An Old Friend

Chapter One

A Most Welcomed Surprise

SS POV

The walk from the apparition point to 12 Grimmauld Place is dark and lonely. Nearly all the streetlamps are too dim or flickering too much to do any good. Fortunately, I have made this walk to the order meetings enough times I could find the secret meeting place with my eyes closed.

The Dark Lord decided to prolong his torture meeting tonight, which means I will be late arriving to Dumbledore's last minute order meeting. I honestly could not tell you which is more torturous, witnessing endless amounts of emotional and physical trauma by the hands of Voldemort or sitting through these useless meetings with the insufferable order members.

Ah, the home of the Black family let me stop to take a breath and prepare myself for the chaos that I know awaits me on the opposite side of this door. As I go through the door, something feels incredibly off. Why was I not greeted with the usual loud and obnoxious behavior typical of this place? I do not sense a threat, but I can't shake this odd feeling. Why is it always something? Can't I just have a break?

I pull my wand out and make my way down the hallway. It really is too quiet. Has Sirius finally pushed Molly to the breaking point? I honestly wouldn't be surprised. It would be nice to learn that Molly has finally hexed that insufferable git. I would pay to see that, and double it to be given the honor of doing it myself.

As I approach the door to our usual meeting spot, the dining room, I finally hear voices. There's Sirius, not dead by the hands of Molly Weasley unfortunately. He sounds absolutely livid, ah and there's his lover boy trying to swoop in and calm him down as usual.

At the sound of the next voice, a chill runs down my spine. No, it can't be. This is some sick joke. With a shaky hand, I swiftly pull open the dining room door.

"Hello Severus."

My whole body freezes at the sound of her greeting. I swear she has eyes in the back of her head. I will never understand how she always knows what is happening all around her. She's too perceptive for her own damn good that's for certain. Her hair is shorter than the last time we met. Merlin, she changes it more often than an unstable teenage girl. She's standing tall and defensive. Wait.. defensive? Why does she look like she's about to burn the entire house down?

I quickly survey the room. The entire order, minus Dumbledore of course he can not be on time to save his life, is standing backed against the wall seemingly not by their own free will. I look back to see Ella unwaveringly glaring at Sirius and her fists clenched tightly at her side. Oh shit, I better do something or else this will not end well. I mean it's only Sirius, what could one less order member possibly hurt? It's not like he's very beneficial to have around he can't go anywhere. Potter would probably go off the deep end though. Which means more problems for me to solve. Damnit looks like I'm saving Sirius from the wrath he probably brought upon himself.

I walk over to Ella and wrap my arms around her from behind. I feel her relax only slightly. She must be extremely pissed. I guess I'll have to talk her down. I move her hair and lay a brief kiss and the crook of her neck. I know she has a weak spot for that, but still she stands rigid. I look up to see the shocked faces of the other order members. Great, I know that will only piss her off more.

"Ella.." I place another swift kiss at the base of her ear. "Darling, why do you have the entire order held against the back wall?"

"They-"

"Snivellus wha-"

Sirius is now being held around the throat by an invisible force. This is going to be fun to explain. I let him suffer a few seconds longer before attempting to soothe Ella again.

"El, Sirius is turning purple maybe you should let him breathe."

"Only until I get my actual hands around his throat!"

What? She pushes my hold off her and takes off towards Sirius. Shit! I quickly reach out to try and grab her.

Eleanora POV

As I am going to wrap my hands around that asshole's throat, I feel a cold hand grab mine. Before I know it I'm turned around with my head on Severus' chest. Not that I mind one bit I love when he's unusually touchy, but right now I need to finish what I started.

"Ella, I think I deserve a proper greeting."

I look up to see his usual stoic face staring right at me. I can't help but grin. Dammit I'm supposed to be mad right now. I wrap my arms around his neck and lean up to kiss his cheek. I feel his arms tighten around my waist.

"Now that isn't near good enough and you know that." He softly drawls in my ear.

He is really doing his best to distract me because I know he is never one to enjoy public displays of affection. I guess I'll give in a little. It's been too long since we've last seen each other. I won't push him too far though, I know he's only doing this for me. I lean up and brush my lips quickly and gently against his.

"Sev could you please tell this group of people I am of no threat to them."

"I would, but I can not assure you they will listen to me. I am not well liked, however I assume you have already realized this."

"Can I box the scraggly looking one, then?"

"No darling you can not, however, though I am very pleased with this surprise you can tell me why you are here."

"Albus owled me, but I would rather explain that all at once when he gets here."

"So I assume you will be here for a while, yes?" I nod. "And where will you be staying?"

"Well it seems I will be walking down memory lane in my grandparents old house they left me."

"Hmmm"

"You really are an ass to everyone, huh? I can feel their confused stares penetrating my back."

"Maybe they just never expected to see me conversing nicely with someone."

I smirk and lean up to whisper in his ear. "Oh Severus, you've done more than converse nicely with me. Don't sell yourself short." I lean back after a quick nip to his ear and see a slight blush cross his cheeks. After letting out a small laugh I pat his chest and move away.

I made it two steps away before I felt a hand wrap around my neck. Within seconds I was twisted back around and face to face with Severus. His face was pinched up in a look that only meant one thing... my ass was done for. His fingers slightly tighten around my throat making my head spin, whether from lust or my slightly diminished oxygen supply I'm not sure.

His slow drawl a mix of fire and ice now right at my ear, "I suggest you stop being a tease, unless you want to be on your knees with my cock in your mouth in front of everyone in this room." I feel my breath hitch and my body ignite in flames all within seconds. "Hmm, it seems I struck a cord", of course he doesn't miss a single change in my demeanor. "What is it that turns you on? The scandalousness of it? The possibility of ruining your reputation? Personally, I think it's because you're a little fucking exhibitionist." His grip around my throat loosens just enough to allow me to properly breathe, but the fiery look he is sending me does nothing to ease my lack of oxygen.

Right when I think Severus is about to stick to his word and cause an inappropriate scene before I'm even on a first name basis with the order members Dumbledore walks in. "I see you two are back acquainted." Severus releases his grip on my throat and I turn to see Albus' eyes twinkling with humor. My gaze turns to the shocked and confused faces of the order members. Just fucking great.

Albus chuckles and walks over to grab my hand. "Thank you Eleanora for coming on such short notice. Let's get you professionally introduced to the Order, hmm?" HA-HA Albus you're just so funny. I give a quick nod in agreement and glance back to see Severus' gaze locked on me.