Chapter 25 Where the Truth Lies
Syrupy caramel swerved and swirled recklessly on the creamy surface. Chopped macadamia nuts clung tenaciously to the slippery sides. Sprinkles of bitter chocolate dotted the top of the hill - a generous scoop of rich vanilla. At its feet pooled a layer of thick hot fudge. The mouth- watering confection was wholly unaware of a most malevolent gaze aimed upon it. Demos stared at it. He wanted to incinerate it on sight. He had been released from his sick bed and had thoroughly enjoyed an enormous breakfast. Until now that is.
A house elf stood waiting to see if Demos liked this newest creation. The elf looked at him hopefully. But Demos was in a black mood and his expression was a mirror copy of Severus Snape when faced with something he truly loathed. In other words, he was feeling perfectly disagreeable and bad tempered. The house elf was not blind. It started to whimper. It looked appealingly at Calliandra Snape seated a few seats from Demos. Mrs. Snape heard the whimper. She looked at Demos and smiled at him encouragingly. Madam Pomfrey who was seated to his left patted him on the shoulder and moved the ice cream even closer to him. It was for naught for Demos was feeling quite mutinous and, yes, sulky.
As he and the ice cream reached an impasse, he reflected on the events that led to all this. He had been introduced to Severus' parents last night. They, too, had been puzzled by his fever. He was poked, jabbed, swiped, rotated, upended and generally made miserable by all the rigorous procedures they put him through. The couple had then tried a variety of tests and spells that left his body numb. Then they started the treatments.
"Now, the ice bath, Severus, is intended to maintain his external temperature below 32 degrees Celsius. His internal temperature though warmer must be well below normal body temperature." Serjanus explained to Severus as they watched Demos in the makeshift tub in the middle of the infirmary. Shards of ice floated on the surface. Steam from Demos' body and water vapor from the ice lent a cloudy atmosphere to the room.
His wife came in grinning from ear to ear. "Serjanus, I've solved our the internal temperature issue. I've set the house elves on a small task. Each elf is to make a different bowl of ice cream. Each bowl is charmed to lower the ice cream's temperature an additional 20 degrees."
"Ice cream, mother?" Severus looked at his mother.
"Since Demos is going to need a lot of time to cool himself internally why not make it enjoyable? Minerva tells me that he loves ice cream."
"What other details have you left out?" Serjanus asked knowing his wife well.
"In return, I will personally grant them a wish a piece."
"Mother, there are far more house elves now than when you lived here," Severus informed her.
"Yes, there certainly is. I'm looking forward to playing St. Nicholas this year." his mother answered. "And before you ask I have Albus' permission as long as I keep things within limits, of course, and -."
"And I have the limits in writing. Here you are, Calliandra." Dumbledore stood at the doorway smiling benevolently.
Serjanus chuckled seeing the quickly hidden look of dismay on his wife's face. "Not leaving anything to chance are you, Albus."
"Of course not. The stunts that Calliandra use to pull are firmly emblazoned on my mind." said Albus. "Vividly."
"Stunts, mother?" Severus looked at his mother with great interest.
"Albus exaggerates." Calliandra looked everywhere except at her only smirking son. She thought that similar smirk on Serjanus was adorable but on her flesh and blood it was just plain annoying.
"But barely," Serjanus added. His wife gave him a disbelieving look. "When I was head boy, I took more points from Ravenclaw because of her alone."
"And you never listened to my explanations just took the points off like that." Calliandra snapped her fingers. "I was fully justified in everything I did."
"Calliandra, retribution for perceived wrongs done upon your person by other students is not a good enough reason for half of the pranks you pulled." Serjanus teased. "You were a prefect, remember? What kind of an example did you set?"
"Precedence and justice," murmured his wife. "Your father was always so seriously proper and pureblood in those days."
"Pranks?" Severus asked. The smirk now seemed permanent.
Calliandra was resolute. "No one was ever hurt - very much."
"I see." Severus made a mental note to ask the headmaster about his mother's student days when they were alone.
While the family teased each other, Dumbledore went inside and now stood looking down at Demos. Demos looked remarkably comfortable if more than a little bored. Dumbledore fished in his robes. He dropped a few things into the tub. "It looks like you will be here awhile my boy."
"Yes, sir, it does." Demos replied. He grabbed hold of the bright yellow ducky. He gave it a squeeze and bubbles erupted out of its mouth. He laughed at the toy tugboats and steamers that sailed about on their own tooting occasionally or bouncing off the ice shards. "Thank you, headmaster."
"You're very welcome. When you are better we will talk, just you and I, shall we?"
"Of course, sir."
"Very good." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Now, get well. We missed you at table."
"I'm feeling much better with the bath, sir." Demos replied. He gave the duck another squeeze.
The family stopped their banter and positioned themselves around the tub. Serjanus glided over and waved his wand towards Demos. Slowly, a three dimensional figure appeared in the air magic dot by magic dot. "His fever is symptomatic of the typical change that a human being undergoes - puberty. Teenagers all experience some joint pain as their bones grow, fatigue, spurts of energy caused by off kilter hormones and the like. Demos is experiencing all this but at an accelerated rate. His fever is simply his body's response to all the changes happening." Serjanus explained.
"We found something else besides the fever, Albus. Look at Demos' internal structure," Calliandra pointed her wand at the image. "Several organs are undersized still - kidneys, liver, intestines and spleen are the most obvious. Contrast their development with the mature organs - heart, lungs, stomach and brain. Fortunately, his nervous system is complete with a few surprising additions on the neural strand that I have yet to fully understand. Nicholas has a few theories to explore though."
"Demos is still evolving into his final state, Albus." Serjanus said. "We do not have a clear idea of what his final form will be. We do have some guesses but they are just guesses."
"How long do you estimate before he has reached his last state?" asked Dumbledore.
"His body seems to be following normal human growth patterns but at five times the normal rate. I would estimate that he will reach maturity in three months." said Calliandra. "Now this is the physical evolution which to my mind is the easiest. However there other facets to consider - intellectual, emotional and social."
"These facets we can discuss at another time," Serjanus looked at each of the adults meaningfully. "For now, we have to get the fever under control. Where's the ice cream, Calliandra?"
"Ice cream?" Dumbledore asked.
"Long story, Albus." said Severus.
"I instructed the house elves to begin bringing ice cream starting in the next few minutes. Demos, you will have to ingest everything presented to you." Calliandra advised.
Demos greeted this with a brilliant smile. He loved ice cream. "What flavor?"
"All kinds - vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint, chocolate chip and lots more." Calliandra answered.
"You understand why you need to eat all of it?" Serjanus asked very clearly and deliberately.
"My internal temperature must be lowered and that it might take at least a full day of eating before my fever disappears completely." Demos answered earnestly.
A discreet knock at the door and a house elf poked his head in. Calliandra went to speak with the elf. She saw a veritable queue of house elves lined up outside the infirmary with each holding a bowl of ice cream. She ushered the first elves in. Demos consumed the offerings eagerly. His internal temperature went down very slowly. Eventually, after about the one- hundredth bowl, his temperature was declared suitable and his fever subsided a bit. Thereafter the servings were reduced to one serving every thirty minutes. But the next morning, he hated the very sight of it in any form. At table, he looked beseechingly at Severus then down to the offending bowl of ice cream.
Severus put his coffee down and sighed. His parents had last night agreed somewhat gleefully he thought that Severus should continue to serve as Demos' sole parental figure. They had even begun procedures to enable Severus to declare Demos as his ward and joining Demos to the family legally. Severus glanced at Demos. Demos had been objecting to the treatment more and more. Severus marshaled his usual argument. "Demos, if you don't eat that you won't get well. Don't you want to get well?"
"I prefer the ice bath," Demos replied petulantly.
Calliandra looked at her son. It was obvious that he had no clue that he would lose this battle unless some reinforcements arrived to help. She remarked out loud. "You know, Severus, this reminds me of the time when you wouldn't eat your vegetables, remember what your father did?"
The house elf had followed the exchange eagerly but quietly. He looked at Demos directly. "Sir, if you do not eat, Mikol, me, do not get wish. Please, sir, Mikol wants his wish, little wish only."
"What would your wish be, Mikol" Serjanus asked.
"Sir, I wish for a house, a good house, for my cousin, sir."
"No wish for yourself?" Calliandra asked. She could see Demos listening silently.
"Mikol need not the wish. Mikol at Hogwarts." Mikol fairly glowed after saying this. "Mikol happy at Hogwarts."
Silence descended on the round table. They all looked at Demos waiting for what he would do. Demos picked up the bowl stabbing and slicking his spoon into the ice cream none too gently. He took a deep breath and spooned some into his mouth. He quickly ate the rest barely breathing between swallows. Mikol bowed and beamed at him. He departed happily back to the kitchens.
Then Demos pushed himself from the table and looked at Severus. "May I be excused?"
Severus nodded. Demos nodded back. He then turned and stalked out of the Great Hall.
"Growing pains," murmured Professor Sprout.
"Lucky for you, Severus, his puberty period will only be a few days instead of years," Madame Pomfrey chuckled.
"You are in for some interesting times, Severus." Nicholas Flamel commented.
~ * ~
Peter Pettigrew shuffled quickly out of the crowded shop on Portobello Road. With its colorful shops and varied merchants, the street reminded him strongly of Diagon Alley. He clutched his packages tightly. It would not do for him to lose it in the jostling crowds. He waited patiently for the muggle lorry to stop in front of him. He got on board. He had taken this route many times. He knew every stop and even the shortcuts the driver sometimes took. Every two weeks he knew to take this bus. So regular was he that the conductor automatically gave him the right ticket.
"So, off for your a visit to your sister, Lowell?" asked the conductor.
"Yes, just a short visit this time though. I forgot something at her place." Pettigrew replied. He walked down the aisle to an empty seat.
"Well, if I don't see you again have a good visit." said the conductor cheerily.
"It's always a good visit. Thank you." Peter Pettigrew settled himself into his seat. He straightened his hat and brown tweed overcoat. He noticed a smudge on his gray pants but dabbing at it with his finger only smeared the stain more. He breathed deeply. The familiarity of his routine trips helped him to relax.
Anytime he ventured out the constant fear of discovery gnawed at his insides. Even with the disguise charm he employed in combination with his muggle dress, his fears lessened only a fraction. But on these bus trips, he enjoyed the solitude of anonymity. The likelihood of a witch or wizard using bus transport was laughable. Unfortunately, the solitude also lent itself to introspection leading him to think back on his life. He had been content being Scabbers. In time, he had even learned to respond to the name. It hadn't been such a bad existence he thought. He was kept warm, fed and sheltered and no one made demands of him. It had been an easy life. He had felt safe, too.
Pettigrew sighed looking forlornly at the passing scenery. His life now was far from easy. Safety had a steep price that he paid every day without fail. I am what I am. I am where I am in my life and there is nothing I can do to change that. At least I have a home which is more than Sirius Black could say I suppose. I can go about society and live my life. Live my life as my lord demands he corrected himself. He couldn't just disappear into the muggle world though the very thought had tantalized him more than once. His very existence was forfeit to the Dark Lord. He had long ago decided that his only course was to stay by his lord's side. His lord would triumph in the end. Of that he was very sure. He hung onto that thread of hope tenaciously. The alternative did not bear thinking of.
His mind then went to his assigned chores for the day. His hand lightly patted the packages sitting on his lap. His lord's request had puzzled him this morning - four bottles of sunless tanning lotion, 2 kits each for black and brown hair dye and assorted bits of makeup. He added his usual Saturday morning purchases of muggle medicines and groceries. As for his trip to see the Grangers, that was nothing new. He was ordered to observe and learn the family's patterns of behavior. This task he did diligently. He could only guess at his lord's purpose for his requests and his continued insistence on watching the Grangers.
His trips were like clockwork. At exactly 8:15 he boarded the bus. Forty- five minutes later he got off at Gatcombe Place. Ten minutes later he would stand and observe the Granger house. At 10:15 he would board the bus again and return to Portobello then home to the agency.
~ * ~
Intuition can be a double-edged sword. It can shield you from potential harm or prepare the way for glad tidings. In the case of the matriarch of the Weasley family, her intuition was driving her to take action. She was ecstatic to have all her children, save for Charlie, under the same roof for Christmas. To spend a few days with her family about her was her idea of a day in paradise. Why then did she sense there was a serpent lurking in her familial Shangri La.? They were all healthy and together. Pranks, jibes and easy laughter were the rule rather than the exception. There was something. She could feel it but she just could not tell what it was. She shooed her dark thoughts away. Time enough to thing about things later she said to herself. "Children! Come down for breakfast!" she called out. "Come on now!"
Fred and George came down first wide awake and whispering among themselves. That was never a good sign and Mrs. Weasley knew it. Ron and Harry came next eyes bleary from the late night discussing all things Quidditch. They seated themselves along the sides of the long table. Mr. Weasley and Percy were already halfway through their breakfasts.
"Now, where's Bill and Ginny?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"Bill! Ginny!" yelled Fred.
"Oy, food's getting cold!" George added.
Several thumping sounds came from upstairs. Mr. Weasley looked up curiously.
"Just books, Dad," said Ron. "Ginny probably fell asleep on top of her books again."
"None of that from any of you now," said Mrs. Weasley pouring herself tall glass of pumpkin juice. She spared a glance at her lovable if impossible twins. "She is improving so much at school and taking her studies seriously unlike some of you."
"Your mother's right, boys. Don't tease Ginny any more about it." Mr. Weasley said.
" Honestly, Dad, she's becoming another Hermione," said Ron.
"What's that about Hermione?" Bill came down tying the belt of his robe tight.
"Never mind, dear. Our Ginny could be a prefect or even head girl someday. Oh, wouldn't that be grand, Arthur?" Mrs. Weasley glowed as she floated a plate of bacon to the table.
"She might well be the first head girl in the family, Molly dear," her husband mused.
"After that horrible mess with the chamber, she seemed so slow to recover and -"
Mr. Weasley patted his wife's hand and held on to it. "Now, Molly, that's over with now. Ginny's fine. She's come around."
"I'll say she's recovered. I dropped one of her books yesterday and she looked ready to hex me." George said.
"She's studying potions like her life depended on it," said Fred. "It's almost like having a miniature Snape in the house, Mum."
"That's Professor Snape to you Fred," said Bill quietly.
"Yes, of course, PROFESSOR Weasley!" George replied in a singsong way.
"Anything you say, oh wondrous professor." Fred followed in his twin's wake.
"Sounds good to me. Start getting used to it," said Bill nonplussed buttering his toast. "If you show the teachers this much disrespect, I can see why they dock points."
"Whose side are you on!?" Fred asked.
"Yours, of course. But I also see the teachers point of view, too." Bill explained. "Learning is hard but I'm beginning to see teaching will be ten times as hard."
"Albus Dumbledore picked you remember. Obviously he thinks you can do it and that's that," said Mrs. Weasley. She smiled at her eldest. Her firstborn would always have a special place in her heart and mind that was for him alone. "I'm so proud of you."
"It will be hard at first, Bill. Every job is like that but you've always been a quick learner and you always do your best." Mr. Weasley pushed his chair out shaking breadcrumbs from his robes. " Molly, Percy and I had better get to work. Are you still planning on going to Diagon Alley later?"
"Oh, yes, we couldn't go shopping yesterday. There are a few presents left to get still." Mrs. Weasley kissed her husband goodbye and nodded to Percy. "Have a good day at work, dear."
"You don't realize what a great position Bill has got himself teaching at Hogwarts. He'll be getting a lot of respect for it and so will we." Percy warned. He stood up and prepared to leave. He inspected and smoothed his robes once more.
The youngest Weasley picked that time to make her appearance. She hugged her father quickly, waved goodbye to her older brother then sat down opposite Bill. She looked a bit worn around the edges but nothing that a good start to the morning would not cure. She stifled a yawn and managed a weak "Morning, everyone."
On his way around the corner, Percy called back to them. "If you spoil it for Bill then you spoil it for the family. Think on that for a change will you, Fred."
"Obviously blood kin doesn't count for much anymore." muttered Fred. He watched as his mother left briefly to speak privately with her husband before he left.
Harry had remained silent throughout the meal. He reflected back to his first wondrous visit to the burrow. Everyone was still the same. No, he corrected himself. The sense of family was still the same. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had certainly not changed. But the rest, well, the rest were growing up and changing. He could see that Ginny and Bill had changed the most. Harry thought back to the day they had met at the Three Broomsticks with Ms. Delacour. Bill still had the long hair and dragon's fang earring but there was a new seriousness to the set of his face and in his eyes. As for Ginny, he had of course noticed all the extra studying she seemed to be doing lately. He remembered watching Ginny, Hermione and Neville in the common room just before the holiday break talking about books and taking endless notes. The thought of Neville gave him pause. There's another one who's changed a lot he thought. Everyone around him seemed to be learning, growing and changing except for him. When he looked in the mirror this morning, he saw the same boy with the same face and the same untamable hair. Was he changing at all? You're the Boy-Who-Lived just living is enough for you. So, I'm going to be known as the Boy Who Lived and for nothing else my entire life? He didn't have a ready answer. All he felt was the empty feeling of being left behind. It was a feeling he did not much like. A slap on his back brought him out of his thoughts.
"Hey, Harry, you ready to go?" asked Ron.
"Yeah, sure." Harry answered.
"You think we can persuade Mum to go to Quidditch Supplies first?"
"Ah, I don't think that's possible." Harry grinned at his best friend.
"I'll ask Mum. Who knows she may change her mind." Ron said with a grin.
Mrs. Weasley bustled back into the room. She had caught the tail end of Ron's words. "Change my mind about what?"
Bill cleared his throat loudly. "I was just saying that I can take them to Diagon Alley for you, mum."
"How thoughtful, Bill! Yes, please do." said his mother.
"Consider it done." Bill downed his pumpkin juice. "All right. Anyone who wants to come with me meet by the fireplace in a half hour."
"While you're all gone I can finish a few things." added Mrs. Weasley.
"Like a few Weasley jumpers, Mum?" asked George playfully.
"Cheeky boys, as if you two would get any this year. What with all the notes from Hogwarts!" Mrs. Weasley replied back saucily. She bustled about the kitchen clearing off the breakfast table while the rest stampeded for the stairs.
~ * ~
The sound of a small bell tingling shrilly echoed through the halls of the stately home situated outside London far away from the urban sprawl but barely on the edges of the country. It was not outwardly ostentatious. Its rough gray stone walls exuded strength and warmth. Puffs of smoke could be seen streaming upwards from several chimneys dotting its gabled roof. The bell tingling grew shriller still. A figure strode quickly into the parlor room and touched the bell lightly. The bell was silenced thus.
Another figure came into the room panting and looking worried. "What is it, gran?" Neville asked.
"The charm on the Granger house has been triggered." Madame Longbottom replied.
"You think they're all right?"
"Oh, yes. If they were in physical mortal danger it would have been the gong sounding not the bell here." Madame Longbottom waved her hand and the fireplace blazed green fire. "Castel de Remeis!"
Unexpectedly, Alastor Moody's face appeared in the fires. "Sorry, they're not here. Try Hogwarts!" Moody disappeared.
Madame Longbottom waved a hand by the fireplace and said "Hogwarts!" The fires seemed to flicker and then rose anew. The face of Albus Dumbledore appeared in the fires. "Albus, is Calliandra there?"
Instead of answering, Dumbledore moved aside to be replaced by Mrs. Snape. "Right here, Gen."
"Get over here. The protection charm around the Grangers has been triggered."
In the background, they could hear a murmur of voices. "What happened?" and "Where's Hermione?"
"No need to worry yet. This does not rate as mortal peril. Only that someone showed undue and negative interest in their property or their person." said Madame Longbottom.
"I'll be right there, Gen." Her face disappeared but other conversations could be heard still. "No, Severus, there is no need for you to come along. I'm just going to have a quick look. You don't think I can handle even that?"
"That is beside the point, I am her -"
"Send word if you need reinforcements." Dumbledore added. "We will be prepared."
"I'll meet you there." said the potions master.
Serjanus' voice came loud and clear. "No, Severus. Your place is here. Here you will stay."
A minute later, Calliandra appeared in the Longbottom parlor holding a wishbringer in her hand. She bowed towards the fire making sure her husband could clearly see her. "Made it safe and sound, Serjanus."
"Be careful." Serjanus admonished knowing the daredevil streak his wife had.
"Same to you. I'll pass by Diagon Alley and pick up a few things all right?" she replied.
"Don't forget my chocolate frogs." With that Serjanus disappeared and the fires subsided.
Madame Longbottom regarded Calliandra closely. "Chocolate frogs?"
"It's Serjanus' secret vice." said Calliandra. "Actually, we use the frogs to test his reflexes and coordination."
"I see. Ready to go?"
Neville took a deep breath and steadied himself. "Wait! If you're sure that Hermione is all right, gran, I'll be on my way to Diagon Alley."
"Of course, Neville. Do you have enough funds?" his grandmother inquired.
"I'll be stopping by Gringotts first." Neville responded.
"And when you get to Ollivanders don't forget to introduce yourself." A small smile graced his grandmother's normally stern countenance. Her grandson was taking small steps of independence and she was heartily glad of it. Not that it would stop her from meddling and being overly protective but she decided that she would exercise some restraint from now on.
"No, gran. I won't forget. Good luck at Hermione's." Neville clutched his wishbringer charm and thought of being at Ollivanders. His figure faded until there was no longer a trace of him. A small echo of his voice lingered. "I'll be back in time for dinner."
"Severus has done wonders with the boy, Calliandra." Madame Longbottom sniffed quietly. "I can scarce credit the change."
"I don't think the positive effects are all one sided."
"You ARE going to tell me what you two are doing so far from home?"
"I'll tell you what I can. If you promise a long gossip session after we see to Hermione." Calliandra laughed. Madame Longbottom touched her friend's arm and together they apparated to the Granger house.
They slowly faded into reality in the back garden. It was empty. Mrs. Longbottom knocked on the back door. Calliandra peered into the house looking for any signs of movement inside. She found none. The knock went unanswered.
"It doesn't seem as if anyone is home," Calliandra commented. "Gen, I'll go around to the front. Cover me."
Calliandra took off her robe revealing blue jeans and a thick wool sweater. She cast a warming spell on herself and inched the wand up her right sleeve. Madame Longbottom moved beside her. Calliandra opened the gate and advanced down the side of the house. She found herself sandwiched between the house and a high hedge running the length of the house. She paused and crouched low just as she got to the front of the house. She surveyed the street. There were two children playing in front of their house, an elderly man working on his card and a couple walking down the street. She peered closely reading their auras.
"All I see are muggles," she whispered.
"There has to be a wizard or witch about." Genevieve insisted. "The charm was triggered."
Calliandra moved forward a little bit and scanned both ends of the street. "Wait, I see him. Standing under a tree pretending to be reading a paper. Disguise charm."
"Harmless?"
Calliandra squinted using her inner sight to see through the disguise charm's effects. "Short, a little pudgy, looks harmless but he has been touched by the dark arts and frequently it seems."
"Just the one?"
"So far." Seeing that the wizard was not moving from his position, Calliandra stepped back and stood up. Out of habit, she flexed her wrist and practiced drawing her wand quickly. "I'm up for a little exercise."
Genevieve touched her friend's arm making sure she stayed where she was. They had always worked well as team because her mature deliberateness countered Calliandra's impulsiveness. "Capture his image and we'll add him to the Rogue's Gallery. You know that spell of yours has become quite handy I must say."
Calliandra crouched and moved forward again drawing her wand out before her. She whispered the word "Capturis Veritas." Her wand tip glowed gold. She stood up quickly and pointed it at the wizard. The wand tip glowed red in an instant and she crouched down again. She waved her wand and a close up image of the wizard beneath the disguise charm materialized in front of her. "We have him."
She moved forward cautiously and watched the wizard and the street scene carefully. The couple had reached the end of the street and crossed over. The elderly man had gone back inside his house. The two children were on the far end of the street opposite from the wizard.
"He's walking away." Madam Longbottom looked her fill from behind her shoulder. She followed his movements until he was at the end of the street. "Not apparating. Strange."
They waited a few minutes more to see if the wizard would return or had accomplices. Nothing else of consequence happened. "I'm going to pass this on to Severus." said his mother. "None of this feels right. None of it."
~ * ~
As his grandmother had said, Neville found himself in a room with four granite walls, no windows and no door. He pressed his palm on every wall until he found the one that sensed his bloodline. The wall disappeared instantly. In front of him was the back workroom of Ollivanders. A younger man with a shock of white hair was at the workbench. He turned around with a hand outstretched. "Hello, I'm Hugh Ollivander."
"Neville Longbottom." Neville shook Hugh's hand. He couldn't help staring. Hugh looked exactly like a young Mr. Ollivander. "I don't mean to stare but -"
"No worries, Neville. We younger sons have to stick together." Hugh laughed. "Can I help you with anything?"
"Just here to do a bit of Christmas shopping."
"You know the rules for underage Tradition members?" Hugh held up a small brooch pin with a small gemstone on it.
"My gran just said that I would need some tracking device when I'm alone here."
"Right." Hugh pinned the brooch pin inside a pocket on Neville's robes. "There you're all set. If you get in trouble just touch that brooch and whoever is on watch will come running."
"Who's on watch today?" Neville patted the pin pocket making sure to remember its exact location. Even within the relative safety of Diagon Alley no one was guaranteed absolute safety.
"I am, Mr. Longbottom," Mr. Ollivander appeared through the closed curtains separating the front of the store from the back. "Enjoy your shopping."
"I will, sir. Thank you." Neville made his way to the front door of the store and stepped out into the bright, bustling street that was Diagon Alley.
~ * ~
Diagon Alley was alight with decorations and lively window displays. Harry and the Weasleys craned their necks to see the latest and greatest. They split up in front of Gringotts giving everyone three hours of shopping time before meeting back at Gringotts. Fred and George headed off to Zonko's. Bill and Ginny's destination was Flourish and Blotts. While Harry and Ron ran up the front steps of the wizard bank. Harry went up to a goblin and presented his gold key. As they were getting into a vault car they, Neville with a group of goblins in tow pulled up behind them. To their astonishment, the goblins bowed and called him "Mr. Longbottom." The goblins scattered. Neville saw then and came over.
"Hi, Harry, Ron," Neville greeted them. "Shopping?"
"Yeah, last minute stuff," said Ron. "So, the goblins know you well do they?"
"Oh, not me. My grandmother." Neville explained. "Well, I have to go. See you around."
"Hey, we're having ice creams at Fortescue's at about one o'clock. Can you meet us there?" Harry asked.
"Sure!" They watched as Neville disappeared back into the bank lobby.
"He gets stranger every year," Ron observed.
~ * ~
After dinner that evening, they gathered in the Room of Counsel. Hovering in the middle of the table was the capturis image of the intruder. It rotated slowly in the air. The image changed from spin to spin from the dark wizard with the disguise charm and then without. Uncharacteristically, the headmaster was pacing. Professor McGonagall's lips were set in a thin hard line.
Severus leaned on the table palms flat. "It's Pettigrew. There is no doubt that he is on some mission."
"And you have no idea what it could be about?" McGonagall asked. "What could he want with Ms. Granger?"
"Even I am not privy to all his plans, Minerva." Severus bowed his head. His long hair hung loose shading his face from view. He rubbed his right temple. He was starting to have flashbacks of his timewalk. This was a most inconvenient time. He sat down heavily and gritted his teeth trying to maintain control.
"It is very obvious what Tom is after," Dumbledore placed a hand on the chair of Godric Gryffindor as if needing to gather strength from the founder himself. Behind him the others all waited for him to continue. "He is after leverage as we are. Ms. Granger would be very valuable for several reasons. She is a way to Harry Potter. Her intellectual achievements and natural magical talents are known. Were she turned in some way, her intellect and power could be put to good use."
"But she's not a pureblood." said Sprout.
"Neither is Voldemort," said Nicholas.
"I would think that they would rather kill her than recruit her." Sprout said.
"Voldemort sees her as useful and for now her potential utility is keeping her safe." Serjanus put in. He looked to his son but for once the potions master was silent.. In fact, he sat in his chair rubbing his temples hard. "The immediate problem is this Pettigrew."
"Now that we know his disguise we can better track him. Let's put someone on him and see where that leads to." Calliandra suggested.
"The Tradition will put active surveillance on the Granger home. We can at least see if there is a pattern to this Pettigrew's visits." said Madame Longbottom. "Severus, do you agree?"
Professor Snape had cradled his head in his hands and was rocking back and forth. The stress and the topic of conversation served to trigger a cascade of memories from dozens of timelines. His mind was flooded with images and sounds. Snape was doing his best to assimilate all that he saw. Serjanus wheeled quickly almost on a single wheel and rushed to his son's side. He knew or suspected what was happening. He shook his son hard. Calliandra called her son's name over and over again. Severus was unresponsive. He just kept rocking.
"Albus, Nicholas, Minerva, Filius, help me! He's timewalking!" Serjanus drew his wand and prepared to cast a spell. When he saw the others point their wands at Severus he quickly said. "No, no I don't need your help with Severus. I need you to protect the Room of Counsel. I might release too much energy. My control is not what it once was. Calliandra will help me if needed."
Too alarmed to ask questions now, Dumbledore, Flamel, McGonagall and Filius drew their wands and began to chant in unison a powerful shield of protection for the room. The very walls and floor began to glow a calming blue.
A string of golden light erupted out of Serjanus' raised wand. The golden energy expanded until it enveloped both he and his son. The others shielded their eyes. Serjanus was right. His control was not fine or controlled. The flow of energy from him was strong, pure and wild. The energy hummed and crackled increasing in intensity and volatility. Calliandra drew her own wand and began to control the energy all around them.
Severus was unaware of all that was happening outside of his physical body. In his mind, he was once again floating in air watching myriad images pass him by. He had seen an image of Voldemort and Hermione. He pointed at it and his body followed the timestream that the image represented. His rage built within him as he saw Voldemort force Hermione to take the new Valde Commendus. Hermione knelt before the dark lord and swore her life's allegiance.
The next images haunted him the most. It was Hermione looking coolly on as Harry Potter in his knees, a knife protruding from his chest, begged her to help him. Next to him was Ron Weasley. His body was twisted in angles impossible to achieve in a live body. There were bodies everywhere of students and professors. Around the edges stood the Death Eaters and the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord held up a few severed heads and laughed in glorious triumph. The scene was being played out in the Great Hall of Hogwarts. The floor was awash in blood. The enchanted ceiling was dark. Off to the side, he saw himself alone and barely alive encased in a full body bind spell. He was dazed but conscious. Hermione walked to him a soft smile on her lips and her eyes sparkling with desire. She whispered her love for him for his ears alone. She traced his lips with a finger. She rained kisses on his face from forehead to chin. She kissed him again. He tasted the sweetness of her lips followed by her need as he opened his mouth to welcome her. He felt the press of her soft hand on his shoulder. Next, he felt sudden blistering heat engulf his body. She broke the kiss then and pulled a bloodied knife from his unresisting body.
For the second time in his life, Severus ran. He ran from the images. He ran from the possibilities. He ran and ran ignoring the other images shifting around him. He heard a voice calling his name and felt another presence coming towards him. He wanted to keep running but the voice made him pause. It sounded so loving and needful. Very far away he heard another voice - female. Then he felt a hand clamp hard on his shoulder. He was whirled about almost brutally to face his father who stood tall and unencumbered by a wheelchair.
"It's time to come out, Severus." Serjanus soothed. "Come, don't let go of my hand now. You may close your eyes and relax your senses if you wish. That may help." Severus closed his eyes. As they moved, Severus could feel some of the older man's mental strength seep into his own psyche calming and reviving him simultaneously.
Severus was so very tired. He held on and followed without resistance. He clung to his father's astral form. Soon they found themselves in the real world once again. Serjanus' slumped form slowly righted itself. His very expression said how bone tired he was. He put his wand down and ended the spell. Calliandra knelt by her husband applying healing and recovery spells instantly. Severus opened his eyes warily afraid of what he would see. The golden energy had faded. The protection spell was ebbing too. Everyone was looking at him. He glanced as his father first to make sure he was all right. Serjanus managed a weak nod.
"Is there something else I need to know about?" Dumbledore asked. This time it was not fury that furrowed his brow. His concern was almost palpable.
Severus took a deep breath and physically composed himself before answering. "A side effect from my summonings, Albus.
"Timewalking is dangerous and unpredictable, Severus," said Flitwick. "One could easily get lost and never be able to find their way again."
"I usually stay in one place so I don't get lost but not -" Severus answered. He was taking long deep breaths by now and willing his trembling hands to stillness. "I could not this time."
"How often do you have these episodes?" asked Professor Sprout.
"Not often. It was triggered by our conversation."
"I see." Dumbledore took his seat opposite Severus. He knew that whatever had pulled Severus in was powerful and important. He could see how shaken Severus was despite his best efforts to regain his usual stoic façade. He shared a look with Minerva. She mouthed the words "Go on." His tone now was gentle and easy. "Severus, we were speaking of Tom Riddle and Ms. Granger. Did you see any potential futures about them?"
"Yes."
"Can you tell us what you saw?"
"Voldemort gave the Valde Commendus to her. She swore fealty to him." With effort, Severus kept his voice steady. "She helped him conquer Hogwarts. Then she delivered her friends, the school, the Tradition. All of us betrayed. Potter stabbed. Weasley dead. Many of you beheaded. You, Albus, quartered and beheaded. She ran a knife through my heart."
"Thank you, Severus." They all sat back absorbing this latest revelation. After some minutes of silence, Dumbledore stood up and addressed them all. "Severus has described only a potential timeline horrific though it may be. I believe that Riddle does indeed plan to use the Valde Commendus on those vital to our plans not just Ms. Granger. This is a warning to us all. This is not OUR future. We may yet prevent it from happening in our timeline. We must redouble our efforts and end this conflict."
"And Ms. Granger?" McGonagall asked out loud.
Madame Longbottom glanced at Mrs. Snape. "Hermione will be protected. But, more importantly, she must be made strong enough to resist Voldemort. All timelines have common events. I believe that he will try for her and we need to make her ready to face him."
"We were going to wait until after the holiday to begin her instruction but I see that we do not have that time any longer," Mrs. Snape said putting a cold compress on her husband's forehead. The color was coming back to Serjanus' face and his breathing was no longer shallow.
"She will be told of what I saw," Severus said. "I must tell her."
"We cannot put a burden like that on a child!" exclaimed Sprout.
"The knowledge will make her stronger. The training will be difficult especially for a muggle born." rasped Serjanus. "She will need that strength soon enough."
"Agreed!" said Dumbledore. "Minerva, please be present when Ms. Granger is told."
The head of Gryffindor looked at him grave and serious. "Albus, we should move her quarters elsewhere somewhere more secure."
"Would that not be obvious to the student body?" asked Nicholas."
"Not if I make her my teaching assistant. It would be in name only however it would offer the excuse of new quarters." Minerva replied.
"Make it so," said Dumbledore. "And, Minerva, give her prefect badge to Ron Weasley."
"Weasley?" Snape asked.
"Yes, yes, Mr. Weasley will do nicely," Dumbledore's eyes had a familiar look to them as if he was seeing something no one else could. "There are qualities in him that even he does not realize he possesses."
"Weasley?" Snape repeated.
"Yes, Severus. You have Mr. Longbottom and I have Mr. Weasley." The twinkle was back in Dumbledore's eyes. The meeting was adjourned and assignment made with smaller meetings set to discuss the items in more depth.
Syrupy caramel swerved and swirled recklessly on the creamy surface. Chopped macadamia nuts clung tenaciously to the slippery sides. Sprinkles of bitter chocolate dotted the top of the hill - a generous scoop of rich vanilla. At its feet pooled a layer of thick hot fudge. The mouth- watering confection was wholly unaware of a most malevolent gaze aimed upon it. Demos stared at it. He wanted to incinerate it on sight. He had been released from his sick bed and had thoroughly enjoyed an enormous breakfast. Until now that is.
A house elf stood waiting to see if Demos liked this newest creation. The elf looked at him hopefully. But Demos was in a black mood and his expression was a mirror copy of Severus Snape when faced with something he truly loathed. In other words, he was feeling perfectly disagreeable and bad tempered. The house elf was not blind. It started to whimper. It looked appealingly at Calliandra Snape seated a few seats from Demos. Mrs. Snape heard the whimper. She looked at Demos and smiled at him encouragingly. Madam Pomfrey who was seated to his left patted him on the shoulder and moved the ice cream even closer to him. It was for naught for Demos was feeling quite mutinous and, yes, sulky.
As he and the ice cream reached an impasse, he reflected on the events that led to all this. He had been introduced to Severus' parents last night. They, too, had been puzzled by his fever. He was poked, jabbed, swiped, rotated, upended and generally made miserable by all the rigorous procedures they put him through. The couple had then tried a variety of tests and spells that left his body numb. Then they started the treatments.
"Now, the ice bath, Severus, is intended to maintain his external temperature below 32 degrees Celsius. His internal temperature though warmer must be well below normal body temperature." Serjanus explained to Severus as they watched Demos in the makeshift tub in the middle of the infirmary. Shards of ice floated on the surface. Steam from Demos' body and water vapor from the ice lent a cloudy atmosphere to the room.
His wife came in grinning from ear to ear. "Serjanus, I've solved our the internal temperature issue. I've set the house elves on a small task. Each elf is to make a different bowl of ice cream. Each bowl is charmed to lower the ice cream's temperature an additional 20 degrees."
"Ice cream, mother?" Severus looked at his mother.
"Since Demos is going to need a lot of time to cool himself internally why not make it enjoyable? Minerva tells me that he loves ice cream."
"What other details have you left out?" Serjanus asked knowing his wife well.
"In return, I will personally grant them a wish a piece."
"Mother, there are far more house elves now than when you lived here," Severus informed her.
"Yes, there certainly is. I'm looking forward to playing St. Nicholas this year." his mother answered. "And before you ask I have Albus' permission as long as I keep things within limits, of course, and -."
"And I have the limits in writing. Here you are, Calliandra." Dumbledore stood at the doorway smiling benevolently.
Serjanus chuckled seeing the quickly hidden look of dismay on his wife's face. "Not leaving anything to chance are you, Albus."
"Of course not. The stunts that Calliandra use to pull are firmly emblazoned on my mind." said Albus. "Vividly."
"Stunts, mother?" Severus looked at his mother with great interest.
"Albus exaggerates." Calliandra looked everywhere except at her only smirking son. She thought that similar smirk on Serjanus was adorable but on her flesh and blood it was just plain annoying.
"But barely," Serjanus added. His wife gave him a disbelieving look. "When I was head boy, I took more points from Ravenclaw because of her alone."
"And you never listened to my explanations just took the points off like that." Calliandra snapped her fingers. "I was fully justified in everything I did."
"Calliandra, retribution for perceived wrongs done upon your person by other students is not a good enough reason for half of the pranks you pulled." Serjanus teased. "You were a prefect, remember? What kind of an example did you set?"
"Precedence and justice," murmured his wife. "Your father was always so seriously proper and pureblood in those days."
"Pranks?" Severus asked. The smirk now seemed permanent.
Calliandra was resolute. "No one was ever hurt - very much."
"I see." Severus made a mental note to ask the headmaster about his mother's student days when they were alone.
While the family teased each other, Dumbledore went inside and now stood looking down at Demos. Demos looked remarkably comfortable if more than a little bored. Dumbledore fished in his robes. He dropped a few things into the tub. "It looks like you will be here awhile my boy."
"Yes, sir, it does." Demos replied. He grabbed hold of the bright yellow ducky. He gave it a squeeze and bubbles erupted out of its mouth. He laughed at the toy tugboats and steamers that sailed about on their own tooting occasionally or bouncing off the ice shards. "Thank you, headmaster."
"You're very welcome. When you are better we will talk, just you and I, shall we?"
"Of course, sir."
"Very good." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Now, get well. We missed you at table."
"I'm feeling much better with the bath, sir." Demos replied. He gave the duck another squeeze.
The family stopped their banter and positioned themselves around the tub. Serjanus glided over and waved his wand towards Demos. Slowly, a three dimensional figure appeared in the air magic dot by magic dot. "His fever is symptomatic of the typical change that a human being undergoes - puberty. Teenagers all experience some joint pain as their bones grow, fatigue, spurts of energy caused by off kilter hormones and the like. Demos is experiencing all this but at an accelerated rate. His fever is simply his body's response to all the changes happening." Serjanus explained.
"We found something else besides the fever, Albus. Look at Demos' internal structure," Calliandra pointed her wand at the image. "Several organs are undersized still - kidneys, liver, intestines and spleen are the most obvious. Contrast their development with the mature organs - heart, lungs, stomach and brain. Fortunately, his nervous system is complete with a few surprising additions on the neural strand that I have yet to fully understand. Nicholas has a few theories to explore though."
"Demos is still evolving into his final state, Albus." Serjanus said. "We do not have a clear idea of what his final form will be. We do have some guesses but they are just guesses."
"How long do you estimate before he has reached his last state?" asked Dumbledore.
"His body seems to be following normal human growth patterns but at five times the normal rate. I would estimate that he will reach maturity in three months." said Calliandra. "Now this is the physical evolution which to my mind is the easiest. However there other facets to consider - intellectual, emotional and social."
"These facets we can discuss at another time," Serjanus looked at each of the adults meaningfully. "For now, we have to get the fever under control. Where's the ice cream, Calliandra?"
"Ice cream?" Dumbledore asked.
"Long story, Albus." said Severus.
"I instructed the house elves to begin bringing ice cream starting in the next few minutes. Demos, you will have to ingest everything presented to you." Calliandra advised.
Demos greeted this with a brilliant smile. He loved ice cream. "What flavor?"
"All kinds - vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint, chocolate chip and lots more." Calliandra answered.
"You understand why you need to eat all of it?" Serjanus asked very clearly and deliberately.
"My internal temperature must be lowered and that it might take at least a full day of eating before my fever disappears completely." Demos answered earnestly.
A discreet knock at the door and a house elf poked his head in. Calliandra went to speak with the elf. She saw a veritable queue of house elves lined up outside the infirmary with each holding a bowl of ice cream. She ushered the first elves in. Demos consumed the offerings eagerly. His internal temperature went down very slowly. Eventually, after about the one- hundredth bowl, his temperature was declared suitable and his fever subsided a bit. Thereafter the servings were reduced to one serving every thirty minutes. But the next morning, he hated the very sight of it in any form. At table, he looked beseechingly at Severus then down to the offending bowl of ice cream.
Severus put his coffee down and sighed. His parents had last night agreed somewhat gleefully he thought that Severus should continue to serve as Demos' sole parental figure. They had even begun procedures to enable Severus to declare Demos as his ward and joining Demos to the family legally. Severus glanced at Demos. Demos had been objecting to the treatment more and more. Severus marshaled his usual argument. "Demos, if you don't eat that you won't get well. Don't you want to get well?"
"I prefer the ice bath," Demos replied petulantly.
Calliandra looked at her son. It was obvious that he had no clue that he would lose this battle unless some reinforcements arrived to help. She remarked out loud. "You know, Severus, this reminds me of the time when you wouldn't eat your vegetables, remember what your father did?"
The house elf had followed the exchange eagerly but quietly. He looked at Demos directly. "Sir, if you do not eat, Mikol, me, do not get wish. Please, sir, Mikol wants his wish, little wish only."
"What would your wish be, Mikol" Serjanus asked.
"Sir, I wish for a house, a good house, for my cousin, sir."
"No wish for yourself?" Calliandra asked. She could see Demos listening silently.
"Mikol need not the wish. Mikol at Hogwarts." Mikol fairly glowed after saying this. "Mikol happy at Hogwarts."
Silence descended on the round table. They all looked at Demos waiting for what he would do. Demos picked up the bowl stabbing and slicking his spoon into the ice cream none too gently. He took a deep breath and spooned some into his mouth. He quickly ate the rest barely breathing between swallows. Mikol bowed and beamed at him. He departed happily back to the kitchens.
Then Demos pushed himself from the table and looked at Severus. "May I be excused?"
Severus nodded. Demos nodded back. He then turned and stalked out of the Great Hall.
"Growing pains," murmured Professor Sprout.
"Lucky for you, Severus, his puberty period will only be a few days instead of years," Madame Pomfrey chuckled.
"You are in for some interesting times, Severus." Nicholas Flamel commented.
~ * ~
Peter Pettigrew shuffled quickly out of the crowded shop on Portobello Road. With its colorful shops and varied merchants, the street reminded him strongly of Diagon Alley. He clutched his packages tightly. It would not do for him to lose it in the jostling crowds. He waited patiently for the muggle lorry to stop in front of him. He got on board. He had taken this route many times. He knew every stop and even the shortcuts the driver sometimes took. Every two weeks he knew to take this bus. So regular was he that the conductor automatically gave him the right ticket.
"So, off for your a visit to your sister, Lowell?" asked the conductor.
"Yes, just a short visit this time though. I forgot something at her place." Pettigrew replied. He walked down the aisle to an empty seat.
"Well, if I don't see you again have a good visit." said the conductor cheerily.
"It's always a good visit. Thank you." Peter Pettigrew settled himself into his seat. He straightened his hat and brown tweed overcoat. He noticed a smudge on his gray pants but dabbing at it with his finger only smeared the stain more. He breathed deeply. The familiarity of his routine trips helped him to relax.
Anytime he ventured out the constant fear of discovery gnawed at his insides. Even with the disguise charm he employed in combination with his muggle dress, his fears lessened only a fraction. But on these bus trips, he enjoyed the solitude of anonymity. The likelihood of a witch or wizard using bus transport was laughable. Unfortunately, the solitude also lent itself to introspection leading him to think back on his life. He had been content being Scabbers. In time, he had even learned to respond to the name. It hadn't been such a bad existence he thought. He was kept warm, fed and sheltered and no one made demands of him. It had been an easy life. He had felt safe, too.
Pettigrew sighed looking forlornly at the passing scenery. His life now was far from easy. Safety had a steep price that he paid every day without fail. I am what I am. I am where I am in my life and there is nothing I can do to change that. At least I have a home which is more than Sirius Black could say I suppose. I can go about society and live my life. Live my life as my lord demands he corrected himself. He couldn't just disappear into the muggle world though the very thought had tantalized him more than once. His very existence was forfeit to the Dark Lord. He had long ago decided that his only course was to stay by his lord's side. His lord would triumph in the end. Of that he was very sure. He hung onto that thread of hope tenaciously. The alternative did not bear thinking of.
His mind then went to his assigned chores for the day. His hand lightly patted the packages sitting on his lap. His lord's request had puzzled him this morning - four bottles of sunless tanning lotion, 2 kits each for black and brown hair dye and assorted bits of makeup. He added his usual Saturday morning purchases of muggle medicines and groceries. As for his trip to see the Grangers, that was nothing new. He was ordered to observe and learn the family's patterns of behavior. This task he did diligently. He could only guess at his lord's purpose for his requests and his continued insistence on watching the Grangers.
His trips were like clockwork. At exactly 8:15 he boarded the bus. Forty- five minutes later he got off at Gatcombe Place. Ten minutes later he would stand and observe the Granger house. At 10:15 he would board the bus again and return to Portobello then home to the agency.
~ * ~
Intuition can be a double-edged sword. It can shield you from potential harm or prepare the way for glad tidings. In the case of the matriarch of the Weasley family, her intuition was driving her to take action. She was ecstatic to have all her children, save for Charlie, under the same roof for Christmas. To spend a few days with her family about her was her idea of a day in paradise. Why then did she sense there was a serpent lurking in her familial Shangri La.? They were all healthy and together. Pranks, jibes and easy laughter were the rule rather than the exception. There was something. She could feel it but she just could not tell what it was. She shooed her dark thoughts away. Time enough to thing about things later she said to herself. "Children! Come down for breakfast!" she called out. "Come on now!"
Fred and George came down first wide awake and whispering among themselves. That was never a good sign and Mrs. Weasley knew it. Ron and Harry came next eyes bleary from the late night discussing all things Quidditch. They seated themselves along the sides of the long table. Mr. Weasley and Percy were already halfway through their breakfasts.
"Now, where's Bill and Ginny?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"Bill! Ginny!" yelled Fred.
"Oy, food's getting cold!" George added.
Several thumping sounds came from upstairs. Mr. Weasley looked up curiously.
"Just books, Dad," said Ron. "Ginny probably fell asleep on top of her books again."
"None of that from any of you now," said Mrs. Weasley pouring herself tall glass of pumpkin juice. She spared a glance at her lovable if impossible twins. "She is improving so much at school and taking her studies seriously unlike some of you."
"Your mother's right, boys. Don't tease Ginny any more about it." Mr. Weasley said.
" Honestly, Dad, she's becoming another Hermione," said Ron.
"What's that about Hermione?" Bill came down tying the belt of his robe tight.
"Never mind, dear. Our Ginny could be a prefect or even head girl someday. Oh, wouldn't that be grand, Arthur?" Mrs. Weasley glowed as she floated a plate of bacon to the table.
"She might well be the first head girl in the family, Molly dear," her husband mused.
"After that horrible mess with the chamber, she seemed so slow to recover and -"
Mr. Weasley patted his wife's hand and held on to it. "Now, Molly, that's over with now. Ginny's fine. She's come around."
"I'll say she's recovered. I dropped one of her books yesterday and she looked ready to hex me." George said.
"She's studying potions like her life depended on it," said Fred. "It's almost like having a miniature Snape in the house, Mum."
"That's Professor Snape to you Fred," said Bill quietly.
"Yes, of course, PROFESSOR Weasley!" George replied in a singsong way.
"Anything you say, oh wondrous professor." Fred followed in his twin's wake.
"Sounds good to me. Start getting used to it," said Bill nonplussed buttering his toast. "If you show the teachers this much disrespect, I can see why they dock points."
"Whose side are you on!?" Fred asked.
"Yours, of course. But I also see the teachers point of view, too." Bill explained. "Learning is hard but I'm beginning to see teaching will be ten times as hard."
"Albus Dumbledore picked you remember. Obviously he thinks you can do it and that's that," said Mrs. Weasley. She smiled at her eldest. Her firstborn would always have a special place in her heart and mind that was for him alone. "I'm so proud of you."
"It will be hard at first, Bill. Every job is like that but you've always been a quick learner and you always do your best." Mr. Weasley pushed his chair out shaking breadcrumbs from his robes. " Molly, Percy and I had better get to work. Are you still planning on going to Diagon Alley later?"
"Oh, yes, we couldn't go shopping yesterday. There are a few presents left to get still." Mrs. Weasley kissed her husband goodbye and nodded to Percy. "Have a good day at work, dear."
"You don't realize what a great position Bill has got himself teaching at Hogwarts. He'll be getting a lot of respect for it and so will we." Percy warned. He stood up and prepared to leave. He inspected and smoothed his robes once more.
The youngest Weasley picked that time to make her appearance. She hugged her father quickly, waved goodbye to her older brother then sat down opposite Bill. She looked a bit worn around the edges but nothing that a good start to the morning would not cure. She stifled a yawn and managed a weak "Morning, everyone."
On his way around the corner, Percy called back to them. "If you spoil it for Bill then you spoil it for the family. Think on that for a change will you, Fred."
"Obviously blood kin doesn't count for much anymore." muttered Fred. He watched as his mother left briefly to speak privately with her husband before he left.
Harry had remained silent throughout the meal. He reflected back to his first wondrous visit to the burrow. Everyone was still the same. No, he corrected himself. The sense of family was still the same. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had certainly not changed. But the rest, well, the rest were growing up and changing. He could see that Ginny and Bill had changed the most. Harry thought back to the day they had met at the Three Broomsticks with Ms. Delacour. Bill still had the long hair and dragon's fang earring but there was a new seriousness to the set of his face and in his eyes. As for Ginny, he had of course noticed all the extra studying she seemed to be doing lately. He remembered watching Ginny, Hermione and Neville in the common room just before the holiday break talking about books and taking endless notes. The thought of Neville gave him pause. There's another one who's changed a lot he thought. Everyone around him seemed to be learning, growing and changing except for him. When he looked in the mirror this morning, he saw the same boy with the same face and the same untamable hair. Was he changing at all? You're the Boy-Who-Lived just living is enough for you. So, I'm going to be known as the Boy Who Lived and for nothing else my entire life? He didn't have a ready answer. All he felt was the empty feeling of being left behind. It was a feeling he did not much like. A slap on his back brought him out of his thoughts.
"Hey, Harry, you ready to go?" asked Ron.
"Yeah, sure." Harry answered.
"You think we can persuade Mum to go to Quidditch Supplies first?"
"Ah, I don't think that's possible." Harry grinned at his best friend.
"I'll ask Mum. Who knows she may change her mind." Ron said with a grin.
Mrs. Weasley bustled back into the room. She had caught the tail end of Ron's words. "Change my mind about what?"
Bill cleared his throat loudly. "I was just saying that I can take them to Diagon Alley for you, mum."
"How thoughtful, Bill! Yes, please do." said his mother.
"Consider it done." Bill downed his pumpkin juice. "All right. Anyone who wants to come with me meet by the fireplace in a half hour."
"While you're all gone I can finish a few things." added Mrs. Weasley.
"Like a few Weasley jumpers, Mum?" asked George playfully.
"Cheeky boys, as if you two would get any this year. What with all the notes from Hogwarts!" Mrs. Weasley replied back saucily. She bustled about the kitchen clearing off the breakfast table while the rest stampeded for the stairs.
~ * ~
The sound of a small bell tingling shrilly echoed through the halls of the stately home situated outside London far away from the urban sprawl but barely on the edges of the country. It was not outwardly ostentatious. Its rough gray stone walls exuded strength and warmth. Puffs of smoke could be seen streaming upwards from several chimneys dotting its gabled roof. The bell tingling grew shriller still. A figure strode quickly into the parlor room and touched the bell lightly. The bell was silenced thus.
Another figure came into the room panting and looking worried. "What is it, gran?" Neville asked.
"The charm on the Granger house has been triggered." Madame Longbottom replied.
"You think they're all right?"
"Oh, yes. If they were in physical mortal danger it would have been the gong sounding not the bell here." Madame Longbottom waved her hand and the fireplace blazed green fire. "Castel de Remeis!"
Unexpectedly, Alastor Moody's face appeared in the fires. "Sorry, they're not here. Try Hogwarts!" Moody disappeared.
Madame Longbottom waved a hand by the fireplace and said "Hogwarts!" The fires seemed to flicker and then rose anew. The face of Albus Dumbledore appeared in the fires. "Albus, is Calliandra there?"
Instead of answering, Dumbledore moved aside to be replaced by Mrs. Snape. "Right here, Gen."
"Get over here. The protection charm around the Grangers has been triggered."
In the background, they could hear a murmur of voices. "What happened?" and "Where's Hermione?"
"No need to worry yet. This does not rate as mortal peril. Only that someone showed undue and negative interest in their property or their person." said Madame Longbottom.
"I'll be right there, Gen." Her face disappeared but other conversations could be heard still. "No, Severus, there is no need for you to come along. I'm just going to have a quick look. You don't think I can handle even that?"
"That is beside the point, I am her -"
"Send word if you need reinforcements." Dumbledore added. "We will be prepared."
"I'll meet you there." said the potions master.
Serjanus' voice came loud and clear. "No, Severus. Your place is here. Here you will stay."
A minute later, Calliandra appeared in the Longbottom parlor holding a wishbringer in her hand. She bowed towards the fire making sure her husband could clearly see her. "Made it safe and sound, Serjanus."
"Be careful." Serjanus admonished knowing the daredevil streak his wife had.
"Same to you. I'll pass by Diagon Alley and pick up a few things all right?" she replied.
"Don't forget my chocolate frogs." With that Serjanus disappeared and the fires subsided.
Madame Longbottom regarded Calliandra closely. "Chocolate frogs?"
"It's Serjanus' secret vice." said Calliandra. "Actually, we use the frogs to test his reflexes and coordination."
"I see. Ready to go?"
Neville took a deep breath and steadied himself. "Wait! If you're sure that Hermione is all right, gran, I'll be on my way to Diagon Alley."
"Of course, Neville. Do you have enough funds?" his grandmother inquired.
"I'll be stopping by Gringotts first." Neville responded.
"And when you get to Ollivanders don't forget to introduce yourself." A small smile graced his grandmother's normally stern countenance. Her grandson was taking small steps of independence and she was heartily glad of it. Not that it would stop her from meddling and being overly protective but she decided that she would exercise some restraint from now on.
"No, gran. I won't forget. Good luck at Hermione's." Neville clutched his wishbringer charm and thought of being at Ollivanders. His figure faded until there was no longer a trace of him. A small echo of his voice lingered. "I'll be back in time for dinner."
"Severus has done wonders with the boy, Calliandra." Madame Longbottom sniffed quietly. "I can scarce credit the change."
"I don't think the positive effects are all one sided."
"You ARE going to tell me what you two are doing so far from home?"
"I'll tell you what I can. If you promise a long gossip session after we see to Hermione." Calliandra laughed. Madame Longbottom touched her friend's arm and together they apparated to the Granger house.
They slowly faded into reality in the back garden. It was empty. Mrs. Longbottom knocked on the back door. Calliandra peered into the house looking for any signs of movement inside. She found none. The knock went unanswered.
"It doesn't seem as if anyone is home," Calliandra commented. "Gen, I'll go around to the front. Cover me."
Calliandra took off her robe revealing blue jeans and a thick wool sweater. She cast a warming spell on herself and inched the wand up her right sleeve. Madame Longbottom moved beside her. Calliandra opened the gate and advanced down the side of the house. She found herself sandwiched between the house and a high hedge running the length of the house. She paused and crouched low just as she got to the front of the house. She surveyed the street. There were two children playing in front of their house, an elderly man working on his card and a couple walking down the street. She peered closely reading their auras.
"All I see are muggles," she whispered.
"There has to be a wizard or witch about." Genevieve insisted. "The charm was triggered."
Calliandra moved forward a little bit and scanned both ends of the street. "Wait, I see him. Standing under a tree pretending to be reading a paper. Disguise charm."
"Harmless?"
Calliandra squinted using her inner sight to see through the disguise charm's effects. "Short, a little pudgy, looks harmless but he has been touched by the dark arts and frequently it seems."
"Just the one?"
"So far." Seeing that the wizard was not moving from his position, Calliandra stepped back and stood up. Out of habit, she flexed her wrist and practiced drawing her wand quickly. "I'm up for a little exercise."
Genevieve touched her friend's arm making sure she stayed where she was. They had always worked well as team because her mature deliberateness countered Calliandra's impulsiveness. "Capture his image and we'll add him to the Rogue's Gallery. You know that spell of yours has become quite handy I must say."
Calliandra crouched and moved forward again drawing her wand out before her. She whispered the word "Capturis Veritas." Her wand tip glowed gold. She stood up quickly and pointed it at the wizard. The wand tip glowed red in an instant and she crouched down again. She waved her wand and a close up image of the wizard beneath the disguise charm materialized in front of her. "We have him."
She moved forward cautiously and watched the wizard and the street scene carefully. The couple had reached the end of the street and crossed over. The elderly man had gone back inside his house. The two children were on the far end of the street opposite from the wizard.
"He's walking away." Madam Longbottom looked her fill from behind her shoulder. She followed his movements until he was at the end of the street. "Not apparating. Strange."
They waited a few minutes more to see if the wizard would return or had accomplices. Nothing else of consequence happened. "I'm going to pass this on to Severus." said his mother. "None of this feels right. None of it."
~ * ~
As his grandmother had said, Neville found himself in a room with four granite walls, no windows and no door. He pressed his palm on every wall until he found the one that sensed his bloodline. The wall disappeared instantly. In front of him was the back workroom of Ollivanders. A younger man with a shock of white hair was at the workbench. He turned around with a hand outstretched. "Hello, I'm Hugh Ollivander."
"Neville Longbottom." Neville shook Hugh's hand. He couldn't help staring. Hugh looked exactly like a young Mr. Ollivander. "I don't mean to stare but -"
"No worries, Neville. We younger sons have to stick together." Hugh laughed. "Can I help you with anything?"
"Just here to do a bit of Christmas shopping."
"You know the rules for underage Tradition members?" Hugh held up a small brooch pin with a small gemstone on it.
"My gran just said that I would need some tracking device when I'm alone here."
"Right." Hugh pinned the brooch pin inside a pocket on Neville's robes. "There you're all set. If you get in trouble just touch that brooch and whoever is on watch will come running."
"Who's on watch today?" Neville patted the pin pocket making sure to remember its exact location. Even within the relative safety of Diagon Alley no one was guaranteed absolute safety.
"I am, Mr. Longbottom," Mr. Ollivander appeared through the closed curtains separating the front of the store from the back. "Enjoy your shopping."
"I will, sir. Thank you." Neville made his way to the front door of the store and stepped out into the bright, bustling street that was Diagon Alley.
~ * ~
Diagon Alley was alight with decorations and lively window displays. Harry and the Weasleys craned their necks to see the latest and greatest. They split up in front of Gringotts giving everyone three hours of shopping time before meeting back at Gringotts. Fred and George headed off to Zonko's. Bill and Ginny's destination was Flourish and Blotts. While Harry and Ron ran up the front steps of the wizard bank. Harry went up to a goblin and presented his gold key. As they were getting into a vault car they, Neville with a group of goblins in tow pulled up behind them. To their astonishment, the goblins bowed and called him "Mr. Longbottom." The goblins scattered. Neville saw then and came over.
"Hi, Harry, Ron," Neville greeted them. "Shopping?"
"Yeah, last minute stuff," said Ron. "So, the goblins know you well do they?"
"Oh, not me. My grandmother." Neville explained. "Well, I have to go. See you around."
"Hey, we're having ice creams at Fortescue's at about one o'clock. Can you meet us there?" Harry asked.
"Sure!" They watched as Neville disappeared back into the bank lobby.
"He gets stranger every year," Ron observed.
~ * ~
After dinner that evening, they gathered in the Room of Counsel. Hovering in the middle of the table was the capturis image of the intruder. It rotated slowly in the air. The image changed from spin to spin from the dark wizard with the disguise charm and then without. Uncharacteristically, the headmaster was pacing. Professor McGonagall's lips were set in a thin hard line.
Severus leaned on the table palms flat. "It's Pettigrew. There is no doubt that he is on some mission."
"And you have no idea what it could be about?" McGonagall asked. "What could he want with Ms. Granger?"
"Even I am not privy to all his plans, Minerva." Severus bowed his head. His long hair hung loose shading his face from view. He rubbed his right temple. He was starting to have flashbacks of his timewalk. This was a most inconvenient time. He sat down heavily and gritted his teeth trying to maintain control.
"It is very obvious what Tom is after," Dumbledore placed a hand on the chair of Godric Gryffindor as if needing to gather strength from the founder himself. Behind him the others all waited for him to continue. "He is after leverage as we are. Ms. Granger would be very valuable for several reasons. She is a way to Harry Potter. Her intellectual achievements and natural magical talents are known. Were she turned in some way, her intellect and power could be put to good use."
"But she's not a pureblood." said Sprout.
"Neither is Voldemort," said Nicholas.
"I would think that they would rather kill her than recruit her." Sprout said.
"Voldemort sees her as useful and for now her potential utility is keeping her safe." Serjanus put in. He looked to his son but for once the potions master was silent.. In fact, he sat in his chair rubbing his temples hard. "The immediate problem is this Pettigrew."
"Now that we know his disguise we can better track him. Let's put someone on him and see where that leads to." Calliandra suggested.
"The Tradition will put active surveillance on the Granger home. We can at least see if there is a pattern to this Pettigrew's visits." said Madame Longbottom. "Severus, do you agree?"
Professor Snape had cradled his head in his hands and was rocking back and forth. The stress and the topic of conversation served to trigger a cascade of memories from dozens of timelines. His mind was flooded with images and sounds. Snape was doing his best to assimilate all that he saw. Serjanus wheeled quickly almost on a single wheel and rushed to his son's side. He knew or suspected what was happening. He shook his son hard. Calliandra called her son's name over and over again. Severus was unresponsive. He just kept rocking.
"Albus, Nicholas, Minerva, Filius, help me! He's timewalking!" Serjanus drew his wand and prepared to cast a spell. When he saw the others point their wands at Severus he quickly said. "No, no I don't need your help with Severus. I need you to protect the Room of Counsel. I might release too much energy. My control is not what it once was. Calliandra will help me if needed."
Too alarmed to ask questions now, Dumbledore, Flamel, McGonagall and Filius drew their wands and began to chant in unison a powerful shield of protection for the room. The very walls and floor began to glow a calming blue.
A string of golden light erupted out of Serjanus' raised wand. The golden energy expanded until it enveloped both he and his son. The others shielded their eyes. Serjanus was right. His control was not fine or controlled. The flow of energy from him was strong, pure and wild. The energy hummed and crackled increasing in intensity and volatility. Calliandra drew her own wand and began to control the energy all around them.
Severus was unaware of all that was happening outside of his physical body. In his mind, he was once again floating in air watching myriad images pass him by. He had seen an image of Voldemort and Hermione. He pointed at it and his body followed the timestream that the image represented. His rage built within him as he saw Voldemort force Hermione to take the new Valde Commendus. Hermione knelt before the dark lord and swore her life's allegiance.
The next images haunted him the most. It was Hermione looking coolly on as Harry Potter in his knees, a knife protruding from his chest, begged her to help him. Next to him was Ron Weasley. His body was twisted in angles impossible to achieve in a live body. There were bodies everywhere of students and professors. Around the edges stood the Death Eaters and the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord held up a few severed heads and laughed in glorious triumph. The scene was being played out in the Great Hall of Hogwarts. The floor was awash in blood. The enchanted ceiling was dark. Off to the side, he saw himself alone and barely alive encased in a full body bind spell. He was dazed but conscious. Hermione walked to him a soft smile on her lips and her eyes sparkling with desire. She whispered her love for him for his ears alone. She traced his lips with a finger. She rained kisses on his face from forehead to chin. She kissed him again. He tasted the sweetness of her lips followed by her need as he opened his mouth to welcome her. He felt the press of her soft hand on his shoulder. Next, he felt sudden blistering heat engulf his body. She broke the kiss then and pulled a bloodied knife from his unresisting body.
For the second time in his life, Severus ran. He ran from the images. He ran from the possibilities. He ran and ran ignoring the other images shifting around him. He heard a voice calling his name and felt another presence coming towards him. He wanted to keep running but the voice made him pause. It sounded so loving and needful. Very far away he heard another voice - female. Then he felt a hand clamp hard on his shoulder. He was whirled about almost brutally to face his father who stood tall and unencumbered by a wheelchair.
"It's time to come out, Severus." Serjanus soothed. "Come, don't let go of my hand now. You may close your eyes and relax your senses if you wish. That may help." Severus closed his eyes. As they moved, Severus could feel some of the older man's mental strength seep into his own psyche calming and reviving him simultaneously.
Severus was so very tired. He held on and followed without resistance. He clung to his father's astral form. Soon they found themselves in the real world once again. Serjanus' slumped form slowly righted itself. His very expression said how bone tired he was. He put his wand down and ended the spell. Calliandra knelt by her husband applying healing and recovery spells instantly. Severus opened his eyes warily afraid of what he would see. The golden energy had faded. The protection spell was ebbing too. Everyone was looking at him. He glanced as his father first to make sure he was all right. Serjanus managed a weak nod.
"Is there something else I need to know about?" Dumbledore asked. This time it was not fury that furrowed his brow. His concern was almost palpable.
Severus took a deep breath and physically composed himself before answering. "A side effect from my summonings, Albus.
"Timewalking is dangerous and unpredictable, Severus," said Flitwick. "One could easily get lost and never be able to find their way again."
"I usually stay in one place so I don't get lost but not -" Severus answered. He was taking long deep breaths by now and willing his trembling hands to stillness. "I could not this time."
"How often do you have these episodes?" asked Professor Sprout.
"Not often. It was triggered by our conversation."
"I see." Dumbledore took his seat opposite Severus. He knew that whatever had pulled Severus in was powerful and important. He could see how shaken Severus was despite his best efforts to regain his usual stoic façade. He shared a look with Minerva. She mouthed the words "Go on." His tone now was gentle and easy. "Severus, we were speaking of Tom Riddle and Ms. Granger. Did you see any potential futures about them?"
"Yes."
"Can you tell us what you saw?"
"Voldemort gave the Valde Commendus to her. She swore fealty to him." With effort, Severus kept his voice steady. "She helped him conquer Hogwarts. Then she delivered her friends, the school, the Tradition. All of us betrayed. Potter stabbed. Weasley dead. Many of you beheaded. You, Albus, quartered and beheaded. She ran a knife through my heart."
"Thank you, Severus." They all sat back absorbing this latest revelation. After some minutes of silence, Dumbledore stood up and addressed them all. "Severus has described only a potential timeline horrific though it may be. I believe that Riddle does indeed plan to use the Valde Commendus on those vital to our plans not just Ms. Granger. This is a warning to us all. This is not OUR future. We may yet prevent it from happening in our timeline. We must redouble our efforts and end this conflict."
"And Ms. Granger?" McGonagall asked out loud.
Madame Longbottom glanced at Mrs. Snape. "Hermione will be protected. But, more importantly, she must be made strong enough to resist Voldemort. All timelines have common events. I believe that he will try for her and we need to make her ready to face him."
"We were going to wait until after the holiday to begin her instruction but I see that we do not have that time any longer," Mrs. Snape said putting a cold compress on her husband's forehead. The color was coming back to Serjanus' face and his breathing was no longer shallow.
"She will be told of what I saw," Severus said. "I must tell her."
"We cannot put a burden like that on a child!" exclaimed Sprout.
"The knowledge will make her stronger. The training will be difficult especially for a muggle born." rasped Serjanus. "She will need that strength soon enough."
"Agreed!" said Dumbledore. "Minerva, please be present when Ms. Granger is told."
The head of Gryffindor looked at him grave and serious. "Albus, we should move her quarters elsewhere somewhere more secure."
"Would that not be obvious to the student body?" asked Nicholas."
"Not if I make her my teaching assistant. It would be in name only however it would offer the excuse of new quarters." Minerva replied.
"Make it so," said Dumbledore. "And, Minerva, give her prefect badge to Ron Weasley."
"Weasley?" Snape asked.
"Yes, yes, Mr. Weasley will do nicely," Dumbledore's eyes had a familiar look to them as if he was seeing something no one else could. "There are qualities in him that even he does not realize he possesses."
"Weasley?" Snape repeated.
"Yes, Severus. You have Mr. Longbottom and I have Mr. Weasley." The twinkle was back in Dumbledore's eyes. The meeting was adjourned and assignment made with smaller meetings set to discuss the items in more depth.