*Chapter 13*: The Forgotten Prophecy
When the mark of thunder shines upon one
One with fathers taken twice shall rise into the light
Plunging darkness into he will fall
Within him power will grow
Two paths here are laid
Light and Dark will be inside
Cleaving one into two
The answer lies with the givers of life
To show the path
Under the sea
"I think you need to go talk to the Amazons."
0
A tall, muscular witch with braided red hair stepped through the fireplace in the Snape ballroom. She wore thick gray over-robes that were belted at the waist and a thin gold circlet across her brow.
Her eyes fixed on Hermione and she smiled cordially. "You must be Madam Hermione Snape."
Hermione was relieved the Amazonian witch was fluent in English.
As per instruction, Hermione had been waiting for the Amazonian representative alone, although Severus had insisted in waiting in the next room over in case of emergency.
"Yes," said Hermione, inclining her head. "I hope these arrangements didn't prove to be too much trouble."
"It was an amusing project to work on. Your Floo system is quite amazing." said the witch in an odd accent. She bowed. Her thick grey over-robes were parted, and Hermione saw she was wearing white robes cut like a toga underneath. "I am Alexandra. It is my honor to act as ambassador for the Amazons."
"It's a pleasure," Hermione said.
Alexandra reached into her robes and pulled out a rubber duck. She held it out to Hermione.
Hermione placed her hand on the Portkey and with a 'pop' they were gone.
They reappeared on a small, stable sheet of ice floating in the ocean. The position of the sun told Hermione they were several time zones away.
Icebergs and smaller chunks of ice slowly passed by as the sheet of ice seemed to drift in a specific direction. As they rounded an enormous iceberg, Hermione breathed in sharply.
A tower of ice rose thousands of meters out of the water and into the clear sky. Small slit windows fitted with tinted clear ice were set into the smooth material.
A drawbridge of made of thick carved ice began to descend as Hermione and Alexandra grew closer. Frosted ice links formed into chains that slowly lowered the football field sized bridge.
When it finally stopped, the tip of the drawbridge barely made a splash in the water.
At the top of the drawbridge, a giant set of wooden doors greeted them. Hermione was relieved to see a smaller door in one of the larger ones for people to easily come and go.
Alexandra pressed a delicate hand that was wearing a pretty blue ring to a panel on the door and murmured a word.
Purple lightning flashed across the ancient wood doors, and there was a loud grinding sound before there was a small click and she pushed the door open.
The entire first floor was one immense white room with the ceiling over twenty feet above the women milling about in it. Sunlight that reflected off the walls and illuminated the room. White staircases spiraled up support poles, accented with gold wrought handrails of ivy.
Alcoves lined the walls and witches in different light-colored toga-style robes popped in and out with a burst of amber flame. Hermione wondered if they were hooked up to a secure Floo Network, hence the amber flames instead of the green she was used to.
Enchanted doves carved out of ice flew about with parchments and scrolls, seeking out different women.
"This is incredible," Hermione breathed.
"A lot of thought went into it," Alexandra said proudly. "It holds some of the most valuable and rare books in the world."
"I hope you'll be able to help us," Hermione admitted.
"If we can't, I'm not sure who will be able to," Alexandra said. She made a face like she had just smelled something foul. "No doubt you have already asked the Brotherhood for help."
"They helped us with part of our problem, but another has come up," said Hermione as Alexandra stepped onto one of the spiraling staircases. Hermione was relieved to see the stairs moving of their own accord. "Our answer was rather cryptic."
"All things of true importance are," said Alexandra sympathetically. "Hopefully my mother will be able to help you."
It was cool, but not cold in the tower of ice. The walls were enchanted to prevent them from melting and to prevent the occupants from freezing. They passed several unmarked identical landings and Hermione wondered how often women got lost.
Alexandra stepped off the winding staircase at a landing, and Hermione followed Alexandra down a stark, white hallway until they arrived at a door with the head of an eagle etched into it.
The door slid upwards after Alexandra laid a hand on it, and Hermione was shocked at the interior of the room.
No windows decorated the walls. Dark wood paneling made the room look smaller than it was and only a few candles burned for light. A few dark colored, comfortable looking chairs crowded the room and a tiny, elderly witch was hunched over a parchment, scribbling furiously and sitting behind a large oak desk. Piles of books were everywhere.
"Hello." She smiled as Alexandra and Hermione wound their way around the chairs and stacks of books. Her small wrinkled face beamed at them, and her white hair was pulled behind her in a thick braid.
"This is the girl, mother," said Alexandra, bobbing.
"I am Sophia," said the older witch to Hermione with, surprisingly, a hint of Scottish brogue in her voice. "And you have a problem."
"Yes, I do," said Hermione, reaching into an inside pocket of her robes. She brought out Charlie's translation.
"You do not have the original?" Sophia asked, taking the translation.
"Not with me," said Hermione.
Alexandra snorted.
"Have you seen the original?" asked Sophia, pointedly ignoring her daughter.
"Yes, I have," said Hermione.
"Get the Pensive, Alexandra," said Sophia. "And tea, dear. Thank you."
Sophia waited until she Alexandra was busying herself with a small tea service in the corner before turning to Hermione again. "You had to find a translator?"
"Yes," said Hermione. She hoped she wasn't going to be chastised.
Sophia rose and walked out from around her table, leaning on a thin knobby cane. Her toga-robes were dark grey and tied with a pewter cord with gold tassels.
"Why didn't the Brotherhood have a translation?" asked Sophia.
"I don't know," said Hermione.
"Probably because they didn't know what it was," snorted Sophia. "Damn hoarders. Don't even know half of what they have. Only look for the prophecy after trouble's already started. Bunch of buffoons."
"Here's the Pensive," said Alexandra, setting a wide stone bowl on Sophia's desk.
"Have you ever used one of these before?" Sophia asked.
"Yes," said Hermione, taking her wand out and placing the tip to her temple. She pulled a smoke-like thought about the parchment from her head and placed it carefully in the bowl.
Sophia put her face in the bowl. Hermione watched as Alexandra waved her hand and shrank some of the books and furniture so there was room for them to sit and drink their tea.
Hermione blinked. Was it the ring? No one had wands.
Sophia pulled her head out of the bowl and smiled at her daughter. "I do need to tidy up, don't I?" She cackled merrily as she tottered over to a large green chair.
Hermione placed her thought back into her head and sat in a purple chair near a small table.
Sophia waved her hand and a plate of biscuits appeared. "Your translator was good. One of the Brothers?"
"Friend of the family," Hermione said, shaking her head.
"Convenient," said Sophia, nodding as she took a cup and dipped a biscuit in it.
"What do you need to know?" asked Sophia. She leveled a look at Hermione.
"Well, I think it's about Harry Potter," Hermione said hesitantly. "I would think the mark of thunder would mean his scar. And his father and godfather were both taken from him."
Sophia nodded.
"What else?" the elder Amazon asked.
"It sounds as if Harry's going to have a struggle between dark and light within him," said Hermione uncomfortably. "Are they suggesting Harry's going to be tempted to join Voldemort, because if they are -"
"We don't know anything," interrupted Sophia. "Continue."
"Then it says the givers of life will show the path to under the sea," said Hermione. "That's where it confuses us."
"Such things are never conveniently clear." Sophia nodded as she poured herself another cup of tea and waved off Alexandra when she tried to help her. "Perhaps it is not meant to be clear to you yet."
Hermione frowned.
"But what if it's important and I don't see it?" Hermione worried aloud.
"Then you are not the only person who did not see it," said Sophia. "We will be here for whatever you need."
"You are very gracious," said Hermione, recognizing a dismissal when she heard one. "Thank you."
"We'll be in touch with you," Sophia said as Hermione rose to leave. "We'd like to stay informed of events."
"Absolutely," Hermione said, relieved. She hadn't blown it. "We'll be waiting for your communication."
Hermione walked into the kitchen just after noon, and was greeted by the sight of Severus and Charlie eating piroshkis.
"How did it go?" asked Charlie, handing her one.
"They're staying in touch," said Hermione.
"Are you serious?" asked Charlie, his jaw dropped.
"Why? Is this bad?" Hermione worried.
"On the contrary," said Severus. "It is exceptionally good news. Cherv!"
The little house-elf scuttled around the corner and into the kitchen at Severus' command.
"A bottle of wine," barked Severus. "We have celebrating to do."
"Yes, master," said Cherv happily.
Hermione threw a look at Severus, which he ignored.
Cherv zipped away and returned shortly with an opened bottle of wine and three glasses on a silver tray.
Hermione, Charlie and Severus toasted Hermione's good fortune, although she still wasn't sure what they were so happy about.
"How did it go?" asked Charlie.
"She said if we don't see it maybe we aren't meant to yet."
"Typical," spat Severus. He muttered to himself as he took a deep drink from his glass.
"Maybe when they owl me, they'll be further along," said Hermione.
"When they owl you?" Severus asked sharply. "Not when they contact the Order, but when they'll owl you?
"Sophia said they'd owl me," said Hermione hotly. "I'm their contact. It makes sense."
"You're born an Amazon, Hermione. They don't recruit," Charlie said suspiciously with a sidelong look to Severus. "They normally don't even talk to outsiders."
"Then why me?" Hermione squeaked.
"That's a very good question," said Severus. His face darkened. "One would think they'd go to Dumbledore. Stay on your toes."
"I will," promised Hermione. "Maybe they're interested in me because I'm so close to Harry."
"That would make sense." Charlie folded his arms. "But I'm not sure it's good news."
"Be careful when dealing with them," Severus cautioned. "We don't know what to expect."
0
"Are you sure, Mother? All the way to Atlantis? No one's had contact with them for centuries."
"It will be a difficult journey," admitted Sophia. "And it will be an important story. If we can get the girl interested in us now, we can get the chronicle firsthand."
"Does she have any idea what is going to happen to her friend?" Alexandra asked.
"No," said Sophia sadly. "It is best she does not know. Her anger will fuel her determination."
"It must be a burden to see prophecies so clearly," said Alexandra, feeling sorry for her mother.
"Perhaps," said Sophia shrugging. "But I have never known any other way."
Sophia padded out of her office, her silk slippers making a soft noise on the floor as she walked to the moving staircase and rode it up to the library.
It was going to be a long day.
0
"I think we should go out for dinner," said Severus suddenly. "We need to be seen out together. Do you like the ballet?"
They had been looking through his father's library for anything pertaining to the prophecy, a dull, dreary task that had taken up most of the day and had produced nothing.
"Dinner would be nice," said Hermione hesitantly. "I've seen ballet on the telly, but I've never been."
"It's a new type of experimental theater. Opera and ballet on the same stage. Be prepared to leave at seven o'clock." He shuffled a stack of papers.
"I will," said Hermione. Part of her was confident. Another part of her worried what to wear.
0
The house-elf, Sloozhanka, buttoned the back of Hermione's red velvet dress robes.
The last hook clasped behind her neck as she sat on the small stool in front of the vanity in her room at the Snape estate.
"I'm really sorry for the inconvenience," Hermione apologized to the little elf.
"No need for sorry," said Sloozhanka in a thick Russian accent. "Is a pleasure to help madam prepare for ballet."
Sloozhanka was one of the elves that wore the Snape household uniform. It was a scaled down version of robes with a different color corresponding to each section of the household. Sloozhankas were blue because she was considered household staff.
The small elf waved a wand over Hermione's head, and Hermione watched as her curls tamed down to ringlets, and the elf clipped her hair into place with a bronze barrette inlaid with red gems. Hermione was pleased to know, at least here, elves were allowed restricted use of wands, because they were considered tools.
"Madam has such pretty hair," Sloozhanka pouted as she rearranged the curls into a more natural looking cascade.
"When it behaves itself," said Hermione sarcastically. "Which is rarely."
"I could do madam's every day," the elf offered, giving Hermione's hair a final pat.
"I don't think that's necessary," said Hermione reluctantly. "I keep odd hours and it would be too much trouble."
"If you decide otherwise, pull the silver tassel near the bed," said Sloozhanka. "You can summon me that way."
She hopped off the wooden footstool she was standing on. "I think madam is ready."
Hermione looked at herself in the mirror. Her deep red robes were high necked with beaded flowers in black crystal decorating the front. Her hair was pulled behind her head, but it fell free, long curls snaking their way over her shoulders.
"Thank you," said Hermione, and the elf bowed out of the room. At least some of the elves weren't afraid to be freed, although the bowing would have to go.
Severus popped his head into her rooms, and Hermione turned to face him.
Her skin glowed golden in the amber shaded hurricane lamps. The rubies in her hair glittered in the flickering light. Severus' chest tightened.
His body froze as she turned. The heavy robes slid across the stone floor in a perfect swishing motion; one perfect moment etched forever in his mind. He felt as if ice had caught flame in his veins.
She could never, would never, be his.
Hermione looked at Severus.
His hair was once again tied back, this time with a ribbon that matched her dress. His layered black silk robes were short in front, showing black silk trousers, leather boots, and white frilled shirt. The rest of his robes trailed behind him in a flutter. He had a strange look on his face and she felt her knees go weak.
His eyebrows furrowed, and Hermione began to giggle.
"What's so funny?" he asked.
"You need a three-pointed hat and an eye patch," Hermione giggled.
"Arrr," Severus indulged himself. He opened a wooden box, and a pair of ruby earrings matching her dress lay inside on a pillow of purple satin.
"Wow," Hermione whispered. She looked at Severus.
"They're Mother's. She always wears them with that dress," said Severus as he tried to hurry her along. "We need to get going."
Hermione fastened the rubies to her ears and Severus helped her into a black fur cloak.
"I doubt it will be chilly," said Hermione. "I'm already dressed too warmly for summer, especially with the sun out all the time."
"The theatre will be cool so people will be comfortable in more formal attire," Severus explained.
He offered her his arm, and they walked down to the ballroom, so they could Floo to the theatre.
Charlie whistled at them as they passed by the door to the den.
Hermione paused and looked in the door at him. He was reading a book with one leg flung over the arm of a red chair. His t-shirt, bare feet and jeans with a hole in one knee was a drastic opposite to Hermione and Severus.
"What are you going to see?" asked Charlie.
"Faust," said Severus.
Charlie bit his bottom lip and hid it with his book.
"I hear it's lovely," Charlie said, sneaking a look at Hermione. She hadn't the faintest idea what it was about.
"It happened to be what was playing," snarled Severus.
Hermione looked at him oddly, but was afraid to ask.
At the show, Hermione watched the tragedy unfold. A decent man fell to darkness and embraced depravity. She watched Faust kill his potion-seduced love's brother because he threatened to keep them apart. When he ran to Walpurgis Night, she grinned at the prancing mythical creatures. When Hermione saw his love, her belly full of child, on trial for his crimes, she scowled. When death came in the end, his love followed the light and he fell to the abyss.
Hermione felt Severus slip a handkerchief in her hand. She sniffled as she took it and dabbed at the tears leaking from her eyes.
She was moved by the piece. He hoped she would enjoy dinner.
Perhaps he was just getting his hopes up and he was becoming a stupid old man.
The food at the Wizarding restaurant was French, and small plates of food kept appearing in front of Hermione as she finished the few bites each course allowed her.
"How many courses are there?" asked Hermione. She watched warily as the wine in her glass refilled itself.
"I'm not sure," said Severus absently as he examined a tiny, one-bite artichoke. "Fifteen?"
"Good Lord," Hermione said weakly.
0
Hermione and Severus stumbled across the dim ballroom floor drunkenly giggling, the only light was filtered in from the doorway to the dining room but there seemed to be a faint, soft glow from above.
"Shhh," warned Severus, stopping suddenly. "Gonna wake whotsface."
"Charlie?" Hermione offered with another giggle.
"Him," agreed Severus, raising his finger. He looked at it. He moved it back and fourth, watching it. "How many fingers am I holding up?"
Hermione grabbed his finger and pushed his hand down. "Shhh!"
"That's what I said," said Severus insistently.
Hermione looked down at her feet and watched the ripples her robes made.
"I used to dance in here as a child," admitted Severus, shuffling his feet and making the waves seem to rise a few inches. Hermione grinned at him.
"Your mother probably thought it was adorable," said Hermione.
"My mother always thinks I'm adorable," Severus grimaced. "The woman has a very loose grip on reality."
"I like your mother," said Hermione, making a face at him, watching him dance a sloppy jig, causing the floor to wave into an 'S' pattern under him. "You must have had a lot of time on your hands."
"You'd be amazed," said Severus. "Tango!" he cried suddenly. He seized her hands and spun her around.
It probably would have helped if Hermione knew how to tango.
It also would have helped if her thick robes didn't have a train. Her legs were almost immediately bound together, and she stumbled into Severus, and they fell to the floor in a heap.
"That wasn't the best idea," said Severus, now laying on his back, staring at the ceiling.
Hermione noticed it was inset with small glowing crystals in the shape of constellations. She rubbed her forehead with a scowl. "Imagine that."
Severus looked at her quizzically.
"You elbowed me."
"In the head?" asked Severus incredulously, still lying on the ballroom floor. "How did I do that?"
"Damned if I know," said Hermione, laying beside him and staring at the ceiling. "That's pretty."
"My grandpapa enchanted it to glow. Before that it was just painted roses," said Severus. He sighed. Then he raised himself on one elbow and kissed her. He lay back down beside her and instantly regretted it.
Hermione was surprised. She chanced a glance at him.
He lay back staring at the ceiling. Well she didn't scream. Perhaps she's still stunned.
He would have to apologize for his inappropriate behavior tomorrow.
He started as her face appeared above his, blocking his view of the stars. Before he could begin apologizing, she pressed her lips to his.
Then she lay next to him and snuggled against his side.
She was beautiful, and either she had way too much wine or she actually fancied him.
His head swam. His groin tightened. She was a pretty girl, very smart, his parents liked her… this was madness.
If the marriage was consummated, he would never agree to divorce.
Hermione laid a hand on his chest. He had kissed her. She had worked up her nerve and kissed him. Now he was just laying there. Maybe he hadn't liked it when he kissed her and was repulsed now? She wondered whether she should remove her hand from his chest when he turned on his side and pressed his lips to her forehead.
She shyly reached a hand up and placed it on the side of his face. It was smooth from being freshly shaven, and he smelled like sandalwood. He drew a single finger down her jaw line. She shivered.
They kissed again and Hermione fought off the urge to wrap a leg around him.
"This is a very inappropriate place for this," whispered Severus hoarsely.
"We should go to bed." She was glad it was dark so he couldn't see how red her face was.
He rose to his feet and held a hand out to her. She struggled to her feet under her voluminous robes and straightened skirts.
"You're beautiful," said Severus, looking down on her, and he meant it.
Hermione bowed her head, and Severus imagined she was blushing prettily.
He leaned down to kiss her again and felt her arms encircle his waist. He tried to avoid pressing his erection into her.
She seemed to take this as a challenge and pressed into him. He opened his eyes and looked at her. He parted his lips and flicked at her lips with his tongue.
Her eyes flew open to see his eyes. She snaked a hand down to his buttocks and deepened their kiss.
Severus groaned. He should have known better than to think she had never engaged in at least a few heavy petting sessions during her time at Hogwarts. She wasn't shy.
Hermione's mind went completely blank.
Her head was light from all the wine, her body felt like it was in overdrive, and Severus was obviously attracted to her. She heard him groan and she broke their kiss.
Severus saw her catch her breath and was surprised when she went for his collar and began kissing and nipping at his neck.
"Bedroom," he gasped out.
Severus saw in the low light of his bedroom that Hermione had flushed a most bewitching color of pink. Severus felt his mind catch fire.
It took him forever to undo the hundred little buttons up the back of her dress. He had felt too tipsy to wield his wand at her and had undone them by hand.
He undid the three buttons to his robes, and they slid heavily to the floor.
He leaned down to kiss her as she undid his trousers and they fell. He broke their kiss and pulled his shirt over his head.
He kissed the back of her hand and led her to the bed.
"Perhaps this wasn't the best idea, after all," groaned Severus, instantly regretting the whole thing as soon as he felt her hands on him.
He couldn't control himself. She was young and sweet, and the wine was buzzing around his head. He had to leave.
"Why?" said Hermione, pulling back from him.
"I don't know if I'll be able to control myself," he said through clenched teeth.
"Do you promise?" she whispered in his ear and flicked it with her tongue.
He slid a hand under her undershirt.
"I would like to kiss you here," he said hoarsely.
She nodded at him shyly and helped him take her undershirt off. She buried her fingers in his hair as he kissed and caressed her.
"Take your pants off, Severus." Hermione groaned as he nibbled at her.
"Hermione-" Severus began.
"We're married, Severus," said Hermione with a groan of… was that exasperation?
"If we do that, we have to stay married," Severus warned. Surely the girl would be dissuaded by that idea.
"Take your pants off, Severus," Hermione squirmed against him impatiently.
Well, if it's what she wants…
She felt him rise and lay on her. Something both rock hard and velvety soft nudging between her legs.
"I need you," moaned Severus into her hair. He felt the beads of sweat forming in his brow as he fought his instincts.
"Oh, God, Severus," Hermione burst out; eyes squeezed shut as he nudged her where she wanted him the most. "Fuck me."
He was taken over the edge by her obscenity and began pushing himself into her without regret.
"I want to make you come," Severus growled in her ear. Not knowing, not even caring where her new boldness came from.
"To the left," said Hermione through clenched teeth, before kissing him violently and bucking up to meet him.
Severus shifted and he heard Hermione begin a low moan underneath him. He moved faster.
Severus heard her cry out loudly and shudder. He slowed down, but kept moving inside her. He continued a steady rhythm, placing soft kisses on her shoulders. She purred soft nothings to him and scratched his back as he took his pleasure from her.
When he was done, Severus collapsed on her.
Hermione opened her eyes and looked at him. She ran a finger over the little worry crease between his eyebrows. "What's wrong?"
"I'm wondering if you're going to regret this tomorrow," said Severus, truthfully.
Hermione leaned over and kissed the end of his nose.
"I regretted not taking advantage of you the morning I woke up and you were dry humping my bottom," said Hermione, giggling and sinking under the covers.
"You were awake?"
"How was I supposed to sleep through that?" asked Hermione, reaching for him as he lay back on the bed.
Severus turned her on her side. "This?"
Hermione was surprised to feel him ready again. She snuggled back into him, and he inhaled the scent of her hair.
He slid into her easily and finished again.
Severus looked down at his wife, gently withdrawing himself and leaving the bed to get his wand before he performed a cleaning charm.
Hermione snuggled back against him when he returned and sighed contentedly. She took one of his arms and wrapped it around her. He relaxed against her form and felt his heartbeat against her.
She was lovely.
Molly Weasley was going to kill him.