Part 18 The Meeting
Willow finished the spell and looked up at Snape. He had changed clothes while she performed the spell. He was now wearing the black robes she had seen in that first dream. He was carrying the mask that would cover his face.
"Finished, feel any different?" She asked stepping out of her circle. "'Cause last time I used this spell I was kinda hopped up on dark magics."
"No. But I'm not sure I should," Snape answered, "I have to leave now. I can't be late."
"Be careful, and I'll be waiting when you come back," Willow kissed his cheek, "I would say let me do the spell so I can hear but."
"Too dangerous," he walked to the passage that would lead him out of Hogwarts to Hogsmeade where he could apparate. "I don't believe he knows, about me that is, he wouldn't wait for that."
Before Willow could answer he had disappeared inside the passageway. She flopped back on the couch. She couldn't lose him too, he had to come back. There was a soft knock on the door that pulled her from her thoughts. She walked over to the door. Partly remembering that come in doesn't work here, damn passwords, and partly out of years of 'come in' being a bad phrase when you don't know what's on the other side.
"Hi, guys," She said forcing a smile. She was glad her friends had come to sit with her. But part of her wanted to be alone too.
"Hey, Red," Faith walked in, followed by Remus, Fred, and Charlie.
"Has he gone?" Remus asked.
"Yeah."
"The spell?" Fred asked.
"I did it. Short of attempting to torture him, I don't know way of being sure it worked."
"Could have gotten you several volunteers to torture him," Charlie pointed out.
"So now we wait?" Fred asked.
"Yep."
"Okay waiting is so not my thing," Faith was already pacing. "I want to act."
"So do I," Willow sighed, "But we can't. If you go charging in to where- ever he is. You'll just get us all killed."
"I don't have to like it."
**********
Snape looked around at the hills around him. It was hard to tell where exactly he was in the dark. But he wasn't far from Hogsmeade. It was near where Black had hidden when he had come back during the Tri-Wizard tournament. He spotted several dark robes a short distance away near a run down shack.
"Severus, you're here. The Dark Lord has been waiting," Bellatrix said when she saw him approaching. "He's been anxious to speak to you."
"Where is he?"
She didn't look as happy as he thought she would had Voldemort planned on killing or torturing him. It wasn't that they didn't like each other, they had always gotten along fairly well, but she enjoyed torture. She was particular about who was being tortured as long as it wasn't her.
"In the shack," She smiled and pointed at the building.
"Thank you." He quietly made his way toward the building. He wasn't sure he was any happier about the idea that he would be expected to recruit Willow and Faith but it would at least buy them some time.
He knocked softly on the door. Then entered at Voldemort's command, he quickly made his way to kneel in front of him. He saw Dumbledore in the corner. Tied both with ropes and he assumed magically so that he couldn't apparate. He didn't appear hurt which was good.
"You summoned me Dark Lord," Snape said quietly.
**********
Willow jumped and put her hand to her head. It was happening again. Dumbledore wanted her to see something. That was good; she could see what was happening to Severus.
Faith and Fred immediately jumped and went to Willow's side. She looked pale and she didn't seem to be looking at them. It was as if they weren't in the room.
"She's having another vision," Remus said softly. "Don't touch her."
Before Faith could respond there was another knock on the door. Charlie went and pulled it open.
"Charlie, something's wrong with Harry," Ron said quickly.
"We were all on the way down here and he just collapsed," Hermione said, "Ginny stayed with him. We can't move him."
"Remus," Charlie turned toward the other man.
"It's the vision," Remus said.
"I'll get him," Faith said quickly standing, "Slayer strength." She explained as both men stared at her.
A few minutes later she returned carrying Harry followed by Hermione, Ron and Ginny. She quickly laid him next to Willow on the couch and everyone stood staring at them.
The room was dark. Willow could barely make out what was in front of her. Why the hell didn't Voldemort light some candles or something, she thought bitterly. Finally she saw Snape kneeling on the floor in front of, she assumed Voldemort, his back was to her, or well Dumbledore.
"Does Potter know we have his headmaster Severus?" She heard Voldemort's hissing voice.
"Yes sir," Snape replied quietly.
"Yes well, I have other business for you anyway. I understand that Hogwarts has obtained two new teachers."
"Three sir."
"Two that are of interest to me. Both very powerful. A Slayer and a Witch I believe," He clarified.
"Yes."
"Both have been lured to the dark before."
"Yes, But sir, both are muggle born." Snape pointed out.
"That I realize, but exceptions can be made," Voldemort sighed, "A Slayer could bring us power over the vampires. And the Witch is rumored to be one of the most powerful in the world."
"Yes sir, I have heard the stories." Snape agreed.
"I want them."
"Kidnap them sir?" Snape questioned.
"No, I want them willingly. For this reason, you will have time," Voldemort explained, "Convince them to join us. Before Summer Holidays."
"I'm not sure that."
"We will be unstoppable with them on our side. You will find a way." Voldemort said quietly before rising from his chair and walking out the door.
Willow and Harry both opened their eyes. Harry was absently rubbing his scar. Willow was staring at Faith. Voldemort wanted them. It could work to their advantage. Question was would Faith play along, she really wasn't the sit and plan quietly type.
Harry looked at Willow, she was so pale. But he probably was too, and he was used to Voldemort wanting him.
"One of you gonna let us in on what happened?" Faith said impatiently.
Willow quickly began recounting what she had seen, Harry filling in parts that Willow missed.
*********
Snape waited until the door was closed before rising and moving quickly to Dumbledore. He knelt again next to the headmaster.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes. Go before anyone comes in," Dumbledore said, "You can't get me out now, not without..."
I know," Snape sighed. He hated leaving him here.
"Are they getting my messages?"
"Potter and Professor Rosenberg?" Snape asked, "Yes."
"Good. Now go," Dumbledore insisted, his Potions Master getting killed was not in his plan.
Snape stood and was moving to the door when Bellatrix pulled it open and walked in.
"Can you do it?" She asked, "Can you bring us the Slayer and the Witch?"
"I don't know."
"He says they are powerful. Even if they are mudbloods."
"They are. I need to go now, before I'm missed," Snape moved past her quickly. Dumbledore was safe. Bellatrix wouldn't be allowed to hurt him; he was to valuable an asset until they had Potter. Voldemort wouldn't risk killing him yet.
**********
Snape pushed past the statue that hid the passageway, in his rooms. When he turned after replacing the piece he saw that he had more company than he realized.
"Hello," He said nodding slightly.
"Are you okay?" Willow asked.
"Dumbledore closed his vision before." Harry said softly, he hadn't meant to sound concerned. But he had honestly been afraid for Snape's safety.
"You saw?" Snape questioned Willow and Harry.
"Yeah, most of it. He wants us," Willow gestured toward Faith.
"Yes. I'm not sure how we can." Snape began.
"Maybe you could change first?" Remus Lupin suggested, "I for one would prefer to not look at."
"Yes, one moment." Snape quickly went to his bedroom and changed into dark pants and a white shirt.
"As I was saying," He said returning to the room, "I don't know how we can get around this alive."
"I have some ideas on that," Willow smiled, "It will take some research but I have Fred and a few volunteers," she gestured to the four students, "to look into it."
"And while they do the book thing, let Voldemort believe you're working on us," Faith said, "He gave you till summer."
"Any idea who gave him the information?" Fred asked, "We haven't been in town or really seen anyone outside of the school, except for Remus."
"Draco Malfoy," Snape, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all said.
"Malfoy knows Voldemort?" Willow questioned.
"I doubt it," Snape poured a drink and sat next to Willow, "His father is a Death Eater though. If he told his father about the two of you, it wouldn't take much to find out your history. Both of you have been very big news in the wizarding world at one point or another."
"He's right," Remus agreed, "Rogue slayers are quite big news, as are witches that try to end the world."
"What are your ideas" Snape asked.
"There's a couple. One is you bring us to him," Willow began.
"That one gets my vote," Faith said quickly ignoring Snape and Lupin's objections.
"I know too dangerous," Willow held up her hand to stop the argument, "At least for now. Another is, you know what, I don't want to go into it now. We won't be able to do it without a lot of research and Giles' help."
"Right, I'll write it all down for you tonight, Professor. I don't know if I can remember it exactly though."
"And I'll see if Sybil remembers anything," Remus offered, "Though honestly she makes so many wrong predictions, it's hard to say if she'll remember a real one."
"Hermione, Ginny and I will hit the library every chance we get. See what we can find on that spell," Fred said.
"Ron and I will gather any students willing to help," Harry said, Ron nodding his agreement.
"And I'll work on teaching them some moves," Faith said.
"I'll contact the rest of the Order with the plans," Charlie said.
"And I'm supposed to.?" Snape asked everyone else had obviously discussed this plan.
"You are going to convert Faith and I to the dark side for now," Willow kissed his cheek.
"Do you have to do that?" Ron asked grimacing.
"This?' Willow questioned and leaned over and kissed Snape.
"Yeah, thanks really. I'll be having nightmares tonight," Ron whined.
This brought an almost grin to Snape's face. Normally he would have said teacher's showing that kind of affection in front of a student was inappropriate but if it made Weasley and Potter uncomfortable.
"Don't you have classes tomorrow?" He finally asked barely glancing at the students.
"He's right," Remus said, "You do need to get back. I'll walk you."
"I'll join," Faith said standing up. "See ya later."
The four students quickly said their good-bye's and followed Faith and Remus out the door.
"I better be going too," Charlie stood, "Hagrid has some secret new creature to show the class tomorrow. I'm sure I'm going to need all the rest I can get."
"Yeah, I uh, have an early class tomorrow too," Fred quickly followed Charlie out the door.
"Wow," Willow smiled, "You sure can clear a room."
"Me," Snape looked at her, "They were all perfectly content to intrude on my rooms until you kissed me."
"Well, I'm so happy you're alive, and un-tortured and stuff," Willow kissed him again, "Kinda would've liked to have known if my spell worked though."
"Shall I go back and ask Bellatrix to torture me?" He asked, "I'm sure she would be happy to accommodate."
"Who's Bellatrix? Should I be jealous?"
"Only if you enjoy torture," He sighed.
"Nope sorry, not into that. Well, okay some part of me is, according to Angel after vamp me made an appearance. And well, the evil vein-y black magic me was all into torturing Warren. But normally I like puppies and flowers and stuff. Though you might think that's torture. Oh, and Dru kinda liked to torture puppies. And vamp me called Angel puppy but that wasn't really me."
"Willow," Snape said calmly, when she stopped and looked at him, "Shut up."
He pulled her to him, kissing her quickly.
"I, um, better get out of here," She said pulling away, "Don't want Peeves having more rumors to spread."
"Yes, I'll talk to the Baron about him in the morning," Snape sighed, it wouldn't do for her to stay, and entire student body talking about it in the morning.
"Can he really control him?"
"Yes. I'm not sure why, but Peeves is afraid of the Baron."
"Why is he the 'Bloody Baron anyway?" She asked while she gathered all her spell supplies.
"I'm not sure, he's covered in blood. Other than that you'd have to ask him. But he's not as friendly as the other ghosts so I don't recommend it."
"See you tomorrow," Willow said kissing his cheek before leaving.
Willow finished the spell and looked up at Snape. He had changed clothes while she performed the spell. He was now wearing the black robes she had seen in that first dream. He was carrying the mask that would cover his face.
"Finished, feel any different?" She asked stepping out of her circle. "'Cause last time I used this spell I was kinda hopped up on dark magics."
"No. But I'm not sure I should," Snape answered, "I have to leave now. I can't be late."
"Be careful, and I'll be waiting when you come back," Willow kissed his cheek, "I would say let me do the spell so I can hear but."
"Too dangerous," he walked to the passage that would lead him out of Hogwarts to Hogsmeade where he could apparate. "I don't believe he knows, about me that is, he wouldn't wait for that."
Before Willow could answer he had disappeared inside the passageway. She flopped back on the couch. She couldn't lose him too, he had to come back. There was a soft knock on the door that pulled her from her thoughts. She walked over to the door. Partly remembering that come in doesn't work here, damn passwords, and partly out of years of 'come in' being a bad phrase when you don't know what's on the other side.
"Hi, guys," She said forcing a smile. She was glad her friends had come to sit with her. But part of her wanted to be alone too.
"Hey, Red," Faith walked in, followed by Remus, Fred, and Charlie.
"Has he gone?" Remus asked.
"Yeah."
"The spell?" Fred asked.
"I did it. Short of attempting to torture him, I don't know way of being sure it worked."
"Could have gotten you several volunteers to torture him," Charlie pointed out.
"So now we wait?" Fred asked.
"Yep."
"Okay waiting is so not my thing," Faith was already pacing. "I want to act."
"So do I," Willow sighed, "But we can't. If you go charging in to where- ever he is. You'll just get us all killed."
"I don't have to like it."
**********
Snape looked around at the hills around him. It was hard to tell where exactly he was in the dark. But he wasn't far from Hogsmeade. It was near where Black had hidden when he had come back during the Tri-Wizard tournament. He spotted several dark robes a short distance away near a run down shack.
"Severus, you're here. The Dark Lord has been waiting," Bellatrix said when she saw him approaching. "He's been anxious to speak to you."
"Where is he?"
She didn't look as happy as he thought she would had Voldemort planned on killing or torturing him. It wasn't that they didn't like each other, they had always gotten along fairly well, but she enjoyed torture. She was particular about who was being tortured as long as it wasn't her.
"In the shack," She smiled and pointed at the building.
"Thank you." He quietly made his way toward the building. He wasn't sure he was any happier about the idea that he would be expected to recruit Willow and Faith but it would at least buy them some time.
He knocked softly on the door. Then entered at Voldemort's command, he quickly made his way to kneel in front of him. He saw Dumbledore in the corner. Tied both with ropes and he assumed magically so that he couldn't apparate. He didn't appear hurt which was good.
"You summoned me Dark Lord," Snape said quietly.
**********
Willow jumped and put her hand to her head. It was happening again. Dumbledore wanted her to see something. That was good; she could see what was happening to Severus.
Faith and Fred immediately jumped and went to Willow's side. She looked pale and she didn't seem to be looking at them. It was as if they weren't in the room.
"She's having another vision," Remus said softly. "Don't touch her."
Before Faith could respond there was another knock on the door. Charlie went and pulled it open.
"Charlie, something's wrong with Harry," Ron said quickly.
"We were all on the way down here and he just collapsed," Hermione said, "Ginny stayed with him. We can't move him."
"Remus," Charlie turned toward the other man.
"It's the vision," Remus said.
"I'll get him," Faith said quickly standing, "Slayer strength." She explained as both men stared at her.
A few minutes later she returned carrying Harry followed by Hermione, Ron and Ginny. She quickly laid him next to Willow on the couch and everyone stood staring at them.
The room was dark. Willow could barely make out what was in front of her. Why the hell didn't Voldemort light some candles or something, she thought bitterly. Finally she saw Snape kneeling on the floor in front of, she assumed Voldemort, his back was to her, or well Dumbledore.
"Does Potter know we have his headmaster Severus?" She heard Voldemort's hissing voice.
"Yes sir," Snape replied quietly.
"Yes well, I have other business for you anyway. I understand that Hogwarts has obtained two new teachers."
"Three sir."
"Two that are of interest to me. Both very powerful. A Slayer and a Witch I believe," He clarified.
"Yes."
"Both have been lured to the dark before."
"Yes, But sir, both are muggle born." Snape pointed out.
"That I realize, but exceptions can be made," Voldemort sighed, "A Slayer could bring us power over the vampires. And the Witch is rumored to be one of the most powerful in the world."
"Yes sir, I have heard the stories." Snape agreed.
"I want them."
"Kidnap them sir?" Snape questioned.
"No, I want them willingly. For this reason, you will have time," Voldemort explained, "Convince them to join us. Before Summer Holidays."
"I'm not sure that."
"We will be unstoppable with them on our side. You will find a way." Voldemort said quietly before rising from his chair and walking out the door.
Willow and Harry both opened their eyes. Harry was absently rubbing his scar. Willow was staring at Faith. Voldemort wanted them. It could work to their advantage. Question was would Faith play along, she really wasn't the sit and plan quietly type.
Harry looked at Willow, she was so pale. But he probably was too, and he was used to Voldemort wanting him.
"One of you gonna let us in on what happened?" Faith said impatiently.
Willow quickly began recounting what she had seen, Harry filling in parts that Willow missed.
*********
Snape waited until the door was closed before rising and moving quickly to Dumbledore. He knelt again next to the headmaster.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes. Go before anyone comes in," Dumbledore said, "You can't get me out now, not without..."
I know," Snape sighed. He hated leaving him here.
"Are they getting my messages?"
"Potter and Professor Rosenberg?" Snape asked, "Yes."
"Good. Now go," Dumbledore insisted, his Potions Master getting killed was not in his plan.
Snape stood and was moving to the door when Bellatrix pulled it open and walked in.
"Can you do it?" She asked, "Can you bring us the Slayer and the Witch?"
"I don't know."
"He says they are powerful. Even if they are mudbloods."
"They are. I need to go now, before I'm missed," Snape moved past her quickly. Dumbledore was safe. Bellatrix wouldn't be allowed to hurt him; he was to valuable an asset until they had Potter. Voldemort wouldn't risk killing him yet.
**********
Snape pushed past the statue that hid the passageway, in his rooms. When he turned after replacing the piece he saw that he had more company than he realized.
"Hello," He said nodding slightly.
"Are you okay?" Willow asked.
"Dumbledore closed his vision before." Harry said softly, he hadn't meant to sound concerned. But he had honestly been afraid for Snape's safety.
"You saw?" Snape questioned Willow and Harry.
"Yeah, most of it. He wants us," Willow gestured toward Faith.
"Yes. I'm not sure how we can." Snape began.
"Maybe you could change first?" Remus Lupin suggested, "I for one would prefer to not look at."
"Yes, one moment." Snape quickly went to his bedroom and changed into dark pants and a white shirt.
"As I was saying," He said returning to the room, "I don't know how we can get around this alive."
"I have some ideas on that," Willow smiled, "It will take some research but I have Fred and a few volunteers," she gestured to the four students, "to look into it."
"And while they do the book thing, let Voldemort believe you're working on us," Faith said, "He gave you till summer."
"Any idea who gave him the information?" Fred asked, "We haven't been in town or really seen anyone outside of the school, except for Remus."
"Draco Malfoy," Snape, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all said.
"Malfoy knows Voldemort?" Willow questioned.
"I doubt it," Snape poured a drink and sat next to Willow, "His father is a Death Eater though. If he told his father about the two of you, it wouldn't take much to find out your history. Both of you have been very big news in the wizarding world at one point or another."
"He's right," Remus agreed, "Rogue slayers are quite big news, as are witches that try to end the world."
"What are your ideas" Snape asked.
"There's a couple. One is you bring us to him," Willow began.
"That one gets my vote," Faith said quickly ignoring Snape and Lupin's objections.
"I know too dangerous," Willow held up her hand to stop the argument, "At least for now. Another is, you know what, I don't want to go into it now. We won't be able to do it without a lot of research and Giles' help."
"Right, I'll write it all down for you tonight, Professor. I don't know if I can remember it exactly though."
"And I'll see if Sybil remembers anything," Remus offered, "Though honestly she makes so many wrong predictions, it's hard to say if she'll remember a real one."
"Hermione, Ginny and I will hit the library every chance we get. See what we can find on that spell," Fred said.
"Ron and I will gather any students willing to help," Harry said, Ron nodding his agreement.
"And I'll work on teaching them some moves," Faith said.
"I'll contact the rest of the Order with the plans," Charlie said.
"And I'm supposed to.?" Snape asked everyone else had obviously discussed this plan.
"You are going to convert Faith and I to the dark side for now," Willow kissed his cheek.
"Do you have to do that?" Ron asked grimacing.
"This?' Willow questioned and leaned over and kissed Snape.
"Yeah, thanks really. I'll be having nightmares tonight," Ron whined.
This brought an almost grin to Snape's face. Normally he would have said teacher's showing that kind of affection in front of a student was inappropriate but if it made Weasley and Potter uncomfortable.
"Don't you have classes tomorrow?" He finally asked barely glancing at the students.
"He's right," Remus said, "You do need to get back. I'll walk you."
"I'll join," Faith said standing up. "See ya later."
The four students quickly said their good-bye's and followed Faith and Remus out the door.
"I better be going too," Charlie stood, "Hagrid has some secret new creature to show the class tomorrow. I'm sure I'm going to need all the rest I can get."
"Yeah, I uh, have an early class tomorrow too," Fred quickly followed Charlie out the door.
"Wow," Willow smiled, "You sure can clear a room."
"Me," Snape looked at her, "They were all perfectly content to intrude on my rooms until you kissed me."
"Well, I'm so happy you're alive, and un-tortured and stuff," Willow kissed him again, "Kinda would've liked to have known if my spell worked though."
"Shall I go back and ask Bellatrix to torture me?" He asked, "I'm sure she would be happy to accommodate."
"Who's Bellatrix? Should I be jealous?"
"Only if you enjoy torture," He sighed.
"Nope sorry, not into that. Well, okay some part of me is, according to Angel after vamp me made an appearance. And well, the evil vein-y black magic me was all into torturing Warren. But normally I like puppies and flowers and stuff. Though you might think that's torture. Oh, and Dru kinda liked to torture puppies. And vamp me called Angel puppy but that wasn't really me."
"Willow," Snape said calmly, when she stopped and looked at him, "Shut up."
He pulled her to him, kissing her quickly.
"I, um, better get out of here," She said pulling away, "Don't want Peeves having more rumors to spread."
"Yes, I'll talk to the Baron about him in the morning," Snape sighed, it wouldn't do for her to stay, and entire student body talking about it in the morning.
"Can he really control him?"
"Yes. I'm not sure why, but Peeves is afraid of the Baron."
"Why is he the 'Bloody Baron anyway?" She asked while she gathered all her spell supplies.
"I'm not sure, he's covered in blood. Other than that you'd have to ask him. But he's not as friendly as the other ghosts so I don't recommend it."
"See you tomorrow," Willow said kissing his cheek before leaving.