Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/ works/10019345. Rating: Explicit Archive Warning: Rape/Non-Con, Underage, Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence Category: F/M Fandom: Harry_Potter_-_J._K._Rowling Relationship: Arthur_Weasley/Molly_Weasley, Hermione_Granger/Ron_Weasley, Severus Snape/Other(s) Character: S_-_Character, Bellatrix_Black_Lestrange, Dobby_(Harry_Potter), Draco Malfoy, Albus_Dumbledore, Harry_Potter, Hermione_Granger, James_Potter, Lily_Evans_Potter, Lucius_Malfoy, Luna_Lovegood, Millicent_Bulstrode, Molly_Weasley, Alastor_“Mad-Eye”_Moody, Narcissa_Black_Malfoy, Neville Longbottom, Other(s), Pansy_Parkinson, Remus_Lupin, Ron_Weasley, Severus Snape, Arthur_Weasley, Blaise_Zabini, Original_Character Additional Tags: Explicit_Language, BDSM, Heterosexual_Sex, Slash_sex, Incest, Sexual Content, Threesome, Angst, Tragedy, Bonding, Drama, Humor, Parody, Hurt/ Comfort, Mystery, Suspense, Romance Collections: HPFandom Stats: Published: 2012-12-31 Chapters: 3/3 Words: 54627 ****** NJAD 2.0 ****** by Candy_Bang [archived by HPFandom_archivist] Summary Overhaul of the original Not Just Another Drarry. Slytherins are all about self-preservation. That's why Draco has to bed -and keep- Harry Potter. The unblemished skin on the arms of Draco and his friends depend on it. And then there's the illigitmate Jessa, who's more than a little messed up in the head and besotted with some other half- blood. Who hopefully isn't the Dark Lord. [Contains het, slash, corporal punishment, bad language, violence, angst and other dubious topics.] Notes Note from SeparatriX, the archivist: this story was originally archived at HP_Fandom, which was closed for health and financial reasons. To preserve the archive, I began manually importing its works to the AO3 as an Open Doors-approved project in August 2016. I e-mailed all creators about the move and posted announcements, but may not have reached everyone. If you are (or know) this creator, please contact me using the e-mail address on HP_Fandom_collection profile. ***** Feral Blood ***** Harry Potter is © J. K. Rowling, Warner Brothers, Scholastic, and all others involved.   Draco’s mother twisted her lips in an odd way as she regarded her son. To this he heaved a sigh in response although he was not genuinely annoyed. She deliberately did not speak and after it became clear that she had no intention of doing so, Draco gestured impatiently with his eyebrows. The irritating woman simply smoothed the immaculate folds of her dress. “You don’t approve,” Draco surmised. “I would never say that Draco,” Narcissa stated smoothly, folding her manicured hands in her lap. “Of course not,” Draco replied almost sullenly. His mother made no outward indication that she was aware of the implied, ‘Your manner says it perfectly well without words.’ Draco knew it was tiring and unsatisfying to argue with Narcissa so he stood and left the room. He wore a slight scowl that increased as he walked. Draco reached his bedroom and took a seat on his bed. He was not angry with his mother: he understood her and was fond of her. He was frustrated because she disapproved of something he had no control over. The lack of control was irksome enough without sensing Narcissa’s censure. A noise interrupted Draco’s musings. He did not need to look up to know that one of the physically stunted members of the help had appeared in the room with a wary expression and even warier gait. Draco did not bother with a glance in the intruder’s direction. “Out,” he said shortly. A torn expression appeared on the help’s leathery features but he remained long enough to stammer in his unappealing dialect, “Is there anything you’ll be wanting Master Draco?” Draco sat forwards and clasped his white hands in a measured movement. A smile spread on his cold features as with glinting eyes he regarded the intruder. The pest departed loudly a moment later. Draco let out a huff of amusement although he was not really amused, and lowered himself onto his back in an unhurried movement. He massaged his face with his hands. He should have kept the help around and practised hurling particularly aggressive hexes at him. Mother had a point. That did not mean she was right: because it was impossible to do anything else with the current situation. Draco’s inward sensibilities were as far from ecstatic about this state of affairs as Narcissa’s were. Draco raised his hands to grip his hair and tease it unnecessarily into perfection. He made another noise of dissatisfaction and pulled himself up into a sitting position on his bed. His sport-trained body was oblivious to the strain caused by his ridiculously soft mattress. Draco slipped off his boots and padded over to the main window in his socks. He surveyed the grounds mutely for a while before noticing his reflection. He was clutching his left arm to his torso. Ridiculous! He stormed away from the window, stabbed his feet back into his footwear and stormed downstairs. He would go outside and get lost in the sky. * The Saviour had hardly taken his godfather’s death in his stride. The boy’s expression only varied from numb when he broke his temper (without warning, and spectacularly) or when he wept (often, and noisily). Tonks was one of his allies –a member of the Order of the Phoenix- and she dropped down beside him. Members of the Light –particularly Order members- were generally considered the Savior’s protectors although not all of them had his best interests at heart. The Light side were usually differentiated from the practisers of the Dark Arts in that Death Eaters and the like typically wanted the Saviour dead (and preferably served up before their Lord in a bloody manner). Nymphadora Tonks was neither a Death Eater nor a particularly treacherous Light witch but she was barely older than The Saviour and not terribly reliable or graceful. She was, however, the only Order Member in the vicinity currently daring to converse with him. “Bearing up?” The Saviour looked at his trainers and then sidelong at the young woman. He nodded blankly. Tonks was quiet and The Saviour watched her glance about the room, presumably for conversational inspiration. She would need something riveting. Since the fiasco that had cost Sirius his life The Saviour had taken to roaming headquarters bleakly paying full attention only to the suffocating emptiness. The Saviour floundered for something to say. “Do you know what they’re upto?” ‘They’ referred to Albus Dumbledore, his reluctant lapdog Remus Lupin and Auror Alastor ‘Mad Eye’ Moody. They had been involved in some odd, secretive happening that had them lurking about Sirius’ familial homestead and attempting to keep The Saviour away from its more neglected rooms. They had even attempted to remove The Saviour from Grimmauld Place altogether but The Saviour had railed strongly against that. Tonks glanced at The Saviour thoughtfully. “Not really,” she replied. “They’re acting... strangely though. I think Albus has got Mad Eye looking for something... and Remus is acting... differently.” “Worse than when Sirius had just died, you mean,” The Saviour muttered. Tonks made a face that bemoaned her lack of tact, but nodded. The Saviour sighed. “I never got kept informed even before...” Tonks stared around the room again. * Severus had other regrets. He could hear the brats bickering outside his empty classroom and it irritated him even more than he dared show. His temper was especially short from a lack of sleep and the accumulated aches and pains resultant of spending a night pandering to the whims of a sadistic madman. It was no use sitting here marking papers; the rabble outside were unconsciously inciting him to murderous urges. Severus threw himself to his feet and stalked through to his quarters. The free period was before lunch so he could steal a little over an hour of sleep. Hopefully that could prevent him from skinning one of the noisy little morons. Not that they would be undeserving of such a fate. * Jessamine swung her feet to idly (yet forcefully) kick the table before her and ignored the pressure of Mad Eye’s fingers gripping her shoulder warningly. She bared her teeth in the sharp smile she had been displaying for days. “What right do you think you have to take me from my home?” she asked in her mildly sweet, mostly brittle voice. Mad Eye twisted her shoulder pointedly for her disrespect of Albus’ all- knowingness. Jessamine met and severely disliked the gaze of the man’s boss as Mad Eye did so. She pulled away in disgust and raised herself from her chair. Mad Eye grabbed her with more care than he needed to and shoved her back into the chair. “Watch your manners,” he said gruffly. ***   Jessamine ignored the call of ‘Snuffles’ from the mouths of students she had never spoken to and mentally listed the differences between herself and Sirius in her dark head; because that was easier than thinking about Sirius or the nephew who had gotten him killed. She had slunk into the noisy grand hall and trotted quickly towards the staff table, trying not to catch any more attention than necessary from the students who were wondering what the Black dog was doing here. Jessamine was smaller than Sirius- obviously a bitch... She was slenderer, although they had both been skeletal for the past few years. She didn’t have Sirius’ pale eyes, and her’s held an expression that was far less human than his even after his unjust incarceration. Jessamine ducked past the Ravenclaw table and swiftly mounted the raised area on which the Staff table was situated. There were far too many eyes on her despite her discrete entrance, and she was very aware of that. It was a slight relief to get behind the table and out of the way of those gazes. “Minnie?” Mad Eye pulled away from the table to peer down at her. “What the devil are you doing?” Jessamine had said repeatedly that she was not going to enter the grand hall during mealtimes and she had not before now…but she was getting restless and spooked from being stuck in the rooms all the time. That feeling was growing increasingly worse since they had sent her servant to the kitchens. He would probably poison the food. Ordinarily she’d be amused by that. More than once she had stared at Albus and imagined his painful death before her. She cringed as she caught his scent in her nostrils. Jessamine hoped her flinch hadn’t been noticeable. She had known he was here but the old coot made her nervous. He was as cold as her but he pretended not to be – and was so convincing everyone thought him marvellous. People were smart enough to be wary of her but they stupidly put their trust in Dumbledore. Jessamine shrank smaller as she crept beneath the tablecloth and pawed Alastor Moody’s leg. She did not want to be amongst these people but she needed the reassurance of Mad Eye’s company. He glowered down at her with barely masked concern. His magical blue eye was fixed on her also, and that was unnerving in a different way. The dog bowed her head and pulled herself onto Alastor’s lap. Let him look. She was even smaller now, and stood mutely waiting for a response. When Alastor did not push her down Jessamine nuzzled under his overshirt and remained there. He was warm and his heartbeat was steady. “Minnie,” he repeated. She poked her nose out of the neck of his clothing reluctantly. Alastor continued to glare at her for a while before he stroked the tip of her face and asked softly, “Are you hungry?” She whimpered in protest but at that moment her stomach rumbled against his. Stupid, traitorous thing. He scooped her out of his shirt and placed her on the table beside his plate. Minnie struggled to keep her paws and tail away from the utensils and goblets surrounding her. The teachers on either side of him scowled at Alastor. Jessamine would not be impressed to have an animal on the table either, regardless of her human heritage. Still, that would be a waste of breath on Moody. She had wondered more than once whether his bewitched eye showed him a girl crouching before him, but she was fairly sure it did not. Minnie looked in distaste at the unappetising meat on Alastor’s platter. It smelt dead and was covered in blobby fat. How could he consider eating that? She nudged something healthier and low-everything onto the side of his dish and began to pick at it half-heartedly. “You can’t be enjoying that,” Alastor commented after watching her performance. He offered her something warm and still bloody that everyone else was avoiding eating. It was probably slipped onto the table by her servant on the off chance that she appeared, but Jessamine was unsure how Alastor understood her growing craving for the taste of raw meat. How she wanted to hunt soon. She needed the nourishment of a proper meal and her need –emotional and physical- to break something was becoming close to overwhelming. She sniffed gently and nuzzled at the proffered meat, lapping the warm liquid from Alastor’s large, rough fingers. She could feel the weight of the blood slicking her whiskers. Hesitantly, she bit into the food and chewed delicately on a small mouthful. Afterwards she stepped back down onto Mad Eye’ lap and refused the rest of the meat or anything else he offered, although content to lick more blood from his hands. No reason to give in to temptation too much. The taste was just making her crave rabbit more and she knew perfectly well they wouldn’t permit her onto the grounds. Letting her leave her room was an illusion of freedom. She just wanted to kill a little rabbit or two... “Jessamine, I am surprised to see you at our table.” What? Oh, him: she had almost forgotten he was there. What made him think he had any right to address her? Especially when she was thinking about eating rabbits. The dog stiffened and turned, snarling, to the man who had spoken. Albus Dumbledore looked over his glasses at her with a smile. His eyes twinkled gently but his friendliness seemed forced. So it should. “How are you?” he asked. Minnie gave him a filthy look and turned her back on him. She would like throw salt in his eyes. Or pepper. She eyed the condiment speculatively. Alastor stroked her raised hackles soothingly. The touch felt good but his disapproval was tiresome. “You’re being bloody rude Minnie,” he scolded. She nipped his wrist gently with her teeth before speaking in a voice loud enough for Dumbledore to hear. “I don’t care; I don’t trust him Mad Eye.” Alastor cuffed her nose softly, “Be polite, can’t you, girl?” “Shan’t,” she muttered darkly. He took the pepper and moved it out of her line of sight, causing her to huff quietly in disgust. She wouldn’t have done it anyway.   The meal ended and Alastor drew the dog from his lap into his arms. As they left Dumbledore stopped them. “I hope you’ll learn to trust me, Jessamine.” Mutely, she gave him a pained look and turned her face into Alastor’s chest. Albus could go stab himself in the eyes. Alastor looked at her and sighed. “Sorry Albus.” “Quite alright,” forgave Dumbledore. “Perhaps in time?” Alastor nudged his charge. “I hope so,” he said pointedly. Minnie wriggled sulkily. She’d forgiven the ‘sorry, Albus’ because he was Moody, but he had no right to try and make her be nice to the senile, passive-aggressive, odious man with no sense of style. Filthy muggle-lover. Albus wandered off looking thoughtful and Moody scowled, pulling Minnie off him to glare at her. “I’ve a good mind to shake you,” he said severely. Minnie squirmed in his hold and scrambled onto his shoulder. His large hands reached up to steady her. “But you won’t,” Minnie replied. “I’m damn irritated by you,” Alastor pressed. “Doesn’t mean you’ll hit me,” the dog mumbled into his neck. “I’d never forgive you.” Alastor made an annoyed noise deep in his throat and carried her up to his rooms. “You never said…” she murmured. Alastor settled into an armchair by the fireplace with Minnie in his lap. Her face was settled against his warm chest. “Said what, girl?” he replied. One of his hands rested on her back and he glanced down at her calmly. She seemed to spend half her time at his ankles or on his chest. Her reply was lost a little less in his shirt this time. “Why you didn’t want to break my fingers…” Alastor laughed and reached for his hip flask. That should not have been funny, but it was such a peculiar comment that he had to laugh. When it was Minnie, it was always better to laugh than to let her thoughts under your skin. He had found that her head was a disturbing place to be. Minnie shifted comfortably to allow him access to his drink before settling back against him. “You’re tired,” Alastor protested. “Yes, so talk to me…” the dog pleaded sleepily. Alastor shook his head. “Get dressed first, and then we can talk before you go to bed.” Minnie tapped him hard with her muzzle and leapt down from the seat. Mildly amused by her sulk, Alastor took a swig from his flask. The dog returned swiftly; but she was not a dog anymore. Minnie stood awkwardly against the doorframe in the form she was born in and dressed in one of Alastor’s most worn shirts. Her dark hair hung about her face and she played anxiously with the shirt’s brushed cotton cuffs. The bottom of the shirt stopped just below the top third of her thighs and displayed to Alastor a large amount of her long, gleaming, pale legs. Her skin was the almost painful white of those who rarely saw sunlight, yet livid red and purple handprints marked a vast quantity of this visible flesh. They had been black the first time Alastor saw them. A dying bruise on her thigh in less common yellow and green dots reminded him of a further incident left unspoken, but this was a paw shaped marking, larger than a print left by any ordinary wolf. Remus had caught scent of her and left a number of those, largely around her collarbone and hips. The sight was enough to make Alastor inhale quickly. He could never decide which disturbed him more: her naked legs or the major bruising on them. “Kindred Jessamine Black, must you?” Minnie sighed. “Don’t use my whole name…” Alastor swallowed from his flask again, feeling quite perturbed but willing to accommodate her for now. The first time Alastor saw Minnie she had been attired in a similarly worn and revealing outfit, but it was torn mostly to shreds. This was an improvement. “You do have clothes of your own Minnie.” Another swig. He knew the comment was lost on her. She habitually wore his shirts when they were alone. “Come here and have your talk with me then, girl. Fill my head with your nonsense.” Minnie smiled and stepped away from the doorframe. As she walked towards him Alastor choked. “Minnie!” Minnie made a face and flounced back into his room. They had been through this before. Moments later she returned with a thin strip of Alastor’s shorts showing beneath his shirt as she walked. Every time he saw a little too much of the top third of her thighs he insisted she put something else on, and then said nothing else on the matter. Alastor had not yet decided whether this habit was merely an attempt to train the girl in normality or a strategy to prevent him from doing something impermissible. Minnie climbed into his lap and settled. Alastor had gotten used to having the nubile youth monopolise his lap without invitation. “Well…” she began, “After …after what he did-” “Remus?” Alastor supplied. Minnie avoided his gaze and in this instance that meant a ‘yes’. She continued, “After that, when he was there …with Dumbledore …and you… to… To…”   Alastor felt the shape-shifter girl’s unease. He completed, “On the night when we collected you.” Stress and misery glanced across her expression for an instant before disappearing. Her expressions regularly expired on her face. “Yes,” she agreed in a tight voice, “when that happened… you didn’t have to- I mean; you could have... There would have been no retribution for you had you hurt me!” Minnie blurted. “You’d done nothing wrong, girl,” Alastor said calmly. “That wouldn’t have mattered,” said Minnie bleakly, and with an edge of anger. “It would have mattered to me,” Alastor replied gruffly, “and both Albus and Remus can be trusted.” His jaw tightened momentarily. He put that down to the unfortunate fact that Remus had not been in full possession of his mind when Jessamine had been discovered. Not that Jessamine appeared to have a particularly strong hold on hers’. “Good men can do bad things,” a frowning Minnie retorted. It was easy for her to attack poor Remus’s character but Alastor understood her contempt for the unfortunate lycanthrope was minimal when compared to her distaste for Remus’ ‘master’. Alastor glanced at her. “You don’t trust anyone; do you?” “From what I heard, neither do you.” When no retort came to his tongue Alastor took another mouthful from his flask. He was not unaware that that was as close as the girl was likely to get to vocalising her reasons for trusting him. Jessamine seemed to hate everyone else and because she favoured him so obviously it made it hard to argue with her sometimes. Only sometimes however. From where Minnie was she could smell the alcohol on his breath. The homeliness of that comforted her. “You can trust me,” Alastor said after a pause that was too long for a normal conversation. “I do,” Minnie admitted softly. Alastor tightened his grip on her in reassurance. She seemed exhausted. She always seemed exhausted. He doubted she was sleeping properly, if at all. Alastor glanced at the clock. “Time you were in bed,” he commented. “I’m not tired!” Minnie protested quickly and with a meagre sliver of panic. “Bed, Minnie,” Alastor commanded, missing the tiny inflection in her tone. With a wounded expression Minnie gave her guardian a loose hug and stood up. Alastor Moody felt his stomach tighten at sight of the bruises that marked so much of her legs. The fading pawprints had been Remus’ accident, but the majority of damage the girl refused to account for. Minnie shuffled tiredly to her room. When she had closed her door Alastor found himself thinking about the night she had been collected from Grimmauld Place. She had been there all along without anyone’s knowledge but couldn’t possibly stay. Especially after the Lupin fiasco. By manipulating the servant Kreecher it had been possible to corner the illusive Kindred Jessamine and …well… trap her. At Dumbledore’s instruction, he, Moody and Lupin had attempted to transfer her to elsewhere. That proved unexpectedly difficult because Minnie could not be found. Said female animagus metamorphmagus could not be seen even by Moody’s bewitched scrutiny because said female simply shrunk herself to elude her three would-be captors. Believing the girl to be invisible, but using some unusual form of magic, Alastor had shuffled around the room attempting to feel for her and had directed the other men to do likewise. When questioned about the odd shuffle replacing his ordinary limp, Moody had explained he had no desire to harm the unseen teenager by kicking or trodding upon her. She was built slightly and he feared a mild blow could do her serious damage. Minnie became visible against him for that small kindness. After all, she knew she couldn’t hide forever and at least this man seemed to lack the sadistic streak that ran through every other person she had ever known. She had clung to Moody, and refused to allow the other men to come near her without her making violent protests. Alastor had never seen someone kick Albus before, much less in the face. With a sigh, Alastor rubbed what was left of his nose and headed for his own room; dousing the dying fire with his wand. * Alastor woke to the certainty that someone was nearing his room. There was a hesitant knock on the door. “Mad Eye?” He heard the quaver in her voice and spelled open the door. The girl in the doorway looked even wearier than when Alastor sent her to bed. Around Jessamine’s eyes appeared almost bruised and her eyes themselves were bloodshot. “I…” Minnie’s eyes were wide and pleading; gleaming in the darkness. “I… I…” “Minnie.” Alastor sat up to see the girl better and growled to make her speak competently. Minnie lowered her face. “I can’t sleep and I’m scared andcanIsleepwithyou?” Alastor stared at her. That was unexpected. Where was his vigilance now? At the attention Minnie’s expression shifted instantly from worn out to terrified of her actions and their probable results. She turned to flee with an apology of, “SorryI’lljustgobacktomyroom!” Alastor rubbed his face. Despite his mantra of ‘constant vigilance’ his mind was a little too sleep-fogged to understand what had transpired. “Minnie!” The girl returned from her own doorway wearing an unintentionally fearful expression. “Minnie,” Moody repeated. Minnie met his gaze reluctantly. “Come here,” Alastor ordered. What was wrong with this girl? Minnie felt trepidation rise in the depth of her stomach. She wasn’t so sure anymore that he would avoid using physical punishment on her. She made her way slowly up to Moody’s bedside. He watched her intently as she approached and settled even his magical blue eye on her when she paused before him with her head downcast. “Look at me, girl,” he said roughly. She did. “Speak to me again; slowly. What did you say?” He looked incredulous. Minnie squirmed painfully. “I… asked if I could lie with you.” Alastor did not break his gaze and Minnie managed to both blush and break out in a cold sweat. No one ever looked at her like that and she had just asked the stupidest of questions. After what was to Jessamine an eternity of his disembowelling scrutiny, Mad Eye eventually ripped his eyes away and threw back his quilt brutally. Minnie felt her blood pounding in her ears. Was he about to get up and..? “Climb in,” Alastor muttered, not looking at her. “What?” wheezed Minnie. “Get in the bloody bed Minnie,” Moody snapped. It was bad enough he was welcoming a damaged teenage girl into his bed just because she looked so unnaturally vulnerable, without her making him beg her to do so. The girl obeyed swiftly; avoiding Alastor’s gaze. He tugged the quilt over them both and rolled onto his side; Minnie lay stiffly a small distance from his back. Alastor listened to the girl’s stifled, panicked breathing and wondered what had just happened. He had heard her pacing the floor at night before but after going through once to order her to bed she had not been heard again. Minnie tried hard to keep still and appear calm. She could sense Moody was still awake. After a while she heard him say softly, “Do you want to tell me about what’s wrong?” Minnie bit her lip. After a further pause she had the feeling Alastor could see her even with his back to her. She rolled over to squint at his head in the poor light. “I’m just not keen on sleeping alone, is all,” she breathed. “Liar,” he replied bluntly. She was still trembling. “Yeah,” she agreed sadly. Moody continued to stare at her. If answering in the affirmative saddened her what was preventing her from telling him the truth? Jessamine turned away and closed her eyes. She was soon asleep and Moody put that down to her exhaustion. He stayed awake to consider the incident and heard Jessamine start to cry out and cough in her sleep. Alastor nudged her gently and she sat upright, snivelling before she had opened her eyes, and choking from the force of her sobs. “Jessamine? What’s wrong? Calm down Minnie; what’s wrong?” Alastor asked. The girl looked at him for a moment then shook her head and continued to cry. Alastor wrapped his arms around her and Jessamine bolted towards his chest: where she clung. “Minnie?” Alastor prompted. Her sobs were even more worrying than the fact he had this teenage nymphet wrapped around him in his bed. Jessamine made no reply and continued to splutter. Her weeping died down slowly until it became clear she was sleeping again.   Alastor woke throughout the remainder of the night to Minnie’s whimpers and muted cries. Each time, he pulled her protesting form into his arms and soothed her until she could sleep quietly again. Why was this little creature so distraught? * In the morning Minnie woke resting her head in the crook of Alastor’s arm. His other arm was swung over her protectively. She cringed remembering how embarrassingly she had acted last night and tried to slip out of Moody’s grip to leave before he woke. Perhaps he wouldn’t remember. Alastor felt her shift and woke. His mind registered that daylight was washing over the room and realised it was morning. “How are you, girl?” he asked gently. Minnie flared red. “I’m fine,” she croaked. Alastor frowned at the lie. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing,” Minnie protested. “Lying is really getting to be a habit of yours, Minnie; better keep an eye on that.” Minnie coloured further. She did not want any conversation and definitely not in his bed. “I’d better…go…shower,” she said. “Of course,” Alastor said. He could tell when she did not want to talk, and he had no intention of pressing her to stay in his bed. Alastor sat up as Minnie padded away from the bed and she gasped; she had never seen his bare arms or chest in lighting so brutal. So many prominent scars were brought into relief that Jessamine was surprised she had not seen them in the dim of the night. Hearing her gasp and immediately recognising it as that of someone seeing his disfigured flesh for the first time, Moody stiffened. “Wow,” murmured Minnie. “I’m sorry…wow.” Moody looked at her in irritation and pondered the transfixed expression on her youthful face. It was not the expression he had anticipated. “You never showed me those,” Minnie said accusingly. Moody raised his eyebrows in surprise. “I don’t normally give a guided tour,” he replied. Jessamine’s previously guarded eyes brightened in interest. “Give me one?” Minnie asked, “Please?” Alastor didn’t move from where he was. He was going to do no such thing and why would it even occur to her to want that? And why had he allowed the pretty little wild thing into his bed last night, especially dressed as she was? And as he was? “Why in earth’s name would you want a tour of my scars?” “They’re interesting,” said Jessa, sitting down beside him. “They have a story.” Moody’s expression clouded, not even distracted by her naked, bruised, legs. “They’re not the sort of stories I care to tell.” Minnie absentmindedly traced her finger delicately over a silver ghost of an old wound. It was scored deeply into the mutilated flesh. Her touch sent a spark down Alastor’s spine. Any touch, particularly from a semi-clad teenage female, would have affected Alastor, but the dark excitement he sensed from Jessamine made his hairs rise. “Tell me about some of them sometime?” Minnie asked quietly. “Yes,” said Moody shortly, leaving the room quickly. What was wrong with her? And why did he say yes? Minnie’s eyes lingered on his exposed, marked leg(s) and trailed over the back of his boxers before mentally shaking herself. ‘Get a grip,’ she thought, and instantly regretted the pun. She wondered why his scars enthralled her. Lupin’s disgusted her, and she had expected to always hate the man who had lost his leg and nose in the stories her half-brother had told her more than once. Mad Eye was kind though. Her brother never told her that. Minnie wondered what her half-brother would say about how she had spent her night. With the Auror who had killed and harmed plenty of her brother’s peers. Perhaps Mad Eye was like her brother: he had done countless bad things but he would never hurt her. But... that did not explain the excitement she felt at the way Moody looked at her when she touched that scar. Minnie scowled, put the man deliberately out her mind and got up to start getting ready. Since when did she act like a hormonal teenager anyway? * Alastor looked at Minnie questioningly. “Are you coming down to the Grand Hall?” Minnie replied by making a face. “Can’t face eating this early.” She genuinely could not: the smell of so much food was overpowering and particularly when early in the morning. Alastor nodded. She usually declined. He persisted, “Do you want to come for the company?” “Girl or dog?” Minnie mused. “As either,” Moody responded. Minnie considered. As a dog, she could sit in the protection of Mad Eye, in close proximity to him. As a girl, she appeared more intimidating and could also use the cover of other students to draw less attention to herself. A dog was noticeable but could sit so close to Mad Eye... Sensing her apprehension, Alastor said, “I’ll bring you back up to the rooms before class if you prefer.” His voice soothed some part of Minnie. Her forehead wrinkled slightly as she puzzled over how she wanted to spend yet another day in wretched Hogwarts. “Or you could go exploring?” Alastor suggested. He could see the boredom that had crept onto her face. “You think it’s safe?” Minnie was surprised. Alastor surveyed her. “For you, here, yes.” He quirked an eyebrow, “You know enough nasty little Dark tricks to look after yourself.” Minnie smirked to herself in agreement. “It was everyone else’s safety I was referring to…” Abruptly she became a small mound in her clothing. Alastor watched affectionately as she poked her nose out of her attire and he reached down to stroke her face. She snuffled his thick fingers and he scooped the dog into his arms. The house elves could deal with her garments. “Once you’ve eaten I’ll wander around for a little while then come back here,” Minnie decided. “You would probably find it easier to blend in were you in human form,” Alastor commented. Jessamine seemed to dislike using her human form outside of their rooms. “I’ll transform after breakfast.” The house servants should avoid tidying her belongings away then. Moody shifted her under his arm and bent to pick up her clothes, being so used to the task that he did not even mentally bemoan his new station as the girl’s nursemaid. Minnie said little as Alastor carried her down to the Grand hall. Pupils stared towards them in sharp interest but did not dare scrutinize a Professor directly, and especially not a retired Auror like Moody. Minnie was still aware of their sneaked glances, however. She leaned into Mad Eye and tried to feign disinterest in everything. Moody settled at the staff table and dropped her to his lap. The other teachers ignored her, except the Gamekeeper who smiled to see a beast at the table, and Minnie placed her forepaws experimentally on the table to gain a better vantage. With slight interest she surveyed the room and with a shock she tore her gaze from The Saviour, who reminded her nastily of her eldest half-brother. The Saviour was not yet seated at the Gryffindor table. He hadn’t noticed her presence. Her redirected gaze brought her past the Ravenclaw table, where students were practising transfiguring various objects; past the Hufflepuff table, where an eclectic mix of teenagers hugged and shared food; to the Slytherin table. Here were the majority of purebloods. Moody was stroking between her shoulder blades relaxingly and Minnie settled her head on her paws to watch the righteously blooded. The majority of these purebloods shared a bloodline with her –of course they did, a purity of blood meant ‘interbred’- but she did not look for close relatives. She was more interested in the hierarchy of the house, but that search led her to a close relative anyway. He was a cousin at least, and a half-sibling at most. She was pure of blood undeniably, but she did not claim to be legitimate. As though he felt her scrutiny, the teenager glanced towards her. Feeling perturbed by this, she shifted her eye level to observe the toned males who flanked him protectively and to look through the brunette girl who grinded herself so unashamedly against the boy in whose lap she resided. Still the boy was looking at her, and now the writhing, bouncing girl was looking too, and trying to return the gaze of Minnie’s half-sibling to a jumping teenage bosom. This irritated Minnie, because she wanted to study the boy’s exquisite bone structure; was her’s like that? And besides, the lap- dancing girl’s display of crudeness was both crass and unbecoming of her respected name. The girl could conceivably only be the boy’s betrothed. Seated facing Minnie’s half-brother was a boy with equally fine cheekbones and feline eyes made up in an Egyptianesque manner. His dark skin appeared flawless to Minnie’s superior-than-human eyesight and with a flash of recognition she realised she was appreciating the Zabini boy. She remembered his well-known mother, but the boy… What had he been called? Blair? Blaen? Blitzen? Blizzard... No; Blaise Zabini. She considered him further. Wow, he was hot. Minnie became aware again that Alastor’s big hand was still stroking her reassuringly. His affection meant more suddenly than quenching her curiosity and, yes, lust. She found herself leaning back into his caress. Alastor looked away from his conversation with various colleagues to murmur brief words of comfort. He must have felt how tense she was. She nestled into his warm body and remained there until Alastor chose to speak again near the end of the meal. “Where are you intending to go?” he asked in a soft growl. Minnie wriggled her nose into him to avoid looking shamefaced. “Actually,” she squirmed, “I want to go back to the rooms…” She pulled back her face to watch his reaction. He didn’t appear annoyed or even exasperated at all. “I’ll take you, girl,” he offered. “Thank you,” she replied genuinely. * Once again resembling the species that she was born as, Minnie sat by the fire in Professor Moody’s rooms. He was elsewhere teaching and her clothes mostly lay beside her. She had pulled on her long cotton teeshirt because it was cool and thin, but nothing else. The heat from the flames burned her face, exposed arms, and even through her top, but she did not move away. Minnie stared into the flickering heat without seeing much. She was brooding silently, but her thoughts were the opposite of quiet. In her head she heard herself beg softly, insistently, knowing pleas for clemency were always futile. Her skin burned but she could hardly feel it. Mostly she only noticed the distorted screaming. The screaming; yes, the screaming; but it had not all been her’s. Jessamine felt sick. It hurt… but the memories would not fade. It wouldn’t stop; none of it would stop. It never stopped –not even if she begged. Especially not if she begged. Again and again they would –he would… She jolted to her feet away from the fire: clawing and rubbing at her hot skin to rid herself of the waking nightmare. Her entire body shook. She wanted to tell herself that she was far too old for nightmares, but her heart was beating so fast it scared her. If she had still been at Grimmauld Place Kreecher would have distracted her far earlier than now. Stupid, awful Dumbledore! Minnie’s body continued to tremble violently and her wand …it could be anywhere. She regulated her breathing deliberately and –hardly for the first time- cast a spell on herself to soothe her nerves. Wandless magic had been something she had practiced since she was very young and even in her worst emotional states was not difficult. One of her half-brothers had taught her the skill to keep her safe and amused. Minnie heard the door open and turned around to face it whilst at the same time moving out of sight. Alastor should be teaching… and it wasn’t Alastor who stood scowling in the doorway with a curled lip and a leash in his fist. Nasty, pain-inducing spells leapt to the forefront of the teenager’s mind. Black robes billowed around him as the man strode into the room. Dark, lank hair hung around darker eyes in a sombre curtain and a pale, angular nose protruded from a face which wore a frown of distaste. Minnie recognised him as the Potions Professor. “Minnie,” Snape drawled to the room, “much as it pains me, it has been arranged that during my free period I am to take you for a walk.” Minnie knew that the doorway was enchanted that all strangers who entered had to be truthful about the purpose of their presence. Moody would, of course, expect her to disregard the enchantment for fear that the spell had been disabled or tricked somehow. “Minnie!” Professor Snape snapped. “I have only an hour!” Minnie ignored him and made no move towards him. The dark-haired man’s scowl deepened and he sat down on the couch. With a flick of his wand a stack of students’ papers appeared on the coffee table before him and he pulled out a quill to mark them. Minnie watched as he began to mark them viciously and she flinched on behalf of whatever student had just had a cruel line scored through six paragraphs. The Professor had not finished either. He continued through the three foot long essay scratching lines through the tiny print until little text remained. He tore an enormous ‘D’ onto the page and moved onto the next paper with equal nastiness. Irritated by Snape’s uninvited presence, Minnie silently cast a feather light step charm on her feet and left without his notice. Presumably Albus had sent Snape to ‘walk’ her and she refused to cooperate in the farce. He continued to mark papers until Moody appeared an hour later at break. Alastor did not seem surprised at Snape’s presence. “I take it she evaded you, then?” Alastor growled. The Potions Professor’s lip curled, “Quite.” Moody turned to the room. “Minnie!” he yelled. Minnie slung her torso around the doorframe. “Yeah?” Alastor pointed to the sneering man who was not looking at either of them. “He’s to baby-sit you this period from now on. Dumbledore would like you to have some supervision.” As Minnie struggled to keep her expression neutral, Snape and his things disappeared with a crack. He clearly did not want to be here either. Really, would it have been so difficult to send her servant to relay the message? She had made it clear she didn’t trust anyone but Alastor or Kreecher. Moody scowled suddenly as he looked at his charge. “Step into full view,” he demanded. Minnie appeared in her teeshirt, and jeans that she definitely had not been wearing earlier. Alastor scowled as his gaze fell on her clothes scattered on the floor. “You better not have any more bruises on you,” Alastor hissed. Aware nothing had happened, but feeling uncomfortable anyway, Minnie squirmed and replied in the negative. “Relax, will you?” she said meekly. Alastor searched her eyes. “Come here,” he ordered gently. She obeyed. “He didn’t force me,” Minnie said, “to do anything.” She then scowled, thinking of the numerous others. “Unlike some,” she added quietly. “He just marked some papers. He’s not a very generous marker, is he?” she said lightly. Her words did not seem to pacify Moody however. “What the bloody hell went on here?” he challenged. “Nothing,” Minnie replied, “he just surprised me by turning up and I went to my room that’s all. Nothing untoward.” Moody grit his teeth as he looked at her searchingly. He managed to grate after a moment, “Go tidy your clothes off the floor.” Minnie did and then stood before her guardian nervously. “If you can’t be alone with the Professors the Headmaster could always make you take classes,” Alastor warned softly. Minnie flushed in resentment but Alastor’s face had changed and he said, “I suppose to keep you entertained we might have some duelling practice.” The girl turned to him in delight and without pause cast an instant darkness. In the time it took for Moody’s mismatched eyes to adjust to the gloom Minnie was several yards away and had transformed her eyes to canine ones. Moody aimed his wand at her silently and a slender purple light slashed at her. As he could now see her and it would not betray her position, Minnie allowed herself to giggle and sidestepped smartly. Without warning an ugly rope of convulsing Black power knocked Alastor to the ground. He gasped as the flesh touched by the magic burned and he cast something red and violent back at her that caused Minnie to voice a yelp. “What have I told you about fucking Dark magic?” he roared as he stood. Minnie had found herself on the floor and knew the duel had paused. “Not to?” Alastor opened his mouth to give her a further tongue-lashing but noticed Minnie was silently healing his melted skin as she sprung back to her feet. “No Dark magic,” he simply snarled, and used a jinx to bowl her over. Minnie smiled when she found herself sprawled on the floor once more as she knew Moody had signalled that the duel had restarted. She did not look at him as she got up from her knees and with an arc of multicoloured, transparent stars she caused her duelling partner to hallucinate. Alastor jumped and then snapped, “Finite incantem. Better.” He froze her silently. Dammit. Minnie could not break the spell as she did not know what it was, and she knew better than to invade Moody’s mind to find out. Knowing she had lost, she cast an irritated blue beam of light in his direction. Then she spelled, ‘You win’ above their heads. Moody unfroze her then froze himself, flushing, as he felt the consequence of the beam of pale blue light. “You monstrous whelp!” Minnie smirked as Alastor gazed in horror at the risen fabric at the front of his robes. “Finite incantem,” he said, to no effect. “The caster has to be the one to take it off,” Minnie explained sweetly. He scowled at her. “TAKE it OFF.” “The spell? Why, when I could allow you to go to class like that?” Moody coloured further and his frown deepened. “Oh, you were definitely not whipped enough as a child,” he growled. Minnie’s smirk of childishly vindictive glee became blank. “That would be crucioed, actually,” she replied, instantly removing the spell with all trace of humour bled from her voice. Moody stared. “Minnie…” he said compassionately. The girl sneered in indifference. “…Sorry… I… it’s ok,” she said quietly. Then, “Can we have another round?” Alastor nodded, and this time forgot to mention Dark curses. They both had frustrations to work out. * Minnie spent the rest of the day in the library researching defensive magic –and the occasional filthy, vicious curse- until the last period of the day, when the Gamekeeper, Hagrid, appeared to supervise her. Moody had forewarned her that the man would. Hagrid’s gift for soothing wild animals apparently incorporated Jessamine under its umbrella and he persuaded her to take a break. The man took her down to his hut where his large dog sniffed at her intently and slobbered over her. Minnie fussed over the animal, and cuddled and kissed and cooed at and petted him, as Hagrid led her indoors. The girl took the seat he offered and then threw her arms around the giant dog crooning, “Lovely, beautiful boy…” “Like dogs, do yeh?” Minnie looked up with a smile from the ugly but affectionate dog. “I adore dogs. I love most animals.” The Gamekeeper nodded wisely. “Animals are more straight-forward than people most of the time.” Minnie tilted her head stiffly in agreement andHagrid said, “I ‘spect it’s refreshing teh take animal forms. I’ve only ever seen yeh take a form like your brother but I’d ‘spect someone like you can use different animal forms. Would I be right?” “Yeah,” Minnie replied, still stroking the excited dog. “Sometimes. A horse when there’s the room.” Or a big cat, but there was no reason to mention that. If she managed to make it out of the school alone it would be comfortable to take such a form to survive indefinitely in the surrounding wild grounds. She wouldn’t have to worry about being eaten by something. More of the dog’s saliva coated her hand but she just laughed and murmured teasingly to him. She butted him gently behind the ear and the big softy pushed back at her weight with his tail thumping against her blissfully. “Must be frustratin’ for yeh to be cooped up inside every day when your usual form’s a dog,” the Gamekeeper commented astutely. “I could take you with my boy here for runs in the grounds if yeh’d like, Miss Black.” Minnie beamed. “That would be great… thank you.” That could help her gain an idea of the overall layout of the place, and probably be even more useful for the reason he mentioned. She hated being cooped up the way she was! “Not a bother, child,”Hagrid replied. His eyes fell on a tuft of unicorn hair he had stuck to his coat. “I could take yeh to the fores’ ta give yeh somethin’ to do?” he suggested. Minnie looked at him in wide-eyed delight. “Please, I would like that.” * When his class finished Moody came down to Hagrid’s cabin to meet Minnie. “How’s she been?” he asked of her behaviour. “I’m right here and can talk for myself!” she snapped. “But I’m asking Hagrid, girl,” Alastor replied shortly. “Ah, Miss Black’s a pleasure, Alastor; a pleasure,” the Gamekeeper replied, beaming. Moody looked at him in surprise. “Really?” “Aye,” agreed Hagrid brightly. “We spent some time in the fores’ and she was a right help. The unicorns took to her near right away.” Minnie laughed in triumph. She hadn’t expected that there was much left of her purity for them to recognise. “See? I amn’t always a burden.” Alastor raised his eyebrows. “And that’s why you weren’t at lunch this afternoon?” The girl made a face. “I’ll remember you threw that at me,” she said lightly. Alastor laughed softly at her. “Thank you, Reubus.” The Gamekeeper nodded and saw them out. * Alastor woke again to find Minnie standing with pleading eyes in his doorway again. “In you come, whelp.” Gratitude radiated off her quietly as she slipped in beside him. Alastor laid an arm across her shivering form. “More nightmares?” She nodded tearfully and settled to sleep. Moody squared his body over her protectively and watched until she slumbered.   He rocked her when the nightmares woke them both and soothed her back to sleep each time. * Minnie reddened to find herself once more in Alastor’s bed. As before, he woke as she attempted to leave. “Minnie?” “I’m here,” she said quietly. Moody sat up to look at her. “How are you now?” he asked. The teen’s face flamed. “I’m fine.” “Alright,” Alastor said, “come give me a hug then you can shower first again.” Minnie gave a wobbling smile, a tight, grateful hug, and went to perform her morning ablutions.   “Are you coming to breakfast?” Moody asked as Minnie emerged in a long-sleeved, short tunic and tall, soft boots. It was unusual to see her in her own clothes. “I wasn’t going to,” Jessamine replied. She played with the Black insignia on her tunic. “You barely ate a thing last night; you skipped lunch; and you didn’t have anything at breakfast yesterday either,” Moody protested. “I’m not hungry; I hardly ever eat much,” Minnie replied. “Come drink something at least so I know you’ve something in you,” Alastor continued. The undernourished girl had almost reached seven stones in weight since commencing living with him, but if she kept skipping meals it would not do her general health or her moodswings many favours. Minnie nodded her assent. “…Can I still sit at the Staff Table like this though?” “Rizzy!” A house servant appeared with a pop. Alastor turned to her and asked, “Rizzy, will you make sure there’s an extra seat at the Staff Table for Miss Black please?”   The house servant bowed. “Rizzy would be happy to and she will do it at once, sir!” she squeaked. Alastor looked at Minnie. “Come to breakfast then, girl.” She smirked. “Thought it was ‘whelp’?” He sneered good-naturedly back at her. “Come to breakfast, whelp,” he amended.   She allowed him a smile and they made their way down to the Grand hall. * Alastor stiffened in his seat as he gazed towards Snape. Dumbledore had already informed him the Professor would be expecting Minnie in his classroom for first and second period. Despite what Minnie said Alastor was unconvinced about allowing Minnie to be alone with Snape. However, the girl seemed nonplussed. Moody glanced at her and watched her run her finger around the rim of the goblet. A musical tone reverberated around her. “Drink that?” he pleaded. He knew she was unhappy and that she did not deeply trust the food. He was growing concerned by the way she insisted on merely picking at everything he tried to persuade her to eat. The girl swung her legs and light hit off of her silver stockings. They caught Alastor’s attention for the umpteenth time and he deliberately removed his gaze from Minnie’s thighs. Jessamine did not look up but nodded and brought the instrument to her lips. When she replaced it back on the table she heard the Headmaster continue to Moody, “There is also a study period fourth. It might be advantageous for Jessamine to mix with her peers and I would like her to attend all study periods for this reason.” “Which houses?” Minnie asked. As Jessamine rarely deigned to open her mouth to him, Dumbledore peered over his glasses at her in surprise and replied, “Mainly Slytherins and some Gryffindors, but there are a small group of Hufflepuffs you can be introduced to. They’re a very welcoming bunch.” “That won’t be necessary,” Minnie said, not least because she wanted no ties with what were probably illegitimates of a far worse blood standing than her own, and added at Moody’s nudge, “thank you.” “Not at all, if you’re quite sure,” Dumbledore returned in his ‘amicable’ voice. “Why aren’t there any Ravenclaws?” asked Minnie. “That entire house opted for study periods so they have them together for two hours on Wednesdays.” “Does the other class have a double period?” “Thursdays,” Dumbledore supplied, “and the other Ravenclaw period is a Friday.” “Alright,” said Minnie. She returned her attention to her goblet as the two men continued the conversation. As she took another sip of water she allowed her gaze to rake the students in the hall. * After breakfast the Potions Master led Jessamine down to the dungeons. She took his sleeve unthinkingly; causing him to stiffen and Moody to scowl after them. Perhaps it was his sour humour that made her become comfortable around Snape.   “Are you marking papers this morning?” Minnie asked, dropping his arm when he led her into his classroom.   “Actually I thought I would examine your aptitude with potions,” the man drawled. “Look in the ingredients cupboard then begin brewing a potion. You may not use a textbook.” She was actually being allowed to do something? “Does the potion have to be ministry-approved?” “For your age-group?” he enquired. Minnie paused to glance at him in surprise. “No,” she said. “I meant did the potion have to be common or legal?” “Legal, yes,” replied Professor Snape, a muscle tightening in his jaw that expressed his unhappiness at this. Perhaps he might be fun. Minnie nodded intelligently at him and began setting up the ingredients and heating the cauldron. Snape found himself watching curiously despite himself as Minnie concocted something with a lot of blood, glittering dust and werewolf sweat. She added so many ingredients he had no idea what she was doing, but she was preparing them in such a skilful manner it seemed she did. When Minnie poured the concoction into a beaker for his examination the alchemy Professor found himself staring. What he thought he recognised could not possibly… “What do you believe you have given me?” “I do not ‘believe’,” Minnie found herself replying scornfully, “I know.” “What did you decide to brew?!” Snape snapped. “As it’s the new moon and I had these ingredients I thought it would be appropriate to create this: it’s the potion to prevent a werewolf mother from passing on the curse to her children if the father is ordinary. If you had more unicorn hoof and aracumantula thread I would have given you the more potent version.” “To prevent a werewolf child being born by two werewolf parents?” Snape tested. Could she give the right answer? “I’m not stupid; I’m aware that needs a lot of ‘felix’ and several ingredients your cupboard does not hold. I meant the potion that would effectively treat twins or a bigger litter. Since werewolves are more prone to multiple children.” Yes, she could. Everything Minnie had said was competent and the potion in Professor Snape’s surprisingly steady hands was perfect. He stared, then snapped, “Very good, you may now tidy away.” “Thank you, Professor.” When Minnie was finished Snape asked, “What would you like to do now?” He could not remember the last time he had asked that question. “Learn new potions,” she replied simply. When he turned to stare once more at her she flushed and admitted, “Well actually I’d prefer Dark potions… but I’d be happy with the closest I could get. Or at least useful potions. If you were willing.” This teenager, Snape realised, could very easily become his favourite person in the world very quickly. “I’m willing,” he said. He found himself reaching for a tome of potions far more advanced than anything his seventh years were capable of. When the bell to signal the end of second period had rang no one left his class swifter than Professor Moody did. Moments later he strode into the potions classroom to collect Minnie. Alastor did not like the way the potions Professor leered at the girl in the slightest. “What did you do together?” Moody asked the moment they were out of earshot.   “Brewed potions,” Minnie replied. Her honesty shone in her eyes, marginally easing the tightness Alastor felt in his chest. He asked, “What do you want to do now?” Minnie worried her sleeve. “Would you, um, tell me about some of the scars?” Moody stared. Minnie blanched. “Or we could always, um-” “No, it’s okay; we can talk about my scars,” Moody said softly. In surprise, Minnie lifted her eyes from her knuckles up to him. His expression was gentle. She offered him her other hand and they walked up to his suite of rooms. He took off his outer robes and sat down on the couch to take off his shirt. Minnie’s eyes widened in shock and she scrutinised his wounds with open curiosity. “How did you get this one?” She brought his gaze to a thick scar that was so wide it looked like it should have been stitched but hadn’t been. Many were like that. Alastor told her the story in a soft growl. He pointed to others too, explaining they were received in a similar way or at the same time as the first. Jessamine enjoyed not only the sight of Mad Eye’ skin but the intimacy of their conversation. Wounds were something she understood, and it was fascinating to hear stories that were so similar to her closest brother’s, yet so different. “What about this one?” He told her. She traced an oddly–shaped disfigurement on his marked and mutilated skin. “This?” And he explained it. His body resembled several broken bottles’ worth of glass on wet sand and there were more than enough blemishes to talk about; yet more still that he had no memory of receiving. When Moody had to leave for class they had only discussed a very small fraction of his wounds. Minnie reached up to hug him tightly when he left. She adored him. She spent the next hour perusing an illegal, thick hardback which explained different ways of using her ability as a metamorphmagus to her advantage. The chapter she was currently studying suggested ways of preventing others from grasping oneself by such methods as producing barbs over the skin or by causing the skin to become corrosively toxic, acidic or highly poisonous. As her free time drew to a close Minnie turned down the latest page –a particularly nasty idea which caused the person who touched the metamorphmagus’ skin to freeze and bleed heavily from their pores- and made her way down to the classroom. A group of Gryffindors were gathered at the front of the classroom close to the door. As Minnie walked past him, The Saviour slid along the bench and said welcomingly, “Sit here.” Jessamine’s lip curled and without looking at him she pushed past. “Thank you, but no,” she said distastefully. He visibly flinched and his face reddened. Minnie strode purposely to the back of the class where the Slytherins sat as far from the Gryffindors as they could. “Is this space taken?” she asked loudly. She wanted nothing to do with that waste of blood. Draco looked up at her in surprise and gestured for one half of his guard to sit elsewhere nearby. “Feel quite free,” he replied with a pleased smirk. “I wouldn’t want you to have to mix with them.” “The ‘saviours of the magical world’,” she replied in disgusted tones, “a half- breed, a blood-traitor and a mudblood.” “What a Slytherin way of thinking,” soothed Draco. Minnie smiled benignly. “What a pureblood way of thinking, actually,” she corrected. She was like him, but she had no concrete House loyalty. “Oh, that is really it!” snapped Hermione, who was likely The Saviour’s most loyal friend. “You’re not even on the Black family tree; I’ve seen it.” “Actually I am, you silly, conceited, ignorant, filthy, little mudblood,” Minnie replied quite calmly. Her tone grew frostier, “And if I ever need information from you, filth, I will demand it. You would benefit from never again forgetting that you have no right to force your petty opinions on my pure ears.” The red-headed teen beside the insulted girl stood angrily. “Don’t you speak to her like that!” he bellowed. “You’re not even a student here so what right have you got either! At least Hermione’s not a bastard!” “Ron, sit down; it’s not worth it, honestly…” Minnie laughed. “A pureblood bastard, Weasley,” she retorted easily, “and considering your standing in the magical world I would not draw attention to yourself. Legitimacy’s probably the only thing going for you. Someone who commands no respect because of their blood-traitor name and dirt-poor reputation would be wise to make themselves look better, not worse.” “She has the measure of you, Weasel,” laughed Draco. “Shut it, Ferret!” snapped Ron. “Ron…” pleaded Hermione. “Listen to your mudblood, blood-traitor. I can hardly believe how much she is slumming it when she sits next to a pureblood!” “Miss Black, that will be enough,” drawled Professor Snape as he drifted into the classroom. “Of course, some halfbloods are superior to others,” Minnie finished softly, still loud enough to be heard in the now silent room. * When the period ended Minnie left quickly and pushed past the Golden Trio. Draco smiled as the surrounding Slytherins snickered. “I like that girl,” Draco said thoughtfully. Pansy scowled. * That night, Minnie’s nightmares were particularly traumatic. Alastor was forced to shake her violently awake from her tortured, writhing horror. Magic thickened the air and even Alastor’s enchanted blue orb struggled to see clearly. Minnie screamed and cried; even attempted to bite; and Alastor had to put all his weight on her to subdue her desperate thrashing. It took all his energy to hold her down but eventually she tired enough that he could murmur soothing words to her. Once she stopped fighting she started shaking. Minnie heard Alastor’s voice through the fog of sleep and opened her eyes. She reached out weakly to her guardian and clung on desperately. Minnie trembled so violently in his arms the whole bed rattled. Alastor could not comfort her for the next hour and a half, but out of sheer exhaustion Minnie eventually fell into sleep. The man held her tightly in his arms and fell into a light doze himself. Forty minutes later he was woken by her scream. She cried and kicked and he went through the same pain as before. When she woke, she appeared almost bloodless. She soon vomited, and then cried so hard she was sick again. Alastor held back her hair, stroked her, soothed her, and cleaned up the mess. He wiped her mouth, changed her sweat-drenched nightshirt (his shirt), and held her until she returned to sleep. Quarter of an hour later the girl woke again. She was sick with fear again. Alastor cleaned her up, comforted her, and soothed her back to sleep. She woke up at intervals throughout the night until she begged for a vial of belladonna. Alastor summoned it promptly but she was unable to keep any down, and could only safely swallow so many doses. Alastor stayed up with her the whole night. “Professor?” A very tired Professor Moody woke reluctantly and fixed his blue eye in the direction of the voice. The Saviour was stepping hesitantly into the living area. “My bedroom,” Alastor called out to him gruffly. The Saviour made his way towards him. “It’s almost ten: no one knows why you’re not in class…” He stopped dead as he entered the room. He saw the pureblood girl in Moody’s bed. In Moody’s arms. “We must have slept in,” Alastor grimaced. He swung his legs out of bed and got up stiffly. He cast several quick ablution charms on himself and summoned his clothes. “You’re an adult,” The Saviour finally managed. The explanation the student body had been given for Jessamine’s presence had not been ‘Mad Eye’s fuck toy’. “Imagine that, Potter,” growled Alastor, “now don’t you bloody wake her!” Minnie was already stirring. “Mad Eye?” The space beside her was warm, but empty. Her gaze fell on The Saviour and filled with dislike. “What are you doing here?” The Saviour pushed back his hair in agitation. “I got sent to find Professor Moody –who’s late because for some reason you’re in his bed.” Alastor squinted at him irritably. “Get your mind out of the bloody gutter, Potter.” The Saviour looked at him in surprise. “We’re not sleeping together, half-blood, not that it’s any business of yours,” Jessamine growled from within her nest of sheets. Alastor glanced at her angrily. “And you really better watch your mouth!” “Oh, screw me,” she muttered irritably. She turned away and pulled his pillow over her head. “You’re wearing his shirt,” The Saviour yelped. “Mad Eye! Get this bloody half-blood away from me!” came Minnie’s muffled exclamation. Alastor paused and looked towards the bed. “You use that word like that again, Minnie, and I’ll hurt you, girl.” “‘Bloody’?” came the disembodied voice. “No you won’t. You’ve never hit me and you’re not likely too. ’Fraid you’re one of the good guys Moody.” “Being a good guy only means I’m the one who’s meant to turn you over my knee to teach you right from wrong,” Alastor retorted grouchily before turning to The Saviour. “You can get back to your class. Tell Albus I’ll be half an hour and I’ll explain myself after the period.” “Yes sir,” replied The Saviour. He left quietly enough to hear Alastor continuing to berate Minnie as he left. “I don’t care if he’s prying into your personal life Jessamine, I had better not catch you using a slur like that again, do you hear?” “Or else what?” Minnie challenged. “I’ll punish you.” “You won’t,” said Minnie casually. Alastor sat down on the bed beside her. “I don’t want to hear you say anything bigoted like that,” he said seriously. Minnie sighed. “I hear you.” Alastor raised his eyebrows for a moment then asked, “How are you feeling now?” Minnie flushed and sat up, pushing away his pillow. “I’m better,” she replied. He held out his arm and she nestled into him. “Thanks,” she said quietly. He questioningly lifted his face from affectionately nuzzling her scalp. “For being here for me,” she clarified. “For all that stuff you did for me last night. And… for just hugging me and letting me be around you and stuff.” Alastor resumed nuzzling, and held her a little nearer to him. “You look better in my shirts anyway,” he said. Minnie laughed into his shoulder and he pressed her close before he pulled away and stood up. “I’d better teach my class now; will you be alright by yourself?” Minnie nodded. “You can tell him I’m not going to the study periods,” she muttered as she wriggled down under the quilt. “Albus?” “When you go talk to him,” she clarified. “Alright whelp,” he agreed, and left. * “Minnie are you coming for lunch?” “I still feel kind of rough,” said Minnie. “I don’t really want anything.” Alastor strode through into his room. “You’re still in bed?” “I was thinking about getting up actually.” “Do you want me to bring you anything?” “I told you; I’m fine.” * “Minnie! Have you got out of bet yet, girl?” She was curled up in his armchair. “I’m dressed and everything: look,” she remarked dryly. Alastor limped into the living area and cheerfully tweaked the shoulder of her stripey-sleeved jersey. “I see that.” Minnie turned and raised her arms to envelope him in a caring embrace. He held her tightly for minutes before he ruffled her currently-dark hair. She raised her eyebrows then cuffed his torso to impress on him her lack of amusement. Alastor only laughed then shifted her out of his seat. He pulled her back down onto his lap. “What did you do all day whelp?” Minnie laid her head against his chest. “Slept. Read.” “That’s all?” Minnie raised her shoulders ruefully. “I puked a bit too. Rizzy gave me a potion to sort it.” “When was that?” asked Alastor as he tightened his grip on her in concern. The girl looked tired. “Maybe three quarters of an hour after you checked in on me at lunch.” “How are you feeling now?” Minnie shrugged again. “I’m alright… I just got thinking about… last night… got panicky… puked a tiny bit.” “Do you feel panicky now?” Minnie’s eyes were wide. “No.” “Do you want to tell me about what you were dreaming about?” Minnie shook her head to Alastor’s soft growl. At that moment Dumbledore wandered in. Alastor stood up, sliding Minnie tenderly back into the seat and stood protectively before her. “Ah, Alastor; Jessamine,” the old man greeted benignly. “I just wanted to pop in on you, considering the events of the day.” Minnie turned her head away behind Alastor’s back. Without turning around he reached behind himself and gripped hold of her hand, comforting her instantly. Albus’ eyes twinkled unseen by the pair. Moody’s ability to make the wary teen feel safer was better than reassuring. The girl needed someone and Moody seemed to be ‘someone’ to her. “Albus, may we talk?” Dumbledore’s gaze flicked to Alastor’s immediately. “Certainly, my boy.” Alastor inclined his head towards his charge. “Please go into the bedroom for now, Minnie,” he requested. Minnie did not protest and mutely left the room, taking a book from the table to amuse herself with. Both men privately noted her lack of resistance and that she had went to Alastor’s room in favour of her own. Alastor spoke.   * Much later that night Alastor hobbled into his room. “You’ve not eaten.” Minnie lay sprawled on the bed with her face resting on her hand. She looked up from her pages. “No.” “You should have eaten something.” “I’m not hungry.” Her voice was bored. Alastor was feeling tolerant. “Oh, what are you then?” “Nothing.” Alastor raised his brows. “Actually,” he said as he moved towards the bed she lay spread lazily upon, “you look something to me…” “Yeah. What?” She dragged herself up into a seated position. He took the book from her; marking it then setting it aside on the surface near him. “You look tired.” Minnie lowered her eyes. “You were waiting up for me?” Minnie did not look up but her posture stiffened. “It’s late, girl.” Alastor reached down to pull her into his arms. “It’s time you got to sleep now.” Minnie resisted. “Mad Eye, I…” “Just try to go to sleep Minnie.” She pulled away. He let her. “I’m scared,” she muttered into the space between them. Alastor eased himself down beside her. “I know that, but your head was nodding when I watched you with that book. It’s time for your bed whelp.” Minnie made to go to her own room but Alastor pulled her back down. “You’re sleeping here all night,” he told her. “You’ll be here when I wake up,” Minnie murmured. “Yes,” said Alastor even though it wasn’t a question. * To the surprise of them both Minnie slept rather soundly that night, waking only once and settling almost immediately. Dawn woke the pair and beckoned the usual routine. With a sigh Minnie stared at the man she had unintentionally woken. He had cheerfully muttered something in her ear that displeased her. “That’s not fair,” she scowled, “I don’t see why I have to go to classes today just because I slept better…” Alastor laughed at her protests and went to shower. “Tough, whelp!”   * Minnie strode into the potions classroom looking more volatile than she truly felt. One of Draco’s bodyguards was absent from his side, paired instead with an equally vicious girl named Millicent, and as Minnie appeared in the doorway Draco slid further to his end of the bench to accommodate her. Pansy did not like it at all. “Morning, Pureblood,” Draco greeted. Minnie sat down beside him and smirked. “Morning, Blondie.” Surprise shaped Draco’s features momentarily. No one was so familiar with him except Pansy and he did not know whether to smirk back or scowl. The entrance of the Golden Trio ceased his inner turmoil. “Slut,” hissed Ron towards the back of the class. The Saviour said nothing but narrowed his eyes in Minnie’s direction. Draco stiffened and became poised to draw his wand. “Who the hell do you think you’re talking to, Weasel?” This time The Saviour was the one to speak. “Didn’t you know your little girlfriend’s been sleeping with a Professor, Malfoy?” “Shut your mouth, Half-blood, or I’ll hex it off for you,” Minnie returned coldly. The Saviour sneered, and Pansy relished what he said next. “Or what, I tell your *master* what you just said to me and he spanks you?” He made to turn away. “How dare you speak to her like that, Scarhead!” Draco spat as he stood and drew his wand. Ron and The Saviour drew their own. “Mind your own business, Ferret!” Ron yelled. Minnie remained seated. “I’d put your wands away you silly boys,” she said serenely. “Or what?” demanded Ron. “Or you and Mister Potter will find yourselves with detention, Mister Weasley. Put your wands away and sit down –now!” The Gryffindors seated themselves reluctantly. Professor Snape sailed towards his desk and sat down. “Twenty points from Gryffindor for poor behaviour,” he drawled casually. “Miss Black, will you come to the front of the class please?” “Yes, Professor.” Passing The Saviour, Minnie took the opportunity to whisper, “He let me fuck him raw yesterday when you left…” The Saviour frowned angrily at her as she stepped away. Minnie stood before Snape’s desk. “Sir?” Was that amusement in those black eyes? “I want you to study this for your next time in my classroom,” he said sedately and handed her a textbook. Minnie smiled at him. The suppressed laugh danced quietly in her eyes as she took the book from him then she returned calmly to her seat. When, as she walked past, The Saviour’s writing materials flew to the floor, Snape was feigning looking down at the homework on his desk. Minnie slid in beside Draco. “Thank you,” she murmured. “Of course,” he replied just as quietly. The rest of the class proceeded without event and Minnie left with her mind full of complex potions: obscure poisons and their antidotes. Snape caught the satisfied smile on her face as she left, but his mind worried at the comments made by Potter. Minnie was certainly in Moody’s pocket but not sleeping with him, surely? Exactly what did The Saviour mean by putting such an emphasis on ‘Master’? And *spanking*? Just what was being done to that girl? Alastor met Minnie in the dungeons and she hugged him cheerfully. The potions book dug into him. The Potions Professor watched, and narrowed his eyes. When Minnie returned to Snape’s classroom her face was still flushed pink with pleasure. “Hi, Sir,” she said happily. Snape scowled before nodding curtly in greeting. “You read it like I told you to?” “All of it,” she said, sounding satisfied. “What are you teaching me?” Snape leant over the book with her and turned to a predetermined page swiftly. They spent the rest of the lesson working in an amicable quiet together. At lunch the Professor took her up to the staff table and Minnie seated herself between him and Alastor, where she sat and picked moodily at her meal. “Stop playing with that and eat it properly,” Alastor snapped. Minnie looked at him, raised her eyebrows, then snatched a stick of celery and bit into it violently. Unnoticed, the Potions Professor almost choked. Alastor rolled his eyes at his charge’s actions and returned his attention to his plate. During this, Draco stepped up to the table. “Care to join us, Minnie?” She smiled and looked towards Alastor for permission. He hesitated to send her to the Slytherin table, but what harm could it do? Eventually he growled, “So long as you make sure she actually eats something for once.” Draco quirked an eyebrow but agreed and led Minnie to the Slytherin table where his year made space for them at once. Pansy dropped down opposite them. “New friend, Drakey?” His colourless eyes sparkled at her. “Jealous, Panse?” She placed her hand on her chest theatrically. “Utterly,” she declared. “I can hardly contain it. How does it feel, Jessamine, to sit with the boy who probably owns more beauty products than you and I combined?” Minnie laughed. “I’m afraid, with his bone structure, he must need them.” Draco choked most unaristocratically on his pumpkin juice but made no retort. Pansy leaned over the table and in a conspiratorial stage whisper said to Minnie, “And he wants in your panties as well!” Minnie smirked at the pair of them. “And why would I allow that, supposing I was wearing any?” Pansy sat down with a look of astonishment that was only partly feigned. “You’d turned down the Prince of Slytherin House?” Minnie turned to Draco and looked him up and down in an exaggerated manner. “I’m afraid he’s a bit too perfect for me,” she teased. “Ahh,” nodded Pansy understandingly, “you just like them rugged and battle- scarred, eh?” Minnie smiled dangerously. “Oh, I didn’t say I didn’t also like the occasional pretty boy,” she replied sweetly. A slither of alarm flickered across Pansy’s face but she grinned widely and continued with her game. “And what pretty boy do you have your eye on then, my awful dear?” “I couldn’t tell you that,” protested Minnie, her smile turning playfully feral. “Oh tell us…” pleaded Pansy. “Well,” said Minnie, leaning in close, “don’t you think Blaise is gorgeous?” Pansy’s expression almost caused her to laugh aloud, but Minnie may not have felt like laughing so hard if she had caught the brief emotion that clouded Draco’s expression. “Eat your celery,” he muttered. After eating, and obtaining permission, the Slytherins led Minnie down to their common room. Pansy linked arms with Minnie, suddenly warmer now that she no longer felt threatened. In the common room there were several seats arranged around the large fireplace in a spacious curve. Pansy gravitated immediately to the second most attractive seat, expecting Minnie to sit herself beside her. Minnie placed herself aristocratically on the best armchair by the fire. The common room immediately hushed. “You can’t sit there,” Pansy warned in a frantic hiss. Minnie raised her eyebrows as Draco walked directly towards her. “Move,” he said. Minnie tossed her head back and smirked. “I do not think so Drakey,” she said serenely. “I’m sure you would be more comfortable on the arm.” Draco did not know whether to retort she should sit at his feet or reply that she would look very pretty on his arm. So he said neither. “Only since you’ll make this up to me later,” he returned and seated himself on the arm of his own chair. “Of course I won’t Sweetie,” Minnie teased. “So Pansy, tell me what Slytherin has to offer…” Pansy tried to smile. “You’re going to be Sorted?” “Wouldn’t that mean I’d have to share a room?” Minnie laughed. “No, I’m happy Houseless thanks.” “You do share a room –with a Professor,” Draco sniped. “Now Draco,” said Minnie mock-sternly as she turned to face him, “if you really can’t behave I will have to send you out of the room so Panse and I can talk.” “And you know what we’ll talk about, darling,” sneered Pansy cheerfully. “This is mutiny!” Draco commented. “You enjoy it Blondie; stops you getting displacent.” Draco growled good-naturedly. “You’d never make a Slytherin.” Pansy laughed. “Oh really? I think she’d fit in just fine.” Draco cuffed Minnie. “Stop corrupting my Slytherins, you!” Minnie’s eyes sparkled. “Or what?” Draco’s own eyes glittered with promise and he murmured a threat. Minnie tutted. “You just can’t behave, can you Drakey?” She pretended to sigh then cheerfully forced him from his seat. “That’s it! Off you go to your room. Pansy will be up to deal with you later.” As Draco opened his mouth to protest he felt a palm connect with his posterior smartly. “You heard what Minnie said, Draco, go to your room.” Minnie didn’t bother to muffle her laughter at Pansy’s audacity or Draco’s expression. Retaliation was not immediate as at that moment Theodore Nott came in with Blaise. Theo choked something bitterly and stormed up to the boy’s dorms. Blaise made an irritated gesture and walked towards the fire. He flopped down on a two-seater. Pansy beamed. “What do you say, Minnie, does Draco deserve one last chance?” “Only if you smack him again,” Minnie grinned. Pansy stifled her friend’s indignant exclamation and continued, “Why don’t you sit with Blaise and let Draco have his seat?” Draco swallowed his protest and watched Minnie move over to sit with his rival for her affection. That witch Pansy! Blitzen was sitting feeling annoyed, but watched his friends’ antics with a small smile. “These girls bullying you Draco?” Draco growled. “Cheer up Drakey, we love you really,” said Minnie. Draco glanced at her but the warmth in her eyes and voice were devoid of lust. He cursed Blaise and Pansy inwardly. “I feel so lucky,” he drawled. Minnie nudged the boy beside her, “What’s wrong with you, Grouchy?” He jerked his shoulders and stifled a sigh. “Nothing. You’re Jessie, right?” “Minnie,” Draco corrected curtly. “Sorry,” said Blaise softly. “Minnie.” “Yeah,” murmured Minnie. “I’m Blaise.” “Yeah, I’ve seen you around.” “She follows you with her eyes this one,” teased Pansy. “She thinks you’re sexy.” Draco just about died inside as he watched Blaise digest that information. Things obviously could get worse. “Is that so?” Blaise purred. “It may be,” Minnie returned lightly, “I suppose it depends on what you were to do with that information…” Blaise brought his face close to her’s. “You mean if I were to use it to my… advantage?” “That would be very Slytherin of you,” Minnie conceded. The boy’s breath was warm and sweet on her face. Draco slapped down the urge to punch Blaise and snarled at Pansy, “Hey Parkinson, I want you in my dorm now.” Looking pleased, Pansy allowed him to grab her arm roughly and storm upstairs. Aware Draco was currently throwing Pansy down on green sheets, Blaise met Minnie’s mouth in a passionate kiss as her limbs folded beneath him. * “I don’t care that Malfoy Jr got you to eat your lunch Minnie, I’m still expecting you to have dinner. Now eat.” Minnie turned kohl-rimmed eyes on Alastor rebelliously. “I’m not hungry...” “I don’t care whether you’re hungry you will eat or so help me girl…” Minnie made to pull away from the table. Silently, Moody took hold of her arm firmly. “You will eat something or else I am taking you straight to your room and you are getting ready for bed.” Minnie glanced at him a little fearfully. “Bed?” Alastor nodded stiffly. “And you will stay in your own bed all night,” he warned. Minnie moved her eyes to her plate looking subdued. The food on her plate was plain due to surviving on very little whilst living in hiding. Madame Pomphrey had pointed out very early on that despite Minnie’s pure blood, rich food simply would not agree with her for a long time. Everything had also been cut up into small pieces to persuade her to eat. Feeling Moody’s grip on her arm slacken, Minnie took a large sip of water then reluctantly reached for her fork. Minnie had eaten three quarters of the food on her plate when she replaced her glass on the table with a trembling hand. “Minnie?” Moody looked at her in concern. The water had sloshed around and the glass itself had nearly fallen over. Minnie’s eyes had closed in distress. “Give me a minute,” she asked, leaving the hall quickly. Alastor waited anxiously, wondering what was wrong. He inhaled deeply, and caught the scent of wolfbane that clung to the hair and robe of the potions Professor beside him. Wolfsbane? It was close to the full moon. Starvation could stop a girl’s monthly cycle and also… oh that stupid girl! Moody got up rapidly from the table and raced to where he knew he would find his responsibility. The scent of Dark magic hung in the air, almost making him reluctant to enter the toilets. She was standing with her head bowed at the sink washing her hands and splashing her face with water. One of the cubicles behind them almost seemed to crackle with evil. “What the fuck have you been doing?” he demanded. Minnie flinched, startled. “I-” “Where’s your wand?” Alastor interrupted. “In the rooms.” She couldn’t possibly have performed magic strong enough to clog his pores without use of a wand, could she? “What spell did you just use?” Minnie told him, and Moody wondered for a moment if he would actually be sick. The spell she had used was a brutal and old one which was designed to purge werewolf spit from the blood. Minnie would rapidly throw up every toxin in her body, and at least half a pint of uncontaminated blood, before her legs gave out and her magic began to heal her. He crossed the room in four strides and took hold of her right hand. The knuckles were pink, as though her hand had recently been forced down her own throat. Moody let go of Minnie’s hand immediately. “Open your mouth,” he growled. Minnie avoided his gaze but obeyed. Her breath was scentless, she’d already charmed it, but the back of her throat was still raw and inflamed. The tiniest spot of blood glued a few strands of her dark hair together. “Madame Pomphrey,” he snarled. “Now.” Shortly Minnie was sitting on a bed in the hospital wing being examined. Alastor’s suspicion’s were confirmed. Alastor gazed directly into Minnie’s eyes. When she squirmed and looked away he grabbed her jaw and wrenched it back towards him. “Now you know the dangers,” he grated, sounding dangerous himself, “you know to leave magic like this well alone. You know the mortality rate of that spell! It makes your own blood come up your throat so fast you can kill or brain damage yourself from oxygen deprivation. You even know that damaging your stomach lining can kill you, that tearing it lets your stomach acid burn up your internal organs.” When Minnie didn’t answer he roared, “Don’t you?!” Minnie cringed. “Yes,” she whispered. “Yes, what?” “Yes, I know that… damaging my stomach lining can… kill me.” “So you knowingly put yourself in danger?” Minnie was silent for a moment. “Did you knowingly put yourself in danger?” “Yes!” “And you know that putting yourself in danger is directly disobeying me.” That had been a lesson taught very soon into taking the brat as his ward, as she had been focused on reckless acts that she hoped would help her escape. “Yes,” Minnie replied. Moody let go and shut him eyes in thought. He breathed out through his nose angrily. “Alright,” he said at last. Minnie glanced at him fearfully. “You are going to go to your room and then I am going to punish you for your behaviour.” “Yessir,” Minnie whispered. Moody nodded at Madame Pomphrey then strode towards his quarters. Minnie avoided the nurse’s eyes and walked swiftly to keep up with him. Alastor said nothing but the door to their rooms slammed unaided behind his charge. “I-,” Minnie began. Moody looked at her furiously. She flushed and closed her mouth unhappily. “Bedroom,” Alastor ordered. Nodding, Minnie went to her room and knelt oddly on the floor. “What the hell are you doing?” Moody barked. Minnie flinched. “Aren’t you going to curse me?” she murmured. Moody’s expression darkened. “Do I look like a fucking Dark wizard, girl?” She coloured and stared at the floor. “No sir.” He turned around and sat down on the bed. “Come here and pull down your jeans.” “Sir?” Minnie bravely glanced up at him. “Unless you feel like further punishment I suggest you do not continue to disobey me Jessamine,” Alastor warned. Minnie promptly obeyed. Alastor pulled her closer then pushed down her briefs. The girl blushed and lowered her face away from him as the cool air hit her exposed flesh. This was not erotic. Mad Eye was livid with her. He pulled her down onto his lap with more gentleness than she expected. His hand rested on her skin and Minnie felt a thrill of trepidation course through her. She pressed her eyes closed. “You understand why I’m going to punish you, don’t you?” “Yes sir,” Minnie murmured. “And you agree that you deserve to be punished?” Minnie squirmed in embarrassment but Alastor held her still. “I agree,” she choked out. “Alright,” said Moody calmly. Without warming he raised his hand and brought it down hard on Minnie’s unprotected bottom. Minnie gasped in surprise at the heat and the pain. Alastor brought down his hand again. Minnie jerked in his lap but remain silent. Alastor brought down his hand, now on an unmarked area this time. He brought his hand down on a different area again. Again he brought down his hand, and this time he struck the skin where her buttocks curved into her thighs. Minnie bit back the wince. She willed herself to block out the pain. Moody’s palm connected with her flaming skin and she found herself kicking a little. Minnie fought to remain still as she was punished -determined not to debase herself further. It should have been easy to remain casual due to all the rounds of cruciatus she had endured as a child but every time Minnie felt that hard hand it was hard not to forget her resolve. It hurt! It hurt so much! It occurred to Minnie that she was in *pain*. Mad Eye was *hurting* her. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Minnie asked. “I’m spanking you,” Alastor replied without pausing. “Did that Dark magic addle your brains?” “Did it addle *yours*?” Minnie retorted. “Beating me is no better than cursing me.” Alastor slowed. “I’m not beating you. I’m spanking you.” “You think there’s a difference?” Minnie sneered. Alastor rested his hand on her reddened skin. “You think over my lap is the best place to take that tone with me?” “What you going to do, hit me?” Minnie drawled. “I’m trying to teach you that the magic you used today gets you hurt,” Alastor said. “What you’ve taught me today is that I was wrong to trust you,” Minnie said. “Can you think of an alternative way for me to deter you from repeating today’s behaviour?” Alastor asked. His hand remained on her skin. “Hurting me is never going to stop me from doing what comes naturally,” Minnie said coolly. Alastor sighed. “Get up. Let’s pretend that you responding in the normal way to getting spanked comes naturally to you.” Minnie stood and gave him a look of casual hatred. “I-I-I’m sor-sorry,” Minnie whimpered falsely. Alastor pretended not to see the look in her eyes. “Shhh, whelp, I know,” Alastor murmured into her as she ‘cried’, “I know.” He rubbed circles into her back. “My good, good girl,” he praised, “it’s alright.” Eventually Minnie’s faux sobbing became a little too difficult to fake: her heightened emotions forced a few genuine sobs past her lips. She quickly quietened. Moody continued to hold her for a few more moments before pulling her back from him and glaring at her sternly. She sniffled miserably and looked up at him with red rimmed eyes. Her lashes had formed wet spikes. Moody’s expression did not alter marginally. “I do not regret punishing you in the slightest,” he scolded, “and you had better understand I will not hesitate to spank you again should I think you deserve it.” Minnie flushed in resentment and murmured, “I wo-.” “Don’t tell me that,” Alastor warned, “because if you break your word I am going to go to town on your sorry little arse, understood?” Minnie swallowed a retort. “U-understood.” Moody sighed and pulled his charge against him. “You’re not a werewolf, Minnie.” Minnie glanced at him in surprise. “I… know.” “Nothing’s going to happen on the full moon.” “I know.” “And even if Lupin had bit you I would not condone your behaviour. The spell that you used has an extremely low survival rate. You could very easily not be in the game anymore right now. Not to mention what would have happened to you if you had still changed with hardly any fat resources…” “I know.” “So what the bloody hell were you thinking?!” Alastor demanded. “I was just scared …I wanted to make sure…” “You told me you understood you were not-” “But just because I know doesn’t mean I can get rid of this little bit of doubt in the back of my head!” Jessamine retorted. “Minnie, don’t shout at me or you will be facing the floor again.” Minnie coloured. “Sorry.” “I should think so,” Alastor replied sternly. His voice softened. “Is there anything else you think you should talk to me about?” “No sir.” “Alright,” said Moody, “in that case you are going to strip down and get into this bed and I don’t want to hear a peep out of you the whole night, you got that whelp?” Minnie agreed tearfully. He was abandoning her. “I’ll come and get you when I’m going to bed,” Alastor continued softly. “Thank you,” she whispered. He pulled her into a short embrace before leaving. She pulled up her boxers, gasping as they brushed her smarting flesh, then kicked off her jeans and pulled her top over her head. There was no way she was going to be able to lie on her back. He’d just fucking thrashed her. Minnie stood and crossed the room to close the door behind him, pressing her shoulders against it to keep it closed. Minnie blinked hard to stop from crying because not only was she humiliated but she hurt badly. Alastor had not just slapped her body, he had slapped her trust and her soul. He had no idea of how scared she was of being incontrollable like Lupin. How was she going to cope at bedtime? * For the next few days Alastor was quite short with her. Although he still cuddled her at night, he was very impatient about the promptness with which she obeyed him, and allowed her no slack. The only time Minnie had tried to return to the cheeky banter of before Moody had issued her already sore rear with a stinging slap and sent her to her room for an hour. Mealtimes were hell, and Minnie had not been allowed to eat with the Slytherins once. Draco had came up to the table every day, but each time Alastor had made Minnie explain she couldn’t as she was being disciplined. Her face burned almost as red as the cheeks she was forced to sit on during these exchanges, but the blonde had not been a jerk about it yet. It truly bothered Minnie that Alastor seemed so angry with her and seemed to ignore her all day. The confusion and pain from her situation clouded her thoughts during everything. Minnie had miscalculated: Alastor had shattered the trust he had built between them and she should have seen it coming. Of course she shouldn’t have trusted him. Now she was paying for her idiocy, because she missed Alastor. Breakfast had been hell. Then Moody had got an elf to sit in with her first period and the servant had even been ordered to walk her right into the potions classroom. “MINNIE!” Minnie looked up in alarm at the rage in Snape’s voice. He grabbed her roughly by the neck and waved an incantation at her potion just as it began to vomit angry balls of smoke. “I can hardly believe your carelessness!” he roared. Snape swung her around to face him. “You know that potion demands great care! What were you doing? You weren’t paying attention at all. Neville Longbottom would not have made those mistakes!” Snape’s fingers were beginning to cut into Minnie’s neck very painfully. “You could very easily have got yourself killed,” the potions Professor snarled. “I let you work with these volatile potions because you are capable. You almost blew yourself up with sheer carelessness!” Minnie remained silent throughout his tirade. Her shocked eyes were round and fearful as she gazed up at the livid Professor. Snape looked directly into her gaze. “You cannot afford to make mistakes at all with this potion and I am finding it difficult to believe you could have made mistakes of this magnitude… I can hardly believe you are responsible of such thoughtlessness!” The man let go and brought his hand near his face as he fought to control his anger. After a long pause he was finally able to look at the pale girl. “I will not have such recklessness from you,” he snapped quietly. Minnie did not know how to react. She wasn’t even sure what had happened. What Snape was accusing her of was fair, however. She could not even remember what she had been dropping into the potion. Her mind had entirely been on Moody’s cold indifference. “Go stand by my desk,” Professor Snape hissed. He turned and walked towards some bookshelves with the intent of calming the teen with busy work. Minnie obeyed without argument, but tripped on poorly cut potion ingredients that had fallen to the floor when Snape had pulled her from her workstation. As she stumbled Minnie slammed herself painfully into Severus’ desk. Severus turned at the noise of collision and Minnie’s stifled resultant whimper. “Try not to damage anything,” Severus sighed. “Sorry,” Minnie whispered. Severus frowned. The pain in the girl’s voice was disproportionate to the blow his desk has dealt her. “Are you quite alright?” Minnie nodded stiffly. Severus crossed the room, avoiding the mess on the floor as he did so. “What did you hurt?” “Nothing much, just my butt,” Minnie muttered. A thought came to Snape unbidden: hadn’t the Potter brat been taunting Minnie before about a spanking? Had Minnie already been hurt recently? Jessamine stepped away from the desk stiffly. “Don’t look so worried,” she said. Words escaped Severus’ mouth before he could stifle them. “Take down your jeans Miss Black.” The girl lifted her head in alarm. “Pardon?” “Calm yourself, I want to check your tailbone is undamaged. Unfasten your jeans and fold them down to the botton of your hips,” Severus said, feeling awkward. Minnie gave him a strange look but hesitantly obeyed. Severus could immediately see that the protruding flesh near her tailbone was scarlet. “I need to touch you to check nothing’s broken, is that okay?” Severus asked quietly. Minnie nodded. “Sure.” She flinched when Severus’ cold hand brushed her skin but she allowed the contact. Severus moved his hand over the reddened skin carefully. “How much does this hurt?” he asked. “Nothing feels damaged.” “That’s okay, just a bit tender,” Minnie murmured. “Thank you.” Severus stepped back. How could he see the rest of her skin legitimately? What if Moody had not left bruises on her? “You can fix your clothing now,” Severus said. Minnie straightened too quickly and stiffened, before ignoring the pain and standing properly. She reached for her waistband roughly and failed to hold back the resulting cry. “Stop,” Severus said. “You didn’t touch your tailbone.” “Oh, that’s from earlier,” Minnie said, her hands resting on her jeans. “That’s fine.” “It sounded painful. What happened?” Severus pressed. Minnie flushed. “Nothing.” “Miss Black,” he drawled softly, “when was the last time someone hit you?” Minnie shifted uncomfortably, feeling exposed. “Hit me?” Severus swallowed, adjusting a word in his mouth. “Has... has Moody spanked you recently?” “You mean properly?” Minnie asked awkwardly. “Properly?” Snape repeated. “Um, as in a full, proper... um... spanking, or are you including quick slaps too?” The colour of Snape’s complexion altered slightly. “Both,” he said gently. Minnie was currently feeling very grateful that the Potions Professor was unable to see her face whilst he had her so positioned. “I… I was pretty bad a few days ago, um, but I’ve got a few slaps since then,” the girl replied in a mortified voice. “Pretty bad?” questioned Snape. “I… do we need to talk about it?” The tenderness of Minnie’s skin persuaded Snape not to swat her rear for that comment. “Yes, I do believe we need to discuss this,” he said shortly. “Well,” sighed Minnie, “just don’t get mad, okay?” she pleaded. She felt ridiculous having this conversation. Snape stared at the back of her head for a moment. “Speak.” Minnie flushed and ducked her head further before saying in a rush, “Mad Eye caught me using dangerously Dark magic on myself.” “Such as what? To what purpose?”   Minnie expanded. As she did Snape felt himself paling. “Damn werewolf,” he muttered of the unfortunate Lupin. Sighing, the Professor squeezed the bridge of his nose. “And the other times?”   “That I was sick?” “That you were struck.” Minnie appeared to give a noise of distress. “Miss Black?” “He’s really mad with me,” Minnie blurted. “And he hardly looks at me and anytime he speaks to me… It’s just… I really…” Minnie was quiet for a while. “It’s like he hates me,” she whispered. Snape sighed. “He doesn’t hate you.” Minnie turned to look at the man with pain-filled orbs. “How do you know?” Snape had little practice in replying to such comments. He hesitated before saying firmly, and feeling quite inadequate for his words, “Trust me. I just know.” Minnie sniffled and buried herself in his robes. Snape froze. He had no practical knowledge about what he was expected to do in this situation whatsoever. Firstly, the girl was crying and expecting comfort from him, and secondly, she was cuddling him. Him. Scary Potions Professor, renowned Death Eater and head of the same house whose ghost was the Bloody Baron -and had produced Tom Riddle. Yet she was mewling into the front of his robes like she thought he was some sort of Hufflepuff or something. And she had not pulled up her jeans yet. How could he ask her to dress herself whilst she was crying without seeming like he was more interested in her open fly than her tears? Crying was not something Snape had a great deal of experience of. He had seen plenty of Death Eater victims cry, and he had cried plenty times as a boy from spent too much time in the company of his despicable father, but apart from that he had not really cried since the night he had returned to Dumbledore all those years ago. What had Dumbledore done? Well, he had helped him off the floor of course, but Minnie was standing against his chest. Dumbledore had pulled him against him, had he not? He had wrapped his arms around him and held him. He had also murmured soothing words and rubbed circles in his back and even kissed his head. Well forget that. Holding the girl would prove disconcerting enough without kissing her, particularly in her current state of undress. Snape had never kissed many people, apart from Lucius who rather liked kissing, and Sirius, who had been an idiot but had once been a very good kisser. Snape had slept with a rather larger amount of people, but hadn’t really bothered to kiss them. Albus had not given him that sort of a kiss anyway. It was not the kind of kiss Snape had given his Lord’s robes either. That was a rather reluctant, debasing thing whereas Snape remembered Dumbledore comforting him feeling rather more warm and… well comforting really. Rather like a kiss from Lily. Actually, nothing like a kiss from Lily. A kiss from Lily was rather different from a kiss from Albus, even the sort of kiss she had given him after they grew up and she decided she would rather just give Those kisses to Potter. Snape enveloped Minnie in his arms rather stiffly. She clung on to the wet front of his robes for a few more moments then slid her arms down to encircle his waist. Damn. Snape had not expected her to do that. Did it affect what he was meant to do? Hesitatingly, Snape rubbed the circles in her back in a faithful imitation of Dumbledore’s actions. It seemed to work. Eventually her body stopped trembling and she quietened. Snape expected her to let go when she stopped crying but she merely clung on to him calmly. He waited for what seemed to be a very long while but she showed no signs of moving. Maybe the kiss was important then? Was she waiting for him to do that? Or did he have to say something? He didn’t have a bat’s thought in hell what he was supposed to say to a crying teenage girl. The only conversation he had ever had with such a creature involved saying to her: ‘I’m sorry for calling you a mudblood…’ and that did not hold much relevance here. Snape pressed his lips very softly to the back of Minnie’s head and murmured, “Pull up your jeans now.” As he spoke, he pulled away from Minnie gently. Minnie obeyed with a quiet wince and stepped back. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome,” Snape drawled back with discomfort. As he spoke Moody appeared in the doorway. “Alastor, I wish to speak to you,” Snape said. His customary sneer had bled from his voice. Alastor seemed to notice as he turned both eyes on the other man briefly. Oh shit. Oh shit. Snape was going to tell Mad Eye, wasn’t he? Minnie’s hand found the Potions Professor’s. On feeling her hand, Snape looked down into the fearfulness of Minnie’s gaze. “You may relax Miss Black,” he drawled, and squeezed her reassuringly before letting go. Snape took the other Professor aside. He could see no easy way to do this, so he might as well throw himself into the deep end. “Miss Black has informed me she gave you reason to discipline her recently.” Alastor’s natural eye widened. “Yes.” Minnie walked towards the mess on the floor and knelt to clean it up. Moody’s enchanted eye could still follow her but from this vantage point she could avoid meeting his gaze. Severus continued speaking to Moody. “While I am making no comment on your methods of disciplining her, would you please enlighten me to what methods you believe you have used?” “I discussed with her why she was being punished. I spanked her and afterwards we discussed her motivations for what she did. I then sent her to her room. She is also expected to remain under my supervision during mealtimes –although, concerning what she was doing, that’s not only a punishment so much as I want to keep an eye on her eating,” Moody growled. “And apart from these restrictions, have you done anything else that Miss Black would find upsetting?” Alastor considered how short-tempered he had been with Minnie recently. “I don’t understand…” “Do you feel that asides from what you have mentioned things between you are as they were before you caught her acting unacceptably?” Alastor paused. “I’ve been sterner with her. Stricter.” “Miss Black tells me she feels as if,” Snape curled his lip, “well, her direct quote was that she thinks you ‘hate’ her. She is very worried that she has damaged the closeness of her relationship with you. She mentioned you do not look at her or talk to her as much as usual.” Moody glanced over at his ward. “She thinks I hate her?” “She was very distraught about that, yes.” “I don’t hate her.” “Would it be possible to inform her of that fact then?” Snape sneered. Alastor’s gaze snapped back to the other man. “Why did she tell you this?” “I have no idea, I don’t view myself as the obvious agony aunt either,” Snape snapped. “It seems she was just so upset she had to tell someone.” After nearly blowing up the classroom of course. Moody scrutinised him for a moment. “You know the front of your robes are wet?” “Really?” Snape drawled, “I had no idea. Perhaps it has something to do with being cried all over by the teenage girl you deeply upset.” “She cried on you?” Alastor sounded horrified. “You’ve obviously traumatised the wits from the girl. She seemed to think I was the perfect candidate to soak.” Moody managed a smile at that. “Thank you for looking after my girl, Snape.” “It was for purely selfish reasons I assure you. I have no desire to be blown up by a distraught girl attempting to brew potions.” Moody sighed. “I’m just worried about what will happen to her if I can’t keep her from hurting herself…” Snape became alarmed. Since when did Moody ask to be consoled by him too? “Bear in mind she has spent most of her life with only that insane house slave for company, and after that she had Sirius Black fresh from Azkaban as her only human companion. You should expect her to be somewhat crazy until she becomes used to life here.” Alastor nodded and turned to call Minnie to them. He threw his arms around her and held her tightly. “I promise I don’t hate you, okay?” he murmured into the girl’s hair. When Minnie was comfortable letting go of him she stepped away and pulled the Potions Professor down to her height to kiss his face gratefully. Few people ever cared enough to take a selfless interest in her welfare. “Thank you, sir,” she said warmly. Alastor watched with a mixture of affectionate horror and humour. His colleague seemed appalled. Also terrified. “Sirius Black escaped Azkaban; evaded dememtors; outwitted the Ministry –and was killed by drapery,” the Potions Professor sneered. “So glad his sensibilities reside in this one.” Minnie merely giggled at this and pulled away from the man. “Thanks.” “That was not a compliment,” Snape grumbled. Minnie smirked. “You love me really.” His eyes narrowed. “Mad Eye,” he growled, “remove your charge before I poison her!” “Alright there whelp, looks like you’ve done enough here,” Alastor said. “We can go now, yes?” Minnie gave him a wary look but took his hand. “If you hurt me again I’ll kill you,” she said easily. “Don’t give me an excuse to,” Alastor replied. Minnie pulled her hand away. Alastor looked at her. “Minnie... I spanked you because you scared me half to death. If you can do your best not to make me scared for you I’ll do my best not to take my hand to you.” “Or anything else?” Snape interrupted. Alastor scowled but nodded. “Or anything else,” he said honestly. “You broke my trust,” Minnie said baldly. “You broke mine,” Alastor replied. “Can you stomach a truce?” “She’ll try, because if you make her cry on me again I’ll poison you slowly,” Snape said. “Get out of my classroom, both of you. I have far more pressing concerns than your tiffs.” * At lunch Draco valiantly appeared once more at the staff table to request Minnie’s presence at his own. She gave him a weak smile but remained as tense as had become usual. “She may not,” Alastor growled, “but you are welcome to join her here under my eye.” Snape glanced at the trio. Alastor was trying. To the surprise of many, the boy agreed. He was given a chair and sat beside a silent Minnie, who warily observed the males on either side of her. Draco sat politely and waited for Minnie to fill her plate. Realising his hesitance, Minnie quickly placed some food on her plate to allow Draco to serve himself. The blonde served himself and waited patiently again. Minnie forced herself to take an idle bite of her meal whilst trying to ignore the unsettling attention she could feel radiating from Moody. Draco began eating. Minnie hoped he would start a conversation; she was beginning to feel sick from sitting in silence. Draco seemed to recognise her awkwardness. He began asking non-threatening questions which Minnie responded to thoughtfully. She slowly started to relax. Draco smiled more and more as they conversed. Minnie found herself contributing more to the conversation and asking Draco questions. She began joking lightly, exhibiting the wry, cynical-yet-playful sense of humour Draco had become fond of. He laughed genuinely and responded with witticisms of his own. “Are you doing anything next period?” Draco asked at the close of the meal. His jaw was schooled coolly as befitting a pureblood, but his eyes were bright and animated. “I’m free then.” “That’s Mad Eye’s decision,” Minnie said regretfully. “May we, Professor?” prompted the blonde politely. Alastor looked over his charge. “Only if she will behave?” Minnie answered with a blush and an affirmative. “I suppose that will do then,” Moody growled. “However,” his eyes fixed dangerously on the Malfoy heir, “you will be answerable to me if there is anything questionable about the actions of either of you, understood?” Draco murmured a respectful, “Yes, Sir.” At the end of fifth period Minnie met Draco at the end of the corridor that led to his class. He smiled warmly at her and they fell into step. “Since you’re not allowed on the grounds, where do you wish we go?” he asked. Don’t say the dungeons because I don’t want to have to dispose of Blaise. “I don’t mind really.” It’s just nice to be with you. Somehow they ended up in the room of requirement after a lot of wandering the corridors aimlessly. The room had provided two stuffed green armchairs and a sofa of similar design all arranged around a pleasant-looking and vast fireplace. Minnie took the initiative of claiming the sofa and when Draco placed himself beside her she curled into him. Surprised but smiling, Draco coiled his arm around her. For moments he said nothing before asking, “Just what did you do anyway?” Minnie immediately knew what he meant. “Something not up for discussion,” she replied in a voice that brooked no argument. Draco blinked. “Alright. What is up for discussion?” Minnie made a face. Anything impersonal would be just fine. She ran off a list of possible topics. “Quidditch. Alchemy. Slytherin. Dumbledore. The lake…” Draco considered for a moment. “Do you play?” “Quidditch?” Minnie’s lips twisted into a wry grin. She had had little opportunity to practice such pastimes during her childhood. “I am a really terrible flyer,” she admitted ruefully. “You play though, don’t you?” “I’m seeker for my house,” Draco said slightly smugly. “What are you good at? You seem good at potions; old Severus seems to like you.” Minnie nodded. “I’m good at anything that’s widely written about.” She grinned. “‘Old Severus’?” Draco grinned at his slip of tongue. In front of Minnie his lapse of proper manners did not seem terrible. “I would probably not quote me on that.” Minnie smirked. Her eyes glinted with personality in a way that fascinated Draco. She teased, “Blackmail material!” He laughed. “Don’t you dare. My godfather would gladly have my ass.” Minnie giggled. “Now there’s an image.” Horror crossed the teen’s face. “Oh…” he groaned in disgust. “Bad Minnie!” “Aw, Snapey’s lovely really,” Minnie continued with a smile. “My godfather is an absolute bat,” Draco protested. “Well he’s nice to me,” Minnie said. She looked at Draco’s face and snickered; her amusement quickly became full-bodied mirth. Feeling put upon but not too upset by it, Draco prodded Minnie’s side. “Enough laughing at me, thank you very much. What about embarrassing you now?” “Embarrassing me?” “Yeah. What was that all about in ‘Snapey’’s class when the Weasel decided to call you a slut?” “I have no idea Ferret.” “Ferret my arse,” said Draco. “Potty was warbling on about you getting spanked by your master.” Minnie retorted with a witticism before the memory of why she had been caught in her guardian’s bed could chill her. “Well I’m sure it could be arranged for Pothead to announce it if we persuaded the Dark Lord to paddle your’s.” Draco’s lip curled at the joke. “Minnie you are disgusting.” “Oh I don’t know,” she teased, “I think Tom Riddle was kind of hot…” “Minnie,” said a very suffering Draco, “please never repeat that. Ever.” “It’s not like I said The Gamekeeper…” “Uh! Stop! As if I want to think of that oaf-” Minnie cuffed Draco’s leg warningly. “Be nice. The Gamekeeper’s a lovely man.” “Minnie!” Draco howled. He was amused... but also... disturbed. How could he trump her and take control of the conversation? “Fine! I fancy Albus Dumbledore and get turned on by his knobbly knees and like it when he ties me up with his beard. Are you getting nasty pictures yet?” “Oh Drakey I am gonna be sick,” snorted Minnie. “That’s just wrong.” “And the Dark Lord isn’t?” Draco asked calmly. Minnie rolled her eyes. “If those were my only options? I’d do Snakeface. Totally. Anyday. Urgh! Dumbles! You very sick boy.” Draco shook his head. The choice between the two was worthless: both wizards were a disturbing option. “Have you noticed how he calls everybody ‘my boy’? It irks me. I just want to grab his wand and beat the patronising fool to death with it!” “How very mudblood of you,” Minnie said drolly. “I just want to beat him to death. Then curse him.” “What has he done to you?” Draco teased, interested by the steel behind her playful tone. Minnie grimaced and shook her head. “…What about you? What do you think about him?” “I don’t know really,” admitted Draco. He looked at her. “There’s a lot you don’t talk about, isn’t there?” “Adds intrigue,” said Minnie. ***** Half-Blood Man ***** Author's notes: Severus attempts to navigate life with Minnie and her altenate ego. =============================================================================== Harry Potter is © J. K. Rowling, Warner Brothers, Scholastic, and all others involved.   As term went on Minnie found herself settled into routine at the school: sharing her time between Slytherins, their sour head of house, Alastor Moody and Hagrid. She quite enjoyed making life as stressful as possible for the golden trio for reasons known only to herself. Generally she could be found joined at the hip of either Draco or Pansy, if not always both, basking in the conflict achieved that day.   Minnie let herself into the common room and took her seat on the arm of Draco’s chair. He curled his arm around her and returned to his conversation with the rest of the room’s occupants, who had become accustomed to her presence. This was how Minnie spent most afternoons when she had returned from her run in the forest with the gamekeeper. She idly carded her fingers through Draco’s hair as she observed the discussion with amusement.   Part of Draco thrilled at this touch, whilst part of him was frustrated that there never seemed to be a sexual motivation for Minnie’s clear fondness of him. Pansy watched the interaction with equally mixed feelings: watching Draco enjoy another girl’s touch was irksome, but it was apparent that Minnie’s side of the relationship was chaste.   “Miss Black.”   There were two voices that could halt the chatter of even the most revered heirs in Slytherin. Everyone turned warily to see the black clad Potions Master.   Minnie got up quickly and crossed the room. Snape’s tone was strange and she wanted to take him away from the cheerful mood and gossipy natures of her peers. She kept her concern in her eyes and not her voice as she asked, “Sir?”   The man pinched the bridge of his nose, his black eyes mere bright slits. “Come with me,” he said shortly. Minnie said an abrupt goodbye to her friends and quickly followed. Her hand found Snape’s in an attempt to comfort him, to the man’s infinite consternation.   Minnie could feel Snape’s short nails digging into her hand as he led her swiftly through corridors and upstairs.   “Sugar quills,” Snape snapped, his glare directed at a stone gargoyle before them. The statue gave Minnie a sympathetic look as it obliged, then the girl found herself dragged along to the headmaster’s office.   She felt worry gnaw a little at her stomach and began to ask, “What..?”   Minnie’s guardian shushed her. She did not let go of the potions professor but eyed Moody curiously in the hope that she could discern something from his face.   Moody cleared his throat. “Minnie, you know we,” the man gestured at himself and the two other men in the room, “do things in Grimmauld Place, don’t you?”   Minnie looked at him evenly. “The Order stuff?”   “Exactly, my dear,” Dumbledore interrupted.   Minnie squirmed on hearing the white-haired man speak to her. She was trying to pretend he was not present and his voice made that difficult.   Noting the girl’s discomfort, Albus looked over his glasses at her and continued, “It is necessary at the moment that Alastor is involved with some work of this nature, and he will need to spend time on it in Grimmauld Place.”   Minnie brought the sleeve of her white sweatshirt to her mouth. Snape had still not managed to get her to relinquish the grip her other hand had on his, and she held it tighter. “Can Professor Snape stay with me?” she asked quietly.   Three faces turned to her in surprise. “What the headmaster meant, girl,” said Alastor, “is we’ll be staying at your home for a little while. Together.”   “Oh,” said Minnie. She was leaving the castle? She was going *home*? She felt elated. And suspicious. And elated. “Great!”   Dumbledore’s eyes were doing their twinkling act again. Minnie’s mood veered back to suspicion. Dumbledore said, “Severus will have work to do there too, of course.”   Moody eyed the dark-haired professor irritably. Minnie felt her mood creep higher once more. Snick pretended not to notice Moody’s attention and continued trying to discretely remove his hand from Jessamine’s.   “When are we going?” asked Minnie.   Dumbledore kept his gaze on the girl: it was unusual for her to remain civil enough with him for a conversation. “After supper, my dear,” Dumbledore answered.   A thought occurred to Minnie. “Where do I tell Draco I’m going?”   The men looked at each other. “Boot camp?” Alastor teased.   Minnie scowled. “You can’t seriously expect…”   “Of course not,” Professor Snape said. It was the first time he had spoken during the conversation and Minnie turned to stare up at him. He smirked and looked tempted to tell her plenty of horror stories about the fate of her vaults because she had still not dropped his hand. “You will be telling him that you have to deal with the proper paperwork in regards to your vaults and that Mad Eye is accompanying you.”   “Are we doing anything with my vaults?” Minnie asked suspiciously. If the cretin Headmaster had any intentions of pilfering her considerable wealth she would ensure she found an opportunity to feed him to the goblins.   “No, whelp, we’re not,” Alastor replied before Snape could begin berating her tone. Minnie wondered if she could fraudulently find a way to sic goblins on the old man.   Dumbledore smiled down at Minnie. If he could see the violent deaths she was envisioning for him he did not show it. “That was all, Jessamine.” He glanced up at the potions master, “Severus, will you please take Jessamine down to the Great Hall while I continue to speak with Alastor?”   “Certainly, Headmaster.” Snape turned to leave.   Dumbledore’s eyes glinted again. “Thank you, my boy.”   Alastor watched as the door closed behind the pair. Snape grabbed Jessamine’s wrist to take back his hand without knocking her down the stairs, which would inevitably have happened if he had simply yanked it from her. She made no reaction until they had descended the stairs and then she wrapped her fingers in the fabric at the back of Snick’s elbow. “Is that necessary?” Snape demanded in a voice that declared that it was not. “Yes,” Minnie said calmly. Snape clenched his jaw. “I assure you I won’t disappear if you disattach yourself.” “Just in case,” Minnie said playfully, not budging her grip. Snape glowered and strode quickly to the grand hall, not accommodating the youth’s shorter strides. Jessa made no complaint.   Snape led Minnie up to the staff table and began cajoling her to eat. As Minnie reluctantly played with her soup (fantasising about using it as a method of murder) a certain blond meandered up to the table. Snape quirked his brow questioningly at his godson.   “May Minnie eat with us, sir?” the boy drawled.   “I am sorry, Draco,” Snape said, “but I cannot let Miss Black leave the table until I have seen her eat properly.”   “Come on, Jessa,” demanded Draco.   Minnie squirmed. She couldn’t eat when she was excited, , which she certainly was with the prospect of leaving the horrid school, and she did not want to leave Professor Snape sitting beside both her’s and Moody’s empty seats.   “Can’t Draco sit up here, sir?”   Snape rolled his eyes and agreed grudgingly. “Certainly, Miss Sheba,” he sneered. Minnie grinned and glanced up at him before sampling her food. Over the meal she explained to the Malfoy heir she would not be at school for the following days. There was an unnerving tightness in her chest as Draco expressed his genuine regret at the news.   “Don’t even consider taking too long,” Draco scolded.   Minnie smiled at this and hugged the boy. He curled his lip but embraced her tightly. “See you soon.”   Snape observed them with interest. Draco did not associate with many girls who dared to show him such affection.   After dinner, which Alastor missed, Snape took Minnie back to the headmaster’s office, from which they flooed to Grimmauld Place. Draco, flanked by Greg and Vincent, and not the least distracted by a nattering Pansy, walked down to the dungeons deep in thought. There really was no point contacting his mother while she was at the health spa, despite the letters she sent him daily, but perhaps his father would have information on Minnie. If Draco piqued his father’s interest, he might be able to turn the conversation towards what he really wanted to discuss.   Minnie arrived in the fireplace with Snape. He held her still as he dusted ash from them both before he stepped out into the room. Minnie followed. “When will Mad Eye arrive?”   Snape glanced at her. “Shortly,” he said. How was he going to keep her occupied with no potions lab to play in? “Why don’t I take you to your rooms to see if the house elves have brought you your things yet? When we’re done he will likely be sitting in the kitchen waiting for you.”   The latter part was fine, but what did he mean by the first part? He still seemed uncomfortable. Minnie said in confusion, “I know where my rooms are.”   Snape made a face. “Dumbledore has requested you use a different set of rooms.”   Whatever for? They had likely removed anything dubious or of exceptional value. Jessa’s eyes flashed angrily but she said nothing in this tone to the dark haired man, instead following him mutely. He led her to a room with two beds and two large chests of drawers. There was a trunk at the foot of each bed and a large mirror on the wall. ‘Mad Eye’s sharing with me,’ Minnie thought, and began rummaging through the drawers discovering which of her things the elves had supplied. It was mostly clothing; nothing obviously dangerous. Snape smirked at her for a moment as though he knew that even clothing could be a lethal weapon in certain circumstances. Minnie stood and followed Snape down to the kitchen.   “Where are you sleeping?” Minnie asked.   “The right door opposite you,” the man replied without glancing at her. He reached to open the kitchen door and when he did, Minnie was greeted with the sight of her guardian eating calmly at the table.   “There you are, whelp,” he said. She smiled and slid into the seat along the corner from him whilst bizarrely, Snape began to brew those infernal cups of tea Albus was always conjuring. The muggle method seemed to steady his nerves and he placed a cup before Jessa, remaining to drink his own by the counter.   Minnie looked over to him. “Are you ok sir?”   The professor widened his eyes in surprise. “Drink your tea,” he glared. Was he visibly tense, and could she tell?   Moody watched the interacted with a sigh. “I knew she didn’t know,” he said.   Jessa’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “I didn’t know what?”   At that moment a black haired boy Jessa’s age scuffled into the kitchen. “What’s she doing here?”   To see him, of all people, in Siri’s house. For a moment, Minnie was almost sick. Her hands tightened on the cup she clasped so very firmly.   The tea started to drain into nothing to echo the emotional void that was creeping up vertebrae by vertebrae inside Minnie. She stood stiffly. She had to leave before she allowed her magic to leave a ridiculously large, smoking hole where the kitchen currently stood. “You murderer,” she whispered sharply before she threw herself out of the room.   In response Harry started his own tantrum. Perfectly aware Snape didn’t have a chance of quieting the boy, Alastor sighed and sent the younger professor after the girl.   “Miss Black!” Snape roared, not in the least mindful of the portrait that had already been set off. Snape knew perfectly well Minnie would have went to her own, private rooms, which regularly sealed themselves off from the rest of the house. Should the girl have retreated there it was highly unlikely he would be able to retrieve her without the headmaster, Kreecher and Moody.   Snape kicked the entrance to Jessa’s rooms. “Miss Black, you shall not hide away in your rooms! You will come out this instant or you will find I shall make you a very sorry girl!”   After a great deal of threats, a door on the landing above opened. Minnie stepped towards the banisters looking tearful. “Professor?”   Snape turned and fixed the girl with a thunderous expression.   “I wasn’t in my rooms, professor.”   Snape began striding up the stairs towards her. Minnie unexpectedly began to walk over reluctantly to meet him. Reaching her, Snape took a hold of Minnie’s arm and squashed down the urge to swat her, hard.   “Was that display necessary?”   Minnie glanced up at the potion master’s annoyed snarl. “Sorry,” she said in a small voice.   “Have you broken anything in Black’s room?”   Minnie looked horrified. “Of course not.”   Snape noted the girl’s tone with relief. He could perhaps deal with the girl crying; if he had to clear up messes both teenagers were bent on creating every time they lost their tempers, he would lose his own with them very swiftly.   The man marched Minnie to the bathroom, where he wet a flannel and cooled her face, then brought her downstairs.   Moody had no intentions of pandering to Harry’s nonsense and when the boy had cried himself out the professor insisted on the boy repairing the broken utensils, before seating him firmly at the table. Where he sat uncomfortably and glowered at the space before him. On seeing the others return Harry turned his attention to picking at the old wood of the table. Alastor smacked the boy’s hand away wordlessly.   Snape pulled out a chair and glowered at Jessa. “Sit,” he ordered. Without looking at anyone, the girl obeyed.   “Now,” said Snape dangerously, bringing his palm down disturbingly hard on the tabletop, “we are going to get a few things straight. First of all, Potter is a foolish, negligent brat, but it is Lestrange who killed Sirius Black. And a piece of drapery.”   “He wouldn’t have been there if it wasn’t for him!”   “Jessamine,” warned Alastor sharply.   “You think I meant to get him killed, he was the closest I had to a father! I was meant to live with him when things were over!” Harry’s face was flushed. It was true. He and his godfather had been close.   Jessamine’s relationship with Grim had been far less rosy but she was nonetheless exceptionally attached to her half-brother. “I wouldn’t have minded you living with him,” she spat, “but then you went and got him killed!”   Sirius’ godson looked murderous. “You stupid bitch, I-”   “Enough!” Snape roared. Even Moody looked a little worried by the man’s tone. “Listen here,” he said coldly, “the next of you to continue this argument is going over my lap, and will be remaining there until I am assured they will not be so foolish as to start up again. Have I made this point clear?”   Harry looked equally furious and incredulous about the threat, but said nothing. He did not think the professor had the authority; but did not think that would be enough of a deterrent for the man.   “Sorry,” said Minnie. It bothered her that she had angered Snape and she was also fairly certain his was not an idle threat.   “You will be if there’s another peep out of you,” Snape admonished. “The same goes for you, Potter. Now, I have had quite enough from both of you this evening, so you will both be retiring to your room until morning. If you kill each other, rest assured my wrath will still reach you pair on the other side.”   Minnie looked severely alarmed. “Mad Eye, I can’t-”   He reached over to her sympathetically whilst the others looked on in confusion. “I know, whelp, but Dumbledore wants you to try this. I’m only going to be the door on the left opposite –I won’t be far.”   “Sod what Dumbledore wants,” Minnie protested.   Moody took hold of her chin and stared into her eyes. “Now stop that,” he scolded gently. “I want you to do this tonight, alright.”   “You do not,” said Minnie, “it’s all on your face that you don’t.”   “You will do as I tell you, girl.”   Minnie paused as she was about to argue further and instead looked thoughtfully at Snape. “You said room.”   “What?” said Harry.   “You didn’t mean we’re going to share?” The girl sounded aghast.   “I did,” said Snape.   “But we can’t share,” said Minnie.   “Exactly,” said Harry quickly, “She’s a girl; I don’t share with Hermione.”   “Only because you prefer boys,” Minnie muttered.   “Miss Black!”   “Sorry,” sighed Minnie. “But it is true: we can’t share.”   “You will be sharing,” said Snape shortly.   “But-”   The man glared at the pair. “You will do as you’re told and go upstairs to get ready for bed this instant. Both of us,” he gestured towards Moody, “will be up momentarily. If I do not find two well-behaved young people when I go upstairs I will be making both of you very unhappy.”   Without protest, but looking severely put out, Minnie and Harry got up from the table and went upstairs.   Minnie barged past Harry and straight into the adjoining bathroom, where she deliberately took as long as possible. This was outrageous. Minnie snarled at the mirror then threw the bathroom door open. The Champion stood nearby; Minnie stormed past him again and, kicked off her DCs roughly.   Harry glanced in irritation at her and stomped into the bathroom, closing the door audibly. It was indecent that he was being made to share with a girl but preposterous that he had to share with this ill-bred, ill-tempered bitch! Minnie grimaced at the bathroom door and threw back her quilt; creating a tent with the material. The girl used it as a makeshift screen to change behind then tossed her outer clothing to the floor and lay back stiffly. She ran her hand over her face feeling too angry to think. Anxiety bubbled in her stomach: she had no desire to show weakness to Harry but if she fell asleep... She would simply have to stay awake. Minnie glanced down at her body. Alastor should have given her one of his damn shirts. Minnie kicked the quilt over herself. Harry finished his ablutions and reluctantly stepped back into the bedroom. The illegitimate Black ignored Harry but he could sense her hatred of him. He disliked her too and the prospect of undressing before her was irksome. He gazed around himself hoping for a distraction. The bland cream walls and framed Chinese proverbs did nothing to soothe his dark mood. Whoever had redecorated this room had tried hard to dispel the grim history of it but Jessamine Black was doing a superb job of recreating the unpleasant atmosphere. Harry removed his trainers then unfastened his belt. His jeans dropped to the floor. Harry stepped out of them and threw himself onto his duvet.   Snape and Moody appeared in the open doorway to find the two teens glowering on their respective beds. “I do hope,” Snape drawled, “this is the last of your tantrum.”   Neither teen quite dared to glare directly at the dark haired man, scowling at their own laps instead.   “A reply, if you please…”   “Yes, sir,” said Minnie.   After a pause, Harry managed to grate out, “Yes, Professor.”   “Very well. Goodnight both of you,” Snape turned to leave, “There will be no fighting at all tonight, and, should I only discover one of you alive in the morning, rest assured I will gladly hex you both.” The man left the room with his robes swinging around him.   Alastor lingered to cuddle Minnie and murmur reassurances which Harry did not understand but pretended to ignore. After a few moments he straightened up, bid the reluctant pair goodnight, and left the room. He pulled the door closed behind him.   Snape met the auror’s eyes. “They’ll both be dead by sunrise.”   “Don’t say that,” Alastor said dryly, “Or you’ll have no one to hex come morning.”   The other man flashed his teeth. “Quite.”   Alastor’s gaze flickered to the door.   Snape rolled his eyes and cast a listening charm. He quirked his eyebrow at Alastor’s expression. “It’s not as if we won’t both be here all night,” Snape drawled, rearranging his robes about himself and settling on the floor against the doorframe. After a moment’s hesitation Alastor joined him. His magical eye fixed intently on the room behind him, where Harry and Minnie remained scowling on their beds.   Eventually both teenagers found sleep.   The wait for the girl to begin screaming felt unnervingly long to Moody. When she finally did the man’s stomach knotted as he was under instructions not to go to her. At all.   Snape had not expected the chest-piercing screams, nor had he expected Moody to fidget and squirm upon hearing them, almost foaming at the bit to get to Minnie.   “This is hardly helping Potter sleep,” Snape sneered.   “Potter’s not currently top of my priority list,” Moody growled in agitation.   To Snape’s confusion, the other man’s jaw abruptly dropped and he turned both eyes on the door.   A few moments later they heard Harry’s voice murmuring soothingly until Minnie’s screams lessened to hoarse breathing and the occasional juddering gasp. The two men swiftly exchanged glances before Alastor returned his gaze to the door.   Minnie glanced in horror at the teenage boy gripping her arms. It did not take her long to realise Harry had shaken her out of her nightmare. She flushed and avoided his eyes. “Sorry.”   Harry shook his head wryly. “Don’t worry about it. It’s new to be on the other end of this.”   Minnie peered at him unwillingly. “You get nightmares?”   Harry reached into his trunk and lifted out a tray of dreamless sleep and pain potions. “I get nightmares,” he agreed. He picked up a vial of dreamless sleep and proffered it to her.   Minnie took it warily. A childhood reliance on the substance had left her somewhat intolerant but she had not used it in a while- so she could depend on the potion tonight.   Harry closed the trunk and returned to bed. “Goodnight.”   Minnie was still holding the potions vial. She looked up. “Night, Potter.” She swallowed the liquid and placed the vial on the dark wood chest of drawers. “Thanks Potter.”   Harry glanced briefly at her and looked away, wearing an odd expression. “Don’t worry about it.”   Minnie quirked an eyebrow in what could have been a disturbingly Malfoyesque mannerism before noticing her quilt was still at the bottom of the bed where she had kicked it in her sleep. ‘Well that explains it,’ she thought as she dived to pull the duvet over her barely-dressed form.   In the morning, Snape and Alastor awoke leaning against the doorframe to the teenagers’ room. The youths had not killed, or indeed even hexed, each other. Snape stood up, straightening his robes and his reluctant body, and strode into the bedroom to wake the brats.   Minnie’s quilt had found its way to the floor again, despite her drugged, and therefore undisturbed, sleep. The man diverted his gaze from the rather interesting tangle of female limbs and brightly coloured string that masqueraded as underwear, and glanced across at Harry. The boy’s hair was even more of a mess than usual.   “It’s morning,” Snape announced loudly.   Harry flinched, rolled over and glared momentarily at the potions professor with great loathing before sitting up and stretching. Minnie sat up, noticed the departure of her errant quilt, and groaned. She brought her knees together, pulled herself up, and rolled her legs over the edge of the bed to lean over and snatch the quilt, which she promptly pulled onto her lap.   “Glad to see some modesty kicking in, Miss Black,” Snape sneered. He was grateful that she had covered herself but his gratitude had little effect on his tone of voice.   “You know you love it,” Minnie muttered, wondering how she was going to get to the bathroom in her g-string and rather less than modest bra without humiliating herself. If she had been given on of Moody’s shirts this would not be an issue. After a long moment’s debate with herself she decided to drag the quilt with her. She made it almost to the bathroom door when Snape said, “Miss Black.”   Minnie turned, hand reaching for the handle, and managed to drop the stupid piece of material. She huffed in irritation and turned around.   Snape valiantly managed to keep his eye level above her chin. “Breakfast will be served in half an hour and I expect both yourself and Potter to have had the opportunity to wash. Do not take long.”   Minnie gave the man a dangerous look, kicked the quilt out of her way, and marched into the bathroom.   Snape left the room and tried to think of anything other than the sight of the sylphlike Black standing ferociously in the doorframe wearing Slytherin- coloured scraps of lingerie.   In a record elapse of a mere fifteen minutes Minnie returned to the bedroom wearing only a dark coloured towel and an underlying perilous expression. Harry quickly picked up his clothes and retreated to the bathroom, not daring to wonder why adolescents were cursed with raging hormone levels.   Minnie found black, cut off combat pants and a tight, dark purple vest top within the chest of drawers. When Harry bravely re-emerged she had added a white zipper and was casually charming her toenails alternating colours to coordinate with her outfit.   She stared at him for a moment.   “Are your clothes meant to be that size?”   Before the boy had replied Minnie had surmised the answer was a negative. She wordlessly shrank them down to fit his figure.   “Thanks,” he said awkwardly.   Minnie was not really listening, instead rummaging about in a drawer for something she had seen earlier. Harry watched her warily as she pulled out a black snake belt and unselfconsciously began looping it through his own jeans.   “Better,” she said.   He glanced at her warily before flicking his gaze towards the mirror. He did look better.   Minnie smirked at him, reading his expression, and bounded down to breakfast. Harry followed.   To Jessa’s delight, Kreecher was serving at the table. She sat down and began cheerfully eating what he placed in front of her. The men noticed that she had not had such an uncajoled appetite in the entirety of the time she had spent in Hogwarts.   Minnie caught the murderous look Harry’s eyes held and he swiftly found her nine inch thestral hair wand jabbing into his throat.   “Don’t even think about it,” she said sweetly before withdrawing her weapon.   “He’s more responsible for your brother’s death than I am!” Harry snarled. It stung that she had drawn her wand on him after the night they had shared.   “But I like him better than you,” Minnie continued in that same, disturbing voice. She began eating again. Kreecher bowed and popped out of sight, still muttering.   Harry merely growled, catching Snape’s eye and not daring to do anything else.   “Thank you,” the man said snidely. There would be no fighting at the breakfast table.   Minnie finished and pushed her small bowl away. When it became obvious she had no intentions of eating anything else, Alastor scowled. He was willing to ignore Jessa’s wand-drawing, but that had a lot to do about the guilt he was feeling over ignoring her distress last night.   Kreecher reappear to take the bowl.   “That’s not enough,” Moody growled.   Kreecher sneered at the man. “Mistress is needing to be eating in small amounts,” the elf admonished sharply. “Moronic blood-traitor auror cretin. Mistress’s organs not ordinary witch’s organs. Cretin is not knowing Mistress’ insides changing like Mistress’s features do, and shan’t cope like silly ordinary witch’s normal body.”   Snape tried not to smirk in amusement and stored the information away for later.   “Tonks eats a lot,” said Harry coolly.   “That would be because Tonks is a pig,” muttered Jessa.   At Alastor’s glare, Minnie continued, “Her metabolism’s different; she burns up more energy than I do when I change. Because I don’t have a real fixed form my insides are constantly in flux and can’t cope with dealing with a large amount of food. Treating me as though I’m Tonks will only make me sick.” Upon the man’s continued scowl she scowled back and expanded, “I don’t make a big point of considering my organs when I change, so they tend not to be big. It’s probably thanks to my magic’s self-preservation instinct that I have organs at all when I perform a drastic change. This, coupled with how I’m likely to forget about any digesting food in my system means I gotta eat only a little, fairly often, and have to be conscious about how long something will stay in my system. I’ve told you this before.”   At that moment the fireplace became active.   Rather glumly Minnie watched Dumbledore step into the room. “The others should be here shortly,” he announced. Minnie got up to leave.   “Where are you going?” Harry asked.   “The Order’s about to meet,” she explained.   “You’re welcome to stay, my dear,” the headmaster suggested.   Minnie blinked. “Thanks,” she said, “but I really think I should go.” As she moved to the door there was a commotion from the fireplace as it began to expel Weaslies. She quickly closed the door behind her with a firm yet casual click.   Her voice carried as she told Kreecher, “The auror’s not a cretin, only a moron lapdog of a blood-traiter sociopath. Try to humour him please.”   The meeting lasted for hours. Minnie had time to raid her personal rooms for as long as she wished, and also the dark library. When Kreecher alerted her to the meeting’s end Minnie was curled up on the bed and idly charming different images to dance along the ceiling to amuse herself.   Minnie cancelled the spells and sloped down to the living room, where she placed herself in her customary lap. Moody grunted and shifted to accept her weight. She snuggled into him and attempted to spirit away his hip flask. She’d never managed to take it without his noticing.   He lazily slapped her hand away. “You leave that alone whelp.”   She pouted and shifted in his lap again to make him as uncomfortable as possible. He murmured several colourful phrases he forgot she would still be able to hear and pulled her elbows away from his squashed vital organs.   Minnie noticed Snape sitting very quietly in the armchair at the other end of the room. His head was bowed and drew his hair over face, preventing her from reading his expression, but the knuckles gripping the chair’s arm in a clawlike vice were bone white.   The girl observed him for a moment longer then shifted again. “Will you stop moving around on me!” Alastor grumbled.   “In a minute,” Minnie promised. She shifted down into a dog the size of a small spaniel and wrestled out of her clothes. Alastor held open the neck of her top and helped her. “What do you reckon you’re doing girl?”   “Trust me,” she said quietly.   Moody watched as Minnie jumped off of his lap and padded over to Snape. At first Snape ignored her, but he fixed her with a glare when she dared to paw his leg. “I do not especially like black dogs Miss Black,” he snapped, “particularly not when they appear like a miniature grim and invade my personal space.”   Minnie stared at him with the condescending gaze only a cat regularly uses and leapt onto his lap. He pushed her off immediately. “Get off,” he demanded crisply.   Minnie ignored him and returned to his lap. He pushed her off firmly. “Desist, Miss Black.”   She ignored his warning and he gave her his ugliest glare. He used his death eater voice when he insisted, “I said no.”   She wagged her tail slowly and crossed his lap to wriggle under his arm.   Snape squeezed the bridge of his nose. “Miss Black,” he snarled.   Minnie looked up cheerfully and grinned at the man. He scowled down at her and levelled their faces. “Move.” She squeezed out and licked his face. He picked her up by the folds of skin at the back of her neck and dropped her onto the floor. Whining, she pawed his leg and rested her head on his knees.   “Miss Black, as you are capable of speaking English, please stop acting like you don’t.”   Minnie sighed and put her front paws on his knees. “Cuddle me.”   “I am not in the habit of ‘cuddling’ people.”   “I’m not ‘people’,” replied Jessa. “I’m a dog.”   “You are not a dog. You are a teenage girl. Remove yourself.”   “No,” said Minnie simply.   “Do as you are told,” Snape said dangerously.   “Don’t wanna,” retorted Jessa.   “Do you realise you sound like a three year old?”   “So?”   “Do you know how I would punish a naughty three year old?”   The dog pulled back just a little. “Like Mad Eye?” she squirmed.   Snape smirked, “Actually,” he said, “I was going to threaten the corner –but a spanking is an excellent suggestion Miss Black.”   “But I’m a dog.”   “That doesn’t matter. Climb onto my lap,” said Snape.   Dumbledore chose that moment to enter. “Did I hear you right, Severus?” he twinkled, “I thought I heard you tell Jessamine to climb onto your lap.” He stuck a finger in his ear and twirled it around with a daft expression.   “I was offering Miss Black a spanking, Headmaster.”   Dumbledore laughed outright. “And what’s your motive?”   “She licked me.” The childishness of the man’s answer made even Minnie grin, despite her distaste of the Headmaster’s presence. She pulled herself onto Snape’s lap again and nuzzled his throat affectionately, ignoring Snape’s hand as he tried to bat her away.   “You are definitely getting an early bedtime,” he growled quietly to her.   She licked his ear.   Snape scowled at both the girl and the room in general, half-enraged as he caught sight of Moody’s twitching lips.   “Be nice,” muttered Jessa.   Snape turned to her and bared his teeth in a sneer. “What makes you think I have the capacity for that?”   Minnie sighed. “Just be nice. Please. For me.”   “And what bargaining tool are you?” he drawled back.   Minnie wriggled into the warmth under Snape’s arm. “I’m just nice too,” she muttered.   “I’m still going to send you to the corner,” the man grumbled.   The girl jabbed his chest with her nose. “Was that a joke?” she teased. “Did you forget to be scary?”   Snape took hold of Jessa’s muzzle and pulled it up level to his face. His dark eyes sparked, promising danger. “Do you want me to be scary?”   Minnie shook her head seriously. She did not break her gaze from the cold obsidian orbs.   Alastor chose that moment to stop pretending to ignore the pair’s conversation. “Stop scaring my girl, you.”   “I’m not scared,” Minnie lied, before Snape could retort.   He scowled. “You should be.”   Minnie rubbed against him lazily. “No,” she said.   Dumbledore became very interested in the décor as Snape stared at her. At his questioning glare, Minnie expanded. “You might be a death eater,” the two eavesdroppers twitched, whilst Snape’s foul expression grew considerably darker, “but you’re tame enough.”   “‘Tame’,” repeated Snape.   Minnie stood and stretched. “Oh, don’t fall out with me,” she whined. “Tame in a nice way.”   “Have we not established I am not ‘nice’?”   Minnie lay down along his legs. “You’re nice to me,” she said gently.   “Look where that gets me,” Snape groused. “…I am not nice to you.”   “You look after me,” Minnie countered. “Just like Mad Eye.”   ‘Nothing like Mad Eye,’ both Moody and Snape personally hoped. Snape denied the accusation.   Minnie sighed. “Take me for a walk later?”   “I think that will be unlikely,” came Snape’s almost exasperated sigh.   “Of course he will, my dear,” said Dumbledore.   ‘Thanks a lot old man,’ thought Snape. He glowered and acquiesced, whilst Minnie wore an unreadable expression.   The day progressed uneventfully until Snape lost his temper with both teens and declared it bedtime. Somehow Minnie found herself sharing with Harry again. Moody had lost the private arguments he had had with the old headmaster on the matter.   ***   It was Harry’s nightmares that caused the first disturbance. Minnie woke and saw him thrashing about clutching his skull and screaming. She crossed the distance between them and shook him awake. His trunk was sitting open and as soon as he stopped screaming she brought him the tray. Squinting at her and wincing, he took two pain potions in quick succession before staring blearily at her.   “You okay?” asked Minnie.   Holding his head, he blinked and mumbled an affirmative. When he did not say anything else Minnie lifted his quilt from the floor and threw it over him, before returning to her own bed.   “Thanks,” said Harry hoarsely.   “’Night,” replied Minnie.   Both teens attempted to recapture sleep, only for Harry to awaken screaming a further three times. Minnie had found herself in the rather odd position of holding him whilst crooning soothing nonsense for the last two nightmares. When Harry calmed, Minnie returned to her bed and sat gazing idly at the facing wall. Although she doubted she would sleep any more tonight she was thankful it was not her own nightmares which had woken them both this night.   Harry sat up at the head of his bed and leaned against the cool wall. His expression as he glanced nervously, and a little desperately, at Minnie, suggested he wanted to talk.   “Say it,” Minnie muttered.   Harry stared at her in surprise. “What?”   “If you want to talk, talk.”   Harry was quiet for a moment. “I don’t know what to talk about,” he admitted, “I just-”   “Want to focus on someone’s voice,” supplied Minnie. “Yeah, I get that.”   Harry blushed, feeling silly, awkward and demanding despite her understanding. “You don’t mind?”   “We’ve got all night,” the girl shrugged.   Harry looked around the room for inspiration and his eyes fell upon Minnie’s DCs. “You spout all that pureblood rubbish but you’re wearing muggle trainers?”   “I have muggle friends,” Minnie admitted stiffly.   Harry sat up a little. “What?”   Minnie scowled somewhat and turned to look at Harry condescendingly. “I’ve been hiding from the wizarding world practically my whole life, obviously you realised I didn’t have many pureblooded playmates?”   “That was allowed?” Harry asked. From Sirius’s opinion of his mother’s views, it seemed unlikely.   “Of course not,” the girl sneered. “But Mumma’s hardly aware of anything that’s out of view of the hallway.”   “But you hate muggles,” Harry continued.   “I don’t especially like wizards either,” Minnie pointed out.   Harry was thoughtful for a moment. “When you were bitchy in potions, was it just because you wanted in Malfoy’s pants?”   Minnie managed to look offended, angry and nauseous. “I will never want in Draco’s ‘pants’,” she said, sounding ill.   Harry glanced at her in surprise. “You’re not-”   “No,” Minnie answered short.   “I thought-”   “No.”   Harry sat back with a puzzled expression. “Why not?”   It was Minnie’s turn to be shocked. “What?”   “I thought all the girls wanted to date the Slytherin Prince.”   “I’m not into inbreeding thanks,” Minnie sneered.   Harry laughed. “All that shit about me being a half-blood and you’re not into inbreeding!”   Minnie gave him a condescending look and said placidly, “Potter, I call you a half-blood because it pisses you off more than yelling ‘Oi, specky!’”   “Well, okay, but...Hermione never did anything to you. What about her?” Harry protested. He assumed Minnie wanted to piss him off over the ‘death of her big brother’ thing.   “She’s an arrogant, overly opinionated cow who hates anyone who won’t bow down in awe of her IQ,” Minnie answered coldly. “And besides, she’s friends with you.”   Harry was frustrated with himself to find the comment stung. “What’s wrong with me?”   Minnie stared at him quizzically. “Asides from my hating you?”   The boy flinched. “But you gave me potions and stuff tonight?”   Minnie’s gaze was level. “You looked after me last night.”   “What about my clothes?”   “You’re a walking crime against fashion. Besides, you’re a Potter, you shouldn’t be wearing muggle cast offs.”   Harry flushed. “I… what did I do to make you hate me?”   Minnie curled her lip. “Well for a start, if Siri hadn’t went off to the ministry for you when they found me I would be his responsibility, not fucking Dumbles’. On top of that you’re Dumbles’ ‘golden boy.’ You disrespect my Snape all the time. You-”   “’Your Snape’?” Harry said quietly. He flushed. “You’re not-”   “Mine and Draco’s,” Minnie amended. “And unfortunately enough, I’m not currently bedding this professor either.”   “Too bad,” said Harry. Although Minnie was sure he meant it as a sneer, he was sure she heard something else in his voice.   “You fancy him,” she whispered in restrained glee.   Instead of contradicting her, Harry continued to redden.   “Oh hell, you do!” Minnie cackled.   “So what?” demanded Harry gruffly.   Minnie’s smile faded a little. “I thought it was cute,” she said.   “Sorry,” the boy muttered.   “What’s wrong?” Minnie asked quietly.   Harry gave her a dark look. “Asides from me fancying a bloke?”   “What wrong with that?”   Harry looked genuinely surprised. “You don’t mind?”   “Why should I?”   The teen looked depressed. “Ron would hate me if I told him.”   “And the Mu-Granger?”   “I think Hermione knows,” Harry said quietly, “but I’ve not told her.”   “It’s no big deal, Scarhead,” Minnie said gently. Harry looked at her and she gave a conspiratorial grin. “You think I’ve never had a girl before?”   The boy’s jaw almost clanged to the floor. He looked at her suspiciously. “You and Pansy…”   Minnie merely issued a bark of laughter. When she met his eyes she grew more serious. “Seriously though, it’s not like it’s hard to fancy Snape, is it?”   Harry just groaned laughingly, sliding down onto his back. “It’s the voice,” he admitted ruefully, “it’s just so deep and commanding and …really sexy.”   Minnie grinned and nodded. “I love his eyes,” she admitted.   “They’re so dark, aren’t they?” Harry said softly.   “And so deep,” concurred Minnie. She grinned. “He gives me these long looks when I make him mad; they make me so unbelievably horny!”   Harry laughed with understanding. “Sometimes when he yells at me I go fucking hard even though I’m pissed off at him. I get worried he’ll tell if he looks in my eyes.”   “I think he’s scarier when he doesn’t yell,” Minnie pondered, “when he’s so mad he just stares at you and his eyes just hiss… promise!”   “Yeah! When he’s all up in my face,” Harry said, “and yelling at me I wonder about him losing his temper and jumping on me and what he’d do to me…”   Minnie grinned and her voice took on a playfully sultry tone. “Grab you by the tie and yell at you in that deep voice… He’d bend you over the table and tell you what a stupid, headstrong boy you were, and that he’d had enough of it. He would show you who was in charge and fuck you hard to teach you it…”   Harry let out a groan, imagining this image, before grinning at Minnie. “That’s a fucking hot idea,” he laughed.   “You’d like your greasy git on top?” Minnie teased.   “There has to be a more effective way of punishing me when he hears me say that,” Harry mused, “if he promised to make me a sorry little Harry instead of giving me a stupid detention…”   “Then you wouldn’t say anything else.”   “Hey Minnie?” Harry looked embarrassed again.   “Yeah?”   “When Mad-Eye Moody threatened to spank you… has he? Ever?”   Minnie bowed her head a little. “…Yes.”   “What’s it like?”   “It hurts. A lot.”   “Then I wouldn’t like it if Snape spanked me?”   Minnie flushed, dwelling on her own experiences. “Being spanked by your guardian can be a bit different from being spanked by your lover.”   “Why?”   “Well, most people don’t like getting hurt too much,” Minnie said. “It’s more normal to use the fingertips rather than the palm if you didn’t want it to really leave an impression.”   “Fingertips?”   Minnie demonstrated with her hand. Harry grinned in embarrassment.   “I thought you meant…” He gestured with his own hands.   Minnie’s eyes took on a slightly distant expression.   “You’ve not?” Harry sounded both shocked and delighted.   “It’s nice,” the girl squirmed.   “What’s it like?”   “I told you… just… nice…”   “No,” Harry sounded bashful, “what’s it feel like?”   “It stings a little. At first,” Minnie admitted. “Then it’s just… nice.” She looked to him. “You’ve never?”   “I’ve never been with a guy,” Harry admitted.   “Because you’re not out or...?”   “I just don’t know anybody else like me.”   Minnie giggled delightedly. “There’s one in your dorm!”   “What? Who?”   Minnie cackled. “Finnegan is only the sluttiest little gryffindork your house has!”   “How do you know?”   “He’s friends with Theo and Blaise,” the girl said simply.   “What? They’re Slytherins!”   “They share similar pastimes,” Minnie continued to giggle.   “But they’re Slytherins,” wailed a horrified Harry.   “And you don’t like a single Slytherin? Well of course excepting their head of house.”   “Malfoy,” Harry blurted.   Minnie’s eyes widened. “You like Draco?”   Harry flushed. “That just came out!”   Minnie laughed. “You can have my br-best friend if I can have Snapey.”   A happy look came over Harry’s face. “I’d settle for both,” he said.   “I’ll just stick with the one thanks,” shuddered Minnie. “Snape’s got a beautiful arse.”   “I’ve never really seen him out of his robes,” said Harry regretfully, “Malfoy, on the other hand, has my seal of approval on his pretty, pretty arse.”   Minnie made retching noises.   Harry snickered before a mischievous glint appeared in his green eyes. “You said you weren’t bedding Moody…”   Minnie looked at him. “Yes?”   “Would you?”   “Yes…” squirmed Minnie. “Except of course he’ll never take advantage of me unfortunately… Snapey neither,” she sounded quite glum.   Harry looked bewildered. “How can you handle being in bed with a guy, both of you wearing his shirt and boxers, all night, every night, when you fancy him?”   Minnie shrugged. “I’m usually too distracted by the nightmares to be honest.”   Harry nodded concurrently. He felt an imminent lull in conversation and struggled to think of something else to say: if they kept talking maybe Minnie would stop hating him. “Who would you rather: Mad Eye or Snape?”   Minnie shrugged again. “I love them both,” she said.   “Love them?” Harry echoed in surprise.   “They’re not just crushes, Scarhead,” Minnie said softly, “I need them and they look after me and I can trust them not to let me down. That means a deal to me.” The tone of the conversation had turned serious and she looked sad.   Harry understood not to ask why. Instead he attempted to lighten the mood. “So which one would you shag?” Harry pressed teasingly.   The girl considered. “Snape,” she said at last. “Mad Eye could probably step into the role of ‘dad’ but Snape’s not my guardian so he wouldn’t have that to give him guilt.”   Both teens were growing drowsy as day grew closer. Before they crashed for the final few hours before breakfast, Minnie mumbled, “Mad Eye has a crackin’ ass though, even if he is practically my dad…”   Outside the teens’ door, both eavesdropping men looked ready to go into shock. The combination of discovering neither teen was entirely straight, and their surprising revelations of just who they were infatuated with, left both men feeling slightly weak. Potter’s sexuality was less of an issue to Snape than Moody, but the crush the boy had on the potions professor was certainly most problematic for Snape. Whilst this would have amused Alastor in other circumstances, the infatuations of the other teen in question made it difficult to laugh. Like Minnie, Moody was too distracted by her nightmares to notice anything arousing about his bed partner or her attire. However, he had noticed how she walked about his rooms in just his shirt. Whilst at the time he had told her to cover up Alastor wondered if the overprotectiveness he felt towards Minnie was not paternal at all, but the possessiveness of a lover, or perhaps his way of fighting off the opportunity for impure thoughts…or actions. He pushed the thought to the back of his mind. The girl had said she trusted him not to let her down and taking advantage of a teenage crush would most certainly be that.   When Moody had organised his feelings for Minnie he remembered the girl admitted to liking the potions master as well. While Alastor could not deny his earlier suspicions he did know Severus would not really take advantage of a youth.   Privately Snape was wondering just when the girl had been dropped on her head to think he was trustworthy or nice, never mind the opinion she had of his eyes or arse. Also, whilst the ‘tame’ comment had annoyed him (and very marginally soothed him at the same time though he was loathe to think it) Snape found himself disturbed by the scenario the girl had described to Potter, not least because it sounded very much like how he would behave with a less forceful lover.   Now, of, course, was most definitely not the time to think of lovers, particularly in such company.   “I’m sure it would be best for it to be you who calls them for breakfast,” Snape said, standing as if to go. The professor had not even fully straightened his robes when Alastor rose to his feet and strode quickly towards the stairs. As Moody insisted Snape would be the one performing said task it occurred to neither of them that Kreecher could have done it.   Somehow Snape lost the argument. He scowled as Moody limped downstairs purposefully and resisted the urge to hex the older man. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Snape stood for a moment before storming to his room. He was most certainly not going to wait at the teens’ door until it was time to wake them.   Snape did not want to think about the boy’s crush on him. Not because Potter’s orientation bothered him, but simply the utter bizarreness of it all.   When Snape could not ignore was Minnie’s confession. Her insistence about lying along his lap the day before had not seemed like flirting. Minnie sounded merely friendly, although her eyes had curiously held a veiled concern that the spy had noted. He had not misread her; had he?   Too soon for the man’s liking it was time to waken the bewildering pair. Snape got up from his bed reluctantly (he had had no opportunity to use it the past two nights) and crossed the hall into the teenagers’ room.   Potter was sprawled along his bed with only his feet tangled in his covers. His burgundy teeshirt had ridden up to reveal a slice of his pale back and even more intriguing were the tight cotton boxers, a pale gold of course, hugging his enticing globes. The boy shifted in his sleep and the permanently messy hair abruptly made the boy look so very well shagged. The reflected glow from the teeshirt gave Harry’s cheeks a faint glow and his parted lips looked only sinful.   Snape diverted his gaze yet in doing so caught sight of the girl he had least wanted to see. She was cuddling her scrunched up quilt and had one leg astride it in a way that dragged the man’s attention to her rear. To his surprise she wore a silver g-string made of a shiny, stretchy material. The t-shaped piece of metal at the back was a delicate design of shining serpents with winking emerald eyes. Snape chivalrously tore his reluctant eyes from the view. His gaze travelled upwards to the matching shiny emerald bra and her strangely sexy shoulder blades.   Oddly, it occurred to Snape that Minnie had been wearing purple yesterday, not green.   “Time to get up,” he announced loudly, before he thought anything else.   Harry woke first again and scowled at the man, every trace of last night’s admission gone.   Minnie remained asleep. The boy got up from his bed and shuffled drowsily to the bathroom.   “Miss Black,” Snape said sharply. When the girl did not wake Snape reluctantly moved closer and spoke again. She emitted a string of incoherent baby nonsense yet remained asleep. “Miss Black!”   Minnie opened her eyes blearily and focused briefly on the professor before returning to sleep. Snape quite accidentally found himself grasping her shoulder and shaking her awake.   Minnie focused on him once more, looking at him with more clarity.   “Morning, sir,” she greeted sleepily. As she sat up Snape’s eyes were drawn to the silver snakes on the front of her bra straps. They were charmed to move and occasionally tilted their heads to flick their tongues at him.   Snape ignored them and left the room. The girl did not seem to notice his attention.   * After an uneventful morning Alastor found Minnie settled on an armchair looking glum. She was hugging her knees but looked up when he entered.   “Something wrong whelp?”   The girl sighed. “Doesn’t matter Mad Eye.”   The man came in and sat down on the seat beside her. “Obviously it does if you’ve lost your smile, girl. What is it?”   “Forget it,” she said calmly, “I won’t be allowed.”   “Allowed what?”   Minnie sighed again, and Moody became alarmed when it occurred to him she might be reliving the conversation she had had with Harry last night.   “I used to go out with my friends when I lived here,” Minnie said. “I miss them.”   Minnie was confused by the relief that flooded Alastor’s features. “You want to see your friends?” he said.   “Yes,” the girl said gently. “I want to go out.”   “I’ll fire-call Dumbledore,” said Moody.   ***   To Minnie’s surprise, later that day she found herself walking alone down the street to the Butterfly House. The house was a landmark in the area due to the ornamental butterflies on its face and was home to a muggle friend.   Completely unaware of Minnie’s recent captivity, Kay merely greeted the pureblood warmly and very shortly they apparated to a much-frequented club. Being friends with the bouncer, the girls were not in the queue long. However, Minnie had to wait whilst Kay and their friend flirted and arranged a place to meet within the club when he finished his shift. Minnie used the time to run her eyes over everyone in sight.   The pair went first to the bar, Kay using her legitimate ID and Minnie abusing her metamorphagus abilities to obtain highly potent and brightly coloured drinks. Kay threw her drink back purely for the enjoyment of doing so but Minnie took exceptional pleasure in her own. It was nice not to be treated like a child for the first time in weeks.   The club was owned by half-bloods and was filled with muggle-borns, more half- bloods and their muggle friends, even occasionally siblings of muggle-borns. Squibs also were known to frequent the place as it was a pleasant mix of the muggle and magical worlds. Because of this, after lining their stomachs with muggle cocktails the two teens were able to move onto the colour-changing wizarding alcohol that bubbled, sparkled and sang silly songs.   Before long the bar was crowded with friends Minnie had not seen in a long time. When suitably drunk, Minnie allowed Kay and their friends to drag her onto the dance floor. The club quietened as Kay led the way and as a result the music seemed to deepen. There was something mesmerising about the way Kay danced that made people look at her and made their heart beats slow. Time became a bit redundant when Kay danced. Everything seemed rather underwater and vague. The diluted veela blood in her veins had a lot to answer for. It must have been hours later when the bouncer appeared beside Kay and joined in her dance. Minnie was quite drunk by that point.   It was then that Minnie noticed a surprisingly familiar face crossing to the back of the club to one of the staircases that led to the next floor. The ground floor tended to be pack with teenagers and students in their twenties whilst the next floor was for darker, sleazier and usually a little older clientele, although the Lolitas congregated there also.   What the hell was he doing here?   Minnie glanced at Kay. She was pretty occupied. Minnie told one of the other girls to tell her she was going to meet someone and made her way to the bathroom. It was blessedly empty. Minnie hated when bouncers sat on a little chair in the toilets, not just because it was weird and a violation of privacy, but because it was difficult to get away with changing her appearance. In the privacy of a cubicle Minnie aged herself up a little bit more, changed her eye colour and lengthened her nose. Wandering over to the mirror she thoughtfully altered her cheekbones and played with the dimensions of her lips. As a final touch of inspiration she added a tiny tattoo of a bird near her throat. When she was satisfied she made her way upstairs into the main part of the floor.   Minnie ordered a Larkhall Lady at the bar. It was a fluorescent pink drink streaked with other bright colours which glowed brightly and faded. Every now and then, the liquid would become red and darken like blood, until abruptly it was black streaked with toxic green flickers like liquid lightening.   The moment Minnie ordered the drink people knew who she was; Minnie being the only person able to order a ‘double ell’. The drink was not technically a drink; it was derived from a potion which showed the colours of a person’s soul. Until the bartender handed Minnie the ‘drink’ it was clear, the pink igniting the instant her fingers curled around the thin glass. If anyone other than Minnie ordered a Larkhall Lady it would remain clear until their breath hit it; when the potion reacted with another person’s breath it would show only faintly their own unique colours and could do no more as it was Minnie’s blood coded into the potion.   The potion itself did not always taste the same. Sometimes it was even tasteless yet with strong scents which often altered Minnie’s head. Most commonly a Larkhall Lady smelt of cut grass, wet paint, nail varnish, old paper, new paper, vanilla, vodka, ink, jasmine or rain. At this moment the liquid in Minnie’s hand smelt most strongly of Severus Snape.   A fierce-looking girl with gleaming black make-up slicked in shards across her eyes and the bridge of her nose tugged on Minnie’s pale wrist and brought her to the dance floor. Minnie stepped into the dance her nameless friend had begun and twisted elaborately around the eight or so females she knew around her. Whilst to every observer she only appeared to be dancing she was in reality searching for the dark-eyed man.   Finally. There he was, across the floor. She grinded ferociously against Lynn, a girl in her late teens with her blue-black hair held in braids either side of her skull. Lynn’s sister, who was around five years older, joined the dance. For a moment Minnie was distracted by the bright embroidery on the older girl’s tight silk dress then Minnie rested her chin on a silk-covered shoulder and met Snape’s gaze.   Of course he was staring. The girls Minnie was dancing with were the girlfriends of a dangerous local gang, and were that themselves in their own right. They were also provocative and seductive dancers that seemed to have twirled out of a hallucination. If they so chose, they could have anyone on the floor. Minnie could not dance as exceptionally well as they could; but no one ever noticed that when she had Lolitas grinding against her.   Snape broke away his gaze but not before he had registered Minnie’s wide, bright smile.   Minnie twisted around and circled the ring of females. Every now and then throughout the dance she caught the man’s eyes and each time she smiled. His expression was characteristically unreadable.   After a while Minnie moved to the bar. Her thighs ached a little from her exertions and that felt good. She grinned from the first properly physical fun she had had since being put on Dumbles’ leash.   Snape stood there sipping a firewhiskey and watched her draw near. Having lost sight of him in the ecstasy of dancing, Minnie was unaware that the man, who circled the floor almost as much as she did, was not only at the bar but had watched her approach. Her eyes lit up when she saw him, especially when she realised he was looking at her.   She grinned wider still, one eyebrow raised. “How many times do I need to smile at you to have you smile back?”   He smirked at her. “You assume I should?”   “Seven.”   “You counted? How droll.”   Minnie merely smiled at him and moved closer. She adored a challenging man.   Snape took in the eight inch heels of her platforms with the black gladiator style uppers and the straps all up her white legs. He took in the figure- hugging, short black jumpsuit with the angular cut-out strips.   He had to stop thinking about her body or he would become distracted.   Snape moved his gaze to the young woman’s expensive-looking jewellery. At her throat was a thin, vivid choker –a hoop of a smooth green stone that was used in protective potions; particularly those for children, the accident prone, or businesspeople with fickle dealings. Malachite. Gazing upwards, Snape noted her ears were studded with small, smooth, fat, little hearts which were silver in one half and the banded green stone in the other. The design drew similarity with the yin-yang symbol, but without a dash of the complimenting colour in each half. This was amusing to Severus in a dry sort of way as it was a stone of balance and unconditional love and recklessness. She had to be a Slytherin, but whether she was aware of everything he could potentially read into her accessory choices was less certain.   Severus noticed that her ear lobes were only barely beneath his eye level. The woman was taller than him by a small amount, and that was due to her heels. Severus calculated her likely height if he removed her provocative footwear. He realised he had begun to mentally undress her.   She met his eyes evenly, which, if she had known him, would have impressed him. Few did so. She seemed to have ascertained the gist of his thoughts. What impressed Snape was not that she met his gaze, nor that she could read his desire. He was instead intrigued by the challenge, and the quiet promise, in her eyes.   Minnie placed her drink on the bar and Snape watched the dark red in her hand instantly turn black when her skin left the glass. Bright green explosions slashed through the drink, and then it all grew mostly transparent. Fascinating. What was in the concoction?   Minnie’s pale arm lifted upwards to brush her hair from her cheekbone. Some of her hair was pleasantly dishevelled and damp from her earlier exertion. She looked exactly like she had enjoyed herself and was ready for the main event.   Providing he didn’t mess it up.   Snape moved his gaze from her drink and returned it to the woman. Because strands of her hair seemed moist where they touched her skin, he could not help but suddenly notice the mist of sweat on her clavicle. He should have noticed that when he was scrutinising her necklace.   His subconscious had probably wilfully squashed the thought because the discovery made him wonder how she would look perspiring in the throes of... well, what those other females had been simulating so graphically on the dance floor.   “So,” smirked Minnie, “how many smiles will it take for you to dance with me?”   Snape thought about this. He danced perfectly adequately at the formal balls thrown by the Malfoys but he got the feeling those skills would be unable to help him with the dance this woman would lead.   “Why would you presume I would care to?”   The woman gave a smile that was casual and powerful all at once. “Because I want you.”   Snape sneered, because there was no way he was going to admit he felt a thrill of excitement. “And that matters?”   Minnie took his glass from him and led him by the wrist. “Yes,” she said, “it does.”   Snape wanted to pretend to himself that he had no idea why he had allowed this to happen, because the thought that he had allowed himself to be manoeuvred easily onto the dance floor of a disreputable club was not one he wished to dwell upon. Particularly for something as inconsequential as sex.   He was not going to think about it. He was going to allow this female to...   Well, the dancing was certainly an education.   As Snape squashed the urge to undress right there in the club and have done with what her dance moves suggested she desired, an unwelcome thought occurred to him: the woman he was dancing with had been amongst a gang of girls whose reputation was more hellion than homemaker. Girls who were all very much the property of another reputedly dangerous gang.   “I’m not part of the gang,” the woman’s words broke into Snape’s thoughts, “and I’m not attached either.”   How had she known what he was thinking? More importantly, Snape felt her smiling against his jaw line as she languidly kissed her way down. “Relax,” she said.   Snape scowled at her and met her gaze. “Do not presume to tell me what to do.”   Minnie’s face lit in a feral grin and she met his eyes in a predatory fashion. “Did you,” her voice was slow as she watched his pupils contract, “just give me an order?”   Before he could respond with any cutting retort her lips crashed down on Snape’s. She forced his lips open as she plunged her tongue within.   This was unexpected but admittedly not unwelcome. But she was consuming him. Snape leaned into the kiss passionately but she thwarted each attempt the man made to dominate. This was atypical. It was perhaps not unwelcome.   When Minnie ended the kiss she pulled back and watched the edges of the plundered mouth before her remain upturned. Snape’s lips were bright and swollen, and the sight compelled her to throw him up against one of the pillars that encircled the dance floor and recommence the activity.   When Minnie finally chose to surface for air Snape remained against the cool stone and watched the woman almost casually, his eyes dark with lust. What was she going to do next?   Minnie lazily slid her hand beneath his shirt and watched his reaction as she moved her fingers across his hot skin, sticky from the exertion of their dancing, and discreetly toyed with his nipples. To her frustration he still appeared remotely tense, despite the pleased smirk spreading swiftly across his slightly flushed face.   She moved to nip his already swollen lower lip to demand entrance. Snape’s lips parted at once as he accepted her possessive kiss. She eventually broke away to look masterfully into the man’s dark eyes.   “You do not tell me what to do, boy,” she growled.   It took a beat for Snape to remember what she was referring to. Hadn’t that been a long time ago?   Snape normally did not like taking orders. There were two separate men in his life who let him know regularly that they owned the commodity that was his life, and he did not care to take a third master. Or mistress.   However, the woman staring into him was not removing her hand from where it comfortably rested beneath his shirt. She was so close she seemed to be breathing in his soul and doing him the particular favour of returning some of himself each time she deigned to exhale. She was bewitching.   He was not easy prey though, despite the smirk on her captivating lips.   “No?” Snape said quietly, his tone low yet not meek.   The woman nuzzled his throat. “No,” she agreed in a growl. Good. She listened. Sort of.   Snape felt her gently bite him.   She’d just marked him. Snape fought down the horror of another mark and remained where he was. Her touch was gentle and rather pleasant after all. Was he overreacting? Why was he over..?   “Do you want me?” the woman broke into his thoughts. Her breath cooled him as the club seemed far too warm. For that to happen the temperature must be... He was thinking too damn much.   “Not particularly,” Snape lied. He did not need to overthink. Providing he was logical here he could have an enjoyable night. Don’t outright reject her, but don’t be a pushover either...   Minnie shrugged. “I can live with that.”   Snape very almost did not stifle the whimper he very almost made when the woman moved away from him. Minnie noticed his discomfort anyway and much to Snape’s frustration she chuckled. “You didn’t think I was going to let someone as pretty as you out of my clutches; did you?”   He had just lost a round. Point to her. Focus, Snape.   She moved closer and cupped him in her hand, her lips curving into a smile against Snape’s shoulder as he pushed against her.   “Do you think you should change your answer?” Minnie teased.   Snape met the woman’s eyes then smirked. He could handle this.   She met his eyes evenly (wow, he loved that) and said, “I’ve got a room at the Leaky. Are you coming?”   “Yes,” Snape drawled. So much for not biting her hand off. And why was he agreeing to go anywhere with some trollop he hardly knew?   Minnie smiled the smile Snape was growing to really like. “Good,” she said. Without saying anything else, she made her way down to the floos near the cloakroom. Snape quickly followed and became enveloped in the flame.   ***   Minnie did not wait for Snape to catch up to her but went to the reception desk. Snape was alert for traps as he stalked up behind her. In the moments before Snape reached her Minnie made eye contact with the person behind the desk. The pupil of her left eye spiked into a five point star for ten seconds then returned to ordinary.   The person at the desk recognised this signal and Minnie was handed a key. “Your room, miss.”   Snape looked at Minnie. Should he be concerned at the look of familiarity on the receptionist’s face or had this woman simply been staying at the Leaky Cauldron for long enough to be recognised in moments?   “Thank you,” Minnie said to the receptionist. She was enjoying this. She felt like herself. There was also the thrill of hunting someone she actually knew.   Minnie grabbed Snape’s hand and yanked him upstairs.   She threw him into her habitual room and grinned. Snape met her eyes and to her surprise he grinned back. Fuck, that was hot. She unhurriedly made her way purposefully towards him.   To his astonishment, the woman took his wrist and meticulously began to undo every one of the twenty four tiny buttons on the forearm of his shirt. When she had done so, she reached for his other arm and did the same for the other sleeve. As she began to undo the tiny buttons that fastened down from his throat she commented, “The sort of man who wears a shirt like this is either very anal, neurotic and self-absorbed, or he’s keeping something valuable under wraps.” She let the black shirt drop to the floor. “The latter, then.”   He said nothing. She did not let that faze her.   Minnie’s eyes greedily drank in the sight of his chiselled torso before she knelt and removed Snape’s boots and socks. His dark eyes met her’s as she reached for his belt. He allowed her to remove it before he intoned, “You seem to be placing me at rather the disadvantage.” Without allowing Minnie pause to reply, he gripped the front of the woman’s playsuit, snapped open the fastenings, and as she tumbled onto his lap he thrust his hand inside.   He smirked as the woman’s breath became ragged and moved his fingers from inside her clothing to inside her. It was gratifying to watch her squirming on top of his digits. She wasn’t the only one who could make the other dance.   Minnie finally won the presence of mind to focus. He wanted to play, and she did too. She straddled Snape and pressed her fists against his shoulders. The weight of her knocked him to the bed and Minnie grinned.   “Who gave you permission to do that?” she growled.   The man snorted. “You could not possibly be complaining.” He pulled back his hands and licked his fingers casually.   “You’re still wearing your trousers. Of course I’m complaining,” Minnie muttered.   Snape heard her. “You’re still wearing everything,” he groused back.   “Whose fault is that?” Minnie said innocently as she bent her head to lick his right nipple. “You really should remove your trousers, you know. At the very least…”   Snape bucked his hips beneath her. “It’s hardly easy to do that with you lying on top of me,” he protested.   Minnie rolled her eyes and reached down to undo his fly. When she had, she fitted the arches of her feet on top of the sides of his hips and slid his trousers to the bottom of his thighs. He kissed the top of one of her knees and kicked off the offending garment. As Minnie began kissing, nipping and licking out a map of Snape’s flesh, the man arched beneath her. The action led his hand to brush the touch lamp on the bedside table. It threw the man’s scars into relief and he stiffened. One night stand or not, he did not want anyone to look at him so closely.   Minnie found that her companion had stopped paying attention to the path of her tongue and was instead reaching for the lamp. She snatched his wrist away. “Leave it,” she said.   Snape attempted to break her grip and was frustrated to find that he couldn’t. “Let me go,” he snarled.   Minnie regarded him calmly. “Will you switch the light off?”   “Yes,” the man snapped. Irritating bitch.   “Then sorry, no,” Minnie replied as she gently tugged the arm towards her.   “Switch. The goddamned. Light. Off,” Snape gritted out.   The woman cuffed him lightly with her free arm. “Watch your mouth,” she scolded. “What’s your problem? You seemed up for this a minute ago.”   “I want the light off,” Snape hissed.   Minnie brought her lips back to his chest, variating with small flicks of her tongue, quick nips and languid licks down his ribcage.   Snape found it harder to concentrate. “I want the light off,” he repeated with a frown that faltered as her hair brushed his skin deliciously.   Minnie sighed, and the woman’s breath tickled against his skin. “Why,” she teased lightly, “are you ashamed of me?”   “Don’t be stupid,” Snape growled.   The woman laughed dryly and bent down to kiss his nose. Her hair fell softly against his face before she pulled back. “What position are you in to call me stupid?”   Snape glared are the amusement in her voice and considered its ramifications. “Beneath you, you mean?”   Minnie laughed softly. “Hey, I’m not complaining, beautiful.”   Snape narrowed his eyes impatiently and reached for his wand. “Nox.”   Minnie scowled. “Lumos,” she said. The room became brighter than before.   With one hand around his wrist and the other drawing lazy knots on his skin, Snape was aware the woman had not used her wand. That was not good. “Nox,” he said stubbornly.   Minnie growled and swatted him crossly. “What’s your problem? Lumos,” she said, more softly than before.   A more gentle light filled the room.   “I don’t want the light on,” Snape persisted.   “Why?”   Snape gave the woman a poisonous look. “My scars.”   Minnie sat up and fixed the man with a look. He was being ridiculous. “The scars that are probably wet with my saliva by now? Those scars?”   The man scowled at her expression of affectionate exasperation. He deigned not to answer.   Minnie sighed and without warning flipped him over onto his stomach. To silence Snape’s protests she warned him with a light swat. Surprisingly, the man immediately quietened.   “Good boy,” Minnie found herself murmuring.   The scars truly were horrendous. Minnie traced her fingers along them angrily before bowing her head to cover them with her mouth. Her kisses alternated between almost lovingly soft and possessively hard. Snape found himself writhing beneath the woman’s lips wishing very much that she would move her talented mouth around to encircle a very specific part of him. He rolled over, but the woman merely flipped him back into place. Twisted woman. She allowed her tongue to roam the curve where his arm became his rib and along his limb, swirling her tongue upon the crease of his elbow; down his forearm and between his fingers, sucking on his index in a way that really was driving him crazy; taking his entire fist into her mouth and squeezing her tongue beneath his fingers in a way that was also bizarrely enjoyable.   “Please,” he groaned.   Minnie removed her mouth from around his hand and lapped away the excess wetness. “Please?” she questioned, moving down his body to lick the –scarred- undercurve of his sculpted ass in a way that made him wriggle and even forced him to whimper with need. She traced her swollen lips lightly down his –scarred- thigh and nuzzled the back of his knee. Minnie made it to the thin skin covering the inside of his ankle when Snape started to kick. She moved her head and bit the fleshy inside of his thigh a little harder than usual.   “If you dare move,” she admonished, “I will stop.”   “Don’t stop,” Snape pleaded. Fuck. She hadn’t even looked at his cock yet but here he was already begging.   “Don’t make me,” was the woman’s retort as she threw him onto his back. Snape met her hungry eyes and forced himself not to move. She grinned at him, the warning not quite faded from her eyes, and she bent down to latch herself onto the salty chords of his neck. When every visible expanse of his flesh tingled and shone with a mixture of his own thin sweat and the woman’s warm saliva, the man broke.   Minnie had tasted down Snape’s body and back up again, leaving all of him shining except the fevered flesh where he wanted her touches most. Currently she was circling his belly button with her tongue in a way that could have been brave if Snape had not been such a clean freak. Before long she was flicking her tongue in and out of his naval with increasing aggression. If she was any less careful he would bleed on her tongue, and yet Snape had few qualms about the prospect of losing his bellybutton’s virginity. The discomfort somehow felt... good.   But part of him needed her more.   Snape interrupted the tongue-fucking to angle himself towards Minnie. Watching what she was doing was making it too difficult to think but he was aware he very much wanted her mouth that one place that was being so fully ignored.   The woman cracked her hand briefly against Snape’s rear and held it there cupping him warmly. With Snape contorted vulnerably in the almost-crab position Minnie caught the emotion that burst in the man’s eyes and betrayed him.   Yes, she did notice just how much he had liked that.   “Didn’t I warn you not to move?” Minnie said in a low voice.   Painfully, the man nodded. Which should concern him more? That she had yet to run her tongue down his swollen length, or that she had realised how he felt about pain?   Minnie drawled, “What did I tell you would happen if you disobeyed me?”   “You’d,” Snape swallowed, finding his throat was dry, “stop.”   “Alright,” said Minnie as she pulled back.   “No!” Severus could not help but cry out. He thought she might be teasing, but he really, really, wanted her lips on his skin, and not moving further away from him.   Minnie met Snape’s eyes.   “Please,” said Snape, “please, don’t stop.”   Before Snape had quite finished the sentence Minnie bowed her head and took him in his entirety into her mouth.   Yes! Yes that was exactly what he wanted, what he needed. Her mouth was so warm and soft and perfect and fuck why was she moving her tongue like that and why hadn’t she been doing that all night?   “You want me like this?” the woman rumbled against him.   Snape’s arousal had been heightened unbearably by the teasing and Minnie’s speech was more than he could withstand; the vibrations sent Snape swiftly over the edge and he came hard. Minnie swallowed faithfully and pulled herself up to meet his eyes. He kissed her even harder, enjoying knowing the taste of her was now him, and when they eventually pulled apart, Snape was hard again.   Minnie charmed her playsuit onto the chair near the bed. Snape tore away her thin, frilled knickers and without preamble plunged into her. It was about that point he noticed he had no idea what had happened to his boxers. Then the woman twined her legs around his waist and pressed her nails slightly into his skin; he promptly forgot about his underpants entirely.   ***   Snape woke to a kiss and a fully dressed Minnie a few hours later. “Morning, beautiful,” she said. “’Fraid I’ve got to go to work now but Tom’s making your breakfast.”   Snape was immediately awake and stretched. Minnie noticed the glamour on the inside of his left arm remained.   Snape was sitting up watching her. She grinned and brushed his black hair from his face. “Maybe I’ll see you around,” she said.   Snape spoke as the woman walked towards the door. “You never gave me a name,” he said.   “It’s North,” said Minnie, smiling ruefully as though she could not comprehend the motives of her parents’, “North Swallow.”   “Sure you’re not South Burns?” Snape smirked.   Minnie put her hand over her heart. “Oh, ouch.”   Unusually, Snape laughed. “Severus Snape,” he said.   Minnie walked back over and kissed his cheek. “Bye Sev.”   “Severus,” he corrected.   She just laughed and walked out the door. She checked in at the Butterfly House where she changed her appearance and transfigured her clothes. Kay caught her eyes. “You got him then?”   “Oh, I got him!” Minnie groaned, and the two girls spent the following hour relating to each other their nights after they split up. After that Minnie made her way back to Grimmauld Place.   Moody was arguing with Dumbledore. Minnie moved swiftly upstairs and found Harry sitting darkly in Sirius’ room bouncing a snitch off the wall. The poor thing kept trying to fly away but the teen kept catching it and smashing it off the wall again.   “Chill out,” Minnie said.   Harry hadn’t noticed her come in. “You have a good night?” he asked, trying to sound bright and keep the bitterness from his voice.   Minnie briefly considered the night spent with ‘Sev’ which could not have been more phenomenal if choreographed by Irn Bru advertisers. “I had a great night,” Minnie replied. “Now are you gonna tell me what’s up?”   “It’s that obvious?”   “Very. What’s wrong?”   Harry shook his head. “Never mind.”   Minnie sat down behind him and took the snitch out of his angry hands. “Did you get dressed in the dark this morning?” she asked.   Harry scowled at her but allowed her to shrink his clothes. She didn’t stop there. His horrendously ugly, stretched, cotton vest became a green similar to his eyes and his jeans became a more seasonable style. His trainers were jaw- dropping. Jessa considered shoes to be an important statement about a person. Powerful, important people had to have awesomely eye-catching shoes. At least his appearance was easy to fix.   “Thanks,” said Harry.   “No problem Scarhead,” said Minnie, getting up to leave.   “Hey Minnie..?”   The girl turned around.   *   It seemed everyone completely forgot about lunch, but in the late evening the teens were summoned to dinner. Moody looked deceptively calm and the headmaster was nowhere to be seen. Minnie found herself alone in the lounge with Moody making idle conversation after the meal.   “Whelp?”   “Yeah, Mad Eye?”   “What were you upto with Severus last night?”   For a moment Minnie thought he knew, although she kept it from her face. Then she realised he meant the animagus incident. “Distracting him,” she said.   Alastor paused. “From what?”   “From whatever you were discussing at the meeting,” Minnie said accusingly.   “Oh,” said Moody. He wondered if he should tell the other man this.   Minnie went to bed that night and spent at least half of it talking to Harry. He wasn’t so bad, for a half-blood.   The following night Minnie spent at the club. She felt her heart racing when she caught sight of her most recent lay, even though she cautioned herself he might not acknowledge her again. After all, he’d already fucked her; he had no reason to continue entertaining her.   Minnie allowed almost an hour to pass before she left the protective gaggle of friends and crossed the room to the bar. She would sit for the length of a drink, without nursing it, and would do nothing more provoking than smile in a welcoming yet distant manner. If Snape approached her, she would certainly reply, but if he did not, then she would return to the dance floor. She absolutely, positively was not allowed to make the first move.   Snape saw North approach the bar and sit down, not beside him, and order that bizarre drink again. Although he had told himself it was irrelevant, he felt a little pain that she was ignoring him. He was about to turn away when she met his gaze. Her smile was wide and bright and for a moment Snape was comforted.   Then Snape realised she was not going to walk towards him. He turned away and spoke to his nearby associates. When he turned back North was turning her face towards him again. She smiled warmly. ‘Come here,’ he mouthed.   North’s smile widened. “You know I don’t take orders.”   Hesitantly, although he tried to make it look as though he wasn’t, Snape took a few steps towards her. If she chose to turn him down now it would be in front of a number of his peers, and needless to say all the servants of the Dark Lord would hear of it.   Minnie crossed the rest of the space between them. “Hey babe,” she said softly.   Snape squinted at her mockingly. “What happened to your ego?”   North grinned wickedly and affected a flamboyant posture as she twisted her hand in his lapel. “You like this better Sev?”   Good, North was acting fully involved again. Snape scowled at her, although his heart was thumping cheerfully. “You know not to call me that.”   “Of course not, Sev,” replied North. “Are you ready to go?”   Snape’s eyes widened in surprise. “Now?”   Minnie shrugged. “If you don’t want to…”   “No,” said Snape, “Don’t be ridiculous: of course I want to.”   The delighted flash of North’s teeth was dizzying. She turned towards the floos and Snape followed. When the woman bumped her hand against his for the third time Snape took it.   North kissed Snape before she stepped into the fireplace. “I’m glad you’re here, beautiful.”   Snape followed her. She paused momentarily at the reception before leading him up to the same room as before. This time she was wearing a skirt and for once Snape appreciated stairs –he was walking behind her, after all. North unlocked the door and unexpectedly wrapped her fingers in Snape’s shirt front, dragging him inside.   Snape took the opportunity to slide his hand underneath her skirt and cup her warm, pert rear. She grinned as he did. “You gonna fuck me, Sev?”   “Severus,” ‘Sev’ corrected sternly, playfully tracing his fingers along her bottom. “And yes,” he promised, “I am.”   Without the platforms North fit perfectly under Severus’ arm. “Good,” she said.   Severus brought his roaming hand around to the front of her. “I’m not wearing underwear,” Minnie said unnecessarily.   Severus’ breath caught when he realised the woman was already ever so slightly wet. “You want me this much?” he asked gruffly.   “I want you more…”   Lie or not, Severus found himself growing achingly aroused at North’s comment. She pushed her hand between his legs and tilted her head to kiss him. When she pulled away the air seemed thick and his trousers were uncomfortably tight. North hadn’t taken back her hand.   “Go stand by the bed,” she ordered, “then strip for me.”   Severus was already moving to comply when he turned back. “Strip?” he said awkwardly.   Minnie closed the door and met the man’s eyes. “You can unbutton your shirt first.”   Severus felt his face burning against his will and bowed his head to slowly fumble with his buttons. His fingers felt thick and he felt stupid. Severus watched the woman’s face from beneath his sooty lashes as he obeyed, and sneered to her when he finished, if only to keep his lips from trembling.   North met his eyes and her raised eyebrows compelled Severus to slide off his shirt. The garment dropped silently to the floor and for the longest time the woman stared at his chest.   “Unfasten your shoes and take them off slowly,” Minnie said, finally pitying him. Severus obeyed. “Remove your socks now too.”   Severus did not understand that command –she’s seen his feet last time, after all, so she must have noticed how long and monkey-like his white toes were. When he thought North might say something stern about his procrastination, he bent down to comply.   “Now stand,” the woman demanded when Severus had finished, and started to try to bury his feet into the carpet. “You may take off your belt and bring it to me.”   Severus’ eyes darted towards hers’ for reassurance. She quirked one eyebrow at him and that gave him reason enough for his hands to move down to his buckle. He unfastened the belt and slowly threaded it out the loops as he stepped towards North.   The woman took the piece of leather from his hands and doubled it over. A thrill of fear crackled down Severus’ spine. North held the belt flush against his side and placed her thumb and index finger along Severus’ jaw, which she then pulled down in order to kiss his mouth.   She moved back. “Now you are going to return to the side of the bed and undo your trousers.”   Severus crossed the floor and North dropped down the belt. She watched him fumble with the button of his fly, and then the zipper.   He raised his head and met her gaze. “Drop them,” she said. He did, and she stepped towards him. She sat down on the bed and raised her ankle to his hand. Severus braced her foot gently and unbuckled each of her patent heels in turn. She then mutely raised her arms in a toddler fashion and he pulled off her shirt.   Severus then reached down for her hips and tugged her towards him. “This is coming off too,” he said as he reached for her skirt. The garment fell to the floor and Minnie’s breathing quickened. He had left her in only her bra. She met his eyes and he reached over to snap open the clasp between her breasts. Her last piece of modesty fell away.   Severus tweaked the piercing at her naval. “I must confess to feeling overdressed,” he admitted.   “Let me help you with that,” the woman said, and pushed down his shorts. Severus met her eyes and waited for her next suggestion. She gazed pointedly at the bed and he lay down. North stepped over and straddled him. He reached up to cup her breast.   “You have such gorgeous eyes,” Minnie blurted.   Severus’ expression turned wary but as North reached down to brush away his hair from his face he seemed to relax.   “Isn’t that my line?” he smirked.   “Not when you’re so pretty,” the woman teased.   Severus scowled. “I’m far from ‘pretty’.”   North carded her fingers through his dark hair. “I wasn’t allowing you an opinion.”   Severus scowled again. It only made the woman laugh, and she bent down to bruise his lips.   “Shall I point out you look like a cute little boy when you scowl?” North teased.   “Shall I point out looking like a little boy made you kiss me?”   To Severus’ frustration North just seemed to find this funny. “Aren’t you cranky when you’re complimented,” she mocked.   Severus opened his mouth to reply just as North began brushing her fingers along his nipples. “My mark’s fading,” he found himself saying.   North tweaked a nipple and met his eyes curiously. “Your mark?”   Severus twisted his neck to show her the bruise.   “You’re asking me to reapply it?”   Severus nodded. Minnie complied and when she pulled away, her breath no longer warm on his throat, he brought his fingers up to trace the wetness. He didn’t say anything. The woman dropped a kiss on his face and reached down to fondle him.   “I had a glamour over it,” the man said. “Are you angered?”   North’s fingers continued to move upon him. “That depends,” she said, “Do you think I should be?”   Severus was beginning to rethink his rash impulse. “Possibly,” he said.   North could anticipate where this game was going. “Well do you belong to me?”   “Yes,” Severus said hesitantly.   “But you were concealing my claim on you?”   “Yes,” said Severus, equally as hesitantly.   “And you think I should disapprove?”   “Maybe.”   “And if I did?”   Severus met her eyes. “If you did…”   “Do you think I should punish you?”   Severus squirmed beneath her. She had had no problem swatting him their first night, right? “Possibly.”   Minnie stopped stroking him and met his eyes seriously. “So theoretically, how do you think you might deserve to be punished?”   “A spanking, perhaps?”   “A hand spanking?” the woman confirmed.   Severus nodded uncomfortably.   “On your bare bottom?”   He gave another uneasy nod.   Minnie’s lips curled slowly. “And should you be put to bed straight after?”   Severus’ head was bowed, but he gave a tentative smile at North’s suggestion.   “Well,” said North, “I think I should perhaps punish you, to ensure to discourage you from such naughty behaviour in future.”   Severus met her eyes, and North reached out her hand. “Yes,” she declared playfully, “a bare-bottomed spanking is exactly what you need after being such a naughty boy. You’re lucky I’m not choosing to slipper you after what you did.”   Minnie shifted to the edge of the bed and pulled Severus towards her. He scooted over and she helped position him across her lap. She curled her arm around his torso to hold him in place.   “A good long spanking, is that what you need, Severus Snape?” the woman queried, stroking his ass comfortably.   “Severus Tobias,” Severus whimpered.   “Do you deserve a long spanking, Severus Tobias?”   “Yes, I do,” whispered Severus Tobias Snape.   Minnie placed her hand on the man’s cool, pale bottom and he immediately stiffened. She raised her hand and brought it down moderately lightly. Severus yelped, more surprised by the noise of a palm striking his rear than anything else. North began delivering a smack to the fullness of either cheek and upon the crease. After a few circuits Severus’ spanked bottom had become a pale, rose pink. At this, North raised one leg and turned her attention to the newly exposed undercurve of his rump. Here, where she knew Severus would be extra sensitive, she began to spank him more unsympathetically, although still not bringing his colouring to a darker shade of pink. Severus began squirming, despite not being punished very hard. It wasn’t that his sit spot was an exceptionally vulnerable area: his member had become trapped when North had shifted him, and was now being rubbed rather disturbingly each time he was struck. North began to deliver a scolding in rhythm with the swats. “Your behaviour has been exceedingly naughty,” she admonished, concentrating very hard on keeping the smile from her voice. “You know better than to conceal your ownership, Severus Tobias. I am very disappointed you behaved in such a way. What do you think of your behaviour, Severus Tobias?”   She was expecting him to answer? When she was raining smacks down on his sit spot?   “Naughty,” he gasped. Fuck, but he was enjoying this.   “What was, Severus?”   “*Ow*, er, my behaviour… I was ex-exceedingly naughty!”   “And do you know what happens to naughty boys, Severus?”   “Yes…” he hissed.   “Tell me what happens to naughty boys Severus.”   “They get sm- punished.” Embarrassed by the word, Severus’ face was taking a slight hue similar to that of his posterior.   “And how do they get punished?” Jessa pressed. She slapped his rear firmly for emphasis.   “They get smacked!” Severus exclaimed. Ouch!   “Where do they get smacked?”   “On their bottoms!”   “Where else do naughty boys get smacked?”   Severus considered. “Their arses?” “Language, Severus Tobias!” she scolded, smacking him especially hard. Severus yelped and bit back the self-deprecating laughter he could feel rising in his throat. *That* one had hurt. He considered the question again and hazarded, “Their legs.” “Why do naughty boys get spanked on their bottoms or their legs?”   “For being naughty.”   Minnie pressed, “But why do they get spanked for being naughty?”   Severus thought about this. “Because it hurts?”   “And where do you hurt, Severus?”   “My arse. *Ow!*”   “Try again Severus.”   “My bottom,” Severus pouted.   “And why is your bottom hurting?”   “I was naughty…”   “I see. And did you keep your trousers up?”   “No.” What?   “How are you being spanked then?”Minnie questioned, casually landing a harsh smack that made him flinch. “On my bare bottom!”   “And why is that?”   Severus hung his head for a moment, simultaneously amused and embarrassed. Really, he was going to say that again? “I was naughty!”   “Remind me what naughty boys deserve.”   “A spanking!”   “Tell me what a spanking is, Severus Tobias.”   Seriously? “A smacking! On my- ow!”   “Pardon, Severus?”   “On my bum! A spanking’s when I get lots of smacks on my bare bum for being a naughty boy!”   “Very good, Severus,” the woman said abruptly. She delivered a final swat on his pinkened bottom –bumping him hard against her lap, then began to rub circles soothingly on his tenderness.   Shit. That last smack had just made him come. And on her leg. That would not have happened if he was circumcised. His wretched foreskin just insisted on being damnably sensitive didn’t it? She was going to think he was some sort of pervert... well... more than she probably already did anyway. Minnie had been oblivious to Severus’ growing arousal due to the concentration she was using on not really hurting him. She bent down to kiss his aching posterior. “Mmm, such ruby red cheeks.” She sat back up but continued to stroke away the hotness of his bottom until she heard him sniffle. When she did, she pulled him upright in her lap, his legs straddling her to keep his weight off his sore behind, and rubbed circles in his back instead.   “Are you alright?” she asked as she hugged him close.   Severus’ face was red and she followed his gaze. Oh. She hadn’t even realised. She’d just attributed the warm wetness to sweat. And... well... her wetness. He squirmed and whimpered so deliciously.   “Tsk,” she said.   He met her gaze worriedly. He was such a little bag of nerves!   The woman reached down and dipped her fingers in the warm spillage. She made contact with Severus’ slightly wary eyes and brought her hand to her mouth. She licked the substance off her fingers. North then bent her head and kissed where the mess had came from, chasing away the last of the white liquid with her tongue.   Severus squirmed. Minnie leaned up and whispered in his ear, “Naughty boy.” North laughed as he quickly began to harden and she lay down on her back. “Didn’t I promise you an early bedtime after your spanking?”   Severus eyed her. “You don’t mind…”   “Beautiful, if I minded, I wouldn’t be letting you top so you didn’t have to lie on your pink arse.”   Severus smirked slowly.   “Don’t sit there wasting time smiling at me, Severus Tobias, you promised me a good long fuck!”   Severus laughed outright and moved towards her. Minnie leant up and kissed him thoroughly. “I want you,” she promised.   ***   It was three days before Severus saw North again. He gestured for her to come over as soon as she smiled at him. She grinned wider and complied, and he snatched her hand as they walked towards the fireplace.   The first thing Minnie did upon entering their room was nip Severus’ bruised throat to remind him he belonged to her. He smirked and to her delight nuzzled affectionately against her.   “How’s your ass?” she murmured in concern.   “Pretty,” he said matter-of-factly.   Minnie laughed and slid her hand around to cup him as she pulled him into a fierce kiss. “All of you is.” She helped him out of his shirt and bent her head to kiss his nipples and his naval.   It was then than she noticed how pronounced his bones were. “Beautiful?” she asked, “are you sick?” Or had he always been quite this thin?   “I’m fine,” Severus replied, puzzled.   “Have you been eating?”   Severus felt her fingers stroke his ribs. “I may have skipped a meal.” His stomach protested audibly.   North pulled away and reached for the phone.   “Who are you calling?”   “Room service,” North replied severely. “If you won’t look after what’s mine then I certainly will. Why haven't you been eating properly?”   Severus scowled. “I missed one meal. I forgot.” Since when was this chit in a position to question his eating habits?   “You wouldn’t have visibly lost weight from skipping a meal,” Minnie retorted. “Do you want to tell me what’s wrong?”   Severus’ scowl deepened and he absently brushed his left arm. Minnie understood and her face softened. “Beautiful, are you alright?”   Alarm flickered briefly in the man’s eyes. “What do you mean?”   “I mean what I’m asking,” North said gently.   Severus moved his hand away from his hidden mark. “I’m perfectly fine,” he snapped.   “Oh good,” said North, “then after you’ve eaten you’re getting a spanking for not looking after what’s mine.”   Severus’ lips twitched. “Oh really?” “You can stop looking so pleased- you’re getting a serious spanking not a play one.”   At that moment a house elf appeared with a meal for Severus. North thanked the creature and placed the tray on the bed. The elf left. “Come here,” Minnie ordered curtly.   Severus glanced momentarily at the woman through hooded eyes then obeyed.   “Sit,” North said. When Severus settled stiffly beside her she handed him some food. “Now eat.”   Severus glanced at her in annoyance yet obeyed. North continued to hand him food until he made the mistake of reaching for it himself. She took hold of his wrist and moved it away. “You can’t be trusted to feed yourself so I’ll do it for you,” she scolded. His hair fell over his eyes and she habitably moved it away. His hair was greasy.   Severus met her stare. It seemed greasy hair fell under the same neglecting himself category as not eating properly.   Severus looked away and finished eating quickly. North pulled him to his feet and he met her eyes again apprehensively, expecting the promised smacking. Instead North marched him towards the en suite.   “What-”   North narrowed her eyes at him and Severus reluctantly quietened.   She started to run the bathwater.   Severus met her resolute gaze. The bathtub was filling almost immediately due to the wonderful thing that was magic. “Strip off,” North ordered.   “You cannot seriously expect to-”   “Take off your clothes, Severus Tobias Snape, or I shall do it for you, and add several swats for the pleasure.”   On meeting North’s scowl Severus toed out of his shoes and socks and dropped his trousers. Was he seriously taking orders from this pretty little woman? He protested, “North…”   “Severus,” the woman replied sharply.   Severus slid down his boxers and stepped towards the bath. Yes, apparently he was going to do what she demanded. He was taking orders from his cock, that was all. Really.   “Wait,” North said, dipping her hand in the water, “How’s the temperature?”   Severus copied her actions. “It’s fine,” he said. At the woman’s nod he unenthusiastically stepped into the water.   Minnie reached for a washcloth and knelt to dip it in the water. “Close your eyes,” she murmured, gently bringing it to Severus’ face. Severus flushed yet leaned into the contact as she bathed him. It was sort of nice. Sort of. He could tolerate this since he was going to have a magnificent fuck afterwards. The tenderness and efficiency with which she excavated the shells of his ears, pink from the water’s heat, left him in awe. Had he ever been treated so gently before? She moved the cloth along his body, making him wriggle when she deliberately tickled his chest, then lifted each of his legs up to lather them and rub them down.   “Stand up,” North said softly. Severus stood and allowed her to wash the intimate parts of his body. He flushed when his member became interested in the activity although North continued regardless and kissed the offending organ murmuring an, “All clean,” when she was done.   “Sit down now beautiful.” North was reaching for a jug and two bottles.   Merlin but he hated having his hair washed. “Not conditioner too,” Severus pleaded.   “Severus…” North said warningly.   Severus sighed and sat still as she rinsed his hair. She began to lather his hair gently and even when she rinsed the shampoo away, squeaking his hair to show him it was clean, North did not allow any of the shampoo (or even the water) to reach his eyes. She then insisted on repeating the ordeal with the conditioner, but that experience turned out to be pleasurable also. The liquid smelt pleasant and the kind way North was treating him, without pulling his hair or stinging his eyes, soothed Severus. She was taking the time to look after him. Silly wench.   North drained the bath and wrapped Severus in a thick, fluffy, bath sheet sized towel. She dried him off and then led him back through to the bedroom. Severus’ good mood fell slightly as North pulled away from him and sat down on the bed. He dropped the towel and grudgingly settled on her lap.   Severus’ skin was still damp and when North slapped his bottom hard it really hurt! She immediately concentrated on his sit spots to turn them a burning red. Severus found himself crying out and whimpering and at some point found his eyes filling with unshed tears. He wasn’t sure if it was the punishment itself (on his damp skin) or the reason behind it that was causing him most distress. He didn’t ask her to stop. North sensed Severus was close to breaking so landed six swats then peeled Severus off her lap and comforted him. “Will you look after yourself?” she asked sternly.   Severus swallowed a sob and agreed.   “There’s my good boy,” North murmured. When the man composed himself she murmured, “Looks like I’m going to have to let you top again beautiful.”   Severus managed to reach her eyes and curled his lip. “Quite.”   North began to kiss him, lying down and pulling him atop her as she did. Severus wrenched his lips away and feverishly began kissing every part of her. She was his; right now she was his. She clung onto him tightly, whispering tender nonsense. After all, I love you; I care for you; I like you a lot, these weren’t things she could possibly admit, and neither could he. North moved her legs apart and cupped Severus’ face. She stared into his eyes.   In the afterglow, Severus rested his head on North’s shoulder. A pillow kept his rear propped off the bed. North smiled at him and brushed his hair from his face. “Not just a pretty face,” she said.   He sneered and slung his arm over her waist. “Flattery will get you nowhere.”   “Actually, it got me into your boxers. That’s everywhere to me, Sev.”   “Severus,” Severus growled, not really minding at all.   “My Severus,” North corrected sleepily.   * When Severus woke in the morning, it was with a mind-bending orgasm. The next thing he noticed was North’s lips grinning around his dick.   “What are you doing?”   “Having breakfast,” she smirked.   Severus sat up to look at her properly, and hissed, his hand immediately moved to his rear.   “Will you be alright beautiful?”   “Of course,” Severus muttered dryly.   “You better be,” said North. Then she smiled dangerously. “I got Tom to promise he’d put you across his lap if you don’t eat all your breakfast.”   Horror spread across Severus’ face. “I know Tom!”   North grinned and kissed Severus goodbye. “You’d better be a good boy then.”   ***   Minnie arrived home before Severus. She took a dark tome up to Siri’s room and began to read. At some point Harry joined her and they quietly spoke for a while, pausing comfortably for long enough that Minnie managed to finish several chapters on how to hurt people.   When Severus returned to Grimmauld Place there was an Order meeting which required the presence of Harry, several Weaslies, and a few aurors, amongst others. Naturally Minnie declined to attend. It was when the teenagers had been excused from the meeting that Minnie ran into Hermione.   The pureblood stilled. “Get the hell out,” Minnie whispered.   Hermione scowled and opened her mouth to reply.   Minnie interrupted, “I said to fucking leave, mudblood!”   Hermione retorted indignantly and drew her wand, which only made Minnie angrier.   “This is the Black residence,” Minnie snarled. “Get your filthy blood out of my home!”   “Harry owns here!” Hermione snapped. “I can visit my friend’s house whenever it’s necessary without it being any of your concern.”   “He only owns forty per cent! All your brains get you nowhere if you don’t have the breeding to access sensitive documents,” Minnie sneered.   Hermione paused and walked towards Minnie.   “Get OUT!” Minnie swiped her fingers towards Hermione’s throat. More than a dozen steps away, a slit ripped cleanly through it and a thin line of red beaded out.   Hermione whimpered in shock, panicked, and touched her fingertips to the burning pain. Her hands came down bloody.   Severus and Alastor came running up the staircase at that moment, prompted by the raised voices, and witnessed what was happening. Both noticed the lack of Minnie’s wand.   Severus grabbed Minnie whilst Alastor helped the white-faced, bleeding Hermione stay on her feet. Severus could feel the darkness crackling in the air and turned weakly to the Granger girl to spit out the counter curse. He hadn’t seen this curse since the first war.   Hermione put her fingers clumsily back to her throat. She was exceptionally pale, and in shock, and she clung onto Moody as though she was drowning. Severus was too sick to look at the girl he was holding; too worried to see what might be there.   Moody pulled out his wand and helped Hermione sit down whilst he attempted to heal her. “Get her out of here,” he told Severus tightly.   Severus spun Minnie around and attempted to drag her by the arm. “What the fuck were you doing?” he asked.   Minnie stood stiffly. Severus wasn’t sure if she cared at all. He certainly didn’t know what to do. Then she met his eyes with fury.   “I need to calm down,” she said. “I need to… I need...”   Severus held her as she started to quiver.   Then she threw him from her and bolted to her rooms.   * When Hermione had recovered enough to think, the first thing she did was find the Black family tree, her weak body be damned. She tried every spell she could think of until she found Kindred Jessamine Black.   Whose sire was Lucius Malfoy.   *   Just at the moment Severus had persuaded Minnie to leave her rooms, Hermione ran into the corridor.   “You’re a Malfoy!” she screamed.   Without thought Minnie slit the other girl’s throat. She didn’t lift her hand this time. She wasn’t doing it for effect.   Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and began to heal Granger. He called for Kreecher to bring him Moody. Hermione stared at Minnie as Severus joined the ruptured throat swiftly. Minnie stared casually back.   Alastor was beside them in minutes. Minnie leaned against Severus. “Get me away from here,” she whispered. She grabbed the man’s lapels and abruptly transformed into a caterpillar.   Both men exchanged glances in confusion then Severus made a decision and took Minnie the caterpillar up to his room before Granger saw an opportunity for revenge. He did not want Minnie to be able to lock herself up in her own rooms and the room that she shared with Harry could bring her into contact with another teenager, one with only half-blood, and Severus currently did not believe this was a sensible option.   Severus sat down on his room’s sole chair. “What’s going on, Miss Black?”   “Couldn’t think of anything else that didn’t have claws or teeth,” said Minnie.   That was not what he was asking. “What made you think you shouldn’t have claws or teeth?” he sighed. She had just displayed in a spectacular fashion her ability to cause utmost havoc without either. He could feel Granger’s blood drying on his chest causing his shirt to stick to his body.   The caterpillar replied, “I can control my magic… but I can’t always hold down my temper. I didn’t need to take that chance.”   Snape glowered down at her. “Without our interference you could have killed Miss Granger. Twice.”   Minnie snickered bitterly. “I wasn’t trying to kill her. I was making her believe that I was. If I was going to kill her in public I’d make sure to use something fast-acting enough not to give anyone the chance to-”   Severus bent his head towards her angrily. “You made me believe it!”   “Not so loud!” Minnie snapped. “My ears are far too small for your tantrum. You obviously don’t know me very well. I’m capable of using the killing curse.”   “That would be far too clean for a sadist like you,” Severus retorted. “And if you had no intentions of killing her then you hardly needed to take away your physical ability to do it, did you, little bug?”   “Of course I did! Even when I cursed her I wanted to run up and punch her… if I let myself hurt her without magic I didn’t know that I could stop.” Minnie was quiet for a while, and then she transformed back, although only into a seven year old version of herself. The naked child clung to Severus’ shirt. “Close your eyes for a minute,” she said.   Nervously, Severus warded the door closed then –much against his better judgement- he complied. Minnie pulled out a strand of her hair and transfigured it into a large teeshirt. She pulled it over her head and said, “You can open your eyes now.”   Severus looked down at the small weight in his lap. “Why so small?”   Minnie shrugged. “Similar to before, but I’m calming enough to try something humanoid. Don’t be scared: everything’s bigger to me; I’m more likely to hesitate.”   “I’m not afraid of you!” Severus snapped. “Just disturbed by you.” He considered, “You think that’s a good thing? Being small and hesitant?”   The tiny child shrugged with a mercenary attitude in her eyes that turned Severus’ stomach. She said, “I’ve got my magic if I need to defend myself but otherwise this makes me a lesser threat.”   Severus pressed his lips together in agitation. “You do realise I’m going to have to bind your magic after what you just did, don’t you Miss Black?”   Minnie did not loosen her grip on Severus’ shirt. “You can try,” she said with a mixture of light amusement and deadly threat.   Severus met her eyes seriously. “This is not a joke Miss Black. There’s no option of not binding your magic and nothing you can do to prevent it.”   “I believe different,” the child declared confidently.   “And what makes you think that?” Severus drawled. There was a sliver of foreboding in his voice that Minnie was too distracted to notice.   “Because they did it before,” Minnie said simply.   Severus stared at the child. Binding someone’s magic was an abhorrent act acceptable in only the tensest situations. Who the hell had attempted it on this deeply damaged creature before, and had she provoked it? If she had, did he really want to know how she had done so? He quietly asked, “Who did?”   Minnie lifted her face to him, but her eyes were distant. She didn’t voice an answer. There was something defensive about her expression and posture that told Severus’ instincts that whatever had occurred had been a traumatic experience for Minnie. The way her lips were set made it clear she had no inclination of discussing the experience further.   After a pause Severus changed the subject. He began, “You know we’re going to have to discuss what Miss Granger said?”   Minnie blinked back into the present. “It’s none of your right to tell him but mine. And I am doing no such thing.”   “Then he is your father?” Severus surmised. That was... unexpected. Not that he’d doubted the Granger chit’s intellect, but Jessamine had *not* inherited her father’s restraint.   Minnie scowled. “Which doesn’t mean anything. All he did was knock my mother up.”   “Which makes him your father.”   “You know him,” Minnie said accusingly. “You can’t possibly believe he’d be a good father if he was given the opportunity?”   Well, no. “Draco adores his father-” “Don’t avoid my question,” Minnie sighed. Severus sighed himself and stood, carrying the child close to his chest. His grip was tender, and the change from holding her like explosives near detonation concerned her.   “Sir?” Minnie asked.   “Miss Black?” Severus replied.   “Will you be able to forgive me for this?”   Severus glanced at her in confusion. “For your father?”   “For the other thing,” Minnie retorted.   Severus nodded tersely. “I will; not that you deserve it.”   Minnie rested her head on the man’s shoulder. “Thank you,” she murmured.   “Idiot girl,” Severus replied. Minnie didn’t mind. Everything had changed so much and she felt... so tired. And apprehensive.   * When Alastor found Minnie and Severus, he had not expected to find Severus standing with a small child clutched tightly in his arms.   “What the hell is this?” Moody asked.   Severus turned his body marginally to shield the girl protectively. “Miss Black was disturbed by her actions and has done her best to make herself a less volatile creature.”   “Are you really mad?” Minnie asked the auror uncertainly.   “I’m livid,” Alastor replied.   “Ok,” mumbled Minnie. Her tiny hands curled into Severus’ shoulders.   “No, whelp, nothing’s ok. What the fuck did you think you were doing?” Moody snarled.   “Making sure she’d leave me alone,” Minnie answered timidly.   Moody stared at her. “I cannot believe you.”   Minnie shrugged.   “Don’t you fucking shrug at me, Jessamine!”   “Mad Eye,” snapped Severus, “you’re scaring her!”   “She’s scared? So she bloody should be!” Moody bellowed, “She just slit a girl’s throat! Twice!”   “Perhaps we should put that information to the side for a while and consider the other revelation for now,” Severus suggested.   “Or perhaps Mad Eye could just punish me,” Minnie suggested hopefully.   Severus lightly slapped the back of Minnie’s bare leg. “No one was speaking to you.”   Alastor watched Severus tap Minnie and was surprised to find he wasn’t furious. “Have we really been raising a Malfoy?”   “No,” said Minnie.   “Yes,” said Snape.   “Albus is going to love this,” Moody groaned.   “You didn’t tell him?” Minnie howled.   “Calm down,” Severus soothed. Minnie met his eyes and reluctantly put her head back on his shoulder. She inhaled deeply.   Severus stroked her back and met Alastor’s eyes. “I presume Miss Granger made it his knowledge.”   “Yes.”   At that moment Harry appeared at the door Moody had left open. “Is Minnie alright?”   Severus held Minnie more tightly. She stared at Harry in confusion.   “Shouldn’t you be with Hermione?” asked Moody.   “They’ve sent her back to the school. To the infirmary, to rest up safely. I wanted to check Minnie’s alright,” Harry answered.   “Mister Potter I do not consider this the safest place for you to be right now,” Severus said tightly.   Minnie gave Severus a shrewd look. “Just because he’s half-blood doesn’t mean I want to kill him. You’re a half-blood too and I haven’t hurt you.”   Severus curled his lip. “Miss Black I would be entertained to see you try.”   “You would not,” the child retorted. “And you know I wouldn’t hurt you.”   “Oh no?” Snape drawled.   “No,” said Minnie firmly.   Alastor sighed. “As touching as all this is I think we’d better go find the headmaster.”   “Let’s not,” said Minnie. Severus narrowed his eyes at her. “Oh yes, let’s,” she said.   Dumbledore, it turned out, had already decided Minnie was to return to school, and had also contacted Lucius Malfoy.   “What an intelligent idea,” Minnie grumbled. “I prove I’m a vicious would-be killer of teenagers and Dumbles sends me to a school full of them…”   “You said you weren’t going to kill her,” Severus snapped.   “Yes, but I never told him that…” she retorted.   ***   Severus sighed and untwisted the arm of the small girl’s jade turtleneck. He’s found himself picking out an outfit for the child when Minnie had expressed her intention to shrink down a short skirt and strappy pair of heels. There was only so many heart-attack-inducing incidents he could navigate at once.   Draco was irritably declining lemon drops in the headmaster’s office. “Why are my parents coming?”   “It seems most opportune to discuss your half-sister, my boy.”   “What half-sister?” Draco repeated, for what felt like the twentieth time. The muggle-loving imbecile was either senile or belligerently avoiding the question.   “Why, Jessamine, of course,” Albus finally answered, as though he hadn’t heard the question before.   Severus encountered Lucius and Narcissa in the corridor that led to the office where Draco was becoming increasingly tempted to throttle the headmaster. The dark-haired man had Minnie in his arms and a paternity potion, which he had ventured down to the dungeons for, in his pocket.   “I never thought of you as the mothering sort, Severus,” Lucius drawled. There was no amusement audible in his voice but it was clearly present.   “It would seem I have a knack for bringing up your children, Lucius,” Severus returned evenly.   Lucius narrowed his eyes whilst Narcissa maintained a neutral expression. “That child’s barely more than five year old,” Lucius replied.   “Seven- thereabouts,” corrected Minnie, turning to glance at her father. “But, as I’d expect you’d know, my mother was hardly able to be bearing children seven years ago.”   Lucius stared with a dumbstruck expression at the precocious child.   “I suppose the headmaster neglected to tell you the girl’s a metamorphagus,” Severus drawled.   “Evidently,” said Narcissa. She eyed the pretty little girl with interest.   “I do suppose the old fool has summoned Draco?” Lucius enquired. He did not sigh, but its presence was felt regardless.   “I would expect so,” said Severus, moving forward to mutter ‘blood pops’ to the gargoyle. “As you can see I have been attending to other things.” He stepped onto the staircase without waiting for the others to follow.   There were three empty chairs and a seated, irritated, Draco, in front of Albus’ desk. Severus elegantly seated himself with Minnie in his lap and the pair of regal blondes took the remaining chairs.   Minnie glanced around. Alastor was conspicuous by his absence.   “Are you seriously suggesting that that child is Jessamine?” Draco drawled.   “Looks can be deceiving,” the little girl said dryly.   Severus took the potion from inside his robes and sat the girl on the table. “Let’s proceed,” he sneered, pricking Minnie’s extended thumb and allowing the blood to fall into the potion.   “Lucius,” Severus intoned.   Lucius gave his old friend a decidedly haughty look and stood up to submit his own blood.   The results were positive. Draco struggled to keep the incredulity and discomfort from his face as his mother Narcissa reached to pluck Minnie from the table.   “You intend to take her now?” said Severus. The thought concerned him but his voice was devoid of the emotion.   “Of course,” replied the woman, “I want to get to know my daughter. We’ll need to arrange for something to be done with this hair to start with…”   Minnie quirked an eyebrow and allowed her black hair to turn platinum. “Does this help?”   Draco stared at her, his stomach tightening with the realisation Minnie looked exactly like him. His parents had apparently not caught the impolite tone Minnie had used.   “How lovely, darling,” said Narcissa.   “I’m afraid, of course, we cannot allow Minnie to be released into your care straight away. She has been responsible for some very grave actions and I cannot in good conscience wave her off without observing her behaviour to ensure the wisdom of such a decision,” Albus intervened.   Lucius glared at Dumbledore. “I do suggest you expand. The place of any child is with their family.”   “Of course. But it would appear Miss Black, that is, perhaps I should say, Miss Malfoy, here was responsible for a quite violent attack on a muggle-born girl,” supplied Albus.   “Who?” asked Draco.   “Granger,” Minnie said disgustedly. “It was hardly a terrible incident.”   Ignoring her comment, Albus continued, “Not only were her actions potentially lethal but the curse that I am sorry to report Jessamine performed twice was a very high degree of dark magic. Without involving Severus here’s expertise it is highly likely the other young lady would not have survived.”   Lucius raised his hand for pause. “Are you telling me,” he drawled, “that my daughter performed a high calibre of lethal dark magic on a student no other than Hermione Granger?”   “Correct,” agreed Severus.   “Then I am afraid I have no choice but to give you a very long grounding… Jessamine,” drawled Lucius.   Draco bit down hard on his laughter. Malfoys did not display a sense of humour.   “I understand… Father,” smirked Minnie.   “Perhaps we may excuse the children now to discuss practicalities,” suggested Narcissa.   “I’m afraid Minnie is required to be supervised during all interaction with other teenagers,” Severus pointed out.   “Why Severus,” said Lucius slowly, “are you suggesting my son is a *muggleborn*?”   “Not at all,” Severus replied, “it’s hardly Draco who worries me.”   Minnie sighed and held her palm up. “Sir, I promise not to kill anyone, ok?”   Severus nodded suspiciously and watched the girl slide down from the desk. “Miss Malfoy.”   Minnie met his eyes at the strange name. “Yes sir?”   “Only go to the Slytherin common room and do not let me find you at your proper height, is that perfectly clear?”   Minnie sighed again and reached up to hug the man. “Alright.”   Severus ignored that sin and opened his mouth. “And Miss Malfoy?”   “Yes sir?”   “No irritating the Bloody Baron again either. And resolutely avoid Peeves or else.”   “Understood sir,” Minnie grinned, and followed Draco from the room.   Lucius met Severus’ eyes to convey he had indeed seen a small girl interrupt the scary potion master’s lecture to hug him. Severus glared back.   “Ah, now, practicalities…” Albus began.   *   Pansy was the first to turn around in her chair to see Draco enter holding tightly to the hand of a white-blonde little girl.   “Draco, who’s that?” she asked curiously. Small children were an unusual occurrence at the school.   “My sister,” Draco replied. The words felt strange in his mouth, much as Minnie’s small hand felt strange in his own.   “Who can speak for herself,” said Minnie coolly.   Pansy sat forwards. She had been to Draco’s home plenty of times and had never noticed any possibility of a sibling. “Since when did you have a sister?”   “My half-sister,” Draco elaborated, settling into his chair tiredly and watching Minnie hop onto the arm casually.   “I’m a bastard,” the small child said pointedly.   The Slytherins blinked at the word coming from the girl’s mouth.   “She’s as pretty as you,” said Pansy.   “Fuck off Panse,” Draco replied.   “Oh, charming,” said Pansy, “you shouldn’t be using that sort of language near influential little kiddies. And if you ever think to speak to me in that manner again I’ll be sure to tell Minnie when she’s back. I’m sure she’d be far from impressed by your unchivalrous behaviour.”   “Yeah, Drakey, just wait,” said Minnie.   Draco narrowed his eyes at her. “You can watch it, little sis.”   Minnie leaned in to whisper in his ear, “Who says I’m the youngest?”   “Fuck off Minnie,” said Draco.   The collective Slytherins turned to look at Draco.   “Minnie?” repeated Blaise.   Draco sighed. “Everyone, meet my half-sister, the metamorphmagus, Jessamine Malfoy Black.”   “Black Malfoy,” protested Minnie.   Draco smirked at the girl. “Hey, if our father has his say in the matter it will be plain Malfoy.”   “As if there was plain Malfoy anything,” Minnie muttered.   Draco quirked one eyebrow. “Quite.”   * Severus held the arms of his chair in a tight grip. It was the only outward indication that he was in an irritable mood. ‘Discussing practicalities’ had eaten into hours of his time, although at least the Malfoys weren’t being handed Minnie for a week or so at least. Severus was disinclined to admitting such things but he really did not want to see the girl, as utterly madcap as she was, in his dear old friend Lucius’ cruel clutches. Of course, there was the likelihood of the girl spending the bulk of the summer weeks at the Prince mansion, as Draco always did. The boy would have been appalled if Severus had suggested spending any of that time at the small house in Spinner’s End, but at that moment, Severus was rather longing for those few days of the holidays that Severus would spend there.   The reason for this, of course, was the club. Or rather, the woman Severus had been looking out for at the club. With all the goings-on there was no possibility of Severus escaping any time soon, which meant his most likely reprieve from Albus’ plotting would be the next Death Eater meeting: and of course that was no reprieve at all. Severus was not a person who relaxed easily but the ‘North’ woman seemed to be capable of relaxing him almost instinctively –he’d fallen asleep three times in her presence, and not only that, but had to be physically wakened by her also. He didn’t relax enough to sleep that easily in the company of just anyone.   An evening with North was precisely what Severus needed to shake the events of the day from his mind for a much needed few hours. Severus was not stupid: he knew he’d slept with North three times; knew that was often the limit for an entirely casual relationship; and knew he was already far too much involved with the woman. He was at this moment pining for her- a sure sign that he should immediately cut out this addiction.   The most worrying thing was that Severus knew he did not intend to- he was going to find a way to leave the school tomorrow night in the hope he would find North at the club. She might not be there; she might not decide to even acknowledge him, but Severus had to go tomorrow. Perhaps the best thing would be if North decided to ignore him. It would stop this foolish infatuation, whilst Severus knew that if she wasn’t there, or if she slept with him again, he would continue going back. He knew he had to stop this, and stop it soon, but for the first time in he couldn’t remember how long, Severus simply wanted to play weak and be left to dally with the woman forever until fate intervened. He had not forgotten that if he continued to see her he would without a doubt get hurt, yet he was alarmingly willing to damn himself and let himself get hurt if it meant not throwing away the relationship –what relationship?- that he had with North.   Severus got up and stared into the smoky mirror over the fireplace. His hair was hanging in his face again, which he knew fine well was an action he had adopted to hide from people, but he combed it gently away with his fingers to expose his eyes –the way North did. His nose, he knew, was a lost cause, but he glanced over the rest of his features, wondering how they gauged, before forcing himself to meet his own eyes. They were hard, and accusing, and confused, and bitter, and miserable. Unless North was a complete sadist into that sort of broken person, and Severus rather doubted she was from the protective way she pulled him towards her for a snuggle, then Severus had no comprehension of the supposed ‘beauty’ North, or indeed Minnie, claimed they saw in his eyes. They weren’t ‘deep’, they were barren, and they weren’t dark, they just lacked brightness.   Of course, if North heard him muttering such beliefs, Severus rather thought she might think he’d earned another bit of discipline. Although he showed no visible sign of the, er, spanking that Severus had received last night, his hindquarters were still throbbing unpleasantly- as a reminder, North had told him, to take care of himself. Woe betide him if he dared use a salve for the sting, she had said playfully, resting on his chest running her fingers along his collarbone and kissing his neck as he clutched his tender backside and groused about the pain.   Well he remembered the pain now and he remembered what it was supposed to remind him, Severus thought sulkily as his hand unconsciously slid around to cover his sore rear. It had been horrible, having to sit down the whole time those damned ‘practicalities’ were discussed and not let it show he’d gotten himself spanked. What had been even more embarrassing was the fact that Lucius and Albus both knew what Severus looked like after that particular brand of discipline and would have quickly understood if Severus had squirmed. Not to mention young Draco had been pulled over his knees over enough consecutive summers that he would probably have made the right conclusion if Severus hadn’t hidden his discomfort.   Damn her! Severus thought irritably, trying to force the assurance out of his head that if he were with North now she would be peeling down his boxers and kissing him better. And that he’d liked the punishment.   North kissed him rather a lot. Despite the rather predatory stance she stood in most times when she regarded him, there was affectionateness in the way she spoke to and treated him that Severus rarely found in other casual lovers. There was more of a ‘friend with benefits’ aura around her, as though she already liked him and the sex was just an additional gain.   Severus snarled at himself frustratedly. So North was unusual. That did not mean, nor would it ever mean, that she liked him, and he should not think of her as a friend. He’d only met her three times! Even if each of those three times she’d held him and stared lovingly into his eyes as though he were ‘precious’ or something it did not mean she liked him. Period. It meant she was setting him up or after something or crazy possibly, but it did not mean she actually enjoyed his company. Of course, if she was crazy, maybe they could enter into a relationship after all.   There could be no relationship! Severus was a spy and even if it wasn’t ridiculous, the idea of him being in a –ha!- loving relationship, well, he didn’t deserve one anyway. He was a poisonous, evil, twisted man who did not deserve love or any pleasure or happiness unless it was torn from him to punish him even more.   Severus was aware if Albus knew he was having these kind of thoughts he could expect a scolding far more painful than any swats North had bestowed. The thought of receiving Dumbledore’s wrath in addition to his already tender behind was enough for a childishly fearful knot to tighten in Severus’ belly.   Angry with himself, Severus poured himself some firewhisky. Albus and his accurate tongue-lashings be damned.   Severus glanced at the bottle and sent it back to the cabinet. Drinking in excess of the glass he had already poured as he had intended (half a bottle of it, had been his original intentions) was probably not, he thought, what North considered to be ‘looking after himself’. It seemed there was a lot North would be displeased with, if Severus allowed her to glance in at his life. Although after the spanking, of course, she would insist on holding him and cuddling him and somehow making him laugh and then she would lick all up and down his body and they’d have rounds of mind-bending sex until about three or five in the morning.   Although, the thing Severus liked about North was that he wasn’t required to misbehave before she decided to pull him onto her lap and squeeze him to death. The sex also seemed like one of those things she was generous with.   Severus thought about coming home bloody and drained in the small hours of the morning and North having waited up for him in their, his, bed, demanding sex. Would she be able to lighten his mood, and if he angrily pushed away from her, how would she react?   That led, of course, to the question how would she react to the lovely disfigurement he’d begged to have burnt onto his left arm. Would she be furious with him if she found out? Would she cry? Would she be disgusted and hate him? Would she be pleased?   Did she already suspect?   And if he told her about the Order would she join? Would she pester him about doing his job? Would she be bullying him to be risking his neck spying on Voldemort?   Severus emptied his glass and made his way to bed, aware he was rubbing his bottom, and not caring in the slightest. As he got undressed he pushed down his boxers and stared at the discolouration North had not left there. At least half of the sting was imagined. Would she strike him harder if he asked, or would she think he was some kind of freak?   Severus covered himself up and climbed into his bed, imagining he could feel her cuddling against him, stroking his hair. ***** The Playing Field ***** Author's notes: Minnie navigates her already split loyalties, Severus navigates his own, and some more players are introduced to the board. =============================================================================== Harry Potter is © J. K. Rowling, Warner Brothers, Scholastic, and all others involved.   Minnie, as it turned out, had found herself spending the night once more in Moody’s arms, which she found pleasant. He hadn’t brought up any of the recent events, and she hadn’t either. But there were a multitude of reasons why this was not as enjoyable as Minnie would have liked it to be.   The main problem was that she would rather have felt Severus’ hands clasped tightly in hers’ and his naked body pressed warmly against her own. Moody was just *sleeping*. If Severus had her in his arms now they wouldn’t be *sleeping*. She missed the heady feeling she got from teasing Severus and the awe of staring into his lust-filled eyes. Of course, she was not currently transformed into North, so if she was with Severus right now he wouldn’t want her anyway.   But she had to leave first before she could see him, so not being North wasn’t really an issue. But how to leave?   There had to be ways out of the castle.   The next problem was, once she found them, and she would find them, would the wards alert the adults to her disappearance?   And if Minnie escaped without setting off the wards, *would* Snape actually go to the club if it was during term time and he was at the school?   These concerns were utterly exasperating. Minnie tried to settle down to sleep, but Moody’s warm breath on her skin was distracting and his thick arms ... weren’t Severus’. And besides, having these urges in her tiny little body was creeping her out because the last thing she wanted to see was anyone’s hands on *this* skin.   It was still with these thoughts in mind that Minnie went to breakfast, and found herself crossing the great hall to reach the Gryffindor table. Everyone stared at her miniature stature. The Mudblood and the Blood-Traitor stood and drew their wands as she approached, and she could tell without looking that Mad Eye had gotten to his feet lest he needed to rescue anyone.   “Hey Scarhead,” she said swiftly, “can I have a quick word?”   Harry turned around, met her gaze, and immediately stood. “Yes,” he said stiffly, already walking to the door in the hope of diffusing an otherwise volatile situation.   “Thanks Potter,” Minnie said when they were outside. “Sorry I asked you in front of... you know.” She trailed off inadequately, unsure how to phrase ‘your best friend whose throat I’ve slit twice.’   Harry caught her eyes. “Yeah,” he said. “What is it?”   Best to plunge right in, right? Minnie asked, “Do you know ways to get out of the castle without getting caught?”   Harry looked confused but nodded. Could she be trusted with such information? “Yeah, why do you-”   “Will I set off the wards?” Minnie interrupted. She needed to formulate a plan soon, or she would never sleep again.   Harry shook his head. “I wouldn’t expect so.”   Good. Good! Minnie tried not to bounce on the balls of her feet as she breathlessly asked, “Later today can you show me where they are?”   “Yes,” said Harry, “but it’s not for anything bad, is it?” She looked so relieved and excited, so she couldn’t want to do anything terrible this time, right?   Minnie bit her lip. How could she describe her situation? “You know when I’ve been meeting my friends?” she asked. Harry nodded. “Well, there’s this club I go to… I’m kind of seeing this guy and um… I really miss him.”   That was a totally normal thing that sounded genuine, Harry hoped. Providing she transformed back to herself to go out, but that really wasn’t his business. It must be okay to help her out, and maybe it would keep her out of trouble? “No problem,” said Harry.   Minnie gave him an actual unadulterated smile and thanked him. They returned to the great hall. Harry slid back into his seat and began resignedly answering his friends’ questions about the interaction without really answering. Minnie raised her gaze to the staff table and smirked ‘reassuringly’ at Moody before heading to the Slytherin table. She batted away Draco and slipping elegantly onto the space that appeared as he moved down the bench.   “What,” Draco demanded sharply, “were you doing with Potter, sis?”   Minnie gave her half-brother a disparaging glance. “Don’t you even bother pulling the ‘big brother’ card, small fry,” she said disapprovingly. She reached for a small roll and began buttering it calmly.   “Might I remind you that you currently average approximately four feet tall,” Draco snapped back.   Minnie met his eyes again and gave a smile that was reservedly warm and told Draco she found mirth in baiting him. “But you love me, little brother.”   Draco narrowed his eyes. “You will refrain from calling me that.”   “Oh shush, little brother,” said Minnie, placing the butter knife down and turning to face him with a teasing glint in her eyes. “Or do you not want an answer to your very rude question?”   Draco looked affronted at being called rude, but was willing to ignore her repeated use of ‘little brother’ if it got him the knowledge he wanted quicker.   “If you must know,” Minnie announced reproachfully, “I was eliciting his advice on how to cause mischief for certain persons.”   “‘Certain persons’?” Draco quoted dubiously, “You certainly had best not mean me.”   Minnie’s eyes danced at that retort. “I assure you, you ill bred albino, that I can irritate you perfectly well without Scarhead’s insight.”   Draco looked suitably insulted enough that Minnie pulled him tightly to her in an affectionate, one-armed embrace. She lifted the roll from her plate and sedately began to eat.   * Severus entered Alastor’s rooms to find Minnie looking blankly into space. She glanced up as he closed the door beside himself and he was gratified to see the vaguely haunted look disappear from her face to be replaced with affection.   “Hello, sir,” she said, standing and crossing the room to hold him in her arms briefly. For no reason that Severus could comprehend he bent and pulled the girl up into his own arms. She rested her head against his shoulder.   “Sir?”   “Yes Miss Black,” Severus closed his eyes irritably at the error, “Miss Malfoy.”   “When I have to stay at the Malfoys’, will you come with me?”   Severus paused, stunned, and scrutinised the girl’s face. “You’re a Malfoy also,” he said carefully.   “By blood alone,” Minnie said darkly.   “You fear Lucius?” Severus asked softly.   The child pulled a face. “You know he is sadistic and cruel…”   “I do,” said the man, “but how do you?”   “Regie taught me plenty,” Minnie returned quietly.   It was Severus’ turn to look momentarily haunted. “Young Regulus?”   Minnie pressed her face into the side of Severus’ neck. “Please do not make me go there alone.”   Severus held the girl to him tightly and immediately stood. “I never would,” he said.   Minnie shifted in his grasp. “Where are we going?”   “To inform the headmaster,” Severus said grimly.   Severus insisted on the girl remaining outside as he closed the door and turned to face his employer and mentor.   “Tea, Severus?”   Severus accepted as it was something to occupy his hands.   “You seem preoccupied, my boy,” Dumbledore rumbled from over his teacup.   “I refuse to allow the girl to stay unchaperoned with her father,” Severus stated bluntly.   “You do not believe Narcissa to be a threat?”   Severus curled his lip. “The girl is the greatest toy Lucius had ever given her. A living, breathing, doll of a daughter, just as pretty as her bloodline should be, and someone she can coddle without being accused of encouraging too much effeminate behaviour.”   “But Lucius?” Albus probed.   Severus’ expression was drawn. “You remember I told you of Draco’s accidental magic during the summer?”   “You said the boy had managed to apparate.”   “Lucius had been beating him again, Albus.” Severus’ expression was drawn. “The damage was… considerable. I cannot in good conscience allow Miss…Malfoy, into such a situation without a degree of protection.”   Albus gazed over his glasses at Severus with a look that Severus rather did not like. The headmaster reached over to add more sugar to Severus’ teacup and said far too calmly, “Lucius will permit this?”   Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. “You can inform him my presence is to monitor and curb if necessary the girl’s violent streak.”   Albus popped a lemon drop into his mouth. “Your thoughts are occupied?”   Severus blinked away the sudden thought. “When Draco stays for the summer I may be able to watch Miss Malfoy also. Clearly there will be problems if the girl does not have the reassurance of her brother’s presence.”   “Will that be all for now, my boy?”   “Yes, headmaster.”   Albus spoke as the younger man made to leave. “Severus? I suggest you take time away from the castle this evening for yourself. Recent events have been unpleasant for you, I’m sure.”   Really, the headmaster had an uncanny knack for knowing things he shouldn’t. “Yes Albus. Thank you.”   Albus waved him away. “Be well, my boy.”   When Severus left he found Minnie fidgeting on the chair which Severus had deposited her upon earlier. She glanced up at him nervously.   “Come,” he said simply, moving to the stairway. Minnie followed and brushed her pale hair away from her face. When navigating the corridors that led to Moody’s chambers Minnie slid her fragile hand into Severus’, forcibly reminding him of a younger Draco. He stopped walking and threw the girl up into his arms before continuing.   She grinned into his neck. “I do know how to walk, you know.”   “Your legs are too short to keep up,” Severus retorted.   Minnie made a face, and when the man settled on the couch in Alastor’s lounge and dropped her in the space beside him she pointedly clambered back onto his lap. Severus put out a hand to steady her and pulled her towards his chest.   “How come you’re nicer just because I’m little,” Minnie grumbled, pulling back to accusingly meet his eyes.   Severus glanced down at her in irritation. “It’s my new plot to disturb you,” he replied in a mildly aggravated tone.   Minnie giggled childishly and hugged the man’s neck. She felt calmer just by being in Severus’ presence. “Yes sir,” she said with an attitude that suggested she did not believe him in the slightest.   Severus scowled.   Minnie reached up and traced the angry lines of Severus’ face. “You’ll cause wrinkles, you know, with always frowning the whole time.”   “Yes, Narcissa,” Severus snapped. It was bad enough getting lectured by Lucius’ wife without hearing the child echo such sentiments.   Minnie didn’t seem in the least perturbed by his manner. “Seriously,” said Minnie, “cause if you act like a dick you’ve gotta at least look pretty or no one’s gonna like you ’cept the clever people or other dicks.”   “Thank you for that insight Miss Malfoy,” sneered Severus, gently removing the girl’s fingers from his face. “However, what gives you the impression I want to be liked?”   Minnie grinned. “Little kid intuition.”   “‘Little kids’ shouldn’t be using language such as the kind you so elegantly described me with,” said Severus, baring his teeth slightly.   Minnie looked confused for a moment. “Oh, you mean ‘dick’?” she flushed. “I didn’t mean it in a bad way sir.”   Severus arched one eyebrow. “Quite,” he said. “Unfortunately if I hear you using that word again I will be sure to need to scourgify your eloquent mouth.”   Minnie sighed. “So what do I call, um, those?” she whined, gesturing.   “Young ladies in polite society do not mention such things.”   “Who said I was polite?” argued Minnie.   Severus gave the girl a warning look. “This conversation is over, Miss Malfoy.”   “If I’m old enough to sleep with someone I should be able to mention a guy’s… parts,” Minnie protested.   Severus looked momentarily disturbed. “Forgive me, but I find it difficult to remember such facts when speaking to a seven year old curled up in my lap,” he drawled, “yet regardless you have no licence to discuss such things.”   Minnie looked frustrated. “Then how do you discuss it?” she demanded.   “It is not something I commonly discuss in the presence of women,” Severus replied.   Minnie looked stunned. “I thought you swung for girls too,” she said.   Severus greyed, looking down to meet the girl’s face. “I do,” he said stiffly, “I meant that it was something men discuss in private with their associates when in high spirits and certain company.”   “Sorry for accusing you of being bi,” Minnie mumbled, embarrassed by his embarrassment. “I kind of just assumed.”   Severus regarded her stiffly, reminding himself that she was more than double the age she looked. “You were not wrong to assume,” he said crisply.   The girl tilted her head. “Have I pissed you off?”   “Only with your language,” Severus replied.   Minnie’s face reddened. “Sorry,” she mumbled, feeling vaguely mortified, “it’s just habit.”   “See that you break this particular habit,” Severus scolded. “It is very unbecoming for a young lady of your parentage.”   Minnie shyly gave a rueful grin. She was momentarily quiet before, “Hey sir?”   Severus met her chocolate eyes reluctantly. “Spit it out Miss Malfoy.”   “Take me walkies?” Minnie pleaded with a winning smile.   Severus grimaced at her, but stood and transfigured a stray item from his pocket into a collar and leash.   Within seconds Minnie was attempting to find her way out of clothes that weren’t as large as usual. Severus chuckled and knelt beside her, muttering a charm he tended to use in very different situations, which stripped the puppy of her clothing immediately.   Minnie stored the spell away for later use.   Severus scolded her still and fixed the collar around her throat before attaching the leash.   Minnie jumped up at him and wagged her tail delightedly. Severus immediately pushed her firmly into a sitting positing. He scowled into her eyes and lectured, “Don’t you dare jump up on me, you brainless canine.”   Minnie barked cheerfully.   Those students who witnessed their potions master playing with a hyperactive puppy in the shade of a tree that overshadowed the lake were uncertain if the bizarre scene now burned onto their retinas was more disturbing than catching sight of the severe man striding by balancing protectively on his hip a small seven year old child with an expression of affection and peace on her features.   ***   It had been, Minnie came to consider, surprisingly easy for Harry to show her the various passages out of the castle. It had also given her an alarmingly warm feeling that the boy had been pleasantly surprised to discover her friendliness with the gamekeeper. Really, this ‘being friendly’ thing was going too far.   As it was, Minnie now found herself with the problem of what to do about disappearing for a whole night when realistically she knew it was expected that she spend the night in Moody’s arms. Additionally, her excuse had to be something that would not prevent her from sleeping with the man in future.   Bugger.   And that was when Minnie had the enlightened idea of claiming she was spending the night with Draco.   Which meant she had to get Draco and inform him of this intention before finding Moody.   Draco was seated in his throne with Pansy swallowing his face when Minnie entered the common room. To Pansy’s distaste, upon noticing Minnie Draco batted Pansy away from his mouth and gazed around his girlfriend to meet his sister’s eyes.   “You looking for something, Princess?” he asked.   “You, unfortunately,” Minnie returned, ignoring the ‘Slytherin Princess’ jibe as she wanted to enlist the boy’s help.   Draco gave her his full attention. “Is there a problem?” he drawled, noticing Minnie’s aggressive stance.   “You owe me a favour,” said Minnie.   “I do not,” said Draco. “What do you want?”   “If Panse will let me borrow you for a minute I can tell you.”   Draco glanced dismissively at the girl on his lap and slid out from underneath her elegantly. “Of course.”   “Don’t worry, I’ll bring him back,” Minnie promised with a light smile. Pansy inclined her head with a neutral expression.   When suitably far away from anyone’s earshot Draco stood and met Minnie’s eyes again. They were a dark colour alien to the rest of his family and as he scrutinised them, Minnie spoke.   “Can I ask Mad Eye if I can stay the night with you, like a sleepover?”   Draco met her gaze with incomprehension. “You may,” he said carefully. What in Merlin’s name was she planning?   “Will anyone notice if I’m not there?” Minnie asked.   Draco was thoughtful. “My bed could be transfigured into two and if we kept the curtains closed there shouldn’t be a problem.”   Minnie smiled widely. “Great. So I’ll ask Mad Eye tonight then.”   “Wait,” said Draco. “You can at least explain what’s going on.”   “I’m going to test the castle wards tonight,” said Minnie.   Draco’s eyes moved discreetly to his half-sister’s left arm questioningly.   “I’ve a more carnal reason than that,” she said dryly.   Draco nodded, trying not to picture his sister in any vulnerable positions. “Don’t let Uncle Sev catch you,” said Draco seriously.   Minnie’s eyes took on an odd sparkle at that. She said nothing, but smiled as she turned to return to Pansy.   “Pureblood,” began Draco.   Minnie turned in concern. “What?”   “This has nothing to do with Potty, does it?” There was a strange hint of something in Draco’s voice that Minnie could not quite place.   Minnie shook her head. “I used him to show me the ways out of the castle.”   “If that dirty half-blood breathed on you…” the blonde boy left his threat unfinished.   “Don’t be vulgar,” Minnie replied disparagingly, “he’s Dumbledore’s boy through and through, remember?”   Draco gave a half-smile. “I mean it. You can do better.”   Minnie smirked and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, brother. I am aware of that. I appreciate that you believe I would stoop so low as a Gryffindor.”   A small amount of pink grew along Draco’s cheeks. “I apologise,” he said gruffly.   Minnie nodded her acceptance and walked back to the chairs that encircled the fireplace.   *   It was almost laughable, in a slightly nerve wracking way, how easily Minnie managed to find herself outside the castle wards, seemingly without setting them off although she couldn’t be certain, and apparating to a suitably dark and unfrequented alleyway where she sufficiently transformed her appearance. Her fashionable shorts, peacock green blouse and silver sandals, which again criss-crossed their way up her legs, should appeal to her target’s tastes. Hopefully.   Assuming, of course, that he was there. Minnie briefly fingered the slender chain of her silver necklace and crossed the road to queue for the club. If Severus wasn’t here, Minnie reminded herself, she would just have to enjoy tonight’s freedom.   *   The Severus in question was currently standing shirtless before his dressing mirror and scowling at his Mark, his arm, his body, his scars, his appearance in general, and the skinny man in the mirror who sneered back and bared his teeth.   Dumbledore had said to go out. This effectively quashed any considerations Severus held on not going out. It was going to leave him feeling ridiculous, Severus thought darkly, when North was absent from the club –or worse, was no longer interested in him.   Severus cast a strong glamour over his blemished left arm, snarled at his reflection, and pulled on an emerald dress shirt. Still giving the mirror violent looks, he moved to the dresser and opened the drawer which housed the pair of silver serpentine cufflinks which slithered up his wrists and twined themselves into position, hissing softly.   *   Making a valiant effort not to feel crushed by the distinct lack of a Severus- shaped silhouette at the bar, Minnie ordered a Larkhall Lady, and in rapid succession, two dirty waiters, and for the hell of it, a blowjob shot, before storming onto the dancefloor and convulsing provocatively against whoever yanked her wrist. When Severus scaled the stairs to the floor he habitually visited, he saw North dancing almost pornographically against one of the girls she’d danced alongside before, with a half empty ’Lady in one hand and a red liquid in the other. She turned around with a feigned look of …something, and saw him.   Severus found himself gratified at the way the woman’s face softened when she did. Then one of the females gyrating nearby said something, and North turned to her, her face turning back to one of determination to party hard. North said something in reply, then turned back to Severus with eyes that danced. She downed the red drink and grinned merrily at him.   “Come dance with me!” she yelled over the music and noise.   Severus obediently crossed the floor towards her. The empty glass that had contained the red liquid was spirited back to the bar by some other woman and North reached her hand through the thin crowd to pull Severus to her.   “I didn’t think I was going to see you tonight,” she said.   “Are you disappointed?” Severus replied.   Minnie shook her head to reassure him. “Never,” she grinned.   Severus was forced into close proximity to North as a seemingly popular muggle song he didn’t know caused people to surge to the dancefloor. His hand settled around North’s waist and it remained there. He fought down the pleased feeling this gave him, whilst also trying to shut up the voice in his head telling him to drop her at once and leave.   “It’s crowded,” Severus said. “Do you want to go to the bar?”   The woman smiled at him. “Poor Sev, you haven’t had a drink yet, have you?” and she led him to the bar. He was intrigued to observe how everyone surrounded her seemed to glance at her drink, and then her face, before always moving aside to allow them both through.   “What’s in that?” Severus rumbled.   North glanced at the drink, and then Severus. “You mean the looks I get?”   “The looks your drink gets, not the looks your outfit gets,” Severus teased.   Minnie curled her lip sardonically. “Some of the mudbloods aren’t fully used to seeing things like it, but mainly the looks are because only certain people order it.”   “‘Mudblood’ isn’t a word this place hears overmuch,” Severus commented.   “Sorry,” said North, “it’s only habit.”   Severus met her eyes calculatingly. “So which is it? Half or pure?”   The woman laughed. “Pureblooded I’m afraid. Yourself?”   “One should never be ashamed of pure blood,” Severus said carefully. “I’m only half myself.”   North tilted her head. “You act like a proper wizard,” she said.   Severus’ lips twitched. “I shall take that as a compliment. Thank you.”   “Don’t make fun of me,” said North, although she was smiling.   “I apologise,” murmured Severus smoothly.   The woman moved into his space a little more. It had nothing to do with the crowd.   “What people order your drink then?” Severus asked.   North regarded him at the change in conversation. “Just a group of people I belong to. To do with work mainly, it allows us to recognise each other.”   Severus smirked, unconsciously shifting his arm. “So you know who not to irritate?”   North smirked over the lip of her glass. “Exactly.”   To Severus’ apprehension, some associates of his own were at the bar. He had not noticed earlier. They would not willingly admit frequenting this bar to their lord, but they had just witnessed him with his arm around some pretty young woman. Which was not helpful.   “Who’s this, Severus?” one of the men asked, leering a little.   North’s arm went down to circle Severus’ waist firmly. Taking strength from this gesture, Severus said, “This is my woman, North.”   The men eyed her. “You’re a bit pretty for him, aren’t you?” one said bluntly.   North let her lip curl as she dragged her gaze up and down the man’s body. “Too bad your boyfriend,” she let her gaze linger on the man standing closest to him, “cannot have the same said about you.”   The man stepped forwards angrily, provoked mostly by her poisonous tone. “You filthy little muggle!”   Minnie raised her hand slowly to reveal a white band evident on her pinkie finger, where young ladies with prestigious bloodlines often wore gold bands depicting their father’s crest. Just the gesture was a mark of high breeding, and warned the man he had made a grave error in his words.   “Forgive me,” he said stiffly.   The woman smiled softly at him with one eyebrow raised. This was a highbred signal that all was forgiven, but not forgotten, and the man had better watch his step. Severus was finding all of this rather unnerving, yet also felt a small wave of awe and pride at North’s ability to cow the death eater.   “I am afraid it is Severus’ sin for counting so many crude characters amongst his friends,” the woman said with a predatory smile, extending her hand to her insulter. “North’s not a wizarding name,” the man protested in way of an apology as he bent his head to greet her courteously.   “Do you think I’d use my real name in this… place?”   That made sense, and the man grinned gratefully at his pardon. The death eater to his left accused of being his lover pulled him to the back of the group lest he cause another scene.   “Forgive Silíace, my lady,” the taller man murmured regretfully, “he is not regularly in company.”   North inclined her head graciously, “I would see that you keep him on a shorter leash in future Mister Fiyer.”   No one missed the way Severus’ eyes flicked to his lover, indicating his ignorance as to how she knew the man’s surname. Fiyer also looked disturbed, but continued to be polite as he inquired, “You know me, Miss?”   “Not for many years,” the woman replied furtively, “but my brother was fond of you during your schooldays.”   Fiyer sensed the name of her brother was not to be forthcoming and nodded respectfully. “Allow him my regards.”   “Of course,” said the woman, Severus catching something odd flicker in her gaze.   Severus did not really want his drink now. “I think it is time we said our goodbyes,” he suggested slowly.   North glanced at him, and he was heartened at her regard. “That would be nice, beautiful,” she said, moving to press her lips to his cheekbone. Her breath smelt, bizarrely, of cough syrup, until Severus’ mind made the link between the glass of red alcohol and Jägermeister.   Severus put out of his mind the description North had used of him. The small congregation of death eaters were wisely not making any immediate comment on it, and Severus took this as the cue to leave. Especially since he had just noticed their his-‘n’-hers’ outfits. North finished her ’Lady and placed it down on the bar before allowing Severus to steer her towards the floos.   The collective of death eaters began to discuss this most recent scandalous event, voices becoming less reserved with their growing inebriation.   ***   “You never mentioned your birthright,” Severus accused quietly.   “Do you really want an argument Severus?” North retorted. She did not desire this conversation. “I was under the impression you still found it unpleasant to sit.”   Severus willed himself not to colour at the illusion to …past events. He did not want to discuss that in any place that wasn’t private.   “Now do you think we could have this conversation somewhere less public,” Minnie said pointedly.   Severus glanced at her, unnerved by her unusually hard tone, and was relieved to find her eyes meeting his own softly. The woman smiled reassuringly. “I wasn’t scolding,” she said.   “Good,” Severus returned as gruffly as he dared, and stepped into the flames.   “You would really benefit from being less frigidly reserved,” North grumbled back, stepping out of the fire after him into the lobby.   Recognising her, the man at the desk sailed the room key towards her. She smiled graciously as she took it from the air beside her and led Severus up the stairs. “Did I anger you?” Severus enquired softly as Minnie unlocked the door.   The woman turned her back to the door to look at him directly. “I was just calling you stiff... tense,” she said, bringing her hand up to cup the man’s jaw, “and I didn’t mean a thing by it, beautiful.”   Severus covered her hand with his own and stared at her with wavering eyes.   “Ridiculously insecure boy,” the woman scolded, pulling Severus close. “Did you really think it was possible to make me angry with you over a silly comment?”   Her question was answered by his worried expression. Minnie sighed. “Get inside,” she said, “obviously you need shown how much I hold you in esteem.”   Severus smiled uncertainly at that and obeyed when North gestured that he enter the room.   “Slide down your trousers and boxers and lie back on the bed,” North said.   Severus quickly removed his boots before complying with the woman’s instructions.   Minnie charmed her sandals to remove themselves and upon closing the door bounced over to the bed.   “Are you going to pay attention?” she demanded, her tone entirely at odds with her expression as she grinned and moved to hold herself over Severus.   The woman paused the descent of her head to glare –mouth still grinning hugely- at Severus. “Yes miss,” he blurted.   “North would have been adequate,” North commented dryly, before ducking her head to engulf him in the heat of her mouth.   Severus gave a short moan and raised his hips towards her. It amused Minnie that this man, a spy no less, was reliant in schooling his reactions, yet as soon as he was touched he whimpered and squirmed and bucked and mewled.   Minnie noticed Severus was keeping his hips high the whole time. She finished the man off, savouring the incoherent noise of bliss he made, and sat down beside him. Severus rolled onto his side and looked at her. Minnie bent down first to kiss him soundly, then pulled back and flipped him over. “Are you still sore?”   Severus rolled his eyes and twisted around to watch her. “I thought we had established in the club that I was.”   “There’s next to nothing visible,” North said anxiously.   Severus snickered at her. “You didn’t leave any marks,” he said.   North met his eyes for a moment. “Was it a bludger that hit your neck then?”   Severus’ smile became small and content. “I don’t know, perhaps you could remind me?”   Yes he was going to be entirely silent about the marks she was leaving on his heart.   North moved up alongside him and kissed along his throat. “I thought you wanted to talk.”   “Moodkiller,” admonished Severus. He sat up, carefully, and was surprised to find ‘his woman’ still attached to his neck. “You have to get off of me to talk,” he pointed out.   “No I don’t,” said North, “and I like it here.”   Affection flooded Severus’ voice, “Do as you’re told.”   The woman bit him lightly in rebuke. “Don’t start a fight you’ll lose Severus,” she sing-songed.   Severus smirked and reached around her to hold her closely to him.   “So I’m ‘your woman’, huh?” North began.   “Why do you sound so pleased,” Severus returned, “don’t you realise this means you’re ‘mine’?”   North let go of his neck to kiss his available chest. “I’m happy with that. You’re already mine after all; so I suppose it’s fair.”   That’s right. She had declared him hers’. That meant it wasn’t completely stupid to claim her at the club.   That meant he was being even more stupid by getting further involved.   Severus kissed the top of the woman’s head. “Shall we talk?”   Minnie sighed, sliding up his shirt to slip her fingers underneath, where they rested on warm skin. “About which topic?”   “Tonight,” said Severus.   “What shall we cover first, that I lied about my background, or that I knew Fiyer?”   “You know what Fiyer is?” Severus said.   Minnie met his eyes, her hand remaining on his warm abdomen. “I know what all of those men are,” she said.   “And,” Severus spat the word with difficulty, but ‘North’ moved to kiss his shoulder. “And I’m aware of what’s on your arm also,” she said.   Severus felt cold, and he swallowed.   “That doesn’t make me dumpable, does it?” the woman asked seriously.   “Your brother,” said Severus.   “Was killed,” the woman said. “My…father…is still marked and my younger brother… will likely take the mark with encouragement.”   “And what are your thoughts on it all?”   “My loyalties lie in people like yourself and my brother. Where your loyalties lie I will fit in.”   ‘Your’, Severus understood, was plural. However, he had the distinct feeling there was something deeper stressed in her wording that he did not comprehend. Which brother was she comparing him to?   He met her eyes, and she pulled back indignantly. “Don’t you dare just walk right in!” she snapped.   Severus sat back, heart pounding. No one normally felt it. ‘North’ was an occlumens. This was a trap. Someone doubted his loyalty.   The woman was sitting up, but to his surprise, she merely settled into a different position, staring down at him. “You can look about,” she said stiffly, “but you may not look at everything. I have valid reasons for keeping my identity quiet.”   Severus glanced at her for a beat. He had not anticipated North offering such a thing. He mirrored her position in order to meet her eyes comfortably. Severus was unhappy to discover the position meant his rear hurt slightly, although not all of his weight was on his abused parts.   Oh yes, that was deliberate. He could tell by the way her brows were a millimetre higher than usual.   The main problem was, however, that if the woman’s skills were greater than his, he might not be able to push her out of his thoughts if she cared to invade.   “Ready,” he grumbled. This would be a stressful experience clearly.   “Alright,” the woman said gently, and Severus felt himself being tugged in through her eyes to her thoughts.   ~ A small girl is padding along a hallway in the dark. She opens the door to a bedroom, and there is a teenage boy holding himself and crying quietly. His hair looks black in the lack of light, but it could be any colour. Not enough light hits his face to identify him, and his hair obscures the rest. The little girl sneaks softly up to him and takes his pale hand tightly in her own. The boy pulls his left arm back from being cradled against his skin and the Dark Mark, swollen and wet and looking poisoned, gleams on his skin. The little girl knows it is painful, worse than a snake bite, and blows a kiss millimetres away from the tortured flesh to land there. This evidently still hurts, but the boy seems comforted and pulls the much smaller girl into an embrace, where she cradles his arm tight to herself instead, and the boy continues to cry. ~   Severus is standing shirtless in front of her. He looks starved and sick and his eyes look tired and haunted. He looks awful. Compassion and worry and love comes off of North in waves, and she steps towards him. North notes the familiar way the man almost reaches for his left arm and realises he’s been kept up late by several death eater meetings. North bites down on the anger and urge to pull Severus behind her as though his master was there in the room. When she calms she is still worried about the obvious neglect Severus is guilty of, and the following events are familiar. ~ It’s too dark to see, but Dumbledore’s voice is evident from wherever the girl is lurking near. The man is arguing Severus Snape’s good points, a surprisingly high number of them, to someone unseen whose voice is a great deal less clear. Then it becomes apparent that whoever Dumbledore is with is an order member, as the conversation turns to things the girl has no interest in. ~ Severus is sleeping on the bed. His soft dark hair lies around him like the halo of someone much younger and his nude body is stretched out in a blissfully content pose. The visible expanse of flesh is mouth watering, and North’s hand brushes lovingly along his warm skin. The only thing wrong with this perfect image, in the woman’s opinion, is that the sleeping man’s eyes are closed, his sooty, long lashes resting on his cheeks. She wants him to open his beautiful eyes, and look at her, but she will not wake him. Then a dark expression flits across the man’s face and he squirms, his peaceful expression becoming a frown as a sound of distress falls from his lips. The woman is hugging him immediately and Severus awakens in her arms to a kiss, and promptly forgets his unpleasant dream. ~ North showed him image after image of himself, and various murky images of both order and death eater members, leaving it apparent that the woman holds the leaders of both in disdain.   Severus was shaken by the revelation that this mystery woman genuinely adored him, and found him attractive: his face, body and even scarred skin.   Severus also didn’t want to know who North was just yet. He had the feeling the truth would tear them apart, and right now all he wanted was to touch her and feel her and taste her until the fragile moment was smashed into irreparable shards.   “Severus?” Minnie said quietly.   ***   “Bite me,” Severus whispered needfully.   Minnie looked to him and leaned over, tracing his bruised neck with her tongue. Severus lay down and pulled her with him. He began to kiss her all over frantically.   “Severus…” North began.   The man met her eyes, the faint gleam of pain and even madness evident there. “Just for now,” he breathed, “let me have you for now.”   “You can have me forever,” the woman choked, rushing to touch him, reassure him, feel his skin warm under her hands.   Severus kissed her starvingly, gripping Minnie so tight she felt the warm pain of achieving bruises.   Minnie fumbled with her blouse, and Severus helped her swiftly pull the garment over her head. He then snatched up her hips and ripped her shorts down. Minnie wriggled and reached for Severus’ shirt. The buttons were taking much too long. She spelled them off desperately. Severus allowed her a wary glance at another display of wandless magic. He spelled off her underwear.   Minnie straddled him and bent down to kiss him forcefully, taking hold of his thin wrists in one fist as she did. Her other hand she slid down to navigate, and Severus groaned in need as he felt himself swallowed up by her heat.   “Let me fuck you so you forget who you are,” North growled into Severus’ shoulder.   “Yes…” Severus moaned weakly. He raised his hips.   North crashed down against him. “You’re mine,” North insisted roughly, her pace brutal and possessive.   Severus writhed beneath her, reaching up to kiss her harshly. “Fuck…”   The woman met his eyes and grinned briefly. She slowed her pace teasingly before smashing against him again. He whimpered and shifted, causing her to gasp and clutch him a little less gently. “Want you so much…”   “Want you more,” Severus gasped huskily. He rocked his hips violently, appreciating how her flesh bounced as she rode him.   “Yeah, fuck me…” Minnie praised.   Severus intensified his thrusts. “C’n you handle this..?”   North gave a shuddering laugh. “I can take anything you give me…”   “You want it like this?”   Minnie mewled as she clung on. “Fuck yes, Sev…”   Severus savoured her voice and the way she looked and felt on top of him. Her collarbone was beginning to shine with exertion and he reached up to taste it with a broad swipe of his tongue.   “Severus.”   When he met North’s eyes they were dark with desire.   “Do you want me?” Severus blurted.   Honesty shone in her hazel orbs. “Of course. I want you so much Sev...”   Severus drove himself upwards into her, tearing a raw moan from deep in her throat. “Tell me again,” he said gruffly.   “I want you. I need you. I adore you. I can’t stop thinking about you. You’re amazing- oh yes, fuck, there!” North swallowed and blinked for a few moments then bumped against him in revenge. “I want you so fucking much.”   Severus plunged sharply into her. “I want…you,” he whimpered.   North closed her eyes once more, and moments later, when she opened them, she was smiling down at her lover. “Don’t you forget it,” she growled.   Severus pressed his lips upon her shoulder.   North stared down at his shining torso and bucked her hips in rhythm to Severus’ own.   Before long, Severus felt his balls drawing closer to his body. He was so close. He twisted one wrist and North met his eyes. She let his hand escape and he allowed it to settle on her hip, his fingers curling naturally around her side and his thumb sliding perfectly into the hollow behind the jutting bone.   “Slow down,” Severus said quietly.   North obeyed and met his eyes questioningly from beneath her lashes.   Severus concentrated on hitting her sweet spot whilst his hand disappeared down between the meeting of her thighs.   Minnie’s breathing became promptly irregular and she twitched, squirming, gasping, under his administrations.   The woman’s eyes flew open and she arched back like a spooked horse. The grip holding Severus’ wrist was suddenly tighter, her other digits entwining in the bedsheets as she broke out in a cold sweat. Minnie was unseeing although she simultaneously sensed her awareness of everything becoming sharper and more intense. Her stomach was clenching. All her muscles were tightening. Waves of pleasure cascaded over her and flooded her; her chest; buttocks and inner thighs as her body rocked and spasmed in pleasure.   Moments later, inspired by North’s muscles contracting around him, Severus climaxed inside her with a yell as North slowly came down with a strangled howl.   Minnie was feeling rather melted and dazed, existing as a puddle of utter contentment upon Severus. Severus curled his free arm around her. Minnie laid her head down on the man’s shoulder and Severus kissed her. She kissed the skin nearest her lips. She felt Severus move his arm, and she turned anxiously. He was retrieving the corner of the quilt and pulled it over them both. Minnie placed her head back down and as she felt Severus replace his arm she closed her eyes.   They fell asleep in that way.   ***   When Severus felt daylight kiss his exposed throat and shoulder, he was aware of a weight on his chest. He opened his eyes and found his arm encircling North. He held her to his chest as he wriggled into a seated position. Minnie squirmed and turned to look at him.   “I didn’t mean to wake you,” Severus said softly.   “You didn’t,” North admitted, stretching, “I just didn’t want to move.”   “Then don’t,” said Severus.   Minnie looked at him, and laid her head back down on his shoulder.   “What time is it?” asked Severus.   “Early,” answered Minnie.   “When do you have to leave?”   Minnie could feel Severus’ heart beating against her own chest, the rhythm equal to her own. “Soon,” she said regretfully.   Severus continued to hold her. He was still buried inside her and was reluctant to lose that intimacy.   Minnie brushed Severus’ ear. “We don’t need to talk this morning,” she said gently.   Severus glanced at her defensively. “I suppose you think we could meet again?” he said. He didn’t know what he was supposed to do. They had to end it, didn’t they? Hadn’t she said as much last night? How could they have one last night?   How could he allow this to be their last night?   North sighed, and the noise sounded distraught. “I don’t know when I can,” she muttered, “my…family,” Severus caught the disparaging tone in North’s voice, “have requested my presence. I don’t even know yet if I’ve gotten away with tonight.”   Severus carded his slim fingers through her choppy hair.   “Beautiful?” said North.   Severus met her eyes.   “You really are Severus Tobias Snape, aren’t you?”   “I believe so,” Severus replied ironically.   “What if I owled you?”   Severus met her eyes unflinchingly. “Then you would be in very big trouble if you did not show up when you write me you will.”   Minnie smiled. “I better be.”   Understanding that he was damning himself, Severus bent and delivered a scorching kiss regardless. Let the consequences be damned for now.   Minnie sighed and rested her head on Severus’ shoulder.   Where it belongs, Severus thought. Her hair and her skin smelt so... right.   “You are wonderful, beautiful,” Minnie murmured.   “You seem to have me confused with someone else,” said Severus slickly.   Minnie nudged him with her forehead. “Maybe I like you better when you don’t speak,” she teased.   “Maybe I like you better,” said Severus. He froze, realising what he’d just said.   North looked at him. “I like you too,” she said.   Severus rested his head against her. What was he doing? “Remind me when you have to leave?”   Minnie considered. She could apparate from the bedroom directly to the edge of the school wards, then she had to cross the grounds and make her way to the Slytherin dorms.   Providing she insisted on Severus having breakfast, she should be able to make it inside the castle before he did.   North wriggled in Severus’ lap. “Long enough.”   ***   At the edge of the anti-apparition field Minnie moved to the shadows to change back her appearance and transfigure her clothing into sleepwear. She had crossed the grounds, entered the school, and had just reached the dungeons when she heard a voice that cracked through her like a whip.   “Miss Malfoy!”   Shit. Shit, shit, fuck and balls.   Minnie turned to face a rather displeased looking Severus Snape.   Her mouth felt dry. “Good morning sir.”   “Come here,” he said angrily.   Minnie obeyed, and was rewarded with the potion master’s fingers bruising her shoulder.   “Shouldn’t you be in bed?” Severus snapped.   “Well,” began Minnie.   “And correct me if I’m wrong, but you look far from seven years old.”   “Yes. Well-”   “Let’s avoid your lying to me,” Severus said. “Where should you be?”   “Draco’s dorm,” answered Minnie.   Severus narrowed his eyes at her. “Then you best find your way there this instant. You can expect your punishment after breakfast.”   “Yes sir,” mumbled Minnie.   “That would be now,” spat Severus.   Minnie fled.   Draco was awake when Minnie entered the dorm room. “You’ve been gone almost the whole night,” he hissed.   Minnie was wearing long, soft sleep pants low on her hips which were covered with grass stains and soaked with dew at the bottom. Her tank top was tight and the dungeons were cold.   “You look freezing,” Draco snapped, instantly performing warming charms and pushing her to sit on the bed.   “Draco, will you shut up?” Blaise sat up and noticed Minnie, back at her normal height, wearing form-fitting clothes and who had also obviously been outside the castle. “Where you been, girl?”   “Shagging,” Minnie said bluntly.   Blaise turned and threw a pillow at the next bed. “Greg, get up, you tube.”   Minnie watched in confusion as Goyle sat up, gave Blaise a murderous look, then calmly threw the pillow at Crabbe. “Vince!”   Then Vince sat up, gave his friend a blood-freezing glare, and looked around. “Oh, right.” He got out of bed and crossed the room, pulling bedcurtains aside and punching one bed’s occupant. “Theo!”   Nott yelped and sat up, rubbing his arm. “What the fuck Vince?”   “Something’s happening,” shrugged Vince.   “Thank you,” Draco snapped. He turned to his sister, “If you-”   “Not him,” Minnie sighed.   Blaise looked interested. “Not who?” Theo, who had forgiven his boyfriend, crossed the room and sat down on Blaise’s bed. “Tell me you two aren’t at it again,” Nott snapped.   Draco became livid, “You what?”   “Draco calm down,” Minnie sighed.   Draco stormed over to Blaise. “You fucked my sister?”   Minnie watched her half-brother shove Blaise then she grabbed him by the back of his top as he pulled his fist back.   “Stop that,” she snarled. More blandly she said, “You were busy screwing Pansy at the time.”   “That’s different,” Draco growled.   “How is it?”   “Pansy’s a slut!”   Minnie punched him then sighed, gesturing towards Blaise. “Shagged the poof,” she said of herself, “not exactly Mother Teresa here.”   Blaise grinned and shoved her a little. “He’s the poof,” he corrected, fondly throwing an arm around Theo, “I’m merely a happy bisexual.”   “And a complete fucking slut,” Draco snarled.   “Draco? Baby?” said Minnie, “I kind of have bigger problems right now.”   Draco looked at her. “Like what?”   “You’re not pregnant?” said Blaise.   “No,” said Minnie shortly. “Draco, feel free.”   Draco moved to hit Blaise but was tugged back by Greg.   “What kind of goons are you?” Draco demanded.   “Draco!” Minnie shouted.   “What?”   “Focus please.”   “Alright…What’s wrong?”   “Remember what you said I mustn’t let happen?”   “Well it wasn’t keep Zambini out of your vagina was it?” Draco snapped.   Greg cuffed the boy upside the head.   “What sort of a bodyguard are you?” Draco screamed.   “Don’t talk to your sister like that,” Greg said.   “Draco!” Minnie howled, avoiding further eruptions.   “I’m sorry. What?”   “Snape!”   “What?” A moment later the blood drained from the boy’s face. “I said: don’t get caught!”   “Well I obviously didn’t manage that!”   “Fuck!” Draco said.   Greg hit him again. “Watch your mouth, I said.”   Minnie glanced over. “I don’t mind, Greg.”   Draco sighed, rubbing the back of his head. “What did he say?”   “That he’s going to punish me after breakfast.”   “We have class then,” said Vincent. Not long into the term the study period before lunch had been swapped with the first period of the day.   Minnie paled, remembering the last time the man had punished her in his classroom. “He wouldn’t do it in front of the class, would he?”   “Snape doesn’t punish Slytherins in front of the other houses,” Theo said.   “Yeah, but I’m not really a Slytherin, am I? It’s not like he can take points.”   “He never takes points from us,” Greg said. “Just detentions.”   “Or-” Vincent stopped, “but you’re a girl so he wouldn’t do that.”   “Or what?” said Minnie.   Vincent blushed. “He’s got…”   “Alternative methods,” Draco supplied.   “I think I’ve nearly experienced those,” said Minnie with dread. “Would he ever, you know, in front of…”   “I don’t think so,” Greg said uncertainly.   “Well that’s just grand,” Minnie sighed.   *   Minnie breakfasted with the Slytherins, hoping there was safety in numbers. She toyed with her food, until Draco snapped at her and bullied her into eating, and then she sat at the table for as long as she dared. Ten minutes later she appeared reluctantly at the staff table beside the potions master.   “Sir?” she mumbled.   The man narrowed his eyes at her. “Yes Miss Malfoy?”   “Don’t you want to see me sir?” Minnie said nervously, “You said…to come to you after breakfast.”   “Really, Miss Malfoy, why ever did I bid you to do that?”   Minnie got the distinct impression Snape just wanted her to say it. Wretched man, embarrassing her like this after the sex she’d given him before breakfast.   “For my punishment, sir,” Minnie answered bravely.   “I see,” Severus said, toying with the food on his plate to make it appear he was still eating even although he’d eaten at the Leaky Cauldron. “Perhaps you should remind me what you’re going to be punished for?”   Damn the sexy man. “For being out after curfew and looking normal-sized.”   The potions master took a sip of pumpkin juice. “And?”   “And?” Minnie repeated blankly. What ‘and’? There was no ‘and’.   Severus turned fully and regarded her shrewdly. “You can’t think of anything else you did, Miss Malfoy?”   From Minnie’s vacant expression it was apparent she did not follow his line of thinking. “Um, isn’t what I said enough?”   Snape glared. “Consider your attire,” he prompted.   Minnie looked down. She was wearing a baby blue polo shirt, pale jeans and white trainers. What was wrong with her clothes? Did they have to be green or something?   Was the girl seriously this air-headed? “Last night, Miss Malfoy.”   ‘Last night,’ Minnie mouthed, thinking hard.   The girl had been wearing relatively thin pyjamas that fit snugly around her feminine curves and were not remotely suitable for wearing in a dorm full of boys, where she shouldn’t have been in the first place, if Severus had not been overruled by some insane Headmaster Reasoning, but more importantly, the girl was caught wearing just them outside the dorm, which the temperature did not permit, not to mention she’d obviously been outside, being covered in green stains as she was, and soaked to the bone with dew. If not for the obvious danger posed by being outside, barely clad, during night hours, there was the high likelihood of the silly creature becoming ill from her exposure to the cold and damp.   “Um, the grass stains?” Minnie ventured, wishing there was some way to read the man’s mind without his knowing.   “And what would the grass stains indicate Miss Malfoy?”   “Er, that I’d been outside?”   “You don’t sound certain.”   “That I was outside.”   “Were you now,” said Snape. “And what where you wearing outside? Not those thin pyjamas, surely?”   “Oh,” said Minnie.   Severus stood abruptly, noting that the girl had at least the sense to follow.   To Minnie’s discomfort, she was led into the potions classroom.   “You realise that you could have caught your death of cold?” Severus snapped. “Your meagre attire was sodden; not to mention you should have known the dungeons were much too cold for just your pyjamas, never mind outside! I doubt Lucius would have been pleased to hear the school had allowed his errant daughter to catch pneumonia.”   Minnie looked up to smile shyly, but it was quelled by the man’s angry expression. “I hope you realise why I chose not to punish you right then, aside from wanting you changed into warm, dry clothing and into bed to be remotely fresh for my class?”   Minnie met his eyes in question. “To give me time to think about it?”   “To give myself time to calm down,” Severus snarled. “If I’d punished you last night you can rest assured I would have blistered your tail.”   Minnie felt colour rushing up to her cheeks.   “As it is, you are going to point your nose in that corner until I decide to release you,” the man snapped, gesturing to the corner at the back of the class most visible from his desk. Minnie turned to him to speak, but was instantly silenced by the black look Snape gave her. She fled to the corner.   Severus grimly took his place behind his desk to wait for the classroom to fill. Minnie found that the angry presence behind her, boring holes into the back of her head, was disturbing her somewhat fiercely.   Draco was first to enter the classroom, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle, whilst the others preoccupied Pansy. Should there be anything unsightly happening in the class when he arrived, his bodyguards would prevent the Gryffindors from entering until whatever was happening was finished.   As it was, Draco was met with what, at first glance, appeared to be a classroom occupied only by the professor, yet housed in one corner an only partially contrite young female who was mentally cursing Snape and vowing that he was never, ever, receiving fellatio from her ever, ever again.   “Sit down and be silent, Mister Malfoy,” Severus intoned. “Stop loitering in the doorway, boys.”   Greg and Vincent reluctantly entered and seated themselves, the room gradually becoming filled with students.   “Silence,” Severus demanded. “Your instructions are,” he jabbed his wand, “on the board, and you will all keep your eyes directed to the front. Begin.”   Ronald Weasley was first to be deposited in another corner for disobeying his professor’s instructions. After that, everyone resolutely ignored Minnie, although Blaise, who was sitting rather close to the redhead’s corner, did renew Draco’s favour by pelting newts eyes at the redheaded boy who was warned to stay perfectly still on threat of a dreadfully horrible death.   Severus appeared not to notice.   *   “Did I give you permission to move, Miss Malfoy?”   Minnie pouted. “The period’s over.”   “And yet your punishment has at least another hour.”   Minnie spun around. “But-” “Miss Malfoy I will keep you here until dinnertime if I so choose, I’m sure my other classes can accommodate you. Turn around and be silent.”   If Minnie had been truly afraid of the potions master she would likely have obeyed. However, she dared risk his wrath: he seemed to be in what was, for him, a charitable mood.   “Sir, my muscles are sore.”   Severus did not look up from the potions journal he was skimming. “If it takes away your muscular pain from standing still you may come here and I will address the matter by making another part of you very sore.” He lifted his head. “Turn back to the wall Miss Malfoy.”   Foul man.   ***     Severus did not make Minnie remain in the corner until dinnertime. Six minutes into the interval, when Minnie resigned herself to remaining facing the walls for all eternity, he dismissed her.   The first person Minnie met as a free person was Harry.   “What did you do?” he greeted her.   Minnie shrugged. “I was coming back in last night and he caught me in the dungeons with grass stains on my bottoms.”   “Bad luck,” the boy winced. He was glad to assume she had been her normal size.   Minnie gave a rueful smile. “At least I managed to get out.”   “How was your night?” Harry asked.   “Not bad,” said Minnie. Her eyes danced. “Have you tried Finnegan yet?”   Harry blushed. “You were right, you know. I actually found Dean in his bed early this morning.”   Minnie laughed. “What did you say?”   “I said they should have asked me to join in -then retreated like a coward to the bathroom,” Harry admitted.   “My, that Gryffindor courage sounds great. We’ll get you a boy yet, Scarhead,” Minnie teased affectionately.   Harry grinned and they parted ways, Minnie making her way to Moody’s rooms. She lay down on his bed and breathed in the smell of the man. She’d missed him somehow.   *   “Lucius, is this true?” drawled the Dark Lord, casually ending the curse.   Lucius remained sobbing on the floor. He had been subjected to the cruciatus curse for an entire five minutes.   Voldemort sighed. “Crucio.”   Screams were torn from the man at his feet.   Voldemort lifted the curse seconds later. “Really Lucius,” he scolded. “Focus.”   The blonde had the presence of mind to gasp, “Yes, my Lord.”   “I expect you to bring her to me –crucio- soon.”   *   During fourth period, Minnie could be found quietly reading a rather disgusting potions tome that was grimy to the touch and was written so long ago there were random ‘e’s at the ends of nearly every word. The combination of faint lettering, old spellings, the smell and the dust was giving her a headache.   Severus was not speaking to her, instead ripping his quill viciously through a stack of fourth year essays.   Minnie kept her eyes on the words in front of her as a note flew into the room. Yes, reading the ancient book was hell, but she did not want placed back in the corner, thank you.   Whatever the piece of parchment said it hardly seemed to please Snape. He got up with an annoyed flourish of his robes. “You are to come.”   Surprised, Minnie left the book open and quickly followed. She risked bumping her hand against his. Twice.   The second time, Severus took it and met her eyes briefly.   Whatever was happening must be bad then, Minnie surmised.   “Sugar quills,” Severus hissed at the gargoyle.   Minnie got the distinct impression the stone creature had rolled its eyes at him as it stepped aside. She reached up and stroked the side of the gargoyle’s face as though he were a Great Dane and not a carving. “Never mind him,” she said consolingly, “he’s worried.”   The girl was no less surprised than Severus when the gargoyle smiled at her.   Severus tugged her up the stairs.   Lucius was standing glaring at the headmaster when the pair entered the office. “What held you up?”   “Your daughter was gossiping about me to the gargoyle,” Severus answered.   “The gargoyle?”   Minnie smiled cheerfully. “He grinned at me.”   “‘He’?” Severus repeated dubiously.   “He,” Minnie agreed blithely.   “Isn’t that amazing,” said Dumbledore.   Lucius tapped his staff on the floor to draw attention back to his preferred topic.   Minnie turned to him with an open expression that wasn’t at all felt.   “It seems both of you are coming home with me,” Lucius drawled. He paused. “Where is Draco?”   ‘Not here obviously,’ Minnie thought.   Moments later footfalls could be heard on the stairs and the boy in question appeared. “Hello there Father.”   Lucius nodded. “Good morning Draco.”   “Is something happening?” Draco asked.   “Nothing important,” Lucius said.   *   Minnie was disturbed by the short amount of time it took to arrive at Malfoy Manor. At least she’d managed to change before being bundled into the floo. Arriving in jeans and a pair of muggle trainers- wouldn’t that have been horrifying. Her father had not seemed to notice but she was sure that he had. He doubtlessly could hardly have missed the Fred Perry top.   As it was, she was wearing hot pink, glittery heels and a floaty white dress cinched by a belt the exact same material and design and (fabulous) make as the shoes. Draco reached over to squeeze her arm reassuringly. “You look lovely,” he promised.   Which was important, as Narcissa was shortly about to join them in the drawing room.   When Narcissa did, she eyed Minnie critically before she noticed Severus.   “Lucius?” she questioned.   “The old fool insisted on Severus keeping an eye on your daughter. As if I do not know how to control my own children.”   “Quite,” said Narcissa, crossing the floor to examine the girl more closely. Minnie, who was dwelling on the ‘your daughter’ and allusion to discipline that Lucius had made, did not notice until the woman had firmly-yet-lightly taken Minnie’s face in her hands.   “You have flawless skin,” said Narcissa, “but it is strange to see a Malfoy with eyes as dark as yours’, they’re almost as black as Severus’.”   “Ought I change them?” Minnie asked quietly.   “Oh no dear,” Narcissa protested, “you must keep something of yourself. Smile.”   Minnie obeyed, and was surprised when the woman began pushing aside her lips to expose her teeth. “These won’t need alteration either,” Narcissa said in praise.   “What will?” Minnie asked when she had her mouth back.   Narcissa scrutinised her. “Here,” she said, running a thumb over an ear that was more pointed than a Malfoy ear, “and here also,” she indicated the girl’s knees and calves, and brushed her slim fingers over Minnie’s stomach. “Your bellybutton,” the woman said, “does it show in or out?”   “In,” said Minnie.   “Change it,” said Narcissa. “Malfoys don’t.”   ‘Ridiculous,’ Minnie thought, keeping the irritation from her face and eyes. She had no intention of altering her bellybutton!   “You are remarkably pretty,” Narcissa commented. “Of course, that is to be expected, with a mix of Malfoy and Black blood.”   “Thank you,” Minnie said uncertainly.   Narcissa circled her. “You’re like Nymphadora?”   “Similar,” Minnie said, a small amount of irritation seeping into her voice.   Narcissa regarded her with approval. “You dislike that association?”   “I believe poise is still considered a valuable trait,” Minnie said carefully.   “Indeed,” said Narcissa, leading Minnie to an ornate mirror and leading Draco also, so that Minnie might copy her half-brother’s ears.   For her legs, Minnie used Narcissa’s example.   Shortly a house elf appeared informing them it was time to change for lunch.   “I have provided suitable outfits and placed them in your closet,” Narcissa said to Minnie.   “Thank you,” said Minnie, inclining her head.   Severus looked up. “Where is her room?” he asked.   “The south wing. Why?”   “I need to be close to her at night also.”   Lucius looked close to affronted. “The girl attacked a mudblood, Draco’s in no danger.”   Severus glanced across. “She’s…highly strung. This isn’t entirely about Draco’s safety…”   The man didn’t finish. Minnie somehow felt glad he hadn’t explained it was for her sanity.   “Is there something I need to know, Severus?” Lucius drawled.   “Not if I can help it,” the man replied smoothly.   Lucius showed his teeth but allowed the conversation to end. “Your things are in your usual room regardless. The house elves can move them to a more convenient room for you after luncheon.”   “Thank you, Lucius,” Severus said sedately.   ***   Draco slipped along to Minnie’s room. She had covered her bed with outfits; it wasn’t difficult to pick out something suitable and return the rest to the closet.   “How did you know I’d struggle?” she asked.   Draco looked at her. “Because I know you well enough to know that you are nervous. Hide it better,” he said.   Minnie glanced across, picking up the chosen dress. She didn’t ask why and she didn’t ask how.   Draco left to wait outside. When Minnie was suitably attired he took her arm and led her downstairs to the dining room.   The room itself was large enough to seat much more than one hundred people, but the present table, placed in the middle of the room, only seated twenty. From the scent of magic it exuded, obviously it could be extended out. Draco slid into the tall-backed chair that was beside Severus and adjacent to his father. With only minute hesitation Minnie chose the chair across from Severus, and was relieved when Narcissa seated herself beside Lucius without signalling that Minnie had been mistaken.   The meal itself was ridiculously pretentious. Minnie’s luck held, however, as the woman beside her surveyed her small selection of foodstuffs making the assumption Minnie was watching her figure.   After eating was when Minnie’s luck gave out. Lucius was sitting on the edge of his seat, twirling the expensive wine in his expensive crystal glass, when a flicker of pain showed briefly across his face, and the arm that had held his glass went to the inside of his left arm.   Severus did the same.   “Daughter, come here if you would,” Lucius drawled, a quiver of pain threading through his strained voice.   Minnie felt her muscles tense. Without a word, she stood and obeyed. Severus contained the concern he felt rising up his chest. Lucius stood to take Minnie’s shoulder. He focused on the burning of his arm, then disapperated with a crack. Moments later Severus also obeyed the calling.   The trio had apparated to what appeared to be a room of a large and expensive home. Another manor, perhaps. The walls were covered in broadly striped blue and cream satin-effect wallpaper, that probably had once cost twenty pounds per roll, back when that was more than most people could earn in a year. Now the walls were grimy and old. The lighting was ineffective and gloomy; there many places Minnie would have preferred to be.   Particularly as the Dark Lord was without question somewhere far too nearby.   Both men seemed familiar with the setting. Lucius had let Minnie go and was moving through a doorframe that had no door. Severus turned back and placed his hand soothingly in the hollow of her back before leading her out of the decayed room.   The hallway was in no less disrepair. Lucius ducked past cobwebs that seemed to reach out to snatch at him. Severus followed behind, moving the unpleasant objects out of the way to push Minnie past them. Minnie did not stray from the space between the man’s arm and chest until her father led them into a large and much grander room. Everything here was ostentatious and clean, but lit only by the feeble glow of a solitary, squat candle bobbing bravely in the corner. The light reflected off the walls but did not bounce far enough to light the opposite side of the room.   From this darkened corner an ominous silhouette emerged, and observed Minnie with eyes that remained red, even in the meagre light.   Minnie felt Severus and her father drop to their knees behind her, although Severus pulled Minnie down simultaneously.   “Let her stand,” said Voldemort.   Next installment: Purebloods Make Plans. Wherein Draco features heavily! :) Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!