The Saviour

Author: Dark Void Email: Daughter_of_air@hotmail.com

Status: Not complete; work in progress

Category: Drama, angst, bit of action,

Spoilers: PoA

Season/Sequel info: None

Rating: 12/ PG13/IIa or the equivalent

Content Warnings: Violence, some swearing

Summary: Strange things afoot for Severus Snape, disturbing dreams and new powers. Then Sirius Black plays a prank on Severus with some interesting results. Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all its affiliates are the property of JK Rowling, and Bloomsbury and Warner Bros. Anything not of the HP universe is mine. This story is for entertainment purposes only and no money exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author. This story may not be posted elsewhere without the consent of the author. Author's Comment: One of my early works. Reviews are extremely welcome and criticism is okay as long as it's constructive. The story will be kinda slow going, I'm hoping that it will be 90-100 pages, I'm trying to weave several threads into the story and give my characters, well, character. I think I'll be putting out a chapter a week, if it isn't there or I take a lot longer, please accept my apologies. I'm in my second year of a degree, so that has to come first. Enjoy.

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Chapter One

It was rather stuffy in the old staff room even though the widows were open. Severus Snape was sitting in his usual armchair near the door, it was a good place to make a silent exit from the staff room when things were getting too much. As a member of staff and at Albus Dumbledore's request he show up at least once a day at the staff room, for appearances sake or some other excuse that Albus had thrown in to convince Severus.

Today was the traditional staff meeting before the new year started, it usual lasted the entire afternoon. It was held on the seventh day before the year started unless it was a Sunday then it would have been the day before.

Everyone else was talking about their summer or catching up with the latest gossip about someone they knew. No one dared disturb the Potions Master, and he was thankful for that. They wouldn't have to pretend to be sincere and he wouldn't have to pretend, full stop. He was use to it, the solitary.

In the sixteen years that he had joined Hogwarts he had made it clear that he wanted to be left alone. At first it was because he was ashamed about what he did for Voldemort, but as the years wore on he had not bothered to change his way. He didn't want to risk it in case Voldemort returned.

And of course Voldemort had returned last summer at the finale of the Triwizard tournament, where he had kidnapped Harry Potter and had a potion made to restore him into a material body. Severus would hesitate to say a human body, Voldemort can hardly be classed as human any more, all of the Dark Arts he had learned and practiced had corrupted his body into something else.

Suddenly the door opened and Albus Dumbledore walked in, his bright blue robe gently flowing around him. His usual benign smile was on his lips and his eyes twinkled with mirth. "Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, I do hope I'm not disturbing your holidays too much," he began.

The crowd murmured negative. "Ah good," Albus said, "when everyone is seated comfortable I will begin." The crowd all found somewhere to sit.

"Now the first thing on the agenda is the safety of the students, we must make sure that Hogwarts is fully protected from any danger. Pontius have you any ideas?" Albus asked the Charms Professor Filius Flitwick.

"Ah, well, over the summer I have been experimenting with a new ward that can be programmed to identify and recognise anyone who enters onto Hogwarts. We can programme all of the staff and students identity into it and it should tell us if a stranger has entered the school grounds." Filius said proudly.

"That does sound like a very good idea. When can you implement it?" asked Albus as he stroked his long white beard.

"I have completed the charm but I would like to perfect it a bit, and then I will have to programme the charm probably when everyone is present. So I think by the second week of the term," stated Filius.

"Excellent work, Filius," Albus commended the diminutive man. "Now I have decided that the students would all benefit with duelling lessons, so I have decided to promote the duelling club into a course and incorporated it into their schedules. The teacher taking it will be Professor Alates Jurgon; she will be arriving in the next few days. I wish for everyone to make her welcome," Albus said whilst looking pointedly at Severus who just remained still, "and to help her out as much as possible,"

Everyone nodded.

"Now onto the business of who will take over the job of Defence Against the Dark Arts. I have already owled parents about this candidate and there seems to be no real concern. I have appointed Remus Lupin as the new professor." Albus finished with a slight glance at Severus to gauge his reaction.

Severus's face was a mask of nothingness, but the other teachers began talking.

"But Albus isn't he a werewolf?" asked Flora Sprout the Herbology professor.

"There is no need to worry, Flora. As long as he continues to drink the Wolfsbane potion that should not be a problem. Which brings me to ask you, Severus, if you could begin to brew the potion?"

The Potions Master looked at Albus, "I don't suppose I have much choice do I. Well if he needs it before the next full moon you're cutting it a bit fine, the potion requires a long time to brew and the moon peaks in eight days. But I believe that I can do it."

Albus smiled at him, " I have every confidence in you, Severus."

"I suppose he will be bringing his dog?" asked Severus calmly.

"Yes," replied Albus, "the dog is fairly intelligent and can help patrol the grounds,"

Severus nodded his head and resumed his staring out of the far window.

The rest of the meeting went quite smoothly and soon everyone was departing to get back to what ever it was that they were doing.

"Severus, a word please," said Albus, as the group dispersed.

Severus stayed back and when the group had moved on he sat down next to the headmaster. "You wanted a word, Albus"

"I want to know how you feel about having Remus and Sirius on campus?" asked Albus.

Sirius Black was an unregistered Animagus who took on the form of a black dog, Snuffles. He had been wrongly imprisoned for a murder he didn't commit and he was now a fugitive. Few people knew of the Snuffles true identity, mainly Harry and his two friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and Albus and Severus.

"You've already invited them to Hogwarts, so I don't see why you are asking me that question," said Severus calmly.

"I know you three have a rather horrible past but I wish you to at least be civil to each other," replied Albus.

"Don't worry I won't kill them, Albus,"

"I thought you and Remus use to be friends,"

"Use to, Albus, use to," said Severus, with that he swept out of the room.

Albus sighed and wondered how long it would take for them to patch up their differences, that is if they ever would.

***

At the school gates Severus pulled his travelling cloak tighter and mounted his broomstick, a respectable Nimbus 1800 not as good as the new Nimbus 2500 but it did its job.

He began heading south towards his house; it was a good two hours away on a Nimbus 1800. He enjoyed the view, scenic and serene. He often wished that he had more time to admire such things, but there was a war to be won and students to teach.

The only place that Severus could truly relax was in the air, usually on his broomstick but a flying charm was even better. High up where the sun always shone, where there was nothing but him and the occasional bird. But today was different, the names Remus and Sirius floated through his mind.

Back when he was a student at Hogwarts he and the marauders were constantly at each other's necks. Playing nasty pranks on each other and trying to get each other in trouble. Well most of the marauders, there was the small exception of Remus, he was the quieter marauder who chose not to participate in the more dangerous or nasty pranks.

And in turn Severus himself had not purposely done anything particularly nasty toward Remus; it was a mutual understanding. During a detention that they both served they had gotten to know each other and a friendship had formed, much to the chagrin of the three remaining marauders - James Potter, Sirius and Peter Pettigrew.

They were forever trying to break up their friendship not that Severus's friends didn't try, though they were more subtle and cunning in that matter. But their friendship had survived all that the marauders had to offer. All except for what Sirius had resorted to in their fifth year.

One night Sirius had lured Severus to the Whomping Willow and taught him how to get past the arms; by pushing a knot at the base of the tree with a stick the arms would freeze for a few seconds. Severus was curious as to why Sirius had told him that Remus had wanting to see him there.

Severus guessed that it was probably a trap of sorts but didn't know what exactly. There was a passage that started that started at the secret entrance of the Whomping Willow that led to the Shrieking Shack. He had gotten to the middle of the passageway and had stopped dead in his tracks, he could hear growling. The growl was very close; he cast a gentle illumination charm and had found what was making the noise.

A wolf, not just any wolf but a werewolf. He could feel the humanity inside the wolf and he had instantly known who it was. Remus. For the first time in his life Severus was scared, no, terrified. He was rooted to the spot as he saw the wolf creep towards him. The wolf growled low and started to run towards Severus, it was at that point the Severus felt an arm tugging him towards the exit. Severus didn't move, the person resorted to half dragging him down the passageway.

Suddenly Severus snapped out of his shock and cast the full body bind charm at the wolf and ran toward the exit. As soon as he had gotten far enough he collapsed onto the ground panting. Severus looked up at the other person only to discover that it was James.

They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, they were broken from their reverie only by the arrival of Albus and Minerva McGonagall, deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts.

They were duly bought to the Headmaster's office and Sirius was summoned. After much debating and arguing they had settled on taking 10 points from Gryffindor and giving a detention to Sirius. Any more would arouse the suspicions of the house and other students alike, which could blow Remus's cover. Werewolves were generally feared and shunned by the wizarding world.

The punishment had left Severus feeling like Albus had punched him. His life was worth a detention and a mere 10 points from Gryffindor.

Severus shook his head gently, that was the past. No one could change it, better to concentrate on the future.

The future, even Severus had to admit that the animosity between Remus and himself had slowly dissipated after he had heard the truth in the Shrieking Shack. It happened when Remus was first given the DADA position, Peter had kidnapped Ron, and Harry, Hermione, and Sirius had followed, then Remus joined them. Severus had followed the whole group under Harry's Invisibility cloak. Confusion and struggles followed, it resulted in Peter being captured then escaping.

Severus and Sirius, now that was an entirely different story. Sirius still saw Severus as the boy he knew back at Hogwarts and a Deatheather to boot. Severus was not entirely saintly; he still harboured some negative feelings towards Sirius and enjoyed taunting him.

Suddenly pain shot through his left arm almost causing him to fall from his broom but he was anticipating it. Voldemort also called a meeting seven days before the new school year. Severus pulled his sleeve up and touched the Dark Mark; it immediately transported him to the Voldemort.

***

He apparated outside a manor, McNair Manor to be exact. He dismounted from his broom and made his way up to the front door and gave a knock. The door was opened to reveal a man in a black hooded cloak; Severus himself was also dressed in a black hooded cloak. It was the Dark Marks doing, not only does it transport the person to Voldemort it also dresses them in a black hooded cloak with a white mask for anonymity.

"What say you?" asked the doorkeeper in a gruff voice.

"May the Dark Lord reign over all." Severus uttered blandly. There were several passwords, each used by a different faction of the Dark Lords army. Mainly those who had ties to Hogwarts used this certain password.

"Enter, friend," the doorkeeper said. "The master is in the parlour,"

Voldemort enjoyed making the simplest gesture ceremonial it gave him a sense of superiority as if he was a king in his court.

Having been to McNair Manor several times Severus knew his way about. Severus found himself nearing the parlour doors where two Deatheaters stood either side, as he approached they both opened the door for him. Once inside the doors closed behind him.

The room was quite elegant, done in a 16th century design; the fireplace was lit and surrounded by three chairs. In front of the far wall was a large wing back chair and in the chair sat Voldemort. His posture was of amused boredom coupled with an air of superiority.

Severus walked towards Voldemort and knelt at his feet, "Long may my master rule over all," he said, a formal greeting said by all of Voldemort's followers.

The Dark Lord eyed Severus lazily, "You may stand," Voldemort drawled.

"Yes, Master," Severus stood up in one movement and looked at the floor. Voldemort wanted submission from his followers, even the smallest act of averting the eyes were demanded.

"I believe that you had a staff meeting today, Severus?" asked Voldemort.

"Yes, Master,"

"What have you learnt?"

"Flitwick has devised a new charm that will be able to identify people who come onto Hogwarts. It will alert the teacher of any strangers who passes through its barrier."

"Hmm, very good. I believe that you will try your best to sabotage this charm."

"Yes, Master. I will endeavour to do just that,"

"I have new plans for you, Severus. I want you to research and brew the Elementum Potion. It would be very decisive to my winning the war; I know Hogwarts has a very extensive library. You are dismissed." Voldemort finished plainly.

"Yes, Master," Severus said with a curt nod of the head. He abruptly turned and marched out of the parlour.

Back outside the manor Severus disapparated back to Snape manor.

Snape Manor was not as large as McNair's but it was a moderate size and had more than enough room to store all of Severus's stuff. He was the sole occupant of the manor; his parents had died when he was in his seventh year at Hogwarts. An unfortunate hunting accident. But what more can one expect when one goes wild magical beast hunting.

Severus strode straight in; the door would magical open to the owner. Wandering into the study he absentmindedly dropped his cloak on the floor and began picking books off of his shelves. The library in the study was large but not as large as the proper library on the first floor; all of the most used and essential books were in the study.

The potion was something he didn't know about, the name sounded familiar. Looking through Rarest Potions a rare book in itself he found the potion in a footnote. The book only gleaned the basic concept of the potion, it was described as a potion to connect the user to the elements, however the book didn't describe it.

Severus noticed a small figure moving into his peripheral view, turning he noticed that it was one of his house elves. This house elf was the unofficial leader of the other eight house elves; Severus had no idea how such a hierarchy had formed it was unusual but Severus never questioned it.

The house elf was dressed in what could only be described as a rainbow coloured poncho. She held the cloak that Severus had dropped on the floor in her right hand. Her large eyes looked at Severus with curiosity, her ears flapped as she bounced excitedly on the spot.

"Would you like some tea, Master Severus?" asked the elf.

"Yes, Poppet, I would," replied Severus.

"I will bring it momentarily," Poppet said before disappearing.

This was another weird point that Severus found unusual. The house elves could all speak proper English, he had questioned Poppet about this once and was told that they were taught it by someone but no matter how much Severus asked the elves never told him who taught them. So he let it be, Much better than listening to the elves at Hogwarts totally butcher the English language, Severus thought with a wince. Adorable they may make the language sound but after a while it would just get irritating.

He began picking up several books that he thought might be useful and carried it over to his desk. Sitting down Severus opened the top draw and pulled out several parchments, a quill and inkpot.

The gentle clinking announced Poppet's return, she set the tray down and poured a spot of milk into a plain white china cup, then adding the tea and a lump of sugar.

"Thank you, Poppet," Severus said to the house elf.

The compliment caused the house elf to bounce more excessively than usual, "I aim to please," Poppet squealed then bounced out of the room.

Severus shrugged then got back to his researching.

***

Severus woke with a start, blinking his eyes rapidly whilst reaching for his wand. His eyes finally adjusted to the dark and he realised that he was in his bed. Severus frowned wandering how he had made it there; the last thing he remembered was sitting at his desk reading a heavy tome. Then nothing. He then realised that it was probably one of the house elves; he had a habit of falling asleep at his desk late at night and the elves would generally levitate him to bed.

Feeling relaxed Severus lay back down and let sleep wash over him. The last thing he heard was someone whispering 'goodnight'.

*****