Villain of the Piece
Part 2 Youthful Indiscretions
- Chapter 29 -
Chapter 29: Five
Minutes to 15th May to Through Rosier, Wilkes, and Rookwood, Lord Voldemort began
the revival of his contacts at the Ministry.
He was particularly keen to have access to the Book of Birth, the book
that recorded, magically, the birth of every wizard child in the But at this point Dumbledore thwarted Voldemort’s plans –
he refused to employ him in any capacity.
Incensed, Voldemort returned to Wilshire to skulk about the attic and
lick his wounds. Well, if he won’t have me, he mused, I’ll start by getting
my Death Eaters at the school. Yes, I’ll
attack this the other way around. It may
take a while but I’ll manage it; I’ll tunnel under the old fool’s foundations. Snape – I’ll start the tunnelling with
him! He’s a sound choice, either for Potions
or for ‘Defence’ as Dumbledore quaintly calls it. I’ll get Snape in place first and then work
out the next move. He’s frittered away
his time and talents long enough; it’s time, Severus Snape, for you to learn
the meaning of the Mark. Severus had never seen Voldemort in such a mood. Lucius warned him that Dumbledore’s rejection
had stung him, but even so it was a shock to find a slightly desperate
Voldemort in place of the confident, battle-ready one he had seen only weeks
before. Not that Voldemort was sensing
defeat – he was still spoiling for a fight, but he was like a wounded tiger –
dangerously angry. It also came as a blow when Voldemort coldly instructed Severus
to arrange to see Dumbledore and talk the Headmaster into giving him a
job. This was not how Severus had
imagined events would unfold – in his minds eye he had seen a Voldemort already
installed at the school and making a place for him; easing his path. Picking his words carefully, Severus pointed
out that he had put himself in the wrong with Dumbledore. It had turned out to be of benefit because he
had discovered the all-too-vital prophesy, but the fact remained that
Dumbledore probably viewed him as untrustworthy. “Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions” Voldemort
snarled. “Is this such a difficult task? Dumbledore has appointments to fill; surely
you can be adequate for one of them.
Look at me, Severus. Yes, I understand
your concern that you have spoiled your chances. It was stupid to be discovered. But throw yourself on his mercy – you are so
desperate for a job that you would listen at keyholes to try to improve the odds. Now go – you have your orders.” “But, Lord, what if–” “Do not fail me, Snape.” Step by step, Severus made his way down the narrow wooden stairs,
leaving the Dark Lord to his dark thoughts. I must do this, he told himself desperately. I MUST do it!
This is my chance of a proper career.
This is my chance of an end to humble lodgings, and a hand-to-mouth
existence. Trimming fat off bulbous
buttocks, and blonding bimbo’s hair! I
must do this for myself, if not for him!
And when the Dark Lord is at Hogwarts he will be easier to deal
with. He won’t be under pressure, and
petulant, like he is now. We can do
great things – I must remember that; hang on to that. Lord Voldemort certainly has a murderous
temper. But then he would have, he has a
large agenda. Much to achieve, and few
followers of great talent. There is
myself and Lucius, and the Lestranges, and Bella. All the others are just messengers. No, I don’t know that – I don’t know all the
others. But surely there are few of the
calibre of myself, Lucius and Bella.
This is crazy, Severus. You are a
Healer, a potioneer, a prize-winner, a man with a string of Outstanding final
exam passes, a creator of spells … surely you can get yourself a decent job! At the foot of the creaking stairs he turned for the
study. Only Lucius was there, seated at
his desk. “Bad session, was it?” he asked. “We all have them. All I can say is – it’s normal. I usually find an “Get myself out of a jam by appealing to Dumbledore’s
mercy” Severus replied. “Better do it, then” Lucius advised. “Dumbledore has mercy – that’s his weakness.
The Dark Lord has none.” In the succeeding weeks Severus tried repeatedly to contact
Dumbledore but the Hogwarts Headmaster proved impossible to find because he was
at the Ministry on Wizengamot business; he was heavily involved in attending
trials. Realising that he may need to be
ready at short notice, Severus arranged to take all three weeks of his annual
holiday from work, but the days ticked by with still no word from
Dumbledore. I’m wasting this holiday,
Severus grumbled! Then, among the Death
Eaters, the news broke that Voldemort, with the help of certain well-placed
followers, had narrowed down the prophesy threat to two possible families. A delighted Lucius owled him and he Apparated
to Wiltshire just after dinner on Friday evening. “You’ll love this” Lucius said gleefully. “Guess who they are – the threat families –
the Longbottoms and the Potters!” Severus fought very hard to keep his face inscrutable. Finally he managed a realistic smirk. “Really?”
he said. “This is very
interesting. Lucius, is the Dark Lord
here tonight? I need to see him about my
Hogwarts appointment.” “I thought you hadn’t managed to see Dumbledore?” Lucius asked
warily. “Is it wise to trouble the Dark
Lord if you haven’t yet carried out his instructions?” “Nevertheless, I need to speak to him” Severus replied,
trying to keep the panic out of his voice.
“I need to be absolutely clear on all aspects before I see Dumbledore, because I don’t believe I’ll get at second
crack of the whip if I mess up the interview.” Looking most disapproving, Lucius disappeared to the attic
and returned moments later. “Go on up” he said.
“But I warn you, he’s not happy!” Moments later Severus entered the Dark Lord’s sitting
room. Voldemort was seated at an antique
writing table, piles of parchment spread before him. “You come with good news I hope” he barked, although it seemed
clear to him that Severus did not.
“You’ve got that job?” “I have not yet been able to see Dumbledore, master”
Severus replied. “He is never at the
school and he answers my owls by saying he will be in touch soon.” “I KNOW he’s never at the school” Voldemort roared. “The meddling fool is at the trials. Day after day my followers get captured. Aurors!
Those Longbottoms! I’ll grind
them to pieces, and all their kind. And
Dumbledore has a pack of them too! Well,
what do you want of me?” “The families – the Longbottoms and the Potters–” “What of them?” “It is – it is only the children who are the threat.” “Is it?” Voldemort replied, his eyes blazing. “Have you not been listening, Snape?” He jabbed a long white finger at a sheet of
parchment which bore a list of names, and continued in the same ranting tone. “Frank Longbottom – Auror! Alice Longbottom – was an Auror and will no doubt return to it when she had reared her
child. James Potter – Auror–!” Carefully, subtly, Severus began to close his mind as he
said “But not his wife–” “You dare interrupt me? … What have we here?” Voldemort wondered
aloud, pausing to study Severus. “Is
there a tiny fragment of pity in that stone you have for a heart? Or are you, Severus Snape, not the man I
thought you were?” With difficulty Severus persisted in the process of closing
his mind. A muscle rippled in his cheek
but he steeled himself to continue as he murmured “Can you not spare Lily? Only Lily, Lord?” Voldemort was looking at him with curiosity. Closed mind or not, he could see and deduce
more than Severus wanted him to. “Why
should I?” he sneered. “Name anything, I will do it–” “You think you can bargain with me? With what?” Voldemort taunted. “You took my Mark. And did you not then swear undying devotion? Did you not then promised me perfection? What possible extra service can you offer me? You, who have, supposedly, already promised
all.” Severus knew he was beaten. “The Aurors must die.”
Voldemort was adamant. “One, at
least, of the children must die. I will
decide. It will become clear to me which
of them is the threat. As for Lily
Potter … we will see about Lily.”
Grinning he added “I might give her a sporting chance. Now get yourself out of here and carry out my
orders. I don’t want to see your face
again until you come back as a member of the Hogwarts faculty.” Quailing before his wrath, Severus murmured “Thank you,
master. You are most merciful.” “Am I indeed?” A bolt of pain shot through Severus’s body as he bowed and backed
out of the room with the Dark Lord’s mocking laughter following him. The Cruciatus Curse was a shock to him. Sadly he realised that despite the years of
bullying torment, the much-hated James Potter would never have done that to
him. James might have wanted to, but he
would never have given way to such an impulse.
Voldemort might be great, but he had no limits. He was as capable of punishing a devoted and
blameless follower, as he was the bitterest foe. I didn’t join this to be a punch bag, Severus
decided. And when will my needs count
for anything? He had reached the study.
Lucius had heard his stumbling footsteps and this time had a warm shot
of Bullsblood ready in a goblet. “I’d
better take you home after this” he said. “No, I have things to do” Severus replied. “Thanks anyway.” A shudder ran through him, but he threw the fierce
liquid into the back of his throat and then straightened up, squaring his
shoulders. “I’d better try Dumbledore
again. Thanks, Lucius.” He gave his friend’s arm an affectionate squeeze
and then Disapparated. Severus’s first call was to New Malden in The Cruciatus Curse had been a grim revelation; it had
taught Severus that not only was Voldemort powerful, he was capricious and
capable of turning on the most faithful of disciples. No one was special enough to be exempt from
harm. And if one fell foul of the Dark
Lord, where was there to run to?
Voldemort could find anyone, anywhere. Anyone, anywhere – that was the problem. And he had unwittingly put someone at
risk. Now he would have to try his best
to put matters right. He put quill to parchment and began to write: Dear L, I must speak to
you – it is VITALLY IMPORTANT. I cannot
overstate how important it is. And it
must be totally secret – that, too, is crucial.
NO ONE must know that we have met and NO ONE must overhear or learn of what
I have to tell you. I am literally
risking my life to do this, so you must understand how serious this matter is. In a town where once
we met and I made a mistake about a potion, there is a window display of blue
and yellow, and the emporium has a double name that puts me in mind of Do not ignore
this – I beg you with all my heart! And
please destroy this letter. To remove any ambiguity about the date, he changed ‘ Don’t we all, Severus thought bitterly! But time was of the essence – Severus knew he had no time
to think up anything better; if he could send this now Lily might have a chance
to react by tomorrow night. He would
have to gamble. He debated whether to
use a charm to disguise his writing but he could not afford to sign the letter so
he had hoped Lily would recognise his handwriting. He looked at his watch.
It was almost With trembling fingers he sealed the letter in an envelope
and wrote upon it in a larger, bolder style that was less like his own. He wrote Lily Potter, neé
Evans or, as a last
resort, Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts or only as a
final and absolute last resort – return to me unopened Then it was time to un-silence the family owl, feed him
some more owl treats, and show him the envelope. “You see her name?” he asked. “You must find her as fast as possible. Faster than possible! If you get stuck, ask of your kind at
Hogwarts because Dumbledore will probably know where she is, so the owls of the
He watched the bird take flight, and then mooched down the
stairs to the sitting room where his mother sat knitting. “I wish you’d tell me what you’re up to” she said
sternly. “I know you’re in trouble. I don’t know what it can be. Severus!
Look at me! I have never
understood why you lost that job. You’ve
never explained about it. And you don’t
seem happy in your present job. And now
you’re behaving so oddly. Tell me
honestly – have you done something criminal?” Feeling like a chastised teenager, Severus flopped down
into the armchair. He did look at her
briefly, and then lay back in the chair, resting his head and wondering. No, this time he hadn’t done anything
criminal. In the past, yes, perhaps he
had. Once upon a time in a life so
distant that it seems not to be his, he had damaged a girl by giving her a potion;
badly made, and without her knowledge or consent … He had carried out a similar
tactic on a patient in St Mungo’s albeit without causing detectable harm … He
had acted negligently toward other patients … But he had not committed any
crime as a Death Eater. How odd that
was. He could say nothing about any of
it so he sighed and closed his eyes. “Well, shall I make us some supper?” his mother barked, “Or
is there no point? Will we be arrested
before we can eat it?” “No, Mother, it’s not like that” he replied softly. “Then why were you suddenly hinting, tonight, that we might
have to run away?” “You know what’s going on.
Disappearances. Deaths. It’s all in the Prophet, day after day. These are dangerous times, Mother.” “That is nothing to do with us.” “No one can be that complacent. I’m trying to forestall trouble. Others just blunder into it.” “Innocent people don’t.
You’re in with a bad crowd these days.
That’s why you won’t let me meet your friends, and why you never talk
about them.” “Lucius is my friend – you know that … Can we just drop
this? I merely wanted you to be
forewarned in case we need to take action.
I didn’t think you’d over-react so.” “Over-react? You
don’t know how white you looked when you came home. Ashen!
You might close your mind to me – yes, I know you can do that, I’ve
noticed that you’ve been working on it – but it doesn’t disguise the evidence
of these past months. Ever since things
went wrong for you at the hospital you’ve been different … Oh, what’s the use
of talking to you! Young people always
think they have all the answers.” She left her knitting to continue on its own, and slammed
the door behind her, not reappearing until she had set cold meat and pickles upon
the table, together with the remains of a bottle of claret. They ate in a silence broken only the click
of the knitting needles. Eileen poured
the wine but Severus drank no more than a mouthful – he wanted to keep a clear
head. After supper Eileen returned to
her knitting and Severus cleared the table, wondering for the umpteenth time
why his mother bothered to knit manually.
Once the kitchen was returned to order he said he was heading back to “What? At this hour? It’ll soon be breakfast time.” “The hour is of no account.
I have a key to the main door.” “Be careful in “I promise I will” he replied. He bent and kissed her goodbye, but she
refused to look up. A restless night was followed by a miserable day, and then
another such night and day as Severus stayed alone in his lodging-house room,
hardly stirring for meals and too nervous to immerse himself thoroughly in a
book. He lay on his bed beside the open window,
listening to the roar of the traffic, and with the book An Appraisal of Magical
Education in “Sev. You okay?” Easing the door open he saw Jimmy Hardcastle. “Yes. Thanks. I’m okay.” “Soup time. Comin’?” “No. No thanks. Got a touch of ’flu’ – just taking it easy. See you at breakfast, Jimmy.” The gruff young Yorkshireman eyed him carefully, decided he
wasn’t at death’s door and merely required privacy. “Right you are” he said, and slouched away. Severus watched him go and then closed the door with a soft
click. When he turned around the owl,
who had been waiting on the window sill, hopped down onto his bed and from its
beak it dropped a single white Convallaria inflorescence. The tiny flower fell noiselessly onto the
crumpled sheet. A small and incredulous smile
crossed Severus’s face as he patted his pocket for owl treats, thanked the bird
and sent it home. It’s worked, he
realised, so it’s time to check my watch again. At twenty nine minutes to Each second trickled past like an eternity. A car growled by, and a Cadbury’s Flake
wrapper blew along the street, but nobody passed on foot. At eleven minutes to twelve he transformed
back so that he could take a look at his watch, then he transformed back again and
tried to be patient a little longer. He
transformed once more at six minutes to twelve, lurking in the deep shadow of
the shop doorway. Then he froze; he could
hear footsteps. No one was in view but
faint footsteps were sounding along the pavement, proceeding slowly. Cautiously they passed the Wimpy Bar. Then they ground to a halt. He could feel himself being watched and his
fingers tightened upon his wand. “Lily?” he whispered. “It’s James” a voice whispered back. “I couldn’t let her do this. She’s too heavily pregnant.” That made good sense, and Severus fought back his
disappointment. The voice sounded like
James’s voice, but could he trust it? “Well, it’s up to you now” Severus said with a note of
resignation. He had gambled all – he was
at the stage of risking everything to get this done. “Then keep still” James’s voice replied. “I’m going to hide you under my Cloak.” James threw the Invisibility Cloak over them both and told
Severus to grip his arm. The Apparated
less than a mile to the middle of a golf course and sat in the saucer-shaped
green of the 7th hole.
Severus looked at James, and then glanced around. Although unlit their surroundings were not
totally dark; the orange glow of “Satisfied?” James hissed.
“Now, what do you have to tell us?” he added in a whisper. He had folded up his Cloak and was watching
Severus suspiciously. Severus saw the
same narrow face he had loathed for so many years, but it was impossible to
tell the colour of the eyes – an occasional glitter gave away their presence
but that was all. “Only that you are in very grave danger” Severus whispered
back. “Mortal danger – from the Dark
Lord.” “Voldemort?” James murmured derisively, watching Severus
wince. “Yes, we know all about that–” “No you don’t” Severus insisted. “You and Lily and your unborn child are in
grave, personal danger. He will hunt you
down and kill you. All three of you.” “Why?” “He believes you are a threat.” “We bloody well are!” James began. “What d’you think we–” “You’re not hearing me, you foo–” Severus just stopped himself in time. “You’re not hearing me, James” he
repeated. “You must hear me! This is real.
This is now. And every second
from now. This is about you, and Lily,
and your child! You must hide. And you must never, never let anyone know
your hiding place.” “We are well
hidden” James assured him. “We’re
already hidden.” “My owl found you.” “And would have been destroyed if Lily hadn’t been certain
that that note was from you. Had we not
been one hundred per cent sure of that, and had Lily not been convinced of your
sincerity, you would never even have learnt that your owl found us. We are – well hidden.” Severus paused – it was a fair point. “Well, no matter how good your hiding place is”
he said more calmly, “Find ways to make it better. Think about who knows it. Trust no one!
Make it better – safer – anyway you can.” “How do you know we’re in such–” James began again. Then he seemed to come to a realisation. “You’re working for him, aren’t you” he
said. “Or are you? … Are you working
for–?” Severus’s temper boiled over. “Do you think that I, Severus Snape, would
risk my life to tell YOU, of all people, any of this” he hissed, “If I was
his–? Do you think it is as simple as
that? I don’t want to discover your whereabouts. I don’t want to know anything about you. I just want you to take this warning more
seriously than you have ever taken anything in your life, because if you don’t,
three lives will be thrown away. I’ve
risked my neck to let you know this.
Don’t underrate that!” James thought it over.
It seemed plausible. He didn’t
trust Severus but Severus didn’t seem to want anything but to make him increase
his precautions. What could be wrong
with that? Whether or not he was working
for Voldemort, he must have taken a huge risk to deliver this warning. And he really didn’t like taking risks; he
would rather sit back and say ‘what must be, must be’. “Okay. Thanks” James
conceded. “I think I owe you one.” “No. We’re square”
Severus growled. “What did you do with
my letter?” “Destroyed it, as you asked us to.” “How?” “Burned it. Lily
burned it. Then vanished the ashes. She said that’s what you’d want.” “She’s right … How is she?” “Ha. Thought you
didn’t want to know anything about us.
Yes, she’s fine. In perfect
health, and quite serene.” “That’s good” Severus nodded, trying to hide his feelings. “I must go now … I wish you all … good luck.” His dark eyes burned once into James’s, and then
he stood up, turned on his heel and was gone. Although he was relieved that Lily had burned his letter he
felt, paradoxically, sad that she had destroyed it. And he cursed himself for feeling so. He also fretted that she really had destroyed
it – that was another paradox. But he
consoled himself with the memory of how she had absolved his guilt that day in
the garden. Lily was like a salve; she
would not let him down. Only in
preferring James had she ever let him down. “Dreams and memories!
Such thoughts will get me nowhere” he said angrily, as he gained the
safety of his lodging-house room. “These
things must not be thought after these ways – so it will make us mad!” So instead of brooding he busied himself with the next
urgent task – that of composing letters to Dumbledore and to Honor. To the best of his knowledge none of the
lodgers had an owl, and even if one had, he could hardly go hammering on their
doors at So he would send a note.
And then he would go to Hogwarts and wait. He was going to wait within or outside of Hogwarts
until Dumbledore could see him. He would
wait for days if need be. - Author's Notes -
About Chapters 29 and
31 I can’t resist putting the odd Shakespearean quotation into
Severus Snape’s mouth, perhaps because Snape’s habitual turn of phrase points
to him being a well educated Englishman.
In chapter 24 of Order of the Phoenix he warns Harry of ‘fools who wear
their hearts proudly on their sleeves’ and this is a reference from Othello –
Iago says mockingly ‘I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for ’daws to peck
at’. So it is possible that Snape
learned some of the major Shakespeare plays; Macbeth, King Lear, and Othello are
amongst the strongest candidates. |
- Chapter 30 -