Severus Snape watched the queue of nervous teens outside the great hall as they waited for their chance at battle. He was surprised by how many had shown up. "Impressive right?" Severus turned to see that Tonks had sidled up to him. He nodded absently.
"Are you sure that the array will hold with the volume of children going through today?" Severus asked.
Tonks laughed, "Who'd have taken you for a mother hen?"
The wizard scowled at her, and she rolled her eyes. "Yes, the array will hold. Don't worry so much. We've been using them for over a century for auror training. We know how to set them up," she responded. It was true, the Miteswell array was developed in the early 1800s by an auror trainer Craven Miteswell. He'd wanted to give his cadets a better taste of battle without the dangers. He'd developed an artful web of spells that when layered correctly allowed for use of live spells without the damage. Everything but the Avada could be used. They protected both the trainees and the instructors firing at them. It even recorded hits to both to allow the cadets to learn from their mistakes. It made useless any limb that was hit with a spell that would have, in reality, disabled it. All effects of the spells were lifted once the participants left the training area. It was a difficult array to put in place, but it was an invaluable training tool.
Numerous volunteers had been gathered for today's training. Severus had quietly let Tonks and Shacklebolt know a few weeks ago that he believed that their time was running short, and they had quickly come up with this idea. Every weekend from now to the end of term would be filled with such training. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, the students would have their supper in their common rooms, while the great hall was transformed. Weekend breakfast was also had in the common rooms and sack lunches were handed out midday.
The fourth through seventh years would have the opportunity on Saturday to go through the obstacle course. Afterwards they would be taken aside and be briefed on how they did. Their strengths and weaknesses discussed. They would then be allowed to try the same course again the following day, if they chose. An obstacle course was also set up for the younger years, but was more like a large game of hide and seek than a battle. It was felt that their best chances of survival lay in hiding and defense.
The violence outside the castle was escalating and even the first years felt it. There had been little fuss made when the students learned that the Quidditch season would end early. Especially when those with hopes of turning pro were advised that each hopeful player would be allowed to tryout for the professional league once it was safe to do so. It was more of an opportunity than hopefuls usually got so they had born the premature end to the season stoically.
Snape was once again in awe of the response that they received from the general public. It was as if they had all been out of sorts, just waiting for direction, waiting for a chance to help, to make a difference and when presented with this opportunity, many had jumped at it. Aurors and veterans of the last war stood ready to test the entering students. Others observed the proceedings in order to provide better feedback to the children. Still others were waiting for those who left the course to discuss their performance.
"How have they done so far?" Severus asked.
Tonks sighed. "It's been hit or miss so far," she said. "No pun intended. Some have fallen apart within seconds of entering and had to be removed from the course. Some have been overly brash and taken multiple fatal hits. I'm glad we were able to do this," the witch added. "You were right, lessons alone won't prepare them for battle, but this will give them a taste."
Snape nodded. "Any issues with the queue," he inquired, eying the restless children waiting for their turn to enter.
"Not so far. We've worked to mix up the houses. We're sending one in every five minutes, so it's possible they will run into one of their classmates inside. We wanted to get them used to working with someone they may not know well. You never know who may end up at your back once the firing starts. Might as well teach them that now," she explained. He hadn't thought of that, but he knew that this tactic would best protect his snakes. The other students had a habit of avoiding them, and he hated the thought of them being alone in a firefight due to petty house rivalry.
"Thank you," the man said solemnly.
Tonks shook her head, "Don't thank me yet. They are still shying away from Slytherin. We're hoping that will change after today though. The queue system is working well though. The student groupings are lining up when called so it hasn't been as chaotic as we feared." The auror shrugged. "I guess we should be grateful that the Weasley twins are helping to put together the courses and aren't causing problems in the lines," she laughed. "So, you starting debrief duty now?"
"Yes, are the reports working properly?" Snape inquired.
"Surprisingly yes," she answered. "The regular reports are tabulated instantly, but the observer reports are transferring quickly too. So far, they've been available within two to three minutes after the kiddies leave the course. So, they will have a few to catch their breath before you go over their performance."
"Excellent," Severus replied. "I'd better relieve Filius. I'm sure he's ready for lunch." With a swish of his cloak, he made his way to the back antechamber of the great hall where half the students would be herded after their "battle".
*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*
Severus was exhausted by the time his shift was over. Not only had the students found this first taste of battle not only physically and magically straining, but emotionally as well. Despite his preference for sternness, he soon realized that some of the children were too overwrought to handle such treatment. Even some of the seventh years who had done relatively well had left the course with tears which confused them. It was the emotional toll they hadn't been expecting. So, the potions master had resolved to be stoic but not unkind.
He counselled each one. Pointing out what strengths they had and how to take advantage of them and how to overcome their weaknesses. A few cocky students had emerged thinking they'd done rather well, only to be humbled by the list of "injuries" and fatal hits they'd received. By the end of his shift, Snape was doubtful that many would return the following day to rerun the course.
Again, he was surprised, when most did. They showed up with determined faces and wands at the ready for their second chance at survival. It had been his turn to be humbled by their tenacity. Even his snakes who had often been abandoned by their classmates the day before, returned to try again. As one said, "if I'm going to have to face this alone, I'd better learn to do it right". And they did. Many improved, some didn't, but all seemed eager to test themselves again the following weekend.
The younger students had found their own "games" exhilarating. Their course only ran on Saturday so they had the run of the castle on Sunday, much to their delight. All in all, it was a good start to such an important endeavor.
*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*
Severus was summoned on Monday evening. Voldemort was eager to hear how the weekend training had gone. So, the potions master once again made his way to Malfoy manor. He found Narcissa hovering near the entrance when he arrived.
"Severus, dear. How lovely to see you again. Please tell me you aren't in a hurry today," she said as she approached him. "I would love to have you for tea after your meeting with our Lord. I even had the elves make the cucumber sandwiches you so love." She looked up to him with a bright smile but pleading eyes. He noticed that she'd lost weight and her hands shook slightly as she reached out to him.
He took her hands in his. "Of course, Narcissa. I'd be delighted. As long as my duties to our Lord allow, I'd be happy to join you for tea after my meeting."
"Lovely," the witch replied with relief. "I will be waiting in the library then. I look forward to catching up". With that she departed as her sister drew near.
"About time you showed up," Bellatrix sneered.
"Dear Bellatrix, as eloquent as always," Snape drawled. "Our master knows that I must be cautious when leaving school grounds," he said and swept past her to the Dark Lords study. He knocked and waited to be admitted.
The door was opened by that sniveling rat, Pettigrew. The rodent offered him a nod in greeting and stepped aside to let the other wizard in.
"Severus, come tell me how goes the training of my army," the Dark Lord said with a frightful smile. Snape approached him and bowed in front of his Lord. "Rise, boy. Take a seat and tell me how goes Dumbledor's folly."
The potions master mentally rolled his eyes at Voldemort's attempt at humor. The dark wizard was convinced that the war preparedness classes would benefit his side far more that it would the light. A misconception that Severus happily encouraged. He rose and took the seat across from Voldemort. "My Lord, your future soldiers did well. They still have much to learn, but they are progressing nicely. The fools sent the children through the course with students from other houses. It was supposed to encourage unity," Severus sneered. "Of course, the idea was folly. The Slytherins were left alone in battle consistently. This will only harden their hearts to their fellow classmates, and make it easier to curse them when the time comes."
The Dark Lord laughed. "Dumbledore has always been a fool, but he seems to have softened with age. If he had any sense he would have barred our children from participating. As it is, we will take advantage of his weakness."
"Yes, My Lord," Severus intoned. He'd heard this speech before. He spent the next half hour detailing the strengths of this Slytherins.
"How goes young Draco's task? I've heard little from him since he's returned to school. I feared I would have to summon him myself to ensure he understands the gravity of his situation," Voldemort said.
"He still will not confide in me. Perhaps if you were to suggest…" Snape started.
"No, Severus," the Dark Lord interrupted. "The task is his to succeed or fail as he sees fit. It is his choice as to whether or not to request help."
"Of course, my Lord," the other man quickly replied. "He seems confident. I believe he has a new plan in the works. By his attitude, he appears to be making progress."
"We shall see, Severus, we shall see," with that Voldemort quickly lost interest with their conversation and soon dismissed the potions master.
*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*
Snape entered the Malfoy library and made his way to a small reading nook that led to a balcony overlooking the gardens. It was Narcissa's favorite place to read and entertain her closest friends. It was private with no portraits about to snoop on her. The witch looked smaller almost childlike in the overstuffed chair she was sitting in. Her skin had become pale to the point that it was almost translucent. A book was left forgotten in her lap as she stared over the moonlit garden. "Cissa?" Severus said softly trying not to startle the woman.
She didn't move. "I've forgotten how beautiful the grounds are at night," she said. "I've had so little time lately to enjoy them. My duties as host to our Lord has proven to be quite time consuming. I'm rarely afforded the luxury of a stroll through the gardens."
Severus understood her words. She was being held prisoner in her own home. Not even allowed to step outside the manor. "I imagine that such duties are taxing, Cissa," he replied.
"Hmmm, yes," she agreed before she seemed to shake herself from her contemplation. She stood gracefully and held her hands out to the man once more. He took them and gave them a gentle squeeze and kissed her cheek. "It's good to see you well, Severus. We've had so little time to catch up as of late."
"Will your sister be joining us tonight?" he asked warily.
"No, I'm afraid that she has other plans for the evening. Please sit. I had the elves bring us a spread. Considering the hour, I assumed that you hadn't had the chance to eat before paying attendance to our Lord," she said. Gesturing for the wizard to sit as she retook her seat.
"You guessed right, Cissa, as always," he said affectionately. He was indeed hungry and wouldn't turn down the invitation.
"How fairs my son?" she asked once they both had a chance to fill their plates and teacups.
"He is as reluctant to talk as ever, I'm afraid, but seems to be in good spirits," he said. "Did he mention anything about a new study partner over the winter break?"
The witch gave him a knowing look. "He may have mentioned the possibility of one. I counseled him that he must take every opportunity to improve his scores. NEWTS are only a year away you know," she supplied. "Was my council inadvisable?" she asked.
"It would seem not. As I said, he hasn't confided in me as of late, but he did take up the offer that the study partner presented," he said. He'd learned decades ago how to discuss a topic without ever mentioning it. It was a Slytherin specialty which Narcissa also excelled at. Surrounded as they were, one never knew who could be listening in. Pettigrew could very well be hiding nearby, the rat.
The woman smiled. "I'm glad he did. Studying can be such a difficult task without company," she replied.
"Yes, they were a good choice, if somewhat unconventional," he said. "I believe that the partner has been quite supportive in a number of ways, and his mood has quite improved over last semester. He seems to be quite driven which has given me cause to believe that his latest project will be a success."
"Oh, that's wonderful news," Narcissa said sweetly. "His father will be most pleased to hear that once he returns."
"Do you expect him soon?" Severus asked. So, there was to be another breakout. Albus would be interested in that.
"Bella did recently inform me that our husbands would be home before Draco returned from school," she supplied. It was obvious that she yearned to have her husband safe at home once more but was concerned about the arrival of the other escapees as well. He noticed the tremor in her hands once more. He couldn't tell if it was caused by fear or the after effects of a recent cruciatus.
"Are you well, Cissa?" he asked. He reached out to take her trembling hand.
"Of course, Severus. You worry too much. I'm only tired," she said unconvincingly.
"Please tell me if there is anything I can do for you?" Snape said earnestly. Narcissa had been a loyal friend for years now. He hated to think of her trapped on her own with no support. Her sister had proven to be less than concerned for the woman's welfare when it conflicted with her Lord's demands.
The witch gave him a weak smile. "Just keep my boy safe. That's all that matters now," she said before pulling away and directing the conversation to safer ground.
Once he'd left the manor he paused outside the gates and looked once more at the luxurious prison in which he'd left his friend. He could only hope that she would persevere in his absence. With a last weary sigh, he turned from the house and apparated back to the castle.