The Blood Compact – Chapter 35 – Information and preparation
Severus spent most of his days at Spinner's End. But he came back on a daily basis to the Prince manor to check on Dumbledore's portrait, now it was no longer in his lab. It gave him also a good opportunity to see Amelia.
He had heard nothing about what had happened with the Carrows, the evening he had gone to Hogwarts to steal the Sword of Gryffindor. A tribute to the efficiency of the Confusing spell he had cast on both brother and sister. Yet, he had learnt that the Dark Lord intended to move the Sword now in the office – the fake one ! – into the vault of a very close servant of his. The fake was so craftily made that nobody could tell the difference with the real one, except Goblins probably, as they had been the makers of the real Sword of Gryffindor in the past.
The information had been discussed in a Death-Eater meeting at Malfoy Manor. Only a very few people that already belonged to the Inner Circle had been summoned. Of course, Severus was part of them. Voldemort had decided to put the Sword of Gryffindor away from the eyes and hands of anyone else that could access the Hogwarts Headmaster's office.
Severus had thought first that behind that decision, there was the theft attempt carried out by three students. Yet, no, this was not the case. The motives were of a whole other nature. In fact, the Dark Lord wanted to have the Sword away from a possible theft by Harry Potter himself. He was sure the boy would come back to Hogwarts one day or the other. An opinion Severus shared too. Of course, Lord Voldemort did not state the true reason behind his suspicions – and fears. But Severus knew enough now to draw his own conclusions.
The Dark Lord was afraid of the Sword. He knew the power contained in the Sword – that it could destroy his Horcruxes. Which confirmed Dumbledore's theory and his wish to pursue the hunt for Horcruxes – via Harry and his two friends.
Besides, Severus learnt of the location of another very interesting artefact that might be a Horcrux too. Well, it had not been said overtly. But the probabilities sky-rocketed the moment Bellatrix opened her ever-so-smart mouth.
"Thank you, my Lord, for your trust. Our vault will always be open for you, should you need to store and protect very precious magical objects. You already honoured us in this regard last year, when you entrusted us with that lovely goblet of yours. We would be delighted to shelter the Sword of Gryffindor."
They were among themselves, the highest members of the Inner Circle. Voldemort did not react. He just let out another information. "Our people at the Ministry of Magic have discovered a will made and signed by Albus Dumbledore, in which he bequeathed the said Sword to Harry Potter. The boy may want to get his... bequest. Of course, he shall never be given access to the Sword. In no way."
"How could it be so, my Lord ?" Amycus Carrow asked. "I've always heard that the Sword belonged to the school, not to its Headmaster."
The others laughed. Except Severus. But he never laughed anyway, so nobody was surprised.
Voldemort let out a sardonic laugh too. "I think the old man was losing his marbles when he wrote his will. Anyway... now the Sword is to be stored in a more secure location than Hogwarts. This is not theft. Not even a forfeiture. Just a measure to make it safe from... how could we say... uncaring hands."
Thinking of that meeting, once back at the manor, Severus had to admit that Dumbledore had been right – once more. He was sure that the "small goblet" fitted the description of Hufflepuff's Cup. It meant that he knew about the location of the fourth Horcrux.
The Riddle diary. The Gaunt ring. Both destroyed already. The Slytherin locket, found but to be destroyed. The cup of Helga Hufflepuff – soon to be found, if his assumptions were correct. And after, most likely the Diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw. Still one was missing, if Voldemort had chosen to part his soul in as many bits as to achieve the next magical number – seven – counting his maimed soul remaining in his own body. Seven pieces overall.
That very evening, Severus explained all this to Dumbledore who was very happy to see how correct his theory was. The hunt for Horcruxes was moving forward. Yet, the extra information needed to be conveyed to Harry.
"Any news on your side as to where they could be ?" Severus asked the old Headmaster.
The old wizard shook his head. "Alas, no, Severus. I'm aware this is a real issue. But I'm confident we'll find a solution. In the mean time, think about a plan to give him the Sword. Remember he must get it under conditions of need and valour. As for the instructions about Hufflepuff's Cup and its location in the Lestrange vault at Gringotts, you have to find a way to tell him that too."
"I have a plan for the Sword. For the information about the cup, I need to give it more thought."
"I trust you, my boy. I'm sure you'll find something. Oh, don't forget to ask Amelia. She's got good ideas. Ravenclaws are used to think 'out of the box', like Muggles say sometimes."
"I will."
Severus had given some thought to the plan he would implement to give the Sword of Gryffindor to Potter. As for the other information, he talked to Amelia about it. As Dumbledore had suggested him before, he associated her with his findings. They brainstormed together, trading ideas on how to do so.
"I think I found a way, Master," she told him a few days later. She showed him the book about concealment charms she had found in the Prince library. "At first, I thought this was an amusing spell, supposed to spook one's friends on Halloween night. But on second thoughts, it may be useful."
Severus took the book and read the paragraphs describing the spell. "Indeed. How would you proceed then ?"
Amelia pondered her reply for a few seconds. "The spell is like a concealment charm except it doesn't make the caster invisible. I would pose as a ghost, as the spell gives the caster a ghost like look. I would talk directly to the boy and give him the information that needs to be shared."
"Care to develop ?" His tone showed he was interested in her idea. Thus encouraged, she went on.
"From what you have planned, you wish to forward the Sword at night. Good. You give them the Sword, then I can appear among them and talk to them like a ghost and then disappear the same way I have come."
"That sounds appealing indeed. It deserves more thinking. Tell me, which ghost would you pose as ?"
Amelia smiled. "Definitely not as a Hogwarts ghost. They know them and would see at once I'm not the right person. No, I've already thought about it. As the information partly concerns Ravenclaw and I know about the lore around the Diadem, I believe I should make a credible Rowena Ravenclaw, with the appropriate time period clothing."
Severus peered at her. Amelia could see the gears moving inside his head. "Rowena Ravenclaw is not a ghost."
"Of course. That means they never saw her ghost then. No chance they could recognize me. None of the three is a Ravenclaw."
"Beware of Miss Granger, Amelia. She's an insufferable know-it-all, she may unfold your plan."
"That's a risk we'll have to run, Master. Besides... even if she's not a ghost, the notion of her Diadem defiled with Dark magic should be enough for Rowena Ravenclaw to come back from the dead exceptionally, don't you think ?" A sigh. "I would. She's a Founder of Hogwarts. I don't know if she's still bounded to the school and does her duty to protect it but I think it is my duty, as a Ravenclaw, to help destroy that... abomination." She lowered her eyes a second or two before meeting his gaze again. "That way, the Ravenhearts would not have died in vain."
He nodded. He could understand her motives. "We need to give more thought to your idea. I think it could be used. I can see them being spooked by your ghostly appearance after my plan. That could work indeed."
She smiled at him. "I'll Transfigure a few garments I have to match Rowena Ravenclaw's time period. We don't know when Professor Dumbledore will have the information we need but we'll have to be ready by then."
"Yes, you do that. I need to think about your idea and we'll discuss it again tomorrow."
Somehow, Amelia knew she had won the game. She was sure, by the interest he had displayed for her idea, that he had already accepted it.
They discussed again about how they would convey the Sword and the information Potter needed to know. Severus had indeed accepted her idea. They had it all planned carefully. They would do so at night. First the Sword – that was Severus' part. Then the information about the other Horcruxes – Amelia would do it. She had the advantage the trio did not know her face. They would not recognize her. Dressed appropriately, she would do a fine Rowena Ravenclaw.
Amelia had also showed Severus her 11th century garments she had modified from existing clothing using Transfiguration. She would wear her black cloak. Darkness would help her too. She had also cast the spell on herself, in his presence. He had been right impressed. The effect was very realistic indeed. She really looked like a ghost, with a grey-blue transparency that was very convincing. She had cast on herself a small spell that modified her voice, to give it a slight reverberation – which completely convinced Severus her plan was a good plan.
He had also explained how he would proceed about the Sword. She had found it particularly cunning and subtle. A Patronus Charm was always perceived as a benevolent spell. Potter had to believe nobody would harm him or his companions. Otherwise, the whole plan would go down the drain.
They were ready when they received notice from Dumbledore's portrait that the old Headmaster had the information they were all waiting for. Severus had placed an alert charm on the portrait, so that he or Amelia would be advised whenever the old wizard wanted to talk to them.
"Severus, I have the location ! Phineas heard Miss Granger a few minutes ago about it, when she opened her bag into which she had stored his portrait. They're camping in the Forest of Dean !" He sounded pretty much excited – but Severus could not blame him. They had been waiting for that piece of information for quite some time already.
"Amelia, you know what you have to do."
"Yes, Master." She went inside the study to get dressed as Rowena Ravenclaw. Severus had briefly explained to Dumbledore Amelia's idea to convey the details about the other Horcruxes. The old Headmaster had approved, thinking it was brilliant. Yet, Severus had not told the old wizard how he would give the Sword to Potter and his friends. He had just told him he had a plan. Somewhere, he wanted to test Dumbledore's trust in him. The old Headmaster had not insisted. He had just specified the Sword had to be taken under conditions of need and valour.
Amelia had done quickly. When she appeared in front of the two wizards, she had cast the 'ghost like' spell. Dumbledore clapped his hands, complimenting her on the effect she produced.
As for Severus, he could not but think she was beautiful. Divinely beautiful.
They left the manor. Severus had put the Sword in the small pouch. As soon as they were outside the property, wand in hand, they both Disapparated away to the Forest of Dean.
Alright, a short chapter but useful as it is to make a transition with what is to follow... in the Forest of Dean. You must suspect what it will happen there, as I got heavily inspired by both the book and the movie for that one. One of my favorite scenes in the whole saga, both on page and on screen. I just replaced it in the context of my fanfic.
Also, I find it interesting to show how Severus and Amelia can work together like a team - if not like a couple, which they are not at the present time. Little by little, a relationship between peers or equals is slowly but surely building up. That's very important in my idea.
And of course, Bellatrix and her smart mouth... she'll be the death of the Dark Lord - and he doesn't even know it ! LOL
By the way, all the best for all my readers ! Wish me many, many good ideas, inspiration and reviews ! LOL For you all and your beloved ones, I wish you health, love, friendship, joy and solidarity. Like Horace Slughorn said in the HBP movie, "these are mad times" and for sure, we'll need all this to go through them relatively unscathed.