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 Eleven
Mourning
Ravenna awoke to intense cramping in her abdomen. Once the pain had subsided she took a deep breath and looked around the room. She was in her bed in the Snape estate. 'How did I get here?' She searched her memories. The last thing she could remember was Remus helping her to lie down on the sofa in the lounge. Alarmed she rose from the bed. As she headed towards the doorway leading out of the bedroom she came face to face with a middle-aged, slightly overweight red headed woman.
"My dear, you should not be out of bed." The woman said in a motherly tone.
"Who are you?" Ravenna demanded.
"Come, back to bed and I will fill you in." The woman said mildly as she put her arm around Ravenna's back to guide her back into the room. Ravenna stood defiantly where she was.
"I demand to know this instant who you are and why you are in my house." Ravenna said coldly.
"Very well dear. My name is Molly Weasley. I believe you know my son Ron and daughter Ginny." She said with a smile. "I am also a member of the Order of the Phoenix. Remus brought me here to look after you. Now, back to bed." She said gently. Ravenna now allowed herself to be escorted back to the bed. When she was again lying down she spoke.
"Where is Remus?"
Molly smiled tightly before answering. "He has returned to You-Know-Who's company."
"Then we must leave here at once. Voldemort is a powerful Legilimens, he will know we are here." Ravenna said alarmed, Molly just smiled and patted her gently on the hand.
"You need not worry. He has no memory of anything that has happened this morning." Now Molly's expression changed. Ravenna looked at her suspiciously.
"What do you mean?" She said coldly.
"Remus and I apparated back to the spot where you woke in the woods, I then oblivated his memories of this morning and knocked him out. I also left your bloody cloak there. For all he knows, he has killed you." Molly concluded sorrowfully. Ravenna lowered her head and closed her eyes.
"Why did you send him back there?" Ravenna finally asked quietly.
"Albus wants him there to keep an eye on things. He has been relaying information on what is going on when Severus is not there." Ravenna shook her head sadly and then gasped suddenly as her abdomen cramped tightly again.
"It would seem your little one is anxious to make its appearance." Molly said comfortingly as she grasped Ravenna's hand.
Hogwarts Castle
Harry sat bolt upright in the bed in which he slept. He was confused by his surroundings. Now he heard what woke him in the first place, someone was knocking on a door. He then heard another door open and jerked his head to the left and was surprised to see Severus, hair dripping wet, wrapped in a towel quickly striding towards the door. He had never seen Severus like this before and was startled to see scars criss-crossing his back. Severus quietly opened the door just enough to look out, then stepped back opening the door fully to allow whoever it was in. Harry next saw Dumbledore enter the room. They spoke in whispers until Dumbledore realized Harry was sitting up in his bed watching them.
"Good morning Harry. I trust you slept well." Albus said calmly. Harry just nodded his head slightly in response. "Breakfast will be here shortly, perhaps you would like to freshen up before it arrives."
"Just give me a moment first." Severus said evenly. "I believe I should get dressed." He concluded as he walked back to the bathroom shutting the door behind him. Harry continued to watch Severus until he could no longer be seen behind the door.
While Harry watched Severus, Albus crossed the room and sat on the bottom corner of Harry's bed.
"What happened to his back?" Harry asked Dumbledore in a breathless whisper.
"That, Harry, is evidence of what Voldemort does when he has been displeased." Albus said gravely. "Severus nearly died as a result of that particular episode." Harry stared at Dumbledore with a blank expression, except for the horror in his eyes. "It would be best not to speak of this discovery." Albus said quietly.
When the bathroom door opened again Severus stood dressed in his usual all black clothing, but did not have his robe on.
"The bathroom is all yours Harry." He said graciously. "If you need something that is not there, just ask out loud and it will appear." He said with a smile.
Wordlessly Harry rose from the bed and walked to the bathroom, both Severus and Albus watched. When the bathroom door closed Albus turned his gaze back to Severus.
"You must report to Voldemort about Ravenna's death." Severus just closed his eyes and bowed his head slightly. "Before you go I want you to come with me to my office. You will remove the memory of you killing her. I fear that memory is too powerful for you to shield completely." Severus was horrified.
"I cannot do that! I cannot go through reliving that again." He said desperately. Albus smiled tightly.
"I understand Severus, I really do. And I will not ask you to retrieve the memory from the Pensieve until you are able to shield it from him. As the only witnesses who remember what truly happened, Harry, Ron and Hermione will all be advised that the memory has been temporarily removed for your own protection and will be instructed not discuss it with you." Severus nodded reluctantly.
"I would like to tell Harry myself." Severus said quietly. "Once we have had breakfast I will come to your office." Albus nodded and quietly left the room.
By the time Harry had come out of the bathroom; freshly showered and dressed; breakfast had arrived. Severus had transformed the bed Harry slept in the night before into a small table with two chairs. Harry sighed heavily as he approached the table. 'I really don't want to eat'. He thought.
"I know you don't, but you must." Severus said evenly. Harry looked at him stunned. "I know how difficult this is, but you must work harder on keeping your shielding up." Harry had a stunned look on his face. After the shock wore off he shook his head and chuckled wryly.
"I didn't even feel you. How did you do that?" He asked amazed.
"Harry, I have had years of practice in entering others minds. That is one of many skills I have acquired as a spy." Severus said with a disgusted look on his face. "Sometimes, subtlety is the key. If one does not know their mind is being infiltrated, they will not think to try to protect it." Harry nodded in understanding. Severus gestured for Harry to take the empty chair opposite him. "You must eat."
"Sir." Harry started after he had eaten. Severus looked up at him.
"Harry, when you and I are alone I give you permission to call me Severus." Harry looked at him wide-eyed. "You had a question. Please."
"Severus, what are we going to do now?" Harry paused and sobbed deeply. Severus rose from his seat and stepped to Harry's side. He then pulled him out of his chair and held him in a tight embrace. After Harry cried for a few moments more he pulled away. Severus guided him back to his chair, then sat back in his own.
"For now Harry, we grieve. We will just have to take this one day at a time. I fear that I will have to leave you for a little while. I must report to the Dark Lord what has happened." Harry looked at him coldly. "There is still more I must tell you. Albus has suggested that I remove my memory of kil…" He paused for a moment, choking back a sob. "Of what I have done. I am going to his office to deposit that memory into the Pensieve before reporting. I will not retrieve the memory for some time so I will believe that it was Albus who…"
"Killed her." Harry finished the sentence, Severus nodded curtly.
"While I am gone I want you to stay right here in this room. If you require anything call for a house elf." Harry nodded in understanding. Severus then drew his wand and transformed the table and chairs back into the bed. "Get some rest. I shall return as quickly as I am able. When I return we can talk." With no further conversation Severus turned and left the room.
As it was still early in the morning the corridors were empty. Severus quickly made his way to Albus's office. Once he had deposited the memory of killing Ravenna in the Pensieve Albus told him that it was he who had killed her and told him to report that to Voldemort. When Severus had left his office Albus sat down heavily on the sofa in his study. He hated that he could not tell Severus that it was not Ravenna that he had killed.
Riddle Manor
Severus apparated directly to the entryway inside Riddle Manor and was greeted by a wand shoved roughly into his throat. With a glare at its owner the wand was lowered. "I must speak with the Dark Lord urgently." Severus said coldly.
"He is in his study." Was the fearful answer he received. Jerkily Severus turned and headed down the hallway leading to the study. He stopped in front of the closed door and knocked firmly. The door opened quickly and Severus stood face to face with Lucius Malfoy.
"Severus, what brings you here so early?" He asked, surprised to see Severus there.
"I have urgent and most regrettable news that I must share." Severus said emotionlessly. Lucius moved aside allowing Severus to enter the room. Finding Voldemort standing by the fireplace he approached quickly, stopping to kneel before him. "My Lord."
"Rise Snape and tell me what brings you here unsummoned." Voldemort hissed.
Severus stood as instructed and looked him directly in the eyes. "I am afraid, my Lord, that my bride has failed in her appointed task." Severus said stiffly.
"Then she shall pay for her failure." Voldemort hissed angrily.
"She already has my Lord." Severus responded, choking back a sob.
"Explain!" Voldemort barked.
"As I understand it she attempted to kill Potter in class yesterday afternoon. He had made a worthy attempt to defend himself. Just as she was about to hit him with the killing curse Dumbledore entered the classroom and stopped her." Severus paused for a moment as if choking on the words. "Ravenna is dead." He concluded in a pained whisper.
"NOOOOOO!" Voldemort yelled angrily. "Dumbledore will pay for this. Malfoy, gather everyone together this evening. There is much planning to be done." He hissed. Lucius bowed deeply and left the study.
"Fear not Snape, your bride's death will be avenged!" He barked. "Return to the school now. I will summon you when your presence is required." Severus bowed deeply and left. Voldemort watched him walk down the hallway and apparate. Once he was gone he yelled. "McNair!" Seconds later he was standing at the study door. "Have Lastrange report to me at once." He bowed deeply and left. Voldemort paced angrily around the study.
"You demanded my presence my Lord?" Lastrange said respectfully from the doorway.
"Yes, I have some unfortunate news to share with you." Was the coldly hissed response. "Come in and sit."
Lastrange quickly entered the room and sat as ordered. "I have just learned that your wife has been killed."
"I am sure she was honored to have died in your service." He responded softly.
"And I am honored by her service." Voldemort said in response. Lastrange bowed his head deeply.
Snape Estate
Ravenna was anxious, it had been several hours since she had last felt the cramping. "Really dear, this is quite common. Many women experience false labor, there is nothing to worry about. Please try to get some sleep." Molly said reassuringly. "I have been through this several times myself." She smiled
"Molly, I am worried. I must let Severus know I am okay."
"Ravenna dear, there is something that I have to let you know. Last night Albus informed us that something awful happened at Hogwarts. Everyone believes you are dead." Ravenna was dumbstruck. "Apparently dear, you tried to kill Harry in class and Albus had no choice but to stop you."
"Oh my God!" She gasped. "Remus told me earlier that I had been replaced. We have to let them know I am alive and well. What about Harry, is he okay?" Ravenna was nearly hysterical.
"Please calm down. I will get in touch with Albus and let him know. I am sure Severus will be told and be here as soon as it is safely possible. For right now you need to rest." Molly said as she gently pushed Ravenna back into the pillows. Ravenna reluctantly rested her head on the pillows. Molly continued to sit beside her until she was sure she was asleep. She then rose quietly from the edge of the bed and left the room, making her way quickly to the fireplace in Severus's lab to contact Albus.
Hogwarts
Albus had just concluded his conversation with Molly when there was a knock at his office door. "Enter." He said calmly and was not at all surprised to see Severus Snape cross the threshold.
"I have just returned from making my report. He was most…displeased with the news." Severus said stiffly. "He has assured me that Ravenna's death will be avenged and has called for a meeting this evening to begin planning. We must prepare." Severus concluded coldly.
"I quite agree. Preparations will begin at once. Right now I believe you should go spend some time with Harry. I will cancel the remaining Defense Against the Dark Arts classes for this term and your classes for today have been canceled. You and he need some time to come to terms with your loss before returning to business as usual." Albus said sadly.
"I do not believe that canceling defense classes is the best of ideas. I volunteer to teach the class for the remainder of the term." Severus said respectfully. "Under the circumstances defense is of paramount importance."
"Perhaps you are right Severus. Are you sure you are up to the task?" Albus asked with concern in his voice.
"It would be most helpful to have as much of my spare time filled as possible. Besides, I did help in the preparation of the lesson plans." He responded quietly.
"Of course, I quite understand. For now though, off with you. Go let her godson comfort you for a little while."
Severus nodded slightly and left, heading back to the Ravenna's apartment. As he passed through the doorway into the classroom he noticed the desks were still lined up against the walls, same as they were the evening that she showed him how to perform wandless magic. He stood motionless for several moments. When he heard voices in the corridor he quickly turned to face the door. Taking a deep breath he concentrated on the door and was mildly amused when the door closed. He then withdrew his wand from his robe and charmed the door so it could not be opened. Without further delay he ascended the stairs, walked through the office and stopped before the apartment door. He knocked before opened it to let Harry know someone was coming.
Harry was looking directly at the door when Severus walked through, he smiled slightly then lowered his gaze to his lap. Severus approached him slowly. "Hello Harry, how are you doing?" He said lightly.
"I am fine sir." He responded quietly.
"I thought we agreed you would call me Severus when we are alone." He responded coolly but wore an amused quirk on his lips.
"Sorry sir…I mean Severus." Harry amended quickly looked up at Severus and then back down into his lap. "It is going to take some getting used to." He said quietly.
Severus smiled back at him sincerely. "And just what is it that you are looking at?"
"My photo album. Look here, that is Ravenna at my parent's wedding." Harry said quietly, choking back a sob.
Severus sat gently beside Harry, Harry glanced at him and turned the album so Severus could get a better look. He stared at the photo of her smiling and happy. Unable to stop them, the tears began flowing down his cheeks. Harry was shocked by this. Not knowing what else to do he wrapped his arm around Severus's back and leaned against his shoulder. The two sat quietly for several moments. Finally Severus took a deep breath.
"Did you know, Harry, that you were at our wedding?" He finally spoke. Harry lifted his head to look Severus in the face. "Your mother was a witness to our wedding, she was pregnant with you at the time. If I am not mistaken that was the day she asked Ravenna to be your godmother." He smiled. "I believe Lily feared Ravenna would be killed and wanted to make sure she knew how much she loved her." Harry smiled back at him.
"During Christmas Ravenna and I had time to talk. She told me how close she was to my mum, and that it was because of her that she fell in love with you. She also told me a little about how my dad and Sirius treated you. I really am sorry they did the things they did to you." Harry said quietly. Severus wrapped his arm around Harry's back.
"Thank you for that, you have no idea how much that means to me." He responded sincerely.
"What are we going to do without her?" Harry said despondently. "She was the closest thing I had left to a parent."
"Harry, I will never be able to take her place, but I will be here for you should you need me. I love her too." Severus paused for a moment to look Harry in the face. "Just remember that until the Dark Lord is defeated we still have roles that must be played."
"Meaning that you are still going to treat me like you hate me." Harry said stiffly. Severus nodded reluctantly.
"Harry, I require your assistance. I am going to take over teaching Ravenna's class as well as teaching potions. I am well aware of your little group from last year. Tell me how good they really are. All of our lives may depend on it." The tone of Severus's voice told him this was all business now.
"They are good." Harry said proudly.
"Good enough to help defend the school against an attack?" Severus said gravely. Harry was shocked into silence.
Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place
Albus sat at the head of the table in the kitchen of the Black house, several members of the Order were already there. They all sat quietly waiting for the others. Last to arrive was Arthur Weasley. He was just coming off watch at the Ministry of Magic.
"Sorry I'm late." He said apologetically as he took a seat at the table. He scanned the room quickly looking for his wife. "Where's Molly?" He directed his question at Albus.
"She is fine, Arthur. She is on assignment at the moment." Albus said levelly. "I have called for this meeting because I believe Hogwarts in under imminent danger of attack. Severus has just informed Voldemort of Ravenna's death and he has assured Severus the act will be avenged. We must post as many as possible in and around the castle quickly. The room was momentarily filled with murmurs of concern. Albus raised his hand to quiet the room.
"Albus, you really believe You-Know-Who would attack Hogwarts?" Arthur said hesitantly.
"Yes, Arthur, I do. Now that he knows Ravenna has died at my hands he has lost his last weapon in the school. I believe he is more determined than ever to eliminate Harry." Albus said gravely.
"What are we to do about the Death Eater hunt?" Kingsley Shacklebolt asked.
"Those who are stationed on Voldermort's inner circle should remain where they are. Those who are doing general reconnaissance should be called to the school. Albus responded evenly.
"How are we to conceal ourselves at the school?" Emmeline Vance asked.
"That is what we need to figure out. We do have confirmation that Voldemort does have spies within the castle, if there is an influx of strange faces he will most certainly figure out what is going on. Any suggestions?"
The entire gathering sat silently in thought for quite some time.
"Given that the school has lost a teacher under such tragic circumstances perhaps some sort of visit from parents can be arranged." Arthur suggested. Several around the table nodded.
"That is an excellent idea Arthur. At least that will get many of the Order there for a short while."
"Yes, and we could connect the fireplace at the Three Broomsticks directly to the fireplace in Albus's office. This way we can have reinforcements stationed at Hogsmeade and they can get to the castle quickly." Sturgis Padmore suggested.
"Another excellent idea." Albus said calmly. I must return. Continue with hashing out the details and contact me when you have a solid plan worked out." Albus stood quickly and walked to the fireplace, seconds later he disappeared in a flash of green flames.
Albus stepped out of the fireplace in his office confident that the Order members would have a viable plan for protecting the castle soon. He knew he needed to gauge the atmosphere within the castle walls. As he had already missed breakfast he left his office, heading to the Transfiguration classroom. Minerva McGonagall was invaluable to him here, as well as being a good friend. Albus stood quietly at the classroom door, relieved to see the students were attentive to her instruction. When she finished giving instructions on how the students were to transform the mice in front of them into inkwells she made eye contact with Albus. With an almost imperceptible nod she excused herself from the classroom and headed to the corridor. "Is everything okay?" She asked in a whisper.
"Yes, they are hard at work hashing out the details on how to get as many bodies here as possible. How are the students doing?" Albus asked sadly.
"Most are coping. Ravenna was well liked by most of the student body." She said quietly.
"I fear many are still too shocked to exhibit any emotion at all. The students I worry most about are those who were witnesses."
Albus nodded slightly. "And no doubt they will look upon me differently as well, having learned I am capable of doing what I must to protect the students and the school."
"Albus, you need not worry about that. These children adore you. Once they understand why this happened, they will be okay." Minerva said comfortingly. Albus just looked at her over his glasses. "How are Harry and Severus doing?" She asked quietly.
"As well as can be expected under the circumstances. I fear Severus is the one we need be most concerned with." Albus stated evenly. "I have always known how much he loved her. Although intellectually he understands he did what he must to protect Harry, I fear emotionally he will be unable to reconcile what he has done on his behalf."
"You don't think he will harbor resentment towards Harry, do you?" Minerva said in a whisper.
"No Minerva, I do not believe he will. My fear is that he will no longer be able to protect himself." Albus said gravely.
"Then we must find a way to do it for him. To remove him from as much danger as possible." Minerva said absently, Albus smiled.
"Minerva, you are brilliant." He exclaimed happily as he turned away from her. Minerva watched him go with a baffled expression on her face. Shaking her head slightly she returned to the classroom.
Snape Estate
Ravenna awoke alarmed, but calmed instantly when she realize where she was. She had been dreaming she was at Hogwarts where she and Severus were taking a walk along the lake talking about what they had just learned in Potions. She was awed by his grasp of the subtleties required. She had been enjoying their conversation until it had been rudely interrupted by James and Sirius. They had again decided to use Severus as target practice. She had been so angry with them that she drew her wand and threatened to turn them both into flobberworms if they didn't leave Severus alone. They both backed down but the damage had already been done. After glaring at them for a moment she turned again to face where Severus had stood next to her only to find he was skulking back towards the castle. She was distracted from her thought by the sound of china rattling outside her bedroom door.
"Good, you're awake. I think it is about time for you to eat something." Molly said cheerfully as she stepped into the room.
"I'm not really that hungry Molly." Ravenna responded apologetically.
"I figured you wouldn't want to eat a lot, but you do require nutrition. I have made you some nice broth and toast. This should sit easily on your stomach." She said with a knowing smile. Molly then set the tray on Ravenna's lap.
"Wow, this is wonderful Molly, thank you." Ravenna said with a smile as she took a sip of the broth. Molly just beamed at her.
Molly sat quietly in the armchair she had conjured next to the bed until Ravenna has consumed all of the broth. She then removed the tray from her lap and placed it on the bedside table.
"Tell me dear, how is it that you and Severus married? Did you meet at Hogwarts?" Molly asked with a smile.
"I would have thought you already knew the story of why we married. You were a member of the Order before, weren't you?"
"While I did what I could to fight against You-Know-Who before, my children were young at the time so there was not a lot I could do. Besides, I would like to hear your side of the story." Molly concluded with a smile. Ravenna smiled back at her and took a deep breath.
"I guess I really started getting to know Severus when we were in our 5th year. As I am sure you know Sirius and James loved to torment him." Molly nodded knowingly. "Most in school just ignored him or made snide remarks about him. I could see that there was something about him, even then." Ravenna paused for a moment to smile shyly.
"Was it love at first sight?" Molly asked lightly.
"I wouldn't say at first sight, more like the better I got to know him the more I loved him. While I had a crush on him from our 3rd year, it was always from a distance." Ravenna smiled again.
"Did he share your feelings?" Molly asked curiously. She had only known Severus Snape for a few years, and did not believe him capable of any sort of feelings.
"At the time I didn't think so, I have since found out he liked me even longer than I liked him."
"Then why have you been gone for so long?" Molly asked quietly.
"That, Molly, is a very long story." Ravenna said with a sigh.
"Well dear, we seem to have plenty of time to kill."
Ravenna chuckled lightly. "If you are sure you really want to hear it." Molly nodded. "Where should I begin?" Ravenna said with a sigh.
"Did you two get together while you were in school? Arthur and I started dating in our 7th year." Ravenna shook her head.
"While I tried throughout our 7th year, Severus practically ignored me. I didn't know at the time but he had already joined up with Voldemort by then. When we finished school he disappeared, I joined the Ministry of Magic and went to work as an Auror. We didn't get married until we were several years out of school, just a few weeks before Harry was born."
"That's right. You are Harry's godmother, aren't you?" Ravenna nodded. "I'm sorry, go on."
"You know that Albus is my great-grandfather, right?" Again, Molly nodded. "Right. A few months beforeHarry was born I had been involved in a pretty fierce fight with a group of Death Eaters and had been seriously injured. I somehow made my way to Hogwarts where Severus found me and took me to Madam Pomfrey. While I was under her care, Grandfather asked me to help him." Molly gasped. "When I asked him why he said he needed me to infiltrate Voldemort's camp to assist in protecting someone who had been loyal to Voldemort but had changed sides." Ravenna said quietly.
"You mean Severus, don't you?" Molly said, Ravenna nodded.
"That's right. So after I had sufficiently recovered from my injuries I left Hogwarts and rented a room in the Hog's Head Inn. Shortly after Severus came to me and I knew it was time."
"Severus was the one who convinced you to join, to become a Death Eater?" Molly said in a hushed voice.
"That is not exactly accurate. The truth of the matter was that I never actually joined them as Severus did. I went in as a spy. It was Grandfather's idea that Severus be the one to be successful in recruiting me. It was also his idea that Severus and I marry."
Molly gasped. "I did not know that."
"I don't think many do. I think he always knew I felt something for Severus, and he for me. I believe that was his way of getting us together as well as protecting Severus from discovery."
"Obviously you too really do love each other, why did disappear for so many years?"
Ravenna huffed disgustedly. "Because I was stupid and petty." Ravenna said in a shamed voice.
"What ever do you mean?" Molly asked curiously.
"As you have already said, I am Harry's godmother. When Voldemort killed Lily and James I asked Albus to let Severus and me raise him. He said that would not be wise. That Harry needed to be placed with a blood relative. I did not understand the magic he was using to protect Harry, and it was not explained to me at the time. I begged him to reconsider. I pleaded with Severus to help me. Neither of them would give in. I was so angry with them both that I left." Ravenna concluded in a quiet voice, lowering her head in shame.
"How did you manage to stay hidden for so long?"
"Believe it or not I went to work for a Death Eater."
"Wasn't that an incredibly dangerous thing to do? What if you had been recognized?"
"Honestly Molly, at that point I really didn't care. My best friend had been murdered. I was married to a man that I loved, but I believed he really didn't love me and my only living relative would not allow me to fulfill my duty to my best friend. It really didn't matter to me whether I lived or died."
"Wait a minute, what do you mean you were married to a man you didn't think loved you?"
"From the beginning, Severus was strongly opposed to us getting married." Ravenna said quietly with a hint of hurt in her voice.
"That's crazy, why wouldn't he want to marry you?"
"I thought it was because he didn't love me, I have since found out his real opposition wasn't to getting married. It was exposing me to the dangers involved with infiltrating Voldemort." She concluded with a smile.
"So in actuality he was trying to protect the woman he loved." Molly said awed. She was finding it difficult to believe Severus Snape capable of loving anyone.
"That's right. He is actually a very kind and loving soul." Molly furrowed her brows at that. "Really! The way he acts is just that, an act. All he has ever wanted is to fit in, to belong." Ravenna said with a hint of sadness in her voice.
"Ravenna dear, I look forward to seeing that side of him." Molly said cheerfully. "Why don't I draw you a bath?" She said as she rose from the chair.
"Maybe later, I think I should go down stairs and get in some practice. I have a project I have been working on." Ravenna said as she put her legs over the edge of the bed. "I am getting stiff just laying here."
"Alright, but take it easy. It wouldn't do for you to overexert yourself." Molly said reluctantly.
Ravenna just smiled at her as she walked to the bathroom with Molly's help. When Molly discovered the whip marks on Ravenna's back she healed them then left. Ravenna quickly showered and dressed. Comforted by the fact that she was still feeling her daughter squirm about inside her, she made her way to Severus's lab in the basement of their house. Once there she drew her wand and put protection charms about the room to protect the bottles and jars lined up on the shelves. She then conjured a box full of assorted sized and shaped objects. She figured she could make use of the time she had. After placing her cloak and wand on Severus desk she turned to face the crate. She took several moments to clear her mind, then lifted her right hand while staring at the crate. Before long she had every object levitating about the lab. Pleased with this she decided to see how well she could move them about the room. A few hours later, having successfully moved the objects about the lab and deflected them she decided she had had enough. Exhaustedly she climbed the stairs back to the main floor of the house. Molly greeted her at the basement door.
"My dear, you look tired. Come and sit. I will make you some tea." Molly guided Ravenna to the sofa in the lounge. Once Ravenna was seated Molly departed, returning several moments later with a tray of tea and scones. Ravenna smiled at her as she accepted the tea cup Molly was handing her. "What were you doing down there?" Molly asked curiously.
"Just boning up on a long neglected skill." Ravenna responded cryptically, Molly furrowed her brows. "Long ago Grandfather and I discovered I am quite skilled at doing wandless magic, I was just getting in some practice. For many years I did not use my magic at all." Ravenna concluded and took a sip of tea.
"Why?" Molly asked cautiously.
"As I told you earlier, when I left I went to work for a known Death Eater. The story I told was that I was a squib who had been disowned by my family. As a squib I obviously would not have been able to perform magic."
"What exactly did you go to work as?"
"Believe it or not a nanny." Ravenna said with a shrug.
"That must have been difficult not using magic. How many children did you look after?" Molly asked awed. She could not imagine what her life would have been like without magic.
"I looked after three children, two boys and a girl. And yes it was very difficult. Made more so by the mistress of the house. My employer rather fancied me and she was jealous of that." Ravenna said with a scrunched up face. Molly laughed.
"So now you are looking after loads more children." Molly said with a slight laugh in her voice. Ravenna's expression changed to one of sadness.
"No Molly, now I am dead." Ravenna said quietly. Molly scooted closed and pulled Ravenna into an embrace.
"It's okay dear. When it is safe to do so we will let your loved ones know you are alive and well." Molly said soothingly as she continued to hold her.
Hogwarts Castle two days later
Just after dawn Severus rose from Ravenna's bed. He and Harry had continued to reside in Ravenna's apartment. He had decided it was time for him to get back to classes and would discuss this with Albus at breakfast. As had been the same for the past few nights Harry was sleeping restlessly. Severus quietly crossed the room to the bed where he was sleeping. He gently placed his hand on Harry's shoulder and he instantly quieted. Severus had been lost in thought and was startled when Harry placed his hand over Severus's, which was still on his shoulder.
"It is early, you should still be sleeping." Severus said evenly.
"I know Severus, but I can't. I am going crazy in here. Can't I just go back to class?" Harry said agitated.
"I was just thinking the same thing myself. I will speak to Albus at breakfast, stay here until I get back." Severus said with a small smile. Harry smiled back at him.
Once he was showered and dressed he left Ravenna's apartment heading to the Great Hall. The entire room quieted when he appeared at the doorway. He glared about the room for a moment before moving toward the teachers table. As he approached his seat Albus rose from his own.
"Good morning Severus. I did not expect to see you this morning. How are you?" Albus said quietly.
"As well as can be expected." Severus responded emotionlessly. "I would like to resume my teaching duties. We are both ready to get back to it."
"Very well Severus. I will have someone go and fetch Harry. You can both get back to classes." Albus said quietly.
"Thank you Headmaster."
The remainder of breakfast had been quiet aside from the sounds of utensils scraping on plates. Harry had come to the Great Hall shortly after Severus arrived. At the conclusion of the meal the students quietly made their way to classes. Harry headed to Transfiguration sandwiched between Ron and Hermione. None of them spoke but Harry did take comfort in having his friends so close to him now. He gave them each a small smile as they sat in their seats.
Harry had been doing fine through the day until after lunch. This would be their first Defense Against the Dark Arts class since Ravenna's death. Harry was more than a little surprised to find Bill Weasley and Severus conversing behind Ravenna's desk. He, Ron and Hermione quickly took their seats. They were all staring toward the front of the class until they heard Malfoy and his cronies come into the class. Draco headed toward Harry but was stopped by a firm hand on his shoulder. He turned angrily to face whomever it was who dared to touch him. His expression changed from anger to fear when he came face to face with Fred and George Weasley, both clutching their wands. With a snarl he changed direction and headed towards his seat in the back of the room.
Harry continued to watch Severus confused. 'Why are the Weasley twins and Bill in the classroom?' Severus, sensing Harry's gaze turned from Bill to look him directly in the eye. They stared at each other for a moment before Severus turned back to Bill and gestured for him to have a seat at the desk.
"As I am sure you all have heard by now, I will be teaching this class for the remainder of the term. Because of the unfortunate circumstances you will find friends and relatives will be present in classes while you all adjust." Severus paused for a moment to look at each and every student before continuing. "Fortunately Professor Gryffin kept very good notes so we will not loose any more time. Today we will pick up on defensive counter-curses. Turn to page 505. By the end of class I want one roll of parchment on how to perform blocks against binding spells."
The class silently opened their text books and parchment. The only sounds heard in the room were pages being flipped and quills scratching on parchment. Most of the D.A. members had completed the assigned task well before time was up. They all sat quietly skimming their books. Severus sat at Ravenna's desk stoically. When the bell finally rang they all took their parchments up to the desk, then packed their books away to leave. Harry waited until most of the class had left before taking his parchment to Ravenna's desk. "How are you doing, sir?" Harry asked quietly. Severus gave him a small smiled before responding.
"I should be asking you that question." He said quietly as he pinched the bridge of his nose with his left thumb and forefinger. Harry just shrugged. "I think it would be best for you to return to Gryffindor tower this evening. You need to be with your friends."
"But what about you sir? Will you be okay?" Harry asked concerned.
"Yes Harry, I will be fine. Your friends are waiting." Severus responded quietly. Harry turned to see Hermione, Ron, Bill, Fred and George all waiting for him just outside the classroom. Harry nodded and left.
Once Harry had left the classroom Severus rose from Ravenna's desk and headed to the dungeons. He still had one more Potions class to teach. He was not looking forward to having this last class. He was tired and wanted nothing more than to climb into his wife's bed.
By dinnertime Severus could not stand being surrounded by people anymore. He went into his office and headed directly to the door leading to his apartment. As soon as the door was closed behind him he fell to his knees sobbing. It took him quite some time to get his emotions back under control. Once he felt he could maintain his control he left his apartment. He patrolled several floors of the castle before heading back to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. He had just crossed the threshold when he felt he was being summoned. Sighing heavily he turned and headed to Albus's office. After informing Albus of his summons, Severus quickly departed the castle.
Severus paused for a moment at the gate of Hogwarts castle. He was not entirely sure he would be able to protect his mind completely from the Dark Lord. Putting that thought deeply in his mind he took a deep breath and stepped through the gate, a moment later he appeared inside Riddle Manor.
He was greeted by Lucius Malfoy. "Severus, the Dark Lord is waiting for you in his study. You should be please to hear what he has to say." Lucius said with a smile and gestured for Severus to go to the study. Severus nodded slightly and went to meet with Voldemort.
He knocked on the door and knelt when Voldemort turned to look at him. "Come in."
Severus rose and entered the room. "You summoned, my Lord?" Severus said quietly.
"Yes Snape. I wanted to get your input on the plan to avenge your bride, and to kill Potter." Voldemort said with a smile.