All characters in the story are the property of J. K. Rowling and Bloomsbury Books, with the exception of Eleanora Sterling and a few supporting characters, who are my own creations. This story is created purely for the entertainment of myself and other like-minded readers and no copyright infringement is intended.
This is probably the hardest thing I have ever undertaken with no hope of monetary gain... so please don't sue me!
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Chapter 36: Brothers In Arms
"Potter?? What the devil is he doing here!" Severus hissed as though to himself as the young man strode towards the head table. Clearly he was not pleased to see him.
"Professor Dumbledore, I have bad news. The Death Eaters seem to have found out that Snape is about to leave Hogwarts and a few of them are waiting for him in the Forbidden Forest," Potter announced. "I was following them from Hogsmeade and I had a run-in with one of them, though I don't think he will be joining the others anytime soon," he added with grim satisfaction, putting his still-fuming wand into his pocket.
"Damn it all!" Dumbledore swore uncharacteristically. "Is Voldemort with them?"
"I don't think so. I think they are planning to try to capture Snape and take him back to Voldemort. As I told you, Ron Weasley and I have been keeping an eye on some of them for days, especially Draco Malfoy we had a feeling something like this was going to happen. As soon as Malfoy went on the move we knew they were getting ready to act."
Since apparating and disapparating are not allowed on Hogwarts grounds, and since using a Portkey is a form of apparation, we would have to leave the school grounds in order to travel to London. I knew Severus had been clearly aware that leaving the protection of Hogwarts would put him in a vulnerable position. After my warning in London I too had feared that Voldemort's minions might be lying in wait, and now our worst fears were confirmed.
"This is very bad," Dumbledore muttered. "Snape and Miss Sterling were preparing to leave on the morrow. We will have to do our utmost to assure they get out of here safely. Harry, I hope you will stay and assist us. Is Weasley nearby?"
"No, but I can summon him in an instant, as long as he can safely get past the Death Eaters."
"Good we'll need all the men we can muster."
"And women, too" Minerva added staunchly, suddenly sober and taking out her wand.
"The idea is to form a ring of protection around them as they go to the Portkey. We will all need our powers at full strength on the morrow. I hope this evening's revels haven't impaired anyone too much."
"A little Pepperup Potion will fix that right up," Poppy replied, a bit unsteadily. "If anyone is feeling any ill effects in the morning, come and see me in the dispensary."
Of all of them, it seemed to me that Hagrid would be most in need of the potion.
* * *
I didn't sleep well that night. I had had a little too much to drink myself, and Severus and I were naturally very worried about what the next day would bring.
Our lovemaking that night was somewhat anxious, as though we were clinging to each other for mutual support. I knew that Severus was not afraid for himself so much as he was for me; naturally my main concern was for his safety, as I wasn't sure that the Death Eaters would bother much with me once they had him, if they succeeded in capturing him. Still, retribution from Voldemort for offering my help to his enemy was a distinct possibility, so I can't say that fears for my personal safety did not enter my thoughts.
I tried instead to focus upon the moment that we passed over to the Mundane side and (I hoped) into relative safety. Surely Voldemort's people would not know where we going in London and so would not be able to intercept us before we reached the portal.
The morning dawned and we made our preparations for departure. From somewhere, Severus had managed to produce some suitable travelling clothes a pair of dark jeans, a black turtleneck and an old olive green tweed jacket. Thankfully he had not copied Lupin's taste in Muggle footwear, for he wore a smart pair of black quarter-Wellingtons instead of the ridiculous runners that Remus favoured when visiting London. He actually looked pretty good though not much like himself, and I thought he would pass muster easily in the city.
The others had gathered in the great hall to prepare for battle and to say their goodbyes. Most of what needed to be said had been said last night, but Poppy made a point of drawing me aside and with a warm hug, wishing me well.
Thanking her for all her kindness, I assured her I would keep in touch as best I could and I hoped we would see each other again in the not too distant future. Severus went around the circle solemnly shaking hands, even, I noted, with Sirius Black. I shook hands with McGonagall and Sirius, but I just had to give Remus a quick hug and a peck on the cheek for all we had been through together.
I could not resist giving a little kiss to Hagrid, even though I hardly knew the man, for there was something so endearing about his great bulk bowed down by the sorrow of parting as he stood there with tears streaming down his great hairy cheeks. I sensed he thought a great deal of Snape, in his own way, and was sorry to see him go. This was confirmed when to Severus' dismay the half-giant drew him up into as huge bear-hug and lifted him clean off the floor.
Finally it was time for me to say goodbye to Dumbledore, and I didn't really
know what to say, for I had not always seen eye-to-eye with the man or agreed
with his decisions. But I knew he had Severus' best interests at heart so I
could not fault him for that. I shook hands with him politely and was surprised
when he drew me into a hug that was almost as warm as Poppy's had been.
"I wish you the best of luck, my dear," he said, "May your powers
increase and may you soon be rejoined with us again. You shall be missed. And
please, do take care of that man of yours, we want him back in one piece!"
Harry Potter stood aside during our goodbyes with a red headed fellow I assumed was Ron Weasley, who had joined our company sometime during the night. Everyone watched with interest and surprise as Severus made a point of approaching them. In fact Potter's face registered alarm as though expecting some rebuke from his old potions master.
"I should thank the two of you, I suppose, for looking out for me," he began, somewhat sourly. "I don't know how the devil you found out about all this, but I have to assume Dumbledore's been keeping you informed. At any rate, I am - grateful - for your help and for offering to assist us in getting away." To Potter's apparent surprise he extended his hand. The young man took his hand somewhat reluctantly, but then warmed to a sincere and firm handshake. Weasley's reaction was nearly as surprised but his freckled face broke into a broad grin as Severus shook his hand. And did I note a hint of a smile on my lover's face as he turned away? It seemed he had finally accepted his former students as brothers in arms.
Finally the time came to depart. Our bags had been sent ahead with Hagrid to the location of the Portkey. "Right, then, are we ready?" Dumbledore asked. Wands were drawn and a circle was formed around the two of us. First a protection spell was drawn up around us, not unlike the Bonitas charm that had been used on Severus when he was first injured. Soon we were enveloped in a globe of golden light. The light faded completely after a few moments but I felt its strengthening effects as we left the school surrounded by the others.
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A/N:
I wonder if anyone else has ever thought of Pepperup Potion being used as a hangover cure? These wizards think of everything.
Also, I just love Hagrid. I'd give him a little kiss if I met him too.
- Grey Lady
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NEXT: Battleground