The Blood Compact – Chapter 34 – Debriefing
Amelia could not go to bed. She had put on her nightgown and had resolved to read, while waiting for Severus. Reading would keep her mind busy. She had also cast her Patronus. This time, the snake was smaller and coiled nearby her shoulder, perched on the armchair back, his blueish glow providing her with a gentle light, powerful enough for her to read.
She had found an interesting book about Charms. The chapter she was reading dealt with concealment charms and disillusionment spells, all the spells that could make someone invisible. As the topic was highly interesting, she became quickly engrossed in her reading.
Less than an hour had elapsed since Severus had left the manor, when Amelia heard some noise coming from the front yard. Someone had entered the property – it could be only its rightful owner. She had closed the curtains and could not see outside. She put her book aside and wand at the ready, she got up towards the lobby. As she had been surprised, her little snake Patronus had vanished instantly, leaving her in the dark.
Once in the lobby, Amelia stood a few yards away from the front door, her black silk dressing robe around her, her shawl on her shoulders. She was ready to fight, yet hoping that Severus would show up. It could be only him but she had to be careful. The night she had been captured at the Ravenhearts' was still vivid in her memory. A memory that would never leave her.
The door opened and Severus, under his hooded cloak, appeared. He removed his hood so that she could see him. He had glimpsed her anxious face. But the moment she had laid her eyes on him, her features relaxed and she would have thrown herself at him if his arms had not carried a rather cumbersome object in his arms.
"Master !"
The relief in her voice was obvious. Severus felt suddenly glad to be here. For the very first time in his life, he felt he was home in his magical ancestors' manor. More than that, someone had been waiting for him. He could not help thinking that this sensation he had never felt before, was most enjoyable.
"I have it," was all he could say, while getting Dumbledore's frame out of the bag and down on the ground, against the wall nearby.
She smiled at him. "I know you would succeed, Master." She helped him out of his cloak. "Do you want something to eat or drink, Master ?"
"No, nothing, thanks. I'm just tired." He took the frame with him and they both entered the drawing-room.
"Is this Professor Dumbledore's portrait, Master ?"
"Nothing goes by you, young lady."
She said nothing, construing his reply as a 'yes'. She did not insist either, feeling he was not in a mood to reply her questions. He put the frame on the sofa in the drawing-room. He would hang it tomorrow, he was too much spent to do so now.
They went into the study. Severus began to remove his long coat, then his tunique. Amelia took them and stored them gently on a chair there, so that they would not be creased. He gave her the snake walking cane, which she put on the chair too, with the rest of his garments. He sat to remove his boots and socks.
Amelia remembered what he had told her about that new variant of the Polyjuice Potion. Once it had worn off, it triggered off an intense tiredness in the user, as a side-effect. She was not surprised that he remained silent. She did her best to help him go to bed as quick as possible.
"The Sword is in that pouch," he simply said, while showing the small bag he had put on the sofa, with his garments. "We'll see that tomorrow."
She nodded. He would sleep like that, in his trousers and shirt, way too much exhausted by the potion. Amelia kindled the fire in the grate again so that the temperature would be comfortable for them both. The lighting had gone on a flick of her wand. When she went to lie on the mattress, nearby Severus, she noticed he had already fallen asleep. She watched him for long seconds, with Lumos giving a faint light. She could not help thinking his rough features were handsome in their own right. She refrained from stroking his cheek, lest he may wake up while still needing his sleep. He was out like a light.
She made sure he was fully covered with the blankets, before lying herself on the mattress, sliding herself cosily between the covers. She could feel his body temperature but did not dare coil herself against him, for the same reason she had not stroked his cheek – lest she may wake him up.
She did not fall asleep at once. She listened to the sound of his regular breathing, relieved and reassured he had made it back safely from his mission. It came to her mind that tonight was the second night they were to spend together in the same house, in the same room, in the same bed – so close to each other. She realized she had missed it, much more than she would have thought. All these past months when she had shared his bed at Spinner's End, she enjoyed it only now.
On the morning after, Amelia woke up first. She felt an arm rounding her waist. She remembered the previous night's events and her Master sharing her mattress with her. She wanted to get up to express her milk – her breasts were a bit painful, as usual. But Severus was holding her tight, to the point she wondered if he was awake. She could feel his light breath on her neck and hair.
She decided to wait for a few moments. It was enjoyable, she had to reckon. But after a few minutes, her breasts were too much painful for her to stay in bed. Slowly, she managed to remove herself from his embrace. At this moment, Severus woke up.
"Good morning, Master," Amelia said softly, while trying to move away from him. She did not know how to react. Would he let go of her without any further action ? Or would he try his luck with her ?
They stared at each other with intensity. She lowered her gaze first. "Sorry, Master, but I didn't want to wake you up..."
"You didn't." There was something possessive in his deep, velvety voice.
"I need..."
I need to kiss you, Amelia, to hold you against me. "Of course." Severus released her. He had perceived she was not ready to give herself to him, despite their previous kisses. She grabbed her dressing robe and put it on in a haste, before hurrying out. He just had enough time to notice the wet spots on her nightgown, on her breasts. She needed to express her milk, the precious substance that would allow him to thwart the Dark Lord's deadly plans of poisoning the witches and wizards that displeased him most – Muggle-borns and blood-traitors alike.
Severus went out a few moments later, outside to relieve himself of the desire the young witch had triggered off in him. He was young, at 38... and he was not made of stone. When he came back to the kitchen, she was putting on her shirt. She turned her head towards him and welcomed him with a smile.
"How do you feel, Master ? Better ?"
He nodded. "Yes. That new variant of the Polyjuice Potion is tiring, that's all. Nothing to worry about," he replied. "It's all gone now."
She put a mug on the table, in front of him, and poured some coffee in it. She went back to the mirror hanged on a wall and brushed her hair in front of it. Obviously, she was waiting for him to tell her about his mission last night.
Severus said nothing and just sipped his coffee. Amelia, used to his temper, did not mind. He would talk when ready. Once done with the washing-up, she left the kitchen and went to tidy up the 'bed corner' in the study. Severus enjoyed the moment he was on his own to take care of himself.
A few minutes later, he was back in the study where he checked the small pouch. Amelia was there too. He opened the bag and drew the Sword of Gryffindor out from it. He showed it to Amelia. She took it into her hands – she had never seen it for real. Then her gaze met Severus'. "So this is it. The very thing that can put an end to evil in our world."
"Yes," Severus acknowledged softly. "One of the tools to help us bring down the Dark Lord."
"The other tools being ?"
"The others being courage, determination and cunning."
Amelia could not help thinking that her Master did not lack any of these qualities. "Where do you want to hang Professor Dumbledore's portrait, Master ?"
"Not here. I suppose you wish to retain some privacy."
She smiled. "Indeed. May I suggest the drawing-room ?"
"I think this is the right place." They went there. There was an empty space above the fireplace mantel. They both looked at each other – no need to speak to express their agreement about it. Severus took the portrait and put it on the mantelpiece. He made sure it would not fall. When he was done, he hit the frame with his wand gently.
Dumbledore arrived a few seconds later. "Severus ! How are you ? Oh, my dear Amelia. Nice to see you again."
"Professor..." she greeted with a smile.
"So this is the house of your Prince relatives. Lovely place. You arranged things properly, Severus."
"I didn't. Amelia did everything. I just removed the various curses placed here and there. And I haven't finished yet. Only the ground floor is safe. I have to do the same upstairs."
The old wizard nodded. "Now, Severus, I think you owe me and this young lady a few explanations as to how you managed to get out of Hogwarts yesterday once you got a hold of the Sword."
Hearing this, Amelia glanced at her Master interrogatively. Dumbledore's words meant that the mission had not completely gone smoothly.
"No sooner I had put the Sword into the pouch and closed the niche behind your portrait, that the Carrows entered your office with three students who had acquired an established reputation of trouble-makers since your... departure from Hogwarts last year."
Amelia could hear in his voice that he was still uneasy with Dumbledore's death, a death he had caused.
"Ah, yes, Neville Longbottom, Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood."
"Lovegood ?" Amelia asked. "Like the Quibbler's editor ?"
"The very same, Amelia," Dumbledore explained. "Luna is his daughter. She's a Ravenclaw. The whole Lovegood family is a Ravenclaw family, by the way."
"Oh." She felt her Master's gaze on her and apologized for her digression in a very submissive fashion that sent shivers along Severus' spine. "Sorry, Master."
"So the Carrows brought me the kids. You heard the reason why. They wanted to steal the Sword of Gryffindor."
Amelia could not help thinking this was a very serious accusation. If true, a very serious offence.
"That's what the Carrows said. They can lie very well."
"No, they told the truth this time. I used Legilimency on Longbottom. He's as much hopeless in protecting his mind than Potter." A sneer, both in his voice and on his face. "They intended on stealing the Sword. Of course, they would have stolen the fake displayed in the glass cabinet. Honestly, Dumbledore, has anyone ever told them that this particular Sword comes to Gryffindors only under conditions of need and valour, as you told me once before ?" The scorn was now obvious in his voice. The Potions Master had always enjoyed indulging himself in a bit of Gryffindor bashing...
"Most likely, but I think they wanted more to show Lucius Malfoy – the present Headmaster – that they are not afraid of him."
Severus snorted. "Typical Gryffindor brashness ! One day, that's going to cost their lives !"
"I know other activities that don't show as much brashness and that can cost one's life, Severus."
The innuendo was clear. Severus understood it and did not insist – though he looked clearly affronted. The old wizard was alluding to his spying activities. Which I do on your orders ! The Potions Master went on with his narrative, to shift topics.
"As you noticed, I ordered the Carrows to leave as I would take care of the punishment myself. They were not happy at all. I had to Confuse them to convince them to leave the place, not talk about the incident. I also blackmailed them about something I happen to know about them."
"Meaning ?"
"Amycus Carrow shags his sister Alecto on a regular basis. In particular during our Dark revels. The Dark Lord doesn't care. Neither do the other Death-Eaters. But not their family that complains regularly that they are not married yet, especially Amycus. I threatened them both I would reveal everything to their family about this little detail if they don't comply."
Dumbledore let out a small laugh. "Now I guess they're going to be even more docile with Lucius. Well done, Severus. I can recognize here your cunning at work. Go on. What about the children ?" There was an obvious worry in his tone.
"I gave them detention with Hagrid. It provided me with a sound excuse to get out of the castle. I took their wands, led them there but Hagrid did not see me. You see, I had already transformed back into my old self. In the dark, the students could not see me. I got rid of their wands in the pumpkin patch where I planted them in one of those big pumpkins that Hagrid usually grows. Then I left for the Forbidden Forest nearby to Disapparate. You know everything."
"You did a noble thing, Severus," Dumbledore said with admiration in his voice. "Really. You protected them at great personal risks. After all, you could have just sent them back with the Carrows. But you didn't. I'm proud of you, my boy."
Amelia agreed completely with the old Headmaster. Severus Snape was a noble man indeed. One of the most courageous she had ever met. She put her hand on his arm. Severus glanced at her and could read admiration in her eyes too.
"I just hope that these three trouble-makers won't talk too much about their stint in the Headmaster's office."
"I don't think so, Severus. Besides, I think Hagrid would have lectured them on keeping a low profile for the time being. That had been a close call for them."
"And for me too ! If Lucius learns about all this, it may land me in big trouble !"
"That's why I say this was a noble thing you did, Severus. You made sure your mission was a success and you managed to save these children's from the Carrows' cruelty. Don't go thinking I underestimate the danger in which you place yourself, Severus. I'm fully aware of all this."
"Make sure I have the information about Potter's whereabouts quickly. I don't want the Sword to dematerialize from here because another silly Gryffindor may need it ! The sooner it is in Potter's hands, the better."
"Don't worry, Severus, I will. Phineas will help me in this regard." A pause. "Thank you, Severus, for everything you're doing to ensure Tom shall be brought down." Then he glanced at Amelia. "As for you, young lady, thank you for assisting him in any manner you deem necessary." He peered at the both of them, the twinkle in his eyes more intense then ever. "You make a wonderful team, the both of you. Do you know that ?"
Amelia lowered her head, blushing. Severus remained as usual – silent and distant. But somewhere, in his heart and mind, he was thinking about another version of that idea.
A wonderful couple. If only that could be true.
A short chapter that explores a bit further the relationship between Severus and Amelia - how absence and danger can do marvels on two people. They keep on evolving each on their own side, slowly yet surely.
Also, with a bit of help from good ol' Dumbledore, ever manipulative, even in his matchmaking schemes. But here he also shows his concern and fondness for Severus.
I wish you all the best for 2012 - next chapter shall be posted next year ! LOL I know, this one was easy but I could not resist.