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.
Chapter Nine
The Order at Hogwarts
The three quickly made their way to the Headmaster's office. They were not entirely surprised to find the gargoyle had already moved from in front of the entrance. Quickly they ascended the stairs. Albus was waiting for them just outside his office. "Ron and Hermione, please come with me. Harry, Severus is waiting for you upstairs." Without further conversation Albus led Ron and Hermione to the library. Harry watched them until he could no longer see them in the stairway before turning to enter Dumbledore's office. He quickly climbed the stairs and found Severus standing in front of the study.
"Come in Harry. We have much to discuss." Severus intoned flatly. Harry nodded and followed him into the study. Severus stood by the door and closed it after Harry was through. He gestured with his hand for Harry to take a seat on the sofa as he sat in the armchair next to it. "I have confirmed Ravenna is under the Dark Lord's control. She is going to make every effort to get you alone. You must not allow her to succeed." Severus began.
"Sir, is there any way for her to be freed from Voldemort?" Harry asked concerned.
"That, Harry, is what your friends are going to try to find out. Albus is going to instruct them to work on finding a counter for the Imperious Curse. As you all are researching protection from the Unforgivables anyway, we will concentrate on this one first." Severus paused for a moment. "Right now, you must put all your energies into preventing the Dark Lord from possessing you again."
Hermione and Ron followed Dumbledore quietly to the library. As they approached the doors they spotted Draco, Goyle, Crabbe and Pansy Parkinson standing nearby quietly sniggering. Ron shot them all a dirty look as they entered. Once inside Albus closed the doors behind them. With a waive of his hand the lock on the restricted section opened. "I shall lock the doors behind me, do not open them for anyone. I will return in a few hours to collect you. For now I need you to concentrate on the Imperius Curse, as Professor Snape has confirmed that Professor Gryffin is now under Voldemort's control. We must find a way to free her." He stated levelly. After looking intently into both their faces he turned to leave. Ron watched him leave before turning to Hermione.
"Well, you heard what the man said, let's get to work." Ron said before planting a kiss on her lips. She smiled at him before striding quickly through the gate to the restricted section.
"You go look down there for anything you can find about defense against the dark arts, I will be down that way looking for the Unforgivables." Hermione said quickly. Ron nodded in response and headed down the isle she had indicated.
A couple hours later Ron started at the sound of Hermione's frustrated grunt. "What's all that about." Ron shouted. He started again when Hermione spoke from directly behind him.
"I cannot find anything in here. Have you had any luck?" She shouted. He shook his head disgustedly.
Both started when they heard the library door open. When Dumbledore was standing at the gate to the restricted section Hermione spoke. "Sir, we have not yet found anything. May we have more time?" Albus shook his head.
"Not tonight Miss Granger. It must appear as you are serving detention. You will be able to come back again tomorrow." He did not want them to wear themselves down. Although he and Severus knew Ravenna had already freed herself from Voldemort's control, this was not to be shared with anyone else. Disappointedly Hermione nodded. She and Ron then followed Dumbledore out of the library and back to their dormitory.
When they entered the common room the met back up with Harry. He looked at them expectantly. "Did you find anything?" He asked anxiously.
Hermione threw herself onto the sofa disgustedly before answering. "NO! Nothing!" Ron sat next to her and pulled her hand on to his lap. Harry raised an eyebrow at Ron.
"Well, you said you knew." Ron shot back. Harry smiled back at him.
Having nothing more to share they all made their way to bed. Harry went ahead when he saw Ron pull Hermione into an embrace.
When Albus returned to his office he spotted a student standing in front of his desk. He cleared his throat from the doorway, causing the student to turn and face him. "What have you found out?" He asked the Slytherin first year standing in his office.
"Aside from the fact that Malfoy has a big mouth and cannot keep a secret." She responded. Albus smiled slightly and nodded for her to continue. "It would seem that You-Know-Who has instructed them to go out of their way to provoke Harry into inappropriate actions in Professor Gryffin's class. They are to give her a reason to give Harry detention so she will be alone with him."
"Very well, I will make sure Harry knows this. Now Tonks, I want you to be very careful. We cannot risk having you discovered." Albus smiled tightly at her. "Wait here for Minerva, I will have her escort you back to the Slytherin dormitory." Tonks nodded her head in response and sat in the chair Albus indicated. Moments later Minerva arrived and escorted her from Albus's office.
Once they were gone Albus walked to the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black. "Phineas." Albus said amused as he watched him pretend to be asleep. Albus stood patiently for a moment waiting for him to peak. When he saw the eyes in the portrait open slightly again he continued. "I need for you to visit your other portrait and convey a message." Phineas knew he had been caught and responded.
"What now." He hissed disgustedly.
"Please inform Alastor Moody, Elfhias Doge and Hestia Jones I require their immediate presence here at Hogwarts." Albus stated politely. Phineas huffed and disappeared from the frame. Within moments flames shot out of the fireplace, followed immediately by Alastor, Elfhias and Hestia. Albus smiled at them all and gestured for them to follow him up the stairs in his office. Once securely closed in the study he began to speak. "I thank you all for coming here so quickly. We are in need of additional security. Ravenna has been compromised and is now under Voldemort's control. I need for you all to assist in protecting Harry here in the castle." He said gravely.
"We should take him back to headquarters. We will be better able to protect him there." Mad-Eye said in his gravelly voice.
"You know we cannot do that Alastor, Voldemort must not be suspicious. If we were to take Harry out of school now he will most likely kill Ravenna and possibly Severus as well. What I am going to need is for you to work in shifts following Harry while he is out of the Gryffindor Tower."
"Albus, how exactly are we going to do that?" Hestia asked.
"I would suggest using Alastor's invisibility cloaks. Should you require a third I can always ask Harry for his." Albus said with a twinkle in his eye. All three nodded in agreement. "As Harry is already in the tower for the night I will need for one of you to return in the morning. Harry has already been instructed that he is not to be in the corridors alone or to be alone with Ravenna. What is required is an extra pair of eyes to watch without being seen."
"Albus, I believe it would be better to have us stationed here around the clock. I will stay here tonight. Hestia can relieve me in the morning then Elfhias can relieve her." Mad-Eye said.
"Of course, Alastor. If you believe that best." Albus said levelly. Having received nods of agreement from the others they all left the study. Hestia and Elfhias left through the fireplace.
"I will post myself next to the Fat Lady." Alastor said roughly, then bid Albus goodnight and wrapped the cloak around him. Albus watched as his office door opened and closed itself. Somewhat secure in the knowledge that the ones he loved were safe, at least for tonight, Albus decided it was time for bed.
Severus lay on the sofa in his apartment. He needed to gather his thoughts and reinforce his mental shields before returning to Ravenna's apartment. He hated the idea of keeping her in the dark about the current plan, but knew the importance of keeping her protected. Now that the Dark Lord had been able to put her under his control the possibility of him doing it again was greater. He also knew that Draco was most likely informed of her 'misdeeds' and would be watching closely. Slowly, he rose from the sofa and entered his office. Stalling for time, hoping she would tire and fall asleep he prowled around his office. He had just begun to gather the ingredients required for the modified Wolfsbane potion when he heard his office door creak open. "Professor Snape?" Came the quiet call.
"What is it, Draco?" Severus responded in a hiss. He really did not wish to be disturbed, especially by Malfoy.
"I am sorry to disturb you sir." He said apologetically then continued. "I was wondering if Madam Snape has been released from hospital yet."
"She has. Why do you ask?" Severus said coldly.
"Will you continue to reside with her, sir?" Draco asked tentatively.
"I will. The Dark Lord has instructed me to keep close watch on her, to ensure she succeeds in her appointed task." He responded darkly. "What are your instructions?"
"Sir, I have been ordered to make sure Potter earns himself detention with her, so that she might be alone with him." Draco responded gleefully. He looked forward to causing trouble.
"Do take care Mr. Malfoy, subtlety is the key. The Headmaster is having Potter watched closely." Snape hissed. Draco nodded in understanding and left.
'So, Draco is to give Harry a reason to be placed in detention. I must warn Albus at once.' Severus thought. He suspected Draco was probably watching him as well so he decided to complete the potion he was about to brew before leaving. This way he could report to Albus, then adjourn to his wife's bed for the night. He completed the brewing within the hour and departed.
Severus walked at his usual brisk pace around the dungeons as though patrolling before heading toward the staircase. He continued to 'patrol' the next few levels of the castle before heading to the headmaster's office. Once passing the gargoyle he practically ran up the stair to Albus's office. He paused at door and was slightly surprised to have it open just as he went to knock. "Come in, Severus." Albus said quietly.
"Albus, I have had a rather enlightening conversation with Mr. Malfoy." Severus began. Albus raised his hand to halt Severus's narrative.
"If you mean to tell me that he has been instructed to assist Mr. Potter into trouble, I already know. Harry will be warned first thing in the morning." He smiled at Severus's obvious confusion.
"Should I not bother to ask how it is you already know this?" Severus responded stiffly. The gaze he received in return answered his question. "Very well then, should you need me, I will be in Ravenna's apartment. Good night, headmaster." Severus said evenly as he turned to leave the office.
Albus hated to keep Severus in the dark, but knew Severus would not take it personally. Severus had made an excellent spy for a great many years for just this reason. Severus knew better than any other member of the Order the need for secret keeping.
Upon departing the headmaster's office, Severus made his way back to his wife's classroom. Moments later he opened the door to the classroom and was surprised to find Ravenna standing in the middle of the room, her back to the door with both arms outstretched. So as to not frighten her he cleared his throat to let her know he was there. He was even more surprised to find several objects fall to the floor with a crash. She spun to glare at him. "That look is perfect!" He said with a smile. "What were you doing?"
"Severus, you startled me! What does it look like I was doing?" She shot back sarcastically.
"Keep that up and everyone will believe you are indeed Slytherin." He smirked in response. "Were you levitating those objects without a wand?" He asked darkly.
"That is what I was attempting to do." She said quietly. "It would seem I still need more practice. Your entrance should not have distracted me so easily." She shrugged.
"I was not aware you could do wandless magic." He responded with awe in his voice.
"Not nearly as well as I used to. I should have begun practicing this much sooner." She said with regret and disgust in her voice. "For your sake it is a good thing I am not better, I would have probably thrown one of those at you." She concluded with a shy smile. Before Severus could respond he noticed Ravenna's legs seemed to be losing their ability to hold her up. Instantly he was at her side, just in time to catch her.
"Come love, we must get you to bed." He said lovingly as he lifted her into his arms and ascended the stairs to her office and apartment. Neither spoke until he deposited her onto the bed.
"Now tell me, how long have you been able to do wandless magic?" He asked quietly as he proceeded to remove her clothing.
"You really expect me to be able to have a coherent conversation with you doing that?" She replied seductively. He shrugged at her and stopped. She took a deep breath to calm herself then continued. "Grandfather had started instructing me during my 5th year. While anyone who possesses magical abilities is able to do so in extreme situations I came to discover that if I concentrated I could call objects to me. When I shared this with him he said it could be useful and began my lessons." She said quietly.
"How advanced are your abilities? Can you use it defensively?" Severus asked fascinated. Aside from Albus and the Dark Lord, he did not know anyone who could perform wandless magic outside of their own homes.
"Let's just say it came in handy during my days as an Auror. There were several scrapes I would not have survived without this particular skill. I fear though I have lost a great deal of my control."
"Than it would seem practice is in order. Perhaps you could teach me as well?" Severus asked quietly. She chuckled quietly in response, and pulled him in for a hug.
"If that is what you desire, my love." She whispered into his chest.
"Definitely, but not now. You and our daughter require rest." He said sternly. She glared at him again in response.
"Make sure to remember how that face feels." He said quietly. "You need to wear that expression more often now that you are under the Dark Lord's 'control'." He concluded darkly.
She just rolled her eyes and lay down on the bed. As soon as he had joined her Severus stretched out his arm so she could rest her head on his chest. Ravenna obliging curled up next to him and settled in for sleep.
Ravenna woke reluctantly, she felt extremely tired this morning. Severus had gotten up earlier dressed and left instructing her to go back to sleep. Now that she was awake she figured she should shower and get ready for the day. She hated the idea of acting horribly to the students, but under the circumstances she had no choice. Within the hour she was ready to go to the Great Hall for breakfast. As she entered she walked between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables, coming to a stop behind Harry. When Ron nudged him with his elbow Harry turned his head sharply to look at him. Seeing Ron indicate behind him with his chin Harry turned. Looking into Ravenna's eyes he smiled. "Good morning Professor Gryffin. Are you feeling better today?" He said cheerfully.
"Yes, thank you. I was wondering if we could get together this evening after dinner. We never had a chance to look at that photo album of yours." She said with a smile.
"I would love to. I have Quidditch practice tonight though, how about after that?" Harry responded happily.
"That would be fine. I will see you tonight." She smiled again, then proceeded to the teachers table. Harry watched her until she sat next to Professor Snape. Catching the look in his eye he furrowed his eyebrows in silent question. Severus frowned then looked toward Dumbledore. Harry too, looked at him. Dumbledore nodded slightly then looked away to talk to Ravenna. Harry, along with Ron and Hermione, continued to watch Ravenna. She curtly nodded to Dumbledore then turned her attention to her plate. After eating for several moments she raised her head and looked directly at Draco. Harry noticed this and turned to look as well. He was shocked to see a pleased smile on Draco's face.
"Ron, Hermione did you just see that?" Harry asked astonished. "Ravenna just looked at Draco and smiled."
"Professor Dumbledore did say she was under Voldemort's control." Hermione whispered in reply.
"Maybe you shouldn't go see her tonight." Ron said in response. Harry nodded absently. After finishing their breakfast the three quickly rose and headed for class.
Ravenna watched them leave with a sneer on her face. Draco, who was watching her, smiled evilly. He was looking forward to today's Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
When it was time for Defense Against the Dark Arts the Slytherin's were already queued up outside the classroom when Professor Gryffin opened the door. They all quietly entered the classroom and took their seats. When Harry, Ron and Hermione arrived they were surprised to see them already there. Slytherins never showed up early for class. As he made his way to his seat someone called to him from behind. Harry turned to find Professor Dumbledore standing at the doorway.
"Excuse me Professor Gryffin. I require Mr. Potter for a few moments." He said with a smile.
She glared at him for a moment before responding. "Of course Professor."
Dumbledore gestured for Harry to precede him through the doorway and closed the door behind them. In a whisper he began. "Harry, I have been informed that several in your class are going to attempt to have you placed in detention with Professor Gryffin. You must not allow this to happen." He said gravely with a knowing look into Harry's eyes. "Regardless of what is done to provoke you, do not give her a reason."
"But sir…" Harry started and was instantly quieted by the look in Dumbledore's eye. "Yes, sir." He responded meekly and returned to class. As he made his way back to his seat he glared at Draco.
Ravenna had been standing behind her desk waiting for Harry to return. "Now that we are all here, we can begin." She stated harshly, glaring at Harry. "I understand from Professor Snape you covered the most commonly used attack curses and counters. I have reviewed your essays and I must say I am disappointed by many of them. Today we will review again…" She paused when the class let out a collective moan. "Enough of that!" She barked, smacking her hand sharply against the desktop. Instantly the class quieted. "Pack your books away and stand." She snapped. As they all quickly followed her instructions she began pacing around the room tapping her wand against her right thigh.
Once all the students had finished she called them to the back of the room. Giving a waive of her wand all the desks moved to the walls. "Today we will put your research to practical use." She again glared towards Harry. Having read the essays she knew perfectly well Harry, Ron, Hermione and several others in the class could easily defend themselves from the curses she would direct at them. One by one she called the students to stand in the middle of the classroom. She was directing curses like Jelly Legs, Stunning, Disarming and other simple curses to block at the Slytherins whereas she was hitting the Gryffindors with curses that were more difficult to block such as Impedimenta and Petrificus Totalus. The Slytherins were having a good time watching the Gryffindors dodge and unsuccessfully block her curses. When Harry's turn finally came he was nervous. He knew that this woman was most certainly not acting like his godmother. She smiled darkly at him.
"Ready Harry?" She asked stiffly. He nodded his head slightly. They both raised their wands.
"Stubefy!" She shouted, Harry leapt to the floor dodging the spell. Before he was completely standing she shouted. "Incarcerous!"
Harry pointed his wand back at her shouting "Protego!" This caused the ropes that shot from her wand to fall limply on the floor in front of him. He watched her closely as she pointed her wand at him again. Before she could speak he shouted. "Expelliarmus!" She stared in disbelief as her wand flew back towards the door leading to the corridor.
"Accio wand!" She shouted and her wand returned to her hand. She stared coldly at Harry for a moment and he wondered what was coming next. "Very well done." She said insincerely. "Class dismissed!" The class quickly gathered their bags and left. Harry stood where he was watching Ravenna climb the stairs to her office. Once she had closed the office door he turned to gather his things and leave. Ron and Hermione were waiting for him just inside the doorway.
"She seemed to be going out of her way to make us look bad." Ron growled. Hermione pursed her lips and nodded her head in agreement.
"Yeah, there is no question about it, she is most certainly not herself." Harry agreed worriedly. "Come on, I have something I need to tell you both." He said hurriedly as he looked past them, glaring at Malfoy and several other Slytherin who were standing on the opposite side of the corridor.
Elfhias, concealed by the invisibility cloak, followed the three as they headed to Gryffindor Tower. As they passed through the portrait of the Fat Lady he took position next to the painting. Moody would be here to relieve him after dinner.
In the Slytherin common room Malfoy was ranting. He had tried throughout class to provoke Potter into doing something, anything, with no success. "Any other time the stupid idiot would have drawn his wand or something, why not this time!" No one around him responded. As he spun to demand an answer from someone he saw Professor Snape standing at the top of the stairs.
"Malfoy, come with me." He said quietly and turned to leave, Draco in tow. As soon as they had entered Snape's office he ordered Draco to speak.
"Sir, I tried. I really did. No matter what I did Potter just ignored me." He spoke so quickly he was practically stuttering. Severus glared at him for a moment.
"And Madam Snape?" Severus growled.
"She was incredible. I cannot remember when I ever enjoyed that class so much." He sneered. "She was trying to hit us with curses, it was funny."
"Thank you Mr. Malfoy." Severus said quietly, then continued. "I shall not be returning here after dinner. You know how to get me if you need me?" Draco nodded in response and left.
Severus sat back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. 'At least she was able to convince Malfoy. I hope she was able to convince Harry and the others as well' He thought. Taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly he rose from his chair and headed toward the Great Hall.
Severus paused for a moment before entering through the door behind the teachers table. He could already hear the noise from inside and wished he could turn around and leave. As he reached for the knob to open the door he heard his name. Turning he saw Albus turn the corner.
"Severus, I dare say she did well today. I have been informed she performed admirably." He said with a tinkle in his eye.
"I have heard this as well." Severus responded.
"Shall we go have dinner then?" Albus asked mildly. Severus nodded and opened the door allowing Albus to precede him. As they entered Ravenna turned toward the door, glaring at Albus. He stared back at her evenly.
"Good evening Professor Gryffin." He smiled lightly.
"Good evening Headmaster." She responded coldly, then turned her gaze on Severus.
"Professor." Severus said evenly as he took his seat between Ravenna and Albus. Severus watched her closely throughout dinner. When she pushed her plate aside almost as full as when she started dinner he scowled. She glared at him in return then abruptly rose from her seat and headed towards the doors at the end of the Great Hall. She stopped briefly behind Harry.
"Harry, are you still coming by this evening?" She asked with a slight smile on her face.
Harry shook his head. "I am afraid I cannot. I have some homework that is due tomorrow that I forgot about. Perhaps tomorrow?" He said apologetically.
"Very well then, good evening." She said coldly and stormed out of the Great Hall.
Draco had watched the conversation intently and grimaced when Potter refused her. Severus had also watched the exchange and Draco. At least the first report back to the Dark Lord would be favorable.
Ravenna slammed the door shut once she had entered her apartment. She hated the idea of treating the students the way she had today. It made her feel sick. She also knew Severus was upset with her about dinner. No doubt he would bring food with him when he came to her later. No sooner than she completed her thought she her a quiet knock at the door. She approached cautiously, opening the door just enough to look out. She opened the door quickly when she spotted a house elf standing there with a tray filled with food.
"Begging your pardon madam, Professor Snape instructed Winky to deliver this." Ravenna nodded at the elf and instructed her to place the tray on the bed. Winky did as told quickly and left. Ravenna stared at the tray and shook her head, chuckling lightly.
She began to disrobe, deciding a warm bath would help her to relax. She was not at all surprised to find Severus lying on the bed when she re-entered the bedroom. He smiled at her lovingly.
"I see you have not yet touched the food I sent for you." He said evenly. She gave him a disgusted glare. "You did not eat well at dinner." He shrugged.
"I have no appetite." She responded evenly.
"I understand you put on quite a performance today." He smiled, she grimaced disgustedly.
"Yes, and I hated every minute of it. How do you do it?" Severus rose from the bed and pulled her into a firm embrace. He pulled back from her and looked into her eyes questioningly. She was very tense.
"Is there anything I can do to help relieve this tension?" He asked worriedly. She looked at him with a seductive gleam in her eye. "Besides that?" He responded chuckling.
"How about another way of working it off? Why don't we go downstairs and duel?" She said quietly.
"That is not quite what I had in mind." Severus responded astonished. He had not expected this response. Nonetheless he shrugged and gestured for her to lead on.
Once they were in the classroom Severus charmed the door leading to the corridor. Then with another waive of his wand he moved all the desks to the side of the classroom clearing the center of the room.
"You said you wanted me to teach you wandless magic." She said. "Now is as good a time as any." She concluded with a smile. He moved to stand next to her, waiting for her to begin.
"What do I do first?" Severus asked quietly.
"Nothing, just give me a few moments to clear my mind. It takes considerably more concentration than with a wand. You must channel your powers unaided." She said quietly as she closed her eyes. Severus watched her silently for a few moments, then closed his eyes to clear his own mind. He opened his eyes again when he heard her move. He watched her silently as she began to make objects on her desk levitate. Then he turned to look to his side as he felt his wand rise up from out of his cloak. Then to the right as more objects began to rise into the air. He ducked as the inkwell from her desk flew directly towards his head.
"Are you trying to kill me now?" He said quietly and smirked as a small smile appeared on her lips.
"If I had wanted to kill you, you would be dead already. Look behind you." She said with mild amusement as he gasped. There was a dagger hovering just at the back of his neck.
"Now that was very Slytherin of you." He said darkly.
"Thank you." She responded coolly. "Would you like to learn how to do it?" He nodded his head and stepped cautiously away from the still hovering dagger. He watched with amazement as it went flying across the room, embedding itself into her desk.
"First things first, I need to practice my defense before I teach you how to attack wandlessly. We could start with something that won't hurt too much." She said as she removed her wand. She conjured up a crate full of various sized green rubber balls. Severus looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"And what exactly are we going to do with those, play catch?" Severus said with amusement in his voice.
"No, you are going to throw them at me." She responded seriously.
"What!" He asked in astonished disbelief.
"I must be able to repel objects without a wand before I can teach you. Look, they won't harm me." She said as she levitated one of the balls from the crate without her wand and allowed it to bounce on the floor. "Just aim them away from the baby." She said with a raised eyebrow.
"I don't know about this." He said shaking his head.
"I will be fine. Let's do it." She responded with a smile. She then walked to her desk and gestured for Severus to hurl the balls at her. "One at a time to begin with if you please, I am out of practice." She said quietly. Severus reached inside his cloak to retrieve his wand and looked at her questioningly when it was not there. She look past him and nodded. He looked to where she was looking and spotted the wand still hovering beside him. He shook his head with a smile and reached for the wand. Just as he closed his hand around it, it rose out of his reach. He glared at her, she smiled back.
"Call it to you." She said. He scowled in response.
Severus raised his hand again and made to speak. "Acc…"
"No!" She shouted and he again looked at her. "Call it to you with your mind, not your voice." She said firmly. He glared coldly at her then redirected his gaze at the wand. He closed his eyes for a moment, envisioning the wand coming to his hand. When he opened his eyes he saw it was within his grasp. He looked at her.
"Did you do that?" He asked her quietly.
She shook her head in response. "No, you did that on your own. Very well done by the way, you pulled it away from me." She concluded with a smile. "Now, if you don't mind?" She said nodding toward the crate of balls on the floor.
Severus bowed his head in response and lifted his wand. He levitated one from the crate and flung it toward her. It bounced off her left shoulder. She rubbed the spot and shrugged. "I told you I was out of practice. Again!"
He picked a smaller ball and again flung it at her. This time it hit an invisible barrier and bounced back. She nodded for him to continue. With each successive ball they bounced away with more force and further away from her. When the crate was empty Severus smiled. "That's it love." She smiled at him and stepped around the desk. She sat down and rested her head on the desk for a moment. Severus was instantly at her side.
He gently rubbed her shoulders. "Are you okay?" Concern clear in his quiet voice.
"Yes love, as I said this takes a lot of concentration." She responded without raising her head. "By the way, that feels wonderful." He continued to rub her shoulders for several more moments until they no longer felt tense. Taking a deep breath she sat back up. "Now, you wanted me to show you how to do it." She said as she rose from the chair.
"Perhaps later, you look a little tired." He said lovingly.
"No love, I need this." She said lightly. "What I want you to do is to feel your magic. See yourself doing it without the wand." He furrowed his eyebrows at her. "Trust me, it really is that easy." She said with a smile.
He closed his eyes and centered himself. Then he envisioned his wand floating next to him. Instantly he felt it rising from his cloak. When he opened his eyes he was a little surprised to find it floating level with his shoulder. He looked at her with amazement.
"You see, it really is that easy." She said with a bright smile on her face. Excitedly he tried again. This time he made one of the balls on the floor levitate, then another and another. When he had most of them hovering she spoke again. "Now, send them back into the crate." Severus took a stilling breath before attempting it. His first few tries got the balls close, but not in. "It's okay." She said calmly. "Try again." Concentrating more he tired again and was pleased when the next few balls did indeed land inside the crate, though several with such force that they bounced out again. He continued until all the balls were back in the crate.
"That was exhausting." He said with a smirk. "Perhaps we should go to bed now." He concluded panting from exhaustion.
"Yes, I believe that is a good idea." She said lovingly as she wrapped her arm around his waist.
Slowly they climbed the stairs back to her apartment. Once inside Severus quickly disrobed and lay on the bed. Ravenna went to the bathroom, then joined Severus in the bed. He was asleep by the time she returned. Within moments she too was asleep.
Ravenna woke the next morning more tired than the day before. At least today she would not have to act irritable, she truly was. She was even more irritated when she realized Severus had already left. "He could have at least kissed me before he left." She quipped and was startled when the bathroom door opened.
"Did you say something, love?" He asked from the doorway. It was obvious from his wet hair that he had just showered. She just shook her head wryly at him.
"I though you had left without kissing me." She said quietly.
"I would never do such a thing." He responded innocently. She just raised an eyebrow at him. "You had better hurry, it is time for breakfast."
Her stomach turned at the thought of food. "I think I will skip breakfast this…" She stopped in mid sentence because of the look on his face. "I will eat here." She finished, looking pointedly at the tray. "I really am not up to an audience for breakfast." She finished sheepishly.
"Very well, as long as you promise to actually eat." He said with another raised eyebrow.
"I promise." She responded as Severus rounded the bed to give her a good bye kiss. He looked at her pointedly before turning to leave the apartment.
The next couple of weeks passed pretty much the same way. Ravenna had made repeated attempts to get Harry alone and had continually failed. Draco had also failed in his attempts to get Harry into trouble. Severus had just finished dinner and left the Great Hall. Ravenna watched him leave. No sooner than he was through the door she felt the burn on her forearm. She rose quickly from the table and headed toward the door behind the teachers table. With so many eyes watching she was not able to tell anyone she was being summoned. As soon as she was through the gate she apparated to Riddle Manor.
"Madam Snape." Was hissed from behind her. She immediately dropped to her knee. "You have failed me for the last time! CRUCIO!" Instantly she fell over screaming in pain. After several moments she fell silent. "Take her down stairs with the others!" Voldemort shouted to McNair and Crabbe. As they lifted her he instructed them to stop. He grabbed her head and with a quick yank he had a handful of her hair and then waived them away. "Bellatrix!" He shouted. A moment later she was standing beside him.
Severus was just leaving the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom when he came face to face with Ravenna. "Where have you been?" He asked cautiously, noting the dark expression on her face.
"I went for a walk. To clear my head." She responded emotionlessly. "Is that now a crime here?"
"No…" He answered darkly. "I just came to check on you."
"Well, I am fine. Good night Professor." She said coldly as she passed by him.
"Good night?" He responded questioningly. She turned to look at him. "Did you not wish me to stay tonight?" He asked cautiously. She looked at him puzzled.
"Of course, forgive me. I have much on my mind this evening." She smiled weakly.
"I will be back in a little while. I need to go check on my house." He said evenly and left. 'What the hell is with her this evening?' He thought as he made his way to the dungeons. Just as he reached his office door his mark began to burn. 'Great! Just great, this is all I need just now!' He thought darkly. Pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger he turned to head to Albus's office. He would inform the headmaster he was being summoned and report to the Dark Lord.
Ravenna slowly regained consciousness and was immediately aware of the painful strain on her shoulders. She was standing in the middle of a dark room with her wrists bound above her head. After several anxious moments several torches around the room were lit. She was horrified to find she was wearing only her undergown. As her eyes adjusted to the light she noticed the only furniture in the dingy room was a small cot and a wooden chair. Believing she was alone in the room she took a deep breath and concentrated on getting out of the bindings that were holding her arms. Before she could fully focus she felt a hand on the back of her neck. She gasped in surprise. "I have been waiting for you to wake." Was whispered in her ear. She stiffened in fright. Before she could think to ask where she was she felt a burning sting on her back. She hissed between her teeth. She was lashed several more times before the person reveled himself to her.
"It is so wonderful to see you again Tish, or should I say Madam Snape." Luther Bloodworth hissed in her face. "I had hoped you would make a bit more noise." He sneered gleefully. Before she could respond he was again whipping her back, each strike more forceful then the last. She was determined she was not going to give him the satisfaction of crying out. With each blow she inhaled sharply but made little noise. After what seemed like forever Luther was standing in front of her once again. "Now for the real fun." His smile was one of pure unadulterated lust. With a quick flick of his wand the bindings that held her arms above her head were released. She groaned at the sudden release of pressure on her shoulders. Before she could recover Luther grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her to him and kissed her forcefully. She tried to push him away but her arms were still numb from the lack of adequate blood flow for so long. She finally managed to wiggle from his grasp, but did not get far. He grabbed her by the hair and threw her to the bed. She yelped when her brutalized back impacted. Before she could push herself up from the dingy mattress Luther pointed his wand at her and barked "Immobulus!" Unable to move, she watched through horrified eyes as he stepped closer to her. "I see that school has made you a bit soft." He sneered as he stared at her swollen abdomen. He then licked his lips and placed his hands on her knees, sliding her gown up. Ravenna squeezed her eyes tightly as she felt his hands slid up her thighs.
"Luther." Someone said from the door that had just opened. "The Dark Lord demands you attend him at once." Luther swore under his breath.
"I shall be there at once." He responded angrily, then looked back at Ravenna who was still motionless on the bed. "Such a shame, I had hoped to have more time with you." He then bent over her and gave her another forceful kiss before backhanding her across the face so hard she was knocked out. As he left the room he instructed the guard to redress her in her outer gown and cloak.
Immediately upon appearing in Riddle Manor he was directed to Voldemort's study. When he entered he was instructed it was time to administer the Wolfsbane potion to Remus. Severus had completely forgotten it was the full moon. Thankfully he had already brewed the needed potion and had it in his cloak. Upon being dismissed he quickly made his way to the basement where Remus was being kept.
"Remus, it is time for your medicine!" Severus hissed 'gleefully'. Remus glared at him in response. After administering the potion he left, intent on returning to his wife as quickly as possible. Severus had just made it to the entryway when Luther called to him.
"Snape!" Severus turned to stare at him. "You knew who she was when you came to my house, didn't you?" He said loudly enough to be overheard.
"Luther, always a pleasure to see you again." Severus whispered coldly. "The answer to your tactless question is no. I knew that she looked like Ravenna, which is why I wanted her." He concluded with a lustful sneer. "That evening in New York we did not talk."
"Likely story." Luther barked back at him, feeling confident that he was safe from Snape in the presence of the Dark Lord.
"I assure you, had I known who she truly was that night I would have brought her back immediately." He said coldly. Severus then turned to see Voldemort standing right behind him. "My lord." Severus said respectfully.
"Do you speak the truth Snape?" He hissed quietly, looking intently into his eyes.
"I do, my Lord." Severus said evenly. After several moments of staring Voldemort nodded his head, satisfied that he was indeed telling the truth.
"Very good. Return at once. Be sure your bride succeeds at her task, her time is nearly up." Severus bowed deeply and left.
"Luther, come with me." Voldemort said quietly as he headed toward the basement.
When Voldemort reached the room where Remus was being kept he spoke again. "Bring her in." He smiled at the baffled look on Remus' face. A moment later Ravenna was drug into the room, still unconscious. "Wake her." He commanded to McNair, he nodded his head and began to smack her across the face until she moaned. "Madam Snape, I would like to introduce you to your executioner. You are going to be the main course for dinner this evening." He hissed laughingly, Remus gasped in horror. "Take him out!" Voldemort yelled gleefully. Crabbe and McNair grabbed Remus and drug him out into the moonlight. Ravenna watched in horror as Remus was pulled out into the night. When they came back in Remus had transformed and was fighting against his captors.
"Remus!" Voldemort snapped and he instantly stilled. "You will hunt her down, do you understand?" Remus cocked his head to the side. "Kill her!" Instantly Remus fought to break free of those who were restraining him. Ravenna was frozen in terror. "Just so you don't think me totally heartless, I give you a head start. Run now!" She was still frozen to the spot until Remus attempted to lunge for her, then she ran.
In total panic and having no idea exactly where she was she ran as fast as she could through the trees and brush; branches tearing at her cloak and skin. She could hear the grunting of the werewolf behind her. She was not sure how long she had run, she just knew that she could not stop. He was still right behind her. She remembered Severus telling her the Voldemort had been most satisfied with the potion and that it left Remus firmly under his control. She thought for a moment about apparating back to Hogwarts, but was afraid to stop running long enough to do it. She continued to run until she could no longer breathe. She turned her head for a moment to see how close he was when it happened, she stumbled and fell. Before she could apparate he was standing over her, drool dripping from his gaping jaws onto her dirty and battered cloak. As his jaws descended towards her throat, she fainted.
When Severus returned to the castle he went first to Albus to advise him of his return, then he went to be with Ravenna. When he entered her apartment he was pleased to find she was already asleep, on his side of the bed. He quietly went into the bathroom to take a quick shower, then dressed and climbed into the bed.
When he woke the next morning he was more than a little surprised to find she was already gone. He quickly changed and headed to the Great Hall, happy to see she was already in her seat eating. "Good morning." He said evenly. She nodded in response and continued to eat. He smiled slightly.
As soon as she was finished eating she headed back to the classroom. 'Today was going to be a wonderful day indeed'.
Ravenna had been in rare form today. She was by far the meanest she had been in weeks. All the students, including the Slytherins, were complaining about her at lunch. Harry just groaned. The 6th years had Defense Against the Dark Arts right after lunch. Thankfully she had not shown up for lunch, at least he did not have to endure her glaring at him while he ate his meal. As soon as they finished eating Harry, Ron and Hermione headed for class. Harry thought he felt someone brush against him as he entered the classroom but there wasn't anyone next to him. He shook his head and headed toward where his seat should be. He was shocked to see all the desks were again lined up against the walls. 'Great!' Harry groaned as he placed his bag against the back wall. When all the students had arrived Ravenna finally descended the stairs from her office.
"As you can plainly see, today will be another practical lesson." She sneered at them with a hateful look in her eyes. Harry again felt something brush past him and looked quizzically at Ron. "Did you feel that?" He whispered.
"What?" Ron whispered back with a shrug.
"Fifty points from Gryffindor!" Ravenna shouted. "Now, no more talking."
Harry and Ron both glared at her, she smiled coldly at them and continued.
"Queue up over there!" She snapped. The students moved quickly to the end of the classroom nearest to her desk.
She efficiently made her way through the class hitting them all with various curses. By the time Harry was up most of the class was on the floor due to the Petrificus Totalus the Impedimenta and the Stubefy curses. Harry had watched her attacks closely and thought he could anticipate what was coming for him. She tried to hit him with several curses one right after the other. He managed to dodge the first and block the second and third. What came next surprised everyone. She stood opposite him, wand pointed directly at his heart. "Avada Kad…"
"Expelliarmus!" Harry shouted and Ravenna and her wand went flying.
"You will pay for that one Potter." She shouted harshly as she picked herself up from the floor. "Accio Wand!" Now that she had her wand back she again pointed it at Harry. With a gleam in her eye she again annunciated clearly. "Avada K…"
"Ravenna, STOP!" Severus shouted from behind her. She turned to face him, surprise evident on her face. "Don't do this!"
"I must! It is the Dark Lord's will." She spat as she again turned to face Harry. He did not know what was going on.
"Ravenna, Please!" Severus pleaded with her. She ignored him completely and again pointed her wand at Harry's heart.
"Ava…" Ravenna started again.
"Avada Kadavera!" Severus shouted and with a blinding flash of green light Ravenna fell to the floor…dead. Severus dropped his wand staring at Ravenna's lifeless body. "My God, what have I done?" He sobbed and fell to his knees, leaning forward until his forehead was on the floor.
Harry stood motionless for several seconds. He finally moved when his wand slipped from his limp fingers, hitting the floor with a dull clank. "RAVENNA!" He shouted as her ran to her.
At the sound of his wife's name being called Severus lifted his head from the floor. He crawled on his hands and knees to her and lifted her head gently into his lap, stroked her hair and kissed her on the forehead. Harry came to a halt and dropped to the floor beside her.
"Ravenna!" He called as he wrapped his arms around her. He began to cry uncontrollably. Severus too was crying. The room was still for several moments, save for the sound of Harry and Severus's sobs.
"Severus!" Albus called from the door and froze at the sight that met his eyes. Albus turned to his left and spoke. "Get Minerva immediately." He then came fully into the classroom. He placed a gently hand on Severus shoulder as he passed to the rest of the students. With the exception of Ron and Hermione he put the rest of the students to sleep. Releasing Ron and Hermione from their respective curses he asked them quietly what happened. They were just finishing the story when Minerva arrived.
"Albus, what has happened?" She said in a gasp.
"She tried to kill Harry. Severus had no choice." He paused. "Minerva, we must modify all of their memories." Albus gestured to the rest of the students with his hand. "Can you handle that while I take these two back to their dormitory?" Minerva nodded. "Severus." Albus said gently. When he did not respond he called him again, this time Severus did look at him. "You must take her up to the hospital wing. With the exception of Harry, Ron and Hermione the students are going to have their memories modified so they will remember me killing her. Go quickly." Severus nodded stiffly and rose. He gently pulled Harry off of her and briefly pulled him into an embrace. Harry remained there for a moment, then pulled away, staring again at Ravenna's lifeless form on the floor. Severus then bent down to lift his wife into his arms. Wordlessly he left the classroom, Harry followed closely.
Severus cradled Ravenna closely to him as he carried her to the hospital wing. When he entered he stood at the doorway looking lost. Harry stared at him. When Severus did not look back or move any further he walked across the room to retrieve Madam Pomfrey. She came running to Severus. "Dear God, what has happened?" She asked horrified at the sight of the obviously dead woman in Severus's arms. Severus just shook his head as silent tears streamed down his cheeks. "Bring her down here." Poppy said quietly and gestured to the bed nearest to her office. Severus wordlessly followed and placed her gently on the bed. Poppy had extracted her wand from her apron pocket and scanned Ravenna quickly. She shook her head sadly. She wanted to know what had happened but from the expressions Severus and Harry both wore she thought better than to ask. Severus had not moved from the side of the bed, Harry was standing at the foot. Poppy quietly conjured a chair directly behind Severus and another next to the first. "Sit." She said firmly. Harry moved from where he stood to sit in the chair next to Severus. When Severus did not move Poppy gently pulled down on his shoulders from behind. He stiffly lowered himself onto the chair, still staring at his wife.
Harry sat in the chair, his face resting in his hands, crying quietly. After several moments the tears stopped and now he was angry. "Why! Why did you have to kill her?" When Severus did not even look at him he became even angrier. "FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, SHE IS YOUR WIFE, AND YOU KILLED HER!" This did get Severus's attention. He turned toward Harry and stared coldly at him.
"Do you really believe this is what I wanted to happen?" The coldness in his voice was evident even the though the words were barely audible. "I have just sacrificed my wife and daughter's lives to save yours." Harry gasped. When Severus saw that Harry's anger had dissipated he continued. "A few months ago Ravenna had a vision in which she killed you. Given that she was under the Dark Lord's control I could think of no other way to save your life. She would not have stopped until she succeeded." He paused for a moment to compose himself before continuing, speaking more gently. "Harry, everyone in the Order knows we are expendable. You are the only one who can defeat the Dark Lord once and for all. We are all willing to give our lives to save yours. Ravenna felt that way as well." Harry began to sob again. Severus moved his chair closer to Harry's and pulled him into another embrace. "She loved you Harry. She gave her life for you, just as your mother did. Don't ever forget that." Severus whispered to him.
Albus stood at the doorway of the hospital wing watching. After giving Severus and Harry a little more private time he approached. "Severus, I need you and Harry to come with me." Severus looked up at Albus abruptly, he did not want to leave Ravenna. "Please Severus." Albus said quietly, but firmly. "It is not good for you two to be here just now. You both need some time to come to grips with this most unfortunate incident." Albus's true age was apparent in is voice. Severus slowly rose from his chair, gently pulling Harry from his. Severus continued to hold Harry for several more heart beats before letting him go and guiding him toward Albus. They quietly walked out of the hospital wing and down the corridor towards Dumbledore's office.
When they had reached Albus's office he directed them to his study. Once they were inside and seated Albus spoke. "The Order has already been notified of Ravenna's loss." He said sadly, Harry sniffled. "No doubt Voldemort will also know soon, if he does not already. We must be prepared for anything." He concluded.
"Headmaster, I would like permission to leave the school. I need to go home and make preparations." Severus said emotionlessly. "I would also like to take Harry with me. I think perhaps he should help in her final arrangements."
"Severus, I understand but I must insist that you both stay safely within the confines of the castle." The tone in Albus's voice told Severus there was no sense in arguing.
"But sir, we cannot just leave her there. She should be taken home." Harry said roughly.
"I promise you Harry, she will be well taken care of." Albus said comfortingly.
"Yes sir." Harry said quietly, barely holding back his tears.
"As you can well imagine, dinner this evening will be rather emotional. I think it best if the two of you avoid the Great Hall this evening. Why don't you both go to Ravenna's apartment. I will have dinner sent to you there. Harry, I want you to stay out of classes for the next few days." Harry just nodded, Severus glared.
When Severus and Harry left his office Albus headed back to the hospital. He was surprised to find the doors locked. With a hasty 'Alohomora' the door opened. "Poppy!" He called from the doorway.
"Albus, come quickly!" Came her excited cry from behind the privacy screen around the bed he knew Ravenna to be on. When Albus has stepped around the screen she spoke again. "Look!"
"Incredible." He said absently. "I had not expected this. Has any one else seen?" Poppy shook her head. "Good, tell no one. We must keep her from being seen. Prepare her for burial, we will put her out on the grounds for now and worry about getting her back to her family later." Poppy nodded solemnly. "I shall be in the Great Hall if you need me." Albus said somberly as he departed.
Ravenna moaned quietly, she hurt all over and she was cold. Stiffly she pushed herself into a sitting position. She was surprised when she realized she was lying on the ground. Now she remembered. Remus, in his werewolf form, had been chasing her through the woods, she had fallen and he was over her. "How is it that I am still alive?" She said out loud, and started when she saw the werewolf coming into view. "Remus?" He cocked his head to the side and stared at her. She was preparing to run when he fell to the ground. Transfixed, she continued to watch as he transformed back into his human form. He was still for a few moments, and then groaned loudly. Ravenna approached him cautiously. As she stood over him she realized he was nude she removed her battered cloak and placed it over him.
"Thank you." He said in a pained voice. She smiled slightly in response. "We have to get you someplace safe." He said with urgency. "Do you know of any place you can go?" She thought about it for a second.
"Yes, we can go to the Snape estate. Then I can contact Severus and let him know where I am." She said abruptly. Severus must be sick with worry about her by now.
"You cannot contact him. You have been replaced. You could put them all in greater danger." Remus said urgently as he stood. She looked at him in horror.
"Replace! By whom?" Remus just shrugged.
"We must go. If I do not return soon Voldemort is likely to come looking for us." He said quickly. She nodded.
"Hold my hand, I will apparate us there." Remus wrapped her cloak more securely around himself and took her hand.
Instantly they were standing outside the front door of Severus's family home. She placed her hand on the door and it immediately swung open. Once inside she lead Remus towards the stairs.
"Severus has some clothes up here, you could…"
"That will not be necessary." Remus said with a bashful smile. "One of the hazards of being a werewolf is the fact that my clothing is shredded when I transform. But if you don't mind, I am going to take your cloak back with me as proof you have been disposed of. I fear I will have to shred it further." He said with a quirk of a smile.
"Perhaps you would like some more blood as well, to make it seem more convincing that you have indeed consumed me?" She said wryly.
"I always admired that about you. You are always one step ahead of everything." He said with a smile. "I wish we had time to catch up, but I must get back." Ravenna nodded slightly.
She turned to escort him back to the door and nearly collapsed in the entryway. Remus grabbed her to prevent her from hitting the floor.
"What's wrong?" His voice full of alarm.
Still doubled over she inhaled deeply several times before answering. "I believe things have just gotten more complicated." He looked at her questioningly. "I think I am going into labor." She said in a pained moan.
"I cannot leave you alone then."
"No Remus, you must go back. I will be fine." She said firmly.
"I say again. I WILL NOT leave you alone in this condition." He paused thoughtfully. "Do you have a fireplace connected to the network?"
She nodded and responded breathlessly. "Severus's lab…basement."
Remus gently guided her to the lounge and lowered her onto the large overstuffed leather sofa. After he helped her lay back he made for the basement. Once there he quickly grabbed a handful of floo powder and stepped into the empty fireplace. Seconds later he disappeared in a flash of green flames.
Severus lay on Ravenna's bed staring up at the dark ceiling. He could not help but replay over and over in his head the events of the previous afternoon. He had killed his wife. The silent sobs began again. Desperate to relieve the anguish he was feeling he thought about how their relationship began.