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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
***** Long, long ago mankind’s wars were fought using the most fundamental of weapons; bluff and sheer basic brutality. Not yet advanced enough to make use of such things as battle strategies or crafted weapons early man relied on aggression, weight of numbers, and whatever stick, bone, or piece of rock was handy. Not too many of these battles came to true blows; in a harsh world filled with innumerable dangers the slightest injury could be a death sentence. True aggression and violence only came into play when bluff and bravado failed. The reasons for war were simple then; territory, food, shelter, and mates, only the basics necessities of life. Countless trials challenged primitive man, forced him to evolve new strategies for survival. And as man evolved so too did war. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say as war evolved so too did man. The skills developed to craft better weapons were later turned to creating tools for building and farming. Healers were forced to advance their profession; improving old techniques, finding new medicines, and creating skills to deal with the various injuries and sicknesses spawned by war. Conquering invaders brought to their new lands strange ideas about virtually everything. They introduced new crops and animals to farmers, skills and goods to merchants, and knowledge gathered from far off lands. Even they themselves were instruments of evolution; interbreeding with the native population thus introducing fresh new genes to the local bloodlines. Change is inevitable. It is a simple fact of life; evolve or die. War is an instrument of change and thus an instrument of evolution; ushering in the birth of a new era in man’s existence. And just like any birth it is colored by pain, loss, and blood. *~*~*~* War had come to the wizards of the Isles. Under the command of Arthur Weasley the Ministry marshaled its forces, purged now of the Death Eater taint Fudge had hidden all the departments rallied behind their new leader. Auror recruitment and training began in earnest. Men and women who’d retired from service were recalled; those too crippled to actively fight became the teachers of those who soon would. All formally suspected or confirmed Death Eaters from the first uprising still at large were rounded up for questioning. Veritaserum was in high demand and those who were skilled enough to create the complex mixture were hard pressed to keep up with their orders. Failure to pass the testing meant immediate arrest and imprisonment. Population numbers in certain areas dwindled as Voldemort’s minions went into hiding to escape the increased Auror raids. Unfortunately not all the measures Minister Weasley implemented arrived on time. Two nights before Aurors were to storm Azkaban and destroy the Dementors within Death Eaters seized control of the island prison. They freed those who were still reasonably coherent and fed the remaining poor sods to the soul-sucking creatures. Enticed by the prospect of more such feedings the foul creatures eagerly returned to the Dark Lord’s ranks. With the Dementors addition to his forces the odds were now in Voldemort’s favor. Some citizens fled with their families to the Americas and Europe. It was only a delaying tactic at best. Once Voldemort held control of England the other countries would soon follow. Security around key areas was reinforced with as many strengthening wards and spell traps as possible, paying special attention to Hogwarts itself. What better way to strike at his enemies than to attack that which was closest to their hearts? *~*~*~* Decisions, decisions. Idly tapping his wand on the desk Dumbledore stared at the stack of files in front of him lost in thought. Earlier that morning Pettigrew had been carted off to a secret underground high security prison there to be sealed in a cell for the rest of his life; Peter would never see the light of day again. Such a waste. Pettigrew may have been a miserable little toady but it was that very quality that made him so invaluable to their plans. As Voldemort’s servant Peter had been privy to plans Severus never knew existed. Without him they were flying blind. Albus tried to replace him but his first choice was heavily flawed. Parkinson had indeed joined the Death Eaters but because of Lord Voldemort’s deep seated hatred of women she’d never rise far enough in the ranks to be any real use. Someone else was needed; someone who was sure to gain a high position if given the proper opening. And who else fit that description than Draco Malfoy? Chuckling wickedly Albus hopped up from his plush chair and headed off to prepare for the coming night’s activities. *~*~*~* “Sixty points from Gryffindor Miss Granger and yet another detention with Mr. Filch,” the elder Lockhart snapped. “Now stop interrupting my class with your vile bigoted whispering.” “But Profes-,” “And another ten points for protesting!” Hermione glared at the old healer but kept silent not because of what he said but because of the heavily threat-laced stares being directed her way by her fellow Gryffindors. Thanks to the girl’s narrow muggle-minded and publicly voiced opinions on homosexuality the top Hogwarts house had slipped an amazing 265 points over the last month. At this rate only a miracle could gain Gryffindor the house cup this time. Currently Hufflepuff was in the lead and if matters didn’t improve soon they would go away with the coveted title. “For once Hermione keep your big mouth shut!” Hissed Lavender behind her. She kept her mouth shut, but only because of the others silent threats. *~*~*~* Giles hated punishing the girl but the little bint kept asking for it every time she opened her mouth. Really, she was beginning to sound like one of those muggle broken records. If she kept up her current rate of losing points Gryffindor would be in the negative by the time the house cup ceremony rolled around. Oh well, her bigotry wasn’t his problem to deal with. Minerva had been notified about her student’s abysmal opinions on several occasions and the elder witch promised to handle it but Giles had yet to see any change. In his opinion McGonagall wasn’t going to do anything about it, the mangy old cat still hadn’t come to terms with Snape being pregnant. Right now his only worries were his patient Severus, getting the students to pass Potions, and keeping Fred and George away from his enchanted telly. Giles shared Arthur Weasley’s fascination with the muggle world but went about his investigations a little more scientifically. He went out and bought a television and spent six months laying enchantments on it so it would function in a magical household and another three more setting it up to receive satellite. Watching muggle educational shows and commercials had enlightened him on quite a number of muggle customs and creations. It was one of those commercials that led him to try mountain dew. When he moved into the castle to be closer to Severus Giles made sure to bring everything he needed from home; clothes, medical supplies and equipment, protective charms, a few dozen cases of mountain dew, and his wonderful telly. One day Fred and George came to visit the Potion Master and saw Giles introducing Severus to muggle television. Snape wasn’t impressed and soon went back to his reading but the twins were enthralled, especially with those Warner Brothers cartoons. Their eyes lit up like bonfires upon seeing all the wonderfully wacky things developed by the mysterious Acme Company and soon the pair were avidly taking notes on everything they saw. Giles wondered if Fred and George were intelligent and talented enough to recreate those Acme gags here in the magical world. Merlin help them all if they succeeded! The parents currently at the castle whose children supported Severus had carefully been brought into the Professor’s support group under the careful supervision of Molly Weasley. Surprisingly many, despite their muggle status, weren’t against the relationship between Severus and Rubeus. When Giles asked why they were so understanding most commented that the mere fact that Professor Snape was pregnant made most of the taught muggle beliefs about same sex relationships rather mute. *~*~*~* That evening the Gryffindor common room, usually filled with studying and socializing students, was the site of a rather tense confrontation. Having become fed up with Hermione’s recent actions several of her housemates had decided to call her to explain herself.
“Out with what?” She asked innocently. “Out with what?? You know damn well what!!” Finnigan snapped. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately, you’re usually the most reasonable of us. Why this sudden change?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She moved as if to leave only to be blocked by Ernie MacMillian and the third year Blake Cassel. “Cut the bullshit! Just tell us why you’ve been wittering on about fags so much, especially in class.”
The members of Snape’s support group were nervous but hid it well. Each one knew of the golden trio’s attack on the pregnant professor and their subsequent punishment. If Granger broke their restriction and blurted out Severus’ secret it’d be all over the school in a matter of hours. But Granger was cunning, had she not been muggleborn she would’ve made a most excellent Slytherin, and knew when to speak and how much to speak about. “You mean you haven’t figured it out Seamus? How about you Dean? Snape’s gay! He and Hagrid are fucking!” The assembled crowd didn’t know which was more shocking; the fact that two of their male professors were engaged in a sexual relationship or that Hermione had swore. “Snape’s gay??” “Hagrid too?? EEWWW!!” “That’s way too much information before bedtime man, now I’ll have nightmares. Thanks a lot Granger.” Blake groaned, turning a trifle green. Seamus shook himself out of his shock. “Snape? An arse bandit? A bloody sausage jockey??” It was plain to see by the expression of disgust on his face that he shared Granger’s opinion on same sex pairings. “You’re full of shit Granger; no way would anyone fuck Snape. He’s about as shaggable as a three day old dead rat.” Ernie said. “They certainly do spend a great deal of time together.” Another third year named Annabelle mused. “Don’t be daft! There’s no way the Headmaster would let that sort of happenings go on here at the school.”
Ernie turned on the timid first year that dared to speak. “And just what does a first year know about the school’s charter?” Mellodee Winship, despite her shy nature wasn’t about to back down. With chin held high she pulled out a book from her bag. Quickly she flipped through the pages and read aloud. “Staff are free to form relationships with anyone they so choose provided they are of age and not already wed to another witch or wizard. Children born from such unions are to be con—Hey!!” The little blonde yelped as the book was snatched from her hands. With growing anger Hermione read through the passage then flipped shut the cover to read the offending book’s title. “Hogwarts; an inside look?” She glared at the girl. “Where’d you get this?” “My great uncle runs Flourish and Blotts, he always gives me books. This one just came last week.” “But surely there are laws!” Sputtered Seamus. “The wizarding world doesn’t go about spouting that discriminatory bilge like muggles do.” Fred Weasley piped into the conversation for the first time. “Too right Fred,” his twin nodded. “Same sex pairs have all the rights standard wedded couples do. And using any number of spells and potions available now they can even have children.” Mellodee smiled, one delicate little hand playing with the locket around her neck. “My Daddy and Papa used a potion to have me.” “EEWWW! I don’t want to imagine any kid of Snape and Hagrid! Double EWW!!” “Zip it Ernie!” Longbottom snarled in uncharacteristic anger. “I don’t care what the law or this book says, what they’re doing goes against the very laws of nature, it’s wrong, it’s immoral, it’s--.” “Oh shut your trap you stupid bunny boiler, no one wants to hear what you have to say anymore.” Another voice broke through Hermione’s rising tone. Everyone stared in openmouthed astonishment at the mousy-haired Collin. Not once had they ever heard the older Creevey speak in such a shocking manner, never really thought the boy was even capable of it really. “What. Did. You. SAY??!” Immediately everyone in the general vicinity of Granger and Creevey backed away not wanting to be caught in the crossfire. Something was definitely about to hit the fan and it wasn’t yogurt. Collin stood his ground against the advancing girl. “Your opinions are about as wanted as a fart in a spacesuit Granger. So be a good cow and close that trap.” Hermione’s face turned beet red. With a scream of rage she jumped on the smaller boy knocking them both to the floor. Wand completely forgotten Granger focused on beating her offender to a bloody pulp as fast as possible. As they rolled and twisted on the rug all manner of foul things slipped from her lips. “Little turnip! Bloody fag lover! Prannet!!” Not one to be silent on such an occasion Collin hurled insults right back. “Birdbrained twit!! Goat-faced hag!!” “WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS??” At the sound of Professor McGonagall’s voice everyone scattered, leaving the fighters to face their teacher’s wrath alone. “Miss Granger! Mr. Creevey! Get up off that floor and follow me. You’re both going to see the Headmaster right now!!” Her arm was ramrod strait as she pointed them out the door. And so it was that the two found themselves inside the Headmaster’s office. Professor McGonagall had left to fetch the Dumbledore but not before threatening dire consequences would befall the one who damaged anything around them. Hermione sat still, fuming at the situation that brought her to this point, totally ignoring both her surroundings and the little prat that got her into this. But to Collin the office was the photo opportunity of a lifetime. Grapping his trusty camera he started taking shot after shot. “Wow! A real phoenix!!” Fawkes didn’t seem to mind having his picture taken. In fact the magical bird, being a bit of an exhibitionist, posed for several shots before the young photographer moved onto other subject matter. The portraits on the walls. The myriad shelves full of rare and ancient books, trinkets, magical devices, and statues and such. The young wizard wondered what possessed the Headmaster to have a bookcase devoted to little rag dolls but then everyone said the old wizard was bit light in the brain matter. Speaking of the Headmaster…. The sound of the moving stairs announced Dumbledore’s arrival. Collin quickly scrambled back to his seat. Both students watched as the Headmaster settled down into his seat with Professor McGonagall standing by his side. From the look on the Headmaster’s face this was going to be a long, long discussion. *~*~*~* Night descended upon Hogwarts. Dark and silent were the halls as weary students crawled into their beds. A few brave, or foolhardy, children braved the darkness, clinging to the deepest shadows in an effort to avoid the prowling Prefects and the ever searching Filch and Mrs. Norris. But the portraits lined halls weren’t the only way to move about in Hogwarts. The thousand year old castle was riddled with secret passages and hidden rooms, many of which were forgotten by even the ghosts. If one knew the correct words or locations of the latches he or she could move about completely unseen. Nowhere was restricted, from the highest tower to the lowest dungeon every room could be accessed by those who knew the secret. And Albus Dumbledore knew a great deal of secrets. Holding his wand aloft to illuminate the cobwebbed passage Albus descended deep into the dungeons. Anticipation warred with caution within him, the conflicting thoughts held in check by his determination. In no uncertain terms was he going to botch this. “Ah, here we are,” he murmured as he stopped before the heavily disguised door. Asleep, with silencing charms placed about their beds for privacy, no one in the Slytherin fifth year boy’s dorm heard the tiny click come from behind the old wall tapestry. Briefly a wand tip slipped into view as a heavy sleep spell was cast thus ensuring no one would accidentally witness one of their own being kidnapped. Thus satisfied he was safe from detection the old wizard crept out and began inspecting the beds, searching for largest, most ornate one of the lot. (Nothing but the best for a Malfoy eh Draco?) Was the smug thought running through Albus’ brain as he pulled back the curtain to reveal his target. The pale haired youth lay sprawled in his bed, covers tangled about his long legs. The thin tee shirt he wore had ridden up, exposing his flat stomach and chest. He looked so utterly pure, so absolutely delectable… Quickly before he lost control of himself Dumbledore levitated Draco’s sleeping form up and into the secret passage. Before leaving Dumbledore cast an illusion of the boy asleep in his bed just to ensure anyone who poked their heads in that everything was alright. Satisfied all his tracks were covered Albus retreated back the way he came. He had ‘work’ to do.
The room’s original use had long faded into the past. Flamel and Lefay thought special prisoners, students who’d committed dark crimes, might’ve called these quarters home once. Albus himself thought otherwise. He believed this room had been used as a meeting point, a place where staff secretly held trysts with students or married paramours, a tidy little shelter for clandestine lovers to meet behind their spouse’s backs. It didn’t matter now as the chamber had been abandoned for hundreds of years. Sparse was the room’s décor, the bare minimum to make it livable; one table, two chairs, a washstand, two plain braided rugs, and an old oak carved double bed were the only things the chamber held besides cobwebs. Albus found the simple room during his first year as a teacher here and knew immediately the value of his discovery. The time weakened warding and silencing spells prevented any indications of the room’s existence or its possible occupants from being detected. With a little time, cleaning, and magical effort the room would be perfect for any special task Albus had to carry out in secret; just like the one he was about to perform tonight. After laying the magically unconscious boy on the table’s smooth top Dumbledore began stripping Draco of his meager clothing. There were several disrobing spells which would’ve accomplished the deed quicker but why rush things? Albus wouldn’t have enjoyed it quite nearly as much. Haste makes waste after all. Long fingers trailed along his captive’s thigh, marveling at the silken texture; not a single flaw or blemish marred the milky flesh. This close the boy’s scent filled his nostrils; clean and delicate, like a garden just after a spring rain, faintly tinged with masculine musk. Tossing aside the useless shirt Albus bent forwards to lightly tongue the newly exposed pale rose nipples, sucking delicately at the hardening nubs. For one so caustic in nature Draco tasted surprisingly sweet, utterly delectable in fact. The shorts were quickly discarded leaving the teen totally exposed. “Ah Mr. Malfoy, how wonderful to see you’ve inherited your father’s…more generous assets.” The old wizard chuckled, fondling the boy’s balls and thick cock, pleased as the organ hardened beneath his touch; so responsive, so very responsive. Peter had been nothing but a chore and with the Parkinson bitch he could barely keep it up long enough to finish the spell so disgusted he was by touching her. But Draco….ah Draco. He would definitely take his time with this sweet child. Reluctantly Albus pulled away. There’d be time enough to indulge after the spell was cast.
That he was no longer in the Slytherin dorms was easily recognizable. Gone were the familiar furnishings, the richly paneled walls and green canopied beds, only bare stone walls greeted his roving eyes. Upon his first attempt to set up Draco discovered the restraints. His arms were secured above his head by manacles that felt like lightly padded leather of some kind. Another set of leather straps wrapped around his thighs and just below the knees, spreading his legs wide open. Great Slytherin! He was positioned on display like some bondage kink whore! “Ah, awake are we?” That voice! That damned eternally cherry voice!! “Headmaster Dumbledore!” He gasped as the old man stepped out of the shadows. “What the fucking hell is going on??!!!” “Now, now, such language is quite unbecoming of a gentleman.” Dumbledore admonished the young man even as his eye traveled lazily, almost hungrily, over Draco’s exposed body. “You really must develop better manners.” “You crazy bastard!! Release me at once!!” Draco snarled, jerking on the leather holding him down. “Oh I’m afraid I can’t do that my dear boy.” Dumbledore stepped closer; positioning himself between Draco’s widely splayed limbs. “When my father hears of this outrage he’ll—WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING??!!!” Now panic tinged Malfoy’s enraged voice as the old man’s hands began to move across his imprisoned body in a highly sexual manner. “You’re an intelligent lad, you figure it out.” Albus purred, rubbing and pinching the delicate pink nipples to firm pebbles. Draco’s momentary shock lifted and he began struggling in earnest, jerking violently against his bonds, screaming threats of vile retribution against the teacher who was molesting him. “Now, now, none of that,” one hand cupped the boy’s balls, rubbing the sac with his thumb. “This could be quite pleasant if you’d just relax.” “RELAX?? YOU SICK FUCK!!” Draco shrieked. “PEDOPHILE!! CHILD MOLESTER!! WHEN THE MINISTRY GETS WIND OF TH--.” “Mutus,” one finger brushed against Draco’s throat and the young wizard’s voice was heard no more. “Really Draco, pedophile? You’re of legal age now.” Chuckling wickedly at the boy’s frightened expression Dumbledore switched his attention to the youth’s stirring cock. “Ah, such a beautiful organ. So much like your father’s.” Fingers curled about his length and began stroking, keeping the pace slow and even. Draco couldn’t believe this was happening to him. It was like some sick, twisted nightmare. He was a Malfoy, the cream of wizarding society. He was supposed to be the instigator of situations such as this not the damned victim!! He couldn’t scream, could barely even struggle as his body betrayed him by responding to Dumbledore’s steady ministrations. “Excellent!” Beamed the old wizard in approval as one finger tested the rosy flared head. “A good solid seven inches.” Bitter tears of anger, frustration, fear, and shame ran down Draco’s face. Albus wiped the salty drops away. “Don’t cry child. Perhaps a spell would make this easier for you. Hmmm..let’s see…Aha! Just the one! Libidotus!!” Slowly the spell took hold; faint tingles of lust coursed through his body; a vague feeling of warmth which grew stronger, becoming a deep roaring inferno within him. Draco moaned shakily, body straining eager and ready against his bonds. “Much better.” A fine sheen of sweat broke out all over his body, skin glowing beneath the torchlight like fine marble, as Albus slipped a cockring on Draco’s weeping organ. “Yes, much better.” Now that Draco was in a more receptive state Albus was free to move onto the next vital step. Held on the table only by the immobilizing straps Draco shuddered, almost convulsing, as the Headmaster began painting strange symbols on hypersensitive flesh, each slow pass of the brush stoked the fire raging in his veins. Draco screamed, eerie for its lack of sound, and came though nothing passed by the cock ring’s confining pressure. Grey eyes rolled up into his head as he passed out, only to wake up seconds later by the spell’s driving power. Finally Albus laid aside his nymph hair brush. Ancient runes, glowing a soft reddish gold, now adorned Draco’s forehead, chest, stomach, and genitals. By the time the last brushstroke passed over his leaking cock head Draco was well beyond caring about his humiliation and upcoming rape. Overloaded by pleasure his higher brain functions had almost ceased, leaving the young wizard’s mind running on animal lust. He needed to be fucked, fucked hard and fast, right now!!! Draco would’ve begged for it if he still had use of his voice. Blue eyes, darkened with lustful hunger, surveyed his handiwork. The once proud arrogant boy had been reduced to a quivering mass of carnal desire; sweaty, wild eyed, and completely ravishing. “Perfect.” Albus nodded to himself before starting to remove his cumbersome garments. Ah! It felt so heavenly to shed the heavy robes, carefully folding each piece and placing them on the unused chairs. Such fine garments tended to wrinkle easily unless tended to correctly. Finally he shed the last patch of clothing. Albus Dumbledore was in surprisingly excellent condition for a wizard his age. Steady exercise, good diet, spells, and the elixirs Flamel provided kept his body from falling to the ravages of age. His muscles weren’t large but was there was well defined. Firm upper body, flat stomach, and lean hips and thighs would’ve been the envy of countless wizards had they known this was what the revered Headmaster had been hiding beneath those ornate robes. Head lulling against the table Draco’s eyes fell upon the Headmaster’s nude form. Jutting up proudly from its thick nest of white hair the massive organ of Dumbledore’s was truly impressive; 14 inches of thick heavily veined muscle. Pearly pre-come was leaking from the wide mushroom head, trailing down the shaft to cling to the pendulous balls beneath. A brief flash of momentary rationality and panic invaded the young wizard’s lust fogged mind before the spell overrode his trepidation; that monster was going inside him??? Scooping up a large dollop of warm gel from the nearby pot Albus slowly coated his erection, leaving no inch untouched. Watching his actions Draco unconsciously wriggled his hips in wanton anticipation. “My, such an eager little one aren’t you?” The old man laughed as he stepped up closer to the table. Positioned now between Draco’s forcibly spread legs Albus rubbed his cock’s blunt head against the boy’s puckered opening. Unfortunately the lust charm and his first orgasm would be Draco’s only form of stretching. The spell required some initial blood and pain from the recipient. “Let’s remove that little spell, I want to hear you.” And with a flick of his fingers Draco’s voice returned. Draco had moments to marvel at the sound of his own moaning before a loud cry of pain wrenched itself from his throat, body arching as he was split wide open. Albus plunged mercilessly into Draco again and again, deeper with each thrust till he was fully seated. He marveled that this frail looking waif could take into him what so many others couldn’t even take half. Oh yes, he was going to enjoy this!! Draco’s screams echoed off the walls as the Headmaster rolled his hips tightly against those pale buttocks, each brutal thrust opening the boy wider for even more powerful penetrations. The boy shuddered in blissfully uncontrollable agony/ecstasy. The old Headmaster was fucking him so hard he knew he wouldn’t be able to walk for a week. Obscene sounds filled the air; harsh breathing, screams, and the rhythmic slap of flesh against flesh. On his sweaty skin the runes were beginning to glow brighter till they soon outshone the torchlight. “Soon…soon…” Albus panted, grunting as he angled his cock to hit that special little place inside the boy. He knew immediately when he’d found his target as Draco’s cries escalated and his body seemed to be in the throes of a massive convulsion. “NOW!!” Albus tore the cockring off as he gave one last pile driving thrust. A fountain of come erupted from Draco’s cock as he screamed through a gigantic orgasm, more powerful than he’d ever experienced before in his young life. The runes flared to nova brightness before sinking into the boy’s sweat soaked skin. Muscles clenched tightly around Albus’ deeply buried cock, squeezing the orgasm out of him. The old wizard shouted as he filled the boy with his seed, getting in several short thrusts to prolong his climax. Gasping, hands gripping the table, Albus felt a brief flash of pain behind his eyes as the connection between Draco and he solidified. Now when he concentrated Albus would see and hear everything that Draco himself did, he could even go so far as make subtle little ‘suggestions’ to the boy through his subconscious. Undetectable by all means of scanning magic the spell made Draco the perfect passive spy. Draco would never know he was passing information to the Order. Voldemort could even test him with Veritaserum and he’d pass with flying colors. All Albus needed now was to give the young Malfoy the hint of what proper gift to offer the Dark Lord and Peter’s vital place among the Order’s net of informers would be filled. But enough of plans and plots, it was time for pleasure. The spell was set and all that was left for Albus to do was Obliviate Draco’s memory of this night and heal any bodily damage. However Albus was still hard, still lusting for another taste of the boy’s sweet body. The night was young, with nearly five hours before dawn; plenty of time for Albus to indulge himself. Removing the restraints Albus scooped Draco’s dazed body up and headed for the room’s simple double bed. There were so many positions he wanted to try out… *~*~*~* Back and forth, back and forth, the repetitive movement hypnotic in its simplicity. How something so primitive could create such beautiful things still amazed him. Wright’s hands flowed across the strung lines as they weaved the cross threads. Crocheting with her set of ivory and jade knitting needles the white haired woman had already completed several caps, jackets, and cute little booties for the upcoming addition to the Hogwarts staff. Using her loom she’d finished one blanket and was halfway through another one. “You make it look so easy.” Professor Hudson said softly as unwilling to raise his voice and break the subtle spell his companion’s actions were creating. “It is easy for those who take the time to learn and the patience to persevere.” She replied without stopping her work. “But why take the time at all? Surely it would be easier to work the yarn with magic.” Warm ice blue eyes sparkled with mirth. “Why do anything without magic?” “Well, some things can’t be done with magic but weaving isn’t one of them.” “Have you ever walked through a muggle museum Hudson? Taken an afternoon to study the works created over hundreds of years? Many wizards say muggles have no magic and therefore are beneath us. But I say they do. It shines through in every brush stroke, weaving, molded clay, metal, and chiseled stone. They pour their dreams, hopes, fears, and longings into their work, slowly infusing it with their magics. You can see it there if you look.” “Are you creating masterworks then?” “Nay, not masterworks. Common muggles pour their love and magic into the things they create for their loved ones. This forms a minor level of protection. When a witch or wizard creates something by magic the majority of the magic goes into the creation itself. However if we make the item the muggle way our magic goes into the protection just as theirs does.” “Ah, I see. By working the loom you weave magic into the blankets.” “And into everything else I’ve made so far.” She tied off the thread and chose another color. “Plus it is a wonderful way to relax.” “And here I thought spending time with me was relaxing.” A playful little pout formed on Hudson’s lean face. Wright’s laughter was like the tinkling of tiny bells. “Indeed it is my dear friend.” “I…would like to be more than just friends if that agrees with you?” It was a bold move. For months Hudson had been planning to approach the white haired witch who so captivated him but the time never seemed right. Professor Wright was unlike any woman he’d ever met; beautiful, intelligent, witty, courageous, compassionate, and powerful. She fascinated him, drew him; her every move, every word sheer poetry. His brothers no doubt would laugh and call him an idiot for falling in love with a woman beyond his reach. After all his family was poor and mixed heavily with muggle blood and she was from one of the oldest and most pure-blooded families of Europe. But he’d curse himself a thousand times a day if he didn’t at least try. Wright studied her friend. “Why Professor Hudson, are you asking to court me?” Eyes the color of ancient ice studied the man before her. Jeremy Hudson was such an unusual wizard; a kindhearted intelligent man who always seemed a bit shy around her. He wasn’t what one would call highly attractive; Jeremy’s features were rather plain save for those soft expressive eyes of his. He was an excellent teacher and made sure his students understood the basics of muggle life so that they wouldn’t embarrass themselves in public or injure themselves on one of their strange devices. Some of the pureblooded children made fun of him because of his family’s status and disrupted his class as much as possible. Why did they, the upper class of the wizarding world, need to know about muggles and their junk anyway? Her family was of such a mindset. Thank Merlin she’d broke off relations with the snobbish bastards years ago. It pained her to see this man hurt, angered her to see him humiliated and taunted by his own students. Each time it happened she had to consciously restrain herself from running over and hugging away his pain. “And if I am?” Hudson wasn’t one for trickery and lies, if he wanted to court her it was because he truly had feelings for her. And she could admit it finally to herself that she had feelings for him as well. Perhaps it was time to see where their mutual feelings led them to. “Then you may call me Runa.” Hudson had to force himself to swallow. “Is that a yes?” “It is, and may I call you Jeremy?” Hudson’s smile would’ve melted the polar ice caps. “You may.” *~*~*~* No doubt about it, Sirius fumed glumly one evening, someone was definitely out to get him. After all those bleak years things were finally looking up for the Animagi. A full pardon and public apology for his years of unjust imprisonment, all his family possessions returned, and a hefty load of galleons in his vault for his pain and suffering. Free now from the looming threat of capture and the Dementors Kiss Sirius was eager to live again as a real wizard. Albus was kind enough to offer him a teaching position assisting Remus which he readily accepted. So here he was working with his dear friend, and seeing as much of his young godson as he wanted to; life was smashing….. Until the pranks started. They began simple enough; little giggle and sneeze charms children learned very early. From those humble beginnings they quickly escalated, growing bolder and more complex with each one successfully executed. He desperately wanted to blame Snape for everything but couldn’t figure out how. The git couldn’t get into half the places needed to set up the more elaborate pranks with that fat belly of his. Sirius thought that maybe his old rival had persuaded some of his students to help but cast that theory quickly aside. Severus would want the pleasure of getting Black all to himself. Besides, the pranks lacked that Snape feeling to them. This was someone else, someone new. A student? A teacher? Maybe one of the castle’s guests? Each morning now started with a game of Russian roulette. Would he wake up normal or would the tell tale signs of his tormentor’s twisted sense of humor be evident on his body? First there was the whopping pair of Double D sized knockers that sprouted from his formally flat chest. His back still hurt; those damn things weighed a ton and had thrown his balance off constantly. Assuming his Animagi form only made matters worse; his canine legs couldn’t work right with two oversized udders hanging between them. The tender tissue ended up bruised from being struck so many times and both nipples were incredibly sore from dragging against the stone floors. Snuffles looked even worse two days later. Sirius cursed for an hour after waking up to find every single hair on his body gone, no spell or potion would restore it or cover it’s absence with an illusion. Remus chuckled behind one hand at first, breaking out into full hysterical laughter after Sirius had transformed. When the werewolf finally regained both breath and composure he told his surly friend he looked like an over-shaved sheep. The next morning his hair had grown back only now it was a fiery glowing orange. Hagrid compared him to some kind of hairless mole rat. For the whole day he suffered the jokes and comments of the staff, students, and current residents, receiving a reprieve only after midnight when his hair resumed its natural black. Coughing up chicken feathers throughout dinner one night left him with a foul taste in his mouth no rinse could dispel for several days afterwards; at least the kids got a laugh out of it. He hadn’t had the stomach to eat the once tasty meat since. Hogwarts had a large population of cats and it felt like every single one of them were after him when he began to smell like freshly shredded tuna. Crookshanks managed to tear out a fair amount of black fur off his ass before the taste of dog fur reached his fish fogged brain. The only cat that hadn’t chased him was Mrs. Norris and that was only because she was off sulking somewhere. Black still got nauseous when he remembered suddenly falling head of tails in love with the cat; sweet talking her, offering her sweets, and even chasing after a mouse to give to the feline as a gift! And just last night when he went to take a nice hot bubble bath to relax away the day’s worries the prankster chose to strike again. He’d just settled in, swishing the sweet smelling bubbles around with one hand when Sirius felt he wasn’t alone in the tub…. Remus rushed in with wand drawn when he heard his friend start screaming bloody murder but upon seeing what caused such a commotion stood there completely shocked. There was Sirius, screaming, stark naked, dripping water and frothy pink bubbles, running and hopping around, with six miniature eight inch long crocodiles hanging from his ass and nether regions!!! Recovering from his shock Remus quickly stunned Sirius. After all he couldn’t remove the crocodiles while Black was flopping all over the place like a headless chicken now could he? The little reptiles were firmly latched on, refusing to give up their massive prize despite all of the laughing-till-he-was-hoarse werewolf’s efforts to dislodge them. Finally he called Poppy in. After the woman had laughed herself out she managed to spell four of the beasts to sleep and pry their teeth lined jaws off Sirius’ pale buttocks. The remaining two however seemed to have some bizarre immunity to spells. With the dogged determination that had seen their species through over 230 million years of existence the two crocs kept their hold on the poor man’s genitals. Yes--genitals. One of the beasts had latched onto Sirius’ cock; swallowing a fair bit of its length for an animal so small and absolutely refused to let go. Every time Poppy and Remus attempted to remove the beast it would bite down a little more on the ultra sensitive tissue, threatening to emasculate Black if they pushed their luck too far. The other croc had a mouthful of balls and occasionally squeezed them with his mighty jaws just to remind the man he was there. Poppy finally tossed aside her wand in frustration and reached for her medical bag. With a little dropper she forced a tiny dose of heavy sleeping potion into the crocodiles’ mouths. Together mediwitch and werewolf pried off the one attached to Black’s balls. It took a bit more effort to remove the last reptile but finally it was done. Healing the wounds took a while as the bites were tainted with magic and refused to completely close. Black would spend the next several days sitting very gingerly on any hard surface, his pants and underwear filled with padding and icepacks. Once awake the six crocodiles snapped and hissed, banging their heads against the glass confines of the tank Remus had conjured for them, every time Black got within ten feet. Sirius couldn’t understand why his friend had kept the tiny monsters and blanched when Remus finally explained he might have need of them if Sirius didn’t keep out of Snape and Hagrid’s lives. Thank Merlin the crocodile incident had occurred in his own quarters. Everywhere he went in the castle that damned Creevey brat seemed to be there just in time to snap off a few photos of his embarrassment at the mysterious prankster’s hands. It was either luck or the boy was tipped off in advance. But each time he went to interrogate the maniacal little paparazzi he disappeared. The last prank had been pulled seven days ago and Sirius was getting a little nervous. Was it really over or was the prankster just biding his time, waiting for the proper moment to strike. “Really Siri, stop sulking. Let’s go up to the Great Hall, dinner’s about to start.” Remus tapped his friend on the shoulder and had to stifle a giggle when the other man nearly jumped to the ceiling. “Let’s just ring the house elves and have them bring something here.” The werewolf sighed. “Padfoot, you can’t stay in this room all the time.” “It’s safer here.” Remus snorted. “Safer? Whatever gave you that idea Siri? The prankster’s hit you here more times than anywhere else. You can’t let this turn you into a recluse.” Sirius glared at his old friend but allowed himself to be hauled up from his chair. “Okay, okay, no need to pull my arm off Moony. But if anything happen I swear someone’s going to pay.” As the two headed for the door Sirius didn’t feel the sudden draft as the seat of his pants fell off and exposed his un-boxered, crocodile ravaged buns to the world. Nor did he notice the little sign that was hanging from his back. Inscribed on the bobbing sign was a slogan every muggleborn child would easily recognize and spend several minutes explaining to their wizard bred friends. In bold blinking letters was ‘over 1 million served’ and an arrow pointing down to the crack in his bite scarred ass. *~*~*~* If Merlin were alive he’d be dead from asphyxiation from laughing so hard. His campaign against Sirius Black was going extremely well. The once confident man had been reduced to a quivering mass of paranoia. Black of course had immediately tried blaming Severus for the pranks but dropped those accusations when it became clear the pregnant man was incapable of performing such strenuous tasks. Lost without his favorite target Black didn’t know who to blame for his current misery. He began to shy away from people always keeping a wary eye on everyone around him. Good. Now he had a taste of what he put Severus through all those years ago. Leaving Sirius to discover his most recent prank Merlin opened his mind and looked for his favorite among the students aiding Severus and Rubeus. Ever since they’d merged to defeat the Assassin Vine Merlin had felt a connection to young Neville Longbottom. The lad drew him; there was potential there, incredible potential, if only he’d work at it a bit. The pull drew him upwards through the halls and floors till he reached one of the old towers. Why would the lad be up here? There he was, setting over by one of the windows. Merlin studied the young wizard’s slumped posture and sad expression. “What troubles you Lad?” “Everyone’s doing something really helpful but me,” he turned to face the ancient spirit. “Ginny’s helps Professor Snape make his potions. Fred and George are his assistants in class. Dean and the others run errands for him and keep track of the other students and teachers. Mrs. Weasley’s teaching him how to take care of a baby.” Merlin sat down besides the boy, laying one softly glowing hand on his shoulder. “I’m nobody, nothing special at all.” “Nobody? Nothing special? What nonsense is this?” “But it’s true. I’m not powerful like Harry.” “Each wizard is gifted with his own special power; you have yet to fully come into yours.” “I can’t make complicated potions like Ginny, Fred, and George can.” “Mayhap with more tutoring you could.” “I’m not smart like Hermione.” “Knowledge is not everything. With all the learning in the world a scholar may still be a fool if he lacks the wisdom and common sense to use it wisely. Come with me.” Neville followed the spirit onto the balcony. “Look up, what do you see?” One transparent hand pointed to the now darkened heavens. “The night sky.” “The heavens are vast, an endless inky sea filled with suns, moons, and planets, painted with brilliant nebulas and galaxies. No end lies within sight, no limits to confine.” Merlin turned the boy, lifting up his chin so that their eyes met. “You are Neville Longbottom; a powerful upcoming wizard and gifted herbologists. You are noble, caring, and sturdy in the face of danger. Without your aid Severus and his child would have perished.” “But I’m not powerful.” “You are. Do you believe that anyone could have cast that spell against the vile vine?” “You were there.” The ancient wizard shook his head. “My powers are limited in this form; the majority of the magic came from within you. It lies there still, dormant, waiting for you to wake it. I can aid you there.” “I have power?” Neville really couldn’t believe it but it had to be true, Merlin wouldn’t lie to him. “Aye, and together we will bring out that power. Remember these words Neville; the only limits that bar your path are the ones you yourself place in front of yourself.” Merlin believed in him, something no one else, not even his Grandmother did. “Okay.” “Splendid. Henceforth you are my apprentice. Together we shall make you a wizard to be reckoned with.” *~*~*~* Darting from shadow to shadow a small sleek shape traversed the large halls of Hogwarts. Scampering along it made best use of whatever cover it could find, sliding behind tapestries, statues, and suits of armor. Deeper it traveled into the bowels of the castle heading directly for the old Slytherin dorms. The ghosts had done their best to keep an eye on the youngsters residing within the ancient house but could only probe so far. Draco and his cohorts had spent long hours erecting wards to repel spiritual intrusions. They distrusted the ghosts, fearing they were spying for the Headmaster. Little did they know they were only partially right; the ghosts were indeed spying just not for the old wizard. Thankfully there were other means of garnering information. With a single flick of its bushy tail the small creature slipped through an old mouse tunnel, having to shimmy a bit to get past one or two tight spots. Coming to a crack it crept forwards, inching onto the tiny ledge overlooking the dorm’s common room. Eyes focused, ears swiveled forwards to catch every sound, it waited. *~*~*~* Draco lounged in a chair, studying the dancing fire, deep in thought. The school year was almost over, soon he and the other true Slytherin students would be leaving Hogwarts secretly to receive their marks. Draco couldn’t wait to begin his service to the Dark Lord. He would take great pleasure in killing off mudbloods and planned to make that little bitch Granger his first target. Her screams, tears, and begging would be a delicious sight as he and his fellow Death Eaters raped and tortured her and her worthless family before killing them. Perhaps Lord Voldemort would allow him to drop their mangled bodies in front of Hogwarts as a present for the old fool that ran the place. If only he could see Dumbledore’s face when he found the bodies! But before any of his dark dreams could happen he needed to get in the Dark Lord’s favor. Lord Voldemort didn’t allow new recruits, no matter how highly placed their fathers were, to lead raids like that. He needed to do something to prove his worth, to prove he was capable of serving his master well. He needed a gift. His first potential candidate was Potter; number one on Lord Voldemort’s hit list, but discarded that idea immediately. The Dark Lord wouldn’t like having a new recruit do what he’d failed repeatedly to accomplish. Not to mention the other Death Eaters wouldn’t like being upstaged by someone young enough to be their own child; it wouldn’t be conductive to his continued good health. Dumbledore was just too powerful to tackle no matter how loony the old wizard had become. Draco was practical, not suicidal. His best bets were either one of the Weasley brats or Professor Snape. Any one of the Weasleys would be an excellent choice, giving Lord Voldemort the perfect lever against the new Minister of Magic. Arthur Weasley, being a good hearted idiot, loved his miserable brats and would do anything for them. He wouldn’t be able stand by and let one of them suffer. The twins would be too difficult; he’d probably kill the annoying bastards long before they ever reached Lord Voldemort’s headquarters. Ginny he dismissed; she was too public, always seemed to be surrounded
by other students. Then there was Professor Snape. He’d once been one of the Master’s most loyal servants, a member of his inner circle, until he turned traitor. Snape had been spying on the Dark Lord for Dumbledore, passing him information that cost a number of Death Eaters their lives and Lord Voldemort precious resources. Somehow Snape had escaped his just punishment and now remained holed up in Hogwarts. From what his father told him Lord Voldemort was absolutely livid when he learned of Snape’s escape, cursing whatever Death Eater had the misfortune to cross his path. There was now a bounty on Snape’s head; whatever Death Eater brought the traitor to Lord Voldemort alive could look forwards to some very rich rewards. Draco was in a very advantageous position here. He was already at Hogwarts, within spitting distance of the filthy traitor. If he planned this right he could capture Snape and be gone from Hogwarts before anyone even knew he’d been planning anything. “Crabbe, Goyle,” he called his two loyal henchmen over. “Go find the others. We have planning to do.” Up above the little creature bared its teeth. How it wanted to just jump down there and tear Malfoy’s face clean off. But no matter how much it wanted to it couldn’t, it had a job to do. With a tiny disappointed sigh it settled down to wait, listen, and dream about what it would do one day to that damned Malfoy snot…. *~*~*~* Albus relaxed into his chair, rubbing his temples to abate the ache there. Draco’s mind was much sharper than Peter or Pansy’s was and therefore a bit harder to manipulate. He’d worked diligently at planting the idea of using Severus as his gift. It was a hard decision to make but Dumbledore saw no other option. While still valuable for his skills the man’s pregnancy prevented him from creating the more complex potions the order required. And a growing number of students, teachers, and people were flocking around Severus, protecting and aiding the man every day. With each additional person the threat that someone would discover the secret behind Snape’s life increased. Snape was quickly becoming both a liability and a danger to their plans. Therefore he had to be eliminated. At least this way he’d still be of some service to them. Voldemort would take his time with Severus, making the wizard suffer for his betrayal. He would no doubt wait till the baby was born before moving onto more serious torture, dragging out Snape’s agony for weeks, perhaps months, before finally killing him off. Or maybe he’d keep him alive to torture with the sight of his son or daughter being raised as a Death Eater slave or future sacrifice. It was a shame, Albus would miss Severus. Really he would. *~*~*~* Two hours later and the creature had retreated from the den of the
evil snakes. Upwards it raced, frantic to find Professor Snape and
warn him of the lurking danger. *~*~*~* Collin hung the latest set of photos up to dry in his personal darkroom here in the dungeons. It was so great to have his own real workspace, before he’d been forced to make do with what he could cobble together in one of the unused storage rooms. Here Professor Snape had provided all the necessary equipment and potion ingredients to develop his film. Cleaning up his equipment he stored each piece carefully away before washing his hands and leaving. He’d made two copies of the photos he took in the Headmaster’s office, one set normal and one set treated with his special formula. The first set was done and sorted but the second set wouldn’t be done till tomorrow evening. That was the revealing potion’s one drawback; photos treated thus took nearly 24 hours longer to colorize and dry than normal ones. Oh well, he could wait. “Finished?” Professor Snape looked up as the young wizard exited from his darkroom. “Yes Professor.” Collin replied, voice free of the meek timber many students adopted when talking to the stern Potions Master. “Excellent. It is nearly suppertime.” The young wizard suppressed his laughter at that comment. As a result of his pregnancy Professor Snape’s appetite had increased dramatically as had his taste for rather eclectic foods. His mum had assured him this was completely normal for someone in his condition so neither he nor his brother made fun of it. Some of his Gryffindor classmates, the ones who weren’t privy to the Professor’s condition, whispered all manner of rude comments about their most hated teacher during their daily meals. It made Collin and his fellow cohorts extremely angry to hear soft malicious laughter coming from people who had no right to judge or toss insults about so casually. “Good, I’m hungry.” And at least that was the truth. After all that hard work Collin felt like he could eat a horse. *~*~*~* Neville, Fred, and George were making their way down to the dungeons to check on Collin and Professor Snape when a small shape darted around the corner a large black cat right behind it. Fred was the first to react. As soon as the fleeing creature was in the clear the Weasley boy lashed out with one leg and booted the yowling feline back the way it came. Thankfully the cat possessed more brains than its owner did and left before the wizards decided to throw some spells at her. Now safe from its hungry pursuer the black squirrel shifted into the familiar form of Blaise Zabini. The young Slytherin was in bad shape, leaning heavily against the stone wall, hands pressing his tattered robe into the bleeding wound on his hip. “What the hell happened to you mate?” George grabbed the boy’s arm before he could slip to the floor. “That leg looks bad, we’d better get you to the Hospital Wing.” His brother took the other arm to support Blaise between them. But the young wizard would hear none of that. “NO! NO! Take me to Professor Snape! Take me to him NOW!!” The twins were confused but Neville wasn’t. Still concerned with his ability to aid the Professor Neville had made it a point to know the skills of his fellow helpers and to know what tasks they were assigned each week. Blaise’s small Animagi form made him an excellent spy, capable of slipping into almost any room unnoticed, especially the Slytherin common room. “Did you find something out Blaise?” Longbottom asked hurriedly. “YES!!” He snarled through tightly gritted teeth. “Draco and the others are going to kidnap Professor Snape tonight while everyone’s at supper.” “All of them?” Both Fred and George blanched. There was no way they could take on so many. “Take Blaise to your Mother, we can’t let Madame Pomfrey know he’s an Animagi, she’ll tell the Headmaster for sure!” Neville sprinted off towards the Professor’s workroom. “Wait! Where are you going???” “To warn the Professor!!” “How are we supposed to get him up the stairs, Blaise can’t walk!” “THEN CARRY HIM!! DO MAGIC!! DO SOMETHING!!” Shouted the boy disappearing into the distance. Seeing no other recourse but to do as told Fred and George picked up Blaise and hurried off towards an empty classroom. It would be too dangerous to carry the wounded Slytherin up all those stairs; even if they weren’t spotted someone was bound to see the bloody trail they’d left behind. Better to set him down somewhere safe and one of them fetch Mrs. Weasley while the other stood guard. *~*~*~* Both Professor Snape and Creevey jumped as the workroom door burst open and an out of breath Neville Longbottom stumbled in. “Neville!!” Collin grabbed the wheezing boy as he lurched towards them. “What is the meaning of his intrusion Mr. Longbottom?” Snape asked, checking the hallway before closing the door again. “Draco…Slytherins…coming to t-take you..now!!” The young wizard gasped out between deep breaths. Professor Snape paled. There was no way he could defend against such odds in his present condition even with Collin and Neville’s aid. Without another word he spun around and headed for his quarters as fast as his condition allowed with the two boys hot on his heels. *~*~*~* Draco and his cohorts were dressed all in black to better conceal themselves in the dungeon’s gloom. Snuffing torches as they went the determined Slytherins advanced ever closer their goal. Catching Professor Snape off guard was essential to their plans, the man was too a wizard to be given a chance to defend himself. Despite their overwhelming numbers Snape stood a good chance of beating them by sheer skill alone. Motioning with his wand Draco split the Slytherins into two groups to cut off the traitor’s escape route. *~*~*~* Now Severus was a practical man and, thanks to his years of abuse, harassment, and spying, more than a bit paranoid too. Knowing one day he might have to beat a hasty retreat from Hogwarts he kept a travel bag packed and ready just inside his secret escape tunnel. Contained within its leather depths, shrunk and spell sealed, was everything Severus would need to survive in either the muggle or wizard world for several weeks; clothes, shoes, identification papers, money, pre-made potions, a medical kit, and a couple of pouches of dried food. Periodically he’d check the bag to ensure the spells were still holding. Perhaps it had been a brief touch of premonition that had prompted him to add some of his vitamins and maternity robes to the leather bag just two days previously. Severus grabbed the torch holder in his broom closet, twisting it to the left then pushing upwards. The wall groaned as a section sunk in and slid back into the darkness. He grabbed the old bag off its stand and slinging it over his shoulder he held up his wand. “Lumos.” The soft light from his wand tip illuminated the tunnel’s rough walls. Severus had taken no more than two steps before a hand on his arm stopped him. “Wait Professor, we’re going with you.” Neville said. “Right.” Collin agreed, pulling out his wand. “Do not be so foolish! You can’t come with me. This tunnel opens up in the Forbidden Forest.” “All the more reason to go with you.” “There’s no use arguing with us Professor,” Neville stepped into the tunnel. “We’re going whether you like it or not. Now come on, we’re wasting time! Lumos!” And with that the young wizard strode off into the darkness, leaving a stunned student and teacher in his wake. “He’s right Professor, every second we spend here brings Draco and his gang closer.” Collin took a risk and pushed on the immobile Professor’s back with his free hand. That was all the incentive Snape needed for he set off after Neville as quickly as possible. Not to be left behind Collin lit up his wand and followed the retreating Professor. Once inside the tunnel door swung back into place, the bricks fitting so tightly together no one would ever guess a door was hidden there. “Go strait ahead,” Professor Snape called out to the student before him, keeping his eyes on the uneven floor beneath his feet. “Ignore the side tunnels till you get to where it branches off in three directions.” “Right.” Neville replied, voice surprisingly steady despite his fear. He really didn’t like tight dark places. Minutes passed as they walked in the oppressive darkness, not daring to speak for the echoes traveled far. Behind them Collin struggled to keep up with the others. Not knowing that the tunnel’s floor was riddled with depressions and old roots he tripped several times, once so badly that he hit the floor hard, breaking his arm in the process. How he kept from screaming was beyond Collin’s knowledge but he’d done it, and continued to remain silent. They couldn’t risk wasting time treating his arm; every second they delayed was time for Malfoy’s gang to discover the tunnel’s entrance. So he kept quiet, casting a whispered numbing charm to starve off the worst of the pain, holding the injured limb tightly to his chest to stabilize it. “Here the intersection, which tunnel?” Neville stopped, wand held high. “The far left leads to the Forbidden Forest, the far right opens onto the main entrance.” Snape said a little out of wind. “Both have traps that can be set once I’ve passed them.” “And the center?” Collin asked, glancing over his shoulder. He swore he heard something back there, like the sound of rock grating on rock. “Leads to a spelled deathtrap.” “Right, we avoid the center then.” “You two take the right tunnel, when you reach the end just tap the wall with your wands and it will open.” Professor Snape told the two boys firmly. Both boys were reluctant; leaving the pregnant wizard to fend for himself in a dangerous forest wasn’t something that set well with their Gryffindor morals. But on the other hand it was the Forbidden Forest, a place filled with all manner of dark and dangerous beasts who’d just love to have two young wizards for dinner. Their deliberations were abruptly cut short as the sound of shouts could be heard in the darkness behind them. For perhaps the first time in his life Severus was momentarily frozen with fear, unable to decide on a course of action. He had to protect his child but he couldn’t leave the two boys to face the hoard of young wannabe Death Eaters. But indecision lasted only for a heartbeat, the Potion Master’s survival instincts kicked in. “GO!!” He yelled, shoving the boys into the right tunnel before running down the left as fast as he could. “Come on!!” Neville hissed at Collin, trying to drag the other boy to safety. He could see a dim light down the tunnel, a light that was growing closer, growing brighter. Collin however had other plans. Jerking free of Longbottom’s grasp he sprinted down the left tunnel about twenty feet before turning around and pointing his wand towards the black shrouded ceiling. “COLLIN!!” However fast Neville moved it wasn’t fast enough to stop Creevey from casting his spell. A small explosion momentarily illuminated the darkness, its sound extremely loud in the narrow passageway. Longbottom stumbled back, coughing as a thick cloud of dust engulfed him. When the cloud settled Neville was dismayed to see the tunnel that Professor Snape and Collin had entered was now completely blocked. “Oh no,” he moaned. “No.” “DOWN HERE!!” A shout, sounding quite close now, reminded Neville that he couldn’t waste time trying to shift the rumble. The Slytherins were closing in quickly and if he wanted to remain alive he needed to leave and leave now. Giving the blocked tunnel one last mournful look Neville turned away and sprinted off down the right tunnel to safety. Severus stood still, wand raised, as the sound of falling rocks slowly faded from the air. He knew the tunnel had collapsed behind him, but whether it was from natural causes or a spell he couldn’t say. Just as the last echo faded another sound began growing. “Professor! Professor!!” “Mr. Creevey?” Severus lowered his wand as the young wizard came into sight. “What are you doing here you idiot boy? You were supposed to go with Longbottom!” Collin nodded curtly as the numbing spell was wearing thin. “You can’t go alone.” “Collin, it would be best if you stayed--.” “No,” the boy ground out through clenched teeth. “I’m going with you. You need me.” He held his injured arm a little tighter. “Your arm?” Severus asked. “Broken I think.” Shaking his head in disgust at foolish Gryffindor courage Severus fished out a healing potion and handed it to the injured boy. “Here, drink that. You can’t go into the forest with a broken bone.” Quickly Collin unstopped the vial and downed its contents, grimacing at the taste. However foul the brew was in the mouth though it did its job and soon the pain and swelling began to fade from the young man’s arm. “We’d better get going Sir; the Slytherins were very close when I collapsed the tunnel.” “You did that?” “Yes Professor.” “Twenty points to Gryffindor for your quick thinking.” Collin beamed. “Thank you Sir.” The unusual pair began walking again. After about ten minutes they came to a large gray rock which blocked the tunnel entirely. Professor Snape tapped the stone slowly three times and stepped back. As they watched the massive rock shifted, moving so easily it made absolutely no noise, to reveal the dimly lit forest beyond. “Remember where we are now, keep your wand out and ready.” The Professor grimly instructed his young companion as they stepped into the Forbidden Forest. Collin edged a little closer to the Professor as the entrance sealed itself behind them. The Forbidden Forest was eerie enough in the daylight, during the night it was downright terrifying. Professor Snape didn’t flinch as the boy’s hands clutched at his robes; he had every right to be afraid of these woods. Wizards’ dozens of years older and more skilled than Mr. Creevey had lost their lives here to the various animals and magics infesting the forest. Only a select few could walk through the Forbidden Forest and not fear for their lives. Rubeus was one as was he himself before pregnancy had stripped away some of his agility and reflexes. Now he was just as vulnerable as Collin. But where the boy obviously didn’t know what to do he did. Severus had resources to call upon that no one else save his husband could. With silent curiosity Collin watched as his Potions Professor drew a small silver whistle from his black robes. Raising the little trinket to his lips the older wizard blew into it several times yet no noise could be heard. “Dog whistle?” He asked. “Are you calling Fang?” “Fang, despite his formidable frame, is quite the coward. No, I am calling another, far more…massive, dog.” “Bigger that Fang? Wow!” He breathed, eyes immediately scanning the forest around them for signs of the called animal. The pair didn’t have very long to wait. Surprisingly quiet for a beast his size the great Cerberus stepped out of the bushes to their right. Collin hid, gathering Professor Snape’s robes around him as three heads lowered to sniff the wizard’s outstretched hands. Teeth the size of butcher knives came perilously close to Severus’ vulnerable body yet made no motion to maul or devour him. Actually the massive creature was acting as if he was happy to see Snape; wagging his tail and making happy little dog noises. Professor Snape himself was smiling and petting the offered heads, stretching a little to scratch behind each ear. “Good boy Fluffy, good boy.” Severus said in a soothing voice. “Fluffy?” The boy stared wide eyed at the animal. Who in their right mind would name something so obviously dangerous Fluffy. “Hagrid’s doing. He has a fascination for bestowing cute cuddly names to large dangerous creatures. Fluffy can safely take us deep into the forest. Once the danger has passed at the school we shall return.” Severus patted the beast on the shoulder and obediently Fluffy knelt down, one front leg stretched out for Snape to step up on. It took a bit of work, a bit of shifting, pulling, and some growled swear words but the pregnant wizard was finally settled on Fluffy’s back. Collin had an easier time climbing up as he was younger and not hampered by the extra weight of an unborn baby. He settled down behind the Potions Master making sure that he had a good strong hold on Fluffy’s course fur. “But Professor, how we going to know when it’s safe?” “Rubeus will let me know through our pendants.” Before Collin could ask the Professor to explain that part a little better a sharp whistle announced the arrival of a very familiar creature. The great Quetzal Khan came to a halt just above Fluffy’s three heads, hovering on lazy wing strokes. Golden eyes studied the pair curiously. “Khan, we need a safe place to spend the night. Do you know of one?” After a few seconds of thought the winged serpent nodded thus putting some of Snape’s worries to ease. With both Fluffy and Khan guiding and guarding them on their journey he and his student would be as safe as one could be in these dangerous woods. Fluffy surged to his feet and under Snape’s direction followed Khan as he led them deeper into the Forbidden Forest. *~*~*~* Glass shattered as Albus fumed at this latest setback. Against all odds Severus had escaped Draco and his little gang of thugs. Not only that the little shutterbug Creevey was missing. He had little doubt the two were together but where exactly they were now was a mystery. Through the link he could see the tunnel Draco was passing through and discerned where it would exit. The Forbidden Forest was vast and any search attempt was bound to fail due to its many dangers. But if anyone besides Hagrid could pass through that dark forest it was Severus Snape, even with a young Gryffindor tagging along. Hogwarts was in an uproar with the disappearance of the Potion Master and his young student. Search parties were currently combing through the castle from top to bottom and checking into the Forbidden Forest as far as they dared but no sign had yet to be found.
It was absolutely imperative Draco to have a suitable gift for Voldemort. And if Severus was unavailable then Ron Weasley would just have to take his place. Now that he gave it more thought though perhaps Severus escaping was serendipity. With Ron Weasley’s gruesome death the side of light would gain several valuable fighters. Revenge for their lost kin would rally all the Weasleys to putting their best efforts into winning the war. And with Potter losing his best friend to Lord Voldemort it would spur young Harry on to battling Voldemort as nothing else would save maybe killing off Sirius. But Black still was very useful and too valuable to waste in such a manner. And, if somehow, by a miracle of the Gods, the boy managed to survive and escape his ordeal he would remain a strong rallying point for the Order. Of course this would cause a few minor problems for their long range plans. Granger would need to be paired with another Weasley, perhaps one of the two oldest, and another young wizard brought in to fill Ron’s place among the trio. Someone who could easily slip in, someone easy to control. Decisions, decisions. Tbc
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