In the Hands of the Enemy

Author: InsomniackNixie
Date: Dec.18/07
Disclaimer: See Chapter One


Chapter Three: Disbelief & Morning


Hogwarts School: Hospital Wing

Hermione, Ron and Snuffles ran down the corridor leading to the infirmary, skidding to a halt at the door they didn't even stop to recover their breath before pushing it open. Hurrying inside, firmly closing the door they were greeted by the sight of Professors McGonagall and Sprout trying to comfort Cedric's grief-stricken parents without success, until Madame Pomfrey bustled up to them and insisted that they drink a Calming draught and Dreamless Sleep potion each before tucking them down in an enlarged hospital bed.

Turning to Headmaster Dumbledore, Hermione was shocked at how old and tired he looked and she clutched convulsively at Ron's hand. Ron's eyes snapped to Hermione's face as she nearly broke his hand and his gaze followed hers to see the Headmaster. Both sets of eyes narrowed with worry for their friend, "Headmaster?" Ron tried, his voice cracking on the question. Hermione cleared her throat and tried herself. "Headmaster, where is Harry?" Fearing she knew the answer her eyes pleaded with the Headmaster to say she was wrong but saw only sadness in his old, tired blue eyes as he moved and waved to the scene behind him.

Molly Weasley was holding a small VERY familiar form crying and stroking the wild black hair as her husband and oldest son were murmuring soothingly, rubbing her back. Stunned, Ron and Hermione took two slow steps forward before being startled from their daze by the sharp bark that Snuffles let out. Paws scrabbling on the stone floor the frantic black-haired dog bolted for Harry and shoved his wet, cold nose into 'Harry's' equally cold neck whimpering. He took two panting breaths before the scent of the 'boy' penetrated his distraught brain causing him to jerk his head back, he looked suspiciously at Dumbledore who looked puzzled at his behavior. Closing his eyes Snuffles took two more slow, deep breathes, his nose told him the very same thing, he snapped his head up, eyes sharply focusing on his former Headmaster *bark, growl, yip, snarl, yip, whine, whine*.

Professor Snape swept around the privacy screen, "Albus, I cannot believe you would allow a mangy beast in here at such a time!" He was rewarded by the 'dog' bearing it's long, gleaming white fangs menacingly. Albus hastily looked at those on the other side of the barrier, before quickly closing the screens then casting privacy and silencing wards. As the wards were cast Severus relaxed marginally, "There is something I need to speak to you about Headmaster, it is quite urgent." His words were clipped. Hermione noticed that the Potion Master's left hand was tense and occasionally twitched slightly, her quick mind started putting the pieces togeather and arguing the few facts it had in an attempt to distract itself from the so still form on the bed.

Patience frayed past the breaking point Snuffles shifted into Sirius, "Yes, well, I have something urgent to tell you too, Dumbledore. Namely that THAT isn't Harry!"

Albus sighed deeply, "Sirius, I know you don't want to believe that your best friend's only child is dead, - "

Sirius cut him off abruptly. "It doesn't smell like Harry, Albus. It smells like food, rabbit to be exact."
Professor Dumbledore lifted his empty hands in a calming gesture, "I know you are upset Sirius, at times like this the mind has been known to plays tricks - "
Turning sharply to Professor McGonagall, Sirius snapped out. "Can't you tell? You have been his Head of House for four years!"
Minerva shook her head sadly, "I have never memorized his scent as you have Sirius." She looked close to tears again.
Sirius snarled, "Remus has, send for him. He'll tell you the same thing I have."
Dumbledore shook his head. "Remus has just returned from a trying mission, perhaps in a few days he can be sent for."

"Stop! Just stop it! Can't you see this isn't the place for this? Your upsetting the children." Shrieked a white-faced, tear-stained Mrs. Weasley, pointing to Harry's ghost-pale best friends. "Don't you think this is something best discussed in your office Albus?"

Albus nodded abruptly, turning to go he was stopped by Hermione's trembling voice, "Sir? May Ron and I go to Gryffindor tower to fetch night-clothes?" At Dumbledore's lifted brows she continued hastily, "I thought it a good idea to stay in here with the Weasleys. If no one minds, of course, sir." The Headmaster's eyes flicked to Molly, then back to her, as he nodded his permission.

"Sirius, Molly is correct, we shall discuss this in my office. Severus won't you join us?" Professor Snape nodded, no one noticed when he covertly flicked a listening spell at Hermione before following Dumbledore and Sirius, back as Snuffles, from the infirmary. He would be able to hear whatever the young witch had to say to Ronald Weasley as a low whisper in his ear.

In Gryffindor tower Hermione pulled Ron close to her to whisper, "Get Harry's cloak and hide it in your pajamas, I'll write Professor Lupin and hide the letter in mine. Well, quickly now." In the Headmaster's office Severus' lips twitched, 'Clever girl, I will have to watch her.' Less than ten minutes later they were on their way to the school Owlery. Finding Hedwig Hermione tied the note to her leg, "Now, Hedwig it is very important that this gets to Remus Lupin as quickly as possible, he may be the only one who can support Sirius' claim that Harry isn't dead." With a soft hoot Hedwig launched herself out the window, flying swiftly on silent wings. Severus' ear itched as he listened to the two co-conspirators talking quietly from halfway across the school.

"How can you be so sure Sirius is right Hermione? I want him to be right so much, but I'm not sure I'd trust my own senses if I were him."

Hermione smiled, "Even if I didn't already believe Sirius Ron, the fact that Hedwig's still here would have convinced me Harry's alive." At Ron's puzzled look, she sighed. "I read everything I could get my hands on about Familiars when you and Harry be-friended me in first year. Hedwig will keep returning to the last place she saw Harry, here. If he was dead she would have left as soon as he died." Ron opened his mouth to protest, when she lifted a hand. "Harry found, and cast, a spell that bonded them wizard to familiar for life over Christmas Hols first year." Severus was grudgingly impressed with his pint-sized nemisis, that had been a third year spell.

"We've got to tell the Headmaster, Hermione."Ron exclaimed.

She grabbed his arm to stop him from running to Professor Dumbledore's office. "We will get the same treatment that Sirius is getting now, Ron. He'll say we're hysterical children in denial about Harry being dead. However if we bring him proof he can't help but take us seriously, we just need to be patient until we have enough proof to convince the Professors. Alright, Ron?" The ginger-haired young man swollowed hard, and nodded solemnly.

Headmaster's Office

Severus Snape left off listening to the distant conversation to concentrate on his own situation as he sat in the Headmaster's cluttered office. Sirius Black was pacing in frustration as he tried, unsuccessfully to talk Albus round, "Albus! If I wasn't sure that I was right I would never have said anything in front of Molly and the children. Please, contact Remus I know he can prove me right. That 'body' in there doesn't even remotely smell human, and I am NOT the victim of wishful thinking or denial." Sirius snarled the last word as Dumbledore opened his mouth, most likely to utter some trite homily on how Sirius was too involved to be rational, and should leave the matter to calmer heads.

"As fascinating as I find this discussion, and I truely do find it fascinating, we have another problem to deal with." With this Severus unbuttoned his left cuff slipping the sleeve of his outer robe and shirt to his elbow while turning his forearm so the inner arm was visible, displaying for all to see his renewed Dark Mark. "It would appear that my former Master has returned to the land of the living."

Dumbledore sat back in his chair with a calculating look on his face. Sirius took a step toward the Potions Master with a hesitant expression flitting across his face. "Severus?" He questioned.

Severus made an impatient noise. "Don't tell me you never suspected Sirius Black, I shan't believe you. You knew quite well the Dark Lord was recruiting the very best he could sway to his side. Everyone knew that from fifth year I had begun my Mastery studies for potions, it was obvious I was to be one of the youngest to ever achieve Master of Potions status. I would not have been overlooked, nor allowed to refuse."

Sirius sighed unhappily, "And we made your life unbearable." He admitted.

Severus inclined his head in agreement, but said nothing in reply. Dark eyes sought time-faded blue. "You will,of course, ask that I resume spying for you." Severus stated flatly.

"It would be for the best, Severus. You will have to use the chaos here as your excuse for missing this Summoning, in order to minimize your punishment." Dumbledore stated. There was a flash of what Severus, with his past experiance could only call satisfaction in his eyes. What disturbed him was the thought that he didn't know if Albus' satisfaction came from having a spy in the Dark Lord's ranks, or the fact that he would be punished regardless of the reason for missing Voldemort's Call. With that Albus dismissed them both, over-riding all of Sirius' protests.

Severus pulled an objecting and unhappy Sirius Black to the bottom of the stairs leading to the Headmaster's Office. As the gargoyle lept aside he turned to Sirius and said with a straight face. "Woof, woof." He lifted a brow. Growling, Sirius shifted into Snuffles while considering what his odds were of lifting his leg and pissing on Severus without painfull curses befalling his furry self. Deciding that that would delay him too much from looking for Harry, he started to push ahead of his snarky companion, only to have his scruff seized by pale long-fingered hands. Snuffles looked up into glittering obsidian eyes.

Severus waited until the transformed wizard was looking up at him, then said in a low, no nonsense voice. "You will follow me to my quarters, Black. Now." He swept out of the alcove with his usual imperius manner and ground eating stride, hearing the dog's claws clicking after him he made his way to his chambers, taking his usual shortcuts. As he reached the corridor where his chambers were located, he closed his eyes and silently groaned. Looking down at Snuffles, "Behave." He instructed curtly.

Snuffles flattened his ears as he saw a white-blonde haired boy awaiting them. Then he perked up at the prospect of being able to twit Severus, Draco, and possibly even Lucius about this later. After all Severus would have to treat him at least decently in front of Draco to not rouse suspicion, and Draco surely wouldn't be able to resist a dog.

"Draco." Severus nodded shortly.

The forth year straightened from where he had been lounging against the wall. "Uncle Severus." He nodded in return.

"What are you doing still up at this hour?" Severus asked, touching his door-guard's frame. Sirius was surprised, most wizards didn't bother with Magical Signature Wards when a password was usually used. Then again, this was Severus. Giving himself a little shake he ambled up to Draco and thrust his cold, moist nose against Draco's hand, startling a small jump from his young cousin.

Draco looked down at the dog he hadn't noticed in his relief at seeing his Godfather, looking back up at Severus as the dog lolled his tongue, he saw Severus roll his eyes and sigh, motioning him into his chambers. Sirius entered with Draco, looking around with interest he saw a room decorated with a comfortable looking chair by the fire a small table beside it, and an equally comfortable looking divan covered in the same dark blue fabric across from the chair flanked by a small table at each end. What little of the walls that wasn't taken up by bookshelves was a warm cream color, the floor had rugs of a rich chocolate color scattered across it with a much larger matching rug placed by the fire with the chaie and divan placed on opposite edges of it. Sirius thought it looked like a very comfortable room, surprising for the usually taciturn Severus. As he was looking about Severus was erecting every privacy ward he knew, an involved process to be sure.

Draco sat on the divan with his hands clenched in his lap until Sirius pushed his nose against his fingers and Draco automatically began to pet him. Severus glared at the dog, "Why are you here, Draco when you should be sleeping?"

"I wanted to ask you if the rumors are true. They say Harry Potter is dead. Is he?" Draco's hands clenched in Sirius' fur. "Please Severus, you've never lied to me before and I need to know."

Severus sighed tiredly. "Why Draco? You and he have never gotten on. Why should you care?"

Draco's hands latched on a little tighter. "I wanted to be his friend on the train if you'll remember. His refusal was the cause of our enmity. I want to know because he is my age, because I had hoped he'd change his mind, because I desperately don't want anyone from my family to have had anything to do with the death of someone my own age." Also because I have my own suspicions about his role in the war, and it isn't as Dumbledore's pawn, he added silently. I can't tell you that though because then I would have to explain my Dreams, and I very much don't want to do that.

"Draco," Severus sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I know there is more to this than that.... What I tell you stays in this room. Is that clear?" Draco nodded hurridly. "Yes, a body that from all tests is Potter's was brought back from the Maze. There is some dispute though, as to whether the remains are his, or are even in fact human at all. There is evidence to the contrary that I, for one see some validity in, that is being brushed aside as inconsequential by certain individuals. I trust you see why this information must go no further?" Severus looked penatratingly at Draco.

Draco nodded gravely. "If that isn't his body, then someone went to a great deal of trouble to make it look like he was dead. There is only one person I can think of who would go to that much trouble, and I have no intention of crossing him. I will be silent on this matter." He stroked Sirius' head for a minute or two more before requesting leave to return to his dorm.

After Severus dismissed him and replaced the privacy wards Sirius changed back to his real form. "Why did you tell him all of that Snape? Those reasons weren't enough for me to tell him anything, and compared to you I'm a pushover for things like that." Sirius gazed at him expectantly.

"He sees more than you think Black, more than he will tell even me. There is a reason above those he gave that he refuses to tell anyone. It is for that reason that I answered." Severus looked at the animagus with a shuttered expression that clearly stated he would speak no more on this subject.

"He isn't that much like his Father is he?" Sirius mused quietly.

"What makes you think so Black?" Severus asked, surprised at the seeming non-sequitur.

"When Narcissia was a little girl and she was worried or frightened she used to sit exactly the same way. Back straight as a board and her hands clenched in her lap."

"In many things he is like Lucius. His refusal to make peace with Potter after having his hand refused, for one. In situations like this however he is very like his Mother. I had almost forgotten she is your cousin." He rolled his shoulders in an elegant shrug. "You and your friends never bothered to get to know the Slytherins. I can't imagine that you know Lucius well enough to say Draco doesn't take after him."

Sirius gave an irritated huff. "What did you want to talk about so badly Snape?"

Severus came straight to the point, "I agree with you for once Black, that 'body' is not Potter. The other two-thirds of the Golden Trio have evidence that, added to yours, is enough to convince me Potter is alive and well," There he paused, grimaced, then continued. "Perhaps 'well' is an over-estimation. He is however, alive in the Dark Lord's hands, at least for the moment. I have little doubt I will be contacted soon by someone instructed to bring me to Him to explain my absence from His 'return party.' If I am able to do so I will try to confirm Potter's whereabouts." Severus lifted a hand to halt Sirius' protests. "Remember Black, I am not in his favor at the moment. Given that fact asking about Potter would be suicidally stupid of me. I am of no use to Potter if I am dead and he is still captured now, am I?" He snapped acidly.

Sirius reluctantly subsided, thrusting his hand through his hair in frustration. "You're going to be hurt when you return from this 'meeting' aren't you? You have the potions you're going to need I trust? Will you be able to take them yourself or will you need assistance? I can be here if you would like." His face was carefully neutral.

Severus snorted. "Such concern for my well-being Black. I'm touched." He snarked.

"MERLIN DAMN YOU SEVERUS!!" The animagus bellowed. "You're my only way to find my Godson, as you said you are of no use to him dead. If keeping you healthy is the only way I'll get to see him again I'll pour potions down you all damn day if I have to." Sirius' stance had turned aggressive, fists clenched at his sides, a belligerent look on his flushed face.

The image of an angered guard dog flitted through Severus' mind as he looked at Sirius. Sighing he forced himself to relax slightly saying only, "I would appreciate the assistance Black. At least you won't attempt to confine me to an infirmary bed." He added, seeing the ironic humor of the situation. "I trust you do still remember the basic Mediwizard training from your days as an Auror. Unfortunately it will be needed."

Sirius scowled at him, visibly repressing his temper. "It's been a while Snape, if you have a book on the subject around here a refresher wouldn't go amiss." His scowl relaxed slightly into a frown, his brows puckering he asked. "It'll be as bad as that then?"

"I will be extremely fortunate if I am only subjected to the cruciatus once with nothing else thrown in for good measure if I don't look sufficiently subservient and contrite." Severus stated flatly, while looking for the proper book. "If He is in a foul mood or unsatisfied with my answers I will HAVE to go to Poppy, as I will be damaged past the point that anyone who isn't a Mediwitch or wizard would be able to heal me." He turned with a two inch thick book on MediMagic in his hands, to see the frozen look on Sirius' face. "What."He said sharply.

Sirius gave himself a little shake, not wanting to picture his dark companion bloody and broken, nor to think about why he found the thought so disturbing. "The look on his face in Dumbledore's office, when he was talking about 'minimizing' your punishment, that look was --------------- anticipation. Wasn't it? Anticipation of what though? Of having a spy in the Death Eater ranks? Or something else entirely, you being hurt perhaps?" At the slightly surprised look on the Potion Master's face he snorted. "I may let everyone thint I'm a featherhead Snape, but I notice more than I let anyone know. I also think more often, and more clearly than even Remus realizes. Dumbledore had an almost identical look on his face when I was being carted off to Azkaban. Funny thing that, when I escaped and he refused to help clear my name at the end of the last school year, I did some research. It turns out that the caster of the Fidelius Charm must know who the Secret-Keeper is to cast the spell and they MUST BE PRESENT AT THE CASTING to have the secret sealed to them. I also found out that the Wizengamot will take pensieve evidence, even from someone convicted of a crime so long as it can be examined by an expert and thereafter be determined to not have been tampered with, it can be used in court." He smiled grimly. "So, not only did he let an innocent man be thrown into Azkaban, he has prevented me from clearing my name and claiming custody of my Godson. Perhaps you should begin asking yourself why, Snape." His face shifted into its usual frivolous mask. "Or I could simply be a bit unhinged and be jumping at shadows."

As Sirius turned to examine the nearest bookshelf Severus cleared his throat, "I am to understand that you have lost faith in the Headmaster?" He inquired carefully, face expressionless.

"I'd have kept as far from him as I could if he didn't have his hooks into Harry." Sirius growled.

"Are you considering a change of sides or neutrality at this point?"

"Unless I was given a Wizard's Oath that Harry wouldn't be harmed by any of the dark side, neutrality is my only viable option." With that Sirius switched subjects somewhat. "How are you going to contact me when you need me to be here waiting for you to return?"

Severus waved to the divan while thinking to himself that that had sounded good in all the wrong ways. "You may use that. I don't believe we will have long to wait until I am contacted. Most likely by Lucius, as that could be passed off as a conversation about Draco if anyone were to walk in."

"I'd best shift then,don't you think." Sirius said matter of factly.

"On the floor with you than, I don't want dog hair on my furniture." Severus gave him a bland look.

Ten minutes later Severus was sitting in his chair drinking tea before the fire with Sirius curled up in front of the divan as Padfoot, when his fire turned green and he heard Lucius calling his name. Setting his tea on the little table he moved to the fireplace and setteling on the edge, put his head in to answer. "Hello Lucius, I had thought I would hear from you and waited up. When am I to expect you?"

"I will be at Hogwarts' gates at 9:45 A.M. Severus. Please be prompt." He sighed tiredly. "Severus hi is somewhat put out with you, but not yet angered. Whatever you do, do not be late in the morning." With that he broke the connection.

Severus sighed as he looked at Padfoot's worried gaze. "Well it could be much worse than him being 'somewhat put out' with me." Looking at his watch he scowled, two in the bloody morning. "I had better get what little sleep I can. Given the early hour of my 'appointment' you may stay Black." With a muttered 'they don't pay me enough for this.' Severus rose stretching, dousing the lights as he went to his rooms to attempt to sleep.