Kitty: Rather bewitched…
Thanks, reviewers!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
People, imaging Pansy as an Animagus? What kind?
Chapter 12
OLD PREDICTION
So, the chosen group has started training. Dumbledore with the help of Lea, Remus and Falco put the Confusion Charm on the rest of the students, so they can't notice anything. Of course, the group doesn't attend normal lessons – they have no time for that (But the team members take part in Quidditch training). Instead, they are working hard six days a week. Well, Martial Arts are the most exhausting lessons Harry's ever had. Aegnor is strict and makes no difference between students – everyone has to work really hard. Harry's never seen much of this before, except when Dudley was watching TV and there it looked so easy while the real fight is more than difficult. Snape, in his dungeon, makes them memorize mainly antidotes and healing potions and Mearas teaches them basic healing techniques. DADA and Spells has never been so complicated before, especially that they have really many hours a week of them. Snape's "outside" spies, Naya and Marcus join them whenever they could; they also have their extra lessons, of course.
The bad thing is that, for the first time in his life, Harry can't share his impressions and feelings with Ron. Brother's death has hurt him really deeply and he spends whole days sitting and staring in one point. Ginny, Charlie and Bill deal with the situation much better. Dumbledore was right: much work to do makes you think less, keeping you sane but Ron is too depressed to be involved. He doesn't even want to talk to Harry, probably still blaming him for the tragedy. And he isn't the only one – Harry started receiving Howlers, calling him names and accusing of everything possible. Last time Lupin simply cast a spell at the envelope before it started yelling (and Harry saw small sparkles in dark Snape's eyes – he would have done that years ago, probably, hadn't he had to keep his bloody cover).
Snape is in a fouler mood again, for three reasons: first, they still don't know who the traitor is, second – Draco and the others, still endangered and last but not least – increasing Voldemort's brutality. Luckily for Snape, he mainly releases his wrath on new recruits (though Snape and a few others from the old crew were also punished lately, god alone knows what for but they don't try to pry in that matter. As Narcissa said "Let sleeping dragons lie…") Malfoy told him that the Lord had taken some books from his library (sure, Lucius doesn't know what they were about; this idiot, unlike his grandmother, has no proper education to work on advanced Dark Arts.) Well, if Lucius couldn't understand a word from these books, they must be really dangerous ones. Also Snape's best source – Wormtail, is useless. If only Snape could sneak into Voldemort's private chambers to take a look… If only he knew, how…
Hermione was chosen to take more potions classes than the others, together with three other girls. Two of them are 7th year Hufflepuffs and the last one is Millicent. To great Hermione's surprise, this big, awkward-looking girl is dealing with potions with skill and talent. She isn't also so brutal and rude, when you give her a second look. Honestly speaking, all Snape's spies are much kinder than they look like, only when on duty they change into hostile, aggressive, cold people again.
"Is it difficult, Millie?"
"What?" – she replies, crushing the unicorn's horn into a fine dust (It's very hard so Millicent, being stronger, usually does this.)
"Spying? I mean you must stage all the time, you can't show your real feelings…"
"I'm used to it." – she snaps but after a moment she adds "Yeah, now it's a serious job. Think what Severus must pass through. I'd die of fear facing the Lord."
"He allowed you to use his first name?" – Hermione's jaw drops. Snape so friendly to students? He isn't mean to them lately, but still quite official!
"He did. Said we're kind of colleagues. He's great, I tell you." Hermione sighs. Well, Snape behaves much better now but he isn't the kindest person in the world. Still, the Slitherins show him great respect and love,as if they were a family. "Hermione, who are your parents?"
"Both Muggles. Dentists."
"What?"
"Doctors for teeth. And yours?" Millicent doesn't answer and Hermione understands. "Sorry."
"Sometimes it's better to have no parents." – the Slitherin girl says to herself, thinking about Pansy and Draco.
Another interesting stuff is Transfiguration. Hermione and Pansy passed their test best and now they are preparing to become Animagi.
"I hope we won't become slugs or rats." – says Hermione. Pansy bursts out with laughter.
"Great, I'll close you in a jar!" Lea smiles. Strange indeed how fast born enemies can turn into friends when they're given a chance to cooperate.
"Professor?"
"Yes?"
"Are you also an Animagus?"
"An illegal one."
"Could you show us?" They gasp with awe, as she turns into an enormous, auburn lioness, as big as a pony. Good they don't have to fight her…
Draco is sitting in the Slitherin common room, thinking. Last Sunday his parents took him to the meeting and he can't forget these scarlet, serpent eyes, leering at him. He still has an impression the Lord was watching his every step. There's something terrible in Voldemort, something that makes his marrow freeze. On the other hand, he's fascinating, and his words ensnare Draco's soul. This man can give him freedom. "Beware" – Snape's words are ringing in his head – "you'll be a servant. He's a Master and that means you belong to him. The smallest blunder, any stupid failure and he will show you no mercy." True, he knows his parents were cursed and beaten. Freedom? Licking the boots of your Lord, total obedience and cruel punishments. Is it power and freedom? But if he doesn't join… Voldemort wants to brand him soon, he does need fresh blood. At first it'll be easy, just some spying, probably. Draco rolls up his sleeve, wondering how the Mark will look on it. He's the Lord of Darkness and he'll conquer the world. Only fools can't see that. The orders… If the others can fulfill them, he'll too. Draco desperately wants to live and disobedience means death, he saw it inside this scarlet eyes and he fears Voldemort more than anybody else. He's already been chosen and bucking this decision is nothing short of suicide. After all, if he says no, what will happen to him? Who will help him? Dumbledore won't trust him, his family is all Dark, they will rather kill him than lend him a hand. The only person he could trust is Snape and, as he head Narcissa speaking lately, Snape is also a Death Eater, so he'd hand him over to the Dark Lord, if he tried to escape his fate. Well, maybe it won't be too bad… Branding is said to be very painful but probably not worse than his parents' treatment and then the gate of power will open for him. If he's stronger than they, they won't hurt him anymore… He's learning the Unforgivables. One day, when they try to curse him, he'll pay them back. He closes his eyes, imaging Narcissa writhing in pain and yelling her lungs out, or Lucius on his knees, pleading his life, pale and shaking. Narcissa is braver but Lucius is a chicken, Draco knows that. Power… Yeah, it's good. No one dares to harm you when you're strong. And he with Pansy will teach her bloody aunt a lesson. If he's faithful, the Lord will give him both power and revenge. And Snape will be with them, guiding and teaching them. If only these eyes weren't literally eating him alive… Voldemort is terrible… On the other hand Lilith would be proud of him if he joined the Lord, she's a Death Eater herself. She'll pay attention to him, maybe they will be working together? She's so beautiful…
(3 am)
"Dad! Wake up! Dad!" Snape's eyes spring open.
"What's up, Mearas?"
"Many Aurors, hurt. We need your help." Damn. The hospital wing is full of people. Grey-cloaked wizards are carrying the less lucky ones. Snape sweeps with his eyes across the room – at least ten people are in beds, so seriously wounded. Many more also need help. His daughters are moving all over the room, swiftly and silently, only Aegnor is giving orders. Finally, the Aurors carry in the last one. It's a tall but scrawny man, with his long, black hair hanging loose. They put him gently on the bed. Snap notices he has another robes than the others – filthy, old and shabby as if he lived on the streets.
"Who's that?" – he asks. The Hit Witch shrugs.
"We ambushed these recruits you told us about but suddenly another Death Eaters Apparated. We were in trouble and he just burst from the bushes and helped us. Fought like a madman, really. Killed a few before they got him with Deletrix." Ups, this is not a nice curse… Mearas scans him quickly.
"Deletrix and malnutrition." – she whispers. "Dad, you know what to give him, don't you? Give him the potion and then strip him, OK?" Snape nods and brings the man to the separate room. The wounded need some peace. He lights the candles with a spell and gasps, recognizing the face. He must be seeing things… For a moment he just stands like that, gaping at the snow, slowly melting on Sirius' robes. Then he turns on his heel and runs to his dungeon to bring the potions, because there's no time to loose. He hesitates again, staring at the rows of bottles and jars, filled with life and death, pain and joy, despair and hope. Yes, he could… He comes back to Black with two phials in his pocket, sits down on Sirius' bed and pulls them out. He's hands are trembling slightly, as he watches the transparent liquids. One is a medicine, another a poison. A very nasty one, giving slow and very, very painful death… If he uses this, Black will be dying in pangs of pain, begging them to kill him. And it will last for many long, endless hours. Deletrix is a painful curse and this potion may increase Black's suffering tenfold, before finally killing him. It's also undetectable and no one can discover it was used, even the Healers. One may think Deletrix ruined Black's body so much he couldn't be saved. The phials clink quietly as Snape stares at them again, his hands trembling. Now his enemy is in his hands, totally defenseless. He can give him life or death but he must decide now. Black's scathing words are ringing in his ears, the green light of Avada Kedavra flashes through his mind again… Then the Hit Witch, telling Black was fighting to save them… Then, young Black, luring him into Shrieking Shack… Potter's emerald eyes, full of tears. He still loves his godfather, believing this idiot will come back to him… Dumbledore's wise eyes, trusting him, an Assassin and a Death Eater and the words "No one is Dark, unless they choose that road themselves. It's up to you, friend." Black words again… "I swear never to hurt for fun." – his own promise, so many times broken. Potter's eyes… "I will never harm a child. I've never had, Professor." Avada Kedavra, flashing through the dungeon… "You rapist!" Harry's face, pale with terror… "I, Severus Aquilla Snape, accepting the post of Potions' Master and Potions' Teacher in the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, solemnly swear to protect every student…" – the promise he's never broken… Lily Potter, asking him to protect Harry… Avada…
"Severus…" Gosh, Black has woken up and looks at him with his huge, haunted eyes. He can't help staring at two phials in Snape's hand. Potions' Master sees comprehension in his eyes. Sirius knows… "Severus, before you do that… Please, listen…" What do you want to say, pathetic mongrel? "Tell Harry, I love him… That I'm' sorry…" Black coughs with blood, Deletrix keeps working. "Sorry for accusing him. Tell him, please."
"I will, I promise." Sirius manages a small smile.
"And you, Severus… Dumbledore told me, you were" – he coughs again – "spy, warned the Potters, saved Harry, risking… you neck… I believed Flit…" – another wild attack of coughing – "Stupid… Wrong… Sorry…" The red bubbles of blood appear on his livid lips. Snape grasps a syringe, it's a Muggle invention but very useful. The potions… He looks at the phials, then at Black, who's closed his eyes, accepting his fate with resignation. He hesitates again… He sighs and abruptly opens the one with the colorless potion and pours the liquid out, then he crushes the phial with his boot. He's made up his mind. No way back, he won't go to the dungeons for another one. Next, he opens another phial. The potion has two layers, the upper black like his eyes, the lower deep purple. One more ingredient must be added just before using – a drop of vampire blood. He cuts his wrist and watched the blood dissolving. He shakes the phial to mix the potion and carefully fills the syringe. He grasps Sirius arm, looking for a vein. Sirius stares at him and their eyes meet once more. Snape can see what Black thinks, as he wordlessly watches the needle piercing his skin. Sirius has never been good at hiding his emotions and his fear is overt but he isn't pleading his life, as if accepting the sentence. After all, what can he tell Snape, after nearly killing him twice and accusing him without reason? The dark liquid slowly enters his blood and it's hot and burning. Sirius is floating away… "Tell… Harry… I'm sorry…" His eyes go blank and his muscles relax but Snape knows this peace is only an illusion. The potion is creeping up the veins, working. He pulls Sirius' dirty robes off, as Mearas told him to. Good night, doggie…
(next morning, Dumbledore's office)
"What's the matter, Harry?" – Dumbledore rises his eyebrows.
"You promised yesterday to tell me why Voldemort is after me."
"I did, indeed. I think you're grown up enough to know. All started a month or so before your birthday, because of the very special prediction." Dumbledore stands up and pulls a scroll of parchment out of the shelf, then gives it to Harry. "Read it, please." Harry unrolls it and starts reading:
King of Serpents, the Dark LordRises from the Muggle, though a great heir.
The New Light will come,
His father a stag from the house of Aurors
His mother a Flower out of Muggle blood.
Death is upon the New Light, the Dark Lord after him
But the Prince of Darkness and Blood
Comes on the wings of Dark Fire,
Killing his heart to save the Light.
Flower's Light will die, though her son's will not.
Betrayed by a pet, his friend buried alive
Growing unaware, till his time will come.
When the Darkness is back, the bat gives new riddles.
"So?" – smiles Dumbledore. "Do you understand?"
King of Serpents, the Dark Lordrises from the Muggle, though a great heir.
"King of Serpents, a basilisk! Voldemort could rule the beast and his father was a Muggle but he is the Heir of Slitherin." – guesses Harry.
"He understood this the same way." – sighs Dumbledore.
The New Light will come,
His father a stag from the house of Aurors
His mother a Flower out of Muggle blood.
"Prongs…" – whispers Harry. "Wormtail must have told him, he knew my father was an Animagus."
"Probably." – agrees Dumbledore. "And the Potters have been Aurors since centuries, it was their family tradition. They were famous for that, Harry so even if he didn't know about Animagus, he would have suspected that."
"Muggle Flower. Lily."
"Exactly. There were few Witches having flower names and even fewer who married an Auror so it was relatively easy to guess, Harry. You are the New Light. You are the Demon Fighter."
"New Light? Demon Fighter?"
"It's a gift, Harry. Some wizards and witches are born with an special ability to defeat the Dark demons and curses. I am one, for example." He smiles, seeing Harry's astonishment and shows him his hands. "See?"
"What, Professor?"
"The flames. On the ends of my fingers there are small tattoos – tiny flames. Only another Demon Fighter can see that."
"So I'm not one."
"You may be and I think you are but your power is still asleep. The day it wakes up the same flames will appear on your hands and you'll see mine. You know, Harry, I'm quite sure you'll be because Lily was one. When we found her" – Dumbledore's voice is very quiet – "I saw the flames on her fingers. She was a Demon Fighter, that's why she managed to stop Voldemort. Unluckily for her, her power wasn't fully developed and she didn't survive the encounter."
"So maybe I won't, too. She was much older than me when he attacked us and I think I'll have to face him soon." Dumbledore doesn't answer. Only after a few minutes he says:
"I don't know, Harry. I faced Grindewald who was even more powerful than Voldemort and I survived. Many Demon Fighters survived the fight with more dangerous Dark creatures than the best Dark Lords. On the other hand, I don't want to cheat you – the risk is great. It was thrust upon you and I'd like to remove the burden from your shoulders but I can't."
"If you're a Demon Fighter, why haven't you killed him? Why can't the Hit Wizards finish him off before he slaughters all England? Why can't Professor Snape poison him? He makes potions for him and I bet he could make the stuff so strong the one drop would kill whole Hogwarts!"
"Good questions, Harry. Why haven't I? I'm too weak. I fought many Dark wizards, demons and curses in my life and my Light is nearly gone. The amount of Light inside you is limited and when Voldemort appeared I had already used too many to defeat him. Well, I still have enough to reflect Avada Kedavra or to destroy the Gammadion, for example, but not enough to break his immortality spells. Sometimes one fight takes all your Light away, Harry. If you were to kill the Vaccus, most would be gone, not to mention the Deanimator. So, to your another questions… Avada Kedavra can't kill Voldemort, neither can other curses, so Aurors are helpless. Many tried, Harry, but to no avail. And the potions… He could poison the whole castle with one drop, I bet, and he did try to finish Voldemort off. In vain. Well, he did kill many Voldemort demons and beasts, to be honest, with Sanguis Magia. God, I've never seen such potions before and I hope they won't be necessary again. I still remember him working in the dungeons, wrapped in the cloud of toxic fumes, yelling the incantations, writing the symbols on the walls with his own blood. Harry, when the Dark Arts are after you, you may count on his help but he can't kill Voldemort. Well" – Dumbledore hesitates – "He could but the potion was so heinous we didn't dare. We were afraid it would wake up the powers more terrible than the Dark Lord. So" – he wants to change the subject – "Do you understand the rest of the prediction?"
Death is upon a New Light, the Dark Lord after him
But the Prince of Darkness and Blood
Comes on the wings of Dark Fire,
Killing his heart to save the Light.
Flower's Light will die, though her son's will not.
Betrayed by a pet, his friend buried alive,
Growing unaware, till his time will come.
When the Darkness is back, the bat gives new riddles.
"Pet is Wormtail" – says Harry, pondering – "Friend buried alive… Sirius, in Azkaban! Growing unaware… I didn't know I was a wizard, until Hagrid came! But the bat with riddles?"
"I suppose this is Professor Nadia Karkarova. She's a famous Seer, though she's only nineteen and her predictions are, as any others, sometimes hard to solve."
"And who's the Prince? The Prince of Darkness protecting the Light?"
"I suppose Voldemort couldn't get it as you can't. It took me some time to guess. I think it's Professor Snape."
"Him?"
"When he was a Death Eater, some journalists were giving him many names of such sort. Angel of Death, Doom Prowling in the Shadows and so on. And he's a vampire, and they are sometimes called Children of Darkness, not the magical Darkness but simply the night. And being a vampire and having deep knowledge of Sanguis Magia give you the right to be called Prince of Blood, Harry. Sanguis is very, very powerful and he's one of the very few who masters it." Though "Sanguis Magia" is something Harry has very little idea about, it sounds logical.
"But why "killing his heart?" What happened to him?" Dumbledore stares at Harry, deep in thought.
"Spies have to kill their feelings, Harry, otherwise they wouldn't be able to work. Unless they hide their real emotions and learn to lie they are dead. I'm very worried" – he sighs – "That new ones have to work. Even if they survive, they'll be branded for ever. We shouldn't make spies of such young people, Harry, we shouldn't of nobody but we have no other choice. Look at Professor Snape – all his harshness is due to the role he has to play. I know he's sometimes too strict to you but I can't blame him. It was me who made him a spy… And they say he's evil."
"He isn't evil at all. He just doesn't want the others to see his pain, Professor. The way Voldemort is treating him… Five minutes under Cruciatus…"
"WHAT?" – Dumbledore leaps to his feet.
"Didn't you know? I saw that in my nightmares." The Headmaster shakes his head, shocked. "He didn't want to worry you, I think." It takes a moment before Dumbledore regains control. "OK, Harry" – he says – "That was all about the prediction. I think it's high time for you to go. You have lessons to do." When Harry has left, he pulls out his Pensieve but this time he wants to take a look at one of Severus' memories. (He doesn't use this own Pensieve for safety but Dumbledore sometimes lends him his own.) Killing his heart… True, spies do kill and reject their emotions and feelings but in the case of Severus it has a more literal meaning.
(Snape's memory from the Pensieve)
It's dark and the could are covering the moon but the lights in the house are shining bright. Snape is swooping, silently as a ghost, in the garden, with a wand in his hand. Dumbledore can see how concentrated he is, listening to every sound, as if he expected an attack. The moon appears from behind the clouds and cast some light on him. It's an old memory – Snape looks no more than twenty but he's face is haggard and his eyes are haunted, as if he were a chased animal. The cold wind is blowing and Snape wraps himself in his cloak. Suddenly, somebody Apparates very near to him. He aims his wand at the newcomer…
"Viper" – whispers the witch – "What the hell are you doing here?" She casts her hood away. She's wearing a white mask with a scarlet griffin on the right cheek.
"Griffin" – he replies – "What the seven hells are YOU doing here?"
"Can't you see?" – she sneers, touching her mask. "We wear this only when we are after blood, don't we?" She was a Death Eater, too. Griffin pulls her mask off and her auburn hair falls on her face. She's beautiful and no more than few years older than Snape. She embraces him and they kiss. "Enough" – she murmurs, letting him go and pulling the mask on again. "I have a work to do. But what are you doing here?"
"Just prowling." – he replies.
"Are you sober? You're at the Godric's Hollow and just prowling? Viper, are you up to something?" – she eyes him suspiciously.
"No more than usual." – he tries to break this discussion.
"So help me to finish them off." – she barks.
"Griffin…" – Snape's voice is soft and trembling – "Do you really want it? It's just an Auror, his wife and a baby. Do you really want the Lord to kill a small kid? Don't you think…"
"Are you mental?" – she snaps. "What's the difference?"
"It's a defenseless baby, not a Hit Wizard. He hasn't done anything wrong."
"Viper" – she aims her wand at him – "What's wrong with you?"
"I think we should stop it. Griffin, can't you see how cruel it grows to be? Haven't read about the killing sprees? Don't you think we shouldn't take part in this anymore?" Her eyes widen in shock.
"So that's why you never join our sprees. You're a stinking coward."
"It isn't courage, it's cruelty, Griffin." She stares at him with disbelief.
"What's wrong with you? Where are your dreams about power, money, knowledge?"
"I've never had any. I joined him because my own mother forced me to and stayed because I didn't know the other way of living and because of fear but I'm neither blind nor afraid anymore." She gasps.
"So you're the fucking traitor." – she hisses. "Killing the Purebloods to save that human scum, daring to call themselves wizards! You frame us in! You finished Brian off! You…" – she can't find a proper word.
"Griffin…" – he pleads her with despair in his huge eyes.
"Don't touch me, filth!" – she snaps, taking a step back. "How long?"
"Over a year. Griffin, it's madness, he'll kill us all when he won't need us anymore…"
"STUPEFY!" He jumps away but the spell brushes him. "I'll bring you to the Lord" – she hisses venomously. "But first this Mudblood and her man…" She walks, very silently, climbs the steps and soundlessly opens the door… She disappears inside and can't see Snape jumping to his feet, bolting towards the door… How can he move so fast without any sound, like a shadow or a ghost… Sure, vampires are famous for that… Dumbledore follows him (luckily, no one can notice you in the Pensieve) The door to the room is open… Harry's father is leaning against the wall, blood running from his lips. Griffin has already disarmed and hexed him. Lily is standing between the Death Eater and a cradle, pale but determined.
"Griffin, stop this." – begs Snape.
"AVADA KEDAVRA!!!" The green light hits Snape in the chest but he keeps standing. "You vamp…" – she hisses. "PLECTUS DELETRIO!!!"
"SPIEGEL!!!" His countercurse reflects the spell, literally ripping her into pieces.
"You… traitor…" – she whispers, blood running from her mouth. "I… hate… you…" Snape stares at her with his eyes full of pain and horror, unable to move, to speak. Lily regains self control first and unhexes James. He is livid.
"You!" – he points at Snape – "You were to protect my son! Dumbledore said you were the best and what happened? You let this mad bitch in! You were talking to her instead of finishing her off on the spot! Out of my house, Snake!" Snape stares at him, without even winking. "OUT, NOW!!!" Snape's eyes flash malevolently.
"And I could have finished you off, Potter" – he hisses – "Curse you… Bring your brat to the Lord and get everything he could give me, I didn't have to turn spy, traitor, dying of fear every time he summons me, thinking when he'll guess and curse me to death!" He turns on his heel and darts for the door. Dumbledore follows him again. Snape is sitting on the ground with his forehead pressed against his knees. His long, ebony hair is falling loosely down his shoulders. He's completely silent but his whole body is shaking.
"Severus?..." Lily kneels down and gently runs her fingers through his hair. "Sorry. You did your best." No answer. "Are you all right?"
"Sure" – he barks, looking up at her. Tears are rolling down his pale cheeks. "Should make no difference for me, just another one, biting the dust! I'm cracking" – he sneers – "there were times I could kill, smiling."
"I don't think so."
"I did!" – he roars furiously "Enjoyed that!" Lily's eyes widen in shock. "I'm a killer, Lily! My mother was an Assassin! Her mother was! We all are, since generations! I was born to kill! It was my job, I did it as if it was normal! As if it was selling Butterbeer or making broomsticks! No feelings, no emotions, like a machine! Death is running in my blood, it's my fate! Till the end of my life I will be a hit man! What's the difference for the Dark Lord or against him???"
"I think there is." – she says firmly. – "There's a bloody lot of difference between killing for fun or to get so called power and to defend these, who can't fight themselves. You've just given Harry a chance to grow up, fly broomstick, laugh, cry, breath… And you did the same for so many others." Snape stares at her for a long while, bewildered, but he slowly calms down and finally he nods.
"There's a difference." – he whispers. "There is." She gently wipes tears off his face, stands up and helps him to stand up.
"Come on" – she whispers – "you can't spend a whole night here. I'll make you some tea, OK?"
"I'm not welcome in this house."
"As long as it's my house, you are." His empty eyes fill with something… Hope? Gratitude? They both go back into the house.
"You're like Professor Dumbledore." - he says, sipping the tea. "I hope you'll take his place one day."
"If I survive" – she replies – "He's thinking about the Fidelius Charm, you know. But if it fails, or something" – she hesitates – "Look after him, will you? Don't let Voldemort hurt him."
"Over my dead body." – he answers. "And it's hard to kill a vamp."
(end of the memory)
Dumbledore sighs. In the morning the Potters had a terrible row... And he never made peace between James and Severus. He had very little time… But it's HIGH time to have a little talk with the latter.
"Severus?" – he says, entering the lab.
"Coming, Albus." He emerges from behind the shelves with ingredients.
"I think we should talk." Snape sighs but beckons him further. Dumbledore sits down and watches him bustling around his cauldrons for a while, before he starts speaking. "Why haven't you told me everything about Voldemort and his punishments?" Snape gives him a look, saying "Man, leave me alone, please."
"I don't like talking about that."
"What else are you hiding from me?" Snape's hand touches the cauldron in which his Desire Stopper is boiling but he answers:
"Nothing."
"Are you sure?" – Dumbledore gives him a pensive look.
"Sure." Man, leave me alone!
"Next time I want to be informed. He could have killed you."
"I don't think so. He needed me." Severus' logic and sarcasm can be shocking…
"I'm worried about you."
"Me too, if you want to know." He's hiding behind the wall of irony again.
"Severus… You're my best friend." Silence. "Many I considered friends left and you keep standing at my side, no matter what happens. I need you, Severus. Listen… When I'm gone, lead them."
"What are you talking about?" –Snape raises his eyebrows, crushing the python's fangs.
"I'm 155, Severus, and new danger is coming. If I died before the end of the war, lead them."
"Ask an Auror or a Hit Wizard for that. They fit better, Albus."
"I'm asking you. You're the only one who can."
"An Assassin, leading the side of Light?" – sneers Snape sarcastically. "Great idea, indeed…"
"Stop it." – Dumbledore rises from his chair. "You know you can, just because you are who you are. No one knows Voldemort better than you do. You were the one who killed that Vaccus he sent."
"Just helped you, Albus."
"Would have been much more difficult without your potions. Severus, you know the art of war and the Dark Arts better than any of us. If something happens to me, don't let Voldemort win." A long silence and then a whisper:
"I won't."
(Two days later, Sunday, late)
Snape has just left the bathroom and wrings his wet hair. At least some peace tonight… No Voldemort summoning, no potions to brew, no sobbing brats… He sprawls on his bed, relaxing. This life is killing him, he needs a break. After so many curses, blows, potions his body is craving for some peace… Knock. If this is another half-squib, who can't deal with his stupid problems himself, he'll curse him out of the room!
"Come in." They are under the Invisibility Cloak but his senses are so sharp he can sniff them. Smelling like the Slitherin dorms… Wait! Mingled with the smell of Heavy Duty Pain Potion, as if they poured it on their robes, and ugly stench of burnt skin…They let the Cloak slip down. It's Pansy, followed by Bjorn who's carrying another boy, wrapped in his own cloak. The boy is pale as death and unconscious, his long, straw blonde hair is dangling in the air… Lucius took him on Friday evening. They didn't hurt him… But he came back in the morning, maybe paler than usual, but healthy. Heavy Duty Pain Potion…
"What's wrong?" Bjorn lays Draco on the bed.
"He didn't want to tell us but we saw the potion. He must have overdosed, because he started raving. We stunned him and ran straight here."
"Why not to the hospital wing?"
"Because Pansy found why he needed the potion. Severus, just look!" – he rips Draco's sleeve, showing Snape freshly branded Dark Mark, still swollen and bleeding.
^^^^^^^^^
So, probably the last chappie before my departure. I'll try to write there but I'm not sure I have a PC, so the next one will probably come after March the 24. Sorry! But I gave you a lot to think about (mad, mad cackle)
"Deletrix means "she-destructor"
"Spiegel" (German) means "mirror"
Lilith is a name of she-demon I found somewhere…
Plectus Deletrio (abysmal Latin): I destroy a bat
Vaccus from vacuum
And my beloved Deanimator… "Anima" means "soul" so the name could be translated "One who takes away the soul". I wanted it to sound like "Dementor"