Is That A Prophetess I See?

Dances with Witches by Pearle

Summary: Severus Snape loses a magical bet. The consequences? The Tango! My answer to the codpiece challenge on Wiktt. HG/SS

Disclaimer: The characters, settings, etc. of the Harry Potter series are not mine they belong to J.K. Rowling and Co. I promise to return them when I am through. Well, most of them anyway.

~~~~~ Dances with Witches ~~~~~

Chapter 17. Is That A Prophetess I See?

Monday afternoon, Severus decided to forego lunch in favor of a fast trip to Diagon Alley. Having a free period after the lunch hour, allowed him two hours of freedom from his delightful charges. Severus snorted. Delightful, he did need his head examined. He strode purposely up the lane, intent on making his purchase and returning to the castle. His mind, occupied with the task at hand, failed to notice those around him as they scurried to move out of his way. The Potions Master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry had a reputation far and wide. Some had been his students, having taught various dunderheads for twenty years at the school, others, the parents of students, past and present. Still others had heard of his heroics at the final battle, coupled with two decades of spying on a monster. For whatever the reason, most hurried to move out of his way as he advanced up the lane, his black teaching robes flowing menacingly out behind him in true Potions Master style.

It would have surprised, nay shocked, those people to know what his true mission was that afternoon. Shocked them enough that St. Mungo's might have had to name a ward after Severus if the facts had become known. The running guess, his stride, the familiar scowl set firmly on his face, the direction of his movement, all added up to the theory he was there to purchase ingredients for a potion of questionable origin from a store that bordered the edge of Diagon Alley. In truth, his destination, the Emerald Leaf, was far less innocuous had it not been the evil Potions Master entering the shop. The Emerald Leaf was a well-known jewelry store frequented by pure-blood families for generations. The store was known for the quality of its merchandise as well as its discretion in revealing information regarding the purchases of its clientele.

Friday was Hermione's birthday. He wanted to buy something special for the young woman. Something that said: I-care-deeply-for-you-but-have-a-difficult-time-communicating-to-you-these-emotions-so-please-accept-this-whatever-as-a-token-of-my-esteem-and-understand-I-will-try-to-express-my-feelings-at-sometime-in-the-future-if-at-all-possible. Well, something that would convey that sentiment in general, at least.

Severus was vaguely aware that whatever he purchased would probably be on display Saturday night at the Burrow and subject to the opinion and comments of those gathered there. Their relationship, they did have a relationship at this point; he had to keep reminding himself this was not a delusion caused by one too many curses. Their relationship had just started to venture into the outside world. Their encounters had been primarily Hogwarts and her flat with a single excursion into Hogsmeade for dinner.

He was not a gregarious person by nature, and would be well content to keep his world within its current boundaries. Hermione, however, was not of the same notion. She thrived in the world as a whole, even if she claimed to lack social skills when dealing with others. The truth was it was her impatience with others that caused a problem, not her lack of social skill. People truly cared for the young woman. She could win anyone over, if she chose to.

For the life of him, he still could not understand her attraction to him. He understood the pull of intellect. It was what he first noticed in her when she was a first year, waving her hand annoyingly in his face with all the answers. He had told Potter he was at just as much of a loss, as he was, to explain why Hermione had decided to ignore all the evidence to the contrary: his temper, his attitude, his obvious desire to lock himself away in the dungeons, general public opinion, and a host of other issues - and agree to see him, to start a relationship with him.

Severus could assume she had lost her mind, or just enjoy her company and hope she never came to her senses. While it was true he showed her a side few, if any, ever got to see, he still did not think he was fit company for a witch twenty years his junior; but he was not about to push her away or point that fact out to her, again. He was sure her friends would be more than willing to take up that gauntlet. It had taken more courage on his part to pursue her than it had taken to face down the Dark Lord. He was not about to stop now.

He drew a deep breath into his lungs as he reached the shop in question. The door opened on silent hinges, no bells to alert the clerks as to a potential customer entering the shop. A witch of unknown age, looking like a clone of Trelawney, appeared almost instantly, stepping through a beaded curtain that lead from somewhere in the back.

Severus cleared his throat. "I would like..."

The woman held up a hand to stop him from speaking. "You are interested in purchasing a piece of jewelry, for...a young woman." The declaration was said as a statement of fact, not a question. Green eyes seemed to lock with his.

Severus resisted the desire to roll his eyes at her obvious comment. Why else would he be in a jewelry store that appeared to cater more to women than men? And from the looks of him, it was just as obvious the purchase was not for him. Most likely, ninety percent of the men walking in the shop were buying gifts for wives, girlfriends, or their mistresses. Or for all three females, for that matter. He was just about to flay the woman in front of him with his sharp tongue, when she spoke again.

"A Slytherin purchasing a gift of intent for a Gryffindor. I do not believe we have ever had occasion to fulfill a gift of this nature, before." Her smile was mysterious and seemed to illuminate her eyes with an odd glow.

'How did she know?' he wondered. Then it occurred to him. Their dinner, over the weekend, at Witchcraft. While it had not appeared in the Daily Prophet as more than an innuendo - Guess what well-known wizard was seen Saturday night at Witchcraft having dinner for two with what well-known witch? What would their respective houses say? More as this develops - people talked. He thought she must have known someone who could have mentioned it and drew her own conclusions from there.

His tone was snide, "Well done. You have shown me you have the ability to read a newspaper. Amazing. I do not have all day to stand here and trade trivialities with you."

The infuriating woman did not answer him. Instead, she seemed to be looking for something in particular. The woman rummaged through a drawer to the side of the main showcase. Severus remained quiet, waiting to see what she would say next.

Her eyes glowed as her hand closed around a black velvet box. She turned to Severus. Her eyes blazing with an intensity that made his skin crawl.

The woman's voice was soft, a contrast to the gleam of her eyes. "You are looking for a birthday gift for a special someone, someone who means a great deal to you. A ring would be misconstrued at this time, and a bangle of any type would be deemed frivolous. This pendant is the signature design of the artist that created it. The store was named for its design. I have not sold any of my grandfather's work in more than fifty years. While his pieces are in great demand, there are very few worthy of possessing one. No two pieces are exactly a-like. Each item is unique. The pendant will satisfy all that you desire to tell the witch."

Severus remained quiet. His first impulse was to leave, run as far away from the witch as possible. She unnerved him in a way few ever had. Something in her tone, something in her words, said she possessed a greater understanding of the universe than a quick review of the gossip column in the Daily Prophet . He watched as she opened the black case without ceremony. His breath caught in his throat as he viewed the contents.

The case was lined in black velvet. A silver chain stretched from edge to edge. A pendant, about three and a half centimeters long, dangled from the chain, against the velvet. It was the pendant that captured Severus's attention. A silver leaf, veins lightly washed with gold, dangled from the silver chain. A small emerald, set near the bottom, just to the side of the main vein, caught the light in the store and reflected it back again. The leaf was crinkled, much the same as a real leaf would be.

It was exactly what he was looking for. While he could not stomach the thought of buying Hermione something Gryffindor red, the yellow gold was...tolerable. The emerald, however, was a nice touch, he thought. A leaf was something different, something she probably would not have bought for herself.

The witch smiled at him. "May I assume this meets with your approval, sir?"

Severus nodded. "You can transfer the funds from my Gringotts account. I should like to take the pendant with me. You have a bill of sale for me to sign?"

The witch arched one brow. "No question as to the cost?"

Severus allowed himself to chuckle. "I highly doubt the price would be negotiable. In any event, the item satisfies my requirements. The bill of sale? I have other obligations to attend to." He had a desire to leave as quickly as possible, with as little contact with the odd witch as deemed necessary.

The woman returned with a quill, his bill of sale, and the velvet box, now residing in a silver pouch with an emerald green drawstring. A silver leaf was etched into a corner of the bag. Severus signed the bill. The parchment immediately duplicated itself. Severus slipped the silver pouch into an inside pocket of his robes. A copy of the bill joined it.

"Thank you and good day, madam." Severus nodded and turned to leave.

"You are welcome. We will be happy to meet any other needs you have in the future, regardless of when that maybe. I will see you in a year or two, Professor."

His hand had been reaching for the doorknob when the witch's words reached him. Severus turned to confront her. He was faced with an empty shop. Severus left the store before he could question her, that is, if he could find her.

He moved to a side alley and removed the pouch from his robe pocket. Several spells and a few incantations later, he was satisfied the pendant, chain, case, and pouch were spell and curse free. He placed the case back in the pouch. A corner of the bill was visible inside his pocket. He took the parchment out and studied the initials of the clerk that appeared under his signature: S.T. When had she signed it? Severus shook his head. Trelawney didn't have a sister, did she?

Severus's pace increased, wishing to put as much distance between himself and the shop. Her words replayed in his mind, 'I will see you in a year or two, Professor.' What did that mean? If he gave weight to her words, then he would have to admit divination was real. While the prophecy concerning Potter came to pass, he had some doubt if the boy would have survived if it had not been for his and Albus's spell to weaken the Dark Lord. It might be wise to find out what he could about the Emerald Leaf.

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Severus was in rare form as he taught his afternoon classes. Even his own house was not immune to losing points today. Granted, during double potions, he had taken eighty-nine points from Gryffindor and only seven from Slytherin, but it was five points more than he usually would have penalized his own house. The tables were a-buzz at dinner. Albus had been forced by the other angry faculty members to restore the lost points.

Severus was still distracted when he entered the Great Hall for dinner. The room fell silent as he passed the students tables, each afraid he would deduct more points. One student, a Ravenclaw, had lost three points this afternoon for breathing too loud while he was lecturing.

Albus sighed as he watched his Potions Master approach the High Table. The weekend had been difficult, but he thought dinner Sunday night, with Hermione present, had brought the dark wizard to a crossroad. 'What could have happened now?' he wondered.

Albus nodded as the Potions Master took his seat. "Severus."

Severus sat next to Albus, questions floating through his mind. It was with something akin to fear, he noticed Sibyll sitting at the far end of the table. The witch rarely left the North Tower. What was she doing at dinner, tonight? It would have surprised Hermione to know Severus had read, and enjoyed, Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland . She might have recognized him unconsciously imitating Alice. The words quietly left his lips, "Curiouser and curiouser."

"Problems, Severus?" Albus's voice cut through his thoughts.

Severus hesitated. Albus was without question one of the most powerful wizards alive. He could also be one of the most annoying men alive at times, in Severus's opinion. Did he risk his sanity by telling Albus what had transpired today? Did Albus already know, and was he just toying with him? If divination existed, could the fates give him a sign and push him in the right direction? What the hell was Sibyll doing out of her tower anyway?

"Severus." Albus was becoming concerned. What was bothering the man? Contrary to popular opinion, he did not know everything that went on in the castle. If he did, why would he have let Voldemort exist under Quirrell's turban, under his very nose, during Harry's first year? He tried again. "Severus, does this have to do with the rather excessive amount of points you took in your classes today?"

Severus snorted. "Excessive? Who complained? No, let me guess. Everyone."

Albus watched Severus wrestle with himself before reaching a decision.

"Albus, does Sibyll have a sister?" Severus decided it was worth a try as he gestured in Trelawney's direction. Albus seemed to know everything that was going on in any event.

The Headmaster looked at him. "Not that I know of. Why do you ask?" Albus's tone was a bit harsher than he had intended.

The Potions Master regarded the aged wizard before continuing. "I was in Diagon Alley today. The Emerald Leaf, to be exact. And I encountered a rather odd witch. She reminded me of Sibyll, acting as if she knew the answers to questions before they were asked."

Albus's eyes widened. The Emerald Leaf. Obviously things were progressing better than either party let on. "Why were you shopping at the Emerald Leaf? Did you purchase something?"

Severus glared at his mentor. Was he trying to make this difficult? "Friday is Hermione's birthday. I wished to purchase something special for her. Are you happy now, old man?"

A twinkle lit his eyes. His smile was truly genuine. "Yes. Yes, I am happy for both of you, Severus. You two seem well-suited to each other. I wish nothing more than for you to enjoy your own happiness."

"Albus." Severus sighed. He knew Albus meant well. "What do you know about the shop?"

"Actually, I believe the witch that runs the shop is related to Sibyll. Second cousin once removed on her father's side, I think. The grandfather was quite a character. Artistic type. His work is considered rare and wonderful by those who matter, regarding that type of thing. Did you purchase something?"

Trust Albus to know. "What do you mean 'rare and wonderful'? Are the pieces spelled?" Severus had performed several strong spells and incantations on the necklace. He would have staked his reputation that it was free of magic.

"No, my boy. Not spells or any other magic that you can see. Most of the jewelry in the store is from ordinary sources. It is the grandfather's work that the legend revolves around."

Severus groaned and covered his eyes with his hand. Legend? What had he gotten himself into? "The witch sold me a pendant. She called it an Emerald Leaf. It is a silver leaf with veins of yellow gold. A small emerald is set into the face of the leaf."

"Silver for Slytherin, yellow for Gryffindor, and an emerald to represent you? Interesting choice."

"Albus. The grandfather. The legend." Severus would have hexed the Headmaster if not for the fact that he had not finished relating what he knew of the grandfather, or the legend.

"The grandfather, his work is rare, not many pieces survived the first war. Many were melted down for their value. The pieces that survived were quietly bought up by his granddaughter and kept by her as a private collection of his work. The legend states that a piece recognizes the pureness of heart of its prospective customer. Most people were rumored to leave the shop with alternate purchases when the grandfather ran the store. The granddaughter, Senalda Trelawney I believe, is also descended from Cassandra Trelawney, the seer. She sold you a piece of her grandfather's work, a silver leaf?"

"Yes. She said the pendant was her grandfather's signature piece. The store was named for it. She did tell me she had not sold a piece of his work in more than fifty years." Severus was about to choke Albus. The man's eyes were twinkling brightly. "Albus, it does not mean anything. I am sure it was a trick to try to induce customers to pay outrages prices. Nothing more. As if my heart holds a drop of pureness. Senalda Trelawney must be as crazy as Sibyll is."

Unfortunately, the legend felt true. Severus snorted. Pure of heart? "Maybe it is referring to Hermione."

"Severus, whether you chose to believe in divination or not, it seems to have chosen you." Albus was highly amused at the Potions Master's annoyance. He had seen the good in this man, years before. No matter how many times Severus claimed to dislike the students, and Harry in particular, he had risen to the task of protecting them time and time again, without thought for his own welfare. It was time fate gave him a future worthy of his actions.

Sibyll chose that moment to materialize at Severus's elbow. He might have noticed her approach had he not been so annoyed with Albus. Her voice carried its usual cadence of foretelling prophecy with each word. "Severus, my inner eye tells me you have ventured far today."

Severus turned his scowl on the woman. "How is your cousin Senalda, Sibyll? Did she owl you when I left the shop?"

Her hand went to her breast as if wounded. "You have seen my cousin? She is not visible to my inner eye."

"Sibyll, I have had about as much of this as I will tolerate." Sibyll never failed to annoy him. Their conversation had attracted the other occupants of the High Table. But then, any time Sibyll left her roost was cause for commotion.

"You do not understand. She is a sooth-sayer. A false prophetess. We have not spoken in many years. My knowledge comes from the tea leaves." Sibyll's voice had turned shrill.

"Really, Sibyll, were you reading the tea leaves when you noticed Severus Apparating back to Hogwarts?" Minerva's tone left little room for argument. "I was by the lake when you returned this afternoon, Severus. I happen to have noticed Sibyll in the tower window just before you appeared at the Apparation point outside the gates. Since we both saw you suddenly appear, it would be safe to assume you Apparated from some distance rather then just walked back from say, Hogsmeade."

Sibyll raised her hands in front of her. Her voice turned sing-song again, "I must return to my tower. The negative vibrations are clouding my inner eye."

"You do that, Sibyll." Minerva did not understand why Albus continued to keep the woman. Any attempt at asking him resulted in a rather vague answer.

"By all means, do not let us keep you from your chosen path. Go. Divine away." Severus's tone was snide, his smirk a bit too happy.

"So, what was that all about?" Minerva asked, as they watched Sibyll leave the Great Hall. She had been trying to eavesdrop on the conversation between Albus and Severus throughout dinner, with very little success.

"Its seems Severus has purchased a gift for Hermione." Albus smiled at Severus, ignoring the scowl that had taken up residence on his features, again.

"Were you not told your features would freeze that way if you kept making that face?" Minerva cared for Severus, but really, he could be such a child sometimes.

"I fear it is too late, already." Severus continued to glare at the witch. Years of habit was hard to break; they were friends, but it would never do for the Head of Slytherin to be seem speaking willingly with the Head of Gryffindor, especially when the Dark Lord had been in power. Gryffindor. Hermione. Severus schooled his features into a neutral expression. But if you looked closely, one corner of his mouth was turned up as if a grin was threatening to show itself.

"What did you buy her? If you saw Sibyll's cousin you must have shopped at the Emerald Leaf." My word, thought Minerva, that shop was known for its better pieces as well as its prices. She would have something up on Irma tonight.

Severus watched Minerva's face, various emotions and thoughts crossing her features before being chased away. Did everyone have an interest in his life, or more specifically, his relationship with Hermione?

Minerva had always considered Hermione her darling, and took on the job of adopted mother after her parents' deaths. Severus supposed she did have a reason, more than most, to question him.

Severus stood. He drew himself to his full height, towering over Minerva. "I believe Miss Granger should be the first to see her gift, don't you? I am sure you will have adequate time to evaluate the piece at the gathering Saturday night. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a stack of essays to correct. Some of us require actual work from our students. Headmaster. Minerva." With a swish of his robes, he was out the backdoor and on his way to his office.

Minerva sank into the chair he had just vacated. "He does know how to make an exit," she said with a laugh.

Albus was pouring her a fresh cup of tea. "That he does."

"Severus will be attending the party at the Burrow, Saturday night? Willingly?" She found it hard to believe. He never attended any function at the school without being ordered to attend, and then had to be dragged kicking and fighting anyway.

"It is Hermione's birthday, Minerva. He will be the only snake in a room full of lions. Should prove interesting." Albus smiled at her, pleased at Severus's obvious interest in Hermione.

Minerva was speechless. Severus, willingly attending a social function, at the Weasleys' no less. There seemed to be nothing more she could say. Interesting? "Indeed," she mumbled.

TBC

A/N: The steps and form of the dance (as well as those that appear in future chapters) are from this web site: Tango tutorial - http://64.70.140.102/ourdance.htm. Challenge rules can be found following chapter one.

Innocuous - Having no adverse effect, harmless. Not likely to offend or provoke to strong emotion.

Gregarious - Seeking and enjoying the company of others, sociable.

Gauntlet – a challenge.

Senalda – Female- Spanish meaning a sign, or symbol. Interestingly enough, Sibyll, means prophetess or seer in Greek. The name Sibyll was applied in the ancient world to many women who were inspired by the god Apollo with the gift of prophecy.

I know I said the next chapter would be the next dance lesson and then Hermione's birthday, but this chapter took on a life of its own. I had assumed Severus would want something special for Hermione's birthday, hence the trip to Diagon Alley. I found the pendant on-line when I looked up the name Emerald Leaf. I thought it sounded Slytherin. Imagine my surprise when it actually existed in real life. Go figure. The chapter took off from there.

The necklace does exist. I changed the bale to silver, blame artistic license. I do not believe Severus would have given Hermione the necklace if it were not predominately silver. The picture of the Emerald Leaf necklace can be found at this site: http://www.jewelrycrossings.com/store/JT022PEA.html

Here is the description: Reticulated sterling silver with a wash of 18K yellow gold is the background for a shimmering light green emerald. 18k gold bale gracefully extends across the crinkled surface of the leaf. Necklace complete with 16" sterling silver chain.

Thank you to Nakhash, my beta. Another set of eyes is always helpful, the mistakes, however, are still my fault.

Back on track (maybe). Still to come, Thursday's dance lesson, costumes (at last!), Hermione's Birthday (Lemons!), The Burrow (The only snake in a roomful of lions), and more. Enjoy. Please review and let me know what you think. I love hearing from you! As always thoughts, comments, reviews, whatever are always welcome.

Regards, Pearle