Author's Notes – A thousand apologies for the length between updates. In June, I will be moving cross country, so I'm busy getting ready for that, and the time I have for writing is shrinking. Worse, I had a difficult time writing this chapter. While I knew I wanted to get from point A to point B, it took me a long time to devise a way to do it. Hope it doesn't feel too contrived. Thanks for your patience!

A special thank you to Very Small Prophet, AvadaK3, aurorianskies, Siriusly Insane chick, FleurSuoh and Rumour of an Alchemist for reviewing the last chapter. Wow, I don't think I've ever had that much feedback on one chapter before. Thank you also to everyone reading and putting this story on favorites or alerts. I have been pleasantly surprised by the interest in it. I hope you enjoy the new chapter, and I promise I will update as soon as I can.


Severus Snape hated many things in life, and ignorance was at the top of the list. He had always believed ignorance to be the sign of a lazy mind. Ignorance was dangerous. As a student, ignorance earned you the ridicule of your peers. As a teacher, their contempt. As a spy, it could get you killed. As Rose Potter's guardian, it was well on its way to driving him mad.

"Poppy? Poppy? POPPY!"

"Merlin's beard, Severus! What has gotten into you? Keep your voice down or you'll wake up my . . . patient? Where is Draco?"

Out of breath, Severus glared at the school matron. "Actually, Madame, I am more interested in learning the location of Miss Gamp."

"Helena? Her parents took her away last night. Poor child, in the rush to pack, she couldn't find her familiar. Draco promised he'd put a notice on the board and inform her if anyone found that cute little poodle.

"You are certain she left the castle?"

Madame Pomfrey looked at him as if he'd sprouted wings. "Of course I'm certain, Severus. Albus personally escorted the Gamps to the train station in Hogsmeade. I would have informed you, but he said you needed your sleep. Why? Is something wrong?"

"Nothing," he lied with practiced ease. "I simply wished to bid her farewell and express my regret that her time at Hogwarts was not what it should have been."

"Oh, that's very kind of you. I'm sure she'd appreciate a letter. She asked about you before she left."

"I'll do that, of course." Relieved that the young girl was safe even if her dog had not fared as well, Snape abruptly shifted gears. "You say Draco is missing?"

Suddenly, Poppy looked uncomfortable. "Not missing, per se. I told Draco he was well enough to go back to his dorm. I simply thought that after his father's visit last night, he might have wanted to spend some extra time here resting."

"Lucius was here?"

The usually kindhearted witch made a grimace of distaste. "Unfortunately. He appeared an hour after you left. He seemed quite upset that Narcissa hadn't informed him of Draco's injuries. Worse, he told Draco that it was his own fault that he had been injured in the first place. He told him he had no business being out of the castle last night and that he deserved everything he got."

Although technically true, Severus wished he could have been there to defend Draco against his father. The man was cruel and vicious and . . . . Wait. Narcissa hadn't told him. Did that mean Albus had contacted him personally? He mentally added that to the list of everything he needed to discuss with the Headmaster—again.

"Thank you for the information, Poppy. Next time, however, please inform me immediately if any of my students' parents visit them in the Hospital Wing."

She flushed. "Certainly, Severus. I knew you would have liked to have been informed, but Professor Dumbledore had a point. You did need your rest. Though, I should have contacted you regardless."

"See that you do."

Preoccupied, he answered in a manner that was far more like the old Severus than the man he had become since rescuing Rose. The Potions Master wasn't even aware of the hurt look on the compassionate school matron's face as he left the Hospital Wing. His mind had already shifted gears as he anticipated his meeting with Albus.


"Chocolate Frog."

Standing on the guarded staircase as it wound its way up to the Headmaster's office, Severus didn't know how to begin the conversation with Dumbledore. He felt as if he stood on the edge of a precipice during a ferocious storm. His mind swirled with clues and portents and possibilities, but try as he might, he could make no sense of the attacks on Rose. He knew he needed the Headmaster's help; he just hated having to ask for it.

Walking unannounced into the eclectic office, Severus noticed the lack of food first. It seemed that Albus always had a tray of sweets or a handful of candy at the ready, but now there was nothing, not even a steaming pot of tea on his desk. Secondly, his robes were gray, tinged with only a hint of silver along the edges. For Dumbledore this was practically funeral attire. The most disturbing sight, however, was not the imposing wizard's appearance or lack of treats; it was the presence of the visitor standing forbiddingly in front of his desk, his walking stick pointed at Dumbledore as if it were a weapon.

He quickly took the offensive. "I know they say the wand makes the wizard, Lucius, but is it really necessary to compensate for your obvious deficits by wielding one quite that large?"

Incensed, the elder Malfoy whipped around, not a single wisp of his blond hair flying out of place as his lips curled into an ugly grin.

"Ah, the cripple. I was just telling Albus that the Board of Governors wished to discuss the competency of certain Hogwarts instructors. Your name, of course, came up frequently."

"I'm sure it did," he answered coolly before ignoring his former ally. "Headmaster, I came to discuss a matter of some urgency. However, I see that you are otherwise engaged. Is there a time when it would be more convenient to meet?"

Dumbledore smiled benignly as if there wasn't a lethal level of tension in the room. "Your timing, as always, is impeccable, Severus. Mr. Malfoy was just leaving. Make yourself comfortable while I show him to the door."

From the expression on Lucius Malfoy's face, it was clear he didn't appreciate his abrupt departure or the reason for his leave taking. Though he walked with Dumbledore, his eyes never left Snape's. Severus, for his part, kept his wand at the ready until the disagreeable wizard was out the door and down the stairs.

Returning to his seat, the Headmaster's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Well, my boy, you certainly do know how to make an entrance. Though, I must say, I appreciate your rescue. His ranting was becoming tedious."

"I can imagine, although I am curious to know the topic."

Leaning back, the older wizard chuckled. "I'm surprised you haven't already guessed. Indeed, it was you, Severus. When I told Lucius that I had no intention of replacing you as the Slytherin Head of House, he became rather upset."

He should have seen that one coming. Really, he couldn't blame Lucius for asking that he be replaced. He blamed himself for everything that had led to Helena Gamp's withdrawal from the school. If he had been paying closer attention to his students, perhaps he could have ferreted out those who had wished her ill before she had been bullied into leaving for Beauxbatons.

"It is not an unreasonable request, Headmaster. I failed to anticipate the level of animosity towards Miss Gamp in her own House, and I did nothing to stop it from escalating."

"Miss Gamp's torment was indeed unfortunate, my boy, but I doubt Minerva, or Filius would have handled it much differently. Besides, Lucius was not here to protest your actions in regard to Miss Gamp. He specifically said that you are a bad influence on his son."

"I see." And, he did. Draco had been acting strangely all year. Twice now, he had risked his life to save Rose. It was not the type of behavior of which a supposedly reformed Death Eater would approve.

"Did you have something you wished to discuss with me? Or did you invent that for my sake?"

Ill at ease, the Potions Master paced the cluttered office. "I am in need of advice, Albus. Though I am loath to admit it, I find myself preoccupied with these attacks on Rose."

Unexpectedly, the Headmaster glanced at a clock he kept on his desk. "Perhaps this is not the best time. Shouldn't you be in class in fifteen minutes?

His pace quickened. "I have already written the assignment on the board. It has no practical component. And, Madame Hooch has promised me that she will oversee the class."

"Rolanda? Well, she does have a free period this morning. By all means, continue."

"I simply cannot determine Black's motives, Albus, and without understanding his aim, I fear for Rose's safety and the safety of the rest of the school. He must be stopped before he attacks again."

"I agree that time is running out. The escalation of the attacks is troubling. However, I fear I have no more insight than you."

Snape wanted to see Albus' reaction to his newest tidbit of information before he informed him that Grim was still alive. He wasn't going to allow Rose to be used as bait twice. "Lupin all but admitted that Grim was Black's familiar."

He had expected surprise, shock or perhaps disappointment that the wolf hadn't confided in him, but Severus was not prepared for the look of vindication on the wizard's face.

"If true, then Black could have killed Rose a long time ago. I've always suspected that he was innocent."

"Innocent or not, he tried to kill Rose last night."

"Did he?"

Snape hated it when Dumbledore played Socrates. For once he wanted answers, not more questions. Well, two could play at that game.

"If not Black, then who?"

Once more, he was thrust into the position of a student who had just pleased his teacher. The Headmaster's eyes lit up.

"That is the key, is it not? Who is trying to kill Rose if not Sirius Black? Who knows enough to use Black as a cover?"

Damn the man! Why couldn't he simply speak his mind? "Albus, there are too many people who wish Rose dead to count. How can I determine the who if I cannot determine the why?"

The older wizard stood and patted him fondly on the shoulder. "Severus, I don't say this often enough, but you are truly a remarkable young wizard. Your deductive reasoning is unsurpassed. I have every confidence that you will puzzle this out."

With that, the Headmaster ushered his Potions Master out of his office. Only when he was standing in the hallway did Snape realize the speed with which Dumbledore had accepted Black's innocence. Had the manipulative old coot known it all along? Or was he merely grasping at straws as a salve to his conscience? Rose could have been killed last night along with his two Slytherins, all because Albus felt confident enough to use her as bait for Black.

Fuming, he left his meeting with more questions than answers.


"Severus! Severus Snape! Just where do you think you're going?"

Startled, the Potions Master paused on steps leading down to the dungeons. A red-faced Minerva McGonagall raced to catch up.

"I was going to my classroom, Minerva, as should you. Lessons begin in five minutes."

Then why did you ask Rolanda to substitute for you? I have been waiting for you in my office. Rose hasn't spoken once since seeing that poor dog. I'm going to have to send her to Poppy if she doesn't respond soon. She's had a horrible shock! It isn't like you to ignore her like this."

"Damn it, Minerva! I am not ignoring her! I have been trying to protect her! But, I cannot accomplish that until I know who is trying to hurt her. Take her to Madame Pomfrey if you must, but I must think!"

"Think? What do you need to think about, Severus? Sirius Black is trying his best to kill her. And, when he couldn't, he decided to terrorize her instead. Now, you march up to my office and forget about this nonsense that there is some mystery to all this and go help that poor child grieve for the loss of your dog."

He sneered at the stern witch. "Do you honestly believe that Black would scrawl out a threat written in blood and not bother to spell it correctly?"

She sniffed disdainfully, more than willing to stand up to his scorn. "Sirius Black spent almost twelve years in Azkaban. I'd be surprised he could spell his own name by now, much less care about making a good impression on a note written on a wall, Severus. Maybe it's time you stop looking for plots and accept the fact that Black nearly killed both of you last night."

"Fine," he ground out. Let's accept for the sake of argument that Black is the one behind all the attacks. Why Rose? Why now? Hagrid says he could have killed Rose at Godric's Hollow, but he didn't. Why wait twelve years in Azkaban only to escape to kill her now?"

Irritably, she shook her finger at him. "Why? There doesn't have to be a why, Severus! You might as well ask why he attacked Peter Pettigrew so viciously that the only part of his body they retrieved was his finger!"

"What?"

In that moment of clarity, he could hear the beating of his heart as it pounded against his chest. It suddenly all made sense. Lupin's obvious grief over the supposed death of a stray. The picture of the Weasleys in the Daily Prophet. The phrase, 'he's at Hogwarts'. The rat scurrying in the dungeons. And, above all, Rose's voice as she informed him that Weasely's pet was missing part of his right paw, much like a human might be missing a finger.

In the midst of his epiphany, his heart grew cold as a memory of Rose bubbled to the surface.

". . . . Scabbers gives me the creeps. I keep seeing him in odd places, almost like he's following me or something. I wish Ron hadn't brought his pet to Hogwarts in the first place."

And, there it was, the last piece of the puzzle. There was the reason why Black would have entered the boy's dormitory instead of the girl's. But far worse was the thought that Peter Pettigrew was might be desperate enough by now to try anything to escape Black's vengeance. He had been stalking Rose for months. There was no telling what he would do when truly backed into a corner.

"Severus, are you quite alright? You look a little pale."

He blinked, and his vision cleared. Minerva stood by his side, no longer angry. Instead, she gripped his elbow, worry etched into the wrinkles of her face.

Still in a daze, he replied woodenly. "Repeat your last words to me."

His apparent disconnect from reality must have frightened her. She put the backside of her hand on his forehead, searching for signs of fever before she attempted to lead him to the Hospital Wing.

"I said you look a little pale. Why don't you have a lie down while Poppy takes a look at you?"

"Not that," he snapped, finally pulling himself together. "I asked you to repeat the part about Pettigrew."

"What? That all they retrieved of his body was the index finger of his right hand? I thought everyone knew that."

"Not everyone." This time, he gripped her arms, willing her to pay attention. "Listen to me, Minerva. Rose is in danger this very minute. Do not leave her side. I'm going to follow up on some new information. I'll tell you everything as soon as I return, but for now, you must inform Mr. Filch that all rats in Hogwarts are to be killed. This is vitally important. And tell him to keep the carcasses for me. Can you do that?"

"Severus, I really think you should visit the Hospital Wing."

"How many times must I tell you? I am not feverish! Listen to me! Rose is in danger. You must do as I ask or she or one of her friends is going to get hurt."

Loosening his grip, he ran upstairs to the main floor, leaving McGonagall sputtering on the stairs.

"But, Severus! Rose needs you here! What shall I tell her?"

"Tell her that I've gone to find Grim!"

And, with that, he sprinted outside.


Jogging to Hagrid's hut, Snape ignored the stares of the first year Care of Magical Creatures students and Hagrid's demand to know what was wrong. He slowed to a walk as he entered the Forbidden Forest, stopping once the trees grew thick enough to mask his position.

With a brief pang of regret, he summoned yet another roast from the kitchens, promising himself to apologize to the house elves at some point. Wand at the ready, he walked deeper into the forest quietly calling for his dog. Only, if he were correct, his dog wasn't a dog at all. He should have known the Marauders would have been arrogant enough to attempt to become Animagus on their own. He wondered what form James had taken; much as he wished it, he doubted the prig had taken the form of an ass.

"Grim! Grim! Here, boy!"

Sure enough, a large black mutt came loping to his side. Snape couldn't bring himself to pet the creature now that he suspected what it was, but he did muster enough enthusiasm to toss the roast about ten feet away. When Grim began to eat, he pulled out his wand. He would know one way or the other very soon.

His hands were shaking, hardly surprising considering the circumstances. His emotions were pinging between a murderous rage and abject terror. Grim had been a cherished confidant, but the thought of telling the same secrets to Black mortified him. As a teenager, Black had done his best to kill him. Grim had saved his life. How could he reconcile the two?

There was a part of him that didn't want to know. It would be so much easier to pretend that Grim was nothing more than a loyal stray. But, in so doing, he would never find the answers to his questions, questions that could save Rose. As much as it pained him to admit it, he needed Black.

Taking a deep breath, Severus slowly exhaled. He had tricked the Dark Lord, spied for Dumbledore, taught the seemingly unteachable year after year. He could face the man who had tormented him during the most difficult period of his life. He was no longer that scarred kid who had wanted so desperately to fit in. He had grown, matured, he—hell, he was stalling. If he didn't hurry, Grim would finish his breakfast and return to his lair in the forest.

The spell to return an Animagus to his human form wasn't nearly as complicated as the magic required to turn a wizard into an Animagus. With a few flicks of his wand, Severus sent the spell hurtling at Grim. For an instant, nothing happened. The dog continued to eat, and Snape spent an extra half second hoping he had jumped to the wrong conclusion.

Then, the body of the dog lengthened; the fur shrank; the nose shortened into something much more human. The transfiguration finally complete, Severus took time to study his adolescent nemesis, taking great pleasure in the fact that Black continued to eat kneeling on all fours, much like the dog he had become.

The fugitive was lanky to the point of being underweight. In fact, if he were any skinnier, he would have been skeletal. No wonder he had returned for the food time and again. His hair was as black as he remembered, but instead of it falling in wavy locks, it was tangled, dirty and matted. He ate with the intensity of the starving, scarcely understanding that he was no longer a dog.

Finally, however, Black noticed something had changed and took a long look at his hands, which were mud stained and dirty. When the wizard finally met Severus' gaze, there was more than a hint of madness and desperation in his eyes. Snape didn't care. He was enjoying his humiliation far too much.

"Give me one good reason not to kill you."