Another Dark Star

Chapter 51

A few weeks into the new term, Severus sent Sadira a letter via Winky with some very important information. A family with ties to the Order, the Micklehursts, were being put under surveillance by the Ministry under the orders of the Death Eaters. When enough information on the Order’s movements was gained, the plan was to have the family exterminated as an example to those who opposed the new rule.

Mr Micklehurst was a Ministry employee who had been helping pass information and his wife was a Muggle-born Healer who had been forced to leave St Mungo’s and hide following the Muggleborn Registry laws. She had been providing medical care to the Order secretly so no-one would get suspicious as to their injuries. Their eldest child was a first year Hufflepuff who ought to be enjoying their first taste of magical education instead of living in fear.

Sadie had to do something quickly so she decided to bite the bullet and pay a personal visit to her family. She warned Winky not to make dinner as she may be back late. After dressing Hadrian warmly, she packed a small changing bag and Apparated under cover of twilight to Ottery St. Catchpole.

She arrived at the orchard, as that was the closest that the defensive charms would allow. The baby had been moving quite a lot recently and she already felt quite ill, but once the initial bout of Apparating sickness wore off, she hoisted Hadrian more securely on her hip and began to walk through the yard to Molly’s back door. Only strangers and officials ever used the front door and Sadie hoped her family would not view her as such.

She knocked on the back door three times and although the lights were on there was no answer. Cautiously, she opened the door and entered the kitchen.

“Molly? It’s me, Sadie.” She called out. Suddenly she was surrounded by Fred, George, Bill and Remus Lupin; all with their wands trained on her. Molly stood behind them wearing an expression of betrayal, anger, confusion and yet some sorrow.

“You aren’t welcome here.” Fred snarled.

“I have important news. Please, lives are at stake. The Order needs to know.” She pleaded.

“How can we be sure it’s really you? And even so, how can we trust you?” Bill asked.

“After I wrote to congratulate you on your wedding, you sent the letter back with a note on the back calling me a traitorous bitch and that you never wanted to see me again.” She said sadly.

“Would I really have brought my son if I came here for a fight?” she defended. The tot had been hidden by her cloak thus far, clinging to the bodice of her gown.

“Hadrian? Merlin boys, lower your wands, the child could get hurt!” Molly gasped in horror. She rushed to Sadie’s side to protect them.

“How do we know the calculating, manipulative Slytherin bitch didn’t bring him for that purpose mum?” George asked. He was still angry at Snape about his ear and couldn’t forgive his cousin for choosing him over her family.

“Trust me boys, please. I haven’t changed at all. I’m still the same Sadie. I wouldn’t have bothered you at all if it were not necessary.” She groaned.

“You look ill.” Bill pointed out, only slightly less confrontational.

“I am ill.” She replied pointedly, rubbing her swollen belly. She was beginning to feel very cramped and achy.

“Sweet Circe! Are you expecting again?” Molly gushed. She assumed her cousin had come to her senses and was coming home to protect her children. Happily, she lifted Hadrian into her arms.

“Yes, but that has nothing to do with why I’m here.” Sadie assured her, knowing what her dear aunt would be thinking.

“You mean you haven’t left him?” Remus asked, gesturing to her bag.

“Gods no! And I’m not going to.” She replied indignantly. “I would have thought you of all people would understand that. I am well aware that congratulations are in order for you and our Dora.”

“I of all people know that my pregnant wife and our unborn child are better off without a monster in their lives. It’s about time Severus stopped being so damned selfish and realised the same.”

“My husband is not a monster.” She growled at the slight before realising what Remus was truly saying.

“You fucking coward! You left Dora already? While she’s pregnant with your child!” she screeched and aimed her wand at his throat. This knocked the others off guard. They had expected a fight from her, but not defending her best friend.

“Have you any idea how hard it is to be pregnant and alone. I went through it and Dora damn well deserves better.” She snarled, hormones fuelling her fury.

“She isn’t on her own; she has ‘Dromeda.” Remus defended.

“She doesn’t WANT her mum you idiot! She wants her husband, like every pregnant wife does! Severus was right, you ARE a spineless shit! “She spat in disgust.

Remus lunged towards her in fury, but remembered himself at the last minute, running his outstretched hand through his hair in shame.

“Remus, go home to your wife while you still can. It’s the least you can do.” She sighed, having tired herself out with her tirade. She eased herself into a dining chair by the table to relieve the discomfort in her back.

Molly chivvied the boys into putting the kettle on and making some tea while she cooed over her little nephew. She hadn’t seen the boy since he was 4 months old and he had grown so much in 5 months.

“Oh look at those shiny teeth you have now. Who’s a gorgeous boy? Hadrian is!” Molly babbled while he grinned and giggled endearingly.

“Molly, it’s great to see you all safe and well, but I’m here on business for the Order.” She began. “Severus told me that the Micklehursts are being watched. They need to be relocated and soon.”

“How can we know what he says is true?” Fred challenged.

“I’m his wife, he doesn’t lie to me. I’m the only person he trusts anymore.” she replied.

“Well excuse me if the greasy murdering bastard’s word isn’t good enough for me, but he nearly fucking killed me.” George raged.

“What?!” Sadie gasped confused.

“Language in front of the child!” Molly chided.

“Didn’t tell you about his handiwork?” George asked snidely, lifting his long red hair to show her where his ear was missing.

“Oh my gods! Severus wouldn’t want to kill you. You twins were among his favourite students.” She said.

“He has a funny way of showing it! We never thought he’d kill Dumbledore either!” George sneered.

“He had his reasons, and they are classified Order secrets. All I can say is I didn’t know anything until after it happened. Dumbledore’s portrait has confirmed Severus’s story; ergo I believe him.” She said in her mysterious Auror fashion, confusing and intriguing all present.

“Look, every moment we waste is a moment closer to death for the Micklehursts. It’s not good enough for them to simply keep a low profile. They are marked for death one way or another. The Death Eaters are merely biding their time to see if they can gain any information from them first.” She said exasperatedly. Suddenly she understood what it must have been like for Severus trying to convince everyone of the veracity of his intelligence on Voldemort every meeting.

“Why are you doing this? Clearly you shouldn’t be sneaking around in your condition and this kind of treason could get you killed.” Bill asked.

“I made a promise to Dumbledore to do everything in my power to help destroy the Dark Lord. I’m still an Auror underneath.” She replied.

“Come with us then Sadie, join the Order once more. Leave Snape please, for the children’s sakes if not your own. Come home to us.” Molly urged.

“No moll, I won’t leave him, especially when he needs me the most. Besides, without me you have no information on Death Eater activity. Sometimes it’s useful being married to the Dark Lord’s right hand man.” She said.

“I hate to say it mum, but she’s right. Assuming what she has told us is true, we have no other source like her and we’ve needed one without Snape.” Bill said.

“Severus tells me almost everything. If I hear anything pertinent I can let the Order know without being suspected. And unlike when Severus himself was the spy, I won’t have to give any information on the Order in return.” She reasoned.

“But what happens when the baby comes?” Molly asked.

“Severus sent me a House Elf to help me when I am away from him. I can send her with letters, she is loyal to me.” Sadie assured her.

“He sent you an Elf?” Molly gasped, impressed. She could have done with the help of an elf herself when the twins had been born. Sadie looked embarrassed. She hadn’t wanted to confess her weakness to her overprotective cousin.

“This pregnancy isn’t going so well; it’s been pretty hard on me.” She confessed. “I have had complications and every time we solve one problem another comes along. First it was extreme morning sickness, then my back and hips began to have problems. The baby isn’t growing well either.” She explained.

“Oh you poor dear!” Molly cried. She passed a dribbling and babbling Hadrian to a confused and panicked looking Fred and clasped her arms around her young cousin in a motherly hug.

“I get by Moll, I always have.” She sighed resignedly. “And Severus has helped where he can.”

“If you ever change your mind I want you to come straight here where you’re safe and looked after.” Molly insisted.

“Thanks Molly, I appreciate the thought. Family is still my main priority. Severus warned me that Ginny has been safe so far but her classmates have not been so lucky and he’s sure she is involved in the student rebellion. He is keeping her protected as much as he can for my sake, but it’s difficult without causing suspicion. The only one who might have noticed so far is Draco Malfoy and that boy has enough on his plate.”Sadie assured them.

“If you need anything passing to Ginny, or anyone else at the school, let me know.” She added.

“How if the Death Eaters are so suspicious?” Fred asked.

"Headmaster’s wife is afforded certain privileges. Also, I have been told I carry the Dark Lord’s personal favour.” She said with a shudder.

“That’s actually quite scary.” George said.

“Yeah, it really is.” Sadie replied.

“How’s Ron? I know he hasn’t got Spattergroit.” Sadie asked casually. Molly instantly tensed.

“I don’t know what you mean.” She said in a strained voice.

“I know he’s off with Harry and Hermione, I’m not an idiot.” Sadie replied.

“I don’t know where they are. You can tell your husband that too!” Molly said sharply.

“Good gods Molly. I don’t want to know where they are, just that they are safe.” Sadie defended; hurt that they still believed she was a spy.

“I don’t know, I haven’t heard a thing from or about them.” Molly said fearfully.

“Neither have I, so that must be good. If neither side has heard from them, they must be safe somewhere.” Sadira reasoned.

“I hope you’re right.” Molly reasoned.

“I’m sure Ron’s fine Molly, Harry too. Hermione’s a smart girl, she’ll keep them out of trouble.”Sadie said.

There was a heavy silence while Molly’s thoughts returned to her two youngest children out in danger.

“So, boy or girl?” she asked at length, forcefully cheery.

“I don’t know, we want it to be a surprise again.” Sadira replied, rubbing her bump. She allowed herself a moment of anticipation and joy as she thought of her unborn child.

“Hadrian’s a treasure Sadie. He’s growing so fast!” Molly said as the tot began crawling across the floor; showing off to his audience what he could do and exploring this new environment.

“Too cute to be a Snape.” Fred whispered to George with a chuckle.

“Yeah, must be all the Prewett in him.” George whispered back.

“I have to go Molly, before I’m missed. Is there anything you want me to pass on at Hogwarts?” Sadie asked, rising and preparing to leave. Molly had a thought and dashed out of the kitchen into the living room. When she came back she was holding a gleaming red apple, seemingly from the orchard.

“Give Ginny this; a little taste of home.” Molly said, but with a strange look in her eye that told Sadie there was more to this than there seemed.

“I will, and I’ll pass on your love.” Sadie assured her, lifting Hadrian into her arms again and Apparating home.