Severus Snape and the Reluctant Hero

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.

A/N: Skullera; Thanks for the encouragement; I am glad you are enjoying this story. Harry will come into this story much more later, but is not the primary character here. duj; Thanks for the advise, as this is my first fanfic posting I did not know, it has been corrected. udomiel; Thanks, per your request, here is the next chapter.

Chapter Four

A New Year Begins

The students would be arriving tomorrow. Ravenna and Severus were putting the final touches on her apartment. Now they would have to begin the act. They had planned to spend their last night together in her apartment. After one last look around the room, Ravenna was satisfied that it would be as comfortable as it could be without her husband. She hated the idea of not being able to sleep with him at night.

She and Severus left the room, entering her office. Everything here was already in order. She had her lesson plans drawn out for the entire year. She had several tests already prepared and she had fully acquainted herself with the texts that would be used for all seven years that would be occupying her classroom. With nothing more to do, they headed off to the staff lounge for lunch. All the teachers had now arrived, and since none of the others would be in on their plan they were required to act indifferently to one another.

They were the last to arrive for lunch. Upon her entry in the room, Albus stood to greet her. As she reached her seat Albus began to make introductions. Several of the teachers were familiar with her from her days as a student and knew her to be Dumbledore's relative. Before any could speak Albus began. "Most of you may recognize our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. This is Ravenna Noir Gryffin, she is my grandson Brian's daughter." Albus deliberately left out the fact that she is married to Severus, not many knew this particular fact. Not many that is, except for members of the Order and Death Eaters. "She comes to us from Beauxbatons, where she was an assistant professor. I have appointed Severus to assist her while she acclimates herself to the school, staff and students." Now he assisted her in taking her seat and returned to his own.

Lunch was a pleasant enough gathering, thought it was difficult for her to concentrate. Severus had already set into his role of 'Professor Snape'. The indifferent look in his eye was going to take some getting used to.

After lunch Madam Hooch, Professor Sprout and Minerva approached Ravenna. "We are heading into Hogsmeade to do some last minute shopping, would you care to join us?" Ravenna smiled shyly at them. With a quick glance toward where Severus and Albus stood deeply in conversation, she responded.

"That would be wonderful, thank you. Allow me a few moments to retrieve my cloak?" Receiving a quick nod from the three, she left the room. Severus concluded his conversation with Albus and left right behind her.

Ravenna walked quickly towards her apartment. She hurriedly retrieved her lightweight cotton cloak and spun around to find Severus standing right behind her. Startled by his proximity she snapped. "You are lucky I did not have my wand in hand, you could have been hurt."

"You did that very well. Continue to talk to me like that and we will not have any trouble convincing anyone." Severus looked coldly down his nose at her, then smiled. "Take care not to overexert yourself. It won't do for you to be too tired later." Now he raised his eyebrow suggestively. Taking a deep breath she smiled, placed a short but passionate kiss on his lips and then left.

As the four witches walked the streets of Hogsmeade, Ravenna began to feel a little uncomfortable. She knew she was not supposed to have any memories of these women, and that Albus had informed the staff of her memory loss, so she had to be careful of what she spoke. She tried to keep her participation in the constantly changing chatter limited to her preparations for her new post.

After several hours, Minerva noticed she was beginning to look a little pale. Excusing her and Ravenna from the others, she pulled her aside. "Perhaps I should take you back to Hogwarts. You are looking a little tired." Ravenna nodded gratefully.

Minerva returned to the others, giving their apologies then escorted Ravenna back to the castle. After a quick visit to Poppy, just to be safe, she and Ravenna returned to her apartment.

"I want you to get some rest now. Severus will have my head if he sees you like this." She smiled knowingly. Within moments of Minerva's departure Ravenna was lying on her bed drifting off to sleep.

The room was dark 'why is it dark in the middle of the day?' she thought. She sat up startled. Quickly she looked around the room, trying to figure out where she was. After a moment, the room became lighter; she was in her and Severus's bedroom at the Snape Estate. 'How did I get here?' she thought. She rose from the bed, intent on heading for Severus's lab, which is probably where he would be since he was not in bed with her.

Just as she reached for the doorknob the door flew open forcefully, startling her. She was frozen in terror. There, standing before her, was Voldemort. His red eyes burning into hers, his snakelike face cold and hard. 'What the hell is he doing here?' Before she could react both of her arms were pulled tightly behind her. She felt her left shoulder separate from its socket. She gasped in pain. Now she found herself face down on her bed. She turned her head to face the door. Severus was there, kneeling before Voldemort. With a hissed 'crucio' she saw her husband fall to the floor, convulsing in pain, screaming in agony.

She was jerked up from the bed by the hair. She could still hear Severus's screams, but could no longer see him. The face that filled her vision was that of Luther Bloodworth. She thought her heart would stop. She tried to pull away from him, only to be smacked hard in the face. Falling on her back on the bed she tried to struggle. It was no use, Bloodworth had hit her with an 'immobulus' charm. She was frozen to the spot. She was unable to stop him as Luther began to rip her clothing off. With her eyes she began searching the room. She could no longer hear Severus screaming. Another moment she saw him, standing behind Luther, with Voldemort behind and to the right of him. He was as still as a statue, unable to do anything but shed tears, as he was forced to watch Bloodworth rape her.

Ravenna woke screaming, Severus immediately at her side. As soon as he sat next to her, she drew her arms around his neck, burying her face into his shoulder. She cried hysterically for a few moments, still firmly in Severus's embrace. As she began to calm, Severus pulled away from her enough to see her face. "What is it?" He asked with a voice full of concern.

She took several more moments to compose herself before answering. After she finished telling Severus of her dream, she felt his body stiffen in her arms. She looked into his face. He was white as a ghost, his eyes cold. He took a shuddered breath before lowering his eyes to hers. When they did, they had lost their coldness.

"This is very important…" he began in a tightly controlled voice. "have you ever had a dream like this before?" She looked at him irately. "What I mean is, did this feel like a dream or was it something more?"

She closed her eyes, looking into herself for a moment before answering. "No, this did not feel like a dream. I could feel…" her voice trailed off as the tears came again. Severus held her tightly in his arms as she continued to weep. After a short while he called for a house elf.

When Winky appeared, he instructed her to retrieve a potion from his office and to fetch Madam Pomfrey. Several moments later, Poppy was beside Severus in Ravenna's apartment, holding the potion. Severus told her of the dream Ravenna had, without too much detail, then took the potion from her.

"Rae, take this." He spoke gently, lovingly. She looked at him blankly, she was still too distraught to think. When she did not do as he requested, he continued. "This is a light sleeping draught, for dreamless sleep. Please take it." Without any resistance she took the potion, falling asleep almost instantly. Severus gently laid her back down on the bed.

"Poppy, can you please attend her for a few minutes. I need to speak with Albus right away." She nodded, and he departed quickly.

Headmaster's office

Severus knocked sharply on Albus's door then opened it. "Albus, we need to discuss your mother's gift." He stated quickly.

Albus rose from the chair behind his desk. "What has happened?" he asked roughly. Severus proceeded to tell about Ravenna's dream. "This is dreadful, I had hoped this would be one gift she would be denied. Did she give any indication of when this seemed to happen?" he said with despair in his voice.

"No, only where. I am going to have to keep her well away from my family home for a while. I cannot allow this to happen." Severus's voice was tight; he was trying very hard to contain his emotions.

"Fear not Severus, now that we know of this, we can prevent it." Dumbledore said assuringly. Severus's only reply was a short nod. He then rose and left the office, intent on returning to his wife.

Poppy rose from the chair she had placed next to the bed when Severus entered the room. "She is sleeping soundly, she should be out for a while. I have examined her thoroughly. Other than slightly elevated blood pressure, she is fine."

Severus gave her a small smile. She placed a gently hand on his shoulder as she passed him to leave. As soon as the door was closed, he removed his cloak, coat and boots. He then climbed into the bed, taking her securely into his arms. They would deal with the repercussions later. Soon, he too was sleeping.

Severus woke just before daybreak, today was the start of the new term. Now he dreaded even more the roles he and his wife would have to begin playing. He knew this dream would haunt her for sometime to come, and it killed him to not be able to comfort her. His train of thought was broken when he felt her stir in his arms. He had held her securely to him all night. At least with the pain in his shoulder from remaining in this position for so long, the grimace he would wear would not be entirely feigned.

Without any discussion of the dream, she rose from the bed and headed toward the bathroom. Severus followed.

She had been doing very well preparing for the day. The students would be here by dinnertime. Then they would be forced to endure the start of term banquet. She had always hated this particular ritual, even when she was a student here. How was she to handle sitting at the teacher's table at the end of the hall. Her only pleasure about having to dine there each night was the fact that she would at least be seated next to her husband.

Severus watched her with amazement that she was able to so completely block out the memory of her terrifying dream. He knew his wife had a great strength of character. She had studiously gone about final checking of the classroom, her notes and order of her office.

Finally, it was nearly time. The clock struck 6:30. Surely by now the Hogwarts Express had arrived at Hogsmeade Station, the students would be arriving at any moment. Severus went to retrieve his wife from her office. "My love, it is time to go to the Great Hall. May I escort you?" He spoke quietly, in a very loving tone. Her heart ached, she knew this would be the last time she would hear that tone outside their bedroom for quite some time.

"I am as ready as I will ever be. At least I will still be close to you each evening at dinner." She smiled reassuringly at him.

He now stood next to her, waiting for her arm. As she rose to lock her arm in his he placed his right hand gently on her cheek using his thumb to gently stroke her lips. "I want you to remember I do not mean any of the awful things I will say." Then he replaced his thumb with his lips. She would hold fast to this memory, this feeling for quite some time.

Within the hour, they were sitting at the teachers' table at the head of the Great Hall. The sorting ceremony was over and Dumbledore was just about to begin his welcoming speech. "I want to welcome you all back to another year at Hogwarts. I hope you all will enjoy the year to come!" he started cheerfully. "And now for the introduction, we have only one new teacher joining us this year. Please allow me to present your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Madam Ravenna Gryffin." Albus concluded with a great smile.

Ravenna stiffly rose from her seat between Severus and Albus. She received an overwhelming applause, which caused her to smile like a child receiving her most wanted gift. Severus had to restrain the smile from forming on his lips, mentally scolding himself. Seeing her look this happy gave him great joy.

Hours later, the feast finally over and the students heading back toward their dormitories she finally sighed in relief. Severus looked at her sharply, concern not evident on his face, but sparkling in his eyes.

Ravenna nodded toward the door behind the staff table and then proceeded toward it. Severus followed. No sooner than he had closed the door he pulled her into a firm embrace.

"I am ever so glad this night is over." She immediately relaxed as his arms enclosed her. He gently rested his cheek against the top of her head. She looked absolutely exhausted.

"I want you to get a good nights sleep, take the potion if you must. Poppy has confirmed it will have no ill effects on either you or the baby." His eyes twinkled at the thought of their child.

"Albus has taken Harry up to his office, I am expected to meet them there." She said quietly as she pulled back from Severus's embrace.

Moments later Ravenna was standing outside Albus's office door. She stood quietly, waiting for the door to open.

"Harry . . ." Albus began quietly. "it is imperative that you resume your occlumency lessons." Harry's expression changed from joy to terror. "Don't worry Harry, you will have a new instructor this year. I am well aware that you and Professor Snape don't…get on well together." Albus smiled as he raised his hand.

At the sound of the office door opening Harry turned to face it.

There in the doorway stood the woman who had been introduced at the Welcoming feast. Their new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

As she approached Harry he finally got a good look at her. Thought it was apparent she was too old to be a student he couldn't help but notice she was a little shorter than he. He could not tell her build. She wore her robes very loose and flowing. She was dressed entirely in black and her pale complexion made her appear sickly. 'I hope she's not a vampire' Harry thought.

Ravenna sniggered. "I can assure you I am not." Harry stared at her startled. "Harry, it is a pleasure to meet you at last." She said as he extended her hand to shake his. Harry noticed her hands were warm, but rough as though she used them a lot. "The headmaster has told me a great many things about your abilities. I look forward to instructing you ... and learning from you." She smiled warmly at him. He looked so much like his father, she could not get over it. As she studied his face more she was startled to realized his eyes were Lily's.

"Professor Gryffin, it is a pleasure to meet you." Harry intoned respectfully. "Professor Dumbledore tells me you will be instructing me in occlumency." She nodded slightly.

"Yes Harry, Professor Dumbledore believes that since I was an Auror I am adequate to instruct you, to help you protect yourself from Voldemort."

Harry was stunned, not many people referred to Voldemort by name. "You do not fear him?" he asked.

She looked at him for a moment before answering. "Of course I fear him, anyone with a lick of sense would. He is capable of horrible acts and has many followers to assist him." She stated cautiously.

Harry had the distinct feeling he was going to like this woman very much.

"Harry…" Albus interrupted. "There is one more bit of information you need to know before you begin your lessons. I am not ordering you to take this instruction, but it is in your best interest to do so." Harry looked at Dumbledore confused. "Ravenna attended Hogwarts with your parents. She was Lily's best friend. In fact, she was so close to your mother that Lily made Ravenna your godmother." Harry stared blankly at Dumbledore for a moment. When his words sunk in, Harry was angry.

He spun to face Ravenna. "You are my godmother and yet you were not here when I needed you!" Harry was yelling now.

Albus placed a stilling hand on Harry's shoulder. "Calm yourself, let me explain." He said quietly. He indicated for Harry to sit before his desk. Ravenna stood behind Harry, slightly to his left. She looked directly into Albus's eyes for a moment before he started to speak. Now the deception would begin.

A short time later, Albus finished his narrative, explaining to Harry about Ravenna's actions of fifteen years ago. He told Harry how she had been confronted while on a mission and had lost her memory during the struggle. This was too much for Harry. He was still hurting from Sirius' death, now he learns he as another godparent. Was he supposed to love this woman he didn't ever know?

"Harry, you have a great deal to think on. Take some time to evaluate it all. Should you decide to partake in the occlumency lessons, you can inform Professor Gryffin when you are ready. In the mean time, return to your dormitory. You will need a good nights rest." Albus smiled gently at him.

Harry stood silently, looking Ravenna in the eyes as he turned. She smiled gently at him, he nodded his head slightly and proceeded to the door. Ravenna watched him leave. As soon as the door closed behind him she turned to Albus.

"Grandfather, I don't feel right about this. How is he going to react to me when he finds out the truth about my 'memory loss'?" She could not bare the idea of this young man, who looked so much like her lost friends, hating her.

"Child, when he discovers the whole truth, he will be justifiably angry at first. Then he will come to understand the reasons behind it. There is no need to worry, he is truly Lily's son." He smiled at her then gestured with his hand for her to leave as well.

She looked into his eyes for another moment and then turned to leave. As she reached the door, it opened. She stood frozen in terror, the memory of her recent dream resurfacing. Severus's form appeared in the doorway. Catching the look on his wife's face he moved rapidly to her, wrapping her in his arms.

Albus looked at Severus intently, he nodded in return and Albus silently ascended the stairs to his upper chamber.

"What is it? Did the meeting not go well?" Severus asked, concern apparent in his voice.

"The meeting went fine. Harry is understandably upset at the fact that he has a godmother no one bothered to tell him about. Grandfather believes he will come around." She whispered tightly.

Severus felt slight satisfaction with that, he truly did not want Harry to hate her. "Then what has caused you this distress?" This time the question was whispered into the top of her head.

"Severus, the way that door opened, I flashed back to the dream…" she could not continue for fear of breaking down again.

"We really have not had a chance to discuss it fully. Perhaps you would be willing to share the dream with me?" he felt her stiffen in his arms. Albus, observing from the upper landing nodded his head.

"You mean for me to allow you in, to witness the dream firsthand?" She was startled by the thought. She did not want her husband to feel the shame and humiliation she had experienced.

"Perhaps, with further examination, we can determine when the event of this vision will take place. In that case, we can prevent it from happening." He spoke reassuringly. He knew he had gotten through to her, he felt her body relax in his arms.

"Where do you propose we do this? We should not go to each other's apartments now that the students are in the castle." She said into his chest.

"Why not here? I am sure Albus would be kind enough to allow us to use his private study. There, even if he receives visitors, we will remain unobserved." Severus lifted his head to look at Albus. He nodded in response.

As they sat on the sofa in Albus's private study, Severus with his back against the armrest, Ravenna leaning forward her head on Severus's chest, both were panting. The images he witnessed, the sensations he experienced breaking his heart. He had no idea visions could feel so completely real. He had to find a way to erase this pain from his wife's mind. He momentarily considered 'obliviating' the vision.

She was completely exhausted, having relived this torturous event again. Severus gently nudged her so that she turned and had her back and head resting against his chest. He then rested his hands on her belly and kissed the top of her head. "You really need to get some sleep my love. Why don't you go back to your apartment, take the potion and sleep. I will come to you if I can." She rolled her head gently against his chest before rising.

She turned back, waiting for him to stand. When he did, she raised her eyes to meet his.
Severus, I love you. Thank you." He smiled at her, then escorted her back to the headmaster's office. When she had left, Albus joined Severus in his office.

"How could she be experiencing visions already?" Severus growled, still angered by the realness of what she had just shared with him.

"Since you told me about the vision, I have done some research. It is true that my mother was a seer. It seems that the gift is passed down from mother to daughter, however, the mother does not receive the gift until she has been able to pass it on." Here he paused for a moment. "Severus, it would seem that you are going to have a daughter." Now his eyes were twinkling. "I can only imagine the reason she has already received the gift is because the conception of this child was aided by magic." Severus was stunned to silence. He was going to have a daughter, oh how he hoped she would be exactly like her mother. After a moment of unadulterated joy, he came back to the problem at hand.

"Since she was never aware of the possibility of this gift, she is not prepared for it. Should she have one of these visions in the presence of a Legilimens, they will most likely see her vision as well. Judging by the intensity of what she shared with me, there is not way she would be able to keep her mental blocks up." Now Severus was deeply concerned. Should this happen around Harry, he may be able to read everything that was in her mind. Know of the deceptions that are going on all around him. While they are truly in his best interest, is he mature enough to realize it?

"We will cross that bridge when we come to it. As it is, I do not believe Voldemort will summon her anytime soon and young Harry still lacks the adequate skills to perform such an act. As he improves, perhaps we could expand his lessons to include you. He will most likely focus his attentions on keeping you out, rather than trying to get into her thoughts." Albus stated thoughtfully. This was indeed an unexpected twist to an already complicated plan.

"One more thing Albus, I had to oblivate the memories of the Bloodworth children. They came to me after the meeting in the Slytherin common room and told me she was their nanny. I modified their memories so that they do not remember what she looks like." Severus said quietly, and with a nod from Albus left.

Ravenna's Apartment

After leaving the headmaster's office, he quickly went to check in the Slytherin common room, making sure all the students were in bed. Upon leaving, satisfied his charges were securely tucked in, he allowed his mind to wander as he walked. Of their own accord, he found to his surprise, his feet had taken him to his wife's office.

Severus knew he shouldn't be here, but he could not help himself. His wife was anxious. This would not bode well for her pregnancy if she continued to be under this much stress. He had to do whatever he could to relieve her anxiety, even if it meant jeopardizing their carefully laid plan. Without another thought, he lowered the charm on her apartment door and stepped quietly inside. In the dim light, he could barely make out her form lying on the bed, covered only with the sheet. He also noticed the potion bottle on her bedside table. Though short-term use of the potion would cause no side effects, he knew she could not take it continuously. He had to find another way of allowing her to rest peacefully.

He approached the bed, removed his pocket watch as he walked. He charmed the watch to vibrate at 4:30 a.m. That should give him enough time to wake up, dress and return to the dungeons unnoticed. Should he be spotted at that hour, it will be assumed he is just patrolling the halls an no one would give it another thought.

Without a sound, he removed his cloak and boots and then lay back on his wife's bed. It didn't take long for him to drift off to sleep, the vision she shared still swirling in his mind. How was he going to prevent this vision from coming to fruition when he did not even know when it was going to happen? He started slightly when he felt Ravenna's body move of its own accord against him. At least for tonight, she would again sleep securely in his embrace.

Severus jumped, the vibration against his thigh startled him. He touched the watch with the tip of his wand and it stopped moving. Then, turned his head to plant a gentle kiss on his wife's forehead, which was resting in the crook of his shoulder. At that moment, her eyes fluttered open and she smiled gently at him.

"Was it wise of you to sneak into your enemy's bedchamber?" she said jokingly, her voice still rough with sleep.

"I can think of no better way to die…can you?" he asked jokingly in return. "After what you shared with me, there was no way I could leave you alone. We will find a way for you to better protect yourself from the sensations of your visions." She pulled abruptly away from him. 'What was he saying…VISIONS…

"Severus" now her voice was harsh. "What do you mean protect me from my visions?"

"Rae, there is something that Albus told me that I need to share with you." He paused, looking at her. When she indicated for him to continue, he did. "Albus's mother was a seer. As such, you have inherited that ability. After you left his office, he and I discussed this. He did some research on the gift after I told him about your 'dream'. It seems that this gift is passed down from mother to daughter, and the visions start when the mother has successfully passed on the ability." He watched her face closely to see if she understood what he was telling her.

"Successfully passed on the ability? I have not had a child yet, how is it that I have these visions now?" she was truly confused.

"Albus seems to believe the child you carry is a girl. He further believes since her conception was magically assisted that you have already inherited the gift." Severus smiled.

She sat motionless for a moment, staring unseeingly at her husband. The realization dawned on her. They were going to have a daughter! Ravenna was happy beyond words. The look in her husband's eyes about their daughter truly convinced her she was well on her way to mending the terrible wound she had cause by leaving.

"Are you not pleased by this knowledge?" he asked her quietly since she did not speak.

"How could I be anything but pleased, you seem to be very happy about this!" she exclaimed. Severus responded by pulling her to him, embracing her tightly. After a few moments of just holding her, he kissed he gently on the head.

"As much as I love holding you, I really have to be going. If I stay here too much longer it may look suspicious if I am spotted leaving." He intoned apologetically.

"Yes, I know. I will see you at breakfast." She smiled at him.

"True enough, but for now I want you to go back to sleep. Breakfast is not until 7:30 so that will still give you about two more hours of sleep." He said as he slowly rose from the bed.

"I love you!" she said softly as she repositioned herself on the bed.

Severus responded in kind then turned and left the room, making sure to recharm the door as he left.

A couple of hours later Ravenna entered the Great Hall for breakfast. She was not sure if she would actually be able to eat. She had woken extremely nauseous this morning. Severus had been leaning to his left conferring with Madam Pomfrey when she entered. He turned to meet her eyes, then suddenly looked away. Poppy also looked at her briefly as she took her seat to Severus's right.

"Good morning Ravenna, did you sleep well?" Poppy asked concerned. She did not like the way she was looking.

"Yes, thank you. I am feeling a little queasy this morning." She responded weakly.

Severus so desperately wanted to comfort his wife, but knew he couldn't. This thought brought his trademark grimace to his face. Ravenna smirked at his expression.

After breakfast, which Ravenna didn't eat much of, she quickly made her way to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Her first class of the day was about to begin. This class just so happened to be the 6th years. She was standing in front of the desk in the classroom as the students began to arrive. She watched each of them enter the room, trying to make momentary eye contact with each of them. When Harry came in with whom she assumed to be Ron and Hermione she smiled slightly. Harry returned her smile. This relieved her, at least he didn't hate her…yet.

"Good morning class!" she said brightly. They responded in kind. "Today we are going to begin with a review of some of the most basic defense charms…Yes, yes, I know. But I need to see what you already know so I can teach you what you don't." she began. The class laughed. Maybe this would be easier than she thought.

By the end of the day, in which she had taught the 6th years, the 4th years and the 2nd years, she was feeling rather good about herself. She seemed to have won over most of her students.

As she was straightening up her desk from the final lesson, she heard a light wrap on her office door. Looking up she saw Harry standing at her door. She stood before she spoke. "Mister Potter, please, come in!" she said lightly.

"Good afternoon Professor" he began. "might I have a moment?"

"By all means, what can I do for you?" she asked hopefully

"I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions…about my mum?" he asked sheepishly.

"Of course, but I must tell you I don't really remember too much about her now." She stated apologetically. She really hated the idea of lying to him. It was obvious this boy knew little about his father and less about his mother…her best friend. Harry's face showed disappointment, but that couldn't be helped.

"You don't remember anything?" he said quietly.

"No, not really. I am told that she was my best friend from the time we were 1st years together. I am also told that in addition to me being your godmother, I stood as her maid of honor when she married your father." She noticed a small smile on his lips.

"I have a picture from their wedding. Would you like to see it?" he was now beaming.

"Of course, I would love to." She responded. Maybe she could use this to help jog her 'lost memory'. She would have to discuss this later with Albus and Severus.

"Perhaps I could bring my photo album with me when we have our first lesson?" he said quietly.

"So, even after what you have learned, you still want to undergo training with me?" she said levelly.

"Yes, Professor Dumbledore seems to believe it important. And after what I have witnessed through Voldermort's eyes I would have to agree." He stated firmly.

"This is wonderful news. When would you like to begin?" she smiled.

"I have Quidditch practice on Tuesday and Friday nights after dinner. How often should we meet?" he asked.

"Given the amount of progress you need to make in a short time. I would suggest we meet at least three times a week. You tell me when." This stunned Harry, when Snape had been teaching him, he was told when and where. He truly began to believe he was going to like this woman.

"How about Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. I know you probably go home for the weekend like most of the other teachers." He said thoughtfully.

"Actually Harry, as I have just returned to England and do not have a home. I will be living here in the castle until the end of the term. I believe having every night of the week occupied will be rough on you. Why don't we do Monday and Thursday nights after dinner, then a lesson sometime over the weekends?"

"That would be wonderful. Thank you so much." He smiled fully and rose to shake her hand.

Ravenna nodded at him and smiled in return. "I shall see you Thursday evening then. Meet me here after dinner."

Harry, still smiling, turned to leave her office. As he reached the office door, he came face to face with Snape.

"Out of my way, Potter." He snarled as he crossed the threshold. "I would have words with you Professor Gryffin." He stated harshly.

Harry turned back to face her, she waved him off with her hand. He turned back around and left, but paused at the bottom of the stairs.

"Yes Professor Snape, please come in." she stated evenly.

"What is the meaning of this?" He shouted as he smacked his hand down hard on her desk.

"I am truly sorry Professor, but I do not know what you are talking about." She said, harshly.

"It has come to my attention that you are planning on putting the 6th years through actual defensive maneuvers in you next lesson. How could you be so irresponsible. I have already informed you of the lack of decent education these children have received because of the imbeciles the headmaster has chosen to hire the past five years. What are you trying to do, kill them?"

"If you don't mind Professor, I believe I am quite capable of setting my own lessons without your input!" she was now yelling back. "If Dumbledore thought you capable of teaching this class, he would have hired you as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, now wouldn't he?

At that point, Harry figured Snape would come storming down the stairs at any moment and decided leaving was a good idea. He quickly ran to the door leading to the corridor and left.

Severus spun on his heals and stormed towards the door, pausing at the threshold. He quickly scanned the classroom below to see if Harry was still there. He spotted the back of his robes through the classroom door. Turning, he looked his wife straight in the eyes before speaking.

"Well done, Professor. That was perfect. I can only imagine how that is going to be conveyed to his friends." Severus smiled.

"That wasn't too over the top?" she asked sheepishly.

"Not at all, that was wonderful. There have been few who would have the courage to insult me!"

Now she lowered her voice, "Severus, I absolutely hated that! The last thing I wanted to do was to insult you." She lowered her eyes.

"I know love, but this must be done. You need to establish a strong relationship with him, and quickly. It will only be a matter of time before the Dark Lord becomes tired of waiting for you to come around. He is not know for his patients. We must have Harry adequately prepared for what is to come before that happens." He so desperately wanted to take her in his arms, but doing so here in her office was just way to risky.

"Severus, I have been extremely nauseous all day. At this rate I won't be able to eat. Do you think you can brew me something to help?" Now she was speaking weakly.

This time Severus did move to her side, just in time to help lower her to her chair. "We could use this. I could have some sort of illness that requires you to make potions for me, like you did for Remus. This is something that is commonly known you hate doing." She said quietly, attempting to sneer.

"You sure know how to hit a man when he is down, don't you." He asked teasingly.

Although he played at it very well, he really didn't have any dislike for Remus Lupin. While it is true he was friends with James and Sirius, Remus had never treated Severus callously. Remus' departure from Hogwarts two years before was due to Severus revealing him to be a werewolf, but this too was at Albus's request.

She smiled back at him briefly, blowing him a kiss. He turned and stormed down the steps and out of her classroom.

She turned forlornly, uncharmed the door to her apartment and entered. Once inside, she walked straight to the bathroom. She had barely made it there when she began retching again. 'God, I hope this isn't going to last the whole time' she thought as she dropped to her knees. Upon returning to her bedroom she exhaustedly fell to the bed, not bothering to disrobe and pulled Severus's pillow close. Within minutes she was asleep.

Sometime later, she awoke with a start. Someone was knocking on her door. Slowly, she rose from the bed and crossed the room. Dropping the charm, she opened the door enough to look out. Severus was standing there, potion bottle in hand.

"Severus, what are you doing here?" she exclaimed as she pulled the door open enough for him to pass through. He quickly crossed the threshold, closing the door behind him.

"I have just come from seeing Poppy. I had her check this potion to make sure none of the ingredients would harm the baby." He smiled. "She says this will help you deal with the nausea, and is harmless. I also allowed myself to be overheard by Longbottom that you were suffering from an illness. No doubt Harry now knows as well."

Ravenna stood there smiling at him. Thank God he was on their side, this man was truly devious.

"So you just had to personally deliver this potion?" she questioned jokingly.

"Absolutely, and I acted very put out by it too!" he exclaimed. "I let enough 'slip' about the potion to be able to reasonably explain why I may be seen coming from your apartment at odd hours."

She moved closer to take the potion from her husband's grasp, drinking it down quickly. She was not at all surprised to find this potion also tasted as good as a potion could. She then handed him the empty bottle. As he stretched out his hand, she grabbed it. Pulling him closer to her, she lifted up on her tippy-toes to deposit a kiss on her husband's lips. He returned her kiss enthusiastically. As he made to pull away, she put her right hand to the back of his head grabbing a handful of hair.

"Oh, no you don't." she purred. "You are not going to leave here again until I have some satisfaction." His eyes gleamed.

An hour later, he was dressing. Ravenna had already fallen asleep. Now fully clothed, he leaned back over, kissing his wife gently on the temple and left.

The next few days passed without much incident. Now it was Thursday and Harry would be here any moment for his first occlumency lesson with her. While she waited for him to arrive, she thought about how wonderful she felt now that the nausea was at bay. When Harry's face appeared at her office door, she waived him in.

"Are you ready for this Harry?" she asked gently. He nodded his head in reply. "Before we start, I want you to take a few moments to try to arrange your memories. Put those you do not want me to see as deeply in your mind as you can, okay?" again, he nodded.

Raising her wand at Harry, she said. "Here we go. One – two – three – Legilimens!" Instantly, she was seeing Harry's memories, the fear-filled and surprised face of Sirius as he fell through an archway shifting to what appeared to be a rather handsome teenaged boy lying dead in a graveyard. Now Dementors swooping down on him and Sirius by the lake. Ravenna broke contact, both she and Harry were panting heavily. She stumbled back, catching herself on the arm of her chair.

Harry looked at her, embarrassed. "I'm sorry Professor Gryffin, I had forgotten how powerful the pull was." He whispered.

"It's okay Harry, we can work on that. I am sorry for the force I used. I had to test you first to see where to begin. I am afraid Professor Snape was less than helpful to me when I questioned him about your lessons last year." This she said with a grimace similar to Severus's.

"You don't like him very much, do you?" the question was out of Harry's mouth before he could stop himself.

"What would make you think that?" she asked sincerely. At least she and Severus were doing their jobs well, Harry seemed convinced she didn't like Severus at all.

"When I met with you the other night, I could not help but hear part of your argument with him as I was leaving." Harry seemed like he wanted to say more, but stopped himself.

"You heard me insult him, did you?" she laughed. "As a rule, I try not to judge a person before I get to know them, but in his case I believe I will have to make an exception. I don't believe he really likes anyone. And now, he seems to be angry with me because I require regular potions for a rather annoying and inconvenient stomach ailment. Unfortunately for Professor Snape, the potion must be brewed at the time it is required, it breaks down within an hour. As I require these potions about every 6 to 8 hours…" she stopped taking, looking intently at Harry.

"I see." He finally said. "He really isn't the charitable type, and he does hate everyone." Harry further exclaimed.

Ravenna thought 'Oh Harry, if you only knew the true Severus Snape. You would be amazed at how charitable he really is.' She looked at him for a moment.

"Yes, well, enough about Professor Snape. I believe we have a job to do here." She said as she straightened herself and released her grip on her chair. "Now, what I want you to do is this. When you feel me entering your memories I want you to imagine they are in a trunk, when I get to a memory you don't want me to see, slam the trunk closed. Okay?"

Harry nodded his head. He then took a deep breath, preparing himself for another attack.

"Legilimens!" Ravenna shouted as she pointed her wand at him. Immediately, she was seeing Harry's memories again. This time she was seeing his lessons with Severus, she was amazed at how intimidating he seemed in Harry's memory. Severus is standing over Harry's shoulder, apparently in Potions class, hissing in his ear. Before she could hear what he was saying everything went black. She stumbled again, this time missing the chair. She fell to the floor. Harry was immediately at her side.

"Are you okay Professor?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

"Yes, I'm fine." She said weakly. "Very well done, Harry!" she slowly pulled herself up and seated herself in the chair. "I wonder Harry, why is it I was able to see those memories that haunt you the most and you could not stop me…but when I witnessed you with Professor Snape, you were able to stop me."

Harry did not have an answer for her. Why was it that he could allow her to see Sirius die, but not let her see Snape insulting him.

"I believe we have done enough for this evening. I want you to consider what we did tonight. We will discuss what you figure out this weekend. I will be in the castle all weekend, so just let me know when you have time." She said to him quietly.

Without a word, Harry turned and walked to the door. Again, just as he reached the threshold Snape was there. Without thought, he stepped to the side to allow him to pass, then left. This time, he did not stop at the bottom of the stairs. He walked quickly out of the room.

Severus stood in the doorway, watching Harry leave. When he was out of view Severus turned, closed the door and walked quickly to his wife.

"Are you okay?" he asked concerned. She was very pale and shaking slightly.

"Fine, just a little confused. He was not able to stop me when I took his memories about Sirius, Cedric and the Dementors, but was able to stop me from taking memories about you. Why do you think that is?" she asked absently.

"I believe because I do have a tendency to insult him, perhaps he did not want to share that with you. There is a certain amount of pride involved with teenage boys where women are concerned." Severus smiled, then bent to kiss her neck. "Perhaps our young Mr. Potter is developing a crush on you. Should I be jealous?" she moaned softly at his persistent kisses on her neck.

"I don't believe so. After all, I am old enough to be his mother. She was barely able to keep a coherent thought in her head. "Severus, if you don't stop, you will end up spending another night in my bed." He chuckled at that.

"Was that supposed to be a threat? If so, it's not very scary."

Her only response was to wrap her arms around her husband's neck. He immediately lifted her into his arms and carried her to her bedroom.

Four hours later he kissed her on her head, tucked the covers around her and left.

Several weeks passed rather uneventfully. Ravenna's classes were going well as were Harry's lessons. He was truly beginning to make progress. Ravenna was no longer able to get into Harry's memories at will, she had to fight extremely hard before she was finally able to break through. She made it a point to reward him with house points and Honeyduke's chocolate for a job well done.

As was usual at about the time Harry's lesson was ending, Severus appeared at her office door with her latest dose of potion. Harry nodded his head respectfully toward Professor Snape as he left. Severus stood at the doorway, watching Harry leave the classroom before approaching Ravenna.

Now standing by her side where she still sat at the desk, he placed the potion bottle on her desk and bent to kiss her gently. "As it is the end of the month, I am going to have to report my 'progress' to the Dark Lord." He said apologetically, informing her he would probably not be staying with her tonight. He figured when he reported to Voldemort he would also be required to examine the work that was being done by others on his behalf.

"What are you going to tell him?" Although we have done a most excellent job of convincing the castle's populous we don't like each other much this will most certainly not please him."

"Albus and I have discussed this, we both believe it would be best to convey that you have not yet exhibited any memories of any of us, but that sometimes you seem to have memories of you prior Auror activities come forth while you are teaching your lessons. I am also to share with him that you are instructing Harry in occlumency and that I will find a way to join these lessons." This he stated with a devious grin.

"That would be wonderful." She smiled. "He has made remarkable progress in a rather short time. I don't think I will be able to get through at all much longer. Perhaps with you there, he will be less focused and will have to work harder to keep us both out." Here she paused. "Will Voldemort think this is suspicious that your are teaching Harry to defend himself?"

"Not if I convey that I am really trying to find out exactly what Harry knows, and how strongly he is still connected to the Dark Lord's own mind."

"I still hate the idea of you going to him." Her face dropped to a frown.

Severus placed a gently hand on her cheek, lifting her face to him for another kiss. "Winky will be bringing you dinner in a little while. Take the potion, eat and go to bed. I will get back here as soon as possible."

Riddle Manor, hours later

Severus was busy examining the potions that were bubbling away. He was amazed at the vast number of caldrons that were going. He was also alarmed to discover that most were full of Polyjuice Potion and the rest were full of Veritaserum – truth potion. 'What is he planning?' Severus thought, then quickly buried the thought deeply in his mind.

"Do they all meet with your satisfaction?" Came the question in his ear with a hiss.

"Yes my Lord, they have all been brewed adequately." Severus answered stiffly.

"Excellent!" was the hissed reply. "Now come, we will talk of other matters." Snape followed wordlessly as Voldemort proceeded him toward the study.

Once inside the study Severus was offered drink and food, which he declined. When the servant left the room Voldemort spoke. "Tell me of the progress you have made with your bride." Then sat with feigned patience.

"I fear my Lord, there has not been much progress yet. Whereas she is beginning to remember her activities as an Auror, she still does not realize her relationship to me or Dumbledore." Severus stated as he shook his head in 'frustration'.

"Can you think of no way to speed her recovery? Perhaps a potion?" he hissed.

"I do not believe that would be wise at this time, sire. As the memories begin to exhibit with greater frequency that would most certainly be an option." Snape sneered.

"Very well then, return now and report to me again at the end of next month. And Snape - I expect to receive a better report at that time." Voldemort whispered menacingly.

Snape dropped to his knee, kissing the hem of the Dark Lord's robes. "As you command, my Lord." Severus quickly departed the study and apparated.

Severus gravely reported to Albus what he had seen when he was with Voldemort. They would have to be very careful with everyone now. It would seem the current plan was to capture those with knowledge, extract that knowledge and then have Death Eaters impersonate those people. Albus would have to advise the members of the Order to be on the lookout for any changes in behaviors, and that none of them should be alone at any time.

From here on in things have just gotten even more dangerous than they had been before.

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