Rachel sat on her bed in her bedroom at Fallow Farm with the sun shining through the window. She had her planner open, where she was writing down outlines for the essays she needed to write for her summer homework, and her new two-way book open where she'd been corresponding with her friends. Theo was writing out the process of becoming an animagus step-by-step, with notes about what they should avoid at each part of the process.
She had glanced through the books on the subject that they'd given Theo for his birthday and she knew Theo had done a lot of work in condensing the books into a workable guide. One of the books was quite old and the writing was hard to understand. The second book had given vague warnings and was more focused on the meditation aspects of the process than it was on providing direct instructions. The third had some particularly gruesome illustrations of what could happen if the process went wrong and warned that half transformations were permanent.
At this point Theo seemed the only one who was certain that he wanted to go through with it. Hermione had been going back and forth for weeks now with lists of pros and cons - she wasn't one to back down from a challenge, but the idea that messing up could have permanent disfiguring effects worried her. Millie was worried that she was going to end up being something gross like a spider or a slug. Neville was more worried about what his Gran would think, especially if they registered with the Ministry like they were supposed to. Luna seemed quite interested in the process, and Ginny had seemed positive about it and had pointed out if their form was something they didn't like, they didn't have to use it at all.
For Rachel it was a combination of things. She could see the advantages of having an animal form. If she was something small, then it would make it easier for her to escape or hide if she ever needed to. If she was something big, maybe that would make her more powerful. That Sirius had told her that he was less susceptible to the effects of the Dementors in his form was also weighing on her mind quite a bit. She still hadn't tested her Patronus against a Dementor and she was a little worried that it wouldn't work. And she still had the somewhat childish desire to walk around as a cat.
The drawbacks were pretty severe though. The process of becoming an animagus was long and arduous and would be difficult to do while they were in school. There was also the possibility that they might mess up and get stuck in a half-transfigured state. And then there was the choice to either register with the Ministry or break the law. Registering with the Ministry gave their advantage away, but Rachel definitely didn't want to purposefully break the law either.
And then there was Severus. Rachel didn't know what Severus would think about this. On one hand, he would probably want her to have any advantage over the Death Eaters that she could get. On the other hand, he wouldn't want her to do anything dangerous to become an animagus in the first place.
'I have to go to lunch with my father. Wish me luck,' Theo wrote.
'Good luck,' Rachel wrote back. She couldn't help but worry about Theo. He had told her that he was safe and that his father didn't hurt him, but Rachel still wondered if maybe Theo just hadn't wanted to tell her about it. She was certain that Theo was afraid of him.
Rachel closed her two-way book and went back to her planner. She had an outline for an overview of the Goblin Rebellions for History of Magic, an outline for concocting antidotes for Potions, and an outline of Switching spells for Transfiguration. She still needed to write outlines for Charms and Arithmancy, and she had several pages to translate for Ancient Runes. It was going to be a busy summer.
She checked her watch and decided that she should go downstairs for lunch too. She knew she'd find Severus in his armchair reading.
Sure enough, he was there marking up a potions journal.
"Who are the people who publish things in potions journals?" Rachel asked as she paused near his armchair.
"Scholars and inventors, primarily. Most of what is published in the journals is improvements on formulations, brewing techniques, and theory. There's only maybe two dozen new potions published each year," Severus said, setting the journal aside with his quill marking his place.
Rachel nodded. Inventing potions seemed like difficult work. "What do you think of the animagus transformation?" she asked, aiming for casual.
Severus' left eyebrow raised as he looked at her. "Are you considering attempting to become an animagus?"
"I was thinking about it, but I haven't made any decisions yet," Rachel said.
"Good," Severus said. "That is not a decision to be made lightly, for a number of reasons. And if you did decide you wished to do so, I would want you to have a mentor who was already an animagus, and they will want you to have a NEWT in Transfiguration."
"What about Sirius?" Rachel asked.
"I was thinking Minerva would be far more appropriate," Severus said as he got to his feet.
"But I won't have a NEWT in Transfiguration until I'm seventeen," Rachel pointed out, following him into the kitchen.
"Which is plenty of time for you to make a decision," Severus said. "Sandwiches?"
"That's fine. I mean, sandwiches are fine. You don't think it would be a good idea for me to be an animagus sooner than that? It might help me escape one day. And Sirius said it helped him resist the Dementors," Rachel said as she got out the loaf of bread.
"I do not expect for you to encounter another Dementor, those were extenuating circumstances," Severus said.
"What about a boggart then?" she asked.
"You can cast the Patronus charm or the Boggart-Banishing spell for a boggart," Severus said.
Rachel frowned. "How do you make a Dementor funny? I think having its robe come off would be worse."
Severus considered that for a moment. "Give it the hiccups?" he suggested.
The corners of Rachel's mouth twitched up. That was pretty funny.
"What I am trying to say is that being an animagus may be an advantage in some situations, but most situations have other skills or spells that can be used equally well," Severus said. "At the very least wait until you've completed your OWLs. If you do well enough on your Transfiguration OWL to get into Minerva's NEWT class I will ask her if she'd be willing to mentor you in the animagus process."
That seemed reasonable and Theo had said it would likely take them more than a year to do it anyway. Besides, she could do some of the stuff, like the meditations, without Professor McGonagall's assistance. "Okay," Rachel said, reaching for the peanut butter.
A large eagle-owl landed on the open window-sill. Rachel recognized it as Draco's owl. "For me?" she asked it, looking at the letter it was carrying.
Gladys, the owl Rachel and Severus borrowed from Hogwarts during the summer months, ruffled her feathers and moved further away on her perch.
Rachel took the letter and watched as the eagle-owl flew away.
"An invitation to Draco's birthday party, I presume?" Severus asked as he finished assembling his sandwich.
Rachel peeled back the Malfoy seal and read the invitation. "Next Saturday at 1 pm. That gives me enough time to see Torey and go to Draco's party, right?"
"That should be fine," Severus said, holding his hand out for the invitation.
Rachel gave it to him and went back to making her sandwich. "Is it weird that I get Draco Quidditch stuff for his birthday?"
"I think it's appropriate and that it sends the right message," Severus said.
"What message does it send?" Rachel asked, looking at Severus.
"That you are friends with Draco because you play Quidditch together and your relationship doesn't extend further than that. It also says that you don't have any interest in Draco romantically. We do not want Lucius to believe that you do," he said, setting down the invitation.
"I definitely do not have any romantic interest in Draco," Rachel said firmly. "I don't have romantic interest in anyone."
"That's just fine, you are still very young," Severus said.
"I'm almost fourteen," Rachel said, standing straighter.
"Like I said, you are still very young," he repeated.
Rachel shook her head and sat down at the kitchen table with her sandwich. She was short, not young.
Now she had to come up with a Quidditch related gift for Draco that he didn't already own. She decided to send Gladys to Quality Quidditch Supplies with a request for a new Owl Order catalogue from them. She'd think of something.
"You remember the rules?" Severus asked.
"Don't go off alone with anyone, come to you if there's a problem," Rachel said, smoothing her robes and then picking up Draco's gift from where she had put it on the couch. She had finally decided on some bracers with the Falcon's logo on them - Draco wouldn't be able to use them for games at Hogwarts, but she figured he could use them during practices.
"Good. As usual I will attempt to keep the adults away from you. However, be polite if one of them speaks to you and try to be discreet. Keep your answers vague or general," Severus instructed.
Rachel nodded and decided she felt bad for Draco. It wasn't his fault his birthday parties were all weird and political.
Severus paused and looked at her. "Is that the longest skirt you have?"
Rachel tugged the bottom of the skirt down. She had - finally - grown during the last half of the school year and now her skirts, trousers, and robes were all about an inch too short for her. "I could wear my school uniform skirt, it's a little longer."
"Let me try a tailoring charm, but I think we're starting to reach the limit for what I can do on these clothes. I'll take you to a muggle store for some new clothes, and to Madam Malkin's for new uniforms and robes over the summer," Severus said, stepping forward and tapping his wand against Rachel's skirt.
Rachel watched as her skirt became a little bit longer. "Why'd it stop?"
"The seams ran out of fabric. This will have to do for now," Severus said. "Are you ready?"
"Yes," Rachel said. She put her hand on Severus' arm and he apparated them to just in front of the gates of the Malfoy Manor. The gates turned to smoke as they walked through them and Rachel turned back to watch as they resolidified. "Do the anti-apparation wards come out this far?"
"For visitors, yes. The Malfoys can apparate directly into the Manor," Severus said.
"The same way we apparate into the house, but Professor Dumbledore knocks on the door when he comes?" Rachel asked, eyeing a white peacock that was further up the path.
"No, Albus is keyed to our wards, he's just too polite to apparate into someone else's house except in emergencies," Severus explained. "Let's give the peacock a wide berth. They're quite aggressive."
Rachel followed Severus around the peacock. "Are they for security? Like guard dogs?"
"No, Lucius keeps them because they're rare. They are simply aggressive animals," Severus said.
In other words because they cost a lot of money. To Rachel that seemed a very silly reason to keep a pet. She doubted they could even play with or pet the peacocks.
Severus knocked on the front door and a few moments later it was opened by a House Elf.
"Sir and Miss are here for Master Draco's party?" the House Elf asked in a high pitched voice.
"Yes, Severus Snape and Rachel Snow," Severus said.
"Come in, Severus," a woman called from further in the room.
The House Elf opened the door wider and Rachel followed Severus inside.
"Narcissa, lovely to see you as always," Severus said, bowing slightly.
"And you Severus, you're looking well. I think fatherhood agrees with you," Mrs. Malfoy said. "And Rachel Snow. Draco has told me so much about you."
"It's nice to meet you, ma'am," Rachel said, a little bit uncomfortable with the way Mrs. Malfoy was staring at her.
"Draco tells me you're quite talented at brewing potions and that you are an excellent Quidditch player," Mrs. Malfoy continued.
Rachel felt herself blush. Draco had said that? About her? "I'm okay. Draco is a good Chaser though, and I like partnering with him in Potions," she said.
"I see that Severus has instilled you with the virtue of modesty, but let me tell you this, there is nothing wrong with being proud of what you can do," Mrs. Malfoy said. "Draco and the other children are in the East Wing. Follow Pinky and she will take you there."
Rachel glanced up at Severus.
"Go on, I'll be here with the other adults if you need anything," Severus said, nodding to her.
Rachel followed the House Elf through a door and down a long hallway past several doors.
"Rachel, we were wondering if you were going to show up," Pansy said as Rachel followed the House Elf inside a sitting room. The House Elf disappeared.
"Am I late?" Rachel asked, checking her watch.
"Not very. Come, get a drink. You can put that over there," Draco said, motioning to where a pile of presents was gathered. "Do you want wine?"
"Wine?" Rachel asked, surprised. She wasn't old enough to drink, at least by muggle standards. She wasn't sure if it was different in wizarding culture.
"Here, try the Chardonnay," Draco said, pouring a pale wine into a small fluted glass and handing it to Rachel.
Rachel didn't know what Severus would think of her drinking, but decided she should at least try it. She took a small sip and then grimaced - it was strangely bitter. "Not for me, thank you."
Draco laughed. "It's an acquired taste. Doesn't Professor Snape let you have wine with dinner?"
"No," Rachel said, not pointing out that she very rarely saw Severus drink alcohol at all.
"You'll get used to it. Here, have a butterbeer instead and come sit down," Pansy said, joining them at the refreshment table and picking up a bottle of butterbeer for herself before passing one to Rachel. "Theo, do you want a drink?"
Rachel turned and saw that Theo was sitting with Crabbe and Goyle on one of the fancy sofas.
"I'm fine for now," Theo said.
"Have it your way," Draco said, going to sit on the sofa near them. "Also, be polite. Say hello to Rachel. Every time you're over here you act like you've never seen her before."
Rachel met Theo's eyes as she followed Pansy over to the couch and both of them sat down on opposite sides of Draco. There was a very good reason Theo and Rachel didn't talk to each other much at Draco's birthday parties - they didn't want Theo's father to know they were friends.
"Hello, Rachel. Are you having a good summer so far?" Theo asked.
"Yes, and you?" Rachel asked, hating how awkward this felt.
"Just fine," Theo said.
"Oh you two are impossible," Draco said, taking a sip of his wine and then putting it down on the marble low table.
"I thought you might want to play Quidditch?" Rachel asked, a little surprised they weren't already out on the pitch considering how nice of a day it was.
"Apparently we are now too old to play games at parties," Draco said. "But you should come back some time and we can do Chaser drills. Do you have your tickets to the Quidditch World Cup yet?"
"No, I'm not sure Professor Snape wants to go," Rachel said. She hadn't asked him yet. The end of the school year had been a little rough and she hadn't quite felt ready to broach the topic with him. It was asking for a lot.
Draco looked surprised. "But you can't miss it, the World Cup hasn't been played in Britain in thirty years. I'll talk to my father and he can talk to Professor Snape. You can go with us."
Rachel's eyes went wide. There were no circumstances that she could imagine that Severus would let her go anywhere with the Malfoys. "We'd have to ask Professor Snape," she said.
"That's what I just said," Draco said, looking annoyed. "My father will sort it out. They're good friends after all."
"Draco," Pansy said, placing her hand on Draco's knee. "What did your father say about you going with my family on a short trip to France this year? We're staying at my grandmother's villa."
Rachel exchanged a glance with Theo and he raised his eyebrows. That was awfully forward of Pansy. Rachel knew from what Pansy said while they were in the dorms that she liked Draco, but going on vacation together was skipping a few steps when they hadn't even gone on a date yet.
"He hasn't decided. My mother isn't fond of me going away without her during the holidays," Draco said, briefly turning his attention to Pansy.
"It would only be for a week. We could sunbathe on the beach together," Pansy said.
"I'll ask again," Draco said, turning back to Rachel. "So what do you think about the Triwizard Tournament?"
"The what?" Rachel asked, wishing she could put down her butterbeer since the bottle was freezing her fingers, but she didn't want to set it on the marble table without a coaster.
"Professor Snape hasn't told you?" Draco asked.
"No," Rachel said, glancing at Theo, but he seemed just as confused as she was. "What is it?"
"The Triwizard Tournament is an old competition between Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A champion from each school is chosen and they compete in dangerous tasks, designed to push them to the limits of their abilities. At the end, whoever did best is crowned the winner and they get one thousand Galleons. But the Galleons are hardly the point, the point is that the winner is clearly the best wizard or witch of all the students who were around for the Tournament, and everyone knows it," Draco explained.
"How are the champions chosen?" Theo asked.
"Some sort of impartial judge, but don't get your hopes up," Draco said, suddenly scowling. "Apparently Dumbledore thinks it's too dangerous and has barred anyone who isn't seventeen or older from competing."
"Which is ridiculous. We're fourth years now and we know plenty. I bet either of you would be a great champion," Pansy said.
"If Professor Dumbledore thinks it's so dangerous, why is he doing it at all?" Rachel asked. It sounded a little bit like they were putting students in danger just for the sake of putting students in danger.
"Probably pressure from the Ministry," Draco said. "The Minister has a lot of things to say about how Hogwarts is run, not all of them good."
"Well, the good news is at least there's a ball," Pansy said.
"A ball?" Rachel asked, utterly confused.
"A formal dance," Theo explained.
Rachel wasn't sure that sounded like fun. She had never danced in her entire life and wasn't about to start now.
"And we'll get to watch the champions perform the tasks. Since the Tournament hasn't been held in two hundred years, they have to have some good events planned," Draco said.
Rachel met Theo's eyes again and wondered if he was also wondering what the rest of their friends were going to think of this.
"How are you, Severus?" Narcissa asked as she led him into the sitting room. "We simply don't see enough of you."
"I'm doing well," Severus said. "Unfortunately, as usual, I'm quite busy."
"I imagine so," Narcissa said, resting her hand on his arm. "Lucius has been trying to get you to come dine with us, you have to accept his invitation."
"I will do so if I'm at all able," Severus said, accepting that he probably needed to dine with Lucius to get any relevant news. "How is Draco this summer?"
"Oh busy with Quidditch and his tutors as usual. I'm going to put a Silencing charm on him tomorrow. I'm sure he can manage to cast non-verbal magic by the time we go to the Quidditch World Cup," Narcissa said, leading him to the table where glasses of wine and trays of food were laid out.
"Draco is only going into his fourth year, we don't start teaching non-verbal magic until the sixth," Severus said, hoping to dissuade her.
Narcissa smiled. "Draco is rather advanced for his age, and I'm sure you can see the advantage of learning non-verbal magic earlier than your peers. I'm surprised you're not doing the same for Rachel. How is she doing after her adventure?"
"She is fine, she didn't seem particularly bothered or upset by what happened," Severus said, once again regretting the Daily Prophet's interest in writing about Rachel. The articles around Sirius Black had been lengthy and detailed, including one that had a rather dramatic retelling of Rachel's kidnapping.
"Well, it was quite a surprise to all of us," Narcissa said.
Severus could read between the lines - Narcissa was clearly disappointed her cousin wasn't the famed Death Eater that he was purported to be. "It was a surprise to me as well. I'm only grateful that Rachel was returned unharmed."
"Severus, it's good to see you," Ambrosia Parkinson said as she approached.
"And you, Ambrosia," Severus said, inclining his head to her. "I trust you are well."
"Of course, and you?" Ambrosia asked as she picked up a glass of red wine.
"I am well," Severus said. "I'm very pleased with Pansy's work this year. She does well in her classes."
"I encouraged her to put in some more effort, after all it's not long until they take their OWLs," Ambrosia said.
Merlin save him from over-invested parents. "Pansy has plenty of time to prepare and as long as she continues her efforts she will do well," Severus said diplomatically.
"Pansy has told me all about Rachel, but I have to admit I'm curious as to what you make of her?" Ambrosia asked, arching her eyebrows while Ignatius Nott joined them at the table.
"Rachel is a good student as well and she enjoys Quidditch. She works hard. I'm glad she's friends with Pansy," Severus said, not particularly aware that Rachel was close friends with Pansy beyond being roommates with her.
"But what is she like?" Ambrosia pressed. "Do you find that she's quite timid? Pansy says Rachel is rather shy."
"It hardly matters what she's like," Ignatius said. "As long Severus has taught the girl her place in the world, then she knows where she stands."
"Rachel is well aware of her status and knows not to overstep any bounds," Severus said, meeting Ignatius' gaze.
"Good. I had a talk with Theodore to make sure he understood his place. Sometimes his behavior concerns me," Ignatius said.
"Ignatius, you can hardly expect them not to socialize at school," Narcissa scolded lightly. "Besides, it's important for them to make connections while they're young. I'm sure Theodore, like Draco, knows the importance of staying pure, but to have influence it's important to know a wide range of people."
"Still, it doesn't do for them to be getting any ideas considering who runs the school," Ignatius said. "Severus I know you do your best to encourage our students to behave properly, but there's only so much you can do to counteract what Dumbledore is doing."
Severus nodded. "I do what I can within the limits of the Slytherin House," he said. Little did Ignatius know, what he did was his best to save his students from the Death Eaters.
Lucius approached them. "Severus, can I borrow you for a moment?"
"Of course," Severus said, relieved for a way out of the conversation. "How are you, Lucius?"
"As well as ever," Lucius said as they walked toward the large windows that looked out onto the grounds. "I wanted to make you aware of an opportunity that I've put together."
"Oh?" Severus asked, wary of being in Lucius' debt.
"I have a little event planned for the Quidditch World Cup, something to remind the people that we're still here," Lucius said.
"What did you have in mind?" Severus asked, noting Lucius' words, inflections, and expressions so he could relate the information to Albus later.
Lucius gave him a small smile. "Nothing fancy, just a little rally for old times sake. Cloaks, masks, and a quick march in the night. What would you say to a little bit of old fashioned revelry?"
Severus pretended to consider it. "I would, if I could. Dumbledore watches me more closely than ever now that I'm tasked with taking care of Rachel. He trusts me, but he has not forgotten where I come from."
"You believe Dumbledore will be in attendance at the Quidditch World Cup?" Lucius asked.
"I'm not aware that he is planning to attend, but it's not outside of the realm of possibility. But even so, he is able to question Rachel regarding my whereabouts. She would notice if I were to step away," Severus said.
"Quite convenient, that. It may be wise to get her used to you taking short absences. She's nearly fourteen, surely she can manage without your supervision for a period of time, unless there are problems I am not aware of," Lucius said, watching Severus closely.
"Rachel has quite a knack for getting herself into trouble," Severus said reluctantly. The truth was more that trouble had quite a way of finding Rachel.
"And to think, just a few years ago she was so obedient to you," Lucius said. "Teenagers. Draco has become rather outspoken. It will be somewhat of a relief when Narcissa silences him, even if it's only for a month or so."
Severus inclined his head - if he couldn't convince Narcissa not to do it, he certainly couldn't convince Lucius.
"Well, let me know if you change your mind or if other arrangements for Rachel can be made. You're one of us, Severus. That will never change, no matter what Dumbledore forces you to do," Lucius said.
"I appreciate that," Severus said, his stomach churning. In a sense, Lucius was right. Severus could never get the Dark Mark off of his arm and could never fully atone for past wrongs. All he could do was continue his work and try to keep Rachel safe.
"Did anyone give you anything?" Severus asked once they were past the Malfoy's gate.
"No," Rachel said, remembering the eavesdropping coin Draco had given her last year.
"Very well," Severus said, holding out his arm.
Rachel took it and a few moments later they were back in their own home.
"How did you like the party?" Severus asked, walking to his armchair and sitting down.
Rachel sat down on the couch. "It was okay. Apparently we're too old now to do activities and we have to sit around talking like the adults."
"Lucius and Narcissa have some very old-fashioned ideas about what people are supposed to do," Severus explained.
"Oh, Draco told us that the Triwizard Tournament is going to be held at Hogwarts this year," Rachel said, trying to remember what else she should tell Severus about.
"I hadn't planned to tell you about that quite so soon, as I wanted you to have a restful summer," Severus said.
Rachel frowned. "Why would that affect me? Obviously I can't be in the Tournament, I'm too young."
"The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be residing at Hogwarts for most of the school year. The Headmaster at Durmstrang is Igor Karkaroff and he is a former Death Eater and he has a heavy influence over the curriculum and the students. Muggleborns aren't accepted at Durmstrang and the Dark Arts are taught to students," Severus explained. "You will need to be very careful this year - I don't want you to be alone with Karkaroff or with any of his students."
Rachel took a moment to digest that. "Well, I wouldn't likely be alone with any of them anyway, they'd all have to be upper years, because of the age limit, right?" she asked.
"That's true, but that's all the more reason for you to be wary, especially when you go to Hogsmeade, as all of them will have been taught apparation by now. I know this is a burden on you, but it's important that you use caution and keep an awareness of your surroundings while at Hogwarts," Severus said.
"In case of an attack?" Rachel asked.
"Precisely," he said. "I don't think it's likely to happen, but I want you to be prepared just in case. We'll continue to work on stunning and Shield charms over the summer."
Rachel nodded. She supposed it was good to be prepared. "Oh, the other thing I should tell you, Draco wants his father to invite me to go to the Quidditch World Cup with them."
"Do you wish to go?" he asked.
"I would like to see the Quidditch World Cup, it's not often that it happens in Britain," Rachel hedged.
"Is there a reason you haven't asked me about it before now?" Severus asked.
"Because it's kind of a lot to ask, and I know you don't like Quidditch that much, and I don't want to ask you for things that aren't necessary," Rachel said, shifting uncomfortably.
"You're allowed to ask me for things that you want. I can't promise that I will always be able to give you what you want, but you're allowed to ask. Even if you think it's a lot to ask," Severus said. "As for the Malfoys, we may not be able to politely decline their invitation. Obviously you aren't able to go without me. I will wait and see what Lucius decides and then, if we are able to go without them, I can see about getting us tickets."
"Ginny said that her dad was still getting tickets, we might be able to go with the Weasleys if we don't go with the Malfoys," Rachel said, hoping that would be easier for him.
"Given that Lucius has been rather insistent that I dine with him, I think it's likely we will need to go with the Malfoys if we do attend. However, I will make it clear to him that we are not staying overnight," Severus said.
"Overnight?" Rachel asked.
"Given the large number of people attending, they will need to stagger arrivals and departures. I imagine many people will be camping there for a number of days. I will ensure we are able to apparate there on the day of the match and leave that same night, assuming the game does not go on for several days," Severus said.
"Wow," Rachel said. She couldn't imagine a Quidditch game going for several days, though she'd read about it in Quidditch Through The Ages.
"Did anything else of note happen at the party?" Severus asked.
"Oh, uh, Draco has noticed that Theo and I don't talk to each other at his parties," Rachel said. "I talked with him briefly, but I tried to focus most of my conversation on Draco and Pansy."
Severus nodded once. "Your friendship with Theo may grow to be more of a problem with his father as time goes on and you both get older. However, I'm not sure what else you can do about it at this point beyond ensuring that Theo is spending time with pure-bloods in the House and maintaining friendships with them. I do not want Ignatius Nott's attention on you more so than it already is."
"Is his attention on me?" Rachel asked. She had noticed some of the adults looking at her while they were all gathered together to eat cake and for Draco to open presents.
"Not overly so today, though both Narcissa and Ambrosia were quite curious about you," Severus said.
"Ambrosia?" she asked.
"Pansy's mother," he explained.
"Does Pansy's mother have a problem with me being friends with Pansy?" Rachel asked.
"Not that I'm aware of, though I wouldn't advertise the fact. I wasn't aware you were particularly close to Pansy," Severus said.
Rachel shrugged. "We're not close, but I'd say we're friends. Same with Daphne."
"Daphne will not be a problem as her family was neutral in the war," Severus said.
"Oh, I just remembered something that kind of slipped my mind," Rachel said, realizing she should have told Severus this sooner. "The Carrow twins were watching me in the common room for part of last year. They moved so that they were sitting closer to where I usually sit with Theo and Millie."
"Let me know if that continues this year. Have you noticed any other students behaving strangely around you?" he asked.
Rachel shook her head. "No. Theo pointed out to me all of the students in the House who have family members who are Death Eaters, so I try to generally stay aware when I'm in the common room."
"Good. Let me know if something changes, even if it is a student who doesn't have a Death Eater for a relative," Severus said.
"I will," Rachel said. "I think that's everything I can think of."
"Alright, though if there's anything else, please let me know," Severus said.
"I will," Rachel said again. She got to her feet and went upstairs to tell her friends about the Triwizard Tournament using her two-way book. She got her book and a quill, sat down on her bed, pulled her stuffed bunny into her lap, and placed her wand on the cover and said the password. Inside, she found that Theo had already started filling their friends in.
'How was the junior Death Eater birthday party?' Millie had asked.
'Boring, but I have news. Hogwarts is hosting the Triwizard Tournament this year,' Theo had answered.
'You must be joking? People used to get killed in that. There's a whole section in Hogwarts: A History - one year all the judges were attacked by a cockatrice. They discontinued the Tournament two hundred years ago,' Hermione had written.
'Not joking. Apparently they're only allowing older students to enter, to cut down on the death toll,' Theo had written back.
'That's ridiculous,' Millie had written.
'And there's a formal dance. And Severus says we have to be careful of the students from Durmstrang. Their Headmaster is a former Death Eater and they teach their students the Dark Arts. The people from the two schools are going to be at Hogwarts most of the year,' Rachel added.
'My father says Karkaroff is a joke. He got caught and handed over names of other Death Eaters to the Ministry,' Theo wrote back.
'That doesn't mean we shouldn't be cautious around him. A Death Eater is a Death Eater as far as I'm concerned,' Hermione answered.
'Agreed. We'll be careful, though I suspect we won't see much of him. How old do you have to be to enter the Tournament?' Millie wrote.
'Seventeen and older, so all of the seventh years can enter, and some of the sixth years with early birthdays,' Rachel wrote back.
'I suppose that's safer than letting just anyone enter. But still. I wonder why Professor Dumbledore is doing this?' Hermione wrote.
'Draco thinks it's because of pressure from the Ministry, but who knows how accurate that is. I can't think of a reason why the Ministry would want the Triwizard Tournament to return,' Theo wrote.
Rachel considered that. She'd accepted what Draco had said about the Ministry pressuring Professor Dumbledore because she'd heard from Severus that the Ministry had been seeking to make changes to the curriculum at Hogwarts. She supposed that only Professor Dumbledore knew his reasons for doing things. It was something to think about at least.
"Come on in, Severus," Albus called as Severus raised his hand to knock on Albus' office door.
Severus pushed the door open. "I'm not sure why you bother to keep the door closed when you clearly know who is at your door," he said in lieu of a greeting.
"I find that it helps the illusion that I am all knowing and all seeing. Quite handy with the students, and also useful with some members of the Ministry," Albus said, turning from where he was standing by Fawkes' perch. The phoenix was fully feathered and looked rather majestic.
"I assure you, Minerva and I are not fooled," Severus said.
Albus smiled fondly. "It's hard to get anything past Minerva and you know most of my tricks by now, Severus. Would you like tea while we speak?"
"That would be nice," Severus said.
"Let's sit over by the window today, I must admit I get tired of the view from my desk," Albus said, ringing a small golden bell for a House Elf to attend him.
A House Elf done up in a Hogwarts tea towel appeared. "What can we be getting you sirs?"
"Tea service for two, at the table by the window, please," Albus said.
"Right away." The House Elf disappeared again.
A moment later a tea tray appeared on a small table near two armchairs. Severus waited until Albus was seated before he sat down across from him and they took a moment to each prepare a cup of tea.
"You indicated that you had news, though it was not urgent?" Albus asked once he was settled.
"Yes, Lucius Malfoy is planning a small Death Eater rally to take place at the Quidditch World Cup, presumably in the night after the match is finished," Severus said.
Albus was quiet for a moment, his eyes focused on the window. "Do you believe it is his idea or someone else's?" he asked, looking back at Severus.
"Lucius' idea, I'm almost certain of it. He indicated that it was an opportunity he put together," Severus said. "He said it was something to remind people that we are still here."
"Interesting," Albus said, tapping one of his fingers against the rim of his cup. "Did he suggest how many Death Eaters might be attending?"
"No, though I think we can assume Lucius will be there, while Narcissa stays with Draco. We can also expect Ignatius Nott, Marxius Goyle, Francis Crabbe, and Wardell Parkinson. I expect others among Lucius' contacts will be there as well, such as the Turners, Maxwell Acker, and the Rowles," Severus said. "I also left the opportunity for me to join them if you think that is wise."
Albus shook his head. "No, that's not necessary. I'd much rather your efforts focus on guarding Rachel. It sounds like this will be a low casualty event, they're aiming to frighten, not to kill."
"That was my impression as well. Likely they'll cause some destruction, scare people who are camping at the World Cup, and then apparate away once the aurors and the MLE show up," Severus said.
"In that case, I think it's best that we keep this information between us. I don't want Lucius to know that you're reporting on him to me and the MLE will already be in force at the World Cup. Supplying this information to the Ministry won't change their readiness status," Albus said.
Severus took a sip of his tea and then set the cup aside. This was what he'd expected. "I agree. There's no need to compromise my position when it won't change the outcome."
"Have you seen anything that suggests Voldemort is communicating with any of them?" Albus asked.
"Nothing. I think if the Dark Lord was in contact with them, this is the last thing he'd want them to do right now," Severus said.
"Any other concerns?" Albus asked.
"Both Narcissa and Ambrosia seemed quite interested in Rachel when I spoke with them. Apparently they've both been getting reports home about Rachel from Draco and Pansy," Severus said.
"Just curiosity or something more?" Albus asked.
Severus considered that. "From Narcissa it seemed to be curiosity. From Ambrosia, I think she was searching for something specific, but I don't know what."
Albus set down his cup and leaned forward. "Have you cautioned Rachel to be careful around Draco and Pansy?"
"Not specifically. Rachel considers them to be friends. And given that Rachel shares a dorm room with Pansy, and most of her classes and her Quidditch practice with Draco, I'm not sure what additional precautions she can take," Severus said.
"Perhaps suggest to her that Pansy and Draco have instructions from their parents to report back anything interesting they hear about Rachel, so that Rachel can be circumspect in what she says around them," Albus suggested.
Severus nodded. He wasn't looking forward to that conversation, but it needed to be done. "I will do so. Is there anything I should be aware of?"
"The final arrangements for Durmstrang and Beauxbatons to attend the Triwizard Tournament have been completed. They will each be bringing twelve students," Albus said. "Preparation for the tasks has begun."
"Will they be staying here in the castle, or will they have other accommodations?" Severus asked.
"Karkaroff indicated he will be staying on his ship with his students, and Madam Maxime will be bringing a carriage which has space for herself and her students. They will only be in the castle for meals and classes and they'll have class lists for us by the start of the school year," Albus explained.
Severus wasn't so sure about taking students from other schools into his classroom, but he would have to work something out. He was more concerned about the Durmstrang students being in the halls at the same time as Rachel. "We will make it work."
"Yes, we will," Albus said. "And it will be worth it. You'll see."
Rachel was halfway through her peanut butter and jelly sandwich when a grey owl she didn't recognize arrived at the kitchen window. She got up and went to it, planning on collecting the letter it was holding and maybe petting it before it flew off again. She reached for the letter and narrowly managed to pull her hand back in time as the owl's beak made for her fingers.
"Let me guess, you're only giving that to Severus?" she asked after taking a step back. The owl just stared back at her.
Rachel went to the top of the staircase that led down into the cellar. "Severus, there's a strangely aggressive owl here for you!"
"I'll be right there. Are you hurt?" Severus called back.
"No," Rachel answered. She went back to her sandwich, though she watched the owl to make sure it didn't get closer to where Gladys was resting.
Severus arrived and went over the window, able to take the letter without the owl snapping at him. The owl flew away now that its mission was accomplished. "That was Lucius' personal owl. I suggest you avoid it," Severus said, touching his wand to the letter before opening it.
"Did he train it to bite people if they aren't the person who is supposed to receive the letter?" Rachel asked.
"It will do more than bite if someone persists in trying to take the letter when it isn't addressed to them. He generally only uses that owl for correspondence he doesn't want falling into anyone else's hands," Severus explained.
"What did he send you that was so important?" Rachel asked.
"A letter inviting us to join him and his family for the World Quidditch Cup," Severus said, sitting down across from Rachel. "Lucius will not take no for an answer."
Rachel fiddled with the last part of her sandwich as she tried to figure out what was so bad about going to a Quidditch game with the Malfoys. "And that's a bad thing?" she finally asked.
"Lucius will view it as he is doing a favor, both to you and to me. You do not want to be in his debt," Severus explained.
"But we can't say no?" Rachel asked.
"No, that would be impolite and would cause him to question why we're saying no. My relationship with Lucius is very complicated. He is the one who introduced me to the Dark Lord," Severus said.
"Oh," Rachel said quietly.
"With Lucius, I have to pretend that I am still a loyal Death Eater, acting on the Dark Lord's last orders. To Lucius, the fact that I have to teach and that I'm under Albus' influence is a great burden to me, and you are one of those burdens that Albus has assigned to me. Obviously, none of those things are true," Severus continued. "Lucius imagines that I long to return to life as an active Death Eater and that I resent the necessity of my work."
Rachel frowned as she considered this. "What were the Dark Lord's last orders?"
"His last orders to me were to get close to Albus and get him to trust me, and to discreetly spread Death Eater ideology to young pure-blood students," Severus said. "To Lucius and the other Death Eaters, I am proving my value by not abandoning my post."
"When in reality you're spying on them in case the Dark Lord comes back, and that way you can tell Professor Dumbledore about it," Rachel said.
"Precisely. So for me to spurn Lucius' invitation would be to suggest that my loyalty to the Death Eaters is wavering, and would suggest that I'm reluctant to allow you in their presence. I've been able to use the excuse that Albus has limited the people who you are allowed contact with to families who were loyal to him during the war. For me to bring you to Draco's birthday parties once again shows them that I'm truly loyal to them," Severus explained.
Rachel blinked. This was all much more complicated than she'd been imagining. When she'd pictured Severus as a spy, she'd imagined him hiding and listening for information and generally sneaking around. "So we should accept the invitation, because then you're sort of going against Professor Dumbledore's orders, but not really because it's just a Quidditch game. It's like a loophole?"
"Yes, the same loophole that they imagine I use for you to go to Draco's birthday parties - you're friends with Draco on the Quidditch team, so it's hard for Albus to deny you attending a simple birthday party for your friend," Severus said. "I will write back to Lucius and thank him for the invitation and let him know we'll be attending. However, this will be a situation where I want you to be on your guard. I don't expect anything to happen, but I want you to stay close to me so that I can apparate you away to safety if it becomes necessary."
"I will," Rachel agreed.
"Do you need anything before I return to my potion?" Severus asked.
"No, I'm fine," Rachel said.
"Call for me if you need anything," Severus said as he got up.
Rachel watched as he went back down into the cellar and then she finished her sandwich. Was it bad that she was kind of excited about going to the Quidditch World Cup, even though it wasn't exactly the way she'd have wanted to go?
She washed her plate and the knife she'd used and put them away before going upstairs and returning to her two-way book.
'Lucius Malfoy invited me and Professor Snape to attend the Quidditch World Cup with him and Draco. Professor Snape said it would be impolite to decline the invitation, so we're going with them,' Rachel wrote.
'I wish you were going with us. Hermione is coming with us and Neville just got permission from his Gran. My dad had to write his Gran and promise that we'd take good care of Neville before she would agree to let him go. Luna is going with her dad,' Ginny wrote a few minutes later.
'I'd rather go with you too, but at least I get to go at all,' Rachel wrote back.
'My family will be there too. My mom borrowed a tent, we're actually camping at the site for two whole days before the match! I've never been camping before!' Millie wrote.
'Me neither. It kinda sounds fun. Professor Snape didn't want to camp though,' Rachel wrote.
'Can't blame him, really. I have a really hard time imagining Professor Snape going camping,' Theo wrote.
Rachel smiled. Camping really didn't seem like the sort of thing Severus would enjoy.
'My Gran agreed to let me go! Can you believe it? I had to spend hours promising I would be on my best behavior and that I would be a good guest to the Weasleys, but she finally said I could go!' Neville wrote, the words slightly splotchy.
'That's great, I'm glad she did,' Rachel answered.
'Oh, you're all coming to my birthday party in August right? It's the Saturday before the World Cup. I got my mom to say yes to having you all over! I'll send invitations later in July,' Ginny wrote.
'I'll ask Professor Snape if I can come,' Rachel wrote back.
'I'll ask my parents too,' Millie wrote.
'I'll ask my Gran. Hopefully she'll say yes,' Neville wrote.
'I wish I could. Don't worry, you'll still get a present from me, I'll just have to wait until we get back to Hogwarts,' Theo wrote.
'I wish you could too, Theo. Don't worry about presents, just keep yourself safe,' Ginny wrote.
'I'm safe. Just bored out of my mind,' Theo wrote back.
Rachel tapped her quill against the side of her book. She wished she knew how to make things better for Theo. She knew he was lonely, especially because he had to hide the fact that he was even talking to them at all.
They still had six weeks left until they went back to Hogwarts. At least they could do a little by keeping him company with the two-way books. It was all she could think of to do for now.