Bumblebee Blood
Ah, I love this little story so much! It's one of my favourites *happy face*. I am so glad everyone else is enjoying it as much as I am enjoying writing it! I did think Severus would probably like something as simple as chocolate cake — he seems the type. Death by Chocolate, maybe?
Anyway, on with the third chapter, in which we see just what a wonderful person Severus is and we start to see what it means to be Marked as a traitor — but I stand by my promise in the earlier chapter.
I do want to remind everyone that this is AU, and although it runs alongside canon in some respects…Voldemort isn't quite so subtle and silent as he was in the Order of the Phoenix. No. He likes to attack things.
Namely the Ministry of Magic…
~ SS19
Chapter Three:
Severus Snape was walking along the corridor leading to the second floor staircase, robes billowing out behind him, face set in a scowl. He had not slept well last night, and thus was feeling grumpy this morning. He had already taken one hundred points from Gryffindor — in less than one hour, which was perhaps a record for him considering they were not from Harry Potter and his miserable friends — and students and staff alike were keeping out of his way. They cowered in the corridor when he happened to walk past, as he started up the stairs, thoughts distracted and misplaced. Something was wrong. He could feel it. He hated the gift that his mother had apparently bequeathed to him — the gift of being incredibly perceptive, for he would never class it as 'Sight' or Merlin forbid, the 'Inner Eye' — as it did tend to keep him awake at night as he contemplated what may be happening in the world around him. Things that were, generally, out of his control. He stepped off the staircase and stopped striding when he was in front of the two gargoyles that regulated entrance to the Headmaster's office. "Acid pop." He announced, and the gargoyles accepted the password and sprang away to either side. He opened the door, pausing at the top of the spiral staircase to knock on the door, three sharp raps that the Headmaster would know.
"Come in, Severus."
Albus was sat behind his desk, reading something to do with knitting and transfiguration, but he put the magazine down and smiled genially at Severus, "Good morning, my boy. How are we, this fine day?"
Severus looked across at him, "They deserved it." He said without preamble.
Albus knew the topic immediately, "I dare say. Minerva, on the other hand, does not agree. She has been by this morning, demanding to know why Slytherin have, once again, overtaken her house. I have managed to calm her down." He stood, "Have a seat. Can I interest you in a cup of tea? A biscuit perhaps?"
Severus settled himself in one of the chairs opposite the desk, shaking his head to the offer, "No thank you, I had breakfast a few hours ago."
"So, how can I help, my dear boy? Is there something bothering you?" Albus asked, seating himself once more and leaning forward, blue eyes examining Severus, curious as to the boy's appearance in his office at eleven o' clock in the morning.
"I have a contact at St. Mungo's." Severus said softly. "I asked them for some help. They helped me to compile this list." He pulled a piece of parchment from his pocket, and handed it to Albus. Albus read it, seeing a list of names and not quite fathoming. Severus raised his head, "It's a list of the medi-witches who were also doing midwifery at the end of the nineteen-fifties, and the counties they were primarily working in. I thought, perhaps, a name might ring a bell to you, or you could at least do some initial enquiries. About your son, I mean."
Albus stared at the list, suddenly speechless. He swallowed and looked across the desk at Severus, "You did this?"
"I thought I was too quick to dismiss what you asked me to help with." Severus' tone had turned apologetic, "I understand how important this is to you, and then I remembered Lucy at St. Mungo's, who owed me a couple of favours. We put the list together last night, it's probably no help, but I thought it was a start. I know you said that you did not remember her name, but I thought that you might be able to write some letters and find out if any of them knew of a child that was passed into the Muggle world." He rested his hands on the desk and pointed to the list, "I really do hope it helps. Whoever the boy is…you need to find him. They need to know the truth about who they are."
Albus suddenly grasped one of Severus' hands in his, "You truly are a wonderful person, Severus Snape." His voice was trembling slightly, and his eyes sparkled. "I cannot believe you would do this for me…"
Severus smiled, "I assumed you would do the same for me if our positions were reversed. As I say. Lucy owed me some favours."
Albus clenched his fingers, "Thank you. You have no idea what this means to me." He murmured, and Severus tightened his own grip, "I hope you find him. I really do."
"I do not deserve you." Albus answered.
"Well, I am glad that thought has finally hit you, Headmaster." Severus replied, words tainted with sarcastic humour.
There was a sudden explosive noise from the fireplace, causing both Severus and Albus to look toward it in alarm. Alastor Moody's face appeared in the flames, "Albus!"
Albus let go of Severus' hands and moved nearer to the fire, "Here, Alastor. What is the problem?"
"Voldemort has set about attacking the Ministry. We have stopped him, just, but there are casualties."
Albus glanced behind him at Severus, who had come closer to the fireplace — yet his face was suddenly very pale and Albus saw his hand go to his left arm, almost warily.
"How many?"
"Several Ministry officials — we got one Death-Eater, but he doesn't seem to be part of the Inner Circle." Alastor coughed, "Is Snape there?"
Severus stepped forward, "I knew nothing about this." He said, and Albus could detect the lingering unease in those syllables. "What was he trying to get?"
"We don't know. It seemed unprovoked." Alastor paused, as if listening to someone else, "I have to go. Albus, are you going to come and help us tidy this up?"
"I can leave that, I am sure, in your capable hands, Alastor. I imagine I shall have to speak with the Minister before long. Be careful." He warned the younger Auror friend, before Alastor withdrew and Albus sat back against the floor, looking at Severus. "You did not know about this?"
Severus shook his head, "No. I did not know anything about it." His expression was troubled as he lowered himself into a chair and, in a rare moment of vulnerability, buried his head in his hands. "He suspects me." His syllables were muffled by his palms, but Albus still heard. "No, you see, this is good. This means he will think the spy is elsewhere, surely? If it was information fed to the Order…"
Severus' head shot up, "He would never feed anything like that to someone he believed was a spy. Granted, this works in my favour for the moment — but he still must think I am a threat for him not to include me in something as important as the Ministry of Magic…" He massaged his forehead with his fingers, "This is falling apart where we stand."
Albus crossed to him and sat on the footstool near to the chair, reaching out and pulling Severus' hands back from him face, "Do not think like this. You need to believe he trusts you — Severus, you have done nothing to make him believe otherwise!"
Severus looked at him for a long moment before answering, "He does not always need a reason. He just…knows…these things."
"Well, I just know things too, and I know that you are still held in some sort of favour. I believe that because you would not be here now if he suspected you to be a traitor. He had marked you, but I believe that is just to threaten you, to test your resolve. You need to stay strong on this, my boy." He smiled lopsidedly at Severus, "Trust me."
"Trust you, Headmaster?" He paused, watching those blue eyes. "Implicitly."
"Good. Do you want to — " Albus broke off when Severus suddenly recoiled, one hand suddenly covering his Dark Mark.
"In the middle of the day?" Albus prompted, as Severus fought the nausea that was associated with a Summons and raised his head. "I'm scared." He murmured, almost too quiet for Albus to hear. Albus leaned forward, "Listen to me. There is nothing for you to be afraid of — not yet. You need to go."
Severus pulled his arm tighter to his chest and, for a moment, seemed like he was going to shake his head and say that it was all too much for him. But he didn't. He stood and Albus did so simultaneously, resting one hand over Severus' sore arm, "Make sure you come home to me."
Severus nodded and pulled away from Albus, leaving the Headmaster stood watching the door as it swung closed behind him. He counted the minutes and then finally crossed to the window, watching as a figure crossed the grounds and disappeared into the darkness of the Forbidden Forest. He pressed a hand to the glass and watched him go, knowing that he would have to find someone to cover his lessons and feeling evermore uneasy. Voldemort had never summoned Severus in the middle of the day. Why was his heart thudding so painfully? Why was his stomach twisting in such a terrible way?
He turned back to his desk and looked at the list that Severus had brought him. The boy had done that for him, gone to St. Mungo's, had the courage to do the one thing Albus had never been able to do…to actually start searching for his child. Severus had done it without thinking, and it was that that would spur Albus on. But only when Severus was back in the safety of the castle. He put the list in the drawer and closed it, exhaling slowly.
What if Severus never came back to the castle?
He found his travelling cloak and snatched a handful of Floo powder from the pot by the fireplace, throwing it into the fire and shouting, "Cornelius' office!"
Cornelius Fudge was not one of Albus' favourite people — but he was Minister for Magic and for that reason, Albus always tried to remain polite and genial in his presence. "Good morning, Cornelius."
Cornelius was sat behind his desk, drinking from a glass of whiskey, paper white and seeming much older than he actually was. He barely glanced at Dumbledore, "You're too late, Dumbledore. You-Know-Who has left his mark."
"Then you admit he has returned, Cornelius? You were, of course, warned." Albus murmured. He did not want to seem overly triumphant…but at least now things could be done about Voldemort. "How many were killed?"
"Fourteen." Cornelius stood, "Why were we not warned, Dumbledore? Do you not have a spy in his midst? Did you not tell me that, so many years ago?"
Albus stood straight. "What are you suggesting, Cornelius? That I am losing my touch?"
"I am suggesting, Albus, that we were not warned! Where was your spy?" Cornelius shot back, and Albus felt the rage flood his veins. "If my spy had been aware of such a thing, he would have informed us. He has been incredibly good, these past few years, Cornelius, and I will not allow you to besmirch his name — he is fighting for our cause even now, and is a much braver man than you could ever hope to be. Than any of us could ever be. You risk losing much of my respect, Cornelius, should you question his intentions."
Cornelius did seem cowed by Albus' thunderous tone and blazing blue eyes. "How do you know you can trust him?" He demanded, still willing to speak above a normal level of voice.
Albus folded his arms and stared at Cornelius, "Because I know. Now. I suggest you tidy up the mess that has been created here and attempt to hide much of it from the Daily Prophet, although I imagine Miss Rita Skeeter has already found and written her story, although I believe you think that all publicity is good publicity. Consider this, Cornelius. Voldemort is very much alive," He stopped when Cornelius flinched, "Yes, Cornelius, Voldemort! And if you do not wish to be considered a weakling by those who should respect you, you would do well to start being brave enough to at least say his name. It is just a name, after all." He stepped away, "I bid you good day. There will be more attacks, and I would suggest that you must have leaks within your number. Perhaps, instead of casting aspersions on my spy and his loyalty, you could look through your own ranks and find out who is passing information to them." He turned and headed back for the fireplace, leaving Cornelius Fudge stood stunned and shocked, frozen in place.
Lunchtime came and went. Albus forced himself to appear at that mealtime, even though staring at Severus' empty chair concerned him. He picked his way through some mashed potato, his appetite very much gone as he considered what might have happened to Severus. Meetings normally lasted only a few hours at the most…he shook his head and tore his eyes from the chair, tuning back into the conversation that Minerva and Pomona were having across the table.
"Did you hear about the attack on the Ministry?" Pomona was asking Minerva, who nodded in response. "I assume this will finally jolt the Minister into action?" She raised her eyes and glared pointedly at Dolores, "What do you think, Dolores?"
It almost amused Albus to see that Dolores Umbridge was wearing a similar expression to the one that Cornelius had worn when Albus had finished his assassination of his character. His mood sobered. He sighed and put his fork down. He really was not hungry.
Albus had decided to take the fifth year Potions' lesson that Severus should have been teaching. He arrived at Severus' classroom early, standing by the desk and wondering just what Severus had planned to teach his OWL class. He picked up a small notebook that lay open, recognising Severus' scrawling handwriting and reading the words that detailed the correct way to produce an Invisibility potion. Albus smiled slightly when he realised that it could only be a letter of complaint to the editors of one of the many publications about his beloved subject that Severus always seemed to be reading. There were so many facets of Severus' life that he was not yet aware of, even though he knew much more than other people could ever hope to know. The classroom was cold and draughty, and Albus wondered how Severus never seemed to catch cold. He had decided on the potion that they would create, and when the bell rang, realised that he was looking forward to teaching this class. He would, finally, be able to see if Severus' opinions of his students were justified.
His presence was greeted by much approval from the Gryffindors and not particularly well hidden dismay from the Slytherins. He smiled at Harry and his two friends, waiting until the students were quiet and watching him intently. "Professor Snape has been called away for the day to attend to some business, so he has asked that I take over this lesson just for today." He was well aware that Draco Malfoy had sat up in his chair, narrowing his eyes at Dumbledore, clearly wondering what Albus actually meant by his words. "So, I thought we might brew something I find incredibly useful in everyday life — an elation potion. It helps to turn any day slightly more happier, and I believe you will find the instructions on page sixty-one of your textbook." He imagined that Severus had never asked his class to turn to page sixty-one in his whole near fifteen years of teaching. "I assume you know where to find your ingredients; you have one hour, and then I shall collect the results and leave them for Severus to examine when he is back."
He started to patrol the classroom as he assumed Severus most likely did, and paused by Harry's desk when the boy looked up at him. "Where is Snape, sir?"
Albus chastised him in his normal good natured way, "Professor Snape is at a Potions conference, that is all." Harry was, of course, aware that Severus was a spy. When Albus turned, he noted that Master Malfoy had been listening intently for his answer too. He assumed that Draco knew more about the Death-Eater goings-on than most, knowing the affiliations of his father. Albus also knew that he was fond of Professor Snape, as were all the Slytherin students, for their Head was just and fair and undeniably incredibly biased toward his young serpents. He wished that Draco had slightly more respect for him, because he would have been able to talk to him — but Draco Malfoy only ever spoke to Severus.
After sixty minutes of brewing, Albus called the lesson to a close just before the bell rang. "I can imagine that you have must have much revision to do, so no homework assignment for this evening. I will remind you all, though, that OWLs are incredibly important and will determine much of your future career, so please, study hard and well. Dismissed."
Harry approached him when all the other students, besides his friends, had left the room. "What happened at the Ministry, Professor?"
Albus pursed his lips, "And how are you aware of such a thing?"
"Sirius." Harry replied, trying to look as though that was not breaking several rules at once. "Is that where Snape is?"
"Professor Snape is simply carrying out his duties, Harry. It need not concern you. I am sure he will also return to teaching you next week. I am glad he had agreed to teach you remedial potions, for I feel you will find it incredibly useful. Off with you now, my boy." He smiled kindly at Harry and watched as he left. The room was now empty — or so he thought — for there was a shuffling noise by one of the desks that suggested otherwise. "Is something troubling you, Mr. Malfoy?"
Draco's blond head shot up from behind the desk, "No. I was tidying up."
Albus nodded, "Very well. Hurry along to your next lesson." He said softly, waving his wand at the board and clearing the mess he had created on Severus' desk over the course of the lesson. Draco stood and headed for the door, but then lingered. He turned back, as if about to say something. Albus did not look up from his desk, but was aware that Draco was struggling. As Draco finally decided not to talk to the Headmaster and disappeared, Albus called after him, "Your Head of House will be fine, Mr. Malfoy."
Severus' chair was empty once more at dinner, now past seven o clock. He had been gone for over eight hours. Rumours had started to spread like wildfire amongst the students and staff, and Albus wasn't exactly sure how to quell them. This was out of the ordinary, and Albus was beginning to worry. Moreso than usual. He always worried when Severus was away, but this time…
"Did you say Severus was at a Potions' conference today, Albus?" Pomona asked, trying to cover the absence, as Dolores was making notes on her clipboard. Albus looked over at her, "He is indeed. He has been telling me about it for quite some time now. Wolfsbane, I believe, it is centred on this time." He turned his attention back to his plate and knew that he was being watched. He raised his gaze and his eyes met Minerva's, who knew very well that there was something out of place. Her eyes wandered to Severus' chair and then back to Albus, who exhaled slowly and tried to swallow another mouthful of shepherd's pie, despite the lump that had formed in his throat.
It was the students sat by the left hand side of the hall that saw it first, gasping and exclaiming as a silvery raven suddenly swept into the Great Hall, walls clearly no obstacle as it moved through them in a manner similar to the ghosts, landing in front of Albus at the main staff table. He reached out to touch the raven's crest, knowing what it signified as the raven did not speak, but simply looked at him. Albus leaned forward and murmured to the Patronus, "Tell him I'm coming." He stood, as the raven took off once more, knowing that he had attracted much attention but suddenly not interested in the stares and the murmurs. The Patronus told him only one thing.
Severus was here, but unable to make it to the castle. He used the dungeons' entrance to the castle to step out into the darkened grounds, following the silvery trail of the Patronus as it headed for the Forbidden Forest. He followed it first at a walking pace, but then quickened it to a near run as he realised just how far away Severus was. It suggested that he had not been able to do much more than simply Apparate.
At night, the forest was much more oppressing than it was in the day, and even Albus felt slightly uneasy. He reached into his pocket for his wand and lit the tip with a non-verbal Lumos, eyes still fixed on the Patronus. The bird had landed a few feet away, and Albus could see by the light of his wand the figure that had cast the Patronus originally. He pointed his own wand in the direction of the castle, creating his phoenix Patronus, "Go and fetch Poppy Pomfrey. Bring her here." He commanded, before crossing to Severus and kneeling beside him. "Severus? Are you still conscious?"
A moan coupled with coughing answered him in what Albus supposed was an affirmative, and something like relief swept through the older man as he gathered the puddle of black robes, skin and blood up into his arms and pulled the crude Death-Eater mask away to press a hand to Severus' cheek. Severus' raven Patronus, still sat on the branch of the tree, was creating enough light for Albus to see Severus' eyes, that were open and focused on his face. He cradled him close to his chest, listening to Severus' stuttering breathing and realising that he was incredibly cold. Finally he was able to speak, "Poppy's coming, Severus. Where does it hurt?"
Severus seemed unable to respond, turning his head away and his eyes fluttering closed. "No, no, Severus! You need to stay conscious!" Albus pressed one hand to Severus' chest, and felt something warm ooze over his fingers. He looked down at the blood that now stained his hand and pulled Severus closer, "Severus. Severus, please, stay with me…"
By the time they got Severus back to the castle, most of the students were in bed, which meant they were not disturbed as Poppy and Albus managed to settle Severus in the Headmaster's office. In the light, the damage was much more evident. Poppy Pomfrey, wearing her matron's outfit and a slightly worried expression, fussed over the younger man, who was drifting between unconsciousness and some state where he seemed hardly present. He still had not spoken. Albus knelt on the bright blue bedspread next to him, watching as Poppy healed much of the surface damage and loosened his robes to examine his chest. "It does not look too bad, Albus, you can relax. He will pull through — these seem to be superficial."
"…Why then is he so…" Albus gestured to Severus, indicating the fact that Severus was not at all awake. "Is that simply blood loss?" He pressed a hand to Severus' forehead, feeling the remains of sweat and some sort of heat burning away under the skin, "Severus, what happened?"
Poppy pulled her bloodied hand away from Severus' chest, "It could be exhaustion. Would You-Know-Who have subjected to him to Legilimency?"
"If he believed Severus to be disloyal, yes." He brushed Severus' hair back behind his ears, "I'm sorry, my boy." He murmured, looking down at Severus' hand, fingers lying limp against the blankets, wanting to take hold of them and never let him go again — how could he continue to subject the boy to this treatment?
Poppy drew away, having applied a bandage to the deep tear in Severus' chest, "He's asleep." She and Albus listened to Severus' quiet breathing for a long minute, until Poppy was satisfied. "It was just surface wounds, Albus, I do not believe he has been through the Cruciatus or anything of that nature. He will be better in the morning, although I recommend he perhaps stays in bed for tomorrow too."
"I highly doubt he will submit to that too." Albus replied, and Poppy smiled. "No. I doubt he will either." She smoothed Severus' robe down, "I suggest you take off these dirty robes and then put him to bed properly. It's a healing sleep. Wait for him to wake naturally. That will most certainly help. Make sure he eats something substantial in the morning and consumes some sort of fluid, and comes to see me in the evening. If you notice anything else, let me know." She smiled at Albus, "He's in good hands here, Albus." She left him to it, as he undid Severus' bloodied robes and pulled the material away, leaving it in a pile on the floor that he would deal with in the morning. He washed his hands to get rid of the blood, and picked Severus up, trying to ignore just how light he was, and settling him under the blankets, trying not to irritate the bandaged wounds across his chest. Severus clearly was asleep, because he turned his head to one side, curling slightly in the warmth. Albus stroked his hair for a few minutes, sitting on the bed behind his friend, finally allowing himself to believe that Severus was here — alive — and not too badly hurt.
He was planning to watch over him the whole night, but sitting here, comforted by the warmth and listening to Severus next to him, he suddenly felt tired. The day had been stressful — tomorrow would be worse still when he would have to force Severus to relive what had happened — and he just wanted to rest. His eyes were heavy and he was slowly drifting off…
The medi-witch picked the baby out from the cradle and handed him to Albus, who took him in his arms, looking down at the sleeping child and suddenly feeling as though his life was complete. He pulled him close to his chest, touching a tiny fist with his finger, listening to the breathing and feeling the warmth and his heart felt as though it might explode with some sort of happiness. He had never felt anything so powerful, so emotional, never in his life.
"He's waking up." The medi-witch murmured, and he smiled at her, "Thank you, Poppy."
The child's eyes flickered open and he smiled at his son, looking down into his eyes, seeing them for the first time…
Black eyes, or perhaps very dark brown — no, definitely black — black like onyx and the midnight sky…
