Primoris Oraculum Duo (First Prophecy Two)

Chapter 10

Snape traveled by Hogwarts Express to London with Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Sprout. They knew it was him, but to everyone else, he was Remus Lupin. The ready supply of Polyjuice Potion kept by The Order had been used to transform him so he would be able to attend the Granger's funeral without attracting attention from any hovering Death Eaters. After discussing it with Dumbledore, they had agreed that it was likely that one or more would come, just to enjoy the sorrows and grief of the attendees.

They had all dressed in Muggle attire with Snape's help. He thought how ironic it was that he was now such an expert at it, after he had learned what he knew from the Trio and the Grangers. Sitting there on the train he felt a wave of regret that he would never have another chance to telephone Martin Granger and ask him some inane question concerning Muggle culture. He would never again be able to meet up with him in a remote pub and play chess while drinking the curiously delicious Muggle scotch. He doubted he would ever feel as free to be himself with any other man, Muggle or wizard.

Thinking about Ellen Granger, his Lupin face must have paled, because McGonagall sat forward in concern.

"Are you alright?" Her eyes were piercing and Snape wondered for a moment if Dumbledore had disclosed some of the uglier details to her about the Granger's demise. Then he thought that she wouldn't be concerned at all about him. She would be livid and outraged that he was coming to their funeral.

"I am fine. It's just uncomfortable being in this body. I think you know how much I detest it," he groused.

"It was the only one that would be acceptable. Lupin has been a friend to Hermione and a professor. He is representing Potter, who Dumbledore won't let come. His presence won't be suspect." Her voice had the patient tone used to explain things to a young child.

Snape threw a snarl at her that felt very natural coming from the werewolf's throat. "You needn't explain it to me again, Minerva. I do understand the Headmaster's reasoning."

She pursed her lips at his tone and sat back stiffly. It was disconcerting to hear the words and see the mannerisms of Snape coming from the form of Lupin. But from past experience, she knew that Snape would pull together a believable act once they were among others.

She knew he wasn't looking forward to this ordeal any more than the rest of them. Muggle funerals were notoriously depressing and maudlin. She had read that they sometimes lasted hours. It was a good thing that they would have the distraction of keeping a watchful eye over the people who attended the service. She cared for Hermione Granger, and she was sorry for her loss and for what it meant to the war. But she was still anxious to get this over with and get back to the safety of Hogwarts.

Once they arrived, they found Arthur Weasley at the platform, waiting. A ministry car had been secured for them to travel to the church in. Once they were comfortably seated, it squeezed through the London traffic easily and they arrived a half hour before the service was to start.

They were all surprised to see that a lot of people were already there. Molly Weasley saw them and hurried over. "This is a visitation time. People who knew Hermione's parents can come early and have a chance to speak to her about them." At their looks of dismay, she hurriedly said, "You aren't expected to say anything to her. She knows that you'll be here, and that's enough. The Muggles are the ones who need this time. Closure, they call it." She pointed to where Hermione stood with several older people. She was dressed in somber Muggle clothing and it was a stark contrast to her pale skin. She looked calm and stood tall as she listened to those people near her.

McGonagall gave a look to the others that sent them going separate ways to establish a perimeter. She walked slowly towards Hermione, hoping that whatever she said would be the right thing.

Hermione glanced over and saw her professor approaching. A grief-filled smile broke out on her face and in a moment she had put her arms around McGonagall. McGonagall held her tightly, feeling the trembling sobs. When she finally stepped back, she wiped at her eyes with a crumpled handkerchief. "I was afraid no one from Hogwarts would be coming … I didn't know how wizards usually responded to something like this … what the proper protocol should be …"

McGonagall halted her rambling with another hug and whispered, "There are a few of us here, dear. Don't worry about protocol. This is your time to grieve, and it should be done as you feel comfortable. Your parents being Muggle does not make them any less important. They brought a delightful young witch into our world and we will show them respect for that." She leaned back to smooth Hermione's hair and smile gently at her.

Hermione smiled tearfully and nodded. "Thank you, Professor." Then looking around, she asked, "Who else came?"

"Professors Flitwick, Sprout, and Lupin are here. They are helping establish a protective perimeter at the moment," she explained.

Hermione looked worried at this. "Why do we need that? Do you expect trouble? Maybe I should cancel the service …"

Shaking her head, McGonagall squeezed her arm comfortingly. "It's alright, Hermione. We're just being cautious."

Hermione smiled again and another couple of Muggle acquaintances drew her attention away. McGonagall took the moment to casually observe the room. Dumbledore was counting on her to be on her toes. He had not been sure how many Aurors might be sent. The Ministry had been reluctant to see that this incident was more important than other Muggle attacks by Death Eaters. Aurors couldn't possibly attend every Muggle funeral held when Death Eaters had been so active in their revels.

She saw Flitwick and he gave her a nod to show that he had done his part. Some of the Muggles were looking at the diminutive man curiously, but then after greeting him, they engaged him in general conversation. The professors were telling people that they were teachers at Hermione's boarding school, here to lend her their support.

McGonagall searched for the other two professors and finally found them standing together near the back of the church. They were scanning the crowd closely, while giving nods to those who greeted them. She started when Molly appeared at her elbow.

The red haired woman spoke softly, "Hermione didn't know if anyone would come from Hogwarts, but she wanted me to ask you to sit with her if you did."

McGonagall looked surprised. "You mean she wants me to sit with her at the actual service? I thought that you and Arthur and Ron would be sitting with her."

Molly nodded. "Yes, we will, but there are no other family members. It was just Hermione and her parents. Over the last few days, she has said that Hogwarts was her home now; the teachers and students her family. She needs us to be beside her, Minerva. Will you tell the others?"

"I will, but I can't think that Sn- Lupin will do it. The man has been surly ever since we left."

Molly merely nodded her understanding and then bustled away again. The beginning strains of organ music could be heard and people were starting to drift towards the rows of pews. At the front of the church, two caskets stood side by side, closed and draped with floral arrangements.

McGonagall beckoned to the other professors and they came over to her. When she explained what Hermione wanted, Flitwick and Sprout gave ready agreement. Snape in his Lupin form frowned and shook his head. Sprout and McGonagall each took one of his arms as if he were escorting them and led him to where Molly, Arthur and Ron were standing with Hermione.

Once the rest of the mourners were seated, the organ music changed to another song. This seemed to be the signal for the family to be seated, because Hermione began a slow walk down the aisle, Molly and Arthur on either side of her and Ron walking with his head bowed behind them. McGonagall and Sprout kept hold of Snape when he tried to ease out of their grip. Flitwick walked behind them as they followed towards seats at the front, directly in front of the twin caskets. The teachers sat in the pew right behind Hermione and the Weasleys. Snape sat stiffly, and took a deep breath once he realized that he had been holding it for quite a few moments. In front of him, Arthur had allowed Ron to sit next to Hermione and he put his arm around her shoulders.

Thankfully, the service was not a long one. There was a minister who spoke of the Grangers being active in their church and community, being members of a dental society, and often doing work for battered women and children for free. Snape remembered how Ellen had had mentioned working at a shelter and he knew that her compassion had helped many get through difficult times. Martin had often spoken of her with admiration, along with his undying love. They had been soulmates. Snape brought his attention back to the ministers words of comfort for Hermione. He saw her shoulders shaking under Ron's arm.

The minister recognized the teachers who had come from Hermione's boarding school, thanking them for their support of the girl, who had been left without parents or family. After some more music, the readings of some scripture, and a prayer, the service had come to an end.

Snape breathed a sigh of relief then. So this would be nothing like what he had remembered from his own childhood. No screams or wailing. No kisses goodbye. No beating.

Everyone stood up at the end and began milling around again. Hermione was given quick hugs by people who had been neighbors and friends of her parents and then they were alone. The wizards all stood silent as she walked up to the caskets. Standing between them, she put a hand on each. Her mouth was moving; her words silent, as she said her last goodbyes to Ellen and Martin.

She turned to face them all at last. "Thank you for coming and being here with me. I know it wasn't easy, being here among all the Muggles and enduring a Muggle service. I'm ready to come home to Hogwarts now." Her eyes filled with tears and Molly rushed forward to sweep her into an embrace.

"No hurry, dear. You can stay at The Burrow for a bit longer, get yourself sorted out. I'm sure you can easily catch up and your professors will help you."

Flitwick, McGonagall, and Sprout all nodded their agreement. Hermione smiled through her tears and came forward to hug each of them. When she got to Snape, she hugged him tightly. "I know you came in Harry's place, Professor. Thank you. If you see him before I do, let him know that I understand why he couldn't be here. Mum and Dad would've understood too."

Somehow, Snape forced his Lupin lips to smile kindly at her and murmur a quiet condolence before he turned away. The air inside the church was suddenly stifling and he needed to get away from the sight of the caskets; the reminders of what he had done.

The others didn't seem to notice that he walked out the doors as they continued to talk quietly about when Hermione could come back to school. Snape sat down on a low stone wall outside the church and worked to get the accusing voices out of his head. 'You left a young girl without a family … in fact, you cold-bloodedly killed her mother … how they would all hate you if they only knew the truth … but wait, they already do hate you, don't they?… They all know what you are, what you really are, and when they find out what you've done, they will get you in Azkaban so fast … you are a Death Eater, no matter how you try to hide behind your role as spy for Dumbledore: the fact remains that you have done despicable and unforgivable acts …'

"Professor?"

Snape looked up into Ron's questioning face and realized that he had been trying to get his attention for a few moments. "Yes, Mr. Weasley?" His tone of voice and the expression on his face told Ron immediately that he wasn't really Lupin.

"Professor Snape, then? I didn't realize until now. I thought you had decided not to represent Slytherin." He sat down several feet away from Snape on the same wall. Snape regarded him from behind golden brown eyes.

"It would have been inadvisable for me to come as myself. Other Death Eaters might be present to spy out who comes to the funeral of Muggles who welcomed Harry Potter into their home."

They sat silently for a while and then Snape asked quietly, "Have you been in contact with Harry?"

Ron looked at him, surprised at the concerned tone. "Yes. I saw him the other day. He came to the dorm to get some of his stuff. We talked for a bit and I gave him some food."

Lupin's face grew clouded. "He hasn't been eating?"

Ron shrugged. "What would he eat where he is? He said he had been transfiguring old books into bread. He seemed pretty glad to get some sweets and fruit, but the most amazing thing is the other stuff he can do."

"Tell me." Lupin sounded almost anxious. Ron weighed his words carefully. He knew that the two weren't speaking, but he hated how Harry was alone. If they would only work things out Harry would come back. He decided to tell Snape what he knew and hope that it would work out.

"He's been practicing his wandless magic. He levitated his trunk easily. In fact, he did it without a wand and without words."

Snape knew that Harry had the ability and he was glad to hear that Harry had been working on it.

Ron continued, "Harry told me about the dream he had about the Grangers being killed. He blames himself for not warning them."

Snape's head swung towards him. "What did you tell him when he said that?"

Ron shrugged. "I told him he shouldn't feel that way. Merlin, I hate how everything happens to him. He never gets a break."

"I agree. How did he seem otherwise?"

"He looked tired, and thin. I guess transfigured books aren't very nutritious. I know Dumbledore didn't want us to send him any food, but honestly, Professor, if you had seen him, you would have loaded him up with stuff too."

"I do not fault you for doing so." After a pause he asked, "What else can you tell me?"

For a moment, Ron was silent, wondering at the concern he could hear, even if it was Lupin's voice. "He feels pressured to be perfect, like he has to live up to all these expectations people have of him. He doesn't think he can deal with it. He just wants to be a kid."

Snape settled his Lupin form more comfortably, crossing his legs with his ankle hooked over a knee. On Snape it would never have worked, as it was far too casual. On Lupin it looked natural enough, but Ron couldn't help thinking that Snape was in there. The man was frowning thoughtfully as he spoke. "Unfortunately, he is correct. The wizarding world does have extraordinary expectations of him. He will have to learn to deal with the stress. The expectations are a part of him."

Ron stood and expelled a harsh breath. "It's not fair, though. He's just a kid! Why can't everyone leave him alone and let him breathe?"

The brown eyes were glinting as they stared up at him. "I did not say it was fair. I said that Harry was correct in his assessment of the situation. He has been burdened with a terrible prophecy. He will need to learn and grow a great deal before he will be ready to face the Dark Lord. He will need his friends."

Ron turned to Snape warily. "Did you just say he needed his friends? I thought that you would be one of the ones saying that friends are a waste of valuable time."

"Before this past summer, I would have. Now I have a different perspective."

They stared at each other for a few moments before Ron shook his head. "I keep forgetting who I'm talking to. This is just too weird, hearing you out of Lupin's mouth."

"It is not a comfortable experience from this side either, I assure you," Snape said dryly.

"But the fact remains; Harry needs his friends. You were the catalyst that started him on his way to recovery. From what I've learned, survivors of abuse may take years to recover. There may be steps forward, followed by steps backwards. It cannot be rushed."

Ron nodded in agreement as he sat in contemplation. After a while he asked, "What happens if You-Know-Who comes after him before he's ready?"

"We must hope that we will be able to protect him until he gains the knowledge and the strength he needs." He stared at Ron and added, "That's one of the reasons we have let him be in his solitude. At least at Hogwarts, he is protected by the wards and protections it offers."

Ron looked at Snape thoughtfully. "I wondered why you didn't just go after him. I'm sure Professor Dumbledore knows exactly where he is, huh?"

Snape shook his head. "He says that he does not, that the castle is protecting him. The ghosts have apparently been companions of some sort."

They both stopped and stared at each other. Were they actually carrying on a civil conversation? Both seemed to come to the conclusion that it was not a comfortable situation and Ron reddened as Snape's mouth in Lupin's face grew tight.

Ron finally spoke, as his thoughts formed about what had been said. "The longer he stays away, the harder it will be when he comes back to class. Everyone will think he gets special privileges if he just picks up where he left off. I can see that he will get a hard time because of it."

Lupin-Snape nodded thoughtfully. "Yes. That is very likely true. When you speak to him again, let him know that we need to work these details out."

Ron raised his eyebrows. "You think he'll come see me again?"

"Actually, Mr. Weasley, I hope that he does. He needs his friends, as I have said. He has much to work out and being a recluse will hardly help. At some point, he will have to deal with people again."

Ron looked into the serious brown eyes, seeing the sincerity there. It really was confusing to see Lupin and realize Snape was behind those eyes. Still, he could see that there was a great deal of concern for Harry there. He thought that it must be harder for Snape to mask his feelings while in Lupin's form.

The man suddenly stood up, drawing in a hissing breath. He had drawn his left arm up to hold it against his chest. His eyes were wild.

Ron jumped up. "Is it …"

"Yes. I cannot go in this body. Tell Professor McGonagall I had to leave. She'll know what I had to do. She needs to contact Dumbledore immediately and let him know. Harry will need watching." With that, he spun away, walking rapidly until he disappeared around the corner of the church.

Ron hurried back inside. His grim face caught McGonagall's attention and she stepped over to him. After a few quiet words with Ron, she made her way to a side room where she could discreetly send a message back to Hogwarts.

Moments later, she motioned to the rest of them and they assembled in the room. "We must leave now. The wards here are temporary and we need to get to a safer place." She threw looks at Ron and Hermione and the adults understood that she meant that the 'children' had to be protected. The Weasley adults each took hold of one of the teens and before they could comment, they had side-along Apparated them back to The Burrow.

At the Burrow, Ron and Hermione both staggered from the shock of Apparating without warning. Only the Weasleys were there, and Ron assumed that the others had gone back to Hogwarts. He felt torn, wanting to be here with Hermione, and wanting to go back and be at Hogwarts for Harry. But then he thought that he didn't have a clue as to where Harry was, and he knew he could be right here for Hermione. She was already crying on Molly's shoulder. Ron caught a few muffled words and realized that they had left the church before her parents had been buried. He put a hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. Molly gently pushed her back towards Ron.

"Go on and sit down, dears. I'll make tea. It's been a difficult day all around."

She bustled away as Ron led Hermione to a sofa and sat her down. Keeping his arm around her, he drew her close against his side. In a few moments, she was asleep with her head on his shoulder.

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Snape paced the dungeon floor, waiting for the Polyjuice Reversal potion to take effect. Combined with the fiery pain in his arm, the transformation process was an agony. For a moment, he felt a kinship with the werewolf, thinking of him undergoing this kind of change every full moon. A reversal potion was seldom used since the Polyjuice wore off so rapidly. Was the fact that he had used werewolf hair a factor that made it so painful, or would it be painful regardless? He made a mental note to research the matter further, if he came through this night in one piece. He smirked to himself, thinking how like him it was to maintain his scientific curiosity in the face of his present circumstances.

He wanted to open the link between himself and Harry; make sure he was alright. But then he thought that his time would be better spent shoring up his Occlumency, gathering his strength to face the Dark Lord. He would be excessively late after waiting for his body to return to form and then finally answering the summons. He would be given the Cruciatus for not responding promptly. He hoped that he wouldn't get worse. He hoped that Dumbledore had contacted the ghosts and they were watching Harry now. He hoped that Harry was blocking out the pain …

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