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: udomiel; per your request, here is the next chapter> THX for reading.

Chapter Five

The Truth Comes Out

Late on a cold Saturday afternoon the Great Hall was nearly empty. Harry, Ron and Hermione were finishing up some Potions homework. Upon completing their homework Harry excused himself, informing the others he had to meet Professor Gryffin for another occlumency lesson.

Harry quickly returned to the Gryffindor common room, depositing his books in the corner by the table he usually sat at then exited heading towards the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. He rushed up the steps to Professor Gryffin's office, he knew he was late for their appointment and hoped she would not be too upset with him. It had been nearly two months since he had begun his lessons and was making real progress. She was now hardly able to reach any of his memories at all.

As he peeked into the room, he did not see her sitting at her desk. He stepped fully into the room, calling her name. When she did not respond, he went back down the steps searching the classroom. She was not there either.

"Where could she be?" he asked himself out loud. Figuring she had just stepped out, he sat at the front desk. Twenty minutes passed, and Professor Gryffin still had not shown herself. Harry set off in search of Professor Dumbledore. On the way to the Headmaster's office, he encountered Professor Snape."

"Potter, what are you doing roaming the halls?" he snarled.

"Sir, I had an appointment with Professor Gryffin almost an hour ago. She is not in the classroom or her office. I was going to see Professor Dumbledore to see if he knows where she was." Harry stated anxiously.

"Not in her office!" Severus snapped. "She just told me this morning about your meeting when I took her potion to her. You are absolutely certain she was not in her office?" Harry nodded his head in response.

"Come with me, Potter!" He scowled, walking quickly towards the entrance to Dumbledore's office. Harry had to run to keep up.

Just as Severus stopped in front of the gargoyle to speak the password, it jumped aside. There stood Albus, a little startled.

"Severus, what can I do for you?" he inquired.

"Headmaster, it seems Professor Gryffin has stood up young Mr. Potter here on his occlumency lesson. You don't happen to know where she is, do you?" Severus was trying desperately to keep the concern from his voice, but could not keep it from his eyes.

"No Severus, I have not seen her since breakfast." Albus responded quietly, then turned to Harry. "Harry, perhaps you could join me in my office, we have a few things to discuss." He smiled gently, then nodded to Severus to go find Ravenna.

Severus nearly ran back to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. As he passed the desks, his robe got caught. Cursing as it tore, he reached the stairs to Ravenna's office. Taking them two at a time he was in her office almost instantly. Quickly searching the room – another skill acquired in the services of the Dark Lord – he found it unoccupied. Approaching the door to her apartment, he was surprised to find it was not charmed. He opened the door slowly, just enough to look in and found her lying face down across the bed. His heart skipped a beat. Severus gently rolled Ravenna over. She was white, cold as ice and her eyes were wide open. He checked her pulse, relieved that it was still strong, then gently stroked his face with his hand. "Rae, talk to me love!" After several agonizing moments, her eyes blinked. Severus released the breath he did not realize he was holding.

"What happened?" she whispered. Severus shrugged in response.

"You were not in your office to meet Harry for his lesson, we were concerned. I came in here to find you face down on your bed." Worry evident in his voice.

When Severus noticed she was shaking he pulled her close against him, wrapping his cloak around her. She remained still in his arms for a few moments, trying to gather her thoughts.

"Severus, I have no idea what happened. One moment I was getting up from a nap, the next you were touching my face." She was still shivering.

"I think perhaps a visit to Poppy is in order." He said quietly as he lifted her off the bed.

An hour later Ravenna was lying on a bed in the hospital wing. Poppy had examined her completely and could find nothing wrong. Severus was sitting quietly in the chair next to her bed, holding her hand. At the sound of approaching footsteps he immediately released her hand and stood. Albus's face appeared next to the privacy screen. Severus made to speak when Albus raised a finger to his lips. Albus turned back around and spoke. "Well Harry, it would seem we have located your missing professor."

Harry peaked around the privacy screen. Smiling when he saw Professor Gryffin looking pale, but well. His smile left his face when he spotted Snape standing next to her bed.

"Well Professor Gryffin," Snape started. "You really do owe Mr. Potter here a thank you. Had he not located me, I would not have known to look for you." He sneered as he spoke. "You really do need to be more conscientious about taking the potion I bring you. If you do not take it, there is no sense in me wasting my precious time brewing it."

She glared as Snape, the turned her gaze to Harry. "Is that so? Well then, thank you Harry." She smiled graciously at him. "Given the circumstances I think it best we reschedule our lesson…unless Professor Snape would be kind enough to fill in for me." She said, looking harshly at Snape.

"I don't think that would be such a good idea at this time. Potter and I seem to have difficulty understanding each other." Again Severus spoke with a sneer.

The relief on Harry's face was apparent. Severus and Ravenna both restrained their smiles with great effort.

"Well, on that note…perhaps we should be going then Harry." Now Albus spoke, gently placing a hand on his shoulder to guide him away.

When they could no longer hear the footsteps Severus again grabbed her hand, bringing her knuckles to his lips for a gently kiss. "Rae, I was so worried when I found you. I thought you were dead." The fear in his eyes was apparent.

"Don't worry love, you won't get rid of me that easily." She smiled lovingly at him and squeezed the hand still holding hers.

Poppy approached. "Severus, I can find no reason for Ravenna's collapse. Perhaps she has just been neglecting herself." She looked pointedly at Ravenna.

"Poppy I can assure you, I have been watching her closely. She has been eating regularly now that she has been taking the potion. She is also sleeping relatively well and I have been checking up on her under the guise of the potion to make sure she is not working too hard." Severus said. "I believe perhaps we need to look for an external cause for her collapse." Now there was a worried glint in his eyes.

"Perhaps you are right, but none the less I want her to stay here tonight." Poppy said sternly, all business now.

"But if she stays here, I cannot stay with her." Severus was near panic. He most definitely did not want to be away from her tonight.

"I am sorry Severus, but I believe it is for the best that she stays here. Perhaps we can raise a concealment charm so you can stay." She offered apologetically.

It wouldn't give them as much privacy as Severus would have liked, but he did appreciate that Madam Pomfrey was looking out for his wife's welfare.

"Very well, I will come back after dinner. Then we can raise the charm." Now turning to Ravenna, "Will you be okay for a few hours?" He smiled lovingly at her.

"As long as you can bring me the papers I should be grading." She smiled back, all business.

Severus looked to Poppy before answering. With her nod of approval he responded he would be back in a few minutes with the requested papers.

Dinner was finished, but Severus was still sitting at the staff table deep in thought. He was still very worried about Ravenna. This mysterious 'illness' had him puzzled. Poppy had confirmed there was no medical reason for her collapse. She also confirmed the baby was fine. 'What could have caused this? Did she have another vision?' He was startled from his thoughts. Blinking rapidly to clear his vision he noticed Harry was standing opposite where he still sat. "What is it Potter?" he growled.

"I was wondering, sir. How is Professor Gryffin doing?" Harry asked, barely looking Severus in the eyes.

"You need not worry, you have again saved the day. Madam Pomfrey felt in necessary for her to remain in hospital, but assures us she will be fine." He hissed in a quiet whisper. He still hated to treat young Harry with such distain, but for the time being the act must be kept up.

"Thank you, sir." Harry intoned in a barely respectful tone then turned to rejoin his friends.

Severus rose from the table and headed toward the dungeons for a quick patrol. He met briefly with the prefects advising them he had 'business' to attend to that would keep him out of the dungeons for the night and they were to keep extra close watch of the house and left. His brisk pace brought him back to the hospital wing quickly. Once he had the doors closed and approached Ravenna's bed, Poppy erected the concealment charm and went to her office. Ravenna was lying still on the bed dozing when Severus approached her. She, sensing his presence, turned her head to face him.

"I was wondering when you would get here. I have missed you." She smiled at him. Severus returned her smile. He proceeded to remove his cloak and coat, laying them across the back of the chair. Then looking at the bed, he decided it needed to be bigger for them to share. Retrieving his wand, he waved it over the bed and magically it was now large enough to fit them both comfortably. He then lay down next to his wife. She immediately snuggled up against him. Within moments she was asleep again, but this time safely in his arms. Nothing would harm her tonight.

Poppy lowered the charm at 5:30 in the morning. She quietly cleared her throat. Though she knew Severus was a friend, she also knew how dangerous he could be when startled.

Quickly, Severus was in a sitting position looking around for the source of the sound. Seeing Poppy standing at the end of the bed, he relaxed.

"Severus" she started in a whisper "I am sorry to wake you, but I think perhaps you will want to be out of here soon. Breakfast will begin in a couple of hours.

Severus smiled at her then turned his head to look at his wife. She was now awake also, thanks to his abrupt movement a moment before.

"Poppy, do you think I can leave too?" She asked hopefully.

"Let me examine you one more time." She said, extracting her wand from the pocket of her apron.

Moments later, Poppy gave Ravenna a clean bill of health. And since it was still early, Severus could escort her back to her apartment.

Severus so wanted to take his wife into his arms and carry her back to her apartment. She still looked alarmingly pale. She turned to look at her husband, who was walking slower than he usually would and wore a scowl on his face. She was not entirely sure if he was scowling because of her appearance or because he was now back in the public areas of the castle. They were fortunate enough not to have encountered anyone in the hallway heading. Within moments, they were standing inside her apartment.

"I want you to stay in bed today. There is nothing pressing and you need your rest." Severus said gently to his wife, his hands gently holding her face up towards him. She looked lovingly into his eyes for a moment.

"Do you think you can find a way to spend some time here today?" She asked almost shyly.

"Just try to keep me away." He said with a smile on his face. "I will attend breakfast in the Great Hall then check on my house and be back as quickly as I can. Go back to bed. I will bring you something to eat when I come back." Now he was gently steering her to the bed. He delicately removed her robes and then when she sat he removed her shoes. With a gently nudge from him she fell back onto the pillows.

Breakfast had been dismal, he could not wait to be back with his wife. He ate very little until Albus gave him a knowing look. Leaning closely Albus said. "Severus, you need to eat more, she needs your strength. It won't do her any good if you pass out on her." Then he smiled and looked away.

A little over an hour later Severus was standing inside his wife's apartment again, tray of food in hand. He had been spotted carrying the tray by a group of students, his response was to sneer at them, which caused them to quickly turn and go the way they had just come. She was sleeping soundly and he hated the idea of waking her, but also knew she needed to eat. He quietly placed the tray on the bedside table then sat down on the bed next to her. Her hand sneaked out from under the covers and found its way to Severus's leg. He gently stroked her hand then lifted it to his lips.

"Good morning, my love." He whispered lovingly. "It's time for you to eat."

She opened her blue-green eyes to look at him and smiled slightly. A moment later she was pushing herself abruptly off the bed opposite from where Severus sat. She ran to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. Before he had realized why she ran, he heard retching from the opposite side of the bathroom door.

'Of course, she hasn't had her potion for a while.' Reaching into his cloak, he removed a small vial and waited for her to come out. He didn't have long to wait, when she opened the bathroom door she was pale and shaking. Severus was waiting for her just outside the door. With all the gentleness he could muster he swept her off the floor and carried her back to bed. After settling her in and pulling the covers back over her he placed the tray on her lap. She looked at him with a scowl. The last thing she wanted to do right now was eat.

"You have to eat love, the baby needs the nourishment." He stated firmly. "Perhaps this will help." He handed her the potion, which she drank down greedily. Almost instantly she felt better. Now she would be able to honor her husband's request for her to eat.

Twenty minutes later, she had eaten as much as she could, judging by the look on Severus's face he would have liked her to eat more. "Shall I set the rest of this aside for later?" He asked, concern in this deep rumbling voice. She nodded in response. It seemed ridiculous that she should feel so tired when she had slept so much. Severus seemed to have read her mind. He moved the tray to the bedside table then removed his cloak and boots. He then walked to the other side of the bed and laid down. As soon as his head was on the pillow he stretched out his arm and patted his chest, wanting her to lay down with him. Instantly her head was on his chest, her ear against his heart. The strong steady rhythm lulled her to sleep in no time. Feeling the warmth and weight of his wife on him, Severus too fell asleep.

A familiar voice was calling her name, but she couldn't see anything. She stood motionless, straining her ears to hear again. Then she began to spin in a circle, trying to see anything. She could not see anything, her surroundings were pitch black. Then she heard her name again.

Severus opened his eyes, Ravenna had stiffened in his arms and felt ice cold. He sat up quickly, shaking her. "Rae honey, wake up." His voice still gravelly from sleep.

Her whole body jerked and her eyes snapped open. "Severus?" she said startled.

"What happened? You went stiff and cold."

"I must have been dream…" she started, looking past him. "I don't know where I was, it was dark and someone was calling my name." She stopped speaking when she noticed the look on his face, waited for a moment, then continued. "Severus, I know the voice that was calling me, I just cannot place it." Her mind was racing.

"I am going to go speak to Albus." He saw panic in her eyes when he said he was leaving. "I will ask Poppy to stay with you until I get back."

When Poppy arrived, Severus set off to find Albus.

Headmaster's Office

Severus was waiting rather impatiently in Albus's office. When Albus arrived he was not at all surprised to find him there.

"Albus, there is something going on with Ravenna that I cannot figure out. We are going to have to find a way for me to stay with her as much as possible." Albus was already nodding in agreement, which made Severus nervous.

"I agree with you Severus. I have just received word from Alastor. It would seem Voldemort is quite anxious to have Ravenna return to him. He has instructed some of his brewers to find a way for him to invade the minds of his marked when they sleep. From what they have been able to find out he has been experimenting on someone but they have not been able to discern whom." Albus gave Severus a knowing look. "You both are going to need to keep your mental shields up at all times now. Should he be successful in getting in when you sleep, he will be able to find out a great many things we don't want him to know." Severus was dumbfounded by this news. 'How was she going to be able to keep her shields up all the time?' Grimly, he nodded to Albus and left.

As soon as Severus left his office, Albus moved to the fireplace grabbing a handful of floo power as he went. He stepped into the fireplace clearly annunciation "Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place."

Half an hour later, he was back in his office. No sooner than he was back at his desk, he summoned for Minerva McGonagall. When Minerva arrived, he gestured with his hand for her to join him in his study upstairs. He informed her of his discussion with Severus and his meeting with the Order. "Minerva, I will be required to leave for sometime. It seems that someone within the Ministry of Magic may have been comprised. At this very moment, there may be one or more Death Eaters impersonating Ministry members. Until we can confirm this, I will need to do some undercover investigation of my own. I am leaving you to act on my behalf on matters here." Minerva scowled at this, she did not like the idea of Albus doing his own investigating. "Furthermore, we believe Voldemort is attempting to reach Ravenna while she sleeps. You must take care to stress to Severus she must not be left alone. In addition, I want Severus to be present with her at all of Harry's occlumency lessons from this point forward." Now Albus frowned. "Minerva, since we do not know if Voldemort has learned anything from Ravenna, or how well he has been able to contact her… I believe we should share only that which is absolutely vital with Severus as well." Again Minerva frowned. Then she stood and departed.

Albus returned to his desk shuffling some scrolls of parchment on his desk until he found what he was looking for. With a speed that did not seem possible for someone of his age, he quickly left the office.

Severus had returned to Ravenna's apartment. Poppy rose to greet him at the door. "I was able to convince her to go back to sleep, she seemed reluctant to do so." She frowned slightly. She was very concerned about Ravenna's health. The pregnancy had happened so quickly after her injuries, which she had not completely recovered from, that now Poppy was convinced there could be serious problems to come. With the added stresses she was enduring, Poppy was not sure the pregnancy would continue to be viable.

Severus placed a grateful peck on Poppy's cheek, she smiled in response then wordlessly left the room. He crossed the room and cautiously sat on the bed next to his slumbering wife. When she felt his proximity she opened her eyes. Responding to the look on his face, she sat upright and pulled him into her arms. "What's wrong?" she whispered into his ear. Severus was not sure how much of his conversation with Albus he should share. For a moment his only response was to grasp her tightly in his arms, trying to protect her from the world.

Releasing her gently from their embrace, he began. "I have just had a most disturbing conversation with Albus…he started hesitantly. "It seems that the Dark Lord has decided he is going to try to reach the minds of his followers when they sleep…" here he stopped speaking and looked directly into her face. She stared at him with horror evident in her eyes.

"Do you think that could be what caused me to collapse?" She asked hesitantly.

"It would seem to be a plausible explanation." His remark was carefully controlled and emotionless. "Albus believes it is necessary that you and I stay together every night now." This information he did not mind sharing.

For a moment her face showed nothing but joy, which warmed his heart. Then the look changed to one of concern. "How are we supposed to act like we can't stand to be near each other everyday then share the same room each night?" She was clearly confused.

"At the moment, I believe our mutual protection takes precedence over our trying to convince Harry, or anyone else, that we don't like each other. Perhaps we just need to speed up the recovery of you memory. It would not be inconceivable that while you were in hospital recovering that Poppy administered some potion which was intended to help you remember what happened to cause your collapse. And this potion also helped you recover the rest of you memories as well." Severus was smiling now, this could be so easy. Albus had indicated to Severus they needed to protect themselves from discovery. Perhaps if they beat Voldemort to the point it could work to their advantage. "As for Harry, we can still gradually introduce him to the fact of our marriage. We just use the truth. You did leave me because you thought I didn't really love you and would not support you. Your anger with Albus and me over him could still assist you in winning him over. Once the knowledge or our being married is discovered, it would not look entirely suspicious for us to be together. We still have a lot of issues to work on." He smiled.

Ravenna took a deep breath and released it slowly. "I cannot say I don't want to be able to sleep in your arms each night." She smiled and kissed his cheek. "But I just don't know about this. Am I supposed to act angry at you now…Of course!" She paused for a moment. "It's perfect! You will be in my office when Harry comes for the next lesson, he will hear our argument about why I left…He will be understandably upset at both you and Grandfather, and will come to me after you have gone. Then we can talk out the whole thing. "Perfect!" Now she wore a full smile on her face. Severus once again marveled at the brilliance of his beautiful wife. This was the trait that made her such a good Auror and spy. When she was able to get past the emotion of a situation, which took her little time, she was able to discern a quick solution.

"This is perfect!" Severus agreed. "And I should report to the Dark Lord immediately of your 'recovery'. I can then suggest that since we are not on speaking terms at the moment… I will require additional time to 'woo' you back to me, and him."

"Yes, go quickly; stress to him the urgency of your return here as well. The longer you are away, the angrier I will become." She said with a twinkle in her eye much like her great-grandfather's.

Severus apparated from outside the Hogwarts gate and was instantly at Riddle Manor. As Voldemort approached him he dropped to his knee, when Voldemort motioned for him to rise he began to speak at once. "Sire, I have wonderful news to report. Ravenna has recovered her memories. Unfortunately, she is furious with me at the moment. It will take me some time to convince her that I still want her to be my wife." Snape wore a lustful sneer.

"Interesting… how has this complete recovery come about so quickly?" Voldemort hissed.

"It would seem sire, she had some sort of episode which landed her in the hospital. The nurse administered a potion to try to help her remember what caused the episode. The side effect of the potion she used apparently caused her to recover all her memories. Now I must try to spend as much time as possible with her, to bring her back."

"Interesting indeed. It would seem Snape that I was able to assist you in awakening your bride's memories. I have been calling for her, reached her twice so far, but only briefly." He hissed, his red eyes glowing.

"Reach her, my Lord?" Snape questioned emotionlessly.

"I have been trying to find more efficient ways of reaching my loyal, to communicate with them more directly. As of now, I can only do it when they sleep." He continued pleased with himself.

"I see… might I offer any assistance?" Severus asked, hopeful to find out exactly how he was doing this.

"No, you must return to your bride, bring her back to my side. We need you both, and quickly." Was the hissed answer. Severus was disappointed.

"As you command, my Lord." Was his stiff reply.

Severus made his way quickly to the headmaster's office. When he spoke the password nothing happened. He was both angered and confused by this. He urgently needed to speak to Albus; to tell him what they suspected was true.

Still unable to get past the gargoyle guard, he set off to Professor McGonagall's office. In no time he was standing face to face with Minerva. The look on his face caused her to question. "Professor Snape, are you quite well?" Concern clear in her voice.

"I must speak with the headmaster immediately. I have vital information that must be conveyed." Severus stated anxiously.

"I am afraid the headmaster has been called away to London on an urgent matter. Is there anything I can do?" Minerva said gravely.

Severus looked around to see if anyone was about. Speaking quietly now. "I have just returned from meeting with the Dark Lord. He has confirmed he is working on a way to reach those who are marked directly while they sleep. Furthermore, he told me he has reached Ravenna twice. That seems to be the cause of her episodes." His eyes were full of fear.

Minerva's expression darkened. "I will get word to him immediately. I will advise you when he responds." Severus gave her the barest hint of a nod.

"Minerva, where has he gone now?" Severus asked, concern deep in his quiet voice.

"All he told me was he had some urgent business to attend to. He also told me to tell you he wants you and Ravenna to be together as much as possible, including Harry's lessons. He is very concerned about your safety."

Severus scowled at this. Apparently Albus already knew. With a curt nod to Minerva he made his way back to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.

No sooner than he had crossed the threshold to Ravenna's apartment, her embrace met him. "Severus, I had the worst feeling of dread. I was afraid you wouldn't be coming back." She nearly cried in his arms.

"Relax love, as you have recently told me… you won't get rid of me that easily." Severus smiled lovingly at the woman in his arms. "Minerva has informed me that Albus has left for London and has requested we stay as close to each other as possible. I think perhaps we should try to find fill-in's to teach our classes for a few days. The Dark Lord has ordered me to bring you around quickly. What better way to do so than by going on 'holiday'." Severus was smiling mischievously.

"While that is a delicious idea my love, I believe we still have some secrets to reveal to Harry. We must do this first."

"You're right, of course. Are you up to a good fight with your despicable husband?" Severus asked with a grin.

"If I must… I must." She whispered as she put her lips upon his. "But that will be for tomorrow. For tonight, I would like to practice the making up." Without another word, he carried her back to the bed.

Severus and Ravenna both woke to the sound of knocking on the door. He quickly grabbed his discarded clothing and ran to the bathroom. She grabbed her wand and proceeded to the door. "Who is it?" she called anxiously.

"Ravenna, it's Poppy." Relieved Ravenna lowered the charm and opened the door. "I'm sorry to alarm you dear. I just figured I should let you know breakfast is in an hour. That should give Severus enough time to get you another dose of potion and be in the Great Hall in time." Ravenna blushed in response as Poppy turned to leave.

"I feel as though I have just been caught doing something I shouldn't be by my mother." She laughed as Severus exited the bathroom now fully clothed.

He just laughed. "I should do as instructed. I shall see you at breakfast." He started to cross the threshold and stopped. "I forgot to tell you. Albus has requested that we both keep our shields up at all times now."

She just rolled her eyes and kissed him good-bye.

An hour later she was seated at the teachers table in the Great Hall. She was beginning to feel nauseous again. A sound to her right caused her to jerk her head. Severus approached, looking every bit the part of 'Professor Snape'. Remembering that she now had 'recovered her memory' and was supposed to be angry with him, she glared at him.

He practically slammed the potion down in from of her and sneered. "Make sure you actually take it this time?" then took his seat to her left.

Ravenna looked out to the house tables and noticed Harry, Ron and Hermione were all watching her intently. Obviously Harry had shared with his friends the incident from the weekend. She smiled at them and then took her potion gratefully.

Immediately upon completing her breakfast she stood, glaring again at Severus and exited through the door Severus has entered from. Harry was still watching her as she departed.

By dinnertime Ravenna was exhausted from keeping her mind shielded continually. Severus had been sure to bring her potion before lunch and delivered her dinnertime potion to the table. Although he was extremely alarmed by his appearance there was nothing more he could do for her now. They were to meet Harry after dinner for his first lesson with the both of them. As soon as she finished eating she rose from the table, Severus was right behind her. She walked through the Great Hall between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables. She came to a stop behind Harry. "Harry, I will meet you in my office in about fifteen minutes. I have something I need to discuss with Professor Snape first. Okay?" Harry acknowledged with a nod of his head then glared at Snape who was standing several paces behind her. She then proceeded the rest of the way out of the Great Hall, Severus still right behind her.

No sooner than they were in her office, he closed the door behind him and pulled her in his arms. She was trembling and had her face fully buried in his chest. After several moments of just holding her, gently stroking her hair, he pulled back from her. Without looking up at him, she spoke. "Severus, I don't know if I can do this…" she stopped talking and buried her face back in his chest.

"I know you can." He said quietly though the expression on his face, which she could not see, said otherwise.

Twenty minutes later Harry was standing at the bottom of the stairs in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom that led to Professor Gryffin's office. He could hear their raised voices in her office and was unsure if he should proceed. Just as he made to leave he heard his name. Now he was listening carefully.

"IF YOU WOULD HAVE SUPPORTED ME WHEN I TRIED TO KEEP GRANDFATHER FROM SENDING HARRY TO THE DURSLEY'S, I NEVER WOULD HAVE LEFT YOU!" Shouted Professor Gryffin. Harry was dumbfounded.

Now Severus shouted back "YOU NEVER GAVE ME A CHANCE TO DO ANYTHING. YOU ASKED ME TO STOP DUMBLEDORE WHEN YOU KNEW I COULD NOT. BEFORE I COULD COME UP WITH AN ALTERNATIVE, YOU LEFT!" Then he paused before speaking again, this time more quietly. "Before I could even consider an alternative you left… you left me." It sounded almost like a sob.

Harry could not believe what he was hearing. 'Were Professors Gryffin and Snape a couple? How could this be? Dumbledore is her grandfather? She wanted me?' Harry turned from the stairs, intent on leaving. Just as he took a step towards the door he heard his name and froze.

"POTTER!" Snape yelled. "GET UP HERE, NOW!" All the blood drained from his face. Here he was being caught by Snape again. He slowly climbed the stairs to Professor Gryffin's office.

Snape was standing in the threshold of the doorway, glaring at him.

"You really should know better than to eavesdrop on people." He growled as Harry passed him. "What exactly did you just hear?"

Harry looked at Professor Gryffin before answering. She was flushed pink and trembling slightly. She gestured with her hand indicating Harry should sit in the chair opposite her. Harry quickly took a seat.

"I ask you again, Potter… what did you just hear?" Severus growled from behind him.

"I think I just heard Professor Gryffin left you, and that Professor Dumbledore is her grandfather." Harry snapped.

"Is that all?" Severus whispered harshly.

"No sir. I also heard her say she wanted me, and you didn't. That is why I was sent to the Dursley's."

"That is not exactly what you heard." Said Professor Gryffin softly. "What I said was that I wanted to keep you when your parents were killed, but Professor Dumbledore felt it necessary that you go to you aunt and Professor Snape did nothing to help me change his mind." Her eyes were sad now. She looked intently at Harry for a moment. "Ask your questions Harry." She said quietly

Harry turned to look at Professor Snape for a moment, then turned back to her. "You are married to Professor Snape?" she nodded. "Why?" the question was asked before he could stop it.

"Why what Harry? Why did I marry him? Why did I not share this with you?"

Harry just nodded, he didn't really know what he was asking.

"Okay, let's take them one at a time. First, I married Severus for a few reasons. One of which was for protection, don't ask me to explain any further because I cannot, another reason was because I loved him. Second, I didn't tell you sooner because I couldn't." Here Harry turned to look at Professor Snape again. For a moment, he thought he saw his face soften just a little. When Snape realized he was being watched, the expression changed. "Harry" he turned back to look at Professor Gryffin. "I know this is difficult for you to understand, but there was too much as stake. When your parents were killed and Sirius was accused I wanted you to be with me. I had argued with both Severus and Albus to let me have you. Albus said you had to go to your aunt, but would not explain why. I was so angry with them both that I left. I left my life, my husband and my magic. I ran away." Here she stopped, wearing a shamed look on her face. "I am so sorry I was not there for you." Tears were now in her eyes. Severus approached her and took her in his arms. This stunned Harry. He had never know Snape to comfort anyone. After a brief moment, she pushed him away. He looked genuinely hurt by this.

"Severus, I cannot do this. I cannot continue to lie to him." She said quietly and walked through the door behind her desk.

Severus watched her depart, then turned and sat in the chair she had just vacated. He removed the wand from his cloak. Harry's eyes widened to saucer size. He was sure he was about to be oblivated. As second later, the office door slammed shut.

"Harry, I am about to tell you things you should not know. I am trusting you to be mature enough to not divulge this information to ANYONE." Harry stared at him blankly, Professor Snape had never called him by his first name before. "Your godmother and I were married shortly before you were born. We married because she was an Auror who was assigned to assist me in spying on the Dark Lord. In order for her to do this successfully, she was required to take the Dark Mark. For many years she mistakenly believed this was the only reason we were married. When Albus told her you must live with you aunt for your own protection, she was furious. When I did nothing to stop him, she left me." He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "What I am supposed to be telling you right now are lies to encourage you to continue hating me, but it is killing her to continue this act. Right now she and I are in grave danger. The Dark Lord has discovered a way to contact his marked in their sleep. Should he be successful we will be unable to protect ourselves. If we are to be successful in preventing him from finding out the secrets we hold, she needs to be able to keep her mind shielded at all times. She cannot do this while she believes you still hate me." Harry stared at him horrified.

"She bears the Dark Mark?" Harry asked numbly.

"Yes Harry, she does. Same as mine." Severus paused. "There is still more that you need to hear. Are you ready for this?" When Harry nodded, he continued. "She and I have actually reconciled, you were supposed to witness this fight as a way of finding out about us being married. Your godmother is going to have a baby and is very ill. We are going to require you to master you occlumency in an effort to strengthen our ability to protect ourselves."

"You need me to help protect you?" Harry was stunned.

"Yes Harry, you are very powerful for you age, and you have a direct connection with the Dark Lord." Severus stated quietly, he was truly beginning to appreciate the protective nature of this sixteen-year-old boy.

"A question sir." Harry's voice barely a whisper. Severus nodded for him to continue.

"Why have you always treated me as though I were incompetent?" Here Harry's voice was almost childlike.

"Because I was instructed to." He started. "Please don't ask by whom." He finished.

Harry was staring at Severus as thought he had grown a second head.

"Harry, together you and I must protect her from the Dark Lord. In order for us to do this she needs for us to work together. Granted, I have given you plenty of reasons to hate me, but know that I have never hated you." When Harry made to speak, Severus raised his hand. "While your father and I did not get on well while we were in school together, we were working together against the Dark Lord when he was killed. You also need to know the reason I revealed Remus' secret was because I was instructed to. This way we were able to free him for his work in the Order. Know also that I am truly sorry for what happened to Sirius. While he an I never got along, I am truly sorry." Severus had spilled everything on the table. His life, and his wife's, was now in Harry's hands.

"Sir, I was not aware of any of this." Harry stammered.

"You were not supposed to be." Severus said quietly. "Professor Dumbledore is going to be extremely upset with me when he finds out about this conversation, but right now I am more worried about your godmother." Harry could actually see the love in his eyes.

"Sir… does this mean that you are my godfather also?"

"In a matter of speaking, as I am married to your godmother. But I will never be able to take Sirius's place, nor shall I try."

Both sat quietly for a few moments, then Severus spoke.

"Harry, you are going to have to begin practicing your occlumency every day. You will have to meet with Professor Gryffin and myself every night before bed. We all three must protect each other and ourselves. Should the Dark Lord find out what I have just told you, he will most surely kill Ravenna and I. This will also expose a great many others to danger. Do you now understand the importance of the lessons?" Harry nodded his head.

"Sir, I will not tell anyone what you have just told me. I do have a question though." He waited for Severus to indicate he should continue. "Does this mean you will continue to treat me the same way?" Severus answered Harry's question with a grave nod.

"In order for this to be believable, I must continue to treat you the same as I always have. Should my behavior towards you change now, it would be reported back to the Dark Lord."

"How would he know?" Harry asked grimly.

"Harry, even here the Dark Lord has eyes and ears. Should my actions change in the slightest he would know almost instantly." Severus responded quietly.

"You mean Malfoy, don't you?" Harry questioned excitedly.

"Amongst others, yes." Severus responded disappointedly. "He is one from my house who has chosen to take the mark." Harry was stunned into silence. 'Draco took the Dark Mark?' "I think perhaps it would be best that we get on with your lesson, then off to your dormitory. From here on in Harry, you will not be able to roam the halls as you have in the past. Right now Ravenna is the Dark Lord's target, but soon his focus will be back on you. You must keep Ron and Hermione with you whenever you are not with Ravenna or me." Harry acknowledged the statement with a small nod.

"Sir, what should I say about coming down every night?"

"Perhaps it would be best for you to try to come out unnoticed. The fewer people who know about suspicious activities, the better.

"Yes sir."

"Now, where are the two of you with your lessons? Ravenna has said it is much more difficult for her to get in now. Shall we give it a go?" Severus stated, all business now.

"Yes sir!" Harry was actually eager to try this. He believed he had made great progress and wanted to show Professor Snape that he could do it.

"Legilimens!" Severus intoned loudly. He was immediately impressed. He had not given Harry any warning that it was coming and was not able to get through. After several moments of struggle he finally lowered his wand.

"Very good, Harry!" he was actually smiling. "You have indeed made progress."

"Thank you, Professor." He responded with a smile on his face as well.

"Now, what exactly did you do to prepare for my attack?"

"Professor Gryffin suggested I organize my memories in trunks. She said when I feel someone trying to look into them to slam them shut."

"Interesting approach." Severus hissed lightly. "From here on, you will need to do the same thing at bedtime that you do when you prepare for these lessons. You are going to have to train yourself to keep this level of protection around you mind at all times." The seriousness of Snape's tone was beginning to frighten Harry a little. "Sit here for a moment and work on it, I will be right back." He said quietly, then went through the door Professor Gryffin had previously gone through.

"Rae." Severus called quietly in the dark room. After a moment of no response he called again. "Ravenna!" still no answer. "Lumos!" Severus shouted, the tip of his wand lit.

He quickly scanned the room with the wand, spotting her laying on his side of the bed. He approached quickly, finding her deathly still and ice cold. He quickly grabbed her to him calling her name and shaking her. After a moment, she jerked with a start.

"Severus?" she said weakly.

"Yes love, it's me. Are you okay? What just happened?" he said quietly.

"I must have been dreaming again. I was in a room lit only by a small fire in a fireplace. I could hear someone talking to me, but I could not understand what was being said." Confusion was evident on her face.

"Did you remember to shield yourself before you laid down?" he asked tightly.

She shook her head. "I did not intend to fall asleep. I was trying to get myself together so I could rejoin you and Harry. I don't even remember laying down." She said concerned.

Severus was now deeply concerned. 'Had the Dark Lord been able to reach her this time?' the question he was thinking evident on his face.

"I think you should come back out here. I have told Harry the truth, now we must come up with a plan." He intoned lightly.

"Give me a minute." She said as she headed toward the bathroom. "I'll be right there."

Severus moved to the doorway between her apartment and office then waited. When she joined him they both re-entered her office.

"Harry, I am so sorry about my behavior before. I am having a difficult time with keeping this secret. I understand Severus has told you everything now?" she looked questioningly at Harry.

"Yes Professor, he has." He responded respectfully.

"First off, when we are alone" she indicated the three of them "I would appreciate it if you would do me the honor of calling me Ravenna." She smiled at him. Harry smiled back, then the expression on his face changed.

"What?" she asked, recognizing the face he made. It was the same face James used to make when he suddenly realized he had a question he wanted to ask.

"You are going to have a baby? With Professor Snape?" He again surprised himself by spilling his thoughts.

"Yes Harry. After all, he is my husband." She smiled again. Harry looked at Severus and was mildly surprised to find he too was smiling.

A few moments later, Severus had told Ravenna of the entire conversation he and Harry had had.

"So what we need to do now is to make sure we all three protect ourselves from discovery. I believe now that Harry knows what he is up against, and what is at stake, we will be prepared to do so." Severus concluded.

Once they were sure Harry had adequately prepared himself for the night, Severus escorted him back to the Gryffindor dormitory.

When Harry was safely back at his house Severus made for the dungeons. He stopped in his own house, checking to make sure all was well. He called the prefects into his office advising them he would not be in his apartment, but if they needed him to come to his office and wait. He had charmed his pocket watch to signal with a sharp chirp if anyone entered his office. He did not explain where he would be, but knew they would assume he would be with the Dark Lord. With this done, he returned to Ravenna's apartment.

The moment he crossed the threshold, she smiled. He could not help but smile in response. He was so glad she would not be alone tonight. "You must tell me what happened earlier." He said to her quietly as he took her in his arms. She squeezed him tightly before responding.

"I fear I may not be a strong as you believe me to be." She stated quietly, disappointment thick in her voice.

"What do you mean?" he asked sincerely.

"I can only assume I am more vulnerable than we believed. If he is indeed reaching me in my sleep we are all in great danger." She sighed against his chest. He responded by tightening his arms around her.

"Fear not love, I believe we may have already remedied that situation." He said quietly to the top of her head, then kissed it. She pulled away from him slightly to look into his face. "I believe the reason you have been vulnerable is due to the stress you have been under regarding the farce we were forced to play on Harry. Now that he knows most of the truth and can prepare himself for it, it will be easier on you." Her mind was racing. Perhaps he was right. Now that she didn't need to worry about Harry's safety she could concentrate more on her own.

"You always have an answer for everything, don't you?" she said playfully.

"I do try." He deadpanned in response.

Within moments they were preparing themselves for bed. Perhaps she would get a good nights sleep now.

22