A/N: Hi, this is the rather over due chapter 21, I think the three day
holiday in Germany gave me some inspiration to write, that and the fact
that I have finally finished my degree dissertation; all bound and handed
in. I have only two essays and revision to do, so I expect to do some more
writing. I'm actually excited to know what happens next as well. This
chapter is slightly heavy and dark, and there is a mention of rape but
nothing to it, oh and a bit of swearing. This chapter is over 5,500 words
long so please enjoy.
Dreamweaver: I know I said I wasn't going to write any romance but I can't help but tease. I'm such a bad girl! DsDaughter: The 'Remus-thing', he he, I think I get some perverse pleasure from messing with those two.
Chapter Twenty-one
Sirius wasn't present at breakfast or lunch and Severus was half glad for that, she didn't really know how to handle such a situation. Severus didn't have many close friends, which was usually a pre-requisite for being a spy, at least none where she betrayed their trust in such a manner. Sirius could hardly be called a friend but in the past two months something that would have been called a friendship was starting to form. However, there was the undeniable fact that the relationship had started with a lie. Sirius hadn't become friends with Severus Snape, the dark, morose child from years gone by; he had become friends with Seraphina Snape, the young, intelligent stranger from Latvia. Severus sat deep in thought at the high table, wondering how to sought the mess out, when a voice beside her jolted her back to reality.
"Sera, dear, are you going to eat that?" asked Saba.
Severus looked down at her plate and pushed it away, the mess of food only distinguishable as shepherd's pie and peas by the menu was looking decidedly unappetising; instead, Severus re-filled her mug with black coffee.
"I noticed that you did not eat at breakfast, you need to eat to keep your strength up," Saba said.
"I really am not up to it right now," Severus replied.
"Just a little," Saba said with an encouraging smile.
Severus sighed and bought out a bar of 'Bitter Night Chocolate' out of his robe pocket, and began eating it. Saba's smiled faltered slightly, "I guess I cannot complain, you are eating," she said.
Immediately after lunch was a free period for Severus, which was spent with Saba learning the lore and magic of their world. The magic was easily picked up because the principles were not too different that of Earth. One of the main differences was the way in which the magic was 'called'. In both groups, every cell in the caster's body is suffused with magic, in witches and wizards the magic is redirected to a focal point, usually a wand, before it is unleashed as a spell, while in Fey magic, it is dispersed and manipulated outside of the body. The advantage of it is that different spells could be cast and used to hit several objects at the same time; although there is a danger that the spell or spells becomes weaker the more spells and objects are included. This risk lessens as the caster becomes more competent in using magic but that can take a few years.
The power to cast magic seemed to be an innate ability in most magic users, although there were a few reported cases in the past few centuries of people being able to use magic where they previously couldn't, but that could be down to a number of different reasons such as unconscious repression of their own talents. Which was why Severus was able to use her powers without realising that there was any difference until it was pointed out to her by Saba.
"So there is no need for incantations?" Severus asked, as she sat on one of the desks in her classroom.
"The humans find it useful to have incantations, I think that a separate, special language gets them into a different state of mind that helps to focus their magic. But for the Fey there is no need for words, it stems from our ancestors as language had not yet developed," Saba explained, "for hybrids, such as yourself, it depends on personally preference,"
"No incantations are an advantage when you do not want to draw attention to the fact that you are casting a spell, but I do have a preference for incantations. It does lend a degree of focus to the spell," Severus said.
"Well, I want you to try to perform the ultimate transformation today, unfortunately it does not have any incantations to it. The only ones who could cast this spell are usually quite old and have no need for spoken words. But I will try to help you," Saba said.
"Okay, I will try," Severus said with a nod. Although Severus had cast the spell once before she was mostly unconscious at the time and it was an act of desperation.
"I think it will be better if you were lying down for this, it will help you to relax," Saba said. She transfigured the table that Severus was sitting on into a plush couch of dark rosewood with dark purple, silk coverings and cushions; a faint smell of lavenders was in the air. Severus arranged herself comfortably on the couch, placing a cushion underneath her head and throwing the rest on the floor, she laid her hands across her stomach and closed her eyes.
"Do you have a good memory of the feeling of the wind against you?" Saba asked.
"Yes, I love the feeling of flying. I guess I know where I get that now," Severus said with a smile.
"That's good. Try to relax," Saba began in a low voice, "let your mind take you back to that time. Can you feel the wind through your hair, against your skin? Yes? Good. Now, can you smell it, that clean crisp smell? Taste it on your tongue, roll it around your mouth and savour it; hear its whisper. Does it resonate with something deep inside you? It sings a song that awakens something inside you that is as old as time, something left to us by our ancestors. Reach inside, reach deep inside. Touch it, know its power and harmonise yourself to it."
As Saba spoke Severus' breathing became deeper and the interval between each breathe longer until it seemed that she wasn't breathing at all. As Saba watched Severus fall into a trance, she waved her right arm quickly left to right and a pale blue barrier appeared that formed a large cube around them. A few minutes later Severus' form began to shimmer, fading in and out of sight accompanied by a sharp smell of wind. Severus' image finally settled on being invisible, Saba leaned forward and swept the area that Severus had been, finding it empty she smiled.
"Severus," Saba called out, "listened to my voice. I want you to come back now, but before you do I want you to memorise how to access that power; I want you to remember the way back." Saba held out her hands, "I want you to focus on my hands, hold them, let my solid form bring you back." The cool tingling around Saba's hand indicated ancient magic, and that Severus was holding her hand, "Good. Let your consciousness rise through you, through the layers of magic. Up and up, until you feel yourself break through the last layer of magic, take a deep breath and awaken,"
The cool tingling around Saba's hand changed to a constant warmness as Severus began to appear, hand first. Slowly the rest of her arm, torso, head and legs appeared. Severus took a deep breath and opened her eyes; she was kneeling on the couch looking down on Saba.
"You are a very quick learner, Severus, I believe one of my best students," Saba said.
Severus smiled, "Er...thank-you,"
Saba helped Severus sit then lie down on the couch, "It can be quite disorientating for people when they become solid again, they forget how to control their muscles," she said.
"I could remember most of it, it seemed I was looking from every angle," Severus said.
"That would be because you were," Saba said, "usually first timers turn into wind and disperse everywhere, you have no idea how many students have disappeared doing that, which is why I erected a magical barrier,"
"Can you find them again?" asked Severus.
"With a bit of magic and luck. That is why I will teach you how to focus next time," Saba said.
"Can we do it again now? While its fresh in my mind," Severus asked.
"Oh no, doing this is quite taxing on you physically and magically. You should rest and we will do it again in two days," Saba said.
Severus bought out her pocket watch and looked at the time, "I have to prepare for my next class, fourth year Ravenclaws and Slytherins," she said.
"What are you teaching this time?" asked Saba.
"A mild anti-poison," Severus replied.
Before the students appeared for their lesson, Saba transfigured herself into a small silver pin of a seven-pointed star that nestled on the collar of Severus' robe. It was decided that three people shadowing Severus' every move would look quite suspicious so they each would transfigure into pins to accompany Severus; Saba into a seven-pointed star, Rena into a sunburst and Ceren into a diamond.
The afternoon had passed relatively quickly and it was now Ceren's turn to guard Severus. Saba and Rena shared the mornings and late evenings, while Ceren took the late afternoon and early evenings. Ceren had finished her shift at the infirmary, relieving Poppy's workload that usually mounted up with the winter season, and the Scottish climate. Although the season was cold the day was relatively fine so Severus and Saba decided to go out for a walk around the castle grounds before dinner. As they walked they talked slightly, general topics, the weather and life at Hogwarts. Ceren seemed quiet, and needed encouragement to talk.
"Are you feeling alright?" Severus asked.
"Hmm? Oh, yes," replied Ceren, "Its just..."
"Yes?" Severus prompted.
"Its just that a day like today reminds me of home," Ceren said, "I was born in a small village in the north at the foot of a big mountain, and during the winter it looked beautiful."
"Was my mother from that village?" Severus asked.
Ceren gave a small smiled, "No, your mother was from the south," she said.
"How did you end up working for her?" Severus asked with a slight frown.
A look of sadness crossed Ceren's face, "After my village was destroyed I drifted aimlessly and through several...chapters of my life, I ended met your mother during my...travels."
"I am sorry to hear about your village," Severus said.
"Its okay, its...in the past, something that I can't change even if I wanted to," Ceren said.
Ceren sighed deeply, "You know I'm somewhat glad that I am here now," she said.
"Really? You are not feeling homesick?" Severus asked.
"Well, a little homesick but there is nothing of my home left for me to want to go back to. But here, here there is no all out war. I'm so tired from it all, the war and my role in..." Ceren hesitated and looked over at Severus' expectant face, she smiled quickly and said, "Its nothing. I really said to much."
Severus debated whether to pursue the unfinished sentence, when Ceren announced that the dinner bell had rung. The pair walked back to the castle in silence, any attempt by Severus to initiate a conversation had failed so she gave up.
As they entered the Great Hall, a student walked into Severus, the slick back blonde hair was unmistakably Draco's. Draco took a step back and looked up at Severus, he looked straight into Severus' eyes and held it for a moment.
"Yes, Mister Malfoy?" Severus asked.
"Sorry, Sir?" Draco said, and walked away to the Slytherin table.
"Something the matter?" Ceren asked when Severus did not make a move to go.
"I do not know," Severus said.
After dinner Severus withdrew to his office, to mark essays and to await any student who required help on their homework or her Slytherins who needed advice or simple to talk. Since the announcement of Severus' death and funeral, there had been not been as many students as expected who wanted to discuss any part of the matter. There had been mostly older students, some to spy and find out which side Severus supported but a few who wanted an intellectual debate or conversation about the merits of joining either side. Severus hoped that she had been able to persuaded them not to join Voldemort, the fact that they had sought out an alternative side showed that they had an inkling of doubt, which may grow big enough for them to not follow the path to Voldemort.
Usually all three of Severus' bodyguards would with her in the office or in classroom next door, but at times Ceren may be called to the infirmary or Saba was asked to hold another tutoring session for the older students. This was such a time, the seventh years were worried about their NEWTs and rivalry amongst the first year Gryffindors and Slytherins had come to a sudden head. Rena was sat on the couch between the office door and the side door, a good defence position from anyone coming in from either door, she had declined any form of distraction instead wanted to keep alert and ready to move.
When Severus had finished marking the last of the fourth year essays on the properties of the beauty potion they had brewed last week she stifled a yawn and looked up at the oak clock that hung over the door, it was quarter to nine. Severus looked over to Rena, who was still sitting alert and tense on the bench.
"Have you been sitting like that for the past two hours?" Severus asked with a smile.
"Yes," Rena said.
"Were you not bored?" asked Severus.
Rena smiled, "Back in our world, when I was guarding a member of your house, I could stand guard at a seven hour meeting with no difficulty. But these past forty years have diminished my training," she said.
"It sounds a harsh life as a guard," Severus commented.
"We each have our station in life, and must accept our responsibilities. I knew what was demanded of me and I accepted it," Rena said.
"When did you become a bodyguard?" Severus asked.
"My clan have always and will always be bodyguards, I was destined to be a bodyguard since I was a child," Rena said.
"Surely we make our own destinies," Severus said.
"I use to think that when I was a lot younger, but I met your father," Rena said, "Many, many years ago I rebelled against it, I fell out with my family and left to seek my own destiny. Unfortunately, destiny has a way of catching up with you. One day I came across a fight, some disgruntled Earth Fey ambushed your father and several others, Lord Yarna was severely injured and was trying to protect some of the younger Airs. It was at that moment that I knew my destiny lay with your father, after I helped to defeat the Earths I pledged myself to his service, to protect him with my life or death," Rena laid back against the wall and ran a hand over her face, "But I failed him at the Temple."
"There was nothing that you could have done about it," Severus said.
"Perhaps, perhaps not. But where I failed with your father I will not fail with you," Rena said. Suddenly she fell to one knee and placed both hands palm down on the cold flagstone floor, "I pledge you my life, to protect you until my death," she said.
Severus was startled by the subservient posture and moved around the table to Rena, she knelt in front of Rena and grabbed her by the top of the arms. "You do not need to do this, please stand up," Severus said trying to pull Rena up.
"Not until you accept," Rena said.
"Okay, I accept your life and pledge," Severus replied.
Rena gave a nod of acknowledgement and stood up.
"Please, I am not entirely comfortable with that kind of submissive gestures," Severus said.
"I will endeavour to obey," Rena said, "but it's difficult to break a twenty thousand year old habit,"
Severus laughed, "I will keep that in mind," she said.
"Shall we move to a more comfortable place? My office hours are over," Severus asked as she filled away the marked essays.
"Yes. Saba should be finished by now, but I am not too sure about Ceren, she may have to take care of the casualties for a while longer," Rena said.
Severus lead the way back to her quarters, as she was about to sit down her eyes caught sight of the mirror. "I am just going to Remus' quarters for a while, I have to discuss something in private with Sirius," Severus said.
"You will come back through the mirror?" Rena said.
"Yes, I will," Severus reassured her, "Remus will probably make sure I do,"
Severus walked over to the mirror and placed a hand on the cool surface, "Mirror, mirror on the wall," Severus said.
The mirror flashed once and Severus found himself standing in Remus' quarters. A few feet away Remus stood expectantly, an opened book was lay on the sofa beside him.
"He's been in his room all day," Remus said and nodded toward a closed door to his right. "I think you'll have to tie him down and gag him,"
"I hope it does not have to come to that," Severus said with a weary sigh.
Severus steeled herself and walked to the door, with one fluid motion she opened the door, walked through and closed it behind her. The room was darkened, a solitary candle on the bedside was the only source of illumination, it highlighted Sirius' back on the opposite side of the bed. Severus inhaled deeply and was about to speak when Sirius interrupted.
"Get out," Sirius said in a low voice.
"No, we need to talk," Severus said.
"I have nothing to say to you," Sirius said.
"Will you at least hear what I have to say?" Severus asked, her voice calm with a tinge of emotion. Experience had taught Severus that his usual cold and unemotional voice infuriated people at the best of times, and using it on an angry person would only exacerbate the situation. Double true with Sirius.
Sirius turned around abruptly, "And listen to your lies? I don't think so," he said, "So, did you all have a good laugh at me? Running around 'protecting' scum like you."
"It was never like that," Severus said.
"Oh, and I suppose hat female disguise was also for my benefit as well. Looking all innocent and vulnerable," Sirius said ignoring Severus.
"Sirius..." Severus said.
"You have no right to say my name, you worthless piece of shit," Sirius said.
"Will you shut up and listen to me?" Severus yelled all of a sudden. A blanket of frustration seemed to wash over Severus as the room fell silent. The barely perceptible hum of magic showed that it was not because Sirius had finally seen sense. "This was not the way that I want to conduct a conversation with you, Sirius, but you have left me with no choice," Severus said. A quick 'lumos' illuminated the room.
Severus walked closer to Sirius and sat down on the bed so that she was looking at him eye-to-eye, "I will lay the truth before you then leave, it will then be up to you to decide if you believe me," she said, "this is going to be a relatively long story," with a wave of her hand Sirius was no settled more comfortable on his bed.
"You wish to know the truth? Then I will endeavour to do so," Severus began, "Back in December, the day after the last day of term to be exact, I was in need of a potion ingredient so I went to the potions classroom to take some from the store cupboard. Unfortunately I walked into a prank set up by someone, I was covered in a foul smelling concoction and knocked out by the pail that held it. I woke up some time later in the infirmary with Remus, Poppy and Albus; Remus because he found me, Poppy because she is the nurse and Albus because he is Albus. That was when I found out that the concoction had changed me physically into a woman. After some debating it was decided that it would be best not to reveal to everyone of my sudden change of appearance.
"After I was discharged I discovered that the Dark Mark had disappeared from my arm, this would have alerted Voldemort as it is linked to him. He would either think me dead or free. No doubt he would also send spies to find out what happened, and he did with a visit from Lucius Malfoy and some not so subtle questioning from the seventh year Slytherins when they returned.
"I had begun to analyse the potion that changed me during the holidays, all in all I examined it three times but the answer was the same, the function of the concoction was a strong glamour remover. So this meant that this female guise is my true form. I was determined to find out the truth but obstacles were always in my way.
"During January, I chanced upon some Deatheaters torturing a muggle and went to help. During the fight I used wandless magic and managed to flee with the muggle who turned out to be someone that Voldemort was after to get to her parents. So keeping my identity a secret now took on a more serious position. And after an attempted kidnapping Albus brought you into be my bodyguard. I was not exactly keen on that idea either.
"Some time later I was kidnapped by Deatheaters who lured me to the Forbidden Forest. After some questioning from Voldemort I was offered the chance to join him, I refused twice, and he was about to 'persuade' me one more time when I was rescued by Rena, Saba and Ceren. And it was they who told me who I am, it was hard to believe at first but..." Severus hesitated, frowned, "but it is a plausible explanation. It appears that I am a female from another dimension who is prophesised to unite a warring world. Over forty years ago I was bought to this world to keep me safe until I was old enough to protect myself, unfortunately the way back was destroyed and we were stranded here. We came across Snape Manor and found the baby dead, and it was decided that I would be exchanged in his place.
"As you can imagine this fact would be dangerous if it was revealed, the safety of many people could be at stake, especially if Voldemort decided that he wants to recruit members from other worlds."
"That is more or less the truth in a nutshell," Severus said, "the details are available if you wish to know, from myself or anyone that I have mentioned. Miss Granger only found out my identity my accident and was sworn to secrecy."
Severus stood up and walked to the door, "I have had my say and I leave the rest up to you. Goodnight," she said and exited the room.
"How did it go?" Remus asked as soon as he saw Severus.
Severus gave a tired smile, "I did what you suggested; I gagged and bound him," she said.
Remus looked horrified but then shrugged his shoulders, "I guess it couldn't be helped. Is he still like that?" he asked.
"Yes, could you dispel it once I am gone?" Severus asked.
"Of course," Remus replied.
"Thank you, I think I will go lie down. Goodnight, Remus," Severus said as he walked over to the mirror and placed a hand on its cool surface, "Who is the fairest of them all?"
"Goodnight, Severus," Remus said as Severus disappeared in a flash of white light.
When Severus arrived back in her quarters she found Saba and Ceren sitting with Rena on the sofa, they looked up as Severus came near. "Some sit down, Severus, we need to discuss something," Saba said.
Severus looked at them for more information but when none was forthcoming she took a seat opposite the trio.
Rena, who was sat at the end of the sofa, looked over at Saba and Ceren, they gave her a nod, "This may be coming a bit fast, it has been forty years for us and you do now know the truth," she said, "but we need to get back to our world."
"Back?" Severus asked.
"Yes. There has been no communication between our world and us; we have no idea what is happening. How the war is going. We wish to go back as soon as possible with you so that it may end," Rena said, "You know that the way back has been destroyed, we...need another way back,"
"But where exactly is our world?" Severus asked.
"We are not entirely sure. Which is why we need to start searching for a way to way to sort through the other dimensions to find our one," Saba said, "It had once been calculated that there are hundreds if not thousand of different dimensions, ideally we need a way to see them all and shift through them systematically."
"We know it's a little shocking for you to take it all in, why don't you sleep on it? And we could may be talk more tomorrow, yes?" Ceren said, looking at everyone.
"That's a good idea," said Rena.
"Yes, we should let you think it over," Saba said, "Okay, lets get to bed then and discus it bright and early tomorrow."
Severus nodded and walked quickly to her room, once she had closed her door Severus leaned against it. The inevitability of going to a place that should be called home was...difficult to describe, the small thrill of going to a new place, but ultimately saddening, to leave forty years of familiarity behind to be thrown into an alien world. Maybe the in the morning it will all have been a bad dream, Severus gave a rueful smile, not likely. Shedding her clothes Severus crawled in between the covers and curled up on her side, she lay awake for some time questions and reasoning flitted through her mind but no answer every appeared, finally exhaustion caught up with Severus and she fell into a deep sleep.
As Severus entered REM she was awoken by an incessant shaking, someone had grabbed her by the shoulders and was gently trying to rouse her. Severus muttered something incoherent and turned over hoping that the person had gotten the message. The person, however, was either ignorant of the message or they didn't take heed. "Severus, wake up, I have something important to tell you, please," the person said.
Finally Severus opened her eyes and saw the shadowy image of Ceren over her, "Ceren? What is it?" she asked. Severus shifted herself in a sitting position and rubbed her eyes with the palm of her hands.
Ceren sat down gently facing Severus, "There is something of importance that I need to tell you, but I'm not sure how to say it," she said.
A number of rude replies crossed Severus' mind but she settled for a, "Please, in your own time,"
"I know what I'm about to tell you will sound quite unbelievable, especially since you heard their version first and you probably don't know me well enough to trust me but I must tell you, matters are advancing a lot quicker than I thought," Ceren said, "The story that Rena and Saba told you is a lie, actually a half-lie, some of what they said is the truth but it is distorted,"
Severus looked hard at Ceren; a look of incredulity was evident on Severus' face.
Ceren looked up and gave a weak smile, "I know, quite unbelievable," she said, "Um...there is a war going on in our world and it is true that the humans fired the first shot but it was only in rebellion to the years of degradation that the Fey had put us through. For hundred of years the Fey have treated us like slaves, forcing us to work the fields and the mines to provide the bounty for them, reminding us time and time again that they were superior to us because they are a purer class of magic users; untainted by human flesh.
"Over two hundred years ago, the situation came to a head when they kidnapped, tortured and killed the Chief's eleven year old girl because the village couldn't provide the quota of jewels and gold from the mine. They didn't care that the mines were desolate and that many people had died there. It was at that time that we humans gathered together to free ourselves from bondage."
"Why are you telling me this? What is your involvement?" Severus asked as her suspicions rose.
"Do you remember I told you my village was massacred and after some years I encountered your mother? During those years in between I joined up with a small faction and was given the task of infiltrating the enemy. There are still humans that are loyal to the Fey so it was not strange to see humans working for them. I managed to work my way into one of these groups and was picked to become a servant of the Air tribe. But they are far from trusting and knew about the potential of spies, so I was questioned and tortured to both break my spirit and to force a confession from me. I held on for a long time, I can't remember how long for it was a blur to me," Ceren said. She stood up and turned her back to Severus, Ceren loosened her robe and let her it fall to her waist to reveal a criss-cross of angry rivets.
Severus stared in astonishment and reached out her hand to trace on of the scars, "These are from them?" she asked.
Ceren nodded.
"You are a healer, why do you still keep them?" Severus asked.
"They are a reminder of my sacrifice to my people," Ceren said. She pulled her robes tightly around her and tied them. Taking a moment to compose herself Ceren sat down again. "They eventually gave me the position of serving in Lord Yanni's House. I worked there for many years and eventually into a position of trust, all the while leaking as much information as I dared to the faction. One day they brought in another human and instructed me to take care of her; it was your mother.
"From my preliminary examination I could tell that she was with child and in a trance. I asked around and eventually found out who she was and why she was here. This will come as a shock to you as it did to me so many years ago. I found out about the prophecy and that your mother was kidnapped and...and raped by Yanni. I didn't believe in the prophecy, I still don't but it was certain the Fey did. They added extra guards to protect her, even though she was, in a word, comatosed. I tried to free her but my magic is not that advanced.
"A week before the birth your mother was freed from the trance, and with a little help from the outside I helped her escape, but guard saw her and raised the alarm. We set off in pursuit and cornered her in the Temple of Cosmos where she went into labour. The faction surrounded them outside and began to fight them, while I helped deliver you. The fighting had worsened and your mother gave you to my keeping and told me to take care of you, she knew that she would not make it. Rena and Saba dragged me deeper into the Temple as it crumbled around us; the only way out was to use the portal. We activated the portal and arrived here on Earth, and the rest you know," Ceren said.
Severus was silent for a long while, finally she spoke, "Are you really wanting me to believe what you have said?" she asked.
"I would not have told you, at least not yet, but they have already started to set things in motion to take you back home. I can't sit idle by and watch them manipulate you to destroy your own people," Ceren said, "You must know the truth,"
"The truth? I don't know what is the truth anymore," Severus said.
"I will not pressure you to accept either side, but you must know have the choices laid out to you. You may ask them about it, but they will stick to their version and it will only be my word against theirs," Ceren said. She stood up and gave a low bow to Severus, "I'm sorry to put you in such a situation but I can't let them use you to their own corrupt deeds, you deserve better than that,"
Ceren left Severus alone with her thoughts; all likelihood of sleep went out of the door in Ceren's wake.
Dreamweaver: I know I said I wasn't going to write any romance but I can't help but tease. I'm such a bad girl! DsDaughter: The 'Remus-thing', he he, I think I get some perverse pleasure from messing with those two.
Chapter Twenty-one
Sirius wasn't present at breakfast or lunch and Severus was half glad for that, she didn't really know how to handle such a situation. Severus didn't have many close friends, which was usually a pre-requisite for being a spy, at least none where she betrayed their trust in such a manner. Sirius could hardly be called a friend but in the past two months something that would have been called a friendship was starting to form. However, there was the undeniable fact that the relationship had started with a lie. Sirius hadn't become friends with Severus Snape, the dark, morose child from years gone by; he had become friends with Seraphina Snape, the young, intelligent stranger from Latvia. Severus sat deep in thought at the high table, wondering how to sought the mess out, when a voice beside her jolted her back to reality.
"Sera, dear, are you going to eat that?" asked Saba.
Severus looked down at her plate and pushed it away, the mess of food only distinguishable as shepherd's pie and peas by the menu was looking decidedly unappetising; instead, Severus re-filled her mug with black coffee.
"I noticed that you did not eat at breakfast, you need to eat to keep your strength up," Saba said.
"I really am not up to it right now," Severus replied.
"Just a little," Saba said with an encouraging smile.
Severus sighed and bought out a bar of 'Bitter Night Chocolate' out of his robe pocket, and began eating it. Saba's smiled faltered slightly, "I guess I cannot complain, you are eating," she said.
Immediately after lunch was a free period for Severus, which was spent with Saba learning the lore and magic of their world. The magic was easily picked up because the principles were not too different that of Earth. One of the main differences was the way in which the magic was 'called'. In both groups, every cell in the caster's body is suffused with magic, in witches and wizards the magic is redirected to a focal point, usually a wand, before it is unleashed as a spell, while in Fey magic, it is dispersed and manipulated outside of the body. The advantage of it is that different spells could be cast and used to hit several objects at the same time; although there is a danger that the spell or spells becomes weaker the more spells and objects are included. This risk lessens as the caster becomes more competent in using magic but that can take a few years.
The power to cast magic seemed to be an innate ability in most magic users, although there were a few reported cases in the past few centuries of people being able to use magic where they previously couldn't, but that could be down to a number of different reasons such as unconscious repression of their own talents. Which was why Severus was able to use her powers without realising that there was any difference until it was pointed out to her by Saba.
"So there is no need for incantations?" Severus asked, as she sat on one of the desks in her classroom.
"The humans find it useful to have incantations, I think that a separate, special language gets them into a different state of mind that helps to focus their magic. But for the Fey there is no need for words, it stems from our ancestors as language had not yet developed," Saba explained, "for hybrids, such as yourself, it depends on personally preference,"
"No incantations are an advantage when you do not want to draw attention to the fact that you are casting a spell, but I do have a preference for incantations. It does lend a degree of focus to the spell," Severus said.
"Well, I want you to try to perform the ultimate transformation today, unfortunately it does not have any incantations to it. The only ones who could cast this spell are usually quite old and have no need for spoken words. But I will try to help you," Saba said.
"Okay, I will try," Severus said with a nod. Although Severus had cast the spell once before she was mostly unconscious at the time and it was an act of desperation.
"I think it will be better if you were lying down for this, it will help you to relax," Saba said. She transfigured the table that Severus was sitting on into a plush couch of dark rosewood with dark purple, silk coverings and cushions; a faint smell of lavenders was in the air. Severus arranged herself comfortably on the couch, placing a cushion underneath her head and throwing the rest on the floor, she laid her hands across her stomach and closed her eyes.
"Do you have a good memory of the feeling of the wind against you?" Saba asked.
"Yes, I love the feeling of flying. I guess I know where I get that now," Severus said with a smile.
"That's good. Try to relax," Saba began in a low voice, "let your mind take you back to that time. Can you feel the wind through your hair, against your skin? Yes? Good. Now, can you smell it, that clean crisp smell? Taste it on your tongue, roll it around your mouth and savour it; hear its whisper. Does it resonate with something deep inside you? It sings a song that awakens something inside you that is as old as time, something left to us by our ancestors. Reach inside, reach deep inside. Touch it, know its power and harmonise yourself to it."
As Saba spoke Severus' breathing became deeper and the interval between each breathe longer until it seemed that she wasn't breathing at all. As Saba watched Severus fall into a trance, she waved her right arm quickly left to right and a pale blue barrier appeared that formed a large cube around them. A few minutes later Severus' form began to shimmer, fading in and out of sight accompanied by a sharp smell of wind. Severus' image finally settled on being invisible, Saba leaned forward and swept the area that Severus had been, finding it empty she smiled.
"Severus," Saba called out, "listened to my voice. I want you to come back now, but before you do I want you to memorise how to access that power; I want you to remember the way back." Saba held out her hands, "I want you to focus on my hands, hold them, let my solid form bring you back." The cool tingling around Saba's hand indicated ancient magic, and that Severus was holding her hand, "Good. Let your consciousness rise through you, through the layers of magic. Up and up, until you feel yourself break through the last layer of magic, take a deep breath and awaken,"
The cool tingling around Saba's hand changed to a constant warmness as Severus began to appear, hand first. Slowly the rest of her arm, torso, head and legs appeared. Severus took a deep breath and opened her eyes; she was kneeling on the couch looking down on Saba.
"You are a very quick learner, Severus, I believe one of my best students," Saba said.
Severus smiled, "Er...thank-you,"
Saba helped Severus sit then lie down on the couch, "It can be quite disorientating for people when they become solid again, they forget how to control their muscles," she said.
"I could remember most of it, it seemed I was looking from every angle," Severus said.
"That would be because you were," Saba said, "usually first timers turn into wind and disperse everywhere, you have no idea how many students have disappeared doing that, which is why I erected a magical barrier,"
"Can you find them again?" asked Severus.
"With a bit of magic and luck. That is why I will teach you how to focus next time," Saba said.
"Can we do it again now? While its fresh in my mind," Severus asked.
"Oh no, doing this is quite taxing on you physically and magically. You should rest and we will do it again in two days," Saba said.
Severus bought out her pocket watch and looked at the time, "I have to prepare for my next class, fourth year Ravenclaws and Slytherins," she said.
"What are you teaching this time?" asked Saba.
"A mild anti-poison," Severus replied.
Before the students appeared for their lesson, Saba transfigured herself into a small silver pin of a seven-pointed star that nestled on the collar of Severus' robe. It was decided that three people shadowing Severus' every move would look quite suspicious so they each would transfigure into pins to accompany Severus; Saba into a seven-pointed star, Rena into a sunburst and Ceren into a diamond.
The afternoon had passed relatively quickly and it was now Ceren's turn to guard Severus. Saba and Rena shared the mornings and late evenings, while Ceren took the late afternoon and early evenings. Ceren had finished her shift at the infirmary, relieving Poppy's workload that usually mounted up with the winter season, and the Scottish climate. Although the season was cold the day was relatively fine so Severus and Saba decided to go out for a walk around the castle grounds before dinner. As they walked they talked slightly, general topics, the weather and life at Hogwarts. Ceren seemed quiet, and needed encouragement to talk.
"Are you feeling alright?" Severus asked.
"Hmm? Oh, yes," replied Ceren, "Its just..."
"Yes?" Severus prompted.
"Its just that a day like today reminds me of home," Ceren said, "I was born in a small village in the north at the foot of a big mountain, and during the winter it looked beautiful."
"Was my mother from that village?" Severus asked.
Ceren gave a small smiled, "No, your mother was from the south," she said.
"How did you end up working for her?" Severus asked with a slight frown.
A look of sadness crossed Ceren's face, "After my village was destroyed I drifted aimlessly and through several...chapters of my life, I ended met your mother during my...travels."
"I am sorry to hear about your village," Severus said.
"Its okay, its...in the past, something that I can't change even if I wanted to," Ceren said.
Ceren sighed deeply, "You know I'm somewhat glad that I am here now," she said.
"Really? You are not feeling homesick?" Severus asked.
"Well, a little homesick but there is nothing of my home left for me to want to go back to. But here, here there is no all out war. I'm so tired from it all, the war and my role in..." Ceren hesitated and looked over at Severus' expectant face, she smiled quickly and said, "Its nothing. I really said to much."
Severus debated whether to pursue the unfinished sentence, when Ceren announced that the dinner bell had rung. The pair walked back to the castle in silence, any attempt by Severus to initiate a conversation had failed so she gave up.
As they entered the Great Hall, a student walked into Severus, the slick back blonde hair was unmistakably Draco's. Draco took a step back and looked up at Severus, he looked straight into Severus' eyes and held it for a moment.
"Yes, Mister Malfoy?" Severus asked.
"Sorry, Sir?" Draco said, and walked away to the Slytherin table.
"Something the matter?" Ceren asked when Severus did not make a move to go.
"I do not know," Severus said.
After dinner Severus withdrew to his office, to mark essays and to await any student who required help on their homework or her Slytherins who needed advice or simple to talk. Since the announcement of Severus' death and funeral, there had been not been as many students as expected who wanted to discuss any part of the matter. There had been mostly older students, some to spy and find out which side Severus supported but a few who wanted an intellectual debate or conversation about the merits of joining either side. Severus hoped that she had been able to persuaded them not to join Voldemort, the fact that they had sought out an alternative side showed that they had an inkling of doubt, which may grow big enough for them to not follow the path to Voldemort.
Usually all three of Severus' bodyguards would with her in the office or in classroom next door, but at times Ceren may be called to the infirmary or Saba was asked to hold another tutoring session for the older students. This was such a time, the seventh years were worried about their NEWTs and rivalry amongst the first year Gryffindors and Slytherins had come to a sudden head. Rena was sat on the couch between the office door and the side door, a good defence position from anyone coming in from either door, she had declined any form of distraction instead wanted to keep alert and ready to move.
When Severus had finished marking the last of the fourth year essays on the properties of the beauty potion they had brewed last week she stifled a yawn and looked up at the oak clock that hung over the door, it was quarter to nine. Severus looked over to Rena, who was still sitting alert and tense on the bench.
"Have you been sitting like that for the past two hours?" Severus asked with a smile.
"Yes," Rena said.
"Were you not bored?" asked Severus.
Rena smiled, "Back in our world, when I was guarding a member of your house, I could stand guard at a seven hour meeting with no difficulty. But these past forty years have diminished my training," she said.
"It sounds a harsh life as a guard," Severus commented.
"We each have our station in life, and must accept our responsibilities. I knew what was demanded of me and I accepted it," Rena said.
"When did you become a bodyguard?" Severus asked.
"My clan have always and will always be bodyguards, I was destined to be a bodyguard since I was a child," Rena said.
"Surely we make our own destinies," Severus said.
"I use to think that when I was a lot younger, but I met your father," Rena said, "Many, many years ago I rebelled against it, I fell out with my family and left to seek my own destiny. Unfortunately, destiny has a way of catching up with you. One day I came across a fight, some disgruntled Earth Fey ambushed your father and several others, Lord Yarna was severely injured and was trying to protect some of the younger Airs. It was at that moment that I knew my destiny lay with your father, after I helped to defeat the Earths I pledged myself to his service, to protect him with my life or death," Rena laid back against the wall and ran a hand over her face, "But I failed him at the Temple."
"There was nothing that you could have done about it," Severus said.
"Perhaps, perhaps not. But where I failed with your father I will not fail with you," Rena said. Suddenly she fell to one knee and placed both hands palm down on the cold flagstone floor, "I pledge you my life, to protect you until my death," she said.
Severus was startled by the subservient posture and moved around the table to Rena, she knelt in front of Rena and grabbed her by the top of the arms. "You do not need to do this, please stand up," Severus said trying to pull Rena up.
"Not until you accept," Rena said.
"Okay, I accept your life and pledge," Severus replied.
Rena gave a nod of acknowledgement and stood up.
"Please, I am not entirely comfortable with that kind of submissive gestures," Severus said.
"I will endeavour to obey," Rena said, "but it's difficult to break a twenty thousand year old habit,"
Severus laughed, "I will keep that in mind," she said.
"Shall we move to a more comfortable place? My office hours are over," Severus asked as she filled away the marked essays.
"Yes. Saba should be finished by now, but I am not too sure about Ceren, she may have to take care of the casualties for a while longer," Rena said.
Severus lead the way back to her quarters, as she was about to sit down her eyes caught sight of the mirror. "I am just going to Remus' quarters for a while, I have to discuss something in private with Sirius," Severus said.
"You will come back through the mirror?" Rena said.
"Yes, I will," Severus reassured her, "Remus will probably make sure I do,"
Severus walked over to the mirror and placed a hand on the cool surface, "Mirror, mirror on the wall," Severus said.
The mirror flashed once and Severus found himself standing in Remus' quarters. A few feet away Remus stood expectantly, an opened book was lay on the sofa beside him.
"He's been in his room all day," Remus said and nodded toward a closed door to his right. "I think you'll have to tie him down and gag him,"
"I hope it does not have to come to that," Severus said with a weary sigh.
Severus steeled herself and walked to the door, with one fluid motion she opened the door, walked through and closed it behind her. The room was darkened, a solitary candle on the bedside was the only source of illumination, it highlighted Sirius' back on the opposite side of the bed. Severus inhaled deeply and was about to speak when Sirius interrupted.
"Get out," Sirius said in a low voice.
"No, we need to talk," Severus said.
"I have nothing to say to you," Sirius said.
"Will you at least hear what I have to say?" Severus asked, her voice calm with a tinge of emotion. Experience had taught Severus that his usual cold and unemotional voice infuriated people at the best of times, and using it on an angry person would only exacerbate the situation. Double true with Sirius.
Sirius turned around abruptly, "And listen to your lies? I don't think so," he said, "So, did you all have a good laugh at me? Running around 'protecting' scum like you."
"It was never like that," Severus said.
"Oh, and I suppose hat female disguise was also for my benefit as well. Looking all innocent and vulnerable," Sirius said ignoring Severus.
"Sirius..." Severus said.
"You have no right to say my name, you worthless piece of shit," Sirius said.
"Will you shut up and listen to me?" Severus yelled all of a sudden. A blanket of frustration seemed to wash over Severus as the room fell silent. The barely perceptible hum of magic showed that it was not because Sirius had finally seen sense. "This was not the way that I want to conduct a conversation with you, Sirius, but you have left me with no choice," Severus said. A quick 'lumos' illuminated the room.
Severus walked closer to Sirius and sat down on the bed so that she was looking at him eye-to-eye, "I will lay the truth before you then leave, it will then be up to you to decide if you believe me," she said, "this is going to be a relatively long story," with a wave of her hand Sirius was no settled more comfortable on his bed.
"You wish to know the truth? Then I will endeavour to do so," Severus began, "Back in December, the day after the last day of term to be exact, I was in need of a potion ingredient so I went to the potions classroom to take some from the store cupboard. Unfortunately I walked into a prank set up by someone, I was covered in a foul smelling concoction and knocked out by the pail that held it. I woke up some time later in the infirmary with Remus, Poppy and Albus; Remus because he found me, Poppy because she is the nurse and Albus because he is Albus. That was when I found out that the concoction had changed me physically into a woman. After some debating it was decided that it would be best not to reveal to everyone of my sudden change of appearance.
"After I was discharged I discovered that the Dark Mark had disappeared from my arm, this would have alerted Voldemort as it is linked to him. He would either think me dead or free. No doubt he would also send spies to find out what happened, and he did with a visit from Lucius Malfoy and some not so subtle questioning from the seventh year Slytherins when they returned.
"I had begun to analyse the potion that changed me during the holidays, all in all I examined it three times but the answer was the same, the function of the concoction was a strong glamour remover. So this meant that this female guise is my true form. I was determined to find out the truth but obstacles were always in my way.
"During January, I chanced upon some Deatheaters torturing a muggle and went to help. During the fight I used wandless magic and managed to flee with the muggle who turned out to be someone that Voldemort was after to get to her parents. So keeping my identity a secret now took on a more serious position. And after an attempted kidnapping Albus brought you into be my bodyguard. I was not exactly keen on that idea either.
"Some time later I was kidnapped by Deatheaters who lured me to the Forbidden Forest. After some questioning from Voldemort I was offered the chance to join him, I refused twice, and he was about to 'persuade' me one more time when I was rescued by Rena, Saba and Ceren. And it was they who told me who I am, it was hard to believe at first but..." Severus hesitated, frowned, "but it is a plausible explanation. It appears that I am a female from another dimension who is prophesised to unite a warring world. Over forty years ago I was bought to this world to keep me safe until I was old enough to protect myself, unfortunately the way back was destroyed and we were stranded here. We came across Snape Manor and found the baby dead, and it was decided that I would be exchanged in his place.
"As you can imagine this fact would be dangerous if it was revealed, the safety of many people could be at stake, especially if Voldemort decided that he wants to recruit members from other worlds."
"That is more or less the truth in a nutshell," Severus said, "the details are available if you wish to know, from myself or anyone that I have mentioned. Miss Granger only found out my identity my accident and was sworn to secrecy."
Severus stood up and walked to the door, "I have had my say and I leave the rest up to you. Goodnight," she said and exited the room.
"How did it go?" Remus asked as soon as he saw Severus.
Severus gave a tired smile, "I did what you suggested; I gagged and bound him," she said.
Remus looked horrified but then shrugged his shoulders, "I guess it couldn't be helped. Is he still like that?" he asked.
"Yes, could you dispel it once I am gone?" Severus asked.
"Of course," Remus replied.
"Thank you, I think I will go lie down. Goodnight, Remus," Severus said as he walked over to the mirror and placed a hand on its cool surface, "Who is the fairest of them all?"
"Goodnight, Severus," Remus said as Severus disappeared in a flash of white light.
When Severus arrived back in her quarters she found Saba and Ceren sitting with Rena on the sofa, they looked up as Severus came near. "Some sit down, Severus, we need to discuss something," Saba said.
Severus looked at them for more information but when none was forthcoming she took a seat opposite the trio.
Rena, who was sat at the end of the sofa, looked over at Saba and Ceren, they gave her a nod, "This may be coming a bit fast, it has been forty years for us and you do now know the truth," she said, "but we need to get back to our world."
"Back?" Severus asked.
"Yes. There has been no communication between our world and us; we have no idea what is happening. How the war is going. We wish to go back as soon as possible with you so that it may end," Rena said, "You know that the way back has been destroyed, we...need another way back,"
"But where exactly is our world?" Severus asked.
"We are not entirely sure. Which is why we need to start searching for a way to way to sort through the other dimensions to find our one," Saba said, "It had once been calculated that there are hundreds if not thousand of different dimensions, ideally we need a way to see them all and shift through them systematically."
"We know it's a little shocking for you to take it all in, why don't you sleep on it? And we could may be talk more tomorrow, yes?" Ceren said, looking at everyone.
"That's a good idea," said Rena.
"Yes, we should let you think it over," Saba said, "Okay, lets get to bed then and discus it bright and early tomorrow."
Severus nodded and walked quickly to her room, once she had closed her door Severus leaned against it. The inevitability of going to a place that should be called home was...difficult to describe, the small thrill of going to a new place, but ultimately saddening, to leave forty years of familiarity behind to be thrown into an alien world. Maybe the in the morning it will all have been a bad dream, Severus gave a rueful smile, not likely. Shedding her clothes Severus crawled in between the covers and curled up on her side, she lay awake for some time questions and reasoning flitted through her mind but no answer every appeared, finally exhaustion caught up with Severus and she fell into a deep sleep.
As Severus entered REM she was awoken by an incessant shaking, someone had grabbed her by the shoulders and was gently trying to rouse her. Severus muttered something incoherent and turned over hoping that the person had gotten the message. The person, however, was either ignorant of the message or they didn't take heed. "Severus, wake up, I have something important to tell you, please," the person said.
Finally Severus opened her eyes and saw the shadowy image of Ceren over her, "Ceren? What is it?" she asked. Severus shifted herself in a sitting position and rubbed her eyes with the palm of her hands.
Ceren sat down gently facing Severus, "There is something of importance that I need to tell you, but I'm not sure how to say it," she said.
A number of rude replies crossed Severus' mind but she settled for a, "Please, in your own time,"
"I know what I'm about to tell you will sound quite unbelievable, especially since you heard their version first and you probably don't know me well enough to trust me but I must tell you, matters are advancing a lot quicker than I thought," Ceren said, "The story that Rena and Saba told you is a lie, actually a half-lie, some of what they said is the truth but it is distorted,"
Severus looked hard at Ceren; a look of incredulity was evident on Severus' face.
Ceren looked up and gave a weak smile, "I know, quite unbelievable," she said, "Um...there is a war going on in our world and it is true that the humans fired the first shot but it was only in rebellion to the years of degradation that the Fey had put us through. For hundred of years the Fey have treated us like slaves, forcing us to work the fields and the mines to provide the bounty for them, reminding us time and time again that they were superior to us because they are a purer class of magic users; untainted by human flesh.
"Over two hundred years ago, the situation came to a head when they kidnapped, tortured and killed the Chief's eleven year old girl because the village couldn't provide the quota of jewels and gold from the mine. They didn't care that the mines were desolate and that many people had died there. It was at that time that we humans gathered together to free ourselves from bondage."
"Why are you telling me this? What is your involvement?" Severus asked as her suspicions rose.
"Do you remember I told you my village was massacred and after some years I encountered your mother? During those years in between I joined up with a small faction and was given the task of infiltrating the enemy. There are still humans that are loyal to the Fey so it was not strange to see humans working for them. I managed to work my way into one of these groups and was picked to become a servant of the Air tribe. But they are far from trusting and knew about the potential of spies, so I was questioned and tortured to both break my spirit and to force a confession from me. I held on for a long time, I can't remember how long for it was a blur to me," Ceren said. She stood up and turned her back to Severus, Ceren loosened her robe and let her it fall to her waist to reveal a criss-cross of angry rivets.
Severus stared in astonishment and reached out her hand to trace on of the scars, "These are from them?" she asked.
Ceren nodded.
"You are a healer, why do you still keep them?" Severus asked.
"They are a reminder of my sacrifice to my people," Ceren said. She pulled her robes tightly around her and tied them. Taking a moment to compose herself Ceren sat down again. "They eventually gave me the position of serving in Lord Yanni's House. I worked there for many years and eventually into a position of trust, all the while leaking as much information as I dared to the faction. One day they brought in another human and instructed me to take care of her; it was your mother.
"From my preliminary examination I could tell that she was with child and in a trance. I asked around and eventually found out who she was and why she was here. This will come as a shock to you as it did to me so many years ago. I found out about the prophecy and that your mother was kidnapped and...and raped by Yanni. I didn't believe in the prophecy, I still don't but it was certain the Fey did. They added extra guards to protect her, even though she was, in a word, comatosed. I tried to free her but my magic is not that advanced.
"A week before the birth your mother was freed from the trance, and with a little help from the outside I helped her escape, but guard saw her and raised the alarm. We set off in pursuit and cornered her in the Temple of Cosmos where she went into labour. The faction surrounded them outside and began to fight them, while I helped deliver you. The fighting had worsened and your mother gave you to my keeping and told me to take care of you, she knew that she would not make it. Rena and Saba dragged me deeper into the Temple as it crumbled around us; the only way out was to use the portal. We activated the portal and arrived here on Earth, and the rest you know," Ceren said.
Severus was silent for a long while, finally she spoke, "Are you really wanting me to believe what you have said?" she asked.
"I would not have told you, at least not yet, but they have already started to set things in motion to take you back home. I can't sit idle by and watch them manipulate you to destroy your own people," Ceren said, "You must know the truth,"
"The truth? I don't know what is the truth anymore," Severus said.
"I will not pressure you to accept either side, but you must know have the choices laid out to you. You may ask them about it, but they will stick to their version and it will only be my word against theirs," Ceren said. She stood up and gave a low bow to Severus, "I'm sorry to put you in such a situation but I can't let them use you to their own corrupt deeds, you deserve better than that,"
Ceren left Severus alone with her thoughts; all likelihood of sleep went out of the door in Ceren's wake.
