Life Begins Anew

AN As you can see the plans now move and everyone is starting to position themselves for the coming conflict.

Chapter 46 Plans Move Forward Part III

From the previous chapter:

Forgive me Father, for I have sinned.” He stated silkily.

“I have murdered hundreds, and their blood is mine!” He intoned.

Severus heard a gasp as an old voice asked him. “Are you Eileen Prince’s son Severus?”

“Yes, I am!” Severus replied.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

The confessional was silent for a minute, then the voice asked. “You did not come here to confess did you Severus?”

“No Father O’Connor I did not. My sins are beyond the spouting of a few Hail Mary’s to take them away.” Severus replied. He heard a door open and he exited the confessional to see Father O’Connor looking at him.

“Wait here a moment.” The old priest said as he went to talk to one of the younger priest. Both priest walked up to where Severus was waiting and the younger one stepped into the confessional.

“Follow me Severus.” As Father O’Connor led the way towards the rear of the church.

Severus took in the smells, reminding him of the Sunday mornings that his mother would gather him and take him to church. He never realized why she was always so adamant about going; she was a witch after all. It was probably because it offered a few hours respite from his father’s abuse.

Soon they entered Father O’Connor’s office and Severus looked around. It had not changed one bit since the last time he was there after his parent’s funeral.

The old priest poured out two glasses of scotch and he handed one to Severus and motioned for him to sit.

“I rarely indulge, but having someone walk in from the far past and from another world is unsettling.” Father O’Connor winked at him. “This is one vice that would be covered under a few Hail Mary’s.”

“Eileen Prince was the last physical contact I had from the Wizarding world, as so few witches or wizards see muggle religion as all that interesting, tho some of the concepts are about the same as the Wizarding‘s view about the Veil.”

He sipped at his drink noticing the wizards surprise. “I have to read about what goes on through this.” He opened up his drawer and pulled out a copy of the Daily Prophet and laid it on the desk. “I find that the Quibbler is interesting, though very far fetched from reality, even in the Wizarding world.”

“You have a subscription to the Daily Prophet and the Quibbler?” Severus flatly asked, mind turning about how a muggle priest had access to those papers.

“You are a squib Father O’Connor!” Severus sounded out in amazement.

Father O’Connor raised his glass to him. “Guilty as charged Severus! My family was titled and I was an embarrassment to them. So they waited until I was seventeen then put me in the muggle world and struck my name from the family tree. Now I am not complaining as the church gets a nice donation from them every year and they set me up with the papers to keep in touch.”

The old priest keenly looked to Severus. “So, do you still serve He Who Must Not Be Named? Do not looked shocked boy! Your mother told me everything the day of her funeral. I provided the money to allow her and Sara to get safely away.”

“You knew about my mother and did not bother to tell me?!” Severus coldly asked.

“Calm yourself Severus. Your mother explained to me what happened. She explained what she did, as it protected Sara and it kept you out of Azkaban! Besides you never came back after the funeral.” The priest calmly stated.

“So I find you here in my office, twenty years later. How may I be of service to you?” Father O’Connor asked.

Severus gave a very abridged history of his actions of the last twenty years and explained about his bonded and what he needed.

The old priest leaned back in his chair deep in thought. He looked to the dour wizard in front of him.

“You think that you will not survive then. Is the witch of age?” He asked Severus.

“She is Father. I just want to do what is right for her and my child. We both had no choice in the matter. You know what a stigma having a bastard child in the Wizarding world is!”

“When do you want to wed?” Father O’Connor asked.

“Sunday Father.” Severus replied back.

“Severus, you know the muggle world has paperwork to complete. It is not that simple.” The priest told the wizard.

Severus smirked at him and transfigured two blank parchments into the required paperwork and handed them to Father O’Connor.

“I am sure that this is all in order.” Father O’Connor dryly replied as he put them in his desk. “Bring your bride and two witnesses at 3 pm on Sunday. I would be happy to marry you in this church.”

Severus finished his drink, stood up and began to walk out of the office.

“Severus, I will be praying for you. You need all the help you can get. You walk a very fine line!” The old priest called out to him.

There was no reply as Father O’Connor watched the wizard leave.

&&&&&&&&&&&&

Sara waited in her chambers for her brother to arrive to take her to the Order of the Phoenix meeting. She quickly reviewed her plans to date within her mind. All seemed to be going well.

***Do not worry Sara! All will be well.*** Bootstray sent out.

She had not felt their presence since she became a member of the Inner Circle. She was glad that she was still connected to them.

***I am glad to have you both! It soothes me! *** She sent back.

***Master I was worried at first! But it seems that the dark bond we share cannot be denied! Maybe it is because of the Quest?*** Slightly sent out.

***I may not be able to touch you, but this bond seems to do you no ill harm!*** Bootstray sent out. ***At least I have that.***

Her brother arrived at her chamber and knocked on the door. She motioned him in.

“Well Severus, am I dressed appropriately for this meeting?” She asked.

“Sara, you are trying for trust and not frighten them!” He growled to her.

She sighed as she changed the color from blood red to those of Gryffindor red. It was really hard not dressing to create fear.

“Better Sara. And when you introduce yourself, make sure to tell them you were sorted in Gryffindor. For some reason, most distrust those associated to Slytherin.” They began to walk towards the doors leading out of the castle.

“Most have known each other for years so it a close knit bunch. They come from all walks of life. It is not uncommon to find an Aurour and a known thief chatting like old friends in these meetings. The only recent addition to the group is the Golden Trio.” He spat out the last part.

“You really have issues with them Severus! They seem like a good group of students.” She replied.

“Well, at least one of them anyway.” He grumbled to himself.

Sara pulled out her traveling cloak and gloves as they crossed the castle grounds toward the gates. The evenings were cold now, and the promise of snow was hinted at by the clouds floating above.

Soon they were past the gates and apparated away.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Hermione, Harry, and Ron was sitting at a table by themselves amazed at the number of people gathered.

“Blimey Harry! This must be the entire Order!” Ron exclaimed.

“I think they operate in small groups. Notice how everyone is forming small groups to chat with, instead of chatting freely with others. It’s like they do not want to know anyone else.” Hermione stated thoughtfully.

“Why that’s rubbish Hermione!” Ron stated. He was stopped as others joined their table. Aurours Mad Eye Moody and Tonks, Remus Lupin, Minerva McGonnagal, Madame Pomphrey, Mr. And Mrs. Weasley, Kingsley Shacklebot, Dedalus Diggle, Elphias Dodge, and the Weasley brothers Fred, George, and Charlie.

Hermione sighed. There was only one member of their “group” missing.

“Wotcher Harry” Tonks said while winking at him and changing her hair color from hot pink to bright blue.

Harry hugged her laughing. Remus put an arm around Tonk’s waist and shook Harry’s Hand. “You look well. Snape’s not been giving you too much trouble has he?”

“No more than usual Remus. After all, he is a bloody…” Harry started.

“Manners Mr. Potter! While we are not at school I am still a professor and demand respect!” He looked to Harry coldly.

“Severus.” Remus quietly greeted him.

Their table became quiet as they noticed the stranger with the dark wizard. Only the Golden Trio and Minerva seemed unfazed by the strangers appearance.

Severus looked to the table coldly. “Surely you have heard of the newest addition to the Hogwart’s teaching staff? This is Professor Sara Snape, Defense Against the Dark Arts. Albus asked me to escort her here tonight.”

The whole table became quiet except for the laughter of the Golden Trio at everyone’s shock at the name of Severus guest.

“Greetings.” Sara silkily replied as she took the free seat next to Minerva and Severus sat down next to the Head Girl. “It is rather surprising how the announcement of my name can cause a whole group to silence. It even silenced an entire school!” Sara darkly chuckled.

Kingsley Shacklebot’s head shot up and he looked to the witch. Merlin! He remembered that voice. She was looking at him with those same cold dark obsidian eyes.

***It would do you well to remember your vow Aurour Shacklebot. I would hate to have to kill some of my new friends for a lapse of judgement on your part. It would make it difficult for the rest of the group to accept me!***

***Of course Master Assassin! I remember my vow. I hope that I can talk to you later?** Kingsley thought back

Sara did not bother to reply back as the group chuckled with her.

“Sara!” Minerva gleefully replied. “It is just like Albus said before. Our dear Potions Master has garnered a reputation for himself.”

Severus sneered. “After all, I have taught most of the newest dunderheads here!” He snarled out.

The rest of the table laughed at his remark and started up their conversations like nothing happened.

Sara looked and saw Mad Eye Moody staring at her with distrust. Just as she was about to say something she noticed the headmaster walk up to the podium.

“Members of the Order of the Phoenix. By now you have realized that every member of the Order is here tonight. And that is because the news is dire. Voldemort is starting to infiltrate the Ministry and there is nothing that we can do about it. This meeting is being held to initiate Contingency plan 1A as Voldemort is moving quicker than I anticipated.” Albus waved his hand and a parchment appeared in front of every group leader. “Please review with your group leader and ask any questions. If they are unable to answer, we will be meeting after this and you will hear of an answer from them.”

Mad-Eye looked at the parchment before them and then looked to Snape. “I will not discuss anything here with a Snape present. They are not to be trusted!”

Sara pulled her wand out without thought and pointed it to him. “And you wizard do not know anything about me!” She coldly stated. “I invoke a…” She started.

Severus pushed her arm down. “Professor Snape, it is not worth it. He associates you to me! Besides we will find out when we go to Albus. Let it be!” He commanded.

“You are lucky wizard that Professor Snape protects you! You would do well to listen to Mr. Potter and Weasley and Miss. Granger! They know me and you do not!” She growled at him allowing her brother to guide her away.

Hermione looked to the Snapes. If only anyone knew what they were doing, they would be welcomed in open arms. She sighed as she began to listen about contingency plan 1A.

Severus and Sara walked over to Albus.

“Alastor booted you from the table Severus?” Albus asked.

“You knew that he would Albus! And he came very close to a duel as Sara was not amused at his choice of words. I barely stopped her from invoking an ancient Wizard’s Duel to him!”

“I do believe in the old ways! But thank you brother. He would have lost anyway!” Sara spat out in anger.

“No doubt sister!” Severus chuckled.

Albus conjured up another copy and Severus read it and handed it to his sister.

Sara looked to the Headmaster. “I must admit this is a well thought out plan Albus.”

“Thank you Sara. I only hope that the deaths will be minimized.” Albus replied as he went to the podium.

Albus addressed the group. “Has all been addressed?”

The was affirmance from the room. “Then go and wait for further instruction. These are dark times my friends and it will only get worse before it gets better.”

Soon everyone had apparated out of the hall except for the officers of the Order of the Phoenix.

He looked to the group. Minerva McGgonnal, Kingsley Shacklebot, the Weasley parents, Remus Lupin, Tonks, Severus Snape and Mad Eye Moody.

“I wish to bring Sara Snape into the Order of the Phoenix. She has skills that will help us. Introduce yourself Sara Snape!”

Sara composed herself for a moment. “I came to the Wizarding world of Britain for one reason. To help Harry Potter take down the Dark Lord. I bedded Lucius Malfoy to obtain this!” She pulled back her robes of her left arm revealing Voldemort’s mark.

“I was recently made a member of the Inner Circle as well!” She stated as she pulled back down the robes of her left arm.

She heard the gasps of shock from the group as wands pointed toward her. She looked to them as she silently wished for the pointed wands to come to her. She grabbed them up and looked to them coldly. “I am a powerful witch! It would not do you well to cross me!” She looked to Alastor.

“I am also the last Dark Arts master in existence. And I have been creating an army within Hogwarts.” She showed them her Dark Arts Medallion.

“It does not matter to me that you accept me into your little club.” She coldly sneered to them.

“If you get in the way of me I will kill you! While my means align to yours, it would be best to accept me!” She stated.

She waited for them to decide.

Kingsley stood up. “I vouch for the witch! In my Aurour duties I have come across her before!”

“A vote then! All in favor Sara Snape say aye!” Albus stated.

A resounding aye responded across the room.

They all looked to her nervously.

She laughed at them. “Very well decided! All you need to do is stay away from me! I will talk to the Headmaster only!”

She looked to her brother. “Come Severus! We need to tell our Master the good news!”

He walked with her to the exit.

Alastor looked to the Headmaster. “Another Snape? And marked by the Dark Lord?” He spat out.

“Yes Alastor! If you only knew what she commands.” He absently replied. “She may very well be the turning point for us!”

&&&&&&&&&

Severus pressed his wand to his Mark and waited for the burn. He nodded to his sister and grabbed her as they apparated away.

They found themselves in the Dark Lord’s presence and kissed his hem.

Sara looked up to Voldemort. “My Lord!, I have just become a member of the Order of the Phoenix!”

He looked to the siblings as he accessed their minds. “Very well my Knights! Go back to Hogwarts! All is coming to a close! Soon I will command Wizarding Britain and expand out!”

They walked from their Lord and apparated to the school grounds.

“You will still be my witness tomorrow?” He asked of her.

“Yes Severus.” She softly replied. “I am glad for you! She is healing your soul!”

“Yes she is!” Severus replied with a smile. “I never thought it possible!”

Severus looked to her. “And Bootstray?”

Sara looked to him sadly. “Rescuing Draco took any chance of that away Severus!”

He watched her as she walked away from him, entering the castle grounds. He still could not trust her, but Severus felt sorry for her.

He cursed. When had he became soft hearted when it came to his sister?

A/N A marriage and the Dark Lord furthers his plans. In the next chapter. Please review good or bad!