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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!


School continues - The DA meets to here Dumbledore's plan.


"Did you see that?' asked Neville, as he walked beside Seamus on the way to Potions. "She was brilliant. The look on Malfoy's face, when she gave him detention; with Filch no less."

"Yeah! I wonder what she's saying to him now. Too bad she made us all leave," Seamus answered.

In the Muggle studies classroom, Malfoy was prepared to face down his Muggle teacher.

"You must think you're something special. Do you know who my father is?" Draco stood belligerently in front of Phaelan's desk.

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy, I'm fully aware of your parentage and, as you say, I do think I'm special. I'm very lucky to have been given the opportunity to come to Hogwarts, even though I am a, as you would put it, mere Muggle," Phaelan replied, before turning to her attendance register.

"I hear you have another 'JOB' here at Hogwarts Professor. I hope you can fulfil your teaching duties properly, after attending to your duty toward Professor Snape." Draco sneered, amused by his own audacity.

Phaelan looked up at the mocking face of her student. She stood and walked around to meet him.

"Listen and listen well, Draco. What happens outside of my classroom, in my private time, is nobody else's business. If I should ever hear any stories about myself, or Professor Snape, acting in less than a professional manner, I'll know where they started." Glaring in a way that looked reminiscent of the Potion Master's, Phaelan gave her final warning.

"You don't want to make an enemy of me, Draco. It isn't in your best interests, or those of your friends. I am here to teach, you are here to learn. Leave it at that and all will be well. Dismissed." Phaelan turned to walk to the door and open it.

As he left, Draco threw a look of contempt over his shoulder, which Phaelan met eye to eye. Clearly, thought Draco, this is not the woman his father described.

Phaelan watched as he walked away, while her next class entered; Third years. Even more than her seniors, the younger kids were awed. Phaelan took comfort in their smiling faces.
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"It never ceases to amaze me; the faces of those who finally make through to Advanced Potions. How I ever lowered my standards to allow you lot in is beyond me." Snape was leaning on his lectern glaring down at the class, just as he had first year. Stepping down, he began to walk between the benches.

"The type of work required from you this year, will not just be challenging. At times, the ingredients you will handle will be downright dangerous." He stopped and looked directly at Hermione. "For this reason, your pre-class work will require you to know precisely the reactions you can expect from each of the reagents you are handling and how to counter any errors you make, while brewing. For all our sakes, Longbottom, take that piece of information to heart." At the last he looked over at Neville.

At that moment, Draco opened the door and entered the dungeon classroom.

"So kind of you to grace us with your presence, Mr. Malfoy," snarled Snape in his direction, " I trust your timetable has not interfered with your personal agenda." Snape raised his eyebrow waiting for a response.

"Sorry sir, the MU... Professor McKenzie and I had a small discussion." Draco snarled.

"I see, where is your note?" asked Snape.

"Note sir?" asked Draco confused.

"Yes, to excuse your lateness, Mr. Malfoy." Snape waited, knowing just what might have happened in Phaelan's class.

"I don't have one sir. I'm Head boy this year, I thought..." began Malfoy.

"You thought you were above the rules of this school, Mr. Malfoy. See me before lunch." Snape turned his back and resumed his opening lecture.

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"Oh sweet mercy, I'm getting too old for this," groaned Professor Sprout, easing her feet out of her boots to rest on a foot stool.

"It's just the first day, Pomona. You know that's always the worst day of the year," sympathized Minerva McGonagall.

"S'all right for you, you get to sit at a desk now and again. I'm on my dogs all day. Where's Poppy?" Sprout asked, looking around.

"Just here, "announced the Mediwitch. "Here you go, a round for everyone." She walked around passing out potion bottles. "I made nice brew of tonic and pain killer. Once you have it, off to lunch with all of you."

At that moment, Phaelan entered the Staff room. She was pale and her skin felt clammy. Taking one look at her, Pomfrey rushed to her side.

"Come and sit. Put your head between your knees. That's a girl; Filius a damp cloth," ordered Poppy.

The small professor conjured a facecloth and passed it to Phaelan.

"Oh Poppy, I feel so weak. I took the potion. What's happening?" Phaelan looked up in question to the Mediwitch.

"I thought this might happen," Poppy answered. "You see, we all take the potion for the first week or so, till we get used to the children." She tilted Phaelan's head to look into her eyes. "The young ones suck the energy right out of the air. I've prepared something for you." Reaching into her robes she pulled out a phial of glowing red. "Drink this up," she ordered, passing it to Phaelan.

Phaelan looked at it suspiciously. "No crimson concoction?" she asked.

"Drink it or it will be," threatened Poppy. Phaelan uncorked and swallowed quickly, knowing how bad Poppy's potions could taste.

"Now, ten minutes lie down and then a good lunch, no skimping or skipping, clear?' Poppy demanded.

"Yes Ma,am Sergeant Pomfrey Ma,am." Phaelan stood and saluted Poppy as she had before.

"Enough of your cheek, young lady, go lie down." Poppy watched as Phaelan lay on a sofa to rest.

She looked fondly at the young woman, knowing how much physical energy it must have taken her to get through her classes this morning. She felt maternal towards all of the young in the castle but Phaelan was different. Phaelan had to try harder and put more effort into just about everything here and then make it look effortless. She required special care and Poppy would give it to her.

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"You wanted to see me, Professor Snape?" began Draco as he entered the classroom.

"Yes, in my office." Snape pointed his wand and the door slammed shut behind Draco, making him jump. Snape turned and made his way through to his private office, attached to the classroom, without looking to see if Draco followed. He knew the boy would. He sat behind his desk waiting for Draco to reach him. When he did, Draco sat in the chair in front automatically.

"Did I give you permission to sit, Mr. Malfoy?' snapped an irate Snape.

"No sir." Draco jumped to his feet. As much as he scorned most of the faculty of the school, Draco held Snape in awe. His head of house was a Death Eater; one of the inner circle of the Dark Lord. He was a man to be feared and respected.

"Exactly what do you call your exhibition in my class today, Malfoy?" began Snape.

"Sir?" asked the student before him, not quite sure of what part of what happened in the class Snape was talking about.

"Almost referring to Professor McKenzie as a Muggle, using your position as Head boy? What were you thinking?" Demanded the Head of Slytherin.

"Sir, Professor McKenzie gave me a detention with Filch," Malfoy spat out.

"That's Mr. Filch to you boy. She must have had reason," replied Snape, with a raised eyebrow.

"I suppose it was my comment on Muggles," He offered.

"Just a comment, Malfoy?" Snape asked.

"A comment on her classroom," was the reply.

"Ah, so you've become an interior decorator, Mother will be pleased," taunted Snape.

"NO! I mean, I commented on the changes made, to make it look Muggle-like," Draco defended.

"I see; you didn't like the classroom so you insulted her. What else?" Snape demanded.

"Well, I think we're deviating from proper Ministry approved lessons." Draco hoped to deflect the anger from him.

Severus knew exactly how Phaelan was going to teach around the Ministry. "Did Professor McKenzie tell you to disregard the book issued by the Ministry?"

"No sir."

"Did she advise you all exams would be based on the content of the book?" Snape continued.

"Yes sir but..." Draco was becoming concerned for his arse.

"But what, Mr. Malfoy? I expand on the Ministry minimums, in my curriculum for Potions, and I don't hear you complain," averred Snape, watching for Draco's reaction.

"Sir, she's a Muggle. You found her and brought her here. Her teaching is a joke right? I mean...You brought her for your...diversion. My father said she was just a sex slave." Draco was clearly confused. He would not call his father a liar, due to his family loyalty, but neither would he accuse his house master of misconduct with a staff member.

Coming around the desk in a breath, Snape grabbed Draco's robes at the collar.

"What did you say?" Snape hissed.

"Father said you'd found her and brought her here because she had some education that the Headmaster would find usable. She likes being abused." Draco was in fear of his badge and more.

"Let me make this clear to you, Malfoy. Professor McKenzie is a professional, who earned her accreditation honestly. Her experience is impeccable and invaluable."

Snape pushed Draco away. "My personal life is just that, Personal. If I hear one utterance of my supposed relationship, one disparaging comment, you will learn what it is to have me on your arse, night and day. Keep this up, and I will approve another Head Boy, do you understand," responded Snape with such fury, Draco was left trembling.

"Yes sir. May I be excused?" Draco was in shock.

"Get out of my sight." hissed Snape to the one student he respected.

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After classes ended, Phaelan headed back to her rooms and threw herself into a chair. The potion Poppy had given her had helped, but now she felt as though she had just run a marathon.

Suddenly, the flames in the fireplace turned green.

"Can I come through?" asked Severus.

"Yeah, why not," replied Phaelan.

As he stepped into her room, Snape saw the exhaustion in her face. He turned and flooed the hospital wing, requesting the Mediwitch to come to Phaelan's rooms.

"I don't have anything stronger, Severus. I'm at a loss." Poppy shook her head.

"I've given her the same potion you did at lunch time, again. It's not working. Phaelan, you will come to my lab tonight. I need a tissue sample," decided Snape.

Poppy looked thoughtful. "Severus, that potion borders on Dark Magic."

"Oh well, there's a revelation, Severus Snape, dabbling in Dark Potions," Snape sarcastically rejoined.

"Well, there's not much choice," Poppy agreed, before turning to Phaelan with a stern look. "As for you missy, dinner and an early night; and no running tomorrow."

"No arguments, Poppy," Phaelan replied, as she opened the phial of potion the Mediwitch had brought with her, the same one she'd taken while visiting Diagon Alley, and downed it.

When Madam Pomfrey left, Severus sat facing her and watched her reaction to the potion coursing through her veins. Her face pinked up, and her breathing became calmer. The stress evident on her face, began to relax away and she became his Phaelan once more; his beautiful Phaelan.

As she opened her eyes, Phaelan looked over at Severus sitting on the chair opposite.

"What are you looking at?" Phaelan asked in a light tone.

"I can admire your beauty, To which I must stare,
Your chin, your lips, your nose and eyes,
All add to a face so fair. "Snape quoted, with a smile.

"Aha! A secret weakness; Professor Snape reads love poetry in his off time," teased Phaelan.

"Hardly, I had a tutor as a child who loved to read this stuff and had me memorize it. It comes in handy from time to time. Besides it's true," he replied simply.

"Flattery will get you every where with me, Professor," suggested Phaelan.

"Perhaps, but not today." Snape sat forward in the chair. "I have instructed Miss Granger to summon the troops, so to speak. There will be no one new this evening. I believe the Weasley twins are coming as well as their brothers."

"Great, the invasion of the Red-Headed Rebellion," commented Phaelan, "Mummy and Daddy too?"

"No I think not," answered Snape, understanding the uneasy relationship between Phaelan and Molly.

Deciding to change the subject, Phaelan thought the matter of Malfoy needed to be discussed.

"I had a run in with your Mr. Malfoy today. Did he mention?" Phaelan asked.

"It came up. I believe I have set the story straight on your presence," Snape replied. "He's not the person you've seen, you know. He has a face in front of his friends quite different from the one he uses at home."

Phaelan looked at Severus in confusion. "What am I supposed to make of that?" she asked.

"Consider who his father is. Draco has been exposed to a culture that sees anyone not a Pure-blooded Wizard as less than human. He comes to a school and is bested in almost every subject by a Muggle born witch," Severus explained. "The boy is brilliant, but he is now told he is a failure because the Mudblood got better marks than he did. Consider this has gone on for seven years."

Snape stood and walked to look out Phaelan's Magic window. "I do what I can when he is with me, but his resentment is deep and fear of his father well ingrained. I'm concerned what will happen when he leaves here." Severus turned and looked at Phaelan. "He is expected to take the mark and serve as soon as he leaves school."

"You believe he doesn't want to?" asked Phaelan.

"I believe he is beginning to question the actions of his father and is beginning to look for alternatives," Snape replied. "If only he can conquer the fear he feels for his father, he might be able to make up his own mind."

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After dinner, Phaelan changed into her jeans and t-shirt. Pulling together some notes she had made, she sat to ponder the task now beginning. Before she knew it, Severus was at her door to escort her to the meeting. She covered her clothing with her light weight robe and met him at the door.

"I see we have decided to dress properly this evening, Professor McKenzie," drawled Snape, as he offered his elbow.

"Stick your dress rules up your ass, Snape," she snapped. "Where are we going?"

"To the Room of Requirement," he replied.

Frowning, Phaelan asked, "Is there something special about this room?"

"The castle is want to create spaces to meet certain needs," he began, "This room will configure itself to what is most needed at any given time."

"You talk about the castle like it was a living creature," observed Phaelan.

With a wry look Snape quipped, "I'm not sure that it isn't."

When the couple reached the seventh floor corridor, they stopped before the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy.

"Now to get in, we walk back and forth before this wall and think of the space you want to hold the meeting in." Snape instructed.

"Alright here goes," Phaelan said as she closed her eyes and began to pace.

Suddenly, a set of double doors appeared with the word gymnasium in gothic letters painted on the front.

Smiling, Phaelan looked at Snape and said, "Cool." She entered and looked around. The hall looked old, but adequate to the needs upcoming. There were exercise mats stacked in a corner, a set of weights and bars, to practise pull ups.

"Are there change room's?" Phaelan wondered, as she explored the space and suddenly found an entrance before her. "How about showers?" She stopped and listened. Suddenly, the hissing of spraying water could be heard from the two rooms, newly created.

"Shit, interior design must be a breeze for you lot." Phaelan laughed.

At that moment, the doors opened to admit Dumbledore, Lupin and Shacklebolt.

"Well Phaelan, are we ready to put our plans into play?" asked Dumbledore.

"I believe so sir, but to start with, I think you, along with Remus and Mr Shacklebolt should remain concealed. It should be enough to have Severus here."

Kingsley Shacklebolt began to laugh, a deep warm sound. "You have a point Phaelan; we'll step into the dressing rooms you have created."

Just as they left the erstwhile gym, the students began to arrive. In two's and three's they assembled, unsure and distinctly uncomfortable with the presence of Snape. Nothing was said to them; neither were they censured for comments uttered under their breath. The teachers were, after all, intruding on space occupied by the students alone, in prior years. Hermione, Harry and Ron finally arrived and were surrounded by their peers. Ron's brothers came in shortly after with Tonks.

Phaelan walked over to Hermione. "Perhaps you should introduce us before your army has a nervous breakdown," Suggested Phaelan, after looking at the perspiration beading on Neville's head.

"Oh, alright. Everybody, can I have your attention," called Hermione.

"Right then. Welcome to the first meeting of the DA for this year. Umh, Professor Dumbledore has decided to offer us some assistance in organizing our sessions this year and that is why Professor Snape and Professor McKenzie are here."

"What, we're going to have them run this like it's another class?" Dean Thomas blurted out. "That's not on you know. We were doing this the way we wanted. You and Harry did just fine teaching us."

Around him, the students nodded their heads and muttered their agreement.

"Why are the rest of the Weasley's here then and an Auror?" asked Seamus indicating the small group in the corner. "What's up Harry?"

"Perhaps if you were to let us explain?" began Phaelan. "We're here to take you beyond what you've already mastered. There are skills and disciplines that will make your efforts more efficient, more reliable."

A loud snort came from one side. "What can you teach us? You're a Muggle; we're not studying book theory here. We need to teach you, more's like; how to dodge a hex." sneered Zacharias Smith. Several around him sniggered.

"Mind your manners boy," threatened Snape.

"See, that's what I mean," began Dean, "He'll be deducting points and giving detentions just like in class."

"No children, this is not intended to be anything like class," floated the deceptively gentle voice of the Headmaster over their heads.

Everyone turned to look at Dumbledore, the students faces reflecting their surprise. Shacklebolt and Lupin flanked the old man.

"Everyone, sit down please." Dumbledore ordered and with a wave of his wand, benches and chairs suddenly appeared.

"I have watched all of you grow up since coming to Hogwarts. From excited young children, you have become intelligent and capable young men and women." Dumbledore began to walk among them as he spoke.

"You have been able to accomplish a great deal by yourselves with the leadership of Harry, Hermione and Ron. I will not disparage your enthusiasm and courage. You have all gained poise and confidence far beyond your years, by accepting the responsibility that comes with the knowledge you have." Dumbledore nodded and walked back to the front.

"If you are as intelligent as I think you are, you are all aware of the escalation of attacks committed by Voldemort's followers. Not only have there been more in the past six months, but his victims have been calculated and selected for a reason." Looking over his glasses at his audience he continued. "You have no doubt noted the presence of an Auror on our staff this year. This is no accident. Even the ministry has recognized that there is an increased need for security and vigilance, as Professor Moody would say."

"Professor," interrupted Luna Lovegood. "Excuse me, but we still don't understand. Why are they," she indicated the professors, Aurors and extra Weasleys with a sweep of her hand, "all here? What is your plan sir?"

Dumbledore chuckled. "You are ever cognizant of things others are blind to, Miss Lovegood. Very good." He indicated the Weasleys to the side. "Bill Weasley is an outstanding Curse breaker. He can show you ways to work around wards you would never have thought of. He will teach you charms to protect you against dark magic and ways you can protect your friends."

"Charley, some of you met during the Triwizard Tournament. In addition to knowing his way around Dragons, Charley knows a great deal about the people who support Voldemort outside the UK and those who oppose him. He will help us identify friend from foe. Now, I know you all know these two gentlemen very well." Dumbledore indicated the twins. The students tittered in embarrassment.

"As brilliant as they are at creating amusing diversions, much to Mr Filch's irritation, these gentlemen can create artefacts useful to a Magical army. Our secret weapons if you must." Walking back to the centre, Dumbledore pointed to Shacklebolt and Tonks. "Aurors Shacklebolt and Tonks will keep us up to date on the latest Ministry information and any advancements in dealing with Deatheaters. Professor's Lupin and Snape will obviously assist you in the charms, hexes and curses you need to defend your self and if required, fight with."

"Headmaster," began Seamus, "it sounds as though you're preparing for a war. A war that's coming soon?" the young man frowned.

Longbottom jumped in before Dumbledore could answer, "What has Professor McKenzie to do with all this?"

Taking a deep breath, Dumbledore knew they had come to the point of the meeting at last.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I and others in a better position, believe Voldemort is planning his move to overthrow our government within the next year. You, all of you have taken an oath to be part of this group. It appears to me that you will be our greatest hope in defeating Voldemort's Deatheaters. Professor McKenzie, please." He beckoned Phaelan forward.

"Professor McKenzie was, until very recently, Lieutenant McKenzie of the United States Navy. She is an experienced officer, who has survived hand to hand combat and has led others in wartime conditions. Her expertise will be used to turn this group into a co-ordinated and seasoned militia, as she calls it. You will be come Dumbledore's Army in fact as well as name."

Turning uncommonly serious, the Headmaster looked over the group, "If anyone feels they cannot or will not participate, speak now. Once begun, there will be no return from this path. You will be subject to the training and discipline needed to help you survive. It will be difficult, at times painfully so, but I will not have it on my soul that I have left you unprepared to defeat the great evil that is Voldemort."

In silence, the Order of the Phoenix waited for the decision of the young people before them.

Hermione looked around at her cohorts and smiled. She stood proudly and said, "When do we begin."

A sigh of relief passed around the older people present. Dumbledore and most of the Order members left, leaving Snape and Phaelan behind.

"Okay. First of all, we need to do an assessment of your physical condition," began Phaelan "The key to success in a fight, is to know your body won't betray you when you need it. That lets you concentrate on staying alive. Secondly, we need to know what your strengths are. Some people are natural leaders, others prefer to be led. It doesn't mean one is less able than another, just that they operate best in different roles." Looking over the group once more, Phaelan decided to deal with the Male /Female bias she had observed.

"One thing will be insisted upon at all times. There is to be absolute equality in all tasks and trials you will be asked to perform. The girls will be expected to perform every task given to a boy and vice versa." Phaelan hoped they understood.

Ginny Weasley put her hand up to ask a question. "Miss McKenzie," she began before Phaelan acknowledged her.

"Stop right there!" Phaelan commanded. "Now get on your feet, Weasley," ordered Phaelan, still glaring at the girl.

Ginny scrambled to stand and began speaking.

"Shut your mouth girl, I gave you no leave to speak!" yelled Phaelan.

Ginny was shaken. She had never been spoken to like this by anyone. Only Snape had come close. As it was, Snape sat at the back of the room watching the scene unfold in amusement. This was going to take the heat off him as being the most hated Professor in the school.

"In future," Phaelan instructed the group, "if you have a question during a lecture, you will stand silently until you are acknowledged by name and asked to recite the question. If you speak out of turn there will be consequences," she warned.

"Another thing.....Get on your feet Weasley, I didn't say you could sit!" Phaelan yelled. Ginny again jumped up. Close to tears now, Ginny looked to her older brother who stood.

"Another thing," Phaelan began again, "all members will be addressed by their last name during training regardless of gender. If you share a last name, then you will be identified by you first initial. Yes, Weasley R, you have something to say?" she looked at Ron.

"Please miss, you've made my sister cry," said Ron, a little sheepishly.

"Please miss, you've made my sister cry," echoed Phaelan. "Are you going to face down Lucius Malfoy when he grabs her and say 'Please sir, don't hurt my little sister?' Sit down and don't waste my time." Ron dropped to the bench. She turned back to Ginny.

"Alright, Weasley, what was your question?" Phaelan looked into Ginny's eyes.

"Please miss..." began Ginny.

"Stop there again,"Phaelan ordered. "I hate Please Miss; begin your question with Ma,am. Go ahead and stop sniffling."

"Ma,am, boys are always stronger than girls. Even when we play Quidditch, they can catch better and throw further. How can we be equal?" Ginny's voice still trembled.

Phaelan smiled. This answer she knew too well. "Very simple, Weasley. Women are smarter, more adaptable than men. We don't need to muscle our way around, because we have finesse and style. Bigger is rarely better. It usually just gets in the way. Sit."

"That being said, you see weights in the corner. I expect everyone to make use of them. In six weeks everyone here will be able to lift their own weight plus twenty pounds. You will be able to run two laps of the Quidditch pitch without collapsing, you will be able to run up and down the side of the cliffs, on the path, three times without stopping and carry someone on your back to safety five hundred feet or more." Phaelan noticed someone standing.

"Longbottom," She recognized.

"Ma,am, why do we need to do all that when we have magic?" Neville asked innocently.

At that Snape stood and walked to Phaelan's side.

Snape answered the question, "Because Longbottom, you will run into situations where you're magic will be useless or you will loose your wand. Magic is only a tool, Longbottom. An incredibly strong and versatile tool, but it can be stolen or broken as easily as any other."

"I think we've said enough for tonight. Go to your rooms and think well on what you are about to undertake. You will be contacted soon. Dismissed. "Snape closed the evening.

As the students filed out, Snape turned to Phaelan, "I believe we have another meeting this evening, Professor."

"Oh yes. You need to wield your dagger upon me." Phaelan teased.

"Not quite, I'm afraid," answered Snape.

"What do you mean?" Phaelan asked, suddenly suspicious.

"Why don't you to your room and change into whatever you sleep in and floo to my rooms. I'll explain there." He answered.

"Come into my parlour said the spider to the fly," offered Phaelan, as she donned her robes to return to her rooms.

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A little later, Phaelan had changed into her track suit and brushed out her hair. As she flooed to Severus fireplace, Phaelan was still dubious of what was about to transpire.

Snape looked up from the sofa he had been sitting on, reading a book, when the flames turned green in the fireplace. He rose to greet his lady upon her arrival.

Severus reached out to take her hand as she stepped through the flames and brushed herself off.

"I wasn't sure you'd come," murmured Severus, as he drew her close for a kiss. Her soft lips parted as he teased them with his tongue. Her scent left him heady, her taste sweet perfection. Reluctantly, he pulled away and looked into her eyes. They were tired.

"Come, my private lab is ready," Snape said taking her hand to lead the way.

"Why do I hate the sound of that?" asked Phaelan rhetorically.

As they entered, Phaelan saw a long empty table in the centre. Counters and shelves laden with various containers and vessels encircled the room. A small cauldron was set over a low flame and quietly burbled to itself.

"Come and lie on the table, Phaelan." Snape indicated she should stretch out on the centre table.

"Okay, so what happens now?" asked Phaelan as she followed his instructions.

"I want to brew a special potion that is given to women who have difficultly carrying a baby to term, or who are physically deteriorated, due to age or illness," advised Severus, as he moved to the side to pick up something.

Suddenly, Phaelan found her ankles and wrists bound to the table.

"Hey there, what's happening?" she asked, not a little scared.

"For your protection and mine in case you jump during the procedure." He continued with his preparation.

Turning back to Phaelan, he took the hem of her shirt and raised it to just above her waist then he took the waistband of her pants and lowered them to just above where her pubic hair started. Removing his wand from his sleeve, Severus waved it in a figure eight over her lower abdomen. He muttered an incantation Phaelan could not hear and she felt a warmth flood through her belly followed by a slight cramping vaguely like menstrual cramps.

"Listen carefully, Phaelan. What I want to do is use one of your ova to create a potion tailored to you. The potion needs the egg because it has the building blocks of life. It cannot create life unfertilized, but the ova can impart the untapped energy within it and return it to you who created it." Snape looked at her seeing emotions flit across her face.

"How will you get it? Do you need to cut me open? Is there much pain?" Phaelan thought a thousand thoughts at once and even thought about running away except she was tied to a table like a lab specimen.

"I will retrieve it through magical means. Yes there is a small cut and yes there is some discomfort for a moment. I believe I got the answers in order." He continued to look at her.

Phaelan closed her eyes. This truly was the ultimate test of trust for them. He trusted her enough to perform magic that was basically forbidden and for her to protect that knowledge. She needed to trust him not to harm her and that anything he did was for her benefit.

"Alright." She looked into the dark eyes than entranced her once more. "I'm ready."

"Thank you." Severus smiled. After another almost silent incantation he turned to her and said. "Do you freely give of your body that I might heal it, will you accept the gift you create through my hand?"

Phaelan smiled at the turn of phrase that reminded her of her morning with him on the mountain. "I freely give and will thankfully receive."

"Close your eyes Phaelan." Severus instructed.

As her eyes closed, Phaelan felt his hands on her belly. They were warm yet firm as the thumbs stroked upwards from the top of her pubis to level with her navel. With sudden pressure, the heel of his left hand pressed down and forward as his fingers held her uterus in place through her skin. Drawing his wand across her belly between his fingers, Snape uttered another incantation. Phaelan felt a sudden sharp pain and burning across her skin where the wand had touched. She felt something warm run down her side and on to the table. The pain suddenly intensified and she cried out wanting nothing more than to curl up to ease the pressure.

"Severus!" She screamed "Please stop." Suddenly it was gone as if never there. No pain, nothing. Phaelan lay and sobbed. She felt a cool cloth on her face and the cords that bound her to the table release.

"Don't move, Phaelan, just rest a moment. It's all over. No more pain, I promise." Severus wanted to carry her to his bedroom and hold her and rock her to sleep, but he couldn't. The potion had to be completed and bottled immediately. Leaving her side, he returned to the cauldron to check on the final colour, then levitated it up to filter into a flask. Taking a pipette, he measured out her first dose and took it to her.

"Phaelan," he began gently, "this potion must be taken in a special way for your needs."

"What do you mean, Severus. "She asked still shaken from her ordeal.

"You'll take the first tonight and then once a month thereafter immediately following your menses. I'll store it here in stasis; there is enough for a very long time." Snape looked at her pale features knowing what was in his hand would make her well.

"Just as well; I'm not about to go through that again," she replied testily.

"Drop your head back and do not swallow. I will let this enter your mouth drop by drop. Just let it absorb," Snape instructed. Pulling himself up, Severus sat on the table behind her and lifted her head and shoulders on to his leg to allow her head to fall backwards.

Following his direction, Phaelan opened her mouth to receive the potion. It was warm and thick. With every drop, Phaelan felt a tingling pass through her. As the time passed, while the potion was dripped, she felt languorous, almost pleasantly drunk-like.

As the last drops fell, Phaelan was already asleep. Severus looked at her. He really should return her to her own bed and let Polly look after her, but he decided to reward himself. After all, he did make the potion. Gently lifting her off his leg, Snape stood and gathered her into his arms.

He summoned his wand, "Accio wand. Nox." Snape turned with his pleasant burden and made his way to the bedroom. With a wave of his wand, the bedclothes were turned down. Gently, he placed Phaelan on the bed and covered her. Going to the bathroom, Severus quickly stripped and prepared for sleep.

Slipping softly between the sheets, Severus lifted his wand one last time and whispered "Nox," to extinguish all but one candle in his room. Turning on his side, Severus pulled Phaelan to spoon against him as he wrapped his arm around her. He could get used to this very easily, he thought.