Chapter Nine

"And you were safe until the other night," Severus remarked.

Hermione agreed. "True, Bellatrix got a little too clever, didn't she?"

Severus snorted. "She managed to trace part of my apparition trail to London, and she tried to convince the Dark Lord that I was betraying him. Luckily for us, she never had any viable evidence, and Lucius was able to show him my 'innocence'."

The Headmaster perked up at that. "You never did tell me how you and Lucius were able to convince Tom that Bellatrix was wrong when it came to you."

"Polyjuice, Albus. We took a leaf out of your book, and Lucius happened to have access to some hair from Bella--one good thing about being her brother-in-law. All we needed was a willing whore, more money than she made in a month, and a quick Memory Charm. The Dark Lord used Legilimency on Lucius, and he showed memories of Bella trying to seduce him more than once. She was punished for attempting to break her vow of loyalty to her master. Bella may be married, but it is in name only."

Severus grimaced at the thought of the only female Death Eater and her position with the Dark Lord, then continued, "I was given leave to come back to Hogwarts, as any suspicion was neatly shunted away from me. Unfortunately, Greyback finally had an intelligent idea and used the last bit of Hermione's blood in their possession to cast a dark tracking spell. He was able to locate her general area. I knew that Greyback couldn't find the Vale, but, with his affinity for ancient magic, the Dark Lord could possibly have, and that is why we decided to risk coming to Hogwarts. There is something very odd about his magic. I don't think he realises it, but for as long as I have known him, I can feel a strangeness, an oldness, to him."

Albus stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Is it possible that he is a reincarnation?"

"I suppose it is possible, but I don't think so. It is more likely he is possessed. I was reading some of the manuscripts that have been collected at the Vale, especially those which reference the weapon we have located. Hermione and I both agree that what the Dark Lord has become is very similar to an entity that terrorised Britain at one point in the distant past, but was thought to be eradicated. We have theorised that when Tom was using the ancient spells to create an immortal body for himself, he conjured or summoned what was left of this entity when it was destroyed. Evil never completely goes away, hence the rise and fall of more than one Dark Lord."

Arthur spoke up at this news. "You aren't speaking of that old bedtime story concerning the Black Witch that King Arthur destroyed?"

Severus glanced warily at the man. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, I know most people don't believe in those legends. The few that do are generally crackpots." He glanced towards Luna and her father. "We all know that Merlin was real, he is where our magic comes from, but he never spoke or wrote of a King Arthur or Black Witch, just that he granted the use of magic to his lover, Nimue, and she tried to kill him. That is why she was banished from this world."

The Headmaster looked between Severus and Arthur. Before either could continue their conversation, he mused, "Just because it isn't in the commonly known records doesn't mean it isn't true."

Arthur laughed. "Albus, you know as well as I that King Arthur was something the Muggles created to explain away the traces of Merlin that were never hidden."

Severus interjected, "Arthur, I beg to differ with you. There are those who know a truth that most of the Magical World is not privy too. Some secrets can be kept."

"So you are telling me that King Arthur was real?"

Several members of the Order laughed. "Old wives' tales, Severus. Those are nothing but old wives' tales told to entertain children on rainy or cold nights," Molly added.

Minerva gazed shrewdly at Severus. "You know something that the rest of us aren't aware of. Something that has to do with this Vale, and Hermione and Luna."

Severus nodded sharply. "Yes. And to set the record straight, Merlin didn't originate magic. He was just one of the last standing after the fall of Arthur, and he took advantage of that fact." There was a murmur amongst the group which was shushed by Minerva, who told Severus to finish his thought. "Oh, Merlin was magical, but he never had children. He was kin to Nimue, not her lover or her teacher. Some of his actions led to the dispersal of magic into the mundane world and he played around with magic that released the Black Witch into Britain, but he didn't directly participate in the propagation of magic into the world."

A new voice sounded from the doorway of the Headmaster's Office. "Are you telling us you know the truth then, Snape? You know where magic came from and only you can save us all?"

The group looked around to find Mad-Eye Moody and Nymphadora Tonks in the doorway. They had just gotten off Auror duty and had joined the meeting as quickly as they could. "Sounds like quite the tale you have to tell." Moody sneered at the man he would always dislike.

Tonks wasn't as rude. "Sounds like we're just in time to hear a lovely story. Don't mind us; I like bedtime stories!" She grinned unrepentantly and conjured a seat next to Remus. "Wotcher, Remus, Weasleys. Hello, Headmaster. Sorry we're late; there was a crazy attack on someone at the Ministry today. The person got away and the Death Eaters just disappeared. We figure it was a test on how fast the Auror Office responds since no one knew who the victim was."

As they responded to her greeting, and before Albus could question Tonks further, Mad-Eye suddenly realised that there was another in the room. "What's this, Albus? Who have you brought here?"

Albus smiled broadly. "Alastor, Nymphadora, you remember Hermione, I'm sure. Isn't it wonderful to have her restored to us after thinking she was lost all this time!"

Mad-Eye immediately went on the offensive. "Hermione Granger is dead. This is an imposter. Has anyone given her Veritaserum? You, girl! Who sent you? How did you find out about the Order?"

"Calm yourself, Alastor. This is indeed Hermione Granger, well, Hermione Snape now. It seems our esteemed Potions master has been caught in love's snare." Albus chortled in glee as he revealed this information to the two newcomers.

This statement was met by surprised welcome by Tonks, and sheer disbelieving anger by Mad-Eye. "Have you lost your mind, Albus? How do you DARE bring this obvious spy into our midst? Your pet Death Eater is bad enough, but we have to be subjected to this... " He trailed off with his finger pointing harshly at Hermione. The object of his ire found herself hyperventilating as his harsh loudness focused more and more on her. "I told you he couldn't be trusted, and now you have brought in another snake? Why don't you kill Potter yourself and be done with waiting!" Before anyone could react, Moody had fired a modified spell at Hermione pinning her to the seat she was ensconced in.

Molly jumped up and made to move towards Hermione when Mad-Eye's wand was focused on her. "No one move!" Molly, generally a force of nature, was taken aback by the fury he displayed.

Remus and Arthur both stood up, furious at the actions the old Auror was taking. "Leave off, Moody," growled Remus. "You need to get all the facts before you make a huge mistake."

Arthur nodded his agreement and added, "You are threatening Order members now. Sit and listen before this goes any further."

Mad-Eye glared towards Severus, his magical eye spinning in its base. Sneering at the man, he rasped out, "Make your move, Snape, I've been waiting for this for a very long time. You'll finally pay for your loyalties." He stood his ground as the Potions master palmed his ebony wand and moved from Albus' side.

Severus never faltered as he made his way to where Moody stood. "You aren't worth anything to me, old man. However, if you ever threaten my wife again, neither Albus nor the Order will be able to stop me from tearing you apart. You always think you know everything. Fool."

Mad-Eye looked triumphantly at the Headmaster and the Order that stood around unsure of what to do now. "A poisonous toadstool doesn't change its spots, I always say... " He raised his wand and began to cast spells at Severus. Suddenly, Mad-Eye's wand was jerked from his hand. He looked in shock at Harry, Ron, and Albus who all had cast "Expelliarmus" at the old Auror.

"Alastor, you are a hotheaded fool." Remus and Arthur appeared to either side of him and sat him in a chair, while Albus approached Moody, his blue eyes no longer holding the twinkle usually dancing in their depths. "Did you honestly think I would jeopardize any of the people in this room by assuming anything? I know for a fact, beyond any doubt, that this woman you have attacked is, in fact, Hermione Granger-Snape. You owe her an apology, if she will have it. And you owe the Order an apology for doubting all of them. If you wish to remain part of this Order, never raise your wand at one of them again."

Moody stared steadily back at Albus. "Whether she is who you say or not, I don't trust Snape, never have, never will, and I'm not sorry for trying to protect Potter when no one else seems to care about his safety!"

"ENOUGH, Alastor. I'll thank you to leave this meeting, and I will talk to you later, after you calm down." Albus looked at the two men still standing over Moody. "Remus, Arthur, escort Alastor to the guest quarters at the head of those steps." He gestured to a small door behind Fawkes' perch. "I will see to him later."

The two men walked with Moody, who struggled before being pushed into the stairwell, and saw him through the door which faded from view as soon as it shut. "Shall we continue with our meeting?" Albus asked the group staring at him in silence.

*****

While all this was going on, Severus had rushed to Hermione's side and released her from the spell imprisoning her. Even though she had been secured for only a few moments, it had certainly taken its toll on her. Severus grasped her face, gently, but firmly in both hands and was quietly issuing orders to her, one after the other.

"Breathe, Hermione. Slowly. That's right, slowly and deeply. Inhale through your nose. That's a good girl. Exhale through your mouth. Listen to my voice. You are in the Headmaster's Office at Hogwarts. I am with you, and you are safe. Focus on my voice; now tell me, what are the first three ingredients in Polyjuice Potion?"

Hermione's breathing slowed as she focused on the only voice she could recognise in the swirl of noise around her. When the spell cast on her had bound her to the chair, she began to slip into a flashback. This hadn't happened since the first few months she was in the Vale and never because of physical bonds, so the experience was worse than it should have been. She began to hyperventilate and struggle, which cause her bonds to tighten. Her sense of smell, hightened as a result of her blindness, detected a familiar, frightening smell -- werewolf. She didn't want to die, and she didn't want to be bitten. Memories came flooding back in a torrent that she couldn't control as reality quickly slipped away. Molly, well-meaning as ever, tried to calm the girl and made matters even worse.

"No, please, not again; don't touch me please!" Hermione pleaded with the ghosts in her mind.

Severus had immediately cleared everyone away and set about helping his wife. "Hermione, the first three ingredients in Polyjuice Potion, what are they?"

For a moment she faltered, then she choked out. "Lacewing flies, antimony, leeches."

"Very good, my love. Breathe slowly, in through your nose, out through your mouth. Slowly, slowly. What is my mother's name?"

"Eileen."

"Yes, you are doing very well. Why did you name our son Alexander?"

"It was to be my name if I had been a boy. Hermione from Shakespeare, for a girl, and Alexander the Great for a boy. My father loved literature, my mother, history." By this time, Hermione was breathing much more normally, and the shudders brought on by the harsh sobs that had wracked her body were easing. "Severus?" She queried timidly.

In response, Severus gathered his wife in his arms and gently rocked her. "I am taking Hermione to our rooms. She needs rest, and to see Alexander." He stood, bringing Hermione with him and tucking her securely at his side. "Headmaster, as it is late, I suggest we all retire and pick this up tomorrow when everyone is fresh and less testy." Severus never looked at anyone but Hermione and led her to the Floo without even waiting for an answer. They were gone in a flash of green, and the atmosphere in the room grew less tense.

"I agree with Severus, Headmaster. This has been a very long day, and I have a feeling that it will only get more interesting as we get into discussion of Merlin and this weapon we need to find." Remus spoke up.

The rest of the Order, and the Lovegoods, agreed with Remus and Severus, and plans were made to meet up in the Great Hall the next morning for breakfast. "We also have the two mystery guests to meet with," Minerva added. "Speaking of which, Poppy can see to them; they can stay in the hospital wing. I suggest everyone else sleeps here tonight also; that way we won't attract attention with Flooing in the main Floo network or Apparating. And we can meet just as soon as everyone is ready."

Albus nodded. "Splendid idea, Minerva. As Severus and Hermione have their own quarters, they are taken care of. We can have all the boys bed down in Gryffindor Tower. The girls can take Ravenclaw Tower. Is this acceptible to everyone?"

Tired heads nodded in agreement, and before long Albus was left alone with only the problem of Alastor Moody to resolve. He sighed, knowing that the night was far from over for him.

*****

Severus gently settled Hermione into the large bed that dominated the bedroom of his dungeon quarters. He conjured a warm, damp cloth and wiped her face as he spoke softly to her. "Everything will be fine, Hermione. Albus has taken care of Moody, and no one believes the drivel he was spouting."

Hermione nodded. "I know, I could tell that the reactions were against him rather than me. I think Molly tried to help me, but I only know I was terrified. I haven't had a flashback like that before. Bad dream, yes, but nothing that drug me down so quickly or thoroughly."

Severus brushed her cheek with his finger and pressed a kiss to her temple. "I'm going to go get Alexander so you can feed him. Then, it is bed for you; we have a long day tomorrow."

"Thank you, Severus. It has been a tiring day, and I need to hold my baby."

Severus went into the next room and made his way to the crib nestled against the wall. Alex was starting to get restless, rousing from the sleep he had been enjoying. Posey sat in a small chair close by, keeping watch.

"I'll just take him to his mother, Posey. We'll call when it is time to put Alexander back down."

"Yes, Potions master, Posey will be waiting."

*****

Severus woke to the satisfied mewling and growling of his son. Hermione was propped up in bed holding Alexander against her breast. With a flail of his hand, he finished his breakfast and started fussing. Hermione readjusted her son to prop him on her shoulder and encourage him to burp. Her movements jostled her husband enough to rouse him from his sleep.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said quietly. "We tried not to wake you up."

Severus stretched gracefully, then moved up to prop himself against the headboard. He then wrapped his arms around his wife and child. "Are you recovered from last evening, my dear? I wasn't sure I was getting through to you at one point. I must admit, I haven't been so afraid of anything in a long time."

Hermione opened her mouth to answer when he added, "Repeat that, and you will remember why I am know as the 'Bat of the Dungeons'."

Hermione giggled. "I'm not scared of you anymore. I know what you're really like underneath the bluster."

Severus looked down at the woman in his arms. "Hmmmph. I think that I shall have to work on that... Posey!"

The little house-elf appeared instantly. "Yes, Potions master? Posey is wanting to know what is needed of her."

Severus smiled smugly, "It seems that Little Master has fallen asleep. Would you take him and put him to bed?"

Posey's long ears flapped, and she nodded her head excitedly. "Oh, yes, Potions master. Posey is loving the Little Master. Posey will take good care of him."

Hermione began to protest as Severus to the sleeping baby and handed him over to Posey. "Severus, I was bonding with him."

"No, he was sleeping, and now you are going to pay for thinking me soft."

Hermione's token protests became delicious encouragement as Severus pulled her more tightly into his arms and began to kiss the side of her neck. She turned slightly and greeted his mouth on hers with a sigh of contentment and arousal. Severus' hands roamed a bit, and he and Hermione slid back down onto the bed. He had just unbuttoned her nightgown to feast on sensitive skin, when a sudden noise interrupted him.

"Severus, Severus!" Came from the study, and an answering growl emanated from the Potions master. He looked up from Hermione's breast and reached up to kiss Hermione one last time, then slid out of bed, waving his arm as he did. His dressing gown flew to his hand, and he swept it over his nudity as he headed for the bedroom door.

He slammed the door open, snarling at whoever it was entering his domain without permission or notice. "This better be bloody good, or I am going to have someone's head on a platter!"

Minerva stood next to his desk, shaken. "Severus, I would never bother you unless it was important. You must come quickly, Albus needs you."

Instantly, Severus was all business, and he nodded sharply. "Allow me to get dressed and tell Hermione where I am going. If you haven't yet, perhaps you should alert the others not to leave the towers until they are summoned."

Minerva nodded, then stepped back into the Floo and said, "Gryffindor Tower." She spun away in a flare of green.

*****

The Headmaster's Office was empty except for Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks. They were standing near Fawkes' perch and watching the wall where the hidden guest room door stood yawning open. As Severus stepped out of the Floo and brushed his robes clean, Remus approached him.

"Minerva said the Headmaster needed me." Severus was frowning darkly at the werewolf.

"Yes, seems he had a bit of a surprise waiting for him this morning. Luckily, Tonks had come through to talk to Moody when everything happened."

Severus looked at the Auror. "Nymphadora?"

She rolled her eyes at his usage of her given name, but didn't take him to task for it. She was still in a bit of shock over recent events. "I came through to see Mad-Eye about that weird incident that happened at the Ministry. Something about it has been bothering me. Anyway, the Headmaster asked me to hold off and went up the stairs; I heard a crash and a cry so I followed as fast as I could. Lucky I did too, Albus is still fast, but not fast enough."

Severus inhaled harshly. "Yes, yes, what am I needed for?"

Albus spoke quietly from the doorway. "Severus, I need your considerable skill at Legilimency. Please, follow me."

Severus mounted the stairs and followed the Headmaster, Remus and Tonks close behind. When he entered the room, Albus moved aside. Severus stepped forward and brought his wand to bear. He approached the chair slowly and dug his wand under the eye of Barty Crouch, Jr. Looking into the face of a very dangerous man, Severus sneered. "I shall enjoy this, Barty. I've always regretted that we didn't get to finish our last visit with each other. How fortuitous for me that the Dementors didn't feast on your soul during your sojourn in Azkaban. Legilimens."