Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. A/N at end.
Some Scars Never Fade
WendyNat
Chapter 9
~~~~~~~
Kingsley Shacklebolt sat back in his office chair, rubbing his forehead. Impossible, he thought. Too many leads, nothing of substance. With an irritated sound, he tossed the folder he had been reading onto the pile next to his desk.
The last few days had been harrowing. He had half of the best researchers on his team looking into the property trails of Death Eaters from the Inner Circle while the other half continued to look for clues surrounding the French cursings. With the wave of recent retirements, he had precious few good researchers left on staff.
Plenty of hot-blooded young Aurors, though, he thought with a wry smile, remembering his own early days as an Auror. The smile fell as he considered just how hot-blooded many of the younger Aurors were. Too many of his experienced Aurors had fallen during the war, and while he was glad that there were so many new recruits he despaired that there just weren't enough experienced members to help soften their rough edges. Despite his frequent warnings, they were sloppy. And in this field, sloppy too often meant death.
"Constant vigilance!" he said with a smile, looking at the framed picture on his desk. It was taken on the day he was inducted into the Order of the Phoenix – the three men in the picture waved at him cheerfully. In addition to Kingsley himself, in the picture were Albus Dumbledore and Alastor Moody. "I miss you, Mad-Eye. You were the best." Moody had finally taken a much-deserved retirement after the war.
"One of the best – don't forget about me, Kingsley," a woman's voice said from the door. Kingsley turned his head toward her, startled that he hadn't noticed her standing there.
"Ah, come in, Tonks," Kingsley said with a smile. "I was just…"
"You were just not practicing what you, and Moody, preach… Constant vigilance! I was standing there for a few minutes, Kingsley," Tonks said, taking a seat across the desk from him. She cocked her head. "So, tell me – what's on your mind that you've forgotten to employ The Great Moody's oft-repeated advice?"
"The usual."
"Inner Circle knives and French cursings, hmm?"
"Yes. Like I said, the usual," Kingsley said with a humorless smile. Looking up at the ceiling, he gave a great sigh. "Please tell me you've come with good news."
Tonks tossed a folder onto Kingsley's desk. "Neutral news, more like. Oh - I did have the emergency trackers updated to detect the heart-slowing curse… if it's cast anywhere in the UK we'll be aware of it in minutes." Kingsley nodded in acknowledgement, and Tonks gestured at the folder that now lay on Kingsley's desk. "That's the preliminary research on the Inner Circle members – at least the ones that we're sure of where their property ended up after their deaths or incarcerations."
"Anything interesting?"
"Take a look."
Lifting an eyebrow, Kingsley reached across the desk and picked up the folder. Scanning the contents, he spoke softly under his breath. "Vincent Crabbe inherited the estate… damn, I know that kid was a Death Eater… just no proof. Goyle estate was auctioned off, Malfoy estate went to some cousin or other – get me more information on both of those, Tonks," he commanded. Tonks nodded. "Hmm. Nott auctioned, Macnair went to a nephew…" He flipped through the rest of the pages, continuing to mutter under his breath.
When he was finished he shook his head and placed the folder back in front of Tonks. "More information, please, on the auction items. And on the heirs to the properties – see if they've all been accounted for lately, if anything's been out of the ordinary."
Tonks nodded. "Yes, sir. I've already got Ron looking through the auction papers that we've been able to dig up so far."
"Good, good. No new information on the French issue?" Tonks just shook her head, and Kingsley sighed. "I didn't think so, just thought I'd check." Looking at the clock, he swore under his breath.
"You've got your lunch meeting with Fudge today, don't you?" Tonks said, eyes glinting in amusement. Kingsley just nodded, frowning. Tonks laughed and stood from the chair, holding the folder. "Well, have fun. Better you than me."
Kingsley also rose from his chair. "Let me know as soon as you have more information. And, Tonks…"
"Yes?"
"Constant vigilance!"
* * * * * *
Hermione peered into the supplies cabinet and gave a sigh. "Severus!"
Without turning to her, he drawled, "Yes?"
"Are there any other secret hiding places you have for ingredients? We need more armadillo bile than what we have here."
He smirked. "I thought you were quite aware of the locations in which my supplies are kept – after all, you pilfered from them often enough during your tenure here as a student."
She just laughed. "More often than you know, probably. I've checked the three storage locations that I know about – I just didn't know if you had others." He shook his head. "Well, then I suppose I ought to dart out to Diagon Alley and pick up more. We'll need a good supply to finish the other ten cauldrons. There are a few other things I need to pick up, but I won't be gone long-"
"You will not."
"Excuse me?"
"I should say, rather, that you will not go alone. I will accompany you," he said resolutely, putting down the stirring rod and adjusting the flame under the cauldron. Turning, he stalked into his office to retrieve their traveling cloaks.
She rolled her eyes but didn't bother to argue. If nothing else, five years of marriage to Viktor Krum had taught her to pick her battles carefully. She knew that Severus wasn't likely to budge on this issue… if she played along perhaps he would tire of the game in a few days. And besides… maybe she could score a lunch out of the deal, she thought with a smirk.
Glancing at the cauldrons she ascertained that they were all at the simmering point in the potion process. Nothing else needed to be done until the next morning, when the first cauldron of the batch would be ready for the hippogriff blood. Without extra armadillo bile, they wouldn't be able to begin the next group of cauldrons. There was really no reason for him not to accompany her.
Smiling at him as he handed her her cloak, she leaned up to give him a swift kiss. "Thank you."
"For what?" he asked.
"For caring about me." A grunt was his only reply, but he did reach over and take her hand in his as they made their way out of the dungeons and to the gates.
As they turned to each other and pulled out their wands, he leaned down to kiss her, whispering, "And thank you."
"For what?"
"For not arguing," he said with a smirk. Before she could respond, he had disapparated. With an amused shake of her head, she followed.
A couple of hours later, they had completed their purchases. Hermione had been pleased to realize that his over-protectiveness could have definite advantages for her. Severus Snape wasn't fond of shopping, and generally refused completely to enter women's clothing stores and had even been known to hurry her out of bookstores after he had finished his own browsing. However, when they had finished at the apothecary's and she mentioned that she needed to visit Madam Malkin's for some new robes, he hadn't argued. Oh, he had tried to rush her along. But one sentence from her mouth had been enough to still his irritable tongue: "All right, I know you hate it in here. I'll just come back by later today and browse by myself." After that, he had been a willing, if not precisely enthusiastic, shopper.
Of course, he had made a few … useful suggestions… when they passed the lingerie section. She had smilingly added some of the items to her purchases, commenting that he deserved a reward of some sort for his "torture". Following that statement, he had been in a much better mood – albeit a bit distracted – while she finished her shopping.
By then, they were both rather hungry and she suggested a stop by the Leaky Cauldron for lunch.
"I'd rather return to our chambers and have you model some of your… purchases… for me," Severus said, leaning in close enough that his breath tickled her ear. She smiled.
"We have all day… and night… for that. And I'll – we'll – need our energy," she purred back. He chuckled at her playful tone, and she continued in a normal voice, "Plus, we have to say hello to Tom since we're right here."
"He'd understand, believe me."
She shook her head and hooked her arm through his. "Oh, come on. You're buying me lunch, no more whining."
"Snapes don't whine," he said, scowling, but didn't resist as she pulled him along into the inn.
"And Grangers don't go without meals. So come on!"
When they entered the room, she was glad to see that it wasn't crowded. Smiling, she waved to Tom when he looked up.
"Hello, there, you two! Here for an early lunch?" Tom said, smiling broadly.
"We were… shopping." Severus managed to infuse that statement with more revulsion than Hermione would have thought possible. Tom just laughed.
"Well, then, you've definitely worked up an appetite. Have a seat," Tom said, waving them to the table closest to the bar. "Potions ingredients?" Tom asked as he began pouring their drinks.
Hermione grinned. "Among other things. He was nice enough to accompany me to Madam Malkin's."
Tom raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You got him to go in there, did you?"
"It was a particularly… torturous… experience, Tom," Severus said. He nodded his thanks as Tom placed a Firewhiskey in front of him.
"Hmm. You sure you don't need a double, then?" the old bartender asked with an amused smile.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Oh, brother. I'll have you know, Tom, I bought some items especially for him to make up for the 'torturous experience.' So save the double for another time." She smiled at the barkeep when he placed a glass of wine in front of her. "Thanks."
Tom took their orders and disappeared for a few moments, returning with two plates of food. As they ate, Tom puttered around the bar, cleaning up spills and empty drink glasses with a flick of his wand. Hermione smiled.
"I just love him. I can see why you've been friends with him for so many years," she said to Severus, who nodded thoughtfully.
"He has, for lack of a better phrase, been there for me. As a friend, a mentor… he gives good advice. Most of the time," he added darkly.
"When didn't his advice turn out right?"
Severus' eyes glinted. "When he told me to stay away from you because you were happily married."
"Oh."
"Of course, I didn't follow the advice. Thankfully," he added.
Hermione smiled. "Yes, thankfully." She reached over and squeezed his hand. "I guess on the surface everyone thought we were perfect together… Tom wasn't around us enough to know any different. Viktor and I were perfect friends, not perfect romantic partners."
Tom's voice answered, "All too true. That was one of the few times I was wrong about something. Quite likely to make it into the record books." Hermione and Tom laughed while Severus smirked. "Speaking of record books… how does it feel to be the front page of the Daily Prophet two days in a row, Hermione?"
Severus looked alarmed. "Excuse me?"
"You didn't notice?"
"We don't get the newspaper, Tom. It's full of… well, let's just say we don't get it," Hermione said.
"Oh. Well, here…" Tom said, walking to the bar and reaching behind it. He came back with a folded copy of that morning's paper. "Read up."
With trepidation, Hermione unfolded the paper to read the front page. "Oh, Merlin," she moaned. Indeed, as Tom said, the entire front page was filled with an article describing the Manere potion. Quickly skimming, she could see that the reporter had been busy. A number of familiar names popped up – Justin, Hestia, Fudge (she couldn't suppress a shudder at the thought of him attempting to speak intelligently about her potion), and Nathan Blanchard. Head of the Potions Department at LWU, he had been her mentor and they had maintained close contact over the years. The reporter had been thorough, at least.
Going back to read certain sections more closely, she didn't notice when Severus moved around behind her to get a look. A few moments later, she yelped when his fingers dug into her shoulder.
"Look!" he said urgently, pointing at a section of the article she hadn't yet reached. As she read, a feeling of dread grew in the pit of her stomach.
"Oh, Gods…"
In mutual accord, they both leapt up and Severus ran to Tom, demanding access to his Floo system. Tom didn't argue or question, simply pointed him to the door beside the bar. Severus swept across the room with Hermione close behind him, Nathan's quote from the article still echoing in her mind:
She's brilliant, and I'm proud to have had a hand in shaping her career. We've kept in close contact over the years – trading notes on projects we're working on. Merlin knows, I likely have more notes about her work than she does herself!
* * * * * *
Kingsley barely held back his annoyance. Minister Fudge was talking about… well, it didn't really matter what he was talking about – the man was annoying. Swallowing a sigh, he forced his face into a semblance of polite interest. He had already made his report, and now Fudge was talking about his preparations for the next election.
I've got people being attacked by Death Eater knives, not to mention people in France being hexed with an unidentified curse, and on top of all of that a shortage of experienced Aurors to deal with it all… and he thinks I care about his political aims?
Something Fudge was saying cut through his thoughts. "So, Kingsley – what did you think of today's article in the Daily Prophet?"
Bringing his attention back to the conversation, he answered, "I haven't had a chance to read the paper yet, Minister. As I explained earlier, we had a rather busy couple of days lately and I've spent all morning working the case."
"Yes, yes. This is along the same lines, though. It's not really on the lycanthropy cure… more on Mrs. Krum's-"
"Miss Granger's," Kingsley corrected.
"Yes, right, Miss Granger's work on the Manere potion. I'm telling you, Kingsley – it's things like this, under my jurisdiction, that will ensure my re-election," Fudge said, sitting back with a large smile on his face. Kingsley answered with a noncommittal noise that Fudge seemed to take for agreement. "Precisely! So you see why I'm asking you to redouble your efforts to find out more about that French curse. Just think – all the European countries have been researching the lycanthropy cure, and under my lead Britain accomplishes it first! Now, we have all the European countries researching this French curse, and under my lead… well, you get the picture, Shacklebolt."
People are dying, and it's all politics to you, you bastard, Kingsley thought. Outwardly, he simply nodded.
Finally, the lunch ended and Kingsley was able to escape back to his office. On his desk, he noticed that morning's issue of the Daily Prophet and sighed. May as well have a look – if I run into Fudge later he'll want to know if I've read about "his" glorious work.
Kingsley scanned the article quickly, years as an Auror having trained him to pick out the relevant bits. When he saw Hestia's name, he realized belatedly that the Daily Prophet must not have gotten wind of the attack yesterday. Yet. Undoubtedly they would have a two-page spread as soon as they found out about it. He sighed, shaking his head. Bloody reporters never think about how their stories might impact an investigation. From what he understood, Muggles had similar issues with their journalists.
As his eyes continued to scan the paper, he noticed a sentence that made his blood run cold. I likely have more notes about her work than she does herself.
Damn. He needed to find Tonks… leaping from his chair he strode to the door and was almost knocked over when it was flung open. Tonks stood before him, breathing quickly.
"Kingsley – the trackers picked up the heart slowing curse, it was cast at-"
"LWU, right?" He grabbed her arm and pulled her along with him as he headed for the Apparition point.
"How in Merlin's name did you know?" Tonks asked, breaking into a half-trot, half-run in order to keep up with the taller Auror.
"I read it in the-"
"Daily Prophet, right?" Ron Weasley had joined them in the hallway. "I was just floo'ed by Hermione – she saw the article right before the tracker alert came through. I told her to stay put, we'd contact her once we checked everything out."
"Who's handling the LWU sector this morning?" Kingsley asked.
"Ernie Macmillan and Katie Bell," Ron answered.
"Damn." They were both too eager for his comfort. They were good, but too eager. He wished once more that he had more experienced Aurors to spread around the ranks. They had reached the Apparition point. "Ready?" He gave a decisive nod, and commanded, "Let's go."
They were so well timed that only a single pop sounded when the three disapparated.
* * * * * *
Hermione paced in the study, impatiently waiting for a message. Severus sat in one of the armchairs, his very stillness broadcasting the tension he was feeling as they waited for word of their mutual friend and colleague.
Hermione had used the floo at the Leaky Cauldron to contact Ron after Severus was unsuccessful in reaching Kingsley or Tonks. Immediately after she told her friend of their fears, Ron left for a moment only to return and inform her that there had been an attack at LWU and an owl or floo call would be forthcoming. "Don't leave – stay at Hogwarts." She hadn't had a chance to answer him before he'd closed the connection.
And so they had returned to Hogwarts to await word. Patience, Dumbledore had told them. Patience was not an asset that Hermione Granger had in abundance, at least not when someone she cared about was in trouble.
"Please be still, love," Severus said, pinching the bridge of his nose between two long fingers. She frowned at him for a moment before marching to the other armchair and dropping into it.
"Is this better?" she asked acidly.
"Immeasurably."
A moment later, a knock sounded on the door to their chambers. Severus pulled his wand from his sleeve and gave it a wave, opening the door. Remus and Hestia stood in the entryway. "Come in, then," he said irritably.
"We heard from Dumbledore… any news yet?" Hestia asked, her face showing grave concern. She was also a colleague of Nathan, and – like Hermione - had worked with him on her Master's project.
Hermione was about to answer her when a face appeared in the fire. Running over to it, she knelt down and said "Ron! How's Nathan?"
"Hermione. He's okay, but he'll be laid up for a few days. He's at St. Mungo's, that's where I'm floo'ing from. Two of our Aurors were hurt, too." Ron was quiet for a moment, then said, "I know you too well to ask that you not come to St. Mungo's, but don't come alone. You ought to know… the attackers seemed most interested in your Manere potion. They took the notes that Mr. Blanchard had before the Aurors interrupted them."
"They?"
"There were two this time," Ron said. "Hermione… you're not coming alone, are you?"
"No, she is not, Mr. Weasley," Severus said, moving into Ron's sight.
To her surprise, Ron's face looked relieved. "Thanks, Professor. She's too brave for her own good sometimes."
"I am aware of that fact," Severus said. Hermione fumed silently next to him. She was too brave for her own good? After all the trouble that redheaded twerp got into?
Ron nodded, then said, "Well, I suppose I'll see you here soon, then?" They agreed, and the connection was broken.
An instant later, the four people in the room were heading for the gates. Hestia had refused to stay behind, and Remus had refused to allow her to go without him. Within minutes, they had Apparated to St. Mungo's and were making their way to the fourth floor.
Tonks met them at the top of the staircase. "Come on, then. Nathan's worried about you, Hermione."
"Worried about me? He's the one in the hospital!" Hermione exclaimed, shaking her head.
"Yes, well… I take it the attackers said some things that lead him to believe that you're the one they want to get their hands on," Tonks said. Severus gave her a hard stare, but before he could question her further she gestured them towards a door. "This is the ward."
There were six beds in the ward, three of them occupied. Nathan was in the bed closest to the door, and Hermione rushed to him, the other three close behind her. Ron was sitting in the chair next to a sleeping Ernie Macmillan, and Kingsley stood against the wall between the Ernie and the other injured Auror. Hermione couldn't see his or her face.
"Nathan! How are you?" Hermione asked in a low voice, not willing to disturb the other two patients.
Nathan laughed slightly. "I've been better, that's for certain. I'll be fine, though. I'm more worried about that young Auror woman over in the other bed." He turned his head towards Tonks. "What was it she was hit with?"
"It's an unknown curse."
Hermione frowned. "Unknown?"
"It's been in the Daily Prophet – there've been attacks in France lately. Very nasty stuff – freezes the organs if help doesn't arrive in time. Leaves a rather noticeable scar, too."
"A rather noticeable scar?" Hermione asked, her voice flat.
Severus gave Tonks a sharp look and, in a harsh voice, said, "What do you mean?"
Kingsley had moved closer to them during the conversation, and he answered, "It leaves a black scar that doesn't disappear after healing. So far, no magical remedies have been successful in removing it from the other victims." He turned his head towards Ernie, brow furrowed.
Hermione gasped and stared at Severus. His eyes were wide, staring at Kingsley in disbelief. He found his voice first. "Only the Malfoys knew…"
Instantly, Kingsley snapped his head towards Severus. "Do you know something about this?" Ron stood from his chair and made his way over to them.
Hermione watched, frozen, as Severus mechanically began undoing his robes. Tossing them aside, he unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt, loosened the cuffs, and pulled it off over his head. Slowly, he turned so his back faced the others.
"Did it look like this?"
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A/N: A mini-cliffhanger… sorry about that, couldn't resist. I promise to post the next chapter before Wednesday. As always, review! (Who knows, maybe I'll be persuaded to post sooner… ;) )
Dru – Thanks!
KLyn – Thanks for the review!
Lousie Luvgood – Thanks so much! I haven't decided yet who will take the first big step in the Tonks/Viktor section… they'll probably decide for me in a future scene, depends on where the dialogue takes me!
Lizzie – Thanks for reviewing!
