Sunna's side7 gallery (http: //www .side7. com /cgi-bin /S7SDB /Archive .pl?ANO =7113 ) has the best Snape pics I've seen. Plus A few pics from my fic! So just take out the spaces and check it out now!! Well fine then, after you read the chapter. (The pic, run_hide Is censored. I didn't see until I finished this chapter but it looks like I ripped the flashback at the beginning, right from the pic. I recommend checking it out too, even though it has nothing to do with me. The rating is for blood and I was not bothered by it so…)
Buckle is a very interesting word. It means: to fasten together BUT it can also mean: to fall apart
Chapter Thirty-nine:
Memories flickered past.
///Night, cold air and hot sweat.///
'Things are different this time,' he tried to tell himself.
///Fighting for the other's life and his own existence.///
'Moody isn't after me and I'm not here to defend him. I'm here to help Lupin teach the class.'
///Running down alleys, dodging Aurors, hell bent on revenge for their fallen comrades, not aware that he was on their side.///
But with each breath the skinlette stretched tight against his chest and he was acutely aware of the Auror, 'Retired Auror,' he corrected, though it made no difference.
Lupin had not been expecting this, 'When Albus said that he had a Garom uniform I thought he meant a few pieces. Not a complete suit!' He cleared his throat and tried to hide his excitement, "Ah, please note that, as per tradition, the pants and shirt are Elven-grey in color and resemble Muggle fashion. This is to allow for the acrobatic style of combat that Garoms most commonly employed. They of course fought without wands and so developed their own rules of engagement. The tears in the fabric of the shirt and pants are actually required by law. It was made a global standard in Fourteen-twenty-five that any Garom in possession of a Skinlette must clearly display it at all times."
Lupin then pointed out the shimmering fabric of the Skinlette, explaining that it was impervious to physical attack. "And as you can see, because of the holes in the outer garments, the Skinlette covers only from the elbows to the knees. It is a single piece and has no closures or fasteners. Once it is on, only the wearer can remove it. It is unknown if this atribute continued after death. No Garom was ever captured and held long enough to tell. They always returned for their own."
The false Snape tried not to squirm while being put on display. Over everything else, he wore a leather harness that wound tightly around his legs, chest, arms, and ended with a collar around his neck, and the many buckles and studs on the harness caught the light and flashed when he moved.
Rather uncomfortably Remus glossed over the harness saying only that it was a sign that the original owner had been "- an active combat specialist." and "-most likely had died in battle." A pair of fingerless gloves and soft-soled boots completed the peculiar ensemble.
Remus finished his monologue with a quick barb at the not-quite-Snape's expense, "The one eyed look was not especially popular, as it impaired depth perception and peripheral vision." Alastor, Albus and Remus were the only ones to laugh, openly, there were several (Harry and Ron being only two) who snickered softly, behind their hands.
"Gentlemen?" Lupin said stepping off of the mat, "Please take your places." He looked to the other Snape taking a second to verify that his eyes were blue, "If you would demonstrate defensive moves," he turned to face Alastor, "And I think a few mild hexes are all we need to start with today."
Lupin kept up a running commentary as the combatants faced each other and took up fighting stances.
"Professor Moody has chosen to begin with the traditional Aurors 'ready' stance. Note how his narrower robe does not impede his range or freedom of motion. This is due to a rather innovative use of Wizard's Space charms."
Alastor stood, left foot forward with his weight carefully balanced so that he could dodge right or left swiftly.
"He is keeping his non-wand arm higher than would be proper for dueling, so that the armor plating can be used to block if needed. Professor Snape on the other hand is in the traditional Garom pose."
To Harry and Hermione it looked as though Snape was ready to engage in some form of Muggle martial arts combat rather than a Wizard's duel. They exchanged surprised looks when Remus continued.
"The Garom style of fighting is loosely based on a method developed in Japan and practiced by an elite group of fighting Wizards known as Ninja."
Moody obliged by firing off a rapid series of binding charms and weakening hexes, most of which were taught in the Fourth and Fifth years. The spells glanced off of what seemed to be an invisible shield in front of the grey clad professor. Flares of blue and white washed over him without hitting their mark.
Lupin was explaining the exact effect of each charm and giving examples of when a good time to use such a charm would come up. There was nothing that could really be said about the defender's actions, he was just standing there bringing his arms up when Moody loosed a spell.
Then Alastor began to slowly circle to the left and as 'Snape' moved to match him Remus faltered in his commentary.
"Uh, guys?" The hexes were rapidly becoming curses and the sparring Wizards were beginning to egg each other on.
"Been out of practice too long Moody?"
"Wouldn't want to hurt Albus' precious Potion Master, they're hard to come by."
Lupin raised his voice a bit, "Hey, come on they don't learn that one till Sixth year Moody. This is supposed to be an illustration that they can copy."
He was sticking to defensive action as he had been instructed but there was a warmth, spreading out from his chest and as Alastor threw more at him it only spread further. "That's all right. I'm sure the kiddies would be happy to listen to tales of what you used to be able to do," he sneered. When Moody sent out a particularly nasty curse (designed to cause painful muscle spasms) rather than blocking it, he dropped and rolled forward and right, jumping to his feet, considerably closing the gap.
Moody watched as his curse sailed past where the 'look-alike' had been and saw it get stopped by the protective barrier around the mat. Then he had to adjust his strategy, as there was no longer as much room to maneuver. "Didn't like the looks of that one?" Alastor grinned, madly. "Well I have a few that you might like better." He advanced behind a string of more powerful and more dangerous curses.
Deflecting the attacks caused showers of sparks that blinded him to the other Wizard's movements. He could vaguely feel Moody getting closer but the shielding was interfering with his spatial awareness.
Albus watched as the wandless defense demonstration degraded into a veiled Retired Auror/Former Death Eater pissing contest. 'Alastor I hope you're not planning what I think you're planning,' his hand sought the handle of his wand. 'We were not able to undo the imbedded training, he'll take you before I can stop him.'
When Moody made it to within an arm's reach of the younger Professor he surprised everyone by suddenly swinging a haymaker that would have knocked anyone else into unconsciousness (and the Critical Care wing of the nearest medical center.)
Without thinking, the false Snape dropped into a tight, backward handspring and came up in a low crouch, one leg extended. He quickly spun as though to trip Moody, who was already pulling back, but as he came around he launched himself into the air. Thrusting his hands forward, wrists together fingers splayed, creating a shock wave that caught Alastor in the chest, badly winding him. He landed smoothly and cocked his head to the side, unevenly eyeing the fallen man through his greasy black hair.
Sensing that the display was at an end Lupin stepped back onto the mat. "I would like to draw your attention to the fact that though the shielding that Professor Snape used was able to block several advanced curses," he looked sternly at Moody as the older Wizard got to his feet. "It was not an effective defense against the physical attack. The purely defensive shield did however prove to be an effective weapon when given force." He turned to glare at the fraud at the other end of the mat.
Chapter Forty:
The students were paired off and for the next half-hour took turns alternately using mild stunning charms and attempting to block them. Harry and Ron spent equal time on the floor, they had been paired with Ravenclaws, but Draco's partner didn't stand a chance. He loudly proclaimed this to anyone listening and earned himself a speech from Professor Lupin on the importance of not being over-confident.
"…And as you saw when Professor Moody thought that he had a sure victory, your Head of House pulled that little trick out of his hat and caught Moody off guard. Finite Incatatum," Lupin released Neville from the stunner Draco had put on him, and moved on to correct a Huffelpuff on his flick.
As soon as the Professor was busy Draco stunned Neville again.
Dumbledore watched from his seat as Alastor and Remus moved about the room advising and correcting various students. He had been troubled when it looked as though Moody had bitten off more than he could chew, but when the fight had ended so abruptly… "Severus," he called softly, "You weren't trying to slip out, were you?"
Letting his hand fall from the doorknob he resigned himself to whatever Albus had in store for him next. "No, I always skulk about exiting and entering rooms when no one is looking." He met the Headmaster's eye, "I find it helps keep the troublemakers on their toes."
With a slight smile Dumbledore asked if he meant troublemakers or Gryffindors? Before he could reply Albus continued, "Speaking of Gryffindors, Young Mister Longbottom seems to be spending an inordinate amount of time on his back." He steered the reluctant Potions Master back toward the Dueling mat with a gentle smile and a hand hovering over his shoulder. "Perhaps you could offer some advice?"
Without really consenting, he stalked over to where Neville lay, spread-eagled on his back. "Mister Longbottom, is there anything that you do well?"
Neville could only stare straight up, and be very thankful that there were so many witnesses around.
"Mister Malfoy, release him." He stepped back to give Neville room to stand. He again addressed Draco, "I am sure that you know a more effective spell than Petrificus?" Draco grinned slyly and nodded, "Then take your position and lets try again."
Neville now had the full attention of his Potions Master plus Draco Malfoy and everyone else in the room was quickly becoming aware of something going down.
The fake had been carrying his robe draped over one arm; he pulled it on but did not fasten it. As he moved, it fluttered and flared more like black sea billows than a common Potions Robe. With light steps he circled the dueling partners, "Watch your opponent Malfoy," he snapped catching the Slytherin following him with his eyes. "Longbottom you are failing because you are a failure. That is the simplest way of putting it."
"What is he-" Remus started forward to break into the tableau, but the Headmaster stopped him with a raised hand.
"This is not the time for a Gryffindor charge, Remus," Dumbledore sagely cautioned.
"Mister Longbottom, what is the exact spell that Mister Malfoy is planning to inflict upon you?" his sideways look was rather unsettling and Neville had to look away before answering.
"I don't know, sir"
While Neville was looking away he stepped around behind the tense boy and spoke softly into his ear. "Then it shouldn't matter, should it?"
Neville could not move, Snape leaning over his shoulder, and whispering in his ear, was not something that could possibly bode well for his future. 'Draco is gonna hex me bad and Snape is almost touching me! Wait- what did he say? It shouldn't matter!?' "I—don't understand, sir."
"This is your real problem. If you can get this…" He looked up and caught Draco's eye, "Mister Longbottom, hold up your hand." He placed his hand beside Neville's and extended his own arm, Neville dazedly following suit. "Good. Now close your eyes." He waited for a sign from Draco that his instruction had been followed. "Spread your feet so that one is leading and rest your weight slightly more on it."
Neville could feel a few buckles and straps pressing into his back as Snape pushed him forward, and the hushed noises of the people watching echoed in his ears, but slowly everything began to fade. He could almost feel Draco standing in front of him. He felt the hex building up, felt the release, and when the spell finally came, the impact pushed him back. His weight shifted but he was able to keep on his feet. Opening his eyes he was just in time to catch Snape slipping out the door.
~
There was just time enough to get back to their Common Rooms drop off their school bags and get back to the Great Hall for the evening meal. Harry Ron and Aidan were waiting for Hermione; she had dropped her bag (when a Slytherin girl pushed past her) and was scrambling to collect her things.
"You guys just go on ahead I'll just be a sec," she called to them, gathering up the last of her papers.
"Hermione?" someone quietly called her from behind.
Turning she noticed that Neville was standing apart from the mass-exodus, "Yah Neville?"
"I know Harry and Ron are probably waiting for you outside, but I have a question and I think you could help me." He looked at his shoes and gave such an overall impression of pitiful helplessness that she couldn't tell him no.
"What is it?" she got serious and took a seat so that she could give him her undivided attention.
He waited for a small group of girls to pass, "Hermione, do you know anything about a drug called Heroin?"
She did a mental double take, "Heroin? Like the narcotic?"
He nodded, "I have been trying to research it but all that I can find are potions that are illegal to trade on the Muggle market because they resemble the drug Heroin. And since you're parents are Muggles… I thought you might have heard of it."
"Well, at the Muggle school I attended before I got my Hogwarts notice we had a special program where we learned about the difference between good drugs, that a doctor gives, and the bad drugs that people take because they want to get high. Why do you want to know about Heroin?" she scrunched her nose trying to anticipate his answer.
"I uh, sort of, know someone who uses it."
She gasped, "Who?" he just shook his head and said he couldn't say. "Neville you need to get your friend help. Heroin is really dangerous. If he keeps on taking it he'll get real sick and- And he'll end up getting skeletally thin and depressed and sick and- looking as bad as Professor Snape before he dies." Neville's head jerked up at that, "Yah it gets that bad," she looked worried as she headed for the door. "Neville if this friend of yours doesn't get help, he'll die."
They were the last ones to leave the room, "I'll talk to him Hermione and, thanks."
~
Hermione caught up with Neville again after dinner, "Aren't you going to come to the tower?" she asked as he headed away from the shortest path to Gryffindor Tower. 'Or he could be going to talk to that friend of his. I so hope he doesn't think I'm trying to be nosy about that,' she blushed slightly.
"Nah," he called back, "I've got some things to look up in the library." With a glance back, and a forced grin, he added, "I have a pass, and I am not turning in another blank page next Wednesday."
With Miss Pince's help, Neville found the book he was after. It was huge and dusty and old and it was also the only book that contained any real information about a subject that was usually not spoken of.
The caption at the head of the page said that the definition of a term in bold print could be had by tapping the word in question with the tip of a wand.
~~~During the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries no Wizard of consequence would be without a Garom (see color plate 29) by his side.
Garoms were victims of the only time in Wizard history that we, as a race, kept slaves. They were used for everything from personal bodyguards to assassins. What we now think of as the traditional Garom Harness (a sketching of a set of straps and buckles similar to the ones Snap had worn, appeared for a brief moment) was worn only during this brief time, and signified that the wearer was trained to kill at its own discretion.
Indiscriminate, or forced breeding (breeding combinations of creatures, Beings or Beasts that were not of the free will of the creatures being combined) to enhance traits that were considered fashionable, eventually led to a critical breakdown in their gene pool. As their gene pool deteriorated they became unstable. In the year Fifteen-forty-one a massive international effort was made to euthanize the remaining Garom population.
It was not a wholly successful venture and we should all be glad of that. A link was found in the year Fifteen-sixty-five, between Garoms and the perpetuation of magic from one generation of Wizards to the next. The magic that we all possess is actually a watered down version of the energy that they produce.
No pure Garoms have occurred since the time of The Great Devastation, (The period between fifteen-forty-two to fifteen-seventy; so called because the rate of Squib births to Wizard parents was drastically higher than that of Carriers who inherited the Magic from their parents. The disparity was to such an extent that the Wizarding race was threatened.)
Some families took drastic measures to protect their Garom tainted blood by carefully arranging their children's marriages. Those families have over time become known as purebloods (They attempted to, through selective marriages, to pass on the trace Garom blood that they carried. Because of their efforts enough of the Garom blood has survived through the years that the Wizarding race still has inborn Manna as its primary trait.). Some still practice control over their children's choice of spouse so as to keep their family blood lines strong.~~~
'We almost destroyed ourselves?' Neville closed the book and carefully returned it to its place on the shelf. He glanced at the clock, 'Can't put it off forever, and there is a reason I was sorted into Gryffindor. I just need to talk to Professor Snape about his drug problem.' It didn't sound like a very good way to start the weekend.