Author Note: Wow such wonderful reviews! Thank you all so much for taking the time to share a few words. It was an intense chapter to write and one that was important to me to get right, so I'm glad it was well received. Thanks to the following for reviews: Alishaoftroy, Dontgotaclue, 2lazy2login, Elza, Wendy Waddles (thanks Wendy for being a sounding board and checking this for me), Orangepigeon19, and Xeerie.

Alisha, Yes it was very sad for me to write too, but I think she had a noble end. 2lazy2login - lol at the name you used! But OMG the condoms! That's hysterical! Perhaps we should give them to Snape. He could do with a hint! LOL! Wendy Waddles - I was glad to get to the point where Sev no longer has to hide what side he's really on, and I imagine Draco will have a tough time of it dealing with everything , but Draco's a strong guy. I'm sure he'll be okay :) Orangepigeon19 - I'm glad you liked the chapter so much and yeah I couldn't leave Adelaide there, so I'm glad Tamara did that too. Xeerie - I know you probably won't read this yet as you are likely still at the beginning of the story, but I want to thank you for your honesty and your diplomacy in saying what you said. I hope you got the message I sent and that I will continue to see you around :)

Thanks also go to Sinistersocks16 and Ordermask for adding Fire and Ice to story alerts.

Well, I hope this lives up to expectations. We're getting close now! As usual, the next will be available Friday the 17th of December, but after that I may take a little break for Christmas, so there may or may not be a chapter Christmas weekend, but I guess that depends on what's happening at University and when they close their doors for Christmas. Anyway, see you all next week!

Chapter 35 – The Storm Approaches

~ History, despite its wrenching pain,

Cannot be unlived, and if faced with

Courage, need not be lived again ~

- Maya Angelou

Elizabeth paced the flat, nervously. It seemed so empty without Tamara there. She knew her cousin had only left for the week to complete her exams but even so the silence seemed incredibly unnerving. It struck Elizabeth that this was an odd way to feel. She had lived alone before she met Tamara, so why was it so strange now? Perhaps it was simply that she had grown accustomed to Tamara's presence in the apartment, or perhaps it was getting to know her cousin after years of believing that she had no family left. Besides, Tamara would be back in the morning. She would have completed her final exam this afternoon and would be spending her last night in Hogsmeade. It would be good to have her back. Elizabeth had missed her.

Despite it all, though, she still couldn't seem to relax. In the pit of her stomach she knew Tamara wasn't coming home. She stopped pacing and reached out to pick up a photo-frame. In it was a photo of herself and Tamara that Allison had taken at Christmas. She smiled at the memory and remembered trying to convince Snape to join Tamara in a photograph as well but true to form he had staunchly refused. His reason had been understandable enough, though. If the photo fell into the wrong hands it could spell disaster for them both. Elizabeth made a mental note to try again when times were safer.

Suddenly something glinted against the glass in the frame. A kindly old face flashed in the light that bounced against the glass and then it was gone. For a split second it reminded her of Dumbledore. But it couldn't be... could it? Putting the frame down, she turned to the window and gazed outside. A storm was brewing. Thunderclouds rolled across the sky, ballooning with raindrops that threatened to spill over onto the earth below. Despite the fact that it was dusk, the world seemed to be darker than it should have been. And then it occurred to. It was happening. Somehow, somewhere, the battle had begun. Turning on her heel, she grabbed her car keys and strode out of the apartment.

Two hours later, Elizabeth swung her battered old Sierra Sapphire into the driveway of the Edgecombe household. The engine sputtered in protest at the speed it'd had to endure. As an older car, it might have been able to handle the journey but it was no longer capable of producing the kind of speeds that Elizabeth had just driven at. Elizabeth sighed, wearily. It had not been an enjoyable journey. Not only had she been pulled over by the police and given a fine for speeding, but the car had skidded on several patches of black ice and she had been very lucky not to have had a serious accident. When she thought about her reasons for making the journey, though, none of that mattered. It had been important simply to get here as quickly as she could. Elizabeth knew that she was only a muggle and that she didn't have an ounce of magical blood in her body, but her experiences with Tamara had taught her how important it was to trust her instincts. After all hadn't it been she, a muggle, who had found Dumbledore's ring back on that wind-battered Scottish island? And so it had been with that in mind that she had dashed halfway across the country to the home of Tamara's adopted parents.

She extracted herself from the car, not bothering to lock it, and hammered on the front door with her fist. It took a few moments, but finally the door opened and Elizabeth found a sleepy Allison looking back at her. The hour had grown quite late since Elizabeth had left London.

"Elizabeth?" Allison asked, trying to shake off the sleep-filled fog. "Do you realise what time it is?" But even as she spoke, Allison realised how uncharacteristic it was to find her adopted daughter's cousin on her doorstep at such an hour. "Oh my goodness, is it Tamara? Is she alright?" She asked, frantically, as John appeared behind her to find out what was going on.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about. I know it's late but can I come in for a few minutes?" Elizabeth asked. Allison nodded and stood aside to let Elizabeth in.

A few minutes later they were all settled in armchairs in the living room and Elizabeth had explained about the terrifying feelings that had come over her. Not surprisingly, they had thought it ridiculous.

"Elizabeth, you have no basis for these feelings. There's no evidence at all to support what you are saying and you want us to traipse halfway across the country with you? She's near Hogwarts for goodness sake. What place could be safer?" John told her firmly.

"I know, but..." Elizabeth began, helplessly.

"The whole place is protected by muggle repelling charms anyway. How do you think you will even find the place?" John continued. It was at this moment, seeing John Edgecombe's stubbornness that Elizabeth understood why Tamara's relationship with him had been strained over the years. It was hard to believe that this was the same man who had fought against his wife to allow Tamara to stay with her all those months ago.

"So you won't come with me?" Elizabeth asked, defeated.

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. That's my final word." John replied, his gaze stubborn and unwilling.

Elizabeth sighed. But while her plans had been dashed, her sense of urgency was not. It seemed all the more imperative to get to Tamara than it had been before she had left London. In an instant, she knew she would not be deterred. She would go on, even without the help of the Edgecombes. But before she could go anywhere, she needed to fix her car.

"Can you at least help me with my car? The journey here strained the engine." She said, determinedly.

"I'll fix your car." He agreed. "But then I have to ask you to be on your way."

With that, the three traipsed out of the house and to the driveway where Elizabeth's wounded old car was parked. Allison stood beside Elizabeth, saying nothing as John disappeared into the garage. He reappeared a few moments later carrying a tool box and a large cardboard box that was full to overflowing with various bits and pieces. He placed the two boxes on the ground as Elizabeth swung into the driver's seat to pop the bonnet and he got to work. Allison led Elizabeth back into the house to boil the kettle for a cup of tea while they waited and alone in the dark silent house they sipped at their steaming mugs.

"I understand your feelings." Allison said, after a time. Elizabeth looked up at her in surprise. "My husband... I suppose you could say he doesn't quite understand the wizarding world. He's been a distant figure in our lives. Perhaps there's something about it that scares him; that he'd rather avoid than face. Don't hold it against him. It's his way. He's always been like this. I don't expect him to change."

Elizabeth took in Allison's words without comment or interruption, except to reach out her hand to grasp Allison's. Allison squeezed her hand in response but did not smile. "Look after Tamara, will you? Make sure she's okay." Allison said, tears brimming in her eyes.

"I will, I promise." Elizabeth replied. With that, the two women returned to their silence as they continued to drink their tea.

After half an hour had passed, John came into the kitchen, rubbing his sweaty brow with an old rag. "Your car will get you home," he said, "but beyond that I suggest you invest in a new one."

Elizabeth offered her thanks, shared a knowing look with Allison, and left the two to return to bed as she took to the road once more and continued on her journey toward Hogwarts.

Snape, Tamara, Adelaide and Draco appeared in the high street of Hogsmeade with the inexplicable 'pop' that was characteristic of apparation. Adelaide dropped to her knees, struggling to hold herself upright. It was clear that she had not been well nourished while being detained by Voldemort, and her health had been badly neglected. Tamara bent down and brushed her hair from her forehead and all of a sudden a rush of people flew out of the Hog's Head pub toward them. It was Harry, Ron and Hermione. Tamara wondered how on earth they had got out of Hogwarts without asking a staff member to open the front gates, but Harry spoke first.

"What's he doing here?" He spat, pointing at Snape.

"I told you, he's working for us!" Tamara shot back.

"You're mad! He's a murderer!" Harry replied, but it was Adelaide who spoke next.

"She's right, Harry. He risked a lot to help her rescue me." She said, speaking in a small voice that seemed to pierce the darkened atmosphere.

"And me." Draco cut in. "If it weren't for Snape I wouldn't have stood a chance against the Death Eaters. I was completely surrounded. I owe him my life."

No-one replied. The silence that descended over everyone was thick with tension as they all regarded one another with mistrust and apprehension. Finally, Hermione gave Harry an apologetic look and walked toward Tamara and the others. Ron, surprisingly, followed and took Hermione's hand in his own.

"I'm sorry, mate." Ron told Harry.

"I don't understand any of you. How can you take sides with him? He works for Voldemort!" Harry said, angry and betrayed.

"Harry, he defied Voldemort. He fought against Voldemort... for me. The death eaters are after us because of it. Voldemort wants us both dead and it won't be long before he's here to do it. He knows about the horcruxes and he thinks I'm helping you. It won't be long before he brings his death eaters here to finish us all and take over. We need to be ready. We need to go back to Hogwarts to warn everyone." Tamara told him, her eyes blazing. "He's my biological Father." She continued on, receiving looks of shock from everyone except Snape. "He's my Father and he still wanted to use me for his own ends. He knows nothing about loyalty, love, or the greater good. We need to prove that we're not like him. We need to work together, united, if we want any chance of destroying him."

Again, not a word was said as they all waited for Harry's response. To their surprise, Snape suddenly stepped forward and held his hand out to Harry. A long moment passed, and eventually Harry stepped forward to accept Snape's hand and shook it grudgingly.

"This doesn't mean I like you." Harry told him, defiantly, as he withdrew his hand again. Snape merely nodded.

"How did you get out of Hogwarts?" Tamara asked Hermione, changing the subject.

"There's a secret passage-way hidden by a portrait in the Hog's Head. It leads to the room of requirement in the castle. Tamara faintly recognised the term from something she had read in Hogwarts: A History but it had been so long ago that she hardly remembered. Nonetheless, she nodded in understanding.

"Can we use that passage-way now?" Tamara asked. "We need to raise the alarm and we need to get Adelaide to Madame Pomfrey."

Hermione nodded and led the way into the Hog's Head. The barman was waiting for them, sitting at one of the tables with an irritated expression on his face. "This is Aberforth Dumbledore. Professor Dumbledore's brother, yes." She explained, answering their inevitable questions before they had a chance to ask. "He's agreed to help us." On cue Aberforth, who really did look startlingly like his brother, stood up and led them upstairs to where a large portrait featuring a young teenage girl adorned one of the walls. The portrait swung open at their arrival, revealing a long dark corridor. Harry lost no time and went straight through, lighting the tip of his wand with a quick "lumos". Hermione and Ron followed, along with Draco who was supporting Adelaide. Snape and Tamara exchanged looks. He looked grim but if he was tired he didn't show it. He reached out to give Tamara's hand a quick squeeze before dropping it again and placing a hand on the small of her back directed her into the small dark corridor.

The walk to Hogwarts in that small dark place seemed endless and set Tamara's nerves on edge. Once or twice Snape reached out to take her hand, hidden by the cover of the darkness. She wished she could have kept his hand in hers until they reached the other end but despite the lack of light Snape opted for discretion and would retract his hand after a minute or so.

The journey was spent in silence, apart from the couple of times that Hermione called out "mind your heads here" or "not long now", trying to keep their spirits up with her encouraging tone. Tamara was impressed by this. They were all tired and worried and it was hard to stay positive. Finally, the darkness came to an end and light streamed into the corridor as Harry opened the doorway at the other end. Momentarily blinded by the sudden influx of light, Tamara raised her hand to shield her eyes. When they emerged, they found themselves in a room that was crowded with students who all stared at the strange group that accompanied Harry, Hermione and Ron. With them was Juliet Malone who gave a little gasp and ran forward at the sight of a very surprised Draco to pull him into a tight embrace. Tamara smiled, glad to see the pair reunited at last.

Meanwhile, Snape grabbed Harry by the arm. "What are they doing here?" He hissed.

Harry yanked his arm free. "It's the DA. They're prepared to fight." He responded, defiantly and determinedly.

"What's going on?" Tamara asked Snape, softly, stepping forward.

"Dumbledore's Army". Snape replied, tersely. "Potter, I hope for their sakes they know what to expect. This is not child's play. The Dark Lord will drive the entire weight of his army against Hogwarts."

"I know." Harry replied. "They're prepared." If he had spoken in this tone to Snape in class, there would have been no doubt that he would have been expelled, but in the gravity of the situation they both seemed to know what was more important. At that moment, Jez and Thalia pushed their way forward. Tamara was surprised to see them there, but drew her friends into a hug nonetheless.

"What can we do?" Jez asked, looking from Tamara to Snape and back again. If any other member of the DA had doubts as to where Snape's true loyalties lay, Jez and Thalia's apparent trust of him sent the gathered crowd into a further frenzy of confusion now. Immediately they looked to Harry for explanation. Harry, however, said nothing and merely watched the exchange between Tamara and her friends.

"We need to alert McGonagall and get Adelaide to Madame Pomfrey." Tamara replied, her voice laced with urgency. "Harry, have you done what you need to do?" Tamara, of course, was referring to the horcruxes, though she couldn't say as much in front of everyone else.

"Yes. All that's left to do is face him." Harry replied, strength and determination blazing in his eyes.

"Right, well Thalia and I can take you through the castle while Harry gets everyone ready here." Jez replied, with confidence.

"Okay. Harry, I think Draco should stay with you. Some of you will need to help evacuate the other students and have the rest ready in the Great Hall in half an hour." Tamara told him and without further ado she, Jez, Thalia, Snape and Adelaide hurried into the castle, Adelaide supported by her friends.

Their hearts pounding in their chests at the magnitude of what was about to take place that night, they avoided the main traffic areas of the castle and hurried through the quieter undisturbed pathways. Taking the back way to avoid being detected until they had spoken to McGonagall, however, meant that their path wasn't as direct as they would like. For the most part, though, they moved quickly, only stopping when Adelaide's lack of strength sent her tumbling to the ground. With no-one to see but Tamara and her friends, Snape scooped Adelaide up and carried her the rest of the way. At this point, Adelaide was becoming delirious and knew nothing of what was happening. She would need sustenance as soon as they got her to the hospital wing.

When they arrived at the hospital wing Madame Pomfrey rushed out in her nightgown to see what was happening and gasped in shock at the sight of Snape. Tamara hurried forward to explain.

"Please Madame Pomfrey, there's nothing to be afraid of. Professor Snape has been working as a double agent and helped me rescue Adelaide from the Death Eaters. She's very weak. Can you help her?" Tamara pleaded.

Madame Pomfrey sighed with the same tone that Snape had spoken in when he had chosen to risk their capture to save Adelaide and directed them to the nearest empty bed. Snape placed Adelaide on the bed and stood back as Madame Pomfrey began to fuss over her.

"Join us in the Great Hall as soon as you can. Voldemort is on his way to storm the castle and I daresay we'll need you again before the night is out." Tamara told the older witch. The colour drained from Madame Pomfrey's face but she nodded and immediately turned her attention back to Adelaide.

Leaving Adelaide in Madame Pomfrey's care, they dashed out of the hospital wing and headed straight toward the Headmistress's office. Again, the gargoyle jumped aside sensing their urgency and to their relief McGonagall was sitting at her desk, sorting through an enormous stack of paperwork for the education department at the Ministry. At the sight of Snape she immediately jumped to her feet and drew her wand, firing hexes that Snape was able to deflect.

"Professor please, I need you to listen to me. Remember what I told you at the beginning of the week? It's happening now. Snape's on our side..." Tamara began.

"I should kill you after what you did!" McGonagall cut in, shouting at Snape and raising her wand to cast another hex that Snape again deflected, though not before it managed to graze his elbow, leaving a singed gash in his robes.

"Put your wand down, you stupid woman! If I were working for Voldemort, I would have killed you by now!" Snape retorted.

"Enough!" Boomed a powerful and familiar voice from behind McGonagall's desk. Everyone in the room froze. It was Dumbledore's voice. A moment later, Tamara realised that it was coming from one of the portraits. Dumbledore was back in his frame tonight.

"Enough!" Dumbledore repeated. "Minerva, you remember what I told you. I will not tell you again. Severus, I thought you might have learnt a thing or two from Tamara about diplomacy." Both swapped grimaces at these words but lowered their wands.

"Albus, I cannot fathom why you would forgive him after what he did to you." McGonagall hissed in a low voice.

"There is nothing to forgive. He ended my life because I asked him to." Dumbledore replied, shortly.

McGonagall stopped short and stared at Snape. Suddenly, the tension disappeared from Snape's face and he dropped his head, clearly unable to look at Dumbledore's portrait. For the first time, Tamara could see just how much turmoil Snape felt at what he had been asked to do.

"Don't carry the weight of regrets, Severus. You gave me the gift of a dignified death. I never truly thanked you for it." Dumbledore told him, his voice softening with emotion and finally McGonagall truly understood and accepted what Snape's position had entailed.

"What can I do?" She asked Snape in a shaky, yet strangely awed voice.

"Evacuate the students, all those who aren't of age, and prepare the Order and the Staff. The Dark Lord is coming. This will be the final stand. We have one chance to defeat him and that chance is now." Snape told her. Grimly, McGonagall nodded in understanding.

"Has Harry completed his task? Is everything ready?" Dumbledore cut in, addressing Tamara.

Tamara nodded, understanding what he meant. "It's done." She replied. "I even found this." And with that she held up her hand, flashing the ring that he had hidden so many years ago. Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling at the memory.

"If I may make a suggestion, you will need people on the front line waiting in the castle grounds. The castle's protections are not as strong as they were when I was alive. Having people in the grounds ready to fight back will buy you a little time. And don't forget, when Voldemort makes his appearance it will be you Tamara and Severus, together with Harry, united in love and friendship, who will have the chance to conquer him. You will of course remember my lesson on this subject; the power of love. Voldemort knows nothing of love and so it is this that will be his downfall." Dumbledore explained.

Tamara immediately dropped her eyes to the floor. Dumbledore was right. Voldemort knew nothing of love or loyalty and it still hurt to think of how she had been betrayed by him, her father. McGonagall, however, looked at Tamara and Snape with surprise, evidently trying to determine if her interpretation of Dumbledore's words had been correct. Because if she was right, then it meant that they were sharing a romantic relationship.

Not having the time to lose on thinking about this subject, however, she followed Tamara and the others out of the office, readying herself for what needed to be done.