A/N: I do not own anything to do with the Harry Potter universe. J K
Rowling owns it all. I'm just having fun with her characters. This is the
sequel to my first story Sekhmet's Book. I don't as yet know if I'll make
this into a trilogy series. I guess I'll just see how this story goes for
now. I am currently writing this story as fast as I can. which is
unfortunately about one chapter per month. So, it's not complete but it
most definitely will be. just give me time. Please leave a review as my
muse needs feeding before she gets up and leaves.
Enjoy.
Chapter Two
Present Time
Severus stared at the tear stains, which had left little raised marks on the page. He was amazed that they had also been copied along with Hermione's writing. He turned the page and saw the most detailed drawing of a mud hut and it's very basic interior sketched with something like charcoal. Michael had not only captured the hut in great detail but had also sketched a picture of Hermione on the following page as she slept on top of the flax-filled floor. He gently traced the face of his wife with his finger and sighed heavily. Taking a few moments to gaze at the picture of his sleeping wife he was startled by a knock on his door and it opening seconds later.
"Albus," Severus greeted as he started to get up from his position on the couch. "It is never evening already, is it?" He asked incredulously as he looked at his old mentor.
"Yes, six thirty to be precise, my boy." Albus said as Severus moved to close the diary and place it down on the small table again. "Have you found anything of interest?" Albus asked as he withdrew his wand and summoned a veritable feast from the kitchens onto a now enlarged table and handed Severus a plate.
"They had a hard landing and the potions vials smashed. So, Hermione will have to brew a new potion in order for them to return home." Severus explained.
"I assume she will be able to do it then?" Albus asked.
"I enclosed the ingredients she would need in case anything went wrong and she would need to brew to potion again. I can't believe that her calculations would be off so much. I have no idea why she couldn't calculate the ingredients to return them home when we were expecting them anyway."
"Perhaps you will find your answer to that when you read a little more." Albus told him optimistically.
"Yes, day three eagerly awaits me." Severus sighed, as he glanced at the diary once more and shook his head slightly to himself.
"Well, I'm sure you can read that when you have eaten and seen to Callum if he wakes." Albus said as he tucked into his own plate of food.
"Hermione is writing quite lengthy daily accounts so far," Severus said, breaking the silence that had ensued as they began to eat.
"I'm sure that she will be most thorough in her explanations." Albus replied.
"Michael is quite the artist as well; he has managed to capture a very wide range of anything he has seen in the past." Severus told him as he glanced up at Albus. "He drew a picture of Hermione asleep." Albus raised his eyebrows.
"Perhaps you can show me after we eat?" Albus asked as he glanced up at Severus who was looking intently at a slice of quiche.
"Perhaps, although most of what Hermione is writing appears to be addressed to me she has much factual information that will be of great use to historians. When they return I suspect that she and Michael will edit the diary into a publishable work."
"Then I shall certainly read the finished article but will leave it for you to inform me of anything you deem necessary in the mean time." Albus told his young professor, he was well aware of how much Severus valued his privacy.
After dinner Albus and Severus went to look in on Callum. He was sitting upright in his cot wide awake, not crying or making any noise; he was simply looking around the dimmed room with an intensity that only babies seemed to possess. When Severus entered, followed closely by Albus, Callum's attention immediately turned to his father. He pulled himself up to a standing position using the cot sides and bounced up and down happily at the unexpected company.
"Hello, Callum," Severus said as he approached and took him out of the cot, sitting him up in his arms. "How long have you been awake? You usually cry very loudly to ensure you aren't by yourself for too long. Severus asked gazing into his son's dark eyes and rubbing his back.
"He's just being curious," Albus said causing Callum to immediately turn his head to the new voice in the room. Callum lifted his arms towards Albus, wanting to be held by the Headmaster instead. Albus chuckled before glancing at Severus for permission. Severus nodded his head once and handed Callum over to his mentor.
"I can feed Callum and play with him if you want to get back to your reading?" Albus offered.
"Yes, Albus, that would be most helpful. If you'd like to go into the nursery all of his belongings are in there." Severus said motioning over to a door next to his and Hermione's room. Albus nodded and left with Callum while Severus settled back down on the couch, picked up the diary and prepared to find out what happened on day three.
~~*~~
Ancient Egypt, Old Kingdom, 2458 BC, day three
Good bye mud hut and hello to what I suppose is a very up market part of town and probably one of the most modern buildings. This place even has running water. well, an open drain system running right under the window anyway!
Now, Severus, do not get mad here for it was a necessary course of action. Ptah was starting to make advances towards. well, you would think it would be me since I'm female but in actual fact it was towards Michael! So, we had to break the news that we are both married. to each other We showed them our transfigured wands/rings and they believe that they are both some kind of wedding band since they are very similar.
Michael was quite dumbfounded with the advances of Ptah and he assumes it is because of his blonde hair. every one of the natives has very dark hair, as I'm sure you are aware.
The only draw back of this charade is that they have now put us into a room with only one double bed. Well, I say bed but it is merely a bigger slab with many layers of animal skins to provide some sort of comfort. I will be casting some fumigation spells before I go near them however. Michael offered me the bed and said he would take the floor but I see that as senseless. I sincerely hope that you do not misunderstand me, Severus for I mean nothing by it but I did insist on telling him we should share this 'bed'.
Anyway, moving away from the living conditions and onto what has been happening today.
After our move from the mud hut and of course after breakfast we ended up near to the Royal residences, which are right on the edge of the Nile believe it or not. Michael informs me that the Nile floods annually for three months of the year. So, I'm assuming this place is going to be under water for some time fairly soon. I have no idea where we will live then but I did notice that this is a two tiered building. so perhaps upstairs?
Oh, Severus. I took a look at what Michael had been doing in the diary last night and isn't he just the most amazing artist? I had no idea he was drawing me. but then, as you can see, I was fast asleep. He's going to keep on drawing throughout the book.
Anyway, instead of working today we were instructed to go out and basically explore the city. So, we headed off out as soon as we had settled in. We found all over the buildings and statues many stories in hieroglyphics pertaining to Ptah. Michael is good at reading the hieroglyphics and translated for me.
It appears that Ptah is regarded as something of an intellectual principle in this time period and in this part of Egypt. He is described as the supreme creator of the universe and is said to have made the world, the gods, cult-centres, shrines, cities, food and drink. well basically everything essential to daily life. Ptah is also known as the God of Truth and is said to have created divine utterance and established a code of ethics. of course I am quoting directly from the translation given to me by Michael.
Ptah's creative role was inscribed on the back of a large piece of black granite stone outside one of his temples positioned in the centre of Memphis. Michael tells me that this stone can now be found in the British Museum. So, Michael is going to produce a few pictures of the said stone and its relative position within the city over the course of the next few pages after I have finished my account.
Anyway, it is written that whatever Ptah uttered would come into being. Now, I will be looking for evidence of his so-called magical ability and will obviously report whatever I see, as it's either made up or he's very good at either conjuring or Transfiguration.
After our look around the city we decided that it would be as good a time as any to apparate back to Ancient Hogwarts and begin the Tempus Fugit Aversus Potion.
So, back we were in the sub dungeons and quickly removed our glamour charms and quickly transfigured long dark robes instead of our usual white togas. We quickly and quietly left the sub dungeons and ascended to the main dungeons. I kept expecting to see you suddenly sweep around the corner with your robes billowing behind you, Severus but alas, you never did. What I wouldn't have given for a copy of Harry's Marauder's Map right then though. Unfortunately we were accosted by one of the professors. A man about the same height as Michael with very long dark brown hair and a presence that made us both cower involuntarily. In fact, Severus, he reminded me of you a little when I was in first year and you had just discovered Harry, Ron and I having just felled the troll in the girl's toilets. Do you remember this incident? Your face was such a picture!
Anyway, we quickly determined that yet another translation spell would be in order because what 'Hogwarts: A History' fails to point out is that in this time period, Hogwarts' residents spoke fluent Latin! Now, my Latin is fairly good, as is Michael's but we could not understand this professor too well. I was too taken aback to push my brain into gear but Michael was well ahead of me and threw a translation spell at me.
Of course by this time we had missed half of what the professor had been saying. When he stopped to look at us and raised an eyebrow expectantly, and we looked back at him quite blankly, he began to speak very clearly, slowly and in a most condescending manner. I felt like batting him very hard.
"Why are you not in class?" He demanded of us and we just looked at him trying to come up with a story. Did we really look like students?
"We have a free period." I said and he cocked his head to one side and regarded me with a cold and most piercing expression.
"I do not recognise either of you. State your identities." He snarled as he stood and folded his arms across his chest.
"Michael Creevy," I heard from my travelling companion. The professor then turned his gaze onto me and despite my height superiority to him I felt myself shrinking under his intensity.
"I am Hermione," I said simply and trying to pull out my inner Gryffindor without much success.
"Hermione. what?" He asked very slowly, he must have thought me a dim- witted female but then they were fairly chauvinistic in this time period.
"Granger." I began to state my double-barrelled surname but he cut me off. the gall of the man!
"Mudbloods!" He snarled and my heart sank. prejudice even in this time frame but then nothing I'm not used to having grown up with a Malfoy in my year group.
"Well, who might you be, Sir?" I demanded of him and pulled myself up to my full height, giving him my best stern-teachers' glare.
"I am the Head of Slytherin House and the Deputy Headmaster." Oh great, just whom you want to meet on a covert mission, I thought. Now, don't you laugh at me Severus, I can just imagine what you are thinking.
"Your name?" I demanded with an equally cocky manner of my own.
"Professor Sinjin Snape." My jaw dropped.
Severus. how could you not tell me your ancestor would be at Hogwarts in this time period? This man was my in-law and he was being openly prejudiced towards my bloodline. How dare he!
"So, you've heard of me then?" He drawled.now I know where you get it from, Severus except I think it has been perfected throughout the Snape generations!
"Only your surname, Professor." I responded coldly- my mind a whirl.
"The name Snape is a most powerful one." He stated in a haughty manner. I didn't disagree but would I tell him my secret?
"What do you teach, Professor?" I asked and Michael shifted uneasily at my side.
"What is it to you?" He demanded succinctly.
"We need some help with a potion." I told him offhandedly.
"Potion?" He spat. "Foolish cooking?" My jaw dropped again and I couldn't quite believe what I was hearing here. especially from an ancestor of yours, Severus.
"I teach Alchemy. A far more exact art form." He informed us point blank and with a sneer.
"But then you should still have access to cauldrons. May we borrow one. erm. standard size two, please?" I asked hopeful that he would have a helpful nature that was sure to make itself known fairly soon. yeah right!
"No." He snapped quite possessively. Well, perhaps that helpfulness was buried deep beneath the surface.
"Why?" Michael piped up from my side, earning the dark gaze of the Alchemy Professor once more.. I really must speak to you about this turn of events, Severus! It was a most unnerving ordeal.
"Why do you need one? Who are you? Where are you from?" I sighed heavily. too many questions and hadn't I already answered them?
"We need to brew a potion to help return us to our own time. We are then obviously from the future and this is Michael Creevy as he said and I am Hermione Granger-Snape. if you'd have let me finish the first time you would have known that." I informed him. Okay, I know what you are thinking about polluting the time line, Severus but fear not. all will be revealed. He was silent for a while and staring at us quite solemnly. Before I knew it he had whispered "Legillimens," and was sifting through my brain in the most horrid of fashions.
"Ah, you speak the truth," he finally said and gestured for us to follow him. He led us to a storage room and handed us one cauldron. most kind. We were just stepping out of the room when he mentioned that he would have to inform the Headmistress about our arrival. Well, that couldn't happen so I obliviated him and we ran away back down to our hiding place in the sub- dungeons. We would not chance going back up into to castle anymore for now.
So, we started the potion off and warded the room from any intruders before returning to our chambers in Egypt to document what had just happened.
At dinnertime we headed towards an eating place for the Master Craftsmen and Builders. The menu was obviously more appetising now with a range of fish, fruit and meats. We ate heartily and left once the work for the next day had been given to us. Incidentally, we are indeed working on the burial chamber in Neferirkare's pyramid. On the way back to our chambers we stopped when we saw Hathor and Ptah heading our way arm in arm. They had not seen us and so we cast invisibility spells and decided to follow. From what we could gather from their conversation Hathor had been summoned by her father, Re to Heliopolis in the morning, as he was summoning his entire flock of followers and some of his close deities. It was thought by Hathor that he was going to order her to punish the Egyptian population for their "disloyal murmurings".
We quickly returned to our chambers and removed the invisibility spells. Tomorrow was going to be the day and we have to follow Hathor under our invisibility guise no matter what.
So, tomorrow is going to be a big day. We are supposed to be visiting the burial chambers in the Memphis necropolis to help with the tomb decorations but we are going to have to follow Hathor instead. Hopefully no one will notice. fingers and toes crossed of course.
Following are some more drawings by Michael. you may find the sketch of your ancestor very interesting, Severus.
I hope you have some peace of mind knowing that the Tempus Fugit Aversus Potion is now under way. Hopefully we won't be away for too much longer. my calculations for the ingredients have been checked and re-checked so I foresee no problems. It should simply be eight weeks for me, and a few hours for you. I timed it like this so that we would not run into ourselves leaving. time travel is so complicated is it not?
I miss you and Callum so much, all my love.
Present Day
Sinjin Snape? Now, there was a name Severus had not heard in a long while. He was something of a fourteen times great uncle or something. He had indeed been Deputy Headmaster at Hogwarts under the incompetent management of Balfresia Crumble, a Hufflepuff who had managed to attain the lofty height of Headmistress of Hogwarts as no-one else was stupid enough to take such a dangerous position in that day and age. She had lasted for three years before being caught and hanged for being a witch. Sinjin had been at Hogwarts for many years and had indeed taught Alchemy. The obliviate spell obviously worked as no stories at all had been passed down through the Snape line about Hermione and Michael suddenly turning up from the future.
Severus had never seen Sinjin's picture; his portrait at his family home had been damaged beyond repair by a freak flood and had therefore been completely destroyed. Michael's drawing was indeed exceptionally well detailed and must be very close to what Sinjin actually looked like. He would have loved to be a witness to the conversation between Sinjin and Hermione. He would have also loved to have the chance to defend his subject of Potions, and perhaps have a discussion about the severe lack of scientific grounding in Alchemy.
As for what had gone wrong with Hermione's calculations, Severus could not imagine. They had already been gone for eleven hours; Severus worked it out as he glanced up at the clock on the mantle piece.
Severus stood up and rubbed his eyes. He had noticed Albus and Callum had not surfaced from the nursery as yet and so went to check on them both. It was already ten o'clock and Severus was going to turn in to bed and read for a little while longer before hopefully catching a couple of hours of sleep. He opened the door of the nursery and stepped inside to find Callum and the Headmaster sitting on the rug on the floor and watching dragons fly across the wall. Callum was pointing his finger and following the dragons across the wall. Severus followed his son's gaze and noticed that the dragons were actually changing colours as they moved.
"Is everything alright?" Severus asked and the Headmaster and Callum suddenly turned towards him. Severus noticed that the dragons immediately froze on the wall.
"Oh, yes, Severus. We were simply practising with Callum's magic." Albus informed him and Severus raised his eyebrows in astonishment.
"Callum was controlling the dragons?" Severus asked.
"Yes, and changing their colours as they moved. You have one very powerful little boy here, Severus and he is learning quite quickly." Albus told him with a twinkle in his eyes. "He should sleep well tonight, Severus. Practising usually makes him sleep for hours very soundly.
"I never knew he had that kind of ability, Albus. We had been so worried he would either receive his magic late or not at all after he had been prematurely born." Severus said as he picked his son up and kissed him on the top of the head. "I think you should have a bottle, a bath and then get some sleep, young man." Severus said as Callum's eyes immediately began to droop.
"Oh, I've already bathed and changed him for you, Severus." Albus informed him.
"Thank you, Albus." Severus said graciously. "Just supper then, Callum."
"I will leave you until tomorrow then, Severus. Let me know if you find out anything significant or if you need any help." Albus said as he stood up from the floor and dusted himself down.
"Will do," Severus said as the Headmaster began to leave.
"Good night then you two and I shall see you both in the Great Hall for breakfast." Albus said as he left and Severus knew it was not a request.
"Come on then, Callum." Severus told his son as he conjured a bottle and sat down in the nursery chair to feed him. Callum was starting to grip the bottle himself now so Severus was only really there to ensure he didn't choke.
Soon, Callum had been winded and was settled down for a good long sleep in his cot. Severus had changed into his pyjamas and was settled in bed with the diary opened to day four in no time.
~~*~~
Ancient Egypt, Old Kingdom, 2458 BC day four
We joined the throng of workers in the morning and headed off towards the necropolis. After "signing" in we quickly found a deserted spot and apparated back to our chambers. We cast invisibility spells and went out in search of Hathor. She was easy enough to find as a carnival of camels was waiting outside of the Royal residence for her. Various attendants helped Hathor into the covered seating area on top of the camel, and soon the carnival was leaving for Heliopolis. We quickly jumped onto two unburdened camels before they stood up and headed out with the entourage still under the guise of invisibility.
Sore. that word doesn't even cover the feeling I have after being on the back of that damned camel for three hours straight! I'm finding it difficult to walk. and yes I did cast cushioning charms. So, now I feel ill through the pain in my back and bottom and generally nauseous all the time anyway. I'm thinking that the heat is not agreeing with me at all but then Michael seems to be doing all right. Michael is also walking like John Wayne.ha-ha. Oh, you won't know who John Wayne is, Severus. He was an actor on Muggle Wild West films from the 1960's and 70's.
Anyway, we finally got off those camels at midday and attempted to follow Hathor under our invisibility spells. We managed to keep up with her despite our conditions at any rate. She entered into a huge temple, which was situated in the centre of Heliopolis, which in your time, Severus, is a suburb of Cairo. A huge obelisk is situated in front of the temple, and I assume Michael will sketch this at some point. The obelisk has great significance though- it stands as the focal point of Re's cult, as it is said that the first rays of the sun were cast onto it. I do believe it still stands in your time, Severus.
Anyway, we entered this huge temple and followed Hathor through a long pillared corridor to a huge chamber at the end. There, pacing back and forth was a man wearing a head dress depicting a hawk, and another one of those false beards similar to Ptah's. He was also wearing gold armour on his shins and forearms, which were bejewelled with lapis lazuli- indicating that he must be of great importance. He suddenly turned at the sound of Hathor's footsteps and she immediately dropped to one knee in front of him and bowed her head.
"My daughter, Hathor," he greeted in a deep voice.
"My Lord and father," Hathor greeted him in return.
"Rise, my daughter and walk with me," he told her with a gesture of his hand. They immediately left the temple and headed out into the most exquisitely maintained gardens. Severus, I have never seen such a beautiful sight in all my life. The gardens are huge and filled with a sheer abundance of plants and flowers casting an array of colours and scents that are truly out of this world. It is what I see when I think of paradise and I swear that this place is timeless.
"Long I have awaited you, my daughter."
"My apologies, father but I only received your word late last night and left my husband and Memphis as soon as I could." Hathor told him as they wandered slowly around a gravelled pathway towards a little stream.
"I have summoned my most trustworthy followers."
"But why, father?" Hathor asked him.
"My cult is showing some discourse of late. Some of my followers are waning towards new beliefs, which are rising up in the South. They need to understand that the word of Re is not to be turned against. I want to stop this rebellion of humankind before it can escalate and become uncontrollable." So, this was Re, the sun god. He was certainly a rather imposing figure to say the least. I'm quite sure that the man is even taller than you are, Severus. although his head dress is rather large and certainly adds to his height somewhat.
"What can I do to help, father?" Hathor asked; she seemed quite humbled when in the presence of this man.
"I have called several deities to speak with my counsel this evening. I want you there also. We shall devise a plan to cleanse the land of those who dare to oppose me." Re responded, he was really quite angry and I would not have liked to see him when he truly exploded.
Hathor just nodded and they were silent for a long time. Michael and I are simply sitting underneath one of the large trees and trying to keep as quiet as possible. The sun has just begun to lower in the sky and evening approaches. Re and Hathor have simply been strolling through the gardens silently again and so Michael and I have stayed well out of their way and in the safety of the shadows. As the meeting is not until tonight I doubt we are missing anything of importance.
You should notice on the following page a drawing of the gardens in which we sit, Severus. It is a pity the drawing is in black and white as you simply cannot see the beauty of this place. I'll leave off right here as I see our two subjects are going inside.
~~*~~
Present Day
Severus yawned tiredly and rubbed his eyes. It seemed as good a place as any to leave off with the diary for now. He would resume in the morning. He closed the diary after placing a marker in between the pages and set it on his bedside table. After checking on Callum quickly he pulled the covers up and pulled one of Hermione's pillows closer to him. He could smell her scent on the pillow and breathed in deeply. This would be the first night she would spend in the past from his perspective. He couldn't believe that she had been separated from him once again.
Severus sighed and closed his eyes, he would try to sleep. His eyes felt heavy after his previous displays of emotion and all of the reading he had done. Tomorrow would be another day. Another day of being away from his beloved wife, and another day filled with loneliness and wanton despair.
Enjoy.
Chapter Two
Present Time
Severus stared at the tear stains, which had left little raised marks on the page. He was amazed that they had also been copied along with Hermione's writing. He turned the page and saw the most detailed drawing of a mud hut and it's very basic interior sketched with something like charcoal. Michael had not only captured the hut in great detail but had also sketched a picture of Hermione on the following page as she slept on top of the flax-filled floor. He gently traced the face of his wife with his finger and sighed heavily. Taking a few moments to gaze at the picture of his sleeping wife he was startled by a knock on his door and it opening seconds later.
"Albus," Severus greeted as he started to get up from his position on the couch. "It is never evening already, is it?" He asked incredulously as he looked at his old mentor.
"Yes, six thirty to be precise, my boy." Albus said as Severus moved to close the diary and place it down on the small table again. "Have you found anything of interest?" Albus asked as he withdrew his wand and summoned a veritable feast from the kitchens onto a now enlarged table and handed Severus a plate.
"They had a hard landing and the potions vials smashed. So, Hermione will have to brew a new potion in order for them to return home." Severus explained.
"I assume she will be able to do it then?" Albus asked.
"I enclosed the ingredients she would need in case anything went wrong and she would need to brew to potion again. I can't believe that her calculations would be off so much. I have no idea why she couldn't calculate the ingredients to return them home when we were expecting them anyway."
"Perhaps you will find your answer to that when you read a little more." Albus told him optimistically.
"Yes, day three eagerly awaits me." Severus sighed, as he glanced at the diary once more and shook his head slightly to himself.
"Well, I'm sure you can read that when you have eaten and seen to Callum if he wakes." Albus said as he tucked into his own plate of food.
"Hermione is writing quite lengthy daily accounts so far," Severus said, breaking the silence that had ensued as they began to eat.
"I'm sure that she will be most thorough in her explanations." Albus replied.
"Michael is quite the artist as well; he has managed to capture a very wide range of anything he has seen in the past." Severus told him as he glanced up at Albus. "He drew a picture of Hermione asleep." Albus raised his eyebrows.
"Perhaps you can show me after we eat?" Albus asked as he glanced up at Severus who was looking intently at a slice of quiche.
"Perhaps, although most of what Hermione is writing appears to be addressed to me she has much factual information that will be of great use to historians. When they return I suspect that she and Michael will edit the diary into a publishable work."
"Then I shall certainly read the finished article but will leave it for you to inform me of anything you deem necessary in the mean time." Albus told his young professor, he was well aware of how much Severus valued his privacy.
After dinner Albus and Severus went to look in on Callum. He was sitting upright in his cot wide awake, not crying or making any noise; he was simply looking around the dimmed room with an intensity that only babies seemed to possess. When Severus entered, followed closely by Albus, Callum's attention immediately turned to his father. He pulled himself up to a standing position using the cot sides and bounced up and down happily at the unexpected company.
"Hello, Callum," Severus said as he approached and took him out of the cot, sitting him up in his arms. "How long have you been awake? You usually cry very loudly to ensure you aren't by yourself for too long. Severus asked gazing into his son's dark eyes and rubbing his back.
"He's just being curious," Albus said causing Callum to immediately turn his head to the new voice in the room. Callum lifted his arms towards Albus, wanting to be held by the Headmaster instead. Albus chuckled before glancing at Severus for permission. Severus nodded his head once and handed Callum over to his mentor.
"I can feed Callum and play with him if you want to get back to your reading?" Albus offered.
"Yes, Albus, that would be most helpful. If you'd like to go into the nursery all of his belongings are in there." Severus said motioning over to a door next to his and Hermione's room. Albus nodded and left with Callum while Severus settled back down on the couch, picked up the diary and prepared to find out what happened on day three.
~~*~~
Ancient Egypt, Old Kingdom, 2458 BC, day three
Good bye mud hut and hello to what I suppose is a very up market part of town and probably one of the most modern buildings. This place even has running water. well, an open drain system running right under the window anyway!
Now, Severus, do not get mad here for it was a necessary course of action. Ptah was starting to make advances towards. well, you would think it would be me since I'm female but in actual fact it was towards Michael! So, we had to break the news that we are both married. to each other We showed them our transfigured wands/rings and they believe that they are both some kind of wedding band since they are very similar.
Michael was quite dumbfounded with the advances of Ptah and he assumes it is because of his blonde hair. every one of the natives has very dark hair, as I'm sure you are aware.
The only draw back of this charade is that they have now put us into a room with only one double bed. Well, I say bed but it is merely a bigger slab with many layers of animal skins to provide some sort of comfort. I will be casting some fumigation spells before I go near them however. Michael offered me the bed and said he would take the floor but I see that as senseless. I sincerely hope that you do not misunderstand me, Severus for I mean nothing by it but I did insist on telling him we should share this 'bed'.
Anyway, moving away from the living conditions and onto what has been happening today.
After our move from the mud hut and of course after breakfast we ended up near to the Royal residences, which are right on the edge of the Nile believe it or not. Michael informs me that the Nile floods annually for three months of the year. So, I'm assuming this place is going to be under water for some time fairly soon. I have no idea where we will live then but I did notice that this is a two tiered building. so perhaps upstairs?
Oh, Severus. I took a look at what Michael had been doing in the diary last night and isn't he just the most amazing artist? I had no idea he was drawing me. but then, as you can see, I was fast asleep. He's going to keep on drawing throughout the book.
Anyway, instead of working today we were instructed to go out and basically explore the city. So, we headed off out as soon as we had settled in. We found all over the buildings and statues many stories in hieroglyphics pertaining to Ptah. Michael is good at reading the hieroglyphics and translated for me.
It appears that Ptah is regarded as something of an intellectual principle in this time period and in this part of Egypt. He is described as the supreme creator of the universe and is said to have made the world, the gods, cult-centres, shrines, cities, food and drink. well basically everything essential to daily life. Ptah is also known as the God of Truth and is said to have created divine utterance and established a code of ethics. of course I am quoting directly from the translation given to me by Michael.
Ptah's creative role was inscribed on the back of a large piece of black granite stone outside one of his temples positioned in the centre of Memphis. Michael tells me that this stone can now be found in the British Museum. So, Michael is going to produce a few pictures of the said stone and its relative position within the city over the course of the next few pages after I have finished my account.
Anyway, it is written that whatever Ptah uttered would come into being. Now, I will be looking for evidence of his so-called magical ability and will obviously report whatever I see, as it's either made up or he's very good at either conjuring or Transfiguration.
After our look around the city we decided that it would be as good a time as any to apparate back to Ancient Hogwarts and begin the Tempus Fugit Aversus Potion.
So, back we were in the sub dungeons and quickly removed our glamour charms and quickly transfigured long dark robes instead of our usual white togas. We quickly and quietly left the sub dungeons and ascended to the main dungeons. I kept expecting to see you suddenly sweep around the corner with your robes billowing behind you, Severus but alas, you never did. What I wouldn't have given for a copy of Harry's Marauder's Map right then though. Unfortunately we were accosted by one of the professors. A man about the same height as Michael with very long dark brown hair and a presence that made us both cower involuntarily. In fact, Severus, he reminded me of you a little when I was in first year and you had just discovered Harry, Ron and I having just felled the troll in the girl's toilets. Do you remember this incident? Your face was such a picture!
Anyway, we quickly determined that yet another translation spell would be in order because what 'Hogwarts: A History' fails to point out is that in this time period, Hogwarts' residents spoke fluent Latin! Now, my Latin is fairly good, as is Michael's but we could not understand this professor too well. I was too taken aback to push my brain into gear but Michael was well ahead of me and threw a translation spell at me.
Of course by this time we had missed half of what the professor had been saying. When he stopped to look at us and raised an eyebrow expectantly, and we looked back at him quite blankly, he began to speak very clearly, slowly and in a most condescending manner. I felt like batting him very hard.
"Why are you not in class?" He demanded of us and we just looked at him trying to come up with a story. Did we really look like students?
"We have a free period." I said and he cocked his head to one side and regarded me with a cold and most piercing expression.
"I do not recognise either of you. State your identities." He snarled as he stood and folded his arms across his chest.
"Michael Creevy," I heard from my travelling companion. The professor then turned his gaze onto me and despite my height superiority to him I felt myself shrinking under his intensity.
"I am Hermione," I said simply and trying to pull out my inner Gryffindor without much success.
"Hermione. what?" He asked very slowly, he must have thought me a dim- witted female but then they were fairly chauvinistic in this time period.
"Granger." I began to state my double-barrelled surname but he cut me off. the gall of the man!
"Mudbloods!" He snarled and my heart sank. prejudice even in this time frame but then nothing I'm not used to having grown up with a Malfoy in my year group.
"Well, who might you be, Sir?" I demanded of him and pulled myself up to my full height, giving him my best stern-teachers' glare.
"I am the Head of Slytherin House and the Deputy Headmaster." Oh great, just whom you want to meet on a covert mission, I thought. Now, don't you laugh at me Severus, I can just imagine what you are thinking.
"Your name?" I demanded with an equally cocky manner of my own.
"Professor Sinjin Snape." My jaw dropped.
Severus. how could you not tell me your ancestor would be at Hogwarts in this time period? This man was my in-law and he was being openly prejudiced towards my bloodline. How dare he!
"So, you've heard of me then?" He drawled.now I know where you get it from, Severus except I think it has been perfected throughout the Snape generations!
"Only your surname, Professor." I responded coldly- my mind a whirl.
"The name Snape is a most powerful one." He stated in a haughty manner. I didn't disagree but would I tell him my secret?
"What do you teach, Professor?" I asked and Michael shifted uneasily at my side.
"What is it to you?" He demanded succinctly.
"We need some help with a potion." I told him offhandedly.
"Potion?" He spat. "Foolish cooking?" My jaw dropped again and I couldn't quite believe what I was hearing here. especially from an ancestor of yours, Severus.
"I teach Alchemy. A far more exact art form." He informed us point blank and with a sneer.
"But then you should still have access to cauldrons. May we borrow one. erm. standard size two, please?" I asked hopeful that he would have a helpful nature that was sure to make itself known fairly soon. yeah right!
"No." He snapped quite possessively. Well, perhaps that helpfulness was buried deep beneath the surface.
"Why?" Michael piped up from my side, earning the dark gaze of the Alchemy Professor once more.. I really must speak to you about this turn of events, Severus! It was a most unnerving ordeal.
"Why do you need one? Who are you? Where are you from?" I sighed heavily. too many questions and hadn't I already answered them?
"We need to brew a potion to help return us to our own time. We are then obviously from the future and this is Michael Creevy as he said and I am Hermione Granger-Snape. if you'd have let me finish the first time you would have known that." I informed him. Okay, I know what you are thinking about polluting the time line, Severus but fear not. all will be revealed. He was silent for a while and staring at us quite solemnly. Before I knew it he had whispered "Legillimens," and was sifting through my brain in the most horrid of fashions.
"Ah, you speak the truth," he finally said and gestured for us to follow him. He led us to a storage room and handed us one cauldron. most kind. We were just stepping out of the room when he mentioned that he would have to inform the Headmistress about our arrival. Well, that couldn't happen so I obliviated him and we ran away back down to our hiding place in the sub- dungeons. We would not chance going back up into to castle anymore for now.
So, we started the potion off and warded the room from any intruders before returning to our chambers in Egypt to document what had just happened.
At dinnertime we headed towards an eating place for the Master Craftsmen and Builders. The menu was obviously more appetising now with a range of fish, fruit and meats. We ate heartily and left once the work for the next day had been given to us. Incidentally, we are indeed working on the burial chamber in Neferirkare's pyramid. On the way back to our chambers we stopped when we saw Hathor and Ptah heading our way arm in arm. They had not seen us and so we cast invisibility spells and decided to follow. From what we could gather from their conversation Hathor had been summoned by her father, Re to Heliopolis in the morning, as he was summoning his entire flock of followers and some of his close deities. It was thought by Hathor that he was going to order her to punish the Egyptian population for their "disloyal murmurings".
We quickly returned to our chambers and removed the invisibility spells. Tomorrow was going to be the day and we have to follow Hathor under our invisibility guise no matter what.
So, tomorrow is going to be a big day. We are supposed to be visiting the burial chambers in the Memphis necropolis to help with the tomb decorations but we are going to have to follow Hathor instead. Hopefully no one will notice. fingers and toes crossed of course.
Following are some more drawings by Michael. you may find the sketch of your ancestor very interesting, Severus.
I hope you have some peace of mind knowing that the Tempus Fugit Aversus Potion is now under way. Hopefully we won't be away for too much longer. my calculations for the ingredients have been checked and re-checked so I foresee no problems. It should simply be eight weeks for me, and a few hours for you. I timed it like this so that we would not run into ourselves leaving. time travel is so complicated is it not?
I miss you and Callum so much, all my love.
Present Day
Sinjin Snape? Now, there was a name Severus had not heard in a long while. He was something of a fourteen times great uncle or something. He had indeed been Deputy Headmaster at Hogwarts under the incompetent management of Balfresia Crumble, a Hufflepuff who had managed to attain the lofty height of Headmistress of Hogwarts as no-one else was stupid enough to take such a dangerous position in that day and age. She had lasted for three years before being caught and hanged for being a witch. Sinjin had been at Hogwarts for many years and had indeed taught Alchemy. The obliviate spell obviously worked as no stories at all had been passed down through the Snape line about Hermione and Michael suddenly turning up from the future.
Severus had never seen Sinjin's picture; his portrait at his family home had been damaged beyond repair by a freak flood and had therefore been completely destroyed. Michael's drawing was indeed exceptionally well detailed and must be very close to what Sinjin actually looked like. He would have loved to be a witness to the conversation between Sinjin and Hermione. He would have also loved to have the chance to defend his subject of Potions, and perhaps have a discussion about the severe lack of scientific grounding in Alchemy.
As for what had gone wrong with Hermione's calculations, Severus could not imagine. They had already been gone for eleven hours; Severus worked it out as he glanced up at the clock on the mantle piece.
Severus stood up and rubbed his eyes. He had noticed Albus and Callum had not surfaced from the nursery as yet and so went to check on them both. It was already ten o'clock and Severus was going to turn in to bed and read for a little while longer before hopefully catching a couple of hours of sleep. He opened the door of the nursery and stepped inside to find Callum and the Headmaster sitting on the rug on the floor and watching dragons fly across the wall. Callum was pointing his finger and following the dragons across the wall. Severus followed his son's gaze and noticed that the dragons were actually changing colours as they moved.
"Is everything alright?" Severus asked and the Headmaster and Callum suddenly turned towards him. Severus noticed that the dragons immediately froze on the wall.
"Oh, yes, Severus. We were simply practising with Callum's magic." Albus informed him and Severus raised his eyebrows in astonishment.
"Callum was controlling the dragons?" Severus asked.
"Yes, and changing their colours as they moved. You have one very powerful little boy here, Severus and he is learning quite quickly." Albus told him with a twinkle in his eyes. "He should sleep well tonight, Severus. Practising usually makes him sleep for hours very soundly.
"I never knew he had that kind of ability, Albus. We had been so worried he would either receive his magic late or not at all after he had been prematurely born." Severus said as he picked his son up and kissed him on the top of the head. "I think you should have a bottle, a bath and then get some sleep, young man." Severus said as Callum's eyes immediately began to droop.
"Oh, I've already bathed and changed him for you, Severus." Albus informed him.
"Thank you, Albus." Severus said graciously. "Just supper then, Callum."
"I will leave you until tomorrow then, Severus. Let me know if you find out anything significant or if you need any help." Albus said as he stood up from the floor and dusted himself down.
"Will do," Severus said as the Headmaster began to leave.
"Good night then you two and I shall see you both in the Great Hall for breakfast." Albus said as he left and Severus knew it was not a request.
"Come on then, Callum." Severus told his son as he conjured a bottle and sat down in the nursery chair to feed him. Callum was starting to grip the bottle himself now so Severus was only really there to ensure he didn't choke.
Soon, Callum had been winded and was settled down for a good long sleep in his cot. Severus had changed into his pyjamas and was settled in bed with the diary opened to day four in no time.
~~*~~
Ancient Egypt, Old Kingdom, 2458 BC day four
We joined the throng of workers in the morning and headed off towards the necropolis. After "signing" in we quickly found a deserted spot and apparated back to our chambers. We cast invisibility spells and went out in search of Hathor. She was easy enough to find as a carnival of camels was waiting outside of the Royal residence for her. Various attendants helped Hathor into the covered seating area on top of the camel, and soon the carnival was leaving for Heliopolis. We quickly jumped onto two unburdened camels before they stood up and headed out with the entourage still under the guise of invisibility.
Sore. that word doesn't even cover the feeling I have after being on the back of that damned camel for three hours straight! I'm finding it difficult to walk. and yes I did cast cushioning charms. So, now I feel ill through the pain in my back and bottom and generally nauseous all the time anyway. I'm thinking that the heat is not agreeing with me at all but then Michael seems to be doing all right. Michael is also walking like John Wayne.ha-ha. Oh, you won't know who John Wayne is, Severus. He was an actor on Muggle Wild West films from the 1960's and 70's.
Anyway, we finally got off those camels at midday and attempted to follow Hathor under our invisibility spells. We managed to keep up with her despite our conditions at any rate. She entered into a huge temple, which was situated in the centre of Heliopolis, which in your time, Severus, is a suburb of Cairo. A huge obelisk is situated in front of the temple, and I assume Michael will sketch this at some point. The obelisk has great significance though- it stands as the focal point of Re's cult, as it is said that the first rays of the sun were cast onto it. I do believe it still stands in your time, Severus.
Anyway, we entered this huge temple and followed Hathor through a long pillared corridor to a huge chamber at the end. There, pacing back and forth was a man wearing a head dress depicting a hawk, and another one of those false beards similar to Ptah's. He was also wearing gold armour on his shins and forearms, which were bejewelled with lapis lazuli- indicating that he must be of great importance. He suddenly turned at the sound of Hathor's footsteps and she immediately dropped to one knee in front of him and bowed her head.
"My daughter, Hathor," he greeted in a deep voice.
"My Lord and father," Hathor greeted him in return.
"Rise, my daughter and walk with me," he told her with a gesture of his hand. They immediately left the temple and headed out into the most exquisitely maintained gardens. Severus, I have never seen such a beautiful sight in all my life. The gardens are huge and filled with a sheer abundance of plants and flowers casting an array of colours and scents that are truly out of this world. It is what I see when I think of paradise and I swear that this place is timeless.
"Long I have awaited you, my daughter."
"My apologies, father but I only received your word late last night and left my husband and Memphis as soon as I could." Hathor told him as they wandered slowly around a gravelled pathway towards a little stream.
"I have summoned my most trustworthy followers."
"But why, father?" Hathor asked him.
"My cult is showing some discourse of late. Some of my followers are waning towards new beliefs, which are rising up in the South. They need to understand that the word of Re is not to be turned against. I want to stop this rebellion of humankind before it can escalate and become uncontrollable." So, this was Re, the sun god. He was certainly a rather imposing figure to say the least. I'm quite sure that the man is even taller than you are, Severus. although his head dress is rather large and certainly adds to his height somewhat.
"What can I do to help, father?" Hathor asked; she seemed quite humbled when in the presence of this man.
"I have called several deities to speak with my counsel this evening. I want you there also. We shall devise a plan to cleanse the land of those who dare to oppose me." Re responded, he was really quite angry and I would not have liked to see him when he truly exploded.
Hathor just nodded and they were silent for a long time. Michael and I are simply sitting underneath one of the large trees and trying to keep as quiet as possible. The sun has just begun to lower in the sky and evening approaches. Re and Hathor have simply been strolling through the gardens silently again and so Michael and I have stayed well out of their way and in the safety of the shadows. As the meeting is not until tonight I doubt we are missing anything of importance.
You should notice on the following page a drawing of the gardens in which we sit, Severus. It is a pity the drawing is in black and white as you simply cannot see the beauty of this place. I'll leave off right here as I see our two subjects are going inside.
~~*~~
Present Day
Severus yawned tiredly and rubbed his eyes. It seemed as good a place as any to leave off with the diary for now. He would resume in the morning. He closed the diary after placing a marker in between the pages and set it on his bedside table. After checking on Callum quickly he pulled the covers up and pulled one of Hermione's pillows closer to him. He could smell her scent on the pillow and breathed in deeply. This would be the first night she would spend in the past from his perspective. He couldn't believe that she had been separated from him once again.
Severus sighed and closed his eyes, he would try to sleep. His eyes felt heavy after his previous displays of emotion and all of the reading he had done. Tomorrow would be another day. Another day of being away from his beloved wife, and another day filled with loneliness and wanton despair.