CXLVI
Severus growled, "Edgecombe, what have you done with my Queen?"
Marietta tilted her head as he approached, boldly flaunting her stolen crown. "Whatever do you mean, Green Man? I am your May Queen."
"I don't play games, Miss Edgecombe." Severus let his anger bleed into his tone.
She answered in a sing-song croon, "You will tonight. If it is the Goddess' will, you'll find her. If not…I will be waiting."
Striking quickly, Severus lunged forward to grab the chit. His fingers closed on thin air.
With malice in her eyes, the wavering illusion of Marietta Edgecombe called, "Let's go, girls!"
CXLVII
Steeling himself, Severus drew down deep, tapping the strength he'd not needed since the war. He'd located a stray curly hair caught on his horn, and he was considering what scrying method to use.
An unwelcome breathy voice interrupted his thoughts, "Severus?"
He'd recognise that daft bint anywhere. "Sybil, not now!" He'd made no effort to hide his annoyance.
Trelawney did not shy away, insistent as she replied. "You need our help."
Severus was surrounded by a circle of witches, all of the non-maiden variety.
"Accio Hermione's hair!"
The precious curl flew straight into the waiting hand of Molly Weasley.
CXLVIII
Molly Weasley nee Prewitt was a seer, specifically a Finder , as was her mother, and her mother's mother before her. Arthur had waxed poetic about her talents when Severus commented on the new family clock that graced their mantle last Yule.
As Severus opened his mouth to protest, the woman began pulling out bits of string, glass and other unrelated flotsam. "Mrs Weasley, I insist…"
"Shush, Severus. This is witch's work. Girls, turn out your pockets."
It became clear to him as the witches came forward with their contributions. These were not a gaggle of busybodies.
This was The Sisterhood.
CXLIX
During his tenure as Headmaster, Severus had few allies and even fewer friends. Isolation was a necessity to maintain his cover as a trusted follower of Lord Voldemort.
He needed not remind his colleagues, some of whom he'd counted as friends, that he'd murdered Albus Dumbledore. He salted those open wounds by taking Dumbledore's place at his Dark Lord's pleasure.
Initially, he enjoyed parrying The Sisterhood's attacks. What began as a succession of inconvenient pranks escalated by Spring term to blatant attempts at assassination.
Severus was in top fighting form, thanks to his rivalry with Bellatrix LeStrange.
He survived.
Barely.
CL
Using his advantage of height, Severus cautiously peered over Pomona's shoulder at Molly Weasley who was working wandless magic, her plump fingers flying.
The witch wove together a tangle of kitchen twine, blades of new grass, and the stolen hair. Within the web dangled a shard of mirror, flanked by a thimble and a tiny robins egg.
Again and again Molly allowed the web to collapse only to change configurations with new bits coming and going.
After the fourth try, Molly said, "This isn't enough. Something is missing."
Lips sucked in like she'd bitten into an under-ripe shrivelfig, McGonagall invaded Severus' space. Severus wasn't fast enough to avoid the Headmistress' paw plucking a scant handful of hairs from his head.
"Ouch!" he cried, putting up a hand to rub at what was sure to be a bald spot. "Damn you, Minerva!"
The sour expression didn't lessen as Minerva scolded him, "Och, no one likes a man-baby, Snape. Or should I say, Mr. Granger? Try this, Molly."
Tense, Severus waited for recriminations that failed to manifest. Nobody was surprised when the Headmistress revealed his identity. How very strange. Miss Edgecomb had known as well.
Severus' breath caught when Molly crowed, "Ah-ha!"
CLI
Frowning, Molly slipped off a shoe and buried her toes in the trampled grass of the ceremonial field.
"It is dark, cold. Smells of clay and something ancient." Molly whispered, "She rests, covered by a white cloth…"
Sybill moaned before asking, "Veil or shroud, can you make it out?"
Severus thought he could see something harden in Molly's eyes as she answered, "This is no marriage bed."
Molly turned to lock eyes with Severus and he felt a chill run down his back.
"Can you feel your bond? Her life force is dim."
Distantly he heard Sybil wail. "She's lost!"
AN:
It's MAY It's MAY, the LUSTY month of MAY, when every fanfic writer goes merrily astray
FA LA, its HERE, and in less than a YEAR
With Qdrew's invaluable help another chapter may APPEAR
Sorry, couldn't help m'self. I know it is dated, but Camelot is still amazing. Go watch "How to Handle a Woman" if you doubt me.