Disclaimer:

All characters in the story are the property of J. K. Rowling and Bloomsbury Books, with the exception of Eleanora Sterling and a few supporting characters, who are my own creations. This story is created purely for the entertainment of myself and other like-minded readers and no copyright infringement is intended.

By mentioning J.K. Rowling in this story I do not intend to present her as a fictional character or to imply that the Harry Potter books are not her own 100% original works.

Any opinions, political or otherwise, on world events, personages or governments expressed in these pages, are the opinions of the characters speaking them and not necessarily those of the author.

Chapter 5: Wand Waving and Sabre Rattling

"Mind you," Snape said, "I was never much of a wand-waver. I mostly resorted to potions to achieve my objectives." He hefted the dark wooden object tentatively, and selecting one of Nora's scarves from her dresser to levitate, gave it a small flick and uttered "Textillium Leviosa". The wand made a small "phut" sound and produced a half-hearted sprinkle of sparks, but the scarf behaved as if glued to the dresser.

"Give me that," Nora exclaimed, as the scarf flew instantly to her outstretched hand.

"Well, yes, I knew you could do that, but I wanted to show you that I couldn't do it with my wand. Normally something like that would be a piece of cake."

"Try something else."

Casting about for something to experiment with, Snape intentionally broke a small hand mirror, waved his wand at it and said "Reflectarum Reparo". Once again, the wand gave off a fart of sparks and the mirror remained as it was.

"Well, thanks so much. Now my mirror is broken," she said in exasperation.

"I'll buy you a new one. But you see my point, don't you?"

"I'm confused. Those were just small examples, and Welkin said that some minor forms of magic would work here, like the magical tags they hung on us in London."

"A magical tag is a very small charm and doesn't take much doing. Certainly not as much as a Reparo spell. But you do see my point?"

"I suppose... What was it again?"

"My point was that Voldemort very likely wouldn't have much magic at his disposal if he were to cross over here. And therefore, he would be very easy to overcome and defeat."

"Assuming that he didn't A, bring a whole army of wizards with him, or B, have some devastating natural ability at his disposal. Which might be what, by the way?"

"His native magical abilities? Well, he's a Parselmouth for one thing, but I don't imagine the ability to talk to snakes is going to do him much good in the heart of Mundane London. And I believe he can communicate with the dead, but as the dead can't act against the living, there's no real threat there. If he has any other powers, I don't know what they might be."

"Wait a minute... Does Voldemort even have any sort of physical body any more? From what I've been reading, he's had to use supernatural means several times in order to bring himself back from a purely spiritual form, hasn't he?"

"I assure you that the body he is using at present is more or less physical, even though it was re-created by supernatural means." Snape had to admit to himself that he wasn't entirely sure what sort of being Voldemort was anymore, but he was not going to admit that to Nora.

"So, presuming he hasn't transformed himself into some sort of evil spirit, you don't think you'd have any trouble taking him on if he was in this dimension?"

"Not if I had other Wizards to back me up. I'd presume Lupin would be willing to help me, and I'm sure we could recruit others."

"Like Harry Potter?"

Snape groaned in disgust. "Yes, like Potter. And perhaps a few of his other little friends might prove useful as well, once I've figured out a plan. But I was thinking in terms of a few older, more powerful Wizards."

Nora crossed her arms and fumed silently for a moment. "So, Severus, let me get this straight... you're planning to go back to London, lure Voldemort over to the Mundane side where you and a bunch of other wizards can have some sort of grand showdown with him?"

"In essence, yes. But of course the plan would involve"

Nora cut him off. "You're planning to return to the very place where your life is in grave danger and face down the very person who is trying to kill you? And on a public street in London, where normal people might get hurt? Not to mention the police might decide to see what the ruckus was all about"

"Now just wait a minute, Nora," he snarled. "First of all you have no idea what I'm planning to do, or how I intend to carry it out."

"Sounds to me like you don't have the first idea how you're going to carry it out either," she shouted back.

"Not yet, but I will. I need to do more research, and of course the groundwork has to be carefully laid when I figure out what bait I am going to use to convince him to cross over. And I don't think I'm the one who's going to be doing the luring. It has to be someone he trusts, and obviously that is no longer me."

"Don't tell me you're intending to put someone else in danger with this harebrained scheme?" she snapped.

"Oh, you are walking a very thin line, young lady," he replied in a quietly menacing tone, advancing on her slightly.

Nora quailed, but Snape couldn't help but notice that her pupils dilated at his words. Perhaps having this fight would not be a bad thing, as her present state of arousal seemed to promise that making up would be very enjoyable for both of them.

But she noticed his eyes flicking over to the bed and pulled him up short. "Oh no, you don't. You're not going to weasel out of this discussion by getting me all hot and bothered."

"Discussion, is it? I don't think my plans to defeat Voldemort are any of your concern, woman!"

"None of my concern! You were perfectly willing to discuss this with me just a minute ago."

"That was before you proved to be so unreasonable on the subject of my going back to England."

"I'm sorry, but I'm a bit touchy on the subject of your personal safety. I thought you'd be happy that I was concerned!"

"Not when you talk to me like I'm some sort of idiot!"

"Well, you certainly seem to be acting like one! And I cannot believe that you're actually considering doing something like this!" she wailed in frustration.

"You've already made your objections perfectly clear. And since you cannot be rational, then I suggest we end this conversation NOW!" With that he strode out of the bedroom and slammed the door behind him.

Nora, dumbstruck, sank to the bed and wept.

* * *

Moments after he slammed out of the bedroom Severus Snape felt as shocked and dismayed by their argument as Nora had. He very nearly turned back to apologize but something prevented him. That something, of course, was his pride.

Lately he was having a difficult time reading her. Either she was getting better at masking her thoughts from him or he was becoming subconsciously unwilling to try, fearing what he might learn. He understood perfectly that Nora was concerned for his safety but he rankled at her suggestion that he did not know what he was doing. It was typical of her recent patronizing attitude towards him and it was not the first time one of her comments had set his teeth on edge.

It was true that he didn't know what his plan would be, as yet. But he would figure it out. His well-developed sense of self-preservation would ensure that his own safety would be assured. As to the safety of others, he could not be so sure. He had to assume that anyone else willing to go along with his scheme would be sensible enough to take pains to ensure their own well being. In other words, it would be their own lookout if they decided to come on board. But since every wizard he knew was dedicated to the defeat of his former leader, Tom Marvolo Riddle, he assumed he would have no difficulty finding willing conspirators.

As for Nora, it seemed that she was turning away from him. Had she not enough faith in him to back him in his endeavours? Nonetheless, if winning back her confidence in him meant succeeding in his plan at all costs, then that was what he must do.

At all costs. Did that include putting himself into danger? Just at the moment, he wasn't entirely sure.

NEXT: Trouble in Paradise

A/N

* "Textillium Leviosa" : I always assumed the "Wingardium Leviosa" charm worked only on feathers ("wing"... get it?) so I made up a spell just for objects made of fabric. But then, the boys DID use "Wingardium" to leviate the troll's club in the washroom.

Thanks for the juicy reviews! It does give one a boost to know one is not writing into a vacuum. As a result I have made a lot of progress this week and after being a bit plot-stuck for a while have gotten things "rolling" again.

Crisagi: You have given me a wonderful idea. I had planned to get Sirius Black involved somehow but was not sure what might be the best way -- though it might not be what you expect!

Also (ahem) my beta reader has disappeared again so this chapter (and the last one) were un-beta'd. I need a new reader A.S.A.P.!! If there are any volunteers, please respond via the review page with your email address. I need someone very literate with a bit of time on their hands who can double-check grammar, spelling, HP plot points and characterization (you know the drill!) and who is not afraid to give constructive criticism. My last beta reader was all that and more (many, many thanks, besnaped!) but it seems her life has become very full and has taken her in another direction for the time being.

By the way, I am ALWAYS open to constructive criticism from reviewers. If there are ways in which my writing can be improved, (and I'm sure there are!) I would love to hear from you.

- Grey Lady