A/N: I know I said that Harry would be in this chapter a lot, but that idea got pushed back because I didn't want this to be too long. There is a character death in this chapter, nothing very graphic but I thought I should warn you all. Did you like the patronus reference in the last chapter? Please take the poll on my profile to say what you think Sasha's daughter's name should be. If you don't like one of the choices, you can pm me your choice.
Severus landed beside the Three Broomsticks. Nobody noticed him, as his clothing blended perfectly with the shadows, giving him time to cast his invisibility spell. He set of towards Hogwarts, careful not to run into anyone. As he approached the edge of the village, he saw something very intriguing. Albus Dumbledore, storming down from Hogwarts and going who knows where. He was muttering to himself, and Severus caught a few words as he passed.
"Mess with me will they… Cornelius will need to be informed… Whatever is necessary…"
That was all he could hear before Dumbledore passed out of hearing range, but it didn't sit well with Severus. He debated following Dumbledore, but almost immediately dismissed that idea. He was fortunate that Albus hadn't noticed him, as he could see through invisibility spells, and he didn't know if his luck would hold. It's best that I accomplish what I need to at Hogwarts as quickly as possible, Severus thought as he continued on his way. If his muttering is anything to go by, the old man is planning something, and it doesn't sound good.
He reached the castle, entering the gates easily. Hogwarts still recognized him and realized that he meant no harm to anyone. Well except for Pettigrew, Severus thought as he silently slipped through the oaken front doors, but really the rat doesn't count.
Severus's path took him deep into the dungeons, deeper than most have ever gone. The prison chamber was a remnant from the various wizarding wars, and it was impossible for anyone to escape from. Technically neither Alyssa or Severus should know where it was located, because the location is supposed to be a secret from everyone except for the Headmaster, but both Snapes knew every inch of the castle like the back of their hand. They knew more than Dumbledore and Filch combined.
Entering the prison chamber, Severus dropped his cloak of invisibility and approached the only occupied cell.
"Hello Peter," he sneered, disdain dripping from each word.
The traitor looked up from where he was cowering in shock. "S-Severus? How n-nice t-to see you a-again."
"Yes, I've been waiting for this," Severus said, reaching into his pocket for the potion Alyssa gave him.
"W-what is that?" Pettigrew asked curiously, eyeing the yellow potion.
"This," Severus said as he immobilized the other man, "Is a potion that will help my son."
Severus spelled the potion into the other's stomach, keeping him immobilized for later. He then sent his doe to Alyssa, informing her that he had given Pettigrew the potion. His sister's wolf came back immediately.
"I've just given Harry his potion. As soon as I've finished the transferal spell, Pettigrew will get a scar like Harry's. When that happens, then it is time to destroy the Horcrux."
The patronus faded as Severus withdrew the basilisk fang from the vial he had kept it in. Roughly ten minutes passed before Pettigrew changed. A black cloud surrounded him, enveloping him completely before vanishing, leaving the immobilized man with a scar on his forehead.
"This is for Harry," Severus hissed as he stabbed Pettigrew with the fang, causing the other man to let out a shrill shriek. He fell to the ground, writhing in agony for a minute before going still. A black shadow rose above the body, evaporating into nothingness. Severus looked at the dead man on the floor in front of him. You should have never betrayed your friends Peter, Severus thought as he replaced the fang in its vial and turned to leave. If you hadn't betrayed your friends, another rat would have been used for this ritual. Severus swept from the room, heading to the Chamber so he could inform Sasha of the latest developments. He sent Alyssa a message alerting her to Pettigrew's death as well. I wonder if she has spoken to the wolf yet, Severus wondered as he headed for the Chamber. Let's hope that one of them sees sense and asks out the other, otherwise I may need to do something drastic.
Harry woke up half an hour after Remus's patronus appeared. The little boy sat up, rubbing his eyes as he looked around.
"Papa?" he questioned, looking around.
"Your papa had to go take a potion to on old acquaintance of ours," Alyssa sad smoothly, gently stroking Harry's silky hair, "He should be back in a short while."
Harry nodded, moving to lean his head against her arm.
"Still tired Harry?" Alyssa questioned, looking down at her nephew curiously. She had a theory that the Horcrux fed off of Harry's energy as well as his magic. It would explain why the almost two year old never complained about his nap.
"Uh huh," Harry said, snuggling closer before wrinkling his nose. "Ew," he said, pointing at Alyssa's dress.
Alyssa looked at herself. The dress was covered from dust and dirt from the Chamber and had apparently gathered the smell as well. It wouldn't do to be wearing this dress when Remus came if even Harry had commented on its sorry state.
"This dress has seen better days, hasn't it child?" Alyssa questioned as she stood up and held out her hand for Harry. "Come with me while I go change, then we can read together or you can play with your toys, alright?"
Harry nodded but didn't take Alyssa's hand. Instead, he lifted his arms up, asking her to carry him. Alyssa obliged.
"You really are sleepy, aren't you little one?" Alyssa asked as she sat Harry on her bed before going to get a dress out of her closet.
The one she decided to wear was emerald green, giving a nice contrast to the continual black she usually wore. This dress was a little more form fitting, showing off the curves she normally hid. It was still long sleeved, high necked, and floor length like the others. Alyssa didn't want anybody to see what the dress covered.
As Alyssa and Harry re-entered the living room, Severus's doe patronus appeared.
"I've given the rat the potion."
Harry looked startled that his Papa's voice was coming from the odd animal.
"Papa?" Harry questioned as the doe faded away.
"No Harry," Alyssa said as they sat on the couch and Alyssa reached for the potion, "That was a message from your papa. It means that he will be home relatively soon. Could you drink this potion for me?"
With Alyssa's help, Harry drank the potion, which was sky blue instead of the yellow one Pettigrew drank. Alyssa sent her wolf to Severus, informing him that Harry had also taken his potion and that she was going to start the transferal spell. A quick glance at the clock showed that Remus would be there in ten minutes.
Harry moved off the couch, going to sit on the floor and play with his blocks. Alyssa used his distraction to cast the spell, surrounding Harry in white light. She could feel her magic being drained as the power needed for this spell was immense, but she didn't give up. She finished the spell just as Remus appeared from the fireplace, sending her wolf away to tell Severus the spell was complete.
Remus had spent most of the hour pacing. His mind was in turmoil and he was unable to make a decision. She is beautiful, too beautiful for me. Then again, she never seemed to pay attention to how people looked when we were at school. She's probably terrified of me; I nearly killed her and her brother during our sixth year. But, her patronus is a wolf.
Sirius watched with amusement as Remus paced, nearly wearing a hole in the already shabby carpet. As Remus disappeared into the flames, Sirius thought, I hope he tells her how he feels. I would hate to have to do something drastic.
Alyssa's wand fell from her hand as the patronus ran away. She barely noticed Remus moving closer to her, and jumped when his voice came from right in front of her.
"Alyssa? Are you alright?" Remus asked, concern coloring his tone.
"I'm fine," Alyssa said, trying to straighten up so she wasn't slouching.
She felt strong arms envelope her, sitting her up straight. Even though she knew Remus wouldn't hurt her, Alyssa couldn't help but flinch when he touched her.
"I'm sorry," Remus said, and now Alyssa could hear self-loathing in his tone.
"What are you sorry for?" Alyssa asked, taking her eyes off of Harry to look at Remus.
"For touching you. I'm not going to transform for another couple of hours, but it still pays to be cautious."
Alyssa frowned, wondering what he was talking about. "What are you talking about Lupin? You've been taking your potion, and the moon won't rise for several hours. Why would you think I was concerned about that anyway?"
Looking surprised, he replied, "Because you flinched when I touched you. I thought it was because you were afraid of me, because of my lycanthropy."
Alyssa shook her head, but before she could explain, Harry toddled over.
"Pushin?" he asked, looking pleadingly at her with his dark green eyes.
Smiling, Alyssa retrieved her wand and waved it, summoning Harry's toy potion making kit and handing it to him.
"Tank you Aunt Lyss," he said happily as he settled on the floor with his potions kit, trying to brew a potion for his papa.
"Have a seat Lupin," Alyssa said, gesturing to the chairs across from her as she waved her wand for tea.
"Could you call me Remus please?" Remus asked, trying to get up the courage to sit on the couch beside Alyssa.
"I suppose I could Remus," Alyssa said as she poured tea into two cups, holding one out for him to take.
Taking a deep breath, Remus moved to accept the cup, then sat down beside Alyssa. She looked startled, but not displeased which he took as a good sign.
"So, why did you flinch, and why was Albus upset about the basilisk?" Remus asked as he looked at Alyssa, who lowered her head in response to his question.
"The two answers are unrelated," Alyssa said softly, almost too softly for him to hear. "Albus was displeased because he believes that the basilisk, Sasha, is evil."
Remus noticed that Alyssa only answered half of his question, but decided to let that matter slide. Alyssa was grateful, as she was too tired to explain about her past at the moment. She examined the man beside her. Can I trust him with my secret? He would need to know the truth if he is going to be able to help. He has experience keeping secrets, even from those he considers his friends.
Making up her mind, Alyssa asked, "Can I trust you Remus? If I tell you a secret, will you promise to never tell another, not even Black or Dumbledore?"
Remus was rather confused by this question, but answered anyway. He would die rather than betray Alyssa's trust. "Of course Alyssa. I'll never tell anyone unless you permit me to."
Alyssa nodded, drawing in a deep breath before beginning her narrative, starting with the vision she had after the Potters' death that lead up to everything that had happened so far. Remus was quiet, asking questions occasionally but mostly just listening. By the time she finished, Severus was back.
A/N: When Harry says "Pushin" he's saying "Potion"