Snape was straightening the cushions on the couch. He doubted that he would be sleeping there tonight, but it never hurt to be prepared. When he lifted the second cushion he caught sight of something glinting in the light from the fireplace. He shoved the cushion out of his way and snatched the mirror out of its hiding place. It didn't take him long to recognize it as one of Sirius'. A sinking feeling hit him in the stomach as the truth finally stuck with him. If he didn't risk everything, that was a risk itself, and with the way his life had turned out he knew better than to trust the Dark Lord with what he held dear to him. In the end he truly had no choice. The way he lived his life, the choices he made, got those he loved killed. He had barely survived the darkness it had cast over him the first time. He wouldn't live through that again. Not with anything human left in him. Even if he had to force it, his path was either going to change…or end.
"Sirius Black," He murmurs, waving his hand over the face of the mirror. Saying his name left a bad taste in his mouth, and he was more than just a little relieved when Hermione's face appeared in the mirror rather than his. Hermione gasped and quickly attempted to cover the mirror.
"I know about Alex." Severus snaps instantly. After having her as his student, he knew exactly which buttons to push to force her to listen to him, and he let a smug smirk appear on his face as Hermione froze, hesitating.
"If you've hurt her…I will kill you myself." Hermione snaps, much to Severus' surprise. She had gotten feisty over the years.
Severus steeled himself for what he was about to do. He'd spent so much time defending himself against them that it was a struggle not resort to that. "I haven't, and I don't intend to. I intend to join her…Miss Granger, I intend to fight for the Order, and if you're wise you will realize that you need my help in taking down the Dark Lord, and you will accept it."
"You mean like you fought for the Order last time, Snape? That did us so much good." Hermione returns, rolling her eyes.
"At which point did you develop an understanding of sarcasm, Miss Granger? I'm impressed. However, that is off subject, and so was your response. I will not be forced to fight against Alex. You will permit me to switch sides. You need me." He answers tersely. He hesitates before adding, "If it appeases you…I am willing to make the unbreakable vow, that I will help you take down the Dark Lord."
Hermione's eyes widened. The know-it-all understood the significance of the unbreakable vow. With it supporting the order, he would have to help them take down the Dark Lord, or die. "How do we know this isn't a trap?"
Severus lifted an eyebrow. Know-it-all, indeed. "I can give you Weasley and Potter back. Think about it Granger, but I don't have forever." He waved his hand over the mirror again and Hermione faded, leaving only his face in the mirror.