FicWad

After the morning run was over, Phaelan returned to her rooms to shower and dress for the day. She had just dried off when Polly popped in and told her the Headmaster had asked for her to come to his office as soon as she was dressed.

"Alright, Polly, get my things out while I do my hair," Phaelan requested.

Skipping happily around the room, Polly pulled out clothing for her Miss and laid it on the bed. Looking through the bathroom door, the elf saw Phaelan pulling knots out of her wet hair with a Muggle brush.

'Polly can help, Miss," she offered.

Sighing, Phaelan sat on the laundry hamper seat. "Go for it." She surrendered herself to the elf's ministrations.
A few minutes later her hair was dry and put up in a French braid.

"God, where were you when a scramble was called in the middle of the night," Phaelan mused aloud about her aviator days.

"Polly has always been here, Miss," the elf answered the rhetorical question.

Phaelan smiled. "Thank you, Polly, that's everything." The happy elf disappeared with a pop.

Dressing quickly, Phaelan made her way to the office, meeting Lupin, Shacklebolt and Minerva on the way. As they entered, they saw Snape and an unusually sombre Dumbledore.

"Good morning, all. I've taken the liberty of having some breakfast brought here. We have a situation that must be discussed," began the Headmaster. "Please, get yourself something before we begin."

Once everyone was settled, Snape related what had happened the previous evening and the role he was expected to play.

"Severus, the mist that came from the dead cat, is it possible that the mice were killed by absorption through the skin rather than through the lungs," asked Phaelan.

"If this is a Bee-Billywig cross, I would say through the lungs. A Billywig's sting will cause levitation and intoxication. There is a gas formed in the tissues causing a lighter than air condition to exist in a human. Further, there is a feeling of mild inebriation in the victim which happens when the venom reaches the bloodstream and the oxygen levels in the brain are reduced." Snape observed.

"How then does this tie in with a bee-sting? Other than a bit discomfort, there's little else experienced by a human." Remus wondered.

"Unless they are allergic," pointed out Minerva, "Then all kinds of symptoms can happen; a rash, trouble breathing, swelling, even death, if the person is extremely sensitive."

"Interesting," added Shacklebolt. "As you may remember, the bees that were taken were an African strain. My understanding is that they are more prone to attack and have a more potent sting than the domestic variety; more hardy too, if I recall my reading."

"Yes," added Phaelan, "and part of what you describe sounds like a massive histamine reaction, Severus. Now we need to know what is being produced when the toxin is being processed within the body to create such a noxious gas."

"Then I will need to analyze this during my studies for the Dark Lord," Snape concluded. "After all, he does require me to be thorough." He cocked his trademark brow causing Phaelan to quirk a small smile.

"Now, to the other matter; the Grangers." Dumbledore sat back.

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Ginny was welcomed back to Gryffindor Tower with hugs from her roommates. She smiled self consciously, but accepted their welcome. Looking at her dresser she noticed the jewel case was still there. She took a breath, tearing her eyes away as she got ready for the day. Pulling out her uniform, she made her way to the bathroom to bathe and dress.

Harry, Hermione and Ron were in the common room when she came down. Looking at them, she wasn't sure of what she should do next.

"Come on, Ginny, all the sausages will be gone by the time we get to breakfast," Ron declared, but with a smile underlying the words.

She walked forward to meet them only to have her big brother pick her up in a bear hug and spin her round once before putting her back on her feet, planting a kiss on her forehead.

"Welcome back, little sister. I missed your nagging," he teased.

"I told you, Ron, I'm not your LITTLE sister any more," se insisted.

"You'll always be my little sister, Ginny, even when you're old, grey and toothless."

"Thanks, Ron, that image makes me feel ever so much better." She rolled her eyes.

Hermione came forward and hugged her thoroughly. "Don't you ever keep secrets from me again. What kind of friend do you take me for? I'm the one you need to keep up to date so I know who to slag off for you."

Ginny hugged her back. "I'm sorry, Hermione, I was such a shit this summer with you. I spoiled everything."

"No you didn't, 'you know who' did. I told you just before you left, it wasn't just about you. My parents have become targets," Hermione told her as she stepped back.

"Oh, Hermione, I'm so sorry." Ginny was genuinely scared for the kind couple and saw the strain in Hermione's face.

"Come on, Ron." Hermione grabbed his arm. "Let's get you some sausages," she said as she led him out through the portrait hole.

Ginny turned and found green eyes staring at her intently.

"You should have told me, Ginny, I would have understood." Harry said softly.

"Yeah, I know, Harry. I just couldn't though. You were going through so much. Mum said you had too big a burden for young shoulders." Ginny looked down unable to hold his gaze knowing how angry she felt about the attention he got.

"Your mum can sod off, Ginny. She's always puttering around me like I'm some bloody invalid," he spat angrily. "I know she thinks she's helping and a couple of years ago, I did need that kind of attention. Now, I know what I need to do and I'm prepared to do it. I don't want the attention of a substitute mother."

He reached out and pulled her face up. "I want to know that I might have a chance with a very pretty lady, whom I've known for a few years now. That's what will give me the hope that everything will work out."

Ginny smiled at the boy who became a man. "Do I know her?"

Smiling down on his red-haired beauty, he replied, "Intimately". Looking around to see the room was empty he bent and placed a small kiss on her lips. Together arm in arm they left for breakfast and the start of a new relationship.

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Tuesday afternoon found Phaelan and Snape waiting to speak to the three core leaders of the DA. They sat reviewing the training schedule with Lupin and wondered how many more students were interested in becoming a part of the program.

"What do you think, Phaelan? Should we slot them in with the existing teams right away or give them some preliminary training over and above the DADA they already have," asked Lupin.

Phaelan sighed, she hated the idea of admitting younger students than they already had, but she had been effectively vetoed by the Headmaster. He felt if the students wanted training it should be available.

"You tell me, Remus. You're their teacher. How far away are they in skill level from the DA today?"

"They're not as fast and they haven't developed the instincts the older group have, but they're willing and eager." He replied.

Snape snorted. "Willing and eager to get themselves killed. They're not ready Lupin. We need to work them up to at least a level of ability to cast a decent shield. It takes practice to do it under pressure." He sprawled back in his chair and rubbed his eyes.

"Okay, so we need a shake down period to bring them up to speed; how long?" Phaelan asked.

"Depends, "answered Lupin. "Some are stronger than others."

"That's what I thought." Phaelan came to a decision. "We need to break this group into two divisions. A core group of commando trained fighters who have the ability and instincts needed to survive and a support troupe with strong warding and protection abilities." She stood up to pace. "How soon can we identify the two types from the existing DA?" she asked.

At that moment a knock came to the door. Snape cast a revealing charm to show the expected threesome and Ginny. Un-warding the door, Snape opened it with a wand flick. When they had entered he replaced the wards to prevent unwanted visitors.

"So, Granger, you have some new recruits," Phaelan opened. "Who are they and how many?"

"Here's a list, Ma'am. We have several sixth years and a few fifth." Hermione passed a list to her.

After perusing it, she passed it to Snape who shook his head before passing it to Lupin."Are you satisfied these people can be trusted?" Phaelan inquired.

Potter stood up and approached. "We've spoken to them in general terms and we think they can be trusted. If you look at the list, sir, you see many of them have lost family." Harry looked at Snape.

"The loss of a loved one is hardly the basis for enlistment to our cause, Mr. Potter." Severus snapped. "Are these people willing to sacrifice what they must to train, and submit to discipline or are they merely seeking revenge?" Snape stood and strode over to the side, crossing his arms and leaning on the counter.

"That's why we're here, isn't it?" asked Ginny. "To get rid of He Who Must Not Be Named and punish the Deatheaters who support him. If that's not revenge, what is it?"

"Justice, Weasley," answered Phaelan. "That is the difference between them and us. We do not kill and torture to intimidate innocents; we don't seek to subvert and enslave unwilling victims."

Phaelan stood and faced the young people. "Any group who declares they can unilaterally represent all people, while excluding the least of their society, are merely criminals. Our 'Cause', if you need a title, is to allow people to live in freedom as they choose, without fear. To embrace diversity and accept people who are different from them."

"You see, Ginny, it's easy to point fingers at those who are different. It's a much harder job to make the effort to get to know strangers." Lupin pointed out.

Ron nodded. "So you're saying, we need to put our own feelings aside in order to defeat the common enemy. The individual is less important than the group in what we're trying to build here."

"Mr. Weasley, how uncommonly insightful," Snape quipped, "One might almost think that your relationship with Miss Granger has the fortunate side effect of inflating your brain as well as your ego."

Looking at his most hated teacher, Ron was about to make an angry retort, but was restrained by a look from Hermione.

Taking a deep breath, Phaelan decided to step in before tempers heated up.

"Okay, Remus, what do you say? Twice a week before class, Tuesdays and Thursdays and the other mornings they can run with me." She looked at him for agreement.

Nodding, Remus took the list and made a copy.

Looking at her young staff, Phaelan told them what she had planned in regard to dividing up the DA, and asked for their input by the weekend, before dismissing them. Lupin left shortly after.

"Do you have to bate them constantly?" she asked.

"If I didn't, they'd think something was wrong and that would probably scare them more," he retorted as he returned to sit behind his desk.

"So what happens when we win this fight and the need to hide behind your black-hearted masquerade isn't needed any more?" Phaelan asked while walking around to his side of the desk to look into his eyes.

"What masquerade?" he asked with a frown.

"You are incorrigible, Severus Snape," she snapped back.
Reaching out, he pulled her on to his lap.

"Would you have me share the person I am while alone with you with another?" he teased.

She smiled. "Would you like me to play the games I play with you alone, with another?"

"Madam, if you even think of such a thing, I shall have to seriously consider that spanking I once threatened you with; perhaps this Saturday." He was now nibbling on her left ear.

"Hmm, we'll see. After all, you may not be in any shape after Saturday afternoon." She turned to kiss him lightly on the lips.

Pulling back, Severus looked confused. "Saturday afternoon?"

Smiling back at him, Phaelan began to sing.

"Come fly with me, lets fly; let's fly away.
If you can use some exotic booze,
There's a bar in far Bombay.
Come fly with me, lets fly; let's fly away."

Looking decidedly discomfited he stared at her and said, "Either we're going to a very grotty Wizarding cabaret to see Frank Sinatra's ghost perform, or I'm due to climb into that death trap you fly for a demonstration."

"Right in one, my dark wizard; make sure you're booked off." Standing up, she straightened her clothes before walking to the door.

Pulling out his wand he removed the wards so that she might leave.

"I hope I get a reward for my courage," he called just as she opened the door.

Looking back she smiled and began to sing once more,

"Come fly with me, let's float down to Peru
In llama-land there's a one-man band
And he'll toot his flute for you
Come fly with me, let's take off in the blue."

Laughing at the look on his face, she closed the door behind her. Leaning back in his chair and staring at the ceiling once more, Severus groaned.

"Dear Gods, how do I get my self into these things?"

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Early Thursday morning, the students were gathered in the Great Hall for breakfast when the usual flock of morning mail arrived with a great, fluttering upheaval. Harry who rarely if ever got mail was taken by surprise, when a very official looking Tawny Owl perched on the table beside him with an envelope, bearing a very official looking seal.

"What's happening, Harry?" asked Neville, looking over at the bird who still sat on the table giving Harry a haughty look.

Ron, who had been in deep conversation with Hermione, hadn't noticed its arrival, but when he looked over to his friend, his mouth gaped.

"Bloody hell, Harry, that's an Owl from the Muggle Communication Administrator's office. What have you done?" he exclaimed.

"I don't know, Ron," Harry replied as he stared at the envelope with some trepidation.

"Well, you'd better pay him, mate," suggested Ron.

"What?" asked Harry in confusion.

Rolling his eyes, Ron stated what was for him obvious. "The ministry won't pay for the delivery of Registered Muggle mail. There should be a bill in the pouch."

Reaching into a small pouch attached to the bird's leg, Harry pulled out a folded piece of parchment which, when flattened, revealed a bill for delivery. Harry stood and fumbled in his pockets for money. "It's 6 sickles; I only have a galleon and 4 sickles on me, does anyone have change?" he asked.

His friends fumbled around as well and between Seamus and Hermione, they came up with exact change. After putting the exact change into the pouch he watched as the bird ruffled its feathers and sneezed on his cereal before taking off.

"Ruddy snob," muttered Ron as he watched Harry open the mail.

Harry read the enclosed letter and felt his breakfast settle like lead in his stomach. "Oh fuck," He muttered with uncommon profanity. He leaned his head forward on his hands.Surprised at his remark, Hermione reached out and took the letter from him and read it while Ron looked over her shoulder.

"Oh Merlin, Harry, you need to speak to Dumbledore and soon." She looked at her friend who was still holding his head.

"Um, Harry, are you going to name names mate?" asked Ron in a tentative voice.

"You, and your bloody brothers," began Harry. "Do you see how much they want?"

"Harry, "interrupted Hermione, "Talk to the Headmaster before you do anything. This amount is ridiculous. Those fireworks are meant to work indoors."

"Alright, I'll talk to him, but if I see either of those bloody red- haired menaces, I swear I'll hex their bits off." Harry rose and strode off in anger.

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"Please, My Lord, I've done everything you asked. I've created your matrix. Please, let my little girls go," begged the Muggle scientist.

Looking at the exhausted man before him, Voldemort began to chuckle at a joke only he understood.

"Let your filthy spawn go? How cruel you are. You wish to condemn them to live the death sentence I have proclaimed for all their kind? Better they should wear the Caul of sleep as Charon approaches to carry them away." Walking closer to the warded enclosure his captive was kept in while not working; he looked down at the naked man with loathing.

"Perhaps you would prefer I let them live to become whores for my faithful. There are those among them who prefer veal to beef." He sneered malevolently.

"You perversion of humanity; what manner of creature spawned the likes of you?" spat the captive scientist, all pretence of humility gone.

Again Voldemort laughed mirthlessly at the irony contained in the question. "I? I was born from the womb of the same type of harlot who spread her legs for you. Now, I will remove their filth of contamination from the true citizens of this world and we will rule as the Creator of all had intended. Bow to a God, Muggle, bow to the master of your kind's future. Crucio!" He tortured the man for but a moment and was rewarded by his screams of agony.

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"Dear oh dear, Harry, what have you done?" asked Dumbledore looking over his spectacles to the worried young man in his office.

"Sir, I didn't do anything. Fred and George brought the fireworks and I told them not to set them off. I didn't know they had left them behind," Harry tried to explain.

"I don't think that makes much difference right now." The old man observed. "We need to get you a solicitor to deal with the Muggle courts."

At that moment Shacklebolt entered the office.

"Hello, Harry, what have you been up to then?" the dark man asked.

"Morning, Professor. It seems I need a legal advisor because my Uncle and Aunt are suing me for damages caused by my property."

"Property?" he asked.

"Fireworks," Harry replied.

Taking the paper from Dumbledore, Shacklebolt read the suit against the young man. Looking up, he did a quick calculation in his head.

"A Hundred thousand pounds, Harry, that's around twenty five thousand galleons. Did you blow up half their house or something?" Shacklebolt sat back to regard Harry who looked increasingly uncomfortable.

"They were Wizarding fireworks, sir. They shouldn't have caused much damage at all. They are meant to go off inside." Harry defended again.

"Weasley's stuff I suppose," guessed the Auror.

"Kingsley," began the Headmaster, "can you check in to the allegations contained in the law suit. I believe the Dursleys may feel they are owed more than what they are entitled to. I have the notion they may need a reminder of the stipend they were paid for Harry from the trust fund."

"A trust fund, sir?" asked Harry.

"Your family were given a monthly allowance for your care, Harry. That was stopped on September first of this year. They may be looking for a way to compensate for the loss of income," the old man informed the young man before him.

"Those bastards; they told me they were putting up with me in sufferance, making a sacrifice," Harry snarled. "Can we fight this sir? What do I need to do?"

"I have a solicitor for school business, I'm sure he has a contact to help us. I'll let you know, Harry. Now off to class." He dismissed Harry with a friendly wave.

"Kingsley, have someone get inside the house. See what's going on," suggested the old man.

"Leave it to me." The Auror smirked before leaving to start his morning class.

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Friday lunch time was different in the Great Hall. Most of the students had removed their outer robes and the usually drab grey and black of a room full of uniforms was replaced by the rainbow of colour, represented in the casual wear of the students. The change in dress had caused an increase in volume of conversation. Supporters of various professional Quidditch teams were proudly displaying their loyalty, while decrying the skills of the opposing teams.

Severus looked over the body of students as he forked in mouthfuls of macaroni and cheese. He didn't even like macaroni and cheese and had tried, unsuccessfully, to camouflage the taste with pepper. He was too miserable to care. Looking over to his own house, he noted they were not immune from the lure of "Dress down days". Even Malfoy had donned designer jeans from Italy and sported the dress silks of the Appleby Arrows, no fleece garments for his family. The pale blue and silver accented his eyes and hair colouring. More than a few females took notice.

Phaelan had arrived late and sat down, breathless, next to Severus for her meal. "Nearly everyone participated; even some teachers," she commented as she looked at Snape in his usual voluminous robes.

"Most gratifying, I'm sure," he drawled.

Looking down to the opposite end of the head table, Phaelan saw Madam Hooch resplendent in her Chudley Cannons orange jersey. The brilliant orange made her already unusual eyes even brighter.

"So did you speak to Dumbledore to confirm your Saturday off?" asked Phaelan, as she too began to down the casserole.

"It has not yet been confirmed," he replied avoiding her gaze.

"Severus Snape, are you trying to back out of this? I've already spent good money to get you in, don't try and weasel out of the deal." She warned.

"You had to pay?" he asked in surprise.

"Unlike a broom, F14's need fuel and it doesn't come cheap. Oh, Headmaster," Phaelan called as Dumbledore passed on his way out.

"Yes, Miss McKenzie?" the old man approached her.

"I was wondering if you had reached a decision on Severus accompanying me this Saturday when I put in my flight time. He is booked for a demo flight with me." Phaelan waited for his response.

"Ah, I hadn't heard. You should have said boy, you never ask for personal days." The old man patted his shoulder. "Of course, of course; not a problem. We shall look after your babes while you are gone, Severus, not to worry. Go and have your fun."

"Thank you very much, Headmaster," Snape managed to bite out as the old man turned away with a chuckle.

"Well, aren't you a peach, you great big chicken. Don't you trust me?" Phaelan was annoyed even though she could understand his reticence a little.

"Phaelan, you know I would protect you with my life. There is nothing I would not gift you with if it would make you happy."

"You just don't trust me with your life. I rode your broom. That was not easy, Severus." Phaelan was playing with the food on her plate.

How was he to explain his true fear to her? Taking a deep breath he tried. "Phaelan, on the day you fell from the tower, do you recall what happened when I pulled my wand?"

"Yes, you sent a curse my way," she snapped.

"No, I didn't utter any spell or hex. The energy expended was sympathetic magic. It was an immature reaction to my anger." He looked at her, but she still appeared confused.

"Most of these students would have exhibited this primal magic long before they came here. Some times Muggles call it Poltergeist activity. It's really just the channelling ability our body has while reacting to stress," he explained.

"But you're no immature wizard, Severus. You control your magic. You, among everyone I have met, are the most self disciplined and controlled person I have ever known," she argued.

He sighed in resignation. "I once thought so, Phaelan, but when it comes to you, all the discipline and control I possess comes to naught. You incite emotions and feelings I had once though gone from my life. I'm quite undone by you, madam." He cast his usual gaze about the Great Hall, now starting to empty.

"I'll explain everything to you ahead of time, any questions or concerns. Please come, I promise you will enjoy it."

"On one condition." He looked at her with an arched eyebrow.

Looking back at him with suspicion, she asked, "What?"
Looking around to ensure he would not be heard, he fixed her with his dark eyes. "I need your comforting touch to ease my nerves overnight."

Phaelan smiled back at him, "You can't just ask anything straight out." She stood and as she passed behind him she leaned to speak into his ear. "I hadn't planned to sleep in my bed tonight. If you check your room, you'll see Polly has delivered my things."

Through the entire conversation, Snape had not registered any emotion on his face. He now allowed his brow to rise and watched her snugly jean-clad backside walk away. 'She must be a Slytherin under her Muggle exterior,' he thought to himself before rising to return to classes.

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After the time for curfew had passed, Snape made his usual rounds of the hiding places favoured by hormone-ridden teens. As he was about to make his way back to his dungeon domain, her met Phaelan heading in the same direction.

"Good evening, Professor," she greeted.

"Professor McKenzie," he acknowledged.

"I was about to return this book to you and I wondered if perhaps you had a more advanced edition."

"Perhaps; would you care to accompany me?" he replied, extending his arm for her to take as they made their way to his rooms.

As they entered, Phaelan threw away any pretence of propriety and pounced on him, wrapping her arms and legs around him as she kissed him. He carried her to his bed and fell on it trapping her beneath him.

"Too many clothes," he decided and pulled his wand to remove the offending articles.

"I lose more clothes that way," murmured Phaelan, kissing down the length of his neck, pausing only to plant occasional small bites.

"I'll return them when I'm finished with you." He replied into the space between her breasts as he was kissing his way between the two delicious peaks.

A/N - the song Phaelan sang - Come fly with me by Frank Sinatra
Charon - Roman Mythology - the god who transported the dead.