Author's notes: All characters in this story (other than my own OC creations) are the property of JKR. I am just borrowing her wonderful world. Updated 02/05/12

Chapter 29 – Enemies of the Heir

"I am not surprised," Severus commented, as he waited in the wand workshop for his wife to emerge from their chambers. Just moments ago, he'd shared a small bit of news. Lucius Malfoy had seen fit to honor the Slytherin Quidditch team with a donation of stunningly powerful racing brooms.

"The Nimbus 2001s are the most expensive brooms available," Severus explained. "Except for the professional line, of course, although I wouldn't have put it past Malfoy to have upgraded his donation. Perhaps he was actually using some good sense. The complexity of the advanced design would be absurdly difficult for a school team to master."

"Racing brooms? What are you talking about?" Andrea yelled from the other room.

With a frown, Severus continued to mutter to himself, ignoring her comment. "I wonder if Lucius would consider private lessons? I'm sure he could easily afford the instruction for the entire team. I suppose I could ask nicely, and I'm sure Lucius wouldn't mind, but that would mean a little too much bloody arse kissing for my taste."

As Andrea emerged from the apartment, she tried to concentrate on the conversation, but her attention had strayed to a more immediate need. Her hair was in a ferocious snarl. A challenging incantation to weave a ribbon into a triple braid had annoyingly backfired. Amused, Severus raised an eyebrow as he watched the red-gold curls spring wildly out of their confines, tumbling down in an avalanche of rebellion onto Andrea's face and shoulders. With a flick of his wand, he swept up the tangle of tresses and tied the ribbon into a simple bow, eliminating the braiding all together.

"In any case," he continued, "We should easily be able to destroy those Gryffindor slugs."

Puzzled, Andrea tried to understand her husband's motives. "I thought you hated Lucius? Or do you make special allowances for your precious Slytherin Quidditch team?"

With extreme difficulty, Severus forced a smidgeon of patience into his expression as he tried to explain. "I do not hate Lucius. He has chosen a different direction in his life than I have, but we are … similar in many ways. But I will say this: he is a dangerous adversary."

"But you told me just yesterday that you hated catering to him and his stupid son."

"Once again you have taken my statement and twisted it into your own useless interpretation of the truth," Severus snarled a little too cruelly making Andrea flinch. Sighing, he closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead with his long, thin fingers regretting his insensitive words. "I'm sorry," he sighed. "It's just that you need to understand. I did say that I hated catering to his useless whims, but that doesn't mean that I hate the man. It's his blasted arrogance and the way he makes allowances for his dim-witted son that turns my stomach."

"I've watched you and Lucius together, and I can tell how distasteful you find his tactics." A small crease in Andrea's brow revealed her growing concern. "Why do you do it?" she asked. "Accommodate him like you do?"

"It's … complicated."

Andrea looked into his obsidian eyes trying to see into his mind, but he was blocking her as easily as he would a toy.

"Don't worry," he said quietly, "I know what I'm doing."

"You do? Then tell me. What are you doing?" Andrea slid her arms around him and stared up into his eyes, her expression filled more with concern than anger.

Severus sighed again but decided to remain silent.

"The fact is that you're cheating," she said. "You can't have your team using Nimbus 2001s and not give the other teams the use of them, too."

Again, Severus was silent. With a slight narrowing of his eyes, he defiantly folded his arms, succeeding in breaking away from her embrace.

"It's not fair," Andrea continued.

"Life isn't fair," he spat out. Turning his back to her, he took a few steps toward the door, but then stopped and waited.

"Oh my, we are in a bad mood, aren't we?" she bristled as a rare frown creased her lips.

Realizing he had been somewhat harsh, Severus tried to soften his tone. With a trace of tenderness, he replied, "You'll just have to trust me."

"There you go again," she replied, the words causing her cheeks to flush pink with anger. "Trust you? That's an easy way of telling me to mind my own business – to tell me to shut up."

Spinning around to face her, his temper flared wickedly as Severus felt himself losing control. With his practiced talent for delivering loathsome, evil expressions, he shot her a venomous look of warning.

"Okay," she said stubbornly, placing her hands on her hips. "You know I trust you, but why don't you trust me? You're not telling me something, and I want to know what it is."

"It is not your concern," he replied coldly.

"It is too, and you're going to tell me," Andrea demanded trying to stand her ground.

This argument was escalating quickly, but Severus was far from finished. With a twist of his lips, he snarled at her. "All right, Miss America, I will explain it to you. I will lay it all out in simple English so you can easily apply your foolish little theories to it. Most obviously, Mr. Malfoy is a Hogwarts board member. And then, if that isn't enough, he is still an extremely influential Death Eater. Do you understand what that means? I'm sure your so-called intelligence will allow you to try."

Andrea stared back at him; her mouth partially open as she took in the depth of his meaning took hold.

"Are you satisfied, my dear wife?" he continued, the unintended sarcasm cutting her like a steel blade. "Is that what you wanted to hear? And, if that wasn't completely clear to you, I will put it a little more plainly. I need information from this saintly man, which means that he gets to do anything he wants with my Slytherin team. Is that clear?" Seething, Severus stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

Stunned by her husband's abrasive words, Andrea stood rooted to the floor, unable to move. Strangely, she wasn't that upset with his attempt to conceal the danger from her. His cruel speech had truly made her realize how difficult this situation was for him. Lucius was a very dangerous opponent, and Severus had leapt into this game long ago without looking back. It was the nastiness of his approach that had hurt. The pain that resulted from his vicious retorts was an unwelcome hazard of being married to Severus Snape. Although his behavior was as much a part of him as the beating of his heart, it didn't make it right.

"Bloody jerk," Andrea grumbled, her eyes burning at the closed door.

Her anger quickly mixed with worry. It flooded her thoughts as she speculated about what Malfoy could do with his widespread influence, if he ever decided to hurt Severus. This debate about trust was simply a cover for the underlying pool of love that roiled powerfully between them. She knew the basic truth. He wanted to protect her, and she wanted to help him. But how?

Her husband's mind was so focused on his target, so determined to conquer this evil, that he couldn't see the big picture. Of course she trusted him – trusted that he loved her. Of that she was absolutely certain. But did she trust him to make the right decisions? To see clearly what lay ahead and not let his emotions get in the way? Certainly not! It was obvious that she had to help.

Believing that the Quidditch match was simply a strategic venue for the two men to bolster their alliances and solidify loyalties, Andrea knew there must be some way she could assist. Maybe she could somehow help Severus spy. He would never knowingly allow her to interfere with his work, but she would just have to do this without his permission. After all, she was a member of the Order, and her duty was to observe. Nodding determinedly to herself, she began to feel better.

Sadly, however, she realized the first step would be to repair the slight rift that had opened up between them, and it would not be easy. Andrea pulled her shawl tightly around her shoulders and made her way alone to dinner. With a strong heart, she prepared herself for the challenge ahead.

Far ahead, Severus marched toward the Great Hall. He was as enraged as a dragon caught in a trap. Once again, his precious wife had driven him over the edge, her brainless remarks causing him to completely lose control. For years he had practiced emotional concealment, his skills successfully shielding his thoughts from a dangerous world. He knew how to act, and angry outbursts could not be tolerated. Yet somehow this damnable woman had broken through his defenses.

This was exactly the reason he had concealed the details of his relationship with Lucius Malfoy. In her ignorance, Andrea couldn't possibly understand the politics and subterfuge that snaked wildly through the wizarding world. It infiltrated the Ministry and the school, and Lucius was at the center of that circle. He needed to fool Lucius and that stupid son of his into thinking that Severus, too, was still a loyal Death Eater, still fighting faithfully on their side. And, if the Dark Lord was still alive, he must believe that Severus was his faithful servant, safeguarding Andrea as the Dark Lord's wife.

Although if he was honest with himself, he knew Andrea was right, at least for the fact that he needed to trust her more. But it was a difficult balance. Truth meant information, and too much information was a dangerous thing. His protective instincts screamed for concealment and subterfuge, yet his conscience urged him to reconsider.

The angry words that had dominated the late afternoon's conversation carried their hostile mood like sticky glue into the evening's dinner. The couple remained quiet, hardly speaking to each other, neither one understanding how to bridge the gap of their discomfort. Afterward, Andrea returned to work in her shop, and Severus retreated to his lab. The ill feelings continued into the following day in the same manner, the two barely managing to remain civil to one another.

Feeling the frustration, Andrea found herself losing confidence. Growing ever more distant, Severus continued his cold demeanor, effectively hiding his thoughts from her as he withdrew. In the only way he knew, he recoiled into his lonely world, convincing himself that the separation would protect the woman he loved. The opportunity to speak to Lucius, to ally himself with this influential and dangerous wizard, had consumed Severus much more than he would have admitted. But to Andrea he was fleeing from her love. The slight rift was growing into a gaping canyon. Luckily, the Quidditch match was only a week away, but first, they would have to endure the festivities of Halloween.

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The night of the Halloween feast arrived with its usual promise of fun and frivolity. In a very sweet gesture, Gilderoy Lockhart had invited the staff and a few dozen of his closest friends to an after-feast party in the adjacent dining room usually reserved for staff meetings. The feast had been as wonderful as usual with an outstanding array of foods, including Severus's favorite: treacle tart. Unfortunately, the holiday atmosphere had not helped bring Andrea and Severus out of their silence, but no one else seemed to notice.

At the party, Gilderoy performed perfectly as a talented and practiced host, flirting smoothly between groups, making sure no one was left out. As Andrea glanced furtively around the room looking for Severus, she attempted to remain cordial, mixing politely with a group of Gilderoy's friends.

Standing alone by the wall with his arms crossed, Severus observed the group. His eyes were glued to his wife, watching her every move. Lucius Malfoy, he noticed, had been lucky enough to receive an invitation to the gathering, making Severus wonder just who was picking up the tab. Even though the evening event offered an excellent opportunity for him to approach Lucius, Severus could not get the man alone, as Malfoy was holding court with some key Ministry members, including the Minister for Magic. Severus, however, was doing his best to be patient. He would wait and observe until the right opportunity arose.

In the meantime, Severus's eyes were drawn back to Andrea. Merlin, she was beautiful. He felt a familiar feeling sweep over him. Her hair tonight was laced with russet-colored mums, and she wore a white, silk dress adorned with a sash of golden lace. Watching Andrea laugh and smile at her new acquaintances, Severus imagined the inane, useless chatter that was being doled out by his precious wife. How she could tolerate this disgusting socialization was beyond him.

With extreme pleasure, his eyes moved down her body, lingering for a few moments upon her ample breasts. With a slight stab of disapproval, he watched her open display of cleavage move seductively as she breathed. Why did she always have to wear such revealing dresses? Her abundant charms should not be available for public display and instead should be reserved only for him. She was his. She belonged to him alone, and the rest of the world needed to stay away, or they'd be very sorry.

Suppressing the urge to immediately whisk her away from the vultures, he let his eyes drift further down Andrea's form. This time his attention remained on her tummy. Even though she was not yet starting to show her pregnancy, a bit of pride swelled within him. Thinking back to the night they had made love on the roof of the castle, his lips pulled back almost imperceptibly into a smile. Closing his eyes momentarily, he brought his thoughts back to the party. It was not a wise idea to torture himself.

It was then that he saw Lucius and Lockhart join his wife's group. Finally, this was the chance Severus had been waiting for. But as he started to move forward, Kingsley Shacklebolt suddenly grabbed his arm.

"Professor Snape, just the person I wanted to talk to," Kingsley said with a huge smile as he pulled Severus toward another small group of men. "I'd like you to meet a friend of mine, Dirk Cresswell of the Goblin Liaison Office. We were just discussing the incredible potions cure you created last year."

Not wanting to miss the opportunity to speak with Lucius, Severus jerked his arm away and glared back at Shacklebolt. "I am not at all interested in meeting anyone," Severus hissed rudely. "Can't you see I'm busy?"

Kingsley straightened and raised an eyebrow. Surely he had just seen Snape standing alone against the wall.

"Thank you," Severus replied, a bit more politely. "Now, if you'll excuse me." With a quick bow of his head, Snape turned back in the direction where Lucius and his wife had stood just moments before, but somehow in that short amount of time, the entire group had disappeared. Andrea, Lucius and Gilderoy had vanished. After searching the room frantically with his black, piercing eyes, Snape's stomach began to tighten in dread. Where had they gone?

At that exact moment, an announcement surged across the room. Dumbledore levitated a large lantern above the crowd and called out in a strong voice, "Attention everyone, I need the entire staff to follow me immediately to the second floor corridor. There has been a disturbance, and I must ask the professors to come quickly. For the rest of our guests, please, remain calm. We will return shortly. Enjoy your evening." Without further explanation, he spun on his heels and instantly marched out of the chamber.

In a burst of speed, Severus swept through the crowd with Professor McGonagall and Madame Pomfrey following right on his heels. Moments later in the crowded hallway, they were informed that Filch's cat, Mrs. Norris, had been inexplicably petrified. As Snape moved to the front, the children retreated fearfully as he stepped next to Dumbledore. There, on the corridor wall, was a message written in blood. In a large, crude script, appeared the words:

THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED

ENEMIES OF THE HEIR BEWARE

The growing assembly seemed to have focused their entire attention on Severus. He'd heard the rumors that had run rampant through the school that past year, and now, with this horrible warning written clearly on the corridor wall, they stared in horror at Professor Snape. He guessed what they were thinking. Were his infant children truly the heirs of Voldemort? Had their Potions master written this message to warn the student body to steer clear of them?

And where was his wife? Why hadn't she appeared with the rest of the staff? Filled with a new source of dread, Severus spun around and searched the crowded hallway. Looking for the top of her head to peep out above the children, he scanned every inch of the passageway hoping to see her familiar red-gold hair. But as the moments ticked by, his anxiety escalated.

All around Severus there were sounds of fearful murmuring, but Snape glared back at the terrorized crowd, dismissing the suspicions and accusations that were sure to come. All he wanted to do was to find his wife.

"Please, everyone, get back to your dormitories," Dumbledore commanded. "But," he added looking directly at Harry Potter and his two friends, "I would like you three to stay."

Severus remembered that they had not been at the dinner celebration that evening. Could they have had anything to do with this stunt? As Snape looked into Harry's familiar, green eyes, he hesitated. The boy was clearly up to something, but what?

With a defiant stare, Harry looked back at Snape and then at Dumbledore as the headmaster stepped closer. The other students had already fled the corridor, and the three children stood alone except for a handful of staff. After Dumbledore's cross-examination, Harry finally worked up the courage he needed. With a piercing inquisitiveness, he asked, "Professor Snape, where is Mrs. Snape? I mean Professor Andrea?"

"Perhaps insolent, nosy children that wander about corridors at night causing trouble should mind their own business." Snape's venomous reply caused Harry to gulp and lean backward with wide eyes. "Or is there something about this you're hiding? What have you seen?"

"Now, Severus," Dumbledore interrupted. "Let us just—"

"No, Headmaster," Harry blurted out, his voice shaking. "I didn't see anything. I was just wondering—"

"Wondering what?" Snape asked, his eyes boring holes into the boy.

Dumbledore was now curious, too. "Is there something you wish to tell us, Harry?"

Hermione stepped up and with a strong voice asked, "We were all just wondering if someone's trying to harm your daughters, Professor."

"Yeah," Ron sputtered, finally speaking up. "The message … and the rumors. We just … we were just—"

"Curious." Hermione quietly finished Ron's sentence.

Like a firestorm, Snape's eyes turned into that of a demon's, his lips curling up like a wounded cobra ready to strike. How dare these children question his daughter's heritage?

Dumbledore reached out and lightly touched Snape's arm, the contact immediately causing Severus to freeze like a statue. In a weary tone, Dumbledore put an end to the discussion. "I think it is time you three headed off to bed. It is quite late, and I think we should leave rumors remain as simply rumors, shall we?"

The children immediately took advantage of the headmaster's suggestion and scrambled off. After the three had gone, Severus noticed that Gilderoy Lockhart had been standing in the shadows, quietly observing the interesting scene that had played out before him in the hallway.

"Where has your lovely wife gotten off to?" Gilderoy queried with affected innocence in response to Snape's accusing glare. "She was having such an nice time at my party, I'd thought I'd help you escort her back."

"Lockhart, you impertinent slice of dung ball," he spat, almost in a whisper, his voice filled with implied threats. "Stay away from my wife. Do you understand?"

"Well," Lockhart huffed, "I was simply trying to be a gentleman. Maybe she needs a reminder of just what it's like to be treated like a lady."

In a flash, Severus had pulled his wand, a hex as ready as a lightning bolt on the tip of his tongue, but Dumbledore had been watching. For the second time that evening he stepped in and touched Snape's arm with a meaningful warning. This time Severus had truly reached the end of his rope. Ignoring the consequences, he flashed his eyes angrily at Dumbledore. At once, Snape realized his mistake and contritely lowered his wand.

With a look of warning, Dumbledore flicked his steel blue eyes at Severus. "Shall we all please calm down?" the headmaster asked meaningfully.

"Of course," Lockhart replied smoothly, taking advantage of the interruption. "Professor Snape and I were just having a friendly conversation, weren't we?"

Silently, Snape bristled with contained irritation as he glared back at Lockhart.

"Oh, look at the time. I must get back to my party," Gilderoy continued his smile sticking on his face like thick, pink frosting. "Good evening," he said with a bow and quickly departed.

Left alone with Dumbledore in the corridor, Severus looked up at the glaring, red writing that loomed on the wall behind them.

"This is very serious," the old wizard warned. "When the Chamber of Secrets was opened the last time, a student was killed. We must all be vigilant. I especially need you to keep on your toes, Severus, and I do not need you to lose your temper."

Snape gritted his teeth. "Yes, Headmaster," he replied respectfully, lowering his head in acknowledgement. Dumbledore was right. He needed to keep his head.

"Let us talk about this tomorrow," Dumbledore said tiredly before leaving Snape alone in the corridor.

Overcome by weariness, Severus made his way slowly back to the apartment, his mind trying to make sense of the evening's events. Immersed in his thoughts, he placed his hand on the latch of the door leading into the wand workshop. It was then that he heard a faint noise, the sound immediately recognizable. One of the babies was crying.

His body reflexively tensing with concern, Severus hurried through the workshop. As he entered the nursery, the sound of the baby's loud howling accosted his ears in the confined space. Swiftly, Severus surveyed the scene, his eyes focusing toward the crib containing the frightened child. With her face as red as a beet, her arms and legs flailing wildly, his daughter shook as she cried. The second crib was empty. Eileen was alone. Tookey was lying on the floor unconscious. In two long strides, Severus quickly checked the other rooms of their small apartment, his fear heightening to a fever pitch. Andrea and Ellenore were both gone.

Returning to the nursery, Severus lifted Eileen from the crib and held her tight in his arms, desperately trying to soothe her. Although she was clearly still very anxious, she responded to his deep voice and began to relax, her crying subsiding to a whimper. Still holding the infant, he moved to the fireplace in the sitting room, and with his one free hand, he reached for the jar of Floo powder. With a shaking hand, he threw a pinch of dust onto the grate.

"Headmaster, this is Severus," he announced anxiously. "Something's happened. Can you come to my apartment?"

"I will be right there," Dumbledore answered, sensing Snape's concern.

"Could you please ask Professor Sprout to come, too? I need some help with Eileen."

As Dumbledore arose awkwardly from the fireplace, he observed Snape's worried expression, not used to seeing him in so much distress. The look unnerved the old wizard. "What is going on, Severus? What is wrong?"

"It's Ellenore. She's … she's gone," Severus explained. Quickly, he apprised Dumbledore of the situation. "And Andrea's missing, too. She never returned from Lockhart's party. It's already past one, and she does not make a habit of staying out so long." With growing anxiety he added, "It's clearly an attack. Someone's hexed Tookey to get at Ellenore. We must hurry. The trail is getting cold, and—"

"Severus, I understand," Dumbledore interrupted. "I will alert the staff at once, and we will make an immediate search of the grounds. Depending on what we find, we may have to call in the Ministry. It is bad enough that a child has gone missing, but because it is Ellenore, I am sure the situation will get a lot of attention."

"Headmaster, I'll search the dungeons first—"

"No, Severus. You must stay here. If they find anything, you will want to be with your family."

"But I—"

"No. Stay here with Eileen." Dumbledore sadly patted Severus's hand. "She needs you."

Just then, Tookey made a small squeaking noise as she began to regain consciousness.

Picking her up gently, Dumbledore examined the elf, a frown creasing the wizard's forehead. "She seems to have been hexed quite severely, but she looks like she is coming out of it. Tookey? Are you quite all right?"

"Oooooh," the little elf moaned. "My head. It hurt's awful, Master. And my tongue. It itches." With fearful, tear-filled eyes, she clutched at Dumbledore's robes.

"Do you remember what happened to you?" he asked.

"No, Master. I put the babies to bed and then—"

"Then what, Tookey?" Severus asked impatiently.

With a gulp, she looked up at him, her eyes as huge as tennis balls. "Master, I don't remember. I-I must have fallen asleep. Tookey is sorry, Master. Tookey didn't mean it. Tookey will punish herself—"

"No, I forbid it." Snape frowned in frustration. He was not good at this, but he knew he had to get through to her. Delicately, he laid his hand on the wee elf's shoulder, his other arm still cradling the now sleeping baby. "Do not be frightened," he said speaking as gently as his anxious state would allow. "Simply tell us if you heard or saw anything unusual. Anything at all."

Shaking her head, the little creature clutched at the embroidered pillowcase she was wearing and pulled it up to partially cover her face. It seemed they were getting nowhere.

Dumbledore placed the elf gently down on a pile of quilts in the corner and turned toward Severus. "I will arrange for a few of her friends from the kitchen to come and help her, but more importantly, we will need to get the search party together. Pomona will be here shortly." Seeing the distress in Snape's eyes, Dumbledore added, "Do not worry, Severus, it will not be long. Now I must go. While I am gone, maybe you should sit down. You do not look at all well."

Snape felt his body reel with emotion. The unfamiliar feeling of panic and pain had treacherously taken up residence in his stomach. Determined to remain in control, Severus took a deep breath and closed his eyes. When he had opened them again, Dumbledore had gone. What did the old wizard expect? His wife and daughter were gone, taken from him as easily as the wind sweeps away the leaves of fall. After all that he and Andrea had been through these past two years, to have to endure yet another crisis was pressure almost too great for him to bear. How much could a man take?

Spying the old, wooden rocking chair in the corner of the nursery, Severus decided that, perhaps, he did need to sit down. Using the motion as a way to force his mind and body to maintain control, he lowered himself down, realizing he had never sat there before. It had always been reserved for his wife. The rocker had been a constant pleasure for her, the perfect place to wile away the late nights, waiting for him to come back from the dungeons. It had been a source of pleasure for him as well, being able to watch her nursing the twins, the vision a perfect image of beauty and motherhood.

But his beloved wife and child had been taken from him. Thinking the worst, his heart filled with angst. His features grew ever colder as his mind worked through the episode, compiling facts and sorting through clues. An observer would have thought him a statue, if it weren't for the gentle rocking of the chair and the long, thin fingers that stroked the baby's cheek. Looking down at the small, warm bundle he held firmly in his arms, Severus began to feel a renewed feeling of strength.

It wasn't long before Professor Sprout and the two kitchen elves had taken over, allowing Severus to continue his discussion with Dumbledore. The search had begun in earnest, and from time to time reports could be heard through the Floo as the team moved through the castle, checking every hall and classroom. As the two men waited, Dumbledore sipped a cup of tea that Pomona had prepared. Snape's cup sat untouched on the small table beside him.

"Lockhart," Severus uttered under his breath. "That scoundrel has something to do with this."

"Severus," Dumbledore replied. "There would not have been time. You said yourself that Gilderoy was at the party with Andrea until just a few minutes before the alarm sounded."

Nodding his head, Severus wordlessly agreed, knowing Dumbledore was right. But something just didn't add up. Clearly Lockhart must be responsible – somehow. Why else would the man have taunted him in the hallway?

Or was someone else responsible? Lucius was in the same group of conversationalist that had been entertaining his wife along with Lockhart and several of the fop's friends. There was also the vague possibility that Russell Plover was involved, but the man was still in America. Or had he returned? Severus knew he would need to investigate every possibility.

Pulling Snape away from his thoughts of Plover, Dumbledore began to speculate. "Severus, I believe that Ellenore's disappearance does not bode well. It could mean that the Death Eaters are involved. The information we passed through Siegfried last year has certainly been circulated through their ranks by now. Perhaps they are responsible for this."

"Why?" Snape asked as another waive of panic attacked him. Swallowing hard, he lowered his voice and clarified his question. "Why would they take her?"

"She is a prize, Severus. Think of it. Voldemort's daughter. What loyal Death Eater would not give their life to protect her? But, if that is the answer, and I repeat 'if,' then we can be assured of one thing: no harm would come to her."

"And if the other side is responsible? Some vigilante group of the wizarding world? Could there be such an organization willing to bypass our laws and take things into their own hands?"

"Possibly," the headmaster answered softly, his tone indicating more than his single word answer.

The evil result of that option was too horrible to discuss. The word murder burned in Severus's mind like acid. "But why take only Ellenore? Why not Eileen, too?"

The old wizard stroked his beard as he pondered, the bright, blue eyes glowing dangerously with the reflected light from the fire. "Eileen looks too much like you. It may be that simple."

"You think they chose Ellenore just because she doesn't look like me? You said Tom Riddle had black hair. Doesn't anyone else know that?" Severus asked incredulously.

"It was so long ago, Severus, and he changed his appearance as he became entrenched in the Dark Arts. Remember when you knew him? He had no resemblance to his former self."

It occurred to Severus that this one, hidden fact might well have protected Eileen from harm, at least for the moment, but it was not that simple. Flicking his eyes at Dumbledore, Snape stood up. "I haven't told you this, but Andrea's parents … there's something I have to show you."

Snape arose and approached the bookcase in the corner, retrieving a picture frame from the top shelf. Passing the picture to Dumbledore, he waited silently as the headmaster examined the photo. The portrait was of Andrea and her parents, her mother holding a small baby. The young girl in the photo was easily recognizable as Severus's wife, her long hair even more red than it was now. The small group smiled brightly and waved at the camera, the never-ending scene repeating over and over as it had for over a quarter of a century. It wasn't long before Dumbledore raised his eyebrow, a look of understanding etching his features.

"So you see," Severus explained. "Eileen has just as much chance of being the Dark Lord's child as Ellenore." Taking the photograph back, he shook his head at the figures in the frame. Andrea's dark-haired, brown-eyed father looked back at him with a big smile. He, too, had the same pair of protruding canines as his daughter. Then, his eyes moved to the petite woman at his side. Her light, golden hair flared out with the breeze to reveal her lovely face, marred only by the large, hooked nose so obvious in the sunlight of that day so long ago.

"Severus, it is perception and rumor that will make the difference here. Eileen has been lucky," Dumbledore cautioned. "We shall hope her luck continues."

Just after the mantle clock chimed two, Hagrid entered the wand workshop beyond, his deep voice calling out as he burst though the apartment door. "Outta my way, yeh little creatures," he demanded as two of the house elves scattered. The half-giant was carrying Andrea, her limp form indicating she was unconscious. Her head bobbed loosely to the side, the white silk dress filthy with mud, her appearance like a fallen angel.

"I found her in a ravine," Hagrid said, his black eyes flashing angrily as he described the scene. "She was just lying there, all wet from the rain, right on the edge of the forest, just a wee bit off the footpath. Some evil joker must've tossed her there – like a piece of garbage."

"Quickly. Take her in the bedroom," Severus ordered, his voice barking loudly in the small room. Striding through the door, he lit the candles and the fireplace in one simple swoop of his wand. He then took his wife from Hagrid, cradling her in his arms briefly before setting her gently on the bed.

"Where's Ellenore? Wasn't she with Andrea?" Snape demanded.

"Well, no," Hagrid answered sadly. "There weren't no sign of her at all, professor. I checked all along the path, but I didn't see a thing."

"Then you must go back," Snape demanded, his words sounding thin and tight as he fought the rising fear from creeping into his voice. "You must leave at once. Check the path and the ravine again. You will search every inch of the surrounding forest and the entire Hogwarts grounds until you do find her. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir," Hagrid answered, but the half-giant was not hopeful. Woefully, he looked to Dumbledore for help.

"I agree, Hagrid. You must try. Let us know the minute you find something."

"I will sir. You can depend on that." Grimly, Hagrid turned and made his way out.

Returning his attention to his wife, Severus bent down beside her and gently took her head in his hands. With a gasp, he let out a tortured sound. "Andrea, my Andrea," he groaned. "What have they done to you?"

"Shouldn't we take her to the hospital, Professor?" Pomona asked, her voice full of concern.

"Wait," Snape replied. "She's coming 'round."

"Oh, my head," she croaked weakly. "Where? Where am I?" she asked as both of her hands flew upward, coming to rest on top of Severus's larger ones. Her eyes blinked as she tried to focus.

"Severus," she sighed, the relief flooding her features as she smiled up at him briefly. Then the smile disappeared, and she closed her eyes, a moan escaping her lips. "I'm so dizzy. And my tongue – it's so tingly."

A few steps away, Dumbledore's eyes narrowed. Hadn't Tookey told them a few minutes earlier that she, too, had the same side effect? That her tongue had been left with a tingling sensation?

"I've called Poppy," Professor Sprout announced as she brought over some hot tea. "Here dear, drink a little of this."

After helping Andrea to a sitting position, Severus put the cup to her lips. She took only a small sip.

"Thank you," she whispered weakly as she looked up into her husband's glittering, black eyes. The two exchanged a look of pure love, as brilliant as a sea of stars on a moonless night, the argument of the past week quickly forgotten.

"Severus," Pomona interrupted. "Do you have any hot chocolate? I think that should help."

"No," he answered simply, his eyes remaining fixed on Andrea. "But, perhaps some more tea?"

Nodding, Andrea took another sip and looked strangely at all the people gathered in their bedroom, all of them staring directly at her. With a weak smile she greeted them, a look of puzzlement written plainly on her face. "Hello," she said, and then with the finality of a stage curtain closing at the end of a scene, she shut her eyes and swooned.

Renewing his frown, Severus lowered his wife back onto the pillows.

"Step aside, please," Poppy commanded in her usual manner having just arrived through the Floo. "Let me through." She approached the bed and set up some quick diagnostic spells. After a quick examination, she shook her head.

"How is she?" Snape asked almost fearfully.

"Fine, except that her memory's been tampered with. It must have been a very powerful surge of magic. She seems to be in shock."

"Shall we take her to the hospital wing?" Pomona inquired.

"Yes, I think it would be—"

"Can't I just keep her here tonight?" Severus asked, his tone almost pleading. "I'll keep her comfortable. She's already resting."

"Well, I suppose," Pomona answered reluctantly. "But you must call me at once if anything changes."

"I agree. Let her rest," Dumbledore said kindly. "I believe she's been hexed by the same memory charm that struck Tookey. I don't think she'll be able to provide any more clues, at least not tonight. Why don't we all get some rest?"

"Severus, can you bring her up to see me right away tomorrow morning?"

Severus nodded. Although his face reflected control, his mind was still exploding in alarm. Where was Ellenore? Tortured with a swarm of evil possibilities, Snape's thoughts burned like Fiendfyre across his brain. The stress of worry had rendered his usually keen mind momentarily useless.

After everyone had shuffled out, Dumbledore lingered. "Are you all right?" he asked softly. "Is there anything I can do?"

Wordlessly, Severus shook his head as he forced the pain deep inside. Like a hammer, his mind attacked the anguish that had temporarily numbed his soul. Worry and fear would not bring Ellenore home.

The headmaster had a few last words of warning. "I believe that whoever is responsible for the events this evening is very well versed in the Dark Arts. This memory charm is not an ordinary Oblivination spell. We must keep alert. This is a very dangerous situation, and Eileen may be the next target."

"I will be watchful, Headmaster," Severus promised. "You can be assured of that."

With a tired smile, Dumbledore patted Severus on the shoulder. "Come to my office in the morning after you see to Andrea. I have some ideas, and we need to plan our next move. Try to rest, Severus, tomorrow will be a long day."

With a nod, Snape stood by the entrance until Dumbledore was gone before setting the wards. With a swirl of his wand, he used three different charms just to be safe.

After removing Andrea's dress, Severus cleaned off the mud before tucking her into bed, and then he, too, followed. With a satisfied nod, he saw that she had wrapped herself up tightly in the quilts and was now sleeping soundly. Rest was the best thing for her. But as he lay next to her, Severus couldn't help the urge to hold her. Sliding under the blankets, he wrapped his arms around his wife's waist and pulled her close, his nose rubbing her neck as he smelled her sweet perfume. With a contented sigh, she snuggled up to him in her sleep and reflexively pulled the covers tight around them both.

What a day this had been. Severus wasn't looking forward to tomorrow when Andrea would realize that Ellenore was missing. Although he tried not to wallow in self-pity, the urge overcame his burdened mind. He kept thinking: why me? Why his poor Ellenore? Almost in a dream, he thought about his daughter, her sweet disposition and her little, bald head with the blond, peach fuzz. Was he really her father? Why did everyone have to think she was the Dark Lord's? But in the end did it really matter? The twins were his now, and he would do everything in his power to protect them. Nothing would ever be certain, but Severus held one truth in his heart: he loved his precious girls.

A/N: Another trial for our lovers. Poor Ellenore. Comments are always welcome, so send me a review if you have time. A special thanks to my beta Fainting Fancies and also to my reviewers: chronicxxinsanity and Wendy Waddles.