A/N: The sentences in italics are direct quotes from Deathly Hallows, just remember the disclaimer.
Chapter 13: Course of Action
In the infirmary Severus placed Serena's limp body on a cot as Albus thanked Fawkes who promptly disappeared. Albus made his way to the Floo to contact Madame Pomfrey to aid them in Serena's care. He did not want to take her to St. Mungos unless they absolutely had to. Less people knowing of her existence was vital to her protection. He still needed to talk to Severus and see where they stood. He did not understand how Serena came to be here and alive. But he would do everything in his power to keep her that way. A frown creased his face at the brevity of the situation. He hoped Madame Pomfrey would be willing to take leave from her vacation to assist him. Sighing heavily, he tweaked a pinch of Floo powder and tossed it into the hearth. Immediately the flames turned from bright orange to neon green. Albus stuck his head in.
"Poppy Pomfrey's residence," he called. Abruptly, the head nurse's face swam before him. He saw Alastor Moody in the background as well. When Albus' face emerged from the flames the two people at the other end rose from their reclining position on the sofa and approached him.
"Professor Dumbledore," Poppy exclaimed.
"Albus," Moody questioned. "What is it? What's wrong," he continued in a concerned tone.
"Poppy? I am sorry to bother you during your holiday but can you come to the school immediately? We have a bit of an emergency here," he finished in almost a pleading tone.
"Of course….is it Minerva, Albus," she asked in alarm.
"No, Poppy…Minerva is alright…it's…someone else."
Immediately her thoughts went to Severus and she began throwing her cloak on. "I'm coming Albus, I'll be right there."
He nodded and instantly the flames in her fire place changed back to orange. Poppy turned to Alastor and gave him a sorrowful look. "I am sorry my love…," she began.
"Sh, sh…it's alright. I'm not going anywhere, I'll be right here when you come back. Or, just floo me if you need any help," Moody told her tenderly. He leaned in as she hugged him tightly and kissed him lightly on the lips.
"Alright, I will contact you as soon as I know what is going on. We'll continue where we left off later," she winked at him but her face returned quickly to the concerned matronly look she wore in times of stress. She held his hand as long as she could when she made her way into the floo. With a twitch of their fingers, she was gone from the room and his arms, for now.
Meanwhile, Severus transfigured the cot into a bed, making it wider and more comfortable for Serena. He sat down facing her and conjured a moist cloth to wipe the blood from her chin. She was deathly pale and her breathing was ragged still. Casting a scourgify on the cloth, he wiped her face and neck, then placed it on the table next to her. He took her hand in his and raised the other to her face, gently brushing her hair back from her face. He stiffened when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He knew the Headmaster was there. Severus lowered his head a bit and let the hand at her face fall to her side. Yet, still he held fast to her hand, afraid to let go, lest she slipped away.
"Severus," Albus spoke quietly. "Poppy will be here momentarily," at which statement, the floo lit up and Poppy stepped through.
Madame Pomfrey made her way to the bed and drew in a breath. "What happened," she questioned, eyeing them both. Then her gaze shifted to the pale woman on the bed. Neither Albus nor Severus spoke a word at first. "Well, move, move…let me run a diagnostic on the poor thing."
Quickly, Poppy ran her wand over Serena and several symbols floated above her. "Hmmm, mm-hm," she read the chart.
Albus cleared his throat and spoke, "Um, Poppy…she…I…we don't have the items to show you but she used a spike you put in the ground to extract a curse from me…"
Poppy looked at the Headmaster sharply but didn't say anything. Severus looked at Albus. He was doing well, considering he had been exposed to a very dangerous curse only moments before. It looked the same as when Serena had removed the pain of the cruciatus from him. "She called them ground spikes. I do not know what spell she cast, but she spoke in a Turkish dialect," he informed them and looked back down at Serena with concern.
"I see," Poppy considered this information and looked at Albus with a knowing look. "She is an Empath, correct?"
Before Albus could say anything, Severus spoke again, "She said she had to use the spikes when her power built up. Their purpose was to drain that power and return it to Earth."
Albus' eyebrows rose at this information, "But to do that would surely drain her magic," he began but Poppy chimed in.
"Well, when Empaths are exposed to nature for extended periods of time, it does cause fluctuation of power making them more likely to cause accidental magic. It sounds like she combined her ability to take away pain with the magical draining power of the spikes to remove the curse from you, Albus. Her magic and vital signs are very weak and thready. I will do what I can, but she needs time; time to recover and time to build her strength back up."
"When did the draining occur," she asked impartially.
"About fifteen or twenty minutes ago," Severus informed and Albus nodded in agreement. "She has had no change in her diagnostic."
"Hmm, well that is not good, but it is not bad. I would be very concerned if her energy were still draining. Let's see if we can't jump start the process with a revitalizing potion," Poppy told them and moved to the cupboard.
She took out a bottle of syrupy purple potion. "Here, Albus, you take her legs and Severus, join me at her head. I am going to need you both to hold her down. The revitalizing potion is stronger than an enervate spell and she may convulse horrendously, I'm afraid."
Both men looked at the matron with concerned looks and hesitated. Poppy huffed and moved to the head of the bed. "Well, come on now, we haven't got all night, we need to hurry," she ordered the two and they jumped into action.
As Poppy directed them, Albus held Serena's legs and Severus leaned across her upper body and held her arms while Poppy administered the potion. After a few moments Serena's body began to shake erratically. Poppy held her head to keep her from injuring herself. The shaking increased and then, just as suddenly, it stopped. With a sharp intake, Serena's breathing went from ragged to normal.
"Alright, you can let go. Let me cast another diagnostic," Poppy rose from the bed and moved to her side when Severus got up and stood by Albus at the foot of the bed. Again, the symbols radiated above Serena, but they were different. As Severus looked, Serena's color seemed to look better and her breathing was steady and even. "Hm, yes…good," Poppy nodded looking pleased with the results. She turned to them. "Now, we wait. She should wake up in a little while. Her vital signs are stronger with help from the potion. Once she awakens we can evaluate any pain she has and then give her a sleeping draught to encourage a healing sleep."
"How long will it be until she awakens," Severus asked as he gazed at Serena with hooded eyes, relieved that she looked better. He needed to speak with the Headmaster, but he didn't want to be overheard, though he was fairly certain Poppy wouldn't say anything. He didn't know how much she knew about the situation.
"It's hard to tell, but it will be at least an hour if not more," she informed then looked to Albus. "I will let you know the moment she wakes up Albus."
"Thank you Poppy. I will be in my office if anything else happens. And we will be back in a little over an hour unless we hear from you first," Albus looked at Severus in unspoken question and Severus nodded his head slightly.
"Madame Pomfrey," Severus bid her good bye with a snap of his heels and turned in a flurry of black robes to vacate the Hospital Wing. The matron missed his eyes briefly taking in Serena's form one last time as he left. Albus' eyes rested on Serena and worry crossed his face. He wondered what Severus was going to tell him. Putting out a hand he took Poppy's hand and patted it. Thank you again Poppy."
"Albus," her gaze softened from her usual stern matron look. "Where ever has she been? Does Minerva know she is here?"
Albus closed his eyes and shook his head. "We got information just three days ago that she may be alive. Minerva went to America to talk to Adelaide about the information and Severus went to the…," he cleared his throat, "night club where she was singing to retrieve her if the rumor proved true. Apparently it was," again he cast a worried look at Serena and tears shown in his eyes. Poppy squeezed his hand in a gesture of comfort.
"Don't worry Albus, she responded well to the treatment and her strength will return. Perhaps later you or…Severus, once she is awake, could let her draw on your strength to help speed the process." Albus nodded but didn't say anything as he gazed lovingly and longingly at Serena. "I will take very good care of your grandniece. She is doing well and I will let you know right away if there are any changes in her condition," Poppy patted his shoulder as she walked him to the door of the Hospital Wing. He nodded to her then turned and walked out the door, lost in his thoughts for a moment, and made his way back to his office.
Severus was standing at the window of the Headmaster's office looking out into the darkness when Albus arrived. He stood a moment in the doorway and let his gaze fall on the sword and ring lying on his desk.
""Why," said Snape without preamble, "Why did you put on that ring? Surely you realized it carried a curse. Why even touch it?""
Albus' shoulders slumped a little, Severus was right to ask such questions. Now Serena lay in the Infirmary on his account after he had asked the man to protect her. Albus made his way to the desk and picked up the sword to place it back in its home on the wall. As he placed it he said, ""I…was a fool. Sorely tempted…""
"By what," Severus turned sharply, his robe whipping the window, and glared at Albus.
Albus sighed and returned to his chair behind the desk. "Severus," he began and sat down heavily. "I know Serena is in the Hospital Wing because of me. However, Poppy assures me she will be alright," he eyed the angry, younger wizard and wondered at that anger. Severus was always composed, even when faced with the most difficult task; though Albus had known him, in the past, to show anger when he was apprehensive about something. Albus frowned. What could Severus be concerned about, he wondered.
Severus seemed to calm at the latter statement. He also sat down heavily in the chair across from Albus. If he continued this way, the Headmaster might guess his feelings for Serena. He composed his face as if about to make a report. He also noted Albus had not answered his question.
"Have you learned anything from Serena about why she did not contact…Minerva," Albus inquired.
Severus noticed the hesitation in Albus' voice. "Yes. Adelaide is dead and Serena…," he hesitated as if considering what to say. "Serena seems to be under a spell though she believes it may be a curse."
Albus' eyebrows rose in shock. "A spell? What effect has it placed on her," he asked, concern growing as he leaned forward and clasped his hands together on the desk.
Severus sighed and leaned forward, running a hand through his hair, then looked at Albus. "When I mention Minerva's name, any part of it, she goes…blank, then forgets what has been discussed previously. She can't remember her mother's name but she can remember her father and she seems to also remember her…uncle's name…," Severus paused for effect then looked up and said, "you."
Albus' face flickered but otherwise did not show any recognition. He watched the Potions Master reach into his robes and withdraw a small item. It gave off a small tinkle. Severus enlarged it and set it on the desk. "I was hoping you could tell me about this bell." Again he watched Albus and waited for him to elaborate. Albus appeared to be in deep thought but still did not say anything.
"She has told me that since Adelaide died, she has felt a …nagging…she called it, to move on. She has been moving from place to place for eight years now. Until recently she had no recollection of Minerva or of you. She said, somehow, being at Hogwarts has begun to stir memories. However, when she gets too close to certain…memories, she develops a headache and if she pushes too hard, she collapses." He watched the Headmaster and thought he looked aggrieved suddenly. Albus gazed at the bell and frowned.
"Serena recalled a memory involving you and, she thinks, her great-aunt. We have searched for three days to find a possible solution, but have not found an answer. Honestly, I thought you might be able to shed some light on this strange phenomenon. Although, we do have a theory," he paused a moment for any comments Albus may have but continued on when he nodded. "We think this spell is related to her mother's bloodline."
"Well, what happens when you tell Serena her mother's name," Albus' brows creased in concentration.
"I don't know, I did not tell her the name for fear it would set us back to the beginning. Basically, I did not know how she would react and did not want to jeopardize what she had already learned so far. But I do know she cannot remember much of her mother and she does not remember Minerva. Since she can remember her father and you," he stared questioningly at the Headmaster again, "Since Seraphenia and Minerva are related by blood, but Samuel and Minerva are not…and if you are married to Minerva, your relation to Serena would only be by marriage, not blood, I deduced the spell must have something to do with her mother's bloodline. But I am afraid it could take weeks to find what spell she is under."
"And, Albus…I am concerned about Minerva's return. If Serena cannot hear her name without losing her senses, what will happen if Minerva appears in front of her?" Severus leaned forward on his knees.
"I see," he began and then paused as if considering something. He appeared to decide something then continued, "Minerva and I are…married Severus."
Severus drew in his breath and glared at Albus with a quelling look. "How long…I thought you trusted me, have I not demonstrated my worthiness over the years," he asked indignantly.
Albus sighed, "Severus…It was not a matter of my trust in you that kept me from telling you of our marriage, but a desire to not burden you with more information you needed to conceal from Voldemort."
Severus cringed slightly at the name as he got fluidly up from the chair and paced in anger. Abruptly he stopped in front of the Headmaster and snarled, "Do I detect a fatherly interest after all these years? How touching. Still it does not delude the fact that you do not trust me enough to know that I would die before I released any information you did not wish the Dark Lord to receive," he slammed his fist down on the desk.
Albus looked tired suddenly. He leaned back and began to speak. "Please sit down Severus, we have several things we need to discuss and then we shall see how you feel about my trust in you. But, as a matter of fact, I do care for you and your well being, very much. If there were any other way to obtain information from Voldemort and not send you into the lion's den, don't you think I would employ it?" Albus gave him a piercing look. The steam seemed to leave Severus; he sniffed indignantly and sat back down.
"Now, as I told you, Minerva and I are married. And we have been for more than fifty years now. When Minerva spoke of Serena before, she only conveyed the love she held for the child. But I must confess the feeling for Serena between us was mutual. She was a darling child, and when we learned of her "death" it nearly ripped us apart."
"Because of their respective places in the Ministry, Sam and Sera were constantly at work; therefore, we took care of Serena here at the school. We basically raised her for the first eleven years of her life she was at the Castle so much. But back then, Voldemort was very active and when Sam got recalled to America we thought that would be the safest place for them." Tears rose in Albus' eyes as he remembered the last time he had seen Serena before they left again. "I would have gladly given my life to save theirs and to save Minerva from that pain. As you say, she is not my blood relative, but she might as well be. Severus, I am entrusting this information to you; for I think I know a way to find what spell Serena is under. But I will need your help with the remedy and you will have access to her memories of Minerva and me. If Voldemort were to find out Serena's true relation to myself, I trust you understand the situation, she would be in very real danger."
Severus nodded gravely. He understood why Albus had not burdened him before. The Dark Lord had wanted Serena for her Siren abilities but since then he had learned many reasons he would desire her even more. "Albus, there is more I must tell you before we go further," he paused trying to fathom how to relay the information. Albus stared at him inquisitively. "The night I went to retrieve Serena, there was a welcoming party," he began and Albus frowned.
"So Voldemort knows she is alive," he murmured.
Severus nodded, "I am afraid so. However, the girl is very talented. She managed to take care of three Death Eaters with little help from me," he added indulgently then composed himself again.
"You were not seen."
Severus gave Albus an affronted look and continued," Of course not. The Dark Lord sent Pettigrew and the Carrows to retrieve her and he was not very pleased with the result of their mission."
"You have been to Voldemort since we parted?"
"I have, I am not sure how he learned of Serena's whereabouts but I think it may have involved the sign as well, even though Serena took care of it, apparently it wasn't soon enough. However, so far he has not laid any other plans in trying to obtain her that I know about. We have been lying low for the last few days."
Albus nodded, "Good, good."
"But, Albus…there is something else," he steeled himself for the information he was about to pass but if they were to look at her memories, he needed to know. "Over the last few days, Serena has revealed several...details... about what happened in the America. She said that after the…attack…the mediwizards had to place a mind block on her to keep her from going mad, from shrieking anytime a man came in the room with her. Albus," Severus lowered his head in shame for the situation Serena had found herself in so many years ago, but gathered his courage, looked up and pressed on. "Serena told me they…sexually assaulted her."
All the color drained from Albus' face and he closed his eyes. Severus rose from his seat and went around and placed a hand on the elder wizard's shoulder. "I am sorry, but I thought you needed to know," Severus' voice was thick. In all his years as a spy this had to be the hardest piece of information he had passed. And given his feelings for all the parties involved, it was hard for him to bear.
"Th..ank you Severus," Albus' voice cracked with emotion. The pain and guilt in his heart now a million times worse. Now knowing the torture Serena had endured at the hands of Voldemort's followers. He took several deep breaths to clear his thoughts. They still had work to do and now he wasn't sure his plan to discover the spell affecting Serena would work. He cleared his throat, "Severus, thank you for telling me, though now that seems to put a kink in my plan." He drew in a heavy breath and scrubbed his eyes as he leaned back in the chair. Severus returned to the chair opposite him.
"How…I don't understand."
"Well, I had planned to do a Legilimens search spell to discover the spell Serena is under but it won't work correctly if a mind block is in place. And with Minerva returning soon, I am afraid we don't have much time to find another option."
"An obliviator can remove the block. But, if it is removed, what do you think will happen to Serena?"
Albus closed his eyes and looked a bit defeated, "I do not know. There is a possibility she could go mad which was the original reason they placed the block, or, the attack happened many years ago…she could be old enough now to handle the information sensibly, whereas a child could not. Though I believe any solution we derive will need to be discussed with Serena. She is a grown woman now and I will respect her wishes in this matter."
Severus scoffed and muttered, "Knowing her nature now, I do not believe she will turn down an opportunity to find out the truth, no matter how detrimental it is to her. Bloody Gryffindors," he grumbled.
Albus studied his Potions Master, cocking his head to the side as if contemplating something but did not comment on his thoughts. "Alastor did study to be an Obliviator at one time. He was with Poppy. I think we need to request a consultation for information on the mind block," he paused and looked at the clock over the mantle. "It has been about an hour. Let's make our way to the Hospital Wing. I will floo call Alastor from there and see if he will lend us a hand with the information.
Serena woke slowly. Her body was on fire and pain throbbed. A clinical smell invaded her nostrils and she moaned. Raising a hand to her throbbing head she tried to rise. "Now, now…don't be trying to sit up too quickly. You just lie back and take it easy. You have given everyone a right scare young lady," Poppy pushed Serena back down gently and she complied.
Serena opened her eyes and tried to focus. Her gaze landed on a witch with a kind face, blonde hair and light blue eyes. Her appearance seemed familiar to Serena, though she couldn't quite place her. "Where am I," she asked glancing around. Then she remembered what had happened, "Uncle Albus," she croaked hoarsely.
"Sh, sh dear. Don't you worry a fig. Albus is fine. In fact, I imagine he will be here momentarily with Severus to check on your progress," the mediwitch told her while she ran her wand over her again. She read the raised symbols and nodded her approval. "Coming along very nicely, would you like something to drink?"
Serena nodded, she was parched. At that moment Albus, followed by Severus entered the Ward. Serena sighed in relief momentarily until she felt Severus' aura. He was angry. Most likely with her for what she had done. And it was no comfort to feel Albus' aura either. He was radiating concern but disappointment was wrapped up in there as well.
The two men approached the bed and hovered over her. She held up a hand shakily, "Please…," she stated simply, her voice wobbling a bit. "I understand your feelings," she said, addressing them both at the same time. "And I realize it was foolish and selfish on my part, but please understand my position. It has been so long, I thought I was the only one…I didn't…," she whispered then broke off, unable to continue when tears swam in her eyes. Serena closed her eyes to stem the tears but they seeped out from under her eyelids and she looked back at Albus pleadingly, "I didn't want to lose you when I just found you…please tell me this isn't a dream?"
Albus sat down beside Serena and took her in his arms. He buried his face in her tangled, burnished tresses and felt her tears through his robe as she nuzzled his chest through his beard. His disappointment fled and was replaced with a resounding joy that she was alive, she was alive and she was home, their darling child was home. Soon he began rocking her as her sobs increased and he felt his own tears on his face. Tightly they clung to each other, the other two people in the room not wishing to invade on the moment.
TBC