Maud

Dear reader, a rape takes place in the timeline of this chapter. However, as I do not describe any details, the rating did not increase.

To remind us all: The Snapes may not kiss because of the Stimufidelius charm. It remains volatile until the fourth new moon after the wedding, which is Sat 28th March. Chapter 25, here, is placed in the first week of March.

Maud

"The Transfiguration examiner insulted me," Ginny reported lightly as they reached Spinner's End. Severus' fist balled around his wand. He looked around, ready to grab the man at the scruff of his neck or his ear. "Don't fret, Severus." She smiled. "He's not here." Relenting, Severus asked dangerously what it had been she had had to hear this time.

Indoors, as the wards were reinforced, she explained, "When he saw my rose, he mentally accused me of being all too much a Slytherin." She grinned.

Severus felt somewhere between amused and insulted himself. Had she not approved of some Slytherin approaches during the last weeks? Why was it always the whole house that got the blame? Thinking further on her report, however, he dropped the house rivalries. "He accused you mentally?"

"His mind was as open as a straight-walled, size four cauldron. I almost couldn't help laughing. If he didn't take the thorns personally, I should have passed well enough."

"Be careful, Ginevra!"

Predictably, Ginny rolled her eyes.

:*:*:*:

Severus left on various errands. With a sigh, Ginny straightened the bedroom for his return, whenever it would be. Pictures of The Burrow in her pre-Hogwarts years formed in her mind: about her mother who had always been kissing her father good bye. I'm a housewife now, just like her. Just we can't kiss, thanks to that arrogant pink toad.

Ginny met Maud, and they went to the park to chat. Noticing her friend's exhaustion, Maud held back whatever questions popped up in her mind. Ginny seemed vague as she told Maud about the trouble she was having interpreting the questions and went into some of the detail of her exams involving the comparison of sand and liquids and also a practical involving mixing liquids.

Maud, thinking her a bit strange, kindly corrected her opaque ramblings. "So you had tests in Natural Science. Physics and Chemistry, to be precise. Lots of vocational elements, I see." Trying to emboss the terms into her mind, Ginny nodded.

Then she encouraged Maud to talk about her school and the upcoming exams. Maud proudly reported on her renominated school for which she had a scholarship. In a flashback accompanied by a bout of sweat, Ginny recalled that this was how Tom Riddle had financed his studies at Hogwarts and what her father had vehemently refused to consider. Interestingly, Maud didn't seem embarrassed at all.

"I passed my GCSE with a Triple Award in Science, plus one in Latin. I'll finish sixth form college the summer after next, but if you ask now, I have no idea what to do then."

"What options are there?" Ginny prodded, hoping the answer would take long and allow her to rest.

Maud shook her head. "One day you'll need to tell me what world you're from." She smiled, blissfully ignorant to the inner turmoil that stirred in her friend.

"Well, you already noticed that I wasn't born into high society, so let's forget that."

She talked about colleges, universities and polytechnics, whether or not to take a gap year, industrial placement or purely academic. "Either you study hard with little money and no social life and maybe at least get a challenging job later on with better opportunities and hopefully enough money too, ending up in a middle-class semi on Acacia Avenue..."

Maud's longing eyes followed her arm swaying to the western outskirts on a hillside, where the houses were more spacious and the streets wider than around Spinner's End.

"Or you get some money quickly but never a really high salary. Your job holds lots of routine, you're losing it at the whim of your employer and you're forever being bossed around by those with a higher education. You can never leave Spinner's End. No thank you!"

Maud ended her report, saying with determination, "Then many say women have a third option: marry strategically. That's not for me!"

The concepts sounded familiar to Ginny, and she had never considered that third option for herself either. She shifted on the bench, and her left hand with the wedding ring disappeared under her shirt.

They decided that even in early March an ice cream would be a treat. Licking happily, they strolled home.

:*:*:*:

The first dinner back at the Academy was a loud affair, thanks to the longer break with little work which the rest of the students had enjoyed. Draco and Theo were asking about the details of the exams and most others of his year did the same. Theodore became frantic at the thought of synchronising four potions. "And you jotted down the theory in between that? I'm a goner if they design the end-of-year tests in the same manner."

"Let's just see how they grade me, given that one potion was lost," Ginny grumbled and then had to detail the whole event. Draco wanted to know exactly who had sat around her.

"Don't go there Draco," Ginny said and explained the complex stamps system. "The examiner said they'll catch them, and Severus was also positive."

Very quietly, she added, "The Dark Lord was furious, Severus said."

Thankfully, most of the teachers gave the fifth-years an easy week. Other years weren't that tired but had, on the contrary, enjoyed an additional day off and little homework. The headmistress informed them that all students were still considered in their old year until Easter. "Then the O.W.L.s results will decide who of the fifth-years have made it to year six."

:*:*:*:

The last hour of sleep was interrupted by Severus' hiss. He grabbed his left arm in pain. The unexpected call was urgent. Gulping down some water, he shook off his pyjamas. Ginny fetched his gloves and the Death Eater robe. "Go via the Great Hall and take a sandwich along, Severus." But there wasn't time; the Mark was throbbing violently.

"Inform Mulciber. Proceed with your normal routine. Don't wait for me," he ground out through the pain and he was off. He did not hear her anxious wishes for him to be safe.

Stunt was gone as well, and for the second years' Defence & Combat lessons, Ginny and Larry were to replace Severus on Professor Mulciber's orders. Darren Urquhart insisted on joining them.

Having covered nearly the same elements under Remus Lupin, and being drilled up to N.E.W.T. level herself...according to the Ministry examiner...Ginny was very familiar with the lesson they were to present. Severus' notes paid meticulous attention to every detail, and it wasn't difficult to teach them. On the contrary, she gained the respect of a few of the strictest Slytherins. It was a perfect occasion to strengthen her position among the group she was forced to socialise with. While she didn't seek any admiration in the fields of Dark Magic or prosecuting the Dark side, daily life was easier if they respected her. They might even slip some useful bits of information if they felt more comfortable around her.

Besides all this, the skills to defend themselves were certainly useful for the children.

:*:*:*:

A replacement for Severus in Potions was not available. Instead, Obscuranta Mulciber took the students at O.W.L.s Level and beyond, researching the theory of the use of human and giant blood in dark potions. Severus had fought hard to exclude the topic from the syllabus. Now Ginny started to understand why.

:*:*:*:

Severus arrived late, exhausted, covered in mud and thirsty. Very thirsty. Scrutinising him while he washed and drank, Ginny saw the symptoms of other tortures besides Cruciatus. His ribs showed two fresh wounds that would become ugly scars if not treated. Quickly she fetched what ointment they had. SilkSkin would be best, but it wasn't in their stocks.

Ginny had gathered most of the ingredients on the table of the teacher's lab when Severus stepped close. "Yes, this would be best for the scars," he said tiredly but full of emotion. "But tonight I need another medicine." Gently he pulled her over and onto the bed. "Don't expect much though," Severus warned her. He fell asleep under her caress.

"No, I won't," Severus muttered in his sleep, tossing left and right. Ginny woke up when his elbow contacted with her ribs. Hearing his rebellious ramblings, she quickly woke him. Whatever he rejected or despised, it would not be wise to spread such information at school. "Are you awake now? You were dreaming. And speaking," she offered.

"I'm not about to get involved with these Muggle women. Why would I?" he continued the ramble, still half asleep.

"I bloody well expect you won't!" she burst out loud now, to make sure he woke up.

Severus shook himself. Fully awake he checked briefly around and then ranted. "You? You have no right to expect or demand anything." He sounded hard and unforgiving, but at the same time not like his real self.

"Well, I thought..."

"Don't think, then," he spat.

For just a moment his grip on her had a menacing strength, but his eyes betrayed him. Think, Ginevra Snape, she scolded herself, this isn't how he handles our relationship, and you know that! We're not alone. Is he putting up a show? What will help him steer the topic safely around his refusing to... rape? Visit a brothel?

"Don't risk the health of your children bringing us some nasty infection!" she retorted.

"Indeed not." Severus let out a breath.

"And, thinking about it, how would an average Muggle slut know what you like?" Ginny purred while her hands groped deftly into his boxers. "Ah, no, she could not."

"This is not about... " Severus started, but parts of him contradicted his brains, signalling, Maybe it wasn't three minutes ago, but now it is.

Half an hour later they were soundly asleep, and no bad dreams woke them till morning.

:*:*:*:

Charms and Hexes for the fourth year had not nearly drained them of their energy, Ginny noticed in passing. Instead it must have supplied some with lots of new ideas that they implemented right away in the corridor. A group of them soon sported fur and retaliated with casting an itching hex on their opponents, who started brawling.

Another set of sparkling hexes sizzled through the air, bathing several heads in a bright light. The more reasonable part of the class left before being drawn into it, but some were too incapacitated to do so. Pupils dilated, they walked back and forth, slurring nonsense. Glass from a broken window injured two of them, not causing any reaction from them.

With quick strides, Ginny reached the spot and put three fighting pupils into a full Body-Bind. She crudely shaved one face to see whom she was dealing with before she checked on their bruises. Finally, she convinced the confused ones to sit down so they would not reach the stairs.

Meanwhile their professor tempered a few haloes and bound these pupils. He turned to Ginny, panting. "Thank you, Ms Snape. If you would help me escort them all to the nurse?" He looked around for more help, but there was none left.

Without hesitation, Ginny called, "Baron!"

The much-feared ghost dropped through the ceiling almost instantly, ignored the amazement of the bound students and turned to Ginny. "Mrs Snape?"

"My Lord, would you go to the medic-room and warn the nurse on duty that we're coming with a set of casualties? It will be slow going," Ginny asked with a small curtsy.

"Of course," the Bloody Baron replied, with a curious look at the group. "The Epliatio hasn't been developed since my time, I think. A nasty business awaits you for two weeks. And the halo of the curse attractor is just as persistent as the hex itself. Very much so in this case then." He smirked nastily. "Shall I call for their Heads of Colour?"

"If you would, sir," Ginny answered, and the ghost bowed and left through the wall.

The nurse had already conjured four more simple cots when Ginny and Professor Barnes arrived. She shook her head at the sight, but since she had the required remedies at hand already, most were able to have dinner with the rest of the school.

After releasing them, Severus sent his three good-for-nothings to the Herbology teacher. "She has a lot of important tasks waiting just for you," he sneered. "I will inform her to expect you at 7:30 on the next six school days."

The incident hadn't been a big deal in Ginny's own eyes, but the sheer fact that the Bloody Baron had followed her request spread over the student body in no time. It inevitably reached the teachers, too, which didn't exactly improve her reputation with the headmistress, whom the ghost refused to heed. But in the students' minds, Ginny had gained some welcome credits.

:*:*:*:

At home, Severus told her that they had once again been on a raid against Muggles and Muggle-friendly wizards. "I had to steer them clear of the one Horcrux that I know has been retrieved."

"Wow, I didn't know! Who found it? Where?" She was all excited now.

"Ginevra, do not ask for more," he pleaded. "It has been exchanged for a while already. Now it is safe to tell you the fact. Someone might even know that it was me who has helped."

With two steps she was close and embraced him, cursing again that she had to tilt her head unnaturally while he kept his chin up as if avoiding her. "Oh, but this is wonderful. You wait and see, they'll start trusting you." A shiver ran down Severus' spine at her happy outburst. Would he ever get used to her spontaneity?

He continued telling Ginny about the raid the other day. Their old visitors had been in the lead, many engaged in the raping. "Young Goyle and Flint among them. They are walking hormone tanks, devoid of all brains. It is getting worse every time."

Then Ministry members had found them and arrested three young husbands plus a few others. "Not Goyle or Flint, but Sullivan was caught." Ginny took that in with satisfaction. One of those in the Dementor attack was no threat any more.

"And Edwin Suller, who married with us. He had not even been aggressive." This wasn't good news. Ginny had been glad to hear from her classmate Lisa that Linda and Edwin Suller were getting along well. He could have tempered the mob a bit.

Searching for a diversion, Ginny said, "I'm glad Draco will remain at school. But Theodore? Severus, can you keep him?" So much for keeping it light, she added mentally.

"I will try. He is a good enough guy. I do not want to lose him on an occasion like this. He will never become a potioneer though."

Reminded now, Ginny told him about the essay for Mrs Mulciber and how disgusted some people had been. "Theodore was white as a sheet. As was Millicent Bulstrode, by the way." She gave up more names of students who had continued whispering on the subject the day after the essay, knowing more than Mulciber had ever told them. It was by these paltry actions only that Ginny could support Severus and their mission.

Severus was frustrated at the headmistress' interference but focused on the reactions of the pupils. "Bulstrode you say? This is most interesting. I started suspecting her to be more than the clumsy mammoth she impersonates at times... She did own robes just like the ones you received from whomever."

"She helps with the younger ones when they are having nightmares."

"They do?"

"You call yourself Head of House? Or Colour? Ah, don't tell me a Slytherin doesn't have nightmares. Millie is quite adept at the task, I dare say. They trust her. Personally, I'd not want to be coddled back to sleep by Pansy Parkinson."

"Do not give me nightmares!"

:*:*:*:

With a long shopping list, Ginny went out, happily breathing in the spring. She would have to ask Maud to help her with riding the bike, she decided. It would be nice to dash along the streets with her hair streaming. But then she remembered that most Muggles wore protective helmets. It was dangerous then.

Ginny walked past the dingy, deserted street with the abandoned mill in which Maud's father had been working before it closed. Should she take the shortcut? Three guys with rickety motorised bikes stood at the deserted entrance, shouting obscenities at her. She shook her head in disgust.

"Don't want to take them on their invitation, Weasley?" It was Marcus Flint, showing off to his little brother. "Oh, but you're a... POORblood, aren't you?" They closed in on her, smelling of sweat and... yes, lust potion. Both of them. Albert stood with outbound knees and nearly drooled from the effect.

She'd have to handle them both, and even in the visibility of Muggles. Ginny retreated a few steps and blasted a full Body-Bind at the younger Flint. He fell like a log of wood, and his head crashed badly on the broken asphalt. Marcus Flint was slow off the mark, allowing Ginny to get up a shield before his cutting curse hit.

"Leave me, Marcus, and care for Albert," she beseeched him.

But Marcus wouldn't hear of it. His breath came ragged when he got closer, reaching out for her. "You won't escape this easily. You're finally mine." He pushed her roughly into the side street but quickly cast a Disillusionment charm over the still form on the pavement.

It was time enough to bring up her wand again and hex him blind. A swift move up with her knee between his legs, and he let go of her in a howl.

Ginny was out in Spinner's End in no time. She levitated the hardly visible Albert around the corner, closer to Marcus Flint and hastily continued round the corner, continuing her shopping trip. From the other end of the dingy street, she peered in again. It was empty.

Just in case someone knew her habits, Ginny went to a little grocer that they did not usually frequent. Sooner than she had hoped, she found herself on her way home. Are they gone by now?

She took the long way around the street, and when she passed the place where the Flints had assaulted her, she heard a shriek and then whimpering. Carefully she inched closer. Albert lay where she had left him, and very still. The voice could be heard again from the first house, pleading now. One of the teens was outside, wide-eyed, barely able to address her. "It's a madman in there. He... he did something strange to these two." he pointed at his two Petrified buddies in the entrance. "Now he has her, and n... nobody can help her."

Resolutely Ginny pushed by. "I know him, I can handle him."

She slammed the door open and saw Flint on top of a girl, grunting. "Get you filthy hands off her! And every other part of you as well!" she raged.

He panted stupidly, "Coming back for your turn? Please queue outside!"

"Accio Flint's wand! Stupefy!" Ginny shouted, then paled. It was Maud, scared and assaulted. "Gather your belongings, Maud. Quickly! I'll deal with those outside and come back."

She Stunned the still lucid Muggle boy, stopping the fall of his rigid body with her foot. She levitated him inside. Albert's head looked a mess, covered in blood, and Ginny carefully manoeuvred him inside as well. She conjured a cushion but didn't dare do anything else for him.

"Maud, come here. It is over now. Come and we'll get you out of here, all right?" The girl had no objections, no will of her own. Covered with Flint's robe and Obfuscated, they reached Spinner's End without drawing anyone's attention.

"Severus, quick!"

:*:*:*:

Severus would not risk irregularities in his neighbourhood that could attract the Ministry of Magic. He hastily cleaned the place and freed the three Muggles. They were never to remember anything out of the ordinary. He transported Marcus and Albert a few miles away and then owled the Flint parents, ordering Pöllö to throw the slip rather than be caught. He couldn't care less what happened to them.

Maud, though, was a different case. When he returned home, Ginny had comforted her, healed her wounds and repaired her clothes.

Severus cursed himself for not telling her better, but what was done was done. The girl was traumatised, but externally she didn't look harmed.

As the girls drank tea, Severus reverted the clothes to their ragged blood-smeared state but could not bring himself to have her suffer again.

He applied a short-term nerve rattler on Maud's mother to cover over the girl's too-clean state. She promised she'd take her daughter to a doctor.

:*:*:*:

"She's crying all time, telling me of horrible visions she has," Ginny said yet again after returning from Maud's. "The animal must have had her run after her flying clothes and levitated her off the ground to stall her. Then again she sits around staring unseeingly at the wall. I wished we could Obliviate her as well."

"I understand, but it must not be done. Rape manifests itself into the brains and soul. She would be worse off feeling her depression and anxiety but no reason for them. Often these Muggles end up in St Mungo's to regain their memory. Or later in what they call Psychiatry in their world. Go, visit her once again, and I'll... have a chat with her mother."

Ginny didn't like leaving Maud on Friday afternoon but they had no excuse to not go to the Academy. At least her mother would be home for the weekend and had shown them the appointment with a counsellor.

:*:*:*:

At dinner the headmistress announced solemnly that their mate, Albert, youngest member of the most honourable and pure family Flint, had passed away in St Mungo's. "He and his brother have been found unconscious near a Muggle area. The family will not disclose any details."

Good for them, Ginny thought, while the headmistress ranted on about Muggles.

Ginny avoided looking at Severus for the whole meal, instead catching up with Heather and Florence. Both had been very silent the week before. Now Florence looked marginally better. "I checked at home, I should receive acceptable marks in Charms and Hexes after all. And Stone Softener Syrup is usable even if it turned orange. Dratted ferret kidneys. No O in Herbology either, what with the mistakes I made..."

Ginny gratefully turned her attention away when Bernhard Hunt received an owl from his parents. He informed the table in a hushed voice that Greyback's pack had lost a couple of men on Friday, the first day of the full moon. It made Ginny realise that she had not heard or seen anything of the Wolfsbane cakes Severus should have made in abundance two weeks ago. Had he managed, had he sent them?

She fell silent, remembering Bill and Remus and wondering if the men she knew were amongst the losses and what might have happened to the girl. "Are they all dead?"

"No, five or six left the pack, mum writes. Two are dead. You're not feeling sorry for them, are you?" Bernhard asked lightly.

"If I felt any sympathy for Greyback, I'd have chosen him over Severus Snape," she snapped and stood.

Later in the boys dorm, Bernhard noted to Theodore, "For a while we thought Snape's colour was fading, but I dare say his wife's taking up every bit of what he loses."

:*:*:*:

:*:*:*:

My betas are invaluable in setting my language straight, finding just the right terms and commanding my commas into place. Hugs and smooches to Coshie and magicAlly.