Cloak of Courage Chapter 16, a harry potter fanfic

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is not mine. Anything you recognize from JK Rowling's books is not mine. Anything you don't recognize is either mine or a typical fanfiction plot device. The Call of the Blood and the concepts associated with it are my creations – please email me if you wish to use them in a story.

Partly inspired by the Marriage Law Challenge on WIKTT. See Chapter 1 for full disclaimer. Author's Notes at the end.
Warning: This fic is SS/HG and includes character death, descriptions of abuse, and adult situations.

Cloak of Courage

WendyNat

Chapter 16

~~~~~~~

"It is as we thought, Headmaster." Severus sat down heavily in the chair opposite the Headmaster's desk, pocketing the portkey which had brought him directly to the Headmaster's office after the Death Eater meeting.

"He is gathering more followers, then. The recruitment efforts have been successful?" Albus' eyes showed his years as he gazed at Severus. Severus nodded reluctantly.

"Quite successful. Krum, in particular, has been lauded for bringing many new members to the fold. There is supposed to be another… group… at the next meeting."

"I assume the next meeting will be soon, then?" Severus did not answer, just let out a breath and scowled at his hands. Albus' voice was low as he said, "I appreciate the effort you are putting forth, Severus. Don't think that I do not realize how difficult it is…"

"You have no idea, Headmaster. The blood… I cannot…" Severus stopped himself and breathed heavily before continuing. "It is always difficult when there is physical blood, or… Albus, if I am forced to throw an Unforgivable, it will be extremely… difficult… for me to quell the Call afterwards. Now that I am in a higher position in the Inner Circle… the honors will likely go to me eventually."

"Alastor-"

"Alastor Moody's linkage was forged with an Unforgivable, Albus, not the Blood Rites. It is different, as both he and I have told you." Albus frowned and Severus shook his head. "As we have attempted to tell you… it is close to impossible for someone who has not experienced it to understand…"

Albus nodded slowly, a serious look on his face. "What can I do to assist you, Severus?"

"My classes. If the situation does arise, I will need someone to take over my classes for a day or two." Dumbledore nodded casually, and Severus' eyes narrowed. "I suppose you would take them, wouldn't you, Albus?"

The twinkle was back in the older wizard's eyes. "Of course, Severus. You do seem to forget that I am rather well versed in the field of potions…"

"You and your friend Flamel. I have not forgotten. But you will coddle the students-"

"Better they be coddled than faced with a man who is battling the Call of the Blood," Albus said in a sharp voice.

Severus nodded curtly, scowling. "Of course, Headmaster." He ran one hand through his hair, wishing this meeting would end soon. But things had to be discussed, plans had to be made, before the Order meeting the following night. Thank Merlin this is a Friday evening… "Albus, that is why I suggested it. I have a difficult enough time…" Severus stopped and shook his head before continuing, "I suspect it will not be long before I am given the honor of disciplining one of the new recruits. And I cannot refuse without calling attention to myself."

"How often-"

Severus cut him off, shaking his head bitterly.

"Each time we get a group. There is at least one, usually more, who don't know how to keep their mouths shut. Or who look at the Dark Lord too arrogantly, or… it matters little. They are fools, and spoiled, for the most part. The purebloods are usually the worst."

Albus sighed, gazing at the window. Fawkes shifted on his perch, the noise of ruffling feathers the only sound in the room. "I can well imagine. He is accepting half-bloods, then?"

"I believe so, Albus."

"Did you recognize many this time?"

"A few. Two of whom I was warned about prior to… prior to the meeting."

"Ollivander's information has proven helpful, then?"

"Yes," Severus said shortly.

"Good. I'm sure he'll be pleased."

Severus shook his head, barely holding back a snort. Not likely, he thought silently. Ollivander did what he could to help out of some sense of obligation to the Headmaster, but Severus had never seen the old wandmaker pleased about anything. If anything, the man seemed neutral as far as the war was concerned… until Severus had pointed out what the loss of Muggleborn students would mean to his sales. Of course, he would have more business in the secondary wand trade, replacing those with unicorn hair cores as the student aged. From what Minerva had told him, Ollivander had remained neutral during the Grindelwald conflict, also.

Why am I thinking about Ollivander? Severus thought suddenly, irritated with himself for stalling. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Albus…" His voice trailed off… he had been dreading passing on this information, but there was no longer any point in avoiding the issue. "Blaise Zabini was one of the new recruits."

Albus nodded. "Yes, I am aware of that." Severus' lips tightened.

"Indeed?"

Albus gazed at Severus steadily. "With the influx of new recruits that Voldemort is calling to him, I have seen fit to sneak in more eyes and ears. Those who are willing, of course. Mr. Zabini approached me, Severus, with the idea." Severus felt his anger build as the Headmaster continued to speak. Zabini was a child – he had no idea what he was getting himself into. "I have given them a Pensieves as a precaution, prior to the meetings-" Severus could no longer hold back.

Severus stood from his chair and leaned over the Headmaster's desk. "And you think that is enough? What if he discovers my role through one of these brainless idiots? What if the Dark Lord sees into his mind, realizes the duplicity?"

"That will not happen, Severus. Zabini, and the others, know nothing of your involvement. And I have been tutoring him privately for some time… he has shown a remarkable talent for Occlumency."

"You could at least let me know prior so that I can be prepared, and avoid them. It would not be very prudent if one of your young eyes and ears should identify me. Particularly Zabini. What are you thinking, Albus? The boy is a child, a student!" Albus met his gaze evenly and Severus pushed away from the desk with an inarticulate growl. "This is too much for him – do you know the Dark Lord has requested that he remain hidden, that he act as a spy on his own classmates? What if he should be caught by them? Have you thought it through? The Dark Lord keeps my identity a closely held secret outside the Inner Circle, but what happens if Zabini should discover that his Head of House is a Death Eater? A highly ranked Death Eater?"

"A simple Obliviate-"

"Damn it, Albus! There would be no time!"

"Calm yourself, Severus."

"Calm myself? Do you have any idea the risk you're putting the Order in by allowing this?" Silence fell in the room and Severus finally returned to his chair, shaking his head wearily. "It is no matter, Albus. You will do as you wish, you always do. Despite who it may hurt."

"Severus-"

"No," Severus said sharply, cutting him off with a wave of his hand. "Spare me, Albus."

Another uncomfortable silence stretched between them. "There will be a few, possibly, in the next batch of recruits, Severus. I… find myself reticent to tell you their identities… for obvious reasons." Severus just shook his head, his mouth set, and Albus sighed. "I do trust you, Severus. But if you are discovered and your knowledge laid open before Voldemort…. This way, we would at least still have our eyes and ears."

Severus nodded wearily, rubbing his eyes. "I understand, Albus. It makes sense. Forgive my outburst… it was… unexpected, seeing Zabini there. His family has stood against Voldemort… quietly, perhaps, but…" His voice trailed off.

"You are exhausted, child."

"An astute observation," Severus commented as he leaned his head back in the chair and closed his eyes.

"Not so exhausted that you can't engage in witty banter, obviously," Albus said dryly. Severus opened one eye and looked at the Headmaster. "Severus – if this makes it any better, there are no other current students that have volunteered."

Severus waved his hand with a dismissive gesture. "If I may… there is more. The Dark Lord is building his troops, and has told us nothing more of his plans. We have some time, at least, while he continues with the recruitments. But then… I feel he will strike before the end of the school year, Albus. Perhaps well before."

"I agree."

The most difficult thing was yet to be said. "And I believe he means to strike at Hogwarts directly."

The aged wizard did not respond for many moments. Then, a simple nod of his head relayed his answer. "Good evening, Severus."

Without another word, Severus rose and left the Headmaster's office, his mind curiously blank. It had been an exceedingly long day even before his Mark had burned at the Head Table. He had looked up and met Hermione's eyes and she nodded slightly, somehow understanding his unspoken message. The next Summons would likely be soon – perhaps a week or two.

He sighed as he reached the door to his – their – private chambers. He had told Hermione to go to sleep if the hour grew late, but he found himself hoping that she was still awake. A… distraction… wouldn't go amiss at the moment. And, strangely enough, he felt the desire to talk with her before retiring. Perhaps he was finally becoming accustomed to sharing his privacy with another person…

Opening the door and striding into the study, he was pleased to note that she was awake and wearing a rather enticing ensemble… her knee-length nightshirt had ridden up and no longer quite covered her thighs as she sat curled up in the armchair. She looked up as he entered.

"Hi."

He nodded to her in greeting before peeling off his outer robes and collapsing onto the couch. She had learned to withhold her questions until he had settled in, but he could sense that she was almost bursting with the need to voice them. He smiled slightly and gestured. "Out with the questions, then, Hermione."

She shook her head and chuckled. "You could just go ahead and tell me how everything went without my questioning you, Severus. Have you considered that?" She unfolded her legs and sat up in the chair, and he couldn't help but notice that small patch of freckles underneath one thigh as she moved. It was quickly hidden, but with the nightshirt still riding up her thigh there was plenty of other territory to scan… "Severus?"

He flicked his eyes back up to her face and raised one eyebrow slowly, rewarded when she flushed slightly. It amused him that she still had that reaction… more evidence of her youth and innocence, he assumed. Her innocence… it was slowly being chipped away, but the bulk of it was still present. If he should succumb to the Call's demands, however… he shook his head slightly. No. He had to retain control, or his manipulations thus far would have been in vain. While she was certainly more open-minded than he had imagined, what the Call demanded was doubtless beyond what she would tolerate.

"Enjoying the view?" she asked cheekily, her face still pink but with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Hmm. Very much."

"Well, maybe if you answer my request now, I'll answer a couple of your requests."

He raised an eyebrow at that. "Indeed? Well, then. Other than a large number of new recruits, the meeting was generally uneventful." She stood and walked over to where he sat, and he eyed her hips as she moved. "The typical rhetoric about filthy Mudbloods, of course."

"Of course. You looked kind of stretched thin when you came in – was it difficult? Were there many… many new recruits that you knew?" she asked as she seated herself next to him. He eyed her speculatively.

"Yes." He saw her eyes searching his and he let out a breath, holding back a scowl. "To both questions."

"Oh."

"I will likely be called again within the next week or two. His… recruitment efforts… have been going very well. It's a good thing, considering we've already lost three of this batch," he said bitterly. To his relief, Hermione did not pry… he had already explained to her what happened when a new recruit spoke out of turn, or did any number of idiotic things in front of the Dark Lord. It was one reason the initiations were conducted in relative privacy from the main group of Death Eaters – a strong silencing spell was cast around the upper ranks of the Inner Circle before the new recruits were allowed to approach the Dark Lord.

"Any surprises?" She moved closer to him and began rubbing his neck, her nails scratching pleasingly along his scalp.

"Not many. One that I thought had escaped his father's influence." Severus moved his neck forward, giving her better access. "It was not… a pleasant meeting."

"Well, maybe I can help you forget it," Hermione whispered, and he almost jumped at the unexpected feel of her breath against his ear. "A distraction?"

"That would be most welcome," he murmured silkily, sliding his arms around her and pulling her against him. "Most welcome indeed."

* * * * * *

Hermione tried not to let her irritation show as the meeting dragged on. They had been holding regular Order meetings and, at the end of each, the members would muse over the meaning of the prophecy. This particular meeting was no different – Severus detailed the Death Eater gathering from the evening before as well as his suspicions concerning Voldemort's attack, and then the talk drifted to the prophecy.

Finally, the typical speculation wound to a halt and Dumbledore thanked them for coming. The members rose, speaking amongst themselves in small groups… all except for Alastor Moody. Hermione had noticed him staring in their direction rather often during the prophecy discussion, and he had even muttered under his breath here and there. Now he was staring at Severus with an oddly suspicious look. "What's up with him, anyway?" Hermione whispered to Severus. He looked down at her in surprise and shook his head slightly.

"Later."

Her mouth twisted in irritation at the curt response, but she nodded in agreement. This wasn't the place to discuss it, obviously, but she would make sure to get her answers this time before he distracted her. Suddenly, she noticed Moody and Albus headed their way.

"Severus, Alastor and I need to speak with you. If you would excuse us, Hermione?"

She frowned slightly, looking from the Headmaster to Severus. "Of course, Albus."

Minerva appeared then. "Walk with me, Hermione – I have some things to discuss with you concerning the sixth year classes and it won't take long. You can floo to your chambers from the office." Hermione nodded an affirmative and squeezed Severus' hand briefly before stepping away.

"I will see you back in our rooms, Hermione," Severus said, his face tight, his eyes still on Alastor Moody.

"All right, Severus. Good evening, Alastor, Albus." Moody nodded slightly, staring at her with a very unsettling expression on his face.

The magical eye certainly didn't help, Hermione decided as she walked with Minerva to the Deputy Headmistress' office. What also didn't help was the suspicious glances he kept shooting at Severus… did the man still suspect him of duplicity? Even after all this time, after everything Severus had gone through to ensure Harry's safety? Hermione responded mechanically to Minerva's farewell and stepped through the fireplace into the chambers she shared with her husband.

Why did Moody want to speak with Severus alone? Well, not alone… with Dumbledore, she amended silently. The old Auror obviously still didn't trust Severus, so it wasn't likely that he wanted to tell him something that the other Order members couldn't hear. So, perhaps he wants more information from Severus on something that…

The realization hit her suddenly. Of course. The Call of the Blood… Severus had told her that Moody was one of the three people who had turned their backs on it, who were controlling it rather than allowing it to consume them. Maybe he wanted to speak to Severus about the Blood Rites that were mentioned in the prophecy… Moody had muttered something under his breath when they reached that section. That must be it.

Satisfied with her reasoning, Hermione walked into the bedroom and quickly changed her robes into one of the pajama sets she had purchased on that Hogsmeade shopping trip with Ginny. She smiled slightly as she shook out the shorts set… Ginny certainly had a good eye for color. Thinking of the other items she'd been talked into, she flushed slightly. A good eye not just for color, Hermione thought wryly. She still hadn't worn one of those little gowns yet… she wasn't exactly sure why not, but it just seemed a little more forward than what she was used to.

Of course, everything she had been doing lately was more forward than she was used to.

She glanced up at the top shelf of the wardrobe and shook her head. The books were gone, of course, locked and warded. She hadn't yet asked to study them… for some reason, she was uncomfortable doing so in Severus' presence. She still felt the pull, but Severus' wardings had lessened it somewhat. Thankfully. Or… perhaps it was just the knowledge that they were beyond her reach…

But they're not. You have the means to break the wards.

She gasped and shut the wardrobe with trembling hands. Where had that thought come from? Her eyes drifted to her trunk, where she had hidden the parchment that Viktor had sent her… the parchment with the ward-breaking incantations… She did, in fact, have the means to break the wards. If she ever needed the books... If it became necessary…

Each step seems but a small one.

Shaking her head to clear it, she went to her bag and pulled out her pills. Hermione was inordinately grateful to her mother for her foresight… If not for the Muggle birth control, there was a good chance that, considering the amount of sex they'd been having, she would now be pregnant. She shuddered at the thought. Eventually she may wish to have children, but no time soon. Definitely not now. Not until her career was well underway… and she had the luxury of waiting. The longer lifespan afforded witches a longer fertile period. She had the sneaking suspicion that she may never want children… and she rather doubted that Severus would object to that notion. He didn't exactly seem the fatherly type…

Making her way back into the study, she prepared some tea and set out an extra cup for Severus when he returned. He would likely be in an irritable mood after the meeting with Moody and Albus, and she wanted him relaxed enough that she could question him about what was said without any dark moods taking him over. While she was now used to his moods and could occasionally coax him out of one, she simply didn't have the energy that night to deal with it.

She shook her head. She really should read a bit more in one of the Muggle Chemistry texts she had picked up in Diagon Alley, but she would never be able to concentrate. Settling on the couch with her tea, she watched the flames and wondered how long Albus and Moody would keep Severus.

She didn't have long to wait. After what seemed like no more than fifteen minutes, Severus stalked into their chambers.

"Already? Not a very long discussion, then?"

Severus did not answer and she bit back a sigh, waiting patiently as he changed out of his robes and into his sleeping attire. She hoped he wouldn't just stay in the bedchamber and make her come after him… no. He stalked back into the study and she raised an eyebrow when she saw his face.

"Not a very good discussion, then?" He gave a snort of laughter at that, and she relaxed minutely. "I made enough tea for two."

"So I see." He cast a quick glance at her. "I am sure you are bursting to ask…"

"Of course."

"Of course. Very little of consequence was said."

"Was it about the Blood Rites section of the prophecy?" Hermione asked, taking a sip of her tea. He sat beside her and sighed.

"Yes. For the most part."

"What does Moody think?"

Severus waved a hand negligently. "I'm sure no one truly knows that, my dear. He believes I am the one to perform the Blood Rites, however, as I am the one who is already stained-" He stopped suddenly and frowned. "I have no idea why they insist on attempting to decipher this riddle… it does little good, if it's a true prophecy it will occur regardless of what we do to prevent or assist."

Hermione didn't fall for the change of subject, and she realized it was a clear indication of Severus' own exhaustion that he was so blatant with it. "What do you mean, the one who is already stained? Why doesn't Moody trust you?"

"Like I said, Hermione, the Blood Rites. The Call." His voice definitely held an irritated tone, but she was not deterred.

"Explain it, please. Moody… Moody also has the Call of the Blood as part of his nature, so why you?"

"Because of the Blood Rites. I… finalized the… how do I explain?" Severus sighed and put his teacup on the end table. Turning to look at her, he said, "When the Call becomes a part of a man's… a person's… nature, it is to varying degrees."

"But you never-"

"Please do not interrupt," he snapped. She bit her tongue, keeping her face clear as he spoke. Finally, more about the Call? "The Call is not fully entrenched until Avada Kedavra is cast on another person. Or… until the Blood Rites are performed." She remained silent as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. Finally, he continued, "It is present, a toehold, so to speak… waiting… but it cannot move in completely until one of the two events occur. It is why the Dark Lord tied the Unforgivables to his Dark Mark linkage… to mimic the Call of the Blood linkage. An homage, if you will. But he was unable to tie it to the Blood Rites, which is why… which is why the Dark Mark did not burn until after I used the Killing Curse on my father." He fell silent and she finally spoke up.

"But… you performed the Blood Rites… why did you also…"

"First, yes. But… youth. Overexuberance, you could call it, perhaps. I performed the Blood Rites, but needed more… wanted more… once you completely open yourself to the Call, the need becomes immeasurable… I wanted him to pay. I wanted to make him pay." Hermione's heart froze at the flat, cold tones of her husband as he echoed the thoughts that so often ran through her own mind… "I cast Crucio, so that his final dying breath could be cloaked in pain. The Blood Rites completed my Call of the Blood linkage. The Crucio completed the Dark Lord's linkage. I was lost."

"But… you found your way back…" Severus remained silent, and Hermione swallowed hard before continuing, "How is… how is it different? Is… did Moody…"

"Moody completed his linkage using Avada Kedavra. It does not… create as strong of a linkage. It does not open you as completely to the Call. I feel it… all the time. The Call does not plaque Moody in the same manner as it plagues me. I have to… put more effort into keeping it dormant. And that is one reason Moody still does not fully trust me… he has reason. It is extremely difficult, as he well knows…"

Hermione sucked in a breath, her eyes wide. "So, you…"

"Am the only person on the side of the Light who bears the most complete linkage to the Call of the Blood. To the Dark."

"Severus… it doesn't make a lot of sense. How can it be part of your nature, but more a part of your nature than…"

He shook his head irritably. "Again, my dear, there are philosophers who have argued for hundreds of years… but the main school of thought is that by practicing the Dark Arts, by reading a Book of the Blood… you create a bridge of sorts… thread-like, at first… and the illness begins as the Call begins to trickle into you. If the thread is no longer crossed, if it is not built upon, it eventually falls apart. Disintegrates. If, however, it is built upon, stronger and stronger, more of the Dark Arts are learned and mastered… it grows thicker. Allowing more of the Call to enter your conscious mind. It is not until the Killing Curse or the Blood Rites are performed that the bridge is… finalized, made permanent. The Killing Curse creates a smaller permanent bridge… the Blood Rites – which are directly linked to the Call of the Blood, and are far older than the Unforgivable curses - create the strongest bridge available. Once the bridge is created, it cannot be altered, it cannot be modified…"

"So even if an Avada-created bridge person performs the Blood Rites, it won't change the bridge itself?"

"No, it doesn't. Once the initial linkage, or bridge, is created it cannot be modified. That is the theory, at least."

"And, since Moody has never performed the Blood Rites, he is concerned that the theory may not be true? But since you have already created the strongest bridge…" Hermione worried at her lower lip for a moment before looking up and seeing Severus' irritated expression. "Sorry – just thinking out loud."

"Apparently." He smirked at her and she felt her heartbeat begin to speed… how was he able to do that so easily?

"Bed?"

A raised eyebrow. "Are you still thinking out loud?"

"No, I actually believe I'm propositioning you," Hermione said in a low voice. "Out loud." With a wicked grin, Severus pulled her into his arms and swept into the bedroom.

* * * * * *

Dear Viktor,

It's hard to believe I've been married for over a month now. The time has gone by fast, maybe because of all the changes… not just my marriage, either. On that front, things are going as well as can be expected – we've formed a friendship, definitely, and maybe a little more… time will tell, I suppose. I'm coming to like him more each day. It's such a strange situation, still. I'm glad I decided to take my NEWTs early and graduate before the wedding – I'm not sure how our marriage would handle it if he were still in a position of authority over me… I know I wouldn't have done too well with that, and I doubt Severus would have, either. As you know, I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut when people make me angry. (By the way, I'm still sorry about hitting you that time last summer – I know it was just a joke but you caught me at a bad time.)

My apprenticeship is going well, and I'm having a lot of fun getting to know Minerva a little more. As you know, I've decided on non-solid Transfiguration as my main topic of study. It's moving along slowly, but there is some progress. I've been able to study some on Muggle physics and chemistry and I think I've found the key… but it'll take more work. For now, I've been able to turn a glass of water into a ball that will last almost overnight before melting back into liquid form. It's a definite improvement. Minerva seems impressed, at least.

I've been helping her with a couple of her lower-level classes… first years… and it's actually a lot more fun than I thought it would be. It's certainly better than grading their papers! We've only had to deal with a couple of accidents… there was a Slytherin first year who tried to Transfigure her nose smaller… not sure why, but then I'm rather partial to big noses (good thing, right?). Minerva corrected it quickly and we sent her to the hospital wing.

Well, it's getting close to lunchtime and I told Severus I'd meet him in his office. We're going to get away for lunch today and spend some time in Diagon Alley. Even though we live together, we don't always have a lot of time together… seems crazy, but we're both just so busy. Particularly because he's Head of House. The Slytherins are always up to something… even on the weekends. Why, just last night… well. I'll leave that for the next letter, once I find out all the details from Severus. He did not seem pleased when he came back to bed.

I hope things are going well for you, and I do believe you should go for that coaching job. You've been assistant coach long enough, and I doubt anyone knows Quidditch as well as you do. You're obviously a natural.

Take care,

Your friend,

Hermione.

* * * * * *

A couple of hours after Hermione met Severus in his office, they were seated at a table in the Leaky Cauldron, finishing their lunch. The conversation had been pleasant, catching up on student news and gossip. To Hermione's surprise, Severus seemed to know more of the gossip than even Lavender and Parvati, and he told it with such a cutting wit that she couldn't hold back her laughter.

"And here is the couple of the hour now," a deep voice came from behind her. Hermione, a wide smile still on her face from Severus' last pointed remark concerning the newest Hufflepuff Hunk, turned in her seat to see Kingsley Shacklebolt standing next to their table.

"Kingsley! It's good to see you," she exclaimed. Severus sat back and shot Kingsley an even gaze.

"And good to see you – definitely a sight for sore eyes today, my dear," Kingsley said, winking at her. She thanked him and his eyes cut to Severus. "Wasted on this one, though. Lucky man."

Severus narrowed his eyes at the Auror. "Shouldn't you be out chasing down Dark wizards, Shacklebolt?"

Kingsley just chuckled. "It's good to see that marriage hasn't softened you any, Snape."

"It's only been a month, Kingsley. Give me some time to work, all right?" Hermione knew Severus would likely have some scathing comment for her later, but she couldn't resist. Kingsley let out a rich, deep laugh.

Severus did not.

Daring to look over at him, she saw that he was gazing at her with hooded eyes, a strangely contemplative expression in them. He and Kingsley traded a few words and then the Auror went on his way.

* * * * * *

A short time later, as they headed to Flourish and Botts, Severus smirked and bent down to whisper in her ear, "So – is it your goal to soften me up as Kingsley said?"

Hermione laughed. "No, actually… I kind of like you the way you are."

"Hmm." Severus sighed inwardly. She didn't actually know the way he was, truly… he had been making an effort to be nice to her. That certainly wasn't in his nature. Although… he had found it to be much easier to do than he had suspected… he shook his head. Of course, he was getting something out of the situation, too, and that likely helped matters. A shift in the crowd pushed her against him and he could feel the length of her body pressed alongside his for a moment before the crowd evened out again.

Yes, the side benefits of this entire situation were certainly… appealing.

They were approaching the book shop now, and Severus looked down at his wife. She had a slight smile on her face, and he wondered for a brief moment what she was thinking about.

As they entered the bookstore, Hermione immediately headed into the Transfiguration section. He hovered near the door, considering whether he should quickly drop into Ollivander's to complete his business while she browsed… he thought it would be safe, but… Suddenly, he caught sight of Kingsley Shacklebolt. The Auror met his eyes and approached. "Shacklebolt – will you be here for a few minutes?"

The Auror nodded, curious. "I have some quick business with Ollivander to take care of – you are familiar with it. Hermione is here… could you-"

"Certainly, Severus." With a curt nod, Severus left the bookshop and headed to Ollivander's.

"Snape," Mr. Ollivander said from the workbench. "A moment, please…" Severus watched in silence as the wandmaker carefully inserted a single unicorn hair into a hollowed out portion of a wand. It appeared to be mahogany. Severus frowned slightly, wondering if the future recipient of that wand would have to trade it for another… if the person would one day appear on Ollivander's list…

"Ah. And where is Mrs. Snape today?"

"I wanted to speak with you alone, Ollivander, if you have the time."

"I thought you might," Ollivander said mysteriously, beckoning him over. "But first…" The old wandmaker dug in his robes and pulled out a rolled parchment, which Severus took. "Your wife has changed quite a bit since last I saw her, when she bought her first wand. I sensed a change in her…"

Severus frowned. Did Ollivander sense the same affinity that Severus did? Was it the Call? Was it even possible, without the illness? Though she didn't show the other signs… "Do you sense it, Ollivander? You made a comment about her wand…"

"At first I did, then it fled." Ollivander shrugged before glancing up from the wand on the workbench.

"It's never fled for me…" Severus' voice trailed off. "I still feel it."

"You still feel the Call at all times, do you not? Why should this be any different?" Ollivander looked up at him with his moon-like eyes, and Severus scowled.

"The Call can't have taken her, that I would sense-"

Ollivander nodded. "Yes, yes. That's not what I felt – the Call has a distinctly different flavor to it. An affinity, nothing more, nothing less. For a brief moment. It was unusual." The wandmaker paused for a moment. "How is your control, Severus?"

Always too damned perceptive… Severus swallowed hard. Ollivander didn't speak often, and when he did it was usually significant.

"A thread."

Ollivander nodded and sat back in his chair. "Take care. Be wary. It can come on you at the oddest times…"

"I am aware of that."

"Listen to me, boy – I have dealt with it far longer than you have, and still live," Ollivander snapped. Severus held his tongue and reluctantly nodded. "Your linkage is even stronger than mine… Take care. Although… there are certain things, meant for protection, that might-"

"No." Ollivander raised his eyebrows at the younger wizard, and Severus let out a breath. "You know what it is like, Ollivander… if I give in to the demands…"

"You may not have a choice, Snape. It could benefit the girl."

"No," Severus repeated and Ollivander shrugged, going back to his work. After a moment, Severus sighed. "Thank you, Ollivander."

The wandmaker finally glanced up at the dark wizard and nodded. "Think on what I said, my young friend. Some things cannot be controlled."

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A/N: Thanks for reading, and thanks for reviewing (hint, hint). More information about the Call – and there's more to come, of course. I hope you enjoyed the chapter – it's a bit of transition and quite a bit of plot movement, though it may not seem like it at first. Please let me know what you think. There are some big events occurring next chapter, and I hope to get it out by the weekend, if work cooperates. A lot of it is already written. (Reviews will help prod me along…)

Note: There are no extra scenes on aff.net or lnls for this chapter.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SHIV!!!!

In honor of her birthday, I'm posting this early while I'm at work… I will add individual reviewer responses later tonight after I get home, but wanted to post this ASAP for her (because I promised it on her b-day ;) ).

For anyone who hasn't read her work – why are you waiting???? She's Shiv on aff.net and Shiv5468 on lnls and I think Shiv5468 on ff.net, and her work is amazing. Great humor, great writing, always a good read. I've never been disappointed.

Serpens Potio – Thanks so much for reviewing, am glad you liked the last chapter so much. (Whispering: yes, you will get to see Snape out of control… but don't tell anyone!)

Nore – Thank you – it IS the most difficult part – everyone wants to rush past the slow buildup and get to the happily ever after, but I want it to be believable. Thanks!!

Dakota – Thanks!! I assumed you meant sweet for Snape, not sweet in general – but thanks ;). LOL @ roses and serenading… I think I'd throw up, too!

Louise Luvgood – Hi, there! Good guess – you were right on the money!! (Of course, I only told you cuz it was revealed in this chapter, but still… LOL!) Thanks for reviewing!

Arafel2, Mistress Nymphadora, Jinxd n cursed, Gin – Thanks so much for reviewing!!!