Part Eleven:
"What do you mean, you're her eyes?" Severus demanded.
"Exactly what it sounds like." James tutted, shaking his head in disapproval. "Really, it isn't like you to be so slow, Snape."
Severus gritted his teeth. "How did this happen?"
"Lucius was torturing your sister. When I tried to rescue her later, the thing she was held in exploded with blinding light."
"And the Gryffindor stupidity-excuse me, courage-that made him try to rescue me, ignored my warnings. My eyes were already fragile from the psy-conjunctiva tortures."
"He was trying to find a fabled third eye?" Sev interrupted, disbelief written on his face.
"Mmm...seemed to think that's what gives me my unusual gift. Since Potter here blames himself for waiting to long and causing it, he's trying to make up for it by driving me out of my mind."
Sev jerked the door open and gestured the three specters towards it. "Out! I am tired and we need our rest."
James left, reluctantly. But he knew better than to press his luck. Peeves and the Baron followed him, wishing the twins a soft good-night.
"Merlyn, please spare me any more surprises this night." He muttered, slamming the door and hoping it bit Potter. Transforming a chair into a cot, he got an extra blanket and closed his eyes. "Good night."
"Night, Severus." She whispered, pulling the covers tightly around her.
Day passed rather swiftly with a few minor problems and Draco came down with Hermione to work on the Wolf's Bane potion. Snape jerked his head, indicating that he wanted a moment alone with the girl. With some trepidation because he was worried about his newest ally, the Slytherin left and entered the private study-startled by the fire going in the fireplace.
"Hello, Draco. I see you have inherited the unfortunate looks of your father."
"Cousin Septina, you're awake!"
"Obviously." Dry. "What have you been up to lately, young man?"
"A lot. Father's coming for a visit." Soft.
"I am going to kill him." Stated plainly, no frills or furbelows.
"Not if I do it first." Lethal.
"Do you think you can?" Skeptical. Challenging.
"No." He corrected, "I know that I can."
"Good. Let us just hope that you didn't inherit your father's taste for blood like you did his looks."
"So tell me, how did you escape?"
Empty eyes turned to him, "Have a seat, Draco. That is a long and uncomfortable story."
Potion's office:
"Miss Granger. Sit down."
"I prefer to stand, thank you." Stiffly.
Glare. "I am not a polite man. I do not make suggestions. Sit down and conserve energy for a battle you might actually win."
It made sense. She sat. "I believe that you know the real reason behind my visit. So I don't propose we waste time in review. The fact is, Professor Snape, that I want to help. I believe that I can be of great service to you."
"Out of some misguided notion of Gryffindor honor?" Sneered.
"Out of decency." She calmly corrected, meeting his sneering face with a set one of her own.
"I accept. But know this, if you betray me, I will haunt you for eternity. I won't kill you but I will kill your friends, your family-even the stranger you meet in the streets. Their deaths will, I assure you, rest on your conscience. You will know that their deaths were needless and you fault. Do I make myself clear?"
"About the Wolf's Bane Potion, sir?" She answered coolly.
Snape felt a twinge of admiration for her cool answer. He could see why Draco had chosen to trust her. "Everything is all set up in my lab. You will find the other candidate already at work. Feel free to question him about the procedure while I go retrieve Draco. You will find him more than able to explain things to you."
He watched her walk into the room and heard, with a sense of satisfaction, her gasp of surprise when she saw Neville Longbottom hard at work. She turned wide eyes to him, seeking an explanation for what must be an egregious error. "No, Miss Granger, your eyes do not deceive you."
"But he..."
"Is very good at acting like a complete and total fool. It is up to him to tell you his story, I will not."
The slight rebuke in his voice jolted her. "Yes, sir. Neville, what are you doing?"
"Well, Hermione, at the moment I am sorting my ingredients to easier handle them. The first thing you should do is wash in that sink. I am sure you did so before coming down but the water in that sink will clear of any impurities that will interfere with the potion. There is no need for soap, the water is charmed to clean completely."
His voice was strong and confident, unlike the rather squeaky one she was used to and it took her a moment to obey. Following his instructions, she quickly found her feet amongst the strange and different smelling potion ingredients. "These aren't like the ones we use in class, are they?"
"No. These ingredients are magically purer, they grow closer to the ley lines." He murmured.
Professor Snape left them talking and went into his room, listening to the two occupants talk. "Hey."
"Hey." He looked at Draco. "You aren't interested in making the potion, are you?"
The blonde head shook. "I have enough to worry about."
"Hermione will do." Sev answered the unspoken question.
It was only at dinner that Severus remembered the detention he had given Potter. He stifled a groan and wondered what chore he could foist upon the boy. Ever since classes had been separated, his rooms and the cauldrons had been spotless.
Potter (Jr) was waiting for him, mutinous expression on his face.
Snape almost released him but decided against it, no need for anyone to think he'd gone soft. Though it would've been worth it to see the look on his face, he thought with a sigh. He opened the classroom door and entered, Potter hot on his heels.
Rapidly, he outlined the detention he'd thought up. "Read this and then leave. Do not question me about this. There are things that require my utmost attention, like this potion. One mistake could cause the death of your friend, Remus Lupin." A lie. The potion was perfect. It wasn't for Lupin. It only needed one ingredient but Potter would never know that.
Paling the boy sat down and began to read, shocked to find out that instead of some musty tome on potions it was his mother's diary. He almost stopped reading but the desire to know the answers to the questions that had haunted him since finding out the truth about himself proved greater than his morals.
"Clever, Sev. Nice way to help him without helping him."
"Lily. The Headmaster told me that you were back." He acknowledged her presence without pausing his actions or motions.
"Temporarily." Wry.
He turned to face her, hand stilled. "The boy is the key, as you must've suspected. But I don't think that he'll be very pleased with what he must do."
Quirked eyebrow. "Let me guess, a modified version of the spell that brought old moldy volide back?"
"Yes. Septina's looking for another way but hasn't found anything yet."
"How is she?" Soft.
"She's a survivor." Stir. "But your husband may be the undoing of her."
"I know." Sigh. "That was my fault. I sent him to check on her, just check. Sometimes I forget the courage that follows him around."
"Is that what you call it?" Sev asked, reaching for a jar. He began to spoon the potion in it, muttering an incantation to preserve it in its heated status. "Why?"
"I wanted him to find a flaw we could exploit. James, being James, took initiative."
"And blinded my sister-or so he thinks." His voice was ironic.
"Really, Severus, you are still in the dungeons." A voice mocked from the doorway. "Don't you think you deserve better by now?"
"Lucius. Always a pleasure to see you." Sev moved towards him, escorting him into his office. "And, if you recall, I like my dungeons, they are suited for the work that I do-especially now."
Harry watched them disappear into the office and shrugged, beginning to read again. Obviously, he wasn't going to be dismissed. So far, he'd covered his mother's first two years and learned that she had always known his father. But where, he wondered, was Snape? Sirius and Remus had both implied that the rivalry between them had begun in school.
It was while reading his mother's third year that he was shocked to discover that he had transferred at the beginning of the year, with his twin sister, Septina, from Durmstrang. Pausing, he wondered-then knew with certainty that he had indeed met Snape's sister in the infirmary. There was no reason to think that another person could look and sound like his potions professor.
But his mother didn't find that out until Potions the next day. And she seemed to believe that they were not the evil that Sirius was determined to paint them. It was in their fifth year that something unexpected happened, his mother was partnered with Septina Snape in potions. They became friends through continuous efforts on her part.
He skimmed over references to his mother's romantic attachments, not feeling comfortable reading those, and laughed when he found out that she dueled-and defeated-Lucius Malfoy several times. "May be I'm more like my mom than people would have me think." He mused softly, glancing up at the door to see if he'd disturbed the professor.
The diary ended rather abruptly after her fifth year, with a haunting notation about Narcissa's eyes haunting her. Snape's door was still closed but he didn't want to leave the diary lying around. It didn't feel right to take it with him, though it was his. As he was debating his choices, a panel opened and Draco Malfoy stepped out.
The Slytherin sneered when he saw Harry at the table, mouth opened in shock. "Nice impersonation of a fish, Potter." It was frightfully easy to slip the mask back on.
"Malfoy." He practically spat the name out.
"What are you doing here?"
"Detention. Professor Snape is in his office with your father." Harry noticed the color drop from the other boy's face. "Did I say something wrong?"
"Not that I expect you to understand but yes." Draco said, thinking. "Did you happen to hear what daddy dearest wanted?"
Again Harry was surprised. This time by the venom in his voice, the sheer volume of hatred. "No."
"Useless, Potter. You are completely, totally useless. You didn't even try to listen in on their conversation?" Scornful.
"Of course not." Offended.
Smirk. "You weren't even curious to find out if it had something to do with you and your peculiar association with Voldemort?"
"You said his name." Harry was shocked, no one his age had ever said that name.
"Of course I did." Coldly contemptuous.
Harry ignored the comment. "And, no, I didn't. There is nothing that any Slytherin has to say about me that is important."
"And you are our greatest hope in the fight against Voldemort. I am deeply ashamed. And yes, I said our fight. Don't be such a blind pig, Potter."
"I'm not. I just thought that you, like all the others in your house, thought that Voldemort was your hero. The one who would save you from the mean old mudbloods polluting your precious wizarding world." Snide.
"It is attitudes like that which allowed him to rise to power in the first place. Kindly pay attention and learn from our disastrous past so that others will not repeat our errors." Chilling voice. Both boys turned to see Septina Snape in the door.
"And what have I told you about braying like a common ignoramus, Draco? I do not care to see such behavior from you. You should have learned better than this. Slytherin should have taught you better. Go in for the pain, if you must, never the kill."
"I know." Resigned.
"You're Septina Snape, mother mentioned you in her diary."
"She should. We were friends at one time." Acknowledged his words.
"Why will no one tell me anything?" He demanded, turning on her.
"Because you have shown yourself to be nothing but a common, snot nosed brat."
"Draco." Warning.
"Sorry. I'm leaving."
Nod. "Let this Miss Granger know that I would like a visit with her."
Shiver. "Of course." Draco left.
"What do you want with Hermione?" Worried.
"That is between Miss Granger and I, Mr. Potter." Final.
"She is my friend." Stubborn.
Raised eyebrow. "And I find your loyalty commendable. But that doesn't give you the right to interfere in her business, does it?"
"Well," He stopped, unable to come up with a decent sounding reply.
"A word of advice, Potter, never try to argue with anyone if you cannot order your thoughts at a moments notice. It is a waste of your time and theirs." Pause. "Potter, in here."
As startled as he was, the young man followed her. The wall closed almost completely, enfolding them in the darkness. Snape's office door opened and the two wizards exited. "I really don't know how to help you, Lucius. I haven't seen Pettigrew any where." Heard him, yes. But you didn't ask that. "As for my sister, she's been found."
"I thought you looked more alive." Lucius commented. "Where is she?"
"Ask Headmaster Dumbledore." Composed.
"You're not curious?"
Shrug. "She's safe." From you.
"Not for long. Lord Voldemort wants to see her. As soon as possible."
"And you don't want to disappoint your sugar daddy, do you, Lucius?" Silky smooth. "In which case, you shouldn't have harmed her in the first place. I'm sure once he sees her, Voldemort will have a lot to say to you about her condition."
Narrowed eyes. "What game are you playing here, Severus Snape? The Dark Lord may be convinced of your loyalty but I know how you feel about the mark. I am far from convinced."
"Lucky for me, Lord Voldemort doesn't trust you as he once did. Could it have something to do with your subversive actions recently?"
"You're one to talk, Snape."
"And you should be grateful for it." Blunt. "I am the only reason you're still alive. You aren't as secure as you'd like to believe, what with trying to stop Potter from coming in his second year when you knew full well that our lord wanted him here."
"That's quite a laugh coming from the man who tried to save him from Voldemort." Smug.
"If you're referring to the boy's first year, I knew that without Potter, Lord Voldemort stood no chance of getting the Stone away from Dumbledore's traps. Of course, had I known of the protective shield his mother's love wrapped him in, I would've done nothing more than what I did at the game." Pause, reconsidering his words. "I can't really say that, because I'd still be tied to his father for saving my life. Unlike you, Voldemort understood that I can't have that debt over my head. It tied me to him and affects my loyalty to our dear lord and master, Voldemort."
Septina held Potter back firmly. 'If you value anything in this world, boy, be still. Listen for the hidden message. Learn from what he is saying, what he is doing. Severus is the Master. Even Voldemort can't touch him when he's does this.' She mind spoke.
Resentfully, he did as she requested. It took a while but he began to see what was going on, Professor Snape was playing Malfoy senior like he was an instrument. Every string, he tugged. He tuned him, he played. I wonder if I would have learned this if I'd let myself by sorted into Slytherin.
'Of course not, Potter. You have too much of your father in you for that.' Smirking voice. 'And keep your thoughts quiet, they are rather amplified by the connection we share.'
"How..." A hand cut him off.
'Think, Potter. Do you never retain what you read? What did your mother write about me?'
'If I had known there was going to be a quiz, I'd have taken notes.'
'Good attempt at sarcasm, boy. Work on being original.' Silence. 'Nothing? Why am I not surprised. There are times when I pick up on thoughts due to my semi-psychic abilities. Though it usually happens around death eaters. Although, most Gryffindors seem to have trouble with subtlety. It's really why Voldemort has no use for them.'
'But he does for Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws?' Disbelief.
'Of course. Hufflepuffs are loyal beyond all reason, it would disgust Helga Hufflepuff to see that blind devotion. And Ravenclaw seeks knowledge-making everything is open for exploration to them. It helps that they take a clinical view of things, thereby riding themselves of their morals.'
'And Slytherin has ambition to spare.'
'What is wrong with ambition? Without it, this school would never have been built. People would not try to solve problems, would never ask why and seek answers. They would be content with the status quo. We probably would never have left living out in the wild if there weren't those who wanted something more, something better. And had the determination to see it through.'
He'd never thought of that. 'Then why?'
'Do some turn to the dark arts? There's something tempting about getting things without a fight. But I do know this, not all Slytherin fall into that trap-though they may learn the dark arts. One cannot truly fight that which they don't understand.'
'Name one.' He challenged.
'Merlyn.'
'What? Even I know that Merlyn didn't go to Hogwarts. It wasn't around then.'
Exasperated sigh. 'No, you imbecile. Salazar Slytherin is a direct descendant of the famous wizard, even you should know that. It is covered in History of Magic quite extensively.'
"Are you quite finished?" Professor Snape's voice entered their conversation.
"Of course, Sev. Potter and I were just getting acquainted. He'll do, though he's nothing like his mother."
"Well, his father was a friend of Black's. If it hadn't been for that, the Potter brains might be more than passable."
"A compliment from you, Snape? If I wasn't dead already, I think that would've killed me."
"Shut up, Potter." Snape glared.
"Dad?" Harry questioned, feeling faint. He couldn't believe his eyes, this was different than the other times he'd seen them. This felt eerily real. "Is it really you?"
"It is indeed, my son." Lily softly spoke, knowing what he was feeling.
He turned to look at her, she gestured for him to join her. Nodding her head in their direction, she explained with a smile, "This could take hours, so I will explain why we are here."
"Is it because they're going to fight or is that a polite way of saying it isn't any of my business?"
"Both."
"What did Malfoy want?" Septina queried.
"You and to know if I had seen that rat, Pettigrew."
"And?"
"He's left with his suspicions but no concrete evidence. I fear that he will find Pettigrew in the basement-or what's left of him."
Flash of green filled the hallway, startling everyone.
"Draco." Septina and Severus ran out into the hall. The Slytherin stood trembling over his father, unable to believe that he'd actually done it.
"He's dead. No more threat to either of you." Monotone.
"Nor will he hurt you." Septina rested her hand on his shoulder. "Give me your wand, Draco."
Blue fire flashed up at her. "I killed him." Fierce.
"Yes. You did. I have no intention of taking the credit away from you." She rested her hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently. "But I cannot allow you to go to Azkaban for this. Slytherins are, above all else, survivors. The house needs you now more than ever. They will protect you once Narcissa finds out about this. We will handle Voldemort. You are not ready for that."
He handed her his wand, reluctantly.
"Go hide with Potter and his mother." They watched him go. "Well?"
"Lucius attacked you. You panicked, only remembering his betrayal." Severus responded, turning towards the Headmaster, Remus Lupin, and Sirius Black.
Her mark flared and she winced. "Forgot how much the bloody thing hurts."
His remained silent.
"I must go." She spoke, determination in her eyes.
"Your eyes?" Albus protested, having heard the news from Severus.
Remus and Sirius exchanged looks, what was this about her eyes? Not liking to be left out, they turned her. For once, they actually studied the face before them. There was a blankness in the midst of the silken darkness of her eyes.
The Defense Professor gasped silently as it hit him. "Siri, she's blind." It was whispered but the twin glares they received let them know it had been heard clearly.
"I have ways of seeing that does not require their usage. He will lead me to him, I am sure of it." Back straight, she walked down the hall, ignoring the two wizards she brushed past. Before she disappeared, she tossed the wand at Severus.
Careful not to let his hand touch it directly, he caught and held it gingerly. It would not do to have his prints cover hers, the Ministry must have no evidence against him if he was to continue his work.
"He's going to need that." There was a definite knowing in her voice.
Severus waved his hand, stopping Potter cold. "You cannot go with her. Lord Voldemort would sense you right away."
"There is no way she'll make it through the forest alone." He protested.
"Don't discredit my sister's abilities. She'll get farther than you think."
"Like she did before?" Cutting.
"If you'd care to recall, she was injured. Now she is more stable in mind and body."
James snorted. "Is that how you justify sending her off to that creature? That she can handle it because there are no more visible wounds?"
"I don't know where you get off trying to tell me how to handle things, Potter, but it isn't your business!" Severus hissed, raising the wands that he held in his hands.
"Boys!" A crack of lightening shot between them. Albus glared at them, sending shivers down their backs. "Such behavior will not be tolerated."
"Sorry." Then Severus looked around, "Where did Black go?"
"What do you mean, you're her eyes?" Severus demanded.
"Exactly what it sounds like." James tutted, shaking his head in disapproval. "Really, it isn't like you to be so slow, Snape."
Severus gritted his teeth. "How did this happen?"
"Lucius was torturing your sister. When I tried to rescue her later, the thing she was held in exploded with blinding light."
"And the Gryffindor stupidity-excuse me, courage-that made him try to rescue me, ignored my warnings. My eyes were already fragile from the psy-conjunctiva tortures."
"He was trying to find a fabled third eye?" Sev interrupted, disbelief written on his face.
"Mmm...seemed to think that's what gives me my unusual gift. Since Potter here blames himself for waiting to long and causing it, he's trying to make up for it by driving me out of my mind."
Sev jerked the door open and gestured the three specters towards it. "Out! I am tired and we need our rest."
James left, reluctantly. But he knew better than to press his luck. Peeves and the Baron followed him, wishing the twins a soft good-night.
"Merlyn, please spare me any more surprises this night." He muttered, slamming the door and hoping it bit Potter. Transforming a chair into a cot, he got an extra blanket and closed his eyes. "Good night."
"Night, Severus." She whispered, pulling the covers tightly around her.
Day passed rather swiftly with a few minor problems and Draco came down with Hermione to work on the Wolf's Bane potion. Snape jerked his head, indicating that he wanted a moment alone with the girl. With some trepidation because he was worried about his newest ally, the Slytherin left and entered the private study-startled by the fire going in the fireplace.
"Hello, Draco. I see you have inherited the unfortunate looks of your father."
"Cousin Septina, you're awake!"
"Obviously." Dry. "What have you been up to lately, young man?"
"A lot. Father's coming for a visit." Soft.
"I am going to kill him." Stated plainly, no frills or furbelows.
"Not if I do it first." Lethal.
"Do you think you can?" Skeptical. Challenging.
"No." He corrected, "I know that I can."
"Good. Let us just hope that you didn't inherit your father's taste for blood like you did his looks."
"So tell me, how did you escape?"
Empty eyes turned to him, "Have a seat, Draco. That is a long and uncomfortable story."
Potion's office:
"Miss Granger. Sit down."
"I prefer to stand, thank you." Stiffly.
Glare. "I am not a polite man. I do not make suggestions. Sit down and conserve energy for a battle you might actually win."
It made sense. She sat. "I believe that you know the real reason behind my visit. So I don't propose we waste time in review. The fact is, Professor Snape, that I want to help. I believe that I can be of great service to you."
"Out of some misguided notion of Gryffindor honor?" Sneered.
"Out of decency." She calmly corrected, meeting his sneering face with a set one of her own.
"I accept. But know this, if you betray me, I will haunt you for eternity. I won't kill you but I will kill your friends, your family-even the stranger you meet in the streets. Their deaths will, I assure you, rest on your conscience. You will know that their deaths were needless and you fault. Do I make myself clear?"
"About the Wolf's Bane Potion, sir?" She answered coolly.
Snape felt a twinge of admiration for her cool answer. He could see why Draco had chosen to trust her. "Everything is all set up in my lab. You will find the other candidate already at work. Feel free to question him about the procedure while I go retrieve Draco. You will find him more than able to explain things to you."
He watched her walk into the room and heard, with a sense of satisfaction, her gasp of surprise when she saw Neville Longbottom hard at work. She turned wide eyes to him, seeking an explanation for what must be an egregious error. "No, Miss Granger, your eyes do not deceive you."
"But he..."
"Is very good at acting like a complete and total fool. It is up to him to tell you his story, I will not."
The slight rebuke in his voice jolted her. "Yes, sir. Neville, what are you doing?"
"Well, Hermione, at the moment I am sorting my ingredients to easier handle them. The first thing you should do is wash in that sink. I am sure you did so before coming down but the water in that sink will clear of any impurities that will interfere with the potion. There is no need for soap, the water is charmed to clean completely."
His voice was strong and confident, unlike the rather squeaky one she was used to and it took her a moment to obey. Following his instructions, she quickly found her feet amongst the strange and different smelling potion ingredients. "These aren't like the ones we use in class, are they?"
"No. These ingredients are magically purer, they grow closer to the ley lines." He murmured.
Professor Snape left them talking and went into his room, listening to the two occupants talk. "Hey."
"Hey." He looked at Draco. "You aren't interested in making the potion, are you?"
The blonde head shook. "I have enough to worry about."
"Hermione will do." Sev answered the unspoken question.
It was only at dinner that Severus remembered the detention he had given Potter. He stifled a groan and wondered what chore he could foist upon the boy. Ever since classes had been separated, his rooms and the cauldrons had been spotless.
Potter (Jr) was waiting for him, mutinous expression on his face.
Snape almost released him but decided against it, no need for anyone to think he'd gone soft. Though it would've been worth it to see the look on his face, he thought with a sigh. He opened the classroom door and entered, Potter hot on his heels.
Rapidly, he outlined the detention he'd thought up. "Read this and then leave. Do not question me about this. There are things that require my utmost attention, like this potion. One mistake could cause the death of your friend, Remus Lupin." A lie. The potion was perfect. It wasn't for Lupin. It only needed one ingredient but Potter would never know that.
Paling the boy sat down and began to read, shocked to find out that instead of some musty tome on potions it was his mother's diary. He almost stopped reading but the desire to know the answers to the questions that had haunted him since finding out the truth about himself proved greater than his morals.
"Clever, Sev. Nice way to help him without helping him."
"Lily. The Headmaster told me that you were back." He acknowledged her presence without pausing his actions or motions.
"Temporarily." Wry.
He turned to face her, hand stilled. "The boy is the key, as you must've suspected. But I don't think that he'll be very pleased with what he must do."
Quirked eyebrow. "Let me guess, a modified version of the spell that brought old moldy volide back?"
"Yes. Septina's looking for another way but hasn't found anything yet."
"How is she?" Soft.
"She's a survivor." Stir. "But your husband may be the undoing of her."
"I know." Sigh. "That was my fault. I sent him to check on her, just check. Sometimes I forget the courage that follows him around."
"Is that what you call it?" Sev asked, reaching for a jar. He began to spoon the potion in it, muttering an incantation to preserve it in its heated status. "Why?"
"I wanted him to find a flaw we could exploit. James, being James, took initiative."
"And blinded my sister-or so he thinks." His voice was ironic.
"Really, Severus, you are still in the dungeons." A voice mocked from the doorway. "Don't you think you deserve better by now?"
"Lucius. Always a pleasure to see you." Sev moved towards him, escorting him into his office. "And, if you recall, I like my dungeons, they are suited for the work that I do-especially now."
Harry watched them disappear into the office and shrugged, beginning to read again. Obviously, he wasn't going to be dismissed. So far, he'd covered his mother's first two years and learned that she had always known his father. But where, he wondered, was Snape? Sirius and Remus had both implied that the rivalry between them had begun in school.
It was while reading his mother's third year that he was shocked to discover that he had transferred at the beginning of the year, with his twin sister, Septina, from Durmstrang. Pausing, he wondered-then knew with certainty that he had indeed met Snape's sister in the infirmary. There was no reason to think that another person could look and sound like his potions professor.
But his mother didn't find that out until Potions the next day. And she seemed to believe that they were not the evil that Sirius was determined to paint them. It was in their fifth year that something unexpected happened, his mother was partnered with Septina Snape in potions. They became friends through continuous efforts on her part.
He skimmed over references to his mother's romantic attachments, not feeling comfortable reading those, and laughed when he found out that she dueled-and defeated-Lucius Malfoy several times. "May be I'm more like my mom than people would have me think." He mused softly, glancing up at the door to see if he'd disturbed the professor.
The diary ended rather abruptly after her fifth year, with a haunting notation about Narcissa's eyes haunting her. Snape's door was still closed but he didn't want to leave the diary lying around. It didn't feel right to take it with him, though it was his. As he was debating his choices, a panel opened and Draco Malfoy stepped out.
The Slytherin sneered when he saw Harry at the table, mouth opened in shock. "Nice impersonation of a fish, Potter." It was frightfully easy to slip the mask back on.
"Malfoy." He practically spat the name out.
"What are you doing here?"
"Detention. Professor Snape is in his office with your father." Harry noticed the color drop from the other boy's face. "Did I say something wrong?"
"Not that I expect you to understand but yes." Draco said, thinking. "Did you happen to hear what daddy dearest wanted?"
Again Harry was surprised. This time by the venom in his voice, the sheer volume of hatred. "No."
"Useless, Potter. You are completely, totally useless. You didn't even try to listen in on their conversation?" Scornful.
"Of course not." Offended.
Smirk. "You weren't even curious to find out if it had something to do with you and your peculiar association with Voldemort?"
"You said his name." Harry was shocked, no one his age had ever said that name.
"Of course I did." Coldly contemptuous.
Harry ignored the comment. "And, no, I didn't. There is nothing that any Slytherin has to say about me that is important."
"And you are our greatest hope in the fight against Voldemort. I am deeply ashamed. And yes, I said our fight. Don't be such a blind pig, Potter."
"I'm not. I just thought that you, like all the others in your house, thought that Voldemort was your hero. The one who would save you from the mean old mudbloods polluting your precious wizarding world." Snide.
"It is attitudes like that which allowed him to rise to power in the first place. Kindly pay attention and learn from our disastrous past so that others will not repeat our errors." Chilling voice. Both boys turned to see Septina Snape in the door.
"And what have I told you about braying like a common ignoramus, Draco? I do not care to see such behavior from you. You should have learned better than this. Slytherin should have taught you better. Go in for the pain, if you must, never the kill."
"I know." Resigned.
"You're Septina Snape, mother mentioned you in her diary."
"She should. We were friends at one time." Acknowledged his words.
"Why will no one tell me anything?" He demanded, turning on her.
"Because you have shown yourself to be nothing but a common, snot nosed brat."
"Draco." Warning.
"Sorry. I'm leaving."
Nod. "Let this Miss Granger know that I would like a visit with her."
Shiver. "Of course." Draco left.
"What do you want with Hermione?" Worried.
"That is between Miss Granger and I, Mr. Potter." Final.
"She is my friend." Stubborn.
Raised eyebrow. "And I find your loyalty commendable. But that doesn't give you the right to interfere in her business, does it?"
"Well," He stopped, unable to come up with a decent sounding reply.
"A word of advice, Potter, never try to argue with anyone if you cannot order your thoughts at a moments notice. It is a waste of your time and theirs." Pause. "Potter, in here."
As startled as he was, the young man followed her. The wall closed almost completely, enfolding them in the darkness. Snape's office door opened and the two wizards exited. "I really don't know how to help you, Lucius. I haven't seen Pettigrew any where." Heard him, yes. But you didn't ask that. "As for my sister, she's been found."
"I thought you looked more alive." Lucius commented. "Where is she?"
"Ask Headmaster Dumbledore." Composed.
"You're not curious?"
Shrug. "She's safe." From you.
"Not for long. Lord Voldemort wants to see her. As soon as possible."
"And you don't want to disappoint your sugar daddy, do you, Lucius?" Silky smooth. "In which case, you shouldn't have harmed her in the first place. I'm sure once he sees her, Voldemort will have a lot to say to you about her condition."
Narrowed eyes. "What game are you playing here, Severus Snape? The Dark Lord may be convinced of your loyalty but I know how you feel about the mark. I am far from convinced."
"Lucky for me, Lord Voldemort doesn't trust you as he once did. Could it have something to do with your subversive actions recently?"
"You're one to talk, Snape."
"And you should be grateful for it." Blunt. "I am the only reason you're still alive. You aren't as secure as you'd like to believe, what with trying to stop Potter from coming in his second year when you knew full well that our lord wanted him here."
"That's quite a laugh coming from the man who tried to save him from Voldemort." Smug.
"If you're referring to the boy's first year, I knew that without Potter, Lord Voldemort stood no chance of getting the Stone away from Dumbledore's traps. Of course, had I known of the protective shield his mother's love wrapped him in, I would've done nothing more than what I did at the game." Pause, reconsidering his words. "I can't really say that, because I'd still be tied to his father for saving my life. Unlike you, Voldemort understood that I can't have that debt over my head. It tied me to him and affects my loyalty to our dear lord and master, Voldemort."
Septina held Potter back firmly. 'If you value anything in this world, boy, be still. Listen for the hidden message. Learn from what he is saying, what he is doing. Severus is the Master. Even Voldemort can't touch him when he's does this.' She mind spoke.
Resentfully, he did as she requested. It took a while but he began to see what was going on, Professor Snape was playing Malfoy senior like he was an instrument. Every string, he tugged. He tuned him, he played. I wonder if I would have learned this if I'd let myself by sorted into Slytherin.
'Of course not, Potter. You have too much of your father in you for that.' Smirking voice. 'And keep your thoughts quiet, they are rather amplified by the connection we share.'
"How..." A hand cut him off.
'Think, Potter. Do you never retain what you read? What did your mother write about me?'
'If I had known there was going to be a quiz, I'd have taken notes.'
'Good attempt at sarcasm, boy. Work on being original.' Silence. 'Nothing? Why am I not surprised. There are times when I pick up on thoughts due to my semi-psychic abilities. Though it usually happens around death eaters. Although, most Gryffindors seem to have trouble with subtlety. It's really why Voldemort has no use for them.'
'But he does for Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws?' Disbelief.
'Of course. Hufflepuffs are loyal beyond all reason, it would disgust Helga Hufflepuff to see that blind devotion. And Ravenclaw seeks knowledge-making everything is open for exploration to them. It helps that they take a clinical view of things, thereby riding themselves of their morals.'
'And Slytherin has ambition to spare.'
'What is wrong with ambition? Without it, this school would never have been built. People would not try to solve problems, would never ask why and seek answers. They would be content with the status quo. We probably would never have left living out in the wild if there weren't those who wanted something more, something better. And had the determination to see it through.'
He'd never thought of that. 'Then why?'
'Do some turn to the dark arts? There's something tempting about getting things without a fight. But I do know this, not all Slytherin fall into that trap-though they may learn the dark arts. One cannot truly fight that which they don't understand.'
'Name one.' He challenged.
'Merlyn.'
'What? Even I know that Merlyn didn't go to Hogwarts. It wasn't around then.'
Exasperated sigh. 'No, you imbecile. Salazar Slytherin is a direct descendant of the famous wizard, even you should know that. It is covered in History of Magic quite extensively.'
"Are you quite finished?" Professor Snape's voice entered their conversation.
"Of course, Sev. Potter and I were just getting acquainted. He'll do, though he's nothing like his mother."
"Well, his father was a friend of Black's. If it hadn't been for that, the Potter brains might be more than passable."
"A compliment from you, Snape? If I wasn't dead already, I think that would've killed me."
"Shut up, Potter." Snape glared.
"Dad?" Harry questioned, feeling faint. He couldn't believe his eyes, this was different than the other times he'd seen them. This felt eerily real. "Is it really you?"
"It is indeed, my son." Lily softly spoke, knowing what he was feeling.
He turned to look at her, she gestured for him to join her. Nodding her head in their direction, she explained with a smile, "This could take hours, so I will explain why we are here."
"Is it because they're going to fight or is that a polite way of saying it isn't any of my business?"
"Both."
"What did Malfoy want?" Septina queried.
"You and to know if I had seen that rat, Pettigrew."
"And?"
"He's left with his suspicions but no concrete evidence. I fear that he will find Pettigrew in the basement-or what's left of him."
Flash of green filled the hallway, startling everyone.
"Draco." Septina and Severus ran out into the hall. The Slytherin stood trembling over his father, unable to believe that he'd actually done it.
"He's dead. No more threat to either of you." Monotone.
"Nor will he hurt you." Septina rested her hand on his shoulder. "Give me your wand, Draco."
Blue fire flashed up at her. "I killed him." Fierce.
"Yes. You did. I have no intention of taking the credit away from you." She rested her hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently. "But I cannot allow you to go to Azkaban for this. Slytherins are, above all else, survivors. The house needs you now more than ever. They will protect you once Narcissa finds out about this. We will handle Voldemort. You are not ready for that."
He handed her his wand, reluctantly.
"Go hide with Potter and his mother." They watched him go. "Well?"
"Lucius attacked you. You panicked, only remembering his betrayal." Severus responded, turning towards the Headmaster, Remus Lupin, and Sirius Black.
Her mark flared and she winced. "Forgot how much the bloody thing hurts."
His remained silent.
"I must go." She spoke, determination in her eyes.
"Your eyes?" Albus protested, having heard the news from Severus.
Remus and Sirius exchanged looks, what was this about her eyes? Not liking to be left out, they turned her. For once, they actually studied the face before them. There was a blankness in the midst of the silken darkness of her eyes.
The Defense Professor gasped silently as it hit him. "Siri, she's blind." It was whispered but the twin glares they received let them know it had been heard clearly.
"I have ways of seeing that does not require their usage. He will lead me to him, I am sure of it." Back straight, she walked down the hall, ignoring the two wizards she brushed past. Before she disappeared, she tossed the wand at Severus.
Careful not to let his hand touch it directly, he caught and held it gingerly. It would not do to have his prints cover hers, the Ministry must have no evidence against him if he was to continue his work.
"He's going to need that." There was a definite knowing in her voice.
Severus waved his hand, stopping Potter cold. "You cannot go with her. Lord Voldemort would sense you right away."
"There is no way she'll make it through the forest alone." He protested.
"Don't discredit my sister's abilities. She'll get farther than you think."
"Like she did before?" Cutting.
"If you'd care to recall, she was injured. Now she is more stable in mind and body."
James snorted. "Is that how you justify sending her off to that creature? That she can handle it because there are no more visible wounds?"
"I don't know where you get off trying to tell me how to handle things, Potter, but it isn't your business!" Severus hissed, raising the wands that he held in his hands.
"Boys!" A crack of lightening shot between them. Albus glared at them, sending shivers down their backs. "Such behavior will not be tolerated."
"Sorry." Then Severus looked around, "Where did Black go?"
