Chapter 25:
Dopey me forgot all the necessary disclaimers in the last chapter. I was so intent on getting the danged chapter up before all my dear readers gave me up for dead.
So, here goes. It's hers, not mine. I am using the Harry Potter universe for my own twisted pleasures and even though I am making no money for my efforts, I am making oodles of friends. I promise to clean up and put away my toys when I am finished playing.
The Visium Memoria scroll is the dream gem of jezzie, a wonderful author with a definite tendency towards the darker side of Severus. I borrowed her scroll administrator also. She said I could as long as I gave her credit, which I have now done.
Does everyone forgive me the time I was away? It wasn't by choice, I can tell you. I did get to go to NYC and I DID get to meet Alan. He is as wonderful as each of you could imagine. The voice is REAL. I heard it everyday for five days and would you believe that on the last night in NYC when it was pouring rain, Alan invited Jenn and I backstage to see him!!?? A dream come true. Who but Alan would do something that sweet? In his own dear words, "You ladies have been so sweet. You do not need to stand in the rain waiting for me." Ain't he a doll? The story of the trip, the meetings with Alan and the pics are all on my yahoo groups. Drop by and check them out.
Now, back to the story.
Oh, by the way....
I did print a copy of Dark Coil and give it to Alan. Stupid, I know. I am a sucker for punishment. He also signed MY copy of the story. So, I have a printed copy of Dark Coil signed by the Darling One. Yes, I will be buried with it. Would you all believe that Alan said he does not get on computers? I told him all about fanfic and the entire Snape universe we have built. He was amazed.
NOW, on to the story.
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Miss McGonagall kept her green eyes fixed upon the table's surface; debate ebbed and flowed around her. She traced the map-like scratches marring the wooden plane with her gaze. Strange, she mused. Someone should refinish the surface. You would think they would want to keep this place in better condition.
The witch could feel the presence of the wizard by her side, though she did not spare him a glance. She knew what she would find should she turn her eyes. The face would be carefully blank, the posture up-right but relaxed. She had commanded him to remain calm and silent. So far, so good.
Snape had not been happy with the decision to hurl herself between the potions master and the legal piranha schooling about him, eager to begin their task of shredding Snape to the bone. Olivia had given Snape no other option. She was sole possessor of the currency that would purchase his freedom.
Their reunion in the flat had been cool. That Severus was angry with her had been evident. There had been no love or passion in the stroke of those black eyes raking over her frame. Snape's pride had suffered a whelming blow by her deceptive use of the healing potion. He would exact his pound of flesh before accepting her apology, Olivia was sure. Even the unexpected appreciation of her skills Snape had given in the outer room had done little to settle Olivia's heart. She could feel a barrier, a wall of ice forming around the dark-haired wizard, sealing him in.
She had told Severus nothing of her time in the under-dark of London. There was so much to think over before giving him the answers he very likely craved.
What to tell?
How much to reveal? As her Champion, Severus' life would be as deeply imperiled as Olivia's own. Would she see him free of one snare only to have him taken by another? Could she allow him to continue on under the spell of the goddess, thinking himself in love, only to discover later that he had been compelled against his will? Would Severus understand? Would he ever forgive Olivia her part in his enchantment?
Olivia had been given no time of her own in order to process all that had occurred between the goddess and the Dark Lord. So much of what had passed between the two powers was beyond Olivia's own realm of comprehension. Right now, the young woman longed very much for Minerva's tender embrace and gentle wisdom.
Cramping muscles caused Olivia to shift slightly. She pressed her lips into a thin line as a dull throb, like a drum roll, poured from her shoulder. Olivia resisted the desire to massage the aching wound marring her flesh. The marks of Voldemort's teeth were displayed in a gruesome oval that pulsed and burned with every movement. The numerous cocktails she had been forced to consume had done very little to numb the pain.
The tap-tap-tap of Judge Fumington's wand brought Olivia's eyes from their supposed study of the table. Between them, the quill was skating frantically over the curling parchment.
Clearing his throat, the elderly judge spoke.
"Miss McGonagall, it is the majority opinion of this assembly," Here he paused as a disgruntled snort erupted from Jannes and Jambres' end of the room. " ...that you be allowed to present your evidence."
Chief Prosecutor Hodge rested his chin on one fisted hand, observing Olivia closely.
Olivia nodded until the wizard continued. "On the condition that you submit to the scroll under the influence of Veritaserum."
The outraged gasp from the back of the room was in perfect time with Snape hurling himself to his feet. Before he could open his mouth in bellowed protest, Olivia raised her hand, bidding him remain silent. The angry wizard ceded to her request but remained on his feet.
"Sir, may I inquire as to why you and your colleagues feel it is necessary to add a truth potion to the process? The Visium Memoria does not require any outside agents save the user to function."
Jannes spoke up coolly. "Frankly Miss McGonagall, it is the general consensus that your claims are too farfetched to be taken seriously. To avoid even the slightest possibility of dark influences acting here, we insist you take the Veritaserum. Unless of course, you wish to withdraw and accept the ruling of the assembly?" He let the question dangle, his lips curling in a cold smile.
Snape felt his hands tingle with the desire to be fused tightly around the skinny barrister's throat.
Olivia glared at Jannes and Jambres before facing the blue-robed judge. "I accept the terms of this assembly."
Turning to Professor Snape, Olivia gripped the back of his head with one hand and pulled his ear close to her lips.
"Severus...Severus, listen to me. You MUST not interfere in what is about to take place. Make no move to stop me once I have touched the scroll. Trust me, please." Her breath caressed the side of his face, the smell of her filled his nostrils and Snape felt peace and calm seep into his frame, his heart, his mind.. It was as if he had inhaled the fumes of a soothing potion. A small part of his mind protested the invasive comfort even as it succumbed along with the rest of him. "Please." She whispered once more. Snape relaxed, nodding his head. He returned to his seat as Olivia moved around the end of the table and approached the podium where the frantic quill had finally paused in its labors.
The stocky witch who had entered prior to the start of the hearing joined Olivia in the center of the room. In one hand she carried a tightly rolled scroll, wooden dowels protruding from the either end. In the other hand was a folded piece of white cloth. Laying the scroll beside the enchanted quill, the witch flicked the white material repeatedly until it had grown as large as a bed sheet. When she seemed satisfied with the proportions, the material was tossed high over her head where it hung down from one edge, looking for all the world like someone's laundry. This done, she turned and addressed the assembled Muggles and wizards.
"Gentlemen," she began, her voice low and throaty. "For the record, my name is Wendy Fadiman. I assigned to the Department of Magical Inquiry. As many of you are aware, the Visium Memoria Scroll is, in its self, not a truth revealing instrument, but rather a memory revealing device. Once given a starting point, Miss McGonagall's memories will be displayed from her point of view. There is no sound. Miss McGonagall will be compelled to speak for each of the persons she is in contact with during the revealed moment. The images will appear on this screen. The Visuim Screen is a new development in the use of the scroll. It enables the viewers to have a larger, clearer image as the memory unfolds." Turning to Miss McGonagall the stout witch asked kindly, "Are you quite ready?"
"Yes." Came Olivia's steady, cool reply.
Though Snape's stomach was knotted in apprehension, he admired Olivia's resolve.
Pulling a clear vial from her robes, Ms Fadiman inquired of Olivia, "I must know if you have taken any potions in the recent past that would hinder the effectiveness of the Veritaserum or could in any way place you in peril from interaction?"
Here, Olivia turned to Madam Pomfrey, who came to her feet.
Judge Fumington waved a wrinkled hand to the mediwitch, beckoning her forward.
"For the record, state your name, your occupation and how you are acquainted with Miss McGonagall, please." The uniformed bailiff stated as Poppy came to Olivia's side.
Obligingly, Poppy gave the required information, the witch from the Department of Magical Inquiry nodding. Satisfied that Olivia's body contained no substance that would impede the use of the truth serum, Ms Fadiman snapped the top from the vial and signaled Olivia. She placed three drops of the clear liquid under Olivia's tongue and then stood quietly, waiting.
The tasteless fluid slid effortlessly down Olivia's throat and she experienced an icy sensation spinning outward from her chest as the potion took effect.
Help me, my Lady! Help me!
I am with thee, Olivia. Never would I forsake thee, My Vessel.
Ms Fadiman checked Olivia's green eyes carefully as Madam Pomfrey gently assessed the pulse of the pale young witch. Nodding in satisfaction to Ms Fadiman, Poppy returned to her seat.
"Now, Miss McGonagall will you please tell the assembly your full name and birth date?" Ms Fadiman asked.
"Olivia Honoria McGonagall. I was born on February 1, 1963."
"And what is your current occupation?"
"I am presently teaching Muggle/Wizard Law at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"Are you willing to submit to the Visium Memoria?" Ms Fadiman asked?
"No." Olivia responded, then added quickly, "However there is no other reasonable option to seeing my client's name cleared."
Ms Fadiman smiled kindly and addressed the seated members. "She is fully under the influence of the Veritaserum, your Honor."
"You may proceed." The judge replied.
Taking up the scroll, Ms Fadiman placed it into Olivia's hands. "You know how this works, don't you?" She asked.
"Yes."
Pulling a wand from her sleeve, the Inquiry witch tapped the scroll, murmuring softly to activate the device. "When you are ready, command the scroll. If at anytime you feel the need to stop, release the scroll. The connection will be instantly broken."
Olivia nodded wordlessly. Unrolling the parchment, she uttered the spell that would open her memory. The pale cream surface began to swirl. The large white screen hanging in mid-air echoed the swirling motion. All eyes in the chamber fixed themselves on the image that was forming, emerging from the fog, filling the entire white void.
I am with thee.
It was the statue of a young girl. To either side of the image, the audience could make out the partial shapes of two other similar forms.
"And I was so hoping you would be pleased."
There were gasps and cries as pure evil hissed from Olivia's lips. Snape felt the blood freeze in his veins.
Oh gods, he knew that voice! Even coming from Olivia, he recognized the hateful tone, the nefarious, sliding modulation of the tongue!
Voldemort.
The images on the screen blurred as Olivia's memory-eye whirled to face the speaker. Cries of fright and disbelief rang out once more as each person in the room came face to face with pure, distilled corruption.
Snape grabbed the arms of his chair, knuckles protesting under the strain. His mind groaned, "Olivia, Olivia."
Olivia's words to Voldemort were being drowned out by the panicked outcries in the chamber. She, alone, seemed undisturbed by the scene playing out on the screen. Her lips continued to move, but no voice could be heard over the keening and disruption of the assembly. Several of the seated wizards had covered their faces, openly weeping. Others stood, pointing trembling hands towards the horror revealed on the screen. Judge Fumington, his face parchment white, banged his wand forcefully upon the table, red sparks flying.
Only two souls sat quietly, Snape observed sharply. He stored this away for further analysis.
"Quiet!" Fumington's magnified voice thundered over the panic-stricken gathering. " Be quiet or quit the chamber!"
In the unnatural silence that descended, Olivia's voice was explosive as she screamed in agony. The scene hanging in the air showed only blackness, broken occasionally by lurid flashes of light. The horrific, shattering howling from the young witch in the middle of the room captured the attention of each listener. Olivia's head whipped about wildly, her mouth stretched wide as she screamed her throat bloody. Her hands remained clamped forcefully upon the scroll.
Snape could stand her torture no longer. He desired nothing more than to run to Olivia and break her free of the memory. That she had suffered the Cruciatus Curse gripped his heart until he imagined the organ would cease its beating. Her cries went on and on while Snape forced his body to remain fused to the chair.
And suddenly it was over.
Silence fell over the chamber like a cloak.
No one spoke.
Not a sound.
Save that of panting whimpers.
Olivia was bent double. Her eyes screwed tightly shut, the trembling witch gasped and moaned. Tears and mucus glistened on her face, a thread of scarlet dangled from her lips. Ms Fadiman, her face pale as snow, gently placed one arm over Olivia's bent frame and speaking low into her ear, questioned Olivia earnestly. Sharply, Olivia shrugged the woman away, shaking her head in determination.
Frowning, but nodding in agreement, Ms Fadiman pulled a handkerchief from her robes and wiped Olivia's face.
A foggy light now lay over the blackness on the screen, much as morning light appears through closed eyelids. Olivia's memory-eye opened as the foul rasping voice once more spewed from her lips.
"Beg forgiveness from your Lady, Wormtail. Perhaps she will with hold her grace and punish you as is fit and proper for one who is to me MY WIFE"
A spasm gripped Snape's throat, choking off air. Others in the room showed equal dismay as the chilling words sank in.
Wormtail? Pettigrew? Peter Pettigrew? Is he not supposed to be dead?
Whispers scuttled like dry leaves through the room.
The image on the screen cleared as the memory 'Olivia' blinked tears from her eyes. A man huddled in ragged robes at her feet. From Olivia's point of view, Snape could make out the thin mat of hair that barely covered Pettigrew's bowed head. His hands gripped a pair of ankles as he repeatedly rained kisses on filthy shoes. Olivia gave voice to his suffering.
"Forgive me, my Lady!" Olivia whimpered, sobbing. "I acted without thought! I am a fool to have caused you pain! Have mercy on me, please. Punish me if you will, but do not with hold your forgiveness!"
"Remove thy hand from about mine body, snake." That voice was Olivia's own, but it rang with power, authority.
"As my lady wishes." The hiss returned.
The viewers were held bound as hands appeared on either side of the bowed head and raised the face into view. Disbelieving cries and gasps of shock once more filled the air. Behind him, Snape could discern Lupin's painful moan.
"Peter."
"...I forgive thee."
The worn face on the screen froze, then crumbled into lines of disbelief and hope before disappearing from the viewers sight. Olivia continued with Pettigrew's brokenhearted cries.
In the churn of whispers and crying from the chamber, Olivia's words were once more drowned out. Fumington found it necessary to bang the table repeatedly. Snape wondered that the wand did not break.
Something had been said that caused Pettigrew to raise his head obviously looking at Olivia as she held his trembling form, the sunken eyes filled with tears and burning with guilty passion.
"It is my fault, my Lady. My fault!" Olivia wailed as Pettigrew's lips moved. "I betrayed James and Lily! I faked my death when Sirius confronted me with my crime. I killed all those..."
"Enough!"
The view spun madly as Olivia's memory-eye bounced and swiveled before lighting on the rotted flesh of Voldemort's face. Hate and lust mingled in the burning red of his eyes. The visage suddenly loomed closer and the audience instinctively pulled further back into their chairs. So no one was surprised when Miss McGonagall swayed, the scroll falling from her hands seconds before she collapsed to her knees.
Orders be damned, Snape thought as he rushed to Olivia's side. The Inquiry Witch had responded quickly enough and was easing the unconscious witch to the floor. Kneeling beside Olivia, Snape's slender fingers moved unerringly to the spot on her throat where the pulse beat steadily. Ms Fadiman shifted to the side as Madam Pomfrey joined them. Grimly, Poppy moved her wand over Olivia's form, the tip glowing a steady blue.
"She has only fainted." Poppy explained, to Snape's relief. "Let me give her a bit of this..." Here, the mediwitch pulled the top from a tiny vial and waved the stopper under Olivia's nose.
Immediately, Olivia jerked her face from the bitter, burning smell, her eyelids fluttering. Her upper body was lifted and she recognized the earth scent of Severus as she rested upon his breast.
Olivia.
Lady?
Olivia, 'tis needful that thee should'est fail and faint. Unnecessary is the tale becoming at this point. Here thou must stop and then leap apace. Thee know'est the point of whence I speak?
Yes.
Heed me. Reveal neither thy purpose nor that of the serpent. Free only thine beloved, mine Champion and the hound. Verily, thee and thine will in safety abide as long as thee cling'est to me.
Yes!
"Drink this, dear." Poppy gently pressed the brim of a glass to Olivia's lips, urging her to drink. The coolness of the water refreshed Olivia nearly as much as the warmth of Severus' body gave her comfort. Her head stopped its spinning and finally Olivia could open her eyes. Over the concerned murmur of the crowed chamber, Olivia heard Judge Fumington's voice.
"... perhaps a recess? ...stressful."
"No!" Olivia demanded, pushing away from Severus. "No recess! I will go on. I am fine."
Accepting the hand Severus offered, Olivia allowed him to assist her to her feet. Their eyes meet for the briefest moment before he released her, returning to his seat.
"Miss McGonagall, are you certain you wish to continue?" Judge Fumington inquired from where he stood leaning over the head table. "You have suffered a hugely traumatic experience... and somehow..." He swallowed. "Somehow you have managed to survive. We can easily adjourn this meeting until tomorrow to allow you the time you need for rest."
"No, you honor." Olivia insisted strongly. "I am fine and I will continue. When I finally lay down to rest, it will be at Hogwarts, at home. Let us be done with this"
The judge gauged her response with concerned eyes. He too, wished this thing done and over, the hateful face folded away with the collapsing of the enchanted screen. However, the humble wizard judge did not wish more harm upon the slender witch before him. Her body still swayed slightly but as his eyes returned to her face, he saw the determination and resolve in the set of her jaw, the steely glint of her eyes. Bowing his head, Judge Fumington reluctantly bent to Olivia's will.
Returning to the pedestal, Olivia lifted the scroll. The enchanted quill, looking much abused, jerked upright once more. Quietly Olivia murmured the words to activate the memory device and the screen again sprang to life.
"Yes!" Voldemort's cruel tones rushed from Olivia's lips. "I will kill her and a thousand more if that is what it takes. Her screams will be my birth cry as I tear myself from her womb and possessing your strength!" The rotting, black skin of Voldemort's bald head gleamed wetly, reflecting the light of some unseen flame.
"Just as thou hast slain these children here?" Olivia's point of view spun to take in a circle of pale statues placed around a wildly burning pyre. One image zoomed into tight focus as Olivia had moved closer. Each person in the room could see the fine detail of the young face, the tendrils of chiseled hair that framed the sweet face. "Her name is Evelyn. Did'est thou slay Evelyn?"
" I did. Would you like to know how?" Came an evilly gloating reply.
From somewhere in the viewing chamber came the sound of weeping.
"Pray tell."
"It is a form of the Dementor's Kiss. Not only to I drain the soul, but the very essence of what makes up LIFE!"
The crying in the chamber increased. Hands wiped at wet faces set in grim lines.
The view shifted as the observer moved on to another gray form.
"She is Terri. Did'est thou slay her as well?'' Olivia inquired.
"Damn you woman! I killed them all! They were delicious! Their fear added just the right spice to the moment." Never had Snape heard the dark wizard's voice so grossly confidant and boasting. It sickened him.
His nausea increased as the dreadful demon before him advanced and grew larger, moving as he was nearer the observer. Olivia gasped aloud as her face was pulled closer to the decaying flesh. "I will have you now!" Voldemort's words boiled out of the slender woman, laced with malice and lust.
Snape leaped to his feet, but before he could voice protest, Fumington's frail voice called out, choking, "No more! Stop this now!"
Ms Fadiman snatched the scroll from Olivia's grip, throwing to the floor, where it curled inward on its self. Taking the shaking witch by the hand, Ms Fadiman led Olivia back to the table shared with Professor Snape. Pulling out a chair, the stone-faced wizard allowed the Inquiry Witch to place Olivia's limp form into the seat. Leaving, Ms Fadiman returned to the pedestal and gathered the scroll before pointing her wand at the hanging sheet, now blessedly empty. The white square folded in on its self multiple times before dropping into her open hand. Without a word, the witch returned to her seat, her face pale and stunned.
There was a heavy silence in the chamber, broken by an occasional sniff or the sound of a nose being blown. Olivia sat unmoving, her eyes on the head table. The bruising around her eyes had deepened and to Snape she appeared on the edge of collapse.
Clearing his throat with some difficulty, Judge Fumington rose as well as a shaken Prosecutor Hodge. "This inquiry is in recess while members of the assembly discuss these findings. We will return shortly." Thus saying, he turned and slowly made his way toward the read door followed by the other members, many of them leaning one on the other.
Abruptly, Olivia started as if shaken from a deep sleep.
"Your Honor! Your Honor, please. One final item, if you please." From a pocket of her robe Olivia drew forth a wand and placed it carefully on the table before her.
"You will want to examine this as well. It may help in corroborating my story. I am not sure, but I believe this wand belongs to Peter Pettigrew." Saying this, Olivia sat and folded her shaking hands in her lap.
Receiving a nod of approval, the bailiff strode forth and taking a handkerchief from his pocket gingerly picked up the wand and carried it from the room.
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Two short hours later, Olivia held the document granting Professor Severus Snape a full acquittal. Speaking for the Muggle/Wizard assembly, the Honorable Artemis Fumington stated, "Professor Snape, it is the privilege of this assemble to declare you cleared of all suspicion in the deaths of the Muggle children. For any pain or inconvenience brought upon you by these events, we offer our humblest apologies. I can't help but believe, however that your detention, though painful to you, has opened our eyes to the truth. Were it not for your arrest and the actions of your defense, our world would yet remain in blissful denial. No more." The old man sighed deeply. "No more."
The ancient judge had then reached into his robes and extracted a second roll of parchment, which he placed, into Miss McGonagall's hand. "Grieved as I am by the unnecessary imprisonment of Sirius Black, I am honored to be the one issuing the decree finally clearing his name. We will always be grateful to you, and to Mr. Olivander, who was able to positively identify the wand as being one he sold to Peter Pettigrew nearly 25 years ago. As we are unaware of Mr. Black's current location, I am giving you, Miss McGonagall, the documentation absolving him of all blame in the deaths of the thirteen Muggles and that of Peter Pettigrew. I hope you will be able to find him soon and express our deepest regrets for the events that led up to his false imprisonment. We will, of course, release this information to the wizarding press." Here Fumington sighed. "What a time the papers will have with this news."
Extending his weathered hand towards Snape, Judge Fumington said, "Professor Snape, I wish you well and as I know you are eager to head home, I also wish you farewell." The genuine smile on the old man's face brought Dumbledore to the professor's mind as he shook the offered hand.
"Thank you, sir." Snape replied.
Turning to Olivia the judge stated, "One more piece of information for you Miss McGonagall. It seems the Ministry conducted a raid below the streets of London this morning. Based upon your directions they were able to locate the lair of the Dark Lord but alas, as they feared, he had fled.
The victims of the evil one's curse were also missing. Why he would take them is anyone's guess. The Aurors did however locate several Muggles who were being held captive. Unfortunately, the pitiful wretches had been subjected to the Dementor's Kiss and are now nothing more than empty shells. They have been taken to St. Mugo's where they will receive the best of care." Judge Fumington paused then said gently, "I thought you would want to know." With a slight nod, he Fumington left them.
The next encounter involved Chief Prosecutor Hodge. Followed by the still frowning Jefery Allen, the Muggle prosecutor had approached Professor Snape and Miss McGonagall. Taking Snape's hand, Hodge had shaken it warmly, saying, "Congratulations, Professor Snape! You couldn't have placed your future in any more capable hands than those of Miss McGonagall. Do not waste the opportunity her skills have granted you. Without her clever intervention, your current standing in several circles would have been jeopardized beyond repair." Gray eyes met black as Snape allowed the import of the prosecutor's words sink in. "Guard her well. I will perhaps have need of Miss McGonagall one day and I want to be sure of where to find her should the time come."
Removing his hand from the Muggle's grip, Snape replied dryly. "I will be most vigilant in regard to Miss McGonagall."
Shooting Olivia a sideways glance and smiling, Hodge chuckled, "See that you do. Miss McGonagall, all the best to you and your assistants. Please feel free to contact me at anytime." As the prosecutor walked away, Snape spotted Mr. Allen who glared at the professor before nodding curtly and moving away.
"I am not sure about the rest of you," Olivia began in a tired voice. "But I am ready to go home."
"Oh, I don't know Olivia," Remus quipped. "I have had a wonderful time in jolly old London. Seems a shame to rush back." Here Miss Granger nudged the werewolf playfully with her shoulder.
"We have a few things to pack up at the flat." Hermione said.
"And seeing as I don't know where in the hell I am, I would appreciate a lift back to town." Reggie Doyle pointed out.
"Let us be off." Snape advised, offering his arm to Olivia who accepted it gratefully. "Madam Pomfrey, would you be so kind as to disapparate with the inspector? Lupin will assist Miss Granger."
"Back to giving orders already, Professor Snape?" Madam Pomfrey inquired sweetly, moving to stand by Inspector Doyle.
Before a suitable retort could be formed, Professor Snape found himself nose to nose with the minister of magic, Fudge's face contorting as he held to his rage. The fury in his eyes and the clenched fists by his side gave evidence of his slippery control. His voice was cold and threatening.
"Once again you have managed to cheat justice, Snape! You must have a charmed life." Fudge snarled, his teeth grinding audibly. "Either that or the protection offered by dark magic. You may have that old man, Dumbledore fooled by your act, but I am not deceived. The Aurors discovered nothing this morning that cannot be easily explained. Do you hear me? Nothing! A deserted nest of renegade Death Eaters, nothing more! Deluded idiots clinging to the memory of a vanished You-Know-Who." Fudge's eyes darted nervously from Snape to Olivia.
"You pose a greater threat to the community than dozens of those insane fools, Severus Snape! I will be watching you! Third time is the charm, Snape. You won't be so lucky next time." The minister glowered ferociously into the potions master's face.
Professor Snape calmly regarded the blotchy countenance of the Minister of Magic. "Until that day, Minister." He intoned softly. "Now if you will excuse us?" Without so much as a nod, Snape guided Olivia around the stiff form of the minister and through the door, followed by Lupin, Miss Granger, Madam Pomfrey and Inspector Doyle.
Olivia patted the velvet arm beneath her hand, risking a peek up through her lashes. "Well done, Professor. Well done."
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The trip back to Hogwarts was brutally uneventful after the rigors and horrors of the week. It was the work of but a moment to gather their few belongings, secure the flat and take leave of Inspector Doyle, the policeman having received hasty but polite refusals from both wizards in regards to a celebratory drink.
Apparating just outside the protective boundaries surrounding the magical school, Snape and his companions stood for a moment in silence. The path before them was strewn with a crisp dusting of fallen leaves. The breeze that sent the crackling, brown and yellow scraps waltzing around the companion's feet smelled of damp and wood smoke and the underlying seductive odor that is autumn's perfume. The Delft-blue of the sky was unblemished by clouds and arched away, shining and clear, high above the valley holding the hidden castle and the near-by wizarding village of Hogsmeade.
The watery autumn sun tossed indigo lights from Professor Snape's head as he lifted his face to the sky, eyes closed, lips slack and soft. He breathed in the sweet tangy spice riding the air, his chest swelling under the severe black of his waistcoat. Snape held the breath, pressing the air deep into his lungs before exhaling and opening his eyes. The other members of the group eyed him with appreciation; grateful for the part they played in his release. Snape, humbled by their regard cleared his throat uncomfortably.
Black eyes skittered from one face to another, lingering longest on the bruised visage of Miss McGonagall. " For your help, thank you. I am and will always be grateful."
Turning, he strode purposefully up the path.
After a moment's hesitation, the others followed.
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The reunion of mother and daughter took place in Minerva's office away from the curious eyes of students and faculty alike. The older witch had jumped to her feet with a glad cry. Olivia winced, gasping sharply as Minerva's arms tightened around her slender body. Refusing to disclose the experiences of London so soon upon her arrival, Olivia begged that Minerva grant her the luxury of a hot soak and a long sleep. Happy tears shining in her eyes, Minerva guided Olivia to her chambers where eager house elves had prepared a steaming tub. The scent of lavender drifted through the room in a steamy cloud and Olivia felt the stresses of the previous days melting from her body. While she soaked, Olivia nibbled on warm slices of toast dripping with butter and jam. By the time Minerva had toweled her dry Olivia was swaying with exhaustion. She stumbled to her bed, collapsing across the softness and was asleep before Minerva could cover her with the blankets.
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Professor Snape moved along the empty corridor, the mid-afternoon sunlight slanting over the worn carpets that lay along the stone floor. The breeze of Snape's passing caused diamond-bright funnel clouds of dust to sparkle amid the yellow beams. Low murmuring accompanied the professor on his way. The sound of children's voices underscored by the lower, calmer voice of teachers was a music Professor Snape had never thought of as being lovely. Now, making his way towards Dumbledore's tower, the lanky wizard could admit to himself that the tune was one he would have missed.
Pausing before the stone gargoyle, Snape pondered the confectionery possibilities for the current password. As he was about to speak the grinning beast swung to one side and Snape was pulled into the headmaster's bony embrace.
An hour later, Professor Snape stepped from the fireplace into his dungeon chambers brushing soot and wood chips from his robe. The house elves had been busy since the headmaster alerted them of Snape's return. The chamber was clean and new tapers glowed yellow in their stands. A tray of sandwiches sat on a side table near the wizard's favorite chair. The fire through which he had arrived took the damp chill from the air.
The room welcomed him back with understated grace. It was the comfort and familiarity, which Snape craved that the chamber offered in abundance. There were his books, his carefully organized desk, the glass-fronted cabinets holding potions created by his hand. This was his home.
It felt good to be home.
Snape shrugged the heavy robe from his shoulders, carefully smoothing the material before hanging it on the brass hook by the door. Striding across the room, the dark professor entered his bedchamber to find the candles and the fire lit here as well. Snape was pleased to find the bedchamber occupied.
Cat crouched in the middle of bed, a tabby island floating upon a green brocade sea. The animal's eyes were tightly shut, the furry face clenched in blissful contentment as the tom's massive front paws kneaded the fabric. The wizard observed the cat for a moment before crossing the room and speaking sharply, "Sir! You have enjoyed the run of these chambers long enough. I have returned. Your vacation is ended."
Cat's eyes flew open as he sprang to his feet, back arched high, fur bristling. It took but a moment for Cat to recognize the intruder as 'the missing one' and launch himself across the bed, straight into Snape's arms. The potions master was slightly amazed by the feline display of emotion, but he carried the rumbling animal into the sitting room and sat before the fire. Cat would insist on butting Snape's chin with his forehead and smearing joyful slobber across the stiff fabric of the professor's shirt. Snape worked his long fingers deep into the soft fur, increasing the ecstatic purrs, causing the entire bundle of hair to quake.
"You have been making yourself quite at home since I last saw you, yes?" Snape inquired. Cat gnawed upon an available digit his claws digging deeper into the fine black broadcloth of Snape's jacket. "So, did you miss me?" The low velvet of Snape's voice caressing the cat as surely as his hands. Planting a dry kiss between the pointed ears the wizard whispered, "I have missed you, too."
~~*~~
Dressed in his customary teacher's robes, Professor Severus Snape crossed the deserted entrance hall towards the doors leading to the Great Hall. While he was not considered a big eater, the professor had kept to his chambers the previous evening, not bothering over food and now his stomach rumbled pleasantly at the prospect of a Hogwarts breakfast. He could hear the bedlam through the thick wooden panels and for a brief moment considered returning to his rooms and having the house elves deliver his meal there. No need in putting it off any longer than necessary, Snape acknowledged to his self. He would have to face the stares and whispers soon enough. Hopefully this, like many other events in the lives of Hogwart's inhabitants would fade in time. At least the little snots were too frightened to question him directly. His hand rested on the massive brass knob and taking a deep breath, Professor Snape thrust both doors wide and strode into the huge chamber.
He was half way across the hall when he realized the only sound in the room was that of his boot heels striking the hard stone floor. He stopped.
As if pulled by a single hand the entire student body rose from their benches and faced the potions master. From the Slytherin table came a cry. "Welcome back, Professor Snape!"
And from every throat there came a cheer. To be truthful, not all were as lusty and full as the Slytherin offering, but each student participated none the less.
Feeling the heat rise from his collar Professor Snape raised his eyes to the head table. Dumbledore stood with the other teachers, hands clapping a delighted smile peeking from the snowy fall of his beard. As he caught the look sent by his potions master, Dumbledore shrugged good-naturedly as if to say, "It wasn't my idea."
Nodding briefly to the students, Snape made his way to the teacher's table and took his usual seat. The cheering died away and the students returned to their meals, but over his coffee the dark-haired wizard could see the looks that were sent his way. For some reason, it touched Snape that most of them were happy ones.
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By unspoken agreement, Olivia and Severus avoided one another in the weeks following their return to Hogwarts. Both witch and wizard were troubled by thoughts neither felt comfortable sharing with anyone. Olivia had spent a great deal of time with Minerva telling her adoptive mother of the days in London, the inquest along with a much edited version of her time in the London underground. Images of that night still haunted Olivia and she would not allow herself to burden her mother with further worries. The troubled young woman took what comfort Minerva offered all the while wishing that the arms holding her so tenderly were attached to a different Hogwarts professor.
Her interview with Albus Dumbledore had been more traumatic but less emotional. Carrying with her the scroll freeing Sirius Black from the life of a fugitive, she stepped into the headmaster's office. "You will be able to contact him better than I." She stated, taking a chair before the fire. Olivia refused the tea and candies offered, instead she took Dumbledore's hand in both of hers.
Coolly, Olivia had recounted the details of her stay in Voldemort's company. Each and every word spoken by the serpent-demon and the goddess had been dragged out of her mind by the headmaster's carefully worded questions. Not a tear fell during the interview. Olivia felt as if someone else were telling the horrible tale, that once more she was simply the observer. When she finally quitted Dumbledore's tower in the early hours of the morning Olivia was drained. Albus' face was gray as he watched Olivia glide down the moving staircase to the outer hall. The old wizard's heart was breaking, knowing what lay ahead for Olivia.
And for Severus.
Olivia had observed Severus covertly over the past several days. She watched him stride to his classes, black robes billowing seductively about his lean form. If she chanced upon him in the teacher's lounge, Olivia would take a seat a polite distance from his and while grading papers, would devour him with her gaze. He looked fit, despite what he had endured. The color in his face, while never glowing, looked healthy. His eyes when they chanced to meet hers were bright and deep.
Of course there were times when they could not avoid interacting with each other. While dining in the great hall, the two would carry on benign conversation covering the weather and possible odds for upcoming Quidditch matches. If they chanced to pass in the corridors, Olivia would offer up a smile and a polite 'good-day' to which Severus would respond in like manner. During her daily runs, an activity Olivia had returned to immediately upon waking that first morning, she would often times come upon the black form gliding down one of the many corridors of the school and with a polite nod, they would pass each other by.
Olivia ached longingly for the dark and brooding wizard. At night she fought against a desire to race to the dungeons and throw herself into his arms. There was not doubt in her heart or mind that she deeply loved Severus. However, there were many things she had to explain to her own satisfaction before she could confront the professor in the dungeons.
What to tell Severus? He deserved to know the entire truth, Olivia reasoned. She would be able to hold nothing from him. The bond they shared would betray her and she would tell all that she knew of the goddess and her plans for the unsuspecting wizard. Olivia trembled as she imagined Severus' reaction.
For Snape's part, he appreciated the space and time Olivia allowed for him to settle back into the routine of his existence. He was deeply grateful that she proved to be unlike other women he had observed in his life. They would have most likely been in his chambers the first night, making demands, wanting to alter; attempting to remove those things about himself that were deemed unlovely and therefore, removable. Olivia kept her distance and Severus flowed once more into the machinery that was Hogwarts.
It was not that he relished their separation. Far from it! He followed her passage with eyes hooded, lest they betray his desire. To see her on a regular basis, to hear the sweet tones of her voice in a soft "good-day", to watch her hands as they lifted a chilled goblet to those softest of lips, brought upon the wizard a most delicious suffering! He was not unaware of Olivia's perusal of his own form when she thought him engrossed in an activity. Many times were his eyes lifted to find those bright green orbs fixed solidly on his person. Snape recognized the passion, the keenness of feeling, the depths of affection, for they were his own.
The saturnine wizard pondered long upon the nature of his attraction for Miss McGonagall. There had been very few women in Snape's life but he had never actually missed the company of a female. Yes, there were those times when physical need drove him to Knockturn Alley and into the arms of the talented witches working there, but outside of the occasional whore, he had not longed for the company of any woman.
Until now.
It was as if she had fed him a potion, voiced a spell, worked some enchantment that pulled at his heart until he felt the organ would burst from his chest to seek Olivia out on its own. He could not understand the depth of his need for her and it troubled him greatly.
What WAS it about Olivia Honoria McGonagall that pulled at him like the moon pulled upon the seas? She was not beautiful in the classical sense. Well, Snape snorted to himself, that could be said for his form as well. But at least HE was grounded in reality while SHE flitted and floated, joked and jabbed. Never a serious moment! Always laughing. Touching. Picking at him with her eyes like some pesky little pixie! She should be locked up in a box!
Yes, locked in a box. And stored away.
Stored away in his chambers where she could bedazzle him day and night with her presence.
It was with pleased surprise that Severus untied the roll of parchment from about the owl's leg one morning two weeks after his return to the castle. He recognized Olivia's precise hand and sat at his desk to read.
Dear Severus,
I have missed you. I believe I am ready to tell you of my time in Voldemort's company. It will not be a lovely tale. Will you meet me tonight in my chambers after you have finished torturing students with detention? Owl me directly.
Olivia
P.S. Bring lots of tissues.
Without hesitation Severus penned a short reply and tied it to the leg of the patiently waiting owl. As it made its way to the upper reaches of the castle, the potions master walked into his bed chamber to select his robes for the day. The bed covers shivered and rolled. "Mewrp?" came a muffled voice.
"Up, lad! Up! I want this day started and done with soon." Severus informed the lump sliding towards the edge of the bed.
"Tonight I have a date."
TBC
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Ok, it HAS been a while but I am REALLY, really working on this. I promise.
Whew! I am so glad they finally made it home, aren't you? Now, we can get down to some serious business.
The line about altering and removing should be painfully obvious to anyone who took high school English.
Did I tell you I finally got the new Snape Action Figure? He is a cutie. Looks more like Alan than the last one. I can hardly wait for the movie.
Please review. I want to hear from as many of you as I can. I love your feed back and ideas. I use some of them if they are in line with the story.
Also, I will not be updating until Oct. 31, 2002. So that will give you a break from checking. I will try to always give you a new date each time I post.
Oh, something else. My SISTER has taken it upon herself to NOT be home tonight so I am going to upload this sans beta. If any of you have a problem with spelling or any such stuff, take it up with HER!!
See you on Halloween.