Previously on The Years Of Decisions 18: Tangled Web
Severus reached his and Janna's rooms and immediately began to pace. If Dumbledore mucked up this procedure, it would be the end of everything warm and loving in his life. He would be back to Severus Snape, lonely Death Eater. Having been lucky enough to have married a loving witch, going back to lonely Death Eater was out of the question.
Severus brought Janna's nightdress up to his nose. "It's a simple procedure my love. You will come through it," he said speaking quietly to himself. "I'll repeat the promise I offered all those years ago. If you choose to leave here so we can be together as a family, I will take you and our son as far away from here as possible. You have my word."
/*/
The procedure on Janna had gone extremely well. She was resting comfortably and would be opening her eyes at any minute.
Dumbledore stood by the window waiting patiently. He had given Severus a time frame of three hours because he needed time to talk to Janna alone. He had to make her understand how important it was for Harry and Severus to remain at Hogwarts. While he wouldn't disclose the specifics, he planned to tell her a few of the more salient points.
Dumbledore felt it was his duty to keep the family close to him. Knowing how much Severus loved Janna, Dumbledore was sure he would abide by any decision she chose to make about their future and that of their son. He couldn't afford to leave her decision to chance. He had to turn Janna to his way of thinking.
I believe I misspoke in an earlier chapter. Voldemort lived deep in the forests of Albania. I may have written Romania. My apologies.
The Years Of Decisions: Chapter 19: Over And Over Again
Janna was a bit disoriented when she opened her eyes. She expected to be in her own bed either lying beside Severus or with him sitting on the side of the bed looking down at her. Instead, she was looking into the tired looking eyes of Albus Dumbledore.
"Headmaster," Janna questioned as she tried to sit up. "Where am I? Where is Severus?"
Dumbledore summoned a chair to the side of the bed. "You are in my private rooms Janna. There was an accident of sorts. I had you moved in here. Do you remember what happened?"
Janna looked down at the blanket covering her and began to pick at a thread. She did remember some of what had gone on. She was Lily and Lily was her. How much of it was real and how much was a dream?
Quietly Janna began speaking. "I know what I remember. I'm just not sure how much of it is real."
"It was all real Janna. Due to an error on my part you have been subjected to a magical force unknown to the Wizarding World until now. I cannot apologize enough. I have corrected the error. We shall move forward from here. If you don't mind, I would like to discuss what you remember and how we will proceed from here."
Janna gazed at Dumbledore. "Right now Headmaster I am feeling a little uncomfortable. There are memories floating through my head which are personal to another witch. Memories which include my husband. I do understand that the memories belong to me as I am in truth Lily and she is me. It is just awkward to…."
"I understand exactly what you mean Janna," interjected Dumbledore. "It will take a little time to acclimate yourself to those images. As far as seeing personal images of Severus. You must remember that all those memories are of you. Perhaps if you think along the lines of having spent your younger years as a red-headed, green eyed witch it may be easier to assimilate the Lily memories into your memories. He fell in love with Lily early on. Your husband is a very strong willed wizard who might never have been with anyone other than yourself. When it became apparent he would not have a life with you, Severus closed himself off to other relationships."
"I'm not dense Headmaster," Janna answered curtly. "I now know what is what. I'm simply telling you the images are hard to watch. I'm feeling a bit weak and would like to get back to my rooms. I may not be able to make it back on my own. Please have Severus come collect me."
"I will call Severus in just a bit. First, I would like to speak to you about your future."
"Our futures? What do you mean Albus? I think you have already made quite enough decisions which have impacted mine and Severus' lives. If there is to be a discussion about our futures, I will have that discussion with Severus. Please send for Severus or I shall try to get back on my own."
Dumbledore realized his conversation with Janna was not going the way he hoped. But it was a conversation he needed to have. "Please allow me a few more minutes Janna. It is important I know what you plan to do about your son."
"About Harry? What question is there Headmaster? The first chance Severus and I get we will claim our son. We will become the family Harry hasn't ever known."
Dumbledore feared this would be Janna's decision, but didn't allow his feelings to show. He couldn't allow Severus, Janna and Harry to become a family. At least not in the sense Janna hoped.
Harry was special. Dumbledore knew things about the boy no one else knew. Of one thing Dumbledore was certain. He couldn't allow the child to find a family and become soft and happy. He had to keep Harry off balance and pliable.
"I understand what you are feeling about giving Harry a family. But let me ask you this. Have you realized that while you can have Harry as an adopted child. You cannot ever publicly claim him as your biological child. Even though we might be able to come up with an acceptable explanation of why you want to adopt him. There is no reasonable explanation as to how you and Severus are Harry's biological parents."
"What do I care what the Wizarding World thinks?" asked Janna crossly. "Harry is our son. We intend to give him the family he deserves."
Dumbledore could see this was not going to be easy. He would have to tell Janna the truth.
"Janna," Dumbledore said softly. "Have you come across the memories of why Severus and Lily parted? They are telling."
"I have seen quite a few images of Severus and Lily. I have not come across the memories which would explain why she - I married James Potter instead of Severus. There was obviously some disagreement that caused the separation. What has this to do with my wanting to claim my son?"
"Severus and Lily parted because he chose to follow his mentor Lucius Malfoy into the service of the Dark Lord. I have spoken about a group called Death Eaters. These are witches and wizards who called Voldemort their master. Severus was a main supporter who only turned away from them in a bid to save Lily's life. Severus made an Unbreakable Vow to work against Voldemort if it would save Lily. He is still under that vow even though James and Lily made a decision which allowed them to be attacked in their home."
"This is upsetting Albus. You seem to have an answer for everything."
Dumbledore was quick to reply. "It is not my intention to upset you Janna. I am only trying to explain why a decision to claim Harry is not in his, your or Severus' best interests. Harry is the child who killed Voldemort. Severus is still considered a top ranking Death Eater even though the Unbreakable Vow has him working against them. Taking Harry into his home is unthinkable if he wants to live. There are Death Eaters who would kill all three of you without a second thought."
/*/
Janna stared at Dumbledore. She had heard things about Voldemort and his Death Eaters. But she had been under the impression with their leader gone his followers had gone back to living reasonably normal lives. Now she was being told they were hovering about waiting for the chance to kill her son or anyone who helped him.
Even worse. Severus was a double agent. He was a Death Eater who should be trying to kill his own son. On the other hand he had taken some vow to protect his son. What a pile of bull shite.
The upshot of everything was if she and Severus claimed Harry, all three of them would be killed. As strong and powerful as Severus was. He alone would not be able to protect them. There had to be some solution. She had been separated from her son for eleven years. She wanted him home with her.
/*/
Dumbledore saw the consternation in Janna's face. She was unhappy with what she had heard. Now was the time to offer his alternate solution.
"I may have a solution. While it won't allow you to claim Harry as your biological child. You will have the opportunity to work closely with him as his professor. If you feel as though this is something you would like to do, I will see to it. However, you must remember that anything we agree upon can only be done inside Hogwarts. You cannot take Harry into London or any place you might be seen by those who have bad intentions."
"That doesn't seem like a viable solution Albus. I will have my son, but I won't. Perhaps a more reasonable idea would be for Severus and I to take our son away from Hogwarts, London and Death Eaters. We can go where no one knows who we are."
An exasperated Dumbledore paused before speaking. He didn't want to upset Janna any further, but he had to make her understand it wasn't as simple as leaving Hogwarts. He couldn't let that happen. He was not in a position to lose either Harry or Severus.
"It all comes down to you and Severus being able to live in relative safety while still having contact with Harry. If you leave Hogwarts, there's no telling what might happen on the outside. I think you should face the fact you will never be able to disclose the identity of Harry's biological parents as Janna Southway Snape and Severus Snape."
"We seem to be going around in circles Albus," muttered Janna. "I don't often speak out of turn. This time I have something to say you might not like. I love my husband. I love my child. I do not intend for us to be separated. If that upsets you, I'm sorry. But that's the way it is. If we cannot stay here and be united with our child, we will leave. I'm sure Severus will support me in this. I believe we have belabored this point enough. Will you send for Severus, or shall I get to our rooms on my own?"
/*/
Dumbledore realized he had given up Severus' secret for no reason. He hadn't been able to bring Janna around to his way of thinking. Not only had he upset Janna. He was now looking at another bitter argument with Severus.
Rising from the chair Dumbledore waved his wand sending a message to Severus.
In the few minutes he had before Severus showed up to collect Janna, Dumbledore contemplated Obliviating their conversation.
Dumbledore procrastinated a bit too long. Severus had gotten to the chambers much faster than expected. His chance to Obliviate Janna had passed.
/*/
Severus didn't even greet Dumbledore. Instead he went directly to Janna.
"It's good to see you awake my love," Severus said as he kissed Janna on the forehead pulling back to look into her eyes. "You look distressed. How are you feeling? There is a meal waiting for us in our rooms. Will you be able to walk or should I carry you?"
Janna slid her legs around so she could stand. "I'll try to walk Severus, but I'll need you to hold onto me. My legs feel a bit wobbly."
Severus gently pulled Janna to her feet. "I will be right by your side. Let us get back to our rooms. You need food and rest. Anything else can wait."
With a nod in Dumbledore's direction, Severus led Janna to the door.
/*/
Dumbledore followed them out of his private rooms to take a seat at his desk. He didn't have much time before Severus would be back at his door. Probably to curse him and possibly to advise him of his and Janna's intention to get their son and depart from Hogwarts. He had to get his thoughts together.
/*/
Janna talked to Severus the entire way back to their rooms. She explained everything Dumbledore had revealed including his status as a Death Eater.
Severus said little, but by the time they reached their rooms he was furious. What fucking right did the Headmaster have to tell Janna about his vile secrets? Severus didn't want Janna to know how deeply Dumbledore's betrayal had cut him. But he would let Dumbledore know….in person.
Before Severus got to Dumbledore, he would have to get it all straightened out with Janna. She wanted to collect their son and have him with her. He was loathe to agree with Dumbledore on anything. But in this case he was right. There were too many reasons why he and Janna could not claim Harry and only one way they could.
Severus seated Janna and laid out her meal in front of her before sitting for his meal. They ate quietly for several minutes before Severus decided to speak.
"I apologize for not being entirely truthful with you. There are things I would have liked to remain untold. There are specific things which broke us up when we were at Hogwarts. Perhaps those memories have already been assimilated. I didn't ever want you to know because I didn't want to lose you again. Now that Dumbledore has put it out there for you. I want you to understand I haven't been that wizard for years. I am still considered a Death Eater by some, but only so I can spy for Dumbledore."
Janna dropped her fork onto her plate in surprise. "Dumbledore? Is Dumbledore the wizard with whom you made the Unbreakable Vow? How cunning of him not to mention that fact."
Severus reached out to take Janna's hand. "Yes love. It was Dumbledore who forced me into making the Unbreakable Vow to keep Lily safe. I'm not proud of the things I've had to do. But I will not deny them. The point is I am not doing anything now other than keep Dumbledore apprised of things going on among the Death Eaters. The Headmaster believes the Dark Lord will be back. Most wizards disagree with Dumbledore behind his back. They want to believe the Dark Lord is dead and gone. However, Dumbledore is a powerful wizard who is aware of many things. If Dumbledore says the Dark Lord will return, we can be pretty sure he will return."
Janna grabbed her husbands hand and brought it up to her lips. "We separated once. We will not be separating again. I have also lost my son for eleven years. I want him back Severus. He belongs with us. Dumbledore says it isn't possible. I say otherwise. I intend to do what is necessary to bring Harry home."
Severus was torn. He wanted his family all together as well. The problem was just as Dumbledore had laid out. If he and Janna accepted Harry as their son, the Dark Lord's followers would kill the three of them for sport. They couldn't claim Harry. Severus wasn't up to denying Janna what she wanted. He would put off that discussion as long as possible.
To change the subject Severus suggested that Janna finish her meal, take a shower and lie down. They could discuss everything later.
Janna agreed and finished her food. Before she went to take her shower, Janna told Severus she wanted to invite Harry to Hogwarts as an early admission.
Throwing a kiss to Severus Janna stepped into the bathroom closing the door behind her.
/*/
With some of his anger at Dumbledore having diminished, Severus headed to the Headmaster's office to have what would probably be a reasonable conversation.
Severus didn't want to leave Hogwarts or the life he currently knew. But if pushed, that's exactly what he would do. He would first have to find a way around the Unbreakable Vow. If he could work that out, he, Janna and Harry would set out for parts unknown. Fuck Dumbledore and his supercilious attitude.
Severus hadn't ever had anyone who cared about him until Lily and he had ruined that relationship. He would not ruin the relationship with Janna. He would do whatever she wished….within reason.
/**/
Even though it was very early Thursday morning, Dumbledore had already met with Hagrid to discuss a certain object which was now safely ensconced in his private vault. Hagrid was loyal to a fault, but he was very tiring to talk to.
Dumbledore frowned as he glanced over at Fawkes. "So much going on my friend. It's times like these which….."
Dumbledore didn't finish his sentence. He felt Severus coming up the stairs.
Dumbledore paced off several steps as he waited for Severus to reach the door.
When Severus did come through his doors, Dumbledore was extremely surprised by his Potion Master's demeanor. He had expected Severus to come barreling through the door with murder on his mind. Instead, an apparently composed Severus came quietly through the door.
Dumbledore felt this demeanor might be more dangerous than a growling, threatening Severus. It appeared as though Severus knew exactly what he wanted and would not be dissuaded.
/*/
The two powerful wizards gazed at each other as Dumbledore invited Severus to take a seat.
"I've been expecting you Severus," said Dumbledore truthfully.
"After all you've told Janna, I imagine you would be expecting me. What right did you have to tell Janna about me being a Death Eater. She is my wife. If I found it necessary to involve her in the most despicable area of my life, I would have told her myself. But that isn't why I'm here."
Dumbledore sat behind his desk waiting for what he knew was coming. Severus had come down on the side of his wife.
"Proceed Severus. I have other matters I need to attend to."
"Other matters Albus? I assume that would mean you are pushing your nose into someone else's business. That matters little to me. I'm here now and I require your full attention."
"Of that I have no doubt," replied Dumbledore a bit churlishly. "Speak. You have my full attention."
/*/
Severus glared at Dumbledore. He wanted to comment on the elder wizard's tone but decided to ignore it for the moment. There would be plenty of time later to call Dumbledore on his bull shite. Right now. Severus wanted to lay it all out.
"Janna and I have discussed our lives. We will not allow anyone to separate us. We will also be looking to collect our son. We realize in order to do this we may have to give up our positions at Hogwarts."
Fawkes made a loud noise as if disagreeing with Severus' comments.
Dumbledore turned to his beautiful friend carefully telling Fawkes to remain calm and hear Professor Snape out.
"Even Fawkes seems to think you are taking the wrong path Severus. Have you thought this through? Where is it you think you can go where you are unknown?" asked Dumbledore smugly. "Do not move so fast that you become your own worst enemy."
"Have you ever known me to undermine myself? Of course you haven't. I am not some fool come to your office to throw out some bloody bull shite. I am here to discuss mine and Janna's options. I will start with the Unbreakable Vow. I'll need for you to reverse it."
Dumbledore quickly rose from his chair. Running one hand through his long beard, he squarely faced Severus.
"You know better Severus. Once the Vow is made. It cannot be undone."
Severus stood as well. "Don't stand there and treat me like some uninitiated lout Albus. This is the Magical World. Anything can be undone or reversed. Haven't you proven just that with your original spells?"
"You are talking nonsense Severus."
"Am I? You promised to keep Lily safe. What part of the Vow did you live up to? I have come to your office to make inquiries. I did not expect this to be easy. I do expect you to be fair."
/*/
Dumbledore had turned pink in the face. Severus was correct. He had not lived up to his end of the bargain. Until now it had been easy to lay the blame on James and Lily for picking the wrong Secret Keeper. However, had he done some basic follow up he would have been able to save James and Lily. Unfortunately, Dumbledore had been arrogant enough to feel as though he'd done his part and that was enough.
At that time, Severus had accepted his explanation. But here he was again. This time Dumbledore knew he wouldn't get away so easily. This time Severus wouldn't be so accepting or believing.
The room was quiet as Severus waited for Dumbledore to speak. But the Headmaster was thinking. Of course there was a way to reverse an Unbreakable Vow. If there wasn't, there would be a great many dead wizards turning up. The problem for Dumbledore was he had no intention of reversing the Vow. He wanted, no needed for Severus to remain under his control.
/*/
Dumbledore finally spoke. "Perhaps there is another way out. It may not be exactly what you and Janna are hoping for, but it should be satisfactory for all."
"I'm here on a matter which is very important to myself and my wife Albus. Please do not offer me some sleight of hand bull shite. If that's what you have in mind, Janna and I will be happy to work this out without your assistance."
"For Merlin's sake Severus. Give me some credit. I have led the Wizarding World, Hogwarts and the Ministry for many years. While I have made a few missteps. I have done quite well overall. I'm sure we can get this sorted."
Severus' head began to pound as he nodded in Dumbledore's direction. He could not deny the truth. Dumbledore was a formidable wizard. If Dumbledore thought he had a way for him and Janna to remain at Hogwarts yet still have their son, he had nothing to lose by listening.
"Let's get on with it Albus," ordered Severus stretching his hands out wide. "Let me hear this magnificent idea."
/*/
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair pushing his spectacles further down on his nose.
For whatever reason, this habit had always annoyed Severus. He couldn't understand Dumbledore's need for spectacles if he didn't keep them in front of his eyes. No matter. The Headmaster had deigned to speak.
"Why don't we start with your son?" asked Dumbledore cautiously.
Severus squirmed a bit but refrained from interrupting.
"With the information you brought me from Albania and information that has come to me from other sources. I have become more sure that Voldemort has survived. He may not be back to full health, but there have been signs. You are aware of what his means. Harry will be in grave danger if he is taken away from his relatives and Hogwarts."
"Tell me something I don't know Albus," Severus practically shouted. "The difference now is that Harry will be with his mother. You have said over and over that Lily's Old Magic will protect him from harm. Therefore Harry will be safe as long as he is with Janna."
"What part of this do you not understand Severus?" Dumbledore shouted equally loudly. "Harry was safe under Lily's magic. Lily is gone. I stripped all that away when I transformed her into Janna. The only Old Magic spells which remain are the ones pertaining to Evans blood."
Severus sputtered, but had no rebuttal. He couldn't access any Old Magic. Now Dumbledore was telling him neither did Janna. This changed the tone of everything.
Severus balked at this information. How could he take his wife and child away from where they were safe? If Harry wasn't under any kind of protection while he was with Janna, he was looking at a dead wife and child. There had to be something else.
"Has it sunk in what I'm trying to convey Severus? Do you now understand? No matter how formidable a wizard you are. You alone will not be able to protect Harry?"
"So far," replied Severus. "You've disclosed all that will go wrong. Perhaps now is the time to reveal your big plan for what can go right."
"It fairly simple Severus," Dumbledore answered softly. "You and Janna will remain here at Hogwarts. Have another child. Have two. But you will leave Harry to me. History shall remain as it is. This is what must be done.