Title: Mountain and Shadow
Author: Cobalt Blue Kitty aka Cbc
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: Hagrid/ Snape
Summary: Fate throws two vastly opposite souls, Rubeus Hagrid and
Severus Snape, together. Love and new life soon follows. But will
the wizarding world except them? Begins in the summer before Harry’s
fifth year.
Disclaimer: Sorry, don’t own them, wish I did. That great
joy belongs to J.K. Rowling. I’m just borrowing them for a
bit of fun.
No use suing I haven’t got any money. The only things I do
lay claim to are the people, places, magic, and creatures I create
for this fic.
Archive: Snape Mpreg Archive
****
”
Gossip is the art of saying nothing in a way that leaves practically
nothing unsaid.” Alexandre Dumas
****
Never judge a book by its cover, or a person by their kin.
This thoughtful old saying had obviously been created with the Lockhart
family in mind.
Gilderoy Lockhart was quite famous among wizards in Europe, the isles
in particular, for his charming good looks, flamboyant character
and clothes, and his string of published books. The golden haired
wizard had a flair for the limelight, always willing to pose for
pictures or sign autographs. The man was narcissistic to a level
few achieved; even going so far as to decorate the walls of his rooms
with pictures of himself in every conceivable pose.
Originally he was ecstatic to accept the positions as Hogwart’s
newest Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. The potential photo
opportunities were immense, especially with the famous Harry Potter
attending his second year of school at the time.
Linking himself to Potter’s fame was brilliant; he could easily
ride on the boy’s coattails the entire time he taught there.
That proved to be more difficult than he once imagined; all that
nasty business with the heir of Slytherin and some secret chamber
with a monster residing within, and a few students had ended up petrified,
but only temporarily.
Poor Gilderoy himself suffered that year as well; a memory charm
went horribly astray and robbed him of virtually all of his memories,
reducing him down to the level of a muggle of all things!
Thankfully Harry Potter dealt with the petrifying problem and the
school was saved.
Now if you asked his fans what they thought about Lockhart’s ‘unfortunate
accident’ there’d be a plethora of weeping and insisting
he’d be better soon. Get well cards and gifts had been pouring
into St. Mungo’s ever since he was admitted. The hospital staff
were irritated and overworked at having to run off the blonde wizard’s
adoring public after they’d attempted to sneak in to the patient’s
room. One would be very hard pressed to find a fan of Gilderoy Lockhart
among the nurses, orderlies, and doctors on duty.
However, if you asked his family the very same question their reaction
would certainly be surprising.
Being an old and noble family deeply steeped in the arts of divination
and medical magic, the Lockharts were very thankful that the incidents
at Hogwarts hadn’t tarnished the line’s good name. Imagine
the shame and embarrassment it would’ve brought had Gilderoy’s
less than proper activities had been exposed. Even though the man
was a fourth cousin and therefore very distant kin he still bore
the resemblance and name of Lockhart and his shame would be theirs
as well.
The reigning matriarch of the family was Cassandra Vablatsky herself,
a witch world famous for her work in divinations, and despite her
great age was still very active in keeping the family affairs in
order. She rarely left the manor anymore, making only one appearance
every year at the great wizard’s convention in London.
Her husband Giles Lockhart was a retired mediwizard who was still
highly respected in his field and oftentimes was called in for consultation
work on difficult cases. The man had pioneered the techniques that
combined muggle and magical medicine for the better treatments for
the ill and injured. His private studies into rare plants and their
medicinal values had resulted in several potions which proved highly
effective in relieving the pain and aftereffects of Dark Art curses.
Even retired Giles couldn’t keep his hands out of the work
he started, working on his exotic plants in the greenhouse and accepting
special patients confidentially.
Of all their children, grandchildren and kin only Gilderoy proved
to be a disappointment.
With his skill in memory charms he could’ve become an Obliviator
for the Ministry and lived a happy life.
Instead the idiot cut himself off from his family and went out on
his own, stealing the great deeds of others and claiming them as
his own. No longer considering himself part of the clan Gilderoy’s
kin could only look on and shudder at his deplorable antics.
Thank Merlin the man was finally out of the limelight, dispatched
by one of his own memory charms; truly poetic justice in that.
****
Dumbledore eyed the black-clad younger wizard with a critical air
as he turned to speak to the half-giant seated besides him.
This scene had become a regular occurrence since Christmas, so much
so that the entire staff and much of the student body had taken notice.
(Unacceptable, completely unacceptable.)
It all seemed so unbelievable at first, like some bizarre hallucination
or illusion cast by a twisted mind. Gossip and speculation abounded,
especially when dealing with such blatantly opposite wizards. What
could they possibly have in common?
Yet there they were; together.
All too often of late Snape would leave the dark recesses of his
dungeons to venture out into the daylight, crossing the snow covered
grounds with a surprisingly light step to visit Hagrid, sometimes
even assisting the big man with his chores. Tending to the various
magical creatures Hagrid housed wasn’t a task one would imagine
the stiff Potions Master would engage in but sightings by students
were impossible to dismiss. Two Hufflepuffs nearly fainted when they
saw their dreaded Professor soothing Hagrid’s three-headed
dog Fluffy while the half-giant trimmed the beast’s claws.
Snape had even developed a slight tan from his long hours in the
sun.
For his part Hagrid was visiting the castle’s lowest levels,
with an occasional side stop somewhere on the third floor. Snape
never complained about these invasions into his private domain. He
actually seemed to welcome them.
Now very little ever escaped the Headmaster’s notice here on
the grounds of Hogwarts. But this had him stumped.
Many believed Albus to be quite mentally unhinged, however it was
al a meticulously crafted mask, designed to throw people off balance.
Friends and enemies alike tended to forget themselves around him
and say or do things they didn’t wish for others to know.
Quite a number of times over the last few weeks the old wizard had
seen signs of more existing between the two men besides friendship.
The touches, looks, and soft conversations all pointed to an affair.
Normally the Headmaster cared very little for the various relationships
which occasionally cropped up between staff members but this situation
was anything but normal.
Ever since his expulsion Dumbledore had been very protective of the
half-giant. He was loyal to the old wizard to the point of being
fanatical, something which Albus found extremely valuable in their
plans against Voldemort. Servants who were willing to do anything
asked of them, even if the mission held little chance of returning
alive, were valuable resources not to be squandered lightly.
Every war needed heroes, individuals people could look up to and
children emulate, especially if they were fallen heroes. Harry was
already set up to be their living hero, and Hagrid was a prime candidate
for one of the fallen. His death would serve to erase much of the
giant bigotry which existed in the wizard community. Until the time
was right all Dumbledore needed to do was keep the half-giant on
staff and content which was no easy task.
Hagrid had always been a bit lonely, his hybrid nature isolated him
from much of the wizarding community. In order to keep him content
in his position Dumbledore carefully arranged for Hagrid to meet
Madame Maxine but the relationship ended before it really ever had
a chance to grow.
Now Hagrid had gone behind his back and taken up with Severus Snape.
If it had been anyone else Albus would’ve kept away and not
interfered unless it was called for by the plan. But this, this wasn’t
right. If this continued it could seriously undermine his control
over both men.
While Severus was no longer capable of spying he was highly prized
for performing in his chosen profession. As one of the top three
Potions Masters in the world Snape’s skills could still prove
the deciding factor in this war. Albus simply couldn’t sit
still and allow Severus to form attachments of any sort. All their
plans were contingent upon Snape remaining dependant on Albus’ friendship
and protection.
Whatever it took Albus had to separate this most unlikely couple
before all their carefully crafted plans collapsed like a house of
cards.
*~*~*
“Balmy! That’s what you are, absolutely balmy!” Ron
eyed his little sister as she was going to sprout horns any minute
as the students were eating their evening meal.
“
Why? Doesn’t he deserve to have friends?”
“
Him? Nope, he don’t! Whatever gave you the idea he’s
friends with Hagrid, or anyone else for that matter. The miserable
old bastard wouldn’t know friendship if it crawled up and bit
him on the ass!”
Ginny’s cheeks reddened as her eyes narrowed in anger.
The whole conversation had been brewing over the last few weeks since
Christmas. Something decidedly odd was going on between the half
giant and their Potions professor. Hagrid and Professor Snape were
being civil towards each other, visiting each other’s place
of work and setting at the teacher’s table together. And the
children being children began speculating. Anytime adults started
acting outside their prescribed patterns children were naturally
going to start guessing about the reason why, each one more wild
and off course than the last.
“
That’s right!” Ernie, a boy from Ron’s year, joined
in. “The man’s just a cantankerous bat with a face like
a bulldog chewing on a wasp. Ugh!!”
“
It does seem strange,” Hermione looked up from the book she’d
been reading. “Perhaps the Headmaster has them both working
on something.”
“
Like what I wonder,” mused the Boy-Who-Lived.
“
Professor Snape has always hated Hagrid, I doubt Headmaster Dumbledore
could make him be nice if he didn’t want to.”
“
Exactly! So it must be real.” Ginny shot a nasty glare at her
brother.
“
Unless he’s blackmailing him, holding something over Snape’s
head to make him play nice with the other kiddies.” Seamus
snickered.
“
There’s a thought, bet that git’s got a whole dungeon
full of nasty little secrets,” cackled the red-head. “Probably
each one’s bad enough on it’s own to see his scrawny
ass thrown into Azkaban.”
For his part Neville kept well clear of the conversation. Professor
Snape had not been so bad recently. At least he wasn’t trying
to terrify the Gryffindor to death anymore. If having Hagrid for
a friend had changed him who was Neville to say it wasn’t right.
Farther down the table Fred and George shared a sad look and shook
their heads. Sometimes it really amazed them they were actually related
to Ron. The way their younger brother was acting was appalling. While
it may be true Professor Snape had all the social graces of a sea
cucumber when it came to dealing with his students he was still their
teacher and should at least be respected for that. Besides Snape
had actually been checking over some their more complicated gag formulas,
pointing out problems and potential bad brews before anyone got hurt.
The twins were thinking about making him a silent partner when they
opened their own joke shop after graduation.
“
I think having a friend is good for the Professor.” Lavendar
just had to add her thoughts on that matter.
“
Yeah, he hasn’t been quite so bad in class has he?” Not
one to let her friend stand on the bulls-eye alone Parvati put in
her two cents.
“
I said it once, I’ll say it again, you’re all balmy!!”
For that Ron received a nasty little slap upside his head from his
supposedly weaker little sister.
*~*~*~*
Over at the Slytherin table talk was also centered on the two men,
but the conversation was far darker, rather sinister in fact.
“
Disgusting, absolutely disgusting.” Draco sneered, eyeing Hagrid
and Snape talking as if he’d just discovered something extremely
foul smelling stuck to his shoe.
“
Such a revolting display. Really, this is a school not a brothel.”
Only too willing to follow the younger Malfoy’s lead Crabbe
and Goyle were quick to echo their leader.
“
Think they’re feeling each other up under the table?” Goyle
asked, sending his fellow Slytherins into a mixture of laughter and
gagging.
“
That’s sick Gregory, really nauseating,” and Millicent
did indeed look a bit green around the cheeks.
“
Probably too much there to feel up properly anyway, not after what
our Dark Lord did.” Crabbe shot a glance at their teachers,
remembering the news his father had told him over Christmas.
Draco let out a short barking laugh. “Too right Vince! Snape’s
got a flange and a boaby! Probably confused that big knob-head to
no end.”
“
Wonder if he gives freebies?” Bulstrode’s seemingly innocent
question sent nearly the whole table into a fit of disgusted laughter.
*~*~*~*
Later on that evening the teachers lounge some of the staff had
gathered to speak freely without running the risk of a student overhearing.
“
Such a disgraceful display,” Sinestra complained as she sipped
her tea. “Really, why hasn’t the Headmaster put a stop
to all this?”
“
Maybe Lori because it’s not his right to do so. So long as
it doesn’t directly interfere with the school Dumbledore can’t
meddle in a teachers’ personal life.”
A thoroughly venomous look was shot his way by the Astronomy professor. “That’s
just it Hudson, the students have taken notice! Over the last week
I’ve had to break up five groups of students, each one talking
about those two freaks. So you see this IS disrupting the classes.”
“
Students are going to talk about their teachers no matter what they’re
doing or where they’re doing it at.” Wright just had
to add her thoughts, unwilling to allow the Muggle Studies Professor
to take all the heat.
“
I agree with Professor Sinestra.” The otherworldly voice of
the dead Professor Binns floated over to the gathered group. “Such
matters cannot be allowed to continue. Think of the school’s
reputation.”
“
Fine, you take it up with Dumbledore, but don’t expect any
assistance on my part.” Wright rose gracefully from her chair,
white hair nearly reaching the floor as she stormed out the room.
“
That goes for me too.” Hudson said before following the example
made by the Ancient Runes Professor.
*~*~*~*
Class was over and the students filed out quickly, eager to meet
their friends for the evening meal, leaving Professor Lupin alone
with his faithful pet.
Since this year’s DADA professor went and got into a fight
minus his wand with some randy Grindylows in the lake while skinny-dipping
(the idiot forgot that in mating season the beasts were ten times
more aggressive) Remus had been tapped to sub till the poor man was
healthy enough to return. No one really had any hopes of Professor
Horn resuming teaching after seeing him hauled off to St. Mungo’s
screaming five octaves higher than he previously could. Lupin’s
dog got a real kick out of that; the animal was almost rolling on
the floor in canine laughter. Many thought the big black animal that
resembled a grim must have some magical blood in its veins; no normal
dog was that intelligent. When asked about his pet Remus would just
smile and state he was of a rare breed he purchased abroad and was
the only one of the litter still alive. It wasn’t really lying
since all of Black’s relatives were indeed dead.
Remus sighed and laid aside the last graded test.
Really, what on earth was Horn thinking? The first year students
were behind on their schedule and classes for the upper years had
no teaching plan to go by. The one Horn gave the Headmaster at beginning
of term had been abandoned soon after classes started. The werewolf
had his work cut out for him if he was going to correct his predecessor’s
mistakes.
Snuffles trotted over to the door and pushed it closed, locking it
with a nudge from his cold wet nose. Once satisfied the room was
sealed the black dog quickly transformed into a wizard.
“
Merlin, what a mess,” Remus leaned back in his chair, scrubbing
his face with both hands. “If the Grindylows hadn’t already
castrated Horn I would right now.”
“
Come on Moony, it’s not that bad. Sure, the kids are a bit
off on certain things, it’s nothing you can’t fix.” Sirius
sat on the desk edge, grinning at his dear old friend.
“
A bit off? Some of the first years don’t even know your basic
banishment spells. Others think a dragon is like that muggle monstrosity
Barney whose creator should be burned at the stake for cruel and
unusual treatment of children.”
Black made a sound somewhere between gagging and laughing. During
his time on the run he’d had what he thought as the good fortune
to be taken in by a well meaning muggle family. Unfortunately the
youngest child loved the purple and green beast and forced the new
family pet to sit and watch tape after tape depicting the exploits
of Barney. Sirius made a desperate escape two days later.
“
Dinosaur, Barney’s a dinosaur.” Corrected the Animagi.
“
A dinosaur? That makes it even worse! These kids don’t know
a magical animal from a non-magical one.” Black laughed, a
harsh sound rather reminiscent of a dog barking. “Don’t
worry about it Moony, you’ll do fine.” He patted the
werewolf on the shoulder. “Now what say we go to supper, I
want to see what ole Snape’s up to.”
There was a distinct twinge in his head that bespoke of the headache
to come when Remus saw the wicked smile Sirius was sporting. “Siri
no.”
“
Aww, come on Moony. I didn’t say anything about pranking the
poor bastard now did I?” Brown eyes grew wide and innocent,
settling into the dreaded puppy dog look, an attack which only the
most hard-hearted could turn away from. Unfortunately Remus Lupin
wasn’t one of those lucky individuals.
“
All right Padfoot, we’ll go. But you have to be careful, I
don’t think Hagrid has forgiven or forgotten your little prank
on Snape yesterday.” That froze the cheerful expression his
friend sported. Black grew thoughtful, a rare event anywhere. “That
didn’t hurt anyone Remus. It was just a simple little jelly-legs
spell which-.”
“
-you threw just as Severus was about to take that first step to come
down to supper. Sirius, if Hagrid hadn’t caught him who knows
how badly Snape could’ve been hurt.” Remus pushed gray-streaked
hair out of his eyes to take a serious look at his friend. “You’re
lucky that everyone thought some student had thrown it.”
“
Well, all right, maybe it was a bad idea to cast it while he was
coming down the stairs, but he deserves it. You and I both know he’s
up to something, why else would that greasy no good bastard be hanging
around with Hagrid? How many times did we hear him call that man
names when we were kids?”
“
That’s right Sirius, when we were kids. Children say cruel
things when they don’t understand. We’re not children
anymore Padfoot, not you or I and certainly not Severus. Maybe he’s
just outgrown that childhood bigotry and found a friend.”
“
Bah! Now you’re going to spoil my dinner by making me sick
Remus. The day that Snape is friends with Hagrid is the day I allow
you to give me a poodle cut.”
The sudden image of Black’s Animagi form half shaved, with
little patches of fur sprouting from his rump sent Remus into a fit
of laughter. Maybe, just maybe if Remus planned this carefully he’d
not only get to see Sirius trotting around with that cut but maybe
force his friend to grow up a little. The time for childish hatreds
and feuds was over; if Voldemort was to be defeated everyone needed
to work together. “I’m going to hold you to that promise
Padfoot,” brown eyes glittered with a yellow tint as Remus
grinned wolfishly at his fellow wizard.
Nervously Sirius shifted back to a dog and trotted along behind his
still chuckling friend, wondering if it was too late to take back
his words as Lupin began wondering aloud if Colin Creevey might be
willing to lend Remus his camera for an hour or two. Sirius tried
dispelling his nervous state by reminding himself there was no way
Remus would ever get the chance to take a shaver to his thick lustrous
pelt, Severus was the same nasty piece of work he’d been in
school except nastier and more ugly. There was no way on this earth
he had changed enough to think of the half-giant Hagrid as a friend.
No way.
So why was he still nervous?
*~*~*~*
Inscrolled in her smoky tower classroom, amidst shelves cluttered
with a myriad of divination tools such as tea cups, crystal balls,
and tarot cards, Professor Trelawney was doing what she loved the
best; scrying.
As teachers went she wasn’t top notch. The majority of her
students held very low opinion of her, nothing less than a gaudy
old bat that went around the twist years ago. A fraud, a bloody faker
whose greatest pleasure in life stemmed from scaring children nearly
to death with grim predictions of their imminent demise.
How little they understood.
Sybil did indeed possess the sight; it was only the degree to which
she could control it that varied. Most days she couldn’t see
a thing, forcing herself to fall back on parlor tricks and her keen
hearing to see her thru classes. Occasionally she’d get a brief
flash or two, just enough to keep her students guessing as to her
credentials and sanity. Only once in a great while would a true prophetic
dream overtake her. Trelawney herself never remembered what she’d
said during these episodes and had taken to charming one of her necklaces
to record everything she’d spoken of that day which would then
be reviewed later. This simple trick guaranteed Sybil would know
if she’d at least get to hear her prophecies.
Today was a perfect day to seek information about the latest bit
of gossip she’d overheard in class this morning.
Two girls from Ravenclaw were giggling as they packed their books
away after class, one telling the other about seeing Professor Snape
actually smiling in class, fingering something that lay just beneath
his robes around his neck. This got the woman to thinking. According
to the gossip she’d picked up from the students was that their
nasty potions teacher had been unusually nice since their return
from Christmas break. He’d toned down his caustic remarks and
even awarded a few points to the houses other than his old one.
Curious as to what might’ve transpired to effect such a transformation
Sybil threw caution to the wind and got out her special incense,
the one that burned extremely slow, the one that gave her the most
accurate visions, and settled down before her crystal ball, sinking
into that half conscious state that preceded the jumble of images.
For over three hours Trelawney had been at it, with no results. She
was just about to give up and pull herself back into the real world
when….
# Two figures, one much taller than the other, identities shrouded
by ethereal fog, drawing closer together till at last they merged
into one being, sharing all that they were with each other. The fog
thinned just as the two separated, only where there had been two
figures before there were now three! One cradled in the arms of the
smaller man. Just as the vision began to drift away she finally caught
sight of the two figures faces…#
Sybil came out her trace faster than she ever had before, nearly
falling out of her chair.
Snape…Hagrid…she’d had seen them…and with
them was… The Headmaster needed to hear of this!
Meeting in one of the old eastern towers was risky but it couldn’t
be helped. Things were moving faster than any of them had anticipated;
making it necessary to call his conspirators in for an emergency
session and while his office was secure it was also too open to allow
for anyone to sneak in without drawing attention. The eastern towers
were lower than the others and obscured by their position behind
the main section of the school, the cloudy night adding to their
cover.
“
Make this quick Albus, I cannot stay long.” The man to the
Headmaster’s right snapped.
“
Nor can I, Perenelle will be worried if I do not return on time.” The
other wizard leaned his broom against the nearest wall before taking
his seat. “We have a potential problem arising my friends,
one that jeopardizes everything we have worked so hard to build.
Our spy is no longer able to perform the duty which he was designed
for.”
“
We know this Albus. Snape may no longer service the light in that
manner but he still remains one of the greatest Potions Masters in
the world. Voldemort no longer has access to him, or anyone to replace
him that possesses even half the skill thus marking Snape as a tool
which continues to have value to us.” “Indeed, his insights
on the minds of the various Death Eaters could also prove useful.
When one knows how an enemy thinks it becomes easier to anticipate
their moves.” The wizard to the right added, leaning back into
the shadows, only his steepled hands remaining visible.
“
True, true. But this requires that he remain totally dependant on
me as his sole source of comfort and safety.”
“
I take it then that is no longer the case?”
“
Correct Nicholas. It seems our little black pawn has decided to take
up with the half-giant. I believe their relationship has gone quite
a bit farther than mere friendship.”
“
You’re not suggesting that they’ve taken to fucking now?”
“
Please refrain from using such vulgar words,” Nicholas snapped
at their mysterious companion.
“
Vulgar or not I believe they are indeed having physical relations.”
“
Unfortunate. What does this do to our plans?”
“
Naturally it will hamper our efforts. This was totally unforeseen
by any of us. I had hoped that Madame Maxine would prove to be a
good match for Hagrid. Any young that came from their union would
be a valuable asset should the war be drawn out. But alas, my Groundskeeper
proved to be not to her liking, and they parted at least on good
terms.”
“
Do you believe there are emotions involved between them? If they
are indeed in love then we have no real hold over Snape. Our control
depended on his needing you Dumbledore.”
As the three men talked none of them noticed the figure that crept
slowly forwards, keeping her body concealed in shadows....
Trelawney held her breath least its small sound give her away, fearing
the sudden frantic beating of her heart was loud enough to do so.
When she had descended from her tower Sybil cast a seeking spell
to discover where in Hogwarts the Headmaster was currently positioned
and was surprised to find him moving up the stairs of one of the
east towers. Counting herself fortunate for the short walk the thin
witch headed after the aged wizard, fully intent on sharing her latest
vision with him.
However, what she found upon reaching the tower literally had her
scurrying into the shadows. Sybil listened, fingers tightly clutched
about her shaws, with growing horror as the three men plotted to
destroy two men’s happiness…..
“This can’t continue. Albus you must see that both men
are returned to their solitary states. If you can’t find a
way then the half-giant will have to be terminated.”
“
Kill Hagrid?”
Nicolas leaned over and patted the younger wizard’s knee. “I
know that you are a bit fond of the man but it can’t be helped.
Of the two he is of lesser value to us. If we are to retain our control
of Severus Snape we may have no choice to but to kill Hagrid. It’s
not like we intended for him to live past the war’s end anyway.
Hagrid’s death has just been moved up to an earlier date that’s
all.”
“
It should be ridiculously easy given the man’s fascination
with dangerous beasts. Just charm one of the brutes to attack him
during class or when he feeds them.” Their companion offhandedly
flicked his hand in the general direction of Hagrid’s animal
pens.
“
Feeding time would be better, having him mauled to death before the
students would be too traumatizing. It might well rob us of potential
Aurors if they lose their nerve so young.” The white bearded
wizard rubbed the bridge of his nose. “But I would prefer to
wait a bit before resorting to killing. I shall have a stern talk
with Severus; make him see the error in his judgment first. If this
does not work then, and only then, will I arrange matters as we have
discussed tonight.”
“
Good, then it is settled. Deal with this problem now Albus before
it gets out of hand. There have been too many mistakes already, we
can ill afford another.” The aged alchemist rose to his feet
and reached for his broom. Out of the corner of one eye he caught
a glint of gold in the corridor.
“
We have a visitor.” He hissed.
“
Whoever it is I shall deal with them.” Albus whispered, rising
and bowing to his co-conspirators as if nothing was amiss. “We
will meet again soon to discuss our next move.”
“
Make sure whoever it is out there doesn’t live to spread our
conversation Albus.”
“
I do what must be done, haven’t I always?” His blue eyes
cold and calculating.
The heavily robed wizard smiled, he could just see the flash of teeth
within the darkened hood. “Yes, you always have.”
Sybil rushed down the hall, running as soon as she was out of the
three men’s hearing, the only thought racing through her mind
was warning Hagrid about the dreadful danger he was in. So intent
was she on this mission Trelawney failed to see the robed figure
that suddenly appeared in front of her.
“
Expelliarmus!”
Within seconds the Divinations Professor was laying on the ground,
looking up at the Headmaster with terrified eyes.
“
Accio Wand!!”
Sybil tried to snatch the bit of wood as it was ripped from her pocket
but with little luck, fingers just grazing its smooth surface as
it flew to the Headmaster’s waiting outstretched hand.
“
Hea-Headmaster..please..you cant…” She panted. “I
am terribly sorry Sybil,” he did indeed sound most regretful. “But
I’m afraid you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Erasing
your memories would only confuse you and draw more attention.”
“
Albus NO!!”
“
Avada Kedavra!”
The last vision Sybil Trelawney had in life was the wave of green
death rushing to engulf her.
Once the deed was done Albus casually transfigured the body into
an old rag doll. The dear little thing would look so adorable on
that empty space on his shelf, and who would look for a dead body
in the Headmaster’s office anyway. Stuffing Sybil into one
pocket Dumbledore went about stripping the area of any clue to his
wrongdoing. Once satisfied all evidence was gone Albus began the
long walk to his own quarters, he desperately needed to sleep.
Tomorrow was certainly going to be exciting; he needed to place an
add in the Daily Prophet for a new Divinations teacher. Dear Sybil
had left a list containing the names of potential replacements should
she somehow be unable to perform her duties. To these few wizards
he’d send out a letter inquiring if they were interested in
teaching here at Hogwarts. Between the paper and the list he should
have enough candidates to choose from.
The next morning the Headmaster announced to the staff and assembled
students that Professor Trelawney had been called away on a family
emergency and was not expected to return for the remainder of the
year.
“Thank you for accepting the position on such short notice
Mr. Lockhart.” Albus shook hands with the handsome young wizard
before motioning him to a seat.
“
Quite all right Headmaster, I happen to be in the area anyway doing
some research, and you did say that the position needed filled immediately.”
Immediately was an understatement. There wasn't a single reply to
his add in the paper and just about all of Sybil's list had politely
told him to sod off. Lockhart was the only one to reply.
“
Yes, yes, quite right. Your research, nothing too important I hope?
I would hate to tear you away from anything sensitive.”
Lockhart laughed, waving his hand in dismissal. “Oh no, I can
finish it anytime. The field work is complete and all that’s
left is just arranging the results and writing it up.”
Nodding the old wizard leaned back into his chair.
“
Which you could easily accomplish on your off hours here.”
“
My thoughts exactly.”
“
Professor Trelawney recommended you very highly; she sang your praises
for nearly an hour before I agreed to forward you an invitation to
teach here.”
In a way Albus wasn’t lying. Sybil had recommended Gideon Lockhart
just not very highly, if fact his was the last name on Trelawney’s
scribbled list. And just last year she’d had a bit too much
to drink after a bad day teaching and spilled out a few choice words
about this young man before him, none of them good. “Oh? Never
thought I’d ever hear the old bat say anything like that. She
really sang my praises? Huh, wait till Grandmamma hears about that,” he
chuckled, a soft breathy sound. “Sybil was one of her students
and had the misfortune to develop a fascination for death forecasting.”
(Despite his references, no doubt stolen from someone, the boy’s
got the necessary knowledge to teach the subject, if he has even
a touch of the power it will just being an added bonus.) Dumbledore
smiled sweetly at the other wizard.
“
Well my dear boy. Let me be the first to welcome you to the teaching
staff of Hogwarts.” Albus rose up and stretched out his hand.
The young wizard was only too happy to accept his offered handshake.
“
Thank you Headmaster.”
“
I’ll have a house elf show you to your quarters.” He
ushered the young man towards the door. “Tonight we’ll
introduce you to the staff and students. I’ll set you next
to our Potions instructor, I’m sure you’ll get along
together just swimmingly.”
*~*~*~*
Being a spirit really wasn’t all that bad, though spirit may
not be the most accurate term from his new state of existence. Unlike
true ghosts Merlin still retained the ability to touch and cast some
of his lesser spells. But for now it would just have to do. Thanks
to the magic permeating virtually every inch of Hogwarts Merlin could
wander out beyond the meager range the tree had tied him to. Now
everything within the school’s magical boundaries was open
for his exploration. For now however he was content to remain close
to the two wizards who wore the pendant made from his spiritual base.
Hagrid, the larger wizard, was in charge of the grounds and taught
the Care of Magical Creatures class. Merlin thought him well sorted
to both tasks. Hagrid had a deft hand giant derived strength, and
a steady presence most suited for dealing with such beasts. Almost
all the children liked him. All except the Slytherins.
Ah, Salazar.
Merlin remembered Salazar’s father boasting about his newborn
son, proudly declaring the young Slytherin would be one of the greatest
wizards in the isles. Evidently his prediction came true just not
exactly as he might’ve desired. Old Slytherin’s dislike
of mixed and muggle blood had survived all these ages, having been
passed on to the children who dwelt within Salazar’s house.
These children attended Hagrid’s classes, did their homework,
and never tried to completely hide their loathing for the half-giant
and Hagrid managed most of the time to hide his disappointment and
sadness.
The other wizard Snape didn’t seem to care what the children,
or anyone else other than Hagrid, thought of him. Stern and unyielding,
Severus ruled over his classes as a Duke lorded over his lands. But
for all his harsh words and bitter scowls Snape was a skilled teacher
who forced students to learn the demanding subject of potions making.
As for the young wizard’s personal potions making skills Merlin
couldn’t recall a single witch or wizard who came close to
equaling Snape’s prowess. Even his own brewing talent paled
before the black clad man’s. Severus truly deserved his title
of Potions Master. A fascinating man was Severus Snape, such a marvelous
complicated soul. A man who had endured great hardships in his life,
suffering scorn and hatred, who had fallen into darkness only to
claw his way back into the light on his own. Extremely intelligent
and powerful, possessing a will equal to his own Merlin found himself
liking this young wizard more and more. He was unsure as to how the
two wizards came together but there was no denying their love was
true and solid. If he was corporeal Merlin would’ve blushed
red enough to light up the entire room when he remembered the times
he’d witnessed the two in bed. The sheer passion they generated
was hot enough to melt steel! Thankfully his new existence didn’t
include celibacy, he could still pleasure himself, something Merlin
found himself doing quite a bit if he didn’t go exploring when
Severus and Rubeus were together.
Hogwarts! What a wonderfully exciting place! Everything he required
to reacquaint himself with the world conveniently housed within its
stone walls. The Library abounded with tomes on every subject imaginable,
dating from his own era to the present.
Merlin was mildly surprised, and a bit flattered, to see the number
of tomes dedicated to his own history and exploits. Most were just
filled with farfetched speculations but still amusing to read. From
the outside world came papers and soft tomes the magic folk of today
called magazines which carried far more current news. And of course
there was the ever present gossip to eavesdrop on, something not
even the passage of time could completely stamp out, from both the
living and the dead.
Other spirits inhabited these hallowed halls, ghosts accumulated
over the years who chose to remain rather than seek the peace of
the grave. At first Merlin hid from them, either by invisibility
or seeking refuge with the pendants, and while the wooden carvings
were safe invisibility only worked on living eyes. To the dead he
stood out like a bonfire on a pitch black night. Things were bit
strained at the beginning because of his reputation, but soon enough
Hogwart’s ghostly population accepted him and agreed to keep
his presence a secret. Most had argued about that, after all it was
the height of ethereal society to share haunts with someone of Merlin’s
status. But they respected him and bowed to his desire for privacy.
This morning found him patiently waiting for Snape to awaken. From
his observations the man was normally an early riser but over the
last seven days he’d taken to sleeping later, drained of his
former energy, not to mention the…odd stomach ailment which
had recently begun plaguing the young wizard.
How peculiar, now that he thought about Severus’ symptoms were
familiar, very familiar.
Oh dear.
It sounded utterly impossible even to a wizard as powerful as him,
but with magic anything was possible. There were dozens of potions
and spells available to today’s wizards to aid in conceiving
a child along with the ancient spell Severus had suffered at the
hands of this Dark Lord who called himself Voldemort.
Turning his mind away Merlin sank back into the mistletoe pendant,
from there into the young wizard’s slowly awakening body. Careful
as to not harm Severus Merlin’s awareness crept ever inwards,
sinking deeper, passing through bone and muscle, downwards till….
Aha!
Black eyes snapped open. Blankets went flying as Severus scrambled
to his feet and bolted for the bathroom. Ignoring the cold tiles
biting his bare skin Severus fell to his knees and became violently
ill, heaving up last night’s dinner into the toilet. Again
and again he coughed and hacked till there was nothing left in his
stomach to bring up.
Shaking hands fumbled with the bathroom faucet, cupping the cool
water and splashing his face and taking small sips. What the hell
was wrong with him? This wasn’t a normal illness, but it wasn’t
a hex for all his banishing spells were useless against what was
quickly becoming his morning ritual. Severus glanced over at the
calendar he’d hung here to mark his cycles on, thinking that
perhaps this was some new symptom springing from his unusual anatomy.
But no his cycle wasn’t due…no, his cycle was overdue,
overdue by three weeks….
Severus counted the days again, and then again, checking the listing
for the previous ones. His menstrual cycles had run like clockwork
since they began, what could suddenly throw them off so far now?
He wasn’t sick, there was no fever, no headache, just this
annoying nausea that had a tendency to strike only in the early…morning.
“
Oh sweet Merlin! Morning sickness!!”
