Ch 25 Horcrux
Sirius POV
"Sirius?" Harry's voice echoed throughout the house and reached Sirius outside through the open windows.
"I'm here." He didn't move from his spot. What he was witnessing was too good to give up. And though he knew Harry would be on the fence seeing something like this. It was more of a reason as to why he needed to. When Harry came into view he gestured to stand beside him."You have got to see this."
Hermione and Snape were passed out on a reclined lawn chair. Both were wearing muggle clothes. though Hermione looked much more natural. And Snape well, at least he was still wearing black. There was only so much change everyone could handle. Hermione was curled up on Snape's torso. She looked like was about to roll over but Snape pulled her back into him. He was laying with one arm covering his eyes. Hermione and even Snape for that matter looked so relaxed and comfortable with one another. Well for a guy that took months to finally act on his feelings, he doesn't waste any time when he does act. One week and they were already sleeping together.
He could see Harry unsure of how to react but it looked as if his fists were balling up and that he was searching for something to say. "It doesn't do any good to get worked up." Plus he didn't want to be the one to ruin the moment. Not when everyone else in the house was. He hadn't had a chance to discuss this with Harry yet. Though he knew that Hermione and he had their own private chat outside of any of the Weasleys. But from the look of things he still needed some clarity. "Things aren't going to change between them"
His tension seemed to leave his shoulders while he ran a hand through his messy hair. "He isn't just using her then?"
Sirius shook his head and put a hand on his godson's shoulder. He was a good friend. "No, he isn't. And this isn't just a fling either. This is the real deal. This is what love looks like."
"I never thought love would look like that," Harry said with a bit of a grimace.
And Sirius couldn't help but chuckle at that. No, he doubted Harry ever considered the possibility that his best female friend would ever end up involved with his most hated teacher. But well life had a funny way of working out. And Harry was eager to learn that. "More or less. You may not see it. Since you haven't been with them when they have been working together for months. You have only seen the student and the teacher. Not the partners. But I've seen it."
Harry nodded while continuing to stare at the pair with a look of contemplation. Without fear of retribution for invading Snape during a private moment. "I think I am starting to see it. But to be honest the idea still makes me want to vomit."
"I get it. And she understands as well. Despite their little display a week ago. This is all still very new for them." Things could have turned out differently if they were already in an established relationship before confronting the order and their friends. Well, Hermione's friends. "This wasn't an easy decision. They have been tiptoeing around each other for months trying not to give in to their feelings for one another. They both knew it would be complicated. But sometimes you just can't keep fighting the inevitable."
"I just don't see them being together," Harry admitted. "Just two days ago they were arguing."
"Well of course they would argue. Being in love doesn't completely change your personality. And both of them are incredibly stubborn. And despite their opposition, they are still equally complimentary. It's all about balance. That exists. The harmony." It didn't take him long to see it. And he knew in time Harry would too. He was a good friend and only wanted Hermione to be happy.
Harry gave him a raised brow. "Have you been reading Witch weekly again?"
"Only on Fridays. That's a bad night for me," he said without a moment of hesitancy.
"If you two are done gossiping like a bunch of old ladies. Some of us are trying to sleep," Snape drawled, drawing both his and Harry's attention. I felt like the pair were caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Though Harry seemed on edge. Sirius was more in his comfort zone.
"What? You two have a busy night?"
"It's hard to sleep outside," Snape replied without opening his eyes once. Though he did seem to tighten his hold on Hermione. Reassuring himself that she was still there. He didn't try to distance himself in the slightest. The only indication of his uncomfortableness was the way his body tensed.
"Oh. So Molly still hasn't let you back in the house." It was no secret that the matriarch wanted Snape as far away as possible from Hermione. The only reason he is allowed to stay during the day is that she recognized his importance to the order. Otherwise, the two were not meant to be alone.
"No. I am currently breaking her rules.
"And Hermione?"
Snape smirked slightly. "Is proving a point. She came down around 3 am."
Perhaps it wasn't what it looks like though he has said that before.
A week ago exactly. The first night they all arrived at the burrow
After he was able to usher everyone inside. Though everyone seemed to be in an odd daze after Hermione and Snape's little display. It didn't take long for the outcry to start and for everyone in the living room to want to hunt Snape down and put him on the chopping block. Despite his attempt to placate them. Finally, he grew tired of the overlapping voices and whistled sharply to grab their attention. And began to speak.
"This isn't what it looks like, I swear! Okay … it's kind of what it looks like, but just give me a chance to explain." But what was here to explain? Hermione didn't tell him that the both of them got their heads out of their arses and got together. "Actually you know what there is nothing that needs to be explained. There together. It's about damn time in my opinion. Snape's timing was something else to be desired. And though he was happy Hermione would finally be happy now that she and Snape were accepting their feelings it didn't stop him from being upset because they decided to run off to do god knows what. He was here left to explain things.
"About time? Have you finally gone mad? He is her teacher?" Molly yelled. Predictably being the first to be a mother bear protecting her cubs."
"Not anymore!" Sirius reminded her.
"She is a child!" Molly continued as if she didn't hear him. But hopefully others in the room did.
"No, she is legally an adult. Has been 10 months now."
"He is taking advantage of her," Ron yelled, joining his mother.
"No, he isn't." And it didn't escape his notice that Harry was remaining quiet.
Tonks raised her hand before stating, "I do have to say that she did kiss him back and clearly had no issue with it."
Thank Merlin for his cousin. "Thank you!" Sirius proclaimed. Relieved that at least someone else was seeing sense. Or at least reason.
"I think what Molly is trying to say," Moony interjected trying to reign in the peace.
"And failing."
Moony gave him a harsh glare telling him not to make matters worse. "Is that we are in the middle of a war and it is understandable that emotions will be heightened but that we should take precautions and not act in the heat of the moment."
"Oh, you mean like how you too got hitched without telling anyone let alone inviting me.
"Well ya." He knew he shouldn't be teasing him especially after trying to be the diplomate of the group. And though Tonks seemed to be the most supportive of the idea. Having personal experience loving someone she shouldn't. Moony seemed to be coming around. He was always the one to give Snape the benefit of the doubt. And thankfully with his advanced senses from his lycanthropia. He no doubt was aware of the mutual desire and attraction coming off of both Hermione and Snape during their embrace. And though he knew that the others were still wary of his previously reckless behaviour. Sirius knew that they all trusted Remus Lupin.
"Believe me when I say that there are no two people more cautious than Hermione and Snape. This has been building up all year." Everyone was quiet now. The adrenaline from the previous battle was now wearing off into tiredness. No doubt it would rebuild the longer that Hermione was gone with Snape or when she returned. And that would have to be soon for Sirius's sake. He didn't know how good of a job he was actually doing right now.
"Come on guys don't you think if there was a problem with those two being together I would be the first to say it?"
"Ya but you have been acting pretty chummy with him," Fred or was it George said.
"Yes, because I have been working with the guy." He reminded them for at least the dozenth time. "And you people seemed to forget so was Hermione. The two of them spend at least 10 hours a week working together.
"That is considerably a lot more than any of us. So don't you think that maybe she has a better judge of character than the rest of us?" He knew he was putting a lot of faith in her. But he was trying to steer as much of their attention off of Snape's decision to be involved with her. Instead focusing on why Hermione would willingly choose him. "Besides, when has Hermione ever been wrong?"
He knew that wasn't the end of the conversion. But it did seem to halt any attempts to forcibly restrain Snape and Hermione from being together. But it was awkward for everyone. Though some seemed to accept it more than others.
Molly did not accept it at all and has made her position quite known. In a few short hours she had personally tried to talk to Hermione several times on the subject but after several attempts that just made Hermione angry, she started to avoid her. Luckily she had a wedding to keep her occupied. For the most part.
But that didn't stop her from banning him from sleeping in the house.
And even after the battle they had faced, the exhaustion and adrenaline. While everyone rested fast asleep in beds. Snape ended up lingering outside. It was too risky to leave beyond the wards. He decided he would sleep outside.
Sirius was restless. Despite all that's happening he had nothing to do, just more waiting around. That's all the order seemed to be doing lately; waiting. And though he had succeeded in knocking the Death Eaters off of their tracks, that was the only progress they seemed to have made. And though Harry's safety was a priority for everyone. For Sirius more than others, now that he was safe they had other things to do. The only people who seemed to be itching to do something were Hermione and Snape. And of course Harry. But for different reasons. Harry thought that everything was his fault. While the three of them thought that everything they didn't do was their fault. And they seemed to be the only ones willing to remind everyone that Voldemort was still immortal.
It was frustrating and after tossing and turning in his cot on the floor he decided to simply give up on sleep.
He wasn't surprised to find Snape not sleeping tonight. Hermione was obviously going to be in the midst of some questioning with her friends. And though Sirius wanted to be there to support Hermione and Harry this was something they needed to talk about themselves.
He went outside to get some fresh air. The moon and stars gave him enough light to see. It was a better view here at the Burrow than at Grimmauld Place. The sky was much clearer. It was quiet but not silent. He could hear the sounds of grasshoppers.
He noticed a figure in the distance. They were leaning against a tree and it didn't take Sirius long to figure out who it was. Sirius could see the soft warm glow and smoke rising from it, the light illuminated Snape's face in the darkness. He never took Snape for a smoker though he shouldn't be surprised. Sirius did it a lot in his youth to both be cool and find stress relief.
He went to join the solitary man and didn't even hesitate to take the cigarette from him while he lit another one for himself. Snape was emotionless like usual but every once in a while, Sirius could see the glow of a smile on his face. It was an odd sight, Snape smiling. But right now it was a welcome one.
"Stop that!"
"Stop what?" Snape asked, now facing him.
"Doing that thing with your face when you're happy, It's making me nauseous," Sirius teased.
Snake rolled his eyes and went back to staring into the distance. "Oh shut up."
"What? I meant it as a compliment." He took the moment to take in the area. There were various amounts of bugs chirping away. A light breeze flowed across the long strands of grass. The Burrow stood tall and steady despite its misshapen shape. I was rather peaceful. It was quiet in comparison to the roaring battle from a few hours ago. Or the loud voices in the busy house. But everyone should be asleep right now. Or at least pretending. "I am surprised you aren't currently glued to Hermione's side.
"And what? Experience the same interrogation she is. No thanks." He did have a point and took another drag. "Besides. I have officially been banished from the house."
Sirius shouldn't have been surprised. He figured Hermione would have fought the order on that. But she must be picking her fights. "Oh, so that's why you are out here."
Snape only nodded. Not seeming to be concerned. Though Sirius dubbed the man was quite that relaxed. "If it makes you feel better. She seemed to hold her own during the interrogation." It was mutually decided by everyone that Snape would not be present for any of the questions everyone seemed to have. Hermione on her own answered and argued against any falsified information the order seemed to think about her relationship with Snape. It was brilliant watching her fight back not with frustration or anger but with logic and a cool head.
"Yes but soon it will turn into an intervention with her friends."
He did have a point. Most of her friends kept quiet while the order took charge. And though the order seemed to let it go once they realized she was not being coerced in any way and that she was with him willingly. He knew her friends would not. But they would wait until they were alone to privately question her sanity. But the good news is that they already hated Snape. They, couldn't possibly hate him more. And no matter what they would always support Hermione's happiness. "Hate to tell you this. But her friends already hate you. It's not as if they disapproved it would change things for her."
"Maybe."
There were shadows cast on Snape's face. And it didn't appear just from the light. He was concerned and turning back to his moody self. Which won't do. "You guys didn't have much chance to talk then?"
"No." Snape took a deep breath though it seemed a bit shaky. As if he wasn't used to confiding in him. Which he wasn't but from his actions, it didn't seem as though he has confided in anyone in a long time. "It's best if we both sleep on it. And figure out what we both want."
He had a point but that still begged a question. "And what do you want with Hermione?"
"Everything."
Sirius couldn't help but stare at Snape after he said it. Sirius hadn't heard such conviction since Lily and James' wedding when they said "I do."
It made him relieved in a way. To see how deep Snape's feelings actually went. Despite how much he protested and defended against the order. How often he constantly reassured Hermione. A part of him dubbed if Snape was still capable of feeling such emotion. He didn't think of it out of spite. Not anymore. But because he knew personally how the years and wars have broken down his psyche leaving just a shell left in its state. He made progress building himself back up again. And since Sna[e broke free from Dumbledore's leash it seemed as if he too was coming alive once again.
"It's almost funny," Snape said, breaking him out of his musings. "Despite how much you hated him. You are awfully a lot like him."
Sirius found Snape staring at him. "Who?"
It took him a moment to consider who he was possibly talking about. But then I hit him like a light bulb. "Regulus? I am nothing like him," he said before taking another hit out of his forgotten cigarette.
"He said the same thing too. I didn't believe it then and I don't believe it now." I was one of the things the lost brothers agreed on. "He would be enjoying this way too much and be awfully invested. He played matchmaker more than once. Never successful though."
That sounds like Regulus he often joked about which girl his parents would betroth him to. And always joke about how long it would take him to scare the girl off. It was back when they were children and it was just them against their parents and the world. But then he left for Hogwarts and Regulas was left alone. They were strangers. And through the years there were flickers of their brotherly bond. But then he was gone and so was Regulus. "He never got the chance." Sirius sighed heavily and put out his light. "I never hated him."
"I know."
"But did he?" He was searching for an answer from Snape that he knew he wouldn't like.
"Not knowing will be the burden we both will have to carry." Snape stood up straighter and took one more breath of his bud before extinguishing. It seemed their talk had come to an end. "You should go in. No doubt your godson will be looking for you?"
That was sure. He was lucky enough that he was able to avoid having the sex talk with Harry but had a feeling that this might be much worse. "And you?"
"I will be fine" Sirius wasn't sure about that. But he had learned when not to push things too far.
He started to make his way back to the Burrow when a thought occurred to him. He stopped and turned around and yelled to the other figure who seemed to be cloaked in the darkness now. "Snape. It's a good look for you. Being happy."
After a moment Snape replied though he didn't expect him to. "You should work on it sometime."
"Believe me I am," He muttered under his breath as he made his way back inside. He walked past a single lounge chair perched up against the house.
Sirius was knocked out of his memories when Hermione started to shift and start to wake up. It seemed that Hermione wasn't quite aware of the audience, for she shifted further, burrowing herself deeper into Snape's chest.
But once her eyes shifted open and she realized that he pair were not alone she immediately sat up and tried to put some distance between them. While Snape made no attempt to move.
Hermione didn't bother to excuse their behaviour or try to awkwardly say hi. Instead, she turned and glared at Snape as if it was his fault. But he wasn't having it. "Don't act innocent, you were on top of me 5 minutes ago."
"I was sleeping," she protested, clearly upset that she wasn't woken earlier.
"Nonetheless I was the innocent victim. Helpless to move," he drawled.
Sirius could barely contain the guffaw that was brewing. While Harry seemed uncomfortable and shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
And despite the mixed feelings right now. Everything was okay.
"That's it! I'm killing them all."
"Wait, but what about the plan?" Harry asked, startled by his godfather's sudden anger.
"Forget the plan! These idiots keep getting on my nerves. They have no one to blame but themselves." Sirius said after reading the latest article in the prophet.
Things were heating up. It felt like the first war all over again. Tension was running high and so was mistrust. And Sirius didn't like it. He didn't like constantly reading in the news the horrible things that have happened since last night or reading the new names added to the obituary.
He also didn't like the talk Snape Arthur and Kingsley were having about the inevitably of the Ministry being taken over. It felt like they were already saying we were defeated. Like they weren't just losing the war but denying that they have already lost.
He didn't like how insignificant all of this made him feel. As if he was worthless and nothing he did mattered. Because Sirius knew in his heart what he was about to do mattered.
He couldn't even express how happy he felt when Tonks and Kingsley came back one day saying they found it. They had found one of the Horcrux. Though that happiness dissipated when he realized that Slytherin's Lockhart was a fake. He knew he was still on the right path.
The fact that they had found it at Grimmauld Place when they were checking the wards and caught Mundungus Fletcher in the act of trying to steal from him was insignificant. Though it didn't bode well for him, Hermione and Snape.
And learning how in the end his own brother had changed sides and possibly destroyed a Horcrux because he realized what was good and bad left a sour taste in his mouth. I aided his feeling of incompetence. Being a bad brother brought up his nightmares of being a bad friend and an absentee godfather for 12 years of Harry's life.
But he still had hope.
Though he knew it was fading with the others. Harry was growing restless and Hermione was drowning in her books once again. Everyone else was being worked to the bone as Molly directed them to issue the perfect wedding as a distraction.
He felt like he was trying to keep everyone else grounded while he himself was drowning. But it was his responsibility as an adult and a parental figure.
But that really paid off in the end when Snape came back to the Borrow with the lost Diadem of Ravenclaw.
He didn't question when Snape said Voldemort hid it at home. No or did it register that the only home he had was Hogwarts and he hated the orphanage he grew up in? None of that matters. When the diadem lay in front of him.
It was said that it was lost for centuries and that it would grant wisdom to the wearer. But now that it was a Horcrux who knew what it would inflict on the wearer? But probably not wisdom. It was etched with the words, "Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure" It has a blue sapphire shaped like an oval. The top was welded into the shape of a bird and the entire band was made out of silver. There were also diamond teardrops cascading down the middle.
It was truly exquisite.
He didn't even believe at first that it was a Horcrux. Nothing about it screamed a piece of Voldemort's soul. But Snape and Harry both assured him that this was it. He couldn't hear the whispers or feel the creeping dread that immediately started pouring into him as he locked eyes with the silver metal.
They decided that while several of the order members were helping out with the wedding they would take the time out in a clearing in the woods to dispose of it. It seemed quite unimpressive and nonchalant as they gathered and prepared for the upcoming event. Despite its importance.
"We both know this will be the first time and the last time we ever attempt this," Sirius said, feeling obligated to say something. They could now longer hear the talking from the others at the Burrow. The distance was too great. And just as a security precaution, they put up some wards. The clearing they were in wasn't that big. Maybe 20ft by 20ft. There were an array of plants and tree roots exposed. As well as a fallen tree on one side. Despite the space, they didn't want to burn the woods down. Though currently, that was the least of their problems. "So let's, you know, try not to screw this up."
Harry was rubbing his scar once again. Ever since Voldemort returned it had become a nasty habit as his red skin pained him. But ever since being exposed to the diadem it seemed as if his hand was never too far from the lightning scar. Hermione was anxiously biting her lip while her arms were crossed around her. She was keeping her distance from Snape who seemed to be in deep concentration. He resembled the feared Potion's Master rather than their teammate. He seemed to be trying to ensure that nothing distracts his focus.
Snape was able to control fiendfye and although he made it known that he would prefer not to be surrounded by an audience. It just shows how much trust they all had in him when they stood their ground behind him.
Sirius had never had any experience before with fiendry. He knew that it was technically dark magic but right now he did not care. Nor did Hermione and Harry. He knew that it was different from just regular fire. That it was more dangerous and ran rapidly out of control and destroyed everything in its path.
The ritual to connect all of the Horcruxes seemed quite simple and essentially was just a linking charm. they had no way of actually knowing if it worked until they either found another Horcrux or killed Voldemort. They knew that they were leaving quite a bit up to chance. But Hermione and Snape went over the arithmancy thousands of times and we're confident that it would work.
As Snape pointed his wand and muttered the dark words "Perniciosius Fammae," dark red tendrils of flames quickly spread to encase the diadem.
The first thing Sirius noticed or more so felt was the heat. It wasn't a pleasant and comforting warmth like sitting next to a fireplace. No, it was scorching and dry. And Sirius desperately tried to lick his lips. And not even the sweat starting to build on the back of his neck provided him with any cool relief.
The fire itself was bright red and simply directed at the diadem on the ground. Though the flames licked and surrounded the silver. But it was contained and not spread thanks to Snape's control.
Snape was rigid in his stance and it looked like at any minute he would start trembling. But he didn't. No one said a word. In fact, it felt like everyone was holding their breath.
The metal began to yield under the flames and started to wish upon itself. One of the blue gems looked ready to pop out of its holding. The diadem itself seemed to be vibrating from the pressure. But no doubt it was the magic inside of it that remained dormant for so many years that began to try and protect its host.
As he turned to look at Harry a smile radiated on both of their faces. It was happening. This was it. Alleviation was radiating throughout the air as the Horcrux gave way.
But then something began to change.
As the twisting metal began to scream, Harry's eyes rolled up into the bag of his head and he collapsed as the fire went out.