Disclaimer: All characters in this story (except for Ravenna...Snape) belong to JKR, not me. This is my take on how our beloved Severus Snape came to be the way he is. Pre HBP but with elements from same. This is my version of year 6.
Severus Snape and the Reluctant Hero
Chapter Three
Return to Hogwarts
Severus appeared – wife in arms – just outside the Hogwarts gate. He immediately broke into a full run towards the castle. By the time he reached the great oak doors, he was struggling for breath. He stopped for a moment, readjusting the still unconscious Ravenna in his arms, then took off again up the stairs towards the hospital wing.
He kicked open the hospital doors with such force that Madam Pomfrey started. Running out of her office, she spotted Snape. "Severus, what is the meaning of this…." Before she could go any further with her tirade, she spotted the look on his face and the limp body in his arms. She gestured with her arms, "This way! What has happened?" Her voice thick with concern as she removed her wand from inside her apron.
"I cannot say…" his voice was so thick with worry that she stopped for a second to look at him, then turned back to her unconscious patient.
As she examined her, she found this woman was suffering from several broken ribs, a punctured lung and a concussion. She set about swiftly gathering the items she required to treat her seriously injured patient, commenting "I haven't seen anyone beaten like this since I was down and St. Mungo's treating Aurors." Severus made a strangled sound Poppy had never heard from him before, causing her to again look at him briefly.
As she tended to her patient, she only now got a good look at her face as she was treating the head wound. She stared at the face for a second, positive it was familiar to her. Realization dawned on her. "Severus, is this…" She looked directly into his eyes.
"My wife…" he said flatly. "Is there anything you can do for her?" The sound of his voice was that of a frightened child.
"Give me a few minutes. Why don't you go get Albus…and Minerva, she just arrived today. I should be able to tell you more by the time you get back." Poppy felt nothing but pity for this long suffering man. She was well aware of the pain he felt when she left, and how much he loved this nearly dead woman now in her care. She would do everything in her power to restore this beautiful woman to her loving husband.
Severus quickly approached the gargoyle that guarded the entrance to the Headmaster's office. With a quickly barked "Chocolate covered cockroaches" the gargoyle jumped aside, allowing Severus to approach the moving spiral staircase.
As he approached the door, he knocked roughly and immediately entered. Albus was just rising from his chair behind the desk as he approached.
"I have just returned with Ravenna…" he nearly sobbed
Knowing immediately something was wrong; Albus stepped around his desk and placed a comforting hand on Severus's broad shoulder. "What is it?" he waited patiently as Severus gathered himself.
"She appears to have been badly beaten, I fear I was too late getting to her, but I do not believe the Dark Lord was aware of her presence there." Now Severus's dark eyes were shining with unshed tears. He was not about to allow himself such a display in front of this man, whom he both respected and loved.
"She will be fine, Severus. She has too much of a survival instinct to allow herself to be done in by a mere beating." Albus smiled tightly.
"Poppy said Minerva has returned, she suggested we bring her as well." Severus was straining to keep the quiver out of his voice. Albus gently squeezed the shoulder beneath his hand, then steered him towards the door. They would pass by Minerva's office on the way back to the hospital wing.
Fifteen minutes later Severus, Albus and Minerva all entered the hospital. At the sound of the footsteps, Poppy looked up from her patient.
"I have been able to stop the bleeding into her head, the puncture in her lung has been repaired and I have been able to repair her collapsed lung. She has lost a great deal of blood, but I believe she is going to be just fine. The only problem I am having right now is that I need to administer Skele-gro to reinforce the repair to the broken ribs, but with her so deeply unconscious, I do not know how best to give it to her."
Severus released his held breath slowly, then smiled softly. "I believe I can take care of that." Then he walked over to Ravenna's bedside.
Albus, Poppy and Minerva stood quietly talking as Severus lovingly administered the Skele-gro to Ravenna, several drops at a time.
Twenty minutes later, he rejoined the group. "I have been able to give her the full dosage. Poppy, did you say she has lost a lot of blood?" She nodded in answer. "Should you need me, or should she wake, I will be in my office. I am going to brew some blood strengthener. Please get me if she wakes before I return." Albus nodded his head, then Severus walked quickly out of the hospital wing.
The three stood quietly for a moment watching him depart. Once he was out of sight, Poppy turned to Albus. "Where has she been for the past fifteen years?" Albus smiled weakly.
"She felt it necessary to leave us and I will not fault her for her actions. She felt she was justified in her decision." Although that did not really answer her question, she knew that was all she would get from him.
Albus smiled at them both, then stated should he be needed he would be in his office. Then he too left.
"Poppy, is it as bad as it looks?" Minerva had a look of deep concern creasing her already wrinkled face.
"I fear all the bruising has yet to show itself. She looks as though someone was using her for hand-to-hand target practice. She has six broken ribs, one of which punctured her lung, fractured skull that was bleeding and several fractures to her face. I did not want to give Severus the details of how badly she was beaten. I expect she will recover, but it will take some time." The concern for both her patient and her husband were apparent on her strained features.
Minerva walked slowly to Ravenna's bedside. "Welcome back, little one." She whispered as she bent to gently kiss her brow. She then left to join Albus in his office.
Professor Snape's Classroom
Severus efficiently circled the classroom, gathering the ingredients he would require to brew the blood strengthener, then delicately arranged the ingredients as he used his wand to bring the base already in the cauldron to a boil. While he was waiting for the potion to finish brewing, he extracted Ravenna's wand from his robe to better examine it. He was surprised to find it was very similar to his own. Carefully he tested it by summoning a book from the case across the room. He was startled to find that it was more powerful than his. He chuckled wryly and turned his attention back to the potion.
Less than twenty minutes later, he had a potion he believed would be sufficient to help restore his wife's lost blood. As he retrieved the ladle to fill a bottle he paused, tasting the potion. Finding the taste bitter, he conjured up a bottle of honey to sweeten the potion. Knowing she inherited the infamous Dumbledore sweet tooth, he figured if it were sweet, it would be easier for him to administer. As he filled the potion bottle he thought about giving her the Skele-gro. Why didn't he think of it sooner, surely Poppy would have known how to administer medication to an unconscious patient. She was just doing what she could to help him feel useful. He reminded himself to thank her when he got back to his wife.
His stride was one of determination as he approached the stairwell leading out of the dungeons. He ascended the stairs quickly back toward the hospital. At the sound of approaching footsteps, Poppy lifted her head from where she had been looking over her unconscious charge again. Seeing Severus's billowing cloak flowing behind him, she gave him a small smile.
As he approached his wife's sick bed, he stepped around to the same side Poppy was on, gently put his hands on her shoulders and placed a small kiss on her cheek. "Thank you for what you did." She looked at him confused for a second, then smiled.
"You needed something to do rather than just stand and wait." He gave her a sincere smile of appreciation in return.
"I have made this potion as strong as I dare. We are going to need to be careful with administration, there is more belladonna than I would normally feel comfortable with, but under the circumstances…" Poppy did not need him to spell out what would happen if she were given too large a dose.
"Would you like to administer the first dose?" She smiled, knowing the answer before she even asked the question. "I'll be in my office if you need me." Then she quietly returned to her office.
Thirty minutes later, Severus had administered the complete dose of blood strengthening potion. Now all he could do was wait for Ravenna to wake. Trying desperately to fight his exhaustion, he sat himself in one of the hard wooden chairs. He swore Poppy kept uncomfortable chairs here on purpose to limit the amount of time visitors stayed.
Poppy came out of her office several hours later to find Severus sleeping, sitting almost straight up on the hard wooden chair. Rather than disturb the obviously exhausted man, she transfigured the chair into a large overstuffed sofa and tenderly pushed him over. Then she conjured a blanket to cover him.
Just before dawn Severus woke bleary eyed and confused. He sat up abruptly, trying to take in his surroundings with a quick glance of the room. He calmed when he realized he was in the hospital wing of Hogwarts. As his mind cleared he remembered why he was here and jumped off the sofa. Standing at Ravenna's bedside he gently stroked her check. He was comforted by the fact that her skin was warm to the touch and breathed a sigh of relief. He transfigured the sofa he had been sleeping on back into the chair that it originally was, then added extra padding to the back and seat. With a small shake of his head he pulled it close to the side of the bed and sat down.
"Severus." Came a quiet whisper from behind him. He turned his head to see Minerva approaching Ravenna's bed. "Has she woken yet?" Severus shook his head slowly in response.
"What brings you here so early? It is just barely sun up." He asked her quietly.
"I came down her a few hours ago so Poppy could get some sleep. She was determined to sit at her desk until Ravenna woke." Minerva said with a tight smile on her face. "She is really concerned."
Severus nodded his head slightly and turned his gaze back to his unconscious wife's face. Now that the sun was up he could see the dark bruises on her face. Unable to prevent it, the tears escaped his eyes. Minerva stepped closer and gently placed her hands on his shoulders. "She will be fine Severus. I am sure it looks worse that it actually is." She said with more conviction than she actually felt.
In slow motion, Severus leaned forward until his forehead was resting on the edge of the bed, his body shaking with silent sobs. Minerva patted him gently on the back then returned to Poppy's office.
Several hours into Severus's vigil at Ravenna's bedside Poppy entered the hospital carrying a tray. She approached and placed the tray on the table at the foot of the bed. "Good morning Severus." She said quietly, knowing by the look on his face there had been no change in her condition. "I think perhaps you should eat, you need to keep up your strength."
"Thank you Poppy, but I can't." Severus said roughly, his throat dry from his released emotions.
"Perhaps just some tea then, it is strong just the way you like it." She said with a knowing smile as she handed him the steaming cup, which he accepted gratefully. "I am going to let Minerva know I'm here, be right back." Severus nodded and looked back to his wife.
Moments later Minerva had said good-bye to Severus and left the hospital, heading for the Great Hall for breakfast and Poppy had joined Severus.
"You know, this reminds me of something that happened a few years ago." She began quietly as she conjured a chair next to Severus. He turned his gaze to her. "Don't you remember?"
Severus looked into himself for a few moments trying to figure out what she was talking about. Confused, he shook his head. "I do not remember anything like this happening a few years ago." He said softly.
"I recall it vividly." Poppy began with a small smile. "It seems that a student passed out in potions class, and was carried here by a classmate. Said classmate refused to leave her side until the Headmaster himself ordered him from the ward."
Severus snorted. "That was more than a few years ago as I recall."
"Perhaps you're right. Maybe it was more than a few years ago. Would you like to tell me the story?"
"What's to tell, she was ill and I was instructed to bring her to you. I was concerned about my classmate, nothing more." Severus stated defensively.
"Severus, don't try to fool me. You loved her even then, didn't you?" Poppy said in a motherly voice. Severus just stared at her.
"You were the one who told Albus, weren't you?" Severus said stunned. Poppy just nodded in response.
"And you knew then that I had already taken the Mark?" Again Poppy nodded. "How did you know?"
"You were quite ill when you had returned from the summer holiday in your seventh year, it wasn't too difficult to figure out why." Poppy said sadly. "Did you know that Ravenna had already been in training as an Auror while she was still in school?"
"That would explain how she was accepted so quickly after leaving Hogwarts." Severus said absently.
"She went to Albus after her parents were killed and told him she wanted to hunt down the Death Eater's who were responsible for their deaths. She told him he would either help her or she would leave school and do it on her own."
"I knew her parents died in the beginning of our sixth year, but I didn't know they were killed." Severus said astonishedly.
"Albus wanted it kept a secret, things were not going well for the Order at the time. He feared that many would try to exact revenge and that more would die needlessly."
"Poppy, why were her parents killed?"
"It seems they were made an example of. LaTisha because she was a Black who married beneath her and Brian because he was related to Dumbledore." Poppy shook her head sadly for a moment before continuing. "Ravenna was determined she was going to put an end to the needless deaths, even if it meant her own."
"I knew that her father was Albus's grandson and I knew that her mother had been in Slytherin when she was here, but I had no idea that she was a Black." Shock was evident on his face as he spoke.
"I guess now you know where her ruthless side comes from." Poppy said sarcastically. "Do you know why she had passed out in class that day?" Severus shook his head.
"The night before she had been out on a patrol with several other Aurors when they came upon a group of Death Eater's who were tormenting Muggles. There was a fierce battle, during which Ravenna had been thrown against a rather large oak tree. When she fell she was bitten by a doxy. She had been instructed to come see me when she returned to the school, but didn't. By the next morning she was very sick from the doxy's venom. As you will recall it took us several days to determine why she was sick. She nearly died."
"Yes, that I remember vividly." Severus whispered. "I was very scared for her."
"We all were Severus, but that is not the case here. She is going to be fine." Poppy said reassuringly. Severus smiled at her tightly, wanting desperately to believe that was true.
Through the course of the day Poppy had tried several times to get Severus to leave Ravenna's bedside to eat and get some rest. He had admittedly refused to leave, even when Albus had come to him telling him to get some rest. "Albus, I am not a student anymore. She is my wife and I am staying right here until she wakes." Albus just shook his head sadly and left.
By midnight Poppy had finally convinced him to lie down in the bed next to Ravenna's to get some sleep. Severus was on his side, facing his wife's bed when he finally drifted off into a restless sleep.
"Severus…" the sound, though only a weak whisper, caused Severus to sit bolt upright wide-awake.
"Rae!" he was at her side in an instant, gently kissing her forehead at the hairline. "You had me scared to death, I thought you were going to leave me again." Now the tears came.
She smiled at him weakly, "Do you really believe now that I have you back I would do anything to lose this…lose us? I love you too much for that."
He so desperately wanted to scoop her into his arms and never let her go. But for now, knowing she was awake, and most solidly herself, he could be content with that.
Softly, she patted the bed next to her and with her eyes asked him to join her. Poppy, who was standing just beyond the privacy screen out of Ravenna's view, nodded. Severus gently lay next to his wife draping his arm gently over her belly as she tucked her head in against his shoulder. Both quickly slipped into sleep, smiling.
Five days later
"Severus, get me out of here!" Ravenna's plea was tearing at his heart. He knew how boring convalescing could be, but did not want to risk her health or safety by removing her from the hospital wing.
"I would love nothing better, my love, but where would I take you. I fear my living quarters are even drearier than here." He shrugged and grinned apologetically.
"There has to be somewhere we can go, I cannot take this anymore. Poppy will not even allow me out of bed to use the facilities alone. Please!" Her voice even more desperate than a moment before.
Severus opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted before he could.
"Severus" Dumbledore nodded "Ravenna, child, so good to see you looking well. You had as all worried." His smile full and warm.
"Grandfather, I was wondering when you would visit. I was beginning to wonder if you were even in the castle." At that remark, Severus looked sharply at Albus. Now he did not remember seeing him since before Ravenna woke. 'Where could he have been?'
"I believe I have the answer to your dilemma. I have been at the Snape Estate, overseeing the cleaning and refurnishing of you home. Severus, I hope you don't mind me taking it upon myself to make sure my great-grandchildren have a place to call home outside these castle walls." Severus could have been knocked over with a feather. He had never considered living in his family home. There was too much of his life in that place he despised.
"Grandfather, what were you thinking, he hates that place." Ravenna started on a tirade, which Albus abruptly halted with a raise hand. Ravenna fell silent.
Albus stepped closer to Severus, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know you have many bad feelings about your childhood home, but I believe I have done a pretty good job of making it warm and inviting. I even took it upon myself to have the basement converted into your own private lab, completely stocked or course." The twinkle in Albus's eye was mischievous.
"Well…I suppose we could go take a look. The worst that could happen is that we don't like it, right Rae?" Severus was smiling a warm genuine smile.
"Anything to get out of this place." She snorted. Even if he still could not stand being in that house, she knew he would not refuse her great-grandfather anything.
Within the hour, Ravenna was dressed, complete with coat and cloak that matched Severus's and ready to visit her husband's childhood home.
Severus had decided, and Ravenna agreed, that he should apparate them there so as to not exhaust her. Instantly, they appeared in the front yard of the Snape family estate. When last he had seen it, the yard was over run by knee high weeds, the front gate had fallen off its hinges and the stonework on the front of the house was crumbling. Severus had not set foot inside the house since his wife had been presumed dead. As they approached the house, they were both surprised. It did not even look like the same place of Severus's memory. The yard was carefully landscaped, complete with a newly carved pea-gravel walk. The stonework on the front of the house had been completely repaired. This house looked as if it had just been built.
Cautiously, he placed his hand on the front door, expecting the same feeling of dread that had haunted his early life. He was startled when he felt nothing but happiness. After a brief moment, the door swung open of its own accord as if welcoming him home.
He placed one foot over the threshold and then turned back to Ravenna, with a glowing smile on his face. He turned his body to completely face her and then scooped her into his arms and carried her over the threshold, into THEIR home.
Albus had done wonders with this place. All the feelings of hurt, anger, hatred and despair were gone. He knew in an instant only good could now happen here now. Ravenna looked around the room, still in Severus's arms smiling brightly.
"Welcome home!" she whispered in her husband's ear.
After touring the entire house, they saved their bedroom for last. As Ravenna placed her hand on the knob, the door swung open, inviting them in. A massive four-posted bed, looking large enough to sleep six comfortably, filled the center of the room. All of the Snape family furniture that Severus had been forced to sell so many years before were in place. He smiled at the sight.
Looking down into his wife's face, he became immediately alarmed. She was very pale and looking drawn. "Rae, are you feeling well? You don't look too good." He smiled sheepishly at her, she knew what he meant. She was beginning to feel weak, and a little dizzy. Although she had been taking the blood strengthener for several days now, she still fatigued easily.
Lovingly, he guided her to the bed. "Stay here, I have another dose of your potion in my cloak down stairs. I will be right back." He placed a gently kiss on her cheek then turned to leave the room.
She laid her head back on the pillows, feeling as though the bed was gently wrapping her in safety. She had just begun to doze off as Severus returned with her potion.
"Here love, take this and rest. You could use some sleep." He said quietly as he placed the small bottle into her hand. She swallowed the potion in one gulp, giving her husband a small smile. She was familiar enough with this sort of potion to know it should not taste this good, knowing he had made it especially for her warmed her heart.
"I will take a nap, only if you join me. You have hardly slept in days. You need your rest too. As soon as I have enough strength…" She allowed her statement to trail off, giving her husband a seductive smile.
"I'll join you in a few minutes. I want to check out the lab really quickly, just in case you need more potion." She gave him a small nod and a knowing smile. There was no way he would rest without seeing that.
Twenty minutes later, Severus re-entered their bedroom, seeing that Ravenna was already asleep, he quietly lay down beside her. Within moments, he too was asleep.
Two hours later, both woke to the burning pain on their left forearms. The Dark Lord was summoning Severus. He sat up quickly, rolling his eyes. 'Why now?'
He looked down at his wife's beautiful face. She gave him a knowing look and a small smile. Who knew how long it will be until her husband would return.
"Before you go…" She said quietly as he rose from their bed. "Are all the ingredients available to brew the potion?"
He gave her a small nod and a smile. "Your great-grandfather has left this old potions master wanting for nothing."
"I am going to eat, then go down to brew more. Please, try to get back as soon as you can." She sat up slowly, giving her husband a very passionate kiss before leaving.
Severus wondered how he would be able to keep the smirk off his face as he appeared before the Dark Lord.
Ravenna made her way to the kitchen, finding it fully stocked and including many sweet things that she absolutely adored. After preparing herself a light lunch, she made her way down to her husband's new lab. She was in awe of the size and scope of what her great-grandfather had included in this lab. He had indeed left her 'old potions master' wanting for nothing.
She wandered around the lab for a few moments, and then stopped. A wicked idea began to form in her head. She thought again about the image she saw in Severus's mind when they had made love for the first time just over a month ago. She was now more determined than ever to give her husband the family he so desperately desired.
She moved to the far end of the lab where the bookcase stretched from the floor to the ceiling. Thumbing through the numerous volumes she finally found what she was looking for. She reviewed the ingredients list carefully, reading the brewing instructions to make sure she would be able to do it. She was competent when it came to brewing potions, but could not hold a candle to her husband. She was pleased to find that this potion was surprisingly easy to brew. Within an hour she had the potion complete and the lab completely cleaned. She was about to return to the bedroom, eager to take the potion, when she realized she had forgotten to brew the blood strengthener she was supposed to be making. Finding the volume that held the ingredients and instructions, she again set to work. This potion proved to be much more complicated, but several hours later, she had what she needed.
Feeling surprisingly refreshed, now that she had eaten and been out of bed for a while, she decided to tour their home again. She marveled again at the amount of work her great-grandfather had put into restoring this old building to a real home. She would be forever grateful for what he had done for them.
After another hour or so of wandering around the house, she finally decided it was time for her to take a nap. She slowly made her way back upstairs to the bedroom she would now share with her husband. The thought brought a smile to her face. Before she lay back in the bed, she took the potion she brewed earlier from her pocket and drank it down quickly. Within minutes she was asleep.
It was very late at night – actually early morning – when Severus finally returned home. He was caked in blood and God knows what else. He most definitely would not enter his wife's bed in such a state. He quietly crossed the room, entering the bathroom. He quickly stripped out of his soiled cloak, coat, shirt and trousers. Most likely, this was another outfit that would be condemned to the fire. He had no idea how he would be able to remove the blood and muck of potion ingredients from them. 'Oh well, at least none of these were my favorites.' He quickly showered, taking extra care to scrub his head to be sure he removed all the blood. He dried himself quickly and then debated what he should wear to bed. Funny he had never considered that before. But now his wife was back, he wanted to be sure he was pleasing her any way her could, whether it be by dress, thought or deed. After several moments of deliberation, he decided on his black silk pajama bottoms and no shirt. The last time they were together she seems to enjoy the feel of his skin.
He gently pulled down the covers on the right side of the bed. No sooner than he had his full weight on the bed Ravenna had moved closely to him and lay partially on top of him. As she settled her weight on him, he immediately noticed she had chosen to not dress at all for bed. Feeling the warmth and softness of her bare breast against his chest was almost his undoing. Only with great restraint was he able to prevent himself from rolling her over to 'have his way with her.' She seemed to be reading his thoughts. She gently lifted her head from his chest, looking him straight in the eyes. "I have been waiting for you." She purred. "I want you, now!" This was all the encouragement he needed. Immediately, he lifted her gently from his chest and rolled her on her back. His mouth descended on her neck, and he was rewarded with a low deep moan from deep in his wife's throat. Slowly, carefully, he trailed his mouth from her neck to her ear. Next he lifted his face away from her, to be greeted by a small sigh of disappointment and the sensation of his wife's hands tangling in the back of his hair, pulling him to her warm, inviting lips. They shared a very deep, long kiss that only served to heighten their passion. Within moments, Severus found that his wife had separated him from his pajama bottoms, totally unaware of how she had accomplished it.
Hours later, they were both completely spent, and happily so. Severus had been with women before Ravenna, but he never remembered it being this wonderful. This experience had been like nothing he had known. As if his very soul had been healed in this act of love. He lay on his back, arms wrapped securely around his motionless wife who was laying most of the way on his chest, her body pressed tightly against his side, head tucked beneath his chin. He felt complete now, hopeful in a way he had never know before. How could one incredible act of love with this amazing woman redeem him so?
Ravenna lay with her ear against his heart, listening to the steady rhythm gradually slow. She had never felt as loved in her life as she did now, safely in her husband's arms. How could she have possibly thought it was the right thing to do, to leave this? She would have to make serious amends for that horrible miscalculation. She wounded this man deeply, yet he still loved her. She would have to do everything in her power to heal that wound. Hopefully the potion worked as it was supposed to and she would soon begin to make amends.
"Severus, I have something I must to tell you." She whispered to his chest. When he didn't respond, she thought he may have drifted off to sleep. She waited a few moments, debating if she should wake him or wait until morning.
"Well…I'm waiting." She startled when she felt rather than heard his deep voice.
"I'm sorry, I thought you were asleep. She said quietly, and then wondered again if she should tell him what she had done.
After a few moments of silence, he asked again. "What did you want to tell me?" He began to feel anxious at her delay. She sounded like whatever she needed to say, it was serious.
From her vantage point – having her ear over his heart – she heard and felt his heart rate begin to increase. 'It's now or never'
"When we made love in New York, you dropped your shields…" she started, then lifted her head to look into his eyes to tell him the rest. "I brushed you mind and saw what you truly desired. I decided I wanted to give you your hearts wish." She looked deeply into his eyes.
"What did you do?" he asked softly, beginning to hope against hope.
"Since you were gone for so long, I had time to do some research. I brewed a fertility potion which I took before I went to bed. If it worked the way it is supposed to, it is very possible that we have just conceived a child." She hoped she hadn't made a mistake. She could not read the expression on his face.
He stared at her for a moment, not sure he heard her correctly. She is going to make me a father? She chose to be the mother of my child? Can it be possible? "You brewed and took a fertility potion? You truly want to be the mother of my child?" His voice held a note of wonder she had not expected to hear.
"Please tell me I did not make a mistake. Please tell me you want to have a family…with me?" It was a plea.
"Ravenna, I cannot begin to tell you how much I love you. I am honored that you want to be the mother of my child." The joy in his voice washed over her like a gentle flood of warm water. He pulled her back down, holding her tightly in his arms. "I'm going to be a father!" He whispered into her head.
She wept with joy against his chest and eventually fell asleep secure in the knowledge she had truly begun to the wound that she had caused.
Ravenna awoke with a start, had she been dreaming of Severus? As her vision cleared, she looked around the bed she was lying in and relaxed. This had most certainly not been a dream. She was in the bed she and Severus had shared the night before, and was hopefully pregnant.
"Good morning, my love." Severus smiled at her from the doorway of their bedroom. He was carrying a tray full of food, including fresh fruit and a wide variety of sweet pastry. She had not realized how hungry she was until she saw the tray. "I figured you didn't eat too much yesterday, so I wanted to make sure you are properly nourished before we return to Hogwarts. There is much to do. The students will be arriving in just over three weeks, and you have lessons to plan." His smile was bright and loving.
"I cannot believe I forgot about that, now I will have time to get nervous." She quipped back.
"Not to worry my love, I have a bit of experience with this. I will help you in any way I can." He now placed the tray on the bed, and bent to give his wife a proper good morning kiss. "The first thing we are going to do when we get back to the castle is to go see Poppy. I want her to examine you again before we do anything else. Also, I don't want you to take any more of the blood strengthener until we know for sure if you have conceived." The joy in his eyes at the prospect of her being with child was indescribable.
"You are really okay with my little manipulation?" She smiled back at him.
His only response was to place his hand on her belly and kiss her passionately. "I cannot think of any gift better than what you are giving me." This brought tears to her eyes.
After they leisured over breakfast, each lovingly feeding the other, they shower, dressed and prepared to return to Hogwarts.
Hogwarts, several hours later
Immediately upon entering the castle, Severus made for the dungeons, instructing his wife to go see Poppy and that he would meet her there shortly.
Ravenna steadily ascended the stairs toward the hospital wing, feeling better than she can ever remember feeling. Moments later, she is lying on one of the beds as Poppy passed her wand slowly over Ravenna's body. Poppy paused momentarily over her abdomen and then continued moving the wand.
She gestured for Ravenna to sit up. "I felt something strange in your abdominal area, are you feeling nauseous?" Ravenna smiled before she answered.
"I took a fertility potion last night." She left the rest of the statement unspoken.
"Lay back down, I want to confirm if you are with child." Ravenna smiled widely at the thought.
"Yes, I would say it is pretty certain that you are pregnant. I want you to start visiting me regularly now." Poppy was all smiles, it had been so long since she had the opportunity to administer to such a happy condition.
"I cannot wait to tell Severus!" Ravenna was beaming.
"Tell me what?" Severus was just approaching the bed where his wife was now reclined.
"It worked! We're going to have a baby." He rushed to his wife's side, lifting her into an enthusiastic hug.
"This means you are going to have to take extra care for a while, you still have not completely recovered…" Severus did not want to continue on the track regarding his wife's beating.
"Severus, she will be perfectly fine, the potion you have been giving her has helped greatly. All we need to do for now is to make sure she gets plenty of rest and eats well." Poppy interjected before he could begin to rant.
"I believe we have work to do, as you so graciously reminded me this morning I have lessons to plan. Perhaps it would help if I knew where my office is."
"You are absolutely correct, let's go." Severus gently lifted her from the bed and escorted her from the hospital wing, with his arm firmly around the back of her waist.
Poppy smiled at the retreating couple. This was going to be a wonderful year. Wait until they tell Albus.
Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom
"And up here is your private office behind which is your apartment, should you decided to stay here in the castle." Severus smiled at her. At least during the week while classes were in session they would both remain. He, as head of Slytherin House, was expected to be available at any hour. As much as he wanted her to be able to rest in her own bed, he would feel more secure with her safely in the castle. They would have the weekends to spend in their home.
"I would much rather stay in your apartment." She commented with a seductive smile on her face, which he returned.
After about an hour of familiarizing herself with the layout of the classroom, the student roster and the textbooks that were generally used for the class they both decided they should pay a visit on Dumbledore. After all, they did have wonderful news to share with him. Just as they reached the threshold of the classroom door, they came face-to-face with Albus.
"Good afternoon Ravenna, Severus. You are both looking mighty happy with yourselves. Tell me, what has you so delighted?" Albus spoke softly, with a gleam in his eyes.
Ravenna stared at him for a moment, 'Is it possible that he already knows?' "Have you seen Poppy?" she asked suspiciously.
"No dear, you are just glowing, that's all. Now tell me, what has made you to so happy this fine day?" Albus watched them intently.
"Albus, you are going to be a great-great-grandfather. We just found out from Poppy this morning that Ravenna is with child." Severus beamed.
"This is indeed wonderful news, and I only had to wait fifteen years to hear it." Albus smiled, then paused for a moment. "Unfortunately, what I have to tell you now is not going to be as pleasant." Now he frowned.
Ravenna and Severus looked at each other, alarmed.
"Perhaps we should go to my office and get comfortable to discuss this." Albus turned slowly and proceeded down the hall, heading to the entrance to his office.
Several moments later, Albus was sitting on the chair opposite the sofa they both now occupied.
"As you are well aware, classes will begin in just a few weeks. When the students arrive, I fear you both must act as though you…don't care for each other." They both glared at him.
"I do not see any reason for that!" Ravenna practically shouted. She loved this man, how could she be expected to act as though she didn't.
"I am afraid I cannot figure out an alternative to this approach. If you are to gain young Harry's trust, to help him with his 'extra-curricular studies' as it were, you cannot be seen as overly friendly with the one man he trusts the least in this school. I know this will be difficult on both of you, especially now, but we must slowly acclimate him to the fact that you are his godmother, and Severus is your husband."
This thought had not occurred to either of them. How would Harry take the news that his mother's best friend, his godmother, was married to 'Professor Snape.'
"Grandfather, wouldn't it be best for him to know the truth as soon as possible? Couldn't it cause even bigger problems later?"
"I have thought of that, but I truly believe this is the best course of action. We have deliberately exposed Harry to hardship in order to give him the strength of character that is required of him to defeat Voldemort. This has been difficult on a great many people, most especially Severus. But we all must endure this pain to ensure he is adequately prepared for what must be done."
Ravenna frowned and looked at Severus. "What does he mean 'most especially Severus's?"
Severus turned slightly to face Ravenna and took her hands gently in his. "You recently accused me of treating Harry with hatred. Do you know the reason behind this?" he asked quietly, a pained expression on his face.
She shook her head slightly, "I guess I assumed it had to do with the fact that he resembles James so much." She shrugged an apology.
"While James Potter was far from my favorite person, we were working towards the same goal." Severus began in a growl then his voice softened as he continued. "The reason I treat Harry the way I do is at Albus's request. As the knowledge of my mark would eventually be learned, we needed for Harry to have a target to focus his hatred of the Dark Lord on. I seemed to be the most….logical choice."
Ravenna was stunned to silence, she had no idea what sort of hell Severus had been living through. Things must have been even more difficult for him the past five years, with Harry here.
"Come now love, there really is no need for such sorrow. I have been through much worse at the hands of the Dark Lord. I think I can handle the misplaced hatred of a few teenagers." Severus said with a smile as he gently squeezed the hands still in his.
"So now we have to make things even more difficult for you by play acting that we hate each other. I don't know if I can do that." Ravenna glanced at Dumbledore, pleading with her eyes.
"Child, this is for the greater good. As long as you both remember the mean things you say to each other is only an act, you will do fine. Just think of the making up you will be able to…" Dumbledore winked as Severus.
"I still don't like the idea of this. Besides, Severus offered to assist me with lesson planning. How am I supposed to seek his counsel if we hate each other?"
Rae, no one said we could not discuss these matters outside the castle walls, at home perhaps." Now he gave her a small smile.
She smiled back at him, then turned her attention again to Dumbledore.
"How exactly am I supposed to go about with these lessons for Harry. If Severus was unable to teach him, what makes you think I can?"
"Because child, as soon as he finds out you are his godmother, he will be more likely to trust you. He is still suffering the loss of Sirius and will be open to affection from someone whom his parents loved."
Dumbledore conjured a tea set "I believe we have had enough unpleasantness for one afternoon. Let us discuss this great-great-grandchild of mine." Albus's eyes danced with amusement. "It didn't take you too very long to work out your differences. Can I assume then that you will indeed be a united front when the time comes?"
Ravenna started, she knew where this was going to go. Before the subject could change back to Voldemort, Albus raised his hand.
"This is a subject that can wait until later. Might I recommend you both take a few days first to have a proper honeymoon, since you did not have one when you first married. Severus, report to Voldemort that I am sending you on an errand for the school and you will be out of the country for the next few days. After that, I want you both to go to Paris, see the sights. Be a couple in love while you have time."
Paris, several hours later
Severus and Ravenna decided to take full advantage of having several days alone together; knowing neither Dumbledore nor Voldemort would call on either of them. They had taken the train from London and were now departing in the heart of Paris.
They walked quietly, hand in hand, through the streets of Paris. When Severus realized it had been quite a while since Ravenna had eaten he suggested they stop in a little café off the beaten path to have dinner.
"You really need to be more attentive to your eating and sleeping habits now. I know you are one to skip meals and go for days on end without sleep, but with the baby you are going to need to take better care of yourself." The sting was taken off his words by the loving look on his face.
"You have a lot of room to talk, I have seen you go for a week or better without sleep. If I am going to be forced into a bedtime, so are you." She argued back, smiling with a seductive gleam in her eyes.
"You do know we will not be able to share quarters while we are teaching, especially since we hate each other. That would look rather suspicious to our young Mr. Potter, don't you think?" Ravenna laughed. After a delicious dinner and more walking they both decided it was time to rest.
"Albus has already made arrangements for us, there is a small hotel just down the way." He gently placed his arm around his waist to guide her.
Moments later, they had checked in and were escorted to the most beautiful room she had ever seen. It was furnished entirely in the French provincial style. The bathroom housed a tub large enough for four people to sit comfortably. Severus watched her as she looked longingly at the tub. "You have had a busy day, why don't you go rest for a few minutes while I draw you a bath." The smile he received in return made his heart swell. A little while later, he placed a gently hand on her shoulder to wake her but not startle her.
"How long have I been asleep?" she asked groggily.
"Not long, I just wanted to let you know your bath is ready. Shall I carry you to the tub?"
Without waiting for an answer, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bathroom. As he placed her onto a small stool that was in front of the dressing table she commented "In a few more months you aren't going to be able to lift me." He chuckled quietly. Slowly he began to remove her clothing beginning with her shoes. When she was finally freed of her clothes he lifted her again into his arms and crossed the short distance between the dressing table and the tub. He kissed her passionately before lowering her into the steaming tub full of bubbles. As he straightened she grabbed his wrist.
"Join me?" The look in her eyes caused him to go weak in the knees. He, ever now, was still astonished by how much she truly loved him. 'How could any man be so lucky?'
Severus's response to her question was to quickly disrobe. They lingered in the tub, lovingly bathing each other. Severus has to magic the water hot three times before they both decided they should get out of the water.
He rose from the tub, grabbing a towel to quickly dry himself, then grabbed another to wrap around Ravenna as she stood. He then lifted her from the water and placed her directly in front of him, lowering his lips to her neck kissing gently. Her response was to wrap her arms around his neck. He lifted her into his arms, pressing her body close to his and carried her to bed.
Severus laid her on the bed gently then placed his own body completely on top of hers. Her low, quiet moan was music to his ears. His lips again began to attack her neck until she was squirming beneath him. He pulled away from her slightly, lowering his hand and with a swift tug removed her towel, quickly followed by his own. Ravenna took advantage of the fact that he was supporting his entire body with one arm. She pushed against him, causing him to fall to his side and then scrambled to straddle his hips. Before he could utter a word of protest she kissed him passionately.
England, three days later
Severus and Ravenna departed the Muggle train they had taken back from Paris on platform 2 and headed towards the entrance to platform 9 ¾ in King Cross station. Neither spoke as they walked. In just a few short hours they would return to the real world of war and false hatred.
As they approached the wall between platforms 9 and 10, Ravenna stopped walking and placed a gentle hand on Severus's arm. "I don't know if I can do this!" her face very drawn and pale as she spoke.
"You have the strength to do this, I know you do. And, as Albus said, think of the making up we will be doing!" He wiggled his eyebrow at her in suggestion.
She could not help but laugh, and felt as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
They passed through the barrier and then waited for the Hogwarts Express to arrive, to take them home.
Three hours later, they were on the train, halfway back to Hogsmeade. Severus was sitting with his back to the window, one leg against the back of the bench, the other on the floor. Ravenna was reclined on the seat in front of him, her back against his chest, his arms around her waist, hands resting protectively against her belly.
Ravenna stroked her fingers lightly on the back of Severus's hand and slowly turned her head to tuck it under his chin.
They could have easily apparated from Paris to Hogwarts but decided to have a last few hours as just a married couple in love. As soon as they arrived at Hogsmeade station, they would have to apparate to Hogwarts. If their act was going to be believable, they could not bee seen together outside the castle.
The train had barely come to a stop when they both stood to embrace, then apparated. An instant later they stood outside the gates of Hogwarts castle. They released their embrace, turning to face the gate fully and began the short walk towards the castle.
Albus met them at the Great Oak doors. "You both look wonderfully well rested. I am so glad you have enjoyed your time away." His face sparkled with delight. "You are just in time for dinner, would you care to join us?"
Ravenna smiled at him. At least within the walls of the castle she and Severus would still have two weeks before they had to act as if they could not stand each other.
After a wonderfully filling meal, Minerva and Poppy bid the others goodnight. Albus gestured for Severus and Ravenna to accompany him back to his office.
"Severus, now that you are back I expect it will not belong until Voldemort summons you. Before he does, we need to discuss how we are going to explain Ravenna's reappearance after so many years. I also feel we should now drop the charm so he can sense her. I think perhaps we could cook up some story involving memory loss and you just finding her. It would seem to cover your rather hasty departure to the continent. What do you think?" Severus was grinning.
"It would make sense for you to send me to 'find' her. After all, he is aware we are married, just as he knows she is your great-granddaughter. The questions that still remain to be answered are these. If she has indeed suffered some sort of memory loss, does she now remember who she is? Does she respond to the Dark Lord should he summon her?" Severus paused in thought for a moment. "I think perhaps I have an answer already. It would make things more believable for her not to remember being married to me…this way she can truly exhibit dislike of me, this will also help when the time comes to reveal to Harry the true nature of our relationship. She could have a recovery of her memory when the time is right."
Ravenna looked at her husband in awe, she was always amazed at the quickness of his mind. Reaching the same conclusion would have taken her a bit longer.
"I believe, grandfather, I have the answer regarding me being summoned. If Severus were to return to Voldemort soon, he could advise him of my return and inform him of my missing memory. This will most likely prevent him from summoning me at all. Severus will then most likely be charged with helping me recovery my memory. Voldemort probably still want to have a Dumbledore in his service. This may also have the added benefit of keeping him from summoning Severus so much. My lost memory will take time to recover from." Now the wheels in her mind were spinning rapidly.
"Yes . . ." Severus hissed. "We can say you have been working as an assistant teacher at Beauxbatons, which is how Dumbledore knew where you were. He could have 'discovered' you on his recent visit there. This will also explain your appointment as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Severus looked intently into his wife's eyes, this all seemed to be coming together so easily. Albus smiled broadly at both of them. He knew if he were able to get their minds off of this problem for a little while, together they would be able to puzzle out the solution easily. Now they had their explanations for both her disappearance all those years ago and for her return. Now all they had to do was to conceal her pregnancy for as long as possible
After further hashing out the details, they made to leave. As they neared the door to Albus's office Severus paused. "Albus, has the apartment behind Ravenna's office been furnished? I do not believe it would be wise for us to leave the castle for a while, especially not before I am summoned." Albus shook his head.
"As the start of term is still two weeks away, I figured you would be able to provide your wife with temporary lodging. Unless of course, you would rather we prepare the guest quarters."
Severus smiled his thanks to Albus. Normally an instructors spouse would not be allowed to share quarters, but he figured since they were both teachers here, an exception could be made.
No sooner than they entered Severus's apartment located behind his office, he felt the burning on his forearm, Ravenna felt the burning as well.
"It would seem he is anxious to see you my love." She deadpanned.
"Yes, but it is not unexpected, is it. He will no doubt want to know every detail of my trip."
"Hurry back my love." She whispered as she pulled his face to hers for a kiss.
Severus returned her kiss passionately then tenderly extracted himself from her embrace. He turned her toward the bed and nodded to her indicating that is where he wanted to find her when he returned.
Although she was still very early in her pregnancy, she was already feeling the fatigue that was common to women in their first trimester.
Riddle Manor
Severus appeared before his Lord, immediately dropping to his knee, kissing the hem of Voldemort's robes.
"You summoned, my Lord." Severus started darkly.
"Yes Snape, I wish to know of your mission for Dumbledore. What exactly were you sent to do?" he hissed.
"My Lord, it appears on of your loyal, one who disappeared some time ago, has been found." Severus growled. "Dumbledore sent me to France to retrieve my long missing wife." Severus had a dark glare in his eyes.
"Ravenna is alive!" Voldemort stated in disbelief. "It was believed she had been killed by an Auror."
"That is what Dumbledore believed as well, Sire. It seems she did have a confrontation at about the same time that you had your unfortunate incident in Godric's Hollow. I am not sure now what happened. Dumbledore recently discovered she was an assistant professor at Beauxbatons. He was conversing with Madam Maxime about defensive training when she called for Ravenna. Although she does know her name, she apparently has no memory with regard to her whereabouts prior to finding her way to Beauxbatons. Fortunately for Ravenna, Maxime is a rather generous soul and took her in. According to Dumbledore's story she seemed to be quite talented and before long she was assisting the teachers on the more complex defensive spells." Severus paused to gauge Voldermort's reaction to this news.
Voldemort had an expression of interest on his face. When he realized Snape had stopped speaking he looked directly into his eyes. Severus wanted to cringe at the sight of those burning red snake eyes.
"So, she still has all her skills obtained as an Auror, but no memory of how she got them, or what she did with them. Interesting!"
"Sire, there is more." Severus stated hesitantly.
"Really…do tell." Voldemort hissed.
"The reason for my trip was to bring her back to Hogwarts. Dumbledore has appointed her the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. She was unaware of the fact that she is his great-granddaughter and my wife." Severus's lips curled menacingly.
"That is indeed an interesting move on his part. Surly he is aware she swore her allegiance to me. Why would he bring her back knowing when her memory returns she will return to me?"
"He is under the mistaken impression that he can restore her and save her. Much as he is trying to save Potter." Severus growled. "He has charged me with trying to help her recover her lost memory. He hopes as her husband, I will be successful in unlocking her mind." He spit the words spitefully.
"Indeed, what a wonderful idea. Although I believe we could work this to our advantage. Does she still bare my mark?" Voldemort spoke with glee. He would have her back.
"Yes my Lord, she questioned me about it's meaning when I was sent to bring her back. She said she had researched what it was and asked me why she bore the mark. I informed her she had taken the mark when we were married. She did not take the news well." Severus growled.
"Do you think you will be successful in helping her return to her true self?" Voldemort asked, almost hesitantly.
"At this time, I cannot say with any certainty. Dumbledore has suggested that I romance her. He hopes that if I can win her affection and trust she will find a way to unlock her memories." Now he grinned lustfully.
"Yes…if you steal a woman's heart, she will do whatever is asked of her. This is wonderful news. I assign you an new task Snape." Voldemort grinned, Severus dropped to his knee and bowed. "You are to devote as much time as possible in helping your wife to recover her memories. I have others who can fulfill your more… mundane tasks. You will report to me monthly on your progress."
"As you command, my Lord. With your permission, I shall now return to my appointed task." Voldemort waived his skeletal, pale hand in dismissal.
Hogwarts castle, Severus's apartment
Severus was grateful that apparating into the castle was not possible. He did not want to join his wife before he had a chance to calm himself. He truly could not stand to be close to Voldemort, anxiously awaiting the day when Harry Potter would finally defeat him once and for all.
As his long legs quickly covered the ground, he felt the tension leave his body. It took a great deal of energy to keep his mind shielded from Voldemort, the more time he spent with him, the more exhausted he became. At least in the castle, he was able to lower most of his shields. That soon would change. Once Ravenna and Harry began his lessons, Severus would be required to keep his shields more firmly in place. It would not do to have Harry find out about their true relationship, or the reason for his treatment of him for the past five years until the time was right.
Within moments he was in the dungeon, rapidly approaching his Potions classroom, through which was his office and his apartment.
He removed the charm on his apartment door and quietly opened the door. From the doorway, he looked lovingly to the bed where his wife was sleeping. He battled with himself for a moment, torn between wanting to wake her to tell her of his meeting and wanting to let her sleep. His internal battle ended quickly when she sat up slightly and met his eyes with hers.
"Judging by the look on your face, I would say your meeting with Voldemort went well." She said, her voice still heavy with sleep.
He quickly traversed the distance from the door to the bed, sitting down softly next to his wife's reclined body.
"Yes, he seems to believe our fiction, and is intent on me helping you recover you memories of being a Death Eater. He told me to devote all my free time to your seduction and has demanded monthly reports on your progress. He further indicated he will distribute my workload amongst others." Severus was smiling widely. The less time he had to spend with Voldemort, the better.
"That is indeed wonderful news. Now we just have to figure out how we are going to go about having me hate you." He did not miss the seductive smile on her face.
Severus rose from the bed before she could touch him. He did not want to lay with her, after being in Voldermort's company, until he had a chance to shower.
Upon reaching the bathroom, he quickly shed his clothing and stepped into the shower. After a quick, but through, scrub down he dried off, then wrapped the towel around his waist. He knew there was no sense in dressing in his pajamas, he wouldn't be in them for long anyway.
Moments later, he was in bed, his head barely on the pillow when his vision was filled by his wife's face.
An hour later Severus rolled over and fell back against his pillow, breathing hard. "I do believe I have created a sex fiend." He panted.
Ravenna huffed in response. "If you weren't so good at it, we wouldn't have this problem, would we?"
He chuckled and stretched his arm out to pull her to his chest.
A/N: Please review and more chapters will be posted (14 complete so far...) No reviews no further postings... THX
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