Part 4
Ignoring the startled outbursts, Severus gestured for him to continue. "He wants to meet me. But I was not informed of when or where. Goyle's father will retrieve me."
"I expected as much, Neville," Severus spoke then, ignoring the owl eyed looks he was receiving from Harry and Hermione. "I believe that Voldemort wants another Pettigrew. It is up to you to decide what to do. But I will give you my opinion if you ask for it."
"I do. You know I always do." It was a wry observation.
"Do not go to him unless you feel committed to bring him down. Voldemort may be less stable, less on top of things but he's still sharp enough to catch on to the scent of deception. He can get into your mind with ease. And he's still very persuasive, his ability to seduce anyone is unmatched."
Neville quietly interrupted, "but you've taught me to keep him out."
"I have because I feared this day would come," he agreed. "But even I am not able to truly teach you that."
"I will decide after you've told me what Pettigrew did for him." Neville finally decided, mulling over Severus' words. "But I think you know what I my decision will be."
Turning towards Septina, he smiled tentatively at her. She had that pensive look on her face that Severus got whenever he was onto something. Or about to lose his temper. "Aunt Septina? Harry needs to learn and Uncle Severus can't teach him."
"Yes, of course he does, " she agreed, finally finishing whatever had caught her attention. "Mr. Giles, would it be possible for us to meet your student, Willow Rosenberg?"
"I believe so. Why?" The ex-librarian felt a little at sea among all these people. He thought that they had known each other for years and yet they were acting as though every little thing they heard from the two Snapes was new to them.
"Because I believe that she is Lily's missing piece."
Silence dropped like a blanket over the room. Septina felt the weight of their eyes on her. "What?"
"How did you come to such a startling conclusion?"
"It was really something you said to me during my captivity, James. What now?" She stopped, irritated.
He smirked, "I haven't heard you say my name since we were married."
"Dry up, Potter. That wasn't a request by the way," she snapped.
"Wait a second. You were married?" Harry squeaked.
"Class project. Ancient history."
"Except you did have my child."
Harry's eyes widened, even as he paled. "You're my mother?!?! No freakin' way!"
"I quite agreed. I merely bore you to keep you safe. Rest assured, Mr. Potter, Lily and James are your parents. In every way," she spoke repressively. "As for why I think Willow is Lily, it goes back to your words about feeling an odd power rising in the west."
"Oh, yes. That would've been six years ago." James nodded, remembering. "You said I was crazy."
Her look plainly spoke volumes that she still believed that. "If you don't mind my saying so, Mr. Giles, your mental shields are bad. It was easy for me to find out about Willow Rosenberg. She bears more than a passing resemblance to Lily and has an unknown source for her powers. I have come to the conclusion that Lily will be found in her. I ask again. Would it be possible to meet Ms. Rosenberg?"
"I'll see what I can do. Willow isn't sure she wants to come near magic again." Giles' voice was faint with the effort to suppress his amusement.
"She has no choice," Severus commented calmly. "Once great magic has been unleashed, it cannot be dropped without severe consequences. But, I'm sure you already knew that. Didn't you, Ripper?"
"How did you?" He trailed off, not sure he wanted to know the answer.
"As my sister said, your mental shields are terrible."
"Have you no sense of decency? What do you mean by prying into his mind like that?" Remus was angry, and it showed. His eyes glowed and the hands resting on the chair were clutching so tightly, they whitened.
Severus faced him, "we are Slytherins. And the first thing you learn is to protect yourself using any tools at hand. We do not know or trust this man, even if you do. He came here claming to be a watcher. Yet he is able to see Hogwarts-which only those of magic can. He has also found a way to bypass the password that protects this office."
"Morals are good in theory. But theories do not help one survive." Septina added, flipping her hair over her shoulder. There was a slightly challenging look on her face.
Albus cleared his throat, bringing their attention back to him. He'd put the book to the side after looking through it. "As enlightening as that is, it is not helpful. In the future, you two will refrain from such things. Do I make myself clear?"
"You do, Albus," they chorused obediently. But there was resentment in their eyes.
"And Remus? Do not give my password to anyone without my express permission, all right?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good," he then turned to Hermione, concern in his blue eyes. "How is young Mr. Malfoy doing?"
"He's confused. Scared. And he doesn't know what he wants anymore. But I'm determined not to lose him."
"Very well. You all know what you should do, carry on." It was a clear dismissal. "Harry, would you remain behind. I want to have a word with you."
Though he was startled, Harry sat back down. "Of course."
***
"Professor Snape, a word with you and your sister, if I may?" Remus spoke from behind the exiting pair once they entered the hall and the passage had closed behind them.
With a sigh, Severus gestured for him to join them. They were silent on the walk to Remus' office. It was an unconscious decision to go there instead of Severus', the distance being shorter.
The door closed and Professor Lupin moved away then turned on them. "What do you two think you're playing at? Do you realize what you could've done? You invaded an untrained mind with no respect for him or me. Did you not pause to consider-even for a moment-the consequences of your actions? Not only have you embarrassed me but you violated a trust he placed in us all by coming here."
He paused for a moment to catch his breath and glare at them. "I realize that we are not friends. In your own estimation, we aren't even acquaintances. But what you did tonight was reprehensible. It was inexcusable and I can see of no conceivable way for you to defend your actions. How you could...I am appalled."
"Are you quite finished?" Severus asked after a moment of silence.
"Is that all you can say? Have you no shame?"
"We sold it along with our morals when we became spies, Lupin." It was spoken with quiet dignity.
"We are what we are, Lupin. Do not expect us to excuse ourselves for following our instincts." Septina finished. As one, they left the room.
Remus sank into his chair, utterly baffled by the puzzle that was the Snapes. His head rested in his hands as he rubbed his forehead. Defeated. How was he supposed to understand them when they continually undermined his efforts?
"Remus?" Giles spoke from the doorway. Golden brown eyes met concerned blue ones. "I didn't mean to overhear but when you walked by and didn't see me, I got concerned."
He sighed, "it's all right, Rupert. I should've included you in our conversation since it concerned you."
Giles entered and shut the door, sitting down. "I cannot say that I am not hurt by their actions. But I cannot say that I did not expect them either."
"Whether you did or not, does not excuse them." Remus protested, "I can't believe you would defend them."
His hand rose, "peace. I am not defending or excusing them. What I am saying is that I was not unprepared. They saw only what I allowed them to see and they know it. Give me a little credit, Remus." His explanation ended on a smile.
The professor chuckled, "all right. You've been spending to much time with the Americans, my friend."
"Yes," he sighed. "They nearly ruined me for good English living."
"Hopefully, we can rectify that while you are here." Remus spoke with a laugh, gesturing for him to sit down. The two friends spent the rest of the night reminiscing.
***
Down in the dungeons, Severus and Septina sat on the dark blue couch. She rested her head against the back with her eyes closed, contented. He was leaning against a pillow, his posture mimicking her own. At their feet, Sirius Black lay, head resting on his paws. "Do you think this will be a better way to restore Lily to life?"
"If I'm right and if what I sensed through him of Willow, then we won't even have to do that."
"Why?" He was curious. Ever since Lily had pointed out the shape of things, the two women had been searching for the connection that was drawing the events closer together. The twins had felt a literal web being spun over their actions and lives, guiding them towards one focal point. One tiny, silver thread bringing them together and one wrong move might tip the whole thing.
Opening one eye, she glanced over at him. "I was able to follow a memory of his to the real Willow Rosenberg. I entered her mind and traced the flow of her power to it point of origin. Before the infamous attack, she had none. But the night it happened, Willow Rosenberg died."
"What?" He exclaimed, eyes opening in shock. "But that means?"
"Yes. Lily figured out what Voldemort was really doing almost too late to circumvent it. Her power reached out for a suitable outlet. It needed a place to go, to stay until the time was right. Willow was the perfect place because of her blood type and where she resided. The Hellmouth would protect her by sheltering her from outside forces seeking her." She nodded, agreeing with him. "In other words. Lily didn't really die that night. Her body did. That's why she a tad more physical than James."
"It's her power that's helping him remain here." Severus mused, "why?"
Septina shook her head, "that I do not know the answer to. Unless it is his guilt over what he thinks he's done to me."
Sirius raised his head, nudging Severus' leg, he bought attention to him.
"What is it?" he asked.
With a sigh, the dog transformed, but stayed on the floor. "Why does James blame himself?"
"He thinks that by trying to rescue me, he caused my blindness. The blame lies completely on Lucius' rather dead shoulders."
"And what of Narcissa?"
"She will be dealt with when we find out were her loyalties truly lie." Severus said, "she is not an easy read. And has always had only two loyalties. Herself and Lucius. I don't know what to do about her. And Draco really worries me, he is the unacknowledged leader of Slytherin. While some may stand firm, I fear others may follow his lead." With a sigh, he rose to his feet.
"Where are you going?"
"To finish the Wolf's Bane potion, I've been making some changes to it that I hope will improve its efficacy." He disappeared into his workshop, then reappeared a moment later. "Are you staying?"
She nodded, "Poppy doesn't want me anywhere near the hospital wing for the rest of the week."
"Excellent. Will you be sending the dog away?" His comment was off hand but pointed.
"Hey!" Sirius exclaimed, glaring at the professor.
"Yes, of course."
With a nod, he went back into the work room.
"The dog?" He repeated Snape's words, unaccountably hurt that she hadn't defended him. "Haven't I proved myself to him yet?"
Septina rested a hand on his shoulder, "be still, Black. Severus and I do not give our trust easily. Besides, you can't expect him to get over a lifetime of hatred in such a short time. And I felt there was no need to defend you, your actions will win my brother's trust. Your actions and no one else's."
His head shook, "don't you ever get lonely?"
"No. Why should we?"
"Well, most people need friends and people."
"We are not most people." It was a gentle reminder.
"I noticed," grim tone of voice and face.
"Don't look like that, Black, we are quite content with our lives as they are. Why don't you go and find Remus, he's probably in his office with Mr. Giles. Or, if you don't want to interrupt, you can go see Mr. Potter, senior. I'm sure he'd be delighted to get reacquainted with you."
He raised a hand, "I can take a hint." With those slightly hurt words, he left her alone.
Shaking her head in puzzlement, she stretched out on the couch and slept.
***
Severus nodded his head, pleased with the way the alterations worked. Putting away the work, he returned to his den and woke his sister. "Everything work out well?" She asked, voice husky with sleep.
He nodded, helping her up. As they moved the furniture away to clear a spot in the middle of the room, he explained what he'd done. "You remember the high contents of wolf's bane in the potion?"
"Yes, you though that it was ridiculous to make a potion that slowly poisoned the drinker. Why go to all the work and trouble if you were only going to kill the one you were helping."
"Exactly. It was one of the reasons I didn't want to do it when Lupin came here to teach." He made a face, "the potion is effective, I cannot fault it on that. It does what they promise. But at a terrible cost. So, I decided to see if I could get the same results by lowering that and adding a few other ingredients that caused the same reaction. My first few tries were, to point it bluntly, pathetic. But I have had several years to work on it."
"Does Lupin know this?"
He shook his head, "no one does."
"Not even Headmaster Dumbledore?" She quirked an eyebrow disbelievingly at him.
With a smirk, he replied, "I have my ways of keeping secrets from even him."
"Do teach, Professor Snape. You will find me a most willing pupil," she teased, lightly punching his shoulder.
He laughed, recalling a time when he had been professor to her. "Do you recall when I was? You didn't like it much then, as I remember."
"You were positively beastly to me. I found I actually loathed your very presence." She smiled, "but I feel no pity for your students. You did what you said you would and I learned. Mother was quite shocked by it. I don't think she ever recovered."
"She disavowed any knowledge of us after that, didn't she?"
"She did. How is dear mother anyway?"
Sighing, it was with regret that he spoke of things long passed. "Mother died twelve years ago today. Peacefully and in her sleep."
"I can't say that I miss her, though her brilliance will be hard to replicate. As such, the luminaries of the scholarly world shine less brightly now." Her voice was soft, "did she ever relent?"
"Surprisingly enough, she did." They fell silent as they set up the perimeters of the area, cleansing and safe-guarding it against all. Neither friend nor foe would be able to pass through this room.
Severus sat on the bare floor cross legged. She joined him, imitating his posture. Linking their hands, they relaxed the tight grip they held over themselves and reconnected. Tendrils of magic floated tentatively between them for a moment, before becoming more assertive. Old wounds were explored and healed and new bonds were forged betwixt them. Hours passed as they sat and got reacquainted.
Ignoring the startled outbursts, Severus gestured for him to continue. "He wants to meet me. But I was not informed of when or where. Goyle's father will retrieve me."
"I expected as much, Neville," Severus spoke then, ignoring the owl eyed looks he was receiving from Harry and Hermione. "I believe that Voldemort wants another Pettigrew. It is up to you to decide what to do. But I will give you my opinion if you ask for it."
"I do. You know I always do." It was a wry observation.
"Do not go to him unless you feel committed to bring him down. Voldemort may be less stable, less on top of things but he's still sharp enough to catch on to the scent of deception. He can get into your mind with ease. And he's still very persuasive, his ability to seduce anyone is unmatched."
Neville quietly interrupted, "but you've taught me to keep him out."
"I have because I feared this day would come," he agreed. "But even I am not able to truly teach you that."
"I will decide after you've told me what Pettigrew did for him." Neville finally decided, mulling over Severus' words. "But I think you know what I my decision will be."
Turning towards Septina, he smiled tentatively at her. She had that pensive look on her face that Severus got whenever he was onto something. Or about to lose his temper. "Aunt Septina? Harry needs to learn and Uncle Severus can't teach him."
"Yes, of course he does, " she agreed, finally finishing whatever had caught her attention. "Mr. Giles, would it be possible for us to meet your student, Willow Rosenberg?"
"I believe so. Why?" The ex-librarian felt a little at sea among all these people. He thought that they had known each other for years and yet they were acting as though every little thing they heard from the two Snapes was new to them.
"Because I believe that she is Lily's missing piece."
Silence dropped like a blanket over the room. Septina felt the weight of their eyes on her. "What?"
"How did you come to such a startling conclusion?"
"It was really something you said to me during my captivity, James. What now?" She stopped, irritated.
He smirked, "I haven't heard you say my name since we were married."
"Dry up, Potter. That wasn't a request by the way," she snapped.
"Wait a second. You were married?" Harry squeaked.
"Class project. Ancient history."
"Except you did have my child."
Harry's eyes widened, even as he paled. "You're my mother?!?! No freakin' way!"
"I quite agreed. I merely bore you to keep you safe. Rest assured, Mr. Potter, Lily and James are your parents. In every way," she spoke repressively. "As for why I think Willow is Lily, it goes back to your words about feeling an odd power rising in the west."
"Oh, yes. That would've been six years ago." James nodded, remembering. "You said I was crazy."
Her look plainly spoke volumes that she still believed that. "If you don't mind my saying so, Mr. Giles, your mental shields are bad. It was easy for me to find out about Willow Rosenberg. She bears more than a passing resemblance to Lily and has an unknown source for her powers. I have come to the conclusion that Lily will be found in her. I ask again. Would it be possible to meet Ms. Rosenberg?"
"I'll see what I can do. Willow isn't sure she wants to come near magic again." Giles' voice was faint with the effort to suppress his amusement.
"She has no choice," Severus commented calmly. "Once great magic has been unleashed, it cannot be dropped without severe consequences. But, I'm sure you already knew that. Didn't you, Ripper?"
"How did you?" He trailed off, not sure he wanted to know the answer.
"As my sister said, your mental shields are terrible."
"Have you no sense of decency? What do you mean by prying into his mind like that?" Remus was angry, and it showed. His eyes glowed and the hands resting on the chair were clutching so tightly, they whitened.
Severus faced him, "we are Slytherins. And the first thing you learn is to protect yourself using any tools at hand. We do not know or trust this man, even if you do. He came here claming to be a watcher. Yet he is able to see Hogwarts-which only those of magic can. He has also found a way to bypass the password that protects this office."
"Morals are good in theory. But theories do not help one survive." Septina added, flipping her hair over her shoulder. There was a slightly challenging look on her face.
Albus cleared his throat, bringing their attention back to him. He'd put the book to the side after looking through it. "As enlightening as that is, it is not helpful. In the future, you two will refrain from such things. Do I make myself clear?"
"You do, Albus," they chorused obediently. But there was resentment in their eyes.
"And Remus? Do not give my password to anyone without my express permission, all right?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good," he then turned to Hermione, concern in his blue eyes. "How is young Mr. Malfoy doing?"
"He's confused. Scared. And he doesn't know what he wants anymore. But I'm determined not to lose him."
"Very well. You all know what you should do, carry on." It was a clear dismissal. "Harry, would you remain behind. I want to have a word with you."
Though he was startled, Harry sat back down. "Of course."
***
"Professor Snape, a word with you and your sister, if I may?" Remus spoke from behind the exiting pair once they entered the hall and the passage had closed behind them.
With a sigh, Severus gestured for him to join them. They were silent on the walk to Remus' office. It was an unconscious decision to go there instead of Severus', the distance being shorter.
The door closed and Professor Lupin moved away then turned on them. "What do you two think you're playing at? Do you realize what you could've done? You invaded an untrained mind with no respect for him or me. Did you not pause to consider-even for a moment-the consequences of your actions? Not only have you embarrassed me but you violated a trust he placed in us all by coming here."
He paused for a moment to catch his breath and glare at them. "I realize that we are not friends. In your own estimation, we aren't even acquaintances. But what you did tonight was reprehensible. It was inexcusable and I can see of no conceivable way for you to defend your actions. How you could...I am appalled."
"Are you quite finished?" Severus asked after a moment of silence.
"Is that all you can say? Have you no shame?"
"We sold it along with our morals when we became spies, Lupin." It was spoken with quiet dignity.
"We are what we are, Lupin. Do not expect us to excuse ourselves for following our instincts." Septina finished. As one, they left the room.
Remus sank into his chair, utterly baffled by the puzzle that was the Snapes. His head rested in his hands as he rubbed his forehead. Defeated. How was he supposed to understand them when they continually undermined his efforts?
"Remus?" Giles spoke from the doorway. Golden brown eyes met concerned blue ones. "I didn't mean to overhear but when you walked by and didn't see me, I got concerned."
He sighed, "it's all right, Rupert. I should've included you in our conversation since it concerned you."
Giles entered and shut the door, sitting down. "I cannot say that I am not hurt by their actions. But I cannot say that I did not expect them either."
"Whether you did or not, does not excuse them." Remus protested, "I can't believe you would defend them."
His hand rose, "peace. I am not defending or excusing them. What I am saying is that I was not unprepared. They saw only what I allowed them to see and they know it. Give me a little credit, Remus." His explanation ended on a smile.
The professor chuckled, "all right. You've been spending to much time with the Americans, my friend."
"Yes," he sighed. "They nearly ruined me for good English living."
"Hopefully, we can rectify that while you are here." Remus spoke with a laugh, gesturing for him to sit down. The two friends spent the rest of the night reminiscing.
***
Down in the dungeons, Severus and Septina sat on the dark blue couch. She rested her head against the back with her eyes closed, contented. He was leaning against a pillow, his posture mimicking her own. At their feet, Sirius Black lay, head resting on his paws. "Do you think this will be a better way to restore Lily to life?"
"If I'm right and if what I sensed through him of Willow, then we won't even have to do that."
"Why?" He was curious. Ever since Lily had pointed out the shape of things, the two women had been searching for the connection that was drawing the events closer together. The twins had felt a literal web being spun over their actions and lives, guiding them towards one focal point. One tiny, silver thread bringing them together and one wrong move might tip the whole thing.
Opening one eye, she glanced over at him. "I was able to follow a memory of his to the real Willow Rosenberg. I entered her mind and traced the flow of her power to it point of origin. Before the infamous attack, she had none. But the night it happened, Willow Rosenberg died."
"What?" He exclaimed, eyes opening in shock. "But that means?"
"Yes. Lily figured out what Voldemort was really doing almost too late to circumvent it. Her power reached out for a suitable outlet. It needed a place to go, to stay until the time was right. Willow was the perfect place because of her blood type and where she resided. The Hellmouth would protect her by sheltering her from outside forces seeking her." She nodded, agreeing with him. "In other words. Lily didn't really die that night. Her body did. That's why she a tad more physical than James."
"It's her power that's helping him remain here." Severus mused, "why?"
Septina shook her head, "that I do not know the answer to. Unless it is his guilt over what he thinks he's done to me."
Sirius raised his head, nudging Severus' leg, he bought attention to him.
"What is it?" he asked.
With a sigh, the dog transformed, but stayed on the floor. "Why does James blame himself?"
"He thinks that by trying to rescue me, he caused my blindness. The blame lies completely on Lucius' rather dead shoulders."
"And what of Narcissa?"
"She will be dealt with when we find out were her loyalties truly lie." Severus said, "she is not an easy read. And has always had only two loyalties. Herself and Lucius. I don't know what to do about her. And Draco really worries me, he is the unacknowledged leader of Slytherin. While some may stand firm, I fear others may follow his lead." With a sigh, he rose to his feet.
"Where are you going?"
"To finish the Wolf's Bane potion, I've been making some changes to it that I hope will improve its efficacy." He disappeared into his workshop, then reappeared a moment later. "Are you staying?"
She nodded, "Poppy doesn't want me anywhere near the hospital wing for the rest of the week."
"Excellent. Will you be sending the dog away?" His comment was off hand but pointed.
"Hey!" Sirius exclaimed, glaring at the professor.
"Yes, of course."
With a nod, he went back into the work room.
"The dog?" He repeated Snape's words, unaccountably hurt that she hadn't defended him. "Haven't I proved myself to him yet?"
Septina rested a hand on his shoulder, "be still, Black. Severus and I do not give our trust easily. Besides, you can't expect him to get over a lifetime of hatred in such a short time. And I felt there was no need to defend you, your actions will win my brother's trust. Your actions and no one else's."
His head shook, "don't you ever get lonely?"
"No. Why should we?"
"Well, most people need friends and people."
"We are not most people." It was a gentle reminder.
"I noticed," grim tone of voice and face.
"Don't look like that, Black, we are quite content with our lives as they are. Why don't you go and find Remus, he's probably in his office with Mr. Giles. Or, if you don't want to interrupt, you can go see Mr. Potter, senior. I'm sure he'd be delighted to get reacquainted with you."
He raised a hand, "I can take a hint." With those slightly hurt words, he left her alone.
Shaking her head in puzzlement, she stretched out on the couch and slept.
***
Severus nodded his head, pleased with the way the alterations worked. Putting away the work, he returned to his den and woke his sister. "Everything work out well?" She asked, voice husky with sleep.
He nodded, helping her up. As they moved the furniture away to clear a spot in the middle of the room, he explained what he'd done. "You remember the high contents of wolf's bane in the potion?"
"Yes, you though that it was ridiculous to make a potion that slowly poisoned the drinker. Why go to all the work and trouble if you were only going to kill the one you were helping."
"Exactly. It was one of the reasons I didn't want to do it when Lupin came here to teach." He made a face, "the potion is effective, I cannot fault it on that. It does what they promise. But at a terrible cost. So, I decided to see if I could get the same results by lowering that and adding a few other ingredients that caused the same reaction. My first few tries were, to point it bluntly, pathetic. But I have had several years to work on it."
"Does Lupin know this?"
He shook his head, "no one does."
"Not even Headmaster Dumbledore?" She quirked an eyebrow disbelievingly at him.
With a smirk, he replied, "I have my ways of keeping secrets from even him."
"Do teach, Professor Snape. You will find me a most willing pupil," she teased, lightly punching his shoulder.
He laughed, recalling a time when he had been professor to her. "Do you recall when I was? You didn't like it much then, as I remember."
"You were positively beastly to me. I found I actually loathed your very presence." She smiled, "but I feel no pity for your students. You did what you said you would and I learned. Mother was quite shocked by it. I don't think she ever recovered."
"She disavowed any knowledge of us after that, didn't she?"
"She did. How is dear mother anyway?"
Sighing, it was with regret that he spoke of things long passed. "Mother died twelve years ago today. Peacefully and in her sleep."
"I can't say that I miss her, though her brilliance will be hard to replicate. As such, the luminaries of the scholarly world shine less brightly now." Her voice was soft, "did she ever relent?"
"Surprisingly enough, she did." They fell silent as they set up the perimeters of the area, cleansing and safe-guarding it against all. Neither friend nor foe would be able to pass through this room.
Severus sat on the bare floor cross legged. She joined him, imitating his posture. Linking their hands, they relaxed the tight grip they held over themselves and reconnected. Tendrils of magic floated tentatively between them for a moment, before becoming more assertive. Old wounds were explored and healed and new bonds were forged betwixt them. Hours passed as they sat and got reacquainted.