{"id":89,"date":"2008-03-29T16:36:00","date_gmt":"2008-03-29T15:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/the-apprentice-and-the-necromancer\/part-8\/"},"modified":"2011-01-27T09:44:31","modified_gmt":"2011-01-27T08:44:31","slug":"chapters-71-80","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/junofanfic\/hp-fanfic\/the-apprentice-and-the-necromancer\/chapters-71-80","title":{"rendered":"Chapters 71-80"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe Apprentice and the Necromancer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 by JunoMagic
\n Chapters 71\u00e2\u20ac\u201c80<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

What Happens Now?<\/h3>\n

It was after midnight, when they left the Room of Requirement and descended down to the dungeons.<\/p>\n

The sounds of their steps echoed in the silent corridors and empty staircases. Hermione’s high heels clacked in an odd descant to the tense stride of her husband.<\/p>\n

Husband. <\/em><\/p>\n

Her heartbeat thudded uncomfortably in her chest and the sensitive skin of her hands prickled at the thought. She glanced sideways at Severus as they crossed the Entrance Hall to the stairs that led down to their quarters.<\/p>\n

This was their wedding night.<\/p>\n

Late or not, tired or not, her heart began to race, while her stomach tightened with nerves. She knew Severus had been honest when he had told her that he did not love her. Just as he had been truthful when he had admitted to the fact that he did feel attracted to her. That he did care about her. And yesterday morning, when he had reassured her that however this marriage would turn out to be, it would be real.<\/p>\n

Then the portrait swung open, revealing the entrance to the staircase that led up to their private rooms.<\/p>\n

What would happen now? <\/em><\/p>\n

Once inside the corridor, Hermione frowned. The hallway was much longer than she remembered it. Severus must have noticed it, too, because he sighed.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI should have anticipated this. I believe the castle saw it fit to rearrange our living quarters to our new\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6situation.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSituation?” She turned towards him, torn between exasperation and amusement.<\/p>\n

He looked down his nose at her, nostrils quivering. Hermione frowned. Was he annoyed? But his eyes glinted black in the torchlight. No\u00e2\u20ac\u201dnot annoyed. Rather: exasperated. And amused as well.<\/p>\n

She grinned at him. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcShall we explore?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

As it turned out, Hogwarts hadn’t changed all that much. The library had been enlarged to double as a sitting room and was now situated between two<\/em> studies. Next to the laboratory they discovered a beautiful dining room with a balcony. Additionally there was a new bathroom with a small pool and shower big enough for two. The bedrooms the castle had left alone.<\/p>\n

They ended up in the library again, and, Hermione thought, back to square one.<\/p>\n

Wedding night. <\/em><\/p>\n

She stared at Severus, unconsciously rubbing the slim golden ring around her finger. She just had no idea what to\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6do\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6or to expect.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6what happens now?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she finally asked.<\/p>\n

It was awkward to stand three feet away from\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6her husband, and feeling just the same as she had any number of times while a student in his classroom: nervous and intimidated. She concentrated on the hem of her green dress, trying to assess his mood unobtrusively from underneath lowered lashes.<\/p>\n

He wasn’t any more comfortable than she was. His eyes glittered and his upper lip was curling into a snarl. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIf you are scared that I shall require you to fulfil your marital obligations now, I can ease your mind.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus shook his head, his fine, slick hair flying. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHermione, look<\/em> at me!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

With two swift strides he crossed the distance between them. Cool fingers touched her chin and forced her head up until she met his gaze. As always his beautiful black eyes made her stomach tingle and tighten.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI will never demand anything from you,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he said in a soft voice. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNothing. Least of all\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6anything\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6like that. You have already given me more than I deserve. My life. My freedom.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

His hands slid to her shoulders, with careful, light touches.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcPlease, Hermione,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he murmured. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcDon’t look so scared.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut what\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Her voice didn’t quite sound as if it belonged to her. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut what if I\u00e2\u20ac\u201dif I\u00e2\u20ac\u201dif I wanted you to\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus raised an eyebrow at her and pulled her closer to him. When she gasped at the feeling of his arousal pressed against her stomach, he smirked. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYou only need to ask.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Then he frowned, his eyes searching her face. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhy are you so terribly nervous, Hermione?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Her cheeks burned, but she couldn’t break his gaze. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBecause\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6I’ve never\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6done this before.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

His reaction was instant. He took a step backwards. He stared at her, his face studiously devoid of any expression that might betray thoughts or feelings.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’m sorry,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione mumbled, sinking down on one of the squashy armchairs, burying her face in her hands. That was certainly the strangest wedding night she could ever have imagined, with the bride apologising for the fact that she was still a virgin.<\/p>\n

A rustle of his robes, and his scent flowed over her. Gentle fingers reached for her hands, drawing them away from her face. To her surprise Severus was kneeling before her.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt is I who ought to apologise,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he said gravely. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcPlease forgive me. I had never expected\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He shook his head. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcPerhaps it is time for me to stop expecting anything, when my life seems to consist solely of surprises lately.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus drew her hands to his lips and kissed them. He dropped kisses on her palms and whispered caresses over her fingers. The soft touch on the over-sensitive skin of her hands sent a jolt of pleasure through her body and provoked a shivery sigh. Her reaction seemed to please him. Slowly, cautiously, as if he wanted to make sure that he didn’t frighten her, he reached for her face and trailed his fingertips along the lines of her face, forehead, temple, ear, jaw, until he reached her chin. He bent forwards\u00e2\u20ac\u201dshe leant towards him\u00e2\u20ac\u201dtheir lips met. Like warm silk, his lips covered her mouth. When his tongue flicked against her lips, the sensation was exquisite. In a sigh of pleasure, her lips opened to his touch.<\/p>\n

He explored her, teasing the corners of her mouth, slipping in, swirling along the inside of her lips, snaking around her tongue. Severus tasted of the wine and whisky they had drunk, of spices and a hint of the bittersweet chocolate from the dessert.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Night after the Wedding<\/h3>\n

When she came back to the world, Hermione was on her knees. Only Severus’ embrace kept her from collapsing.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI think,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he said hoarsely. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThat is quite enough for tonight. We are both tired and not quite sober.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

When she uttered a soft noise of protest, he kissed the corner of her mouth, sending another spark of desire through her body. A reaction that did not escape his attention. His eyes shone with a satisfied gleam.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThere is time for everything, Hermione. Time enough. We can still count the times we have kissed on our fingers.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcShhh,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he laid a long, slender finger over her mouth, before tenderly tracing her lips with his fingertip.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI do want you, Hermione,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he stated. The unadulterated possessiveness in his voice caused a pleasant warmth to spread through her stomach.<\/p>\n

His lips curled into an unexpected smile. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI desire you very much. But I assure you that shared intimacy is more rewarding if the process to reach its completion is not rushed and if each stage is savoured for its own sake.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She couldn’t breathe. He had bewitched her mind, ensnared her senses. She gulped audibly, trying desperately to fashion her fraying thoughts into a coherent answer.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThat\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6sounds much like the brewing of a potion,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she gasped at last. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYou need to add each ingredient at exactly the right time\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6stir with a precise rhythm\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

And hadn’t his tongue stirred her desire just as adroitly has he mixed his brews? <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIndeed,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he smirked.<\/p>\n

Although her aroused body regretted it, her mind was willing to agree to his reasoning. Her heart remained torn. Whatever was going to happen or not, she did not want to sleep alone tonight. Her face or body must have given her away. Severus rose to his feet and drew her up with him. Once they were standing, he embraced her once more, but did not allow her to touch his lower body.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat do you want? I can see it in your eyes\u00e2\u20ac\u201dyou want to ask a question, but you don’t dare. While I might enjoy such rare an occurrence normally, tonight I would prefer you to simply tell<\/em> me what you want.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She took a deep breath. As an adult woman, as his wife,<\/em> she should be able to answer a simple question in a complete sentence.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcEven if\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwe don’t sleep with<\/em> each other tonight,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she said, ignoring the heat that suffused her cheeks, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI\u00e2\u20ac\u201ddon’t want to sleep alone tonight. If you don’t mind.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

In the depth of his eyes an emotion flickered. Disbelief? His embrace tightened, allowing her to feel again that his body at least had very<\/em> different ideas about the pace of progress for their relationship.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMind? Foolish woman. Why would I mind that?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

He was dressed in sensible black pyjamas, fine cotton, not satin or silk, almost as concealing as his daywear, when he re-emerged from her bathroom. When he noticed her curious look, a weary expression crossed his face.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI learnt years ago that it wasn’t a good idea to wear the nightshirts favoured by most wizards\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6or any\u00e2\u20ac\u201dshall we say ‘enticing’<\/em> fabrics\u00e2\u20ac\u201din case I was summoned.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione stared at him, at a loss for words. She had not expected his newfound openness to extend quite that far.<\/p>\n

An instinct as old as mankind tugged at her heart. If only she could heal his heart, smooth away those pains and hurts. But when she saw his bleak, black eyes, she knew that no instinct would suffice. Maybe nothing ever would. Suddenly the years and experiences that separated them turned into a deep abyss.<\/p>\n

He passed her and slipped under the green covers without sparing her another glance. Only when he had settled down in her magically enlarged four poster bed, he looked at Hermione again.<\/p>\n

And then Hermione showed that she was indeed a Gryffindor.<\/p>\n

She smiled at her husband, and began to undress.<\/p>\n

At last she stood naked in front of her bed. She was acutely aware that her nipples were still taut with arousal and the slight chill of the room, and more than a little self-conscious at showing herself to Severus with all her little imperfections: the purple scar at her throat from Bellatrix’ knife, the paler mark from the curse that had hit her in the Ministry of Magic, the slightly irregular shape of her breasts, the way her hipbones jutted out painfully because she was so thin.<\/p>\n

With some trepidation, she sought his eyes, and was shocked at the intensity of his gaze. His eyes were blazing, his face\u00e2\u20ac\u201dshe had never seen Severus Snape like that before\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6his expression completely unguarded, laid bare, not for the world, but for her eyes only to see.<\/p>\n

And he was looking at her, as if she was\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6she couldn’t find the right word, caught in that mesmerizing gaze\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6something special and unexpected, at the very least.<\/p>\n

She padded over to the bed and pulled out her nightshirt from below her pillow.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt’s green,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she said pointedly.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSo I see.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

As she slipped into the bed, her heartbeat quickened. She had never slept in the same bed with someone else before. Even after years of sharing a dorm, this would be a new experience.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMay\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6I?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

He frowned, but nodded.<\/p>\n

She scooted over with an awkward slither, before she curled up against him. He was too thin for a man of his size. But he felt good next to her. Strong, and warm, and solid. His tantalizing, addictive scent enveloped her. Severus exhaled deeply, then he slid an arm around her, drawing her even closer to his side. Hermione felt a small, contented sigh escape her lips as she snuggled closer to her husband and inhaled his special fragrance.<\/p>\n

A few breaths later she was already falling asleep, sucked into the warm darkness of safe, sheltered slumber, for once without any dreams or nightmares at all.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Hold on Tight<\/h3>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcCrookshanks! Crooks! Croooooooks!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 The panicked voice of Alina Petrel echoed noisily in the dungeons of Slytherin House.<\/p>\n

Ebe\u00e2\u20ac\u201dEbenezer Sibly-Style\u00e2\u20ac\u201dcame up for air from his Potions essay. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat’s wrong, Ali?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHer\u00e2\u20ac\u201d Mrs. Snape’s cat! I was supposed to watch him for the weekend, while they are gone. And now HE is gone, too!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Her lower lip was trembling. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI promised to take care of him. And now he’s disappeared and they haven’t even been gone two hours!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcShit,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 her friend said succinctly. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhere have you seen him last?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’m not sure. He explored the common room for a while, then he curled up on my bed. I still have that essay to write for Professor McGonagall, and when I was halfway through, I thought I’d take a look to see if Crooks was all right or if he wanted food or something\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6and he was gone!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Ebe did his best thoughtful scowl, tracing his lips with the fingertip of his right forefinger. Alina rolled her eyes. He was taking things a bit far regarding his imitation of their Head of House. If Professor Snape ever caught that, Ebe would probably spend the rest of the term in detention, scrubbing cauldrons and pickling frog-brains.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWe need to search the house at once,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he said decisively. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHe’s a half-kneazle, right? So Summoning Charms are out.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Alina nodded. Oh God, this couldn’t be happening. Not to her. Hermione had trusted her!<\/em><\/p>\n

Ebe was already approaching the Seventh Year prefect, Ciardha Vaisey. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSir? We have a problem\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcDon’t be afraid,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus said in a low voice. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcJust hold on tight.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

The CRACK of the Apparition was the loudest Hermione had heard so far, and the blackness that engulfed her seemed endless, although it probably didn’t last more than a few seconds. But these seconds were terrifying enough\u00e2\u20ac\u201dexistence without a body, being trapped neither here nor there, unable to breathe, to feel.<\/p>\n

Then she was in his arms again, his lips kissably close, his eyes piercing as if he could look right into her heart.<\/p>\n

Severus seemed reluctant to let her go. As far as Hermione was concerned, she would have been happy to keep standing in his embrace a while longer, wherever they were.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6wherever they were? <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhere are we?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she asked. Drawing away from him, she turned around in an astonished circle, gasping at the fa\u00c3\u00a7ade of a huge church looming up above them<\/a>. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWe’re not in Britain anymore, are we? That’s<\/em> why you asked me to wear Muggle clothes!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcExcellent deduction, Miss Granger, however did you notice?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus sneered. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAs a matter of fact, we are in France.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt’s Mrs. Snape,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she retorted. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd I knew that. People speaking French and street signs in French are rather a clue. Also, the Apparition noise was louder than usual.\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI didn’t know you could do cross-channel Apparition.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 She tried not to frown. She did<\/em> trust him implicitly.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcRelax, Mrs. Snape,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he murmured. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhile I wouldn’t dare cross-continental Side-along Apparition if it wasn’t absolutely necessary, you are quite safe with me within Europe.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYou’ve done cross-continental<\/em> Apparition?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione gaped at her husband.<\/p>\n

He nodded with a small smirk. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcApparition is about power and concentration. I have both.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHmm.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 That much was obvious. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhere exactly in France are we? And why have you brought me here?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThis is the cathedral of Chartres. One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France. Famous for its stained glass windows and their exceptionally vivid blue colour. Come, let’s have a look inside.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She glanced at him sideways. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI get to wear jeans and you remain dressed like a priest? Severus, if you so much as look <\/em>at me while you’re dressed like that, people will be shocked!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

He quirked an eyebrow, but pulled his wand from his sleeve. A quick, surreptitious gesture, and Severus stood next to her in blue jeans and a black shirt.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBetter?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione stared at him, flabbergasted. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWho are <\/em>you? And what have you done to Severus Snape?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMaybe I simply want to ensure that I have all the opportunity to ‘look’<\/em> at you while we are here that I can get\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwithout<\/em> arousing any undue suspicion?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he asked silkily, his voice sending a shiver down her spine.<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

The interior of the cathedral<\/a> was very dark. The high, angular ceilings were lost in shadows, and twilight obscured the views of the long aisles. Incense filled the air.<\/p>\n

Hermione thought that they must have entered the church not long after the end of a service. Several persons were still kneeling in the pews, mostly old women dressed in black, and there were only few tourists wandering around, peering into chapels and staring up at the windows.<\/p>\n

\"the<\/p>\n

Severus moved along without a noise beside her and Hermione felt the urge to walk on tiptoes, even though her sneakers barely made a sound on the flag stones.<\/p>\n

She could barely remember the last time she had been in a church. As a child she had gone to church with her mother every Sunday. But then she had received her letter. And everything had changed. Uncomfortably, Hermione hugged herself, then hid her shaking hands inside her jeans-pockets. Why had she stopped going to church? Obviously at Hogwarts that was impossible, but she could have gone in the holidays.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcKeep those hands out of your pockets,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus hissed. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcShow some respect.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione jumped. Her hands icy, her face on fire, she ducked her head. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSorry, s\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I’m sorry.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

He nodded, and gestured to move on to the eastern end of the cathedral.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThis part of the cathedral is normally called ‘apses’<\/em> and if it is accessible, an ‘ambulatory apses’<\/em>. In this case, the correct term, however, is ‘chevet’<\/em> due to the radiating chapels built around the ‘head’ of the cathedral,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus explained in a low voice. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcCome, let us sit down in the nave for a while. I believe there’s a choir practice scheduled in a few minutes. I think you may enjoy listening.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\"the<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Blossom of Magic<\/h3>\n

The bench was hard and uncomfortable, but the dim rays of blue and red light that filtered through the stained glass windows captivated her attention. Although the cathedral was a structure of stone, the secret of its architecture was the interplay of shadow and light: the sunlight as it lit the scenes in the colourful windows, the shadows obscuring the height of the arcs that carried the nave and the aisles, the flickering lights of the candles lit to carry a prayer to aloft, the darkness that lurked behind the vast columns.<\/p>\n

\"the<\/p>\n

Severus was right; shortly after they sat down, a boys’ choir began a rehearsal. The song of bright young voices drifted through the high halls of the church and tugged at Hermione’s heart. She didn’t understand the words, nor did she need to. What else would they be singing but a prayer or a psalm? Again Hermione experienced a pang of regret, an odd, forlorn ache. She felt like a stranger here, out of place. Because she was a witch? Was that the true reason her mother had stopped going to church with her? Without her parents to anchor her to it, Hermione realised, the Muggle world was slipping from her grasp, faster and faster.<\/p>\n

But why should that make her sad? She had her own world. And her own\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6well, she supposed that you could<\/em> call a husband ‘family’<\/em>. Or at least the nucleus of a family.<\/p>\n

Suddenly she wished that she could find it in her heart to pray. She had so much<\/em> to pray for. Hermione glanced at her husband. The twilight softened the harsh lines of his face. Why had Severus brought her here? She wasn’t surprised when he noticed her gaze. But the understanding she saw in his dark eyes took her unawares. Quickly, Hermione closed her eyes to keep silly tears from spilling.<\/p>\n

A hand touched her fingers, slipped under her palm, dry and cool and strong. Fingers curled around her hand and held it in a careful grip, as always mindful of the hypersensitivity his blood had left her with.<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe cathedral of Chartres is also renowned for its labyrinth,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus murmured, as he led her back to the entrance of the cathedral. He pointed to the floor at their feet. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt was integrated in the design of the cathedral from the beginning, and is one of the finest labyrinths to be found in the cathedrals of the western world. Some say it reflects the symbol of the ‘flower of life’<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u201dGod at the centre, the world and the universe spiralling outwards. In the wizarding world the same symbol is known as the ‘blossom of magic’<\/em>. For ages the labyrinth has meant a symbolic pilgrimage. You walk its paths in the hope of ascending toward salvation or enlightenment.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a><\/p>\n

Hermione stared at the white and black stone at her feet.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe white stone comes from the quarries of Berch\u00c3\u00a8res, the black from Senlis. The diameter\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcDo you believe in God?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she asked suddenly.<\/p>\n

Severus paused, but didn’t reprimand her for her interruption. Instead he considered her question.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNo,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he replied at last. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAt one time, I might have wanted<\/em> to believe in a God. But that was long ago. Now\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He shook his head. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThere is a Muggle who wrote a few lines about this cathedral. He is quoted in most travel guides. Orson Welles.<\/p>\n

\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcA fact of life<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6we’re going to die. <\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Be of good heart,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d cry the dead artists out of the living past. Our songs will all be silenced<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u201dbut what of it? Go on singing. Maybe a man’s name doesn’t matter all that much,<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

<\/em>Severus quoted. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcDon’t forget that there is a world out here, Hermione. A whole world for you to see. And you belong <\/em>to this<\/em> world, too.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd how about you?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus sighed and shook his head, refusing to answer her question.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcCome,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he said at last and held out his hand to her. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWill you walk to the centre with me?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\"the<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

They had just reached the centre of the labyrinth when a tiny old man in the black robes of a priest came hurrying towards them.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAh, it is you!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 the priest smiled up at Snape. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI thought I ‘ad ‘eard your voice. It ‘as been a long time.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus inclined his head. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYes. I was busy. And then I was\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6sick, for a while.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u2122Abb\u00c3\u00a9 Rigaud, may I present my wife, Mrs. Hermione Snape?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

The old man beamed at her and held out his wrinkled hand. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcEnchant\u00c3\u00a9, madame!<\/em> Absolon Rigaud is my name, and I am delighted to meet you.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

When she shook his hand, the priest covered her hand with his. Then he reached for Snape’s hand, and although Severus looked extremely discomfited at the touch, he allowed the old man to take it. Abb\u00c3\u00a9 Rigaud’s faint smile told Hermione that he was aware of how uncomfortable that gesture made her husband.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMay the love that brought you together grow and mature with each passing year. May it bring you both ever closer to the Lord through your love for each other. Let your love grow to perfection,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 the priest intoned as he brought their hands together, joined them and covered them with his own. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make ‘is face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up ‘is countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThank you, Father,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione whispered.<\/p>\n

Severus wordlessly inclined his head.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI am afraid, young man, that this will be the last time we meet,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Abb\u00c3\u00a9 Rigaud said in his wheezy old man’s voice, his accent more pronounced than before. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt is time for me to find my way to the ‘eart of the labyrinth.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He turned to Hermione and smiled. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMadam, I don’t think you know ‘ow much joy it brings to my ‘eart to know that my friend ‘as found you. ‘e ‘as been alone for far too long.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Discoveries <\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhy come here?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione asked later. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIf you don’t believe in God? I’m sorry\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus raised a disbelieving eyebrow, but didn’t comment.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI don’t mean to pry<\/em>,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she stated firmly. They were sitting in front of a small bistro with a splendid view of the square and the cathedral. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut this,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she gestured, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcthis is so very unlike you\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwell, unlike the Severus Snape I’m used to, anyway, that\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwell, I keep wondering who you are.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

When he drew his wand and flicked it underneath the table to create a Muffliato<\/em> screen, Hermione knew that whatever Severus’ reply would turn out to be, it wouldn’t be a comfortable answer. She creased her forehead. What was this all about? Showing her that she had no idea who he was? Or\u00e2\u20ac\u201dshe amended\u00e2\u20ac\u201dthat she only knew small parts of who he was?<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYears ago my\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6masters determined that I ought to be able to accomplish cross-channel and cross-continental Apparition. While I had the determination, the concentration and the power to obey their wishes even then, I lacked practice.
\n \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcTravel guides tend to include good pictures of famous cathedrals. And plain Muggle photographs are an excellent source for the visualization of your destination. Better than wizarding pictures, in fact, because movement distracts the focus of your mind.
\n \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt was pure chance that I ended up here.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122
\n He shrugged. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’m not in a position to say if it was chance or fate that I met Abb\u00c3\u00a9 Rigaud when I did. Or that he saw\u00e2\u20ac\u201dthat he noticed\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus’ eyes grew so bleak that it was impossible for Hermione to distinguish between his pupils and his iris.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHe listened to me when no one else would,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus went on in a brittle voice. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHe offered me the forgiveness of his God at a time when\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122
\n He shook his head and changed the subject. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI thought you might enjoy the blue windows.\u00e2\u20ac\u201dBlue is your favourite colour, isn’t it? You never wear it, because it doesn’t suit you. But you keep that blue vase on your window sill, and a blue bowl with potpourri on the other nightstand.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione nodded. She was surprised that he noticed such things. But of course Severus had been a spy for the better part of his adult life; it was probably second nature to him to be aware of such details.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYes,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she replied. She was acutely aware of the many things in his past she wasn’t ready to know about. It shamed her that she didn’t feel able to handle all of it, all of him. So Hermione did the next best thing: she let the topic go and followed his lead in this conversation. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe vase is actually a souvenir. From a holiday I spent in France with my parents.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYou sent a postcard to Minerva. The summer after the Chamber of Secrets was opened.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt feels so strange,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione said in a small voice. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI remember that holiday. I really do. But it feels so distant\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6as if it never happened, or as if it happened to somebody else.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

Sunday morning Alina was in a state of hysterics.<\/p>\n

The Slytherins had spent all of Saturday searching their House. They had discovered a many things\u00e2\u20ac\u201damong them a trapdoor to a secret tunnel, a junk room that no one had ever noticed before, filled with all kinds of curious clutter, and what looked like a torture chamber, complete with shackles hanging from the walls and a real rack, but no Crookshanks.<\/p>\n

Ciardha Vaisey was a smart young man. He knew when he was beat.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcLadies and gentlemen,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he told the dejected and exhausted Slytherins loitering in the common room. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThere’s no choice. We need help. And we don’t need just any<\/em> kind of help.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u2122We need the help of Gryffindor House.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe cat of Madam Snape spent most his years here at Hogwarts in Gryffindor House. It stands to reason that he either went there to hide, or that they know where he might be found.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

He turned to Alina and fixed her with a steely gaze. Alina shivered. She knew that he would be polite to her outside Slytherin House. But there would be hell to pay later. And she rather suspected her punishment would involve the newly discovered torture chamber.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAlina, you accompany me.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYes, sir,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she whispered, her stomach queasy.<\/p>\n

It would have been better if she had died in the debris of Dumbledore’s tomb.<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

The students of Gryffindor House devoted their Sunday morning to turning their House upside down\u00e2\u20ac\u201din vain.<\/p>\n

Then Headgirl Ginny Weasley met with emissaries from Slytherin House on neutral ground (the Trophy Room).<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI don’t think you need to worry about Professor Snape,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she told Ciardha Vaisey. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI don’t think he even likes<\/em> Crooks. However, I’d really hate for Hermione to come home to bad news about her pet.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Ciardha just shook his head at the Gryffindor’s ignorance. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThat cat is as much a Slytherin now as Madam Snape. We’d better find him. Or I fear Slytherin House will be in detention until Alina graduates.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWe need to call all Houses. This is an unprecedented emergency.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

In the end it was a Hufflepuff who found Crookshanks.<\/p>\n

Johannes Flamel (one of the would-be knights of Dumbledore’s Army) had missed the fun of an emergency meeting consisting of all four Houses because he’d been in detention with Filch. He simply appeared at tea time in the Great Hall, the big ginger tomcat in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcOH MY GOD!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Alina screamed and raced towards him. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcCROOKS! Joe, wherever did you FIND him??? \u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Johannes, astounded to find himself at the centre of a rapidly growing crowd of students from all four Houses, shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI didn’t find him, precisely. He showed up in Filch’s office, and the old git threw a fit about a strange cat invading his quarters.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He rolled his eyes. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHe’s Miss\u00e2\u20ac\u201dMadam Snape’s cat, isn’t he? How did he get out of Slytherin House?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Due Punishment<\/h3>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcA word with you, Mr. Vaisey?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

As Ginny approached the Seventh Year Prefect of Slytherin House, she wondered just how the custom of formal address among the Seventh Year students had developed. She suspected it had something to do with the accelerated Seventh Years who had taken their NEWTs just before Christmas. Only a handful of the original students of that year had returned to Hogwarts, all of them changed by the war. Formal address had eased things along between them, and somehow the regular Seventh Years had picked up that habit.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYes, Headgirl <\/em>Weasley?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Ginny rolled her eyes. What was it with Slytherins and their sneers?<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcPrefect Vaisey<\/em>, I request a moment of your precious time. In the Trophy Room, if you please.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

The moment they entered the Trophy Room, Ginny Weasley got down to business. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcPrefect Vaisey, I assume you are planning to punish Miss Petrel for her negligence concerning Madam Snape’s cat. When you mete out that punishment, I shall be present.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he stared at her, taken aback. Regaining his composure, Vaisey replied smoothly, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHeadgirl Weasly, I believe according to school regulations that is none of your busines.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Weasley wasn’t impressed. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSchool regulations, humbug. Vaisey, Alina is Hermione’s friend. She’s the daugher of my brother’s girlfriend. I am making<\/em> this my business. You have a choice. Either I’ll be present when you punish Alina, or<\/em> I’ll take the whole matter to your Head of House. Imagine how pleased<\/em> Professor Snape will be when we bother him with this.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Vaisey sighed. This was certainly not a good weekend for Slytherin House. To be at the mercy of the other Houses not once, but three times in one day was degrading.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcVery well. Here’s what we will do\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dc\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6that’s a\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6quite educational punishment, Mr. Vaisey.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Ginny narrowed her eyes at the brown-haired Slytherin. Vaisey smirked, a subtle sparkle in his pale green eyes.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMiss Petrel promises to grow into a powerful witch. She needs to learn not to let things\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6slip from her grasp, or to lose control,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he explained. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt’s actually a modified version of an exercise I’ve been conducting with my Third Year DADA study-group. As such it was approved by Professor Weasley.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Vaisey smirked at the Headgirl’s confusion. Confusion that turned into a frown.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcVaisey? Am I imagining things, or do you actually care<\/em> about her? Do you realise that Alina is a CHILD?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Cold anger surged through Vaisey. Why did the other Houses always expect the very worst of Slytherin? He clenched his teeth. But of course he knew why. He forced himself to provide a polite answer.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYes, I most certainly do <\/em>realise that, Headgirl Weasley. Contrary to popular assumptions, the customs of Slytherin House are not that depraved.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He didn’t know what prompted him, but he added in a moment of rare boldness, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI am very much aware that Miss Petrel is a child now<\/em>. However, it should prove interesting to meet her again, say, eight or ten years from now.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Weasley’s frown deepened, but she didn’t comment.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcVery well,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Vaisey said wearily. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI shall expect you at the entrance of Slytherin House tonight at ten o’clock.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

Alina was almost petrified with fear as she stepped into the torture chamber. As she had suspected, the prefects of her House had decided that her punishment would serve as an inauguration ceremony for the newly discovered room.<\/p>\n

All six prefects of Slytherin House were present. And\u00e2\u20ac\u201da wave of such intense relief flooded Alina that her knees went quite weak\u00e2\u20ac\u201dHeadgirl Ginny Weasley. But Ginny’s arms were crossed in front of her chest, and her face was cold. Alina realised that Ginny was not there to prevent her punishment.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAlina Petrel,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Prefect Vaisey commanded. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcTell us why you are here.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI\u00e2\u20ac\u201dhave\u00e2\u20ac\u201dbeen negligent with m\u00e2\u20ac\u201c my duties. A\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and because of that\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI have brought shame to m\u00e2\u20ac\u201c my House. I’m sorry, sir. I’m really, really sorry!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She wanted to say that she still didn’t understand how Crookshanks could have escaped from her room, but she knew that didn’t matter. He had escaped, and the subsequent collaboration with the other Houses had cost Slytherin pride dearly. They would be the butt of school-jokes for months.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI deserve to be punished,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she added in a small voice. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’m here to request my punishment.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcVery well,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Vaisey said. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcStep in front of that wall.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

He pointed to the wall where the heavy chains with shackles and manacles were set into the stones. Trembling, Alina obeyed.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWand out!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Vaisey commanded.<\/p>\n

That surprised Alina, but she pulled her wand out of her sleeve.<\/p>\n

Then everything happened at once.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcExpelliarmus!<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 shouted Fifth Year prefect Angela Sutron, and Alina’s wand flew from her hand.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcCompedio!<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 cried Sixth Year prefect Graham Pritchard. Shackles snapped around her ankles, chaining her to the wall.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcPulta!<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 ordered Vaisey. Alina’s wand rose into the air and raced towards her.<\/p>\n

Then the beating started.<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAlina? Are you okay?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Geilis’ worried voice penetrated the warm shelter of her blankets. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAlina? Please, talk to me! Or\u00e2\u20ac\u201dor\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI’ll call Mrs. Snape!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNo!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Alina shot up and instantly winced with pain. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcDon’t you dare!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 She glared at Geilis with her left eye, as the right one was rather spectacularly blackened.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcOH MERLIN, Alina! You’re bruised all over! Does it hurt very badly?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Alina forced herself to face her friend and stiffly shook her head. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt’s really not as bad as it looks. What’s worse is the disgrace of it all. Gilly, they had me wandless and shackled in a second<\/em>! And then they made my OWN wand wallop me. I had to catch it, and break the power of the Charm with my willpower. Not with a spell. Just with the power of my mind.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Tears of humiliation burned in Alina’s eyes. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcObviously FLOBBERWORMS have more willpower than I do.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYou can’t leave the dorm looking like that,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Geilis told her. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcLook, how about I get a jar of bruise balm for you?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Sleepbringer<\/h3>\n

The sweet, low sound of a bell alerted Snape to the fact that something was amiss in the Slytherin Common Room. That, and the incredible wave of fatigue that suddenly swept over him and almost flattened him snoring to the ground where he stood. He blinked convulsively as a huge, undignified yawn split his face.<\/p>\n

Snape shook himself. Something was going on. The very air of the dungeons tasted suddenly of Dark Magic. Of ancient, very dark magic. Another yawn made tears leak out of the corners of his eyes. He scowled, fumbled with clumsy hands for a phial of Invigoration Draught and downed it quickly.<\/p>\n

Then he gripped his wand and strode towards the common room of Slytherin House.<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

Once inside Snape was greeted by scene of rare peacefulness. Just before dinner, the common room was packed and normally quite a rowdy place.Tonight, however, silence reigned supreme.The lifeless bodies of students lay on the ground or slumped motionless over tables and in their chairs. Only Alina Petrel was standing in the middle of the room, her right arm raised, a tiny silver bell clasped in her hand, her dark eyes wild with fright.<\/p>\n

Icy shock flashed through Snape. He fell to his knees next to Geilis Duncan and pressed his fingertips against her throat, held the inner side of his wrist in front of her half-opened mouth. After one of the longest moments of his life, a deep sigh of relief escaped him. He drew himself up and willed the frantic beating of his heart to slow down.<\/p>\n

Miss Duncan was merely asleep.<\/p>\n

A quick investigation assured him that indeed all of the students who had collapsed in the Slytherin common room had merely fallen asleep wherever they had been standing and whatever they had been doing.<\/p>\n

With one notable exception.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMISS PETREL,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Snape roared. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWHAT HAVE YOU DONE?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat did you put in there?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus’s voice was so hoarse that his words were barely audible when he eyed the steaming cup with obvious misgivings.<\/p>\n

The line between his brows cut deeper than normally.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcA pinch of slippery elm bark, some wild cherry bark, cardamom, clove and a spoon of finely chopped liquorice root. Blended with Assam. With hot milk and honey,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione explained patiently. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd I’m not trying to poison you. It’s one of Professor Sprout’s recipes. Neville says it’s going to help you.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI am supposed to find something that Longbottom <\/em>said reassuring?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione’s lips twitched. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThis is his area of expertise, Severus. It’s a herbal tea. Not a potion.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHmpf.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 But Severus picked up his tea and took a careful sip. Then another. And another. For a long while they sat together in silence, simply drinking their tea. After a day spent in boisterous classrooms, the quiet of their quarters was very welcome indeed.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSo what did Alina do this time?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus drew up his eyebrows and rubbed the bridge of his nose.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt seems that the Room of Requirement has seen it fit to give Miss Petrel a present during our wedding reception,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he rasped.<\/p>\n

Yelling at Alina had taken a lot out of his voice. Hermione frowned worriedly. Whatever the room had give Alina must be very dangerous for Severus to be in such a state. A moment later, her suspicions were confirmed.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe damn Room dumped the tool of a Necromancer into the girl’s lap,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus went on. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd instead of bringing it to me for inspection, the little idiot simply tried it out right there in the common room.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAlina rang a Necromancer’s bell?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione gasped with shock.<\/p>\n

Necromancy wasn’t taught at Hogwarts, but it was part of the Ninth Year curriculum at Durmstrang and of Auror Training in Britain.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhy am I not surprised that you know about necromancy?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Snape asked wearily.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcErr\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/em>probably because you know me too well?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 She bit down on her lower lip. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHarry did a course a while ago. It’s part of his Auror Training, apparently. And you know that Harry’s interested in everything to do with the Deathly Hallows, because\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwell, because of what happened during the battle. And now that the Elder Wand may have been stolen…\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione felt her cheeks grow hot. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI\u00e2\u20ac\u201duh<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI may have persuaded Harry to share some of his course-materials with me.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHermione, have you learned nothing at all from the last years?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus held up his hand to still her hurt protest before she even opened her mouth. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcForgive me. I didn’t mean it like that. But you do need to promise something to me now, Hermione.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcPromise<\/em> me that you will come to me with whatever you wish to learn. I will teach you enough to satisfy your curiosity. But please, promise<\/em> me that you will never touch any of the Dark Arts on your own. Promise me, Hermione. If you value the integrity of your soul, promise that to me.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

His eyes bored into her with frightening intensity. She swallowed drily.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI promise,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she said at last. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAbout today\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6what kind of bell was it? And you could wake everyone, right?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt was the bell traditionally called ‘Ranna’<\/em>. The first and smallest of the seven bells that a Necromancer wields,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus explained. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcShe is also called ‘somnifer’<\/em> or ‘sleepbringer’<\/em>, as that is her power\u00e2\u20ac\u201dto bring silence and sleep. Including eternal<\/em> slumber.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcOh shit,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione cursed softly.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIndeed.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat did you do?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAfter I screamed at Miss Petrel in a way fit to wake the dead right there and then without the help of any bells and brought the Bloody Baron breathing down my neck?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus rotated tense shoulders. When he looked at Hermione again, his eyes were dark with regret.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI woke them,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he said simply. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd then I gave Miss Petrel detention until the end of the term.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Her heart seemed to freeze inside her. Hermione shuddered convulsively.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI woke them.<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Once again her whole world had changed from one second to the next.<\/p>\n

Her husband was a necromancer. <\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

How Can You Still Touch Me?<\/h3>\n

Severus put down his mug. His fingers strayed to his forehead again. Hermione hated to see him so weary and worried. She almost winced with embarrassment, when she realised that she had likely added to his load yet again with her selfish quest for dangerous knowledge.<\/p>\n

Hermione rose to her feet and quietly moved behind him. She reached for his head and drew it gently against the back of the chair. She hesitated a moment. Then she gingerly smoothed back his hair and began to massage his head. Severus inhaled sharply and stiffened. But when she didn’t react, and only kept rubbing his head and temples with careful, light movements, he exhaled deeply. After a while she could feel how he relaxed under the delicate circles her fingertips were drawing on his skull.<\/p>\n

To her surprise, Severus’ hair wasn’t all that greasy. It was<\/em> slick and lank, but most of all it was very, very fine, almost feathery, and so black that it shone with blue highlights as she parted it with her fingers. Hermione decided she rather liked feeling him like that, the curve of his skull, those fine strands. The slow rhythm of the massage also soothed the frantic circuits of thoughts and worries in her mind and calmed her racing heart.<\/p>\n

Her fingers caressed his temples and smoothed his forehead. Would he mind if she bent down and kissed him? But suddenly Severus reached up and captured her hands. He drew her down towards him until she was sitting on the right-hand armrest. But to her surprise that position still didn’t satisfy him. Only when her head was resting on his shoulder, he appeared content. Now his fingers found their way into her hair, tenderly tracing her temple, the curve of her ear, down her neck, stroking her, almost meditatively curling and uncurling her hair. Each touch made her skin tingle and her stomach tighten. But she kept still and didn’t demand more than he would give her. The moment was too precious.<\/p>\n

Abruptly he stilled the movement of his hand.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcGryffindors,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he murmured. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’ll never understand them. How can you still touch me, Hermione? Now that you know? How can you stand to let me touch you?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She sighed. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAs I understand necromancy you cannot really learn all that much about it. It is rather a very special talent. Like being a Metamorphmagus. Either you’re born that way or not.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione drew back so she could face Severus. The bleak look in his eyes wrenched her heart. She would rather see him smirk and sneer than witness such misery. She studied his face, so carefully devoid expression. Only the absolute blackness of his eyes betrayed the depth of his despair.<\/p>\n

Her heart skipped a beat when realisation struck her. Severus was allowing <\/em>her to see beyond his ever-present armour of sarcasm and scorn. He trusted her with his despair.<\/p>\n

She sighed deeply and reached for his hands. She curled her fingers around his hands and held them as tightly as she could. The touch was almost painful. She met his eyes without flinching.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhy should it change anything?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She shifted her position and leant over, until her lips hovered over his. She allowed herself to sink into his fathomless gaze and kissed him.<\/p>\n

At first she just brushed over his thin, cool lips. Her touch grew firmer. She teased and stroked until he parted his lips and allowed her inside. Her tongue slid into his mouth. The hard, smooth edge of his teeth. Warm wetness. Touch of tongue. Taste of tenderness. She twined her tongue around his, trailed along the sides, delved below\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6and at last had to come up for air with a gasp.<\/p>\n

She could feel him against the side of her thigh, hard, pulsing even through the fabric of his trousers. But when she made to reach for him, he stopped her.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMuch as I desire you,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus murmured. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThis is not the right time.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

He drew a shaky breath. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI think I am\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6aware now that you\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThat I’m still willing to touch you? To be touched by you?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione provided, grateful to see that the despair had faded from his eyes. Instead his expression wavered between amazement and exasperation.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThat much is obvious even to an old fool such as I am,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he said and tightened his embrace.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMay I see the bell?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus started and pushed her away a little, so he could look at her face. His hair surrounded his face in a dishevelled black halo. His pale cheeks were slightly flushed. Even his lips had gained some colour from the fierceness of her kisses.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIf you think you can\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6what is it that your contemporaries deign to call this again?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He faked a thoughtful expression, trailing his mouth with the tip of his right index-finger, while keeping a firm hold of her back with his left hand. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dc\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 if you think you can, as they say, ‘snog me senseless’<\/em> in order to lure me into inappropriate concessions, you are sorely mistaken, Hermione.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIf that’s what you think this was about, then\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione started indignantly.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHush,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he murmured. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI know it was not, silly. It seems I still need to adapt to your straightforward style of conversation.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus sighed. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcTo answer your question: I don’t have the bell. I ensured that it will remain silent, that it doesn’t pose a danger to anyone at the moment. Then I returned it to Alina.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione frowned. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut why did you do that? If it’s that dangerous\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAs you very correctly observed, necromancy is tied to blood. The Room of Requirement could give that bell to Alina only because it is tied to her blood. While I could<\/em> wield it if I must, it is not my place to do so.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione’s mind was reeling with the consequences that calm statement entailed. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she whispered, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcthat would mean Alina’s father was at Hogwarts once!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Mistakes and Consequences<\/h3>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcGinny, what’s wrong?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione’s week had been trying to put things mildly.<\/p>\n

The incident with the bell on Wednesday had left Slytherin House in a turmoil. Her husband’s temper had been horrible since then, although he had taken pains to be civil with her.<\/p>\n

Alina in particular was completely rattled, not that anyone could blame her. But discovering just how terrifying it could be to have a jumpy and unfocused First Year in a Potions classroom had not been a good experience. Hermione simply didn’t understand. Of course it had been a shocking discovery for Alina, but normally Hermione would have expected the girl to react differently\u00e2\u20ac\u201dto take the revelation of a special talent in stride, even if it was such a dangerous ability as Necromancy. Furthermore, Hermione knew that Severus had been quite lenient with Alina; he had not even detracted House points for that mishap and merely given her detentions so she could learn just how dangerous the situation had been.<\/p>\n

And now Ginny was moping over her tea with an expression better suited for a funeral than for a comfortable Saturday evening spent with a good friend. Ginny grimaced and continued to stir her tea in morose silence.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcGinny. Please. Tell me what’s wrong. I’ve been having a hard week. I can’t take this silent sulking another second.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat’s been going on?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Ginny asked, fidgeting in obvious discomfort. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcUhh\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/em>you would tell me if you were uh\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/em>angry at me, wouldn’t you?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione stared at her friend. A headache was beginning to throb at her temples. She inhaled deeply and forced herself to remain patient.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhy,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she asked carefully, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcshould I be angry at you?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWell\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Ginny stammered. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI\u00e2\u20ac\u201dactually\u00e2\u20ac\u201dthe whole school, I guess, couldn’t help noticing\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwell\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Professor Snape has been in a rare mood this week, and all of the Slytherins have been kind of tense and jumpy.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYes, I guess that’s true. But pardon my confusion,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione frowned,\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcwhat has that to do with you?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’m afraid that I’ve made a horrible, horrible mistake. And I’ve promised not to tell anyone about it, but\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIf you have promised not to tell anyone about it, Ginny, then why are you talking to me now?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Ginny took a deep breath and fixed her gaze on her mug. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBecause I can’t stand seeing Alina so scared and\u00e2\u20ac\u201dand\u00e2\u20ac\u201dconfused\u00e2\u20ac\u201dand it’s all my fault.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHow is that your<\/em> fault?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione wanted to groan. They had tried to keep the incident from getting out. But apparently there was no way to keep anything <\/em>at Hogwarts a secret.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWell,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 the words rushed out of Ginny’s mouth, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcbecause I knew about the punishment and I was there and I did nothing to stop it and I should have gone to Professor Snape right away or to Professor McGonagall, but I wanted so badly to show the Slytherins that we can<\/em> respect them and\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6and\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Ginny’s voice faded to a despairing whisper. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd all I did was let Alina down.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione opened her mouth, then closed it again.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcGinevra Weasley,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she said, her tone threatening. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat are you talking about? I suggest you start at the beginning and leave nothing out.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThey did what?<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione was almost grateful to see how shocked her husband appeared. After listening to Ginny, Hermione hadn’t been completely sure how Severus would react. From what Ginny had told her, the way Alina’s punishment had been doled out\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwith the miscreant being forced to actually ask<\/em> for the punishment and the manner of the punishment both physical and painful\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwas true to the most ancient Slytherin traditions.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThey charmed Alina’s wand to beat her up,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione repeated. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcApparently the Prefects came to the conclusion that Crookshanks’ escape and the disgrace of having to ask the other Houses for help was all Alina’s fault and that she deserved to be punished for her negligence.
\n \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcGinny guessed that they would do something to Alina and blackmailed Vaisey into including her in the proceedings, so she could keep things from getting out of hand.
\n \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThey used an exercise that Professor Weasley introduced for his Third Years this term. An exercise to get the students to react quicker to Expelliarmus<\/em> and other wand-affecting curses. I’m not sure why they used the shackles,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione shrugged uncomfortably, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcmaybe simply because they were there.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSeverus, I never told her not to let Crookshanks outside!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she pleaded. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYou were there, I only asked her to watch<\/em> him!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus stared at her wordlessly. A vein was beginning throb at his temple, betraying just how angry he was.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBloody fucking hell,<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he ground out between clenched teeth. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe moment you turn your back on those little snakes, they bite where it hurts the most. Damn, and damn, and damn<\/em> again.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He balled his right hand into a fist and beat it soundly on the table, fury and frustration flashing in his eyes. Then he slumped down in his chair, clenching and unclenching his fists. At last Severus took a deep breath. To watch him regain some measure of control was like seeing him slip on a mask, a harsh and expressionless mask that hid his real feelings completely.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHermione\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 His voice was very serious as he implored her. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYou must believe me when I tell you that I do not <\/em>approve of this.
\n \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIn-House punishment\u00e2\u20ac\u201dpunishment administered by Prefects and older students\u00e2\u20ac\u201dhas a long tradition in Slytherin House.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcEverything for honour,<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he spat bitterly. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd everything that occurs inside Slytherin House stays inside Slytherin House. You have no idea<\/em> how some Slytherin families treat their children. Their own children.<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

He rose to his feet. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThank you for bringing this matter to my attention. Now I must go and discuss this incident with the Headmistress.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 A pause. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHermione, I hope you are aware of the fact that there will be disciplinary consequences for Miss Weasley as well.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Only when Hermione nodded, Severus spun on his heel and exited the room.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Few and Far Between<\/h3>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAlina is a what<\/em>?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Lois stared at Hermione, her dark-brown eyes wide and shocked.<\/p>\n

Snape was struck by how much like her daughter Lois looked. Alina seemed to get her looks wholly from her mother\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6and her talents just as completely from her elusive father.<\/p>\n

It had been decided to keep the incident with the bell quiet, but of course Alina’s mother had to be informed.<\/p>\n

Right now tea was growing cold in their cups and the warm sunshine of the afternoon was overshadowed by the topic of their conversation. Severus glanced at Hermione, who had unobtrusively taken Lois’ hand in a gesture of physical reassurance. Uncomfortable as this conversation was going to be, he was grateful that his wife was present. Her friendship with Lois would ease the difficult discussion considerably.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcA Necromancer.<\/em>
\n \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcA Necromancer is someone who has a special affinity for Death Magic. Necromancers are able to enter the Realm of Death. They have the power to raise beings and persons from the outer precincts of Death or to bind and banish them into Death, usually by wielding seven magical bells. It is an innate magical talent,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus explained. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhile all wizards can learn certain necromantic spells, only a Necromancer has power in the Realm Death. There are two kinds of Necromancers\u00e2\u20ac\u201dthose with the power to raise the dead, and those with the power to bind them. At the moment we cannot be sure yet which of these powers Alina will develop. Time will tell.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus noticed the bright gleam in his wife’s eyes that betrayed how questions and connections formed lightning-quick in their brown warmth. The conversation with Lois Petrel would likely not remain the only uncomfortable discussion that day.<\/p>\n

He took a deep breath and went on, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAlina will need to be taught how to control her powers, and eventually she will need to be registered as a Necromancer with the Ministry of Magic. Lois\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI cannot make light of this. Necromancy is an extremely dark and dangerous talent. It might be very helpful if we knew who Alina’s father was.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcOh God,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Lois whispered. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut I can’t tell you. I explained it to Headmistress McGonagall when she first came to visit me. He told me his name was Prosper Reagan. But that was not his real name\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 She went on to outline the circumstances of Alina’s birth. When she had finished, the room was quiet for a long moment.<\/p>\n

Snape had expected some sad and sordid story, of course. But this subtle and unconscionable exploitation of a young girl’s infatuation left him unexpectedly sickened.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMaybe he modified her memory?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione suggested.<\/p>\n

Severus shook his head. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI doubt it. From what Lois describes, he cast spells only on himself, not on her or any other Muggles. Very clever.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Turning to Lois, he explained, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIf he had used magic on you directly, our authorities would have been alerted sooner or later. Or at the very least we could use magic on you now to reveal his identity. I would still ask you to let us try. If your memory has been tampered with, we should be able to detect the intrusion and possibly rectify it. But as I said, I doubt it.
\n \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNow\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI have secured Alina’s bell. She will not be able to ring it again, not by choice or by accident. For the time being, I don’t think that the Necromancy will have any impact on her development or her education.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus straightened and his mouth thinned.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcUnfortunately, there is another unpleasant matter we need to discuss today,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he announced wearily. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI have to inform you that students from her own House decided to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153punish\u00e2\u20ac\u009d <\/em>Alina for a trivial negligence in an inappropriate and unsanctioned way, and\u00e2\u20ac\u201das I might add\u00e2\u20ac\u201d against my explicit <\/em>instructions concerning such matters. I regret that something like that could happen in Slytherin House at this point in time and I can assure you that the offenders have been dealt with to the full extent of my disciplinary competences.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dc\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6I see,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Lois said. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat has been done?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe Prefects have been stripped of their privileges. For the rest of the term the Prefects of the Houses Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff will take over their duties. Any point the relevant students ever earned for their House has been subtracted, bringing the sum of House points for Slytherin House down to zero for the rest of the term. Ginevra Weasley lost 100 House points and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153won\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/em> weekly detentions until graduation.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI see,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Lois repeated.<\/p>\n

Hermione suppressed a sigh. Lois would never truly<\/em> understand. How could she?<\/p>\n

Slytherin House was in a state of hysteria, the rest of Hogwarts was little better. No one had ever known Professor Snape to subtract more than a grudging handful of points from his own students\u00e2\u20ac\u201dno matter what<\/em> they did. The episode with the emerald that had been broken to take away a mere \u00c2\u00bc point from Slytherin House was the stuff of legends.<\/p>\n

And now the Head of Slytherin House<\/em> had eliminated any chance of his own<\/em> House at winning the coveted House Cup?<\/p>\n

The shock was so profound that there was almost no gloating directed at the Slytherin misfortune.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIs it possible that I talk with Alina alone?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Lois asked.<\/p>\n

Severus nodded curtly. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcOf course. I will go and get her.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

oooOooo <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’m so sorry, Lois.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Her friend stared at her, the effort it cost her to keep calm visible on her face and in her tense posture.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt’s not your fault, Hermione. Or even Severus’ fault. He didn’t create those Slytherin traditions. And I am sure he did his best to curb them. \u00e2\u20ac\u2122There are bullies at every school. Do you think I don’t know that? I’ve been treating the victims of bullies in my therapy sessions for years! And trust me, teachers like Severus, who admit<\/em> that something went wrong, who don’t just look the other way and pretend that everything is all right, are few and far between.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

oooOooo<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

\u00c2\u00ab Chapters 61\u00e2\u20ac\u201c70<\/a> oooOooo<\/strong> Chapters 81\u00e2\u20ac\u201c90 \u00c2\u00bb<\/a><\/p>\n

\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe Apprentice and the Necromancer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 by JunoMagic Chapters 71\u00e2\u20ac\u201c80 What Happens Now? It was after midnight, when they left the Room of Requirement and descended down to the dungeons. The sounds of their steps echoed in the silent corridors and … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":194,"featured_media":0,"parent":77,"menu_order":8,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"chapter.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-89","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/89","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/194"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=89"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/89\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8787,"href":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/89\/revisions\/8787"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/77"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=89"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}