Severus, September 12, 1997

Newt level potions was definitely Severus Snape's favorite class to teach. No mo
re self-destructive Neville Longbottoms, no more mediocre Pansy Parkinsons, just
Hogwarts' best and brightest with a genuine interest in potions. Or at least a
very good reason to be in the class and take it seriously.
Sitting at his desk at the front of the Potions classroom, Professor Snape looke
d up from grading the Second Year's essays on the uses of lavender in relaxation
and anti-stress potions. His quill paused over the pot of red ink (Scroll and Q
uill's special blend, number 8, favored because it stayed blood red even when dr
y) as he did his customary critical scan of the classroom to ensure all was well
. At least with the advanced students, he did not usually find it necessary to s
talk and hover in order to prevent errors in measuring or choice of ingredients,
let alone practical jokes and horseplay of the kind that resulted in cauldrons
exploding and injuries to students. Six years of previous instruction and witnes
sing the results of brewing errors had at long last instilled a sense of safety
into their flat little heads.
The aspect Severus most appreciated about this class was the opportunity to make
the students think. Their assignment should keep them busy thinking for the nex
t two hours. After twenty years of teaching the potions curriculum to congenital
idiots (Gregory Goyle came to mind in that category) or very young (Who thought
it was a good idea to teach potions to eleven year olds?), Severus was bored.
The First through Third Year classes required nothing more than posting directio
ns on the blackboard, lecturing on basics, teaching chopping, slicing, and grind
ing techniques, followed by watching every move the little dunderheads made to e
nsure they did not blow themselves up. After almost twenty years, the only inter
esting thing left to do was to detract House points, assign detentions, and othe
rwise torture the students (within the limits of the Hogwarts' policies and proc
edures manual).
Fourth and Fifth Year students posed a bit more of a challenge. They had the cap
acity to surprise and their ability to make truly serious errors was astounding.
Their creativity in practical joking or seeking revenge on their fellow student
s was unparalleled. It should be noted that the notorious Weasley twins did not
become true menaces to society until they hit their Fourth Year. The Weasley pra
ctical jokes were often quite entertaining. Severus recalled fondly the time the
y caused Slytherin's Fifth Year males to develop pink feathers on their genitali
a just in time for Valentine's Day. Still, that sort of behavior was not to be p
ublicly condoned if one is to retain discipline. On the bright side, it did keep
some of the young men of Slytherin from participating in the Hogwart's unoffici
al, but annual Festival of Fornication. At least working out the antidote posed
a challenge for the better part of the evening and got Severus out of chaperonin
g the dance.
Unlike the rest of the faculty, Severus Snape did not breathe a sigh of relief w
hen the Weasley twins abandoned academic pursuits during their Sixth Year to ope
n a joke shop. A considerable amount of creativity and originality went into the
ir potions work, something Professor Snape appreciated, even if he could not rew
ard them for it with grades or House points. They were Gryffindors, after all. I
n retrospective, dealing with Fred and George Weasley kept his wits sharp and ch
allenged his ability to develop new antidotes.
Once Owls were out of the way, the number of students continuing to pursue potio
ns education dropped considerably. At Sixth Year, Potions class was no longer ma
ndatory. It was a highly selective elective class. Students applied to be admitt
ed and could be denied admission by the instructor, with approval from Hogwarts'
Headmaster. After five years of instruction by the brilliant, if highly sarcast
ic and unpleasant Professor Snape, the students who applied knew exactly what th
ey were getting themselves into.
Snape's standards of excellence were the highest among the faculty and beyond re
ach for any but a small percentage of the most intelligent and capable students.
Technically, the phrase 'small percentage' was not entirely accurate, since Sev
erus did not consider even one percent of the students capable of meeting his st
andards. If, in a given year, one student met his highest standards, it was a ve
ry good year.
In the year of 1997, the Seventh Year Potions class included a few students Prof
essor Snape did not accept of his own free will. The most obvious case in point
was Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived To Become An Annoyance. From Severus' point
of view, Potter's first mistake was being born. His second was not being born a
squib.
The year Severus Snape saw the list of incoming First Years included Harry Potte
r, son of James Potter and Lily Evans Potter, was a year Severus considered chan
ging careers. From time-to-time, commercial potions companies attempted to recru
it him for their research and development departments. However, Severus' sense o
f obligation and self-preservation caused him to stay right where he was.
At a very bad point in his life, Severus made a promise to Albus Dumbledore. The
promise could allow for his redemption for activities engaged in as a minion of
one Tom Riddle, also known as Lord Voldemort. The promise required Severus to c
ontinue his role as a loyal Death Eater, but actually spy on Voldemort and bring
information back to the Order of the Phoenix. The intelligence would be used by
Dumbledore and his gang for the purpose of capturing, killing, or at least inca
rcerating Voldemort and his gang.
The need for those intelligence reports changed one evening when Voldemort was b
lasted out of his body while using a killing curse on Harry Potter, toddler. No
one, except possibly Dumbledore, had any idea how the most powerful Dark wizard
in Britain could have his body disassembled by a child not yet out of nappies. M
ost assumed Voldemort was dead. Severus Snape assumed nothing of the sort. Havin
g more than a passing familiarity with Dark Arts, Severus did not accept the com
mon belief in Voldemort's demise.
He did not know exactly what Tom Riddle had done to his body in pursuit of immor
tality. The darkness of it made it possible Voldemort had survived in a form not
yet seen. Severus' work was not done. There were Death Eaters to be rounded up.
Severus' knowledge of their identities and activities was invaluable to the pro
cess, but the greater concern was whether or not Voldemort could resurface at so
me future time. This required Severus to maintain connections with the darker si
de of wizarding society to listen for rumors about Voldemort reincarnating himse
lf. Severus' foresight in maintaining ties with former Death Eater colleagues pa
id off when Voldemort returned in 1995, intending to take up where he left off i
n 1981. With the Death Eaters reactivated, Severus returned to his role of doubl
e agent, treading a careful and narrow line between survival and dismemberment.
Severus had issues with Harry Potter. It was d¨¦j¨¤ vu when eleven-year-old Pott
er stepped from beneath the Sorting Hat to sit with his fellow Gryffindors. Ange
r and resentment buried for years bubbled up to the surface. It became a continu
al battle to view young Harry Potter as anything other than a clone of his fathe
r.
James Potter was handsome, rich, popular, and rather shallow. Severus Snape was
unattractive, poor, unpopular, and deep. James was intelligent. Severus was bril
liant. James, in Gryffindor fashion, had it in him to be a bully. Severus, in Sl
ytherin style, had it in him to be sneaky. Young Severus found himself on the re
ceiving end of cruel and humiliating jokes at the hands of James and his friends
. He was capable of giving back as good as he got, but lacked genuine friends to
back him up. He never got satisfyingly even with Potter and the Marauders. It w
as a popularity contest Severus could not win and having lost so badly, he resol
ved never to compete in that arena again. Severus was genuinely bitter.
Harry Potter caught the fallout of that bitterness. The qualities Snape resented
in the father were present in the son; intelligence combined with an unwillingn
ess to apply himself to full potential, a lack of self-discipline devolving into
impulsiveness. Just like his father, Potter had a small circle of very close an
d loyal friends. Unlike his father, Potter had the damnedest luck on the planet.
No doubt about it, Harry Potter should have been killed off any number of times.
Professor Quirrel with Voldemort hitchhiking on the back of his head, did his b
est to do away with the boy. There was a small matter of the basilisk in the Cha
mber of Secrets with Tom Riddle holding the leash. Not to mention Remus Lupin in
his werewolf form attacking Potter and his friends on a night with a full moon
and no Wolfsbane Potion. Voldemort went after Potter personally during the Tri W
izarding Tournament and sent his Death Eaters after him at the Ministry of Magic
. And Sixth Year? Well, Potter escaped from Voldemort that time by the skin of h
is teeth and more of that luck. If Harry Potter had nine lives, he was on his tw
elfth.
Severus considered the current version of Harry Potter. The boy had grown into a
somewhat more adult form. Physically, Potter gained height and put on weight. H
e was not as scrawny as he was his first few years at Hogwarts, but still slight
enough to hold his place as the Seeker on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Magica
lly, Potter was fulfilling Dumbledore's hopes by becoming a powerful wizard. Pur
e magical brawn combined with genuine talent and lightning reflexes, Potter was
on his way to becoming Dumbledore's weapon.
From Severus' perspective, the signs that Harry Potter was finally growing up ga
ve him hope of holding off the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse attached to that
damn prophecy that only Potter could kill off the Dark Lord. He supposed it was
the raid on the Ministry of Magic that finally pushed the boy into becoming an a
dult. Potter finally understood the consequences of his lack of impulse control
when his godfather was killed and several of his friends badly hurt. Since then,
Potter was more likely to listen, think, and consider before acting, thank Merl
in.
Dumbledore still controlled and manipulated the most important aspects of Potter
's life, especially those parts intended to turn him into the wizarding weapon o
f Death Eater destruction. The most important issue was Potter's future after Ho
gwarts, now less than a year away. How can one make a living in the wizarding wo
rld when one has been trained and honed as a warrior? Lacking standing armies, t
he Aurory is the only real choice left.
To become an Auror, one must achieve a Newt in Potions. Hence, Harry Potter enro
lled in Seventh Year Potions class. Potter's performance on his Potions' Owl did
not merit admission into Sixth Year Potions. A good deal of arm twisting from M
inerva McGonagall, a bottle of twenty-five year old firewhiskey, and Dumbledore'
s nonstop nagging with sherbet lemons got Potter back in the Potions classroom o
nce more.
Potter was doing better than Severus expected. Although he would never show a ge
nuine aptitude for potions, Potter was more compliant than in the past. He follo
wed directions, read the assignment before class, and turned in his homework on
time. Best of all, he did not fool around in the classroom and paid attention to
his work.
Of course, wherever Harry Potter goes, Ronald Weasley can be expected to follow.
The day Potter decided to become an Auror, Weasley decided to become an Auror.
Doubtlessly, someday when Potter leaves with a bride on his honeymoon, the sidek
ick will tag right along.
Weasley's admission into the class cost Minerva two bottles of brandy, five midn
ight patrols on dates to be named later, and a promise not to complain if Severu
s kicked Weasley out if his grades dropped below passing. Weasley was truly livi
ng up to expectations and Severus Snape's expectations for Weasley were quite lo
w. Weasley barely scraped by Sixth Year Potions, mostly due to Granger's nagging
and tutoring. Seventh Year Potions was likely to be the same.
Granger. Hermione Granger. The single student Severus hoped to find each year, t
he one with the aptitude for the subtle science and exact art that is potions ma
king. Not that Severus could possibly realize this the first few years she disru
pted his class with her wild hand waving and general know-it-all mode of classro
om participation.
In those days, Severus believed Draco Malfoy would be the truly special student.
Draco was the one who offered correct answers without reciting the entire encyc
lopedia. Draco could explain the 12 uses of dragon's blood without making his ea
rs hurt. Draco, Severus' distant cousin and son of his boyhood friend, Lucius Ma
lfoy, could be the one to fulfill the dream.
But Draco topped out early. By the end of Fourth Year, it was apparent Draco's s
uperior performance was due to his extensive and expensive tutelage at home in h
is formative years prior to beginning at Hogwarts. In the Seventh Year Potions c
lass, Draco demonstrated competence, but not the insight Severus had hoped for.
Were Draco to make Potions his career (which would never happen because Malfoys
live off their investments), he would be a capable laboratory technician, recrea
ting to perfection the potions invented by others. He would never invent a potio
n of his own.
Severus expected Granger to plateau early. During her first three years in Potio
ns class, Granger was a fount of information, regurgitated out of the books she
read compulsively. Granted, she showed skill in preparation of ingredients, perf
ectly chopped, sliced, diced, ground, or powdered into whatever form required. S
everus had encountered such students before. Possessed of a good memory and manu
al dexterity, potions would be almost easy until it came time to think. Right ab
out the same time Draco was hitting his plateau; Granger was showing she could m
ove to the next level.
Granger could see the connections between ingredients and brewing conditions. Br
ewing potions was not the same as baking a cake. One can make a cake from flour,
eggs, liquid, fat, flavorings, and a rising agent as long as proportions were c
orrect and basic mixing and baking directions followed.
Complex potions were never as simple as following the recipe. The intent of the
brewer affected the potion. The phase of the moon, the vibrations of the ingredi
ents, and material of the stirrer could all affect the outcome. An infinite numb
er of factors to consider, all of which must come together properly to produce t
he potion desired. Potter, Malfoy, and sometimes Weasley could produce an accept
able potion that would do the job, just by following the directions. Granger cou
ld produce the superlative potion, because she could see the factors exceeding t
he directions. She had the insight, the aptitude, and the gift. She challenged h
is mind, inspired his own research, and offered the satisfaction a teacher most
craves, the growth and success of the student.
And the saddest part of it, Severus could never encourage her to pursue it. Herm
ione Granger could never become a Potions Master.
Hermione, September 12, 1997
Hermione Granger stood at her laboratory table in the Potions classroom. Profess
or Snape had just presented the class with a problem to solve.
In his usual professorial stance, Snape stood on the platform at the front of th
e classroom, his hand raised to the list of ingredients on the blackboard. "You
are to brew a potion to treat depression. The basic ingredients for the potion a
re listed on the board. They are:"
St. John's Wort
Wild Oat
Kava Kava
Gotu Kola
Schizandra
Feverfew
Horehound
Damiana
Passion Flower
"You must answer two questions: Question 1: What additional herbal ingredients c
ould you add to the potion to increase its effectiveness? Question 2: What charm
would you use to activate the potion?"
"For extra credit: What other means could you use to enhance the effectiveness o
f the potion?"
Examining the formula on the blackboard, Hermione recognized the ingredients as
standard herbals for reducing depression and balancing mood. Staring at the boar
d, she unconsciously tapped her index finger to her lips, deep in thought.
Professor Snape continued his lecture; "The symptoms of depression include persi
stent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, lack of interest in things which wer
e once of real enjoyment, and a significant lack of energy and initiative. Somet
imes depression is situational, caused by things such as losing a job, breaking
up with a romantic partner, or a death in the family. That kind of depression us
ually lifts on its own after a few weeks. Chakra imbalance and blockages are com
mon in depression. Depression can range from mild to severe. People with chronic
depression have a biochemical cause and can find their lives completely dominat
ed by the depression. They may be unable to function or function well below thei
r potential. A condition with which many of you are quite familiar."
Hermione contemplated the list of ingredients on the board. The potion used only
herbals, with no animal-based ingredients listed on the board. These were the s
ame kinds of herbal ingredients available to Muggles who prefer taking all natur
al compounds instead of the stronger pharmaceuticals. She realized that adding t
he charm was necessary to take this potion to the more effective level, probably
to be used for someone with chronic, but mild depression. There would be animal
-based ingredients or more magical ingredients in it if it were intended for som
eone with moderate or severe depression. Hermione decided that Professor Snape w
as probably looking for other herbal ingredients to enhance what was already the
re.
Professor Snape continued, "You have two hours to complete this assignment. I ex
pect you to explain your choices and have the completed potions ready for my ins
pection prior to decanting."
Taking her quill, Hermione dipped it into the inkpot and scribbled on a piece of
parchment:
Valerian Root
Borage
Gingko Biloba
Hermione pondered her potion. Depression effected energy level and initiative, a
nd adding these herbals could address those issues. But what charm to use? Hermi
one decided to wait on the charm until she figured out what other means could im
prove the potion and make it more effective. Hermione leaned forward, elbows on
the table, deep in thought. How would these ingredients fit together on a vibrat
ional level? Pulling out a numerological chart tucked inside her book bag, Hermi
one began to calculate.
Alleviate Depression equals 4
St. John's Wort equals 1
Wild Oat equals 3
Kava Kava equals 7
Gotu Kola equals 3
Schizandra equals 4
Feverfew equals 9
Horehound equals 9
Damiana equals 7
Passion Flower equals 1
Valerian Root equals 6
Borageequals 3
Gingko Biloba 5
Total: 58 equals (5+8 equals 13) which equals (1+3 equals 4)
Hermione considered her list and decided she was on the right track. Numerologic
ally, the phrase "alleviate depression" was a 4. The Pythagorean numerological a
nalysis of these ingredients totaled to 4, which matched the phrase "alleviate d
epression". It was a good vibrational fit. What else could be added to the vibra
tion level of the potion that would fit? She needed the total to come to 4. Herm
ione took a hair tie out of her bag and proceeded to pull her hair into a low po
nytail at the back. The idea came to her. She could add crystals and stones rela
ted to clearing chakras, healing, and reducing negativity. The sum of their vibr
ational levels needed to equal 4, which would add punch to the potion by express
ing the intent in a more powerful way than by her will alone.
Reaching back into her book bag, Hermione removed a lumpy fabric bag and began t
o pick through the contents. She removed a crystal, examined it, and either set
it aside as useful or put it next to the cauldron if it had potential. She decid
ed to use bixbite for its benefit in releasing negativity and enhancing personal
growth. It vibrated to the number 8. She considered obsidian, but decided the r
isk it posed for initiating out-of-body experiences outweighed the benefit of sp
iritual insight. Moldavite also worked very well for gaining insight and energy
and vibrated to 2. Opal was good for creativity and initiative, opening the chak
ras, and was another number 8. Opal might crack in a boiling liquid, but could b
e strained out when the potion was done.
Hermione considered the crystals she already selected and ran the numbers. (8+2+
8 equals 18) which equals (1+8 equals 9). The total of bixbite, moldavite and op
al vibrated to a total of 9, which was not what she needed. The final total must
equal 4 to match the potion and the phrase "alleviate depression". She needed s
omething else to add to the 18, to bring the total to 4. She considered quartz,
which was always good for balancing the chakras and conveniently vibrated at wha
tever number is needed. Somehow, it seemed too easy and obvious. Hermione rummag
ed through the bag again and pulled out bloodstone. An intense healing stone, co
nsidered the stone of courage, it was known to bring uniformity and balance to t
he energy fields. It vibrated to 4, which gave her (8+2+8+4 equals 22), which eq
uals (2+2 equals 4). Perfect.
Hermione returned the unused stones to the fabric pouch and dropped them in her
book bag. Now to determine the charm, she pulled out an English to Latin diction
ary. The word 'sad' could be either 'miserabilis', which was numerologically an
8 or 'tristus' which was a 6. She also needed a stop word. 'Confuto' was a 4, wh
ich would not work. To keep the potion numerologically balanced, she needed a to
tal of 4 and 'Confuto Miserabilis' would give her a 12, which totaled 3.
She wrote down 'Consto Miserabilis' and calculated again. 'Consto' was 5, 'miser
abilis' was 8, giving 13, which totaled 4. Hermione decided to use 'Consto Miser
abilis' and keep the wandwork simple by drawing the rune Ansuz, representing har
mony, truth, and wisdom.
Looking around, Hermione realized the other students had already started brewing
their potions. She proceeded to the storage room to retrieve the ingredients. I
n ten minutes, she had a measure of water in her cauldron at a low boil. Her ing
redients were prepared carefully, measured, dropped into the water and gently st
irred. One hour later, all of the herbal ingredients were simmering gently in th
e pot. The scent was crisp and grassy, just as it should be. The color was a pal
e yellow. Standing over the cauldron, Hermione held the crystals and stones in h
er hands, whispering softly to express her intent; "Let these stones and their v
ibrations add to the healing powers of this potion, that anyone who partakes of
this potion shall find relief from depression, balance in their energy system, a
nd healing in their soul." Hermione dropped the stones into the potion. Taking h
er wand, she waved it in the shape of the rune Ansuz over the cauldron and whisp
ered "Consto Miserabilis." A soft golden glow issued from the cauldron and disap
peared.
Hermione stepped back from the cauldron and looked up. She realized Professor Sn
ape was watching her from his place at the front of the classroom. He stepped do
wn from the platform and moved around the tables, beginning his process of evalu
ating the potions. Hermione smiled to herself as Snape moved into his classic 't
ime to criticize the students' pose. This usually involved standing very tall (w
hich at a few inches over 6 foot, he could generally do quite well), hovering ov
er the cauldron and the student, rocking back on his heels with his hands claspe
d behind his back and giving a scathing commentary.
"Mr. Zabini, your potion is green. What charm did you use?" Blaise Zabini opened
his mouth to reply when the Professor snapped, "No do not bother to answer. You
will only confuse your impressionable classmates. If you had used a correct cha
rm, your potion would be a soft gold. Dispose of this mess and I want two feet b
y next class on what went wrong and what foolish mistakes you will not make next
time."
The Professor continued onto the next table, occupied by Ronald Weasley. Ron sto
od very straight and very nearly as tall as the Professor, making eye contact. H
ermione wondered if Ron was feeling exceptionally brave today and hoped it would
not backfire on him.
Snape looked into the cauldron and then sneered at Ron. "Well Mr. Weasley, I see
that the notion of giving 100 monkeys 100 quills and allowing them enough paper
and ink to write for one million years will eventually produce the collected wo
rks of Nicholas Flamel. Your potion is mustard yellow. You have the basics corre
ct. What did you add to ingredients listed on the board?"
"Chamomile, Professor." Ron answered, now avoiding making eye contact with Snape
.
It never took much to blow Ron's confidence to shreds, thought Hermione.
"Chamomile makes a lovely tea and will help you to get a good night's sleep," sn
eered Professor Snape. "Do not drink any tonight, Mr. Weasley. You will need to
be awake if you are going write an essay on two ingredients that could be added
to the potion to enhance its effectiveness against depression, not sleeplessness
. Two feet, Mr. Weasley."
Ron coughed and looked chastened. "Erm. Yes, sir Professor."
Professor Snape moved onto the next table, where Harry's potion was bubbling noi
sily in the cauldron. Snape examined the contents and grimaced.
"Mr. Potter. Do you understand the meaning of the term 'simmer'? It does not mea
n that the contents boil and splatter outside of the cauldron. A rough, rude boi
l results in overcooked ingredients. This is a delicate potion, not vegetable so
up, Mr. Potter. Dispose of this and have your essay ready for next class. Two fe
et on the subject of the effect of temperature and the quality of simmering on h
erbal ingredients in this potion."
Harry kept his face expressionless. "Thank you, Professor Snape," replied Harry,
the annoyance creeping into his voice.
"Sarcasm, Mr. Potter? I suggest you practice. You have a long way to go before y
ou will be any good at it. Weasley might be willing to allow you to practice on
him. However, it would be a waste of time. He is unlikely to recognize the subtl
ety. Ten points from Gryffindor."
"Mr. Malfoy. I see your potion is a pale marigold color. Nicely done. What ingre
dients did you add to the original list?"
Malfoy looked directly at Potter and smirked. "I added valerian, sir."
"An excellent choice, Mr. Malfoy. And what charm did you use?"
"Confuto Miserabilis, sir." replied Malfoy, preening.
"15 points to Slytherin. Give me an essay on the effects of different dosages on
depression. Ahh. Next we have the inestimable Miss Granger. I see a pale golden
 color. And what did you add to your potion?" Professor Snape rested his hands o
n either side of the cauldron and leaned forward, blocking Hermione's view of he
r classmates.
"I added borage, valerian root, and gingko biloba as herbals. I simmered the pot
ion with one crystal each of bixbite, moldavite, opal, and bloodstone." Hermione
replied, her eyes looking down at the potion. Why did he have to be so intimida
ting?
"And your reasoning?" Snape inquired, his voice velvet.
"I want to coordinate the vibrational level of the ingredients, crystals, and in
cantation to the number 4 to match the Pythagorean numerology of the phrase 'all
eviate depression'."
"Miss Granger, your potion should be quite effective, in spite of this hair whic
h I see resting on the side of your cauldron." Snape picked a long curly hair of
f the side of the cauldron, holding it between his thumb and forefinger. His exp
ression was one of utter distaste. "Is there reason to be concerned that your ha
ir is another ingredient here? This is an antidepressent potion, not Polyjuice.
Twenty-five points from Gryffindor for failing to keep your hair out of your cau
ldron and an essay on contamination prevention. One foot please, and another two
feet explaining in detail your reasoning behind your choices."
Draco Malfoy gave Hermione a particularly superior smile. Harry and Ron both loo
ked as if they had taken a Pepper Up potion and steam was ready to escape from t
heir ears. Hermione gave them her much used 'settle-down' look, deescalating the
situation.
Professor Snape continued around the room, verbally skewering students as he eva
luated their potions. Hermione turned off the magical burner under her cauldron
to let her potion cool so she could strain and bottle it. In her mind, she revie
wed the potion's preparation, step-by-step. Professor Snape said it should be 'q
uite effective'. High praise, indeed coming from him, especially combined with t
aking twenty-five house points. Hermione raised her head and looked around the r
oom. She took in the dark cool stone, the light of the burners under the cauldro
ns, the scent of herbs and spices in the air. She looked back down at her cauldr
on.
'I love doing this,' she thought. 'I love figuring out what has the potential to
work, with all the subtleties that go with it. It's not just the potions themse
lves; it's working out the charm, doing the arithmancy, and all the little detai
ls. It brings together so many aspects of magic and chemistry. It makes me feel
so creative and challenged. There's so much room to imagine how I could do thing
s. This is what I want to do. I could do this for the rest of my life.'
Hermione sighed, 'I've got to talk to Professor Snape.'
The ingredients in Hermione's potion are often used in herbal remedies used to t
reat depression. Do not concoct this at home if you're not a trained herbalist.
The numerological analysis of the ingredients is accurate using Pythagorean Nume
rology. This chapter has been reloaded due to all of the equal signs disappearin
g. Some modifications were made to try and make the numerology clear.
The uses of crystals and minerals is taken from a wonderful reference book descr
ibing the metaphysical properties of the mineral kingdom, "Love is in the Earth,
" by Melody.
Severus Snape, September 20, 1997
Albus Dumbledore sat in the most comfortable chair in the parlor. Of course, at
almost 150 years old and the most senior person in the room, everyone agreed he
was entitled. The assortment of seats in the room, along with the settee, includ
ed three wingback chairs, a shaker rocker, and some of the chairs from the dinin
g room. It was crowded providing enough seating for the members of the Order of
the Phoenix who were present. Minerva McGonnagall sat beside Dumbledore in one o
f the three wingbacks, the other occupied by Alastor Moody. Remus Lupin looked q
uite comfortable in the rocking chair, while Molly and Arthur Weasley, along wit
h their second oldest son, Charlie, occupied dining room chairs. Harry Potter, R
on Weasley, and Hermione Granger, the newest members of the Order, shared the so
fa. Nymphadora Tonks, off duty Auror, occupied a spot on the floor. The parlor w
as really too small for such a meeting, much smaller than the parlor at 12 Grimm
auld Place.
Two years ago, the meeting would have been held at the home of Sirius Black, con
victed murderer. It was a happy day for Harry Potter when his godfather Black, w
hom he didn't know was his godfather, managed to turn himself into a dog to esca
pe the Dementors and bolt out of Azkaban, the wizards' prison. Wrongfully convic
ted of the murder of Peter Pettigrew and implicated in the murders of Harry's pa
rents, Sirius Black took it on the lam with help from Harry, Hermione, a time-tu
rner, and a death row escapee hippogriff by name of Buckbeak. From this complex
series of events, the Order of the Phoenix welcomed the return of their prodigal
son and found themselves a headquarters in Sirius Black's formerly abandoned ho
me.
Among the unfortunate side effects of having a secret organization's headquarter
s in the home of an escaped murderer is the inability to openly acknowledge the
house is now occupied. There were plenty of questions about actual ownership tha
t would not hold up to close examination. Ultimately, the issue was resolved whe
n Sirius Black met his untimely end trying to rescue Harry who was trying to res
cue him in the infamous raid on the Ministry of Magic. Given an escaped murderer
couldn't really claim legal title to the old family mansion, Sirius couldn't le
ave it to anyone in his will. Within weeks of his death, it occurred to the memb
ers of the Order that it was time to abandon Grimmauld Place and seek a new head
quarters in London. A townhouse in an upper middle class Muggle neighborhood was
deemed suitable and purchased. Remus Lupin, the Order's Intelligence Coordinato
r and only employee moved in. It was intended that Harry Potter would likewise t
ake up residence upon graduating from Hogwarts. Lacking any real family and need
ing a secure place to live where he could be kept out of the clutches of the Dea
th Eaters, it seemed a reasonable arrangement. Other Order members would come an
d go as needed, with plenty of extra bedrooms and dry cellar.
The meeting had been going on for a few hours. Recent events at the Ministry of
Magic related to the war against Voldemort and his Death Eaters were discussed.
The raid on the Ministry of Magic a bit over a year ago forced Cornelius Fudge,
Minister of Magic, to finally acknowledge the reality of the return of He-Who-Mu
st-Not-Be-Named. The point had been reached when the battle between a handful of
teenagers and Death Eaters in the central atrium of the building housing the se
at of wizarding government could be ignored. Fudge lost his position in a vote o
f no-confidence and was swiftly replaced by Madame Amelia Bones. Madame Bones, a
s capable and no-nonsense minded as could be found anywhere, had her hands full
in dealing with decades of accumulated corruption within the Ministry. It was ap
parent the Dark Lord had sympathizers and informants within the Ministry and ver
y likely within the Aurory itself. The evening's discussion revealed a pattern o
f unsuccessful raids by Aurors against suspected Death Eaters pointed in the dir
ection of Voldemort being tipped off. The late arrival of Auror Kingsley Shackle
bolt brought the subject back to the forefront as he confirmed the conclusions a
rrived at earlier in the evening. It was almost midnight before it was determine
d that no action could be taken on this matter until the Order had a better idea
of who the informants might be. Frustrated, the Order members took their leave
one by one.
It was well after midnight when Severus Snape arrived. By that time, most of the
Order members had left. Only Dumbledore, Lupin, McGonnagall, and Hermione Grang
er remained. Harry Potter and Ron Weasley had been required to floo back to Hogw
arts under protest, questioning why Hermione was allowed to remain without them.
McGonnagall told them it was none of their business and sent them on their way.
When Professor Snape arrived, his response to the presence of a student at a me
eting of the inner circle was to raise his eyebrow in question at her direction.
"Is there a reason Miss Granger is present, Albus?" Severus inquired.
"Miss Granger is here with my permission. She has requested an opportunity to sp
eak with the four of us. Is there anything sensitive you need to report to us, f
irst? Otherwise, I would prefer to allow Miss Granger to go first and then take
your report later. Miss Granger can return to Hogwarts when she is done." Dumble
dore stretched out his legs and curled his long fingers around the arms of his c
hair. Snape accepted a cup of tea offered by Professor McGonnagall and sat down
on the other end of the sofa currently occupied by Hermione.
"In that case, I shall defer to Miss Granger," drawled Severus.
Hermione took a deep breath. "Thank you, Professor Snape. I very much appreciate
the four of you taking the time to meet with me." She was interrupted by nods o
f the head and sounds of encouragement.
"Professor McGonnagall has asked me about my plans for after graduation. I know
Harry and Ron have already put in their applications for admission into Auror's
training. My own ambitions lie in a very different direction. It is my hope to p
ursue further education and training in potions."
Severus met Hermione's eyes as he looked at her over his teacup. "Miss Granger,
are you aware of the obstacles that lie in the way of such a goal?"
"Very much so, sir. I've been dwelling on them for the best part of a year since
I realized this was what I wanted to do." Hermione shook her head. "As frustrat
ing as it is to accept, I realize it would be impossible for me to obtain an app
renticeship in Britain."
Severus set down the teacup and exchanged a look with Dumbledore. "I believe you
are correct, Miss Granger, but it would be enlightening if you would explain wh
y you believe this to be so."
Hermione shrugged. "It's because I'm Muggleborn. There are twenty-nine Potions M
asters in Britain. Of that number, seventeen are Purebloods and twelve are mixed
bloods. No British Potions Master would be willing to take on a Muggleborn appr
entice, especially under current conditions. Even if that Potions Master has no
bias against Muggleborns, to contract to provide Master's level training to a Mu
ggleborn would be the equivalent of painting a target on one's back. A double ta
rget if you're apprenticing Harry Potter's friend." Hermione looked back at Seve
rus. "I fully understand the situation you are in, sir. I will not make such a r
equest of you."
Severus peered at her, surprised. "Miss Granger, your insights into the situatio
n are accurate."
"Hermione, is there another area you would consider for apprenticeship?" asked M
cGonnagall. "I offer you an apprenticeship in Transfigurations. You are most cap
able and have the potential to achieve mastery. There would be no risk to having
you as an apprentice I do not already bear by virtue of being Head of House for
 Gryffindor."
"Professor McGonnagall, I think that is the most generous offer anyone has ever
made to me. If I didn't have my heart set on potions, I would accept in a heartb
eat." Hermione gave McGonnagall a warm smile, basking in her praise and strong s
ense of friendship. "I have considered my alternatives. Seeking a potions appren
ticeship on the Continent would probably garner the same results as seeking one
in Britain. I do not wish to look to Asia, Africa, or South America for an alter
native. In those places, my being female would be a bigger barrier than being Mu
ggleborn. I am considering an alternative in the United States." Hermione reache
d into her ever-present book bag and withdrew a manila envelope. Looking at the
three faces of her teachers, she asked; "Are you familiar with Avalon College?"
Dumbledore picked up his teacup. "Yes, Miss Granger. I believe we are all famili
ar with Avalon College to one degree or another. It is an interesting idea, but
it is an experiment."
"I don't wish to bore you with information you already have, so please stop me i
f I'm telling you things you already know." Hermione said with sincerity. "From
the information I have from them, they were started a few years ago based on the
model of the American university system. They offer classroom style instruction
using different professors with different specialties, not terribly different t
han what is provided by Hogwarts. They offer major programs of study in Charms,
Transfiguration, Arithmancy, Mediwizardry, and the other usual courses of study.
What I'm really interested in is their six year Potions program." Hermione open
ed the manila envelope and withdrew a small book. "According to their college ca
talog, their program includes both wizarding and Muggle science instruction so t
he student finishes with a degree recognized in the Muggle world. Of course, bei
ng a totally new concept in the wizarding world, I don't know there's any way to
tell now how a degree will be received here. That's why I wanted to meet with t
he four of you. Would you look at the information they sent me and give me an op
inion on whether or not the program looks viable, if I can come out of it with t
he education I need to do what I want to do?"
Hermione handed the catalog to Dumbledore. Setting his half-moon eyeglasses furt
her up his nose, he spoke as he perused pages in the book. "I do not know a grea
t deal about the college. From what I have heard, it has some very wealthy patro
ns supporting it. Have you heard of Daniel Schuler?" Dumbledore looked around at
the others in the parlor. Lupin nodded. "Ah, Remus has heard of him, but I take
it the rest of you have not. Daniel Schuler is descended from a wizarding famil
y that immigrated to the United States back when I was still a young man. I knew
his grandfather on his mother's side from some time I spent in Vienna. Interest
ing family history, the Schuler's. They are of German ancestry, quite a long aff
iliation with Durmstrang, as I recall. Back when I knew them, the line was not r
unning true, magically speaking. They had a large extended family, but a good ma
ny were squibs. The ones who did have magic were not strong wizards, very intell
igent people, but magically weak. They were not doing well in wizarding society
in Germany and Austria of the late 1800's, so they packed up and moved to the Un
ited States. I understand they have done quite well for themselves there." Dumbl
edore handed the catalog to Lupin.
Lupin opened the book and took up from where the Headmaster left off. "In my tra
vels before I came to Hogwarts, I spent a couple of years in the United States a
nd heard quite a bit about the Schulers. They are famous in both wizarding and M
uggle circles."
Dumbledore continued. "The family came to the United States with some money. The
y settled in fairly quickly and started several successful businesses between al
l the family members."
"Very successful." added Lupin. "Wizarding society in the United States is very
different than in Europe. The wizarding families who immigrated to the United St
ates were largely ones who weren't magically powerful and couldn't compete in Pu
reblood wizarding society. But they did very well in the wide open American soci
ety where success and prestige is measured more by acquisition of money than any
sense of bloodline. There's much more involvement in Muggle life and businesses
by wizarding families than you would ever find here in Britain. You'll find lot
s of intermarrying with Muggles and a good deal less prejudice about Purebloods
versus mixed bloods or even Muggleborns. None of the prominent American wizardin
g families would be considered Purebloods here. I don't think the concept has mu
ch meaning there." Lupin handed the catalog to McGonnagall.
Dumbledore nodded and turned to Hermione. "I speak of Daniel Schuler because he
is probably the living symbol of the kind of success Remus describes. Daniel Sch
uler is the founder and president of a company that has been extraordinarily suc
cessful in the Muggle and wizarding worlds. I believe it is called Digital Magic
."
"That's right, Albus." Lupin interrupted. "It's a computer hardware company that
expanded into software."
"And that would mean, what?" asked McGonnagall.
"This is an overly simplistic explanation, but a computer is like an electronic
abacus. It is an electronic machine that performs complex mathematical functions
in a fraction of a second. You can use one to compose an essay by moving your f
ingers so they tap letters of the alphabet on specially organized buttons. I und
erstand it is a remarkably fast way to write. It can be as fast as a Dictoquill
with the advantage that the words appear on a television screen and you can chan
ge them before they are transferred to paper." Lupin wiggled his fingers in imit
ation of someone typing.
"Hmph. It sounds like it lacks elegance. I believe I would prefer to continue us
ing my quill with my own hand and write on a nice piece of parchment." snorted M
cGonnagall.
The sound of shared laughter was heard around the room. Even Professor Snape all
owed a smile.
Lupin continued. "It may lack elegance, but it is a complex piece of technology
and Daniel Schuler has made himself a fortune with it."
"Indeed he has," added Dumbledore. "His business is one of the Fortune 500, I be
lieve it is called."
"And that would mean?" questioned McGonnagall.
"It means it is one of the largest companies in the United States. Daniel Schule
r is one of the wealthiest men in the world," remarked Lupin. "He and his family
have their fingers in the cauldrons of some of the most successful businesses i
n the world. They are enormously wealthy, influential, and powerful in both the
Muggle and wizarding worlds. Their financial resources would probably make the M
alfoys look like shopkeepers."
"How does this relate to Avalon College and Miss Granger?" asked Severus, liftin
g his considerable nose out the Avalon College catalog.
Dumbledore responded. "It relates directly to Avalon College. I remember discuss
ion from an education conference I attended two years ago in Boston. Daniel Schu
ler brought together a consortium of business people from American wizarding fam
ilies and convinced them to finance the establishment of a wizarding college. Th
e apprenticeship system has largely died off in the Muggle United States, replac
ed by training in school settings. It was Schuler's intent to start an institute
of higher education for wizards and witches to emulate the American university
system. He and his consortium consider this a more egalitarian approach to educa
tion and hope it will eventually replace the apprenticeship system altogether."
Severus raised an eyebrow. "It is unlikely it will completely replace apprentice
ship, especially in the near future." He turned to Hermione. "Miss Granger, I ha
ve perused the description of the potions program, classes described here, and t
he faculty listed. If there is quality in the instruction in the classes listed,
the program covers the same materials as a four-year Master's level potions app
renticeship, along with classes in chemistry, biology, and physics. You may not
be aware of it, but during the course of my own apprenticeship, I read chemistry
and biology at Oxford. There is value in understanding science as the Muggle wo
rld has discovered it. What is missing from this program," Severus held up the c
atalog, "is the relationship between the master and the apprentice. A master wil
l have no more than one or two apprentices at any given time. This allows for in
tensive training at a level which cannot take place in a classroom with 19 other
students." Snape paused. "According to this catalog, admission to the six year
potions program is limited to new 20 students per year. This means 19 other stud
ents to share the teacher's time. If not properly managed, students will not gra
duate from this program with the same level of knowledge and experience as a Pot
ions Master. The program claims it will graduate individuals who are the equival
ent of a Potions Master. Since it has only been in existence for three years, th
ere are no graduates yet to back up that claim. The degree offered at the end of
six years is referred to here as Dominus Potions. It is new and untested. It ma
y not be accepted as valid outside of the United States."
Severus flipped through the catalog, searching for a specific page. "I have rese
rvations about the program, but I am acquainted with some of the faculty. I see
Gerhardt Boch is listed on the Potions faculty. Although I do not know him well,
Professor Boch completed his apprenticeship with Master Arsenius Jigger about t
wenty years before I completed my own. Josepha Ben Ari is listed here as well. I
met Professor Ben Ari some years ago at a conference and we corresponded for a
while when I was developing the Wolfsbane potion. Both of these instructors have
credibility with me." Severus set the catalog down on the table. "I would like
some time to contact them and inquire about the program."
Severus turned to Hermione. "I will not discourage you from considering this pro
gram as an alternative to a potions apprenticeship. You are in a difficult posit
ion, Miss Granger, and if you repeat what I am about to say to anyone outside of
this room, I shall categorically deny it and subtract enough House points from
Gryffindor to vastly annoy Professor McGonnagall here." Snape paused and took a
deep breath as if steeling himself to deliver bad news.
"Miss Granger, you are likely the most talented potions student I have taught in
my years as a teacher. You have the ability to see subtle nuances that go into
the development of new potions and have the imagination, skill, and intelligence
to follow through on their creation. Your persistence may be one of the great a
nnoyances in my universe, but it will serve you well in research and development
. It would be a great waste of talent if you were denied the opportunity to obta
in further education in potions because of the accident of your birth. If Avalon
College can offer you what British wizarding society will not allow, you should
take advantage of it."
If Hermione were looking anywhere but into Professor Snape's eyes as he spoke, s
he would have seen interesting reactions around the room. Remus Lupin looked on,
astonishment written across his face as he heard Severus Snape offering unprece
dented praise and encouragement to the Gryffindor witch. Minerva McGonnagall sat
 up straight and puffed up her chest in pride as she heard the Head of House for
Slytherin describing her favorite student in such a positive light. Albus Dumbl
edore allowed his eyes to twinkle and a soft smile to come to his lips as he wit
nessed his most stubborn and difficult teacher give testimony and support to one
of the finest minds Hogwarts had ever produced.
But at that moment in time, Hermione Granger was totally focused on Professor Sn
ape's eyes and the sound of his voice. She had always heard Snape's eyes describ
ed as black. They were not black, but the darkest brown she had ever seen. So da
rk, she could barely tell where the pupil ended and the iris began. His voice ha
d always commanded her attention, the sound of velvet with the strength of iron
inside. Whether in his classroom or stalking the halls of Hogwarts, Professor Sn
ape could use his voice to capture her imagination or to fuel her fears. She was
accustomed to hearing sarcasm and derision in that voice. Never before had he u
sed it to build her confidence, to make her feel understood, appreciated, and ac
knowledged as a person. Words of praise she had never heard before, from a man w
hose professional opinion she respected, filled her with warmth and confidence.
Never one to keep her feelings off her face, Hermione glowed with pleasure at hi
s words, a shy smile coming to her lips.
"Professor Snape, I don't know what to say. I've thought for a while that I had
potential in potions¡ It means the world to me to hear you say that I really co
uld do this."
Severus allowed a slight lift at the corner of his mouth and raised his hand to
interrupt her. "As I said earlier, this can go no farther. I cannot sustain my r
ole as the enemy to Gryffindors everywhere if it is known that I respect Hermion
e Granger's abilities in potions." Severus looked back at Dumbledore. "Over the
next few weeks, I will make contact with Professors Boch and Ben Ari. I will for
m my opinion based on what I learn from them and I will tell you what I think."
"Thank you Professor." Hermione nodded.
"Very well then, Miss Granger. I believe it is time for you to return to Hogwart
s so we can take Professor Snape's report." Dumbledore picked up the college cat
alog and touched it with his wand. He handed it back to Hermione. "This catalog
has just become a portkey to take you back to the grounds at Hogwarts. I will fl
oo Professor Hagrid and request he meet you at the gates and escort you back to
Gryffindor Tower.
"I'll leave now, sir. Thank you all for meeting with me. And Professor Snape, I
give you my word that no part of your participation in this conversation will be
disclosed to anyone." Snape inclined his head in response. Hermione picked up h
er book bag and headed towards the back door of the town house. Lupin followed h
er to the back yard to ensure she left safely.
Dumbledore smiled at Snape. "Severus, I do not believe I have ever heard you pra
ise a student so highly before, not even one of your own Slytherins."
Snape reached for his teacup and looked back at Dumbledore. "I never thought I w
ould live to see the day that a Gryffindor had a genuine talent for the developm
ent of new potions. Candidates from Ravenclaw or my own House are far more likel
y to see subtleties and potentials in different combinations of ingredients. The
re are few of us who have the capability and it would be a waste to see Granger
end up as a cauldron stirrer for a commercial potions company."
When Lupin returned, the four who composed the innermost circle of the Order of
the Phoenix continued their discussion.
"Well, Severus. How was your evening with the Malfoys?" asked Lupin.
"It was the epitome of a male Pureblood society evening, if one can consider Cra
bbe, Goyle, McNair, Avery, and some of the others 'society'. Lucius had a supply
of fine Cuban cigars, excellent brandy, potent firewhiskey, and a veritable buf
fet of culinary delights. Poker was played and, yes I did quite well for myself,
Minerva. And no, I will not give you a chance at tonight's winnings. Contenders
for the Quidditch World Cup were considered in depth and this year, the Death E
aters' pick is the Italian team over Bolivia, though South Africa could be a wil
d card team. World conquest was barely discussed and the Dark Lord made no appea
rance at all." Snape splayed his hands in front of him, examined his nails, and
raised his head to the other three. He shook his head. "The Dark Lord is changin
g how he operates the Death Eaters. I strongly suspect he is planning something,
but I have no idea what. Nor do I believe the Death Eaters present at Malfoy's
party knew either."
Dumbledore leaned forward and peered at Snape over his half moon glasses. "Do yo
u believe he is converting over to a terrorist cell structure?"
"That seems the most likely scenario. The Dark Lord has not made the kind of pro
gress he expected by this time. Potter's success in eluding him is an embarrassm
ent. Fudge losing his office was a major setback. Minister Bones is not readily
manipulated nor is she for sale. Malfoy was lucky to buy his way out of Azkaban
while Fudge was still in office. He could never have pulled that off under Ameli
a Bones' regime." Snape's voice became softer and more intense. "I believe the D
ark Lord fully expected to have Potter dead by now and the Order crushed out of
existence. With Fudge under his thumb, the Aurory would be completely compromise
d by this time. I think he expected to be able to move against the Ministry for
his overt takeover by the end of this year. That he has not been able to accompl
ish these tasks with his oldest supporters has caused him to completely rethink
his strategy."
"I think I could benefit from something stronger than this tea," murmured Lupin.
"Anyone else for a brandy?" Lupin moved over to a tall cabinet and opened the d
oors. "Ah. Here we are." Lupin turned towards his companions, receiving affirmat
ive nods from each. A bottle with an old label was uncorked with a flick of his
wand and four snifters filled with a deep burgundy liquid. Glasses were passed a
nd sampled.
"Then, Severus, what do you believe the Dark Lord is doing?" inquired McGonnagal
l.
"I believe he has studied the mistakes Rasputin and Grindelwald made with relyin
g so heavily on an inner circle to supply information and establish tactics. Eve
rything is processed through sycophants who tell him what they think he wants to
hear. Of course, the Dark Lord has a tendency to Crucio the messenger who bring
s him bad news, so he has encouraged the pandering and lies. He has realized his
mistake." Snape swirled the brandy in his glass, looking at the flames from the
fireplace through the liquid. "I do not know if he realizes he is now emulating
Muggle terrorists by using a cell structure. He would probably claim they were
emulating him."
Suddenly restless, Snape rose from the sofa and strode over to the fireplace. Th
e eyes of the other three followed him. "He is breaking down lines of communicat
ion between inner circle members. I believe he is giving assignments to individu
al members of the inner circle and assigning them a team of newer Death Eaters t
o work with. The teams report directly to the Dark Lord or through Pettigrew. Th
e overall plan and tactics are not discussed prior with the entire inner circle
prior to execution. Only after a plan is executed are the results discussed with
the inner circle. The identities of the team members are being kept secret. The
Dark Lord has held initiations of new Death Eaters, but their identities are no
t being made known to all members of the inner circle." Snape paced in front of
the fireplace, pausing to sip his brandy. "I am uncertain if the Dark Lord has m
ade this change because he suspects there is a spy in his inner circle or if it
is just his general paranoia about betrayal. I have not sensed any distrust on t
he Dark Lord's part. In keeping with my unique role within the Death Eaters, the
Dark Lord's expectations for me have always been different than with the others
. I am his man at Hogwarts, here to subtly recruit new Death Eaters, expected to
spy on Dumbledore and the Order, keep an opportunistic eye on Potter, and devel
op and prepare potions for the Dark Lord's personal use and for Death Eater atta
cks. He is less likely to expect me to engage in violent acts and raids because
it could put my other roles at risk and he would find it difficult to replace me
in these capacities. It is the primary reason he was willing to forgive my tran
sgressions and accept me back into the inner circle when he reconstituted himsel
f a body after the TriWizarding Tournament. This role has always isolated me som
ewhat from the other Death Eaters. As the Dark Lord is now isolating the members
of his inner circle from each other, it is increasingly difficult to get useful
information through my spying activities. I can usually rely on getting informa
tion out of Lucius Malfoy and sometimes Rodolphus Lestrange. Now, they look to m
e to see if I know anything more about the Dark Lord's plans than they do."
Dumbledore nodded. "I see no apparent strategy to follow to change this. Unfortu
nately for us, it looks as if Tom Riddle has decided to learn from his mistakes.
This change in tactics will leave us more vulnerable. There will be many times
we will not know Riddle's plans in time to minimize losses and protect the civil
ian population. We cannot yet rely on the Aurors to fulfill their intended funct
ion. Everything Shacklebolt and Tonks tell us indicate there are too many Death
Eater sympathizers among the Aurors. Sadly, under Fudge's control, too many Auro
rs abused their positions and simply became Death Eaters with a badge."
Lupin rose, offering refills of brandy to his companions. "I don't know about th
e rest of you, but I think I've taken in about all the information or lack there
of that I can handle for one night. The only idea I'm coming up with is to see
if we can recruit or plant more spies at different levels throughout the Death E
ater organization. We all know the risks inherent in that. Might I suggest we ca
ll it a night and give it some thought?"
"I agree. We need something new and creative to deal with these issues. I'm not
good at new and creative at 1:30 in the morning." Minerva yawned.
"Very well," said Dumbledore. "I suggest we finish this excellent brandy and hea
d for home. Severus, thank you again for your work tonight. By the by, just how
well did you do at poker?"
"Three queens and two jacks will beat out two pair of anything you like," snorte
d Severus. "After all the years he has known me, you would think Lucius would no
t let me bluff him like that. Between the lot of them, I'm wealthier by 952 gall
eons, one box of Cuban cigars, box seat tickets compliments of McNair at the nex
t Quidditch World Cup, and my pick of anything from the Malfoy wine cellar. I am
quite certain he has at least a few more bottles of Ogden's 150 Year Old Specia
l Reserve down there."
This news was greeted with a round of hearty laughter. "I will be happy to relie
ve you of one of those cigars," chortled McGonnagall.
"No you will not, Minerva. Last time it was just going to be one cigar and the n
ext thing I knew, a third of my supply disappeared," grumbled Severus.
"There was no disappearance involved at all, young man. I'm not a Transfiguratio
ns Mistress for nothing. They made quite a nice set of handkerchiefs until I got
them back to my rooms." laughed McGonnagall. Dumbledore and Lupin exchanged kno
wing glances.
"I bow to my superior in these matters," replied Severus with a courtly bow and
a wink. He offered McGonnagall his arm. "May I escort you safely to your chamber
s at Hogwarts? While my ill gotten booty is already reduced and charmed safely i
n the pocket of my robes?"
"My pleasure, Severus." McGonnagall smiled affectionately at the younger man as
she accepted his arm. "And if you think a charmed pocket will stop me, you're be
ing sweetly na?ve."
Severus grinned back at her as Dumbledore and Lupin choked and coughed at the de
scription of the Death Eater spy as sweet or na?ve.
Minutes later, the London townhouse headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix was
quiet and dark as Remus Lupin sat alone before the fireplace, finishing his bra
ndy.
Correspondence, October 10, 1997
To: Professor Severus Snape, P.M.
Dungeons
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hogsmeade District
Scotland
From: Professor Gerhardt Boch, P.M.
Potions Department
Avalon College
Chicago, Illinois
United States
I was most pleased to hear from you this week. Although we have not met in perso
n, I certainly feel as if I know you based on my on-going correspondence with ou
r mutual Master and friend, Arsenius Jigger. He has spoken of you often and with
high praise for your work, particularly the development of the Wolfsbane potion
. Without doubt, your creation has brought relief to hundreds of fine individual
s afflicted with this most unfortunate condition.
Your inquiry about the programs available at Avalon College is most welcome. I j
oined the staff six years ago when the Board of Directors decided to expand the
Potions curriculum into a mastery level program. Having shared the experience of
apprenticing to Master Jigger, certainly a most demanding Potions Master, I can
assure you our Potions curriculum is every bit as thorough and challenging as w
hat you and I faced during our apprenticeships. Granted, the program began admit
ting students three years ago, so we have not yet graduated a class. Therefore w
e cannot truly know the full capabilities of our graduates. Our decision to incl
ude college level Muggle science classes has only enhanced our program. I fully
believe our end product will be the equivalent of a well-educated, well-rounded
Potions Master with a thorough grounding of both magical and Muggle physical sci
ences.
You also inquired about Avalon's Charms Program. This is a four-year program, on
e year longer than a standard Charms apprenticeship. We have included classes in
Muggle physics and basic studies in order to allow for a degree recognized in t
he Muggle United States. This program started six years ago and we have graduate
d two classes with a total of 47 students so far. Our follow-up with our graduat
es indicate that 94 are currently employed in some capacity related to their Cha
rms degree with average earnings at 7 above of those beginning employment with a
Charms mastery completed in the three year traditional apprenticeship model.
Our student body is gradually becoming quite international. 87 of our students a
re from the United States and Canada. The remaining 13 represent Mexico, Panama,
Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, India, Japan, China, Korea, France, Russia, and Poly
nesia. Be assured, students from Great Britain and more of Europe would be most
welcome and it has been in our plans to begin active recruitment activities at H
ogwarts and Beauxbatons. We would very much like an opportunity to bring Europe'
s brightest students into our college.
I would like to extend an invitation to visit our campus as our guest. This woul
d afford you and I the opportunity to meet and discuss our mutual interests. I c
an give you a complete tour of the campus, including our Potions facilities. I c
an arrange for you to meet with other staff from the Potions Department (I belie
ve you are acquainted with Professor Josepha Ben Ari?) and with the Charms Depar
tment. Although I am not normally inclined to boast, I would very much enjoy hav
ing the opportunity to impress you with the caliber of our programs and faculty.
You are currently in the midst of your school year, as am I. Would a weekend vis
it be a possibility? If so, I am free the weekend of October 18th or most weeken
ds in November. I would encourage a visit sooner rather than later since we rece
ive applications for our programs throughout the fall and make tentative offers
of acceptance (pending graduation and NEWTS results) in February. Please advise
me of your availability at your earliest convenience.
Severus Snape held the parchment loosely in his hand, examining it for the secon
d time. Having dispensed with his teaching robes for the day, Severus wore his u
sual black trousers, white shirt, what appeared to be a very old and well-worn b
lack cardigan styled jumper, and a pair of sueded black slippers. His long legs
stretched out in front of him as he sat in his favorite wingback chair in front
of the fireplace. A small table, covered with stacks of books was beside him. Re
aching over a precariously balanced teacup, Severus pulled out an appointment bo
ok, muttered the opening charm, and examined the contents for October and Novemb
er. Holding onto the parchment and appointment book, Severus rose, went to a wri
ting desk in the corner, sat and began to write.
To: Professor Gerhardt Boch, P.M.
Potions Department
Avalon College
Chicago, Illinois
United States
From: Professor Severus Snape, P.M.
Dungeons
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hogsmeade District
Scotland
I appreciate your offer to come and visit the campus of Avalon College and have
an opportunity to meet with you and some of the other faculty. As you say in you
r letter, the sooner we can meet, the better. I believe the weekend of October 1
8th would be satisfactory. Given the six-hour time difference between Chicago an
d Scotland, I would like to arrive Friday evening, which would give me some time
to adjust and get the full benefit from our visit on Saturday. If this is agree
able to you, please let me know.
Taking out another piece of parchment, Severus began a second missive.
To: Mr. Patrick Pellworthy
From: Simon Solomon
I respectfully request the opportunity to meet with our mutual friend to discuss
a matter of some importance. I am, of course, completely available any evening
or weekend at the pleasure and convenience of our dear friend.
'That takes care of Pettigrew and the request for an audience with Voldemort.' t
hought Severus. 'Now, Lucius.'
To: Mr. Lucius Malfoy
Malfoy Manor
From: Severus Snape, PM
Head of House Slytherin
I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you at your earliest convenience
to discuss the academic progress of your son, Draco. I believe our discussion m
ay lead to new options for his continuing education.
Snape took the three parchments, rolled and sealed them with very different seal
s and headed off to the owlery to send them on their way.
Hermione Granger missed Professor Snape in the owlery by about five minutes, del
ayed as she was by her conversation with Madame Pince in the library about two n
ew acquisitions of books on the use of Arithmancy in customizing potions.
"Hedwig" she called. Hermione looked around the huge room with its sweeping wind
ows and high ceiling. Owls of all description from tiny brown owls of Pigwidgeon
's size to brawny barn owls roosted on timbers and nooks and crannies throughout
the room. A large, snowy white owl flapped on one of the beams in the steeply g
abled roof. Swooping gracefully, Hedwig landed on a perch next to Hermione and l
ooked at her questioningly.
Hermione held out a piece of an oatmeal biscuit, which Hedwig nipped delicately
from her fingers. "Hello, Hedwig." cooed Hermione, scratching Hedwig behind her
left ear. "You are as beautiful and elegant a lady as always. I asked Harry if I
could have you deliver a letter to my parents for me and he said it was all rig
ht. How do you feel about flying to London today?" Hedwig cocked her head and st
uck out her foot. Hermione attached a small envelope. "Thank you, Hedwig. Mum kn
ows you really like her homemade granola and she promised to keep some handy for
you. Mum will probably write her response right away, so if you could wait for
it, I would really appreciate it. Thank you Hedwig."
Hedwig and the letter sped off on their way to London.
To: Mum and Dad
From: Hermione
I'm so looking forward to our visit to Avalon College on October 25th. It's a pa
rents' and applicants' weekend, so they'll have tours, orientation, and lots of
things to do while we're there. They've sent me a portkey that will bring us rig
ht to one of their transportation rooms in the Administration building of the ca
mpus. They've made reservations for us at a hotel located right next to the camp
us. I'll Apparate home and we'll leave from there. According to the letter, the
weather is likely to be warm during the day and chilly at night, with lots of wi
nd. I guess that's why they call it the Windy City. Anyway, here's a big hug fro
m your little girl (hopefully soon to be a college student) and I'll see you the
n.
Severus, October 11, 1997
It was one of those beautiful October days when the air was crisp, cool, and dam
p, but the sun shone clearly in the cloudless sky. Strong shadows were cast off
the changing leaves in the tall trees. The woods gave not the slightest illusion
of being in their natural state. There were tall oaks and maples, with a variet
y of pines and other evergreens thrown in. Large bushes and low shrubs fought th
eir way towards the sky monopolized by the taller trees. It lacked underbrush, d
ead limbs, and the earthy mulch smell of leaves long decayed down to their eleme
nts. There were patches of weeds, but mostly trimmed grass, a sure sign that the
se woods were carefully manicured and cared for.
Two men could be seen, running and darting through the woods. Flashes of light i
n colors of blue, red, yellow, and white passed between them. Hiding in the bush
es, one would strike. A Protego might be heard from behind a tree and another fl
ash of light in answer. One stood, coming out from behind the tree. He was tall
with fair hair of almost pure white pulled back into a tail at the nape of his n
eck. Dressed in a white poet's blouse with loose sleeves gathered at the wrists
and laced at the neck worn with grey trousers and boots of an exacting match, he
cut a romantic shape as he stood in a classic fencing stance. He was turned sli
ghtly to the side with his right leg bent in front of him and his left leg exten
ded behind him. His right arm stretched out before him, holding not a fencing fo
il, but a wand. A flash of yellow light shot from the wand towards his companion
who dropped and rolled beneath it, coming up gracefully on one knee with his wa
nd arm extended. The second man was a study in contrasts to the first. Hair blac
k as midnight flowed loose almost to his shoulders and whipped around his pale f
ace as he moved. A loose black shirt with three buttons at the neck and long ful
l sleeves buttoned at the cuffs were worn with black trousers and boots. A flick
of his wrist and with a word a blast of blue light shot from his wand towards t
he other man. The fair man ducked behind a tree and took off running, his dark c
ompanion rising smoothly to his feet and following in hot pursuit. The chase con
tinued and flashes of light exchanged between them with the dark man gaining on
the fair one as his advantage of height and longer legs brought him nearer. In m
inutes, the two men escaped the woods drawing up beside each other. The contest
appeared to change to a race as they sped across the lawn towards the massive co
untry estate on the other side. The race slowed to a walk as they reached an ent
rance on the southern side of the manor house.
Lucius Malfoy extended his arm in the classic 'you first' gesture. Severus Snape
inclined his head and walked into the solarium. The room was large with windows
extending from the floor to ceiling with sheer draperies, allowing the natural
light and breezes to permeate the room. White wicker chairs and tables were scat
tered throughout, along with the occasional chaise and love seat. Potted plants,
a fountain, and small statues of nymphs and dryads added to what was carefully
chosen casual elegance.
Walking over to one of the table and chair groupings, Severus bent over and rest
ed his hands on his thighs, panting as he tried to catch his breath. The loose b
lack shirt he wore was plastered to his back with sweat. The wet fabric showed a
thin frame, but nicely muscled with surprisingly large shoulders. Straightening
up, he accepted the white towel offered to him by Malfoy, and wiped his face an
d hair with it.
Malfoy gave Severus a malevolent grin. He reached for another towel and wiped a
trail of sweat away from his ice blue eyes. Malfoy's white shirt was likewise we
t with sweat and clung to his body. Grabbing the front of the loose, but elegant
ly embroidered shirt and pulled it away from his body to fan and cool himself. "
Pudding! Attend me, please."
An elderly house elf dressed in an immaculate tea towel monogrammed with a large
"M" winked into the room. With an air of dignity, he held a tray holding a larg
e pitcher of water with ice and lemon slices and two cut crystal goblets. "Maste
r requires water first?"
"I most certainly do, Pudding. Set that down and bring us more towels." The elf
set the tray down on a table between the two chairs by the window of the large r
oom. He poured water into the two goblets, bowed and winked out to fetch towels.
Malfoy reached down, picked up the goblet and drained the contents in one long
draw. He dropped gracefully into one of the chairs.
Severus laughed as he followed after Malfoy. Picking up the pitcher, he refilled
Malfoy's goblet and then took a generous swig from his own as he sat down acros
s from Malfoy. "Now, Lucius, what is wrong with a little honest sweat?" He eyed
Malfoy with a look of pure mischief. "Of course, you are three years older than
I. You should have said something about slowing down to accommodate your advanci
ng years."
"I will give you advanced years and a lesson on respecting your elders, to boot,
" grumbled Malfoy. "I will grant you, I get the best dueling practice with you,
Severus. If you ever decide to give up teaching or potions, you should start a d
ueling club. You would make your fortune."
"With customers like you, I would more likely just add to the nice assortment of
scars I already have, along with a sprained back and a bad case of wand elbow.
Thanks, I will just stick with exploding cauldrons. It is less dangerous." Sever
us finished his water and refilled it from the pitcher. He fished out a slice of
the lemon and bit into the center of the tart fruit.
"For Merlin's sake, Severus, you are not supposed to eat the garnish. Have you l
earned nothing from my sterling example?" Malfoy said with faux disgust as he lo
oked around. "Where is that dratted house elf with the towels? I give you my wor
d after Pudding brings the towels, I will have him bring you something to eat. P
lease remember not to eat the decorative parsley."
"May I bring it home with me as a potions ingredient?" laughed Severus.
The house elf made a timely appearance, twisting and turning with a small stack
of towels. Severus and Lucius each reached over and took one, wiping down libera
lly.
"I need a shower, but food first," muttered Malfoy. "Pudding, bring us some of t
hat excellent roast beef from last night." He looked at Severus. "Will you have
a sandwich?"
"With horseradish and a dill pickle, if you please." replied Severus.
"Make it two roast beef sandwiches with horseradish and dill pickles for Master
Snape and myself. Oh and plenty of parsley on the side and a bag for Master Snap
e to carry it away in if he wants to make something unspeakable from it. And som
e of the white cake with the citrus sauce since my friend cannot keep himself aw
ay from the lemons." directed Malfoy, sending the elf off with a wave of his han
d.
Severus gave Malfoy an amused smile. "I thoroughly enjoyed our duel, Lucius. You
are my best opponent and challenger and know my style well enough to keep me hu
mble if I ever get arrogant about my dueling skills. But, I suppose it is time t
o get down to the serious discussion and my primary reason for visiting today."
"Your message was intriguing, my friend. You wished to discuss Draco?" Malfoy ti
lted his head to the side and gazed at Snape. Malfoy shifted and picked up his w
and, casting a silencing spell so their conversation could not be overheard.
"Lucius, I count you as my oldest friend ¨C by virtue of seniority, not by age."
Severus gave Malfoy a wicked smile. "Over the years, you and I have discussed t
hings I would never dare discuss with another human being. We have shared confid
ences which would get us both killed if the Dark Lord knew of them."
"We have indeed, Severus. It is good to have one other human being on the planet
I can risk with that trust. Were it not for what you have taught me as an Occlu
mens, I would not dare it. Even Narcissa does not know the kinds of things I hav
e talked about with you. I would never dare discuss them even with her." Ice blu
e eyes met darkest brown with understanding and comprehension.
Severus leaned back and stretched out his legs, crossing his arms on his chest.
"The Dark Lord is pressuring you to submit Draco for initiation, is he not?"
"He will wait until Draco graduates. The following week, it is expected he will
take the Dark Mark. If I do not produce my son as a loyal Death Eater, it is wor
th both our lives." Malfoy shook his head. He leaned forward and spoke in a whis
per. "I would give anything if there were a way to keep Draco from submitting hi
mself in bondage to the Dark Lord. You and I know all to well the price that mus
t be paid for such a badly misplaced loyalty. Indentured servitude, a double lif
e, one's family held hostage to ensure obedience, to say nothing of torture at t
he whim of a megalomaniac I once believed to be the savior of the wizarding worl
d." Malfoy's voice trailed off.
Pudding reappeared with another tray in hand. Plates of sandwiches were placed b
efore the two men, along with generous portions of pickles, a dish with extra ho
rseradish, parsley garnish with a small cheesecloth bag, and white cake with bow
ls of an orange yellow colored sauce on the side. The diners were served and the
house elf vanished once again.
"I have learned of a possibility for keeping Draco out of the Death Eaters, for
at least a few more years. Have you heard of Avalon College in the United States
?"
"It is an experimental wizarding university, is it not?" replied Malfoy with a l
ook of supercilious distaste. "A Muggle concept."
"Exactly, but an idea we should not discard. I know Draco has not planned to see
k an apprenticeship after graduation, but he has talent in charms and could go f
urther if he wanted to. The college offers what they are calling a Dominus degre
e in Charms, the equivalent of a Charms Master. You know as well as I do that th
e Dark Lord would support having a future Death Eater with such a mastery. This
college offers two advantages. First, it would get Draco out of England and with
 the Dark Lord, sometimes out of sight is out of mind. Second, I intend to sell
the Dark Lord on the idea that having a man who knows wizarding culture in the U
nited States is a good long-term plan. After all, if the Dark Lord is immortal,
his plans for world conquest would certainly include the United States. If this
works, Draco could be safe for the next four years. An argument could be made th
at a Dark Mark on his arm in the casual dress environment of the United States w
ould limit his usefulness as an agent. Draco might thoroughly enjoy an opportuni
ty to live in a foreign country for a few years." Severus picked up his sandwich
and took a generous bite. "Um, excellent beef, Lucius. My compliments to your k
itchen help. Where is the horseradish?"
"Here." Replied Lucius, handing Severus the bowl of horseradish. "You believe he
would be safe at this college?"
"I am tentatively scheduled to visit the campus on the weekend of October 18th.
I intend to look at the programs they offer and get a sense of what life is like
at this school. When I did my apprenticeship, I took classes in Muggle chemistr
y and biology at Oxford. If Avalon College runs like most campuses, it should be
fairly safe for Draco. Wizarding society in America is very different from Brit
ain, especially right now. I would certainly recommend he keep a low profile. Th
ough I have lectured your son on that issue before at Hogwarts and his Malfoy eg
o keeps getting in the way." Severus gave a large dill pickle an emphatic crunch
.
"There is no such thing as Malfoy ego, it is simply our natural superiority," dr
awled Lucius with a raised eyebrow. "It just has a way of rising to the surface.
"
"Draco would be better served right now with a little less natural superiority a
nd a little more carefully acquired modesty such as your own." Severus smirked.
"I do try to set the example for my son. It is my responsibility as a father to
be a role model." Malfoy set his plate to the side and looked at Snape, his expr
ession serious and concerned. "All banter aside, Severus. Do you really believe
this could work?"
Severus leaned forward. "Lucius, if the Dark Lord can be persuaded, it could pro
tect Draco for the four years following his graduation from Hogwarts this coming
June. If it turns out the education he receives at Avalon is inadequate, you ca
n buy him an apprenticeship for a few years to make up the difference. If the go
ds have any mercy in them at all, this situation will be resolved by then, one w
ay or the other. At least we will know what the future holds. If the Dark Lord f
ulfills his ambitions, Draco will have no more choice than we do. If Dumbledore
wins, Draco will have no mark on his arm to condemn him."
"Unlike ourselves." commented Lucius shaking his head.
"I contacted Pettigrew requesting an audience with our master. Pettigrew's respo
nse indicated I could expect a summons any evening this week. I will present my
case to the Dark Lord at that time. The idea of a long-term plan for conquest ou
tside of England will appeal to him. I can sell him on this idea."
"And I will owe you a wizard's debt if you can get Draco away from him for even
a few more years." Lucius inclined his head towards Severus.
"Let there be no talk of debts, Lucius. Draco is as close as I will ever come in
life to having a nephew. I do this as much for his sake as yours." replied Seve
rus.
"Speaking of family, Severus, have you considered my offer to arrange for you to
 meet Bettina Amalteon? She could be a good match, considering her bloodlines, f
ortune, and having attended Durmstrang she is not a former student of yours." Lu
cius leaned back. "I know you have no desire to bed anyone from whom you have ta
ken House points or given detention."
"As I have expressed before, I have neither the time nor inclination to pursue a
match right now. As much as I appreciate Narcissa's match making efforts, my li
fe is too complicated. And I have seen how the Dark Lord has held Narcissa and D
raco's safety over your head to ensure your compliance with his will." Severus w
aived his hand. "Besides, the Dark Lord has implied on several occasions that my
single status will be of benefit to him when he achieves his victory. I am to b
e generously rewarded with my choice of the daughters of wealthy Pureblood famil
ies who seek to protect their holdings and safety through an alliance with a mem
ber of the inner circle. If the Dark Lord wins, it is likely I will be bedding o
ne of my former students. Perhaps I will find myself a biddable Hufflepuff."
Lucius snorted. "You would eat her alive and spit out the bones. I can imagine a
Hufflepuff virgin cowering at the notion of sharing her marriage bed with the H
ead of House of Slytherin. A most unpleasant image, I assure you. Find yourself
an intelligent Ravenclaw, since I would assume you would prefer not to put it to
one of the graduates of your own House."
"May the day be far off, whoever my unlucky bride may be. My reputation and the
genuine personality behind it do not bode well for whatever virgin the Dark Lord
tosses at me. Perhaps I will get lucky and be offered a widow instead." Severus
shook his head. "Well, my friend, if I may prevail upon your hospitality to use
one of your guest rooms' baths, I should clean up, change clothes, and be on my
way."
"Of course, Severus. I will summon Pudding and have him escort you." Lucius rose
and offered his hand to Severus. "You have my friendship and my gratitude. I wi
ll anxiously await word from you about the outcome of your meeting with the Dark
Lord. Have no concern about Draco. I will advise him to begin talking to his fr
iends about pursuing a charms apprenticeship. He will comply with my wishes in t
his matter. He has no desire to bear the Dark Mark."
Severus rose and shook Malfoy's hand. The blonde man pulled him into a quick emb
race and then released him.
"Lucius, I will do all I can. I give you my word." Severus looked deeply into Lu
cius' icy blue eyes.
"I rely on that, as I always have." Lucius returned Severus' gaze. At that momen
t, Pudding arrived as summoned. Lucius looked down at the diminutive elf. "Puddi
ng, please escort Master Snape to the green guest room and draw him a bath. Make
sure his clothing is cleaned and ready for him when he has refreshed himself."
"Thank you Lucius. Give my regards to Narcissa. I will be in touch." Severus tur
ned and followed the elf out of the solarium.
Lucius Malfoy sat slowly back into the chair. He looked down at his right wrist,
pulling the sleeve of his shirt up to his elbow. He sat, silent, staring at the
skull and snake marring his white skin. Malfoy leaned forward and rested his el
bows on the table, covering his face with his hands.
Severus, October 14, 1997
Severus Snape muttered the passwords to lower the wards into his chambers. Openi
ng the door, the torches lit automatically and a fire started in the fireplace.
He pulled off his cloak and tossed it onto a coat tree in the corner. Next, the
Death Eater's robes were tossed onto a chair. Severus walked to a side cabinet a
nd reached inside. A generous splash of firewhiskey went into a glass and from t
here to his lips. Refilling the glass, Severus moved to the fireplace, taking a
generous pinch of powder from the bowl on the mantle and tossing it into the fir
e. A flash of green and he inquired, "Albus?"
Albus Dumbledore's face appeared in the green light. "I am here, Severus. I take
it you have returned uninjured?"
"Yes. The audience went quickly and very well. It was quite informal with just P
ettigrew, the Dark Lord, and me. He accepted everything I had to say about sendi
ng a student to Avalon College and praised me for taking the long view. He was o
pen to my suggestion of Draco Malfoy as an ideal choice. I have his permission t
o speak to Lucius and Draco about it. I may have added to my credibility with th
e Dark Lord because of this."
Dumbledore nodded. "This is excellent news, Severus. I had every confidence in y
our persuasive abilities and as always where you are concerned, my confidence wa
s justified. Is there anything else to report or would you care to join me for a
drink?"
Severus shook his head. "There is nothing else to report. It is late and I could
benefit from a good night's sleep, so if I may take you up on your offer anothe
r evening?"
"Of course, Severus. Pleasant dreams." The green flames returned to a more natur
al yellow and red.
"Yes, and I will settle for a night without nightmares." Severus settled into hi
s armchair, deep in thought. Reaching into the humidor on the table, he removed
a cigar. Taking it in his left hand, he rolled it between his fingers, drew it t
o his nose where he gave a deep appreciative sniff. "Flama," murmured Severus an
d the cigar lit. Taking in a deep draw of smoke, Severus replayed the events of
the evening in his mind.
The Dark Mark burned on his wrist at almost 10:00, interrupting a session of gra
ding Fourth Year essays. In minutes, he was outside of the gates of Hogwarts whe
re he pressed his left hand to the Dark Mark, triggering the automatic Apparatio
n to the location of the Dark Lord.
He looked around and found himself standing in moonlight outside of a stone cott
age surrounded by thick trees and shrubs. Waiting in the doorway was the diminut
ive and genuinely unpleasant Peter Pettigrew. Severus strode forward, projecting
the image of confidence and pride as he regarded Pettigrew with a look much lik
e a Muggle might display if examining particularly ripe piece of road kill. Pett
igrew looked up at him with disdain.
"Our lord will see you now, Snape." Pettigrew snarled.
"How gracious of you to point the way," sneered Severus in return. He stepped ac
ross the threshold into a small parlor, dark with only a small fire in a wood bu
rning stove to heat and light the room. One large armchair rested before it, a s
mall table beside the chair. Two other wooden chairs comprised the rest of the f
urniture. Standing beside the stove was Voldemort. Tall and and thin to the poin
t of emaciation, Voldemort's skin was a sickly gray. No hair or eyebrows were to
be seen. His face, unnaturally long and thin held only a slash of nostrils wher
e a nose should have been. Another lipless slash passed for a mouth. His ears we
re no more than slight protuberances from the sides of his head. His neck was to
o long to be human, allowing his head to turn to a greater degree and at differe
nt angles than any human could accomplish. Dressed in black robes embroidered wi
th silver snakes and lined in red, his long gray fingers extended beyond the swe
eping sleeves. A ring adorned his hand, the face of a skull entwined with a snak
e. Emeralds winked from the eyes of the skull and the snake.
Voldemort extended the hand with the ring. Severus stepped gracefully across the
room and dropped to one knee. Leaning forward, Severus kissed the ring with an
appearance of reverence far from his actual feelings. He raised his head and eye
s to Voldemort. The red reptilian eyes glowed as he felt the beginnings of the i
nvasion. Voldemort began his exploration of Severus' mind, unaware that he was b
eing led to specific memories. Severus walking into the Great Hall for breakfast
. Sitting with a cup of tea in his hands as Dumbledore conducted a staff meeting
. Running from tree to tree chasing Lucius Malfoy as the two men dueled. Cursing
under his breath as a Hufflepuff Second Year splattered a boiling potion onto h
is hand. Sitting in his office, reading correspondence from Gerhardt Boch. Relax
ing with a book about poisons on his lap as he enjoyed a Cuban cigar.
Voldemort withdrew from Severus' mind, making the high-pitched noise that passed
for a laugh.
"So, Severus, you have beaten Lucius at poker once again? Rise and take your sea
t." Voldemort adjusted his robes and sat in the armchair.
Snape rose in a smooth movement from the floor. Bowing once again, he took the c
hair closest to Voldemort.
"Indeed, my lord. One day, Lucius will realize how often I bluff my way into win
ning his cigars and I will have to find a new source of them," replied Severus.
"I am pleased you and Lucius enjoy each other's company so well. We all work so
hard to fulfill our mission it is easy to forget the need to relax and enjoy the
fruits of our labors from time-to-time," hissed Voldemort.
"Our labors have meaning far beyond the benefits we see on any single day. There
can be no resentment of time given to further a mission which will save the wiz
arding world from the pollution which threatens it from without and within." Sev
erus inclined his head reverently towards Voldemort.
"Admirable sentiments." Voldemort clasped his hands in front of him. "You reques
ted to see me. Have you news from Hogwarts?"
"Dumbledore continues to keep Potter under his thumb. Potter continues to resent
it. He has submitted an application to the Aurors, which could be to our benefi
t. Dumbledore has run Potter's life since he was eleven. Away from Hogwarts, awa
y from Dumbledore's control, the young man might very well decide to sow his wil
d oats and live a little. With our sympathizers in the Aurors, we may be able to
influence his choices." Severus leaned towards Voldemort. "Imagine Potter allie
d with one of our close friends in the Aurors. I have wondered if it he might be
turned if he was out from under Dumbledore's daily interference. His friend, Ro
nald Weasley, will do whatever Potter does. We could get two for the price of on
e."
"A possibility worth exploring. We will have a better sense of the potentials in
this plan depending on where young Potter decides to live. I have it on good au
thority that Dumbledore hopes to install him in a residence occupied by other Or
der members. If this happens, Potter will continue to be under Dumbledore's cont
rol." Voldemort leaned back. "Do you have any influence here?"
"Limited. I will attempt to engage him in conversation about his plans under the
guise of career counseling. Perhaps I can determine what his inclinations are.
Even if he decides to live where Dumbledore sends him, if we can partner him wit
h the right people, he might be tempted away," Severus replied.
"Very good. Make the contact and report back to me on what you learn. Is that wh
y you asked to see me?" inquired Voldemort.
"No, my lord. There is another possibility I wish to discuss. In the last few ye
ars, we have been focused on establishing our leadership in wizarding Britain. C
ertainly very necessary, but when one has a master who is immortal, the long vie
w is very long indeed," said Severus with silk in his voice. "Whether our victor
y happens in one year or three, it is inevitable. Then we will spend time establ
ishing ourselves. As you have said, master, our attentions will ultimately be tu
rned well beyond Britain." Severus wore his most sincere expression. "Your immor
tality will truly be the saving of the wizarding world. Never before has any lea
der of vision had an unlimited amount of time to implement that vision. When you
r attention turns outside of Britain, the United States will be an important dir
ection to look."
"It is likely my attention will go to Europe, first. But the United States will
inevitably be targeted as we sweep the wizarding world in new directions, Severu
s. I take it you have an idea for the United States?" asked Voldemort.
"Wizarding culture in the United States will inevitably pollute the purity of ou
r culture. Their melting pot philosophy should disgust anyone seeking to keep ou
r culture intact. I have been given to understand that the powerful wizarding fa
milies there are not Purebloods or wizards of culture. In fact, the most powerfu
l family is not magically powerful at all and has produced dozens of squibs. The
y are interbreeding with Muggles and engaging in Muggle business. They have embr
aced Muggle ways and technologies. One of their ambitions is to replace the appr
enticeship system that has served the wizarding world for generations with an im
itation Muggle university system. They call it Avalon College and plan to start
recruiting at Hogwarts and Beauxbatons in the next few years," confided Severus.
"An abomination. You are right in bringing this to my attention," Voldemort repl
ied, distaste in his voice.
"If there is any lesson I have learned from you, master, it is that understandin
g the enemy is critical to destroying the enemy," flattered Severus. "This schoo
l has the social and financial support of the most powerful American wizarding f
amilies. If we were to direct one or two of our own future Death Eaters to atten
d the school, it would allow us to understand the culture and just how they prop
ose to educate our children. We can evaluate just how decadent they intend to be
. Our agents could make contacts and alliances with other students, which could
serve us in the future. When they graduate, they will return to us. We can evalu
ate their education and if inadequate, we can enroll them in apprenticeships to
make up the difference. This inadequacy and inferiority can be exploited when we
make our move. And if there are advantages to be gained, we will be in position
to use them."
"Excellent thinking and a subtle plan, Severus. Even if it is fifty years before
the United States becomes a priority, it is not too early to lay groundwork and
begin infiltration." Voldemort lipless lip curled up. "Have you a suggestion fo
r which of our young people to send?"
"May I suggest Draco Malfoy? His commitment to our way of thinking and our way o
f life is secure. He understands his duty to his family and to you as our lord.
He has recently begun to think in terms of pursuing a mastery in Charms. His sch
olarship could be put to good use when he joins the Death Eaters," suggested Sev
erus.
"If we use him to pursue this infiltration, I will delay his acceptance of the D
ark Mark. He may be more effective without it in a foreign country. It would be
important for him to be accepted by the other students as being of no threat to
them. I was unaware he was considering further training," commented Voldemort.
"He is a bright young man and has spoken to me recently of expanding his learnin
g and training to be of greater value to our cause. I believe he has developed s
ome understanding of my role in the Death Eaters and the value of having scholar
s to conduct research and development in the background of our work. We contribu
te in different ways, but I would like to think our contribution is worthwhile."
"Yes. You and the few others we have contribute in ways not readily understood b
y most Death Eaters. You create many of the weapons we use and are far more valu
able than just another foot soldier," remarked Voldemort. "I have plenty of Goyl
es when muscle is needed and nowhere near enough Severus Snapes when intelligenc
e is required."
Severus bowed his head in respect. "Master, you honor me with such praise. It is
my greatest privilege and pride to serve you and to serve our cause."
"You have my permission to pursue this further with Draco and his father. Send m
e word through Pettigrew regarding your progress," directed Voldemort.
"With your permission, during the weekend of October 18th, I will travel to Chic
ago to visit the campus and meet some of the faculty. It will allow me to get a
better sense of how they operate and what kinds of students we may wish to direc
t there in the future," requested Severus.
"October 18th? By all means, go and scout out the territory. Enjoy yourself whil
e you are there. Take some extra time if you wish. You live like a monk at Hogwa
rts. Yes, yes, I know you are disinclined to dabble with students and have no ti
me otherwise. You are an ascetic at heart, son. After our victory, we will get y
ou settled with a proper wife when you take your place as Headmaster of Hogwarts
. A suitable woman of proper bloodlines to warm your bed, see to your comforts a
nd pleasures, with a dowry or inheritance to fill your vault at Gringotts. You h
ave vision, my son, and are a valued member of my inner circle. Our futures are
intertwined in ways which will benefit us both for decades to come." Voldemort s
tood and held out his hand. Severus rose from his chair and dropped again to one
knee, leaning forward to kiss the ring a second time.
"Rise, Severus. I send you on your way with my full support in this matter." Vol
demort placed his hand on Severus' shoulder.
"It is my honor to serve you in this and all things, master." Severus rose and b
owed.
"Pettigrew will escort you," dismissing Severus with a wave of his hand.
"Thank you, my lord." Severus stepped backwards towards the door. Pettigrew met
him at the doorway and walked him away from the cottage. Severus looked down at
him. "Our lord has directed me to contact you when I have information for him. I
will be in touch in a few days."
"Do not hurry on my account, Snape," said Pettigrew, eyeing Severus with disgust
.
"I never do, Pettigrew. I never do." Severus Apparated away.
Severus opened his eyes, exhaling a cloud of pungent smoke. He examined the lit
tip of the cigar, winced, and looked away. He lifted the glass of firewhiskey an
d took a long drink, letting it burn its way down his throat. 'Lucius and the Da
rk Lord are both looking to set me up with a woman. All the more reason to ensur
e the Dark Lord does not win.' He took another long draw on the cigar, holding i
n the smoke. 'Of course, if he does win, I am damned at so many levels.' Severus
exhaled slowly. 'If I had a wife, perhaps I could work things out if I treated
her as a mistress. Install her in a house away from here, visit her when I have
need of release, have her available to be a hostess or to appear on my arm on so
cial occasions.' Severus smiled. 'It would be convenient to have someone who is
obligated to attend to my needs. And I could leave before she could begin to get
on my nerves.' He frowned. 'I would be expected to give her children. Perhaps i
f we do not live together, it might be a workable arrangement. She could have th
e raising of them; I would have heirs to the Snape name. I would not have to be
there for the day-to-day business of raising children. I could require she have
sufficient fortune to support keeping separate households, though my living here
is essentially free.'
Severus took another draw on the cigar, now down to a stub. 'Why am I concerning
myself with this? It is not going to happen and I need not worry about it. If V
oldemort wins, I am a dead man.' Severus stubbed out the cigar. He shifted in hi
s chair, feeling a tightening in his groin. 'All this focus on women¡. Perhaps
it is time to make a visit to Knockturn Alley?' Severus took a last drink from t
he glass. 'No. Now that I think of it, in a little over a week, I will be in Chi
cago. I will be in a large city in a foreign country with all the amenities. I b
elieve I will use some of my poker winnings and make the weekend special. I shal
l indulge myself with a nice hotel and the services of a call girl for the night
. I could combine my business and pleasure, making for an entirely pleasant inte
rlude.' Severus smiled in anticipation. 'In the meantime, I can make do with my
own good right hand. Perhaps while contemplating what I will expect in the way o
f services. I believe a bath would be in order. An excellent place to¡.. contem
plate.' Severus rose from the chair, adjusting his trousers to accommodate his d
eveloping erection. He threw the stub of the cigar into the fireplace and refill
ed his glass. A wave of his hand and the fire went out and lights dimmed. Glass
in hand; Severus strolled back to his bathroom, a fantasy already building in hi
s mind.
Severus, October 17, 1997
Severus checked one more time to make certain the passport was in the pocket of
his travel bag. Traveling by portkey, he would not be going through customs, but
it was never a bad idea to have a Muggle form of identification on him when tra
veling out of country. The Gringott's credit card was something new. Although he
had exchanged plenty of his galleons for American Muggle dollars, he expected t
o use the credit card for most of the trip. A clever idea, allowing the money to
be magically withdrawn from his Gringott's vault, automatically handling all of
the exchange rate issues, and providing the customer with a detailed receipt sh
owing all charges. The portkey to take him to the wizarding hotel in Chicago was
a business card with the hotel manager's name on it. A second portkey, a small
paperback novel, would bring him back to Hogwarts at the end of the trip.
He looked in the mirror, checking his appearance one more time. Severus was dres
sed in Muggle regalia. Professor Boch had advised him that robes from wizarding
Britain would look completely out of place on the campus. He wore a dark gray tu
rtleneck jumper, made of fine wool, combined with even darker gray wool trousers
and a matching jacket with a black leather belt with a silver buckle. He suppos
ed his boots would do quite nicely, being of excellent quality and style. Minerv
a had transfigured his black medium weight cloak into a black London Fog styled
trench coat. The rest of his clothing for the trip was essentially the same as w
hat he was wearing, with one set in black and the other in dark shades of navy.
His only accessory was a watch, specially made in the old manner requiring daily
winding, since a battery would never work in powerful magical environments. Com
pleting the casual look, his hair was pulled back and tied with a black cord at
the nape of his neck. As odd as it felt to be out of his regular robes, the clot
hing was surprisingly comfortable. He would have preferred to wear his regular b
oxers instead of the briefs, but the line of the boxers would have shown through
the trousers. He definitely would have preferred his own trousers with their co
mfortable buttons. Zippers should make any rational man nervous.
Severus pulled on the trench coat, picked up the travel bag, the business card p
ortkey and headed for his private exit from the dungeons. He moved across the gr
ounds, accustomed to the path even in the moonless darkness. It was almost midni
ght in Scotland, which would make it about 6:00 PM in Chicago. The time would wo
rk well. He could have an excellent room service dinner, enjoy the book he was r
eading, and be to bed in plenty of time to give his body a chance to adjust to t
he time change. Professor Boch was scheduled to meet him at 8:30 AM for breakfas
t and to begin the tour of the campus. Standing outside Hogwarts gates, Severus
grasped the portkey, muttered the charm, and felt the tug of like an invisible c
ord pulling behind his navel.
He rematerialized in a small transportation room just outside of the main lobby.
Snape paused to remove the trench coat, which he draped over his arm. Grasping
the travel bag, Severus walked over to the registration desk. A middle-aged gent
leman in a business suit was ahead of him. A young woman behind the desk handed
the businessman a key and pointed towards an elevator. The businessman departed
and Severus stepped up to the desk.
"I believe you have a reservation for Severus Snape?" he inquired.
"Good evening, Mr. Snape. If you'll give me a moment to check the reservations?"
The young woman stepped over to what looked like a television set with a board
with letters on it and moved her fingers over the buttons.
'That must be one of the computers Lupin spoke of,' thought Severus. 'It certain
ly looks different than the mainframe at Oxford with the terminals.'
"Yes, Mr. Snape. We have a reservation for you for a room with a king-size bed a
nd whirlpool bath for two nights. Is that correct?" The young woman smiled.
"That is correct," replied Severus.
"And how will you be paying, sir?"
Severus drew out his wallet and took out the credit card. "With this." He handed
it to the young woman. She took the credit card, pushed it through a device of
some sort, and a sound issued from a plastic box with a stack of paper in it. Wi
thin moments, a printed paper issued from within the device and dropped onto the
counter. The woman picked it up and scanned it, handing it over to Severus.
"Here is your bill, which I will need you to sign. If you incur any other charge
s, such as movie rentals or room service, they will automatically be added to th
is bill and a final version will be given to you when you check out on Sunday. D
o you have any questions, sir?"
"No, this looks satisfactory," Severus replied as he signed the bill.
"I see you are from England?" she inquired.
"Yes, though I live in Scotland these days," replied Severus handing her the bil
l.
"We've had guests from England before and many of them have been unfamiliar with
the technology we have available here. I know wizarding Britain and the Muggle
world are quite dissociated. We've incorporated magical means of turning on the
lights, operating the television, setting the heat or air conditioning, and usin
g the phone. If you have any questions or run into any problems, there is a manu
al in your room or just pick up the phone and punch the button for 'operator' an
d we'll be glad to assist you. I hope you have a very pleasant stay, sir." The f
riendly young woman gave him a smile.
"I will be fine, thank you." Severus picked up his bag, took the key she handed
him, and headed to the elevator. He exited at the fourth floor and walked down t
o room 412. He opened the door and gave a quick Lumos. The lights came on. The r
oom was large with a king size bed, dresser, armoire with a television, desk, an
d small table with two upholstered chairs on either side. It appeared comfortabl
e enough. Severus opened the closet and with a wave of his wand, the travel bag
unpacked itself. His trench coat and clothes hung neatly in the closet, his shav
ing kit floated into the bathroom, and the books stacked themselves on the night
stand beside the bed. Stepping into the bathroom, Severus observed a very deep a
nd comfortable whirlpool bath. It appeared large enough to fit two people quite
easily, which gave him ideas for tomorrow night. Going back into the bedroom, Se
verus walked over to the desk where a notebook was sitting. Opening it, he saw t
he instructions for operating the appliances in the room. Turning further, he fo
und a menu and instructions for summoning a service elf. Picking up the phone, h
e pushed the button "GHI" to summon house service. In a moment he heard a knock
and an elvish voice called, "Room Service." Severus opened the door and an elf i
n a blue bellman's uniform walked in.
"How may we serve you sir?" asked the elf in a cultured voice. The middle-aged e
lf looked surprisingly dignified wearing pants and a double-breasted jacket with
braiding and brass buttons. Much more so than an elf in a tea towel. The elf wo
re a bellman's cap, with neatly trimmed hair peeking out from beneath. He wore a
name badge, indicating he was called Edgar. Severus observed none of the twitch
iness that plagued the house elves of his acquaintance.
"Thank you for coming so promptly. I would like to order dinner, Edgar." Severus
decided to cultivate this contact. "Do you have any suggestions for anything es
pecially good?"
"We are well-known for our steaks. I highly recommend the filet mignon with saut
¨¦ed mushrooms if you are so inclined. Our seafood is quite good. Today I would
recommend the shrimp scampi, made with butter, garlic, and white wine. The salmo
n does not appear to be of the quality we usually get. If you enjoy pork, the th
ick cut pork chops are superb and our chef has a special way with them." Edgar l
ooked at Severus expectantly.
"Very good. On your recommendation, I will have the pork chop," answered Severus
.
"Would you prefer soup or salad?"
"I would like a salad with blue cheese dressing. Baked potato with butter and so
ur cream would be excellent," added Severus.
"The vegetable of the day is a puree of acorn squash with butter and brown sugar
with cinnamon. Would you care for something to drink?" he inquired.
"The house red wine will do, thank you." Severus looked down at the elf. "Forgiv
e me if I am making an obvious comment, Edgar. You appear to have been in servic
e here for quite a while and I find your manners impeccable and a bit unusual. A
re American service elves much like you?"
"No offense is taken sir. American house elves were freed back in the 1960's. Ma
ny of us continue to serve in places we served in before then. We are paid salar
ies for our work and have benefits just as other American workers do. When I was
 freed, I took the opportunity to pursue more education. But, I found I enjoy se
rvice and returned to this kind of work in the 1970's. I am quite satisfied to b
e here. My wife enjoys it as well and serves in the restaurant as a chef." The e
lf inclined his head.
"Most remarkable. I believe you are quite exceptional to my experience and I app
reciate your explanation. You say you have been in service here for a long time,
might I impose on you?" Severus asked.
"In what way, sir?" the elf inquired politely.
"I am here for two nights and after my business is done tomorrow, I had hoped to
take advantage of being away from home. Would you have contacts to arrange for
feminine companionship for the evening?" Severus asked smoothly. He reached into
his pocket and pulled out some currency. Selecting a denomination of generous a
mount, he held it out to the elf.
The elf reached up and accepted the bill. "There is an escort service of which g
uests have availed themselves from time-to-time. They provide young women of a c
ertain refinement, suitable for gentlemen such as yourself. They are most discre
te. May I make a contact on your behalf?"
"You may indeed. I would be interested in having the lady's exclusive services f
or the evening. Perhaps she could be here at 8:00 PM tomorrow evening?" asked Se
verus.
The elf peered at Severus. "I am confident they will be able to accommodate you,
sir. May I inquire if you have a preference regarding the lady's appearance?"
"Hmmm. Perhaps a redhead? No. I believe I am in the mood for a young woman with
light brown hair. Curly light brown hair, if possible."
"I shall inquire for you, sir." The elf suggested a particular price typically c
harged for the evening's services. "Would this be acceptable?"
"And does that include a fee for yourself?"
"It does, sir," he replied.
"That would be quite satisfactory," answered Severus.
"Is there anything else I can arrange for you, sir?" asked Edgar.
"No. I believe that will take care of it," replied Severus.
"Then I will make the arrangements as we have discussed. Your dinner should be r
eady in a few minutes. My wife is on duty tonight and I will request she give yo
ur meal her personal attention. I shall return with it shortly," Edgar bowed sli
ghtly and winked out.
Severus allowed himself a grin the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland would b
e proud of. He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled off his boots, tossing them
in the general direction of the closet. He scooted up to the head of the bed, p
ulled the pillows up behind his back and stretched out his long frame, his hands
behind his head. For the next twenty-four hours, he was as free as it was possi
ble for him to be. He had a good dinner on the way and the potential for an unin
terrupted night's sleep. There would be no summons from Voldemort, no demands fr
om Dumbledore, no prowling the hallways, supervising detentions, or grading essa
ys. The tour of the campus and interviews with faculty at the college should be
enjoyable. And tomorrow night, if all went well, he would be thoroughly and ente
rtainingly shagged into oblivion by a nubile young thing. In the universe of Sna
pe, it was as good as life gets.
Severus, 10/18/97
"As you can see, our potions laboratories are state of the art. We have access t
o the best traditional equipment and the most modern technology." Gerhardt Boch
waved his hand around the room. Professor Boch was singularly unimpressive in ap
pearance. Short and round, his balding head reflected the light from the fluores
cent lamps above him. Boch wore thick eyeglasses and sported a short beard and m
ustache on his round face.
Severus looked around the room. The potions laboratories were located in the bas
ement of the Avalon College Sciences Building. There were no windows, as would b
e expected. But the room was large and bright with artificial lighting. Laborato
ry tables, each equipped with a small sink and a burner, were clustered in the m
iddle of the room. Lining two of the walls were cabinets. Some were closed and l
ocked, holding stable potions ingredients or smaller valuable items. Others were
open shelves, stocked with cauldrons of all shapes, sizes, and composition, alo
ng with storage tins, vials, and glassware. Everything was neatly labeled and or
ganized. Drawers containing stirring and cutting implements were labeled. The th
ird wall held cabinets and counters. Microscopes, spectral analysis equipment, c
entrifuges, and computers rested on the counters, along with pieces of equipment
Severus had never seen before. The wall at the front of the room was mounted wi
th a chalkboard. A roll-down screen was attached on top of it, looking like a wi
ndow shade. An overhead projector stood on a cart. There were doors on either si
de of the chalkboard. One led to a large storage room, filled with more volatile
ingredients. The other led to an eye wash station and emergency shower. Right n
ext to the doorway into the classroom was a shelf, stacked to the top with labor
atory coats and a laundry bin next to it. Severus allowed himself to feel a mome
nt of genuine envy.
"I can certainly see that. What provisions have you made for working on potions
or with ingredients which degrade in a non-magical environment?" asked Severus.
"Let me show you the storage room," answered Boch. The portly man led the way to
the front of the room. Walking inside, he pointed out cabinets painted in white
, yellow, and blue. "White cabinets contain ingredients which must be stored und
er stasis spells. Blue cabinets contain ingredients that must be magically shiel
ded from the artificial lighting and electricity. Yellow cabinets contain ingred
ients that do not have any specific storage requirements, but are simply too exp
ensive to leave out in the classroom. And over here," Boch paused as he indicate
d a heavy metal door. "Here we have our safe storage. It is an explosion proof s
afe for volatile ingredients. Only the professors have access to the safe, thoug
h we intend to allow Fifth and Sixth Year students that privilege."
Severus looked around and nodded. "This is excellent. I am impressed with how yo
u have it organized."
Boch escorted Severus out of the storage room. "The laboratory is also set up to
create a purely magical environment when it is needed." Boch walked over to the
front of the lab to a row of switches mounted on the wall. "All I need to do is
move these switches to the 'off' position, like so." Boch flipped the switches
down. "It turns off all of the electricity in the room. When that happens, the w
ards are automatically triggered to reset, sealing off all electrical impulses a
nd shielding the lab tables in the center of the room."
Severus observed light orbs beginning to illuminate the center of the room in th
e absence of the fluorescent lights. A shimmer of bluish light showed the shield
s to be in place. Boch invited Severus to step through the wards.
"Of course, the instructor and the students will reinforce or modify the wards a
s needed. What are up right now are just the basic, low-level magical wards. The
y are set to keep out electrical impulses to keep the working space from becomin
g contaminated. Spells for explosion dampening are in place at all times. Of cou
rse, being in a heavily populated area, the shields are also designed to hold in
explosions, gasses, or any other hazard. Not to the benefit of the students, bu
t necessary for the safety of all. Keeps everyone on their toes. The lighting wi
ll come from the orbs and we can add more, if required. The laboratory tables th
emselves are made from completely natural materials, other than the sinks, which
are stainless steel and magically neutralized. There is no electrical wiring in
to any of the tables. You can see the floor is magically sealed concrete for saf
ety and to prevent contamination."
"How did you come up with the shielding and dampening spells?" asked Severus.
"The Arithmancy and Charms programs were given the task as a Fourth Year project
. It took two classes and two years to complete them. Advanced studies classes e
valuate the wards and shields annually and they have been further refined and im
proved each year. I am pleased to report that we have had only 3 lost time potio
ns accidents in the last year. Everything else was contained and caused only min
or chemical burns or injuries."
Severus stood back in wonder, admiring the facilities. "I do not know if Master
Jigger would be impressed or appalled by what you have built here, Gerhardt."
Boch laughed. "Knowing Arsenius, I would guess he would be more appalled than an
ything else. He would view all of the technology as polluting the purity of the
art and science."
"Arsenius was not opposed to Muggle science; at least he was not by the time I a
pprenticed with him. But this exceeds anything I would have imagined possible, e
ven after my experience with chemistry and biology at Oxford," admitted Severus.
"I take pride in what we've created here, Severus. When I started here, we didn'
t have half of what we have now. Josepha and I put together the proposal to the
Board of Directors to equip the labs. They gave us every single thing we asked f
or to equip five laboratories at a cost of over six million dollars. Right now,
our enrollment stands at 114 in our two-year Potions Technician program. We grad
uated 37 students last year and we will admit 45 more students this coming year.
The Potions Dominus program stands at 60 students, with our most advanced stude
nts in their Third and Fourth years because of testing out of some classes. Ther
e are 986 students attending Avalon College. Each of them is required to take Po
tions 101 and 102, unless they test out of 101 as having pre-existing competency
. Those in the Mediwizardry program are required to take Potions up to and inclu
ding 402. We have eight full-time and three part-time faculty members in the Pot
ions Department, all with Master's level qualifications in Potions. Two have Mug
gle Master's degrees in chemistry. We will graduate our first Potions Dominus in
2000. By 2002, we plan to add five more faculty members and admit thirty studen
ts per year into the Dominus program. I'm hoping at some point to offer post-gra
duate seminars on specialty subjects to both Potions Masters and Potions Dominus
." Boch's pride was obvious in his voice.
"In one year, you will produce more Potions Masters than the apprenticeship syst
em in all of Europe and England produces in three," commented Severus. "Are you
certain you will have enough qualified applicants to keep from diluting the qual
ity of your graduates?"
"The numbers of intelligent witches and wizards who want apprenticeships have al
ways exceeded the positions available. How many semi-competent Potions Masters d
o we both know who completed the training, but are genuinely uninspired? How man
y got their positions because of a family member with the right influence or a s
ufficiently large contribution to their Master's pockets? Master Jigger is an ex
ception rather than the rule. He couldn't be bought that way." Boch shook his he
ad. "How many qualified European students have been denied because they were Mug
gleborn? The prejudice is entirely real. We propose to address that. No one will
be denied admission because of his or her birth or status in life. Our only qua
lifications are that they must meet our admissions standards in grades and NEWTs
, they must graduate from an accredited school, and they must demonstrate magica
l capability as a witch or wizard."
"Gerhardt, I did not come here expecting to be impressed with your program. It h
as greatly exceeded all of my expectations." Severus leaned against one of the l
aboratory tables and crossed his arms. "Your facilities are remarkable. I envy y
our resources for research. I can think of a dozen projects I could start if I h
ad these kinds of resources available."
"Then I have accomplished a good portion of my goal." Boch looked at the clock o
n the wall. "It is approaching noon. We are scheduled to meet Josepha and Profes
sor Littlehorse in the faculty dining room for lunch. Shall we go?"
"By all means, lead the way," replied Severus.
Twenty minutes later, the two men were seated in a dining room on the first floo
r of the Administration Building. The room was equipped with a dozen round table
s with comfortable chairs. Muggle artwork and prints decorated the walls and lar
ge windows showed the street outside. Dozens of people passed by one the sidewal
k in front of the building, in all shapes and colors. Some were dressed in Ameri
can Muggle clothing, others wore ethnic garb. Taxicabs, busses, and cars drove b
y, bobbing and weaving in the Saturday traffic.
Severus and Boch enjoyed a few moments of peace and quiet in the empty dining ro
om, enjoying the hot tea served by a student worker. Their discussion of Boch's
current research project on the use of potions in treatment of plant allergies w
as interrupted by the arrival of the other two professors. The door into the din
ing room opened, admitting a tall man in denim with a distinctly Native American
appearance and a slight woman in a colorful long skirt and peasant top with her
hair in a long gray braid. As they approached the two men, the woman smiled and
held out both her hands.
"Severus Snape. We meet again." The woman's accented English was warm and enthus
iastic.
Severus rose, towering over her, and stepped forward to grasp her hands. "Joseph
a Ben Ari, it is good to see you."
"Allow me to introduce Professor Roger Littlehorse of Avalon's Charms Department
." Professor Ben Ari turned her head towards her companion.
Professor Littlehorse held out his hand to Severus who released Ben Ari's hands
to clasp it. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Professor Snape. Josepha was telling
me about your work on the Wolfsbane potion. It appears I have you to thank for
this potion which helps keep my younger sister sane and safe during her transfor
mation at the full moon."
"My sympathies to your sister and your family for the difficulties brought on by
her condition. It is always a pleasure to hear that the Wolfsbane potion has br
ought another person some relief from the more difficult aspects of the transiti
on," Severus responded graciously.
Boch pulled out a chair for Professor Ben Ari as the other two men took their se
ats at the table. A student worker came to the table and brought menus and fille
d water glasses. Orders were taken and the student retreated to the kitchen.
"I have given Severus a tour of our Potions facilities and general classrooms. W
e'll be visiting the library and computer labs this afternoon. I have also provi
ded him with general information about Avalon and the Potions programs," said Bo
ch.
"What do you think of us so far, Severus?" inquired Ben Ari.
"I am quite impressed with your facilities. Although it has been a few years sin
ce Gerhardt has been to Hogwarts, I'm sure he could tell you that our dungeons a
re quite basic compared to what you have here," answered Severus.
Boch laughed. "You are being kind, Severus. It has been thirty years since I gra
duated from Hogwarts."
"I would be interested to learn more about your curriculum and how you developed
it."
Professor Ben Ari leaned forward to answer. "From the very beginning, we planned
our curriculum to meet the knowledge and skills most needed in the modern world
. Each of us here came out of the traditional apprenticeship model of education,
" waving her hand across the table to each of the professors sitting there. "Whi
le that model has served the wizarding world for centuries, times are changing t
he world around us in very significant ways. As we have seen in the United State
s, Muggles have developed technologies which afford them a level of health and l
ifestyle which was once the exclusive province of wizards."
Littlehorse interjected; "Severus, if I may call you that?" Severus inclined his
head. "The United States is a veritable stewing pot of cultures. Just here at t
his table we have an Austrian expatriate, an Israeli, a Native American, and an
Englishman. We are all wizards, coming from very different places, backgrounds,
and individual situations. The world is becoming more and more this way. Five hu
ndred years ago, wizards lived among Muggles without a deep separation of cultur
es. Among my people, wizards lived openly, using their magic to benefit all. Our
non-magical brothers knew of us and we lived peacefully together in our tribes.
It was largely the same among your ancestors until the advent of science and te
chnology."
Severus nodded. "It was science and technology which finally drove a wedge betwe
en the wizarding and the Muggle worlds. The European wizarding world did not com
pletely separate from the Muggle world until the 1700's. The secrecy laws were n
ot established until the 1800's"
Boch added; "The vision which began this college belonged to Daniel Schuler, but
was already sparking in different places in the international wizarding world.
We have seen the Muggle population explosion. The technology they have created c
an match and in some cases, surpass what we can do with some kinds of magic, tho
ugh there are many things magic enables us to do that Muggle science has not yet
discovered. Many of us believe that the wizarding world and the Muggle world ca
nnot continue to remain separate. We are outnumbered by many hundreds and perhap
s thousands to one. Their technologies evolve faster than we can monitor or unde
rstand. I believe sooner or later, we will be discovered. We will not be able to
hide from the technologies Muggles use to confirm identities, pay taxes, manage
money, and travel. And we cannot divorce ourselves from the realities of the Mu
ggle world. We have some protections Muggles don't have, but drop a nuclear bomb
on New York City and both Muggles and wizards will die."
"In the United States, we hide in plain sight. Wizards work in Muggle businesses
, Muggles work in wizard-owned businesses, and many wizarding businesses have a
foot in both worlds," explained Ben Ari. I live in a Muggle neighborhood. In Tel
Aviv, there is a market place only wizard-folk can access. There is nothing qui
te like that in Chicago."
Boch spoke again. "Avalon College is designed to change with the times. To produ
ce witches and wizards who can live with one foot in each world. We teach the tr
aditional branches of wizarding knowledge with an eye to history and understandi
ng the fundamentals of each. We seek out the best and brightest among wizard kin
d to serve on our faculty. We teach the best practices and what stands on the cu
tting edge of evolving magical knowledge. But, we incorporate the science and te
chnology of the Muggle world wherever we can. With a solid grounding in wizardin
g magical knowledge and Muggle science, it is our dream that the whole will exce
ed the sum of the parts. We prepare for the day when the Muggle world will know
there are wizards and we must find a way to live together to the benefit of all.
"
"You pose a radical view, one that would find powerful opposition in England and
most of Europe. I cannot speak for other parts of the world. You are aware ther
e is a war going on in wizarding Britain over issues of the superiority of Pureb
lood wizards and culture over Muggles and Muggle influences." Severus kept his e
xpression carefully neutral.
"You are a teacher at Hogwarts and a friend of Albus Dumbledore," answered Ben A
ri. "I have known Albus since we worked together regarding the Grindelwald busin
ess during World War II. Gerhardt has told us a bit about what it was like at Ho
gwarts and how the Houses represent different qualities and in some cases, diffe
rent social classes in wizarding England. You are in charge of the Slytherin Hou
se, are you not?"
"I am."
"So you are expected to hold certain beliefs by the families of your students?"
"Yes."
"Yet, you are the man who developed the Wolfsbane potion, which benefits one of
the most oppressed minorities among magical beings. You work for and with Albus
Dumbledore during a time and in a place where life is exceedingly complicated an
d children must be influenced in positive directions however possible." Professo
r Ben Ari smiled. "Not for one moment will I believe you share the beliefs of th
ose fanatics who caused the war going on now in England. I will believe you must
be careful in what you say and do."
Severus wondered at her perceptiveness. He inclined his head in agreement.
She smiled at him. "There are times when we do what we must. May those times soo
n be over."
Boch interrupted. "Severus. Having heard about our philosophy and the direction
we intend to take Avalon College, can you support sending Hogwarts graduates her
e?"
"Your applicants will know of your philosophy. If they choose to explore the wor
ld in light of it, it is their choice to do so. I would encourage them to pursue
their interest, even if I must do so in a subtle way." Severus smiled. "Gerhard
t, you still have not told me about the Potions curriculum. And I need to hear a
good deal more about the Charms program."
A round of laughter accompanied the arrival of the server with their food.
"You have found us out, Severus," chuckled Ben Ari. "We'd hoped to indoctrinate
you first before finishing the seduction."
Severus joined the laughter, his rich baritone adding depth to the moment. The s
erver moved around the table, placing plates and glasses before each of the dine
rs. Severus noticed a fifth place at the table. Boch observed Severus examining
the fifth meal. As he did the door to the faculty dining room opened. A tall man
with graying hair, spectacles, and a business suit strode in. He carried an air
of confidence as he moved through the room.
"Gerhardt. I'm glad I found all of you." He shook hands with Boch and looked aro
und the table, shaking hands as he went. "Josepha, a pleasure as always. Roger,
good to see you. And you must be Professor Severus Snape from Hogwarts?" He held
out his hand to Severus who rose and took it. "I am Daniel Schuler."
Severus quirked an eyebrow in surprise. "I am pleased to meet you Mr. Schuler."
"Please, call me Daniel. I'm not one for standing on formality."
"Thank you. I am Severus."
Schuler took the fifth place at the table. "I see my standing lunch order of the
tilapia is ready for me. Please everyone, enjoy your meals. I will try not to d
ominate the conversation. You'll have to excuse me, Severus. My friends usually
have to be patient with me."
Severus looked at him. "I was not aware that you would be joining us today."
Schuler smiled. "I am a last minute addition to the schedule. I was in Los Angel
es and wasn't sure if my business would be done in time to join the four of you,
"
Severus cut into a chicken Kiev, butter and chives spilling onto his plate. Taki
ng a bite, he paused to savor the special treat. "I commend you on the work you
have done to establish Avalon College. I am impressed with what I have seen so f
ar."
"I work more on the financial end of things these days. The faculty have done th
e real work in taking an idea and making it a reality," remarked Schuler. "Much
of my work is making sure the money keeps coming in to get it all going. Tuition
does not cover even half of our expenses, especially while we are trying to gro
w." Schuler looked to Boch who was sitting next to him. "What have you gone over
so far?"
"We've toured the Potions Department and had an overview of our philosophy. We w
ere just getting ready to dive into the curricula for the Potions and Charms pro
grams when you arrived."
"Ah," responded Schuler. "I believe our Potions Dominus Program is our pride and
joy at the moment, though Roger will tell you the Charms Department will take t
he lead when we start our six year Charms Program in three years."
"A six year program?" inquired Severus. "Please tell me more."
The conversation about the Charms and Potions programs continued for another hou
r. Severus listened attentively and asked questions as the three professors and
the financier described the classes offered. Although Schuler claimed to be "jus
t the fundraiser", it was apparent he had a solid working knowledge of day-to-da
y operations of the school.
There were many aspects of the college that fascinated Severus. Having come out
of a Pureblood family and the experience of a Hogwart's education and a traditio
nal apprenticeship, supplemented with Muggle science classes, Severus was predis
posed to view the College's methods in a positive light. The narrow views of his
insular world annoyed him. He could see advantages for both Granger and Malfoy.
Granger, with her Muggle background, would fit in easily, probably more easily
than she had fit into Hogwarts. The education she craved, she could receive here
. The faculty was extraordinarily competent and the course descriptions offered
challenge to a witch fascinated with research and development. In many ways, Dra
co could benefit even more. Draco's life of privilege had sheltered him in many
ways. He had little practical experience in living outside of the prescriptions
of the Pureblood lifestyle. Sorted into Slytherin with his prepackaged minions o
f Crabbe and Goyle, Draco was locked into Pureblood society. The multicultural n
ature of Avalon College would be a real culture shock for him. In the time he ha
d spent listening to Roger Littlehorse, Severus developed a respect for the Nati
ve American. He clearly had knowledge of Charms equal in every way to Filius Fli
twick, but also had a fluency in Arithmancy and a solid knowledge of potions, es
pecially from his tribal traditions. A professor such as Littlehorse could provi
de Draco with a perspective on charms completely different from Flitwick's. Away
from England, away from Pureblood society, away from Slytherin, and most of all
, away from Voldemort, Draco could grow, step outside of the rigid attitudes of
his upbringing, and become his own person.
A good portion of the tour was yet to come. He had not seen the library, which a
s far as Severus was concerned, could break the deal if it was not adequate. He
looked forward to seeing the computer facilities. Although he had no practical e
xperience with a personal computer, he had a sense of how they could operate and
the benefit to making research and record keeping more efficient. A part of Sev
erus envied his students. With an opportunity like this, away from his own backg
round, his life could have been very different than it was today.
The excellent lunch provided by the college kitchens was tucked neatly away. Jos
epha Ben Ari was winding up her description of the biochemistry classes included
in the potions curriculum.
"Of course, our advanced students will have access to classes at the University
of Chicago. Many of the brightest scientific minds in the Muggle world have come
out of there. Our students will receive a purely Muggle perspective on the scie
nces by attending. It is our job at Avalon to challenge them to incorporate what
they have learned into their work here. We expect to see great things when our
students reach Sixth Year. They will be expected to complete a thesis that must
include both magical work and Muggle science. One of our biggest challenges as f
aculty will be to understand the work our students are doing." Professor Ben Ari
's remarks brought on another round of laughter.
"As much as I have enjoyed our discussion, I'm afraid I must get back to the off
ice," said Schuler. "Our newest line of computers goes into production in a few
weeks and there are a myriad of details to attend to. And Margaret would like to
see me home sometime this weekend," added Schuler with a whimsical smile."
"We should be moving onto the next part of your tour, Severus," said Littlehorse
. "I believe Josepha and I are going to take you onto the library and computer l
abs. Then we will return you to Gerhardt." Littlehorse and Ben Ari rose. Taking
their cue, Severus finished his tea and joined them. Turning to Schuler, Severus
offered his hand.
"Thank you for this opportunity. I am honored that you took the time from your s
chedule to meet with a school teacher from Scotland."
Schuler rose and shook hands. "Severus, I suspect there is a good deal more to y
ou than just a visiting school teacher. I've thoroughly enjoyed our discussion a
nd hope to see you again in the future."
Littlehorse, Ben Ari, and Severus walked out of the faculty dining room, continu
ing with their tour. Schuler and Boch both sat, nursing newly freshened cups of
coffee.
"So, what do you think Gerhardt?" asked Schuler.
"Severus Snape is exactly what we are looking for. There is no doubt, he is a br
illiant Potions Master and has enormous potential that is wasted on the students
he deals with on a day-to-day basis. For Merlin's sake, the man is expected to
teach eleven-year-olds. He's got to be a bundle of frustration. The work he did
to create Wolfsbane is remarkable. There were no precedents for a treatment of t
his sort for lycanthropy. It is an original work and I am confident his knowledg
e of biochemistry sent him in the directions he took to create it, using magical
and non-magical ingredients."
"What about political issues?" queried Schuler.
"From what I've learned from Arsenius Jigger and a bit of other research on my o
wn, I suspect Severus got into bad company as a youngster. He came out of a pret
ty bad home life; in school he was a brilliant misfit. I'm guessing Albus Dumble
dore took him by the scruff of his neck and got him out of it. He's been teachin
g at Hogwarts ever since. As a Ravenclaw out of Hogwarts myself, I can tell you
Slytherin House has got to be a real beast to manage with all those Purebloods s
pouting ambition and Pureblood loyalty. There were fascists among them when I wa
s in school. As Dumbledore's man among the wolves, he's probably walking a very
fine line."
"Where would he be likely to stand on the issue of Voldemort?" Schuler looked at
Boch intently.
"Publicly, he is probably treading very carefully because his House is full of t
he children of Voldemort supporters. If he's working for Dumbledore, there's no
way he's supporting Voldemort and probably has a role in Dumbledore's war agains
t him. I doubt we'll get anywhere with recruiting him until after that bloody wa
r is over." Boch shook his head.
"I've run the Arithmancy on it and think it could go either way." Schuler looked
pensive. "Voldemort's a ruthless son of a bitch and has vicious supporters with
resources to back them up. If Voldemort takes England, Europe is next. That wil
l drag us into it. It will be World War II all over again, except without the Mu
ggles."
"Voldemort won't be prepared for what the wizarding U.S. could do to him. He's g
ot such a narrow view of the world; he's only going to know magical means of att
ack. We've got some time. We'll develop weapons of a kind he won't be able to im
agine. How would Voldemort do against the equivalent of magical carpet-bombing t
he way America did during the Gulf War? Only combining magic with Muggle science
?"
"Well, Gerhardt, it looks like you've laid the groundwork. Continue to pursue Sn
ape as seems reasonable. We're a few years away from being ready to expand the p
ost-graduate Potions Program, so there's time. Maybe by then, this Voldemort sit
uation will be resolved and we'll be able to get Snape either way. Whether he co
mes on board because the war's over and he can move on or because he's got to ge
t his ass out of England, we'll get a quality addition to our faculty." Schuler
wiped his hands on his napkin and stood. "I've got to get back to Digital Magic.
 Thanks for taking your Saturday for this."
"My pleasure, Daniel. I've had a grand time with Snape. There's a man I can work
with." Boch clapped Schuler on the back. "Josepha and Roger will have him all s
oftened up. I'll move in for the kill and find out how many students he's going
to send us next year. It's a win-win situation. If we get even one student out o
f Hogwarts next year, we'll get half a dozen the following year."
Schuler grinned. "I'm glad you're on our side, Gerhardt. Well, I'm outta here. I
'll see you next week at the strategic planning meeting. Give my best to Annalis
e."
"And my best to Margaret."
The two men strolled out of the faculty dining room, the satisfaction on their f
aces reflecting more than just a good meal.
Severus, 10/19/97
Severus Snape was relaxed, more relaxed than he had been in ages. He took anothe
r draw on his cigar and stretched out his legs to let the pulses of water from t
he whirlpool jets caress his feet. Nothing quite like having your ashes thorough
ly hauled combined with a good nap and a hot bath to get the stress out of a man
. The water splashed and swirled around him, soothing his muscles, melting the t
ension out of him. He could see the sun shining in the window of the hotel room,
looking out the open door of the bathroom. It was almost 10:00. He had an hour
before he absolutely had to check out. He could have another forty minutes in th
e tub, if he was willing to rush to get dressed and the last of his things toget
her. He would take it.
Exhaling a cloud of rich Cuban smoke, Severus reflected on the events of the las
t twenty-four hours. This was a weekend he would always remember. The visit to t
he college exceeded any expectations he had for what he would find. The programs
were excellent and innovative, faculty well qualified, and any Potions Master i
n Europe could envy the facilities. He had recommended both Granger and Malfoy t
o Gerhardt before he left. At least that problem was solved. Both would be situa
ted at Avalon for the next few years, potentially getting them out of harm's way
.
He had a distinct impression that Gerhardt was interested in more than the stude
nts Severus could send his way. The discussions of research, educational philoso
phies and the rest had a certain quality of a job interview to them. It did not
require an expert Legilimens to see that Gerhardt was looking at recruiting him
for the faculty. The idea excited Severus as few things had in years. The chance
to work in a cutting edge environment, teaching Potions to classes of the best
and brightest the wizarding world had to offer, unlimited opportunities for rese
arch. It was heady to think Avalon College wanted him. For the first time in his
life, Severus could imagine himself living somewhere other than in the United K
ingdom.
Not that he was available. The small matter of a war and the Dark Mark on his ar
m would keep him from going anywhere in the foreseeable future. But, it was good
to have options. And Severus Snape was a man who had been denied options for a
long time.
Yes. The day had been stimulating to his brain. The night had been stimulating a
s well, but to a completely different part of his anatomy. Severus shifted his h
ips to let the water stream against the muscles at the small of his back. With a
wave of his wand, the water temperature went up a soothing ten degrees.
Edgar really came through. When Severus got back to his room at 5:00 after a ver
y full day, he placed an order for champagne, strawberries, a chocolate sauce, c
heeses, sausage, shrimp, and crackers to be delivered at 7:45. The evening's ent
ertainment was expected at 8:00, giving him time for a nap and a shower. He want
ed to be quite fresh for the evening ahead. He added a glamour to disguise the s
cars on his body and the Dark Mark on his arm.
The refreshments were delivered at exactly 7:45, including the chilling spell to
keep it fresh. At 8:00, there was a knock on the door. Severus, with a carefull
y arranged expression of nonchalance, opened the door. A young woman, tall and b
uxom, stood in the doorway. She had a pert nose with freckles, hazel eyes, and a
wide mouth set in an oval face framed with a cap of curly brown hair. Severus w
as delighted.
"Hello. I'm Kelly," she said with a bright smile.
"I am Severus. Please come in, Kelly." Severus stepped aside to allow her in.
The young woman looked around the room. Severus suspected she had been to the ho
tel before in her professional capacity, but she made it seem as if it was the f
irst time. "This is very nice," she said.
"Yes. I have found the hotel to be quite comfortable and most accommodating. Wou
ld you care to sit down?" Severus pulled a chair away from the table and offered
it to her. Kelly walked across the room and allowed him to seat her. "May I off
er you champagne?"
"That would be delightful," she replied. Severus lifted the bottle of champagne
out of the ice bucket and by habit started to reach for his wand. He hesitated.
"Oh, it's quite all right, Severus. I'm a squib, so it's safe for you to use mag
ic in front of me. May I?" Kelly's hand hovered over the strawberries.
"By all means, Kelly." Severus waved his wand and the cork floated out of the ch
ampagne bottle. Taking two flutes, he poured each of them a glass.
Kelly had taken a large ripe strawberry and was nibbling at the tip. She looked
at Severus in a most suggestive way. He felt a tightening at his groin as he wat
ched her sucking on the sweet berry. He handed her a glass of the champagne and
took a sip of his own. Kelly bit off the tip of the strawberry and swallowed. Sh
e licked her lips and took a sip of the champagne. She gave him a seductive smil
e.
"Why don't we get the business part of this over so we can get down to the fun?"
"That seems a reasonable plan," replied Severus, setting down his champagne flut
e.
"You have reserved my services for the entire evening. I will stay until you dec
ide it's time to go. The price you were quoted includes my services for regular
and customary activities. If you want something unusual, there will be an extra
charge. I don't do pain, but a little slap and tickle is all right, as well as p
lay with handcuffs or scarves. You can call me any name you like, ask me to play
roles if it pleases you. Let me know what you like and how you like it. I aim t
o please."
Severus moved towards her. "The arrangements are quite satisfactory. I look forw
ard to getting to know you better." He took an envelope from the inside pocket o
f his jacket and handed it to Kelly. "I believe this covers your fee?" Severus t
urned and selected some bits of cheese and sausage to give her privacy to count
the money.
"It does indeed." The envelope went into Kelly's handbag. Kelly walked to Severu
s and took the square of cheese from his hand. She lifted it to his lips and fed
it to him.
"I see you have one of the suites with a whirlpool. We can have fun with that la
ter. Is there something you would enjoy right now?" Kelly moved up against Sever
us. She slipped one hand beneath his jacket, stroking his chest. Her other hand
moved down to the front of his pants. She pressed the hand against him, stroking
him through the cloth. "I can think of something that might be fun. What if I t
ook everything off, nice and slow, while you just watch? When I'm down to nothin
g, I think there's something I could do on my knees that would please you. You'd
be completely dressed and I'd be naked doing things you really enjoy." She rais
ed an eyebrow at him in question. Severus felt himself hardening at the image sh
e painted in his mind.
"I like the way you think, Kelly."
Kelly smiled at him as she stepped back and slowly began to unbutton her blouse,
swaying her hips as she moved. "Oh Severus. You're going to like a lot more tha
n just how I think."
Severus took another draw on his cigar and shifted in the bath to accommodate th
e erection he was getting at remembering Kelly's ministrations. Sure enough, aft
er a slow stimulating striptease, Kelly was on her knees in front of him. She to
ok his long, hard cock in hand and proceeded to lick and mouth the tip, followed
by practically swallowing him whole. It took all of his will power to hold back
and prolong the pleasure instead of spilling himself in record time. He had slu
mped virtually boneless in the chair while she used her tongue to clean him afte
rwards.
A long, slow screw in the bed followed her expert fellatio. There was no kissing
. Severus considered it bad form to kiss a call girl, but his mouth was pretty b
usy anyway. Severus allowed himself to thoroughly explore and enjoy her breasts,
which she appeared to appreciate. She was amazingly limber, something she attri
buted to her regular practice of yoga. He found she could move her legs with rem
arkable flexibility, which he tested by putting them around her ears, giving him
an extraordinary degree of access to her vagina.
They took a bit of a break after to enjoy more champagne. Severus really enjoyed
the shrimp. Kelly preferred the strawberries. She inquired how good his cleanin
g charms were. Severus assured her that magically speaking; he could clean with
the best of them. That was when Kelly reached for the chocolate sauce. The girl
had a marvelous way with fruit, chocolate sauce, and her tongue. The process may
have been a bit sticky, but well worth it.
Severus cleaned up the bed with his wand and a charm. Kelly decided his other wa
nd could best be cleaned in the whirlpool. By the time they were done in the tub
, a significant amount of water was on the floor, but they were both very clean,
and rather worn out. Severus used his magical wand to put the bathroom to right
s and they retreated to the bed.
There was a bit of dozing and cuddling where she told him about how she sang cou
ntry western music with a band and that they did not have something she called a
"gig" this weekend. She invited Severus to come hear her at a club in Western S
prings if he was ever in the area. After sufficient rest, Severus transfigured t
wo pillowcases into scarves and bound Kelly's hands over her head. At his reques
t, she gave some light resistance to his efforts, but at the critical moment, sh
e begged him to take her and make her come hard. Severus, his self-discipline at
its finest, held out and teased and teased and teased until Kelly was whimperin
g and begging. When he let her have what she wanted, she cried out his name and
the bed shook as they both came in an explosion which pretty much took all the b
lood out of his head. By this time, it was almost dawn.
Severus lay on the bed in all his naked glory and watched Kelly as she dressed.
As a courtesy, he cast a cleansing charm over her. When she was dressed, Kelly s
at down on the bed next to him and stroked his chest while she extracted a promi
se from him to arrange for her company again if he managed to come back to Chica
go. Severus promised her, but admitted he might not be back for a long time if a
t all. Kelly frowned, but said that he had been good to her and she appreciated
him as the gentleman he was. She got up and Severus followed her to the door. He
gave her two large bills as a tip and she promised to take a cab home. A quick
hug and she was gone into the sunrise.
Severus smiled at the memory. Kelly was fun and he felt one hundred percent bett
er for her company and the nap he took after she left. Unfortunately, he now had
half an hour until he had to check out, which meant getting out of the tub.
Twenty minutes saw Severus back at the registration desk, clearing his bill. He
left an extra tip for Edgar. One last look around and a last breath of freedom f
or a while, Severus stepped into the transportation room off the lobby and took
out the paperback book that was his portkey back to Hogwarts. A word and Severus
disappeared.
A moment later, Severus stood outside the gates of Hogwarts. It was six hours la
ter than Chicago, late afternoon in Scotland. Tightening the collar of the trenc
h coat against the chill, Severus walked up the path to the castle, gave his pas
sword and came in the secret entryway into the dungeons. A short walk and he was
back in his quarters. No sooner did he hang up the coat, which he intended to k
eep as a coat, when a familiar head appeared in the green flames of the fireplac
e.
"Severus?"
"Here, Albus," Severus replied.
"We have a terrible situation to deal with, Severus. Please floo to my office im
mediately." Dumbledore sounded as close to agitated as Severus had ever heard.
Slipping his wand inside the sleeve of his sweater, Severus muttered "Headmaster
's office" and stepped into the green flames. He came out in Dumbledore's office
, brushing soot off his shoulders. He looked around and saw Minerva, Lupin, Moll
y, Arthur, and Bill Weasley sitting in chairs around the room, looking exhausted
and drained. Dumbledore sat at his desk.
"What is wrong, Albus?"
"A horrible tragedy," murmured Minerva, dabbing her eyes with a kerchief.
Dumbledore looked at Severus, sadness stealing the customary twinkle from his ey
es.
"Five of our Muggleborn students lost their families last night in Death Eater r
aids. The Dark Mark was seen over each of their homes." Dumbledore shook his hea
d.
"Who?"
"Nicola Andropoulus lost her parents and her younger brother. Stephen Woodville'
s parents are gone, but his younger siblings were at their grandmother's for a v
isit and were spared. Mathew McAllister lost his mother. His parents were divorc
ed and his siblings are all grown and on their own. Mary Ellen Whitcomb lost bot
h her parents and a teenage sister."
"And the fifth set of parents?"
"The Grangers," answered Dumbledore, his voice soft with grief.
Molly broke into tears, sobbing into Arthur's shoulder. Minerva sniffed again. B
ill Weasley paced the room, his hands clenched into fists. Lupin rubbed his face
with his hand, exhaustion in every line of a face older than his years.
Severus exhaled slowly and sank into a chair. He felt a familiar burn at his wri
st and raised his head.
"I am being summoned. I will learn what I can and report back." Severus rose and
walked back to the fireplace, tossing floo powder into the flames.
"Be careful, Severus," said Lupin. The others looked at Severus, concern in thei
r expressions.
"I shall." Severus disappeared into the flames.
Hermione, 10/19/97
Hermione sat on the large sofa in front of the fire in the Gryffindor common roo
m. Mary Ellen Whitcomb's head rested on her lap, soft sounds of sleep coming fro
m the little dark haired girl. Hermione's hand moved in Mary Ellen's hair, strok
ing gently. Hermione leaned back, resting against Harry's shoulder and arm stret
ched out behind her. She felt Harry's other arm come around her, holding her aga
inst him.
"Looks like she's sleeping pretty good now," whispered Harry.
"The Dreamless Sleep is working," answered Hermione. "She should be out for seve
ral hours."
Ron rose from the armchair where he was sitting across from Hermione and Harry.
He waived over to Sarah Bannach and Jeremy Philpot, the two Gryffindor Fifth Yea
r Prefects.
"How about if I take her to her room, now? Sarah and Jeremy can watch over her a
nd make sure she's not alone? She needs sleep and so do you." Ron crouched next
to Hermione and put his hand on her arm.
"Ron's right. You need to sleep, too." Harry said softly.
"We'll stay right with her, Hermione," said Sarah. "She won't wake up alone."
"I guess that would be okay," replied Hermione. Her voice sounded strange to her
, almost blank, almost as numb as she felt. She moved her arm out of the way as
Ron bent over her. He slipped his arms underneath Mary Ellen and lifted her gent
ly off of Hermione's lap. Ron shifted her gently and brought Mary Ellen up again
st him, her head resting against his shoulder. Sarah took the child's dangling l
eft arm and tucked it up against Ron.
"I'll be back in a few minutes after we get her settled in." Ron nodded to Harry
. Accompanied by the two Prefects, Ron carried Mary Ellen up the stairs to the g
irl's dormitory.
"Don't you think it's time for you to take some Dreamless Sleep, too?" asked Har
ry.
With Mary Ellen off her lap, Hermione shifted to get the circulation back into h
er leg. She turned and curled into Harry, wrapping her arms around him and buryi
ng her head in his shoulder. She closed her eyes tightly, clinging to him like a
lifeline. Harry held her and stroked her hair.
"It's okay Hermione. We're not going to leave you alone, either. We're going to
take care of you," Harry murmured into her hair.
Hermione's mind traveled back to an earlier time in the day, just before breakfa
st. She knew something was wrong when Professor McGonnagall knocked on the door
of the room she shared with Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown. Parvati and Lavend
er had gone to bathe. Hermione was already dressed and was about to leave to joi
n Harry and Ron in the Great Hall. When she answered the door, Professor McGonna
gall stood in the doorway, silent for a moment.
"Miss Granger, I need a favor of you. Would you collect Mary Ellen Whitcomb and
meet me in the Common Room? We need to take her and Matthew McAllister to see th
e Headmaster." Professor McGonnagall's voice sounded oddly tight.
"Of course, Professor. If you'll give me a few minutes, I'll get her and be with
you directly." Professor McGonnagall turned and stepped aside, allowing Hermion
e to exit ahead of her. Hermione turned to a room on the left where the First Ye
ar girls stayed and knocked on the door. Professor McGonnagall continued down th
e hallway to the stairs leading to the Gryffindor common room.
Mary Ellen answered the knock on the door, apparently the last one left in the r
oom. "Hi Hermione. What's up?" Mary Ellen was a popular girl with a bubbly perso
nality and a good deal of energy. She was the tiniest of the Gryffindor First Ye
ars and the youngest. She met the birthday requirement for admission by one day,
turning eleven just before school started. "Could you help me get my ribbon str
aight?" Mary Ellen held out a rather mangled looking red ribbon, which would loo
k quite nice in her black hair.
"Of course." Hermione took the ribbon, pulled it under the length of hair and ti
ed it into a neat bow. "Now, Professor McGonnagall wants to see you. I don't thi
nk you're in trouble, but I don't know what's going on. So let's not keep her wa
iting then we can go get breakfast."
"Okay Hermione." Mary Ellen looked up at her, brown eyes full of trust. The two
of them left the dorm room and headed down the stairs. Standing at the bottom of
the stairs was Ron, looking quizzically at the two girls.
"Professor McGonnagall was just here and asked me to roust out Matt McAllister.
I found him and he's waiting for you and Mary Ellen in the common room. Do you k
now what's up?"
"No. Professor McGonnagall didn't tell me anything. Is she still in the common r
oom?"
"She was a minute ago."
"We'd better get going then," replied Hermione.
Professor McGonnagall was standing in the common room with Mathew McAllister. He
rmione and Ron escorted Mary Ellen over to them.
A strange look on her face, Professor McGonnagall spoke. "Mary Ellen, Mathew, we
are going to go see the Headmaster. Miss Granger is going to come with us. We w
ill explain everything there. Miss Granger, would you please take Mr. McAllister
and Miss Whitcomb? I will join you shortly. Mr. Weasley, may I speak with you a
moment?"
Hermione put her hands on the two youngster's shoulders and walked them to the d
oor of the common room. She looked back and saw Professor McGonnagall speaking e
arnestly to Ron. Ron looked up for a moment and met her eyes. He looked stunned.
Hermione hesitated a moment, but remembering her directions from the Professor,
kept herding the two children. They were out of the common room and going down
the stairway towards Headmaster Dumbledore's office when Professor McGonnagall c
aught up with them. They reached the entrance and Professor McGonnagall said "gu
mmi bears" and the door opened. The four stepped onto the moving staircase and c
ame out into Dumbledore's office. Professor Dumbledore was there in dark blue ro
bes, standing in front of his large desk. Fawkes was on his perch behind him, a
brilliant blaze of red gold color, trilling softly. Hermione heard a noise and t
urned her head to see Arthur and Molly Weasley sitting to the side. 'What are th
ey doing here?' she wondered. Mrs. Weasley looked upset. Remus Lupin stood besid
e them, looking quite rumpled and like he hadn't shaved. Madame Pomfrey stood to
the side, adding to her confusion.
Dumbledore moved forward, leaning down to take the hands of the two children. He
gently guided them into chairs. Professor McGonnagall stood next to Hermione an
d directed her to one of the chairs in front of the desk.
"Are we in trouble, Headmaster?" asked Mary Ellen.
"No child. None of you have done anything wrong and you are not in trouble. I ha
ve asked you to come here because I have bad news to tell you." Dumbledore summo
ned a chair and sat directly in front of the two children, continuing to hold th
eir hands. He leaned forward. Professor McGonnagall left Hermione's side and sto
od behind the chairs, putting her hands on the youngster's shoulders.
"You know that there is a war going on between the followers of He Who Must Not
Be Named and the Ministry of Magic?" Mary Ellen and Mathew nodded. "Sometimes th
e Death Eaters attack people who are quite innocent and have nothing to do with
the war." Dumbledore looked searchingly into the eyes of the children in front o
f him. Hermione felt her heart leap into her throat as she realized what he was
about to tell the two young Gryffindors.
"Mary Ellen. I have terrible news. Last night, the Death Eaters attacked your ho
me. Your mother and father were killed, along with your sister Tina." Mary Ellen
hands went to her mouth and she started to shake.
"That can't be right. You made a mistake, Headmaster. It's not true. It's someon
e else's family, not mine." Her voice raised, panic and pain in equal amounts. "
Professor McGonnagall, please tell him he's wrong. He has to be wrong," she sobb
ed.
Professor McGonnagall moved around to the front of the chair as Dumbledore moved
back. She knelt in front of Mary Ellen and took her in her arms. In a surprisin
g show of strength in her wiry form, she lifted the girl from the chair and held
her. McGonnagall turned and sat down in the chair, holding the shaking weeping
child, stroking her hair, and whispering soft things Hermione couldn't hear.
Hermione looked at Matthew. Fear was plain on his face as Dumbledore turned to h
im and took his hands, gazing intently into his face.
"You know what I am going to tell you, do you not, son?" asked Dumbledore softly
.
"Who did they get, Headmaster?" Mathew's grip on Dumbledore's hands was like an
iron vise.
"Your mother. No one else was there at the time," Dumbledore answered.
"Oh god. Mum. Mum¡" The boy broke down, releasing Dumbledore's hands and curled
up into himself. Dumbledore moved closer and put his arms around the child, roc
king him gently.
Hermione sat in shock looking at the two children being held by McGonnagall and
Dumbledore. Fear gathered in a pit at the bottom of her stomach. No. This is not
happening. This is not real. I should not be here. She felt numb as she looked
up and saw Mr. and Mrs. Weasley standing by her chair.
Mr. Weasley looked down at Hermione, his eyes terribly sad.
Hermione could barely make her throat work to get the words out. Her voice was a
choked whisper. "Mr. Weasley, are my Mum and Dad all right?"
Mr. Weasley reached down and took Hermione's hand. "No, Hermione. They're gone."
The moment was surreal. A thousand of the most intense emotions possible swept t
hrough her and no emotions at all. Hermione could barely breathe. It was on the
tip of her tongue to ask 'Was it bad?' but she looked at the two children and kn
ew she couldn't ask in front of them. The room swam in front of her eyes. She co
uldn't focus. A thought came.
"We were going to Chicago to visit the college next weekend. I need to owl them
to tell them we're not coming." Hermione made to rise. She felt hands on her sho
ulders, holding her down in the chair.
"No child," said Mrs. Weasley, "You don't need to do that now."
Hermione was distracted by a noise beside her. Mathew was struggling, his voice
rising to a hysterical scream. He was hitting Dumbledore, pummeling him blindly
with his fists. Hermione wanted to help, but couldn't think of a thing to do, ot
her than just sit and look. Madame Pomfrey rushed to Dumbledore's side, her wand
moving and words coming from her lips. Hermione couldn't hear what she was sayi
ng, but Mathew quieted and slumped in Dumbledore's arms. Dumbledore cradled the
child and looked to Lupin.
"Remus, could I prevail upon you to assist Poppy in taking Mathew to the hospita
l wing?" asked Dumbledore.
"Of course, Albus." Remus knelt and pulled the boy from Dumbledore's arms. He li
fted him gently and followed Madame Pomfrey as she stepped into the green flames
of the fireplace.
Mary Ellen was limp with exhaustion in Professor McGonnagall's arms, hiccoughing
quietly.
"Professor McGonnagall?" asked Hermione, her voice oddly calm and a buzzing nois
e in her ears. She felt as if she was watching herself from a distance. She felt
numb and empty. Nothing felt real. How could any of this be real?
McGonnagall looked at her with surprise. "Yes, Hermione?"
"Mary Ellen has gotten to be friends with Sarah Bannach. We can take her back to
Gryffindor and look after her there." Mary Ellen looked at Hermione, pain in he
r red-rimmed eyes.
"Hermione? Can I stay with you and Sarah? Please?" she whispered.
Hermione reached over and stroked Mary Ellen's hair. "Of course, munchkin. We'll
look after each other, okay?"
Mary Ellen scrambled out of McGonnagall's arms and climbed onto Hermione's lap.
Her small arms went around Hermione's neck. Hermione held her close, the two cli
nging to each other as they both started to tremble. In moments, tears were pour
ing down her face. Hermione told herself she was crying for Mary Ellen, crying f
or the other girl's loss. The emotions poured in and filled her to overflowing,
the utter despair and agony of loss. Alone, so alone. Even in a room filled with
people, she would always be alone. Hermione was standing at the gates of hell a
s they opened and she stumbled inside.
It's all my fault.
The two orphans sobbed in each other's arms, the adults looking on helplessly. L
ong minutes passed and the only sounds to be heard were from the two weeping gir
ls. Both gradually quieted. Hermione started to search her robes for a handkerch
ief, only to have four simultaneously offered to her by the adults. A handkerchi
ef with a delicately embroidered "M" was the closest. Hermione accepted it with
a watery cough. She wiped her eyes and nose and looked down at Mary Ellen, her h
ead resting against Hermione's breast. Another handkerchief, this one with magic
ally winking smiley faces, was offered. Hermione took it and coaxed Mary Ellen's
head up. She wiped the girl's eyes and cheeks. Bunching the handkerchief, she h
eld it to Mary Ellen's nose and gave the order; "Blow." Mary Ellen complied, qui
te noisily, and then laid her head back down against Hermione.
Hermione felt exhausted and thirsty. She looked at Dumbledore and the words tumb
led out. "I'll need to make arrangements." Her voice cracked. Mrs. Weasley held
out a glass of water. Hermione took the glass and drained it. "Thank you," she s
aid, her voice clearer.
"We have a lawyer in the Muggle world, a squib from a trusted family. You are ei
ghteen, are you not, Hermione?" asked Dumbledore.
"I turned eighteen last month," she replied absently, numbness setting in again.
"Then you are of legal age in both worlds. If you are agreeable, I will contact
our lawyer and have him take the necessary steps."
"Hermione?" said Mr. Weasley, his hand gentle on her arm. "Molly and I are willi
ng to help you."
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley. I appreciate it and will be very glad for your help."
"Then I will go and meet with the lawyer and find out what we need to do and wha
t we are allowed to do next, under Muggle law."
"I have a lot of questions, but I know this isn't the time. I want to know what
happened." Hermione looked down at Mary Ellen, lying against Hermione with her e
yes closed. She clutched the girl protectively, comforting herself as she did.
"And we will answer your questions as quickly as we can," answered Dumbledore. "
I believe your friends are here to take you back to Gryffindor Tower."
Hermione looked up. Harry and Ron stood on either side of her chair. Her eyes st
arted to tear as her two best friends knelt beside her. She clamped down on her
emotions. She didn't want to cry anymore, not now, not here. She just wanted to
get away from Dumbledore's office. She wanted to be alone, to run away, but she
wanted Ron and Harry to be with her. She didn't know what she wanted. She wanted
it all to go away.
It's all my fault.
"Are you ready to come back with us?" Harry looked at Hermione, his green eyes f
ull of pain.
"I think so," she whispered. Hermione looked down at Mary Ellen. She stroked Mar
y Ellen's hair and rubbed her back. "Mary Ellen? Harry and Ron are here. We're g
oing to go back to Gryffindor Tower, now."
Mary Ellen raised her head. "Can I stay with you, Hermione?"
"Sure you can. We have to look out for each other, right?"
"Okay." Mary Ellen wiped her nose with the sleeve of her robe and sat up. "Eew.
I got bogies on my sleeve."
"I believe we can clean that up, Miss Whitcomb," said Professor McGonnagall, wav
ing her wand over the girl.
"Oh. That's ever so much better. Thank you Professor McGonnagall," said Mary Ell
en, climbing off of Hermione. Mary Ellen stood and pulled down her robes. She lo
oked up at Ron. "Goodness. You're really tall," she remarked.
Ron smiled at the little Gryffindor. "And you're a regular little squirt, aren't
you? I remember when my sister Ginny was your size. I'll bet I could pick you u
p and carry you, just the way my big brothers used to do with her." Without wait
ing for permission, Ron stooped and Mary Ellen put her arms around his neck. Ron
's long arms went around her legs and he straightened up. Mary Ellen tucked her
head against his neck and closed her eyes.
Hermione stood, feeling queasy and unsteady. Harry moved up against her and put
his arm around her back, his other hand supporting her elbow. Hermione leaned up
against him for a moment to get her balance, taking comfort from his closeness.
All she wanted was to curl up around him and whimper. She was supposed to be st
rong, but all she wanted to do was hide.
"Will you be able to make it?" whispered Harry.
"I'm going to try. You can always Mobilocorpus me if you need to," she whispered
back with a quavery smile.
Ron looked around the room at his parents and the two Professors. "We'll look af
ter them. It might be a good idea if someone sent up some Dreamless Sleep. When
I get back to the tower, I'll send the Sixth Year Prefects down to stay with Mat
t."
Dumbledore nodded. "I will make arrangements for the Dreamless Sleep and notify
Madame Pomfrey." He looked at Hermione. "I have our agents looking into this. I
will provide you with information as quickly as I have it."
"Thank you, sir." Harry supported Hermione as they left the office and went down
the stairs, Ron following behind carrying Mary Ellen.
Hermione remembered hearing Dumbledore say, "Minerva, please let Pomona know we
are ready for her and Miss Andropolous. We have two more children to talk to tod
ay."
The walk back to Gryffindor Tower took an eternity. The other students were comi
ng out of breakfast and looked at the four Gryffindor's oddly. Harry Potter, wal
king with his arm around a fragile Hermione Granger followed by Ron Weasley, car
rying Mary Ellen Whitcomb who was wrapped around him like ivy. Lavender Brown an
d Seamus Finnegan approached, questions obvious on their faces. Ron gave them a
stern look and shook his head. He mouthed 'later', which they seemed to accept.
As soon as they reached the common room, Ron and Harry shooed everyone away. Her
mione was escorted to the sofa in front of the fireplace. She plopped down, emot
ional exhaustion in every line of her body. Harry sat beside her and summoned an
afghan to wrap around her. Ron set Mary Ellen down and she immediately climbed
onto the sofa next to Hermoine. She lay down and put her head on Hermione's lap.
Hermione's hand moved to her hair, stroking gently. She wondered where the red
ribbon had gone. Another afghan was summoned and placed over Mary Ellen. The thr
ee reclined silently in front of the fire. Ron was seen going up the stairs. Her
mione assumed he was telling their friends what had happened and asking them to
give Hermione and Mary Ellen space. After a few minutes, Ron joined them, follow
ed by Sarah Bannach and Jeremy Philpot. As exhausted and emotionally drained as
she felt, Hermione was grateful for their silent company as the long hours went
by.
Green flames shot up the fireplace and Madame Pomfrey stepped from the fireplace
. Moving around the Gryffindors standing guard over their own two wounded souls,
she stood beside the sofa. Holding her wand over Mary Ellen, she took readings.
Next, the wand moved over Hermione.
"Hermione, both you and Mary Ellen are dehydrated. I am going to ask the house e
lves to bring you a pitcher of water, or would you prefer tea?"
Hermione shook her head. "Water, please."
"You should eat something. Do you think you could manage some toast?"
"I think I'd just throw it up. What about you, Mary Ellen?" The little girl nodd
ed.
"I'll have the elves bring that, too. Eat when you feel you can. I have some Dre
amless Sleep for both of you. Your name is on your bottle. Madame Pomfrey looked
at Ron. "I presume I can leave this with you?"
"I'll make sure they take it, Madame Pomfrey."
"Very well. If I am needed, please floo me."
"Madame Pomfrey, how is Matt?" asked Harry.
"He's asleep. Miss Weasley and Mr. Shreveport are with him. He will stay in the
Hospital Wing for the night," answered Madame Pomfrey.
"Were there any other families besides the three we know of?" Harry added.
"Nicola Andropolous from Hufflepuff and Stephen Woodville of Ravenclaw both lost
family last night." Madame Pomfrey shook her head sadly.
"Thank you for telling us," said Harry.
Madame Pomfrey departed, just as a house elf arrived carrying a tray with a pitc
her of ice water and glasses and a plate of toast. Mary Ellen sat up and took a
piece of the toast. She offered one to Hermione who shook her head. Ron filled g
lasses with the water and handed one to Hermione and the other to Mary Ellen. He
rmione drained the glass and set it down. She closed her eyes and leaned back ag
ainst Harry. Mary Ellen finished her toast and Ron handed her the dreamless slee
p. Uncorking the bottle, Mary Ellen drank the potion and laid her head back down
on Hermione's lap.
"Hermione?"
"Yes, Mary Ellen?"
"Does being dead hurt?"
Pain washed through her. Unanswered questions poured through her mind and a desi
re to scream denial ran through her. The gates of hell opened again and Hermione
clamped down on the pain. She felt Harry stiffen behind her as he drew himself
a little closer. Hermione calmed herself for Mary Ellen's sake.
"No munchkin. Being alive can hurt. There's no more pain when you're dead." The
words felt so empty. She felt like she was mouthing empty words, platitudes. It
didn't mean anything in the face of all the hurt.
It's my fault. It's all my fault.
"So Mum and Dad and Tina aren't in pain?"
Ron reached over and stroked Mary Ellen's hair. She looked up at him, the questi
on in her eyes. "No Mary Ellen. Your Mum and Dad and sister aren't in any pain a
t all. They are fine. They're just on the other side of the veil and they'll alw
ays love you and they know you'll always love them."
"Okay. Thanks, Ron." She lay her head back down and closed her eyes. In moments,
her breathing slowed as she fell asleep.
Ron returned after tucking Mary Ellen into her bed. Sarah and Jeremy stayed with
the girl. He sat down on the sofa, occupying the place Mary Ellen had vacated.
Harry and Ron moved together, pulling Hermione close up between them, their arms
around her. They sat that way for several minutes.
"It's all my fault," Hermione whispered. She wanted to curl up and disappear bet
ween her two friends.
"It's not your fault," insisted Ron. "It's the bloody Death Eaters."
"If I hadn't been born a witch, they'd still be alive."
"Don't do this to yourself, Hermione," said Harry, pain in his voice. "Don't bla
me yourself for existing. Your Mum and Dad would never want that."
"I wish I didn't exist. I wish I'd never been born. They'd be alive if I hadn't
been born." Hermione was shaking, her voice choking. Ron and Harry pulled closer
, almost taking her breath away.
"It'll get better, Hermione. It's awful now, but it'll get better," said Harry,
tears in his voice.
"How? How do I forgive myself? They came after Mum and Dad because of me." Hermi
one wept inconsolably.
Neither Harry nor Ron could think of anything to say. All they could do was hold
their friend as she cried. All they could do was cry with her; tears flowing si
lently down their faces in sympathetic pain.
Running away from the pain, Hermione cried herself to sleep. Ron and Harry moved
back, giving them all some breathing room. She slept lightly, moving restlessly
.
"We should get her upstairs," said Harry.
"We'll wake her up if we move her."
"Not if we really make her sleep." Pulling out his wand, Harry whispered "Quietu
s." Hermione quieted as she moved into a deeper sleep.
"Looks like it worked. Good idea, Harry. I'll take her." Ron leaned down and pic
ked up Hermione, settling her against him. Harry picked up the water pitcher and
the bottle of Dreamless Sleep and walked ahead of Ron. They reached the door of
the room Hermione shared with Lavender and Parvati. Harry knocked.
Lavender opened the door. "Oh, Harry. Is she all right?" Parvati rushed over, bo
th staring at the sleeping Hermione.
"She's sleeping. Can we bring her in?" Harry asked.
"Oh, right," said Parvati, moving over to allow Harry and Ron to bring Hermione
in. Lavender rushed over to Hermione's bed and pulled down the blankets. Ron lai
d her down gently. Hermione rolled on her side, still asleep.
"It's okay. Why don't you two wait outside? We'll get her out of her clothes." L
avender clucked over the sleeping Hermione.
"We'll be right outside the door," said Ron, retreating as Lavender and Parvati
took out wands to charm Hermione's clothes off.
Closing the door behind them, Harry leaned back against the wall. He took off hi
s eyeglasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. "This has been one helluva day.
"
"I know what you mean. I couldn't believe it when McGonnagall told me." Ron shoo
k his head.
"Did she say anything to you about what the Death Eaters did to the Grangers?"
"Straight Avada as far as she knew. You don't think Hermione meant what she said
about wishing she'd never been born?" asked Ron, worried.
"No. I think that's the grief and guilt talking. Hermione's pretty stable. I don
't think she'd hurt herself. But just in case, I think we should keep a close ey
e on things. If she keeps talking that way or we see any reason to be worried, w
e tell McGonnagall and get her help."
Ron nodded. "Agreed."
"I'm hungry and feel guilty about it. Our best friend just had her parents murde
red and all I can think about is getting something to eat," grunted Harry.
"We missed breakfast and lunch. Of course we're hungry. We're not going to do He
rmione any good if we don't eat. Tell you what. You wait here and I'll go down t
o the kitchens and get the house elves to give me a couple of sandwiches."
"Deal. I'd like ham and Swiss if they're willing." Harry rolled his shoulders to
 loosen the tension and watched Ron head down the stairs. The door opened and Pa
rvati called him in. Harry walked over to the bed and looked at Hermione, still
lying on her side sleeping. The blankets were pulled up over her shoulders. Croo
kshanks lay in the bend of her knees. The ginger half-kneazle looked up at Harry
, who reached down and gave him a scratch behind the ear. Crookshanks tilted his
head to give Harry a better angle.
"Keep an eye on her Crooks. We're her only family, now." Harry backed off and wa
lked with Lavender and Parvati to the other side of the room. They spoke in whis
pers.
"Has there been any kind of announcement about what happened?" asked Harry.
"Dumbledore made an announcement at lunch," said Parvati. "He said Death Eaters
killed Matt's, Mary Ellen's, and Hermione's families, plus Nicola Andropoulus fr
om Hufflepuff and Stephen Woodville from Ravenclaw. He didn't elaborate. He aske
d everyone to be supportive."
"How did Slytherin react?"
"They were quiet. It was obvious to everyone that no one from Slytherin lost any
body. Everybody gave them the cold shoulder." Lavender shrugged. "Not that it wi
ll bother them. They're probably having a party in Slytherin tonight."
"What's Hermione going to do now?" asked Parvati.
"I don't know. It's too early to say anything. Ron's folks are going to help her
and Dumbledore's got a lawyer in the Muggle world who will help her with all th
e legal stuff."
"Will it be safe for her to even have funeral?" Lavender wondered.
"I guess Dumbledore will tell us. Ron and I have been with Hermione since they t
old her."
The door opened and Ron stuck his head in. "Everybody decent in here?" he whispe
red.
"C'mon over" said Parvati in a stage whisper.
Ron walked in and stopped by the bed to look at Hermione. He carried a basket wi
th the food. "Is it okay if we eat in here? Harry and I haven't had anything to
eat today." He looked at Parvati and Lavender, who both nodded and pointed to Pa
rvati's bed.
"Let's sit over there. We can keep an eye on Hermione and you two can eat."
Ron opened the basket and pulled out two flasks with pumpkin juice. He handed on
e to Harry, who uncorked it and took a swig. He took out a sandwich, wrapped in
a napkin and handed it to Harry. He took out another sandwich, unwrapped it and
took a generous bite.
"What do we do now?" asked Parvati.
"I guess we just hang around to be here for her. We'll have to look after Mary E
llen and Matt, too," answered Ron. "It was really something after Dumbledore tol
d them what happened."
"We got there after they were told," interrupted Harry. "After Professor McGonna
gall came and got Matt, Mary Ellen, and Hermione, she told Ron what happened and
 said we should come to Dumbledore's office in about ten minutes. Ron came and g
ot me. By the time we got there, they'd already been told."
Ron continued. "Professor McGonnagall was sitting in a chair holding Mary Ellen
who was crying. Dumbledore was holding Matt when he got hysterical and just kept
hitting Dumbledore. Madame Pomfrey knocked him out with a charm and took him do
wn to the hospital wing. Hermione just sat there, looking blank. Kind of like sh
e couldn't believe any of it was real. Mary Ellen quieted down and got off McGon
nagall's lap and climbed up on Hermione. Hermione didn't cry until then. The two
of them just held onto each other and cried."
"Mary Ellen pretty much hasn't let go of Hermione until we got her to take some
Dreamless Sleep and then Ron took her up to bed. Sarah and Jeremy are staying wi
th Mary Ellen. Ginny and Elliott are with Matt. Ron and I are going to stay with
Hermione."
Parvati and Lavender looked at each other. "That's fine with us, but do you thin
k Professor McGonnagall will allow it?"
"She can give us detention until the day after we graduate if she doesn't like i
t. We're not leaving," said Harry.
"Then we'll camp out here," insisted Parvati. "We're all seventeen and eighteen
years old. We're here for Hermione, not playing spin-the-bottle. They'll just ha
ve to trust us."
Ron polished off his sandwich and reached back into the basket. He pulled out a
plate of brownies and offered to split his in half to share with the girls.
"That's okay, Ron. We ate lunch," said Parvati.
The four sat quietly for a while, with just the sounds of chewing and Hermione's
soft breathing. They heard Hermione stir and Ron got up to look.
Hermione turned over and opened her eyes. She saw Ron standing by the bed. When
he realized she was awake, he sat on the edge.
"Hi Ron," she croaked, her mouth dry.
"I'll get you some water. We've got some pumpkin juice if you'd like that."
"Just water."
Lavender heard Ron offer water. She got a glass and filled it from the pitcher.
She brought it over and handed it to Ron. Lavender sat on the other side of the
bed and pulled the blanket down a bit. She helped Hermione to sit up and plumped
the pillow behind her. Ron handed Hermione the glass. She drank half of it and
gave it back to him.
"How do you feel?" asked Harry, who was standing by Ron.
"Really really tired," Hermione groaned. "My head hurts."
"Madame Pomfrey said you should drink a lot of water and try to eat. She left Dr
eamless Sleep for you," said Harry.
"What time is it?" Hermione asked.
"About 3:00," said Ron. "We've got a ham sandwich for you or some brownie if you
want it."
"I don't want anything. I need to go to the bathroom."
Lavender stood. "C'mon Hermione. I'll go with you."
Hermione pushed the blankets aside. She was wearing a long flannel nightgown wit
h long sleeves. She put her feet on the floor and stood, weaving. Lavender put o
ut her hand to steady her. The two girls walked to doorway and down the hall to
the girl's bathroom.
Harry stood. "I think we need to get some crackers for her or something that she
can eat before she takes the Dreamless Sleep. Otherwise it's liable to make her
sick."
"Madame Pomfrey said we could floo her if we needed something. If Madame Pomfrey
tells the house elves, they'll bring them here," said Ron. "I'll go floo her."
Ron left the room to go to the common room fireplace.
Harry looked around the room. He took the chair from Hermione's desk and went to
work on it. In a few minutes, it was transfigured into a comfortable overstuffe
d chair.
Parvati nodded her approval. "That should be good for whoever is sitting with he
r. Why don't we do a schedule for the rest of the day and tonight? The four of u
s could take turns. That way each of us would get some sleep."
"Good idea, Parvati," said Lavender. Harry nodded.
"You don't think she'll try to go to classes tomorrow?" asked Parvati.
"No. She's going to have to see the lawyer with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. I wouldn't
think she'll do anything until after the funeral," said Harry.
Ron returned with a bowl of crackers. "Madame Pomfrey already sent them up."
Hermione and Lavender returned. Hermione climbed back into the bed. She pulled C
rookshanks up onto her lap and cuddled her cat. Ron picked up the glass of water
and held it out to her. Hermione took it and drank. Harry took a cracker and ha
nded it to Hermione who obediently ate it.
"How is Mary Ellen?"
"I asked while I was in the common room," said Ron. "She's sound asleep. Sarah a
nd Jeremy are taking turns sitting with her."
Hermione ate another cracker. "Okay guys. I'll take the Dreamless Sleep, now. To
morrow's going to be horrible, so I'd rather sleep even if it's the middle of th
e afternoon."
Ron took the cap off the vial and handed it to her. Hermione drank the contents
and followed it with the rest of the water. She scooted back under the blankets
and Harry tucked them in around her.
Her eyes watered and her voice sounded teary. "Thank you all for being here. It
helps. It really does."
"We'll be here Hermione. You just go to sleep," said Harry.
Hermione closed her eyes.
It's all my fault.