, and readying myself for another fight, I followed him into the drawing room where he held the door open for me to pass by him, and hearing the door shut behind him.

"Selini, I am…" He groaned, rubbing his chin to try and think of what to say, "I know our relationship has been kept at this arms-length distance ever since Catherine… did what she did to my brother," He cleared his throat, blinking a few times, "I know I failed you as family when your father and I couldn't work out our differences but—but I've done what I can to try—to try—to be some kind of figure in your life… even if it was too late for me." He held up his hands, "It's my fault for our disconnection, but in these last few years I've had the hope that it was finally changing… then you summon me and ask me to help you with something secretive, something to help with an evil I had been petrified would come back—and of course I'd do that because the only family I had left, needed me. Now, after spending so much time with you, darling Aurora, and precious Elowyn—after Christmas—after all this time together, fighting the good fight, you'd eventually just open up to me about what you needed from me… to open up and let me see more of your life that I had only dreamed would've out shined the horrors of the past—only to come to the realization that I know nothing… I truly don't."

Jethro took a few steps forward with eyes that held a pleading need to understand his frustrations. He wasn't wrong, and strangely non-melodramatic in how he displayed himself.

"My sweet girl, I have been compliant with your ever request as a way of atonement, but I am just a man who cannot sit back anymore—why are you—you—with a man who could only promise you disappointment and a death wish—are you forgetting he's a Death Eater—"

It was all too much to throw on me at once, too much to try and resolve with the way he assaulted my mind with these questions.

"Jethro, stop!" I held my hands up, unable to handle any more of what he was spouting off.

"I will not—not until you tell me everything—"

"Okay, fine!" Shouting back, I felt the heat in my cheeks and chest from the aggravating way he persisted. How much more of myself did I have to reveal? I made promises, oaths in a way, to only involve those who were on a need-to-know basis. The pool of people knowing these coveted secrets had started to grow in a way I felt I was losing control of.

Groaning in frustration while running my hands through my hair before starting to pick at my nails, mentally correcting myself to twist my fathers ring as a pitiful attempt to save my nail beds, I took a deep breath to explain.

"I… don't doubt that you've been listening to Sirius–or Mad-Eye–and probably from those perspectives anyone would see him in the worst light… He's made mistakes in the past, and he pays for it even now, but the Severus that I know is not so one-dimensional, Jethro." I looked at him sternly, prepared to defend my lover with my life in my uncle's eyes. "I know people have an incorrect outlook on yourself; you two would understand that better than most."

"They think of me as a hedonistic heathen, who would con anyone out of their money, darling, but they'd never question my allegiance!" He countered.

"No, they'd speculate, and never allow you the grace of a chance, would they?" My retort was met with silence.

"He was my best friend next to Lily. The little red head girl, remember? I told you about those two, and how everyone looked at them differently. A Muggle-Born so she must be a lesser version of a 'true' pureblood. A half-blood who comes from a less fortunate place, hand-me-downs and barley could have a proper meal, right? And what did you tell me when I told you how others would treat them?"

Jethro's eyes searched over my face as he recalled his own words, "Others judge the part of them the only see. You see who they truly are when given—"

"The chance." I finished, finally feeling like I was making some.

"Severus and I have always been close… then to keep it short, things fell apart—you saw some of that in my memories. Then…We–we… started to get close again when I came to Hogwarts… it wasn't easy. We've had to work out a lot of our issues and still… do, but when everything happened with The Dark Lord—fucking Voldemort—he had to uphold that Death Eater status to not die, Jethro! I don't completely understand it, I've thought of how he could try to get away, but he had to play it smart—what else was he supposed to do? Not to mention how he's helped us!" I scoffed while squeezing my hands that were now at my side.

"Dumbledore, all-knowing and all-oh-so-fucking-powerful Dumbledore has this assignment for me, and a part of that assignment is to learn Occlumency so I can protect our relationship—" rolling my eyes so hard I felt a headache coming on afterward at Jethros piqued interested expression. "Don't look at me like that, I told you it's complicated—"

"Still so much secrecy…" he stated, almost as if to work out everything he heard in bafflement with a breathy tone. "Suppose I do understand what it's like to be… some sort of pariah…" Jethro mumbled before walking over to sit on the love seat, head falling in his hands that were propped up by his elbows on his knees. "I take it you can't tell me anything of this little assignment, then?" His words were smothered between his hands, but the question came out clear enough.

Sighing, I nodded, closing my eyes as the guilt started weighing heavily in my chest, "We're all playing our parts in this war…"

"Selini," After several moments of silence Jethro sat up straight while patting the seat next to him, and as I came around to join him he took my hands in his, "If perhaps I understood… what he was like to you, then maybe I could try and support your choices… otherwise I'm—" He grimaced as he looked down, then back up to me, "I'm hesitant to… all of this."

Jethro wanted to know my life in a way I had denied him; the only living family member I had left that was practically begging me to open my life up to him. In that moment, I didn't mind the idea of sharing if it meant I'd have the support of my uncle.

"I suppose… that can't hurt." I sat up straighter, and nodded, "I'll show you… from the beginning, then."

Jethro nodded before I felt the moment where the elastic pull of my mind took hold. I navigated the memories to show three young children playing with their magic, talking about all the possibilities of what they could do. The faces of two young girls, one with dark red hair like scarlet laughing with a girl who had dark auburn that was nearly brunette at first glance. They both had vibrant green eyes, one lighter than the other, that smiled at the young boy with a pale, malnourished complexion. Those dark eyes were glittering with a happiness that I'd chase after for the rest of his life. The memories flashed to school days where my young self was clinging by the side of young Severus and Lily, and in turn found my younger self being accompanied by Severus and Lily in return.

The years flashed quickly but the emotions carried; care-free happiness, the hidden emotions of wanting more with him. Jethro saw the pain of losing him, and yes that involved that fateful night between us, while also witnessing the years afterward where I had tried to reach out and how I had to disassociate myself from Severus as much as I could. Then Jethro was thrown into events from last year; the slow build up, the reconciliation, the hardships mixing with profound experience of finally unveiling my feelings. While our sneaking trysts were quickly passed over, Jethro focused on the way Severus spoke to me. His protection, and his care, being there for me in moments need and fixated on my emotions that I felt for him. Once the collage of memories had finished Jethro pulled out of my mind with a shocked, and more lightened expression than before.

"Well… who knew such a sardonic man could… be so…" Jethro blew air before blinking, shaking his head. "I have to admit if a man treated me like that—hell a woman would've had me on my knees, giving them my life!" He beamed, earning a smile and chuckle from me. "I didn't realize this was… well, I know you said this was a long time coming so to speak, but… Circe's sweetest kiss!"

"So… do you see? Severus and I… well, he makes me feel…" taking a deep breath I calmed myself to let my truth be spoken, "he makes me feel loved, Jethro."

Jethro gave me a smile that was reminiscent of a proud father, something I hadn't experienced in years. "Of course you do, darling… he shows it. He embodies it, Selini!" He looked away trying to think of something to say as he shook his head, and looked back to me with a more regretful grin, "Care to overlook my judgement and mischaracterization of him?"

The feeling was overwhelming to me that I reached over and wrapped my arms around his neck while he seemed completely thrown off by the gesture. "Of course I will, you dramatic idiot. I'm sorry I've kept so much of my life from you, Uncle Jethro… I want that to change, too."

Jethro's scoffed sounded nearly like stifling a small sob, his arm wrapping me in a hug as he started to rock back and forth for a moment, "Don't apologize, dear… you were so young; how could I blame you?"

"I'm not now," I said pulling away from him, giving a small smile, "so I can take some responsibility, you know."

Jethro shrugged, "Fine, fine, we both can be at fault—can we just say we're both turning over a new leaf, then?"

I laughed and rolled my eyes while nodding, "Fine with me."

While Jethro may have had an easier time understanding my choices, I knew the real challenge lied with the two teens who had different opinions. Jethro was more than helpful in bringing Elowyn into the room with her narrowed eyes, clutching Persephone close to her chest as she looked at me. Skepticism and distrust in her young face that told me this wouldn't be easy. Harry had stepped in behind her who seemed uncomfortable and awkwardly sat next to his friend on the love seat. The metaphorical hippogriff within the room made things all the more unbearable, making me shift my weight from foot to foot in an attempt to try and gather my thoughts.

"You said you two weren't together," Elowyn's voice broke through after taking the initiative. She let her unusually large cat sit on her lap, lightly petting her while looking down. She didn't sound angry in her tone, but I didn't mistake the sound of betrayal. "Why did you lie?"

An anguish of shame was felt deeply in my chest, "My Star, I didn't," I sighed while looking down, "at the time when that article came out, we truly weren't involved like that." She didn't look at me but glanced at Harry, "I've known Severus since we were little—we grew up together with Lily, Harry." I looked up to the boy whose brows furrowed at the mention of this piece of information.

"Snape was friends with my mum?" He asked looking at me in disbelief.

I nodded, "Yes… we were close even, and obviously went to Hogwarts together. I've known a different Severus than you two have… He'd probably hate me for saying this, but there's a side to him that's much different than what he shows others. It's always been like that," I gave a small chuckle while waving me hand, "After we reconnected at Hogwarts… Well, things just led from one thing to another."

Harry scrunched his nose in aversion to whatever idea he had come up with, and Elowyn grimaced with a sickly expression.

"I'm finding it hard to believe he's—well—"

"Romantic?" Elowyn finished for the unsure boy. I looked to the side, deadpanning the idea of explaining the elaborateness of persons to two teens who seemed to only think a person was capable of just their teaching mask.

"Is that why Sirius acted like that?" Elowyn asked looking from Harry to myself, "I mean… you two were together at one point,"

"I can't believe Snape punched him though," Harry commented as Persephone moved from Elowyn's lap into Harry's, "I mean, Lupin had to fix his nose!"

"Sirius got a good hit on Professor Snape, too." Elowyn reminded him while folding her arms, "even I could see the bloody lip."

How could I explain to these teens about the complexities of history with those men? With Jethro it was easier to not have to censor so much since he didn't have the same relationship with Sirius or Severus the way Harry and Elowyn did. To speak of Sirius and how our relationship went felt inappropriate for Harry's sake, and I doubted this all left a better opinion of Severus in Elowyn's mind, either. The confliction of explaining those intricacies versus using some blase blanket explanation.

"Sirius… has been under a false impression, and reluctant to understand that we're not together." I answered, figuring it may be best to start there and work my way up.

"Can you really blame him?" Harry's tone filled with deride, "You chose someone like Snape over Sirius."

"Harry, there's much about your Godfather—and professor—that you aren't aware of."

"Okay, well what is it then?" Harry had an edge in his voice relayed his impatience.

Sighing I looked to the ceiling to try and gather my thoughts, trying to think carefully of what to say as my patience was waning. "It's not so easy to explain. Sirius has his faults too, not just Severus, and after decades of knowing both of them it's—been a long time coming. It's a decision that maybe you won't ever have to understand, but it's my mine."

The two, although probably not convinced about changing their minds about Severus all together, seemed more compliant to understand that there was nothing they could change. Elowyn looked to Harry and rolled her shoulder, pulling her lips to the side as I watched Harry clench his jaw and look away from her. His chest had had puffed before a drawn-out sigh came from through his nose. Persephone, purring noisily from her place on Harry's lap, looked at me with slow blinking eyes, a look I almost thought resembled criticism for how I handled the situation with the teens.

Elowyn sat up, her chin tilted toward the air before folding her arms and staring directly into my eyes, "I'm not calling him dad. That's too weird," The way she held herself only earned a chuckle from me, the thought of imagining my daughter sarcastically calling her professor any variation of "father" and the reaction Severus would've had making it difficult to keep a straight face.

"Elowyn, I wouldn't expect you to." I rolled my eyes while shaking my head to try and hide my amusement.

For the rest of the evening on the last day of break in Twelve Grimmauld Place, there was an all-consuming awkwardness I tried desperately to avoid. Even with those by my side like my uncle and Aurora, the eyes of those around me were unmistakable. Molly and Arthur took the lead to avoid mentioning anything about the situation, probably more on behalf of Sirius's favor than respecting my privacy. Hermione and Ginny seemed to be eager to engage in conversation, possibly as a way to distract from the events that happened earlier, but I didn't mind. Other than Remus seeming to be short with me on the occasion he'd speak to me, the only thing that kept my stomach in knots from uneasiness of the situation was the absence of Sirius. It was for the better, but the unmistakable looming feeling of his lack of presence created those knots.

Aurora and I needed to leave after dinner in order to get back to the castle, and after telling everyone who was present our goodbyes, we arrived with the same feeling that I had left Hogwarts in; a life sucking force of reality that I didn't want to be a part of. Probation, dealing with the insufferable likes of Umbridge, and notion that the world could not continue on holiday break in a cottage or rebellion headquarters.

Aurora decided to stay with me that night for an impromptu girl's time, and it was much needed as it was appreciated. It was a way for us to unwind after the events at Grimmauld place, catch up with each other on more of our separate holiday vacations, with laughing fits about a specific Defense professor that we mercilessly imitated. We even had fun talking to the painting that were hung in my living space, gossiping to them about what had happened in our absence.

The morning came quicker than expected and wasn't exactly welcomed with the slight headache that I carried. Aurora had put most of her clothing in her chambers, so I offered to let her borrow some of mine. Aurora sporting a black, slim fitting dress with matching robes was a rare sight, and always gave her this air of intimidation if you didn't know her. We were washed, dressed and nearly ready to leave a loud pop erupted startling the two of us. Bunny, with fearful eyes and her tiny, trembling body had frantically started stammering.

"M-Missus! Missus, you shouldn't be here!" Bunny's little feet ran straight for me, clinging to the maroon fabric of my robe with tears brimming her eyes.

Sharing a concerned and bewildered look with Aurora I knelt down next to the house-elf, "What are you talking about, Bunny? What is it?"

"The evil pink lady is after you!" Bunny exclaimed with desperation in her high-pitched voice, "She is with the Minister and headmaster and they're coming for—"

The strong banging on my door startled the three of us, a strong low voice called out my name that I could've sworn sounded like Kingsley Shacklebolt. Glancing to Aurora who looked more petrified than I had seen her in a long time, and then back to Bunny whose defeat morphed into dismay.

"No! I is too late! I'm so sorry, Missus!" Bunny wailed as she dropped her face into her tiny, thin hands as her abnormally large ears swayed back and forth as she shook her head.

"Bunny, get out of here and go find Severus Snape, okay? Tell him what you know and have him use the pin to contact me. Do you understand?" I instructed the house elf in a low voice, doing what I could to ignore the second round of banging on my door. "Do you, Bunny?"

Bunny, through her tears had nodded and complied before popping away. Taking one last look at Aurora who had hugged herself, looking more apprehensive as she bit her lip and followed me to the door. Putting on the mask of concealment, doing my best to tame the flooded gut feeling of wanting to turn away and run, I took a deep breath to open the door. The first person I noticed was Kingsley Shacklebolt, a look of secrecy in his eyes as a practiced officer. Next to him stood Alastor Moody who who looked at us with that disgruntled stare of his, the swivling blue eye whizzing around and focusing on me first before Aurora to then observe the room behind us. Next to Moody stood Dumbledore with his serene aura and placid nature, Dreadful Umbridge looking as if she'd just been told she was new Minister, and Minister Fudge himself trying to up hold a civil, but firm, expression as he looked between the two of us.

I looked between the faces with tension creeping up from my back slowly into my shoulders, and constructing my throat. Something horrid was brewing, and if it was enough for Bunny to somehow rush away from whatever she was doing to warn me, I doubted there was anything I could but see what this could be. Nothing was said for a moment until Dreadful took the lead.

"Ah, Cornelius, it looks like we wont need to search for Ramsey afterall." She tilted her head to the side ever so slightly and flicking her sights between the two of us. I did not care for whatever suggestive, and judgemental twitch in her eye meant. It only fanned the embers of my bitter aggression to her.

"Professors," Kingsley brought our attention back to him with a firm voice, "You need to come with us."

"Is everything alright?" Aurora's meeker tone spoke up as she came by my side, twisting the loc of hair adorned with jewels in a nervous fashion.

"It'll be much more cordial to speak about this in my office, professors." Dumbledore's words seemed far too casual for the tension that was built between all of us.

The journey to Dumbledore's office seemed to last longer than I had remembered, and with Alastor and Kingsley accompanying us on either side of me and Aurora, I felt as if our actions were being monitored closely from the traveling steps to the breaths I took. It almost felt too risky to glance at Aurora whose toffee complexion had paled considerably since we left my room. Her noticeable discomfort and disquiet response had a varied response to my nervous system. An urge to protect us both that accompanied the idea of planning an escape from the eyes of the Minister and Umbridge.

What felt like ages later we had entered the confines of Dumbledore's office. Umbridge and Fudge had taken a stance adjacent from Dumbledore's desk as the headmaster gave plenty of space to the opposite side. Alastor and Kingsley had stayed behind to occupy the entrance with postures that solidified their stern positions. Aurora stood closely to me, doing what she could to control her shaking that only motivated to

"Would anyone like some tea? Perhaps, maybe a cup of brandy before we proceed?" Dumbledore's casual questions did not help to ease my discomfort. It was wildly inappropriate compared to the energy that filtered around the room.

"I'd rather get straight to the point, Dumbledore." Fudge spoke for the first time as he turned to me and Aurora with a critical look etched in the lines of his frown. "We don't exactly have the luxury of time."

"Well then, Minister, please enlighten us what was so important you had to drag us from my chambers?" I folded my arms, staring down the Minister and his toad sidekick with the same intensity they bestowed on us.

"Yesterday, Azkaban had been breeched. Several… Death Eaters have escaped." Fudge kept his sights on us, squinting in what I could only describe as suspcion. Umbridge had kept a tight, small smile as the concentration of her stare didn't waver, but the up turned corners of her smile only made my being queasy with dread.

I heard Aurora gasp, and with the shocking events I couldn't hide my own dropping jaw surprise at what he had said.

"How?" Aurora asked,

Fudge looked conflicted on presenting this information, but Delores had no problem interjecting. "Who else would have associations to Death Eaters?" She made the question rhetorical. It was a moment when I thought maybe with a sliver of hope that we found the footing needed to take to prove that Voldemort himself had returned. That perhaps they were able to come to their sense in the midst of their smeer campaign and found the light of truth.

"Sirius Black, of course."

The overly optimistic part of me was immediately chastised; of course they wouldn't easily accept what was in front of their eyes. How could I hope for a competent Ministry with what they've done in the last year? I did what I could to conceal my true feelings by biting my tongue. The thought of the Ministry using Sirius as a scape goat each and every time something went awry was infuriating beyond words. A childish prick he might be, but a criminal to the degree they tried to paint him was nothing to who he truly was. Glancing to Aurora I noted the confused furrow of her brow when our eyes connected before looking back to the two Ministry officials in front of us.

"What does that have to do with us?" I asked, slowly losing patience.

"Reports state something peculiar that happened," Kingsley took the lead this time earning us his attention as I turned to look at him, "several individuals reported wearing Death Eater masks, but also, one specific individual who used the same energy magic you two are known to wield."

I stared at Kinglsey, feeling dread wrap around my legs and branch upward through my body and settling in my chest. Looking to Alastor who scowling and skeptical look on his face didn't register to me that it could've been an act with out convincing it was. I turned to look back to Dumbledore who kept

"They reported it was a shamrock coloring." Alastor spoke, and even if it were to calm our worries of potential false accusations, the bite of his tone left little to feel comfort from.

I hated the idea of what this was looking like. They had no issue throwing Sirius under the bus with anything they thought would've suit the narrative they're constructing. My heart felt like it would've beat right out of my chest, that it was stuck in my throat and had dropped to my stomach all at once.

"So, again, what does that exactly have to deal with us, Minister?" I turned back to face Fudge and Dreadful, folding my arms and hardening my stare, "Clearly, our colors don't match that." I spoke clear as I could and tried to ignore the slight tremblings in my voice in order to stand strong.

"No, but I'm afraid I won't be taking any chances," Fudge's words were sharp, "For all we know this could've been an old student—of even worse, an ally of yours!"

"Cornelius," Dumbledore took quick strides to stand in front of me and Aurora, a side of him that I could only relate to that night in the hospital wing after the final task in the Triwizard Tournament. He stood tall, like a hundred year old oak tree that remained unbent in the face of a gale winds and torrential down pour. "I will not have you creating false accusations of my professors when there is no sufficient evidence!"

"Yet," Delores gave a wide, so pleasant that it was eerily evil, smile before she looked to us, "for the interest of safety for the school, and the children, your probation has officially been changed to termination. Effective immediately, I might add."

I tried to will myself to breath just so my heart didn't shut down, so that I wouldn't choke to death in front of everyone and keep my dignity in tact. As much as I wanted to cast the woman out of the office by means of throwing her out of the window with Fudge in tow, I knew I would not win this battle. There was no way I could overturn their decision, nor would I beg for them to see reason in their actions. It was completely set within their minds of trying to maintain what order they could. This was monumentally worse than being dismissed for my cirriculum, but the underlining notion that our abilities were now being viewed as dangerous, corrupted, and associated with The Dark Lord himself was the terrifying part. Theorizing what they were trying to do with Elowyn to "reform" her, understanding that Umbridge was nothing more than a spy for Fudge, this was simply all apart of their plan on a spur of the moment process. They found a route to kick me and Aurora out of the way even if this couldn't possibly be a good look for the Ministry. Retaliation at it's best and they'll take anyone with them for their own misgivings.

Fudge cleared his throat as he held his green bowler hat in his hands, looking down as he continued, "We have no grounds to arrest you—"

"Arrest?!" Aurora took a step closer to put a hand on my arm, the shrillness of her voice conveying my unspoken strike of fear.

"But instead we will be closely monitoring you for the time being!" Fudge finished.

"What about Elowyn?" I asked, stepping up to Dumbledore who turned to me, "What about our daughter?"

"Yes, your daughter," Umbridge took a few steps closer to me, a glint in her eyes that made me nauseous. "The curious thing about your adoption of Elowyn Beaumont is that I'm having trouble locating specific documents that… finalize that adoption."

"We've given all the papers necessary." I quickly affirmed while narrowing my eyes at the woman, "Nothing was amiss during that process—"

"Well, surely you'd have copies, or perhaps we'd be able to contact that very orphanage to sort this whole mess out." Umbridge tilted her head to the side, a smile that almost suggested she knew more than she let on.

'There's no way she could've known what happened…'

"Elowyn Beaumont's education shall remain intact here," Dumbledore brought our attention back to him, "as it stands, and as I'm sure whatever legal documents should be required exist, there should be no changes as seen fit for her residence here. I believe you, Cornelius, would agree that those certain documents must've been kept safe by your trusted employees then, yes?"

Fudge looked to Dumbledore with a twitch in his temple, "Of course they would!"

"Then it's settled. Professor's Ramsey and Thorne will return to their cottage, and Miss Beaumont will remain here at Hogwarts." Dumbledore concluded in the finality of the conversation.

The air around me felt stiff with the harsh reality of our situation, and the understanding of our situation it was impossible not to feel some type of helplessness. I had to put in the trust of others to make sure my daughter and Godson were looked after, make sure we somehow didn't incriminate ourselves and comply with whatever Fudge wanted from us all in the same breath of maintaining our resistance.

"We'll be watching you closely," Umbridge added as she stared at Aurora and I, "your floo channel, where you apperate, and of course your interactions with your daughter—but don't fret. She'll be under my protective guidance in your absence." The high-pitched and vindictive giggle of Umbridge was icey enough to hold me in my stance.

Fudge and Umbridge had remained in the office as Kinglsey and Alastor escorted us out of the office. The last look of Albus Dumbledore giving a sympathetic smile to me had fanned the fires of lividity in me, but strangely gave me this idea of delusional reassurance. It was all too much to process and try to understand.

"What the hell are they thinking?" I hissed at Kinglsey.

"It took ever bit of convincing just to not have you two taken away, Maeve." Answered in a low tone while looking around, spotting a few students who had passed us without so much as a glance, "Ten Death Eaters escaped in the late hours of this morning and we only have so much to concur."

"Do you have any idea who could wield that type of color of energy?" Alastor questioned in an equally low tone as we headed down the corridor.

"It's not easy to figure out someone's coloring—we've only theorized what that could mean but it's hardly plausible—green is a more common color we've seen!" Aurora hurriedly stepped to the side of Alastor as I moved to the other next to Kinglsey, "I mean—how could they associate us like that? There are probably ton of other wizards or witches who could've easily never had our teachings—"

"It doesn't matter to them if we did or not it's just another way to get us out of the castle." I answered, huffing. "That putrid–pink–pestilence got what she wanted—again!"

"We need to get you two to your cottage immediately—the Order can't come through your cottage anymore, and Jethro's liable to use it as his discretion as he normally does." Alastor added in a hushed tone after passing by a group of students. I recognized one of them to be Nevile Longbottom who seemed to be the only one to notice the four of us as the other Gryffindor's passed. I connected with his eyes full of astonishment and curiosity but could continue to look at him. A flare of some kind of shame, some indescribable feeling that accompanied the knowledge of being escorted off the premises by two well known Auror's did not bode well for my presentation.

Like any other issue before, I'd keep my chin up and my decorum intact; I'd never give any of the Ministry officials, or wandering eyes of students to report some out burst that could land on the Prophet. To be stone, and strong, against the current that was trying to drown me.

"Are we able to get our things? Can we at least goodbye to Elowyn?" I asked passing the turn that would've lead us back to my chambers.

"Our orders were to get you off of school grounds without delay," Kingsley looked over to me with an apologetic expression, "I'm sorry, but we can't deter from our orders."

"No, but the whole school might let her know before we do." Aurora grumbled as more and more students passed us. The more that had passed by the more I noticed their stares on their young faces full of curiosity and even accusation. Such a mix bag of different eyes that felt as if they commanded an invisible Devil's Snare to wrap around my heart and squeeze. I was able to notice the whispering that felt like an incoherent buzzing in my mind that could've shut my senses off. To even see Sinistra, Flitwick and McGonagal stopping in their tracks to watch us pass by felt like I was being shoved underwater. Catoptric tristesse was settling in a hellish fashion.

"What's happened?" Severus's voice cut through my concentration, causing me to falter on my step for a moment. It was much needed in the moment with his voice, although full of alarm and concern were noted more clearly than I think he intended. Pulling up my collar I whispered back,

"Aurora and I got sacked and narrowly avoided being arrested. Get to the cottage as soon as you can—don't make it obvious what you're up to."

"Who are you talking to?" Kingsley asked eyeing me,

"Severus," I flashed the little piece attached to my collar, "just to… keep in contact—don't worry about it." I shook my head as we set foot in the Entrance Hallway. The activity was much more lively than in the halls and with that brought more attention than the passing students and staff. I noticed the Montgomery sisters standing there with a few other Slytherin girls like Tracey Davies and Greengrass sisters. The girls were engrossed in whatever conversation they were in, but the youngest noticed our precarious situation. With confused and worried bright blue eyes Natalie nudged her sister who first turned to sister with irritation before looking to the us noticing where her sister was staring. Soon the group of Slytherin girls had brought their attention to us, and after a moment the Montgomery sisters started to proceed forward.

"No, girls," Aurora held up her hand as we passed, "don't concern yourselves."

"Keep up, you two." Kingsley boomed as Alastor put a hand on Aurora back to nudge her forward gently, Kingsley following the same motion with me. I watched as the two girls looked between each other before taking off into the buzzing Great Hall earning a loud curse from me at the thought of what could transpire.

"Elowyn's going to lose it." I grumbled, thinking back to the conversation in the office. "I wonder how long Dreadful's been waiting to pull that little stunt."

"We'll do what we can to protect her, Maeve." Kingsley answered in a hushed tone, the amount of children lingering outside regardless of the freezing temps and snow that lightly fell. The courtyard had several students in groups with agog faces and whispers. I saw a few of them holding the Prophet and speaking animatedly between them, hardly able to heard what they were saying. Since we didn't have our coats I took the time to apply a heatin charm to what I was wearing, along with Aurora's. Folding my arms and walking through the snow that accumulated through the courtyard, we made it nearly to the end where the bridge started.

"Aurora! Maeve!" I went to turn around, but Kingsley had grabbed my arm to pull me further, earning a heated look toward the man who had to keep his own cover intact, but I decided to play into it.

"Unhand me you fiend, that's my daughter!" The frustration of the day mixed with my dramatic declaration when I ripped my arm out of his grip.

"I'm ordered to take you straight to your home, I can't let you linger." He answered as if to plead with me,

"Those are my mom's!" Elowyn's shouted across the courtyard as she ran up to the front of us, puffs of air escaping as her face was turning rosy from the cold hitting her. "What's happening—where are they taking you?!"

"My Star, just go back inside for now, okay?" Aurora tried her best to soothe the clearly frazzled girl to no end.

"No! What're they doing?!" Elowyn stepped up closer, her hands flaring in bright violet as her eyes started to glow in the same color with tears brimming.

I stepped forward to grab her in a tight embrace against her petite body, pulling her close to whisper, "Keep calm, don't draw attention like this, and stay close to Severus and McGonagall, okay? You'll hear from us soon—play your part, my Star." I pulled away to see her face lined in tears as the violet in her eyes settled to the dark brown. Her face scrunching in in heartache that vibrated into my chest, earning tears that I desperately tried to blink away. I had to be strong for her in this time when she was breaking.

"I don't want you to leave—" She sniffled and choked out,

"We have to go," Alastor urged with impatience as Aurora came up to hug Elowyn next.

"Stay strong, my brightest Star. This will be over soon." She kissed the top of Elowyn's head as Kingsley pulled us, gently, forward away from the crying girl who was soon by the Montgomery sisters. I couldn't look at her anymore and kept my sights forward, hearing Aurora sniff and seeing the motion of wiping her face through my peripheral.

After walking for some time down the creaking wood Kingsley sighed, "I'm sorry to have to do that."

"You're doing what you have to." Aurora offered.

"Hell of a performance, Thorne." Alastor commented earning a humorless chuckle from me.

Once we reached over the bridge we were apparated into the living room of the cottage. A similar scene of finding serums and potion bottles scattered on the table. The smell of vanilla and lavender filtered all around as a roaring fire added the scent of smoke.

"Again!" Jethro's outburst came from my left as he hurriedly got up from his spot on the love seat, a familiar look of a face mask plastered on his face as he pulled the flaps of the robe tighter on him.

"Jethro we have to—" I stopped and looked at the black robe with red Spider Lilies to realize that wasn't his, "... is that my robe you have the audacity to wear?"

"The color scheme makes me feel empowered—just—what are you all doing here—and sweet merciful Circe why is Kingsley and Mad-Eye here to see my indecent exposure!" Jethro threw up a hand to cover his face, earning an uncomfortable coughing sound from the Kingsley between myself and Aurora. Alastor scoffed and gave a low toned growl.

"For Merlin's sake man, do you not have any pride?!" Moody yelled before mumbling to himself and furiously shaking his head.

"I am trying to maintain that pride with my skin care! Yet here you four are bargaining on a delicate process—I might add!" Jethro defended himself while lifting his chin up into the air.

"We have a serious situation Jethro," Kingsley chimed in, looking around the house before looking back to him, "Maybe… take the time to make yourself… decent." Kingsley recommended while looking to the side.

"Yes, get out of my robe!" I seethed.

After graciously giving Jethro the time he needed to dress in his usual outlandish suit and begrudgingly clean his face, the four of us explain the predicament that was now on our hands. Jethro's animated reactions did little to help me find any humor of the situation.

"If there's one, dim, little silver lining in this situation it's that there's no way Fudge can cover this up, can he?" Jethro mused while his sights remained on the ground, deep in thought pacing back and forth before coming to sit down at the dining table. "The Ministry can't cover this up no matter what they try to excuse—they'll no doubt spread the word, albeit completely pining everything on poor Sirius, but… they'll have to warn the wizarding world of this."

"Fudge has heavily altered the article as much as he's capable of doing, but I've heard there's push back to reveal all the details." Kingsley affirmed before looking at Aurora and I. "Alastor and I will do what we can to continue to make sure they don't pursue you two anymore, but if things become troublesome…" Kingsley shrugged, licking his lips as he tried to explain what we didn't want to hear.

"Let's just say it might be time to invest in Polyjuice Potion, or taking your leave." Alastor finished.

"We can handle ourselves. It wouldn't be the first time we've disappeared from an area." Aurora tried to keep the situation light, and while I tried to appreciate what she was doing I couldn't help but feel the pessimism.

Kingsley and Alastor wasted no time running off to warn the other members of the Order that their second safe house can no longer be accessed by easy means.

"If Death Eaters attacked Azkaban then…" Jethro spoke looking between the two of us, "does that mean Severus had anything to do with it?" My uncle raised an eyebrow as his sights settled on me. I bit my lip and looked to Aurora who watched me with the same curiosity as Jethro did.

"Possibly… that would mean he might have answers for who was the cause of the green energy, at least. Hopefully he'll be by at some point."

Time was moving on painstakingly slow. Hours went by and I had yet to hear anything from Severus. A little after eight I was startled by Severus's voice entering my mind, stating he'd be there any moment. Taking a deep breath I walked out into the living room area where Jethro and Aurora played cards.

"Oh, finally done sulking?" Jethro teased before the knock on the door alerted to their attention.

"Not entirely," I sighed before going up to the door and letting in Severus, covered in his thickest cloak he could've had.

He nodded to the two who stared at him, taking off his cloak and gloves as he did so, "I would've came sooner had Potter not been so—incompetent!" A frustrated huff that resembled more of a growl came as he rubbed his face.

I gave him the same look as I'd given to Elowyn whenever she'd use curse words without warning, feeling as if I had to displicine him for the way he spoke about the teen boy.

"Oh, come now, Severus—Maeve here was just as frustrating and incapable when she first started Occlumency!" Jethro tried to reason, earning a less than pleased look from me.

"Potter's has a long way to go in order to achieve frustrating and incapable." Severus seethed,

"Not to carry on this conversation… well, actually, I do, but I'm hoping you know the situation at hand without us having to explain it, again?" I questioned.

"Dumbledore informed me of the details," Severus raised his eyebrows lightly, "then Beaumont had rushed to me demanding for me to tell her the truth… McGonagal said Potter was just as passionate about demanding answers." He looked to me finally, "they remain complacent… for now."

I reached up to rub the bridge of my nose between my fingers, imagining the historonics of the teens under my care. "May Merlin keep those two from creating a scene."

"Can you clear up a lot of this mess? At least some kind of knowledge on who the mysterious new Death Eater guy is?" Aurora asked from her seat.

Severus glanced to me before looking back to the woman at the table. "Maybe over a glass of wine to help with the tension." I swallowed his wary tone as we headed to the table to join the other two adults. Waving my hand for two more glasses to levitate from the kitchen and settle on the table, I sat down as the wine that had remained at the table for several hours now poured in my glass, and as Severus sat the wine poured for him as well.

"Does it narrow down the search if I told you that it's a woman?" Severus questioned taking a quick swig from the glass once it was done pouring,

I looked to Aurora who simply shrugged, "Well… no." She answered while rolling her eyes, "but it was like I was saying earlier to Fudge; just because they had the same energy abilities doesn't mean we have any associations to them."

"How did they even come about coming into those ranks anyway?" Jethro asked, "I mean… I suppose it's not too hard to consider Him recruiting and eventually finding someone, but…"

"From what I've been able to gather from the others, this woman has been kept from most of our collective knowledge. The first time anyone had seen her was the night of the break-in. She wore a skull mask, and did not speak. The Dark Lord gave her very specific orders and we were told once she gave the signal to follow afterward… it was incredibly strange to see a new comer gain such trust from Him."

Severus paused to take another drink from the wine. While I wouldn't openly admit it or bring it up, I noted the hints of worry in his behavior. This show of power must've been incredible for him to hang this looming fret about this woman. I looked to Aurora seemed to wracking her brain for anyone that could've remotely reminded her of the person in question, twisting her loc over and over as her eyebrows knitted together.

"So, assuming since everything went according to the little plan of theirs, she passed the test?" Jethro concluded while tracing his jawline with his finger lost in his thoughts, and earning a nod from Severus.

"With what we know about His desire to… obtain knowledge, and more than likely a chance of wielding this energy magic, I think it's only fair to say that he will try to recruit more. This figure symbolizes a call for others, and no doubt will make promises they can't keep." Severus added.

"Maybe we need to find a few folk who can do what we can, too," Aurora suggestion had her pursing her lips and nodding to herself once more, "I mean… that might be difficult considering most of those we know who can produce energy are on other continents, and Gods know how that'll go over asking other's to join a fight they aren't around for."

"True, but if we ask the favor it could be extended to them in a time of need. We'd just have to explain that… it'll affect them all in time if something isn't done now." I added before doing a large sip of my wine, blinking as my thoughts raced. "Any idea who we should talk to first? It's not exactly a conversation to throw around."

Aurora had gathered all of her hair to pull it over her shoulder, running her fingers through the soft, sleek, black hair as shit bit her lip. After several moments she pulled her shoulder while looking away, "I… do… but I don't-" A rushed sigh escaped as she threw her head into her hands, rubbing her face in the process.

I could only think of one person she would be this stressed out about, and with that thought occurring to me I tilted my head to the side, "Anyone else, Aurora?"

"Billie has all those connections to the Salem Sisters, and has a few closer connections in the law departments in the MACUSA! There's no one else that I'd know who could rally the kind of people we need, Maeve." Aurora grew increasingly frustrated the more she spoke, and honey brown eyes had hardened their sights on me. I hated to admit it, but it seemed like the only person we'd be able to start off on our search for fellow wandless magic folk.

"Do we… not like this Billy gentlemen?" Jethro hesitantly broke through our stare down,

"Billie is short for Wilhelmina, uncle." I grumbled while looking down at my glass, swirling the contents of it as I remembered the turmoil that Aurora had gone through with that woman. I glanced up to see that the crinkling in her forehead, arms folded as the tip of her nose started to blush red along with her cheeks. Her eyes looked glassy as she looked to the side seemingly lost in all of her own memories.

'I shouldn't be so snippy about this—that wasn't easy for her to bring up in the least…' I thought to myself, feeling the irritation in her defense melt away. As much as I didn't like Billie Morgan in all her troublesome ways, it wasn't my place to make this difficult time anymore harder when Aurora was offering a genuine answer against her own betterment.

"Ramsey," Severus called attention to him as his baritone voice broke after another few minutes of silence, "can you trust this person with your life? We can't afford to… act out of desperation in these times; we're able to be calculating in our choices, but not in fraternizing with anyone who leave doubt in your mind."

Aurora stared at him as if debating the answer before slowly nodding, "I can trust her." She answered in absolute. "I just need to talk to her and she'll… she'll understand." Even though Aurora spoke as confidently as she could at the moment, I couldn't hide my doubt in my scowl.

"We'll have the time to do so it seems… Regardless, now the Ministry has zeroed in on the both of us," I motioned to Aurora and myself with my glass, "which has put a very ugly sign on our backs, and has also put Elowyn in jeopardy."

"How so?" Severus asked, raising his eyebrow as he looked to me.

"I think Umbridge is doing what she can to pull our adoption, maybe turn it into a farce—"

"Well let's be honest it was shady at best—"

"Even though we were able to forge a lot of papers, I know we've given them any information needed about her… past." I finished, giving Jethro a narrowed look.

"Don't worry about Beaumont," Severus added quickly, "I'll look after her in your absence. It's my duty as her Head of House in that regards."

I gave him a small smile before reaching out to grab his hand, a reflex that I felt stiffen under my hold before eventually relaxing. The company we were in wouldn't have any judgement for what I did, or toward him which was something I was sure that Severus could feel. The air didn't feel like it did back in Grimmauld Place; acceptance was the only thing I could sense around us.

"Minerva will watch over Harry, too." I nodded to myself while looking down, trying to steady the fear in my heart of what could happen to both of them.

The thought occurred to me that there was a conversation I needed to have with Severus, and as I stood I dismissed myself while motioning to Severus to follow me. Whatever was important enough to wait, I needed the answers now and maybe as well add to whatever shit storm we were facing. After casting a look to the others, and holding up a finger to signal a pause, he followed me to the back where my bedroom was at.

"At least wait until we're out of the house, darling!" Jethro yelled earning a snort and giggle from Aurora, and an annoyed look from me as I turned my head to him.

"Jethro! Shut the fu—"

"A gentleman bewitched by the charm of a Thorne—there's hardly any restraint!"

I huffed before quickly walking past Severus to throw the door open, letting him in and loudly slamming the door behind me, rubbing my temples as I leaned back on the wood for support. "I'm going to lose my entire mind here I can already tell…"

"You think you'd have more peace of mind in Azkaban then?" Severus teased earning a deadpan expression from me, and also gaining a chuckle from him.

"I guess things could be worse all things considered… but the reason I brought you back here was because you needed to tell me something yesterday. About Harry, I mean."

Severus nodded, taking a deep breath before speaking, "The reason Potter is taking Occlumency lessons isn't unlike yourself, however, it's more of a detriment than he realizes. Dumbledore believes… There is a connection between The Dark Lord and Potter's mind. Potter believes he's having recurring nightmares… whereas Dumbledore believes he is peeking into His mind."

I stared at Severus for a moment, blinking to process the information. "The night Arthur was attacked, Harry kept going on about how he saw it happened—felt it happen… So was he… seeing, Vol–Voldemort?" Clearing my throat, I wasn't sure if my nerves were from forcing out the disturbing name or if it were from an underlying feeling that I couldn't exactly pinpoint.

"In a sense…" Severus answered hesitant to continue further, "Which brings us to the issues at hand; Potter knows about us now…"

I cursed while putting a hand over my mouth. My subconscious must've known something before I truly did, because that had to of been the dreaded feeling I had building and swirling in my chest.

"That's why Dumbledore has been holding back around Harry… That's why—fuck, Severus I didn't… fuck!" I cursed again while putting my hands over my face. "I just… I didn't know when I told him—"

"Told him?" Severus asked,

I looked upward, feeling guilty and as if I was about to confront an authority figure for my insubordination of sorts. "He wasn't understanding us… I just explained that I had known you since we were kids—that you, me and Lily knew each other since we were kids. I mean—does He know that, and will that mess everything else up? What if Voldemort sees that and he—he—" I started to breath too quickly, feeling hands around my shoulders before being pulled into a hug.

"What's done is done," Severus's words seemed more like a sentence of our fate than an act of comfort, "The Dark Lord… knew my associations to… Lily."

I looked at him confused watching how he had lost more color in his already pale face leaving him ashen, "I tried… I asked for her to be spared… I tried—"

Did it surprise me that Severus even in the depths of his associations to the Death Eaters and The Dark Lord, he would risk it all for the ones he cared about? That he would put his life on the line to the very entity that controlled his life at the time? In the absolute answer no, it did not. To watch him now knowing that he'd step up to the stakes and do whatever he must to in an act of protection, it didn't phase me. If anything, it only repeated what I knew deep down; Severus had a loving, thoughtful man who used secrecy, mystery and calculation to achieve his means. To see this man now cracking, flaking at the seems only told me that the burden I had understood him to carry was much heavier than I expected. Just what else did Severus hold tightly to his chest?

I reached up to put a hand on his face and shied away from the touch before pulling away completely.

"Severus… you tried to help—"

"I failed to help, Selini, there is a difference." His words cut harsher in his tone than I had expected, blinking at him as he refused to look at me, "I failed her…"

I walked up to him slowly, hesitating before pursuing further. "Severus you did what you could. The rest was out of your hands—out of your control. We both know who truly failed them, and it's not you." I stood in front of him, reaching out a hand to hold that did not pull back, "You've been carrying that with you all these years, haven't you?"

Severus said nothing as he kept his sights turned away from me. I could feel more of the shame in his body and energy than just on his face. The glitter of tears reaching the brimming of his eyes before he looked down.

"She…" I dared to speak on, "she wouldn't hold that to you I hope you know."

"You don't truly know that." His voice was above a whisper, almost hissing in a way that was ready to strike if I had even tried any further to reason with him.

I shook my head, feeling knives cut into my throat, "I do—I know… don't tell me I don't, please." I felt the burning in my nose as I clenched my jaw. After a moment of silence, he finally looked up at me, a pleading look in those watery eyes.

"How?"

"We'd talked about you, Severus. Not long before… everything happened." I swallowed deeply as I remembered those final days of an irreplaceable era, "I'm always coming to your defenses and while I didn't know what I do now… that hurt and anger waned, and the conversations of a boy we had known did not paint a picture that held grudges."

Severus leaned forward as if to stop himself from the grief that overcame him but tried to repress. The grip on my hand tightened, and I couldn't let him suffer anymore. I wrapped him in a hug that felt like I tried to tether him here in the moment, to express that he was safe enough to set himself free. His body trembled, sniffs that I couldn't ignore only made me tighten around him as he finally did the same.