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Disclaimer.
J.K Rowling went out one day so I took her characters out to play.
We ran around, they laughed with glee,
All this fun and she works for free!

A/N
My first fic, Please read and review. Thank you to my reviewers, you know who you are. I hope I can maintain the quality I have sought to achieve in continuing chapters. Phaelan is on staff and tries to get info from Snape. Again, if there is someone who can draw out there, I'd love to see your take on some of the situations.

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Lunch had proved to be an interesting experience. Phaelan sat bemused watching her soup bowl disappear, only to be replaced by a plate bearing salad and assorted cold cuts, followed by fruit sorbet. She knew that there was magic involved, but the experience was surreal to her logical mind. Sitting back in her chair, she began to understand how much she would need to change her mind set to accommodate what was considered normal in this world. She realized Dumbledore was speaking.

"Severus, Phaelan, it's such a glorious day; let's adjourn to the rose garden. We need to talk about a few things, before getting you moved in Phaelan."

He stood and gestured for the pair to follow him. When they reached the doors leading out, Dumbledore stopped and turned to Phaelan.

"You're still carrying around your briefcase. Since you are moving in, perhaps you would like to have it taken to your chambers?" he offered.

With a snap of his fingers, Dumbledore summoned a small creature before him.

"Professor Dumbledore, sir. How may Dobby be assisting you, sir?" The small creature smiled at the Headmaster and Phaelan.

"Dobby, this is Miss McKenzie, she will be a teacher here for the next school year. Professor McGonagall will be arranging for her chambers. In the mean time, Miss McKenzie wishes to leave this case, in safe keeping, to be delivered to her chambers when they are prepared. Please look after this for us." Dumbledore spoke respectfully to the little person, which seemed to move the creature to tears.

"Oh yes, Master Dumbledore, Dobby is most happy to serve the Great Headmaster of Hogwarts." gushed Dobby. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Miss McKenzie, on behalf of the Castle elves." Dobby reached up to Phaelan to relieve her of the briefcase and with a snap of its fingers the, little guy was gone.

Phaelan, feeling a little stunned, turned to the Headmaster and asked, "What....Who was that?"

"Ah," said the Headmaster, "that was Dobby, one of the free castle elves. We would never be able to run the school without them; invaluable help." He walked towards the doors leading Phaelan by the elbow.

Phaelan was led out still a little stunned from her first meeting with a sentient being other than a human. For some reason the theme tune from 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' floated around in her head.

Leading the way down a side path, Dumbledore began to point out features of the castle environs. Phaelan was experiencing sensory overload and simply tuned out the Headmaster's speech. She continued to trek along behind the old man, paying no attention to where she was heading. The trio finally passed beneath a flowered arch and were assaulted by the scent of hundreds of rose blossoms.

Coming to a stop in a gazebo, Dumbledore turned to Snape and Phaelan. "In the coming weeks, I expect the two of you to work together, closely. Firstly, to familiarize Phaelan with our enemies and secondly, to develop a training plan for our young people in the DA." He turned to the dark visage of his Potions Master. "Severus, I expect you to cooperate with Phaelan and answer all her questions fully. Phaelan, likewise I expect your full cooperation but I also insist you follow Severus' lead in regards to matters which are magically influenced. This is for your own safety." He looked directly at the young woman. " Your introduction to our world has not been gentle. Please do not judge us on the balance of your interview. You have a great deal to offer us and, I believe, we can reciprocate, given the opportunity."

Dumbledore stood back and clasped his hands in front of him. "Now, children, I expect there will be a period of adjustment, but, being the mature adults that you are, I'm sure this will be short and uneventful." Dumbledore looked at both of them over the rims of his spectacles with raised eyebrows. Snape simply assumed his usual scowl while Phaelan stared wide eyed back at him. "Good!" the headmaster concluded.

"Now, Severus, please escort Phaelan back to London to pack and put together what she needs for her stay. Phaelan, will it take you long to prepare?" The Headmaster looked at her expectantly.

"No Headmaster, not at all." was Phaelan's reply.

"Headmaster," began Snape, "wouldn't it be better for Minerva, or even Lupin, to accompany her?" He looked a little agitated.

"No, no my boy, you're far better at double apparition. Besides, it'll give you two a chance to become better acquainted." A smiling Dumbledore turned and started back to the castle. "Be back by tea time," he called over his shoulder.

Left standing in the gazebo, the unlikely pair watched as the old man left. Phaelan could swear she could see him twinkling from the back.

"Is he related to Santa Claus?" she asked looking up to the wizard standing beside her.

Looking as if he had swallowed something nasty, Snape looked back at her, "That character is a wholely fictional Muggle creation."

"Oh." she replied, "Well, what now?" Phaelan wondered what else she was to be subjected to.

"We are to apparate to your London abode. This isn't possible within the school grounds. We need to pass beyond the gates." Snape turned and led the way to the iron gates she had entered earlier that day.

Looking decidedly uncomfortable, Snape turned to Phaelan, when they had passed beyond the school grounds. "As I am unfamiliar with where you live you will need to show me exactly where we are to go. I am familiar with London. I need to know exactly your location."

"Well, I live in Vauxhall, beside Bridge House, St George Wharf, actually." Phaelan hoped this was enough.

"We will be appearing suddenly. Is there somewhere nearby where we might do this without attracting attention?" Snape asked.

"Yes, there's a small park area behind the house. It's usually empty," she answered.

"In order to apparate, I will need to touch you. We need to stand closely together." Snape had tried to remain clinical in his instruction. He watched as Phaelan took a couple of steps towards him. He understood her trepidation.

"Miss McKenzie, I realize what you were subjected to was, at best, embarrassing. It could in fact be considered abusive. Please understand, we are in the grip of a war no one wants and many deny. I live a life of duplicity by choice and need. There are many activities I have participated in, which I abhor. There was little choice for me, if I wanted to survive and ensure the victory of the Light." Snape waited for her response.

Phaelan pondered his words. Putting them into a frame of reference she could understand, the dark wizard was as much a victim of circumstance as was she.

"Professor Snape, it appears we have both been manipulated today. I apologize for taking my retribution out on you. Perhaps we need to begin anew." Phaelan hoped it was enough.

"It shall be as you wish," replied Snape. "We still need to get you to London and you are still not close enough." He watched as she took another tentative step towards him.

'At this rate' he thought, 'we'll never get there.' Quickly, before she could think about it, Snape stood directly in front of her and wrapped his arms around her. "This close, Miss McKenzie," he explained raising his eyebrows.

Taken aback, Phaelan could do little more than say "I see."

"Now Miss McKenzie, when I said I need to know exactly where you live, I truly meant it. I need to see where you live, in your mind." Snape waited for the realization to settle in and then added "Please."

Phaelan looked everywhere but in his eyes and felt panic rising from within.

"This will not be anything like what happened in the Headmaster's office, I promise." Snape spoke softly, knowing the revulsion she was feeling. "I will only see the vision of your home in the front of your mind. Please trust me." He waited and gradually felt the tension in her stance ease somewhat.

"You'll only see my house, you swear?" Phaelan was still uneasy, but she knew eventually she would need to trust this man. She looked up into the darkest eyes she had ever beheld.

"I swear upon my honour as a wizard, Miss McKenzie. Just picture your home clearly in your mind and look at me." He waited once more for the hazel eyes to meet his.

Taking a deep breath, Phaelan pictured her building in her mind and looked up into the Potion masters face and relaxed. Snape pulled the vision from her mind to his and concentrated. With a blur of motion, they were at once standing behind her flat.

Looking at him once again, Phaelan said, "Thanks." Snape simply nodded.

"We need to enter from the front; do you plan to walk around where everyone can see you looking like Bela Lugosi?"

Fortunately, Snape had a particular like of classic Hollywood movies and understood her reference. He transfigured his robes into a black trench coat. "Better?" he asked.

"I guess." she replied, as she led the way to the front entrance, entered and climbed the two flights to her flat.

Snape entered behind her, following her into the living room. Looking around, he didn't see what he had expected. There was no female frippery, no doilies or floral prints. He found instead comfortable chairs and a sofa in brown tones, a fleece rug in front of a fireplace and one wall full of books. It had the normal Muggle accoutrements of television, stereo and computer, but books seemed to take pride of place. Looking out the front window, he looked North over the Thames river.

"I'm going to pack and get changed." Phaelan had taken off her uniform jacket and tie. "Make yourself at home."

She walked to what Snape presumed was her bedroom, down a hall to his right and left her door open.

"Can I bring my sound system with me?" Phaelan called.

Snape surmised she meant her stereo. "There's no electrical power at Hogwarts or most other Wizarding establishments." he replied. Turning to his left, Snape began to browse her personal library.

"What about batteries?" She asked, somewhat confused.

"Nothing electrical will work properly around the amount of magic we have flowing around our school and village." Snape's voice sounded a bit distracted. He then came across a mirror hung as a wall decoration. The bevelled glass magnified what ever it reflected. When he glanced in it he noticed the Lieutenant had a full length mirror hung in her bedroom, directly facing this smaller version. It was nicely angled to catch the interior of Phaelan's room. Something caught his eye; Miss McKenzie.

"That's a bummer; I really enjoy listening to music." Phaelan sounded a bit disappointed.

Phaelan had taken off her shirt and was walking around in her bra and skirt. Severus watched as she opened her walk-in closet and pulled out a large suitcase on wheels. She set it on the bed, opened it and proceeded to fill it with her clothes and accessories. He couldn't take his eyes off the small mirror that was hanging to his right and in front of him and, really, he didn't want to.

"Do you have sports at the school?" she asked.

Snape cleared his throat. "Yes, we have house teams for Quidditch, hiking and duelling." He felt his mouth go dry. She was taking off her skirt.

"Duelling? Like Fencing?" she innocently asked.

"No, wands." he replied. Snape watched as she removed that 20th Century answer to the Chastity belt, tights (panti-hose).

What was that he saw? He waited until she turned around again. A tattoo emblazoned between the two dimples that appeared just above her swelling buttocks. It looked like stylized wings. She was left wearing only white lace bikini panties and bra. He noticed, when she turned again so that he had a full frontal view, that her body was well defined. A gently rounded belly surmounted by abdominal muscles clearly outlined on her midriff. Her arms, too, had defined muscles. Not bulging like he had seen in some Muggle magazine once; just strong and at the same time feminine.

"Just about done," she called, "I'm just going to finish changing." Phaelan was still unaware of her captive audience.

"No rush." Severus replied.

Phaelan went to her closet and pulled her last clothing out for the case. She left a pair of cargo pants lying on the bed. Going to the dresser she pulled out an armful of underwear and dumped them in a corner of her case. Opening the last drawer she pulled out casual tops and t-shirts; dumping them in the case also. She selected a top to wear back to the school. Her favourite was a spaghetti string tank top, which showed off her belly slightly.

Snape watched the entire process, transfixed to his spot. Phaelan walked to her jewel case and selected a ring of some kind before consigning the box to her luggage. Mesmerized, Severus watched as she inserted the ring into what was obviously a piercing in her navel. For the denouement, Phaelan removed her bra and massaged her breasts as if to restore circulation. Severus grabbed the edge of the bookcase and forced himself to breath.

'Sweet Nimue, she's right, I am a voyeur,' thought the Professor, now very aroused. He found his way around the corner into her kitchen and turned on the cold water tap. There was a glass drying on the counter which he grabbed and filled with water. Downing the water, Snape then ran the cold water over his wrists.

"Professor?" Phaelan called, still ignorant of the show Snape had just enjoyed. She had brought her luggage out of the bedroom ready to go. She found the dark wizard in her kitchen running the water.

"Were you thirsty, Professor Snape?" she innocently asked.

"Yes." he replied. Turning, he beheld the quintessential young woman of the late 20th century; tank top with spaghetti straps, hip hugging cargo pants, navel piercing and brand name trainers. Phaelan had let her hair down to hang loosely about her shoulders. If anything, she looked even younger than before.

"Do you like Canadian beer?" She eyed him warily. He looked extremely discomfited. "Would you like to try some? I have some in the fridge."

"That would be fine, thank you." Snape needed some time to gather his wits about him before apparating again. He quietly cast a drying spell on his hands and shirt cuffs.

"Bottle or glass?" she enquired.

"Bottle is fine." he replied, taking a seat at her dining table. It felt like a very hot day in London to Severus.

Phaelan brought out two bottles of Labatts Blue Lager beer and opened them. "I developed a fondness for Canadian beer when I was stationed in Alberta for six months. Canadians have a pathetic example of Armed forces, but they make better beer than any American brewery I've found. Cheers." She raised her bottle in salute and Snape reciprocated.

"So," she began, "there's no electricity at Hogwarts. How do you light the school?"

"We use candles, lanterns and torches; they are magically enhanced and quite bright. We will make accommodation for you not being able to use a wand. Lighting and fires will be set to ignite either by your presence or by a voice command. We have done this for squibs in the past."

"Squibs?" she inquired.

"Squibs are the progeny of a witch and wizard who exhibit no magical ability. They are frequently the target of abuse and discrimination. Mr. Filch, the school caretaker, is a squib. There are a few students attending the school who are little more than squibs. We do them no favours by keeping them."

"Are they educated at another school, the squibs I mean?" Phaelan was appalled at the thought of people, who were considered disabled in wizard societyk being shunned by their family.

"If the parents are enlightened enough, the child is enrolled at a Muggle school. Some go on to professional careers as a Muggle and act as an interface between the two worlds."

"What is Quidditch?" Phaelan felt a change of topic would be best.

"Ah! Quidditch is the most exciting team sport ever devised. It's played on broomsticks." Snape was quite happy the subject had changed.

"Broomsticks!" Phaelan exclaimed. "You mean you actually do ride on broomsticks? It's not a myth?"

"No, Miss McKenzie, the fact that witches and wizards ride on broomsticks is quite real. It is, in fact, a very efficient method of transportation." Snape quirked an eyebrow at her look of surprise. He turned and looked at her fireplace. "Is your fire real, Miss McKenzie? Not gas or artificial?" he asked.

"It's a working wood fireplace. Why?" she wondered.

"Travelling between fireplaces by Floo, is also peculiar to our world. It's very efficient and readily available to Muggles."

"Floo?" There was so much to know about everyday life in the Wizarding world.

"A magical compound, that when thrown in the fire, will allow you to travel from one fireplace to another." Snape began to enjoy his journey of discovery through the eyes of the beautiful young woman before him. 'Beautiful? Where the hell did that come from?' he wondered.

Phaelan thought about communications. "How do I write letters or use my cell phone?"

"Hmm?" Snape pulled himself out of his reverie. "Oh! Mail; yes. Our mail is delivered by Owl Post; trained birds." he explained at her mystified look. "Royal Mail can be delivered to a special post office box address. Your cell phone," Snape's face indicated distaste, "may be used outside of the school and village."

"Good." she answered, again deciding to change the subject.

"Is there a set curriculum for students in the school Professor? Are there standards set by the local school board or something of the like?" Phaelan watched the man opposite her. He seemed to be a bit preoccupied.

"There are ministry requirements for the students to pass. You will likely have to qualify for the position you have just accepted." Snape focussed on the moment, not letting his thoughts stray.

"How am I to qualify, I have no magic?" Phaelan was worried that a big mistake had been made.

"There are several subjects which do not require magic, Miss McKenzie. Muggle Studies is one of them. I don't doubt you will pass the ministry exam." Snape finished his beer. It was good. "Your library Miss McKenzie, did you bring it with you from America?" he inquired.

"No, not at all. There are far too many books. These are from my father's library he began here. I only brought a few of my favourites." Walking over to the book stacks, Phaelan ran her fingers over the spines. "I've spent many happy hours in libraries. You can loose yourself in books, become someone else and be anywhere." She smiled thinking of Hogwarts. "I never thought I'd get to actually live one of my day dreams. Another beer Professor?" Snape nodded his assent.

Bringing the two bottles of beer, Phaelan returned to her chair. "Professor, how should we go about my education and developing a curriculum for the DA?"

Snape looked at his beer and set it on the table. "Since you enjoy reading, it might be best to let you review what has happened over the past 6 years or so. As to developing a curriculum, I would need to know what your training would include. Perhaps a few meetings would be required." He honestly didn't know how to begin either her indoctrination or involvement, in training the DA. Being Snape, he just didn't want to admit it.

"Perhaps some practical examples of how Wizards fight would be helpful. You said something about duelling?" Phaelan was trying to get some intelligence to begin her research.

Snape snorted, "Duelling is a gentleman's distraction. Deatheaters fight to the death without regard to propriety. The Light is disinclined to stoop to the depths of depravity the Dark Lord's minions accept. It may yet be their down fall."

Phaelan considered his statement. "The young people we will be training, they have experienced first hand this cruelty; am I correct?"

"Yes; some more than once." Snape was remembering, with discomfort, the incident within the Ministry offices. "There is a group which has placed themselves in harms way every year since they came to Hogwarts. Why they are not dead is a mystery to me."

"These young folk would appear to have a passion. That can be dangerous." Phaelan began to consider the immensity of her task.

They fell into an uncomfortable silence.

"Are you ready to leave Miss McKenzie?" Snape spoke first, wishing to return to familiar environs.

"I think so," she replied, looking over what she had packed. "Oh! Just a second." She ran back to her bedroom to bring out one last oddly shaped case.

"A guitar, Miss McKenzie?" Snape raised his eyebrows at such a proletarian instrument.

"Yeah," she replied, "It's pretty hard to sling a piano across your back when you travel." Looking at his scowl she chuckled to herself quietly. 'Snob,' she thought.

Phaelan slung the guitar over her back and hoisted a sports bag over her shoulder in addition to her purse.

"Can you handle that for me?" She indicated her large suite case and travel bag connected by a bungee cord.

"I believe I am up to the challenge." Snape turned to a cast a spell to reduce the weight of the luggage and began to tote it towards the front door.

"Oh! I forgot. Best leave a note for the Landlady." Phaelan ran to the kitchen grabbing the empty bottles as she went. She scribbled a brief note to the landlady explaining her absence and stuffed it in an envelope. "OK, lets go." She smiled at the taciturn man.

They made their way outside and apparated to Hogwarts front gates without incident.

As they walked to the front doors of the school, they were observed by the Headmaster and Lupin.

"Ah," said Lupin, "Our squadron leaders have returned. Neither one has appeared to have bloodied the other."

Dumbledore snorted, "It's early days yet Remus, I expect some fireworks before too long." He watched as the pair approached the entrance.

"Welcome back, Phaelan, I believe Minerva has things ready for you." Dumbledore turned and re-entered the castle while the rest followed.

"Snap your fingers, Phaelan." instructed the Headmaster.

Phaelan did as she was told. At once, one of the small creatures appeared before them.

"How may I help you mistress?" it asked her. Phaelan was dumbfounded.

"Phaelan, the castle elves have been instructed to follow your every direction; you need only tell them what you require." Dumbledore smiled as the immensity of what had been offered dawned on Phaelan. "Professor McGonagall has arranged your chambers." He stood back to see how she would react.

"What is your name?" asked Phaelan.

"Polly, mistress." replied the elf.

"Polly, please do not address me as mistress. Please use Phaelan or Miss or Professor, when I qualify." Phaelan was uncomfortable with the appellation Mistress.

"As you wish Miss," the elf replied.

"If my room is ready, can you please take my luggage there?" Phaelan was unsure how to address the little person.

"Oh yes Miss, Polly will take your luggage and unpack for you." The elf was ecstatic to serve her new charge. Gathering the bags together, Polly snapped her fingers and disappeared along with the luggage.

"I hope you did not have such a problem with those lower in rank to you in the Navy Miss McKenzie?" The Headmaster was regarding her with a wary eye.

"No, Headmaster, there was a strict protocol on how one addressed those lower in rank and those above. I guess I have to learn a new protocol." She smiled softly, anticipating her new life and relationships.

"Well, while we are not in session, please call me Albus." He took her hand and patted it. "Here comes Minerva."

"Miss McKenzie...Phaelan. Your chambers are ready, why don't I show you the way." Minerva gestured towards the stairs. "You're just up one flight."

The three men stood watching the elder witch and younger Muggle climb the stairs.

"Severus," began Lupin, "was that a ring I saw in her belly button?" He looked at the Potions master.

"Indeed," Snape replied, "she is the penultimate, liberated, female Muggle. He watched her hips move as they ascended the stairs for a moment and then watched his male company watching her.

"Why did you have to pick a female, Lupin?" asked the Headmaster. He continued to watch her ascent.

"She was clearly the best choice, Headmaster." Remus too, watched as she walked up the stairs.

"I can't believe you two. I thought you and Tonks were an item, Lupin?" Snape was annoyed at their reactions to Phaelan; he just didn't know why. "Albus, I thought Minerva had you firmly under her thumb."

"Severus, I love Minerva dearly and I am old enough to be Phaelan's ever so great grandfather, but I am still a man." Albus turned his look upon Snape. "I am not dead. If you cannot appreciate the beauty of youthful pulchritude, you've been breathing the fumes in your dungeons far too long."

"Amen to that." echoed Lupin.

"Bah!" exclaimed Snape, as he strutted off to his dungeon lair.