"Harry!" Three figures tumbled out of the fireplace, landing in an undignified heap on the floor. Ginny was first to get up, and she hugged him tightly, much to his surprise. The twins were still lying where she had left them, attempting to help each other up. What they succeeded in doing was tangling themselves up even more.
"Gerroff, Fred!"
"Not my fault!"
"It is! You were the one who jumped in!"
"You were the one who grabbed hold of Gin's arm and pulled her in after us!"
"That's because Perce was about to kill us!"
Harry couldn't help it. He began to laugh, and Ginny soon joined in as both twins looked up simultaneously and bashed heads.
"Morning, Harry!"
"You wouldn't mind helping us up?"
Harry hauled both to their feet where they brushed each other off, grinning, and then shook his hand.
"Happy birthday, mate!"
"Now, do tell, is the letter which you sent us a very early April Fool's joke or true?"
"What?" Ginny asked curiously.
"It's true." Harry smiled happily, and the twins whooped.
"Harry's gonna learn magic!"
"Come on, you two." Ginny said exasperatedly. Harry smiled at her gratefully.
"Anna's booked the pitch for an hour before Madam Hooch tests everything." He explained. Ginny grinned, and grabbed her broom from the pile on the floor. The twins did the same, smirking, and the four of them hurried down to the stadium, chattering noisily.
"Anna?" a soft voice asked. Anna's head shot up as she dropped her quill, ink splattering her nose. Severus was leant against the bookshelves a little way away, smirking at her. He looked tired.
"Severus? What can I do for you?" she moved some of the books off the chair next to her, placing them with a gentle thump on the table. She was surrounded by various tomes of all sizes, some dusty, some moth-eaten. Cautiously, Severus walked over and sat next to her, raising an inquiring eyebrow.
"What are you doing, Anna? Surely it's too nice to be inside."
"Says the man who is never caught in the sunlight if he can help it." She teased. "I'm doing Auror work. It's annoying, but I haven't been in for two weeks, so it mounts up."
Severus leant over her shoulder, his breath light on her cheek as he read the caption of the paper she was filling in.
"Concealment and Disguise? I thought only trainee Aurors had to fill that in?"
"The test, yes. But we get sent forms once a year, which is why I have all of these." She gestured at the books. "I'm an animagus, but I have to specify everything about it – how long I can stay transformed for, why I'm a wolf animagus, what type of wolf I am..."
"Surely, if you just wrote – Gray wolf animagus, twin sister to werewolf, transformed time...however long you can stay transformed for, you could hand that in."
"I wish." She sighed, writing her name with a flourish at the bottom of the parchment. "How did you know I was a Gray Wolf?"
"I saw you transform when Harry was brewing, remember?"
"Yes, but I only transformed for a maximum of five minutes. There aren't many characteristics to distinguish a Gray Wolf from any other wolf that you could notice in that amount of time."
He smirked, and leant back, avoiding her question. She sent him a small scowl, and threw a small book at him. Easily, he caught it out of the air, nodding to Madam Pince as she rounded the corner, frowning. The vulture-like woman smiled fleetingly at him before vanishing off down another isle. Severus placed the book carefully on the table, where it fell open on a random page. Anna leant over, and then began chuckling.
"What?" he snapped.
"You look practically the same as you did in third year, Severus. Oh my god, Sirius just got hit by a vial of engorgement potion..." she collapsed back into her chair, laughing. Severus frowned at her and then stared at the book, a small smirk gracing his face as Sirius was splashed with engorgement potion.
"I remember that lesson. We were working on class projects – I was with Lily. We were working on...Pheonix tears, I think..."
Anna smiled warmly at him. "Sounds like fun. I wonder who threw the vial?"
"I don't think it'll be written in the text." He teased her, scanning it quickly. She was about to throw another book at him when Madam Pince rounded the corner again, checking on them with her dark glare. Anna sent her an innocent smile, and then scowled in Severus' direction as he began to chuckle.
"Stop distracting me." She berated him, pulling another piece of parchment towards her.
"Sorry." He replied, not sounding at all sorry. Anna bent back over the parchment, scowling grumpily at the questions.
"Stupid, stupid questions..." she muttered. The quill splattered her face again, and she threw it down angrily.
"Anna." Severus took her arm, spinning her around to face him. His eyes were dark, unreadable, as he looked down at her. "Are you ok?" A gentle hand brushed her cheek, and she frowned as he began wiping away the ink dots with a small cloth. His touch was gentle, warm, and she closed her eyes fleetingly.
"You had a little ink on you." He explained. She raised an eyebrow in imitation of him, smirking as he mock-glared at her. Suddenly, his expression changed to one of abject horror, and then pain.
"What is it?" she asked, worried. He shook his head, eyes shut, but she saw his hand drifting to his arm. He was a ghostly white, hands shaking.
"Severus?" she whispered. He opened his eyes again, and slowly began to get himself back under control. He avoided looking at her, instead staring down into his lap. His shaking began to cease.
"Do you want a pain potion?" she asked softly. When he didn't reply, she reached into her pocket and pulled the tiny vial out, pressing it into his hand. "Drink."
"I'm fine, Anna..." he breathed softly, meeting her eyes. She shook her head at him, gesturing to his arm.
"What is it?"
Slowly, he rolled up his sleeve, exposing a writhing black tattoo. Anna had seen them before – on the arms of previous Death Eaters whom she had caught. However, they had always been faded and grey. Severus' was a deep inky black.
"But that must mean..."
"He's back." Severus said grimly. "Meeting at nine tonight."
Anna just sat in silence, unseeing as she gazed at a book on one of the shelves. Her brain was going round and round. He's back. Harry. Harry. Harry needs to be kept safe. He's with the twins...should be fine for now...I can't leave him this evening. Not now HE'S back. He'll have to come with me to Molly's...oh.
"Severus, you're meant to be at the Order meeting this evening." She said quietly. Severus stared at her.
"Damm. I can't duck out of either meeting..."
"I'll cover for you at the Order meeting, but you have to get to Molly's at some point..."
"Aren't you angry?" he asked softly. She looked up, meeting his eyes. Of all the things she had expected him to say, that was not one of them.
"No. Why should I be? Well, unless you count being angry that the stupid bastard has come back to life."
He raised an eyebrow. "I would have thought that the fact I carry the Dark mark on my arm may have worried you."
"I know you a lot better than you think, Severus Snape. I also received the full filling in from Albus. I know you've changed. There's no point in labouring over the past."
His look as he rose was incredulous, almost relieved. For a man who hardly ever showed emotion, he looked surprisingly shocked.
"Thank you, Anna. Now, I think I will leave you to it. I need to tell Albus."
"Goodbye, Severus. Good Luck."
He just stared at her, eyes roaming her face, before turning to walk away. Anna sighed softly and bent back over the paper, unable to concentrate as her mind stayed solely fixed on one thought. Lord Voldemort is back.
She wasn't aware of Severus, who was stood in the shadow of the bookcases, watching her. His eyes roved over her figure, noting how she bit her lip, worrying it between her teeth, how her hair fell in ringlets over one shoulder, how one curl danced at her throat, how she leant on her elbow, how she curled her feet under the chair.
"Stop watching her. Tell Dumbledore." He berated himself, turning away.
Anna emerged from the floo, shaking her hair out of her collar and smiling across the room at Remus. The twins, Harry and Ginny were already here, up in the twin's bedroom. Molly had agreed enthusiastically to Harry staying over, so she was carrying his bag slung over one shoulder.
"Anna! How are you, my dear?" Molly hurried into the room, pulling her into a strangling hug. Anna patted her gently on the back and waited until she pulled away before handing over Harry's bag.
"I'm fine, Molly. Everything of Harry's is in here."
The room steadily began to fill, Arthur, Alastor, Mudungus and Albus nodding to her as they took their places around the table. Suddenly, there was the sound of running footsteps and Harry, George and Fred burst into the room.
"Anna!" Harry cried, hugging her tightly.
"Hey, cub. You ok?" she asked softly, stroking his hair. Many of the other order members who hadn't read the papers were staring at them with a mixture of surprise and amusement as she pulled him close.
"I'm fine, Anna. Did you bring my clothes?"
"Everything, including your wolf." She murmured softly so that only he could hear. He smiled at her gratefully and took the bag, blushing as he realised exactly how many people were in the room. Gently, Anna introduced him to most of the room, laughing when he hugged Remus, much to her brother's surprise.
"Right, cub, has Molly told you what's going to happen?" she asked, kneeling in front of him.
"You're having a meeting, and I'm not allowed in." He replied, grinning at her cheekily. Anna laughed and cuffed his head affectionally.
"That's right, so off you go. Please stop Fred and George from blowing up the house – I'm not sure I can get them out of the repercussions. Come down when you're going to bed, though – knock twice on the door."
"Ok." Harry hugged her once more before following the twins out of the room. Slowly, Anna straightened up and sat in her place near the fire, smirking as some of the newer members shifted uncomfortably.
"He already thinks of you as mum. I caught him calling you that earlier." Molly bustled in, sitting down next to her. Remus grinned at her as she blushed, and then Albus cleared his throat. The room was lit by candle light, expectant faces lining the long table.
"Welcome to the fiftieth meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. I see most of our members are here –save for one. Does anyone know the location of Severus Snape?"
"I do." Anna said quietly, standing. Twenty faces turned to hers, most surprised. "He'll be late, due to prior commitments." She nodded significantly to Albus, who was frowning.
"Then, I'm afraid we must start on a very bad note. Lord Voldemort has returned."
"My faithful Death Eaters." Voldemort's voice echoed around the room, although none of the Death Eaters could actually see him. Severus had no idea where he was, much to his discomfort, as he knelt on the hard stone floor. "I have returned. At this moment, I am weak, forced to share my faithful servant Crouch's body. However, I still see every one of you."
Crouch was seated in a high-backed green armchair, lolled to one side. He was deathly pale, black hair sticking to his forehead, but his mouth moved and from it issued Voldemort's voice, and his eyes were red. Severus fought a small shiver. What Voldemort had done to revive himself was...repulsive.
"Lucius, my old friend. Antonin, Avery...ah, Fenrir Greyback. I heard you have had problems with a specific Auror."
"That is correct, My Lord." The wolf nodded, eyes averted to the floor. His features were wolfish in the half light.
"Who?"
"Anna Lupin, My Lord. The half-werewolf Auror. I infected her brother, and somehow our blood was mixed. She has incapacitated me many times."
"She will be dealt with." Voldemort said coldly, before continuing his surveillance of the room. Severus bit his lip. Not if he could help it. "Nott, Crabbe, Goyle, Alecto Carrow... where is your brother?"
"He is currently very ill, My Lord, with Dragon Pox, but sends his sincerest apologies."
"You will bear his task as well as your own tonight." Voldemort hissed. Severus winced. "Jugson, Rowle, Mancur, Travers, Yaxley...Severus."
Severus raised his head, aware of the other Death Eater's gazes. "My Lord?"
"You were one of the first to respond to my call. Yet, I received information from Pettigrew and Crouch that you had changed sides."
"Appearances deceive, My Lord." Severus said coolly. "The coot, Dumbledore, kept me from Azkaban and instead gave me a post at Hogwarts."
"Indeed." Voldemort murmured. Severus lowered his head again, noting with relief his dismissal. "Aah, Bellatrix. My faithful Bellatrix."
"You do me honour to let me serve you, My Lord."
"Indeed. Tell me, Bellatrix, I received note that you and your husband tried to find me, before being thrown in Azkaban."
"That is right, My Lord." Bellatrix exclaimed, eyes lighting up. Severus hid a disgusted scowl. Then began listening carefully as Voldemort began to speak.
"Listen here, Albus. How do you know he-who-must-not-be-named is back?" one of the Order members, a short, portly man who Anna didn't recognise, asked peevishly.
"I received confirmation of the return of Lord Voldemort," most people in the room shivered, "from a reliable source."
"And who is this reliable source?" Someone else asked.
"Severus Snape alerted me to the fact that his Dark Mark had renewed and burned earlier this morning." Albus said pensively. Around the table, there was derisive snorts, and Anna, who felt that Severus' word shouldn't be doubted, stood.
"He speaks true."
"How do you know?" the same portly man asked, raising an eyebrow. Anna turned to him and leant on the table, the candlelight shadowing her face. It illuminated the wolf in her, and several people leant back.
"I was there when he was called." She replied quietly, meeting the man's eyes. "I saw the mark."
There was silence, broken by Arthur. "Albus, what do we do?"
"We must prepare for another uprising, Arthur. And we must, at all costs, keep Harry safe."
"So you know where the boy is, Albus?" someone asked. Anna smirked slightly.
"Indeed. He is at this moment upstairs with the two Weasley twins." Albus said lightly, steepling his fingers. Several people who hadn't been in the room earlier glanced up, and one spoke up.
"How long has he been here?"
"Three hours." Anna replied for Albus. "He lives with me. Those of you who read the papers today know that I recently adopted him."
"Oh, he's fine, then. No-one would dare to try and hurt him when he lives with Anna." One of the Aurors said warmly. Anna smiled at him, and then they were interrupted by a flash from the fire. Kingsley appeared, black skin gleaming. His grey eyes were serious.
"There has been a mass breakout of Death Eaters from Azkaban, including Bellatrix Lestrange." Several people paled around the room, and all looked to Dumbledore, whose eyes were shut.
"It has began." He said quietly.
"Now for your task." Voldemort hissed softly. Around the room, several people shifted uncomfortably. "I will ask Pettigrew and Crouch, my faithful friends who need no confirmation, to perform the task on each of you. You will then floo back to your residences, and in four days time you will send confirmation of your alliance. I will know who have passed my task, for only those truly faithful will live through it."
Nine people drew breath. Severus stood with the rest of the room as the redness vanished from Crouch's eyes, leaving the original blue. He and Pettigrew lifted their wands.
"Tractare Cruciatus vomica in totus illorum quisnam veho vestigium of obscurum insquequo is est privatus." Pettigrew's squeak was contrasted with Crouch's deep voice. Severus felt a twinge of pain at the base of his neck, and clenched his fist as it began to intensify and spread. Around the room, the Death Eaters were in varying stages of pain – Nott was already on the floor, wheras Bellatrix was still smirking. The pain grew and grew, scourging his nerves, cutting off his feeling. He clenched the other fist as several people fell to the floor. So far, none had screamed.
"Solvo ut totus illorum quisnam veho vestigium of obscurum suum pessimus nightmares." Crouch hissed. Severus frowned as images began to crowd his brain, and then felt his hand begin to shake as, added to the Cruciatus pain, he was forced to watch his worst nightmares be played out in front of him. Most had already collapsed to the floor, and some were screaming and crying – he, Bellatrix and Greyback were the only ones left standing. The Cruciatus pain was still building, fogging his brain, clouding his reason. He felt as if his whole body was on fire, as well as millions of needles jabbing into his skin. Next to him, Greyback collapsed, letting out a howl of pain. Now only he and Bellatrix stood.
Through his blurred vision, he could see her swaying, eyes shut. Pettigrew smirked, no doubt enjoying the display, and slashed his wand. Bellatrix fell, and identical bloodstains appeared on all the chests of those present. Severus could feel his blood dripping down his side, and dimly watched the crimson stain blossom on his shirt. The fire from the wound began adding to the Cruciatus pain, and he looked up to meet Crouch's eyes. He was the only one apart from the two men left standing. Some of the Death Eaters had already fainted in pain, and Severus saw two twitch before their eyes rolled back in their heads. The first dead.
"My Lord, Severus Snape still stands." Crouch said softly. Barely. Severus added silently.
"I see." Voldemort hissed. "Your resistance and will is strong, as ever, Severus. Perform the last curses, my faithful."
"Solvo unto totus illorum quisnam veho vestigium of obscurum sensus of igneus quod dying , tamen habitum lemma ex addo of nex." Both men cried. As Severus collapsed to his knees, head down, sweat pouring from his forehead as well as the blood covering him, he felt a sharp burning pain engulf him, as well as the Cruciatus pain and needle pain intensify. He began to gasp for air as nine more thudded to the ground, some dead, some unconscious.
Only four people remained conscious – he, Bellatrix, Greyback and Lucius. Dimly, his brain processed the translation of the curses used – it kept the pain barely at bay as Lucius collapsed. Give to the barers of the Dark mark the feeling of an eternal Cruciatus curse. Release unto all of those who carry the mark of darkness their worst nightmares. Release unto all of those who carry the mark of darkness the feeling of burning and dying, but hold them from the brink of death.
Greyback collapsed, his body crumpling onto the floor as he fell unconscious. The pain was so intense, Severus was sure than in seconds he would either die or collapse. Across from him, he saw Bellatrix's eyes meet his own fleetingly before he shut his, seeking solace in the darkness. Save me, Lily. He thought. Unbidden, an image appeared, but it wasn't of Lily. Anna? He thought, confused, as he recognised the young woman sat up in the hospital wing, a child cradled in her arms. A song began to filter through the pain, dispelling it.
"Song of the moon
Going up in the sky
Soft as a feather
Of a lullaby."
The pain began to recede slowly as Anna continued singing inside his head. He hungrily drank in every single one of her features – the moonlit chestnut curls, rambling and soft, the deep blue eyes, the pale face with thin, delicate bones, the long, gentle hands as she ran her hands through Harry's hair. The pain receded even more, until he could barely feel it. Why you, Anna? He asked.
"Snape. Are you still conscious?" Pettigrew's voice penetrated his peace. Attempting a weak scowl, Severus opened his eyes to see the timid man knelt next to him, watery eyes looking into his. He was knelt on the floor, the only one not collapsed or unconscious. Bellatrix had finally given in, her features twisted in agony. They had already removed the twelve dead.
"Yes." He managed to rasp out. He felt as if he were about to die. Or at least collapse. Anna, you saviour. He thought. Crouch was seated in the armchair again, and it was evident Voldemort was possessing him as he surveyed the collapsed occupants of the room with interest. The dark images in Severus' head were still present, but he thought unwaveringly of Anna's lullaby, and they did not reach him.
"My Lord, Severus Snape is still conscious." Pettigrew whined. Crouch's head whipped round.
"So he is. Well done, my faithful Severus. You have passed. You may leave." Voldemort hissed. Inclining his head, as he felt too weak to bow, Severus used the wall to get shakily to his feet. He almost collapsed once more as the world spun, but he thought of the lullaby.
"The dark's a dream
And sound asleep." He murmured. Neither Pettigrew or Crouch heard him, thank god, although Voldemort's harsh, curious eyes followed him as he stumbled and limped painstakingly from the room.
"Goodnight, Harry." Anna whispered, hugging the small boy to her. The meeting had concluded with everyone being told to keep their guard up and to look out for each other. Harry had appeared soon after, dressed in his pyjamas and rubbing his eyes sleepily. Anna lifted him onto her lap, stroking his hair as he settled against her.
"Remus, could you take him up?" she asked, cradling his sleeping figure in her arms. There were a lot of soft 'aahs' as Harry whimpered and grasped her sleeve, but he soon settled back into Remus' arms. Her brother looked slightly overwhelmed as he carried Harry carefully from the room. As the door shut behind him, the floo flared. Anna jumped up, wand pointed at it as a figure stumbled through.
Blood covered Severus' face and shirt as he collapsed onto the floor. He was trembling violently, deathly pale, eyes shut. He promptly curled up protectively as Anna shoved her wand into her pocket and knelt next to him, ignoring Molly's startled and horrified cry. Around the room, twenty eyes looked up and murmurs, whispers and gasps broke out. Hesitantly, Anna touched his shoulder, noting how cold he was.
"Severus?"
"A-A-Anna?" he rasped, opening his eyes. They were dark with pain, the horror flooding them. There were several gasps as a cut on his cheek released yet more blood to drip into his hair.
"Merlin, what happened to you?" she asked quietly, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. He squinted up at her, and then muttered,
"Test...cruciatus...nightmares...twelve died...everyone else collapsed and fainted."
He shut his eyes again, ignoring everyone else as they crowded around. Anna looked up to see Albus stood over her, blue eyes shocked. Everyone else stepped back as he knelt next t o them, placing a hand on Severus' forehead.
"He's got a fever."
"A-Albus?" Severus croaked. "Voldemort...is...possessing...Crouch..."
Around the room, there were several shocked gasps. Remus re-entered, and then ran over, kneeling next to them. He raised a questioning eyebrow at Anna.
What happened?
Voldemort conducted some sort of test on the Death Eaters – the Cruciatus, prolonged, something to do with their nightmares and by the looks of things a large lot of Sectumsempra. Severus was the only one at the end of it left conscious.
He needs to go to the Hospital Wing.
Poppy's in Germany.
Can't Dumbledore do something?
Not here, and not with this many people.
Can you support half his weight? I can help you get him to your chambers.
Just what I was thinking.
"Severus, Remus and I are going to move you to Hogwarts, ok?" she whispered softly in his ear. Weakly, he nodded, and she turned to the rest of the room.
"Could you give us some space, please?"
"One...two...three..." Remus counted down carefully, and the two of then wrapped their arms around Severus' trembling body, lifting him up. He managed to place his feet on the floor, and Anna and Remus painstakingly supported him towards the fire, Albus bringing up the rear.
"Anna, how're we going to get through the floo?" Remus asked. Severus' eyes were still shut, and unconsciously she squeezed his shoulder in reassurance. "Trust me. But Albus, I need you to throw some floo powder in before us, and then hold my shoulder tight."
"As you wish." Albus did as she asked, and Anna pulled them into the fire. Carefully, she shut her eyes and began to concentrate. A delicious cool feeling spread through her, spinning them faster and faster until they were almost a blur. Her eyes flew open, blazing gold as she yelled,
"My quarters, Hogwarts."
And then they were stood in the living room, Anna panting softly. Remus and Albus were staring at her, but she shook her head at them and motioned for them to help her. Carefully, they supported Severus into her room, where they laid him gently on her bed. She shut the curtains, wandlessly summoned her entire potions store, lit a single candle and then knelt next to him.
"Where...am...I...?" he murmured, black eyes narrowing in confusion.
"Hogwarts. Safe." She replied, brushing a sweaty strand of hair away from his eyes. He nodded and shut them, relaxing almost impercievably against the duvet.
"Evanesco Severus' shirt." Albus murmured, and then all three gasped as the full extent of his injuries appeared.
"Oh, Severus." Anna murmured, as she noted his deathly pallor, bloodstained side and the massive, jagged cut running across his chest. Taking a wet cloth from Remus, she began to dab gently at his chest as Albus began muttering spells. Severus murmured in protest as the cloth caught the edge of the wound, and she rested a consoling hand on his shoulder. Her hair brushed his cheek, and she saw him smile fleetingly as a trembling hand reached up to grasp hers tightly.
"Sing." He whispered. "Please."