Chapter 54 : Practice makes perfect
The rest of the Christmas holiday break was very busy, starting with Dumbledore and Flitwick placing layer upon layer of protective spells on the castle and its foundations, plus reinforcing the existing charms and spells.
Fred and George set up a practice schedule for Draco down on the lawn, with targets and a blanketing silencing spell, so as not to scare anyone or draw undue attention from Hogsmeade especially, because the sound of the rifle Draco was using would bounce off the rock foundation of the castle and echo down the valley and across the lake . . . no use announcing to the world that a high powered rifle was in the neighborhood!
Lucius tried out the flame thrower, in the spell protected courtyard, and found it was actually quite simple to use and became quite proficient in just minutes. It was decided that he could make better use of his time helping with the installation of the Plexiglas panels inside the library windows, so he joined that work gang , assisting Hermione, Ron and Arthur and Molly Weasley, plus adding more protective spells to those already in place around Madam Pince's precious books and the library shelves. He also came up with the idea of putting Plexiglas 'roofs' on the tops of the library stacks, to deflect any debris that could fall from the ceiling.
Seamus, Neville, Dean and Harry were busy rigging the bridge with a vast assortment of the Weasley fireworks and explosive charges. Harry was using his broom to deliver the materials to Seamus and Dean as they climbed over, through and around the support structure of the wooden bridge, while Neville unloaded and sorted the pyrotechnics from the crates, following the blueprint Seamus had worked up, cross referencing it with the list of available products the twins had included in the crate.
Luna and Ginny were practicing with Professor Trelawney and Narcissa Malfoy in the smaller courtyard, target shooting to get used to their equipment, too. True to the twins word, Sybil became a crack shot in very little time, with the girls and Narcissa cheering. The fact that her target was a picture of Dolores Umbridge might have been a contributing factor to her success. Be that as it may, she was soon shooting the full length of the courtyard and hitting the picture dead center every time.
But after some discussion with the twins, about distance and accuracy, she reluctantly switched her paintball gun for a crossbow, and a second assignment for the defense of Hogwarts. She was also taking lessons from Remus to learn how to produce a Patronus, as it was agree, that would be a better protection for Draco.
Professor Sprout, Minerva and Peeves scouted out the best places where they would be moving the pots of Venomous Tentacula and which battlements should house the Mandrake plants. They wouldn't be moved until the Spring holiday, when the cooler weather outside the green houses wouldn't affect them.
They made suggestions to the twins as to which hallways would be best suited for their 'Portable Swamps', as the evacuation of the younger students was also a concern; there had to be at least two routes from each of the House towers to get the lower classes to safety. If there was time, they would go to the Room of Requirement and then to the Hogs Head or in an emergency, to the lower levels, where the House Elves had rooms ready, deep under the castle where the battle wouldn't reach.
X X X
Knock! Knock!
"Enter!" Severus called out, looking up from the cauldron he was tending. Katie opened the door and peeked around the frame, smiling when she saw what he was doing.
"Why am I not surprised to find you here, brewing another batch of something or other?" She smiled as she entered and closed the door. Walking over she took a look into the cauldron. "Ah, a few bottles of cough potion for Poppy to have on hand, eh?"
"Yes. She does seem to go through a prodigious amount during the winter months, so I thought I'd brew up an extra few bottles," he answered, waving a hand to lower the flames. Turning to the Healer, he knew what was coming and took a deep breath. "It's time, isn't it?"
"I'm afraid so, Severus; you're healed, the term is about to start and I'm needed back at St. Mungo's, so, no more delaying, I must go back."
Severus reached out and took her face in his hands, staring into her eyes, then he leaned forward and kissed her forehead, before gathering her into his arms.
"I shall miss you hounding me to do my exercises," he murmured in her ear.
"I did not hound and even if I did, you know perfectly well that it was worth the effort; except for the slight limp, which will go away, you're back to normal," she chided, smiling up at him.
"Ah, well, let's define normal," he said, rolling his eyes.
"Indeed, it does seem a bit skewed around here, doesn't it?" Katie admitted.
"Katie ..." Severus started, his face taking on its usual inscrutable visage. "I know we've talked a bit about what lies ahead, but . . . "
"'I know . . . no promises," she finished. "And I understand why."
"Do you . . . do you really?" Severus' eyebrow went up a bit.
"Yes. I know our lives, right now, are not what happened before, but it's changing for the better . . . . however, that's no guarantee that it will be all fun and games, despite how much the Weasley twins are involved," Katie added.
She smiled up at him and he knew she was just trying to lighten up the moment. He couldn't help but smile at this optimistic woman who had entered his life in such a surprising way. The fact that he had found himself drawn to her was still astonishing to him. He had talked with Albus at length and worked through his feelings of guilt and grief concerning Lily's memory, finally letting her rest in peace, and allowing himself to have some hope for a personal future.
Katie had, similarly, come to terms with her husband's death and had resolutely turned to face her future which, with a bit of luck, would include the Wizard holding her in his arms. She knew Severus was having an even harder time than she, but knew her calm acceptance of their parts in this war would help him face the next few, crucial months. Then, if it was their fate, they'd face the future together.
"When this war is over, I expect you to take me out to dinner, Severus Snape," she cocked her head. "And not the Leaky Cauldron . . . a proper restaurant!"
"Demanding little Witch, aren't you?" Severus pulled back, holding her at arm's length, then he pulled her close again. "Anywhere in particular in mind?"
"Yes, a small inn on the Isle of Man." Katie looked up at him and wiggled her eyebrows. "That way, I'll have you all to myself."
"Brazen hussy! " Severus exclaimed.
"You better believe it . . . and I plan on having my way with you, too!" Katie replied tartly, snuggling up to Severus, holding him tight.
"Well, all things considered . . . that's the best reason for winning this war that I've heard so far!" Severus intoned seriously, even as Katie dissolved in giggles.
Severus tilted her chin up and slowly lowered his lips to hers. The kiss quickly became deep, passionate and almost desperate, as though they both knew it would be a considerable time before they would be together again . . . if that was their future. When they finally stopped, and were simply clinging to each other, Severus felt Katie shudder. Pulling back, he looked down, concerned.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Yes, just a bit of Déjà vu . . . when Edward left . . . I . . . he . . . ." Katie stuttered to a halt, then buried her face in Severus' chest, sobbing.
Severus started to say something, but then realized just holding her close while she cried was probably the best thing for the moment. Sniffing, Katie pulled away, digging a tissue from her pocket and wiping her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Severus . . .I"
"No apology necessary. It's to be expected that thoughts of Edward will still move you to tears occasionally; you're still working through the grief of losing him. I would be more concerned with your behavior if you didn't think of him. I spent years grieving for someone, so I can speak from experience; don't hold back or bottle up those emotions . . . it will eat away at you from the inside."
Katie looked up at Severus, suddenly aware that there was an awful lot about this Wizard that she didn't know.
"I'll make a deal with you, Severus Snape," she said, looking thoughtful.
"What deal?" Severus tilted his head, brows furrowed.
"When we see one other again, we will take the time to tell each other all about our lives BEFORE we met here, now. Good and bad, painful and funny, scary and silly . . . all of it. That way, we'll have a better frame of reference when dealing with each other's moods . . . we'll have a clue as to what might be lurking in the back of the other's mind and be better able to help them through whatever is happening," Healer Treiber concluded, sounding every bit the Medi-Witch that she was.
"I'm not sure you'd want to hear about the Death Eater part of my past . . ."
"Nope, all of it! I haven't been an angel, myself, you know!" Katie smirked.
"Really? Hummmm, in that case, it might prove a most enlightening exercise. Very well, you have a deal," Severus concluded.
A small clock on a nearby shelf chimed the hour. Katie took a deep breath and then let it out in a huff. "Time to go."
"I'll walk you to the Headmaster's Office," Severus replied, putting a lid on the cauldron and extinguishing the flame. He then turned to the Healer who had worked so hard to help him recover and smiled. She returned his smile with a wicked grin of her own.
"Want to race?" she asked, as she backed toward the door, one hand stretched out behind her back, reaching for the handle.
"I most certainly will not!" Severus huffed.
"Party pooper," Katie smirked and then stuck her tongue out at her former Professor. Yanking open the door, she took off down the corridor, heading for the stairs.
"Tykey?"
'Pop'
"Yes, Headmaster Snape, sir. How can Tykey help?"
"Take me to the entrance of the Headmaster's Office, please," Severus replied, smirk on his face, as he held out his hand to the House Elf.
"Yes, Headmaster."
'Pop'
X X X
Katie came hurrying around the corner and started down the hallway toward the spiral stairs but skidded to a halt, mouth gaping; leaning against the archway of the stairwell to the Headmaster's office was Severus, arms crossed, smug look on his face.
Scowling, Katie marched up to him and wagged her finger under his nose. "That's cheating, Severus Snape! You should be ashamed of yourself!"
"Ah, well, blame Sirius Black's bad influence on me . . . it's a Marauder thing," Severus sniffed, as he pushed off the wall and stood looking down at her.
"Don't try to blame Sirius! You . . .you . . .OH!" she huffed, stamping her foot.
"Oh, now, you shouldn't be upset, I was just returning the favor," Severus pointed out.
"What favor?"
"It was my way of making sure you got your exercise," he replied, and then laughed at the look of outrage on her face.
"A payback, then, was it?" Katie looked at him with a frown.
"Exactly." Severus nodded.
"I'll show you payback," Katie muttered, as she reached out quickly, sliding her hands inside Severus robes and tickling him on his ribs.
"HE!HE!HE!HE! Stop! HE!HE!HE! STOP!" Severus tried backing away, swatting at her hands but she relentlessly pursued him, backing him against the wall. He was laughing helplessly by this point, unable to even gasp out words.
Suddenly , Katie turned and ran up the stairs toward the Headmaster's office, leaving Severus to catch his breath. Then he straightened, marched to the stairs and followed her up to the office.
"Come in!" Albus called, when Severus knocked on the door.
Severus entered to find Albus and Katie standing at Fawkes perch, petting the Phoenix.
"Ah, there you are Severus," Dumbledore looked at his Potions Master over his half-moon glasses, twinkle firmly set in his eyes. Severus rolled his own eyes and nodded, even as he watched Katie stroking Fawkes' red and gold feathers.
"Well, I'm so glad you could spend this time with us, Healer Treiber." Albus turned to the Medi-Witch. "We have you to thank for Severus' quick recovery and I hope he was a co-operative patient?"
"He was as grumpy and recalcitrant as any re-hab patient would be, but he did buckle down and work hard on his exercises and as you can see, is almost 100% whole again, " Katie reported and then turned to beam at Severus.
"Yes, Albus, we've managed to tolerate each other successfully and I am, indeed, almost back to my former self," agreed Severus, bowing to Katie.
"In that case, I shall make myself scarce, in case you two would like to have a few minutes to 'tolerate each other's company' one more time, so you may say your thank you and fair wells," Albus said, smiling benevolently. "Goodbye, Katie, my dear."
"Goodbye, Professor Dumbledore," Katie replied, stifling a giggle.
Albus gave her a kiss on the cheek and walked out of the room, closing the door firmly behind himself. Katie turned to face Severus and he held out his arms. Walking into his embrace, she sighed and held him tight. After a few moments, she lifted her face to him, they kissed one last time and then stood, holding each other tight.
"Take good care of yourself, Katie. Don't hesitate to come back here if there's trouble. Artemus Pye is a good friend and Order member; you can rely on him."
"I know, Severus. You must be careful, too . . . please," Katie replied, with a hitch in her voice. "I'll try not to worry. . . ."
"That's a lie." He smiled at her, making her blush.
"Okay, I'll work very hard . . . keep myself so busy I won't have time to worry about you," she answered back tartly, causing him to raise an eyebrow. "Well, not worry about you overly much, okay?"
"That's better." Severus looked into Katie's eyes, and was startled to realize he'd never noticed that they were a rich chocolate brown, with little gold flakes on the iris. "You have beautiful eyes," he murmured.
"And yours are a wonderful obsidian black that sparkles when you're amused about something, did you know that?" Katie laughed at the surprised expression on Severus' face.
"Really?"
"Yes; Albus' eyes twinkle, famously, but your eyes sparkle, even if you're wearing your best scowl . . . that's how I know when you're kidding me, it's your 'tell', as the Muggles say," Katie informed him. "Now, on the other hand, when you're being serious, they are just as black and fathomless as the bottom of a pit in a coal mine."
"What a descriptive turn of phrase," Severus said, shaking his head. "I had thought I just looked inscrutable . . . ah well, another bit of my former self lost to change."
"Change for the better, I take it?" Katie asked.
"All things considered . . .very much for the better," he replied, as he bent his head down to kiss her again. "And you are the best part of the 'new and improved' Severus Snape."
"Oh, high praise indeed!" she grinned, but then the smile slid from her face. "I really have to go, Severus." Katie started to step away from him, but Severus would have none of it, drawing her into his embrace and burying his face in her hair; breathing deeply, memorizing the smell of her perfume and the feel of her body against his. Her arms tightened around him as she clung to him, then she firmly pushed back, and stood, tears shining in her eyes.
"See you soon, Severus," she said, holding up her chin and smiling as she reached for a handful of Floo Powder.
"Yes, I believe we have a date?" He winked at her, which made her smile.
"Ah, yes . . . we do!" Turning to the hearth, she stepped in and threw down the Floo Powder. "St. Mungo's!"
'POOF!'
Severus stood for a moment, then turned and walked out of the office, his robes billowing behind him.
X X X
"Ah, Severus, my faithful servant, returning to us at last," Voldemort smirked, as Severus approached the table and took his place. "I see you have recovered from your injuries."
"Yes, my lord. A slight limp, which is fading, is all that remains of the paralysis," Severus replied. "A minor inconvenience."
"And we are glad to have you here, so that you can enlighten us as to what, exactly, happened that day," Voldemort hissed, his displeasure barely contained. "I understand that Draco went willingly with Potter, is that correct?"
"Being unconscious at the time, I can't say, my lord, but that is what I've been told transpired," Severus answered. "As I was questioning Draco about whether he had heard from his parents, Potter entered the Great Hall. I turned to confront him and that is the last I remember . . . until I regained consciousness, paralyzed, in the Hospital Wing."
"Really? It happened that quickly?" the Dark Lord asked, leaning back in his chair.
"Yes, my lord. My main concern, since I have been released from my rehabilitation, is to find out how . . . or better yet, who assisted Potter in entering the castle," Severus offered. "However, with most of the students away for the holiday, there was not much I could discover. When they return tomorrow, I will speak with certain students, who are particularly close to Potter, and find out how he gained entry."
"I see. And who might you question first?" the Dark Lord asked, leaning forward.
"Neville Longbottom. It's seems he pushed Draco down to the floor to save him being hit by the spells which, unfortunately, then hit me in the back. I realize Longbottom was only doing what a Gryffindor would do under the circumstances, but it was Malfoy he saved, a Slytherin and known enemy of Potter's."
"And the Carrows were hit almost immediately by stunning spells from McGonagall and Flitwick . . . or so I've been told." Voldemort watched Severus' reaction carefully.
"That is my understanding, also, my lord. They said they were just reacting instinctively to the Carrows hitting me, the Headmaster, and not, they assured me, because of Potter. They were appalled that those two even attempted spells at such a distance from the door, knowing their ineptitude and stupidity," Severus added, with what might pass for a smile. "If you don't mind me asking, Master, what excuse did those idiot Carrows give for hitting me instead of Potter?"
Voldemort cackled. "They thought to hit the Weasley boy and the Mudblood Granger, diverting Potter's attention and you'd be able to subdue him when he was momentarily turning to check on his friends."
Severus rolled his eyes and shook his head while the other assembled Death Eaters snickered. Bella was sitting on the Dark Lord's other side, glaring at Severus, who, when he finally glanced in her direction, raised one eyebrow.
"Something vexes you, Bella?" Severus drawled, and almost laughed out loud when Voldemort swung around and impaled her with his eyes.
"Yes, Bella, you wished to speak?" he hissed at her.
Ducking her head in submission, she whispered, "I was just wondering if there was any news of my sister's whereabouts? If Severus had heard anything, Master."
"Perhaps you didn't hear or understand me," Severus started, as if explaining to a four year old. "I was unconscious, the students I would question are returning tomorrow, and if they know anything other than what I've told you and what additional descriptions of the actions during that little incident, that you've heard before tonight, I should think that information would already have been delivered to our Master, don't you?"
"Indeed, Bella, I did not expect Severus to have much to add to what we already know, but when we next meet," Voldemort continued, turning back to Severus. "I expect to hear that you have found out how Potter and his friends managed to get to Hogwarts and enter without being spotted."
"Of course, my lord. I will not have that trio of troublemakers running amok in the school."
Severus sat back, waiting for Voldemort to look into his mind; he remained calm and stared straight at the red eyes glowing in that white face. He felt Voldemort looking around at his memories, the reconstructed memories Severus had prepared: a new version of how he'd asked Draco about his parents and then, a shout from behind him, whirling around to see Potter, with his two friends, standing in the doorway, raising his own wand and then . . . . blackness. He also allowed the Dark Lord to see Katie yelling at him about his exercises and his sneering reply, and finally one of Healer Treiber retreating in tears. Voldemort looked away, then back at Severus.
"Who was that woman?" Voldemort asked.
"A Medi-Witch sent from St. Mungo's to help with my rehabilitation; tiresome chit, but I had no say in the matter. She was there when I woke up and only just went back, declaring me fit enough to resume my duties as Headmaster," Severus replied, without any inflection or show of interest in her.
"I see . . . and her name?"
"Treiber," Severus replied.
"Ah . . .Well, I can understand her dislike of you, Severus. It seems her half-blood husband was recently killed by the Snatchers, trying to help a group of other Mudbloods and half-bloods escape. Having to take care of you, a loyal Death Eater, must have been galling, to say the least," Voldemort informed him.
"Indeed . . . that would explain the mood swings between her obvious loathing of myself and the fits of weeping," nodded Severus, again letting the smallest of smile play on his lips. Bella giggled.
"And now she's back where she can be watched," Voldemort said, off handedly.
Severus said nothing, merely waiting for whatever was next on the Dark Lord's agenda for the evening. He had been right in thinking Katie might be under surveillance and he had to hide his fear for her safety in the deepest recesses of him mind.
"Severus, do you remember bringing the Sword of Gryffindor to me and then putting it into Bella and Rudolphus' vault?" the Dark Lord asked.
Severus' eyebrow rose slightly, as if he was surprised at the turn in the conversation.
"Of course, my lord," he replied.
"Did you see anything amiss with the sword?" Voldemort inquired.
"No, my lord. Why do you ask? It isn't missing?" Severus swung to impale Bella with a scowl.
"No, it's still there, but I have reason to believe it might be a fake."
Severus snapped his head back to look at the Dark Lord in surprise. "That's not possible . . . why would anyone bother making a duplicate?" Severus looked confused and felt the Dark Lord enter his mind once again; he showed him the trip to the vault, the Goblin opening the door before walking over to Draco to discuss the dragon, walking into the vault and putting the sword on the table and then glancing around before walking out to join the other three, the Goblin sealing the door and then continuing down the passageway. The Hufflepuff Cup had been clearly visible, sitting on the high shelf at the back of the vault. Voldemort withdrew from Severus' mind and sat in silence for a few moments.
"I suspect that the sword was duplicated before Dumbledore's demise, Severus," Voldemort hissed.
"McGonagall, as Deputy Headmistress, would have known; should I question her, my lord?" Severus asked. Bella giggled, relishing the thought of how she'd do that particular task, but Severus ignored her, as did Voldemort.
"No, if she knew of it, she knows where the sword is hidden and won't give up the location without a fight . . . I don't want it known that we realize it's a fake. Search for it at your leisure, Severus, as it's not that important. I was just curious."
"Yes, Master," Severus replied, although he knew better; seeing his memory of the Hufflepuff Cup had been the Dark Lord's main concern with suggesting the Sword had been switched with a duplicate .
Voldemort seemed to come to a decision and dismissed everyone but Severus, Bella alternating between pouting and shooting Severus dirty looks, as the group made their way out the doors.
"Now, Severus, my faithful friend . . . I don't want you to make too much of an effort to find out how Potter got in the castle; he'll show himself soon enough, inside the school, I think, and that's when you will alert me to his arrival."
"Yes, Master."
"But . . . don't do or say anything . . . I want him to think he can come and go as he pleases. In a few months, when he feels he is safe, he'll get careless, thinking he has the run of the place and when his guard is down, that's when I and my army of followers and helpers will attack."
"Yes, my lord. I will turn a blind eye. But what about the Carrows?"
"Let them continue teaching their classes . . . when we attack, they have their orders and they will not fail me again!" Voldemort spit out.
"No, my lord," Severus agreed.
Voldemort waved his hand, dismissing Severus, who bowed and headed for the door.
"Oh, Severus, send Bella in, won't you?" Voldemort called, just as Severus reached out for the door knob.
"Certainly, my lord," Severus replied, bowing slightly as he walked out into the hall. Seeing Bella waiting anxiously, he jerked his head, indicating she was wanted. Smiling greedily, she almost ran past Severus in her haste to return to her Master. Severus walked swiftly down the stairs and out of Malfoy Manor and then 'Apparated' back to the gates of Hogwarts.