Life Begins Anew

Chapter 42 A Weavening Magic

Severus pulled himself into a sitting position on the bed and looked out to the darkened room. Somehow during the night Hermione had unbuttoned his top and one arm was wrapped securely around his waist. He absentmindedly played with her hair, thinking about his sister.

Oh yes he remembered the weavening magic of Voldemort! It was the way that ensured that he had the strongest of witches and wizards in his circle, for the magic weaved out the “good” leaving only the darkest of people. The darkness should help her transition, but how would she be after words? There was good in his sister but it was buried deep. The magic would find it, he knew that.

He pulled Hermione’s arm gently away and stood up to leave. He leaned down and pressed his lips against hers, brushing them as he turned to go back to his own quarters. He needed to get dressed and get his sister out of the castle as he knew Voldemort would be sending someone along to check the witch’s status.

Severus walked through the infirmary doors, robes billowing behind him and went to Sara’s bed. Both Bootstray and Slightly stood as they noticed his arrival.

“How is she, Bootstray?”

“It seems her body is healing, but it is as if she is in a coma. She has not moved once.” Bootstray said looking at Severus. “I’ve a feeling that you know what is going on.”

“I do Bootstray! But the discussion is not for here.” Severus replied as he walked over to the floo. “I need to visit the Headmaster. Stay here until I come back.” He stepped into the floo without waiting for a reply back.

Bootstray sat back down next to Sara’s cot. “What do you make of all this Slightly?”

Slightly stood next to him. “I don’t know Mate, but I know I do not feel her in our bond. I feel you and feel your worry of her, but not Sara. It disturbs me.”

“Aye Slightly it is the same for me.” Bootstray replied as he looked to Sara. “Hopefully her brother will have answers for us.” He looked down to the unmoving witch once again silently cursing that he could not touch her.

Hermione woke up refreshed, pleased that her wizard came to her last night. She showered and dressed not worried about his absence as she knew that he had duties to attend to. She went down to the Common room and found Harry, Ginny, Ronald, and Lavender sitting on one of the sofas quietly chatting

“Good Morning!” Hermione cheerfully told them.

All groaned. Too early in the morning for such cheerfulness.

Hermione looked to Harry and Ginny who was sitting quietly. “And you two look well!”

Everyone saw the blush creep up the couples faces. “We actually found the rest of evening quite pleasant.” Harry replied looking meaningfully at Ron and Hermione.

Ron looked at her suspiciously. “And why are you so cheerful this morning? He asked.

“Well, after I finally got settled I read this book on advanced transfiguration and……”

Hermione laughed out as she heard her friends shout it was too early in the morning to be discussing anything related to knowledge.

Hermione laughed at them. “Let’s go to breakfast then!”

Soon the Gyffindor’s arrived at the Great Hall and sat at their table. Hermione immediately looked to the Head Table and noticed the absence of the Headmaster and both Professors Snape.

Ron immediately loaded his plate and began to eat; focusing at the food as his friends slowly ate theirs.

***Severus, is all well? *** Hermione asked along her bond.

***It is Hermione. I may not be available for a few days. Keep your Trio out of trouble. I have already heard about the escapades of the Boy-Who-Lives-To Annoy-Me! ****

Hermione chuckled to herself as she felt his disdain across the bond. She wondered what had happened to keep him away.

She began to eat, pushing her worry away.

Severus and the Headmaster arrived at the infirmary to check on his sister.

“Are you sure of your plan Severus?” He asked of his spy.

“Yes Headmaster. You know that this is the only way as you are supposed to be ignorant of her ties.”

Albus sighed as he went to obliviate Poppy as Severus made his way to his sister’s bed.

“Bootstray! Slightly! We need to move Sara to my house as the Dark Lord will suspect something if she is found here healing. After all no one in the school is supposed to know her allegiance to the Dark Lord.”

The wizards started to protest and he held up his hand. “I will explain as soon as we get her relocated.”

Hades looked up from his perch as Albus joined the wizards. Severus wrapped the sheets around her and motioned that they should pick her up.

Severus looked to Sara’s familiar as he transfigured himself to a human. “To Spinner’s End Professor Severus Snape?” He asked.

He just nodded to the Familiar and they all faded from the Infirmary.

Sara woke up and observed a witch taking her possessions away. “Who are you? Why are you here?” She shouted out.

The dark form stopped for a moment to observe the seven year old witch. “Why I am you Sara! I am weavening. I am weavening you to your Mark.” The dark form continued packing things into a trunk.

“Come here so I can see you! Sev says you cannot trust what is in the shadows!” She shouted.

“Oh yes sound advice!” The form coldly stated as it walked towards the light.

They came face to face as the young witch looked at the disfigured form feeling the evil.

“You are not me! I am a good witch! Sev tells me so!” She told the form.

The dark form chuckled coldly. “And so you were at one time young witch! So much darkness to weave! But soon I will address you!” The dark form laughed again as it went back to the shadows and continued packing.

Severus looked and noticed that they were in a room that he did not recognize. “Hades I told you Spinner’s End!”

Hades looked to the wizard. “We are at Spinner’s End. This is Sara’s room.”

Albus configured the bed in the room to one that would accommodate the witch as they lowered her down.

Slightly went around and cleaned the room of the years of abandonment.

Severus picked up one of the Muggle photographs showing a younger him holding a little girl. He saw the battered stuffed kitten. He walked around looking at all the muggle pictures revealing a young witch holding a battered toy kitten.

Bootstray pulled up the chairs that he created. “Time for you to explain things Professor Snape!”

Severus sighed as he sat down and told the wizards about the weavening magic of Lord Voldemort.

Bootstray looked at him. “So we must wait? There is nothing that we can do?”

Severus replied “There is nothing that I know of. I was left to my own with only a healer to watch after me. It is all up to her as it is all in her mind.”

Albus addressed the group. “It seems that we need a sub for Sara’s classes. Bootstray I think that you are qualified to lead that as I am sure based on Severus’ experience that it will be at least four days until Sara rejoins us.”

Albus looked to Severus. “I will take over your classes Severus! Keep me informed.” Albus exited the room without a backward glance.

“Bastard!” Bootstray and Slightly seethed.

“He is that.” Severus darkly told them.

Monday morning Bootstray addressed Sara’s first class of seventh year students as they eyed him questioningly.

“Professor Snape has been called away and will be back within a few days.” He told them. “Time to test your casting skills young wizards and witches!”

He began the class hating being away from his witch.

On the fourth day Severus received a visitor to his house. “Healer Billings! It has been a while since I saw you last!” Opening the door wider.

“Ah yes Master Snape!” The healer replied nervously. “Lord Malfoy asked me to look upon your sister. I have potions that should help her in her recovery.”

Severus looked suspiciously to the wizard. There was none that aided him in his recovery.

“By all means Healer Billings.” As he led him to Sara’s room.

As Healer Billings pulled out several phials out of his bag Severus pointed his wand and silently intoned “Legillmens!”

Severus looked through Billing’s mind until he found the reason that the healer was so nervous. He was sent to poison Sara. He pulled himself from the wizard’s mind.

“Healer Billings I think you should reconsider what you are about to do. You would not want me as an enemy.” He coldly told the wizard pointing his wand at the healer.

Billings froze looking at the dark wizard. He saw his death looking back at him.

“Leave the phials and go before I change my mind. You are lucky that you are leaving with your life as I remember you were the only one who stayed with me while I recovered, cursing yourself that you were not able to help.”

“Many thanks Master Snape! I did not want to do this but you understand the influence of Lord Malfoy.” Billings told him relief in his voice.

“Slightly, please escort Healer Billings out.” Severus commanded the wizard.

Severus sat in the chair next to Sara. He briefly wondered why Lucius would want to kill his sister. It was a perfect opportunity for him as he could claim that the witch was not strong enough to join the Inner circle. He would be sure to tell his sister of the attempt on her life. It would be entertaining to see Lucius squirm and doge his way out of a fact that he could not deny to her. Merlin, knowing his sister he would not be surprised if Sara invoked the Vendetta challenge of lorded families.

He looked to her. There was no change or movement from her despite the replenishing potions that they had been giving her regularly. It was amazing that he was sitting here in this room that had been here all the time. He then remembered that his mother had charmed the rooms to reveal themselves only to her family, as less rooms meant less taxes. It was one of the few things that father thought magic was useful for.

Severus looked around the room. It was obviously a little girl’s room with the curtains and the room painted in a light pink. He chuckled inwardly. Light pink associated with his grown up sister was not a color one would associate with her. He looked at the floor near the door and noticed the battered toy kitten that was prevalent in all the pictures in the room. He walked up to it and picked it up. He looked to it for a moment and then back to the pictures. He had an idea.

Severus walked over to Sara and lifted up her arm, tucking the toy in and laid her arm back over it. He could have sworn that he saw a slight smile as her arm touched it.

Sara saw a flash and saw her battered toy kitten appear from nowhere. She looked back at the evil form. It had not noticed as it was too busy with its own actions.

She slowly moved over to it and grabbed it, hugging the toy tightly to her. This was Sev’s gift to her. She felt less afraid now. She stuck her tongue out to the form in defiance.

Slightly walked back in and noticed the wizard looking intently at his sister. He stood next to Severus. “Professor Snape, is it just me or does she look a little better? Her expression looks calmer.” He noticed the toy in Sara’s arm and looked to Severus.

He shrugged. “That toy is in every picture and I figured it could do no harm. I need to go to the school and talk to Bootstray. I need his input into something as he is the one that loves the witch at an intimate level.”

Slightly called along the bond ***Mate! What are you doing now? ***

Bootstray sent back ***Dinner in Sara’s chambers. I refuse to eat with the old man as it seems he does not care for Sara at all. Then I have evening patrol with the Head Girl. ***

Slightly sent back ***Professor Snape is going to visit you shortly! He has something of importance to talk to you about. He said it was because you are intimate with her. ***

“He is currently eating in Sara’s chambers Professor Snape. “ Slightly told him.

Severus looked to Hades. “Can you take me to talk to Bootstray Hades?” He asked respectfully remembering that the Familiar could be resistant if not addressed properly.

Hades said nothing as he flew and landed on Severus’ shoulder and they both disappeared from the room.

In the Great Hall all of the students were talking about the absences of the Snapes. Down at Gryffindor table the Golden Trio was discussing it.

“I really hope they are well.” Hermione whispered to Harry and Ron worriedly. She did not dare use her bond in case Severus was involved in duties in Voldemort.

Ron looked to her. “I’m not minding their absence. While Professor Bootstray is tough, he is nowhere near Professor Snape! And Potions! Never an easier time with the Headmaster teaching!” Ron looked back to his food, rubbing Lavender’s back.

Harry leaned to her and whispered. “I’ve not forgotten that you have a bond with our potions professor. What does it tell you? We really need to discuss it soon Hermione!”

Damn Harry and his perceptiveness.

“It tells me nothing Harry!” She whispered back. There was no way that she would discuss the Bond. Harry would not understand.

Severus and Hades formed in Sara’s Chambers. Bootstray stood up grabbing Severus hand and shaking it.

“What word do you have of Sara Professor Snape? I hate being stuck in this school while my witch is down. And I hate the patrols to find hormonal teenagers in alcoves. You can have teaching! It stinks! I would rather battle a dragon!” Bootstray told him.

Severus looked at him a minute before a barking laugh escaped him. “Yes Bootstray, teaching is over rated. “ He suddenly found himself liking this wizard.

Bootstray chuckled back. “Professor Snape, you are here and I am sure that is important. What would you like to discuss with me?”

Severus told him of his plan. Bootstray stood up and went to Sara’s cabinet and poured both of them a large portion of Firewhiskey.

“And the danger to you?” Bootstray asked as he sipped his drink.

“Unsure of Bootstray.” Severus replied. “I find that we must try this. I am very skilled. I think that it would not change things if I fail.”

“Professor Snape, I would think that you care about Sara.” Bootstray replied.

“Do not mistake that Bootstray! I only care about an end and I can see that my sister can help it!” He spat out.

“Of course!” Bootstray lightly replied. “Do it Professor Snape. Friday night after classes so I can be there.” He looked to the potions master.

“I have duties with the Head Girl later. I will find myself ending it in at the Potions classroom entrance.” Bootstray stood up as Severus stood up also looking at him for a moment before leaving Sara’s chambers, not saying a word as he left.

Hermione and Bootstray walked their patrol only finding one couple. Bootstray only deducted a few points as he sent the Ravenclaws on their way.

“Professor Bootstray, I would think that you detest your duties!” Hermione exclaimed after the light punishment.

Bootstray looked to the Head Girl. “Guilty as charged Miss. Granger! Soon Professor Snape will be back and I can go back to being a simple assistant. Oh I hate the term Professor! I am not meant to teach long term!”

Hermione laughed as she noticed her surroundings. “Professor Bootstray we are not meant to end at Potions.”

“Walk in and knock at Professor Snape’s entrance. I am sure you will be surprised. Good night Head Girl!” Bootstray mysteriously replied as he quickly walked away.

Hermione entered the potions classroom and noticed nothing amiss. She looked to the door leading to Professor Snape’s chambers and hesitatingly knocked. The door opened, revealing her Bonded.

“Hermione!” Severus growled as he pulled her in.

“Severus!” She gasped out as he locked her lips to his.

“Witch! I need you!” He pulled her to his bed chambers. “I have missed you!”

“Severus! I dared not use the bond!” She told him with feeling as he began undressing her, feeling the heat ignite within her.

“Such a strong witch!” He murmered as he caressed her, kissing her throat.

He quickly removed his clothing, picking her up and placing her on his bed. He scrambled on top of her, laying his head on top of her breast listening to her heartbeat.

Severus asked her softly. “Have you missed me as well?”

“Ís that a question to ask?” Hermione breathed to him, running her hands through his hair.

She grabbed his cock positioning it at her entrance. “Take me Severus! Take me now!” Hermione demanded of him.

“As you wish witch!” He replied thrusting deeply into her.

Hermione gasped as she felt him fully enter her. He stilled for a moment letting her get used to him.

“Severus!” She moaned.

“Hermione!” He groaned back thrusting forcefully into her again and again. He lifted her leg, enabling him to go deeper.

She squealed at the change in angle. “Ah yes Lioness! You feel that!” He murmured to her as he continued thrusting into her.

“Severus, I…” Hermione shouted as her orgasm flowed over her.

Severus grunted as he felt the witch take him as well, spilling his seed deep within her.

He kissed her deeply looking into her eyes. “You complete me witch!” He growled as he pulled her to him. “You are mine witch! Never forget it!”

“Always yours!” Hermione stated as she looked up to him, wrapping him into her arms. She kissed him lightly as she fell asleep.

She woke up a few hours later and noticed that Severus had already left. She noticed a parchment on the bed stand and read it. He explained that he had business to attend to and would contact her again as soon as he was able to. She laughed to herself as she read that he she was not to touch his books, once again stressing the screaming portraits in the Defense classroom. She watched the letter disappear when she read the last line. She dressed and went to the floo. She wanted to stay in his chambers but knew she needed to be in hers in case someone required the Head Girl.

Severus stood at the Defense Professor’s chambers disillusioned and quietly knocked. Bootstray held the door open, beckoning him to enter. He iillusioned himself noticing the wizard look at him. Gods! He felt like a teenager sneaking about trying not to get caught.

He glared at the wizard saying nothing.

Bootstray merely turned around chuckling leaving Severus and Hades alone in the office area of Sara’s chambers.

Severus looked to Hades and saw a look of amusement in the bird’s eyes. “Hades if you would be so kinds as to take me to Spinner’s end?”

Hades flew to him and grabbed up the wizard’s robes forcing Severus to hold him. He looked up to the wizard. “If you are sure all of your…..duties…..are completed Professor Severus Snape?”

They disappeared, but not before the sound of a growl was heard in the room from a very agitated wizard.

Friday soon came with no change to Sara other than her Mark becoming darker, standing out on her pale arm.

Severus told Bootstray and Slightly of his theory and they both agreed to his plan. If it was the only way to get Sara back to a close semblance of herself, then it needed to be done.

Severus suggested that the Headmaster be present but the wizards told him no and even pointed their wands at him. He inwardly laughed, feeling the hatred that the two wizards had against the Headmaster.

“Hades, I require Miss. Granger to attend as well as she will be my anchor because of the bond we share. Is your master still present?”

“Yes he is Professor Severus Snape. He says that soon it will be the pivotal point for her. I will fetch Miss. Granger and take her place for the evening to avoid suspicion.” He faded from view.

***Hermione! Hades is coming to fetch you. Go with him as he is bringing you to me! *** He commanded along the bond.

There was no response as a very flustered Hermione appeared with her dopple ganger. Hades winked at her as he disappeared once again.

Hermione looked about and noticed Bootstray, Slightly, and Severus looking down at a bed containing Sara Snape. She walked over and looked to Severus questioningly.

“Hermione, I am going to enter Sara’s mind to see how she is doing and to help her. I need you to be my anchor. Watch me and if you see or feel distress from me, you are to call me using our Bond. Do you think you can do this?”

She looked to the witch lying in the bed, remembering the help that she had given her. Hermione simply nodded her head and sat down in an empty chair, waiting. She watched as Severus sat down beside her and picked up Sara’s hand, closing his eyes and concentrating.

Sara was watching the dark form with a growing dread. It was close to finish packing what was over on its side. She shook as she remembered the words that it would attend her soon. She held her kitten to her tightly.

She noticed a bright flash and jumped behind a trunk that was close to her. She fearfully peeked from behind it and saw her brother standing there, holding a finger to his lips.

She creeped over to him. “Sev! You have come to save me?” She whispered.

His seventeen year old form went down on his knees and took both her shoulders in his hands so that he would have her attention.

“Sara, pack these things up very quickly and put them in the trunk. You must hurry!” He whispered to her.

She quickly did as she was told and went back to him. “It scares you, Sara as this is good and the other side is darkness. That is how it wins. It scares the good away. Now imagine your trunk as black as the things over there.”

He watched as the trunk turned a dark black. “It is still busy Sara, slide the trunk into the darkness. Quietly Sara! It would not do well if we are caught.”

Sara began pushing the trunk slowly toward the darkness a little at a time until it was over the line between darkness and light.

She ran back to him, looking at him. “Now Sara, that trunk will be the last thing packed as the darkness thinks it is part of it. Now listen closely as I will have to go. Shhh!” He hugged the little girl.

He pointed to the figure. “It must not come into the light! As soon as you notice it start walking to you, you will attack it! Go into the Dark Sara! Can you do it?”

The little witch looked to him with an adult look as she whispered. “If it comes into the light, I will be no more Sev?”

“That’s right Sara! If you attack it, you will win. I will be waiting for you.” Sara looked to him as he kissed her forehead.

She would do as he said cause Sev always knew how to protect her.

Severus watched as his sister closed the distance and stood waiting at the line between darkness and light, clutching the toy kitten. She did not notice that her brother had disappeared.

Severus let go of his sister’s hand, passing out from exhaustion. Hermione felt along the bond and knew that he was okay. She had seen the whole thing through the bond and felt her silent tears. It was heartbreaking to see.

Sara watched as the thing packed her trunk and looked at her. “Now little Sara it is time for you to be weavened away!” The figure chuckled as it began to walk toward her.

Sara shouted “Never!” And ran with all her might crossing into the darkness. She hit the figure at the knees, causing it fall as she landed on top of it. She screamed as she felt herself melting within the form.

Hermione, Slightly, and Bootstray watched the Sara stiffen on the bed, moaning. They saw Sara suddenly open her eyes.

“Merlin!” Sara rasped out. “Weak as a kitten!” As she pulled herself up to a sitting position in the bed.

Slightly was quickly at her side helping her drink a Pepper Up potion.

Sara looked around and noticed that Hermione was holding the hand of her unconscious brother. She silently intoned “Enervate!” She watched as her brother slowly comes back to consciousness.

Severus looked to his sister as she looked at her arm. “Shit!” She muttered. “And I thought it hurt when I was first Marked!”

Severus stood up and pulled the numbing cream out of his robes as he knew that she would need it.

“The Mark is so dark now Severus. Is this normal?” She asked him as he handed her the salve.

“The darker the witch or wizard, the darker the Mark Sara. And yours is the darkest I have seen.” He replied to her as he watched her rub the salve onto her Mark, hissing with relief.

“No doubt because of my esteemed Dark Arts master!” She snarled the name out.

Severus stood up. “Hermione and I will make you something to eat.” He motioned to Hermione and they left the room.

As they exited they heard Bootstray and Slightly fill her in on the events of the past week.

Hermione followed Severus down the stairs noticing the shake in his body.

He stopped as he felt her hand upon his back. “Are you well Severus? I saw everything through our bond.”

He said nothing as he led her to into the kitchen, opening the fridge and pulling out items and placing them on a counter. He then pulled out a pot and began to make a thick broth for Sara. Hermione noticed a cutting board and knife and she silently began chopping the veg that he had placed on the counter.

Severus silently watched her as she prepared the vegetables, her knife skills apparent, which made her so adept at potions. He realized there were only two people in the world that trusted him completely. One was the beautiful witch that was his bonded and the other was his sister. Or the little witch that was his sister. The grown up version was very hard to trust at all, despite her laying her plans out. He wondered once again what she had to gain out of all this.

Hermione placed the veg into the broth and looked to Severus. “About an hour I should think Severus.”

He silently led her into the living room and they sat down waiting for the broth to finish.

They brought a large bowl of broth and walked into Sara’s room. Severus noticed that she was lightly twirling the Vendetta knife of the Prince family.

“So Severus, I understand that Lord Malfoy tried to kill me?” She spat out angerily

“Sara, I suggest you think about Vendetta later and get some food into you. I think you have lost a stone at least!”

Sara sighed as she placed the knife down. Lord Malfoy had better watch out once she was back to form.

“It is late Sara. Eat that and get some rest. Hermione and I are retiring for what is left of the night. It is best that we get back to Hogwarts soon. I hate to think of the shambles my Potions classes will be in. We will discuss what is needed there.”

He turned to leave, guiding Hermione in front of him.

“Severus!” Sara called out as he began to leave. “Thank you.”

He simply nodded to her as he left.

Severus led Hermione into his room and pulled back the covers to his bed. “I normally sleep nude Hermione. Does it bother you?”

She shook her head as she removed both their clothes using wandless magic.

“Such a show off!” He chuckled tiredly as he motioned her to climb in beside him. Soon they fell into a deep sleep, enjoying