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Still unbetaed.

AN: This chapter was reposted on 08/23/2017 for correction of grammar and punctuations mistakes.

Severus slept the whole ride back to Hogwarts; still recovering from his spell testing and safe knowing the Marauders had remained at school for Christmas.

When the time came to take the carriages from the train station to the castle, he stared in wonder. Nobody had said they were drawn by Thestrals. Severus recognized the beasts immediately, having looked at pictures so many times when studying his wand core. They were magnificent. Black as night. Their body was all bones, looking hard and strong. Their wings were currently folded, but he could make out a leathery texture and knew they looked like bat wings when deployed. Their head were a mix between a snake and an eagle. They looked proud and fierce. According to Severus' readings, they were helpful and loyal beasts as long as they did not perceive you as a threat. Lost in his admiration, he almost missed the carriages departure.

Thankfully, he was alone in his carriage. It suited him and allowed him to remain a little with the two Thestrals of his carriage before entering the castle.

The magnificent black skeletal beasts looked at him patiently while he admired them. One extended a wing toward him which he took as encouragement to pet it. It seemed to appreciate it and soon, he received a demanding nudge from the other one.

The ghost of a smile was on Severus' lips when he left them. The first one since …

Watching himself enjoy the beautiful creatures, Severus frowned. Why had he been able to see the Thestrals? From his readings, you had to witness someone's death to be able to… He froze. If he had not been in his Occlumency state, he knew he would be having a panic attack.

Had Mother died just when he entered her room? Should he have been able to save her?

Please Merlin, no. He could not accept it. Maybe the witnessing death thing was not to be taken too literally. He had seen Mother not long after her death. He had been in the same house when she had died. He had tried to save her…;

It did not really matter. It really did not He could see Thestrals now. He had done everything he could for Mother. She was the one who had left him to his fate…

Back to the now not so distant past, Severus smiled without warmth. He had thought the days after Black's... prank were bad. This was ten times worse. His mind was a constant whirlwind of thoughts. He had trouble concentrating. Only Occlumency and his advanced studying saved him from abysmal grades. He shuddered to think how he would have coped without Occlumency - one thing to thank Dumbledore for, he truly was going mad.

Occlumency only lessened the damages during the days. At night, Mother's letter came out from his cauldrons amidst werewolves' growl before exploding in his head. Sometimes, her dead body appeared amidst the cauldrons' fumes, haunting him.

Severus lost himself into study and research, trying to challenge his mind and overwhelm it with information and reflection in the hope it would grant him a respite from his painful memories. It worked. Sometimes.

Jonathan and Evan were worried but they did not push him and kept idiots away from Severus' temper. He had told them Mother had died during the break. They thought it was from some illness and that she had asked her son near her for Christmas knowing the end was near. It was close enough to the truth. Severus did not correct their assumptions.

Severus' troubles with his wand had not ended with Christmas break. One moment it would work perfectly, with the right amount of power. The next, it would either cast a pitiful spell or on the contrary a devastating one. Severus could not find any logic in his wand functioning, no matter how much he tried. He felt like the most basic principles of magic did not apply to his wand anymore.

Magic was intent. Mother had told him again and again, as well as most of his professors. But spells did not do what they were supposed to anymore.

During one of his charms class, Flitwick had demonstrated the use of Specialis Revelio when cast with intent. The charm was supposed to show any charms or hexes present on the object it was cast upon. The Charms Professor explained that if a wizard cast this spell thinking of showing something that was hidden, it could also reveal something else than hexes or charms.

The little professor demonstrated by using the charm on a blank parchment. First, it revealed no hex or charm present on the parchment. He cast the spell a second time but with a different intent and revealed a text written in invisible ink. Then he used it on a cube of wood. Same as before, no hex or charm were on the cube. The second time, the cube broke in two and candies spilled from the inside hole they had been contained in.

The entire class was impressed and clapped while Flitwick distributed the candies.

"Now class, I want you to work on revealing the text written on these parchments" said the professor while blank parchments zoomed across the classroom to land in front of each student.

Severus sighed, looking at the sheet dejectedly. He was so tired. Of not sleeping. Of hearing Mother's words, again and again.

Shaking his head, he concentrated on what he wanted.

I want to reveal what is hidden in this parchment. I want to reveal … a werewolf howled far away… what is hidden in this parchment. I want ...I hoped you would be a squib ... to reveal what is hidden in … You are not enough for me to keep on living … this sheet. I want to ... Claws passed in front of his eyes... reveal what is hidden. I want ... Of course; you ruined everything… to reveal what is hidden... I want to reveal... Death will be the one to tear us apart... things... I want to...

"Specialis Revelio" said Severus, precisely moving his wand on the parchment.

All at once, text appeared on it. Well not text. A drawing. A beautiful inked drawing. A beautiful tree. Its branches grew and grew until they were outside the parchment to reach for other blank ones. Soon, half of the class was staring as their parchments took place in Severus's tree.

Pettigrew had first been delighted to see something on his parchment until Lupin had pointed out it was Severus' doing. Severus would have laughed if he had not been so despondent.

"How unexpected," said Flitwick, coming to stand in front of the tree. "Class, it seems some of these parchments were made from the same tree."

Distantly, Severus frowned. Parchments were supposed to be made of animals' skins. Looked like wizards' ones were different.

"Alright, class is over. We will try again next class," said the little professor, dismissing the students. "Mister Snape, please come to my desk."

Watching his friends go enviously, Severus stood reluctantly. His tree was fading, letting the other parchments fell where they had floated.

"Are you alright Mister Snape?" asked Flitwick, his usually merry eyes filled with concern.

Severus was surprised. A professor was asking about his well-being? There must be a mistake. Even Slughorn had stopped inviting him to his special evenings, although he had maintained Severus' access to his Potion lab every year.

"I know you are having troubles with your casting this year. Your marks have dropped but remain in the middle of your year group's, continued the professor when sensing his student would not talk. However, since December, I noticed you seemed … unwell. I wanted to talk to you about it during Christmas break but for the first time you went home. And now, you have been back for two weeks and you do not look better…," trailed the little wizard.

Severus squirmed. He did not know how to react. One professor had cared enough to see and ask him about his problem. But Flitwick could not help him. So…

"My Mother died during Christmas break.", said Severus reluctantly.

"Oh my, my condolences" said Flitwick agitated. "Why did Horace not warn me? I would have…"

"He does not know," interrupted Severus. "I… did not tell many people." He finished uncomfortable.

The professor fixed him with a piercing gaze before smiling sadly.

"I understand it must be painful to evoke so soon. May I warn the other professors?"

"Yes sir," answered Severus.

Flitwick make to talk then closed his mouth. Watching Severus pensively, he finally said:

"My door is always open if you need anything."

Severus stared at him before nodding. He left quickly, leaving his professor to stare at his retreating back.

What a disaster. He was lucky it had happened with Flitwick whom was the most impartial professor of the faculty.

He needed to find a way to make his wand work. Right now, he could not focus on one intention when he cast his spell. He needed to control his thoughts better if he wanted to pass his OWLS.

Maybe he could use Occlumency a bit differently… Yes, fill his potions jar with non-useful thoughts pertaining to the OWLS until it was over…That would be brilliant.

Severus focused on his potion lab and watched as a new shelf appeared. This would be his unimportant shelf. Now he just needed to make unimportant memories go there until they could be analyzed at night and put into their year shelf.

Watching himself so happy for having thought of this genius idea, Severus groaned. Hindsight was 20/20 but why had he imagined avoiding the problems would ever work for him?

A vial suddenly popped in front of him and he sighed. How many more painful memories did he need to watch?

Severus had painfully made his way to March. Although Mother death was still painful, it was not so raw anymore. Time and the perspective of OWLS were the best cures.

Werewolves still haunted his nights but days were almost peaceful. The professors had not lessened the fifth years' workload after Christmas - Severus was grateful for the Marauders were reduced to a few hexes between two classes that he usually blocked or deflected - and the atmosphere in the castle was almost serene.

One morning, Severus was silently eating his breakfast with Evan and Jonathan when there was a flurry of owls. Owls delivered mail at breakfast. Also, there were always some, that day, it felt like every student received at least one owl.

"I don't like this." said Evan, frowning while he reached for his father's letter.

Severus agreed. Impassively, he opened Lord Malfoy's missive.

Severus,

I write this letter hastily so you may react accordingly no matter your peers' reactions.

One of ours died yesterday, protecting a young Muggleborn from his uncle.

How? ...

The uncle was threatening the child with a gun. He shot our comrade when he intervened. Sadly, he was not knowledgeable about muggle weapons and did not choose the right protective spell. The child is still with his family.

Severus shivered. He could imagine how his father would have reacted after killing a wizard.

I do not want to say too much in a letter. This should be enough for now.

Sincerely

Your Mentor

What a mess, thought Severus. But why had Lord Malfoy deemed it necessary to inform him so quickly?

Looking around casually, he noted the Gryffindors were staring at his House's table, whispering more furiously than usual. Most of the other students were too, also they were more discreet.

"Read." said Jonathan, thrusting him the daily prophet.

The story his Mentor had told him was on the front page. Except it was all wrong.

Wizard killed by a Muggle while trying to kidnap his nephew;

Are the Defenders going too far?

Cases of Wizards harming Muggles have been numerous lately. One Muggle even died.

We though these wizards were defending muggleborns children from their abusive family so we cheered for them. As time passed, we affectionately called our heroes The Defenders.

However, their motives might not be as pure as we though.

Yesterday, a Muggle killed a Defender who was trying to kidnap his muggleborn nephew.

This act should not be so surprising when you remember Lord Voldemort wanted to take Muggleborns from their family.

It is not a new debate, for decades some have wanted to ignore the law of blood and family by taking muggleborn children away from their own.

It was always denied, for good reason.

Respected Professor Albus Dumbledore, Order of Merlin (first class), Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot answered a few questions for us.

Reporter: Thank you for taking the time in you full schedule to answer us, Headmaster.

Headmaster Dumbledore: You are welcome my boy. I feel some of our peers are getting lost in their beliefs and responsibilities. It is my duty to warn them as it was my duty to stop Grindelwald several years ago.

Reporter: We are all grateful you take your responsibilities so seriously, Sir. You never agreed with The Defenders movement. Did you know they had an ulterior motive?

Dumbledore: We all suspect the Defenders support Lord Voldemort's ideas. After his defeat speech, I thought there were high chances his supporters would try to apply his ideas no matter that we did not elect him.

Reporter: You did refuse to consider his accusations of foul play...

Dumbledore: I trust Minister Birkins completely. I cannot say the same thing of Lord Voldemort. I must admit he reminds me of Grindelwald in some aspect which makes me cautious, perhaps unduly. But imagine Grindelwald minister of magic...

Reporter: Does it mean you think the Defenders will not stop at Muggles and will try to impose Lord Voldemort's view?

Dumbledore: Let's not be hasty in our judgment. I am only saying we must be vigilant.

Reporter: Thank you for your time and guidance Headmaster.

Severus was seething. How dared they? Who did Dumbledore think he was, the biased old codger?! To deform the truth like this... How do you know the newspaper is the one lying? said a voice in his head that sounded suspiciously like Lily. I told you this Lord Voldemort was not good. Of course, added a voice that was definitively his father's. Who would want this useless boy if not delinquents and liars?

"Severus!"

Severus abruptly came back to reality. He looked at Evan who was looking at him expectantly.

"We are going to class. Word is to remain together to avoid any retaliation."

Severus nodded and hastily joined him, catching from the corner of his eyes the Marauders looking at him avidly.

He sighed. The werewolf ... prank... had divided the Marauders and they had spent several weeks fighting each other. Sadly, they were now back together and seemed ready to eat some Slytherins for breakfast.

He studiously avoided looking in Lily's direction, unwilling to know if she looked as blood hungry as the others.

All day, Severus' stomach twisted and churned. He worried the incident would kindle a wave of fights between the Houses. He worried the Marauders would use the occasion to up their game. He worried about the child left on his own with his family.

He was happy when the teachers took great care to bury them under homework. He was relieved when the daily prophet next edition headlines read:

Muggleborn children kidnapped, have the Defenders crossed the line?

Well, one more memory done. He should see the end of his enterprise soon. Severus had no idea how much time had passed since he began his foray into his memories but he was glad of his decision. He felt as though he was finally on the way to making his path instead of merely going the way events pushed him.

One vial impatiently quivered in front of him. He smiled. Those really were his memories.

Severus was once again sitting in one of the private rooms of the Procope. They had finished their lunch and now enjoyed coffee with exquisite chocolates.

"Is Lucius really going to marry so young?" asked Severus to his Mentor.

Wizards often reached the century mark in good health. As such, many did not marry and begin a family before the end of their studies or travels for the wealthiest.

After Hogwarts, Lucius had shared his time between an advanced school of magic in Paris and learning with his father how to run the family estate. He was supposed to finish Paris school next year. Then he had planned to go to China to learn a different approach of magic and prospect potential new businesses. These plans were made before Narcissa who was apparently decided to join the Malfoy family sooner rather than later.

The Lord sighed.

"Lucius and I are currently at a disagreement on the matter. I think he is rushing into this without thinking, blinded by Narcissa's beauty and charms and afraid another will have her if he waits. She apparently told him her parents wanted to marry her quickly to avoid another disgrace. Her marrying Lucius would erase her older sister affront."

Narcissa had two elder sisters. Bellatrix was the eldest and five years older. Andromeda was only one year older than Narcissa. She had, to the horror of her family, fell in love - Merlin knew how- with a Muggle. Her parents had forbidden the liaison as soon as they were aware of it and began arranging her marriage to some proper Pureblood. But Andromeda could not marry before her eldest sister so they had to wait for Bellatrix to marry first. Andromeda, Slytherin that she was, bid her time and then used the wedding of Bellatrix to Rodolphus Lestrange, heir to the noble Lestrange family, as a distraction to elope with her Muggle.

Nobody knew if she had found a spell to prevent the Head of Black to find her or if the Head - Sirius Black's father and Andromeda's uncle- disagreed with her parents, but she was married to her Muggle and still alive, though disinherited.

Severus wondered what was wrong with these women Purebloods to go on a whim live with a Muggle. He sincerely hoped Narcissa's sister life was not as bad as Mother's but felt for their children.

"I told him the Malfoy heir was the best catch the Blacks could hope for in Britain but he is persuaded her father is not rational anymore and will marry her of to any available Pureblood."

The Lord paused. Severus thought he looked tired.

"I do not want to burden you unnecessarily but you have no family to look out for you in our world and I feel it is my duty to tell you of some feelings I have."

That sounded ominous.

"I do not want Lucius to rush into a wedding with Narcissa Black because we are having some disagreement within Lord Voldemort's movement. The Black family was not part of the original Lord Voldemort's supporters. However, they -and some others - have joined us this year. I am happy for the support of major Houses but I am beginning to see a dissension in our group. The Blacks are some of the most fanatical defenders of Pure Blood Lines. I admit I would rather Lucius marry a Pureblood, although I would accept an exceptional Muggleborn. However, I would be hard-pressed to accept a Muggle in the family. I just do not see how it could work, how either Lucius or she could be happy in the long term."

He sighed.

"The Blacks will only accept the best Purebloods. They believe the blood makes the magic and are specialized in blood magic. As such, they disdained Muggles. And yet they fear them. The death of our friend at the hands of a Muggle gave a new dimension to their fears. Now they are advocating for more retaliations, supported by the Lestranges and the Mulcibers. They want to kill Muggles that killed a wizard. They want to punish Muggles who hurt Muggleborns. I am afraid they might torture those Muggles."

Lord Malfoy sighed again.

"They have other supporters and now our group is divided in several factions. Lord Voldemort agreed to several kidnappings because we estimated the children's safety was in jeopardy but… I have the feeling our boundaries are slipping. More and more youngs are joining our cause. The fools think themselves invincible, eager to right every wrong in the name of Slytherin and the Blacks are encouraging them. For now, Lord Voldemort is reining them in but I am afraid they will go wild. "

He smiled at Severus almost sheepishly.

"Lucius says I am an old paranoiac. Nothing is amiss or wrong and yet... I hope I am imagining problems where there are only different points of view..."

Severus was silent. The picture painted by the Lord was not ideal but life never was. However, it fit with Lily's accusations during summer and made Severus uneasy. According to her, the Blacks wanted to torture Muggles to punish them. And the Mulcibers were with the Blacks. Considering Mulciber's behavior at school this year...

"Severus."

He looked up, startled. His mentor was looking at him gently.

"My point is... You are too young to involve yourself in our group more than you already are. Young men easily get in over their head to impress their peers and when they think they know better. Finish Hogwarts, do whatever apprenticeship you want and then think about us. You do not have your House to protect you like most of your slytherin friends do."

Severus was feeling quite unbalanced by this talk. It seems the separation he had felt at school existed among Lord Voldemort's supporters. What did it mean for the future?

"Severus."

He blushed at being caught lost in his thoughts once again.

"I need to leave to a meeting with other paranoiacs." Lord Malfoy said with a wink.

He hesitated.

"I am clearly being a paranoiac but... just in case... I trust Lord Wilkes and Lord Prince. You may go to them if I am not available, also Lord Prince is quite busy right now with his own charge."

Before Severus could process his words, the Lord moved on.

"Here. Happy Christmas Severus."

His Mentor handed him a beautifully wrapped gift. Judging from its form, it was a book. Severus suppressed his desire to tear out the paper. Could it be...?

General Magic and useful spells.

Severus suppressed a frown of disappointment. Looking up to thank his Mentor, he saw amusement in the man's eyes. Severus raised an eyebrow in question. His mentor only smiled.

Frowning, Severus looked back at his book. Decisively, he opened it.

Magical links, theory, practice and rumours.

Smiling widely, Severus thanked his Mentor profusely.

"This book is forbidden to own, except if you are a licensed master in one of the categories authorized by the Ministry. The list can be consulted at the Ministry. Bonds and Oaths are considered like the darkest light spells by our Ministry. I agree some are truly despicable. Others not so much. As with most spells, it depends on its user. Anyway, every wizard should possess this book because we all should know what magical promises entail. The charms on it are linked to you. Only you will see the real book. Others will read about general Magic."

Looking at Severus pointedly, he added.

"I trust you to use the book wisely and ethically."

Severus agreed vigorously.

After a hug - Severus was quickly getting used to those- they parted ways. He hurried back to the castle to look up unbreakable vows.

This evening, comfortably ensconced in his bed under warm covers, Severus began reading avidly.

Introduction to magical Bonds and Oaths

Magical links between magical living beings (see annexes for the definition of living beings) can be divided into three main categories: Contracts, Oaths and Bonds. Note that Minors cannot enter Magical links that could induce death (see relevant annex for the adult age of the different magical species.)

Contracts are written papers signed by the living beings wishing to link themselves to one another. It must be carefully worded because only the words will carry the magical link.

A breach of a Contract will affect the linked beings per the conditions written in said Contract. If such conditions were not written in the Contract, the punishment for breaking its clauses is the loss of one's magic as well as the transfer of this lost magic to the other beings linked to the Contract.

This transfer of magic usually end up with the death of the breaker and the madness of the others so we advise to always write breaking conditions in a Contract.

For more information on Contracts, see the chapters pertaining to Contracts.

Oaths are oral agreement between living beings who wish to link themselves to one another. Contrary to Contracts, both the words and the intent will carry the magical link, meaning depending on the intent one put into an Oath, the same worded Oath will bind individuals together differently.

Oaths belong to the Dark Arts category because by binding oneself, one makes a sacrifice. They will either prevent one from doing something or incapacitate one when doing what he should not. Many Oaths are thus forbidden.

For more information on Oaths, see the chapters pertaining to Oaths.

Bonds are links between living beings created without their intent. It is said Magic creates them to repair an unbalance in magic caused by an individual's action. Bonds are still mysterious and difficult to research because they cannot be forced.

The results of not respecting the boundaries of a bond are unpredictable although they are usually painful.

The most famous Bonds are life debts and familiars' bonds.

For more information on Bonds, see the chapters pertaining to Bonds.

That was interesting and already much more precise than anything he had found in Hogwarts. Quickly, Severus went to the Oaths section, easily finding the silencing Oaths chapter.

Silencing Oaths are Oaths meant to prevent a living being from sharing some information. They can encompass a large subject as well as a precise matter. The most common one is the Unbreakable Vow. It is often used by Aurors and Ministry officials and is the only authorized Silencing Oaths since the Conspiracy of Silence affair (See annexes for more information on the Conspiracy).

Like any Oaths, Silencing Oaths can be manipulated depending on the intent one put into it. However, the result of an Oath is never certain because you never know what the others' intent are. You also cannot always be sure one word is understood the same way by every oath takers.

It is advised to always make at least one trusted person check the wording of the Oath to explore the differences in interpretation that might exist. It is also recommended to always prepare an Oath at least a day before casting so you may be sure the Oath needs to be taken.

Note that the caster of the Oath can also be restrain by some of its boundaries if it is the taker's intent.

Some Silencing Oaths can be enhanced by wand movement, see pertaining chapter for more information.

All Oaths can be attenuated using Occlumency, see pertaining chapter for more information.

Right. It confirmed what Severus had intuited also he had not realized how difficult creating an Oath with the desired limitations was. Of course, Dumbledore knew all this and more. Severus was impressed and scared the man had just improvised the Oath. It must be why the words were simple. Dumbledore had relied on intent and Severus' ignorance. The simple formulation was not to raise Severus suspicion he was swearing more than he should and not to give him more time to think. It also prevented the Headmaster from making unwanted worded mistakes.

They had both played a game of intent. From Severus' tests, Dumbledore had associated the word talk with giving information about, which was why Severus could not even write about it.

To Severus', persons meant most beings with intelligence- even though this intelligence was subpar to his own. As such, the Baron was a person and Severus could not talk to him. Severus not being able to talk to the ghost meant he respected him as any other wizard which honored the Baron but did not really served Severus in this case.

Both The headmaster and Severus knew implicitly what the word prank encompassed. Although Severus disagreed with the word, he knew which events it referred to. That is why he could say the word to his friends but not what event pertained to it

Well, it was clear Severus needed to keep reading this book until he knew what every kind of magical links entailed. But for tonight, he also needed to check life debts.

Severus was switching to the bonds section when the title Head of Houses Oath caught his eyes. Curious, he began reading.

Every Head of House must swear an Oath when taking upon the governance of the family. The Oath is specific for each House, its wording created when the House was officially recognized. The most ancient Houses, also known as the Noble Houses, are also linked through their Wizengamot seats. For a Houses to become Noble, you need to go through very specific rituals and have several Oaths with magical species, which is why there are seldom new Noble Houses nowadays (see the Wizengamot Oath for more information pertaining to this subject).

The Head of House Oath is carried differently by each Head because their intent and interpretation are different from one to another. The Oath is also a protection for the members of the House; also, it is usually only known by the Head. One of the most known facts is that the Head office House can find any member of his House no matter his location. It is always true except when the member was erased from the House (see the book Head of Houses, duties and privileges for more information on this topic).

Blood magic can be used to modify the House Oath, as well as block it. However, if the intent behind the blood magic is contrary to the House Oath, it can backlash on the members of the House.

Well. What kind of protection for its member was an Oath if it let the Head abandon his daughter and grandson to an abusive husband and father? Although, since the Head could easily locate his members, it seemed his Grandfather knew his daughter was dead, that Severus was still alive but he did not care. He had not even sent a letter to his grandson in condolences or to ask about his well-being. No matter what Mother's letter had said, he would not try to meet his grand-parents.

Pushing the depressing thought of his pitiful family aside, Severus opened the chapter on life debts.