Disclaimer: backs away from a slightly peeved and previously pounced on Snape as he advances on my helpless little plot puppy.
"You own nothing," he hissed while trying to drown my plot puppy in some acidic wasteland. Jessica traipses up behind him and lowers the puppy away from its unwarranted doom… reminisces about glomping Snape… ha unwarranted…
"She does do part of the plot on her own, Severus," she hints softly while the ever glomping canine scampers to a safe distance before turning around to face him.
"I can make you do things," says my beloved puppy, narrowly avoiding an Unforgivable as he scampers back into its dog house scheming up ways to make Snape suffer. Sorry guys, but the suffering comes after the… little surprise that I have planned in the next chapter. My puppy does not own me and I want them to have some fun before the ''complications' my puppy's brewing start to pop up.
Reviews: I'd like to thank my first reviewers, AsparagusZeTurkey and LilyHellsing. I appreciate the comments and hope you can spare a few more after noticing the attempt at better grammar, the main complaint. I also am pleased to inform you of a pleasant surprise in chapter three that leads into the awesome-ness that is chapter four seeing as I have split the first day up into three chapters. Actually, after you two are done reading the three chapters I'll probably combine them into one long one. The first day really shouldn't be that long, but when I get into adding things to the plot, it's like Pringles.
Previously in Chapter 1
"Well, ah, how do I put this…? Dumbledore is quite fond of some of the students, Ms. Granger in particular." Now wide awake, Jessica, veiled by the thin curtains, listened closely trying to match voices.
"I don't intend for her to accept! If she chooses Weasley, which she had better, no will, then that takes care of me avoiding marriage and still living in the magical community since it's only sending not accepting the request that fulfills the requirements."
With her hand on the railing of the winding stairs up to the tower, as he crept behind her she noticed the shadow his body cast beside hers. Reaching for her wand she turned and fired of an attack spell which the figure blocked with a return defensive spell. She tried to vanish it and created a clear, magical barrier. The figure had attempted too break into the invisible shield, but could find no fault with its construction.
"Evening, Miss Cassidy." Jessica jumped in surprise as she recognizing the voice diminished the shield to face what she could only imagine might be a very angry Professor Snape. "I'm sure you'll understand the lenience of detention tomorrow evening until," glancing at the clock above the fire place, "about four in the morning?"
"Yes, Sir, thank you." She turned to leave, but he held her back a moment.
"I also trust you won't repeat anything you heard tonight." She nodded and he allowed her to ascend up the stairs to get a few hours sleep.
Watching from the fourth floor, Snape realized they were still trying to make it to class by using the brooms. Not bothering to take the stairs, he flew out the window to cut them off by flying above the castle instead of around it. Just then the door's opened and Dumbledore, McGonagall, Sprout, and Flitwick emerged. Snape, who had come to hover just behind the four removed the disillusions spell and turned to face his colleagues.
As the others filed back, Dumbledore remained to ask to talk to Snape in the hall. "It would appear that Miss Cassidy has kept her word." Snape now wore a look of uninterested confusion. "She hasn't told Hermione," said excitedly. They both left to their respective destinations, however, as Snape reached his office he was greeted by the least appealing scene his predicament could produce.
Chapter 2
"RONALD WEASELY YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS IF YOU THINK I'D DROP OUT FOR ANY REASON, LEAST OF ALL YOUR SELFISH WISHES FOR A COMMON HOUSE WIFE," she screamed glaring daggers at a dumbfounded Ron. Harry sat beside a wide eyed Jessica… who was inching away from a ranting Hermione… who was advancing on a helpless and truly confused Ron. Harry's expression was devoid of any emotion besides vague disinterest or boredom while Jessica's eyes were widened slightly in surprise. Snape, however, seeing his one way out of the law disappear, narrowed his eyes at Ron and drawing himself up as he slamming the door he'd left open behind him. The entire room jumped at the thunderous boom of the door closing. "Professor, if you don't mind, I think I'll go down to the hospital wing to get the potion," Hermione stated more than asked. For the second time in a few short minutes Jessica marveled at the Gryffindor boldness and bravery. She looked over to see Snape seething. She knew he now needed a new plan and was obviously not happy about it. Still, seeing him that enraged, he also looked unsure of how to handle the situation. Jessica, not wanting to be the one to set him off kept her tongue remembering she already had detention with him tonight.
"No." Hermione, who hadn't waited for an answer, had gathered up her school work and had started to walk towards the door before he'd spoken.
"Why not," she fumed, livid. One look from Snape and she composed herself enough to add 'sir' in an effort to sound more respectful.
"Because, Miss Granger, the headmaster entrusted you into my care for the remaining ten minutes until your next class, because you are in no state to walk down to the Hospital Wing on your own, and most importantly because - I – said- so," he drawled putting more emphasis on the last reason as his eyes narrowed even more. When she made no move to sit back down he hissed, "Take a seat." Deciding that her professor was clearly close to losing it she complied, but glared at Ron as she took the seat on the other side of Harry and Jessica as far away from him as possible. Taking the moment in which Hermione found her seat to calm himself, he was now more aggravated than angry. "Stay where you are, I'll be back with the potions," he said, his tone a velvety smooth mask veiling his displeasure at the situation. As he began looking for the correct vials in the storage cupboard he began collecting his thoughts.
She doesn't know. Shit, this is bad… maybe she should know. No… maybe… he should know. He smirked just as his hand reached the final vial. But how… He turned and saw Harry whispering something to Jessica and they both looked at Ron, the upturned corners of her lips carried an empathetic lift. He shut the door and as Jessica turned towards the noise her eyes locked with his. She'll do. I'll just talk to her about it after class or during detention. He approached, them smirking after being completely outraged, carrying a potion they were all supposed to drink. Needless to say, they were certainly hesitant. He noticed their reluctance and promptly threatened to dock 50 house points each if the vials weren't emptied within the next five minutes. Ron, who thought that meant he could empty his vial into a nearby inkwell, took the most of Snape's wrath for the terrible turn of events.
Once he had taken a devastating amount of points from Gryffindor he sat at his desk to inform Dumbledore of the latest complications to his stratagem. He instructed Harry, Hermione, and Ron, who was still in shock from the amount of points he'd just lost his house, to take the letter to Dumbledore before class informing them that it was not another excuse for tardiness as they swiftly fled the office. Ron and Hermione had been to busy putting all their concentration into avoiding each other that only Harry noticed that he'd made Jessica stay behind. Realizing since to listening in on them he'd need Ron and Hermione to work together and use their motor functions for something other than skirting around each other, he decided a hidden observation session would not work well at the present. He resolved instead to ask the headmaster and then, should his conclusion that Dumbledore was ignoring him prove true, he would ask Jessica herself. He got to the stairs leading to the fourth floor before McGonagall stopped him. Handing him the excuse that the suitors were still roaming around on their tours of the castle and it could be dangerous to meet up with them while alone. He reluctantly handed over the letter so she could deliver it and with a few minutes left before potions, they began their descent back into the dungeons. On their way back down, Ron and Hermione were still determined not to cross the path of the other so Harry resolved to find Jessica before their detentions to find out what Snape wanted.
Meanwhile, Jessica remained seated on a stool in the front row of the classroom facing Snape who had stayed at his desk after writing his letter to the headmaster. She knew there was only five minutes left until the start of class, but still figured that there was a reason behind keeping her there while he'd sent the other three along.
"Miss Cassidy," he spoke softly. "How would you describe your relationship with Potter, Granger, and Weasley?" She'd been completely taken aback by his question having expected him to punish her further for the broom riding incident.
"I… don't understand, Sir." He raised his brow and left his seat to stand in front of the classroom where she sat leaning on the end of his own desk. He stared down at her wondering if he should chance Legilimency, but decided to wait.
"Miss Cassidy," he spoke again, just as softly. "You are Ravenclaw's Head Girl. Please don't allow yourself to ask me to repeat one of the simplest questions I've ever asked of my students." He began to lean forward looking deeper into her eyes in preparation to enter her mind.
She noticed what he was doing immediately. When she first cast the Legilimency charm she was seven. From her research she learned the ability she carried usually took years of training. After more research she began practicing on her own until books and theories were no longer of any use. Knowing, through her readings that it was thought a dark practice and was unacceptable in the wizarding community she could take her skills no further. Though she still wasn't powerful enough to detect when someone was trying to enter her mind she could still block her thoughts and memories on command.
He cast the silent Legilimency charm and she put up her standard barriers. Snape's eyes widened slightly as he pulled out of the spell and stared at Jessica who, realizing a student her age should not have known how to do that, sunk down a few inches.
"Who taught you," he whispered glaring down at her. At that moment she knew that they were off the subject of her relationship between the three Gryffindors, but at what cost? He was beyond livid, just short of having lost it, and she had never seen anyone this close to the edge before. Knowing that only people coming from an extremely dark line of wizarding families inherited that ability he'd never believe the truth. Her family was known for its age old support of the light side, dating back to Merlin's time.
She looked away trying to think of a suitable lie when he closed the two yards worth of distance between them. She gasped in pain as her wrenched her out of her seat, a vice like grip on her wrist. He swung her around so that she was in front of him and pushed her out the door ahead of him. Nearly falling onto the cold dungeon's stone floor she regained her balance at the last minute by turning to lean her back against a wall to face her incensed professor. He stared down at her again, but his expression changed to that of shock.
"Put – it – away," he hissed indicating her wand which was drawn and pointed directly at his chest. She looked down to find herself equally surprised, not even remembering taking her wand out, much less pointing it at her professor. She quickly stored it back in a hidden pocket of her robes. He strode forward and grabbed her upper arm to steer her to the stairs leading to the entrance hall. As they continued up the stairs leading to the second floor Jessica was still walking ahead of him struggling slightly in his grasp.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione who were on their way back down to the dungeons hid behind the archway leading to the lower level of the library as they watched Snape lead Jessica up to the third floor. They shared a look of concern and deciding that with Snape mad enough to leave bruises on the poor Ravenclaw's arm they were better off waiting to hear the story from her than to follow them and risk getting caught. They continued down to Snape's classroom to find the door open and the stool in the center of the front row had been over turned. After righting the stool and shutting the door, they realized they only had a minute before class began. They took the front row seats since no one else would want them to make sure Jessica could sit close by.
As Jessica and Snape finally reached the headmasters office he let go of her arm after shoving her into the winding stair case. Once he was in, himself, due to a lack of room he moved his grip up to her shoulders as they ascended into Dumbledore's office. When the stairs stopped moving he pushed her forward more gently than before and they walked to stand in front of Dumbledore's desk. They waited in silence for a moment until Snape suddenly hissed and gripped his forearm.
"ALBUS, DAMN IT, GET DOWN HERE," Snape bellowed as he slammed his fist down on the desk shaking it so badly a lead paper weight fell along with a few scattered pieces of parchment, a stack of files, and the un-opened letter he'd told Harry to deliver. Jessica flinched at seeing her professor so angry, but concluded that his new found rage was due to the dark mark burned on his arm. Though most wizarding families still believe him to have been a loyal death eater, Jessica, having grown up around her families logic had faith in the credibility Dumbledore gave him.
Suddenly the headmaster burst through a side door to his office out of breath, blue eyes ablaze. Snape let out another hiss of agony and gripped his arm so hard that Jessica was sure he'd be bleeding beneath his sleeves and robes. Dumbledore took the situation in as calmly and quickly as only he could.
"Go, Severus, hurry," he said, his concern etched deeper in every word. Snape nodded, now panting in desperation, and quickly vanished in the form of a vague silver figure rising to disappear in a wisp of black fog. The smoke colored vapor swirled around the place where he'd stood, circling the floor resembling a snake as it reared up, and upon pulling back to strike faded.
She didn't remember when her body decided it was fine to stop breathing, but it was the headmasters own sigh that made her take a deep breath after letting out the one she'd been holding. He motioned for her to sit down as he also took his seat at his desk.
"Now, Miss Cassidy," he said with soft apprehension in his eyes. "Would you be so kind as to tell me what happened?"
"I… well…" She faltered looking down at the floor trying to take this all in herself. He spoke her name softly and as she looked up to face him she caught that look in his eyes, but searching for his presence in her mind and finding him sifting through her most recent memories, she knew it was too late. He pulled out and for the first time, needed at least half a minute for the information to process.
She felt his eyes look her over after he left her mind and sat silently awaiting the questions she felt sure would arise.
"Miss Cassidy, if you were to tell anyone, I would appreciate it if your new friends were the only one's you told. If anyone else questions you, tell them I was discussing tomorrow's plans with you," he said kindly.
"What plans, Sir," she asked grateful, yet, at the same time, was certainly caught off guard that he'd started their discussion with a lighter topic.
"You'll be informed tomorrow, and that's exactly what you can tell them as well," he said grinning.
The bell rang and she felt herself suddenly wishing to be on her way down to the dungeons out of this room that held as the previous headmasters and headmistresses staring down at her with interest.
"Wish granted, Miss Cassidy," Dumbledore whispered pulling out of her mind again. By the time she'd figured out he had been inside her mind again her emotions where just impossible to control. She was now annoyed that she hadn't noticed that time, amazed that he didn't need eye contact, and thoroughly confused at his reaction, especial in comparison to Professor Snape's. When she made no attempt to leave, Dumbledore grinned at her apparent uncertainty. "Skedaddle," he said with a warm smile.
There were many things Jessica was unsure of at the moment, but as she swiftly left the Dumbledore's office she was tacking on her doubts about the headmaster's sanity. He wasn't reacting as he should towards her advanced dark magic abilities, he hadn't explained anything about Professor Snape, although she felt she had a good handle on where he went off to, and he had actually smiled and joked with her… ridiculous.
As she reached the door to the class she decided she needed something to distract Harry, Ron, or Hermione from asking about her lateness. An idea came to her quickly enough and she almost laughed thinking it was too bold before remembering which house's occupants she'd been with all day. Deciding since her professor was still gone… hopefully… that she'd be the first to pull an amusing prank in his class on the first day… or any day for that matter.
She threw the door wide open as he usually would on the first day, but stood back for a moment as it thundered and swung freely on its strong hinges. She heard a few whispered voices and waited until they grew a bit in volume before peaking her head out. The majority of the class, mainly all but the Slytherins, burst out laughing. She took a few bows and found the only seat left to be in the front row next to Harry with Ron and Hermione beside him, all three clapping louder than the uproar of laughter as she approached.
"That was brilliant," Ron chuckled as Hermione grinned appreciatively and leaned over to shake her hand. Harry was, like most of the class still breathless with laughter. Once he stopped, he realized with most people still congratulating her, he'd have no opportunity to ask what happened with her and Snape in the hall way. He resolved to ask her if she wanted to leave dinner together for their detentions. She nodded thinking that would give her all of Potions, Advanced Arithmacy, and Defense Against Dark Arts, and dinner to come up with an excuse. After the chaos died down a minute or two later, there were many questions from the rest of the class about why she dared to be late, how she knew Snape wouldn't be there, and if she knew where he was.
She told them all that she was late because she was with the headmaster with a few other teachers, Snape included, to discuss tomorrows events. Though she grinned at the sneer on Malfoy's face as she told those who asked about tomorrow that she couldn't yet tell them she knew it was because she didn't know herself. A few more minutes rolled along and, still, no Professor Snape. I hope he's alright Jessica thought, but after realizing who she was talking about quickly relieved puzzling notions of concern. I wouldn't wish his job on anyone, and right now especially, he's got more to deal with than anyone. Damn law… damn Legilimency… damn war… still… I do hope he's alright…
They glanced at the sundial near the dais. This was the second time that Severus had been late… even if it was only by a few minutes. The growing pain that the mark caused would have sufficed as punishment from even the worst of masters, besides of course the Dark Lord.
"Crucio," a cold voice hissed from the shadows. Just as the throbbing pain in his arm ceased his body was suddenly bent in anguish. On principal, remained unwilling to allow himself to scream like the others who so quickly collapsed under his master's favorite torture. As quickly as his body would allow, he rose slightly to bow before the Dark Lord immediately after the curse had ended. He raised his gaze slowly and bowed his head more deeply asking permission to speak.
"Your excuse had better be more satisfactory than the last," he his twisted voice holding more than an undertone of threats and Severus knew it. He hadn't been able to deliver anything satisfactory since his help with getting Barty Crouch Junior to corner Potter after his escape from the grave sight. Even that ended up resulting in the boy – who - just - wouldn't – die still living and the loss of an insane, but loyal follower. He wasn't sure, now, if the excuse he had today would be enough.
"My Lord," he spoke softly to his master sitting regally on a throne atop the podium. "The previous night, the new fifth year Head Girl for Ravenclaw, Miss Jessica Cassidy, had stayed up until four in the morning in her common room to listen in on the staff, myself included, discussing the law." He paused unsure if he should continue, but went on with his explanation after a glare from the Dark Lord.
"There was also the incident earlier this morning involving Potter, Weasley, Granger, and Miss Cassidy skipping class to fly around the castle in a downpour. After I was done reprimanding them, I had sent the others to Dumbledore so I could discuss her punishment for last night. She wouldn't tell me something so I attempted Legilimency," he finished, knowing that while those who jeered around him may not understand. The Dark Lord, he knew, would surely put it together. He risked a glance up to the dais and saw his master smirking. Snape looked around to find many puzzled, but unfortunately saw Nott, Judson, Dolohov, Mulciber, Rockwood, Avery, Macnair, Rabastan, and most importantly Lucius Malfoy smirking with their master, understanding what this could mean. The Dark Lord looked down to see how many had comprehended the situation. He listed off the ones who still had blank stares and dismissed them. With only those few left, he glided, almost slithered down from the platform to stand in front of Snape. The others closed the circle around them and Snape felt him enter into his mind.
He imagined the clock moving ahead a few minutes and cut out taking her to Dumbledore. It would be better for him if his master thought that the light side was unaware. He remained kneeling as the memories from last night drifted up as well. He felt the presence leave his mind and his master drew him up to stand beside him.
"My cunning little snake's," he drawled clearly pleased. "Surely you'll recognize Cassidy as a name that has been quite the support group for the light." Many nodded and Lucius' smirk turned into what would have been a pleasant smile should the topic have been nearly as pleasant.
"With the new law in hand," whispered Malfoy approaching in a timid manner, especially for a Malfoy. "It would only be too easy to move her to our cause." The Dark Lord, along with a few others looked amused at this statement.
"Have you forgotten Narcissa already," he asked entertained by Malfoy's evident surprise. As Lucius shrank back the others snickered at the delight of being available for the task. Snape, however panicked he was feeling, showed no reaction at all.
"As for your qualms with the law, Severus," the Dark Lord hissed turning back to Snape. "I believe… I might assist you on this one." The group glared at Snape as they thought of his reward. Still, he reasoned with himself, it made sense why the Dark Lord would chose him. He'd just delivered information that could bring down a good portion of the light side and being a professor at the school I'd certainly have more… access to her for what ever tasks he might desire. He shuddered in his mind at what his Lord might condemn her to endure by his hand. Combining the past reasons with Albus Dumbledore's trust… they couldn't possibly compete with that. Still, being the ambitious snakes they were, they coveted his glory, and standing there beside one of the two madmen who controlled him, he knew that some would try. The Dark Lord dismissed them and as he apparated in a silvery wisp once more, his stomach churned violently. As he returned to the castle and made his way down to the dungeons only about five minutes late he silently prayed Albus would find a way out of this… for both of us, he thought remembering how he had discovered his talent for Occlumency at the same age… and only a year later, joined ranks with the darker side of the war.
Dumbledore had, in fact, been racking his mind to correct the damage he believed his poor spy was soon to be wrapped up in. He really did pity the younger man and had tried always to help him as much as possible. He thought, now, of how he could help the unfortunate Ravenclaw student. Too young, he speculated as he was reminded of his time as a transfiguration professor. How he had discovered Severus' unnatural talents much like he'd discovered Jessica's.
This will be more difficult for her, given her… heritage. Cassidy, he contemplated on where that name was so familiar from. One of those things you're so used to you forget about it. While rummaging through a book of acknowledged extremely dark wizarding families his eyes widened as he remembered. The Cassidy Clan, dating back to Medieval times aided the fall of the First Dark Lord. They actually fought right beside me! All of them with allegiance to the light, all in Gryffindor, all… wait… all in Gryffindor and each have married a Gryffindor as well, if I'm not mistaken... until this generation… and the twins were adopted. He grinned finally having the right source and the right question.
He glanced up to the shelf where the sorting hat was perched. It peered down at him with his button sown eyes raised, the stitches indicating a mouth turned upward in amusement at seeing the seemingly ever present twinkle in those brilliant blue eyes.
"Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky little thing, you," he said to the garment as he levitated it down to sit among the clutter of his desk. "I suppose you didn't deem it necessary to tell me, then?"
"You know now, and now is when you need to be sure," he responded leaving all the eavesdropping portraits completely bewildered. Dumbledore shook his head sadly. It was helpful, but it meant complications for everyone involved… including the two people he had started to worry about the most.
That family is pure, there's no question about that, he thought with absolute trust reminiscing about the first war. It must be that, like the twins, she was adopted. What family… or rather what house had she come from then, mused Dumbledore while contemplating his options with such limited knowledge about the situation at hand. She was sincere about not being taught the art so, being a natural, and a powerful one a that… Slytherin? Still even with her abilities she was sorted to Ravenclaw. It could be both. That Slytherin blood seems to be just as detectable as the Ravenclaw The portraits on the wall watched the old man chuckling to himself as he relived viewing the memory of the young potion master's face as he rebounded of the wards protecting her mind. It was as he though more in depth about the situation that a solution had presented itself. He smirked in a rather Slytherin like manner knowing how those he'd chose to involve would try to find every alternate solution, but to no avail. The headmaster was set in his plans, now, and this was something that could help with more than just safety and convenience.
"I wonder how those two will react, at first," he wondered out loud to himself, entirely too amused for the occasion.
Author's Notes: This is where it gets complicated, but, if you haven't caught on yet, then it's all explained in the next chapter. Also, anyone care to guess what surprise it is that I have planned? It'll be coming out in the next chapter too, which you can be expecting in about two to three weeks seeing as I'll be on vacation camping and reading and writing, but can't post while camping. Sorry guys, my wireless doesn't go that far.