Set to Burn

Harry was surprised when Dumbledore called a sudden meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. With things heating up on the war front, Order meetings were called infrequently and held in great secrecy; to have an impromptu meeting with whichever members could drop what they were doing and floo to Dumbledore's office was unheard of. Walking into the office, Harry gave the room a quick perusal to see who'd arrived. The Order members who worked at Hogwarts were all there: McGonagall, Hagrid, Snape, and--of course--Dumbledore himself. There were several other members who'd already arrived. Molly Weasley was chatting with McGonagall--Mrs. Weasley would no doubt fill the rest of her clan in on the meeting. Two of the Ministry's Aurors were also present: Moody and Kingsley Shacklebolt. Harry returned Moody's nod of greeting a bit nervously, still feeling chagrinned about being taken in by Moody's impersonator during fourth year. As Harry tried to regain his composure, the hearth flashed brightly, then spat two more Order members into the room. Harry's discomfort fled before a grin of happiness as he rushed forward to greet his godfather, Sirius Black, and his friend Remus Lupin. Both older men gave Harry a quick hug and exchanged a few words of affectionate greeting before Albus called the meeting to order.

"I appreciate everyone taking the time to gather at such short notice. I know some of you wonder whether this meeting is worth the risk involved in convening here at Hogwarts, but I've decided the news is worth the risk; especially as it concerns one of our members." Albus went on to describe Hermione Granger's new gift and the circumstances surrounding it.

"Hmm...an Empath is she? That is a rare power--I confess I don't know much about it," began Alastor Moody, "but I'm not sure why this business concerns the Order and I'm not convinced it warranted this haphazard meeting, Albus. Surely you agree constant vigilance is required now more that ever?"

"Believe me, Alastor, I am well aware of that fact. It's young Harry's seventh year, and from what Severus has been able to learn at the Death Eater meetings, it seems certain Voldemort will take some definitive action before he graduates. Despite these volatile times, there are two reasons I have called you here today, and both have much to do with our war efforts. Firstly, Miss Granger has been given a rare gift, indeed. So rare, in fact, that we know almost nothing about it. I realize it may seem the powers of an Empath could be of little use to us in the war, however, if we do not know the extent of her powers we cannot judge whether they will aid us in our war efforts or not. Now I would be a foolish leader, indeed, if I left unturned any stone which may allow us the slightest advantage against Voldemort. I am asking you all to learn all you can of Empaths, as covertly as possible, and report it back to me."

"You know, Albus, the idea might not be as farfetched as you believe," offered Kingsley. "I was recently reading a history of the goblin rebellions, and during one of the main battles, they mention the help of an Empath. The witch's name was Solsticia, and it was said that what she did turned the tide of that battle, and perhaps of the whole rebellion."

"Did it describe what she did?" Minerva asked with interest.

"Not at all, unfortunately. You know how those old history texts are--dry and boring as one of Professor Binns' lectures, I'm afraid--but it does give us a place to start looking for answers."

"Indeed it does. Perhaps we can start here by asking Professor Binns what he knows of the story. Minerva, will you see to that after we've finished?" After a nod of confirmation from Minerva, he continued, "In the meantime, I meant what I said about leaving no stone unturned. Let us all research the matter as thoroughly as we are able."

Albus waited for a moment as the rest of the Order broke into a quiet clamor, various members discussing ideas and resources to study the problem. Eventually, he regained their attention with a soft clearing of his throat. "While it is important that we get information on this matter in a timely fashion, it is only one reason I've called you here. The second concerns Miss Granger herself. I have already explained to you the precautions we must take to keep Miss Granger comfortable while she waits for the Firewalker, Andrene Christie, to arrive. Due to the possibility of Miss Granger's empathic abilities turning out to be of some help to the Cause, I think it best if we keep her new abilities as secret as possible. I have already let it be known around the school that Miss Granger is missing classes due to illness, and that she will return when she is well. Hermione must not be left alone for any reason; however--in light of the need for secrecy--I think it is imperative that her companions be chosen only from members of the Order."

"Quite sensible, Albus. I'm glad to see you're being circumspect after all," broke in Alastor.

"Miss Granger has made some requests, but with classes and teaching it would help if some members not at Hogwarts could assist, as well. Molly, Remus, I think both of you would be a help to the girl, at least we could give you a try and see how it goes."

"I'd be delighted," Remus said softly with a gentle smile. "I have always found Miss Granger's company quite compelling." Remus did not notice the scowl his comment brought forth from a silent, dark figure seated near the door.

"I'd also be happy to help, though I'm not sure how much time I can spare at the moment," Molly said with an exasperated sigh. "I'll get my schedule to you as soon as possible and you can work me into a shift."

Speaking up for the first time since the meeting began, Harry asked, "Who has Hermione requested to keep her company?"

Albus had hoped to avoid this question during the meeting. It was certain to cause a ruckus. Ah, well...they were bound to find out eventually and at least this way he could put a halt to the tempers this would rouse. "You for one, Harry. Which is hardly surprising. Miss Granger told me what a comfort you were to her at dinner the other night. Of course, no one will be forced into this duty. It is crucial that Hermione be kept calm and that would hardly be the case if she is locked into a room with someone who does not wish to be there."

Though Albus said these words to Harry, Severus was startled to see Albus glance up to meet his eyes. What in Lucifer's name was the old man up to now?

"No problem there, Headmaster. I'll be glad to help," Harry said with a grin.

"Miss Granger has also asked your help, Minerva," Albus continued.

"As much as I'd like to help the girl, Albus, I'm not sure she's correct in choosing me. There is a vast difference in seeming calm and being calm. I'll give it a go, if she insists, but don't be surprised if she requests me to be removed from the roster," Minerva said with a sheepish expression while Albus gave a soft chuckle. "Is that all of us then?"

"No, my dear, not at all. There is one other whom Hermione specifically requested. It seems she found his presence particularly comforting. That is, Severus, if you are willing?"

Severus stared at his employer with slightly widened eyes for a moment, completely confounded. Miss Granger requested his company? Was she barking mad after all? No student voluntarily sought his company--not even his Slytherins. Impossible! Between trying to research potions to aid the war effort, his teaching duties, and never knowing when he was going to be called to the Dark Lord's side, he simply could not waste time molly-coddling a student--no matter his thoughts on the student in question. All this raced through his mind instantly, and as he was nigh to telling Albus that he was in no way prepared to waste his time with such nonsense, all hell broke loose.

"What the hell are you on about, Albus? Do you mean to tell me that you intend to leave that defenseless girl alone in the hands of this heartless bastard?" Sirius roared. "Don't you think that'd be a case of the cure being far worse than the disease?"

Severus' darkening eyes snapped to Black. With the utmost disdain, he replied, "Perhaps, Black, you are simply jealous that Miss Granger has not specifically requested the...attentions...of an uncouth, mangy cur."

Sirius almost got to his wand before Remus stopped him with a hand on the arm. While Sirius was distracted, the uproar was continued by other voices.

"Perhaps Black is right," Alastor began in a stern voice, "I am well aware of the work Snape has done for the Order, but it has always been my contention that we can only trust him so far. Once a Death Eater, always a Death Eater, after all."

Snape glared at Moody but didn't bother to argue. He wasn't about to waste his breath on the likes of that stubborn travesty of an Auror. Severus was quite convinced that he could spend the rest of his days like that blasted Muggle saint Mother Theresa, then give his life to save a train-full of infants from fiery death, and the cynical Auror would stand at his funeral and proclaim "Once a Death Eater, always a Death Eater."

"Are you quite sure you've thought this idea through, Albus?" inquired Kingsley.

"It does seem rather inappropriate," Remus offered gently.

"Inappropriate? Why there's no telling what the letch will do to the girl with no one to stop him!" snarled Sirius.

"Now Mr. Black, sir," broke in Hagrid, "I'm sure yer wrong 'bout that. Professor Snape would never harm the wee lass. Though I must admit, I'm not at all sure how comfertin' he'd be to 'ermione."

Even Hagrid? It was true that at least the half-giant hadn't accused him of some nefarious plans against Miss Granger, but it still rather inexplicably bothered Severus that even the gentle Hagrid had doubts as to his usefulness. Damn and blast! He really didn't have the time for this foolishness. In spite of this, he found himself suddenly considering acceptance of the task. For one, it would obviously annoy Black no end--that in itself was enough to make it worthwhile. Also, he would take a wicked sort of glee out of proving all these boisterous maligners wrong. Besides, if he accepted the task, it would give him an excellent opportunity to keep an eye on the werewolf who seemed to find Hermione's company so 'compelling.' One thing puzzled him: why was Potter so silent in this? When Albus announced Severus' name, Potter had looked at him in shock for a moment, then simply shrugged his shoulders and kept out of the ensuing argument. Severus would've expected the annoying young Gryffindor to make the most fuss. Scowling at Harry, where he sat calmly watching the verbal fireworks, Severus addressed him, "Do you not have some equally disparaging remark to make, Potter?"

"No, sir," Harry replied calmly, "I trust Hermione to know best what's good for her." That was not the only reason Harry remained silent, but it was all he was going to tell the dour Professor. Harry would never like Snape, that was a given. Their battle of wills had gone on too many years for a sudden peace to come between them. Still, Harry was astute enough to have realized, since joining the Order, that Snape was not quite the abrasive character he portrayed to the world--and Harry was well aware of why the spy chose to act as he did. Couple that knowledge with the rather dashing manner in which Professor Snape had dealt with a collapsed and screaming Hermione, and Harry found all sorts of questions about the evasive man racing around his mind. Not the least of which being, exactly when did he ever find the great git rather attractive? Bloody hell! Malfoy was going to have a field day with that one if he ever found out.

"You trust a sweet little girl like Hermione to know what's best when dealing with a complete and utter chuffer like Snape? He'll have her in tears, at the least. And there's no telling what else he'll do to her if he has half a chance!" roared Sirius.

"That is enough!" bellowed Albus. "I will not tolerate one more ill word spoken about Severus Snape within my hearing. I would think by now you would all know that I trust the man with the business of the Order, as well as with my very life. I cannot keep you from squabbling, but I can damn well keep you from publicly disparaging a good man in my presence. Have I made myself absolutely clear?" The stern look he threw them, especially Black and Moody, left them in no doubt that further arguing might find them on the wrong side of Albus' wand. An uneasy silence overtook the room.

Severus was staring at Albus with frank incredulity. What had gotten in to the man? Oh, he knew how Albus felt about him well enough, they'd been friends for years. Ever since Albus had taken Severus under his wing after his brief and horrifying time as an actual Death Eater, Severus had looked up to the man with an amazing sense of respect and admiration. Albus was the alpha-wizard of his century; with power both terrifying and revered. He was kind as a Hufflepuff and as sneaky as a Slytherin. It had always been understood between them that (until Severus' spying days were over) Albus and he would keep their friendship quiet, lest Voldemort find out just exactly where Severus' loyalties lay. Albus had certainly defended him to the Order when absolutely necessary, but for the most part he expected Severus to deal with these situations on his own--and Severus understood all too well the need for that discretion. Yet he found himself unexpectedly touched to have Albus' trust in him so loudly and vehemently proclaimed. Bugger all! This was the deciding reason why he would endure--perhaps the next two weeks--spending time alone with a young woman he'd rather avoid at present. He would do it simply because his friend asked him to.

"Well, my boy," Albus continued, "What shall I tell Miss Granger? I fear she will be sorely disappointed if you refuse, but the decision is yours."

"Albus, you may inform Miss Granger that I would be honored to be of...assistance." Though Severus made the statement in all seriousness, he could not resist throwing a wicked smirk towards Sirius Black. Black again made as if to go for his wand and was again restrained by Remus. Severus' smirk widened, his eyes flashing with amusement. Turning back to Albus, Severus found there was one thing that puzzled him. "Albus, I am aware that you have warded one of the infirmary's old storage rooms for Miss Granger, but if all those meant to assist her are here, exactly who is keeping Miss Granger company at present?"

"Why, I left her with Poppy for the time being..." Albus began until he was interrupted by a startled Potions master.

"Bloody hell! Have you gone barking mad, old man? Poppy is barely bearable under the best of circumstances; she'll have Miss Granger climbing the walls!" Without waiting to be dismissed, Severus turned with a swirl of robes and stalked briskly from Dumbledore's office to head in the direction of the infirmary.

Behind him, in an office of people gone suddenly quiet at the Potions Professor's unexpected concern, Albus began to chuckle.