A/N – This chapter is dedicated with much love and affection to the one and only Guardian's Song (guardians-songDOTlivejournalDOTcom)
Thanks to EP, L and MM for suggestions.
We left Minerva, near physical collapse, in Damyan's shop. In spite of her precarious health, Minerva had decided that she needed to find Severus before Albus did.
Damyan had pinched Minerva's nose shut and he was covering her mouth with his other hand.
"Oxana, blue vial. Adrik, start a nebulizer with three pinches of the red powder located on the third shelf…" Damyan rattled a list of assorted ingredients while Adrik… SEVERUS… quickly put together her treatment. The Russian witch slipped the opened vial under Damayn's hand covering Minerva's mouth.
"Inhale," he ordered.
While Severus rummaged for necessary supplies, the Dark Wizard leaned over and softly whispered in her ear, "I give you my oath, Miss McGonagall, that I have nothing but Severus' welfare at heart. You were not supposed to be in Prague. If Prague had gone as planned, I would have gotten rid of both his Purple Putridness and Snake Face. That would have been the best for Severus and the child. Do not deny it. I do not wish to kill you only because the lad is fond of you. Behave, don't do anything stupid, and you'll live. Do not anger me, as you will not survive my wrath."
She refused to inhale the pungent aroma, because Minerva was a Scottish Warrior through and through. She'd die on her terms, asphyxiation, not through poisoning. She knew damn well that Tobias and Eileen Snape were both dead due to Draganov's involvement.
"Go ahead, be difficult," growled the Dark Wizard. He stepped on her foot hard, causing her to cry out in pain. "Wouldn't have needed to do that if you weren't so bloody intractable. You and the lad must be jolly fun at parties."
Minerva coughed her protest regarding her character assassination, and the Dark Wizard continued to snark about her obstinate nature Meanwhile, bits and pieces of stray furniture and equipment were popping out of existence as they made their way from Manchester to wherever. And Minerva would be damned before she admitted it to anyone, but the tightness in her chest was easing.
"You two probably have a lot to catch up on, so I'll let you. First, let me remind you of the ground rules. Miss McGonagall, you stepped into my wards, so you can't Disapparate away. Try to run and you'll collapse within a few feet. Your lungs are still a might crisp from Prague," the Bulgarian informed her. "If you try to Port Key out, you'll fall over quite utterly dead upon your arrival."
"What happened in Prague?" Severus intensely questioned as he handed the nebulizer to Minerva. "Inhale, Minerva."
"The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Wizards, gang aft agley," Damyan dryly quipped. "Bard of Ayrshire … in honor of our Scottish warrior witch. Oh, I should introduce myself. I'm Aleksandar Zoravkov, Potions Master, and I believe you're already met the lovely though slightly cheeky Oxana Kameneva in Slug & Jiggers."
"Charmed," Minerva growled, sounding completely uncharmed and unimpressed.
"Ditto," chimed in Oxana.
"I take it that you're her Bulgarian Potion Masters," Minerva quipped.
"Aleksandar," Severus growled. "What happened in Prague? I demand that you tell me. How was Minerva hurt? Who hurt her? Oxana and Minerva have already met? When? Why wasn't I informed?"
"Oxana, our boy is becoming quite the fierce eagle," chortled the Bulgarian. "Makes me quite proud to see how far he's come from the sad sack puking in our alleyway. Demanding answers from me as though he believes that he can intimidate me. Put a little more backbone into your tone, lad, I might actually feel a quiver of fear."
"Prague? Aleksandar?" Severus reminded the wizard. "Minerva? You've met Oxana before?"
Minerva noticed that Severus seemed… uncertain… regarding Damyan. A brief look of unease that quickly vanished as though Severus was deliberately closing his eyes to what his benefactor was capable of doing.
He knows what Draganov is. What he's capable of doing. Severus has decided that Draganov is the lesser of three evils, but he's still not completely comfortable with his choice. He's grasping at straws to save their lives.
Does he know about Tobias? He knows about Eileen. I'm sure of it. Do you know that Tobias was most likely murdered by Damyan? I have no proof, but it's too much of a coincidence.
"Nevertheless, I need to start our escape, Adrik, so I can't really explain Prague right now. You know that I would do nothing to harm you or my goddaughter. In fact, I have done everything to shield you. Continue to have faith in me, my brother. Everything will be explained in due time." The Bulgarian gave Severus a winning smile that seemed to ease Severus' doubts.
Goddaughter? Aberforth and Damyan Draganov as the wee child's godfathers? She was to share THAT relationship with Draganov? And Brother? He was calling Severus his Brother? Severus hadn't been taken up the garden path and been tricked into joining Gellert's Bloody Brotherhood?
A soft chime sounded and Damyan shook his head. "As much as I enjoyed chatting with you, Miss McGonagall, I have to finalize some arrangements. Please add a pinch of rue to the nebulizer. Should ease her breathing. Miss McGonagall should be able to cup her own hand now."
An Oriental mage stepped into the shop and Damyan made a quick motion.
"She promises to behave," Draganov barked. "Put your wand away."
While Minerva had done no such think, discretion was the better part of Gryffindor valor.
"She's Dumbledore's most trusted Lieutenant," remarked the newest addition to the steadily increasing party of assorted Dark Mages and their friends. Truly, the shop was becoming quite the happening spot what with Severus, Minerva, Damyan, Oxana and their latest arrival. "Elimination would be an appropriate way to handle this situation."
Severus murmured a protest and Oxana shook her head once.
"Don't," the Russian witch mouthed at Severus. "Let Damyan handle him. He's dangerous."
Again, a brief flicker of his eyes. Minerva knew Severus well, and he was quite anxious about her safety. Not his… but hers…
"You're not one of us, yet," the Oriental mage tersely reminded Severus. "Brother, you pick up entirely too many strays for a mage that is supposed to be in hiding."
"The lad is fond of her. Killing her would just verify that we are no better than Snake Face and Blessed St. Albus of the Purple, Bespangled Robes. We are better than them, Brother. Remember our sacred vow? We shall show mercy, we shall not ask for it." Damyan said that in ringing tones and the Japanese Mage nodded once in agreement.
"Right now, Severus is convincing her how well we've taken care of him and how it is both their best interest to stay with me. Aren't you, Brother?" Damyan asked Severus.
"Yes, I am," Severus quickly answered.
Albus was talking with Filius Flitwick when he was overwhelmed by… emotion …. Yes… it was Minerva… an overjoyed Minerva….Severus? She was with Severus? Yes… a euphoric Minerva was with Severus, yet there was the slightest hint of alarm. Both of them were troubled.
Why was he sensing them? Yes, Albus had Bonded an unawares Severus when he had been in danger of dying. Their wispy Bond-induced affinity had never strengthened to the point where Albus was able to sense Severus' emotions. As for Minerva, Albus had stirred up powerful memories of their relationship, but he had never been guilty of being particularly empathic.
"Where's Minerva?" Albus interrupted Filius' explanation on how he had searched for Severus. "Fawkes? Check the infirmary, make sure she's there."
The Phoenix popped out and Albus had to hold onto the edge of the desk in order to keep upright. He couldn't catch his breath, and then… without warning, the tightness in his chest eased. His heart was still pounding as though it wanted to explode from his chest and run a Muggle Marathon.
"She's gone. She's with Severus and Damyan has them both. What was she thinking?" Albus protested.
"Fawkes isn't back yet. Don't go searching for bad news," Filius protested. "You're not even sure she's left her bed."
She's not there. I detected the use of a portkey. Fawkes announced upon his return.
"I know, she's with Severus," Albus announced. "The Order should be here. I need to develop a plan to extricate them."
The Japanese Mage had a quick conversation with Damyan Draganov in lightning fast German. It wasn't a language that Minerva had ever bothered to learn but whatever their discussion was, it was over quickly. The Mage bowed once and then Disapparated away.
"We probably have fifteen minutes before the angelic hosts proclaim St. Albus' arrival. Should be enough time to vacate the neighborhood," Draganov said. He took one vial from beneath the counter and broke it against the table. "Everyone should be experiencing the unexpected urge to get the hell away from here."
"You really are getting soft, Dami. Evacuating the neighborhood," Oxana commented. "What will your friends say?"
"I don't want anything to happen to Prissy. She always traded me Khliab Raiska Ptitsa in exchange for her rheumatoid tincture," protested Damyan.
Minerva didn't give one single damn about Bulgarian Baked Goods, so she turned her full attention back on Severus. She grabbed his left hand with her free hand, joyfully marveling that he was able to squeeze her hand with his left hand. Severus seemed healthy and… happy?
"Minerva, you're in a lot of trouble. You need to get away from me. I'm fine…we're both fine." The stranger who was Severus quickly touched his belly for added emphasis. "He's quite skilled… I'm very lucky to have found him. I'd be dead by now if it wasn't for him."
"How… did… you?"
"I did a Blind Jump. Sheer, stupid recklessness… but I needed someplace where we could be safe from the Headmaster… from the Dark Lord…I ended up in Manchester… in his alleyway. Don't anger Damyan, Minerva. A lot of his choices seem to be based on whimsy and nothing more. He's rather capricious."
"You make it sound like a bad thing, but yes, not pissing me off is a good idea for continual survival," barked Damyan. He placed a cord with a small moke bag around Severus' neck. "Hide that, and don't let anyone take it from you. It's your copy of your treatment. We get separated, or something happens to me, Naum will handle your care."
Damyan squeezed Severus' shoulder and spoke in a conspiratorially tone.
"Naum's a smart boy. He's also rather attractive… stable…well established. An added bonus is that he's as bent as a pewter cauldron. He's single. Likes children also. Perhaps… there could be a spark between you two. I've been told that he's quite the dancer…You two will have to figure out who leads. Never sure about that."
Severus shook his head in disagreement. Damyan retorted that he should seriously think about Naum but only after the baby was born and he was feeling up to romantic adventures.
"You run a dating service in your spare time?" Minerva quipped.
"If you were his friend, you'd know that he deserves someone who can treat him like he deserves," inserted Damyan. "He's a remarkable wizard, quite talented. Not a bloody whipping boy. Naum is a bit of a tease, yes, but he gets that from his grandfather. Toma flirts with everyone…"
Oh bloody hell, Damyan was acting… paternal…towards Severus. Paternal and protective, caring and … compassionate but yet seasoned with a great deal of asperity. If Severus was a prisoner, he was most likely an agreeable prisoner as Damyan had fostered a protective, nurturing relationship. Minerva wouldn't claim Severus was suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, but she was willing to bet her last galleon that Severus had found… peace… working for Damyan. It was the peace of the wand, yes, but still… peace. Hadn't Severus suffered enough? Was it the right thing to take him away from here?
"Toma never flirted with me," quipped Oxana.
"Probably terrified of you." Severus then drolly added, "And rightfully so. Right now, I'm simply not interested."
"Severus deserves some happiness." Damyan continued, ignoring Severus' protestations that he wasn't interested in dating now or in the foreseeable future. "Naum will treat you very well, Severus. You deserve someone who knows what a treasure you are."
"I… am… in…complete… agreement," growled Minerva, deliberately stressing that she, also, cared for Severus. Damyan was a strong personality; she didn't want him to persuade Severus that only he could be trusted.
"Then you should realize that his best interest is to stay with me," Damyan informed her. "He'll never heal if he's forced to deal with daily reminders of the traumas he's endured. He needs a clean break. A pretty boy to cheer him when he's feeling a touch melancholy would be exactly what his personal Healer ordered. That's me, in case you're confused."
"I want to hear it… from him…" Minerva retorted. "Severus?"
"I want better," Severus stated that firmly. "Do I deserve a pretty boy to cheer me when I'm melancholy? Of that, I'm still not quite certain."
"How about an old witch like me?" Minerva softly questioned.
"I don't see you as old," was Severus' quick answer. "But to have someone… someone that isn't ashamed of being with me…"
"I was never ashamed," protested Minerva. "You don't truly believe that I am embarrassed of our relationship?"
"It is of no importance, Minerva. She'll be ashamed also." He put his hand on his belly. "Fortunately, I'm familiar with the sting. It doesn't hurt me as badly as it once did."
As Albus expected, the Order Meeting was rather raucous after both Horace Slughorn and Filius Flitwick explained the current situation, recent events in Prague, Arthur's injuries and other minutiae. Disparaging comments were cast regarding Severus even while some older Order members attempted to keep their focus on important issues. Was Draganov a supporter of He Who Must Not Be Named? How was the best way to get Minerva McGonagall out of current predicament?
"Well…well… well… our boy Severus seems to make a habit of falling in with bad crowds. One of Gellert's followers?" Alastor Moody barked.
"I hope that they have a jolly honeymoon," Sirius Black dryly commented. "I won't miss the black bat."
Albus knew that he should defend Severus but he needed to fortify himself. His heart was still racing along and he was unable to easily take a deep breath. His clothing was what he had worn to Prague so many hours previously and his singed hair and beard were still short. Hadn't even possessed enough time to get into a proper set of clothes and his hair and beard… well… perhaps they were easier to manage when they were a sensible length. He was almost one hundred and twenty years old… far too old to fight yet another dark wizard… to deal with a meter long beard… yet Albus couldn't leave Severus and Minerva in their current situation.
Damn it, Draganov! He was dead.
Supposedly dead. And there was a witch with the Bulgarian Berserker. Who the bloody hell was it? Sofia Filipova? Snezhana Ignatieva? One of Voldemort's followers? Could Damyan just be a completely random chess piece?
What were the odds of that?
"Well, I see you haven't learned anything," Aberforth growled to his brother. "Albus? Are you still not willing to admit to your devotees how you bollocked everything? How you caused Severus to flee? Well, I'm heading to Manchester and I'll rescue Severus. I'll save Minnie also. Crazy Dark Wizard or no Crazy Dark Wizard, I'll rescue them both."
"Did he just say 'Minnie'?" Dora Lupin inserted. "As in Minnie McGonagall?"
"You can't seriously blame Albus for Severus doing a bunk," protested Sirius. "Snivellus…"
"Do not call him that," Albus commanded. His conscience prodded him hard when he noticed that flabbergasted looks on various Order Members' faces. "You will not use that term again, Sirius. Yes, my brother is quite correct. The situation with Severus is entirely my fault. I mishandled the situation and Severus is not to be blamed. The blame falls squarely on my shoulders."
"He found one of Gellert's followers, Albus. How innocent do you believe him to be?" Alastor Moody roared. The grizzled Auror dared anyone to verbally disagree with him and Hestia Jones nodded her head in agreement. "Do you expect us to believe that he just turned the corner and there was one of Gellert's followers strolling down the street?"
"Alastor, I do not know how Damyan Draganov found Severus. What I do know is that Severus believed that he held no value to the Order after the loss of his arm and the weakening of his magic. I did not properly reassure him of his worth to our cause; I failed to comfort him with his personal importance to me. Severus wholeheartedly believed that I was angry with him because of his supposed failures. Mistakenly, he thought it best to remove himself from my sight… to give me time so my temper might cool. As I said, I don't know how he found Draganov, and I will not venture a guess until after I have spoken to Severus. I will listen to what he says and ponder deeply on many things before I voice my opinion. At this moment, all I know that I must I get Minerva and Severus away from Draganov," announced Albus. "I don't expect any help from the Order. This mess is of my making."
"You're not going by yourself," Aberforth announced. "You're finally acting your age and I'm no longer quite as ashamed of you as I once was."
Albus quirked a sad grin at his brother. "Perhaps it's not too late for even me to learn something?"
"Wouldn't go that far," Aberforth remarked. "You've got a thick head and a God Complex. Plus an ego larger than Hogwarts."
"Albus… you failed to comfort him with his personal importance to you? What an odd thing to say," Dora interrupted the bonding moment between the two Dumbledore brothers.
Her pregnant belly was a physical reminder of his failures, the way Remus held her hand in his a physical blow to Albus' heart. He couldn't tell them the truth. It wasn't because Albus Dumbledore feared to reveal his feet of clay to the Order Members. Severus might believe otherwise but Albus had never been ashamed of their intimacy. Albus' only regrets? That he had taken emotional and physical advantage of the infatuated younger man, who foolishly believed himself in love with Albus.
No, Albus kept his silence. He had promised Severus that Severus alone would make the decision of when and where to announce his condition. Albus had broken it once to inform his brother of the upcoming blessed event and he would not do so again.
"He believed that I viewed him as merely my instrument. That once my tool was broken, it held no value to me," admitted Albus. "Severus needed to be reminded of my unwavering faith in him. I was not as patient with him as I should have been. Voldemort's followers used my physical appearance to torture Severus, and he was justly apprehensive… of me. The fragile situation demanded a delicate approach."
Albus shook his head and refused to continue.
"I failed him. I sent him off to that monster's den…"
"We know the risks, Albus," Kingsley Shacklebolt protested. "That's why we willingly do it. I'll stand by you in Manchester, Albus. I may not particularly like Severus and his bleak dressing style. However you believe in him, Albus…"
"Completely and utterly," stated Albus.
"I'll be there in Manchester," Shacklebolt said.
"I'm coming with you," inserted Filius. "If Draganov goes mental and starts foaming at the mouth, you'll need a ready wand."
"Thank you, Filius," whispered Albus.
"Not for you, for Severus," retorted Filius. "For Minerva also."
"I'll be coming along," inserted a very unlikely voice.
Horace Slughorn pretended to ignore the looks of surprise from the various Order members. He remembered their disbelief later when they required use of his potions skills. Instead, he folded his arms and attempted to look quite the formidable warrior. The affect was ruined by the brightly gleaming gold buttons of his emerald green waistcoat.
"I've scouted the enemy territory after all," he announced. "You don't know what you're walking into. I've seen Draganov's shop. Seen his female comrade. I didn't recognize her, but you might."
"If he has one witch, there might another. You might be dealing with a troika," Filius reminded Albus. "Gellert's Army normally had a base unit of three. Two mages for offense, one mage for defense and shielding. Gellert's modus operandi with Draganov was to set him lose and have his other two mages shield him. Sofia Filipova and Rada Dafovska were his troika. Both were exceedingly talented witches, and while they're supposedly dead, the report of Draganov's death was greatly exaggerated."
"While we're planning for worse case scenarios, he might have the backing of a coven, that being four troikas and an Overseer. Gellert had that Japanese warlock that oversaw the destruction of most of Eastern Europe and Asia. No one was able to confirm his identity or his death…for all you know, he could be alive," Alastor lectured. "You'll also need to Box Draganov, Albus. Last thing you want is an unBoxed Berserker."
Left unsaid was that Alastor Moody was planning on showing up to the tea party in Manchester. Albus was rather blinkered when it came to Severus Snape, Moody always believed. But either way, if Albus was right or wrong regarding Snape, Albus might be need of assistance and Alastor Moody was never one to shirk from a battle from a Dark Mage.
"I can get the Box," Kingsley Shacklebolt offered. "It is in storage as we hadn't had to deal with a Beserker in a dog's age. If we can get Draganov into the Box, his magic will just be redirected unto himself."
"A Japanese man was involved with the death of Tobias Snape," Remus softly reminded Filus. "He stabbed Severus' father. I'll go to Manchester with you, Albus. You might need more wandpower as it seems there are at least two more mages involved."
"Remus, I must turn down your generous offer," explained Albus. "I'm sorry, but you, of all people, can not be part of rescuing Severus."
"It would be quite upsetting to our dear boy," Sirius drolly remarked. "To have Remus save his arse from the fire."
"Besides your difficult relationship with Severus, you will need to stay here and keep an eye on Sirius," Albus continued as though Sirius hadn't spoken. "He is not allowed to leave Hogwarts. You will ensure that he stays here. I can't have him there because I lack the time to teach him proper manners. It seems that rolling up the Prophet and smacking him on his nose has failed to Housetrain him."
"Oi!" protested Sirius Black, while Remus nodded his head in weary agreement.
"I understand, Albus. I'll keep an eye on Sirius," the werewolf promised.
"Very well, what Order members that wish to go to Manchester may go, but only if you agree to follow my commands. Severus is innocent and will be treated as such," Albus announced. "Under no condition is Severus to be hurt. I hope that he will willingly come with us."
"While we're hoping for impossibilities, I hope Draganov serves us bikkies," Moody growled. "I'm famished."
"Dumbledore's up to something," Pierre the lead liaison from the French Magische Liga van Defensie informed Rufus Scrimgeour. A dozen different nation's Top Aurors or their equivalents were sitting in Rufus' magically enlarged office. Their current occupation was loudly browbeating Scrimgeour's inability to control one Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. "He must be up to something. The incident in Prague, that suicide at the prison… He must be involved somehow as he didn't seem particularly surprised we were on his doorstep demanding answers."
"Traditionally," Rufus began to explain.
"Oh, save us from the British and their traditions," sniped Richard, the head Yank. "If it was up to you lot, we'd be doing all our magic skyclad."
Serge, from the Russian Consortium, shuddered, and made a rather risqué comment about it being far too cold in parts of Siberia for such rubbish.
"As I was saying," Rufus continued, regally ignoring Serbian Serge's frostbitten privates while desperately wishing the Yanks would just go far, far away. "Traditionally, Albus Dumbledore has not been fettered by the Ministry."
"Well, yes, because God forbid you have spank the mage that defeated Gellert," added someone.
"I read in the Quibbler that Gellert actually tripped and that's why Dumbledore won," Serge stated.
"You read the Quibbler?" Rufus was stunned that someone admitted to read that dross.
"Perfecting my English," the Russian explained in his heavy accent. "I need to work on my reading comprehension, as that periodical makes no sense!"
Auror John Dawlish then entered the room. He was Scrimgeour's spy in the Auror Department. Rufus, having been raised to the Minister's position from the Auror Department, knew full well that his most likely successor, Kingsley Shacklebolt, was breeding insurrection in the department. Shacklebolt was one of Dumbledore's lapdogs and Albus would like nothing more than to get someone malleable into the Minister's position.
"What is it?" Rufus demanded.
"Shacklebolt has gotten the Box out of storage, Minister," Dawlish quickly explained.
"You have a Box out? This is interesting, Serge, Rufus has a Berserker on his hands," Richard drawled. "Well, I'm bored and looking for some action. I'd invite Rufus to join us, but Rufus will need to handle Albus. Perhaps if he asks really nicely, Albus will explain to him what he's doing. Shall we go help the Brits Box their Berserker? I mean, they're having problems controlling Albus Dumbledore and he's only one hundred and ninety seven years old. A Berserker will be completely beyond their ability to handle."
"Wonderful idea," Pierre agreed. "Where is it?"
"Manchester," Dawlish squealed.
"We'll need better directions," protested Hitomi, the Japanese lead.
"Just follow the rampant destruction," Richard dryly informed her. "The one foaming at the mouth is probably the one they want to Box."
The confederation of Foreign Aurors, intent on not missing any of the fun, left in mass, leaving only a confused John Dawlish staring at Rufus Scrimgeour.
"Please tell me that we're sending our people to this?" Scrimgeour not too gently ordered. Gawain Robards was loyal, but not the fastest wand flicker and swisher. Neither was John Dawlish, which is why Rufus trusted him enough to spy for him.
"I'll suggest it to Gawain," John answered.
"Hurry!" Rufus roared. "This is Great Britain. Our Aurors should be handling this, not a bunch of foreigners!"
"John Dawlish informed me that something unusual is occurring in Manchester," Lucius Malfoy informed Voldemort. "Shacklebolt is involved which probably means Albus. They're getting the Box out."
"Box, what do I care about Boxing Berserkers?" Voldemort questioned. Bellatrix's death had left him strangely pensive and out of sorts. One of his droller followers had declared Voldemort to be in a funk and the wit had been required to feed Nagini. Nagini had found the comic a tad bit on the dry side also, but she was happily sleeping off her latest meal.
"One of Gellert's lieutenants was a bit of a foamer," explained Lucius. "With Gellert's name coming up in conversation a great deal lately, I thought it quite the coincidence that they are Boxing someone. The foamer was a Healer, a rather accomplished Healer. Quite the genius, able to cure almost anything short of death. Albus is involved and the Auror department isn't."
"Severus? You think Severus might have found this Healer?" Voldemort asked. "It would explain why Dumbledore is involving himself. Perhaps I underestimated Grindelwald. Perhaps his hand still stretches from his cell."
Malfoy was far too smart to agree with his Lord's declaration. He didn't wish to be afters for Nagini.
"Very well. Let us go to Manchester," decided Voldemort.
Minerva held Severus' hand in hers and she squeezed it.
"You deserve to be happy. You are worthy of loving someone that is good to you and who is good FOR you. If it's a pretty boy with a glib tongue that can give you the happiness that you deserve, then so be it. But I want you to talk to me," Minerva insisted to Severus. "Tell me you're fine. Tell me, as I need to hear it from you, not from Draganov. All I'm hearing is him. What he thinks is best for you. What he believes will heal you. What do you say, Severus?"
"I'm fine, as well as can be expected," Severus assured her. "We both are."
He took her hand and placed it on his belly. Something moved under her hand and Severus nodded his head once.
"That's…her?" she whispered.
"Ari's quickened." His smile was awkward as though happiness was an emotion foreign to him. Perhaps it was, or far more likely he was unaccustomed to sharing his joy with a trusted other. "I should be dead by now, but…Ariana's quickened. I feel her move…"
"Ariana?" Minerva repeated. "You named her for…"
"For his sister… yes… I thought… he might look more favorably on her…if she had his sister's name. I won't be there to take the brunt of his dislike. I won't be able to shelter her from his whimsicalities and idiosyncrasies. When she asks why her father doesn't care for her, unlike other children's fathers, you'll explain to her that it's my fault. Never hers. Promise me that you'll reassure her that the Headmaster's anger is with me… never her. You might be required to constantly reassure her…but you will… won't you?" Severus' voice was quite soft.
"Where are you planning on being during all this?" Minerva tartly questioned. "Are you running off to a tropical island with your Dark Wizard Lothario? I didn't think you'd be one to shirk your parental responsibilities for a jolly roll in the sand."
"I'll be dead, Minerva." His death sentence was pronounced with such finality that Minerva had to grab him for physical support. "She's draining me of my magic. When she's devoured that, the spell will ensure that she utilizes my physical reserves for her survival. After what happened, my physical reserves are lacking. If that doesn't kill me, in a few weeks, my aorta will tear from her weight as her umbilical vein has hooked itself there. It's really a rather ingenious spell. Does everything it can to ensure the baby's survival, the incubator, on the hand, isn't really very important after she's viable."
Again, the awkward smile.
"It's getting quite close to the time where she'll be able to live without me," explained Severus. "The longer I can house her before I die, the healthier she'll be. I bought the green dress for her first Christmas, Minerva. I even bought her matching slippers and a hair ribbon. You'll make sure she wears it, won't you? That way… it will be like I'm there?"
"I keep telling you that you're not dying," growled Damyan. "I am an accomplished Healer. I regrew your arm. You should regain a great deal of mobility if you continue to exercise it. If I can regrow an arm, I can certainly get you to term."
"My conversation is with Severus," Minerva reminded the Bulgarian in her most formidable tone. "If I have questions for you, I will ask you, Mr. Draganov. Until then, I'm still waiting for Severus to convince me what his best interest is. Your continual interruptions are not promoting your cause, Mr. Draganov."
The Bulgarian growled and Oxana merrily laughed.
"We need to sever your connection to the Heartstone. It would be best if you sat down for this, Severus. It shouldn't be a problem for you to continue your conversation with Ms. McGonagall," Damyan remarked. "Sit."
"I've gotten reports that the British Aurors and many of the International Aurors are descending on Manchester. It seems that Albus is planning on Boxing Damyan and they've decided to help," stated Snezhana Ignatieva.
As the Defacto leader of The Brotherhood, she had kept the Brotherhood hidden all these long years, but perhaps too well, as that upstart believed him worthy of being Gellert's successor.
"Byakko, you take the four troikas with you. Toma is already there, keeping an eye on Damyan's shop. With his predictions, it seems likely that Snake Face will arrive to oversee the carnage. You will lead our strongest witches and wizards into battle, Byakko. Put our sigil up, and let them all know that we are still here. It will pull everyone to your location, so while everyone is distracted, we will break Gellert out of prison."
There was a sharp intake of breath from one of the younger Brotherhood members who was unaware of her plans. He was young, far too young to have met Gellert, but he was still faithful.
"Our goals are this. While everyone is descending unto Manchester, I will lead a strike force to Nurmengard. We will free our Master," Snezhana vowed. "Byakko, you and your coven will kill the upstart. That is your paramount goal in this sortie. Incapacitating Dumbledore is a close second."
"No doubt that Living Horcrux will be there," Byakko inserted. "He's a dark haired boy, glasses with a lightning shaped scar on his forehead. He's instrumental in destroying the upstart. We're to extricate Damyan and his strays if at all possible, but he knows what our primary goal is. His stray did reveal the importance of the Living Horcrux to Damyan while he was raving from fever."
The Brotherhood nodded in agreement.
"We've been in hiding for far too long, my Brothers and Sisters. Let today be the dawning of a New Age," Snezhana declared.
She pumped her fist and stated clearly, "We are Loyal! We remained True! Gellert!"
"Gellert!" was the answering cry from the dozens of wizards and witches. They continued to call out their Lord's name, delighted that it was now time to restore the Rightful Order.
"Gellert! Gellert! GELLERT!"
"Die well," was Snezhana's benediction to her troops.
Minerva had never before witnessed Heartstone magic as most sophisticated British mages dismissed it as mere chicanery. The very idea of using granite as a magical storage device went against everything Minerva believed. Yet, if she looked at Severus in a way that made her eyes water, she could almost see the wispy bonds connecting Severus to the Heartstone. Her eyes were watering, that could be the reason why she saw translucent connections binding Severus and her.
Not because they were Bonded… but because her eyes were watering. Troika bondings and Heartstones belong in the same library section as Astrology – under H for hoaxes. The section was kitty-corner to the section reserved for improbabilities such as male pregnancies and Albus Dumbledore wearing sensible clothing and having a practical haircut, her conscience snarkily reminded her.
"I thought this was already done," Severus questioned.
"Most of the bonds were broken, but not all," explained Oxana. "Now, take a deep breath, and hold it. Let me know if you feel dizzy or odd. We're doing this faster than we normally do so."
Damyan severed the first link and Minerva felt Severus physically weaken. He turned a sickly shade and leaned back in the chair. The babe… it kicked Severus hard in its fear even while the Bulgarian began to discharge his magical essence into Severus. It was rather… instinctive… what Draganov was doing, and Minerva found herself assisting, pouring part of herself into the child.
Easy, Ariana, whispered Minerva. She mentally hummed a soft lullaby to the child, attempting to soothe her. Shoo Shuggy over the glen, Daddys wee pet and mummy we hen. Everything's fine, you just go back to sleep.
Felt the slightest mental presence, a flicker really… a sense of sleepy contentment as Ari was reassured by Minerva… heard Severus' muffled heartbeat… understood firsthand how his back was a bit dodgy these days…. felt the child move within her… was overwhelmed by an overpowering, desperate love for the child… that was Severus… yet it was her… what boundaries were Severus and what were hers… were fluid…there was a contaminant weakening Severus… and in turn it was weakening Minerva… and then the tie was broken.
"Severus, your color has improved. How do you feel?" Oxana questioned.
"Better," a chalky Severus whispered. "Felt odd there for a moment."
"Minerva?" was Oxana's next query.
"Fine," Minerva lied, unable to express her deep sense of loss at the breaking of her connection to Severus and Ariana.
"Good. I need three bars of chocolate, Minerva. Second drawer on the left. Damyan, your color is dreadful and you look as though you're about to sick up. Quickly! I need that chocolate!" the Russian witched ordered. "What did you do, Damyan?"
"Damn Heartstone cracked. There was a slight flaw in the damn stone and it bloody cracked when I severed the first link. Nearly lost both of them just now but I managed to staunch the flow. Had some help," growled Damyan. "Miss McGonagall, I felt you jump in there to strengthen the baby when I was busy with Severus. Nice bit of work. Should have been a Healer."
Minerva acknowledged his praise with a curt nod.
"Is she alright?" Severus questioned. Minerva found the chocolate and hurried back to group.
"She's fine. She was just scared when you nearly blacked out. Fortunately, Ms. McGonagall eased her back into a deep sleep, so she won't be kicking your kidneys. I'll check you both over after I have some chocolate."
"Check her now," commanded Severus.
"I'm barely able to stand upright, Severus. Got to give me a minute to recover as I don't want to go stumbling in and disturb her when she's sleeping. Had to do some quick verbalization improvisation and back it up with a great deal of power just now. I am ninety three years old, Severus. Sixty years ago, this wouldn't have winded me, but I need a moment… or three," the older wizard protested.
"Sit," barked Oxana. "You're having two bars of chocolate before you do anything else. Nadya is in quite the state."
Damyan meekly agreed, which seemed to disturb Severus. Minerva broke the chocolate bars apart and distributed them per Oxana's instructions. For her own health, Oxana snuck a piece of chocolate. She stood next to Damyan, determined to give him a few moments or more to recuperate.
"Eat," Minerva ordered as Severus hadn't touched his chocolate. She pulled him away from Damyan. "He needs a minute or three to recover. I know you're anxious about Ariana… because I'm worried about Ariana…but give him a minute."
Regretfully, Severus nodded once. He ate the chocolate carefully and Minerva was happy to see that his color improved.
"Lick your fingers," Minerva crisply ordered. "You left some chocolate on them. No back talk, Ariana needs the chocolate, too."
Severus did so, and then Minerva softly questioned her friend. "Do you trust him?"
"I promise you that I won't even think of going anywhere near Manchester," Sirius Black assured Remus Lupin. He flashed a winning smile at a skeptical Remus Lupin. "Albus requested that I not go, and therefore I won't."
"Swear it to me, Padfoot," Remus ordered.
"I swear it, Moony, on the bonds of the two of us being the remaining Marauders." Sirius assured his fellow Marauder. "I just don't know what Albus is thinking. How can he trust Snivellus? He's found a new best friend with that crazy mage that supported Gellert. It's time for Albus to wake up and realize that some people can't be saved."
Sirius Black looked at Dora Lupin who seemed to have wilted. Her pink hair had faded to a mousy brown and she was rubbing her back.
"Get your poor pregnant wife to bed," he gently ordered. "I'll behave."
"More frightening words I have never heard," retorted Remus. "I'll put her to bed and I'll find you."
Sirius watched as Dora waddled away, followed by her overanxious husband. Truly, he loved both of them but Remus was a bit overprotective. Bit of a priss sometimes, insisting on following the rules, but a promise was a promise.
"I'll talk to Harry," Sirius Black decided. "It's been a while since we had a good Godfather to Godson talk. Hopefully, he won't ask about sex again. I'm still trying to figure that bit out."
And while Sirius had truly meant to follow Albus' instructions, he did let it slip to Harry about the Order heading to Manchester. Harry, being the typical impetuous teen, was quite put out that he hadn't been invited. He and Ron decided it necessary to travel to Manchester, as they were both legal age and would have been full Order members if it wasn't for Ron's overprotective mother. Hermione, realizing that the two natural disasters should not be allowed to walk the Earth unfettered, determined that she needed to go to Manchester also. Neville Longbottom, Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood decided that it wasn't right for them to miss the fun, so they decided to join the party.
That left Sirius Black by himself.
After a few minutes of debating the issue, Black realized that he was in a great deal of trouble. If Albus didn't want HIM to go to Manchester, he rather doubted that Harry would be welcomed with open arms. And his responsibility as Godfather overshadowed his promises to Albus and Remus, so therefore Sirius Black decided that it was best if he quickly arrived in Manchester. He had no idea where the hell they were, but figured he find them enough.
No doubt something would blow up before long.
Severus licked the remains of the chocolate off his fingers, and then Minerva softly questioned her friend. "Do you trust him?"
"You're the only person I trust," was Severus' quick response. "But Damyan… Oxana… they could have let me die. They've been here for years… no one had any idea who they were, yet now, their existence is known. I find myself… liking… Damyan. We have similar temperaments and Oxana… she reminds me of you."
"High praise," Minerva snapped.
"Yes, it is," Severus admitted, ignoring Minerva's droll tone. "But trust? I fear that I am incapable of trusting anyone…since what happened… yet… he took me in. Saved Ariana. Gave me back my arm… and he just weakened himself considerably for me. I just wish I knew why he was so supportive. So far he's only asked me to teach him the latest in Potions and Charms."
"Maybe he likes you," Minerva offered.
Severus scowled at her, a fierce grimace that didn't intimidate her in the slightest.
"Nobody likes me; they merely tolerate me for what I can do for them," stated Severus. "When my usefulness is over, I am discarded in the rubbish bins with the other broken tools. That's why I can't completely trust Damyan. I know who he is; what he's capable and yet… he's been kind to me."
"You're right, I don't like you," agreed Minerva. "Not at all! You've been of absolutely no use to me."
Severus nodded once and then Minerva roughly embraced him.
"I love you, you irritable git," she growled. "If I had ever found you in the rubbish bins, I would have rescued you, mended you and made you better than new. But I would have given you proper clothing. I'm so glad you're not wearing black and I'm so sorry that I couldn't keep Albus from haranguing you. I promised to protect you from him… but… I couldn't. I'm sorry and I've been so concerned about you two. I was never ever ashamed of our relationship, I just kept it quiet so the Hogwarts Hens wouldn't take the mickey out of you."
To Minerva's deep surprise, Severus gave her a brief hug back. He was never comfortable with physical displays of affection so for him to unbend that much brought tears to her eyes.
"I hate to interrupt this very touching scene, but we've got a problem. Dumbledore's outside, and he's put some damn wards up so we can't Disapparate out of the shop. Well, we could, but the amount of magic Oxana and I would have to wield to punch through his wards might be too much for Ariana. There's another way to handle this, so I have to use Ms. McGonagall," explained Damyan.
"What are you planning? I don't want Minerva hurt," protested Severus.
"She won't be hurt as long as she behaves. Just give me a moment, as I need to change. Oxana… Bloody hell, Ekaterina, I much prefer your real name and it's time to stop hiding. Ekaterina, where is my damn surcoat?"
"Which one?" Oxana… no… Ekaterina asked. "The long black one with the scarlet dragon or the shorter white one with the green dragon? The black one is in the hallway. I'll get it for you."
"Yes, the black and scarlet would be perfect. Doesn't show the dirt like the white one," explained Damyan. "I need to talk to St. Albus and I need to look impressive. Need to wear my real face just in case he doesn't recognize me. He is two hundred and and three years old. Senility must be hitting him hard by now and all his arteries must be quite solid bricks of plague. He'll probably recognize my tattoos."
Draganonv gestured and his face changed. His nose grew more pronounced and hooked and his hair grew back until it was long waves of salt and pepper. His appearance was Sasha and yet, most assuredly was not Sasha. Under his jumper, Damyan was wearing short sleeved Dragonhide armor. His arms were marked with matching dragon tattoos that matched the dragon on his surcoat. He lovingly caressed the gold serpents that writhed on his arms.
The tattoos were entirely too much like the Dark Mark for Minerva's comfort.
"Gellert gave them to me," explained Damyan. "He marked me as his Dragon after he freed me from prison. Now, Ms. McGonagall, I have to use you as a hostage."
"What are you doing?" Ekaterina questioned. "Aren't your friends helping?"
"No, they're not. We're on our own right now because Byakko and I agreed that there's only one way to handle Albus Dumbledore." Damyan explained as he straightened out his surcoat. "Thank goodness, it still fits. As do the dragonhide gloves. It's very important that the gloves fit. It would be horrifying to be unable to rip off my glove and slap him in the face with it."
"You're not," protested Ekaterina. "Are you absolutely barking mad?"
"Albus is a man of tradition. He will prefer if we can handle this with a minimum of causalities. I have a tendency of destroying entire cities, so he'll agree. Calling him out for a duel really is…."
"Rather stupid. He beat Gellert, do you remember that?" Ekaterina stated. Her voice was calm, but it was dripping in scorn.
"Only because Gellert tripped. If he hadn't tripped, history would be different!" was Damyan's flippant response.
"Are you telling me that the greatest magical battle ever fought was only won because one of the combatants tripped?" questioned Severus.
"Yes," Draganov firmly answered. He looked at everyone's disbelieving faces and he growled, "I was bloody there. Were you? I don't remember seeing any of you lot there. Gellert tripped while Albus was casting his disarming spell. I know, it's really rather anticlimactic compared to the rubbish that Albus promoted."
No. He couldn't hide behind Damyan and let him duel Albus. There had to be another option… and the only option of which Severus could think was for him to return to the Headmaster. That's why he was here, as he wanted his child's incubator back at Hogwarts.
"Minerva, if I return to the Headmaster, do you believe that he'll let them go?" Severus questioned softly.
"No," Damyan tersely answered. "He will not. He'll come after me anyway because I got involved with you. He'll be angry that I sheltered you and hid you."
"He's already furious that I did a runner," protested Severus. "I'll return to him…I promised that I would…"
"Albus is not angry with you, Severus. He admits that he improperly handled this situation," Minerva insisted. "He's not angry with you."
Dear, sweet Minerva always thought the best of Albus. She just didn't understand how angry Albus had been with him.
"Severus, do you truly want to return back to Albus? Look into Minerva's eyes and tell her that you honestly wish to do it," Damyan ordered.
He struggled to do so, but try as he could, he couldn't look into Minerva's eyes and lie to her.
"He's angry with me," whispered Severus. "He'll punish me. His anger might hurt Ariana. I can't… I can't…"
Manchester was quiet, entirely too quiet. Black George Street was vacant. Not a soul to be seen, shops closed… the only sounds Albus heard was the Order walking behind him and the thump of Alastor's staff. There weren't any pigeons. Where had all the bloody pigeons gone?
"Alastor, what do you know about Draganov?" Shacklebolt questioned.
"Got a bit of a temper. Anger management issues," Alastor barked.
"Can you tell me more that that?" Kingsley dryly commented. "They don't mention him in a great deal of detail."
"He killed wife and unborn child when he had an eppie. That not being enough, he took out the entire Bulgarian Auror Department. Somehow, they managed to Box him, convict him on all charges and then sentenced him to death. Gellert and his cronies broke him out of jail. For some reason, the Czechs had really pissed him off also, so the first thing he did was go after them. Slaughtered them all. What else do you want to know? He's a bad 'un. World is better off without him," stated Alastor.
"Any weaknesses, how long his eppies last?" Kingsley questioned.
"He is a trained Healer. Sometimes, in the early parts of the war, he'd walk the battlefields, wearing the dark green Healer surcoat, aiding the wounded of either side. Then as the war progressed, he moved into the position of one of Gellert's trusted warlocks. He took command on the battlefield and he'd show no mercy. I met him once…a lifetime or more ago," Albus stated.
"That's the shop," Horace announced. He pointed at a small apothecary called Serendipity.
Nonverbally, Albus cast anti-Disapparation spells and assorted other wards to keep Severus from escaping.
"What do we do now?" asked Aberforth.
"We wait," Albus decided. "Damyan knows we are here, and rushing his location would be foolishness. People might get hurt."
People… such as Minerva, Severus and the child.
Albus loved Minerva, fiercely, and truly, he did care for Severus. He just wasn't very good at properly expressing his feelings.
As for the baby? Albus still wasn't quite sure how he felt about her. Terror and apprehension, mainly, as she was a living example of how badly Albus Dumbledore handled his personal relationships… and a brand new chance to bollock everything.
"Don't do anything stupid, Miss McGonagall," Damyan warned her just before they were about to step out into the vacant street. "I need to chat with dear St. Albus, and he won't do anything because you'll be standing between us."
"Dueling Albus is rather stupid," protested Minerva. "You don't seriously expect to survive, do you?"
He smiled at her, and shook his head.
"You don't, do you?" Minerva questioned. "Then why are you dueling him?"
"No, but…my best hopes are that I take him with me when I die. A dead Albus would be best for Severus," Damyan informed Minerva. "Let us be honest with each other, Miss McGonagall…"
"Why do you insist on calling me that?" Minerva snapped.
"I was raised a gentleman, Miss McGonagall. I never call a lady of your stature by her first name unless she invites me to do so," Damyan primly stated. "Severus has Compulsion upon Compulsion layered upon him. He's Compelled to want the child…"
"He loves her," protested Minerva. "I know he does. I felt his love for Ariana."
"Now he does," Damyan remarked. "When he first found out the happy news, I don't believe he felt that way. He's also Compelled to return to Dumbledore but he's been indoctrinated with false memories so he is unable to trust Albus. Severus trusts you; I do hope you understand how rare that gift is."
"I do, but I don't believe I deserve it," protested Minerva.
"Nevertheless, you'll need to protect him when I'm gone. They'll try to put him in Azkaban because he was under my treatment. He fell into my alleyway, Miss McGonagall. He was in dire need of help and I gave it to him. Just a random act of fate. Protect him, please, and I ask you to look after Ekaterina. She's had the misfortune of coming into my orbit, much like your Severus, and I refused to free her from my path. I was lonely and decided to adopt my strays."
He softly laughed.
"Lonely, how pathetic is that. I was lonesome and forlorn, so I adopted a few strays. I used to rule the world, Miss McGonagall, now I sweep the streets I once owned."
The door to the shop opened and Minerva McGonagall stepped out first. She had her hands outstretched to show that they were empty and a man with long salt and pepper hair stepped out behind her. He was wearing dragonhide armor and a dragon emblazed surcoat. He wore dragon tattoos on his forearms and Albus knew it could only be one man.
"Damyan Draganov," Albus announced. "This is foolishness. Let Minerva and Severus go free."
"Albus," Damyan retorted. "I'd offer my congratulations but I believe that sympathy is what I truly feel. You know the drill, Albus, but let me make sure that that the latest class of Dumbledore devotees is all on the same page. One false step, one wrong move, I kill Miss McGonagall. I don't particularly wish to do that, as I find her… quite enjoyably piquant."
"Thank you for the compliment. I strive to be engaging," quipped Minerva.
"It's a weakness of mine, I like feisty witches. Albus, you also decide to rescue Miss McGonagall, she'll fall over dead in a few hours as I've not completed her treatment for the respiratory burns she suffered in Prague. Speaking of Prague, it's a bloody shame you didn't die there. Well, here's my offer, Albus."
Draganov took off one dragonhide glove and threw it toward Albus. It hit him in the face.
"Duel, one hour in Piccadilly Gardens. A proper duel, Albus, with one of your chosen lieutenants as your second. Perhaps, Master Flitwick? Whoever wins gets to keep Severus. As a sign of my good faith, I'll permit Master Slughorn into my shop so he can talk to Severus. He'll be able to leave and give you a report on how well Severus is doing under my care. He'll also be able to assure you that Severus doesn't wish to go with you. It seems his eyes have been finally opened and he realizes what an utter bastard you are."
Damyan softly chuckled.
"A duel? You're no match for me, Damyan. Just turn over Severus," requested Albus.
"Please, Albus, you're two hundred and thirty seven years old. This time, your opponent is not planning on tripping over a rock so you might actually have to duel. Master Slughorn? I give you my word that you can enter my shop and leave it freely."
Horace Slughorn looked as though he'd rather deal with a pack of rutting basilisks than enter the shop. Minerva nodded her head once so Horace would know it was safe. Well as safe as anything could be at the moment.
"Master Draganov, I will take you up on your most generous offer," Horace agreed.
"It is an honor, Master Slughorn. Severus is a most remarkable Potions Master and you were his instructor. I am delighted to make your acquaintance. The lad was quite ill when I met him. He was quite close to death, no doubt due to Albus. He has a tendency of neglecting those that rely on him. Isn't that so, Albus?"
Damyan smiled at Albus.
"I truly wonder how many of your mindless devotees know the real Albus, the Albus that I know. Don't you worry, Albus, I didn't tell Severus everything about you. Some things he'd probably best hear from you. However, I did tell him about you and Gellert. I'm so surprised at you, Albus. He had no idea that you two were teenage sweethearts. It's rather sweet story, Albus, two teenage despots, intent on ruling the world."
With that bombshell, a chuckling Damyan returned to his shop, taking Minerva and Horace with him.