In One Spirit - Chapter 17
The darkness twined and twisted about his senses tempting him to luxuriate in the exuberant lavishness of raw, destructive carnality. Cravings clawed at his entrails eager to be recognized and released. Voldemort clamped chains of his making around the burgeoning clamor. Slowly, his body was healing becoming once more a fine instrument instead of a lifeless vessel. His mind and senses were getting sharper, too. But he had to maintain control, always control. It would not do to be hasty. His decision to confront James and Lily Potter had been an impulsive, angry gesture. His decision to kill all of them was not well thought out. He could have used the child as bait for the old man. Or held mother and child for ransom as Snape had suggested so strongly and, in hindsight, so wisely.
He would not be reckless this time. He sipped his tea and perused the long list in front of him. The first item "Kill the boy" gave him pause. He really didn't have to kill him, he realized. His attempts to date had been failures. It would not do to dwell on failures. No, he simply had to remove him from his victory equation. The best way was to make Harry Potter of no account in this war. Remove him. Distract him. Make his involvement a moot, useless point. The old man had cleverly used the boy to get his attention and keep him from seeing the true prize - Hogwarts. Voldemort shook his head and said out loud "And I obliged you, old man, letting vengeance and hate get the better of me. I confess I fell for it. But this story shall have a different ending yet. I guarantee you that." He crossed off "Kill the boy" and wrote next to it "Take the boy out."
Voldemort took another sip and read his second item "Isolate Hogwarts." Under that were two three additional lines which said "Cut off or reduce resources and money", "Turn the Ministry from Hogwarts allies to Hogwarts obstacles" and "Discredit potential allies." Lucius had ably accomplished those two items. Lucius had also had a hand in his third item "Mislead the Ministry." Now that those two initiatives were underway it was time Lucius handed off those tasks to Macnair. Voldemort would need Lucius for his fourth item - "Break into Azkaban." Underneath this item he had written "Find Sirius Black" and "Deal with the Queen of Dementors."
Pouring himself another cup of coffee from the carafe, he checked over items five, six and seven. All three were assigned to Severus Snape. They were listed as "Make new friends", "Find a cure" and "Secure leverage." These three were vital and formed the three points of his strategy. Executed flawlessly these three alone assured him near total victory. Under five he read "New Mark" and added below that "Valde Commendus." There were several scratch outs under number 6 "Find a Cure." Crossed off were "Consula Econtra" and "Use Demon" and "Regenerate body." He added in capital letters "NEARLY DONE." He looked at item seven and added a new subordinate item "Get to know the Grangers" right under "Get into the chamber again" and "Turn the Dursleys."
He was now down to item eight "Survival Plan." This was assigned to Wormtail. Several items had already been checked or crossed off like "New identity", "New location" and "Investments." Unlike the last time he was prepared for the worst. During all his years in exile, he had dissected his failures the first time around. The most glaring mistake had been the lack of a suitable escape plan. Well, not this time. If things did not go as planned and he could not take the old man down into hell with him then he intended to survive in relative comfort and safety. He would bide his time until the old man was finally rotting in his grave and maggots used his skull for a playground.
Item nine he had assigned to himself. It was three words and four syllables "Find the traitors." He had known for some time that the old man had his own spies and sources. While he knew it wasn't one of his own inner retinue of loyal Death Eaters, there were still the wider pool of his followers' families and acquaintances. It would only be a matter of time until all the turncoats, both innocent and guilty, would be uncovered and dealt with. The new mark would ensure the loyalty of his future followers. Eventually, the traitors would make a mistake and he would be there to make sure that their regret was felt a thousand fold for a very, very long time. Betrayal would be awarded with pain beyond imagining for longer than anyone could possibly imagine. And after all that, then he would exact his true and final vengeance.
Item ten on the list was new. Voldemort had added it yesterday. It simply said "Rewards for Severus." Underneath that item were two boldly curving questions marks. He had been thinking about this for two days now and he was no closer to an answer. Family? Wealth? Fame? Recognition? Respect? There had to be something suitable. He'd find something sooner or later.
Voldemort put the list and quill down next to his breakfast tray. He shrank the list down and secreted it in a hidden pocket of his vest. He checked his appearance in the mirror. His face was now normal. The extra sleep the last two nights had done the trick. His eyes were once more a vivid green. His hair had grown back, still short, but serviceable. His short beard had grown in giving him a kindly, distinguished appearance. Round, gray tinted glasses completed the look. Dressed muggle style in a black vest, blue tie, dark blue shirt, tan overcoat and khakis, he could easily have been mistaken for an academic or, at the very least, a casually dressed businessman. He tucked his wand in his vest and doffed a stiff brimmed fedora. His skin was still unusually sensitive to direct sunlight despite his experiments with sun blocking lotions. He made a quick mental note to consult with Severus about the matter. In a blink of an eye, he had vanished from the farmhouse. He appeared in the Notting Hill district a short distance away from the new office. He was a few minutes early for the meeting with the realtor and Wormtail. It was a fine day might as well take advantage of it, he thought.
- * -
Demos opened his eyes. Even opening his eyes took effort. His eyelids were heavy as stones. Slowly, he experimented with stretching his body from the compact fetal position it had been in all night. The experiment as experiments go was a dismal failure. It was not done smoothly. His arms and legs jerked and twitched as if they were not receiving the commands of his mind quickly enough or in the right sequence. He flexed his fingers. He watched intently as his fingers curled into a fist far more slowly than normal. However he did succeed in rolling over on to his back. He tried to phase but a sharp stabbing pain in his head stopped his further attempts. The stinging pain didn't stop at his forehead. The stings cut into his eyes the longer he kept them open. He noticed something else. He put his palm to his chest. He could feel heat radiating off his skin. He could also feel air coming up his nose and down into his chest. This was something new, he thought. He wanted to stand up but his body and mind were not cooperating with each other. His body ached everywhere. His mind was surrendering to the daggers of pain now centered on his forehead. Sleep and rest, it seemed, were the only things both his mind and body agreed on. So he closed his eyes and drifted off to a dreamless sleep.
- * -
The wizards had been at their task for over three hours but their concentration was still as deep and intense as when they had begun. Three voices rose and fell together. Their skill evident as they accentuated each low deliberate intonation and phrase. One magician swished and flicked his wand emitting sparks in time keeping all to the same rhythm. Another sorcerer declared the invocation again and again without fail. The last enchanter casted the necessary spells on each and every battle wand arrayed in ordered rows on the gray armory floor.
As the ritual was completed on the last wand, Professor Flitwick, Mr. Flamell and Mr. Ollivander said the last phrases as one. "Magna vis veritatis mecum porto. Agnosco veteris esse alterum semel emissum!" With these last words, shafts of light left the wizards' raised wands enveloping the battle wands in a red hazy glow. The sigils on the battle wands flared crimson once then each sigil transformed to a shiny metallic finish.
Flitwick leaned against a wall breathing heavily. His wide exultant smile belied his weariness. Nicholas Flamell breathed in deeply flexing a numb wand arm too long held in one position. Flavius Ollivander returned his wand back into his pocket.. On shaky legs, he thumped the dungeon door three times before sliding down to sit on the floor massaging his aching temples.
Mr. Filch came in followed by Professor McGonagall. The headmistress held a tray of drinks. Each exhausted wizard gratefully took a glass of pumpkin juice as did McGonagall and Filch. "Well, at least the place is still standing." Filch observed. "So, when can we use 'em?"
"Soon enough, Mr. Filch. My son will be including the holsters in the next shipment." Ollivander turned to the head of Gryffindor house. "I didn't thnk you'd be around this morning."
"Better here than at the trustees meeting with Albus. I have little patience for bureaucrats and administrators however, well meaning." McGonagall replied helping Ollivander to his feet.
Flitwick raised his glass in a toast. "To a job well done, everyone."
"Here, here," added Ollivander clinking his glass against Professor McGonagall's own drink.
"I take it that someone shall take the time to record the entire ritual for posterity?" Said Flamell.
"No more trial and error." Filch said. "The castle can only take so much."
"I told you I'd get it right." Ollivander said in his own defense.
"Really, Argus, it's not like Flavius does this kind of thing every day." McGonagall added.
"I was out of practice. I did admit to that." Said the flustered wand maker.
"Yes, I remember you saying so, Flavius. You did indeed get it right." Flitwick could not resist teasing his old friend. "Eventually."
- * -
Seated on side tables, Walden Macnair nudged Lucius Malfoy before his eyelids drooped closed for the umpteenth time. As if on cue, William Douglas came by behind them and handed a goblet apiece to Macnair and Malfoy. Both drank deeply of the mixture of pumpkin juice and Pepper Up potion. As the potion began to awaken their sleep-deprived senses, the two Death Eaters nodded their thanks to the Minister's very helpful assistant. Douglas went around the center table placing a goblet in front of each trustee. The secretary general droned on enumerating the various sundry details of the proposed amendments.
From another side table across from Macnair and Malfoy, Albus Dumbledore sat bemused and docile on the surface but his eyes and ears missed little. Beside him, Sybil Trelawney took copious notes. She had nervously presented the school's quarterly brief and answered the trustees' questions ably. But two hours later her nervousness was past. In its place was well concealed but growing disgust. As the meeting wore on Hogwarts allotted budget shrank seemingly with each passing minute. Every trustee, save one, seemed to believe that Hogwarts could easily function with far less funds than the previous year. The headmaster and Professor McGonagall had warned her about what to expect but she hadn't believed either of them. Now she knew better.
Malfoy had been frankly dismissive when Dumbledore introduced her as substituting for the ever-busy Professor McGonagall. She could see where the younger Malfoy had learned to be so effortlessly callous and superior. She decided that she did not like Lucius Malfoy. Her estimation of him sank to even lower depths after Lucius persuasively argued against a release of new investment notes to cover Hogwarts' growing maintenance costs. Sybil had gripped her quill imagining that it was Malfoy's neck she was squeezing so tightly. She kept her expression calm and impassive as Dumbledore put up only token resistance during the ensuing debate. The trustees had voted against issuing new notes with one notable negative vote from Madame Genevieve Longbottom. One friend amidst a gallery of enemies, she thought.
- * -
Harry glanced at Hermione over the rim of his goblet of pumpkin juice at lunch. She seemed only mildly preoccupied. But there were signs that there was something going on with her. Something she wasn't saying. And her behavior this morning during potions class was, well, bizarre. Bossy, always. Stubborn, definitely. Outspoken, yes. But bizarre was not a label applicable to coolly, logical Hermione Granger. During potions class, Hermione's hands had trembled. She had attributed it to the dungeon's notorious chill but somehow Harry thought otherwise. He had casted a warming spell on her robes but her hands had continued to tremble despite her best efforts to still them. He tried to keep an eye on her but their potions assignment had been an intricate one. His own potion claimed most of his attention during class. He had even heard Neville prodding Hermione on the ingredients list. That was unheard of. A few times he had seen her covering her ears with her hands as if unwilling to listen to something. After class, she had bolted out of the dungeons saying that she had forgotten something in her room and would see them at their next class. Down the table, he saw that she looked as self-possessed and poised as she normally did. Both she and Neville would be at the strategy session and casting practice tonight. He'd make sure that he got to talk to each of them later on.
Hermione was completely unaware of the concerned glances aimed her way. Professor McGonagall had informed her that Madam Pomfrey had been absolutely against any visits to Professor Snape today. Why, she wouldn't say. Instead, Hermione would have a few minutes tomorrow. Hermione had put on another layer of clothes right after potions class. The classroom had been heavy with chilly historical resonances that made the hair on her arms stand on end. She had been treated to an audio explanation of various historical events that had happened in the room such as deaths, rebirths, transformations and the obligatory tortured soul. She realized Professor Snape's heavy, billowy robes were probably designed to keep his body heat in. She glanced at Neville and noticed that he was wearing new woolen robes as well. He'd gotten a package from his grandmother some weeks ago. Nice of them to warn me, she chided. Well, until she got used to things and Neville gave her the full tour, she would have to avoid the older portions of the castle. Hogwarts, A History had definitely left out a fact here and a fact there.
- * -
That night in the makeshift isolation ward, the potions master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry kept his acid comments to himself and meekly drank his medicine with no arguments or protests. The enforced rest had done him some apparent good. The bags under his eyes were gone. His eyes were brighter, more alert. His face had lost many of the tense lines and obvious stress of the last few years. But make no mistake he was still Severus Snape. Some things can't be changed only temporarily improved. All in all, Pomfrey could find no fault with her patient's behavior. To her mind Snape was being far too cooperative.
The headmaster followed by Nicholas Flamell, Professors McGonagall, Flitwick and Sprout and Mr. Ollivander came into his sick room. The others conjured some chairs for themselves. Snape made himself comfortable. Their weekly strategy meetings always ran long.
"So, how are you tonight, Severus?" asked the headmaster.
The nurse answered for him. "He's still under a great deal of pain medication and spells, Albus. He has flu-like symptoms headaches, aches and pains, a fever. It will be a few more days before he's released and only if his fever goes down. And, before you ask, Severus, you may not be transferred to your room. Here you are and here you will stay. Now, I'll be back in a few hours. I need to check in on Demos and the infirmary." With that the redoubtable nurse left.
Having all his tactics blocked by the very firm Pomfrey, Snape resigned herself to a few more days of enforced inactivity. He answered Dumbledore with "As you can see, I am in good hands." Professor McGonagall casted a Circle of Anomi and a recorder spell.
"Very well, then. Let's get started." Dumbledore faced the others. "The trustees' meeting was today. As expected there are more budget cuts. However, we did manage to sneak in the discretionary addendum as is. This gives myself and any head of house the authority to declare an emergency and close Hogwarts off completely."
"How completely?" asked Mr. Ollivander.
"No one gets in and no one gets out. The Ministry will not be able to control Hogwarts in any way." Dumbledore answered. "No one will be able to cross the wards of demarcation without our permission and knowledge. Unless great force and energy is employed, those wards should block any light forays that Voldemort may attempt."
"And we will be ready when he does deploy the majority of his forces," said Flitwick.
Snape spoke up. "The addendum did not specifically grant such scope to the authority, headmaster."
"Not by word but certainly by implication and intent," Dumbledore said. "It matters not. It was passed. Cera, let's start with you, please."
"My original estimate for the Tree of Blessings to be halfway to maturity was four months. I am happy to say that I have revised that estimate to two months. Full maturity will be in four months. Demos has been invaluable in communicating with the plant and determining the optimum growth media saving me weeks of trial and error. We would not be as far along were it not for his involvement." Professor Sprout said.
"Wonderful news, Cera!" said Flitwick.
"I have also begun cultivating a new tree using seeds from the first fruit. Before the start of next term, we should have two fully mature Trees of Blessing." Sprout continued. "As you know Siege and Defense will be doing the majority of the reconstruction work during this Christmas break. Sinistra and Filch are eager to get some real work done. Can the other teachers arrange diversions for the students remaining here so we can continue our work without prying eyes?"
"Logistics and Planning is on it, Cera." Answered McGonagall. "Sybil will be organizing several all day field trips to various sites in London and Glasgow. Student attendance will be mandatory."
"Yes, that will do. One more thing, Minerva, we're are once again short on storage space. The next food harvest is during the holiday break. This month's harvest is expected to be three times normal. Hagrid got a bit overzealous. I will therefore also need more house elves." Said Sprout.
"You'll get the extra elves and the extra room. I don't know where, but you'll get it." Said McGonagall.
"The buried dungeons, Minerva. Now that Malfoy has apparently stopped his testing, it should be a safe place." Snape said. "They are structurally sound. It should not take Filch and the Baron too long to make storage spaces."
"Fortunately, the thing that calls that place home doesn't eat food. Very well, please make those rooms ready. Severus." McGonagall complied.
"My report is done, Albus." Cera rolled up her notes.
"Filius, what do you have for us?" Dumbledore asked Flitwick directly.
"The centaurs will be building us several ballistas. Good negotiating done by Lenore and Hagrid on that one. All the wands in the armory have been enspelled as of this morning. Distribution and training will commence in a few days. I am expecting a full shipment of 100 wands sometime during the holiday. Thanks, Minerva, for finding the funds." Flitwick said.
"Thank Vector and whatever lucky gods have watched over him. Our discretionary fund has tripled due to his extra efforts." McGonagall supplied. "I will be adding another ten thousand pounds apiece to funds for Intelligence, Arms and Defense. I suggest you take advantage of my generosity now before I change my mind."
"Hooch has some ideas on using more exotic woods for the war brooms to curb their more negative tendencies. The extra funds will be well used. Also, Ms. Granger made a good suggestion for armor. She was telling me of a muggle material called Kevlar. I plan to order a vest and see how we can replicate it. The literature I've seen show that it could be just what I need. That's all for me." Flitwick said.
"Let me go next." Said Severus. "Our sources have verified an increase in Death Eater meetings - small affairs but more than last month. We have preliminary but confirmed evidence that Lucius has been active in university circles. However, none of his candidates have yet taken the mark. I also plan on changing our safe houses as soon as possible. The most troubling thing is Voldemort's intention to retrieve the Lestranges from Askaban. He said he plans to do so on or right before summer."
"The Lestranges are they still sane?" asked Flamell.
"Based on our last reports, they were considered marginally sane. Their hate keeps them sane, I suppose," Snape answered. "They know that the testimony used against them could only have come from me."
"We cannot take this information to the Ministry. Not only would they not believe it but it would expose our hand too soon," Dumbledore reasoned. "Unfortunately, we have no influence direct or indirect in Azkaban."
"It would be far easier if the Lestranges suddenly took ill and had to be transferred elsewhere. There are plenty of dungeons here." Said Mr. Ollivander.
"Feasible but not practical. Voldemort will be able to know that they were here through the dark mark." Snape explained. "There are safeguards in place to prevent substitution tricks from happening again."
"There are times that the most expedient means is the most effective." Commented Flamel. "Assassination must be considered an option."
"Not even as a last resort, Nicholas." Dumbledore cautioned. "We will find another way. What about the Valde Commendus?"
"Let us just say that I have some less harmful variations in mind." Snape did not volunteer any further information.
"Very well. If you have nothing else, Severus, let's move on. Minerva?" asked Dumbledore.
"Our investment funds are very healthy. I have asked Vector to slow down his activities. No reason for him to take unnecessary risks. We are pursuing a strategy of portfolio growth and diversification. This week Sybil and Hermione will be arranging staff training for the new transport system. The training will be mandatory. Rooms are ready for Arabella and Alastor whenever they deign to make an appearance. Does anyone else have any special requests?" McGonagall asked.
There were no takers. Dumbledore said "The last item is for you, Nicholas. Any progress on Severus' condition?"
"Success has been found in eliminating the artificial conditions that were accelerating the genetic process." Flamel explained. "But the genetic alteration continues. The progression, unfortunately, has reached the stage where radical treatment is discouraged and will have no effect good or bad."
The concern on the others' faces heightened. Snape looked pensive. He and Flamel had discussed his further treatment for the last few days. Snape had made his decision this morning. Flamel looked as him waiting. Snape nodded and turned to look at anything else but his colleagues and friends' faces.
"When I first reviewed Severus' case, I had several possible solutions in mind. After further study, I see that there is only one possibility open to Severus at this time. It is not a treatment that I would have advocated previously and not one that I suggest lightly." Flamel's voice now changed to lecture mode. "What we have is a condition that cannot be reversed and cannot be eradicated. The only recourse left is to arrest its further development. Genetics is not something that even the founders dabbled with. I must admit that while this unique case fascinates me it also reminds me that we, mortals, are not omnipotent, all knowing gods. We need time to fully study this and cannot rashly employ slapdash solutions. Therefore, as I have discussed with Severus, I propose to give him plenty of time."
Flamel stood up and walked over to Severus. He sat on a corner of the bed. "I will teach and assist Severus in making a Philosopher's Stone. One of the properties of the stone is the ability to place a biological body in a state of dynamic stasis. It will effectively freeze, on a tissue level, Severus' body in the state that it is in right now. He will not age. He will be relatively immune to most illness and disease. Casting dark spells will not incur the usual costs. But more importantly, the stone will keep the genetic activity in a perpetual loop, as it were. It will not progress further."
The room was silent and he continued. "Should the alteration continue, Severus will begin the line of Slytherin anew with his first offspring. We are all aware here of why that must not be."
Dumbledore added "Severus, what is your decision?"
"I choose time." Snape sat up straight and shook hands with Flamel. "The stone will be destroyed as soon as another cure is found. I have responsibilities to my line and that supercedes everything else. I do what I need to do."
"When, when will you make the stone and what will you need?" McGonagall asked.
"It will take at least a month, Minerva. Both Severus and I must rest completely beforehand." Said Flamel. "I will need an able assistant like a student to do many of the preliminary preparation. I have cancelled my plans to leave. My wife, Pernelle, has enjoyed fooling our neighbors in believing that I am still around there. She will have to more inventive a little while longer."
"I have just the assistant for you, Nicholas." McGonagall approached Severus' bed and talked to him in low tones while the conversation swirled around them.
"Doesn't the making of the stone gather attention, Nicholas?" Flitwick asked. "To certain sensitives it will be like seeing a fireworks display."
"Too true, Filius. It cannot be made quietly. Others will see the signs. If they know how to interpret the signs, they will know that a new stone has been made." Flamel admitted.
"Perhaps, the Room of Counsel will have sufficient shielding to keep the display to a small flicker," Sprout suggested.
"And we should arrange other diversions during that time to confuse the sensitives," Ollivander said. "Allow me to do so."
"I made the stone several hundred years ago. I have new theories and techniques to explore." Flamel said. "I think your idea regarding the Counsel Room is a correct one, Cera."
"Well, it has been a night!" said Dumbledore. His eyes had regained their normal twinkle now that a solution had been found. A solution whose permutations he was sure he would ponder long into the night. "Let us all get our rest, especially you Severus. I will talk to you in the morning."
They left Snape to rest while they traveled as a pack through the dungeon halls. In the Great Hall, they were met by an agitated Madam Pomfrey. "Thank Merlin! I was going to get you. Quickly, come with me. Something's wrong with Demos."
- * -
Author's Notes
Question: Has this plot gotten too convoluted? Or fantastic?
More of V's plans are revealed. These plans are now going to have conflict with Dumbledore's plans. Or will they? I know, I know yet more plot points and questions. I've been working on getting this one back on track while neglecting my other stories. But this looks like its in good shape once again.
The Latin phrases used by the three wizards loosely translated or is supposed to mean "Great is the power of truth that I carry within me. I recognize the vestige of my second self once released." Any translation and conjugation errors are entirely my own.
Azure - Absolutely right! I've kept an eye on run ons.
Stellar Snape - Your encouragement has meant a great deal.
Zephyrel - Readers are really getting into picking up the line here and there. Eagle-eyed one, I'll surprise you.
Troesnaja - Hope you like where I take Demos - where no shadow had gone before.
Mundungus42 - Well, all the research is paying off. I'm not good at dark angst so my fics tend to have humor. When it stops being a fun read, slap me.
Werecat - If you see anything amiss, let me know.
Semi Charmed - The SS/HG has been growing slower than grass. But I hope that this ch gives you several clues on where its going.
To all who have read and or reviewed - Thank you and I hope you keep enjoying the story.
mavidian
The darkness twined and twisted about his senses tempting him to luxuriate in the exuberant lavishness of raw, destructive carnality. Cravings clawed at his entrails eager to be recognized and released. Voldemort clamped chains of his making around the burgeoning clamor. Slowly, his body was healing becoming once more a fine instrument instead of a lifeless vessel. His mind and senses were getting sharper, too. But he had to maintain control, always control. It would not do to be hasty. His decision to confront James and Lily Potter had been an impulsive, angry gesture. His decision to kill all of them was not well thought out. He could have used the child as bait for the old man. Or held mother and child for ransom as Snape had suggested so strongly and, in hindsight, so wisely.
He would not be reckless this time. He sipped his tea and perused the long list in front of him. The first item "Kill the boy" gave him pause. He really didn't have to kill him, he realized. His attempts to date had been failures. It would not do to dwell on failures. No, he simply had to remove him from his victory equation. The best way was to make Harry Potter of no account in this war. Remove him. Distract him. Make his involvement a moot, useless point. The old man had cleverly used the boy to get his attention and keep him from seeing the true prize - Hogwarts. Voldemort shook his head and said out loud "And I obliged you, old man, letting vengeance and hate get the better of me. I confess I fell for it. But this story shall have a different ending yet. I guarantee you that." He crossed off "Kill the boy" and wrote next to it "Take the boy out."
Voldemort took another sip and read his second item "Isolate Hogwarts." Under that were two three additional lines which said "Cut off or reduce resources and money", "Turn the Ministry from Hogwarts allies to Hogwarts obstacles" and "Discredit potential allies." Lucius had ably accomplished those two items. Lucius had also had a hand in his third item "Mislead the Ministry." Now that those two initiatives were underway it was time Lucius handed off those tasks to Macnair. Voldemort would need Lucius for his fourth item - "Break into Azkaban." Underneath this item he had written "Find Sirius Black" and "Deal with the Queen of Dementors."
Pouring himself another cup of coffee from the carafe, he checked over items five, six and seven. All three were assigned to Severus Snape. They were listed as "Make new friends", "Find a cure" and "Secure leverage." These three were vital and formed the three points of his strategy. Executed flawlessly these three alone assured him near total victory. Under five he read "New Mark" and added below that "Valde Commendus." There were several scratch outs under number 6 "Find a Cure." Crossed off were "Consula Econtra" and "Use Demon" and "Regenerate body." He added in capital letters "NEARLY DONE." He looked at item seven and added a new subordinate item "Get to know the Grangers" right under "Get into the chamber again" and "Turn the Dursleys."
He was now down to item eight "Survival Plan." This was assigned to Wormtail. Several items had already been checked or crossed off like "New identity", "New location" and "Investments." Unlike the last time he was prepared for the worst. During all his years in exile, he had dissected his failures the first time around. The most glaring mistake had been the lack of a suitable escape plan. Well, not this time. If things did not go as planned and he could not take the old man down into hell with him then he intended to survive in relative comfort and safety. He would bide his time until the old man was finally rotting in his grave and maggots used his skull for a playground.
Item nine he had assigned to himself. It was three words and four syllables "Find the traitors." He had known for some time that the old man had his own spies and sources. While he knew it wasn't one of his own inner retinue of loyal Death Eaters, there were still the wider pool of his followers' families and acquaintances. It would only be a matter of time until all the turncoats, both innocent and guilty, would be uncovered and dealt with. The new mark would ensure the loyalty of his future followers. Eventually, the traitors would make a mistake and he would be there to make sure that their regret was felt a thousand fold for a very, very long time. Betrayal would be awarded with pain beyond imagining for longer than anyone could possibly imagine. And after all that, then he would exact his true and final vengeance.
Item ten on the list was new. Voldemort had added it yesterday. It simply said "Rewards for Severus." Underneath that item were two boldly curving questions marks. He had been thinking about this for two days now and he was no closer to an answer. Family? Wealth? Fame? Recognition? Respect? There had to be something suitable. He'd find something sooner or later.
Voldemort put the list and quill down next to his breakfast tray. He shrank the list down and secreted it in a hidden pocket of his vest. He checked his appearance in the mirror. His face was now normal. The extra sleep the last two nights had done the trick. His eyes were once more a vivid green. His hair had grown back, still short, but serviceable. His short beard had grown in giving him a kindly, distinguished appearance. Round, gray tinted glasses completed the look. Dressed muggle style in a black vest, blue tie, dark blue shirt, tan overcoat and khakis, he could easily have been mistaken for an academic or, at the very least, a casually dressed businessman. He tucked his wand in his vest and doffed a stiff brimmed fedora. His skin was still unusually sensitive to direct sunlight despite his experiments with sun blocking lotions. He made a quick mental note to consult with Severus about the matter. In a blink of an eye, he had vanished from the farmhouse. He appeared in the Notting Hill district a short distance away from the new office. He was a few minutes early for the meeting with the realtor and Wormtail. It was a fine day might as well take advantage of it, he thought.
- * -
Demos opened his eyes. Even opening his eyes took effort. His eyelids were heavy as stones. Slowly, he experimented with stretching his body from the compact fetal position it had been in all night. The experiment as experiments go was a dismal failure. It was not done smoothly. His arms and legs jerked and twitched as if they were not receiving the commands of his mind quickly enough or in the right sequence. He flexed his fingers. He watched intently as his fingers curled into a fist far more slowly than normal. However he did succeed in rolling over on to his back. He tried to phase but a sharp stabbing pain in his head stopped his further attempts. The stinging pain didn't stop at his forehead. The stings cut into his eyes the longer he kept them open. He noticed something else. He put his palm to his chest. He could feel heat radiating off his skin. He could also feel air coming up his nose and down into his chest. This was something new, he thought. He wanted to stand up but his body and mind were not cooperating with each other. His body ached everywhere. His mind was surrendering to the daggers of pain now centered on his forehead. Sleep and rest, it seemed, were the only things both his mind and body agreed on. So he closed his eyes and drifted off to a dreamless sleep.
- * -
The wizards had been at their task for over three hours but their concentration was still as deep and intense as when they had begun. Three voices rose and fell together. Their skill evident as they accentuated each low deliberate intonation and phrase. One magician swished and flicked his wand emitting sparks in time keeping all to the same rhythm. Another sorcerer declared the invocation again and again without fail. The last enchanter casted the necessary spells on each and every battle wand arrayed in ordered rows on the gray armory floor.
As the ritual was completed on the last wand, Professor Flitwick, Mr. Flamell and Mr. Ollivander said the last phrases as one. "Magna vis veritatis mecum porto. Agnosco veteris esse alterum semel emissum!" With these last words, shafts of light left the wizards' raised wands enveloping the battle wands in a red hazy glow. The sigils on the battle wands flared crimson once then each sigil transformed to a shiny metallic finish.
Flitwick leaned against a wall breathing heavily. His wide exultant smile belied his weariness. Nicholas Flamell breathed in deeply flexing a numb wand arm too long held in one position. Flavius Ollivander returned his wand back into his pocket.. On shaky legs, he thumped the dungeon door three times before sliding down to sit on the floor massaging his aching temples.
Mr. Filch came in followed by Professor McGonagall. The headmistress held a tray of drinks. Each exhausted wizard gratefully took a glass of pumpkin juice as did McGonagall and Filch. "Well, at least the place is still standing." Filch observed. "So, when can we use 'em?"
"Soon enough, Mr. Filch. My son will be including the holsters in the next shipment." Ollivander turned to the head of Gryffindor house. "I didn't thnk you'd be around this morning."
"Better here than at the trustees meeting with Albus. I have little patience for bureaucrats and administrators however, well meaning." McGonagall replied helping Ollivander to his feet.
Flitwick raised his glass in a toast. "To a job well done, everyone."
"Here, here," added Ollivander clinking his glass against Professor McGonagall's own drink.
"I take it that someone shall take the time to record the entire ritual for posterity?" Said Flamell.
"No more trial and error." Filch said. "The castle can only take so much."
"I told you I'd get it right." Ollivander said in his own defense.
"Really, Argus, it's not like Flavius does this kind of thing every day." McGonagall added.
"I was out of practice. I did admit to that." Said the flustered wand maker.
"Yes, I remember you saying so, Flavius. You did indeed get it right." Flitwick could not resist teasing his old friend. "Eventually."
- * -
Seated on side tables, Walden Macnair nudged Lucius Malfoy before his eyelids drooped closed for the umpteenth time. As if on cue, William Douglas came by behind them and handed a goblet apiece to Macnair and Malfoy. Both drank deeply of the mixture of pumpkin juice and Pepper Up potion. As the potion began to awaken their sleep-deprived senses, the two Death Eaters nodded their thanks to the Minister's very helpful assistant. Douglas went around the center table placing a goblet in front of each trustee. The secretary general droned on enumerating the various sundry details of the proposed amendments.
From another side table across from Macnair and Malfoy, Albus Dumbledore sat bemused and docile on the surface but his eyes and ears missed little. Beside him, Sybil Trelawney took copious notes. She had nervously presented the school's quarterly brief and answered the trustees' questions ably. But two hours later her nervousness was past. In its place was well concealed but growing disgust. As the meeting wore on Hogwarts allotted budget shrank seemingly with each passing minute. Every trustee, save one, seemed to believe that Hogwarts could easily function with far less funds than the previous year. The headmaster and Professor McGonagall had warned her about what to expect but she hadn't believed either of them. Now she knew better.
Malfoy had been frankly dismissive when Dumbledore introduced her as substituting for the ever-busy Professor McGonagall. She could see where the younger Malfoy had learned to be so effortlessly callous and superior. She decided that she did not like Lucius Malfoy. Her estimation of him sank to even lower depths after Lucius persuasively argued against a release of new investment notes to cover Hogwarts' growing maintenance costs. Sybil had gripped her quill imagining that it was Malfoy's neck she was squeezing so tightly. She kept her expression calm and impassive as Dumbledore put up only token resistance during the ensuing debate. The trustees had voted against issuing new notes with one notable negative vote from Madame Genevieve Longbottom. One friend amidst a gallery of enemies, she thought.
- * -
Harry glanced at Hermione over the rim of his goblet of pumpkin juice at lunch. She seemed only mildly preoccupied. But there were signs that there was something going on with her. Something she wasn't saying. And her behavior this morning during potions class was, well, bizarre. Bossy, always. Stubborn, definitely. Outspoken, yes. But bizarre was not a label applicable to coolly, logical Hermione Granger. During potions class, Hermione's hands had trembled. She had attributed it to the dungeon's notorious chill but somehow Harry thought otherwise. He had casted a warming spell on her robes but her hands had continued to tremble despite her best efforts to still them. He tried to keep an eye on her but their potions assignment had been an intricate one. His own potion claimed most of his attention during class. He had even heard Neville prodding Hermione on the ingredients list. That was unheard of. A few times he had seen her covering her ears with her hands as if unwilling to listen to something. After class, she had bolted out of the dungeons saying that she had forgotten something in her room and would see them at their next class. Down the table, he saw that she looked as self-possessed and poised as she normally did. Both she and Neville would be at the strategy session and casting practice tonight. He'd make sure that he got to talk to each of them later on.
Hermione was completely unaware of the concerned glances aimed her way. Professor McGonagall had informed her that Madam Pomfrey had been absolutely against any visits to Professor Snape today. Why, she wouldn't say. Instead, Hermione would have a few minutes tomorrow. Hermione had put on another layer of clothes right after potions class. The classroom had been heavy with chilly historical resonances that made the hair on her arms stand on end. She had been treated to an audio explanation of various historical events that had happened in the room such as deaths, rebirths, transformations and the obligatory tortured soul. She realized Professor Snape's heavy, billowy robes were probably designed to keep his body heat in. She glanced at Neville and noticed that he was wearing new woolen robes as well. He'd gotten a package from his grandmother some weeks ago. Nice of them to warn me, she chided. Well, until she got used to things and Neville gave her the full tour, she would have to avoid the older portions of the castle. Hogwarts, A History had definitely left out a fact here and a fact there.
- * -
That night in the makeshift isolation ward, the potions master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry kept his acid comments to himself and meekly drank his medicine with no arguments or protests. The enforced rest had done him some apparent good. The bags under his eyes were gone. His eyes were brighter, more alert. His face had lost many of the tense lines and obvious stress of the last few years. But make no mistake he was still Severus Snape. Some things can't be changed only temporarily improved. All in all, Pomfrey could find no fault with her patient's behavior. To her mind Snape was being far too cooperative.
The headmaster followed by Nicholas Flamell, Professors McGonagall, Flitwick and Sprout and Mr. Ollivander came into his sick room. The others conjured some chairs for themselves. Snape made himself comfortable. Their weekly strategy meetings always ran long.
"So, how are you tonight, Severus?" asked the headmaster.
The nurse answered for him. "He's still under a great deal of pain medication and spells, Albus. He has flu-like symptoms headaches, aches and pains, a fever. It will be a few more days before he's released and only if his fever goes down. And, before you ask, Severus, you may not be transferred to your room. Here you are and here you will stay. Now, I'll be back in a few hours. I need to check in on Demos and the infirmary." With that the redoubtable nurse left.
Having all his tactics blocked by the very firm Pomfrey, Snape resigned herself to a few more days of enforced inactivity. He answered Dumbledore with "As you can see, I am in good hands." Professor McGonagall casted a Circle of Anomi and a recorder spell.
"Very well, then. Let's get started." Dumbledore faced the others. "The trustees' meeting was today. As expected there are more budget cuts. However, we did manage to sneak in the discretionary addendum as is. This gives myself and any head of house the authority to declare an emergency and close Hogwarts off completely."
"How completely?" asked Mr. Ollivander.
"No one gets in and no one gets out. The Ministry will not be able to control Hogwarts in any way." Dumbledore answered. "No one will be able to cross the wards of demarcation without our permission and knowledge. Unless great force and energy is employed, those wards should block any light forays that Voldemort may attempt."
"And we will be ready when he does deploy the majority of his forces," said Flitwick.
Snape spoke up. "The addendum did not specifically grant such scope to the authority, headmaster."
"Not by word but certainly by implication and intent," Dumbledore said. "It matters not. It was passed. Cera, let's start with you, please."
"My original estimate for the Tree of Blessings to be halfway to maturity was four months. I am happy to say that I have revised that estimate to two months. Full maturity will be in four months. Demos has been invaluable in communicating with the plant and determining the optimum growth media saving me weeks of trial and error. We would not be as far along were it not for his involvement." Professor Sprout said.
"Wonderful news, Cera!" said Flitwick.
"I have also begun cultivating a new tree using seeds from the first fruit. Before the start of next term, we should have two fully mature Trees of Blessing." Sprout continued. "As you know Siege and Defense will be doing the majority of the reconstruction work during this Christmas break. Sinistra and Filch are eager to get some real work done. Can the other teachers arrange diversions for the students remaining here so we can continue our work without prying eyes?"
"Logistics and Planning is on it, Cera." Answered McGonagall. "Sybil will be organizing several all day field trips to various sites in London and Glasgow. Student attendance will be mandatory."
"Yes, that will do. One more thing, Minerva, we're are once again short on storage space. The next food harvest is during the holiday break. This month's harvest is expected to be three times normal. Hagrid got a bit overzealous. I will therefore also need more house elves." Said Sprout.
"You'll get the extra elves and the extra room. I don't know where, but you'll get it." Said McGonagall.
"The buried dungeons, Minerva. Now that Malfoy has apparently stopped his testing, it should be a safe place." Snape said. "They are structurally sound. It should not take Filch and the Baron too long to make storage spaces."
"Fortunately, the thing that calls that place home doesn't eat food. Very well, please make those rooms ready. Severus." McGonagall complied.
"My report is done, Albus." Cera rolled up her notes.
"Filius, what do you have for us?" Dumbledore asked Flitwick directly.
"The centaurs will be building us several ballistas. Good negotiating done by Lenore and Hagrid on that one. All the wands in the armory have been enspelled as of this morning. Distribution and training will commence in a few days. I am expecting a full shipment of 100 wands sometime during the holiday. Thanks, Minerva, for finding the funds." Flitwick said.
"Thank Vector and whatever lucky gods have watched over him. Our discretionary fund has tripled due to his extra efforts." McGonagall supplied. "I will be adding another ten thousand pounds apiece to funds for Intelligence, Arms and Defense. I suggest you take advantage of my generosity now before I change my mind."
"Hooch has some ideas on using more exotic woods for the war brooms to curb their more negative tendencies. The extra funds will be well used. Also, Ms. Granger made a good suggestion for armor. She was telling me of a muggle material called Kevlar. I plan to order a vest and see how we can replicate it. The literature I've seen show that it could be just what I need. That's all for me." Flitwick said.
"Let me go next." Said Severus. "Our sources have verified an increase in Death Eater meetings - small affairs but more than last month. We have preliminary but confirmed evidence that Lucius has been active in university circles. However, none of his candidates have yet taken the mark. I also plan on changing our safe houses as soon as possible. The most troubling thing is Voldemort's intention to retrieve the Lestranges from Askaban. He said he plans to do so on or right before summer."
"The Lestranges are they still sane?" asked Flamell.
"Based on our last reports, they were considered marginally sane. Their hate keeps them sane, I suppose," Snape answered. "They know that the testimony used against them could only have come from me."
"We cannot take this information to the Ministry. Not only would they not believe it but it would expose our hand too soon," Dumbledore reasoned. "Unfortunately, we have no influence direct or indirect in Azkaban."
"It would be far easier if the Lestranges suddenly took ill and had to be transferred elsewhere. There are plenty of dungeons here." Said Mr. Ollivander.
"Feasible but not practical. Voldemort will be able to know that they were here through the dark mark." Snape explained. "There are safeguards in place to prevent substitution tricks from happening again."
"There are times that the most expedient means is the most effective." Commented Flamel. "Assassination must be considered an option."
"Not even as a last resort, Nicholas." Dumbledore cautioned. "We will find another way. What about the Valde Commendus?"
"Let us just say that I have some less harmful variations in mind." Snape did not volunteer any further information.
"Very well. If you have nothing else, Severus, let's move on. Minerva?" asked Dumbledore.
"Our investment funds are very healthy. I have asked Vector to slow down his activities. No reason for him to take unnecessary risks. We are pursuing a strategy of portfolio growth and diversification. This week Sybil and Hermione will be arranging staff training for the new transport system. The training will be mandatory. Rooms are ready for Arabella and Alastor whenever they deign to make an appearance. Does anyone else have any special requests?" McGonagall asked.
There were no takers. Dumbledore said "The last item is for you, Nicholas. Any progress on Severus' condition?"
"Success has been found in eliminating the artificial conditions that were accelerating the genetic process." Flamel explained. "But the genetic alteration continues. The progression, unfortunately, has reached the stage where radical treatment is discouraged and will have no effect good or bad."
The concern on the others' faces heightened. Snape looked pensive. He and Flamel had discussed his further treatment for the last few days. Snape had made his decision this morning. Flamel looked as him waiting. Snape nodded and turned to look at anything else but his colleagues and friends' faces.
"When I first reviewed Severus' case, I had several possible solutions in mind. After further study, I see that there is only one possibility open to Severus at this time. It is not a treatment that I would have advocated previously and not one that I suggest lightly." Flamel's voice now changed to lecture mode. "What we have is a condition that cannot be reversed and cannot be eradicated. The only recourse left is to arrest its further development. Genetics is not something that even the founders dabbled with. I must admit that while this unique case fascinates me it also reminds me that we, mortals, are not omnipotent, all knowing gods. We need time to fully study this and cannot rashly employ slapdash solutions. Therefore, as I have discussed with Severus, I propose to give him plenty of time."
Flamel stood up and walked over to Severus. He sat on a corner of the bed. "I will teach and assist Severus in making a Philosopher's Stone. One of the properties of the stone is the ability to place a biological body in a state of dynamic stasis. It will effectively freeze, on a tissue level, Severus' body in the state that it is in right now. He will not age. He will be relatively immune to most illness and disease. Casting dark spells will not incur the usual costs. But more importantly, the stone will keep the genetic activity in a perpetual loop, as it were. It will not progress further."
The room was silent and he continued. "Should the alteration continue, Severus will begin the line of Slytherin anew with his first offspring. We are all aware here of why that must not be."
Dumbledore added "Severus, what is your decision?"
"I choose time." Snape sat up straight and shook hands with Flamel. "The stone will be destroyed as soon as another cure is found. I have responsibilities to my line and that supercedes everything else. I do what I need to do."
"When, when will you make the stone and what will you need?" McGonagall asked.
"It will take at least a month, Minerva. Both Severus and I must rest completely beforehand." Said Flamel. "I will need an able assistant like a student to do many of the preliminary preparation. I have cancelled my plans to leave. My wife, Pernelle, has enjoyed fooling our neighbors in believing that I am still around there. She will have to more inventive a little while longer."
"I have just the assistant for you, Nicholas." McGonagall approached Severus' bed and talked to him in low tones while the conversation swirled around them.
"Doesn't the making of the stone gather attention, Nicholas?" Flitwick asked. "To certain sensitives it will be like seeing a fireworks display."
"Too true, Filius. It cannot be made quietly. Others will see the signs. If they know how to interpret the signs, they will know that a new stone has been made." Flamel admitted.
"Perhaps, the Room of Counsel will have sufficient shielding to keep the display to a small flicker," Sprout suggested.
"And we should arrange other diversions during that time to confuse the sensitives," Ollivander said. "Allow me to do so."
"I made the stone several hundred years ago. I have new theories and techniques to explore." Flamel said. "I think your idea regarding the Counsel Room is a correct one, Cera."
"Well, it has been a night!" said Dumbledore. His eyes had regained their normal twinkle now that a solution had been found. A solution whose permutations he was sure he would ponder long into the night. "Let us all get our rest, especially you Severus. I will talk to you in the morning."
They left Snape to rest while they traveled as a pack through the dungeon halls. In the Great Hall, they were met by an agitated Madam Pomfrey. "Thank Merlin! I was going to get you. Quickly, come with me. Something's wrong with Demos."
- * -
Author's Notes
Question: Has this plot gotten too convoluted? Or fantastic?
More of V's plans are revealed. These plans are now going to have conflict with Dumbledore's plans. Or will they? I know, I know yet more plot points and questions. I've been working on getting this one back on track while neglecting my other stories. But this looks like its in good shape once again.
The Latin phrases used by the three wizards loosely translated or is supposed to mean "Great is the power of truth that I carry within me. I recognize the vestige of my second self once released." Any translation and conjugation errors are entirely my own.
Azure - Absolutely right! I've kept an eye on run ons.
Stellar Snape - Your encouragement has meant a great deal.
Zephyrel - Readers are really getting into picking up the line here and there. Eagle-eyed one, I'll surprise you.
Troesnaja - Hope you like where I take Demos - where no shadow had gone before.
Mundungus42 - Well, all the research is paying off. I'm not good at dark angst so my fics tend to have humor. When it stops being a fun read, slap me.
Werecat - If you see anything amiss, let me know.
Semi Charmed - The SS/HG has been growing slower than grass. But I hope that this ch gives you several clues on where its going.
To all who have read and or reviewed - Thank you and I hope you keep enjoying the story.
mavidian