Author Notes:
This chapter contains some brief mention of torture, with no specific details.
Severus Snape was a force to be reckoned with on a typical day. Today was not a typical day. The start had been ignominious enough, sneaking around Hermione like a first year trying to sneak out to Hogsmeade. He managed to leave, wearing Muggle clothing undetected beneath his teaching robes, but it had been a near thing. Of course Hermione had wanted to know why he was wearing teaching robes instead of a proper cloak; when he was spending a Saturday shopping for Quidditch gear. He had explained that he thought it highly likely that he would run into students. She accepted his answer, and he left unmolested, however, the looks she gave him did nothing for his confidence. He was a spy, for the love of Merlin! how could one witch be so difficult to fool?
Getting to Hogsmeade was easy enough, from there he Apparated to Diagon Alley without difficulty. Muggle London was much more difficult, but if he was going to do as Minerva had ever so politely suggested, he had to begin in the Muggle world.
The brunt of the morning saw a disgruntled Severus Snape situated in an exceedingly uncomfortable chair hidden behind stacks of books with titles such as: How to Show Your Love to a Woman; What She Wants But Will Never Tell You; One Thousand Ways To Romance Her; What Women Expect From You; Today's Most Romantic Love Songs; Say It With Flowers; and What Every Man Needs To Know About Romance. The elderly librarian, a Mrs Finkle, had been alarmingly eager to help; clucking and praising him all the while. Passing children snickered, and more than one woman tried to chat him up. He was thoroughly disgusted.
Now he was making his way around the shops in Muggle London, scowling and muttering to himself, "Meddling Gryffindor. Deputy Headmistress hag." As he recalled bits of their conversation, or rather, Minerva's lecture, '... no real wedding ... missed her birthday ... romance Severus ... every young woman, and old woman at that, needs romance, Severus. Have you told her that you love her, yet? Don't bother to protest the word, it's clear that you love her whether you're comfortable with the word or not. And, yes, if it's clear to me, it's clear to her as well. However, she needs to hear it. Every woman needs to hear it. You didn't even say anything when you found out she was pregnant, did you? Use sense man, of course she wouldn't tell you what she wants. It wouldn't count if she told you.' He strode on fuming, and frightening the unlucky persons who crossed his path. 'I can not do this. Minerva is insane. Hermione is an intellectual witch, she is stable, practical; she would not want - ' his internal rant trailed off as he remembered Hermione's face when he had slipped her wedding band on her finger in Madam Macnaughton's office. 'Damn and blast!' he thought. 'She does appreciate tokens and gestures, regardless of her finer qualities.'
He stopped in front of a door. A door emblazoned with the words: M. Cloom And Son, Fine Jewellers. He emerged three long hours later. He did not mind spending money on Hermione. The money was of no consequence, it was the experience that rankled his ire. He hated pushy purveyours. They were virtually impossible to discourage, or intimidate.
He left his next stop in a much better mood. This transaction had been satisfactory. He had acquired something that practically answered the words he had overheard Hermione speak to Minerva, 'I rushed in to it all Minerva. I just fell in love with him.' Not only had he acquired something perfect; but when he had entered the Muggle music shop he was met with a horrifying noise, and an appalling visage. Upon his departure from the shop the soft sounds of classical music could be heard, rather than the obnoxious noise that had assaulted his ears when he had arrived. The appalling visage, a young sales assistant in his mid-twenties, with a vivid purple mohawk and multiple piercings; was quaking with fear and apparently on the verge of tears as Severus gave him a parting glare. Severus smirked, and thought, 'It's not that I mind Muggles. I most assuredly acquired no prejudices in that respect; despite the best efforts of my fanatical pureblood associates. Hermione's parents were certainly tolerable. I do seem to suffer from cultural barriers when interacting with them, but that is all it is; a mere difference in culture. No, it is dunderheads that are intolerable. It does not matter if they are Muggle or wizard.'
For now he was headed to a familiar, comfortable place where he could browse in peace. However, he was done with Muggle transport. He ducked into an alleyway, and hid himself behind an odoriferous garbage collection vessel. From there he Apparated straight back to Diagon Alley, and was in Flourish And Blotts in no time. He left there with a satisfied smirk and a heavy bag full of books. He knew Minerva would have Hermione occupied all day, so he made a quick trip back to the castle to deposit the cumbersome bag.
'I am resigned, no, resolved. Yes, I am resolved. I will keep my mind set on everything Hermione has done for me. I can make this sacrifice. It is not a way of life, it is merely a weekend. I will do what the books say she wants. I will do it better.' Severus internal voice proclaimed decidedly, as he dutifully set about the rest of he onerous errands.
Hermione walked into their dungeon chambers that evening to find that Severus was still not back from his Quidditch shopping trip. She resolutely refused to be suspicious. He had given her no reason to doubt him. She wouldn't give in to anger or disappointment either. She would simply bathe, change, pick out a good book and settle in. 'I will kill him when he finally does drag his sorry - No, I won't kill him,' she thought. 'I'll merely maim him.' She went about gathering things for a nice long bath; all the while contemplating various body parts belonging to one Severus Snape; and the ways in which she would hex them when next she saw them. She decided that she would give him a chance to explain, if he was home by the time she finished her bath. She took her time, soaking in the vanilla scented bubbles for over an hour. Finally, she washed her hair and used the time consuming potions to make it dry in some semblance of curls, rather than it's natural bushiness. She lotioned her skin and picked up her dressing gown. When she slipped it on she felt the hum of magic. She looked down at herself. Her simple dressing gown had transformed into an incredibly beautiful set of white dress robes with an iridescent quality she had never seen. She lifted the skirt and fingered the fabric. It was the silkiest fabric she had ever touched. As she walked to the mirror the material seemed to float around her. Feeling very much like royalty, she smiled. When she reached the full length mirror what she saw was a complete surprise. There, staring back at her in wonder, was a beautiful woman. The exquisite sleeveless robes draped and flowed over her curves making her appear voluptuous and lush. The iridescence reflected on her face, enhancing her eyes and giving her a radiance she had never had before. As she admired herself, she noticed an incredibly full hand tied bouquet of roses on the floor in front of the mirror. She bent down and picked them up. As she inhaled the scent of the multiple varieties of white roses, she felt the unmistakable tug of portkey travel.
She landed on a white blanket that had the noticeable feel of a Cushioning Charm. She stood and took in her surroundings. She was in a forest clearing, and she was alone. 'I know this place, ' she thought. 'This is the last place Severus and I stopped, where we cast our Binding Spell. But, someone has been here ... recently.' She looked all around. Amidst the trees, flora and fauna stood a sumptuously appointed table. Laden with linen, china, silver, and crystal. Behind that was a palatial tent. It's door was mostly closed, so she was unable to make out the interior. 'I seem to have been abducted, and brought to paradise,' Hermione mused with amusement.
Severus had heard the soft thumph of Hermione's landing. He began an internal mantra, 'I can do this. I will do this for her.'
As Hermione stepped off the blanket soft sensual reggae music began; the erotic beat of drums and the provocative melodies of brass thrummed. By the time Hermione's stunned brain had processed all of this, two arms snaked around her waist. She was turned to face Severus, "Dance with me," he said, his deep voice husky and imploring.
She merely nodded.
He pulled her to him, and they began to move. The combination of being in his arms; along with the heady music was unbelievably evocative.
'I didn't know he could dance like this,' Hermione thought of Severus' sensual movements.
'Perhaps this endeavour will not be entirely unpleasant,' Severus thought, as he felt Hermione's body against his.
Her inner musings trailed off as Severus bent down and kissed her lightly. Their bodies moved as one, a physical expression of their newfound concupiscence.
When the song ended, Severus took her hand and looked into her eyes as soft music continued to play. She could see his passion for her in those deep dark orbs. He spoke and she didn't quite understand the words so involved was she with his overwhelming presence.
'Perhaps this will be amusing, as well,' he thought.
He chuckled and repeated, "Are you hungry?" He gave her one of his genuine smiles. "You must be, come." He lead her to the table and seated her. He leaned in from behind her and uncovered her plate.
"Severus!" she gasped. "This is exactly the same as the first meal you ever cooked for me. Back at Grimmauld Place."
His voice was a dark suggestive breath in her ear, "You seemed to like it."
She took his hand that was still on the table beside her plate. "I do." She turned to face him. "What brought all this on?"
He turned his hand in hers, and brought hers to his lips. He kissed it, and said simply, "You."
They dined in an anticipatory silence, broken only occasionally by conversation.
"This is all so beautiful Severus," she said softly, as they finished their meal. "It's simply incredible."
Severus said nothing, he waved his hand and the table changed. It was cleared, and covered with exotic fragrant flowers, inter-spaced with candles.
Hermione watched Severus. He was avoiding her eye. 'He seems to be ... fidgeting? Is he nervous?' she wondered.
'I will speak to her openly. That is all. I can do this,' Severus thought.
When he finally looked at her it was through the curtains of his hair. "Hermione ..."
She smiled encouragingly at him when he faltered. 'He quavered? Severus Snape doesn't quaver, ever,' she thought.
" ... Hermione," he caught her eye shyly. "We did not begin our ... relationship as one would expect. We lived together before we knew each other. We were bound before we expressed desire for each other. I would not change it, however, I regret that you had no proper wedding, or wedding night. He paused briefly and caught her gaze before continuing, I am not a handsome man. I am not a romantic man. I am not even a likable man. No one knows this better than you," he put a finger to her lips to still her protest. "You know it is true," he admonished.
She spoke around his finger, "I wouldn't trade you for anyone. Not even the most handsome, nicest, most romantic man in the universe, Severus."
"Hermione," the slight shyness in his tone was replaced with ardor, "as we did not follow the usual customs, I would like to give you a token of my esteem, now." Severus dropped to his knees before Hermione. "Again, we flout convention," he said with a smile, "but you are deserving of more than one knee." He withdrew a ring from his coat pocket and held it out to her.
As she reached for it her hand trembled.
"The inscription magically magnifies, otherwise it would be so small that no one could ever read it," he said in his deepest velvet tones.
Hermione tremulously read the inscription aloud, "-Hermione, we were meant to be - I give you my whole life - mind, body, and spirit: I am yours - now and throughout all time. Your Severus-"
Hermione fell into his arms. He caught her and managed to keep them both upright. He held her close and felt her tears on his neck. "Hermione?"
"I love you so much Severus. You are everything ... everything ... I can't ..."
"Will you wear my ring Hermione?" he whispered into her hair.
"Oh, yes! Forever!"
She leaned back and he took the ring from her. He slipped it on her left ring finger, over her wedding band. As he did so, she realised she hadn't thought to look at anything but the inscription. She saw it was a platinum set Edwardian style ring, with a large centre oval cut diamond; surrounded by calibré sapphires, with larger tear shaped sapphires at the four compass points. The sapphires were surrounded by a row of diamonds; this outer row of diamonds being scalloped to accommodate the four corners. Hermione couldn't breathe as she took in the beauty of the piece. When she could finally speak she said in a watery voice, "Severus ..."
"Yes?" He smiled at her reaction.
"I could never have imagined anything more perfect. I have never seen anything so very beautiful."
He cupped her face and looked into her eyes, "I have," he said simply. His meaning was clear and she reached up and kissed his lips. Just as they began to deepen their kiss a sudden fierce wind blew up in the clearing. They broke the kiss to witness the phenomena. As the hundreds of exotic flowers from the table blew all around them, Hermione laughed in delight. She looked to Severus, she was sure he had caused the shower of flowers, only to find him raising a perplexed eyebrow. Before she could voice her wonderment, there was a clap of thunder; without warning they were drenched by torrential sheets of rain. Hermione, still laughing, was pulled into the tent by a scowling Severus; who was brandishing his wand, and disappearing the table and chairs, while he silenced the music.
Hermione stopped inside the tent door. In the centre of the tent stood an enormous French Provincial canopy bed. The canopy was lace, the curtains chiffon, the duvet velvet, the sheets satin, the pillows extravagant; and everything was the purest white. To one side, by an overstuffed white sofa, stood a richly appointed table, bearing an elaborate wedding cake. On the other side of the tent was a dressing table, holding silver bottles, brushes, and combs. In a corner on that side, half hidden by a white linen screen was a double claw footed tub.
She barely noticed that the sudden storm had ceased, and the usual night sounds of the forest had commenced as she thought about Severus, and her implausible surroundings.
"You should change into something dry," Severus noted. He drew her across the tent to an armoire situated by the dressing table. It's doors were ajar. Inside she could see clothes in her size, and even the clothes were all in white. Severus withdrew a re-embroidered lace chemise.
As Hermione took it from his outstretched hand she saw that it's plunging neckline and spaghetti straps were elaborately beaded. 'He must have heard that white is the current customary Muggle wedding colour.' Her smile widened. 'Although he may have taken it a bit literally,' she thought in wonder.
"How did you manage all this?" she asked.
He gave her a stern look and snidely replied, "I am a wizard."
She shook her head and laughed. Then putting her hands on her hips she said bossily, "You should change as well."
"Shall we?" he asked.
After what seemed like an eternity he spoke once again, "Hermione," his deep voice was the most ernest she had ever heard it, "I love you."
She froze. In thought and movement. After a time he began to worry that he had shocked her badly. "Are you - " he began, but before he could finish his question, or even register what was happening she shot up in the bed, grabbed him and flipped him onto his back. "My Gods, Severus, do you know how much I love you?"
Much later, they collapsed together, clinging to one another, in the shaking, pulsating aftermath of their lovemaking. When they finally could, they drank clear cold water from a decanter and chalices Severus had placed on a bedside table. Then he carried her to the bath.
When Hermione awoke in the morning she lay still, watching Severus sleep and thinking back to the end of the previous evening. After they had regained their senses from their initial lovemaking ... 'Lovemaking? It was more like primal passion,' Hermione thought smiling to herself. 'Then we had that wonderful rejuvenating bath together. He refused to allow me to heal his scratches - bloody runnels in actuality,' she corrected herself with slight embarrassment. In turn she had refused to allow him to heal her passion bites. Then Severus had carried her from the steaming bathing paradise, and laid her on the bed. He had stunned her by producing a phial of vanilla oil and proceeding to give her a full body massage. When he was done he teased her entire body with light caresses and kisses, before holding her as she fell asleep.
'What has gotten into him?' she wondered.
He stirred and gathered her closer. He slowly opened his eyes to find her gazing at him. He smiled lazily, and brought his sleep tousled head to hers, kissing her tenderly. He pulled back and threaded his hands through her hair, pulling it off her face and shoulders.
Just like the first morning they woke as a bound couple she was greeted with, "Wife," in Severus' dark and silky tones.
"Good morning, husband," Hermione sighed, returning his kiss with increasing passion. Again reenacting their first morning after, however, this time they didn't have to rush off anywhere.
Later that morning, as they sat together eating wedding cake in bed, Hermione had to ask, "Severus, where did you get the idea for all of this?" A somewhat stricken look passed through his eyes and she quickly added, "I mean it's all so incredible, so perfect, so absolutely brilliant; it's just that some things are so obviously Muggle that I would have thought that you wouldn't be aware of them."
"Ah," he replied in relief, "I was not actually shopping for Quidditch equipment. I spent a certain amount of time researching customs in a Muggle library."
"Wow," she breathed, "for me?"
"No," he said with a sarcastic sneer, "for my other - "
She cut him off by pouncing on him and knocking him over. "You will have no other!"
"I would want no other," he said solemnly, "ever."
"Nor would I," she asserted.
"I have something for you," he said.
"Something else?" she asked incredulously.
"Indeed," he said smugly, "there is much more."
She looked at him in awe.
"If you would let me up?"
"Oh!" She laughed.
He reached under the bed-skirt and pulled out a beribboned scroll. Holding it out to her he said, "A belated birthday - "
At the word birthday she stifled his speech with her mouth. When she finally allowed him to breathe again, he smiled at her excitement. "I didn't think you even realised I'd had a birthday. And all the time you were planning to wait until now."
'I'll neither confirm nor deny that. It could have taken that long to arrange - '
She interrupted his Slytherin thoughts. "Severus!" she exclaimed. "You bought me a forest, this forest? Our forest!"
"Only this half of it," he replied smoothly.
"We own our binding place!" she enthused.
"You do," he said.
"You are amazing," she said.
The 'much more' Severus had eluded to, turned out to be a multitude of books and texts.
"Read these," he said, "and then present your research on the Power Enhancing Potion to the Potions Mastery Board. Based on that alone they will award you a Mastership. You deserve it."
"Severus we created that potion together," she chided.
"You created it Hermione, I merely assisted."
"You made it time released, you - "
"All your ideas, I -"
"No, Severus, it is -our- potion. However, I will read these, and create something all on my own to present."
"If you wish, however, - "
She silenced his further assertions with a kiss.
They spent the rest of the day and that night : talking, making love, and simply enjoying each other.
The next morning found Hermione dressed in a set of simple white robes from the armoire, and Severus in his customary garb; as the sun rose and they prepared to Apparate back to the real world.
Severus turned to Hermione and took her face in his hands. He brought his lips to hers, and kissed her slowly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried one hand in his hair, in the other she held the bouquet of roses that brought her to this special place. His arms encircled her and brought her close. He nibbled her lower lip and her mouth opened for him. As they began to draw apart, they simultaneously deepened the kiss instead. Their tongues languidly caressing each other, expressing their reluctance to move apart. Finally Severus released her mouth and dropped soft butterfly kisses all over her face. He pulled back slightly and cupped her cheeks, looking her deeply in the eyes he spoke, "I love you," he dropped one hand to her abdomen, "both."
She smiled through tears of happiness, and he returned her smile, wiping away her tears with his large thumbs. He took her hand and they Apparated to the edge of Hogwarts.
Most of the school was leaving the Great Hall after breakfast when Professor and Mrs Snape entered the castle hand in hand. Those students who dared to gawk, scampered away in terror when the Professor's glare landed on them.
Most of them hastened away, however, a few remained; open mouthed and staring. From amidst the lingering students Harry Potter called out, "Nice robes and flowers, Hermione!" Drawing more attention to the couple, and Professor Snape's full wrath to himself.
"Twenty-five points, Potter. Get to class," Snape snarled.
Harry had lost Gryffindor the lead for the house cup, but the look on Snape's face was worth it.
An irate Potions master made his way to his classes. While Hermione went in search of Minerva, to see if anything had come up during their absence; before she headed to her office in the dungeons to begin her day's work.
Directly after classes, Severus entered Hermione's office clutching his forearm. "I am going to have to give him a date before we meet this evening. If I am not back, start the meeting, explain for me," he said through tight lips.
"Severus - "
"I shall see you later," he reassured Hermione as she kissed him, and held him tightly.
He turned abruptly leaving her office with his robes snapping in his wake. He was headed for the cover of the Forbidden Forest.
Severus Snape Apparated to Voldemort. As soon as he appeared he murmured a respectful, "Master," as he knelt.
Voldemort stopped him before he kissed the hem of his robes.
"My Lord?" Severus asked. A ripple of fear running up his spine.
"No, Severus, rise." Voldemort said, in his high cold voice. "You hold a unique position in my favour, now. Walk with me." Voldemort and Severus began down a path that surrounded the dark ruins of some imposing old buildings. "You have shown your continued respect and your loyalty. I am pleased."
"Thank you my Lord," Severus responded as he inclined his head.
"You have news?"
"Yes, my Lord," Severus answered in a deferential tone, "the Mudblood ... "
Voldemort paused, his red eyes bore into Severus', stopping his walk and speech as Voldemort searched his mind. Severus had been prepared. His thoughts were shielded, and he projected impressions of his utter revulsion at being bound to a Mudblood.
"She is your wife, Severus," Voldemort said lazily, as they began to walk again.
"Yes, my Lord," Severus replied with a slight bow, "I am honoured to serve you in any way possible."
"You lie." Voldemort gave a brief cruel laugh.
Smoothly, but quickly, Severus responded, "No, my Lord, I - "
Voldemort raised his hand to still Severus' protests. "I saw it in your mind, Severus."
Severus repressed a repulsed shiver at the sibilant way Voldemort drew out his name.
"You do serve me well; yet, you resent the necessity of touching a Mudblood with supposed care."
"Indeed, my Lord, I find the duties ... distasteful. I find that I am more disposed to ridding the world of their filth, rather than courting them. However, I am honoured to serve you in any way that I can."
"Yes, you are; and you reap the rewards with your status now, and there will be more for you later." Voldemort gave him a twisted smiled.
"I thank you, my Lord," Severus replied.
"So, what have you arranged?" Voldemort asked seriously. The small talk was over.
"She plans to lure Harry Potter to an unpopulated area, where you will await him. She will do so in three weeks time, during the new moon," Severus said silkily. "She plans to take no chances of his refusal. She is setting a scene that he would never refuse. She will be his damsel in distress. She will join you to wait for Potter. He will believe he is coming to her rescue, when in reality he will be coming to meet his death at your hands, my Lord. I shall be with you as well, if you deem her plan worthy?"
Voldemort was silent for a time, and Severus waited anxiously for his reaction.
"Very good. She shows no sign of potential treachery in her plan. Potter would never let such an opportunity pass him by. She means to see this through. You have manipulated your Mudblood well."
"She is open to my ... influence," Severus concurred.
"I had planned to allow you to dispose of her after I have eliminated Potter; but I wonder, could she prove of further use?"
"Pleasing me is still her predominant motivation. However, with my encouragement, she begins to believe in you of her own volition, my Lord."
"See how you show your loyalty," Voldemort said with approval, "if only all my Death Eaters were so selfless. You are willing to go on with her, despite your aversion to her. You have spent years entombed with that old man, faithfully spying for me. Lucius was correct, you have earned your place, Severus."
"Thank you, my Lord. My only wish is to serve you well."
"Tell me the details of your plans, Severus."
"My Lord, I am of the mind that you should be surrounded by your loyal Death Eaters when Harry Potter is brought to you." Severus hurriedly added, "I know that you can dispatch him forthwith, and without assistance. However, I would wish for your glorious victory be witnessed, so that all may attest to personally experiencing your ultimate power, my Lord."
Voldemort's laughter echoed through the abandoned dilapidated structures they circled as they walked.
Severus waited with barely controlled panic, to see if it was amusement that caused the outburst.
"Severus, my faithful servant, you do so carry on," Voldemort said, "it is obvious that your scholarly nature is not easily quashed. Do you plan to write a book about my victory?"
"You are making history, my Lord," Severus thought quickly as he spoke, "no one has done more for wizardkind, than you have. Your greatness deserves to be recorded."
"I thought as much," Voldemort said, and in an unreasonably good mood for him he continued, "when Potter is finally gone, you may write of me. You may record our work for all to read."
"Thank you, my Lord," Severus nodded.
"I will summon all of my Death Eaters soon," he told Severus. "We will make plans for the day of Harry Potter's death. Now you should return to your Mudblood," Voldemort gave Severus a smile that was part pitying and part lascivious.
"Indeed," Severus concurred.
When Severus entered the unplottable Snape property in the Suffolk Coastal District, he was met with barely controlled chaos. He leaned on a wall by the dining room door, crossed his arms over his chest, and merely observed.
"They've signed a bloody contract," Charlie Weasley asserted.
Hermione stood and slammed her palms down on the dining table where they were meeting. "Not good enough. We are not recruiting here. Yes, we could use more numbers, but with increased numbers comes increased risk of exposure. They were not here to enter into the original verbal contract. They are not subject to the consequences. I say we modify their memories and send them on their way!"
"Hermione," Harry Potter responded, "don't be paranoid. If it's so important to you, make up a new contract for them. Voldemort -"
Hermione echoed the frequently repeated words of Severus Snape, "Do not say his name!"
"HE," Harry corrected himself for the benefit of all those present who had flinched at the name, "has more followers than just his Death Eaters. We could be seriously outnumbered. What if he brings purebloods who are not Death Eaters? Giants? Dementors? Or worse? We need everyone we can get."
"As much as I disagree with going ahead and bringing others in, without first discussing it with the group," Arthur said giving Harry a stern look, "we do need the additional help."
"None of these people were members of The Order Of The Phoenix, so we should not have to worry about blind faith in Albus," Minerva added.
"You can't leave them warded in the kitchen all night," Remus contributed.
Severus shook his head and pushed off the wall, leaving as unnoticed as he arrived.
Half an hour later the dining room fell silent as the door banged open. Severus Snape strode into the room, his robes billowing behind him.
"Good evening," he greeted solemnly. He walked to stand beside Hermione. After muttered greetings from the assembled Severus continued softly, "I am sure my wife informed you all of the reasons for my tardiness. I will report on my meeting with the Dark Lord momentarily. First, I would like to introduce the newest members of our ... group. I have determined that, each and every one, is quite sincere in their wish to ally with us. So too, are each bound by the same consequences of allegiance as we all are." He paused to allow everyone to take that information in. "First," he resumed, "I believe everyone present knows Poppy Pomfrey. We have Minerva to thank for her company and assistance."
At the sound of her name Madam Pomfrey walked in and took a seat at the table, smiling at each person as she did.
Severus continued, "Amos Diggory from the Department For The Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. I believe Arthur asked him to join us this evening."
Amos Diggory came in gave a curt nod to the group and took a seat.
"Professor Wilhemina Grubbly-Plank, again we have Minerva to thank for thinking of her," Severus went on, as those he called entered and found seats. "Jennifer O'Neil, who Tonks brought with her from the Department of Mysteries. Gerard Waymouth, a friend of Remus'," at this Severus raised a sardonic eyebrow. "Last," Severus intoned with disdain, "I am sure that you all know Neville Longbottom, whose presence is courtesy of Mr Potter."
"Welcome," Molly Weasley said to the newcomers.
"If the pleasantries have concluded?" Severus asked. His deep baritone was soft and serious as he began, "I have just come from a meeting with the Dark Lord. We have three weeks in which to prepare."
"Three weeks!" Tonks exclaimed.
"It is the most we could have hoped to have," Severus said. "We will be ready. First, each new member should be teamed up with an existing member to orient."
Hermione looked up at Severus and smiled.
"Neville, you're with me," Harry said.
"Yes," Severus said snidely, "and perhaps, Remus and Gerard would join that illustrious pair."
"I've fill Jenn in," Tonks jumped in.
The rest quickly teamed up allowing Severus to press on. "First we need to organise our preparations. Hermione and I need to brew enough Power Enhancing Potion for everyone. Hermione has been working on a charm for the phials of the potion you will wear at all times. This charm will allow only you access to your own phial, thereby keeping it out of the hands of those who would use it against you. Once the first batches of potion are ready, you will need to schedule times to meet with Hermione to receive your phials and have them charmed. In the meantime, everyone, should engage in as much duelling practice as possible. This property will be available at all times for this purpose. Additionally, I believe that my wife has some Muggle artifacts she wishes to incorporate," Severus said.
"Yes, I have some Muggle technology that has no magical equivalent, and will be quite helpful to us." She smiled at Severus. "As I mentioned at the last meeting, I will be able to monitor and co-ordinate our attack using some equipment that I received from my uncle." She stood and turned, her white robes flowing gracefully around her body as she made to retrieve a heavy box of Muggle high-tech items from a corner of the room.
Severus stayed her progress with a hand, and an exasperated expression. He summoned the box and it landed softly beside her chair.
"Yes, well, thinking Muggle you know," she murmured, as she began to rummage through the box. "All of the equipment has been thoroughly tested and is in full operational condition. I will need to train you all to use it, but there is really nothing to it," she continued as she piled strange items on the table before her. "We will need to practice with them, as well. You will need to be able to clearly understand any instructions and comply with ease, in case I need to move you to assist another team during the actual conflict. It would be better if we could practice on site, but this ..." she trailed off at some questioning looks she was receiving. She consciously slowed her speech. "Anyway, I will monitor everyone's progress during the conflict with this," she indicated a small notebook-type computer. "You will all show up colour-coded, on the three-dimensional map on my screen, so that I can identify you. I will be able to see each of you. I will be able to determine your exact location, whether you are moving, and where you are moving to; if you are. I will be able to ascertain your overall condition, and send help to you if need be, as well. In order for all of this to work, you will be wearing identity transmitting ... er, medallions? They will send an invisible signal to this ... um, well, I'll be able to see you." She was trying to censor out the Muggle techno-babble, and use words that the witches and wizards surrounding her would readily understand. She was struggling to limit the information she was giving to only what was absolutely necessary, as well. "The Death Eaters, and actually anyone else in the area that is not tagged, or wearing an identity medallion, will show up as infrared ... um, in just red on my map. You will all wear a, um, an ear-thing," she held up the tiny receivers, "through which you will be able to hear me. You can speak to me through a transmitter, er, another tiny medallion that will be affixed to your shoulder. I will be able to speak to you all at once or individually, depending on the channel ... not important. Suffice it to say, I will be able to speak to you all at once or individually, and you will all be able to speak to me, as well. Programmed in," she indicated the computer, "is not only a three-dimensional map of the building where Harry and the Dark Lord will be, but everything within a three kilometre radius. For training purposes I have done the same for this building and area. We will need to schedule a time to meet here and practice our co-ordination."
Hermione looked at the group. Arthur looked like all his dreams had come true. Harry nodded knowingly. 'As if watching a few spy movies makes him an expert,' Hermione thought. The rest looked by turns interested and completely confused.
"Don't worry, it'll be easy," she said, "if it weren't so serious a situation it might even be fun. You'll all pick it up in minutes once you have the technology in your hands," she assured them.
Severus had spent the time strategising, as Hermione had explained it all to him privately. "As a means of simplification, and to mesh with the Muggle technology ... " he trailed off when he saw what was in the bottom of the box Hermione was putting the equipment back into.
"Oh, yes," Hermione said with a blush. She put her hand into the box and withdrew it quickly, with a muttered, "Ouch!" Her index finger was bleeding profusely.
Severus took it in his hand and held it gently, as Madam Pomfrey came around and healed it.
"Sorry," Hermione began, " As I was saying, I thought we might all carry some back up Muggle weaponry. Of course we will duel and battle with magic! But, better safe than sorry? For example; say that Bellatrix gets your wand, before she can restrain your movements you pull a ..." She trailed off at the shocked expression on Harry's face. "...yes, Harry it's illegal, your point would be?" She waited, as Harry blushed and said nothing. "I thought not. As everything we will be doing is illegal in either our world or the Muggle world. As I was saying," she snapped, "imagine the surprise on Bellatrix's face if you pull a - Muggle weapon - and use it on her. I mean witches and wizards bleed too, so you could get the advantage, and your wand back."
Severus raised a sardonic eyebrow. Harry shook his head. Arthur practically salivated; while Remus, James, and Gerard looked like they agreed. Most of the rest looked taken aback at the idea of an alternative to magic.
"It wasn't my plan," Hermione defended herself needlessly, "they were in the box." She stood and said firmly, "It certainly does not replace magic. A magical defense is the best defense. I just thought as they were there anyway we might make use of them."
"It is a sound possibility," Kingsley Shacklebolt intoned. "It never hurts to be as prepared in every way possible, for any eventuality."
"Be that as it may," Severus said sardonically, "if I might continue?" The group gave him their silent attention. "For ease of identification, the teams we created at the last meeting should be colour coded; Shacklebolt, Jones, and Lupin will be the blue team; Molly and Tonks the orange; Emmeline and Arthur : brown; Charlie and Minerva : green. Our new members strengths can be assessed, and will be appended to the appropriate team; or become a part of an auxilliary gold team that will be available to assist any team in need."
"Hey, don't we get a colour?" Harry tried to lighten the mood.
"Our team Potter," Severus said, favouring the-boy-who-lived with a look of utmost disdain, "shall be the grey team."
"That's us," James said for the benefit of the newcomers, "Severus, Hermione, Harry, and I : team grey."
"Let's settle times now," Hermione suggested. "We need to assess our new members; we all need to train and practice with our Muggle technology; we need to hone our duelling skills; I need to get potion out to everyone; we need some regular meeting times ..."
They set their times. Then over dinner, everyone continued to discuss their plans. They strategised well into the night, before the meeting finally broke up. Much to his disgust Severus saw Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom safely to Gryffindor tower, before joining Hermione in the dungeons.
By Thursday night Severus and Hermione were set to finish the last batch of the Power Enhancing Potion. Severus set up the cauldrons, as Hermione gathered the ingredients. He had just finished setting all the bases to simmer when Hermione called, "Did you get the bloodstone?"
"No," he replied.
"I can't find it," she informed him.
"It should be in it's place," he said in puzzlement. He set the last cauldron to simmer, and made his way to her. They searched the supply area thoroughly.
"We'll have to get some more," she said in exasperation.
"We have plenty, and you and I never misplace such things," Severus said suspiciously.
"Well, it's not here now. And we need to brew, now," Hermione returned.
"Get our cloaks while I secure the lab, so the bases can finish in our absence," he said.
"I could go alone," she offered.
"No, need," he replied smoothly, "the bases are at the simmering point. I shall merely cast a room-sealing spell, and we can both go to Hogsmeade. With my contacts, and your charm, we should be able to procure the bloodstone at an absurdly low price." He smirked.
As they walked to Hogsmeade, Severus found a feeling of unease settling around him. He pulled Hermione closer to his body by their clasped hands.
"Severus?" she asked.
"It's nothing," he said distractedly, as he surreptitiously drew his wand. He always kept his wand hand free, even when holding his wife's hand.
Hermione noticed his movement, and a frisson of fear ran up her body. "Severus, what is it, really?" she whispered. "Why have you drawn your wand?"
"Paranoia, I am getting to be as bad as Moody," he said to ease her concern.
"No, you're not. Your paranoia is always founded."
"As I said, I know that we were not out of bloodstone. Neither you nor I are ever careless enough to misplace a potion ingredient. I had thought that some miscreant student must have broken in and stolen it," he turned to her and continued meaningfully, "it would not have been the first time." He smirked at her blush. "However, I now have the feeling that we are being watched."
She looked around nervously.
"I am sure that I am merely being over-vigilant, do not worry," he said reassuringly.
"You think someone has drawn us out of the safety of the castle?" she asked, apprehension evident in her tone.
"Perhaps," he allowed, "in any case, I - "
A blasting curse came out of nowhere, just missing them. Severus drew Hermione to the ground with him; and he rolled them off the path, into the thick dark underbrush. He covered her body with his own.
Severus thought quickly. 'Hermione can't, and I didn't, take the Power Enhancing Potion. We are under attack by wizards unknown. I am unable to discern their whereabouts, to defend us. Hermione is more vulnerable than usual ... ' He whispered urgently, "Hermione, do you trust me?"
"Now is not the time to ask stupid questions, Severus. Of course I trust you," she hissed.
He placed his wand to her temple and closed his eyes. He summoned all his formidable power and cast a spell, "Conservo Vita!"
Hermione felt the powerful magic flow through her. It seemed to pulse through her veins, and settle in her organs.
He moved his wand to tap the top of her head as he incanted, "Evestigatus!" Without pause he touched his wand to her chest and spoke again, "Adfero Tu - "
He never finished his last incantation. They were suddenly illuminated, and curses and hexes were being cast at them. Severus was thrown off and away from her with the force of the Stupefy he was hit with. She had just enough time to withdraw her wand and cast, "Ennervate!" on Severus. Almost immediately she fell victim to three concurrent spells; "Expelliarmus! Incarcerous! and Accio Mudblood!" She felt something being shoved into her bound hand, just before she was tugged away by Portkey. She never got a chance to see if her spell had awakened Severus.
"Her hair," Severus mumbled. "Lumos!" he incanted hurriedly. He had enough light to pluck one of Hermione's hairs off his cloak. He smiled as he thought of their discussion on the Muggle research into DNA. Not all Blood Magic needed blood anymore. He put the tip of his wand on her hair and whispered, "Subsequor!" At his incantation, his wand glowed brightly in the dark, still night. While it continued to glow he Apparated.
Severus Snape stepped out of the Floo in the Three Broomsticks, with Hermione clutched tightly to his chest. He made his way out of the establishment as quickly as his legs would carry him.
On the path to the castle he spoke reassurances to the broken witch in his arms. "Not much longer and you will feel better, Beloved," he whispered into Hermione's ear.
There was not much left of Hermione that was functioning properly. She had been hit with so many hexes, and curses. She had been battered and broken so severely that it took enormous effort for her to talk; yet, her curiosity won despite the unspeakable pain she was in. "How ... " she choked, " ... I ... alive?"
He did not want to tell her, but if it kept her distracted from the agony she was surely suffering he would do it. "I cast a Dark Spell on you. Just before they took you. Two Dark Spells, in actuality. The first, the 'Conservo Vita', answers your question, it preserved your life. Yes, it is odd that a life-saving spell should be classified as Dark is it not? This particular spell was developed to keep torture victims alive, to endure more torture. It protects any part of the bodily systems that support life. While allowing everything else to suffer the effects of the tortures. In your case it will have protected the baby as well, as the foetus is integrally intwined in your life-support systems."
"Blood?"
"Yes, you have probably lost three times your blood volume. The spell allows for constant, instant replenishment of blood, and electrolytes. Keeping the victim conscious to suffer. It was not my intent that you suffer, Hermione, I - "
"You ... saved ... my life," she rasped.
"Indeed," he said gently, "I cast everything I had time to; to keep you alive. The second Dark Spell I cast was a tracking spell. It was developed for other nefarious purposes, however, it allowed me to follow you."
"And get me," she said, her voice dry and cracking.
"Yes," he responded, "and bring you back."
They had finally arrived at the hospital wing. The trip from the Three Broomsticks seemed an eternity to Severus, as he knew every moment was excruciating for Hermione. He kicked open the doors as he bellowed, "Poppy!"
Poppy came running out of her office, with Minerva. "Severus! What happened?" Poppy asked. "Put her on this bed," she instructed hastily.
Severus set Hermione down gently and held her hand. Poppy began to work as he told her what had taken place, "She was abducted by Death Eaters. Before they took her I was able to cast, 'Conservo Vita', and 'Evestigatus'. I began a 'Adfero Tutamen', but I was hit before I could finish it."
"Severus!" Minerva said with shocked indignation. "Dark Magic, how could you?"
"It saved her life!" he returned savagely.
Minerva looked from where Poppy was working over what should, considering her condition, quite obviously be the corpse of Hermione; to Severus. After a minute she said softly, "You are right, Severus. You saved her with those spells. You used them with good intent, and that negates their Dark classification. I'd say they worked too. Hermione looks as if she should be - "
"She should be!" Poppy interjected. "Such injuries I have never seen on a living person." Turning to her patient she said softly, "But, you will be just fine, dear. Your baby will be fine, as well. I will be able to heal you perfectly." She smoothed the hair back from Hermione sweaty face. "As soon as I have you stabalised, I will give you something for the pain. You have a choice to make now, though."
Severus and Minerva listened in puzzlement.
Poppy continued to speak softly to Hermione. "Would you like me heal you quickly and end the pain sooner, or would you like me to heal you slowly and make sure you are scar free?"
"End her pain, woman!" Severus roared.
"Severus, you don't understand," Poppy said sternly, "Hermione is a woman, and sometimes we women ... never mind, I didn't ask you. I asked my patient. Hermione?"
"No ... scars. Please," she managed to respond.
Before Severus could protest, Minerva took his attention. "Do you know who they were, why they did this?"
"Poppy, are we alone?" Severus barked.
"Completely," she answered distractedly, as she continued to work on Hermione.
Severus threw up a number of complex wards to keep everything private.
"Bella," he said. "she wanted my position in the inner circle. My place as second to the Dark Lord. She had heard of our plans for Potter from the Dark Lord. She thought if she could eliminate Hermione, then I would be unable to bring Potter to the Dark Lord. Thus, making me seem a failure in the Dark Lord's eyes. Having made the promise, then being unable to protect the instrumental person in the plan; making it impossible to implement my promised deliverance of Potter." He turned to look at Poppy, all eloquence gone from his speech and manner as he asked, "How much longer will she suffer?"
"Let me do my job, Severus," Poppy admonished.
Minerva patted Severus' arm, as Poppy worked slowly and methodically; healing Hermione's wounds in such a way as to ensure a recovery free of scars. "Let her work in peace, and it will go faster," Minerva told him gently. "Was there anyone besides Mrs Lestrange?"
"Yes," he said vaguely, his attention still focused on Hermione, "she had Crabbe and Goyle with her. I assume she brought them because they would do as they were told, without question. They seem unable to think for themselves, as do their sons."
"Did you have to kill any - "
"No," Severus cut off the question, "Hermione was my primary concern. However, in retrospect, it is a good thing. It would have reduced the numbers we would face, however, the Dark Lord would not have taken any of their deaths well. It is strategically beneficial that I did not."
Minerva shook her head sadly at the realisation that Severus had thought she was asking how he had been of use; rather than realising that her question was out of concern for him. "What must Albus have done to you all these years?" she asked.
Severus looked at her in utter confusion.
"I wasn't asking if you had to kill to discover the impact of your actions on the plan, the war, or on anyone but you, Severus. I was asking out of concern for your well-being," Minerva said.
"I - " Severus stopped. There was someone trying to get past the wards. Minerva nodded and he raised his wand, and dropped the wards.
It was a winded Neville Longbottom, "Professors," he panted, "there are Aurors here, looking for Professor Snape. Mad-eye Moody and another."
"Thank you Mr Longbottom," Minerva said sharply, "go find Mr Potter. Then, you and he are to wait for me in my office. As quickly as possible please. It's extremely important!"
Neville nodded and was gone in an instant.
Minerva moved closer to Severus and whispered urgently, "Give me your wand."
Severus raised his eyebrows in disbelief, but complied. Minerva took his wand and tucked it securely inside her robes. She moved to the other side of Hermione's bed just before the two Aurors stormed into the wing.
"Gentleman," Minerva said primly, as she walked briskly to them, "please stop here." She turned, waved her arms and Hermione's bed was surrounded by screens. "There is a lady being medically treated here," she chastised.
"That's why we're here," Moody growled. "Come out here Snape."
Minerva raised her voice and spoke clearly, "Neither, 'Snape' will be coming out here right now. Professor Snape will remain with Madam Snape while she is being treated. Is there something I can help you with?"
"Nothing," Moody said, "I know you're Acting Head and all, but our business is with Snape. We've had a complaint."
"This is my school," Minerva admonished, "and he is my Professor, now tell me what this is all about."
"Young Bill Weasley saw Snape Floo into the Three Broomsticks with his wife in a bad way. Weasley says that Snape abuses her, he says he could see she had been hexed, cursed, and beaten. We're here to investigate the charges."
"Nonsense," Minerva snapped, "Madam Snape was the victim of an attack. Her husband rescued her and immediately brought her here for treatment."
"So you say," Moody replied, "and Weasley says something else. We need to get to the bottom of this. See if we need to charge Snape."
"Well, you can investigate once Hermione is healed. Until such time, gentleman, please come with me to the Great Hall and have some tea," Minerva invited crisply.
"No thanks, Minerva," Moody said, "Snape's a slippery bugger, can't chance him escaping."
"Escaping what? He is not under arrest, is he?"
"Technically no," Moody said, "but, I want to make sure he's around to answer some questions. I'll stay here."
"Then we will all stay here," Minerva proclaimed, "but, with discretion. Ward the doors if you need to Alastor, and then we can go into Poppy's office to wait."
Author's Notes:
Updates will be slower as I am concurrently working on The Incident In Hogsmeade. The sequel to my fic : The Incident In The Great Hall, hosted here and on Ashwinder.
Additional disclaimer:
The song mentioned is:
I Can't Help Falling In Love With You
As performed by UB40.
It was written by:
Written by George David Weiss, Hugo Peretti, & Luigi Creatore
I am making no profit on, nor am I claiming creation or ownership of, the aforementioned song.
Loose Latin Translations:
conservo : to preserve, conserve, maintain, keep, hold to.
vita : life, way of life.
evestigatus : found out, discovered. tracked down.
adfero : give, impart
tu - if Severus had finished the incantation : tamen
tutamen : defense, protection
subsequor : to follow after.