IX
When Severus awoke again at the chime of three, he saw something so terrifying that he immediately grabbed his wand and leapt out of bed.
"Expecto Patronum!" he shouted, and a dragon made of white light burst free of his wand, spewing the Dementor with its flames.
But the Dementor seemed completely unaffected. Instead it simply floated there, holding out its arm. Severus paused and squinted at it for a moment, able to barely make out the fire through its robes.
"You know, I may be able to wrap my brain around Sirius being the ghost, even Dumbledore or Potter. But the idea of a creature that imbibes souls being a ghost I take issue with, because you don't have a soul of your own!" The Dementor, however, didn't seem too offended by Severus' reaction. It simply stood there with its arm out. "Don't tell me, you're here to show me the future, and plan to reap the rewards of my reaction to it after the fact," he glowered. "Very well, let's get it over with."
From the second Severus touched the creature's sleeve, the room darkened dramatically, and as Severus' eyes adjusted, he realized he was standing in a busy pawn shop…Borkin and Burke's, he realized. He himself had been in there on one occasion or another, but he shook his head with a frown, wondering what he was doing there now. Cloaked figures mulled around the items for sale, too disguised for Severus to pick out any one of them at first as a reason for coming, and he was growing rather impatient. It was then that he caught movement from the corner of his eye and stared at an item on a round side-table.
"Wait a moment, that's the water clock from the Headmaster's Study!" Severus said sharply, giving the table a closer look. "How did something like that get here? Dumbledore's candy dish? And I swear that tapestry there is the same one that hung in the lower corridor near Slytherin house. I must have passed that thing a thousand times…what is all of this doing here? Hey, that's MINE!" Severus shouted as he ran over to another counter and stared at a set of alchemist's scales. "Who's been raking Hogwarts clean? Someone's going to pay for this…"
Suddenly someone's hand went through him and touched the scales, and Severus stepped back and prepared to scream at them, whether they could hear him or not. The woman crouched down a bit to get a closer look, her hand moving across the scales and gently picking it up to see the initials underneath.
"Hey," hissed another woman of the same slight build standing near the other table. "I found something over here."
"I'm getting this too," the woman said, carefully setting all the counterweights in the dish and picking it up.
"We're not here for that," the other woman chided her, grabbing the candy dish and quickly catching the water clock, which nearly went tumbling to the floor. "We're supposed to be looking for that painting."
"There's not going to be enough left of it to salvage," the woman sighed but headed to the back room anyhow. Severus followed behind with his eyes intent on his alchemy scales, but they wandered as Severus kept recognizing other things from Hogwarts and out of his lab. Several items from his lab attracted the woman's attention as well, and she grabbed a phial rack and some more measuring equipment before the other woman hissed again.
"How dare you stand there and sort through my personal belongings like that? Don't you know this stuff is quite obviously hot? Can't you both possibly see that it doesn't belong here?" Severus snarled at her, but of course they didn't hear him.
"Here it is! Stashed with a bunch of others behind this bureau. Stop shopping and get over here and help me!"
"I am sorry, but this stuff is for your benefit as well as your husband's, you know," the first woman hissed.
"Never mind that! This is more important, and I'd rather not trip trying to get it out myself!" she hissed, and reluctantly the first woman helped her pull out the frame. The canvas had been shredded in every direction, but even worse the face of the painting had been burnt clear away. But even still, Severus recognized the pose and robes and the rings on his hands. It was the painting of Albus Dumbledore that hung with the gallery of other Headmaster's in the study. "Oh, no."
"I knew it would be bad," the first woman sighed. "Should we still risk it?"
"Yes, I'm not going back without it," the other woman insisted. "Come on."
"Wait until I found out who is responsible for this outrage," Severus muttered as he followed them to the front, his eyes noticing something else. "At least she didn't take my mortar and pestle." But as the two woman past the stand full of marble mortars, the first woman immediately tweaked it from the group, using it to put the scale counterweights in. "Just for that, I hope you haven't even one day's luck with it!" Severus shouted at them.
"Ah! I see you ladies have fine taste," Burke said, smiling as he studied their faces under their cloaks. "A bit of late Christmas shopping, girls?"
"Yes, you were one of the only shops open this late, and my sister and I were a bit desperate," the second woman said.
"Well, not too desperate, I trust. Many of these items are top mark, especially the alchemy equipment."
"I only want the best," the first woman said with a nod.
"You have a keen eye, my dear," Burke said. "And what have you there?"
"I found this gold frame stored in the back," the second woman said. "I was wondering if you could tell me if it's enchanted to keep dust off? I have something special that needs a protective frame."
"I think you've chosen well then, for this one even has enchantments on it to preserve color and prevent dampness from molding the fabric. Of course, that means it comes at a heftier price…times are hard, I know. They are for me as well…"
"I understand," the second woman said with a nodded. "What will it cost for all of this?"
"Oh, all of that, and the nice crystal dish? Thirty Galleons?"
"Thirty Galleons? For a bit of alchemy equipment and one old frame?" the first woman said with a dropped jaw.
"And the dish," Burke added.
"Well yes, but don't you think that's a bit much considering…"
"Now, sister, it's his Christmas as well. Care to put some of the alchemist equipment back?"
"No, I most certainly do not," the first woman said with irritation.
"Twenty-five, sir," the second woman offered. "You needn't even bother to clean the frame, we'll take it all as-is."
"Oh, very well, but you're taking advantage of my Christmas spirit," Burkes said. Severus stood seething as the items were shrunk and put into packages and the two women left.
"Well, aren't we going to follow them?" Severus asked impatiently when the Dementor didn't move. "Well, I'm going! I want to know where they're taking my stuff!" he declared and ran out after them.
The sky was dark and grey and a biting light snow floated in the air as people in black cloaks and draping hoods filled Knockturn Alley. It really wasn't all that surprising; very typical, in fact, for most there didn't want to be seen. Fortunately the two women, of the same height and traveling together, were easy to pick out of the crowd. But as they turned into Diagon Alley, Severus saw that Diagon looked no different than the alley they had just come from. It was dark with boarded windows, and not one face could be seen beneath hoods which people grasped tightly around them with gloved hands. Bars were on many of the windows, and Severus didn't miss the small regiment of Goblins lingering in front of the bank. Ollivander's shop had a large sign nailed across the door that read, "Closed indefinitely!" although anyone could have easily figured it out, for the shop was an empty charred skeleton of a building long gutted.
Severus was so busy looking around that he almost lost track of the two hooded women who had ducked into the robe shop. Severus frowned but followed them into the practically empty shop. Only Madam Malkin herself and one startled customer were there to notice their entry. Slowly the women removed their hoods, and Severus got another surprise; it was the potion assistant from Beauxbatons, Jennifer Craw, with tightly cropped hair…and there were too of them!
"Ah, it's the Conner twins! I have your robes right there, so you may try them on in the back."
"Thank you," one of the Jennifer's said as Malkin turned back to her work.
"Hold your arms out, dear, so I can get your inner measurements," Malkin coaxed, turning her gently towards the window. But Severus' quick eye didn't miss the fact that neither woman made one play at picking up the robes by the door and instead they went in without them. Squinting slightly and waving any thoughts of propriety aside, Severus continued to follow them, unsurprised when they passed the dressing rooms and went on towards the back. Immediately, he saw the sculpture of a Phoenix, and became even more interested when one of them touched it and the fireplace in the next room burst into flames. Quickly the two girls ran into it, and Severus had to scramble to make it before the door closed again.
They stepped into a short, rocky corridor and then into the back of a large basement set up to look like a classroom. Three other corridors led out in the other corners of the rectangular area as well, all coming from and leading to other secret locations. Several others were present, all of which Severus immediately recognized, but his eyes went to the figure sitting on the desk near the head of the room.
"Good, you're back! I was beginning to worry," Remus Lupin said as the two women came forward. "How did it go?"
"We got it, although I'm not sure if it'll do us any good," said one of the Jennifer's.
"Well, we'll just see what the resident painter thinks," Remus said, looking between them. "So, which one of you is my wife?" The two Jennifers grinned at each other. "Come on, don't make me have to force you to try to walk in a straight line again," he teased, still looking between them. "Aha! I see pink roots!" One of the Jennifer's immediately put her hands on her head. "Got you!"
The real Jennifer smiled and stepped away, putting the packages on the desk while Tonks half-heartedly fended off the attack. Hermione stepped over to Jennifer, helping her get the items out.
"I'm glad you're back. I think your potion is about ready, although it's a little thick," she said quietly.
"I know, but hopefully some of the stuff I picked up today will help that," Jennifer said, then slowly took the frame out.
"Oh, how horrible! There's hardly anything left!" Hermione said, aggrieved.
"I imagine that was quite intentional. Voldemort doesn't want to leave even the memory of him. I hope your friend Pyther will be able to make something of it."
"If anyone can fix it, he can. He's painted or cleaned at least half the paintings that hung at the school," Hermione began, then grew quiet.
"You miss the school, don't you?" Jennifer asked.
"Of course. The day they closed Hogwarts was one of the saddest days of my life, next to…that day," Hermione said, looking down.
"I understand," Jennifer said, glancing up to see Ron coming over. Hermione immediately went over to hug him, so Jennifer leaned the painting against the wall with the back facing out before dutifully gathering up the alchemy equipment and heading over to the fireplace to check the potion there.
Remus Lupin had returned to the front of the room, staring impatiently at his watch and greeting others as they came in. There weren't many…a handful at best. Oliver Wood was there, and Seamus, although several large scars were on his somber face. Filius Flitwick sat next to a sour-looking goblin and Sam Honeyduke leaned against the other wall, also looking grim. Everyone became alert when there was movement from one of the corridors and a loud thudding sound accompanied footsteps. Two figures appeared, one with a protective arm gripped on the other. As they took down their hoods, Severus saw it was Neville Longbottom and Alastor Moody.
"Sorry we're late," Moody grunted. "Had to dodge a thing or two, seeing how things are."
"It matters more that you are simply here," Lupin said quietly. "Late is better than not at all. Care to have a seat? How are you, Neville? Hanging in there?"
"He's not exactly the easiest taskmaster in the world," Neville confided. Moody's magic eye swung around to look at him, and he harrumphed.
"Good, I'm glad to hear it," Lupin smiled, then waited for everyone to get settled. "Welcome, everyone. Thank you for coming. Before we again, as you know, I need to take roll call of those not here," he said. "After we get that nasty business over with, we'll see about livening things up a bit." The room was deadly silent. "Figg?"
"Dead," Moody said expressionlessly. Lupin nodded with the same stony expression and struck her name on the blackboard.
"Lovegood?"
"Still missing," Hermione said expressionlessly. Lupin nodded, glancing up at the blackboard at the MIA list. "Pomfrey?"
"Still alive, at last report," Moody said.
"Well! That's something, isn't it?" Lupin said with a thin smile, but it immediately waned. "Shacklebolt?" he asked, looking over at Moody who was shaking his head. Lupin struck another name. "Sprout?" Snape squinted, glancing at the board as his was skipped.
"Gone," Neville said. Hermione and Ron looked over at him in shock, Hermione turning back around with glassy eyes.
"And Slughorn?"
"How the devil would anyone know?" Moody said irritably. "As far as I know he's probably a lawn ornament somewhere."
"I think I'll keep him listed as MIA then," Remus said, then exhaled and glanced at Tonks. She nodded encouragingly to him. "Welcome to the December meeting of the resistance league. I'm happy to say that we do have some good news to report. Moody?"
"Yes, I finally got rid of that blighter Scrimgeor," Moody said. "What a waste of breath." Neville looked uncomfortable, and Remus frowned at him. "Oh yeah, and the boy's coming along, but we're still working on his reflexes."
"Good, perhaps it's time for another pirate printing of the Veritable Wizard then, Hermione," Lupin said.
"I'll get right on it," Hermione said.
Severus made a face and shook his head. What were they doing? Why try to talk up Longbottom to the public? Where in the world was Potter? His name was not mentioned among the missing. Severus looked up on the chalkboard, but he wasn't listed there either. But his face paled dramatically when he saw that Minerva was; and her name was stricken through.
"We want everyone to know," Lupin continued, "that the resistance's plan B is alive and well, and we still need to drum up as much support as possible. And, I would also like to announce, no offense meant to Neville, that plan C is also progressing. I have…secretly, of course, gotten the consent of the entire Auror body to be licensed as an Auror myself."
"Entire body, there's only five left in the entire country," Ron whispered to Hermione.
"Now six," Hermione whispered back.
"So! Now that that's been said, Happy Christmas! Let's get this party-slash-wake rolling, shall we?" he said, turning around and cranking up the phonograph while Oliver and Ron started pushing back the tables to make a dance floor.
"I think I'll start off with a stiff drink," Neville said.
"Couldn't hurt," Moody told him, drinking out of his flask.
"I have your drink, Remus," Jennifer called out from the back of the room, bringing him a bubbling mixture that made everyone's nose wrinkle when she past it.
"Oh, gee, thanks," Lupin said half-heartedly. "Isn't there any way at all to disguise the flavor?"
"I'll work on it in my spare time, if I ever get spare time," Jennifer said back.
"Well, there's time now," he suggested.
"Oh, no you don't, Lupin. If you haven't noticed there is a lack of unmarried women at this party, she's staying," Oliver insisted.
"I get the first turn!" Moody said jumping up and pushing Oliver aside, offering Jennifer a hand. Tonks jumped up as well, and fortunately Remus was used to her constantly tripping over his feet, while Oliver and Neville were futilely attempting to cut in on Moody.
Hermione wasn't in much mood for dancing. Ron gazed at her somber face and took her hand where they sat on one of the desks.
"I would give anything for Harry to be here right now," she said at last.
"I know," Ron said quietly. "I'm sure everyone else feels the same way."
"If only he had listened to Snape that night…"
"What? Come on, Hermione, Snape deserved what he got…"
"Did he?" Hermione said.
"They took my sister, Hermione! What did you expect Harry to do? Snape had no right to expect Harry to stay out of it, and there's no way Harry was going to trust that murderer."
"But it was a trap, and you know it! Everyone knew it!" Hermione said back. "If he had stayed, he would be alive right now. Let's face it, Ginny wouldn't have made it no matter what Harry did."
"No you forget, Snape promised he'd get her out if Harry stayed," Ron said. "What a crock. If it were me, I'd have probably done the same thing to Snape myself."
"What? What did he do to me?" Severus blinked in surprise, but unfortunately Remus came over to break up the heated discussion.
"We are supposed to be having a party, you two," Remus chided them. "There are three hundred and sixty-four other days to lament over what we could have done or should have done. Now, dance, get something to eat, or grab a present to exchange, I don't care, but no more of this."
"Hermione's still trying to convince me Snape wasn't a traitor," Ron snorted.
"Frankly, it really doesn't matter anymore, does it? What's done is done, and we have to live with the consequences of Harry and his decisions whether we like it or not," Remus said. "Now, dance with her, or I shall dance with her myself."
"Hey, dance with your own wife," Ron said and got up, Hermione still in hand. Remus smiled wanly as they joined the others and went back over to Tonks.
"What happened? Don't stop talking! I want to know what happened between me and Potter that makes you think I caused all of this!" Severus shouted. But just then he felt a chill hand on his shoulder and turned to see the Dementor over him. "Harry is dead, isn't he? That's why everything here is so dismal. Voldemort has taken over! I demand to know how I am supposed to be involved in this!"
The air grew cold, and Severus found himself standing outside in the icy December air. As he turned away from the Dementor, he saw a terrible sight. He was looking over the lake at Hogwarts…it was unlit…still…and tangled, thorny brush seemed to have overtaken the grounds. Boards were over the windows…some blowing in the wind.
Severus had seen many horrors in his life, but nothing seemed as cold as that castle at that moment. Memories both good and bad flashed through him as he gazed at it, but none of them had any warmth…even the memory of Dumbledore seemed icy…lonely…disappointed.
"So it's done then. Everything has failed and he got everything he wanted," Severus said. "But I had nothing to do with this, Dementor. I did what I could to stop it and you know it!" he snapped, turning on the Dementor again. But when he did so, the scenery changed again. This time he was standing on a hill…a cemetery, Severus realized as he turned again. "What is this going to show me? What is this going to show that I didn't already know?" Severus snapped. But the Dementor pointed him towards the graves, and Severus began to wander, running first into McGonagall's grave, then Sprout's, Sinistra's and Pince's. But as he passed by them, he suddenly noticed that blood had been painted upon the backs of them in the shape of the Dark Mark. It was as he was backing up that he ran into what was left of Harry's…for despite its honorable size it had been chipped, broken and cracked except for the date of December twenty-sixth, which had been clearly circled in blood and the Mark prevalently drawn both the front and back.
"I should have known this never would have worked. I should have known all along you would be too weak for this stupid prophecy," Severus muttered. "You had to be a fool! You had to blindly go into yet another situation you couldn't handle! YOU GOT WHAT YOU DESERVED!" he screamed, turning his back to it and hurrying down the hill, practically tripping over the Weasley family gravestone in his impatience to get away. "Couldn't afford anything better, I suppose, than a single stone at the bottom of the hill. Fine! Good riddance to all of you then, for letting Voldemort do this!" he said. He turned and stumbled on another fallen stone, his face paling as he read it; Two Willowby children; Ex-Survivors of Haven's Bluff. Severus shook his head, not wanting to believe such a stone could possibly be there, marked with blood, and began backing up so quickly that he tripped and landed in front of a grave.
Severus slowly looked up at the grave to see his own name…the date was the day after present day Christmas: Severus Snape, Traitor to All But the Dark Lord. But that was not as startling as the fact that some person had taken a knife to the grave and had carved an unmistakable jagged symbol upon it.
"Potter! Potter kills me? YOU FOOL! You stupid, STUPID IDIOT! Do you really think I would have come back to the school if I didn't have to worry about your worthless ass? Do you really think for one moment that I couldn't have killed you the night I killed Dumbledore, or why we didn't drag you to the Dark Lord right then and there? I was the only one who could have found the Horcruxes! I LOST EVERYTHING BECAUSE OF YOU!" Severus furiously kicked up the dirt around his grave in defiance before turning on the Dementor. "Do you really think I'm going to lay down and take this kind of future? Well, I have a surprise for you then. I don't believe in a fate I can't control! How dare you show me such dark endings? How dare you undermine everything I have fought for? This fate MUST be changed. It WILL be changed. And nothing you can do can stop me from changing it!"
The Dementor drew itself up then, towering above Severus, drawing his skeletal hands up to his hood threateningly.
"So you think to show me all these things than rob me of my soul?" Severus said with angry tears in his eyes. "Fine! Go ahead! It's not like it's worth much! I hope I give you a bellyache!"
Severus braced himself as the Dementor removed its hood, quite certain that within an instant that everything that was Severus Snape would be no more.