FicWad

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!


Walking into Snape's dungeon rooms, the couple discarded their outer robes as they passed through the living room into the bedroom. As she entered the room, Phaelan noticed some new additions to the chest resting at the foot of the bed. Approaching the chest she picked up the articles one by one.

"Advance preparations, Master of Slytherin; how devious." She smiled mischievously while coiling a silk rope in her hands.

"You honour me madam. I am after all meant to be the embodiment of my house's qualities. One must endeavour to fulfil the role thrust upon them, regardless of the implications," he drawled in his best Snapish voice.

Holding her gaze in his black eyes, Severus moved slowly towards Phaelan and took the rope from her hands. Pulling his eyes from hers, he looked down her body, slowly taking in every part of her still clothed form. Looking back at her face again, he noticed a flush on her face.

Taking a deep breath, Severus looked at Phaelan one last time before speaking. "Take off your clothes and place them in my hands," he commanded in a darkly smooth tone.

Phaelan moved to comply, slowly beginning on top and moving to the bottom. She never took her eyes from his as she did as he ordered. In a few short minutes, she stood before him as naked as she had in the shower the night before.

"Now that you have given me your clothes, they belong to me. I will choose when you may have them back." He took his wand and shrunk the garments to fit in his pocket.

Still holding her gaze, he led her to the bed and lifted her upon it. He stroked her with the silken rope, then with a smile, bent for one last kiss before binding her to his bed.
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Being Head Boy had its advantages, he supposed. Besides the private room Snape offered him, Draco had more freedom to wander the cavernous school. Late in the evenings, he was able to throw off his yoke of human oxen and walk alone through the silent halls where his family had trod before him. Proud Slytherins for the most part, with the occasional Ravenclaw in the bunch - that was his family. Well, except for Sirius Black who was related to his mother; he had been Gryffindor and then there was Andromeda Black who married a Muggleborn wizard. All were aberrations in an otherwise pure family, according to his father.

Why then was he questioning the role his father had carved out for him? What was causing his doubts? Fear - no, he decided, fear was a tool for a Slytherin. It made you stop and think about your actions. Greed, maybe, but his ire was less about selling property than about the use the capital was being put to. Anger - Frustration - Doubt? Yes, all of these. Angry that his father had spent time in Azkaban and used money to bribe his way out, frustrated that his own ambition was stifled for good of the 'Cause' and doubt. That was the hardest he had to admit to. Did he believe in the cause his father devoted his life and career to further?

Draco sighed and leaned against the parapet of the tower he had made his way to.

"It's late, Mr. Malfoy, well past your patrol time. Why are you not in your house?" asked a soft voice from a dark corner of the tower.

Draco started. He hadn't expected to see anyone, least of all Dumbledore.

"Headmaster, I didn't think you would be about at this hour... " began Draco.

"Ah, well you see, when you reach a certain age, sleep no longer offers the balm it once might have; too much a reminder of a more permanent condition fast approaching." The old man smiled. "Well?"

The Headmaster was waiting for an answer and Draco wasn't sure how to respond.

"I was having trouble sleeping, sir, and I thought a bit of fresh air would help. I'll return to the dungeons right away," he replied and made to leave.

"No hurry, Mr. Malfoy. You're not a child anymore; I'm sure you know if you need sleep or not. Perhaps you need to talk about what is troubling you?" asked the wise old man. "Is there something you want to tell me, Draco?"

"I can't imagine what, sir. I mean, if there were, I would speak to Professor Snape." Draco answered trying to avoid more conversation.

With a knowing smile, Dumbledore sat on the edge of a parapet and regarded the young man.

"Yes, Severus has told me he had spoken to you about some concerns previously. Since your House Master is off duty this evening, perhaps I am a suitable substitute." He looked over his trademark spectacles, observing the shifting emotions flit across Draco's face.

"If it makes it easier, Draco, I am all too aware of your father's predilection towards the Pureblood following of Voldemort. Your family's loyalties have caused you some anxiety these past couple of years. Your struggle has not gone unnoticed." Dumbledore watched Draco coming to terms with the knowledge that the leader of the movement which was the antithesis of all that his father believed in, knew about his doubts.

"My father expects my compliance with his wishes. I am to take up the mantle of his struggle when I graduate as he did from his father before him." Draco quoted.

"Well memorized, Draco, now what do you want?" Dumbledore stood and faced his student. "Don't answer me tonight. Don't answer me at all for that matter. You are coming to a crossroads we have all come to at one time of our lives. No one, I repeat, no one may tell you what path to choose. There is no right or wrong, there is only your conscience and your future goals to guide you."

"It's difficult, sir. I love my father and mother. I want to protect the things I value and hold true. I wonder though, if the methods some of our people have employed are right. Morally right," Draco said as he looked at the floor. "There must be another way, a better way."

"Perhaps, Draco - that is for you to discover. No one can answer that question but yourself." Dumbledore nodded and turned to leave." My door is always open, Mr Malfoy. Good night."

Draco turned one last time to look at the sky then with a sigh, turned and headed for his room.

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For the next two days, Ginny stayed in the infirmary under the watchful eye of Madam Pomfrey. Her brother and friends visited daily and brought her class work, but she studiously avoided unnecessary conversation. Watching the young girl, Poppy saw the beginnings of social withdrawal and thought how best it should be handled. Nodding to herself, she came to a decision.

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"Professor McKenzie," The Mediwitch called, "Do you have a moment?"

Phaelan was heading out in the early evening to enjoy the sun and fresh air while she marked some homework. She turned when she heard her name called.

"Yes, Madam Pomfrey, how may I help you?"

The older woman approached her, looking around to see if there were any students near by.

"I need to speak to you about Ginny," she said softly.

"Sure; let's take a walk," Phaelan replied.

As they slowly walked towards the loch, Poppy related her observations of the girl in her charge and her concerns.

Phaelan listened, just as concerned that Ginny not be let slip away from them further.

"Alright, Poppy, what do you suggest?" Phaelan asked.

"Well, I think she needs to be active. Too much time alone lets the mind wander down paths best left alone. She's healed physically; now she needs to let her spirit go free like her classmates. Help her, Phaelan. I think you are the one who can get through to her." Poppy looked at the young teacher hoping she would accept the challenge.

Taking a deep breath and blowing it out, Phaelan squinted at the sky before looking back at the witch before her.

"You think she'd listen to anything I say after what she said to me?" wondered Phaelan.

"She lashed out in anger at being discovered; you were closest. It could have been any of us." Poppy offered. "Try, Phaelan, please."

"Alright, I'll try," she agreed, "But it's not going to be all sugar and spice. She needs someone to push her to her limits. She needs to know what she can do as a person and have self-pride.

"Exactly my thoughts, Phaelan," smiled the Mediwitch. "When will you start?"

"Tomorrow morning before breakfast, I think - and she goes back to her tower tomorrow as well," decided Phaelan.

"Fine, I'll talk to her roommates tonight just as you did to the DA." Still smiling, Poppy patted Phaelan's arm and made her way back to the castle.

Looking at the heavens, Phaelan implored, "How the hell do I get myself into these things?"

Late evening found Snape alone in his dungeon abode scowling over third year essays. With a resigned sigh, he slashed his crimson tipped quill across the parchment leaving no doubt as to his opinion of the quality of work. Casting the marked paper aside, he took a sip of herbal tea before reaching for the next students' work to be scorned in pen.

Before he started to read, he felt the tingling burn of a summons thread through his arm. With a curse, he went to floo the headmaster before changing into his robes and departing. He only hoped the meeting was short and uneventful.

When he arrived, he saw the circle of faithful forming. Pulling on his mask, Snape joined Malfoy senior at their assigned places. A short time later, Pettigrew led his Master in and took his place. As one the circle dropped to their knees as Voldemort stopped in the centre.

"Welcome, my faithful. We are pleased to report progress in our research, due in great part to the patronage of my most favoured one, Lucius. It is most gratifying to know our wisdom has been taken to heart and acted upon so capably by my disciples," he announced while gesturing around the circle with an outstretched arm.

"Severus, come forth." he called.

Puzzled, Snape stepped forward and knelt to kiss the hem of his Dark Master's robes

"I come to serve," he intoned.

"Yes you do, Severus. We shall require special services from you, my Potions Master. I grant you an audience. Lucius," he called, "Go with Peter and Severus. Wait for me at my lodgings."

The two men bowed and followed Pettigrew out of the circle. When they left the warded area, the three men used a port key to travel to the Riddle house. Leading them forward, Peter opened the door to the house and showed them in indicating they should stay in the same parlour Malfoy had met the Dark Lord in previously.

"I must return to our Master," said Peter in an unctuous voice. "He is lost without me." Nodding, he left to rejoin the circle.

"More like he'd like to loose you," sniped Malfoy.

Snape snorted; he'd been thinking the same thing.

"So, brother, what has been going on that has pleased our Lord so much?" Snape asked as he took a seat by the fire. The room was like the Arctic.

"A very special project, brother - quite revolutionary. If we succeed, and I have no doubt we shall, we will have control over our domain as never before. We can even seek to extend our powers beyond our borders, for right-minded sorcerers everywhere will want to join us." He smiled beatifically. "I have been given the privilege of overseeing the implementation of our new weapon."

"Indeed, brother, what weapon is this that would cause such a forecast? Surely the implications you suggest would mean the subjugation of not just Muggleborn magic folk, but all Muggle-kind." Snape frowned at the knowledge he had just been handed.

"Does the notion not give you a knot of excitement, Severus. Think - a return to our rightful positions as leaders of the world and its minions. Being worshiped and sacrificed to as our forbears were in the ancient days of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Nubia." Malfoy began to pace in excitement. "We were once as Gods, Severus. We shall be again if our Lord can garner the purebloods support from around the world."

At that moment, Peter entered the room and held the door, while bowing as Voldemort entered followed by two other men. Snape and Malfoy rose as one to bow at their Lord's entrance.

"Sit, sit, my faithful ones. We have other business to conduct. Meet Liam Donnelly and Phinnius O'Bannion, lately of Belfast. Gentlemen have a chair." Instructed Voldemort as he himself moved to his customary wingback seat.

"These gentlemen are squibs who have, until recently, worked with the IRA to usurp British rule in Northern Ireland. I have contracted them to do a job for us and in return, their Wizarding family will receive special favour from my faithful in Eire, along with a monetary stipend," he informed the two Wizards.

"Since you have not been forthcoming with information about the Mudblood whore's parents, I have had someone else do the work, Severus." The Dark Lord smiled. "We have a plan to scare the brain behind Harry Potter and make her run home to mummy and daddy where we can get rid of them all together."

"You have the information, Gentlemen?" Voldemort asked.

"Yes, my lord." Donnelly replied in a strong Belfast accent. "We have everything we need in that department. You had a parcel of some kind for us?"

"Indeed, Peter if you please. The item is quite volatile when exposed to air and will burn everything to a crisp."

"We're used to handling high explosives my lord. We'll mask this with the usual IRA branded bomb and when it goes off, your stuff gets uncovered then POOF! Bloody incendiary hell." O'Bannion gesticulated in excitement.

"Excellent, gentlemen. Do let me know the date when you plan to execute your fireworks. Send an owl to the usual address. I do so want to see what the Muggle papers will make of it." He waved his hand dismissively and Peter led them out.

"Now follow me." Voldemort beckoned to the two Wizards.

Leaving the house by the back door, they made their way to greenhouses behind the main house. As they entered, lanterns burst into light to illuminate a sealed glass enclosure at the far end.

"Lucius, this is your project. Please elucidate for Severus." Voldemort indicated he should conduct the demonstration.

"My Lord." Malfoy gave a half bow. "Brother, we have... employed... the talents of a Muggle researcher in the field of Genetic Reengineering. With his knowledge and skill we have managed to nurture an interesting hybrid insect which has produced some spectacular results in preliminary tests. Observe." He pointed to the enclosure which was made up of three interconnecting chambers.

With a wave of his wand, Malfoy released mice into the largest enclosure on the far left. Another wave and a cat was released into the middle chamber. In the last chamber, Snape observed a box with a sliding door on the side suspended half way up the side of the glass.

"Now watch closely." Malfoy smiled.

One last wand flick and the door on the side of the box opened to release the most curious insect Snape had ever seen. Green in colour with brilliant blue and yellow stripes on its back, it flew like a Billywig. The other thing he noticed was its size. It measured the same as the huge Honey bee's his mother had so cared for from his childhood; fully two inches long and an inch across. The stinger was another matter. It looked like a Muggle hypodermic syringe at least a half inch long.

Lucius tapped his wand on the enclosure and the glass separating the cat and the insect disappeared. Sensing the presence of an intruder the insect swooped down on the hapless feline. The cat took a few ineffectual swipes at the flying threat with his paws but eventually, the insect stung the poor creature on its tender nose. As the cat yowled in agony, Malfoy conjured a dish of sugar solution in the third chamber to lure the insect back. When the creature returned to the last chamber, Malfoy replaced the glass wall to contain it.

Snape hadn't taken his eyes off the cat. After pawing its nose in pain the poor animal began to stagger. As it fell in convulsions, the cat began to swell. The rate of swelling was extremely rapid and soon the specimen had an abdomen twice the size of the original cat.

As horrified as he felt, Snape was at heart a scientist. He couldn't take his eyes off what was happening.

As soon as the skin had reached the limits of its expansion the tissue ruptured and a blue mist emanated from the carcass. Malfoy now touched his wand to remove the partition between the cat and mice. The blue mist wafted over the dozen or so rodents who had sat up on their haunches to sniff the air. One by one they fell over and were still; killed by whatever had been produced by the dead cat.

Snape stood transfixed by what he had just observed. It had all taken place in less than ten minutes.

"Well Severus, what do you think?" asked Voldemort

"Incredible." Snape breathed, awed and repulsed at the same time.

"There are tests requiring your analytical skills, Severus. There are more than one variant on this specimen type. We will only breed true on one of them. You will study and advise us of which is most efficient in the task of extermination. We shall procure subjects for you." Voldemort advised.

"Subjects my Lord, as in people?" Severus carefully couched his question in a benign tone.

"You have a better suggestion?" asked the Dark Lord.

"Pigs are commonly used to test in place of humans or certain breeds of lower primates. We could procure them legally or even breed them if need be." Offered Snape.''

"You may have a point. Very well, we will save only the latter testing for our slaves." Voldemort decided.

As they made their way out of the greenhouse, Voldemort turned his serpentine face to Snape and studied him. He reached out to stroke Snape's cheek in a parody of a parents caress.

"I am not best pleased with you my boy. You were not at all helpful in garnering information on the whore Granger's family. It cost me more money than I had originally allotted. No it just was not good enough." He backed away from Severus.

Inhaling deeply, Snape waited for what was about to happen.

"Crucio!" Cried the living dead man, pointing to Snape's leg.

Severus fell to the ground in agony, not daring to cry out and displease his master. It ended quickly. The Dark Lord was being merciful.

"Leave us and think well on what we expect from you Severus. I won't be disappointed again." Warned Voldemort before turning and entering the house.

Malfoy helped him up and they both made their way beyond the wards and apparated in silence to their homes.

Phaelan was walking through the castle trying to settle her mind before meeting with Ginny in the morning. She knew the Great Hall was frequently used as a recreation centre by the students in the early evening. Wandering in, she saw the teens doing homework, playing cards, grooming brooms and playing chess. While she'd seen Wizarding chess played in the staff room, it was still a novelty. Neville and Ron were engaged in a lively sounding game, given the raucous noise from the pieces before them. Walking over, she joined Harry, Seamus and Dean as they watched. The board was already half empty and Phaelan could tell Ron would likely win in three moves. Three chessboard battles later, Ron declared Checkmate.

"I don't know why I bother," declared Neville, "I never win against you, Ron."

"Don't be so hard on yourself mate. I remember when Ron could destroy you in three moves," laughed Seamus.

"Yeah, and you didn't have the luck to have all those older brothers destroying your chess pieces game after game while you were growing up." Observed Dean.

"Well played, Mr Weasley. Tell me, have you ever tried 3-D chess?" asked Phaelan.

Ron frowned. "3-D?"

"Yes, chess played in three dimensions. I would have thought that would have been a natural given the way Quidditch is played," observed Phaelan.

"Can you show us professor?" asked Neville.

"Okay, but you need to make this board 3-D. Three levels of playing surfaces stacked one above the other and transparent enough to see through," she instructed.

Dean Thomas transformed two sheets of parchment into the two other levels. Phaelan noticed in amusement the reaction of the small animate chess pieces as the two boards appeared over their heads.

For the next while, Phaelan was involved in instructing the students in the moves of the game. When she and Ron began to play, they garnered an audience from the other tables. The chess aficionados caught on quickly to the strategy employed in using the spaces above and below the pieces. Even the animated chess pieces, which normally complained when a Muggle touched them, were too busy learning the new moves to bother with her.

After thirty minutes, Phaelan won, but only just.

"Excellent match, Mr. Weasley. Thank you." She stood and shook his hand.

As she walked away, she noticed Draco Malfoy arms crossed arrogantly, standing well back observing the group around the table. On a whim, she approached him from behind.

"Mr Malfoy, do you play chess?" she asked.

Malfoy started slightly dropping his stance.

"Yes I do. My father and I play most evenings when I am home." He replied.

"Why don't you join them?" she asked.

Draco snorted, "Consort with that lot? I don't think so. Besides," he said, turning his back on the chess game, "I know where I'm not welcome." He looked at her through narrowed eyes before strutting out of the Great Hall.

Phaelan looked at his retreating back thoughtfully.

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It was raining in London again. Tonks and Olwen, the new kid, were standing watch outside the home of Susan and Geoffrey Granger.

"Bloody, miserable weather," groused Tonks as she rubbed her hands together and stamped her feet.

"Do we do this often?" asked the young Welshman.

"We try to keep an eye on the Muggles that are likely to be targeted. We 'ad 'eard there were a few of Old Moldies cronies 'anging round 'ere recently. If we get lucky, we might catch sight of 'em," Tonks lectured as she looked around.

"It was ever such a nasty shock to know that some of His bad lads had made it close to Cardiff." He commented. "The Taffy witches and wizards are a tight lot you know. We all know each other and when one of us gets hit we all do."

Suddenly behind them they heard the pops of apparition. Spinning, Tonks had her wand out ready for an attack. As the figures approached, she identified them as Hestia Jones and Sturgis Podmore.

"Only us, Tonks." Sturgis announced as he walked forward.

"Lucky I don't curse first and ask questions later like Moody." She snapped.

"Sorry bout that, Tonks," said Hestia, "we should have come in further away."

"Yeah well, I guess we're off 'ome then. 'Ave a pleasant night. Come on ducks." Tonks led her partner a short distance away and with a pop, returned to 12 Grimmauld Place.

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Phaelan had gone to the dungeons to find Severus before returning to her chambers. As she approached the entrance to his rooms, she met the Baron.

"He's not home Professor. He was called," the ghost advised.

Phaelan felt a tightening in her chest. With hurried thanks, she made her way to the tower where she knew she could see him when he returned. Settling in, she waited for him, scared that he might be injured or worse.

An hour and a half later, she saw him appear and begin a limping journey to the Dungeon entrance. Forgetting all propriety, she ran to the dungeons to meet him. Just as she turned the corner to the hidden doorway, Severus entered and leaned on the wall.

"Severus, you're hurt. Do you need Madam Pomfrey?" asked a concerned Phaelan.

"NO!" he snapped before softening his tone." No, I'll be fine. I just need a couple of potions."

Taking his arm around her shoulders, Phaelan led the way to his rooms. When they entered, Severus made for his bedroom and sat heavily on the side of his bed pulling out his wand.

"Accio Dreamless, Accio Pain killer," he called, before extending his hand to receive the phials flying in from the bathroom.

"What happened tonight Severus?'" asked Phaelan, as she began to unbutton his clothing.

"It appears I have been a topic of conversation between Lucius and the Dark Lord. They want me to analyse the findings of the Muggle scientist." He grimaced before downing the pain killer.

Phaelan continued to remove his clothing, pulling his cloak off and discarding it on the floor. As it fell, she heard the Mask hit the floor with a dull thunk. Continuing her questions, she methodically worked through his layers.

"What kind of analysis, Severus?" She asked.

"They have developed some kind of toxin which is to be delivered into the body by the lungs. They haven't yet said how they plan to use it, but they wanted me to start testing the efficaciousness of the poison on live subjects." He grimaced as she bid him stand to take off his trousers.

"Holy shit, Severus, they want to use humans as guinea pigs?" she gasped as she eased him back on to the bed after pulling down the covers.

"That had been their thoughts, but I suggested that pigs or monkeys would be easier to control and less likely to be missed. They ultimately agreed." Sighing, he lay back on the pillows still wincing at the spasms of pain passing through his thigh.

Phaelan looked at his leg and saw the red curse mark left by the Cruciatus cast by Voldemort.

Reaching forward, she lightly touched the area and felt the heat of inflammation emanating from it. She snapped her fingers and called a Houseelf.

"Dobby." As he appeared, she hurriedly gave him orders for what she thought would help and then called Polly.

"Polly," she began as her elf appeared." Bring me my sports bag here."

"Will Miss need clothes for tomorrow?" the little creature asked hopefully.

"No Polly, I will be in my own rooms in a little while. Now hurry." Phaelan shooed her off.

Dobby appeared at that moment with a bowl of crushed ice and tea towels along with a carafe of water. Polly appeared next with Phaelan's bag.

"Thank you Dobby, Polly, that will be all." She dismissed them.

She pulled out a packet of powder from her sports bag and, opening it, poured it into a glass. Dissolving the powder in water, she brought it to Severus who was eyeing her warily.

"Alright, Potions Master, drink up." She ordered.

"I don't touch Muggle concoctions," he snapped, "I don't trust anything I don't create with my own hand."

"Stick your pride up your ass and drink this. It's meant to balance out your electrolytes and reduce lactic acid intoxication of the tissues," she snapped back. When he still refused, she decided to lecture.

"My research into the Cruciatus and its action on the body suggests that it causes a rapid increase of Lactic Acid in the muscles it contacts. As the body tries to compensate, the other electrolytes go crazy and get completely out of balance." She could see he was listening.

"I've not seen anything quite like it in my world, but it would appear to be like being hit by a Taser gun and going into acidosis simultaneously, if the curse were held long enough. Depending on where you were hit, it could cause massive muscle contractions, heart failure, or if the spine were hit long enough, seizures to cause brain damage. But I'm no expert."

Shaking his head, Severus reached to take the glass from her hands and drink the electrolyte solution. It was salty sweet. Finished, he placed the glass on his bedside table and felt Phaelan pull the blanket away from his thigh. He jumped as she placed the ice pack directly on the curse mark where it stung momentarily. Leaving the ice on his leg, she began to massage his calf where he was experiencing cramping. Her touch was gentle yet firm and he felt the muscle start to relax. She removed the ice and returned to her massage. When the curse mark flared red again, she returned the ice pack.

Phaelan continued her ministrations for over an hour until the curse mark had faded to pink. Covering his leg she came to stand beside him and take his hand.

"Better?" she asked the dark man lying relaxed with his eyes closed

"Mmhh." Came his answer. As she turned to leave he grabbed her wrist.

Looking at her through half closed eyes he pulled her down to sit beside him. "Have I told you today, how beautiful you are?"

She smiled and touched his cheek. Reaching over she stroked his hair. "You've decided to grow it a bit then," she observed.

With a small smile, he pulled her hand to his lips for a kiss. "Someone once told me it would look better this way," he groggily replied.

Rising, Phaelan bent to drop a kiss on his cheek. "Go to sleep my wizard, you have classes to teach tomorrow."

Leaving him asleep, she flooed to her room and set about marking some essays for an hour before her eyes began close. Rising, she fell on her bed and slept in her clothes.

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Rising early the next morning, Severus reflected on the last time he had slept as well or soundly. After showering, he dressed in his customary robes and decided to get some air before breakfast which was not due to be served for almost another hour. Walking to the main entrance, he was soon surrounded by students making their way out for morning exercise. There were far more than he had ever recalled seeing before.

Seeing a flash of familiar red he called out, "Mr Weasley."

Ron started at the sound of his name in that voice and approached his teacher.

"Yes sir?" he asked, swallowing to relieve his dry throat.

"What is all this? Is everyone running?" Snape asked in surprise.

"Yes sir; at least most of the fourth to seventh years," Ron replied as Hermione joined him.

"Good morning, Professor." She greeted.

"Miss Granger." He drawled.

"Professor, could we have a meeting with you and Professor McKenzie at some point soon?" She asked quietly.

"About?" he snapped as he looked at the students filing out, noticing Draco among them.

"New member's sir," she replied.

With a great sigh, he adjusted his robes before replying,

"More lambs to the slaughter," he hissed. "Very well, meet me in my office tomorrow after class. I will advise Professor McKenzie. Don't be late." He turned to leave and looked around, only to see some Slytherin's watching him. Spinning back he saw Hermione and Ron whispering together.

A diversion; good he thought, "I heard that remark!" he yelled, "Detention tomorrow immediately after classes for you two." He pointed at the couple. Hermione and Ron stared at him stunned.

"Get moving or I'll make it two days," he spat. The couple ran out. Turning back, Snape saw his students sniggering.

"Are you lot supposed to be somewhere?" he asked ominously and watched them take off as well. Haven't lost the touch yet he thought to himself. Looking at his pocket watch he sighed, so much for morning air. Making his way to Dumbledore's office, he prepared for his usual post meeting debrief with the Headmaster.

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Phaelan had gone straight to the infirmary when she dressed. Going through her wardrobe the night before, she had pulled out exercise clothes and an extra pair of trainers. With a snort of self derision, Phaelan admitted to her predilection for the latest technological improvement on shoes designed for running. She simply had to have the latest on the market; hence the surfeit of Nike and Adidas in her collection. She hoped she and Ginny took the same size.

Entering the infirmary with a nodded greeting to the Mediwitch, Phaelan strode directly to Ginny's bedside.

"Good Morning Weasley, time to get up." She announced in a loud voice.

Ginny, who had been lying curled on her side facing away from Phaelan, rolled on to her back and peaked up through her hair at the Professor standing beside her.

"What?" she muttered through sleep muddled lips.

"I said time to get up." Phaelan repeated as she pulled the covers off the girl. "Lets go. Try these things on, we look about the same size."

Phaelan dumped the arm full of clothes she had brought with her on the foot of the bed.

"Where are we going?" Ginny asked as she sat up, looking at the clothes in confusion.

"Time to run, Weasley; you've had two days off. Now, enough's enough; get up and dressed. It's time to go. Madam Pomfrey's kicking you out. This place is for sick people not goldbrickers." Phaelan waited as the Mediwitch came to stand beside her.

Ginny frowned. "What's a goldbricker?" she asked.

"A fake, a phoney, someone who pretends to be sick or injured to get out of work" Phaelan explained.

"Indeed, Professor, and you are quite healthy, Miss Weasley, so off you go. You may come and see me when ever you need to talk or if you feel anxious about anything, Ginny. Don't hide away anymore. Remember what the Soul Healer told you. You must not let these feelings control you. You need to take charge and that is just what you are going to do starting now," Poppy told her kindly but firmly.

"I don't want to see anyone. They'll all be talking about me." Ginny whispered as she pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them.

Phaelan crossed her arms and sighed." Yes they are talking about you because they wonder where you are. Only the DA and the Professors know about what happened. The teachers know better than to talk about this to the students and the DA can't talk about the DA to anyone else except members." She pointed out. "Stop trying to find excuses to hide. There aren't any. You are back in class starting today and back in your tower where you belong."

Looking apprehensively at her Professor, Ginny got out of bed. She looked at the clothing and shoes.

"Are these yours?' she asked.

"I have more trainers than Bata shoes. Try them on and see if they fit. The clothes are Navy issue - they won't miss them." Phaelan passed off the bundle as non-important.

In fact, Phaelan had chosen the clothing carefully. She wanted Ginny to feel comfortable about herself. There were shorts and t-shirts but also long exercise pants and a jacket. She let Ginny decide what to wear.

Taking the pile, Ginny walked to the bathroom. A few minutes later she walked out wearing the track suit and the trainers.

"Excellent." Phaelan pronounced. "Let's go." She led the way out.

"Are you sure they won't say anything, Professor?" Ginny worriedly asked.

"Ginny, your friends will want to know how you are. They were very concerned. Your brother was so afraid for you he missed a meal." Phaelan lightly teased.

Ginny snickered softly. "He must have been really worried if food wasn't first on his mind."

"You have good friends, Ginny, and a loving family. They care very much what happens to you." Phaelan reached out to stop the girl for a moment.

"Why, Professor? Why didn't my mum want to know about what happened?" Ginny asked in innocent confusion.

"I don't pretend to know what your mother thought or didn't Ginny. A lot of times, parents don't want to admit their child could possibly have suffered. That would mean admitting that they have failed as parents somehow." She looked at the young girl.

"It wasn't their fault. It was Lucius Malfoy and Vol...I mean, Him, that did what they did." Ginny shook her head.

"I'm glad you understand that, Ginny. I guess what I mean is, your Mum feels she has failed to protect you and at the time, she thought if you could just forget about what happened, it would fade away like a skinned knee."

"He made me feel important; he taught me.... things about myself." she murmured looking into the distance.

"Yes, Ginny, but he perverted those things to his own needs. It was never about you. It could have been anyone." Phaelan countered. "Come on we're losing good running weather here." She pulled the girl along and they entered the Quidditch pitch.

As the runners passed them, they greeted Ginny and kept on going. Phaelan indicated Ginny should begin and walked to Madam Hooch.

"Well, it's a start," commented Hooch.

"Yeah, a start, but there's a long road ahead." Phaelan answered as she watched the young woman take her place with her peers.

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A/N Taffy - a pet name for a Welshman.


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