Ars Virgarum - Chapter 8.
Title : Ars Virgarum - De Insignito et Exposito
Authors : xnuinx & draco_crescendo
Pairing : Overall gen - implied pairings may occur.
Rating : Overall R/NC-17
Warnings : War-fic, dark stuff, angst.
Wordcount : this chapter : 5850 - total wordcount : 35.814
Disclaimer : All HP characters and names are copyright of JK Rowling. We use them for our own pleasure, we do not make money out of this.
Feedback : Oh yes, hit us harder!
Beta : essayel & flosspyromaniac.
Summary : After Dumbledore's death, loose ends are left untied. The war is lurking from behind the corner, ready to strike. While the Trio begins their search for the Horcruxes, they encounter a number of obstacles that must be overcome. Will they succeed or will all of their efforts fail in the end?
Author notes : Ars Virgarum = Art of the Wands; De Insignito et Exposito = About Marked and Exposed.
Chapter 8 - De Insignito et Exposito
Pansy shivered as she stood in front of the door to the Potions Mistress’ office. She had a bad feeling about this, but Tom had promised to stay by her side… well, it wasn’t as if he could be anywhere else. But he wouldn’t just leave her alone. She raised a hand and knocked once, waiting for the professor to answer.
“Calm down, Pansy.” Tom whispered. “No harm will come to you.”
“I hope you’re right.” She muttered, still feeling nervous about this meeting. Pansy looked over her shoulder to see if anyone might have followed her. The hallway was empty, but that didn’t mean someone couldn’t be hiding somewhere, watching her. She shuddered at the thought of Draco sneaking after her. When the door opened she dismissed the thought at once, and focused on the person behind the door.
Caitlyn O’Hare opened the door, giving a small smile to the girl standing in front of her. “You came. Perfect.” She stepped outside and closed the door behind her. “We should be leaving now. We don’t want to be late.”
She started to walk down the dungeon hall, glancing over her shoulder to make sure Pansy was following her. Pansy blinked in surprise as her teacher walked past her. Seeing Professor O’Hare glancing back at her, urging her to follow. She broke into a run and caught up with the other woman.
“What do you mean? Late for what?” Pansy asked.
“We have a meeting, Pansy.” Caitlyn simply explained. “He is looking forward to meeting you.”
“He?” Pansy whispered as Tom laughed softly in her mind. “Who is he?”
“You shouldn’t ask so many questions, Pansy. But believe me when I say that no harm will come to you.” She reassured the girl.
‘Yes, that was very reassuring.’ Pansy thought with a grumble, but continued to follow her teacher.
“I promise you, Pansy. No harm will come to you. I am here. I would never allow anyone to hurt you.” Tom said, his voice sounding nearly sibilant.
“Yes, Tom.” She muttered.
O’Hare glanced aside with a slight frown. “Did you say anything, Pansy?”
Pansy jerked her head up, staring at her teacher. “No, nothing, Professor.” She shook her head. “Professor? Where are we going exactly?”
Caitlyn pulled the gates open, stepping out into the cool nocturnal air. She continued her way across the Hogwarts grounds, going into the direction of the Apparating Point. “Riddle Manor.”
Soft laughter echoed in her ears and Pansy frowned. “Riddle Manor?” She had no idea where that was, while Tom’s laughter only grew in volume.
“Yes. Riddle Manor.” The Potions Professor repeated, growing a bit agitated. Soon, they reached the Apparating Point and she turned to Pansy, holding out her hand.
Pansy stared at the hand for a few moments, then hesitantly grasped it, letting the professor pull her closer. O’Hare gave her a reassuring nod, before Apparating the both of them just outside the wards surrounding Riddle Manor. She kept Pansy’s hand firmly in hers, pulling her through the wards and inside of the manor, before letting go.
Staring at the manor in front of them, Pansy felt a icy shiver racing down her spine. What was happening? Why were they here? She suddenly wanted to go back to Hogwarts more than anything, but she couldn’t.. Professor O’Hare would surely not allow her to get away now, the other witch was much more experienced than her and could easily force her to keep walking. Helpless to do anything but follow her teacher, Pansy swallowed nervously.
Caitlyn led the way through a long hallways, illuminated with a few torches on each side, the flickering flames casting dark shadows on the walls. At the end of the hallway, she pushed the door open, entering the room with Pansy close behind her. Once inside the room, she kneeled and bowed her head. “My Lord.” She spoke in a soft greeting.
Pansy gasped and stared at the figure in front of her. Her eyes were wide as she looked into sinister red eyes. She couldn’t move. This was the Dark Lord. What was she doing here in his presence?
“Pansy, kneel, girl.” Tom said harshly. “Kneel before your Lord.”
She could feel her legs bending as she knelt to the floor, her eyes downcast and her body shivering in fear.
“Good girl.” Tom praised gleefully.
Voldemort smirked, his eyes wandering to the bracelet clasped around Pansy’s wrist, the eagle’s eyes gleaming fiercely. He could feel the connection with the part of his soul that had been stored in the bracelet. He was pleased and cast a glance around the room.
“Dear friends, gather around. Tonight, we will welcome Pansy Parkinson into our circle.” He announced.
Several Death Eaters, dressed in black cloaks and white masks, took a few steps closer, creating a half circle around Pansy. Caitlyn stood up, put on her mask and joined them without a word. Severus followed the other Death Eaters to form the half-circle around the girl still kneeling on the floor. Stupid, stupid girl. What was she doing here? She couldn’t have come here of her own free will, could she? Not after she had seen what it did to her precious Draco. He sighed, another child sacrificed to the darkness.
Suddenly something caught his attention, and he glanced at Parkinson’s wrist. A silver bracelet. The metal glinted in the dim light from the torches placed in the room. Severus didn’t know why exactly he was drawn to this little trinket, but whatever it was he knew it didn’t bode well. He drew his wand and raised it up in front of his chest, holding it firmly in his hand.
Bellatrix snickered as she watched the silly, little girl that was about to be initiated. The girl certainly wasn’t worthy to be in the Dark Lord’s graces. But her Lord knew best, and if he wanted the girl initiated, it would be done. She always did like to observe the initiations, the screaming was… exquisite, like music to her ears. She grinned behind her mask and raised her wand just like her fellow Death Eaters, holding it in front of her chest.
Pansy shivered. She didn’t want this! She wanted to be at Hogwarts where she was safe, but that wasn’t really true, was it? She had been taken from the school by a trusted professor. And now she was to be initiated into the ranks of the Dark Lord. Well, her father would be proud, of that she was sure. Shuddering, she saw the Death Eater circle around her out of the corner of her eyes.
“Pansy, calm down. You have nothing to fear.” Tom said with a laugh. “Didn’t I tell you I would take care of you?”
She nodded slowly as if in a trance, her fingers tangling in the bottom hem of her shirt.
“Just follow Lord Voldemort’s every command, and I assure you everything will be fine.”
“Stand up, Parkinson.” Voldemort demanded, accio-ing one of the silver daggers that had been on the table behind him.
Pansy quickly rose to stand up, her eyes still downcast. Voldemort held out the dagger for her to take. Slowly looking up to stare at the dagger, Pansy frowned. What was she supposed to do with that?
“Take the dagger, Pansy.” Tom ordered.
Pansy hesitantly reached out to take the dagger and gazed at it with a somewhat detached expression.
“Good girl.”
“You will make a blood oath, Pansy.” Voldemort coldly said. “The blood oath that will bind you to me as one of my loyal Death Eaters.”
She shivered. A blood oath? She would be tied for life to this… creature. Pansy could feel tears threatening to start falling.
“Don’t cry, girl. It won’t be of any use to you. Just do as he says. He knows best.” Even if she could only hear his voice, Pansy knew Tom was smirking.
When she didn’t move, she heard a derisive snort in the back of her mind, and suddenly her lips began to move on their own accord. The words weren’t hers, but she could hear Tom whispering them. Her hand, which held the dagger, was lifted by an unseen force and made a cut across her palm. She winced as the blood began trickling down the side of her hand. "By the light of day, by the darkness of night, I swear my loyalty is pure. No betrayal, no lie will cross my lips, the one I truly follow is thee."
Voldemort touched the cut on her hand, bringing his own hand up to smear some of her blood across her own forehead into what seemed to be three ancient runes. “Marked are thou by thine blood. Thine flow is pure, the way it always will remain. Your loyalty is mine, my wish is your command. Blood bound thou shall be until the end.” He calmly spoke, watching the runes on her forehead glow for a moment before the blood started to dry up. He took a hold of her left forearm and pressed the tip of his wand against the pale flesh, muttering a long and complicated spell, etching the Dark Mark deep into her skin.
Pansy whimpered as the pain laced through her arm. She watched the mark appear, the snake slithering out of the mouth of the skull before it moved around to place its head above the skull. Then the mark glowed green for a few seconds. The pain was nearly unbearable, and Pansy screamed, her eyes clenched tightly. Tasting blood, she figured she must have bitten through her lower lip. Suddenly the pain stopped, the snake had stopped moving and the mark was now completely still. She gasped for breath. Black spots were dancing in front of her eyes growing larger, Pansy felt dizzy. She lost her balance and slumped to the floor in a dead faint.
Voldemort looked down on her for a moment, before looking around the cloaked members of his Inner Circle. “Carrow,” He coolly spoke. “Take her back to Hogwarts. Whenever she wakes up, tell her she must remain at school during the holidays and keep her eyes and ears open for anything those bloody Aurors might be whispering amongst themselves.” He paused, looking at the others. “You may take your leave. I will call for you again soon.”
Severus watched as Carrow levitated the passed out girl and left the room, taking both of them back to Hogwarts. He sighed, another child in the ranks. Another innocent child forced into this war. Ignoring the other Death Eaters’ offers to go out for a round of pints at one of the local pubs, he left the manor and Apparated home. He entered the living room, threw his robes over the back of one of the chairs by the fireplace and went over to the bookshelves. Severus picked up a small bottle from one of the shelves, then he poured himself a generous glass of scotch. Sitting down in the nearest chair, he pulled out his wand and lit the up the fireplace. He gulped down half of the glass in one go, and simply stared into the flames.
...
...
Harry was tossing and turning in his bed. He was fast asleep, but his face was scrunched up as he kept rubbing at his prickling scar.
Cloaked Death Eaters were standing in a circle, entranced by the ritual before them, even if they had all been through it before. Blood was drawn from a palm with a silver dagger, of which the blade gleamed in the light of the flickering torches. There was a flash of silver on the wrist of the hand that was handling the dagger. Voices were whispering. Voldemort replied in a hushed tone, the words sounding blurry. Blood was being smeared onto pale skin, before the tip of Voldemort’s wand burnt a slitherin Dark Mark onto a fragile-looking forearm. There was a scream, before eyes rolled in the back of a head, while the familiar figure of Pansy Parkinson slumped onto the floor, unconscious.
Harry woke up with a hoarse shout, sweat trickling down his temples in spite of the chilly room. He rubbed frantically at his scar. He was wide awake now. His heartbeat rang in his ears and he tried to catch his breath.
“Parkinson.” He whispered into the darkness.
...
...
The following morning, Harry sat at the kitchen table, having breakfast while scribbling two owls to both Ron and Hermione. He popped another piece of buttered toast into his mouth, re-reading the short note while wiping the breadcrumbs off the parchment. It was a simple note, only stating that Pansy Parkinson had been marked last night. That was all he could tell them for now, since that was all he knew. He wished he could let them know about what she was up to, too. He heaved a sigh and took a sip of his tea.
Suddenly, something tapped against the window. He looked up and noticed an owl sitting in front of the glass, cocking its head at Harry. He rose from his chair and opened the window. The owl flew in an perched itself on the back of Harry’s chair, holding out its leg. Harry took the scroll off and fed the owl a treat, before starting to read.
“Harry,
We just found out that Parkinson will be staying at Hogwarts during the Christmas holidays. She just asked McGonagall if she could, stating she didn’t want to return home for reasons she didn’t like to discuss. We’ll continue to keep a close eye on her. If anything new comes up, we’ll be in touch.
~Tonks & Professor Lupin. Stop it, Remus, it’s just Harry. Remus.”
‘Speaking of the devil.’ He thought with a small smile, scanning the rest of the parchment. Harry grinned at the last line of the letter, before reaching for his own written owls again. He would have to include this information, too. It was exactly what he had been wanting to know himself, before sharing it with Ron and Hermione. He let the owl out again, only to whistle for Hedwig to come in, so he could send off the letters to Ron and Hermione. They really should discuss these matters soon, and not through owls alone...
...
...
Draco stared out the window, looking out on the small village of Hogsmeade. He heaved a sigh. He was worried. He hadn’t been to Hogwarts in over a week, he didn’t see the point in going anymore. Pansy was wearing the bracelet he was supposed to bring to the Dark Lord, but he hadn’t been able to persuade her to give it up voluntarily. He hadn’t even managed to get it off her in a struggle. Something was definitely wrong. Over the past few weeks, Pansy had started to act different. Did it have something to do with the bracelet or was it just stress acting up?
He ran a hand through his hair, tugging lightly at the back of it as he closed his eyes for a moment. He couldn’t help but admit that he was worried about her and her strange behaviour. For years they had been the closest of friends, maybe even more than that, and now... Draco knew Pansy had been upset with him not having owled her back, but she was over that now. There was something else that had mucked everything up. But he just couldn’t seem to put his finger on it.
Draco couldn’t decide whether to go back to Hogwarts to give it another shot, or just tell the Dark Lord that Pansy had taken the bracelet, but that she refused to give it to him. The latter would surely earn him a few more Torture Curses. He had nowhere to turn for help. Not that he would have needed help in finding the bracelet, but simple support would have been nice. ‘Maybe I should go talk to Snape.’ He thought to himself with a sigh. He didn’t like to rely on people, but did he really have a choice? Maybe Snape could give him some advice.
He turned away from the window and walked over to the fireplace. He took a handful of Floo powder out of the pot standing next to it, stepping into the flames, dropping the powder and Floo-ing off in a flash of green flames.
Severus was sitting in front of the fireplace reading through an old novel his mother had left behind. He had been systematically going through every bookshelf in the living room of his mother’s house, trying to find something he hadn’t read before. It had taken a while, but eventually he had scrounged up one of her old novels. He flipped the pages idly as he moved through the story. It was sappy, but it was enough to pass the time.
Occasionally his thoughts would return to the night of Parkinson’s marking, and he would shake his head. Children had nothing at all to do in a war. He wondered how the Malfoy boy would react to the knowledge of Parkinson being marked. Suddenly the fireplace flared to life in a burst of green flames and Severus reached for his wand. He watched the flames, waiting for whoever was on the other side to come through. When a foot appeared he had the first curse on the tip of his tongue, ready to be lashed out at the intruder, only to lower his wand as Draco Malfoy stepped out of the fireplace.
Draco coughed slightly as he brushed the soot off his robes. ‘Bloody dirty fireplaces.’ He inwardly cursed, before looking up at Snape. “Professor.” He quietly greeted him with a nod.
Severus narrowed his eyes at the younger man, then nodded in greeting. “Draco,” he put his wand away, and placed the novel on the small table beside the chair he had been occupying. “What are you doing here?”
He shrugged lightly, plucking at the sleeve of his winter robe, staring at it. “There seems to be a complication concerning my assignment.” He softly said. “I’m at loss for what to do.”
“A complication?” Severus let himself sink back into the chair, still keeping an eye on Draco. “And what would that be?”
“I found the bracelet, but...” Draco hesitated.
Arching an eyebrow, Severus motioned for him to continue as he asked. “You found it?” So soon already, perhaps the boy would succeed this mission after all. But then why was he hesitant?
“Y-yes, I did.” Draco stuttered, “But Pansy is wearing it. And she’s refusing to take it off...”
Severus stared at Draco. “Parkinson? Parkinson is wearing the bracelet? Why haven’t you just forced it off her?” Had it been the silver bracelet she had worn on the night of her initiation? It was quite possible, perhaps that was why she had been initiated in the first place. The Dark Lord would have greater control over her if she was wearing his mark. He absentmindedly let the tips of his fingers ghost over his own mark.
“I tried, Professor.” Draco sighed. “But she literally shoved me out of the way. She’s been acting weird lately, too. I-I don’t know what to do. She won’t even allow me near her.”
“She won’t let you near? Perhaps with good reason… When did you find out she had the bracelet?” Severus asked. If it had only been recently, it could have coincided with Parkinson being branded. It was not wise to allow anyone to see one’s Dark Mark, even if the other person had one as well. One could never know who was observing them.
“About a month ago.” Draco quietly admitted. “I had thought up all kinds of ways to get her to give it to me, but none of them worked. Professor, Pansy is not acting normal. She’s being all weird, even around me. I’m worried about her.”
“A month…” Severus muttered. Then it couldn’t be the Dark Mark or the initiation, but then what? Parkinson was acting strange, out of the ordinary, ever since she had found the bracelet he assessed. Which would mean that the bracelet could be influencing her… it might be sentient, he thought. And that was one of the most dangerous forms of magic one could encounter.
Sighing as he rubbed his temples, Severus looked at the boy. He should tell him about the girl’s initiation. “Draco, I fear that you might not be able to get through to her anymore.”
“What do you mean?” Draco frowned. “There must be something I can do to get her to talk to me again. Why shouldn’t I be able to? She is my friend...”
“Draco, the bracelet… I believe it might have a mind of its own, and is in control of your friend’s every move and thought.” Severus said solemnly, keeping eye contact with Draco. “And she was marked a few days ago. She is now also under the Dark Lord’s influence.”
“A mind of its own?” He asked, but immediately grew quiet when Snape was done speaking. ‘Marked? Pansy?’ He thought to himself, starting to worry even more. “But why would she avoid me then? I was marked, too, but...” He fell quiet. What was he actually trying to say? He didn’t even know anymore. He shook his head slowly. “Isn’t there anything I can do?”
“Perhaps, she is scared of your reaction or it could be that the bracelet’s influence on her is too great for her to break. I doubt she has a will of her own anymore.” Severus explained as he got up and paced in front of the fireplace. “I’m not sure there is much you can do, other than continue to talk to her in the hopes that she might listen eventually.”
“I can’t keep running after her.” Draco coolly replied. “It’s no use, apparently, since she keeps running off.” He rubbed at his eyes, sighing deeply. “I never wanted my best friend to get marked. I never intended for her to get involved in the first place.” He whispered. “I don’t know what to do. I don’t even know if I still want this.”
Severus studied the boy for a moment, and his eyes narrowed. “Then perhaps it is time for you to make a choice, Draco.” He said slowly, giving Draco time to let the words sink in.
He frowned again, looking up at Snape. “What the bloody hell is that supposed to mean?” He was utterly confused. What was Snape getting at? There was barely time to make decisions, so why should he start making them now?
Severus opted not to answer at once, but instead he gave Draco a fraction of information more, which perhaps would make the choice easier for him. “The night Parkinson was marked, I sent your mother abroad. It was safer for her, should you fail your mission. As I am quite sure the Dark Lord already knows that the girl has the bracelet, maybe he would consider your mission failed.”
“But I haven’t failed!” He stomped his foot, a scowl on his face. “I may not have the bracelet, but Pansy does, and she’s marked, too. So what is the bloody difference?” He was glad Snape had sent his mother off, however, with the Dark Lord, you never know what will happen. It was best not to take too many risks.
“I know you haven’t, yet.” Severus said calmly. “But the Dark Lord might. He wanted you to bring the bracelet to him, not anyone else. Now, you said you weren’t sure you wanted this anymore. What were you referring to?” He prodded.
“I don’t know!” Draco bit out, starting to pace and running a hand through his hair. “This entire mess with Pansy. The sneaking around, the constant moving, always looking over my shoulder. I am so bloody tired of it.”
“Indeed, it gets tiresome.” Severus muttered.
It seemed Draco regretted following in his father’s footsteps. Would it mean the boy was willing to join the side of Light? Perhaps not at the very moment, but in the future. Draco deserved to be given that chance, and Severus made his choice. It would forfeit his own life if the boy decided to report him to the Dark Lord. But on the other hand, Severus would have given the last Malfoy a chance to make his mind up about what he wanted, a life in freedom.
“It’s not like I have a choice.” Draco continued with a shrug. “I got myself into this mess and I’ll get myself out of it again, too. No matter how.”
“Will you now? And how do you plan on doing so?” Severus sat down in the chair again, placing his elbows on the armrests and gathered his hands in front of him linking the tips of his fingers to each other. “If you are sincere about wanting to leave, to get out this mess… then perhaps I can help you.”
“I don’t know how to go about it yet.” Draco admitted. “But I’ll figure something out, I suppose.” He looked at Snape for a few moments and when he spoke again, his voice dropped to a whisper. “Just how would you be able to help me?”
Severus sighed. It was time. “I could get in contact with certain people who would be able to help you. They are called the Order of the Phoenix. Albus Dumbledore was the one to found the group to oppose the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters long before you were born.” He studied the boy’s face, waiting for any signs of what Draco might be feeling or thinking, then went on. “I will give you the choice. You can leave the ranks of Deaths Eaters if you want, but of course if you choose to stay with them, I will Obliviate any knowledge of this conversation from your mind.”
Draco stared at them, unblinking. “W-what? But... Why? How?” He stuttered. So many thoughts were flashing through his mind at this moment. He wasn’t even able to come up with a decent coherent answer. All that came up, were more questions which required answers.
“Why? Because I was once given the same chance, albeit I had to ask for it myself, no one had offered until then. And how? Because I am part of the Order, or at least I was until I murdered its leader. I doubt any of them would trust me now.” ‘If they ever had.’ He thought. “But they might give you the benefit of doubt.” Severus kept a steely expression on his face, though his black eyes were glittering with expectation.
“You’re a spy? During all these years, you were a spy?” Draco’s eyes widened in shock.
He nodded slowly. “Yes.” Severus leaned back against the chair, wondering how he should proceed. “I realized my choices had not been the best. Dumbledore gave me another chance, a choice, just as I am giving you the choice you deserve.”
“Then why did you kill him? I don’t understand... Why did you kill the man who gave you a second chance?”
Severus stared at Draco, and with a grimace he said. “Because in that situation, there was no choice for me. You know I made the Unbreakable vow with you mother, promising to protect you from harm and to watch over you. There was one final clause to the vow, which you weren’t told about. If you were not able to fulfil your mission, I would do it for you.”
“So because I was weak, you were forced to kill Dumbledore...” Draco muttered, looking away. “I couldn’t kill him. And I’m not sure that I could if I had to do it all over again.” He shook his head.
“But it gave you the opportunity you need now. If you had indeed killed him, you might have fulfilled your mission but you would also have sealed your fate.” Severus reasoned. “A murder will always hang over you as a dark cloud and force others to distrust you because of it.” He reached for his wand ready to cast the memory spell if needed. “You have the choice now, Draco. What do you want? Continue in the service of the Dark Lord or remove yourself from his influence.”
He heaved a sigh and ran both of his hands through his hair. What should he do? Stay on the old path and choose the easy way out? Or do the right thing and make it harder on himself? Draco knew he couldn’t do anything for his father, who was still in Azkaban. His mother had left the country and for himself, the only thing he could do was make the right choice. He took a deep breath. “I want out.” He firmly said.
“Are you absolutely sure?” Severus asked, leaning forward in his seat, staring intently into Draco’s eyes. “There will be no going back after this. You are aware of that?”
“Yes, I am.” Draco stared back, trying not to flinch. “I’m sure.”
He nodded and rose from the chair. Severus looked at the dancing flames in the fireplace. “Very well, I will see what I can do then. In the meantime, you will continue on as you have previously. Act as you would normally.”
“I will.” Draco nodded, then hesitated for a moment. “Thank you, Professor. Not just for this, but also for looking out for my mum...”
He turned around and stepped into the fireplace, before disappearing in the flames with a whooshing sound.
Severus watched the fireplace for a few minutes before he doused the flames, making sure no one could enter without his knowledge and acceptance. Instead, he lit a string of candles placed along the mantle to light up the room. He slumped down into the chair and rested one elbows on the arm rest, he let his forehead rest in the palm. Sighing, Severus rubbed at his temple. He might have managed to convince Draco to switch sides, but now the question was how he would get the Order to trust him enough to allow Draco in. The boy needed the protection only the Order could provide.
He would have to contact McGonagall somehow and plead Draco’s case to her. Severus would need to figure something out, the sooner the better.
The next day, he was once again sitting in the living room. The fireplace was cold as he hadn’t lit it up, not wanting to be interrupted. He had yet to come up with any plan on how he should make contact with McGonagall. Sipping from the cup of lukewarm tea, Severus wondered how he was supposed to do this. If he simply turned up at her doorstep, he would be arrested and thrown into Azkaban without a moment’s notice. That was if he wasn’t met by the Avada Kedavra first.
“Lighten up, my boy.” A cheerful male voice interrupted his thoughts.
Severus jumped up from his seat, the teacup fell to the floor and broke into pieces, the last few drops of the tea dripping onto the carpet. In a flash, he had his wand in his hand and poised for a strike against the intruder. How had anyone been able to pass through his wards without his knowledge? He looked around, but couldn’t see anyone. Surely, if the person had revealed himself by speaking to him, he would not be hiding under either an invisibility robe or a Disillusionment charm.
“Over here by the window, dear boy.” The voice called again, and Severus turned his head slowly to look where he was told. His eyes widened, between two of the windows where there had previously been a bare wall was now a portrait of Albus Dumbledore. The old man in the portrait smiled benevolently. “Hello, Severus.”
“Albus?” Severus whispered.
“It is good to see you as well, my boy. It has been quite a while, hasn’t it?”
“What are you doing here?” He asked incredulously.
Dumbledore smiled again, his blue eyes twinkling brightly. ”I’ve merely come to visit you. It must be quite lonely in this old house.”
“It suits its purpose; to house me, give me shelter. That is all I need.” Severus muttered and cast a scathing glare at the portrait, daring the old man in it to disagree.
“It would be warmer at Hogwarts this time of the year, dear boy.” Dumbledore offered with a slight prodding in his tone of voice.
Severus rolled his eyes. "And you know just as well as I that I cannot return.”
“I will talk with Minerva, Severus.” Dumbledore said determinedly. ”She will be reasonable.”
“Albus, will you just shut up? I have enough to think about right now, not some flighty fantasy of being welcomed back with open arms.” Severus started to pace in front of the portrait, muttering under his breath about meddling old fools.
“Yes, young Draco Malfoy.” Dumbledore nodded, a small smile on his lips. ”Cheer up, Severus. It will all work out in the end.”
He snorted in disbelief. ‘Light-hearted old man.’ He thought. They were in the middle of a war and the former Headmaster was as always looking on the bright side. Severus, however, was not sure there even was a bright side to this situation. He was still caught between the Dark Lord and his own wish to be free of the chains that weighed him down; his guilt, his conscience, his wish for peace…
Severus sighed. He was certain he would end up doing Dumbledore’s bidding eventually, it was just a matter of time. Even if the man was just embodied in a portrait, the former Headmaster had a way of making people do as he wished. Already, Severus knew that Dumbledore was gently pushing him in the direction he had planned out, without Severus’ consent. Soon, Severus Snape would be standing face to face with his old allies, the Order of the Phoenix, he was sure of it. Dumbledore would not rest, or stop pestering him, until he agreed with the Headmaster’s proposal.
“Severus, sit down… if I had any sherbet lemons, I would offer you one.” Dumbledore instructed gently. “As I said, “Everything will work out. I have faith in you and the others.”
Sitting down in the chair, Severus rubbed his temples feeling a headache pressing against the inner sides of his skull. He didn’t want a sherbet lemon. He wanted peace and quiet. He wanted the war to be over.
He ignored further attempts made by the portrait of Albus Dumbledore to engage him in a conversation. After a while the voice of the former Headmaster lessened in volume until the room was completely silent. Severus lifted his head and looked over the back of his chair to find the frame, where Dumbledore had been earlier, empty. He breathed in relief and turned around, mulling over his options once more.
Tbc.
Comments would be lovely. ♥
Authors : xnuinx & draco_crescendo
Pairing : Overall gen - implied pairings may occur.
Rating : Overall R/NC-17
Warnings : War-fic, dark stuff, angst.
Wordcount : this chapter : 5850 - total wordcount : 35.814
Disclaimer : All HP characters and names are copyright of JK Rowling. We use them for our own pleasure, we do not make money out of this.
Feedback : Oh yes, hit us harder!
Beta : essayel & flosspyromaniac.
Summary : After Dumbledore's death, loose ends are left untied. The war is lurking from behind the corner, ready to strike. While the Trio begins their search for the Horcruxes, they encounter a number of obstacles that must be overcome. Will they succeed or will all of their efforts fail in the end?
Author notes : Ars Virgarum = Art of the Wands; De Insignito et Exposito = About Marked and Exposed.
Chapter 8 - De Insignito et Exposito
Pansy shivered as she stood in front of the door to the Potions Mistress’ office. She had a bad feeling about this, but Tom had promised to stay by her side… well, it wasn’t as if he could be anywhere else. But he wouldn’t just leave her alone. She raised a hand and knocked once, waiting for the professor to answer.
“Calm down, Pansy.” Tom whispered. “No harm will come to you.”
“I hope you’re right.” She muttered, still feeling nervous about this meeting. Pansy looked over her shoulder to see if anyone might have followed her. The hallway was empty, but that didn’t mean someone couldn’t be hiding somewhere, watching her. She shuddered at the thought of Draco sneaking after her. When the door opened she dismissed the thought at once, and focused on the person behind the door.
Caitlyn O’Hare opened the door, giving a small smile to the girl standing in front of her. “You came. Perfect.” She stepped outside and closed the door behind her. “We should be leaving now. We don’t want to be late.”
She started to walk down the dungeon hall, glancing over her shoulder to make sure Pansy was following her. Pansy blinked in surprise as her teacher walked past her. Seeing Professor O’Hare glancing back at her, urging her to follow. She broke into a run and caught up with the other woman.
“What do you mean? Late for what?” Pansy asked.
“We have a meeting, Pansy.” Caitlyn simply explained. “He is looking forward to meeting you.”
“He?” Pansy whispered as Tom laughed softly in her mind. “Who is he?”
“You shouldn’t ask so many questions, Pansy. But believe me when I say that no harm will come to you.” She reassured the girl.
‘Yes, that was very reassuring.’ Pansy thought with a grumble, but continued to follow her teacher.
“I promise you, Pansy. No harm will come to you. I am here. I would never allow anyone to hurt you.” Tom said, his voice sounding nearly sibilant.
“Yes, Tom.” She muttered.
O’Hare glanced aside with a slight frown. “Did you say anything, Pansy?”
Pansy jerked her head up, staring at her teacher. “No, nothing, Professor.” She shook her head. “Professor? Where are we going exactly?”
Caitlyn pulled the gates open, stepping out into the cool nocturnal air. She continued her way across the Hogwarts grounds, going into the direction of the Apparating Point. “Riddle Manor.”
Soft laughter echoed in her ears and Pansy frowned. “Riddle Manor?” She had no idea where that was, while Tom’s laughter only grew in volume.
“Yes. Riddle Manor.” The Potions Professor repeated, growing a bit agitated. Soon, they reached the Apparating Point and she turned to Pansy, holding out her hand.
Pansy stared at the hand for a few moments, then hesitantly grasped it, letting the professor pull her closer. O’Hare gave her a reassuring nod, before Apparating the both of them just outside the wards surrounding Riddle Manor. She kept Pansy’s hand firmly in hers, pulling her through the wards and inside of the manor, before letting go.
Staring at the manor in front of them, Pansy felt a icy shiver racing down her spine. What was happening? Why were they here? She suddenly wanted to go back to Hogwarts more than anything, but she couldn’t.. Professor O’Hare would surely not allow her to get away now, the other witch was much more experienced than her and could easily force her to keep walking. Helpless to do anything but follow her teacher, Pansy swallowed nervously.
Caitlyn led the way through a long hallways, illuminated with a few torches on each side, the flickering flames casting dark shadows on the walls. At the end of the hallway, she pushed the door open, entering the room with Pansy close behind her. Once inside the room, she kneeled and bowed her head. “My Lord.” She spoke in a soft greeting.
Pansy gasped and stared at the figure in front of her. Her eyes were wide as she looked into sinister red eyes. She couldn’t move. This was the Dark Lord. What was she doing here in his presence?
“Pansy, kneel, girl.” Tom said harshly. “Kneel before your Lord.”
She could feel her legs bending as she knelt to the floor, her eyes downcast and her body shivering in fear.
“Good girl.” Tom praised gleefully.
Voldemort smirked, his eyes wandering to the bracelet clasped around Pansy’s wrist, the eagle’s eyes gleaming fiercely. He could feel the connection with the part of his soul that had been stored in the bracelet. He was pleased and cast a glance around the room.
“Dear friends, gather around. Tonight, we will welcome Pansy Parkinson into our circle.” He announced.
Several Death Eaters, dressed in black cloaks and white masks, took a few steps closer, creating a half circle around Pansy. Caitlyn stood up, put on her mask and joined them without a word. Severus followed the other Death Eaters to form the half-circle around the girl still kneeling on the floor. Stupid, stupid girl. What was she doing here? She couldn’t have come here of her own free will, could she? Not after she had seen what it did to her precious Draco. He sighed, another child sacrificed to the darkness.
Suddenly something caught his attention, and he glanced at Parkinson’s wrist. A silver bracelet. The metal glinted in the dim light from the torches placed in the room. Severus didn’t know why exactly he was drawn to this little trinket, but whatever it was he knew it didn’t bode well. He drew his wand and raised it up in front of his chest, holding it firmly in his hand.
Bellatrix snickered as she watched the silly, little girl that was about to be initiated. The girl certainly wasn’t worthy to be in the Dark Lord’s graces. But her Lord knew best, and if he wanted the girl initiated, it would be done. She always did like to observe the initiations, the screaming was… exquisite, like music to her ears. She grinned behind her mask and raised her wand just like her fellow Death Eaters, holding it in front of her chest.
Pansy shivered. She didn’t want this! She wanted to be at Hogwarts where she was safe, but that wasn’t really true, was it? She had been taken from the school by a trusted professor. And now she was to be initiated into the ranks of the Dark Lord. Well, her father would be proud, of that she was sure. Shuddering, she saw the Death Eater circle around her out of the corner of her eyes.
“Pansy, calm down. You have nothing to fear.” Tom said with a laugh. “Didn’t I tell you I would take care of you?”
She nodded slowly as if in a trance, her fingers tangling in the bottom hem of her shirt.
“Just follow Lord Voldemort’s every command, and I assure you everything will be fine.”
“Stand up, Parkinson.” Voldemort demanded, accio-ing one of the silver daggers that had been on the table behind him.
Pansy quickly rose to stand up, her eyes still downcast. Voldemort held out the dagger for her to take. Slowly looking up to stare at the dagger, Pansy frowned. What was she supposed to do with that?
“Take the dagger, Pansy.” Tom ordered.
Pansy hesitantly reached out to take the dagger and gazed at it with a somewhat detached expression.
“Good girl.”
“You will make a blood oath, Pansy.” Voldemort coldly said. “The blood oath that will bind you to me as one of my loyal Death Eaters.”
She shivered. A blood oath? She would be tied for life to this… creature. Pansy could feel tears threatening to start falling.
“Don’t cry, girl. It won’t be of any use to you. Just do as he says. He knows best.” Even if she could only hear his voice, Pansy knew Tom was smirking.
When she didn’t move, she heard a derisive snort in the back of her mind, and suddenly her lips began to move on their own accord. The words weren’t hers, but she could hear Tom whispering them. Her hand, which held the dagger, was lifted by an unseen force and made a cut across her palm. She winced as the blood began trickling down the side of her hand. "By the light of day, by the darkness of night, I swear my loyalty is pure. No betrayal, no lie will cross my lips, the one I truly follow is thee."
Voldemort touched the cut on her hand, bringing his own hand up to smear some of her blood across her own forehead into what seemed to be three ancient runes. “Marked are thou by thine blood. Thine flow is pure, the way it always will remain. Your loyalty is mine, my wish is your command. Blood bound thou shall be until the end.” He calmly spoke, watching the runes on her forehead glow for a moment before the blood started to dry up. He took a hold of her left forearm and pressed the tip of his wand against the pale flesh, muttering a long and complicated spell, etching the Dark Mark deep into her skin.
Pansy whimpered as the pain laced through her arm. She watched the mark appear, the snake slithering out of the mouth of the skull before it moved around to place its head above the skull. Then the mark glowed green for a few seconds. The pain was nearly unbearable, and Pansy screamed, her eyes clenched tightly. Tasting blood, she figured she must have bitten through her lower lip. Suddenly the pain stopped, the snake had stopped moving and the mark was now completely still. She gasped for breath. Black spots were dancing in front of her eyes growing larger, Pansy felt dizzy. She lost her balance and slumped to the floor in a dead faint.
Voldemort looked down on her for a moment, before looking around the cloaked members of his Inner Circle. “Carrow,” He coolly spoke. “Take her back to Hogwarts. Whenever she wakes up, tell her she must remain at school during the holidays and keep her eyes and ears open for anything those bloody Aurors might be whispering amongst themselves.” He paused, looking at the others. “You may take your leave. I will call for you again soon.”
Severus watched as Carrow levitated the passed out girl and left the room, taking both of them back to Hogwarts. He sighed, another child in the ranks. Another innocent child forced into this war. Ignoring the other Death Eaters’ offers to go out for a round of pints at one of the local pubs, he left the manor and Apparated home. He entered the living room, threw his robes over the back of one of the chairs by the fireplace and went over to the bookshelves. Severus picked up a small bottle from one of the shelves, then he poured himself a generous glass of scotch. Sitting down in the nearest chair, he pulled out his wand and lit the up the fireplace. He gulped down half of the glass in one go, and simply stared into the flames.
...
...
Harry was tossing and turning in his bed. He was fast asleep, but his face was scrunched up as he kept rubbing at his prickling scar.
Cloaked Death Eaters were standing in a circle, entranced by the ritual before them, even if they had all been through it before. Blood was drawn from a palm with a silver dagger, of which the blade gleamed in the light of the flickering torches. There was a flash of silver on the wrist of the hand that was handling the dagger. Voices were whispering. Voldemort replied in a hushed tone, the words sounding blurry. Blood was being smeared onto pale skin, before the tip of Voldemort’s wand burnt a slitherin Dark Mark onto a fragile-looking forearm. There was a scream, before eyes rolled in the back of a head, while the familiar figure of Pansy Parkinson slumped onto the floor, unconscious.
Harry woke up with a hoarse shout, sweat trickling down his temples in spite of the chilly room. He rubbed frantically at his scar. He was wide awake now. His heartbeat rang in his ears and he tried to catch his breath.
“Parkinson.” He whispered into the darkness.
...
...
The following morning, Harry sat at the kitchen table, having breakfast while scribbling two owls to both Ron and Hermione. He popped another piece of buttered toast into his mouth, re-reading the short note while wiping the breadcrumbs off the parchment. It was a simple note, only stating that Pansy Parkinson had been marked last night. That was all he could tell them for now, since that was all he knew. He wished he could let them know about what she was up to, too. He heaved a sigh and took a sip of his tea.
Suddenly, something tapped against the window. He looked up and noticed an owl sitting in front of the glass, cocking its head at Harry. He rose from his chair and opened the window. The owl flew in an perched itself on the back of Harry’s chair, holding out its leg. Harry took the scroll off and fed the owl a treat, before starting to read.
“Harry,
We just found out that Parkinson will be staying at Hogwarts during the Christmas holidays. She just asked McGonagall if she could, stating she didn’t want to return home for reasons she didn’t like to discuss. We’ll continue to keep a close eye on her. If anything new comes up, we’ll be in touch.
~Tonks & Professor Lupin. Stop it, Remus, it’s just Harry. Remus.”
‘Speaking of the devil.’ He thought with a small smile, scanning the rest of the parchment. Harry grinned at the last line of the letter, before reaching for his own written owls again. He would have to include this information, too. It was exactly what he had been wanting to know himself, before sharing it with Ron and Hermione. He let the owl out again, only to whistle for Hedwig to come in, so he could send off the letters to Ron and Hermione. They really should discuss these matters soon, and not through owls alone...
...
...
Draco stared out the window, looking out on the small village of Hogsmeade. He heaved a sigh. He was worried. He hadn’t been to Hogwarts in over a week, he didn’t see the point in going anymore. Pansy was wearing the bracelet he was supposed to bring to the Dark Lord, but he hadn’t been able to persuade her to give it up voluntarily. He hadn’t even managed to get it off her in a struggle. Something was definitely wrong. Over the past few weeks, Pansy had started to act different. Did it have something to do with the bracelet or was it just stress acting up?
He ran a hand through his hair, tugging lightly at the back of it as he closed his eyes for a moment. He couldn’t help but admit that he was worried about her and her strange behaviour. For years they had been the closest of friends, maybe even more than that, and now... Draco knew Pansy had been upset with him not having owled her back, but she was over that now. There was something else that had mucked everything up. But he just couldn’t seem to put his finger on it.
Draco couldn’t decide whether to go back to Hogwarts to give it another shot, or just tell the Dark Lord that Pansy had taken the bracelet, but that she refused to give it to him. The latter would surely earn him a few more Torture Curses. He had nowhere to turn for help. Not that he would have needed help in finding the bracelet, but simple support would have been nice. ‘Maybe I should go talk to Snape.’ He thought to himself with a sigh. He didn’t like to rely on people, but did he really have a choice? Maybe Snape could give him some advice.
He turned away from the window and walked over to the fireplace. He took a handful of Floo powder out of the pot standing next to it, stepping into the flames, dropping the powder and Floo-ing off in a flash of green flames.
Severus was sitting in front of the fireplace reading through an old novel his mother had left behind. He had been systematically going through every bookshelf in the living room of his mother’s house, trying to find something he hadn’t read before. It had taken a while, but eventually he had scrounged up one of her old novels. He flipped the pages idly as he moved through the story. It was sappy, but it was enough to pass the time.
Occasionally his thoughts would return to the night of Parkinson’s marking, and he would shake his head. Children had nothing at all to do in a war. He wondered how the Malfoy boy would react to the knowledge of Parkinson being marked. Suddenly the fireplace flared to life in a burst of green flames and Severus reached for his wand. He watched the flames, waiting for whoever was on the other side to come through. When a foot appeared he had the first curse on the tip of his tongue, ready to be lashed out at the intruder, only to lower his wand as Draco Malfoy stepped out of the fireplace.
Draco coughed slightly as he brushed the soot off his robes. ‘Bloody dirty fireplaces.’ He inwardly cursed, before looking up at Snape. “Professor.” He quietly greeted him with a nod.
Severus narrowed his eyes at the younger man, then nodded in greeting. “Draco,” he put his wand away, and placed the novel on the small table beside the chair he had been occupying. “What are you doing here?”
He shrugged lightly, plucking at the sleeve of his winter robe, staring at it. “There seems to be a complication concerning my assignment.” He softly said. “I’m at loss for what to do.”
“A complication?” Severus let himself sink back into the chair, still keeping an eye on Draco. “And what would that be?”
“I found the bracelet, but...” Draco hesitated.
Arching an eyebrow, Severus motioned for him to continue as he asked. “You found it?” So soon already, perhaps the boy would succeed this mission after all. But then why was he hesitant?
“Y-yes, I did.” Draco stuttered, “But Pansy is wearing it. And she’s refusing to take it off...”
Severus stared at Draco. “Parkinson? Parkinson is wearing the bracelet? Why haven’t you just forced it off her?” Had it been the silver bracelet she had worn on the night of her initiation? It was quite possible, perhaps that was why she had been initiated in the first place. The Dark Lord would have greater control over her if she was wearing his mark. He absentmindedly let the tips of his fingers ghost over his own mark.
“I tried, Professor.” Draco sighed. “But she literally shoved me out of the way. She’s been acting weird lately, too. I-I don’t know what to do. She won’t even allow me near her.”
“She won’t let you near? Perhaps with good reason… When did you find out she had the bracelet?” Severus asked. If it had only been recently, it could have coincided with Parkinson being branded. It was not wise to allow anyone to see one’s Dark Mark, even if the other person had one as well. One could never know who was observing them.
“About a month ago.” Draco quietly admitted. “I had thought up all kinds of ways to get her to give it to me, but none of them worked. Professor, Pansy is not acting normal. She’s being all weird, even around me. I’m worried about her.”
“A month…” Severus muttered. Then it couldn’t be the Dark Mark or the initiation, but then what? Parkinson was acting strange, out of the ordinary, ever since she had found the bracelet he assessed. Which would mean that the bracelet could be influencing her… it might be sentient, he thought. And that was one of the most dangerous forms of magic one could encounter.
Sighing as he rubbed his temples, Severus looked at the boy. He should tell him about the girl’s initiation. “Draco, I fear that you might not be able to get through to her anymore.”
“What do you mean?” Draco frowned. “There must be something I can do to get her to talk to me again. Why shouldn’t I be able to? She is my friend...”
“Draco, the bracelet… I believe it might have a mind of its own, and is in control of your friend’s every move and thought.” Severus said solemnly, keeping eye contact with Draco. “And she was marked a few days ago. She is now also under the Dark Lord’s influence.”
“A mind of its own?” He asked, but immediately grew quiet when Snape was done speaking. ‘Marked? Pansy?’ He thought to himself, starting to worry even more. “But why would she avoid me then? I was marked, too, but...” He fell quiet. What was he actually trying to say? He didn’t even know anymore. He shook his head slowly. “Isn’t there anything I can do?”
“Perhaps, she is scared of your reaction or it could be that the bracelet’s influence on her is too great for her to break. I doubt she has a will of her own anymore.” Severus explained as he got up and paced in front of the fireplace. “I’m not sure there is much you can do, other than continue to talk to her in the hopes that she might listen eventually.”
“I can’t keep running after her.” Draco coolly replied. “It’s no use, apparently, since she keeps running off.” He rubbed at his eyes, sighing deeply. “I never wanted my best friend to get marked. I never intended for her to get involved in the first place.” He whispered. “I don’t know what to do. I don’t even know if I still want this.”
Severus studied the boy for a moment, and his eyes narrowed. “Then perhaps it is time for you to make a choice, Draco.” He said slowly, giving Draco time to let the words sink in.
He frowned again, looking up at Snape. “What the bloody hell is that supposed to mean?” He was utterly confused. What was Snape getting at? There was barely time to make decisions, so why should he start making them now?
Severus opted not to answer at once, but instead he gave Draco a fraction of information more, which perhaps would make the choice easier for him. “The night Parkinson was marked, I sent your mother abroad. It was safer for her, should you fail your mission. As I am quite sure the Dark Lord already knows that the girl has the bracelet, maybe he would consider your mission failed.”
“But I haven’t failed!” He stomped his foot, a scowl on his face. “I may not have the bracelet, but Pansy does, and she’s marked, too. So what is the bloody difference?” He was glad Snape had sent his mother off, however, with the Dark Lord, you never know what will happen. It was best not to take too many risks.
“I know you haven’t, yet.” Severus said calmly. “But the Dark Lord might. He wanted you to bring the bracelet to him, not anyone else. Now, you said you weren’t sure you wanted this anymore. What were you referring to?” He prodded.
“I don’t know!” Draco bit out, starting to pace and running a hand through his hair. “This entire mess with Pansy. The sneaking around, the constant moving, always looking over my shoulder. I am so bloody tired of it.”
“Indeed, it gets tiresome.” Severus muttered.
It seemed Draco regretted following in his father’s footsteps. Would it mean the boy was willing to join the side of Light? Perhaps not at the very moment, but in the future. Draco deserved to be given that chance, and Severus made his choice. It would forfeit his own life if the boy decided to report him to the Dark Lord. But on the other hand, Severus would have given the last Malfoy a chance to make his mind up about what he wanted, a life in freedom.
“It’s not like I have a choice.” Draco continued with a shrug. “I got myself into this mess and I’ll get myself out of it again, too. No matter how.”
“Will you now? And how do you plan on doing so?” Severus sat down in the chair again, placing his elbows on the armrests and gathered his hands in front of him linking the tips of his fingers to each other. “If you are sincere about wanting to leave, to get out this mess… then perhaps I can help you.”
“I don’t know how to go about it yet.” Draco admitted. “But I’ll figure something out, I suppose.” He looked at Snape for a few moments and when he spoke again, his voice dropped to a whisper. “Just how would you be able to help me?”
Severus sighed. It was time. “I could get in contact with certain people who would be able to help you. They are called the Order of the Phoenix. Albus Dumbledore was the one to found the group to oppose the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters long before you were born.” He studied the boy’s face, waiting for any signs of what Draco might be feeling or thinking, then went on. “I will give you the choice. You can leave the ranks of Deaths Eaters if you want, but of course if you choose to stay with them, I will Obliviate any knowledge of this conversation from your mind.”
Draco stared at them, unblinking. “W-what? But... Why? How?” He stuttered. So many thoughts were flashing through his mind at this moment. He wasn’t even able to come up with a decent coherent answer. All that came up, were more questions which required answers.
“Why? Because I was once given the same chance, albeit I had to ask for it myself, no one had offered until then. And how? Because I am part of the Order, or at least I was until I murdered its leader. I doubt any of them would trust me now.” ‘If they ever had.’ He thought. “But they might give you the benefit of doubt.” Severus kept a steely expression on his face, though his black eyes were glittering with expectation.
“You’re a spy? During all these years, you were a spy?” Draco’s eyes widened in shock.
He nodded slowly. “Yes.” Severus leaned back against the chair, wondering how he should proceed. “I realized my choices had not been the best. Dumbledore gave me another chance, a choice, just as I am giving you the choice you deserve.”
“Then why did you kill him? I don’t understand... Why did you kill the man who gave you a second chance?”
Severus stared at Draco, and with a grimace he said. “Because in that situation, there was no choice for me. You know I made the Unbreakable vow with you mother, promising to protect you from harm and to watch over you. There was one final clause to the vow, which you weren’t told about. If you were not able to fulfil your mission, I would do it for you.”
“So because I was weak, you were forced to kill Dumbledore...” Draco muttered, looking away. “I couldn’t kill him. And I’m not sure that I could if I had to do it all over again.” He shook his head.
“But it gave you the opportunity you need now. If you had indeed killed him, you might have fulfilled your mission but you would also have sealed your fate.” Severus reasoned. “A murder will always hang over you as a dark cloud and force others to distrust you because of it.” He reached for his wand ready to cast the memory spell if needed. “You have the choice now, Draco. What do you want? Continue in the service of the Dark Lord or remove yourself from his influence.”
He heaved a sigh and ran both of his hands through his hair. What should he do? Stay on the old path and choose the easy way out? Or do the right thing and make it harder on himself? Draco knew he couldn’t do anything for his father, who was still in Azkaban. His mother had left the country and for himself, the only thing he could do was make the right choice. He took a deep breath. “I want out.” He firmly said.
“Are you absolutely sure?” Severus asked, leaning forward in his seat, staring intently into Draco’s eyes. “There will be no going back after this. You are aware of that?”
“Yes, I am.” Draco stared back, trying not to flinch. “I’m sure.”
He nodded and rose from the chair. Severus looked at the dancing flames in the fireplace. “Very well, I will see what I can do then. In the meantime, you will continue on as you have previously. Act as you would normally.”
“I will.” Draco nodded, then hesitated for a moment. “Thank you, Professor. Not just for this, but also for looking out for my mum...”
He turned around and stepped into the fireplace, before disappearing in the flames with a whooshing sound.
Severus watched the fireplace for a few minutes before he doused the flames, making sure no one could enter without his knowledge and acceptance. Instead, he lit a string of candles placed along the mantle to light up the room. He slumped down into the chair and rested one elbows on the arm rest, he let his forehead rest in the palm. Sighing, Severus rubbed at his temple. He might have managed to convince Draco to switch sides, but now the question was how he would get the Order to trust him enough to allow Draco in. The boy needed the protection only the Order could provide.
He would have to contact McGonagall somehow and plead Draco’s case to her. Severus would need to figure something out, the sooner the better.
The next day, he was once again sitting in the living room. The fireplace was cold as he hadn’t lit it up, not wanting to be interrupted. He had yet to come up with any plan on how he should make contact with McGonagall. Sipping from the cup of lukewarm tea, Severus wondered how he was supposed to do this. If he simply turned up at her doorstep, he would be arrested and thrown into Azkaban without a moment’s notice. That was if he wasn’t met by the Avada Kedavra first.
“Lighten up, my boy.” A cheerful male voice interrupted his thoughts.
Severus jumped up from his seat, the teacup fell to the floor and broke into pieces, the last few drops of the tea dripping onto the carpet. In a flash, he had his wand in his hand and poised for a strike against the intruder. How had anyone been able to pass through his wards without his knowledge? He looked around, but couldn’t see anyone. Surely, if the person had revealed himself by speaking to him, he would not be hiding under either an invisibility robe or a Disillusionment charm.
“Over here by the window, dear boy.” The voice called again, and Severus turned his head slowly to look where he was told. His eyes widened, between two of the windows where there had previously been a bare wall was now a portrait of Albus Dumbledore. The old man in the portrait smiled benevolently. “Hello, Severus.”
“Albus?” Severus whispered.
“It is good to see you as well, my boy. It has been quite a while, hasn’t it?”
“What are you doing here?” He asked incredulously.
Dumbledore smiled again, his blue eyes twinkling brightly. ”I’ve merely come to visit you. It must be quite lonely in this old house.”
“It suits its purpose; to house me, give me shelter. That is all I need.” Severus muttered and cast a scathing glare at the portrait, daring the old man in it to disagree.
“It would be warmer at Hogwarts this time of the year, dear boy.” Dumbledore offered with a slight prodding in his tone of voice.
Severus rolled his eyes. "And you know just as well as I that I cannot return.”
“I will talk with Minerva, Severus.” Dumbledore said determinedly. ”She will be reasonable.”
“Albus, will you just shut up? I have enough to think about right now, not some flighty fantasy of being welcomed back with open arms.” Severus started to pace in front of the portrait, muttering under his breath about meddling old fools.
“Yes, young Draco Malfoy.” Dumbledore nodded, a small smile on his lips. ”Cheer up, Severus. It will all work out in the end.”
He snorted in disbelief. ‘Light-hearted old man.’ He thought. They were in the middle of a war and the former Headmaster was as always looking on the bright side. Severus, however, was not sure there even was a bright side to this situation. He was still caught between the Dark Lord and his own wish to be free of the chains that weighed him down; his guilt, his conscience, his wish for peace…
Severus sighed. He was certain he would end up doing Dumbledore’s bidding eventually, it was just a matter of time. Even if the man was just embodied in a portrait, the former Headmaster had a way of making people do as he wished. Already, Severus knew that Dumbledore was gently pushing him in the direction he had planned out, without Severus’ consent. Soon, Severus Snape would be standing face to face with his old allies, the Order of the Phoenix, he was sure of it. Dumbledore would not rest, or stop pestering him, until he agreed with the Headmaster’s proposal.
“Severus, sit down… if I had any sherbet lemons, I would offer you one.” Dumbledore instructed gently. “As I said, “Everything will work out. I have faith in you and the others.”
Sitting down in the chair, Severus rubbed his temples feeling a headache pressing against the inner sides of his skull. He didn’t want a sherbet lemon. He wanted peace and quiet. He wanted the war to be over.
He ignored further attempts made by the portrait of Albus Dumbledore to engage him in a conversation. After a while the voice of the former Headmaster lessened in volume until the room was completely silent. Severus lifted his head and looked over the back of his chair to find the frame, where Dumbledore had been earlier, empty. He breathed in relief and turned around, mulling over his options once more.
Tbc.
Comments would be lovely. ♥