Charming a Phoenix

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Charming a Phoenix
chapter 9

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Laying the sleepy baby down on the changing pad, Piper went about the business of changing her and and getting him ready for his nap.

“What’s this ?” Leo asked. Piper turned around to see him holding the letter from Hogwarts.

“Why don’t you open it ?” She said, carrying the baby to his crib and laying him down. She heard the parchment being opened and looked at her husband in time to see a scowl forming on his face. A new look for him, Leo didn’t scowl. He finally rolled the scroll back up and looked at his wife.

“Anything you’d like to share with me now about this Snape character ?” Piper asked as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“You know I can’t. Professor Dumbledore must have a good reason for putting you two together. Severus is very gifted with potions.” Leo said as he threw the scroll on the dresser. Piper sighed. It was clear she wasn’t going to get any information out of him.

“But if he treats you badly,” Leo added. “tell me and I will have a talk with him.”

“That should be interesting. Last time you met, the two of you couldn’t get away from each other quick enough.”

“None the less, if Severus gives you problems because of me, let me know.” Leo said. She pulled her bottom lip into her mouth, tilted her head and said ‘okay’.

“You don’t suppose Albus put me with him so you two could work out your differences, do you ?” Piper said putting her arms around his waist. Leo sighed.

“If he did, he’s wasting his time. Severus is stubborn.”

“Unlike you.” She said pulling back and looking up into her husband’s eyes.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Paige went through her clothes trying to find something appropriate to wear to the Order meeting. It was hard to find the ‘right’ outfit that didn’t make it look as if she were trying too hard. Finally deciding on her white strapless sundress and sandals, she looked in the mirror and was pleased. After all, she wasn’t going to be teaching, no need to look conservative, most people would think she was simply acting as Wyatt’s nanny. Besides, Harry was bound to like the soft feminine look of the dress, Paige thought with a grin.

That brought Harry back into her mind, not that he was ever far away these days. He must have found Ron by now. I wonder if he told Ron about us, she thought. Checking her watch, she saw it was almost time for the meeting to begin.

“Time to meet the troops.” Paige said to herself.


Walking out or ror room, Paige noticed the house was a bustleactiactivity. As she descended the stairs, the buzz of conversation could already be heard. The house seeming more alive than ever before. Tentatively, she pushed the kitchen door open and peered inside. The room was a veritable sea of redheads. Paige recognized the maternal form of Mrs. Weasley and the tall older redhead who must be Mr. Weasley. There was also the tall, stoic looking black man who had been to the house before and the odd looking quirky woman who was close to her age. Tonks, she thought was her name, not that it would be easy to forget her. Many new faces were peppered amongst the crowd, but she couldn’t find the raven haired green eyed man she was looking for.

“Hallo, may I offer you a seat ?” A deep chipper voice asked. Paige turned to look into the bright blue eyes of a stocky, muscular young man that had to be a Weasley, though which one she didn’t know. “You must be one of the Charmed Ones. Charlie Weasley, at your service.” He said offering her his hand to shake.

“Paige Matthews.” She said smiling and shaking his mildly callused hand. By his dress she should have been able to figure out who he was, she thought now. He wore deep green snug fitting pants that went into worn brown knee high boots, a dark brown leather jerkin and a close fitting white shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He was the picture of a dragon tamer, she mused.

“You would be the youngest sister, then.” Charlie said pulling out one of the dinning chairs for her.

“And you would be the oldest brother ?” She said sitting down. Charlie sat straddling the back of the chair facing her. He let out a warm hearty chuckle.

“No. Bill would be the eldest. That handsome bloke over there.” Charlie pointed to a taller, slighter built young man with long dark red hair, who was speaking with Remus. “I’m the second oldest.”

“You’re the dragon tamer.” She said. Charlie laughed again, rich and hearty.

“Dragon handler. There’s nothing tame about the beasts I deal with. But nothing compared to what you three deal with on a daily basis, so I understand.”

“We have had our days.” Paige admitted. She glanced to her side, seeing movement by the fireplace. Harry was leaning against the wall talking with, or rather not listening to, a young very tall gangly red head that must be Ron. She looked into Harry’s eyes, but he was glaring at Charlie. As she watched, Harry’s gaze landed on her and he had an odd look in his eyes.

“That’s my youngest brother and Harry Potter. I expect you know Harry.” Charlie said, getting her attention again.

“Yes ….” Was all Paige got out before a large flame appeared in the hearth and with a woosh, Dumbledore stepped out into the room.

“Good evening all.” The Headmaster said looking around the room. He stepped over to the side of the room to speak to a couple of people Paige didn’t know. As the meeting would start soon, she looked around to find her sisters. Piper was at the other end of the table, seeming to be receiving advice from Mrs. Weasley. Where was Phoebe ? Paige turned back and looked near the kitchen door seeing a pair of Identical youths, the Weasley twins. But so far no Phoe…… Oh goodness Goddess ! I cannot believe she is wearing that !

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Looking in her mirror one last time, Phoebe was pleased with her reflection. This should get his attention, she thought to herself as her hand adjusted the plunging neckline of her black dress to show off her cleavage. If he doesn’t notice me in this dress he never will. She left her hair down in large loose curls helping to emphasize the sultry make up she had used on her eyes.

“Well, if Severus doesn’t like me in this, Remus will.” Phoebe said ooud.oud. Looking at the clock and realizing she has late, she hurried down the stairs to the kitchen where the meeting had most likely already started.

Stepping inside the bustling kitchen, Phoebe scanned the crowd for the tall dark man. She saw Albus had arrived and Paige was talking to an attractive red haired man. Piper and a red headed matronly looking woman were deep in conversation at the table. Looking around again Phoebe noticed the room was teeming with red haired people.

“Well, hallo there !” A tall slender youth said with enthusiasm.

“Must be one of the Charmed Ones.” Another identical man said. Phoebe smiled at them. “He’s Fred Weasley and I’m George.” The young man said shaking her hand.

“Since it’s the sister with the baby that mum has cornered, you have to be either Paige or Phoebe.” Fred said, eyeing her exposed cleavage a little too closely.

“Phoebe Halliwell.” She said offering Fred her hand to shake, then shaking George’s as well. They were identical lookingt Pht Phoebe could tell right away they were very different. George was more reserved, though not quite shy. Fred was assertive and boisterous. Quite a pair, she thought with a grin. Suddenly, both brothers looked over her head and an similar scowl came to their faces. Phoebe turned to look behind her and was met with an annoyed expression on the Potion Master’s face.

“Good evening, Miss Halliwell. Are these degenerates pestering you ?” Severus said, eyeing the redheads. Phoebe almost laughed. He actually seemed jealous.

“No. These gentlemen have been very considerate.” She said smiling at the brothers. Severus let out a harrumph and turned to go lean on the wall beside the kitchen door.

Phoebe’s attention was drawn to Professor Dumbledore calling the meeting to order. She nodded to the twins who offered her a chair, but instead she went to lean on the wall next to Severus.

“I am happy tonight to introduce you to some very powerful allies that have joined our cause. The Charmed Ones.” Dumbledore said and was met with a sudden rumbling of whispers from around the room. “The sisters have been off pos positions at Hogwarts and will be staying there. Piper Halliwell,” He said gesturing to Piper who stood up. “will be acting as the new Assistant Potions Mistress.” A disgruntled humph came from the dark man beside her. Phoebe looked up into his face, he did not look pleased at all.

“Albus, really.” Snape said disgustedly. “You simply cannot expect me to hand over my students to someone abysmally unqualified.”

“I’m sure with your help, Professor and using your lesson plans, I will have the students up to your standards.” Smart girl Piper, Phoebe thought, let him know he’s still in charge. The Potions Master seemed to accept the peace offering Piper was offering and did not argue further so Dumbledore turned to her.

“Phoebe Halliwell,” The old wizard continued and Phoebe stepped forward looking around the room. “will be the new Self Defense Mistress, specializing in hand to hand combat. I also understand she will make time to instruct any Order members you wish to make use of her considerable knowledge. If you are interested please speak with Remus after the meeting to set up a suitable time.” Remus gave her a quick reassuring smile.

“And Paige Matthews will be looking after her nephew.” Paige stood up looking uncomfortable. “She has also kindly offered to counsel anyone who feels the need to speak to someone. There are many of you I would encourage” Dumbledore looked pointedly over his spectacles at Snape. “to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Why did the Headmaster single out Severus as someone needing counseling ?, Phoebe wondered, but her musings were interrupted when Dumbledore called on Severus for his report. Report ? Severus stepped in front of her facing most of the room.

“The information I brought to the last meeting was acted upon obviously, as the Charmed Ones are here. “ Severus said, as Phoebe’s brow furrowed behind him. “ The Dark Lord knows the sisters have escaped but does not know where the are. I will be informing him of their new positions as soon as they are safely ensconced within the castle.”

The spy ? Severus was the double agent ! Good lord, no wonder Dumbledore thought he could use some counseling.

“There have been rumors amongst the followers that Lilith has given the Dark Lord command over some of her demons. I could not confirm this, nor which demons it might be, but the Dark Lord is acting very confident and irrierries me. He obviously has information he is not releasing to his followers.” The raven haired man stepped back to his former position against the wall.

The conversation of the meeting steereay fay from them and Phoebe took the opportunity to talk to Severus. “Thank you.”

“For what, Miss Halliwell ?” He asked with interest.

“For giving Piper a chance. You won’t be disappointed.” To which the Potion’s Master gave a non-committal grunt.

Several other reports were given, mostly about things Phoebe didn’t understand. Soon the meeting appeared to be breaking up when Severus leaned over and whispered in her ear.

“What exactly is going on between our Mr. Potter and your sister ?” Severus asked. Phoebe followed his gaze perplexed and saw Paige looking over her shoulder at Harry. The two did seem more than a little friendly lately.

“Couldn’t say.” Phoebe said truthfully. The dark man raised an inquiring brow, but said nothing further.

~*~*~*~

Paige felt the meeting had gone well. Charlie was kind enough to lean over and explain anything she may not have understood. He was very charming and relaxing to be around, a glint of humor seemed permanently placed in his eyes. As the meeting broke up, many members left one or two at a time out the front and back doors. Those that remained appeared to be all the Weasley’s, Tonks, an odd looking fellow with a crazy eye, Dumbledore and the Potions Master. Looking around the room at the assembled red heads again a sudden question popped into Paige’s mind.

“Where is your sister ?” She asked Charlie.

“Oh, you know about Ginny ? She’s off visiting Hermione, a friend of Harry and Ron’s.” Charlie said.

“Oh.” Was the best response she could come up with. “Maybe I should help with dinner ?” Paige said as she watched Mrs. Weasley buzzing aroune kie kitchen making preparations. Charlie smiled and stood when she did.

“What can I do to help ?” Paige asked a frazzled looking Molly Weasley.

“Oh, Merlin bless you, dear.” The matron said as she patted Paige affectionately on the hand. Piper was now coming over to help as well.

“What would you like me to make, Molly. I’m handy in the kitchen.” Piper said. Paige laughed and leaned over conspiratorially to Mrs. Weasley.

“My sister is being modest, she’s a chef, Mrs. Weasley.” Paige said.

“Oh, call me Molly dear, please. Well Piper let’s have a look see at what we have for supplies.” Molly said. A loud crash of a chair falling to floor got the three women’s attention. The young witch with bright pink and orange hair bent over to pick up the chair she had toppled.

“Anything I can help with, Molly ?” Tonks asked.

“No, no dear. You have a bit of a sit down and we’ll handle it.” Molly said. Paige wasn’t sure why, but Molly seemed almost afraid to have Tonks in the kitchen.

“Wait, there is something she could help with.” Paige said. Molly looked ready to hex her. “Maybe Tonks could round up the troops and convince them to go upstairs so we can have some room ?”

“A splendid idea, Paige. Yes, Tonks, move everyone out, that would be such a big help.” Molly said relieved.

Tonks shooed everyone out the door and a silence fell over the room. Molly let out a contented sigh.

“Thank you, Paige. A brilliant idea. Nymphadora is a sweet girl, she really is, but the poor dear is a menace to herself and others in the kitchen.”

Molly and Piper set about planning and starting the meal. Paige just did what she was told and tried to stay out of the way. Molly appeared to have taken a liking to Piper. Most likely because she was a mother, Paige thought. When everything was simmering, Piper went upstairs to check on Wyatt and Leo. Paige and Molly were left alone in the kitchen to set the table.

“And how are you adjusting, Paige ? You seem more comfortable with all this than your sisters do.”

“I’ve read both of the books, so I had some idea of what to expect. And I’ve been working with Harry and Remus while we’ve been here.” Paige said. Molly turned an intense stare at Paige for a moment or two, then she nodded her head as if convinced of something.

“What do you think of Harry ?”

“Harry’s been great. It was his idea to teach me how to use a wand. And ….. well ……. we’ve talked some …… about Sirius, you know. I lost my adoptive parents at around his age, so I understand how hard it’s been for him.” Paige said as she placed the last glass.

“Harry is like another son to me.” Molly said passionately. “Be careful when dealing with him. You’re a lovely girl and any young man could become smitten. He can’t afford to be hurt again.” Luckily, Paige was saved from having to remark to this by the arrival of Piper and a crying Wyatt.

“Can you entertain him for a few minutes ? Leo went to check-in with the elders.” Piper asked as she dropped the baby into Paige’s arms.

“Sure thing. You like to play with your Aunt Paige , don’t you ?” He was still fussing, so Paige set him belly down on the rug at the far end of the kitchen.

“Toys.” She said holding out her hand. Several of Wyatt’s favorite toys materialized in her hand. After setting them down in front of her, Paige picked up a multi colored frog and shook it to get the baby’s attention. He reached out towards her and gurgled. The frog vanished from her hand and it materialized in his. Both Molly and Piper wondered over to take a peek.

“He’s exhibiting magic already ?” Molly asked in wonder.

“Yes and it looks like he’s starting to get some control now.” Piper said proudly.

“My goodness. None of mine had any control until they were much older.” Molly said smiling. They all turned as the kitchen door swung open and Tonks came bounding in.

“How’s everything going down here ?” Tonks asked right before tripping on a chair. Paige hunched her shoulders ready to see the woman crash othe the floor, but she disappeared. Paige gaped for half a heartbeat, then was stunned when the pink haired woman materialized on her lap. Both were equally shocked and fell back on rug.rug.

“What ….. What was that ?” Tonks asked.

“It seems my son was worried about you.” Piper said as she picked up the baby who was giggling as he looked down at the tangle of feminine limbs on the rug.

Paige had a sobering thought. If Wyatt were this powerful now, what would he be like at one, five, ten years of age. How would they control him, guide him ? How would they keep him from harming himself or others ? Only time would tell.


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