My Dark Hunter

Chapter 4

Answers


Severus regarded the street intently; removing his wand from its holster he used a spell on the area, which would detect anyone magical. He was very good at creating spells, the ones he'd created in his sixth year was only the tip of the iceberg. There were only three magical people present, which were them of course. So far there were no Order members there apparently Dumbledore hadn't found Minerva yet, and the Muggles (Grangers or the Dursley's) hadn't alerted him.

"Nobody is here, yet." Severus stated cautiously, unless they were waiting to strike somewhere with the Grangers as bait. "Unless the Grangers already informed them and they are waiting to call them in a seconds notice." as always he was extremely cautious.

"Anti-Apparation wards?" Hermione suggested stepping out, ready to go straight up and demand answers.

"Hermione!" Hadrian grumbled grabbing her, stopping her from going further, deciding to let their father do the leading. After seeing his godfather killed, he didn't want that responsibility on his shoulders. Now that he wasn't the hero, he felt liberated; he no longer had to protect the magical world. It wasn't up to him to destroy Voldemort, no all he had to do was live his life, and he was fine with that. All he had to do was protect his family; he now understood Hermione's frustration when he used to go half cocked and not think things through.

"It's Harmony, Hadrian, now let me go, I'll be fine." 'Harmony' told her brother. It was ironic; it had been her that tried to stop Harry the last time.

"Let's go." Severus muttered abruptly easing out of his crouch and walking across to the Grangers. Both of them were giving up their previous lives, they wanted to be his children. It meant more than anything in the entire world to hear it. He'd feared they'd never accept him, especially when he thought on everything he'd done. Merlin the way he'd treated both his kids was despicable, but they'd forgiven him or at least forgotten for now. Shaking of his thoughts, he had more pressing matters, ones he couldn't be afford to dismiss right now. The Grangers had their curtains drawn; the only light they could see looked to be from a fire. As he walked across he did indeed put wards up, and close proximity warnings. They'd know if they were coming, and it gave them the advantage of leaving. Severus tried the door only to find it was locked.

Harmony smirked, plucking the pot from the floor only to find the key absent. Surely they weren't stupid enough to think the lack of key would deter them? Shaking her head, she didn't bother using magic, just her new strength and opened the door forcefully. The wood was nothing on a girl who'd just gained her vampire inheritance. Something she should have had all her life, but thanks to those people in there she hadn't been able. She had thought the Grangers were smart, why did they think the lack of key would matter? Even if she had been human, it made no sense to her whatsoever.

Severus entered right behind his daughter, his senses top notch as he observed everything. Ready to blast anything they went for into smithereens, but he found them sleeping on the sofa. Their guard was down, given what they knew about magical people - it was such a stupid move to make. Unless they had gotten in touch with Dumbledore - this felt like a trap. Then he saw the male Muggles reaction and realized this was far from a trap his terror was too real to be feigned.

"Wake up!" Mr. Granger squeaked, staring in mute horror at the three magical people before him. Shaking his wife, trying to rouse her, but too terrified of what might be coming his way to even think of moving. His breathing was ragged, his eyes huge as he urgently shook his wife some more. Dumbledore should have been here by now; they'd sent that letter two hours ago - as soon as Snape had left with their daughter.

"What is it? Has Albus replied?" Mrs. Granger murmured, wakening up blinking sleepily. Shooting up, biting her lip, showing her perfectly white straight teeth; when she saw who was in front of them, she should have guessed by the squeaky quality in her husband's voice.

"Oh so he's Albus is he?" Harmony hissed furiously; she'd never once mentioned his first name to them. She'd always been respectful to her teachers, calling them only by their title and last name. Her parents should only know him by Professor Dumbledore, the fact they knew his first name was extremely telling. They knew who he was - well enough to call him by his first name.

"What do you want?" Mrs. Granger whimpered terrified of them. They were vampires; she knew just how soulless they were. Her Hermione was gone; this disgusting thing was in her place. She had tried to save her, but she had failed Albus was going to be so disappointed. Praying that the owl would reach him soon, that he would save them from these monsters. This should never have happened; he'd reassured them it wouldn't four years ago when nothing other than friendship sprung up between them. She'd been worried especially with who her little girl had befriended - her brother, Harry Potter.

"Answers!" Hadrian snapped furious on his sister's behalf, plus being here might just get him the answers he wanted as well. He wanted to know if the Potters had known, if his godfather had…or if this was just some sort of macabre life where they all willingly slaughtered themselves for the 'greater good'.

"Leave us alone." Mr. Granger demanded trying to shield his wife, with false bravado he glared at them defensively. His chin jutting out proudly, he refused to be terrified just because they had magic or that they were vampires.

Severus' eyes darkened further, his lip curling in disgust; his face may as well have been made of stone. He glared at the Muggle, if that's what he was, until he began to tremble and look away. There wasn't many who could stare Severus in the eye and continue to do so, he'd stared everyone down apart from the Dark Lord. He gripped at his wand, desperately wanting to use the Cruciatus curse on him. Something on his face must have given him away since his daughter spoke.

"I want answers first," said Harmony, lowering her dads arm. Staring at him pleadingly, begging him to just let it go for now, "You can do what you want after, please."

Severus nodded curtly, passing over the tiny bottle of Veritaserum wordlessly.

Breathing in relief, part of her felt awful at how she was treating those who'd raised her. Yet she snuffed it out, the last conscious part of Hermione Granger was wiped out. In place stood a half vampire young woman who had dark parents, and was a pureblood to boot. Which reminded her, she had been cursed by her own uncle in the

Department of Mysteries and it had been Rookwood who hit her with that spell. Was it an uncle? Or just someone with the same name? Different family?

"We'll tell you what you want," Mrs. Granger squeaked, "Just please don't hurt us." Trying to buy themselves some time, just until Albus got here - he would get there she didn't even want to think of the alternative.

"It's too late for that." Severus stated calmly and coolly. As if he wasn't planning every aspect of their deaths. Although he didn't think he'd actually kill them, he couldn't really, especially not in front of his kids. They may be old and filled with vengeance, but he couldn't let them see such a dark side to life. They'd already been exposed to too much, he was a father first and foremost, and it was standing here that he remembered that.

In a fit of pure insanity, or perhaps idiocy they'd never quite figure out which, Mr. Granger took a swing at the closest person to him. Which happened to be Hadrian, with both so protective of him accidents happen. They'd never quite be sure which one did it, but magic blasted out of and flung the Muggle into the wall with such force his body bounced on and off it before he fell. He was dead before he touched the ground, a small pool of blood sluggishly oozing from the back of his head.

"NOOOO!" Mrs. Granger shrieked scrambling off the couch, crawling towards her husband. "Come back! Don't be dead please, come back!" choked the woman, hugging her dead husband close. What had they done taking in that girl? How could she do this to them? They had raised her - tried to save her from this dark part - a life with disgusting vampires.

Harmony quickly went into action, grabbing her one time mother; slightly shaken by the fact the man who raised her was dead. Yet he shouldn't have raised his hand, especially not at Hadrian who hadn't done anything. Hadrian had been harmed too much in his life already; she'd kill anyone who hurt him simply put.

"Get off me!" Mrs. Granger shrieked struggling in her adopted daughter's arms, yet the grip was bruising and vice like, she couldn't get any leeway whatsoever. "Let me go! We raised you! Tried to keep you from this life…this dark path! Please I'm your mother."

"Shut up," Harmony hissed, her shouting was hurting her ears so much she could hear ringing in them. Normally they were soft spoken, never had they, and in her entire life raised their voice - not even once. Sitting her firmly on the couch, able to keep track of the conversation her father and brother were having despite concentrating on her 'mother'. Oh, that would have come in handy at Hogwarts, although you'd never once known Harmony NOT to pay attention. Uncorking the potion, she pried open her jaw and placed the three droplets in despite the trouble she was giving her. "I have parents; you took me away from them."

"Are you okay son?" Severus enquired concerned, his hands landing on Hadrian's shoulders comforting him.

Hadrian nodded; he was used to it as he'd told his father earlier. Everyone he met seemed intending on hitting him or using him. It never changed and Hadrian was weary, emotionally drained. He wanted them all safely away from Dumbledore and the Order. He wanted them to survive and live, be the family he'd never had. The comforting feeling of his father's warm hands on his shoulders strengthened his thoughts.

Severus stared down at his son, surprise written across his face, when Hadrian leaned against him. His hand began carding through his son's hair, basking in the knowledge he had him back, he was home, they were home, where they should be. His lips twitched when Hadrian leaned into the comforting caress, how he longed for affection. He wasn't a man who gave it easily. Severus thought he'd forgotten how to care, yet it was all coming back. He realized he'd never stopped loving, just suppressed it in aid to survive the terrible thing that happened.

His eyes snapped back to his daughter, finding her looking at them a small grin playing on her face. He'd thought it would be difficult for them to see him anything other than a professor, yet his expectations were being shot to hell. Two hours and they were accepting him, he felt as if it was going to fast. Yet he couldn't care less, his kids were back and he had a sudden desire to hurry things along. "Be quick, I think she's written to Dumbledore." Severus warned his head jerking towards her; the potion was fully in her system now.

Harmony nodded grimy, turning back to find her sitting there quite docile. Her eyes were glazed over; another sign the potion was working to its full capacity. Having never used it on a Muggle before, she was surprised to see the results were exactly as described in the books - for wizards and witches.

"Who are you?" Harmony asked her grimly.

"Elizabeth Granger."

"How did you get custody of Hermione Granger?" Harmony then enquired.

"Albus gave us her to raise,"

"Why?" Harmony demanded, anticipation rushing through her. Finally she was going to get her answers.

"He needed her out of the way, but didn't want to kill her just in case she was needed as leverage."

Severus was seeing red, furious beyond belief at what he was hearing; nothing was stopping him from throttling the woman to death, yet he wasn't doing it - he was frozen on the spot.

"You knew who she was? That she was kidnapped?" Harmony asked hollowly, any notion she had of them being innocents in this was blown to smithereens. She felt defeated and slightly glad that her so called 'father' was already dead.

"We knew she was better of with us than two Death Eater fathers."

"How do you know Dumbledore?" Severus hissed out, his teeth clenched in agony.

"We've been his informants for years, we weren't properly introduced to the order but we kept a look out."

"Why did he want me…Hermione Granger out of the way?" Harmony wondered.

"He was aware the bond twins share, he couldn't allow neither of you remain in your true forms. He knew the adoption potions would null any bond completely." said Elizabeth. "We had never had children, so Albus asked us."

"Of course," Severus sighed closing his eyes tiredly, if they'd just taken Hadrian, there was a chance his daughter could have found him again. It would have only been Hadrian's half of the bond shut down; it would have been enough for Harmony to find him regardless. Then there was the fact when Harmony was old enough to speak, she'd have blown the lid of the entire scheme and told him who it was that took her brother.

Hadrian was stiff at his side, listening intently to what was being said. His hands were balled into fists, as he listened wishing that he could let off steam somehow. He was so angry, angrier than the time where Marge had said those awful things about Lily Potter when he had been under the impression that she was his mother.

"Does anyone else know about what Dumbledore done?" Hadrian, joining in, not really having much hope that the answer would be good.

"Nobody else, just Albus, myself and Evan," Elizabeth told him blankly.

"What about the Potters?" Severus demanded a glint of relief in his eyes; Lily had been his best friend during their childhood. Yes he'd screwed it up, moved on, as had Lily, there had come a time where they could speak without hurt tinting their voice. They'd been in the process of going from acquaintances to friends again when they'd gone into hiding. James Potter he couldn't care less about, but if Lily was innocent it was one less betrayal on his hands.

"Idiots, the stupid girl had a still born son, after Albus' hard work to ensure she was pregnant at the right time. He even induced her labour but the boy was born dead. Albus used the imperious curse on James, ensuring the adoption process went through then Obliviated them." Elizabeth said her voice impassive.

"Why did he want her pregnant?" Harmony cried out.

"He came upon an ancient prophecy, one written by Ravenclaw in the Headmaster's office when he took over. He unravelled it and made sure it transpired." Elizabeth informed them unwillingly.

"How do you know so much?" Harmony asked wearily and suspiciously, she'd never seen Dumbledore once before Hogwarts. Unless of course she had been Obliviated but surely that wasn't the case?

"I am Albus Dumbledore's great granddaughter," Elizabeth replied much to their surprise.

"WHAT?!" Harmony shrieked shocked to the core.

"A bastard child, Dumbledore was on the rise, he wouldn't have want it known…how did he convince the woman to keep silent?" Severus asked, the most likely scenario being he had killed her, or threatened her and the child with harm. Of course, he wouldn't have thought such things of Dumbledore until he realized what happened to him.

"He needed it quiet, Ariana was born a squib, as were my mother and I," Elizabeth confessed. From what she knew her great granddad had been so happy, to finally have a child, a family. When he found out it was a girl, he wanted her named after his sister. Then tragedy struck after the baby was born… He'd been so embarrassed to have a squib, a man as a powerful as he. Yet he'd come to see her! She was special, better than anyone else in her family. She'd married a fellow squib; they'd refused to have a child, not wanting to risk it being a magical child. They were envious of the world they couldn't be part of, but Albus had been trying to convince her, to keep the Dumbledore line going. Then one day he came to her home with a child in his arms. She had been unable to refuse him; she never had been able to. He always made her feel so capable; he'd paid for her college and university tuition and helped her open her own dentist.

"I think I'm going to be sick," Harmony uttered, the adoption, she'd always have part of the Dumbledore line in her. The man who'd taken her from her real family, part of her wanted to kill him for his actions.

"Can we go now?" Hadrian asked getting nervous, it was too quiet, and he didn't like it. He was so used to things happening to him that he felt as if he was going to be attacked out of the blue any given moment. He'd constantly watched over his back, why would it change now? Especially with Dumbledore after him as well as Voldemort.

Harmony nodded, backing away from the only mother she'd ever known, feeling sickened to the core. She stood next to Severus, who removed the Anti-Apparation wards and got them out of there. He couldn't find it in himself to do anything, merely just get his kids out of there, realizing they'd had enough shocks for one day.

They appeared back in Rookwood manor; silently none of them could think of a single thing to say. Instead Severus led them up the stairs, just as they stepped foot on the first floor landing Dane appeared before them.

"Master Severus, the heir room is ready for Master Hadrian and Lady Harmony." Dane informed them.

Severus opened the door to the heir rooms, the house elves had been busy indeed, everything that had been once a nursery was gone (not that there had been much left after he took his anger out on the place fifteen years ago), in place was everything they'd need for the night, a bed, drawers, bedside cabinets, cupboards and the likes - not that they would be remaining here long enough to put them to good use.

"Thank you Dane," Severus answered, "You've done well."

"Can Dane get Masters anything to eat?" Dane enquired, seeing how thin both Master and little Master was, he wanted to feed them up.

"Do you want anything?" Severus enquiringly, staring at his children.

Both just shook their head tiredly.

"No thank you Dane, make breakfast six o'clock tomorrow." Severus said they would be leaving very quickly.

"Very well sir," Dane replied bowing low before disappearing.

"That's not fair," Harmony told her father, shaking her head it wasn't nice to see House-elf's that way.

Hadrian laughed; he couldn't help himself, despite everything he doubled over as some sort of hilarity overcame him.

"Harry!" Harmony whined indignantly, her hands on her hips, which made Hadrian's laughter, become louder.

"It's nice to see not everything has changed." Hadrian chortled out between bouts of laughter.

Severus raised an eyebrow in curiosity; there was still so much he didn't know about his children. He vowed to rectify that, he'd know everything about them soon enough. Gazing at his son in silent enquiry wanting to know what they were finding so hilarious - or rather what Hadrian was finding so funny.

"Mione started campaigning for better treatment of House-elf's, when she saw how one was treated at the Quidditch match, Winky, Crouch's house elf. She was sacked and when Mione realized they didn't get paid or holiday's she invented S.P.E.W Society Protection of elfish welfare." Hadrian revealed.

"Not protection, promote," Harmony corrected rolling her eyes; she'd told them dozens of times.

"Oh yeah," Hadrian conceded, nodding thoughtfully, "She began knitting things, leaving them around the common room for some unsuspecting elf to pick up. What she doesn't know is that the House-elf's refused to go into the common room after that. Dobby had to do all the work himself, as far as I know he took everything she knitted as well."

"What?!" Harmony cried her brow puckering indignantly. She had been knitting all year! Thinking she was getting through to all the House-elves only to realize…that she'd created a lot more work for Dobby to do on his own.

Now Severus understood there elf's strange attires.

"Sorry," Harry replied wryly, he'd never had the heart to tell her before now.

"House-elf's enjoy the work, but I am sure there will come a time when they are treated better, times are moving on…with more Muggle born's coming its only a matter of time before they are given better treatment. Now come, let's get you settled for the night, we can talk more tomorrow." Severus told her in consolation.

"Your room is through there," Severus said gesturing to Harmony, their room was co-joined. With only a door separating them, but considering he wasn't staying here it would be fine for tonight. "This ones yours, Hadrian,"

"Thank you," Hadrian thanked him quietly; it was huge, bigger than the dormitory he shared with five other boys. His trunk was at the bottom of the bed, Hedwig's empty cage sat open on the chest of drawers. The bed was so inviting, he murmured a quiet goodnight to both his dad and sister before slipping into it, his clothes still on. He wasn't about to let them see his pyjamas which were ten sizes to big for him.

"Sleep well," Severus said to them softly before slipping out of the room and into his own, barely able to keep his eyes open. Which was surprising since he had the urge not to let his children out of his sight - but he couldn't remain awake twenty-four hours a day - he would need to get used to letting them out of his sight - but he wasn't prepared to do that here.


An owl flapped its wings, going at an even pace, but slowing as he reached his destination, he was exhausted but elated. He hadn't been out of a cage in almost three years; they always sent him to the same destination, Hogwarts to send a letter. He hated it but orders were ingrained into him, but this time, he was seriously considering not going back. He wanted to be free, spread his wings any time he wanted, and he seriously wanted to eat something other than bird seed stuck down in a basement. A rat or mouse sounded divine to the owl trying desperately to get to his destination.

Once there he vowed to himself to get something to eat a juicy rat and hunting for his own food this time. A window was open to the Headmasters office this time, he wouldn't have to wait he noticed as he dived through the wide open window. Lowering himself down and stopping on the large grand desk, he bit at the tie around his leg, letting the letter drop. Hooting at the phoenix he flew over, drinking some water, quenching his thirst before taking off once more.

Fawkes watched the youngling until the brown owl was nothing but a spot on the landscape. Everyone thought phoenixes were cool, but that didn't even come close to the real truth. Yes they could burst into flames as they left for another destination, yes they could bond to someone, and yes they could deliver mail. There was so much more to them than that, they could see things, sense change on the horizon and saw glimpses of possible future outcomes. Its how he knew what was in the letter, and knew he had to destroy it, so the family would have the opportunity to leave. If not the magical world was doomed for over ten generations as they rebuilt their world once more.

Fawkes swooped from his perch, landing on top of the letter, and flamed to a different area. Flapping his wings in a steady motion, watching the letter burn. Once it was completely destroyed, he swooped down and caused the ashes to fly off in different directions. Once the phoenix was sure nothing would be seen as out of the norm he made it back to his perch just in time for Dumbledore to reappear in his office, humming a tune unaware of things happening right under his very nose.

Potter was back at the Dursleys for another summer of reminding the boy he wasn't special, no, the boy belonged to him and went wherever he wanted him to. The boy would destroy Voldemort one way or another, he'd put the prophecy in action, and he believed it was enough. The Potters had defied Voldemort three times, and the boy had been adopted, he had survived the attack and been marked, oh yes, it was thanks to him not Potter that the magical world had received thirteen years of peace. He hoped Black's death didn't push the boy too far, regardless of whether he wanted Black in Potters life or not, he didn't have control as long as Potter believed his godfather could get him out of the Dursleys. If there was one thing Albus knew he needed, was total control and obedience from the boy. It was the main reason he kept paying the Dursleys to take the boy in; or rather he used the money from the Potter accounts. It was his to do as he pleased; he owned the Potters and the brat.

He'd been utterly gob smacked and terrified when Potter and Granger began to befriend one another. He had feared he may have been wrong about the bond, but his worries had been for naught. The boy's worry had all it had been for a fellow Gryffindor, it was happenstance they became friends afterwards. Then he'd been given the pleasure of watching Potter side with Weasley, that's when he knew for certain he'd been right, the bond was completely cut off. He didn't need to worry about it activating, the adoption potion was forever, they had to reason to brew and drink an antidote either so they'd never become aware of each other.

No they had to forever be unaware of their true parentage, if Snape ever found out…he knew he'd have another Dark Lord on his hands. Snape wasn't one to take betrayal lightly, he'd do his best to bring the world down around whoever had displeased him then kill him with a slow painful death. He had been a Death Eater after all and knew how to enact the most deadly revenge. In all honesty, he wouldn't like to go against Snape; he knew there was a chance he wouldn't survive. It was a blow to his ego just to think about it, but it was true. Snape was a formidable opponent, which made him a fantastic ally to have. Which he was determined would stay that way.

Nabbing a sweet from the dish on his desk, he un-wrapped it and popped it into his mouth, sucking on the sour sweet. Inwardly wondering what Tom would do this year, it was always amusing to watch his predictions come to life, even sweeter stopping them at the last second. Stopping Tom at the end of the year had been more promising than predicted, the Ministry knew he was back, saw him fighting him and renewed their faith in him, now they would be willing to listen to him and do everything he said. The children adored him even more, giving him more potential Order members. He didn't just let anyone in, no, he trusted only Gryffindors.

Perhaps it was time to begin the negotiations of a marriage between Potter and the youngest Weasley. The young girl would keep Potter on his toes, make sure to tell him what to do, and ensure he still had a big say in Potters life even after the brat leaves Hogwarts. It would have the Weasley's forever in his debt, finally having money in the family, no longer having to scrape to get by. He knew Molly would be up for it, although Arthur may be a little reluctant, he wasn't one for traditions but he was positive he could make them see it his way. A secure life for Harry after living with the Dursley's he'd love it. Unfortunately he couldn't interfere with Granger, since the know-it-all assumed her parents were Muggles. It would be the only way to continue his line, so perhaps a potion might accomplish that. It might be the only way she would take even the remotest interest in Ronald Weasley. Granger was a Dumbledore after all, and the Weasleys were as light as they come - the perfect combination for his line.

A knocking on his door roused him from his daydream and thoughts.

"Come in, Filius." Albus called out straightening his spine, grabbing a quill to make himself look busy.

"Ah, Albus, do you have a minute?" Filius asked entering the office, seeing the Headmaster had things to do.

"Of course, Filius, what troubles you?" Albus his tone of voice concerned, gesturing for the half goblin to sit down. It was too bad Filius wouldn't join the order, he too was a formidable opponent, not on Severus' scale but nonetheless still fierce. Pouring both of them a cup of tea, with a side of biscuits he handed it over.

"Has Minerva changed her mind? She told me she was remaining at Hogwarts during the summer, she feared she may be attacked." the Ravenclaw Head of House queried. He was rather worried about Minerva; she hadn't been down for either lunch or dinner, quite unlike her. Even if she was ill she came to a meal and let them know. Poppy also let them know if a teacher was in the hospital wing, he had asked and she wasn't in there.

Albus frowned hearing his employee's words, "She told me the same thing," agreed the Headmaster. Perhaps it was time to visit his deputy, like Filius he was concerned, it wasn't like her. Even ill she merely took potions and continued on never stopping. There was only once in Minerva's long career she'd been absent, it was during the wizard Flu pandemic, which only claimed five people's lives, all Muggle born's who hadn't received wizarding flu shots. "Do not worry Filius I shall go and see if she's well." added Albus soothing the worried wizard.

"Thank you, Albus." Filius said relieved. "It isn't like her to take off like that."

"No, I completely agree, not like her at all." Albus chimed in quick to agree. "In fact I shall go and see to it at once."

"Shall I accompany you?" Filius questioned hopping down from the chair, his tea back on the Headmasters table untouched.

"No need, I'm sure everything is fine," Albus waved away the concern, escorting the wizard from his office, and riding down the stairs together then both headed off in different directions. One back to his own office and Albus made his way to Minerva's wondering what was wrong with her. He should have used the Floo, it would have been much quicker but he didn't know where she was, she could be in her office or her living quarters.

"Minerva?" Albus boomed, knocking on her door then opening it after announcing his arrival, frowning when he saw nothing. He was just about to leave, when he saw from the corner of his eyes, a pair of feet sticking out behind the Transfiguration teacher's desk. Dashing forward alarmed, he cast "Finite Incantatem!" sliding his wand down from his wrist relived when she began moving again.

"What happened, Minerva?" Dumbledore demanded urgently, helping her sit up. "Minerva?" he asked again more firmly.

"I'm not sure, it all happened so fast, I just remember a loud banging then nothing." Minerva confessed, try as she may she couldn't remember seeing anything just the banging. Wincing in pain, she felt around the back of her head, a large bump was forming, looking at her fingers she was relieved to see at least it wasn't bleeding. She ached unbearably. "What time is it?" she asked, gaping at the darkness she could see outside.

"It's late evening," Albus revealed without glancing at the time, wondering how long she'd been petrified.

"I've been lying here all day?" Minerva rasped out stunned. She could feel from her body that it hadn't just been a few minutes; her entire body ached like blazes. She could scarcely believe it.

"So it would seem is anything missing?" Dumbledore asked looking around as if trying to see for himself, if anything was indeed missing. Nothing seemed to be, it looked as it always did.

Minerva frowned as she looked around; everything looked to be in its place. "Nothing seems to be, but I keep nothing of value in this room. Even the homework is in my quarters, I do not know why anyone would do this." Minerva confessed, shakily getting to her feet. Her stomach grumbled loudly, complaining that it hadn't had anything to eat for an entire day.

"This is strange," Albus whispered baffled, concerned as well now. "I do not believe I've seen Severus either, perhaps I should go down there." the chance of anyone catching Severus of guard was completely unlikely, but he would have said the same about Minerva. Then again Minerva wasn't as suspicious as Severus, nobody was, as a spy he had to be alert at all times.

"I think you had best," Minerva agreed standing up shakily.

"You aren't coming Minerva, you stay here, or go back to your quarters, get something to eat, and get some rest." Dumbledore told her soothingly, but made it clear she wasn't to disobey his orders. He needed everyone to keep on top of their health, he didn't want to lose any teachers and have the Ministry tying to muscle in again.

"Very well," Minerva agreed, her tone clipped showing she wasn't happy the slightest with the orders.

"Thank you," Albus said it never hurt to be polite.

Albus made his way down to Severus' classroom hurriedly only needing to go down one level; more often than not he got caught up in a potion. He would forget to come out for days at a time. Opening the door, still puzzled by the attack on Minerva, why just petrify her? Not that he had wanted anything worse, but it was rather disconcerting really. Looking around he noticed that Severus wasn't in the classroom, not that he thought he would be. He was most likely in his personal lab. Making his way through, not really paying much attention, his thoughts still on Minerva and her attack he was truly perplexed about it.

What did bring him out was the lack of things in the personal lab once he reached it. The cauldrons and other implements he used for brewing. Severus didn't usually leave for the holidays without telling him, he had admittedly been busy. If he had looked, he would have seen both the school cupboard and his personal cupboards were empty of potions as well, something that never got moved.

The urge to cast a message Patronus was strong, but he dared not, especially in case

Severus was at a Death Eater meeting. Stalking through the halls, he veered off towards the closest Floo network he had and shouted in his destination. Not three minutes later, he stepped foot out at Spinners End, he hadn't been here for a long time. He wasn't sure how it was meant to look, but he was pretty sure it shouldn't be this empty. There wasn't even a bite to eat in the house, evidently Severus hadn't left Hogwarts and came here. The only other conclusion was he was attending a Death Eater meeting. He'd given him a few days, and if he didn't get in touch he would send a Patronus message.

The suspicion continued to churn in his gut, but since he was always suspicious of everything, he didn't think much of it.

With no Floo powder he had no other choice but to Apparate from Spinners End to Hogwarts gates much to his disgruntlement. It was dark, so he lit his wand so he could actually see anything in front of him.


Severus jerked awake, blinking rapidly, removing the sleep from his eyes as he assessed his surroundings as he always did upon regaining consciousness. He was in Rookwood manor, Dane had tried to get him to sleep in the Master bedroom. Unfortunately he couldn't quite bring himself to go in there, not even after all those years. Seeing his husband's robes, his things still lying around would bring him to his knees. They say the pain of loss got easier, when? He certainly didn't feel it getting any better. Hell he'd suffered the loss of a husband, kids and his best friend in the space of a year. He'd closed himself off to survive becoming a soulless monster that had picked on children just to stop himself breaking down.

Checking the time he realized he'd slept as expected, to six AM. It was as though he had an internal alarm clock that always made him awaken at that hour.

"Dane?" Severus called removing himself from the bed, spelling his robes on and ironed.

"Yes sir?" the House-elf asked.

"Did you remove my personal items from Hogwarts?" Severus enquired hopeful. He had remembered to ask yesterday, he didn't want anyone getting their hands on his potions or rare ingredients. Which were all in his private lab, there were also a few personal things he had at Hogwarts. Among them two pairs of booties, he'd been unable to throw them away. His husband had knitted them, wonky and totally unusable, but the thought had counted. Blue and pink, he hadn't looked at them in years, but he still wanted them. His husband had been his reason for living, then his kids, he didn't quite know what had ensured his survival since losing them all. Oh he knew he'd suspected Voldemort to have ordered it. He had wanted to see his downfall before he joined his husband and kids should he be able and not end up in hell.

"I did it last night sir," Dane informed him immediately staring at his Master waiting for approval, without it they felt bad. "Everything is boxed in the sitting area." he added.

"Very good, well done, I shall be down in a minute. Begin breakfast, don't wake the children up, they need rest." Severus said, slipping his shoes back on. He wasn't even sure if they had slept, Hayden often wondered whether they would sleep at all or if they would be like him and unable to do so.

"Yes sir!" Dane beamed pleased, it had been so long since getting orders or praise. He popped out again, aware that Severus was extremely private. When Master Hayden and Master Severus had first married, Master Severus had never called on them. He did things himself, it took two years before he called on them but he'd been heavily pregnant by that point.

Severus slipped out the room, and quietly opened the door to his children's room, unable to stop himself he just needed to make sure it had really happened and not an absurd dream or hallucination. Hadrian was spread out on the bed, his duvet lying off the side. He must move around in his sleep a lot, creeping in he replaced the duvet tucking his son in. A sharp pang of poignant pain hit him; he hadn't had much of an opportunity to do this, Merlin he'd missed out on so much, nothing could get it back. If he ever saw Dumbledore again he had one spell in mind for him, he'd die a horrible agonizing painful death. Backing out of the room quietly, not wanting to wake them up. Which he would do, if he made the slightest noise. They were half vampires; no doubt they were able to sense his presence. That answered one question, they did sleep then.


There we go R&R please