An Unexpected Turn of Events

Chapter Fifty-two

Bill and Fleur sat at the table in the back of the Pub where Charlie always sat watching him and Sarah dance. The happy couple were smiling so much Bill thought for sure their faces would hurt for days.

Bill turned to Fleur "Do you really think that was Ginny, Harry and the others?"

Fleur looked at her husband patronizingly, "Yes Bill, I really do."

"Then why didn't they say something?" he asked.

Fleur shrugged her shoulders, "Who knows? Maybe someday we'll get to ask them," she replied.

"I wish I knew what they were up to," Bill said.

Fleur looked at her husband and smiled, she knew he was worried about his siblings and the others. She too found not knowing what they were up to frustrating but she knew she couldn't change it so she tried not to dwell on it.

"Why didn't Charlie hold up the ceremony?" Bill asked after a moment.

"Bill," Fleur said plainly, "They obviously didn't want to be recognized and Charlie knew that. Having them there was enough, leave it at that."

Bill sighed and looked back at the dance floor. The music had changed and Ron was now dancing with Sarah which surprised Bill. He noticed Charlie was dancing with Fay at the same time. One mystery may be out of his reach, maybe he needed to look at another.

"So what do you think is up with Ron and Fay?" he asked his wife.

"My we are inquisitive today, aren't we," Fleur said humorously.

Bill smiled back at Fleur, "It's the Curse Breaker in me."

The both laughed at that before Fleur turned a critical eye on the dance floor.

"Right now I think they're just good friends. Ron has obviously found someone to fill the hole left by Harry and Hermione not returning to Hogwarts," Fleur said. "From what I heard from Mum they're on the Quidditch team together, study with each other and Fay even plays chess well enough to give Ron a run for his money."

Bill laughed, "Think anything more will come of it?"

"Who knows at this point, right now they are just enjoying each others company. There is no reason to rush anything at their age," Fleur replied.

"Harry and Ginny are younger than they are," Bill said sadly.

Fleur looked at Bill sympathetically. "In years yes, but in experience no. I doubt Fay has experienced anything near what Ginny has gone through, let alone Harry. They have faced horrors most adults never experience in their whole lives, let alone before they're of age."

Bill nodded in agreement. "It's hard to remember all they've been through and yet they have weathered it pretty well so far."

"Yes and I hope and pray that they continue to do so," said Fleur.

Bill stood up and extended his hand, "Care to dance?" he asked his wife.

"I thought you'd never ask," Fleur replied with a smile.

XX

Voldemort was incensed, Bella had failed to return and his rage grew with each passing moment. "Wormtail!" he screamed out.

Wormtail scurried over from the corner he had been hiding in, "Y-Yes M-My Lord," he stuttered.

Without even asking he grabbed Wormtail's arm and pressed his wand to the Dark Mark summoning his Death Eaters to him.

All his remaining Lieutenants came to the summons. Lucius, Crabbe, Goyle, McNair, Travers and Snape. They all bowed low, fearful of the anger they felt pouring off of him.

"Find Her!," he bellowed.

They hurriedly left to carry out his orders, afraid if they lingered the wrath would fall on them.

Wormtail alone had remained in the room. "Wine" he commanded, " and none of that swill you brought last time," he shouted after the fleeing figure. "M-My L-Lord, at-t once," came the replay.

Voldemort returned to his chair in front of the fire without his beloved Nagini to comfort him.

XX

It was very late and the festivities were winding down, Bob was showing the last of the guests out the door so all that remained was the families of the Newly Weds.

Sarah had gone upstairs earlier to change out of her wedding gown and Charlie had taken off his robes so that all he had on was a nice shirt and slacks. Molly and Wendy were twittering away at one of the tables next to the makeshift dance floor. Fleur had joined them, complaining that her ankles were swollen.

Ron and Fay had Flooed back to Hogwarts hours ago, not wishing to miss the curfew that McGonagall had set. They had a Quidditch game the next day and didn't want to jeopardize their spots on the team. Gryffindor was One and Oh and had a good shot at going undefeated again this year.

Arthur had just returned from escorting Muriel home much to the relief of the rest of the family. The Gentleman had all sat at the bar at Bob's request for one last drink to the Happy couple.

Bill looked at Charlie, "So are you two going on a Honeymoon?" he asked.

Charlie smiled, "Yeah, we leave tomorrow for a week in Romania," he said.

Bill raised an eyebrow, "Romania, Aren't you afraid Sarah will run into some of your old girlfriends?" he asked.

Charlie chuckled, "I intend to introduce her to all of them."

Bill looked surprised till Charlie explained that they all weighed several tons, could fly and breath fire.

Bill laughed at that and was about to make a retort when Sarah came back in and sat down next to Charlie.

"I was just telling Bill about our trip to Romania," Charlie explained.

Bill chuckled, "I didn't know Romania was such a romantic place to visit." he said.

Sarah smiled at him, "Well I'll get to see where Charlie worked and get to see the Dragons, besides we need to get all of Charlie's stuff and bring it back here."

Bill just smiled, Charlie and Sarah certainly seemed to be made for one another. Bill noticed Fleur yawn mightily. "Looks like I should be getting my wife home before she falls asleep here in the Pub and I can't have that, people would talk.

Everyone chuckled at Bills comment and Bob added "Hey I run a family business here."

Charlie looked at Sarah and could tell even though she was smiling and enjoying the quiet time with their extended family she was very tired too. "Come on Mrs Weasley," he said to her, time to get you home in bed before you fall asleep too."

Sarah smiled at him, "Yes my dear husband," she said. She linked her arm through his and they said their goodbyes to everyone. Finally done they walked outside and Apparated home.

XX

Bella sat on the couch with her feet tucked up under herself. She heard the back door open and she tensed for a moment, reaching for her wand but her hand closed on nothing but air, Severus still had her wand.

When he entered the parlour she relaxed and saw him staring at her. He had a bundle tucked under his arm. Under his gaze she felt small and vulnerable.

He took in the room around him as always and he noted the half finished cup of tea along with the partially eaten piece of toast on the table beside her.

"Is that all you've eaten today?" he asked.

"I had something earlier," she lied.

She saw the sadness in his eyes, "No more lies Bella," he said softly.

She looked down, ashamed at being caught in the lie. "I'm sorry Severus, I'm just not very hungry."

Severus looked at her and set the bundle down. He headed out into the kitchen and she heard him puttering around out there. In a short time he returned with a tray that contained a bowl of soup, some toast and a fresh cup of tea.

"Eat," he said as he set the tray down beside her.

Bella took the offered food and mechanically began to eat while he watched her closely. She felt very self-conscious and kept her gaze fixed on the bowl in front of her.

Before long the bowl was empty and the toast was gone. She hadn't felt hungry but she could tell that the food had done her a world of good. "Thank you Severus," she said softly.

"Come with me," he said as he rose.

Bella stood and wondered what he had planned.

Severus grabbed the bundle and went to the bookcase that hid the stairs. He looked back to make sure she was following as he headed up the stairs.

Upstairs there were two bedrooms, one a bit larger than the other and a bathroom.

Snape entered the larger of the two bedrooms, followed by Bella. He tossed the bundle on the bed and turned to take a rather threadbare robe off the hook on the back of the door.

Handing it to her he said "Disrobe and go take a shower, leave your clothing here."

Snape then left closing the door behind himself.

Bella slowly undress and looked at herself in the mirror before putting on the robe. She found it hard to believe the emaciated figure she had seen was actually her.

She had been a rather pretty young witch, but that was gone now, her body as broken and run down as her mind was now. Securing the robe she opened the door to head to the shower.

She found Snape waiting in the Hall and he re-entered the room as she went to take her shower. She showered quickly and scrubbed herself almost raw in an effort to remove the feeling of filth that ran more than skin deep.

She couldn't remember hot water feeling so good as it did right now. She washed her hair as best she could trying to work out as many of the tangles and knots as she could. She finally gave it up as a lost cause and exited the shower.

When she was done she put the robe back on and headed back to the bedroom where she found Snape waiting for her.

"Sit," he commanded indicating a chair in front of a small dressing table.

When she did she found herself staring at her reflection in a old mirror, she didn't find the visage staring back at her very pleasing at all.

Snape grabbed a brush and comb and began to work on her hair, slowly removing the knots and tangles with a efficiency she found quite surprising. She made eye contact with him in the mirror, her look questioning his ability.

Softly he said, "I used to have a younger sister, she died when I was about eight. Before she died I use to brush her hair for her. After her death my parents were never the same again. They always fought, my father turned to drinking, and my mother didn't seem to care any more, it wasn't a pleasant place to grow up."

When he was done brushing her hair out he grabbed a pair of scissors and cut her hair at shoulder length. At first Bella was shocked and a bit sorry to see her hair being cut, it had looked better than at any time since she was married.

However when he was done, Bella was surprised at how good it actually looked. He then took his wand and cast a spell changing it's colour from her near black to a soft shimmering brown. The effect was quite stunning.

Snape looked at her with a strange look on his face but he said nothing, turning away abruptly.

"Get dressed," he said as he began to leave.

"Severus," she called out softly.

He stopped but didn't turn around.

"Please don't go," she said. "I trust you not to look and I'd rather not be alone right now."

Severus remained where he was and just nodded.

Bella went to the bed and found all her clothing was gone, not that it had been in very good shape. She took the robes from the bundle that he had left and she was a bit surprised to find new undergarments included.

She dressed quickly and found everything fit reasonably well. When she was finished and looked at herself in the mirror she was astonished at the changes. If she didn't know she was looking at herself she wouldn't have recognized the person staring back at her.

"You can look now," she said.

Snape turned around and stared at Bella. She looked years younger and though her face was quite thin she had a softness to her that wasn't there before.

"You look. . ." he said then hesitated. "You look a lot like what I imagine Amanda would have looked like had she lived."

Bella actually blushed, something she thought she'd never do again.

"Thank you Severus," she said sincerely. She then gave a little laugh.

Snape looked at her questioningly.

"I seem to be saying that a lot lately," she replied to his unasked question. Bella began to walk forward ready to follow Severus out of the room.

"You forgot something," Snape said pointing back at the bed.

Bella turned back wondering what she had forgotten and she saw her wand laying there close to where the clothes had been. She was stunned to say the least and as she picked it up and tucked it away Severus said "Trust is a two way street."

It was with a renewed sense of well being and with the feeling of hope in her growing they descended the stairs, Bella felt better prepared to meet whatever fate awaited her.

XX

Remus and Fred returned from their scouting mission to Hogsmeade to check to see if Mundungus was there selling again but it had been drizzling there and Dung was no where to be seen.

Harry was disappointed that they weren't able to find Dung and sat brooding on the couch with Ginny who was busy knitting a scarf.

Tonks was sitting on the other couch with Hermione who seemed quite agitated and was twisting and untwisting the edge of her jumper.

Tonks began to softly hum the song she had before that had helped calm Hermione down.

Harry suddenly noticed Ginny's knitting becoming slower and slower till she eventually stopped. When he glanced at her he noticed she was just staring down at it. He looked up into her eyes and he could see them glistening with unshed tears.

"What's wrong?" he whispered.

Ginny looked up at him and tried to say something but nothing came out and suddenly her tears came in earnest. She jumped up, threw down her knitting and ran off into their bedroom.

Everyone stopped what they were doing and watched her go. Hermione looked questioningly at Harry but he could only shrug his shoulders as he got up and went after his wife.

Harry found her curled up in the bed crying hysterically. He sat on the edge of the bed and began to rub her back. "What is it Ginny," he asked tenderly.

Ginny rolled over towards him, tears running down her face and through her sobs said "The baby, I lost our baby."

Harry looked down at her with complete understanding, and suddenly it washed over him to. He felt his heart breaking, for Ginny, for the baby and himself.

They had been so busy and wrapped up in what they were doing they had pushed the pain deep down but now it was breaking out, refusing to be buried any longer.

Harry pulled Ginny tightly to him and began to cry with her. In the back of his mind he knew it had been the Lullaby that had triggered Ginny's crying at the loss she felt and it had burst out and now it had spread to him.

Harry didn't know how long they had clung to one another crying for their child. All he knew was the pain was squeezing his heart as it must have been for Ginny. They felt as if a Dementor had entered into their hearts stealing all the happiness from them.

Harry felt overwhelmed, his mind just kept repeating, Why, Why did their baby have to die before it was even born, why did something that should have been the source of so much joy have to be something that caused them so much pain.

Ginny just kept repeating over and over softly, "Our baby, why was our baby taken from us," rocking against Harry. Harry didn't think they'd ever stop crying.

"Harry? Ginny?" he heard softly.

When they didn't answer he became aware of someone entering their room.

"Oh Godric," Tonks said as she came over and sat next to the distraught couple huddled together on the bed.

Harry saw Tonks glance at the doorway and he followed her gaze, through his tears he saw Hermione standing there looking almost as stricken as he and Ginny. She looked like she was was ready to bolt from the room.

"No Hermione," Tonks said forcefully, "Come sit on the other side," as she pointed past Ginny.

Hermione hesitated for a moment before walking over and sitting down next to Ginny, seeming unsure if she really wanted to.

"What's wrong?" asked Tonks.

Ginny sobbed out "Our Baby."

Tonks was totally lost, since she and Remus had joined the group no one had mentioned Ginny's miscarriage.

Hermione motioned to Tonks and they left the room. She quickly explained to Tonks about Ginny's miscarriage and Tonks was shocked. She hadn't known and they had given no indication up till now that anything was the matter.

"Hermione," Tonks said, "Go get two doses of Calming Draught."

Hermione left and returned quickly with the two vials and they re-entered the bedroom, she gave one to Tonks who administered it to Harry while she gave the other to Ginny.

Finally after a time Hermione and Tonks were able to get Ginny and Harry calmed down enough for Harry to explain that Tonks' humming of the Lullaby had triggered Ginny's grief.

Tonks gazed forlornly at the young grieving couple as they lay huddled on the bed. "I'm so Sorry," she said tenderly.

Ginny calmed quickly, closed her eyes as she snuggled into Harry's side and fell asleep.

Harry nodded in response to Tonks and tightened his grasp on Ginny. He tried not to think about it but the loss of their child stuck in the forefront of his mind. He still felt responsible for bringing Ginny here and possibly causing the loss of the baby. Finally Harry drifted off to sleep, joining Ginny in slumber.

Tonks and Hermione quietly left the room, once back in the common area everyone wanted to know if Harry and Ginny were all right.

They all sat down and Hermione just told them that Ginny wasn't feeling well and Harry was comforting her. Tonks looked at her questioningly but didn't say anything. Once everyone had gone back to doing other things Hermione made eye contact with Tonks and indicated that she wanted to speak with her outside.

Tonks followed Hermione outside but they didn't go far, it was getting quite chilly in the late November evening.

"What's up Hermione," Tonks asked, "Why didn't you tell them what really happened?"

" Harry asked me not to tell anyone so until he tells me otherwise I have to follow his wishes," Hermione explained.

Tonks nodded, "OK, Hermione," she said. "What about you? How are you doing?"

Hermione looked down and stared at the ground. "I was feeling the urge really bad a while ago, helping Ginny and Harry has helped a little but afterwards it's been pretty strong again," she said. "Will I ever get passed this?" she asked the older witch.

"You can Hermione, It's really up to you. I and others can help but ultimately it is up to you," Tonks said gently.

Hermione nodded, "I thought you'd say something like that." She then sighed and looked back at the tent entrance. "It's getting kind of cold, guess we should go back inside."

"OK Hermione, but remember our deal, I can only help if you let me."

Hermione smiled a half-sad smile and hugged Tonks tightly. "I'll remember," she said quietly.

Together the two witches went back inside wishing that they could make things better for everyone but each knew that all they could do was push forward and hope for the best and if they worked hard enough maybe it would work out in the end.

XX

Severus and Bella arrived at a small secluded cottage deep in the English countryside. After glancing around Bella looked at Severus, "Where are we?" she asked.

"This is an Order of the Phoenix safe house," he replied.

Bella looked concerned, "Won't they be upset that I'm here?" she asked.

"They have agreed to provide you with refuge and protection, you'll be safe here. Trust me Bella, this is the safest place in the world for you right now," Severus said softly.

Bella nodded, so far Severus had treated her much better than she expected or thought she deserved. "I do trust you, as strange as that may sound, I have placed my life in your hands and so far I have not regretted it for one moment."

Severus knocked on the door in a strange staccato and then whispered something she couldn't make out. The door opened to reveal a warm and cozy interior. An old Wizard was there and greeted them as they entered. "Good evening Severus, so this is our special guest?"

"Yes, Horatio. May I present to you Miss Bella Smith," he said lowly.

Horatio smiled at her, "Welcome Miss Smith, I'm pleased to make you acquaintance," he said offering his hand.

Bella took the proffered hand and shook it. It felt so strange to be involved in the niceties of social interaction. It had been so long since she had been treated as a worthwhile person she found it somewhat overwhelming.

Horatio saw her distress and patted her hand, "There, there, everything is going to be fine. Why don't you come sit down by the fire and I'll make some tea."

He made sure she was comfortable before he hurried off to the kitchen to prepare the tea.

Snape sat down next to her on the couch, "Are you all right?" he asked.

Bella looked up at him and smiled through her tears, "Yes I'm fine Severus. I'm just not use to being treated so kindly. I'm finding it a bit much right now" she said.

The clock struck eight and Severus looked at it as it did so. Bella noticed and was worried that he was going to leave right away. "Can you stay for a while?" she asked.

Snape looked at her and said nothing for a moment and she was worried that he would leave. "Yes I can stay for a while yet," he replied.

Horatio came back in with a tray containing the tea and some biscuits. "Here we go," he said with a smile on his face. "This should be the just ticket to make you feel better."

"Thank you," Bella said sincerely. "That's very kind of you."

Horatio just waved his hand, "Oh Tosh," he said. "It's nothing really."

"It's something to me, believe me when I say it's been a long time since anyone has done something like this for me," she replied. "Other than Severus, I mean. I owe him my life and I won't forget that," she said earnestly.

Snape looked at Horatio, "I find I have several hours free this evening, if you have any thing you'd like to do I'd be glad to stay here for a while," he said.

Horatio smiled, "It just happens that I could use a spell for a bit. I let Hestia go earlier when Shack showed up for a while. He's up stairs right now. I'll go inform him and then be off."

Horatio left and Bella served the tea, She couldn't believe what had happened in the last forty-eight hours. Her life had changed so much she felt she must be dreaming. Long ago during her first couple years of marriage she had prayed and dreamed of being saved from the nightmare that her life had become but to no avail. And now through someone she had least expected to help her that prayer had been answered.

Sipping her tea she looked over to the enigma that was Severus Snape. He had always seemed so cold and aloof but she now knew he had a sister that he had obviously loved. Was her loss the reason that he was so closed off? There was more to Severus than met the eye, that was for sure she thought.

Horatio returned down the stairs closely followed by a large black man and Bella froze as Kingsley Shacklebolt, head of the Auror Department, came into the room. Horatio hurriedly said his goodbyes and left.

"Good evening Severus," Kingsley said.

"Shacklebolt," Severus said dryly.

"So this must be. . ." he started.

"Miss Smith," Snape finished for him.

Kings eyebrow went up as he looked from Snape to Bella and back.

"How do you do, , , Miss Smith," he said hesitantly.

Bella was sure that Kingsley had recognized her and she was worried about what his reaction would be.

"I'm glad that we could be of help to you in these trying times," he went on. "Severus has told me some of the facts concerning your recent situation."

Bella still was unsure where he stood, "Thank you Mr Shacklebolt," she said softly.

"Please call me King. All my friends do," he said with a smile.

Bella looked at him directly, "Am I your friend?" she asked.

"I hope you'll be," he replied. "We all need as many friends as we can get in these perilous times. Don't you agree?" he asked.

Bella nodded, feeling a little more at ease but still not sure exactly where she stood. "May I ask you a question, King," she said hesitantly.

"Ask away," he replied.

"I know you know who I am and that I'm wanted for the many crimes I have committed, just where do I stand with you and the Auror Department?" she asked directly.

Kingsley actually smiled at her, "You are here under the protection of the Order of the Phoenix and have nothing to fear from me. I am aware of much you have done but it seems that you have had a change of heart. What the future will bring I can not say but I know that if you were taken into custody right now Justice would not be served."

Bella nodded and looked at Snape and as usual he betrayed nothing with his look.

"I agree King, the future right now is very unclear, right now I am just glad to be alive," Bella said sincerely.

Kingsley nodded back, "Aren't we all and I'm sorry to say the worse is probably yet to come." He glanced at Snape before looking back at Bella, "I know you just arrived and must be very tired so I won't press you but if you can give us any information that can be of help I hope you'll share it with us."

Snape frowned, he had hoped that Bella would have a little time to get use to the idea that she was safe and out of the war for now and was about to say something when Kingsley looked a him. "I'll leave you two for now, I have some work to get back to upstairs. Good evening Severus," he said.

Turning back to Bella, "Miss Smith, I hope you'll enjoy your stay and have a good evening too."

Bella and Snape bid him good evening and he left them alone.

Bella breathed a sigh of relief. If Kingsley Shacklebolt was OK with her being here she knew she had nothing to fear from the Order.

Bella finished her tea and she felt very tired. She so much wanted to lay down but she felt she had to stay awake since Severus had stayed.

Snape noticed how tired she was and her attempt to stay awake. "It's fine Bella, just lay down, I'll be here for a while yet and I'll let you know before I leave."

Bella smiled at him and curled up on the couch. She grabbed a blanket that was draped over the back and she snuggled down, within moments her eyes closed and she was asleep.

Snape stared at her as she slept. His mind in turmoil, he had never expected to be in this position and he didn't know why he had told her about Amanda. He had much to think about and he spent the next several hours doing so, not coming to any conclusions as of yet put the number of possibilities had multiplied by a huge factor and he found himself thinking about things he never thought he would again.

XX

A/N: I am happy to announce we have a winner in the Name the Business Contest. The winner is Ken Douglas from the beautiful state of Wisconsin Home of the World champion Green Bay Packers. GO PACK!

Hi winning entry was Dragon's Lair Remodeling and will be used in the future. Ken has won the Honour (However dubious it may be) of having a cameo part in the story. He will be worked in at a later date.

I received a total of 23 names entered by 16 people. I thank you all for your input. It was close and several caught my eye but I really liked Ken's.