Phrases/paragraphs in Italic are memories/flashbacks.
Kerichi: I hope some of your questions will be answered in this chapter. I don't know if romance is in the future for this pair. We'll just have to wait and see. Please continue to ask questions and give me your comments they help a lot! This is not my original chapter 2; your comments got me thinking in another direction. Hope you enjoy!
Snape opened his eyes and quickly sat up. He assessed his surroundings to find himself in his own bed at Hogwarts. The images still fresh in his mind.
He sat back in his bed and remembered the aftermath vividly:
The port key had taken him directly to the Dark Lord.
"You have completed your task?" Voldemort inquired.
Snape simply nodded and handed the Dark Lord a muggle newspaper.
Voldemort waved his wand, said, "Legilimency!" Then laughed and gave a nod. The memory of the massacre was seared into Snape's mind just as the Dark Mark was unceremoniously seared into his skin.
"Congratulations!" Lucius Malfoy said after the deed was done. "You are the first person to be controlled by the improved Imperius Curse. The Dark Lord has been working on modifying the curse to make it work at long distances; unfortunately it only works for a designated period of time."
"What do you mean?" Snape questioned. "I did the task as required."
"And with out questions," Malfoy stated, "The muggles you killed were of no threat to us in any way. It was the distance you had to go to do the task the Dark Lord was interested in. You did well."
"What about the witch?" Snape questioned.
"Haven't you been listening," Malfoy said. "The mudblood was of no consequence. What you did after the spell broke was completely on you."
"And when preciously did the spell break?" Snape asked.
"When the 24 hours were up," Malfoy replied.
Snape got out of bed, unconsciously messaging his rib cage where many years ago ribs had been cracked and never properly repaired, and prepared himself for the day. End of term testing was the most stressful of times and a few weeks ago Albus Dumbledore had asked him to go on a trip to America.
"Severus," Dumbledore said. "I have a task for you." They were walking down a corridor. Snape had just finished with a class of 1st years students.
"What kind of tasked?" questioned the Potion Master.
"I understand that in your youth you took a journey to America," Dumbledore stated.
"Yes, I did."
"Good, than you are the right person for the job. It seems the Ministry has found a young woman who needs some extra attention and they would like us to give it to her."
"What kind of attention?"
"Many years ago someone cast a memory charm on her. It worked too well, for a long time she did not know who she was. The ministry has been working with her. She now knows who she is and has recently discovered that she has a natural aptitude for spells. The ministry would like us to help her embrace this aptitude and teach her all the spells we could possible teach her."
"Why?" Snape questioned.
"It seems at one time she was a self taught Auror. One of the best," Dumbledore stated, "At the end of term you will go to America to retrieve the young lady."
"What information do we have on this young lady?"
"I'm afraid the ministry is not very forth coming with any further information. They did say that an enchantment has been placed on her so no magic will work on her. I should have a name before you leave."
Snape grabbed his vial containing his anti-ache potion and went to the Great Hall for breakfast. Ever since his meeting with Professor Dumbledore the memory of the massacre has invaded his dreams, sleep deprivation always caused him severe headaches. As he sat down his usual breakfast appeared including a mug of Chamomile tea, which he detested. He put the appropriate amount of anti-ache potion into the tea and slowly began to drink. Chamomile tea was the most efficient way of taking his potion. It always worked quickly. Now he would be able to tolerate one more day of classes.
He looked down at the vial in front of him. It was an unusual vial. It was smaller than the ones found in his lab, made of a light green tempered glass and on the bottom was stamped 'Made in the USA'. He ran his long index finger along the edge and remembered how he came to be in possession of this particular vial.
Margaret Morris was a rather plain girl. She had long black hair, a small button nose and green eyes, no hazel eyes they kept changing colors.
She placed the vial in front of him. "Here's the anti-ache potion I promised." She picked up her purse, magically unlocked the door, stowed her wand and walked out the door.
Severus picked up the vial. It was made of light green tempered glass. He popped the cork and took a sniff. Satisfied that it was indeed the correct potion he put the required amount into his Chamomile tea. The potion worked quickly, by the time Severus had finished drinking his tea the pain of his cracked ribs had eased up considerably.
Dumbledore entered the Great Hall in a hurry. He rushed up to Snape.
"Severus, I need a word with you," Dumbledore said and without waiting for an answer he rushed out of the hall.
Snape took another sip of his tea, stowed his vial in his robe, stood and followed the headmaster out of the hall.
"You have to leave right now!" Dumbledore said as Snape entered the headmaster's office. "Voldemort has sent three Death Eaters to search for the girl and you need to get to her first!" He placed an old empty dented sardine can on his desk.
"This is your port key there. Remember she has an enchantment that prevents all magic from working on her so you need to return via muggle air. Everything you need for your flight will be waiting for you at the air port."
"Why is the Dark Lord interested in a witch who has only recently rediscovered she's a witch?"
"Voldemort wants her because the ministry wants her." Dumbledore replied.
"How will I recognize her?" Snape asked.
"The port key will take you directly to her house," Dumbledore stated. He handed Snape a parchment. "Give her this, it explains everything."
Snape took the parchment and placed it in his robe. He picked up the sardine can.
"Her name is Margaret Morris," Dumbledore said as the port key snatched Snape away.
Snape landed in a familiar yard. The garden had not been tended in many years and the blue paint on the shudders of the house was beginning to peel. Flashes of the day he first came to America jumped into his mind:
The old woman scowled at him, "I have no daughter! Now get out of my yard!" She picked up the hoe she was using on the ground and swung it over her shoulder. She attempted to throw it at him.
Severus waved his wand and said, "Avada Kedavra!"
The old woman collapsed to the ground face first into her precious garden.
The old man spat on Snape's boots and said, "Don't mention that she-devil around me!"
Snape raised an eyebrow as well as his wand used the Avada Kedavra spell and disapparated. The male Morris fell over dead with a contorted look on his face.
As the three remaining sons exited the bowling alley he pulled his wand and cast the spell. He took a moment to enjoy the sensation and contemplate his next move. He was attacked from behind.
Snape opened his eyes with great difficulty. It was almost as if they were glued shut. He tried to assess his situation. He was in some kind of bed room living area. The bed he was laying on was very large. The night stand next to the bed had a lamp and a clock. The time was 12:00 AM. He wondered what day it was and if he had completed his assignment. There was a table and two chairs next to a small window. In front of the bed was a cabinet with drawers and a strange square item, something the muggles called a television. He tried to sit up but a pain in his ribs made him lay back down. He realized that his robes had been removed only his trousers remained, and he had some kind of white material wrapped around his rib cage. He closed his eyes and felt his rib cage. He could not feel any bones out of place. His wand was no where to be seen.
He heard a swooshing sound and the rattling of a door knob. He reached for his wand then remembered it was missing. He heard the door open and light footsteps. There was the rattling of bag being placed on a table. He opened his eyes a slit and saw a young woman with long black hair in the room.
She had a wand in her hand and with a swift wave the window blinds were closed. A lamp on the table lit itself and a large bowl jumped from the bag and onto the table.
"Are you feeling better?" she asked without turning to look at him.
He closed his eyes. He was being aided by a witch. He heard her walk over to the bed.
"I have a friend who is better at potions than I am she's creating an anti-ache potion for you." She pulled a chair over to the bed, waved her wand changing it to an easy chair. "Actually, she thinks it's for me. She's knows I get terrible headaches. In the mean time I have some chamomile tea for you. I also brought you some chicken soup to eat."
"My name is Margaret Morris," she said. She waved her wand and the blanket gently rose and covered his body.
He knew the name. She was the only witch in the muggle family.
Snape looked around the unkempt yard one more time before going to the door. As he reached the door a young lady opened it.
"Who are you and what do you want?" She asked. Her wand, which was hidden from any onlookers by the large wooden door, was pointed directly at Snape's heart.
Snape recognized her immediately she was a little older and her hair was much shorter but it was indeed Margaret Morris.
"I am Professor Snape," he stated. "I have come to bring you to Hogwarts."
"Shh," she said. She quickly stowed her wand and ushered him into the house. "People around here do not understand." He entered the house, it had not changed much either, and she magically locked the door.
"I was told to give this to you," Snape said as he pulled the parchment Dumbledore had given him from his robe.
She took the paper and quickly read it.
"I was told someone would come to get me," She said. "My bag is packed," she pointed to the carpetbag sitting on the floor near the door. "And a taxi should be here momentarily to take us to the airport. Would you like some tea while we wait?" She stowed the parchment into the pocket of her jeans.
She waved her wand and a teapot moved to the stove and the stove lit itself. Two cups flew out of the cupboard and onto the table.
Snape nodded and sat down at the table.
"Do you have a preference?" She questioned. "I have Chamomile, Earl Grey, Green tea, Black tea?"
"Earl Grey will do nicely," Snape said. He watched her as she put a bag into each cup and then poured the steaming liquid. She placed the teapot back on the stove.
Snape raised an eyebrow.
"It's muggle tea," Margaret explained. "I find it much easier and no messy tea leaves to dispose. Do you use sugar or honey?"
"No," he said.
"Cream or milk?"
"No."
She dipped the bag a couple of times them place the used bag into a compartment on the mug. She placed the mug in front of Snape.
"If you find it's not strong enough for your taste just dip the bag back in for a few more minutes," She removed the bag from her mug, placed it in the compartment then poured honey into her mug and stirred it with a spoon.
"Have you flown by muggle air before?" She questioned.
"No," he replied. He sipped the tea and found it was to his liking.
"I have, and I found that I don't fly well. I just want you to be aware that I will either talk your ear off the entire flight or not say a word because I'm too scared." She took a sip of her tea.
They sat in silence while they sipped their tea. She studied him and visa versa.
"Taxi's here." Margaret stated abruptly breaking the silence. "We should get going."
Snape took one last sip of his tea.
"Scourgify!" Margaret said and the tea cups and spoon cleansed themselves and went back to their place.
A car pulled up in front of the house and honked its horn. A loud buzzing noise rang through out the house.
"That's my alarm!" Margaret stated, "The ministry hooked it up a few weeks ago."
Snape recognized the sound and knew exactly what it meant. The Death Eaters would be there soon. He grabbed Margaret by the arm, picked up her carpetbag and pushed her out the door. They rushed to the waiting vehicle and Snape unceremoniously shoved her in.
"To the air port!" Snape shouted.
"There's a ten spot in it for you if you get us there in fifteen minutes," Margaret said to the cabbie.
"No need for the ten spot," the cabbie said. The cabbie had a baseball cap on his head and bright red strands of hair poked out around his ears. He turned and smiled at Margaret.
"Jeffery!" Margaret shouted with great surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"Special assignment," Jeffery stated. He pulled the cab away from the curb and watched her through his rear view mirror. "I'm to see that you get to the airport safely. Who's your friend?"
"This is Professor Snape," Margaret stated. "He's here to escort me to my new home." Snape sneered at the new comer, he reminded Snape of a Weasley. "Jeffery the alarm went off as we were leaving."
"Say no more," Jeffery said. He turned his complete attention to driving his cab. The cab moved with lightning speed as he weaved in and out between other vehicles.
"Do you trust this man?" Snape whispered into Margaret's ear.
"With my life," Margaret replied. "He's been like a brother to me."
"When we get to the airport go directly to the ticket counter," Jeffery stated. "You'll find a familiar face waiting for you. He'll have every thing you need to get on the plane."
Margaret covered her eyes as Jeffery swerved around a vehicle that was in his way. She simply nodded in reply to his statement.
Jeffery's driving reminded Snape of the knight bus, which was a wizard transport in Great Britain.
Jeffery pulled into the airport and hopped out. He opened the door to let them out.
Margaret climbed out of the vehicle and gave Jeffery a hug.
"Thanks for everything," she said. "Please write if you get an opportunity."
Jeffery smiled and nodded.
Snape grabbed the carpet bag and Margaret's arm.
Jeffery grabbed Snape by the arm and said into his ear, "If anything happens to her before she reaches her destination I will hold you personally responsible and come looking for you!"
Snape sneered at the man and jerked his arm away. "I understand you are very protective of the girl; however if you ever touch me in that manner again you will loose the use of that arm." He pushed Margaret forward and through the entrance door.
Margaret led the way to the ticket counter and saw a tall bald black man standing behind the ticket counter. She smiled as she reached the counter.
"Walter!" she said. "Did you come out of retirement just to see me off?"
The black man smiled at Margaret.
"Hello Margareet," Walter said. "I couldn't let you go without saying goodbye." He pulled out some paper work.
"Are you Professor Severus Snape?" Walter asked Snape.
"Yes," Snape responded.
"Margareet will be using your last name for the flight," Walter stated, "as your wife."
"What!" Snape exclaimed. "Never!"
"I could be your adopted sister," Margaret suggested. "That way there would be no questions as to why we don't look anything alike."
Snape thought about it for a moment. He didn't like the idea of this woman using his name but….
"Since there are no other options," Snape responded. "But it's only till we get to Hogwarts."
Margaret smiled and looked over Walter's shoulder at the small television that was showing up to the minute news. It showed a fire truck pulling up to a small house that was blazing.
"Walter, isn't that my house?" she asked.
Walter looked over at the TV and nodded his head sadly.
"We better get you on the plane fast!" Walter said. He handed Snape the plane tickets. "You will be spending the night in Paris."
"Why?" Snape asked.
"The ministry isn't taking any chances; they want to make sure Margareet gets to where she's goin' safely. You will be taking a train to Calais. Tickets for the train to Calais will be waiting for you in your hotel room. From there you will take the Eurotunnel to Folkestone. Tickets will be waiting for you in Folkestone to take the train to Kings Cross. I'm sure you know the way from there."
Walter handed Snape two booklets.
"These are your passports," Walter said. "Since you're traveling like muggles you'll need these as you enter a different country. I'll try to get hold of the hotel to change the reservation." He handed Snape a piece of parchment. "This tells you the name of your hotel, and where to pick up your tickets for the Eurotunnel." He handed Snape a small bag. "There's a sneakoscope in this bag. I assume you know how it works?" Snape grimaced at Walter and nodded his head. "Good Luck. Now you better get going. The plane will be leaving shortly Gate C15."
Snape pocketed the items Walter had just given him and turned to Margaret who was staring at the television. He took hold of her arm and pulled her away.
"We must hurry," he stated.
"That was my house," Margaret said. She stumbled along next to Snape in a state of shock.
As they walked swiftly through the airport Snape felt as if they were being watched. When they reached the appropriate gate a young lady stood waiting for them.
"Tickets, please," she said with a pleasant smile.
Snape reached into his robe and pulled out the tickets and handed them to the lady. She marked their seats numbers on the outer flap and returned them to him.
"Quickly," she whispered. "They are in the vicinity, be sure to close the window shade as you sit down."
Snape nodded and pulled Margaret down the narrow corridor to the plane. As they entered the plane the flight attendant showed them to their seats. She pulled down the window shade as Margaret sat down in the window seat.
The flight attendant began her speech about the emergency exits. Snape listened carefully to everything she said. He buckled his seat belt then noticed that Margaret hadn't buckled her belt. She was staring off into space. He buckled the belt for her.
The plane taxied down the runway preparing for take off. Snape felt a pressure on his hand and looked down to see Margaret's hand tightening around his.
"I was told one of the muggles kicked you in the face." Margaret gently placed a cold wet cloth on his eyes. His hand automatically shot up and grasped her wrist. "It's okay; it's just a wet wash cloth. I couldn't afford a dragon steak to put on your eyes. This will help keep the swelling down. You may have a black eye or two for a while." He released her wrist. She messaged the area where he had held her to bring back the circulation.
She had helped him, it only seemed right he do the same for her. He gave her hand a light reassuring squeeze; however when the plane was in the air he pried her fingers loose.
