So this is Hogwarts.
Anthony McKinnon followed Fleur into the dark recesses of the dungeon--the last stop on their tour.
Hogwarts was a fascinating place, Anthony decided. Fleur had been right to say that it wasn't as fancy as Beauxbatons--but it was not completely without attraction. The long corridors with their suits of armor, and their random ghosts floating about fed Anthony's curiosity more than he had previously thought possible.
So this was Hogwarts. This was the place where his parents had gone to school, where they first met...
...where Severus Snape now taught.
How does that happen, anyway? How does a Death Eater become a teacher? They say Albus Dumbledore is an intelligent wizard, but I'm damned if I really believe that. My adoptive parents say that my father had a lot of respect for Dumbledore. Now he's dead. What does that tell you?
Fleur's voice came very suddenly, piercing through his dark thoughts.
"Incendium."
In an instant, the torches on the walls lit up, allowing Anthony to see the dungeon more fully. Potions bottles of all different shapes and sizes lined the shelves behind the large desk at the front of the room, and several long tables were carefully placed around the room--presumably for the students.
"It's fascinating," Anthony said, turning in a slow circle as he took in the room. "And this is where you teach?"
"Oui--I mean, yes," Fleur replied.
"Fascinating," Anthony repeated.
"I suppose so," Fleur said, eyeing him strangely. He shook his head abruptly, and tried to bring himself back to earth.
"So, tell me about this person you work for--Snape." Did his voice tremble as he spoke the name? Was he shaking?
If so, Fleur didn't seem to notice. "Zere is not much to tell, I am afraid. Professor Snape is probably more skilled zen I could hope to be in Potions. I find 'is ways unfathomable, but 'e is a professional on zee whole."
"Does he give you a hard time?" Anthony asked, hoping his words sounded normal.
Fleur laughed. "If 'e did not, zey would be breaking out zee fur coats in 'ell."
Anthony laughed, too. "That's the way of it, then?"
"For ze most part," Fleur replied, and glanced quickly around the room. "Professor Snape's office is off to ze right, but it would not be wise to take you zere."
"That's fine," Anthony shot out, a little too quickly.
"You know," Fleur said, "You 'aven't said much about what you 'have been doing all zis time. I know zat is my fault---I sometimes talk too much."
Anthony laughed. "I know." He paused, then added, "That I haven't said much, not that you talk to much."
Fleur laughed, too. "I know what you meant. We should probably head upstairs now, though--I can take you back to 'Ogsmeade, if you like."
"Very well." Anthony responded. "It was nice of you to--"
He stopped short. Fleur frowned, and followed his gaze.
"P-Professor Snape," she said, sounding as startled as Anthony felt.
Anthony did a double take. This is Severus Snape. This is the man who killed my parents. He destroyed my life. The fire burning inside him the past few weeks burned hotter than ever, and it was all he could do not to curse the man on the spot.
And yet....Anthony did not. He remained, for all outward appearances, as calm and collected as he possibly could, with Snape's cold black eyes bearing down on him.
Best to play the game, for now.
"Miss Delacour," Professor Snape replied. "I do not recall giving you permission to bring a guest in my dungeon" --he favored Anthony with a brief, cold look--"unless I am prematurely suffering the ravages of age?"
"Er--no, sir," Fleur said anxiously. "I just--"
"Forgive us, sir," Anthony said suddenly, stepping forward. "It was my fault, I'm afraid. Fleur was reluctant to bring me to this part of the castle, but I insisted." He smiled ruefully. "I can be dreadfully stubborn."
Professor Snape stepped forward, closer to Anthony. Snape was a few inches taller, which seemed to make all the difference as his shadow fell on Anthony. Still, he remained standing tall, refusing even to lower his head.
"Who are you?" Snape demanded.
This should be interesting, Anthony thought.
Out loud, he replied, "My name is Anthony McKinnon, sir."
*****************************
Severus Snape had never been run over by a Muggle motor vehicle, but he imagined that the feeling would probably have been very similar to this boy's presence.
Anthony McKinnon.
How could he have not noticed? The boy looked so much like his mother--except for his red hair. Much like Kevin's hair....
The boy was observing him closely now, looking almost amused. Was the expression on his face that telling?
"I see," Snape said, after a few moments' pause. "Well, Mr. McKinnon, I must ask Miss Delacour to escort you out now. Good day."
He turned his glare to Fleur, who nodded quickly.
"Zis way, Anthony...."
She headed for the door, but Anthony stepped ahead of her. He held the door as she passed. Giving Snape one final look, he let the door close behind him.
Severus walked over to his desk, and promptly sank into the chair.
Anthony McKinnon...
The last memory he'd had of the boy was a small, frightened child being led away by Aurors--a little child with messy auburn hair and striped pajamas. Severus was glad that the child had grown up safely. That did not mean, however, that he wanted to see him.
Snape closed his eyes, and leaned back in his chair. Such a change, between the scared child and the handsome young man that had been in the dungeon only moments before...what years could do....
If only years could erase memories, he thought darkly. If only he could make himself forget...
"Is that all you know, McKinnon?" Lucius Malfoy demanded, his grey eyes flashing.
Kevin raised his head, strands of hair nearly obscuring his eyes. "I have told you all I know," he said weakly.
"Crucio!" Malfoy shouted.
Snape stood further back, next to Travers. He watched as the Auror writhed in pain--he did not scream right away. He was, if nothing else, strong.
"Just making sure," Malfoy said with a cordial smile. "We have to be efficient, you see. As an Auror, you must understand."
Kevin hung limply in his chains, not responding. Travers left Snape's side, and jerked Kevin's head upward by his chin. His eyes were closed, though he twitched slightly.
"Don't quit on us now," Travers said. He turned sharply, facing Severus. "Snape, why don't you have a go, instead of standing back there like a lump?"
Snape stepped forward reluctantly. Every step brought him closer to the prisoner....but how he longed to be anywhere else.
"When are they going to kill me?"
Severus' eyes widened behind his mask. He'd assumed Kevin McKinnon was unconscious. McKinnon had not opened his eyes, but his voice rasped just loudly enough for Snape to hear.
"Soon," Snape responded, his heart in his throat. Why was he doing this? Why was he torturing someone he barely knew?
When would things start making sense again?
"I...thought so," Kevin replied, lapsing into a coughing spasm. "Anthony..."
"Who?" Snape asked.
"Anthony...my...son..."
Snape looked over his shoulders. Malfoy was checking the window, while Travers and the others watched him closely.
"Don't hurt Anthony. Please," Kevin pleaded, the desperation all too clear in his voice. "He...he's only a child. You've already murdered my wife. Please, don't murder my son as well. You can't be as monstrous as that!" His eyes were now wide open.
Snape had heard pleading before, but usually directed at Malfoy or one of the more participating Death Eaters. He did not like it. McKinnon thought of him the same way as he would Malfoy or Travers--and why shouldn't he? With their masks on, they all looked alike.
I'm not like them, Snape realized. I can't be monsters like they are. I just can't be.
Kevin McKinnon pulled himself up as much as his chains allowed. "Please...if you have any trace of humanity in you at all....give me your word that my son will survive this night. We both know they won't let me live."
Snape found himself wishing he could simply be in another place, to simply not have to deal with this...but here he was, with this doomed man's brown eyes boring into his black ones.
There was nothing he could do to save the father. He could, however, still do something for the son.....
"You have my word," Snape said at last. "Your son will survive this night."
Kevin nodded, and closed his eyes, for what would be the final time.
"For God's sake, Snape, what are you just standing around for? You're supposed to be torturing him!" Travers snapped. Malfoy strode forward just then, making his way toward the spot where Severus and the Auror stood.
"It matters not," Malfoy said, his voice as smooth as silk. "Step aside now, Severus, if you are too cowardly to do the job."
Snape obeyed, reluctantly, wishing there was something he could do...anything...but to oppose the Death Eaters one against six would have been suicidal at best.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a small movement...the door opening just a crack...
The boy, Snape realized. The child was still there...
Moving quickly, Snape positioned himself just in front of the door, carefully avoiding the body of Alice McKinnon, and bumped the door shut once more with his shoulder. With any luck, he would be able to convince the others to leave the house without harming the child.
"Avada Kedavra!" Lucius Malfoy shouted..
Then came the flash of green light, and---
Snape took a deep breath, slowly bringing himself back.
Severus had seen heroes enough in his day, but Kevin McKinnon stood out in his memory. The way the man had pleaded for his son's life like that....would his own father have done the same?
Snape's mouth twisted grimly. Probably not. It would have interfered too much with brooding over Mother's death.
What was it, McKinnon? Was there something about me that made you think I could be trusted? Why did you plead with me, and not Malfoy? Did you sense my reluctance to participate, or was I just the nearest person? I suppose I shall never know.
But your death served a purpose, in more ways than one. It set me on the path that I am on today.
For that had been the night he had gone home, and in a moment of panic, confided in his father.
I didn't trust anyone, not even then. I was always suspicious of the motives of others. But on that night, I had no one else.
You weren't a fool, Father, whatever else you were. You knew something was amiss. When I came home that night, you were genuinely worried for me. It was the first night I realized you might just be human after all.
It was also the night you turned me out of the house. Life has a funny way of being absolutely horrid, does it not?
Severus rose from his chair, idly pacing about the room. Anything for a distraction...
A walk. Yes, that was what he needed. A walk, around the Hogwarts grounds, and maybe even Hogsmeade. He could cool off, and perhaps speak to Dumbledore about it later. A decent solution, for the time being.
Let's just hope I don't run into Lupin or Black on the way. That would really put a perfect end to a perfect day, would it not?
***********************************
"Doctor! Dr. Snape!"
Septimus Snape paused in the hospital corridor as the young nurse swiftly covered the distance between them. She braced one hand against the wall, attempting to catch her breath.
"What do you have for me, Dinah?" he asked, smiling.
Nurse Dinah Brinton was barely twenty-two, but her wide eyes and childlike face made her look much younger. That, combined with her excitable demeanor, lended greatly to Septimus' amusement most of the time.
"Sir," she said as she caught her breath, "There's a patient in room 306 waiting for you, he's just arrived." She handed him the clipboard. "It's all here."
Septimus read carefully. "Oh, my," he said, and tried to hide his growing smile behind a mask of cool effieciency--rather unsuccessfully. "That does sound painful. Poor Minister Fudge. How did this happen?"
Nurse Brinton cleared her throat. "I believe the Minister's dog was misbehaving, and his wife tried to give it a...well, zap is how she put it...and the dog moved, and--Dr. Snape! Are you all right?"
Septimus was leaning against the wall, bringing the clipboard up to his face to hide his laughter. "I...see," he choked out. "I'd best tend to that right...away."
The young nurse scrutinized him. "Sir, you're laughing!"
Her indignation only fueled his amusement. "I know. Don't worry, Dinah, I won't be laughing when I tend to the Minister."
Nurse Brinton's expression relaxed, just a little. "His wife was pretty amused, too."
"I don't wonder that she was," Septimus replied. "Don't worry. Healers of Magical Injuries see worse than this. The worst he'll suffer is momentary pain and about a week's worth of embarrassment."
"Well, I told him he'd be getting one of our best healers," Nurse Brinton said, blushing slightly.
Septimus rolled his eyes. "Only, more like. Rather annoying that there are only three of us on duty today. And it will be just me and Dr. Carstairs when Dr. Reilly leaves. Ah, well--at least things are slow today."
"Oh, sir, don't say that!" Nurse Brinton cried.
"Why ever not?" Dr. Snape asked practically.
"It's a jinx!" Dinah replied.
"Oh, come now--"
"I mean it, Doctor. Last night Leslie Hartford said the same thing, and two hours later, what do you think happened? An accident at Zonko's with four of its employees, then two children nearly being mauled by a--"
Septimus sighed. He'd forgotten just how superstitious Nurse Brinton was. "I'd best be on my way now, Dinah. It won't do to keep Mr. Fudge waiting any longer."
"See, sir, I've got a chill now! That means a jinx for sure!"
Dr. Snape shook his head, and began walking in the opposite direction, toward Fudge's room.
For some reason, he no longer felt like laughing.
***********************************
Loki scanned the crowd in the Three Broomsticks. So far, it seemed to be mainly rowdy wizards and a few overly made-up witches populating the bar that night.
"Can I get you something, deario?"
He looked up to see a pretty older woman standing next to his table. The landlady, he thought, if he'd heard correctly.
"Rum and coke'll do for me."
"You look awfully young for that," Madam Rosmerta replied.
Loki smirked. "I'm no schoolboy, love."
The lady's eyebrows arched. "I noticed."
She turned away from him to fetch the drink, and Lestrange leaned back casually in his chair.
Why does so much of careful planning involve waiting? he thought resentfully, tapping on the tabletop. Lucius should have just killed Snape himself when he had the chance.
In Loki's opinion, there was nothing wrong with a little savage brutality every now and then. To really cut loose on someone, to let the savage beast out--that was truly being alive. Even his parents had understood that. Unfortunately, Lucius Malfoy didn't.
Rosmerta bustled back, interrupting his train of thought, and placed the drink in front of him. He nodded his thanks, and raised the drink to his lips.
Then he looked up--and nearly choked.
Oh, damn it.
***********************************
Anthony McKinnon let the door to the Three Broomsticks close behind him with a snap. He'd have enough time for an early dinner, he decided. And then perhaps--
Wait. Was that--
"Lestrange?" Anthony asked, a bit uncertainly.
The dark-haired young man raised his blue-green eyes to meet Anthony's. "McKinnon."
"What are you doing here?" Anthony demanded.
Loki snorted. "Lovely way to greet a bloke, McKinnon. They teach you those manners in France?"
"That, and how to kiss," Anthony replied wryly. "Let's just say I'd rather not practice the latter on you."
"To answer your question, I had errands here and decided to stop for a drink on my way back," Loki said, in a smooth tone to rival Malfoy's.
"Oh." Anthony looked momentarily abashed. He drew up a chair from a nearby table, and sat down across from Lestrange.
"I saw him today."
Loki gave him a curious look. "Saw who?"
"Snape."
A slow smile spread over Lestrange's features. "And?"
"And what?" McKinnon asked blankly.
"How many pieces did you blast him into?" Loki asked. "Or maybe you didn't bother with pieces--you just blasted him to dust. Right?"
"No," Anthony replied, giving Lestrange an odd look.
"Well, what then?" Loki asked, taking a swig of his drink.
"Nothing."
Loki stared, his brow arched in mild disappointment. "Nothing. He's still alive? In one piece?"
"More or less," Anthony responded. "Though I don't imagine he was pleased to see me. The look on his face was priceless." Just like the look on his face will be when I have my revenge.
"Mm. Interesting," Lestrange replied, in a tone that implied the opposite. "But what are you going to do? This is the man that killed your family, right? What are you waiting for?"
"It's too soon to make a move," Anthony shot back. "I don't even have a place where--"
"I can find you a place, but that's not the point," Lestrange said. "You don't have to go all out on the first try, you know. Give him a warning, if you like."
"Why would I want to put him on his guard?" Anthony demanded.
Loki shrugged. "Mess with his head a bit. You and Malfoy seem to like that sort of thing. Me, on the other hand--" he took a broad swing and drained the last of his drink, "I like just getting down to it. I mean, if he'd murdered my family, I'd--"
"Shut up," Anthony snapped. "I don't need you to remind me why I'm here."
"Fine, fine, have it your own way," Lestrange replied. "All I'm saying is, it can't hurt to get in a little practice. Y'know?"
"Practice," Anthony repeated, his eyes suddenly fixed on a spot above Loki's head. Speak of the devil...
Snape passed the front window of the restaurant, his eyes flickering in Anthony's direction for a brief moment.
Loki turned casually, following the other man's gaze. He turned back to Anthony, his smile reminding McKinnon more than ever of a wild animal.
"Have fun," he said, his smile growing wider.
**********************************
There was really nothing like a walk to clear one's mind, Snape mused. Even as he passed one of the many establishments in Hogsmeade, he felt a little calmer.
McKinnon being in town didn't necessarily mean anything. For all Severus knew, the boy had come to see Fleur.
And yet...
It bothered him. So many things happening at once made it difficult for one to maintain control over his surroundings. And Severus Snape did not care at all for the idea of relinquishing control.
Lupin, Black and McKinnon. All at once. I must have been a horrible person in my last life.
Though, come to think of it, he wasn't exactly a saint in this life, either.
He was drawn further and further from the main part of town. Perhaps if he walked far enough, he could leave it all behind.
Perhaps I believed that once--but no longer. You cannot run from what you are. I know that now.
Severus finally stopped just outside the gates of the cemetery.
It wasn't very large, he noted, passing through the iron gates. A sardonic smile appeared on his mouth. But then, I don't suppose there are many complaints.
It was strange that he should feel so peaceful in a graveyard. Most people, Muggle or otherwise, might find such a thing morbid. But there it was.
The sun had nearly dipped halfway below the horizon now.
Snape sighed. He should go back, he realized. As it was, Dumbledore would be wondering why he was not at dinner.
He closed his eyes briefly. Yet another person who believed in him against all common sense.
Snap.
Snape's eyes opened, and he turned sharply.
What was that?
****************************
Anthony had thought he was prepared. Seeing Severus Snape the first time had been difficult, it was true.
But Fleur had been there. It hadn't been possible for him to take any sort of action at that point.
Now, however...
Rage in the form of adrenaline raced through his veins, jerking him into a state of hyperawareness. The memories of that horrible night came rushing back. Mother on the floor, Father in chains--Death Eaters all around, the Dark Mark above my house---
And then there had been later. He had spent the rest of the night at the Ministry headquarters--there had been no other place for him. And those three years in the orphanage--of not knowing if he would ever belong anywhere again--
All because of one man.
Anthony's jaw tightened, twisting his normally handsome features beyond recognition.
This man.
A warning, Loki had said. Very well, then. A warning it would be.
Snap.
Anthony swore inwardly as his foot connected with a fragile twig. Damn it!
Snape knew someone was out there. Anthony could tell, as he watched from his cover behind the thick bush. The dark-haired man was looking over his shoulder as he drew his wand.
Thinking quickly, Anthony seized a small pebble from the ground, and threw it against the iron gate.
Snape turned toward the noise.
Anthony leaped out from his hiding place, wand drawn.
"Obscurus Incendio!"
****************************
The words barely registered in Severus Snape's mind as he turned, hoping to ward off the spell--
But it was too late.
The explosion knocked him off his feet, sending him flying through the air like a rag doll.
Who--
He felt the breath leave his body as his back connected with a nearby headstone. The heat of the blast stole the oxygen, making it impossible to breathe, even if he had been able to before.
The last thing he was aware of before he lost consciousness was the dark outline of a man's figure silhouetted against the blinding yellow flames.