The Princess and The Half Blood Prince

Gabby

I watched Gabby all night. She had roused once during the night, but had almost immediately fallen back asleep. Madame Pomfrey had confirmed she was just under a sleeping spell.

Severus had come in a few times to check on her progress. Mostly though he was checking on me. I hadn't slept a wink. 

Artorias was laying on the bed next to Gabby. Madame Pomfrey had allowed me to tend to his wounds in the infirmary where everything was sterile. She had even assisted me some after she checked out Gabby. His wounds weren't serious.  It almost looked like he had intentionally missed to avoid doing any major damage.

I shook my head. I can't think like that. Alex is the enemy now. I sighed pulling my hands down my face.

"You should get some rest. There's nothing we can do for her now." I looked up at Severus. The one named Remus was standing behind him looking at me curiously.

"I'm fine."

"You're not. You need sleep."

I gave him a tired smile. I know he's right. "I can't leave her. She's like this because of me."

"She's like this because she decided to run off on her own."

My reply was cut off. Allan,Josh, and Jason walked through the infirmary door.

"What are you three doing here?!"

"Gabby called. She said you two had a lead on Alex." Jason's face paled as he caught sight of Gabby.

"Did...?" He didn't need to finish.

I nodded solemnly. Jason took the chair across from me picking up Gabby's hand. I watched silently as a tear ran down his face.

He really does love her. I gave a sad smile. I hope we all live long enough for it to really bloom in something beautiful.

"Did you find him?" Allen looked to me.

"Gabby did. She was already unconscious when I got there. Alex got away."

"Got away?!" Jason snapped. "How did he get away?!"

"I had to take care of Gabby!" I snarled red eyed at him.

He look at her. "Right. Sorry Princess." He ran his hand over her midnight locks.

I let a breathe out through my nose. "I'm worried about him too."

All three of them gave me sad smiles. Silence filled the air again. Jason and I stared at Gabby. Allen and Josh stood awkwardly staring at the floor.

"How about some tea?" Remus broke the silence.

"That would be perfect." I looked up at him trying very hard to smile.

He gave me a knowing look. I forgot he lost everyone in the last war. He knew how we all felt. All four of us loved Gabby.

"You remind me of a friend of mine." He glanced at Severus. Severus pretended not to see. "She was the glue that held our little band together most days. When she and James first started dating." He laughed. "James and I got into a huge fight over something stupid. I don't even remember what now. You know Lily harped on us until we made up. To this day I swear she's the only reason we made it through school. She was such a loving person."

I smiled at him. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."

He poured all of us cups of tea. The silence was back but at least now it wasn't awkward. He avoided Severus's gaze I noted. Severus took his cup of tea and nodded at Remus. Remus returned with a nod of his own.

Well I'll be damned. That's not something I ever thought I would see.

Gabby bolted upright. "Ira! I found out where Alex is!"

I put my hands on her shoulders. "Gabby it's ok. You're safe."

"Artorias! He got!"

I cut her off. "Artorias is fine. He's right here." She finally noticed her massive beast laying next to her. She sighed a breathe of relief.

Jason squeezed her hand. She threw her arms around him sobbing. He held her stroking her hair.

"We'll let you two have some privacy."  I stood and walked toward the door.

"I tried." She sobbed into Jason's shoulder.

"I know you did Gabs. Thank you." I kissed the top of her head.

Josh was a little hesitant to leave his twin. He watched them over his shoulder as we walked out.

I put a hand on his shoulder. "They'll be fine."

He gave me a half smile with a nod. Well better than nothing I guess. Josh looked exhausted. The bags under his eyes were nearly as dark as Gabby's hair. I wonder when he last slept.

"Dumbledore wants a word with the three of you." Severus' tone was cold as ever. Remus gave him another curious look.

We shook our heads. The walk to the headmaster's office was a long one. He's probably going to expel me. I rubbed my temples.

Severus leaned over to me so the others couldn't hear. "You're not being expelled."

I hid my smile so the others wouldn't see. I gave him a short nod to let him know I understood. Remus saw. He smiled at me. I just winked at him. He chuckled quietly returning my wink.

"Ahh lovely. How is Miss Winters?" I'm ninety two percent sure this is the first time Dumbledore has ever greeted me as soon as I walked through the door.

"Shaken, but mostly unharmed. He put her under a sleeping spell." I returned. "You wanted to see us?"

"Ahh yes, you Miss Greyson about two things, but we'll discuss the second in private."

The roar of the fire was like nails on a chalk board against my nerves. The Phoenix's preening was almost unbearable. I did my best not to fidget.

Dumbledore looked at Josh and Allen with an expression so serious I thought Severus had been wrong about being expelled. "You three will be transferred to Hogwarts effective immediately. Professor McGonagall will escort you to Ilvymore to collect your things."

Allen and Josh exchanged a look. "Yes sir."

"That's all for the two of you. I'll have a word with the other Mr. Evens later. He is with Miss Winters now I presume?"

"Yes sir." I stood statue still.

I watched Josh and Allen take their leave. Half of me willed them to stay so I didn't have to face whatever was about to come. Dumbledore was studying a paper on his desk.

"Sir, can we get this over with? I do have better things to do." Severus' voice dripped with contempt.

Dumbledore have him a sly smile as if to say I know what you want to be doing right now. "Of course."

The clock chimed four am. I groaned internally. Classes tomorrow we're going to be hell. The Phoenix suddenly burst into flames. Sure enough from the ashes rose a little chick. A good sign I hope.

"Miss Greyson. Professor Snape has approached me about taking you on as an apprentice in your final year."

I looked wide eyed at Severus. "I would be honored sir."

He gave me a curt nod.

"The second thing Professor?" I eyed Dumbledore suspiciously.

He gave me his best smile. "I just wanted the two of you to know that I approve." His face went stern. "However, it does need to be kept quiet until you graduate Miss Greyson."

I exchanged a look with Severus. "I'm sorry sir. I don't understand."

His face softened. "I know love when I see it."

I don't know who is redder. Me or Severus. We both found a spot on the floor very interesting doing our best to avoid looking at each other.

Dumbledore laughed. "Have a good evening you two."