The field now clear of all students, Filius helped finish cleaning up the stands with one last flick of his wand. "For a group of magical students, they really could afford to be a bit cleaner," Rolanda muttered from beside him. Feeling the same frustrations with the mess left behind after the first task, Filius simply chuckled and continued his sweep. "Pomona! Minerva!" Rolanda suddenly shouted.

Filius looked up to see the two other Heads of Houses walking towards them. Poppy trailed behind them, her apron covered in dirt, looking exhausted. "Congratulations to you both!" Filius said, noticing the relief that crossed both of their faces. "The boys did wonderfully!"

"They came out wonderfully banged up- allowing a bunch of young children to fight fully grown dragons," Poppy muttered. "Simply ridiculous."

"Young Cedric did so well," Pomona said, smiling. "It's so nice to see Hufflepuff represented in this!"

Minerva looked pale, but she smiled as well. "I'm very proud of Harry."

"Beginner's luck if you ask me," came a deep voice from behind them. Severus smirked in Minerva's direction, but Filius could see her face relax when she caught sight of him. "Where are our friends?" he asked sarcastically.

"Back with their students," Minerva replied. Filius knew that Severus was referring to Maxime and Karkaroff.

"I think this call for drinks!" Rolanda exclaimed, walking to put an arm around both Minerva and Pomona.

"I agree!" Filius replied. "It's been far too long since we've all done something together."

Pomona smiled, but Filius noted that Minerva's eyes were heavy with exhaustion. He knew that the stress of Harry competing was getting to her. The boy was so young, and Filius had to admit he was worried about him too. Severus must have noticed Minerva's face as well, for he was soon beside her, a quiet hand on her back. "I think Poppy needs a few minutes to wash up," Minerva said. "But, I'd love to go out. Who's on duty tonight?"

"Sybil and Alastor," Filius replied.

"Very good," Minerva said, sounding like she didn't believe herself that it was a good thing Alastor would be making rounds. Filius had to admit, he hadn't known Alastor personally before his coming to teach at Hogwarts, but something about the man did seem a bit off. Of course, his name was Mad Eye, but even so, he'd heard about some of his interactions with students. Filius would never outwardly question Albus's decisions, but this one didn't feel quite right.

"Let's go get ourselves changed," Pomona said, pulling Minerva towards the castle. "We'll only be a few minutes!" Pomona called over their shoulders. Poppy trailed slowly behind them.

Filius turned to look at Severus. "Can't always get a word in with that one," he said light heartedly.

Severus smirked. "Walk with me, Filius."

"Of course," he agreed, wondering what was troubling the younger man.

Filius followed behind him as they began walking around the edge of the field. "What's on your mind, Severus?" he asked gently, after a few moments of silence had passed between the two.

Severus took a deep breath, and Filius tried to read the blank expression that took over his face, but he couldn't. "I can't say much, Filius. You understand this."

"I understand your loyalties are complicated."

"Many things are just suspicions at the moment."

Once more, they walked in silence, Filius trying to process what the other man was implying. "I'm trying to understand, Severus. I am."

Severus stopped walking for a moment, staring at him. Filius forgot how unnerving his stare could be. "Can I trust you, Filius?"

"Of course!"

As if he were examining him, Severus's eyes continued to focus on him before beginning their walk again. "I'm trusting you with something important."

"Albus sent you to talk to me?"

"No," he said heavily. "This is something I'm asking of you."

"What is it, my boy?"

"I need you to promise me that you'll look after Minerva."

Filius felt his stomach knot. The way Severus was talking, it sounded as if he were going to be gone in the morning. "You can't say something like that and then not explain," Filius exclaimed, grabbing Severus's arm so he stopped walking out. "Explain yourself."

"I'm not saying anything is going to happen to me," he snapped. "But, Karkaroff, bringing back a long-forgotten tournament, you can't be thick enough to deny the signs?"

Filius dropped Severus's arm. He knew what Severus was talking about, and as far removed as he was from the Order's activities, even he had begun to sense that things were feeling eerily like the Dark Lord's first rise to power. Even Pomona had mentioned it to him over tea one evening. They all knew the world was growing darker. But, his isolation in school activities had left him with a blissful sense of naivety until his walk with Severus. "I have noticed," he said slowly. "But, I must say. If the Dark Lord is close to returning, Minerva is going to be more likely to protect me than I her. You know she's always been that way. And where is it you think you'll be?"

"I'm not going anywhere. But you know of my duties to Dumbledore."

"I know they go far beyond teaching potions and mentoring the Slytherins, yes."

"If they interfere with my ability to…"

"Be there for Minerva?"

For the first time since the beginning of their conversation, Filius saw Severus's eyes soften. He always appreciated seeing the real Severus that hid beneath the black robes and snide remarks. "Yes."

"I've always had her back, my friend."

"She can be impossible."

"I believe the word is stubborn."

Severus rolled his eyes. "Ravenclaws are the sensible ones. I trust you will remain so as things develop."

"I'll always have both of your backs," he assured his colleague. "I'm flattered you would speak to me about something like this."

"You've been a good friend, Filius." Brushing back the tears that sprang to his eyes at Severus's affections, Filius nodded.

"That means a lot coming from you."

"Hm?"

"That you consider me a friend."

Severus nodded. "Well, you've done a good many things for me."

"Let us hope your request remains unnecessarily," Filius said, pointing towards the three women hurrying back towards the field. "And enjoy some drinks for the evening."

They had almost made their way around the entire arena when Severus stopped again. "Not a word, Filius."

"I wouldn't dare," he said, patting Severus's arm. They had made their way back to the entrance, and the other staff were waiting for them. Minerva had changed into a more sensible set of robes, making her way towards Severus. Watching Severus slip an arm around her waist and lead her alongside the group to Hogsmeade made Filius a little bit sad. He knew that war was going to complicate things for everyone, but especially for them. As Minerva whispered something to Severus, Filius smiled to himself. The two had grown to mean a lot to him, and he hoped that as the world grew darker, they would continue to find a light within each other.