Power and How to Use It

Severus stepped closer to Siri and rubbed his back lightly. "Why don't you have a lie down until dinner is ready?" He suggested.

"No. I'm fine." Siri admitted. "I think I'll take Herc out for some air, if that's alright?"

"Not a problem." Severus told him. "Dinner will be in an hour."

Siri changed out of his suit and into a pair of jeans and the shirt from Sonya. He slipped into his boots and opened the door to Herc's cage.

"Come on boy!" He coaxed. "Let's go and stretch your wings for a bit." The little owl hopped onto his arm and hooted happily. He clamored from there to Siri's shoulder and gently pulled his hair with his beak. Laughing softly, Siri reached up and stroked his soft feathers. "I'm happy to see you too little one." He spoke quietly, his eyes darting to the miniaturized cage on the shelf.

The sun was still fairly high in the sky and there was plenty of the day left. Siri raised his arm and Herc scooted back to his perch on the muscular forearm. "Okay, go on, but not too far!" Siri told him. "I only have an hour, little guy!" He called after him. He watched as Herc became a mere dot in the sky before disappearing completely. Soon, he found himself seated at his 'spot'. His thoughts were centered on the day he had just had. A part of him kept nagging at him, telling him that he should feel at least a little remorse over his uncle's sentence. He squashed the thought deep down inside and told himself that he had every right to feel elated about it. He would never have to endure any of it again. His uncle got exactly what he deserved and Siri was glad of it! He smiled a sad little smile and stared out over the lake. His gaze rested on the old castle as he thought back over his years there. This had been home, the only place he had ever considered to be such. It certainly wasn't home at the Dursleys'. That was more like what he imagined Hell might be like. School seemed like a lifetime ago. So much had happened in the last year. So much had changed. It seemed like a much longer period of time had elapsed. Had he really just graduated only a month ago? It seemed much longer. He wondered if he was ready for what surely came next ~ Voldemort. He supposed he was as ready as he always was. He took comfort from knowing that this time he wouldn't face him alone. This time he had his friends. This time he had his father. All were determined to fight by his side. The small smile graced his face once more. He stood, watching a speck in the distance grow larger. As the owl drew near, he raised his arm and waited for him to land. With the beautiful bird perched securely in his favorite spot next to Siri's ear, he made his way home.

Severus took Siri's cue and played it low key. He sensed his son's desire to spend a quiet, normal evening at home. Determined to provide that for his child, he spelled the apartment and put up silencing charms. No one would hear them or even be aware that they were home. They would not be disturbed at all. Severus had even closed the floo. Albus Dumbledore, himself, wouldn't be able to breach the wards this night!

Their dinner was simple summer fare; steaks, grilled to perfection, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, salad and rolls, all washed down with iced pumpkin juice. Their dessert was cool, sweet and juicy watermelon. Siri delighted in spitting a couple of seeds in his father's direction. The light laughter this caused was just what he needed to bring his spirits up a notch.

Their quiet conversation soon centered on Snape Manor. Siri was intent on seeing it. The excitement in his father's voice and the light shining in his eyes as he spoke of their home, made him feel as proud as his father. He was anxious to make it his home as well.

"What would you say to us taking a few days and spending it there?" Severus suggested.

"What would I say?" Siri nearly squeaked. "Could we?" An excited twinkle flared to life in his eyes.

"I don't see why not." Severus told him. "Merlin knows we deserve a break!"

Siri nodded as he chewed a piece of steak. Suddenly, he straightened in his seat, an air of excitement about him.

"Dad! I've just had an idea!" He exclaimed.

"What's that?" Severus asked, curiously.

"Well, let me back up a bit first." He said. "I have been concerned about our training. We know it is an eight week schedule, right?"

"Yes." Severus acknowledged guardedly, not sure where Siri was going with it.

"Okay. If we start that now, we'll be in the middle of it when the new school year starts in two weeks!" Siri added. "How are we going to train with school in full session?"

"I never thought of it." Severus admitted. "You have a good point. We need to talk to Sirius about this."

"Wait! I have a possible solution." Siri spoke up.

"I'm listening." Severus told him.

"Why not have our training at Snape Manor?" He suggested. "It's situated with a cliff on two sides, right?"

"Yes." Severus agreed.

"Okay and with the walls surrounding the other two sides, it is somewhat fortified. Wouldn't you say?" Siri added.

Nodding, Severus was keenly interested in what Siri had to say.

"It seems to me that someone would have a pretty difficult time catching us by surprise there." Siri said. "We would be just as safe there as we would be here at Hogwarts. There would be no outside distractions if the Manor is as isolated as you've made it sound." He concluded his argument.

"You have a valid suggestion." Severus admitted. "I like it. I'll tell Sirius and Remus. I'm sure they will agree. Excellent, Siri." Siri beamed at him, thoroughly pleased that his father liked his proposal.

And so it was that two days later, the six men found themselves in Hogsmeade gathering the supplies they would need for an extended stay at the manor. Severus knew he had to completely restock the lab he had at home. He had made a complete list of ingredients and supplies he would need to replace and Siri helped him to find all he required. They had discussed a few special projects that Severus was working on and Siri had made up his mind to help.

"What's wrong, Siri?" Severus asked, a frown creasing his brow.

"I feel unsettled, somehow." He admitted. "Something isn't right." He added as they stepped into the street.

When the small group rounded a corner, they came face to face with half a dozen Death Eaters with their wands drawn. Turning to look behind him, Siri saw just as many flanking them as well.

"Shit!" Draco swore, drawing his wand. Ron followed close behind. The rest were prepared as well. Sirius and Remus stepped in front of Severus and Siri as Ron and Draco blocked their backs.

"Move aside!" One of the Death Eaters ordered. Draco's head jerked at the sound and he cast a wary eye over his shoulder. "We only want the spy and Potter!"

"You'll have to go through me first." Sirius growled as he pushed Siri back behind him. He had unconsciously stepped forward, ready for battle. Sirius' quiet declaration ignited a blaze. Curses began flying from all sides. Siri's mind raced with thoughts only to protecting his father and his friends. Standing behind Sirius, he closed his eyes and concentrated on what he wanted. The ripple of power rolled out from around him like the rings a stone causes to the surface of a lake. Everyone faltered in the battle, confusion flooding their senses. A Death Eater recovered first.

"Crucio!" He shouted, aiming his wand at Severus. The blast bounced off his chest and back to the sender. The Death Eater dove out of harm's way a split second before it would have hit him and the curse dissipated.

Siri moved away, his eyes now open. He looked at his father and his friends. He could 'see' the bubble surrounding them and nodded. He knew they were safe now, even from the Unforgivables. He turned to face the first group of Death Eaters and waited for the first curse to fly. It was again, Cruciatus. He brushed it aside, like an annoying gnat, with a wave of his hand. The Death Eater that sent it turned to his companions in disbelief. They regrouped and surrounded Siri. He waved his hand and whispered "Stupefy!" Three Death Eaters fell. Suddenly shaken from their shock, the curses flew at Siri from all directions. He deflected them with apparent ease. Only he knew the incredible strain it was to maintain the security bubble and still fight them off. The occasional blast that flew toward the other five men, merely bounced off, ineffective against the force field Siri maintained around them. Making sure they were still protected, Siri slowly went from merely deflecting curses to casting a few on his attackers. The strain of handling it all was soon evident in his tense features and in the sweat that bathed his face from the effort.

The five men under his protection were enraged. Siri refused to release them. Severus ordered Siri to let him out as he pounded his fists against the invisible wall. A curse hit Siri and he went to his knees. He had been distracted by his father. Severus raged, he knew he had caused Siri to lose his focus. The five grew silent, realizing this was the only way Siri would allow them to help.

Siri was on all fours, his head hung low. He shook it to clear his mind and refocus. The Cruciatus curse was directed at him and he felt the beginnings of the pain just as he deflected it away. He gasped for breath and struggled to maintain control. He slowly got to his feet, his body trembling with the effort it cost him. His face grew angry, his eyes flew open and the light that burned in his emerald gaze was blinding. With his arms flung wide, a shouted curse and a last burst of power, he rendered the group of Death Eaters unconscious and bound them before collapsing. The protective bubble dispersed and Severus rushed to his son and scooped him up into his arms. Remus kneeled beside his friend and Sirius summoned the Ministry. Ron and Draco nervously looked about themselves at the Death Eaters.

"Should we unmask them?" Ron asked hesitantly.

"Yes, both of you do that." Remus ordered, turning his attention to Siri. "Ennervate." He muttered and Siri's eyes fluttered open.

"What happened?" He whispered. "Is everyone okay?"

"We are. They aren't." Severus told him bluntly. "Can you sit up?"

"I think so." Siri said, struggling to become upright. "Whoa!" He said as a wave of dizziness washed over him.

"Easy!" Severus warned. "You just expelled a Hell of a lot of power! Take it slow."

"By the Gods, Severus!" Sirius exclaimed with awe in his voice as he stepped over to his Godson and his friend. "You said he would be powerful, but, Merlin! I can't even fathom it!"

"Sirius." Severus drawled. "You're babbling." Siri snorted with laughter. He looked up as a group of Aurors apparated close by.

"There they are, guys!" Sirius cheered. "Have a look at who our boy landed for us!" He joined them as they stepped over to the bound Death Eaters.

"Crabbe, Nott, Goyle…and Malfoy?" One of them exclaimed in delighted surprise. "He got Malfoy? I don't freakin' believe it! Potter…er…Snape, got Malfoy!"

"Let's get them over to a holding cell and start working on the charges, shall we?" Sirius interrupted with a slight growl.

"Yes, sir." The excited Auror snapped to attention.

One of the older men in the group approached Severus and Siri. "Severus, is he alright?" He asked, indicating Siri.

"Yes, Mundy, he's fine." Severus assured him.

"What exactly happened here?" Mundy asked.

"Siri took them out!" Draco burst out, excitement in his voice. Mundy looked sharply from Draco to Siri to Severus.

"Alone?" He asked, cocking an eyebrow in disbelief.

"Alone." Severus affirmed.

"Holy shit!" He whispered before letting out a low whistle. "Hell of a job young man!" He praised Siri. Slapping Severus on the shoulder, he joined the rest of his group and got down to business.

"Alright, Siri?" Severus asked quietly.

"I'm a little wobbly, Dad." He admitted. "Help me up?"

Severus hoisted Siri to his feet and held his arm until he steadied himself. Siri stepped over to Draco and put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Draco." He said quietly.

"He chose that life." Draco said bluntly. "It's nothing to me." He turned his back on his father and stepped away to stand by Severus. Siri joined him and smiled grimly at his father.

"You guys ready to go back to the school?" Remus asked as the last of the Death Eaters were apparated away.

"Yes!" Ron said expelling a burst of air. Siri and Draco nodded in agreement.

"Help him out guys." Severus told Ron and Draco while nodding at Siri. "He's not too steady on his feet yet. We'll be along as soon as we finish at the Ministry. Siri?" He addressed his son. "Pepper-up, bath, bed." He ordered.

"You're kidding!" Siri blurted out.

"I'm not, trust me." Severus explained. "You need it."

"Yes, sir." Siri capitulated and they disappeared with a faint *pop*.

Siri couldn't understand how his father thought he could sleep after taking a dose of Pepper-up Potion. By the time he finished his bath, however, he could feel his limbs becoming leaden with exhaustion. He barely made it to his room. He sank into his pillows and was blissfully asleep within minutes.

Severus couldn't put his feelings into words as he stood over his son a short time later. The only words that seemed to surface didn't quite cover it; majestic, magnificent, sensational, all of it inadequate. His child was truly a sight to behold! He finally saw for himself, what was meant by all, when they referred to him as the 'Saviour of the Wizarding World'. Today, Severus got a good (closer than he wanted) look at it. That was the wizard speaking. The parent, however, felt much differently.

'What was he thinking? Was he trying to get himself killed?' That thought unsettled him. He wondered, 'Did Siri entertain thoughts of death? Had his torment gone so far as that? Did he unconsciously take these risks in an effort to 'end it all' without actually having to accomplish it by his own hand?' Severus shivered at the thought and reached out to caress Siri's face, so peaceful in sleep. He couldn't stay angry with the boy. 'No, young man.' He amended. Today Siri proved he was no longer a child. Severus had to admit, Siri had handled himself with confidence and proved his ability. 'What a sight!' He reflected as fatherly pride swelled in his chest.

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Early the next morning, father and son apparated to Snape Manor. In a few days they would be joined by their four comrades. The two of them appeared just outside the stone walls and Siri's mouth dropped open in awe at the enormity of it. He had to crane his neck to see the top. Severus led him through a hidden entrance. If he had thought the walls were impressive, it was nothing compared to what was on the other side. The Manor put Hogwarts to shame. It was a massive stone structure, set back on rolling graceful lawns. Collections of garden sculptures were interspersed with rose gardens. The flowers themselves were of every color in the rainbow. Trellises overflowing with brilliant crimson roses graced either side of the massive oak entranceway doors. Flowers spilled from window boxes and balconies high above the first floor of the mansion. It was breathtaking. The manor, regal and impressive, with its leaded glass windows, turrets, porches and balconies, was everything Siri had imagined it to be. His father had described the place perfectly.

Severus didn't speak. He let Siri make his way around the home, over wide patios with benches, tables and chairs, urns full of flowers, fountains with crystal clear water flowing from them and more sculptured hedges. Siri's strides lengthened as he made his way to the cliffside. The roaring wind tore at his hair and his cloak, but he stood his ground against it. It was as if a battle for dominance was taking place here and Siri's determined stance said, 'I belong here!' His gaze fell to the jagged rocks below and he was overcome with a slight feeling of vertigo. He swayed in the wind and Severus grabbed his arm in alarm. "Be careful! Not too close!" He warned. Siri stepped back from the edge, not aware of how the pull of the ocean, the rocks and the wind had called him dangerously close to the edge. His heart did a little tap dance as he thought of what could have happened.

"It's magnificent!" Siri shouted over the roar of the raging surf below them.

"It is." Severus smiled gently. He knew exactly how Siri felt. This was home.

"I can understand how you could love it here!" Siri said, leaning close to Severus' ear so he could be heard more clearly. Severus nodded, conversation here was pointless.

"Let's go inside. I'll show you the house." Severus suggested. Once inside, he led Siri from room to room. Everything was covered with drop sheets to protect it from the thick layer of dust that had settled over every surface. The place needed a good airing.

"How long has it been since you've been here?" Siri asked quietly as he studied a portrait of a man who looked quite a bit like his father.

"I haven't been here since you were born." Severus told him softly. "Voldemort killed the only family I couldn't protect, the only family he knew I had, to keep me under his thumb. That is your grandfather." He said as he nodded at the portrait Siri was looking at. Siri simply nodded and continued to stare at the portrait. He smiled slightly as he recognized the 'Snape Glare' staring out from the face of his grandfather.

When the initial tour was over, they returned to the massive kitchen. Severus emptied his pockets of many brightly colored pebbles. Siri helped him sort them out, red ones on the floor, blue ones on the table and yellow ones were moved to the foot of the staircase.

Each blue pebble was a bag of groceries and Siri set to work putting all of the food away. Each red pebble was either something that needed replacing in the manor or something to be used for their stay here. There were weapons, the lab equipment and potion ingredients. Severus took these things down to his lab immediately and began to put them away. The lab was as he had left it years ago. His parents had never dismantled it. His heart squeezed painfully as he thought of what he ultimately had done to them. His mistakes as a child had caused their deaths. They paid the ultimate price for his stupidity.

When Siri had finished with restocking the kitchen, Severus still had not returned and he went in search of him. He entered the lab and found his father, sitting on a small stool, lost in thought. Tears glittered in his eyes and Siri approached him cautiously. "Dad? Are you okay?" He asked softly, placing his hand on Severus' shoulder.

Coming to himself, he looked up at the frown of worry on Siri's face. "I'll be okay, son. It's just a bit overwhelming for me right now. I haven't been here since the day of their funeral and I am unnerved." Siri nodded and stepped closer to him and put an arm around his shoulders. Severus wrapped his arms around his son and whispered, "I'm so glad you're here."

"Me too." Siri admitted quietly as he cradled his father's head to his chest. They stayed there for several long minutes, each lost in their own thoughts. Siri was the first to break away. "Why don't we get the rest of this stuff put away?" Following his son's lead, Severus got to his feet and they finished organizing the lab.

The yellow pebbles they took upstairs and transformed them back into clothing, bedding, bath linens and toiletries. They worked through mid-afternoon uncovering furniture, opening windows, making beds and doing a thorough cleaning of everything. The fireplaces were cleaned and set ablaze with roaring fires in their grates. The damp chill was soon chased away from even the deepest corners. Pleasantly tired, they sat at a small table in the corner of the kitchen and enjoyed a bowl of hot soup, chicken sandwiches and tea.

They retired to the study after dinner and went over the list of things they needed to take care of. Siri was drawn to the books in the bookcases, but didn't really feel like reading. Severus sat at his desk and looked over some paperwork pertaining to the daily operation of the mansion. When he finished, he explained his system to Siri, who was surprised at the effort it took to run an idle household. He wondered what would happen when their companions joined them. While Severus continued to make notes about re-staffing the manor and composed notices to send to the key people he wanted back, Siri sat in a deep leather chair and closed his eyes. His peace was short-lived.

"ACH!" He gasped as he grabbed his forehead.

"Siri?" Severus looked up sharply.

"I think Voldemort just discovered he lost his key player," Siri choked out, still clutching at his scar. "and he's a little pissed."

Severus was at his side in a flash. He knew Siri was affected this way but couldn't understand how Siri could be feeling this when his own mark remained silent. "Is there anything I can do?" He asked helplessly.

" 'Fraid not." Siri told him. "I just have to wait it out."

"Can't you send it back or something?" Severus questioned.

"Send it back?" Siri repeated, his mind clouded by pain.

"Yes! Fight it, Siri!" Severus urged. "Use your power, shove back!"

Siri nodded and forced his mind to focus on the pain and pushing it out. 'But where?' He wondered. His mind brought forth the vision of Voldemort during his 'resurrection'. Siri concentrated on that sight and 'pushed' the pain at it. It took a lot of concentration and mental energy, but the pain slowly faded and eventually disappeared. Siri slumped back in his seat.

"It's gone." He stated.

"Did you send it away?" Severus asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"I think I might have, but I'm not sure if it was me or if it just went away." He admitted.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Dark Lord was in a rage. He didn't take the recent news very well at all. Wormtail shivered beneath his gaze.

"What do you mean, 'They have Malfoy'!?" He roared. Wormtail flinched and cowered before him.

"Yes, M - Master. Harry Po…er…the Snape brat took them on alone. All were captured." Wormtail stammered.

"Snape brat indeed." Voldemort sneered. "Yes, I must have a chat with Severus. He has much to explain to me!"

"Y - Yes, M - Master!" The rat-faced man stuttered.

"The boy took them on alone, you say?" Voldemort pinned him with his hate-filled, blood-red gaze.

"Y -Yes, M - Master." He answered. Voldemort sat in his throne-like chair and rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"This news greatly upsets me, Wormtail." He admitted. "But no matter. I will find a way around this small wrinkle."

"Certainly, Master." Wormtail agreed. "He is surely no match for you! He is only a child!"

"No, you're wrong. He is no longer a child, but he has weaknesses. I will use those to my advantage." Voldemort rubbed his hands together in gleeful, yet evil anticipation. "You may leave me, Wormtail." He ordered.

"Yes, M - Master." He said as he kissed the hem of his Master's robes and had a small hope of getting away without punishment for delivering bad news.

"Wormtail?" Voldemort called softly after him just as he had reached the door.

'Damn.' He thought.

"Y - yes, Master?" He said, cringing in expectation.

"Crucio!" The evil man barked with laughter, but it abruptly stopped as a sharp burst of pain hit him in the head.

'What is this?' He wondered as he clawed his forehead. The pain was intense and he staggered back in his chair. The curse stopped the moment he had been hit with the distracting pain and Wormtail lay shivering and twitching on the floor. 'How can this be?' He recognized his own power signature. 'It is being sent back to me! The brat has figured out a way to send it back!' He forced himself to calm down. As his anger dissipated, so went the pain.

'You've given me much to think about, boy.' He thought to himself as he absently rubbed his throbbing forehead. "Oh yes, much indeed," He muttered aloud.