~ Chapter 10: Guarding A Werewolf ~

Sirius was waiting impatiently for Fenix to finish bathing and to change. He was adamant that Fenix should learn to ride her broom on that day. He shook his head and looked at the youths that were fidgeting with excitement. The wolves volunteered to stay indoors to catch up on their beauty sleep.

    "How are you guys getting along with Fenix?" Sirius asked out of boredom.

    "She seemed very cold at first," Ron said truthfully.

    "Well, from what my parents told me," Hermione started in defense, "I think it was purely because she doesn’t socialize much. But after a while, she did unwind…" She then gave a shrug.

    "Yeah, she’s great. I think if she was in our lot, she would have found pleasure in fraternizing with the twins," Ginny said but then pouted as she looked back at Sirius. "Still, I’m shocked that she’s not your girlfriend. Disappointed in fact," she asserted, looking slyly at Professor Lupin. "But not so disappointed…because her relationships with everyone is peculiar."

    Fenix trotted towards them, handling her broom easily. She was wearing a white T-shirt and a pair of faded jeans, wearing her dark blue Nike shoes.

    "Sorry to keep you waiting," she called out.

    "Nervous?"

    "A little…" She tittered lightly.

    "Why? Are you afraid of falling?" Sirius teased.

    "Why would I be? It’s just the idea of flying on a broom seems a little incomprehensible."

    "Don’t worry. I’ll bet you on a custard pie that you’ll do all right." Harry grinned. "It’s really easy…for beginners…I think you ought to put your broom on the ground an--" then he paused as he looked at his godfather who doubled up in laughter. Professor Lupin did raise his eyebrow but kept silent. "What?" the boy asked in vexation.

    "You make it sound so…"

    "Childish?" Remus supplied.

    "Fine…she’s your ancestor…" Harry gave up when Sirius nodded his head, still chuckling.

    Fenix protested mildly, "Harry! You make me sound as if…as if I’m an old hag!"

    Ron guffawed at the indignant Fire Master.

    "We’ll do this our way, Fenix," Remus started. He was dressed up in what they all called the normal Muggle uniform, dark gray shirt and pants. He demonstrated by maneuvering his broom so that it was in between his legs and Fenix copied his actions.

    "But doesn’t she have to call the broom?" Harry questioned. Ron answered him instead.

    "No, she doesn’t. You tell me, did you have to do all of that since the day you’ve rode on your Firebolt?" Ron insisted and gave a crooked grin when Harry frowned and then his expression turned sheepish when he realized the truth behind Ron’s words. While the two boys were discussing, Fenix had already successfully taken off the ground and was flying without anymore guidance from either Remus or Sirius.

    "It’s just what the advertisement said…it moves according to the rider’s will. However, I believe when it comes to fancy flying, I think the Dagger will take it from there," Ron informed Ginny as they watched the Fire Master glided lowly around the area. Her landing was smooth and she was smiling merrily.

    "He’s almost like a sword," Fenix said, a little breathlessly.

    "He?" Sirius inquired.

    "Yes, its character is purely masculine," Fenix asserted.

    "That was fast," Remus blinked, "now, let’s move onwards with Quidditch then. Harry?"

    "Don’t look at me…if I start telling her the rules of the games…and blah blah blah…you might say that I’m oversimplifying," Harry spoke sharply and took to the air, flying with his snowy eagle-owl.

    "Since when had he developed such a sharp tongue?" Sirius asked, looking at his godson in surprise.

    "Ever since he met you, probably…" Fenix snorted and Sirius narrowed his eyes dangerously.

    Remus veered Fenix’s attention away from Sirius and began to fill her in the rules of Quidditch. About ten minutes later, after a strict warning not to go above the level of the treetops, they all took to the air. Mrs. Weasley poked her head briefly to check up on them and since the adults were keeping them busy, she went back to her chores. Due to safety reasons, there were no Bludgers so only the Chasers and the Keepers were in effect. Fenix, Ginny, Hermione and Remus grouped up together while Sirius, Harry and Ron made the other with Ron as the Keeper naturally. After a moment of discussion, Fenix elected herself as the Keeper for her own group.

    "The bloody hell you are!" Ron shouted indignantly. "I want to see that broom in action!"

    "Don’t worry Ron," Fenix laughed at the boy, "I just want to hang around to see how the game is played. I will then exchange my role with Hermione later on…"

    "Oh…all right then." Ron went back to guard his post.

    : This is not an actual Quaffle mind you. Learnt from Harry that Ron played Keeper so this is a practise for them. Harry’s the Seeker of the Gryffindor team, : Sirius informed her as the seven people waited for the game to begin.  : How’s the seat? :

    : No worse than riding a bike. :

    : What’s that? : Sirius asked and nodded in comprehension when she filled his mind with an image of a bicycle.

    The game commenced with the Quaffle that was really a rattan ball went over to Harry first. Sirius flew up front and Harry threw it forward. Hermione dived but missed in snatching the Quaffle. Having caught the Quaffle, Sirius zoomed off towards the goal post. Fenix calmly waited as Sirius approached taking deep breaths. At least this was not as bad during the time I was substituted for a goalkeeper in soccer. Sirius dived and threw the Quaffle from below her. The rest of the players looked in amazement when Fenix rolled and sped for the loop and gave the Quaffle a kick with the end of her broom.

    Ginny caught the Quaffle and sped off with the rest in diamond formation. Only when Hermione complained of getting sunburns did they halt for a rest. When they got in to the kitchen to rest, Sirius was continuously testing Harry on the spells that could be used for both attack and defense. Hermione complained that she was getting broom sores all over and backed out from more broom-flying. That left the group with six active players.

    "So do you want to remain in the same group or do you want to be rearranged?" Ron asked around. "We’ll have two Chasers for each team."

    "Well, since I’m the outs--" Fenix did not get a chance to finish her sentence as Sirius clapped his hand on her mouth.

    "Finish that sentence, and I’ll force you to sleep with Remus alone," Sirius said threateningly.

    : Stop pushing the both of us! : Fenix fumed.

    : She’s right, Padfoot, : Remus agreed. : I’ll court her at my own time. :

    Sirius stared at his friend in shock.

    : What? You mean you didn’t know how we felt for each other? : Remus asked slyly as Harry and Ron exchanged a glance. Sirius still stared mutely at his friend.

    : How unobservant. Did you forget to tell him, Fenix? : Remus mindvoice spoke up gently.

    : No…I did not forget…I just don’t see the point of telling him… : Fenix replied loftily to Sirius, then she quickly spoke up. "Ginny and Harry, will you be my group members?"

    "No prob…" the two youths replied.

    "I’ll be the Keeper this time. But promise me that you’ll keep those two out of our post," Ginny said nodding towards Sirius and Remus.

    "Do you think we can handle them, Harry?" Fenix asked the boy thoughtfully.

    "Well, let’s see and try, why don’t we?"

    Hermione took the Quaffle and soared upwards.

    : Remus, what was that about? : Fenix asked the werewolf nervously.

    : What was what about? :

    : About you courting me I mean…Remus…I think you’re going to get me into trouble…I mean…what if he really thought that you were courting me and I kept him in the dark? : Fenix spluttered. : I lied to my oathbrother…Remus! You will get me into trouble! : she wailed.

    Remus blinked at her in surprise and she explained. : It’s our bond. I think he’s angry. :

    : Don’t worry about it. : His mindvoice echoed tenderly in her mind and gave a small smile. She shivered involuntarily. Don’t think about it…don’t think about him…concentrate on the game…you’ll worry about that later…

    Fenix took a deep breath and flew alongside Harry. She faced Sirius while Harry faced Remus. There was a kind of blankness in Sirius’s eyes and she felt her inside grew cold. Damn…he is angry. Very clever Fenix…got caught in your own trap. She gave a small sigh but instant became alert when Hermione dipped her arm and the Quaffle projected upwards.

    : I’m going! : Fenix sped off, turned sideways and grabbed the Quaffle, tucking it protectively against her chest. Sirius’s Firebolt was no match for her Ice Dagger. Harry was waiting for her near Ron’s post and out in the corner of her eye, she saw that Remus was coming down from below her ready to converge on Harry.

    : Harry! To me! :

    : They are cheating? : Harry asked as he took on a higher altitude and dived down towards Fenix. From behind her, Sirius uttered a curse as she threw the precious Quaffle at Harry who caught it perfectly. Harry made a sharp turn and threw the Quaffle back and without losing her momentum, she aimed for the loop. They scored.

**********

During the game…

    : Are you mad at her? : Remus asked mildly. Sirius remained silent. : I was joking all right! : Remus yelled, feeling guilty of a sudden.

    : Which part were you joking? : Sirius asked apathetically.

    : You know how I feel about her, that part is true. The courting part wasn’t, : his best friend confessed, feeling his face burn with his admittance.

    : You have not? : Sirius looked slyly at him. "Moony, how do you expect to get a hold on her if you’re too timid to ask her?" he burst out in irritation suddenly.

    : You knew we were lying all along? Why didn’t you inform us sooner? : Remus demanded and dived before Harry managed to crash into him.

    : Really, Moony. Are you a wolf or are you a mouse? :

    : Padfoot, : Remus spoke up warningly, : if you treasure your health, I suggest you not to utter mouse or rat in front of me. :

    Fenix joined in the conversation. : Since we’ve gotten that mini-misunderstanding cleared up, would you guys put a little more fire to your brooms? I don’t feel threatened at all. You as my opponents shouldn’t make me feel so safe… Did you hear that Harry? Take note all right? :

    : You had better try to give Ron a break, Sirius. I think he is getting shaky after we had constantly bombarded his loop. You ought to give Ginny more work, : Harry said, pointing his chin at the female Weasley, who was sitting lazily on her broom.

**********

    : What do you feel about him? : Sirius asked his oathsister curiously.

    : Sirius, we’re having dinner! : Fenix answered, trying to evade his question.

    : So? We aren’t breaking any table manners or anything, : he said impudently.

    : Okay, I think I love him…are you happy? :

    : In fact, yes…I am happy. But it is a little too soon to say that you love him for sure, isn’t it? :

    : Don’t interfere, lad, : Silver said cheerfully. : Time doesn’t apply for the bonding that they’ll make. :

    : I do care for him, : Fenix said dreamily, her eyes staring to look at the werewolf.

    : The game was good for him, wasn’t it? It kept his mind off his transformation, : Sirius said. : And how is he? :

    : He’s getting better. I think I’m going to go wolf and be with him tomorrow night, : Fenix whispered.

    : Good idea. I’ll come too, so I could show you how to guard him in future, : Sirius offered sincerely.

**********

Friday 11^th August.  Full moon…

    "Guys!" Fenix called out. "You’ve got post!"

    "Oh! It must be our posting results." Hermione took her letter from Hogwarts anxiously.

    "He accepted!" Hermione shrieked in amazement.

    "Me too!"

    They all looked at Harry, who was tearing his seal in apprehension. He blinked his eyes and read the letter again.

    "Yeah, got through…"

**********

    Three wolves and one large black dog were squeezed and concealed in a spacious shed the Weasleys’ had built.

    : I don’t think this is a good idea. : Remus fidgeted as he felt twitching of his muscles that indicated that he would soon change.

    : Don’t fret so much, : Wind coaxed the wizard.

    : Don’t fight it, Remus, : Fenix whispered in his mind gently. Remus closed his eyes as he felt himself contract and then expand. One thought pierced his mind before he completed his Change. Maybe it’s time I accept myself for who I am…

    The four canines looked at the werewolf who was again confused by the surroundings and his strange inmates. The werewolf sniffed at the air and scented the humans out of the shed. The werewolf began to make a low rumbling growl and it got louder when it heard the human voices. Fenix studied the behavior of the werewolf patiently. The werewolf rammed its shoulder against the shed.

    : Harry? :

    : Yes? Is he all right? :

    : I think he’s fine, but your presence agitates him. Tell the rest to go; I’m placing the Elementals on watch. :

    There was a pause before Harry answered her. : Are you sure it’s all right this way? :

    : Yes. :

    The werewolf paced the length of the shed, its rumbling not ceasing.

    : Krill? :

    : We’re ready. :

    : Good. :

    Sirius stepped forward, catching the attention of the werewolf. The werewolf paused, as if unsure of what to do. Sirius moved forward again then sat down, inviting the werewolf to examine the black dog. The huge werewolf slowly moved forward to sniff at Sirius, and as if it knew him, the werewolf gave a lick on Sirius’s left cheek.

    : I think he recognizes me, : Sirius said. : Your turn, Silver. :

    The great silver wolf calmly walked forward and the werewolf backed away dubiously. Silver sat on the spot where Sirius was and waited patiently for the werewolf to come to him. The werewolf dipped his muzzle in submission and backed away from the pack leader. Wind came next, and as if recognizing her as the leader’s mate, the werewolf gave a low whine and backed away from the wolves.

    : Your turn. Nervous? : Sirius asked Fenix in concern. The silver-black wolf shook her head.

    Fenix came nearer to the werewolf slowly. The werewolf watched calmly, its tongue lolling out. Suddenly, it lunged forward and went for the wolf’s throat. Fenix leapt off to the side, and the werewolf turned its attention on her.

    : No…don’t interfere. I’m curious to know why he lunged at me. :

    The werewolf was pacing, its eyes not leaving Fenix’s, growling deeply in his chest. Fenix she took a step forward and leapt back when the werewolf jumped at her. During the action, she managed to get a glimpse of what the werewolf was thinking.

    : Oh, I see. Remus--the werewolf-- thinks I don’t belong in the pack. He knows that wolves mate for life and he is very suspicious as to why an unpartnered bitch--pardon the expression--is tagging along, : Fenix replied, her mindvoice carrying overtones of amusement.

    : The werewolf is attacking you and you could still find humor in the situation? : Sirius yelped in disbelief. : You’re crazy! :

    : If you think my words are crazy, what I’m going to do would have you labeling me as a hopeless maniac, : Fenix said lightly.

    The werewolf attempted to jump at her again but this time, instead of running away from the werewolf, she advanced towards the werewolf and snapped her jaws together. The werewolf froze in action, landing on its paws and looked confusedly at the wolf. Fenix echoed the growl that was emanating from him, and it stopped, and backed away from the wolf that had suddenly began to frighten it.

    : Blast it! :

    Fenix cantered towards the werewolf where it had begun cowering at one corner of the shed. It yapped at her when she came to close, and went back again in its defense position. Fenix was not having any of it. Not caring if the werewolf was going to charge at her, she lied down, trapping the werewolf against the shed. The werewolf tried to jump over but when she gave a low growl, it retreated.

    : She is crazy, : Sirius said as he licked a forepaw. : I don’t think she requires us anymore. :

**********

    The werewolf had begun to tire. Every time it tried to jump over the wolf or tried to nip her, she would growl. Not able to find any other alternatives, it slowly calmed down, and began to drowse. It jerked its head up when the silver-black wolf settled against him, and purred contentedly. The werewolf blinked its eyes in confusion. The wolf’s breathing became regular and she was asleep.

    : Remus isn’t going to forgive himself if he had harmed her in any way! : Sirius yelped in alarm.

    : Calm down… : Wind shook her head. : She’ll be safe. :

    The werewolf found the wolf’s body beside it warm and comforting. Finding its own actions foolish, the werewolf growled softly and curled beside Fenix to sleep.

    : See? What did I tell you? : Wind said.

**********

    The night had gone on quietly, with the werewolf fast asleep with Fenix. The moon went down and Remus slowly changed back into a human, his arm curled on the wolf’s back.

    : Let’s leave them together, : Sirius whispered to the pair of wolves roguishly.

    : A good idea. :

    : Krill? :

    : Yes, Sirius? :

    : Could you unlatch the door for us? :

    They heard a click and the door creaked open slightly. The three canines went out silently and the shed was sealed again. Fenix had returned to her human form when she felt the earth turn and daylight filled her being. Instead of immediately waking up, she fell asleep again, this time not curled against a werewolf, but a wizard, who was sleeping soundly beside her. Unconsciously, she let her Healing energy flow through the wizard, as she somehow recognized it was Remus.

**********

    Remus suddenly awakened then stilled himself as he felt warmth against his chest. He flushed with embarrassment as he held a sleeping Fenix in his arms. He lay back down quietly, staring at her sharp features and did not even blink when she suddenly opened her eyes. She slowly gave him a smile.

    : You didn’t like me all that much last night. :

    : Then…how come you’re… : Remus asked, surprise overwhelming him.

    : I had to cheat. You didn’t really know what to do when I started growling back at you. Then you began to feel tired and lay down. So I can’t miss the opportunity of sleeping alone with you. :

    : You’re crazy, : he said flatly.

    : You’re just like Sirius, : Fenix accused. Remus shook his head reprovingly and began to lecture her on her foolishness. She remained silent throughout his chiding.

    : Are you done? Or do you still have more to go? : Her mindvoice brushed his mind softly.

    : I’m finished. :

    : Good. : She leaned forward and gave him a short loving kiss then retreated back and smiled in satisfaction. : I’ve been longing to do that for a long time now, : she said and smiled at the dazed Remus. She quickly got up to her feet and helped him up. She walked towards the door of the shed. : Oh, I forgot. One more thing… : She walked back towards him and gave him a tight hug. : There… : She smiled tenderly at the nonplussed man and pushed the door open and went in to The Burrow.

**********

~ Chapter 11: Dreams and Daggers ~

Professor Snape, Potions Master, Head of Slytherin House of Hogwarts, was muttering absently to himself. He was busying himself in the research on the Wolfsbane potion to prevent werewolves from harming anyone when they transformed.

    "This must be it…Get out of my office, Peeves!"

    "Aren’t you feeling testy tonight?" The poltergeist laughed maniacally before disappearing through the wall.

    The Potions Master returned his attention to his work. "Fools…they did not have an account on the detailed attributes of Wolf’s Bane…as I had suspected." Snape read the papers carefully; so absorbed in trying to determine the fact that those who had taken the potion for years experienced resistance from their own body. One such person was a colleague: Remus Lupin. Snape was blind and deaf to the world, only seeing his papers and reached out for the reference book absently.

    His marking on his arm burned suddenly and he stopped what he was doing, calmly taking deep breaths and began to ignore the painful tingle. He determinedly read out the reference book, and was not surprised when he found that Wolf’s Bane had side effects if consumed.

    "Fools!" Snape uttered a series of curses. There was a knock on his door, and Professor Dumbledore came in.

    "Am I bothering you, Severus?"

    "No, Headmaster. Do sit."

    "You’ve been keeping yourself busy, I can see that," the Headmaster said, glancing at Snape’s broad table that was covered in papers and reference books. "People from the Health Department contacted me earlier this evening. They need your help in listing down the possible ingredients that are causing trouble for werewolves, who had been using the potions for a few years," the Headmaster began mildly and was not surprised when Snape gave a disdainful snort.

    "They are not fit to be Potions Masters…their objective at that time was to curb the damages done by a werewolf. They did not really care if consuming the potion will endanger the werewolf’s health. Tell this to them; it is their main ingredient that is causing their consumers trouble," Snape snarled, waving a hand full of research papers.

    "The Fire Master had begged a favor from me," Professor Dumbledore said thoughtfully. "She wants to know if this is an isolated case…so it is not?"

    "It is not," Snape answered abruptly. "Those who had been consuming the potion for about four to five years will find themselves being totally ‘werewolf’ occasionally."

    "Remus’s looking far better these days," the Headmaster stood up and paused to look out the office’s window, "why don’t you go down and visit the Fire Master, Severus? Treat it like a mini-vacation."

    "Why would I want to consort myself with tha--" Snape protested but stopped when the Headmaster raised his hand warningly.

    "There is more to her than meets the eye, Severus. She was able to teach Harry to close his mind from influence in just a few hours."

    "Impossible!"

    "It may be…for us…but Harry is a strange boy. The Fire Master is even stranger. Well, Severus, there is something I’d like to clear up on a particular misconception that some people had been having."

    Snape frowned at the Headmaster. "And what misconception would that be, Dumbledore?"

    "I did not create an illusion of the Phoenix," Professor Dumbledore said. Snape looked at the Headmaster without disguising his incredulity. The Potions Master remained stunned when the Headmaster proceeded to leave the office. "Think about what I’ve said tonight." Professor Dumbledore quietly shut the door and left Snape to himself. The Potions Master took a deep breath and unrolled the sleeve of his robe to stare at the Mark. For a moment, he heard a voice and quickly blanked his mind.

    Return…return…return…My Servant…return…

    Sweat beaded his forehead as he leaned against the bookcase. He gave a strangled cry when his arm burned to an inferno.

    Snape blacked out.

**********

    Snape was awake, feeling a little disoriented and was surprised to find that he was lying on his own bed. Strangely, his left arm felt numb.

    "He will be all right." Madam Pomfrey peered down at the Potions Master’s eyes and nodded grimly.

    "You should rest, Severus," the Headmaster said softly and the moment his fingers touched Snape’s temples, he instantly went back to his sleep.

**********

Monday, 14^th August. In The Burrow…

    Fenix was dreaming but maybe she was not. She was walking aimlessly in a forest, with numerous oak trees. Is this a dream? Why does it feel so familiar to me? Fenix wondered silently. Even in her sleep, she was aware of Remus’s reassuring hand and her oathbrother’s comforting warmth beside her.

    A strange elf came up to her, and suddenly she was aware of the ground, littered with reddish leaves. This is getting weirder and weirder. The leaves up on the trees are still plentiful and green and the air still smells summer to me. The elf reappeared a few meters away from her and beckoned. She followed him, then found herself face to face with a woman. Weird, Fenix observed critically. Her nose is like that of the Blacks. The stranger snarled at her and Fenix blinked in surprise. She’s a witch! She ducked quickly when a red bolt darted towards her. It missed.

    Her vision switched. This time she knew where she was. Mineif was talking quietly to Aldren and smiling, he held out his arms. Fine, I’m not exactly dreaming. She ran towards the Elven Lord and laughed joyously.

    : You’re taking your own sweet time to see me, so I cut it short, : Mineif spoke gently in her mind. Aldren looked fondly at her and she hugged him as tightly as she held his father.

    :  I miss you. :

    : I thought you would be too busy with the other one to spare me a thought? :

    : Bullshit. :

    : Young Ruis, : Mineif greeted her formerly by her Celtic name.

    : Aodhfin, : she replied as formally. His lips quirked up in a gentle smile.

    : We seek your aid. :

    : Oh? :

    : Keep calm… : Aldren said, his face betraying his anxiousness. Fenix stared calmly at them. She was aware that the other elves were edging in closer and she Felt tension radiating from each one.

    : Giana, my youngest, is missing. :

    Fenix had barely gotten Mineif’s message when her Gift of Foresight swept her mind off again. Damnation!

    She was inside a house. The place seemed dangerous. She crept towards the door stealthily. It suddenly disappeared and she was amazed to see the Potions Master and another man.

    "Do not fight it, Severus. Give in to me. You will return to me."

    "I will not…" Snape hissed in pain.

    "You will give in…eventually…Lucius!"

    Fenix watched the scene impassively and memorized the name she heard the strange man called out. The Potions Master seemed to be rebelling against something and he let out a broken cry. A peculiarly light-haired man entered the room cautiously.

    "Do you want the woman, Master?" Lucius inquired.

    "Yes…"

    Master? Peculiar title. Fenix stared at the woman bounded in chains and who was also blindfolded. A flash of silver caught Fenix’s eyes and searched the woman again for that brief flicker of light. Her eyes were transfixed on the woman’s neck. By the Hands of Phoebus! That is Mineif’s Firemark! The man by the name of Lucius removed the blindfold and the woman stared fixedly at where Fenix was standing, as if the woman could see her. Fenix felt her insides chilled as Aldren’s pair of violet cat-like eyes looked directly into her.

    "Choose, Severus…choose…or I will break this woman down…for you…choose!"

    "You broke off your connection with Voldermort a long time ago! Snap out of it Bréanainn!" Evangiana screamed, writhing in her bounded chains. "You’re a fool! You should have been with her and the rest! Why must you be so stubborn!" the Elven woman kept on screaming.

    "Ceridwen…" Snape whispered. He was already kneeling on one knee.

    "YOU WILL NOT GIVE IN!" the elf screamed in anguish.

    Mineif carefully guided the Fire Master gently.

    : Fenix? :

    : Sorry about that. My gift decided to make a side trip. When did Giana go missing? :

    : Two nights ago, while patrolling near the site where the Mnids congregate. :

    : Damn. He must have someone watching then. Aldren, tell the Elves to be careful while they are scouting, and always go in groups. Stay out of sight. Tell them that this is a strict command from me. This is getting serious, and you and Derian had better not do anything stupid, : Fenix said firmly.

    : What did you See? :

    : What I Saw is of no matter. Meanwhile, you get some volunteers. I’ll go with you on the rescue mission. :

    : Is my daughter in dire trouble, Ruis? : Mineif asked in a controlled voice. Fenix did not answer but hugged both of the elves.

    : I’ll be here as soon as possible. Have to go. We don’t have time to lose. :

    Fenix woke up, shaking Remus gently.

    "What’s wrong?" he asked, yawning a little.

    "I need to get in touch with the Headmaster," Fenix said urgently. Sirius sat up in bed quickly, earning a thoughtful look from her. "What did you see?" she asked her oathbrother calmly.

    : I think I saw what you were seeing. :

    : Curious. :

    : What’s going on? : Remus interrupted them both.

    "Just do as she says, Moony."

    "All right. Let’s go down to the fireplace," Remus agreed, getting out of bed quickly.

    : Snape knew Evangiana? : Sirius asked her in amazement. : He had a girlfriend? :

    : Keep your Black nose out of it! : Fenix snapped at him with a touch of annoyance. : You keep that information to yourself, you hear? :

    : Okay…don’t get snappy! : Sirius replied.

    : I’ll be more than snappy if anything happens to them both! :

    Uh oh…she’s losing her temper again, Sirius thought silently. He knew Fenix much better now to know that not only was she worried about the missing elf and the ex-minion of the Dark Lord, she was also afraid for the Elven brothers. The wolves that were napping in the living room looked curiously at the sudden intrusion.

    Remus was doing something in the fireplace and she heard a sudden puff.

    "Remus?" Professor Dumbledore’s face peered curiously.

    "Fenix has something important to ask you."

    "Albus, would you get the Potions Master to stay with us for the next few days, until school term starts?"

    "I assume you have a reason? Severus isn’t well enough to travel by himself."

    "What happened?" Fenix asked sharply.

    "Voldemort has been calling him."

    "I know. That’s why I want to keep an eye on him," Fenix said quickly.

    "If it is so important to you, I will escort him to The Burrow myself."

    "Do that."

    The fire went out and the room went silent.

    "Don’t you think it’s better if you had asked the Weasleys first?" Remus asked nervously.

    "Inform them for me. Sirius, you two," Fenix looked at the wolves, "stay here and guard The Burrow. I’m going to the Grove."

    "Fenix?" Mr. Granger trooped down the stairs hurriedly.

    "Is there some kind of trouble?" his wife asked worriedly.

    "Giana’s gotten herself into bad hands. I have to go and rescue her before she is ported off to the Dark Lord. Sirius, stay here." Fenix stressed each word clearly. : I have more than enough people to worry about. Stay out of trouble, : Fenix said to Sirius. : You keep a watch on him, : she said to Remus.

    : But who is going to watch him? : Silver inquired mildly.

    : I’m counting on you werewolf, : Fenix said before she vanished.

    "I don’t think Harry’s going to like this," Mr. Granger began.

    "I don’t think any of us have a choice but to comply," Sirius said tiredly, rubbing his forehead.

    "What’s going on?" Harry’s voice emerged from the staircase.

**********

    Fenix Gated herself to the Grove.

    : That was quick. : Derian got up from his seat to give her a hug.

    : Who’s taking care of Giselle? :

    : Every elf that is sitting all around me. :

    Fenix smothered a giggle when she saw her elder sister dressed up in a typical Elven gown.

    : Good thinking, : Fenix complimented Derian. : What’s the plan? :

    Aldren approached Fenix with a couple of Elven warriors in tow. Cadriel gave the Hunter a wink before he spoke up. : The Elementals have given a general area where Giana was bound captive by three wizards, all bearing the mark of the Dark Lord. :

    : And where’s that? : Fenix asked.

    Cathal, a slim Elven warrior, a computer wizard at other times, produced a map and laid it against the flat stone the Elves use for a table.

    : They’re here somewhere on the mountain range, : he waved his had at the map, : and that was sixteen minutes ago. They are not using brooms to fly but the Sylphs confirmed that they are bound to the one of the little islands southwest, so either they have a boat ready or they are taking the cover of night and fly. :

    : I see. Is this area protected by other Elven lords? : Fenix questioned the elves.

    : Yes, : Mineif answered, : but I have already asked for permission from the Elves of Rhuaine to sweep the area. :

    : Someone chain him to a Mnid. : Fenix narrowed her eyes. : You are not about to risk your life in a simple skirmish, : she said firmly. Mineif looked darkly at the Hunter.

    : It’s for your people, Father. I don’t have that much experience to succeed you, should anything happen, : Aldren agreed.

    : So…how are we going to do this? : Fenix started looking around at the band of Elven warriors. : Do you want an open confrontation or do you want a hit-and-run version? : the Fire Master asked around.

    : We wish to keep our identity secret. This is for the good of the wizarding world as well as the other world. We would obviously choose the latter, : Cadriel replied. Fenix gave the elves a devilish grin.

    : Suits my nature. : She smirked. One by one, the warriors blurred, and all were identically dressed in black, their faces naturally changing to mimic a tree bark.

    : Shall we go then? :  Fenix created a Gate for them, and in twos, they crossed over to the deep forest in the mountains.

**********

    The rescuers moved easily in the darkness of the dense forest, flitting silently amidst the trees. Fenix gave them frequent instructions to the warriors, coming closer and closer to their abducted kin.

    : Lady, Evangiana’s hurt, : Krill said gravely in her mind.

    : What kind of injury? :

    : It’s the chains. The wizards have tied her so tightly that several of her ribs are cracked. She has a concussion and a broken wrist. :

    Phoebus, help and guide us…watch over the little Elf…

    : Hunter, : Cadriel who was scouting ahead of them called out silently and gave them the signal to remain still. Like the rest, Fenix pressed herself close to the tree trunk, and listened carefully. The crickets chirped and the bats clicked all around. Somewhere ahead of them, Fenix could hear the distant murmurs of three male voices.

    "Are you absolutely sure that the weather won’t turn against us?" one voice asked worriedly.

    "The weather is clear and calm. What? Do you think someone had the ability to control weather?" another voice sneered, sounding very skeptical.

    "How would you know? The Dementors did got killed by some unseen killers wer--" the third voice did not finish his sentence as one of them yelled ‘Silencio!’

    "Learn when to shut up won’t you!" the voice belonging to the first who spoke up hissed.

    : Krill, is that the group? :

    : Yes, lady. They’re resting for now. But they wish to hurry before dawn arrives. :

    : Very well. Where is Giana situated? :

    : She is left at the rear, none guarding her close. All three wizards are ahead…about six meters away from her. Giana’s background is filled with oak trees, so sent at least two nimble walkers, : Krill answered readily.

    : No sentries? : Fenix questioned. The Salamander gave a negative.

    : All right people. Aldren, Derian, you two have worked together to retrieve things fast before. Circle round and get her out of the wizards’ sight. To play safe, my Salamanders would surround Giana in flames to protect you from any spells that had been set on Giana’s chains. :

    : Just like old times, : Aldren whispered to the computer whiz.

    : She is even slyer than her mentor ever was, :  Cathal concurred.

    : Let’s get moving then. : Aldren nodded at his younger brother and they crept out, treading silently on the ground.

    : All right. Aldren, I’m sending Rendierr, Aderyn, Aelwen, and Cyfel to cover your retreat. Now, we have to eliminate these wizards. As they are working for the Dark Lord, we can’t afford to let them sent information back to him. We’ll go in for the kill straightaway, clean and easy, : Cadriel instructed and the appointed elves went for their task. Five of them were left.

    : Illuwen and I will remain here, : Zeriel volunteered.

    : All right, : Cadriel nodded. : Fenix, take west, Jaheera, take north and I’ll take east. :

    : Confirm when you are in position. : A wave of assent and they parted. Her light sword materialized in her hand and she moved in for the Hunt in silence. Striding silently, holding her blade behind her, she crept into place and held her sword carefully away from the firelight that the wizards have lighted.

    : I’m ready. : Fenix sent her thought to the Elves. One by one, the warriors confirmed their positions.

    For morality’s sake, Fenix had sent her Sylphs in search of a wolf pack. Right on cue, the wolves gave ear-shattering howls repeatedly. The three wizards jumped up with their wands in hand, and looked about their surroundings with wariness. They could see nothing but the dim shape of the trees. The howls became louder and louder with each passing moment.

    "Let’s get out of here!" the voice belonging to the second man spoke up in panic.

    "Stay where you are, Hudson! The fire will keep them away. More than that, we’re wizards and we have weapons!" the man with the first voice grated out. The other two wizards looked unconvinced.

    : Let’s go. They are warned and they’re not helpless. They have the ability to defend themselves, : Fenix cautioned.

    : Ah…that’s why you got the wolves… :

    The wizards were totally caught by surprise when three people suddenly emerged from the dense forest from three directions, brandishing their swords.

    "Medieval, aren’t they, Dolohov?"

    "Quite right, Lestrange. They don’t really think that their swords can help them…" The man named Dolohov smirked nastily. Cadriel and Jaheera echoed Fenix’s merciless smile.

    "Three on three…" Lestrange breathed. The wizards seemed to have forgotten about their captive, and were not even aware when Evangiana was engulfed in a ball of flame and the two elves quickly took her off and fled. "I’ll take this woman."

    The three wizards moved forward to their respective opponents. Fenix stood her ground and waited calmly as the man Lestrange approached her.

    "Confident, aren’t you?" Lestrange said softly. "This is my favorite…Crucio!" his face had begun to curl into a maniacal grin but it quickly turned into a snarl when she simply held her sword up and the blade simply absorbed the spell.

    : Eliminate them before they have a chance to call their master for help, : Fenix said coldly.

    "Crucio!" Lestrange repeated but the spell did not hit her as she rolled on the ground, coming up quickly and beheaded him with her blade with a single stroke. The wizard named Hudson was next to fall; Dolohov was still amusing himself with Cadriel.

    The tables turned when the Elven Mage uttered a single, insulting word. "Amateurish." And with a single thought, he engulfed the wizard with intense white flames. Seconds was all it took to reduce the wizard to a pile of ashes. Fenix pulled the two still intact wands and burned them with her Fire.

    : Let’s go. :

**********

    "Noooo!" Voldemort screamed in denial as he felt the deaths of three of his own Death Eaters.

**********

    Aldren sighed with relief when Evangiana was freed of the spells and the chains binding her.

    : I think it’s prudent that we leave before the Dark Lord comes to investigate. The Sylphs said he’s flying right now, : Fenix said, her eyes narrowing in thought.

    : Build the Gate, Hunter. :

    Fenix did as Cadriel requested and nodded to Aldren who was carrying the wounded elf carefully in his arms to proceed. She hung back for a time, carefully wiping out residuals of their presence from the confrontation site. She closed the Gate as she crossed back to the Grove.

**********

    : You ought to be fine in a few weeks time, : Fenix reassured the young elf.

    : Few weeks? : Evangiana complained.

    : You knew Severus Snape? : Fenix asked carefully. Evangiana gave a start of surprise that she quickly hid. Fenix lifted an eyebrow.

    : Okay…okay! I Healed him when he escaped from the Dark Lord’s rule. Sheltered him for a while here in the Grove, : Evangiana said grudgingly, then continued at Fenix’s stern face. : Long enough for me to feel something for him, : she admitted, blushing slightly.

    : His middle name is Bréanainn? : Fenix asked slightly. Aldren’s sister paled. : And Ceridwen? : The Elven woman flushed with embarrassment.

    : Don’t tell anyone, please? :

    Fenix laughed heartily.

**********

    Fenix Teleported herself into the living room of The Burrow. Like Sirius, Harry and Remus had been waiting anxiously for her to return and heaved a huge sigh of relief when she reappeared intact and well.

    : I can’t really forbid you against any more skirmishes can I? : Sirius said, holding his oathsister tightly.

    : Probably not, : she agreed. "So any news from the Headmaster? Do your parents mind, Ron?"

    "It’s settled," Ron said in disgust. "He’s taking over Professor Lupin’s. Is it really necessary for him to be with us?"

    "You can’t comprehend how necessary it is, Ron," Fenix said rather firmly.

    "What happened? Is your friend all right?" Remus asked curiously.

    "Eliminated the wizards, the elf’s in safe hands," Fenix answered rather hastily. "I’m sorry, Remus, but I feel so damn tired. I’m going to bathe and then I think I’ll catch a nap."

    Fenix was halfway climbing up the stairs when she remembered to ask. "When is he arriving?" she yelled.

    "Friday!" Ron yelled back.

    That’s good…probably by that time I could control myself not to smile…I’m really looking forward to my sleep. But first… She paused in the corridor and strengthened the protections in The Burrow. Now…to my bath!

**********

~ Chapter 12: Diagon Alley ~

"This is the first time ever that the kids are ready ahead of the appointed time," Mrs. Weasley beamed, "all thanks to you."

    "No prob," Fenix replied with a smile. On Ginny’s insistence and the excuse that they will have at least a fifty-percent chance that they will bump with the Malfoys, the girls had forced Fenix to swear that she would wear something black on the day they make a trip down to Diagon Alley. Indeed, she was wearing her black Hunter garb, with Sirius’s gift of a cloak.

    "Why do you let them bully you around?" Remus whispered roguishly in her ear.

    "It really doesn’t matter. They’re fun!" Fenix smiled and shrugged slightly. "How are you feeling?"

    "Better…but must I drink a lot of water before going to bed?" he grumbled a little.

    "Yes, you do. It actually helps to flush away those unwanted substances. Drinking adequate amount of water keeps you healthy anyway, so don’t complain." Fenix looked at him, her eyes twinkling merrily.

    : You’re looking good, : Sirius said in greeting as he joined all of them in front of the fireplace.

    "Ron, you go first," Mrs. Weasley said.

    For the past two days, ever since the students had received their booklists, they had not been talking about anything else except what Fenix could expect from Diagon Alley. When Mrs. Weasley informed her that they would go down by Floo Powder, Harry had pulled Fenix to one side and stressed on the do’s and don’ts when traveling by the Floo Powder. The wolves offered to stay and guard The Burrow, along with the Elementals. They had assured Fenix that they would shield themselves with illusions while the rest of the household goes to get the students’ their school materials.

    Mrs. Weasley called Fenix and the plump woman encouraged her to take a fistful of the powder. I hope I do it correctly…As soon as she uttered the name of the place and threw the powder, she felt herself consumed by the Fire. The crackling of fire around her was so loud that her ears turned numb after a while. As if she had been playing on a slide, she slid off on smooth marble floor.

    "Welcome to Diagon Alley, Assistant Professor!" Ron said spiritedly as he helped her up to her feet. Fenix wiped her face with a damp handkerchief tucked in her pocket and looked around cautiously. The fireplace belonged to a pub, and she paid careful attention to her surroundings. A couple of customers were nudging each other and soon, every pair of eyes turned to survey the newcomers.

    "There you are! Right on time too!" Mr. Weasley waved from the entrance of the pub. Murmurs of conversation died suddenly when Sirius emerged, stood up and then walked towards Fenix with the gracefulness of a noble.

    : Are they still afraid of him? : Fenix said softly in Remus’s mind.

    : Probably. :

    "She’s got damn silver eyes!" a feminine voice shrieked out suddenly and her companions made shushing noises, making the woman flush with embarrassment.

    : Is this the first time you’ve ever been here? : Fenix asked Hermione’s father.

    : Nope. But it is the first time we’ve ever used the Floo Powder, : the Fire Mage replied.

    Mr. Weasley led them off to a very crowded street.

    : I hate crowds. : Fenix looked about her with resignation.

    "Our first stop then, the Bank," Mr. Weasley announced and led them off to the direction of Gringotts, where their eldest son was currently working, with Sirius, Remus and Fenix taking the rear, watching people around them warily.

    Sirius ushered her in, and Fenix scrutinized the interior of the bank and looked impassively at the goblins. She followed Sirius as he went to a counter to first change Fenix’s Muggle notes before leading her off to a counter where the rest were queuing. He tucked the bag of exchanged Galleons, Silvers and Knuts safely in his breast pocket. Remus tagged himself to Harry as Sirius presented his key to the goblin.

    "Welcome back, Mr. Black. One would have thought that the line of the Blacks have been considered extinct…"

    "Hmmm…might as well consider the name gone then…" Sirius shrugged.

    : How quaint, : Fenix remarked.

    : I actually am considering to change my name… :

    : Forget it, brother. Once a Black, you’ll forever be a Black. But what kind of Black you choose to be is up to you. :

    Their second stop was the bookstore where the students were to get their schoolbooks. Fenix loitered at the back with Remus, scanning through the titles of the various books that were on display.

    "Now what?" Mr. Granger asked around.

    "Visit the twins?" Fenix suggested.

    "Let’s go then!" Mr. Weasley said with aplomb.

    "Dear Lord!"

    Fenix swerved her head to see a stocky boy hurrying towards them, ignoring the shouts of an elderly witch.

    "Neville!" the four other Gryffindor students exclaimed happily and hurried towards the boy.

    : Friend of theirs? :

    : I think so. :

    "He’s really alive…" Neville whispered as he looked at Sirius with awe. "Good for you, Harry."

    "How’s summer so far?" Hermione said softly.

    "Weird." Neville shrugged then looked apologetically at his fellow students. "I have to go before she starts to nag at anyone."

    "All right. You take care and we’ll see you at the station on the First!"

    "Yeah!" Neville waved and quickly tailed the elderly woman.

    "They made it!" Fred looked cheerfully at them, moving off from the counter and excitedly invited them all in.

    "So? How do you find our shop?" George asked pointedly at his mother.

    "Oh, boys…" their mother said affectionately, still looking about their shop.

    Harry gleefully bought some of their inventions and whispered to Fred, "All in all, it’s a good investment right?"

    "You bet!" Fred laughed and looked slyly at Fenix. "Not buying anything?"

    "Did you expect me to?" she asked lightly, examining a box of what looked like sweets curiously.

    "Fenix, you’re disappointing me," Fred replied mournfully. The Fire Master chuckled softly under her breath.

    "Personally, I wouldn’t recommend that," Fred said as he steered her away and led her to another cubicle, "although the rest of the stuff are real jokes, this is something you would never expect to find here."

    "You sell cookies too?" Ron was incredulous as he inspected every label, having followed his older brother. "I’m not sure if I would buy any of that if I were you," Ron advised and Fred snorted.

    "This are real desserts?"

    "Yes they are," Fred answered with dignity.

    "Who baked them?"

    "Us, of course…" Fred looked quizzically at her.

    "Well, I’d like to try number seventeen and…twenty-two…" Fenix decided. Fred briskly scooped some of the cookies into separate bags before putting them together in a larger bag.

    "My money’s with Sirius," she informed the twin. As Fred led her and Ron back to the main cubicle of the joke shop, there were a few other customers beside themselves. Not surprisingly, most of them were students or friends, but not one of them seemed to be a Slytherin.

    "They’re boycotting the shop," Fred interpreted her look on the students accurately.

    "I see."

    Sirius spoke aloud. "I want to go to the Quality Quidditch Supplies. I know the shopkeeper wants to meet Fenix."

    The group nodded their agreement and left the twins joke shop. They walked through the crowded street again and even in this shocking crowd, Fenix knew that they were being followed and watched.

    : Sirius, Remus…don’t act so startled but someone’s following us. : Fenix gave a silent warning.

    : It’s a group of Slytherin students, Lady, : Krill answered to the three of them.

    : Is there any chance I get to meet your cousin, bro? :

    : Probably… Here we are… :

    "Mr. Black! Welcome…welcome…have you brought the person with you?" the shopkeeper asked excitedly and at Sirius’s nod, the man laughed gleefully. "The one who made the broom wishes to meet this person whom you’ve gifted the Ice Dagger."

    An elderly man walked slowly towards them and his half-blind eyes sought out Fenix’s instantly. He gave a smile as he stopped a few feet away from her.

    "Yes…you are exactly the right person…take care of him now. Don’t let him get on his own way far too often…"

    "Good day then, Master."

    "And a good day to you. May Phoebus watch out for you always…"

    "And may the Lady-Night bless you every day," Fenix said, smiling gently as she watched the man head out of the shop.

    : Lady! :

    : What is it? What has gotten you to be alarmed? :

    : Those Slytherin students! They had cast several multiple spells on the street directly in front of the shop. :

    "What’s wrong?" Remus asked, his eyes instantly alert when Fenix frowned at the entrance.

    "The rest of you, stand back from the window. Mages, to me," Fenix said firmly. She silently communed with Hermione’s parents and the three walked out casually, stopping a centimeter away from the trap-spells.

    Fenix scanned the crowd and watched coolly. There were several disdainful snickers coming from a group of Slytherin students (although she wondered how she was able to tell they were Slytherins) and two women among them watched, far away from the mingling crowd, their faces grinning maliciously. Fenix exchanged a glance with the two Mages. Their faces remained impassive as they held out their right hands and made a hooking movement, catching the spells in their hands and tugged at it, but not hard enough to break it. After a moment, the trap-spells began to glow faintly and the passing crowd stepped away from them.

    "Who did that?" one witch who was in the shop asked, reaching out for her wand to help.

    "Leave it to them," the maker of the Ice Dagger advised.

    The trap-spells were dissipating, much to the horror to the spell-casters.

    Fenix stared coldly at the culprits, and imprinted their faces in her memory. The three Mages stood their ground and the evildoers, finally realizing their precarious situation, quickly dispersed into the crowd.

    : It’s safe. You could come out now, : Fenix said to Sirius and Remus.

    "Guess what? Your friend with the lily-hair tried to say hi, just now," Fenix said casually to the four of the Gryffindor students.

    "Oh, really?" Harry looked around to get a glimpse of Malfoy. "There he is…" He jerked his chin towards a boy in green.

    "Harry, dear, let’s just leave," Mrs. Molly began uneasily.

    "Of course," Harry agreed. Remus and Mr. Weasley took the lead with the Grangers, Ron and Ginny in the middle. Harry was shielding Fenix carefully from the edge of the crowd.

    : Harry, what are you doing? : she whispered in exasperation.

    : What? : Harry gave her an innocent look.

    : Never mind. : Fenix gave up, keeping an eye on Harry.

    : How disappointing. : Harry sighed as he watched Draco Malfoy, and his mother went to Knockturn Alley, the one place Mrs. Weasley had forbidden her children to go, including the twins by saying ‘Don’t over-abuse you’re freedom or you boys are going to get it from me.’. : I was rather wishing to shock her with you and Fenix, : Harry told his godfather.

    : Something had just occurred to me, : Fenix began, and Harry gave her a puzzled look. : I’m going to Hogwarts later, but what about Sirius? :

    Remus stopped dead in his tracks, looked back at Fenix, and gave her a tender smile before resuming his walk.

    : Why feeling insecure all of a sudden? : Sirius asked lamely.

    : Sirius, I’m serious. : Fenix looked back at him, her silver eyes gleaming brightly.

    : Don’t worry, Dumbledore’s given me a position in School too. : her oathbrother gave a very flashy smile, catching the attention of several girls.

    : Yes, Sirius’s going to help Professor McGonagall with some of the classes, : Harry added.

    : After yesterday, I feel a little uneasy without your presence but I know I shouldn’t be worried about anything because of our bond, : Sirius admitted suddenly.

    "Oh, Fenix," Mrs. Weasley called up and Fenix smiled gently at the woman. "This is the shop where Sirius bought your clothes. Do you want to step in?"

    : Well? : Fenix asked archly at Sirius.

    : Go on then, : her oathbrother answered with a slight shake of his head.

    "Welcome to the Evening Sky, how may I help you?" a witch with a very hooked nose welcomed them and her eyes lit when she saw Sirius.

    "It’s you? Coming here to buy something for your lover again?"

    Ron choked a laugh while the girls giggled. Fenix’s mouth quirked up in a smile. "Lover, Sirius?"

    "It’s her own conclusion so don’t look at me like that."

    "I apologize for that," the woman smiled generously. "Now I see why he had chose the black dragon suit," the dressmaker eyed her. "Perfect body shape…not too feminine…seriously, there aren’t enough men who knows how to please a lady…"

    : Take note, Moony, : Sirius spoke to his friend in a patronizing tone.

    : Keep your mind shut, Padfoot. :

    "My name is Aerona Aisley, the owner and tailor of this shop. There is a selection that you might want to look at," the woman said, guiding Fenix to a lane where there was a whole range of suits. The rest of the women folk went separately to the different lanes, Ginny dragging Sirius along, and Harry followed Fenix curiously. A crimson red sleeve caught his eye and he pulled the suit out.

    "You don’t have a bad taste yourself," Aerona said, looking very pleased.

    Fenix inspected the suit and was pleased to find the bottom pair was not a skirt. She inspected the sleeves, it was big enough to flow about her arms but not long enough that it would hinder her movements when speed and skill will be essential.

    "Do you think I would fit in these?" Fenix asked the tailor.

    "They will fit anything that puts them on! I created that spell. I don’t really attract a lot of customers because my door usually blocks out a lot of people. It doesn’t like snobs to enter the shop."

    "Fascinating!" Harry gave the woman a devilish grin.

    "Of course; I used to be in Gryffindor not a long time ago," Aerona whispered conspiratorially. Fenix laughed at the subtle hint as she picked out a zircon-colored sorceress robe.

    "Are you buying then?" Aerona asked with a pleased smile.

    "Yes, I am," Fenix answered, dreamily tracing the intricate designs on the sleeves.

    "Are you a Scot?"

    "No, I am not…but my parents brought me to live in Scotland. Never thought of going back to live my life in Australia. I rather like the highlands."

    "I see…well…being a new customer and all…I would give matching cloaks for free."

    "Do I have to wear the cumbersome material?" Fenix sighed.

    "It’s up to you," Harry shrugged, "but it’s free anyway, isn’t it?"

    "You’re right," Fenix smiled and turned back to the tailor. "Do you have blouses and pants?"

    "Ah…you want mix-and-match clothes?"

    "Yes…and I’ll see if the girls want anything," Fenix said.

    "Hey, what about Ron and me?"

    "Ask your godfather," she answered impudently.

    Harry shook his head in feigned disappointment and sauntered to the other end where the males had gathered.

    "Oh…don’t worry about it, Ginny…we have more than enough to spare," Mrs. Weasley assured her daughter.

    "Save it, Molly," Fenix said to her, "I’m spending my money anyway. You can save that for emergencies."

    "You shouldn’t!"

    "Don’t argue with her," Mrs. Granger advised. "She’ll probably slip you a few wizard money back in your pouch."

    "You’re giving away secrets," Fenix accused. She turned to Ginny and Hermione. "Anything caught your eyes?"

    The two girls quickly grabbed the blouses and showed it to her. "Not bad," she complimented. "Sirius chose for you?"

    "Not really, he just rattled off what colors will suit us."

    Fenix spent several more minutes in picking up more blouses and several pairs of pants. She handed all of them to the tailor. "You could just pile all the girls stuff together. I’ll be paying for them."

    "All right. If you don’t mind, I’ll handle their items first," Aerona said with a smile.

    They left the shop with cheerful faces when the tailor called them again. Since Fenix and Sirius was the last to leave, Aerona reached them first.

    "What’s your name? Anyway this is my business card should you need more clothes."

    "Name’s Fenix. Fenix Maxwell," she answered, pocketing the card in her back pocket.

    "I see," Aerona’s eyes narrowed shrewdly. "Welcome to the Wizarding World."

    Fenix chuckled under her breath and waved goodbye as Sirius whisked her away to the Leaky Cauldron where they would go back to The Burrow via the fireplace, with a handful of bags and considerably lighter purses.

**********

Friday, 18^th August. The Burrow…

Fenix was lying on the bed, looking up at the silent moving gigantic posters of the Quidditch players. Of all the time that my insomnia decides to kick in. Fenix turned to her left and watch Remus’s calm face and she smiled as she watched the slumbering wizard. Like Sirius after her constant watch, Remus’s tired face was now etched with alertness rather than constant fatigue.

    He’ll need a haircut soon, she observed then pushed back his hair affectionately and gave him a kiss on the forehead. Then she turned to Sirius, her hand picking up his right hand and traced the pentacle mark. She pulled his palm towards her lips and kissed it before she wriggled out of bed as quietly as she could.

    : Where are you going? : Sirius complained sleepily.

    : Can’t get to sleep. Be a good man and get some rest while you can. You need your wits about these few days. : Fenix sent her thought tenderly to her oathbrother.

    : Look who’s talking, : Remus joined in the conversation, cracking his left eyelid open.

    : Go back to sleep, you two. I’m going to do a bit of exercise… :

    : All right, but be careful, : Sirius said sleepily.

    : I will, : Fenix promised, then gave them a brief mental caress as she changed to her Hunter gear.

**********

    Harry was wakened by something he had heard. Heart pumping in his chest, he blinked his bleary eyes. He remained in bed, trying to listen for that same sound again. He identified the soft snores given by his roommate and the distant hoot of an owl that could be Hedwig.

    Then he heard it, a strange and eerie metallic sound. It sounded as if someone was playing a flute, and goose-flesh spread over his body. Harry remained in bed for fifteen more minutes and tried to ignore the strange musical sounds that ripped softly through the air. However, he found himself unable to sleep and felt a nagging thought that he should try to investigate.

    Quickly, he crept out of bed and reached for his glasses and wand. He opened the bedroom door slowly, hoping that it would not creak and sighed when it did not. It was dark in the corridor and he went down the stairs stealthily, putting his weight slowly on the boards. He wondered to himself why he was doing all of this and upon a quick reflection, he realized that he was mimicking Fenix as she moved about The Burrow. She never hurries and always seems to walk very slowly and constantly creeps up behind Ginny and giving her a shock. Harry smiled at the thought. Ginny had sworn revenge and constantly slipped the Weasleys’ Mini-Popping Firecrackers in places that Fenix did not suspected. It was a general entertainment for them other than the evening Quidditch practices.

    He stood quietly in the darkness of the living room. It seems to be coming from the backyard. Harry quickly strode over to the kitchen and to his surprise, he found the door slightly ajar.

    : Morning, Harry, : Fenix’s mindvoice spoke softly in his mind. : Shouldn’t you be in bed? :

    : It’s you! : He gave a start of surprise.

    : What? :

    : Nothing. Did you hear that peculiar strange music? : Harry asked, grabbing a stool and sat down. Crookshanks trotted out of the kitchen and leapt up to Harry’s lap. The cat butted its head against Harry’s chest.

    : You mean this? : Fenix said with amusement.

    In the pale moonlight, Harry saw Fenix had gripped her sword with both hands and began a dance. She moved in a circle, swinging her sword back and forth and Harry found out to his astonishment that the eerie note came from her blade, each time she swung. It was strangely hypnotic and Harry fumbled for his pocket watch. It was three twenty-six and Harry still did not feel sleepy. I wonder if the twins had invented something that will make you sleep…

    : Since you can’t sleep anyway…care to exercise with me? : Fenix spoke up, standing still on her two feet, her sword vanishing from her hand.

    : What kind of exercise? : he asked warily.

    : Stunt works. Why don’t you keep your wand somewhere safer? You won’t be needing it until later… :

    Harry stared at the Fire Master for several moments before pushing Crookshanks off his lap before pulled his wand out and placed it on the stool. Then he felt a strange tingling sensation.

    : Don’t worry, I just placed a little protective spell on it. :

    What does she mean by stunt works? Does she want me to learn how to use a sword? Huh, no use fretting about it, I’ll just have to find out what she expects from me. Crookshanks curled on the pavement and Harry crossed it carefully as it mewled inquiringly, tail twitching.

    Harry approached Fenix and suddenly he was aware that a huge shield had been erected over the two humans. He breathed calmly and came closer to her. She was smiling gently.

    : Still afraid to trust anyone, Harry? : she questioned him slowly, her mindvoice carrying her concern and sympathy to the young Potter. : Not even yourself? :

    Harry took a step backward, his eyes betraying his emotions. He had no idea how she was able to deduce his hesitation accurately. He felt the wind wounding its way peacefully over the area and a strange kind of peace pierced through his soul. Harry had not confessed his feelings ever since Sirius had fallen through the Veil to anyone, not even his best friends. Somehow, in a yet peculiar way, the strange woman that had just entered their lives in an abrupt fashion actually seemed to understand what Harry was going through.

    : How could I trust myself when I had almost endangered their very lives, without careful consideration for my friends? I knew who I was. I know who I am. My very existence threatens the lives of all people that in subtlety were trying to protect me. But I didn’t bother to tell anyone that I was having problems with Voldemort. I didn’t tell Snape about all the dreams that I had shared with Voldemort! : Harry ‘yelled’, his frustrations coursed through the mind-link. : My godfather nearly died because of me! And he would, had he remained trapped. : The boy’s mindvoice faded.

    : Why didn’t they let me die, when I had a chance to? Isn’t it better if it’s just me who died? Ron’s father nearly got himself killed last year. What am I supposed to say to them if any of their family members get killed because they were sheltering and protecting me? And what do I say to the parents, if their children die because they were insistent they would back me up when I’m in need? : He vented his anger and grief, weeping silently.

    : And what makes you think it will be any safer for the people, who cared about you, if you die? : Fenix ruthlessly pointed out. Harry stared at the Fire Master, unable to get a word out. : Professor Lupin had told me of the Prophecy. Sometimes these things can’t be trusted but so far it’s the truth isn’t it? : She paused, trying her best to make Harry think about what was obvious.

    : I am not a savior for them! : Harry lashed out, his heart grew heavier with guilt and uneasiness.

    : So you’re not. But what if you are the peoples’ last chance in regaining the balance between good and evil? : Fenix argued. : The Dark Lord had already chosen you as the other one. You’re just going to back out? :

    : I did not ask for all of this, : Harry whispered, collapsing on his knees.

    : Neither did I ask to be what I am. Or all of them whose lives are affected by Voldemort and his followers. : She knelt beside him, her eyes gleaming strangely in the moonlight. : I remembered that I had constantly asked myself what’s my purpose in Life. I didn’t expect Him to come down and give me instructions, as I was too dense to see what’s obvious, : she said, raising her hand to lift Harry’s chin so he would look directly into her eyes.

    : Most of us are left floundering in Life, our Purposes all unclear and shaded. Most Muggles think their only purpose is to have children but that is not true. Every second they spend will actually determine what happens to the future. : Fenix gave a melancholy sigh.

    : One of my purpose as I live, is to ensure that Life is balanced, Harry. The reason why I didn’t interfere with the Dark Lord because I see you survive even after your parents were killed. I’m sure that you will ask; why didn’t I eliminate Voldemort myself, since practically, he’s the one who is responsible for the disruption of balance. I could actually, but I can’t. I’m not allowed to interfere in this because this is just one of my sets of instructions that were given to me a long time ago, because of the fact that you’re still alive and well. :

    : Does that mean that there are alternatives? :

    : Yes. If you die willingly, I see the Headmaster’s power failing because he seeks his strength from you. If you gave up hope, why should he hang on? And Voldemort will walk unhindered, killing those whom you loved and others you don’t. :

    : But if I should die while battling him? :

    : Then someone else has to take over. It could be me, or it could be others. The whole point is this, : Fenix took a deep breath and went on, : He has given you a task through the words of the Seer… that could either be true or false. Are you going to fulfill your Purpose or are you giving up without even trying? :

    Harry closed his eyes, his shoulders trembling slightly.

    : Since you are alive and well, I have another set of instructions, which is to train and teach you to make use of every kind of resources, even if it’s unorthodox and not approved by the wizarding world, : Fenix said lightly and stood up. : What say you? :

    Harry remained silent, his eyes still closed and thought deeply. Voldemort isn’t going to get into my mind, no matter what, because I have the means to shield my mind against him. At least, he wouldn’t be able to use me again, like the way he had did a few months ago. And Fenix is right. Voldemort is a killer. Whom was I trying to kid anyway? Even if I successfully attempt a suicide, will that stop Voldemort from trying to tyrannize the rest of the world?  Will my easy death make a difference to anyone?

    : You’re right, Fenix. I wasn’t thinking…at least if I do fight, it would make those who are against his cause even more determined to finish him once and for all. At least, that’s what I hope, : Harry admitted gravely, opening his eyes and gave the Fire Master a faint smile.

    : I just have to make sure that doesn’t happen until it’s the Final Duel. That’s why I’m here. Let me warn you; if you happen to get yourself killed before that, the war will be even be more messier than what’s possible. Since I’m the one who’ll be running around again in the future, I’m counting on you to make things more manageable, : Fenix said cheerfully.

    : This all seems like teamwork to me, : Harry mused, standing up and dusted his pants.

    : I thought that was obvious? :

    "Hey, I am not as wise as you are," Harry protested.

    "Who says I’m wise? I may have eons of experience but I do occasionally blunder." Fenix snorted.

    : So what about this shield? : Harry asked her, gesturing at the peculiar sphere around them.

    : Precautions, : Fenix shrugged then went on, : now, about stunts. I seem to remember that in a war, take note that I said war and not duel, there’s a lot of dodging and footwork, very much like fencing. Therefore, I will teach you to use your body and brains to get yourself out of trouble when you can. :

    Fenix sent Harry dodging for his life when she flung Ping-Pong sized white fireballs at him. After a while, the Fire Master stopped and Harry gasped for breath.

    "Do you really…think…that will help me?" Harry panted.

    "Nope," Fenix said, and Harry stared stupidly at her, "but it will increase your reflexes."

    After Harry got his second wind, Fenix sent him to dodge again. "Good, you’re moving faster on your feet." She paused to sniff at the air. "It will be dawn soon."

    : Why don’t you get your wand? I’ll lift the protection spell and we’ll do some training using your wand. : Fenix suggested.

    Harry picked up his wand and felt his hand tingled. In a second, the sensation was gone and Harry stood before the Fire Master again. Two fireballs of different colors appeared right before Harry. One was the same white while the other was green.

    : This is what I want you to do. The white fireball is a distraction, you’re supposed to eliminate the green one. Use any spell you want but no curses, : she warned.

    : So you want me to dodge the white but destroy the green? :

    : Without getting singed, : the Fire Master added.

    This was much harder than what Harry expected but it was much enjoyable now he had an objective. After several minutes of constant dodging, ducking and rolling and numerous ‘Expelliarmus’, Harry was getting better at controlling his movements. Harry thought he had heard a crack but ignored the sound from his mind as a green fireball chased him within the sphere. When he had finally blast the fireball off, did he realized that Snape and Dumbledore were standing behind Fenix.

    "Good morning. Didn’t expect you to arrive so early," Fenix greeted calmly, and winked at the Headmaster who winked back merrily at her.

    "Carry on, Fenix. Harry seems to be quicker on his feet than he ever was," the Headmaster said in approval and Disapparated. The Potions Master was not so happy about what they had been doing.

    "What foolishness! Do you think that you could stand up with the Dark Lord with cheap tricks?" Snape hissed. The incident about his Dark Mark had made him look paler than as was normal.

    Harry stared coldly at the Potions Master. "At least in doing this, I’m achieving something else, rather than stand about doing nothing at all. I’m afraid this time I have to learn how protect my own life. I can’t singly depend on people to look after me anymore." Snape’s eyes widened at Harry’s impassive voice. As Harry was talking, Fenix had dissolved the shield protecting them.

    : Let’s give it a rest for now. And we’ll resume our exercise later, : Fenix said, and Harry nodded slightly.

    : Krill? :

    : We’re on it. :

    Snape’s trunk suddenly floated by itself and began to move into The Burrow.

    "The others are still in bed. Should I prepare some breakfast for you?" Fenix asked politely.

    "Very well," Snape grated and followed where his trunk was going.

    : Can I go and wash up first? : Fenix asked Harry.

    : Yeah. :

    : All right. You don’t have to stay awake. Why don’t you get some sleep? :

    : I’m not leaving you alone with the Potions Master if I can help it. :

    : I think you’ve let Sirius influence you a bit too much. : she grinned crookedly as Harry bolted the door.

**********

~ Chapter 13: Living with Snape ~

Fenix was listening attentively as she mended clothes from Harry, Remus and Sirius. Hermione was talking about life at Hogwarts and its peculiarities. It seems that there were a lot of new things in the castle, she thought. Professor Snape was sitting by the window as he read a reference book, staring at the pair occasionally. Ron was out to degnome the garden with the usual company, this time with Sirius along.

    Ron had been scolded by three women earlier and was taking out his frustration on the gnomes as he hit them hard with a bat. It was bad enough that Hermione had hissed at him, it was even worse when Fenix rebuked him harshly, though softly so that they would not be heard by the Potions Master as he worked in the living room.

    "Do not speak of things you do not understand. Listen carefully, Ron. Professor Snape is not a Death Eater anymore," she had said, in a quiet, deathly voice.

    "But that does not mean he can be trusted. He still has the Dark Mark!" Ron argued just as softly.

    "So what? He can be…if you just have the guts to let him. Tell me this, even when he does make threats, has he ever intended that he would like to dispose you?" Fenix asked.

    "Yes…he threatened to expel Harry from Hogwarts."

    "That wasn’t what she meant, idiot!" Hermione gave him a light punch. "Professor Snape has never threatened to kill any of us," she said to Fenix.

    "Exactly. Whatever the Potions Master’s past was like, he was given a second chance by the Headmaster. So from now, I want you to keep your opinions to yourself while he is with us."

    "Fenix is right," Mrs. Weasley agreed firmly.

    : Hey, what did you girls do to Ron? His face is all red and he gave a very splendid whacking of the gnomes. : Sirius mindvoice was tinged with concern and curiosity.

    : I had just given him a bit of advice on Snape. :

    : Oh, I understand now. Do you think he’ll be really safe here? : Sirius asked casually, as Fenix felt his moment of exhilaration as he hit a gnome.

    : As long as I’m keeping my eyes open. : She broke off the contact and asked Hermione incredulously. "Ghosts? Hermione, did I just heard you say poltergeist just now?"

    "Yes, I did. Peeves is the poltergeist, sometimes much a nuisance to everyone but he was particularly helpful last year," Hermione said hastily, after the Potion Master gave her a penetrating glance.

    "I see," Fenix answered, then suddenly gave a strangled yell and accidentally pricked her finger with the sewing needle, startling the Potions Master from his reading.

    "Moony!" Fenix yelled out, and Remus poked his head at the door, looking slightly abashed. "Don’t use me as your guinea pig! If you want to experiment, just do it with the wolves!"

    "What’s a guinea pig?" Remus asked curiously.

    "Forget it." Fenix sighed and got up to wash her bleeding finger. Remus went back to his training with the wolves that were trying to teach him a way to retain his mind even when he transforms to a werewolf. "Can boys ever grow up to be men?"

    "I don’t think we want to," Harry answered as he stepped into the kitchen, sweating slightly from the exertion of running around after gnomes.

    Fenix’s cut finger healed within an instant and she went back to the living room to resume her mending. She gave a disappointed look at Hermione and sighed again. "There goes my wish in getting married to a mature man."

    "Don’t bother wasting your time waiting for them to grow up. If you find a man you like, just get married to him," Mrs. Weasley advised, as she laid out a pot of tea for everyone, along with custard puffs and the cookies that Fenix had bought from the twins.

    Sirius came into the living room and poured himself a cup of tea. "You women are mature enough for three men. It would certainly be dull if there’s no humor about the household."

    "In a way, Sirius is right," Mrs. Granger observed as she sat down on the floor to help with the mending, then looked slyly at Fenix. "It’s a good thing Remus has a good sense of humor."

    "Shut up."

    "That seems to be a favorite phrase this summer," the Air Mage remarked.

    "Have some tea, Severus," Mrs. Weasley invited.

    "No, thank you."

    Mrs. Weasley looked a bit disappointed but went back to her kitchen. Fenix exchanged a glance with Sirius as he and Harry sat down on wooden stools, looking at the women. The living room was filled with uneasy tension until Ron came down, freshly dressed and squatted next to Fenix.

    "I’m sorry," he said gruffly.

    "Whatever for?"

    "I was rude."

    "Okay," Fenix said then smiled at him. "Can’t stand being given the cold shoulder?"

    "Not if I can help it."

    : Somebody try to involve Severus in the conversation. : Fenix moaned silently. It was a little crowded in the living room when Ginny joined them, with Pig cuddled against her and Hedwig gliding silently and aimed straight for Harry.

    : What if he doesn’t want to be included? : Harry pointed out, as his owl landed carefully on his shoulder. He scratched Hedwig’s head, and the owl gave a silent hoot in contentment and began to nibble his ear gently.

    Sirius was about to say something when Fenix slightly grew pale, and Sirius felt a strange echo in his mind. The Fire Master really looked like as if she wanted to blow something up and she abandoned her chore in a huff, striding silently towards the kitchen and went out.

    A few minutes later, they heard her yell at the embarrassed werewolf, who was trying to pacify her, but was failing miserably.

    "Sirius, shouldn’t you go and…" Hermione pointed out to the door.

    "Are you joking? Let her take her peeves on him for once. But I wonder why she’s mad at him…" Sirius mused, ignoring the look Snape was giving him. Then they heard her scream, this time at the wolves.

    "Can’t you give him the practical first before the theory work? You’re mixing too many stuff about me so that’s why every time he tries to link with you, the link reaches me instead," Fenix said loudly in aggravation.

    "I understand now." Sirius smirked.

    : What is it? : Harry asked curiously.

    "That fellow was thinking too much about her," Sirius hinted and the group--except for Snape who was looking at them curiously--nodded their comprehension, smiling, trying hard not to snigger.

**********

    They had spent the rest of the day with Sirius and Remus helping the students recall their spells and Professor Snape did occasionally insert a few helpful comments. Dinner went on as usual, with the twins informing the members of anything that has been going on in their business district.

    "Well, business had sort of slowed down a bit, but hope it doesn’t get much worse than that," Fred said.

    "I wonder how Percy’s doing." Mrs. Weasley sighed. She got up from the dinner table and started to clean the table. Even Snape knew enough to keep his silence than to bring Mrs. Weasley into a bout of tears.

    : Fenix? :

    : Aldren! : Fenix suddenly smiled, much to the surprise of everyone. : How’s Giana? :

    : She’s okay, but complains too much, much to your sister’s horror. Sometimes, she’s just like you. So is everything all right? How are things going with you and the werewolf? :

    : Yeah, we’re all right, and it’s going a bit slowly, but we’re fine with it, : she replied then absently spoke to Sirius. "It’s Aldren, why don’t you link in with me?"

    : Hello there, elf? What kind of mischief have you gotten yourself into this time? : Sirius asked.

    : Who says I’m in trouble? :

    : How are you doing? :

    : Everyone is all right. Derian wants to tell you both that Giselle’s with child. : Aldren’s mindvoice was excited.

    Fenix and Sirius exclaimed at the same time. "What!" Fenix’s eyes went round in disbelief. "Bloody hell! This I am not expecting…"

    : You had better tell Derian that he must take care of my sister. I want to be an aunt, :  Fenix said sternly.

    : Other than that, wait release Sirius, this is only between you and Giana. :

    : All right! I’m budging out. : Sirius pulled away from Fenix’s mind and waited patiently. Fenix was silent, her face immobile other than her occasional blinking of her eyes.

    : Okay. How did your father take it? :

    : As well as I could, Ruis, : Mineif’s mindvoice intertwined with Aldren’s.

    : So, that is all. Call on us anytime you like. No recent Dementor sightings, but we’re not going to let our guard down. Love you two, :  Aldren said.

    : All right, give my love to Giselle and Derian. Take care! : Fenix responded with a smile. They released their link and she gave an amused look at her oathbrother.

    "I thought she had said that she doesn’t want any until she turns thirty," Sirius remarked.

    "Well, it’s either they had planned for it or it happened accidentally," Fenix replied in good cheer then she frowned. "Maybe I should go down the Grove and pester them to get married A.S.A.P."

    Sirius leaned back, stretched and gave her a languid smile. "Do that, but only after that elf of hers had already proposed to her."

    "So, anybody wants to play chess with us?" Ginny asked, looking to everyone including Snape.

    "Consider me out. I’m lousy at board games," Fenix informed them.

    "I’m in," Remus said, heading on towards the living room.

    "Sirius?" Ginny asked hopefully and he ruffled the girl’s hair affectionately.

    "Yeah, I think I’d like to challenge Ron later."

    "I wonder when Mad-Eye’s coming again," a silky voice sighed with disappointment.

    The Mages exchanged a glance and Fenix said contritely, "I have no comments."

    Mrs. Weasley came back and told the rest of them that she was going to bed and her husband followed her in concern.

    "I think Percy deserves some punches for making mom worry. I haven’t seen her so crestfallen until now," Fred said seriously, giving a penetrating glance at Bill, the eldest of the Weasley siblings.

    "What did you want me to do? He slammed the door up against Charlie and me when we tried to persuade him to come back. He doesn’t even say ‘hi’ to dad at the Ministry."

    "It’ll serve him right if this family alienates him completely. But I’m not going to wait for him to clear up his mind," Ron said firmly, pushing himself off his seat and went to join Professor Lupin. Fenix got up and stared at Snape, with a peculiar expression on her face.

    "Professor Snape? Could I have a moment with you?" she asked, pausing at the door that leads to the yard behind it. The Potions Master looked shocked at first, but slowly grew suspicious. Fenix gave a very stern look at Sirius and then at the group still in the kitchen.

    "No eavesdropping from any of you," she said in a strict voice and went out to stand beneath a dark blue sky, and she smelled the strong scent of rain.

    "What is it that you want?" the Potions Master asked in a slow drawl, sneering slightly.

    "Come away from the door, I don’t trust the twins all that much. A devious pair those two," Fenix said, for the twins’ benefit that was strangely keeping silent. Fred managed to give her a hateful glare before he pulled George and Sirius from their seats and dragged them to the living room. Fenix enclosed herself and the Potions Master with another shield, expanding itself outwards.

    "This is a sound-proof shield. I don’t think you want the others to have this particular knowledge," Fenix said, and Snape’s interest perked up.

    "Ceridwen had sent a message. She says you are not to listen to him and ignore the dreams, and asks you to fulfill your promise to her that you had made before you parted almost hundred and forty-four months ago," Fenix repeated Giana’s message word for word, her face inscrutable.

    "And how do I know, it’s really from her?" Snape hissed, his eyes telling her that he was surprised.

    "I already know the password. Now, let me see…ah…yes…on Monday sometime about midnight…my Gift of Foresight     manifested…she was captured by your ex-colleagues, and this man by the name of Lucius dragged her to present her to him. Said he would break her…for you he says," Fenix paused, as Snape’s eyes darkened with suppressed anger. "I’m not a Seer who makes predictions, I sometimes see the future…or maybe alternative futures…and live briefly in that vision. You want to know what Giana said to you in the vision?" she said in a cool voice and went on. "This is what she said, ‘You broke off your connection with Voldermort a long time ago! Snap out of it Bréanainn!’ Of course you can’t really expect me to imitate her voice," she said matter-of-factly.

    "Bréanainn. It’s quite a beautiful name. I wonder why your parents named you Severus first," Fenix tilted her head in inquiry. Then she shrugged.

    "My father insisted on it."

    "I see. Well, that’s all she said to me." Fenix made a move to dispel the shield when Snape spoke again in a whisper. The wind was picking up, Snape’s cloak flapping in the strong wind.

    "She is all right?"

    "Yes, just a few cracked ribs. She’s under the protection of the Grove. Let’s go back in. It’ll be raining soon."

**********

    "George, pass me those cookies won’t you?" Fenix requested mildly. Fred was still mad at her and was not talking to her. The drizzle that had just fell from the skies the moment Snape reentered the house had turned into a downpour. The Weasley siblings were trampling about as quickly as they could to close the windows about the house.

    Fenix was wearing the blue-gray scarf that Aldren had gifted her as her Salamander fetched it and the scarf floated towards her, much to Snape’s bafflement. He was reading another book and Hermione had been staring at the pile of books on his feet with a weird kind of hunger all night. Ron and Harry shook both their heads in exasperation as they averted their attention from the current match of Harry’s godfather and his best friend. As if he had been aware of Hermione’s covert glances at his books, the Potions Master casually reached out for a thick book and nodded to Hermione. She jumped excitedly and squealed in delight as the Potions Master entrusted her the book.

    "Your girlfriend is so easy to please, Ron," Remus said casually, not looking up from the chessboard. "When her birthday comes, just find a book you know that she probably couldn’t have read and she’ll love you for life."

    "Professor Lupin!" Ron and Hermione responded, looking aghast. Snape raised an eyebrow at Remus’s comment but went on to read his book. Fenix reached out for a cookie and winced when a couple Mini-Popping Fireworks went off. She pulled back her fingers and looked at them critically. Tendrils of electricity connected three of her fingers and she sighed and waited patiently for the electricity to wear off. Ginny chuckled nastily.

    "You still have a bit to catch up, Ginny," Fred commented in Fenix’s defense, finally smiling at the relieved Fire Master.

    "By how much?" Ginny demanded her brother.

    "I think…about seven sneakings."

    "Damn!" Remus swore.

    Sirius grinned and slowly said, "Checkmate."

    "Don’t stay up too late, kids," Mrs. Granger said as she pulled her husband up to his feet. "Night everyone."

    "Night!"

    Before Harry knew it, he was suddenly nodding off. He jerked himself awake. Maybe I should get myself to a real bed.

    "I’m going up, too. Night."

    "Wait up," Fenix joined him. "I’d like to get some sleep. Ginny…be very careful tomorrow…" she gave the young girl an evil smile. : Night, guys, : she sent her thought to the werewolf and her oathbrother.

    "Night, Fenix," Hermione replied absently.

    "Ronald Weasley…it’s time," Sirius called out.

**********

    The youths and the wolves had long ago went to bed. The rain had not ceased; huge raindrops continued splattering down The Burrow. Once in a while, lightning lit the living room eerily. Sirius was sitting languidly on the floor, slowly sipping a mug of Butterbeer.

    "Do you want some, Severus?" Remus asked, holding his wand in handy. Snape gave a tight nod and pulled his chair closer to the fire. Snape winced when the mark on his arm burned intolerably. He took a deep breath and clenched his fist tightly.

    "What’s that mark on your palm?" Snape inquired, trying his best not to sound eager.

    "You mean this?" Sirius held out his right palm lazily. "It’s quite strange actually," he smiled dreamily. "It’s a sign of our oathbond. We slashed our palm with a dagger."

    "But how is it a star, and not a diagonal slash?" Remus asked curiously.

    "I have no idea, Moony. In fact, I don’t think Fenix knows either."

    "Good evening," a voice suddenly spoke out from the fireplace.

    "Good evening, Dumbledore," three voices answered at once.

    "I see that you are all okay. I am here because of two things. One: some officials were complaining about your demand to pull out the Wolfsbane potion," the Headmaster addressed the Potions Master. Then his face turned to Harry’s godfather. "Two: it is about your legacy, Sirius."

    "You mean my house?"

    "Yes. What do you intend to do with it?"

    "I haven’t made up my mind yet. I guess that Fenix and Harry would influence my decisions a bit."

    "I see you all are growing fonder of her, except maybe for you Severus…but this will take a little bit of time to manifest."

    Sirius snickered while Remus gave an almost beatific smile, much to Snape’s astonishment.

    "Anyway, I would like to have another meeting there, with the full Order, and with Fenix with us, since she will play an important figure in ensuring our students’ safety. We’ll hold that meeting on the twenty-seventh. I will make the necessary preparations to ensure that the place is secure."

    "Is Kreacher still sticking around?"

    "Yes, he is. I wonder… Do you think your oathsister will be able to do something about your mother’s portrait? It will be rather nice to walk about the house in silence…"

    "I dunno…maybe she’ll be able to think about something…"

    "And of course, Severus. You will be tagging along too. Fenix is rather insistent about that. I will contact you again by Fawkes when the place is ready." Dumbledore’s face vanished from the fire.

    Snape frowned. Does she know? He massaged his still-burning arm distractedly.

    "Yes, she does know about you," Sirius said softly. "Don’t argue with her when she tries to change you," he cautioned. "She’s doing all of this for your own health."

    "Just a tiny bit of warning though," as Remus got up from his stool, his eyes reflecting the fire eerily and he addressed the Potions Master directly, "do not make life difficult for yourself here. Enjoy this little bit of respite while you still can. And keep yourself sound, mind you. Harry needs all the help he can get for the appointed day, whenever that will be."

**********

    It was gloomy and chilly in the morning the next day. Now that they were all going to be trapped indoors as it rained, Ginny was thinking very hard about something to do that she had forgotten Fenix’s warning. Nobody noticed that the Fire Master was already committed in creeping up behind her that it was already too late to warn the female Weasley.

    "Crap!" Ginny suddenly yelped when Fenix tapped her shoulder suddenly.

    "Don’t worry, Ginny. You still have about two weeks to go…or until you run out of Fireworks."

    Sirius was talking quietly with Mrs. Weasley over breakfast with Remus keeping a watchful eye on Harry ever since Snape had made the living room into an ephemeral office. Hermione was reading with the Potions Master’s book on her as she ate her breakfast. Harry shook his head at Hermione, so intent on the book, not even distracted by the commotion between Ginny and the Fire Master.

    Harry did not fell asleep straight away yesterday. He had lied in bed thinking about Professor Snape and wondered why the Headmaster trusted him. He carefully repeated what Fenix had said to Ron yesterday. I wonder how she knows about Snape. I know that Sirius had probably told her some stuff about him but why is it that she is so sure that Snape won’t turn his back against us, or Dumbledore?

    Harry looked about him as he sat down on the floor in the living room, wearing a baggy T-shirt and faded jeans and Crookshanks settled itself on Harry’s lap and began to doze. He did not mind a bit; the cat’s soft purring comforted him in a way. It feels as though I do have a family here. And Sirius, having him back makes me feel more real in a way, now he isn’t looking at me as if I’m my father. And Fenix… Harry examined the black-haired woman carefully, whom he at first, considered to be of a cold nature. Now, though, Harry found that he liked her a lot. Maybe it’s because she’s the first person I’ve ever met who doesn’t look at me like a super-hero of some kind, Harry thought in amusement and grinned, unaware that Snape was looking at him carefully.

    The wolves slowly sauntered in and both of them curled up against Fenix. Her eyes was fixed on the eyes belonging to the great silver wolf, and glanced sheepishly at Remus, whom had lifted his eyebrow in inquiry. The subtle romance that was going between the two of them seemed to be amusing everyone, including Harry and he chuckled to himself.

    "Harry? What’s funny?" Ron asked suspiciously.

    "It’s nothing," he assured his best friend but Ron remained unconvinced.

    Snape placed his book back on the floor and leaned comfortably in his chair, silently scrutinizing the activities that were going about him. He was a bit shocked when he had found out that Sirius and Remus were actually sleeping in the same room with Fenix, due to the excuse that they had to make way for Snape. However, he recollected what Dumbledore had said about Fenix and Snape suspected that Fenix was in fact Healing the werewolf to get rid of the toxic effects of the Wolf’s Bane.

Sirius came into the room and abruptly announced that they will be going to the Blacks, and instructed them to start packing, because the Headmaster would call on them to move out anytime, much to the youths’ chagrin.

    : Sirius, what’s going on? : Fenix lifted her face to look at her oathbrother in inquiry.

    : I don’t think I’ve told you that my house was used for the meetings of the secret organization, : Sirius pursed his lips thoughtfully, : I hadn’t right? : Fenix nodded her head in agreement.

    : I see. Are we having a meeting or something? : she asked and leaned against Sirius.

    : Yes. Dumbledore’s making sure that the place is safe for us to return there. We are having a meeting with the full Order. : Sirius squeezed her lightly, and kissed the top of her hair absently.

    : Hey, Remus’s supposed to be the one doing that, : Fenix protested lightly, giving Remus a sly look and the werewolf blinked his eyes innocently.

    : I think I have been cruel to him, : Sirius said abruptly, excluding Remus out of the conversation. : I’ve never considered myself to be in his shoes. I never did imagine what my life would be like if I was a Death Eater and then to stab the Dark Lord in the back. Takes a lot of guts to do that. Listen to me? I’m admiring a childhood enemy! :

    : Then stop looking at him as one, : Fenix suggested mildly. : But I’m glad you see at least a partial truth now. Voldemort’s hold on him is still strong, which is surprising. Until Snape proves himself worthy to Dumbledore’s cause, the taint of his past will stay with him. : She stretched, taking a custard puff in one hand.

    : Harry seems to understand what the Potion Master is going through. I think now he understands just how much Snape is placing his life in danger, in remaining a teacher in Hogwarts and constantly keeping an eye on Harry, : Sirius observed.

    "Damn, I nearly had forgotten!" Fenix exclaimed suddenly, sitting upright. Harry stopped his silent musings and finally realized that Snape was not even reading anymore, merely watching them in silence. That’s a good sign that he’s at least paying attention to us now, as what we are and not as students…

    Fenix was trying to remember something and they watched her with impatience. She snapped her fingers and began. "Sorry about this, I had intended to inform you people of the wizards…or more precisely…" Fenix glanced at Snape briefly, "Death Eaters, that the elves and I had eliminated. There were three of them," she paused when Harry raised his hand timidly.

    "How did you know they were Death Eaters?"

    "I’m a Hunter and an Empath. I thought I’ve told you before but for the Potions Master’s sake, I’ll repeat that being a Hunter allows me to look through one’s soul." Fenix gave a measuring look at Snape and continued her previous sentence. "As I was saying, the three Death Eaters that were eliminated that day was a Hudson, Dolohov--I think--and…I think it’s Lestrange."

    Harry’s eyes suddenly lit up in fierce anger as the word Lestrange came out of from her mouth. "The Lestrange was a male right?" Fenix nodded and suddenly went cold when Harry gave a satisfied and evil smile.

    "Harry!" Fenix called up sharply, startling everyone else. Fenix narrowed her eyes as Harry began to shake. Finally realizing that he was acting abnormally.

    "Fenix!" Harry gasped, staring at her in shock and panic. "Why am I thinking about all these things?" Then he continued in mindspeech. : Why do I feel as if I am enjoying it? : He almost could not put a thought coherently for her.

    Fenix tilted her head to one side, as she looked penetratingly at Harry. "It seems that you have a very strong bond with the Dark Lord; much like a bond twins have. I want you to empty your head of all thoughts and just think deeply into your soul, you will find the answer. Do it in the way I taught you to shield your mind." Her oathbrother was about to pose a question at her but snapped his mouth shut when she gave him a very fierce look.

    Crack!

    Professor Dumbledore Apparated in and smiled at the group. "Moody, Tonks and Kingsley will be escorting you all to The Place. You’ll be moving out on the twenty-second, so plenty of time to pack."

    "Oh! Finally!" a silvery voice piped up shrilly. Fenix shook her head in disbelief at Arenii.

    "I assume we’ll be going there by broomsticks?" she asked shrewdly.

    "Yes. Unless you want to build a Po--"

    Sirius quickly interrupted with a ‘No’.

    "Well then. Moody will come down tomorrow to get a few of the trunks across first so that you wouldn’t be overloaded when it’s time for you to move fast."

    "Sound thinking," Sirius approved. "I think Remus and I’ll help in getting them across."

    "But he is staying," Fenix asserted, staring intently at Snape.

    "And how will you ensure that?" Snape asked sneering slightly.

    "Most easiest way is to use my sword to knock you out senseless, of course. No point wasting magic when physical exercise can ensure the same thing. Are you listening, Harry? You have to make the best use of your resources, no matter how insignificant they may look."

    "I think it may be wise if you just follow her instructions, Severus, and save yourself from a pounding head. I’ll see you all at The Place," the Headmaster said to them, before he vanished.

    "Were you really serious or were you joking? About hitting Severus, I mean," Remus asked delicately.

    "Am I the type of woman who jokes around easily?"

    "No, you’re not," Remus conceded, edging away from her slowly.

    "That’s new," Ron observed shrewdly.

**********

Sunday night, 20^th August. The Burrow…

    : You guys. Be careful all right. : Fenix pulled Sirius and then Remus to an affectionate embrace. Nymphadora Tonks was looking at the three of them with bafflement. She whistled when Sirius presented his Firebolt.

    "Hey, Harry? Why can’t you lend me that?" Tonks called out in disappointment.

    The boy cocked his head to one side, not able to comprehend her question. "Lend what?"

    "That." Tonks gestured at the Firebolt that Sirius was carrying.

    "Ah…that isn’t mine…Sirius bought it…"

    "Just right after his successful hearing," Bill added helpfully.

    "I am so crushed." Tonks sighed.

    Snape was sitting in the living room calmly. He watched Fenix and Harry crowding at the entrance door.

    "I miss them already." Fenix sighed plaintively.

    "You’re not being fair, you know. At least they’re not going on a rescue mission, like you, whose life may be on balance," Harry pointed out and led her to the living room. He gracefully poured two mugs of hot chocolate.

    Lady-Night and Phoebus, God of the Sun, watch over them all. Fenix gave another sigh and looked up in surprise when Snape handed she and Harry some books.

    "Since you are waiting for their return, use your time fruitfully."

    Harry suppressed a sigh and with a heavy heart opened a Potions book. Fenix was already engrossed in hers and they spent their time reading--with Harry daydreaming more about Quidditch practices-- than the spidery writing of the Potions book.

    "What? Studying already?" Ron looked disappointedly at them.

    "Seriously, Ron. After five years in being a student, I thought you ought to have got the hang of studying." Hermione shook her head affectionately, her hair braided neatly by Fenix.

    "You should enjoy your student life more, Ron," Fenix agreed absently. "When I graduated from university, I was really apprehensive to take up the next step in life, meaning full-time work…"

    Ron echoed Harry’s silent sigh and the Potions Master handed him another book. The living room fell silent, and the atmosphere turned peaceful, as they engaged themselves with a bit of learning, the silence occasionally punctuated by the rustling of pages, mainly by Hermione and Fenix, and the Potions Master himself. For now, they had been entrusted in Snape’s care. By being together in the same room without Harry and Ron shooting hateful little glances at Snape, and the Potions Master was not breathing down their necks like a vindictive dragon, they set up a truce. Fenix gave an inward smile at what she Felt from the group.

    : That’s a relief, : she commented to her far-away oathbrother. : They’re all healing. :

    : Good news…now let me concentrate about where I’m flying so I can come home soon. :

    : The bed is already beckoning to me. : Remus’s mindvoice filled her mind with a distant aching.

    : Yes…come home soon. : Fenix returned her attention to read the book on the various herbs used in Potions.

**********

~ Chapter 14: Death and Redemption ~

It was calm inside The Burrow as Harry and the rest waited patiently for their escort after dinner. Having Snape about The Burrow was not a disaster, just as long they ignore most of his cutting remarks. Occasionally, Fenix’s temper did flare a little but she controlled her tongue and just gave the Potions Master a piercing stare whenever she was vexed with his behavior.

    The twins had already Apparated with Bill, with their various pets, including Harry’s owl, to the rendezvous point where Professor McGonagall and Tonks were keeping watch where they will head down to The Place with full protection. The next to move out will be those who possessed flying broomsticks--the students of Hogwarts, Remus, Sirius, Severus and Fenix and the last group to move out were Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, the Elemental Mages and the wolves. Since the Grangers’ did have a car, they had offered to drive to the rendezvous point and Mr. Weasley nodded in appreciation.

    All of them--those who will be out riding their brooms--were totally dressed in black from head to toe, accomplished with black coats. It would have been perfect if Hermione and the Weasleys have pure black hair just like the most of them. Harry was aware that Fenix was looking at him with a pensive look on her face.

    "What’s up?" Harry asked her curiously.

    "Your hair’s getting too long for that Armani hairstyle," Fenix explained.

    "I don’t think we have time to give him a hair-cut," Ron cautioned.

    "I wasn’t thinking about doing it now, Ron," Fenix replied patiently. "Sirius and Remus could do with one too, so I’ll do something about it when we are free." Then she rolled her eyes in exasperation when her hair came loose and the Salamanders began brushing her hair.

    "Don’t I look like a spoilt brat?" she complained, then sighed as the Salamanders pulled her hair back and braided her hair.

    "You don’t want hair whipping about your face, don’t you?" Krill pointed out loudly for all of them to hear.

    "Yes, I know that…but why can’t you let me braid my own hair?" the Fire Master protested.

    "What illusion are the wolves going to take?" Mrs. Granger asked Fenix as she waited impatiently in The Burrow.

    : A pair of extremely big and heavy large suitcases of course, : Silver replied.

    "Alastor’s back!" an excited giggle emerged from behind Mrs. Granger.

    "What’s so good about Moody?" Sirius addressed the silvery voice belonging to Arenii lightly, though he sounded injured to Harry.

    "Because he’s very unique…why else?"

    "I give up…" Sirius muttered to himself.

    Moody landed on the turf gracefully with two other members of the Order. Fenix calmly took her backpack and the Ice Dagger floated towards her. The four students greeted Moody happily and he gave a grandiose bow at Fenix.

    : Let’s go sister, : Sirius said as he mounted his Firebolt.

    : You four, : Fenix’s thought reached the wolves and the Mages, : keep both eyes open and set your Elementals on watch. :

    : Safe journey, Fenix. :

    : And to you. Phoebus watch over you. :

    : All clear is clear, though there are three more of the wizards a little northeast from here. I think they’re the rear guard or something of the sort, : Krill informed the Fire Master. Moody was flushing with embarrassment again as the invisible Arenii clung to him.

    "Moody, who are the three up above? Northeast?"

    "That’s Kingsley Shacklebolt and Fearn and Blade McNoel," Moody replied in his harsh voice. "You two," he barked at his two other companions, "this is Fenix Maxwell, and the newest member of the Order. Dumbledore’s order: if she says something, don’t ignore her, or you’ll get it from me." Then he introduced her to the two, who was looking at her warily.

    "This is Wenda Aderweed," Moody jerked his chin towards a beautiful witch with extremely short hair and very blue eyes, "and this is Conal Bryson," he gestured at the bald-headed wizard, with a face that looked like a hungry wolf, ready to ambush.

    "Fenix Maxwell." The Fire Master tilted her head slightly towards both of them.

    "She’s not a witch, right?" Conal said in a condescending tone. "Then how do you expect her to use a broom successfully?"

    The witch named Wenda blinked her eyes in disbelief, while Ron gaped stupidly at the wizard’s insulting tone. Remus stood rigidly, as the even-tempered wizard began to bristle. Hermione looked nervously at Sirius whose face was growing black by the seconds and the four Gryffindor students of Hogwarts steeled themselves for the riposte that was about to fall on the unsuspecting wizard.

    "What? Very well. Fenix, give me the broom. Then you can transform to the Phoenix. I’m sure you’re much more comfortable flying with real wings than riding that broom of yours anyway," the werewolf said flatly, his brown eyes turning black in the darkness. Fenix remained quiet. There was no way she could say anything without making the situation worse.

    "Mr. Bryson must be new to the Order," Snape remarked casually.

    "This is the wrong time to entangle yourselves in an argument," Moody grated, his magical eye giving a penetrating stare at the dumbfounded Conal. "Conal, ride up front with Fearn. Be assured the Maxwell knows well enough to fly that broom or Sirius wouldn’t have gotten it for her," Moody’s voice took on a dismissing tone.

    Moody went business-like then and shot out instructions to the present company. "Severus, Harry and the three of you," he looked at the Gryffindor students, "you five will ride in the center. Wenda, you’ll ride behind the five. Kingsley, Blade, Remus and myself will flank you and I assume that Sirius and Fenix want to take the rear. Clear?"

    Nods of assents went round. Fenix was looking at Moody with awe.

    : He should be a general. :

    : He is the commander of the escort, : Sirius pointed out. Conal and Wenda took to the air first, followed by the center and Moody and Remus following closely then separated to flank the group. Sirius and Fenix kicked off the ground at the same time, waving a quick goodbye to the last group.

    : It’s a good thing this time that we don’t have any luggage to slow us down, : Harry remarked in relief as he sighed in contentment, feeling the wind on his face.

    : Quite right. It’ll be such a strain to our brooms, : Remus agreed.

    "All right people!" Moody shouted against the wind. "Front, center and rear! Two-one-four-one-two! On formation!"

    : It’s a good thing I don’t have altophobia, : Fenix remarked happily, as she watched the village about The Burrow growing tinier and tinier as they gained altitude and closed their ranks.

    : What’s altophobia? : Harry’s mindvoice was puzzled as he heard the unfamiliar term.

    : Fear of heights. : Fenix grinned as they went into tight formation, and grimaced when her ears began to go numb. : Just as well, that some of us can communicate through mindspeech. I think I’m going deaf. :

    : How long do you think it will take us to get there? : Harry asked his godfather, with him and Ron flanking the two young girls while Snape rode ahead of them.

    "Let’s go faster! Sharp left!" a blond-haired Fearn McNoel ordered.

    : Aelwyn, : Fenix requested from her amber-haired Sylph, : would you take some of the other Sylphs and the Salamanders and scout around? :

    : During the time we went with your trunks, it took us about one and a half hours but at our current speed and the fact that we are unburdened and we’re all on superb racing brooms, : Remus said, as he looked carefully about him, and went on, : about half an hour…maybe slightly more. :

    : Where’s the meeting place? : Fenix asked.

    : It’s a bit west of The Place, on an isolated street, guarded by ice-cream vendors, : Sirius answered, then he leaned forward as Moody increased their pace.

    : Are the vendors real or are they transplanted ones? : Fenix asked with a smile, as she enjoyed her experience in riding a broom, facing the element of Air.

    : Exhilarating, isn’t it? : Sirius asked her slyly and gave a wide grinned, which she copied.

    : It is. :

    : Anyway, the ice-cream vendors earn a living in the Muggle world because there’s not much they could do in the wizarding world. They are called Squibs whose Magick talent is only so much. They will have the Aurors as their assistants tonight. :

    "Great lights up ahead!" Fearn called out again and Moody answered.

    "Make a ninety degrees turn to your left!"

    : We’ll be at the gathering place soon, : Remus informed them as he checked the familiar landscape.

    Fenix was looking about her curiously. Then she felt a strange sensation. She frowned as she felt her Elementals’ confusion.

    : Krill? :

    : Checking on it. :

    : Sirius, there’s something wrong, : Fenix warned her oathbrother and instinctively cast a shield that will hold the group against a magical attack.

    Aelwyn came back, flying towards the Fire Master at a great speed. : Lady, I think you will have a bit of a problem in going to The Place, from where you had Fetched the two-way mirror for Sirius. :

    : People, halt! : Fenix mindvoice penetrated the minds of the group.

    : What’s up? : Harry asked.

    He began to move toward his godfather but Wenda blocked him and merely said, "Keep your place. We’re supposed to protect you, not to hand you over in a silver dish."

    "Did you send your Elementals to scout?" Moody asked in interest.

    "Yes," Fenix nodded. "They said we might have a problem in getting to The Place."

    "What about the rendezvous point?" Kingsley asked.

    Aelwyn answered directly into their minds. : I believe the one who is able to turn into a cat and another one who could change her appearance at will and the two vendors with them, had deserted their posts and had quickly retreated to The Place. Bill and the twins suffered minor injuries in getting them all back to the haven. Fortunately, the Death Eaters seemed that they do not where that hiding place is. :

    "What are you saying?" Ron asked in panicky voice.

    : I think the Dark Lord’s minions are watching the gathering place, : Fenix responded and the wizards exchanged surprised and dumbfounded looks.

    "Any Muggles hurt?" Hermione asked in a soft voice but Aelwyn shook her head and the young girl sighed in relief.

    "So what do we do?" Ginny asked, looking about her nervously.

    "Hang on a moment," Fenix said absently and concentrated hard to reach Mr. Granger. : Can you hear me? :

    : Fenix? What’s wrong? :

    : Whatever you do, do not go to the rendezvous point. Death Eaters are watching the street. :

    : Bloody hell! :

    : Yes, I agree. Do you know of any place we can use safely before we could act? :

    : There’s only one place that I trust. That is the Grove of the Ancient Oaks. The elves would not allow any of the Death Eaters to their soil. :

    : Sirius, is there any kind of forest with a lot of oak trees about this area? We could seek the protection of the Fair Ones before we do something about the operatives. :

    Sirius nodded and exchanged his rear position to take the head. Fearn replaced Remus as the werewolf joined Fenix to guard they rear.

    : Damn! Make a run for it! We’ve been spotted! Severus, stay close to Harry! : Fenix yelled and out in the darkness, they saw several black dots racing towards them.

    : Quickly, Fire Master, : an urgent voice with the silky accent of an Elf spoke in her mind.

    "Crucio!" and jets of red light shot out but was reflected back harmlessly as it hit her shield.

    : Hurry! Moody, what in hell are you doing? : Fenix screamed at the ex-Auror, who was breaking away from the fleeing group, but somehow Kingsley and Severus managed to block him. : Bloody hell! Just go, the elves are ready to give their aid! :

    : Keep your wands in! No point in losing them now. It’s a bit dangerous in doing spell works especially if your opponent is behind you, : Remus said gravely.

    : I see the forest! : Sirius shouted and dived suddenly. The rest followed suit. Fenix saw the camouflaged Elven warriors with bows in their hands, arrows ready.

    : Dive straight for the trees! The elves will loose forth their arrows as soon as we’re in the protective cover of the oaks! : Fenix ordered. Sirius suddenly pulled his broom up; to avoid knocking the well camouflaged elves and they followed his height and rushed straight for the trees.

    All elves have superb eyesight and they were the natural masters to archery. As soon as Remus and Fenix were behind them, they loosed their arrows as one. Several screams of pain shattered the night. Ron had crashed into an oak to prevent Ginny from crashing headlong into it.

    : This is all we could do I’m afraid, Fire Master. : One handsome Elf approached Fenix, as she dismounted carefully from her broom, trying to get her legs working again. : We have received instructions that there is something which you, your oathbrother and the man with the Dark Mark have to do and we’re forbidden to give you anymore aid; only that we will protect the rest from harm. :

    : They’re still alive then? : Fenix asked, rubbing life into her numb fingers and shrugged her backpack off. The Elven Lord gave her a nod. They heard the soft rumblings of a car.

    : Ah…our allies have returned… : the Elven Lord looked distantly at the trees. : With the parents of the red-headed ones… :

    : Take them to the safety of the Grove, : Fenix agreed, and watched as their company vanished with elves. Only she, Sirius and Snape remained in the dark foliage of the forest.

    : Fenix? : Sirius asked her, taking his wand out of his cloak. Snape however was looking around him in fear that he tried to conceal.

    "Severus," Fenix called softly. "I won’t let them take you. I would not tolerate that, even if I die trying." Snape took his wand out, and the three stood back to back, looking out in the darkness warily. "There is something which each of us have to do, but do your task carefully. Oathsib, you must be careful. Don’t go berserk later on."

    "Snape…I know you’re there…" a familiar voice called out.

    : Is that Lucius Malfoy? : Fenix asked, her Hunter instincts roused. She unclasped the latch holding on to her cloak and placed it carefully down at the base of an oak tree.

    : Yes, : Sirius answered his oathsister. : Snape? I know you can hear me. Whatever you do, be careful about it. :

    Snape gave a tight nod; his shiny black eyes searched the forest floor carefully, then stilled as Lucius’s luminous eyes stared back at him. Sirius felt a familiar sensation and he almost growled when Wormtail came to view. Fenix felt the two men move towards their opponents.

    "Our Master wants you back, Severus…he is a little stubborn sometimes…" Lucius whispered menacingly. "I wonder why you are so special to him, being a traitor to our cause and all…" he drawled as he took out his wand, circling Snape.

    "It would have been better if you died when you fell through The Veil…" Wormtail whimpered and Fenix saw that he was only one-armed, the remaining arm that bore the Dark Mark of Voldemort. Fenix watched the four men as she built a shield to prevent accidents from occurring. She instinctively ducked and a jet of green light was absorbed into Fenix’s shield. When she looked up, she saw that it was the woman in her dreams.

    "How dare you bring Sirius back to life! How dare you revived him!" the witch lashed out in anger and moved her wand again.

    "He was never dead in the first place," Fenix said impassively.

    "And a filthy little dark Muggle dares try to speak back to me!" the witch hissed and suddenly lunged towards her, but Fenix sent her flying with a punch on the witch’s face.

    "I wonder who you are…bearing a close resemblance to Sirius…same nose…same cheeks…" Fenix’s sword materialized in her left arm and she held it away from the witch’s view.

    "I’m the cousin of that black sheep… Expelliarmus!" she shouted to disarm the sword from Fenix. She struggled up to a standing position and growled when the spell skewered to the Fire Master’s left. "What a joke! A Muggle with magical protections! Dumbledore will have his hands on too many things that he wouldn’t be able to protect you any longer! You will die!" The witch began to laugh madly.

    "I’m under Dumbledore’s protections?" Fenix taunted, circling the witch. Her two companions were in full duel mode. Wormtail was faltering in his attacks as Sirius knocked him flat repeatedly with a Blasting Curse. As if dueling with magic was not enough for her oathbrother, he aimed several strong punches and kicks at the maimed man. "How ridiculous." She raised her sword up to deflect the witch’s spell.

    "You! You’re the one who killed my husband!" Bellatrix Lestrange screamed and her eyes showed complete insanity.

    "Perhaps I did. Was he the one traveling with two other guys named Dolohov and Hudson? Oh…so you must be a Lestrange then," Fenix replied coolly, not taking her eyes of the witch.

    "Avada Kedavra!" A blinding jet of green light and a rushing sound cracked through the air. It hit Fenix squarely in her chest. Snape saw what was happening and rushed towards the fallen Fire Master but was blocked by the shield that she had erected. However, Lucius’s own Killing Curse was shooting towards the Potions Master and he evaded it successfully, and remembered Fenix’s words, ‘ No point wasting magic when physical exercise can ensure the same thing’. While Snape was rolling on the ground, his left hand managed to grab a sharp, strong stick and seeing his chance, he aimed it straight to Lucius’s right eye. Blood spurted out and the Death Eater began screaming madly in pain.

    Bellatrix was laughing insanely now, her hair coming loose from her braid but her laughter suddenly trailed off when Fenix rose to her feet, clearly unharmed by the spell.

    "I believe it’s my turn now," Fenix said menacingly, her silver eyes flickered with blue fire. She flung something invisible from her left hand at the witch.

    "Is that gesture going to do me harm?" Bellatrix mimicked a teenager’s voice and suddenly found herself flung powerfully against an oak. Several splinters of ribs could be heard.

    "Never ever throw yourself against an enemy you don’t have knowledge," Fenix said sententiously. "How sad, because unlike you, I don’t dawdle in administrations," Fenix said impassively and Snape watched her in wonder as she casually slit the throat of the fallen witch. "That’s for the Longbottoms," the Fire Master whispered.

    Lucius was clutching his right eye, trying to stop the bleeding. Snape strode casually to the wounded wizard, pried the man’s wand and fingered it thoughtfully. "What should I do with it?" Snape asked, almost to himself. Fenix dissolved the shield separating her and Snape with a wave of her sword.

    "I will burn it," Fenix said, not even pitying the wounded man, although she did not look at the man’s face directly. Snape place Lucius Malfoy’s wand on the ground and within an instant, it was enveloped in blue fire and melted down to ashes. Wormtail let out a shriek as Sirius abandoned the duel, finally getting tired and ended it by casually twisting the Death Eater’s neck. A sickening crack pierced the quiet wood. The lifeless body slid out of Sirius’s grasp and he rejoined his oathsister, staring at the kneeling man with anger.

    "Let’s just kill him," Sirius said. His voice was so thick with hatred.

    "No."

    Fenix jerked her head up and quickly knelt to one knee, head bowing down in submission. Snape and Sirius gazed at a peculiar luminous figure standing at the edge of the Grove.

    "He is a witness in a task you need to fulfill before I send the three back to their… Master."

    "But…shouldn’t you be--"

    "He is yours…Look carefully Lucius Malfoy, right-hand man of Voldemort."

    Fenix stood up and looked at Snape mysteriously. "Give me your left arm, and roll up your sleeve." Snape did as she instructed as Lucius watched the three helplessly, bound immobile by a mysterious force. Fenix laid her palm down on the Dark Mark and slowly let her soul cleanse the man who turned his back to Evil. The point of contact where Fenix’s palm touch Snape’s forearm began to glow brighter and Snape whimpered suddenly in pain. He let out an anguished scream. There was a sudden flare of incandescent light and Fenix collapsed on her knees.

    "Thus…it has begun." Mysteriously, Lucius Malfoy, and the bodies of Wormtail and Bellatrix Lestrange vanished with the enigmatic figure. Snape was shaking as he looked back at his forearm. His Dark Mark was gone. It was a replaced by silver tattoo of a Phoenix in flight.

    "An evidence of your redemption, Severus," Fenix whispered and smiled weakly. "Never can Voldemort break you again…as long as I exist…and I exist for a long, long time now."

**********

~ Chapter 15: Treacherous Kreacher ~

The elves came out of the Grove, with the mortals hurrying forward to their friends. Sirius helped Fenix up to her feet and she leaned against her oathbrother, still trembling slightly. The Elven Lord approached her, his face filled with wonder.

    "You’re a weird human being, Fire Master."

    "I never said I was normal," she replied sardonically.

    "Fenix, you’re great. No words…" Ginny said fiercely, with the two wolves standing beside her.

    "I really thought that you--" Hermione suddenly burst into tears, and Fenix walked slowly towards the sobbing girl.

    "Didna’ mean to make you worry…" she apologized.

    "It’s okay…it’s just that I was very frightened."

    "How’s Ron?" Fenix asked, looking around for the tall Weasley.

    "I’m okay, just winded and a bit of a cracked rib."

    Harry was slowly approaching Fenix; his usually solemn face was smiling. The Fire Master wondered what they had done to make the boy happy, because if he was smiling for the lives that had been taken, they would be in very deep trouble.

    "You did something so monumental," Harry breathed in awe. "You released Snape from the Dark Lord."

    Fenix gave a faint smile, hiding her relief. "I was able to do it because Severus… I mean, Snape was ready to be free. Now Moody, what are we going to do?" Fenix asked.

    "I thought you wanted to take over," Moody said blandly.

    "Quit trying to be funny."

     Crack!

    Professor Dumbledore was hurrying towards them, his aging face edged with worry.

    "Severus! Thank goodness you’re all right!" the Headmaster exclaimed with relief.

    "What do we do now, Dumbledore?" Moody asked in his harsh voice.

    "The Death Eaters have all cleared up a few minutes ago, it should be safe to go now," he informed the company.

    "Too risky. Sirius, I know you will hate me but I think it’s better if we Gate," Fenix said firmly before turning to Dumbledore. "The Place is safe right?"

    The Headmaster nodded. She looked around critically. "We’re going to do this fast in twos. Get ready," Fenix wore back her cloak and handed both her backpack and Ice Dagger to Harry.

    "Sirius and Harry will be the first pair, and I will be the last." Then she turned to her fellow Mages but both shook their heads.

    "We’re staying to keep an eye of things here," Mr. Granger said then quickly hugged his daughter. "And Ron, I’m counting on you to keep my jewel safe."

    "We have an active Gate, deeper in the woods. It will not strain your energies too much," the Elven Lord said helpfully.

    "Thank you," she replied with gratitude. They followed the Elven Lord as he led them and they came upon an ancient Archway. Several Elven Mages stood beside Fenix as they activated the Gate and opened it as she gave the Gate its destination. What appeared as a pitch-black void suddenly became a doorway, into the living room of the house of Black.

    "Albus, maybe you should go first," Fenix said.

    "Curious way of traveling," the Headmaster observed and walked through the Portal. When he reached the other side, he gave a thumbs-up signifying that the coast was clear. Sirius and his godson went next, then the wolves that loped and landed on the other side. The Elven Mages was sweating with effort now and the present company hurriedly crossed over the Portal.

    : Take care, : Fenix said to her fellow Mages as she crossed from the forest to the solid marble floor of Sirius’s house. With a salute that Fenix returned, the Elven lord and his mages shut the Gate down.

    "I knew I heard something upstairs," Fred argued.

    "Holy Smokes!" Bill exclaimed, sporting a bruised cheek and a nasty gash on his forearm, as the rest of the Weasley family entered the room.

    "Boys!" Mrs. Weasley rushed towards her three other sons and hugged them tightly.

    "Albus!" Professor McGonagall gasped, as she limped slightly into the room, pushing Mrs. Weasley gently aside to get through the Headmaster. "Thank goodness they’re all safe!"

    "I believe it’s all thanks to the Fire Master," Professor Dumbledore said and Moody nodded his agreement.

    "Sirius, Albus, we need your help in deciding what to do with Kreacher." Professor McGonagall ushered the Headmaster back downstairs.

    "What’s this about?" Sirius asked darkly as he descended the stairs. "Fenix, come on down. I might need your skills. Try to look menacing. I want to give my mother something to think about when she starts to scream again."

    "We think that he might have leaked information out, but we couldn’t say it for sure," Professor McGonagall stated grimly. Snape had regained his composure and was now trailing quietly behind the Fire Master.

    "Will Veritaserum work on the house-elf?" Snape inquired but Dumbledore shook his head.

    "The house-elves have their own ways of Magick. I wouldn’t count on Kreacher really gulping down on the potion now that the person who owns him is a little bit on the shady side," Sirius said thoughtfully.

    Five members of the Order were restraining Kreacher the house-elf in the living room and chaos erupted when Fenix stepped foot on the landing.

    "Preposterous! How dare you people taint this house with the presence of Muggles! MUGGLES! Filthy humans! Kreacher! Send the bitch out of my house! Such taint! Horrific! Filthy Mudbloods!" The shrieks continued for several more minutes until McGonagall shouted something and waved her wand. The portrait fell silent. Fenix raised an eyebrow at her oathbrother in amusement.

    "Moony!" Sirius called out; raising his voice so loudly that Fenix winced and rubbed her aching eardrums. McGonagall stared at Sirius in disgust when the portrait began shrieking again. Three people were struggling pull the velvet close but was having tremendous difficulty in doing so.

    "He survived!" the same shrieking voice demanded. Fenix heard someone said, "Yeah, he’s alive. Unlike you." a tall and well-muscled man gave up the fight, with a face of an angel. The portrait remained uncovered and the three walked away from the portrait in disgust, as the woman in the portrait continued to scream vulgarities at their backs. Fenix’s lips were almost trembling as she controlled not to laugh at the physique of the man before her.

    "Finally!" the wizard sighed in relief, "I thought we had to rescue you people from the trap outside. So goddamn relieved!" Then he looked down at Fenix, who was feeling a little dwarfed by the man’s height.

    "Dear lord, your beautiful eyes have caught my heart," he said in a deep voice. "I am Ash Creighton."

    "Don’t try to flirt with her, Creighton," Tonks appeared behind him and smiled at the new arrivals before shooting a sour look at him, "she’s Lupin’s."

    "Remus’s?" Ash looked shocked. "Lady," he looked down at Fenix, with a pleading look, "you must have been deceived."

    "I think not…" Fenix replied lightly. "Anyway, I don’t see why it should matter since I don’t go for tall boys."

    : You go girl, : Sirius said to her, his face remaining bland. McGonagall gave a thin smile but Tonks laughed at the insulted Creighton. Fenix then looked at the hall where the members of the Order were struggling with a house-elf.

    "Let me go!" the pitiful creature wailed. "Kreacher did as what master tells him!" The senile house-elf suddenly stared at Sirius who suddenly loomed above him. The house-elf convulsed in horror.

    "And who might the master be?" Sirius thundered menacingly. "Me?"

    : Don’t worry, Sirius. The house-elf will not be able to leave his spot and nor will he be able to use his magic against you, : Fenix’s thought reached her oathbrother.

    "It is strange, isn’t it?" Sirius contemplated as five the members retreated as the Black continued, "I thought I had kicked you out of the house. So how is it that you are still here? In my house?" The house-elf quailed.

    : Do you want me to interrogate him? : Fenix offered.

    : No, I want to do the interrogation myself. But do you know of any kind of ways that you would be able to force him to tell complete truths? :

    : Yes, I do, : Fenix answered haltingly.

    "I wonder, how is it that the Death Eaters knew that we would be coming back here," Sirius began and looked back at his mother’s portrait dangerously. "You will shut up old hag! Black sheep of yours, am I! I am so ashamed and galled that you have the absolute nerve to bring me into this family!" Sirius shouted angrily. The portrait suddenly turned silent.

    "So you will tell us now," Sirius gave a chilling smile at the house-elf. "Did you tell anyone not of the Order of the rendezvous point?"

    The house-elf was trembling now, and struggled. "Yes!" he screamed and then his eyes went wide in horror, almost in disbelief.

    "And who did you tell it to?" Dumbledore questioned, coming up to stand beside Sirius.

    "Narcissa!" Kreacher screamed in anguish. Sirius looked at Fenix. He asked her doubtfully, "Is he really telling the truth?"

    "Oathsib, don’t be insulting," Fenix replied acidly as she kept her eyes on the treacherous house-elf. "And when did you go to her?"

    The house-elf screamed in pain, his face contorted in anguish. Fenix stared coldly at the house-elf.

    "I would answer quickly if I were you," Sirius peered down at Kreacher. "My sister’s a dangerous sort of person if you were to vex her."

    "Sister?!"

    "I’ll introduce her soon enough…Mother," Sirius spat the last word out in disdain.

    "It was…aaah! It was…when you had gone back after…Aaaaah! Delivering the trunks here! Please master; release me from your spell! Such pain!" the house-elf screamed in pain.

    "Dumbledore?" Sirius looked grimly at the Headmaster.

    "He is a danger to us now…" the Headmaster said thoughtfully. "We couldn’t afford to release Kreacher. He knows too much that if he were to fall on their hands, the lives that we swore to protect will be endangered."

    Hermione gave a small gasp, as she stared in horror then jumped when Sirius’s mother yelled ‘Filthy Mudbloods!’

    "Lady," Krill’s deep voice boomed and those who did not know the Salamander stared wildly around them. "That painting is absolutely foul. You must do something to do it soon--"

    Aelwyn quickly interrupted, "Before we do something drastic to it ourselves."

    "What makes you so sure she won’t be doing something horrible to it, herself?" Sirius asked mischievously.

    "It’s all about prudence, Sirius," Krill replied piously.

    "Winky!" Hermione yelped. A young female house-elf appeared in the hall with four others. "Dobby!"

    The house-elf named Dobby gave Hermione a little bow. Winky however, was staring at Kreacher with eyes so intense with hatred.

    "Feqzu." the Headmaster inclined his head towards the oldest of the house-elves that had served the school for several centuries.

    "Master Dumbledore," Feqzu answered, bowing politely then gave a penetrating glance at the Fire Master. He suddenly smiled and Fenix returned it.

    "Abomination…" Winky hissed. "You’re even worse than Dobby... You mix with very, very bad evil men. You put innocent children in danger. You are supposed to look after Mr. Sirius Black…but you sold yourself to evil by twisting his words to fit your purpose…disgusting…"

    Kreacher was terrified when Sirius had begun interrogating him. Now his terror had increased a hundred-fold when the group of house-elves had appeared. Feqzu tottered towards the Headmaster and politely inquired to let them take Kreacher.

    "No…" Kreacher whispered his eyes wide with fear and terror.

    "Lady," Feqzu turned his large eyes to Fenix. "Do not release the coercion on him." Fenix nodded. Winky stayed away as far as she could from Kreacher, huddling very closely to Dobby. The other two silent house-elves marched and hauled the cowering Kreacher.

    "Stop! What are you doing to Kreacher! He’s mine…let him go!"

    "He had belonged to the last master of the Blacks," Feqzu said calmly, as he gave a sidelong look at Sirius, who was just studying the situation with good humor. "I’m sure that Mr. Black will allow us to take care of this problem."

    "Of course! Take him!" Sirius said jovially. The house-elves disappeared, and Sirius let out a sigh. "Good riddance…"

    "You have not gotten rid of me!" Sirius’s mother yelled. The painting’s face contorted in anger.

    "How on earth do you guys work with her constantly shrieking like a banshee?" Fenix demanded the members of the Order.

    "We had often wondered," Ash admitted. "I wish someone could do something more permanent!"

    "Banshee! How dare you insult me, insolent bitch!"

     Fenix ignored the witch’s remark. "Seriously," she said as she shook her head. "I’m surprised the glass still existing in the house hasn’t shattered."

    "Unbelievable, isn’t it?" Tonks sneered.

    "Truly." Ash nodded his head vigorously.

    "Well, oathbrother, why don’t you introduce me to her?" Fenix suggested.

    "Hang on a moment…" Sirius pulled the string that held her hair and the Salamanders automatically smoothed her hair down. Harry and Ron were looking at them with amusement, trying to muffle their laughter. "I am counting on you for the sake of the peace of the headquarters."

    Sirius then walked casually up to his mother’s portrait, screening Fenix with his body. "Listen old hag, this is my oathsister, Fenix Maxwell…" Sirius stepped aside and his mother got a clear look at Fenix, her nose, the silver eyes and the aura of power in Fenix.

    "Impossible…"

    Fenix was peering at the portrait. "I don’t know if I should ask you this but why didn’t you just take the portrait down?"

    : We tried but Sirius said that the portrait has a permanent sticking charm on it, : Harry spoke up.

    "I see. So you have her and the others sticking so tightly on the wall," Fenix muttered.

    "Elderina…"

    "How curious." Fenix moved and examined the pictures one by one finally stopping on one portrait of a young wizard who bore the same eye structures as Fenix, although his eyes were deep gray.

    "You’re still alive…" the portrait whispered.

    : Sirius, do you mind if the wall’s blackened a bit? : Fenix requested.

    : No…what are you planning? :

    : I’m sending the Sylphs and the Salamanders behind every portrait and melt the charm down, : Fenix informed him and then called out loudly for a super large garbage back. "Unless you have other plans for them other than discarding them?" Fenix asked.

    "I’m sticking to my original plan, which is to get rid of them all…"

    "Good…Aelwyn, I want some of you to stand each of the portraits and catch them when they fall and be careful not to place any part of you on the portraits’ backs." She stood back, the rest all gathered behind her, and the witches and wizards stared curiously at the wall of portraits. Mrs. Weasley came out from the kitchen holding several large black bags.

    "Look!" Ron pointed out at one of the portraits. "It’s coming down!" the portrait fell to the hands of a Sylph and Mrs. Weasley opened the rubbish bag as the portrait was guided into the trash bag.

    "Fenix, I’m proud of you," Sirius stated, beaming at the wall.

    "Of course you ought to be. I’m the very first black sheep of the Blacks after all," she replied scathingly. Ginny tittered in the background.

    "No!!!" Sirius’s mother wailed helplessly and it grew muffled when Mrs. Weasley firmly tied the bag off, and muttered ‘Silencio’ and gave her wand a wave.

    "Fletcher!" Mrs. Weasley called out.

    "What is it, Molly?" a man lazily poked his head from the kitchen door.

    "Dispose this…" she pointed at five trash bags. Mundungus Fletcher frowned at the bags then his eyes instinctively looked at the walls.

    "Merlin’s beard! You got them down! Peace at last!" Fletcher hurried forward then gave the thrash bags a few more ‘Silencio’. He Disapparated out of the house with all the bags and Sirius looked at the empty wall happily.

    "Well, it’s done!" Sirius said cheerfully, making him looked boyish.

    : Sirius, I think I need to lie down for a bit. : Fenix bit her lip as she felt herself going dizzy. The smile vanished from her oathbrother’s face and deftly caught her when she blacked out.

    "Oh dear! Sirius, is she all right?" Mrs. Weasley asked in alarm.

    "She is…is there any hospitable room for her to rest?" Sirius asked around. The twins nodded and Sirius scooped the unconscious Fire Master and slowly walked up the stairs. Sirius carefully laid Fenix down the bed and unlatched the clasp of her cloak and Fred carefully removed the cloak and hung it on the back of a chair. Meanwhile, George quickly and gently took her boots off. Ginny came into the room with a light blanket and covered the Fire Master with it.

    : Don’t worry, Sirius, : Wind replied as she sauntered towards the bed and jumped and curled herself against Fenix. : I think she’s just strained by her task at the Grove just now. She’ll be fine after she gets some sleep. :

    "She’ll be all right…what happened to your eyes?" Sirius peered at the twins.

    "Those idiots flung off a carton of cucumbers. Those projectiles really hit us hard. I feel several more bruises on my back," Fred answered as the twins and Sirius left the bedroom to go back down to the hall.

    "So…" Sirius addressed Ash, "is the rest of the house safe or do we have to do more spring cleaning?"

    "All’s clear, nothing more dangerous than a couple of Doxies and two Boggarts. And there’s a fairly large room for your use," Ash said pointedly at Remus who just snorted. The latter was busily hooking up all their brooms on a broom stand.

    "Harry? Ron?" Fred called out, "come with us, we’ll show you your sleeping quarters." Then to Sirius, "Same sleeping arrangements?"

    "Yeah," Sirius said, then headed down to the kitchen and sat down on a stool, conjuring up a mug of Butterbeer then gulped it down instantly. He filled it again with a flick of his wand.

    "You okay, Padfoot?" Remus joined him. Sirius nodded with a reply. "Thank you. I couldn’t have designed a better death."

    "You mean, Wormtail?" Sirius asked softly. : Bloody hell, Moony. How could he have done what he did? He was such a timid fellow. Why did he turn his back on us? How could he…do that to James and Lily? : Sirius continued, his mindvoice was black with grief. : I didn’t like what I did, Moony. : Sirius looked to his friend, his eyes dark and haunted.

    : It’s been done, : Remus said tiredly and got himself a cup of water.

    "Sirius?" Harry poked his head tentatively into the kitchen. "All of us are going to bed. Seems like everyone’s kind of bowled over after the chase."

    Sirius got up to wash his mug and placed it on the rack. "Yeah. I think I ought too. Who’s keeping watch?"

    "Bill and Ash," Remus answered, following Sirius back to the bedroom.

    "We’ll be in the next room," Harry said. "We’ll see you in the morning." The boy was rubbing his head tiredly.

    : What’s wrong? : Sirius asked his godson.

    : It’s just… : Harry peeked in the room where the wolves were keeping a watchful eye on the sleeping Fire Master. : She’s awfully cold-blooded back there. You wouldn’t really expect that kind of impassivity from her. :

    : I didn’t hear you say that about me. I did kill Wormtail after all, : Sirius pointed out, then Harry frowned.

    : It’s that battle of the sexes kind of thing I guess. Dunno where I got that idea, : Harry said sheepishly. : But I’ve never seen people killed that way before. It seemed pretty calculated. :

    : Well, she’s got weapons…that girl does, : Remus agreed.

    The Headquarters became silent as they closed their bedroom doors for the night. Only the mutterings of Ash and Tonks filled the kitchen and Bill joined them for a midnight snack.

    "I wonder if it’ll be safe for us when it’s time for the kids to head down to the train station," Ash muttered softly.

    "Wait till tomorrow," Bill said as he pulled the chair and sat on it backwards. "I know Fenix is already worried about that already. I’m sure she’ll be able to suggest some things."

    "She’s a weird Muggle…" Ash was saying but Tonks were shaking her head at him.

    "I won’t throw that word around her lightly. She has some Magick talents we do not recognize so that doesn’t put her into the category of non-magical folk, you know," she informed him, as she drank down a glass of pumpkin juice.

    "I agree," Bill nodded. "I just hope that we won’t be having a siege when it’s time for us to go. When’s the meeting again?"

    "It’s on the twenty-seventh. I wondered what happened to Snape," Tonks contemplated. "He was looking very strange ever since he came. And he gave Fenix several peculiar glances."

    "Talking about Fenix. Is she really ‘going out’ with Remus?" Ash asked Bill and gave a disappointed sigh when Bill quirked his lips into a smile.

    "What a shame." Ash gave an oblique look at Tonks. "Seems like I have to stick around you a little bit longer than I expected, Nymphadora."

    "Stop calling me that!" Tonks gave a clumsy punch at his biceps. Bill shook his head and went out of the kitchen to check on the locks on the door. It’ll be a short night…good thing I’m on the afternoon shift tomorrow at Gringotts.

**********

~ Chapter 16: Silent Musings ~
  Thursday, 24^th August. The Headquarters of the Order…

Fenix was in the kitchen, helping Mrs. Weasley prepare some lunch for all of them. Remus was upstairs meditating with the wolves to prepare himself for his transformation later that night. Sirius was busying himself with the four Gryffindor students on Transfiguration work and was constantly bombarding Hermione questions every time he was dubious on the theory concepts of the book that McGonagall had given him. Snape was in the kitchen, sipping on some warm chocolate as he kept on reading the Daily Prophet. He gave a small grunt as he read a subtitle, ‘Consumers of Wolfsbane potion sets product on fire on a protest’.

    "Severus, protect your eyes," Fenix warned the Potions Master absently as she began to chop some garlic.

    : Hello, what’s for lunch? : Remus’s thought reached her mind. Fenix gave a small smile and gave the chopped garlic to Mrs. Weasley. The timer of the oven went off and Fenix quickly put on her kitchen gloves and got out freshly baked gingersnaps.

    : Its spaghetti, some garlic bread, chocolate treacle and custard puffs, : Fenix replied as she placed the cookies on a cooling rack. : How’s the training going? :

    : I think I’ve got the idea firmly in grasp. :  Remus sighed, and continued. : Doing things with your mind’s a lot of hard work, isn’t it? :

    : Yeah, it’s tough all right. Takes a lot of discipline, :  Fenix agreed, and popped one cookie into her mouth.

    : Well, I’m going to take a look at what’s your oathbrother’s doing. Call us when lunch’s ready! I’m hungry! Does this happen all the time? :

    : What? Oh…You mean you’re hungry every time you do mind magic? Yes, it does, : Fenix said helpfully.

    : I sort of expected it…well…see you down later…lover… : Remus whispered slyly before releasing the link. Snape looked curiously at her, when she blushed, her eyes gleaming in confusion.

    : I am so proud of you, Moony! :

    : Sirius! : Fenix protested as she stared at the direction of the study room where her oathbrother was keeping an eye on his godson and his friends.

    "Idiotic wizard," Fenix muttered darkly under her breath. Snape cleared his throat loudly as he looked archly at her. "I did not mean you, Severus…" Fenix still blushed as she put in a new batch of cookies into the oven. Fenix winced as some wizard or maybe witch, flung a spell at the shield that she had built last night to prevent any more intrusions. She narrowed her eyes and stared distantly into space.

    "Fenix?" Molly asked her in concern.

    "What on earth is Moody doing? I did not create that shield for fun!" Fenix said, her voice sounding irritated. They heard the front door opened and closed and the numerous magical bolts and locks clicked back into place. Moody stepped into the kitchen and instantly backed out and disappeared upstairs when he found Fenix staring at the kitchen doorway murderously.

    "Pusillanimous…" Fenix muttered under her breath.

    "You wouldn’t believed what Ron said to Alastor," Mrs. Weasley said casually.

    "What?" Fenix asked curiously, as she put a big fistful of spaghetti into the pot while Mrs. Weasley chilled a big pot of water.

    "Ron said that you are very skilled at verbally flaying someone…than his own mother…" Mrs. Weasley said, making a face. Fenix chuckled lightly as Snape poured himself another cup of chocolate.

    "I remembered Fred told me that you’re a saber-tooth tiger when you’re angry. So what did they tagged me with?"

    "What else but a wolf… although Ron did suggest a boar…because of your stubborn nature…" Mrs. Weasley said timidly. Fenix laughed, stirred the spaghetti for a few seconds, then quickly drained it and submerged it in the pot of cold water.

    "Well, lunch’s ready…go ahead and call them."

    : Guys! Come down and have some lunch! : Fenix called out, reaching Sirius, Remus and Harry.

    Fenix could hear Harry’s laughter from the staircase and was joined by Sirius’s generous laugh.

    "Hello, Fenix!"

    "Hi there…" Fenix ushered Harry to a seat beside Snape’s right as Mrs. Weasley scooped him and the Potions Master a generous helping of spaghetti.

    "Anything new?"

    "No, except for Moody who kept flinging leftover cucumbers when no one’s looking. He thinks its funny." Fenix counted heads and came up short.

    "Moody! Get in here!" Fenix stormed out of the kitchen and raised up her voice. "I know you’re still up there with the wolves! You don’t really want me to call you ‘pusillanimous’ again, don’t you?" She reentered the kitchen with a sly twinkle in her eyes and sat herself in between her oathbrother and Remus.

    "Moody better get down here quickly…" Ron was eyeing the food in gratitude. "I’m so hungry I think I can eat at least five times today."

    The ex-Auror stomped down the staircase slowly, and entered the kitchen and sat on an empty chair next to Snape.

    "What does pusillanimous mean?" Moody asked gruffly.

    "Lily-livered, coward, dastardly, faint-hearted," Fenix rattled off.

    They were halfway through their lunch when Fenix suddenly dropped her fork, her right hand clutching her temple. Moody was just about ready to head back again, knowing that the Death Eaters were trying to break the shield but Snape detained him. Everyone stopped eating, and waited patiently for Fenix to speak.

    "Good, the shield’s unassailable. Huh, one of them tried to Apparate in…" Fenix said and blinked her eyes several times and shook her head a little.

    "What happened to him…or her?" Harry asked, as he picked up his fork to resume eating his lunch.

    "It’s a he… found himself falling right into the middle of a lake," Fenix said.

    "Won’t people see them though, if they’re constantly flinging spells on the shield?" Hermione asked in a worried tone. Fenix shrugged helplessly.

    "I don’t think I want to tamper with human minds."

    "We’ll take care of it," Aelwyn voiced out.

    Fenix ate the rest of her lunch in a distracted manner as she watched Aelwyn and the Elementals with her Sight. Her eyes widened when a loud resounding crack pierced the air.

    "I did not believe you did that!" Fenix gasped in horror.

    "These people are starting to really irritate us." Krill defended for his kind.

    "I know they are irritating and certainly no quitters…but do you have to make them…dance?"

    "Dance?" Harry repeated.

    "The ground is crackling with mini-lightning," Fenix explained quickly. "Three of them are unconscious now." Her eyes grew distant and she nodded with satisfaction. "They’re retreating. But I can’t help thinking that we would be followed once we need to get to King’s Cross," she sighed, then her face suddenly turned grim. "And they had better not to try anything under my nose or right in front of the normal people…or I’ll just make everything easier for myself and blow the whole planet up…"

    She got up and took her empty plate to wash, then poured herself a glass of cold water. "I’m going to take a bath." She finished her glass and washed it before she headed out of the kitchen.

    Every one of them remained silent, as they thought about her threat carefully in their minds. Harry popped a gingersnap in his mouth and he found that Fenix was an excellent baker and took another one enthusiastically. I wonder if she was serious about that…is this another one of her alternatives? Nah…I don’t think she’ll do something that drastic. But maybe if the war had gone too far, then could I see the possibilities. This is really funny…the first time I was here, I couldn’t wait to shout my heart out…I think that’s it…I’ve gotten numb. Who wouldn’t be? Snape’s being far more tolerable these days but I won’t be surprised if he goes back to his usual self once school starts. It would be interesting to see how he will treat Malfoy in school this year. I wonder if he knew what happened to his father…I wonder if Mr. Malfoy is still alive…and it’ll be absolutely great to have Sirius in Hogwarts.

    Harry looked at his godfather and gave the man a smile. : So you’ll be keeping an eye on the juniors? :

    : Yup. But we’ll join you for meals. I have the feeling that Fenix will not feel comfortable sitting up at the teachers’ table. So am I, actually… : Sirius blinked his eyes at his own accurate assessment.

    : It’s going to be an interesting year…I hope Fenix and Professor Lupin would stay on Hogwarts…and maybe…do you think that after all of this, they’ll get married? :

    "Are you two gossiping about me?" Remus asked both of them suspiciously.

    "Whatever for?" Sirius asked mockingly. His best friend looked unconvinced but stayed silent while Sirius answered Harry’s question immediately.

    : It’s a little too soon, I think. Aldren--I’ve told you about him, he’s an elf--says that it is more likely for the two to go on courtship for at least a few years more before they settle down, : he said confidently.

    Harry turned his attention inward and mused. I wonder how much Voldemort had influenced me…and I am glad for myself that I don’t like the idea of using people to gain power. I’m glad that I finally realized that my elation of Rudolphus Lestrange was purely about revenge. His wife did nearly cost Sirius his life. No matter. At least, I’m happy to what happened to Snape. This time, we can fully trust Snape without thinking of his previous attachments because that is the past. Hopefully, Snape doesn’t blow his second chance away to nothing.

**********

    Fenix was sitting quietly in the bedroom, combing her hair dreamily. There were no windows about the house and she felt strangely cloistered in Sirius’s house. There was no disturbance outside and she took a deep breath. Crookshanks nudged the bedroom door open and sniffed for the wolves. When it found they were not present for the moment, it trotted towards Fenix and jumped up on her lap, butting its head against her chest, yearning for a scratch.

    Fenix chuckled at the cat’s eagerness, placed her comb down, and indulged the cat’s insistence, scratching its ears and neck. You’re a lovely cat…I hope I don’t get myself into trouble when I start out as Remus’s assistant. Frankly, I don’t know if it was wise of the Headmaster to put us together. I mean…we’re supposed to be colleagues…But…Fenix sighed. Forget it…just learn to adapt. Her thoughts then turned to the Potions Master.

    I’m glad that I held some reservations for him…and not made a quick judgment. He’s a likable enough fellow…once you get used to his sharp comments. Fenix smiled to herself. The experience of redeeming Snape was a wonderful experience for her, as she got to Heal the man’s soul. I wonder what their Ministry of Health is planning…although there’s not a lot werewolves…but the population is large enough that they can’t just ignore them. Maybe I should pester Severus…until he gets mad enough to give me lessons. Fenix grinned to herself.

***********

    Sirius was lazing in the sitting room where he watched Harry and Ron bent over a chessboard. I feel like I had shut myself in a prison…but this time I get to go to Hogwarts. Living in The Burrow had opened my eyes for a bit. I could still pop my head out a window, looked at the sky, and smell the trees…here…there’s nothing…if I don’t go out soon…I think I might start screaming.

    "What are you thinking about?" Remus asked as he casually flopped down on another armchair.

    "When things are much safer…I wonder if Harry would like to live with Fenix," Sirius said seriously and Remus stared in surprise.

    "You had observed us when we are apart," Sirius said, trying to explain the bond that they had taken voluntarily.

    "This bond…" Ginny said as she sat at Sirius’s feet. "Seeing you and Fenix together somehow made me feel about Fred and George. Maybe the bond between the two of you is more like a twins’ bond than normal siblings kind of stuff."

    "Come to think of it…" Hermione said thoughtfully. "I think Ginny’s right. Well, Professor Lupin…I think having Sirius as your brother-in-law won’t matter that much since you’re friends anyway," she responded impudently.

    Sirius snorted with laughter then turned his thoughts inward. It is funny how I had become so close to Fenix in a matter of weeks…yet I do feel as if she had been around me for years. He looked at Remus thoughtfully then impulsively said, : Why are you sitting there looking bored? Fenix is alone so why don’t you go and spend some quality time together? :

    : I am glad to hear you say that. : Remus stood up and briskly went out to the bedroom.

    He still has a long more way to go…Sirius contemplated and began to tease Hermione.

**********

    Remus knocked on the bedroom door tentatively even when he saw it was opened. He pushed the door back to see the Fire Master cuddling Hermione’s cat, which was purring so loudly in the silent room.

    : May I come in? : Remus asked politely. Fenix gave a sweet smile and nodded her head. Remus slipped in and shut the door before going the bed to cuddle her.

    : Is this your idea or did Sirius give you instructions? :

    : Can’t you put a little more faith in me? : Remus asked, his mindvoice sounding a little hurt. Fenix chuckled and turned her head to her side to invite a kiss from the werewolf, who delightedly gave it. Remus held her against him, as he smelled her hair that emanated a citrus-like scent. He contemplated on several things as he held Fenix dreamily, giving her neck a kiss occasionally.

    Sirius is much more serious now…he has changed ever since he bonded to Fenix. He has a clearer view on things now and I’m glad that he has decided to see Severus in a different light. But I’m worried about Harry…is he truly okay or is he hiding secrets again?

    : Fenix? Will you keep a careful eye on Harry? :

    : What’s gotten you worried? : Fenix turned her head to look at his brown eyes that smiled gently.

    : He seems kind of fickle…the way he calmly looks at things now is giving me the collywobbles, : he explained, squeezing her lightly and winced when Crookshanks gnawed on his knuckles playfully.

    : It’s just a transition state…he’s maturing a lot faster than average…because of his experiences. He is learning to be cautious and to keep a tight control on his curiosity. He is afraid for the others you see…and he doesn’t want to repeat the same mistakes he had done previously. :

    : So he is all right? : He questioned and sighed when she nodded her head. : You know, I could never imagine Severus living with us…he has the personality to make everyone stay away from him. But he’s just as a normal as the rest of us, right? :

    : He is, and insinuating him into our kind of family life is a positive experience...and for Harry too. Maybe if Severus becomes hard for him again when term starts…at least the knowledge that Severus can be tolerable during the holidays will soothe his anger a little bit, : she said, her mindvoice dancing a bit with cheerfulness.

    : But what about Severus? There are a lot of things that had happened to Severus and Harry does look like his father. Can Severus forgive him a little…enough so that we all can work together? Harry told me of a memory of Severus that he had looked in a Pensieve and Harry was absolutely horrified at our actions…especially with his own father. :

    : This I could not say. It’s all up to Severus if he wants to let the past entangle with the future. He is a witty man…he knows better than to turn Harry away if the boy really needs his help, : Fenix answered.

    I hope you’re right, lover…maybe…maybe Severus will be able to let go of his enmity towards Harry…I hope time will help heal his wounds…

**********

    "Dobby!" Harry exclaimed in surprise as the house-elf appeared with a tray of apple pies and freshly baked muffins. Snape looked up from the chessboard as his knight swung his sword to get rid of Ron’s.

    "Good afternoon, Mr. Harry Potter!" Dobby greeted cheerfully. "Master Dumbledore bid Dobby to give this to the household."

    "Hello, Dobby," Hermione said. "How’s Winky?"

    "Little Winky’s up and working about!" Dobby answered happily. "Tis’ all Winky’s excellent baking!" the house-elf held up the tray of goodies and set it on a spare table.

    "What happened to Kreacher?" Sirius asked lazily as he flipped on the pages of the Daily Prophet.

    "Mister Feqzu’s taken care of old Kreacher…" Dobby replied shortly.

    "How do you mean?" Hermione asked anxiously.

    "Kreacher’s done something very…very…horrible Miss Granger. House-elves are not supposed to use master’s words to fit house-elves own desire. Kreacher’s mad and old…Feqzu’s and other great and ancient house-elves has terminated Kreacher’s service to any wizard family. Kreacher no longer hold talents of house-elves. Kreacher has no more magic to be useful," Dobby said in a stern voice.

    "Is that a befitting punishment?" Sirius asked Dobby grimly.

    "Most severe punishment that is, Mr. Black." Dobby turned a pair of sad eyes to Hermione. "Miss Granger isn’t disappointed with Dobby?"

    "No, Dobby. I’ve understood the peculiarities of house-elf fealties and their duties. But if you want more costumes, I can make them for you," Hermione answered with a smile. Dobby gave her a grateful smile before disappearing.

**********

    Both Remus and Fenix had bolted down a quick dinner as the sun began to set. She ushered Remus off from the kitchen as she washed the dishes and quickly changed into her wolf form. She quickly trotted up to the second floor landing and went to wait for Remus at the sitting room and found herself face to face with Snape’s wand.

    : Great Aquilla! Severus, it’s just me! : Fenix jumped back away from Snape. The Potions Master frowned as he studied the stranger wolf.

    "Fenix?" he asked uncertainly.

    : Yes, Severus. Guys, : Fenix sent her thought clearly to those present in the sitting room, : clear out and go down to dinner. And this room will be out of bounds until tomorrow morning. Is that understood? :

    Hermione was scowling at herself. She snapped her fingers as she exclaimed, "Full moon!"

    : Go on now. : Sirius ushered them all out and gave Fenix a wink as Remus shuffled into the room, wearing his shabbiest of clothes. : See you in the morning! : Sirius said as he bolted the door from the outside.

**********

After dinner…

    All of them paused at the sitting room and looked uncertainly at door as they heard rumbles and growls. Ron, who was closest to the door jumped back from the door in surprise when a loud yelp pierced the silence. Sirius however was calm as he sent his thought out to his oathsister.

    : Fenix, are you all right? How is Remus? Is the technique working out okay? : Sirius asked in concern.

    : Yeah, he retained his mind. And that was Remus just now. Ginny left one of the twins Fireworks behind the armchair that you had been sitting. Caught him by surprise as he was chasing me, :  Fenix said lightly, her mindvoice thick with amusement.

    : And why on earth was he chasing you? : Sirius asked dangerously.

    : None of your business, : Remus replied sharply.

    : Moony, don’t you dare do anything to her or I’ll beat you into mush in the morning, : Sirius said determinedly. Fenix laughed at Sirius’s threat and nipped Remus playfully on his ear.

    : Don’t get yourself vexed, brother-mine. I can take care of myself… now go entertain the kids and Severus, : Fenix said jovially and settled down next to Remus.

**********

    Hermione was trying to teach Ron a new board game ‘Reversi’.

    She sighed in exasperation. "Ron, you’re not getting it! You can’t change my beads unless you have your own bead at the end of it."

    "Why didn’t you say it sooner?" Ron said, as he scratched his head and frowned.

    "I think I know how this game is played," Harry said shyly. "This was quite a few years back when Aunt Petunia was bored and she was playing with Uncle Vernon."

    "Well, come here and play with me then!"

    Harry pushed Crookshanks gently from his lap and the cat went over to the Potions Master, surprising Snape completely. Hermione quickly divided the beads between the two of them.

    "Black or white?"

    "I’ll take white," Harry replied as he sat down comfortably on the cushion as the twins watched the pair with interest.

    "Black will go first," Hermione said, and the game commenced.

    Snape could not pay attention to his book now Crookshanks had planted itself solidly to his lap and gave up trying to read his book. He watched Harry and suppressed the irrational anger he felt. Just watch them play…He took a deep breath and unconsciously massaged his left forearm. Strange, I could feel the engravings of the Phoenix no matter how many clothes I wear. Snape trailed his finger over the mark in wonder. He watched Hermione nodding her approval as Harry played the Muggle game with ease.

    "See, Ron. Do you understand now?" Hermione said as she turned a full column of white beads to black.

    "I think I’ve gotten the hang of it. It isn’t that hard actually," the Weasley agreed.

    Snape half-smiled as Harry groaned when he made a mistake that allowed Hermione to turn Harry's beads in three directions. Ginny laughed uproariously at the fuming Harry, who was uttering curses under his breath. Snape watched Harry’s godfather, lying on his chest and giving Harry several pointers.

    : Hello, what are you playing? : Wind asked and the female wolf peered over Hermione’s shoulder. : Oh, you guys are playing Othello. :  She then sat beside Hermione and looked at the board carefully. : Whose beads are the lighter ones? :

    "The whites are mine," Harry answered, looking quizzically at the female wolf.

    : You’re in trouble, laddie. No matter where you go, Hermione will be able to turn a whole row of your beads, : Wind said seriously.

    "Then what’s the point of dallying?" Harry said in a disappointed tone and placed his last bead on the board and Sirius patted his shoulder comfortingly.

    "Well, Hermione," Sirius said lightly. "Care to have me as your challenger?"

    "If you want to…but don’t blame me if you get slaughtered, all right?" Hermione responded impishly. "But no silent cheating." Hermione gave a very penetrating look at the wolf beside her.

    "Careful, Hermione," Ron said quickly. "Wind do have fangs and claws, you know."

    : Don’t worry, I won’t. Just a word of advice. Strategy. :

**********

    Crookshanks was still fixed on Snape’s lap. Whenever he made a move to dislodge the cat, it will dig its claws slightly and Snape gave up, sighing softly. He looked up at the wall clock. It was only ten-thirty and knew he would not be able to sleep that early. He looked at the crowd sitting on the floor with amusement. Hermione had turned out victorious after each game and Ginny was losing to her. I can’t remember the first time I’ve been able to enjoy myself in the company of others…and now I’m able to look at Harry without myself snarling at him. Snape sighed at his own stubbornness.

    "Hermione, you’re cruel!" Ginny wailed. Hermione smiled devilishly and asked around.

    "Any more takers?"

    Snape was suddenly aware that the rest were giving him uneasy glances.

    "Well, Severus?" Sirius asked archly.

    He was about to say, ‘Why should I bother myself?’ but stopped himself just in time when Hermione looked pleadingly at him. He gave a thin smile and answered. "Why not?" Crookshanks mewled in protest when Snape got up and the cat had no choice but to find another lap, this time it jumped up on Sirius’s back and curled down to sleep. Snape was a much better opponent and he set Hermione to think about her moves. Everyone held their breaths when it was time for them to count their beads and to their amazement, the game turned out to be a draw.

    : Not bad…but maybe tomorrow Fenix shall play with you. No one had ever successfully beaten her in this game, and maybe you could see what I mean by strategy when you see her play, : Wind commented.

    "That sounds a bit ominous," Ron remarked.

    "All right, people!" Mrs. Weasley announced. "Time for bed!"

    Snape gave a disappointed sigh and helped Hermione keep the beads back to its container.

    "Don’t worry, we could play that game all day tomorrow. And I’m glad Hermione brought the game with her," Harry announced casually, giving the Potions Master a little smile, "because if no one had found something to keep me busy other than reading…I think I’m going mad at being cooped up."

    "I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling that way," Sirius said with relief.

**********

Friday, 25^th August.

    Fenix was drying her hair as she went in to the sitting room where they will have their breakfast. Remus was already seated, sipping on hot chocolate as he peeked at the Daily Prophet from Hermione’s shoulder. Snape was already up, immaculately dressed in his black wizard robe and Ginny, looking far too alert than usual.

    "Ginny? Aren’t you a little too early to be out of bed?" Fenix asked the girl curiously as she began to brush her hair.

    "The twins…they popped a Lemon-wakees when I was still groggy," Ginny growled. "I’m feeling a little grumpy."

    "Because you think you should be grumpy at not getting enough sleep," Remus said in a distracted manner as he scanned the paper. "They had better keep themselves undercover before the Muggle undercover police spots them…really this is absurd," Remus shook his head in disapproval.

    "What’s absurd?" Fenix asked him, as she sat down on the floor. Sirius had just entered the room, still sleepy-eyed and he scowled at his oathsister.

    "Fenix, why must you bathe every morning? Not only that…you also bathe before dinner. I haven’t encountered anyone who is so crazy about baths before."

    "I bathe every morning because I like to bathe in the morning. Anyway…it does make you feel clean. And if you feel clean…you will feel happy and energized to tackle the day," Fenix replied flippantly.

    "Crazy…" Sirius muttered to himself and sat down on the armchair. He carefully sipped at the hot chocolate slowly, watching the couple with amusement.

    "Remus," Fenix tapped him lightly on his shoulder, "you still haven’t tell me what’s so absurd…"

    Remus flushed slightly in embarrassment. "Sorry…it’s just that some of the wizards and witches had taken it to themselves that they have to keep an eye on King’s Cross. Some of them do not know how to be subtle about it. They had to do a Memory Charm on two private investigators when the Muggles caught them acting very strangely in public," he sighed. "Why can’t they be more professional?"

    Fenix nodded her head in comprehension and sat down beside the bushy-haired Hermione. She had a minx-like expression on her face and it stirred the Fire Master’s curiosity.

    "Why are you looking as though you’re a cat who’s just gotten itself into a bowl of cream?"

    Hermione kept on smiling as she gave Sirius the newspaper then turned a fully wicked smile at Fenix.

    "Am I in trouble or something?" Fenix asked warily.

    "Wind said you know how to play Reversi…" Hermione leaned towards her in excitement.

    "Yes…" Fenix replied uncertainly as she blinked her silver eyes in confusion.

    "Good!" Hermione quickly got out the board, with beads already divided in two.

    "Early in the morning?" Ron exclaimed just as he saw what she was up to. "Hermione, you’ve gone mental!"

    "I don’t mind the mental exercise…ouch…that must have hurt…" Fenix said, looking towards the entrance of the house.

    "What’s going on?" Harry asked curiously.

    "It seems that some early Muggles are a triple bit irritated this morning. Some of the Dark Lord’s lackeys are at the shield again and the Muggles threw back some very, very sharp little stones at them. There’s even one old fellow who’s showing off his crossbow…" Fenix said amusedly.

    "Isn’t that going to get us in trouble?" Remus asked, his brows bunching up as he frowned.

    "No, they would not bother to call the authorities. They’ve lived in weirder times…" Fenix answered with a smile. "Black or white?"

    "Black," Hermione answered, and the rest gathered about the two contenders as they munched on their breakfast. Fenix drank her chocolate calmly as she stared at the board in ultimate concentration, making her moves slowly. Hermione stared in horror as Fenix captured two whole rows of her beads. It had seemed that there were more black beads a minute ago but now it seemed that the blacks were merely dotting amidst the whites. Hermione placed her last bead in defeat as she captured three more beads yet she could count her beads on her two hands.

    "Wait a minute, Hermione won us all and with Professor Snape, a draw. So how come you defeated her so soundly?" Ron asked in amazement. "Play with Hermione, one more time…" the Weasley urged. Fenix defeated Hermione again.

    "Unbelievable…what’s your secret?"

    "Strategy…what else?" Fenix said, as if she could not believe that Ron had asked such a simple question. "Remus, do you have any idea how I did it?"

    "I was watching pretty carefully but it evaded me completely."

    "I am so disappointed…Sirius?" Fenix looked at her oathbrother and shook her head in disappointment. "Severus, I want you to watch how I play carefully. If you ferret out my secret I’ll just eat salad for dinner."

    "And serves you right if he finds the answer," Sirius said dryly.

    "Just giving him the incentive…so watch carefully…I’ll be terribly disappointed if you just let the bet go to waste," Fenix replied easily, giving a small smile.

    Fenix played with Hermione for the third time and Snape paid careful attention to where Fenix had placed her beads. She seems to snake her way around to get the corners of the board… Snape found that his observation was not far from wrong. Granger is concentrated far too heavily in the center that it won’t make a difference with her last bead, Snape mused, scratching his chin lightly.

    "I give up," Hermione sighed.

    "Would you allow me to play?" Snape asked Fenix politely.

    "Testing your theory on how it works?" Fenix said with a broad smile. Snape nodded and Hermione made way for the Potion Master as he knelt on the floor. They held their breaths as they watched the slow contest between the two. Fenix’s smile grew wider and wider, and as Severus placed his last bead, she laughed happily.

    "Thank goodness you didn’t disappoint me!"

    Ron and Hermione took the task of counting the beads with the Potions Master losing five beads to Fenix. "So what’s the secret to play this game successfully and to make it more challenging?" her silver twinkled merrily as she questioned Snape.

    "Maneuvering your way so you’ll be able to occupy the edges…and to make your hits last…" Snape said haltingly.

    "Good man!" Fenix applauded. "Now you guys can practice while I get myself a good breakfast."

    Ron snorted his amusement and watched Hermione dreamily as she began to play with the Potions Master. The Muggle game seemed to gather everyone closer to each other and soon enough, Harry got the courage to banter back at the Potions Master and Snape was mellow enough to be treated like the rest of them. Fenix suppressed the urge to go outside and yell out with happiness, but she found she could not stop smiling every time she watched the rest of the group interact with the Potions Master easily.

    Dear Gods! I’m so happy that I think I’m going to cry… Fenix quickly blinked her eyes as she felt tears welling up. This is good! So good!

    : So it worked… : Silver watched her carefully. Fenix hugged the silver wolf in pure glee.

    : I wasn’t sure if Severus was keen to be led along…but he’s doing fine! He still has a few barbs but that’s okay! : Fenix giggled in his mind, her mindvoice filled with elation.

    : Good job, dear, : Wind approved, and watched the company with surprising gentleness in her eyes.

**********

~ Chapter 17: Meeting ~

Everyone had woken up unusually early and they were bustling about the house, taking care of Mrs. Weasley’s numerous errands. The presence of the Fire Master was able to soothe the woman’s nerves as Mrs. Weasley sought to prepare a number of dishes and refreshments for the people attending the meeting that night. The male adults were up in the sitting room, trying to make the room as functional as possible but the youths were starting to feel useless and wandered about aimlessly until they heard Mrs. Weasley called for them.

    "Yes, Mrs. Weasley?" Harry was the first to poke his head into the kitchen.

    "Did Sirius or any of them give you something to do?" Mrs. Weasley asked, and was relieved when Harry shook his head. The woman heaved a large bag of potatoes and handed it to Harry, and the teenage boy staggered at the weight.

    "Ron--there you are…take these and you ought to help Harry…" Mrs. Weasley quickly handed Ron several peelers and a large rubbish bag.

    "Hello, guys…" Fenix greeted the group of Gryffindors as they walked into the hall, smiling a little and then concentrated on sifting her flour. The Fire Master was dressed in simple Muggle clothes that morning, wearing a dark blue Linkin Park T-shirt and her faded blue jeans. Like Sirius, she had taken to walk about the house barefooted.  Ron placed the trash bag down and the four youths sat around it in a circle and began peeling the potatoes.

    "What are you baking?" Harry asked the Fire Master.

    "A variety of things and I’m supposed to finish by four in the afternoon. I’ve already done the marble cake…now I have chocolate cake, Victorian sandwiches, scones and custard puffs, mango pudding…some butter cookies and Sirius wants more gingersnap," she said absently.

    "Why don’t you do all of these in the kitchen?" Ginny asked curiously as she pared her potato deftly.

    "It’s a family trait, I think. I get a little selfish with space when I really, really need to work in the kitchen. But it looks like your mother needs the space more than I do and it’s not good for me to get in her way.  She has already managed to work herself into panic. I don’t think I want to accelerate her tension."

    Ron nodded his agreement and paid careful attention to his potato. They were halfway through the bag of potatoes when Moody and McGonagall came in and several more members of the Order trickled in.

    "Saw anything weird, Moody?" Fenix questioned as she began to batter the cake mix.

    "If you mean having the Death Eaters skirting about the shield, yes, it was weird," Moody replied then cackled roughly.

    "What kind of idiots are they?" Fenix asked in amusement. "They’re just attracting trouble for themselves…" her voice suddenly trailed off. "I wonder what His plans are that the Lucius Malfoy is still walking about."

    "He’s alive?" Harry asked, his eyes alert.

    "Yup…but it seemed that the stick did major damage to his eye and his pretty face…oh I see. He’s giving out instructions to pull back…" Fenix replied, and suddenly a sphere-like substance appeared before her. Before long, they saw images flickering on it and they were able to hear the wizard’s voice.

    "It’s useless for us to remain here…the Master does not want to risk any more lives…we’ll make a move when we’re ready. He has other plans," the voice of Lucius Malfoy whispered harshly.

    "But the Master did instruct us to find out more about the strange woman…if only you had your wits about, Lucius…you could have retained your memory," a tall, huge man in dark blue whispered back.

    "Aelwyn…go sent some of your kind and spy on them…don’t make yourself too obvious, though."

    "Don’t worry, lady. It isn’t the first time we do intelligence work, you know," the Sylph replied with dignity.

    "Still, be careful." Fenix dissolved the image and concentrated on pouring the right amount of hot chocolate that Krill had been warming for her into the batter. Professor McGonagall looked at the nondescript Fire Master with interest.

    "Lucius’s memory of you and the encounter has been erased?"

    "It seems so…I wish I knew what He was up to…none of the Death Eaters or Voldemort--," McGonagall winced as Fenix said his name casually, "are aware of the existence of the Elves nor does he know the peculiarities of the Elementals. I wonder if Mr. Malfoy remembered that I was the one who had erased Severus’s Dark Mark …well, I’m not going to worry about it." Fenix shrugged as she folded the batter carefully and reached for tin and poured the cake mixture into it. Two Salamanders took it and then vanished.

    "Fenix, what did you do to the cake?" Hermione asked quizzically.

    "I’ve sent it to the Salamanders for baking of course," Fenix said in surprise, smiling wickedly. "Gods, Hermione!" the Fire Master chuckled. "You seriously don’t think that Sirius’s oven will be able to cope with the extravaganza? I know it’s big but with two women rushing to prepare an extended menu, it’s quite difficult you know."

    "How convenient…" Hermione replied dryly.

    "Fenix?" Mrs. Weasley approached the Fire Master with a tray of stuffed chicken. "Would you mind asking the Salamanders to cook this slowly for me?"

    "See…" Fenix said humorously. The stuffed chicken immediately vanished from the woman’s hands and she went back to her kitchen.

    "Where do they go to bake them?" Harry asked curiously, peeling the last of the potato. Hermione got up to stretch and Ginny went to the kitchen for further instructions on the peeled potatoes.

    "Somewhere in the house…believe it or not. If you guys come across a locked door, don’t give your wand a wave and say ‘Alohomora’. You’ll regret it."

    : Then don’t you think it’s prudent that you should inform those blokes up there who is wondering if they should expand the sitting room? : Silver’s mindvoice called out, his tone very much amused.

    "What are they trying to do?" Fenix asked, getting up and dusted her shirt.

    : They’re deciding if they should break the wall, : Wind replied. Fenix chuckled and vanished as she Teleported herself into the sitting room, surprising the Potions Master tremendously.

    "Did not mean to surprise you, Severus," Fenix said apologetically. "Just popped in to warn you not to think about exposing this side of the room," the Fire Master gestured at the wall adjoining the other sitting room.

    "Why?" Remus asked as he gave a little frown.

    "Because the whole house will heat up like a very hot sweat-house if you do. My Salamanders are baking in there."

    "Oh…luckily you warned us," Sirius sighed then looked about the room. "Any suggestions on how to make the room bigger?"

    "Remove all the unnecessary furniture," Fenix pointed to several of the furniture about the room. "Then you should place the table horizontally right here…" Fenix tapped her foot about her current position. "Anyway, just call me if you need more help. And don’t get too curious about the next room." She vanished without a sound as the three wizards exchanged glances and shrugged, waving their wands, as the furniture vanished up into the attic.

    She reappeared in the hallway and to Harry’s surprise she vanished again.

    "What is she up to?" he asked in a piqued voice.

    : She’s designing a very large warning sign on the door where her Salamanders are massed, : Silver said helpfully.

    Ginny came back, struggling to carry a very large pail that was filled with water. "Mom says to wash the potatoes and then dice them."

    Fenix popped back into the hall and resumed her chores. Time passed quickly as the youths amused themselves by wagering on which potato will be diced the fastest. Moody stayed to guard the entrance. More of the members came as the evening slowly approached. Fenix and the youths had already finished their tasks and were going up to the second floor to get a breath and relaxed as they waited their turn to wash in the bathroom. Hermione curiously laid the flat of her palm on the door where the Salamanders had congregated and exclaimed that the door was warm to her touch.

    Fenix went to the other sitting room where her oathbrother was and nodded her head in approval as she came into a very empty room.

    "Where did you say we should place the table?" Sirius said, his voice sounding indecisive, as the big rectangular table floated four inches from the floor.

    "Would you get on with it?" Snape tapped his foot impatiently and Fenix took pity on the three wizards. They look just about ready to drop.

    "Place the table there," Fenix answered, gesturing at a spot. Together, Remus, Sirius and Snape moved the floating massive table in concert and placed it gently down on the floor.  Snape instantly conjured up chairs and arranged them quickly around the table.

    "I doubt that all of us can get a seat," Remus remarked casually, massaging his aching neck.

    "Severus," Fenix started, as she leaned against the wall to look at the Potions Master. "What are the objectives of the meeting?"

    Snape stared at her for a moment as he tucked his wand back to its hideout before answering her. "I guess, mainly to introduce you and the new members. Other than that, I’m sure that the Headmaster wishes to address his concern for the safety of the students."

    "Yes, your observation is indeed accurate, Severus," a husky voice emerged from the corridor, and the ancient, most powerful wizard stepped in to the room, looking about him critically. "Adequate," the Headmaster turned to Fenix, who was watching the sorcerer calmly. "Some of my friends and fellow colleagues had been demanding about your whereabouts. Moody insisted that you were among us but they chose not to believe him," his eyes twinkled with amusement as he spoke.

    Fenix looked down at herself and gave the Headmaster a crooked smile. "I bet that no one had noticed the famous Harry Potter either?" she asked archly and Remus exchanged an amused look with her oathbrother. "It’s just like they don’t believe a king will go down and toil the farmland himself," the Fire Master commented, earning a throaty chuckle from Professor Dumbledore.

    "Anyway," the Headmaster began, "other organizations would be having similar meetings in other parts of the world to ensure their own security."

    "Is there any chance that Voldemort will go and attack other countries first?" Fenix asked suddenly.

    "It’s unlikely but I do not dare say it is impossible," the aged Headmaster conceded. "But I hope and pray that it does not come down to that."

    "Hello, Professor," Harry greeted the wizard from behind.

    "Good afternoon, Harry."

    Harry peeked into the room and finally located Fenix. "The bathroom’s free."

    "Okie…" Fenix smiled and pushed herself off the wall. She winked at Remus who suddenly looked a little flustered. Harry left the corridor, feeling suddenly like an intruder and went off to find his friends in each bedroom.

    "Well, Severus…I am absolutely pleased to have Miss Maxwell with us," Professor Dumbledore gave a piercing look at the Potions Master. "Already I have seen some changes in you. That’s good…and as you can see for yourself, taking a vacation once in a while with the right company would do wonders…" the Headmaster said magnanimously as he headed out of the room.

    "God…" Remus sighed. "I’m going to take a bath and then find some place and lie down for a bit. I’ll see you later, Padfoot."

    That left Harry’s godfather and the Potions Master in the same room. Before the tension in the room became tangible, Sirius took several steps forward and paused beside the silent Snape. Sirius did not face the Potions Master as he said softly, "I am sorry, Severus." Sirius went out of the room without another word and Snape stared at his back in shock.

**********

    "Now, don’t think I like your decisions Ron, but I know you can’t help it," Mrs. Weasley said shortly. "Better go and assemble in the meeting room. Harry, where’s Fenix?"

    "She’s with Remus--"

    "Don’t bother them then."

    "--and Sirius." Harry finished his sentence and Mrs. Weasley shook her head, embarrassed at her conclusion.

    "Please fetch them for me, would you, Harry?"

    Harry got up from his seat and placed Hedwig back on her sturdy perch. He went on to Fenix’s bedroom and found them laughing merrily as they drank glasses of pumpkin juice.

    : Hello there. How are you doing? : Sirius asked his godson.

    : I should be fine, : Harry said sarcastically and Fenix gave a soft chuckle. : Mrs. Weasley wants all of us to go into the meeting room now. :

    : Asoka, : Fenix answered, getting up from her curled position and bounded to her feet.

    "You speak Japanese?" Remus asked in wonder.

    "A bit but I understand the language better than I could speak it," Fenix said modestly. "So, Harry, do you think I’m much visible now I’m all dressed up?"

    "Kind of…" Harry said, feeling a little uncertain when Fenix suddenly grinned devilishly.

    "Then maybe I should dress up like how I did dress up this morn," she said jovially, her face lighting up with merriment.

    "You can, but don’t blame me if Ron and Ginny decide to team up and jinx you," Harry said in mock despair. She laughed and gave the youth a kiss on the cheek before eyeing Remus mischievously, making the werewolf blush.

    : What’s that about? : Harry asked his godfather, his voice sounding a little baffled.

    : You wouldn’t understand it, Harry, : Sirius replied in mock solemnity.

    Remus walked ahead of them as Fenix fall back to walk beside Sirius.

    : I hope you don’t mind me sharing your godfather’s company, : Fenix said privately to Harry. The boy looked at her in surprise.

    : Why should I? : Harry questioned her curiously.

    : Don’t you feel like I’m an intruder to your life or something? :

    : No…I dunno…I feel that you’ve been with him all this time. It’s strange, isn’t it? :

    : You really don’t mind then? : She asked anxiously and gave a tremulous smile when Harry shook his head slightly. They entered the room and squeezed right in next to the twins who winked at them in greeting. "Kind of crowded in here," Fenix tiptoed to whisper in Fred’s ear.

    "Feeling a little small?" the twin said and winced when Fenix casually pinched him. "Ouch." They were distracted suddenly when benches appeared over their heads and the Headmaster announced that the meeting would begin. They took their seats, with Fenix sandwiched between Harry and Fred and watched attentively as Dumbledore cleared his throat.

    "Welcome all, members of the Order. We are assembled here to discuss some major and important stuff regarding of our actions in the next few days. But first, I would like introduce you to some new members who would be at least be contributing something for the Order. Conal Bryson," as Professor Dumbledore called out his name, the wizard stood up from his bench and inclined his head for a moment, before sitting down again, "Fearn and Blade McNoel, Jason Reef and Kage Aoshi. They are the junior Aurors of the Order, with various talents that will be useful to us in time. Spies for the Order and Ministry: Hassan and Jareet Idris and Michael Wee. Fred and George Weasley, Aerona Aisley, Clas Dursmii, who do intelligence work for me. And as you all know: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron and Ginny Weasley." Dumbledore raised his hand to cut off the protests that were about to emerge from some of the older looking witches and wizards. "It is absolutely better for them to work with us than having them making the mistake to rectify problems by themselves," he said calmly and that managed to satisfy them a bit. "Now, I have the honor to present someone whom has so far not only changed Sirius’s life, but also our Professor Snape and the entire Weasley family. Miss Fenix Maxwell."

    Fenix felt totally uncomfortable at the many pair of eyes staring at her, silently assessing her. She kept her expression still as she stood up and inclined her head gravely to the company. She smiled slightly when she caught both Hermione and Ginny giving her the thumbs-up. She was about to resume her seat when she felt a familiar presence and one horrified thought flitted in her mind. He must be crazy.: Albus, an Elven Lord is waiting outside the door. Might I invite him to the meeting? : Fenix asked the Headmaster, who looked a little surprised but recovered his composure and nodded slightly. : Hang on, I’ll be back, : Fenix said to Harry as she made her way gracefully to the back of the room.

    I am definitely going to strangle Aldren when I get a chance to… She briskly walked down the stairs and nodded to Tonks who was guarding the door. She looked hesitantly at Fenix but complied and two richly dressed elves walked into the room.

    "Everything going all right?" Fenix whispered to Tonks.

    "Yeah…" the Metamorphmagus answered just as softly.

    : I’m going to kill the both of you later, : Fenix threatened Mineif and Cadriel severely.

    : I thought it was supposed to be hugs and kisses? : The Elven Lord looked innocently back at her. Fenix led them towards the meeting room and the occupants looked at the pair of elves in amazement.

    "I’m sure you want me to ensure that there will no leakage of information after the meeting is over?" Fenix spoke to the Headmaster. He nodded and Fenix took several seconds to place a spell upon the entire company and spoke up again. "Ladies, gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to my friends, allies and kin. This is Mineif, the Elven Lord of Shadow Wood and his Mage and Warrior, Cadriel."

    The Elven Lord looked solemnly at the Headmaster and spoke with accented English. "I must beg pardon for the sudden intrusion, but I believe that having myself here and not a spokesperson will allow us to probe certain issues into greater detail."

    "Your presence in this meeting are much welcome." Dumbledore inclined his head politely. Harry abandoned his seat and offered it to the Elven Lord.

    : Thank you, Mr. Potter, : was all Mineif said. Harry went to stand beside his godfather while Fenix and Cadriel stood at Mineif’s back.

    Thus the meeting began and the Headmaster highlighted on issues of the safety of students, treaties and alliances and intelligence reports of the Dark Lord. They were discussing and debating on the issue of giving protection to the various Ministers when Hermione timidly raised her hand.

    "Miss Granger?" Dumbledore asked kindly.

    "I seriously think we should consider putting more effort in St. Mungo," Hermione said in a soft voice. Total silence. Hermione looked down in embarrassment and prayed that nothing bad will happen to her.

    "The young witch is right, Albus," a witch with a very stern look on her face spoke up. "We do have a couple of ex-Aurors there, and it’s the best hospital in the wizarding world. It’s either we put more protection to it or we move it to a safer area."

    That began a new discussion with most of them agreeing that they should find a much safer occupation. "As difficult task this will be," a handsome black wizard spoke up as her rubbed his temple tiredly, "we have to do it because we simply do not have much Aurors with us now. We’re stretched thin enough as we are already. It’ll be a pretty hectic day for us come the first of September."

    Then came the hardest part of the meeting, trying to gain the aid of the elves to act as a back-up force. They finally concluded that the elves would willingly help if their part in the war remained a secret to everyone else, and Mineif stressed especially on the media and the Ministry.

    "When you have Fenix, it can be said it is useless to have the rest of us around," Cadriel said soberly. "I have several suggestions that you might want to consider carefully. The first: your concern regarding the welfare of the family of Muggle-born students. You do not have to worry about them, as it is better and easier for us to keep an eye on. For the wizard families, if they happen to have house-elves, then that’s where you will get protection. That is one of the ancient duties of the house-elf. But if they don’t have one," Cadriel looked at Fenix with a smile.

    "We will help," an airy voice emerged from a source above their heads.

    The meeting went on until about two-thirty the next morning, mainly making clear of the details on the major congregation of students, while munching on the snacks that both Fenix and Mrs. Weasley had prepared during the day. The company departed in threes every ten minutes and it was about four in the morning when the elves turned to leave. Only Dumbledore and Moody were left in the house of Blacks and Fenix advanced on the unsuspecting pair.

    : Now, this is the time for me to skin you both. Cadriel, how could you let him step out of the Grove? And Mineif, how could you be so reckless to come up here? : Fenix said angrily, although her face remained impassive.

    "Well, it was safe for us t--" Cadriel began meekly, and looked down in embarrassment when Fenix stared him at him icily.

    : What did you tell your sons? : Fenix asked relentlessly. Mineif stared at his former student uneasily. "What am I going to do with the both of you?" she asked herself. "Mineif, please…please stay at home. Leave the work to your underlings. It will not be good to the Wood if you were to…" she could not find the courage to continue her sentence. Mineif looked tenderly at the Fire Master and embraced her.

    : I promise, young Fenix. And thank you for caring, : Mineif whispered softly in her mind. Cadriel hugged her briefly and shook Sirius’s hand before they headed out.

    "Stupid elves…" Fenix muttered. She realized that Snape and Remus was looking at her strangely. "What?"

    "I thought that her nature to mother everyone is because perhaps, to her we all look and behave like children. But I can’t believe my eyes when she did the same thing to the Elven Lord," Remus said truthfully and winced when Fenix glared at him.

    "A mother hen, am I?" Fenix hissed.

    "Uh…oh…" Ginny said softly.

    "I’m going to bed!" Sirius yelled and fled away from the hall, taking Snape and Harry away absently, leaving the couple to bicker.

**********

~ Chapter 18: Skulking Away ~

It was after lunch and the two females decided to take a break. "Cool it, Ginny. Don’t get yourself worked up."

    "Why is it that Harry can shield his mind so quickly and I can’t?" Ginny fretted.

    "I have no idea actually. Maybe…you should try to learn Occlumency, since you’re having trouble doing it my way," Fenix said thoughtfully.

    "No way…"

    "Yes way, Ginny-lass…" Fenix said wickedly, exercising her numb fingers.

    "Does it have to be him?" the sole sister of the Weasley asked in a small voice.

    "Fenix?" Harry popped his head into Fenix’s bedroom, and prevented her from answering Ginny’s question.

    "What’s up?"

    "Sn--Professor Snape’s in quite a dilemma right now," he informed her. Fenix gave him a curious look but the boy just shrugged and they followed Fenix into the sitting room where Snape was frowning to himself.

    : Bro, what’s wrong with him? : Fenix looked down at her oathbrother who was practicing Reversi with Ron.

    : You should ask him yourself, : Sirius said in good humor.

    "Afternoon, Severus." Fenix said abruptly. "I’m not going to beat around the bush so I’ll be blunt. What’s up?"

    Snape narrowed his eyes at Harry, and the boy stared at him right back, unafraid. Snape remained quiet for approximately five minutes before giving up, and gave a long sigh. He looked directly at Fenix who watching the man patiently, with her arms crossed.

    "I have to get to King’s Cross tomorrow," Snape began, trying to force the words out of his mouth.

    "Yes, I know that." Fenix nodded and waited for him to continue.

    "We can’t afford to be spotted by Muggles…"

    Fenix tilted her head as she contemplated his words and it finally hit her. "You don’t have the appropriate garments?" The Potions Master gave a tight nod. Fenix eyed Snape carefully, trying to picture him in normal human clothes and nearly laughed aloud when she pictured him wearing very casual stuff. "Oh dear…we are in a predicament…" Fenix said lamely. Snape began to frown again. Fenix took a chair, sat near Remus, and fiddled with her hair as she began to think. Something formal…and something black…and long-sleeved too. Will dark blue work? Nope…impossible. He looks wrong in colors except black. "Severus, let me have a look at your shoes," she spoke up suddenly.

    The Potions Master looked up at her and uncertainly stretched his feet out. Fenix critically examined his boots. His shoes look normal to my eye…so I can ignore his footwear.

    : We’re not allowed to go out, am I right? : Fenix asked Remus, who was entertaining Crookshanks with his fingers.

    : Yes…it’s too bad that none of us are his size. Any ideas…lover? : Remus said in a very sly mindvoice.

    : Yeah, I do, but I had better warn Tonks on the elf that I plan to invite. :

    : Lion? : Fenix called out softly. She felt the fumbling of a sleepy elf trying to get his thought across.

    : Who is that? :

    : It’s me, Fenix. :

    : Long time no hear, babe. : Fenix felt the elf’s grin in her mind. : How are you? : Lion asked. His mindvoice sounded more alert this time.

    : Well enough. Listen, I need your help in getting someone some clothes… : Fenix said slowly.

    : For whom? Your lover? :

    : How fast does news travel to you guys? : Fenix suddenly asked out of annoyance.

    : Fast enough. We do have our own spy network you know, : Lion replied sardonically.

    : Yeah, whatever. So you do know, where I am now right? :

    : Yes. You want me to come over for the measurements? How fast do you need the clothes? :

    : I’m afraid that it has to be on my hands in less than twenty-four hours, and yes, you should come down here and take a look at the guy. :

    : That urgent? Well, expect me in about maybe twenty…thirty minutes time. Do tell the bouncer outside. She’s kind of cute. :

    : I’m sorry to disappoint you but I think she’s already been taken. :

    : How sad. Well, I’ll see you later. :

    "Done!" Fenix exclaimed suddenly and looked bashfully at Snape when he glared at her. "Sorry," she said softly then went out of the room and beckoned to Ash.

    "Your girlfriend’s on watch outside, right?"

    The nonplussed Ash nodded his head and looked dubiously at Fenix.

    "Would you ask her to permit a man, dressed in dark blue and has a pair of dark blue earrings attached, in here?"

    "But that would jeopardize the security!" Ash protested vehemently.

    "That’s what the shield outside is for. It would not let anyone cross over unless that someone is innocent. So if my friend is unable to cross the shield then don’t bother about it," Fenix assured the tall man.

    "If you’re sure about it."

    "I will be here with you when he enters. I could give him triple scans. How about it?" Fenix negotiated with the wizard.

    "Sounds good."

    It was about twenty minutes later when the magical bolts and locks opened and Tonks, who was looking at Fenix in a bewildered manner, came in. Lion stepped in quickly behind the woman and Fenix had to shake her head as she grinned with amusement. She spent a moment Looking at the elf and he cocked his head in inquiry.

    : Spot check approved? :

    : Just being cautious. :

    "People wouldn’t believe that someone who look like you do is happy enough being a tailor," Fenix said lightly, and Lion shrugged indifferently.

    "So, who is it that’s needing the clothes?" Lion asked as she led him up the stairs and proceeded to the sitting room.

    "I’m not really sure. I can’t really say he’s a friend because I don’t know if he wants me to be his friend. To play safe, he’s an acquaintance," she replied shortly as they entered the room, her friends watching the elf curiously. "Everyone, this is Lion, and he’s a tailor. And there’s your client," Fenix looked pointedly at Snape.

    "Well, let’s get on with it," Lion announced and went briskly to attend the Potions Master.

**********

    Lion tucked his notebook back in his pocket and looked at Fenix for further instructions.

    "Collar, long sleeves, get a suitable belt for him too, and the garment must be black," the Fire Master instructed firmly, gave a sly look at the elf, and beckoned him out to the corridor. : Free service or do I have to pay? : Fenix asked the handsome elf, who suddenly began to blush. : Never mind that…here. : Fenix pressed several notes into his palm, which he clutched tightly.

    : This is really embarrassing, : Lion informed her just how much the situation was disturbing him.

    : Balderdash. : Fenix snorted. : When can it be ready? :

    : Maybe mid-morning or noon, : Lion replied confidently.

    : Okie… Call me when you’re coming. Moody will be on watch and I hate to think what will happen to you or him if he were to chase you. :

**********

Thursday, 31^st August. The Headquarters…

    Fenix was meditating quietly in the sitting room when Snape came in, immaculately dressed as always, a Daily Prophet tucked in his arm as he carried a fresh pot of hot chocolate. Hedwig glided silently over Snape’s head and landed carefully on Fenix’s shoulder.

    "Morning," Snape greeted curtly, and she greeted him in a more cheerful tone. Wordlessly, Snape poured a cup for the Fire Master and settled down in his usual seating place. Fenix chuckled a little when Hedwig decided to preen her hair. Fenix kept on meditating, freeing her mind and used the opportunity to reenergize herself and trained silently within the depths of her mind. Hedwig launched herself from Fenix’s shoulders to perch on her favorite chair. Snape looked at the Fire Master uneasily and choked back on his words. Not now… I don’t think she’s able to hear me anyway.

    Fenix was aware that someone was calling her and abruptly opened her eyes. It was Snape, and he looked very uneasy for some reason. "Were you calling me, Severus?"

    Snape cleared his throat several times before he managed to whisper, "I never did properly thanked you for what happened to me that night," Snape flushed slightly, not looking at the Fire Master. I can’t believe that I’m doing this…

    Fenix gave him a bright smile that made him look at the Fire Master in wonder. "It was my pleasure to do it…I’m honored actually."

    Snape could not say anything so he turned his attention to the Daily Prophet. Fenix reached out for her mug of chocolate when she exclaimed and placed the mug back on the table. "Don’t tell me he was working all night!" she muttered and went off and bounded down the stairs. The elf was already waiting for her, Snape’s clothes ready on one arm.

    "Tried to call but I think you were meditating or something. Anyways, I’m all right, Mad-Eye here didn’t gut me or anything," Lion said casually as he handed her Snape’s new clothes.

    "You didn’t sleep?" Fenix asked, feeling a little guilty.

    "Don’t be silly. You know our kind doesn’t need much sleep. See you around and take care. Bye, Mad-Eye!"

    Fenix was looking at Moody, and he grinned sadistically at her. She cast her eyes upwards and trotted back up. She called out happily to Snape. "Your suit’s ready!"

**********

Friday, 1^st September.  Time to get to the station…

    Fenix woke up automatically and sighed in contentment as she snuggled close to Remus. Don’t dawdle girl. Neither Remus nor Sirius will forgive you if you don’t wake them soon. She woke Remus up with a kiss and he roused immediately.

    : Hmmm…resting days is over. Back to work now. : Remus gave her a sleepy smile and she turned towards Sirius.

    : Bro, : Fenix touched her oathbrother’s palm lightly, : time to get up. :

    : So soon? : Sirius complained, catching her hand and giving a squeeze that she returned.

    : Better wake the kids up first and then you can go and bathe. They should be rousing when you finish bathing, : Remus advised as he put on his robe. : Padfoot, get up before you regret it. : The werewolf poked his best friend playfully at Sirius’s side.

    Fenix did a couple of stretches to get rid of her drowsiness and silently crept into the bedroom next door to wake the girls up. Ginny was mumbling protests but Hermione quickly jerked up into a sitting position, surprising the hell out of Fenix. The Fire Master was not expecting the Granger’s quick reflexes; Hermione woke the moment she touched the girl’s shoulder lightly. Fenix was indecisive as to enter the boys’ room but her partner solved it for her, handing a towel to her and opened the door to wake the boys.

    By the time Fenix had showered, the guys were helping to carry the girls’ trunks down. Sirius was carrying his and Fenix’s black trunks down to the hall when she finally stepped out of the bathroom. The Fire Master greeted the bleary-eyed Ginny who muttered something incomprehensible under her breath, as she headed to the bathroom for her turn to wash. Fenix went quickly into the bedroom to change. She stuffed her laundry into a bag before placing it into another black trunk, where they were to keep their last minute accessories. She quickly wore her underwear and changed into her Hunting gear. Remus came in behind her to steal a kiss and a hug and helped her to fasten her black cloak.

    : You look wonderful, : he whispered gently in her mind, stealing another kiss.

    : You too. The haircut was a wonder, : Fenix said impishly as she recalled on how Remus and Harry reacted when they found themselves suddenly floating about the room with a pair of scissors and a mirror hanging in mid-air. She laughed.

    Sirius had washed up and Fenix helped him to don on his clothes, and prompted him to tuck his shirt neatly. The Salamanders were hovering about her hair as they dried and brushed it, so that she was unable to do anything but fold the clothes that Sirius had just discarded. They pulled her hair back to a straight ponytail and left it at that, giving her almost an icy expression.

    "Why the severe style?" she asked at the air around her.

    "So that you would scare any students who tries to make trouble during the journey," Krill’s deep voice answered.

    "I think he’s referring to the Slytherins," Harry remarked as he paused outside the bedroom to examine Fenix. "I’m glad you did not decide to disappoint us. Can I repeat that you do look like Sirius?"

    "Whatever," Fenix said, smiling a little, "hadn’t you better gel up your hair?"

    "Can’t…Ron’s still in the bathroom and there’s no other mirror in the house," Harry informed her.

    "We can style your hair for you," a young Salamander said excitedly. Harry shrugged and went to fetch a comb and the bottle of gel, which was already on the way by floating on the Salamander’s back. Fenix glanced at her wristwatch, showing that it was nine-forty exactly.

    "Fenix?" Hermione called out. The girl was showing signs of vexation with her hair, and Fenix chuckled, drawing the girl into the bedroom and calmly brushed the girl’s hair and braided it for the young woman.

    "Thank you. If not for the fact that I hate to have short hair, I would have cut it," Hermione sighed, then began to systematically stuff all her unwanted hair accessories back into a small trunk. Sirius and Remus were already downstairs with the wolves, which had cast illusions upon themselves to look like very adorable dogs.

    Remus ushered Fenix into the kitchen when she came down and placed a toast in her right hand and a mug of chocolate on the other. He dashed out of the kitchen to help Sirius wrap their brooms, and Fenix nearly choked on her chocolate when Snape came in, looking nothing like the Potions Master every one knew before.

    "Do I look that terrible?" Snape asked curtly as he drank a bit of chocolate. Fenix felt it was wise not to say anything. As if I could find my tongue to speak out right now…

    Ginny bustled in to the kitchen, shouldering the Potions Master aside. Probably mistaken him for Sirius, Fenix thought with humor. The girl suddenly stopped in the action of eating a toast and whirled around suddenly, her eyes wide with amazement.

    "Professor Snape?" Ginny and Harry called out in disbelief. Snape growled at them and gave Fenix an accusatory glare. "Dear Merlin," Hermione breathed when she paused beside Harry. "I think I’m going to faint."

    "Nice," Aelwyn complimented, although no one could really see her, except for Fenix and Hermione, so they could not be sure just what exactly the Sylph was complimenting. The Sylph hovered near Fenix for a moment, smiling brightly at Snape before vanishing.

    "I agree…" Fenix replied absently and finished her toast and poured herself a cup of plain water.

    "Can’t any of you people tell me how I really look?"

    "You really want to know the truth, Severus?" Fenix asked slowly, she stood on tiptoes to whisper to the Potions Master. "I’m not lying but you look very attractive. That’s me of course, but I bet when people glance at you for the first time, they’ll see a very stern but at the same time, a striking man."

    Sirius stopped the threshold of the kitchen and looked archly at the Potions Master while Remus whistled his astonishment.

    : Fenix, I hope you are not considering to throw me and snatch that fellow instead, : Remus said plaintively.

    : Silly man. I’m yours and you know it. : Fenix gave him a wink. : But he does look good, right? :

    "All right kids, it’s time to move!" Mr. Weasley called out. "Moody’s keeping an eye outside!"

    The males helped carry the trunks out and soon, they were all under the benevolent warmth of the sun. Fenix breathed in the autumn scent gratefully then began to scan the crowd instinctively.

    : You can’t believe how relieved I am to be under a sky, : Fenix said fervently.

    : Seems like I’m not the only one who was feeling a little imprisoned back there, : Harry agreed silently, and paused over the steps to tilt his face up to the sky.

    Moody came up to Sirius and whispered, "Make a move. Coast’s clear." The ex-Auror went ahead of them and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley followed directly behind him. Just like on the night they were flying to the rendezvous point, the kids were shielded by the adults, and by some of their own family members. Sirius and Fenix walked casually and slowly as they scanned the surroundings and Fenix carefully tagged a Death Eater who was coming around on a bend.

    : Moody, Death Eater to your left, approximately seventy-six meters from us. He’s watching us pretty carefully, : Fenix informed the scout, and scanned the crowd again. Edginess began spreading to the group and Fenix Felt their tension. She prayed they would reach the station without any kinds of unnecessary incidents.

    : Lady, there’s a group of Death Eaters waiting for you and they looked like they really mean business, : Krill filled her in and after a silent consultation with Moody, Fenix broadcast that they were to take a little side trip, which was actually a short-cut to the station. Somewhere in the distant, Fenix felt the group of Death Eaters burst in irritation and annoyance and began rushing for the station.

    : Let’s hurry. Moody, inform the guards. : Fenix hung back to watch the entire area.

    : I’m on it, : Moody’s mindvoice grated. : All right. They’ve been warned, so let’s go in. : They wove their way about the crowd where Fearn and Blade were taking care of the students’ trunks while Mr. Weasley and the twins helped to take over Fenix’s and the suitcases of the others.

    : There…that’s the wall that we have to walk into. But we have to be casual about it, : Sirius warned as he eyed the wall and Fenix scanned the crowd. The group huddled and waited for a momentary lull in the crowd to take place naturally. The moment Fenix said ‘go’, Bill, with Ron and Hermione stood at the wall, then slowly leaned in and they disappeared.

    : Remus, Harry, and Ginny… you’re next. Quick! No one’s coming! : Fenix said urgently and the three, with their trolleys, dived straight for the wall. Fearn and Blade was the next pair to move, followed by the twins and their parents.

    "Moody?" Sirius asked but the Auror shook his head.

    "I have to keep an eye here."

    "Moody, if you don’t mind, two of my Elementals will be staying with you. They’re the ones appointed to protect the Weasley family in The Burrow," Fenix said softly, and the ex-Auror gave a nod.

    "Severus," Moody grumbled. Snape gave a casual kick to his trolley and went straight into the wall. "And the four of you," Moody’s magical eye stared at the two ‘dogs’ for a moment, "watch each others’ backs."

    "Be well and safe," Fenix whispered and the wolves went in first before Sirius took her arm and guided her to the wall. They came out to another train station where the Hogwarts Express was waiting for passengers to board. Mrs. Weasley gave her children several tight hugs and complained that they should never be so early that there would be time for farewells.

    : I get her meaning, : Fenix said to Sirius as she watched the woman with sympathy and smiled when she included Harry in the tearful hugs. The Fire Master watched Snape with amusement as he got out his wizard’s cloak and put it on. The Potions Master was back. Mrs. Weasley was now giving Harry and his friends warnings and advice and was about to set off with another round of hugs. She heard several disdainful snorts and sniggers along with mutterings of Mudbloods and half-blooded wizards from somewhere in the crowd.

    Mrs. Weasley stiffened at the subtle insults and as one, they turned their heads towards where the taunts came from. Several gasps were heard and Fenix saw three pairs of witches’ eyes looking at Sirius and her in astonishment, which slowly turned into fear. Fenix remembered the women from her trip to Diagon Alley. Mrs. Malfoy faltered when Fenix gave her a very direct stare in recognition. Mrs. Malfoy was flabbergasted. Her eyes darted from Fenix, and then to her infamous cousin. Fortunately for the witch, another wave of people emerged into the station, and Mrs. Malfoy lost herself in the crowd.

    : I wonder… have you seen their sons? : Fenix asked Harry and Remus.

    : Nope, : Harry replied, : but they could already be in the train. :

    "You had better get yourselves seats," Mr. Weasley said to the large company, but kept his eye on the crowd. They gravely shook hands and Remus helped Fenix up to the carriage. The Fire Master stood for a moment on the steps to look at Mrs. Weasley and gave her a salute. She was answered with a tremulous smile.

    It was eleven in the morning and the train was leaving the platform.

**********

~ Chapter 19: Train Ride ~

Harry led his godfather and the rest to the back of the train, as Ron and Hermione set off first towards the Prefects’ carriage. The students, who had filled each compartment, looked at Harry, Sirius and Fenix curiously.

    "This one’s empty!" Ginny called out and immediately went to the next compartment to check the occupants.

    "No--" Fenix looked back at the compartment behind her before continuing her sentence, "Greenies?"

    Harry and Sirius snorted with laughter as Fenix said that. The Fire Master helped to carry Hedwig as Sirius and his godson stocked their trunks away.

    "Nope, couple of Ravenclaws in there," Ginny jabbed her finger back as she sat opposite Harry. "Where did Professor Snape go?"

    "I have not gone anywhere," Snape answered as the compartment door slid close, making Ginny flush with embarrassment. "Lupin is with Shacklebolt, keeping an eye on the students at the other end."

    "Bloody hell…" Fenix muttered frowning off to space.

    "What’s wrong?" Sirius asked in concern.

    "Those wolves…" She sighed and narrowed her eyes as she reached out a thought. : Where are you? :

    : Don’t yell Fenix. I’m with Remus and Wind’s with Hermione, : Silver answered patiently.

    : Don’t give them trouble all right? : She sighed with relief. She sat down next to Harry and Sirius squeezed in right beside her. The train was gaining momentum but Snape was still standing, as if uncertain if he should impose himself on their privacy.

    "You better take a seat, Severus," Sirius said lightly and the Potions Master gracefully sat down beside Ginny, who was squirming uneasily in her seat. Fenix smothered her smile with great difficulty but her amusement at the uncomfortable girl was clear as her clear silver eyes twinkled outrageously. Sirius fell into a light doze as the rest looked out at the landscape. Fenix smiled gently as Hedwig hooted drowsily then turned to look at the Potions Master, who was reading a book.

    The woman with the trolley of snacks slid into the compartment and Harry quickly took out some of his money in eagerness. Fenix chuckled as she eyed a bag of cookies that seemed terribly familiar to her. "Is that from the Weasleys’?" Fenix asked the woman courteously.

    "Oh yes! Good cookies and selling quite well!" The woman beamed and Harry deftly took the bag of cookies, Chocolate Frogs, Every Flavor Beans and an assortment of candies before paying the woman generously. He gave the bag of cookies to Fenix and she smiled winsomely at him.

    : Thank you. :

    : You’re welcome, : Harry grinned as he sat down again. The compartment fell into comfortable silence as Harry, Ginny and Fenix munched down on their snacks, looking out of the window. Once in a while, Fenix offered the bag of cookies to Snape, who was contented to read his book in silence.

    Harry gave a brief glance at the Potions Master before chewing his Beans and looked out the window again. It’s funny how he never mentioned anything about NEWTs or his disbelief that I got an O for his subject. I can’t help wondering why he accepted me in his elective class in the first place… And I wonder if Malfoy and his goons would come by to visit me like every year. It would be interesting to see Snape’s behaviour when he comes face to face with the progeny of the man who had tried to kill him. Harry half-smiled at his thoughts and his smile broadened when Ron and Hermione came in with Neville.

    "Hermione, where’s Wind?" Fenix asked.

    "She’s with Professor Lupin now, and he sends you this," Hermione said as Sirius wordlessly helped to keep the girl’s trunk, while she handed Fenix a deep crimson rose. The Fire Master chuckled, trying to cover her embarrassment. She finally gave up and covered her face and she knew she was blushing. Harry choked on his Chocolate Frog, while Ginny doubled up, laughing rather hoarsely.

    : Just sent it to say, I love you. : Remus’s mindvoice caressed her mind.

    "Oh dear Phoebus…" Fenix mumbled, trying to control the spread of tingly warmth throughout her entire body. "Ginny!" she protested feebly as the youngest Weasley kept on laughing and Snape had to hold on to the girl’s shoulder to prevent her from sliding off her seat.

    Fenix rubbed her cheeks and groaned when she felt her oathbrother’s delight at her discomfiture, radiating through their oathbond. She sighed and looked at the stocky boy they had met briefly in Diagon Alley and looked at Hermione for an introduction.

    "Fenix, this is Neville Longbottom," the young girl introduced her to the boy who looked nervously at the Potions Master. "Neville," Hermione shook the boy’s arm lightly to catch his attention, "this is Fenix Maxwell, she’s Professor Lupin’s assistant." Fenix smiled kindly at the boy.

    "And you’ve met me while I was sailing over The Veil," Sirius spoke up. "Sirius Black."

"Hello," Neville greeted nervously, smiling a little at Fenix. "So, Professor Lupin’s come back to teach us?"

    "Yup!" Harry nodded.

    "Do you mind if I take a seat here?" Neville asked politely. Hermione gave a little snort.

    "Seriously Neville…" she shook her head and caught several Chocolate Frogs that Harry aimed at her. "Maybe for once in your life, be rude. Like the time you acted during a class last year," she cast a sidelong glance at the Potions Master, who pretended not to hear her as she spoke.

    "Hermione!" Neville flushed.

    "For God’s sake! I was just kidding!" she rolled her eyes in exasperation and took Ron’s hand before sitting down.

    "Why the solemn face?" Harry asked his best friend curiously.

    "I wish that Dumbledore didn’t appoint me as a Prefect. I’m having enough trouble with school work, I don’t think I really need the extra responsibilities over my shoulder," he sighed as he bit off the Chocolate Frog savagely.

    "Well, at least this year you don’t have the twins around," Ginny pointed out, wiping her face with her hands.

    "And thank God for that!" Ron agreed with all one's might and finished his Chocolate Frog.

    Fenix offered the bag of cookies to Ron and he took one of it. "And it’s hard to believe that the twins had actually baked these. I wonder when on earth they took baking lessons."

    "Maybe your brothers have their own sweethearts to teach them," Sirius said lightly. "Who knows?"

    "The twins?" Ron and Ginny exclaimed. "My god!"

    They were all contemplating about whether the twins were ‘attached’ when Fenix suddenly put on a bland expression and stared at the door in distaste. : I believe you guys are about to get your yearly visit, : she said into their minds, Harry giving her an inquisitive look. She heard Ron whispered to Neville and assured his friend that he was not going mad by hearing the voice in his head.

    "That was Fenix talking." Ron said, grinning.

    "Yearly visit?" Neville scowled. "Oh…don’t tell me she meant--"

    : Yes, Neville. The Greenies are coming this way, : Fenix confirmed.

    "Would someone tell me what in the world of Merlin is going on?" Snape slammed his book shut, making everyone jump in his or her seats. "What yearly visit?"

    "Dear Taliesin…" Fenix muttered, and exchanged a look with Harry who just shrugged. "Just watch, Severus. You’ll understand what the kids are talking about in less than thirty seconds." Harry and Ron made sounds of protests when she called them kids and Snape opened his mouth to speak but stopped and leaned back when he heard the compartment door slid open.

    "Isn’t it the filthy little Mudblood and her gangly, freckled Ron here?" Draco Malfoy--still the Slytherin Prefect--sneered down at them. Hermione just gave him a lofty look then pretended to look interested at her fingers.

    "And here is the half-blooded wizard. I am surprised that you aren’t dead, doggie…" Draco Malfoy said in disdain when he looked at Sirius. "That Veil that Dumbledore had stupidly kept in the Ministry should have make you a gonner."

    : Steady, bro. : Fenix casually held Sirius’s hand.

    "Oh…the doggie has also found a girlfriend. Having a real family life now, Potty?" Pansy Parkinson jeered.

    "Ah… is this the guy you girls kept talking about the whole summer?" Fenix asked Hermione.

    "Aha…"

    "Well, I agree with you. He does look rather charming…" she eyed the Slytherin prefect was looking at her warily.

    : Charming?! : Harry choked.

    "But then as the twins quoted, he’s just a git. You’re better off with gangly, freckled and humorous Ron."

    "I know, I know…why do you think I’m going out with Ron? I rather go out with mediocre wizards who have made a name on their own than someone who’s always looking for ‘Mama’ or maybe for this one," Hermione jerked her chin towards Malfoy, "it would be ‘Papa’."

    "I suggest that if you don’t want to get yourself screwed up, ‘git’… leave us in peace," Harry suggested lamely.

    "Mr. Malfoy," Snape spoke up slowly, hands crossed over on his book, "isn’t it the duty of a school prefect to minimize students’ movements during a train journey?" the Potions Master said mildly.

    Malfoy stood frozen as he finally noticed Snape’s familiar greasy, black hair. Malfoy backed away from the compartment door and with her mind, Fenix shut the door at the boy’s face.

    "How was the parting gift that we had given you? Did you guys like it?" Harry called out earnestly. "Anyway, thanks for the yearly visit!"

    : Don’t laugh, : Fenix warned Harry and the rest of the kids, carefully examining the Potions Master.

    "Fenix, one question?" Sirius tugged at her sleeve, like a child tugging on the mother when it wants something. "The conversation about that boy being charming… had you planned this or was it a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing?"

    "Sirius, do Hermione and I look like the kind of girls who need to plan things when we want to nettle someone?" Fenix asked in mock indignation.

    "Don’t be insulting," Hermione nodded her head in agreement and winked mischievously at the Fire Master.

    Snape fingered the pages of his book abstractedly. Then he turned to stare at Harry and suddenly frowned. The emerald-eyed teenager blinked his eyes and gulped at the intense look the Potions Master was giving him. Snape suddenly spoke up. "Was that the so-called yearly visit?" he lifted his eyebrow as he said it, still gazing at the boy. Harry nodded uncertainly, and the Potions Master smiled thinly. "And what was the parting gift?"

    "I’m not sure if you ought to know," Fenix interjected.

    "They tried to jinx us…and the results were good," Ron said without humor.

    "How disappointing…" Snape whispered and continued reading his book. "A ‘git’ for real…" Snape looked back at Harry, his face breaking out into a smile, and the youth felt something change inside him. Everyone was looking at Snape with amazement except for Fenix, who gave the man a warm smile. They had never seen the Potions Master gave a real smile to anyone before. Much less to the boy whom he used to hate. All too soon, his smile faded, and Hermione bit her lip in disappointment when Snape’s bland expression returned. Of all the people in the current compartment, only Fenix was aware of the reason why the smile came and then went off. She closed her eyes as she was filled with Snape’s sudden despair, suppressing the urge to cry.

    : Fenix? : Sirius asked as he gave her hand a squeeze. : What’s wrong? :

    : It’s okay, Sirius. : Fenix gave a weak smile and closed her eyes as she felt the coming of rain. "It’s going to rain."

    "I don’t think so…" Ron disagreed.

    "Watch," Fenix said mischievously as she raised her hand.  The instant she dropped her hand, huge raindrops splashed against the train and the Weasley gave her an incredulous look.

    "You didn’t really make it rain, did you?" Neville asked the Fire Master.

    "Of course… not! It was just good timing… that’s all." Fenix chuckled.

    "But can you make it rain?" Hermione asked Fenix persistently.

    "Yes, I can but I won’t. Playing with weather’s a touchy business," Fenix said as she stood up to get the feelings back in her legs and sat back down. The momentary subject was able to distract her and Snape’s despair gradually lessened. She reached out for Remus and was a little surprised that he was not dozing. : Hello, lover. Not feeling tired? : she asked tenderly.

    : Strangely… no. I don’t feel tired at all. Everything all right back there? : Remus responded cheerfully.

    : Yeah, all’s safe, :  Fenix answered and shivered when Remus gave her a mental caress.

    Nothing eventful happened during the rest of the day. Harry entertained Fenix by telling her all about Quidditch and in exchanged he had forced her to sing some ‘Muggle’ songs. She had declined but Ginny egged the Fire Master relentlessly. Fenix was singing midway of Linkin Park’s Crawling, when she jerked her head up, staring at the window warily. The sun was beginning to set and the lamps in the carriage lighted up.

    "Aelwyn, I want a full sweep conducted," Fenix instructed as she got up and opened the carriage door in search for the Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. Not surprisingly, he and the wolves were watching Malfoy’s gang carefully.

    "Fenix?" Remus looked at her questioningly.

    : I sense Dementors. :

    Remus uttered a string of curses and headed out of his compartment in search for the others who were guarding the students. Fenix remained in the compartment, tolerating the spiteful glares of Parkinson and Malfoy until he returned. Fenix had to thank the man for subtlety; he had not whipped out his wand.

    : They’re closing on the train. There’s quite a few of them, : Krill said to her and Remus.

    "Bloody hell!" Fenix swore and went back to her company. Harry was looking alertly at her.

    "Fenix, what’s wrong?" Hermione asked.

    "I don’t want you guys to panic. A horde of Dementors are coming," Fenix said quietly, her eyes going distant.

    "Dragon’s teeth…" Harry looked out the window. "We have to turn the lamps off. We’re like a ready prey for them," the youth said absently.

    "Maybe it’s better if I go to the students in there," Snape said, eyeing the last compartment. He began putting his book away and stood up.

    : Fenix, we’re going to stop the train and shut off the goddamn lights, : Remus informed her.

    : Funny. Harry was saying the same thing just now, : she commented.

    Harry was whispering to Hedwig as he placed the cage safely out of the way, with Crookshanks secured beside her. Snape had disappeared into the other compartment and Fenix went to him. She tugged at his sleeve and informed him and the students at the last carriage.

    "Please remain calm. I am sure that you are aware of the current developments of the Dark Lord."

    "What’s happening?" a Ravenclaw student by the name of Luna Lovegood spoke up.

    "Dementors," Professor Snape replied shortly.

    "We see," the group of Ravenclaws replied calmly and began tucking away their belongings safely and held out their wands.

    "They seem well prepared," Fenix said archly. "Sev, be careful," the Fire Master said softly and he gave a nod.

    "Not a lot of first years, thank goodness." Hermione heaved a sigh of relief. "Fenix, this Alamanda Durz. They had distributed the first years among the senior students." Like the Ravenclaws, Hermione and the rest seemed ready for action, their wands all out.

    : Sirius? : Remus’s mindvoice called out.

    : Yeah? :

    : We need your help. We’re short of one more guard. :

    : Not the Greenies, I hope? :

    : No. They’re Hufflepuffs. : Sirius looked apologetically at his godson.

    "It’s all right, I understand. You better go where they want you to guard before the lamps go off," Harry said, as he edged away from the window.

    : Sirius, guys. Be careful, : Fenix sent her thought to every single person in the train. "Ron, find something for me so that the doors to each compartment remain open," she instructed briskly.

    "It’s already been taken care off." Ron jerked his chin towards Snape who was bending down and giving the door a tap. Hermione was doing the same thing to the other door. The lights went off first.

    : Harry, stay linked with me, : Fenix commanded.

    : Roger. :

    "Miss Maxwell?" someone whispered shakily.

    "Yes, Alamanda?"

    "I’m scared."

    "Don’t worry. We’re all going to look after each other," Harry said reassuringly.

    "Okay," the young girl of thirteen said bravely.

    : Hang on guys. We’re going to stop soon, : Fenix warned them and placed her balance on her feet.

    "I’m getting a strange sense of déjà vu," Ginny said shakily as she remembered their first encounter with the Dementors.

    : Are you two all right? : Fenix asked the wolves.

    : Don’t worry about us. :

    : Exactly fifty-two Dementors, : Krill announced and she felt her eyes widened.

    "Fifty-two?" they heard Snape exclaimed indignantly.

    Fenix shrugged her cloak off and felt it disappear as her Salamander took it. Brighid watch over the young ones. Her sword materialized out of the thin air and she held it in defensive stance.

    : They’re closing in, : Krill whispered, and they held their breaths.

    Fenix stood rigidly as she slowly cast a spell that would enable them to see the Dementors for the outside world was so dark that all they could see was the black lumps of hills and trees. Then she released her spell with an upward thrust of her sword. She waited patiently for her spell to take place. Suddenly there were bright flashes of lightning and they averted their eyes from the brilliant light.

    They looked out the window again when the thunder stopped and all they could see was darkness. Then to their surprise, yellow glowing forms lumbered towards the train in one direction. Fenix instinctively covered Alamanda with her body as the windows of the train suddenly shattered and the pieces flew dangerously in the air. There were screams of pain echoing throughout the train and Fenix managed to yell for them to duck just as the windows at the opposite side of the train began to crack.

    : Fenix! They have arrows! : Krill shrieked out and Harry gasped when an arrow pierced his arm.

    : Everyone! : Remus shouted. : We can see them now! Those of you who can, use the Patronus at once! :

    There were more frightened screams as another volley of arrows descended on the train. A Dementor tried to jump in through the window but screamed in fear as Fenix thrust her sword and instantly burned with Fire. She heard some of the Dementors shouting for them to retreat. Why would they want to do that?

    "We’ve got the human. Voldemort does not want to be kept waiting," one Dementor growled.

    : Harry! :

    : I’m still here, : Harry croaked, as wave after wave of pain rocked his body.

    "We’re not throwing away the opportunity to feast. You take the Potions Master away. We’ll entertain ourselves with their fear."

    Hermione hastily said ‘Lumos’ and looked for the Potions Master. "Fenix! They’ve taken Professor Snape!" she wailed in distress. Harry was suddenly filled with intense anger and headed out for the nearest exit. He blasted the door open.

    "Harry!" Neville shouted. It seemed that Harry was not the only one scrambling to get out of the train; a lot of senior students were rushing to step out too. Fenix felt the horror of the Aurors who were supposed to guard the children’s lives. Some of the Aurors remained behind to guard those students who were still inside, quaking with fear.

    "Look at them," a Dementor’s voice grated out. "Angry, they are. They want to fight back." The Dementors laughed madly. Harry broke off the arrow and fought off the wave of nausea. He focused on the grim faces of the students of Hogwarts, with some Slytherins who were hissing with anger. A sixth-year student from Slytherin previously named Hewln Garner shouted at the Dementors.

    "Yes! We are going to fight even if it cost us our lives! We won’t tolerate your filthy, evil minds in this earth any longer! Expecto Patronum!" A silvery mist emerged from her wand and a silver horned bull came charging at the Dementors. The students were fully roused and the School stood united again. Feeling energized suddenly, Harry placed his grief, love, heart and soul to his Patronus. Hermione who was not that good in calling up her real Patronus suddenly managed to call up a silver stallion and Harry’s silver stag joined in battering down the Dementors. Fenix gave a wave of her sword and three Dementors were incinerated at once. There was a sudden momentary lull in the field. Dementors faced the humans and the humans stared at the Dementors calmly. Fenix stepped forward and said softly.

    "You will return Severus to us." Her deathly quiet voice sent chills to the students as she stared at the Dementors mercilessly. Harry ignored his aching arm and remembered the Potions Master's swift carefree smile that emerged from the unfeeling wizard just a few hours ago.

    "Professor Snape does not belong to the Dark Lord any longer," Harry said in the silence. "His Dark Mark is absent from his arm. Voldemort won’t be able to call him anymore."

    "The humans utter nonsense," the Dementors said in unison.

    "No." They heard Snape’s voice in the distant and there was a blinding flash of golden light. "I won’t be broken by him again. And I will never bow to him ever."

    The Potions Master waved his wand again and the Dementors were flung closer to the students as Snape made his way unconcernedly to the students and joined the Fire Master. The Dementors suddenly loosed arrows on them and Fenix hurriedly shielded the students and gasped in pain when an arrow hit her shoulder.

    : I’m okay, : Fenix reassured all of them.

    "Tell the Dark Lord this," the same Slytherin girl hissed, "we would not hide anymore in fear."

    "That’s if any of them remain alive after this," a student muttered confidently.

    "He is warned and forewarned," the girl said defiantly. "The Phoenix has risen," she said abruptly.

    "Foolish words, daughter." Death Eaters had Apparated and joined the Dementors.

    "I am not. I have never been ever since you let mother die. I am not Helwn Garner. I am Dina Free."

    "Everyone knows it was that decrepit wizard who cast the illusion."

    "Illusion?" several students jeered. "Must be a pretty good one then that it could kill …how many was it Jeremy?" Lee Jordan said in a mocking voice.

    "Twenty six at one go."

    "And we’re supposed to believe that?" the ‘father’ of Dina Free said.

    "She is real enough, Howard," Snape said and rolled his left sleeve. They stared at the arm incredulously.

    "How did--" several uneasy murmurs emerged.

    Fenix heard Draco Malfoy’s voice stammered in disbelief. "It couldn’t be! Snape is a Death Eater!"

    Seamus Finnigan of Gryffindor took the chance to give Malfoy a punch and the Slytherin was immediately knocked out cold.

    "I believe it’s a ‘was’, Malfoy," Seamus corrected and stared back at their opponents.

    "Severus Snape has been given a full redemption, I have seen to that personally. Leave if you treasure your life. Better yet; leave Voldemort to keep your souls," Fenix said quietly.

    "Huh…we’re not going to be scared by a very small woman or half-grown wizards and witches," the Death Eater scoffed. "Enough playing. Crucio!" but the spell impacted harmlessly on Fenix’s shield.

    "Leave," Fenix continued to warn them as she began to move towards them. She broke off the arrow from her shoulder and let go of her sword. It disappeared. "Last chance, gentlemen. I will not show mercy." The Death Eaters stood their ground and she sighed heavily. "You have been warned."

    "Avada Kedavra!" Several bolts of green light hit her. She took it and simply reflected it back. The Death Eaters fell dead at once, leaving Fenix with the Dementors. They began to back away from the advancing woman. Horrible and desperate screams pierced the air as the Dementors were incinerated by her touch.

    Silence. The wind blew gently around them. Silence. Death had touched the land.

    "You could have backed out father," Dina bowed her head as she whispered. "You chose to betray mother. You were warned and you ignored it," the girl sighed heavily and stepped over Malfoy’s unconscious body.

    "Go back up the train," Fenix instructed all of them. Sirius looked at her and nodded his head to the students around him and they proceeded back up the train. Fenix stood in the field alone and wept for the fallen men silently. She gave each of them silent blessings before their bodies were engulfed in fire. She turned her back to the burning bodies and headed for the illuminated train.

**********

    Everyone remained silent when Fenix headed back up, and stared speechlessly at the woman’s tear-streaked face. She wandered about the train as it began to start moving and healed the injured students, going to those whom had been badly cut by the sharp, shattered glass first. Much to her relief, only Harry was the only one of the students whom had been hit by the arrows. She tended to Remus’s gash before she went back to her compartment as Ginny looked anxiously at an unconscious Harry. Fenix absently pulled the remains of the broken arrow from her shoulder, and winced a little.

    "We’ve managed to pull the arrow out and stopped his arm from bleeding," Snape said quietly and released the pressure from Harry’s bleeding arm. Fenix replaced the kneeling Potions Master and began Healing the boy. "Good… no splinters…" They watched Harry’s wound as it began to close slowly and gradually faded to a red scar. Sirius glanced at her shoulder and saw it was completely healed. Neville and Ron meanwhile helped to clear the compartment from the shattered glass and piled them all to one corner. As Ginny was supporting Harry, Fenix had no choice to sit beside the Potions Master.

    "Krill," Fenix said tiredly. "Full guard."

    "Yes, lady."

    : Fenix? : Sirius and Remus asked simultaneously.

    : Don’t. I need to be alone for a while, : Fenix said tiredly and blocked everyone off from her mind.

**********

    They finally arrived at the station about eighteen minutes before midnight. Harry was still unconscious and Sirius carried his godson carefully while the rest got their trunks out and their pets. No one had bothered to change into his or her school robes. Hagrid and Professor Grubby-Planks looked horrifically at the state of the train and the students, whom appeared tattered and bloodied.

    "First-years! This way please!"

    Sirius carried Harry to an unoccupied Thestral carriage. Ginny and Neville went with Sirius, as Hermione, Ginny, Fenix and Snape got up onto another. Fenix was strangely silent all the way and did not even look at the looming ancient castle. Ron and Hermione closed their eyes and tried to calm their nerves a bit. Snape caught Fenix’s hand and squeezed it comfortingly.

    "We’ll be there soon. I don’t think the Sorting Ceremony will be conducted today," Snape said softly. Fenix nodded her head tiredly and controlled the tears from falling.

**********
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