Title: In Memory's Wake
Author: Cocoa-Snape (aka CocoaSnape)
Pairing: Snape/Harry
Disclaimer: No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.
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In Memory's Wake by CocoaSnape
Chapter 6: Memory in a bottle
Severus Snape's face was cold as stone as Harry Potter circled the Quidditch pitch in victory, the golden snitch proudly displayed in his hand.
Snape made sure his scowl was deeper than usual as he made a rapid exit, hoping to avoid the crowds and, most of all, one woman in particular.
"Severus…"
But to no avail.
A very smug Minerva McGonagall rounded on him. "It appears that Gryffindor will be in the finals yet again."
"Isn't it a bit early in the year to be making such statements?" Snape asked in feigned surprise, although he already knew the answer from Harry's repeated monologues on the topic.
With a wide grin, McGonagall gloated, "But with today's impressive score added to the season's tally, even if Gryffindor were to lose every game from now through the end of the season – however unlikely – we are guaranteed a spot in the finals. Quite the tremendous feat, wouldn't you say?"
"Impressed as I am with your mathematical acumen, Minerva, I have better things to do with my time than concern myself with Quidditch statistics."
"You're just a spoilsport, Severus…"
A series of cheers from the Gryffindor team interrupted Snape's retort. He heard Harry proclaim, "A round of butterbeers for everyone!" and the group headed off down the path to Hogsmeade. Before Snape could respond, McGonagall stopped him in his tracks.
"I'm taking them to Hogsmeade, Severus."
"That is an outright violation of the school rules!" he replied with mock outrage, but secretly he was smiling at Harry's victory and the well-deserved reward that was to come for the young man this afternoon.
McGonagall huffed in response. "I doubt you'd be so uptight if Slytherin had won. I think Gryffindor deserves a little celebration." With a smirk, she added, "You are, of course, welcome to join us."
"I hope the weather keeps up for you," he replied and stalked off. The snow was beginning to fall much more heavily now and the wind had picked up.
With McGonagall out of the way, Snape turned his attention to more pressing matters and surveyed the departing crowds of students and spectators. He spotted a tall man with sleek blond hair beneath the stands in the presence of his junior. The elder man was very likely berating his son for the loss. As Snape made his way towards the pair, Snape found the notion a comical one. It had been an outstanding maneuver on Harry's part that had won the game, not any particular fault of the Slytherin Quidditch team.
"Enough of your excuses, Draco…you know how important this is…"
"I know, Father, I just―"
"Perhaps, Draco," Snape interrupted, startling both men, "you should join your team for the postpartum."
Draco didn't need any further encouragement and left swiftly.
Snape could feel Lucius giving him a hard once over. With a self-satisfied smirk he remarked, "My, my… you look quite fatigued, Severus. Are those dark circles under your eyes? I don't imagine you're getting much sleep, after all, especially given the… unsettling nature of our last encounter."
Snape knew quite well that Malfoy was referring to the Death Eater meeting just two nights prior where he'd been subjected to the Cruciatus.
"Quite frankly, Lucius," Snape retorted sharply, "I'm surprised to see you here. I would have thought you'd have more pressing matters to attend to," Snape finished, alluding to the supposed Death Eater raid planned on the Muggle Ambassador this evening.
"Everything is under control, Severus, rest assured."
"Perhaps I might be of assistance?" Snape offered, trying to gauge Malfoy's reaction.
"If your assistance was needed, I'm sure you would have been asked," Malfoy replied dismissively.
Tired of beating around the bush, Snape erected a series of wards around them and snapped angrily, "Tell me, just what is it precisely that you have been whispering in our Lord's ear, Lucius?"
A smile appeared on the blond wizard's face, but it was not a pleasant sight. "It seems I was right… you are unsettled."
"Not at all," Severus replied smoothly, "I'd just like to know what lies you've been spreading for your personal gain."
"I hardly think them lies."
"Then why don't you share them openly?"
"You are far too close to that old man," Malfoy spat out, raising his cane in the direction of the castle.
"That's my job, you imbecile!"
"It's your job to socialize with him at all hours of the night?" Malfoy inquired silkily.
Snape's mind whirled around that information – someone had noticed him leaving Dumbledore's quarters at late hours. More significantly, someone was watching. Despite this revelation, Snape did not miss a beat. "You try prying information out of him any other way, Lucius. His brain is more addled than a mad hatter's."
Malfoy snorted with amusement. Snape wasn't sure if the explanation had appeased him or if he enjoyed hearing criticism about Dumbledore. Either way, he decided to press his advantage.
"Besides, if you're in any way implying that I'm to blame for the ineptitude of some of our 'friends,' you're wasting our Lord's time, not to mention delaying our Lord's efforts in finding the real culprit."
Snape could discern the flicker of fear cross Malfoy's features.
"After all," Snape continued, "I'm sure he has formed a plan to flush out the leak." It was a leading statement and Snape hoped it would tell him what it was he needed to know.
"Of course he has. Our Lord is always prepared," Malfoy replied, but gave no further information.
"What is it you aren't you telling me, Lucius? Am I out of the loop?" Snape pressed.
"I defer to our Lord's wisdom."
"As do I."
"If you are…innocent," Malfoy said with clear sarcasm, "then you have nothing to worry about. But, if you are not, well then…I need not say more."
Snape had not been expecting this – such an outward admission of suspicion from Lucius. This was not good sign. His emboldened attitude suggested that the Dark Lord might believe his suspicions.
"Good day, Severus," Malfoy said with a mock bow and left without another word.
Severus Snape recognized that Lucius Malfoy had intended to off-balance him during their conversation, to upset him with words of accusation, threats, and inferences that the Dark Lord knew a great deal more than he was revealing. Snape knew Lucius was walking away right now with a smile on his face, no doubt feeling quite smug with himself.
But the very last thing Lucius Malfoy would have ever expected was that as Snape made his way towards the castle, he did so with a smile of his own. He'd found out everything he needed to know.
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The Three Broomsticks was jam-packed with rowdy Gryffindors celebrating their victory by getting high on sweets and butterbeer.
After nearly two hours of unrestrained celebration that showed no signs of coming to a close, Hermione Granger decided now was the best time to ask a favour of Professor McGonagall, who was imbibing a great deal more than butterbeer.
"Professor, do you mind if I run across the street to bookstore? I need to make a quick purchase."
"Sure, dear," McGonagall replied with a slight slur to her pronounced Irish brogue.
"Come on, Harry," Hermione said, grabbing her friend. "I need your company."
The group nearest Harry began to protest, but Harry insisted he didn't mind. As he made his way out, he could hear a group of girls grumbling and heard mention of the word 'girlfriend.' If only they knew!
As soon as they stepped outside and the noise of the bar was behind them, Harry said, "Thanks, 'Mione."
"No problem, Harry. What's this about?"
"I'm getting a gift for Severus and I need your advice. I had planned to mail-order something, but I figure, since we're here, I should look around."
"What's this for?"
"This Friday is our two month anniversary."
"Congratulations, Harry," Hermione beamed.
An hour later, the pair had argued the merits of each potential gift they'd come across. But nothing seemed to satisfy Harry. Now they were scanning the shelves at the Hogsmeade Apothecary.
"Harry, you need to pick something because we really have to get back. Professor McGonagall may be looped, but eventually she'll notice we've been gone too long."
"But I don't know what to get."
"How about a book? The selection isn't as good as Flourish & Blotts, but I think I have a pretty good idea of what he'd like. Not to mention that I pretty much know what's in his library by now."
"I've already gotten him a book before. Besides, if I get Severus a book, he'll know you picked it out. I want it to be from me, you know? Something meaningful."
"Oh, you're so sweet, Harry," Hermione said somewhat wistfully. What boy did she know that was so invested in a relationship that they tormented themselves over the perfect two-month anniversary present?
Harry must have sensed her thought. "I just don't want to muck this up, 'Mione."
"You can't, Harry. If he cares for you as much as I think he does, you could get him a red and gold scarf and I'm sure he'd like it. Well," she amended with a smile, "maybe not that."
They both began to laugh, when something caught Harry's eye: a shelf of decorative glass potions vials. One in particular grabbed his attention; it was about three inches in height, cobalt blue with flecks of platinum embedded in the glass.
"It's perfect," he said. Calling over the proprietor, he said, "I'll take this and also I'll need some ingredients; an ounce each of Belladonna leaf, yarrow flowers and mandrake root."
"Of course, sir, but unfortunately our stock of mandrake root has just expired. We've a fresh batch coming in soon…"
"No, the old stuff is fine, and if you could just put all those ingredients inside that vial for me, that'd be great, we're in a bit of a hurry."
The proprietor eyed Harry as though he were insane but did not argue.
Hermione, on the other hand, protested at once. "Harry, old mandrake root is almost worthless and all these ingredients need to be packed separately to preserve their potency and integrity."
"Don't worry, 'Mione, I know what I'm doing."
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Meanwhile, in the Headmaster's tower, Severus Snape was finishing his second cup of ginger honey tea. He eyed Dumbledore, who was seated in the chair across from him and had steepled the tips of his fingers together as he often did when he was deep in thought. Neither had spoken for several minutes. Snape was not at all uncomfortable by the long silence; he knew Albus needed the time to think.
Finally, Dumbledore reached for his cup of tea, reheated it with a wave of his hand, and said, "Are you certain, Severus?"
"It was clear as day."
"Quite the talented Legilimens you've become, dear boy."
"Hardly. Lucius was never an Occlumens, although he does fancy himself one. Tonight's supposed raid on the Muggle Ambassador is definitely a ruse – there is no such raid planned."
"That does fit the lack of intelligence from the Order about such an attack."
"It gets even better. I discovered another very useful piece of information while Lucius was doing his level best to intimidate me. There will be a raid, but tomorrow night, and not on the Ambassador, but on a Muggle village."
"And this wasn't mentioned at the meeting?" Dumbledore asked.
"Not even a whisper."
"And there is no way you could have been privy to this information?"
"No. It's been kept secret from me deliberately, Albus." Snape paused briefly, allowing Dumbledore to digest this new information. "It's perfect, wouldn't you say?"
"It is indeed. I assume you already have something in mind?"
"In fact I do," Snape replied with a hint of a smile and began to detail his plan.
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From within the bushes, two dark eyes watched three men in the darkness. The trio had been lurking outside the heavily warded compound where the Muggle Ambassador to the Wizarding World resided. After waiting for nearly three hours, the small creature watching them heard one of the hooded and masked men say, "No one's coming."
The soft cracks of Disapparition could be heard as the men disappeared.
A moment later, a tabby cat emerged from her hiding place with what appeared to be a satisfied smile on its feline face.
Minerva McGonagall was in the Headmaster's sitting room less than 10 minutes later, relaying the events of the evening.
"They waited for three hours and made a few attempts to interfere with the outer wards, probably only for show. They finally gave up and left," McGonagall said. She stood and asked, "Is that all you needed?"
"Yes. Thank you, my dear, for your assistance," Dumbledore said. He waited until McGonagall had left the room before continuing, "This should help eliminate you from suspicion, don't you think, Severus?"
This information had confirmed Lucius's trap – the blond wizard had been counting on Snape to relay the information about the supposed attack on the Muggle Ambassador to the Order.
"It's a good start, but unfortunately, a lack of action on my part won't be enough to dissuade him or the Dark Lord. There's no better alibi than a scapegoat," Snape replied.
"Then let us hope, my boy, that tomorrow night goes according to plan," Dumbledore said.
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The next evening, when Severus Snape apparated to the outskirts of the Muggle village where the raid was to take place, he wouldn't have described the scene that was unfolding as going 'according to plan.' Where there were only supposed to be three Death Eaters, there were in fact five, and the members of the Order had their hands quite full.
Snape watched from the shadows, cloaked in his Death Eater robes and mask, hoping that the tide would turn. But when he saw Tonks stunned by whom he presumed was McNair, and a bolt of fire narrowly miss Shacklebolt, Snape carefully aimed his wand at Avery and Dolohov and petrified them both. Those two out of the way seemed to give Moody the upper hand – the ex-Auror was able to quickly bind Malfoy and Wormtail. Shacklebolt then incapacitated McNair by hitting him with a Stunner squarely in the chest.
That was Snape's cue. Emerging from his hiding place, he quickly stunned Shacklebolt. Moody immediately retaliated and the two battled for several minutes, exchanging a series of nasty hexes. As Moody's assault intensified, Snape wondered briefly if the crazed wizard had forgotten that it was him behind the mask. But finally, in a move highly uncharacteristic of constant vigilance, Moody became distracted by Tonks regaining consciousness and Snape bound him immediately.
With the Order members taken care of, Snape set about reviving and untying the five bewildered Death Eaters. As soon as Malfoy was on his feet, he pointed his wand at the helpless Moody and spat, "Crucio!"
"There's no time for that!" Snape snapped forcefully and ended the curse.
McNair, who was struggling to his feet, snarled, "We should kill them, S―"
"Silencio!" Snape intoned and immediately McNair fell silent. "Let's go!"
Tapping their Dark Marks in succession, Snape apparated the injured Death Eaters directly to their Master. He grabbed Malfoy and side-along apparated both of them to the Dark Lord's side a moment later.
Snape pulled off his mask at once and knelt in front of red-eyed wizard. The plan had gone flawlessly – or nearly so. But one major question remained: would the Dark Lord be convinced?
Voldemort probed the minds of the five Death Eaters in rapid succession, and was at once informed of their failure. But he did not miss a beat, and instead turned his attention on the man kneeling before him.
"Tell me, Severus, how is it that you came to be there tonight?"
"My Lord, I overheard a conversation amongst the Order about an attack rumoured to occur on a Muggle village this evening. They planned to deploy some of its members to investigate. Of course I knew of no such attack," Snape began silkily, "but I thought it would be prudent to tail them nonetheless."
Snape could feel Dark Lord's magic probing his mind. He did his best to paint a convincing picture of his loyalty. "Had I known there was to be such a raid, my Lord, I would have come directly to you with the information. When I arrived, I saw that the three Aurors had incapacitated this lot," Snape said, reveling in the fact that he was reinforcing the idea that three Aurors had taken down five of the Dark Lord's servants.
"They might have recognized your voice," Avery protested, trying desperately to find some way to shift the blame.
"I disguised my voice, of course. Fortunately, I managed to silence McNair before he revealed my identity, my Lord, so I do not believe they knew it was me." Snape managed a disgusted look on his face as he studied McNair. Inside, he was rejoicing at the man's sheer stupidity for nearly naming him. It had played right into his plan.
"We could have captured them…" Malfoy began.
"Not if I was going to get the five of you out of there alive. I knew reinforcements were just seconds away," Snape retorted.
With a great deal of trepidation, Snape met his Master's gaze. He could feel the pressure of the Dark Lord's Legilimency intensify exponentially, and he struggled to keep his cover story at the forefront of his mind.
Finally, after what felt like an excruciatingly long time, he heard the Dark Lord hiss, "I think perhaps, Severus, I should curse you."
Snape's body went hot as a wave of fear enveloped him. He'd been found out. It was all over. "My Lord?" he managed.
"For saving these five incompetents before me," Voldemort finished. "Perhaps it would have been better if you'd let them be captured. But then again, that would have denied me the pleasure of punishing them myself."
Not a second later, all five Death Eaters, Wormtail, Avery, Dolohov, McNair, and Malfoy, were on the ground crying out in the pain from the silent Crucio that their enraged master had leveled at them.
"You've done very well, Severus."
Snape bowed dutifully and tried very hard not to exhale his relief aloud.
"Now then, the old fool will be hearing of this shortly, and no doubt he will want to question you. Go before he grows suspicious."
"Yes, my Lord," Snape said.
"I will summon you soon. In the meantime, I finally have my answer…the incompetence of these so called servants."
Snape apparated away to the sounds of screaming.
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Dumbledore was pacing rapidly in his study. He thought Severus would have been back by now. Kingsley, Alastor and Nymphadora were sitting in his office, waiting patiently. Tonks was trying to apply heating charms to Moody's back to help with the pain from the Cruciatus, but he was grumpily telling her he was fine.
When Dumbledore heard the staircase activate, he sighed in relief, but was surprised when Harry Potter, not Severus, entered his quarters.
"Professor, sorry to bother you so late, but I can't find S―"
"Harry," Dumbledore interrupted before the boy could say anymore. "Come and join my guests."
Harry looked up with surprise at the group assembled in the Headmaster's office at this very late hour of night. Something had gone wrong. He knew it. He looked up at Dumbledore who shook his head.
"Wotcher, Harry."
"Hi, Tonks," Harry managed halfheartedly.
"Should the boy be here, Albus?" Shacklebolt asked.
"Of course he should," Moody growled. "'Bout time he got involved."
Dumbledore bade Harry to sit.
"So what are you doing here, Harry?" Tonks asked.
Harry looked up helplessly at Dumbledore, but the answer came not from the elder wizard, but from the doorway.
"Prying into other people's business, no doubt," Snape supplied.
With everyone's attention on Snape, no one noticed the almost goofy expression of relief on Harry's face.
"Severus, it's good to see you," Dumbledore said.
"How did it go?" Shacklebolt asked at once.
"I'm here, aren't I?" Snape replied. Stepping towards Moody, he handed the scarred wizard a small vial.
Moody took it reluctantly, eyed it for a moment and then glanced at Dumbledore who merely nodded encouragingly.
Moody opened the vial and took a long whiff. Snape scowled and said, "For Merlin's sake! If I wanted you dead, I might have sat by and watched it happen an hour ago."
"The situation was well in hand," Moody snapped.
"Not from my vantage point," Snape sneered.
Moody was about to retort, but was interrupted.
"Come on, Alastor, he saved our arses," Shacklebolt said. "Now drink the bloody potion."
To everyone's great surprise, Moody grumbled something under his breath and then did just that. A few seconds later, his face relaxed as the potion mitigated the effects of the Cruciatus.
"Well now," Dumbledore began, "it's late and I think it best to leave the debriefing for another time. Right now I need to speak with Severus alone."
Tonks, Moody and Shacklebolt all headed for the Floo. Once they were gone, Harry rushed into Severus's arms. "I came down to see you and you weren't there. I was worried."
"Well, as you can see, I am perfectly fine, brat."
Severus may have been joking, but Harry knew from the atmosphere in Dumbledore's quarters just minutes ago how precarious the situation had been. Harry hated this – that as long as that monster was alive, he risked losing Severus at anytime. The last thing Harry wanted was for Severus to ask him to leave now.
"Can I stay, please?" Harry asked.
Severus's normally hard line stance on Harry not being privy to the details of his spying was immediately softened when he saw the look on Harry's face. He appeared on the verge of tears.
"This once. Now come here."
Harry sat down on the sitting room couch next to his lover and lost himself in Severus's embrace.
After a moment, Dumbledore broke the silence, "Everything went well then?"
"It couldn't have gone any better, Albus. He was very pleased. And from what I saw, the Dark Lord is convinced that there is no real leak to speak of, but only the incompetence and general stupidity of the others. And they are no doubt still paying for it as we speak."
"That is excellent news, Severus. Your plan was very well thought out indeed." Dumbledore paused a moment and then finished, "We can discuss the details tomorrow morning. It's been a long night, and both of you should get some rest. You're welcome to use my Floo."
"Thank you, Albus. Goodnight. Come on, Harry."
"Thanks, Professor," Harry said.
"Goodnight, boys."
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Harry pressed his lips against Severus's and kissed his lover until he needed to come up for air.
Severus tightened his hold on the young man and said, "I understand you were worried, Harry, but I had no plans to leave you."
Harry whispered tentatively, "I have something for you. I was going to give it to you on Friday for our two-month anniversary, but…I think I want to give it to you now."
"You didn't have to get me anything, Harry. You're all the present I need."
Harry retrieved the small gift-wrapped box from the bag he had left in Severus's quarters earlier.
Severus opened it to find a decorative potions vial filled with a mixture of ingredients. It took him but a moment to discern the contents and understand their meaning. Belladonna, yarrow and mandrake – the key ingredients of the anti-aphrodisiac they had brewed together over two months ago that had precipitated their sharing a bed and, ultimately, a lot more.
"Do you like it?" Harry asked, suddenly wondering if this had been a stupid idea.
"I love it, Harry. I love you."
"I know it's kind of corny, but―"
"It's nothing of the sort," Severus interrupted, his voice full of sincerity. Planting a series of gentle kisses on Harry's brow, Severus said, "I couldn't think of a better gift, Harry. You've bottled up a memory…"
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Author's note: First off, I want to thank all my readers for their patience. Real life has been insane – too insane to even bother complaining/rejoicing about so I will not say anymore. But I want to thank you all for staying with me and for your reviews/support. Although my updates may be sporadic from time to time, rest assured I will never let this story go unfinished.
This also applies to Unexpected Grace. To its fan, I owe an even bigger apology. I am now beginning to work on that chapter – although I can't say when an update will happen, I promise there will be one. I appreciate your loyalty!
Meanwhile, I am very much looking forward to your comments on this chapter…
Big thanks to my incredible two betas: Molvanian Queen-In-Exile and Ketsurui.
Feedback is always appreciated.