Chapter Ten

The Body Guard

"You must take me to him," Snape said to Ron.

"Not on your life!" Ron answered and the two stood glaring at one another.

Hermione watched with wide eyes shifting from one man to the other. She had never seen Ron looking so resolved and determined; and the other, her former teacher, looked more frightening then he had ever looked in a classroom.

Lupin shook off the shock and stepped forward. "Why would you ever do such a thing, Ron? Hermione?" he asked turning to her.

"He trusts me," Ron said. "He knows his parents were betrayed by one of their best friends and he thought it was a horrible idea. We wanted to persuade him it couldn't happen again and I'm going to make sure it doesn't. He's safe as long as I am alive."

"Really," Snape said and sneered menacingly and Ron looked at him with such a deadly stare that Snape narrowed his eyes and finally gave one respectful nod to him.

Lupin shook his head and said, "Don't you see we need to warn him?"

"I know where he is," Hermione said.

"That may be true, Hermione, but you can press your face up against the window of every house in London and never see him; not as long as he has a secret-keeper!" Lupin turned away in exasperation. They could all hear people at the front door as the Black woman's voice had now become something of a door chime when someone arrived. "And now Ron is in as much danger as Harry is."

"I'll go to him and warn him," Ron said matter-of-factly.

"I'll go with you," Hermione offered quickly.

Lupin turned around and spoke quietly, "You and Hermione, were to be sworn in as a members of the Order tonight. It's the only way to keep you safe! You will follow my orders and stay here. Honestly, what made you do this when Harry's parents were betrayed by their secret-keeper?! I would have thought it was the last thing you could do to him."

Ron looked as if he were in pain.

Hermione jumped in. "It was my idea."

"And he agreed to it?!" Remus snapped. "Judgment day is upon us boys and girls and you are playing with magic."

"We weren't playing," Hermione said defensively. "Harry thinks he has to do this all alone. It was a way for us to help him. He has to trust in someone...why not his friends? Neither Ron or I would betray him."

"Oh you think not?" Snape intervened. "How long do you think you would remain silent under torture? Shall we find out?" His naked long white fingers twitched at his robe pocket.

Ron glared at him and turned red while Hermione watched Lupin.

Lupin once again rasped, "I was just congratulating myself on the fact that I had such a bright talented witch to rely on, Hermione." He circled the table and turned to Ron who stood at attention and stared straight ahead as if being interrogated. "Will you tell me even if I order you to?" Lupin asked, this time he was asking gently although it was clear he was still angry.

Ron looked mortified and then shook his head.

Snape spoke before he could answer, "Don't bother." People began to enter the room. Some were startled that he was present. "I will find Slughorn and it will be a simple task to wait until Potter shows up, but I must go now."

Remus was still looking at Ron when he nodded in agreement "Alright Severus. I think that is our only course of action at this point."

"Why are you trusting him!" Ron said venomously. "You believe him just because he says he didn't kill Dumbledore? We've said it all along that he's still Voldemort's servant!"

Hermione took his arm and she nodded. "He's right. I've wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt." She glanced at Snape and then back at Lupin. "But I have to agree with Ron this time."

"You don't have to hunt me down." A voice from the shadows of the hallway reached their ears and Harry stepped into the room. His appearance was so changed that they stared at him in surprise. He had slipped in along with the others.

Hermione was the first to reach him and give him a hug. He smiled briefly at her and waited patiently for her to step aside. He walked to their small circle and Ron started to speak.

"It's alright, Ron." Harry nodded to him and glanced at the people entering and filling the room. "Go and help everyone get situated; you and Hermione. I want to talk to Remus and to Professor Snape."

Snape looked at him with one eyebrow raised and Remus once again leaned against the table, his arms folded. "Good to see you, Harry," he said. "I don't mind saying I have been worried about you. I was about to have kittens when Ron said he was your secret-keeper." He was looking grim. "I have people who are putting their lives on the line for you...and your friends...and you disappear and don't let me know."

Harry looked at him and his eyes wandered over to Ron. He nodded and sighed, "Yes, Ron is my secret-keeper and I didn't let you know. I'm responsible. It's not important right now, Remus. There are more important things to discuss. I know you won't understand but would you mind terribly if we talk later. I think we need to talk about my plans to go and see Slughorn tonight. I'm sure they told you that was what I intended to do." Lupin's eyes met his and Harry could feel the many questions he held back. He continued, "I'd like to talk to Professor Snape if you don't mind. Then I understand Hermione and Ron are to be sworn in as members of the Order. I'd like that to."

Lupin was shaking his head almost in defeat. "I'm very upset about this and we have to discuss the rules around here. For now I will let it rest because I have other issues to deal with. I can't initiate you into the order Harry because you must be of age. Tomorrow is your birthday. I will do it then."

Harry sighed and said, "Alright, I understand. Let's hope I'm around tomorrow." Remus gave him a sharp look and he turned to Snape, "Could I see you in the hallway, Professor Snape?"

Harry knew Snape was perplexed by his behavior but was not going to show it. The last time they had met he had tried to kill him and thought him a murderer. Now, he was treating him with respect.

Lupin was looking absolutely murderous and stood up to join the others in the room. "Fine! But we will talk after the meeting. Go ahead, Severus," he said quickly. "I will talk to everyone and give them their assignments. Fifteen minutes and no longer. It's deadly to have everyone in the same room. We must get this meeting over quickly."

Harry stepped into the hall and walked towards the kitchen and then waited until the man joined him. He opened the door to the kitchen checked to make sure it was clear and stepped in. He held the door and waited. Snape also stepped in. He looked grim and suspicious.

Harry took a deep breath and began speaking. "My mother sent me a personal letter. Sirius had it until he died and then it was sent to my aunt at his request and as a part of his will."

Snape nodded once and replied, "I am aware you received a diary... you say a personal letter..."

"Yes," Harry understood what his question was before he asked it. "Yes, it recorded her voice; a recording is a muggle device... she used a charm to speak to me through her letter." He waited for a moment and then continued. "We don't have much time. I have questions for you and I'm sure you have many for me. They will have to wait. I know you loved her."

He watched the dark eyes widen. It was the only indication that what he was saying was verified. He had wanted to surprise him with the information. "Dumbledore told me once the greatest weapon I have against Voldemort is the ability to love, to not let my feelings turn to anger and revenge so much so that it consumes me and I can't feel anything else. I think...your feelings for her have been the only thing that kept you...has kept you alive. I think your master would have killed you long ago if he knew the truth." Harry hurried on. "She explained what happened when she was captured." He felt himself shaking slightly with nervousness, but waited.

Snape inhaled and leaned back against the door of the kitchen as if he had lost all strength to hold himself upright. "If she told you what happened then you know HE is not my master."

"It's hard to know WHO you serve, Professor Snape," Harry replied.

Snape stared at him. "Such respect. I would have thought it would be beyond you."

Harry sniffed in derision. "Yes, well... I don't think you deserve it or have earned it, but I owe you something for having helped my mother at one time; for putting your life at risk. And, she cared about you and trusted you. That's not to say that I do- or ever will- you got her killed in the end."

Snape's face changed ever so slightly when he heard the words. "So why have you not tried to kill me? You were trying, without success, the last time we met," he said.

Harry studied the man and laughed without humor. "Kill you? Yes... well I've wanted that; I thought you killed, Dumbledore. I've also wanted a chance to make you suffer as much as you have made me suffer. If I had not gotten my mother's letter I probably would have tried."

"You believe I did not kill Dumbledore?" Snape breathed.

Harry shook his head. "I don't know what to believe. I was there and saw you do it."

"Obviously you now have second thoughts."

Harry walked slowly in front of him and turned to study the room. He had not seen Snape since the night of Dumbledore's death. "I need a reason to trust you. You could have killed me that night and you didn't. As a matter-of-fact after I thought about it I realized you went out of your way to not kill me. But that's not enough."

"I could have killed you many times if I had wanted to," Snape said quietly. It was clear he was gauging the situation. He looked uncomfortable.

Harry shook his head again. "I know that's not true. My mother told me what you did for her and I also know you are sworn to protect me. You can't kill me, although I don't doubt you'd like to." He continued before Snape could interrupt. "It must have been hard to convince your master you needed to keep me alive."

Minutes went by in silence and finally Snape shook his head slowly and said, "He was grateful you were still alive since he could use you to resurrect himself. After that it became more difficult. He is an advanced Legilimens and it is very difficult to lie to him; and, he is not my master."

"Oh, no?" Harry ran his hand along the table.

"He sent Malfoy to spy on me," Snape began. "He was to disguise himself using a potion...it is called Polyjuice. When taken it transforms a person into a look-alike. He took it to become me."

Harry stopped and waited. This was new information.

"I knew of the Horcruxes. Albus had told me about his research into Riddle's past life. My objective was to tell the Dark Lord what Dumbledore discovered."

Harry stopped cold and glared at him. Before he could speak, Snape continued, "It was Dumbledore who suggested it. Dumbledore wanted to know what the objects were and where they could be located. Dumbledore was always closely watched, his business would have become known to the Dark Lord very quickly and he knew it. So he fed him information and misinformation through me," he continued quickly when Harry opened his mouth to speak.

"The Dark Lord, on his part, wanted to know how much Dumbledore knew; how close he was getting to discovering any of them." Snape nodded when he saw the look of disbelief on Harry's face. "He was so sure of himself that he didn't think Dumbledore could find them and if he did; he could not destroy them. He thinks he is invincible and it is a weakness on his part. I was between them, passing on information to both."

"That hardly makes sense," Harry said. "You're only telling me you had divided loyalties."

Snape ignored the remark and continued. "Lucius took up residence at my home. One evening his wife Narcissa Black and Bellatrix Lestrange showed up at the door. They were not aware it was Lucius, they thought it was me. Wormtail was there, but is of no consequence, since he was sent to keep watch and make detailed reports to the Dark Lord about my behavior; about my loyalties, as you say. He was not aware that it was Lucius."

"Where were you?" Harry asked.

"I was sent, as always, during summer break, to follow Dumbledore," Snape said casually. "I did not know the Dark Lord didn't trust me any longer, a risk I have lived with for a very long time and one that has grown tiresome."

"You argued with Dumbledore," Harry said.

Snape looked surprised and nodded. "The Dark Lord was developing a plan that did not include me. I found out about it later, when, routinely I used Legilimens on Wormtail to find out what was going on. The Dark Lord does not confide his plans to any one person. However, I make it a practice to learn the details from many sources. This time, Narcissa Black went to my house and wanted me- who just happened to be Lucius- to protect Draco. She believed the Dark Lord had made him a Death Eater, had given him the mark- which he did- and gave him a task to perform."

"The task being?" Harry asked again.

"She believed he was to kill Dumbledore," Snape said and stepped over to a chair. He pulled it out and sat down. "She wanted me-Lucius- to protect him and if necessary carry out the task. It is ridiculous to think about it since the Dark Lord would never put such a task into the hands of a boy. Dumbledore was not a stupid man. He knew immediately who was trying to kill him when the poison necklace was found. He also knew Madam Rosmerta had given it to the girl. Draco's attempt was obvious." He shook his head and very carefully pulled out his wand and he waited for Harry to nod before giving it a tiny wave and setting a cup of steaming hot tea before him. "I did not know at the time and tried to persuade Draco to tell me what it was he was doing. I was not successful."

"Go on," Harry said. "We have very little time. What was Voldemort's plan if it wasn't to kill Dumbledore?"

Snape smirked and said, "There are layers of plans Mr. Potter; layers and layers.

Harry frowned and bit his lip to keep silent. He heard the sarcasm and snideness entering Snape's voice again. Snape continued without noticing his irritation. " I believe the Dark Lord had another task for Draco, although Draco was not aware of it. He wanted him to prepare a way for him to enter Hogwarts, to get past Dumbledore's charms and the magical barriers that surround the school."

Harry shook his head, "Why couldn't you just meet him at the gate and let him in? Why go to the bother? What did Voldemort want- to get in and kill Dumbledore himself?" Harry asked, now fascinated.

"No, he didn't enter Hogwarts with the intention of killing Albus," Snape said, ignoring the first question. "I think he wanted something that was in the school. He went to the castle when you and Dumbledore were gone. Malfoy used the Imperious curse on Madam Rosmerta and it was she who sent the message Dumbledore was gone and that you were with him. Don't be thick, Potter. If had wanted to kill Dumbledore he would have entered Hogwarts when Dumbledore was in residence."

Harry walked the length of the table away from him so he would not be tempted to curse him. He had to tell himself it was an old habit of Snape's to demean him and he had been acting fairly civilized up to that point. He turned to address him and was proud he was calm. "Dumbledore thought the Gryffindor sword was a Horcrux."

Snape sipped his tea and digested the information. "If that is true then he has it now."

"Does he?" Harry asked and stared past the man to the door. "We have the locket here. Dumbledore destroyed the ring and I destroyed the diary. Professor Dumbledore told me he thought one of the six Horcruxes was the Gryffindor sword; but it wasn't. At least, I'm pretty sure Dumbledore was wrong about that. The sword came out of the Sorting Hat when I faced the basilisk. I used it to kill it. If it was a Horcrux it had to have been in Voldemort's possession seventeen years ago and I doubt he would have chosen such an object-a weapon- that would allow me to destroy his own creature." He screwed up his face to concentrate and shook his head about the sword. He continued as if speaking to himself, "He thought the snake was one. There's the cup which we haven't got. So, if we truly have them, all but the snake and cup... then, what's left at Hogwarts?"

Snape studied him and paused before replying. "He's taken Professor McGonagall hostage. Perhaps he also wants information from her. I believe the object I brought is the last Horcrux."

"I don't think so," Harry said and they stared at each other.

Snape was the first to break the silence. "Why do you say that?"

There was something rolling around in his head and it now seemed to prick at him. "I think my mother figured it all out." He paused to consider it and the last words his aunt had spoken to him rang through his head. That's it! he thought. It has to be! "She found and hid one of the Horcruxes and told me where it was hidden," Harry answered and then went on, " I didn't understand until now." He stopped and Snape gazed at him, waiting silently. Harry went on, "We need to make sure he knows I have it so that he tries to find me to get it."

Snape looked at him stupidly and then a small smile twitched at his lips, "Being a bit big-headed aren't we, Potter. Out to save the world?"

Harry once again felt his fingers rubbing the handle of his wand. He studied Snape's face, the sallow complexion and the obsidian eyes and then said, "You didn't hear all of the prophecy when you were snooping at the door of Trelawney's room." The eyes narrowed and Harry wanted to smile. Instead, he kept a straight face and went on, "Shall I tell you? Neville broke the prophecy in the Department of Mysteries. After that, Dumbledore was the only one who knew all of it and he told me. If he trusted you so much Snape why didn't he tell you?"

The man remained silent and watched him.

"Don't know, or won't say?" Harry goaded. "That's perfectly alright. I'm going to tell you what it is. Then if you wish ,you can take it to your master. That's what I want you to do. I want him to know."

"A death wish now, Potter?" Snape growled, all the time smirking.

Harry folded his hands before him and began to speak. He told him the prophecy; he knew it by heart, and then he watched him.

Snape sat back in his chair and his eyes dropped to the table Mrs. Weasley had polished to a high shine.

"It means..." Harry began.

Snape interrupted, "I know what it means. It means you must kill him or he must kill you...and that'

s impossible."

"Exactly," Harry answered. "He can't kill me and you were the one who made that possible."

...

Lily lay on a cold stone shelf in the dungeon cell and listened. She knew he would be there eventually. She laid a hand placed protectively over her belly and she prayed the child she carried was alive and was unharmed. She didn't know how long she could endure the torture. Riddle was not giving her a reason for it.

And always, as he hurt her, he sat and played with the golden snitch. She knew he had never played Quidditch himself. For some odd reason he had wanted the golden snitch won at the last game before she had left school. It was given to James as team captain for a souvenir and she had kept it. As Head girl and Head boy of Gryffindor it had been a token of how much they had been liked at school.

Lily kept it on a shelf along with a few other odds and ends. Then Tom Riddle had come calling and it had disappeared. Now she knew where it had gone and for some unspeakable reason it bothered her that he had taken the time and trouble to visit her and steal such a thing.

Lily spit out the blood filling her mouth and reached for her feelings of anger and hatred. It was the only thing which gave her strength to keep on fighting. She knew James and Sirius would look for her; would tear apart the wizard world to find her, if she could only hold on. She had a moments thought about Remus and then shied away from it as well. He was gone.

She lay in the filth of the dungeon cell and thought over the events leading up to her capture and imprisonment. It was just after the meeting at the Ministry. The Wizengamot was establishing new laws for the muggle-born wizards and witches. It had begun because there had been so many violations of their rights in the few months since Tom Riddle had returned from some unknown place and had joined the pureblood families.

She'd sat in the gallery and when the time came, had gotten up to speak. Sirius was with her to give her support since James was out of town. Her only problem had been keeping her friend from speaking out when his own brother, Regulus, had stood to side with the purebloods; which included members of the ancient Malfoy family. They carry a lot of weight, she thought. No that's not true, they terrorize people and get away with it and everyone turns away because they are rich and 'pureblood'.

She hadn't been one to be afraid even though James and she had had a few squabbles about it. And still, she would not have been overly concerned if Albus had been there. But he was gone on business and it was only she and Sirius. Riddle sat in his long dark rich robes of deep emerald green, trimmed in silver, and watched her with his cold eyes.

He didn't speak in the meeting. Instead, it seemed as if he was managing Lucius Malfoy by a set of invisible strings. The pale, blond-headed man stood and spoke and the gallery grew quiet out of respect. Lily could still feel herself getting angry.

"I am not saying the muggle-born should not have a place in our society," Lucius was saying, "but when will it end? Our history tells us that we segregated ourselves because of the muggles tyranny and abuse. They burned thousands of us at the stake." He smiled a little and waved a hand airily towards the section where Lily sat while some of the gallery tittered and laughed merrily at the joke.

"Of course, they murdered many of their own and none of us. However, that only goes to prove they are very blood-thirsty and uncivilized. My point being..." his voice droned on and Lily felt Sirius grabbing the hand which seemed to have strayed dangerously close to her wand without her awareness. "...our blood is mixed quite enough as it is... our magic diluted by impurities," Lucius continued, and Lily looked over at Riddle whose eyes were fixed on her, "...a matter of loyalty that every pureblood witch and wizard consider the ramifications..." Lucius continued.

At the end of the speech, Lily stood along with Sirius until the Wizengamot left the room and then they made their way to the door. It was clear to her that Riddle had engineered it so he was there at the same time and they stood looking at one another. He spoke first, "Mrs. Potter?" His voice was very smooth. He put his hand out to shake hers.

His eyes were mesmerizing and his manner smooth and friendly. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Tom Riddle. However, I have been in foreign parts these past years and I have acquired a new name, which many people know me by. Please if you will, call me, Voldemort." He reached and took her hand and his touch was cool and dry. She pulled her hand away immediately. Lucius Malfoy stepped up beside him and stood looking at her with his icy cold blue eyes and had a slight smirk on his lips. They had been face-to-face with one another before and she thoroughly mistrusted the white-haired man.

Sirius was attempting to push her towards the door but she had planted herself firmly in front of Riddle. She raised her chin defiantly and said, "I see that you support this rubbish they are trying to shove down everyone's throat." She heard Sirius grown slightly behind her. She knew what he thought. Everyone thought she was daring, sometimes too daring to speak her mind so openly, and especially in front of this man so many already feared.

Riddle looked past her to Sirius and the dark eyes narrowed slightly. "I presume you are Mr. Black; Mr. Sirius Black."

Sirius stepped around Lily and to her side to confront him. "Yes, I am."

"I know your family well," Riddle said softly. "Your brother has become a friend of ours."

Sirius squeezed her arm and remained silent, a model of self-containment. Riddle waited for him to react and then turned back to her. "You have made some interesting points for us to consider. I should like to stop by sometime and have a further conversation with you about a few points that seemed a little vague."

She stared back into the eyes and the strange distorted features of the man. From a distance he looked handsome and debonair. At close range, there were some peculiarities about his face. It left her feeling chilled.

"Anytime, Mr. Riddle," she hissed and then turned and marched from the room.

"Oh that was good Lily," Sirius said and shook his head as they left the Ministry. It was clear to her he was furious and worried at the same time. "Let's have lunch Mr. Riddle; perhaps tea?"

"Stop, Sirius," she was still angry at the exchange which had taken place. "Let's find Remus. Actually, I wouldn't mind a spot of tea right now. I need to calm down."

...

A cold draft swept down the corridor, the door to the dungeon had opened and her jailor was on his way to her.

"Lily?" his deep velvety voice was always comforting to hear.

"I'm awake Severus."

"Are you alright? I've brought you something that will help." He shoved a vial through the bars of the small cage where she lay and she accepted it. She had come to know he was an excellent student in potions and she remembered their days at school.

He was a little different now. Something had happened in his life and it had given him strength. He was no longer the shy, cringing boy she had seen pestered and teased by James and Sirius. This was a young man who had found some confidence. Sadly, she knew was because he served Voldemort.

She took the potion and then smiled when his hand slipped into the cell and a red rose appeared on the straw.

"You must let me help you now," he said softly. "I think he is planning on killing you."

"They will find me," she answered again. It was always the answer she gave. She didn't know the man who sat with her had made it impossible for anyone to rescue her but himself.

Her friend, the werewolf, had been dealt with; her husband and his friend had been led down another path, something she was not aware of. "You will die," he said and she could hear his voice break with his pain. "I can't let that happen."

"Dear one," she said soothing him again. "I can't have your death on my conscience. He hasn't killed me yet. He takes pleasure in playing with me. Why should he want to kill me now?"

The young man reached through the bars and stroked her hair. She allowed him to do it without guilt. There was very little to hold onto and she felt fear for the first time since she had been abducted.

"He is planning something and it involves...killing someone," he said. "He boiled someone in lead to get information he needs. It's all there I think. I think he has it all now."

She frowned in the dark and lifted herself up. "I will let you help me but you must make me a promise." It was then he agreed to perform the charm to protect her child and to leave Riddle's service and she asked with hesitation and trepidation what she could do for him in return.

...

The knock on the door was unexpected. Lily peeked through the door and saw a tall man in a dark robe. She held her breath when she opened the door to see who it was. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest and her hand went to her small rounded belly. She was pregnant but not very far along and her gown covered her stomach.

Riddle was polite and courteous when he stepped into the sitting room. She stood and waited for him to take a seat wondering if she could slip away and send a message to Sirius to join them. She felt a tinge of fear at being alone with the strange wizard especially since he was now being linked to witches and wizards who were suddenly disappearing or being murdered.

"Our time will be short, Mrs. Potter. I did not want to break into your busy day," he smiled a truly brilliant and handsome smile and ran his hand along the mantle of their fireplace. His dark eyes glanced at the objects on the shelves and his fingers hovered over the golden snitch that belonged to James. He had asked for it before and each time they had said no. She was surprised when the item did not come up in his conversation.

He turned to her quickly. "I've just come to see if you could give me the address of Sirius Black. I understand he does not live with his family. His brother has a message for him and asked that I deliver it since I was close by."

"I can give it to him, Mr. Riddle. I expect him for dinner this evening."

"Oh not to bother," Riddle said, hastily. "It was a private message. Perhaps I will catch him later."

She nodded and then turned to her desk. She felt very strange and found her hand going to the quill and writing the address down on the parchment without any true willingness on her part. "Let me write it down for you. It's not a bother and you can stop at the village and owl it to him." She turned and wrote the information on a slip of paper. Whatever had governed her actions dissipated immediately. She looked at the paper in his hand, wanting to snatch it away immediately.

He nodded politely and walked to the door. "Sorry to have bothered you. I hope we can have that conversation we talked about at another time." He bowed respectfully and left. An hour later she turned back to stare at the room in bewilderment. It was only later she understood he had made the visit to steal the snitch and it bewildered her.

...

Snape laid his hands palm down on the table and pushed himself to a standing position.

"This letter from your mother..." he began.

Harry stepped forward and they both stopped when the kitchen door opened and Lupin stepped in.

"Whatever he used, is now in a vault at Gringott's," Harry said without hesitating. He paused for a moment and finished, "I trust you because you could have forced my mother to do many things in exchange for your help and for the protection charm. In the end, she said you asked for nothing. If you had asked for anything then I would not be talking to you now, I would have killed you straightaway," he said it and turned to Lupin. "We are ready now. Professor Snape has agreed to be my bodyguard tonight when I go to meet with Slughorn." The man dressed in black stared at him and didn't object.

"But why do you still need to meet with him," Lupin asked. "We have the Horcruxes and Hermione has found the information we need to destroy them."

"We need him to deliver a message to Voldemort," Harry answered.