Life Begins Anew

Chapter 74 Enough Is Enough

Severus sat at his desk turning things over in his mind. He would need an escape plan so that he would be able to get to the Dark Lord when the time came. There were so many scenarios that could happen. A knock on the door pulled him away from his thoughts.

“Enter!” He barked out wondering who would want to see him so late.

Sara walked in and sat down at the chair in front of him. “Sanctuary is settled brother. The students accept Arthur and he has them in hand and already working with Bootstray and Slightly to identify and work through individual weakness. When the time comes they will be a force to be reckoned with.” Accepting the glass of firewhiskey from her brother. “Thank you for helping me to convinced Arthur to accept.”

Severus glared at her. “About that dear sister as there was no reason for me to be there. You have manipulated me for what reason?”

Sara chuckled. “Oh, redemption of your soul when it is healed for one. And Arthur is a well respected wizard and will stand for you when it comes time for your trial.”

“I told you Sara I.Have.No.Future.” Emphasis at each word.

“Hmmm…” Sipping her firewhiskey.

“Headmaster Miss. Granger has completed the initial contacts for 1A. She mentioned that her contacts were most debased in the mind.” The portrait of Headmaster Black called out.

Severus chuckled. “No doubt Headmaster Black. In the future when historians study these events I hope they will realize how ironic it was that the dregs of Wizarding society were instrumental in saving it. Please make sure she knows that she is the leader of these misfits.”

“But Headmaster she only thinks she is a messenger!” The portrait exclaimed.

Severus looked to the portrait hearing a sigh as the Headmaster went to pass the message along.

He addressed his sister. “I suggest eating something before dinner tomorrow. The Post will have quite a few, delaying the arrival of dinner.”

“Has it something to do with your demand that all professors give a pop quiz and forward the graded parchments to you?” She asked as she stood up to leave.

“Quite possibly sister.” Severus mysteriously replied as he watched her depart.

Suddenly his Bond flared open and he felt the anger and confusion from his witch.

***Lioness what has ruffled your fur? ***

***As if you need to ask that question! Really, me a leader of those that I contacted?! I have nothing in common and I am not a leader***

***Hermione you sell yourself short. You were a leader during your little trek***

***Only because I needed to be strong for the others. Honestly Severus! I had to go to a whorehouse in Knockturn Alley and almost had to chat up Lucius Malfoy. Then some strange wizard stepped in and paid for me. Thank the Gods he changed his mind ***

***Yes Hermione. You looked so delectable standing there completely naked, the fear showing on your face. I am rather proud of my restraint***

***Bastard! So it was you? And what did you do with dear Marie? ***

Severus silently chuckled at the apparent jealousy of his witch. ***Oh I had her perform a slow striptease and paid her well for it. She was most disappointed as she expected more ***

***Just remember I am a possessive witch my dear***

***You have nothing to fear Hermione. You are the only witch that owns me Lioness***

Severus felt their bond shut as he made his way to his bedchambers.

&&&&&&&&

Professor McGonagall entered the common room of her house and told a student to round up the Seventh years and send them down. She chuckled as the rest of the students disappeared not wanting to get involved with their Head of House.

She watched as the Seventh years came down and looked to their Head of House in curiosity. “Dormitory inspection and I really hope things are up to par. I have to report failures to the Headmaster and you know what that means.” Making her way toward the dormitory.

Minerva stood in front of Mr. Longbottom’s bed and sighed as she began to make his area a mess. His was the most organized out of the group of boys as his grandmother brooked no sloppiness. She went back down and addressed her lions. “Mr. Longbottom come with me.” Leading the wizard up until they stood in front of his bed. “Please explain.”

Neville stood there in disbelief as he looked at the now torn up state of his area. “Professor…”

Minerva held up her hand indicating silence. “Please come with me Mr. Longbottom.” Leading the student down and exiting out of the common room without a word.

The Seventh year wizards watched them leave in shock as they rushed up to their dorm. Neville was a neat freak and they stopped as they noticed the torn up state of his area.

Neville stood in front of Professor McGonagall’s desk in shame as his Head of House dressed him down in her office as she handed him a parchment to read as she continued her rant.

Do not say a word and read this as I rattle on. I have a dark enchantment placed upon me by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and can only speak truly on parchment. You are the leader of Dumbledore’s Army and I am planning a takeover of the school. I have the ghost of Hogwarts with me and I need your group as well. Will you join me when it is time?

Neville stuttered out. “Professor McGonagall I do not understand! I always keep my area clean!” As he bent down to write on the parchment.

“You have us Professor. I will give you a coin. As you turn it, think of a message and it will be sent to me.”

“You understand Mr. Longbottom that you will have to take two lashes at the Post for your failure. Do not disgrace Gryffindor house again.” She told him as she read the parchment.

“Of course Professor and I promise that you will not be disappointed.” Neville replied.

“Dismissed Mr. Longbottom.” Minerva firmly replied as she pointed to her door and watched her student leave. Everything was set and all she needed was an opportunity.

&&&&&&

Severus sat at the Head Table eating a plate of eggs and beans as he observed his staff. He noticed the Carrows huddled together in conversation glancing to the Gryffindor table as they continued. So, Amycus could not leave the witch alone.

“Professor McGonagall, please escort Miss Weasley to my office after breakfast.” As he stood up and left, not waiting for a reply.

Arriving at his office, he placed his ringed hand on the castle wall projecting his worry for the young Gryffindor. Past efforts at trying to communicate with the castle were a failure as he never sensed anything back from it. He supposed that it was because the castle did not select him as a Headmaster and did not acknowledge his position remembering the words of Albus from when they discussed the missing Headmistress.

Severus felt a sense of anger and fierce protectiveness of its students flow through him. He projected his relief and thanks to the castle. A vision of him popped into his mind and felt sadness and the sense of sacrifice. So the castle understood after all. He patted the castle wall and sat down at his desk as a knock on the door sounded out.

“Enter!” He barked out as Professor McGonagall entered with Miss Weasley.

“Professor McGonagall, the castle has alerted me of a danger to Miss. Weasley. I am not sure what it is but you will end your classes five minutes early and escort her to class and to her dormitory at the end of the day. Miss. Weasley, stay for a moment. I will escort you to your first class.”

Minerva nodded at the Headmaster and left the office and made her way to her classroom. Why was he so interested in protecting the witch? It must be the castle she decided as she knew that the Headmaster did not care about anyone.

“Is it Professor Carrow that is the danger to me?” Ginny softly asked.

“Possibly Miss. Weasley. Keep your friends close and never walk these halls alone. Do you still have the chain?”

Ginny dug it out from under her robes and showed it to him.

Severus walked to the door and motioned to her. “Keep it on you always Miss. Weasley.” As he escorted her to her Muggle Studies class, opening the door to allow her to enter first.

“Miss Weasley you are late and I require a detention with you.” Amycus coldly stated. Gods, she just presented the opportunity for him to take her.

“I think not Professor Carrow.” Severus drawled out as he entered behind her. “Must I remind you that there are no longer detentions in this school and as she has arrived with me she is ineligible for punishment?” He coldly stated as he took a seat in the back to observe the class.

“Of course Headmaster.” Amycus darkly replied as he began his class.

&&&&&&&

Sara woke up to the insistence of the castle directing her to go to the Astronomy tower. She Disillusioned herself and Apparated out of her room.

She arrived at the empty tower and waited as Minerva and Miss. Weasley arrive, watching the teacher sit as the student looked into a telescope and write notes down to parchment.

“Potter’s bitch!” Amycus shouted as he froze Minerva and revealed himself. “I told you witch that I was going to have a talk to you.” Grabbing her robes and ripping them off her.

Sara watched as her brother arrived and saw that he was frozen in place. Alecto laughed as she walked into view.

“You know the Dark Lord has placed his protection upon her. You thwart his plans.” Severus growled out as he silently tried to break down the spell against him.

Amycus grabbed Ginny and roughly undressed her. “I am going to teach you witch that associating with Harry Potter is your undoing. I wonder what it is like having the bitch of The Chosen One?” He sneered to her as he pulled his trousers down.

“Brother leave some for me to play with.” She cackled as she watched her brother grab his cock and placed it at the frightened witch’s bush.

He silenced the screaming student with a spell as he slowly began to push into her.

Sara silently sent a locking spell to Alecto as she shouted out. “Knife find your mark!” Her Master Assassin knife streaked out and sunk deeply into Amycus’ neck, blood spurting out and covering Miss Weasley.

She watched as the wizard grabbed his neck gurgling as the last gasp of breath escaped and dropped down dead in front of the frightened witch. She revealed herself as she sent out a spell to release her brother.

“This is a fine mess Sara!” Severus spat out. “You should have let him have his way with her. I’m sure they were planning an Obliviate afterwards.” He had to say it because of Minerva’s enchantments. This way everything was entirely on his sister. Self preservation was always a goal when it concerned Voldemort.

“Brother, if I knew it was the blood traitor I would have allowed it. For all I knew it could have been a witch of one of our associates. You know how Amycus’ taste runs. Besides I thought that we were keeping Miss Weasley whole and healthy to lure Harry Potter here when needed.” She meekly replied.

Their Dark Mark started to burn fiercely indicating they were to go immediately to Voldemort.

Severus released Minerva from her spell. “Take care of Miss Weasley and clean up this mess Professor McGonagall. I will talk to you when I return.” Knocking Alecto unconscious and slinging her body over his shoulder. “Sara you can bring Amycus along with you.” As he turned and Apparated away.

Minerva watched aghast as Sara pulled the blade out Amycus throat and slowly licked the blade clean, eyes devoid of emotion as she looked to her colleague.

Finishing the knife’s requirement, Sara slipped the blade to the hilt into her right arm as she conjured up a towel to dab up the blood as her skin sealed itself around the knife.

Minerva was startled as the dark witch grabbed her arm and silently incanted a spell that changed the enchantments on the Deputy Headmistress. She pulled out a parchment and began to write.

I have altered your enchantments to report only boring school details despite what you are talking about. The Dark Lord would become suspicious if I removed them all together. I may not survive the Dark Lord’s call. Good luck if that is the case.

She handed the parchment to her colleague and walked over to the dead body and slung it over her shoulder. “Professor McGonagall I suggest you follow the Headmaster’s commands.” She called back as she exited the Tower. As soon as she was clear of witnesses she pressed her Mark and Apparated away.

Minerva cleaned the blood off the telescope and area and wrapped the bloody Gryffindor in her arms as the young witch sobbed into her arms. Enough was enough.

&&&&&&

Severus arrived and placed Alecto’s unconscious body on the floor in front of him as he bowed down. He could sense the Dark Lord’s anger as he felt him enter his mind, seeing the events concerning the blood traitor.

Just then Sara arrived and placed the body of Amycus before her as she bowed as well. She felt his anger he entered her mind.

Voldemort sat at his throne looking down to the bowed siblings for two hours deep in thought before he stood up and suddenly left the throne room.

Sara took a chance to glance at her brother as he looked back to her noticing her questioning look. He merely shrugged his shoulders and went back to looking to the floor.

Voldemort came back into the room and stood before them. Alecto came to and immediately moved to bow. “Alecto, you knew I warned your brother about pursuing the blood traitor and you still joined him in his plans?”

He held up his hand to silence her protest as he pointed his wand to the dead body and muttered a spell that covered the body into a flame that eventually burned out leaving ashes. “You will go back to Hogwarts Alecto and I expect you to behave. If I hear that you step out of line you will end up as ash like your brother. Leave now and be thankful that you have your life.”

Alecto muttered her thanks and immediately left thankful that she was still alive.

“And what to do with you Sara Snape? When I entered your mind I felt your darkness pulling to me, whispering to me. It entices me with power.”

Sara gasped out as Voldemort’s words pulled her Darkness to the front as her eyes locked onto the glowing red eyes of Voldemort.

“Witch I have decided that it shall be as I felt the same pull. Stand up!”

Voldemort pulled out a dark black cord and handed it to Severus as he pulled out a knife. “You will bind us.” He commanded as he grabbed up Sara’s left hand and slicing her palm open and did the same to his, allowing their blood to mingle as he grabbed her hand.

Severus quickly complied, tightly knotting the bounding cord around their wrist.

“Now both of you touch the cord with your wand.” Touching the cord with his own wand and began a dark incantation bounding her to him.

They watched as a dark mist formed around their hands and moved up and disappeared. Voldemort pulled a ring out of his pocket and placed it on her finger as Sara staggered and looked to her Lord, lust and need apparent as she grabbed his arms and looked to him.

“We are married Sara but I cannot consummate it as you are with my heir and If I did you would lose her. Be assured that I look forward to our delayed honeymoon and the joining of our Darkness. Witch you will rule beside me as you are worthy.”

“My Lord!” Sara exclaimed as she grasped his hand.

“Now leave me! Sara I expect you not to do anything to Alecto. You are my wife I expect you to respect my wishes.”

Severus grabbed his sister and pulled her out of the throne room and apparated to the Forbidden Forest.

He removed her outer robes hoping that the cold crisp air would help her push the darkness back.

She looked to her brother. “I have a need Severus.”

He grabbed her bloody hand and forced himself into her mind, fighting through the darkness until he found the little girl whimpering as she held the battered toy kitten tightly.

“Sev it’s so dark in here and I am weak. It is going to kill me. I keep fighting it and it keeps coming back stronger and stronger.” She whispered to her brother in fear.

He wrapped her tightly into his arms hearing the feeble cries of the little girl and he felt his soul break.

At Sanctuary Hermione suddenly woke up from a deep sleep as she watched the seventeen year old form of her husband talking to the younger version of his sister in her mind. She felt his despair for the little girl and she forced her bond open.

***Severus! Show her our love! Make her feel it! ***

Severus felt the chest containing their bond open and he held the little witch as he allowed the love to surge to her. There was a blinding bright flash as Severus barely heard a blood –curdling scream as he was forced from her mind.

He came to noticing that he had been thrown back twenty feet from his sister. He scrambled up to her and looked at her. Her eyes were wide open and she was panting out her breath as she could not catch it. He caught up her hand and held it.

“Many thanks for your assistance brother. You have always been there when I needed you most.”

“Let me get you to Madame Pomfrey Sara.” He softly told her as he began to pick her up.

“No Headmaster Severus Snape! She must leave the mortal plane so that the Darkness can be pushed back and be contained once again.”

He watched as Hades rubbed his beak on his Mistress’ cheek.

“All my deaths in my long life and I always died alone. It is comforting to have ones that care about me for this trip.” She whispered out in pain as her breathing became shallow

Severus sat behind his sister and pulled her up and wrapped his arms around her body, holding tight as he whispered words of comfort. He did not understand his actions but knew they were right as he felt his own Darkness push back to the dark recess of his mind.

Hermione was silently crying in her room as she watched through his mind.

***I always knew that you have a caring soul when you allow it Love***

Her body shuddered and he felt her head rest unmoving at his shoulder. He cursed as tears streamed from his eyes.

Hades looked to him in understanding. “Yes Headmaster Severus Snape. It is one thing to be an instrument of death and quite another to intimately view death with one that is connected to you.”

He watched as the wizard fight his emotions. “No Headmaster Severus Snape it does not make you weak. It proves that you are human.” Hades answering the wizard’s thought.

“How long will it be before she comes back Hades?” Severus asked as he continued to hold his sister.

“It really depends on how long she wants to be away. She will probably have a chat with my Master as time has no meaning where she is at right now.”

Severus merely nodded to the bird as he silently waited. He always knew that he would die alone and never thought much about it. That thought frightened him now.

Sara looked to DEATH as she watched her familiar and her brother. “Who would have thought that he cared?”

“Little One, your brother has been exposed to true love and it has healed him despite the Darkness taking hold of him again. The soul of Headmaster Severus Snape has only wished for one to accept him as he is and freely love him back. He has that with Mrs. Hermione Snape.”

DEATH held out his arm and Sara held it as they began to walk away from the scene of her death. “I believe congratulations of your nuptials are in order.”

“Yes Lord DEATH. Does my husband sense my death from whatever dark bond that was used to bind us?”

“No Sara, the bond he used marries you but keep wizards that care for you deeper than a carnal need away from you. I am afraid that Bootstray is going to suffer.”

Sara chuckled hollowly. “The Fates twist the knife. But on the bright side I have a bit of Voldemort’s blood flowing within me and with the binding that should help me at the end.”

DEATH chuckled at her statement. She was always one to find a bright side to things despite her situations as they arrived back at her body. “You must tell your brother to kill you if you get into the same state as tonight. It is the only thing that will help you. Your Master’s Darkness is too strong to fight mortally.”

Sara laid into her body and gave out a gasp as she took in air and slowly came to as she felt her brother move away from her and helped her up.

“Are you well Sara?” Severus asked with uncharacteristic concern.

“I am Severus and thank you for saving me. One day I will ask you why as I know you do not care for me. I have a message to pass from DEATH. Damian Selwyn’s Darkness is now too strong for me to fight on my own. You must kill me to help me if I find myself in the same state as tonight. Can you do that?” She lightly asked.

“You ask too much of me! First Dumbledore and now you!” He snarled out.

“Poison Brother if you are worried about my suffering.” As she told him that advantage of her binding.

Severus looked to her. “In that case Sister I will kill you any way that you need.” Grabbing her waist as they suddenly appeared into his office.

“Classes begin in three hours Professor Snape. Remember what I told you about eating something before dinner.”

She merely nodded to him as she grabbed up the floo powder and tiredly stated out “Professor Snape’s chambers!” Disappearing from the office in a flash of green.

&&&&&&&

Minerva sat in her chambers drinking a cup of tea. Everything was set for Friday. That way the traitor would not know what hit him.

AN Next is the rebellion at Hogwarts and then the Final Battle.