Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Well, how's it going? Haven't updated in forever, and I am so sorry about that. (School is so demanding!) I am trying to finish this part about Snape. Don't know how long it will be, but it should be longer than most of my chapters.

In this chapter: We will see how Severus became a spy, and what happened to turn him back into such a heartless prick. (Excuse the term.) After this, I may just combine all three parts into one large chapter.

And to one of the reviewer's who obviously jumped the gun when reading my story and wrote a nasty review (I don't mean critical, I just mean very rude) if you don't like it, don't read it. But this isn't some perverse story. I don't write slash or any of the weird stuff you were obviously talking about. So get off it!

Please don't forget to read/review! And just in case you're interested, I have created a discussion group. It's listed on my homepage. I would enjoy people coming to the site and trying it out.

Chapter 14: The Potions Master: Part III

Severus stood at the gravesite, one of the few attending his mother's funeral. Few people seemed to know her or actually even care about her, since she had rarely left the house. He knew most of those in the crowd, except for two people: a woman, with a witch's hat pulled over her eyes and hair so he could not clearly see her face, and a man who looked as though he had been pulled off of the street. Something seemed to pull him in their direction, but he didn't know what it was. He decided that after the funeral, he would seek them out to speak with them. "In nomenus patrus, filius, aspiritus sontus, Amen." The priest walked away from the gravesite after throwing in the handful of dirt on the coffin. Three wizards lifted the mound of dirt, and placed it carefully over the hole, sealing it up from view, then walked away. The small crowd began to disperse, and Severus made his way to the strangers. They were standing separately from each other, although not too far away.

"I'm afraid I don't know either of you," Severus began.

"I believe you do," the man said. "Would you like to have a cup of tea with us?"

Severus studied the man closely. He tried to read his eyes for honesty, but saw nothing but friendliness extended toward him. "Yes," he finally answered. The man turned and walked toward the boarding house, the girl following closely behind. Severus hesitated for a moment, and then followed behind them. The man led the way to the boarding house, and after nodding to the landlady, went into the back room, locked away from everyone else. He muttered a small spell, and then turned to Severus and said, "No one can hear what we are saying now."

Severus was taken back, to say the least. Shouldn't he be worried about this stranger who wanted to speak with him? And yet, there was something friendly in those eyes. And those eyes seemed so much older than the man to whom they belonged.

"Ah, and just in time, too," the ragged man said, looking at the watch on his arm. And in front of Snape's eyes, the man grew taller, sprouted a large white beard, and turned into Albus Dumbledore. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his wand and a pair of half-mooned shaped spectacles. He placed the glasses on his face, and transfigured his clothes to look more wizard-like, instead of the filthy bum appearance.

"Dumbledore?" Snape breathed.

"Ah yes. I trust your mother told you that I would want to speak with you?"

"Then who are you?" he questioned, addressing the woman in the corner, whom he had almost forgotten about.

The woman reached up, and pulled off her hat. Snape didn't make a sound, although he was quite shocked to see who it was. "Isabella?"

The woman nodded. "I was worried when you didn't arrive the next day to meet me. Then I learned of your parents' deaths. I had to see you again. When I told Dumbledore, he told me I could come with him to meet with you."

"How do you two know each other?"

"We will get to that in a moment, Severus," Dumbledore said. "Until then, won't you sit down? We have much to discuss."

Severus obediently took the chair closest to him at a small round table. Dumbledore and Isabella followed suit, with Isabella sitting in the chair closest to him. "What do you want?" Severus asked in a most undiplomatic matter.

"The death of your mother is a tragedy, to you and too many other people. Although you couldn't tell it by the funeral attendance, many people knew and loved your mother."

"And just why weren't they at the funeral, then?"

"It was far too risky. As far as everyone knows, your mother hardly left the house, and few people knew her."

"Then what is your relation to her, and how is she possible known and loved by many people."

"I will tell you, but first I want you to answer a question for me: What is your stance?"

"Excuse me?"

"How do you fit into this war? Are you a supporter of Voldemort? Or do you stand against him?"

Severus fell quiet. Where did he stand? He had thought that he fought for Voldemort, but the Dark Lord had killed his mother, who had done nothing against anyone. All of the innocent people killed. True, he enjoyed being a favorite of someone important like Voldemort, and he liked the idea of pure-blood supremacy, but did that really mean killing so many people?

"I don't know anymore," he answered quietly.

"Severus, you know in your heart that what Voldemort is doing is wrong. He kills so many innocent people; people who have never done him any harm. And for what? Do you really wish to spend your life being an accomplice to this malice? As long as you work for him, you will not have real purpose in life. He uses you to carry out his work, but he doesn't care about you in the least. He cares about nothing. Severus, if you join us, you can find something worth living for. Something far greater than what Voldemort has for you."

"When you say us, who do you mean?"

"A secret society, aimed at defeating Voldemort, and ensuring the safety of the world."

"And what use could I possibly be to you?"

"We need a spy, Severus. Someone on the inside."

"A spy? Do I look like a spy to you?"

"Anyone can be a spy. You are a perfect candidate for the job."

"How so?"

"Your mother told us much about you. You're near perfect grades in Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts. She told us about the Occlumency, and your deep desire to prove yourself. We need those traits in a spy."

"And just what did my mother do for your secret society?"

"She relayed messages, and recruited new members in secrecy."

"And she told you about me?"

Albus nodded. "She felt that you didn't really want to be a part of Voldemort's scheme. She said that you were simply misled, and that she felt you could be a vital part of our society."

"What about you?" Severus asked, looking at Isabella.

"I came to England three months ago. I had heard about the society from a group of friends of mine, and felt that I could help. I am a trained healer. So, I sought out the society, and joined just last week."

"Did you know who I was?"

"No. Not at first. Not until I later told Albus of the man I had met in the village."

"Join us, Severus," Albus begged. "We could use your help. So many of our number are dying, and though we have recruits to aid us, we need inside help. You are skilled at Occlumency, and therefore can block your mind from Voldemort's. No one else could be better for the job."

Severus sat in a reverie, before he final broke the loud silence with his thoughts. "Voldemort is the reason my mother is dead. My father worked for Voldemort, and looked where it got him. I don't want a part of this any longer. I think that I am ready and willing to work with you, Dumbledore."

"Then Welcome to the team," Dumbledore said, extending his hand to be shaken.

"So, what do you do for the 'team'?" Snape asked Isabella that evening.

"I work in secret, recruiting members from England, Ireland, and Italy. I also help to heal anyone who has been hurt in an attack if I can."

"Sounds interesting," Severus commented, leaning back into his chair.

"Not really," Isabella answered, smiling. Her smile faded though, when she saw the far away look in Severus's eyes. "Are you nervous?"

Severus nodded. "Only a little though. I'll get over it. I have to, if I'm going to keep my head out there."

"You must be the bravest person I have ever met," Isabella said in admiration.

"I'm not, trust me."

"Even so, what you are doing is selfless and brave."

"Thank you, I guess." Severus turned toward her. The sun was setting behind them, and the last rays of sunlight fell upon her dark hair in a fashion that made her seem as though she wore a halo. She turned to face him, and their eyes studied each other, deciding what they should either say or do next. Severus leaned in as Isabella closed her eyes, and…

Two months later, Snape approached Dumbledore at Hogwarts, as the Headmaster prepared for another year. "What would you like to discuss with me, Severus?"

"It's about Isabella," Snape began.

"Ah yes. I believe the two of you have grown quite close as of late. What would you like to tell me about her?" Dumbledore looked straight at him through the half-moon spectacles.

"We have discussed it, and would like to get married."

Dumbledore did not appear shocked, but instead hesitant. "Do you think it wise, Severus, to marry her at a time like this?"

"Not exactly, and yet I have never felt more sure of anything in my life."

"Then, Severus, who am I to deter you from your decision?"

"I would like for you to perform the ceremony. I heard you were ordained a minister once."

"Ah yes. For a friend of mine who wished to get married in Albania. They didn't like the priest around there at the time. So, I was called to substitute. Didn't take me long…"

"So you'll do it?"

"Of course. How many people will attend?"

"Not many. In fact, probably none at all. I have no family who would attend, and Isabella's family is still in Italy. Besides, it would be too dangerous."

"I understand. I will invite a few Order members for you, then. After all, you must have witnesses."

"Alright. I don't know who would attend, though."

"Allow me to take care of that. Leave everything to me. All you have to do is get to the church in time."

"Church?"

"Well of course! You can't expect to have a wedding that's not in a church. Your mother would have disapproved of that highly!"

"You have a point," Severus mumbled.

"Don't worry, Severus. I will have everything under control. When is the wedding going to be?"

"On Saturday, I believe."

"Saturday? Can you get everything you need by then?"

"Isabella is wearing her mother's dress, and I have bought a new dress robe. We'll get the flowers Friday before the ceremony. That's all I can think of."

Dumbledore seemed to look at him closely, but simply said, "Alright then." Snape said his thank-you's and left. Albus's eyes held in them a strange twinkle as he contemplated Saturday's event.

"Do I look alright?" Severus asked Minerva as he stood at the altar.

"You look fine, Severus. Just relax." The church was illuminated with afternoon sunlight, and two candles glowing on the altar. Jasmines decorated every pew and window, spreading their scent and beauty throughout the church. Blue ribbons hung around the stems of the flowers, wrapped in delicate bows that held them in place. Severus was wearing a dark blue dress robe, his hair cut and slicked back, not holding its usual greasy appearance.

"Was it really wise of Dumbledore to invite so many people?"

"That's not that many, Severus. And besides, these are all people that we can trust."

"Well, I don't trust all of them." Namely, Severus was speaking of the couple that sat in the second row from the front. The woman looked happy and supportive, while the man looked as though he had been blackmailed into going. The pair consisted of none other than James and Lily Potter, newly married themselves. Sitting on the other end of the church was Lupin, probably sitting separately so as not to cause a disturbance when James decided to act out. Severus tore his eyes away as music started from somewhere in the distance. All else faded, and all he could see was the beautiful woman walking in his direction. Her hair was tied away from her face, with the exception of a few dark curls to surround her face. The white dress seemed to make her glow in the afternoon sunlight seeping into the windows. Nothing else seemed to matter, except for the woman in white.

The wedding was beautiful, and everyone said so. But all were warned before they left that the momentous occasion was to remain an absolute secret. No one outside of the crowd in the church was to know of it. It was so secret, that Isabella had to live in secret at Snape Mansion, being careful not to be sighted in the house or anywhere near it. Isabella would tell not even her closest friends, and neither would Severus. Their love would remain a secret, especially from Voldemort. He had seen what happened to other new wives of death eaters. They were forced to submit and serve him as well. Severus didn't want to see his love get hurt.

For weeks, the secret of their marriage was kept. No one spoke of their wedding, even at the Order's Headquarters. If a death eater was to stop for a visit, Isabella would floo to headquarters from the library until Severus came to fetch her. He lied perfectly to Voldemort, telling the Dark Lord that he only lived to serve him, and spent most of his time brewing potions and torturing muggles. Recently, though, Severus had told Voldemort that he felt muggles were filthy, and would rather not come in contact with such as them. Besides, their non-magic filth may affect his potion making skills. After all, potion making required magic in its purest form. Voldemort, not willing to compromise his best potion maker, allowed him to not participate in any more muggle torturing.

The truth was, the thrill of it was gone for Severus. He no longer enjoyed torturing people. It seemed sick to him ever since the death of his mother. He could understand if they had attempted in injure him somehow, but they were muggles, and he had nothing against them, besides the fact that they were not magical. Voldemort trusted him entirely, and this Severus used to his great advantage.

Severus would go to every meeting when called, and report news back to Dumbledore, who would then plan an inconspicuous way to ruin the plans. It didn't always work, but there were more victories then there had been in a long time.

It was one terrible mistake that could have ruined it all, though. Isabella had left home for a week to try and recruit members from Italy. Severus missed seeing her daily, but said nothing to anyone. He eagerly looked forward to seeing her again upon her return. The day of her scheduled arrival, he had made a special dinner for her, preparing the house for her. Standing in front of the clock, he waited impatiently. Time passed, and as it grew late, Snape grew worried. After all, Isabella was almost never late. It was late evening before he left to search for her. He looked in the village, but saw no trace of her. He couldn't question anybody without raising suspicion. Not able to find her in the village, Snape appearated to the headquarters. He was greeted by Dumbledore, who stood in front of him with a look of utter shock and sadness. "What is it?" Severus asked.

"Severus, Mad-Eye was out today, and he came across something…"

"What was it!" Severus demanded.

"It was Isabella, Severus. He found her body in the woods. She had been tortured. We think they caught her and were trying to find out information. From what we can gather, she told them nothing."

"She's dead?" Severus asked quietly, in disbelief.

"I'm afraid so."

"How long have you known?"

"About noon. We didn't know how to tell you, Severus. We didn't want you to have to find out from Voldemort, but no body knew how to break the news to you. I am so very sorry."

"Can I see her?"

"Of course." Dumbledore turned, and led Severus to a small room that contained one table. On the table, covered in a white sheet, lay pale Isabella. Severus wanted very much to scream or cry, and yet he did nothing. He went to the side of the table and touched the side of her face gently. It was over, just like that. The happiest thing in his life was gone. "I'm going to make sure Voldemort is destroyed," he whispered softly to Isabella. "And I'm going to do it for you."

A/n: Please r/r.