Disclaimers: Please refer to chapter one for full disclaimer write-up.
When Living is No Longer EnoughChapter Twenty-Six
The following day passed in a series of events that reminded Hermione of a muggle movie. Each event was an individual scene and at the end of the day the scenes were strung together to form a surreal motion picture. She wasn't sure she liked it at all.
The day had begun with an early breakfast and a final meeting with Emily to review last minute details. It was decided that Hermione would borrow Emily's wardrobe for the duration of the stay at the Saunton residence to further convince people of the validity of her new persona. In addition, she would also borrow the young Slytherin's textbooks to further the guise that she was frantically studying for her NEWT's. It would lend credibility to her desire to return to Hogwarts before the holiday was over.
Classes passed in a disjointed rhythm in which time would vacillate between moving at an incredibly slow rate and speeding up to a dizzying pace, all seemingly without a moment's notice. The chestnut haired witch knew that this was nothing more than a result of nerves brought on by her impending mission but she still couldn't help think how happy she would be once all of the subterfuge had come to an end. 'However did Severus handle this for so many years?' she wondered to herself marveling at the man's courage.
The school day ended early in anticipation of the holiday and Hermione found herself entering the lab earlier than usual to find Severus hunched over a cauldron.
"You started without me," she said with mild dismay.
"I needed something to do," he replied pulling her close. "So, what fragrance would you like for your new 'perfume'?"
"Hmmm, let's see" she mused eyeing the vials of ingredients that lined the table. "Jasmine, Freesia, Lavender, Rose…."
"Do you see one that catches your eye?" he asked quietly, not wanting to acknowledge that once the fragrance was added the potion would be complete. There would be no reason to turn back from the plan at that time and no reason for her to change her mind and let someone else continue in her place…
"Or catches my nose rather? Not really," she answered, absently running her fingers over the labels until she caught sight of an unusually shaped vial made of a deep green colored glass. "Lotus blossoms?"
"That particular type is rather rare," he said softly as he gently removed the vial from her fingers. "Is this the scent you would like?"
"If you don't mind," she answered quietly, subdued by the fact that their time together was drawing to an end.
"Not at all," he answered running his finger lightly along her cheek. "It suits you."
Not knowing what else to say or how to disperse the aura of melancholy that blanketed the room, she merely answered by means of a shy smile filled with warmth and love. 'I can't imagine leaving him here to worry for so long,' she thought sadly to herself. Her musings were interrupted when she noticed the potions master reach for a couple of other fragrances. She watched in fascination as his long elegant fingers effortlessly manipulated the vials and added minute amounts of the lightly colored ingredients to the gently bubbling cauldron.
"What were those?" she questioned pointing to the vials he had used. "I thought we had decided on the Lotus Blossom fragrance?"
"Yes and it will still be the primary fragrance," he answered, "but by adding a small portion of the addition floral extracts, we can enhance and create a fragrance that is a little more exotic and unique."
"It reminds me of the Orient," she said and walked over to stand directly next to him. Inhaling deeply she could just make out a trace of the latest ingredients. As usual he was correct. The addition of the new extracts was just enough to lend a unique quality to the potion without overpowering one's sense of smell. All in all, there was no doubt in Hermione's mind that the end product would be a fragrance that would have sold very well in the muggle world. It was hard to believe that the vile smelling 'reptilian cocktail' was turning out to be reminiscent of an exotic floral garden. "I like it."
"Voldemort should like it as well. He always favored things from the Orient. He claimed the culture had a certain mystique about it that couldn't be found elsewhere. It should, at least, serve to place you in a favorable light although you will still need to tread carefully and treat him in the manner we previously discussed. Appealing to his senses is good but appealing to his vanity is even better," Severus replied in an off-hand manner but Hermione could see the tension in his body as his posture remained perfectly straight and he stirred the potion in a stiff, almost wooden manner as opposed to his usual graceful style.
"I'll remember," she assured him softly. "I'll bow and be reverent and only speak when spoken to."
He turned sharply upon hearing the underlying tone of loathing and disgust in her voice. He knew that catering to the Dark Lord would go against every one of her stringently held principles but it was something that she was going to have to do. He just prayed that her Gryffindor nature wouldn't win out over her common sense.
"Hermione we have already discussed the importance of this matter. If Voldemort picks up even the slightest trace of loathing in either your voice or actions…."
"He won't," the young witch quickly assured him laying a hand on his shoulder. "Severus, I promise you that I will play my part and act as if I'm in awe of the reptilian thug. Even if it kills me."
She had muttered the last part of the sentence more to herself than aloud however the potions master's acute hearing had easily picked up her words. "Have no doubt Hermione, he will kill you if you don't" Snape replied seriously and turned to stare intently into her eyes as if by doing so he could instill the importance of his words into her heart and mind.
Hermione's eyes widened in shock at both the seriousness of his expression and the earnestness in his voice and while she had understood the potential dangers of the mission that lay before her, she had never allowed herself to ponder the consequences of the most miniscule of mistakes. Even the tiniest error, such as an incorrectly worded reply, an errant glance or a thoughtless gesture could not only put an immediate end to her mission but to her life as well. She found it disconcerting to realize that even though she was a powerful witch in her own right, she might prove to be little match against an even more powerful or malevolent wizard; one that wouldn't think twice before casting the killing curse and ending her life for such a trivial mistake. She sighed silently and wondered when her life had become so melodramatic.
"Hermione?"
Startled out of her reverie, she glanced up to see Severus staring at her with an expression that conveyed a mixture of concern and apprehension. "I'm sorry, I guess I just got lost in my thoughts for a moment. What were you saying?"
"I asked if you wanted to forgo dinner in the Great Hall and share a quiet evening meal in my chambers instead?" he replied, his dark brow furrowing in concern.
"I would like that," she answered allowing her facial features to contort into what she hoped was a reassuring smile. "What about the potion?"
"It will be finished in a few minutes although it will have to cool somewhat before bottling," he answered, lowering the heat on the cauldron to bring the liquid from a medium boil to a slow simmer. "Why don't you draw a warm bath for yourself and relax for a while? I'll see to the potion and place our dinner order with the house elves. Would you care for anything in particular?"
"Surprise me," she said with a grin as she reached up to place a kiss on his cheek. Taking one final look at the bubbling cauldron she exited the lab and made her way to his chambers to soak in a nice warm bubble bath…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dinner that evening proved to be quiet, relaxing and enjoyable, the very things both Severus and Hermione needed before her departure the following morning.
"You do realize that Harry and Ron will be wondering where we are?" she asked the man sitting across the table from her.
Severus took another sip of wine from his glass before returning it to the table and merely replied, "and this is supposed to concern me in what way?"
"I didn't say that you had to be concerned," she replied with a small smile. "Just don't be too shocked if they show up on your doorstep before the evening is over."
"If they value their Gryffindor hides then I would strongly suggest they avoid doing any such thing. I intend to have you for myself this evening," he told her in a velvety voice that sent shivers running up and down her spine. "Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley may say their goodbyes, along with any other last minute sentiments, tomorrow in Albus' office."
"Albus' office?" she questioned, happily poking a baby carrot with her fork and sliding it into her mouth.
Severus didn't answer her question immediately as he was too busy watching Hermione slowly suck down one small carrot after another. 'Gods this woman is going to drive me mad,' he thought to himself ready to apparate the remains of their diner back to the kitchens and carry her off to the bedroom. However he could tell that she had been surprised by his latest comment and for her, surprise usually led to inquisitiveness, which led to questions, which meant that he wouldn't get far until he satisfied that particular line of curiosity first.
"Yes. Albus suggested that we meet together in his office before it is time for you to depart with the other students. Emily Saunton will be summoned also under the pretense of obtaining permission to return to Hogwarts at her earliest convenience as she has the NEWT's and a critical potions essay that will be due the following week."
"What if someone sees us both leave Dumbledore's office? " Hermione asked. "Don't you think that will cause a little bit of confusion?"
"It would cause a lot of confusion and most probably end the mission before it even had a chance to begin which is why you both will not be leaving together. You will imbibe the polyjuice potion in Albus' office while Emily will have enough polyjuice potion to transform into a likeness of yourself."
"Transform into me?" she gasped in surprise. "But why? I haven't gone over any information she might need to impersonate me or…"
"Hermione calm down for a moment love," he interrupted knowing that the string of questions and concerns would continue for quite some time. "As you know several of the students will be remaining behind during the holiday. Some of these students might notice your absence and start asking questions and the last thing we need is Lucius Malfoy trying to track you down. So Emily will drink the polyjuice and impersonate you long enough to noticeably exit the castle grounds with Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley who will in turn watch over her in several undisclosed locations until you are ready to return to Hogwarts. At that time, she will once again drink the polyjuice potion and be seen returning in the company of Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley and no one will be the wiser."
"And since everyone knows that Harry and Ron are childhood friends and have been visiting with me here at Hogwarts for the past couple of weeks no one will think twice about my going on holiday with them," she said nodding her head up and down in understanding. "It just might work."
"It had better work," Severus intoned in a voice that would accept nothing less than complete success. "There is too much at stake for these plans not to work. Hermione, are you absolutely sure you wouldn't rather stay here and send Weasley to impersonate Emily? He did offer."
"I know," she replied softly and reached for the sinfully delectable chocolate cake that practically beckoned to her. "I know that Ron would do his absolute best and I know that he understands the importance of what we're doing but he does have a tendency to lose his temper every now and then and say things without thinking them through first. I just don't think it would be right to place him in such a situation, especially if he has to impersonate a female. Besides, handling the potion may prove to be tricky if you consider the suspension charm and all."
Her voice had taken on an almost pleading quality as she relayed her fears to the potions master. Almost as if she was begging him to understand that delivering the 'reptilian cocktail' was something she just had to do. Of course, in his mind he had known that she wouldn't back down but his heart had fervently wished that she would at least consider the offer Weasley had hesitantly made two weeks prior in Dumbledore's office.
"Very well if you are so insistent than I have no other choice but to support your efforts but please, do try to contain that hellish independent streak of yours and act as Edgar Saunton and Voldemort expect you to," he said sternly, automatically falling back into his classroom persona.
"Yes Professor Snape, I promise to be an obedient little Slytherin," she said solemnly while trying desperately to hold back her laughter.
"That will be the day," he muttered finishing his dessert and discretely dabbing at his mouth with the crisp linen napkin.
"Are you referring to my being a Slytherin or obedient by that remark?" she asked with an air of mock hurt.
"Both," he replied softly. Walking around to stand beside her, he took her hand and pulled her to a standing position before leading her over to the sofa and cradling her within the security of his arms.
Hermione sighed in contentment and tried to push the impending mission out of her mind for a short time as she leaned back against the potion master's muscled body and willed herself to relax. She was going to miss these moments of quiet time they shared with one another by the fire where they allowed themselves a few moments respite from the pressures of the workday and the war. The 'reptilian cocktail' had taken up much of their time and while they hadn't been able to share these moments on a nightly basis, Hermione and Severus looked forward to them all the same and treasured them even more.
"I will miss you," she said softly, lifting her head so that she could peer into his face. She nearly gasped as she saw the reflections of the flames flicker across his features allowing her to witness the emotions that ran momentarily unchecked through his eyes. Emotions that spoke of tenderness, apprehension, and love and could that be…yes it was… desire. She once again thanked the Gods that had brought this man into her life and prayed that all would go well with the mission so that she could once again return to his loving embrace. 'You aren't asking for much are you?' a cynical voice inside her head chided with derision. 'You just want to walk into a room full of Death Eaters, poison the Dark Lord, and walk away as if this was nothing more than an everyday occurrence. And to top it all off you want to come running back here to lie in the arms of true love's embrace.'
She acknowledged that she might be asking for just a tad much. After all her primary duty was to help bring Voldemort's reign of terror to a crushing standstill. 'But is it really so wrong to want all of the things that a solid relationship would bring if we actually succeed?' she wondered. Giving herself a mental shake she decided to leave such questions for another time, preferably a time when she wasn't contemplating the fact that this might be the last night the two of them would ever share. There were just too many things that could go wrong. She had once heard the phrase 'live for the moment' and while she couldn't remember if she had read it in a book at one point in her life or just heard it in passing, she decided that it was sage advice that was worth following, especially tonight of all nights. Turning her body so that she faced the dark haired man sitting behind her, she gently touched her hand to his cheek and slowly began caressing his face before lifting her own lips up to meet the soft flesh of his inviting mouth.
Time stood still for a brief moment as their lips met, flesh on flesh, conveying their hopes and fears to one another without uttering a sound. It was a joining of both body and mind and Severus lifted his own hand to cradle her cheek in a possessive gesture while drawing slow, sensual circles on the middle of her back with the other hand.
Moments passed as the two lovers pushed aside the trappings of the outside world and concentrated solely on one another. Clothes were shed, words of love were murmured, and caresses were both given and taken as their bodies began writhing faster against one another searching for the completion that would ultimately join them as one.
Never releasing his hold on her body, Severus picked the young witch up and carried her to the oversized bed all the while trailing kisses down her neck until he reached that point at the base of her throat that throbbed with an all too familiar beat. He reveled in the fact that she wanted him just as much as he wanted her as he laid her petite body on the plush comforter, her hair fanning out beneath her reminding him of an exquisite piece of art.
Reaching her arms out to pull him closer, Hermione marveled at their relationship. Never before had she been with anyone and felt so complete in mind, body and soul. It was a feeling that she wanted to share with him more than anything at that particular moment in time and as she moved her body in tandem with his, their unspoken desires and messages of love were not only felt but also understood by one another. Moments later their passion reached its pinnacle and, with their bodies joined as one, they soared to new heights crying one another's name before tumbling gently back down to earth where they spent the remainder of the night locked in the comfort of one another's embrace.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The last vestiges of the night faded away as the sun peeked around the clouds announcing the arrival of the new day. If Hermione had thought she was nervous before then it was nothing compared to the state she now found herself in.
"Hermione," Snape called clasping her jittery hands within his own. "Everything will be fine. You have the potion as well as the polyjuice and you have been instructed how to act in front of the Dark Lord. You will succeed in this as you do in all else."
"I'm just nervous," she told him with a shaky laugh. "So much depends on getting this just right and there really isn't any margin for error. What if I…"
"No. You will not contemplate on 'what if' as the only thing it can do is serve to cause doubt. You will be fine Hermione, you must believe that."
"Do you believe it?" she asked staring into dark eyes that pinned her in place.
"I have never doubted it," Severus replied with conviction, placing a light kiss on her forehead.
A soft knock was heard and the young witch crossed her chambers to open the door to a very solemn looking Harry Potter and a nervous looking Ron Weasley.
"Hi Hermione, Professor," Harry greeted stepping into the room. "We're here to take you to Dumbledore's office 'Mione. Are you ready?"
"Yes, I have everything I'll need" she told her friend. Turning to the potions master who stood back quietly watching the scene before him she asked, "Severus, you will see to it that Crookshanks is cared for?"
"That overgrown pile of fluff will be fine," he answered with a small smirk. Seeing her look of disbelief he softened his gaze and gently brushed a stray piece of hair from her face. "You have my word Hermione that he will be well cared for."
"Thank you," she said softly, a small tear glistening in her eye. "I'll see you in the headmaster's office?"
"I will collect Miss Saunton and we will meet you there shortly," he assured her. "Now go before Potter and Weasley get the idea you've changed your mind."
"Not a chance," she answered and followed the two young men out of the room.
A loud meow came from the kneazle as he watched the door close behind his mistress. It was a baleful sound that somehow mirrored Snape's feelings at that particular moment. Reaching down to scratch the ginger colored cat between the ears Severus softly reassured the cat by uttering three simple words. "She'll be fine." He wasn't certain if he had uttered those words to reassure the cat or himself but it was a sentiment that he fervently hoped would prove to be true. Giving the kneazle one final glance, he walked to the fireplace, tossed in some floo powder and returned to his own chambers.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Thirty minutes later, Severus entered the headmaster's office with a very subdued Emily Saunton. Motioning for the young Slytherin to have a seat, the potions master gave a brief nod to Hermione and walked over to where Minerva McGonagall stood, tight-lipped and apprehensive about the entire plan.
"Were you able to arrange for those items I requested?" Snape asked the Head of Gryffindor in a quiet voice so as not to attract attention.
Glancing quickly at the others who were involved in their own conversation, she nodded her head briefly and surreptitiously pulled two small items out of a pocket in her robes. "I hope these will suffice?" she questioned and Snape could hear more than a hint of anxiousness in her voice.
"These will be quite adequate thank you," he replied and pocketed the items.
Giving the man a brief nod, the transfigurations professor moved to rejoin the group as Albus Dumbledore walked into the office.
"Ah, I see we are all here," the headmaster said by way of greeting. "I trust we are ready to enact our plans?"
Looking quickly to where Severus stood, dark and foreboding, Hermione turned to the headmaster and agreed that they were ready to begin.
"Very well, if Professor Granger and Miss Saunton will follow the stairway up to my chambers, they may take the polyjuice and switch clothing," Dumbledore said. "Ladies, please make certain that you exchange suitcases and have everything you need before returning to us."
"Yes headmaster," Hermione answered and ushered Emily up the winding staircase.
"Severus, is Miss Saunton aware of our plans for Voldemort?" Albus asked after assuring himself that the women were safely upstairs and could not overhear their conversation.
"No Albus, we felt it was safer if Miss Saunton was not given the details of the mission. As far as she is concerned, Hermione is going to impersonate her as a way of gaining information on Voldemort's current activities. I also gave her the unmodified polyjuice potion, which means that Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley will have exactly one hour to exit the castle and deliver her to a safe place" Snape replied.
"Why wouldn't you give her the other polyjuice potion?" Ron asked in confusion.
"Because Mr. Weasley, if Voldemort were to discover the existence of a longer acting polyjuice potion he wouldn't hesitate to go after the girl in hopes that she might be able to provide him with further information regarding its properties," the potions master answered. "As Miss Saunton is unaccustomed to covert operations, I felt it was better for all concerned that she know as little as possible."
"Which means that we won't be able to discuss any of this when she's around," Harry said, agreeing with Snape's line of reasoning.
"Very perceptive Mr. Potter," the potions master quietly replied.
The group turned as Hermione and Emily made their way downstairs, suitcases in hand, and rejoined the group.
"Professor Granger?" Minerva asked and was somewhat disconcerted to see the image of Emily Saunton look directly at her and shake her head in affirmation.
"And Miss Saunton?" Albus said smiling as Hermione's image also answered in acknowledgment.
"Miss Saunton," Severus spoke up gaining the young Slytherin's attention. "You will go with Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley. They will escort you away from Hogwarts and will be responsible for your safety during the next week. We will send a message to them as soon as Professor Granger has returned from meeting with Voldemort that will give detailed instructions to follow for your return. Please remember that while you are under the influence of the polyjuice potion you must act like Professor Granger. Failure to do so could result in both of your lives being placed in jeopardy."
The young girl's eyes widened as she listened to the Head of Slytherin's instructions but rather than dissolve into hysterics, she simply nodded her head. "I understand Professor Snape."
"Harry, Ron," the headmaster spoke up to gain the attention of the two young men, "I trust you are ready to depart?"
"Yes sir," both young men answered simultaneously.
Harry walked over to where Hermione stood and gave her a long hug. "Be careful," he whispered. "Things just wouldn't be the same without you."
"I will," she assured him with a shaky smile.
"Take care 'Mione," Ron said enfolding the young woman in a giant hug of his own. "Everything will work out alright, you'll see."
"Thanks Ron," she said wiping a small tear away. "You all be careful too and I'll see you at the end of the week."
With one final wave, Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and a polyjuiced Emily Saunton exited the headmaster's office to make a very visible exit from the castle premises.
"The carriages have already arrived Albus," Minerva informed him and glanced toward Hermione. "If we are going to do this than we really need to hurry."
"Yes you are right of course," the headmaster replied. "Severus, I believe you have a few last minute items for Professor Granger?"
"Yes," Snape answered and walked over to the young woman who was clearly confused by the headmaster's last sentence.
"Last minute items?" she asked with a small shaky laugh.
"Minerva has been kind enough to help me with a few final safety precautions," he answered pulling two items out of his pocket. The first item was a long cylindrical object that he placed around her neck.
"A crystal?" she asked lifting the necklace at the base of her throat for a closer inspection.
"Not exactly although it is designed to look like such," he answered. Placing his wand alongside the top of the crystal he muttered an incantation. Suddenly, a bright light shone forth from the object and the top of the crystal rotated to reveal a carefully concealed vial.
"Is that polyjuice?" she asked in amazement.
"Very good my dear," he answered with a small smile. "By wearing this, you assure yourself that you will always have a dose with you in case you are unable to return to your rooms before the previous dose wears off."
"Thank you," she said memorizing the incantation he used to reseal the crystal.
"There is also one more item which you will need to keep on your person at all times," he said handing her an object that was no bigger in size than a muggle dime.
"It looks like a button from one of the student's school robes," she said examining the small object that rested between her fingers.
"Ten points to Gryffindor," he muttered with a smirk. "It is a portkey. One that, when used in conjunction with the proper incantation, will deliver you straight to the gates of Hogwarts. You are to use it if the situation becomes too grave or if your actual identity is discovered."
"I will," she promised quietly, amazed that they had collaborated to such an extent to ensure her safety. "You said there was a specific incantation that has to be used in order to activate the portkey?"
"Yes," Professor McGonagall answered. "Severus wanted to make certain that you could carry the port key on your person at all times but he didn't want you to find yourself in a situation in which the portkey might accidentally be activated. So, should you find yourself in faced with an immediate need to return home, touch the portkey and utter the following incantation: Sublatio in arcem."
Hermione placed the portkey in the pocket of her robe before repeating the incantation. "Sublatio in arcem."
"Very good my dear," the transfigurations mistress praised the young woman who had become so much like a daughter. "It looks as if it is time for you to go now. Do be careful and remember that we will all be here waiting for your safe return."
"Thank you Minerva, for everything," Hermione answered giving the older woman a hug.
"Yes, my dear," the headmaster said walking to stand directly in front of her and laid a weathered hand on her shoulder. "Remember that, while your mission is of the utmost importance, your safety and well-being are of even more importance. Use the knowledge that you have gained along with the items that you have been given wisely and remember that we would not have allowed you to undertake such a task if we didn't have the utmost confidence in your abilities. Be well my dear."
"Severus, I trust that as Miss Saunton's Head of House, you will see her to the carriages that will deliver her to the Hogwarts Express?" Albus asked not bothering to wait for a reply as he and Minerva McGonagall exited the office.
Hermione looked at the dark haired man that stood silently staring at her. She had so many things she wanted to say to him but now that the moment had arrived, she didn't have the faintest clue as to where to begin. "Severus…"
"Hush," he whispered pulling her into his arms and just holding her quietly for a moment. He knew that she needed to hurry to the carriages but he was having difficulty in letting her go, especially since there was no guarantee that she would be coming back. Things were just too risky despite all of the training, the potions, and the safeguards. What if he never saw her again?
As if she could read the thoughts in his mind, Hermione pulled back slightly from his embrace and raised her hand to softly caress his cheek. "It's going to be alright Severus. I have all of the tools I need to make this work and I have the most important reason of all for returning home."
"You do?" he questioned, one eyebrow rising up towards his hairline.
"Of course," she said with a small laugh. "I have you. What better reason could there be?"
"You are incorrigible," he told her kissing her forehead lightly.
"Perhaps but I don't think you'd have me any other way now would you?" she quipped.
Snape pretended to give thought to her question before answering which earned him a playful slap on the arm from the charms professor.
"I suppose not," he conceded. "Just remember, that overgrown pile of fur you call a cat will be awfully irate if you do not return, as will the rest of us. Please be careful and for Merlin's sake, do not attempt any Gryffindor heroics!"
"Yes professor," she answered and reached up to give him one final kiss before exiting the office. "Just remember, I love you."
"I love you too," he whispered closing his eyes momentarily as she preceded him from the office.
The words had been quietly spoken but Hermione still heard them. So it was a smiling 'Emily Saunton' followed by a dour potions master that people saw walking the corridors of Hogwarts.
"I will expect your potions essay to be completed by the end of the holiday Miss Saunton," Severus said reverting back to the role of professor for the benefit of those around them.
"Yes professor," the young woman answered and followed a group of students to the awaiting carriages.
The potions master didn't linger to watch the carriages leave the grounds as such an action would have looked suspicious. Instead, he quickly made his way to his chambers and poured himself a large glass of whisky. All of their months of hard work had come down to this final week. Hermione was gone and Snape could only pray to any deities that might be listening that she would return to them in one piece.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
TBC
Author's Notes:
Special thanks to Susanna/Pigwidgeon37 (who has some wonderful stories on Fanfiction.Net) for stepping in and creating the Latin incantation used in conjunction with the portkey. "Sublatio in arcem" when translated means 'a lift to the castle.'
Hopefully, this chapter made sense. I am back home after having had surgery the other day but am currently on round the clock painkillers that tend to leave me tired and spaced out. VBG As always, thank you so much to those of you who reviewed the previous chapter. I really enjoy reading your comments and predictions and have hopefully answered some of the questions and concerns you may have had within the past two chapters. Having said all of that, please throw the author a few crumbs and be so kind as to leave a review to let me know how I'm doing.
~Jules