Always - Chapter 10 - The Potion Master's Plan

-10-

The Potion Master’s Plan

Harry awoke early, unable to sleep in for wanting to get the letter Snape asked him to write posted to George. He went down to the common room and gathered a quill, ink and parchment. He was glad it was Sunday and many of the students were sleeping in.

Dear George,

I’m sending you this letter because I have a request from Professor Snape – oh, that’s right, you don’t know yet, or I don’t think you know ... maybe you do ... but anyway, Professor Snape’s alive and he asked me to write you for him. He wants you to come to Hogsmeade to talk to you about something. I know you’re probably pretty angry with him, but the curse wasn’t directed at you and I think it’d be good if you two talked. I’ll come along if you want me to. I gotta say, he’s lots different than we thought he was. He’s a nice guy. I hope you’ll come.

Harry

Harry hoped it was a good enough letter. He always had difficulty knowing just what to put in his letters, so he tended to either be far too short or far too wordy. He folded up the letter and sealed it with wax and a stamp, then headed down to the great hall for a bit of breakfast. He’d half expected to meet Snape on the way down, but Harry figured the older man was sleeping in after his late night. He instead, saw Snape in the great hall, dining with the rest of the staff, Professor Evans at his side. He nodded to Harry as their eyes met, but at that moment, Snape was his professor and Harry was his student.

Harry downed his breakfast quickly, then made his way up to the aviary. Agamemnon hooted happily when he saw Harry, launching from his roost and landing on Harry’s shoulder.

“Hey Aggie. How are you? I’m sorry I haven’t had much work for you, but I’ve got this letter for you to take now. Hurry back if you could with a reply.”

Harry took the letter and fastened it to Agamemnon’s leg, then sent the owl off into the bright morning light.

“Morning,” said a voice beside him.

Harry turned to see Ginny standing there, her freckled cheeks glowing rosily. “Ginny, hi! I didn’t hear you.”

“Sorry to ditch you last night, Harry. I really want to ace these N.E.W.T.s. How’s Professor Snape doing?”

Harry took Ginny’s hand and led her down the aviary steps and out onto school grounds where there would be less chance of being interrupted or overheard. “He’s really sorry for all the things he’d done and he’s changed into a nicer person. I’m proud of who he has become. Professor Evans, the new Defence teacher seems to really like him. They had a good time on their date last night.”

Ginny giggled softly. “I never could really see him going on a date, but he’s really just a man, isn’t he? He was so stoic most of the time that I had a hard time seeing him as a person. Do you like his house in Cokeworth?”

Harry nodded as he conjured a blanket for them to sit on, watching the restoration of the Quiddich field. “Ron, Hermione, Professor Snape and I got it looking like new. It’ll be nice to be close to Hogwarts and be able to apparate to the Burrow when I need to. Or want to,” he added, grinning.

Ginny leaned in and kissed his mouth. “I respect your need for privacy, Harry. Being raised in the Burrow left little in terms of privacy, but what we lacked in that, we made up for in loud, boisterous assembly. What’s the house like? Is it grand or humble?”

“Definitely humble. It’s not far from where my mum and Aunt Petunia grew up. The street is pretty quiet, and some of the houses are empty or abandoned, but the buildings themselves are pretty nice. I think it would be lovely if we could start a wizarding community there. Hermione and I could start buying old properties and then we could sell them to wizarding families, new graduates from Hogwarts, muggle-born, and those who marry muggles. If we turned Spinner’s End into a new Ottery St. Catchpole or Godric’s Hollow ... it might be a neat way of revitalising the community.”

“Harry, that’s brilliant! You’ve a fortune at Gringott’s, and there’s the currency exchange in Diagon Alley, you could change Galleons into ... what currency do muggles use?”

“British Pounds.”

“You could buy the properties, renovate them and make them move-in ready for people. It’s bloody brilliant!”

Harry stared at Ginny. “Ron ... did you take polyjuice potion and pretend to be your sister to snog me?”

Ginny laughed. “I’ll lay you odds that Essence of me tastes better than Essence of Goyle. What’s Cokeworth like?”

“I just saw some of it when apparated in, but it’s an old industrial town, but I’m not sure if the factory is still operating. I think a revitalised community would breathe a lot of life into it. There’s plenty of vacant storefronts and a new wizarding community along the way between Hogwarts and London might be smart.”

“You should talk to Professor Snape about it. See what his thoughts on it are before we go buying up muggle properties to renovate them for wizards and witches. He might not like his neighbourhood invaded.”

“I’d planned on it. Though with people he knows around him, it might make him happy.”

Ginny heard a noise above her and looked up, watching a black form circling around in a lazy spiral. “That’s one huge owl!” she said, shielding her eyes with her hand.

“That’s Aggie. He’s back soon! I just sent that note not long ago.”

Ginny watched as the great black owl dove slowly towards Harry. “Who’d you pen a note to?”

“George. Professor Snape wanted me to arrange a meeting between them.”

“George?! Snape wants to see George after he cursed off George’s ear?! Is he mental?”

“Professor Snape wants to apologise for his misfired curse. I saw the event. He’d meant to hit the Death Eater who was aiming at Lupin. I feel awful. Everything he did was to protect me ... even taking over the school. He sent you to Hagrid when the Carrows wanted to have your detention.”

“I know,” Ginny said softly. “Looking back, if he hadn’t had a tight rein on those filthy toerags, many more people would have been hurt. I hope George will forgive him.”

Agamemnon alighted on Harry’s outstretched arm, patiently waiting for Harry to untie the note. He stroked the owl’s neck, then let him hop down to perch on Harry’s knee. “Let’s see what George has to say. ‘Hey Harry, didn’t expect to hear from you by owl, but good to know you’re getting on okay. So Greasy Git – ’ eh, that part’s scratched out. ‘... Professor Snape wants to meet up in Hogsmeade? I read your article in the Prophet and if you trust him, I’ll meet him. I still have your DA Galleon, so just signal me when you’re ready and we’ll meet at the Boar’s Head. Aberforth will keep things civil. Give Ginny a hug from me and a snog from you. Tell Ron he’s an idiot. Love George.’ I think we’ll keep the idiot part out ... though it did take him a long enough time to realize Hermione loved him.”

“It took you a long enough time to realize you loved me too, you know,” Ginny said with a smug look. “Looking back, I feel kind of sad for Professor Snape. Here he was, neck deep in evil people, having to pretend to be one of them, and after Dumbledore, having nobody to talk to besides Dumbledore’s portrait. He couldn’t even confide in you because of your terrible Occlumency.”

“I’ve gotten loads better with Professor Snape’s help. He just made me angry and nervous and terrified me, but I learned more about him, even though it made him stop tutoring me.”

Ginny gently scratched Agamemnon’s head. “You probably know more about Professor Snape than any other person alive, and probably more than anyone dead too. It’s kind of funny how you spent most of the time hating each other and now you’re more than friends.”

“Yeah ... I kinda have begun thinking of him like my dad. When I think on something, I kind of ask myself, ‘what would Severus think about this?’ You know, he said I should marry you. I happen to think he’s right. We should, but after school and after I get on as an auror. You could play pro Quiddich. You’re awesome, you know. Maybe Professor Slughorn could get you a tryout with the Hollyhead Harpies.”

“Maybe we could. After Sirius ... you deserve to have someone who knows your whole story as a father figure ... and Professor Snape was there ... knew both your parents ... and although he might be a bit biased, he doesn’t give you the sunshine daisies version.”

“I love you, Ginny ... you have always been there, since I first saw you on Platform nine and three quarters. It seems a lifetime ago. You understood why I broke up with you ... that I didn’t want to risk putting you in danger.”

“I know, Harry.” She leaned against him, snaking her arm around his back.

“It seems, Mister Potter, you have taken my advice and stolen some time away with Miss Weasley.”

Harry looked up and saw Snape bending over him, a smile of sorts on his face. “It was good advice, Professor Snape, sir.”

“Indeed.” He looked out to the Quiddich field. “It looks as if the arena will be ready for Quiddich come next term. I’m hoping the matches will be much more tame than the last several matches ... and hopefully my cloak won’t catch fire again.”

Harry just smiled. “Well, you weren’t blinking at all, professor, and Hermione didn’t know the difference between a hex and a counter hex from that far across the field ... and of course Quirrell’s lips weren’t moving at all. But in the end, you did save me from falling, and that’s what mattered.”

“Might I sit with you?” Snape asked.

“Certainly,” Ginny replied. “Would you like me to go, Professor Snape?”

“No, it’s not necessary. You are an important part of Harry’s life, and therefore, you’re an important part of my life, Ginny ... if I might call you that.”

Ginny smiled at him. “Of course. Might I call you Severus when we’re apart from the school?”

Snape conjured a blanket and sat opposite them. “I’d be delighted if you would.”

Harry was happy beyond words. He finally had a family who wanted him. “Severus, I’d had an idea and wanted to know what you thought about it before I proceeded to make plans. If you think it’s a bad idea, I won’t do it.”

Snape raised a brow. “Now I am thoroughly intrigued. What is this idea of which you speak, Harry?”

“Well, I know Spinner’s End is a bit run down and some of the houses are abandoned and in disrepair, so I was wondering what you’d think about my buying them up with Muggle money and then selling them to wizarding families. There’s not so many Muggles about that they’d know what was up, and Muggle-born and half-blood families wouldn’t be out of place there. But I know you’ve valued your solitude and didn’t know if you’d feel happy about people moving into the area.”

“Harry, I think that’s a splendid idea. Not only would it give a safe community for wizards, it would help the Muggles in the area to have their shops be more busy, and the money invested into the community would bring it up. You make me proud.”

Snape looked at the young couple, sighing softly. “Your mother and I would sit out here sometimes, quizzing each other on our O.W.L.s, and then our N.E.W.T.s. I’m glad you learned the truth, Harry. I’m not proud of what I did, but I’ve learned from everything. Your mother willingly stood against Voldemort, knowing she would die and did so to protect you. Her sacrifice for you gave me the courage to do the same.”

“I ... I shared your memories with Ginny, so she’d understand what you did for me.”

“I would expect no less from you. You’re an honest person, Harry.” Snape gave one of his rare half-smiles. “Did you send the letter to George?”

“Oh! Yes, and got back a reply. He’s willing to meet you in Hogsmeade. I just need to send him a notice by our enchanted Galleons and he’ll come.”

“Enchanted Galleons?”

Harry looked sheepish. “We invented them – Hermione did, that is – when that awful hag took control of the school.”

“Ah ... Delores Jane Umbridge ... even I disdained her toadiness.”

Harry suddenly looked ill. “Harry, what’s wrong?”

“If I’d tried harder with Severus, I would have been able to block out Voldemort and he wouldn’t have put that false image in my head, and I wouldn’t have gotten us into trouble at the ministry ... and Sirius wouldn’t have been killed.”

Snape reached out and put a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “It wasn’t your fault, Harry. I don’t even think Dumbledore would have been able to make much headway at that time. Your very goodness is what made it so difficult. Would you two care to accompany me into Hogsmeade? I’d like to speak with George as soon as possible.”

“Of course.”

“Sure. Maybe we could get Ron too. I’m sure he’d like to see George, if that’s okay?”

“Gather Hermione and we’ll make it a quintet. Would you do that for me, Ginny? I’d like a little time alone with Harry.”

Ginny nodded, smiling at Snape. “I’ll go see if I can find those two and we’ll meet you back at the gate to Hogsmeade.”

Snape waited until Ginny was out of sight before speaking to Harry. “Do you remember asking if I’d teach you broomless flight?”

“Yes. You didn’t want to teach me because the one you learned is a dark arts version, opposed to the one the Order used. I understand you not wanting to, Severus.”

“I tried to find documentation on the Order’s version, but I was unsuccessful. With this unknown threat, I think I should teach you what I know. Disapparating, as you well know, is not without its dangers particularly when you’re in combat. Ron found himself splinched once, I believe. It’s most effective as a non-verbal spell, as you saw when I fled the castle. The incantation is effugius furvosa fumium. The typical spell is cast with a left sideways motion of your wand, since you’re right handed. Once you become skilled enough, you won’t need to flourish but carry your wand with you.”

Harry drew out his wand and repeated the incantation several times. “Well, here goes.”

Speaking the words clearly and using the wand gesture, Harry attempted the spell. He turned cloudy, but neither took flight nor turned smoke-like. “Ugh ....”

“Not bad, Harry. It took me the better part of a week to learn it. The counter spell is fumium nox. Once you master the flight spell, you’ll be able to solidify with merely touching the ground.”

“Fumium nox!” Harry’s form shimmered and became solid once more. “Well, that at least is easier.”

“Try again. Think of flying, of soaring above the ground.”

“All right.” Harry once again chanted the incantation, achieving a much darker plume of smoke and hovering above the ground for a few seconds before touching down.

“Much better, Harry ... I just wish I knew the other incantation ... what could it be ... what could it ... no ... it couldn’t be that simple, could it?”

Harry gazed at Snape. “What couldn’t be that simple?”

“Albus ... Albus is Latin for white, and most of our spells derive from Latin. Harry ... try the spell again, but use albusa instead of furvosa.”

Harry nodded. “Effugius albusa fumium!” Harry turned into a white plume of smoke and shot off the ground as readily as if he were aboard his Firebolt. He soared around the Quiddich field, flying through the recently repaired goal posts, then back to where Snape stood, applauding him. “That was amazing!”

“Well done, Harry. Well done! I should have known the word would have been albusa.”

Within moments, Ginny, Ron and Hermione came barreling over the hillock, eyes wide. “Harry! Did you see that white plume?” Ron asked breathlessly.

“No, I didn’t see it.”

“It landed nearby ... do you think it might be Royal?”

Hermione’s eyes were scanning the horizon for signs of anyone who had been a part of the Order of the Phoenix.

Snape kept a straight, deadpan face. “Since my name was cleared, I highly doubt there would be cause for Minister Shacklebolt to pay an unannounced visit to Hogwarts.

“We know we’re not crazy,” Ginny said flatly.

Harry grinned. “I didn’t see the plume ... because I was the plume.”

Ron’s mouth dropped wide. “You’re joking ... wait ... you’re serious?”

“No, I’m Harry. My godfather was Sirius.”

“Oh bloody hell, Harry ....” Ron groaned, slapping his hand over his face.

Snape’s mouth twitched. “Technically, Harry is correct. You don’t really see your smoke plume when you’re using it to fly. I had Harry try the dark arts version and while he did exceptionally well, he excelled in the defensive version. I believe you four should be able to manage the incantation as well as Harry did, if you care to try.”

The trio clamored around Snape, repeating the incantation and wand gestures until the were sure they’d gotten it right. One by one, they tried the spell. Ron turned vaporous, but not enough to take to the sky on his first time. Hermione took four attempts before she was able to turn into a silvery white plume and Ginny got it on her first attempt. Once all four were solid again, Snape turned towards the road to Hogsmeade. “I’ll work with you more to be sure you can sustain your smoke plume form for extended periods, but for now, I think it’s a pleasant enough day for a stroll to Hogsmeade.

They made their way to the road without anyone causing trouble, but it wasn’t long before they heard a wheezing pant behind them.

“Students aren’t allowed into Hogsmeade without permission,” growled Filch, Mrs. Norris’ huge gold eyes glaring menacingly at the four students.

“Filch ... you clearly know who I am, do you not?”

“Of course, professor, but what’s that got to do with—”

Snape glared icily at the caretaker. “They have my permission to accompany me into Hogsmeade. In fact, had these students not found the horcruxes that Voldemort had created, and destroyed them, there most likely would be no Hogwarts, and no need for a caretaker, and certainly no room for a squib in the Dark Lord’s army ...,” Filch paled visibly when Snape mentioned the word “squib.” Snape continued in his most reproachful voice, “furthermore, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger are free to come and go as they see fit. Miss Weasley is here with my permission as well. Is that clear, Mr. Filch?”

“Yes, professor.” It was clear that the old caretaker was still cowed by Snape’s clear authority.

“Good. I trust we shan’t have this conversation again.”

“No, sir.”

As Filch trotted off, Snape led them out of the gates and down the lane. “I never really much cared for the man. He enjoys his job far too much, trying to get students into trouble, just because he’s a squib.” Snape looked up at the sky, marveling at how blue and clear it was. “I hope Hogsmeade is returned to normal. I hated what the Death Eaters did to the place.”

Harry looked from Snape to Ginny, Hermione and Ron, then back to Snape. Snape turned his head towards Harry. “What is it? Do I have a bit of dirt on my nose, just there?” he asked, pointing to his right cheek. Ron turned red and Hermione laughed.

“No,” Harry said with a chuckle, remembering Ron and his first encounter with Hermione on the Hogwarts Express. “I just never thought I’d see you anywhere outside of the castle ... and well, Grimmauld Place, back when the Order was using the place as a hideout.”

Snape turned back to face the road, but Harry could sense that something was troubling the older man. “Severus? What’s wrong?”

“You remember when I broke in to Grimmauld Place and was in Sirius’ room after I’d ... honoured Dumbledore’s request?”

“Before Mad-Eye put up the hexes and curses to keep you out?”

“Yes.”

“I know why you were there,” Harry said softly. “I saw it in your memories. You were alone then, with Dumbledore gone, and everyone was thinking you had betrayed us ... and you just wanted a fragment of the life you’d had before, when you were my mum’s best friend. You took a piece of the letter with Mum’s signature on it. It must have been horrible for you, nobody to turn to and nobody you could trust, and we all were hating you so much because we didn’t know Dumbledore’s plan.”

Hermione and Ron were both quiet.

Ginny, ever strong and bold, slid her fingers around Snape’s hand and smiled at him. “People change. Other people hide who they truly are. Heroes are revealed to be cowards. Liars are revealed to be secret-keepers. Celebrities are revealed to be charlatans, and enemies are revealed to be true and loyal friends. Eighteen years is a long time to keep beating yourself up over a boy’s mistake. You weren’t much older than Harry when you believed Tom’s lies.”

“I—” Snape started.

“Tom promised to bring back my parents if I joined him,” Harry interjected. “He spins falsehoods so smoothly it’s sometimes hard to believe how much of a liar he’s always been. He even lied to Dumbledore, but Dumbledore knew, and that’s why Tom was so afraid of him.”

Snape’s expression was impassive, but his eyes were misty. “I once told you that life wasn’t fair, Harry. And truthfully, it’s not in most circumstances, but I think the fates have finally decided my dues have been paid in full. I haven’t known happiness in these twenty long years, but now I can honestly say I feel blessed.”

“I’m glad for that, Professor Snape,” Harry said as they made their way into Hogsmeade. The village wasn’t as busy on a Sunday morning, but people who were out and about were surprised to see Snape in town. Snape held his head high, walking without pause towards the Hog’s Head Inn.

“Thank you, Mr. Snape, sir,” came a timid voice beside him.

Snape stopped and saw a young boy, perhaps eight years old. “Thank me? For what, child?”

He paused for a moment, hesitant to say more. Snape squatted and met him at eye level. The boy’s light brown eyes met Snape’s own black ones. “My father said if it weren’t for you being a spy against the Dark Lord, we all might have been done in. My mum’s a muggle-born and so’s my dad. He said you were a hero.”

Snape’s expression softened. “No more a hero than any who stood against Voldemort. You’ll be coming to Hogwarts in a few years, won’t you?”

“Aye,” said the boy. “I can’t wait. I want to go now, but I’m too young.”

There was a look of satisfaction on Snape’s face now. “It may seem a long time, but rest assured, I’ll be your potions master when you arrive. Be sure to study up before you arrive. I’m known to be rather strict.”

He gave the boy a wink and the child gave him a smile in return. “I’ll be good in potions, sir. I promise!”

The boy trotted off as Snape stood, then looked at the gathered youths. “What?”

“You’re better with children than you’ve ever let on,” Ginny giggled.

“Don’t let them know that.”

As they began to step in the door to the Hog’s Head, Snape was met with a howl of rage as Aberforth charged him. Snape quickly responded with a spell and a flick of his wand, rendering the older man immobile.

“You murdered my brother!” he spat.

“No, Aberforth ... Severus spared him an agonizing death from a horrible curse,” exclaimed Harry.

Snape moved forward, offering his hand to Aberforth. “I regret your brother’s death as much as any, Aberforth, but I only did it at his insistence. If he’d only waited ... not tried to put the ring on ... but I know why he did, because of what the ring contained ....”

“The resurrection stone,” Hermione uttered softly.

“He wanted to see your parents and sister so badly that it clouded his judgment for only a moment, but by then, it was too late. I couldn’t save him, Aberforth. I’m truly sorry.”

Aberforth glared at Snape a moment, then took his hand. “If Harry believes in you, then who am I to judge? I s’pose you’re here to see the Weasley? He came in a few before you lot.”

Snape nodded. “Yes. Thank you.”

George spotted them and stood, his ginger hair covering the missing ear that Snape had accidentally blasted off in the flight from London. It seemed like so long ago, Snape mused, but he was sure the young man was still in pain for that and the loss of his twin.

George smiled and waived. “Hey ya, Harry. Good to see you.”

“Thanks for coming, George.”

“Yes, thank you for coming,” Snape said softly. As he moved nearer, he met the younger man’s gaze levelly. “First of all, I want you to know how deeply sorry I am for Fred. I would have gone in his stead, had I been able. I never wished any of this to happen.”

George was staring at Snape with the most peculiar expression. “It was an accident ... bad luck, wrong place at the wrong time.”

“I still feel guilt for the losses, George. A reckless moment in my youth led to much of this death and destruction.”

George shook his head. “It was Voldemort. He’d already split his soul. Nothing would have prevented his return. But he’s dead now, so their sacrifice wasn’t in vain.”

“I also wanted to apologize for cursing off your ear.”

“Dad told me what you said to him at Hogwarts when he was there for the inquiry. You saved Lupin’s life at the cost of my ear. I think it was a fair enough trade.”

George indicated a seat. “D’you want to have a seat?”

Snape nodded, then proceeded to sit.

FTHAAATTTTHHHHHPPPPPPPPPPP!

Harry’s face was the first to crack, snickering. Ron soon began giggling, with Hermione desperately trying to keep a straight face.

“Real mature, George,” Ginny sighed, rolling her eyes.

Snape sat with his hands folded in his lap. “That, Mr. Weasley, is the first time anyone has ever dared prank me. I daresay I have earned it,” he said with a smirk on his lips. “Now, whoopee cushions aside, I have a proposition for you.”

George’s brows raised in interest. “A proposition?”

“I would like to give you enough Galleons to buy Zonko’s. I know you had thought about purchasing the shop before, but were unable to given the recent circumstances.”

George’s mouth dropped open. “Zonko’s? You want to give me money to buy Zonko’s?”

“Yes. Anything that will make Argus Filch’s life more exciting will satisfy me greatly. I will also ask for you to bring me items from Diagon Alley on occasion, things which can only be found there. Does this sound like an agreeable proposition?”

“Why, Snape?”

“The world has enough misery in it. You bring some humour, some fun, some devil-may-care to it. It’s something the likes of which we need. Your Umbridge rebellion was welcomed, even among the staff.”

“That’s it? Just bring you things from Diagon Alley?”

“That’s it,” replied Snape. “I do not expect repayment. I do not expect a portion of the profits. I simply want you to have the store that you and your brother wished to have.”

George ran his fingers through his hair. “You really have changed, haven’t you?”

“Being near death has a way of changing one’s perspective on living.” Snape called Aberforth over and the older man drew up a chair, sitting beside them. “There is another matter as to which I need to bring to your attention. There are remnants of the ... of Voldemort’s followers who are unhappy that I betrayed their master and are even more unhappy that I live. I have been contacted by, for lack of a better term, a double agent within, much as I was with the Death Eaters. He has told me that some of them, werewolves amongst them, are headed north towards Hogwarts. I consulted with Dumbledore’s portrait and he says this man was trustworthy when he attended Hogwarts and his house elf passed my query, owning him to not be a purist on blood, so I have accepted his warnings at face value. If they plan on targeting me, then they will be keen to hurt anyone who is close to me. I’m not terribly worried because you have fought the most dangerous dark wizard in history.

“However, two of my old ... friends ... from Hogwarts are headed this way. Mulciber and Avery are both calculating, shrewd and above all, cruel. They take extreme pleasure in torture, much like how Bellatrix did. Hermione, you would be the prime pick for them to attack as you are Muggle-born. That is their weakness. Some of the most powerful wizards and witches have been Muggle-born. Mulciber is very skilled in using the Imperius curse. Harry, you are quite effective at shrugging off the effects of that and should Mulciber present the opportunity, as loathe as I am to admit it, you are in prime position to be a spy. You have skills that none other possess and I do not worry for you as I once did. You are undeniably strong and with your new grasp on Occlumency and Legilimency, I do not doubt you will be quite effective as one.”

Snape turned to George. “You are also in a good position for spying, George, and for misleading propaganda. You could put out false flyers and use that mischief concocting brain of yours to find a way of marking those who would be enemies. Hermione made those galleons, so perhaps she could figure out a charm to make an aura or something similar show red for enemies.”

George grinned wickedly at the thought of duping ex-Death Eaters. “I think I know just the thing. It’s similar to the Canary Creams, but it makes an object vibrate when someone you don’t like comes close. We could use a sleeping draft spray on them, then force a Go-Away-Nougat down their maws.”

Snape grinned. “Excellent. Perhaps you can deliver some other of your lovely sweets to them as well. Now, Aberforth,” Snape said solemnly, “I won’t expect you to fight a battle that isn’t yours.”

“If Death Eaters come into my pub, then the battle is mine. Albus trusted you. Potter trusts you. I didn’t believe in Potter, that he could defeat Voldemort, but I was wrong, wasn’t I? The more of those bloody bastards we get tossed in Azkaban, the better, I say.”

“We’re with you, Severus,” Ginny said, grasping both his and Harry’s hands.

“Some time soon, I’ll be meeting with Asphodelus to forge plans to take out this group of rabble-rousers. When the time comes, we’ll all be there to meet him. Before that happens, I need to sharpen my dueling skills. I’m healed, but my reflexes aren’t as quick as they’ll need to be. You are all capable duelists and I need you to be relentless in training me back to my true form. I will be working with all of you on the broomless flight spell, especially you, Hermione, since you’re not fond of flying.”

Hermione nodded. “I understand, Severus.”

“I’ll let Dad know too,” said George. “The more Death Eaters we round up, the better we’ll all be.”

“George, make the plans for purchasing Zonko’s, and then let me know the agreed upon price.”

George shook his head. “Thank you, professor, but thanks to Harry, Fred and I had plenty of money to buy Zonko’s. What I’d like, rather, is to help my parents. They’re proud folk, but if money came to them from an anonymous source, one that I could truthfully claim wasn’t from me, they’d be more apt to use it to better their lives.”

Snape nodded. “I understand. Your parents are good people, and I would be happy to help them. Consider it done. And you may call me Severus or Snape, if you prefer. I’m no longer your professor, George.”

“Severus,” George repeated, getting used to saying the name. “You’ve been Snape for so long – except to your face, of course.”

Snape’s brow arched. “I know. But now I can be at liberty to pursue more leisurely activities that don’t include snakes and Dark Lords.”

They all chuckled save for Snape, who instead, gave a soft smile. “That aside, I want to thank you all for forgiving me and welcoming me into a family the likes of which I might never known.”

“If it weren’t for you, Severus, none of us would be here.” Harry gazed across the table at the man.

“If it weren’t for me—” Snape caught himself. It was no good dwelling on past events nor by showing himself to be weak. “—and you, all of you. Everyone here contributed to the final battle.” Snape turned to George. “I’ll go into London next week and get the galleons and see that they’re delivered to your parents.”

George offered his hand to Snape, who immediately checked George’s hand for a joy buzzer. George laughed. “You learn fast. It’s nice to know though after all these years what a good man you really are. Mum and Dad won’t know what to do with a windfall, but I think they deserve something nice.”

Snape turned to Hermione. “Hermione, could you make up a new version of those galleons? I think it would behoove us to have means of instant communication should the need arise.”

“Of course. It won’t take me terribly long to enchant them. We’ll be Severus Snape’s Army.”

Snape looked genuinely shocked. “I’m not worth that kind of honour, Hermione.”

“I think that’s brilliant, Hermione,” Harry said with a sense of finality. “Severus Snape’s Army.”

Snape’s face returned to its normal impassiveness, but they all knew he was moved by their acceptance of him. “I feel better in knowing you all know of this possible threat. I know it won’t be like what you faced with Voldemort, but with werewolves involved, it’s still a present danger. At least they won’t be able to penetrate the grounds with the wards in place.”

Aberforth spoke up. “You should let McGonagall know of this as well.”

“I don’t think I should say anything until I meet this Gruenwald face to face. No sense in fretting her so soon after the Battle of Hogwarts with unsubstantiated rumours. She’s a strong woman, to be sure, but she was venerable when I first started Hogwarts and that was some time ago.”

“Right ... How far do you want this knowledge to go, Severus? I know some of the old DA would be happy to fight with us should the need arise.” Harry knew his friends would back him up.

Snape was silent for a moment. “I think I’ll have a better idea of what needs to be done after I meet with Gruenwald. With George watching out in London and Aberforth watching out here, Wixy will take care of protecting the Cokeworth house, so once I have a better idea of how potent the threat may be, I’ll lay down plans. I don’t have the skill at such mechanisms that Dumbledore had, but I can confer with his portrait.”

Ginny reached across the table, placing one hand over Harry’s and the other over Snape's. “We’re with you, Severus.”

Snape nodded, a brief smile across his lips. “Thank you. Thank you all.” Snape turned to Aberforth. “You’re a good observer, Aberforth, and I would greatly appreciate your assistance in routing out any suspicious activity here.”

Aberforth nodded. “Arianna will send word if there’s anything hinky to report. She can get word to Albus because, though it’s not easily seen, both of us are in the portrait there. Albus is behind those bushes there ... he left before it was done, but he can come here when Arianna fetches him.”

“Good, good.” He looked at the clock on the wall. “I should head back to the castle and send a message to Gruenwald and set up a time and place to meet.”

“That shan’t be necessary, good sir.”

A man who had been sitting in the corner of the common room had made himself known. He was a wiry man with a distinct air of authority about him. His face was grizzled, his hair shocking white. Brilliant blue eyes were alight with intellect and there was a warmth about them that made those gathered immediately think of Albus Dumbledore.

He was dressed in immaculate clothes of purple velvet and silk, reminding Hermione of the Regency era. His face was scarred, much as Lupin’s had been. “Forgive me, but I found myself free of time and Mimsy let me know you were here, didn’t you?”

“I lets you know, master. I knows you’d be pleased with Mimsy.”

Hermione looked at the house elf and nearly giggled.

“Do forgive my manners. Mimsy is more an old friend than a servant. She’s been with me for many years and watches diligently over me during my fits.”

Snape rose to his feet, meeting the older man with a hand outstretched. “A pleasure to meet you, Gruenwald.”

He raised an eyebrow, smiling. “Smart man, using Legilimency to discern my intent. You are as good as they fear. Even better, if I might add. I’ve no love of Greyback’s pack or what’s left of Voldemort’s forces. Rotters and scallywags, the lot of them. Save those truly under the Imperius Curse, that is. Poor Shunpike. That lad was as much of a Death Eater as my left shoe.”

Harry looked at the older man and smiled to himself. He liked this chap.

“I am Asphodelus Gruenwald, and you,” he said, his blue eyes lighting on Harry, “must be the magical Mr. Potter. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, sir.”

“I’m just Harry, Mr. Gruenwald.”

“Modest too ... just like Fleamont.”

“Fleamont? Who, sir, is Fleamont?”

Asphodelus blinked at the boy for a moment. “Dear boy, Fleamont was your grandfather. He was in school when I attended Hogwarts. Quite a remarkable man and not at all the haughty kind of pureblood wizard.”

“You knew my grandfather? And his name was ... Fleamont?”

The older man chuckled. “Yes, it was. And I’ll tell you why his name was Fleamont. Fleamont was born into the wealthy pure-blooded family, to Henry Potter, who was, himself, a prominent Wizengamot member. Fleamont was named after his paternal grandmother's maiden name, as it was her dying wish that he perpetuate her maiden name, which would otherwise die out. Naturally, with a name like Fleamont, your grandfather was an amazing duelist.”

Asphodelus turned his piercing gaze to Hermione. “And you must be the muggle-born witch that everyone is calling the brightest of her age.”

“Hermione Granger, Mr. Gruenwald.”

“Of course you are. Quite a fetching girl you are too. I do hope you’re not still on about trying to trick house elves into accepting clothing. It’s a terrible insult to them, you know.”

Hermione blushed. “I’ve been educated on house elf customs and traditions much more thoroughly now,” she said.

“And you ... I daresay, must be Arthur’s girl, Ginevra, is it?”

“You know my father?”

“Arthur had just started at the Ministry when I was ... afflicted. I was sufficiently wealthy enough to retire with none the wiser from a familial inheritance, so I left shortly after. He was a genuinely good man, even then. I’m sure he’s just the same as always, curious about muggles and their inventions?”

Ginny nodded. “Very much so.”

“And you are, without a doubt, Arthur’s boys. George and Ronald? So sorry to hear about your brother. There were many good people lost that day, and some very terrible people as well.” Asphodelus turned to face Aberforth. “And you, of course, are the goat charmer, Aberforth Dumbledore. Lovely creatures, goats are. And sheep. My own patronus is a sheep, which I find amusing ... you could call me a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

Snape watched the interaction between the newcomer and his friends, discerning no hidden agenda from him. Everything within him told him the man was trustworthy, as trustworthy as Albus Dumbledore or Arthur Weasley or Harry ... or Lily. “Perhaps you’re a sheep in wolf’s clothing.”

Asphodelus looked at Snape, nodding. “Yes, that does make more sense, doesn’t it?”

Snape looked at the youths. “You should be off enjoying your day together.”

“Not until we know more about what’s going on, and since Mr. Gruenwald is here, we’ll listen to him.”

Snape once again was amazed at the loyalty Harry and his friends showed to him. “Perhaps we should apparate to my home. I know you run a tight establishment here, Aberforth, but I don’t want any risk of being overheard.”

Aberforth tapped his wand on the table and spoke a spell that Snape had never heard before. “Variant of your muffilato spell. It silences our words and blurs our mouths so nobody who’s not sitting here is able to read our lips or hear our conversation. Devised it after that bit with Albus and Trelawney. No offense, Snape. One eavesdropping was enough for me.”

“And one too many for me,” Snape said softly. He looked over to Harry, but Harry’s lips were drawn up in a sympathetic smile.

“You are fiercely loyal to your guardian, Harry. Good. We will need such strength.” They all returned to their seats and leaned in to listen to Asphodelus. “Their numbers are a little more numerous than I expected. Some of the werewolves have gone to ground, no longer believing themselves to be in danger from the Ministry since Shacklebolt took the post. Most of their new members are green and don’t barely know the business end of a wand. Some are keen on avenging friends or family but most just want the notoriety of being big bads. As I mentioned to you before, Mulciber and Avery are most keen in finding you.”

“Avery has always been completely inept and relied highly on Mulciber and I to back him up. Not to be immodest, I was the readiest spellcaster of the three. My concern is with Mulciber. He takes a certain sadistic pleasure in the Imperius curse, and he was exceedingly adept at it.”

Hermione raised her hand, but not overzealously as she had done when she was a schoolgirl. Snape felt shame as he gazed at her. “You may speak your mind, Hermione. We are equals here.”

“I was thinking that I could devise a self-casting charm that would cast muffilato on the wearer if the Imperius curse was cast on them. The buzzing in the hears would prevent us from hearing the spell.”

Snape shook his head. “Unfortunately, that wouldn’t work. Mulciber uses nonverbal spells when he casts. I need to teach you all Occlumency. Harry proved quite adept at resisting the Imperius curse, a trait I attribute to his keen sense of right and wrong. You all have proven your heart and souls, fighting for what is right. I will need to work diligently with each of you until you can shrug off the curse with absurd ease.

“As for the Cruciatus curse, Avery and Mulciber are both bullies, and they back down. Hermione knows how that curse feels. Both will get flustered if you start pulling airs or questioning their blood status. They don’t know what to do when people stand up to them. They were to Lucius what Crabbe and Goyle were to Draco.”

“It’s good to know,” said Hermione. “With my parents both being Muggles, they’d try their best to intimidate me, but I don’t intimidate easily.”

“No, you do not,” Snape replied.

“Have any photos of those fools, Snape?” asked Aberforth. “It’d help knowing what those two look like.”

Snape shook his head. “After Lily broke off our friendship, I refused to let myself be photographed. I could approach Lucius and ask to borrow some of his photos.”

“Do you think that’s wise? I mean, Malfoy has always been so pro-Voldemort and pro-Death Eater that I don’t know if I’d trust him.”

Snape shook his head. “I don’t know, but I’d heard that the Malfoys had left the battle during the cease-fire. Lucius had blood purity drummed into his head all of his life, but I think he realized that after failing to get the prophecy at the Ministry and when Voldemort took his wand, that Voldemort couldn’t care less for his loyalty and personal risk when he ordered Draco on what he knew would be a suicide mission.

“I think Lucius might be a bit more receptive to aiding us with routing out Mulciber and Avery, and perhaps providing names of anyone who might join up with the remnants. Draco sought me out to apologise to me for what happened. Lucius might be as welcoming. I doubt it, but I am willing to try.”

Asphodelus mused thoughtfully. “He’s definitely not a part of the regrouping. Chatter is that he’s not receiving visitors in the slightest. I think he’s trying to distance himself from that chapter of his life. It’s a defining moment when your glorious leader sends your child off to die because you made a mistake in his eyes.”

“Then I think I should go pay a visit to the Malfoys. I’m sure Lucius knows that I survived by now. Gruenwald, if you can get a list of the regrouped members to Aberforth, he’ll see that it gets to me in timely fashion after making a copy for himself. I’m going to pay a visit to Lucius and see if we can get some help there.”

Harry gazed at Snape. “I think I should come with. Just in case.”

Snape was about to disagree, but decided that Harry’s presence might be good after all. “Yes, of course. All right. Harry and I will go to Malfoy Manor. Hermione, you, Ron and Ginny should practise your broomless flight. George, you do the things which you do best.”

George grinned wickedly. “I’ll make those blokes wish they’d never signed up.”

“Excellent. Gruenwald, I’ll be in touch with you again after I’ve spoken with Malfoy.”

“Good, good. Just send a house elf with a missive for me and I’ll respond as soon as I’m able.”

“We might visit Hagrid,” offered Ron. “He could let Firenze know about the werewolves headed this way. I’m sure they know which belong here and what ones don’t.”

“Yes, keeping Hagrid in the loop might be advantageous as well. I’m afraid though that I simply have to pass this information on to Minerva and the rest of the staff. They need to be aware of what’s going on as it relates to the security of the school.”

“I agree,” Hermione added. “The more who know what’s going on, the better our chances are of spotting suspicious activity. I think I’ll head to Hagrid’s and let him know what’s going on.”

“I’ll go with you,” said Ron protectively. “Ginny, where are you going?”

“I’ll head back to the castle to study and then maybe take some practice at flying without a broom. Severus and Harry don’t need me tagging along.”

“Right then. I’ll be off and will send Mimsy along when I have a detailed list of who’s supporting Paleeyes.”

“Gruenwald,” Snape said, rising and holding out his hand. “You have our thanks.”

“You have mine, Severus. Not many would wish to walk among us for fear of being bitten, but for thirteen nights of the year, we are our normal selves. I was deeply saddened to hear of Remus Lupin’s death. He was quite a delightful young man.”

“Many people made great sacrifices to fight against darkness. I only wish I could have done more.”

“That’s one regret I think we all have, no matter how much we contribute,” said the older man. “I need to be off, but know you have some kindly allies in the Dark Forest. Farewell.”

Gruenwald disapparated with a pop, leaving the others alone.

“Harry and I’ll apparate to Malfoy Manor now, and bring word to you after supper. Be safe heading back.”

“They can use Arianna’s portrait,” Aberforth offered. “Quickest way there.”

“You two be careful,” Ginny demanded as she and the others stood to head to the portrait. “I want both of you back in one piece and we all know what kind of man Malfoy is.”

Snape nodded, then held his arm out to Harry and they disapparated.

“Desperate times when we’re asking Malfoy for help,” Ron grumbled as he stepped into the opening behind Arianna’s portrait.

“Let’s hope Malfoy is a little more appreciative now that Harry’s saved his son twice.”