A/N: Thanks for all the reviews! Thank you so much!!! I really loved
everyone of them, and it really keeps me going on!
Know what? I was considering of giving up these days because I didn't know what to write next! But when I read your wonderful reviews.sniff* it just kept me going on! Thanks again, and sorry for the late update;)
Hope you like this one, it was carefully planned!
Chapter Five
Severus headed towards the Headmaster's office. He had been summoned by Albus Dumbledore and he had quite an idea what this was about. Grunting, he walked past the Great Hall, recalling his day.
It had been such a hilarious day, for five different Professors had come to ask him if he was sick and Madame Pomfrey actually offered him a night in the Hospital Wing. All because of him, the infamous Slytherin, had taken one point from his own house. Shaking his head slightly at these childish behaviors, he found himself entering the Headmaster's office.
"Severus, do sit down please." Albus Dumbledore, sitting behind his desk, was smiling at him over his half-spectacle moon glasses.
Severus sat, "May I help you, Headmaster?"
Dumbledore sighed and paused.
"I assume you do know the murder case about Meloneor White?"
"Yes, sir." Severus just knew Dumbledore would bring this up.
"Very well. The members of the Order, Severus, have all decided you should perform the Fidelius Charm for your own safety." Dumbledore said, looking concerned.
Severus frowned slightly. He had not expected this- he had assumed Dumbledore would just give him a lecture about carefulness and so on.
"But then- how about the spy? How can I accomplish my duties as spy if I am invisible to the Dark Lord?"
"You have done enough, Severus. Through the years you have worked hard enough to pass us valuable information, and I'd say it is time to think more about your safety. Hogwarts needs you, Severus. We need you."
Severus looked up to see the old man tired as ever.
"I will not hide from the enemy." He said flatly.
Dumbledore sighed yet again, "Severus, this is not hiding. This is not cowardice. This is for everyone, my boy, we simply cannot work efficiently when we are all concerned about you-"
"I have risked everything to you in my whole life, Albus! And when the enemy is most powerful, most needed to be defeated, you ask me to run away? I-"
"Severus, I do not want you to suffer again! You have gone through enough, and it's time to have your honor!"
Severus nearly exploded. How can Dumbledore, that fool, realize him as a person who was concerned for himself only? How can he think that he, Severus, would like to hide away when there is an enemy waiting to be defeated?
"I do not need honor! You think I do this because of some great honor? You- "
"No, Severus, I certainly do not! But I am more concerned about you, and not about winning!" Dumbledore looked painful.
Severus let the words sink into his mind. Then, calming himself down, he replied, "If I am likely to disappoint you, Headmaster, then it will be this. I thank you for your concern but I trust myself to handle situations. Cowardice- or whatever you see it as- will not be practiced on me. I have accepted the fact of my miserable life when I was able to write, and Headmaster, I ask you to concentrate on the battle. I do not want to be the man who stepped beside." He concluded with firm, and no matter what Dumbledore said, he would never change his mind, never...
"Very well, Severus. This is your choice and I shall see to it. But I may ask you, Severus, do be careful." Dumbledore smiled gently at him.
Severus nodded and turned to leave. He was about to walk out when he heard Dumbledore sighing gently to himself, "Alas, we do have a lot to learn."
Agreeing motionlessly, he stepped out, with his destiny as clear as ever.
* * *
"Good evening, my fellow Death Eaters." Lord Voldemort let his hollow eyes swept through the room as he paused, "Tonight we shall have a lot to plan."
Severus shifted uncomfortably on his chair. It was another night, another meeting, and though a million refuses he has, Severus has attended the party as usual. He heard from Lucius Malfoy that they were going to discuss some important matters that night.
"For all those years, my men, we have prepared, worked and plotted hardly. We have had struggles and fails, not to mention dismay. And now, after all these hard work, it is time. It is time to take our move and our honour. Let the war begin."
Voldemort grinned cruelly as he concluded. He glared into every Death Eater's eyes as his followers clapped and cheered. Some politely, some afraid, and some merely believed.
Lestrange was clearly the most excited one for she took a step forward to her master and squeaked, "So what do we do, your Lordship?"
Voldemort closed his eyes for a moment, and then replied simply as he opened them again, "We remind them."
Apparently no one understood, but no one had the courage to ask. The Death Eaters looked at one another and whispered thoughts and comments. It was again, Bellatrix Lestrange, who voiced the questions in the other's minds.
"My Lord, my master, for we are foolish, pity, ashamed, we will be delighted if your Lordship can explain to us what great you have in your splendid mind?"
The Dark Lord snorted and began, "We will remind them the days before my fall. We will acknowledge them the Dark Lord is still out there, now more powerful and dark as ever."
"And how exactly will we do that, master?" asked Lucius Malfoy in his cold and boring tone. Voldemort seemed not to notice though, for he laughed and replied, "Why, do any of you have more brains? We kill, we torture, we conquer! That is our like, our destiny, is it not? Or just mine, if I am mistaken, and someone among us refuses?"
As Voldemort's glare swept around the room, some of the Death Eaters whimpered badly. Severus forced himself to stare back without blinking.
"No, your Lordship, we certainly share the likes and dreams of your greatness, my master." said Malfoy quickly. "But- what is the plan?"
Voldemort's lips began to curl again and some of the Death Eaters let out small sighs of relief.
"I am glad you asked me that, Lucius. Now, our first target will be filthy Mudbloods in Hogsmeade. We each will select a family of filth, and execute them on my command. When you are finished, you will send a Dark Mark above the house. How extraordinary the scene would be, fifty Dark Marks hovering in the sky!" with that, the madness of Voldemort unleashed; he laughed high and cruelly.
The room filled with laughter as the other Death Eaters followed their master's lead. Severus forced an insane smile to match Voldemort's on his face for Lucius was looking at him in the corner of his eyes. Then the laughter died away as Voldemort started talking again.
"Now, here is a map of Hogsmeade. No need to be shy, step forward and select any location you please!" with a flick of the wand, a piece of large, old parchment lay on a wooden table. The Death Eaters talked excitedly as they moved eagerly towards the map. Severus listened carefully as his fellow Death Eaters chose their locations on the map. He needed to notify Dumbledore- it was the only chance those people would survive.
"Severus?"
Severus snapped back into attention and looked at Voldemort.
"Your turn."
Severus stepped forward and studied the map carefully. He found a resident area located near Hogwarts and chose that. Sighing silently as he walked to the back of the room, his fellow Death Eaters crowded in the front, he wished this would end...
* * *
As Christmastime drew nearer, Harry started to think of Sirius more than ever. He had spent Christmas with Sirius at the Order last year and he could remember clearly that Sirius did everything to prevent Harry from leaving him again. But now, he thought sadly, it was Sirius who left him...
Bellatrix Lestrange. The name made him grow hatred as he never felt before, incense him as he was going to explode. Bellatrix Lestrange...I will kill you with my bare hands if it is the last thing I do...
Fortunately, most of the time Harry had enough in his mind to keep him from tracking down Lestrange and killing her. He had Quidditch training, which was a lot better now with the new try outs, schoolwork, Hermione and Ron, Occlumency though he had not much improvement, and most of all, he had decided to start up the DA again. It was more than fun to teach and learn complicated spells with his fellow schoolmates and friends. They met in the hidden room they had used last year twice in a week, and often practiced till late night. Even Neville Longbottom was improving rapidly under Harry's strict supervisement.
Christmas holiday came and went, leaving Harry as sad as ever. Every time he was alone, he could not stop thinking of Sirius; even the new book he got from Hermione as Christmas present, The Quidditch Seeker's Handbook, could not keep his mind off his godfather. It was lucky he had decided to start up the DA again; at least he did not have to spend the evenings alone.
"Great work, everyone, thank you, excellent work, well done Neville, bye!"
They had just adjourned a meeting of DA and Harry had to dismiss them early because of his Occlumency lesson that night. Harry would love to have an excuse to skip it, but somehow he thought Snape would not let it pass.
Waving his friends a goodbye, he headed towards the Potions Master's office. Snape was not exactly loving and thoughtful after the incident of "taking a point from Slytherin", but at least Harry could live with facing him alone. Wondering if Snape ever knew that he was part of a historical moment, he approached the chamber and was about to enter when he heard Snape talking.
"I'm afraid they are starting to act, Headmaster." He heard Snape sigh ruefully. Then Dumbledore's voice rang, "I do understand how you feel, Severus, but can you kindly fill me in?"
There was a rush of movement to what sound like someone looking in a pile of parchment. Then Snape's voice replied, "They are going to have an attack to the half-bloods next Thursday midnight. In Hogsmeade. Fifty selected locations, I have them all here, Headmaster."
There was a pause and Harry was sure Dumbledore was surveying Snape with his clear blue eyes; he knew Dumbledore too well.
"Very well, Severus. I shall have a look in your report. As for the solutions.I might have a lot of thinking to do tonight. I shall let you know soon."
"Yes, Headmaster."
"Then please excuse me, Severus, but I believe I have to go."
Harry swung himself around the corner just in time as the door creaked open and the old wizard made his exit. He watched Dumbledore disappearing from his view before approaching Snape's office. Then he knocked, and entered.
Snape was not sitting. He was standing in front of his Pensive, putting a strand of light inside. Once he saw Harry, he stuffed the Pensive back in its cabinet and eyed him.
"What do you want, Potter?" he said in his usual snarl.
Harry convinced himself into not rolling his eyes. "It's my Occlumency lesson, sir."
"Occlumency?" Snape looked at him for a moment then the thin lips of his curled.
"It is cancelled tonight, Potter. Didn't I tell you last time?"
Harry frowned at the Potions Master. "No, you didn't." "Yes, I recall I did. Now get out of my office, Potter, I have much more important things to deal with." Snape snapped.
Harry glared at him and went out of the chamber. It was relaxing in change to a free evening, but he was thinking about the attack he had overheard.
There was nothing he could do about it, and nothing he could help with, but his thoughts loomed over a certain woman with a gaunt face...lifeless eyes...a mad laugh...
Bellatrix Lestrange. She was bound to be involved in the attack. Harry had always wanted to meet her again for revenge...
But there was no way he could convince Dumbledore in letting him join the battle. And there was no way he could get to Hogsmeade that time, not to mention he did not know where Lestrange would be in the attack.
Still...how he wanted Lestrange to suffer, how he wanted her to have a taste of Sirius...how he boiled when he thought of her.
"Don't think nonsense. Sirius is dead, and killing Lestrange won't bring him back." Harry scolded himself out loud, as if to convince himself.
He reached the Tower and allowed himself in. Finding Ron and Hermione sitting in a corner in the common room, working madly with their homework, Harry wondered if he should tell them about the attack. No, he told himself, there's no point worrying them...
"Oi, Harry! Over here!" Ron gestured Harry towards them. Harry walked to them and sat down beside Hermione as she asked, "Why are you here so early? Haven't you got Occlumency?"
"Snape cancelled it. Says he told me last time, but I reckon he just wants me to look like a fool." Harry replied dully.
Ron frowned and wondered out loud, "Wonder what the twelfth moon of Jupiter is?"
Harry took a look at Ron's Astronomy assignment and shook his head, "No idea."
Hermione rolled her eyes and took the parchment from Ron and Harry, "Honestly, you two should pay more attention to class, you know, we're going to have the NEWTS next year."
"Who cares?" said Ron and Harry together. Then, just for Hermione's disapproving look, Harry added, "Oh, come on Hermione, we've just had the OWLs, it must be time for some fun."
Hermione pursed her lips and sighed. "I guess you're right." Then she offered to check their homework.
They worked till late night and when Harry finally got to bed, he was sure he would fall in deep sleep immediately. But his mind seemed to be incorporate; it kept wandering off to Hogsmeade, Lestrange and Sirius.
* * *
"We will keep them safe in Hogwarts, Severus. Aurors shall be in the houses instead." Albus Dumbledore said thoughtfully.
It was another evening, two days before the attack. Severus was sitting at Dumbledore's office, discussing about the plan of meeting the attack. Severus shook his head. "But will the Ministry of Magic believe us and send Aurors?"
Dumbledore sighed and replied tiredly, "I see he might have doubts, but since the last year's incident, he shall begin trusting the right man, I assume."
Severus nodded and asked, "And where in Hogwarts will we secure the victims?"
"I heard from the house elves that there is a hidden room inside the school which provides one's deep needs. We can hide them there until it is all over."
"And Headmaster, I-?"
"You will follow Voldemort's plans and act as you do not know. The Aurors shall let you hex them and they will act to be defeated by you. Then you must be wounded, in order to avoid Voldemort's suspect. Come back to the castle as soon as you are dismissed, Severus, I personally will be more than glad to know that you are secured in the Hogwarts grounds."
Severus looked at the old wizard's tired face. There was, an unmistakably look filled with true concern.
"Yes, sir."
Failing the mission to Voldemort meant torturing punishment, but Severus did not care. All he had on mind was to keep his only home, Hogwarts, safe and not to let Dumbledore down.
Dumbledore nodded and continued, "I shall notify the victims tonight. They will move in this evening and I shall ask you and the staff not to worry the students."
"Yes, sir."
Sighing again, the old man dismissed Severus from his office. Severus opened the door and was about to walk out when Dumbledore called after him, "Severus."
He turned and faced Dumbledore, "Yes, Headmaster?"
Dumbledore looked at him sadly with his calming, clear blue eyes for a moment, and then finally said, "Do be careful."
Words failed Severus. He merely nodded and stepped out.
* * *
As Thursday drew nearer, Harry found himself leaving things behind in classrooms, walking into people and once, to his embarrassment, even walking into a solid wall, spilling things at meals, tripping at the staircases and forgetting to get his books before starting a day. Instead of concentrating on himself, his thoughts and mind often wandered to the attack. He always tried to convince himself that he had no chance of revenge, but the thought still swarmed into his head whenever he thought of Sirius. Ron and Hermione kept asking him if there was something wrong, due to his lack of concentration, but Harry only found excuses such as "not enough sleep" or "just tired, that's all" in reply. In fact he was sure that Ron and Hermione would talk him out of going to Hogsmeade if he told them, and while Harry knew he had no way of going, part of him still lingered the idea.
Finally, Thursday came, and Harry even made up his mind to attend it once, but had his realizations just in time and scolded himself for suggesting things that had no way of happening. So what would he do if he really went to Hogsmeade and found Lestrange? He knew nothing about the killing curse and all he could do was petrifying her, but somehow it seemed not enough. And what if she went to Azkaban? The Demonters would probably free her on the very day anyway.
These thoughts loomed in Harry's mind through all day. Finally it was evening and after Occlumency, Harry could go straight to bed and not have one more second of thought about it. By tomorrow morning, he thought dully, this would be all over and he would not have to think about it again...
"Enter." Snape's cool voice penetrated the door of his office. Harry was there for his lesson of Occlumency.
Harry let himself inside and closed the door. Snape was already holding out his wand, standing at his usual place behind his desk and his face looked, if possible, more pale than ever.
"Let's get start, then. On three- One, two, three, Legilimens!"
Dudley was chasing him all around the school playground, his gang behind him, all laughing like hyenas...Cedric's dead body lying beside Harry, his eyes lifeless...Voldemort and Harry rising up into the air together, both wands connected...
"Potter!"
Harry opened his eyes and found himself lying on the floor as usual. He had not much improvement in Occlumency since Christmas, and he was used to finding himself lying on Snape's feet, with Snape shouting at him. Hard though he was trying, Harry could not concentrate anymore, with Sirius on his mind more than ever and now the attack...
Harry got up as Snape snarled at him, "Weeks I have worked with you, giving up my free time, and you show no improvement as well as gratefulness. You should be more than thanking me, Potter, so work harder as a start!"
Harry glared at Snape, hating him. He was about to reply when an enormous crash penetrated from upstairs and Snape looked up.
"What the-?"
Then they both heard Peeves's booming voice, "GOTCHA, YOU MANGY LITTLE RAT! HA HA HA!"
It was followed by a student's outcry, "GO AWAY, PEEVES!"
Snape cursed loudly and leaved his office, apparently the student upstairs was bound to be found in detention the next day. Harry grinned at the sudden break and sat himself on a chair in front of Snape's desk to wait.
He looked around at the old office, his eyes setting on a large basin on top of a cabinet. Knowing better than intruding Snape's possessions again, he tore his eyes away from it and saw a corner of a piece of parchment sticking out of one or the wooden drawers on the cabinet. He was about to turn away from it when he caught the letters wrote on the corner:
REPORT
Harry's heart gave a leap; will this be the report on Voldemort Snape had been writing for Dumbledore? He had to find out- hesitating for just a moment, he reached his hands out to grab the piece of parchment. Then, keeping it as low as possible in case if Snape returned suddenly, he read fiercely:
REPORT Severus Snape
Regarding to the Dark Lord's sudden rise, this is a report of his latest movements as well as plans. By Severus Snape, representing to Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster
Harry turned the page over excitedly, his hands trembling slightly. With any luck, he would find out more about Lestrange's position in the attack...
Then there it was. Written in neat handwriting, was a list of the Death Eater's names and the family they had been assigned to execute. There was even a map on the bottom of the page, and Harry was sure the places circled with red ink were the victim's houses. Rummaging through the list, Harry finally found the name he had been looking for:
Lestrange, Bellatrix: The Mills
Harry had no idea who or what the Mills were but he found his answer right away on the map. It was a house, a family of half-bloods, situated very near to Hogwarts. In fact, it was just a block away from Honeydukes. Beside the Mills, lived the Kennedys, which Snape was assigned to, according to the list above. Harry concentrated hard on the map and tried to remember the locations by heart. Finally, he stuffed the map back into its cabinet, and sat down quietly, waiting.
His face was clam, but his heart was bursting excitedly and nervously. He knew Lestrange's position, he could get to Honeydukes in no time by his Marauder's Map and Invisibility Cloak.it was all set, he had everything he needed to know, he could begin anytime...
WHAM. The door flew open and Snape entered rather angrily, interrupting Harry's thoughts. The Potions Master kicked the door shut and continued cursing Peeves under his breath as he walked back behind his desk.
Then he eyed Potter with great displeasure. "You haven't touch any of my possessions, have you, Potter?"
Harry knew he was thinking about the Pensive. Trying to look convincing, he answered, "No, sir, of course not."
It was not a complete lie, he had not touched the Pensive, after all.
Snape glared at him as if to say, "or else", then ordered Harry to get up. They continued practicing on Occlumency, and Harry had to admit he was getting worse on it; he was thinking about Lestrange and Hogsmeade. By the end of the lesson, Snape practically yelled at him to get out and Harry could not help noticing the Potions Master's unusual pale face. He must be thinking about the attack too, he thought.
Dismissed by his professor, Harry hurried out the office; being alone with Snape for one more second when his temper was high did not seem like a good idea. Besides, Harry had more on his mind.
He did not go back to the common room at once, but stood around a corner, thinking. Should he go? Should he find Lestrange and do whatever he could to her, just for giving her a taste of Sirius? Should he break a million school rules and risk his life, just for Sirius?
Yes, he told himself firmly. Sirius was worth it- he was worth Harry's everything. He could have died for him and now since he could not, he wanted to do something for his beloved godfather, better than sitting around and crying all over his death. He would do it, he thought-
But what if he did find Lestrange? He wanted her to be frightened, to feel afraid, to cry...but again, he did not know how to use the Unforgivable Curses. And although he had heard the incantation so many times, he knew it did not work only by shouting them- like Lestrange said, he needed to enjoy the pain in order to use them. He needed to kill and torture by pleasure, and although Harry hated Lestrange, he was not sure if he could do it. He was starting to have doubts...
"Whenever you need me, use it."
The words from Sirius recalled in Harry's head, wiping out all of his fear, all the doubts, all the worries...
It was time for revenge.
A/N: So what do you think? Please REVIEW, I need everyone's comments! Thank you very much!
Know what? I was considering of giving up these days because I didn't know what to write next! But when I read your wonderful reviews.sniff* it just kept me going on! Thanks again, and sorry for the late update;)
Hope you like this one, it was carefully planned!
Chapter Five
Severus headed towards the Headmaster's office. He had been summoned by Albus Dumbledore and he had quite an idea what this was about. Grunting, he walked past the Great Hall, recalling his day.
It had been such a hilarious day, for five different Professors had come to ask him if he was sick and Madame Pomfrey actually offered him a night in the Hospital Wing. All because of him, the infamous Slytherin, had taken one point from his own house. Shaking his head slightly at these childish behaviors, he found himself entering the Headmaster's office.
"Severus, do sit down please." Albus Dumbledore, sitting behind his desk, was smiling at him over his half-spectacle moon glasses.
Severus sat, "May I help you, Headmaster?"
Dumbledore sighed and paused.
"I assume you do know the murder case about Meloneor White?"
"Yes, sir." Severus just knew Dumbledore would bring this up.
"Very well. The members of the Order, Severus, have all decided you should perform the Fidelius Charm for your own safety." Dumbledore said, looking concerned.
Severus frowned slightly. He had not expected this- he had assumed Dumbledore would just give him a lecture about carefulness and so on.
"But then- how about the spy? How can I accomplish my duties as spy if I am invisible to the Dark Lord?"
"You have done enough, Severus. Through the years you have worked hard enough to pass us valuable information, and I'd say it is time to think more about your safety. Hogwarts needs you, Severus. We need you."
Severus looked up to see the old man tired as ever.
"I will not hide from the enemy." He said flatly.
Dumbledore sighed yet again, "Severus, this is not hiding. This is not cowardice. This is for everyone, my boy, we simply cannot work efficiently when we are all concerned about you-"
"I have risked everything to you in my whole life, Albus! And when the enemy is most powerful, most needed to be defeated, you ask me to run away? I-"
"Severus, I do not want you to suffer again! You have gone through enough, and it's time to have your honor!"
Severus nearly exploded. How can Dumbledore, that fool, realize him as a person who was concerned for himself only? How can he think that he, Severus, would like to hide away when there is an enemy waiting to be defeated?
"I do not need honor! You think I do this because of some great honor? You- "
"No, Severus, I certainly do not! But I am more concerned about you, and not about winning!" Dumbledore looked painful.
Severus let the words sink into his mind. Then, calming himself down, he replied, "If I am likely to disappoint you, Headmaster, then it will be this. I thank you for your concern but I trust myself to handle situations. Cowardice- or whatever you see it as- will not be practiced on me. I have accepted the fact of my miserable life when I was able to write, and Headmaster, I ask you to concentrate on the battle. I do not want to be the man who stepped beside." He concluded with firm, and no matter what Dumbledore said, he would never change his mind, never...
"Very well, Severus. This is your choice and I shall see to it. But I may ask you, Severus, do be careful." Dumbledore smiled gently at him.
Severus nodded and turned to leave. He was about to walk out when he heard Dumbledore sighing gently to himself, "Alas, we do have a lot to learn."
Agreeing motionlessly, he stepped out, with his destiny as clear as ever.
* * *
"Good evening, my fellow Death Eaters." Lord Voldemort let his hollow eyes swept through the room as he paused, "Tonight we shall have a lot to plan."
Severus shifted uncomfortably on his chair. It was another night, another meeting, and though a million refuses he has, Severus has attended the party as usual. He heard from Lucius Malfoy that they were going to discuss some important matters that night.
"For all those years, my men, we have prepared, worked and plotted hardly. We have had struggles and fails, not to mention dismay. And now, after all these hard work, it is time. It is time to take our move and our honour. Let the war begin."
Voldemort grinned cruelly as he concluded. He glared into every Death Eater's eyes as his followers clapped and cheered. Some politely, some afraid, and some merely believed.
Lestrange was clearly the most excited one for she took a step forward to her master and squeaked, "So what do we do, your Lordship?"
Voldemort closed his eyes for a moment, and then replied simply as he opened them again, "We remind them."
Apparently no one understood, but no one had the courage to ask. The Death Eaters looked at one another and whispered thoughts and comments. It was again, Bellatrix Lestrange, who voiced the questions in the other's minds.
"My Lord, my master, for we are foolish, pity, ashamed, we will be delighted if your Lordship can explain to us what great you have in your splendid mind?"
The Dark Lord snorted and began, "We will remind them the days before my fall. We will acknowledge them the Dark Lord is still out there, now more powerful and dark as ever."
"And how exactly will we do that, master?" asked Lucius Malfoy in his cold and boring tone. Voldemort seemed not to notice though, for he laughed and replied, "Why, do any of you have more brains? We kill, we torture, we conquer! That is our like, our destiny, is it not? Or just mine, if I am mistaken, and someone among us refuses?"
As Voldemort's glare swept around the room, some of the Death Eaters whimpered badly. Severus forced himself to stare back without blinking.
"No, your Lordship, we certainly share the likes and dreams of your greatness, my master." said Malfoy quickly. "But- what is the plan?"
Voldemort's lips began to curl again and some of the Death Eaters let out small sighs of relief.
"I am glad you asked me that, Lucius. Now, our first target will be filthy Mudbloods in Hogsmeade. We each will select a family of filth, and execute them on my command. When you are finished, you will send a Dark Mark above the house. How extraordinary the scene would be, fifty Dark Marks hovering in the sky!" with that, the madness of Voldemort unleashed; he laughed high and cruelly.
The room filled with laughter as the other Death Eaters followed their master's lead. Severus forced an insane smile to match Voldemort's on his face for Lucius was looking at him in the corner of his eyes. Then the laughter died away as Voldemort started talking again.
"Now, here is a map of Hogsmeade. No need to be shy, step forward and select any location you please!" with a flick of the wand, a piece of large, old parchment lay on a wooden table. The Death Eaters talked excitedly as they moved eagerly towards the map. Severus listened carefully as his fellow Death Eaters chose their locations on the map. He needed to notify Dumbledore- it was the only chance those people would survive.
"Severus?"
Severus snapped back into attention and looked at Voldemort.
"Your turn."
Severus stepped forward and studied the map carefully. He found a resident area located near Hogwarts and chose that. Sighing silently as he walked to the back of the room, his fellow Death Eaters crowded in the front, he wished this would end...
* * *
As Christmastime drew nearer, Harry started to think of Sirius more than ever. He had spent Christmas with Sirius at the Order last year and he could remember clearly that Sirius did everything to prevent Harry from leaving him again. But now, he thought sadly, it was Sirius who left him...
Bellatrix Lestrange. The name made him grow hatred as he never felt before, incense him as he was going to explode. Bellatrix Lestrange...I will kill you with my bare hands if it is the last thing I do...
Fortunately, most of the time Harry had enough in his mind to keep him from tracking down Lestrange and killing her. He had Quidditch training, which was a lot better now with the new try outs, schoolwork, Hermione and Ron, Occlumency though he had not much improvement, and most of all, he had decided to start up the DA again. It was more than fun to teach and learn complicated spells with his fellow schoolmates and friends. They met in the hidden room they had used last year twice in a week, and often practiced till late night. Even Neville Longbottom was improving rapidly under Harry's strict supervisement.
Christmas holiday came and went, leaving Harry as sad as ever. Every time he was alone, he could not stop thinking of Sirius; even the new book he got from Hermione as Christmas present, The Quidditch Seeker's Handbook, could not keep his mind off his godfather. It was lucky he had decided to start up the DA again; at least he did not have to spend the evenings alone.
"Great work, everyone, thank you, excellent work, well done Neville, bye!"
They had just adjourned a meeting of DA and Harry had to dismiss them early because of his Occlumency lesson that night. Harry would love to have an excuse to skip it, but somehow he thought Snape would not let it pass.
Waving his friends a goodbye, he headed towards the Potions Master's office. Snape was not exactly loving and thoughtful after the incident of "taking a point from Slytherin", but at least Harry could live with facing him alone. Wondering if Snape ever knew that he was part of a historical moment, he approached the chamber and was about to enter when he heard Snape talking.
"I'm afraid they are starting to act, Headmaster." He heard Snape sigh ruefully. Then Dumbledore's voice rang, "I do understand how you feel, Severus, but can you kindly fill me in?"
There was a rush of movement to what sound like someone looking in a pile of parchment. Then Snape's voice replied, "They are going to have an attack to the half-bloods next Thursday midnight. In Hogsmeade. Fifty selected locations, I have them all here, Headmaster."
There was a pause and Harry was sure Dumbledore was surveying Snape with his clear blue eyes; he knew Dumbledore too well.
"Very well, Severus. I shall have a look in your report. As for the solutions.I might have a lot of thinking to do tonight. I shall let you know soon."
"Yes, Headmaster."
"Then please excuse me, Severus, but I believe I have to go."
Harry swung himself around the corner just in time as the door creaked open and the old wizard made his exit. He watched Dumbledore disappearing from his view before approaching Snape's office. Then he knocked, and entered.
Snape was not sitting. He was standing in front of his Pensive, putting a strand of light inside. Once he saw Harry, he stuffed the Pensive back in its cabinet and eyed him.
"What do you want, Potter?" he said in his usual snarl.
Harry convinced himself into not rolling his eyes. "It's my Occlumency lesson, sir."
"Occlumency?" Snape looked at him for a moment then the thin lips of his curled.
"It is cancelled tonight, Potter. Didn't I tell you last time?"
Harry frowned at the Potions Master. "No, you didn't." "Yes, I recall I did. Now get out of my office, Potter, I have much more important things to deal with." Snape snapped.
Harry glared at him and went out of the chamber. It was relaxing in change to a free evening, but he was thinking about the attack he had overheard.
There was nothing he could do about it, and nothing he could help with, but his thoughts loomed over a certain woman with a gaunt face...lifeless eyes...a mad laugh...
Bellatrix Lestrange. She was bound to be involved in the attack. Harry had always wanted to meet her again for revenge...
But there was no way he could convince Dumbledore in letting him join the battle. And there was no way he could get to Hogsmeade that time, not to mention he did not know where Lestrange would be in the attack.
Still...how he wanted Lestrange to suffer, how he wanted her to have a taste of Sirius...how he boiled when he thought of her.
"Don't think nonsense. Sirius is dead, and killing Lestrange won't bring him back." Harry scolded himself out loud, as if to convince himself.
He reached the Tower and allowed himself in. Finding Ron and Hermione sitting in a corner in the common room, working madly with their homework, Harry wondered if he should tell them about the attack. No, he told himself, there's no point worrying them...
"Oi, Harry! Over here!" Ron gestured Harry towards them. Harry walked to them and sat down beside Hermione as she asked, "Why are you here so early? Haven't you got Occlumency?"
"Snape cancelled it. Says he told me last time, but I reckon he just wants me to look like a fool." Harry replied dully.
Ron frowned and wondered out loud, "Wonder what the twelfth moon of Jupiter is?"
Harry took a look at Ron's Astronomy assignment and shook his head, "No idea."
Hermione rolled her eyes and took the parchment from Ron and Harry, "Honestly, you two should pay more attention to class, you know, we're going to have the NEWTS next year."
"Who cares?" said Ron and Harry together. Then, just for Hermione's disapproving look, Harry added, "Oh, come on Hermione, we've just had the OWLs, it must be time for some fun."
Hermione pursed her lips and sighed. "I guess you're right." Then she offered to check their homework.
They worked till late night and when Harry finally got to bed, he was sure he would fall in deep sleep immediately. But his mind seemed to be incorporate; it kept wandering off to Hogsmeade, Lestrange and Sirius.
* * *
"We will keep them safe in Hogwarts, Severus. Aurors shall be in the houses instead." Albus Dumbledore said thoughtfully.
It was another evening, two days before the attack. Severus was sitting at Dumbledore's office, discussing about the plan of meeting the attack. Severus shook his head. "But will the Ministry of Magic believe us and send Aurors?"
Dumbledore sighed and replied tiredly, "I see he might have doubts, but since the last year's incident, he shall begin trusting the right man, I assume."
Severus nodded and asked, "And where in Hogwarts will we secure the victims?"
"I heard from the house elves that there is a hidden room inside the school which provides one's deep needs. We can hide them there until it is all over."
"And Headmaster, I-?"
"You will follow Voldemort's plans and act as you do not know. The Aurors shall let you hex them and they will act to be defeated by you. Then you must be wounded, in order to avoid Voldemort's suspect. Come back to the castle as soon as you are dismissed, Severus, I personally will be more than glad to know that you are secured in the Hogwarts grounds."
Severus looked at the old wizard's tired face. There was, an unmistakably look filled with true concern.
"Yes, sir."
Failing the mission to Voldemort meant torturing punishment, but Severus did not care. All he had on mind was to keep his only home, Hogwarts, safe and not to let Dumbledore down.
Dumbledore nodded and continued, "I shall notify the victims tonight. They will move in this evening and I shall ask you and the staff not to worry the students."
"Yes, sir."
Sighing again, the old man dismissed Severus from his office. Severus opened the door and was about to walk out when Dumbledore called after him, "Severus."
He turned and faced Dumbledore, "Yes, Headmaster?"
Dumbledore looked at him sadly with his calming, clear blue eyes for a moment, and then finally said, "Do be careful."
Words failed Severus. He merely nodded and stepped out.
* * *
As Thursday drew nearer, Harry found himself leaving things behind in classrooms, walking into people and once, to his embarrassment, even walking into a solid wall, spilling things at meals, tripping at the staircases and forgetting to get his books before starting a day. Instead of concentrating on himself, his thoughts and mind often wandered to the attack. He always tried to convince himself that he had no chance of revenge, but the thought still swarmed into his head whenever he thought of Sirius. Ron and Hermione kept asking him if there was something wrong, due to his lack of concentration, but Harry only found excuses such as "not enough sleep" or "just tired, that's all" in reply. In fact he was sure that Ron and Hermione would talk him out of going to Hogsmeade if he told them, and while Harry knew he had no way of going, part of him still lingered the idea.
Finally, Thursday came, and Harry even made up his mind to attend it once, but had his realizations just in time and scolded himself for suggesting things that had no way of happening. So what would he do if he really went to Hogsmeade and found Lestrange? He knew nothing about the killing curse and all he could do was petrifying her, but somehow it seemed not enough. And what if she went to Azkaban? The Demonters would probably free her on the very day anyway.
These thoughts loomed in Harry's mind through all day. Finally it was evening and after Occlumency, Harry could go straight to bed and not have one more second of thought about it. By tomorrow morning, he thought dully, this would be all over and he would not have to think about it again...
"Enter." Snape's cool voice penetrated the door of his office. Harry was there for his lesson of Occlumency.
Harry let himself inside and closed the door. Snape was already holding out his wand, standing at his usual place behind his desk and his face looked, if possible, more pale than ever.
"Let's get start, then. On three- One, two, three, Legilimens!"
Dudley was chasing him all around the school playground, his gang behind him, all laughing like hyenas...Cedric's dead body lying beside Harry, his eyes lifeless...Voldemort and Harry rising up into the air together, both wands connected...
"Potter!"
Harry opened his eyes and found himself lying on the floor as usual. He had not much improvement in Occlumency since Christmas, and he was used to finding himself lying on Snape's feet, with Snape shouting at him. Hard though he was trying, Harry could not concentrate anymore, with Sirius on his mind more than ever and now the attack...
Harry got up as Snape snarled at him, "Weeks I have worked with you, giving up my free time, and you show no improvement as well as gratefulness. You should be more than thanking me, Potter, so work harder as a start!"
Harry glared at Snape, hating him. He was about to reply when an enormous crash penetrated from upstairs and Snape looked up.
"What the-?"
Then they both heard Peeves's booming voice, "GOTCHA, YOU MANGY LITTLE RAT! HA HA HA!"
It was followed by a student's outcry, "GO AWAY, PEEVES!"
Snape cursed loudly and leaved his office, apparently the student upstairs was bound to be found in detention the next day. Harry grinned at the sudden break and sat himself on a chair in front of Snape's desk to wait.
He looked around at the old office, his eyes setting on a large basin on top of a cabinet. Knowing better than intruding Snape's possessions again, he tore his eyes away from it and saw a corner of a piece of parchment sticking out of one or the wooden drawers on the cabinet. He was about to turn away from it when he caught the letters wrote on the corner:
REPORT
Harry's heart gave a leap; will this be the report on Voldemort Snape had been writing for Dumbledore? He had to find out- hesitating for just a moment, he reached his hands out to grab the piece of parchment. Then, keeping it as low as possible in case if Snape returned suddenly, he read fiercely:
REPORT Severus Snape
Regarding to the Dark Lord's sudden rise, this is a report of his latest movements as well as plans. By Severus Snape, representing to Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster
Harry turned the page over excitedly, his hands trembling slightly. With any luck, he would find out more about Lestrange's position in the attack...
Then there it was. Written in neat handwriting, was a list of the Death Eater's names and the family they had been assigned to execute. There was even a map on the bottom of the page, and Harry was sure the places circled with red ink were the victim's houses. Rummaging through the list, Harry finally found the name he had been looking for:
Lestrange, Bellatrix: The Mills
Harry had no idea who or what the Mills were but he found his answer right away on the map. It was a house, a family of half-bloods, situated very near to Hogwarts. In fact, it was just a block away from Honeydukes. Beside the Mills, lived the Kennedys, which Snape was assigned to, according to the list above. Harry concentrated hard on the map and tried to remember the locations by heart. Finally, he stuffed the map back into its cabinet, and sat down quietly, waiting.
His face was clam, but his heart was bursting excitedly and nervously. He knew Lestrange's position, he could get to Honeydukes in no time by his Marauder's Map and Invisibility Cloak.it was all set, he had everything he needed to know, he could begin anytime...
WHAM. The door flew open and Snape entered rather angrily, interrupting Harry's thoughts. The Potions Master kicked the door shut and continued cursing Peeves under his breath as he walked back behind his desk.
Then he eyed Potter with great displeasure. "You haven't touch any of my possessions, have you, Potter?"
Harry knew he was thinking about the Pensive. Trying to look convincing, he answered, "No, sir, of course not."
It was not a complete lie, he had not touched the Pensive, after all.
Snape glared at him as if to say, "or else", then ordered Harry to get up. They continued practicing on Occlumency, and Harry had to admit he was getting worse on it; he was thinking about Lestrange and Hogsmeade. By the end of the lesson, Snape practically yelled at him to get out and Harry could not help noticing the Potions Master's unusual pale face. He must be thinking about the attack too, he thought.
Dismissed by his professor, Harry hurried out the office; being alone with Snape for one more second when his temper was high did not seem like a good idea. Besides, Harry had more on his mind.
He did not go back to the common room at once, but stood around a corner, thinking. Should he go? Should he find Lestrange and do whatever he could to her, just for giving her a taste of Sirius? Should he break a million school rules and risk his life, just for Sirius?
Yes, he told himself firmly. Sirius was worth it- he was worth Harry's everything. He could have died for him and now since he could not, he wanted to do something for his beloved godfather, better than sitting around and crying all over his death. He would do it, he thought-
But what if he did find Lestrange? He wanted her to be frightened, to feel afraid, to cry...but again, he did not know how to use the Unforgivable Curses. And although he had heard the incantation so many times, he knew it did not work only by shouting them- like Lestrange said, he needed to enjoy the pain in order to use them. He needed to kill and torture by pleasure, and although Harry hated Lestrange, he was not sure if he could do it. He was starting to have doubts...
"Whenever you need me, use it."
The words from Sirius recalled in Harry's head, wiping out all of his fear, all the doubts, all the worries...
It was time for revenge.
A/N: So what do you think? Please REVIEW, I need everyone's comments! Thank you very much!
