Heart\'s Journal

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Chapter 14: Of Initiations and Heirs

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November turned cold as everyone prepared for upcoming events. The four students had reached an uneasy truce that allowed them to work together amicably enough. Severus met with Draco and Harry several times and the boys progressed well in their Occlumency studies and all four were taking extra defense training from Remus Lupin, the current DADA professor. Hermione and Draco assisted Severus on several projects in his lab.



Lissa progressed in her studies more quickly than most had expected so she spent a lot of time with the four children and Severus. It was discovered by Albus that she would likely have been a Ravenclaw or Gryffindor in her youth but now was most thoroughly Slytherin. Her main difficulty seemed to be staying awake in History of Magic and performing Transfigurations. Try as she might Lissa just could not seem to grasp the finer points of the class. She soon became Transfiguration\'s Longbottom and on worse days... Seamus.



It proved to be a very busy month for all of them.

They were at dinner when Severus felt the familiar burning emanate from the Mark. Severus kissed Lissa soundly and caught Albus’ attention before leaving the Hall summoning his cloak and the silver mask before quickly stalking across the grounds to apparate.



Lissa looked anxiously after him. She knew he felt better with her here but she felt better with him where ever he was. Albus patted her hand in a comforting fatherly way but she would worry nonetheless till he was back in her arms. Was that not the way of love?



**Severus? Keep in touch? Please? **



**I will love. ** Severus sent back to her.



Severus stalked through the small group of Death-eaters who parted and bowed slightly as he passed. He went to one knee before Voldemort. \"My Lord.\"



Voldemort smiled slightly. \"Rise Severus and tell me, first how goes the education of your bride and then we will move on to other things.\"



\"She progresses well, My Lord. We have gotten the other teachers to tutor her. She excels in potions as I thought she would, and also Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, and my own Dark Arts lessons for her. Transfiguration gives her a bit of trouble but with her talent in potions I am not disappointed. As for the rest of her \'education\' she is perfect in every way, my Lord.\" Severus explained, succinctly.



\"Really? Does she take to them willingly or with a bit of hesitation?\" Voldemort chuckled a bit. He knew that several of the wives had needed much persuasion and all had balked at some point. The fact that Severus\'s wife actually loved him was an oddity among the Death Eaters... Even more odd was that it was Severus. Voldemort had thought at one point that he would have to force Severus to marry someone suitable of *his* choosing.



Lucius listened attentively. Sooner or later there would be a slip and he would be there to catch it! Neither Severus nor Lissa would be able to avoid his vengeance forever!



\"She is most willing my Lord. She is even eager to learn *all* that I teach her. I really should thank her cousin properly for introducing us.\" Severus smiled a bit. \"As lovely as my wife is to talk about I assume we have more pressing matters to discuss, my Lord.\"



Voldemort chuckled a bit...a rather chilling sound. \"Excellent Severus! I next expect to hear news of a little one soon!” He transfigured a lesser chair next to his own throne like chair covered in gilt. “Sit beside me. The time has come to add to our ranks! The fool Dumbledore has taught another generation of wizards for us to recruit! What shall be their initiation? What has gone before in previous years will not do! I need ideas!\"



Severus stiffened a bit when Voldemort had conjured the chair for him, he supposed that he was literally at his right hand. Severus covered his shock quickly and took the offered chair. \"Thank you my Lord. You do me a great honor.\" Severus continued with the task at hand, initiation. \"Besides the eight I will be bringing from Hogwarts, how many initiates will be coming from BeauBaxtons, and Durmstang?\"



\"As ever, Lord Voldemort, the greatest number comes from Durmstang with a number of eleven while a mere five comes from the French.\" Answered Humphrey Clavell coming to the fore.

Severus thought for a few moments. He knew that Voldemort himself would initiate the females privately. The boys though, they would have to prove themselves and their loyalty.

\"My Lord I propose a series of tests or challenges. Those who enter your service should be well-rounded individuals; they should have sufficient knowledge in many disciplines. We should test them before they are honored with your Mark.\" Severus explained.



“Make your suggestions then, Severus. Are any of the initiates female?\"



\"Only one, My Lord.\" Clavell answered. \"Again...from Durmstang.\"



\"I have one, as well. Millicent Bulestrode.\" Severus said, knowing that he was dooming the girl to a very hard night indeed.



\"My mistake, My Lord. There are two. May I suggest that part of the initiation test physical endurance as well as magical?\"



\"I was thinking of four parts; dueling, potions, endurance, and as a test of loyalty a bout with a skilled Legilimens.\"



Severus proposed that last test because he knew he was the most skilled Legilimens Among Voldemort\'s Death-eaters.



\"See to it Severus. I will leave this in your capable hands. Tell me though.... I have heard the rumor that someone thought lost forever has returned. Is this true? And it so.... how?\"



\"Ah yes. The infamous Mr. Black.\" Severus said with a sneer. \"The mangy dog has reappeared. I am currently working with Dumbledore on possible theories concerning his return as the fool has come up with no plausible explanations as yet.\"

\"How do propose to remedy this? With his return their morale will be boosted. I want to keep them weak and unwilling to fight. And can Lissa teach others what she knows?\"



\"Yes, my lord. I have taken the initiative and started her working with Draco Malfoy, my most talented student by far.\" Severus knew by saying this that it would fluff Lucius\'s feathers and make the elder Malfoy look good.



Lucius gave a stiff nod of acknowledgement. Soon his son would join him and he would have a staunch reliable ally. Severus may have been at one time but since his marriage... seemingly no more. They had once promised each other that all they had would be shared between them... food, wine, money, women, wives. He had even shared Narcissa and he shared willingly or no, his own son. Perhaps he should remind Severus of their childhood promise?



The meeting lasted an hour or so touching on many subjects. At last it was over and people began disapparating. Lucius caught up with Severus before he could leave.



\"A word with you please.\"



\"Certainly Lucius.\" Severus said with false patience, he wanted to get home to Lissa.



**Darling, the meeting has ended but Lucius has cornered me. I will be home soon. ** Severus contacted Lissa because he knew she would worry.



**All is well? ** Came the anxious question.



\"I wished to...apologize for the other night. I suppose I must have had a little more than I had thought to drink. Tell me. Do you ever think of the adventure and fun we used to have in our younger days? I was reminiscing just a little bit ago and wondered if you to remembered fondly upon occasion.\"



**The meeting went well dearest you will get a full report when I arrive. It seems Lucius wishes to relive the past. He apologized too. ** Severus sent her a mental smirk.

**Be wary...from what I\'ve seen he doesn\'t do anything without reason. Of course I need not tell you...you have known him longer. Still...be careful? **



**Yes, darling I will. ** Severus sent to her dripping with sweetness.



\"We were a couple of Hellions, weren\'t we? I\'m surprised that we never got caught doing the things we did. Ah, but youth was on our side then.\" Severus said a sudden melancholy creeping into his voice.



**He is fishing for something, he was never one for subtlety, and he will get to the point soon. **

\"Ah yes.” smiled Lucius. “Those were very interesting times. Do you remember all the promises we made to each other in our friendship?\"



And there they were Severus seemed to remember one night in particular as hazy as it was, Glasgow, lots of good French brandy. \"Not all of them no.\"



\"I remember one... shortly after my marriage to Narcissa. Of course that was the one time I managed to get a kiss from you.” Lucius smiled again at that memory. Severus had written it off as drunkenness but Lucius had remembered... desiring him e. \e. \"Do remember that night? You were feeling a bit left out because three of your friends had recently gotten married within a short time of each other.\"



\"Yes, I remember. In the alcohol haze I said something about no woman wanting a man who spent all of his time in a lab and when he did come out he did so looking like a greased pig.\" Severus was starting to worry.



\"You have forgotten the promise though. I am hurt Severus. I upheld my end of the promise. You truly cannot remember, old friend?\" Lucius dearly loved playing cat and mouse. It mattered not reallo...o...friends, family, allies, enemies... Those were the best...enemies. Hmm.



**SHIT! SHIT! SHIT! Bloody Hell! **



**What is the world did you promise?? To exchange kisses? Gym shorts? Addresses?? What??? **

**Everything.** The one word that could destroy his entire life, his every happiness.



**Excuse? Tell me what is wrong. There is nothing we cannot get through together. Tell me. **



**That night I was feeling sorry for myself. Malfoy suggested that he would share Narcissa with me if I promised him to do the same when I finally married. The more drunk we got the farther we expanded the promise to everything in our lives; money, food, wine, women, our children we would even foster with the other. How could I have forgotten? I should have never...**



There was silence for a moment. **It\'s all right. We\'ll get through this. Make a promise though. Please? Never make a promise when you\'re drunk again. Ok? **



**Yes darling I won\'t. **



\"Yes, Lucius I remember now. We made an oath to entwine our fortunes. What was yours was mine and what was mine was yours.\" Severus said slowly, not sure if he really wanted to hear the rest of what Lucius had to say.



**Can’t you tell him you don\'t remember? That you would never have promised such a thing? **



**Too late. I\'m sorry Darling. He did share Narcissa with me. For a couple of years it was the three of us. **



Lucius smiled. \"I see you do remember. Excellent! Perhaps we should get together sometime and see about fulfilling the other part of that promise. Hmm? Say two days hence?\"



Lissa sighed mentally, obviously not thrilled with this but willing to do as her beloved needed. **I will do what is necessary to fulfill your promise to him. You so owe me for this! ** Her thoughts gave him a mischievous smile and a wink. **I think I might put a collar on \'your\' neck for this one! ** There was a mental chu.
\"Two days Lucius. Know this Lucius, I will not force my wife to do anything. The Imperious curse is not an option.\" With that Severus turned his back and Apparated. He didn\'t go back up to the castle right away. He stood by the side of the lake, looking out over the inky black water reflecting the quarter moon on its rippling surface he tried to find some answers.



He didn\'t deserve her. He should just let Lucius declare him an oath breaker; he might survive to see his angel one last time.



When he reached the lake Lissa again called. **Do you want some company? I think you could use it. **



**Why would you want to be with me right now? I have ruined your life. First by bringing you here, second exposing you to Malfoy, third Voldemort. Need I go on? I should set you free now. Let you find somewhere safe… away from me. **



Terror gripped her heart at his words...he couldn\'t! Lissa found herself hurrying very quickly to where he stood. \"Don\'t! I love you heart and soul! You are what completes me and gives me the will to draw breath! You have NOT ruined my life! Those other things and other people don\'t matter! Can\'t you see? You matter! Please...don\'t.... don’t just...toss me away! You said you loved me...if you do then don\'t put me aside. Stay my husband and partner in this life. Please....\" She was angry that he\'d be rid of her so easily, terrified that he\'d actually do it and pleading for her life...her life with him. He could walk into her mind and see! Why didn\'t he?



She hugged herself, trying to keep silent the tears of fright and grief running down her face.



\"Don\'t YOU see? That is just what I am talking about you are too good for the misery I will bring you, that I already HAVE! You would do well to be rid of me.\" Severus finished quietly.



\"NO! I can face anything with you there and I will not willingly separate myself from you! Ever! Kill me if you will but I will not sepe mye myself from you! My \'misery\' comes from the terror that you might actually put me aside. Please Severus.... please. Tell me you love me and that you will keep me. Please tell me that you are willing to try.\" Her hands reached out in pleading supplication to him...praying he would bring her into his comforting embrace.



\"I do love you. I don\'t know that I *can* share you with him.\" Severus dropped to his knees and buried his face into her soft stomach, tears started to flow down his cheeks. \"I want something to be mine… just mine… just once.\"



Lissa began to calm a slight bit and she put her arms around him. \"I am yours Severus.... heart, body and soul. Willingly given to you. Only you! Tell me as much as you can about this and we will see if a loophole can be found. Please Severus... I\'m begging you; don\'t ever do this to me again. Do not ever tell me you\'re going to \'let me go\' or that you should. Please...give me that peace of mind?\"



He looked up at the amazing woman that held him now in his misery, the same woman that had clutched him in ecstasy the night before. \"I promise, I\'ll never let you go.\"



Her body seemed to lose its rigidity as she knelt down as well still holding him. \"Thank you. Thank you. Now...shall we discuss this and make our plans?\"

\"Yes, we have to. I need to meet with him in two days.\" Severus said with defeat evident in his voice. \"I guess Draco was right. Lucius does get any woman he desires.\"



\"Perhaps not. That is why we need to discuss this. Don\'t give up so easily.” She paused with a look of mischief in her eyes. “I know it\'s rather chilly out but... would you like to do something out here or go back to our rooms?\"

\"Our rooms, I need some fortification.\" Severus said quietly.



Lissa nodded as they both rose and headed back. \"Now... tell me. Were there any instances when sharing was not an option? Was there a point when he was unwilling to share?



\"It ended when he was ready to have an heir... My Darling You are a genius.\" Severus picked her up and swung her around. \"Voldemort has been pressuring me about an heir for myself. It will take a favor from the Dark Lord but this will be our best chance.\"



\"Not a genius.... I look for loopholes. I am going to have to get pregnant already? Favor?? What favor from him?\" Lissa was a bit wary of Voldemort. She knew he favored them right now but that could always change.



\"Just Listen.\" Severus said moving to the fireplace, tossing in a bit of floo powder, \"Manse De Aenigmatis.\"



Lissa remained silent and moved to the side where he could do what he needed to in peace. Still...she worried.



\"Pettigrew, is the Dark Lord available for a moment?\"



Peter raised an eyebrow. For Severus to contact them from the school...it must be important. He nodded and soon Voldemort could be seen.



\"My Lord, Thank you for seeing me. I have a favor to ask my Lord.\"



\"A favor? What is it you wish Severus?\" Voldemort asked with great curiosity in his voice.



\"It concerns a vow Lucius and I made a very long time ago to share everything in our lives, while it was a great service he did me and I cherish the time I spent with he and lovely Narcissa. Lucius now wants me to honor that promise. I would not even think of leaving such a vow unfulfilled my Lord but from the day you performed our Dark Wedding Melissa and I have been working to create the heir you wish for us, My Lord. If Melissa and I stop now it will be some time before we can begin trying to conceive again.\"



\"An heir is of more import, Severus, than a childhood vow and I am well aware of the state that your \'friendship\' is in now. Until this is settled... your friendship.... then the vow is null and void. We need to be united... not sniping at each other. I will tell him myself Severus. Rest well and I expect news of a child soon.\" The last was given with the air of finality and warning.



\"Thank you My Lord. You are too kind.\" Severus said as Voldemort closed the connection. Severus pulled his head from the fireplace and shook the soot from his hair.



\"You amaze me Severus.\" Lissa came into his arms not caring about the soot.



\"I should have remembered that. Everything is politics.\" Severus said.



Lissa smiled gently. \"Shall we work on that heir?\"



\"Albus is expecting me but I promise to keep it short.\" Severus smiled giving her a deep kiss.



\"Sorry love...I\'m greedy.\" She honestly looked a little embarrassed that she wanted him with her so much but, only a little.



\"Don\'t be sorry. I like it when you are greedy.\" Severus replied with a lustful glint in his eye. \"Be ready for me when I return love.\" Severus threw another handful of powder in to the fire and called ‘Headmaster\'s Office’. Severus spent no more than twenty minutes telling Albus about the meeting and what occurred afterward. Albus got a wicked little twinkle in his eyes when Severus mentioned children and soon after he was told to find his wife because Hogwarts needed some little feet running its halls.



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The next week saw a flurry of activity for the entire school as they prepared for Christmas break. The initiation would be at Winter Solstice and a meeting of the Order was to be before then. Lissa\'s lessons were going well until the day before the Order\'s meeting and her first class of the day.... transfigurations. She was late...



\"Mrs. Snape so good of you to finally join me.\" Minerva said, not quite as nastily as if Severus had said it.



\"I\'m sorry, professor. I guess I am suffering from weather a stomach flu or food poisoning which I can\'t imagine here but.... ya never know.\" Lissa seemed a little pale.



Minerva looked at the young woman closely for a moment, \"Maybe you should see Madame Pomfrey later, just to be sure you are not. We wouldn\'t want our dear Potions master falling ill and unable to teach, now.\" Her tone saying that was exactly what she would like.



Lissa giggled a bit. \"You should know him better than I professor. He is a dear and sweet man. He can be such a romantic as well! Betcha\' didn\'t know that!\" Lissa giggled again before settling down for her lesson. The lesson for the day turned out to be a disaster. She was to transfigure a hedgehog into a pincushion. Not only did she fail but the poor thing ended up misshapen and in pain. Lissa started to cry and was shaking so badly that she could hardly hold her wand.



\"Mrs. Snape now stop. It is nothing to worry over.\" With a wave of her wand Minerva set the hedgehog to rights and sat down next to the girl. \"I think your own fear is keeping you from being successful. You are afraid that the transformation is hurting the poor thing. You see dear that is just what will happen. You must picture the transformation painlessly flowing from one form to another. I know that it is difficult but you will become better. Think on that and we will meet again in a few days.\" Minerva said kindly. She really was getting to like this young woman.



\"I\'m sorry professor...I am not normally this emotional unless it is time for my mensing. I guess it is about that time. I really didn\'t mean to hurt it.\" This brought on fresh tears and she leaned into Professor McGonagall for support and comfort.



Minerva transfigured a parchment into an elegant lace edged hanky and handed it to Melissa. \"Come now, it is fine now. Now run up to Poppy, She has a wonderful elixir that helps with pre-menstrual cramps and the like. I\'ll tell Fillius you will be late for his charms lesson. Go on now dry your eyes. It wouldn\'t do to have the Potions Master\'s wife in tears now.\"



Lissa smiled. \"Thank you Minerva. You\'re simply wonderful and I\'ve no wish to frighten the students with my tears...they\'d simply think the worst. I\'ll see you later... thanks again.\" She gave the older woman a peck on the cheek, collected her things and left.



Severus had a free period that morning which was interrupted by the appearance of a head in his fireplace...one very blonde head.

\"Good Morning Severus.\"



\"Good Morning, Lucius.\" Severus said a bit tiredly, \"How go plans for initiation is everything falling into place?\" Severus did like being the one in charge, as he loved the fine art of delegation.



\"Everything in that respect is fine.” He spat. “You have my respect again for your fine ability to find others to do your work for you. You seem to be getting quite adept at it. Please remind Draco to call me later. Adieu.\" Lucius\'s head disappeared and the flames of the fire returned to normal very quickly.



Severus shook his head; the man was a pain in the ass. What a waste of floo powder that call was, he thought.



Two days later the school was almost desertedin fin for the Christmas holidays. Lissa and Severus made their way with several others to Grimmauld Place to spend the time with family and friends. When Lissa walked in with Severus, she stood aside to watch the others here. The Weasleys were in attendance as was Tonks, Moody, the trio, Sirius and Remus. Lissa made her way to Alistor Moody.



\"Excuse me...the house elf Kreature isn\'t still here. Is he?\"



\"Hello there girly that was a neat trick a while back there. Making progress with the boy? No, first thing Black did when he got back was to get rid of that good for nothing elf and that damned infernal portrait.\" Moody said in his gravelly voice his enchanted eye moving back and forth with in the socket.



Lissa smiled. \"Good and yes...he is improving. I\'m very glad to see you Mr. Moody.\" Lissa gave him a brief hug and peck on the cheek. \"I\'ve always liked you, you know. I think I\'ll adopt you as my father here.\" Her eyes held no guile as she said this and her warmth was genuine as well.



\"Bah, you have Snape. Got no use for an old wizard like me.\" Alistor said with a quite scary toothy smile.



\"Severus is my husband and I love him dearly but...I think I would like a father as well. Will you not fill in that space Moody? Please? I swear you won\'t have to read me a single bedtime story and nor will I ask you for a glass of water.\" Lissa smiled hugely with this holding in her laughter. She was sincere but covered how much she wanted him as her father with jokes and humor. No sense making it anymore awkward than it had to be.



\"Go on with yourself... never been ne\'ne\'s papa... Mightn\'t be so bad with a grown o" Mo" Moody said quietly letting a little of the soft emotions leak through his touch hide. \"Now go on with you the meeting is startin\'.\"

Lissa sought Severus. **Am I included? Or no? **



**This meeting is partly about you. I am getting the fabulous trio and Draco. I will be there in a few minutes. **



**Ah...thank you. See you in a few. ** Lissa wandered into the kitchen where she saw Molly bustling about the kitchen. Lissa started helping her out muggle style when she looked up to see Molly watching her. \"Yes ma\'am?\"

Molly Weasley was watching Severus Snape’s wife with a probing look. What was it that brought these two together? Molly knew Severus was a good man; after all look at all he has done for the Order over the years. “Just wondering dear, why you don’t use magic to do that?”



Lissa blushed a bit and shrugged. \"I\'m still learning ma\'am and besides.... I thought for my first 23 years that I was a muggle. This comes more naturally than magic right now.\"



Molly\'s face softened a little and she laid a hand on the younger woman\'s arm. \"I understand dear. If you ever need anything I am just a floo away. How are you enjoying married life? I understand that you and Severus had a whirlwind courtship.\"



Her blushed deepened. \"Um, yes. I love him with all that I am Mrs. Weasley. I would however like to ask a favor of you, if I may? Would you mind teaching me house magic? I mean...well, what you\'re doing now...\" Lissa indicated her cooking, cleaning and knitting going on simultaneously.



\"Call me Molly dear. I would be happy to show you any thing you like. Would you like to come by for tea sometime soon? I know things are extremely busy right now and I was thinking that you might like a chance to get away from it all.\"



As it was morning, Molly was cooking up a large breakfast for them all and the food smelled very good...but it was making Lissa queasy. She swallowed several times before losing the fight and running down the hall to vomit in the bathroom.



Molly rushed after the girl. Stopping outside the bathroom Molly called, \"Dear are you alright? Can I get you anything?\"



More sounds of retching greeted her for a few minutes before she emerged pale and shaking. \"I\'ll be fine, Molly. Please don\'t tell Severus. He\'ll fuss so...I\'ll get over it soon no doubt. When we first became acquainted I was rather ill and I don\'t want him worrying needlessly.\"



\"How long has this been going on? If you are ill then he should know don\'t you think?\" Molly said concerned now.



\"Just the past couple of days. Please.... it will go away. I\'m always fine by the afternoon. Perhaps I could get a cup of tea? It would help, I\'m sure.\" Lissa really didnwantwant Severus to know and she was very afraid that he\'d make a production out of somng vng very trivial. It was likely just stomach flu and told Molly as much.



Molly took Lissa back to the kitchen and quickly made her a cup of tea and a couple of pieces of dry toasted bread. \"You are fine by the afternoon you say.\" Molly said to herself. \"Melissa dear, do you mind if I cast a charm on you?\"



Lissa took a sip of her tea gratefully before answering with a smile. \"Feel free Molly.... I trust you.\"



Molly pointed her wand at Lissa and quietly said \"Conscius Conceptus.\" A shaft of brilliant pale green light came out of Molly\'s wand. After a moment the Pale green light became a cheery red mist that glowed around Lissa. Molly\'s eyes widened for a moment then she broke into a wide smile.



\"What? What is it Molly? Have you found out why I\'ve been ill?\"



\"Yes, dear I have.\" Molly said happily. \"You are going to have a baby. My, Severus is a quick worker isn\'t he? He must be a very attentive husband.\" Molly waggled her eyebrows suggestively.



Lissa\'s eyes widened at Molly\'s pronouncement. \"A...a...b-baby?? We\'ve, uh...every chance we got.... he, um...Yes.\" Lissa closed her mouth with a snap she was so flustered. She then duelly called him. **\"Severus!\"**



**Yes, Lissa? What\'s wrong? **



**\"Please come here! It\'s very important!\"** Her tones mad hed her emotions, which were urgent.



Severus stiffened and hurried away from the young members of the Order and ran to the kitchen. He burst in to see Lissa sitting at the table with a cup of tea and a very happy Molly Weasley. Some where in the back of his mind he heard four sets of feet come to a skidding halt behind him as he knelt next to Lissa’s chair. \"Darling, what is it?\" Severus asked his voice filled with concern that was reflected in his dark eyes.



Surprise showed in her eyes as the others crowded behind him. She hadn\'t expected *them* to come as well. \"Please don\'t be upset for me calling you in here like this, love. It\'s just...well.... I’ve been ill the last several days and....I...we...you...\" She rose and took his right hand in hers and placed it over her stomach smiling up at him serenely.



Severus looked at her in confusion for a moment until it finally dawned on him just what she was telling him. \"Are you sure?\" He asked not daring to believe.



Lissa nodded. \"Molly performed the charm herself and I cannot think of any, save maybe Poppy, who would know better!



Severus looked to Molly for confirmation and received a nod in return. That was all he needed. He swept Lissa into his arms and kissed her deeply trying to communicate all the things he was feeling at the moment.



\"I don\'t understand.” Ron Weasley stated trying not to look ill at the sight of Snape kissing anyone.



Hermione poked him in the ribs with her elbow, \"Ron, Lissa is having a baby.\" Hermione rolled her eyes as realization dawned on all three boys.



\'Oh\'s’ formed on their faces as they then looked at each other and said \"Oh no!\" Sirius rolled his eyes. \"Great...another Snape!\"



Remus looked at the radiant couple and smiled. \"Congratulations Severus.\"

Severus actually turned to the werewolf and smiled. He even gave Sirus a smile. Right now nothing could ruin his mood.



\"What is going on girly?\" Moody said shouldering his way to the front of the small crowd. His magical eye roved over her seemingly looking for injury. It paused over he abdomen. \"Don\'t know how I missed it before. You just made me a papa girl, now you are going to make me a grandpapa?\"



Lissa giggled and detached herself from Severus\'s embrace to hug the older man fiercely. \"Oh, please say you\'re happy for us!\"



Moody winked at her. \"Just stop making me old before my time.\" The older wizard said gruffly hugging the girl briefly.



\"Never!\" Lissa admonished Moody and went back to Severus and put her arms about him again.



Arthur joined his smiling wife happy to see everyone getting along, something that hadn\'t happened at one of these meetings in a while. \"Albus will be here soon lets move to the sitting room shall we.” He said in his diplomatic way.

They all piled into the sitting room settling about the room each in their own manner. Lissa settled on Severus\'s lap her arms about his neck. Remus was chuckling silently and after a few moments Sirius couldn\'t help but do the same.



Molly looked concerned as the trio and Draco took seats as well. \"Dears,\" She began, “Let\'s find you something else to do. I am sure the four of you don\'t want to hear the lot of them argue.\" Molly moved to usher them out.



\"Molly leave them, this meeting concerns them as well.\" Severus said calmly.



\"Severus they are far too young.\" Molly said her color rising.



\"They stay.” Lissa said firmly. “If they are old enough to put their lives on the line then they are old enough to stay.\"



Molly gave Lissa a look that obviously called her a traitor and turned to her husband, \"Arthur surely you agree with me. The must be protected. They aren\'t ready.\"



\"Molly,\" Arthur started, \"Melissa is right. Every year gets more dangerous for Harry, and for Hermione and Ron as his friends they deserve to be included in our plans.\"



Harry looked a bit surprised at the support he and his friends were getting. Sirius nodded and muttered that sounded something along the lines of \'it\'s about time\'.



Draco was relieved. He \'would not be able\' to do what he needed with out knowing what to expect.



The flames glowed green for a moment and out stepped Albus Dumbledore. Molly\'s eyes brightened.



Lissa smiled. \"Albus! We have wonderful news! Doubtless you already know but....\" She looked at Severus.



Severus smiled at Lissa and rolled his eyes as Molly started in on Albus.

\"Albus surely you will agree with me that these children,\" She looked at the trio and Draco, \"Should be elsewhere during our discussion.\"



\"Molly...I love you dearly but.... overprotecting them will only end up killing them.\"



Molly’s eyes widened for a moment then she sat down defeated.



\"Now that is settled can we move on,\" Severus said. \"As Lissa said Albus, we have wonderful new for both you and the Dark Lord.\"



Quite a few people who winced at Snape\'s choice of words.



\"Stop it already, you all would probably faint if I called him Voldemort.\" Severus said evilly.



He smirked as Molly squeaked. \"Don\'t say that name!\"



Unable to help herself, Lissa giggled. \"Oh Molly. Stop! He is only human.\"



\"Hrmmff\" Molly just sat back in her chair still miffed over Lissa siding with the others over the children.



Lissa grew serious. \"Molly this is war. The childare are a part of it and I really don\'t think it is realistic to wait till Harry is all grown up to dump this on him. Voldemort certainly isn\'t going to wait! You should be grateful that he isn\'t as practical as he could be. He\'s wasteful as hell! This war could be much worse.... the man has no concept of.... never mind.\"



Albus smiled as Lissa finished her rant. \"You make a very good point my dear and that is what we are here to discuss.\"



**Had it been me, love.... I would have killed Harry\'s parents yes.... but the children of those who opposed me would have been raised by me to be my loyal chosen. Even of the muggles I would have done it.... they would have been raised as slaves domesticated through raising them so there would have been no trouble. By this time my army would have been very large and almost unstoppable. **

**Darling you are bloodthirsty indeed. Keep those ideas well hidden though. We don\'t need to be giving the Dark Lord any new ideas. **



**Wasn\'t planning on it and I\'m not bloodthirsty. There are otwaysways of accomplishing what he wants done and I would have gone with those first. He is simply too impatient. ** Lissa gave a mental shrug.



Severus smiled hoping that his lovely wife never turned her head to world domination, if she did the world, as they knew it, would be doomed.



Albus cleared his throat getting Lissa and Severus\'s attention. \"Severus I asked how the plans for the initiation were progressing?\"



\"Sorry, Albus.\" Lissa blushed embarrassed that her talking to Severus had distracted them from the meeting.



\"That is all right, my dear.\"



\"They are proceeding on schedule. We got confirmation on the initiates. Eleven from Durmstang, five from BeauBaxtons, and eight from Hogwarts.\"



\"So many?\" Asked Remus sadly.



\"Sadly yes, Remus.\"



\"There is no doubt in their minds that this is what they want to do?\" Hermione asked with a thread of hope coloring her question.



\"No, the only one from Hogwarts who wasn\'t sure was Draco.\"



\"What is the time table we have?\" Sirius asked Severus. It was odd to see him as an ally rather than as an enemy.



\"Initiation is over the Christmas holiday, I also believe that the Dark Lord will be giving Draco a task involving Harry or possibly Hermione.”



\"Any idea what it might involve?\" Sirius asked quickly.



\"I believe that Draco\'s task will be to get close to Harry by either becoming friends with him or seducing Miss Granger.\" Severus said quietly. \"Then reporting on their movements and any plans they might be privy to.\"



Hermione cheeks colored when he mentioned her possible seduction by Draco. Would he use that past event? It would seem logical and at least there had been no such pressure on either of them at the time. Friends with Harry? Well, they were on their way. Weren\'t they? This all seemed so dirty though somehow she she squashed, temporarily, the urge to take a bath.



Harry snorted. They were already on their way to being friends. Who would have thought it? He glanced at Hermione who was blushing a bit. That had been a mess that morning! Then he closed his eyes and thought of Sirius and he. He needed that again. There had been precious little time since that day.



Draco\'s eyes slid to Hermione watching the blush stain her cheeks. He remembered their night together and he was instantly hard. He wanted her again. If he had the chance he would take it.



Ron was watched Hermione blush and wondered what caused it, certainly not Malfoy. Though Malfoy was watching her as well, and then so was Harry. What was going on? What was he missing?



Lissa noticed all the exchanged looks, blushes and raised one eyebrow. **I get the impression that Hermione and Draco have already made.... acquaintance if I am not mistaken, Severus. Or am I reading the body language wrong? **



Severus looked at his protégé and noticed the hungry look he was giving Hermione. **If they have not already Draco surly seems to plan to.** Severus sent amusedly.



**I really want to look and see but that is rather rude and not really necessary to do. Is it? Ah well...time will reveal it\'s secrets sooner or later.**



**Yes dear that would be prying. We really shouldn\'t.** Severus sent Lissa a look complete with raised eyebrows... **Should we?**

She laughed in his mind. **You are evil at times. Do you want me to peek or not? It\'s not as though they don\'t look into things they shouldn\'t. Is it?**



**MMM To peek or not to peek that is the question.** Severus said doing a bad impression of Mac Beth. ** I suppose we should just let things lie. If we need to look we can always to it later.**



**As you will love.**



\"Professor, what will the initiation include? I would like to be prepared.\" Draco asked.



\"There will be four parts. A duel, potions, endurance and a test of loyalty.\" Severus said.



\"In your opinion...how do I rate for these areas? What do I need to do to improve and what can be done to do so?\"



“Potions will be no problem that part will be merely a test of identification, dueling you are doing well, I believe you will be able to hold your own though you may want to brush up on various shielding and disarming charms. Endurance is basically a race against the clock you will be fine with your quidditch training. The only thing we still need to work further on is your Occlumency training. More than likely you will not be facing myself but someone else. You must keep certain information locked away. We are lucky that I have gotten Voldemort to agree to keep this test to the use of Legilimens there are none as powerful as myself, if you become successful at keeping me out you will be fine.\" Severus explained ticking each off on his hand.



Draco nodded. He wasn\'t thrilled about any of it but he would do as he saw needed to be done. This year had already seen so manyngesnges in them all... They would all be stronger for it when this was all over.... if they survived.



\"Another issue needs to be cleared. Voldemort has been pressing for an explanation as to why Black, here, has come back and how it was accomplished.\"



Lissa thought for a bit as silence claimed the room. She had a thought....

\"Do you have magical scrolls that once the spell is spoken disappear or are destroyed?



\"Yes, there are such things. What do you have in mind dear?”



\"Voldemort would be willing to believe that Albus was grasping at straws and willing to try ages old magics to get answers and solutions. Correct?\"



\"Yes, go on...\" Severus said considering....



\"Ok...Albus is a desperate search for a solution found a very old scroll. It temporarily opened a gateway to another world. He was too cautious to explore it boldly and it therefore closed before anything useful could be gained from it but the gate had a secondary effect of thinning the veil enough for Black to escape. It is close enough to the truth to be believable. Yes?”



\"That is true.\" Albus said also considering her words.



\"Any other ideas?\"



\"Why do you want to stick so close to the truth?\" Asked Hermione.



\"Why?\" Lissa chuckled. \"Because the truth is easier to remember and if you simply twist it a bit... it\'s still believable. Omitting certain facts and allowing people to draw erroneous conclusions is also a favorite tactic of mine.\"



\"It is the first thing Aurors are taught as well. Makes it easier to remember your lies.\" Moody said.



\"Aren\'t we all glad that she is on our side and that Voldemort doesn\'t realizes her potential yet...?\" Severus said chuckling.



Lissa blushed at their praise. She was also a tad uncomfortable with



\"Speaking of potential,\" Albus began, \"how are things between Mr. Potter and yourself, my dear?\"



\"We are getting to know each other better. There are still some sore spots but...we are getting a lot closer. I\'d say we were friends... working on best friends.\"



Harry looked up at Lissa a little shyly and smiling nodded.



\"Albus, I know what you told me dealing with Severus and Lissa. Can we see what progress, if any, they\'ve had to date? Besides.... I’d like to see their progress first hand.\" Sirius asked.



\"Will you try dear?\" Albus inquired.



\"Certainly sir.\" Lissa rose a little reluctantly from her husband\'s lap and stood behind Harry who had just stood himself. She closed her eyes and placed her hands on his shoulders focusing her mind on what she wanted and creating a new mindset. Yes, Harry was a little brother... he needed her. Her heart went oo hio him and a whispery thin link formed between them. He was family now.



\"Cast your spell Harry.\" She began feeding him power fueled by this new connection to him.



Harry thought for a moment about what spell he should use then looking at Draco he smiled and his eyes brightened. He pointed his wand at Draco and called out, \"Serpensortia!\" A large black snake, twenty feet in length, bursom hom his wand, Harry then spoke softly to the snake. After a moment the snake bobbed its large head and began to slither toward Draco.



Draco looked at Harry evenly waiting to see what he would have the snake do. Remus was a bit tense but hid it well.



The snake began to wrap itself around Draco\'s leg until it was entwined around his calf and rested its large head on the boy\'s knee and stilled, occasionally its tongue flicked out into the air.



Draco brought his hand down to stroke theke ake and smiled. \"What do you know? You learned something from me Potter.\"



Lissa giggled. \"Well, you know what they say...\'Imitation is the sincerest form of admiration.\'\"



Harry lookt Lit Lissa and rolled his eyes. \"Not!\"



Lissa laughed out loud and ruffled Harry\'s hair. \"You are so easy to bait Harry.\" She took her seat back on Severus\'s lap and proceeded to make herself comfy, which meant wriggling her bottom till she was settled. Her eyes danced with mischief as she looked into Severus\'s eyes.



Severus placed his hands on her hips to still her movements before things got uncomfortable.



**Keep it up! And you\'ll get it when we get home.**



**Promise?**



**Minx.**



**You love it... If you didn\'t, I wouldn\'t be pregnant.**



**You are in for it young lady.**



**What am I in for?** She asked innocently.



For the second time that morning Albus cleared his throat to get Severus and Lissa’s attention. \"If that is all for today I suggest we adjourn. I see that some of us have other things on their minds.\"



Three sets of blushes arose at those words as Hermione stole a glance Draco\'s direction, Harry in the direction of Sirius and Lissa.



\"So when is lunch?\" Ron asked.