Tempted by Fate: A Serpent's Requiem

“I’m really sorry Severus. You were good to me you know, but for the greater good…you know how that goes.”

Harry and Hermione watched as Nagini sank her fangs into Snape’s neck before her master returned her to her barrier. Voldemort stepped over Snape’s convulsing body and picked up the wand that had fallen from Snape’s robe. Voldemort shrugged his shoulders before exiting the room. When Harry was sure that Voldemort was gone, he quietly entered the room from the small passageway after quietly sliding a small crate to the side; the crate which had been concealing their presence along with the invisibility cloak. He ran over to Snape, Hermione quickly following behind and dropped to his knees.

“Pro…Professor?” Harry asked weakly. “Please…are you alright?”

Snape opened his eyes weakly to find Harry kneeling at his side and Hermione standing over him, tears streaming down her face. He smiled weakly before grabbing hold to Harry’s shirt.

“Harry…”, Snape started to mumble, but he dropped his head onto the wooden floor, no longer able to hold himself up. Hermione dropped to his side and started to shake him softly.

“Professor? Professor please…please wake up!” she cried.

“Hermione…Hermione look!” She looked down and saw something blue and sparkling leaking onto the floor from Snape’s ear.

“T…t…take…it…Harry,” Snape whispered.

He let out a soft groan and twisted his face in pain. Hermione grabbed Snape’s hand and laid her head on his chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Snape’s eyes fluttered open once more to meet Harry’s, who just as quickly turned away trying to hold back tears as he collected the blue substance into a small bottle that he had been carrying around. Snape ran his fingers through Hermione’s hair and she quickly sat up, staring at him with red, puffy eyes that were now swollen from all the crying.

“What…did I…tell you…about…that…silly crying?” he asked her through labored breaths. Hermione smiled and kissed his forehead before resting her head against his chest once more. Snape took one last look at Harry, who was now staring at a blank spot on the floor before whispering “I love you” in Hermione’s ear. Hermione sat up and stared at Snape. His eyes were shut and he was no longer breathing.

“Pro…professor?” she asked weakly. “Stop…playing games! This is not the time for games!” She placed her hands on his side and began to shake him. “No…wake up! You can’t do this to me! You can’t…you can’t leave me! You promised me…you promised you’d always be there…” Hermione felt a pair of arms drape around her, pulling her away from him.

“Come on Hermione. He’s…he’s gone…there’s nothing we can…”

“NO HARRY! IT CAN’T BE! HE CAN’T BE GONE! HE PROMISED ME…!”
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4 Years Earlier
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“HARRY!” Hermione ran and threw her arms around him, both of them almost falling on the sidewalk from the impact.

“Uh…Hermione…you’re cutting off…my circulation,” Harry mumbled.

“Oh, oh I’m sorry. I’m just so happy to see you!” she exclaimed. Harry grinned before turning to best mate.

“You know I’d give you hug Harry but I don’t think I’m your type.”

“Oh Ronald…Anyway Harry tell us about last night. The Knight Bus? What was it like?” They traveled through Hogsmeade as Harry recounted the events of the night before, explaining to them about how he had accidentally blown up his aunt.

“Accident my ass mate,” Ron replied grinning. “You know you’ve probably been dreaming of that one for years.”

“Yeah well, maybe but still…they didn’t give me a warning or anything. The last time something like this happened, those idiots at the ministry tried to sack me for something Dobby did.”

“Yeah well that elf’s not real bright and I see your point. Maybe they’ve taken a liking to you Harry. Let’s see, it’s been three whole months since you’ve gotten into any kind of trouble,” Ron said thoughtfully.

“You ugly git,” Harry replied, chunking a dung bomb at him. All three laughed as they turned a corner stopping in front of Honeydukes.

“You guys up for a drink?” They turned to see Fred and George standing behind them, looking about as innocent as usual. “By the way Harry, it’s good to see you.”

“Thanks Fred.” Fred threw his hands into the air rolling his eyes at Harry in the process.

“I’m George. Damn Harry, you’re about as bad as Molly,” George replied, pointing a finger at Harry as to reprimand him.

“Oh you guys, let’s go inside.” They laughed as they followed Hermione into Honeydukes. She stopped dead in her tracks and tried turning to leave, but bumped into Ron instead.

“Hermione, why are you…?”

“Well, well, if it isn’t the ugly Muggle and her sad little ducklings?” Ron pushed Hermione out the way, now standing toe to toe with Draco Malfoy.

“Why don’t you piss off before I have to hurt you.”

“Well, well, little Weasley, seems you finally got some backbone. You know, just last term you had me worried. I thought maybe you were on your way to becoming Arthur Junior, lover of all things idiot and Muggle but…” Ron took a swing at Malfoy but Fred grabbed him just in time as Malfoy easily side-stepped his punch.

“Hey bro, chill out man. It’s just little Malfoy. Besides, you’re the one who should be surprised. We now know he can speak up when he’s not surrounding by his own personal safety squad.” Malfoy scowled before turning his attention to Harry.

“Don’t even think about having a go at me today Malfoy,” Harry replied, glaring angrily at him as his hand clutched his wand.

“Please, as if I’d bother with you at a time like this. Besides, I think it’s much more amusing reading about your sad life in the Daily Prophet. That will give us Slytherins something to laugh about everyday at the start of term…that is, if you’re not already dead by then.”

“What the hell are you going on about Malfoy?” Harry asked. “Tell me what the hell…”

“Now, now Draco let the poor Potter boy alone.” Lucius Malfoy walked over towards them, standing ominously behind his son. “As you can see dear Draco, he has no idea what you are talking about and as much as I would love to see the pain stricken look upon his face when he finds out, it is not our place to let such news slip.” Harry took a step towards Draco but Lucius had quickly pulled out his wand and it was now pointed directly at Harry’s heart.

“Potter, I don’t think you want to take another step towards my son.” His icy stare loomed over the group as they stood there silently, no one daring to speak. Before Lucius could even think to utter another word, he felt a wand tip on the back of his head.

“If I were you, I’d point that wand somewhere else Mr. Malfoy.” Lucius lowered his wand and turned to face a red-faced Arthur Weasley.

“Arthur…I don’t see how this concerns you.”

“It concerns me when you’re pointing a wand at one of my own.”

“I do believe I was aiming at Harry and not one of your red-headed…”

“Harry is a close friend of the family; almost like another son to me and when you mess with him you mess with me,” Arthur snapped, now pointing his wand in Lucius’s face.

“Gentleman, what seems to be the problem here?” Both men turned to see the minister of magic working his way through the huddle past Hermione and a sick looking Ron. “What ever is the matter here?” he asked in a nervous voice.

“Why don’t you ask Mr. Malfoy here?” Arthur hissed, still holding up his wand.

“I would answer minister but I’m afraid that Arthur’s wand might go off and do me in,” Lucius said calmly, never taking his eyes off of Arthur. Mr. Weasley lowered his wand as Fudge looked nervously between the two of them. He threw up his hands in an exasperated tone before speaking.

“Gentlemen, now is not the time for public displays of affection. I’m sure you two love each other dearly but can you please control yourselves! We all should be hunting down a mad man but instead we are pointing wands at one another, trying to do each other in. Have you forgotten what has happened…?”

“How can we forget?” Arthur said dryly. “Seems to me that’s all the Prophet can write about these days.”

“Are you forgetting about dear old Potter?” Lucius interjected. “Just the other day, the Prophet had a long write up about how Sirius Black…”

“Who’s Sirius Black?” Fudge jumped at the sound of Harry’s voice. Apparently he hadn’t noticed him standing there.

“Oh, hello…Ha…Harry. How are you?” he asked nervously, extending a hand for Harry to shake.

“Uh…I’m fine, but what’s this about Sirius Black and why are people still writing about me in the Daily Prophet? I thought that the incident from school last term was…”

“Oh quite the contrary Mr. Potter, you are still very much the popular one, especially now that Black…”

“That’s enough Lucius! That will not be discussed here!” Fudge looked around the shop nervously, for it had become quieter than usual since he arrived on the scene. Lucius shrugged his shoulders before tapping Draco on the shoulder.

“Let’s go son. I do believe we’ve worn out our welcome. Good day minister. I shall be seeing you soon enough.” He nodded towards Fudge as he pushed his way through the twins and out of Honeydukes. They all let out a sigh of relief as the Malfoys left.

“Damn it Fred! Why’d you have to pull old Ronald away? I would have loved to see him land one on the pretty boy. Can you imagine what Lucius’s face would have been like if poor old Draco got bloodied up?” Fred and Ron laughed, not noticing the serious conversation taking place between Harry and Fudge.

“Minister? Are you going to…?”

“Not now Harry. I’ll fill you in when we get back to the burrow,” Arthur cut in. “Well minister, if that is all then we’ll be on our way…”

“Actually Arthur, I wanted a quick word if you don’t mind…alone.” Harry frowned but took the hint and left to join the others who were now headed to the counter to order drinks. When Fudge was sure that Harry was out of listening range, he began to speak softly to Arthur.

“Uh, Arthur…I’m a bit concerned.”

“Really? Why is that?” he asked.

“Well…I just…I don’t think you ought to let Harry know about Black.”

“Why not?” he asked indignantly. “He’s almost a grown man you know. Things like this I think he ought to know, especially since it concerns his safety…”

“Well that’s what I mean.”

“I don’t follow.” Fudge sighed as he ushered Arthur near the front entrance of Honeydukes.

“Harry…based on his track record, is just like his father James. If he knew about Black then I fear he may actually go looking for him and that’s not good. I mean, I hear Harry is a damn good wizard but he’s no where near strong enough to take on Black and you know it!”

Arthur looked towards the ceiling. What Fudge was saying had some truth to it—no, it all was true. Harry just may go after Black and being the loyal friends that they are, Ron and Hermione would join him, risking their lives as well. After contemplating this for a moment, he finally nodded in agreement.

“I won’t tell him.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure.”

“Okay. Good. I knew I could count on you Arthur.”

“What about Lucius and Draco? I’m sure the next chance they get they’ll…”

“I’ll take care of it,” Fudge said waving a hand in the air. “Even the Malfoys have rules to follow. Anyway, I must be off. I need to get to Azkaban and check up on some things. Good day Arthur.” Fudge tipped his hat before leaving the building.

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“Well you guys…”

“Well you guys…”

“We would stay and have our drinks with you, but…”

“But duty calls for a good clean con and…”

“Alright you two! I wish you wouldn’t do that,” Hermione said rolling her eyes. Fred and George looked at her and winked before running off to join their friend Lee Jordan, who had just made his way towards the counter. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were now seated in a nice booth near the entrance of Honeydukes, now enjoying sandwiches and pumpkin juice for their lunch.

“You know, one of these days mum and dad are going to catch them in the act.”

“What exactly did they mean by ‘con’?” Hermione asked, frowning towards the twins.

“Well, you see…Fred and George have this ridiculous idea of owning their own shop some day. Well…maybe not too far out but anyway, they spent the entire summer inventing new products that could put Zonkos to shame. Percy—right old git—confiscated most of it, but what’s left of it, needs testing. I suppose Lee is about to find out how good—or bad—some of their products are.”

“Oh wow. I should have known…Harry?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah Zonko’s is…”

“You weren’t listening. Harry, what’s the matter?” Hermione reached out and touched his hand.

“I’m just feeling…anxious. People are keeping things from me and I don’t like it. What has the Prophet been saying about me all summer and what does it have to do with that Black fellow?” He slammed his cup down on the table and looked around for Mr. Weasley. He spotted him sitting at a small round table near the counter all alone with his hands folded as if he were praying. Hermione and Ron exchanged nervous looks before taking sips of their drinks.

“You two…know something?” Harry asked softly, slowly turning his head to face the two of them.

“No…not really,” Ron winced, “only the few things that I’ve heard dad whispering to mum about.”

“Like…”

“Apparently, Sirius Black is some mad man who murdered a whole bunch of Muggles a few years ago earning himself a one way ticket to Azkaban. They say when he was taken by the ministry, he laughed the entire time like some demented person. Anyway, he broke out of Azkaban a few weeks ago which is why dad looks so drained over there.”

“But I thought no one could…”

“That’s the mystery Harry, and the reason why people have been acting strange,” Hermione added thoughtfully. “No one has ever been able to escape Azkaban. Sirius is the first to ever do such a thing. I’m pretty sure that’s got Fudge worried.”

“Yeah, dad’s been having to work over time…not getting a whole lot of sleep lately.”

“Yeah, so what does it all have to do with me?”

“I don’t know…maybe he’s like some old you-know-who supporter.”

“Could be Ronald but for now let’s hold all speculation. Harry, I don’t think you should worry too much. I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough.”
*********************************************

Draco walked around the shop as his father purchased his school books. He was still horribly pissed that the minister showed up when he did. Would have been quite the show… My father being the one to do Potter in... He chuckled as he turned over a few books on a nearby shelf. He was about to kick another shelf down when he heard a voice that he’d heard once or twice before. At the counter where his father was lurking he spotted a a short red-head glaring up at his father. Ginny. He watched as she stood toe to toe with his father, not letting his luminous auror intimidate her in the least.

“Why Ginny, are you sure you can afford all those? From what I hear, it’s been quite a while since Arthur’s been able to provide for your family.”

“Whatever Lucius,” Ginny snapped, never taking her eyes off him.

“It’s Mr. Malfoy to you missy.”

“As if I’d ever respect a rich a snob like you.” She smiled sweetly before turning to pay for her things.

“Why you insolent little…”

“Yes Mr. Malfoy?” Lucius quickly turned to see an angry Mrs. Weasley standing there with one hand on her hip and the other clutching her wand.

“Molly, how nice it is to see you.”

“Drop the act. Now what were you saying to my daughter?” Lucius stood there for a moment, her words ringing in his ears. My daughter…

“Oh nothing Molly. I was just…teaching her proper mannerisms. Clearly Arthur…”

“Don’t you dare speak of my husband. You’re not worthy…” Molly stopped mid-sentence and cursed under her breath.

“I see,” he said softly. “So where is your husband?”

“I don’t know.”

“Then how is he doing these days?”

“Fine, not that you care…”

“Not at all about him.”

Molly looked up curiously and met his eyes for a brief second before turning away at the sound of a smooth female voice. Molly looked up to see Narcissa strutting across the room looking very out of place in her long, black cocktail dress with a black and white fur. It’s the middle of summer and she’s wearing that?! She flung her long, bleach blonde hair aside before frowning up at her husband, who was now looking as though he’d seen a ghost.

“Lucius darling, I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Narcissa soon noticed Molly standing there and scoffed. “Honey, why are you socializing with these…these people.”

“Tell your husband to stay away from my children and then you won’t have to worry about us socializing with the likes of you.”

“Lucius sweety, can we leave now? I’m feeling a bit disgraced standing here next to a dog.”

“Now now Cissy…” Lucius started but Molly cut him off.

“Why don’t you say what you mean or are you too afraid?”

“Excuse me?” Narcissa asked, raising both of her finely waxed, thin eyebrows.

“If you wanted to call me a bitch, then why not go for it instead of trying to be slick?”

“People like me don’t use such vulgarities…”

“That’s funny coming from the slut of Slytherin.”

“Why you little…” Narcissa drew back and slapped Molly across the face, leaving a huge red mark. Molly drew her arm back but before she could make contact with Narcissa’s face, Lucius stood between them, holding Molly back.

“Lucius, let me go!” Molly screamed while waving her arms madly.

“Calm down! I’ll let you go if you promise to…” His words were cut short by Ginny who decided she could no longer stand the sight of the Malfoys.

“Get your filthy hands off my mother!” Ginny shouted. She had her wand pointed straight at Narcissa’s face. “I’d hate to mess up Cissy’s pretty little face but I will. I know just the spell to make big green boils…” Narcissa immediately shielded her face before running towards the exit. Ginny laughed as she grabbed her books and headed towards the exit, leaving Lucius and Molly alone.

“Are you…alright?” Lucius asked.

“I’m fine now go away. You should be getting home to take care of your Cissy Poo. I’m sure she’s in far worst condition than I am.” Lucius placed his hand on Molly’s shoulder but she jerked away. “Don’t touch me. Just go…please.” He hesitated for a moment until he saw Ginny raise her wand out the corner of his eye.

“I’ll be seeing you then…Molly.”

---
---

“My what a show.” Ginny stopped to the door at the sound of the younger Malfoy’s voice.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she asked, frowning at him. Draco walked from behind the book shelf and walked towards her, stopping inches in front of her.

“I was enjoying the show.” Ginny rolled her eyes and started to walk off. “It’s good to know that the Weasley’s have some backbone about them after all.”

“What?”

“I ran in to your pathetic little Ronny earlier. I was giving him hell but he actually stood up to me. I was proud of the little bastard. He…” Ginny dropped her books on the floor and pulled out her wand. “Hey…hey…what’s the big idea?” Draco asked, smirking.

“Ron is not a bastard. Wish I could say the same about you.”

“You’re a stubborn little witch aren’t you?” Draco stepped closer, but instead of Ginny lowering her wand, she aimed it higher, right at his chest.

“Come Draco, it’s time we’ve left.” Draco jumped at his father’s voice and after glaring at Ginny one last time, he followed his father out the door.

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Snape headed up the spiral staircase and into the headmaster’s office. He found Dumbledore sitting at his desk drinking a hot cup of tea.

“You wanted to see me headmaster?” Snape bowed his head as Dumbledore motioned for him to have a seat in front of his desk. Dumbledore put down his tea and let out a sigh.

“I’m sure you’ve heard about Sirius.”

“Yes, I’ve heard and I am still quite shocked. Any idea how he could have gotten out headmaster?”

“Yes…and no. I have my theories but each as unlikely as the next.”

“If you don’t mind my asking headmaster, what does Black have to do with Hogwarts?”

“Nothing. It’s just…Severus, I need you to be extra nice this term to Harry.” There was a type of finality in his tone that made Snape glare at him for several seconds before speaking up.

“Oh?”

“Severus, I know how you feel about the boy but Sirius may be after him.”

“You don’t say?”

“Severus...”

“Fine. But…I cannot promise you that I won’t kill him. If he is stupid enough to reveal himself to me, I will have my revenge. That is a promise. Anything else headmaster?”

“No that’s all.”

Snape nodded curtly before rising and exiting the room. As the stone gargoyle shifted behind him, Snape stopped and closed his eyes briefly.

--

“Severus, I’m…sorry but…”

“No…tell me you got there in time…”

“I’m sorry but she’s gone…”

--

Snape let out a deep breath before making his way down the spiral staircase and back towards the dungeons.