A/N: Hey I'm back; Germany was good fun, revised a lot and possibly flunked
all but one of my exams, never mind. And as promised the next chapter -
Redstrawberry900 I don't want to be responsible for you peeing your pants.
Thank you Sarince for the suggestions I've used them to adjust my fic.
I have changed a couple of things 1) the Latin names for the flora/fauna are without brackets and the common names are in brackets, 2) the question marks should have been vowels with accents on top, but I should have changed them all to normal vowels now, and 3) Flitwick's name should be 'Filius' (I named him Pontius first but changed it, must have missed one).
The amended chapters are: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8.
lavondyss21, don't worry I'm planning on writing a lot more for TS, and more.
Snapefan51, that bit wasn't planned but it just played out in my mind and I decided to stick it in.
Poopoo head extraordinaire, well everyone says his like a big bat, so I might as well take it and modify it.
Thank you all for the reviews - I'm in double figures!
Evocare = call forth/ summon
Chapter Nine
Severus stood in front of Albus' desk and immediately shielded his eyes from the brightness of the magical light. Without hesitation Severus blurted out, "Albus the Deatheaters are planning to murder everyone in the Van Allen household tomorrow night,"
Severus' knees buckled and he would have hit the floor had it not been for the Headmaster's quick reflexes. With surprising strength Albus supported the young wizard and was in the process of carrying Severus to a nearby couch when the doors to the office burst open with considerable force.
Craning his head slightly Albus saw the familiar face of his Deputy Headmistress looking about wildly in the doorframe. "Ah, Minerva, glad you came by. Could you help me with Severus," Albus asked in a good-natured voice.
With the combined effort of both Severus' former professors he was gently laid onto a dark blue chaise lounge. Albus carefully loosened the top two buttons on Severus' shirt, with a quick glance toward Minerva, Albus requested that she contact the Matron, Poppy Pomfrey.
Minerva immediately walked over to the fireplace situated on the adjacent wall and threw a handful of floo powder that was sitting in a terracotta pot on the mantle-piece into the already present fire. The fire burned bright green and Minerva called into the fireplace, "Poppy, Severus has been injured, could you come to the Headmaster's office," With that Minerva returned to Severus' side.
After a few minutes Poppy appeared out of the fireplace in a blast of green flames, she absently dusted soot off her white apron as she headed toward the group to her left. She quickly hustled Albus and Minerva out of the way as she set about analysing the extent on Severus' injuries.
The door to the office once again opened as a large black dog entered breathing heavily, Snuffles looked around the room then transfigured into Sirius with a short 'pop'. "Albus, I think there's an intruder on the grounds," Sirius began. Just then Poppy crouched down from her position on Severus' left, which gave Sirius a view as to who was on the chaise lounge. "What's he doing here?" Sirius asked, tensing up.
"Well, Severus was warning me on a Deatheater mission that would take place tomorrow night," Albus explained, "however, there is something about his entrance that I find somewhat intriguing and would like to hear your views upon the matter," admitted Albus as he stroked his long, white beard.
"Severus appeared in front of my desk," Albus said simply.
"Appeared?" Minerva asked, "as in apparated,"
"In a way, yes," Albus said, seeing the pensive look upon the woman's face he asked, "Is that of any significance?"
"Well," Minerva began, "when I turned the corner to go down the corridor outside the gargoyle I saw a figure, all I black. As I approached I asked who he was, that is when he turned his face toward me. It was Severus. As I was about to ask what he was doing there he disappeared. Just vanished. That is why I came into your office, Albus."
"This is indeed strange," Albus commented, "And Sirius, would your report have anything to do with the appearance and disappearance of a black figure?"
"Yes," Sirius exclaimed, "I was out patrolling the grounds when I saw something appear at the edge of the Forbidden Forest then disappear. I thought I might've seen it again, more toward the castle but that could've just been a trick of the light,"
"Do you think that was Severus as well, Albus?" Minerva asked.
"More likely than not," Albus replied.
"But you can't apparate on or off Hogwarts' grounds," Minerva stated.
"I know," Albus said, "that is what is puzzling me. Perhaps Severus can tell us when he awakens,"
The trio were soon joined by Poppy.
"How is Severus?" Albus asked immediately.
"He will live," Poppy said curtly, "but he is in a bad state. I've healed all of the external injuries and most of the internal ones as well. His nerves are exhausted and I would recommend a lot of bed rest."
"It is the weekend tomorrow so Severus will not be expected to make any appearances," Albus stated.
"Yes," Minerva agreed, "and if anyone asks we shall say that he is working on a potion,"
"Very effective," a voice said.
They all turned round to see Severus trying to sit himself up, Poppy immediately rushed over and forced Severus to lie back down with one of her more withering looks. "You shouldn't be awake, Severus," Poppy said, "I gave you one of the strongest sedatives,"
"How do you feel, Severus?" asked Minerva.
Severus did not bother to reply; instead he raised his eyebrows at her.
"Albus shall I make my report now?" Severus asked, "Whilst it is still fresh in my mind,"
"Whatever you think is best," Albus said as he sat himself down next to Severus.
Severus took a deep breath and started, "I apparated to a open meadow where Voldemort was standing but there was no one there yet. After a while they began to appear, twelve more. Voldemort had learnt that there was going to be some kind of Halloween celebration at Trafalgar Square in London, he wanted us to infiltrate it and kill as many muggles as we could.
"Not long before the first Deatheater killed a muggle Aurors started to appear and a battle broke out between the Deatheaters and the Aurors, it did not last long and the Deatheaters eventually fled,"
"Where did you get all of your injuries?" Minerva asked.
"Partly from the Aurors, partly from Voldemort," Severus said as he stifled a yawn and sunk further into the chaise lounge, "he does not take failure lightly,"
"If you have finished with your questions Severus has to rest now," Poppy said.
"Wait," Sirius suddenly said, "what about the whole apparating on to Hogwarts?"
Severus threw Sirius a lack-lustered sneer, "What are you going on about, Black?" he asked, "You cannot apparate onto Hogwarts,"
"Severus, do you remember how you got up here?" asked Albus patiently.
Severus looked puzzled before it was replaced with blankness, "No," he said slowly, "I assumed that someone bought me here,"
"No, Severus," Albus said, "all three of us saw you disappear and reappear on Hogwarts,"
But Albus' reply was met by deaf ears because Severus had finally succumbed to the sedative that Poppy had given to him.
***
Severus awoke with a jerk and looked around frantically before relaxing as he saw that he was in his own quarters, the familiar dark blue hangings and cherry-wood furniture. Falling back onto the bed Severus pulled the covers higher about him then sat up quickly and looked to his left, a house elf was sitting on one of his chairs watching Severus intently.
With enthusiasm that only an elf could muster the house elf jumped onto the bed and started to bounce on the bed, "I is Tali, Headmaster Sir asks Tali to watch Professor Snape Sir,"
Severus watched Tali for a few moments before he turned away from the rainbow clothed house elf. "Thank you," Severus said before frowning and visible braced himself as the compliment sent the house elf into a bouncing frenzy.
Tali landed on the floor and announced that he would be back, and indeed he did return but this time he was holding a tray laden with a bowl of porridge, a roll and a cup of hot chocolate. The house elf conjured up a small table across Severus' lap and placed the tray onto it.
"Headmaster Sir says Professor Snape Sir has to eat," Tali said.
"I am not hungry," Severus said as he eyed the food on the tray.
"Headmaster Sir says Professor Snape Sir has to eat," the house elf enunciated.
Severus picked up the spoon and stirred the porridge before he started to eat it, Severus sighed in contentment as the warmness of the first spoonful settled in his stomach. And before he realised Severus had finished off the porridge and was half way through his roll.
Tali was gone with the tray now, leaving Severus sitting in his bed with the almost finished hot chocolate. Draining the last of the drink Severus got out of bed and put on a heavy dressing gown, slowly Severus walked out of his room, across the lounge and into his private lab.
Severus walked over to a mahogany cupboard, bought out his wand and muttered several charms before he pulled the door open. Selecting a small vial that contained the legend 'Cruciatus Reliever 37', Severus uncorked it and drank the light blue potion.
As the potion started to take effect Severus sat down at his desk and took out a piece of parchment entitled 'Cruciatus Reliever 37' and began to make notes at the bottom:
Nausea gone, headache gone, tired, tingling fingers - could be after- effects of the Kalmia latifolia (American laurel).
After filing away the parchment Severus returned to his bed and fell asleep immediately.
***
When Severus finally awoke later that evening he found that Albus was sitting next to his bed, Albus seemed to be dozing but opened his eyes when he heard Severus getting up.
"How do you feel, Severus?" Albus asked.
"I have felt better," Severus replied.
"I will get a house elf to send up some food," Albus said as he rose and went to the bedroom door.
"Again?" Severus asked, "How long have I been asleep?"
"Since the last time you woke up about ten hours," Albus replied, "Its ten minutes past eight,"
When Albus returned Severus was sitting up with the blankets pulled high, underneath his arms. "Is this a social call or should we get down to business?" Severus asked.
Albus smiled gently and said, "I was just checking up on you, Severus. You have more people than you know who care about you, we have been checking up on you all day,"
"Should I be paranoid about that, Albus?" Severus asked seriously.
"Do not worry yourself child, you were asleep when they visited," Albus said.
"Now I am worried," Severus said.
Albus chuckled and shook his head in mirth.
"Well, if the pleasantries are over with, shall I fill you in with what happened last night," Severus said.
"If you feel up to it," Albus said sobering up, "I had a feeling you might have been glazing over the details last night,"
"As I said, I was the first to apparated to Voldemort, he wanted to know my progress with the elementum potion. I informed him that I was in possession of the book and was in the process of deciphering and uncharming it. It was.weird.Voldemort was acting different last night, he was asking questions about me, not the usual kind of questions about my loyalty but questions about myself; how I was feeling, how I finding teaching. It could be a new tactic that he is employing, either to unnerve us or to make us loyal to him by being concerned with us and our lives outside of being Deatheaters.
"When all thirteen of us had arrived before Voldemort he ordered us to attack muggles at the celebration at Trafalgar Square. When I arrived I used the Evocare Stone that you gave me to summon the Auror, they arrived a few minutes after we begun to torture some muggles. A fierce battle broke out, a few muggles died, some of the monuments were damaged and we lost one of the Deatheaters, the rest of us decided to retreat when more Auror appeared.
"Once back, Voldemort used the Cruciatus curse on us all, though not long enough for any of us to pass out. That was when I heard him tell Wormtail to prepare the plans for tonight's attack on the Van Allen household.
"When we were sufficiently recovered Voldemort dismissed us all, I then apparated back to Hogwarts," Severus concluded.
"Yes, I read of the attack this morning in The Daily Prophet, however it seems the ministry has attributed it to Halloween Hi-jinks gone wrong, they mad no mention of the Deatheater. Though my sources in the Ministry tell me that he was given to the Dementors," Albus said sadly.
"When will Fudge just admit that Voldemort is back, then we can all prepare for his attacks more efficiently," Severus heatedly.
"Severus, we all have to make our own decisions based on our own thoughts and feelings, unfortunately Fudge has decided that his place in the ministry is more important," Albus said with a sigh.
Severus grumbled something that sounded very much like 'stubborn, anally retentive fool'.
Albus allowed himself a wry smile before asking Severus, "Do you remember how you got from the forbidden forest to my office"
"No, I truly cannot," Severus said.
"Exactly what do you remember, starting when you apparating in to the forest?" Albus asked.
Severus' brow knotted into a frown, "I apparating to the forest, I believe I blacked out once then I remembered that I needed to give you the message.then everything just seemed to fade away, and I was in your office," Severus said hesitantly.
"Severus what do you know about Indomitus Magicus?" asked Albus.
"Untamed Magic?" Severus translated, "That it is the essence of a magic wielder,"
"Yes," agreed Albus, "Although it is the essence of a magic user, it is refined by the body into a form that we can control and use. However, in times off extreme need this essence can be used in its most raw form, and used to accomplish great feats of magic, it has the ability to negate other magic,"
"Albus, you surely do not believe that I used it do you?" Severus asked in disbelief.
"It is the only explanation that I could think of," replied Albus.
"But the magic protecting Hogwarts is tens of centuries old, I do not think I have the ability to by-pass such magic," Severus said.
"Perhaps, perhaps not. Indomitus Magicus is usually only used in times of desperation, you could have felt that it was important to inform me of Voldemort's plan," Albus said.
Severus shrugged and said nothing.
All thoughts of last night disappeared with the arrival of Tali with a tray piled high with food.
*****
I have changed a couple of things 1) the Latin names for the flora/fauna are without brackets and the common names are in brackets, 2) the question marks should have been vowels with accents on top, but I should have changed them all to normal vowels now, and 3) Flitwick's name should be 'Filius' (I named him Pontius first but changed it, must have missed one).
The amended chapters are: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8.
lavondyss21, don't worry I'm planning on writing a lot more for TS, and more.
Snapefan51, that bit wasn't planned but it just played out in my mind and I decided to stick it in.
Poopoo head extraordinaire, well everyone says his like a big bat, so I might as well take it and modify it.
Thank you all for the reviews - I'm in double figures!
Evocare = call forth/ summon
Chapter Nine
Severus stood in front of Albus' desk and immediately shielded his eyes from the brightness of the magical light. Without hesitation Severus blurted out, "Albus the Deatheaters are planning to murder everyone in the Van Allen household tomorrow night,"
Severus' knees buckled and he would have hit the floor had it not been for the Headmaster's quick reflexes. With surprising strength Albus supported the young wizard and was in the process of carrying Severus to a nearby couch when the doors to the office burst open with considerable force.
Craning his head slightly Albus saw the familiar face of his Deputy Headmistress looking about wildly in the doorframe. "Ah, Minerva, glad you came by. Could you help me with Severus," Albus asked in a good-natured voice.
With the combined effort of both Severus' former professors he was gently laid onto a dark blue chaise lounge. Albus carefully loosened the top two buttons on Severus' shirt, with a quick glance toward Minerva, Albus requested that she contact the Matron, Poppy Pomfrey.
Minerva immediately walked over to the fireplace situated on the adjacent wall and threw a handful of floo powder that was sitting in a terracotta pot on the mantle-piece into the already present fire. The fire burned bright green and Minerva called into the fireplace, "Poppy, Severus has been injured, could you come to the Headmaster's office," With that Minerva returned to Severus' side.
After a few minutes Poppy appeared out of the fireplace in a blast of green flames, she absently dusted soot off her white apron as she headed toward the group to her left. She quickly hustled Albus and Minerva out of the way as she set about analysing the extent on Severus' injuries.
The door to the office once again opened as a large black dog entered breathing heavily, Snuffles looked around the room then transfigured into Sirius with a short 'pop'. "Albus, I think there's an intruder on the grounds," Sirius began. Just then Poppy crouched down from her position on Severus' left, which gave Sirius a view as to who was on the chaise lounge. "What's he doing here?" Sirius asked, tensing up.
"Well, Severus was warning me on a Deatheater mission that would take place tomorrow night," Albus explained, "however, there is something about his entrance that I find somewhat intriguing and would like to hear your views upon the matter," admitted Albus as he stroked his long, white beard.
"Severus appeared in front of my desk," Albus said simply.
"Appeared?" Minerva asked, "as in apparated,"
"In a way, yes," Albus said, seeing the pensive look upon the woman's face he asked, "Is that of any significance?"
"Well," Minerva began, "when I turned the corner to go down the corridor outside the gargoyle I saw a figure, all I black. As I approached I asked who he was, that is when he turned his face toward me. It was Severus. As I was about to ask what he was doing there he disappeared. Just vanished. That is why I came into your office, Albus."
"This is indeed strange," Albus commented, "And Sirius, would your report have anything to do with the appearance and disappearance of a black figure?"
"Yes," Sirius exclaimed, "I was out patrolling the grounds when I saw something appear at the edge of the Forbidden Forest then disappear. I thought I might've seen it again, more toward the castle but that could've just been a trick of the light,"
"Do you think that was Severus as well, Albus?" Minerva asked.
"More likely than not," Albus replied.
"But you can't apparate on or off Hogwarts' grounds," Minerva stated.
"I know," Albus said, "that is what is puzzling me. Perhaps Severus can tell us when he awakens,"
The trio were soon joined by Poppy.
"How is Severus?" Albus asked immediately.
"He will live," Poppy said curtly, "but he is in a bad state. I've healed all of the external injuries and most of the internal ones as well. His nerves are exhausted and I would recommend a lot of bed rest."
"It is the weekend tomorrow so Severus will not be expected to make any appearances," Albus stated.
"Yes," Minerva agreed, "and if anyone asks we shall say that he is working on a potion,"
"Very effective," a voice said.
They all turned round to see Severus trying to sit himself up, Poppy immediately rushed over and forced Severus to lie back down with one of her more withering looks. "You shouldn't be awake, Severus," Poppy said, "I gave you one of the strongest sedatives,"
"How do you feel, Severus?" asked Minerva.
Severus did not bother to reply; instead he raised his eyebrows at her.
"Albus shall I make my report now?" Severus asked, "Whilst it is still fresh in my mind,"
"Whatever you think is best," Albus said as he sat himself down next to Severus.
Severus took a deep breath and started, "I apparated to a open meadow where Voldemort was standing but there was no one there yet. After a while they began to appear, twelve more. Voldemort had learnt that there was going to be some kind of Halloween celebration at Trafalgar Square in London, he wanted us to infiltrate it and kill as many muggles as we could.
"Not long before the first Deatheater killed a muggle Aurors started to appear and a battle broke out between the Deatheaters and the Aurors, it did not last long and the Deatheaters eventually fled,"
"Where did you get all of your injuries?" Minerva asked.
"Partly from the Aurors, partly from Voldemort," Severus said as he stifled a yawn and sunk further into the chaise lounge, "he does not take failure lightly,"
"If you have finished with your questions Severus has to rest now," Poppy said.
"Wait," Sirius suddenly said, "what about the whole apparating on to Hogwarts?"
Severus threw Sirius a lack-lustered sneer, "What are you going on about, Black?" he asked, "You cannot apparate onto Hogwarts,"
"Severus, do you remember how you got up here?" asked Albus patiently.
Severus looked puzzled before it was replaced with blankness, "No," he said slowly, "I assumed that someone bought me here,"
"No, Severus," Albus said, "all three of us saw you disappear and reappear on Hogwarts,"
But Albus' reply was met by deaf ears because Severus had finally succumbed to the sedative that Poppy had given to him.
***
Severus awoke with a jerk and looked around frantically before relaxing as he saw that he was in his own quarters, the familiar dark blue hangings and cherry-wood furniture. Falling back onto the bed Severus pulled the covers higher about him then sat up quickly and looked to his left, a house elf was sitting on one of his chairs watching Severus intently.
With enthusiasm that only an elf could muster the house elf jumped onto the bed and started to bounce on the bed, "I is Tali, Headmaster Sir asks Tali to watch Professor Snape Sir,"
Severus watched Tali for a few moments before he turned away from the rainbow clothed house elf. "Thank you," Severus said before frowning and visible braced himself as the compliment sent the house elf into a bouncing frenzy.
Tali landed on the floor and announced that he would be back, and indeed he did return but this time he was holding a tray laden with a bowl of porridge, a roll and a cup of hot chocolate. The house elf conjured up a small table across Severus' lap and placed the tray onto it.
"Headmaster Sir says Professor Snape Sir has to eat," Tali said.
"I am not hungry," Severus said as he eyed the food on the tray.
"Headmaster Sir says Professor Snape Sir has to eat," the house elf enunciated.
Severus picked up the spoon and stirred the porridge before he started to eat it, Severus sighed in contentment as the warmness of the first spoonful settled in his stomach. And before he realised Severus had finished off the porridge and was half way through his roll.
Tali was gone with the tray now, leaving Severus sitting in his bed with the almost finished hot chocolate. Draining the last of the drink Severus got out of bed and put on a heavy dressing gown, slowly Severus walked out of his room, across the lounge and into his private lab.
Severus walked over to a mahogany cupboard, bought out his wand and muttered several charms before he pulled the door open. Selecting a small vial that contained the legend 'Cruciatus Reliever 37', Severus uncorked it and drank the light blue potion.
As the potion started to take effect Severus sat down at his desk and took out a piece of parchment entitled 'Cruciatus Reliever 37' and began to make notes at the bottom:
Nausea gone, headache gone, tired, tingling fingers - could be after- effects of the Kalmia latifolia (American laurel).
After filing away the parchment Severus returned to his bed and fell asleep immediately.
***
When Severus finally awoke later that evening he found that Albus was sitting next to his bed, Albus seemed to be dozing but opened his eyes when he heard Severus getting up.
"How do you feel, Severus?" Albus asked.
"I have felt better," Severus replied.
"I will get a house elf to send up some food," Albus said as he rose and went to the bedroom door.
"Again?" Severus asked, "How long have I been asleep?"
"Since the last time you woke up about ten hours," Albus replied, "Its ten minutes past eight,"
When Albus returned Severus was sitting up with the blankets pulled high, underneath his arms. "Is this a social call or should we get down to business?" Severus asked.
Albus smiled gently and said, "I was just checking up on you, Severus. You have more people than you know who care about you, we have been checking up on you all day,"
"Should I be paranoid about that, Albus?" Severus asked seriously.
"Do not worry yourself child, you were asleep when they visited," Albus said.
"Now I am worried," Severus said.
Albus chuckled and shook his head in mirth.
"Well, if the pleasantries are over with, shall I fill you in with what happened last night," Severus said.
"If you feel up to it," Albus said sobering up, "I had a feeling you might have been glazing over the details last night,"
"As I said, I was the first to apparated to Voldemort, he wanted to know my progress with the elementum potion. I informed him that I was in possession of the book and was in the process of deciphering and uncharming it. It was.weird.Voldemort was acting different last night, he was asking questions about me, not the usual kind of questions about my loyalty but questions about myself; how I was feeling, how I finding teaching. It could be a new tactic that he is employing, either to unnerve us or to make us loyal to him by being concerned with us and our lives outside of being Deatheaters.
"When all thirteen of us had arrived before Voldemort he ordered us to attack muggles at the celebration at Trafalgar Square. When I arrived I used the Evocare Stone that you gave me to summon the Auror, they arrived a few minutes after we begun to torture some muggles. A fierce battle broke out, a few muggles died, some of the monuments were damaged and we lost one of the Deatheaters, the rest of us decided to retreat when more Auror appeared.
"Once back, Voldemort used the Cruciatus curse on us all, though not long enough for any of us to pass out. That was when I heard him tell Wormtail to prepare the plans for tonight's attack on the Van Allen household.
"When we were sufficiently recovered Voldemort dismissed us all, I then apparated back to Hogwarts," Severus concluded.
"Yes, I read of the attack this morning in The Daily Prophet, however it seems the ministry has attributed it to Halloween Hi-jinks gone wrong, they mad no mention of the Deatheater. Though my sources in the Ministry tell me that he was given to the Dementors," Albus said sadly.
"When will Fudge just admit that Voldemort is back, then we can all prepare for his attacks more efficiently," Severus heatedly.
"Severus, we all have to make our own decisions based on our own thoughts and feelings, unfortunately Fudge has decided that his place in the ministry is more important," Albus said with a sigh.
Severus grumbled something that sounded very much like 'stubborn, anally retentive fool'.
Albus allowed himself a wry smile before asking Severus, "Do you remember how you got from the forbidden forest to my office"
"No, I truly cannot," Severus said.
"Exactly what do you remember, starting when you apparating in to the forest?" Albus asked.
Severus' brow knotted into a frown, "I apparating to the forest, I believe I blacked out once then I remembered that I needed to give you the message.then everything just seemed to fade away, and I was in your office," Severus said hesitantly.
"Severus what do you know about Indomitus Magicus?" asked Albus.
"Untamed Magic?" Severus translated, "That it is the essence of a magic wielder,"
"Yes," agreed Albus, "Although it is the essence of a magic user, it is refined by the body into a form that we can control and use. However, in times off extreme need this essence can be used in its most raw form, and used to accomplish great feats of magic, it has the ability to negate other magic,"
"Albus, you surely do not believe that I used it do you?" Severus asked in disbelief.
"It is the only explanation that I could think of," replied Albus.
"But the magic protecting Hogwarts is tens of centuries old, I do not think I have the ability to by-pass such magic," Severus said.
"Perhaps, perhaps not. Indomitus Magicus is usually only used in times of desperation, you could have felt that it was important to inform me of Voldemort's plan," Albus said.
Severus shrugged and said nothing.
All thoughts of last night disappeared with the arrival of Tali with a tray piled high with food.
*****
