Severus Snape: Going to the Seaside

Severus Snape

Severus should have expected it. It was the logical ploy for Lucius to bond with Weasley over their shared pureblood status and cast him as the outsider. Percy was driven by a desire for respect. What better way for Lucius to negate Snape's influence than to suggest his opinion held little value?

Still, it stung. He'd heard such comments from purebloods before. He was the one with the uncouth upbringing. They had choicer words when they thought he was out of earshot.

When Severus was an insecure teenager, Lucius used to put his arm around him and tell him that a few muggle relations didn't matter, not with his talent, his brilliance. In a life where he'd had to navigate the hazards of the wizarding world on his own, Lucius had been a refuge. In private, Severus had practiced walking like him and talking like him. But he was no longer the young man who brightened whenever he received a kind word from a pureblood. He no longer stood up straighter under Lucius's gaze, hoping to impress, the way Percy was doing now.

It gave him déjà vu to watch him manipulate Percy for his own ends. Years ago, Lucius's goal had been recruitment for the Dark Lord. He'd used similar words on Severus: that he was to be admired for rising above such humble beginnings, that cutting off his family would only help him rise higher. Flatter the target, isolate the target.

But Lucius had an intensity today that went beyond anything he'd ever done for the Dark Lord. He never wavered in announcing his devotion to the Dark Lord, but there was only one thing Lucius truly believed in: his son. Draco was the only person he would risk everything for. And Percy was a tool he could use to find him.

"Let's get on with it." Severus eyed the Weasleys. Ron was bound and struggling on the ground, and Molly leaned over him, murmuring something. "So, Minister of Proper Transport and So On." He gave a smile that would have sent first-year Percy Weasley scuttling away. "What are the proper procedures for transporting prisoners?"

Percy's gaze swung in the direction of Ron and Molly, although he looked dazed, not quite focusing on them. He clung to his notebook like a life raft. "Prisoner transport procedures. Yes. Clear rules about assignments."

Lucius nodded. "And what do the rules say about a prisoner who attacks a member of the Dark Lord's inner circle? Who engages in open rebellion and terrorist activities?"

Percy paled. "Execution. Or lifetime imprisonment at Azkaban."

Lucius smiled. "We can afford to be lenient, I suppose. A lifetime at Azkaban should suffice."

Percy looked up suddenly, desperately. "There isn't any concrete evidence against… Mrs. Weasley. Just because she was with Ron… Mr. Weasley… He might have lied to her or confounded her. And she didn't attack you."

Molly looked up from her ministrations on Ron, her shoulders rigid. "Just give me a chance."

Percy shut his eyes. "Mum, please…"

Lucius studied Percy. "That's perfectly reasonable."

The tension in Percy's face crumpled, and his gaze darted up and down Lucius, as if trying to measure the man.

Lucius glanced at Carrow. "Take the Dark Guard and escort Mrs. Weasley to the re-education camp near Glasgow. Mr. Weasley here will sign off on it."

"My brother just died," Carrow snarled. "You expect me to leave his body and play chaperone?"

Lucius swung his wand through the air, jabbing it towards the remaining village. A trampled cloak rose and lengthened into a black shroud, then wrapped itself around Amycus's body. A section of earth split open, and Lucius levitated the wrapped body into the hole. He snapped his wrist, and the hole closed. A pale sycamore tree burst from the ground, growing rapidly and twisting itself into the shape of a figure with his arms crossed in repose. Small flames burst from the trunk, snuffing out quickly to reveal Amycus's name in blackened letters.

"More than respectful, I should think, though you can move him when you've fulfilled your duties. And I suggest you fulfill your duties before reporting to the Dark Lord. It might lessen his disappointment in your failures today." He tilted his head at the freshly turned earth. "There are worse ways to die."

Carrow's jaw tightened, and she pointed at Percy. "It was his idea to wait at Brigadoon. Said he wanted a personal look at the prisoners."

Percy's breathing hitched as he stared at Carrow. "It's not my fault. The Dark Lord said—"

"I'm sure it can be smoothed over," Lucius reassured him. "All the more reason to have a firm hand transporting these prisoners." He glanced at Carrow. "To show it wasn't a complete loss."

Carrow grunted and gestured at Molly. "Come on, then." She pointed a finger at a guardsman. "You, go to the Ministry and give a report. We've got prisoners that need finding."

The guardsman nodded reluctantly, no doubt unwilling to be the bearer of bad news. But after a moment, he grunted. "I still can't apparate."

"We'll have to walk to the village's border." She jabbed her wand at Molly, who still sat by Ron. "Not feeling like a trip? Perhaps I can motivate you." She smiled and pointed her wand at Ron.

Molly swallowed and squeezed Ron's shoulder. "I have to go now, love. Be good."

Ron struggled in his bonds. "Mum—"

"Shh." She leaned down and whispered something in his ear. He looked miserable, but nodded.

There were no tears in the end. Mother and son simply gave each other a long look, trying to communicate something without words. Then Molly got up with her shoulders set. "Let's go, then."

Carrow led her away, several Dark Guards in tow. The remaining guardsmen fanned out to search the surrounding forest.

Percy Weasley watched his mother go, the muscles of his throat rigid.

Severus considered traveling with them. Molly might escape in the right circumstances. But the number of guardsmen with her cut off that possibility. Even if he created a distraction, she wouldn't get far.

But he sensed an advantage in accompanying Lucius and Percy. Knowing Lucius's secrets had frequently proved useful, and he still wanted an answer to how Draco had fallen from grace. More disquieting, though, was Percy's connection to the Dark Lord. How had a petty bureaucrat caught his attention?

"Hood," Lucius said. He levitated a black hood left on the ground. "It makes things"—he tilted his head kindly at Percy—"less awkward."

The hood floated closer to Ron, writhing, its edges grasping for a face.

"No." Percy's face contorted. He looked down at his notebook. "There's nothing in the regulations about restraint hoods. Simply a convenience in recent years." He swallowed, studying Lucius, a sudden steel in his eyes. "In fact, one could argue that prisoners could be misidentified."

Lucius let the hood drop to the ground. "Quite the salient point, Mister Weasley. How very insightful. Misidentified, yes. I imagine you use your considerable talents to correct such errors."

A memory of Potter floated to the surface. They'd tested the hood on him years ago. He couldn't bring himself to laugh with the other Death Eaters, but he'd forced a smile on his face as Potter had clawed desperately at the hood, running into the walls of the throne room. He could still walk then.

He'd planned to go straight home after meeting with Hermione, returning within the hour, and he was already late. But Potter could manage a bit longer. The well-laid wards on the house would keep him in place, and Severus had enough confidence in his mental exercises to hold Potter in his memories. And he needn't stay long. It was the trip in Lucius and Percy's company that interested him.

He would watch them at the Ministry in the coming weeks and glean more information. But right now, Lucius and Percy both struggled under emotional strain and might let slip their secrets. Such opportunities must be seized before they disappeared.

"I'll join you." Snape laced his words with annoyance and boredom. "I've some business at Azkaban."

Percy thinned his lips. "Another interrogation?"

Lucius raised his eyebrows. "You track interrogations as well?"

"When a prisoner is moved—"

"This interrogation will be on site," Severus interrupted smoothly, steering the conversation away from Potter's removal from the Ministry. He levitated Ron, more gently this time, although Ron still groaned.

"And what prisoner is this?" Percy asked stiffly.

"Lupin. Although it's more of a specimen collection. Werewolf blood adds transformative properties to some potions. But blood loss can be useful in encouraging prisoner cooperation, so I may as well use my time efficiently." He inserted himself between the two, moving Ron to hover in front of them as they headed for the village border.

Lucius frowned. "You don't need to volunteer for everything, Severus. Let a guard at Azkaban handle the petty tasks and go home. Buy a charming little servant at the Yard and enjoy the spoils of war. The rebellion is defeated and you've gained the Dark Lord's favor."

The words were cordial, but Lucius was trying to dismiss him like a bothersome gnat and have Percy's secrets to himself. Severus let a pleased look settle on his face. "Ah, but I don't do the work for the Dark Lord's favor, although of course I live to fulfill his wishes. I do it for the cause. You taught me that, Lucius."

Lucius stared ahead, his frown deepening.

"Minister Snape does as he pleases, especially with prisoners," Percy grumbled.

Percy was far too fixated on Potter's removal and not talking nearly enough about Draco. A bit more pressure on the right points might do the trick. Severus rotated Ron until he was facing Percy. The hatred in Ron's stare was like a physical thing, piercing the air until Percy looked away.

"Tell me more about the oh-so-important duties of the court liaison," Snape said lazily. "You do go on about them, and yet all I ever see you doing is loitering about."

"The Dark Lord said I was essential. I needed to confirm that the Carrows had… correctly filled out the roster." Percy pressed his lips together. Likely he wasn't supposed to talk about it, but couldn't resist a chance to preen over his own importance.

Pricking that importance seemed to loosen his tongue. Severus let his voice fill with contempt as he scoffed. "Yes, the Dark Lord takes such an interest in the goings-on of file clerks."

"Court liaison!"

"You do realize he commands all of Wizarding Britain? He hardly needs to dole out tasks to you."

"He's taken a personal interest in me! When I was Umbridge's assistant, he showed up at my desk one day, just…" Percy moistened his lips, a combination of terror and awe on his face. "Standing there, waiting. Everyone else cleared out, because he wanted a private conversation with me."

That's right, Percy had been Umbridge's assistant in the courts, before he got transferred to the liaison office. And Draco had been her assistant as well, sent off with her to manage that prison camp. Had the Dark Lord's interest in Draco extended as far back as that? Snape glanced at Lucius.

Lucius walked with an easy-going gait, but there was a visible tic in his jaw. "The Dark Lord is perceptive of who will quickly rise in the ranks."

Percy nodded fervently. "He said my talents were wasted. My report had impressed him."

"You seriously expect me to believe," Severus said, "that the Dark Lord visited a low-level assistant to discuss some inconsequential report? Do you take me for a fool, or are you simply delusional?"

Percy sputtered. "It's not inconsequential! Items confiscated from prisoners weren't properly logged. The Dark Lord found my work valuable. He was impressed that I included Umbridge's illegal confiscation, despite her being my direct superior."

"It's disappointing when supervisors don't comport themselves well," Lucius said. "You did the right thing."

Severus shook his head. "Or you were hoping to get her sacked so you could take her job."

"Well, I didn't get it." Percy scuffed at a stone jutting from the flattened grass. He looked up quickly. "But it wasn't about that. I simply disapproved of how she flaunted her ill-gained goods at work, like a badge of pride. She wore that locket everywhere."

Locket. A frisson of excitement and fear ran down his back. That one word explained the Dark Lord's strange behavior and sudden interest in Percy. He'd found one of his horcruxes. Not hidden in the cave Hermione mentioned, but paraded around the neck of a ministry official. That he hadn't cursed Umbridge on the spot spoke volumes about how precious this object was, and how little he wanted others to know its value. Nothing like wrapping something in red tape to make it look mundane.

Severus had to choose his next words carefully. Douse any curiosity or suspicion in Lucius while still pulling vital information from Percy. He nodded, as if it all made sense now. "Umbridge tends to ruffle feathers. No doubt the Dark Lord wanted to teach her a valuable lesson. Did he use the cruiciatus curse, or merely destroy all her pilfered belongings?"

Percy's face lit up, clearly delighted to correct him. "Nothing so dramatic as all that. Really, Minister, it's as if you don't know the Dark Lord at all." His nose lifted, displaying a smug smile. "He simply signed the forms I suggested, and I requested its return to log it properly."

Lucius's intent gaze dampened. The tale of The Dark Lord seeking out a ministry assistant had become a tale of forms and procedures.

Best to snuff out his interest completely. Severus made a dismissive, doubtful noise, and that was all it took to make Percy rattle on about how he had proof, he had the Dark Lord's signature on form 1227-A and 1452-B, all filed at his old office according to the system he implemented.

"This is all very interesting," Lucius said, a colorless smile pinned on his face. "You've no doubt pleased the Dark Lord with your… vital work."

Percy nodded. "I was promoted shortly afterwards. The first of several promotions."

"All well-earned, I'm sure. But we have other matters to attend to." He gestured at the surrounding trees. Behind them, only a few buildings remained, hopping as if impatient to be on their way. "We've arrived at the border. Time to put this traitor where he belongs."

Percy studiously avoided Ron's glare. "There's a barge near Rattray Head that'll transport the prisoner. No other way to get in or out of Azkaban, except by broom. You know the Rattray Head Lighthouse? There's a dock for wizarding use."

Severus had passed it once, when the Death Eaters had gone out in force to meet the Order in battle. The dock was enchanted to conceal it from muggles, and there had been several barges, their captains wisely staying away from Azkaban during the fight. "I'm familiar with it."

Lucius nodded as well, and quickly disapparated.

Snape glanced at Percy. "You're in charge of prisoner transport. It's your responsibility to bring him along." He settled Ron on the ground and released the levitation spell, loosening the bonds around his legs so he didn't topple over.

Percy finally looked at Ron and blanched. But he gripped him by the shoulders as Ron wrestled to throw him off.

After he disapparated, Percy would have a brief moment to release Ron and claim he escaped. But one look at Percy's face told him he'd committed to the cause, too determined to prove his importance to Lucius and the Dark Lord. He wished he could tell Percy that one day he would regret it, but such words would fall on deaf ears and endanger him besides. Severus hoped he learnt from his mistakes, and that such lessons took root before he lost too much.

The apparation ended with a sharp drop in temperature. Briny wind struck his face and numbed his skin. Choppy waves sprayed foam onto the small rocky island where the lighthouse stood. A set of wooden steps, charmed against the elements, led to the dock. He descended, casting a protective spell against the wind and water.

Lucius waited, his pale hair whipping in the wind. He looked as if he were cut from stone, silent and still, gazing across the water. Only his eyes had life, dark and raging as the sea, searching the skyline as if it held answers. Until he spotted Severus, and the serene grey returned. Lucius wasn't an occlumens, but he gave the impression of someone who locked away all feeling.

A mooring line secured a barge loaded with crates. The water exploded near it, and two monstrous heads appeared. Their scales were as iron grey as the water, and their branching, twisted horns were coral-orange, rock-like and pitted. The creatures thrashed against a set of thick cables knotted around their serpentine necks, their dangling feelers flinging sea-green froth into the air.

Severus stood his ground, but it was a close thing. The sea serpents, larger than any he'd ever seen, gnashed at the wind with jaws wide enough to snap him in two. Long blood-red tongues scented the air, and the two turned their predatory gazes towards the dock.

Percy and Ron appeared, and one look had them both stumbling back. Ron yelped and fell to the ground, rolling awkwardly as he tried to maneuver away while bound.

The captain shouted a command, directing his wand at the reins. The reins snapped, and a vibration went up the lines that made them throw their heads back and hiss. They twisted, their thick tails rising and corkscrewing. Another snap of the reins, and the serpents settled, only their heads and dorsal fins staying above the surface.

"Sorry about that," the captain said. "Ceto and Nereus get agitated by newcomers. They think they're getting fed."

Percy gaped. "Surely you don't feed them humans?"

"Course not. Got barrels of fish I unload when it's feeding time." He stroked his salt and pepper beard. "Still, best not fall overboard."

Percy stepped away from the edge of the dock.

The captain rummaged in the peacoat covering his girth, producing an envelope from his pocket. "Got an owl just before you arrived. One of you Percy Weasley?"

"That's me." Percy raised his chin. "Percy Weasley, court liaison."

The captain raised an eyebrow. "This is addressed to Percy Weasley, guard-slash-records keeper." He levitated the envelope over to Percy, no easy feat as it twisted in the strong wind.

Percy snatched the envelope, tearing it open and reading quickly, turning pale as he skimmed the text.

Severus could guess the contents. The guardsman must have already made his report, including the escape of the prisoners. If the Dark Lord was as interested in Draco as it seemed, then Percy got off easy for his failure. "Demoted, were you?"

"No." Percy folded and refolded the letter, finally tucking it into his robes. "It seems the Dark Lord feels I require some time to consider new strategies." Despite his stiff posture, his shoulders slumped. "At Azkaban."

Snape silently cursed to himself. He needed time with Weasley to learn what he knew about this locket, and perhaps about Draco. He would have to make the most of his brief visit there.

"These minor setbacks happen," Lucius said. "Apparently, the Dark Lord has doubts." He waved his fingers as if that were a trifling thing. "Look at this as an opportunity to prove your loyalty. There are many former members of the rebellion at Azkaban. Use a firm hand with them, and word will no doubt reach the right ears." He gave Percy's back a pat. "I'll make sure of it."

Percy nodded, eyes downcast.

The captain focused on the bound prisoner. "Want him aboard?" Before anyone had a chance to respond, he levitated Ron towards him. "We leave in ten minutes." He nodded at the leaden clouds on the horizon. "Storm's coming." He eyed the three of them. "A lot of escorts for one prisoner. You sure you want to make the trip? This isn't a pleasure cruise, and you might brave the rough ride just to get turned away at the gate. They don't like visitors."

"I have business with Mr. Weasley," Lucius said with the assurance of someone who's never been turned away at the gate. "I don't plan to stay long."

"Interrogation," Severus said. "As a minister, I should have access, and I'm in need of werewolf blood."

"Werewolf?" The captain shook his head. "Can't reach 'em. They're in solitary."

"Solitary confinement?" Severus glanced at the sky reflexively. It was nearing sunset, the heavy cloud cover obscuring the rising moon. But he tracked the lunar calendar well enough to know. "It's two days before the full moon."

The captain shrugged. "One of 'em found a way to push his magic and transform hours before sunset. Tore through an entire unit of guards. Since then, it's solitary three days before and three days after for all werewolves. Only thing goes through that door is a meal tray."

Lucius had a faint smile on his lips as he turned to Severus. "Ah, well. I'm sure you're needed elsewhere."

Severus had to know more about that locket. But appearing desperate would give too much away. He recalled the staff shortages reported at Azkaban and took a shot. "A shame," he told the captain, keeping his voice light. "I would've enjoyed unraveling his mind. But I suppose the Azkaban interrogators have things well in hand."

"Hardly. They're stretched thin, and just lost another a few days ago. Wall collapsed, and he drowned. Replacement is coming, but I don't know if she'll get here before the storm comes. They could use a hand."

Lucius locked eyes with the captain, striking him with his glare. "I'm perfectly capable of interrogating prisoners, if you have need." He grasped Percy's shoulder. "It'll give us a chance to get better acquainted."

The captain gave him a once-over. Working with sea serpents no doubt inured one to simple glares. "He was a level one interrogator. You a legilimens?"

Snape couldn't resist a smile. "I'm afraid Lucius never took the time to master the discipline. I, of course, am quite skilled."

The guard nodded. "The warden will be pleased. Staff shortages all around. Not the choicest assignment, Azkaban. Replacement might not arrive until tomorrow night, though."

Severus hesitated. That would mean leaving Potter at the house unattended for over twenty-four hours. He was due for another muscle-strengthening potion, and a nerve-repairing potion in the morning. He'd planned to cook steak and kidney pie to improve Potter's iron and protein intake.

But he had other commitments besides Potter. Promises made to Albus and Hermione. Every moment the Dark Lord lived meant more death and destruction, more families torn apart. Would Ron Weasley be here now if he hadn't cut back on his spying to care for Potter? After so many setbacks, he finally had essential information. And perhaps soon, a definite location on the locket. It would be a ray of hope for Hermione when he had to tell her about her friends' imprisonment.

He was being a ridiculous mother hen, fretting over treatments and missed meals. Potter was a grown man. In need of care, but out of immediate danger and able to survive on his own for a day. He'd survive well enough on the tinned food set out for him. The old wards on the house hadn't been shaken by Potter's attempts, and Severus had reinforced them twice over. Potter wasn't going anywhere.

"Of course," he told the captain. "Anything to help the cause." He boarded carefully as the barge rocked on the waves. Opening a small case, he flipped through the secret compartment built into the wizarding space, plucking out a draught for motion sickness. He downed it quickly. A settled stomach allowed him to focus on handling Lucius and Percy. On protecting Ron, who was at their mercy.

Ron breathed heavily, bracing himself in his makeshift seat to stabilize against the barge's movement. Lucius stepped aboard with far more grace than seemed possible. Balancing charm, most likely, although a sharp roll could still knock him on his arse. Percy dragged himself up the ramp, his eyes darting between Severus and Lucius.

The captain lashed his wand down twice, aiming at the water swirling around the colossal heads. Jets of water shot up, vaporizing into steam.

Long grey necks burst above the surface, throwing a cascade of seawater onto the deck and drenching Percy, who spluttered indignantly. Ron merely closed his eyes until the downpour ended. Severus and the others had already cast impervious spells. The captain only blinked as the water arced off him in little waterfalls. He fired another spell at the serpents, and they dove in tandem. The vessel jerked forwards, careening over the waves.

Severus subtly targeted Percy with a hex that repelled drying charms. Just in time, as Percy made his first attempt, then frowned as his robes remained drenched. Soon, he'd be shivering and ashamed of his ineffective spellcasting. He was the type who would endure misery rather than ask for help. It gave Severus an entire journey's worth of opportunities to needle him about his incompetence. Desperate to repair his reputation, the cold and humiliation would squeeze him. He'd spill a detail here, an impression there. Droplets of information Severus would collect until he could fulfill his promise to Albus, to do everything he could to end the war.

Between the howling of the wind and the thunder of the waves, he heard a familiar girlish voice, warm as the summer sunshine. Lily, as she'd sounded when they'd still been friends. You made another promise to Dumbledore and to me. To protect my son.

He remembered how her green eyes used to light up. She'd been the first person he'd known who would brighten when he approached. He shook his head. I broke that promise years ago. It shattered the moment I failed to stop his capture.

Then make a new promise, for an old friend. Take care of my Harry.

Severus gazed at the receding lighthouse. Its light dimmed until it disappeared entirely. He turned away resolutely to focus on Percy. I'm sorry. But I've never been a very good friend.