Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns all public characters, and the world of Harry Potter. There is no intention to violate copyright.


Wedding - Mr. Nordheim - Meeting her Father

Thursday, July 08, 1999

The link told me nothing of Potter's feelings. Was the youth in shock? He stared at me for several minutes without saying anything, and he gave no insight into his thoughts. If only the bond allowed me to use Legilimency on the Master. Binky quivered in fear, and I rested a hand on her head to offer comfort.

Our one-eared house elf waited for Potter's verdict, and I believe she expected death. The youth inhaled over an extended length of time, and I braced myself for his judgement. Instead, he turned from us and left the room to rejoin the others. Binky's tears saturated her towel, but I felt numbed by his response.

Did my actions destroy our relationship? Would he ever forgive me? Why didn't the youth understand the necessity for Ando's death? The man thought nothing of using the Imperius on everyone at the party, and his lack of concern indicated a normal pattern of behaviour. This alone made him more dangerous than Voldemort. His treatment of Rosmerta may have triggered my anger, but logic demanded his removal. Was he the Northern Dark Lord?

A laboured gasp gained my attention, and I noticed Binky's worsening anxiety. Why would he leave her in this state? His lack of response worsened the situation, and I wondered if he realised how it affected her. Circumstances caused him to mature faster than normal children, but his family's neglect prevented development of needed social skills.

Perhaps, others would say the same of me. I lowered myself to the ground, and placed an arm around the miserable creature's shoulders. "Binky, you did the right thing. I encouraged him to enter the forbidden forest, and I hoped for his death. Mr. Potter's responses created the illusion that he had the same ambition."

The little elf sniffed, and ran an arm under her nose. "Binky no can lie. Bad wizard attack masters. Magic creatures protect Guardian and King. Binky tell Circle." They kept informed of events in the wizarding world, and I suspected she spoke of a communication system unknown to humans. "Circle order execution. Magic creatures kill bad wizard. Master Severus not responsible."

Humans considered themselves the masters of magic, but we had much to learn. "Your actions please me." The little creature gave me a watery smile, and rubbed at her eye. "Why would they allow Voldemort to live? His actions threatened everyone, and he attempted to kill Harry Potter on several occasions."

Binky sniffled and wiped her nose on the towel. Mine wrinkled in disgust, but a snap of her fingers cleaned the material. "Voldemort very bad wizard. Humans manage this Realm. Magic Creatures not interfere. Master Harry not Guardian when bad snake man attack."

Potter hated the attention, and I suspect he would feel uncomfortable knowing how magical creatures protected him. "Do you plan to destroy everyone who attacks the Guardian?"

The elf gazed at me with saddened eyes. "Binky not allowed. Binky tell Circle. They make decision." The information caused me to reconsider our situation, and my gaze drifted while I attempted to understand what it meant. A tug on my robe returned my attention to the elf. "Dark King and Guardian highest magic authority. Circle serves you. Binky happy to protect!"

Goblin and elf magic surpassed that of the most powerful wizard, and I always wondered why they never retaliated against human cruelty. They accepted our species as the rightful rulers of this realm. Magical creatures tolerated the restrictions placed upon them, but they followed their own leadership. Potter and I noticed a change in their behaviour towards us, and Binky confirmed our suspicions.

Our conversation helped her relax, and it gave me needed insight. My Slytherin side delighted in the promised power, but the bloody Gryffindor would never allow me to use it. My gaze landed on the door. What were Potter's plans? His obvious disapproval unnerved me, and I wondered if he would deny my marriage to Rosmerta?

The door stayed the same no matter how long I stared. I needed to muster the courage to leave this room. A soft pop announced Binky's departure, and left me alone to consider the situation. Could the link offer insight into his thoughts? Potter often closed his eyes to commune with it, and I attempted to do the same. The link stayed silent, and I tried to ignore everything else while I concentrated. The Master's emotions flitted through at a rapid pace, as if he experienced everything at once. He had not gotten over his shock.

Several minutes passed before I managed to isolate his dominant emotions. Guilt overwhelmed all others, but I also sensed disgust and anger mixed with fear. Did I lose his trust? A sound outside grabbed my attention, and my eyes snapped to the wooden door. A hesitant step caused the table to press against me, and my hands flew back to grip its edge. What if he found me unworthy?

I was not ready to face the Master, but the bond warned me of his arrival. It took longer than usual for him to open the door, and I wondered what that meant. Potter once viewed me as the bravest man he ever knew, but today he learned the darker truth.

My lungs screamed for air, but I couldn't breathe. Potter stepped inside, and closed the door behind him. Severus Snape feared nothing, but the thought of his rejection terrified me. My gaze fell to the floor. A hesitant breath quietened the demands of my lungs while I waited for the awful words I dreaded to hear. "McGonagall needs you at Hogwarts." Those were not them, but his voice sounded hollow.

My stomach clenched when the Master left. It took a few minutes to organise my thoughts, and I reset the wards before returning to the party. People spoke of being dominated, and I noticed Potter on the floor beside an unconscious Gedion. The youth never acknowledged me, and I knew my worst fears had come true. He found me unworthy.

A forced inhalation strengthened me, and I donned my emotionless mask. McGonagall called less than thirty minutes after the man's death, and I wondered what she knew. My gaze lingered on Potter, but I sensed nothing. He felt my pain, but he no longer cared. I knew better than to expose myself to another. The evil within deserved no better, and I dreaded losing Rosmerta.

My gaze fell from the Master, and I left for Hogwarts. McGonagall rose from her desk when I entered the office, and she stared at me. Her eyes filled with concern, and I attempted to strengthen my emotionless mask. "You wanted to see me, Headmistress?"

"Indeed, I have several questions I hope you can answer." Her brows furrowed, and she directed my attention to a man standing in the alcove. "Mr. Olafson, of the Northern Ministry floo'd here looking for Mr. Ando Nordheim. I contacted Mr. Potter, but he said the man returned to Hogwarts. Our wards say otherwise. Severus, do you know where he is?"

"I have my suspicions." Olafson unnerved me with his intense gaze, but occlumency kept a firm grip on my emotions. McGonagall urged me to continue. "The man questioned us about the Forbidden Forest. He had a particular interest in unicorns." Her eyes widened in understanding.

Olafson tipped his head at me, and I gave him my attention. "Professor Snape, would you please escort me through the forest? I am here on an urgent matter."

McGonagall gave me a pinched smile when I agreed. "Severus, wait for Professor Hagrid. I will have him meet with you."

How could she think me afraid of the forest? I apparated from there when the Dark Lord summoned his Death Eaters. "I see no reason to disturb him."

"Nevertheless, I will send for him." The sternness in her voice ended further argument.

"If you insist." Why must she interfere?

Olafson smirked at our exchange, and asked of McGonagall. "Who is Professor Hagrid, and how is he involved?"

McGonagall's stern gaze moved from me, and landed on the Northern wizard. "He monitors the creatures in the forest and protects our students from its dangers. He knows it better than anyone else." I did not need his protection!

The man received a grunt, and I strode towards the door. "Tell Hagrid to meet us."

We hastened through the Entrance Hall, and came to an abrupt halt when the main doors flew open. The great oaf stepped inside carrying a bloodied bundle in his arms. "Professor, look whit fang discovered in th' forest." My gaze fell on the bundle, and I feigned an interest in his discovery. The half-giant saved me from having to play tour guide.

Olafson starred at Hagrid, and faltered in his step. "What did you find?"

Hagrid scowled at the bloody bundle, and continued walking through the hall. "I'm needin' ter tak' him ter poppy. I've ne'er seen anythin' lik' it. He must have angered dozens o' creatures. Yeh don't see them attacking in large numbers, unless someone was up ter no good." He gave me a blood spattered wand. "This belongs ter him."

Olafson held out his hand, and I passed it to him. He cast spells on the wand to name its owner while I spoke with Hagrid. A whoop startled me, and I spun on my heel to see Olafson give the ground a victorious kick. "This confirms our suspicions, but I need a healer to verify his death." I paused to send a patronus to the Headmistress, and I suspected she had several questions.

How many people overcame the Imperius from that man's demise? Hagrid shouldered the bloody bundle, and moved with haste towards the infirmary. Poppy directed him towards a metal bed, and a loud whoosh announced McGonagall's arrival by floo. We watched while the mediwitch removed the dead man's robes.

Several gasps mixed into one, and then silence. We stared at the corpse in horror. The man suffered dozens of bites, and no two looked the same. They varied in shape and size. He had wide gashes, punctures, and scratches. Insect stingers stuck in lumps of reddened skin. Venom dripped from a wound on his right calf, and I realised he died before the poison could enter his system. Poppy shook her head and muttered, "Never have I seen this."

McGonagall glanced at me, and turned her attention to the half-giant. "Hagrid, what happened out there? What caused this?" I hoped she would never tell Potter what she saw.

The bloodied corpse received another scowl from the bushy-haired man. "Thay were protecting something."

Olafson cast a binding spell on the corpse, and smiled at Hagrid. "That matters not, my friend. This man deserved a fate much worse than he received, and the world can now rest with his death." He turned his attention to me. "Where can I find Mr. Nordheim? I need to take him in for questioning."

Curious glances fell my way, and I pushed strands of hair from my face. "He collapsed at Prince Manor."

The Northern official scrawled my answer on a piece of parchment, and readied the quill to write more. "Do you know why?"

The others listened to our conversation, and they strained to hear my answer. "Perhaps, he suffered brain damage from exposure to the Imperius curse over an extended... period."

Olafson's eyes narrowed on me in suspicion. "What do you know of the Imperius?"

My left brow rose at the man's question, and I grunted in response. What could I tell the Dunderhead that the world didn't already know? McGonagall glared at me when I refused to answer. I suppose, she wanted to diffuse the situation when she spoke. "Professor Snape spied on Voldemort while serving as a member of his inner circle. Few others posses his knowledge on such matters."

The middle-aged official glanced at me. Her answer satisfied him, and he spoke with less urgency. "How can I contact Mr. Potter?"

At least he didn't ask me to speak with the youth. "Floo Prince Manor. The elves will find him."

Olafson left to make the call, and he returned a few minutes later. "I couldn't reach Mr. Potter, but the elves said he took Mr. Nordheim to St. Mungo's. They admitted him, and you have my thanks for your help in this matter. The Northern Ministry will send a healer for his questioning." He glanced at McGonagall and asked, "May I take the corpse?"

The man handed her a parchment, and he waited while she read. "Indeed, Mr. Olafson. You have the needed permissions."

Olafson cast Petrificus Totalus on the corpse, and levitated it into the fireplace. What did he fear? He tossed the powder, called his destination, and wrapped his arms around the bloodied flesh. "May all your ventures end in success." He left before anyone could respond.

The others started to talk at once, and I turned on my heel to leave. The soft clack of a woman's boot followed me from the infirmary, but I chose to ignore it. We rounded the corner, and travelled halfway through the next hall when she caught up with me. "Severus, you already knew Mr. Nordheim suffered from the Imperius. Did Ando cast it on you?"

The astute old witch understood me too well. "Indeed, but the bond wouldn't allow it."

She placed a loving hand on my lower arm, and gazed into my eyes. "The creatures protected you and Mr. Potter."

My silent nod confirmed her statement, and she offered me a genuine smile. "Sleep well, Severus."

"You too, Minerva."


Pre-Wedding Jitters

Potter would return soon, and I didn't want to face him. How could he not understand the need for our actions? The fireplace roared at my entry, and it banished the chill from our suite. The bottle of firewhiskey almost tempted me, but I remembered Potter's restriction on drinking. Would he even care if the bond demanded his attention? My gaze landed on the bottle, and I considered my alternatives.

If I drank, he would have to deal with my disobedience. That would force him to acknowledge me, but what if he ignored the bond? I suspected it would not prove fatal, but I would know what he thought of me. My hand reached for the bottle, but I decided against it.

Stress caused the withdraw symptoms to intensify, and I felt a slight tremor in my hands. I already had an extra dosage of my alertness potion, and it would not please Poppy if I returned for a third one today. Sleep would help with that. I retired to my room, but it no longer existed. In its place stood another with a large canopy bed, and it had a wardrobe in the corner. What did Potter do? I glanced inside the cupboard and found my clothes, but nothing of Rosmerta's.

Did she leave? Panic squeezed at my heart, and I fled from the room. I ran to our fireplace, and floo'd to Prince Manor. None interrupted my frenzied dash to our suite, but Binky heard my scream when I discovered her things missing. Why did Rosmerta leave without saying anything?

Occlumency kept the tears from my eyes, but I could not hold the emotionless mask. Anger gave me the needed control, and I scowled at the one eared elf. "What do you want?"

Binky took a fearful step back. "Rosmerta not leave Master Severus!"

My breath hitched-did I dare believe her? "Tell me... everything."

Binky gave a vigorous nod of her head to convince me that she wanted to do exactly as I asked. "Mistress Rosmerta's Father come to Manor. Binky not want trouble for Master Severus and Mistress Rosmerta. We set chastity wards. Binky give her new bedroom."

The elves did this? Anger dominated my emotions, and air hissed through my teeth while I glared at Binky. That's the last emotion Potter needed to feel from me. Did he return from St. Mungo's? The little elf whimpered at the force of my anger, and I realised they acted in my best interest. It took a few minutes to calm myself, but I managed the task. "I approve of your actions, Binky. Send me an owl if you ever do that again."

A smile spread across her face, and her head almost touched the floor when she bowed. I'll never understand how they did that without falling. "Binky happy to serve Master Severus!" The little elf vanished with a pop, and I left for Hogwarts. Did Potter know of my angered burst? I suppose, the boy would think I plotted to kill another.


Gedion Nordheim - Friday, July 09, 1999

An owl waited for me at the breakfast table, and I recognised the handwriting without having to remove it from the bird. Why would he send this? My gaze landed on the scroll, and I released the magical bindings that attached it to the creature's leg. The owl grabbed my proffered sausage, raised its beak, and gulped. It nudged my hand for another, and I gave the greedy bird what it wanted.

Events from last night ran through my mind while I gazed at the unopened scroll. It would have to wait until after my tea. I loaded the cup with sugar, and it cooled while I stared at the parchment. Zincky brought a variety of biscuits, and I nibbled them. The fifth cup emptied the pot, and I sipped it until the tea turned cold. My hand reached for the scroll, and my heart clenched with dread when I unrolled it.

Take Rosmerta to see her father at St. Mungos.

The youth's detention sounded less painful than his command, and I wondered why he sent an owl. He had to floo here for his punishment. Potter mentioned nothing of my wedding, and I hoped that meant we could continue. Why wouldn't he talk about last night? My actions startled him, but he should have dealt with it by now. How weak was he?

The portal door cracked open, and I sensed my Master's presence. I rose from the table and clasped my hands before me. My head tilted in a respectful gesture which he ignored. The youth walked past me into his bedroom, and returned a few minutes later. The link told me nothing. "Rosmerta and the other women are decorating the Manor for your wedding."

The bond sensed Potter's discontent, and forced me to show more submissiveness. "Master, I will take her to Mr. Nordheim this afternoon." The youth nodded, and left the suite without another word. Relief saturated the link. The Master felt my earlier anxiety, and he came to calm my fears about the wedding. It's obvious he still wanted nothing to do with me, but I hoped that would change.

Noon came too quick for my personal liking. I needed to tell Rosmerta about her family, but where would I begin? Oh, by the way, I killed your uncle. I had your uncle killed? No, neither of those sounded right. It needed careful wording, because she made me promise not to harm them.

Potter said they were in the large banquet hall, but he never told me where that was. It took ten minutes to find the bloody room, and Binky stopped me from entering. "Master Severus not go in there."

My eyebrows rose into my hairline, and I stared down at the little elf. "Is that so?"

Binky grinned at me and gave an exaggerated nod. "Mistress Rosmerta tell Binky. No men allowed. Master Severus not go in there."

Imagine, walking in on a room filled with women; the thought caused me to shudder. "Tell Rosmerta that I need to speak with her on an urgent matter."

Binky's eyes widened, and she gave me a firm nod before I heard the light pop of her apparition. That elf amused me. My patience began to wane after five minutes, but I had to keep my temper. This conversation would prove difficult enough without adding to it. A light giggle drew my attention to the door, and I stared in disbelief. Did that come from my fiancé?

A few seconds later I had my answer. Rosmerta stepped through the door with confetti in her hair, and a string made of foam. What did women do at these parties? She sauntered towards me, and wrapped her arms around my waist. "Hiya, Honey, what's so urgent?" My neck craned, and I attempted to see if anyone else heard her greeting. "No peeking, Severus."

Her reprimand amused me, and I pressed our lips together. My embrace pulled her closer, and I spoke in a whisper. "Rosmerta, we need to visit someone at St. Mungo's."

She slid from my grasp and gazed into my eyes, as if she could read me. "Is it Potter?" My head shook, but I stayed silent. "What have you not told me?"

Rosmerta's golden hair held my attention, and my fingers swept a lock behind her ear. "Not here, we need to speak of this in private."

She leaned in for another kiss, and motioned to the room behind her. "Give me a moment to let them know I'm leaving. Would you like to meet in the common area of our bedroom?"

My head nodded, and then I remembered the wards. An amused huff escaped, and I smirked at the woman. "Where did you sleep last night?" She looked at me with an innocent expression that meant the opposite, and I knew not to ask. "The chastity wards won't allow it."

Rosmerta's eyes widened, and she lowered her voice to match mine. "When did Potter cast them?"

"We have company staying here for the wedding," I explained, and she offered me a solemn nod. "Nobody occupies the main sitting room."

The beautiful blonde grumbled and glanced over her shoulder. "Those priggish chastity rules prevent us from having true privacy. I'll meet you there in a few minutes." Rosmerta pivoted without waiting for my response, and she returned to the banquet hall. Would she know if I peeked?

I went to the main sitting room where I cast the needed privacy spells. Rosmerta entered before I could retake my seat, and I motioned for her to join me on the sofa. "We had an unexpected visit last night from House Nordheim."

Terror crossed Rosmerta's face, and her eyes darted around the room before she scrunched herself into the cushions. Arms wrapped around her knees, and she pulled them to her chest. "Severus, let's get out of here! We can talk at the tavern." I tried to offer her comfort with my embrace, but she batted away my arm. "Those priggish rules don't allow that."

"Nobody will see," I tried to explain, but she shrugged out of my arms.

Rosmerta glanced between the door and the fireplace while she fidgeted on the couch. I tried to calm her, but she pulled away. She gave an exaggerated shake of her head and spoke with a harsh whisper, "Severus, you don't understand. My uncle did not come here to wish us happiness. He will do anything he can to stop our wedding."

I had to tell her, but I needed to word it carefully. "Rosmerta, you have nothing to fear from your uncle." She shook her head to disagree, and I blurted the reason. "He died last night."

"WHAT did YOU do?" She demanded in a volume higher than I expected.

Her shouts startled me, and I pressed against the back of the couch while I gaped at my enraged fiancé. Rosmerta's gaze hardened, and I managed to close my mouth. Perhaps, I should have worded that better. "He went to hunt unicorns, and magical creatures attacked him. They killed him Rosmerta."

Please don't let her friends walk in on us. A quick glance at the door assured me of our privacy, and I waited for her response. She folded her arms and narrowed her eyes in accusation. "Tell me everything, Severus. I know you too well to believe there is nothing more to the story."

Her constant interruptions made it difficult, but I intended to hide nothing. "He cast the Imperius Curse on everyone at the Party without using a wand or words. The man showed a tremendous confidence in his ability, and I suspected he used it often. The bond would not allow him to cast it on us."

Rosmerta stared in bewilderment, and motioned for me to continue. "The man's talents made him immune to authority, and no prison could hold him once he cast Imperius on the guards. His actions made him dangerous." I told her of his interest in the Forbidden Forest, and his fears of unicorns breaking our Imperius.

Her eyebrows rose, and I knew she suspected I held something from her. My hands gave hers a gentle squeeze when I looked into her eyes. "Rosmerta, I misled him into thinking the forest held no danger."

She sat quiet for a minute, and it tempted me to use Legilimency. Tears glistened in her eyes when she gazed into mine. "I understand, Severus. You had no choice, and I'm glad you managed the task without drawing suspicion. How did you get the magical creatures to kill him?"

I stroked the back of her hand before I tried to answer the question. "They see me as their King, and Potter as the Guardian. Dozens attacked him to protect us." Her lips formed a question, so I answered. "Our house elves told them without my needing to ask."

"What about my Father?" Rosmerta averted her gaze, and I suspected she didn't want to hear the answer.

She turned from me with a sniffle, and I gave her back a gentle rub. "Your Uncle's death broke every Imperius Curse he ever cast-Gedion fell unconscious. Rosmerta, he used it on your father." Tears cascaded down her cheeks, and I wondered if she thought of the time Draco used it on her.

Rosmerta accepted my embrace, and leaned against my chest. "Severus, do you think..." I knew she would ask this question, but I waited for her to finish. She paused, and inhaled before she tried again. "When he accused me of seducing my uncle, do you think-is it possible?"

My chin pressed against her shoulder, and I felt her body tense. "No sane man believes a beautiful youth uses dark magic to seduce her fat middle-aged uncle."

The woman shuddered, and I felt tears fall from her cheeks. I conjured a handkerchief and gave it to her. Rosmerta broke into powerful sobs, and cried in my arms for the next hour. I held her close, but I didn't know what to do. Her body went limp, and her breathing returned to normal before she broke the silence. "I appreciate you telling me everything. I'm ready to visit my father; will you stay with me?"

"Indeed."


St. Mungo's - Meeting her Father

Healer Miriam Strout met us on the fourth floor outside the Janus Thickey Ward, and we followed her into a private room. It had six chairs arranged in a circle, and she waited until we took our seats before she began. "Madame Rosmerta, the Northern Ministry concluded their investigation an hour ago, and they found no fault with Mr. Nordheim. They released him from their custody."

Rosmerta's expression stayed the same, as if the healer said nothing. Seconds ticked past when a sudden movement indicated her understanding. Her shoulders relaxed, and her lips spread into a relieved smile. "He controlled my Father." Strout confirmed her statement with a nod. "Did he suffer any damage from long-term exposure to the curse?"

Proper decorum prohibited me from embracing her, but I suspected the healer wouldn't say a thing. I held Rosmerta's hand, instead of the loving hug I wished to give. Healer Strout gave us a polite smile before she answered the questions. "Brain damage occurs after a lengthy exposure to the Imperius. We cannot estimate the amount of permanent impairment, because recovery varies with each person."

Rosmerta awoke this morning thinking he had betrayed her, and now she knew the truth. Her silence didn't surprise me. I gave her hand a gentle squeeze before I turned my attention to the healer. "He looked normal last night. Did something happen to worsen the damage?"

A soft sniffle drew my attention back to Rosmerta, and I no longer cared about decorum. I pushed our chairs together, and guided her to me. She resisted at first, and then surrendered to her tears. She relaxed in my arms, and took comfort in my embrace. Our lack of awkwardness made it obvious that we didn't obey those priggish rules, and the healer reacted with a motherly smile. Rosmerta sniffled into my chest and asked, "What can we expect?"

Ugh, what did she do to my robe? I had greasy hair in the past, but I always kept my clothes clean and my boots polished. My treatment of Rosmerta earned a fond smile from Madame Strout. I wonder, do women want to make men feel uncomfortable when they acknowledge our tender moments? How much could one woman cry? I thought it best not to ask. Rosmerta no longer focussed on the conversation, and I didn't know how I could make it better. Healer Strout turned her attention to me and cast 'Muffliato.' "Professor Snape, she cannot hear what we say."

"Of course not, that was my intention when I created the charm."

Her eyes widened in fascination, and she offered me a smile. "I suspect you hate having created that spell when your students use it on you." My lips curled at the woman's observation, but it came in handy on more than one occasion. "Do I have permission to speak of your medical file with Rosmerta? It may help her to associate her Father's recovery with your success."

Did I wish to discuss my bout of insanity a day before our wedding? Was she nuts? My glare answered her question, and I expected her to argue. Instead, she removed the Muffliato and sat back in her chair. "Would you care for tea?" A cart appeared by the wall, and she motioned for us to help ourselves.

Rosmerta shook her head at the offer, and cradled into me. The conniving healer made her point, and I gave her my reluctant approval. "You have my permission."

She nodded her acceptance, and placed a gentle hand on Rosmerta's knee. "He lived with the Imperius for forty-four years. During that time he lost his daughter, wife, son, and sister. He must also deal with the betrayal and death of his brother. Breaking the curse released all those emotions, and we placed him on a prescription strength calming draught like the one we used on Professor Snape."

My gaze moved to the wall, and I would not look at either woman while the healer compared our treatment. "We use diagnostic spells to decide the exact prescription needed for a healthy mental state. We keep him on that amount for a week, and then we start decreasing it. That allows him to adjust at a slower rate, and it gives him the stability he needs to deal with his concerns."

Rosmerta squeezed my hand, and I glanced at her before returning my attention to the healer. "Depression makes sense for someone in his condition, but what causes brain damage?" She glanced at me, and I shook my head. I had none of that.

Strout watched our silent conversation before she continued with the explanation. "The euphoric state causes its victims to ignore their worries, or concerns. It doesn't take long for this to affect them on a personal level. They disregard their hygiene, and they eat when someone reminds them. They lose the ability to dress themselves, and the worst patients no longer recognise their need for the loo. Most victims can relearn these vital skills. That varies with the patient." None enjoyed using spells meant for infants, but they sufficed for the elder wizards who found them useful.

Rosmerta's eyes snapped on me, and she became rigid. "Which symptoms affect him?"

With a gentle stroke of her arm, I tried to help her understand. "Rosmerta, we can assume he has all those difficulties." Her eyes narrowed into slits, and she glared at me. What? I didn't cause that!

Healer Strout cleared her throat and attempted to answer. "Your Father has these symptoms, but we can treat them. We placed a minder spell on him with a five-minute delay for his care giver. His assistant receives notices if he doesn't handle the situation."

Rosmerta smirked at my grimace, and averted her gaze to focus on the healer. "Your father can live a normal life, but he will need aid while he recovers." Strout flicked her wand, and a parchment flew towards me. It listed care givers, and their expected wages. "We wish to watch him overnight, but we can release him tomorrow."

Where would he live? Did I want my father-in-law at Prince Manor? He would learn of my slave status. Perhaps, I could create a potion to speed his healing. Rosmerta looked at me with pleading eyes, and I offered her a nod. Potter had the last say, but I couldn't see him turning away her father. The gorgeous blonde brushed a strand behind her ear and asked, "Could he attend our wedding tomorrow?"

That reminded me of another concern, and I interjected the healer's reply. "We need to replace our marital documents. Will you give us written confirmation of his having the mental capacity to enter a legal contract." Rosmerta's eyes widened at my question, and I suspected she had not considered the repercussions.

Potter's documents allowed us to go ahead. Our wedding didn't have Mr. Nordheim's signed approval, so he could petition to have the marriage annulled at a later date. Malfoy believed it would gain instant support from our Ministry, because it would free me to marry someone else. Those self-serving politicians deserved to lose their heads, but I doubted the squeamish Guardian would approve.

Occlumency helped with my anxiety, but Strout's reassuring smile hinted at her having noticed. She flicked her wand at his medical folder, and a signed parchment floated towards her. She made a magical copy, and gave that to me. "The Northern Ministry sent a healer with their investigators. This document confirms Mr. Nordheim has full mental capacity."

She earned one of my rare smiles, because the parchment exceeded my expectations. "You have my appreciation." My stomach clenched when I thought of the contracts. We had to get his agreement, and then I needed to owl Potter to sign the documents. Bile pooled in my mouth, and I had to swallow. Did we have enough time?

Rosmerta watched my reaction, and I felt her hesitation. "Can my Father receive visitors?"

Healer Strout retrieved a blank piece of parchment, and proceeded to read something we couldn't see. We waited for her to finish. "Follow me to his room." Rosmerta rose in eager anticipation, but I couldn't claim the same sensation. My anxiety worsened. St. Mungo's had strict guidelines of what they allowed into the hospital, and a potion pouch didn't qualify. I needed a calming draught, but I had no access. My stomach fluttered, and I followed the women.

Why did meeting her Father make me feel uneasy? At least it wasn't him that I threw against the wall. That could have complicated matters. The seventy-something man looked years older, and I noticed nervous anticipation in his eyes. He stared at the blond-haired woman who took hesitant steps towards his bed. "Rosy, is that you?"

"Yes, Father, and I have someone I'd like you to meet." That was my signal to join them, and I forced my legs to carry me forward. I offered the man a polite tilt of my head in greeting, and he did the same to me. "This is Severus Snape Prince, a man of many names. The media refers to him as Professor Snape, or the Slayer of Voldemort."

My stomach churned, and I feared losing my lunch. Decorum insisted that I stayed quiet until he acknowledged me. Never had I found silence so difficult, and my nervousness increased. I tried to do this without occlumency, but I discarded that foolish notion and raised my shields.

My anxiety subsided while I concentrated on the task and listened for his response. Gedion's eyes narrowed on me, and he spoke with a stern voice, "Hurt my daughter, and I will kill you."

"Dad!" Rosmerta yelped at her father's words, but I understood the meaning. He did not say them for our amusement.

He received a solemn nod, and I gave a firm reply. "As I will do to those who cause her harm." She rolled her eyes at us, but we meant every word. The man smiled at me, and offered his hand. We both applied pressure to impress the other, and I allowed myself to breathe. It went better than I thought. "Mr. Nordheim, will you allow Rosmerta to marry me, and for her to join the House of Prince?"

Gedion frowned and brushed a hand against Rosmerta's. "Are the customs different down here?"

My eyes widened at the slight reprimand, and I used occlumency to hide my humiliation. My eagerness to know his thoughts caused me to breach etiquette, and his diagnosis of brain damage allowed me to relax more than I should. That question was Potter's to ask. My gaze lowered and I answered, "No, Sir. I apologise for my lapse."

Rosmerta gave her Father a light whack on the chest and scolded, "Dad, stop teasing him!"

The elder Nordheim guffawed at his daughter, and left me staring at them in confusion. He found that amusing? I didn't know how to respond. Gedion shook his head at Rosmerta and tried to look innocent, but her scoff indicated his lack of success. He laughed with his daughter, and turned his attention to me. "Send for your head of house, and we will sign the needed contracts."

"Indeed." I hastened to leave the room, and I never wanted to repeat that experience. Rosmerta told me of his siding with her uncle, and the caning she received. His perceived betrayal must have tormented her, because of their close relationship. If Ando wasn't dead, I'd kill him again.

The reception area had several floos for public use, and I called Hogwarts. Potter arranged to meet us after his detention, and he sent me to retrieve the needed documents. I floo'd at once to the ministry, and reception brought me to the office of genealogy. It pleased them to discover she came from an old pureblood wizarding family, and they prepared the marital contracts.

A little more than an hour passed since I left the hospital, and Rosmerta turned to me when I entered. "What happened to you?"

Gedion stared at me, and I wondered what they said when I left the room. "Mr. Potter asked me to retrieve new marital contracts from the Ministry."

"Are you always this formal?" Gedion asked while motioning me to give him the documents.

"That's part of the enslavement curse," Rosmerta explained, and I had my earlier answer. My gaze darted to his face, and I tried to read his expression without the need of Legilimency. It told me nothing.

Gedion murmured something while he read the parchments, and I stood in anticipation. I felt uncomfortable around most people, but he had a special talent. His evaluation became worse the more I thought of it. What if he found me unworthy? My anxiety worsened, and I tried to recite the ingredients for the living death. A few minutes passed, and I worked my way through several potions.

Eighteen minutes and thirty-five seconds passed in silence while he read the contracts. He finished the last parchment, and shuffled them together. "Mr. Prince covered all needed areas. He left room for inheritance considerations of second and third children, but I see no reason for dispute. We can go with the standard contract."

Rosmerta gave her father a questioning glance, and she read where he indicated. "I'm glad you agreed to keep our children in the House of Prince, but you are the last Nordheim. Do you want that family to go extinct?" She saw my glare, but ignored it. Don't make it an issue!

The elderly man looked at his daughter with watery eyes. "Ando destroyed our family. The Northern Ministry would never welcome a child from the House of Nordheim, and they would suffer for his crimes. Ando made too many enemies from pureblood wizarding families, and they will seek to avenge their wrongs."

Their government sounded ideal compared to ours, and I suspected Gedion had more friends than he realised. They gave him good advice. "Indeed, wizarding feuds last centuries."

Rosmerta huffed and shook her head. "That's not helping Severus." What did she mean? It was the truth. She returned her attention to Gedion and asked, "What did he do?"

A hand moved through the greying blonde hair, and his gaze fell to the bed. The man attempted to muster his strength. "Helena just gave birth to Kristof, and I celebrated with firewhiskey. Ando took advantage of your mother in her weakened condition, and I told him to leave my house. Then it happened. My concerns no longer mattered."

Gedion concentrated on his breathing, and he fought the urge to cry. "He told me to cast the Imperius on your aunt Olydia. Ando needed to test the curse, and he wanted to punish me. He commanded me to have her destroy Kristof, and I didn't hesitate. Helena screamed and refused to hand over the child, so Ando killed her. Rosy, your mother didn't die in childbirth."

Rosmerta's grip caused an intense pain in my arm, and I wondered how she managed that. Tears rolled down her cheeks, and I yearned to hold her. I stroked her arm in comfort, and kept a close eye on her Father. "It pleased me when you escaped Ando's madness, and a few days later Olydia took her life."

The elder Nordheim cringed, and tears streamed down his cheeks. "Ando told me of her death, but now I have questions." How could a man live through those tragedies and not have the needed willpower to break the Imperius. I suppose, that is something I never hoped to discover. "Ando settled in the old winery, and he built a potion lab in the cellar. He employed high-ranking masters, and they spent twenty years creating a brew for him to enhance the Imperius."

My eyes widened with interest, and part of me wanted to know the recipe. It wasn't something I wished to brew, but the idea intrigued me. Imagine, a potion that increased the potency of spells. I missed part of what Gedion said, but I caught his last statement. "Ando controlled the Northern Ministry, and he had aspirations to do the same with Britain."

Rosmerta and her father talked while I read a potions journal. Potter entered the room, and I rose in greeting. He returned it, and approached Gedion's bed. The two spoke for the next hour, and they signed the proper contracts. My heart leapt into my throat, but I tried to suppress my emotions.

A golden-haired Goddess flew into my arms, and I gave her a passionate kiss. A gentle cough caused us to part at once. The youth glared at me until I lowered my gaze. Potter thanked Gedion and left without another glance. The link communicated nothing. How long would this continue? Did he always struggle with his emotions?

Rosmerta stared at me, and placed a hand on my shoulder. "What happened between you and Harry?"

"Nothing."