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 Ten
Back to the Beginning
Just outside Nottingham England, Late April Fifteen years ago
"We have spotted at least twenty Death Eaters hiding out in a local inn, use extreme caution when approaching." Moody whispered to the assembled group of five Aurors. "Gryffin, I want you to stick close to me." She nodded in acknowledgement. Within moments there was a fierce battle underway. They had managed to flush them all out of the inn and into the woods. Ravenna had been closely shadowing Moody when she noticed they were being surrounded.
"Alastor, behind you!" She shouted as she spun to throw a curse at the Death Eater approaching her from behind. She quickly dispensed of the Death Eater she was facing and ran to Moody's side.
"There are just too many, we have to get out of here." Moody yelled to the others.
With curt nods they apparated back to order headquarters. Moody and Ravenna stayed behind to make sure the others got away safely. Once they were sure everyone was safely away they made their way quickly out of the woods. They had just reached the stone wall outside the inn when they were confronted by seven Death Eaters. Moody had been hit by a curse leaving him momentarily confused.
"Go now, back to headquarters!" Ravenna yelled as she waived her hand, throwing the nearest Death Eater back several yards. She watched anxiously as Moody apparated. She was relieved to see him disappear and was about to apparate herself when she was hit in the back by a curse, hurling her into the stone wall. As she lay on the ground she was hit by several more curses before three Death Eaters approached. She remained still and watched them approach, still tightly grasping her wand out of sight. She considered cursing them as they approached but thought better when they all raised their wands. Just as the first began to speak the incantation for the killing curse, she disapparated. Instantly Ravenna was on the ground outside the Hogwarts gate. She crawled through the gate before collapsing fully onto the gravel path.
Albus rose abruptly from behind his desk, where he was having a conversation with the new potions professor. "Severus, would you be kind enough to accompany me to the gate." He asked absently as he headed toward his office door. A confused Severus rose from the chair and followed. Neither spoke again until they had passed through the great oak doors and headed down the path.
"Albus, what is that?" Severus said as he pointed to something dark lying just inside the gate.
Albus just smiled weakly and continued heading down the path, Severus quickened his pace and reached the gate before Albus. He cautiously knelt down when he realized it was a person lying on the ground.
"Severus, would you be kind enough to help me get her up to the castle?" Albus said as he came to a stop behind Severus.
"You know who this is?" Severus said astonished as he looked up at Albus.
"Yes, I do. That is my great-granddaughter, I believe you know her." Albus said with a twinkle in his eyes.
Severus turned his gaze back upon the now identified woman and gently brushed the hair away from her face and gasped. "We need to get her medical attention, quickly!" Severus said alarmed as he stood and extracted his wand.
"I am afraid, Severus, you will need to carry her. I am quite sure she has cast a protection from magic charm on herself." Albus said gravely.
Severus nodded and put his wand back in his cloak and then knelt down. He gently rolled her onto her back and lifted her carefully. As soon as he had her securely in his arms he and Albus began walking back to the castle. Severus was holding her close, trying to jar her as little as possible as he walked quickly up the path and finally the stairs into the castle. Once they had passed through the great oak doors he paused for a moment to readjust her in his arms before climbing the stairs toward the hospital wing. Albus went ahead to advise Poppy.
By the time Severus entered the hospital Poppy had a bed ready and waiting. "Down here." She called.
Severus quickly made his way down the row of beds and placed the unconscious young woman on the bed Poppy had indicated. He quickly stepped back to allow Poppy to examine the woman.
"Albus, she has somehow shielded herself from magic. I cannot do anything to help her." She said in a panicked voice.
Albus nodded and stepped closer to the side of the bed opposite Poppy. He leaned down and placed his face close to her ear. "Ravenna dear, it is grandfather. You are safe now, please let us help you." He whispered.
She moaned quietly and her eyes fluttered open. "Grandfather." She whispered hoarsely.
"Yes dear, you are at Hogwarts. Madam Pomfrey needs to examine your injuries, but is unable to. Please lower your protection charm." He said reassuringly.
She nodded slightly and muttered an inaudible incantation. Albus smiled at her and gestured for Poppy to resume her examination.
She stepped closer to the bed and extracted her wand from her apron. She quickly waived it over Ravenna, frowning deeply as she worked. "This is not good. She has a concussion, multiple fractures and internal bleeding."
Severus, who had been standing at the foot of the bed, gasped softly. "But she will live?" He asked quietly.
Poppy just glanced at him with a grave expression on her face. "She is going to have a difficult time of it, but I believe she will."
Albus moved around the bed to stand beside Severus and they both watched anxiously as Madam Pomfrey tended to her patient. After several moments Albus spoke softly. "I don't think there is anything more you can do here just now, why don't you go get something to eat. I shall see you later."
Severus nodded hesitantly and glanced back at Ravenna before turning to leave the room. Albus watched him leave before turning his attention back to Poppy.
Will you be able to care for her here?" Albus asked quietly.
"She really should be tended to at St. Mungo's…" Poppy began as she looked into Albus's eyes. "But you really want her to stay here, don't you?" Albus smiled in response.
"I believe for now, here would be the best place for her." He responded cryptically.
Poppy smiled at him before replying. "You do know that Severus is in love with her, don't you?"
"I've had an inkling." Albus responded with a twinkle in his eye. "And she with him." He concluded with a smile.
"Are you hoping by keeping her here they will somehow get together?" Poppy asked conspiratorially. Albus just smiled as he turned to leave the hospital wing.
Several hours later Ravenna woke with a start. She leapt from the bed and crouched on the floor, calling for her wand, which zoomed to her hand from the bedside table. "Who is there!" She shouted into the darkness.
"I can assure you Miss Gryffin, that will not be necessary. You are quite safe here." Came a quiet, silky response.
"Where am I?" She demanded as she pointed her wand towards the voice.
"You are currently in the hospital wing at Hogwarts."
"Who are you?" She asked a little more gently.
"An old school acquaintance." The deep velvety voice responded.
"Lumos." Ravenna intoned quietly and instantly the tip of her wand emitted enough light for her to see to whom she was speaking.
"Is your curiosity satisfied now?" Severus stated evenly, squinting his eyes because of the bright light.
"What the bloody hell are you doing here?" She asked wide eyed.
"I am a professor here now." He responded evenly. "Dumbledore saw fit to appoint me to the position of Potions Master.
"I must say I am a little shocked to hear that. I saw your name on a list of known Death Eaters not long ago." She snapped back.
"Yes, I am sure you did. However, I have been cleared of all the accusations against me." He responded emotionlessly. "I just came up to see how you were doing. From the looks of it, you seem to be fine. Good evening." He finished harshly and spun to leave the hospital wing, his cloak billowing behind him.
"Severus, wait." Ravenna called as he reached the doors. Severus paused for a moment, and then continued through the doors.
"Ravenna, what are you doing out of bed?" Poppy said as she exited her office, causing Ravenna to spin abruptly to face her.
"Madam Pomfrey?" She said surprised.
"Yes child, how are you feeling?" She asked as she came to a halt beside her, wand in hand. "Back in bed so I can examine you."
"I'm fine." Ravenna sighed as she sat down on the bed.
"I'll be the judge of that, thank you." Poppy responded as she gently pushed Ravenna back on the bed. Ravenna sighed again as she lay back down.
After a through examination Poppy spoke again. "Well, I am happy to say the fractures are healing nicely and the internal bleeding has stopped. You are still suffering from a concussion so I wouldn't be at all surprised if you have a headache. I would like you to stay in bed for the next few days, just to be safe." She smiled as Ravenna rolled her eyes.
"I really am fine Madam Pomfrey. I need to get back to work."
"Not until I release you. Albus has already let the Ministry know you are here and under medical care. And please, you are no longer a student here, call me Poppy." She finished with a smile.
"This is grandfather's doing, isn't it? He wants me to stay here, why?" Ravenna asked firmly.
"I don't know. I am sure he will tell you when he comes to see you in a few hours. Try to get some sleep." Poppy said as she pulled the covers up to cover her patient.
"I'm not sleepy. Perhaps I will go visit him now." Ravenna said as she pulled the covers back down.
"No you don't. Drink this." Poppy replied as she handed Ravenna a small vial. Ravenna looked at the bottle suspiciously. "It is just a light sleeping draught, you need rest." Poppy said adamantly. With no further words Ravenna drank down the potion and fell asleep almost instantly.
Albus was standing at the foot of the bed Ravenna was lying in, waiting for her to wake. When he saw her eye lids flutter he spoke. "Good morning child, did you sleep well?"
"Yes, thank you." She responded sleepily. "Now, would you like to tell me why you insisted on me staying here?"
"I will be happy to, but not here. Have something to eat then join me in my office." Albus smiled as he spoke.
"I don't like the sound of this. What is going on Grandfather?" Ravenna said angrily.
"Please, calm yourself. We cannot discuss this here. Come to my office after you have had some breakfast." Albus said again in a calm voice.
"Very well, but…" Ravenna paused when Albus raised his hands. She just nodded. "I'll be there shortly." She said quietly. Albus smiled at her gently and left.
Ravenna had just finished taking a shower and was heading back to her bed in the hospital wing when she saw Poppy placing a tray on the bedside table. She sighed heavily as she got closer and saw the amount of food on the tray. Having been a student at Hogwarts for seven years she knew Poppy well enough to know she would not be allowed to leave until the tray was cleared.
"Madam Pomfrey, I usually don't eat that much in a day." Ravenna said evenly as she came closer to the bed.
"I am sorry to hear that dear, having enough to eat is vital. You will need considerable energy to adequately recover from your injuries. Sit down now, tuck in." Poppy said with a smile.
Ravenna hurriedly consumed the food on her tray and waited impatiently for Poppy to come back out of her office. She was anxious to get to Dumbledore's office to find out why he had wanted her to remain at Hogwarts.
"Very good dear, you may go now." Poppy said with a smile as she exited her office. "Do tell Albus not to keep you too long, I want you back here to get more rest."
Without responding Ravenna leapt from the bed and dashed out of the hospital wing directly towards her grandfather's office. Once she had reached the gargoyle she stopped abruptly, she didn't know the password. Just as she turned to head back to the hospital to get the password from Poppy she saw Severus walking toward her. She watched him closely as he approached. He seemed to be lost in thought, having not noticed her standing in the middle of the corridor until he came to a stop beside her.
"You seem to be doing much better today." He commented emotionlessly.
"Yes I am, thank you." She replied curtly.
"And why are you loitering in the corridor outside the headmaster's office?" He asked sarcastically.
"Grandfather came to visit me this morning; he wanted to see me after breakfast. I forgot to ask him the password." She responded sheepishly. "The concussion must have muddled my brain a bit."
"Than it is indeed fortunate that I too was asked to see him this morning." He responded absently. He knew Albus was up to something, he just didn't know what.
Severus and Ravenna continued to stand in the corridor, each lost in their own thoughts. They were both startled when the gargoyle leapt aside and Albus was standing directly in front of them.
"I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to show up." Albus stated with a twinkle in his eyes. "Perhaps we should go to my office; it is much more comfortable there." Albus turned and headed back up the spiral staircase to his office. Severus gestured with his hand for Ravenna to proceed up the stairs. Once they had reached Albus's office he indicated he would like them to continue up the next level to his private study. Albus sat his favorite overstuffed arm chair and gestured for Severus and Ravenna to sit on the sofa. They each sat stiffly on opposite sides of the sofa, waiting for Albus to speak.
"I am quite certain you are both wondering why I wanted to meet with you. I shall not keep you in suspense any longer." Albus began with a smile. "Ravenna, I need your help. Recently a loyal follower of Voldemort discovered the error of his ways. I would like you to assist the Order in protecting him." Albus pause for a moment, looking pointedly at Ravenna.
Her eyes were closed and her head lowered. After several heartbeats she raised her head and looked directly at Severus. "He's talking about you, isn't he?" Severus nodded in response, unable to find his voice. She then looked back at Albus. "What is it that you want me to do?"
"I want you to join Voldemort as one of his followers."
"What!" Ravenna exclaimed. "And how, prey tell, do you expect me to do that?"
"By marrying one." Albus answered simply. At this Severus stood abruptly.
"Are you out of your mind?" Severus hissed coldly.
"Severus, please calm yourself and hear me out." Albus said as he looked over his half-moon spectacles, waiting for Severus to sit back down. Severus reluctantly sat back on the sofa.
Albus redirected his gaze to Ravenna, who had sat quietly watching the exchange between Severus and her grandfather.
"Ravenna." Albus said quietly. She blinked her eyes rapidly then looked at Albus.
"Whom do you wish me to marry?" She asked coldly.
"I would have thought that would be obvious." He replied with a twinkle in his eye.
"Absolutely not." Severus exclaimed. "I shant be forced into marriage."
"Severus, let us just hear what grandfather has to say." Ravenna hissed angrily.
"Thank you child, now, as I was saying. I believe that if Ravenna were to leave here angry and take up temporary lodging in Hogsmeade, perhaps complaining about the Ministry or maybe agreeing with Voldemort it could open the door recruitment. Wouldn't you agree Severus?"
Severus glared at Albus before answering. "You really want to send her in there? She will probably be killed on sight just because of who she is, not to mention what she is!"
"I believe that too could be used to our advantage. I believe Voldemort would love nothing more than to have my last remaining relative on his side, and an Auror to boot."
"Albus, listen, I know that she is quite powerful but I do not believe she would be able to convince anyone that she is a true believer."
"You seem to be forgetting, Severus, that my mother was after all a Slytherin. You also seem to be forgetting whom you are referring to." Ravenna responded coldly.
"Albus, listen to me." Severus pleaded. "The Dark Lord is a very powerful Legilimens. There is no way she will be able to hide the truth from him. You will be sending her to her death."
"Then you will just have to instruct her in occlumency. It will give you two time to become reacquainted." Albus smiled. "The next time you are summoned you should inform Voldemort of Ravenna's presence here, and exaggerate her condition. This will give her time to learn to protect her mind from intrusion. When she has mastered this skill we can set the next part of the plan in motion."
"I will not do it." Severus reiterated forcefully. "I will not be the one responsible for her death. I am quite capable of protecting myself. I don't need hers or anyone else's help."
"No one said you were not capable of protecting yourself. I just want to make sure you are as safe as possible. What you are doing for us is dangerous work; the least I can do is to make sure you are not in there alone." Albus said quietly.
Severus continued to glare at Dumbledore as his mind worked quickly to come up with another argument. "I will instruct her." He finally responded quietly, "but if she is not up to the task this plan goes no further."
"Agreed." Albus responded with a knowing look in his eye. Severus nodded curtly before turning to leave the room.
Ravenna remained sitting on the sofa watching Severus leave; only when he had cleared the doorway did she turn back to her grandfather. He smiled at her and waited patiently for her questions.
"Grandfather, what is occlumency?"
"It is an obscure form of magic used to protect ones mind from magical penetration. It is difficult to master, but you should have no problems at all."
"And Severus is able to do this?" She asked awed.
"Quite well actually, otherwise he would have been discovered by Voldemort months ago."
"And you truly wish for me to marry him?" Albus nodded in response. "Why?"
"You love him, and he loves you." Albus said quietly as he watched her face closely.
Ravenna scoffed, "He doesn't love me."
"Of course he does, he just hides it very well. Once you get to know him better, you will see it too."
"Grandfather, you do realize that if we do marry, it will be for life." Ravenna said nervously.
"That is not entirely accurate; a marriage that is not consummated within two years is deemed void. Should you both decide you do not want the marriage to continue you can simply refrain from being intimate. You will not be trapped in a marriage you do not wish."
Ravenna sat quietly processing the information her grandfather had given her. Several moments had passed before Albus spoke again. "You should be getting back; Poppy will have my head if you do not get the rest she insists on." He said with a smile as he rose from his chair.
Ravenna nodded and rose from the sofa only to grasp her head and fall back down. Albus moved to her side. "Perhaps you should just lie down here for a while. I will let Poppy know you are resting here." Ravenna just groaned in response and lay down fully on the couch, within moments she was sleeping deeply.
Severus had been staring blankly at his dinner when Albus took his seat at the table. Albus watched him for several moments before leaning closer to speak. "You really should eat something." He said quietly.
At that, Severus jumped slightly. He was disgusted with himself for being caught lost in thought. He nodded his head slightly and took a less than enthusiastic bite from his plate. He then looked back at Albus, who was quietly conversing with Minerva and Poppy. Sensing his gaze, Albus turned his head and looked directly into Severus's eyes. After several more moments of conversation, Albus leaned toward Severus. "You need not worry about her; she is quite safe." He said with a tight smile.
"I am quite sure I do not know what you are talking about." Severus said evenly.
Albus smiled before responding. "Poppy informs me you paid a visit to the hospital wing after your last class. She is in my study sleeping."
"Why?" Severus asked, all pretense of indifference lost.
"It would seem her concussion is a little more serious than Poppy originally thought. When she tried to leave my study this morning, she collapsed. We decided to leave her there for the day and will move her to a room later after the students are in for the night."
"You are not going to take her back to the hospital wing?" Severus said with concern evident in his voice.
"No, I feel she should remain out of sight until you make it known that she is here. We don't want him finding out too quickly that she is here."
"Where will she be moved to?"
"She will be placed in the rooms just beyond the Potions classroom. As that corridor is concealed, no one will think to look there. She will also be close to you so you both can make use of the abandoned rooms to practice undetected and undisturbed." Severus nodded his head slightly with a confused look on his face. "Poppy and I will be bringing her down around midnight."
"I will be waiting in my office." Severus responded quietly as he stood and left the Great Hall through the door behind the staff table.
It was nearly midnight; Severus was impatiently pacing his office. Albus and Poppy would be here soon to take Ravenna to her temporary lodging while she was staying at Hogwarts. Although he would not share his feelings about her with anyone, he was deeply concerned. She did not look well when he had seen her that morning. His dark musings were interrupted by a quite knock on his office door. With surprising speed he crossed the room and yanked the door open.
"Good evening." Albus began in a hushed voice. "Poppy is settling her into bed; you can visit if you like."
"Lead the way." Severus said quietly as he gestured with his hand. Albus turned away from the doorway to Severus's office, walked through the Potions classroom and back out into the corridor. He than walked through what appeared to be a solid wall, followed closely by Severus.
"I was not even aware this corridor was here." Severus whispered astonished.
"This castle has many secrets, even I am not aware of them all." Albus responded as he came to a stop in front of a closed door. He knocked twice and opened the door when he heard Poppy respond. He and Severus then entered the room quickly.
"Albus, I still don't like the idea of her being down here. She should remain in the hospital where I can watch her more closely." Poppy said in an irritated voice.
"There will be a house elf sitting with her around the clock, should you be needed here you will know instantly." Albus calmly responded calmly. "Not to mention that Severus will be just down the hall."
Severus nodded absently as he stared at the still sleeping Ravenna. He was alarmed to see how still she was. If he had not known better he would have sworn she was dead. "Poppy, are you quite sure she is okay?"
"I did not realize how serious the swelling was due to the concussion. I have been giving her a potion to keep her asleep until the swelling goes down. I will have to keep her sleeping for the next few days to be sure." She responded stiffly. "That is why I don't feel comfortable having her so far away from the hospital.
"Poppy, I can assure you she will be fine down here." Albus said calmly. "Perhaps it would put your mind at ease if we opened a doorway directly from Severus's apartment to this room?"
Poppy thought on this for a moment before responding, "Very well, I guess that will do."
Albus and Severus stood by talking quietly while Poppy finished settling Ravenna into bed and giving the house elf instructions. She then joined them by the doorway Albus had just created.
"There is nothing left to do here this evening, I should really return to my office." Poppy said in a very anxious voice.
"I assure you Poppy, I will look after her." Severus said little louder than a whisper. Poppy just nodded and left the room.
"Tomorrow I will arrange with the house elves to have the room across the hall cleaned and prepared so you can begin instructing her as soon as she is able." Albus said then bid Severus goodnight and left.
Severus remained frozen to the spot he was standing in for several moments before he finally approached the bed. He knelt beside the bed and gently stroked her hair. With a tenderness even he didn't realize he possessed, he kissed her on the forehead and said softly, "Please come back to me." He then stood abruptly and passed through the newly created doorway to his own apartment. After showering quickly and dressing in his pajamas he returned to Ravenna's room, pulled the overstuffed wing chair from the corner of the room to sat next to her bed.
Just before dawn, Albus entered the room to check on his great-granddaughter. At the sight of Severus, sound asleep in the chair next to her bed, he smiled and backed out of the room.
The next few days passed by uneventfully, Severus had maintained his custom of sleeping in the chair next to Ravenna's bed each night, and made frequent visits to the room between classes to check on her. He had been surprised to find – when he came to visit before dinner – that Poppy was in the room and Ravenna was sitting upright in the bed.
Relief flooded through him, and before he could catch himself he smiled widely. Severus Snape?" Ravenna said in a voice still heavy with sleep.
Coming back to himself, he wiped the smile from his face before responding, "Gryffin, you look well rested." Ravenna furrowed her eyebrows at him, and then turned to look back at Poppy who continued to fuss over her as she completed her examination, frowning slightly.
"Madam Pomfrey, I can assure you I am fine. May I please get up now?"
"Yes, yes, by all means. I would like you to take it easy for a few more days." She said as she helped Ravenna out of bed.
"I promise I will." She responded as she rolled her eyes, causing Severus to snicker quietly.
"Very well than, come see me if you have any dizziness or headaches." Poppy replied and then left the room.
Severus and Ravenna remained standing where they were as they watched Poppy leave the room, neither spoke until she had closed the door.
"She wouldn't tell me anything, how long have I been here?" Ravenna said as she looked back at Severus.
"Before I answer, tell me the last thing you remember." He responded coolly.
She glared at him for a moment before responding. "I was with Moody in Nottingham; we were involved in a battle." She was becoming alarmed at her lack of memory beyond that.
"Do you remember arriving here?" Severus asked evenly.
"No I don't." She said shakily.
"And you have no memory of the conversation you and I had with Albus?"
Her eyes widened at this statement. She could not even remember how she came to be at Hogwarts, though she was sure that is where she was.
Severus took several steps towards her, and then froze at the look of apparent fear in her eyes. "You are quite safe here. You appeared just inside the main gate here at Hogwarts almost a week ago. You have suffered a severe concussion. This is probably why you have no memory of your arrival."
She relaxed slightly and lost the fearful look in her eyes. Then abruptly placed the fingers of her left hand to her forehead and swayed slightly. Severus moved instantly to her side and helped her to sit back down on the bed.
"Are you alright? Do you wish me to get Poppy?" He asked alarmed.
"No, I really wish you wouldn't." She said quietly and leaned more heavily against him. Severus continued to sit next to her, his arm around her waist, for several more moments. He released her only when she moved to sit up straight. She then stood abruptly.
"Why are you here?" She asked sharply.
He took a deep breath and smiled tightly before responding. "You probably do not remember, but we have already had this conversation. I am teaching Potions here, have been since the start of this term."
"But…" She stuttered.
"I am a Death Eater?" He interrupted. She hesitantly nodded. "No, I was a Death Eater."
"And Grandfather hired you to work here?" She whispered.
"He did." Severus responded emotionlessly.
"Why?"
"That is too complicated a question to answer at this moment. Suffice it to say, I do have my uses." He paused for a moment, "Before you succumbed to the effects of your concussion, you and I had a conversation with Albus. He wishes you to assist me in spying on The Dark Lord."
"What!" She gasped. "How am I supposed to do that?"
"I am charged with instruction you in occlumency, then you and I are to be married." Severus responded hesitantly.
She just stared at him, unable to respond. She looked around the room, to try to reassure herself she was indeed at Hogwarts. The room she was in did not look like any room she had ever seen in the castle before. Looking back at Severus, she found she was unable to look away. After several moments she blinked rapidly and looked down.
"I can assure you, you are indeed at Hogwarts and this is not a trap. Nor is it a bad joke." He said smugly.
"How did you know that is what I was thinking?" She asked him harshly.
"Legilimency." He said quietly.
"What the bloody hell is Legilimency?" She asked irritatedly.
"The ability to penetrate another's mind, to read their emotions or memories." Severus responded quietly.
Ravenna stared at him for a moment before speaking, "And I take it occlumency is the protection to legilimency." Severus nodded in reply. "And just how is it you came to learn legilimency? I am quite sure it is not something that is taught here at Hogwarts."
"Not officially, at least." He answered.
"ENOUGH OFTHIS, JUST TELL ME!" She shouted at him; then grabbed her head.
Severus had to restrain himself from reaching out to her. "I shall," he began in a bare whisper, "so long as you promise not to shout again." She sighed heavily and nodded slightly in response. "I shall not bore you with the entire story of my decision to leave The Dark Lord." He began hesitantly. "Let us just say I have had a parting of the ways with his ideals. I came to Albus, told him my story and he agreed to help me. In return I agreed to spy for him. He proceeded to instruct me, as I am now going to instruct you, in occlumency. Once you have mastered this most difficult skill, you are to join me in spying."
"You also said something about getting married."
"Yes, Albus feels if I take you to The Dark Lord as my bride you will be more readily accepted." He responded slowly.
"He has got to be out of his bloody mind." She said firmly. Severus smiled at this. "What the bloody hell are you grinning about?" She asked sarcastically.
"Now this sounds more like the Ravenna Gryffin I remember. When Albus suggested we wed I was outraged and you simply told me to sit down and hear him out. I knew you were not in your right mind at the time."
"I don't like any of this." She said harshly. "I just want to go back to work."
"That is, of course, your right to decide. I told Albus his idea was absurd. There is absolutely no way The Dark Lord would ever believe you a follower of Slytherin."
"You think me incapable of spying?" She asked defensively.
"Not at all. I think you incapable if convincing The Dark Lord that you could be a true follower of his." He responded confidently.
"Really! You seem to forget half my family has been from Slytherin for generations."
"Not at all, I am quite aware of that fact. The Dark Lord, however, is aware for the better part of your life was spent under direct influence of your great-grandfather. Not to mention you work for the Ministry of Magic." He responded confidently. He was quite sure he would be able to end Albus's plan before it even began.
"I would like to further discuss this plan with Grandfather."
"By all means. Should you wish to converse further, I will be just beyond that door." Severus said smoothly as he pointed to the doorway between her room and his. "Shall I let Albus know you wish to speak with him?" Ravenna nodded her head and Severus passed through the door he had indicated.
Ravenna sat on the sofa impatiently awaiting Albus's arrival. She was furious about his plan. The longer she waited, the angrier she became. Finally, there came a knock on her door. "Enter!" She barked. Before Albus had cleared the threshold she yelled "WHY IN THE BLOODY HELL WOULD YOU THINK I WOULD MARRY THAT…THAT… DEATH EATER!"
"Good afternoon to you, too." Albus responded with a smile.
"I DEMAND YOU ANSWER MY QUESTION!" She shouted back.
"I will, just as soon as you get hold of your self." Albus said evenly, still standing in the doorway.
Ravenna took a deep breath and released it slowly before speaking again, still shaking in anger. "I am sorry Grandfather. Please come in."
"Thank you." He said and crossed the room to sit in the chair opposite the sofa. "I take it Severus has spoken to you?" She nodded. "And you have an objection to my plan?"
"I most certainly do."
"What do you find objectionable?"
"Where shall I begin?" She barked back harshly. He looked at her intensely over his spectacles. "Sorry." She said more sheepishly.
"You do not wish to marry?"
"Indeed not. He is a Death Eater."
"Was." Albus responded gently.
"Death Eaters killed my parents." She responded, her argument loosing steam.
"We have never proven that."
"Voldemort will never believe me."
"He will if you study occlumency with Severus. He would find you a valuable resource."
"Why?"
"Well, first of all, you are my great-granddaughter. Second you are an Auror, he would love to have another spy in the Ministry. Third, you are a pure blood and have blood relations to the Blacks." Ravenna just shook her head. "Finally, you love him."
"Love him?"
"Severus."
"Why would you think that?"
Albus just smiled at her. "I have ways of finding out things."
Ravenna stared intently at him for a moment. "Severus told me about Legilimency, and that you taught him. That's how you found out, isn't it?" Albus continued to smile. "I don't believe this. How could you?"
"Severus loves you." Albus said quietly.
She scoffed in response. "Now I know you are out of your bloody mind."
"As you yourself just stated, I taught him legilimency and occlumency. I have felt his love for you." Albus said sadly. "He will never act on his own, child. He does not believe he deserves to be loved. That is why he continued to push you away while you were both still in school here."
Ravenna stared at him breathlessly. She had never known him to lie to her, ever. "He… loves me?" She whispered hesitantly. Albus only nodded. "Than why does he always act like such an ass?"
"That is his way of pushing people away. He feels if he doesn't let anyone get close, he cannot be hurt." Albus said sadly.
"So then, tell me more about this plan of yours." She said hesitantly.
"It will be dangerous, and I will completely understand should you choose not to participate" Albus began, looking intently into her eyes before continuing "I would like for you to take occlumency lessons from Severus. Once you are able to protect your mind we will begin the next step."
"And that would be?"
"You will leave here angry. Take up residence at the Hog's Head Inn; complain to whoever will listen about the Ministry. Perhaps hint about that your mother's family was right." Ravenna gasped. "Maybe seek out some of you cousins."
"How could I possibly…"
"I know it will be difficult, but Severus will be able to assist you with the finer points of Voldemort's beliefs."
"And if that part of the plan works, what next?"
"Undoubtedly, once word gets to Voldemort he will attempt to have you recruited. I would not doubt if he sends Severus." Albus concluded with a hint of a smile.
"Why would you think that?"
"I am going to ask Severus to let Voldemort know he knows you once the plan is set in motion."
"Do you think this plan will work without us getting married?"
"I do not believe it would work as well, the two of you being married would more readily answer questions about why you would be meeting frequently."
"Very well, if you think it best. I will do it."
"Child, there is one more thing I must say before you accept this."
Ravenna was alarmed by the tone of his voice. "What?" She whispered.
"In order for this mission to be successful, you will have to take the Mark." The words tumbled hesitantly from Albus's lips.
"The Dark Mark?" She exclaimed. "I don't think I can do that." She concluded in a whisper.
"I would be shocked if you did agree to this readily. For now, you and Severus should begin with the occlumency training. We will discuss the rest of the plan in time to come." Albus said quietly as he stood and placed a gentle hand on her knee.
"Where will we be doing this training?" She asked as she stood.
"The room across the hall has been prepared. You need not worry about being seen. This corridor is concealed. While you will be able to see all the way down, from the other side there appears to be a wall just beyond the Potions classroom.
"I am in one of the hidden passageways, aren't I?"
"Indeed you are. I don't want you to leave this area. I will have food sent down. In the mean time, why don't you make use of the facilities and do some practice? You have been out of commission for a week now." Albus said with a smile as he guided her to the room across from her sleeping facilities. He knew his granddaughter well, knew her way of clearing her head was with some practice.
Ravenna was concentrating deeply, attempting to levitate the heavy banquet table wandlessly when the door behind her slammed against the wall. Without thought, she spun around and flicked both of her hands towards the door. Seconds later she heard a loud thud followed by a groan of pain. Running to the door she came to an abrupt halt in the doorway, stunned. There, against the door to her apartment was Severus, on the floor in a crumpled pile.
"What was that for?" He said as he pushed himself from the floor.
"Severus. I am so sorry, you startled me." She said sheepishly as she approached and attempted to assist him from the floor.
"Quite a powerful repelling charm you have there." He hissed coldly. "Is that the way you greet all your visitors?"
"Only the ones who come barging in on me unannounced." She barked back as she grabbed his right wrist and jerked him off the floor.
Severus glared at her – partly in anger, partly in shock – as he straightened his robes. "I came to see if you were ready to begin your lessons." He hissed.
"What exactly, is involved in these lessons?" She asked stiffly.
"In order to master occlumency, you must master yourself." He answered cryptically.
"And I will do that how?"
"You must clear your mind, empty yourself of emotion." Severus responded instructionally.
'That is no different than what I do for wandless magic, this should be easy.' She thought as she closed her eyes.
"When you think you are ready, let me know." Severus said quietly after a few moments.
Ravenna took a deep breath and opened her eyes slowly. She nodded. Severus lifted his wand, she did the same.
"I am going to attempt to penetrate your mind. You must not allow me to retrieve anything of use." He stated quietly. "Ready?" Ravenna nodded hesitantly.
"Legilimens."
She seemed to be experiencing tunnel vision, she could still see Severus clearly, but her peripheral vision was gray and clouded. Then she could vaguely see her last battle with the Death Eaters….her angry outburst at Dumbledore….Severus lying in a crumpled heap on the floor. "NO!" She shouted as she fell to her hands and knees. After taking a few deep breaths she looked up so see Severus still standing, but much paler in color than he had been.
"I told you," He started shakily "that you must clear your mind. It was all too easy for me to see what you fear."
"Really," She said, still panting "and what exactly is that?"
"You fear yourself, your power." He said confidently. She just gasped. "Why should you fear your power, I wonder?"
"I don't."
"None the less, you must bury your fear deep inside you mind. The Dark Lord's intrusion will not be as…delicate as mine was." Ravenna scoffed. "Perhaps we should wait until tomorrow to continue. It is almost dinnertime and I am expected in the Great Hall. Think on how it felt when I entered your mind; devise whatever means you require to prevent it. Just remember, the key is to bury your fears as deeply as possible." Severus concluded the abruptly spun on his heals and left the room.
Ravenna continued to stare at the door. 'How could he have guessed so close to the truth?' She wondered. In truth it was not her power she feared, it was her control. She had always had quite a temper, and when angered she lost control. The more she thought about it, the more she realized Severus was right. In a sense she did fear her power. She shook her head wryly, took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Once she had her mind calm she decided to practice her wandless magic some more. She had successfully levitated the large table at the end of the hall when there was a knock on the door. Startled, her concentration had been broken and the table slammed back to the floor. With a disgusted huff she said "Come in." She was a bit surprised to find Albus Dumbledore standing there.
"I was becoming concerned, the house elf informed me she delivered your dinner over an hour ago and it was still untouched." He said with a smile. "If you don't take care you will end up in Poppy's care again.
Ravenna chuckled, "You know perfectly well I am able to go for a few days without eating."
"Indeed I do, but that is when you are fit. You have suffered some rather serious injuries that require rest and nourishment. If you do not take care now, you will be forced to later."
"You win, I will go and eat." Ravenna said as she approached the doorway. Albus had already crossed the corridor and opened the door leading to Ravenna's room. He then stood just inside the door waiting for her to pass through, closing it behind her. She approached the sofa and spotted the tray with her dinner on the table beside. She smiled when she saw the tray.
"I figured this would entice you." Albus said with laughter in his voice. The tray contained cold strawberry soup, several different varieties of scones and a bowl full of fresh fruit. "This meal should satisfy both you and Poppy. Sweet for you, healthy for her."
"What, no chocolate." She responded jokingly.
"Ah, but you haven't seen the best part yet." Albus responded as he removed his wand from his robe and flicked it slightly. Ravenna watched with delight as a large platter full of dark chocolate covered strawberries appeared on the coffee table in front of her.
"Now, you cannot have any until you have eaten all your dinner." Albus kept her company until she had consumed everything that was on the tray, updating her on what had been going on with both the school and the Order. When she had finished the last bite of her blueberry scone Albus clapped his hands once happily.
"Time for dessert, I dare say." He lifted the platter from the table and held it within her reach. She took one and placed in on the small plate he had offered her with his other hand. When he did not move the platter away she looked at him questioningly. "Take more." He said in response. She took another but he still did not move the platter away. She had five chocolate strawberries on her plate before he finally set the platter down and took one for himself. "How did your first lesson with Severus go?" He asked conversationally.
"It was enlightening."
"Oh, how so?"
"He seems to believe I am afraid of my powers."
"Ah….Are you?"
"No…." She said quickly. "Not exactly. Severus said in order to master occlumency I must be able to bury my fears. How do you bury your fear when you fear yourself?"
"Please explain." Albus said calmly.
"Grandfather, you know me. You know how angry I get sometimes." Albus just nodded.
"Well, when I get angry I become more powerful. When I am angry I cannot control my power and that scares me."
"Well then, you need to learn to control your anger."
"It's not as easy as that." Ravenna responded shamefully.
"Of course it isn't, but you know what your greatest fear is. Finding that is half the battle."
They both sat quietly eating their strawberries. "Grandfather?" Ravenna finally said quietly.
"Yes, child."
"I don't think I can do this."
"Of course you can." He said as he rose from his chair, gave her a kiss on the forehead and left the room. After he left Ravenna decided to take a shower. She was startled to find Severus sitting on her sofa when she came out of the bathroom.
"The house elf let me in." He said in response to her unasked question. "I thought to check on you before retiring for the night."
"I am quite well, thank you." She responded quietly.
"Would you care to discuss our lesson?"
"What would you like to discuss?"
"Well, I found it quite useful in my early lessons with Dumbledore to discuss the images and emotions he was able to extract. In so doing I was more aware of where my own weaknesses were."
"Okay…." She responded suspiciously.
"Why don't you sit? Would you care for some tea?" He asked as he gestured with his hand for her to join him on the sofa.
"Tea would be lovely, thank you." She responded as she sat.
Severus quickly conjured a tea setting for two. "You take your tea sweet with milk, right?"
"How do you know that?" She asked astonished that he knew.
"Sixth year, Easter holiday. We had tea together in Hogsmeade." He replied smugly.
Ravenna chuckled lightly as she accepted the steaming cup of tea from him. "Thank you."
He smiled in response and lifted his own tea cup. "Now, about what I saw. Let us discuss the first image." He paused as she set her cup on the table in front of her. "Was that the incident that brought you here?"
"Yes."
"Tell me what happened."
Ravenna proceeded to tell him everything she could remember about the battle. He sat quietly through her narrative. "How did you end up here than, if you were in Nottingham? That is quite a way from here."
"I guess because when I was first in training Grandfather had always insisted that should I ever be seriously injured I conjure a shield charm and return to Hogwarts. You know how protective he can get."
"Indeed, which brings us to the second image."
"I lost my temper with him." She said shamefully.
"I gathered. Why?"
"You." She whispered.
"Me. What about me?" He whispered astonishedly.
She looked away from him before answering. "The conversation we had about getting married."
"You object?" He questioned hesitantly.
"Not necessarily, I was just angry at the way the idea was presented. I wasn't even asked."
Severus just nodded. 'She doesn't object to marrying me?' he thought with a thrill of panic. "I see. Now, what about the last? Was that me?" Ravenna didn't respond so he asked another question. "Was that before the lesson?" She just nodded slightly. "And why was there fear associated with that memory?"
"I thought I had hurt you."
"So now we get down to it. Are you afraid of your power?" He asked tentatively.
She looked him directly in the eye, her mouth opened and closed several times before she finally responded. "Yes."
"Why?" He asked quickly.
"When I am angry I cannot control it, that scares me. I am afraid I will harm someone."
"You must get past this fear. If you do not, you will not be able to master occlumency. If you cannot master occlumency, this plan will fail."
"Of that, I am keenly aware." She whispered.
"Perhaps I should leave you to rest now. Should you need me just knock on the door." He concluded as he pointed to the door that connected her rooms to his.
"Thank you for the tea, and the food for thought." She said as she rose from the sofa to escort him to the door.
Severus stepped through the door connecting his apartment to hers. As the door latched closed he leaned against it and let out a deep breath. He was now aware of what her greatest fear was, and how to use it against her. He wanted more than anything to protect her, and he would not be able to do so by taking her to serve the Dark Lord.
Late May Fifteen years ago
Severus had just left Albus's office; Albus was pacing the floor anxiously. Severus had been instructing Ravenna in occlumency for over four weeks now with no apparent success. He would have to think of another plan to help protect Severus from discovery. Deciding a walk on the grounds would clear his head he opened the office door and headed down the spiral staircase. Just as he approached the gargoyle from the back side, it leapt aside and he was standing face to face with his great-granddaughter.
"Grandfather, I was just coming to see you." She said in a whisper.
"It is wonderful to see you. Would you care to join me for a walk?"
"Is that wise? I thought you wanted me to stay out of sight."
"Not to worry. Most of the students are in classes or studying for end of term exams."
Ravenna just nodded and followed Albus as he headed out of the castle and down towards the dark forest. When they reached the outer edge of the forest Albus stopped walking and turned to face Ravenna. "What did you wish to talk about?"
"I have failed you Grandfather, I just can't do it."
"You have not failed. Occlumency and Legilimency are very difficult skills to master. Many of the greatest witches and wizards are unable to do it." Albus said reassuringly.
"That is exactly what Severus said."
"Don't worry child, we will find another way to protect him."
They continued to talk as they walked from the edge of the forest to the lake. "I recall you spent quite a bit of time with Severus walking this very path." Albus said as he came to a stop and looked her directly in the eyes. For several moments they continued to stare at each other. Suddenly Ravenna gasped and blinked her eyes rapidly.
"What did you just do?" She asked harshly.
"More important is what I was not able to do?" He responded.
"You were trying to enter my mind…"
"Yes, and you prevented me from doing so."
"I did, didn't I?" She responded astonished.
"And quite easily I might add."
"Then why cannot I do that with Severus?"
"I do not know. How are the lessons going?"
"Horrible. We always seem to argue." She said absently. Albus smiled widely. "What are you smiling about?"
"Do you not see? He is deliberately provoking you, making you defensive."
"Because he knows!" She exclaimed.
"Knows what child?"
"He knows that when I become angry I hold back, that I am afraid to use my powers.
"And why is this?" Albus asked quietly.
"Because I cannot control them when I am angry."
"Then you must learn to control your emotions, this will give you control of your power."
"How do I do that, then?"
"The same way you wandless magic, with practice and patience." Ravenna smiled and nodded.
"If you will excuse me, I believe I have some practice to attend to." She said quietly as she spun on her heals and ran back to the castle. Albus smiled at her departing form and continued his stroll down the path around the lake.
Severus stood impatiently outside the door to Ravenna's rooms; he had knocked several times with no answer. He then swept across the corridor to the room they had been using for practice. He forcefully pushed the door open, fully expecting to find himself on the floor across the corridor. He was shocked to see Ravenna standing calmly in the middle of the room, looking at him blandly.
"Good evening, Severus. Is it time for another lesson?" She asked calmly.
"For all the good it will do, yes. Are you sure you want to continue with this?"
"Most certainly, whenever you are ready."
Severus closed the door behind him and withdrew his wand from his robe. When he was again facing Ravenna she already had her wand in hand and seemed ready. He fixed his eyes on hers and with no warning he spoke. "LEGILIMENS!" Several moments later he broke contact with Ravenna. Both were panting heavily and were extremely pale.
"You did . . . . remarkably well." Severus said, still panting slightly.
"Thank you." She responded quietly.
Severus conjured a chair and sat down before speaking again. "What did you do differently to prepare?"
She crossed the room to kneel beside Severus before responding. "I learned to control myself, just as you told me to." Severus just nodded as he tried to keep his breathing under control. He was alarmed by his racing pulse.
Taking a deep breath before rising from the chair he said. "Shall we try it again?" This time Ravenna nodded. She was standing directly beside him. Her arm brushed against his as she moved to go back across the room. Severus inhaled sharply from the brief contact.
"Ready when you are." She said with a hint of a smile. 'One question answered' she thought to herself.
Severus closed his eyes for a moment before lifting his wand to go again. "Legilimens." He was trying as hard as he could to break through to her mind, unsuccessfully. After a few moments more he felt his own control slipping. Before he could do anything to stop it, memories came to the surface . . . . his memories. The excruciating pain of taking the Dark Mark . . . . Ravenna standing up to Sirius and James on his behalf . . . . Ravenna's pale and bloody face . . . . his self-loathing and shame when she accused him of being a Death Eater.
"ENOUGH!" He shouted, then fell to his knees gasping. Ravenna fell back hard on the stone floor, grasping her head.
"What the bloody hell just happened!" She shouted as she sat up.
"I do not know?" Severus responded, still gasping for breath.
"Those were your memories, weren't they?" She said more quietly.
"They were." He whispered in response.
"How?"
"I do not know that either."
"We need to talk about this. I need to know how this happened."
Severus pulled himself off the floor and sat in the chair that was still behind him. Ravenna stood and crossed the room to again stand beside him. She studied him carefully for a moment, concerned about his pale color and slight shaking.
"Come, we will go back to my apartment." She said as she wrapped her arm around his waist and helped him to stand. They quietly left the room and crossed the corridor. Once inside she helped him to sit on the sofa and sat next to him, arm still wrapped around his back.
Severus released a shuddered breath and then turned his head to look directly at Ravenna. He opened his mouth to speak, before he could say anything Ravenna placed a gentle finger to his lips. She then conjured a tea setting.
"How about some tea?" She said quietly as she filled two cups. "Drink this first, then we will talk."
They sat quietly drinking their tea until Severus had finished a second cup. He placed the empty cup onto the table in front of him and turned his body to face Ravenna, who was still sitting beside him.
"I believe it is safe to tell Albus we can proceed with the next part of his plan." He said shakily.
"Not until you tell me what happened, and why."
"It would seem that you have indeed mastered occlumency." He said emotionlessly.
"As I understand it, occlumency is protecting ones mind from penetration magically. How is it that I saw your memories?"
"I can only assume that you were able to turn the tables on me. That you were able to not only protect your own mind, but to enter mine as well."
"So what I saw were actually your memories. They felt so . . . . real."
"That is because they are real. They are actual events I have witnessed and experienced."
"I had no idea…"
"You will find that the memories that are most real to people are those that are painful."
"You find memories of me painful?"
He lowered his eyes and gently grasped her hands before answering. "Memories of you being in danger or injured are painful to me."
She gasped softly at his honest, emotion filled response. Unable to speak she lifted her right hand to his face and stroked his cheek gently. When he closed his eyes and leaned his face against her hand she responded by sliding her hand from his cheek to the back of his head and pulling him close to gently kiss his lips. For several moments he neither pulled away nor returned the kiss. Feeling that perhaps she had gone too far, she pulled back slightly when she felt Severus's hands on the back of her head. He held her in place and returned her kiss, which grew more passionate by the moment. Only the need for air broke the kiss.
Early June Fifteen years ago
Severus had just returned from reporting to Voldemort that Ravenna had been hiding out at Hogwarts for the past month and that she and Dumbledore had had some sort of falling out. She had left the castle in anger stating that her mother's family had been right all along and that she wanted nothing more to do with him. Voldemort had been ecstatic at the news, and even more delighted to learn that Severus knew her well from school. As expected, Severus had been ordered to make contact with Ravenna to gauge her, to see if she could be recruited. Albus smiled as Severus told him that all was proceeding as they expected.
"Ravenna has taken a room at the Hog's Head, you should go to her. The sooner you make contact, the sooner we can get this underway."
"Albus, I must say again, I still do not like this plan. I do not want her to be hurt."
"I know how much you care for her Severus, and I have no doubt you will keep her safe, as she will for you."
Severus just closed his eyes and shook his head, he knew it was useless, but he still had to try. "I will go to her now." Albus smiled and nodded his head.
Ravenna was sitting at a table in the far corner of the pub drinking heavily. Growing impatient that no one had come to refill her drink; she staggered back to the bar and slammed the glass down. The barkeep looked up from his paper and scowled at her. "Haven't you had enough yet?" He barked.
"To drink, no." She responded, her speech slurred.
"What ever you say lady." He grunted in response. "Why not just take the whole bottle and save us both the bother."
Ravenna grabbed her glass and the bottle of fire whisky and made her way slowly back to the table she had been sitting at.
A short time later Severus entered the Hog's Head Inn and walked straight to the bar. "Have you seen a young woman, I believe she has taken a room here?" The barkeep looked at Severus warily. "She is an old friend of mine. About 5'2", slight build, long dark hair." The barkeep gestured with a jerk of his chin to the far corner of the pub. Severus turned in the direction indicated and saw Ravenna slumped over the table. He tossed a silver coin onto the bar and headed toward the table.
He stood next to the table for a moment, waiting for his presence to be noticed. Ravenna slowly lifted her head from the table and glared at him with bloodshot eyes. "If you are here to take me back, you can tell him I want nothing more to do with him." She said in a loud, heavily slurred voice.
"I am not here to take you anywhere. I would like to speak with you about your statements. Did you really mean what you said about your mother's family?"
She stared at him intently for several moments before answering. "I have been a fool, believing my grandfather and his foolish beliefs that mudbloods and muggles are good for us all. I was nearly killed fighting against what is right."
Severus smiled at her. "You don't know how happy that makes me."
"What, that I was nearly killed?" She yelled.
"No, that you have finally seen the truth. I had always thought you should have in been Slytherin."
"He did have the right idea about things, didn't he?" She slurred loudly.
Severus looked around and noticed several of the pub's occupants were paying close attention to their conversation. "Perhaps we could continue this conversation in your room." He said as he raised his eyebrows at her.
"Sure, just let me take care of this." She said as she stood and grabbed the bottle and glass. She took several unsteady steps towards the bar and stumbled. Severus was instantly at her side, wrapping his arm securely around her back. He guided her to the bar where she tossed several coins on the surface, then guided her up the staircase. He noticed several pair of eyes watched them as they ascended the stairs.
Once they were inside the dingy room Severus charmed the door so they could not be heard. "That was quite a performance."
"You think so?"
"Yes, quite convincing. Even I believed you."
"How long do you think it will be until he gets word of this?"
"Not long, I'm sure."
"Do you have to leave right away?"
"I think not. I think I should stay up here for a while, to make it more convincing. I am being followed."
"Good." She whispered.
"You think it good that I am being followed?"
"No, I think it is good that you don't have to leave now." She said seductively as she crossed the room to stand beside him. Severus inhaled sharply as she wrapped her arms around his neck. With strength that startled him she pulled his face to hers and kissed him passionately. He could taste the whiskey in her kiss. He was not sure which he found more intoxicating. With great regret he extracted himself gently from her embrace.
"You really are drunk, aren't you?" He whispered.
"Drunk is a strong word, don't you think. I would rather say uninhibited." She purred in response.
"None the less, I could not possibly take advantage of your less than clear thinking."
"You would not be taking advantage of anything." She said as she pulled him in for another kiss. Unable to pull away he guided her to the bed. While continuing to hold her close he laid back on the bed, pulling her with him. When the need for air finally ended the kiss he rolled her over so she was lying next to him on the small bed. He held her close until she lost consciousness. As he held her close he kissed her gently on the top of her head and whispered "I love you." She smiled in her sleep.
Hogwarts Castle July 10th, Fifteen years ago
Severus was standing nervously in the Hogwarts chapel; the vicar was speaking quietly with Albus. Severus carefully studied the ring he held tightly in his fingers, hoping she would like what he had chosen. It was a simple antiqued silver band with a garnet in the center. He hoped she would appreciate the significance of the stone, his birthstone. Severus had fought against this moment happening. Insisting to Albus that he did not want to endanger her, even now startled at the depth of his feelings for Albus Dumbledore's great-granddaughter. For the past few years he had resisted showing his feelings for this beautiful young woman. She who had, along with her best friend, attempted to shield him from the mean and spiteful pranks of the 'Marauders'. When he had stupidly turned to the services of the Dark Lord, she had chosen to risk her life fighting against him. While she was well aware of the dangers involved he did not want to take her into the viper's nest.
His dark thoughts subsided when the chapel doors opened, and there she stood. He stared at her, awestruck. She was absolutely beautiful. When her eyes met his, his heart skipped a beat. 'Why would she want to be with me?' Severus thought. They both stood motionlessly. He was dressed as he usually did, entirely in black, save for the silky white shirt that he wore under his long, high collared wool jacket which was covered by a floor length black robe. She smiled at him as he studied her from head to toe. He was surprised to find that she was not dressed in black, as was her usual habit. He was even more surprised to find she was actually wearing a dress. She never wore anything but trousers and shirts, even in school. She wore a beautiful aqua colored satin gown, covered with a shimmering silver satin cloak. Her long hair had been pulled back away from her face and was wrapped with a silver braided thread and covered with a sheer, silver colored veil. Beside her stood a lovely red headed woman who was taller than Ravenna, and obviously pregnant.
"Wonderful!" Albus said cheerfully from behind Severus. "As we are all now assembled, perhaps we should begin." He smiled as he raised his hand toward Ravenna, indicating she should join him. She smiled back at both Albus and Severus and glided towards them, her companion directly behind her.
Severus though her an angel as she approached him. When she came to a stop directly in front of him she gave him a love filled smile that caused his heart rate to accelerate.
"Please join hands." They were instructed by the vicar. Severus was surprised as he held Ravenna's left hand with his right. She was wearing the ring he had given her as a promise ring, his family crest, on her middle finger. His gaze rose from the ring to her eyes, she just smiled lovingly in return. As the ceremony proceeded he was filled with conflicting emotions. Even though he was reluctant to admit it, he really did love her, but he also feared for her. With this union he would be joining her not only to himself, but to the Dark Lord.
Ravenna's Apartment
Severus started from his memory. There was a sudden movement to his right. He sat up quickly, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. Realizing what he heard was Harry moving on the bed he had conjured the night before on the right side of the room. He was tossing and turning in the bed. Silently Severus rose from Ravenna's bed and approached Harry. Gently he sat on the edge of the bed and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry moaned quietly and settled. Severus sat there for several more moments before rising. Deciding there was no sense in trying to go back to sleep, as it was nearly sunrise, he headed to the bathroom to take a shower. Once inside, he lit several candles and proceeded to disrobe. Spotting the black silk pajama pants hanging on a hook near the door he lost control of his emotions again. He slowly sank to the floor in a wave of uncontrollable tears.
Riddle Manor
Voldemort paced angrily about his study. The sun was now peaking over the horizon and Remus still had not returned. How could one weak woman escape from a werewolf. His pacing came to a halt when he heard excited voices coming from the other side of his study door. Swiftly he headed towards the noises. As he approached the entryway he saw several of his loyal dragging someone through the doorway.
"What is going on out here?" He hissed harshly. Immediately all commotion halted and all but the two who were grasping something dropped to their knees. Goyle and Crabbe respectfully bowed their heads.
"My Lord." Goyle said quietly. "We have just recovered this from the woods several kilometers from here." He said in a disgusted voice.
Voldemort looked more closely at what Goyle was referring to, and smiled. "Most excellent. Take him back to his room and rouse him. I will be there momentarily." Goyle bowed his head again and proceeded to drag the form toward the basement. Voldemort watched them for a moment before glancing at the floor, spotting what appeared to be a pile of rags. "What is that?" He said to Malfoy, who was standing at his side now.
Malfoy bent to retrieve the indicated object. As he lifted the rag from the floor, holding it gingerly with just his fingertips, it straightened. Voldemort smiled fully now. It was Ravenna Snape's cloak, shredded and bloodstained.
"It would seem he was successful." He smiled gleefully, Malfoy nodded his head smiling evilly.
With a chuckle of pleasure Voldemort turned and headed down to the basement. As he approached the door to the room Remus was being kept in those standing guard bowed. "Is he awake yet?" they nodded in response. Voldemort smiled again.
"Well Lupin, it would seem you will live another day." He said gleefully as he entered the room. Remus glowered at him in response. "Are you hungry this morning?" He asked with hissed laughter, Remus looked at him confused.
"Since when have you been concerned with whether or not I am properly fed?" Remus snapped in response and received a sharp smack across the face by one of his guards. Voldemort laughed and nodded toward Malfoy. Malfoy threw the balled up cloak to Remus. Remus gently unballed the cloak and gasped in horror, which caused Voldemort and everyone else in the room to laugh louder. "Oh my God." Remus muttered as he collapsed to the cold stone floor.