Hope you like this long chapter. I'm a bit disturbed at beginning to write the dark part of this story, but here we go. Thanks again to ObssessedR&Hshipper for her help as beta. Plz R&R.
Second viewing of the memories
Ron and Hermione walked to Hogsmeade with Harry, ready to drop him off. They had kept their promise and stayed close to Harry, supporting him every step of the way. He seemed to be doing better, but he wanted to spend today with his parents in their flat and Ron and Hermione understood his reasons – there wasn't much time left for Severus. As they left the flat, which took the entire second level of the house across from Gladrags, Ron looked at Hermione and smiled. Even though these were not the best circumstances, he couldn't contain his thrill. He would be spending all the time that students were in town with her. Their plan was to sneak back into the castle and find a place to be alone. Ron had that already sorted; the best place would be the Room of Requirement.
They did as planned and returned to the castle. Ron told Hermione about his idea to go in the Room of Requirement. She looked thoughtful.
"What?" he asked.
"Umm nothing, it's just, that room is for YPS secret business," she said softly.
"Hermione," murmured Ron looking at her lovingly.
"What?"
"This needs to be secret, remember?" answered Ron. "But if you don't want to use that room then we can go to the Gryffindor common room and snog in front of all the first years."
"Oi, Ronald!" she scolded.
"Come on," said Ron grabbing her hand and giving her a smile.
They got to the right floor, walked in front of the Barnabas the Barmy tapestry and entered. They were now in an exact replica of the Gryffindor common room.
"It's just like it!" said Ron excitedly.
"Yeah," she said sitting on one of the couches.
"You don't sound surprised," he commented sitting next to her.
"Well..."
"What?" asked Ron.
"Umm... Ginny and I summoned this room to turn into Gryffindor… before the masquerade... so we could get ready..."
"Wasn't this room supposed to be for YPS secret business only?" Ron teased.
"Oh, shut up! You are just like your sister… convincing blackmailers that get me to do ridiculous things!" she answered.
Ron laughed.
"What?"
"You look great when you are huffy," he said coming closer to her.
"Huffy?" she asked with annoyance. She was feeling a bit offended, but the butterflies in her stomach wouldn't let her really get angry with him.
"You're about to go mad about breaking a rule, even though no one has written any rules about this room," he added before coming face to face with her.
"There might not be written rules... but we should keep this secret and respect the room," she added before biting her lip and looking into his eyes.
"Respect it?" he asked before kissing her cheek.
"This is our training space... It's important to..." she stopped as he finally kissed her mouth.
They enjoyed the junction of their lips for a while and then he murmured, "You're right. It's important to be here because I've been dying to kiss you for ages."
"It's only... been a few days..." she uttered between sweet pecks.
"Maybe... but I love you..."
With that, the talking stopped and Ron kissed her again. They gladly got lost in each other. His body leaned on hers and in no time he was laying on her. He expected her to slap him, but instead she just held on tightly and kissed him shamelessly. He left her lips to kiss her neck and she practically purred out his name.
'Merlin, she's beautiful... she feels so good,' thought Ron.
One of his hands began to move upwards on her torso, practically on its own accord. Then he felt it; his fingertips were grazing the curve of her breast. He couldn't help himself from there and he cupped her breast fully. She gasped and pushed them to sit up.
"I'm sorry!" he exclaimed still a bit breathlessly. He fully expected to be slapped.
"It's okay," she said while also gasping a bit. "It's just… happening so fast and I..."
"It's my fault. I..."
"It's not your fault."
"Yes, it is. When I'm with you, I just don't know if I can control... and then you said my name the way you did, for the first time ever and..."
"For the first time when you could hear me," she whispered unintentionally.
"You've said my name? Oh…"
"Oh, Merlin," she said blushing furiously.
"You think about me when... wow!" he said excitedly, realizing she had probably fantasized about moments like this just as much as he had.
"I have to go."
"Hermione..."
"No, we really should cool down. It's only about ten minutes before the time that students have at Hogsmeade ends and we should be in the common room."
"Are you angry at me?"
"No, I'm embarrassed alright!"
He smiled and simply said, "I love you."
"Good, umm… me too…"
"If it helps I'm flattered and... I think about you too when I..."
Now both of them were blushing.
"Umm... I... let's go," she said.
"Right," he answered.
As they were about to exit, she looked at him shyly and gave him a peck on the lips. Then she practically ran out of the place. He followed her and smiled thinking about what he had just found out.
Soon after their return to Gryffindor, Harry joined them. He told them that he'd had a really good visit with his parents.
"Dad is looking a bit weak, but alright. Mum goes a bit mental whenever he slips and tries to do magic. She says if he could just restrain himself, the curse would not affect him so quickly. And he's going barmy over the baby and keeps getting mad whenever she tries to lift anything the muggle way. It's funny to see them scolding each other," said Harry clearly trying to stay positive.
"I'm really glad things are good with them," said Hermione.
"Yeah, mate," said Ron.
"I'll talk to Estella and see if I could help with those potions she keeps trying. Maybe we'll find a cure. I'm rubbish at potions, but it can't hurt if I try, right?"
"Definitely! I didn't know she was still trying those. I know of several books that could help. I can join you and help too," said Hermione.
"I might not be as much help as Hermione, but I can try," said Ron.
"Thanks," Harry stated sincerely.
The rest of the evening was excellent. They finished their homework, well at least Hermione did. Harry and Ron mostly played Wizard's Chest and Exploding Snap. But whenever Harry was distracted, Ron would give Hermione what she began calling "the look." And Merlin's beard, that look could literally melt her.
Weeks later, the trio had had no luck in helping Estella with a potion that could cure or at least lessen the effects of Magica Mortis. They did find out that she had been working with Madame Pomfrey, Malfoy, Angelina, Fred and George on this since the start of the term, but none of them had any luck with it.
Early in December they had their last YPS meeting of the term and right before the holiday they met to watch the second group of memories. They knew what to do this time and Harry announced the memories to be watched.
Severus Snape – September 2, 1975
Severus Snape – February 21, 1976
Lily Snape – April 17, 1976
Lily Snape – May 1, 1977
Lily Snape – May 4, 1977
Narcissa Malfoy – August 20, 1977
George enlarged the Pensieve like before and they all dove into the past.
Severus paced in the potions classroom nervously until the door opened. Cassiopeia entered and Severus pointed his wand at the door. She quickly got her wand in hand and screamed.
"I wrote a letter about this meeting. If I'm harmed and not back in Gryffindor in an hour, Fabian will give it to Russell. Then he and my brother will hunt you down to the ends of the Earth!"
"I'm not going to hurt you!" yelled Severus before casting a simple silencing charm on the door.
"Why did you want to meet with me?" asked Cassi, still apprehensive and holding her wand up.
"To ask what in the hell you were doing invading the Dark Lord's Headquarters! Do you have any idea what you've done?"
"Me? I didn't do anything wrong! I was fool enough to believe you could help Regulus and that together we could mend things between you and Lily! I didn't speak to my own twin or his friends for ages! But Siri was right! You're a Death Eater! You helped kill Marlene's brother and Bones! You should be ashamed of yourself!"
"I am..." murmured Severus with despair.
"What?"
"Ashamed and riddled with guilt! Happy now? Lily hates me, doesn't she?"
"If we hadn't seen it... even after the lake, Lily still had faith in you," said Cassi with sadness. She finally put her wand down.
"I'm sorry... I'm really sorry," said Severus before breaking down in tears.
"Merlin," uttered Cassi approaching Severus and giving him a hug. "It's alright. We'll fix this. You didn't kill them yourself. It was Bellatrix; I saw it. We'll talk to Dumbledore."
"NO!" screamed Severus. He put distance between him and the girl and regained his full composure.
"Why not? We could fix this Severus! Maybe the mark isn't permanent. If we go to Dumbledore..."
"He will treat me like the scum that I am and deliver me to the Aurors for proper disposal!"
"Severus..."
"No! I didn't summon you here to ask for mercy or pity! This is a warning. The Dark Lord is after you. He has plans to kill Lily and abduct you."
"What? Why?"
"A prophecy."
"What prophecy?"
"A seer made a prophecy about his downfall and he thinks he must kill a mudblood and get a defiant pureblood in order to survive. I don't know exactly what it says. It's kept secret between him and Lucius. Even Bella doesn't know and she's going mad about it. She says you're a distraction from the havoc they should impose. She believes that Lucius put you in the way of the Dark Lord just to make Sirius and Andromeda pay because they helped Ted kill Liam."
"He did not kill Lucius' brother!"
Severus lifted an eyebrow and gave the girl a sceptical look.
"Well... he didn't do it on purpose! Ted was escaping with Andromeda and Liam tried to kill them! He was defending himself and my cousin. And Siri was there just helping them!"
"You may say that, but the story is very different for those on the dark side. The only one that's been made to pay for Liam's death is Narcissa, but Lucius has been planning to get more revenge."
"You've seen Cissy?" asked Cassi with surprise.
Silence.
"How is my cousin? Severus, tell me truth!"
"She lost a child after one of his beatings this summer. I helped heal her, but Lucius was furious and threw her in the dungeons for days. The elf Dobby barely managed to save her life with my potions."
"Damn him! If I ever get my hands on him! How could the Ministry force her to marry that monster? And now... are you sure they're after me and Lily?"
"Lucius knows that the best way to hurt Black is to hurt his sister. After you and Lily invaded the Manor, Lucius convinced the Dark Lord of it. They want you and Black captured and Lily dead. We can't let it happen. I won't let it happen!"
"We have to go to Dumbledore," insisted Cassi.
"I can't."
"Can't or won't?"
"What?"
"Do you really want to save us Severus? Do you want to save Lily? Or are you just using me to pour out the troubles of your soul and feel a little better?"
"How dare you? You know I love her!"
"Then put your pride aside and talk to Dumbledore. I'll arrange for him to meet you."
"Cassiopeia..."
"No Severus. If you truly love my best friend, you will do this. Dumbledore is the only one he fears."
Severus was silent for a while, deep in thought. Then he spoke. "Alright, but when he sends me to Azkaban, I'll say I told you so."
Cassiopeia gave Severus a quick hug and said, "I know you're doing this for her not me, but... thank you."
"You're welcome. Now go. It's been almost an hour and I don't want your Head Boy boyfriend or Black trying to kill me. Congratulations by the way. You have every nonsensical girl in school stewing in envy."
"The envy is not why I'm with him," said Cassi approaching the door to leave.
"I'm sure it isn't. Cassi, wait! Umm... don't tell Lily, please. I... I just..."
"Not a word. But... it's over between her and James," said Cassi.
"Right... Potter," mumbled Severus with clear disdain.
"You should talk to her," added Cassi right by the door and then left.
"Never... she hates me," murmured Severus to himself.
The swirling took over them and they were pulled into the second memory. They were now in the Greenhouses with Severus, Cassiopeia and a tall boy who wore a Head Boy badge on his Ravenclaw robes. He had brown hair and the beginning of a beard.
"Dumbledore has a plan," said the tall boy.
"What does that man want to make me do now? I've met him in his office, learned Occlumency, and spied for him! I'm risking my neck in Slytherin and..."
"Russ and I are getting married during the Easter holiday," interrupted Cassiopeia abruptly. She looked at the Head Boy with tenderness biting her lip, and then she looked at Severus with expectant eyes.
"Oh... congratulations..."
Russ took Cassi's hand in his and said, "My family is very powerful. We've defied the dark before."
"Yes, your family set-up the duel between Dumbledore and Grindelwald, and your ancestors fought against several Dark Lords."
"If Cassi is in the family, then our magic will shield her and we can tailor our bonding charm for protection. We'd join the line of Black and together we might be powerful enough to defy he-who-must-not-be-named."
"And Lily?"
"I tricked Lily to bond to me as a sister. The trick worked great since she's muggleborn and doesn't know the blood spells. I felt horrible. I really took advantage of her, but well... it's done. I'll also make her my maid of honour and she'll be protected, even without her knowledge," said Cassi.
"Thank you," answered Severus.
"It's not done yet. We need your help," said Russ.
"Sev, the bonding requires approval from our families. With our parents dead that means any loving relative. Russ already got his brother and sister in law to agree and Sirius is no issue. But the charm will be stronger with both of my brothers there. I need Regulus."
"I'll convince him. I haven't told him anything about the Dark Lord's plan and neither has Lucius. He knows any attack on you could change Reg's allegiances."
"Is he marked?" asked Cassi.
Severus nodded and then said, "He was marked in the Hog's Head, during the last Hogsmeade weekend."
Cassiopeia paled and Russ tightened the grip on her hand a bit.
"He'll come to you after I tell him. You must have tact. You can't yell at him like an all-righteous Gryffindor. Don't reproach him for joining the Dark Lord. You have to accept him back as is, like you accepted me," said Severus.
"Sev, he's just a boy… my little brother. I'll take him back any way I can get him."
"I'm sorry. With Black in the way, I forget that you've tried to be a good sister to him; you've always loved Regulus too. We'll make this work," said Severus.
Cassi hugged him and thanked him.
"Cassi, could you leave me and Severus alone?" asked Russ.
"What?"
"It's a guy thing Cassiopeia. Relax."
"Russell Swanson, do not call me Cassiopeia!"
"Alright, dear Cassi, sweet love, please leave me with Severus?" asked Russell with an amused, almost mocking tone.
Cassiopeia looked at Severus and he nodded.
"You've talked to each other alone only once and apparently that makes you best friends. See if I care," she said leaving in a fake huff and withholding a smile.
Once she was out of the Greenhouses Russ spoke, "I told you our solution because Cassi trusts you and you've been approved by Dumbledore, but I need to know something. How much do you care for Cassi?"
"What?"
"How much? What are you willing to do to save her?"
"I... I... she's been a magnificent friend."
"That's what I thought. You care about Lily though, more than that?"
Severus was clearly annoyed, but simply nodded.
"Then there's something you must know."
"What?"
"Our magic will only shield them as long as I'm alive to protect them. If anything happens to me, Cassi and Lily will be vulnerable until my brother Ralph vows to take them back as family. He'll be able to do that for my wife and her kindred. He knows the ceremony he'll need to perform."
Severus looked at Russell with clear worry.
"I'll do anything for Cassi. I'll die if I need to. But if that happens, I need to know someone besides Ralph will protect her. I've worked with Cassi to have Lily safe under our family magic, but if I'm gone you must get them to my brother. Severus, take care of my Cassi, please," begged the Ravenclaw.
Severus stood mouth agape and turned a bit paler than before. Russell's eyes met his and their looks were equally troubled.
"I promise. If you die, I'll take Cassiopeia to your brother. You protect my Lily and if the worst happens, I'll care for Cassi, with my life if necessary."
"Thank you."
The spinning sensation took over them again as they progressed to another memory. They were in a large and luxurious room. It was decorated with white flowers and had an altar of golden lights that was surrounded by a few people. Everyone looked at Dumbledore, a radiant bride and a good-looking groom.
"Friends, we have come today at the invitation of Cassi and Russ to share in the joy of their wedding. You are here because this couple feels close to you and asks that you join with them in this dedication of sacred purpose. Let us not only carry out a binding agreement, but celebrate the union of two lives in a sacred wedlock," announced Dumbledore.
"To the families of Cassi and Russ, congratulations on the part you have played in their lives. I remind you today that through this ceremony, it is more than their blood that is joined, it is yours as well."
"With this in mind, I ask Cassiopeia's family: will you take this man, Russell Swanson, and his kindred into your family and into your hearts?" asked the headmaster.
"Yes," answered Sirius and a younger boy who they guessed was Regulus.
"And I ask Russell's family: will you take this woman, Cassiopeia Black, and her kindred into your family and into your hearts?"
"Yes," answered Russell's family.
"Then may the magic of this marriage extend throughout your families forever. Cassi and Russ, your bond must stand, not by the authority of the Ministry, nor by your wedding certificate, but by the strength of your love and the power of the faith you have in each other and all that is good. From this point forward your lives shall blend into harmony and oneness. The rings, please."
At this, Severus pulled the rings from his pocket and handed one to Russ and one to Cassi.
"Thank you Severus," murmured Russ. Lily glared at Severus in disbelief and Sirius looked murderous.
"Russ and Cassi wrote their own bonding vows and charms. You may start," instructed Dumbledore.
"With this ring, I take you, Cassi Black, to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. Your life, happiness and welfare will be treasured and placed above my own for all time. You are my wife for eternity and always in my care. As I have given you my hand to hold, I give you my life to keep," said Russ as he placed the golden ring on Cassi's finger.
"With this ring, I take you, Russ Swanson, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. Your life, happiness and welfare will be treasured and placed above my own for all time. You are my husband for eternity and always in my care. As I have given you my hand to hold, I give you my life to keep," said Cassi as she placed the golden ring on Russ' finger.
Lily now handed them a small knife. They each cut their hands then clasped them and spoke together.
"Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you. For where you go I will go and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your house will be my house. Foredoomed fated be all but nature, which dares part us. Through magic and love we vow to grow together in body, mind and spirit, always."
Dumbledore began to speak again.
"Now you will feel no rain, for each will be shelter for the other. You will feel no cold, for each will be warmth to the other. There will be no loneliness, for each will be a companion to the other. You are two persons, but there is only one life before you."
"You may kiss your bride Mr. Swanson," added Dumbledore with a smile and a twinkle in his eyes.
The bride and groom kissed and everyone clapped in joy.
The group was once again dragged into a swirl. They arrived in a dark street and had to move quickly to keep up with a fast-paced Lily. She walked desperately and then stopped in between two houses with the numbers eleven and thirteen. She focused on those and suddenly another home appeared. She entered the place. It was dark and a bit scary and after a short walk, she entered a drawing room. In there, they found a much younger looking Professor Lupin sitting across from two redheaded twins. Moody was also there talking quietly to Professor McGonagall.
"What's happened? Is Cassi alright?" asked Lily with desperation.
"She's fine Lily," assured Professor Lupin.
"Her Patronus was irrational. She was desperate!" exclaimed Lily with clear concern.
"Her brother, Regulus, is injured. She went mad asking for help. She called Russ and the Swansons, the Headmaster, Professor McGonagall, Sirius, James, Fabian, Gideon, and Moody. Reckon she would have called everyone if the Headmaster hadn't stopped her," said Professor Lupin.
In the midst of these explanations, Severus came into the room, followed by Russ Swanson and a weepy Cassi who held the hand of a distressed elf.
"How?" asked Lily looking at Severus with reproach.
"He tried to help defeat the Dark Lord," was Severus only explanation. He looked tired and annoyed.
"Reg tried Lily... my brother is so brave," said Cassi. Lily walked to her and hugged her.
"Madame Pomfrey, Ralph and Dumbledore are doing their best. Have some hope," said Russ padding Cassi's back.
"Your brother is amazing. He has to save Reg, please," she added turning around to hug her husband tightly.
"Calm down, it's no good for Regulus to see you in this state. We just have to wait. Severus and I will tell everyone what happened and they'll all help," he said.
Cassi nodded and tried to breathe. Everyone sat down and waited for Russell. "Severus and the Black elf, Kreacher, brought Regulus here after he was attacked by Inferi."
The small crowd gasped. Russ looked at Severus clearly indicating he should explain.
"Earlier today, Regulus went to a cave where the Dark Lord hid one of his Horcruxes," said Severus.
"Horcruxes! As in more than one?" asked Moody with a glare filled with anger and worry.
"Horcruxes? What are…" said Lily before being interrupted by Moody.
"A Horcrux is a very powerful dark object. A Dark witch or wizard can hide a piece of his soul in a Horcrux by murdering someone. Creating a single Horcrux gives a witch or wizard the ability to resurrect if their body is destroyed."
"But... creating multiple Horcruxes… is madness. He would gain near immortality, but the cost... losing your humanity…" said Professor McGonagall.
"He doesn't look human," said Lily.
"Regulus discovered that the Dark Lord has created at least three Horcruxes. That is probably what has made him lose his human features," said Severus.
"How did Cassi's brother find all this out?" asked a troubled Lily.
"The Dark Lord borrowed Kreacher to help him hide one of the Horcruxes in a cave. He took the elf there and made him drink a potion that made him..."
"See terrible things... horrible and it burned, Kreacher was on fire..." moaned the elf remembering his despair. Cassiopeia consoled him. Then Severus continued.
"Yes, it made him feel burning pain and it dehydrated him almost to the point of death. The Dark Lord made Kreacher drink it and then placed the Horcrux in a basin that was again covered with the potion. Once done, he threw the elf in a pool filled with Inferi. Kreacher should have died, but Regulus had ordered him to come back home so he was able to escape."
"Just like that?" asked Moody.
"Elf magic," said Russell.
"When Kreacher came back, Regulus was outraged at his state. He called me to help with the potion's effects and once the elf got better, he told us everything. That's when we began investigating," added Severus.
"And what exactly did you find, spy?" asked Moody with distrust. At the word spy, Lily's mouth parted slightly and she looked at Severus with utter shock. He answered calmly, showing no emotion.
"We found out that the Dark Lord used some of his most trusted followers to hide important objects. He used Regulus for his elf to hide the locket. Bellatrix was asked to put a cup in the Lestrange's vault in Gringott's. And Lucius has a diary heavily guarded in a safe in Malfoy Manor."
"And how may I ask did you find this? I doubt You-Know-Who just told you!" exclaimed Moody.
"Regulus amiably questioned his cousin, Bellatrix, during one of her drunken stupors. She boasted on the trust her Lord has in her and was annoyed at Lucius and the honours he also gets. Finding out why the objects were important was the hard part. That's why Regulus decided to retrieve the locket."
At this, two men walked into the dingy drawing room. They were more grown-up, but easily identifiable from the previous memories as Potter and Black.
"Thank Merlin! I thought something happened to you!" exclaimed Black coming close to Cassi.
"I'm fine Siri. It's Reg..."
"What did the thick Death Eater do now?" he asked.
The pretty girl, who looked a lot like him, slapped Sirius with enough force to make everyone in the room cringe.
"Cassiopeia, what the..."
She gave him a murderous look that quieted him and she spoke.
"That Death Eater, Sirius Black, is your little brother! He hasn't even finished school yet! And I told you he admitted he made a mistake by joining you-know-who! But you have not bothered to try to talk to him, much less help him! You used that little boy to practice your first pranks on and then crossed him off the minute he was sorted! The only one who has helped him is Kreacher! And just so you know, your brother is the reason we know the magic that you-know-who is using for immortality! He turned out to be the bravest of us and I won't have you saying he's thick! He's close to death and you should be proud of him. If you can't understand that, then you can go to hell!"
"Cassi..." pleaded Sirius in shock.
"Shut it! I'm going to go check on my brother! If you can manage to get over the fact that he's marked, we'll see you in his bedroom and you will behave like a loving sibling. Otherwise, just go and have a great life with your mates," she said sternly before leaving the drawing room.
"You picked the worst time to have a go at him," said Russell with annoyance before leaving after his wife.
"What in Merlin's name is going on?" asked Sirius angrily.
Severus retold the story about the Horcruxes, this time with sarcasm and a short temper, since it was just for Potter and Black. Then he continued where he left off.
"Regulus ordered the elf to get me if things went wrong in the cave and then he drank the potion that protected the locket. The worst did happen and Kreacher showed up in my house. Together, we rescued Regulus, but not quickly enough. The elf brought us here, and I began to heal Regulus as best as I could, but I'm no healer. Then Kreacher got Cassiopeia..."
"Mistress Swanson is a good sister. She got more help for my master," added the weepy elf.
"When she got here and saw him, she went mad. She called anyone she could think of to help him. After Madame Pomfrey and Ralph got here and began to work on Regulus, the Headmaster and I turned our attention to the locket. We did a few tests and figured out it was a Horcrux. Our guess is that the Diary and the Cup are Horcruxes too," said Severus.
The face of Sirius Black had completely lost its colour. He asked, "How bad is he?"
"He has the same effects from the potion as Kreacher did and was extensively bitten by the Inferi," answered Severus.
Sirius stood and left. Potter looked gobsmacked and Lily stared at Severus with a mix of admiration and incredulity.
They sat in silence until one of the twins in the room spoke.
"Snape... how did you deal with the Inferi?"
"I summoned fire and Kreacher got to Regulus, then the elf brought both of us to safety, Prewett."
The two Prewetts nodded in approval and the room went silent again.
After what felt like ages the Headmaster, Madame Pomfrey and a tall middle-aged man with brown hair entered the room. Dumbledore told them that there was no healing possible for Regulus and his passing was probably best left as a family matter. Sirius and Cassiopeia would get to spend the last moments with their brother tonight. He advised everyone to go home, but only after they agreed to a charm that would ensure their silence about the Horcruxes and Regulus' unavoidable death.
"Lily, Russ wants you to stay to help with Cassi. She's not dealing well with this," said the brown-haired man.
"Of course I'll stay, Ralph," she said.
"Good, I'll get Esther and we'll keep you company."
"What about Sirius?" asked Potter.
"He's not well either. Perhaps you and Remus could stay also?"
"Of course we'll stay," said Professor Lupin as him and Potter nodded.
"Where is your other friend?" asked Ralph.
"Peter has been gone for the past few days. He said a relative was ill," answered Potter.
"Severus," called the Headmaster.
"Yes," he answered.
"A word."
"Certainly."
The swirling to a new memory began. They were in a garden. Lily sat on the ground next to Cassiopeia as she stared at a tomb. Cassi's eyes were swollen and she turned to look at Lily determinately.
"I was too late for my brother, but it could be different for you," she said.
"What are you talking about?" asked Lily.
"Severus."
"Cassi please, we've gone over this. He's a Death Eater and..."
"A spy for The Order."
"Is he really? Sirius says he's tricking Dumbledore and spying for You-Know-Who."
"Damn! Sirius sometimes... I just..."
"I'm sorry. I know you and Sirius are fighting right now. I shouldn't have brought him up."
"This isn't about Sirius, Lil. This is about Sev. He's a good man. Without his help Regulus would have died alone in that cave and you and I might... Lily, he loves you."
"Cassi, he called me..."
"I know what he called you! I was there! But I also remember he was mortified at how my brother and his mates bullied him in front of everyone. He felt awful and then he got rescued by the girl who had rejected him after a kiss."
"I did not reject him!"
"I know that, but I'm telling you his point of view. He made a mistake, Lily. He was angry and humiliated and he took it out on you. Then he asked you to forgive him and you called him Snivellus."
"Fine! But what about the other things? He created that awful spell and gave it Bellatrix to kill Marlene and Amelia's brothers. There's no excuse, he's..."
"A Death Eater, I know that! So was my brother, but without him we would be clueless about how to defeat the Dark Lord! Tell me Lily, who is better? My twin brother, who fancies himself an all-righteous Gryffindor that can do no wrong, but still bullied Sev and Reg, and was only able to see reason once Reg was on his deathbed. Or my little brother who always sat quietly and followed the people he thought cared about him even if that was a mistake; he still risked his life to support me when I asked him for approval of the bond and then he died finding out the truth about He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Who is better Lily?"
"Cassiopeia, that is not a fair comparison!"
"It's not fair, but it's necessary, because comparing Reg and Siri is just like comparing Sev and James."
"Stop it!"
"You were with James already and what did he do for you? Shagged you and then married someone else."
"Why are you doing this?"
"Because it's not fair, Lily! It's not fair that Reg died before he was even of age! Or that Siri couldn't see beyond house lines for his brother! Or that Sev spends his time spying and under the eye of You-Know-Who! And it is definitely not fair for Sev to live a lonely and bitter life when he's in this mess for you!" yelled Cassiopeia as she broke out in tears.
Lily moved closer and held her. Together they cried for a long while.
"How can that be true?" murmured Lily once they had recovered.
"Listen to me Lil."
Cassiopeia proceeded to tell Lily everything she knew about Severus and his spying. She started with the time she had met him in the potions classroom. Then she told Lily about how Sev helped convince Regulus to support the bonding ceremony; how they were both under the protection of the house of Swanson because of the blood magic she tricked her with; and then she relayed all the information that Sev had retrieved from the dark side and given to The Order. His intelligence had saved many lives.
"He helped with the bond so that Russ and his family could protect both of us. He has spied to stay in Dumbledore's favour and have him keep the promise that The Order will look after you. Lily, he risks everything, right under You-Know-Who's nose, just for you. Everything he does is for you."
Lily had tears rolling freely down her cheeks.
"I... I don't know what to say," mumbled Lily.
"There's nothing to say. Either you forgive Sev for calling you a Mudblood..."
"Cassiopeia..."
"It's just a word Lily! And you have two choices. Either you forgive him and try to be his friend or wait and see how you feel when he's out of your life. If his Occlumency weakens, even for a second, the Dark Lord will know about his spying and kill him. What would you do then?"
"I have to see him," said Lily with resolve.
"That's my best friend," said Cassiopeia smiling slightly through her swollen red face. "He meets Russ once a week at his home in Spinner's End. I'll find out when they'll meet next and tell you."
"He still visits his parents?"
"His parents are dead. His mum died the summer after fifth year and his dad right before graduation."
"I'm that out of touch with my best friend... it's..."
"Pathetic, but fixable; you still have time," said Cassi.
"Why didn't you tell me before?"
"I promised Sev I wouldn't. He thinks you hate him and would only pity him if I told you. But seeing Reg... I don't want to see someone else I love die without happiness... Sev deserves better," said Cassi between some tears.
"Thank you," said Lily.
The scene faded as they headed to a new memory. Most of them recognized their location - the Malfoy Dungeons. But to Ginny this awful place was a brand new sight. A young Narcissa Malfoy sat on the ground looking lost. Lucius Malfoy approached the cell and Narcissa flinched as he entered.
"You are coming with us. Get up!" he ordered.
She did as he commanded and asked, "Where are you taking me?"
"A family reunion darling," he said evilly.
"Lucius, I beg you, please, leave Cassi alone. She had nothing to do with Dromeda's escape; she's never harmed you."
"Shut up! You're coming to Knockturn Alley with me and you will help us bring your cousins here!"
"No."
"What?" yelled Lucius.
"Please, don't make me. I don't want them here."
He slapped her with enough force to knock her to the ground. Then he pulled her by the hair harshly and made her stand up.
"Do as I say! If you defy me I will hand you over to the Dark Lord. Would you dare face him? Do you want to know first hand what he can do to make you traitors beg for the killing curse?" he said still holding onto her mane of hair forcibly.
"Please Luc, I loved you so much, please just…"
"You are going to help us bring the rest of the Blacks here, right now!" he said shoving her against a wall.
"Lucius no! Please!"
"Imperio!" he screamed.
Narcissa's eyes became dazed.
"You will wear this, apparate to Knockturn Alley and follow the Dark Lord's orders," he said as he handed her black robes, her wand and a mask. She got ready without hesitation.
Soon they were all in Knockturn Alley and about twenty figures wearing dark robes and masks kneeled in front of the Dark Lord.
"I've been told that the two witches will be in Diagon Alley today. They're under polyjuice pretending to be on a friendly outing with the Prewett twins… pathetic! My informant tells me the Black witch will look like a hag named Muriel. This is her picture. Remember, I want her alive! The mudblood is a blonde witch with curly hair and Swanson is polyjuiced as Moody. Kill them all!" said the disgusting figure with red eyes.
The Death Eaters passed the photograph and memorized Muriel's features. Then the small army of dark witches and wizards moved into the shops of Diagon Alley and began to spread terror. Within seconds beams of light flew everywhere. Narcissa herself cast a few Cruciatus curses against random shoppers.
A blue light shone and Sirius Black appeared looking fierce. He was followed by a crack that brought James Potter to the scene and then a pop that got Professor Lupin there. They fought bravely along with Swanson, Cassiopeia, Lily and the twins, right in front of the Leaky Cauldron.
A heart-wrenching scream was heard as the Dark Lord himself ended the life of the man who had taken the form of Mad-Eye Moody. Bellatrix, her husband, and a couple of others laughed as they finally finished off the Prewett twins. Lucius Malfoy grinned evilly over the body of Potter. Meanwhile a soft and reddish light shone brightly around the blonde witch and she disappeared.
"Where is the mudblood?" asked the Dark Lord in anger.
"She's safe, you son of a bitch!" screamed Cassiopeia still in Muriel's squeaky voice and holding on to the body that looked like Moody. Then she rose and casted the killing curse against the Dark Lord. He fell to the ground, but stood again within seconds. He laughed loudly and filled the atmosphere with fear.
"You think you can defeat me just from the hate you feel because I killed your husband. Petrificus Totalus!" yelled the Dark Lord effectively body-binding Cassiopeia.
"Leave her alone!" yelled Sirius Black as he and Professor Lupin made their way to his sister.
The red light appeared again and moved in their direction. Unfortunately, before the light reached them, Bellatrix apparated away with Cassiopeia, and Lucius stunned and took away Sirius Black. The light engulfed an injured Remus Lupin and then disappeared with him.
"Find out what that was!" ordered the Dark Lord in anger.
The memories ended and they left the Pensieve.
A picture of young Severus telling Regulus' tale in Grimmauld place is now available in my profile.
Also, the wedding vows and ceremony in this chapter are mix of: a blessing of the Apaches, a Cherokee prayer, a Celtic vow, and hopefully a decent ability to merge and tweak. Just had to give credit where it's due. Someday, when I finish this story, I'll post a bibliography with the links of all my research and the sources for many of the spells, creatures, plot ideas and ceremonies in this story, besides the HP books of course. Let's hope I persevere and that day comes.