A/N: Hello, hope you have not given up on me just yet, I know it has been
about three months. I'm sure you all know about my situation so no excuses.
We are nearing the end; I think three maybe four more chapters. So I should
get it done before the summer, fingers crossed. I have a bad habit of
working on the story very late at night, or should that be very early in
the morning? Anyway, although inspiration comes at night grammar and
spelling decides to leave, so I would like to thank my beta reader,
Deborah, for correcting me. Thank you for the reviews and continued
support.
Athena Keating-Thomas: I won't be ignoring Remus and Sirius, Severus and I still need them in the story. That and it is a bit late in the game to drop them, though I hope I have time to sufficiently explore Rena, Saba and Ceren without it being too forced.
I have decided that because we now definitely know Severus is a female I will be using female personal pronouns. Without further ado, I present the next chapter of The Saviour.
Chapter Twenty
A fire was burning in the fireplace of Severus' lounge; the occupants were seated around the coffee table, Severus in her favourite armchair to the right of the fireplace, Ceren opposite, and Rena and Saba between the two. Sirius was conveniently in Remus' quarters with Harry at that moment. Dinner had finished over an hour ago and they were enjoying coffee and tea as Severus pumped them for information about her parents, the war, everything. The trio were trying to answer as much as possible.
"You said that you served as house-elves in the Snape household, which elves were you?" Severus asked.
"There were two of us in the household, myself and Ceren," Rena answered, "Saba was the one in the outside world learning and finding out about everything. She is the wisest of us all."
"I believe that I have travelled at least twice around this planet, learning from the people that I have met on the way. In particular I spent many years with the Wisemen in the East," Saba said.
"As house-elves I was Mizzy and Rena was Poppet," Ceren said with a small smile.
"I thought you two as house-elves were slightly different," Severus said. "So, Saba is the scholar, what of you two?"
"Back home I was an agent in the Core Guards, we were assigned to protect the highest members of your household," Rena said.
"They were the elite, the deadliest assassins," Saba said.
"Yes, but I have lost my touch these past forty years," Rena said, with a sad smile.
"And you Ceren?" Severus prompted.
"I was a healer as well as your mother's handmaiden, so I did learn to fight when needed," Ceren said.
"What was she like, my mother?" asked Severus.
"She was an unbelievably kind-hearted person, her kindness just poured off in waves, I think that is what made her one of the best healers. Her compassion sometimes got her hurt by people who used it against her or those around her, but she would always shrug it off and come back smiling," Ceren said softly.
"And my father?"
"Well, as a pure-blooded Air he embodied a lot of characteristics that are found in the element of air. Most of the time he was happy, flighty and up to mischief, but you didn't want to angry him because his mood could change instantaneously and he could be quite deadly," Saba said.
"So in er.our world exactly what did the fey consist of, you've told of the Elementals," Severus asked.
"There are quite a lot of different types, but the main ones are the Elementals, the Goblins, the Pixies, the Faeries, the Dwarves and the Elves. But because we can all inter-breed sometimes the lines are a bit blurred,"
"Blurred?"
"Yes, I've seen a six foot high Pixie with beautiful faery wings tattooed onto her back, absolutely beautiful" Saba answered.
"Of course, some of the offspring can be quite the opposite," Ceren said.
Rena looked up at Ceren and said, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, what you may find repulsive someone else may desire,"
Ceren looked over at Severus before lowering her gaze.
A knocking at the door broke the silence; uncurling herself from the armchair Severus walked over to the door and opened it. Leaning against the door frame was Remus, he smiled and said, "Evening, thought I'd drop by and give Padfoot and Harry some privacy,"
"I guess you will want to come in?" Severus said.
With a nod of thanks Remus crossed the threshold, and walked into the lounge, "Evening, Ladies," Remus said and tipped an invisible hat at them. The trio replied, and Saba beckoned Remus to the space between her and Rena.
"Glad to see that you are comfortable," Severus said, "would you like a drink?"
"A cup of tea won't go amiss," Remus replied.
Severus disappeared into the kitchenette and came back a few moments later with a cup of tea. "Milk, two sugars, yes?" Severus said.
"Excellent, thank-you," Remus said and accepted the cup, "So what's happening here then?"
"Just asking them some questions," Severus said.
"Ah, the Spanish inquisition," Remus said with a laugh.
They lapsed into silence for a few minutes; Severus stared into her cup of tea. "I have been thinking," Severus began, "about the real Severus. I think that we should give him a proper burial,"
Remus looked up at Severus, "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Well, he has been buried in a.Where was he buried, actually?" Severus asked.
"In a forest about ten miles east of the house," Rena replied.
"Shoreham woods. Yes, he has been there for over forty years. He should be given a proper burial and recognition as the true Severus," Severus said.
"Will that not expose your cover?" Ceren asked.
Severus sighed, "I do not think my cover is of use anymore. What with the Dark mark disappeared and my link to Voldemort gone with it. If Severus Snape reappeared it would be quite suspect; he will want to know what happened to the mark," she said, "We might as well officially state that Severus Snape is dead and buried, and hope that Voldemort will not investigate further,"
"You will never be Severus Snape again," Remus said softly.
"It was never mine to begin with," Severus replied.
"I think that it is a good idea, once word gets out that Severus Snape is no more you should be slightly safer from Voldemort," Rena said.
"Yes, apart from his 'join me or die' proposition," Severus said.
"We'll still have to keep a close eye on you," Remus said.
"And I was hoping that I will not be needing a babysitter anymore," Severus said while running a hand through her hair.
"We can take over the duties from Mr Black," Rena said, "it is after all our duty,"
"No offence to Mr Black but I would feel better knowing that you are being watched by one of us," Ceren said.
"Yes, we could teach you about our world, and I could teach you magic," Saba said excitedly, "according to your lineage you should be quite powerful,"
"Hmm, I am unsure of how to break it to Sirius though," Severus said.
"Talking of Sirius, what did you tell him about who these three are?" Remus asked.
"Ah, I said that they were distant relatives, which is true, to an extent," Severus said.
"Did he ask anymore?"
"No, I just told him it was a surprise visit," Severus replied, "I think I should go tell Albus about the plan to give Severus Snape a proper burial,"
"Would you like me to come with you?" Remus asked
"No, I think he will agree with me," Severus said.
"Let us accompany you to the Headmasters room then, the Castle still has enemies within," Rena said.
Within ten minutes Severus was in Albus' office discussing her thoughts with the headmaster. Albus agreed with Severus and gave her permission to carry out the funeral.
***
It was a cold, windy afternoon that saw a small group of people dressed in black in the large back garden of Snape Manor. Severus, wearing a simple black dress and holding a small grey ball suspended between her hands, stood facing the crowd that included Albus, Remus, Rena, Saba and Ceren. The body of Severus Snape was located easily three days ago in Shoreham Woods; it was totally decomposed leaving only the skeleton. As per Snape tradition the body was cremated so that enemies of the house could not obtain the remains to use in arcane spells.
Severus cleared his throat, "Severus Snape was but a child when he died, we do not know what paths he would have taken through life and what kind of man he would have eventually become. As the heir of Snape he should be acknowledged as such, my only deed that I can perform for him is to give him a honourable funeral and enter his name into the Book of the Dead as the last member of the main House of Snape. I return your body back to Nature and hope that you reach Elysium" she said as she removed the spell around the ball letting the ashes be scattered into the wind.
Everyone bowed their heads as the ashes were blown high into the distance and disappeared from view. After a few moments Albus spoke, "Don't be too sad, Severus,"
Severus smiled sadly, "I did not know him but I still feel sad for him, everything that I had done in my life should have been his, or at least his to choose," she said.
Albus put his arm around Severus' shoulders, "You may have been living under his name for all these years but it was your own life that you made, you should not feel guilty about it. Besides you have left him with a veritable legacy, your courageous deeds during the dark times and your role in the fight,"
Remus walked over to Severus and placed an arm around her waist, "Albus is right, we all make our own destiny regardless of who we are. Shall we go inside, its getting cold out here," he said.
Severus nodded, "Remus," she said.
"Yes," Remus replied.
"Your hand is going to be removed from my waist one way or another," Severus said.
Remus quickly removed it and laughed.
***
The group arrived back at Hogwarts just as dinner started, they walked into the Great Hall amidst curious stares from the pupils and teachers. Rena, Saba and Ceren had got temporary placements at Hogwarts so that they blended in slightly more; Rena was teaching an after school self-defence club, Saba was helping to tutor the older pupils and Ceren was working as a nurse in the infirmary. The pupils and teachers had found it strange that the Headmaster had introduced three new members of staff in the middle of the school year; Albus had not been very forthcoming about the reasons so they had put it down to another of the Headmasters crazy whims. However, the stares were not for the three new professors, or the fact that the six had walked in late together but it was because Albus was wearing black. The Headmaster was known for wearing colourful clothing, sometimes a bit too colourful, so the sudden sombre attire was surprising.
As the group took their seats, Albus spoke to the hall, "Let us begin dinner, and as for the reason for my attire I will tell you afterward when I have collected my thoughts and you have prepared yourselves," he sat down and ignored further questions from students and teachers alike.
Dinner seemed to go quicker than usual, as the students were eager to find out what the Headmaster was going to say. Albus finally stood up as the entire hall became silent all eyes were on him. "Today I have been unfortunate to have to attend a funeral of a good friend and ally," Albus began, "I believe that you also know him. I regret to inform you that Professor Snape has died,"
A strange hush fell over the students and teachers before the hall erupted with noise, denials and questions came from the Slytherin table, Draco stood up and shouted at the Headmaster, "You're lying,"
Albus motioned for silence, "Mr Malfoy, I also wish that it were not so, Professor Snape was a dear friend of mine. Believe me when I say that I am not lying," he said.
Draco sat down heavily as his eyes glazed over.
"Professor Snape has been a part of Hogwarts for close o twenty years, yet he has remained the most isolated and misunderstood member of the faculty. This partly is my fault, for asking him to perform such a dangerous task," Albus said. He looked down for a moment before continuing, "For twenty-one years Professor Snape has been working for Voldemort as a Deatheater,"
Gasps of disbelief swept through the hall and a few whispers of 'I knew it' were heard.
"However," Albus continued, "however, for nineteen years he has been working for me as a spy within. And it saddens me to say that it is because of this that has caused your professors untimely death,"
The students and some of the teachers looked like they were having a hard time digesting the information that Albus had told them, none more so that the Slytherins. Many of the students looked shocked and confused. The confused students were mainly from Deatheater families, Severus Snape a respected Deatheater; most loyal to Voldemort had turned out to be a spy working for Albus Dumbledore. The very thought of it seemed unconceivable but there it was laid bare by the headmaster.
"We will all remember Professor Snape differently, depending on the sides that he had showed us. I am privileged that I have seen him through the good times and the bad," Albus said, "History will decide whether we did right or wrong, but now let us simply remember him,"
Albus bowed his head.
After a moments silence Albus dismissed the students though none of them moved, and left the hall. As he rounded the corner to his office Severus caught up with him.
"What on earth was all that about?" Severus asked.
"What?" asked Albus.
"Tell them that I had died, yes. But why tell them about my working for Voldemort and you?"
"Ah, that. I must confess that I had two reasons for it; firstly it was for the benefit of those who are teetering on the brink of becoming Death eaters. If I could show them that there are other paths to take, and that they have a choice in matters, maybe they will have second thoughts on joining," Albus said, "and secondly, I wanted to the students to show the sacrifices that you had made."
"Albus.thank-you," Severus said and gave Albus' shoulder a squeeze, "but I will need to talk to the Slytherins, they must be quite confused and angry at the moment."
"Good luck, Severus," Albus said.
"Its Seraphina," Severus reminded him.
"I'm just an old man who's stuck in his ways," Albus said and walked off to his office.
Severus smiled and then began to make her way down to the dungeons, as she turned the corner to the corridor where her office was she spotted Hermione. "You should not be down here, Miss Granger," she said as she approached her.
"Professor Snape, the announcement in the Great Hall just now, what did Albus mean that you were dead?" Hermione asked.
Severus looked up and down the corridor and then ushered Hermione into her office, after closing the door she sat down on the bench. "You remember that there was an accident in the laboratory?" Hermione nodded, "What you were not told was that the potion that caused the accident was nothing more than an strong glamour remover. This coupled with the fact that I am wanted by Voldemort, and therefore cannot return to my old guise, we decided that it would be better to finalise my departure."
"But what..." Hermione said.
The sentence was never completed as the door to the classroom was opened with great force, and in the doorway stood an angry looking Sirius. Severus uttered a less than audible 'shit' as she stood up, Hermione looked shocked as she tried to disappear into her chair. Sirius opened his mouth to speak but instead turned and ran out of the classroom. Severus opened the office door and was about to run after Sirius when Hermione placed a hand on her arm to stop her.
"I think it would be better for him to alone for the moment," Hermione said.
Severus nodded, "I think it may be a good time for you to leave as well," she said, "I need to speak to the Slytherins before the night is over,"
"Yes, Professor," Hermione said.
When Severus got to the Slytherin quarters she found that almost all were present, she decided to talk to them in their year groups rather than all at once. It would help them to feel more comfortable and easier to handle if things went bad. The speech was basically the same with several changes depending on the year group. The time came for Severus to talk to the sixth year.
"I will not beat about the bush, I know most if not all of you are from Deatheater families," Severus said, this caused a few students to look surprised, "so the news that Professor Snape was a Deatheater may not have surprised you, however to find out that he was also working for the headmaster will. No doubt that you are feeling betrayed and confused, and even angry. I am not here to excuse the choices and deeds that he has done, nor am I here to spout propaganda at you. Professor Snape made many choices in his life, some good some bad, but he never regretted any of them because when he made them it was his choice,
"I know that Voldemort recruits graduates of Hogwarts every year, and it will soon be your turn. I will not persuade you either way because the choice is yours, but when you do choose make sure that it is something that you will not regret later in life. There is no excuse later on to say that you were simply following someone else, all of you here are seventeen this year so you are all old enough to think for yourself and to accept the consequences of your actions.
"Now is not the time for recrimination but for serious thought. There are tough choices to make especially as dark times are ahead. With your knowledge from all that you know, all that you have seen and heard, and from your interactions with family, friends and even your enemies, you will make the most important decision of your life. There is no right or wrong answer, just as long as you stay true to yourselves," Severus said.
All around the room Severus could see that the students were looking thoughtful. Draco had a frown on his face, he looked up and caught Severus' eye, the confusing and doubt was evident in the young boy's eyes. Just as soon as their eyes locked Draco quickly looked away.
"If any of you need to talk my office is always opened to you, anything that is said will be confidential," Severus said.
After talking with the sixth year Severus talked to the seventh, the response was more or less the same, the students were too stunned to really think coherently let alone start asking questions. But Severus predicted that they next few days she was going to be very busy.
When Severus got back to her own rooms she found that Sirius was not in, instead a note laid waiting beneath the mirror portal. It was a plain white note with Severus' name on the front and a red wax seal at the back, the gently scrolled handwriting was unmistakable Remus'. Severus opened the note and read it:
Severus,
Just wanted to let you know that Si is in my quarters in case you were worried. He has been pacing up and down ranting and raving. He also found out that I knew who you were from the start so he is sulking in the bedroom. Would advise you not to visit him tonight or he is liable to do something rash. Hopefully he will calm down by the morning.
Remus.
Severus sighed; dealing with Sirius was something that she was not looking forward to. Thankfully she had a night to think of what to say and how to explain it, Severus only hoped that Sirius would listen to her.
*****
Athena Keating-Thomas: I won't be ignoring Remus and Sirius, Severus and I still need them in the story. That and it is a bit late in the game to drop them, though I hope I have time to sufficiently explore Rena, Saba and Ceren without it being too forced.
I have decided that because we now definitely know Severus is a female I will be using female personal pronouns. Without further ado, I present the next chapter of The Saviour.
Chapter Twenty
A fire was burning in the fireplace of Severus' lounge; the occupants were seated around the coffee table, Severus in her favourite armchair to the right of the fireplace, Ceren opposite, and Rena and Saba between the two. Sirius was conveniently in Remus' quarters with Harry at that moment. Dinner had finished over an hour ago and they were enjoying coffee and tea as Severus pumped them for information about her parents, the war, everything. The trio were trying to answer as much as possible.
"You said that you served as house-elves in the Snape household, which elves were you?" Severus asked.
"There were two of us in the household, myself and Ceren," Rena answered, "Saba was the one in the outside world learning and finding out about everything. She is the wisest of us all."
"I believe that I have travelled at least twice around this planet, learning from the people that I have met on the way. In particular I spent many years with the Wisemen in the East," Saba said.
"As house-elves I was Mizzy and Rena was Poppet," Ceren said with a small smile.
"I thought you two as house-elves were slightly different," Severus said. "So, Saba is the scholar, what of you two?"
"Back home I was an agent in the Core Guards, we were assigned to protect the highest members of your household," Rena said.
"They were the elite, the deadliest assassins," Saba said.
"Yes, but I have lost my touch these past forty years," Rena said, with a sad smile.
"And you Ceren?" Severus prompted.
"I was a healer as well as your mother's handmaiden, so I did learn to fight when needed," Ceren said.
"What was she like, my mother?" asked Severus.
"She was an unbelievably kind-hearted person, her kindness just poured off in waves, I think that is what made her one of the best healers. Her compassion sometimes got her hurt by people who used it against her or those around her, but she would always shrug it off and come back smiling," Ceren said softly.
"And my father?"
"Well, as a pure-blooded Air he embodied a lot of characteristics that are found in the element of air. Most of the time he was happy, flighty and up to mischief, but you didn't want to angry him because his mood could change instantaneously and he could be quite deadly," Saba said.
"So in er.our world exactly what did the fey consist of, you've told of the Elementals," Severus asked.
"There are quite a lot of different types, but the main ones are the Elementals, the Goblins, the Pixies, the Faeries, the Dwarves and the Elves. But because we can all inter-breed sometimes the lines are a bit blurred,"
"Blurred?"
"Yes, I've seen a six foot high Pixie with beautiful faery wings tattooed onto her back, absolutely beautiful" Saba answered.
"Of course, some of the offspring can be quite the opposite," Ceren said.
Rena looked up at Ceren and said, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, what you may find repulsive someone else may desire,"
Ceren looked over at Severus before lowering her gaze.
A knocking at the door broke the silence; uncurling herself from the armchair Severus walked over to the door and opened it. Leaning against the door frame was Remus, he smiled and said, "Evening, thought I'd drop by and give Padfoot and Harry some privacy,"
"I guess you will want to come in?" Severus said.
With a nod of thanks Remus crossed the threshold, and walked into the lounge, "Evening, Ladies," Remus said and tipped an invisible hat at them. The trio replied, and Saba beckoned Remus to the space between her and Rena.
"Glad to see that you are comfortable," Severus said, "would you like a drink?"
"A cup of tea won't go amiss," Remus replied.
Severus disappeared into the kitchenette and came back a few moments later with a cup of tea. "Milk, two sugars, yes?" Severus said.
"Excellent, thank-you," Remus said and accepted the cup, "So what's happening here then?"
"Just asking them some questions," Severus said.
"Ah, the Spanish inquisition," Remus said with a laugh.
They lapsed into silence for a few minutes; Severus stared into her cup of tea. "I have been thinking," Severus began, "about the real Severus. I think that we should give him a proper burial,"
Remus looked up at Severus, "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Well, he has been buried in a.Where was he buried, actually?" Severus asked.
"In a forest about ten miles east of the house," Rena replied.
"Shoreham woods. Yes, he has been there for over forty years. He should be given a proper burial and recognition as the true Severus," Severus said.
"Will that not expose your cover?" Ceren asked.
Severus sighed, "I do not think my cover is of use anymore. What with the Dark mark disappeared and my link to Voldemort gone with it. If Severus Snape reappeared it would be quite suspect; he will want to know what happened to the mark," she said, "We might as well officially state that Severus Snape is dead and buried, and hope that Voldemort will not investigate further,"
"You will never be Severus Snape again," Remus said softly.
"It was never mine to begin with," Severus replied.
"I think that it is a good idea, once word gets out that Severus Snape is no more you should be slightly safer from Voldemort," Rena said.
"Yes, apart from his 'join me or die' proposition," Severus said.
"We'll still have to keep a close eye on you," Remus said.
"And I was hoping that I will not be needing a babysitter anymore," Severus said while running a hand through her hair.
"We can take over the duties from Mr Black," Rena said, "it is after all our duty,"
"No offence to Mr Black but I would feel better knowing that you are being watched by one of us," Ceren said.
"Yes, we could teach you about our world, and I could teach you magic," Saba said excitedly, "according to your lineage you should be quite powerful,"
"Hmm, I am unsure of how to break it to Sirius though," Severus said.
"Talking of Sirius, what did you tell him about who these three are?" Remus asked.
"Ah, I said that they were distant relatives, which is true, to an extent," Severus said.
"Did he ask anymore?"
"No, I just told him it was a surprise visit," Severus replied, "I think I should go tell Albus about the plan to give Severus Snape a proper burial,"
"Would you like me to come with you?" Remus asked
"No, I think he will agree with me," Severus said.
"Let us accompany you to the Headmasters room then, the Castle still has enemies within," Rena said.
Within ten minutes Severus was in Albus' office discussing her thoughts with the headmaster. Albus agreed with Severus and gave her permission to carry out the funeral.
***
It was a cold, windy afternoon that saw a small group of people dressed in black in the large back garden of Snape Manor. Severus, wearing a simple black dress and holding a small grey ball suspended between her hands, stood facing the crowd that included Albus, Remus, Rena, Saba and Ceren. The body of Severus Snape was located easily three days ago in Shoreham Woods; it was totally decomposed leaving only the skeleton. As per Snape tradition the body was cremated so that enemies of the house could not obtain the remains to use in arcane spells.
Severus cleared his throat, "Severus Snape was but a child when he died, we do not know what paths he would have taken through life and what kind of man he would have eventually become. As the heir of Snape he should be acknowledged as such, my only deed that I can perform for him is to give him a honourable funeral and enter his name into the Book of the Dead as the last member of the main House of Snape. I return your body back to Nature and hope that you reach Elysium" she said as she removed the spell around the ball letting the ashes be scattered into the wind.
Everyone bowed their heads as the ashes were blown high into the distance and disappeared from view. After a few moments Albus spoke, "Don't be too sad, Severus,"
Severus smiled sadly, "I did not know him but I still feel sad for him, everything that I had done in my life should have been his, or at least his to choose," she said.
Albus put his arm around Severus' shoulders, "You may have been living under his name for all these years but it was your own life that you made, you should not feel guilty about it. Besides you have left him with a veritable legacy, your courageous deeds during the dark times and your role in the fight,"
Remus walked over to Severus and placed an arm around her waist, "Albus is right, we all make our own destiny regardless of who we are. Shall we go inside, its getting cold out here," he said.
Severus nodded, "Remus," she said.
"Yes," Remus replied.
"Your hand is going to be removed from my waist one way or another," Severus said.
Remus quickly removed it and laughed.
***
The group arrived back at Hogwarts just as dinner started, they walked into the Great Hall amidst curious stares from the pupils and teachers. Rena, Saba and Ceren had got temporary placements at Hogwarts so that they blended in slightly more; Rena was teaching an after school self-defence club, Saba was helping to tutor the older pupils and Ceren was working as a nurse in the infirmary. The pupils and teachers had found it strange that the Headmaster had introduced three new members of staff in the middle of the school year; Albus had not been very forthcoming about the reasons so they had put it down to another of the Headmasters crazy whims. However, the stares were not for the three new professors, or the fact that the six had walked in late together but it was because Albus was wearing black. The Headmaster was known for wearing colourful clothing, sometimes a bit too colourful, so the sudden sombre attire was surprising.
As the group took their seats, Albus spoke to the hall, "Let us begin dinner, and as for the reason for my attire I will tell you afterward when I have collected my thoughts and you have prepared yourselves," he sat down and ignored further questions from students and teachers alike.
Dinner seemed to go quicker than usual, as the students were eager to find out what the Headmaster was going to say. Albus finally stood up as the entire hall became silent all eyes were on him. "Today I have been unfortunate to have to attend a funeral of a good friend and ally," Albus began, "I believe that you also know him. I regret to inform you that Professor Snape has died,"
A strange hush fell over the students and teachers before the hall erupted with noise, denials and questions came from the Slytherin table, Draco stood up and shouted at the Headmaster, "You're lying,"
Albus motioned for silence, "Mr Malfoy, I also wish that it were not so, Professor Snape was a dear friend of mine. Believe me when I say that I am not lying," he said.
Draco sat down heavily as his eyes glazed over.
"Professor Snape has been a part of Hogwarts for close o twenty years, yet he has remained the most isolated and misunderstood member of the faculty. This partly is my fault, for asking him to perform such a dangerous task," Albus said. He looked down for a moment before continuing, "For twenty-one years Professor Snape has been working for Voldemort as a Deatheater,"
Gasps of disbelief swept through the hall and a few whispers of 'I knew it' were heard.
"However," Albus continued, "however, for nineteen years he has been working for me as a spy within. And it saddens me to say that it is because of this that has caused your professors untimely death,"
The students and some of the teachers looked like they were having a hard time digesting the information that Albus had told them, none more so that the Slytherins. Many of the students looked shocked and confused. The confused students were mainly from Deatheater families, Severus Snape a respected Deatheater; most loyal to Voldemort had turned out to be a spy working for Albus Dumbledore. The very thought of it seemed unconceivable but there it was laid bare by the headmaster.
"We will all remember Professor Snape differently, depending on the sides that he had showed us. I am privileged that I have seen him through the good times and the bad," Albus said, "History will decide whether we did right or wrong, but now let us simply remember him,"
Albus bowed his head.
After a moments silence Albus dismissed the students though none of them moved, and left the hall. As he rounded the corner to his office Severus caught up with him.
"What on earth was all that about?" Severus asked.
"What?" asked Albus.
"Tell them that I had died, yes. But why tell them about my working for Voldemort and you?"
"Ah, that. I must confess that I had two reasons for it; firstly it was for the benefit of those who are teetering on the brink of becoming Death eaters. If I could show them that there are other paths to take, and that they have a choice in matters, maybe they will have second thoughts on joining," Albus said, "and secondly, I wanted to the students to show the sacrifices that you had made."
"Albus.thank-you," Severus said and gave Albus' shoulder a squeeze, "but I will need to talk to the Slytherins, they must be quite confused and angry at the moment."
"Good luck, Severus," Albus said.
"Its Seraphina," Severus reminded him.
"I'm just an old man who's stuck in his ways," Albus said and walked off to his office.
Severus smiled and then began to make her way down to the dungeons, as she turned the corner to the corridor where her office was she spotted Hermione. "You should not be down here, Miss Granger," she said as she approached her.
"Professor Snape, the announcement in the Great Hall just now, what did Albus mean that you were dead?" Hermione asked.
Severus looked up and down the corridor and then ushered Hermione into her office, after closing the door she sat down on the bench. "You remember that there was an accident in the laboratory?" Hermione nodded, "What you were not told was that the potion that caused the accident was nothing more than an strong glamour remover. This coupled with the fact that I am wanted by Voldemort, and therefore cannot return to my old guise, we decided that it would be better to finalise my departure."
"But what..." Hermione said.
The sentence was never completed as the door to the classroom was opened with great force, and in the doorway stood an angry looking Sirius. Severus uttered a less than audible 'shit' as she stood up, Hermione looked shocked as she tried to disappear into her chair. Sirius opened his mouth to speak but instead turned and ran out of the classroom. Severus opened the office door and was about to run after Sirius when Hermione placed a hand on her arm to stop her.
"I think it would be better for him to alone for the moment," Hermione said.
Severus nodded, "I think it may be a good time for you to leave as well," she said, "I need to speak to the Slytherins before the night is over,"
"Yes, Professor," Hermione said.
When Severus got to the Slytherin quarters she found that almost all were present, she decided to talk to them in their year groups rather than all at once. It would help them to feel more comfortable and easier to handle if things went bad. The speech was basically the same with several changes depending on the year group. The time came for Severus to talk to the sixth year.
"I will not beat about the bush, I know most if not all of you are from Deatheater families," Severus said, this caused a few students to look surprised, "so the news that Professor Snape was a Deatheater may not have surprised you, however to find out that he was also working for the headmaster will. No doubt that you are feeling betrayed and confused, and even angry. I am not here to excuse the choices and deeds that he has done, nor am I here to spout propaganda at you. Professor Snape made many choices in his life, some good some bad, but he never regretted any of them because when he made them it was his choice,
"I know that Voldemort recruits graduates of Hogwarts every year, and it will soon be your turn. I will not persuade you either way because the choice is yours, but when you do choose make sure that it is something that you will not regret later in life. There is no excuse later on to say that you were simply following someone else, all of you here are seventeen this year so you are all old enough to think for yourself and to accept the consequences of your actions.
"Now is not the time for recrimination but for serious thought. There are tough choices to make especially as dark times are ahead. With your knowledge from all that you know, all that you have seen and heard, and from your interactions with family, friends and even your enemies, you will make the most important decision of your life. There is no right or wrong answer, just as long as you stay true to yourselves," Severus said.
All around the room Severus could see that the students were looking thoughtful. Draco had a frown on his face, he looked up and caught Severus' eye, the confusing and doubt was evident in the young boy's eyes. Just as soon as their eyes locked Draco quickly looked away.
"If any of you need to talk my office is always opened to you, anything that is said will be confidential," Severus said.
After talking with the sixth year Severus talked to the seventh, the response was more or less the same, the students were too stunned to really think coherently let alone start asking questions. But Severus predicted that they next few days she was going to be very busy.
When Severus got back to her own rooms she found that Sirius was not in, instead a note laid waiting beneath the mirror portal. It was a plain white note with Severus' name on the front and a red wax seal at the back, the gently scrolled handwriting was unmistakable Remus'. Severus opened the note and read it:
Severus,
Just wanted to let you know that Si is in my quarters in case you were worried. He has been pacing up and down ranting and raving. He also found out that I knew who you were from the start so he is sulking in the bedroom. Would advise you not to visit him tonight or he is liable to do something rash. Hopefully he will calm down by the morning.
Remus.
Severus sighed; dealing with Sirius was something that she was not looking forward to. Thankfully she had a night to think of what to say and how to explain it, Severus only hoped that Sirius would listen to her.
*****
