The Last Encounter

One day!

In only one day, the students will leave for the summer vacations. The Weasley girl was safe, the Chamber of Secret destroyed and once again, Harry Potter was there to save the day.

The Potions master was making his way to the Great Hall. The expected House Cup award would start soon. Not that he cared, Dumbledore apparently chose to support the Gryffindor House and would probably find some last minute extra points to reward the 'heroic' action of his favorite.

Snape knew that those were trivial thoughts, but it did not eliminate the fact that this situation was annoying. Taking a deep breath, he focused on another subject, which had attained a critical aspect; the purpose of the dreams he experienced this year.

He sorted his memories to remember when was the starting event of his encounter with the two kids, Dunia and Jua. To his knowledge, it had begun sometime around the first month of school. Dumbledore had asked him to perform a blood ritual.

Blood ritual, of course!

How did he manage to forget about the most obvious cause of the whole matter? He should have considered this possibility from the beginning. Snape realised how low was his understanding of his situation and that fact angered him. Again, he focused on the discussions that had taken place during those nights.

He knew that a specific task would be asked of him, but when? Tonight, he would begin an investigation with his hosts. They will answer his questions, which, until today, had always been evaded or simply turned down. Patience is the key. He was not skilled when it came to waiting, but he would have to do his best.

Taking his seat, he politely made his salutation to his colleagues, and paid his respect to the Headmaster. The meal appeared on the tables and the celebration started.

All students rushed in to fill their plate and enjoy the delicious meal. Nobody was paying any attention to Snape, allowing him to continue his analysis.

Back at the beginning of the year, Dumbledore had instructed him with a small vial filled with blood. The Headmaster had informed him about the barrier surrounding the flask, and acting as a protection for the bearer against corruption of the human soul. If only he knew if the old man had also met with those two children in his dreams. However, by asking such question, it would probably put doubts in the old man's mind and therefore, force him to take his gift back. Severus knew by now that this whole plot had gotten the best of him. He wanted to know if it could end up to his advantage.

There was power in this vial, power that he might be able to gain and control for future outcomes.

During his first 'chit-chat' with the two kids, the girl had mentioned something about helping him first forcing him to pay them back. What kind of help did he need that could be handled by two insufferable brats.

At the last encounter, he learned a bit more about the bond between the boy and the dreams. Thanks to Dunia, he knew that Jua had been holding the invisible leash around Snape's neck, releasing him whenever his 'sister' wanted to. This bonding technique was intriguing and would be of great use if he could figure out its functioning.

If he had not been so easy on the sleeping draught, the matter would have evolved much faster. Unfortunately, being a teacher at Hogwarts requested both healthiness of mind and body, especially after the arrival of the Potter boy. He could not be caught strangling a student with the excuse of being too tired to refrain himself, though it did sound appealing.

"Everything is to your liking Severus?"

The teacher's head lifted in surprise. Why was Minerva addressing him now, of all time, and why did he react like a young idiot being caught daydreaming?

"Yes Minerva, everything is to my liking."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly showing that she did not believe his words.

"You have been quiet lately, more than usual I mean. No problem with your students I hope?" There was a quick flash of genuine curiosity and compassion in her eyes, which made him sick. This school's teachers were too soft for their own good. If the Dark Lord and his followers were to return, they would stand no chance against him.

"I can assure you that my House is filled with pure Slytherins brats; full of pride, some with judgment, some without, some with talent, while some others won't have a chance of ever filling the Halls of Hogwarts or the Ministry of Magic. Over all, they are just a group of young foolhardy students."

"Well, you have always been a man with high expectations, but we are not here to produce gruesome warriors. We are here to lead the next generation into a peaceful and enjoyable era. Let them be kids while they can."

"My childhood ended the moment I was able to stand up on my two feet. Adults are too soft nowadays" Snape's replies were getting bitter at each turn. Annoyed, he took his glass of water and brought it to his lips, wishing that it would cut this useless discussion.

"Trust me Severus, if you have children one day, your perception will change. I can picture you as a very talented father."

Snape chocked on his beverage and gave an outrageous glare at the woman, who was still watching him, clearly amused.

Damn, he needed rest. To be taken for a fool was not to his liking, not one bit.

"If you'll excuse me, I have been through a challenging day, with all those pesky students cheering up for the coming vacation. I leave you to it Minerva."

Without waiting for more folly, he gave her a quick departure bow, rose and disappeared through the back door.

"Say Ginny, what will you do during your summer vacation?"

"I don't know. My parents are planning a trip, but nothing's sure yet."

"If you want to visit me you are most welcome. However, you will have to put up with the Muggle's way. It is not that bad all together. We could study and chat until late in the night."

"Hum! I'm in as far as the chat is concerned, but isn't summer vacation supposed to be all about…vacation?"

"Forget it Ginny, you're talking to a walking brain."

"Careful Ron", Harry said without raising his head, but the tone of his voice was clear enough for his friend to understand his warning.

"Sorry about that Hermione, but don't you think you should relax occasionally? I mean… Alright don't give me that look." Ron sighed in defeat and asked for Harry's help.

"I told you to be careful Ron, don't look at me like that".

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to get prepared for my second year. Since Hermione has already been through it, I could use her help with transfiguration, as I already have some issues with grabbing the full concept."

Hermione look truly happy with Ginny's decision.

"You can contact me by owl. I hope you can make it."

Ron tried to change the subject, as he was quickly feeling ill with hearing about schoolwork at the end of the year.

"It's great that Hagrid is back. It must have been horrible being trap in Azkaban, even for a short time. Dad told me a bit about the story of this prison. Apparently, they use foul creatures to torture the prisoners."

"Well I'll be damned. Ron is actually listening to what dad's saying from time to time" shouted Fred.

"Ah shut up Fred!"

Fred and George smiled widely and turned to Harry.

"Hey Harry, what are your plans for the summer? Will you teach tricks to your cousin Dudley? We could provide you with some great ideas if you wish"

"Thanks George, but no. I will do as always, waiting for the summer to end and think about the joy of being back to Hogwarts"

"It's your call Harry. Do not hesitate to send an owl if you want to come to our house. The Burrow is a cool place to be during summer time"

"I will think about this, if Vernon ever let me use Hedwig. Thanks for the offer"

Hagrid's voice cut their little chat. "Everyone's all set? Alright let's go"

It was quiet once again. The empty corridors echoed Snape's shoes as he made his way back to the dungeon. The weather was splendid, flowers were blooming and the wind was joyfully making its way back and forth, making the flags in the Quidditch field flip-flap, producing a maddening noise.

Time goes by so quickly, the Headmaster uses to say. It was already the mid of July. Snape frowned, annoyed about his incapacity to come up with a plan or at least with useful information from those dreams.

From time to time, the Potions master enjoyed coming back to school to verify if his laboratory was still in one piece and to make the inventory of his ingredients. Today however, he had another objective. He was going to examine the vial and he needed to make sure that no curious eyes would catch him in the process. Staying home would not have been a good idea with the house-elf around.

Reaching the door to his apartment, he took care of the wards and increased them as he closed the door behind him.

He took off his heavy black coat and hung it around the huge gargoyle arm standing post at the entrance. Heat rarely touched this place at all, even during summer time. His thick stylish dark robe, high neck but neatly rolled over, was very welcome. The vial was hanging over it. Snape sat in his laboratory and began his exam of the flask. There was no sign of the barrier and nothing seemed to have happened. He took it off from around his neck and held it into the light.

The blood seems to be human, the vial was not broken and the cover was firmly sealed. He could not understand why he did not probe Dumbledore about its provenance. He did ask, but the answer had been evasive. What a shame. Frowning gravely, he took off the cork with great delicateness and put it on the table. He smelled the blood, but nothing seemed out of place. Then he froze. Was the barrier protecting him while the vial was open? Would the Headmaster have asked such request if he knew it could endanger his life?

Quickly replacing the top over it and putting it back around his neck he brought his hand to his forehead and gently rubbed his temples. Fool, he thought. He was feeling sleepy again. Visiting the kids never gave him a restorative sleep. Nevertheless, the investigation about these nightmares did go forward.

Snape found out about a very interesting spell not to long ago: a very simple one at that, but rarely used. The spell, Sogno Scrivere, also know as 'The dreams that sews through the night', has been made up by a renowned Italian Wizard. Its purpose is to put on paper every aspect of your dreams during the night. To have them compiled had its advantage when more analysis was required.

Snape has now ten encounters stored in this book. Apparently, the exam of the vial would have to wait; he took out the book and began to read the last two.

June 2nd

"Good evening Ms. Dunia"

"Greetings Sir, you look happy today. Something good happened?"

"Well, if you consider the end of the school year, then yes, it is something that brings me great pleasure."

"Why do you keep up with this teaching work if you do not enjoy yourself?"

"In the human world, we have to work as an excuse to make a living."

"That doesn't explain why you teach!"

"This, little miss, isn't of your concern."

"Hum! I understand that you will be playing the blockhead today. You may act as you please and we will do the same with you."

"I do not play and if anyone is good at that, it would be you more than I."

"Yes of course it would. Please forget my comment about you looking happy; it was a silly thought of mine."

"You are pretty arrogant for your age young lady."

"And who told you about my age dear Sir? You have already witnessed; we can achieve many forms. You being a human, it is only polite for me to achieve its shape, which should make you feel comfortable. A human child is also closer to the purity of life and the form I always fancied."

"Actually, it would be quite instructive in seeing the extent of your power."

"You have already seen much Mr. Snape. Remember the field, the lake, the darkness. These are all forms that we can choose to turn in to."

"Maybe"

Dunia went on, ignoring the sour reply.

"By assuming a shape that your mind will recognize it allows you to feel at ease, makes you bring down the judgment and therefore, open your mind to my words. Talking to a tree or an insect for that matter would not have had the effect desired."

"It seems like you give great care in my well being Ms. Dunia, so tell me, how come you keep avoiding my questions? It seems only reasonable to answer my curiosity. What about telling me more of this Savior issue?"

"Doesn't the word speak for itself? You will save us. That should be clear enough."

"You know very well that it doesn't. When and where will this occur? What will you ask of me? Don't you think that I should get prepared?"

"The time is not an issue at the moment. You will know when it comes"

"My patience is running thin." Snape replied dryly.

"Dunia, this human is going over the limit. You shouldn't accept such behavior."

"Be quiet Jua. Do not forget to whom you are addressing yourself. I will not tolerate this silly tantrum."

Unable to contain himself, Snape interrupted the duo.

"A little family quarrel, how interesting."

"Mr. Snape, I would appreciate that you keep your comments at bay. The Family is not a topic that we will discuss."

"Well, if you won't answer my requests properly, I will be taking my leave."

Dunia gave him a hard look, but accepted the request, seeing that this encounter was a waste of time.

"Jua, release him. Goodbye Sir."

Back in Snape's laboratory

That dream had its interesting bits. Although she had again refused to be straightforward, she had revealed a little about their condition. Knowing their age was not that much of an issue, but it would help decipher the relationship between the two. Obviously, Dunia was older than Jua but her talent seemed to lay elsewhere. How knowledgeable are they in the art of magic? Apart from being shape shifters, what else could they do? What was the link between the blood and their world?

All this brought up more questions and few answers. He was getting irritated. Nevertheless, he turned the page and read on.

July 4th

"Anyone here?" Snape asked to the emptiness.

No sound, no reply.

"Playing the Hide & Seek game?"

The air around him was still. Snape found himself in a huge forest where the top of the trees could not be seen from the ground. He walked straight ahead for a short moment until his senses realized that his feet were not making any noise as they crushed the leaves underneath.

The only thing that he felt was heat and it seemed to be getting worse and worse by the minute. He took of his cloak, wrapped it around his arm and kept walking. Where is this place? Where are the kids?

His legs were getting heavier. He knelt on one knees, trying to find his breath. It felt as if he just ran the marathon. He dropped his cloak, and tried to unbutton his wizard dress, however, when he was halfway there his breathing was too heavy.

"Air...I need air now..." his lungs were on fire, he could not move freely...sleep...he wanted to rest...just...rest.

Snape was on his back, half-naked, eyes closing gradually, until he lost consciousness.

A shape appeared not too far from him. It was a woman. She walked slowly toward him, observing his feature. She knelt next to him, caressed his hair, his face, the lenght of his neck, and went on to his chest. Curiosity crept insider her mind. Now that he was vulnerable, she could take the time to get a good look at the man lying there. He did not look troubled anymore, though his breathing was labor. She smiled. He was handsome in a way, slim yet manly built with many scars running in the deepness of his skin. She leaned over his face, examining his features closely. This man had suffered and he was not at the end of his torment...but somehow, she could not pity him. He possessed the strengths to go on.

Severus felt a presence, a human, who was it? He fought to open his eyes, but could only make them half-open. He recognized the ways of a woman, the softness of her breath, the gentle caress. It brought him to a certain level of excitement. The closeness and the need, if only he could will his arms to lift up. As if reading his thought, the woman slowly closed the gap between their bodies until their lips met. The sweetness and fullness of her mouth made him growl in delight. The kiss went from tender to passionate, although she was controlling most of it. He did managed to slip his tongue as languorously as possible, and was more than pleased when she received it willingly. They kissed for what seemed eternity.

Slowly, her reaction became shallow. Snape did not want this moment to stop, both his mind and body craved for her, wanted her, all of her. Her body was so warm, he thought, or was it his? No matter, the feeling was numbing his senses completely.

Dunia was taking her time to discover those new reactions within her. How did they call that feeling that crept inside and flooded her mind? If only Mother was still here to confirm it. She had been human after all. All these burning emotions were somewhat painful to her, but it felt good, very good. She smiled again, gave a last look to Severus and disappeared.

He felt a tug, just strong enough to shake him off his drowsiness. He could breathe more easily. As he tried to put himself on his knees, he realized that the sounds of the forest were back. He took a huge breath and waited for the heat to go down, both inside out. Who was this woman, her scent had made him lost total control, and yet, was it really her fault? He took another deep breath.

"Are you feeling well Sir?"

He looked up to find Dunia floating not so far from him. Damn, just what he needed, a bratty little kid to turn him off.

"Does it look like so?"

"It is hard to tell. Why are you standing on your knees half naked?" Her voice sounded amuses, but no smile touched her face. Both her and Jua had stopped blurring their face once they thought he could be trusted, or it could have been just another of their foolish games.

"I am on my knees because the heat brought me down for a moment. As for my bare chest, I would suggest you look another way if it isn't to your liking"

"Hum! Grumpy as usual."

"Why did you take so long to find me?"

"I wanted to give you a taste of our world. You did felt the discomfort, is it not? Which one do you prefer?"

"I do not understand your meaning" Snape replied dryly.

"The last time we met, you didn't seem to care about how well I treated you. So today, I let you wander around and I find you in a confusing state."

"I am not confused silly girl, just catching my breath"

"Of course"

"This is again meaningless blabbering. I will be leaving now" Snape made to stand up, but his legs were not completely ready for his weight and he felt back on his knees.

"What a pity! It must be so embarrassing to face me while being so vulnerable isn't it?"

He could strangle her just now, foolish creature.

"Now now, let's not lose patience, it doesn't fit you at all." The sarcasm in her tone made him growl inwardly.

"Since you do not want me to leave, surely you will take this time to answer my questions?" He gave her a nasty look and this time he managed to bring himself up.

"Only if you have learned to ask them properly"

"Who was the woman with me, just a moment ago? Unless you weren't here yet?"

"A woman? So you enjoyed yourself while I was away did you? Was she to your liking?"

"You are not answering me once again."

"Patience is the key, isn't it what you told yourself?"

This time, Snape was speechless. His mind on the other hand was racing. Did she just admit that she could read his mind even when his was not asleep? He remembered thinking about patience, but he had been awake.

"Poor Mr. Snape, getting confused once again. Let me give you at least one straight answer.

"Both our world and yours are connected in some way. Just like Earth is linked to the Entire Universe. Powerful beings can travel between them, act upon or destroy, control or watch."

She paused for a moment, to let this bit of information sink in.

"Human named them Extra-terrestrial beings, but in fact, many are from the same plane, the same planet. As for you and I, you could say that we both share the same world. My specie always surrounds you, but we possess our own plane of existence. As for your presence here, it is the bending of my will. I need you to play a part in making things right once more."

"I see. Although, I'm confident that you have much more to tell" Snape added, feeling that he could get more from her sudden openness.

"Not today I'm afraid. Jua! Release him" And turning her back on him she added in a soft voice "It has been pleasant"

Back in Snape's laboratory

Snape re-read her last words and began to feel uneasy. She had let out the fact that his presence had been 'pleasant'. What was she referring to? Surely not what he was thinking about.

When he had woke from that dream he had been alarmed to find himself half clothed. Normally, what happened in the dream and in his bed were related to his mind only. He would feel the pain of a burning or the cut of a knife, but he would not bleed for that matter. However, this experience had been different. Could it be that he was not gaining control like he first thought? Could he die in this place and never wake up? This game was getting a lot more dangerous.

He put this thought behind and tried to focus on the concept of different planes and connections. She had been willing to give him loads of information this time.

Closing the book, he frowned and lay back on his chair, lost in his thoughts.

There had been no dream after this one. He had stopped using the sleeping potion but his dreams were back to the ordinary.

He stood up, gathered his things and left his apartments.