{"id":94,"date":"2008-03-30T12:53:29","date_gmt":"2008-03-30T11:53:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/the-apprentice-and-the-necromancer\/part-13\/"},"modified":"2011-01-27T09:45:35","modified_gmt":"2011-01-27T08:45:35","slug":"chapters-121-130","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/junofanfic\/hp-fanfic\/the-apprentice-and-the-necromancer\/chapters-121-130","title":{"rendered":"Chapters 121-130"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe Apprentice and the Necromancer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 by JunoMagic
\n Chapters 121\u00e2\u20ac\u201c130<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

A Coin for the Ferryman<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The river was strong and swift where he entered it. Its deadly cold slammed into his body with a welcoming shock. The pain cleared his head and set his senses on edge.<\/p>\n

For a moment Severus swayed when the currents gripped his robes and wrapped them around his knees. Then he found firm footing. He ignored the eddies that greedily whirled around his legs and the cold that was draining him of life. Instead he stared ahead into the darkness, trying to see, to hear\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n

It was a quiet spot in the river. In the distance he could hear the water rushing towards the Second Gate, but here everything was calm. No cries, no splashing. No half-hidden figures crouching just outside his field of vision.<\/p>\n

He took a deep breath and waded deeper into the river. Still nothing. He turned towards the Gate. His progress was slow, laborious. His legs were so cold they felt like separate entities, no longer connected to his body.<\/p>\n

Was that movement? Just a few feet ahead? Yes. Not far. But already closer to the First Gate. Too close. His heart pounded painfully in his chest. If she passed beyond the Gate before he could reach her, it would not be the Hermione he knew that he’d be bringing back.<\/p>\n

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

The tableau before her reminded Minerva McGonagall of 19th century Gothic novels.<\/p>\n

The dark figure of a man loomed over the prone body of a woman. In his hands, he held a silver sword beset with rubies. Blue witch-light illuminated the scene. Its glow made the tiny crystals of hoarfrost that covered the bodies sparkle in the darkness. The grass around them was frozen in a circle of at least seven feet in diameter. Only the sword was free of frost, its rubies blazing as brightly like the rising sun.<\/p>\n

On the path that led up to the patch of lawn at the end of the rose garden a wisp of smoke curled up over a heap of oily dark ashes and broken bones.<\/p>\n

Neville Longbottom was kneeling just outside the circle of rime, his arms wrapped around Alina Petrel, who was weeping hysterically.<\/p>\n

Dazed, Minerva turned around to Madam Hooch who’d been as usual the quickest teacher to arrive on the scene.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcContact the Aurors. Just in case the call of the tattoo failed. And we’ll need Poppy,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Minerva requested, though she doubted that a healer could help with what had happened here tonight.<\/p>\n

Still the Headmistress straightened her shoulders and turned back to the frozen figures on the lawn.<\/p>\n

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

There! Severus recognised her hair first, a mess of wet tangles floating on the dark waters. A white arm had grabbed her around the throat. Severus leapt forwards. He swung up the sword. Just a heartbeat before he brought down the sword, he realised that the white figure was not dragging Hermione towards the Gate. In fact, it was barely moving at all.<\/p>\n

The creature was cradling Hermione carefully in its arm so that her face remained above the water. With feeble jerks of its body the dead being resisted the currents that were pushing them closer and closer towards the First Gate. Every now and again its other hand drifted up and smoothed wet tendrils of hair from Hermione’s face. With each caress, her face grew paler as more colour, warmth and life drained out of her.<\/p>\n

A moment later Severus reached them. So close to the Gate the currents were almost irresistible. His left arm was painful and frozen, he could barely move it. So terribly weak. The desire to sink into these dark waters and to float with the flow was nearly overwhelming. It would be so easy. The rushing of the river was a lullaby now. The water was buoyant. The cold wouldn’t matter. He was so weary. His limbs were so heavy. But here was Hermione, his Hermione<\/em>. A memory stirred, of the night when she’d become wholly his. And with that memory a little warmth returned to him.<\/p>\n

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

Harry arrived at a run. Together with the other Aurors on duty he’d Apparated to the secluded spot just beyond the gardens, where they’d arrived after retrieving Snape from Azkaban. Just outside the grounds, it was the Apparition point closest to the grounds and gardens of Hogwarts. But he still lost precious seconds weaving through vegetable beds and berry bushes.<\/p>\n

When Harry finally reached the rose garden, there was nothing he could do besides confirm what Alina said and Minerva suspected: Both Hermione and Severus had entered the Realm of Death\u00e2\u20ac\u201dHermione dragged by the Inferius’ powers, Severus of his own volition.<\/p>\n

The other Aurors crowded around the grisly remains of the Inferius. Maybe the spell that had animated the Inferius could still be traced. But Harry rather doubted it. His quick diagnostic spell had revealed nothing. There was simply not enough left of the creature.<\/p>\n

At last Harry stepped behind Neville, who was still holding a shaking Alina in his arms, both to comfort her and to keep her away from the still shapes in front of them. Harry put one hand on the little girl’s shoulder, the other on Neville’s arm and drew them backwards, away from the circle of frost.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThere’s nothing we can do but wait. You should go inside.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

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

Severus stared at the creature before him.<\/p>\n

It was even whiter in Death than in the realm beyond the river, almost blending with the fog that danced above the waters. A wild hunger and a desperate thirst burned in the eyes of what once had been a bright smiling boy and\u00e2\u20ac\u201dhe grudgingly admitted\u00e2\u20ac\u201dan enthusiastic, diligent student.<\/p>\n

Like all Dead it was drawn to the living. Demons and evil spirits fed off their energy or devoured their souls. Others would still be attracted to the presence of life in the river, to the sudden light in the midst of their darkness.<\/p>\n

Would he give up on the life he had captured?<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Unless She Asks Me <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Slowly Severus reached out. The dead spirit did not flinch. Instead he met Severus’ eyes in silence. In Death, his speech had deserted him again. But the strange flicker of awareness that had passed through his face before the fire consumed his conjured shell still remained.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHermione doesn’t belong here, Colin,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus said as calmly as he could. Again that spark of recognition in the pale face at hearing once familiar names. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHermione is not dead yet,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus said and prayed that his words were true. Her arm was so thin, so fragile and cold in his grasp.<\/p>\n

The river was gaining power around them. Already Severus could see the dark shape of the Gate looming before them blacker than the night. Already he could hear the voice of the water rising to a rushing noise in front of them. Sluggish movements within the gloom of the Gate told him that the presence of two living beings hadn’t gone unnoticed. Soon hot blood and living flesh would draw out the demonic denizens of the river by the droves.<\/p>\n

Severus tightened his hold on her arm. Hermione did not react, but remained as she was, drifting helplessly in the water, her eyes closed.<\/p>\n

But the spirit did not move.<\/p>\n

Severus raised the sword. Just an inch. A hint of a threat. His heart was racing, tumbling.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcShe’s mine. And I won’t give her up. Ever.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Unless she asks me to,<\/em> he added once more in silence. His shoulders slumped, his strength deserting him. But Hermione was not here voluntarily. She hadn’t left him.<\/p>\n

Suddenly the spirit stepped back. Hermione’s head went underwater. Severus lunged for her, almost losing hold of sword and bells. But he did not let go of her arm. Icy water washed over him, drenched him. Coughing and sputtering, he came up again. He drew her against his body until he held her securely in his arm, her face pressed against his left shoulder.<\/p>\n

The first thing Severus felt was her heartbeat. Here, in the river, it was still present, steady and strong against his chest. He was beginning to shake with relief and exhaustion. But he must not let down this guard. They were not safe yet.<\/p>\n

He looked back at Colin. The spirit stood in front of him, white arms dropped at his sides, looking at him with quiet expectation.<\/p>\n

Severus hesitated. It had been such a long time since he had wielded a bell. But<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6not only was he not sure if he still had the strength to make it back to the shore without help, Colin deserved better than being left afloat, to be washed back and forth between the shores of Life and Death. Awkwardly Severus transferred the sword to his left hand without loosening his hold on Hermione. His fingers fumbled with the bag. When they instinctively closed around a bell, he experienced a faint sense of surprise. He was still able to recognize the bell he needed by touch alone.<\/p>\n

Mosrael.<\/em> The bell Alina had discovered in the Trophy Room only a few hours earlier. With its seesaw sound the bell would throw Colin back to where he’d been taken from, while it would propel him and Hermione back to the shore.<\/p>\n

Severus raised the bell, his gaze trained on the spirit in front of him. From the corner of his eye he caught glimpses of moving shadows closing in on them. His legs were shaking from the strain of holding Hermione and resisting the currents at the same time. It would be close. Very close.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe sound of this bell will take you deep into Death, beyond the Ninth Gate.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 For a moment he fell silent. Then he whispered, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIf you see Dumbledore\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6tell him\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He shook his head. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNo. It’s no use. We’re alive, and you’re dead.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWould it help to know that you’re not forgotten?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he asked suddenly. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcOr that you haven’t died in vain?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus didn’t wait for the spirit’s answer, but tolled the bell.<\/p>\n

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

The first flush of dawn shimmered through the fog that obscured the hills east of Hogwarts, when the harsh, strangely cut-off sound of a bell penetrated the silence of the rose garden.<\/p>\n

Harry jumped to his feet just in time to see Severus’ eyes flutter open. For a heartbeat his black eyes stared at clouds bright with the light of a new day in disbelief. Then his eyes rolled up in a faint and he slumped forwards, the sword of Gryffindor falling from his insensate grasp.<\/p>\n

But Harry Potter hadn’t been the youngest Seeker on a house team in over a century for nothing. He lunged forwards and threw himself down on his knees next to Hermione before Severus was on the ground. Harry caught the sword easily before it hit Hermione, his left hand curled securely around the hilt, but neatly slicing open his right palm with the blade.<\/p>\n

He never noticed that the instant his blood dropped to the ground, the circle of frost melted away, leaving nothing but dewdrops that sparkled in the morning sun.<\/p>\n

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

When Hermione opened her eyes, she felt dizzy and confused. Why was she in bed?<\/p>\n

She turned towards her husband. Severus lay on his back next to her, unmoving except for the slight rise and fall of his breath. His face was deathly pale. His skin had always been sallow, but now it was nearly as white as snow.<\/p>\n

Something must have happened. She tried to concentrate, to remember. But Halloween, the day, the dinner, the feast\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Everything felt so far away. As if it had happened a lifetime ago. She’d been in the rose garden, she recalled, doing her rounds. And then<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6she wrinkled her nose. The musky sweet smell of perfume. A white face. The rushing sound of a river. Her husband’s voice filled with such pain and so far away.<\/p>\n

Hermione shot up. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSeverus! What happened to Severus?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHe saved your life,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Harry’s voice answered her.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Fama Volat<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHarry?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione blinked. How did Harry come to be in hers and Severus’ bedroom?<\/em><\/p>\n

She felt dizzy. When she tried to sit up, her arms wouldn’t cooperate and she collapsed on the pillows. Her muscles felt like jelly, a most ridiculous feeling. A pathetic, almost hysterical giggle at her weakness bubbled up inside her.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat happened?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Her gaze flicked from Harry’s arm to the still form of her husband.<\/p>\n

Harry shifted uncomfortably. He was very pale. His right arm was covered in thick bandages and secured to his upper body with a sling.\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat do you remember?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She frowned. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI was in the rose garden. I was\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6preoccupied. Then there was this white figure. I thought it was a student out of bounds. But it wasn’t, was it?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Harry reached for her hand squeezed it, an awkward, left-handed gesture of comfort. His green eyes remained worried.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNo,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he said. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6it was an Inferius. Hermione, someone raised Colin Creevey from the dead. And he\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6attacked you.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Harry’s gaze slid over to Severus. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMadam Pomfrey is going to be right back.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHarry! What happened?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

His hand flew up to his scar to rub it nervously. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcLook. Hermione. I don’t really know! By the time the Aurors and I got to the rose garden, the two of you looked like statues or something. Completely immobile and covered with ice crystals. A few hours later, Snape suddenly slumped down, and you started breathing again.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBreathing again?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Her voice soared shrilly. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIs he all right? Harry, is Severus all right?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Harry glanced quickly at the man lying next to her, almost as if he expected him to jump up and hex him into oblivion any second. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYes, he’s fine. I promise. Both Madam Pomfrey and Healer Mugwort say that he’s only sleeping.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione sighed with relief. But her left hand, hidden under the covers, inched surreptitiously towards Severus. Only when she’d slipped her fingers under the hard curves of his ribs, only when she could feel the warmth of his body, the gentle rise and fall of his breathing on top of her fingers, her frantic heartbeat quieted. Hermione turned her attention back to Harry. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd what happened to your arm?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 She concentrated on the clean white bandaged on Harry’s arm. Bandages were good. They were safe. Safer than thinking about not breathing.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHe went into the Realm of Death to get you back,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Harry added.<\/p>\n

Her heart fluttered in her chest. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI can’t remember anything,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she said in a small voice. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI only remember the rose garden. And then\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6nothing.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

An icy shudder shivered down her back. After a pause she forced herself to repeat her earlier question, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat’s wrong with your arm?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Harry scowled. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSnape dropped the sword. I caught it before it hit you. While luckily the venom of the basilisk isn’t active anymore, the blade is still magical. And damn sharp.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcOh, Harry!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Her hand jerked, trembling midair. She wasn’t even strong enough to clap it to her mouth.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhy don’t you lie back down and sleep a while longer? Madam Pomfrey should be back any second. She’ll get mad at me if I’ve upset you or something.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione wanted to protest and tell him that she was much too scared to go to sleep again. But she never even noticed how Harry got to his feet again.<\/p>\n

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

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHey, what are you doing there?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Neville called out.<\/p>\n

The girl jumped back, shaking. As he strode towards her, he realised that it was Anne Flamel. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwas just\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Her brown eyes were wide and frightened. In her hands she was holding a red tin that smelled strongly of fish.<\/p>\n

She was standing next to the silver plate and goblet that still set on the lawn at the end of the rose garden.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMiss Flamel, have you any idea what happened here yesterday?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

The young woman flinched as if he’d struck her. He winced. He’d never spoken to a student in such a sharp tone before. And he really liked the\u00e2\u20ac\u201dthe\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwell, technically<\/em> she was a young woman, he supposed. She was only a year younger than Ginny, after all.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 She gulped. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI heard that Professor Snape killed a student,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she whispered, dropping her gaze to the ground.<\/p>\n

For a moment Neville just blinked at her. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYou heard what?<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSir, I don’t believe it, I\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI couldn’t\u00e2\u20ac\u201dhe couldn’t possibly\u00e2\u20ac\u201dbut\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

For the first time in his life Neville could almost understand why Professor Snape reacted the way he did at some points during his own student years. He inhaled deeply and reviewed the feeding instructions for the Giant Genevian Goosetrap in his mind.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMiss Flamel, would you\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwould you mind taking a step backwards? Let’s\u00e2\u20ac\u201dlet’s move over there, to the wall.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She looked at him blankly, but followed his lead.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNow,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he continued. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWould you please tell me exactly what you heard and who you heard it from? And\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He frowned at looked at the tin she was holding. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI hope you don’t mind me asking, what are you doing with herrings in oil in the rose garden?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Anne blushed again, especially the tip of her nose, which was a bit tilted and, as Neville thought very privately, rather cute.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWell, sir,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she started shyly. When he nodded for her to continue, she swallowed hard and hurried on. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWell, sir, I\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI heard it from a Hufflepuff. But he said he had it from a Ravenclaw and I think she had it from a\u00e2\u20ac\u201da Gryffindor, who had it from another Gryffindor, and I think he got it from a Slytherin.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Neville resisted the urge to bury his face in the palms of his hands. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd what exactly did you hear? Miss Flamel?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWell, that\u00e2\u20ac\u201dthat\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 She took a deep breath. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcProfessor Snape killed a student and in the process also his wife. And then he tried to k\u00e2\u20ac\u201dkill Ha\u00e2\u20ac\u201dHa\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHarry Potter?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Neville just groaned.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Beautiful Eyes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Neville cleared his throat. The smell of herrings made him queasy. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMrs. Snape was attacked by an Inferius. That Inferius happened to be a former student. Professor Snape destroyed the Inferius and rescued his wife. Ha- Mr. Potter<\/em> had an accident when he was trying to help Professor Snape.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcOh.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYes, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153oh\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/em>. Now you’d better tell me who has been spreading those\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6extraordinary stories.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Anne fidgeted. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMust I really, Mr. Longbottom? I’m sure they didn’t mean any harm.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMiss Flamel, no matter if they meant<\/em> harm or not, such stories invariably do<\/em> cause harm.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

The girl hung her head, dismayed. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI didn’t believe them, sir. Please, sir. And I never passed those rumours on.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She sounded sincere. And scared. How was it possible that he<\/em> was scaring a Seventh Year student, when he’d been a student himself less than a year ago? \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI do believe you. Nevertheless I think it’s best if you accompany me to Headmistress McGonagall now. The Aurors want to talk to you anyway.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcTo me?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Her voice quivered.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYes, actually to both of us, but I’ve already answered their questions.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut\u00e2\u20ac\u201dbut why?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Neville pointed at plate and goblet. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBecause we set out the Samhain feast. Don’t worry, though. They just want to know if you noticed anything.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He frowned, wrinkling his nose. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd what are you doing out here with that fish? You still haven’t told me.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She gave him a timid smile. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWell, it’s for the kittens, sir. I believe they’ve eaten all the food we set out for Samhain. And I thought they might like some nice herring. But because it\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6well\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6it smells very much<\/em> like the fish it is, I wanted to put it out here. I thought the kittens would find it anyway.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAh, I see.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He couldn’t help smiling back. She had very cute dimples. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcLook, Miss Flamel, why don’t you just put that tin on the wall over there? And then we’ll go and talk to Headmistress McGonagall and the Aurors. Don’t you agree that it’s best to get difficult things over with as soon as possible?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

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

When Hermione opened her eyes, they were alone in the room and Severus was looking at her. They were lying on their sides, turned towards the centre of the bed.<\/p>\n

Severus was very pale. The lines around his mouth and between his eyebrows stood out in sharp creases. But he looked rested all the same. The circles under his eyes were gone. Without those deep lines of worry and tension, he would look young,<\/em> she realised. Or at least barely middle-aged.<\/em> They must have been asleep a long time. His hair was a mess: lank, slick tresses clinging to his skull. Someone must have performed a Shaving Charm on him though. There was not even a hint of stubble.<\/p>\n

His beautiful dark eyes. At this close proximity they were not black, rather a very, very dark brown. She could see a halo of lighter sparks circling his pupils. Idly she wondered if those tiny bits of a brighter colour were responsible for how his eyes could blaze when he was angry\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6or making love to her.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI love your eyes,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione whispered. Said eyes widened a little. She could almost hear what he was thinking: \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcFoolish woman.<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She felt how her lips curled up into a silly, relieved smile. To wake and to find him with her! Hermione tentatively moved her left arm and was pleased to discover that the muscles obeyed her once more. Hesitantly she laid her palm on his cheek. His skin was warm and dry from a Cleaning Charm. Her fingertips curled into a caress, gently trailing his temple, cheekbone, jaw line to his mouth. Such a sensitive mouth,<\/em> she mused. When it was relaxed and unguarded, as it was now. How precious every little thing about him had become. Those expressive eyebrows. That prominent, haughty nose. The tangled strands of oily hair. Maybe they could take a bath later on? And she might attempt to persuade him to try some Muggle toothpaste that worked wonders for tea stains on her own teeth.<\/em><\/p>\n

Her hand rested on his cheek again. To her surprise he sighed contentedly, his eyelids momentarily fluttering shut.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI love you,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she murmured.<\/p>\n

His eyes flew open. For a moment he stared at her. Hermione could feel how he swallowed. He moved his lips as if to wet them. She was about to say that he didn’t need to say anything\u00e2\u20ac\u201d<\/p>\n

When she suddenly felt his<\/em> hand on her cheek, echoing her caress. The sparks in his eyes that she’d admired just moments ago seemed to have ignited. A deep sigh escaped her, as her whole body began to tingle from his touch. But he did not move his hand away and waited until she looked at him again.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI love you, too, Hermione.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

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

She must have smiled, because he stroked a finger along her lower lip before tracing her jaw line up to her ear and sliding his fingers into her hair and to the back of her head. As if on cue both of them moved a little closer to each other. Hermione awkwardly lifted the bedcovers, so she could feel his body against hers without the duvet getting in the way.<\/p>\n

Hermione gasped when she felt him pressed against her. He was quite obviously well rested indeed.<\/p>\n

Severus drew her closer still, until Hermione felt she could drown in his dark gaze. Their lips touched. Soft. Warm. Gentle at first, then more insistent. She closed her eyes when his tongue slid into her mouth.<\/p>\n

Much later they lay on their sides again, faces flushed, bodies sticky with the sweat of shared passion. Severus spooned her, both arms possessively curled around her. It should have been an uncomfortable position. But it wasn’t. She felt safe and happy. The last thought before Hermione fell asleep again was that she wouldn’t mind staying in his arms like that forever.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Remember, Remember<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hermione marched into the dungeon precisely five minutes before the students arrived. With decisive flicks of her wands she prepared the workstations. She frowned at the sluggish behaviour of her left wand. Would she never get the hang of this?<\/em> She bit down on her lip. Concentrating hard, she executed the necessary wand-movement to open the doors of the storeroom with utmost caution. She knew better than to try levitating the glasses with the rat tails with her left.<\/p>\n

BANG!<\/p>\n

Hermione winced. At least the doors were open now. Hopefully she’d have the chance to pursue her wand-lessons with her husband and Flitwick now.<\/p>\n

The noise of many feet and voices drifted down the corridors. High pitched squeals and muttered insults mingled. Double Potions with the Second Year Gryffindors and Slytherins was almost upon her. Hermione straightened her shoulders and crossed her arms in front of her chest, allowing her apprentice robes to billow around her.<\/p>\n

I know I promised,<\/em> she thought. But<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n

The door opened and an avalanche of student robes, adorned with chattering mouths, sleep-ruffled hair and keen children’s eyes burst into the room. With surprising speed the children sorted themselves behind their respective desks. This was one of two Potions classes that was not strictly segregated between Slytherins and Gryffindors. Hermione wasn’t sure if the same happened in other classes or indeed if any other teacher knew about that. All she<\/em> knew was that having Alina Petrel seated next to Barret Cruddace and Myrrdin Loewe partnered with Geilis Duncan with a playful Haemon Rackharrow just behind them might possibly be good for inter-house relationships. It certainly was not<\/em> good for the peace and quiet of her classroom.<\/p>\n

She drew herself up to her full height and glared at the students.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’m very sorry to be such an inconvenience to you,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she snarled. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut as you can see, certain rumours about my untimely demise at the hands of my husband were only that: nasty rumours.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione flicked her right wand in the direction of the blackboard, where the brewing instructions for the Hair-Raising Potion appeared instantly.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI suggest that you start working. Now. And no chattering. This is potions time, not story telling time.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

A wave of shocked gasps flowed through the dungeon. None of the students dared to meet her eyes in the subsequent hush. Hermione snorted and sat down at the desk in front, drawing a stack of essays from one of her study groups towards her.<\/p>\n

This was not the manner she usually taught\u00e2\u20ac\u201dmuch to the chagrin of her husband, who saw a relaxed atmosphere in his dungeon as a danger to life and limbs of students. A wry grin tugged at the corners of her mouth. Severus would probably approve of her bad temper: More discipline in the dungeon. And all students alive and kicking. Though if she found out who exactly had been spreading those rumours, she wouldn’t make any guarantees<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n

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

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcRemember, remember, the fifth of November,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione muttered, as she hurried towards the Room of Requirement, trying to keep up with the longer legs of her husband, who was swooping ahead of her with swirling robes and long strides.<\/p>\n

And why did the Order meeting have to start so early?<\/em> she groused in her mind. There had been no time for a nap after dinner. Not that she had necessarily contemplated a nap<\/em> as such. When she ducked into the room, Hermione suppressed a sigh. Desks arranged in a businesslike \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcU\u00e2\u20ac\u2122, refreshments\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6it was going to be a long night. And she had to teach Double Potions on Monday morning\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6At least that particular class was only Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws.<\/p>\n

She slid into a seat next to Severus at the back of the room. Ignoring his customary scowl, she smiled at him shakily. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcButterbeer, Severus?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

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

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMrs. Snape, please tell the Order members what you remember of Tuesday evening.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione rose from her seat and took a deep breath. She focused on Minerva. It was easier that way. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAt around ten o’clock I went outside to patrol the gardens. Just a quick check to make sure there were no students out of bounds. In the rose garden, I happened on what I initially thought was a student in the disguise of a Weasley Wheezes costume\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

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

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIs there anything else you remember?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione frowned. Everything had happened so quickly. Her memories of the evening were foggy and disconnected. Memory loss was one of the common side-effects of entering the Realm of Death. She was actually very lucky if only the memory of that very evening was impaired.<\/p>\n

But there was<\/em> something. Her brows knit together in intense concentration. Something. Roses. Rosemary. Lavender. The fragrance of blossoms and herbs. And then<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’m not sure,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she said at last. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut I think just before I was attacked, I noticed a strange scent. Something very sweet, musky. Like a perfume. That’s really all I can think of.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThank you, Hermione.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Minerva gave her a tight-lipped smile.<\/p>\n

With a sigh, Hermione plopped down on her seat again. When Severus shoved her glass of butterbeer into her hand, she smiled gratefully. The current version of his scowl seemed to indicate concern, rather than bad temper.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSeverus\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwhat do you make of that incident?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione watched how Severus took the floor. Still agitated, he needed room to pace. The Order was in for a show.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhen I arrived in the rose garden, Hermione was already unconscious. An Inferius had her at the throat and was trying to strangle her.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Involuntarily, Hermione’s fingers went to her neck.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI didn’t recognise him at once. Only when he let Hermione go and came for me, I saw that it was Colin Creevey. The most remarkable thing about him was that he was talking. Alternately ranting and raving nearly incoherent insults and showing remarkable lucidity, like flash-backs of his dead personality.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut that’s impossible!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Ron interrupted. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcInferi can’t talk. And they are mindless creatures. Everyone knows that.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

More Things in Heaven and Earth<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Severus stopped in front of Ron. Her friend paled and glanced at Hermione in a frantic, silent plea for help.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSadly ‘everyone’ <\/em>wasn’t in the rose garden on Tuesday night,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus hissed. He straightened and turned his back on Ron, who visibly wilted in his chair. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt was an Inferius. It talked. And it showed remnants of intelligence.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Harry cleared his throat. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcErr<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Severus, do you recall what it said?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus nodded. Two flicks of his wand produced a pensieve-projector and a silver screen. Hermione paled. He hadn’t warned her about that. He’d show his memories of the attack to the Order.<\/p>\n

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

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHave you finally decided if you’re going to faint?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus’ smooth voice penetrated the rushing sound that filled her ears. It was an effort to turn her head and glare at him, but she managed. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcGive me a moment,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she whispered. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcStill need to think about it.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

The shock of being pulled against his side in public was almost enough to clear her head. The Pepper-Up Potion that was gruffly thrust into her shaking hands did the rest.<\/p>\n

With another flick of Severus’ wand the projector and the screen disappeared again. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI hope you enjoyed the show. There will be no repeat performance.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Harry patted his bandaged arm. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI should hope not\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI doubt that I can wield my wand with my mouth.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThat would be\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6quite<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6an awkward posture,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Snape said, quirking an eyebrow. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut as they say, to each his own.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Ginny choked on her pumpkin juice.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSeverus,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione hissed. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThis is supposed to be an Order meeting!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Black eyebrows raised, Snape tilted his head. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcOh, really? Dear me, I never noticed.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Ron snorted. But Minerva had had enough.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBack on topic, children, or I’ll wash out your mouths with soap. And that includes you, Severus. Does anyone have anything useful to contribute?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThose insults are bizarre,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hestia Jones said. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat could have caused them?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWell, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153vox vulgata\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/em> or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153linguam confundo\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/em> work quite well on living persons,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Ginny offered.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAs Ron and Percy can testify,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione whispered.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHe sounded like a parrot trained to insult everyone,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Lois suggested. She’d been invited to attend because of Alina’s involvement. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcOr like those jar-\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 She frowned and glanced at Ron. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThose furry little creatures you showed me in the Forbidden Forest that day.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcJarveys?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Lois nodded. Severus frowned, but kept silent.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcOkay,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Harry said. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWe know there are spells to manipulate the language of living persons. Maybe someone adapted a spell like that so it works on Inferi.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIf it was an Inferius,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Sturgis put in. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat if it was a zombie?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Snape shook his head. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNo. I would have known that at once. Also, once speech has been restored to zombies by the bell known as Dyrim, they speak the way they did in life. Although I remember Mr. Creevey as an annoying student, I cannot recall that his conduct was ever disrespectful. It was a spell, or a combination of a spell and something else. But whatever it was, it obviously didn’t work; Creevey’s speech was mostly incoherent. I also doubt that whoever raised him intended Creevey to warn us.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnother thing that bothers me,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Sturgis added. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe whole thing makes no sense. If they wanted a speaking puppet, why not use the Imperius<\/em>?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMaybe because you can fight the Imperius<\/em> off?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione suggested. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd normally an Inferius is a mindless creature, reduced to the purpose given to it by its master.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut not in Colin’s case. He didn’t seem to have<\/em> a purpose\u00e2\u20ac\u201dexcept for attacking you, Hermione. Then there’s that warning. And I think he recognised you, Professor Snape,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Draco said.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt might\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Neville stopped and blushed. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’m sorry, I didn’t meant to interrupt.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Snape rolled his eyes. But his next words surprised everyone. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcGo on, Mr. Longbottom. We’re collecting ideas. If you have something to contribute, we’re all ears.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcOh. Err\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Shocked, Neville cleared his throat. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMaybe how the real Colin peeked through had nothing to do with the original spell. Maybe it was the day<\/em>. And err<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6the Samhain feast that Miss Flamel and I set out in the rose garden. According to the old legends, the Veil between the Life and Death grows thin on Samhain, thin enough for the dead to pass through. And if they eat from a food put out for them by those who knew them, they regain speech, and even the power of touch.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcGobbledygook,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 protested Podmore. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThat’s nonsense. Just like that drivel about the Peverells and how they tricked Death personified.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus snorted. Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Sturgis asked belligerently. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcDo you honestly believe that crap? Come on, boy. You’re supposed to be an Auror now.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWell,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Harry said carefully. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAlbus Dumbledore believed that the Peverell brothers were merely extremely talented wizards who created the items known as the ‘Deathly Hallows’<\/em>.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAlbus Dumbledore,<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus retorted, his voice bitter, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcbelieved many things. Some of them only because he wanted to believe them.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSnape, you can’t possibly support this nonsense!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAs you must be aware, Podmore, I have quite a reputation for supporting\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6nonsense<\/em>.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus’ eyes glittered darkly. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcConcerning the Hallows, we know at least some facts that support this particular nonsense. The Hallows exist. And while it would be appealing to believe that the Resurrection Stone is merely a tool created by a man, I can tell you that it is made of the same stone as the Nine Gates of Death.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNot only that,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione murmured, as she remembered something. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThere are<\/em> trees growing at the river. I saw them. They had no leaves, and I don’t know what kind they were. But I remember seeing them, how their dark branches stirred in the mists above me.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She twisted her fingers together, so it wouldn’t be quite as obvious that her hands were shaking.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThere are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Lois quoted with a soft voice. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThan are dreamt of in your philosophy.<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIndeed,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus sighed.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Debates and Discussions; No Conclusions<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSo the Elder Wand was made of wood from a tree that grows in the Realm of Death?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Harry asked.<\/p>\n

Snape nodded. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt seems likely.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Harry’s hand went up to his forehead, rubbing at his scar. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd the cloak?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhile it is gratifying that you believe that I have attained omniscience, I’m afraid I must disappoint you. I have no idea if there is a connection between the cloak and the Realm of Death. Of course that doesn’t mean there is none. While I have never met ‘Death personified’<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus looked down his nose at Podmore, his nostrils flaring in contempt. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dc\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI’ve also never ventured beyond the Ninth Gate. As my presence here proves. Mr. Creevey probably could have told us more.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcDid you ask him?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Sturgis demanded.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNo, I did not,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus said, stiffening in his seat. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI was otherwise occupied.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut you did<\/em> send him back, didn’t you? \u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Sturgis insisted. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd if you did that, why couldn’t you ask him some questions?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBecause my wife wouldn’t have survived had I wasted time on bestowing speech on Creevey and interviewing him at length, you imbecile,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus hissed.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcColin won’t come back,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Harry interrupted. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcPodmore, have you forgotten your Auror training? To raise Inferi, you need something to raise them from<\/em>. Namely, a dead body. Or at least parts of a dead body. Severus reduced him to a heap of ashes, and we’ve taken care of any remaining bone splinters.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat about the others in those graves?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Minerva asked.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcCould we transfigure the \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6remains in the ground?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 suggested Hermione. So that was why Dumbledore was burnt.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe bodies should have been burnt at once,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 complained Andromeda. She might have helped with the Chalice of Neith, but her bitterness had barely softened.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAt that time we had other priorities, Andromeda, and well you know it,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Molly Weasley chastised her. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThere were the wounded and the survivors to take care of.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHermione’s idea has merits,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus stated, ignoring the squabbling women. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMaybe this Inferius was only an experiment that got out of hand. We should ascertain that the other victims of the war are out of anyone’s reach.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAt least Voldemort was burnt,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Harry muttered.<\/p>\n

Somehow Hermione managed to put her glass down without spilling anything. She balled shaking hands into fists. Get a grip, Granger, <\/em>she told herself furiously. You’re an adult and a full Order member.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSo who’s behind all this?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 asked Ron. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI mean, beyond the usual suspects.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He glanced at Draco, who just rolled his eyes. Harry groaned. Percy reshuffled the papers in front of him. Then Ron winked at Hermione. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI was talking about the toad<\/em>, guys. Not even I am so daft to suggest that Draco is still our enemy.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhich would, of course, put Draco in the best position to spy on us for our enemies,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Snape commented idly.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSeverus!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione hissed.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHermione, he’s right.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Draco smiled tightly. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’d make a perfect spy right now, caught between my parents’ old connections and my new allegiances.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Harry gazed at Draco thoughtfully. But Ron remained relentless. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWell, so what about Umbridge? I mean, someone has<\/em> to be behind all this.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcUmbridge never was a Death Eater. She supported some of Voldemort’s policies, because they fit her own sick notions about blood purity. But she despised him for being a mere half-blood. Besides, that woman is neither smart enough or powerful enough to raise a normal Inferius. Much less adapt the spell used to raise one,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Andromeda said with a dismissive gesture.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI am inclined to agree with Andromeda,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Snape said. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcDolores is as cruel and vicious as they come, but she has always been an underling, and not a leader.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione noticed that Lois fidgeted. She smiled encouragingly at her friend. The Muggle woman straightened her shoulders, trying to catch Minerva’s eyes. When the Headmistress nodded to her, Lois cleared her throat.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’ve only met Umbridge at the trial,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Lois said. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut she did strike me as a really nasty person. If you think she is capable<\/em> of this, but that she lacks the uh\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/em> resources\u00e2\u20ac\u201dcould it be that she somehow found someone to help her? Someone more powerful?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus leaned back in his chair. His long, slender index-finger drifted up to his mouth, trailing his lower lip. But he didn’t comment.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat about the warning?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Harry asked. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcLet’s discuss what Colin said, maybe that will help. ‘Watch the robes<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6not the wizards<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6kill<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6kittens<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6wand<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6not what you see’<\/em>. What do you make of that?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMaybe there’s something about the robes of the\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6of whoever is responsible that is especially dangerous?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Ginny suggested. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcCould you do something to Invisibility Cloaks that makes wizards completely untrackable? Maybe that’s how those Death Eaters manage to Apparate in and kill the Muggle-borns and disappear again without a trace?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut where should they get all those Cloaks, Ginny?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione protested. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcInvisibility Cloaks are incredibly rare.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI still think the ‘kittens’<\/em> part refers to the toad,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Ron insisted. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI certainly wished to blast all her damn kittens off the walls when she was High Inquisitor here.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI don’t see how the warning could possibly refer to Filch’s kittens. Though they are becoming quite a nuisance,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Minerva agreed. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcDraco, Percy: Have you noticed anything odd about Umbridge? Any meetings with strangers? Anything at all?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Both men shook their heads. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNot really. She’s as obnoxious as ever,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Draco said. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcParading her pink robes, wand and lipstick around the Ministry. And she’s still awfully cheerful about her great ‘victory’ over Harry.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Ron made a gagging noise. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI still can’t believe that she’s charmed her wand to look pink. Women. Really.<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Ginny glared at her brother. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd who’s been selling those charms?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Her own wand was still orange adorned with black kittens since the Weasleys’ Wand Wheeze she’d put on it for Halloween hadn’t quite worn off yet.<\/p>\n

Ron shrugged and grinned. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIf you’re silly enough to buy them. Money makes the world go round.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

New Spies and Their Master<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcVery well,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Minerva concluded. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI don’t think we will reach a conclusion tonight. Let me sum up the discussion so far:
\n \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe warning may refer to special cloaks that the perpetrators wore. Either magical cloaks or a kind of uniform.
\n \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe reference to kittens may implicate an involvement of Dolores Umbridge. To interpret it as a suggestion to kill Filch’s kittens seems unlikely.
\n \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcConcerning the wand: Creevey could not have referred to the Elder Wand as he didn’t know about it when he died. Therefore he possibly wanted to indicate that someone used a wand to change the ritual for raising an Inferius.
\n \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe last part appears to warn us that something is not what it seems. Or someone.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione glanced at Severus. The line between his eyebrows had deepened, and his finger was still pressed to his lips. He was deep in thought.<\/p>\n

Minerva went on, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcDraco and Percy will continue to keep their eyes open in the ministry. I will endeavour to devise a spell that will disintegrate the bones of any victims of the war that are still left in the ground so that no other Inferi can be raised from those graves.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcDoes anyone have to add anything?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

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

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcDid Order meetings always take so long? Or am I just getting old?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione complained once they reached their private quarters. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI feel drained.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus finally disengaged from his private musings. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYou’ve been up and about only for the third day. And it was a long meeting. It’s normal to feel exhausted.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He frowned at her. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAre you sure you feel up to teaching tomorrow morning?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione nodded. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt’s only Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. I should be able to manage.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’ll take your study groups in the afternoons next week,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Severus announced. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYou need to get your energy back if you want to complete your own work with me satisfactorily.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYes, sir.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Seven years in his classroom had taught her not to contradict him when he used that particular tone.<\/p>\n

He stepped closer to her. Putting his hands on her shoulders, he drew her against his body. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcGo to bed, Hermione. You need your sleep.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat about you? I know that you’re not in a much better shape than I am.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAh, but I’ve had years of practice of existing on exhaustion instead of sleep.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He slanted a wry grin at her. He added, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’ll be with you within an hour, I should think. But Draco, Percy and Minerva are coming to see me in a few minutes.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcDraco?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione frowned. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhy?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Her husband’s face grew very serious. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMinerva suspects that someone in the Ministry may indeed work with whoever is behind all this. I agree with her.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcShacklebolt has distanced himself from the Order due to political necessity. While Andromeda did assist the Order after my conviction, it is possible that her priorities do not coincide completely with the mission of the Order as it stands. And there are still many powerful witches and wizards in the Wizengamot who were at least sympathetic to Voldemort’s cause.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSo you’ll be in charge of our spies inside the ministry?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

He raised his eyebrows, as if he was surprised at the equanimity of her reaction. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYes,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he replied.<\/p>\n

For a short moment she allowed herself to rest her head against his chest, delighting in the warmth of his body, the touch of his hands on her shoulders. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcGood,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she said in a low voice. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYou’re perfect for that job.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

When she looked up, she caught how he minutely shook his head at her. A slight smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSurprised that I’m not going all Gryffindor on you about spying ‘on our own’<\/em>? Severus, I’m not Harry. And while I’m grateful to Andromeda and Kingsley for their help in getting you out of Azkaban, I am not likely to forget that they also had a part in how you got there and in what happened there. Look at Draco. People change. He <\/em>changed for the better. Others may change for the worse. And if nothing comes of it, so much the better.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She snaked her hands around Severus’ neck. In a moment of rare courage, she pulled him towards her so she could kiss him. His mouth was firm, as unyielding as the whole man, but at the same time his lips were soft and warm. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcTry to keep them safe.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus sighed. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI always do, Hermione. Try, that is.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

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

It was almost midnight when Minerva McGonagall finally returned to her office. She was weary to her bones and her mouth felt fuzzy from talking so much.<\/p>\n

At least a nightcap in the peace and quiet of my office to unwind,<\/em> she thought, as it’s already way too late to contemplate a ‘good night’s sleep’.<\/em><\/p>\n

She stepped out of the fireplace and dusted off her robes, before she made a beeline to her liquor cabinet. Something sweeter today,<\/em> she reflected and chose the Glenmorangie. After pouring a generous dram, she slumped down in one of the wingback chairs in front of the fireplace. Gratefully she inhaled the zesty aroma of the whisky. The first swallow burned with a comforting, velvety fire down her throat until it settled in her stomach with a mellow glow.<\/p>\n

Almost automatically, her gaze flicked to the golden frame of the painting behind her desk. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAlbus? Are you there? We had a meeting tonight that you might be interested in.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

When there was no answer, Minerva only groaned. Probably out and about again with Salazar. Hopefully you’re a bit more circumspect with the choice of location for your cavorting and canoodling this time, Albus<\/em>. Then she blinked at the painting. Blinked again.<\/p>\n

And dropped her glass.<\/p>\n

Albus Dumbledore was there, right inside the frame, just where he was supposed to be.<\/p>\n

But he did not move or speak. No fake twinkle glittered in his eyes. He stood inside the painting and looked at her. As stiff, immobile and dead as any Muggle painting.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

What More is There to Say <\/strong><\/h3>\n

It was almost four in the morning when Hermione and Severus returned to their quarters.<\/p>\n

Severus, along with the other professors had spent hours trying to discover what had caused Dumbledore’s portrait to freeze up. But to no avail.<\/p>\n

By now Severus looked almost like a ghost. His skin was so pale that it appeared almost chalk white, the lines around his mouth and at the bridge of his nose were more pronounced than ever. He sported dark and swollen circles under his eyes. Yet he was filled with a tense, nervous energy that manifested itself in jerky movements and a dangerous gleam in his eyes.<\/p>\n

When he slammed the door of the bedroom shut behind them with a bang and proceeded to pound the wood with his fists, Hermione jumped, her heart thudding so hard that she could feel it inside her throat.<\/p>\n

This kind of behaviour she normally expected from Harry rather than Severus. It went a long way to tell her just how much this newest trouble affected her husband. Biting down on her lower lip, she moved to stand next to him. His lips had thinned to tight line, his hair hung in limp strands around his face. She winced when she saw the bruises that were already forming around his knuckles. His eyes were closed, his nostrils flared from the effort of trying to beat in the solid wood of the dungeon door with his naked fists.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcDamn you, Albus,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he ground out. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNot even in death you can leave me alone.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione inhaled deeply. Harry had faced a Norwegian Ridgeback while still at school. As Severus’ apprentice and his wife, she should be able to deal with a distraught potions master. She reached up and laid a hand over his fist. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYou’ll need bruise balm on this.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

To her surprise he allowed himself to be led into the bathroom and when she produced the small pot with the salve, he submitted to her ministrations without another word.<\/p>\n

When they were about to climb into bed, Hermione finally dared to voice her question. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSo you have really no idea what happened to\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6make him freeze up?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Severus shook his head. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNo. Portrait-lore is an obscure branch of magic. The guild of painters is just as reticent about their secrets of trade as the wand-makers or the potions-masters.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He sighed. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAll I can say is that he was not petrified like the paintings in the Forbidden Gallery. He was not stunned. The painting itself was not hexed or jinxed. The spells we used tonight would have revealed that at least.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Hermione swallowed hard. There was one idea she just couldn’t get out of her head, no matter how much she tried. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAre you\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6are you sure that\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6that nothing could have been done to\u00e2\u20ac\u201dto his\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcTo his remains?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She nodded.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe body was burned,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he reminded her. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThey buried only a glamour, an after-image. And when the tomb was destroyed last spring, even that was annihilated. No. Albus Dumbledore will never walk this earth again.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 She was certain there was a ‘but’<\/em>. Something in his voice\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n

Severus shook his head at her irritably. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcCan’t you refrain from asking questions for once? At least for five minutes? Which is about all that is left of this night, anayway.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI think both of us would rather not think about Albus Dumbledore,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione said slowly. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’m not a psychologist or a therapist. But even I<\/em> know that you cannot deal with the past by ignoring it. Right now we need to find out what happened to that portrait, and if you can’t even bring yourself to tell me <\/em>what you think\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

With three strides he loomed in front of her, eyes glittering and black.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcShut up,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he hissed.<\/p>\n

Hermione recoiled slightly, but she stood her ground. Although she felt shaky with lack of sleep and all the things she would rather not think or feel concerning Albus Dumbledore.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNo,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she said.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNo?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He blinked at her, taken aback.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNo, I will not shut up,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she repeated. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWe have never talked about Dumbledore’s death. But obviously you need to before you can tell me what you’re thinking concerning the paralysis of his portrait. Therefore, start talking.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

For a moment Snape looked as if he was tempted to draw his wand on her. Then he took a step back and exhaled a shuddering breath. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYou’ve seen the memories,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he muttered at last. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWhat else is there to say?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcOh God, Severus!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

He slumped down heavily. He propped his elbows on his knees and hid his face in his hands. Hermione sat next to him on the edge of the bed. For a long time the room was cloaked in silence. She shivered a little with fatigue and the chill of the nightly dungeons. But this conversation was important. And long overdue. She would wait for as long as it took.<\/p>\n

In her mind, she heard Severus’ voice again, as she had heard it in the courtroom of the Wizengamot: \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd my soul, Dumbledore? Mine?<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI wanted\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6I wished\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 When he looked up, his eyes were burning. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMerlin!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he snarled. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHermione, what do you expect me to say? That I wanted his trust, his respect, his friendship, his forgiveness? I did, damn him. I did.<\/em> The more fool I.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u2122I was looking forward to the final confrontation with Voldemort. I would not survive, of that I was certain. But I did not mind; I would be free at least, free from my failures. He never trusted me, you know? He only trusted the Vow that bound me to him and my failures. After all, my failures forged me into the perfect tool for his plans. And it was as that tool that he respected me. As a person he pitied me at the most. As for the rest\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI did everything he asked of me. What more is there to say?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A Good Person, and a Good Teacher<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For a moment Severus glared at Hermione in silence. Then he spit out, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd don’t<\/em> look at me like that! I do not want your pity! I do not need your pity! And besides, what is it to you, anyway? You loved him, just like everyone else.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcYes, I did,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she replied, forcing herself to remain calm. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcJust like you. Dumbledore had a great gift of commanding love and respect. But he also possessed a ruthlessness when it came to using that love and respect that I have never encountered before. Oh, he was certainly justified. Defeating Voldemort justified all means, didn’t it? Sacrificing a child’s life, sacrificing your<\/em> soul.
\n \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAnd pity? I don’t know about that.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Abruptly rage rose inside her. She jumped up and started pacing. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMostly, when I think about Dumbledore, about those memories of yours, I\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI just feel so fucking<\/em> angry. Is that pity?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 She blinked quickly, but it was too late. Impatiently she dashed the tears from her eyes.<\/p>\n

Strangely, her volatile reaction seemed to calm Severus. He sat unmoving and watched her with glittering eyes. Only his hands, still balled into fists, betrayed his tension. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHe did what he had to do,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 he commented finally.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThat may be so,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Hermione hissed. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut does that excuse everything? He should have trusted you. You!<\/em> Not the spy, not the traitor, not his oh so perfect tool, not the\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6the remorse<\/em> in you that he could use so conveniently <\/em>to make you do everything that he deemed necessary. He should<\/em> have respected you. And he should have forgiven you.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Furiously she wiped her sleeve across her eyes, but for some reason she couldn’t stop crying. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt’s not fair.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcLife is not fair, Hermione.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She snorted. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcDo you think I don’t know that? I may have been a Gryffindor, but I’m not stupid and I’m not a na\u00c3\u00afve little girl anymore.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

She stepped between his knees and put her hands around his head, intertwining her fingers behind his neck. He raised his head to meet her gaze. He looked tired, exhausted, incredibly sad, but calmer.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcCan you forgive him?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she asked at last. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut even more important, can you forgive yourself?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

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

Neville scowled at his spade. The November air was cool and crisp, but after digging up two plots behind the greenhouses, he was comfortably warm. He didn’t mind the menial labour; in fact, he’d been looking forward to working on Anne Flamel’s honours project. However, he had not<\/em> expected her to be late on the first day of the project. Well, at least he could hand out her detention right then and there. But the thing was, he did not want <\/em>to give her a detention. He wanted<\/em> her to love herbology as much as he did. He glared at the wooden door and the small drawbridge that connected the hallway near the kitchens and Hufflepuff House with the Hogwarts gardens.<\/p>\n

As if on cue the door opened and a tall, thin black scarecrow of a man emerged, followed by the plump form of a female student who had to run in order to keep up with the teacher’s long stride. Neville gulped and tightened his grip around the handle of his spade. Then Snape swooped down on him.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMr. Longbottom. Here’s one of your students for you.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Neville managed straighten his shoulders and to meet the potions master’s black gaze without flinching. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThank you, for bringing her down, Professor. I’ve been expecting her.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAh. Yes. I’m afraid we\u00e2\u20ac\u201dthe Headmistress and I\u00e2\u20ac\u201ddetained Miss Flamel.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’m really sorry, sir,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Anne hastened to add with an apprehensive glance at the black-clad figure next to her. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI didn’t want to be late, but\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 She trailed off with a shrug.<\/p>\n

Neville nodded. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThat’s all right. May I ask what kept you?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI assume I owe you the courtesy of an explanation,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Snape said sourly. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWe needed Miss Flamel’s assistance in contacting one of her relatives, who happens to be an expert in portrait-lore.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt’s my aunt, sir,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Anne explained. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcClaire Dubois. She’s a mistress in the painters’ guild. At the moment she’s working at the Met in America, making wizarding pictures safe for a big Muggle exhibition. But she has agreed to come to Hogwarts next weekend.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAh, I see,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Neville said. So they still<\/em> had no clue about what had caused the paralysis of Dumbledore’s portrait. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt’s really quite disturbing what happened to Professor Dumbledore’s portrait, isn’t it?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Snape’s already thin lips froze into a straight white line. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcQuite.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 He surveyed the dug up earth of the garden, before looking back at Neville’s spade. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNo foolish wand-waving here today, Lo\u00e2\u20ac\u201dMr. Longbottom?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Neville allowed himself a tiny grin at the respectful form of address. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcNo, Professor. Good old Muggle-muscle work. Miss Flamel’s project is a reconstruction of the herb garden of Hildegard of Bingen. To keep the properties of medicinal plants as pure as possible no magic will be used in the gardening at all.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

To Neville’s surprise Professor Snape nodded appreciatively. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThat is an interesting project, Miss Flamel. You should get together with my\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwith my apprentice one of these days. My\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwife’s current project involves Muggle homeopathy and medicinal potions.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’d love to do that, sir,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Anne said breathlessly. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThank you, sir.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

Snape nodded. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMr. Longbottom. Miss Flamel.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Spinning on his heels, he turned and strode back to the castle.<\/p>\n

Miss Flamel’s shoulders slumped with relief. Neville couldn’t suppress a chuckle.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI’m sorry, sir,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 she said quickly. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI didn’t mean to be disrespectful. It’s only\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 She fell silent. She blushed even more fiercely than before.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcProfessor Snape can be quite intimidating,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Neville admitted. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBut he is <\/em>a very good teacher. And a good person.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcOh, yes!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Anne agreed readily. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAbsolutely. I’m just not very brave, so I can’t help feeling a bit\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6scared.”<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWell,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Neville said. \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThen we’d best start working, Miss Flamel. The garden won’t dig itself up.\u00e2\u20ac\u201dThere’s another spade over there, and please put on your dragon-hide gloves.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122<\/p>\n

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

\n

\u00c2\u00ab Chapters 111\u00e2\u20ac\u201c120<\/a> oooOooo<\/strong> Chapters 131\u00e2\u20ac\u201c140 \u00c2\u00bb<\/a><\/p>\n

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

\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcThe Apprentice and the Necromancer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 by JunoMagic Chapters 121\u00e2\u20ac\u201c130 A Coin for the Ferryman The river was strong and swift where he entered it. Its deadly cold slammed into his body with a welcoming shock. The pain cleared his head … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":194,"featured_media":0,"parent":77,"menu_order":13,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"chapter.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-94","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/94","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=94"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/94\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8788,"href":"http:\/\/juno-magic.fancrone.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/94\/revisions\/8788"}],"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=94"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}