Enemies Make You Stronger, Allies Make You Weaker.

Disclaimer: Everything in the Harry Potter universe belongs to JKR.

A/N: Many thanks to my beta, the one and only, Southern_Witch_69, who is always there for me.

This is a response to Ladyofthemasque's YLC Challenge. See rules at the end of the prologue.

Chapter One

Enemies Make You Stronger, Allies Make You Weaker.

Severus Snape was impatiently waiting. He didn't like to be kept waiting, and it was ruining what was left of his slightly good mood. He was waiting for Draco Malfoy and Gregory Goyle. They were going to the Leaky Cauldron for dinner. He should have just met them there. At least he could have been having a drink while waiting.

As he glanced in the mirror, Severus thought he looked much the same as he always had, except he had gained some much-needed weight. His hair was a tad longer, but it was still just as black as ever. His face had also filled out more, and the gaunt look had disappeared. He was healthy now, which made him a happier person, although he never showed it. His temperament had never changed.

He honestly enjoyed meeting with his two former Slytherin students every so often for dinner since they'd completed their studies. Has it been five years already? The pair were the only two graduates from his House that he kept in such close contact with. He remembered how pleased he was when Draco had decided at the end of his sixth year, with the help of Narcissa, to side with the Order. Crabbe and Goyle, who followed whatever Draco did, went against their parents and sided with the Order as well.

As he waited, Severus thought back. He remembered how hard it had been when Draco and his two guards had gone against their families. He leaned his head back against the chair as he thought over the events. Crabbe and Goyle had not been as much help as Draco had been, but there had been times when those two had given him some valuable information. It was a pity that Crabbe had been killed in the final battle. Theodore Nott, who was trying to get to Potter, had just cast the Killing Curse when Crabbe flung himself in front of Potter. Severus smirked. Ironically, everyone thought Weasley, the long-suffering sidekick, would get that honor. Severus still mourned the boy, but he never confided to anyone that he did so.

Slughorn had fled again during the war, and afterwards, he'd informed Minerva, the current headmistress, that he had no desire to go back to teaching. Minerva had practically begged Severus to go back to teaching Potions, which he grudgingly did, but he did so only after being granted the Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts position. Thus, Severus had ended up in his dungeons once again. The insufferable Nymphadora Tonks was the current Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.

Severus sighed as he thought of Draco. He would be trying out for the Seeker position of a new Quidditch team on the next Monday. That was the only thing the boy cared to do, and Severus desperately hoped he would make it. He needed some direction. It still surprised the Potions professor that Gregory had ended up becoming a guard at Azkaban. With the dementors gone after the war, they'd needed bulky wizards to guard the prison. Goyle Sr. was currently rotting away there and cursing his son everyday that he worked for being a traitor to his cause. As he waited, his mind started drifting again.

Severus shuddered as he thought of Lucius Malfoy. He had suffered a much worse fate.

Narcissa had killed Lucius when he drew his wand on Draco to hex him during the battle. It was unclear if he meant to kill his heir or merely Stupefy him, but when Narcissa saw her son about to be hexed, and by his father no less, she'd immediately taken action and killed her husband to protect her son.

When Potter killed the Dark Lord, Severus immediately knew it. His Dark Mark had burned horribly, glowed an eerie green color, and then faded. You could still see the outline of it, but it was only a whitish color.

The sorting out of all the Death Eaters and all the trials had been pure hell. The Ministry advisors...especially Fudge...had wanted to convict Severus, but the new Minister, Scrimgeour, had taken the testimony of the Order into account and questioned each and every one of them under Vertiserum. It was a long, drawn out process, but in the end, Severus was cleared of all charges. Even being cleared, Severus was still not completely trusted by many.

He was surprised that he was allowed to teach, much less be Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts, but with assurances from Scrimgeour that he was being monitored, the parents seemed to be calm about it. He was a war hero after all.

He still had nightmares, as he expected everyone did, but what haunted him the most was Albus Dumbledore. He'd give anything...hell, he'd even eat a sherbet lemon...to see those bright, blue eyes twinkling at him once more. Though he had access to his portrait, it was just not the same, so he avoided talking to it as much as possible.

Realizing these thoughts were starting to depress him, he quickly stopped himself and started thinking about his project and how he was going to have to go to the Ministry of Magic on Monday. Damn them and their stupid red tape. Bureaucratic dragon dung was what he called it, but he had to go through it to get the ingredient he needed. He just hoped he wouldn't have to wait too long. He wanted to finish this. He needed to do this for Narcissa.

Suddenly, he heard a knock on his door. Hurriedly walking to it so they could leave right away, he opened it and stepped out. "Draco, Gregory." He nodded in greeting. "Are you ready to go?"

Draco didn't look much like the supercilious prat he was in school, although he was still arrogant. He had let his hair grow slightly...not as long as his father's...and he'd stopped putting gel in it. He had filled out now and was no longer a gangly teen. Draco had grown in height as well; he was an inch taller than Severus, who stood tall at just one inch over six feet. His daily workouts to prepare himself for a Quidditch career had toned his body. Yes, his former Slytherin prince never had any trouble with the ladies...just as his father had never had trouble with them.

Severus was happy to note that Greg had changed, too. He was also tall, but he had turned his fat into muscle when he had gotten his job at Azkaban. He had been surprised at how strong some of those prisoners could be. He kept his black, wavy hair styled short and neat. Severus supposed he was not too bad on the ladies' eyes either, as he did okay. Much like myself when I used to go out prowling with Lucius, he mused.

"Professor, how are you?" Draco asked. "The same snarky git you were last month, I see, eh?"

Greg chuckled at his best friend's comment and then said, "Yes, sir. We are ready to go."

Their former Head of House told them, "I have told you two repeatedly that you may call me Severus. You are no longer my students, and we have been having dinner together off and on for the past five years now. I think it is past time, don't you?"

Greg grinned and replied, "Yes, Severus." It sounded much like a husband, who would say, "Yes, dear," to a wife.

Severus rolled his eyes and said, "Shall we?" And they were off to the Leaky Cauldron.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

As Severus, Draco, and Greg sat down, Draco pulled three official forms from his robes. "Pro...er...Severus, mother has decided we are to fill out these forms, and I am to take them back to her to owl herself. She said you were going to try and refuse, and if you did, I am supposed to tell you that she would not be above filling the form out herself for you."

Severus raised an eyebrow and took the paper. The top of the form read:

Yenta Livery Company

Your Best Match For Your Best Money, Guaranteed!

Severus rolled his eyes and smirked. It was an old company. It had been around since 416 B.C. However, it had not been used in many years except by a select few because of the purebloods wanting to assure the purity of blood. However, the Ministry of Magic decided recently that the company was needed. During the war, when couples were not sure if they were going to make it or not, they hastily married. After the war, it seemed most of these hasty marriages had ended in divorce. Until then, divorce had practically been unheard of in the Wizarding world.

This company also helped to prevent Squibs through Ministry approved Geneamorological testing. This testing also consisted of matchmaking, psychology, romance, and genealogy. It also allowed a witch or wizard to marry a Muggle, although the Muggle must take the test to see if they are compatible with a particular wizard or witch. If a witch or wizard decided to marry without consulting this firm, they were cast out of the Wizarding world.

Draco continued to speak as Severus read the form. "Mother said it was time that we three settled down, and she wants us to be happy." At the dark man's glare, Draco quickly added, "I know it's a process to find a wife, but you don't have to get married, sir. It is only good for three months. Would you just please fill it out to make mum happy? I don't want her to have anything more to worry about than she already does. You know you will never hear the end if you don't. Besides, we could all find our soul mates," Draco said, smirking. He didn't believe for one second that he would be very compatible with anyone, especially at this stage in his life.

Sighing, Severus asked Tom, the barkeep, for three quills and some ink for the three of them. He knew very well how determined Narcissa Malfoy could be and figured he would save himself some grief and just fill the damned parchment out. He read the first question aloud. "Which would you prefer? (A.) Pureblood (B.) Half-blood (C.) Muggle-born (D.) Any of the above."

Draco and Greg both said aloud, "Pureblood!" Severus smirked. They may have fought for the Order, but they were still prejudiced it seemed. They always seemed to forget that Severus himself was not a pureblood, but he was a half-blood. He silently checked D.

"Second question," he began, "how important is having children to you? (A.) Very (B.) Somewhat (C.) Not at all." At this, all three checked A. It was important to carry on your family name after all. Severus went on to the third.

"Please list any of your hobbies and some things you enjoy doing." Severus pinched his nose, absolutely hating the questions. However, he hated to see what Narcissa would write for him. He quickly wrote reading, working with potions, visiting museums, and going to the opera. He thought that would be enough.

After the boys finished filling out that question, he read the final one. "What Region would you like us to search, inside Great Brittan only or the entire world?" Severus wrote Great Brittan only. The less he had to meet, the better. After the questions were answered there was a place at the bottom to fill out name, blood origin, occupation, and location.

When he had completed the form, he sealed it and handed it to Draco to give to Narcissa. It was going to be a long three months.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Not even realizing that her dreaded ex-Potions professor, Malfoy, and Goyle were there, Hermione, along with Ginny and Luna, where well into their cups when Fred and George pulled out the forms. The pranksters knew the witches would have to be pissed to fill them out. It had cost them 150 Galleons apiece, but after discussing it with their wives, it was decided that drastic action was needed. Ginny and Hermione were just not getting out and meeting anyone on their own, and Luna still mourned Neville like he'd died the day before. They all felt that after five years, it was time for the trio to find the loves of their lives.

"Okay, my loves, we need you to fill out these forms," Fred said, handing each witch a form.

"Yes, we need to send them off quickly," George agreed, handing them each a quill and setting a pot of ink in the center of the table.

They read the top of the form.

Yenta Livery Company

Your Best Match For Your Best Money, Guaranteed!

"Whass 'is?" Ginny slurred. "That marriage form? Nuh uh! No' me, no way!" Then, she started giggling hysterically.

The twins had anticipated this.

"We thought you might say that," George started, "so we decided if you don't fill them out..."

"We will fill them out for you," Fred continued. "However we choose!"

"Gred, Feorge!" Hermione started, but then she thought, No, that's not right. Dang Ginny! She's got me mixed up! "I mean, Feorge, Gred, umm... TWINS! Why? What good would it do?"

"All kidding aside, Hermione," said George. "We love you chits, and we think it's well past time you three found someone. This will help."

"Yes," Fred agreed, "and it's only good for three months before it has to be filled out again. And who knows, you may meet someone interesting."

"Right," George went on, "and we're not saying you have to get married, but who knows?"

"But that's what it's for!" Hermione chided, starting to sober up. "These are specifically to fill out if you are looking for a spouse! It would be like cheating if we filled it out and didn't truly intend to!"

Rolling his eyes, Fred said, "Hermione, love, for once in your life, live a little and fib. The YLC does not have to know you are not looking for a spouse, and it's like we said: Who knows? You may get lucky and find a husband!"

"Fine, we'll do it," Luna said, reaching for her form to fill out.

Hermione and Ginny looked at the first question, and both answered D. They couldn't see what Luna put; she was not sharing her answers. The second question, Hermione answered B while Ginny answered A. Hermione wanted to get a little more ahead in her career, but later on, she did want kids. So they were important, just not right now.

Ginny had always wanted kids. She used to dream of having kids with Harry. Little red-haired, green-eyed babies. She had to stop that train of thought quickly. No need in being depressed when she was feeling fine pissing the night away.

Steeling herself, she and Hermione both forced themselves to finish filling out the forms and handed them to the twins. Luna had already finished.

As it was getting late, they decided it was time to head home. Luna and Ginny were going to Hermione's flat, as they always did on their annual outing. Hermione told them she wanted to make a quick trip to the loo, and then, she would be ready to go.

Draco, who was only slightly drunk, saw Hermione coming out of the loo and heading their way. This is just too good an opportunity to pass up! he thought, smirking wickedly. Right as she passed, he stuck out his foot and tripped her.

She landed on her knees and fell face first into Severus Snape's crotch. She looked up to see him looking down at her, slightly amused, with his arms folded across his chest. "Miss Granger," he purred, "although I have never turned down a woman on her knees and interested in servicing me, I must admit that this is not the place for it." He smirked down at her wide, brown eyes. "However, I would imagine this would be one of more pleasurable ways to get you to shut your know-it-all mouth."

Her eyes widened in shock and embarrassment before narrowing in anger. Hermione gripped the top of his thighs for balance to stand and started in on him. "Why you insufferable..." she shook her head to clear it. Smirking back, she told him, "No, I suppose the place for you would be a brothel in Knockturn Alley."

"Brothel, eh? So that's it! Getting in some practice for a job since I turned you down for an apprenticeship? Need work that bad?" He enjoyed the look on her face and couldn't wait to hear what retort would be next. Severus thought, I must be too far into my cups to enjoy sparring with this Granger chit. Hell, I don't even want to think about the effect she is having on my body, especially after grabbing my thighs the way she did.

This statement caused the Slytherin duo to laugh out loud, which only infuriated Hermione more. "Let me tell you something, you overgrown, greasy, git! I am working..."

"Problems?" George inquired as he put a protective arm around Hermione's waist. "Good evening, Professor," he nodded, and then turning to Draco and Greg, he continued his greeting, "gits."

"Mr. Weasley," George's ex-Potions professor returned. "No, I haven't any problems other than having to endure that little know-it-all. If you would be so kind as to remove her from my sight, I would be grateful. She does make my head hurt worse than the firewhisky."

Just then, the rest of Hermione's gang approached. Ginny and Luna were tired and ready to go to Hermione's to sleep. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the littlest weasel," Draco drawled. Damn, but she has grown up quite nicely! "Isn't there a scar-headed boy somewhere you should be following around?"

"Hello, Ferret Boy. I know that is so old and used, but I never get tired of calling you that! When you were a ferret, I think it improved both your looks and personality."

Luna, who seemed oblivious to the insults being thrown around her, greeted the three Slytherins. "Hello, Professor, Draco, Greg," she said as she smiled at each.

The only one to acknowledge her was Greg. He replied, "Loony," as he nodded. Her face fell as he called her that, and he wondered why he felt a small pang in his chest at the sight of her disappointed expression. If he didn't know better, he would think it bothered him that he'd hurt her feelings.

Just then, Draco jumped out of his chair to give Ginny a piece of his mind, but he tripped, causing Hermione to fall into Severus once again. "Really, Miss Granger, if you are that desperate, I am sure there is some male escort service that can help you out. Please try to keep your hands and body off of me." Before you notice the raging hard on you are giving me!

"Let's just go," Luna said before an all out fight started. Her good mood had faded at the mention of her old school nickname, and she wanted to go lick her wounds in private.

Without saying another word, Hermione turned and led her four friends from the room, leaving the three men staring after them, each with a different thought in their minds. One was thinking of how a bushy-haired slip of a girl had aroused him, one was thinking about a loony girl with hurt feelings, and the other was thinking about Bat Bogey Hexes and how he still wanted his revenge for that.

Christy's Notes: Well, that was an interesting meeting, eh?

Southern's Notes: An interesting meeting for them all. I have my suspicions about things, and I'm eager to see what's next.