Dark Chaos

Chapter One……Beginnings, of course.


The sun crept up the sleeping bag, slowly crawling to Harry’s face. Tickling his nose then causing him to squeeze his eyelids tighter. Groaning he rolled over hiding his face.

“Ron, ‘Mione wake up! It’s time to wake up. Something happened last night while you slept.”

Muffled words emanated from somewhere among the bag. Ron groaned “Just five more minutes, please. W-w-what did you say something happened? What?”

“Harry, what happened? Was it a dream? Did you discover a clue about You Know….Voldemort.” Hermione asked at the same time as Ron.

“Not a dream. Professor McGonagall contacted me last night. She wants us to come to Hogwarts this morning. She says there are some new developments about Dumbledore and Snape. “Hermione said “How long do we have. It’s a long way there and we can’t apparate into Hogwarts. Even as close as we can get it will take awhile, and I am very curious.”

“Of course you are.” mumbled Ron. Hermione shot him a killing look.

“Well, that’s the other thing. It seems Hogwarts, now this is a secret only between us, is actually a trapped spirit who just happens to be my many greats grandmother. She tells me she will take us there, to a part of the castle where no one will see us.”

“Are you daft man? That is crazy. I think ‘Mione hit it on the head when she said a dream.”

“How can that be?” again Hermione was talking simultaneously with Ron.

“Calm down. Apparently my ancestor who is now Hogwarts, Cordilla is her name fell in love with my greats grandfather, Harry, I know. They had a child, Nora. Apparently this other man loved her and thought she should be his. So, he killed Harry and trapped Cordilla in Hogwarts. She has protected children since then. She said that she has helped me already, but that I credited others with that help. I have no idea about that. “

“What happened to Nora? Obviously she lived and had children, you’re here.” Hermione’s questioned.

“All I know is that she was hidden. I didn’t think to ask, I was otherwise occupied” ‘Especially after she said something about me having a mate’, thought Harry.

They were talking they were closing up camp. As she’s trying to tame her brunette locks Hermione comments “That story is so tragic. I must know more. Do you think it’s in the library? I wonder what McGonagall wants to tell us. Maybe they have caught Snape and Voldemort.”

“I doubt it’s in the library Hermione, honestly, you think everything is in there. No one seems to know the tale so it must not be written anywhere, at least nowhere so easy to find it. Let’s hurry up and get camp broken and call her to find out what is going on.”

A short time later the three friends were standing where the campfire once was.
“Everyone ready, then? “ Ron and Hermione nodded.
“Okay, here it goes.” Closing his eyes to concentrate Harry thought, “Hogwarts I need you, Hogwarts I need you, Hogwarts I need you.” It took a moment, and then all sense of placement was lost. Everything around them swirled. Suddenly, things took shape again. They found themselves in a room, dusty with old furniture covered with ancient cloths.

“Harry, I am so glad you are back with me. I have brought you to a safe room. Hermione and Ron welcome back to one of your homes. It fills me with pride for the three of you to be back. You will discover many things today that you will not be able to believe. Please, use judgment. Do not be rash. All will make sense soon. Remember, I will always protect you, Son of my blood and siblings of his heart. Now got to Professor McGonagall and begin a day of discovery. “

It was hard to tell who was the most surprised of the three. Without asking questions, they walked out of the room and followed corridors, Cordilla leading the way, to Professor McGonagall’s private quarters.

They looked at each other, shrugged as if to say “Here goes” and Harry knocked on the door.

“Come”, came Minerva’s voice from the other side of the door.

Ron, being closest to the door handle, opened the door. Just inside was a small sitting room. A love seat and two chairs sat cozily in front of a fire place.

“Come children, no not children. Come in. Sit. The others will be here soon.” Minerva motioned the three inside, from one of the chairs. She waved her hand and large cushions appeared on all free floor space.

“I want this to be as comfortable as possible, for all of us.”

Harry, Ron and Hermione all entered. Hermione sat in the free chair. Ron and Harry sat upon the cushions on the floor. The three exchanged nervous glances with one another. McGonagall still had quite an effect on them.

Harry asked, “Professor, Can you tell us now what was so urgent, that we come so soon?”

“Please, call me Minerva. You have earned that at least. I will tell you it is a long complicated tale and there are others who should know, I would like to wait for them before telling it. We are waiting for Mr. Longbottom, Luna, Remus, Ron your foolish Brothers George and Fred and you sister Ginny and another you will find out about a bit later.”

“I really don’t care for waiting, not very patient, you know.” was Harry’s reply.

“It is something you must learn Mr. Potter, as the things we have to accomplish will take much patience.”

A knock at the door, a reply by Minerva brought Neville and Luna into the room. Following closely were the other Weasleys. After much hugging and backslapping, as well as tears, another knock brought Remus. Again there were more greetings.

Minerva clapped her hands “I know you are all very glad to see one another but we have much we must accomplish. The only other person who is not here knows already most of this. Please make yourselves comfortable. Anyone for tea?” Tea appeared with biscuits, most of the young people helped themselves as they had not yet broken their fast.

“Now, Where to begin. You all know that “she made a face as if she had bitten into a sour Bertie Botts. “Professor Dumbledore was supposedly killed, by Professor Snape.”

Cries of outrage followed by Hermione’s sharp as ever,” What do you mean supposedly? Is he alive? Oh I hope so?”

“Yes Miss. Granger He is still alive. But unfortunately it is not a good thing. Now wait, before you lose control, listen to me. It has come to light that he was not at all what we thought he was. I feel such a fool myself. It seems he is the reason Tom became you know who. There was brainwashing, molestation and the Gods know what else. Apparently they are lovers even now, and have been plotting the down fall of us all. For a long time he tried to lure Harry into becoming his as well, he was sure that with the power Harry has and will grow into that they would be unstoppable.” Again, cries of outrage, no one sure if it was due to the thought of Dumbledore being evil, him trying to take advantage of Harry, or him being the lover of and force behind Voldemort.

“No disrespect Professor but, that’s crazy. Professor Dumbledore was a kind and wonderful wizard, everyone loved him. I just can’t believe that he would do all of those things. It has to be horrible lies that the death eaters have come up with.” whined Ginny, ringing her hands in her lap.

She echoed the thoughts of everyone else in the room, except Remus. Harry, frankly, sat stunned, his jaw dropped.

“Oh, it’s quite true young lady. No one would have ever known, but his treachery was discovered and an attempt made to stop him. Suddenly, all of his spells began to reveal themselves, the ones that did not fall apart.” Remus informed them.

“You mean Snape? Snape!! Is the savior? I can’t believe that! He is evil!” Harry could not believe the world could be turned on end so completely.

Neville, holding Luna’s hand said “I’ve heard rumors saying pretty much the same things. They say Snape discovered the treachery, which broke the spells on him, and tried to stop Dumbledore before they went too far. He does not even look the same. Isn’t he here, Professor?”

“What Snape here. He is a killer, how can he be allowed here?” Harry was asking no one in particular. To Cordilla he thought How can this be? You said you would protect me. No one hates me more than him.
“Harry, things are not always as they seem. What they tell you is the truth. He was under many bindings and spells. He was able to break them and try to kill the true force of evil. Now he is who he was truly meant to be. I will always protect you. He does not hate you; he has always known that if you went to the dark all would be lost. Do not be too quick to judge.”
“Harry, he truly is good. There have been many trials and tests. His heart is true. He will play a great part in the coming war.” Remus soothed.

George said “Whatever Harry decides…”

“…we will follow.” finished Fred as usual.

Agreement was echoed by all. Harry could feel the truth in what both Cordilla and Remus spoke. He wanted to know more though.

“Okay, I’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt, but I reserve a final decision for after I’ve more information. How do we know Dumbledore is still alive? Everyone was sure he was killed by Snape. I don’t understand.”

“Apparently, He had an escape spell at hand. He went straight to Voldemort. They sent an owl to the ministry letting them know of their intention to conquer the wizarding world as well as the Muggle world. No one has been informed yet, only a very few at the ministry know for sure, but as Nevile pointed out there are rumors. They charged me and Mr. Lupin with setting up a task force, if you will, to try and defeat them. I know those of you in this room are some of the most powerful witches and wizards ever. This leads me to believe now is finally the time to bring this evil to an end.” Minerva explained.

“Well let’s decide what we should do then. Any ideas on how to defeat not one, but two, evil geniuses?” Harry asked those gathered in the small room.

“Harry, that is where the other person we are expecting comes in, I think. He knows both men very well.”

“Where is he? And who is he?” Light dawned on Harry “No, not Snape! I don’t think I can deal with working with him. Even if he is some kind of hero. He has always gone out of his way to be cruel to me.”

“Sorry Harry, it is Professor Snape. He is not who he was, he’s the man he was meant to be. Binding and spells can do awful things to a man.”

“Harry, he comes.” Harry’s spine stiffened just before a knock at the door.

Minerva rose from her chair to go to the door and welcome in the person outside. “Oh, Severus come in, come in. I am so glad you came.” Taking him by the hands and pulling him in, she gushed (yes Minerva McGonagall gushed-it’s my story and I want her to gush).

“Professor Snape.” Remus greeted with a nod, which was returned.

No one else could speak; the man standing before them was surely not Professor Severus Snape. Before them was one of the most beautiful creatures any of them had ever seen. Gone was the sallow skin, greasy hair, robes hanging from bones and horrible scowl. Now, replaced by beautiful, porcelain skin, long full shiny black hair (which begged to be caressed), black robes cascading from a fuller frame that hinted of fitness, and the face of an angel. The eyes dark pools to be lost in, high prominent cheek bones, soft full lips begging to be explored… thoroughly. Harry was at least as surprised by what he saw as everyone else and especially surprised by his reaction to it. His stomach had butterflies suddenly fluttering around. His mouth suddenly dry, he felt he could not catch his breath. His breeches suddenly tightened uncomfortably, causing him to be grateful he had worn his robes.

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Severus, was surprised when he walked into the room, he didn’t think he would ever get used to the reaction he was getting the few places he went these days. People actually seemed to want to be around him, maybe even happy to see him. Looking around the room he saw several things he was surprised to see, including expressions he had not seen directed at him before, among other things. The Weasly boy sitting at the Granger girl’s feet close together, which was to be expected. Longbottom and that strange Lovegood girl holding hands and sitting awfully close to the other two. The Weasly twins with their sister in the middle of the floor. Remus leaning against the mantle. All had looks of surprise and appreciation. And amongst them all, of course was Potter. Something was different about him. Dark eyes met green and held. Severus caught his breath, falling into those beautiful emerald eyes, losing himself.

Harry was getting lightheaded, falling into the depths of those wonderful onyx eyes. Neither understood what was happening, nor that the other was experiencing much the same thing.

“Professor? Professor, are you alright?” Minerva’s concern pulled Sev back to reality.

“Yes, quite. Thank you. Just a little surprised to see everyone. Have you updated them on what has been happening?”

“We were just finishing when you knocked. There, naturally, is some concern but everyone is prepared to give you and the situation the benefit of the doubt. “

“Good, good. Then let’s get started on a plan. The sooner they are brought to justice the sooner we can all rest peacefully.” Sev was at least as ready as anyone in the room. He owed Dumbledore and Voldemort for what they had done, to him and everyone else. Once they paid, he could get on with having a normal life. Glancing once more at Harry, a shiver running through him, he conjured a chair and prepared himself for some planning.