Sirenes
folder
Harry Potter Crossovers › General - Misc
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
3
Views:
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Reviews:
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Category:
Harry Potter Crossovers › General - Misc
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
3
Views:
1,438
Reviews:
3
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Hogwarts Happenings
Disclaimer: I don't own HP or BTVS, those belong to JK Rowling & Joss Whedon, respectively. This is for entertainment only, absolutely NO money is made from this. Also, no songs referenced are mine either.
A/N: Drusilla does have a miniscule amount of magical ability in this story. In canon she does have thrall and she is blessed/cursed with the sight, so that’s not too much of a stretch. It will most likely be nothing more than what she presented in Ch 2, a little wandless summoning. Oz’s abilities are more earth centered. A little healing, possibly something more supportive later, but nothing more substantial and mostly influenced by Willow’s early experimentation in Wicca while they were dating. Neither Dru nor Oz will be buying wands, ever. There will be a few OC’s in direct relation to Oz and Hermione. And Hermione will not be turned or infected.
I don’t believe I will be utilizing Ron much. Every time I try to write him he either comes out as a complete goober, or hateful and that isn’t the direction I want to go…
------------------------------------------------------------------
^^^^^
Lyrics
^^^^^
[thoughts]
~~~
dreams/flashback
~~~
******
scene breaks
******
Sirenes
Chapter 3
Hogwarts Happenings
* * * * * * * *
Hogwarts Dungeons
January, after the Christmas break
Severus sits in his favorite chair before the fireplace in his study, whiskey glass in hand. His teaching robes are draped over the back of the opposite chair, top button of his shirt undone for comfort. His mind is troubled as he contemplates the events of the past week. Apart from the usual stress of attempting to teach these pitiful lackwits the headmaster has charged him with, Miss Granger had not returned to the school after the Christmas break. Minerva was beside herself with worry over her young apprentice and Severus had had to force a calming draught on her to avoid witnessing a hysterical outburst.
As much as it pained him (very grudgingly, and only to himself) to admit such a thing about the Gryffindor ‘Know-It-All’, she was the only one on staff who could hold a decent conversation. After a year of Hermione’s dogged persistence, Severus had finally acknowledged, privately of course, a grudging friendship with the young woman. Her potions skills were more than adequate to assist him with his private research and over the break he had been surprised to discover he actually missed her constant chatter during their evening sessions.
Severus knew it was a horrible idea to allow her to return to her parent’s home over the holiday break, but she was determined to settle her parent’s affairs. The elder Grangers had been ambushed in France during a Halloween celebration. Because of the ever-increasing Death Eater activity, Hermione had agreed after the double funeral to remain at the school until this past week. Severus was still astounded that Dumbledore had given in to the foolish girl’s emotional demand.
~~~~~~~~~~~
* * Flashback* *
Dumbledore’s office
Hermione, tears tracing down her cheeks, addresses the headmaster in a barely restrained voice. “Sir, I must settle my parents affairs over the Christmas break. If I do not take care of all associated paperwork and contract to sell their house as well as finalize the sale of their practice now, I will lose it all.” The control she is exerting is quite obvious. Her body is fairly vibrating with the effort to appear composed.
Ron jumps in, “Are you crazy ‘Mione? If you leave now, the Death Eaters are sure to get you! Who will protect you? Not to mention all the studying you’ll miss out on.”
Hermione turns to Ron her eyes hot. “Don’t be such a prat Ron! I was able to protect myself just fine at Uni and that was for two years. I’m only going to be gone a short while. A week at the most.”
Dumbledore’s sad eyes turn to Hermione, “My dear it is far too dangerous. Your knowledge of the Order alone, not to mention your friendship to Harry makes you an irresistible target. I’m afraid leaving Hogwarts is out of the question.”
At this, Severus, who has been leaning unobtrusively in the darkest corner of the room; watches the girl closely. The hairs rise on the back of his neck in response to the power emanating off the bushy haired Gryffindor.
[The static discharge caused by the excess magic is actually making her hair bushier] Snape’s silent muse causes an involuntary snort. Although mostly silent, Albus sends him a brief narrow eyed glare before returning his gaze to Hermione. Severus sneers in response. [The old man is going to have to keep a closer watch on that one. She is more powerful than he realizes. If the power she is leaking is an example, imagine what she will accomplish when her training is completed!]
Harry, strangely enough has been quiet during this exchange. He clears his throat, “Hermione is right, she has to take care of this. I don’t want to be the reason she loses everything left of her family. Isn’t there a way to send an Auror with her for protection?”
Albus sighs, “ I am unable to assign an Order member on such a short notice, but I believe there is someone we can trust.” He turns to Hermione “Will you need the entire week to complete your tasks?”
Hermione relaxes a fraction, “Sir, I believe it would be prudent for me to leave on Thursday to avoid observation and return as soon as the final paperwork is completed. I have been advised that I might be finished by the following Wednesday. There have been a few inquiries already regarding the properties for sale.” Her voice quivers slightly during the last sentence, prompting Harry to place his arm around her in comfort. Hermione leans her head on his shoulder, grateful for the contact.
“My dear, as we have a few days to prepare, please return to your classes. I have a few floo calls to make.” Dumbledore twinkles at her and motions for Ron and Harry to follow. “Severus, if you would stay behind a moment?”
“Of course Headmaster.” Severus murmurs.
As the door closes behind the golden trio, Snape rounds on Dumbledore. “Have you completely lost your senses? We might as well tie a bow on the girl and send her off to him!”
The old man sighs, “I understand your concerns my boy, but some things simply have to be tolerated. If we do not assist her in this, she could very well attempt to take care of it on her own.”
“Why is Minerva not here? Wouldn’t she be able to talk the girl out of this foolishness?” Severus fumes.
Albus smiles at Severus, “I fear the old girl has a bit of a blind spot when it comes to her favorite student. Professor McGonagall has a class just now as you well know. I thought it would be prudent to attempt to dissuade Miss Granger without her mentor present. ”
“I must say Albus, a very Slytherin tactic. I’m impressed! Although, I certainly do not desire to be in your shoes when she discovers your deceit.”
“Yes, well… Ah, Miss Granger has been assisting you with some private research this past year, has she not? I believe it would be prudent to ask her assistance in starting a new research project. Just before supper in the main hall should be public enough. I think that will be a sufficient explanation of her absence.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~
**End Flashback**
His brooding is interrupted with a flash of green in the fireplace.
Dumbledore’s solemn face appears, “Professor Snape, I require your presence in my office as soon as possible. Our worst fears concerning Miss Granger have been realized.”
What little hope Severus had been nurturing for Miss Granger disappeared at Albus’ revelation.
“Certainly sir, I will join you presently.”
Snape shrugs on his teaching robes and steps up to the fireplace. He falters for a moment, leaning heavily against the mantle. Then grabbing a pinch of floo powder and tossing into the fire, he states “Headmaster’s office” and steps into the fire. Emerging from the headmaster’s Floo, Severus brushes his robes clean, silently making note of the other Order members present.
[All we need now are Potter and Weasley to make my misery complete]
Severus snipes silently.
Dumbledore approaches Severus with Remus in tow and whispers a quick ‘Muffliato’ for privacy. “While we are waiting for Professor Potter and Mister Weasley I need to warn you, it is not good news. I ask that you two, Severus and Remus be prepared to restrain Ron and Harry as gently as possible.”
Catching the Headmaster’s implication, Remus trembles in grief momentarily, but then catches himself and replies “Of course Professor.” Before returning to his seat.
Severus turns to claim his seat in the corner, but is stalled by the Headmaster’s hand on his arm.
“You will be gentle Severus.” Dumbeldore’s eyes were flint hard, not a twinkle in sight.
“They are adults now Albus. You should stop coddling them like little first years. On second thought, Mister Weasley probably needs it.”
Dumbledore squeezes his arm, waiting for Snape’s assent.
Snape brandishes his trademark sneer, “As you wish Headmaster.” And continues to his seat.
Dumbledore mutters a quick ‘Finite’ and moves to his desk to wait for their youngest members.
* * * *
Harry and Ron race towards the Headmaster’s office, eager for news of their dearest friend. The summons had come during Harry’s free period and he was requested to pull Ron from the Magical Creatures class. At Harry’s appearance, Hagrid, who had been allowing Ron to teach the class, sent the red head on his way.
[Why do we have to go to his office in the middle of the day?] Ron asks himself worriedly.
Harry is so anxious to reach the Headmaster’s office; he doesn’t dwell on the whys.
When they reached the stone gargoyle, Ron gasps out “Drooble's Best Blowing Gum!”
The statue leapt aside to allow the two young men access. Harry hangs back for a second, taking a deep calming breath and knocks on the door. The door swings open and Harry’s eyes sweep the room, searching for his friend. He looks at Dumbledore quizzically and is motioned to sit.
Severus surreptitiously frees his wand and aims it at the boys in preparation of the Headmaster’s announcement.
Dumbledore stands slowly, clears his throat and calls the meeting to order.
“As most of you are aware, one of our members is currently missing. Miss Granger, accompanied by Auror Williamson, traveled to Muggle London over the Christmas holiday to finalize her family’s estate.”
“When Williamson failed to contact me as per our pre-arranged schedule, Aurors Tonks and Shacklebolt were dispatched to the late Granger’s home to investigate.”
“Auror Williamson’s body was found in the kitchen. His throat was cut and he bled to death on the floor. It appeared he was taken completely by surprise.”
“After a thorough search, evidence was found in the study of Miss Granger’s abduction by force. It appears that although she was surprised, she did put up a fight. The result of which was a body left behind. The body was quickly identified as one Terence Higgs previously unknown to us as a Death Eater.”
Murmuring voices began to rise at this new information.
[They must have panicked]
Snape thought, [the Dark lord doesn’t allow us to leave our fallen behind] he shares a look with Albus and nods slightly in understanding.
Both Harry and Ron quietly deal with their growing sense of unease.
“Please, if you could keep your questions until after the report so we do not have to go through this more than once?”
The room falls silent and the Headmaster continues,
“Strangely, there was no trace of Dark Magic in the house. Fortunately Aurors Tonks and Kingsley were able to trace their apparition residue to an abandoned cemetery in Muggle London.”
Snape notices the old man falter slightly, and then Albus visibly steels himself to continue. The Potions Professor locks his gaze on young Harry in anticipation of Albus’ revelation. He sees Harry tense as if anticipating a physical blow.
“Auror Kingsley informed me that the air was thick with traces of Dark Magic. Tonks found Miss Granger’s wand on the ground, snapped in half and laying next to an unusually large pile of ashes.”
Dumbledore draws a shaky breath, swallows thickly and continues, “Tonks performed the ‘Comprobo Primigenus’ spell to substantiate their suspicions and it confirmed the ashes to be of human origin.”
“I’m so sorry my dear boy,” Albus turns his watery eyes to a stunned Harry, “It seems as though our worst fears have come to pass.”
Harry breaks eye contact and begins to rock slowly, chanting quietly, “No, no, no, no, no, no…” Snape keeps his eye on Harry, waiting for the explosion.
The whole room is deathly quiet, waiting for the two boys to react.
Ron shakes himself out of a stupor to ask,
“You’re havin’ us on right? Hermione can’t be really dead?”
Molly hisses, “Ronald! No one would joke about something like this!” Even Molly feels compelled to maintain a quiet tone, not wanting to be the one to provoke the volatile young wizard sitting next to her son.
“Harry, your classes have been cancelled for the week. You and Mister Weasley are excused from any activities through the weekend. My only request is that you do not leave the school grounds.”
Harry slowly rises to stand, turns to Albus and asks, “May I please be excused?” The stunned Headmaster nods his assent.
Harry then turns very carefully to Severus. The air is fairly crackling with the leaking power emanating off the young wizard. Harry looks Severus in the eye and very calmly asks, “I would like to speak with you later sir if you could spare me a few moments of your time later tonight?”
Professor Snape spares a quick glance to the Headmaster for his approval and receives a slight nod.
Severus grips his wand tighter and replies, “I believe I have a few moments at nine this evening. You may meet me in my office Professor Potter.”
Harry nods his head, “Thank you sir.”
Harry looks at Ron, who is staring at him with his mouth hanging open in shock. He sees Ron gearing up for a rant and slowly shakes his head no. “Not a word Ron.”
A chill washes over Ron and he gulps.
“Ok then mate. Would you like me to walk back with you?”
“No… I will meet up with you later.”
Harry turns and leaves the office, the chill left behind a reminder of the unusual control displayed by the young wizard.
* * * * * *
Throughout the remainder of the day, there were reports of a chill permeating the air in the wake of Professor Potter’s seemingly aimless wandering of the halls. Madam Pomfrey advised Professor Snape that she has had a run on Pepperup Potion and her stores were seriously depleted.
* * * * * *
8:55 PM
Professor Snape’s office
Professor Snape is sitting at his desk, grading first year essays on autopilot, the most active part of his brain holding a debate about the reason Mr. Potter requested to speak with him.
[What could that foolish boy possibly want from me?]
His head snaps up at the knock echoing through his office.
Professor Snape sneers at the door.
“Enter”
Harry opens the door and slips in quietly. Snape is intrigued by his controlled and respectful manner. Harry says nothing for several minutes, merely watching Severus with determined eyes.
“This meeting was your idea Potter. If you have nothing to say, you are wasting my time.”
Harry stiffens in response and then slowly relaxes.
[Very interesting] Snape quietly observes. [It seems someone is finally coming into his maturity. Pity it was brought on by the death of a most gifted witch.]
“Well…?”
“Did you know they were going to try for her?”
Severus carefully schools his features into a blank slate in order to hide his shock at Harry’s audacity.
“While I felt that this excursion was too dangerous and expressed my concerns to Professor Dumbledore, I had no direct knowledge that this attack was going to happen.” Severus states in a flat tone.
Harry realizes he was holding his breath and slowly releases it.
He meets Professor Snape’s gaze and says in a firm voice.
“I want you to teach me everything I need to know to defeat Voldemort. I need to do this for Hermione.”
-----------------------
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
My Immortal
By Evanescence
I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all of my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
Because your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I've held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
You used to captivate me
By your resonating light
But now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts my once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away all the sanity in me
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I've held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
And though you're still with me
I've been alone all along
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
A/N: Drusilla does have a miniscule amount of magical ability in this story. In canon she does have thrall and she is blessed/cursed with the sight, so that’s not too much of a stretch. It will most likely be nothing more than what she presented in Ch 2, a little wandless summoning. Oz’s abilities are more earth centered. A little healing, possibly something more supportive later, but nothing more substantial and mostly influenced by Willow’s early experimentation in Wicca while they were dating. Neither Dru nor Oz will be buying wands, ever. There will be a few OC’s in direct relation to Oz and Hermione. And Hermione will not be turned or infected.
I don’t believe I will be utilizing Ron much. Every time I try to write him he either comes out as a complete goober, or hateful and that isn’t the direction I want to go…
------------------------------------------------------------------
^^^^^
Lyrics
^^^^^
[thoughts]
~~~
dreams/flashback
~~~
******
scene breaks
******
Sirenes
Chapter 3
Hogwarts Happenings
* * * * * * * *
Hogwarts Dungeons
January, after the Christmas break
Severus sits in his favorite chair before the fireplace in his study, whiskey glass in hand. His teaching robes are draped over the back of the opposite chair, top button of his shirt undone for comfort. His mind is troubled as he contemplates the events of the past week. Apart from the usual stress of attempting to teach these pitiful lackwits the headmaster has charged him with, Miss Granger had not returned to the school after the Christmas break. Minerva was beside herself with worry over her young apprentice and Severus had had to force a calming draught on her to avoid witnessing a hysterical outburst.
As much as it pained him (very grudgingly, and only to himself) to admit such a thing about the Gryffindor ‘Know-It-All’, she was the only one on staff who could hold a decent conversation. After a year of Hermione’s dogged persistence, Severus had finally acknowledged, privately of course, a grudging friendship with the young woman. Her potions skills were more than adequate to assist him with his private research and over the break he had been surprised to discover he actually missed her constant chatter during their evening sessions.
Severus knew it was a horrible idea to allow her to return to her parent’s home over the holiday break, but she was determined to settle her parent’s affairs. The elder Grangers had been ambushed in France during a Halloween celebration. Because of the ever-increasing Death Eater activity, Hermione had agreed after the double funeral to remain at the school until this past week. Severus was still astounded that Dumbledore had given in to the foolish girl’s emotional demand.
~~~~~~~~~~~
* * Flashback* *
Dumbledore’s office
Hermione, tears tracing down her cheeks, addresses the headmaster in a barely restrained voice. “Sir, I must settle my parents affairs over the Christmas break. If I do not take care of all associated paperwork and contract to sell their house as well as finalize the sale of their practice now, I will lose it all.” The control she is exerting is quite obvious. Her body is fairly vibrating with the effort to appear composed.
Ron jumps in, “Are you crazy ‘Mione? If you leave now, the Death Eaters are sure to get you! Who will protect you? Not to mention all the studying you’ll miss out on.”
Hermione turns to Ron her eyes hot. “Don’t be such a prat Ron! I was able to protect myself just fine at Uni and that was for two years. I’m only going to be gone a short while. A week at the most.”
Dumbledore’s sad eyes turn to Hermione, “My dear it is far too dangerous. Your knowledge of the Order alone, not to mention your friendship to Harry makes you an irresistible target. I’m afraid leaving Hogwarts is out of the question.”
At this, Severus, who has been leaning unobtrusively in the darkest corner of the room; watches the girl closely. The hairs rise on the back of his neck in response to the power emanating off the bushy haired Gryffindor.
[The static discharge caused by the excess magic is actually making her hair bushier] Snape’s silent muse causes an involuntary snort. Although mostly silent, Albus sends him a brief narrow eyed glare before returning his gaze to Hermione. Severus sneers in response. [The old man is going to have to keep a closer watch on that one. She is more powerful than he realizes. If the power she is leaking is an example, imagine what she will accomplish when her training is completed!]
Harry, strangely enough has been quiet during this exchange. He clears his throat, “Hermione is right, she has to take care of this. I don’t want to be the reason she loses everything left of her family. Isn’t there a way to send an Auror with her for protection?”
Albus sighs, “ I am unable to assign an Order member on such a short notice, but I believe there is someone we can trust.” He turns to Hermione “Will you need the entire week to complete your tasks?”
Hermione relaxes a fraction, “Sir, I believe it would be prudent for me to leave on Thursday to avoid observation and return as soon as the final paperwork is completed. I have been advised that I might be finished by the following Wednesday. There have been a few inquiries already regarding the properties for sale.” Her voice quivers slightly during the last sentence, prompting Harry to place his arm around her in comfort. Hermione leans her head on his shoulder, grateful for the contact.
“My dear, as we have a few days to prepare, please return to your classes. I have a few floo calls to make.” Dumbledore twinkles at her and motions for Ron and Harry to follow. “Severus, if you would stay behind a moment?”
“Of course Headmaster.” Severus murmurs.
As the door closes behind the golden trio, Snape rounds on Dumbledore. “Have you completely lost your senses? We might as well tie a bow on the girl and send her off to him!”
The old man sighs, “I understand your concerns my boy, but some things simply have to be tolerated. If we do not assist her in this, she could very well attempt to take care of it on her own.”
“Why is Minerva not here? Wouldn’t she be able to talk the girl out of this foolishness?” Severus fumes.
Albus smiles at Severus, “I fear the old girl has a bit of a blind spot when it comes to her favorite student. Professor McGonagall has a class just now as you well know. I thought it would be prudent to attempt to dissuade Miss Granger without her mentor present. ”
“I must say Albus, a very Slytherin tactic. I’m impressed! Although, I certainly do not desire to be in your shoes when she discovers your deceit.”
“Yes, well… Ah, Miss Granger has been assisting you with some private research this past year, has she not? I believe it would be prudent to ask her assistance in starting a new research project. Just before supper in the main hall should be public enough. I think that will be a sufficient explanation of her absence.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~
**End Flashback**
His brooding is interrupted with a flash of green in the fireplace.
Dumbledore’s solemn face appears, “Professor Snape, I require your presence in my office as soon as possible. Our worst fears concerning Miss Granger have been realized.”
What little hope Severus had been nurturing for Miss Granger disappeared at Albus’ revelation.
“Certainly sir, I will join you presently.”
Snape shrugs on his teaching robes and steps up to the fireplace. He falters for a moment, leaning heavily against the mantle. Then grabbing a pinch of floo powder and tossing into the fire, he states “Headmaster’s office” and steps into the fire. Emerging from the headmaster’s Floo, Severus brushes his robes clean, silently making note of the other Order members present.
[All we need now are Potter and Weasley to make my misery complete]
Severus snipes silently.
Dumbledore approaches Severus with Remus in tow and whispers a quick ‘Muffliato’ for privacy. “While we are waiting for Professor Potter and Mister Weasley I need to warn you, it is not good news. I ask that you two, Severus and Remus be prepared to restrain Ron and Harry as gently as possible.”
Catching the Headmaster’s implication, Remus trembles in grief momentarily, but then catches himself and replies “Of course Professor.” Before returning to his seat.
Severus turns to claim his seat in the corner, but is stalled by the Headmaster’s hand on his arm.
“You will be gentle Severus.” Dumbeldore’s eyes were flint hard, not a twinkle in sight.
“They are adults now Albus. You should stop coddling them like little first years. On second thought, Mister Weasley probably needs it.”
Dumbledore squeezes his arm, waiting for Snape’s assent.
Snape brandishes his trademark sneer, “As you wish Headmaster.” And continues to his seat.
Dumbledore mutters a quick ‘Finite’ and moves to his desk to wait for their youngest members.
* * * *
Harry and Ron race towards the Headmaster’s office, eager for news of their dearest friend. The summons had come during Harry’s free period and he was requested to pull Ron from the Magical Creatures class. At Harry’s appearance, Hagrid, who had been allowing Ron to teach the class, sent the red head on his way.
[Why do we have to go to his office in the middle of the day?] Ron asks himself worriedly.
Harry is so anxious to reach the Headmaster’s office; he doesn’t dwell on the whys.
When they reached the stone gargoyle, Ron gasps out “Drooble's Best Blowing Gum!”
The statue leapt aside to allow the two young men access. Harry hangs back for a second, taking a deep calming breath and knocks on the door. The door swings open and Harry’s eyes sweep the room, searching for his friend. He looks at Dumbledore quizzically and is motioned to sit.
Severus surreptitiously frees his wand and aims it at the boys in preparation of the Headmaster’s announcement.
Dumbledore stands slowly, clears his throat and calls the meeting to order.
“As most of you are aware, one of our members is currently missing. Miss Granger, accompanied by Auror Williamson, traveled to Muggle London over the Christmas holiday to finalize her family’s estate.”
“When Williamson failed to contact me as per our pre-arranged schedule, Aurors Tonks and Shacklebolt were dispatched to the late Granger’s home to investigate.”
“Auror Williamson’s body was found in the kitchen. His throat was cut and he bled to death on the floor. It appeared he was taken completely by surprise.”
“After a thorough search, evidence was found in the study of Miss Granger’s abduction by force. It appears that although she was surprised, she did put up a fight. The result of which was a body left behind. The body was quickly identified as one Terence Higgs previously unknown to us as a Death Eater.”
Murmuring voices began to rise at this new information.
[They must have panicked]
Snape thought, [the Dark lord doesn’t allow us to leave our fallen behind] he shares a look with Albus and nods slightly in understanding.
Both Harry and Ron quietly deal with their growing sense of unease.
“Please, if you could keep your questions until after the report so we do not have to go through this more than once?”
The room falls silent and the Headmaster continues,
“Strangely, there was no trace of Dark Magic in the house. Fortunately Aurors Tonks and Kingsley were able to trace their apparition residue to an abandoned cemetery in Muggle London.”
Snape notices the old man falter slightly, and then Albus visibly steels himself to continue. The Potions Professor locks his gaze on young Harry in anticipation of Albus’ revelation. He sees Harry tense as if anticipating a physical blow.
“Auror Kingsley informed me that the air was thick with traces of Dark Magic. Tonks found Miss Granger’s wand on the ground, snapped in half and laying next to an unusually large pile of ashes.”
Dumbledore draws a shaky breath, swallows thickly and continues, “Tonks performed the ‘Comprobo Primigenus’ spell to substantiate their suspicions and it confirmed the ashes to be of human origin.”
“I’m so sorry my dear boy,” Albus turns his watery eyes to a stunned Harry, “It seems as though our worst fears have come to pass.”
Harry breaks eye contact and begins to rock slowly, chanting quietly, “No, no, no, no, no, no…” Snape keeps his eye on Harry, waiting for the explosion.
The whole room is deathly quiet, waiting for the two boys to react.
Ron shakes himself out of a stupor to ask,
“You’re havin’ us on right? Hermione can’t be really dead?”
Molly hisses, “Ronald! No one would joke about something like this!” Even Molly feels compelled to maintain a quiet tone, not wanting to be the one to provoke the volatile young wizard sitting next to her son.
“Harry, your classes have been cancelled for the week. You and Mister Weasley are excused from any activities through the weekend. My only request is that you do not leave the school grounds.”
Harry slowly rises to stand, turns to Albus and asks, “May I please be excused?” The stunned Headmaster nods his assent.
Harry then turns very carefully to Severus. The air is fairly crackling with the leaking power emanating off the young wizard. Harry looks Severus in the eye and very calmly asks, “I would like to speak with you later sir if you could spare me a few moments of your time later tonight?”
Professor Snape spares a quick glance to the Headmaster for his approval and receives a slight nod.
Severus grips his wand tighter and replies, “I believe I have a few moments at nine this evening. You may meet me in my office Professor Potter.”
Harry nods his head, “Thank you sir.”
Harry looks at Ron, who is staring at him with his mouth hanging open in shock. He sees Ron gearing up for a rant and slowly shakes his head no. “Not a word Ron.”
A chill washes over Ron and he gulps.
“Ok then mate. Would you like me to walk back with you?”
“No… I will meet up with you later.”
Harry turns and leaves the office, the chill left behind a reminder of the unusual control displayed by the young wizard.
* * * * * *
Throughout the remainder of the day, there were reports of a chill permeating the air in the wake of Professor Potter’s seemingly aimless wandering of the halls. Madam Pomfrey advised Professor Snape that she has had a run on Pepperup Potion and her stores were seriously depleted.
* * * * * *
8:55 PM
Professor Snape’s office
Professor Snape is sitting at his desk, grading first year essays on autopilot, the most active part of his brain holding a debate about the reason Mr. Potter requested to speak with him.
[What could that foolish boy possibly want from me?]
His head snaps up at the knock echoing through his office.
Professor Snape sneers at the door.
“Enter”
Harry opens the door and slips in quietly. Snape is intrigued by his controlled and respectful manner. Harry says nothing for several minutes, merely watching Severus with determined eyes.
“This meeting was your idea Potter. If you have nothing to say, you are wasting my time.”
Harry stiffens in response and then slowly relaxes.
[Very interesting] Snape quietly observes. [It seems someone is finally coming into his maturity. Pity it was brought on by the death of a most gifted witch.]
“Well…?”
“Did you know they were going to try for her?”
Severus carefully schools his features into a blank slate in order to hide his shock at Harry’s audacity.
“While I felt that this excursion was too dangerous and expressed my concerns to Professor Dumbledore, I had no direct knowledge that this attack was going to happen.” Severus states in a flat tone.
Harry realizes he was holding his breath and slowly releases it.
He meets Professor Snape’s gaze and says in a firm voice.
“I want you to teach me everything I need to know to defeat Voldemort. I need to do this for Hermione.”
-----------------------
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
My Immortal
By Evanescence
I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all of my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
Because your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I've held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
You used to captivate me
By your resonating light
But now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts my once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away all the sanity in me
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I've held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
And though you're still with me
I've been alone all along
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^