Life Begins Anew

Slight Reference to religion.

Sara walked down to the kitchen of the Burrow and made a pot of tea as no one else had awakened yet. She sat at the table turning recent events over in her mind. The darkness was taking her over and she realized the danger.

“My Lord Death.” She softly called out.

DEATH appeared and sat down next to her as he leaned his scythe against the table.

“The Darkness is taking you over Little One?” DEATH asked.

“It is DEATH and I will be ten times worse than the Dark Lord if it does. Even Bootstray’s declaration of his love does not help anymore. The Darkness within me is too strong for love to heal.”

“Faith Little One. Soon it will be over and you will have what you wish. The manipulations with your brother are well set now. Soon you will have the peace that you have sought for centuries.”

“Did you foresee this Lord DEATH, that I could very well be the undoing of the Wizarding world when you set me upon this?” She snarled at DEATH. “It seems a waste of 200 years as I have worked hard to bury the Arts.”

“The Fates Sara.” DEATH replied. “They are beyond my control.”

Footsteps were heard clumping down the stairs as Sara just nodded and watched DEATH fade away.

Sara began to cook as everyone sat at the table and poured a cup of tea. She brought over a big plate of sausages and eggs and placed it on the table, noticing all conversation cease at the table.

She followed their gaze and saw they were looking at the Dark Mark that the rolled up sleeve of her shirt revealed.

She held her arm out as she felt curiosity and fear from the group for them to observe it. “Rather frightening for you is it?” Sara drily asked. “Surely you realized that I was Marked when Kingsley told you who my Master was.”

George eyed the Mark warily. “I heard that if someone revealed the Mark to one that was not Marked then that person would die. Are you planning on killing us?”

Sara chuckled darkly. “That is true Mr. Weasley and no, I do not plan on killing any of you yet.” Grabbing up a plate and filling it food. “Come and eat as Bootstray, Harry, Ron, and Hermione have to leave soon.”

They looked to her for a moment and then began to eat, the conversation at the table strained as they pondered her words.

&&&&&&&&&&&

Minerva walked towards the Great Hall for breakfast with a tight smile on her face. She did as Sara suggested and met up with the Bloody Baron and he assured her the support of the ghosts when it was time.

Dumbledore’s Army. It was time to contact Neville Longbottom and get them involved in the cause. An unannounced dormitory inspection of Seventh year Gryffindor should allow her the opportunity.

Severus looked to her as she took her place beside him at the Head Table. “The funeral went well then I take it?” As he handed her the morning copy of the Daily Prophet, pointing a finger at the headline.

“Ex-Ministry Employee Commits Suicide!”

“Do not bother with small talk Headmaster as I know how you truly feel.” Minerva snapped back as she read the paper frowning. Poor Arthur. She hoped he had found his peace.

The Headmaster looked to her a moment before standing up and leaving to hide his surprise. He had caught a flash of her mind before she used Occlumency and shut him out. So the old lioness still has a few tricks up her sleeve.

Severus entered his office and began to go through the correspondence sitting on his desk. He read through them, torching the complaints and soon his desk was clear. Why bother to write back as things were not going to change. He picked up a parchment that suddenly appeared recognizing the script of his sister.

“I am arriving now……”

Sara appeared with Ginny in the office.

“Miss. Weasley I take it that you have settled your affairs and ready to resume your studies?” Sneering at her as he handed her a packet containing her missed lessons. “I expect you to complete this over the weekend and have it ready Monday morning. Any that you fail means one lash per failure at the Post as this school does no longer tolerates failure.” This was the rule that he planned on enacting Monday morning to help the rebellion along.

“Yes Headmaster. I want to thank you again for allowing me to attend to my father’s funeral.”

Severus pointed at the door indicating that the student should leave. He watched as the door closed behind the student.

“Did you see the paper?” He asked as he poured her a glass of fire whiskey.

Sara chuckled. “Yes brother and Miss. Weasley is responsible for the slant of the article as Rita Skeeter was not very sympathetic to the situation as a whole. It did not help when Miss. Weasley sent a Bat Bogey hex her way.” Sitting down at the chair in front of his desk.

Severus chuckled as he remembered the rumors of her skill with that particular hex around the school. “Yes, there are a few victims here at the school that has experienced the wrath of Miss. Weasley.”

Sara filled him in on the spectral conspiracy and the events at the Burrow and the plans of moving the students to Sanctuary.

“Brother, I someone that will be perfect to head sanctuary leaving one of my brothers free when I have a need. Will you help me convince him?”

“Sara, I am sure that you could convince him on your own. Your skills at negotiating are exceptional.” Sarcasm dripping from his voice.

“Yes brother, but only when I torture and kill to close the deal. I need your presence.” Inflecting the last word.

“Very well Sara, though I do not see how my being there would make a difference.”

Sara explained what was required to arrive to Sanctuary and turned to leave at her brother’s growl of disgust. “Don’t blame me for that. Blame Slightly.” She called out as she closed the door behind her.

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

Bootstray entered Father O’Connor’s study and took a seat in the chair in front of the old squib priest. “Father, the students will be moved from here shortly and I would like to thank you for the hospitality and comfort you have given them. I can tell that their souls and well being have healed here.”

Father O’Connor looked to the assassin. “Faith is a wonderful thing Bootstray. Most of the students went to church before Hogwarts and arriving here has restored their faith in a way, but it was not me. Surviving the wilderness and being here has strengthened their faith in Harry Potter. They doubted the young wizard the entire trip, souls wary from the trials and tribulations. Much like Job.” Picking up a bible and opening it to a particular section and handing it to Bootstray indicating that he should read.

Bootstray was familiar with the views of different muggle religions, but being a wizard never pursued them unless he needed specific knowledge to enable him to kill a target. “Yes Father, I can see the relevance with this muggle and our group.”

“Yes Bootstray but you know of another that matches Job?”

“Sara Snape.” Bootstray replied.

Father O’Connor looked in surprise at the wizard. “I was thinking more of her brother Severus Snape. Knowing the vows that her mother called in, I am sure that Sara has her trials and tribulations. But she works toward her own goal and uses any situation and anyone to further it.” Waiting patiently for the wizard to deny the fact.

After a moment of silence the old priest continued. “Severus Snape made a mistake when he was young and has been working toward the defeat of Voldemort ever since. And he is destroying himself while working toward that very goal. While it is a stretch to say that Severus believes that good always triumphs over evil, he did place his faith in one man and that has been driving his actions for twenty years.”

Father O’Connor looked to the wizard. “You young wizard have placed your faith to Sara and it is wavering?”

“No Father. I am dedicated to her goal as it will eventually ensure that Slightly and I am protected at the end.”

“Ah so the goal and love are intertwined? Don’t look surprised Bootstray. I felt the love you have for the witch at Severus’ wedding. Your faith to Sara is wavering in a way as she has somehow grown distant. Evaluate your faith and remember that Job was rewarded in the end.”

Bootstray stood up. “Thank you for the words Father. I will think upon them.” He left the priest deep in thought. Merlin the old man was perceptive.


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Severus stood in a small room looking at a bed with a body that was covered by a blanket. “So this is your candidate?” He sneered at his sister. “Have to knock them out and bring here for coercion? Hardly a worthy candidate for what we require.”

“Hmmm…” She sounded out as she revealed the person under the blanket.

“Sara!” He hissed out in anger. “What is this madness? He was confirmed dead by the Ministry!”

Just then a knock was heard at the door and Sara pulled the cover over and opened the door revealing the Golden Trio.

They entered the room and Hermione looked to her husband feeling his anger. She decided to stay with her friends as they looked to Sara.

“The person under this blanket is the perfect candidate to guide you. You must be silent until I present the offer. There will probably be resistance.”

“I hope you took the wand Sara otherwise there will be death with mine being the first.” He stated angrily.

Sara merely pointed her wand and uttered “Reinervate!” at the bed as the person underneath the covers came to and pulled the cover away and sat up, looking around.

“You!” The figure exclaimed looking at Severus.

Ron sobbed out as he rushed the bed and grabbed the figure. “Dad! I attended your funeral. You are supposed to be dead.”

Arthur looked to his son in confusion as Harry and Hermione rushed and hugged him as well. He looked to them as his mind registered the Snapes.

“Ron! They are Death Eaters and you should not trust them!” Arthur exclaimed, mind still fuzzy.

“No Dad. They have been helping us and they are the reason everyone is alive.”

“Ron, Severus Snape raped and murdered your mother and tortured and killed Mad Eye.”

“I knew about Mum.” Ron quietly replied. “Professor Snape called DEATH and this is what he gave me.” Reaching into his pocket and pulling out the parchment that DEATH gave him.

Sara handed Arthur a Pepper Up potion as he began to read the parchment.

“Severus, this explains why Molly had a peaceful look in death. But why am I here? The last thing I remember is a Death Eater in my house.”

Severus remained silent as his sister spoke up. “I have killed you in the Wizarding world for a purpose Arthur Weasley. Watch over them and train them. You are at Sanctuary and the Phoenix will rise.” Handing the wizard the Daily Prophet detailing the article on his death.

“Severus, I may never be able to forgive you, but I thank you for comforting Molly. I will watch over the students here.” Arthur replied.

“If I am not needed here any longer Professor Snape?” He snarled out.

“No Headmaster and I thank you for your time.” Sara replied as she watched her brother disappear.

Sara immediately disappeared as well, leaving Harry and Ron fill in the wizard of the weeks as Hermione made her excuse and made her way to her room.

Entering for the first time she noticed phials of potions and a package wrapped in thick white paper.

Hermione unwrapped the package and it fell apart spilling out twenty muggle patches. They were black with a gray phoenix arising from yellow flames with yellow words stating “City Of Atlanta Police.” She picked up one looking at it in confusion as a voice spoke in the room. “Miss. Granger you are plan 1A.”

Hermione whirled around pointing her wand at the portrait recognizing the form of Headmaster Black from Sirius Black’s residence and slowly lowered it.

“You will be busy this weekend Miss. Granger. Hand the patch over and tell them the phoenix is rising. Have your wand handy as you are supposed to be dead. When you complete you task, think the word “We Are the World” and you will arrive back here and I will give you the next contact.”

Headmaster Black explained the first assignment as Hermione merely nodded and transfigured her robes into something acceptable.

Hermione Aparrated to the entrance of Knockturn Alley and entered Felicia's Fetish's and walked up to the desk. “I am here to see Felicia.”

The witch at the desk looked her over. She had a pleasing form and should fetch what she wanted. “Twenty Galleons for the floor Miss.”

Hermione looked in confusion as she paid her money. “Step into the line Miss. Felicia never sees anyone.”

She stepped to the line and noticed Lord Malfoy walking up to the witches and chatting them up. Soon he was in front of her. Fuck! “Hello Miss. What is your name? You look so delectable, hiding your face and I am intrigued.”

Hermione started to reply as a wizard arrived and placed himself between the two. “She is taken . I paid good galleons to defile her and you will not deter me.” He coldly told the wizard

Hermione kept her hood down as the wizard grabbed her and went to Felicia. “Felicia, negotiate with this freelance as I cannot be bothered and then send her up to my normal room and do not disturb us.”

“Witch, he is a hard client to please and I feel sorry for you. But he pays good galleons.” Felicia told her.

Hermione looked in fear as she handed her the patch stating “The Phoenix Arises.”

“Aw shit! I see that you are young witch. You must follow through with your cover or we will both be undone. Can you do this?” Felicia asked with worry in her voice.

“I suppose that I will have to Felicia.” Hermione nervously replied.

“He is in room 3. I will inform my contingent.” Felicia pushed Hermione towards the stairs as she silently hoped that all would be well for the young witch.

Hermione walked into the darkened room in fright. “Take off your clothes witch and let me see you.”

Hermione nervously did as she was bade and looked to the hidden wizard.

“Witch, are you sure you have done this before?” The wizard asked as Hermione removed the last of her clothing as she stood there shaking.

“You are delectable young witch and pleasing to the eye, but you are not what I require.” He sneered as he tossed her a few galleons. “Tell Felicia to send up Marie as I cannot be bothered to break one so new to the trade.”

Hermione hurriedly dressed and grabbed up the galleons and exited the room, thankful that she did not have to do anything.

Severus Snape watched her leave as he waited for Marie.

Hermione addressed the portrait in her room on Sunday evening as she fell onto her bed in exhaustion. “Headmaster, Plan 1A is executed and I am going to bed now. I am not sure what Professor Dumbledore saw in my contacts as they are most debased in the mind.” Body shuddering as she fell fast asleep fully clothed.

The portrait merely nodded to her as he left to inform the Headmaster about the weekend events.