FicWad

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!


After leaving the Room of Requirement, the students returned to their houses. Hermione, Harry and Ron entered Gryffindor through the passage behind the Fat Lady. Seeing the overstuffed chairs were free, they quickly took up their usual places beside the fire.

"What do you make of what Dumbledore said, Harry?" asked Ron.

Frowning, Harry said nothing for a time. "I think we are in for long hard year. Now I know why I got to have summer at the house without the Dursleys. He knew what we were coming back to before we went on Summer Holidays."

"I think you're right, Harry," agreed Hermione. "He has taken really big steps to protect my parents. I worry about them constantly. I just wonder about the other Muggleborn students. How much danger are their parents in?"

"You know, I haven't felt anything from Voldemort since last term. It's almost as if he's gathering strength to make a final attack. I'm not sure if that makes me happy or frightened. Happy because he's out of my head or frightened because if he comes back, I won't be able to withstand him." Harry stared at the fire, wishing he could see Sirius in the flames one more time.

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A dark figure strode through the night to Riddle Mansion. The wards surrounding the house were strong and prevented apparition on the grounds of the old Manor. As the man approached, he raised his snake head cane and knocked the door, which opened instantly.

"Master said you were here. Do come in, Lucius." Peter Pettigrew gestured for Malfoy to pass through. "Best to keep your cloak on; Master prefers it cool. Nagini has taken up residence in the Glass conservatory, as it is so much warmer." Turning, Peter led the way to his Master.

In his typical hunched stance, Pettigrew looked as if he was perpetually cringing. Being at Voldemort's beck and call made one cautious. Peter was ever aware of his master's temper. The rewards one might receive from the Dark Lord were great, but the price exhorted was high.

"Master, he is come," announced Peter, as he entered a dark chamber lit only by a fire.

"Leave us, Pettigrew. A conversation between Men could not possibly interest you. Make tea and bring it presently, with my potion. Make the tea properly not with magic." Voldemort waved his servant away.

"Lucius, my loyal supporter approach." Voldemort beckoned Malfoy forward.

Falling to one knee, Lucius kissed the hem of Voldemort's robes. "Master, I come to serve," he said, in his most obsequious tone.

"And you serve me well, Lucius. Please sit." Voldemort indicated the chair closer to the fire.

"The research into our new weapon is going well. The Muggle scientist has produced some promising results, after a little encouragement," laughed the grotesque man-creature.

"Surely the lives of his children are enough to cause him to hasten to your needs my lord," began Malfoy. "Why would the fool risk non-compliance with your wishes?"

Rubbing a skeletal finger over his chin, Voldemort looked at Malfoy, "Apparently, he has a conscience and something he called Professional Ethics. He said something about a Moral Imperative about creating a weapon through genetic re-engineering. The stuff and nonsense of Muggles," he spat.

Malfoy nodded in agreement with his Master. "They are a strange lot. I for one cannot understand them. But then, my Lord, they are merely domesticated cattle for your use. We shall control them soon enough."

"Indeed, Lucius, and now to the point."

Voldemort sat forward in his chair to pierce Malfoy with his stare. "The Muggle says he needs more sophisticated equipment. I understand it can be readily bought from a neutral party. However, our coffers are low and we require an infusion of cash. You, above all, understand our righteous crusade and so I have chosen you to be the honoured patron to have his name upon this donation."

His mouth suddenly going dry, Malfoy stared at the fire. "My lord, you are most generous in honouring me so. How much is required for our cause?"

"A mere 10,000 Galleons should suffice,'" answered the Master.

Malfoy's breathing was becoming fast, his heart beat a tattoo within his chest. "My lord I fear I have not the liquid assets at the present time."

"Then liquidate what you must, Lucius, and get me the cash." Voldemort's tone brooked no argument.

"As you command, my lord." Lucius replied automatically.

At that moment, Peter entered the room. "Ah, tea at last and some sandwiches. Well done, Peter. Do you prefer cucumber or meat paste Lucius?" offered Voldemort.

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Warm...Snugly, warm and soft. Phaelan floated halfway between sleep and wakefulness, totally relaxed, quite prepared to stay this way all day. She must have fallen asleep again, for when she became conscious again, it had cooled significantly. Cracking open one eye, Phaelan looked for her magic window and daylight. It was gone? What? She sat up suddenly and looked around.

'About time." Severus smirked as he leaned nonchalantly against a door frame to the left of the bed buttoning his shirt cuffs.

"Okay, uhm, why am I here?" asked Phaelan, positive she hadn't been drunk last night.

"Remember the potion?" coaxed Snape, with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh yeah, why am I here and not in my own bed?" Phaelan asked again.

"This was closer," Snape replied, as he sat on the bed beside her and smiled. "My reward for doing a good deed."

Phaelan picked up a pillow and hit him with it. Throwing the pillow aside, he grabbed her wrists and pinned her to the bed, as he straddled her legs hidden under the blankets.

"Welcome to my parlour, Madam Fly," he teased, looking down at her. Phaelan looked like the first day he had seen her; sparkling eyes and creamy skin begging to be tasted.

"Bully! You're just lucky I can't move my legs," Phaelan retorted.

"Well, as much as I have an idea of where I'd like to see those legs moved to, it's time to get up. Another day another dollar, as you Americans say." Leaning down he planted a quick kiss on her lips before getting off the bed.

"What time is it?" Phaelan asked.

"Just gone Eight. Floo back to your rooms and I'll have Polly bring you breakfast there. I'll go to the Great Hall."

"Yeah, if we're both missing, Minerva and Hooch'll be passing innuendo around like a platter of toast." She walked over to him, reached up pulling his face to hers and kissed him soundly. "Thank you, for looking out for my health." Another kiss, 'Thank you, for letting me sleep with you." And another, "Thank you, for caring."

Snape was having trouble breathing and couldn't speak. Phaelan just looked down at his fly and smiled, "Caught in your own trap, Mr. Spider."

Growling, Snape turned her around by the shoulders and pushed her out to the living room. With a sharp smack to her backside that made her scream, he pointed to the fireplace and ordered "GO!"

Smiling, Phaelan grabbed some floo powder, "Nice web!" and laughed as she passed to her own rooms.

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The students and teachers were well into breakfast in the Great Hall, when the owls entered bringing mail. As the owls floated over the tables, Draco noticed his family owl approach. Catching the envelope, he saw his father's seal. Putting the letter away until he could read it privately, Draco quickly finished his meal and left.

At the head table, Snape had noticed the owl and watched Draco leave. Rising from the table, Snape left through the side door and, unseen, followed Draco. Draco had gone outside in the morning sunshine and walked to the Rose Garden to open the letter. Sitting in a bower, he didn't see the dark figure approach.

As Severus watched, Draco's face filled with emotions; surprise, disappointment then anger.

Standing, Draco began to pace. "You fucking bastard! You stupid, fucking bastard! Why? Why did you ever throw your lot in with that walking corpse; it's not fair. It was to be mine. It's not fair." Sitting again, Draco wept as he hadn't since he was a young child. Heaving sobs of sadness and anger.

"What has he done Draco?" asked Severus quietly.

Looking up in surprise, Draco tried to stifle his tears. "It's nothing, Professor, I'm sorry. I'll get back to the castle."

"Let me see the letter, Draco." requested Snape, holding his hand out waiting.

After a short wait, Draco handed the letter over.

It began...

"My beloved Son,

I hope my missive finds you well and that you are enjoying your hard earned position as Head Boy. Your mother is in good spirits and sends her love

I was summoned to a meeting with our Lord yesterday evening and am pleased to say his plans for our cause are progressing successfully.

In his usual munificence, our Lord has offered me the honour of sponsoring the ongoing project. As my duty requires that I must put forth a full effort in ensuring the victory for our side, I find it necessary to provide a monetary donation, which currently exceeds my available credit.

To this end, I have put the Manse in Cornwall on the market. I have been advised that current trends are such, that a quick sale should be expected. There are a number of faithful coming from the Continent and they are looking for appropriate accommodation, according to their station.

I know I have your continued support, my son. On the day of our final victory, we shall reap the rich rewards of our sacrifices made in His name today.

Write your mother soon; she so treasures your correspondence.

Your Loving Father,

L."

"Why Professor? Why do you do it? Why do you bow down to this... this.... thing?" sputtered Draco in desperation.

"Caution Draco, if certain ears hear what you are saying, it could bode ill for you," warned Snape.

"I don't care any more. First, the villa in Italy, then the apartment in Paris and now the Manse. It was to be mine when I left here, Professor. Mine do you understand." Draco felt the tears spill again.

"Your father believes in the cause, Draco. You were raised in that doctrine. Do you now question it?" asked Severus.

"You're going to run and tell him, aren't you?" said Draco, defeated.

"I rarely tell your father anything about this school, Draco. Neither he nor the Dark Lord," offered Snape.

"But you spy for Vo.. the Dark lord." Draco was confused.

"Really? What you don't know about me could fill volumes, my boy. What do you want Draco? Do you want to take the mark? Do you choose to serve?" asked Snape.

"I have no choice," he replied, in a defeated voice.

"There are always choices, Draco. You need to know your own mind. You are not your father," said Snape, cautiously trying to impart some wisdom he had learned the hard way.

'I don't know professor. I don't know anything anymore."

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"Okay then, everyone pass the magazines and newspapers forward and hand in the assignments," instructed Phaelan, at the start of her afternoon class with the upper sixth.

"Now, as I said yesterday, we are going to take a look at a broad spectrum of Muggle life and how it compares to the Magical world. Who can tell me what form of government is in the United Kingdom today?" She waited as hands were raised.

"Mr. Finnegan." She called.

"A Monarchy, Professor, " was his reply.

"Half right, Mr. Finnegan. Anyone else?" Phaelan looked over the faces before her. "Mr. Finch-Fletchly?"

"A Constitutional Monarchy," The Hufflepuff answered.

"Correct and why is that significant, Justin?" Phaelan asked him to continue.

"There can be two kinds of a Monarchy - Absolute and Constitutional. An Absolute Monarch rules absolutely with out any checks on his or her power. The people in that situation have no say in how their country is run. In a Constitutional Monarchy, the people elect a government to enact the laws and administer the country; the Monarch is the Head of State only."

"Excellent, 5 points to Hufflepuff." Phaelan awarded her first points.

"Now, the Ministry of Magic is a branch of the government of the UK and is the titular head of all the witches and wizards in this country. As it operates as a separate entity from the Parliament, it constitutes a mini-government. How is it administered? Miss Parkinson" Phaelan indicated the Slytherin girl.

"The Minister of Magic is elected by popular vote and he oversees the ministry and appoints the heads of each of the departments as necessary," she answered.

"Thank you. Is this an example of Authoritarian or Representative Government? Mr. Crabbe," Phaelan called a little more loudly. "Perhaps your musing behind your eyelids has revealed the answer?" the annoyed teacher asked.

"I don't understand Professor." Crabbe replied, with a confused frown on his face.

"You're not awake Crabbe, never mind aware. Alright, get together in groups of three and using the texts available, do a comparative study of the British Parliament and the Ministry of Magic, chose a speaker and be prepared to present your research in thirty minutes."

At the groans of her students, she added. "This could be homework people," she warned, "I also want your groups consensus on which of the two administrations is better; move."

As the noise in the room rose while the chairs moved and books were retrieved, Draco approached his Muggle teacher.

"Professor, may I have a word?" he opened.

"Mr Malfoy, you have a question?" asked Phaelan, with raised eyebrows.

"No Professor, at least n-not about the assignment." Draco gave an uncharacteristic stammer.

"Well?" asked Phaelan, wondering what was happening.

"I wanted to apologize for my comments in the first class. They were uncalled for and rude on my part. I jumped to conclusions and made unjustified assumptions." Draco offered his apology in a voice barely above a whisper.

"I see. Why are you doing this Malfoy? Trying to get out of detention?" asked Phaelan, suspicious of his motives.

Draco shook his head, "No Professor. I spoke to Professor Snape and he clarified some things for me."

"I see. Alright, we'll start from today on a clean slate then." Phaelan looked past him to see Crabbe and Goyle mouthing words silently, while attempting to read. "You'd better join your friends before they hurt themselves trying to read big words."


Looking over his shoulder at the pair he had been lumbered with since infancy. "It's not their fault. Their parents didn't have money for tutors all the time, nor the time to teach their kids themselves." He looked back at Phaelan. "They had other priorities."

Looking at the young man before her, she noticed a sadness she hadn't seen before. Phaelan nodded her dismissal and turned to marking the homework turned in, afraid of what she might find.

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"Professor McKenzie, a word please?" called Dumbledore.

Phaelan stopped and turned in the busy hallway, causing a mini-traffic jam of bustling students. Making her way back, she met the Headmaster in a side alcove out of the thoroughfare.

"I believe you have a spare period tomorrow morning, Phaelan, and I was wondering if you might join me in my office," requested Dumbledore, with his ever present twinkle.

Phaelan frowned in confusion, "Of course Headmaster. Is there a problem?" she asked.

Looking to one side, Dumbledore shook his head. "I have no problem with your classes, so far. Your students appear to be finding the challenge, a refreshing change. I've heard some interesting and positive comments thus far, for the most part."

Looking back at her over his signature spectacles, he said, "Alas, it is not I who wishes to meet with you. Minister Fudge has asked for a conference."

"Oh, well then. Is there something I should do, something I need to prepare Headmaster?" Phaelan asked, concerned that her reaction to the exam had caused grief for the old man.

"No, no my dear, I should think being your effervescent self should scare him...I mean suffice," Covering his slip none too well.

"Yeah, I get it. I should shut up and take it, right?" quipped Phaelan.

"That would be an excellent idea, if it were at all possible," he replied, as he looked at her once more. "However, I think it hardly likely, unless you are suddenly struck mute overnight." He nodded once and left her thinking.

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Dinner was coming to a close in the Great Hall. Phaelan had risen and spoken to Minerva who banged her goblet for attention.

"Attention everyone; your attention please," the Professor called. As the hall quieted, Minerva took her wand and cast a Sonorus charm on Phaelan.

Standing at the podium, Phaelan began to speak. "Thank you, Professor McGonagall. I have two announcements to make tonight, with the kind permission of Headmaster Dumbledore." She indicated the old man with a nod.

"First, I met with a large number of students, the other evening, who expressed an interest in becoming more aware of physical fitness. Since I have some interest in this myself, I have offered to sponsor an early morning running session. Weather permitting, we will use the Quidditch pitch, otherwise, Madam Hooch has shown me a route that can be run through the castle, safely. I expect to see everyone I met with previously, tomorrow morning before breakfast, at the front doors. Other interested parties may, of course, join in." She paused as the students began to talk among themselves causing Minerva to tap her glass again.

"Now on another vane, I had the, ahem, pleasure of being appointed chair of the fund raising committee for Hogwarts this year. It was decided that the funding formula used at the school required some reformation, and we have concluded it would be beneficial to include the students in activities which, while being fun, will garner rewards for Hogwarts and the students both." This attracted attention at large.

"The first activity I will announce, will begin this month, and will be repeated on the last Friday of each month of the school year. For a small donation of One Sickle, a student may purchase a casual clothing day on the last Friday of the month. That is to say, any student in any year may wear non-uniform attire under their overrobes on that day, if they have the badge indicating their donation."

Looking around, Phaelan noted muttered approval. "I hope to announce some interesting activities such as a Silent Auction, an alumni Quidditch match and a Fashion show, where our senior students will be the models, very shortly. Details are still being worked out." Now the buzz was even louder.

"If anyone has any other suggestions, please approach me, I will be happy to listen. Thank you."

As she stepped away from the podium, the students broke into applause. Snape looked at her with a scowl.

"What?" asked Phaelan.

"And here I thought I could point to someone else and say 'The dunderheads hate her more than me.' Quite spoilt my dinner," he quipped.

"Oh, piss off," she replied, trying not to laugh.

At the Gryffindor table, Ron took stock of the look on Snape's face.

"Look at the greasy git. The very thought of students actually enjoying themselves, puts him off. This might not be a bad year entirely, if we get to have some fun."

"Yeah," replied Harry," do you think your brothers might sign up for the Alumni game?"

"Dunno. Snape used to play to you know. Be fun to get him in the head with a bludger." Ron laughed.

"It's still Professor Snape, Ron, and rumour has it he was pretty good," stated Hermione

Looking at her the two boys reaponded in unison, "According to Hogwarts a History."

Hermione stuck her tongue out at their smirking faces.

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Phaelan walked to the Headmaster's office with more than a little trepidation. Taking a deep breath, she uttered the password, "Almond Joy." When did the headmaster ever get an American candy bar? As the gargoyle moved aside, Phaelan took another steadying breath and made her way upstairs.

"Ah, here she is. Phaelan, come along in, child." Dumbledore stood as Phaelan entered and took her hand before looking into her eyes. Phaelan tried to look as guileless as she could. It took effort. Taking in her surroundings, she saw to her relief both Snape and McGonagall were present.

"Minister, may I present, Phaelan McKenzie, our new Professor of Muggle Studies. Phaelan, this is Cornelius Fudge, our Minister of Magic."

"How do you do, sir," began Phaelan courteously, as she looked over the average sized man with a spreading girth; Bureaucrat all the way from his wingtips to his pinstripes.

"Miss McKenzie, what a refreshing surprise to find such a fair young face at Hogwarts." Fudge said enthusiastically, "I'm not used to dealing with such youth being given such great responsibility."

"I see, Minister. If I may sir, why did you ask to see me?" Phaelan inquired.

"Yes, right to the point, eh; the impetuousness of youth, eh, Headmaster?" Fudge smiled at his own humour when no one else did. "Well young lady, I had the privilege of reviewing your Licensing exam, shortly after it was completed." He looked at her expecting a reaction which was not forthcoming.

Trying another tack, "You had some interesting, if ill thought out, ideas of my text book. My book, you should know, was written after decades of observating Muggle culture. It was well received by scholars when it was published."

Sitting back in his chair with a smug look, Fudge continued. "I realize that, as a Muggle, you have a very biased and one-sided understanding of how we look at things as Wizards. You have been immersed in your world and could not possibly see things objectively, as I have managed to do."

Phaelan swallowed her first comment ,which threatened to appear with her breakfast.

"Minister, if I may, how did you come to the conclusion that Disneyworld was a religious retreat?" Phaelan asked innocently enough.

"It's obvious, my dear. All over the world, swarms of people make a pilgrimage to the different sites twice a year, summer and winter. A magnificent parade is held every day, where the Icons are displayed and venerated." Fudge explained, as though she was a child. "Really, I think it may be an extension of Christianity, they celebrate the same holidays and churches have their processions of the cross and their own holy idols. It's really quite obvious to the serious researcher."

Phaelan was quite dumbfounded. This guy was for real. He actually believed the tripe he had written.

Taking a deep breath through her nose, Phaelan began in a quiet voice.

"Minister, I'm fascinated to know how your research was conducted? Did you immerse yourself in the Muggle world and live as a Muggle? Did you conduct interviews with Muggleborns? I'm truly curious as to the source of your ...data?" Phaelan asked ,still able to control her tone.

The Minister shook his head in a condescending manner, "A truly Muggle grasp of how to conduct a scientific study. What say you Snape? You're a man used to research?"

Snape, surprised at being recognized as worthy of comment from the Minister, cocked an eyebrow and deciding evasion was the best course of action replied, "I have observed Miss McKenzie to have a most unique way of studying, Minister. I found it refreshing and entertaining. Her observations were not what a Wizard might have seen as valid. In fact, anyone but a Muggle would have disregarded the results."

"There, you see, my child," Chuckled Fudge, "Snape here is a known researcher in his field of potions and even he says you are flawed in how you look at things."

Dumbledore, Minerva and Snape looked at Phaelan's face and recognized the same visage that appeared before the outburst during her interview.

"You narrow minded, blind, little bureaucrat. What you know about Muggles and their culture could fit in an elfin thimble. You have no clue about anything you have written do you?" Phaelan started quietly; and the others knew it had just begun.

"You didn't sully yourself by associating with Muggles in their native habitat, oh no. You just listened to the bigoted ranting of the pure-blooded sycophants who line your coffers. As long as your so called teachings appease their phobic fear of a world they don't know anything about, you are the man of the hour." Phaelan's voice was becoming louder. Quietly, Snape stood behind her in case she would do something foolish.

"Tell me, minister, how much funding was diverted into your study of Muggles that might have been used for education? Why doesn't your Wizarding world offer basic literacy and numeracy to your children? Why do I have to teach remedial writing to my students, so that they can create a basic essay?" Phaelan was now yelling.

"How dare you speak to me in that manner, madam. I have earned my place in my society, honourably. My world values tradition and morality above all else," Fudge yelled back, "I am given to understand you served in the Navy in your country. What kind of society allows their women to interact with men in such an unseemly manner?" he continued.

"I beg your pardon, Mr Fudge, exactly what do you mean?" asked Phaelan through gritted teeth.

"Well, it's quite obvious that women, in such a situation, would clearly need to use their wiles to gain favour and promotion." Fudge laughed deprecatingly "How else would someone like you rise to any kind of position of authority."

Phaelan took a step towards him with thoughts of smacking the smile off his face, only to feel Snape's arm around her waist.

"You filthy-minded bastard. You are not worth the sweat off my ass in trying to show you how stupid you are. Just what have you used that grey stuff taking up space in your skull for all these years, besides holding your ears apart?" Phaelan was almost in tears with her anger.

Crimson faced, Fudge was speechless for a moment, but finally croaked out, "Well, I never..."

Phaelan had one final word, "You never, Minister? Well, I hardly find that surprising; who'd want to fuck a little prick like you, anyways." At this, Phaelan broke away from Snape and barged out of the office.

Dumbledore was standing in the silence that suddenly filled the room. Snape stood where he was and looked at the door Phaelan had just left through, wondering how to assassinate the politician anonymously. With a glare at Fudge, Severus left to follow Phaelan, leaving Fudge to Minerva and Albus.

The Elder professor and the Headmaster, who had known Cornelius Fudge, before he had become minister, glared at him. Fudge realized he may have gone too far.

"I think you had better give some thought to what you have said today, Cornelius. You have insulted a member of my staff and demeaned her character in a manner most foul. I would assume your gentile manners will allow you to apologize." Dumbledore's eyes held no twinkle.

"I believe I was an injured party, Albus, should I not be worthy of an apology?"

"Perhaps, Cornelius Fudge, if what Phaelan had said were untrue, you might have been worthy. I think we all know better; who stand in this room," offered Minerva, staring at him through eyes like slits.

"Yes, well, I will be going. I hope the ministry exams will prove you out, but I doubt it. Good day." With that he donned his hat and strode out.

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Climbing to the tower he knew she favoured, Snape found Phaelan sitting looking over the loch, silent tears falling on her face.

"Forgive me, Phaelan. I have failed you," Severus murmured, as he sat beside her.

Taking a moment for what he had said to sink in, Phaelan turned to look at him. "You apologized to me. You've never done that before. Why?"

"I promised to protect you, yet; I could not safely challenge him, for fear of putting everything in jeopardy for us and the Order." Snape could not look at her.

Phaelan looked at her wizard and stretched out her hand to his face.

"You would fight for my honour?" she asked in awe.

"I would die for you, Phaelan." Severus looked into her eyes, before pulling her into his arms.

Phaelan returned his embrace wondering at his declaration.

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A lead had come in. Shacklebolt had heard of a massive shipment being portkeyed to a deserted farm in the Lake District. He had managed to get the co-ordinates for the destination point and brought them to Hogwarts.

"Do you know who may have owned this property, Severus?" asked Dumbledore.

"I recall Evan Rosier having property in that area. It is possible it was left to the Dark Lord," Snape offered thoughtfully. "A deserted farm with all its outbuildings would be ideal for hidden research," he suggested.

"What might have been transported there, though? What would they need?" Wondered the Auror aloud.

Phaelan, who had been listening in, realized the wizards had no concept of the technology required for genetic engineering in the Muggle world.

"It is possible the scientist, they are holding hostage, requires some very sophisticated equipment to continue his research. What I can't figure out is how they plan to power it. That stuff sucks a lot of juice." Phaelan averred.

"Perhaps you should conduct surveillance, Severus? See what they have brought in," suggested the Headmaster.

"A good suggestion sir, but I don't know what I'm looking for," replied Snape.

Looking at his young teacher, Dumbledore cocked an eyebrow in silent question.

Phaelan noticed and knew the reaction her answer would bring from the other men.

"Well, it's not my area of specialty, but I have a basic idea of what I would be looking at, especially if the packing crates were still around. I'll go with you," Phaelan offered.

"Absolutely Not!" yelled Severus at the same time Shacklebolt yelled," That's not possible!"

"That is quite enough of your outmoded chivalry, gentlemen," countered Phaelan, as she rose to her feet. "As flattered my feminine side is, my guerrilla side is quite insulted, Severus," she continued, as she emphasized his name. "You at least should understand."

Snape looked at her once more and turned his back; Shacklebolt looked at the Headmaster confused.

"Well, how do we get there? What is the terrain like? Where is the moon tonight and what is the forecast? A full briefing gentlemen, let's go." She clapped her hands.

Dumbledore chuckled as he went to conjure a map and create a portkey. Shacklebolt shook his head still confused, but followed the old man. Phaelan walked to Severus and touched his shoulder. He turned his head to look at her, his face without expression, as it was when he first met her. Phaelan now understood this was how he dealt with his deepest feelings. He made them go away, tamped down in his soul to feel later. She understood, because this was how she dealt with her emotions too. They were a kind she and he, understanding each other; both misunderstood.

Severus nodded at her and they joined the two men at the map.
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Later, before the moon had risen, two dark figures moved past the Whomping Willow to the Shrieking Shack. Leaving the heaving structure, they apparated to a remote location in the Lake District. As soon as they arrived, they ducked into the thick bracken growing along a path.

"Lumos," muttered Snape, to cast light over the map they had brought.

Crouching together, Phaelan and Severus looked at the stars to get their bearings. Concentrated Magic tended to skew compass readings.

Phaelan pointed, "North," she whispered, as Snape nodded.

"This way." Severus led them through a copse that ended at a field, long left in fallow. Crouching once more, they used a telescope, that lit up the darkness like night vision goggles, to look at the dilapidated farm.

"There's someone in the house and the large barn appears to have been patched up," observed Snape.

"Well, we've got to get closer and inside the barn, if we can," observed Phaelan; looking around the environs of the farm. "Look, over there," she pointed. There was a small power distribution station situated beside some high tension power lines. "If they can tap into the station, they'll have all the power they want."

"Come on," said Snape, understanding that what she had said had great impact on the importance of their trip, but not the implications. He led the way to the farm, suddenly reeling back as he hit an invisible barrier.

"What is it, Severus? Phaelan asked, worried at his reaction.

"Wards, incredibly strong," he replied, as he pulled his wand out to test the type and strength of the ward used.

As they walked the perimeter, he probed and measured the strength of the wards raised. The wards diminished greatly as they approached the electrical lines and in one small section, disappeared entirely.

"Here." Snape held his wand over a section big enough for them to pass through.

They ran quickly to the barn and entered. Looking around, Phaelan found boxes labeled Incubator, Microscope, Chromatography, Spectroscope, Compaq and modum.

"Do you know what this stuff is, Phaelan?" Asked Snape, now wishing he had forgone the fine arts studies in favour of hard Muggle science.

"Yeah, some. I'll need to ask some questions online when we get back," she replied.

Opening a door at the back of the barn, Phaelan entered what looked to be a laboratory geared to Biology, with containers for specimens and refrigeration equipment installed. As she entered, she heard a noise behind her in the barn. She stilled to listen.

"So, how the mighty hath fallen, eh Snape; Accio wand."

Snape's wand flew into the hand of the unknown Wizard. Turning, Snape saw the man who had discovered them.

"Ewan, you have taken your dear, departed brother's place in Our Lords plan," said Snape calmly.''

Thinking on her feet, Phaelan kept out of sight in the lab and pulled out the knives she had secreted about herself. Ducking down, she headed back into the barn.

"We've been suspicious about you for years, Snape, you know. You always manage to have some information, but not enough to ensure victory for our Lord. We always manage not to succeed, when you give intelligence on the cursed Order. What were you thinking, coming here?" wondered Ewan Rosier. "A lot of us thought you had come under the thumb of that do-gooder, Fumbledore, but our Lord always gave you an out. What will he say now?"

Looking at the man who had discovered them, Snape wondered where Phaelan was. He only hoped she was using her skills to protect herself and get out of here.

"What do you think the Dark Lord will do when he finds out someone has breached these wards, Rosier? taunted Snape. "How do you know he didn't send me to test you?"

At Snape's comment, the other man paled significantly. "Our Lord knows my allegiance. He would not question it, but you...if I were to bring your body back it would prove that I placed his glory above all. Yes that's it. You die Snape and I... I become part of the inner circle."

Rosier stood before Snape, his wand extended, exalted by his own logic and future imagined.

Laughing, Rosier taunted the man before him, "Die, Snape, Die. AVADAHHHHHH" The curse became a scream.

Phaelan had managed to manoeuvre herself into a position behind Rosier, where he could not see her, and watched the conversation. As she realized the tack they were taking, she readied herself. When she heard the start of the killing curse, she launched herself at the back of the man, her knife leading. As he screamed at her attack, she pulled the blade out and slashed his neck cutting the jugular. Falling to the ground as he fell, Phaelan cradled his head to ensure the light of life left his eyes.

Snape looked down at the scene before him, numb with momentary shock. Taking stock again, he grabbed Phaelan away from the corpse and cast a spell to obliterate the body.. As he did, Severus felt a change in the wards. At the same time, Phaelan could sense a change in the atmosphere.

"Wards keyed to his life force," observed Snape, in unaccustomed alarm. "Accio wands; move, quickly" he ordered, grabbing the wands from the air before dragging Phaelan behind him to the exit.

As the pair ran, they became aware of a buzzing sound.

"Faster, Phaelan, they sound like Mexican Doxies," Snape urged.

Dragging her to the lab, he quickly found a powder, which he liberally coated them both in. They took off running from the barn, making as much space as they could between them and the building.

As they approached the ward barrier, a swarm of small creatures enveloped them. Snape cast curses against them, but until they were beyond the wards, the creatures attacked them.

Stepping into his arms, Phaelan apparated back to Hogwarts with Snape. Without allowing her a moment to recover, Snape grabbed her and dragged her towards a hidden entrance to the castle. As they entered, Phaelan realized they were in the dungeons. After several turns, taken at a full run, Severus stood before his portrait door and gave the password. He pulled her in after him and hastened to his bathroom.

"Get in." he ordered, as he turned on the multi-head shower full tilt. Pulling out his recovered wand, he pointed it at Phaelan and intoned, "Divestio habili." In shock, Phaelan realized her clothes were gone and she was nude. A second later, Severus was similarly unclothed and beside her in the shower.

"The powder was Doxy poison. We have to get it off, before it becomes toxic to us." Snape gave terse instructions and began scrubbing.

Phaelan followed his lead, turning to let him scrub her back and in turn scrubbing his. They each washed their hair three times and inspected their bodies for possible bites. At last, Severus leaned back on the wall of the shower and relaxed.

"Enough, we should have gotten rid of it all," he decided.

Phaelan leaned back on the opposite wall and regarded the enigma before her.

Tall, dark, and slender, yet he had power in his physique. Phaelan thought he would be formidable in a hand to hand fight. Still looking, she saw the silver of old scars and pink of more recent injury. Reaching out, Phaelan touched a scar on his shoulder, then traced it to his chest. Severus opened his eyes and looked at the woman before him.

Still tracing the scar, Phaelan asked, "Did he cause these?"

Severus understood. "Yes, the Dark Lord enjoys marking his servants"

Allowing his gaze to pass over her body, Severus wondered at the woman who stood unabashedly naked before him. She had made no move to cover herself from his gaze, than he from hers.

Seeing a grooved scar on her hip, Severus reached out to touch it. "A war wound?" he asked.

"A bullet graze; I managed to duck in time. Burned like hell for days," she replied.

Stepping towards him in the streaming shower, Phaelan placed a kiss on the scar she had traced. Seeing another on his ribs, she placed another kiss on it. Looking at his body, Phaelan began to kiss every scar she found. Closing his eyes, Severus trembled every time her lips touched him. As she knelt to kiss a scar on his inner thigh, her hair brushed his growing erection, causing him to gasp.

"Phaelan, "he sighed, in a breathless whisper.

Phaelan looked up at her name, to see his cock growing and the arousal evident on his face. Smiling, she reached up to tease his pubic hair and massage his groin, before touching his penis. Using just one finger, she rubbed the growing length down one side, circling the head, before taking a moment to capture a drop of pre-cum on her finger tip. Looking at Severus' face, she brought her finger to her mouth to lick his moisture off, before continuing her single digit exploration.

Oh, gods I want her, thought Snape, feeling his breath hitch as she touched the head of his cock once more. Reaching down, Snape took her head in both hands and pulled her up into a deep kiss. Tongues touching, tasting; lips suckling and owning the other; hands exploring, smoothing, massaging. No skin too private to touch, no part too secret to explore.

Reaching past Phaelan, Severus turned off the water. Both stood looking into each other's eyes, breathless hunger overtaking all else in their world.

"Please, Severus, I need you, want you," Phaelan begged, as she trembled in his arms.

"Gods, Phaelan, you are so beautiful. I want to hear my name on your lips, as my body gives you pleasure." Severus claimed her mouth in another deep kiss before calling his wand and quickly casting a drying spell. Lifting her into his arms, Snape looked into her eyes once more and saw the raw desire there; desire for him and no other man. The realization was like a drug in his veins, as he carried her to his bed.

Gently laying her down on the centre of the bed, Severus joined her, pushing one leg between her knees. Phaelan willingly parted her thighs to let him kneel close to her warm centre. Sitting back on his heels, Severus ran his hands up each of her thighs until he reached the apex. Looking back at Phaelan's face, he saw her lips parted, tongue darting out to moisten them and her breasts rising and falling in breathless want.

"I want to see you Phaelan," Severus whispered.

"Yes," came her pleading reply.

Sliding his hands up to her Mons, Severus massaged the labia between thumb and forefinger. Parting her outer lips, he saw her moist pink inner lips, with her clitoris a glistening and engorged crown. Bringing his thumbs together, he gently rubbed her wetness alternating his left and right to tease her nub. Phaelan began to arch her back wanting more. As he continued, Severus saw her pink lips become sopping wet with desire and begin to coat his fingers.

"Severus, please I need you, now. Pleasssse," begged Phaelan, her thighs trembling in desire.

Her words brought his cock to painful awareness of its need. Sliding up her body, he brought the head of his penis to her vagina, coating it with her warm juices mixed with his.

As he thrust forward to enter her, he sighed her name and heard her echo with his. Neither moved for a moment; luxuriating in the warmth streaming through them, as they looked into each other's eyes.

At the same time, unseen by either, the pendant Phaelan had received from her grandmother and constantly wore, began to glow. It had slid around her neck and was covered by her hair.

Sliding her feet up over Severus calves and the outside of his thighs, Phaelan pulled her knees high to allow him to get closer as he began to move. Closing her eyes, Phaelan became focussed on the sensations, sounds and scents they created together. Hard silk moving in her, soft wet noise as their bodies met and parted; the salty heated smell of sex and sweat mixing with the taste of their kisses.

Raking her nails over his chest, Phaelan leaned up to take one nipple into her mouth to lave and nip then changed to the other side. Hearing him moan, Phaelan became even more excited. As he sat back Severus took one of her legs and brought it to his shoulder. The change in position brought his thrusts closer to the special place of joy within her. As he continued to move, he turned slightly every time he entered her. Phaelan felt the pressure increase in her nether regions.

"Yes, Yes there, there," she began to chant.

Finally, Severus pulled her other leg up and began to thrust harder, deeper, hearing Phaelan calling his name. The heat increased and the need undeniable; Severus pushed her knees forward as he pounded into her.

Phaelan felt her orgasm mounting and looked at her lover seeing his face locked in concentration. With a sudden move, his thrusts became even harder and faster hitting her on the special place with in her. Her orgasm flooded over her; an inner warmth spreading outward, causing sweat to bead on her skin. Throwing her head back, Phaelan cried, "Severus" as the spasms of their first time continued.

Severus felt the tightening of his coming seed. As Phaelan contracted around him, he felt sensation of warmth pool in his gut before spreading outward. He had never felt this in his experience with a woman before. The sensations became overwhelming. He needed to release now, yet his body would not let his seed pour forth.

Still unnoticed, Phaelan's necklace began to glow brighter until it shone with a warm white light, pulsing with every thrust of the man within the woman. Suddenly, Severus cried out as he hit against her womb and coated every inner surface with his sperm. He thought he had seen a flash of light as he released, but he was centred on their act and thought nothing of it. As he continued his spasmodic thrusting to end his orgasm, Severus became aware of Phaelan sobbing.

"Phaelan," he whispered as he sought her mouth, "I caused you pain. I'm sorry; I never meant to hurt you."

Phaelan wrapped her legs about his waist to hold him within her, not wanting to loose their bonding so soon. She smiled at him through her tears and stroked his face.

"You didn't hurt me, silly man. I've never had a man like you before, never felt what you made me feel. I can't describe it. It was as if something took over my body and gave me pleasure beyond anything I've ever experienced before. Is it because you're a Wizard?"

Kissing her tears away, Severus lay upon her lightly, as she would not let go. He looked into the eyes that a short time ago watched the life ebb from another man and wondered at this woman who gave herself to him.

"Phaelan, I'm not inexperienced in any way, but I have never felt what I felt tonight with any other woman. I think you may be right, when you say it felt like something took over." he smiled at her and kissed her lips. "I hope it comes again sometime."

As they lay together, the pulsing light of the necklace slowly darkened, still unnoticed by the lovers. The ancient charm placed upon it had done its work and had once again become dormant. They were joined by their coupling forever. Now, only the Other needed to be found.