The Weasleys Brew Again! #7

By Raven Dancer

summary: Conference Revelations


Albus Dumbledore sat at the lunch table regaling his companions with the adventures of the Weasley twins. Annotated to be mostly humorous. None other than Nestor Zonko, partner in the Zonko Magical Gags Company, sat next to him bright red from laughing so hard.

Albus, I must meet these young men! They are either going
to be wonderful at creating gags or thrown in jail for
endangering the public! Zonko chortled after Dumbledore had described in detail their high, squeaky voices.

Yes, my Potions Master has said much the same thing. He's
been leaning towards jail although he's done as much as
possibly to drill safe brewing procedures into them! Dumbledore replied.

That would be Severus Snape? another wizard asked delicately, looking askance at his seat mate. *death eater* he mouthed soundlessly.

Yes, Professor Snape, Dumbledore glared momentarily at the now squirming man.
He's worked hard with them, but they are a rambunctious
duo. Zonko grinned.

Ah, Severus! We've tried to lure him away from academia
over the years. Brilliant wizard. Do you know he can just
look at a list of potions and project conflicts? The money
we'd save if he'd just join us! Zonko said longingly. Dumbledore was as surprised as the gossipy wizard. Snape had never mentioned this to the Headmaster! He glanced across the room and noticed the security wizards conferring. His mustache tingled and he soothed it with light fingertips.

Security is busy. They've been prowling about the past
hour, another seat mate observed noting Dumbledore's curiosity.

With all the wizards and witches loose in muggle London I'm
sure they're extremely busy keeping everything in line, Zonko said off-hand.
And if you'll excuse me, I have to prepare to give my
presentation. The Zonko partner smiled and stood up.
Albus, I'll owl you. I must come out to Hogwarts and meet
those twins!

Certainly, Nestor! I will be sure Severus has purged them
of all their tricks first! Dumbledore rejoined with a chuckle.

Dumbledore half-listened to the conversation as it moved toward the afternoon workshops. He was more interested in the security as they walked the room. Some left, but still two wizards stood by the doors just watching the slowly diminishing gathering. Something was up. Excusing himself he moved towards the doors keeping an eye out for any security wizard he might know.

The Headmaster was nearly to his own session when he spotted a security officer named Taylor he'd dealt with before. He moved to the wizard's side and waited while he completed his visual survey of the hall.

Headmaster Dumbledore, may I help you? Taylor asked once satisfied the area was secured.

I couldn't help but notice security has picked up the past
two hours or so. Has there been a problem? Dumbledore asked. Taylor's stoney demeanor broke slightly as he smiled, then tooled it back into blankness.

Well, not really a problem. Just uninvited guests. We've
been instructed to watch for non-participants, Taylor said carefully.

Come now, Taylor, how can you tell the difference? Dumbledore teased the wizard and was rewarded by a measuring glance.

Why don't you speak with Officer Daniel Murphy. He's just
down the hall in the operations center. I know they'll let
you in, Taylor said respectfully. He would not divulge what was going on, but if Murphy wanted to that was fine. It was his show and the Hogwarts' Headmaster was his friend.

Thank you, Taylor. I think I will wander down and see
Murphy, the older wizard replied.

Of course Dumbledore was granted access to operations. The group of security wizards under Murphy were well acquainted with the Headmaster either by sight or reputation. And that green hair had been an amusing point of discussion all morning. Moving into the busy room Albus located Murphy quickly.

Murphy! How's security doing? Dumbledore asked as soon as he had the wizard's attention. With a chuckle the officer waved him over to a chair.

I should have known you would notice a difference,
Headmaster! he said.
We had an uninvited guest bothering a couple attendees, he said carefully, not knowing how Dumbledore was going to react.

Again, the lip twitched and needed soothing.

Let me first say everyone is just fine and steps have been
taken to protect Severus, Murphy explained before getting to the crux of the matter. At the mention of Snape's name Dumbledore sat up very straight.

What happened to Severus? he asked too quickly.

Nothing, Albus. He's quite fine. Although it was a good
thing you left Ms. Johnstone with him, the officer continued.

Lila? Is she all right? Dumbledore leaned forward wanting to shake the information out of the wizard.

Fine, they're both fine. Lucius Malfoy came to visit
Professor Snape. From what I heard Ms. Johnstone removed
Malfoy's wand and the two of them sent him away. I've
given Severus a summoning stone for me. They are both
just fine! he soothed the Headmaster. Dumbledore abruptly stood up.

he hissed, wanting to be at Snape's side. Murphy reached up to stop the older wizard.

We haven't found him on the property. Severus has gone
with Ms. Johnstone to her afternoon workshop. My men
have been tailing them discreetly. They are safe and sound, Murphy said firmly, hoping to calm the Headmaster down. With a tug he was able to get the agitated man to sit back down.

They are fine, Albus. We're watching them. Tonight we'll be
on both sides. There is no way I'd let anything happen to
Severus, Murphy said quietly. He meant it, too. Snape was a valuable spy for the light. Now that he seemed to have fallen out of favor with Voldemort didn't lessen Murphy's responsibility towards protecting him.

Malfoy indicated he wished to take Severus to a mutual
friend' and Ms. Johnstone removed his wand. I don't know
about you, but I would not want to go against Severus
without a wand! Johnstone is quite powerful in her own
right, although Malfoy doesn't know that, Murphy explained.

and they're in a workshop now? Dumbledore took a deep breath and calmed himself.

Yes, Albus. In Salon 143. I believe the topic was on
individualizing instruction for advanced students. A panel
of teachers from several American academies are presenting
it. Some are from Ms. Johnstone's own academy, Murphy said.

I think I will wander down there and join them. Sounds like
an excellent topic, Dumbledore said as he stood again. Much calmer. But he needed to be with his child now. Murphy nodded and decided to walk with him. Together they went to the elevators.



Snape felt eyes on him. It was a creepy feeling and he unsuccessfully fought down a shudder. Johnstone glanced at him, putting a comforting hand on his forearm. The gesture soothed the younger wizard and he shifted slightly towards her.

The workshop had been interesting. He had students that were far advanced for the classes they were in; the American professors had some good ideas on channeling the exceptional student so they did not become a problem. Heaven knows Granger fit that category neatly. Probably Fred Weasley, too.

Still, he felt someone watching him. It was not a comforting experience. Johnstone simply moved a bit closer so that she could rest her foot on his chair and remain in contact with him. A thin stream of energy drew his attention away from the eyes and Snape sighed, relaxing.

He applauded politely with the rest of the audience and allowed Johnstone to tug him along with her to congratulate her staff and the rest of the presenters. She could feel he was nervous, although the quick energy took the edge off. Johnstone slipped her hand under his elbow and leaned against him as she had done when they'd strolled outside with Dumbledore the first day they met.

What's wrong, Severus? she asked very quietly.

Just feel like someone's watching us, Snape murmured.
I'm probably just jumpy from the potions. Johnstone responded by taking a firmer hold on his arm as they swept up to the head table. He was introduced and smiled; rather an interesting look for the normally stoic wizard. Johnstone joked about picking up a younger man eliciting a few chuckles from her professors.

They moved towards the door and noticed Officer Murphy.

Dumbledore was looking for you, he began. He said
he'd be right back, got a note... damn! He turned and hurried out the door holding his earphone. Glancing at Snape Johnstone wondered what was wrong. Snape suddenly blanched.

What if the note was a lure, he began. The witch turned and dragged him after the retreating back of the security officer.

Well block the hall then! Murphy hissed into his box. He saw his two shadows.

Not Albus. Lucius was sighted. We want to detain him, he explained quickly.
Go on to your next event.

They stopped, noticing the hallway was empty they decided to go down to the event hall. As they walked Johnstone continued to hold Snape's arm.

So, where did Albus go? she mused.

Why don't you come in here and find out? a deep voice intoned as they were pulled into a room off the hall. It was dark and Snape felt himself shoved hard further in. Determined not to be separated, Johnstone held on tenaciously.

Lights. Ah, Severus Snape, the deep voice continued,
wonderful! Our contact said we'd find you here. Snape scooted to sit up dragging the witch with him. Three figures, all wearing death eaters masks, stood over them with wands out.

Move, witch. We only want the traitor, hissed the second figure, wand flicking at her.

Johnstone said defiantly, tightening her grip.

Severus, why don't you convince the lady? I'm sure
you'd hate to see her in an inconvenient way, drawled the third figure. Malfoy. This was not good.

You expect me to trust you, Lucius? Snape said coldly, eyes glittering in the light.

I don't expect you would. Expelliarmus! the spell hit hard throwing Johnstone back into the wall.

Much better. Crucio! Malfoy hit Snape hard with the spell and watched in delight as he curled up in silent pain.

Johnstone gritted out, canceling the spell. All three masked wizards turned to stare at her.

the deep voiced wizard said, subduing Johnstone. She found herself completely trussed up watching Snape struggling on the ground.

Stupid witch, he spat out, I can't believe she got your
wand, idiot. Malfoy's sharp intake of breathe betrayed his anger.

She's quick, Malfoy responded before turning to Snape once more.

Johnstone watched horrified as Snape collapsed again curling into a tight ball against the pain.

the second wizard stopped the spell. Malfoy,
don't go spoiling the Master's pleasure.

A little bit won't hurt anything! Crucio! Malfoy flung the spell hard, watching the downed wizard still silently fighting the pain.

a fourth voice murmured. it repeated and Johnstone found herself free.

Petrificus Totalis, she hissed the spell throwing it hard at the three masked wizards. One fell like a stone to the floor while the other two disapparated. Without a thought she pushed up and practically leapt to Snape's side.

Severus, dear heart, it's ok, they're gone, she said, rolling the stiff figure over and onto her lap. She saw his hands were clutched tightly together; a leather thong trailed out of his hand.

he gasped in a great lungful of air.

It worked, Severus, officer Murphy said as he crouched down by the still shaking body.

Snape managed, licking blood off his lips. Johnstone pulled him up closer and began to fill him with healing energy.

Safe. In fact, here he is, Murphy moved back as Dumbledore strode into the room to Snape. Johnstone let go so that the older wizard could sit down and gather the stricken man up.

Severus, child, Dumbledore murmured as he held Snape tight.

It was a decoy, Murphy explained mostly to Johnstone.
They sent a note to Albus to come to the front desk. When
he was there Malfoy was sighted. He apparated here,
setting off the wards, he looked at the downed death eater.

Who do we have here? the security officer wondered aloud and unmasked the petrified wizard.

Dr. Randall Clarion, ex-ministry doctor, Murphy said, not surprised in the least.
He found some new friends it seems.

Dumbledore looked up; he was surprised.
He does medical research for the Ministry!

He fell out of favor. It was one thing to use Severus
as a scape goat last year; but then he started messing
up with other potions that were being developed. He
was let go last fall, Murphy explained. He nodded at several co-horts who removed the stiff body.

Does Severus need a healer? There are several on staff, the security wizard offered.

No, I'll send for his healer. You hurt, don't you child? Dumbledore turned his attention back to Snape.

Not so bad, Albus. Just tired, Snape drifted a moment before falling limp.

I don't know how he manages; I've had that damned curse
thrown at me and I crumple like a piece of aluminum foil, Murphy said slightly amazed.

Unfortunately it's from a lot of experience, Dumbledore sighed and looked up at Johnstone.
Lila? Are you ok?

Yes, Albus. Only a bruise or two. I'm more worried about
Severus... she touched the unconscious wizard's face, scanning. Weak, but not in danger.

Lila and I will bring Severus back to our rooms, Murphy.
Would you please send a message to the clinic in Hogsmeade
and ask if Dr. James or Dr. Jeffrey could come out to see to
Severus? Dumbledore asked as he stood, levitating Snape upright. Johnstone snugged herself against the lax body so that she could guide it out of the room and down the hall to the elevators.



Waking was once more an interesting experience. Snape was snugged tightly between two bodies in a dimly lit room. He didn't know the time of day. *I rarely know the time of day* he mused to himself. Moving slightly he detected his unnaturally stiff arm. He focused and found the iv tubing leading up and out of sight.

*Ok, really screwed up* he decided. He tried to remember what he had done this time; but so many things had happened events had become muddled in his brain. Snape just knew he'd done something wrong and sighed sadly.

a voice next to him inquired. A hand ran over his face and a thin sparkle of energy entered him.

Dr. James? the Potions Master asked hopefully and was rewarded with a rich chuckle.

Yes, Severus, it's Dr. James, the older Healer murmured into his patient's ear. Snape turned to the Healer nuzzling into his sleep robes. The older man simply ran his hand over his patient's back letting him take comfort.

So, playing with Mr. Malfoy? he finally asked, knowing Snape would be confused. Reminding him of what had happened helped ground the ill wizard.

Oh, that's what happened. He was suppose to take
me to Voldemort and he got too interested in hurting
me. How's Lila? Snape asked, pleased that all the pieces fell into place so quickly. It hadn't been a long attack.

Headmistress Johnstone is suffering from a slightly bruised
posterior and elbow. She hit the wall fairly hard, Dr. James explained wondering if Snape would fall back asleep.

Nothing broken? Malfoy threw her pretty hard, Snape asked again.

I checked her myself. She's right behind you, actually.
After all that's happened no one wanted to be alone, the Healer explained, smoothing hair out of his patient's face.

Snape continued.

One big happy family, a low chuckle rose from somewhere behind him.

gods, not the family bed again! groaned Snape.

A definitely female chuckle joined the male.

It appears so, Severus, Dr. James confirmed. He felt his patient still against him. The Healer rolled slightly bringing Snape partially over his chest and held him close. It was easier to scan from this position. An added benefit was the Potions Master always seemed to relax better this way. Best way was curled up in a lounge.

Good morning, dear heart, Johnstone said as she patted her companion. Snape mumbled good morning back and sighed into the warmth of the scan.

It's nearly six. I think I'll go shower, Dumbledore said as he peered at the glowing alarm clock.

Good idea, I think I will, too, Johnstone agreed.

You aren't in muttered Snape. Don't need to
conserve water. James snickered catching on to his patient's line of thought. Dumbledore acted indignant.

Severus! Get your mind out of the gutter! There are
two washrooms in this suite! he sputtered embarrassed.

Then you best use the one with that wonderful tub, Snape said practically.
It's nice and deep and big enough for two.

Dumbledore nearly shouted while James laughed. The laughter caused the energy feed to spark happily between Healer and patient. Snape giggled at the strange tickling sensation.

A bath sounds lovely, Albus! Johnstone gushed wickedly. She rolled over to face her old friend and ran a hand speculatively over his torso.

he hissed, devolving to a groan when she reached a sensitive rise.

the witch teased, moving close for a prolonged kiss.

Bath it is, Dumbledore gasped moving away from his rather forward lover and off the bed. Johnstone followed with snicker.

We'll be baa-ack, the witch singsonged.

Don't rush on my account, Snape threw back letting the Healer run hands over his back as he continued to feed and scan.

Dumbledore started to scold and was quickly cut off.

Good idea Lila! I never thought of gagging him, Snape shot back, knowing full well the witch actually was kissing the older wizard. He was rewarded with a snort of laughter from the witch and a grumbled well I never! from Dumbledore. The rest of the teasing fell off in the distance as the pair retreated out of Snape's bedroom.

I can not get used to the idea of Albus being, uh, frisky'
with anyone. Although Lila is a good choice, Snape said quietly.

It's hard to imagine our parents ever engaging in sex,
much less enjoying it, Dr. James said brightly.
In fact, Jeffrey went a little bonkers when I showed some
interest in a nice lady a few years back. He caught us
snuggling on the couch. I thought he was going to burst
a blood vessel.

I don't know if it's actually Albus doing, uhm, that with
someone else or trying to accept that is enjoyable, Snape said uneasily, lapsing into silence.

I think you might like to talk with Jeffrey about sex, hmmm? Dr. James encouraged.
Although I'm quite willing to listen to you now if you'd like. Snape squirmed a bit, feeling the warmth, listening to Dr. James' heartbeat.

It's just not something I was brought up to think could
be pleasurable, Snape admitted. At least, it never
seemed much more than a job to do at best.

Sex can be different things with different people; but if
you like the person you're with, even love them, you can
both give pleasure and accept pleasure. For me it's like
trusting someone else with me. A little scary and very
wonderful all at once, Dr. James offered as he continued to tend to Snape.
You have come a long way in accepting us into your
life, Severus. Someday you'll meet someone special and
they'll share that pleasure with you. Someday. With a sigh Snape settled into quietness just allowing the Healer to care for him.



He woke again. Shifting under warm covers Snape confirmed he was alone and the IV had been removed. He stretched idly wondering who was baby-sitting him this time. He didn't have to speculate long.

Good morning, Severus! the chipper voice of Jeffrey Barnes called out from the doorway. Rolling to his side Snape opened his eyes to the drowsy winter sunshine filling the room. The younger Healer walked over to the bed and sat next to the Potions Master.

Where did your father go, Jeffrey? Snape asked without greetings. Barnes quickly scanned his patient and smiled.

He is in London attending a seminar. Stacy contacted him
yesterday. I was out at the time, Jeffrey explained.

I hope I didn't pull him away from anything important, Snape said quietly watching the Healer run a hand over his torso.
I really wasn't hurt much. Barnes raised an eyebrow and looked at the Potions Master speculatively.

No, you weren't physically hurt much at all. The
psychological trauma concerns me more, the Healer said truthfully. He found being up front with the taciturn wizard worked much better than trying beat around the bush and draw it out.

Lila was there, Snape said simply.

Mmmhmm. Well, you scan clean. Let's get you some
breakfast, Barnes tugged warm covers off as he stood up. Snape attempted to pull the covers back up as he curled up around a pillow.

Severus, just breakfast. Then you can decide if you want
to stay in London or go back to Hogwarts, Jeffrey said. Snape looked up interested. Go home? He thought he might like to do that since he wasn't needed anymore. He was a liability with death eaters trying to get to him and he was disturbing Dumbledore's time with Johnstone.

Barnes may have been young but he could easily figure out what was going through the mind of his patient. He knew going back would be best physically for Snape, but psychologically he needed to stay and know he was wanted by both Johnstone and Dumbledore. The security officer, Murphy, felt Snape would be perfectly safe. Dumbledore liked him being there and Johnstone had been reluctant to leave to go to her session. Holding out his hand he helped his patient get out of bed. Snape shrugged into his warm robe and slippers before padding into the loo.

When he came out into the sitting area he found Officer Murphy pouring out fresh tea. Barnes sat nearby sipping his own cuppa.

Good morning, Professor! Murphy said jovially. Stopped
by to see how you were feeling. Snape accepted the tea and sat down at the table.

It's Severus, Murphy. I am feeling fine, thank you. I really
wasn't hurt much yesterday, more surprised than anything
else, Snape replied. Barnes made a noncommittal grunt.

We've had no more visitors, Severus. The death eater
that was caught wouldn't give us much information and is
waiting for more questioning. You'll be perfectly safe here, the officer explained.

That probably very true, Murphy, but I think I'll just go
back to Hogwarts. Albus no longer needs help masking
his hair and I am rather tired, the wizard said with a sigh. Murphy looked at Snape carefully. In his weakened state he was an open book for the more experienced eye. Of course, he felt like a detriment and a hindrance to his mentor. If he'd gone out into public he would hear the whispers of gossip that were being passed around. It angered Murphy. He was sure it hurt Dumbledore, too.

If you decide to go home, said Murphy, I'll accompany you.
I'd feel better seeing you safe to the castle.

I'd like that, Murphy, Snape murmured. A rare admittance of needing someone else. There wasn't much else to say. Breakfast came and Snape ate enough to nearly satisfy Barnes. He then wrote out a note to Johnstone to thank her for her kindness and apologize for his perceived lacks. Another, shorter, to Dumbledore to let him know Murphy was taking him back to Hogwarts.

He was back in the Headmaster's rooms at Hogwarts before an hour more had passed. Home. Snape allowed Jeffrey to fuss about, hopefully getting it out of his system. Finally he was alone with a book and a promise to eat dinner.

Barnes had not been particularly happy about the trip to London, although not for the reasons that followed. He was more unhappy now seeing his patient fold into himself, withdrawing into his shell. Snape had done absolutely nothing wrong and yet he believed he'd ruined Dumbledore's trip as well as caused Johnstone to think he was unbalanced. Worse, Jeffrey didn't know the words to make it better.

Reluctantly he trudged back to Hogsmeade. Dobby would be keeping an eye on Snape. McGonagall knew he was back and would check up on him later that evening and the following day or two until Dumbledore was back. Barnes could not come up with a good reason to stay with his patient although he was going to return the next afternoon.

Murphy had returned to the conference and let Dumbledore know Snape was safely tucked back at Hogwarts. He mentioned the notes that had been left behind. After that he resumed monitoring the conference and occasionally wondered how the Potions Master was doing.