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 Twelve
The Next Generation of Snape?
"Ravenna, are you alright?" Molly asked concerned from the bedroom door. Ravenna blinked rapidly before responding.
"I'm not sure." She responded quietly. "I believe I have just had a vision."
"A vision?" Molly asked alarmed.
"It was very confusing... I think there will be Dementors at Hogwarts. We must warn ..." Ravenna said gasping in pain.
Molly crossed the room quickly and sat beside her. "What is it?"
Ravenna gasped several times and reached for Molly's hand which she placed on her abdomen.
"I believe it is time." Molly said calmly. Ravenna looked at her with a pain filled expression.
Once the pain of the contraction had passed Ravenna spoke. "I have been feeling them like this since last night. I didn't think anything of it until now." Molly looked at her confused. "I believe my water just broke." She finished quietly.
Molly lifted the covers and confirmed. "Come on, let's get this cleaned up." She said reassuringly. Ravenna nodded as she rose from the bed. With Molly's help she went into the bathroom to shower while Molly cleaned the bedding.
Hogwarts Castle
Harry was grateful that double Potions class had been canceled for the day, but he was also concerned that Severus was no where to be found. After lunch he made his way to the teachers table to inquire about Severus.
"Good afternoon Harry." Albus said quietly.
"Good afternoon sir. Have you seen Professor Snape?" He asked quietly.
"Not since last night Harry." Harry was alarmed.
"Last night! Do you think he is alright?"
"I am sure he is fine Harry. Why don't you go back to Gryffindor tower? You look a bit tired." Harry nodded slightly and left.
Albus watched Harry until he was out of the Great Hall. He then looked toward Professor McGonagall.
"Minerva, I will be out of the castle for the afternoon. Can you please look after things here until I return?" She just nodded in response. Albus then rose from his chair and left through the door behind the teachers table.
When he was in his office he headed straight to the fireplace. Instantly he disappeared in green flames.
An hour later Albus stepped out of the fireplace, followed by Kingsley Shacklebolt. Neither spoke until they had climbed the stairs and were seated in Albus's study. "Now Kingsley, you must make this convincing. Once you have him in custody you must take him directly to his home and make sure his replacement is in Azkaban. Be sure to leave explicit orders that he is to be allowed no visitors." Kingsley nodded and departed. He would take the floo network to the Three Broomsticks and then return to the castle so there would be witnesses to his arrival.
No sooner than Kingsley left there was a sharp knock on Albus's office door. "Enter." He called. Lucius Malfoy was visible when the door opened.
"Dumbledore." Lucius said in a snarl. "I understand you are permitting family to attend their children in this trying time. I would visit with my son." He said in a demanding tone.
"Of course. Family is being permitted into the castle during school hours. There are several establishments and families in Hogsmeade that are accommodating for the evening hours. As classes are over for the day, perhaps you would care to dine with Draco before departing." Albus said evenly.
"That is agreeable." Lucius responded as Albus as rose from his desk to escort Lucius from his office.
They had just made it to the main entryway of the castle when Albus heard his name being called.
"Professor Dumbledore. We are here on Ministry business. Where can I find Severus Snape?" Shacklebolt asked curtly.
"I cannot say, he has been out of the castle all day. May I ask what this is about?" Albus responded evenly.
"As I said, sir, it is Ministry business. May we be permitted to wait here for his arrival?"
"By all means. I would not want to interfere with Ministry business." Albus responded then gestured for Lucius to precede him into the Great Hall.
Lucius looked at Shacklebolt with disgust before entering the Great Hall. He then quickly found Draco and went to sit with him.
Albus continued through the hall and quickly took his seat in the middle of the teachers table, looking through to the entryway. He had only been seated a moment when he spotted Severus coming in through the great oak doors and was immediately approached by Shacklebolt. Albus rose abruptly and made his way back out of the Great Hall. All eyes followed.
"Severus Snape, I have been ordered by the Ministry of Magic to take you into custody." Shacklebolt said roughly as the other four who accompanied him surrounded Severus.
"What is the meaning of this?" Severus said coldly. "On what grounds?"
"We can discuss that while you are being questioned. Will you come peacefully?" Shacklebolt barked in response.
"Headmaster, do you know what this is about?" Severus said as Albus approached.
"I do not Severus. Please cooperate. I will meet with Fudge first thing in the morning to get this sorted out." Albus said quietly. Severus just glared at him in response. Shacklebolt roughly shoved Severus towards the entrance to the castle.
Severus walked silently surrounded by Aurors toward the Hogwarts gate. No sooner than they passed through three of them disapparated. Only Shacklebolt and one other remained.
"What is the meaning of this Kingsley?" Severus demanded. Kingsley gestured with his hands for Severus to calm down.
"We need to apparate immediately to the Three Broomsticks, there I will be able to explain everything." Kingsley said quietly. Severus nodded sharply and apparated. Once they were at the Three Broomsticks, which was conveniently empty at that moment, they quickly climbed the stairs to Madam Rosmerta's private sitting room. No sooner than Kingsley closed the door Severus spoke.
"NOW TELL ME WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS GOING ON!" Severus shouted.
"Severus, please calm down. Albus has told us about Ravenna and he fears for your safety. You are being sent into hiding for your own sake. Elias here is going to be in Azkaban in your place. We will require an adequate supply of your hair." Kingsley said quickly.
"Than where am I going?" Severus said sharply.
"Home." Kingsley said simply. "This fireplace is connected to the floo network. Go to your estate and do not attempt to contact anyone. We will let you know when it is safe."
"What about Harry? Who will be looking after him if I am not in the castle?" Severus asked concerned.
"Fear not Severus, there are several Order members already in the castle and more will be arriving tomorrow. He will be quite safe."
"And Albus believes this is for the best?" Severus said suspiciously. Kingsley nodded in reply. "Very well then." Severus said quietly as yanked a handful of hairs which he handed to Kingsley and then stepped into the fireplace, grabbing a handful of floo power. "Snape Estate." He said clearly and disappeared in a flash of green flames.
Lucius watched from the Slytherin table as Severus was escorted from the castle. He then leaned close to Draco and spoke. Draco nodded his head abruptlyand rose from the table with his father. Draco headed to the dungeons and Lucius left the castle. He had to report immediately to the Dark Lord that Severus had been taken into custody.
Harry watched Lucius and Draco leave the Great Hall, then turned to look at Dumbledore. Albus too watched the Malfoys leave. He had a smile on his face which Harry was very curious about. At the end of dinner Harry rose from his seat and headed towards the teachers table. He stopped halfway there when he realized Albus was already leaving through the door behind the table. He shook his head and turned to meet up with Ron and Hermione.
"Do you believe this?" Ron said. Hermione glared and him and hissed.
"Not here." She whispered as she grabbed him by the hand and pulled him out of the Great Hall. Harry just sniggered as he followed them.
When they were securely inside the Gryffindor common room they took a seat in the corner to talk. "Why do you think the Ministry would be arresting him?" Hermione said in a concerned whisper.
"Maybe they have learned the truth about what happened here the other day. Do you think they are accusing him of murder?" Ron said nervously.
"I don't think that is it." Harry began. "I'll bet anything this is Dumbledore's doing. I know he is worried about Severus." Ron and Hermione both furrowed their brows at this.
"Since when are you on a first name basis with him?" Ron said harshly. Harry just shook his head. Before he could respond he clutched both of his hands to his head and screamed in pain, then fell to the floor unconscious. Alarmed, Hermione told Ron to fetch Madam Pomfrey while shestayed with Harry.
Snape Estate
Severus stepped out of the fireplace in his lab. He stood directly in front of it looking around. 'How could Albus make me stay here now? This is the last place I want to be.' He took a deep breath and released it slowly before heading to the staircase. When he reached the top step he heard someone moving in the kitchen. Cautiously he drew his wand and walked stealthily towards the sound. He was startled to see a red-headed woman standing over the stove waving her wand.
"Who are you?" He demanded, the woman squealed in fright. Then spun to face him.
"Severus, are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Molly said scoldingly.
"Molly Weasley? What are you doing here?" Severus said harshly.
"I will tell you if you will please lower your wand, and your voice." She said quietly.
Startled, Severus lowered his wand and asked again, quietly. "Why are you here?"
Molly conjured a tea setting on a tray, then gestured with her head for Severus to follow her to the lounge. Once they were there, she indicated for him to sit and offered him a cup of tea which he took reluctantly.
"Albus told me about what happened at the school. What you do not know is that the woman who was killed was not Ravenna." Molly said quietly. Severus stared at her as if she were speaking a foreign language. It took several seconds for this information to register with Severus.
"Ravenna is not dead?" He said in a stunned whisper.
"No Severus, she is not. Right now she is up stairs in your bedroom." Molly said with a smile.
"She's not dead?" He said again disbelievingly. Molly continued to smile.
"No, she's not. She is in labor though. Albus felt you should be here for the birth of your child." Severus was ecstatic.
"I must go to her at once." He said absently as he rose from his chair, Molly smiled. Severus took the stairs two at a time, anxious to see his wife. When he reached the bedroom he opened the door tentatively, afraid this was all just a dream. When the door was open enough for him to see inside his heart sang. There she was, lying on their bed. He walked quietly into the room, not wanting to wake her. He sat down gently on the edge of the bed watching her sleep. When she started to moan he gently stroked her hair.
"Rae." He said quietly and smiled when her eyes fluttered open.
"Severus!" She said in a pained voice. "Is it really you?"
"Yes love." He smiled. "How are you?"
"Better now my love, much better now." She said through tears. Severus gently pulled her into his arms and held her tightly.
Molly stood in the doorway watching for a moment, then quietly pulled the door closed.
Hogwarts Castle, Hospital Wing
Harry slowly woke to the sound of whispers around him. "Harry!" Hermione cried "We were so worried about you, how do you feel?"
"Like someone tried to split my head in two, thanks for asking." He responded sarcastically.
"Bloody hell, Harry! Was that really necessary?" Ron said angrily.
"Sorry." Harry said sheepishly.
Madam Pomfrey approached and quieted them and then extracted her wand and began to examine Harry. She smiled slightly. "You are going to be fine Harry. Does your head still hurt?" Harry nodded in response and clutched his hand to his forehead. She extracted a small vial from her apron pocket. "Drink this down, it will help with the pain."
Harry gingerly took the vile from her grasp and drank it quickly, grimacing at the taste. Within moments the throbbing in his head subsided. Now that he was feeling better he turned to face Hermione who was still standing next to him.
"I really am sorry about snapping at you." He said sincerely with a shamed look on his face.
"It's okay, Harry." She said with a tight smile. "Are you still in pain?"
"No, whatever Madam Pomfrey gave me helped."
"What happened?" Ron asked quietly. Harry turned his head to face Ron who was standing on the opposite side of the bed from Hermione.
"Voldemort is really angry. I think it may have to do with Severus being taken away." Harry paused. "I think he is coming for me, soon." Ron moved to Hermione's side and wrapped his arm protectively around her back. Hermione reached out to hold Harry's hand.
"Don't worry Harry, you will be safe here." She said reassuringly.
"Harry." Harry turned his head to face towards the door to the hospital wing. Dumbledore was walking quickly to his bed. "What happened?"
"Sir, we had just gone back to the common room and were talking. Then my head felt as if it were on fire. I believe Voldemort is extremely upset." Dumbledore just nodded solemnly.
"It would seem Lucius wasted no time informing him of Severus being taken into custody." Harry nodded in agreement.
"Sir, I believe he will be coming here. I could almost feel his desire to have me dead." Harry said emotionlessly.
"You need not worry, Harry. I can assure you it is quite safe here." Albus said reassuringly. He could tell Harry wanted to know more. "No Harry, I cannot tell you how." He said with a small smile. Harry smiled in response.
"Sir?" Hermione said quietly and waited for Dumbledore to look at her before continuing. "Is there anything we can do?"
"For tonight Miss Granger, you and Mister Weasley can return to Gryffindor tower. I assure you Harry will be quite safe here. Tomorrow morning you two can come here to escort Harry to breakfast. Remember, you both are to stay with him whenever he is not in the tower." They both nodded, bid Harry goodnight and left.
Harry watched them leave the hospital. When he could no longer see them he looked back at Albus. "Sir, is Severus okay?"
"He is safe and doing as well as can be expected." Albus said evenly. Harry nodded.
"Now, I want you to get some rest. Do not forget to prepare yourself." Albus then headed to Madam Pomfrey's office. Harry did as instructed. When Albus finally left Harry appeared to be sleeping soundly.
Snape Estate
Severus was anxious, he wanted to do something to help alleviate Ravenna's pain. She had been in labor for over twenty-four hours with no progress. She was so exhausted that she was falling asleep between contractions. Molly had assured him that long labor was not uncommon for the first child but that did not put his mind at ease.
He was reclined in the bed with pillows piled behind him. Ravenna was resting on him, her back against his abdomen, his hands resting lightly on her belly. He felt the contraction seconds before she moaned again. She grabbed his hand, squeezing tightly as the contraction intensified. "It's okay love, just breathe." He whispered as she curled up. When the contraction had passed she collapsed back against him. Severus released a breath slowly and flexed the hand she had just squeezed.
"Sorry about that." She said quietly.
"Think nothing of it, I can brew potions with one hand." He said lightly, she chuckled.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" He asked lovingly.
"Now that you mention it, I could really use a shower." She responded weakly.
"As you command." He said jokingly. He helped her sit up and gingerly slid out from behind her. Lowering her to rest on the pillows he went into the bathroom to start the shower and undressed. He had just made it back to the bed when another contraction started. He helped her to sit up and held her through the contraction. When it passed she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him gently.
Severus lifted her from the bed and carried her to the bathroom. He placed her on the low stool and quickly removed her bedclothes, then helped her stand and escorted her to the shower. She stepped into the shower, Severus was right in front her. She hissed loudly as the water hit her back. "Is it another contraction?" Severus asked.
"No, my back stings a little." She responded through clinched teeth.
"Why?" Severus asked concerned. Ravenna turned her bare back to Severus and he growled in anger.
"Who did this to you?" He asked angrily.
She gasped in response and placed her hands firmly against the shower wall. Severus placed his hands around her waist to support her as another contraction hit. When it passed he quickly washed her down and got her out of the shower. With no further conversation he helped her out of the shower, dried and redressed her and took her back to bed.
They had just settled back into the bed when Molly knocked on the door.
"Come in." Severus called, Molly slowly opened the door.
"How is she doing?" Molly asked evenly.
"Exhausted and in a lot of pain." Severus said concerned.
Molly approached the bed and placed a hand lightly on Ravenna's arm. "We need to check and see how far along you are. Can you slide down on the bed a bit?"
Ravenna nodded and with Severus's help did as Molly asked. "What exactly are you going to do?"
"Well dear, I need to check to see how far you have dilated. In order to do that I will need to check internally." Molly said reluctantly. Ravenna's eyes widened. "I will wait until you are having a contraction, that way you will not feel any discomfort from the examination." Ravenna nodded slightly and clasped Severus's hand.
As promised Molly did wait until the next contraction hit. Severus watched her face anxiously. She had completed her exam before the contraction had completely passed. She smiled at Severus.
"The good news is it shouldn't be too much longer now. Soon you will begin feeling the urge to push, just go with it." Molly said comfortingly as she gently pat Ravenna's knee.
Within the hour Ravenna's contractions were coming right on top of each other. After a particularly strong contraction had passed Ravenna collapsed against Severus's chest. "I can't." She gasped. When the next contraction hit she did not have the strength to lift herself back off Severus's chest. He sat up to assist.
"Okay Ravenna, it is time to push." Molly said excitedly. "Come on, you can do it. Your baby is ready to meet its parents."
Ravenna took a deep breath and pushed as hard as she could. After about twenty more minutes Ravenna let out a loud grunt, seconds later she and Severus heard their daughter's cry.
Molly quickly wiped the baby off and wrapped her in the baby blanket she had placed at the foot of the bed. She then placed the baby gently in Ravenna's waiting arms. Ravenna was crying tears of joy. Severus wrapped his arms around hers so they were both holding their newborn daughter.
"She is beautiful, just like her mother." Severus said quietly in Ravenna's ear then placed a gently kiss on her neck.
"She is, isn't she?" Ravenna responded breathlessly.
Molly waited a few moments before speaking. "Severus, why don't you take her into the bathroom and clean her properly. We need to deliver the afterbirth and get Ravenna cleaned up."
Ravenna kissed the top of the baby's head before handing her back to Molly. Severus then moved from behind Ravenna and helped her lay back down. After kissing Ravenna he took their daughter into his arms and went to the bathroom. By the time he came back out Molly had Ravenna cleaned up and laying comfortably in the bed.
When she saw Severus approach from the bathroom Ravenna tried to sit back up in the bed. Severus bent down next to her and wrapped his arm around her back to assist her. When she was sitting up with her back against the propped up pillows Severus placed the baby gently into her arms. He then walked to the foot of the bed where Molly was standing.
"Thank you for all your help." He said sincerely and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. Molly flushed pink. Had she not experienced it she would never have believed Severus capable of such love and gratitude.
"It is my pleasure. I will be down the hall if you need me. Ravenna, she is beautiful, congratulations." Ravenna smiled.
"Thank you Molly." She responded through tears of joy.
Severus escorted Molly to the bedroom door and closed it behind her. He then turned to watch his wife cradling their daughter in her arms. He thought his heart would burst, he had never felt so much joy as he did this moment. Sensing his gaze, Ravenna looked directly into his eyes and smiled widely.
"Come love, be with us." She said quietly. With a smile in return Severus crossed the room and climbed into the bed.
A/N: Please let me know how I'm doing. Is there anyone out there who likes this story. THX.