Previously on The Years Of Decisions 8: Anticipating Harry
Severus had also confirmed that he and Janna would visit the Dursley household on July Thirty First to visit Harry and explain what he could expect once he joined the Wizarding World. As far as the Headmaster was concerned, everything was proceeding along nicely. In addition, he and Severus had a nice little chat about what they should and should not tell Harry about his heritage. They both thought it best that they not frighten Harry by telling him about his real father. It was agreed they would wait to see if any spell activated when Harry came in close proximity to his real parents. The best part of the conversation was that Severus had only growled once when Albus mentioned James Potter. Albus realized that the discussion could have gone so much worse.
Even Phineas had been upbeat about the whole thing only suggesting once that Harry should be told he was the son of one of the most brilliant Slytherins to come down the line in a long time. Severus had lowered his head at the compliment given him, but Dumbledore had shut Phineas up with one withering glance and several harsh words.
The conversation between Albus and Severus had ended shortly after Phineas' remarks with Severus leaving the office with a wide Slytherin smirk and Albus sitting behind his desk, hands clasped in front of him with a Gryffindor frown covering his face.
After Severus left his office, Dumbledore turned once again to Phineas Nigellus. "You are so worried about things which matter little. What matters is that we keep Harry safe. And for your information, Slytherin father or not, I do not think Harry will be sorted into Slytherin, but that is only my opinion. We will have to wait and see."
The Years Of Decisions: Chapter 9: A Wife On The Edge
The weather was lovely so Janna and Severus chose to walk to Hogsmeade rather than Apparate. As they walked and talked, Severus' keen senses kicked in and he began to feel as though someone was watching them. He didn't like the feeling and became as anxious as Severus Snape could get. He was not now and hadn't ever been a wizard who roamed the streets in search of trinkets. He was a former Death Eater who was being tamed by his new wife. Severus was still not comfortable wandering about with no real sense of purpose and it was showing.
Janna knew her husband to be a solitary wizard who was more comfortable within the halls of Hogwarts than out and about, but today was the worse she'd ever seen. He was jumpy and constantly looking over his shoulder. "Severus? What's going on? You're making me nervous. If you'd rather we return to the school that's fine. I can send for my little bits and bobs by owl or wait until next week and pick up some things when we are in Little Whinging."
"We are at our destination Janna. Please purchase whatever items you need and meet me back here when you are finished. I didn't care for this place when I was a student and I care even less about it as a Professor. The only difference between then and now is that I have a wife to look out for and if she wants to visit this area then I will accompany her."
"I'll be quick Severus," she said hurrying away to her destinations.
/*/
As soon as Janna was out of sight Severus caught a glimpse of someone approaching him from the corner of his eye and had immediately loosed his wand from its hidden sheath. As the figure moved with striking distance Severus reached around, grabbed the figure and dragged him behind the nearest tree.
"Severus, calm down. It's me," called out a very shaky voice.
Severus lowered his wand as he looked into the sallow face of Travers. "Still here then Travers? It was my understanding you and Yaxley were on your way to Albania to, what was it, wallow in mud, check behind trees and a host of other trifling things in search of the Dark Lord. Why are you in Hogsmeade accosting me? How did you even know where I would be?"
"Be as miserable as you like Severus, but it's true. The rumblings have grown louder with a good bit of Albania trembling in their boots. When speaking to you and Lucius, Yaxley down played the strength of the rumors because he has high hopes the Dark Lord will return and take harsh measures on those Yaxley sees as traitors such as yourself. There are those who believe he was badly wounded and it has taken this long for him to heal. A few of our sympathizers even claim to know where he is recovering. Lucius' galleons will be well spent securing information. As for approaching you, I only approached to offer my congratulations on your marriage. I know how you dislike anyone interfering in your business so I waited until your wife walked away and until I was out of Yaxley's hearing. However, since my presence seems to offend you so much and my information is of little use I will take my leave."
"Wait Travers. I might have been a bit harsh. The Dark Lord is my master as he is yours and I am interested in any information concerning him. All the information, not just Yaxley's watered down version. Keep me informed and I will make it worth your while. Leave the information for me at Spinners End. I'll collect it from there. I will make it my business to get to Albania before the school term starts. If he is there and in distress, we will find him. Not a word to Yaxley or any of the others."
Travers suddenly looked over Severus' shoulder and Disapparated without another word.
"Severus? Who was that?" Janna was standing behind him looking puzzled.
"He is one of mine and Lucius' old school mates," replied Severus turning to face his wife.
"Lucius eh? Why did he leave so suddenly? He looks and feels wrong Severus. What is Spinners End and why would you have to go there to pick up something? Why not have whatever it is delivered directly to you at Hogwarts?"
Shite, thought Severus wondering how much Janna had over heard. Bloody Travers and his sneaking about. "Come on love. If you've finished your errands, let's get back to Hogwarts," and just as he turned them into Apparition told her they would discuss it when they got back to the school.
/*/
Petunia Dursley was keeping a secret from her husband Vernon. She had received a message from Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She and Vernon would be receiving visitors on July 31st. Magical visitors. Petunia had decided to keep it a secret from Vernon and Dudley right up until the minute Severus Snape and Janna Southway appeared at her door leaving Vernon little time to raise a fuss because Petunia knew there would be fuss enough once the visitors were there. That bloody bastard Severus Snape, Lily's so-called boyfriend was coming to her house. She despised Magic and most certainly wouldn't let any of those magical devils into her home had it not been an order from Dumbledore. She knew there were times to assert her authority and times to keep her mouth shut and do what she was told. This was a time to keep her mouth shut and do what she was told. Petunia wasn't sure, but she knew Severus and this Janna Southway weren't coming for a cozy catch up. They had to be coming to talk to her good for nothing, brat nephew Harry Potter. Harry would be eleven next Wednesday and if everything was the same after all these years, they would be coming to speak to him about his heritage. Petunia smiled like the cat that swallowed the canary. They would be coming for nothing because although Harry had been a troublemaking thorn in their side, he hadn't ever shown any sign of magic. "Thank the gods he is nothing like his freak of a mother," said Petunia huffing her last sentence out loud.
Vernon Dursley called out from the living room, "Who are you talking to Petunia? We have enough embarrassment with your hateful nephew living here. Please don't make the neighbors think you've gone round the bend as well. Come in here and rub my neck. I've had a very hard day at work."
Folding Dumbledore's message and slipping into her pocket Petunia called out, "Yes dear. I'll be right there," and heaving a heavy sigh she hurried into the living room to see to Vernon's neck.
/*/
Janna put away her purchases then sat in one of the chairs in their sitting room waiting for Severus to come enlighten her about what went on earlier in Hogsmeade. And she waited, trying to make sense of why Severus had kept friends like Lucius Malfoy and the wizard she had glimpsed in the village. When it became common knowledge she was interested in Severus, certain people had made it their business to drop little pieces of information about him being involved in dark magic, but she had been quick to ignore the bullshite. Severus could be sullen and unfriendly when he chose to be, but he could also be a sexy and loving. She didn't want any surprises. This was her husband with whom she hoped one day to have children. She didn't want Severus to be some dark wizard who ran off to practice dark magic after shagging her to sleep. She wanted the truth.
Janna had closed her eyes and leaned her head back when Severus entered the room and began rubbing her shoulders. "Sorry love. I had to speak to Albus. It was not my intention to keep you waiting, but Albus can sometime be very talkative."
Janna reached behind her to take hold of Severus' arms. "Come sit down with me."
Severus came round, sat down on the small couch in the room and pulled Janna down on his lap. "You have questions for me and I have some answers for you. The long and short of it is I do have some unsavory friends and for a good bit of my life I was quite unsavory as well. I try my best to stay away from these friends, but the truth is, from time to time they will have information I need. At that time, I will collect the information by any means necessary. To keep it simple and to keep them away from you, I will have them leave the information at my family home at Spinners End."
"What kind of information Severus? I've been told that you were once part of the Dark Lord's army. I didn't want to believe it, but is that what you are telling me?"
"The short answer is yes Janna. However, Dumbledore helped me change my ways. The problem is that Dumbledore needs the information my former friends can provide and I will have to secure that information. It may come down to me being away from you for some lengths of time. This is not what I want, but it may be the way it has to be."
Janna remained quiet for several seconds. "I love you Severus, but I will not be pulled into anything dark. I would rather we walk away from Hogwarts and Dumbledore rather than watch you become one of those wizards who works against what is right."
Can this be happening again thought Severus? First Lily and now Janna. I will not give up the witch I have loved all my life, but I cannot turn away from the Dark Lord without it all coming to another bad end.
Pulling Janna's head down onto his chest, Severus made a promise he wasn't sure he could keep. "I have allegiance's that I must respect, but I will make sure they never interfere with us. I will give up my life before I let you walk away. I love you."
"If it ever comes down to you making a choice between me and them, I hope you choose me because I wouldn't want to live without you."
Janna's words did something only Lily Evans had ever been able to do. Her words had brought tears to his eyes. Severus buried his face in Janna's neck promising he would always do his best for her. Janna and Severus sat there embracing each other until he gently slid her off his lap and stood. "I want to make love to you Janna. Not because I think it will make things better, but because I need to feel you. I need to be inside you and I need you to soothe me. May I?"
Taking her husband by the hand Janna led him to their bedroom softly whispering, "Of course you may. I am actually in need of a bit of soothing myself."
/*/
The couple had soothed each other for a good bit of time before taking showers and heading to the Great Hall to dine with whatever staff was available. Most of the staff was off on summer holidays and wouldn't return until the middle of August, but Janna and Severus joined Albus, Sybil Trelawney, Silvanus Kettleburn and Septima Vector with Sybil giving a little wave as they sat down.
Dinner was a fairly sedate affair with the Professors speaking quietly among themselves while Albus appeared to be scolding Severus. Janna watched as Severus became more and more agitated and had finally strode out of the Hall.
Janna remained in her seat so as not to cause any confusion among the other professors, but she was annoyed that Professor Dumbledore wouldn't allow Severus to eat without haranguing him about one thing or another.
Ten minutes later Janna said a polite goodnight to her colleagues, rolled her eyes at Dumbledore and left the Hall heading to her rooms to check on Severus.
/*/
Janna searched their entire suite of rooms without finding Severus. Without wasting a minute she headed to the dungeons where he had his classroom and his former living space. He was probably there brooding over whatever the Headmaster had told him. Janna's own anxiety had begun to build. Severus hadn't been back to his old rooms since they had become seriously involved. She knocked softly before entering the rooms. At first look she didn't see anything out of place. There wasn't anything but a very bare looking room devoid of anything personal, but as she walked deeper into the rooms Janna noticed a set of jet black robes, a black wand and a black bag laying open on the desk. It looked as though he was preparing for a trip.
"Severus," she called out. "Are you here?" No answer. Janna called out again. "Severus. Please come talk to me. What's going on? What did Dumbledore say to you?"
Severus came out of the bathroom and stood there looking at Janna. "This isn't a good time Janna. Please go back to our rooms. I'll be there shortly."
"You are my husband," said Janna in a low voice. I will not leave you when you are in distress. Please come sit down and tell me what's going on." Then she spotted something on Severus' arm she hadn't noticed in all their time together. A mark. "What's that on your arm Severus?"
Severus immediately brought his right hand up to cover his left wrist. "This is not something I care to discuss at this moment. Suffice it to say that Dumbledore has given me a set of orders to be carried out and I am making preparations to do so," and removing his right hand he turned his left arm so it was facing Janna. "This is what we in the special circle call the Dark Mark. Even as it is faint now, it is darker than it has been in over ten years. It is the mark of a Death Eater. The mark of the Dark Lord. Dumbledore has requested that I go find out what is going on. I have been ordered to Albania to find out the truth. I will be leaving today and return before the thirty first because we will still have to visit the Potter boy."
"Oh Merlin Severus! A Death Eater? Dumbledore has ordered you to Albania? What is going in? Tell Dumbledore you won't do it. Tell him to go himself. We're married Severus. You cannot leave me behind to go on a chase initiated by the Headmaster."
"Unfortunately I must Janna. At the end of my school days I was an entirely different wizard from what I am now. I had embraced certain things and made them my life. I became a Death Eater. I have since renounced that portion of my life, but because of other things I made a pact with Dumbledore and it has now come time for me to start paying him back. I will be going to Albania and I will get the information he needs," explained Severus as he walked over to take Janna in his arms. "Please know this is the last thing I want. I do not want to leave you even for a minute. However, this must be done.
"I've heard about Death Eaters and what they did to Muggles and Muggleborns. They were despicable and now I find myself married to one. You are reformed Severus. Do not go back to those things. Do not let Albus Dumbledore ruin what we have. Please," she begged.
Severus gently ran his finger down Janna's cheek. "You are my life Janna and I will not allow even the great Albus Dumbledore to ruin what we have, but I gave my word and this must be done. I will be gone for several days, but I will be back. Have faith in me my love. I am not the wizard I once was and I will return to you as quickly as I can."
"Will Albus Dumbledore always be interfering in our lives, dragging you back to something you've cut from your life? Janna asked. "I love you and always will, but I will not remain quiet while our Headmaster puts you in danger while he chooses to remain sitting behind his desk. We are husband and wife now. Tell him to find another cuckold."
Wrapping himself more tightly around Janna, Severus whispered that he had made the Unbreakable Vow and was bound to do as Dumbledore asked.
Slow tears began to fall from Janna's eyes as she recoiled and tried to back away from Severus who held her even more tightly. With a final push, Janna was able to extricate herself from Severus. "I am not a wife who will willingly sit by and watch you give up our life. It may come down to Albus or us. I'll be in our rooms," and she left the room without another word.
Severus didn't chase behind Janna even though he wanted to. She was right. He was always going to be beholden to Dumbledore. She would always come second. It was at that moment Severus realized Dumbledore had him in a position where he could lose the love of his life for a second time. He couldn't allow that to happen. He wouldn't allow that to happen. But what was the alternative? Perhaps everyone was wrong and the wizard he had followed so faithfully in prior years was really dead and would not be returning. At least that was his hope.
Severus wanted nothing more than to go hold his wife and make love to her before he left Hogwarts, but with the mood she was in he decided he would get to Albania, do what had been asked of him and get back hoping that Janna would have calmed down by then. He just couldn't lose her twice.