A/N: Hello everyone! How are ya'll? I am so tired right now. I had to
unload a truck at work and then stock it all the next day. All in all I've
spent 20 hours in the store loading and unloading heavy boxes. Needless to
say, my arms hurt like hell so I don't know how much I'll be able to type
up right now. I'll try to get a good long one in for you. Do try to
review I really enjoy reading all of them and your suggestions help a lot.
Let me know how you like the chapter. Jewls.
On a dark and rainy night fifteen years ago...
"I cannot believe you! You've stooped lower than I even thought possible! How could you marry him? Hell, how could you stand to look at him?" yelled a male voice. The room was dimly lit and therefore the two figures that were currently yelling up a storm in it were barely visible. Some things were very obvious though. For instance, one was male and the other female. The male was tall and slender, while the woman was short and petite. Both had hair the color of the night and both were ghostly pale.
"Why do you say these things? I love him, that is enough."
"You've been led on by the thought of some silly fantasy. Star-crossed lovers and all that rot! He's four years younger than you; he's been disowned by his family, and worst of all he is a Gryfindor!"
"When are you going to see that none of that matters?"
"It does matter, when father finds out he is going to kill you...and him."
"That's why I don't plan on letting him find out."
"What makes you so sure that I won't tell him?"
"Because I know you, Severus. You're my baby brother and I love you dearly. We are on different sides in this fight but I want you to know that. You won't tell him because you feel the same way about me. I know you want to look out for me, but I can take care of myself. I love this man."
"Would you die for him?"
"Without a second thought."
"You may have to my dear sister, you may have to."
Hogwarts Infirmary, Present day...
The pale form of Severus Snape woke with a start and sprung up in his small hospital bed, instantly regretting it when his head split in two (at least it felt like it). He hated that dream, he hated to think about that night. The last night he had seen his sister in a recognizable state. She was right, he did love her, and he never would have told their father about her loyalties. But, fate had other plans for her. Her espionage was discovered, along with her marriage and she was put on trial in front of Voldemort himself. Thinking about that mock of a court made him shiver, all of the things that she went through for this cause.
He wiped those thoughts from his mind, it was best not to think of them. They were best kept buried in his consciousness. But, soon another face came into his mind. That of a young woman with blood red hair and eyes like a stormy night. She truly was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, and it made him wonder why she did what she did. Why would she give up her life for him. He was not all that important now that he had been discovered so why try to save him. Despite every thing that had happened the notion that she loved him still had not come in to his mind.
12 Grimmauld Place...
"Is there a reason I'm in the kitchen at six o'clock in the morning mother?" asked a very tired, and disgruntled looking Ginny Weasley.
"Because it is Christmas Eve and we are having thirty people in this house in a mere ten hours! All of the food needs to be at least begun now," snapped Molly Weasley for the third time that morning.
Almost the entire Order would be coming for Christmas Eve dinner, so Harry, Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Rinoa, Sirius, and the twins had all been recruited to prepare the house. Ginny, Hermione, and Rinoa were in the kitchen while all of the boys were about the house decorating and putting up the tree. However, the three female teenagers had a feeling they were having a lot less fun than the boys were. They were probably just goofing off.
"Why isn't Remus here, Mrs. Weasley? It's not like him to be gone so close to the full moon," said Hermione.
"He's taking care of some Order business this after noon. We've been given strict orders to start without him if he should happen to be late, but I have been assured that he will be here tonight."
"He'd better be, or Tonks will have his neck," whispered Ginny while the other girls cracked a smile.
When the boys came in for a lunch break they found the girls hard at work. Hermione was tending to the five turkeys cooking, and her hair was frizzy and sweat soaked from the heat. Rinoa had finally broken down and had her hair up in a messy bun-like form on the top of her head. She and Ginny were kneading bread and somehow gotten themselves covered in flour in the process. In an attempt to get to an itch on her face Rinoa rubbed the back of her right hand across her brow, effectively smearing another line of flour on her face. Harry couldn't help himself, he burst out into fits of giggles along with the other flour free boys in the room. This however, probably wasn't a good idea seeing as how when the boys left the room five minutes later they were covered in flour.
Two hours later the group was released to get ready for the party taking place in the large meeting room. Each went to their own rooms to gather their things, but eventually all of the girls traveled to Ginny's room, while Ron, Harry and the twins were debating clothing in Harry's room. The party wasn't by any means formal, but the students were expected to look nice and show the proper respect to the guests even if they were all members of the same group. Ginny and Hermione had decided to wear simple, but elegant dresses. Each had on a short styled dress and had on robes to match. Rinoa, on the other hand decided to wear what she felt comfortable in (not a dress). She emerged from the room in baggy black pants and a ¾ sleeved Slytherin green baby tee shirt. Her feet were clad in her usual Doc Martins and poking out from her left sleeve her armlet was clearly visible.
"Rhin, are you really not gunna dress up tonight?" asked Ginny. Rinoa's long hair swayed as she shook her head.
"Who do I have to dress up for?" she asked in a soft mournful tone.
The table was set for thirty one with Dumbledore at the head and the rest of the Order lining the sides. The meal was spectacular looking and after marveling at it for a few moments Albus told everyone to tuck in. Fifteen minutes into the feast the door to the hall opened and Remus Lupin appeared.
"Ah, Remus you've finally come! Is Poppy with you?" Madame Pomphrey's head poked out of the door and followed Remus into the room.
"Hello, Albus."
"Well, why are you all waiting out in the hall? Come in and enjoy the feast Molly and her recruits spent the entire day making."
Poppy looked out into the hallway and after a nod from Remus took a seat next to Albus at the head of the table. Remus, however stayed near the door and after a whispered word to someone in the hall he held an arm out and helped a cloaked man into the room. The man was very thin and was leaning heavily on a large walking stick to stay balanced, even with Lupin's help. When he fully entered the room his face was still hidden behind the cloak, but one person recognized him immediately.
Rinoa Edward's face was pale and her eyes were wide, her scarred eyebrow raised in disbelief. She didn't need to see the man's face, she knew who he was. Remus stepped to the side as the man shooed him away to walk on his own, and suddenly everyone's attention was averted to the table where Rinoa had stood. The girl jumped upon the wooden table and back down to the stone floor with a grace few could achieve, and didn't displace a single dish. She immediately ran toward the man still not but a few steps in the room and with a sob jumped into his arms. The two stood there for a long moment basking in the warmth of the other's embrace. The man had somehow kept his feet under him as the girl jumped on him and had his arms firmly around her tiny waist. The reunion was a beautiful one, even to those who had no idea who the man was. Rinoa's arms were clutching his neck while her legs were firmly wrapped around his frail waist.
She soon slid off of him when she sensed his impending fall and the man grabbed a hold of his staff just in time to save himself. The pair simply stood and looked at each other for the longest time until the girl slowly reached up to lower his hood. When her hands grasped the fabric he tried to stop her with his free hand, but she simply reached up and put a comforting hand upon his face until he relented. The hood dropped to reveal a much more worn Severus Snape. His long black hair was tied back into a pony tail at the nape of his neck and his scarred face looked so frightened. He seemed to be afraid of her reaction, his ebony eyes were focused directly into her blue ones and they never wavered. Soon the shaking hand of Rinoa found it's way to his pale face and traced the scar on his right cheek; her other hand followed the path down the other various scars lining his tired face. He eventually reached his hands up to her face and leaned his forehead against hers. Rinoa's eyes were glazed over and if one looked closely at Snape they could see the tears welling up as well. After a moment his lips moved, though no sound came out. Rinoa smiled at his silent declaration and mouthed the same thing back to him. At that moment both fell into a searing kiss that all present didn't feel right about seeing, but looked anyways. When they broke apart and embraced Severus kissed the top of Rinoa's head and the pair looked to the table as if just noticing they were there.
Every single pair of eyes was planted firmly on the couple in front of them. A few people were grinning (Albus, Harry, and Remus), while the rest stared open mouthed at them. Dumbledore broke the silence before anyone had a chance to ruin the moment. The old man stood from his place and walked down to the pair standing before the crowd and embraced them both, first Severus, then Rinoa.
"The pair of you are simply two of the most talented people to ever cross my path. You belong together and do not let anyone else tell you otherwise. I give you my blessing."
Two extra seats suddenly appeared between Rinoa and Sirius's chairs, and Remus immediately joined his friend at the table. The couple slowly moved from the front of the room, and with clasped hands made their way to the last two empty chairs. Harry smiled at Rhin on the way and squeezed her hand under the table when she sat down (purely in a supporting way, you freaks!)
The meal continued but no one said much to Severus or Rinoa, it seemed like the two were having a private conversation without even speaking to each other. Every once and a while one would crack a smile at the other or chuckle, and most there did not understand the private line of communication the two shared. For one night however, no one spoke of Order business. Voldemort was gone from the minds of those seated and the residents of 12 Grimmauld Place were care free for the duration of the holiday.
Two hours later everyone had headed home or to their separate rooms, even if some had snuck into the rooms of others five minutes later.
Ginny and Harry were seated in the couch in front of the fire in his room. The couple were not saying anything even if they had a lot to talk about at the moment, right now they were simply enjoying that they actually had each other. Seeing the reunion earlier had led Harry to realize just how lucky he really was. He couldn't imagine going through what Rhin had the last few months, he silently gave thanks for the girl laying peacefully in his arms. Eventually someone had to break the silence and soon Ginny's curiosity gave way.
"You knew about them didn't you?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Gin, it wasn't my secret to tell. She was so distraught that having other people know would have only added to it."
"But I'm her friend too. I could have helped her somehow. I could have been there for her."
"She made me promise."
"How long have you known?"
"Since Halloween, when I was unconscious something happened that I can't explain right now. But, I promise I will tell you soon," none of the conversation was expressed in a hostile form. Both parties were very calm for the duration of it, and Harry continued to stroke Ginny's hair throughout the words said.
Ron and Hermione however, were a different story. Neither had known and Hermione was feeling cheated because she was closer to Rhin than almost anyone. She had known her first, she should have been told what was going on. Ron was ranting about greasy bats and Hermione was silently trying to logic out why she wasn't told. Eventually she came to the conclusion that if she had been told she probably would have made things even worse anyways and so she spent the next two hours calming down Ron. The two finally came to grips with the situation and vowed to show no hostility to the couple in the morning.
Remus Lupin's bedroom door opened at 2:00am and a female intruder quietly entered into his domain. The woman approached his bed and stood there for a moment, hands on hips and stared at the seemingly sleeping man.
"Remus Lupin, I know very well that you are not asleep! Now, get up and tell me what the hell is going on!" Remus cracked an eye open to look at the annoyed woman and let a small smile cross his face.
"I was wondering when you would break in and pester me."
"Tell me what is going on Lupin."
"Ouch, you haven't called me that since the last time you were mad at me." By this time the girl was getting rather impatient and petitioned Remus one last time before resorting to drastic measures.
"REMUS!"
"All right all right, sit down before you wake the whole house up." The woman sat down next to him on the bed and snuggled in to him, showing Remus that she wasn't really upset with him.
"What happened to him?"
"He was discovered, that's all I really know about it. He won't tell anyone what happened, and Rhin is the only one who he probably will tell."
"Remus, I don't understand. What happened between the two of them?"
"I'm not quite sure of the specifics, I haven't really asked either one yet. But, I think she saved him."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean I think she's the heir of Slytherin and she saved him when he was in trouble."
"She linked with him? But, that hasn't been done in centuries!"
"That was my understanding of the situation. And before you ask, I have no idea how they got together."
"They're not the strangest couple I've ever seen...do you think they're happy with each other?"
"Seeing as they just were reunited after being apart for so long I'd say so." The woman smacked him on the shoulder in response to his obvious avoidance of her question. "Yes Tonks, I think they're happy."
"...good."
Severus Snape had not had a dreamless sleep since his incarceration in Voldemort's dungeon. He was plagued with nightmares and memories of the last time he had been down to those dungeons. Of the last traitor that had been discovered in the Dark Lord's ranks. It was night, as it always was in these meetings, and he had been called to voldemort's side after a stressful day. He had again tried to talk some sense into his sister, but it was in vain the girl would not budge.
When he arrived at the graveyard that held his master's father he immediately noticed that tonight was special. Voldemort was going to hold one of his mock-trials. They were always rather enjoyable, making people pay for their crimes against the cause. In the center of the circle there were chains set up for when the prisoner arrived and everyone was gathered around with anticipation. However, when the form of a young, dark haired woman was brought out he gasped. It couldn't be her. Why would she be on trial? She had married a Gryfindor yes, but he was pure-blooded and his siblings were respected among the Death Eater community. It was not as though she had committed a crime against the cause. Before he could think anymore on it the "trial" began.
"Evangeline Snape, you are accused of treason against our noble efforts of purification. How do you plea?" asked the horrific form of Voldemort himself. No matter how many times Severus saw him he would never get used to the gruesome man before him. He was simply terrifying.
Severus was praying that this was all a misunderstanding and that she would now go into an explanation on how she converted her new husband to the side of good. But, this did not happen. She was an honest woman, and she knew that she had been found out. There was no point in dying a coward, she would die for her cause.
"Your "noble efforts" are disgusting," she was so quiet that Severus could hardly hear her.
"Then you admit to being a spy for the old fool?"
"I follow the side of light, if that is what you are asking."
"You are a disappointment to me, my dear. I had such high hopes for you and your brother. I suppose you will just have to be punished," said the Dark Lord as if he was talking to a disobedient child. "You will tell me all of Dumbledore's plans right this moment if you wish to live, my traitorous child."
"no."
"No? Do you not know what will happen if you don't tell me?"
"I don't care, I'm not going to help you."
"Very well, I proclaim you guilty and you will be punished severely. McNair! Goyle! You may take her down to the dungeons and do with her as you wish, but do try to be gentle, I don't want her dead yet." And with that, the girl he grew up with died. Not physically, not quite yet. She was broken. As she left the woman turned to him with the saddest eyes he had ever seen. They were pleading, they were so tired.
She managed to stay alive for a month in captivity within Voldemort's private dungeons, and Severus didn't want to know what they did to her down there. She never spoke again though, not since the trial, not to anyone. He knew she was close to leaving, he could feel her slipping away. So, he went down to see her, to say goodbye. The guard allowed him a moment alone with her and he entered her cell with a clang of the door. Her emaciated form was curled up in the corner of the room and when he walked over and knelt down next to her she simply stared into his eyes for the longest time.
"I'm sorry," he said.
"I know."
"I didn't say a word."
"I know."
"I can get you out of here Vange, we can escape together."
"No, I will except my fate. Just as you must except yours." He put a shaking hand to his forehead. "What is my fate, sister."
"You will see the light, Severus, and you will win. And when that happens I will smile down on you from my place in the heavens. You are my brother, and I love you. Do not blame yourself for this, and do try to get along with my husband." The guard had come back and as he left the hall way he could hear her screaming. Severus slid down to the cold stone floor and put his head in his hands. She was hurting and there was nothing he could do about it. He would only get them both killed. He had made a decision, he would not let her sacrifice be made in vain, he would take her place as a spy.
Not a moment later her screaming stopped abruptly and the sound of Voldemort's laughter filled his ears.
. ...............................
Severus Snape started awake that Christmas Eve night, but he was not in a dungeon as he had dreamt. He was in a warm bed and a beautiful woman was seated at his side with a cool cloth in her hand. Rinoa placed the cloth on his forehead and lay down next to him. Severus sighed contently and put an arm around the girl's shoulders.
http:www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1143478&chapter=4
On a dark and rainy night fifteen years ago...
"I cannot believe you! You've stooped lower than I even thought possible! How could you marry him? Hell, how could you stand to look at him?" yelled a male voice. The room was dimly lit and therefore the two figures that were currently yelling up a storm in it were barely visible. Some things were very obvious though. For instance, one was male and the other female. The male was tall and slender, while the woman was short and petite. Both had hair the color of the night and both were ghostly pale.
"Why do you say these things? I love him, that is enough."
"You've been led on by the thought of some silly fantasy. Star-crossed lovers and all that rot! He's four years younger than you; he's been disowned by his family, and worst of all he is a Gryfindor!"
"When are you going to see that none of that matters?"
"It does matter, when father finds out he is going to kill you...and him."
"That's why I don't plan on letting him find out."
"What makes you so sure that I won't tell him?"
"Because I know you, Severus. You're my baby brother and I love you dearly. We are on different sides in this fight but I want you to know that. You won't tell him because you feel the same way about me. I know you want to look out for me, but I can take care of myself. I love this man."
"Would you die for him?"
"Without a second thought."
"You may have to my dear sister, you may have to."
Hogwarts Infirmary, Present day...
The pale form of Severus Snape woke with a start and sprung up in his small hospital bed, instantly regretting it when his head split in two (at least it felt like it). He hated that dream, he hated to think about that night. The last night he had seen his sister in a recognizable state. She was right, he did love her, and he never would have told their father about her loyalties. But, fate had other plans for her. Her espionage was discovered, along with her marriage and she was put on trial in front of Voldemort himself. Thinking about that mock of a court made him shiver, all of the things that she went through for this cause.
He wiped those thoughts from his mind, it was best not to think of them. They were best kept buried in his consciousness. But, soon another face came into his mind. That of a young woman with blood red hair and eyes like a stormy night. She truly was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, and it made him wonder why she did what she did. Why would she give up her life for him. He was not all that important now that he had been discovered so why try to save him. Despite every thing that had happened the notion that she loved him still had not come in to his mind.
12 Grimmauld Place...
"Is there a reason I'm in the kitchen at six o'clock in the morning mother?" asked a very tired, and disgruntled looking Ginny Weasley.
"Because it is Christmas Eve and we are having thirty people in this house in a mere ten hours! All of the food needs to be at least begun now," snapped Molly Weasley for the third time that morning.
Almost the entire Order would be coming for Christmas Eve dinner, so Harry, Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Rinoa, Sirius, and the twins had all been recruited to prepare the house. Ginny, Hermione, and Rinoa were in the kitchen while all of the boys were about the house decorating and putting up the tree. However, the three female teenagers had a feeling they were having a lot less fun than the boys were. They were probably just goofing off.
"Why isn't Remus here, Mrs. Weasley? It's not like him to be gone so close to the full moon," said Hermione.
"He's taking care of some Order business this after noon. We've been given strict orders to start without him if he should happen to be late, but I have been assured that he will be here tonight."
"He'd better be, or Tonks will have his neck," whispered Ginny while the other girls cracked a smile.
When the boys came in for a lunch break they found the girls hard at work. Hermione was tending to the five turkeys cooking, and her hair was frizzy and sweat soaked from the heat. Rinoa had finally broken down and had her hair up in a messy bun-like form on the top of her head. She and Ginny were kneading bread and somehow gotten themselves covered in flour in the process. In an attempt to get to an itch on her face Rinoa rubbed the back of her right hand across her brow, effectively smearing another line of flour on her face. Harry couldn't help himself, he burst out into fits of giggles along with the other flour free boys in the room. This however, probably wasn't a good idea seeing as how when the boys left the room five minutes later they were covered in flour.
Two hours later the group was released to get ready for the party taking place in the large meeting room. Each went to their own rooms to gather their things, but eventually all of the girls traveled to Ginny's room, while Ron, Harry and the twins were debating clothing in Harry's room. The party wasn't by any means formal, but the students were expected to look nice and show the proper respect to the guests even if they were all members of the same group. Ginny and Hermione had decided to wear simple, but elegant dresses. Each had on a short styled dress and had on robes to match. Rinoa, on the other hand decided to wear what she felt comfortable in (not a dress). She emerged from the room in baggy black pants and a ¾ sleeved Slytherin green baby tee shirt. Her feet were clad in her usual Doc Martins and poking out from her left sleeve her armlet was clearly visible.
"Rhin, are you really not gunna dress up tonight?" asked Ginny. Rinoa's long hair swayed as she shook her head.
"Who do I have to dress up for?" she asked in a soft mournful tone.
The table was set for thirty one with Dumbledore at the head and the rest of the Order lining the sides. The meal was spectacular looking and after marveling at it for a few moments Albus told everyone to tuck in. Fifteen minutes into the feast the door to the hall opened and Remus Lupin appeared.
"Ah, Remus you've finally come! Is Poppy with you?" Madame Pomphrey's head poked out of the door and followed Remus into the room.
"Hello, Albus."
"Well, why are you all waiting out in the hall? Come in and enjoy the feast Molly and her recruits spent the entire day making."
Poppy looked out into the hallway and after a nod from Remus took a seat next to Albus at the head of the table. Remus, however stayed near the door and after a whispered word to someone in the hall he held an arm out and helped a cloaked man into the room. The man was very thin and was leaning heavily on a large walking stick to stay balanced, even with Lupin's help. When he fully entered the room his face was still hidden behind the cloak, but one person recognized him immediately.
Rinoa Edward's face was pale and her eyes were wide, her scarred eyebrow raised in disbelief. She didn't need to see the man's face, she knew who he was. Remus stepped to the side as the man shooed him away to walk on his own, and suddenly everyone's attention was averted to the table where Rinoa had stood. The girl jumped upon the wooden table and back down to the stone floor with a grace few could achieve, and didn't displace a single dish. She immediately ran toward the man still not but a few steps in the room and with a sob jumped into his arms. The two stood there for a long moment basking in the warmth of the other's embrace. The man had somehow kept his feet under him as the girl jumped on him and had his arms firmly around her tiny waist. The reunion was a beautiful one, even to those who had no idea who the man was. Rinoa's arms were clutching his neck while her legs were firmly wrapped around his frail waist.
She soon slid off of him when she sensed his impending fall and the man grabbed a hold of his staff just in time to save himself. The pair simply stood and looked at each other for the longest time until the girl slowly reached up to lower his hood. When her hands grasped the fabric he tried to stop her with his free hand, but she simply reached up and put a comforting hand upon his face until he relented. The hood dropped to reveal a much more worn Severus Snape. His long black hair was tied back into a pony tail at the nape of his neck and his scarred face looked so frightened. He seemed to be afraid of her reaction, his ebony eyes were focused directly into her blue ones and they never wavered. Soon the shaking hand of Rinoa found it's way to his pale face and traced the scar on his right cheek; her other hand followed the path down the other various scars lining his tired face. He eventually reached his hands up to her face and leaned his forehead against hers. Rinoa's eyes were glazed over and if one looked closely at Snape they could see the tears welling up as well. After a moment his lips moved, though no sound came out. Rinoa smiled at his silent declaration and mouthed the same thing back to him. At that moment both fell into a searing kiss that all present didn't feel right about seeing, but looked anyways. When they broke apart and embraced Severus kissed the top of Rinoa's head and the pair looked to the table as if just noticing they were there.
Every single pair of eyes was planted firmly on the couple in front of them. A few people were grinning (Albus, Harry, and Remus), while the rest stared open mouthed at them. Dumbledore broke the silence before anyone had a chance to ruin the moment. The old man stood from his place and walked down to the pair standing before the crowd and embraced them both, first Severus, then Rinoa.
"The pair of you are simply two of the most talented people to ever cross my path. You belong together and do not let anyone else tell you otherwise. I give you my blessing."
Two extra seats suddenly appeared between Rinoa and Sirius's chairs, and Remus immediately joined his friend at the table. The couple slowly moved from the front of the room, and with clasped hands made their way to the last two empty chairs. Harry smiled at Rhin on the way and squeezed her hand under the table when she sat down (purely in a supporting way, you freaks!)
The meal continued but no one said much to Severus or Rinoa, it seemed like the two were having a private conversation without even speaking to each other. Every once and a while one would crack a smile at the other or chuckle, and most there did not understand the private line of communication the two shared. For one night however, no one spoke of Order business. Voldemort was gone from the minds of those seated and the residents of 12 Grimmauld Place were care free for the duration of the holiday.
Two hours later everyone had headed home or to their separate rooms, even if some had snuck into the rooms of others five minutes later.
Ginny and Harry were seated in the couch in front of the fire in his room. The couple were not saying anything even if they had a lot to talk about at the moment, right now they were simply enjoying that they actually had each other. Seeing the reunion earlier had led Harry to realize just how lucky he really was. He couldn't imagine going through what Rhin had the last few months, he silently gave thanks for the girl laying peacefully in his arms. Eventually someone had to break the silence and soon Ginny's curiosity gave way.
"You knew about them didn't you?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Gin, it wasn't my secret to tell. She was so distraught that having other people know would have only added to it."
"But I'm her friend too. I could have helped her somehow. I could have been there for her."
"She made me promise."
"How long have you known?"
"Since Halloween, when I was unconscious something happened that I can't explain right now. But, I promise I will tell you soon," none of the conversation was expressed in a hostile form. Both parties were very calm for the duration of it, and Harry continued to stroke Ginny's hair throughout the words said.
Ron and Hermione however, were a different story. Neither had known and Hermione was feeling cheated because she was closer to Rhin than almost anyone. She had known her first, she should have been told what was going on. Ron was ranting about greasy bats and Hermione was silently trying to logic out why she wasn't told. Eventually she came to the conclusion that if she had been told she probably would have made things even worse anyways and so she spent the next two hours calming down Ron. The two finally came to grips with the situation and vowed to show no hostility to the couple in the morning.
Remus Lupin's bedroom door opened at 2:00am and a female intruder quietly entered into his domain. The woman approached his bed and stood there for a moment, hands on hips and stared at the seemingly sleeping man.
"Remus Lupin, I know very well that you are not asleep! Now, get up and tell me what the hell is going on!" Remus cracked an eye open to look at the annoyed woman and let a small smile cross his face.
"I was wondering when you would break in and pester me."
"Tell me what is going on Lupin."
"Ouch, you haven't called me that since the last time you were mad at me." By this time the girl was getting rather impatient and petitioned Remus one last time before resorting to drastic measures.
"REMUS!"
"All right all right, sit down before you wake the whole house up." The woman sat down next to him on the bed and snuggled in to him, showing Remus that she wasn't really upset with him.
"What happened to him?"
"He was discovered, that's all I really know about it. He won't tell anyone what happened, and Rhin is the only one who he probably will tell."
"Remus, I don't understand. What happened between the two of them?"
"I'm not quite sure of the specifics, I haven't really asked either one yet. But, I think she saved him."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean I think she's the heir of Slytherin and she saved him when he was in trouble."
"She linked with him? But, that hasn't been done in centuries!"
"That was my understanding of the situation. And before you ask, I have no idea how they got together."
"They're not the strangest couple I've ever seen...do you think they're happy with each other?"
"Seeing as they just were reunited after being apart for so long I'd say so." The woman smacked him on the shoulder in response to his obvious avoidance of her question. "Yes Tonks, I think they're happy."
"...good."
Severus Snape had not had a dreamless sleep since his incarceration in Voldemort's dungeon. He was plagued with nightmares and memories of the last time he had been down to those dungeons. Of the last traitor that had been discovered in the Dark Lord's ranks. It was night, as it always was in these meetings, and he had been called to voldemort's side after a stressful day. He had again tried to talk some sense into his sister, but it was in vain the girl would not budge.
When he arrived at the graveyard that held his master's father he immediately noticed that tonight was special. Voldemort was going to hold one of his mock-trials. They were always rather enjoyable, making people pay for their crimes against the cause. In the center of the circle there were chains set up for when the prisoner arrived and everyone was gathered around with anticipation. However, when the form of a young, dark haired woman was brought out he gasped. It couldn't be her. Why would she be on trial? She had married a Gryfindor yes, but he was pure-blooded and his siblings were respected among the Death Eater community. It was not as though she had committed a crime against the cause. Before he could think anymore on it the "trial" began.
"Evangeline Snape, you are accused of treason against our noble efforts of purification. How do you plea?" asked the horrific form of Voldemort himself. No matter how many times Severus saw him he would never get used to the gruesome man before him. He was simply terrifying.
Severus was praying that this was all a misunderstanding and that she would now go into an explanation on how she converted her new husband to the side of good. But, this did not happen. She was an honest woman, and she knew that she had been found out. There was no point in dying a coward, she would die for her cause.
"Your "noble efforts" are disgusting," she was so quiet that Severus could hardly hear her.
"Then you admit to being a spy for the old fool?"
"I follow the side of light, if that is what you are asking."
"You are a disappointment to me, my dear. I had such high hopes for you and your brother. I suppose you will just have to be punished," said the Dark Lord as if he was talking to a disobedient child. "You will tell me all of Dumbledore's plans right this moment if you wish to live, my traitorous child."
"no."
"No? Do you not know what will happen if you don't tell me?"
"I don't care, I'm not going to help you."
"Very well, I proclaim you guilty and you will be punished severely. McNair! Goyle! You may take her down to the dungeons and do with her as you wish, but do try to be gentle, I don't want her dead yet." And with that, the girl he grew up with died. Not physically, not quite yet. She was broken. As she left the woman turned to him with the saddest eyes he had ever seen. They were pleading, they were so tired.
She managed to stay alive for a month in captivity within Voldemort's private dungeons, and Severus didn't want to know what they did to her down there. She never spoke again though, not since the trial, not to anyone. He knew she was close to leaving, he could feel her slipping away. So, he went down to see her, to say goodbye. The guard allowed him a moment alone with her and he entered her cell with a clang of the door. Her emaciated form was curled up in the corner of the room and when he walked over and knelt down next to her she simply stared into his eyes for the longest time.
"I'm sorry," he said.
"I know."
"I didn't say a word."
"I know."
"I can get you out of here Vange, we can escape together."
"No, I will except my fate. Just as you must except yours." He put a shaking hand to his forehead. "What is my fate, sister."
"You will see the light, Severus, and you will win. And when that happens I will smile down on you from my place in the heavens. You are my brother, and I love you. Do not blame yourself for this, and do try to get along with my husband." The guard had come back and as he left the hall way he could hear her screaming. Severus slid down to the cold stone floor and put his head in his hands. She was hurting and there was nothing he could do about it. He would only get them both killed. He had made a decision, he would not let her sacrifice be made in vain, he would take her place as a spy.
Not a moment later her screaming stopped abruptly and the sound of Voldemort's laughter filled his ears.
. ...............................
Severus Snape started awake that Christmas Eve night, but he was not in a dungeon as he had dreamt. He was in a warm bed and a beautiful woman was seated at his side with a cool cloth in her hand. Rinoa placed the cloth on his forehead and lay down next to him. Severus sighed contently and put an arm around the girl's shoulders.
http:www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1143478&chapter=4
