I'd to give a special thanks to all the people who have written reviews, it means a lot! Big thanks to my star beta, Lockholm and to Innocent Ninja, Joyful Girl, and La Serenissima who have put up with me shoving new scenes down their throats and offered advice and compliments throughout the process ^_^
***
Charlotte could only gape at him, her mouth working like a fish out of water. She saw the horrified faces of Pomfrey and McGonagall and squared her shoulders. "We'll talk about it later. Right now you need to rest." He seemed inclined to protest but Charlotte stopped him with a glare. "Rest." She did not see the surprised glances the two witches above her exchanged as Severus settled down to sleep. Only after she was alone with the sleeping Snape did she let the façade slip. She leaned forward and covered her face with her hands. I'm going to die. Malfoy's going to torture and kill me, with his son and the Dark Lord looking on. Why did I have to pick up that stupid scroll? Why did I resist the Imperio? I wish I were back at Oxford. She didn't, really. Her last few months at Hogwarts had been wonderful, but there seemed to be no way to escape Malfoy, especially now that Voldemort had taken an interest. You're not dead yet, you know, said a small voice in her head. Don't jump to conclusions; wait to hear the full story. This time she had the presence of mind to transfigure her chair into a more comfortable seat for her long night. It was nowhere near as bad as the last time. Severus slept peacefully, free of fever and convulsion. Charlotte was not so lucky. She just couldn't get her brain to slow down; it's increasingly graphic portrayals of her demise frightening away sleep. Poppy brought her a cup of hot chocolate, with the words "Dumbledore will know what to do, dear, don't you worry," both of which brought a small amount of comfort. She's right. Tomorrow we'll talk to Dumbledore, he'll have a plan. That mantra, with the help of Poppy's doctored hot chocolate, relaxed her enough to sleep.
It was only a few hours later that Charlotte and Severus, looking haggard but steady on his feet, walked into Dumbledore's office. The old wizard greeted them with a bowl of sherbet lemons, which Snape declined and Charlotte accepted.
"How are you feeling, Severus?" he asked as the pair sat down.
"Fine, thank you, Headmaster."
"Are you ready to relate last night's events?" At Snape's nod, Dumbledore went to a large wooden cabinet and drew out a bowl. As he set it on the desk, Charlotte saw it was inscribed with runes and held a strange silvery liquid. "We have found that the pensieve is the best way to review a Death Eater gathering."
"What's a pensieve?" Charlotte asked, eyeing the bowl with suspicion.
"It is a way of filtering and saving memories. It gives the viewer a chance to see the memory free of the corrupting influences of time and emotion." Dumbledore smiled at her, "It is perfectly safe. Severus, if you would." The professor touched the tip of his wand to his forehead. When he pulled it away, a few delicate silver strands of – something came with it. He dropped the strands into the bowl where they instantly disappeared into the liquid. "Look into the bowl, Charlotte." She bent forward, copying the movements of the others. Suddenly, she felt as if she was being pulled into the bowl. There was a spinning sensation unpleasantly like traveling by Floo, a blast of cold air, and then her rear end collided painfully with solid ground. She was sitting on a flat, grassy plain. It was full dark, but burning torches sketched a circle around her and provided enough light to see. Snape offered a hand to pull her to her feet. Dumbledore stood beside him, surveying the scene. Within the glow of the torches stood figures in long dark robes. There were ten or so when they arrived, but more were appearing every moment.
"They cannot hear us or see us," Severus said quietly, "we can move forward." The trio moved into the center of the circle. None of the faces in the enclave were visible, the deep hoods effectively preserved anonymity. At the top of what was becoming an elongated oval was a figure that radiated evil and malice like cheap cologne. Charlotte assumed this was the Dark Lord himself. From within his hood she could see two red eyes, but nothing else. He held up two long white hands and the circle tightened around him.
"My devoted followers," he said, surveying the crowd. His voice was human enough, but at the same time very alien. "Although our numbers are diminished, it is only because we have removed the weak, the disloyal. Soon we will replace their number and more. Muggles and mudbloods will once again learn to fear us!" His voice changed abruptly, becoming soft and sing song – and somehow, Charlotte thought, more dangerous. "And yet, I hear disturbing reports from my eyes and ears in the wizard world, reports of one of our number seen at the Ministry offices. What business did you have at the Ministry, Burson?" he asked, his hood turning sharply right to look at one of the figures.
"N-nothing, my lord," came the stammered response.
"So you were not there to offer information on our activities in return for Ministry protection?"
"Of course not, my lord!"
"You know how I feel about betrayal, Burson."
"Yes my lord." The voice was defeated.
"Crucio!"
Burson dropped to the ground, writhing in pain. "Please my lord, have mercy! It was all a misunderstanding!"
"Finite Incantatum" Voldemort ended the spell and approached the form gasping for breath. "You should know there is no protection from me," he said lazily, "Avada Kedavra!" A green light issued from Voldemort's wand and Burson lay very still. Charlotte screamed.
"It's not real Charlotte," said Dumbledore.
"But it was!" she gasped, "It happened yesterday, and you were there," she added, pointing at Snape.
"I was there. We can react later, now we must pay attention." His voice was sharp, but she saw pity in his eyes. She nodded and forced her attention back to Voldemort.
With a wave of his hand, he made the body disappear. "There is one other thing that has been brought to my attention. Snape, step forward." From the oval a figure approached. He kneeled and brought the hem of the Dark Lord's robe to his lips. "Malfoy has told me of a new professor at Hogwarts, Snape. An American, Charlotte Parnell."
"Yes my lord."
"She is a mudblood."
"Yes my lord."
"And yet, Malfoy tells me that you are often seen in the company of this girl."
"I have no choice, master. Dumbledore told me to supervise her acclimation to the school. To do otherwise would have caused suspicion."
"I see," he paused, "Malfoy has an interest in this girl, but the protections surrounding the school have prevented him from achieving his objectives. I would like you to bring her to us."
"Surely, my lord, we have more noble work than assuaging Malfoy's hurt pride."
"No doubt, Severus, but I grow weary of his whining. Let Lucius have his fun. Consider it a testament of your devotion to me."
"Very well, my lord, I will do as you request."
"I will call you again in a week's time, bring her with you. And Severus, do not question my wishes. Crucio!" The cloaked potions master fell to the ground and Voldemort disapparated. The others followed suit, not looking at their tormented companion. Charlotte felt a wrench around her middle and with a flash of silver light; they were back in Dumbledore's office. She started to reach out to Severus but pulled back. Her hands were shaking.
"Eat this, my dear." The headmaster handed her a piece of chocolate. She did as she was bid and found her hands steadied after a few bites. "Severus –" he began, sadly.
Snape forestalled him, "Please Headmaster, you have made your feelings perfectly clear. While I appreciate the sentiment, you know as well as I that this is one of our only means of access to Voldemort. You asked me to play this role and I accepted fully cognizant of the risks involved."
"I know, Severus." The older wizard sighed. "Then, the question becomes, what do we do now?"
Charlotte was shocked; she had never seen Dumbledore not in complete control of the situation. "In a week's time Sev-Professor Snape turns me over to Malfoy. His credibility is preserved and Malfoy will shut up."
"Unacceptable," said Severus and Dumbledore nodded.
"Really? One witch is not worth the loss of an information source that could save countless more."
"Do you want to die?" Snape asked angrily, "Malfoy isn't just going to hurt you a bit. He will torture and kill you because he can."
"Of course I don't want to die! But I am not so selfish as to value my life above everyone else's," she responded, raising her voice.
"Children, please," said Dumbledore at last. The twinkle in his eye had returned as he took in their murderous glares. "Charlotte, there is no need to be so fatalistic – there is another option. The fact that Lucius brought you to Voldemort's attention indicates that this has gone beyond a simple grudge. Perhaps he would go so far as to act if an opportunity presented itself before the week was up."
Charlotte furrowed her brows, but Snape had obviously picked up the headmaster's line of thought. "Perhaps indeed. Malfoy has always been more interested in instant gratification. A chance at Professor Parnell without the intervention of Voldemort might be more than he could pass up."
"If we could catch him in the act of attempting to use an Unforgivable on an innocent witch, we could bring him to trial and remove him from Voldemort's cadre, at least temporarily." Snape and Charlotte exchanged a glance, temporarily was not the solution they had in mind.
Charlotte thought for a moment. "We'll need somewhere away from Muggles, just in case, but not too crowded, and somewhere that I have a valid reason for visiting."
"Hogsmeade," supplied Snape, "it meets all those criteria, but how will we make Lucius aware of the plan?"
"Simple," said Charlotte loftily, "I'll let the information slip before class, when Draco is sure to hear it." Snape's face relaxed into something like a smile, and Charlotte found herself grinning inanely at him.
"There is one more caveat," Dumbledore said, "it is imperative that you are not be seen, Severus. If Malfoy were to even suspect you had a hand in the plan, Voldemort would certainly have you killed. I believe we will need some added assistance with this maneuver." Snape's frown returned as he faced the headmaster, "surely you're not thinking of-"
"They are both excellent wizards and will be glad to help." Snape grumbled and rolled his eyes, which Dumbledore ignored. "I will send an owl immediately. Once they arrive we will finish laying out the plan."
Charlotte and Snape parted ways outside Dumbledore's office, but she hadn't been back in her room very long when there was a noise from the fireplace and a guarded voice asked, "Do you have a moment, Professor?"
"Sure, c'mon up." The fire flashed green and Snape stepped out of the grate.
"I suppose I should thank you for last night," he said abruptly, into the awkward silence.
"Don't trouble yourself on my account," she replied, turning away.
He sighed, "Charlotte –"
"Do you think the plan will work?" she asked, staring at the wall. "Will Malfoy go for the bait?"
"I don't know. But it is the only plan we have – short of your ridiculous idea of self-sacrifice."
"Could you refrain from making a mockery of me sucking up the guts to offer to turn myself over to Malfoy?" she turned back to him, "What makes it so ridiculous? You are perfectly willing to make such a sacrifice. Every time you go to Voldemort you take your life in your hands. If he doesn't Avada Kedavra you, the Cruciatus will eventually kill you – or drive you mad."
"There is a great deal of difference between our situations."
Charlotte was saved the trouble of coming up with an appropriate retort by a delicate throat clearing from Celeste.
"Sorry to interrupt but there is a group of fourth years expecting Professor Parnell in a few minutes."
Charlotte swore. "Couldn't Voldemort at least have the decency to schedule these things on the weekend?" She stuck her tongue out at her grimacing reflection, but a couple quick charms made up for her lack of sleep. "I've got to go. I trust you can find your way back to your own fireplace." Snape turned back to the fireplace. "Severus –" she shook her head and went out the door.
***
Dumbledore's extra help arrived under cover of darkness and were smuggled quickly into the headmaster's office. When Charlotte arrived, the new arrivals were pouring over a large map with said headmaster and Professor Snape.
"Ah Charlotte," said Dumbledore cheerfully, "May I present Remus Lupin and Sirius Black." She shook hands with the two men, one brown haired, one black, both lean and each looking like they had borne the cares of the world on their backs one too many times.
"Sirius? Weren't you the one who –"
Black's eyes widened and he shook his head. Dumbledore stepped into the breach saying "He did escape from Azkaban, but I assure you he is innocent of all charges." Charlotte snuck a look at Snape, who was still studying the map. She remembered seeing Sirius in the Infirmary at Christmas, why were they trying to hide that fact from Snape? The answer became apparent after five minutes in the room with the two men. Their mutual dislike voiced itself in barrage of insults and thinly veiled threats.
Charlotte's patience was non-existent. "Could you two take your pissing contest elsewhere please? I'd like to get this plan established before morning." Black had the grace to look abashed; Snape just redirected his glare to her.
Lupin winked at her and pointed to the map. "Sirius and I will enter Hogsmeade through Honeyduke's. I'm guessing Malfoy will be somewhere around the Hog's Head, it's a bit seedier than the rest of the village."
"Ostensibly I'm headed for the bookshop," said Charlotte, "If you position yourselves outside the Post Office and Honeyduke's we should have our bases covered."
"Don't think about us," Sirius said, "Just pretend like you're doing your shopping. And don't go looking for Malfoy. If you get into trouble, send up sparks with your wand."
"What if Malfoy isn't there?"
"Once you have completed your business in the village return to Hogwarts and we will devise a new plan." Dumbledore answered calmly.
"I meet with the 5th years tomorrow. I will make sure Draco knows that I will be visiting Hogsmeade on – Thursday? That'll give him enough time to let Lucius know, should he decide to come pay me a visit."
"Miss Grainger, may I ask you a question?" It was not quite time for class to start, but most of the students were already assembled. With a quick check to make sure Draco was paying attention, Charlotte asked Hermione about the bookstore in Hogsmeade. "Since I don't have any classes on Thursday I thought I might go into the village to look for some materials for a project I'm working on. I haven't been there before and I hoped you might be able to give some recommendations." Hermione was only too happy to help and gave her the quick overview of the merits of Flourish & Blotts' Hogsmeade location. Asking the girl about the shop's hours gave her an opening to say, "I figured I'd go down there early and get it taken care of. Thanks Miss Grainger, you've been most helpful." Out of the corner of her eye Charlotte saw Draco scribbling surreptitiously on a piece of parchment. The bait has been taken, on to phase two.
Thursday morning dawned bright and cold. Charlotte had hardly slept the night before, her overactive imagination taking her places she would have just as soon not been. Snape was sitting in a chair watching her transfigure her Hogwarts robe into a heavy cloak.
"Are you nervous?" he asked.
"Nervous, me?" she laughed weakly, "Of course not. I go to town, pretend to shop, catch Malfoy in the act of trying to kill me and go home. It's fool-proof."
"This is fortunate, since we are surrounded by fools." His voice was at its driest.
"No love lost between you Sirius, eh?"
"It is a long story."
"You'll just have to tell me when this is all over." She did the clasp on the cloak and tucked her wand into her pocket. "Alright," she said, taking a deep breath, "off I go."
Snape stood and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I believe the phrase is 'just come back to me, okay?'"
Charlotte walked slowly around the lake towards the village trying to maintain the appearance of a young witch out to do some shopping. She had read somewhere that Hogsmeade was the only village exclusively populated by magic folk in the United Kingdom. She wished she were just going to explore. On the outside, it looked almost like any small English settlement. She peeked in the windows at Honeyduke's and Zonko's before going into Flourish and Blotts. Looking in the Muggle Studies section she felt an itchy twinge in her neck, like someone was watching her. She looked around but saw no one. It made her want to laugh, that feeling watched would reassure her. Consider the alternative, she thought, I'd rather face Malfoy in a bookshop than surrounded Voldemort and his cronies. She continued perusing the shelves, eventually finding a few texts of interest. Charlotte paid for her books and arranged to have them owled back to the school. Leaving Flourish and Blotts she walked up to Galdrags and looked at the latest in dress robes. I'll peek in at Dervish and Banges and then head back. The wizard equipment shop was at the far end of High Street, nearly the last thing of interest in the village. She was nearly there when the hairs on the back of her neck began to prickle. Something moved out of the corner of her eye. She looked down the alley beside the repair shop, or perhaps it was a doctor's office (Cunigunde's Magical Mishaps Mended) and saw an ominously familiar robed figure.
"Professor Parnell," he purred in a voice that could only belong to Lucius Malfoy, "It is a pleasure to see you again."
Charlotte quickly took in the two other forms lurking in the shadows and sneered at Lucius, "You just refuse to fight fair, don't you Malfoy?" and she raised her wand.
Remus and Sirius saw the shower of red sparks explode over High Street and took off at a run. Black had shifted to his dog form upon their arrival in the village for his own safety and reached the alley several steps ahead of his friend. Two large figures in black robes had Charlotte's arms pinned to her sides while a third figure examined her wand.
"You don't seem to command much of a cavalry, Professor," Malfoy laughed. "But time is short, and we have much to discuss." Sirius reared back to leap, but at a signal from Malfoy the trio disapparated, taking Charlotte with them. The large dog landed on the ground, not on Lucius' neck as he had hoped. Remus arrived in time to see Sirius resume his human form.
"They've taken her. Three of them, Malfoy was one of them, I heard him."
"Where would they have gone?" Remus asked into the empty space beside him.
A floating hand appeared and pulled back a piece of invisible cloth to reveal Severus, grim and ashen. "There is only one place – Chateau Malfoy."