Doppelganger

Chapter 39 The Light Buried

Minerva gently closed Albus' eyes and spoke to her fellow staff as tears ran down her cheeks. "Heads of House inform your students of the Headmaster's death and announce that classes are cancelled. The funeral will be at sunset."

Professor Sprout spoke out as she sniffled. "It's too soon Minerva. Albus was adored by many who would want to pay their last respects."

Minerva patted the Herbology mistress shoulder. "I know but the castle is under siege and will allow no one that is not of the school on its grounds. Just a couple of Deatheaters together could wreck havoc here. Besides do you think that the villagers under He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named would be allowed to attend? When everything is over there will be a chance for everyone to mourn properly. Now go and inform…."

Suddenly a bright light flared in the room as Fawkes arrived and landed and Albus still body and began to trill a sad melody.

The lilting song reverted throughout the castle everyone started to cry involuntarily as the song affected them.

Severus suddenly turned his back thankful that his fellow professor's attention focused on the beautiful bird. He pulled out a hankie and quickly wiped the tears from his eyes as he felt a gentle squeeze of his hand and looked to Hermione and nodded as he turned around with a stoic expression on his face as the phoenix ended his song.

Everyone watched as the bird landed on the Potions Master shoulder and trilled softly as he looked into obsidian eyes as a single pearly tear emerged and gently rubbed against the wizards lips leaving a pearly trail behind. Trilling again the bird flew and landed on Hermione's shoulder and trilled a happy complicated song as a light flared for a moment and went away as he rubbed his beak against her wet cheek.

"Hermione Fawkes has chosen to become your Familiar." Sinistra the Astronomy professor spoke out in awe. "It is not unusual for them to go decades unattached between bonds. You are special Hermione as he chose so quickly after the death of his bonded."

Hermione reached up and scratched Fawkes. "I don't know what's so special about me but he sooths me."

"Severus, Ponoma, and Filius go and inform your House. Hermione will you go to Gryfindor for me as I have to start planning?" Minerva spoke as tears began to stream down her cheeks once again. "The rest of you will go to the Infirmary with Poppy in case any of the students need someone to talk to."

"Of course Mistress." Hermione replied as she left with the other three. Soon it was only her and Severus that walked the dark halls as they walked to their House. Hermione grabbed his hand and squeezed and smiled as he squeezed hers back as they continued to walk in silence. They stopped at the stairs leading down to the dungeons. "I'll see you soon about that potion Professor Snape."

"At your leisure Apprentice Granger as long as it's not too late." He drily replied as he walked down the stairs and left her alone in the dark hall.

Hermione began to walk up stairs as she worried about her husband.

***He will be fine Beautiful One***

She stopped and looked around to see who spoke. ***I am speaking to you through the bond of a familiar Beautiful One. All you have to do is think your words and I will hear them***

She started walking up the stairs. ***Why did you choose me Fawkes? ***

***You are the Light***

***I am hardly the Light Fawkes. I have killed in the past and it is a surety that I will continue to do so until this madness is over***

***But you heal yourself and others and keep the Darkness at bay Beautiful One. You healed Severus Snape and Harry Potter. You are the Light***

She arrived at the Fat Lady's portrait. "My Lady the Headmaster has passed and I must inform those that you protect. Will you allow me entrance?"

The Fat Lady looked to her tears streaming down her face. "You are Gryffindor as well as Slyhterin and I allow you entrance." Opening to reveal the entrance to Gryffindor Tower.

Hermione walked up the stairs to the 7th Year Girls dormitory and woke the first witch and told her to send the word that all students needed to meet in the common room immediately.

She went back down to the common room and lit the torches with her wand and sat down as the students began to come down the stairs, outer robes covering their pajamas. After a few minutes the arrival of students ceased as they looked to the apprentice.

"Prefects please conduct House count because I have important information that everyone needs to hear." Listening as it was conducted and heard one mutter "Jason Silias is missing. I'll go get him."

Soon a very sleepy First year was dragged down the stairs and pushed into a chair. "Everyone is present Apprentice Granger."

"Headmistress McGonagall is attending to other duties and asked me to inform you that Headmaster Dumbledore has passed away this evening. Classes are cancelled and the funeral will be held at sunset." The room immediately becoming silent as the students looked to her noticing the Headmaster's familiar on her shoulder.

"Curfew is cancelled in this House and you may stay up provided that you do not leave the tower. Headmaster Dumbledore was a great Headmaster and a professor and he cared about each and every one of you. Prefects you will keep an eye out and take anyone who needs it to the Infirmary where there will be someone to talk to."

She left Gryffindor tower and made her way to the dungeons as she heard Fawkes's admonishment. ***You could have stayed for a while Beautiful One***

*** The best thing for them to do is grieve and not have authority watching over them. Comfort comes from those you know best and they do not know me and remember that I am a Slyhterin in their eyes even though sorted into Gryffindor in the past. Besides my husband needs me more***

***You must prepare yourself to let him go Beautiful One. Very soon he will depart this castle to meet his destiny***

***How soon Fawkes? *** She demanded as the bird trilled a song to soothe her and not answering her question.

She unwarded the door to Severus's chambers and sat down next to the fireplace as Fawkes lifted off of her shoulder and flew to a stand that had never been there before. She listened to the boisterous sounds of celebration coming from the door leading to the Slytherin common room and began to doze as she waited for her husband to appear.

Severus entered his chambers and saw Fawkes sitting on the stand and went over. "Thank you for your gift Fawkes. It soothed me as I am about to go forth into the Darkness." Kissing the bird's beak as the bird trilled sadly.

He turned and looked to the sofa and saw Hermione sleeping and observed her. She was beautiful, young, and powerful in her own right and yet she chose him to be hers. Why he would never know. He was thrown back into the past when she was in Voldemort's clutches and once again marveled at her forgiveness and the bravery she projected as she faced her death as he remembered his remorse.

"Hermione..." He whispered to her as he watched her eyes fluttered open and looked to him with a smile as he picked her up in his arms and carried her into his bedchambers.

He placed her on his bed and whispered. "No magic Hermione and allow me to undress you and revel in what I have." Kissing her deeply as he slowly removed her outer robes of an apprentice and allowed them to fall to the floor as he deftly unbuttoned the shirt revealed and tossed it away as well. He slid the skirt and underwear that she was wearing in one go as he looked to her as he began to remove his robes and stood before her with his need apparent.

"Severus..." Hermione sighed out as she removed the necklace from around her neck and placed it around his. "It is a Celtic knot of protection that my parents gave me in my sixth year. When things seem dark and you feel lost, think of me."

"I will Hermione." He promised as he clutched the knot in one hand as he gently pushed her back onto the bed and joined her as his long fingers ran down her body as she moaned out in pleasure.

"You are beautiful witch and why you chose me to be yours I will never know but I am thankful for it." Kissing her breast as he pulled her legs to rest on his shoulders and entered her and stilled relishing the feeling of his wife wrapped around him tightly.

"Move Severus." Hermione whispered as she looked into his obsidian eyes.

"In a moment sweet one. You know that I love you and no matter what happens that will always be. I need to hear your words wife." He growled out.

"I will always love you and I know that nothing will take away what we share Severus. We are one you and I and I wish that I could travel the road that you are set upon."

"It is fortunate that you do not share my road Hermione." Thrusting deeply into her as they both shouted in pleasure as he stroked deeply into her.

And so it commenced the sharing of a deep love between a wizard and a witch as they took from one another both unconsciously knowing that this was the last night that they would share together.

He quickened his pace as sheen of sweat enveloped their body. "You feel it Hermione?" He shouted out. "I cannot get enough of you!"

Hermione moaned out as he pounded deeply into her "More Severus!" she commanded of her husband as he continued. Soon she felt the beginning of her orgasm as she clinched tightly and gave way to the feeling of euphoria as he followed her shouting out as he came deeply within her "Yes Hermione always you!" Spilling his seed deep within her as he finished and fell on top of her panting out deeply.

Hermione kissed him deeply as he removed himself from her and lay next to her as he kissed her wet hair. "Hermione Snape I will never forget you." He promised as he clutched the necklace around his neck as he pulled her to him and lightly traced her body with a long finger as he pulled her against him and tenderly kissed her neck as they fell asleep wrapped in one another arms.

Severus woke up suddenly and looked around. Something was not right in his chambers. Sliding out of the bed not to disturb Hermione he quickly dressed and grabbed up his wand as he went to his study and noticed movement and looked to the portrait that suddenly appeared. The figure pointed to the entrance to his classroom and left.

Walking into the classroom he saw the same figure and warded it against any prying eyes or ears and walked over to it. "You've gained my attention now speak." He barked out.

Severus listened as the portrait spoke nodding his head as his eyes narrowed and dismissed the figure and walked over and sat down at his desk deep in thought as he tapped his finger against the top of the desk. He sighed out as he realized that there was nothing to be done and pointless to notify anyone else and left the classroom to join his sleeping wife.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Hermione walked the hall toward the Great Hall in mourning robes as dinner would be early to accommodate the sunset funeral of Albus Dumbledore.

Arriving a bit early she smiled as she saw masked members of the Order of the Phoenix sitting at a separate table and rushed down over to them. "It's great to see you and I missed you."

Harry and Ron pulled their mask off as Harry motioned her over to sit between them. "Just like old times Hermione, all of us sitting her for meals."

Ron kissed her cheek. "Except for the situation it would be a happy reunion but we know what Dumbledore's death means."

Hermione looked to him with a questioning look as Harry hissed out to Ron. "Later mate when we are all alone."

She noticed the Slytherins arriving and most shot an angry look to her as they sat down at their table. "And there is my sign as I need to head over to the Head Table. We'll speak after the funeral." Leaving them and sat down leaving one seat free next to the Headmistress chair as the seat would be filled by her Deputy.

Professor Snape entered the hall from the staff entrance carry a copy of the Daily Prophet and sat down in the empty seat next to her and began to read.

"Good Afternoon Professor Snape. I'm surprised you are sitting next to me as you normally at the end of the table."

Hermione jumped as he closed his paper with a snap and snarled to her. "I'm sure that you are sticking your nose into places that it does not belong. If you could hold your curiosity just for a few more minutes you would learn why I am forced to sit beside you Apprentice Granger." Shoving the newspaper to her. "Perhaps this could shut you up so I can enjoy a few moments of peace."

Professor Flitwick sat down in the open seat beside her and patted her hand as he heard the entire conversation. "Just ignore him my dear as that will be the best you will get until things settle down."

Git! She thought as she opened up the paper and began to read. At the bottom of the fourth page there was a small announcement on the death of the Albus Dumbledore and next to that was a hand-written message.

Meet me at the Astronomy tower at midnight.

She closed the paper and handed it back to her husband. "A shame that the Headmaster's death was placed on the fourth page as an afterthought."

The hall quieted as Headmistress McGonagall approached the podium. "After dinner we will proceed to the castle grounds where we will bury Headmaster Dumbledore as his wish was to be interred here. All pureblood witches and wizards in years One through Five will immediately leave and board the train at Hogsmeade to go home as all of your parents have expressed concerns of your safety and has pulled you from school. All of Slyhterin house will board the train as you parents have demanded your return. Years Six and Seven have a choice as to stay or return back to your family. Your trunks will be returned to you in the next week or so."

Minerva paused at the silence and then continued. "And now on to further business. Professor Snape has graciously accepted the additional duty of Deputy Headmaster. If I am not available then you can turn to him."

Severus muttered to himself. "Told her that it would not be wise to appoint me." As Slytherin house cheered for their Head of House.

Minerva heard his remark and turned back and glared at her deputy for a moment and then continued. "Now eat up and take the time to remember our dear departed Headmaster Albus Dumbledore." Dabbing a tear to her eye as she went back to her seat as her staff questioned her.

"I have no choice as I have the parent's letters removing them. And Lord Malfoy promises their safety as the Head of the School Governors."

"You know that he is a Deatheater Minerva."

"The guarantee was written on a magical parchment that determines truthful words were written. That is why the Order is here just in case. My hands are tied in this." As she began to eat effectively ending the conversation.

Soon the entire class and faculty of Hogwarts left the castle and stood around the white tomb and looked to the shrouded body as Headmistress McGonagall spoke the eulogy and ended as the Centaurs shot flaming arrows up into the sky marking the end of the funeral.

Hermione watched as the students boarded the carriages as she went to Harry and Ron. "Be careful as there will probably be trouble."

"Don't worry Hermione. It is not in Voldemort's best interest to cause trouble at this time and I'll see you in a bit." Harry hugged her and then ran to jump on a carriage and waved as it trundled towards the gates.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Harry and one hundred of his followers made the trip to Hogsmeade and watched as the students boarded the train as Lord Malfoy appeared with fifty Deatheaters standing behind him. "Too scared to show up on your own "My Lord"?" I know who your master is."

"Nonsense Potter as we are here to make sure that the students board safely. The village of Hogsmeade has wisely chosen us to be its protector when it concerns their well-being. I am merely here to observe and to pass a message along to Headmistress McGonagall as it appears she is operating without the consent of the Board of Governors and it is this. There will no longer be any supplies sent to the castle until a proper Headmaster is elected. I believe the proper words are that a blockade is in effect. She is to step down and I will become the new Headmaster to ensure that our future wizards and witches are being taught properly."

Harry looked to his nemesis. "I'll pass the message but I want to send one back as well. I am staying at Hogwarts and if Voldemort wants a part of me then he will have to come to the castle and confront me. I dare him to try and get me. Tell him that I think he is a coward if you are brave enough."

"I'll pass the message along Potter but it would be so much easier to come to him in person. After all remember your pitiful interactions in the past that caused the death of your Godfather? That could not be prevented and you will be responsible for the deaths of innocents? How does that make you feel?"

They both watched as the train pulled out of the station as Draco turned to the Deatheaters. "Let's go. We have accomplished what we intended and that was to take over Hogsmeade and deliver a message. We will meet again very soon Potter." Draco snarled to him as he turned his heel and Apparated away as his followers did the same.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Hermione arrived at the Astronomy tower just before midnight and looked to the sky. The stars glittered brightly in the clear dark sky and it was peaceful here as she gazed upon them and thought of the future. Harry passed the message to Minerva and marveled that she did not give in. She felt the joy in the Darkness as it pressed against her. It knew that it would win.

She felt the presence of her husband as he stood and looked to the sky. "It is beautiful here Hermione and I wanted to spend some time with you without the feeling of the walls that surround us." Removing his cloak and wrapping it about her.

He pointed out to the constellation Bootes. "When I see this it gives me peace as he chases the bear. One of the first named stars and mentioned in the muggle bible in Job."

Hermione looked to it as he wrapped an arm around her waist as they continued to gaze at the stars. "I am drawn to Perseus myself as everyone needs a hero."

Severus suddenly pulled her back into the shadows as he heard the clumping of feet and watched as the door to the tower opened and revealed a Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw step out. "I told you that this would be the perfect place to be. Who knows what dangers there will be in the future and I need you Calliope." Jeremy told her as he kissed her as placed his hands underneath her robes as she moaned out.

Hermione and Severus watched for a few moments as the wizard was using words to get what he wanted.

Severus moved out from the darkness and muttered "Lumos" and pointed the lit wand to the couple. "Mr. Evans of Ravenclaw I have heard better pick up lines in my years of patrolling than your pitiful attempt. I think what you need is a detention. With Mr. Filch no less and a week at that. Perhaps that will help you figure out a better pick up line. Now leave me." He snarled as the boy left, ditching his girlfriend.

"And now to you Miss Sonnetag of Hufflepuff. Notice how quickly that your beau abandoned you? I think a week with Professor Sprout will help you and I want to stress to you again that you were left to the wolves. Now go!"

"Of course Professor Snape and thank you." The young witch stuttered as she left thankful that the bat did not assign her detention to him.

Hermione stepped out of the shadows and chuckled. "I think that you were lenient on the girl."

"Possibly Hermione but I suppose that it is time for us to go as it is getting late. I'll see you at breakfast." Wrapping his witch into his arms as he kissed her deeply. He released her and walked to the door and opened it as he softly spoke. "Remember my words from last night for they are true." Leaving her to her own thoughts.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Breakfast arrived at the Great Hall and the students began to eat as they thought over the Headmistress words that new training would begin as their regular classes were cancelled. Suddenly a clanking was heard as four sets of armor bearing the symbol of Hogwarts clanked down the aisle as two of them walked up to the Deputy Headmaster and grabbed his arms.

A tinny voice was heard in the silent hall. "Severus Snape you are not deserving of this school." Grabbing the dark wizard's arms and dragging him out of the hall as the entire student body and faculty followed behind.

"Sorry about this mate but you know that it has to be this way." A tinny voice told him

Hermione followed behind as well in shock as the armor arrived at the gates and heard the armor state "One Two Three Heave Ho!" Tossing the Potions Professor over the gates as the students cheered.

They watched as their Potions professor picked himself up and glared at them for a moment and began to walk away as he suddenly turned his heal and Apparated away.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Rowena Ravenclaw looked to her fellow wizards and witch and sadly remarked. "It begins."

Godric Gryffindor looked to her as he pecked her cheek. "Aye it does fair lady and who knows what the outcome will be."