A/N: Finally, we deal with those pesky Death Eaters. :D A little bit of everything, and fair warning: not for the faint of heart. Enjoy.

Revenge and Its Sweet Promises

As I straighten my clean robes while walking out of my bedroom, I slow in my approach as I hear Phineas Nigellus's voice. My eyes narrow as my ears perk up.

"Honestly, a pureblood carrying on like that," he admonishes quietly from his portrait. "Where is your class, young lady? I know you were raised better than that."

She laughs softly before replying. "And where was yours, dear Phineas? Spying on us during a private moment. Shame on you," she says with a clear smile on her face.

"There were very little places else where I could look, my dear. You both were carrying on like animals, showing off and such."

"Whatever you have to tell yourself, Phineas," she says with a laugh. She then stops in mid-laugh before biting her lip for a moment. On edge, I watch her, her side turned to me blocking me from her view. "You know," she pauses shortly, "if we didn't have these pesky arseholes trying to kill him, I'd likely still be shagging him. Damn bastards. Ruining our fun."

I walk into the room then, my cheeks colored because of her words. I feel oddly uncomfortable now, knowing that we've been exposed not only to Phineas Nigellus but Salazar Slytherin. The only way it could have been worse is if it had been Albus or—Merlin forbid—our fathers. My eyes briefly dart to Aurora, noticing her silver casual dress that she transfigured earlier. She's truly beautiful.

"Are you ready then?" she asks, turning towards me with that gorgeous smile of hers.

"Of course." I head to the door, waiting for her to step past me. As she does, I close my eyes and inhale, the rich scent of berries intoxicating me. This woman is going to kill me. I swear it.

Our walk to the Great Hall is silent. She walks beside me, close enough that I can feel her warmth. I feel quite refreshed and renewed having her by my side. I can't explain it. As I'm right about to push open the doors to the Great Hall, her hand stops me. I glance at her, wondering what's wrong. My question dies the moment her lips press against mine. She tastes me, and I do the same to her before easing us out of the kiss with an inward sigh.

"For good luck," she explains with a smile.

"Oh? Is that all that was?" I retort.

"Well, that's the official story at least."

"Of course." I chuckle, shaking my head. I then push open the doors, allowing her to walk in first again. We quickly go our separate ways, having agreed to do so earlier. I head towards Minerva and her small group, and Aurora heads towards a few of the students.

"Nice of ya to join us there, son." My dad chuckles as he claps me on the back.

"I apologize. I was delayed." When he snorts, my eyes dart to him. "What?"

"Yeah, I bet ya were, son." His grin widens before he motions to my neck. "Ya missed a spot."

I notice my colleagues crane their necks to try to see what he's talking about, but I force myself not to react to their idiotic curiosity. I know there's no way they can see that mark. No one can see that mark. It's under a damn Glamour charm. My father chuckles louder, however, shaking his head.

"I fail to see anything amusing, Dad."

"It's all over yer face, son."

"What is?" His eyes briefly glance towards Aurora before he smirks.

"Ya never could get the hang of it, though, could ya?" My father shakes his head again before stepping aside as Lucius approaches. "It's why ya were pants at poker."

In torn robes, Lucius gives me a look over before clearing his throat.

"Oh, dear Merlin, not you as well." I frown. There is absolutely no damn way they can see the mark Aurora left. Not only is it under a Glamour charm, but I used bruise paste on the damn thing.

"You seem relaxed, old friend. Rejuvenated even," states Lucius with a shrug. "That's the only difference I see with you." His eyes then meet mine, and I hear his thought. You're gravitating towards her, old friend. A clear sign of a man in love.

"I'm not," I hiss, glaring at him. Several people start, but I ignore them. Lucius only shrugs.

"Whatever you say, Severus."

"I'm not," I repeat firmly, clenching my jaw tightly. My heart beats rapidly against my ribcage, and I find my throat dry. When Lucius places a hand on my shoulder, I quickly shrug him off. "Don't."

"My friend, I meant no harm. Merely stating what I see. But I see I am mistaken."

I brush off his words and take several steps from him. "Inform me of the latest concerning the remaining Death Eaters."

"From what I've gathered thus far, the members of the Inner Circle are either dead or have fled the grounds," Lucius explains. "So these remainders appear to be lower ranked, failing to have attained the mark, and are following a man named John Lyons."

I try to recall that name but can't.

"He's ruthless, but then again so were we all. He's ordered the killing of any child they run across, no matter the blood status. He's personally seen to it the deaths of several of the house elves that tried to reach help. I'm uncertain how considering, but he's learned of a way."

"How many Death Eaters remain?"

"We've counted at least fifty. There might be more in the forest of course."

I nod. "I see." I glance around the room, frowning when I see some of the survivors. "We cannot remain trapped here like dogs anymore."

"I agree." His eyes then dart to his wife briefly. "Narcissa stated that there are some of the injured here who are greatly in need of St. Mungo's. But we must be smart about this." I glance sideways at him. "Yes, well, old friend, some of us have shed more than just our masks lately."

"Meaning?"

He sighs. "Merely recalling how many times, my friend, we have seen men brought to their knees because of a woman in their minds and hearts." He tugs on his sleeves slightly, avoiding my eyes. "I fail to understand how men can think they can begin to concentrate, knowing that the woman they care for is there fighting beside them. It is why I'm glad Narcissa understands why I wish her to remain behind. I need my head to be clear if I'm to return to her." He glances at me finally. "Do you not agree?"

I make sure not to look in Aurora's direction. I know he's right. There is no chance I'd be able to concentrate with her beside me. She is a distraction to me. My weakness that can be exploited. I've seen it so many times before while in the Dark Lord's services.

"You are lucky, Lucius."

"How so?"

"That your wife respects your wishes so easily," I answer quietly. I know for a fact that Aurora will fight me tooth and nails against this. She is too stubborn, too certain of herself, too loyal to me, too in love. All of which are things I love about her, but they will do me no good now.

"She was not for it in the beginning of course, but considering what she's seen over the years she's realized that it is ultimately for the best. It's not easy for her, though. She worries a great deal about me making her a war widow. But I do it all out of love for her, to keep her safe."

"And keep your mind clear," I add quietly.

"Precisely. It is a bit—shall we say—archaic at times, but necessary."

I glance at him, thinking of how my mother would refute that to her death. That archaic was too good of a word to use, but I remain silent. Unfortunately, my father voiced it for me.

"Yer lucky ya ain't married to my El, Blondie. She'd nail ya in the balls for that thinking. A woman ain't a weakness unless you make her to be one, gentlemen. And blamin' her for yer not bein' able to think straight ain't nothin' but buggerin' yerselves without lube." Lucius raises an eyebrow at my father's colorful speech. "Do I love my wife? You bet yer white arse I do. But would I tell her to remain behind with some cockamamie excuse that she'd get us killed? Ain't no way in hell. Cause I know my wife, and I know she'd have my back just like I'd have hers. Now, that, gentlemen, is love."

"And if your wife was tortured in front of you, then what?" Lucius asks. "You'd rush in and fight to save her? You'd face certain death."

"Ya ever hear of the Kobayashi Maru, son?"

"The what?"

"It's a no-win situation, Lucius," I answer quietly. My father beams instantly at my recalling it. "In the face of certain death, you face your fears head on, embrace them, and use them to your advantage while maintaining a cool head in order to continue to fight and save as many people as you can. It's the act of maintaining complete emotional control when you realize you will die in the end."

"Never heard of it."

I shake my head. He wouldn't have since it's based from a Muggle science fiction show on the telly. I inhale slowly, thinking of my options.

On one hand, Lucius is correct. I'm too emotionally compromised right now. The mere thought of Aurora being injured or worse nearly sends me into a rare display of panic each time. I know my fears are solely due to my losing Lily all those years ago. But I've never dealt well with loss. And losing Aurora now would—It is unfathomable.

On the other hand, my father is also correct. If I see Aurora as a weakness of mine, she will become as such. Mind over matter principle. She would have my back. She would protect me and more importantly protect herself. She's not some weak witch who needs saving constantly. She is more than able to defend herself properly and maintain her cool under duress. I know this.

I cannot lock her up every time there might be danger. She is not a plaything of mine. Nor can I lose her, though, because I was too arrogant and believed nothing would occur. Play it safe. That is what I need to do. At least until I can gain some ground in maintain my own composure around her. Merlin, if anything earlier in my rooms has to be a wakeup call. I have no control around her. All I feel and see is love, or something damn close to it. I sigh, realizing what must be done. I'll lose my balls for this, but I'd rather that than to lose another woman I love. I head towards Aurora, walking away from them.

"Professor Snape," a young man boldly announces.

I have to look twice before I realize who the young man is. It's amazing how much he's grown up. But then again, they all had to in order to survive war. "Mr. Longbottom," I quietly say, inclining my head slowly towards him. "I've been told that I owe you for your actions."

"Sir?"

"It would seem that after all these years of snarling insults at you, I was mistaken." I watch the stupid look pass over the young man's face instantly. "Thank you, Mr. Longbottom." He glances towards Aurora as if to ask her to translate. "For killing the bloody damn snake," I explain. "I'm under the impression that it was quite," I pause as I try to recall the words Minerva used, "badarse." I hear Aurora's soft laugh as her hand remains on Neville's shoulder. When several moments pass and the young man says nothing, I watch her give his shoulder a gentle squeeze.

"You're welcome, sir." He still wears a look of confusion, but I don't blame him a bit. I'm confusing myself to tell the truth.

"If I may steal Professor Sinistra for a moment?" I quietly ask. He nods before turning and heading off to speak with the rest of Potter's little gang, leaving us alone.

"That was rather nice of you, Severus." She opens her mouth to continue—likely to start our familiar playful banter—when her mouth suddenly closes. I sigh, turning to leave then. She wordlessly follows me out of the Great Hall, quickly falling in step beside me as I head towards my rooms. "Fifty-four, Severus," she whispers, sighing softly.

"I know." We head down into the dungeons.

"Mr. Creevey somehow managed to sneak back into Hogwarts. Minerva told him not to, but he couldn't stay away. He was only—"

I stop instantly, pulling her into my arms as I feel her heart break at the realization of the losses we suffered. "Aurora, enough." I kiss the top of her head, holding her tight against me so she feels safe and loved. "Your dwelling on it will not bring them back."

"I could have—"

"Aurora, you only had that one vial of Phoenix tears. If you had used it on anyone else, you would have saved only that person. It would still be fifty-four dead, Aurora. The only thing different would be that you had saved someone other than me." I feel her swallow harshly instantly. "I know you would save them all if given the chance, but we must learn to accept their sacrifices for us—however heartbreaking they may be—and live to make their sacrifices not be made in vain." I close my eyes, resting my head atop of hers. I'm at a loss what to do for her, how to lessen her pain, so I just allow her to cry on me and rub her back gently.

"I'm sorry," she whispers, pulling back from me a few moments later. She wipes the tears from her eyes, attempting to convey some feigned form of braveness and strength.

I say nothing. For nothing seems good enough to say. I press a kiss against her lips, though, closing my eyes for a moment as I rest my forehead against hers. Swallowing, I pull back again, glancing towards the portrait of Salazar that guards my rooms and wave my hand towards it. Anger is a better companion than sadness. I should know. It's been my companion for decades.

My hand easily slips into hers. I squeeze her hand gently, wishing all that grief she feels could be absorbed so she'd not be so sad. I give her a soft half-smile, the best I can do on cue right now, and sigh.

"We should leave the corridor," I quietly suggest.

"Afraid to be seen with me, are you?" she says with a choked laugh.

"Never, Aurora." She nods before squeezing my hand and slowly starting towards my rooms. We walk, hand in hand, towards the portrait—something I swore I would never do with a woman. I've long held the belief that it's a sign of being clingy, but I need to feel her, to let her know I'm here. Salazar's portrait wordlessly opens, permitting us inside. When it closes, I grab both of her hands.

"Severus?" She's hesitant and clearly afraid.

"I," my voice falters slightly, and I immediately chastise myself. I'm supposed to be in complete control. Not like this. When I notice her mouth open, I quickly press my finger against her lips to hush her. "I've left something in the top drawer of the nightstand. Can you retrieve it for me while I retrieve your potion? It's the only item in there." Her brows furrow as she stares at me in confusion.

"All right." She stares at me for another moment before leaving the room.

I close my eyes for a brief second prior to opening them again. I draw my wand and flick it towards the corridor. She's going to hate me for this.

"Severus, were you meaning this box?" she asks softly, her head down as she emerges from the bedroom holding a small velvet box that holds her attention for the moment.

"Yes," I quietly answer before drawing in a deep breath to steady myself. "I'm sorry, Aurora." Her head snaps up as my spell activates, a large blue transparent field separating us to keep just her in. "But I need to know you are safe, that you cannot be taken from me, Aurora. Please forgive me." I turn away and leave, ignoring her shouts of anger and screams of betrayal behind me. I will not lose her.

~IP~

An hour later on the grounds, I blast the last remaining Death Eater off his feet. Lucius quickly throws a binding charm towards the man to ensure he doesn't escape before Lucius inclines his head to me. I glance around the grounds, seeing the bodies and fortunate prisoners we have managed to capture. It is too easy, our defeat of the remaining Death Eaters. I can see on the others' faces that they agree with my thoughts. My eyes dart back to Lucius when he roughly grabs the young man I've just blasted through the air.

"Where is Lyons?" he demands, shaking the young prisoner.

The young man's eyes remain on me almost eerily as he wears a look of dark amusement as he refuses to answer Lucius. I shake my head, turning away to leave him to the others. I have no time for some idiot's game.

"Hey, traitor!" the young man shouts, causing me to stop with my back turned. I turn back a moment later and sigh with a look of boredom.

"If you are attempting to produce a reaction from me, you'll be sorely disappointed. Frankly, you're as typical as the rest of your friends. Cowards of the same breed."

The prisoner snorts. "Tell me, traitor. How's that nice pureblood whore of yours, hmm? Think she'll scream or beg when John gets done with her? I bet she begs like the pathetic little—"

When his words die on his lips, I glance towards the direction the Stupefy came from. I hear Lucius mutter something next to me as we watch Charlie Weasley slowly holster his wand again.

"What? He deserved it."

I quickly turn around, only to be stopped when Lucius grabs my arm as Charlie and Orin flank him. I glare at Lucius, just barely holding back my anger. I need to get back to the castle. To make sure.

"Calm yourself. You know he was just doing so to rile you up. She is safe," Lucius evenly states.

"He's right, son." Orin frowns as he speaks. "Syra's with her. I told her before coming here."

"Then it will hurt nothing to check, will it?" I bark, glaring at them. My heart is crashing against my chest painfully, and there is a roaring in my ears. No. Not again. Dear Merlin, not again.

"We still haven't found Lyons, though."

"Right, so if you go back there, Professor, you'll be leading him right to her," Charlie says.

I step towards the young redhead, yanking my arm back from Lucius. "Are you insinuating that I would get her killed, Mr. Weasley?" I spit out, snarling at him. He takes a step back from me instantly with a look of fear on his face. "Is that what you're claiming? Is it?! Don't just hide being insinuations. Say it to my face! Be a man, Weasley!" I'm likely looking positively murderous right now, but how dare that arrogant prat state that I would get Aurora killed!

"Snape, enough!" someone snaps near me. "Leave him alone."

I'm just about to snarl a few choice words when I notice the color drain from Orin's face. I whirl around to look to see what he's staring at, finding an ethereal glowing ball quickly approaching us—a non-corporeal Patronus I realize.

"Orin," echoes a soft female voice from the Patronus.

"Syra," he breathes, staring at the ball with a growing sense of horror spreading across his face. His eyes snap to me when the Patronus suddenly explodes, having ended abruptly. "Where are they?"

"My rooms." Without another thought given, I Disapparate, knowing that Orin will follow me soon after. Appearing in the dungeons just outside my rooms, I inhale sharply at the sight of Slytherin's portrait slashed to ribbons. With my wand in hand, I step inside, glancing around for any movement. I find none. My field removed by Syra—at least I hope it was her—I continue further down the corridor, checking each room before finding myself outside my bedroom. I kick open the door, throwing up a shield in case as I enter. My heart drops instantly. "Aurora!" I rush towards her, stepping over the dead body of who I can only assume is Lyons at this point. All the control in the world does no good seeing a bloodbath like this. I quickly lift her upper body up, swallowing back the bile in my throat at the deep wounds that cover her body. There's blood everywhere. She soaked in it. I tap her cheek, hoping she'd wake but she doesn't. At hearing footsteps behind me and seeing that it's Orin by his brief reflection in a broken mirror, I stammer out, "St. Mungo's." I Disapparate with Aurora in my arms instantly. Hogwarts would not be able to handle these injuries. Not in its current state. My only hope is St. Mungo's.

~IP~

Pacing back and forth in the waiting area, I wait for a healer to speak with me. It's been hours since I've arrived here with Aurora. Every healer that emerges, however, walks past me. I glance towards Lucius when he sits down again.

"Nothing yet," I answer, shaking my head. Why hasn't anyone come out yet?

"Son, sit. It'll be all right. Trust me. Ya ain't doin' no good pacin' like that," my dad says exasperatedly.

"I don't know what else to do, Dad," I reply, my voice tense and clearly strained.

He sighs. I can see his worry for me in his eyes. "Did ya know when yer mum went into labor with ya that we came here? To Mungo's?"

I stop for a moment, staring at him. "She brought you here?"

"Oh yeah. Afraid to tell ya this, Sev, but well, I was worried that our hospital in Cokeworth couldn't handle ya if ya came out shooting sparks out yer butt or whatever." He chuckles. "Yer mum course told me that ya'd be perfect, like every other baby, but I didn't want nothin' to take ya two away from me. Yer mum was in all sorts of pain, screamin' and carryin' on and such. Course, I don't blame her. Pushin' out an seven pound baby through a little hole ain't no walk in a park." I grimace instantly as does the rest of the group. "So, somehow in her pain filled haze, we ended up here at Mungo's. I blended in thankfully. Guess they thought I was some dumb wizard or something, but—" He shrugs. "I had to wait out here while she was givin' birth to ya. Healer didn't want me upsettin' her or something like that. Worst twenty-some hours of my life. Not knowing if ya two were all right."

"How did you handle it?"

"Like ya are now. Paced like a lion in a cage. Made everyone all nervous as hell. When the healer finally got me and told me I could see ya both—shit I don't know who was more tired, yer mum or me." He chuckles, shaking his head. He then gives me that familiar look. "It'll be all right, Severus. She's a strong lass."

I nod numbly. He's right of course. Aurora's shown her strength time and time again. She can fight this. It's not going to be like Lily. I just need to calm down.

At the sound of the doors opening behind me, I whirl around. I watch the healer glance around the large waiting room briefly before heading towards Orin, who's been oddly quiet and sitting away from us. They speak with one another several feet from me, far enough away that I can't hear the words. But at the sight of Orin stumbling back and grabbing the wall, my heart drops.

"No," I breathe, looking on as I take a step back as well and instinctively reach blindly for my father's shoulder. I feel my father squeeze my arm a moment later as the emotions swirl around me.

"Excuse me. Headmaster Snape?" hesitantly asks a soft voice from my side.

I don't respond. I only continue to stare at Orin, watching in silent horror as the man breaks down as his grief swallows him whole—a feeling I know all too well.

"Go on. Speak, boy," my father gruffly states.

"Um, all right," the hesitant voice replies before clearing his throat. "I'm Healer Reynolds. I'm in charge of Aurora Sinistra."

My head instantly whips towards the man in his late twenties. "What?"

"The woman you brought in earlier, Headmaster. I'm the healer in charge." He glances around at everyone that has been waiting with me before clearing his throat again. "If we could speak privately?"

"She's not dead?" I ask softly, my gut contracting painfully as I wait for his answer.

His mouth opens for a moment before he shakes his head. "No, Headmaster. She's not dead."

More questions form in my mind. My eyes dart to Orin, watching him sit in the chair alone with his head in his hands. I turn back slowly.

"I don't understand. I . . . how?"

He frowns, sighing before glancing down at the floor momentarily. "If we could speak privately, I'll give you all the details that I know thus far, Headmaster. Her father has given his permission for me to do so." I nod shortly and follow him behind the closed doors so we're not overheard. He then speaks. "I'm not certain on all the details, but it would seem her mother used sacrificial magic on her. The spell wasn't completed, however, but it was enough to allow us to stabilize her when you brought her here."

"She sacrificed herself for Aurora?"

"As I said, I'm not certain about all of the details. But I did find evidence of sacrificial magic in her. It was at least attempted. However, it was not completed for whatever reasons."

"Was her mother brought here?" In my unfortunate state when I had arrived with Aurora, Syra never once had crossed my mind. I hadn't even noticed that she wasn't here with us.

"Another woman was brought in the same time you brought her, yes. And it is very likely that it was her mother, considering the short time span and mitochondrial strands of magic I found."

"And that woman?"

"I'm afraid I don't know the status of the other woman's condition, Headmaster Snape. I'm only in charge of Professor Sinistra."

"You stated her father gave you permission to speak with me?"

"Yes. Customarily, we only speak to family. However, when I went to speak with him earlier, he stated that he wished for you to receive his daughter's medical updates."

I nod slowly. "Is Aurora going to be all right?"

"She should recover fully with time. However, she's going to need at least two more surgeries to remove glass fragments." He sighs. "At this time, she unfortunately is in too weak of a state for me to remove them safely now. We frankly have to wait for her blood and strength to replenish." I nod slowly. "One fragment is lodged close to her heart. That is the most troubling one. The other fragment is embedded in her lower lumbar. Right now, I have her resting on her side to ensure the fragment doesn't puncture or tear anything. I would love to go in there and get them, but she doesn't have any more blood or strength to spare at this point."

"How long before you can remove them?"

"I'm hoping in a few days. I'm giving her the maximum dose of Blood Replenishing her body can handle, so it should be possible then. All we can do right is wait." He runs a hand through his sandy blond hair. "I found evidence of multiple castings of Cruciatus. And judging by the nerve damage I found, several of those castings were long durations. Her vocal chords are damaged as a result, likely from him holding it until she was unable to scream anymore. The effect should be temporary, though."

I close my eyes. She's gone through hell because of me. "How extensive is the nerve damage?"

"Thankfully, her body so far is responding to the Nerve Restorative draught. But she'll likely feel a dull pain for years to come in a few of the damaged nerves." He frowns. "The main injuries to her were caused by Cutting Curses. She had numerous deep lacerations to her chest. From what I could discern from the locations and severities of the curses, it'd seem whoever did this was trying to disfigure her, centering most of the lacerations onto her breasts and lower abdomen." He inhales slowly. "Thankfully, however, he was unsuccessful in permanently disfiguring her. Her uterus may take some time, and there may unfortunately be scar tissue left behind, but she should recover."

I swallow, feeling sick to my stomach. I physically can't even ask if there's anything more because truthfully I don't want to know. What she's gone through for me . . . there are no words. I close my eyes and inhale slowly.

"May I see her?" I ask quietly.

"Of course, but it'll be a bit before we can allow you inside. She's currently being moved to a private room as we speak. I'll have one of my assistants come and get you when we have her all situated. I should make you aware, though. To ensure that the fragment does not dislodge and pierce her aorta, I've ordered her to be heavily sedated to keep her unconscious until I can remove those pieces. I frankly don't want to take any chances with her."

"I understand." I nod slowly before exhaling quietly. "I can sit with her, though?"

"Yes. For as long as you'd like in fact." He then frowns, thinking better on his statement. "Actually, there will be a few moments when you'll be asked to step out into the corridor as we work on her." For a moment, I'm confused. "Since she is unconscious, I've had to insert a catheter into her to ensure she maintains her proper bodily functions." I grimace slightly before inclining my head.

"I see. Is there anything else, Healer?"

"Only a matter of idle curiosity on my part, Headmaster," he replies genuinely.

"I'm afraid I don't follow."

"As I stated before, protocols dictate that we only speak with the patient's family. However, Mr. Sinistra requested that you specifically be allowed all the privileges given to family while his daughter remains here." He shifts his weight slightly as if expecting a punch at any moment. "I'm merely curious as to what your relationship with my patient is, Headmaster." I open my mouth to speak, but he quickly continues. "I ask this because when she was brought in, she was wearing a ring on her left ring finger."

"What?" I stare at him in rare shock.

"I had one of my assistants pull her records to see if there was a husband on file and found none of course. So naturally considering her father's request and the ring, I became curious as to your relationship. Given the nature of your work for the Order, I'd imagine it would have been a secret marriage if true. I meant no harm, Headmaster. Like I said, idle curiosity."

"No. We're not married." I shake my head, trying to wrap my mind around this information. "She was wearing the ring on her left ring finger as if she was married. You're certain?"

"Yes. I can have one of my assistants bring the ring if you'd like?"

"The center stone was a ruby heart with surrounding smaller clear stones on a silver band?"

"Precisely, Headmaster Snape," he replies, nodding slowly. "You know of the ring?"

"Was there anything else in her personal effects?"

"Her dressing gown of course, her wand, and a silver necklace with the Slytherin crest on it. As I said before, I can have my assistant bring them to you if you'd desire. Well, perhaps not the dressing gown since it is badly tattered and beyond repair."

"Destroy the gown. I'll take the rest." I watch him incline his head, questions clearly on his mind. I sigh, unable to stop myself from speaking. I'll blame the damn emotions or whatever if questioned. I don't care. "We're not married. I gave her that ring to trick her into remaining behind so she'd not be harmed. Some good that did obviously."

"Well, as I understand it from my earlier conversation with Auror Shacklebolt, the assailant targeted and planned to murder both of you, Headmaster. He clearly failed in that attempt."

"Kingsley was here?"

"He is." The healer nods. "Wishing to inspect Miss Sinistra's wand to learn if she fought back at all. He's still here if you'd like to speak with him."

"I would."

"I'll have my assistant page him then. Is there anything else, Headmaster?"

I quickly replay our conversation, dissecting it before frowning. My eyes dart to him as one of his earlier statements echoes in my mind, causing alarm bells to go off in my head. Why didn't I notice earlier? I stare at him neutrally as a curse quickly races to the tip of my tongue just in case. I'm aware that it could of course be as simple as Shacklebolt informing him, but I'm not taking any chances at this point. My sense of trust has failed me before.

"How did you know that I'm a member of the Order?"

He chuckles softly. "And how is it that I'm not calling the Aurors on you considering you're Dumbledore's murderer?" he asks rhetorically before shaking his head. "I asked Auror Shacklebolt about you, if you could be trusted. He gave me the abridged version. And, well, you've got a room full of Order members out there, Headmaster. I figured if you were the big bad Death Eater that the Prophet claimed you to be, they'd not stand beside you like that. Plus, it's been my experience that Death Eaters tend not to bring victims into St. Mungo's. No matter who the victim may be."

I incline my head, feeling a bit at ease. However, I keep my hand on my wand just in case.

"I'll go tell my assistant to retrieve the items for you and get Auror Shacklebolt." He waits for me to nod before turning and leaving behind another set of doors.

I quietly return to the waiting room, glancing towards where I had last seen Orin and shaking my head when I see that he's left. I head to my father then. The others remain in their seats, looking on and quietly talking amongst themselves.

"Ya good, son?" my dad asks quietly.

I pointedly ignore his question before speaking. "They're keeping her unconscious for a bit, but I'll be able to sit with her soon." I notice my dad nod slowly. I glance at Lucius then before looking back at my dad. "Do you know where Orin is?" My dad shakes his head.

"Nah. Minute you left with the healer, he got up and walked away. Why?"

"Could you find him, Dad? And sit with him for a bit. I," I pause for a moment. "I can't explain right now." I exhale, rubbing my forehead for a bit to think before continuing. "Aurora's sister. Do we know where she is right now?"

"She's with El back at Hogwarts. Why? Ya want Lucius to get her for ya?"

"Of course," Lucius chimes in. "I'd be more than willing to retrieve her for you, Severus."

"Thank you." I sigh, shaking my head. "Take her to her father when you return, Lucius."

"Son, do ya know somethin' ya ain't tellin' us?"

"I can only speculate at this point, Dad, but I think, I . . ." Had any of us, other than Orin, noticed Syra? I know I hadn't. Aurora was the only one I focused on. I close my eyes. "I think her mother died."

"Oh." My dad exhales sharply. "No man should be alone after that. I'll find him, son." My dad squeezes my shoulder once more before giving me that familiar look of his.

"I know, Dad. I know." And I truly do know. He may not say the words 'I love you,' but I know that every time he squeezes my shoulder he's saying it. My dad turns and leaves not long afterward.

"And I'll return to Hogwarts," Lucius states quietly before frowning deeply.

"Lucius," a deep voice rumbles behind me.

"Kingsley," replies cordially the blond wizard prior to leaving us.

"I'm glad you asked to speak with me, Severus," states the dark-skinned Auror. "Because I have some questions I unfortunately have to ask you as well."

My eyes narrow on him before I incline my head. "Proceed."

"After you left Aurora in your rooms, did you ever return to them? Perhaps to retrieve something?" His tone is brusque and official.

"What?"

"Please. Just answer the question. I'll explain in a minute."

"No. After I left her, I returned to the Great Hall where I was until we left to attack the remaining Death Eaters. You may ask Minerva or Filius who will tell you the same thing."

"What orders did you give your portrait before leaving?"

"I informed Salazar not to allow her to leave the rooms if she happened to break my spell."

"And concerning Syra?"

"I didn't know she would be entering my rooms. It was something Orin decided. How she was able to enter my rooms is beyond me. I certainly didn't give permission."

"You're certain?"

"Yes. Aurora and Poppy are the only two who have permission to enter my rooms at will."

"Thank you." He sighs. "I asked you those questions because according to Salazar and Phineas, ten minutes after leaving Aurora, you returned to your rooms."

"I didn't."

"No. I know you didn't. It would seem Lyons used Polyjuice to disguise himself as you. And from what I could tell, your wards on your portrait were breached. Instead of the maximum security that I'd imagine you'd have, it only required facial recognition, which the Polyjuice would cover."

My eyes close before I clench my jaw. "Dammit!" I resist the urge to punch the wall next to me. "I lowered them when we returned from the Great Hall. Son of a bitch! He was watching us."

"Probably," Kingsley agrees quietly. "And when you returned afterward to the Great Hall alone, he likely drank the Polyjuice then before entering the rooms. He encountered your field then. Not knowing how to lower it, he needed to buy time so he cast a silencing charm on your living areas. But before he could manage to lower it, Syra entered the rooms forty minutes after you had left." I nod slowly. "From what I've discerned, she lowered it upon seeing the field and was promptly stabbed in the back by Lyons between the vertebras. With his charm up, Aurora wouldn't have been able to hear it. He then left Syra in the corridor and entered the bedroom."

My eyes close as I feel my heart clench painfully.

"Judging by the evidence I found, she was laying on your bed with her back to the door. He bound her to the bed first and then proceeded to cast Cruciatus on her until she could no longer scream. During this time, Syra was slowly crawling towards the bedroom. Lyons then continued by casting various Cutting curses on her. It was at this point that Syra finally managed to reach the bedroom and hit him with a blasting curse."

I swallow, feeling the urge to become sick as I listen to Shacklebolt.

"I'm unsure of how she managed it considering her own injuries, but somehow Syra was able to reach her daughter. She first removed the bindings on Aurora and then started to use sacrificial magic, a rare form of it. But during her casting, Lyons regained consciousness. He cast a dark spell on her, one of which I've never seen before." Shacklebolt goes silent for a few moments. "Judging by where we found his body, he was standing in the doorway with his wand pointed at Aurora. I suppose I don't need to tell you what occurs when a victim is afraid and does everything in her power to survive." He sighs. "Aurora's magic rebounded. All the glass in the room shattered and flew towards him. She was also able to cast a very dark spell, likely unintentionally on him."

"What spell?"

Shacklebolt's eyes hold mine. "Yours, Severus. With the power and strength behind it because of her fear, her casting slashed his internal organs to ribbons. And the rest was done by the shattered glass."

"Good. Do we know his motive for all this? It couldn't solely be due to me being a traitor."

"It's not. According to the man I interrogated earlier, Lyons believed you to be the reason his wife was murdered." My eyes narrow. "It would seem that he had been telling Voldemort that you were a traitor all along. That you should not be trusted. Of course, you murdered Albus Dumbledore five hours after he told Voldemort this, and his credibility was shot. He believed you killed his wife out of revenge for questioning your loyalties. So when he saw Aurora saving you in the Shrieking Shack, he assumed you two were married. He wanted to kill Aurora in the same manner his wife was, to enact his revenge on you. He believed that you would return to her after the others were defeated, so that he could see the horror in your face at seeing her before he killed you as well." Shacklebolt shakes his head. "Only his wife was murdered because she told others that Voldemort was a coward."

My fists are clenched tightly by my sides. If he wasn't already dead, I'd have done it with my bare hands. I swear on my oath. Revenge and its sweet promises.