From My House to Yours

by songbook

Four houses, one school. Four minds, one heart. Flitwick, Sprout, Slughorn and McGonagall have one common purpose: Saving Hogwarts. Four different views to what happened at Hogwarts under Headmaster Snape. One outcome to show them all it was worth it.

1. The Ravenclaw's Silence

From My House to Yours: The Ravenclaw's Silence

A/N: I wrote this chapter almost three years ago. This story came to me after reading Deathly Hallows. However, I never completed it. It was originally posted on HPFF under the penname Minerva's Soul, and written in first person. I read that version and hated it, so I have completely rewritten it. This story is not my main focus (Amor est Vita is my wonderful project now), but it will consist of four chapters, one for each Head of House. I have put serious thought into including a fifth chapter centering around Severus Snape, but it all depends on the feedback I get from this.

Therefore, Songbook proudly presents: The Ravenclaw's Silence

Filius Flitwick groaned as he sat up in his bed and placed a small hand to his forehead. The Pain Potion had clearly worn off in his sleep; the aching in his head was special thanks to Severus Snape. Swallowing hard, he tried to shake the memory from his mind, but there was no denying the guilt. What if? That was the question these days. Everyone had been asking it. Fiius' went something along the lines of 'What if I had not trusted him? What if I had my wand out when I went to fetch him? What if I could have stopped him right there in the dungeons?'

Thoughts still whirling through his overactive mind, the Charms Professor donned a pair of dress robes that were specifically reserved for funerals. There was no denying the number of years he had been on this Earth and Filius had been to his fair share of funerals. This one, however, would be one for the record books. The entire castle was already in mourning and silence filled Hogwarts' ever boisterous halls.

The Great Hall was decorated in black for the occasion, though it was not clear if a person was behind this or the House Elves. They were seldom seen, but their work was everywhere especially on days such as this. Minerva McGonagall, Poppy Pomfrey, and Horace Slughorn were already at their respectable places at the head table when Flitwick arrived. Within minutes, the remainder of the staff had filled in, bar Severus Snape; his seat remained empty and forgotten. There was no need for words between them fore they were all thinking the same thing. Years of working together let them communicate on a subconscious level so their grief was mutely understood.

When the new Headmistress steeled herself to speak, Filius could not bear to look at her. Minerva was a strong woman to be able to continue to lead this school in its time of need. His own heart broke for her as she calmly moved to lead her Gryffindors to the lawn. If only he had her strength in the days to come for he was sure he would need it. Nevertheless, he rose to guide his sorrowful Ravenclaws out next.

A few first years were already beginning to cry, but the older students were taking them under their wings and guiding them out to the lawn. It was a truly innocent moment to watch students, all under the age of seventeen and eighteen, carry one another on their shoulders. Filius could not help but think that it was the spirit of Albus that brought these children together like this. That alone caused a lump to form in his throat. The feeling did not go away when the Hogwartians began filling their seats among the many friends, diplomats, and he daresay, followers of the great Albus Dumbledore.

When the Ravenclaws were seated in their respectable places, Filius found his own chair in front of them next to Pomona. Minerva had the honor of sitting along the representatives from the Ministry of Magic and the Board of Governors; an honor he did not envy. The rest of the Professors would be sitting in his row. He, of course, was on the end of the row because it was easier to see around the crowd.

A gentle sniffling brought him from his thoughts. Beside him, Pomona had already begun to cry. He guessed they were each the epitome of their House. The thought made him smile as he handed the emotion Hufflepuff his handkerchief.

"There, there my dear. We shall get through this day like any other without Albus. It is the beginning of many, I am afraid." Reaching over to pat her gently on the knee.

"I know…" she replied with a tearful sigh, "But I just cannot fathom this school without him. I cry for our students now."

He had no words for her comment. And the tears Filius shed as the funeral progressed were not just for his students, now lost without their Headmaster. His tears were for the war, which was looking very grim indeed; for Harry Potter who was not only a witness, but must carry that weight of protecting them now; for Severus Snape, the one they lost; and for himself, for the loss of a most dear colleague and friend.

-BREAK-

The summer found Filius in his home in the magical community of Turning Stone. An odd name for the quaint little place, but it was his late wife, Cornelia who chose to live there. They had met at Hogwarts and began a loving relationship in their fourth year that led to marriage once they had graduated. Cornelia had always been of ill health, so the little cottage was a perfect place for her to relax. Filius had always felt guilty that he had to leave her for weeks at a time while working at Hogwarts, but this house was her sanctuary. She had always said that as long as she had this beautiful place to remind her of their love, she would hardly miss him while he was gone. She loved to watch the small stream that trickled through their back yard.

They had never been able to be blessed with children because of Cornelia's ailing heath. So they got a small kitten, which grew up to be a cat. But Cornelia thought their little kitty was lonely, so they got another one. And a ferret. And a parrot. And a few chickens. Even without the pitter-patter of little feet, their home had always been full of energy and living, breathing things.

Cornelia died eight years ago, but Filius had never let anyone pity him for the loss of his beloved wife. He knew the blessing it had been to have her as long as he did. When she was born, the medi-nurses told her parents she would not live pass the age of ten; then it was eighteen; then thirty. Finally, twenty-seven years into a wonderful marriage, she was given three weeks to live. Filius guessed she was finally tired of holding on. She hated being weak and sick, so when she finally passed away, it was with an understand heart that Filius buried his wife. A sad day, but a day he always knew would come.

Today, he was sitting in front of an empty fireplace in silence with a book in his hands. It was entitled, Charms of Mine and it had been a personal favorite of Cornelia's. He made sure to read it once a year, and as a Professor at Hogwarts, the summer was the only time he had to dedicate the time he wished to it. It was only mid-afternoon, but he could feel himself drifting in and out of sleep.

"Filius!" Jumping, the book slid off his lap and onto the floor. Quick as ever, his wand flew from the coffee table and straight to his open hand. Much to his surprise, Minerva McGonagall was standing in his living room. The fire was blazing and she had just stepped out of the grate.

"Minerva, what a surprise! Is there something I can do for you?" His keen observation skills noted that she seemed in an uncharacteristic rush and looked a bit, for the lack of a better word, frazzled.

"I sent you a memo, but in my rush, sent it to your office, not your home. Thank goodness I remembered in time to come fetch you. The Minister and the Governors are having a meeting in twenty minutes to discuss the future of the school and a new Headmaster." She stepped towards the fireplace and reached for his supply of floo powder.

"Discuss…? But Minerva, you are the next Headmistress," he said, astonished at the words that had come from her mouth. He quickly summoned his cloak and joined her at the mantle.

"Apparently not," came her muttered reply. It was more than just a bitter subject, he could tell and he knew better than to push the subject. But who could they possibly name Headmaster? He shuddered at the thought of another Dolores Umbridge.

Soon they were both appearing in the fireplace in the staff room where Pomona, Poppy, Horace, Rolanda, Aurora, Irma, Bathsheba and Septima were already there whispering amongst themselves. That quickly came to a stop at the sight of Minerva. Glancing around, Filius noted that Charity was missing, which was very unlike the Professor of Muggle Studies. Before he could question her whereabouts, Minerva was speaking.

"The Minister has stated that we will be meeting in the Great Hall." Slowly and silently the solemn staff made their way there, all of them dreading whatever the decision the School Governors had decided to make.

The Minister and fourteen governors were sitting at the Head Table while the staff was forced to fill the seats usually occupied by our students. Immediately Filius knew something was terribly off. The Minister himself had an odd look on his face, as if he was angry. He really could not tell, but the governors wore similar looks on their faces, but theirs were mixed with a sort of trepidation or perhaps a bit of confusion. Either way, no one looked particularly happy about the decision that had been made.

Alfred Wooney walked forward; he is the Head of Governors for Hogwarts. Filius was surpised that the Ministry did not speak first, as Cornelius Fudge usually did. Well, then again, Rufus Scrimgeour always had more sense than Fudge. Alfred was ten years older than Filius, the latter being eighty-three years of age. He had worked once as the Arithmacy Professor before Septima had taken over the position. In his youth, Alfred had been tall and proud, but now it seemed he cowards over his position. Time had definitely taken its toll; his back was bent with age and his beard and hair had grayed.

"It has come to my attention that after the death of a Headmaster who did not choose to retire, it is our duty as the Governors of Hogwarts to fill the teaching positions needed," began Alfred. "As of this moment the staff of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry concludes, Astronomy Professor, Aurora Sinistra; Divination Professor, Sybil Trewnaly; History of Magic Professor, Cuthbert Binns; Arithmacy Mistress, Septima Vector; Ancient Runes Professor, Bathsheba Babbling; Flying Instructor, Rolanda Hooch; Head Of Ravenclaw House and Charms Master, Filius Flitwick; Head of Hufflepuff House and Herbology Professor, Pomona Sprout; Head of Slytherin House and Potions Master, Horace Slughorn; and the Head of Gryffindor House and Transfiguration Mistress Minerva McGonagall."

No Headmistress? Or Deputy Headmistress? No other title besides Head of Gryffindor? Filius' eyes spun to Minerva. The witch was staring straight at Alfred, determined not to make eye contact with any of them. Could they really be replacing her completely? How would that even be possible? They were only filling one position, Defense Against the Dark Arts. Who was Deputy Headmaster? Whispers flew through the staff, causing the several of the governors to shift uncomfortably.

"And now to announce the newest members of your staff." Filius looked around, but saw no one new amongst their numbers. Who could possibly want to work here after the events of last year?

"The new Muggle Studies Professor will be Alecto Carrow." Racking his brains for why that name sounded familiar, he glanced to his colleagues. Just as he thought everyone was in the same mystery boat as he was, he noticed that Minerva and Horace had just paled considerably. And if Horace could remember her, then Filius must have taught her too. A rough woman entered the room dressed in black robes with a scary smirk on her face. Then it hit him; there had been twins, Alecto and Amycus Carrow. Both Slytherins and both known Death Eaters who had escaped form Azkaban a few years ago. He-Who-Must-No-Be-Named was trying to penetrate Hogwarts.

"Joining her is the new Deputy Headmaster and Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Amycus Carrow." A shallow, equal dark man followed his sister into the great hall. With sneering looks they peered at their fellow staff members. Filius turned to his neighbors. Pomona had one hand firmly over her mouth, eyes wide in shock; Poppy held her shaking hand; Horace was muttering silently to himself; but Minerva remained emotionless and unruffled by the announcement. Her callous eyes were staring at the spot where the siblings stood. Any thought that Filius had that Minerva may react in any way to the hiring of a Death Eater was wrong.

"The Headmaster of Hogwarts," He closed his eyes briefly before Alfred spoke the words. Who could they possibly name Headmaster? He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named himself? "Will be Severus Snape."

Filius Flitwick almost fell out of his seat. Snape? Snape was the new Headmaster? The man who murdered Albus Dumbledore was taking his place as the head of this school? He could not believe it. Of course, Severus had once been a good friend; a great student and an honorable teacher. Now he was just Snape. The enemy. And the ex-dueler did not like having enemies. When he fought, it was for the sport. Filius was a Ravenclaw who valued wisdom, and wise men did not hate or have enemies. But even now, he could feel tan anger burning inside of him that he had never felt before. Hogwarts was supposed to be a sanctuary; the one place in a war that would remain unscathed. But not now. This man, he could not condemn himself to call him Headmaster, had broken all of its walls.

Alfred moved off the podium to shake Snape's hand when the dark hair man made his entrance. Filius did not know if he thought the man would look different, but he was met with the same dark eyes and pale skin; perhaps a bit darker and perhaps a bit paler. The older man let him have full access to the podium to address his staff. As Snape looked down at the people he had once called his 'family', Filius could not help but feel like a soldier; like a prisoner of war. He could not speak; could not move for fear Snape would strike him down as he had once down Albus.

The Governors were leaving; perhaps they could not live with the thought of hearing him speak. Snape cleared his throat to get their attention, but there was no need. None of the occupants of the room could say a single word.

"I am making several changes to the way things are run at this school," he began in a dry voice. "First, all disciplinary actions must go through myself and my Deputy. All detentions will be served with us. Second, no Muggleborn students will be allowed to attend Hogwarts this year until they have undergone Ministry questioning."

"How dare he…" whispered Pomona and Filius' heart leapt for her. Most of her students were Muggleborn. Names of his own Muggleborn students flew through his head.

"Furthermore, my good friends and now colleagues, the Carrows, will be responsible for your patrolling schedules. If one of them gives you an order, it is as good as my own and I expect you to follow it." Filius clenched his fist under the table. He taught all three of them! They should answer to him! The only person present who has less years of experience than he and he was willing to answer to would be Minerva. She had earned that respect. He glanced once more in her direction and was impressed that she was still maintaining her composure.

"We will have staff meetings once a week until the school year comes to a start and then they will become twice a week." This, of course, was normal routine, but coming from Snape it sounded heinous. "Any questions?"

Filius could think of a million questions he wanted to ask. Top of the list being 'Why did you kill Albus'. However, he bit his tongue. Now was not the time for biting words or accusing questions. Now was the time for silence. Silence to keep my job and protect my students.

"Why must we turn in all discipline actions to you?" Minerva's voice was loud and clear and Filius reached out to touch the back of her arm as a warning. A proud Gryffindor had to learn the time and place for a fight. Honorable witch or not, Minerva had a quick temper and even quicker tongue.

"We will make sure the proper action is taken against those who feel the need not to follow school rules."

"And those would be?" As Snape smirked at her question, I heard Pomona hiss her name.

"There is a reason we are taking care of discipline and not you." She stiffened at his answer, but did not back down. Filius reached into his robes to finger the wood of his wand. He may be taking the high silent road, but he would not watch as Minerva drudged her way through the rougher terrain alone.

"Also, you mentioned orders from your new Deputies. What might they be?"

"Anything."

"Work related?" she pressed on. The Carrows were scolding in the corner and their patience was running out rather fast.

"Of course," he sneered. The lie rolled off his tongue effortlessly, but it was unneeded. Everyone knew the truth. And everyone knew the lies they would be fed for the rest of the year.

-BREAK-

Filius loathed patrol duty. Not that he was particularly fond of it in the past, as he would rather be sleeping in his rooms. When Albus had been Headmaster, patrolling was merely a practice of keeping students from sneaking off in the middle of the night. Now, it was more like an actual army patrol. Teachers had been instructed that if they caught a student out at night to turn them into the Carrows immediately instead of taking House Points or assigning their own detention. However, over the months, the Professors had a sort of unspoken rule regarding students out of bed: they merely escorted them back to their Common Room.

Of course, before Snape and the Carrows reign over Hogwarts, this would have never happened. They would never let students break rules with no punishment. But 'punishment' had a whole new meaning this year. One that students were learning the hard way. Filius winced at the thought of what exactly went on in these 'detentions'. Children were walking around the castle and into his classroom with bruises, cuts, and broken bones. Poppy always had her hands full; she would be nearly in tears by the end of every day.

It is the Gryffindors who suffer the most. Most of the Hufflepuffs and his Ravenclaws have backed down, or at least made their opposition a little quieter. However, Minerva was having trouble keeping her Lions at bay. They were willing to fight anything Snape and the Carrows said or did and they were causing a ruckus that was only making matters worse. Though sometimes reading 'Dumbledore's Army Sill Recruiting' on the wall was uplifting. Mr. Longbottom and Mrs. Weasley were at the head of it. They seemed to have taken the place of Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Ms. Granger (whom he was always sending safe thoughts to).

Tonight, his patrol had been uneventful until he reached the corridor leading to the library. Huddled outside the doors were Mr. Longbottom, Ms. Weasley, Mr. Finnegan, and Ms. Lovegood. His Luna Lovegood. His precious Ravenclaw. And the most outspoken Ravenclaw at that. She has been going out of her way to help the Gryffindors cause trouble for Snape and rally her fellow Ravenclaws. Even though he has remained silent in his position and has encouraged his students to do the same (just endure, he says), he was immensely proud of Ms. Lovegood.

"Shouldn't you four be in your beds?" His voice made them jump a mile and he had to smile to himself. Serves them right for being out in dangerous times such as these. Of course, once they realized it is Flitwick, they calm down, for they know he will not turn them in.

"Sorry Professor." Ms. Weasley and Mr. Longbottom quickly shove whatever they were working on back into their bags while Mr. Finnegan smiles innocently down on him.

"We were only-" began Ms. Lovegood, but Filius raised his hand to stop her. It was better that he did not know what they were up to now. If it concerned the wellbeing of him or any other of their favorite professors, they would usually send some sort of warning.

"Madame Carrow is on duty tonight. Let us hurry back to our rooms, shall we?" They exchanged a glance he could not read.

"We aren't finished yet, sir," explained Ms. Lovegood. For the second time that night, he suppresses a smile.

"I am going to walk to the end of the hallway and back. By that time you should be done." Four eager head nods meet his words and he wanders off in the other directions. He began counting his steps to make the journey slower. One. Two. Three...

Once at the end of the hall Filius checks both directions, and satisfied there is no one there, he turnes around. Seventy-seven. Seventy-eight. Seventy-nine. Eighty…

One hundred six. One hundred seven. One hundred eight…

One hundred twenty-one. One hundred twenty-two. One hundred twenty-three…

"We're done, Professor." There does not appear to be any damage to the library door, but he makes a mental note not to come down this corridor tomorrow.

"Very well, now come along. We will go up to the Gryffindor tower first. I will take Ms. Lovegood back on the way to my own rooms." The set off on their dangerous trek to the tower. To Filius' relief, there seemed to be no one out that night; Carrow must be in a different wing. Mr. Longbottom, Mr. Finnegan, and Ms. Weasley promise to stay in the tower for the rest of the night. He knows better than to ask them to stay out of trouble for more than one night.

"Thanks again, Professor," says Ms. Lovegood in her airy voice. "It's kind of you to let us pull pranks. It really shows that you are on our side and that you dislike Snape and the Carrows as much as we do." She smiled down at her Head of House and he just nodded in response. Out of all of his Ravenclaws, Ms. Lovegood was the most eccentric. Again, he felt his heart swell with pride.

The sound of footsteps soon interrupted their small conversation. While Ms. Lovegood was paying no attention, Filius was quick to flick his wand. The blonde girl was pushed into the nearest empty classroom and he hoped she would take the hint and stay quiet. Hopefully, it would not be Alecto Carrow.

Hope was hard to find: Carrow rounded the corner. "Flitwick."

"Madame Carrow," he returned and was met with a suspicious glare.

"I thought I heard speaking."

"It must have been the portraits," Filius answered quickly, feigning complete innocence. Not much unlike Mr. Finnegan had earlier.

"Yes, Filius and I were just having an enlightening conversation," came a weak woman's voice. To his right were two women in an antique painting. The Bashbore twins, he remembered. They were famous for their Elfin Rights Movement.

"You see, I was discussing the Theory of Charms with him. It was written by my great-uncle. You wouldn't have happened to read it would you?" asked the second woman with a stronger attitude.

"No. And I don't care too," growled Alecto in an un-lady like manner.

"Yes, we were discussing how I use the book in my classes." Crossing his fingers, he thanked Merlin that the portraits were on their side of this awful fight.

"Well, good night then." She stormed away. He could tell it bothered her that she had not caught him doing anything against the rules. When he opened the door he had just thrown Ms. Lovegood behind, she nearly fell on top of him. Apparently, she had been listening at the key hole.

"Thank you, Madams. I owe you greatly." Filius offered a smile to the portrait and Ms. Lovegood added her own thanks. After all, it would have been she that would have been punished if they were caught, not the Charms Professor.

"We will do anything to protect the students of Hogwarts," they both smile.

Ms. Lovegood made it safely back to her Common Room without further dely. Filius walked her in order to check on his other students. They were all safely tucked into their beds, but he had to wonder how long this peacefulness would last.

Someday, they would all grow tired of ignoring the horrible changes to their school. Someday, they would shout out their opposition to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Someday, the Gryffindors would not stand alone in their fight. Ravenclaw would have its day. Brave and courageous lions were nothing compared to the wit and intelligence of the young men and women in his House. An angry Gryffindor claws at the enemy, fangs bared. An angry Ravenclaw bides their time, waiting until the enemy thinks they are safe. And then, they strike with everything they have.

Someday, Filius Flitwick will break his silence. He will not stand to see murder happen within the walls of his home. But for now, his silence is his strength. A steady hand in a very, very long fight.