Life Begins Anew

Chapter 65 A Dark Hogwarts

Hermione looked to the spot where her husband had Apparated and sighed, one hand subconsciously rubbing her belly wondering how in Merlin she was Plan 1A. She made her way back to the bed and flopped down on it deep in thought at Severus’s words. There was no way that she was Plan 1A. She remembered reading the parchment at the meeting and Dumbledore had never included her in any of his planning. She drifted off to sleep, mind still turning over her husband’s cryptic words.

&&&&&&&&&&&

Severus Apparated to Number 12 Grimmauld Place and entered it as he still had access to the place.

Kreacher, Harry’s house elf met him as he entered, looking to him suspiciously. “Professor Snape.” He crocked out.

“It is Headmaster Snape Elf. Be sure to address me properly next time I am here.” He looked down to the old elf. “What commands did your master Harry Potter give you concerning Order business?

“I am to obey the officers of the Order of the Phoenix and not to betray them to anyone no matter what.” Kreacher growled out. “Oh, my poor Mistress, to know that this house is being used by such filth.”

“Silence Elf!” Severus commanded. “Do you recognize me as an officer of the Order?”

“Yes Headmaster Snape.” He growled out as he began to hit his head against the wall. He hated the command of the young wizard as Harry Potter was unworthy to be the Head of the House of Black.

“Cease you actions at once Elf!” He snarled out. “Make me lunch and bring it into the study. And it is to be edible. I am not as forgiving as the others are.” He sneered as he looked to the servant.

Kreacher looked to him in anger as he shuffled towards the kitchen muttering about the pride of the House of Back being sullied once again.

Severus began to look for a particular item now that the house elf was out of the way.

&&&&&

Hermione woke up a few hours later and walked out of the tent, conjuring it back into a piece of parchment and tucked it into her pocket. She felt refreshed as she looked out to the scene playing out before her.

She saw the group of students split into two groups as Harry and Bootstray met in the middle of the clearing opposite of Ron and Slightly. Some words were passed and she watched as the groups separated and began to build battlements out of the snow. Ah! A snowball battle!

Hermione chuckled as she silently incanted “Natura Abscondere!” and made her way to a position that would enable her to attack both groups. The battle began and Hermione was impressed of the amount of snowballs flying between the two groups. Gods, her husband’s Slytherin side was coming out. This was going to be good!

***Lioness, I believe you should have been sorted in Slytherin. *** Severus sent along the bond as he ate his lunch at Grimmauld.

***As if! *** She sent back as she pointed her wand and created 500 compact snowballs as she levitated them into the air. She split the snowballs into two groups and flicked her wand, striking both groups at once. She laughed as both groups fell under her sudden attack and watched their reaction.

There was a pause from each group as they realized where the simultaneous attack was coming from. Suddenly both groups were flinging snowballs her way. “Okay, I give up!” Hermione shouted out as she revealed herself as she walked towards them, hands held up in surrender.

Harry laughed as he walked to her and hugged her. “Hermione, you spoiled a two sided battle.”

Slightly stood looking put out. “My side would have won. We were gaining.”

Bootstray growled out. “I think not mate.”

Hermione chuckled to herself as the two wizards began to argue as she turned and hugged Ron as well.

“Hermione, you look loads better. You’re okay right? He asked her in concern.

“Yes Ronald, I feel that I can take on the world now.” Thinking of her time with Severus. Gods! He was good for a downtrodden soul.

&&&&&&&&&&

Severus arrived at his office and looked to Headmaster Black. “You understand what must be done?” Looking to his time piece.

The portraits looked curious as he replied. “Of course Headmaster.”

He nodded toward the painting as he sat at his desk as the Carrows arrived before the afternoon staff meeting.

The Carrows arrived and sat down looking to Snape. “You will be teaching Muggle Studies alternating days and as one teaches, the other will walk the castle and find any dissenters to the Dark Lord. Do nothing and report the names to me and I will decide what to do next.” His voice barking out to them.

They looked to him in shock. Teaching! The Dark Lord did not mention this when he sent them to Hogwarts.

Severus enjoyed the looks of shock on their face. “What did you expect? How could I explain your presence here otherwise? Besides, with Charity Burbage’s demise I am short a class and a professor to fill it. You two will do nicely.” He watched as they began to protest holding up his hand. “It is done. The Dark Lord instructed me to make you professors, and professors teach. Surely you remember that from your years here as students?” Putting them into place.

“The other professors will be arriving shortly for the staff meeting. As you are supposed to have some sense of academics I have already created your curriculum and all you have to do is follow the lectures I have created for you. If the students have specific questions, just sneer at them and tell them they better take good notes.” He held out the two folders for them to take. “I suggest you take the few minutes before the start of the staff meeting to familiarize yourself with your subject.

Amycus Carrow looked to Snape darkly as he handed a folder to his sister Alecto.

“It’s not all bad dear Amycus as you will be in charge of punishment as well.” The Headmaster snickered as his new professor looked pleased with that fact. “Now to your dress as those robes will not do.” Flicking his wand as he changed their robes to ones in a style of academia. “Better. I suggest you remain silent during the meeting. All of the professors that taught you as students are still here and I am sure they still remember your escapades.”

He had taken the liberty of looking up their records and was appalled of some of the things that they had done as students. It seems that Hogwarts was a training ground for them, as they had refined their torture techniques since leaving school. He suspected quite a few galleons had been passed to keep them in school.

“By the way, thank you for bringing in our Potions Master replacement. I am sure you presented a convincing argument.”

The Carrows snickered as they watched Snape flick his wand to open the door and watched as the rest of the teaching staff enter the office.

&&&&&&&&&&

Harry looked to the eager faces of his fellow students. The two down days and the snowball fight had done them well as they did not look as defeated as before. “I hate to disappoint you, but after this nights trek, there will be no more snow.” Barking out a laugh as the students cheered. “And now Hermione Granger, our cool logic.”

Hermione looked to the students. “I have here Felix divided up to our group. Take the phial, and if we are attacked, drink it thinking of our end point. Wait there until Harry, Ron or I meet up with you. Take this as a last resort.” She began handing out the potion. “And make sure if you are feeling ill let someone know. We will stop as I do not want any deaths. We are halfway to our goal and I do not want to lose anyone else.”

Ron looked to the group as he spoke. “We are half way to our goal. Take care and watch after one another. Check your equipment. Make sure you have enough power bars for ten days. Those armed check your weapons.”

Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked through the group as they checked their equipment.

Satisfied Harry called out. “Move out, ten miles to go before we sleep.”

The group of students moved out, looking forward to the end of the snow.

&&&&&&&&&

The arriving students sat at their house tables nervous as the saw a whipping post situated prominently in the middle of the Great Hall. They saw the whips in the color of the four houses hanging from it. There was not a sound, even from the Slytherin table as they eyed the green colored whip nervously

“I am now Headmaster.” Severus sneered to the group as he stood at the podium. “I am not about to tell you what rules there are. Everyone should know them by now.” He looked to the students. “Now a change to staff. Welcome Amycus and Alecto Carrow our new professors to Muggle Studies as Professor Burbage has decided to retire. Also welcome Professor Horace Slughorn Potions Master as he will be taking on Potions and head Slytherin house. Be respectful to them or suffer the consequences.”

Headmaster Snape chuckled as he looked to the students. “And now to the consequences. I am sure you have noticed the Post. With the mud bloods gone, the Board of Governors has decided to bring back some of the original punishments. No longer will detentions be assigned as they take up valuable time. Punishment will be given in the Great Hall in front of your fellow students at dinner. The whips are charmed. I suggest you do nothing to garner a punishment. I am told it can be very painful.” He pointed to the four whips colored in the different colors of the houses.

“Now eat and enjoy being back at this prestigious school!” Severus walked away and took his place at the Head table and sat down, glaring at his students.

Neville Longbottom glared at Headmaster Snape. Evil Git! He was no longer his teacher, and he was no longer the cowering boy.

The Great Hall was silent at his words as the students began to eat.

Headmaster Snape called out to the hall. “Miss. Weasley, I desire a word with you after your meal. Meet with me at 7 pm in my office.” He stood up and strode from the table, not even bothering to eat.

Ginny looked to Neville in fear. “He wants to meet with me because I know something.”

Neville looked to her. “I know you are vowed to Harry. I promise I will protect you.” He stated as the magiks flowed around him as he was of age.

“Neville, you should not have done that. Now you are in danger as much as I am. It is no secret in the school that I love Harry. Why else would Snape want to see me?” She moaned out.

She sat there looking at her unfinished meal as the rest of Gryffindor looked to her. She stood up and left the Great Hall as Neville watched her go.

Luna grabbed Neville’s arm. “I told you that Professor Snape is on or side.” She whispered to him.

“I love you with all my heart Luna, but you are mistaken.” He felt in his pocket for Dumbledore’s Army coin and turned it thinking of a meeting time.

&&&&&&&&&

Severus sat at his desk reflecting on the staff meeting and the welcoming feast. Things were progressing along nicely. He felt the gargoyle alert his presence to Miss. Weasley and bade the guardian to send her in. He watched as the girl looked nervously to him as he pointed to a seat indicating that she should sit down.

Ginny started to fidget, the silence of the room bearing down as Snape continued to look at her. She kept her head down not looking into his eyes as she knew he was an Occlumens from Harry.

Professor McGonagall stood at the open door of the office. “Headmaster, you wished to see me?” Noticing the youngest Weasley.

“Yes professor. I find I need to have a discussion with Miss. Weasley about certain events and as her Head of House and witness I feel you should be here.”

“Look at me Miss. Weasley!” He barked out to her watching the frightened girl’s head snap up. “Keep in mind that I will know if you are lying. I wish to know what was told to you of your mother’s death.”

She stuttered out. “Mum and Dad were pulled out of their house by Death Eaters. I was told that you tortured and killed Moody and another Death Eater killed mum.”

“Yes and I called you here for advice. If I hear one mention of those facts here at the school, I will kill you with no hesitation and bury your body where no one would find it. It would be a sad announcement that you were observed by the Great Lake, and then you never arrived back to the castle. I want to make that fact very clear to you. If you feel the need, address Professor McGonagall. Also, if you hear from Harry Potter you will tell me.”

“Yes Headmaster I understand.” Ginny stuttered out

Severus looked to his Deputy. “You may leave Professor McGonagall and close the door behind you.”

“Come see me after the Headmaster releases you Miss. Weasley.” She stood and glared at the Headmaster for a moment and then exited his office.

“And now we move on to more pressing details. There are those here at the school that will learn of your little love affair and will possibly press you about it with great bodily harm guaranteed.” He pulled a plain looking silver chain and tossed it to her. “You will wear this always and if you feel that you are in danger it will alert me.”

Ginny placed the chain around her neck and asked “Why?”

Severus looked to her as he chuckled darkly. “Because I need you to remain whole and healthy in case the Dark Lord needs to use you as bait. Now leave me and go to your Head’s chambers as I am sure she will want to make sure that you are whole and healthy. Do not tell her about the chain. She has enchantments placed upon her from the Dark Lord and her life would be forfeit if you did.” Not to mention mine he silently thought.

“Now Go!” He barked out as he pointed to the door, watching as the student fled from his presence.

The portrait of Headmaster Dippet sounded out. “You did that to protect her from Amycus Carrow?”

“Yes Headmaster Dippet. Surely you remember his taste and Ginny Weasley will be hard for him to resist, especially as he learns of her involvement with Mr. Potter from the Slytherins. But surely you knew that. How many Galleons were passed into your hands Dippet?” He asked.

“All that I received was placed in the school’s coffers. I had no choice!”

“Everyone has a choice. You chose the easy way instead of doing what was right.” He told the portrait sarcastically

“Now I am sure after classes tomorrow there will be at least one student at the Post before dinner. Any guesses on whom that might be?”

“It won’t be any of Slytherin Severus.” Headmaster Black commented.

Severus chuckled. “Don’t count on that. As I am no longer of Slytherin house and the professors view me as a neutral and no detentions are to be given, I feel quite a few Slytherin will be at the post. And I’ll allow it as the Dark Lord believes in the strong arm of...discipline. It will help the little darlings get more in line with his leadership skills.”

He stood up and made his way towards his bed chambers. “Too bad that you cannot bet. It will be a Gryffindor on the Post tomorrow as surely as the sun rises and sets. I wonder which one it will be.” Leaving the portraits to chatter.

Undressing and laying on his bed, he felt his Bond thrum with disapproval. ***Severus, you should not have frightened Ginny so. *** Hermione sent out as she trudged in the snow.

***You know it had to be this way. I know Amycus. He hates this duty and will do anything to get away from Hogwarts. It keeps him from his darker needs. *** He sent out. ***Now continue your trek and let Harry know that I am protecting his witch as that will remind him of the promise he made to me concerning you.***

Hermione shook her head as she continued her trek. “Insufferable git!” She thought to herself.

***Yes Hermione but a git that is all yours. *** He sent out as he went to sleep.

&&&&&&

Amycus sat at his desk as he waited for the Seventh year Slytherin/Gryffindor class to arrive. He cursed as Muggle Studies became a required course and he was forced to teach all day. So far it had been smooth as he followed Snape’s prepared lectures as the previous students said nothing as they took notes.

He began the same lecture after warning the snakes and lions to take good notes. One hand was constantly raised, questioning him on how he knew of the atrocities that the muggles made against witches and wizards. As he could not answer, he became frustrated as he assigned his first punishment, relishing in the fact that he would perform it.

The students entered the Great Hall and saw that there was only one whip hanging off the Post and it was in the color of Gryffindor. They then noticed that the Carrows was standing beside it as the hall became completely silent as they noticed that the tables were bare of the normal food.

Headmaster Snape stood at the podium. “First day of class and I am already forced to use the Post even after I have warned you. And why does it not surprise me that Gryffindor house is involved?”

“Neville Longbottom of Gryffindor house. A complaint has been made that you have been questioning a professor’s knowledge.” He intoned. “As per the rules of this school and in accordance to the offense your punishment is ten lashes.”

Neville stood up and strode up to the Post and looked to the Carrows in anger as they removed his robe and shirt and tied him to the Post using leather straps.

“Begin!” Severus commanded of Amycus as the professor grabbed the red colored whip flicked it. Severus noticed that the Gryffindor's eyes were only on him, defiance present in his eyes as the punishment began.

After the sixth lash the Gryffindor fell unconscious as Amycus finished the punishment, watching as the blood flowed from the students torn back.

“It is complete Headmaster.” Professor Carrow called out.

“Students, enjoy your dinner and remember what you have seen. I would hope that this will not be a normal event before dinner.” Severus told them as he began to eat as he remembered the look of the Gryffindor. The boy had transferred all of his anger towards him. He would have to watch the boy as it became obvious to him that he had grown a backbone after all. Things were progressing according to his plan.

The students waited for a moment to see if Madame Pomfrey would help him as they observed the sagging body of Neville on the Post. After it was obvious that no one was coming to Neville’s aid, the students began to eat as they eyed the unconscious form on the Post.

Severus smirked as most quickly had a bite or two and left the hall. Soon he was left with only Madame Pomfrey as she looked to him with tears in her eyes.

He pointed to the Post. “Heal him and make sure that he is in classes in the morning.” As he turned and left robes billowing as he exited the hall.

Madame Pomfrey approached the Post and loosened the bonds as she help up the still form as she conjured up a floating stretcher and placed the boy face down upon it. She would look into the records of long ago when this punishment was in force and be better prepared. Silent tears appeared as she made her way to the Infirmary, the stretcher following behind her.