Zingaro

I own nothing from the Harry Potter universe. It all belongs to JK Rowling.

Ccino

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Chapter 36

“Erm Professor?” Ron Weasley looked at her warily. “This isn’t going to be some kind of … branding thing is it? You know.” He whispered. “Like taking the Dark Mark?”

“No Mr Weasley, it is nothing like the Dark Mark. Yes, you will be branded for the duration of time it takes to defeat Voldemort, but it is for your protection, nothing more. There will be no interaction with the symbols, I will not be able to summon you or cause a reaction in them. You will all find however, that no matter where you are, if you are disguised, disillusioned or in the darkest of places, you will instinctively recognise if another with that symbol is nearby.



Reaching into her pocket, Paula pulled out a handful of small ivory pieces. They were no bigger that a fingernail and each was inscribed with a tiny symbol. Like a letter y with the centre line extending up between the forks at the top of the letter.

“Those of you who study ancient runes will recognise this sign as the representation of Algiz. For those of you who do not take runes, Algiz is the Rune of Protection, of defence, of survival. It gives instinctive protective action of sacred or magical resistance, of shielding against conflict. It attracts positive energy, repels attack, wards off evil, shelters from ill will and ill wishing. It places a protective energy shield around people, animals and property, particularly those under threat from other people, animals, or spirits. It protects and defends on a physical, spiritual, mental and emotional level; it shields out ego, negative energy, delusion and illusion.”

One by one, the students stepped forward and bared their left shoulders. Paula would place a rune in the palm of her hand, press it against their shoulder and whisper softly. A faint rosy glow would appear for a second and disappear along with the rune. Some of the students winced slightly at the uncomfortable burn that accompanied the runes establishment into their skin, but it was only momentary and only the tiniest of marks was visible when they stepped away.

There were a few whispered ‘wows’ and ‘cools’ from them as they examined each other’s marks, touching them and marvelling at how they seemed almost to be a part of them. Each mark was flesh coloured, only slightly paler than their own skin regardless of their skin tone.

“With this rune you have a high degree of protection from many dark curses. They will not protect you completely, but they will lessen the effects. They will not protect against the unforgivables however. Most of you are already able to deflect or control the imperus, those that cannot yet do so will be taught this weekend with the help of the rest of you. Later I will teach you to do something similar with the cruciatus. Likewise, the avada can be deflected, but not stopped. When deflected it will rebound from any person or object it hits, so you must learn to control the direction in which you deflect it.”

The students looked at her in awe and trepidation. They were going to be experimenting with the killing curse and that was daunting to all of them.

“Headmaster, Professor Snape, I have said all I need to for this evening. If either of you has anything to add?”

Severus merely raised an eyebrow and shook his head slightly, his expression one of stoic disinterest.

“I believe you have covered everything for the time being Professor Vance.” Albus turned to the students. “All that remains is to wish you all well on your endeavour.”

Paula turned to the students. “You may go. I want all of you to meet me outside my wagon tomorrow morning at 5 o’clock sharp. No dawdlers. Dress warmly in several layers of loose clothing, as the morning passes you will feel the need to remove several layers. Make sure to be wide-awake, when I give you instructions, I do not wish to repeat myself. Goodnight all of you and well done.”

“Pook (speak) Severus.” Paula threw some more wood onto the stove. “You have been brooding since you arrived.”

He looked up from his comfortable position, as usual sprawled along the cushioned bench at Paula’s table. “In the classroom this evening, when I asked you why only two from my house were included, you said something about Draco having issues that must be dealt with.”

Paula nodded and sat down to face him.

“What did you mean?”



“You know what I meant Severus. As I said before, you know more than I do what he is doing.”



“So you do not know what he is about?”



“No. I know he is terrified of what he is being forced to do, that he does not wish to do it but fears the outcome if he does not succeed. I can only assume that it is something Voldemort has instructed him to do, and that his failure involves risking the life or lives of someone he cares about. Whatever it is he is doing Severus, it is tormenting him to the stage where he is close to cracking under the pressure. His mind is in conflict. He tells himself that he does not care about anything so long as he succeeds, but he does.”

When Severus did not speak, she added. “I know also that you and kak are deeply involved in his torment, that it torments you as much as it does the boy. Yet you are … I don’t know.” She said, looking at him sadly, one hand on her right shoulder. “There is more, so much more connection between the three of you and it is hurting you as much as Draco, more I think. I know I will loose kak sometime soon, his hand that he tries to hide from me grows blacker. It pains him as it eats away at his flesh, it spreads, it is killing him, but it will not be his end. I cannot change what will inevitably happen Severus, but afterwards, when it is over, I can and will help you to heal. This I vow.”



Severus’ eyes widened at the sudden swirl of strong magic that filled the wagon. The walls and everything inside shuddered with the impact, such was the force of her vow to him.

“You fool. What did you do that for? Paula no one can undo what will be done. What I, what any of us are being subjected to … oh Merlin.” He said, running a hand down his face. “Paula when this is over, even if I am still alive, there is nothing you could do that would exonerate me. I will not be able to exonerate myself. If I am still alive, I will be hunted down and most likely given the dementor kiss. Moreover, I will deserve it. I release you from your oath.”



“You cannot release me Severus, I was connected with Thurisaz and Mannaz when I made the oath.”



Paula turned her back on him and lowered the shoulder of her blouse.

TBC