Chapter 4
In the few days he was here, it was established that Martin Emrys was the highest authority, students even watching in awe as Martin made the Headmaster Dumbledore wait until his conversation with the Bloody Baron was finished and even then refused to go into the Headmasters office, guiding him to the black lake instead because ‘wonderful weather we’re having, it would be a pity to stay indoors don’t you think, HeadmasterDumbledore?’.
It was also well known that he had assumed control over the well being of the students, some watching with eager eyes as Filch and Martin took a walk through the corridors. Though they could not hear exactly what was being said it was quite obvious by the look on Filch’s face, which looked exactly like what the face of a first year Hufflepuff would be in the face of the combined force of Snape and Filch.
They also could not ignore the soft spot Snape had for Martin, made obvious by The Hug on that first day and every other interaction between the two that the students were privy to. It was particularly shocking to see Martin draped over Snape’s desk whining dramatically during a lesson. Not once did Snape seem annoyed by him, even going so far as to offer his advice in a soft voice in between looming over Harry Potter and praising Draco Malfoy.
All this to say that when Snape was in the process of humiliating a Gryffindor student, yet again, the student gathered all the courage they could find in themselves and called out to Martin Emrys.
Martin, who had been humming to himself whilst looking out the window, turned to face the child as Snape rolled his eyes and walked back to his desk to mark papers. “Hello.”
“Hello… It’s just. Surely, Snape can’t…. That is to say-”
Martin cut in then, “would you prefer to speak privately outside?”
The Gryffindor looked at Martin’s earnest eyes and then at the students around him. Locking eyes with a confused Harry Potter and a mutinous Draco Malfoy. He glanced at Snape who kept his head down, marking without a care in the world. He rolled his shoulders back and spoke keeping his eyes on Snape the entire time. “Surely, Snape cannot treat his students like this, there must be something you can do.”
Martin blinked, “I see. Truth be told, I’d wondered when I might hear something like this.” He moved to stand in front of him, blocking his view of Snape. “Has Professor Snape ever harmed you or any other student? Don’t worry about anything you say, I’ll take care of it.”
“Umm no, not exactly. Unless you count verbally attacking us.”
“Why and how does he verbally attack?”
“Well, if we ever make a mistake, he’s right there in our face about it. He makes many students cry with just his words alone. Things like that.”
Martin pursed his lips and when he next spoke his voice was soft yet hollow but at his words all the students heads shot to him in shock, “What is the most damage that has been caused by a potion accident? How many of those have been permanent?”
“I- What?”
“And how many students have died in Potions during Professor Snape’s time as professor?”
“…” The student gulped, the tension suddenly too thick. The sharp slash of Snapes quill the only thing they could hear.
“When Severus thought me a muggle and spoke of his time teaching chemistry, I’d often wonder how strict Severus really had to be. I understood, however, when it was revealed to be potions and not chemistry. Severus, how many students died during your time as a student? How many harmed, and of those, how many permanently so?” He asked without looking back.
“Countless students harmed and from what I remember 17 permanently. Three students dead, two only in their first year. ” Came Snapes equally as soft voice though the slash of his quill never wavered.
“The way Severus treats his students is disgusting, I agree. However, I cannot fault him for it and I dare not ask him to change.” Martin sighed and relaxed his body, Snape coming back to view. The Professor’s head was still bowed over papers, quill moving with sharp expertise. “Moreover, it might soothe you to know that I took no chances with this. After the fiasco with Umbridge, I consulted with Helena - whom you might know as the Grey Lady - if there were any other Professors she might have concerns about. Professor Snape was mentioned. Although I can excuse the methods he uses to teach a dangerous class such like potions, his behaviour outside the classroom was not acceptable. To my dismay, there was bias in myself and Helena’s judgement, as there is in yours and every other students, I suspect.” Martin raised an eyebrow at the Gryffindor who looked down, cowed. His eyes then raked onto Snapes form and rested there, warm like they had grown used to seeing. “We had no choice but to turn to one with no bias and the purest desire for the safety of the students. Can you guess whom that might be?” He asked the whole class as they openly watched him having abandoned the essays in front of them.
“Professor Dumbledore, Sir?”
“He is the last person I would ask, Harry.”
“Of course not, It’d be the school board.”
“Not quite, Draco. I was thinking more closer.”
“A House Elf, perhaps?”
“A very good idea, Hermione. If I didn’t have our first option, they would have been who we turned to.”
“Hogwarts.”
Martin smiled warmly at Snape’s answer, “Exactly.” It was if the words he was saying were no longer aimed at soothing the students but rather Snape himself. “Hogwarts alone prioritises the students, it is how she was built. Hogwarts alone sees everything, nothing can be hidden from her and nothing will ever get past her. As she is now, she will answer to my call and do you know how she responded? My lady, if you will.”
Suddenly the quill in Snapes hand shone brightly making the professor jerk back in response, letting them all see the apprehension in his eyes. When the light dimmed back down in his fingers he held a bright sunflower, it’s face curled lovingly into his and just like that hundreds of flowers sprouted all around him, the dark dungeon a stark contrast to the gold around him.
“No, Severus Snape is one of hers; he is worthy of being a Hogwarts Professor. So rest assured, Professor Snape would sooner harm himself then ever bring harm to any of you. He’s all bark and no bite. Except when you deserve it, in which case I suspect his bite will be as ferocious as it is protective. This is not to say that you aren’t owed an apology from Professor Snape for how he treats you outside of class, however, there’s not much I can do about that and, at the very least, you have proof that everything is not as it seems. Is that acceptable?” He ruffled the boys hair, who half-heartedly pushed the hand away as he nodded and sat back down.
“How ever am I meant to mark with a flower, Martin?”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Severus. You’d finished marking hours ago, you cannot fool me.”
The students tried their best to turn back to their work, eagerly listening to the familiar banter but the smell of sunflowers in the air would never let them forget.
And as if to serve that singular purpose, the sunflower display stayed for the rest of the week no matter what Snape tried to get rid of it. It stayed until everyone in the castle had laid their eyes on it so no one could forget or misunderstand its message.
~~~~~~~
“Severus, we missed you at dinner.” Albus loomed over Severus from where he was slumped against the wall. Finally the sunflowers had wilted and sunk into the floor, taking with them the last of Severus’ energy.
“Still locked out of your rooms, Albus? It’s nearly been a week, surely Martin has spoken with the portraits by now.”
“Yes.” Albus said joyfully, joining him on the floor croaking and moaning as he sat. “It seems Lord Emrys is quite the busy man, he is wanted by everyone.”
“He has enough time to do this.” Severus gave a small rueful smile to Albus as he waved to where the flowers were. Albus did not deign to respond, choosing to instead hum to himself softly. “What do I do? It will not take long for the Dark Lord to hear of this, if he has not yet, and already I was not in attendance at the grave yard. We cannot allow him to become suspicious-”
“Calm yourself, Severus, we must stay strong. You are a clever man and I know you will be able to twist this in our favour.”
Severus sighed, leaning back until his head hit the wall and closing his eyes. “Martin is a good man, you know, this was not his intention.”
“Of course not.” Albus said agreeably.
There was silence. The type of silence that made the distant ticking of a clock and howling of the wind seem more chilling then they actually were. The two powerful men were slumped together and for the first time since Severus’ two worlds had collided, Severus was tired.
“What did you mean that day, when you called him peculiar?”
“Lord Emrys is a variable none of us accounted for, Severus, including Voldemort.” Severus clenched his jaw, resolutely refusing to look at either his arm or Albus. “He is also incredibly powerful, holds high authority and practises magic we can only dream of.”
“The old religion. What is it, exactly?” Severus could feel Albus’ hesitance.
“The truth is I am not entirely sure, but… and please excuse this old man’s words, but I wonder what we may expect from Lord Emrys when he has blocked himself away and does not seem all that willing to change that despite…”
“…Despite all that needs him.” Severus whispered.
Suddenly Albus picked himself up, reaching to guide Severus too. “Nevertheless, Severus, it is as you said - he is a good man and you never know, this could be for the best. First, eat and then rest. We can talk more later; I really do think you should teach Harry occlumency.” Albus continued ranting at Severus as he sunk into his seat with thoughts whirling around in his head, a house elf wearing a black uniform and green neckerchief that had Slytherin’s snake embroidered on it happily placing a tray full of food in front of him.
~~~~~~~
Harry is out in the early hours of the morning under his cloak when he sees Martin and Snape walking ahead of him.
The past few days he’s had a lot to think about and has taken to walking through the corridors to clear his mind. Seeing Snape’s loyalty proven shook him more than he thought it would, what with Dumbledore always insisting Snape had his trust and Snape going out of his way to stand between danger and Harry despite seeming to despise him. The rest of his classmates didn’t understand exactly what was revealed that day - Severus Snape was a spy for the light, no matter how much of a bastard he was.
He slows to walk behind the pair, just far enough to guiltily overhear what was being said. Hearing the unlikely duo of Martin and Snape conversing has always brought a smile to his face.
Martin laughs trying and failing to muffle the sound, he sounds as if he’s been laughing for a while; looks it too, from the way he’s clutching his stomach as if in pain. “Our Lady truly has the best sense of humour, doesn’t she, Severus? Sunflowers, ingenious!”
Besides him Snape does not look so happy, but instead of the angry sneer Harry is used to seeing, he looked bone tired.
“Severus? Come on, did you truly not like the sunflowers that much? I know you tried to make them go away, but they were proof of Hogwarts’ love for you! Besides, they’re gone now, cheer up!”
“You shouldn’t have done that.” Snape spat, sounding as if he’d been holding back the words the best he could, but they were out now and rest seemed happy to follow. “You don’t know what you’ve done.”
“Severus, I’m not entirely sure what’s so wrong about what happened.”
“Exactly. You don’t know anything. Did you stop to think for one second that there might have been some reason to my madness? Did you stop to consider exactly what consequences your actions would have? NO! You know what doesn’t make sense to me? If you’re so powerful and care so much, where were you all times Hogwarts needed you? When the students needed you? In the end, a ghost had to call you out on not doing your job because you don’t care about what the rest of us are going through, all you want to do is live your life the way you want to. You don’t like how I am, fine, but stop trying to change me to fit your idea of me.”
“You’re right. I don’t understand what reason you could possibly have for putting up such a disgusting façade over your kind heart. I know you, Severus, you are not like everyone here seems to think you are!” Martin clenched his fist, head bowed hiding his face from sight.
“Ah, but you don’t know me. I don’t have a kind anything, Martin. It’s clear now that this isn’t going to work.” Snapes voice was quiet now. “Go back - back to your pathetic muggle flower shop - you’ve done enough.”
Martin flinched and Harry barely covered a gasp.
“I am going back to my chambers, Severus, we can talk again once we’ve cooled down. Oh and don’t you dare say I don’t care about Hogwarts or her students, if she has any need of me she knows how to get to me.”
Snape and Harry watched as Martin sped down the hallway, Hogwarts surely making the walk faster, before Snapes wand suddenly shot out in his direction. A gust of wind from the tip of his wand pushing Harry’s cloak up and exposing his body.
“Potter.” Snape sneered. “Just what I need; a Potter watching as I ruin another friendship. Enjoyed the show, Potter? 50 points from Gryffindor and a months detention with me starting Monday. Back to your rooms, boy!”
The breakfast after was a strange one, Hogwarts cold and dim in a way it hasn’t been since Martin arrived and for a second Harry believed Snape had chased him away until they got to breakfast to see Martin and Snape sat far apart from each other. It was clear everyone had noticed as everyone around them had their heads together, conspiring loudly about what could have happened to split them up. Beside him Ron leaned forward to do just that.
“Wonder what happened between those two.”
“Hush, Ronald. We shouldn’t gossip about the private lives of our Professors! Although, I am a little worried, I’ve never seen Martin without a smile on his face.”
Harry pursed his lips and looked between the two, “I know what happened.” Their eyes met his when he looked at them and he leaned in and told them exactly what he had witnessed earlier.
Hermione sat back and pushed her empty plate forward to rest her elbows on the table, planting her head on top of her clasped hands. “I understand where Professor Snape is coming from.” The boys looked at her in confusion. “It’s just, with You-Know-Who back, it’s important now more then ever that we play our cards right. Except, now that it’s basically been confirmed that Professor Snape is a spy for the light, how long do you think it would have taken for that information to be publicly known? We’ve essentially lost the major advantage we had in the war.”
They sat together thinking when Ron spoke up around his last mouthful of toast, “It also explains why Snape hates you and your dad so much.” he said idly, swallowing his mouthful. He blinked at the confused look on the others faces, “I mean, he said ‘A Potter watching as I ruin another friendship’. You’ve never seen anything like that before so it must have been your dad. He must blame your dad for the friendship he lost which then passed onto you, proves that no matter what, he’s still a bastard.”
Harry stifled a laugh and Hermione rolled her eyes. She carefully looked around and whispered, “Professor Snape had a point, you know, there’s one thing I don’t understand. Why did Martin allow a three-headed dog inside the castle? Why didn’t Martin do anything when the chamber of secrets was opened and Ginny, a first year student, was trapped? Why didn’t Martin do anything when an underaged student was forced to participate in the Triwizard tournament? A student even died during it! Since Martin is supposedly the owner of Hogwarts shouldn’t he know these things? And yet, it doesn’t seem like he’s aware of any of this. It makes sense if he was isolated from the magical world but does he even know of You-Know-Who? Surely these are things we need to tell Marti-”
“No.” Came a sudden voice from behind them, startling them apart. They stared in shock at the grey lady who looked between them. “As you know, its my job to alert Lord Emrys if he needs to step in. You need not concern yourself with what Lord Emrys does or does not know.”
“But don’t you remember what Martin said that first day? ‘ I do in fact have the authority to set things right, but I need to know exactly what wrongs need righting.’ Surely Martin needs to know these things.”
“Miss Granger, you will come to know that there are things you do not understand, this is one of them. There is a reason why Lord Emrys isolated himself from our world and that is not for us to question. Speak of this no more, miss Granger. Good day.” She flew away leaving Hermione furrowing her eyebrows in thought.
Their silence was broken when Professor Aurelianus stood in the front of the great hall and cleared his throat, the sound amplified by his magic.
“Good morning, students, if I may have a few minutes of your time.” He said, and waited as everyone quieted down and faced him. In his hand he held a piece of paper that he held up as if to read from. “As I said during our classes, it has been wonderful to teach and get to know you all. That being said, apart from the first years, I mostly spent this week evaluating your knowledge in the practical aspects of Defence Against the Dark Arts. There were many who impressed me and a few who got close to retrieving the bells from my person. Overall, however-” Finally he looked down at the paper in his hands and then back at them, blindfold firmly in place, yet again making them dread what he would say. They watched as the Professor tore apart the paper and clutched the two pieces in a tight fist. “Overall, however, I am sorely disappointed at what I have witnessed. I made sure to defend the bells at an appropriate difficulty for the level I would expect you all to be depending on your year group, meaning I fully expected each and every class to have retrieved the bells, which not one class did. Of course, I understand this is not your fault at all.”
He smiled softly and many who had sunk into their seats sat back up. “To right this wrong, I have come up with a solution that was approved by the Headmaster. Understand, however, that this is entirely optional and I will not be chasing you down to help you. The solution is this - Remedial DADA lessons. The Lessons will take place in the new tower starting next week; Second and third years will have their lessons Saturday morning, Fourth and Fifth years Saturday afternoon, sixth years Sunday morning and seventh years Sunday afternoon. The lessons will not be available for first years but please remember that during office hours I will be available for any questions you might have.
“It is my hope that these DADA lessons help you with your understanding of DADA and also prepare you for exams and also life outside of Hogwarts. You will notice that these lesson have now been added to your timetable as well as the slight change with some of your other lessons. These are just so you know where the lesson is taking place as during lessons now marked with a ‘P’ we will meet in the new tower as opposed to lessons marked ‘T’ which will take place in the usual room. Thank you for your time.” He bowed and walked off with a despondent Martin.
Ron and Harry immediately turned to each other, excitedly chatting about the remedial lessons and the new tower, not noticing Hermione's silent contemplation as she her eyes followed the pair walking away. She turned her eyes to the staff table just in time to watch as Professor Snape sneered at the two and headed to the exit himself. Hurriedly she waved to her friends and followed Professor Snape, calling out to him as she did.
“Professor! Sir! Please, Professor Snape!”
Finally he slowed down and Hermione gave herself a final boost to walk beside Professor Snape.
“Miss Granger.”
“Sir! I…” She carefully looked around, making sure they were alone.
“One such as you may have all the time in the world, Miss Granger, but that is not a privilege gifted to the rest of us. Today, if you will.”
“Yes, sir, my apologies. I was wondering, why not tell Martin-” Professor Snape’s graceful stride stumbled the slightest bit that if not for Hermione’s keen gaze on the man she would not have noticed it at all, she licked her lips, “-why not tell Martin clearly all your reasonings and all about You-Know-Who? It is clear to me that Martin doesn’t know and I-”
Professor Snape held his palm up, effectively silencing her. “Mr Potter has already seen fit to run his tongue, I see. He is, after all, as arrogant and selfish as his father was before him, taking pride in his disgusting actions without a single care in the world.”
“Sir, please! I noticed that both Martin and Professor Aurelianus both often talk of wanting to ‘right wrongs’ and Martin has clearly said that he has that authority! If only just to warn others of You-Know-Who isn’t it only right to inform Martin-”
“Enough. I have heard enough. I was aware you are an insufferable know-it-all but to now presume to understand Martin better then me, you truly amaze me, Miss Granger. Did you not think I know this? Did you not think that I know Martin would do anything he can to help in the fight against the Dark Lord?”
Hermione shook her head softly, confusion apparent on her face, “Then- then why, sir. I don’t understand.”
“What is magic to you, Miss Granger?” Professor Snape’s voice was a soft whisper, softer than when he spoke of potions and softer still, instantly commanding her attention, overriding her desire to understand, “To me, it is a warm zephyr, carrying with it dreams and wonder. It is the delicate falling of petals and the precious fluttering of butterfly wings. It is a ferocious gale, lifting the weight of possibility and imagination. It is the waltz of a harsh cyclone, a fleeting glimpse of the extraordinary. It is a gentle breeze on a tranquil evening, rustling pages. It is a shadowy ally, veiled in complexity and secrecy. It is a sensual dance, caressing the soul, elusive and sublime. It is a silent symphony, a subtle art. I am not strong enough, I confess, to live without it. I would not survive losing it; would you, Miss Granger?”
Hermione stood still with a dry throat and watery eyes, Professor Snape stopped with her and spared her a tiny glance before continuing his slow pace, leaving her there.
“Martin did.” He continued, voice a little louder and hoarse now. Hermione flinched at what he said, breathing heavier. “Martin does. When I think of what reason he could possibly have, I am paralysed and held back from telling Martin. Do not misunderstand, if that is how magic feels to me, I shudder to think what it must have felt like to one who practises the Old Religion and feels magic so much more keenly because of it. What right do we have to ask him to help fix our problems? Is what little he may have to offer truly worth burdening one man?” He turned the corner and she strained to hear him “I trust, unlike Potter, you will keep this to your self.”
She stood frozen, heaving shaky breaths as she stared into space. Beside her a window opened on its own and a breeze blew away her tear. Her lips wobbled, “Thank you, Hogwarts. I- I think I’ll head back to the common room.”
~~~~~~~
Nicolas Flamel gently lowered the paper and turned to face his wife. “Albus has decided to destroy the wizarding world; perhaps it’s not too late to go back to Paris.”
Perenelle swiftly turned the lock of the cupboard, it’s door creaking loudly as it opened, “All these years and I still do not understand why you bother with the daily prophet.”
“Entertainment, dear.” He folded the paper and and dropped it on the table, carefully pouring out two cups of tea. “The Minister goes to creative lengths to hide his greetings to Emrys.”
She paused, her hand faltering before reaching for two potion bottles, locking the cupboard behind her. “I doubt Emrys would bother with the paper.” She tipped a bottles worth of elixir in each of their tea cups.
Nicolas shrugged a frail shoulder, nursing his cup as Perenelle sipped from her own, “He always was smarter than me.” The alchemist eyed his wife as she drank, she was as beautiful as the day they met and her eyes were still sharp despite the years long past. In contrast, his own eyes had softened and often failed him these days, though he had noticed one thing, “Our stock is rapidly depleting.” He said against the rim of his cup.
“It will last us until Samhain. Though we have finished everything we needed to do, if you’d rather…”
Samhain - how fitting.
“You are not alone, Nellie.”
“Of course not, Nic, I have you, do I not?”
“Nellie, please.”
“I will hear no more of this, Nicolas.”
He placed the empty cup down on its saucer, feeling the familiar elixir settle deep in his bones. “I am with you.” He said slowly.
“I did this to myself, Nicolas.” She sighed heavily. “I can not face him.”
“Very well, Nellie. What shall we do today?”
~~~~~~~
The second Severus woke on Sunday he knew it would be a horrible day without even opening his eyes. Below him he could feel the uncomfortable sofa that he clearly remembered transfiguring to a bed the night before. When he finally opened his eyes he was blinded by the sun, its light far brighter than it should have been through windows that should have been covered.
He spent far too long tracking down robes that had mysteriously vanished from his wardrobe and would not return despite numerous Accios, much to Albus’ amusement, and the journey to the the great hall for breakfast was predictably longer than warranted, so much so that he arrived later than Albus despite leaving much earlier.
At breakfast, it was made clear that Hogwarts was not the only one upset at him as his food was clearly not made with its usual care. Nothing was missing from it and it was not in any way tampered with, but from the way it seemed to be forcefully dropped in front of him and lacked the appetising presentation, the message was made quite clear.
Severus Snape had upset Martin Emrys - the owner of Hogwarts - and though Hogwarts did not act against him because of it, it was enough to cause him inconvenience.
Mercifully, Severus was spared when in front of students and Peeves still left him alone though he did not look happy to. The Baron’s report to him was short and to the point, leaving him faster than he arrived with an apologetic look shot at Severus over his shoulder. Even so, his day got progressively terrible, especially when Martin smiled sadly at him and avoided him like the plague. Elliot looking confusedly between them before he’d leave with Martin, Severus losing out on the stimulating conversations he’d grown accustomed to.
It took a turn for the worst, however, when his left forearm burned for the first time in years, he clutched it gritting his teeth at the sudden pain, eyes watering. He knew if he was to roll his sleeves up he would see his Dark Mark burning a vile green, he remembered feeling pride at the colour the last time he was called; remembered worshipping it.
His blood curdled at the thought of it now, bringing a sense of short-lived relief as he shot to his feet, eyes snapping to meet Albus who stared back, solemn.
“Be safe, my boy.”
Severus gave a small nod as he rushed to dress himself and don his mask. All the while, he carefully breathed in deeply, holding and releasing it slowly as he went through a process he was intimate with. Though he walked quickly to the edge of Hogwarts wards - not surprised when Hogwarts made no move to slow him - he took his time as he precisely checked over his mind’s defence.
The outermost barrier was designed in such away that it would fool any Legilimens into believing him undefended, here thoughts and memories roamed freely, displaying his scorn and malice, hiding his true and deepest ones.
The Dark Lord will not be fooled by it and he would wish to go further in.
His second barrier was defended by sharp winds, here he would allow the Dark Lord to tread peacefully, showing him exactly what he expected from a loyal Death Eater Servant. Here lie his memories of James Potter and the Marauders, his childhood belief of the superiority of purebloods and the disgust he held towards muggles. There the Dark Lord would see his treatment of the children of those that opposed him and select moments that proved Albus’ trust in him.
He spun in place and followed his connection to the Dark Lord, apparating straight in front of a manor he did not recognise.
Everything else he tightly compressed deep in his mind, hidden to never see the light of day. Should the Dark Lord ever break past it…
“Severus, you are late.”
Severus knelt to the ground, bowing his head with as much grace as he could, avoiding looking at Pettigrew lest he blast that traitorous bastard into pieces.
“My apologies, my Lord, Dumbledore was with me at the time you called.”
A gentle hand tangled into his hair before harshly pulling on it, forcing him to face the Dark Lord before he felt his mind be violated by a forceful entry. Quickly hiding his thoughts on the Dark Lord’s appearance he allowed the memory of Albus’ words to flood his mind.
“He thinks you loyal, that would make me proud, Severus, except I hear of a fascinating tale from Lucius…”
Severus smirked, “I imagine Lucius has many fascinating tales to tell you, my Lord. Your diary comes to mind, for one.” He choked and spluttered as he was blasted away, a scream forcing itself out of him before he managed to silence it and grit his teeth against the crucio sent his way by the Dark Lord.
“What do you have to say for yourself, Severus?”
“L-Lucius forgets, my Lord! Salazar Slytherin himself was a f-founder of Hogwarts too… It is only right that Hogwarts understands and accepts my loyalty to you, my Lord.” He wiped at the blood dripping from the corner of his lip with the back of his hand and shakily returned to his position at the Dark Lord’s feet.
“And what of the man, Severus.”
“My Lord?”
“Martin Ambrosius Emrys, I hear he dared to claim himself the owner of Hogwarts and yet no one has ever heard of the Emrys family.”
“It is the truth my Lord.”
“Bring him to me, Severus. I am aware you befriended him as a muggle, I accept you used him as your toy; but there will be no more of that. The owner of Hogwarts is sure to be on our side; bring him to me.”
“My Lord… He has blocked his magic, my Lord. He will be of no use-”
“Do not question my decisions!” Severus landed harshly on his back, pushed down by a powerful magical force.
“Yes, My Lord.” He breathed in greedily the second the force freed his lungs, dragging his body up, stifling a shudder when the Dark Lord’s bony fingers raked through his hair.
“You were not there when I returned.”
“No, my Lord, I could not remove myself from Hogwarts. Please, forgive me, my Lord.”
“I understand, of course, Severus. Lucius will be reassured to know of your loyalty to me.”
He too was sure Lucius will be plenty reassured.
“Tell me what you learnt of Albus Dumbledore during your time there.”
Severus did, carefully detailing the things he learnt as agreed upon by Albus and himself, “-He distances himself from Potter, my Lord, the boy grows resentful.” As Albus told him, he watched as a gleeful smirk crossed the Dark Lords face which grew until it became a dark chuckle.
“He is a fool.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
“Go now, Severus. Return to Hogwarts; watch the boy and Dumbledore carefully and bring Emrys to me.”
Severus was quick to leave, bowing to the Dark Lord and apparating back to Hogwarts as soon as he could. As he hurried back to his chambers to report to Albus, mask hidden in his robes, he failed to notice two spectres watching him.
“The Professor Snape appeared to be hurt.” The Baron noted passively, watching Helena intently.
“Yes.”
“Emrys would wish to know.” Helena did not answer, instead moving away as Severus Snape disappeared from their view. The Baron followed after her silently. “There are many things he should know.”
“I do not need you to tell me how to do my job, Baron. Leave me.”
He watched her as she went through another wall, sighing to himself as he heard Emrys and Professor Aurelianus walking closer to him. Emrys looked dead on his feet, clearly whatever happened with the Professor Snape hitting close to his heart.
And yet he still managed to smile up at him, “Baron.”
“Emrys.”
“Have you met Elliot, Baron?”
“Good evening, Baron.” Professor Aurelianus bowed his head.
“Professor Aurelianus.” He followed behind the two silently, listening as they chatted about how they met at. The Baron pursed his lips as he noticed the empty look in Emrys’ eyes.
“Why do you block your magic, Lord Emrys?”
Emrys sighed, “Will you believe me if I say it got too overwhelming?”
“I’d like to think I know you better then that, Emrys.”
“I admit, I have always wondered about that too.” Professor Aurelianus said, shrugging when they blinked at him. “My whole life your magic has been blocked-”
“I… I can not answer this.”
“Can not or will not?”
Emrys did not answer, he sighed and rubbed at his temples.
Professor Aurelianus shook his head, “Speaking of blocks on magic, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about a student.”