A Turn for the Better

Chapter 59 ~ Severus’ Decision

”It is no joke, Severus, I assure you,” the old wizard said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a pink envelope. “I am supposed to give this to you, and wait to see if you decide to navigate the maze or not. If you do, I have further instructions and information for you.”

Snape snatched the envelope from Albus, not meaning to, but feeling very angry about this situation. Had Hermione gone mad?

He tore open the envelope and pulled out the letter inside. He read it.

My Dearest Husband,

How strange it sounds to address you as my husband, especially since we have not yet tied the knot. But since you are reading this, I assume we've crossed that drawbridge and now belong to each other completely.

No doubt you've discovered my surprise. I imagine you are angry or at least shocked by the maze. You probably think it insane or at least, juvenile for me to have done something like this.

But, before you read any further, I need to let you know that you need simply fire a red flare into the sky, and the maze will disappear. You can come to me and I will receive you without disappointment or reservation. You have a choice in this. You will always have a choice in anything that concerns us, Severus. I love you.

The idea of the maze came to me for two reasons. The first is entirely selfish, the acting out of a fantasy, one I imagine many women have but don't have the means to carry out. But, I am a witch and have options many do not. The thought of you navigating this maze, willing to face a number of trials in order to reach me is terribly romantic. The idea of it makes me feel special, although you've shown me time and time again, I am special to you. It would be as if you are my knight, and I am your damsel. A damsel you would go through hell and high water to reach. As I write this, I realize how silly it all sounds, but it excites me just the same.

The second reason is that I remembered you telling me about how you advised Harry Potter when he was a champion of the Triwizard Tournament, especially concerning the maze. You sounded so wistful as you spoke of it, saying that you believed you could have navigated the maze quicker and with more dexterity than Harry did. I felt you would have liked to face the challenge yourself. I believe it is in you to face challenges. It’s a part of you, like breathing or your heart beating.

Severus, when we changed the destiny of the world, we changed ourselves. In the alternate timeline, we would have been tried by the fire. Our lives have been calmer, more peaceful, without much challenge or excitement, and thank Merlin, without much pain. I am grateful for that part, especially because if the other timeline had continued, I wouldn’t have found you. Still, when the timelines merged, I was no longer satisfied with the status quo. There was a hunger inside me to do something meaningful, something that would test me beyond academic limits. And this was what led me to the Chamber of Secrets, where I faced death head on. And when you entered the Chambers, you too, charged into the fray knowing it could mean your death as well. We came close to losing each other, but did not. I like to think it is because we were destined to be together. I felt such a sense of accomplishment and worth that night. As if I’d done something meaningful, something more fulfilling than making excellent marks.

I often think about the man you would have become if I had not returned to your past. Every day I thank whatever gods exist that the fate that would have been yours was thwarted. But I also wonder if you feel the tameness of our existence the way I do.

If that is the case, Severus, here is an opportunity to test your mettle. This maze is not just a construct to fulfill a fantasy for me, but to provide an exciting experience for you as well, something you will remember in the years to come. We’re embarking on a new life, one that will have challenges despite how perfect we seem to be for each other. Nothing is perfect, and we’d be fools to believe our lives will be so.

If you have felt the sense of discontent I have, I want you to have your own moment of challenge and adventure. I want to be here waiting if and when you emerge victorious. But, you have a choice, my husband, my love. If I’ve misread you and felt something in you that wasn’t there, I apologize. If I’ve overstepped my bounds in wanting to fulfill a silly fantasy that you want no part of, I also apologize. The maze wasn’t created to thwart you tonight, but to fulfill you. Whatever you decide to do, Severus, I’ll be waiting here with arms wide open, ready to accept you and begin the next chapter of our life together.

If you accept the challenge, fire a green spark over the maze. I will see it and know you are the Knight facing trials to acquire me as your reward. If you decline, fire a red spark over the maze. I will see it and know you are the wizard I love coming to claim the woman you married. The maze will disappear and I will be waiting for you in the cottage. Gods, I’ve missed you.

Love,

Mrs. Hermione Jean Snape

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Snape stared down at the letter, then looked up at the maze again, curiosity in his eyes. What was in there besides the blasted roses? What kind of challenges had his wife placed there?

So, this was Hermione’s fantasy, that he play knight, fight his way through whatever obstacles that peppered the maze, get through and then flip her heels in the air in victory.

Actually, that didn’t sound too bad.

Albus watched Severus with a slight smile. For years the old wizard had felt a sense of the Potions master’s discontent. It wasn’t anything glaring, just a feeling that radiated from the man, as if he were meant to be something more than a Potions master, not that being a Potions master wasn’t an accomplishment in itself, particularly the way Snape earned his place in their ranks. Albus’ blue eyes swept over the maze again. Hell, if he were seventy-five years younger, he might have taken a stab at it. The premise was fascinating.

”What is in there, Headmaster?” Snape asked Albus, not taking his eyes off the rows of blue white flowers that bent and turned at right and left angles.

”I’m afraid I have strict instructions not to give you any information until you fire either a green or red spark over the maze, Severus. It is, I believe, your wife’s way of being sure you are committed to it at face value and not tantalized into participating.”

Snape frowned.

The little minx. She was already tempting him on several levels. Traversing this maze for Hermione was a part of a fantasy she had. What wizard didn’t want to fulfill his witch’s fantasy? How grateful would she be if he did it? A grateful Hermione was a very hot Hermione between the sheets, against the wall, on the floor, in the shower . . .

Then, there was the “machismo” factor. Was he man enough to make it through? Possibly, it was just a simple maze with no challenge other than finding his way to the cottage, but by the tone of Hermione’s letter, he suspected there was much more between the rows. Snape had to admit, he was intrigued.

He pulled his wand from his sleeve, pointed it over the maze and fired a spark. The green light arched over the structure, then exploded, brightening the darkening sky. From the window, Hermione saw it and let out an excited squeal. She jumped about, clapping her hands in delight. Her husband had accepted the challenge!

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”Good show,” Albus said with a smile, pulling out a rolled parchment and opening it. “I must say I envy you, Severus. This looks as if it will be great fun.”

Albus scanned the parchment.

”The maze contains obstacles and aids provided by every staff member at Hogwarts. Some things will help, and some things will hinder as you attempt to find the cottage. None of the challenges are deadly, per se, but you could possibly be injured if you aren’t on your toes.”

Snape nodded, still very intrigued as he looked down on the maze, which was lighting up now, torches flaring up as the sky darkened.

”There will be objects in the maze that you should take when you come upon them. You will have to figure out how to use them to help you. A large pouch will be hanging on the left of the entryway, once you enter the maze. You are to use it to carry the objects.”

Snape began to unbutton his dress robes. He didn’t want to ruin them. He continued listening.

”The maze is cheat proof. If you try to blast your way through the hedges, the maze will reconfigure itself,” Albus said, then looked up at him.

”I don’t think you’d want to be in the midst of it when that happens,” he added, then looked back down at it. “It says here that the maze has a number of ways to protect itself as well. I think you’d better focus on navigating it as is.”

Snape nodded, conjuring a small leather tie, and using it to tie his hair back into a ponytail. He was glad he opted to wear boots to the wedding. They had better traction than dress shoes.

”You can leave the maze at any time by firing ‘The Red Flare of Failure.’ The maze will disappear, revealing the cottage.”

”The red flare of what?” Snape repeated, scowling.

”The Red Flare of Failure,” Albus said with a smirk.

”She won’t be seeing that,” Snape groused as he glared down at the maze in challenge. Roses and obstacles be damned. He’d make it through. Red flare of failure, indeed. He handed Albus his robes determinedly, and tucked his wand securely in the waistband of his black trousers. He drew in a deep breath.

”Well, I’m off to claim my damsel, Headmaster,” he said.

”Good luck, my boy,” Albus replied, smiling as the wizard made his way down the hill toward the maze and his prize.

”Oh, to be young again,” Albus said to himself wistfully. “There was a time I would have gladly navigated a hundred mazes for Gellert.”

The old wizard Apparated, his heart still heavy after all these years.

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Torches were set up strategically along the outside wall of the maze. Snape eyed it, then walked along the perimeter, looking for a way in, his nose wrinkled from the nearly overpowering scent of blue and white roses. Then he stopped, pulled out his wand and pointed at the wall before him. He wanted to see if what Albus told him were true.

”Reducto!” he cried, blasting the wall with his usual rose-destroying spell.

The wall before him was blasted open, but only for a moment as it quickly filled in. There was a rumbling thunder inside as the maze reconfigured its rows, changing the path that led to Hermione’s cottage. Suddenly, long, gnarled vines shot out of the foliage, trying to wrap around Snape and drag him in. The wizard struggled, kicking and flailing at the vines, trying to avoid them. He backed up but they slithered forward.

”Sectumsempra!” the Potions master cried, slashing broadly. There was a high-pitched squeal as some of the vines were severed, thick black goo dripping out of the ends. The vines quickly retracted into the hedge. His chest heaving, Snape looked at the still coiling vines. They reminded him of snakes as they twisted in apparent agony.

”Devil’s Snare among the roses,” he thought.

Well, he wouldn’t be blasting his way through the hedge, that was for sure. That had to be one of Pomona’s additions. He wondered what the other teachers had added. He began to walk again, looking for a way in. After about two minutes, he found an opening.

He dipped his head into the passageway, his wand drawn. There could be something lurking just inside, ready to grab him. No, there wasn’t. Only long rows of hedges lined with torches fading into the distance.

He looked at the left wall. There was a pouch hanging on a hook, just as Albus said. Snape removed it, opened it and cautiously stuck his hand inside to measure the depth. Although the pouch itself wasn’t that large, Snape stuck his arm in up to his shoulder. It was deeper and larger inside than it appeared. Flitwick probably provided this item.

Snape slipped the pouch’s long strap over his head and began to cautiously walk up the long row, his black eyes peering ahead and wand drawn. Occasionally, he looked down at the ground, checking for items. As he walked, he noticed what looked like a branch sticking out of the foliage. It wasn’t part of the hedge, but looked as if it were purposely placed there.

Snape stopped in front of it, tucking his wand into his waist again. The stick was Y-shaped, the single branch extending outward. He pulled the branch out of the hedge and examined it. It was rather knobbly. Was it a magical object, or just a branch that got mixed into the maze somehow? He turned it over in his hands. There seemed nothing special about it. As he manipulated it, there was a point where he held the dual ends in both hands.

Suddenly, he was yanked forward. Snape dropped the stick immediately, staring down at it, cocking his head. Slowly he bent and picked it up with one hand, once again studying it. Experimentally, he gripped the other part of the V end. Again, it pulled him forward, but not so roughly this time. Apparently, the first time it was just trying to get his attention. Snape released one branch and nothing happened.

Hm.

Snape grasped both ends of the branch. It began to pull him forward, as if guiding him. Suddenly, it turned sharply left. Snape looked to see an opening in the hedge. The branch pulled toward it. It was a divining rod, only it didn’t seek out water. Snape bet one Galleon to ten, that this rod was attracted to only one thing.

His wife.

So, he had a way to navigate the maze. This must have come from either Trelawney or Firenze, a centaur Albus had hired under the Affirmative Action Program for Intelligent Magical Creatures. Both teachers taught Divination, Firenze handling the older students. Firenze was very special. He was the only centaur in existence that was a wizard. And he had a very useful Animagus form. He could transform into a complete human being. Definitely the best of both worlds.

Snape had a feeling it was Firenze who provided the divining rod. Sybil didn’t like him because—well, he resisted her advances, then took up with Hermione. In fact, Severus suspected that most likely, the witches placed things in the maze to thwart him, and the wizards items to help him . . . the exception probably being Hagrid. The gods only knew what creatures the half-giant had added. Well, he’d find out.

Snape allowed the divining rod to draw him deeper into the maze, following the twists and turns slowly, and looking about for objects and obstacles. A small motion caught his eye on the floor of the maze. It was a small black bag, closed by a drawstring. It was moving slightly.

Cautiously, he picked the bag up and opened it, holding it close to a torch to see what was inside. A number of small insects poured out, climbing over his hands, but they didn’t bite. It seemed they wanted to escape. Snape pulled the drawstring closed and studied the little bugs. They were woodlice, tiny creatures that fed on wood. Definitely an addition from Hagrid.

Snape shook them off his hands, then put the squirming bag of bugs into his pouch. They had to be there for a reason. He continued through the maze. He found a dull sword in a scabbard.

”This blade couldn’t slice through butter,” he thought to himself, but still he strapped it on.

Using the rod, Snape continued deeper into the maze. He began to wonder if he wasn’t just playing some kind of pick up sticks game. He hadn’t met an obstacle yet. Suddenly, the divining rod stopped pulling. There was a bit of a dark spot ahead, the torches spaced wider in this section. Snape stared into the darkness and thought he saw movement. He quickly dropped the divining rod and pulled out his wand defensively.

Someone moved in the darkness, then walked forward. Snape stared at him with a slight frown on his face.

”Hello, Severus,” Lucius Malfoy purred. The wizard was dressed in green silk robes, a scabbard at his side. He had no wand.

”Lucius,” Snape said in return. “I see you’ve been persuaded to join my nuptials.”

Lucius gave Snape a smile.

”Yes. Albus asked me if I would participate. The idea was so intriguing I just couldn’t turn him down. Your witch is quite . . . kinky. Imagine, making you fight your way to your wedding bed. Hopefully, you’ll have enough strength to consummate your marriage when this is all over. Personally, I’d bugger the hell out of her if she put me through this.”

”I chose to enter the maze, Lucius. I wasn’t forced. She’s worth it,” Snape replied coolly, tucking his wand back into his waistband as he faced Lucius. The pureblood wasn’t wearing that sword for nothing. Lucius had been a sixth-year when Snape entered Hogwarts. The pureblood was quite popular, and on occasion he teased the somber first-year. Snape used to watch him practice sword-play and joined his club in his second year when Lucius started teaching others. Lucius used to give Snape hell, laughing at his attempts to skewer him and knocking him about mercilessly. Snape had heart, but he was just too small at the time to do any damage. Still, Lucius did teach him the basics of swordplay. Now, the student would face the teacher.

Snape wasn’t small now.

Lucius gave a little chuckle at his reply.

”Is she really, Severus? Well, my job is to hold you here, or make you send up a flare and end this travesty. You can give up now, if you like,” the blonde wizard drawled, drawing a rather dull sword from his scabbard. “Discretion is the better part of valor, after all.”

Snape took off his pouch and drew his own sword, his black eyes narrowed as he took a defensive stance.

”Usually, Lucius, discretion is practically my middle name, but, in this case I’ll make an exception,” he purred.

”Very well, Severus,” Lucius replied as he charged the wizard, blade raised high.

”Prepare to be defeated!”

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A/N: So, Severus decided to enter the maze. This is really fun to write. Adding Lucius was a plus. Yum. Lol. Thanks for reading.