We Were Only Foolin'
In the weeks that followed, Dumbledore tutored all three young spies in the art of Glamour casting, an ancient art that used to be a wizard's stock in trade long ago, and enabled them to blend in with the Muggle world when necessary. The Glamour was a dying art, however, as more and more modern wizards and witches relied on Polyjuice potion or the fact that all they needed to do was to wear Muggle clothes to walk about unnoticed. And getting some was cheap. Back in the days of medieval Britain, all the clothing was made by hand and made specifically for a person's station—like noble and servant and freeman. You only had recourse to fine clothing if you had money and most wizards didn't, since they lived upon the fringes of Muggle society, not daring to mingle too freely, for fear of being accused of witchcraft and burned or drowned. So the Glamour Charm was a very convenient method of disguising yourself at a moment's notice.
Dumbledore showed them how to weave a Glamour so tight that it clung like a second skin, and Lily, who had a gift for charms, soon mastered the spell thoroughly, able to hold the spell even when she wasn't consciously concentrating, even through extreme emotional upheaval and physical attacks. Which was good, because it meant that she wouldn't need to worry about a slipped Glamour if she happened to get in a fight.
Severus also proved adept, and Reg was like a chameleon, able to blend in with anything.
In addition to that, they were also taking NEWT level classes and discussing possible career options with their House Heads. Lily expressed an interest in getting a job as a Charms professor, though she knew well that she wouldn't teach while she was doing undercover work. Severus wanted to be a Potions Master. Regulus was considering going for a Healer, he had all the brains to be one and compassion as well, but feared he wouldn't be able to concentrate upon his studies and spying at the same time.
He also had managed to tell Cindy the real reason he had done an about-face and was hanging around the dregs of the school, or at least the ones with the worst reputations. She was sympathetic to his plight afterwards and said she admired his courage and daring. He swore her to secrecy.
"I just wish there were some way to get it through my boneheaded brother's skull that I'm not really going dark," Regulus remarked to his roommate one night before going to sleep. He was sitting atop his bed, crosslegged, looking very Zen, but his hazel eyes belied his calm posture. "But how can I, when I'm forbidden to tell him the reason why I've up and joined the Death Eater wannabes?"
Severus looked up from where he was sprawled on his stomach, reading a detective novel, he indulged himself by reading a chapter or two before bed each night, unless he was studying for an exam. He put a finger in the book to hold his place and eyed Reg sympathetically. "I wish I could help you, Reg. But you know as well as I do that Sirius regards me as the devil incarnate and thinks it's because of me that you've turned down the dark path. He would never believe me if I told him things weren't what they seemed and to trust you."
"I know. It sucks. I mean, sure, we've always scrapped, what brothers don't? But this time . . .it's different. Sometimes . . .sometimes he looks at me like he hates me . . .really hates me." Reg but his lower lip. "Last time he saw me, he threatened to write to our parents if I didn't quit hanging about Avery and Nott and their set. I told him to butt out and mind his own business. Maybe I shouldn't have, but what else could I do?"
"Do you think he would really do what he said?"
"I don't know. One never knows with Sirius. Sometimes he's pure bluff, but other times . . .And it would just kill my mother and father if they thought I was following the dark road. I know they're purebloods and all, but Dad's an Auror, he hunts down dark wizards. What if, Merlin forbid, he had to hunt me down? And I don't even want to think of what it would do to Mum . . .she would never forgive me. So I can't let them know. Not ever. Not till this bloody war is done."
"I know. My mother would be horrified if she ever guessed what I was really doing. She says You-Know-Who is anathema to all of us, a disease that needs to be eradicated from our society. Heaven help me if she ever thought I was becoming one of his followers . . ." Severus shuddered just imagining his mother's anger and disappointment. "I think she would disown me."
"Which means we're just going to have to be careful until we finish school and come of age," Reg said gloomily. "Then maybe you and I could get a place together and we wouldn't need to worry about anyone finding out about our double lives. Unless you and Lily marry first."
Severus grinned at the idea of Lily and he being married. That would be a dream come true. He just wished that his dreams didn't have a habit of becoming nightmares sometimes. Being a spy was going to test him to the limit and he didn't know how he was going to maintain a lasting relationship with Lily while under that kind of pressure. But he would not give her up. Not over this, or anything. He simply had to trust in the prophecy and his love for her. That would be enough—had to be enough—to see him through this.
He looked at Regulus again and saw the strain upon his face and the sadness in his eyes and said softly, "Reg, if we do get married, and believe me I plan to, you can come and stay with us."
"Sev, I couldn't do that. You'd be newlyweds and I'd be . . .in the way. Like a fake Knut or something."
"If you need to, Reg, you're always welcome in my home. Wherever that home may be," Severus said firmly. "You're like my family, little brother."
Reg coughed awkwardly and muttered a thank you.
"Sirius still on your back then?"
"Yeah. But at least he's not trying to hex me anymore since Professor Slughorn caught him that time and gave him detention. Made him pickle some toad ovaries or something I think. Gross! I think afterwards my brother spent an hour puking up his guts."
"Serves him right for being such an idiot and hurting his own brother." Severus snorted. "I don't know what you can do about him, Reg, except maybe ignore him."
"Mmmhmm . . ." Reg made a noncommittal noise of agreement. It upset him deeply that he could not come clean with his family about his true role as Dumbledore's agent, but he had known from the beginning that secrecy would be his top priority. He was lucky that Dumbledore had agreed to let him tell Cindy, so at least he had three people who he could speak with.
Suck it up, Black. We all have to make sacrifices in this war. This is the first of many, he told himself firmly. He just wished someone had warned him how hard it would be. He shook his head and doused his lamp and drew the bed hangings about his bed, seeking solace in sleep.
* * * * * *
Eventually, Lucius summoned them to another meeting, sending a letter around to both Reg and Severus. They quietly informed Lily, Dumbledore, and Cindy. Regulus had agreed to always inform Cindy when he went to a meeting, either in person or a letter, so just in case something happened, she could alert the rest of the Order.
For the first time, Lily Polyjuiced herself into the shape of Dumbledore's long-deceased sister, Ariana. The sight of the fragile-looking blond-haired girl standing before him brought tears to the old wizard's eyes. Ariana had had cornflower colored eyes and a sweet heart-shaped face and a rosebud mouth. When she had been alive, he had adored his baby sister, and seeing Lily assume her shape made old memories come rushing back.
"You look . . .it is as if her ghost has come back . . ." Albus muttered, shaking his head. "Forgive me, I am an old man rambling . . .You are now ready to go on your first mission, Zoey Nightdusk. May Merlin and fate watch over you."
Lily smiled. "Thank you, sir."
Then she turned and left the office, her heart beating crazily in her chest.
She met Severus and Regulus in Hogsmeade, near the Shrieking Shack, because hardly anyone ever went over there, it was rumored to be the most haunted place in Britain. Severus, who wore a long hooded cloak so no one would catch sight of his rather distinctive profile, immediately took her in his arms, all of his protective instincts flaring to life. In this new form as "Zoey Nightdusk" she looked the epitome of the fragile damsel, even though he knew she was anything but, and he could not help himself. Then too, he could see that she was nervous and scared, try though she did to hide it.
So he gathered her close and pressed her into his chest, whispering, "I'm here, little oracle."
"Sev, I'm scared. I feel like I'm walking into a nest of poisonous runespoors."
She nestled into his arms, listening to the steady beat of his heart, and felt some of her initial fear abate.
One hand slipped up and stroked her fine blond tresses, so utterly different from her usual bright ember-colored hair. "You are, but I'll be right beside you. Reg too. Remember your vision, Lily. Together we shall triumph."
"You're right," she said, gathering all of her courage. She was not alone and that was everything. "All right." She pushed away the fluttering panic and squared her shoulders. "Where is this meeting?"
"We're to Floo to Diagon Alley and meet in Borgin and Burkes," Reg answered. "Lucius will meet us there. Then we'll introduce him to you, Zoey."
"Let's go," Severus said, then led the way back to the Hogs Head.
* * * * * *
Lucius seemed to take Lily's recruitment in stride, but then he informed Severus and Regulus that their newest acolyte had to go with Bellatrix, Narcissa, and several other girls to have their own meeting separately. "Witches," he snorted. "You know how they are. Want their own little secret ritual and whatever. Probably planning to get drunk and ogle naked men in Staffs of Fire," Lucius smirked, naming a popular wizarding magazine similar to Muggle Playgirl. "Come. We have a few new members to initiate tonight, you can reminisce with your pretty little witchlet later."
He eyed "Zoey" up and down, leering at her.
Severus shot him a look that could have slain a dragon and put an arm about her before he could think better of it.
Lucius laughed. "Ah. So that's how it is. Finally came to your senses then and stopped seeing that Mudblood Evans, have you?"
Severus said nothing, just continued to glare, cursing himself for his overprotectiveness.
Lucius chuckled. "Very well, I'll leave her be, since you've already staked a claim, Snape. But I do prefer blonds." His eyes roamed over "Zoey" again, before he spun about and pointed to a group of witches. "Over there, Zoey. Follow them."
He started walking to the other Sons of the Iron Mask who waited beside the fireplace in the disreputable shop.
As he did so, Lily whispered the Memory Altering Charm, making Lucius forget he didn't really know Zoey Nightdusk, and also altering his memory of Severus holding her. She didn't want to have to start "breaking up" with Severus at school because Lucius suspected Severus had feelings for "Zoey."
Then she stepped away from Severus and whispered, "Better go. I'll be fine."
"You sure?" he whispered back.
"Yes. Go."
Severus sighed and departed, reluctantly.
Lily walked in the opposite direction, to join the group of seven girls, casting the Memory Altering Charm upon each of them as she introduced herself to them, so they would recall her being at school with them, Sorted into Ravenclaw. She disliked casting the spell, it made her feel as if she were playing God with people's minds, but she knew it was necessary for her to pull off her ruse and so she just gritted her teeth and performed the spell.
"We'll be going to Luc's mansion, just so you know, but the north garden, so we can have more privacy," Narcissa told her. "It's better that way. Some of the boys are . . .not very well-bred and they tend to get very rowdy during the initiations."
"What she means is they get drunk and belch and fart and try and grope anything with breasts," Bellatrix translated bluntly. "After the last time, when I had to kick that MacNair's balls up his arse for trying to rip off my dress, we decided to have our own meeting away from the men. Good thing too, because a little thing like you wouldn't last two seconds with some of those boys when they've had too much to drink."
Lily eyed Bellatrix coolly. "Don't worry about me, Black. I can take care of myself."
"Good. We'll wait for the boys to finish using the fire, then it'll be our turn."
Lily supposed the separate meetings were an unlooked for blessing, because if any guy had tried to touch her in front of Severus, he would have probably killed them, or at least hexed them till they begged for mercy. She began to speak to Narcissa, asking her about Malfoy Manor, trying to gather as much information as she could about Lucius.
* * * * * *
"So . . .how did it go?" Regulus asked when they had all Flooed back to the Hogs Head. "Did the witches make you drink some kind of sick drink too for your initiation?" He had just placed up a Silencing Charm so they could not be overheard.
"No. They waved some incense over me and anointed my forehead with some kind of ashes and herbs and made me swear to be true to them, but there was no drink like what you described. Afterward we talked a bit about obligations of family and drank some white wine or butterbeer and Bellatrix gave a speech about the glories of serving He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named—she clearly worships him—and that was all. No orgies or anything like that."
Severus exhaled sharply in relief. "Good. Now let's go back to the castle. We meed to speak with the Headmaster and then I'm going to take a shower. Hanging around Lucius and his lackeys always makes me feel filthy, like I went swimming in a cesspool."
"Me too," Regulus said, and Lily nodded.
Together they headed back to school.
* * * * * *
November 23rd
Quidditch pitch:
James caught the red Quaffle easily, and tucked it under his arm. Then he cast a quick look behind him to scope out which of his teammates was coming after him, they were practicing for the next game against Slytherin and James was hoping to trounce the serpents' butts, especially Siri's brother, who played Seeker and was fast becoming a legend in the air. Black the Blur was his nickname and James was highly jealous of the young Seeker because he didn't think it was right for one who skirted the edges of dark wizardry to be born with such a gift for flying.
He circled round the pitch, neatly avoiding his teammate Arnold Asher's attempt to blindside him and snatch back the Quaffle. Ducking a low flying Bludger, James shot forward and tossed the Quaffle with deadly accuracy towards the goal.
The Keeper, Miles Davenport, tried to snag it, but slipped and the Quaffle went in.
"Bullseye, Jamie!" cheered Alicia Weatherby from the stands, she was James's latest conquest and came to watch him play rain or shine. She was now clapping and cheering.
James turned and beamed at her, loving the attention and applause, as always. The attention was like a drug, it gave him a rush and got his adrenaline pumping, he could never seem to get enough of it. The louder the crowd cheered and chanted his name, the better he performed.
He flew a victory lap, waving at the pretty blond girl, who was a fourth-year Gryffindor.
He liked Alicia, she was good for him, always thrilled to be around him, never fought and argued the way Lily always did . . .he checked suddenly as his eyes caught sight of a familiar redhead walking down near the lake, beside an all too familiar greasy-haired git. James' teeth clenched. Even now, after three months, he still hated the fact that Lily had chosen that worm Snivellus over him. It stuck in his craw like a chicken bone.
His eyes bored into the couple, unable to help himself, and his hand itched to grab his wand and hex that damn Slytherin to the dark side of the moon, the backside of beyond, anywhere Lily wasn't. Lily, I will never understand why you chose him—a Death Eater if there ever was one—over me. How could you be attracted to that scummy snake who never washes his hair and who flirts with darkness? How?
Hands clenched into white knuckled fists, he abruptly turned his broom and shot across the pitch, pulling up in the center of the pitch. He was breathing hard and his hazel eyes were burning with raw jealousy and longing. So he did the only thing he could to ease the surging emotions, he began to play Quidditch hard and fast, using the game to get rid of all of his tension and frustration.
By the time practice was over, he was dripping with sweat, but at least he wasn't entertaining thoughts of shoving Snivelly headfirst into a cauldron. Mostly.
He headed for the showers, grateful once again for the distraction.
* * * * * *
"Earth to James!" Sirius called, rapping on James's head lightly with his wand. "Whatcha thinking about, Prongs?"
"Give you two guesses, Padfoot," the Chaser answered, propping his chin up on a fist.
They were all in a corner of their common room, sprawled in comfy chairs and James had zoned out for a moment. Peter was idly drawing weird shapes in the air with a Smoke Charm and Remus, who looked pale and drawn, was sipping a hot cocoa, huddled beneath a large maroon blanket. Several of his Housemates had asked if he were coming down with something.
"Maybe you ought to let Pomfrey scan you, mate," suggested Frank Longbottom. "Y'look ruddy awful."
But Remus only shook his head. "It's just a cold, I'll be over it in a few days."
His friends exchanged knowing glances. Tomorrow was the night of the full moon, hence Remus's sickly appearance. The werewolf always got sick before he was about to transform, it was how the beginnings of the curse manifested.
"Time to pay a visit to the old shack," Peter squeaked softly after Frank had left.
The other three nodded. They had discovered Remus's awful secret during fourth year, but had only learned how to become Animagi the following year. The three had discovered that they could help Remus control the wolf beast a bit if they transformed with him and hunted and ran with him in the forest.
Dumbledore had created a secret passage underneath the Whomping Willow to the Shrieking Shack for Remus to use when he had to transform, as there was no cure for lycanthropy. As werewolf, Remus lost his human mind and became a slavering insane beast, starving and vicious. But once he had fed, he calmed and it became safe for his friends to escort him across the grounds in the moonlight.
Sirius regarded it as a great lark, slipping the werewolf free right under the noses of their teachers and the Headmaster, and with the added benefit of being Animagi. James had nicked the copy of Magical Shapeshifters: A Beginner's Guide from McGonagall's office when he had detention with her, and then proceeded to read it until he had master the Animagus transformation. Once he had found his Animagus form, which had taken three days of intense meditation and concentration, he had taught Sirius and Peter.
And now the Marauders were even stronger than ever.
"So . . .let me guess. You were thinking about either a certain redhead or the next Quidditch match," Sirius said. "And if I wanted to bet money, I'd say it's the first one. Am I right?"
"Yes, damn it!" James snarled, suddenly irritated with his best friend.
"Hey, no need to take your frustration out on me, mate," Sirius held up his hands jokingly. "I know it sucks to see the object of your affection walking out with a loser like Snape, but what can you do about it? He's a slick tongued bastard, look how he led my little brother down the dark path."
"I don't think Regulus needed to be led, he was already headed there," Peter remarked.
Now it was Sirius's turn to bristle and snarl. "Be quiet, Wormtail! My little brother was coaxed into hanging around those scum by his roommate, Severus bloody Snape! He practically worships that bloody bounder. Thinks he's the greatest wizard since Merlin." Sirius made a derisive noise. "Ha! All he can do is brew potions and make his hair extra greasy."
Remus yawned and rose to his feet, he was tired and achy. "I'm for bed, guys. See you tomorrow . . .night."
"G'night, Moony," James said, echoed by the other Marauders.
Remus climbed wearily up the stairs and into bed, feeling horrible.
Back in the common room, Sirius continued to rant on about Snape corrupting Regulus and James agreed with him, saying suddenly, "If only there were a way to get rid of the damn kid."
"Get rid of him how?" Sirius asked in a soft voice.
"Like make him sick enough to go home for the rest of the term, I don't know. If he were gone, then maybe Lily would forget him and see me instead."
"Still got a thing for old Evans, huh?" Peter chortled. "What's wrong with Alicia? She's a looker, she is."
"Nothing. But . . .she's not Lily," James sighed.
"Potter, you're obsessed," Sirius teased lightly.
"You say that like it's a bad thing."
"So . . .what could we do to Snivelly to make him up and leave?"
Peter's nose twitched. "What if we . . .scared him to death?"
Sirius eyed him. "Go on. What's that devious brain of yours thinking up now, Wormtail?"
Peter's sallow face and pointed chin quivered and then he leaned forward and said, "Tomorrow's the full moon. What if we lured old Snivellus to the Shack and let him meet the big bad wolf? You know what Moony looks like when he first transforms, right? All freaky and snarling. We could shove him in the tunnel and open the door to the shack a little and let Moony stick a paw out or something. I bet Snape will be so scared he'll cry like a baby and pee his pants. And then he might even have nightmares, assisted by the Marauders, of course, and then he'll be so scared he'll leave and Evans can be yours. Though I don't see what's so great about her."
James and Sirius looked thoughtful. "Y'know, Prongs, that just might work," Sirius said and smirked his familiar devil-may-care grin. He clapped Peter on the back. "You're such a cunning sly thing, Wormtail."
Peter shrugged modestly. "Always glad to help a friend, Padfoot. And just think, if Snivellus leaves, maybe your brother will stop hanging out with the Death Eater crowd."
"Yeah, maybe then he'll listen to reason," Sirius said. "We'll get him good, eh James?"
James nodded. It was time for some payback. "It'll be the best prank the Marauders have ever played." He ignored the niggling little voice in the back of his head that whispered that perhaps this prank wasn't such a good idea, that someone might get hurt since Moony wasn't exactly a family dog when he transformed. But he shoved the voice aside and thought instead of how much better Hogwarts would be without Snape in it.
* * * * * *
Severus was having a very bad day. He had waited outside the Gryffindor common room for Lily this morning, only to be told by Alice and Cindy that Lily was sick and in the infirmary. He had gone to the Hospital Wing to see her, only to be told by Madam Pomfrey that she couldn't have visitors on account of contracting a highly contagious form of wizard flu. "Maybe tomorrow I can allow you a short visit, Mr. Snape, if I think she is feeling up to it. Now run along and eat breakfast."
I'll send her a get-well card as soon as I can make one, and maybe some wildflowers too. Then he went upstairs only to find that breakfast was almost over and all that was left was some cold toast and lukewarm oatmeal. He ate it anyhow, he never wasted food, but it reminded him pointedly of breakfasts at Spinner's End. Definitely not something he wished to dwell on.
But at least his mother was able to save a decent amount of money and live a more normal life since Tobias was in jail, Severus thought. His latest letter to Eileen had been sent yesterday, and he looked forward to her reply.
History of Magic was his least favorite class, though he didn't know of anyone who actually liked it, but today's lecture was even worse than usual. Sev tuned out Binns as soon as he got started upon telling all the ancestors of the Goblin leaders of the Rebellion of 1874, and began making a card for Lily instead. He was interrupted by Pettigrew throwing parchment balls at him and nearly upsetting his inkwell. Angry, he spun and cast a hex that kicked the chair out from under the sly Marauder, and Peter landed on the floor with a thump.
That even Binns noticed, and when the ghost professor asked what had happened, Sirius chimed in with, "Snivellus—I mean Snape there hexed him. Saw the whole thing."
"Well, Mr. Snape, we do not hex people in my classroom." Binns snapped. "Now you may have detention with me tomorrow night and ten points off of Slytherin as well." Then he turned and floated back up to the front of the class and continued his excruciatingly boring lecture.
Out of the corner of his eye, Severus saw James and Sirius giving each other a high five. Brilliant, Sev! Just bloody brilliant! Now you get to be lectured to death by flaming Binns.
And it just went downhill from there.
Professor Slughorn was absent from potions, seemed he had come down with the same wizard flu as Lily, and their substitute, Professor Marsh, declared that anyone without a partner to work on their project could copy over formulas for a Boil Cure for the first year classes twenty times. It was busy work, Severus hated busy work, but he had no choice but to do it, since Lily was absent and Marsh didn't think he could continue the project on his own.
He picked up his quill and started to write, only to have the quill snap mid-word and splatter ink all over.
"Mr. Snape, I would think you ought to have learned to write with a quill by now," reproved the teacher, making everyone else snicker and Severus flushed.
"Yes, ma'am." He ground his teeth together and figured once more the Marauders were up to their old tricks. The quill had been perfectly sound, he had used it to write down his homework in Charms.
He pulled out a spare quill, cast a quick silent Shield spell about himself and his desk and began to write the blasted formula. Even though it wasn't lines, it felt like detention. And what made it worse was that he was doing it in potions, the class he loved and excelled at.
Bloody Marsh and her bloody stupid busy work, he thought angrily, then saw to his chagrin that he had written that down instead of "porcupine quills" on the parchment and had to start over.
He picked at his lunch, feeling the beginnings of a headache and a sore throat coming on. Reg asked him if he were okay and he muttered a sullen, "Fine."
That afternoon, Regulus had Quidditch practice, which meant he wouldn' t be back till late evening.
By then Severus was feeling hot and sniffly, but he didn't think it was anything to go to the Hospital Wing for. He ordered soup in his room for dinner and brewed up a batch of Pepper Up potion and drank it down. That potion always made him sleepy and so he decided to go to bed early.
No sooner had his head hit the pillow than he was asleep, sinking into a potion-induced dreamworld, which was why he never felt the rat scurry up the side of the bed and perch upon his chest, staring at him with beady eyes.
An instant later, Peter appeared and pointed his wand at Severus, intoning a stronger sleep charm, plus a levitation spell. Then the rat opened the door to Snape's room, silently congratulating himself on pulling it off. He had waited outside the portrait hole, hidden in a pocket of shadow, for one of the Slytherins to come and open it and then he had slipped inside. Snape's room was separate from the others since he was a prefect, and once he had located it by smell, he had waited for Snape to return.
Once he had, Wormtail had followed him, nipping inside the bedroom and hiding beneath the couch. The wards Snape had set did not react to him because he was not intending to harm Severus, only remove him from the room. And thus, Wormtail was able to pull it off. He was extremely grateful that Regulus had not returned yet from wherever he was, for Pettigrew was afraid of the younger Black. Regulus had never liked or trusted him, and viewed him with suspicion.
Wormtail transformed again and went forward to check the way out. Luckily, this was a Friday night and most of the Slytherins were either sleeping, studying in the library, or down at Hogsmead. The coast was clear.
Wormtail carefully draped James' Invisibility cloak over the sleeping Snape and then floated him out the portrait hole and through the secret passage the Marauders had discovered. James and Sirius waited for him behind a large yew tree.
"Did you do it?" asked James.
Peter nodded. "Easy as pie, he took a potion and he's out like a light."
"Good." Sirius peered beneath the cloak and smirked. "Won't he be surprised when he wakes up?"
The Marauders hurried across the lawn, the moon had just risen and Remus was already inside the Shack, transforming.
They never noticed Regulus returning from the Quidditch pitch, sweaty and dirty, who just happened to spot them leaving the grounds. Since becoming a spy, Regulus had been taught by Dumbledore to observe people, namely the way they moved to tell what they were feeling or thinking or going to do next. Reg had absorbed the lessons thoroughly.
Huh. Wonder what they're up to, slipping off like that? Probably no good from the way they're walking, like they don't want to be seen. Always up to something, you and your pals, aren't you, Siri?
Shrugging, Regulus returned to the castle, showered and went back to his room, expecting to find Snape studying or something. Instead, he found the door to their suite open and Severus nowhere to be found. "Sev? Sev, what the hell?" he called.
His roommate's bed was rumpled, but he was nowhere in sight. And Regulus knew that Severus would never forget to shut the door to the room, he was far too fanatical about personal privacy.
Fear began to grow in Reg's chest. What if Snape had been discovered as a spy by the Iron Masks and they had dragged him off to curse him? Frightened, Reg cast a Four Points spell. "Point me Severus Snape."
He followed the invisible tugging on his wand, closing the door and spelling it locked as he left the room.
The Four Points spell led Regulus out of the castle and across the grounds in the direction of the Whomping Willow.
His heart hammering, Regulus ran forward, only to halt when he approached the tree, for it was standing with its limbs frozen in the sky, and Reg knew the Whomping Willow was never still, it always twitched and swiped at anything that moved, even an errant breeze. Merlin, but what is going on here? The moon soared cold and bright overhead, and he shivered as he approached the tree, which had a large gaping hole inbetween its roots. A secret passage? The spell tugged him onward and he quickly slipped into the hole and found himself in a long twisty tunnel.
Upon hearing voices, he halted and muttered a concealment spell, then continued.
Up ahead, he saw, to his shock, not some of the Sons of the Iron Mask, as he had expected, but the Marauders. They were standing next to a wooden door, and Regulus saw that it was locked. The Four Points spell was still tugging him and he assumed Severus must be behind that door.
Strange growling and snuffling noises were coming from behind the door too, deep throaty snarls that raised the hair on the back of Reg's neck.
"Sirius, I don't think this is such a good idea anymore," James was saying, a note of uncertainty in his tone. "You know that little alcove room isn't all that sturdy, Moony could break the door from the Shack if he gets desperate enough."
"Oh come on, Prongs. The door to the Shack is bound with iron, he's never broken it yet and we've been in there dozens of times. Snivelly will be fine, if scared to death. And besides, wasn't that the idea?"
"Yeah, Prongs, you're not getting cold feet now are you?" Peter said, a nasal whine to his voice. "I didn't sneak into the snake pit for nothing. Look, he's waking up."
They peered through the window into the small alcove room whose door at one end was bound with iron and padlocked.
Severus woke to a strange howling and groaning. It was terribly eerie, for the screams sounded almost . . .human, Severus realized in horror. The screams of a human in mortal agony, too great to be endured. Abruptly the human shriek cut off and changed to a wolf's long low howl.
He scrambled to his feet, only then realizing he was not in his bedroom, this was not some nightmare. His bare feet scuffed a dirt floor and he was inside some kind of bare wooden room with two doors. Behind one, the horrible howls and shrieks were coming, and then he heard the slow scrape of claws being dragged down the door, followed by a high pitched whine, as of a beast trying to get free.
Where am I? How did I get here? His hand groped frantically for his wand, only to find that it was not there. He looked down and saw he was only wearing his pajamas and his wand was usually beneath his pillow.
Terror began to creep up his limbs as the awful whining escalated into a howl, the howl of a beast who hungers for what is on the other side of the door. More scrabbling and scratching sounded, then came a thud as of something heavy flung against the door. The door shuddered and Severus heard something crack and the wood began to buckle.
He whirled, and ran to the other door, only to discover it was locked. Frantic, he slammed his hand down on it, yelling, "Damn it, open!"
Then he heard a familiar voice drawl, "What's the matter, Snivellus? Afraid of the big bad wolf?"
"Black?" Sev gasped, and looked up to see Sirius's face through the window, smirking at him. "You miserable bastard, what have you done? Let me out of here!"
"Quit whinging, Snivellus. Or are you a coward like the rest of your House? Slimy snakes slithering in the darkness, only good for corrupting innocent kids."
More howls and cracking sounds came from the opposite door.
Severus glanced back and saw that the wood was splintering and breaking and whatever thing was on the other side of the door was coming through it unless something were done. Desperate, he turned back and yelled, "Black, I don't know what kind of sick prank you're playing at, but you need to let me out—NOW! The door is breaking!"
The wood panel shattered and splinters exploded outward. Severus lifted a hand to shield his face and then froze.
A paw the size of a dinner plate emerged from the hole, with gray fur upon it and yet it had long toes tipped with razor claws . . .almost like a human hand.
Then Severus knew what was behind the door, what was slavering and howling for his blood.
"A werewolf! Bloody hell, Black, you've shut me in with a werewolf! Are you bloody crazy?"
"Aww . . .does Snivelly want his mama?" Sirius mocked.
"Sirius, you demented jackass, let him go!" Regulus cried and raced up the tunnel, wand pointed at his brother.
"Reg, stay out of this. It's nothing to do with you." Sirius whirled to face his brother.
"Bullshit! He's my best friend!"
"Some friend. He lead you into darkness, making you into scum like him."
"You don't know what you're talking about, damn it!" Regulus cried.
"Sirius, this has gone too far," James said abruptly. "I'm letting him out. It's not funny anymore." He pointed his wand and uttered an, "Alohomora."
The door unlocked and James yanked it open.
Severus stood frozen in the middle of the room, unable to look away from the horrible manlike paw that pulled and tugged upon the broken door, widening the gap until a muzzle filled with sharp fangs shoved itself through the hole, drool dripping in streams to puddle upon the floor.
"Snape! Come on!" James cried, half-dragging the other boy towards the door. "That won't hold him for long. Merlin blast it, Moony!"
James's hand upon his shoulder and his words snapped Severus out of the trance he had been in, caught in the aura of fear that a werewolf projected. "Don't touch me, Potter!" he cried, and then his brain registered what else James had said. "Lupin. That werewolf is Lupin!"
James nodded. Then he shoved Severus out the door and shut it, casting every locking charm and shield charm he knew upon it.
No sooner had he done so then there came a terrific crash and the sound of paws clicking across the floor.
THUD!
The door shook as Remus threw his full weight against it.
All of the wizards froze and then James barked, "Up the tunnel, quick! I've cast charms on the door, but it might not hold him the way he is tonight."
Everyone obeyed his authoritative tone without question, even Sirius.
Wormtail raced out of the tunnel and struck the secret knothole with his paw, freezing the willow so they could all escape from the tunnel.
They emerged panting and gasping into the moonlight, wincing as the howls and wails of the trapped werewolf increased.
Once they were safely away from the Willow, Severus spun on the Marauders, hands clenched into fists. "What the bloody hell did you think you were playing at? You nearly killed me!"
"Killed you?" Sirius stared at him. "It was a prank, you uptight viper."
"A prank? Sirius, you stuck him inside a room with a ravening werewolf on the other side." Reg objected. "How stupid are you? He could have died!"
"Merlin's shorts, Reg, all we wanted to do was scare him a bit. We were only foolin'." Sirius protested.
"Oh, and that makes it all right? You abduct me from my room and throw me into a tunnel with a ravening beast and think it's funny?" Severus spat. "Then why are you the only one laughing, Black?"
"Nothing happened. James dragged your arse out of there before Moony ever got through the door. Peter was the one who thought of it."
"You agreed to it, Padfoot," reminded Peter sullenly. "You and James thought it was a wonderful idea."
"You're all a bunch of imbeciles!" Severus cried. "And this time you won't get away with calling this a damn prank and laughing it off. I'm reporting you all to the Headmaster."
Sirius went pale. "Now, wait, Snape, don't be hasty . . ."
"Save the excuses, Black! We'll see what Dumbledore thinks about your little 'joke'."
Severus began half running across the lawn towards the castle.
"Bloody tattletale!" swore Sirius. "James, why didn't you knock him out and then drag him out of the shack?"
James actually looked uncomfortable. "Siri, he is right. We never should have . . .we went too far this time. If Remus had been a shade quicker or stronger, he might have broken free and bitten Snape. And that would have been horrible."
"Do you think we'll get detention for this, James?" Peter whimpered, only now realizing they were in major trouble.
"Detention?" Regulus snorted. "You'll be lucky if you're not expelled." He cast Sirius a disgusted glance. "And if that happens, Mother and Dad will die of shock."
"Ha! Look who's talking. I'm not the only one with a dirty little secret, Regulus! How would you like it if I told them who you've been hanging around with? How many dark curses did you learn this week?"
"Shut up! At least I never almost killed someone as a joke!" His brother cried. Then his eyes narrowed.
"But Merlin only knows what you will do, as a Death Eater!"
Regulus marched up to Sirius and snarled, "You know nothing of who I truly am, brother! Nothing! And if you think you're going to scare me by threatening to tell Mum and Dad about what I'm doing, remember that you nearly committed murder tonight! Which one of us would they be more ashamed of—a supposed dark wizard or an attempted murderer?"
"You're blackmailing me?"
Regulus turned away. "Take it however you like. You always do."
"Fine! I'll make you a deal. I won't tell them if you won't." Sirius called after him, not quite as nonchalant as he seemed about incurring his parents' displeasure.
Regulus kept walking.
"Okay, Reg? Okay?"
Regulus turned around. "Deal. But don't blame me if they find out from the Headmaster."
"I don't think he would tell them," Sirius began nervously. "It wasn't like we planned to . . .to hurt him."
"No? Then what would you call it? That wasn't exactly an invitation to afternoon tea, Sirius!"
Shaking his head in disgust, Regulus sprinted the rest of the way to the castle, where he found Dumbledore waiting in the courtyard. "Mr. Black, are you involved in this as well?"
"Involved, sir? No, sir. I'm just out here to help Sev."
"I see. But you witnessed it all. Go up to my office to the special room, please. You will find Severus there, I shall speak to you after I deal with your brother and his friends."
"Yes, sir." Regulus said, and shivered, for there was an ominous tone to the Headmaster's voice that made the young wizard afraid, even though he had done nothing to incur Dumbledore's wrath. Sirius, I think you're royally screwed. Dumbledore might have looked the other way all those other times, but this time . . .
He quickly made his way up to the Headmaster's office and to the secret room that Dumbledore had hidden there, it was where Dumbledore took them to discuss their information from the meetings, it was spelled so that no one could hear what was discussed within the room, but you could hear what went on in the regular office. It had been designed when Phineus Nigellus Black was Headmaster. Regulus carefully pressed the hidden panel next to the fireplace and the wall slid aside and he put a finger to his lips when he caught sight of Severus, who still looked disheveled but mad enough to breathe fire.
His friend stepped back and allowed Regulus to enter, the room was about the size of a small dorm room, with a table and chairs inside. When Regulus entered, the panel slid back into place, invisible unless you knew where to put a hand.
"You okay, Sev?"
"Yes." His friend tossed his hair back from his eyes. "Dumbledore said I can stay here until he calls me back into the room. I think he means to make the prats apologize to me, among other things."
"Good. He sounded mighty put out. I don't think they'll be getting off with just a detention this time."
"No. When I told him . . .Reg, he was livid. They're lucky he doesn't believe in using magic to punish students."
Regulus shuddered. "Think they'll be expelled? I don't care what happens to Potter or Pettigrew, just my brother."
"I don't know. Why? Don't you think they deserve it?"
"Yes, but still . . ."
"Sorry. That was an unfair question," Severus sighed. "Your brother might be an idiot, but he's still your brother."
"True enough."
Then they hushed, for they could hear the sound of footsteps on the stairs and then the three Gryffindors and Dumbledore entered the office.
* * * * * *
Albus Dumbledore had rarely been so disappointed or angry as he was that night with three of his favorite Gryffindors. The Marauders, as they called themselves, had a streak of mischief a mile wide, but he had been willing to overlook it because most of their pranks were not harmful, at least as far as he had been aware. Then too, he had been a consummate practical joker in his youth, and so had a soft spot for them. But when Severus had come knocking upon the door to his quarters, disheveled and looking as if he had been in a tussle with a dragon, he had known immediately that something was very wrong. Once he had discovered Severus had been the victim of a prank involving a werewolf, specifically Remus Lupin, he had been appalled. Perhaps he ought to have listened to Poppy Pomfrey and Horace when they had told him the boys were going too far and singling out specific students, such as Snape, for targets. But even he had never thought they would stoop to this—to endanger not one but two students!
He indicated that the three were to stand before his desk and he went and seated himself behind it. He had learned a long time ago that students made to stand while he sat grew uneasy and fidgety, though he rarely used such tactics to intimidate students. However, in this instance, he felt a little intimidation was necessary. He fixed the three with a stern gaze, it felt foreign upon his face, until he reminded himself what these three had done.
"Well, gentlemen, it has been brought to my attention that you attempted to play a nasty prank upon Mr. Snape involving another of your classmates, is that true?"
"Yes, sir," they muttered, hanging their heads.
"Ah. Then you admit to placing Severus in harm's way, endangering not only his life, but also Remus's?"
"It . . .it wasn't like that, sir," Sirius spoke up. "We were only foolin', sir. Just trying to scare him a little. We never meant for him to get hurt or anything."
Dumbledore frowned. "Do you realize, Mr. Black, what could have happened from your little joke? If Severus had been bitten by Remus there would have been dire consequences. Severus might have been infected by the curse, making him into a werewolf, and Remus would have been declared a menace and killed by the Ministry."
"Killed?" James repeated in dismay.
"Yes, Mr. Potter—killed! Because the Ministry regards werewolves as not human, they are classed as half-humans and dangerous. I do not agree with that viewpoint, which is why I agreed to let Remus attend school here. But no one was ever supposed to know what he was. And now you have revealed his secret to two other students and almost cost him his life as well! This is no laughing matter, gentlemen!"
"We know that, sir," James said, lifting his eyes from the floor to peer at the Headmaster, trying to gauge how much trouble they were in. He flinched. Dumbledore's eyes were dark with a cold anger, he had never seen the kindly old man look so fierce. Ah, hells, but we're screwed. "Like Sirius said, all we wanted was to scare Sniv-I mean Snape. We didn't think it would be dangerous . . .because we've been in that room in the Shack before when Remus transformed and he never went crazy that way. We went too far, I guess."
"Much too far, young man. It is one thing to change a person's hair color for an hour or make his homework fly about the room, but it is quite another to serve a classmate up on a proverbial platter to a werewolf. That crossed the line. How did you manage to get Severus out of Slytherin without being seen?"
"That was Peter's job," Sirius said.
"Well, Mr. Pettigrew?"
"I . . .I . . .err . . .well, you see . . ."
"Just tell the truth, Peter." Dumbledore ordered.
Peter gulped, looked over at his two best mates, then said, "I did it because I'm an Animagus. I can become a rat." He was shaking. "Oh please, sir, have mercy! I don't want to be expelled! My parents will never forgive me." He looked as if he were about to grab Dumbledore around the ankles and kiss his feet.
"That remains to be seen. So, you are an Animagus? That is quite an accomplishment. I assume that your other two friends here are as well?"
Both James and Sirius also admitted that was so and told the Headmaster their forms—a stag and a dog.
"We only became Animagi so we could help Remus, sir," Sirius said defensively.
"You were not even supposed to know about Remus, Mr. Black. His condition is deadly serious, nothing that should be shrugged off or disregarded. And yet that is exactly what you have done by using him as the instrument of your so-called joke. You have all behaved like irresponsible, reprehensible, reckless five-year-olds." He scolded. "Your actions could have resulted in the death of two of your classmates and I am ashamed that you would even consider such a thing, much less actually carried it out." He rose to his feet suddenly and his face took on the mien of a strict judge, or a parent about to deliver some much-needed long overdue discipline.
"I have overlooked much from you three with regards to your penchant for pranks. I have indulged you because I did not think you would truly harm anyone with them. But now it seems I was wrong to do so. No, Mr. Black, I don't want to hear anymore excuses, for there is no excuse for your behavior. Were I any other Headmaster, you would all be expelled for your actions here tonight. However, I cannot do that without revealing the reason behind your expulsion, and then I would be forced to expose Remus and that I cannot do. He is innocent in this, you are not."
"What . . .are you going to do to us, sir?" asked James, trying to keep the quiver from his voice. Dumbledore was quite fearsome when he was angry.
"First and foremost, you will be giving an apology to Severus for almost killing him. Then you will be put on probation for the rest of the year, meaning that all your Hogsmeade visits are cancelled and your movements restricted to class, the hall, and your rooms. You will wear a Monitoring charm upon you, and curfew will be strictly enforced. You will serve detentions with Mr. Filch every other night, doing whatever jobs he tells you. I shall also arrange for you to have Animagus instruction with Professor McGonagall, after which she shall register you with the Ministry. Lastly, since you seem to get into mischief together, you will be separated for classes and meals and any time you do spend together afterwards will be monitored to ensure you plan no more pranks like this one. You are also forbidden to go near Severus Snape or Regulus Black."
"What? You're forbidding me to see my own brother?" Sirius gaped.
"Yes, upon your brother's request." Dumbledore said. "In short, gentlemen, you are grounded, as the Muggles say. I would hope that you take this punishment to heart and learn your lesson. Break any of the restrictions and you will find that I am not adverse to snapping your wand. Have I made myself clear, gentlemen?"
All of them nodded.
Dumbledore pulled out his wand and cast the Monitoring Charm. "You may give your apologies to Mr. Snape tomorrow in my office, and then the rest of your punishment shall begin as well. I shall inform Professor McGonagall that you are on probation from me and what it entails. Return to your dorm, boys, and go to bed. And do think about what you have done." Then he paused and said, "Mr. Potter, I am told that your quick thinking may have saved Mr. Snape's life. You are to be commended for your courage and for your attempt to rectify your poor decision. Well done. However, that does not mean you will get a reduced sentence."
"I understand, sir. And I'm sorry for what I've done. To both of them."
"That is well, for you should be, Mr. Potter."
Sirius and Peter also apologized and then Dumbledore ordered them to go back to their room.
As soon as they were gone, he called, "Severus and Regulus, you may come out."
Severus tapped the release on the secret panel, and it slid open.
The two emerged into the office and Dumbledore looked them over before waving his wand and cleaning them up. "There, much better. I am truly sorry this ever occurred, Severus. However, I must beg your silence on this matter. I permitted Remus Lupin to attend this school because I believed that he should not be ostracized because of a curse he contracted as a baby. I took steps to ensure both his safety and others, by placing him in the Shrieking Shack, and putting the Whomping Willow to guard the tunnel. I ask that you not blame Remus for this, James and Sirius assured me he was not in on the prank, and I believe them, for Remus is not the kind to play jokes like that. Will you both give me your word that you shall keep Remus's secret?"
"Very well, sir." Severus agreed. "But I cannot believe you consented to allow a werewolf here." He shivered, recalling the huge rows of teeth and the claws tearing a hole through three-inch thick oak planks. "He nearly . . .if he could have gotten through the door faster . . .he would have attacked me . . .like a mad beast."
Dumbledore patted Severus's shoulder. "I know. Sit down, Severus. You have had a shock, might I suggest some tea and perhaps a Calming Draught as well?" He walked over to his private store of potions and took out a vial, poured some in a cup and handed it to the young wizard, who took it without protest.
Then the Headmaster called for some tea to be brought and the house elves came with a tray of Sleepytime and all of them drank some.
"Regulus, my boy, will you swear the same oath?"
"I will, sir. And . . .I apologize for my brother. Sometimes he acts like he has no brain."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Yes, well, I think all of us are guilty of that at some point." He peered at Severus. "Are you feeling better now, my boy?"
"Yes, thank you, Headmaster." He finished his tea, it did make him feel less chilled and a sleepy lassitude was starting to overtake him. He yawned. Slowly the fear was leaving him, dulled by the Calming Draught, but Severus was certain he would never forget this night. "And thank you for sticking up for me."
"And why would I not, Severus?"
Severus did not answer, so Regulus did. "Because we're Slytherins and they're Gryffindors and so are you."
"And you think I would favor my own?"
"It's a common practice, sir. Especially when you consider that they're among the most popular boys in the school."
"Yes, I . . .can see where you would have gotten that impression," Dumbledore admitted softly. "As I said before, I have indulged those three too much and for that I am sorry. I fear I have done none of you any favors. From now on, I shall try and treat all of you the same." He met the eyes of his two young agents steadily.
Severus nodded, satisfied. "I appreciate it, sir."
The Headmaster smiled. "Be here in my office at nine, and you shall have your apology from all the Marauders then. For now, get some sleep, children." He gently shepherded them from the office. "Oh, and one more thing. Never think I do not appreciate the risks you take for me, Severus and Regulus. I value you highly and would trust no one else as my eyes and ears."
The two boys left the office, sleepy and weary, but with their heads held high. It felt incredible to know that all of their hard work was appreciated and that the Headmaster valued them enough to lay down the law to his former Golden Boys. Severus smiled all the way back to his room, thinking that what had started out as an utterly awful day and a terrible night had ended better than expected.
As he slid beneath the covers, he wondered what Lily would say when he told her. Finally, there had been justice done for a Slytherin.
A/N: Before anyone starts screaming "It didn't happen that way in the books" remember this is an AU storyline.
I moved the time of the incident up from summer to fall because it fit my storyline better.
Hope you liked my version of the Shrieking Shack and its aftermath. And if not . . .oh well.
Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this! The second part with James and Petunia is coming up!
Next: James and Lily have it out for a final time before winter break, but James follows Lily home where he will encounter a very different sort of girl than any he has met before.