2A/N: Now, I know some of you were ready to kill me for the last chapter but I think that you will be pleased by this one. In fact, it is my belief that it will make up for a great many of the cliffhangers that I have done in the past. Go read and tell me if this is true.
Remember: Peace, Love, and be a Marauder! I mean, why wouldn't you be? (Sev included!)
Disclaimer: No, I don't own Harry Potter. I merely own everything that you know did come from J.K. Rowling universe. Simple, no?
Last chapter: "Serenity Winter, will you marry me?"
"I can't marry you, Severus, I'm sorry."
Chapter 29- Ask Me Twice
McGonagall didn't know why, but she was still under the Imperious Curse. She had been so certain that when the Headmaster and student woke, the Aurors would be called to arrest her, but they had not. For the life of her she did not know why. She had been certain that Remus and his little group had been on to her, especially Remus. The Defense teacher's sense of smell was keen, he should have sensed her shame even if it did not show outwardly. He should have known.
Now that they were back she was especially courteous and helpful until they'd regained full health. She was sure Aurelius and that Ravenclaw girl had picked up on her decidedly fake attitude. She had to admit they were exceptionally bright and deductive skills sharp. They likely had her picked out from the rest of the professors though likely lacked the necessary evidence to prove their theory. She had caught them several times discreetly tailing her. Put up to it, no doubt, by Harry. But they could prove nothing which was infuriating them as much as it was her. She wished she could just tell them what was going on, but, of course, that was impossible. That didn't mean she couldn't wish.
If Remus and Artemis were here then she was certain they would have accosted her long before now, probably going so far as to force Veritaserum down her throat. She would have welcomed it with open arms. But no, they were away. As soon as the three had been able to walk without assistance they had called a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. The twins had arrived before it could commence, making them delay it for two days. When their health had been "approved" they had been able to attend. Remus and Artemis had been sent to assess the damage of Little Hangleton, which had taken the brunt of Voldemort's anger at the destruction of his manor. The town had been reduced to shambles, but the people had luckily been saved (How had yet to be determined). They had yet to return and were not expected back till the end of the week. The following week would be the full moon and during that time, the man would be in no shape to contend with anyone. That left Artemis. The man may have been mild-mannered but he was still part of the Snape family and not one to be trifled with. Especially when you had harmed someone he cared about.
She knew they all suspected her, Albus and Harry most of all. They just didn't have the evidence they needed to back those suspicions. Maybe, just maybe, she thought with a dejected sigh, they would take action after the "group's" next move. What was being planned would not only have them thrown in Azkaban but would more than likely get them the Dementor's Kiss. At the present moment, she would have welcomed it.
"Not much longer, everyone," Pomfrey said from her corner, "They'll be here shortly. If anything, those girls are punctual." She chuckled at her own joke. A few of the others joined in her merriment but some, like McGonagall, simply watched impassively, seething on the inside. The Transfiguration teacher would have dearly loved nothing more than to throttle the ex-nurse at that moment and would have, had it not been for the curse. Yes, that was all that was holding her now and it became weaker by the day. Like digging through concrete with a metal spoon she slowly but steadily worked her way out of her imprisonment. When she did break free, she was going to let Poppy Pomfrey know exactly what she thought of her, in the most painful way possible.
"Spot of tea?" McGonagall asked brightly, holding out the china cups. As it was only polite, they accepted, trying to relax. This they found difficult as they felt as though they were prey being stalked by a predator. The twins could feel the hungry eyes upon them, watching their every move. In an attempt to calm her nerves, Seri took a sip of the tea. Kit mirrored her sister's action. Rolling it around her tongue, she detected all that had been added. Nothing was out of place, except for one. For the life of her, she could not think of what. It was only when she was in the middle of swallowing did she realize. Trying to expel the liquid, she ended up choking, most of it going down her throat.
"You," she sputtered as her sister patted her gently on the back, "You gave us Arde's Revenge!" She threw the cup away from her, it shattering against the wall, but it was too late, for both of them. The Transfiguration Professor grinned, a chuckle rippling through the gathered crowd.
"Ah, I should have expected you to taste it." An amused disembodied voice added with its own chuckle. Seri felt the cold prickle on the back of her neck and spun around just in time to see the invisibility cloak drop. The golden-haired healer's shock fell away almost immediately, dissolving into anger. She bared her lengthened teeth and tried to launch herself over the couch at Pomfrey. There was a smile firmly set on the older woman's face as she flicked her wand once, catching the healer in a petrifying spell. Seri crashed painfully to the floor, but was not allowed to express her feelings. If her eyes told anything, she was cursing the woman into oblivion and beyond. Pomfrey's sinister smile widened as she grabbed Seri by her hair and jerked her back on the couch. Kit had already been give the same treatment by Flitwick. The ex-nurse came back around, glaring at one of the professors. Sybil bowed her head and moved away, allowing Pomfrey to take her seat. She lowered herself carefully into the over-stuffed chair, meticulously arranging her robe over herself.
"Now," she began when she finished her nitpicking, "I understand that you two were taken by the Dark Lord, correct?" Another chuckle escaped her as the two tried to fight the spell while simultaneously shooting icy glares, hoping she would freeze. This seemed to please the ex-nurse for she continued on pleasantly.
"It must have been horrid being in his presence, having him paw at you, knowing the thoughts that were running through his mind." She clucked her tongue in mock sympathy, patting Seri's knee gently. The healer looked as though she wished to rip the ex-nurse's arm from its socket. Beating her over the head with it sounded ideal. She only hoped she would be given that chance.
"But I'm not here to bring up those painful memories," The healers looked ready to snort, "Instead, I wish to implore you to help me. What do you say to this?" She waved her wand a bit and the two found they could move their face.
"Go to hell, you bitch!" Kit shot out. Seri seemed beyond words and simply glowered, forest green eyes filled with utter loathing, murderous glint clear. And she was the calm one of the two but not now, never when it involved this woman before them. Seri had never known how any human being could hate another until she had encountered Pomfrey. Their past was one of anger and contempt. When it came to them, kindness had never entered their minds to be directed at the other. Sometimes, a person can respect their enemy, but not so in this case. It was as though they'd been destined to hate one another and it was so.
Pomfrey tsked again and reinstated the curse, sealing off the twin's lips.
"I had thought as much." She replied sadly. "Therefore, I must use force to obtain what I need from you." She correctly interpreted the confused light in there eyes and decided to elaborate.
"You see, I still have unfinished business with Snape. Business," Her eyes gleamed maliciously, "you are going to help me complete. Now, seeing as my friends here," She gestured to the staff around her, "have not been able to even come close to the Hogwarts's Three," She spat the name, "and you can, I will need you to perform the last job. In fact, Serenity, you will be doing so yourself. As I have studied this little family unit closely, I have discovered its one weak point, Severus. Harry needs him as a father and Albus needs him as a child. Take him away and they both crumble. I plan to exploit this point to its utmost. I will make them fall. To do this, I want you, Serenity, to poison our dear Potions Master." The look within the golden-haired woman's eyes was frightening as she struggled against the curse that held her captive. She only succeeded in falling from the couch once more. Pomfrey gave a sigh of great suffering and once more hauled her back on by her hair.
"There's no reason to protest, the plans have already been set. But you, my dear healer, that is not all we wish for you to do. Rumor has it, Snape is trying to summon the courage to ask you to marry him." A hollow, bitter laugh followed. "And we can't have you saying yes, now can we?" She patted the struggling healer's knee again.
"No we can't. So," She raised her wand, "let us begin."
It took two people to keep Kit under the Imperious and three for Seri. She clawed, bit and screamed in outrage before finally being subdued. They spent the next hour before dinner listening to the ex-nurse explain what they were to do. Their bodies now firmly controlled by others all they could do was sit and seethe in anger. Though the reasons for Seri's anger was obvious, Kit's were not. Besides the fact she was to be forced to do something against her will, she also did not wish to see her sister suffer anymore than she already had. Seri's spirit had almost been broken all those years ago when Severus had rejected her after the incident at Christmas. Each time he was hurt it chipped away at the woman's heart. Now they had been given the chance to be together forever. Pomfrey was going to snatch it away and there was nothing either of them could do about it.
Pomfrey glanced at the clock, a grin spreading across her face.
"I think it's about time to start this show, don't you? Go on," She shooed them out the door, "get going. We'll be right behind you." Forced to obey, they had no choice but to walk down the hall.
Towards the Great Hall.
And towards tragedy.
When Seri was seated she knew Severus would be next to her and then the real test of the Imperious would begin. During dinner she tried her hardest to speak to him, tell him what was wrong, but it was no use. She caught him numerous times casting curious glances in her direction. No doubt he wondered why she did not even address him at all. Instead she conversed "happily" with the Transfiguration professor on her other side. It was not by choice that was for certain. When he passed her the note, she felt her heart plummet in her chest.
"Please remain here after dinner. Sev." No, he was going to ask her now! Why couldn't he wait?! Given a bit of time, she knew she would be able to break Pomfrey's hold but she needed time! But the cruelness of Fate was obvious: she was not to be given any.
Time passed all too quickly and the healer suddenly found herself in an empty room. Empty, except for Severus. There was no way she could run or hide. She was about to destroy both their lives. And there was not a damn thing she could do about it.
*Ask him a question,* Pomfrey's voice resonated through her skull. She was forced to obey.
"Is there something you wish to discuss with me, Severus?" she asked with polite curiosity. Please, Severus, see this is not me. See this is not me. He nodded in response, shifting from foot to foot.
"Then what is it?" She pressed on. Inside, Seri was screaming, banging against the walls that had been erected around her.
'No, Severus, don't answer! As much as I have longed for you to ask me this question, don't do it now! Please, I beg of you! Don't!' Her cries of desperation went unheard.
"Uh...well...uh, Seri...I just...um, you had might better sit down for this one." Serenity did as he suggested, more or less collapsing into the chair behind her. Oh please, she sobbed, praying to every deity she knew, do not let him do this. Please! Seconds passed and he did not speak. Seri was surprised at how nervous he was, if the tugging at his hair was any indicator. She remembered him doing so when he was in school, this habit being an old one. It was almost comforting to see it surface now, she just wished it wasn't for these reasons.
"Severus?" She called, encouraging him to tell what he wished. Seri wished she hadn't even before what happened next.
"Seri, I..." He drew a deep breath, causing the healer to internally whimper. He was going to do it. He went down on one knee before her, drawing a black box from Merlin only knew where.
"Serenity Winter," He opened the box, revealing the ring inside, "Will you marry me?" For a moment the ring entranced her. It was of some sort of jagged crystal, unlike any she had seen before. From its inner depths shown a green hugh, reflecting the light of her eyes. It was one of the most beautiful things she had ever seen. Tearing her gaze from it she found Severus's face, sincere and hopeful. It lent her strength and she found herself free of the curse.
"Severus, I....." Her freedom was short-lived and the curse came crashing down upon her again. She choked on her words, her air passage constricting so as not to allow their escape. Squeezing her eyes shut against the pain, she tried to block it as it coursed through her body. It hurt so badly and that was only the physical. The emotions were enough to bring her to her knees.
*You will answer no! Do so now!* She gasped and shuddered.
"Seri?" Came the quiet voice, full of concern. She could feel his hand hovering close to her face and knocked it away, jumping to her feet.
"I can't marry you, Severus." His expression crumbled as though the world were coming down around his ears. She fought once more and was able to add, "I'm sorry," before running from the Hall, tears blinding her way. When she made it out the doors, she collapsed in a boneless heap on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. From the shadows the teachers emerged, descending upon the fallen form. Together they carried the weakly struggling figure from the ground. Kit held her head, tears streaming down her own face.
It had been done.
And could not be undone.
Severus Snape-Dumbledore for the first time in his life didn't know what to do. He was caught between staying where he was and running after her. At the moment the former was winning out. If someone came forward and asked if he was all right, he would have looked at that person, then hexed them into next week. All right? All right! What the hell did they think? Serenity, the person he loved with all his heart and soul, had rejected him! Thrown him away like he was a useless piece of garbage. A hand tentatively touched his shoulder.
"Father?" It was Harry. The call brought him from his daze and he suddenly realized he was sitting in the middle of the Great Hall's staff table, staring off into space. He jerked away from the touch and lurched to his feet, stumbling from the Hall in the direction the healer had gone.
"Father?!" The call was more alarmed now and much further away as he began to run. He wasn't certain where his feet were carrying him until he reached the Astronomy Tower. Halting, he felt the energy drain from his body and his legs turn to jelly, collapsing beneath him. There he sat, leaning against the ice-covered wall, breath coming out in white clouds. He wasn't certain how long he stayed out there, not that he cared. All he was aware of was the cold that crept deeper and deeper, freezing everything in its path. He did not obstruct it, wishing it to find his heart and return it to what it had been once before, a block of ice. Sharp and unforgiving. It was all he wished.
But before it could do so, two warm bodies pressed against him, pulling him from his icy prison.
"We left him far too long," One voice said, duel concern and self-anger plain.
"His lips are beginning to turn blue, we need to get him inside," This one, deeper than the first, held only concern.
"Damn, I didn't believe he would allow himself to sit out here and freeze. Easy, his limbs are stiff." The Potions Master felt wind whip by him but it was much warmer than before. That meant he was in the castle and the two voices had to belong to Albus and Harry. He wanted to sigh but his lips did not move. His stiff clothes were removed and he shivered, feeling slightly exposed. The feeling passed when a fire-warmed blanket was wrapped around him and he was held tight between two bodies. Slowly, the warmth replaced the cold within him and he was finally able to sigh.
"Little child," It was Albus who pushed back his wet hair, "why did you do that?" Severus felt ashamed. He had not wished to worry his father or son, but he hadn't been thinking, only acting on upon instinct.
"I'm sorry, I just....." He sighed once more. A smaller body burrowed closer, a head finding the crook of his elbow.
"We know why, we heard everything," Harry said.
"She doesn't love me, how could I have been so blind?" The Potions Master mumbled miserably. The hugs he was held in were immediately tightened.
"That's not true, my child, and if you don't believe me, look at the ring in your hand." Dejectedly, the dark-haired man followed the suggestion, receiving yet another staggering surprise. It was still solid and glowing dark green. Severus himself had made the ring and though it resembled crystal, it was actually ice. He had molded it for her to wear, the was inside smooth, as was the place where her other fingers would rub against it. Two special enchantments had been placed upon it. One: If Seri's love for him should ever fade, the ring would melt. Two: If she did love him, then the love would be reflected in the color of her eyes. The brighter, the more intense her feeling for him. At the state of the ring now there was no doubt she loved him deeply. Then why had she refused to marry? He must have spoken this aloud for Harry offered him an answer.
"We would like to know the same but we can't find her or her sister. They're not even registering on the Marauder's Map. That means they are either out of the map's boundaries or the map has been tampered with. Either way, we can't locate them by that so I have the others searching for them. I left a note for Evie to meet us here because she was the only one I couldn't get a hold of." Severus rested his head on Harry's, taking in the sweet strawberry smell. His consciousness was slowly fading and he allowed it to without a fight. He knew that someone he loved would be there when he woke and that was enough to comfort him.
Harry let out a breath in relief as he felt the man fall asleep. And from the way Albus's body relaxed, so had he.
"Well," The Headmaster sighed, "at least he didn't throw himself off the Astronomy Tower." The fire mage tugged at one of the auburn streaks.
"Don't even joke about that," Harry shot back.
"I wasn't," Albus replied darkly, "I've seen him this depressed before. There were times I feared he would take his own life," Another sigh, "Especially when he first became a spy. Those were hard times; I felt as though I were trying to hold onto a wet fish; it seemed almost impossible."
"But you are a stubborn man," the fire mage commented with a quirky smile. His grandfather's mouth turned upwards suspiciously.
"That I am. But...." He trailed off when there was a quiet knock at the door. Harry gestured sharply and it swung open, revealing the slim form of the red-haired Ravenclaw. She paused when she saw them before creeping inside, trying to make little noise. Not wanting to disturb his father, he motioned for her to approach. She obeyed, kneeling by his knee.
"What happened?" she whispered, shocked by the image of the Potions Master who had seemed to be alive only a few hours earlier. Now he was just, not. It was hard to explain. Harry quickly relayed the situation and what he wished for her to do. She nodded as he spoke, signaling her understanding. When he finished, she grabbed his hand and offered a smile.
"No need to worry, we'll find them. I'll make sure they don't see me." She winked at his innocently confused expression and closed her eyes. Before him, she began to change. She was an animagi, he thought with faint surprise but after a moment that faded away. With the family she had and training she likely received all year around, it shouldn't be. The Elwoods were known hard workers and generally high achievers all around. Normally, each excelled in a given field, sometimes more than one. It seemed as though Evelyn favored at Transfiguration and at times, potions. Much like Harry himself only he preferred DADA over Transfiguration. As he watched she began to shrink down to the size of a small dog. From her skin sprouted ginger fur though her feet, tail and ear tips were white. Face extending to a snout and teeth sharpening noticeably, it was obvious what she was and it fit her perfectly. The tiny vixen opened her eyes and gave him a toothy grin that reflected in her dancing golden orbs. Harry could not hide his own grin at the sight.
"I should have known. Please, be careful," he pleaded. She swished her tail in understanding and scooted out of the room.
"Quite beautiful and talented, isn't she?" Albus dropped casually, wondering if the other would take the bait. The fire mage stared off in the direction the little female fox had gone.
"Yes, she is," he whispered dreamily. The Headmaster grinned wickedly as the boy jolted, realizing what he had just said. "Grandpa!" he scolded, tugging at the red-brown strands. The man's grin widened and he chuckled.
"Sorry, little one, I had to do it."
No sound came from the small paws as Vixen pattered through the hall, keeping to the shadows. She had chosen the name herself during the summer when she had discovered what she was to be. She had to keep to the shadows, it was a key to survival. The instincts within her screamed caution and she attempted to adhere to their wishes. She knew the others were searching the castle so there was no point for her to as well. Besides, Harry had said the twins didn't register on the map. Though it was a possibility that it had been tampered with, it seemed improbable since it was kept locked away or Harry carried it with him. That meant they had to be out of the map's boundaries. Decided, she made her way outside and toward the first place she could think of: the Whomping Willow. Harry had told her of the Shrieking Shack so she would stay away from it during the full moon. Padfoot and/or Arrigo remained with Remus during that trying period.
Which was why it presented the best hiding place for anyone. The tree sensed her approach and began to swing its mighty branches in her direction. With lightness came unaccustomed agility. Ducking and swerving the careening branches she managed to make it to the base and press the protruding knot. She dashed safely down the hole and through the long tunnel. The door, she found to her surprise, was open slightly and she was able to niggle her way inside. Voices from high above attracted her attention and, her instincts again calling for excessive caution, she crept up the stairs with exaggerated carefulness. Feeling as though she had entered the den of a hungry lion, she prodded the door open enough for her to stick her head inside. What she saw horrified and angered her. Strapped tightly to two chairs were the twins, heads falling limply to their chests. Both appeared to be either unconscious or unable to move though the Ravenclaw was leaning towards the former. In chairs not far away were Sprout and Sinistra, both talking in low tones. Now and again their eyes would flicker to their captives. Deciding she had seen enough, the Ravenclaw turned to leave, only to run into two pairs of legs.
"Well, well," Pomfrey bent down and lifted the vixen up by the neck, "What do we have here?" Evelyn tried to claw her and snapped several times but to no avail. The ex-nurse carried her inside, tossing her on the empty bed. Before she could dash away, she found herself being hit with the same spell Harry had used that day in Transfiguration that day she had been hurt. De- transformus. Against her will, her body returned to its human state. Pomfrey raised an inquiring eyebrow when the spell stopped.
"Who is this?" she demanded of McGonagall. The professor shifted uneasily.
"Evelyn Elwood, fifth year Ravenclaw." The white-haired woman's eyes glittered maliciously as she watched the girl struggle against the Petrifying spell. It was useless really but it seemed the Ravenclaw possessed a formidable stubbornness.
"Yes, the one that hangs out with Potter and his gang. Well, she will just be remaining here for the time being. This will be nice, she can watch us experiment on those two." She stuck her thumb over her shoulder. That having been decided, another chair was conjured and Evie found herself in the same predicament as the healers.
"Now," Pomfrey started, raising Seri's head so that her glassy eyes were visible. "Let's begin."
The sharp needles that ran up his left arm awakened Severus. Voldemort's summoning. Biting his lip, he willed himself not to cry out, but blood began to flow from his torn lip. A gentle hand pulled his face to the light.
"Severus, stop. You must uncurl yourself and give Harry your arm." The commanding tone left no room for argument. Slowly, the Potions Master complied, wincing as he did so. As he extended his arm, a hand clamped around his wrist, holding it tight. It was the same as the time before; Harry performed the spell, providing both energy and tears; Sev's mad scramble to return it and Albus, holding both when it had been done. It was in this state that Leyna found them when she dropped into check. Her alarmed expression and dash to the couch prompted the Headmaster to explain. She listened, Harry carefully arranged in her arms, nodding when he finished. Looking down, a smile played across her lips and she kissed the boy's forehead. He murmured "Grandma," in his sleep, clinging tightly to her robe. This, of course, served to make her smile grow.
"I say we get these two cleaned up and to bed, it has been a long day," she suggested quietly, hoping not to disturb the two's slumber. Albus nodded, his thoughts running parallel. So the Headmaster carted off his child to the downstairs bathroom (the one connected to his bedroom) and Seleyna took Harry to the upstairs bathroom.
When Severus woke again it was to find himself being tucked in tightly.
"Father?" he whispered. A gentle kiss graced his forehead.
"Goodnight, child." Came first from a male voice, then a female. There was a pregnant pause before the male, undoubtedly Albus, continued.
"I will be here soon but you might as well settle in. Harry is on your other side." The man nodded sleepily and turned over and held the boy close, mumbling goodnight under his breath. The Headmaster smiled again and exited the room, arm around Seleyna's waist.
"This situation seems to be getting worse by the minute. What can we do?" Albus wondered aloud as they stood silhouetted by the fire. The silver-haired woman hugged his waist tightly, placing her head on his chest.
"Nothing more at the moment. All we can do is wait." The man sighed.
"And I believe even my patience is running out."
Severus woke the next morning to the soft shake of his shoulder. Obsidian eyes opened to find dancing emerald green.
"Morning, fire child," he said thickly, brushing the black hair from the ivory face.
"Morning, Father!" Harry chimed with a cheerfulness only a child could possess first thing in the morning. "Hungry?" It was then the sensuous smell of bacon and eggs caressed his nose, bringing him to full awareness. He nodded, sitting up. There was a chuckle out of the line of his vision and the smells came closer.
"He seems to be very good at enticing you to leave your slumber," Seleyna's sweet voice showed her amusement as she placed the large tray before him. He did not comment but glared at her briefly at her next words.
"He's the only one that has had any luck whatsoever." The full mouth and Harry's giggle offset his glare. She patted his cheek and headed toward the door. She paused for a moment, and said, "Don't scowl like that, Severus, your face might freeze," before she skipped out the door. The look on the Potions Master's face almost sent the boy off the bed in a fit of laughter. When both had calmed, Severus offered to share his breakfast and the two ate quietly. After a while, the Headmaster entered. With a deep sigh he sat in the chair beside the bed, running a hand through his beard. The other two stopped eating, waiting in silence for the man to speak. One did not have to be linked to the Headmaster to tell he was frustrated, he fairly radiated the emotion.
"No where, they're no where! And now Ms. Elwood has gone missing!" He sighed again, the flickers in his aura betraying all of his emotions. Severus stiffened when he heard the twins had not been found and worried too about the red-haired Ravenclaw. She was Harry's friend after all. But Seri and Kit....what if they had been taken by Voldemort again and they didn't even know? Though Seri would not have him, and he intended to find out why, he could not bear to lose her again. He knew Artemis would be in the same shape as he if anything were to happen to Kit. But surely they wouldn't have fallen into the evil lord's clutches again? Surely he would have known. A deep-seated instinct told him this was true. That instinct also told him Seri was in trouble and needed him, but where to go? Albus spoke again, disrupting his thoughts.
"I have already spoken to the other professors, briefly, on what is happening. They knew nothing, or so they say," His tone darkened, "At this point, my opinion of all of them is low." He rubbed his tired blue eyes. "If Remus were back, this would be easier, especially with his sense of smell." Another sigh. "But he is not so we will have to bodge through this as best we can." He appeared older than he should, his downtrodden mood offsetting his auburn streaks. The Potions Master leaned over, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, Father, we will find them," Cerulean blue met intense obsidian, "We will find them." Albus smiled grimly.
"Yes, my son, we will."
Both fire and ice mages were forced to remain bedridden for the majority of the day. By dinner, Harry had returned to his normal self and both insisted they leave the Headmaster's Tower to eat dinner with the rest of the school. After a brief discussion between Albus and Seleyna, they decided to allow this and so six o'clock found them at the Head table (Harry chose to eat with them) with the staff and.....the twins! It was all Severus could do to contain himself from running up to the golden-haired healer and pull her into his arms, thanking every deity she was safe. But he did not and it was eating him alive. With a jolt he realized the only seat remaining was beside her. Damn his luck. With a certain resignation he took his place at the table, trying desperately (but failing miserably) not to glance at the woman beside him. Her movements possessed a certain mechanical quality that struck him as odd; she spoke to no one, unlike her sister who was chattering away happily. He was distracted from his inspection momentarily by a question from his father and turned away. Seri's hand flashed briefly over his goblet but when he turned back she appeared to be eating. He completely missed the tear sliding down her cheek as he drank.
He replaced the goblet, deciding he had stalled long enough and turned to the woman.
"Seri?" At first, there was no response, but finally she turned to him, slowly, her head bent. He placed a hand under her chin and lifted it till their eyes met. They shocked him, no wonder she kept her head down! The forest orbs that held all the wildness and gentleness of Nature, were like glass, shining with tears that cascaded freely down her cheeks. He cupped her face in his other hand, alarmed.
"Seri? What is it, love?" he asked desperately. She made an effort, eyes wild with desperation, felt at her throat and managed to choke out "Severus!" attracting the entire Hall's attention. His alarm increased further when she choked again, burying her face in his chest, grasping his arms tightly. Her thin form was wracked with gut wrenching sobs that seemed frankly too big for her. He held her close, stroking her hair and whispering that it would be all right. She shook her head with certainty and looked up sharply when a great shudder ran through the man's body. His face was contorting in grotesque pain and with a cry of agony he slid from his chair, Seri still in his arms. Their roles were reversed as she now held him, tears still streaming freely down her face. The Headmaster and Gryffindor were instantly at her side but were unable to get her to respond to their frantic calls. His body writhed and jerked as the poison attacked his nervous system. She held fast, pushing away the hair that had fallen in his eyes. This was her doing. Her's. All her fault. As those black eyes she loved so much found her, he smiled, trying (but failing) to touch her face.
"Severus, I'm so sorry," her shattered voice revealed her sorrow and anguish.
"I love you," he returned, eyes closing. NO! From the depth of her grief cloud, a laughing voice brought her back to reality like a slap to the face. Deep within, something snapped. Handing the Potions Master to the Headmaster, she stood, striding toward a door at the side of the room. As she approached, power gathered like a tormented storm around her, eyes blazing with a strange light. She halted a foot before it and waved a hand, blasting the door off its hinges. And there was Pomfrey. The white-haired woman was no longer laughing as she beheld the frightening creature before her. A light blue glow surrounded her lithe form. Her hair danced around her like wild snakes and green eyes held a murderous glint. She held her wand by its middle out to the side of her. The crowd watched in fascination as it first lengthened into a staff with a silver tiger's head, then into a sword. What made this weapon so unusual was the blade was the shape of a half circle and composed of water. Water. The blue aura concentrated at her head, shoulders, chest, waist, lower arms and lower legs. Each concentration formed a piece of steel armor that reflected the light like moonbeams. Engraved on the chest plate was a tiger rearing on its hind legs, a crescent moon behind it. Around her neck, now held fast by a steel choker, was the light sapphire pendant. The shock wore off quickly and the nurse grinned.
"I suggest you do nothing, unless you want them to intervene." Serenity turned slightly to see the other teaching staff with their wands trained on her. Fools, she thought with a snort of contempt. Lifting an eyebrow, she raised her hand and brought it down swiftly. Several students and others swore they heard the "chains" that were binding the professor audibly snap. All stumbled, many fell to the floor in a daze. Serenity had canceled all of Pomfrey's magic. Which meant they would be getting another visitor soon. McGonagall was the first to recover and launch herself at the nurse's throat.
"You---!" She tried to reach the woman but Ron and Draco leapt to restrain her. "Let me go!" she screeched, clawing at the students' arms. Emotions built up over several months were raging to the surface now and she was bent on one thing: revenge. The two endured the abuse of the long fingernails but were greatly relieved when Seleyna hit her with a stunning charm and they were able to place her crumpled form in a chair. Seri turned back to the quivering form of the ex- nurse (who had suddenly realized she had lost all control over the situation) and before any had time to blink, had the woman pinned against the wall, sword pressed dangerously close to her throat.
"Give me one reason," Eyes blazed into the other's, sword pressing even closer, "One damn good reason not to kill you now," she breathed. Was she angry? Beyond so. The healer had never felt such a deep loathing, contempt and over all hatred for a person as she did for the one in front of her. For all the nurse had done, it was only right to feel so. Pomfrey choked, afraid to speak with the sharp edge so close. What surprised her was that it was actually wet. Why now of all times she would notice this, she did not know. Her eyes darted around wildly, searching for anything to distract the woman from her intent to murder. Then she spotted it. Perfect. A small grin spread across her face and she croaked out the words that caused the healer's blood to freeze.
"Severus." The healer's head swivelled till she could see the Potions Master laying quiet in the Headmaster and Kit's arms. She pulled away, whispering a spell as she did so. The nurse was not able to move as she found herself suddenly held fast by water bindings, similar to those of Harry's or Severus's. Her scream of outrage was ignored as Seri relieved the others of her love's burdening weight. Her panicked eyes traveled to her sister who shook her head.
"It's acting too quickly, there is not enough time to make an antidote. Seri," She grasped her sibling's forearm, "he's dying." The woman just shook her head, holding the man tighter. Couldn't they understand, she couldn't lose him. None of them could. He was needed. Harry needed a father. Albus needed a child. She needed him to be her other half. If he were to die, she would surely follow and frankly she wasn't done living yet.
"No, Severus, you can't leave us. You can't leave me. I can't lose you again," Her tears splashed on his cheek, "I just can't." Leaning forward, her lips brushed his and she found herself falling.
When her eyes opened, she found herself surrounded by complete darkness. Well, not complete. The only illumination seemed to come from her body, which gave of an eerie blue light. But there was another light, far off in the distance. The darkness did not frighten her, instead she found it oddly comforting. Almost familiar. It was then she realized what must have happened. She had allowed herself to fall into Severus's psyche. Then where was Severus?
A distant scream pierced the stillness like a dagger. Her head whipped around; it had come from the other light! Not understanding how, she sped off in that direction, discovering she had an interesting new feature: wings. White that faded to light blue at the tips and a span that was similar to that of Seleyna's. What ever the reason for their appearance now, that was not her main concern. What mattered now was reaching her love.
But the further she went, the more tired she became. It was as though the darkness was leeching the strength from her body, preventing her from continuing to her intended destination. Before she had to stop, that strength was quickly replaced by a roaring fire and shining white light. Harry and Albus, they were helping her. With new confidence she forged on, determined to reach the man.
And she did. The closer she came, the farther the temperature dropped. It came to the point she was sure there were icicles forming on the tips of her wings. They were certainly becoming heavy enough. But she would not be deterred. Now she could feel the man, his sorrow, and his pain. It resonated within her body as if it were her own. But she endured. She knew she must.
When she finally reached the light, she had to cover her ears to block the horrendous screams. They did not belong to Severus, for which she was grateful, but they were instead from his memories. Memories that seemed to have come alive.
Severus twisted and squirmed, trying to escape the searching hands that seemed determined to tear him limb from limb. He knew what they were, only a blind man could not see. And even if he couldn't, he certainly could hear. They were the victims of his time as a Death Eater, before and after he returned to the Light. It was the part of his life he had wrestled with for many years to try and forget or at least try and come to terms with. He had thought he had succeeded at least the latter but it didn't seem so. Now he was at their mercy.
Seri was momentarily stunned by the sight of the Potions Master trapped in the middle of maelstrom of sound, touch and power. Numerous bruises and gashes from the claws that seemed never ending discolored the pale skin. What was most amazing were the wings coming from his back. They were black, fading to silver at the tips, larger even than her own. They were flapping uselessly, trying to avoid the touch of the creatures. Drawing up her courage she plunged forward, only to be repulsed. Undaunted, she tried again. And again. And again. Each time with equal success as the time before it.
Severus screamed again. A green claw had sunk into the man's vulnerable wings, trying to rip them from his back. That was when she decided she had had enough. Summoning her sword, she sliced her way through, cutting a straight path for him. When she reached him, he was still struggling to escape the hand's grip, blood oozing from the punctured points. Raising her weapon high above her head she brought it down in a wide arc, chopping the hand in half. Without a pause she pulled Severus to her and flew. The memories attempted to follow but she was not about to allow them to approach. When she felt a reasonable distance had been placed between them, she stopped and raised her mental shields around them.
Silence, pure and heavenly.
She panted slightly but smiled when those dark eyes met her's.
"You came for me," It was a simple statement but she looked away, previous guilt welling up in her chest.
"I had to and I always will. I love you, Severus. You must know that and never doubt it."
Silence once more.
She could not face him, it was her fault it had come to this. A hand settled on her shoulder and turned her around. Their eyes met again and her heart skipped a beat. He was smiling.
"I know." He knew, she thought faintly. Of course, he would always know. He opened his hand. In the center of his palm was the ring. At her questioning gaze he explained.
"It is made from my love for you. It's ice and the green is the color of your eyes. If you didn't love me, it wouldn't even exist, it would melt." He took her left hand and slipped it on her ring finger. Perfect fit. But, then again, both thought, they would always fit together perfectly, like two pieces of a puzzle. They were complete. Severus leaned down and Seri reached up, their lips touching in a kiss.
Abruptly Serenity felt herself being returned to her own body. And the kiss being returned. When it ended, she stared breathlessly as the man in her arms stirred. She cried out in joy when his eyes opened and hugged him tightly. He weakly returned the affection but ended up leaning against her.
"Your clothes changed," he stated with some curiosity. She smiled wanly and held him tight.
"Yes, they did. You missed a little show when you lost consciousness, Severus." She nodded in the direction of the nurse who was still struggling against her bonds. The Potions Master smiled. For some reason, it felt good to see that woman in restraints. After all, he'd been unconscious for all that she had done to him and never able to retaliate. Just then the doors the hall burst open and Evelyn marched in, gold eyes wide with fury.
"Where's Pomfrey?! That....that....." She stuttered, emotions choking her. Harry appeared beside her and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek, instantly calming her.
"Don't worry about her, she's been taken care of." Across the room Seri suddenly gave a shudder and the bonds disappeared. Pomfrey grinned and made a bee-line for the exit. A growl escaped Evie's lips and she tried to follow but Harry caught her around the waist. Ron was after the woman in a flash.
"I've got here!" he yelled as he recklessly dived, tackling her to the ground. After a few moments of arduous struggle, the Gryffindor emerged victorious, wand-tip at her throat. Her eyes blazed furiously but he held no fear of her.
"Oh no you don't," he growled fiercely, "Not after all you've done." Hermione, Ginny and Draco appeared behind him, wands trained on her. Though Draco's was steady, Hermione and Ginny's shook slightly, betraying the enormous fury they felt for the person they had once respected.
"Don't hurt her," The fire mage called as he crossed the room to help his father to his feet. Draco whirled to face the other. It was obvious there had been a curse hovering on his lips.
"Why shouldn't we? Especially after all she's done to....to.....to everyone!" he demanded. A voice from behind him answered, making him turn once again.
"Because," Artemis replied, stepping up next to him while the Defense professor moved on, "Then we would become what she has, a person seeking revenge." Silence fell over the group as they forgot the students around them in the face of the problem before them. What to do with Pomfrey? They certainly couldn't keep her at the castle, that was too much temptation to merely drop in and add a curse or two to her day. The one's who had been around Dementors did not wish Azkaban on her, even if she did deserve it. Besides, there was always the chance she could escape. But, then what to do? It was Severus who offered an answer.
"Banish her." The others turned to the Potions Master who was now leaning against the golden-haired healer. "Harry and Artemis are right. We can not harm her for we would become corrupted as she. But she must not remain here, that much is obvious. Therefore, we banish her." The Headmaster nodded.
"Yes," Albus replied in agreement, "but to where?" It was the fire mage that offered an answer, if somewhat cryptic one.
"That," Harry said with a slight smile, "should be left for Fate to decide." At his words, a ripple passed through the hall, as though someone were trying to smooth out a wrinkle. It was a subtle shift of power, only noticeable to the group at the front who's attention immediately focused on a spot near the end of the staff table. High pitched laughter, that of a woman, or several women as there seemed to be more than one, filled the room. The power shifted again. Suddenly, three columns of fire appeared. They died almost instantly, leaving three women behind. Frightening women to say the least. Dressed in warriors' clothing of black that seemed to be stained red with blood, they were. From their backs unfolded skeletal wings that held no flesh to the bone. Their faces each held unique red markings, mostly around the evilly dancing eyes and even a bit around the smirking mouths. The first on left, the tallest of the three, had blue eyes with a distinctly hard edge and wild blonde hair. She held a battle axe. The next was slightly shorter with hair the color of hay that was just as wild as the other's. Her green eyes flashed in the light reflected in her sword. The last was the shortest of the trio, standing at little over five feet. Her hair was dark brown and short, but as tangled as the others. Her brown eyes matched her hair but their cold edge chilled one to the bone. In her hand, a scythe.
The middle one was the first to speak.
"We may not be the Fates, Lord Fire Mage, but will we do?" Her voice was low and teasing but razor sharp. The wide-eyed teenager could only nod. How could he say no to a question such as that one?
"Who are you?" Severus asked, though his voice was faint with recognition. The dark- haired one shook her finger at him in a scolding manner.
"Now, now, Severus, you know us. We made several visits just to see you several years ago. We are the Erinyes." The blonde took over.
"But you might know us better by the name Furies. I am Megaera. We pursue and punish sinners of the worst kind." Her evil smirk widened as she surveyed the nurse. "We have been waiting some time to get a hold of you."
"It's just to bad," Tisiphone, the dark-headed one on the end, stroked her scythe's blade, "that she didn't actually kill anyone. Otherwise you would be solely under my power." She leaned toward the trembling woman. "And I tend to have a very nasty temper."
"Yes she does," The Potions Master added, deadly pale. The three turned to him, their collective expressions softening.
"You need not fear us, Ice Mage," Alecto, the middle one, replied softly, "You have long ago payed for your crimes against human society. Your remorse we feel and know we have done our job. However," Her green eyes shifted to the nurse and she once more adopted the small smile, "this one has committed high crimes against human society and will pay." Her eyes flickered back to the others. "You do not mind us taking her, do you." It was not a question. From Evie to Seri, everyone shook their heads. Her smile widened.
"Good, because we have just the place for this one, don't we, my sisters?" The two nodded, small grins creasing their faces. Alecto gave Ron a look and he backed away quickly, leaving the nurse. Pomfrey found herself being hauled to her feet with inhuman strength. Chains appeared at her ankles and wrists, the ends of which were held in Alecto's hand.
"We must be off but it was good seeing everyone again. Oh, and when you finish with Voldemort, save a small piece for us," Alecto requested. Megaera nodded.
"Yes, we have been wishing to get a hold of him for some time but some how he has been blocking us." Her blue eyes hardened. "And we don't like being denied our prey." Tisiphone nodded in agreement. Alecto smiled at her sisters.
"Remember, we'll be watching." The fire shot up again, engulfing the three and Pomfrey this time, and they were gone.
"Well," Kit said after a moment, "That solves that problem. But what about..." She gestured to the armor that both she and her sister were wearing. Before the others could even begin to formulate an answer, the power shifted once more. This time, it was on them. Harry felt his body being lifted up, as thought he weighed little more than a feather. Raw power sang in his veins, the liquid fire of life. But it was part of him and he welcomed the sensation with joy. Warm, light, cool, wet, and windy. Feelings he never felt before inside of him burst forth, trumpeting success. Rapture. Bliss. Love.....It was epiphany and he wished it would never end. Then, abruptly, it did. He felt his feet touch the floor and gave his head a little shake before opening his eyes. They widened at the sight before him. Though Kit and Seri were the same, Severus, Artemis, Albus and Draco were not. Each were now dressed in grande robes, depicting their animagi forms in the corners. Severus was in silver, embroidered in black. In the corner above his heart was a phoenix. Albus was in white, also embroidered in black; the phoenix on his stood out as well. Draco was in green robes trimmed in brown, the disguise masking his appearance no longer in place. In his hand he held a staff, the head of which was a dragon. In the corner of the robe, just as was on his staff, was a dragon. Artemis had been placed in milk white. Though when he moved, the colors appeared to shift and take on another. He also held a staff, the head of which was a gryphon. It was then Harry looked down at himself. He was in gold, trimmed in red. For a moment, no one spoke.
"Does anyone care to guess?" the fire mage finally ventured. They shook their heads.
"Perhaps, I had better explain that one." The group turned, and if there hadn't been enough surprises so far, here was another. The man stood proud at nearly seven feet tall, white beard and hair flowing to the floor. He wore an elegant robe of rich navy blue lined in silver. In his hand was a staff with five points. He smiled at their open gawking and bowed to them.
"My name is Merlin, but I'm sure you've heard of me. It has been some time since I made a house call such as this, but for you all I can make a definite exception." His black eyes twinkled. "Now, I'm sure you have many questions but I think we had better find a quieter place to talk." With that, he snapped his fingers and the seven found themselves on the roof of the school.
"Ah, this is much better," he said cheerfully as they continued to stare at him in disbelief that seemed to have no end. Harry was the first to find the courage to speak.
"Um, Sir? Not to be rude, sir, but what are you doing here?"
"Because as far as we know, you're supposed to be dead," Draco added. The mage punched him in the arm, mouthing to be quiet. The Slytherin-turned-Gryffindor merely raised an eyebrow as if to question why.
"No need for that, Harry, Draco has every right to ask that question." Merlin settled himself in a chair he had conjured before providing seating for the others as well.
"I guess I should begin this tale at the beginning though when that was is hard to remember, it was many centuries ago." He sighed. "But I digress. You see, when Arthur still ruled this land, I had a premonition of what was to come. It was not pleasant, the world was to be destroyed by a dark serpent. One bent on controlling everything and eliminating all those who stood in his path. I knew I could not allow this, what ever the cost, so I began to work. I constructed those staffs you now hold in your hands every last one of them. I knew what to do from the premonition that followed the other. It was of a shining star, the Star of Hope, formed by five," He nodded to Severus, Harry, Albus, Kit and Seri, "and aided by two others." He nodded at Draco and Artemis. "I knew that to control these powers, they had to be mages. Is this not so?" They nodded in confirmation and he smiled. "As I thought. When I completed the staffs, I set about placing them in strategic places so they would find their ways to the ones who were destined to possess them. The problem came when I got to the White Phoenix." Albus gripped his cane tightly. "What to do with it? The answer did not come swiftly but it did reach me eventually. Hide it with the other Phoenixes."
"How is it we are to defeat Voldemort?" Severus asked as he leaned against Seri, still weak from earlier. Merlin's smile widened.
"Quite simple really. You understand something that he has no knowledge of. Love. Love of family, of one another, of basic human rights to live. That is what he does not understand. That is what will pull you through." He pulled a silver watch from his pocket and checked it.
"Oh dear, I have been away far too long. I must go but know this, I believe in all of you and the triumph of good over evil. Do not let me be proven wrong." With these final words, he vanished.
"Well, at least now we know for certain what we're supposed to do," Albus said with a chuckle to break the silence. The others joined him in his laugh, relaxing. Seri tightened her arms around the Potions Master waist, not willing to let him go. Severus held her just as tight, also not willing to release her. The healer bit her lip, deciding it was now or never.
"Severus," he looked down at her, "you remember the question you asked me earlier?" He drew in a breath, nodding. Her green eyes were pleading.
"Can I change my answer?" He still did not breath, merely nodded again. Could it be?
"Then yes, Severus Snape-Dumbledore, I will marry you. If you will have me." The breath he held came out explosively in a laugh as he pulled her into his lap.
"Only if you'll have me," He returned. Her smile was impish.
"Forever and always, my love."
They kissed again, enjoying the feeling of being together. Albus and Harry caught one another's eyes and grinned, but it was Kit who voiced their thoughts aloud.
"It's about damn time!" She hollered good-naturedly from her position in Artemis's lap. The others laughed openly.
"Just for that comment, you're not going to be my bridesmaid!" Seri shot back teasingly. Kit nodded, then suddenly realized what had been said.
"HEY!"
The forests of Salazar's Realms reflected back the darkness they held within. Ever wonder why it had been named 'Salazar's Realm'? It had not always been the forbidding place it was now. Once, before the great Slytherin had come, it had been one of the Great Forests of England. Bright and cheerful yet still dangerous to unwary travelers. It held a multitude of creatures, Light and Dark. When Salazar had come after leaving Hogwarts for good, he brought with him his creatures and reputation. The stories of his "evil" deeds have been added to over the years by the bards of the day and the original versions had long since disappeared. Therefore, we have a slightly distorted view of him. He was a man who believed in achieving what he wanted by any means possible. But also the most efficient way. If that was to kill someone, then so be it. That is not to say that he enjoyed the act of murder as Voldemort did, he only found it necessary in some cases. His aversion to muggle-borns was certainly true enough. The feeling that they could not grasp the gift they had been given or the responsibility it entailed was in him. Purebloods, who had grown up around magic, would have a better understanding.
But enough of him. The forest gained a reputation of harboring 'dangerous' and 'dark' creatures. Indeed, there were some but not an overly large amount. Yet no one dared approach it. This was what had attracted the Dark Lord and why he had made it his new base of operations. The hut had been replaced by a large manor, more grande than even the Riddle Manor. Voldemort was the sole occupant at the moment. The other Death Eaters were out on assignments, even Wormtail. His only companion was the roaring fire. The Manor was deathly silent, which he preferred, so it was strange he did not hear the high-pitched laughter. He was just raising his wand to conjure himself a drink when a body fell heavily to the floor in front of him. He raised an eyebrow as the woman coughed and sputtered curses. When Pomfrey looked up she found herself staring at the tip of the Dark Lord's wand.
"Well, well, well," He leaned forward, grinning wickedly, "What have we got here?" Pomfrey gulped. Oh hell.
A/N: I FINALLY GOT RID OF POMFREY!!!!!!!!!! *does a little dance around the room but the floor is wet so she slips and lands hard on her butt* Ow, that hurt. Oh well, I finished, and in record time! Don't you think that ending made up for some of what I did in the story? *waggles eyebrows at readers* Hmmmm?
All right, also, in regards to Evelyn, she is a minor character. She will not play that big of a role. In fact, she'll probably fade into the backgrounds as I don't know what I'll be doing with her next. So, for all of you who think she's a Mary-Sue, she is not! In fact, I'm thinking of writing a side story on her, if I have time. I've already got another story in progress besides The World Through A New Set of Eyes. Yes, I've started another. *sighs* It's a curse but let me give you a little preview. All I really need to do is finish the prolouge, I'm already done with the first chapter.
A question accured to me one day; what if Severus had never gotten Harry's note pleading for help? What if no one had? What would have happened? How would they act when Harry returned to school very different from before and Severus still not knowing how to care. How would they join to be the Star of Hope? Or even the Trinity of the Phoenix? I'm going to find out.
Oh, one last thing, the three Furies in this chapter were my friends and me. I was Alecto, Rose was Mageara and Kit was Tisiphone. I had to add that in there, I thought it was infinitly amusing.
All right, on to review replies now!
Lunatic: *blushes* Thank you for saying that I have a good imagination, it means a lot to me. I'm going to tell you this. Once I'm done with this story, I'm going to try to adapt it into my own novel. You think I can do it? I've already got an idea for my Harry-type character and my Severus-type character. Considering I pull them so out of character, I don't think anyone will complain. :D
About those tiny details, when I add them, I don't usually mean for them to come back, they just do on their own. Like, Silverhoof for example. I don't know what made me think to turn her human or pair her up with Albus, but it worked!
I love the parts with Albus, Severus and Harry too! *giggles at the mental image* Aren't they just adorable?
The twins are actually based on me and my friend Kit. She is Kit obviously and I'm Seri, that way it is easy to think up their reactions to certain situations. With Artemis, I'm having an exploration experiment because he's my major made-up-out-of-thin-air character.
Normally I was not a hater of Pomfrey either, and neither were my friends. They are now though! :D See, you can blame that one on Raven Dancer, she was the one to make me think that Pomfrey could be evil and that's why she is so.
That last chapter was my blood, sweat and tears! Okay, so not my blood, but definitely my sweat and tears. I'm serious, I almost cried the Sunday before I posted it because I couldn't seem to get past this one point. But the Monday afterwards, I could write anything that I wanted, it all flowed out. I'll tell you what, that is the most wonderful feeling in the world. The only problem was I wasn't able to capitalize on until Wednesday.
The two sites are t putting a small synopsis at the beginning of each chapter of the last chapter. My memory is pretty good and normally I assume others are as well. The change of pov's, well, that was just how it worked. Probably could have been done better but I didn't have the time. The reason my chapters come out so infrequintly is because of my life. This chapter was actually finished not last week but the week before, but I haven't had a chance to put it up till now, oh well.
HN: No, I was not offended by your review, I enjoy it! Yes, a lot of strange things happen here and what I'm mainly setting out to do is to get reactions from my readers. If I've given them chill bumbs, I know I've done my job. If I've made them laugh till they cried then I know I've done my job. All of the emotions, I'm trying to touch them all, even anger. If you want to check out some other stuff like this, why don't you go to www.gsfi.bravepages.com from there, there are several links that have to do with this story.