Unexpected Exposure
Leonor hurried through a busy Diagon Alley until the airy buzz changed into crude slang. Her wand was at the ready when she entered into the area devoted to a miserable side of life. The received missive had been held together by a black hair bobble. It looked like one of her own. The message expressed no urgency, but something made Leonor believe her help was honestly required. She left Hogwarts quickly after the departure of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang following some teachers into Hogsmeade.
Leonor checked bleached signposts while rushing through airless backstreets. It could be only a few more, narrow, cobbled streets before reaching the address. Tatty figures murmured indecipherable words when she passed. The sound of it created goose pimples on Leonor's skin. Despite knowing Knockturn Alley she'd never been in this far away area. At the end of the street, she entered into a backyard with a large gate. Leonor murmured 'Aloha-pax', controlling the mood of the surroundings. Everything pointed to a warm welcome, no distorting interferences stopped Leonor to ring the golden bell.
Nobody opened. A hunchback with a cane called something about 'closed since yesterday' and walked away with a cackle. The house held no name or number. The shutters were closed, maybe just because the sun shone mercilessly. Leonor rang again. There was no answer. She knocked forcefully and hoped to be still in time.
"Go away!" hissed a high-pitched female voice from inside.
"I've been told you are in need of a healer," called Leonor.
"We help ourselves. There's nothing to do for you." The voice ranted and swore until another deeper voice spoke calmly. Leonor knocked again.
"Who are you?" came it muffled through the closed entrance.
"Leonor Scott, a healer. I received information that you need help."
The gate opened a crack and Leonor squeezed herself inside. Her eyes adapted slowly to the half-light. The woman with the deep voice was about fifty; heavily painted and dressed in a housecoat. The room was stuffed with comfortable furniture. A golden pole marked the middle of a small dance floor. More eyes stared at Leonor in the dim room. The interior and clothes of the girls betrayed the profession. A heavy scent of vanilla wafted through the brothel. Nobody smiled and the illusion of buyable love didn't withstand the silence, everything issued an air of mundanity.
"Who gave you the information?" asked the older woman urgently and Leonor handed over the parchment with the hairband.
"There's no signature. Who sent you?" drawled the brothel madam.
"I don't know. I hoped you'd recognized the hairband." The madam only frowned and replied with disdain. "Black isn't our favourite colour. It's your style, Sweetie."
Leonor shrugged indifferently but agreed inwardly. "Well, if my help isn't needed. Have a good day!" Leonor turned to head back into the sunlit street. Just the large heavy door stopped her from leaving quickly.
"Wait!" The madam looked a bit friendlier and when Leonor confirmed that neither St. Mungo's nor the ministry sent her then she could follow into a small room upstairs.
A woman in Leonor's age sat on a large bed. A child cuddled up in the woman's lap. Both held the hand of another woman, obviously sleeping or unconscious. For an instant, Leonor thought that she'd been here already. It was a delusion; she could have seen the light-blue curtains and the auburn-haired woman at any of her patient's houses.
The madam hissed impatiently towards the woman on the bed. "Zora, let go for a while!"
"But it happened because of me! They wanted me! They always wanted me!" Zora almost screamed.
"It's not your fault. Silly girl! Give way to the healer!" soothed the madam.
Leonor stepped closer and the little boy slid from Zora's lap and pressed himself quickly into a corner, watching. Zora didn't move but didn't hinder the healer either.
Leonor removed the blanket carefully. An unconscious girl breathed shallowly. She was cold. Wrinkles covered the face. Ugly brown scab grew over in spots on the skin.
"What happened?" asked Leonor and felt a faint heartbeat.
"We were warned with a silvery light, it almost looked like an animal, a fragile deer — it spoke and disappeared quickly. The night was quiet, not much business. Minna was the last to shove a punter down the street after the warning. Three masked men appeared before we've been able to shut the gate completely. They noticed that we closed and sent a curse. They laughed when Minna tripped inside."
"Do you remember the curse?" Leonor continued to examine the girl. Only the beautiful blond hair bespoke that she was very young.
"They all shouted something. I could not make out the words. They swore; they called my name. They wanted me." The woman called Zora paused and waited until Leonor considered her.
"Will she be alright? Minna is so young—," asked Zora with concern when their eyes met.
At that moment Leonor could only nod, she was tongue-tied remembering where she saw the face framed by wild curls. She took some more minutes before asking Zora and the boy to leave the room. Leonor prepared herself to execute 'Finite Incantatem', but it was better if nobody watched except the madam.
It took about half an hour before the after-effects of the counter curse stopped. Minna quivered and muttered like in a trance before some colour returned to her cheeks and the cold hands became slightly warmer.
"She would have died, wouldn't she?" questioned the madam.
"It's possible," said Leonor. "It's been several curses at once. One was an ageing spell and the other a freezing charm. The freezing charm is the most life-threatening if not stopped after a few days."
"Death Eaters used such masks, long years ago. I hoped to never see them again."
Leonor nodded in response. "Do you have ways to defend yourself?"
"Well, we did. But in the past, the evil often arrived in troops, like wild monkeys. They just shagged the girls on the floor; they didn't curse nor kill. But there was still damage — if you know what I mean. I may consider closing down if it starts all over again."
"Maybe that's a wise decision," answered Leonor sadly.
"The girls have very little magic, no money or home. It will be difficult to flee even if there's a place to go and Minna's small boy—"
"Call me if you need a healer." Leonor handed a business card to the older witch. There wasn't much to do for now.
"Thank you," said the madam subdued. The boy and Zora returned, and more faces appeared in the door frame.
"She looks better!" whispered Zora. "The wrinkles go away!"
"She will be alright. I'll send you a potion against the scab. Minna will look like her age soon and the incrustation will fall off in the next week." Leonor gave a small smile to Zora and to the little boy who held patiently the hand over his mother.
"What can we do for you? We owe you—," said the madam.
"Nothing. Zora has a friend; thank him for warning you and sending me here. Be careful. It might not be the last attack. It might just be the start." Leonor looked the last time at Zora and remembered fully why the room felt painfully familiar.
Everybody looked now at Leonor and then at a speechless Zora, obviously nobody had an idea of the origin of a silver doe and the missive, not even Zora herself.
XXX
Hogwarts felt forlorn and empty. Leonor's steps echoed when she walked along the corridors. Sybill greeted Leonor mystically before disappearing once more into the seclusion of the seer's tower mumbling about battle and despair. Leaving the quarters on the seventh floor seemed to be decided definitely. The few belongings were packed nice and neat by Hattie. The old elf wept when Leonor said goodbye. Leonor would miss her too. A glance to the large mirror in the sleeping chamber created another warm feeling around Leonor's heart; nonetheless, it carried an overtone of melancholy; the necklace with the white diamond was still a daily companion.
Leonor stopped at the staff room just to hear that most teachers returned for a final staff meeting tonight. Dumbledore planned to announce the schedule for delivering exam results and Hogwarts letters. It was nothing of Leonor's concern anymore. Severus wasn't present either. She walked home and several voices fought in her head. The vanilla scent hung still in her nose. She was proud of being helpful to those needing it most. Severus warned them and cared for ensuring Zora was alright. There was nothing wrong with it. The auburn hair of Zora filled obviously every man with longing. The alabaster skin appeared delicate; the dim sunlight in the light-blue room tinted it with a nimbus. She was important to Severus, wasn't she? Leonor hated to compete with Zora. She even saw the sandy-haired boy initially as Severus son; not for long, but even the short moment gave mordant pain. Leonor disliked learning all those things about Severus Snape. What if he was one of those troops? What if he played that role well too? He had not been in the dungeon office to answer questions. Jealousy preyed inside the dark-haired witch; she hated the weakness to harbour that particular feeling.
Aberforth stood in the entrance when Leonor passed the pub. She considered going inside for a drink. The idea was born out of the horrid lonely feeling. It was no good idea. Leonor waved and nodded a greeting into Aberforth's direction. She took some letters out of the post box and went inside. Distraction solved everything, and she planned to feed the calendar with upcoming home visits. The to-do list was full and the top of it made a letter to the bird trader in France. The return of You-Know-Who made the order placed a long time ago even more important. She had to make sure to receive the precious bird soon. With some luck, a waiting time of four years could already be enough.
Leonor crossed the sales room with the empty grate; the intruder charms were still in place. Despite it, a sixth sense told Leonor that there was something odd. After a few steps, she stopped alarmed; a faint unclean smell of dirty sweat disturbed her and drove the enchanting vanilla out of Leonor's nose. The wand was at the ready and the mind closed when she called into the verging room.
"Is anybody waiting for me?"
The answer walked into the door frame, two tall, devilish grinning men and a ferociously looking woman. The gang leader was huge and drummed his wand to his hand, and the other two looked curious.
"What do you want inside my house? The door is over there!" Leonor pointed them to leave. But the sneer on the scarred faces bespoke the lost cause.
"No rush, sweetheart. We just want a talk! Sit down, relax!" The two companions giggled when Leonor tripped backwards into the direction of the lounge suit. She used a shield charm when the huge werewolf flicked his wand avoiding flying across the room unhindered. It egged only more on the intruders.
"We heard you care about half-breeds. Why not help us?"
"What do you want?" pressed the healer through gritted teeth.
"Stop feeding Wolfsbane to Dumbledore's nestling," drawled the smaller guy without giving the impression that it would make them leave even if Leonor agreed.
The three bad smelling persons circled Leonor and moved closer with every thread. Leonor felt how the colour left her face. Defending herself against three was almost impossible. The leader showed his brawny body. The big hands would mash Leonor without even needing a wand. She had one enemy at her back and two at the front. The wand of the woman played with strands of Leonor's hair, and she hissed to make her stop; a senseless approach.
"Tut-tut! Why so hostile?" piped the female werewolf. "Fancy a bite, don't you? Want to be one of us, hey?"
Leonor turned quickly casting a hex. But she only sent the deputy and the woman petrified to the floor. The reflex movements of the leader were quick, and he caught Leonor's arm. She pressed her palm against his wrist, and he howled in pain.
"Get along with you!" Leonor pointed her wand to his throat. But she was too close, far too close to send a good stunner at him. The unspoken burning charm kept him a few moments distracted. Then he overrun the trim witch with the full force of his body and crashed her against the wall; panting for breath, whispering ripe words and moving the stocky pelvic unmistakably.
XXX
It was hard to accept that a slight stinging soreness became familiar over the last couple of month; a painful continuous reminder of being alive and in charge to fulfil a promise. The noises of children and footsteps died away when the last student left minutes ago. Leonor hurried outside the Hogwarts boundaries followed by teachers shopping presents for returning home. Severus knew where she went. He strode back into the dungeon waiting for something to happen. There wasn't much to do until the exam results returned from the ministry and the preparation for the new school year started with refilling the potion's stocks. Severus took a book from the shelf. He planned to read until Dumbledore closed term with the last staff meeting tonight. Enjoying book and silence didn't last long. An unpleasant pain run through Severus' left forearm. A summons; a strong one meant that the Dark Lord forced all his strength into calling only one of his faithful Death Eaters. This time it was his call and Severus planned to be quick and in time. Voldemort obviously chooses the time according to the regular departure schedule of the Hogwarts Express knowing that Severus presence in lessons was no longer required.
Severus jacketed himself quickly into one of the heavier cloaks. He took the black mask from the bottommost drawer and stowed it into a large inside pocket together with a few flasks and the spare magic wand. He considered a second about informing the headmaster, but Albus often went for a drink to the local taverns when the castle got quiet. Severus didn't risk it. He hurried out of his office without even bothering to close the door. The wizard swiftly crossed yard and lawns before disappearing by touching the greyish skull with his wand. The far-off manor lay now in the sunny daylight of Little Hangleton. Grasses rocked in the wind. The nasty weight of the robes pressured the strain for good measure.
Wormtail stood in the entrance of the manor caressing the silver magic hand. The rat glanced at a pocket watch and exulted that 'the Dark Lord will be pleased about Severus' punctual arrival'. Severus felt nothing at that moment and walked steadily past Wormtail kneeling down in front of his master. The sparsely lit room offered no decoration, but delicately carved furniture bespoke the wealth of the long-gone landlords.
"My lord!" greeted Severus respectfully staring at the floor. The snake wound herself over the parquet floor and left more traces in the dust.
"Severus, please take a seat," Voldemort spoke softly and pointed to the armchair opposite himself. "There's no need to lower yourself to the floor. We are partners and we shall speak like that." It was a delusive invitation; nothing Severus believed anymore. The Dark Lord promised it to others, some didn't survive another hour.
"If you wish—" replied Severus quietly and took the offered seat. A small fire kindled in the large fireplace and Nagini snaked to the warm tiles and showed her tusks before settling for a nap. Voldemort patted the dry skin of the reptile gently. Severus watched the scene as if stroking a thighbone-thick snake was business as usual.
"You never feared Nagini, unlike Grabbe, Goyle, Nott, Lucius," stated the wizard in the greyish-white robes. Severus remained calm answering nothing. Accepting the snake had never been a big deal for him.
"You believe your information valuable to our cause?" Voldemort stared now into Severus eyes investigating hints of a lie. The spell run mercilessly through the skull crashing against built walls, pushing through a set of well-prepared intangible assets.
"Yes, my lord."
"Indeed, begin!" Voldemort gestured generously without leaving Severus a second of free breathing.
"Cornelius Fudge won't support Dumbledore. The minister doesn't believe your return. He fears the wizarding world will replace him if he tells the truth. Fudge ordered the death of Crouch Jr to avoid him speaking about you in a hearing. He's weak; clinging to the post in the ministry. Fudge is no threat to you, my lord."
"A pity that Barty is dead, my most faithful activist freed by his stupid parents. Crouch Sr underestimated his son," mused the hairless pale wizard. "Will Fudge fight against Dumbledore?"
"We'll have to see, but he left no doubts in telling Dumbledore that the ministry won't support him either."
"When did Dumbledore identify Barty Crouch?"
"After your return, my lord. The old man had no clue until Barty Crouch Jr captured Potter to learn more about you. Dumbledore trusted him even with the preparation of the goblet."
"Dumbledore's plans?"
"He informed the remaining members of the Order of Phoenix immediately. There is no meeting planned yet. He ordered me to join you again."
"Will you be invited to the order gatherings?"
"I believe so," said Severus self-assured.
"You hindered my return three years ago. I expected more support of you; I did from all those outside Azkaban. You all failed and one might think you were not waiting for my return?" The Dark Lord probed the mind of his follower. Legilimency throttled every brain wave building up a headache.
"I only heard about your presence when Dumbledore praised Potter. I thought Quirrell was a lunatic, following your ideas but awkward and clumsy. I believed him searching might for himself by killing the boy destined to be killed by you, and I couldn't stand he claimed anything for himself what belongs to you, my lord."
"Quirrell was pathetic in fact, but you saved Potter's life. I supposed to let the boy die of a reckless accident."
"I'm sorry to misinterpret your wishes. I followed Dumbledore's orders. He asked me to keep an eye on Potter. Dumbledore didn't fully trust me all those years. I assumed he tested my loyalty after the boy started school. I believed in doing you a favour saving the boy for you and remaining in Dumbledore's good books."
The Dark Lord stood up and started pacing the room. Nagini eyed Severus darting its tongue in and out. Faint rays of sunshine showed dancing specks of dust when Voldemort's robes swished through the parlour.
"Did Dumbledore explain details about Quirrell or the mysterious vanishing of the Weasley girl?"
"Not to anybody of the staff nor when I asked. I believe him clueless about Potters success in both cases. He spoke about sleepless nights finding an explanation, unsuccessful! He praised the boy as always, even though Potter is an ordinary mediocre student."
"Good, very good. I hear good news from you, Severus. You'll report right after the first and every follow-up meeting of the Order of Phoenix. No delays, whatever Dumbledore asks you to do. I trust you free yourself whenever I require your service."
"Of course, my lord." Severus gave a broad nod supported by a small respectful bow.
"I heard you were part of the events at the Quidditch world cup."
"Lucius organized it."
"Childish!" hissed Voldemort. "Same as Lucius' fear of the ministry! As if the old Weasley would discover anything at Malfoy Manor! Lucius should make use of the Gringotts vault instead of throwing valuable artefacts away!"
The Dark Lord sounded now genuinely upset. Severus raised an eyebrow but remained silent. He had no clue what You-Know-Who referred to. Lucius Malfoy needed to be warned later.
"Where are your children, Severus?" gloried the red-eyed tall thin figure. "You are claiming to be a respectable teacher and you are in no mood to have wife and children? Enough witches should be craving for pleasure."
"Unfortunately, I cannot offer new followers except helping those I'm teaching myself, my lord. I concentrated on other tasks."
"Like what? Teaching muggle-born brats?"
"Listening, spying, denouncing Gryffindor, supporting those loyal to you, keeping the Slytherin house on the right path, do Dumbledore's bidding and delivering you years of information!"
"It's necessary to reinforce our generation. Lucius told me about a healer, a witch you showed interest at the Yule Ball. I hope for Lucius the information is accurate?"
"It is correct."
"And?"
"A good healer, but too decent for my taste. If you know what I mean—" Severus sneered casually. "The profession brings the wrong attitude to make a good Death Eater or an interesting wife. I may reconsider if she proofs worthwhile in helping you to lead the wizarding world to better times. Some learn and turn the corner for the better. She's pretty, though."
"Good to hear that you are not interested. Lucius told me the witch is sympathising with Dumbledore recently. I've sent Fenrir Greyback and his folks to pressure her a little. I considered it a good punishment for you being late in our ranks." A hollow devilish laugh echoed through the room before Voldemort continued to speak again.
"A pity that werewolves produce only cute puppies otherwise Dumbledore's house of blood-traitors would soon be cleansed." Voldemort flicked his hand and the large doors closed with a bang. A howl of pain evoked from outside. Severus sneered menacingly at the door before speaking earnestly.
"With all due respect, Greyback isn't the right person to convince a healer to support us."
"What makes you think that I want the support of a filthy healer? Fenrir asked for permission to start public 'gaming'. Hogsmeade is a good place to wake the folks."
"May I suggest to wait and see? If Fudge and the Prophet keep quiet you can send your followers out without rush. Dumbledore plans to send the oaf Hagrid to persuade the giants to choose sides. That healer might be helpful in curing everybody. People tell a lot to a healer if they are treated well. We may take losses too, and she cannot hide behind the gates of St. Mungo's like most healers did in the past. She's working independent and alone, but her connections to the hospital and the ministry are good."
"Greyback will bite her right under Dumbledore's nose. Everybody will ask if the old man can save anybody. It should be in the Prophet and Fudge will badmouth about the great headmaster."
"My lord, I suggest using her to spy for information. She's informed about all admissions to St. Mungo's and their state of health. She may sympathise with Dumbledore, but Scott never admired him. That's why Lucius trusted her in the first place. She's not against our moral worth, a pure-blood of the Shafiq line shouldn't be wasted yet."
"You appear well-informed, Severus."
"I am," replied the dark-haired wizard calmly lowering his head humbly.
"Sly as always Severus Snape." Voldemort pointed his wand to Severus' left forearm causing an infernal pain and stopping any thought of success. "Be careful wanting too much! For now, tell Greyback to bite somebody else!" Another high-pitched laugh filled the room until the Dark Lord sat back to the chair patting Nagini.
"I will." Severus progressed intentionally slow to the door; hurry made Voldemort suspicious. Wormtail cowered in a chair at the wall still rubbing the ugly nose.
"—and make sure to dispose of the remains of that woman in case you are too late. Greyback always showed a lazy attitude towards cleaning up his bloody meals," called Voldemort gloating before Severus reached the exit. Severus continued leaving with steady steps into the light of the late afternoon. Hate surged up inside; occluding the mind stopped invaders, but neither emotions nor reason. The Dark Lord satisfied himself by playing with the emotions of the inferiors. Severus remained calm when Leonor's life was at stake; he made no mistake though the Dark Lord will remember to punish her in case Severus fails.
The spell 'Aloha-pax' is based on an idea of a friend and dedicated to all lovers of Hawaii!
It means love, affection, peace, compassion and mercy. Leonor is using it to make sure that the reception in a new place is friendly.