Please enjoy and review! This chapter includes extracts from the book.

'Your father is in Azkaban?' Severus asked quietly.

Florence nodded, looking down at her feet, 'That's why I didn't want you to see too much of that memory… he did some unpleasant things and then when You-Know-Who was prominent he joined up and got arrested after torturing some Muggle-borns and Aurors,' she fiddled with the letter, 'I'm going to Owl Tonks… she said she's starting out in the admission and release department.'

'Are you okay?' Severus asked as Florence started to write.

She shrugged, 'It's all a bit strange, isn't it? Why are they releasing him now? The letter said some Ministry worker had visited him and helped the petition to release him. Unfortunately, there is a disclosure on who the person was.' Florence attached the letter to their Owl and gently stroked its head, 'hopefully Tonks can find out something.'

Severus suddenly felt uncomfortable. The talk had made him feel self-conscious about his own past with the Death Eaters and Voldemort. Despite the fact he'd reformed himself and provided Dumbledore with valuable information, his loyalty had been, and was still, questioned. The sudden spike in Death Eater talk and Moody and Karkaroff had unearthed the old concerns and worries left thirteen years ago. Hogwarts rapidly felt suffocating and he needed to escape, 'How would you like to go to Diagon Alley for dinner? Minerva has been wanting to spend some time with her goddaughter and we can have some time away from the castle?'

Florence's face lit up, 'That sounds lovely!'

Severus relaxed, 'Perfect. I'll speak to Minerva whilst you get ready,' he waved his wand and Eileen's bag was packed, 'and you do not need to worry about Misty, the restaurant I have in mind is animal friendly.'

Misty woofed and licked Severus' hand, 'Come on, Misty, we need to get ready!' Florence said, laughing at the look on Severus' face.

/

As Severus had hoped, the night out with Florence proved to be the break from Hogwarts and their personal worries that they needed.

Minerva had jumped at the chance to babysit and offered to look after Eileen in Severus and Florence's quarters so Eileen would feel more comfortable.

There was something exciting about being able to venture further than just Hogsmeade and it allowed Florence and Severus to relax more as there was no worries about any students or staff watching their interactions. Severus had picked the restaurant, not only because Misty could go, but also it was somewhere the likes of the Malfoys would never be seen in.

Florence didn't care that it was not the most expensive restaurant and simply enjoyed spending time with Severus. It felt like the early days of their relationship, where they laughed and attempted to prolong the evening, even going for a walk around the backstreets of the high street,

'Thank you for this evening,' Florence said, wrapping her arms around his neck, 'it was perfect.' She gently kissed him and instinctively pulled her closer to him, 'let's relieve Minerva from her duties.'

'Sounds perfect to me,' Severus murmured.

Severus laid in bed, his arms wrapped around Florence. He'd grown accustomed to the feeling or normality and the joys of having his own family. The talk of having another child had dwindled and the talk was now about the worries they had about the possible return of Voldemort and her father's unexpected release from Azkaban.

He hoped it was nothing. Just hysteria built from a few individuals. Deep down he knew that was not the case.

/

Tonks had proved valuable in Florence understanding the circumstances surrounding her father's release. Tonks had sent her copies of the release forms, paperwork leading up to the event and even a signature of her father's Ministry supporter. Florence had spent hours staring at the signature. There was something familiar about it, but she couldn't put her finger on why it was familiar.

'What do you have there?' Severus said, setting down the mountain of marking he had.

'Tonks sent me all the information she could find and there is something irritating about this signature.'

Severus lent over and his throat seized up, 'Malfoy.'

'What?!'

'It's Lucius Malfoy's. It looks familiar because his and Draco's writing and signature is near identical,' Severus said, shaking his head, 'Something is going to happen. Malfoy does not usually get himself involved in Azkaban convicts. Whatever it is, they want Death Eaters who are not well known or in public roles.'

Florence sat back in her chair and ran her hands through her hair, 'But why? You-Know-Who is dead!'

Karkaroff's words rang through Severus' head, 'Karkaroff might be right. He's coming back.'

/

There was a mass gathering as students, staff and family members of the Champions watched the final preparations. Hagrid was managing the spectacular magical grass maze and directing a few Triwizard staff about placing what Florence assumed to be hexes and magical creatures.

'Professor Mountfield!' a student called out, Florence and Severus turned to see Hermione, Ron, Harry, and a short red-headed woman.

'This is my Mum, Professor. She wanted to say hell-', Ron started.

'And thank you for making my children interested in history of magic. I think it is a turning point for the Weasleys. They just love your lessons and all those revision sessions.'

'Mum!' Ron said, looking distraught.

'You're welcome, Mrs Weasley,' Florence said shaking the woman's hand and smiling sympathetically to Ron.

'No, thank you for putting up with the twins especially. And call me Molly.'

Florence smiled, 'You are very welcome.'

'Erm, Mrs Weasley, there is a lovely buffet taking place in the Great Hall. Mr Weasley and the others are already there,' Hermione said.

'Sounds wonderful! I shall see you later Professors. Hopefully at the celebrations for Harry's win!'

/

As the final task was underway, there was a shift in the atmosphere for Severus and Karkaroff. Both were nervously rubbing their forearms and Karkaroff's eyes were wide and he started to pace nervously, despite Krum being rescued from the maze.

Severus suddenly hissed and he dug his nails into the wooden seat, 'What's wrong? Is it…?'

Severus nodded, his hand protectively gripping his forearm.

'What does it mean?' she whispered.

His face paled, 'it means he has pressed someone's…'

Florence's eyes widened, 'but how?'

He looked worried and looked around for Dumbledore who had made his way to the front of the stalls with the family members, 'I do not know, but the winner of the Tournament is about to come back.'

Cheering erupted as Harry and Cedric appeared, gripping the Cup. Florence and Severus stood up in concern. Harry was laying on top of Cedric, his body shaking and there was the sound of a scream.

Severus suddenly gripped Florence's hand, 'Take the students back to their Common Rooms and then stay with Eileen.'

Severus knew it was a long shot that Florence would actually stay in their quarters; as the past had proved she instinctively wanted to help wherever she could. Severus, alongside Minerva and Dumbledore, had realised Moody was an imposter and was likely to have worked alongside Voldemort to sabotage the Tournament to get to Harry Potter.

It was a shock to all to see Barty Crouch Jnr as the imposter and the poor condition he had kept the real Moody in. Severus had grown accustomed to the fear he felt with Moody in the castle due to Moody poking his nose into Severus' affairs.

As Minerva took Harry and Moody to the Medical Wing and Dumbledore went to summon the Minister of Magic, Severus was left alone with Crouch.

'Well, well, Severus Snape. A family man now, with the heir of Ravenclaw no less! I'm sure the Dark Lord would love to know this,' Crouch's tongue darted out to the corner of his mouth.

Severus pushed his wand further into Crouch's cheek, 'You'd be so lucky to avoid the Dementor's Kiss.'

'I know I will face them, but watching you squirm makes it worth it. Severus Snape. The man who avoided Azkaban. But you'll suffer soon enough.'

The Veritaserum was still working and Severus smirked, 'What do you know about Arnold Warrington?'

Crouch squirmed and his tongue darted out again, 'He's just a low-level Death Eater. He's going to help bring to the Dark Lord to power. You see, they are not going to believe he's back. A fourteen-year-old's word against the Minister who is too scared to face the truth and is going to deny all claims. Who do you think they will believe?' Crouch laughed, his tongue darted out again, 'You've enjoyed this comfortable life you've made for yourself, but it's all going to change.'

Severus backed away as the Minister arrived with Aurors in tow. Crouch laughed hysterically, 'It's all going to change!' he yelled as the Aurors carried him away in restraints and wands pointed at him.

'I've summoned the Order,' Dumbledore said, he smiled, 'Florence you can come in now and please take off that Disillusionment Charm.'

/

'I do not see why letting that man back into the castle is a good idea. He is completely useless and cannot do anything helpful to the Order,' Severus hissed to Dumbledore.

'He will be a massive pillar of support to Harry during this time. Furthermore, his house is a perfect, hidden base for the Order.' Dumbledore said calmly as Severus paced the Medical Wing.

Florence and Misty were sitting with Harry, his friends and the Weasleys, 'What am I meant to do now?' Severus whispered.

Dumbledore sighed, 'I think you know what you have to do,' Dumbledore could see Severus looking in Florence's direction, 'I'm sorry Severus, but we all have to play our part for the greater good. I'm sure she would agree too.'

A black shaggy dog suddenly ran into the Medical Wing and jumped straight onto Harry's bed. Severus balled his fists and followed Dumbledore.

'It is time for two of our number to recognise each other for what they are. Sirius… if you could resume your usual form.'

The dog turned back into a man, causing Mrs Weasley to scream and recoil, 'It's Sirius Black!'

Her children tried to calm her down whilst Severus looked both furious and horrified by the man, 'I still do not understand why he is here.'

'Like I said, by my invitation, just as you are. I trust you both. It is time for you to lay aside your old differences, and trust each other,' neither man moved, 'You will shake hands. You are on the same side now. Unless the few of us who know the truth stand united, there is no hope for any of us.'

Very slowly, with a push from Florence, Severus moved forward, and Harry gave Sirius a push. The two shook hands and let go quickly.

'Now, to business. Firstly, Florence will be joining us. She has contacts within the publishing community. Something the Death Eaters made great use of last time.'

Florence's eyes widened, 'You want me to join?'

Dumbledore smiled, 'Of course. Severus said you are skilled at researching and have large numbers of trustworthy contacts. Naturally, you can reject this offer.'

'I would love to be helpful, any way I can.'

'Wonderful! Now, I have work for you, Sirius and Severus. Sirius, I need you to alert Remus Lupin, Arabella Figg, Mundungus Fletcher – the old crowd. Lie low at Lupin's for a while. I will contact you there.'

Harry attempted to protest, clearly wanting to spend more time with his godfather. Sirius too looked as defeated but promised to see him soon, leaving in his dog form.

'Severus, you know what you must do. If you are ready… if you are prepared…'

Florence looked as Severus glanced at her, wanting to say something to her. Instead, he nodded and left, following Sirius.

'Where is he going?' Florence asked, her face filled with confusion and concern.

Dumbledore looked at with pity, 'He will explain when he returns.'

/

Florence, when she returned to her quarters, immediately hugged Eileen. The look on the Diggorys' faces when they saw their son made her ache for a hug from her daughter. She couldn't imagine the pain they felt seeing their son dead, after thinking he was alive and had won the competition. Eileen didn't understand, thankfully, that the wizarding world was now in turmoil. That the darkest wizard since Grindelwald had returned against the odds.

Florence attempted to stay awake for Severus' return and fell asleep in Severus' desk chair. She moaned and stirred as she felt someone hugging her, and then she felt something she assumed was tears on her face. Her eyes opened and then her senses came back as she smelt Severus.

'What happened? Why were you gone so long?' She asked groggily.

She wrapped her arms around him as he knelt in front of her and she felt him shaking, 'Severus?' she carefully lifted his face up and she gasped as he was crying, 'Oh Severus.' She whispered, taking his hands and helping him to stand up, 'let's get you into bed.'

Severus still had not spoken as Florence undressed him. He closed his eyes as Florence unbuttoned his shirt and he held her gasp in shock, 'What happened Severus? Why are you covered in burns and scratches?' he tried to hold back more tears, he couldn't let her see him at his lowest.

Severus told a deep breath, 'Dumbledore has made me return to the Dark Lord as a spy. He questioned my loyalty and I had to prove it. Thankfully, he believed him, and I've been reinstated to my old position. Unfortunately, I was subjected to this, as a test,' Florence jumped off the bed and rummaged in Severus' potions cabinet, 'what are you doing?'

'Trying to find something to help you,' she said, 'here it is!'

Gently, she rubbed the paste onto his back to soothe the burns and scratches and gave him a vial, 'dreamless sleep?' he questioned.

'You're going to need it. After tonight, all your old nightmares will come back stronger,' she kissed his forehead, 'I hate seeing you this way.'

Severus rested his head against hers, 'I'm so sorry.'

'I don't get why you're letting Dumbledore make you do this.' She whispered.

'I promised him a long time ago. When I was alone and had nothing to lose. Now I do and I have no choice but do this, even if I do not want to do.'