Disclaimer – Anything you recognize belongs to the goddess, JKR. It’s taken me a very, very long time to get back into this story after reading Deathly Hallows and, while I expected it, the death of Severus Snape hit me hard. He was (and is) my favourite character. R.I.P.

If you haven’t realized it by now, this story is AU because, in my universe, the snarky Potions Master is alive and well.

Thanks to my readers for their infinite patience with my painfully slow progress. Dark chocolate truffles to Lynn for her beta-reading awesomeness!

Chapter 13 – Of Love and Hatred

The old adage was false. Time did not heal all wounds.

The nightmares continued and Severus had given up trying to understand them. While the events in his past certainly provided sufficient fodder for a lifetime of nocturnal terrors, he had never been plagued by them on such a consistent basis…until now.

“Perhaps it is because I did not fear losing anything before,” he thought to himself as he sat in his bed one morning, just as the sun was rising. “Perhaps it is because I now have hope for a life that extends beyond the final battle.”

He reached into a secret drawer in his night table and pulled out the latest note from Hermione. As a rule, he did not keep the notes and committed them to memory before destroying them but…sometimes he could not do it as quickly as he should have.

Dearest Severus,

I know it will make you cringe with horror that someone would consider you their dearest but I simply could not resist (and what I wouldn’t give to see the horrified expression on your face). There is nothing new to report although Minerva and the Headmistress have been looking rather grave in the last few days. The house elves are also acting very strange and they seem to be talking among themselves an awful lot. I asked Gabrielle about it but she has not been well for the longest time…I don’t think she has been sleeping at night, poor thing…she must be so worried about her sister.

I am still having the nightmares, Severus, but I can’t bring myself to take the potion you sent me. I know they mean something…they are trying to tell me something if I could only remember. Just don’t tell Trelawney…I don’t think I could bear her ‘I told you so’ attitude - even from afar.

Please be careful, Severus. It must sound terribly strange for me to tell you to look after yourself but I want you to stay safe…for me. I miss you terribly and look forward to when we can be together again. If it weren’t so dangerous, I’d just pull a Weasley and disappear from here. But Minerva needs me…I dare not leave her now. And the students are not as protected here as they are at Hogwarts. I’m working on adding to the wards but it is difficult because change is not seen as a positive thing…and many of the professors think I am simply being paranoid…la folie anglaise as they say. I have to keep trying…I have to do something or else I will go mad.

I am sending you a photo that one of the students took of me. She’s another Colin Creevy, I believe. I hope you like it…I was thinking of you when it was taken.

With affection,

Hermione

Severus took out the photo and looked at it again. It had been taken while Hermione had been working on a potion and she was peering into the small cauldron with an expression of eager curiosity. It was that look…artless and natural…that further claimed his heart. He felt that they could accomplish many good things together if they pooled their resources.

“A partner…on many levels. What more could a man ask for?” he thought to himself as he returned the note and the photo to their hiding place and prepared to go down to the Great Hall.

Breakfast was a relatively quiet affair and Severus found himself thinking about Harry. Was he safe?

“I’ve never really concerned myself with his safety before,” he thought. “Always assumed that he would simply defeat the Dark Lord at some point and then go on with his life. But…he’s never had much of a life and…I’ve punished him far too long because of his father.”

It surprised him that he felt such deep regret…Lily had been a dear friend. He had loved her, in a way, but had fallen in too deep with more unsavoury characters and had been blinded by his own thirst for forbidden knowledge. He had been unforgivably horrible to her…and, despite wanting to, never had the opportunity to repair the damage done to their friendship.

“I should have been less severe to Harry…more supportive…for Lily’s sake,” he mused over his breakfast. “The Headmaster is right yet again…damn him.”

He found himself worrying about Harry despite the fact that, after the visit to his home, Severus only heard of the younger wizard through Ron who would come to his home occasionally, sometimes accompanied by one or more family members.

“He’s driving himself too hard,” Ron had said one night over buttered rum in Severus’ parlour. Arthur and the twins were huddled over a Wizarding chess board.

“I don’t even recognize him anymore…his eyes are so haunted. It’s as if…he’s already dead…or resigned to dying or something like that,” Fred said to no one in particular.

“He bears the weight of the expectations of the entire wizarding world. It’s a heavy burden for one person,” Severus had pointed out.

“But that’s just it, he’s only one person,” George grumbled.

“One could say the same thing about Voldemort.”

Arthur sighed. “I just want to see him happy when this is all over.”

Ron nodded, taking a sip of his buttered rum, “He deserves some happiness in his life.”

“We all deserve happiness,” Severus had whispered in quiet agreement. And it was true. Severus, who had spent a lifetime atoning for past wrongs, was surprised to discover that even he wished to live in a world free of Voldemort…with Hermione. He had always assumed, were there to be a final battle for the future of the wizarding world, that he would be one of the many casualties.

Now, while he had no intention of deserting the Order or Hogwarts, he realized that he wanted to live.

He had something worthwhile to live for other than his work.

Shaking his head slightly, Severus returned to the business of breakfast. It was only when he finished his glass of pumpkin juice that he noticed Tonks and Remus whispering to one another and casting curious glances at him. They had the look of guilty conspirators although he couldn’t understand why. Something peculiar was afoot.

“Or perhaps I’m just tired,” he thought. He had been spending far too many nights researching through the various scrolls, books and other materials saved from Durmstrang. There was so much information to read through…he felt as if the next book or the next scroll would have the information for which he was so desperate.

Trying to help Frank and Alice…trying to help Remus…trying to help Padma.

Trying to find redemption…be somehow worthy of the love that had, quite literally, fallen in his lap.

The night also provided the only opportunity to read the frequent notes from Hermione…and to reply in kind. He had asked the Professoressa to continue keeping an eye on the situation in Beauxbatons and to report back if there were any change in the behaviour of his friend at St. Mungo’s. He worried that there was a residual curse on her that would manifest itself in the coming weeks. He worried that Lucius was planning an attack on Beauxbatons in order to capture Hermione.

It seemed as if his mind never took a moment to rest…

“Knut for your thoughts,” a voice broke his reverie and Severus looked up to see Remus and Tonks looking at him in mock concern.

“That’s hardly enough for my thoughts,” Severus smirked mirthlessly.

“Typical Slytherin arrogance…should we have offered you a hundred Galleons?” she laughed.

“A small bottle of Draught of the Living Death would be adequate remuneration,” Severus said while deciding whether or not another piece of toast would be advisable.

Remus laughed. “Do you ever think of anything except Potions?”

“I am the Potions Master,” Severus replied, foregoing the toast in favour of a cup of strong coffee…he could already feel the beginnings of a headache. “I would think it odd if I spent my days thinking about the Chudley Cannons. My value to the Order would be significantly diminished.”

Tonks giggled while Remus rolled his eyes.

But the giggle seemed a bit forced and Remus looked tense. Severus again wondered what was up with the lot of them.

“Do you have any plans for this evening?” Remus asked, with just a hint of nervousness playing in his voice.

Something was definitely up.

“You must be under the mistaken impression that I have a social calendar which rivals that of Gilderoy Lockhart…well, back when he could do more than joined-up writing,” Severus snarked. “You know what my evenings are like…endless hours of reading, translating and disappointment. It seems that I am in a constant pattern of one step forward followed by falling backwards.”

“Sounds like you need a night out,” Tonks said in a tone that was far too casual.

“The two of you sound like the Weasley twins planning a prank. A night out? Did you want to go bowling with the Headmaster or perhaps take in a bit of theatre?”

Tonks blushed slightly. “We can’t actually tell you…you’ll have to trust us…just as we trust you. We can promise that it won’t hurt a bit.”

Remus chuckled.

Severus stared at the two of them and was sorely tempted to use the Legilemens spell to find out what they were up to. They were clearly up to something…something secretive. Against his better judgment, his interest was piqued. Even if it turned out to be just a midnight run to Florean Fortescue’s for ice cream…he was in.

It was just the sort of thing Hermione would have loved and she wouldn’t have hesitated for a moment.

“All right, I will accompany you on whatever nefarious scheme you’ve cooked up. However, I will warn you in advance that I will have no part in overthrowing the Ministry,” Severus tried to look severe and imposing but that only resulted in Tonks breaking out in another fit of giggles.

“I solemnly swear that we are not up to anything nefarious. We’ll set up a portkey and meet you outside the Quidditch pitch at 6pm,” Remus smiled. “Be sure to wear something nice…we will be in the public eye and wearing robes stained with various potions ingredients probably would not be a good way to blend in with the masses.”

“We have a few things to get ready so…we’ll see you later?” Tonks asked as both she and Remus got up.

“Would you like to perform an Unbreakable Vow?” Severus asked.

“We’ll take your word for it…you’ve always been an honourable man and a good friend,” Remus said seriously.

Severus watched the couple walk off and wondered what, in Merlin’s name, he had gotten himself into.

After finishing the last of his coffee, Severus walked over to his office, determined to finish reading a promising Mayan text (if he could ever determine what one particular recurring rune meant) and, perhaps, begin a new batch of healing potions for the Order. It seemed as if there was such a great need of them in the last while…it was disheartening to say the least.

His reading was interrupted a number of times. First of all, a graduate student (Ravenclaw, of course) came to see him regarding the properties of Puffskein dust in treating colic when infused in honey. Secondly, Filch had come by asking for a supply of anti-cheating quills (apparently, an entire second year Charms class had scored perfect results on a recent test). Finally, the Headmaster had visited with an urgent request for more Veritaserum making Severus wonder why they needed so much of it lately. Perhaps it was a precaution…perhaps Harry had spoken about his fears of a traitor within the Order…

Would he be put to the test as well? It had been a very long time since he had been subjected to the effects of Veritaserum…and he was loathe to repeat the experience.

It was about four in the afternoon when his reading was interrupted once again. A younger wizard appeared in the doorway, looking exhausted and unhappy.

“Hello, Draco,” Severus called, getting up and walking over to him.

“I didn’t think Filch would let me in,” Draco grumbled, sitting down heavily on one of the two visitor chairs and throwing a sorry-looking rucksack in the other.

Severus was very familiar with Filch’s opinion on the entire Malfoy line and couldn’t argue with Draco on his reasoning so he remained silent.

“Do you have anything to drink?” Draco asked, passing a hand through his hair and grimacing.

“Are you all right?” Severus asked, noticing that Draco was breathing heavily.

“I’m just thirsty…nothing too strong.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Actually, I’d love a butterbeer,” Draco admitted.

Severus immediately contacted a house elf for two bottles of butterbeer and watched as Draco drained half the bottle in one go. The younger wizard looked as if he had been cursed to within an inch of his life.

“Are you all right, Draco? You look as if you’ve fought a hippogriff.”

Draco grinned…but Severus could see there was no happiness in his expression.

“I had a run-in with my father,” he said simply.

Severus could not mask his horror.

“What happened?”

“Other than my father…not much. He’s trying to find Potter…he thought I would know where he might be,” Draco finished the bottle quickly and shaking his head. “I just managed to get away…felt an Avada Kedavra curse just miss me.”

“Draco…perhaps something a little stronger than butterbeer would be warranted.”

Draco shook his head wearily. He shifted his weight and, as his outer robe fell away slightly, Severus noticed that his shirt was stained with blood…a lot of blood…

“You’re wounded.”

“I’ll live…for now,” Draco replied with a wry smirk, covering the bloody shirt once again with his outer robe.

“Why on earth did you come here, Draco? You should have gone directly to the infirmary,” Severus was almost beside himself with anger. How could Lucius do this to his only child?

“Because you’re the only person I trust…and you’re probably the only person who trusts me,” Draco replied simply.

“What is it?”

“There is a traitor in our midst…and I know that I am under suspicion. Can’t say that I blame anyone…my past…my family…it stands to reason,” Draco looked resigned.

“Do you have any idea who it might be?”

“I think it’s someone on the outside who has a link to someone on the inside…maybe a combination of Polyjuice Potion and the Imperius Curse. I can’t say anything right now but I need to follow a lead that was inadvertently provided to me by a drunken house elf…”

“Draco…your injury…let me…”

“I’m fine…it’s not life threatening. Well, not yet at least and don’t try using Legilemens on me to find out more…I learned how to block that spell by the best…you.”

“I would never attempt to read your thoughts, Draco…and you know I would never invade your privacy in such a manner. As you said, I trust you…I suppose it’s because we are very similar in that regard…grudgingly accepted but always viewed with suspicion.”

“Once a Death Eater, always a Death Eater…or, in my case, once an arrogant git, always an arrogant git,” Draco replied.

Severus nodded.

“How is Padma? Has she remembered anything?”

“Not yet...but I have not lost hope.”

“I…her sister…Parvati…”

Draco suddenly looked stricken…like someone who had just run out of tears.

“I…I loved her…no one knew outside of the family. I wanted to keep them safe. She trusted me…we were planning to be married after…after all of this.”

Severus was shocked.

“I had no idea, Draco. I am so sorry,” Severus wasn’t accustomed to seeing Draco in such a miserable state and he suspected that Tonks was not the only one who had been using a disassociative potion. How had he missed the signs?

Draco turned to him with such sorrow and anger etched in his face that, again, Severus was taken aback.

“I need to know who did this to her family…they were good people. They…were always good to me…despite my father…despite my whole damn family…even despite me. Parvati…she was able to look past all that. Maybe she even saw something worthwhile underneath. I just…feel a bit lost.”

Severus could certainly understand Draco’s feelings and he couldn’t help but feel sorry for the young man. This was a dangerous time for love.

“I am doing my best…Padma herself needs closure. She cannot move on until she knows the truth.”

Draco looked at his empty bottle. “I’ve wanted to visit her…but…I know I’ll see Parvati. I don’t think I can handle that just yet. Maybe once I’ve killed the bastard who did this to her…maybe then I will be able to face her.”

Severus sighed as he drank his own butterbeer, wishing for something a lot more potent. It seemed as if they were both writing up a checklist of people that needed to be eliminated in order for them to achieve peace. It was an unnerving thought.

“I have to go,” Draco said suddenly, standing up…an expression of pain crossing his face. “I just wanted you to know that, despite what you might hear, I’m not a traitor. I have blood on my hands, thanks to my father, and I intend to make amends for that. I will be in touch.”

“Draco…please…be careful.”

Draco grinned as he picked up the rucksack. “And what would be the fun in that?”

Even Severus had to smile as the younger wizard left...hopefully avoiding Filch on the way out.

Several parchments later, Severus realized that he had to get ready for the surprise outing with Remus and Tonks.

“What does one wear when one doesn’t know where they are going?” he wondered as he determined that a nice set of dress robes was probably warranted.

He got to the Quidditch pitch and saw, with some amusement, that the portkey was a tiny cauldron.

“That was not very creative,” he thought with a wry chuckle as he touched the object and felt the familiar tug from behind his navel.

He never liked portkeys…such an uncivilized way of traveling.

Shaking the slight dizziness away, Severus looked around and took in his surroundings. He was not alone. He could make out Arthur and Molly as well as Sirius and Padma.

“Well, it looks as if everyone is here,” Tonks said brightly. Severus noticed that she was wearing dress robes in a flattering shade of turquoise. It contrasted nicely with her bubblegum pink hair. Remus also looked rather distinguished …wearing dress robes in navy blue.

And they both looked nervous and excited. What on earth was going on?

“I found some flowers along the way. Why don’t you hold them? They would look lovely with your dress,” Remus held out a small bouquet of daisies which Tonks took with a shy smile.

Remus then walked towards a man that Severus had recognized as a wizarding notary public and struck up a conversation. The two men walked back together towards the little group.

“I’ve discovered the most amazing thing,” Remus announced. “My good friend, Devon McLean, has been recently promoted. He is now a justice of the peace and has the authority to solemnize a wedding.”

“Excellent!” Tonks exclaimed. “Let’s get married!”

“Now, Tonks…we need witnesses,” Remus smiled.

“I’ve got Molly and you’ve got Sirius,” Tonks countered.

“We need guests.”

“We’ve got them as well.”

“We need a ring…wait half a minute. I seem to have a ring in my pocket. How fortuitous!!”

“Imagine that,” Tonks grinned.

“So…since we’re all here. Shall we have a wedding?” Remus asked the group.

Molly burst into tears.

Severus afterwards wrote to Hermione:

Dearest Hermione,

I attended a wedding today. Yes, your friends Remus and Tonks have decided to take the plunge and get married. It wasn’t nearly as painful as I’d imagined a wedding could be (then again, the last wedding I attended was at Malfoy Manor and it was a horribly pretentious affair). In fact, it seemed like a reasonable way of going about the business of marriage. No fuss. No bother. Just two people who have decided that they will spend the rest of their lives together.

Rather Hufflepuff in its simplicity when it comes right down to it.

The ceremony was a bit of a surprise. None of us knew that we were being invited to the wedding until we were introduced to the justice of the peace. It was a simple ceremony which took in the most traditional aspects of a wizarding handfasting. Sirius and Molly were the witnesses and they performed admirably although Molly had to cast several drying spells on her handkerchief.

We went to the Hog’s Head afterwards. It seemed appropriate to be having the nuptial dinner at the rather questionable establishment run by the Headmaster’s eccentric brother, Aberforth. Have you ever met him? A very interesting individual who is as direct and blunt as the Headmaster is subtle and evasive. I think you would like him. He has a definite tang to him…and that has nothing to do with the many goats that seem to call his establishment home.

It is gratifying to see Tonks so happy…she is made of very strong stuff indeed despite her pre-disposition to trip over her own toes.

I wish them both many years of happiness. I only hope they do not look to me for babysitting.

Yes, a most acceptable way to enter into matrimony…if one were so inclined. To be honest, I never gave it much thought. As you know, my parents did not provide me with an initial positive experience of the institution. And, as for my former friends, marriage translated to a breeding forum where blood mattered over all else. While I have never been one to wax romantic nonsense, I have seen that a good marriage is based on love, respect and honesty. I have seen Arthur and Molly and many others who provide me with hope that marriage is not cold and empty and that loving another person does not demean or diminish you.

The Profesoressa will be visiting again soon. She cannot come too often as it may raise suspicions. Even portraits gossip.

Other items of interest? Well, after the wedding, there isn’t much else to communicate. I have found a text among the Durmstrang materials from Persia which is proving fiendishly difficult to translate because it is written in code. But, my initial translation is giving me a new direction for my research into curing the damage inflicted on the Longbottoms (and others who have been subjected to the same cruelty).

My work is all that keeps me from going insane. And, while I am torn between staying and assisting the Order and rushing to be with you, I know I cannot abandon my duty. The only chance to make up for my past mistakes is to defeat Voldemort and, if I am granted a future beyond the demise of the Dark Lord, I would not want to taint it by being labeled a deserter. There is enough regret in my soul to last a lifetime and I will not add to it.

If there is any new information on Lucius, I will forward it to you immediately. Remain vigilant and trust sparingly. You are never far from my thoughts.

With affection,

Severus

Severus had been translating the Persian text and was shocked to discover that the coded instructions were perhaps applicable to Padma’s situation as well. The main intent of the potion was to reawaken the mind…a derivative of which could reawaken the memories that had been tampered with.

It was worth a try. This was the first ray of hope in his exhaustive research and he was determined to make it work. He wanted to punish those responsible for the murder of Padma’s family. He wanted her to be unafraid and unashamed.

Merlin’s beard…he was sounding more like a Gryffindor with each passing month.

Over the next several weeks, Severus spent his spare moments on preparations for the potion. It took the purchase of several exotic ingredients (at his own expense since the Board of Governors would never approve them) as well as a number of pieces of specialized equipment (including a peculiar beaker made from the tooth of a wyvern) in order to commence the brewing which seemed to rival that of Wolfsbane Potion.

Through their written correspondence, Hermione encouraged his efforts, adding her thoughts on ideas and interpretations that could be helpful. She never once told him to stop or to give up. He found himself wishing she could have helped him with the actual preparations. Her assistance would have been invaluable. In fact, the Headmaster was concerned that Severus was taking on too much.

“You are only one person, Severus. Between your continued valued work for the Order, you have so many other projects that are in various stages of development. I don’t know how much longer you can keep this up.”

“They are, each of them, worthwhile,” Severus had replied in a clipped tone.

The Headmaster had said nothing further but his concern irked the Potions Master.

“If he were so concerned about my well-being, he would not object to my going to Beauxbatons,” he whispered to the pickled death-lily roots he was fastidiously chopping. “He would not keep me a prisoner.”

The knock at the door did not take him by surprise. He had asked Padma to come down to the laboratory but had not elaborated on the reason why.

Looking up, he almost smiled to see Sirius accompanying the petite woman.

“You had asked me to come down?” Padma asked hesitantly. “I...Sirius…I hope that is all right.”

Severus inwardly cursed the person responsible for Padma’s current unease to a slow and painful death.

“It is not necessary for you to suffer alone, Padma,” Severus said in a gentle voice.

Sirius, who had been standing rather stiffly, relaxed noticeably.

“Besides, you can be of some assistance, Black. As I remember, you weren’t a complete dunderhead at Potions,” Severus continued, holding out a beaker with a clear liquid in it. “Please add a handful of these roots to this beaker and shake the mixture gently until it turns violet.”

Sirius walked towards Severus and, without so much as a sarcastic remark, began following the instructions. “What do you have there?”

“Phoenix tears which were kindly provided by our own Fawkes,” Severus replied, impressed with the Sirius’ concentration on the task at hand…the roots had dissolved and the solution was a uniform shade of violet. “Ordinarily, this is not the sort of thing to put in a potion since they are rendered unstable by almost anything else but, when they are added in conjunction with a Stasis spell, the theory is that they will combine with the other ingredients in this potion without adverse effect.”

”And what will the potion do?” Padma asked, sitting down.

“It will reawaken your mind and bring to the surface the memories which are still there…just hidden,” Severus replied, taking the beaker from Sirius and adding the solution to the cauldron, giving the ingredients a final stir.

“Are there any dangers?” Sirius asked, eyeing the cauldron warily.

“Unfortunately, yes. There is the risk of insanity…if the person is unable to bear the memories that have been hidden away. The potion will initially cause you to fall into a deep sleep and, upon awakening, your memories should be intact.”

“Padma...” Sirius looked at her worriedly.

“I’m ready,” she stood up.

Sirius put the beaker down and hurried to her. “Are you sure? You don’t have to do this, Padma. No one will judge you.”

“I won’t have any peace unless I do,” she replied softly. “I have to know who did this to me…to my family. They deserve justice, don’t they?”

Sirius sighed and, leaning forward, kissed her on the cheek.

“Be certain you remember that,” he murmured.

Padma simply blushed.

“I will cast the Stasis spell, Black. You will add exactly three drops of Phoenix tears to the cauldron when I do. When the mixture becomes as red as blood, it will be ready. We will then proceed to the Room of Requirement where a bed is waiting. You can stay with her if you wish, Black.”

“Of course,” Sirius affirmed.

“Are you ready?” Severus asked, wand out.

Sirius nodded.

“Fermatorum,” Severus said, with a quick motion. A stream of silver light sparkled towards the cauldron and made the mixture shimmer. Sirius quickly added the three required drops and they all watched as the mixture blazed suddenly in white flames.

“It’s so pretty,” Padma whispered.

The flames disappeared within seconds and the mixture took on the appearance of blood. Suppressing a shudder. Severus took a glass ladle and poured a measured amount into a crystal phial.

Stoppering it, he turned to the others. “We are ready.”

The walk to the Room of Requirement was not very long and, inside, it was apparent that the room had been designed to accommodate a patient. There was a bed and a squashy chair and the lights were dim. It looked cozy and intimate…safe and secure. Severus was well pleased.

Padma sat down on the bed and Sirius pulled the covers over her. Severus gave her the phial.

‘You must drink it all,” he said quietly.

Padma nodded and drank the contents quickly, handing the empty phial back. She then lay down on the bed, still holding Sirius’ hand.

“Don’t leave,” she whispered to him, her eyes closing.

“You know I won’t. I’ll be here when you wake up,” he whispered back.

She didn’t reply and her slow, measured breathing confirmed that she was under the potion’s spell.

“You will summon me when she begins to stir,” Severus instructed, preparing to leave his patient and her guardian. “It may be several days…the text was unclear on this point.”

Sirius nodded. “I…I trust your ability, Snape. I know you have done everything you can to safeguard her.”

“I hope my ability will be enough,” Severus muttered.

“She thinks so…I do too.”

Severus nodded and, with a final glance to assure himself that all was as it should be, he left Sirius to his lonely vigil. He made a mental note to ensure the house elves would not forget to bring him food and drink on a regular basis. He didn’t want his old adversary starving to death, after all.

“Gryffindors,” he thought to himself without any real malice.

Over the next few days, Severus checked in with Sirius several times but there was no progress as of yet. Severus wasn’t worried but he was disappointed.

“Soon,” he thought. “Very soon.”

He was in the Great Hall enjoying a late afternoon coffee with Remus (and teasing him mercilessly about being an old married man) when an owl suddenly flew into view and dropped a rolled up parchment into Severus’ lap. Without waiting for a reply, the owl turned and disappeared.

But Severus had recognized the owl immediately and he felt his heart turn to ice.

“Severus?” Remus looked at him in concern.

“Come with me to the Manor,” Severus whispered urgently. “Now!”

Remus followed as Severus made his way to the first available fireplace and took the private floo link to the Potions Master’s home. They hurried to the parlour.

“Master?” Quincy popped into view.

“Please bring us two cognacs,” Severus instructed as she nodded and disappeared.

“What is it, Severus?” Remus asked. “You look as if that owl came from hell itself.”

“That isn’t very far from the truth, Remus,” Severus explained. “That was Lucius Malfoy’s owl.”

Remus looked grim. “You’d better read what that bastard has to say.”

Severus broke the wax seal and unrolled the parchment.

Severus,

I understand that congratulations are in order for the werewolf and his mate. Of course, only a beast such as a werewolf would deign to accept such damaged and used goods as their wife. Then again, what self-respecting person would ever harbour feelings for a werewolf other than hatred and revulsion?

I know that Potter has been to see you, Severus. It would be a waste of your time to determine how I know this. I hope that you enjoyed your meeting as it is likely the last time you will see him alive. We are closing in on his location and it is only a matter of time before he makes a fatal mistake…just like his parents. He will share their fate and then the Dark Lord will have none to oppose him. The prophecy will be shown to be nothing but a sham. We determine our own destinies…not some cloud-filled ball of nonsense.

Do not waste your time worrying about my worthless son…he will soon join his mother. It’s a good thing that I am not beyond the age of siring children.

As for the Mudblood, Granger…well, I will soon have her as well. If I can get to her before I get to Potter, it will be all the sweeter. Destroy Potter’s heart before killing him…after all, why kill him outright? I want to taste his despair…be the one to tell him all the things I did to her before I killed her. I only hope that the Dark Lord is not too quick in killing him. That is never very entertaining.

We will see each other soon, Severus. I have received assurances from my colleagues and from the Dark Lord himself that none but I will be given the great pleasure of killing you and, you can be certain that I am very much looking forward to it.

Lucius

“He is the beast,” Remus practically growled.

Severus nodded mutely.

“What are you thinking, Severus?”

”I’m concerned that there is a traitor in our midst. Harry had mentioned something to that effect but I have been unable to determine who it might be.”

”Do you have any suspicions at all?”

Severus sighed heavily. “At this point, anything is possible. The Order itself may be compromised. It may be someone at Hogwarts. Remus, it could be anyone.”

Author’s Notes – The idea for the wedding surprise came from ‘Great Expectations’ which I have read more times than I care to admit.