Follow Me

A/N: Thank you to all that have reviewed the story so far, and a thank you in advance to all those that will continue to do so. I have to admitt it does an ego good to see the number of people that are enjoying this story.



A/N2: I am sorry this site wont let me respond to the reviews or your questions. I have seen alot of people who take up page after page of their chapters to respond to reviews and it has always frustrated me when I am reading so I wont do it myself. However, if you have a question...I can respond through the yahoo group that I set up so feel free to ask anything you wish. Primarily it is to give me a place that I can post my stories to, and hopefully get some useful feedback on chapters before they are posted elsewhere on the net. By the way there is a picture of Norische on the group... http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Of_Pens_and_Ponders/?yguid=104171974



A/N3: I appologize for the delays in posting. I have had a horrible respitory infection and it has really kicked my arse. So thank you for your patience.





[...] or {...} = mindspeak

~...~ = parseltongue

\'...\' = thought





Chapter 31



“I think we should have Harry work with that spell and see if it helps any. With the early warning of the wards, an increased level of skill at occlumency and the spell to add strength to his current skill. I think he should be able to minimize the influence of the Dark Lord. Then if Severus works on a potion to assist with the after effects of such attacks, Harry should be able to stand his own.” Remus went over the things that they had discussed, then waited for the others to comment.



Severus simply nodded, as did Pari and Kain, while the headmaster looked deep in thought he too eventually nodded. “Ok then. The next thing we need to think about is Norische. What are we going to do with his situation?”



Dumbledore looked from one face to the next of those individuals in his office. Pausing a moment to gather his thoughts before he spoke. “I am sorry Severus, but the Ministry laws regarding Vampires are very specific. Since his mates were in no danger at the time, his actions are not excusable by law.”



Remus closed his eyes for a minute, attempting to calm himself. “What about self defense? The only reason that Norische did what he did was because he was under attack.”



Albus could feel Severus’ eyes glaring at him but ignored the fire he felt being focused on him. “Unfortunately, according to all the descriptions of what happened, even Mr. Snape’s, he left the safety of Honeydukes and willingly put himself in danger when it was not necessary to do so. His actions are not considered self defense, at least not as far as the law is concerned.”



Severus growled low at the headmaster’s words. “Very well then.” Turning to Pari, “Is it possible for Norische to orb safely, even as far along as he is?”



Pari gave the Fumbledore one more vicious look before turning to Professor Snape. “He can safely orb up to the last month of his pregnancy.”



“That’s all I needed to know.” Severus stood and turned to Remus. “Remus, call a couple of the house elves and have them pack our things, as well as the boys things. We will not stay in this place one more night, not while our son’s freedom and life is at risk.”



Dumbledore stood up. “Now wait one minute Severus. You can’t simply leave. You have obligations to….”



Severus could stand it no longer, with those simple words his fury exploded. Slamming his hands flat on the Headmaster’s desk Severus leaned over to stare at Dumbledore eye to eye. “Listen old man!” Severus growled low. “The only obligation I have is to my family. For sixteen years I have given my knowledge, my skills, my sweat, and my blood to you and your bloody cause. I have spied for you, I have taught for you, I have killed for you and I have suffered for you. No more!!!” Severus could feel Remus’ hand on his back, although he wasn’t sure whether it was there for support or an attempt to calm him. “You have proven in the last few days that you have no respect for family, no respect for me or my son, no respect for loyalty or for your bloody savior!”



“What do you think Harry Potter will say when he finds out that you are willing to let the person who saved his bloody life go to prison for protecting him. He forgave you for allowing Sirius Black to rot in prison for twelve years. But he isn’t an innocent baby any longer. Harry will never forgive you…and neither will I.” Severus glared one last moment at the man that he had called his friend and mentor for so many years. This man that until a few days ago he would have proudly given his life to save, now…now the man disgusted him. For years he had been used, manipulated and controlled by this old man, and today…today was the last time. Severus pushed himself away from Dumbledore’s desk and turned towards the door.



“Ameti!” Before Severus could react a flash of blue light rushed past his head. Severus spun back around, taking one look at the slumped figure of Albus Dumbledore. Severus glanced over to Pari who was grinning like a Cheshire cat.



Pari cleared her throat. “He twitched.”



“Ameti?” Remus looked at Pari questioning.



“It is like your Stupify, only it is Vampyric. I have wanted to hex that fool since I first met him.” Pari stated as she put her wand away. “Come on, we need to gather the boys and leave this place before someone figures out how to wake the old bastard.”



Remus looked over to Severus, who nodded and extended his hand for Pari and Kain to lead the way back to the infirmary and the boys.







Remus, Severus, Pari and Kain discussed their options as they made their way back to the infirmary. By the time they walked into the ward they had settled quite a few issues and were ready to discuss some of the other options with the boys.



Severus and Remus were a little surprised to find Sirius sitting on Harry’s bed talking with Norische, but they didn’t have the time to stop and ponder things right this moment.



“Norische, Chris, Draco…we are leaving.” Severus stated as the four of them walked into the ward.



“What? What’s going on?” Harry turned when he heard someone coming into the ward but was taken back at Severus’ words.



“Fumbledore wants to hand Norische over to the Ministry. He is more than willing to gift wrap Norische and present him to that pathetic excuse for a human.” Pari hissed as she approached Norische’s bed.



“Your kidding?!? He can’t do that. Norische risked his life to save Hermione and me! He can’t allow them to take him!” Harry’s voice got higher with each word.



“Unfortunately we have been attempting to convince Fumbledore of that very fact for the last few hours and all we did was waste our breath. He has every intention of allowing the Minister of Magic to take Norische, conduct some mockery of justice trial, then sentence him to life in Azkaban prison.” Pari walked up beside Norische who was now sitting up with both his mates looking as if they were wishing to pounce on something or better yet some one.



“This is the reason that we are leaving.” Severus stated. “If the Headmaster wishes to turn his back on me and my family, and hand my son and unborn grandsons over to the Ministry then he will have to find us all first. Your godmother…stunned…the Headmaster hence we have little time. Chris, go get Norische something to wear. Draco, go tell Madam Pomfrey that we will be taking Norische out of here, and request any potions and instructions she wishes him to have.” Severus began assigning each individual a task, which they immediately set off to do.



“We are going with you.” Harry stated, looking directly at Severus.



At first Severus wanted to argue but after a moment he merely nodded his head. “Very well. We leave within the hour. Meet us back in our chambers within that time and you and Sirius are welcome to come with us.”



Harry looked over to Sirius, exchanging a silent agreement Sirius nodded. “One hour… got it. Don’t leave without us.”



“Professor, is there any way that we can go to Gringotts before we leave. I want to clean out my vaults, I don’t want anything left that Dumbledore might be able to use.” Harry asked.



“That’s right father, I need to go too. I have to clean out my accounts and so does Draco. Since I am considered a criminal at this point the Ministry might use that as an excuse to confiscate it all and then I would have no way to take care of my mates or our sons.” Norische thought.



Severus didn’t like it but his son was right. They had no idea how long they would be gone, or even if they would ever be coming back at all. “Good idea. Remus, I want you to go with Sirius and take Harry, Draco and Norische to Gringotts. Empty out all accounts. Your name is on all of my accounts so have the goblins empty all the accounts. They won’t be happy about it, but tell them if they need verification that they can owl me and I will give them authorization. Also make sure you tell them that we are removing our funds from their bank because of Albus Dumbledore.” Severus chuckled a little at this.



Chris came running back into the room with a pile of clothes for Norische and quickly began to assist him with putting them on.



“Harry, can you call that house elf that adores you?” Severus requested.



Harry nodded. “Dobby.” Immediately a pop sounded and the elated house elf appeared before Harry.



“Harry Potter has called Dobby?” Dobby sounded thrilled, until he looked around and saw the others that were present. As soon as he saw Professor Snape the house elf began to try to hide behind Harry.



“Dobby, we need your assistance.” Severus started. Dobby’s ears immediately perked up at this. “We are leaving Hogwarts immediately. We need to pack everything that is in my suites, as well as Remus’, and Harry’s things as well. Do you have a few house elves that would be willing to assist us and do so quietly, we do not wish anyone else to know we are leaving…it is extremely important that no one knows what we are doing?”



Dobby nodded his head adamantly.



“Good, gather up a few of the seven drawer chests that Dumbledore has in storage and start immediately. In a few moments I will need one of the house elves to assist with my potions lab and office.” Severus instructed and no sooner had he finished than the house elf disappeared and immediately started packing.



Draco came back into the room with Madam Pomfrey just as Dobby disappeared.



“Severus what in the blue blazes is going on here?” Poppy demanded.



“Dumbledore has agreed to hand over Norische to the Ministry. I am taking my son out of here immediately, before that fool Fudge can come back with the Aurors as he threatened.” Severus explained.



“Why that…..” Madam Pomfrey shut her mouth with a loud clap. Narrowing her eyes she shook her head and turned towards her potions cabinet and began to gather together a box full of bottles, vials, and boxes, mumbling the entire time. “If you have any problems, or you need my help in any way, you contact me…don’t worry…I will not say a word. That old fool is just lucky that I’m a lady or I’d….” Poppy stated over her shoulder towards Severus.



“Our thanks Poppy. If we are not back before the twins are born we shall undoubtedly be calling you for that at least.” Severus smiled, he knew that the medi-witch had a temper and did not wish to be the blunt of it if she was not permitted to deliver those twins.



“Remus, you and Sirius go ahead and take Norische, Draco and Harry to Gringotts. Then if there is anything you want to pick up from Diagon Alley while you are there go ahead but hurry back. Chris you will come with me and help me pack my lab and personal supplies…I have put over fifteen years into this school, but by damn I am not leaving my own potions and supplies behind for some other fool to abscond with my efforts.” Severus took the box from Poppy and thanked her again before he started back to the suites, Chris following close behind him.



As they made their way closer to the dungeons Severus could hear footsteps running up behind them. Before he could think properly, Severus spun around with wand in hand prepared to do battle. Instead of Aurors or the Headmaster, Severus found Blaise Zabini running to catch up with them.



“Hang on!” Blaise shouted, as he got closer.



Severus took a deep breath and put away his wand, then waited for the boy to catch up. “What is it Mr. Zabini we are in quite a hurry?” Severus asked.



Blaise handed Severus the paper that he had in his hand. It was the Daily Prophet, special edition. On the front cover was a photo of Lucius Malfoy, or at least that is what the caption to the picture stated…it was quite hard to recognize the individual from the picture, except of course for the Malfoy trademark platinum blond hair.





The Masks Are Off!



Lucius Malfoy, esteemed member of the Board Of Governors, prominent member of the Ministry of Magic and Lord to one of the oldest families within the Wizarding community was found this morning on the steps of St. Mungo’s. Suffering from numerous injuries and what appears to be extended exposure to the Cruciatus Curse, Mr. Malfoy is considered in critical condition.



Sources informed this reporter that Mr. Malfoy was found at 6am Tuesday morning at the west entrance to St. Mungo’s Hospital dressed in what appeared to be full Death Eater regalia. Suspicions were confirmed when the attending healers did indeed find the dark mark, clearly indicating one of Wizarding Britain’s most influential members was also a faithful servant of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.



While the information concerning Mr. Malfoy’s condition is highly guarded it is reported that he has been placed under observation by the Ministry of Magic and is currently under heavy guard by our esteemed Aurors.



The Ex Lady Malfoy, and mother to the couple’s only son Draco Lucas Malfoy, Narcissa Black stated that she hasn’t spoken to Lucius Malfoy since the divorce. Madam Black voiced her concerns for the safety and well being of her son, and stated that by no means did she support Lord Malfoy’s actions.



Minister Fudge is quoted as stating, “This is definitely a shock. I have known Lord Malfoy for many years and at no time have I ever had cause to question his loyalty to this Ministry or to the Wizarding population in general. At this time we are investigating the possibility of the use of compulsitory potions as well as unforgivables. We will get to the bottom of this and we will see that justice is served what ever the end results may be.”





Severus read on although the article was both wordy and vague it at least told them that Lucius was alive. For how long was the question. According to the article, Lucius would face a trial…if he survived his wounds. Perhaps he would get lucky and they would have pity on his worthless soul and allow him to receive the kiss, instead of facing life imprisonment in Azkaban.



“Thank you for bringing this to my attention Mr. Zabini. Since you are Draco’s closest friend and one of Norische friends as well, I trust if I tell you something that you will make sure that it goes no further.” Severus waited for the hesitant nod from Blaise. “Very good. Due to the incident in Hogsmeade, Dumbledore is planning on handing Norische over to the Ministry. The Minister has seen fit to charge my son with multiple counts of murder and additional counts of assault. Therefore, since the Headmaster does not wish to prevent this travesty, myself, Professor Lupin, Norische, Draco and Chris will be leaving Hogwarts effective immediately. I wish that I could give you more details than that but unfortunately we don’t have the time for it.” Severus folded the paper that Blaise had handed to him and placed in into a pocket of his robes.



“Is there any way that I can go with you?” Blaise asked, looking between Professor Snape and Chris.



Severus gave Blaise a rather curious look. “Why would you want to do that, this is the middle of a school year and you….”



Blaise took a step closer to Severus and whispered low. “I have heard from those loyal to the Dark Lord that since he lost so many of his followers recently that he is going to be recruiting heavily. I received a letter from my mother ordering me to make arrangements to come home for a few days. I know my father was one of the ones captured at the attack on Hogsmeade and I think that my mother plans on forcing me to take the mark when and if I go home as a way of making up for his failure. I don’t want to join the Dark Lord, I don’t want to kill anyone, I don’t want to make the same mistakes my father did.”



Severus had been afraid that the Dark Lord would seek out his Slytherins, but he had not expected him to do so quite so quickly. With a brief nod of his head Severus agreed. “We leave in one hour. Be ready and meet us back in my suite no later than one hour, if you are late we will not wait for you.” Severus turned and placed his hand on Chris’ shoulder hurrying him along towards his chambers.



“I will be there!” Blaise called out and took off at a dead run, not looking back.