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: Happy Thanksgiving to those who are still reading... As a treat I am posting this chapter early. Going to seeGoF for the second time in the morning...
Chapter Eight
Attack at Hogwarts
Ravenna had just finished recounting the entire vision to Albus. He was looking at her concerned. "And you had this vision how long ago." He finally asked quietly.
"Almost three weeks ago." She replied with a shamed look on her face. Now that she had told both Severus and Albus about the vision, she felt foolish for having kept quiet for so long.
"Were you able to tell when this is going to happen?" She shook her head. "I know this will be difficult for you, but you must try to recall the vision with perfect clarity. We must discern when it will happen to figure out how it can be stopped." Ravenna stared blankly at him for a moment. She did not like the idea of experiencing this vision again.
Albus had risen from his seat and walked to a cabinet next to his desk. When he returned to his desk he placed a shallow stone basin before her on the desk. She studied the object for a moment trying to make out the runes and symbols that were carved into it. She knew she had seen this object before, she just couldn't place where.
"It is a Pensieve." He said evenly, answering her unasked question. "All you need to do is to bring the memory of the vision to the surface of you mind, then touch the tip of your wand to your head and bring the memory to the Pensieve. Then we can examine the vision together." Ravenna did as instructed and deposited the memory in the Pensieve. Even together they were not able to discern the time period of the vision. Disappointedly Albus rose from the desk.
"It still doesn't make any sense, even being able to see the vision without feeling it. I just cannot figure out when or why I would kill him." She grunted in frustration. Albus looked at her knowingly.
"We will be able to prevent this from happening now that we are aware of it." Albus said reassuringly. "For now child, you need to get some rest, I will have some food sent to your apartment. And prepare yourself, I believe now that Voldemort's plan for using Harry has been thwarted he will again turn his attention to you."
"Yes Grandfather." She responded quietly and departed from his office.
Ravenna was almost back to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom when she heard some sort of commotion at the opposite end of the corridor. Turning she went towards the sound of the noise. As she got closer she could hear screaming.
Today was the first day of the Easter break so there were not many students left in the castle. As she got to the entryway she caught sight of a large animal exiting the castle. Seconds later she saw several students and teachers running from the Great Hall. Hagrid came to a stop directly in front of her.
"Professor Gryffin!" He said breathlessly. "Can you help gather up the students and take them all to your classroom?"
"Of course Hagrid, but why?" She asked alarmed.
"We just had a werewolf in the castle. It tried to attack Professor Dumbledore. It's gone now, but we want to make sure all the students are safe while we check the grounds." Hagrid said hurriedly.
Ravenna quickly entered the Great Hall and rounded up the students. Then she and Professor Flitwick escorted them to her classroom.
Voldemort was pacing anxiously in his study. He was eager to hear the news of his latest project. Thanks to Snape's new concoction he was able to gain control of Remus Lupin when he transformed to his werewolf form. He had ordered Lupin to go to Hogwarts to kill Dumbledore, and hopefully Potter as well. He was immediately pleased at the eagerness with which Lupin set off. Now all he could do was to wait for Lupin to return and to receive report from his eyes and ears inside the castle.
Severus had chosen to stay in the basement after 'forcefully' administering the potion to Remus, who was then taken outside through the basement door to be exposed to the moonlight. He was sure he had conveyed to Remus that the potion would put him under the Dark Lord's power when he transformed. He had to be careful of his wording as he was not left alone when giving the potion. Having had the time to perfect the potion, Remus remained completely self aware when he transformed. Now he could only hope Remus was able to put on a convincing display at the castle. Malfoy had been instructed to stay at Hogwarts over the Easter holiday and to report in about the attack and when Potter was released from the hospital. He was now desperate for Remus to return. He wanted to get back to his wife as quickly as possible. His thoughts were interrupted by loud banging upstairs. He quickly ran up to investigate.
"Quickly, leash him!" Shouted Lucius in a howl of pain. Remus had swung one of his clawed hands, catching Lucius on the face, leaving several deep gouges on his cheek.
"Lupin, stop!" Came a shout from the end of the corridor. Instantly Remus dropped back down on all fours and waited for his next command. Voldemort was pleased. "Lucius, have him escorted back to his room." Lucius bowed deeply then gestured with his hands for McNair and Crabbe to take Lupin down to the basement. Severus had retreated several steps down when he saw the commotion, now that there were others coming to the basement he came fully upstairs. He scowled at Lupin as they passed. Then turned and watched him being led back to the basement. Once he could no longer see them he turned and headed to Voldemort's study.
Pausing at the door, he hesitantly knocked on the door. "Enter!" was hissed as the door opened.
"My Lord," Severus stated as he knelt. "I see your new lap dog has returned."
"Yessss….I want you to go back there right away, get me all the details and return tomorrow evening with a full report." Voldemort said gleefully.
"As you command." Severus replied quietly then went back to the entryway.
Moments later Severus had apparated and was now standing outside the Hogwarts gate. He had no idea what to expect once he was inside the castle. He truly hoped the attack had only been enough to make his potion convincing and that no one had really been harmed. He was about halfway to the castle when someone had called to him.
"Severus, do take care now. There was a werewolf in the castle a short time ago." Minerva had called as she continued to approach him. When she came up alongside him she continued speaking, this time quietly. "Albus expected you would be sent back to find out what happened. Remus came charging down the center of the Great Hall and leapt right at Albus, who easily brushed him aside" this was said with a twinkle in her eye "after landing halfway down the hall, he got up looked around as if looking for someone then turned and left."
"I see, and was anyone hurt?" Severus asked emotionlessly. Minerva looked at him knowingly.
"No Severus, no one was hurt, and the show was convincing enough that Malfoy and any others who will be making a report will make one that should please You-Know-Who." Severus allowed himself to smile slightly.
"Was Ravenna there when…" Minerva was already shaking her head.
"No, Albus had himself just entered the Great Hall when Remus arrived. Apparently he had been meeting with her and then sent her to get some rest. You will find her in her classroom looking after the students." Minerva smiled as he let out a much relieved breath.
With no further conversation Minerva and Severus both returned to the castle. She bid him goodnight once they had entered and headed for her own apartment, he headed directly for the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Just has he reached the door to the classroom Albus appeared at the other end of the corridor. "Severus, a moment if you please." Severus sighed quietly before responding, he really wanted to see his wife.
"Of course, headmaster." He responded as he joined Albus at the end of the corridor. When he came face to face with Albus he spoke again. "What can I do for you?"
"I can only assume you have been sent back to gather information to report." Severus nodded in response.
"That is correct. But there is something I need to let you know also." Severus paused. "I cannot be sure this information is reliable but it would seem that the Dark Lord is not entirely pleased with Ravenna's progress with Harry. I believe he is going to attempt to use her for his next attack. I overheard Lucius laughing about my inept bride and her failure. We must prepare her without divulging what we are preparing her for. I believe you should be the one to tell her."
"Very well, we will address that later, for now you need to go be with your wife. She is not looking well at all." Albus said grimly. Severus nodded and headed back to the classroom. He knocked on the door before opening it. When he opened the door fully he was a little surprised to find Ravenna standing midway in the room with her wand pointed directly at him.
"Professor Snape." She said with more than a little relief in her voice.
"Good evening, Professor Gryffin. I can assure you that is not necessary. I have come to tell you the castle has been deemed safe and the students can return to their houses." Here he looked pointedly at Malfoy and nodded slightly.
"That is indeed good news professor." She smiled then turned to the students at the far end of the classroom. "You all heard, you may return to your dormitories." Quickly the students rushed past both professors and out into the corridor. Once the classroom was clear of students Severus spoke.
"I must go have a little chat with Draco. I shall return shortly. In the mean time, I want you to get something to eat and get in bed." He then winked at her and left to go meet with Malfoy.
Severus was not at all surprised to find Malfoy and Goyle waiting for him just around the corner at the end of the corridor. "Tell me." He said harshly as the came up to them.
"Sir, the beast was not successful, but made a good effort. Dumbledore threw him across the room when he tried to attack him. Potter is expected to be released from hospital tomorrow. As we still have one more night this month to use the beast he should be sent back tomorrow." Draco hissed.
"I do not believe that would be wise. They will be on guard now, don't you think?" Severus hissed. Draco and Gregory just nodded. "Now, both of you, off to your dormitory. You know how to get me if you need me." Severus then turned and walked back to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. He quickly made his way to his wife's apartment. As he entered the room and closed the door he was not at all surprised to find her standing there waiting for him.
"I missed you." She said as she pulled him in for a hug, then scowled as he pushed her away.
"Let me take a shower first." He smirked at her. She just smiled at him. Once he had showered and dressed he climbed into the bed next to her. Instantly she had pressed her body firmly against his side.
Severus sat up and rolled her over on her back. After leaning down for a passionate kiss he pulled back from her and rested his head on her belly and was amused to feel his daughter moving beneath his face. He laid there for several more moments before placing a kiss on her belly and looked back into his wife's eyes. She was smiling. He then moved back to lay next to her, before he could lay down Ravenna reached behind his head and pulled his face to hers for another passionate kiss. After several moments he gently extracted himself from her embrace. "I do not think it is wise to continue this." She frowned at him. "You told me before that we should abstain for the last month per Poppy's instructions. As you are coming into the last month…"
"You're right of course. I just want you, being this close…" now she was frustrated.
"Love, after fifteen years, a couple of months will be nothing." He said to her with a smirk. She laughed. Severus then finally laid back down to get some much needed sleep, pulling her close to him. He forced himself to stay awake until he was sure she was indeed sleeping, then he joined her.
Severus rose just after dawn, he wanted to see Harry in the hospital before Poppy released him. Ravenna blinked up at him as he tried to get up. "Where are you off to so early?" she asked sleepily.
"I want to pay a visit to Harry before breakfast. Albus is going to fill him in on his behavior and I believe it would be a good idea for me to be there." He explained quietly. "It is still early, go back to sleep." He concluded and kissed her gently on the head, then rose from the bed to dress. By the time he was ready to leave she was already asleep. He left quietly and made his way to the hospital wing. Albus was already standing beside Harry's bed when Severus arrived.
"I figured you would want to be here." Albus stated knowingly. "Poppy is just about ready to wake him."
Moments later Harry was awake and sitting up in the bed. Albus and Severus explained to him everything they knew of that he had done while he was under Voldemort's control. Harry was horrified. How could he have fallen under his control so easily?
"Sir, if I have done all these horrible things why is it I am still here at Hogwarts. Why have I not been expelled?" Harry asked evenly, looking anxiously at Severus. 'How is it that I got away with calling him Snivellus in front of the entire class and lived?" He thought.
"Harry, it was obvious to Ravenna and Severus almost from the beginning that something was not quite right with you. We chose to allow Voldemort to continue his possession of you in order to determine what his plan was. I hope you will forgive me." Albus said quietly. Harry didn't know how to feel. Dumbledore had allowed Voldemort to continue to use him even after it was discovered what he was doing and was apologizing to him. Should he be ashamed? Angry?
Severus had remained quiet through out the conversation between Harry and Albus. He knew Albus would not approve of what he was about to do, but also knew it was for the best. Albus had a grandfatherly love and concern for this young man and sometimes acted overly protective of him. Harry had been marked as Voldemort's equal and was the only one who would be able to finally destroy him. Severus knew it was up to him to set the path for Harry, something that Albus had become unable to do.
"Harry." Severus said quietly, Harry started slightly having forgotten he was there. "The Dark Lord has discovered he can no longer use you. Ravenna had been charged with preparing you for his possession of you. She has failed him, and is most likely in grave danger. You must be aware of this now." His face was expressionless, but his eyes held a hint of terror. Harry's face changed as well. Albus looked at Severus with harsh eyes.
"You mean that he could mark her for death like he did my parents?" He asked breathlessly. Severus nodded gravely in response. "Surely there is something we can do to protect her." Harry said almost excitedly.
"Yes Harry, we will all do everything in our powers to protect her." Albus said quietly waiting for Harry to look back at him before continuing. "What we will require of you is to keep your distance. You will continue with your occlumency lessons with Severus, discretely. Ravenna will be told that I am going to take over your lessons. They will be conducted here in my office." Harry looked baffled; surely they were not going to keep secrets from her. Albus seemed to have read Harry's mind. "Harry, Severus believes Voldemort will now turn his attention on Ravenna since he has failed with you. The less that she knows, the less danger to everyone else involved. You must protect you mind from her now as well."
"Harry, I do not like this any better than you do, but for her safety the less she knows right now, the better." Severus said quietly.
Ravenna slowly let go of sleep. She stretched and instantly regretted it. This action caused her to have to urgently go to the bathroom. She had noticed now that the baby was getting larger she was putting much more pressure on her internal workings. Having relieved herself she prepared to shower and get ready for breakfast. She had finished dressing and was just reaching for the doorknob of her apartment door when she felt the burning on her arm. She was being summoned. Quickly as she could she made her way to the Great Hall. She would have to let someone from the Order know she was being ordered to report to Voldemort. Rushing down between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables she paused momentarily behind Harry. She smiled at him; he returned her smile than turned back to finish his breakfast. She then made her way to her seat at the staff table. She was alarmed to see neither Albus nor Severus at the table yet. Homing in on Minerva she stopped slightly behind her. "Minerva, I need for you to convey a message to Severus for me." She said in a slight pant of exertion. Minerva turned to look fully at Ravenna before speaking.
"Of course." She responded, slightly alarmed at her appearance.
"Please let him know I have been called away." She said cryptically, looking pointedly at her own left forearm. Minerva nodded in reply.
Ravenna retraced her footsteps back out of the Great Hall, then out of the castle and across the school grounds. She did not stop until she was through the castle gates. She stood there for a moment catching her breath before she apparated to Riddle Manor.
Instantly she was standing in the entryway, surrounded by Death Eaters. She was panicked. This was the first time she had been here alone and did not know what to expect. From behind someone placed a hand on her back, steering her down the hallway leading to the Dark Lord's study. Once in front of the door, her escort knocked on the door then walked back down the hallway. She turned her head to watch him go, and then was startled when the door opened.
"Come in Madam Snape, we have much to discuss." Came the hissed comment from inside the room. Ravenna entered the room and knelt before Voldemort.
"You summoned, my Lord." She said quietly, still kneeling.
"Yes. I wish to hear from you first hand regarding your failure." Came the harsh response.
"My sincerest apologies my Lord. I fear my great-grandfather grew suspicious of Potter's behavior and restricted my access to him. I did as you ordered though. You were able to reach him, to use him." Ravenna stated calmly. "I fear I did not thoroughly consider Dumbledore's response."
"Perhaps. Never the less, you have failed me. This cannot go unpunished." He hissed. Ravenna was terrified. "Stand!" He ordered. Ravenna rose and stood directly before him, careful to keep her eyes lowered.
Ravenna was roughly escorted out of Voldemort's study and dragged down to the basement of the manor.
Albus entered the Great Hall several moments after Ravenna departed. Minerva knew she had to let him know Ravenna had been summoned but she also knew she could not at that moment. She had been advised that Draco Malfoy was one of many sets of Voldemort's eyes in the castle. She spoke loudly enough to be overheard in the almost empty room. "Good morning, Albus. If you have time this morning after breakfast, I would liked to discuss last night's incident with you."
"Of course, after breakfast in my office." He responded evenly.
Severus had just entered and taken his seat, alarmed that Ravenna was not in hers. He looked at Albus questioningly and received an almost imperceptible shrug in return. He did not like this at all.
"Headmaster, it would seem that Professor Gryffin has overslept, perhaps I should go and fetch her. We were going to have a staff meeting this morning, weren't we?"
"Yes Severus, go get her. We will meet you in my office shortly." Albus responded quietly. Abruptly Severus rose from his chair and departed through the door behind the staff table.
Almost an hour later Severus entered Albus's office. "Headmaster, I have searched the entire castle. Ravenna is nowhere to be found." Severus stated in near panic.
"Severus, please, calm yourself. Minerva has advised me that she was summoned this morning. She could not tell me in the Great Hall as we were being carefully watched." Albus said calmly.
"Summoned! Why was I not told immediately. I must go…" Albus cut him off with a waive of his hand.
"No Severus, we must wait for her to return. If you were to go without being summoned Voldemort may become suspicious of you as well. We knew this was coming. Ravenna is quite capable of protecting herself." Albus said quietly, placing a comforting hand on Severus's shoulder. "Minerva, go get Harry for me. Take him to your classroom and have him wait. I will be there shortly."
Minerva nodded gravely and left the office.
"Severus, we must be prepared for the worst. Voldemort does not take lightly to failure." Severus nodded gravely at this. With nothing left to say he turned slowly and left Albus's office. A moment later Albus too left the office, heading to the Transfiguration classroom.
Harry sat at the desk directly in front of Professor McGonagall, waiting anxiously. 'Why would Dumbledore want to meet me here?' No sooner than he had completed his thought Professor Dumbledore came through the classroom door and stood beside Harry. Harry made to speak and abruptly stopped when he caught the look in Dumbledore's eyes.
"Harry, I have some distressing news to share with you." Albus said quietly then directed his gaze at Minerva. "Ravenna was summoned this morning and has yet to return."
Harry was horrified. He was well aware of what Voldemort did to people he is displeased with. "Do you think she will be alright? What about the baby? Is Professor Snape going to go…" Albus looked pointedly at him and he stopped speaking.
"Calm yourself Harry. All is being looked after. What you need to concentrate on now is your occlumency. We are also going to need to let Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger in on more than they currently know. When they return from holiday the five of us will meet to discuss your protection. In the mean time I would like you to stay in Gryffindor tower. I, or someone else from the Order, will come to get you for meals and lessons." Harry nodded slightly.
Harry devoted the last few days of Easter break to mastering his occlumency. He was both dreading and anticipating tomorrow when the students would be returning. Dumbledore had filled him in on some of the things he had done to his two best friends; the horrible way he had treated everyone. He was also concerned about Ravenna. She had been summoned three days ago and still had not returned. It was obvious to him that Professor Snape was deeply concerned. Twice during their last lesson he had been able to not only shield his own mind, but to penetrate Snape's. With no further thoughts he prepared himself for bed.
Harry woke abruptly; someone had pulled back the curtain of his four-poster. As he sat up and grabbed his glasses he was surprised to find Dobby standing beside his bed.
"Good morning, sir. Headmaster wants you to come now." Dobby said hurriedly.
Harry quickly jumped from the bed and dressed. Dobby waited for him in the common room. "Professor McGonagall will be here to take you to headmaster." Harry nodded, then sat in the large chair next to the fireplace to wait.
"Potter, come with me." Came Minerva's voice from the portrait hole. Harry rose from the chair quickly and followed her to Professor Dumbledore's office. When he entered the office he was surprised to see Ron and Hermione were standing before his desk.
"What are you two doing here already; I thought you weren't supposed to be back until tonight!" Harry exclaimed excitedly. They both turned to look at him.
"Professor Dumbledore sent word asking us to come back this morning, he said it was important." Hermione responded evenly, then smiled. "Harry, we were both so angry with you, but he explained everything. He said Voldemort was using you. Are you okay?" She crossed the room quickly and pulled him in for a hug. Harry was ecstatic. Ron had wordlessly joined them and soon all were talking animatedly.
Albus had allowed the three of them to chat for a few minutes more before getting their attention by clearing his throat. All three turned to look at him.
"Now that you have all made amends, there is still more that needs to be discussed." He said gravely, looking pointedly at Harry over his glasses. "I fear we have not been entirely truthful with the two of you, and before you get angry with Harry again understand he had no choice. Professor Snape is not the only spy the Order had in Voldemort's service…" he began, looking at both Ron and Hermione. "Professor Gryffin is also a member of the Order and was an Auror for the Ministry of Magic. Shortly before Harry was born, she married Severus in an effort to infiltrate the Death Eaters and to further protect him from Voldemort." Ron's mouth fell open, Hermione blinked rapidly. Then they both looked at Harry. He just shrugged in response.
"Sir, did you say that Professors Snape and Gryffin are…married?" Hermione asked quietly, to make sure she had heard correctly. Dumbledore nodded.
"There is still more and it is urgent that the two of you are brought up to speed quickly. Like Severus, she bears the Dark Mark and is currently in Voldemort's company. She has been gone since the day after the holiday began. We believe that when she returns she will most likely be under his influence…"
"You mean the Imperius Curse, don't you sir." Hermione interrupted. Dumbledore nodded.
"This brings me to why you two are being let in on this. Since Voldemort has failed in his attempts to control Harry he is looking for another way in. He already has several students here who have taken his mark. Since we do not yet know if Professor Snape has been compromised we cannot risk him further by having him protect Harry. That is where you two come in. Going forward you three must stay together at all times. Ravenna had informed me that you all had been trying to figure out counter-curses against the Unforgivables." He smiled at them all with a twinkle in his eyes. All three smiled. "I would like you all to continue this research discretely. I will arrange it so you have access to the restricted section of the library after hours."
Hermione smiled broadly, how she had wanted to get in there.
Severus was pacing frantically in his office; he was extremely worried about Ravenna now. 'Surely by now the Dark Lord must have discovered her pregnancy, what else did he know?' Ironically he took a little comfort in the fact that he had not yet been summoned. If the Dark Lord had discovered the truth about him he would have been summoned and probably killed by now. He suddenly stopped pacing, having an uncontrollable urge to get outside. He broke into a fast paced walk out of the dungeons. By the time he reached the main entrance of the castle he had broken into a run. He was not entirely sure where he was running to, or why. He slowed as he approached the gate and stopped as soon as he passed through it. 'Why am I here?' Seconds later he heard a loud pop behind him. He spun to look behind him and spotted someone fall. He approached cautiously with his wand drawn. As he stood over the form he was positive it was Ravenna. He knelt down and gently rolled her over. He first checked for a pulse, finding one he placed his hand on her abdomen and was relieved to feel a firm kick against his palm. Just as he put his arms under her to lift her he jerked his head upward toward the approaching footsteps. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Minerva were all now standing around him.
"She is alive." He stated tightly as he lifted her. All sighed in relief. "I must get her to Poppy at once." They all went quickly back to the castle.
An hour later Poppy had completed her examination of the still unconscious Ravenna. She had determined the baby was doing well and Ravenna showed no signs of physical injury. She was extremely worried though. She could not find any reason for her to still be unconscious. Severus was sitting at her bedside, the others standing a respectful distance away talking quietly. When Albus approached they all hushed.
"Severus, is she well?" He said quietly as he approached the foot of her bed.
"Physically yes, but Poppy cannot find any reason for her to still be unconscious." Severus responded in at pained voice.
"Are we sure this is indeed Ravenna?" Albus asked gravely. Harry, Ron and Hermione all stared at each other quizzically at this question.
"I believe she is, but we will not be certain for another hour or so. Even with the modifications I made to the potion the maximum it has lasted has been two hours." Severus responded quietly.
"Very well. Severus, I want you to stay with her until she wakes. I want you to be positive she is indeed Ravenna before she is released. The rest of you, come with me." Albus said evenly and turned to leave the hospital wing. Ron and Hermione wordlessly turned to follow. Harry looked at Severus for a moment; Severus gave Harry a small smile and nodded, only then did he turn to follow the others.
Harry, Ron and Hermione all silently followed Dumbledore back to his office. As soon as the office door had closed Hermione asked. "Sir, was Professor Snape referring to the Polyjuice potion? Do you believe that Professor Gryffin is an imposter?" Albus raised his hand to still Hermione.
"Yes Miss Granger, he was indeed referring to the Polyjuice potion. This is why you and Mr. Weasley have been informed of what is going on. So now you understand why it is important that Harry not be left alone. It is our belief that several individuals have been or are about to be replaced by Death Eaters. While Severus believes that she is not an imposter, there is the possibility. You must all take great care around her, but must not let on that you suspect her of anything." Albus stated calmly. "Now, I would like all of you to go to the Great Hall for breakfast. I shall see you there shortly."
All three did as instructed without further conversation.
Severus had remained seated next to Ravenna's bed, waiting anxiously for her to wake. Poppy had tried to get him to leave, to at least go have breakfast but he had refused. By lunchtime Ravenna had begun to stir.
"Madam Pomfrey!" Severus called. "I believe she is waking."
Poppy came running from her office. As she came to a stop beside the bed, she extracted her wand from her apron pocked and waived it over Ravenna. "I believe she will be fine Severus." Poppy stated with a small smile on her face.
Severus was now standing beside his wife. Ravenna moaned quietly and her eyes began to flutter as she tried to open them. After several rapid blinks of her eyes she focused on Severus's face. Severus smiled at her and then glanced at Poppy. Ravenna turned her head to look where he was looking.
"I would speak with Professor Snape… privately." Ravenna said harshly. Madam Pomfrey nodded curtly and left. Ravenna glared at her until she was out of earshot. Only then did she turn her head back to look at her husband who was looking at her strangely.
"That was rather…" Severus had barked and was cut off when she pushed herself up to a sitting position.
"We have no time to delay. The Dark Lord is displeased with my progress. He commands you to appear before him at once." She said coldly. Severus stared at her sharply. 'Since when does she call him the Dark Lord?' He was suspicious of her now.
"Of course, I shall report at once. You must get some rest. I shall return as quickly as possible." Severus said formally and left her bedside. He made a quick stop in Poppy's office asking her to keep Ravenna in the hospital then left.
Severus quickly made his way to Albus's office to advise him of his brief conversation then left the castle grounds. As soon as he appeared in the entryway of Riddle Manor he was directed to Voldemort's study. As he approached the door it opened.
"Come in Snape…sit. We have urgent matters to discuss." Voldemort said coldly. Severus bowed to him then sat in the chair opposite him. "I have discovered your bride is not what she claims to be. She has been playing both of us for fools." He hissed angrily.
"I do not understand, my Lord. What do you mean playing us for fools?" Severus asked emotionlessly.
"It would seem that she has been able to lie to us both. She was not truly one of my faithful, until now." Voldemort smiled maliciously. "She married you on Dumbledore's orders. She lied about where she has been for all these years and she returned to you again on Dumbledore's orders." Severus was stunned.
"How is this possible?" Severus asked in feigned anger.
"It seems that she was fool enough to seek employ under a false name with one of my faithful who pointed out whom he believed her to be. When I summoned her, she of course attempted to deny everything. I was able, though, to get to the truth of the matter. I can assure you she is now firmly under my control." He smiled.
"What is your command, my Lord?" Severus asked tightly.
"You are to return to her at once, keep a close watch on her. She has been instructed to eliminate Potter once and for all. You are to insure she succeeds. Report to me when the deed is done. She has until the next full moon to accomplish this task or she will pay for her failure." Voldemort hissed quietly.
Severus knelt before Voldemort. "As you command." He said stiffly in response. Severus rose quickly and left. He had to get back to Hogwarts immediately. Now that the Dark Lord himself had confirmed Ravenna was under his control and Harry was in grave danger.
As soon as he was back outside the castle gate he broke into a run back to the castle. He did not stop running until he had reached the hospital door. He stopped for just a moment to catch his breath before opening the door. When he did he was immediately alarmed. There sitting beside his wife were Harry, Ron and Hermione. He approached quickly, coming to a stop directly behind Harry.
Ravenna lifted her eyes to look into his. "Good afternoon." She said pleasantly. "It seems my godson and his friends were concerned and stopped by for a visit." She smiled.
"So I see. I hope they are not exhausting you." He said in a growl, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry looked up at him questioningly. "Perhaps they could save this visit for later?" He finished raising both of his eyebrows.
"Uh… yeah." Harry stuttered. "Ron, Hermione maybe we can visit again after dinner. If she's still here." Harry turned back to look at Ravenna and smiled. She smiled back but there was something not quite right about the look in her eye.
"Thank you all for the company. I will see you again soon." She said to them all as they left. Severus remained where he stood and watched the three of the leave. Only when they were through the doors did he turn his attention to his wife.
"I have just returned. Would you care to fill me in on what your plan is?" Severus said coldly to his wife.
Ravenna quickly scanned the room with her eyes before answering. "I do not know yet, I have been given until the next full moon to eliminate Potter. Since we are into the last term of the year I figured perhaps some sort of accident in class would be appropriate." She sneered.
"You must take care. It must truly appear to be an accident." Severus growled back. "We have another matter to discuss as well. The Dark Lord has informed me that our marriage is a farce. Is this so?" Ravenna just stared blankly at him.
"Severus…" She stopped in apparent struggle. "Help me." She whispered. She had a look of pure terror in her eyes. Severus was confused for a moment, then realized she was attempting to break free of the Dark Lord's control.
"YOU LIED TO ME! HOW COULD YOU!" He yelled at her. Poppy came running from her office.
"Severus, what is the meaning of this!" She said harshly to him. He just glared at her.
"She is struggling for control. It seems that emotional distress is what she needs to break free." Poppy stared at her astonished and then went back to her office.
"Well!" He barked at her. "I demand you answer me…. Did you ever love me at all?" He finished in a quiet whisper, pain evident in his voice.
Ravenna had slumped back in the bed, shaking violently as if in seizure. Severus desperately wanted to take her into his arms and comfort her, but he knew she had to fight this battle herself.
"I DEMAND YOU ANSWER ME!" He shouted at her angrily.
She continued to convulse violently for another moment and then fell still. Severus stood still, staring at her.
"Severus." Ravenna whispered so quietly he barely heard her. He remained where he stood. He needed to be sure this had not been an act. "I do love you." She said a little louder. He was elated.
"Ravenna, are you quiet well?" He asked cautiously.
"Yes love, I believe I am quite myself now." She said shakily. "Though, I do feel a little drained." She smiled weakly.
"No surprise there, the Dark Lord is quite powerful." Severus responded evenly.
She continued to smile at him. "By the way, thank you."
"For what?" He asked quietly.
She just smiled at him fully now and opened her arms to him. "Hold me?" She asked softly. In an instant he was beside her, pulling her into his arms. He held her tightly for several moments before moving away.
"You must tell me everything that happened while you were there." He said quietly. She stiffened in his arms. "I know this will be difficult, the Dark Lord is anything but gentle when he is upset."
Ravenna took a deep breath to gather her thoughts before speaking. "When I appeared there I was taken to him. He expressed his displeasure then had me taken to what was being referred to as the conversation room. There was nothing there except for a small wooden chair. I had been left in there, completely in the dark for hours. When someone finally came in the first thing that happened was that I was bound to the chair. Then I was hit repeatedly with the Cruciatus curse. After that I don't really remember what happened. I can only assume that Voldemort put me under the Imperius curse. I do not even remember how I got here." She concluded looking around the hospital.
"That much I can answer for you..." he said with a smile. "You got here…" he gestured around the room with his hand. "in my arms. I found you outside the gate and carried you here. That is becoming a habit I think." He pulled her back into his embrace again, holding her tightly. He was relieved when he felt her arms encircle him as well. "You are going to have to continue as if you were under his control. You are no longer allowed to be alone with Harry and you will be watched very closely. I know it will be difficult for you, but you must act in a manner totally unlike yourself."
"I won't have to act as asinine as your imposter did, do I?" She asked alarmed.
"No, just let your suppressed Slytherin nature out for a little while. I know you are capable of it when you try." Severus said with a grin. "If you require assistance I could always tease you a little in the morning before breakfast." He winked at her. She scowled in response.
"If you did that, the only one I would be Slytherin with is you." She said jokingly, slapping him lightly on the chest. He laughed heartily at the remark. "Seriously though, is Harry aware of my current affliction?" She asked solemnly.
"Not as yet, but he will be made aware of it this tomorrow. Albus will be working with him on his lessons now in his office. What you must do with him is to try to continue with the lessons and allow him to refuse you. Try to do it at the end of class so your failed efforts can be witnessed." Ravenna nodded in response. "I must go now, you get some rest. I will be teaching your classes tomorrow to allow you additional time to rest."
Breakfast the next morning was much quieter than usual. Most of the students appeared to still be asleep. Severus ate quietly, scanning the room frequently. He noticed he was being watched closely by several students from both the Slytherin and Gryffindor tables. After several moments he began making eye contact with those that were staring at him, causing most to avert their gaze. This brought a small smirk to his face. This morning he would be teaching the 6th years in Defense Against the Dark Arts and then would have the same class for Potions. Today was going to be a long day.
As soon as he had finished eating he left the staff table walking through the Great Hall. He paused briefly behind Harry and the others at the Gryffindor table to glare, then continued on out of the hall. Less than half an hour later the students were making their way noisily into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. They immediately quieted down when they saw Professor Snape standing at Professor Gryffin's desk. The students quickly made their way to their seats and got out their books.
"Professor Gryffin has found she is incapable of teaching today." He began in a growl. "So it has been left to me to fill in. Today we will be working on blocking spells. Turn to page 493. By the end of class I want two rolls of parchment on the five most common attack curses and counter-curses to block them." Then entire class moaned loudly, Severus glared at them all in response. When class was over they all took their parchments to Professor Gryffin's desk and departed quickly.
All the D.A. members had gathered together in the hallway laughing about how easy the assignment had been, since they had all studied them the previous year with Harry. In a pack they all headed toward the dungeons heading to Potions.
Many of the students were surprised to find Professor Snape was already in the classroom when they arrived. As soon as Harry, Ron and Hermione took their seats he called to them. They moved quickly to his desk. "The three of you are to report to the headmaster's office immediately following lunch." He said just loud enough for the entire class to overhear. Draco and several other Slytherins began to snigger.
As soon a class was over Harry, Ron and Hermione quickly packed their bags and departed for the Great Hall. They all three were surprised to see that Dumbledore was not there. After eating hurriedly, Harry glanced up at Snape. Severus lowered his head slightly as he met Harry's eyes then glanced at the headmaster's chair. With a quick jerk of his chin he indicated that Harry and the others should go. Harry nodded slightly and turned to face Ron and Hermione. "Come on." He said quietly. As the three headed out of the Great Hall they were followed by the laughter of almost the entire Slytherin table.
They came to a halt in front of the gargoyle that led to Dumbledore's office. Before Harry could say he did not know the password the gargoyle leapt aside. All three hurriedly ran up the spiral steps to the headmaster's office. The door was already open. "Come in." Albus called from behind his desk. He waited to speak again until all three were in the office and the door was closed. "I am sorry if I caused you any embarrassment, but this ruse is necessary. In order for the three of you to be out of the dormitory after hours it must seem that you are serving detention." He paused for a moment to look directly at each of them. "Severus has informed me that you all paid Professor Gryffin a visit yesterday, you must not do this any more. Severus has confirmed she is now under Voldemort's control. It is very dangerous for any of you to be alone with her, particularly you Harry." He paused again to make sure his point was made. They each nodded at him slightly. "Very well then, you will go on to class now. After dinner I want you all to come back here. Harry will have his lesson here with Professor Snape. Ron and Hermione, I will escort you both to the library so you can continue your research." With this he gestured with his hand for them all to go.
The rest of the day passed slowly. The remaining class they had was History of Magic. It took everything Harry had in him to keep his mind on what Professor Binns was reciting. He was eager to get to dinner. Hermione had stopped taking notes on the lecture and was skimming one of the books she had checked out from the library about the Unforgivables. It was obvious she was anxious to get to the restricted section to continue her research. When class was finally over Harry, Ron and Hermione quickly made their way to the Gryffindor tower to drop off their books before dinner. When they entered the Great Hall they were greeted by more laughter from the Slytherin table. Ignoring them, Harry looked toward the teachers table. He momentarily made eye contact with Severus before directing his gaze at Dumbledore. He nodded slightly in response. Harry then turned his attention to his dinner. Ron and Hermione had their heads close together talking quietly. Ron whispered something that made her laugh loudly. "What is so funny?" Harry asked quietly.
"Oh, nothing." She responded, still giggling. Ron just shrugged.
"Are you two going to require a chaperone while you are in 'detention' this evening?" Harry asked laughingly. Ron and Hermione just stared at him blankly.
"And just what do you mean by that?" Ron asked cautiously.
"Don't be so thick Ron. I know you two like each other." Harry smiled.
With no further conversation the three finished eating their dinner. With a quick glance to Professor Dumbledore they rose from the table and headed to his office.