Mosaics 8
The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty, not knowing what comes next. –U.K. LeGuin
They arrived in the hospital wing at Hogwarts with a flash of gold as Fawkes appeared bearing his passengers. Albus stood there beaming at them as he helped Hermione off the floor. "I cannot tell you how sorry I am about the little mistake," he said happily.
Severus glared at Albus. "If you call nearly getting us killed little."
Albus chuckled. "You look quite healthy for a ghost, Severus. But here is Poppy to give you the once over," he nodded as the nurse came out of her office. She began fussing over Hermione, giving her a dry robe to change into and another to Severus, motioning for Hermione to follow her to a screened off section. While Poppy was busy with Hermione behind the screen Severus raised an eyebrow at Albus who was still grinning.
"I trust you Obliviated the nosy Gryffindor that was the cause of all this," he said coolly.
"Not at all. I do not want to risk harming young Weasley's mind." Albus ignored Severus' snort. "He has been sworn to secrecy."
"Bloody good that will do," Severus hissed softly as Hermione emerged from behind the screen, wisps of smoke coming from her ears.
"Pepper Up Potion," she explained blushing.
"And you are next," Poppy said handing Severus a steaming goblet. He crossed his arms and glared at her. "Either take it or I will force you to," she warned.
Giving her a withering look, Severus reluctantly took the goblet from her and drank drunk. Hermione bit on her lips to keep from giggling as smoke came out of his ears and his rather large nose turned red.
"Professor Dumbledore," Hermione said quietly after Madam Pomfrey went into her office, "Where were we?"
Albus smiled kindly at her. "That, my dear, is for another time. It is quite late and I do believe you need to get some rest."
Hermione looked disappointed but nodded. "Goodnight, professors."
"Just a moment. I do believe this belongs to you." Albus handed her her wand. "Mr. Filch kindly returned it to me after it crashed through the large window in the Transfiguration classroom. He was very eager that the student responsible for the window be punished. I told him I would." Hermione looked at him apprehensively. "I will expect a complete report on your interpretations of our session tonight," he told her with a wink.
Grinning, Hermione agreed and bade them goodnight once more.
Walking down the hall, Severus echoed Hermione's question. "What was the big mystery in regards to our location, Albus?"
"Fawkes at first thought your location was at Glastonbury but he could not find you," Albus explained, his tone excited. "I thought he was confused, so close to a burning you know, but he was correct. You were at Glastonbury but not on this side."
Severus stopped and looked at Albus a deep frown on his face. "You are speaking of legends again old man," he said with a shake of his head. "And even in legend the gateway between the two is closed."
"Not for the elemental magus, especially if they have been invited."
Taking a deep breath, Severus shook his head. "And what does this mean?"
"I do not know," Albus said thoughtfully, stroking his beard, "but I do believe it has something to do with Miss Granger."
I Hermione. /I Severus stared at the older wizard. "I expect you to tell her before the week is over or I shall," he said quietly.
Albus knew Severus was not speaking of the new development. He started to protest but the warning in Severus' dark eyes stilled his tongue.
Slipping quietly into bed, Hermione pulled out her journal.
Professor Snape kissed me tonight. I find it very confusing. It was so gentle, so wonderful and yet I do not know what to think of it. Before it had been about lessons, about showing me how to overcome my desires.
Is it wrong to want it happen again?
Putting the journal away, Hermione stared up into the darkness reliving each moment and wondering what it meant.
Again he was walking the quiet halls his hands stuck deep in the pockets of his jeans. Ron had given up trying to sleep until the wee hours of the morning. The dreams were too intense and Madame Pompfrey had refused him anymore Dreamless Sleep Potion, kindly suggesting that he talk with his mother about his problem. Like that was going to happen. How do you explain to your mum that you dream about killing your family and your friends for power?
Three nights ago he had witnessed the event on the west tower. Dumbledore had sworn him to secrecy once he had been calm enough to listen to the Headmaster. Ron shook his head in frustration. Dumbledore had explained that they had been working on experimental spells and that no one know, hinting that it was important to the Order. He wondered if Harry knew about Hermione working with Dumbledore and Snape.
'Of course he does,' said the nagging, whiny voice in his head. 'They tell each other everything.'
Angry at the accusing thoughts, he flung open a door and headed up the winding stairs. He was tired of feeling left out. Harry and his connection with Voldemort and now Hermione and her secret work. Wasn't he their mate anymore? Hadn't they always been together when it came to adventures whether by choice or accidentally? Coming to the top of the stairs he realized he had climbed to the Astronomy Tower. Sighing, he opened the door and stepped out into the cool night air.
A raven-haired girl sat on a three-legged stool, a piece of parchment on her lap and she was looking through one of the large telescopes that were permanent fixtures on the tower.
"You are out after curfew," he said haughtily, not caring that he too was guilty of the same thing.
The girl jumped, her nose bumping hard against the metal cylinder. Her curses made Ron's ears turn red.
"And just who the bloody hell are you to interrupt me?" She said rubbing her nose and turning to look at him.
Oh damn. A Slytherin. Just what he needed. "I am a Prefect and you are out past curfew," he said lamely.
She smirked. "As are you. I have permission to be here, what's your excuse?"
Ron blushed.
"You're Ron Weasley," she said simply. "Gryffindor Keeper." Ron braced himself for the snide remarks that were sure to follow. "The name is Kate Thompson," she said, grinning. "And since you so rudely disturbed me, you owe me."
"What?"
"I need someone to hold this and take notes," she indicated the parchment. Kate waited. "Well, Red? I thought you Gryffindor types had manners."
Not sure why he did it, Ron walked over and sat down on the cold stones. Kate handed him the parchment, quill and a bottle of ink. "My handwriting is not very good," he mumbled, feeling embarrassed. He didn't know Kate, for she was a Slytherin and a seventh year, but even he had heard 'about' her. According to talk, she was as wild as they came, loose and free with her affections.
Kate's comments on the stars she was observing and the scratching of the quill were the only sounds on the tower for the next half hour. Finally she stretched and stood up, holding out her hand for the parchment.
Getting up from his cramped position, Ron handed her the quill and ink. "You make a good assistant Red," she said teasingly. "And you are a pretty good Keeper."
Ron flushed. "Thanks," he mumbled, not knowing what to say.
"I will be here tomorrow night," she said simply, giving him a wink.
Ron watched her go his ears still a bright red. Sticking his hands in pockets he yawned widely, suddenly feeling very sleepy.
Kate slipped quietly into the Slytherin common room, a smile on her face. She paused as she heard faint sounds coming from one darkened corner. Cocking her head it only took moments to figure out what the sounds were. A sly grin on her face, she put her bag down and walked softly towards the large black couch. A foot arched up into the air and hooked over the back of the sofa followed by a simpering, 'Oh, Draco'. The sounds of grunts and squeaks of the couch confirmed what she had expected. A shag was going on and she grinned as she made her way around the end of the couch. Pansy Parkinson was gripping Draco's white bum as he rutted happily between her thighs.
"You two should really get a room."
A shriek erupted from beneath Draco, as he turned to glare at Kate. "Get the bloody hell out of here," he hissed.
Kate walked calmly over to a chair and flopped down, one long leg dangling over the arm. "Don't mind me," she smirked. "I will just sit here and observe."
Draco swore vehemently as Pansy grabbed her robes, holding them up to her flushed body. "Get out!" she cried.
"This is the 'Common Room'. Therefore it is for anyone who wishes to be here and," she leaned further back in the chair. "Here is where I wish to be." She grinned slyly at them and winked.
Kate watched Draco make an attempt or two at continuing while Pansy hissed at him. Finally he rolled off her. "Get dressed and get out of here," he snarled, covering his limp member with a throw pillow. Pansy grabbed the rest of her clothes from the floor and shooting Kate a death glare stomped off towards the girls' dormitory.
Draco was seething. He had never had a problem with performing in front of others, in fact, it had been something he enjoyed until the 'incident'. "Granger," he swore, convinced that this was her fault.
A smirk graced Kate's face. "There's your problem, Malfoy. You need to remember who you are fucking."
"You bitch," he said through clenched teeth. "How dare you…"
"Manners," Kate said holding up her hand. "Remember I am one of the brethren now." She grinned at his flushed face. "Threatening to sick 'daddy' on me doesn't work."
Throwing the pillow aside, Draco stood up and walked over to her, trapping her between his arms as he leaned over the chair. "I think you owe me, Thompson. After all I was the one that gave you the privileged information that someone like you hardly deserved," he said smugly, his eyes roving over her as his lost ardor suddenly sprang to life.
Coolly, Kate's eyes flickered over him before a sultry smile graced her face. "And what did you have in mind, Malfoy?" She ran a hand up his lean chest.
"Since you interrupted my activity I do believe you need to take Pansy's place," he said encouraged.
Kate's dark eyes flickered with amusement. "I really don't think you could handle me, little boy," she smirked looking down. "Ask me again when you have 'grown' a bit."
His face red, Draco raised his hand but stopped as he saw her wand pointed at his chest. "Try it," she laughed. "And you will be picking up your white arse from the other side of the room." Waving her wand to indicate he should move away, Kate stood up.
Seething in anger, Draco stood motionless until she had left, her laughter still echoing in the room.
Percy exited the small shop in Knockturn Alley, his package carefully tucked inside his robes. His face was set as he started down the street. If Snape hadn't been so stubborn and ignored his request he wouldn't be here, but he couldn't wait any longer. Penelope was almost four months along and it had to be taken care of soon. He couldn't even stand to look at her anymore, knowing that thing was growing inside her. Any love he had once felt for her had been diminished by the thought.
A man fell into step behind him and Percy's eyes narrowed. Fingering his wand he kept walking, ready to Apparate or confront the person. Another figure stepped out of a doorway and Percy drew his wand.
"Now Weasley, why would you want to do that?" drawled Doholov lazily.
"Antonin," Percy said curtly. "You should be careful who you surprise."
"And you should be more careful about betraying the Master," hissed a voice in his ear.
Percy turned his head and looked into Avery's face as he and Doholov grabbed Percy's upper arms.
"The Master wants a word with you," Antonin explained before they Apparated.
They arrived in front of the manor house in Scotland and the two men dragged Percy into the house where Voldemort was waiting, Wormtail ever cowering by his side.
"Ah, Percy, so glad you could join me on such short notice," Voldemort said smoothly, waving the two men away. After they had left, his red eyes studied Percy as a cat would watch its prey. "Tell me Weasley, did you think you could so easily disobey me?"
Trying to control his breathing, Percy bowed his head. "I would never think …"
"Do not lie, boy," Voldemort hissed. "You have in your pocket a means to destroy the child your wife carries. Did I not tell you the child would be valuable to my new regime? Every pureblood child will be trained and honed to our beliefs, our way of thinking."
Paling, Percy kept his head down. "Yes Milord." Damn you, Snape.
"Yet you chose to deliberately ignore my request. Look at me."
Percy's head snapped up. He stared into Voldemort's face, waiting for certain punishment or death.
A smile, or the facsimile of one, flickered across Voldemort's face. "What shall I do with you, young Percy? And young you are. You still do not serve me like I desire." Standing, he walked over to Percy and with a long white finger traced a line down the side of his throat, one sharp nail poised over the jugular vein. "I could kill you now with much ease. Your body would be found by your beloved family and they would mourn the loss of their wayward son. However, I have a vested interest in you because of that family. They have been a thorn in my side too long." Voldemort's voice was low and caressing. "Therefore I shall forgive you 'this' time and you shall repay my kindness."
"Thank you, Milord," Percy said weakly as the sharp nail pressed deeper into his neck. "Anything you ask."
Removing his hand, Voldemort walked back to his chair and sat. "You shall indeed, Weasley. Before the full moon rises twice, you will present to me the head of a Weasley. I am generous and do not care which. Fail me again and it will be your head that will grace my table. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes milord."
"Wormtail, take the potion from Percy and make sure he understands my instructions before he leaves," Voldemort said silkily, his eyes glittering in the light from the torches as he watched Wormtail remove the potion and lead Percy away.
There was a faint noise from the shadows. "You disapprove, Bella," Voldemort said, amused.
Bellatrix Lestrange walked into the light, resting her hand on the back of his chair. "I think he is a liability. What if he decides to return to the blood traitors?"
"This little test will forever settle that. He will never be allowed to return if he fulfills my demands." A silence filled the room. "Speak your mind, Bella. I will not chasten you for it."
"Weasley will look for revenge on Severus."
"And if he does, our slippery friend knows how to take care of himself."
"I do not understand, Master, how you can so easily forgive Snape for his treachery. I do not trust him."
Placing a skeletal hand over hers, he stroked the soft skin. "I do not trust Snape, Bella, but he is a valuable ally. He rides the fence waiting and watching, ready to turn. Do you think me a fool, sweet one?"
"No, Master! Never would I think you a fool," she simpered.
"Then our discussion is at an end unless you want to ask me what is preying on your mind."
"When the traitor is revealed I would like to have the honor of killing him."
A high-pitched laugh echoed in the hall. "Ah, my bloodthirsty wench. Is it no wonder that you are my favorite? If that time comes, it shall be granted."
Hermione could feel the tension in the room as soon as she entered. "Good evening, Headmaster, Professor Snape." Dumbledore had summoned her to his office mid-week for a midnight lesson, which was highly unusual.
"Good evening, Miss Granger," Albus said congenially. "Please sit down."
Taking a seat, Hermione looked between the men. Dumbledore sat at his desk his hands clasped before him while Severus stood several feet from him, his arms crossed in a defensive manner. The tension grew thicker and she shifted uncomfortably.
"Miss Granger, tonight I have asked you here to discuss the little matter that occurred the week before term started." She heard Professor Snape give a slight snort.
"You mean when Percy took me to Malfoy?"
"Yes. When Professor Snape went to retrieve you, he knew he was risking being exposed as a spy; however, he thought it prudent to go."
Her eyes darted to Snape. He risked so much to save me, she suddenly realized.
"It was most fortunate that the 'accident' in Malfoy's hall occurred," Albus said with a knowing smile, "And that the Order was able to alter the memories of those in attendance. However, there are ways to extract hidden thoughts from others and Voldemort managed to obtain the information he sought. He knows you were there and that Professor Snape went to retrieve you."
Hermione gasped. "Then his cover is blown?" Sudden fear gripped her, not for herself but for Severus. Voldemort would surely kill him now.
"No," Dumbledore said soberly. "Professor Snape managed to convince Voldemort that he had a vested interest in you, as a protégé in a certain magical ritual." Albus paused, his eyes turning towards Severus who did not speak.
Confused, Hermione waited for some explanation.
Finally Dumbledore continued. "Voldemort accepted Professor Snape's explanation and since Tom already had an interest in you, the events that night were forgiven."
"Why would Vo…Voldermort take an interest in me?"
"Because he knows you are Harry's friend and that you spend your holidays at the Order's Headquarters, something that he will be useful to him," Albus said simply.
Her mouth gaped. "How does he know that?"
"I told him." The cool voice startled her.
She stared at Snape. "You…you told him? Then he must know you work for the Order or how else could you know?"
"Severus," Albus said warningly.
"She needs to know everything," Severus said coldly, "everything."
He stared at Dumbledore a moment who nodded slowly.
"No, Miss Granger, the Dark Lord does not know that I am a spy. He may have his suspicions but that is inevitable. I feed him small tidbits that I receive willingly from a member of the Order of the Phoenix."
"A traitor?" Hermione thought of Peter Pettigrew and how he had betrayed his friends and her blood ran cold.
The faintest of smiles flickered briefly on Severus' face. "No, a ruse. It is common knowledge, thanks to Pettigrew, that I brew the Wolfsbane potion for Lupin. Now why would I, a faithful Death Eater, go to such trouble to make such a complex potion for a known member of the Order? When Lupin comes for his potion, he feigns desperation." His eyes bore into hers. "And I make him beg for his precious potion."
Hermione shivered, hearing the hardness in his voice.
"While Lupin is weak, desperate, pleading, I probe his mind for small bits of information and that is what the Dark Lord sees when he probes mine."
Hermione wondered if she imagined the small quiver in his voice. She swallowed hard, thinking of Remus. Such a ploy would be degrading for Remus, wouldn't it?. For one brief moment Harry and Ron's words echoed in her mind: I 'Nasty slimy bastard Snape.' /I
"What kind of magical ritual?" She looked at them concerned. "I will need to know how a person who is under whatever it is should act, won't I?"
"I told the Dark Lord that I have inducted you into the Connubium Creperum," Severus said quietly. "It is a practice of entrapping the victim into yearning so deeply for the abuser that they cannot survive, function, even think without instruction and touch. Lucius primed you for it; although I do not believe it was his intention to do so when he first took you. However, he has since then given me reason to believe that if opportunity presented he would continue.
"Yes. With basic instruction you should be able to 'perform'; however," his dark eyes looked penetratingly into hers, "a simple performance will not be enough to fool certain people, those that know the art."
"Like Malfoy." The looked at each other in silent understanding and Severus gave a brief nod.
"And Avery. He was not trained like Lucius and I - he only fancies that he has the skill - but he will know if you are acting. The responses necessary can only be experienced."
Hermione blushed fiercely. He wasn't suggesting…
"Severus, this ends now." Albus was on his feet, his eyes flashing fire. "Hermione is not strong enough."
"I disagree. Miss Granger has more strength than you give her credit for," Severus replied coolly, his eyes never leaving Hermione's.
She swallowed and lifted her chin. "I am prepared to do whatever is necessary," she said firmly, though she felt her hands shaking. "Will I… have to engage in the acts you spoke of?"
He gave her an indescribable look. "No, I do believe if I transfer my memories to you it will suffice. They will be in your mind and your emotions will react to them as if you did experience the 'acts' first hand."
"But how? Can I just imagine such…such situations and that will work?"
"You will need to see them as clearly as if you engaged of them yourself. The Dark Lord needs proof should you ever meet with him."
Hermione blanched. She couldn't imagine ever…
Albus cleared his throat. "What Professor Snape is trying to tell you, Miss Granger, is that for proof he needed the images to be real. There is a woman who once worked for the Order who kindly agreed to stage the scenarios with Severus. We used Polyjuice Potion to make her look like you for these memories."
"You did what?" Hermione didn't try to hold back her building anger, her mind reeling with the implications of what the Connubium Creperum may entail. "You used my likeness to create this, this act of …"
"It was the only way," Albus said kindly but firmly. "I instructed Dobby to take hairs from your brush. Forgive us for using you thus, but you must understand it had to be done."
She nodded though her lips were tight. Taking another deep breath she said calmly, "All right. How am I to receive these memories?"
"I have placed them in Albus' Pensieve," Severus said quietly. "There is a spell that will allow me to transfer those strands of memories to you, if you are willing."
"I am." She saw his dark eyes flash with what she thought was pride for a moment but it was quickly replaced with a cold hard look.
"Very well. First, you must look into the Pensieve. If you change your mind…"
"I won't."
"Do not interrupt, Miss Granger," he said coldly. "Once you see what is expected of you, what your mind must willingly take into its subconscious, then I will ask you again if you are still willing."
Albus brought over the silver bowl and placed it on the low table. His looked at her concernedly. "I will enter with you," he said gently. "Whenever it becomes too intense, just reach out to me."
Hermione nodded and bent over the swirling mist within the Pensieve. She looked over at Severus but he had turned away.
"On three then," Albus said. "One, two, three…"
She saw herself; no, it was that woman posing as her, in various sexual scenes taking place within Hogwarts. Most were in Snape's private chambers. Her stomach rolled over as she saw Snape one moment caressing the writhing naked woman in tenderness then suddenly backhanding her off the bed.
Hermione felt her stomach lurch as she stood in the Potions classroom, watching herself on her knees, pleasuring Severus as he twisted the other Hermione's hair painfully. She could see the pain on her face. Turning her head, she heard the slaps that fell moments later, the woman's whimpering pleas for Severus to give her relief, to pleasure her. On and on the scenes seemed to go and she was struck by how familiar some of the actions were, just as Lucius had done to her. But unlike the real Hermione, this fake kept crawling back begging to be touched, to be fucked, to be abused.
When Severus lifted the woman and positioned her on the desk, shoving hard into her from behind, Hermione met her look alike's eyes and saw the emptiness reflected there.
As if she has no soul.
Closing her eyes, she felt her knees give way and felt a firm hand on her arm, pulling her up and out. Lifting her head from the Pensieve, Hermione clapped her hand over her mouth as the vomit forced its way out. A cool hand was on the back of her neck and a trash bin was thrust in front of her. She heaved until nothing was let but clear liquid.
"Hermione," said Albus gently, sitting down the pail and helping her to sit down. "You don't have to do this." He gave her a cup of water.
Taking the offered water with shaking hands, she sipped it gratefully. "How…how could a woman agree to perform like that even in the name of helping the Order?" she asked horrified.
"She was not performing, Miss Granger."
Lifting her head she stared at him her mouth slightly agape. How could he have done those things?
"That woman was one of my protégés. She agreed to do it because I drove her mad and she longs for my touch, what I can offer her," said Severus in a voice devoid of emotion.
"This happened before Severus returned to us," Albus explained gently, as if to make the situation less horrifying.
"And am I to act as one mad?" Hermione asked nervously, a shrillness edging her voice.
"A strong willed person can survive the process," he said simply. Hermione saw the anger evident Dumbledore's face at these words but he said nothing.
"Who was the woman?"
There was silence in the office and Severus gave a slight nod.
"She is Abigail Dumbledore, my great niece," Albus said quietly. Again silence filled the air around them charged with energy too horrible to voice.
Finally Hermione spoke. "I am ready. What do I need to do?" She saw Snape give her a brief look of satisfaction. He walked over to the Pensieve and retrieved some silvery threads from it. Speaking a word of enchantment he handed her his wand. Placing the tip against her temple, she mentally braced herself as the images flooded her mind. She was grateful that they were not some of the most graphic ones, still her stomach threatened to heave again.
She felt a comforting hand on her shoulder and stared up at Severus' impassive face. "Here." He thrust a small vial into her hand. "A dreamless sleep potion. For tonight."
"I will escort Miss Granger to the Gryffindor tower," Albus said firmly, taking Hermione's arm and helping her stand. "Show yourself out, Severus."
Once in the privacy of his rooms, Severus dropped to a chair and put his head in his hands. It was for the best. She saw what he was, what he could do to another human being and she was disgusted.
'As it should be,' he thought dryly ignoring the sudden feeling of loss.
Connubium Creperum: sexual darkness.
Big thanks to Wendynat for beta services