Damaged Goods

Damaged Goods

Part 5

Severus reached out, his hand cupping her cheek, his thumb wiping away the tears. He wanted to reassure her that he would never hurt her by taking her to Malfoy. Damn Lucius! He knew Malfoy was going to hold Hermione over his head, as he was holding him over hers. Severus' eyes locked with Hermione's, understanding passing between them and they stared at each other.

Minerva let out a little yelp as the glass Hermione had drunk from exploded, sending slivers of glass everywhere. "Albus what ..."

Dumbledore was on his feet, pulling Minerva with him. "Minerva, you need to take Miss Granger down to see Poppy. "Tell her to give her a once over for internal damage."

"What is happening?" Minerva began again, but jerked as a decanter on Dumbledore's desk exploded.

"Just go Minerva, it will be alright. I will be down to check on you in just a bit." Dumbledore took Hermione's hand and helped her to stand. Severus let his hand fall limply as she was pulled away.

"Hurry now," Dumbledore said, pushing them towards the door as the flames in the fireplace burst forth, threatening to catch several items on fire.

"Albus, are we under attack?" Minerva asked over her shoulder as she was shoved out the door.

"Hospital wing Minerva," he told her, slamming the door. Dumbledore turned to look at Snape.

The man had not moved since he had reached up to touch Hermione. His eyes were fixed in the same place she had been and the only movement he made was a nerve twitching in his left cheek. Dumbledore flinched as a large mirror on the far wall shattered.

" Severus," he said calmly to the younger man. "Severus Snape, can you hear me boy?"

It had been many years since Albus had seen the display of raw magic flowing around his chamber. Then again it had been many years since he had seen Severus so upset.

The potions master always began his first year's classes the same, speaking about the use of silly waving of a wand, that potions was an art that didn't require such. During Snape's fifth year at Hogwarts, when the young man had been subjected to a prank by the Gryffindor's, Dumbledore realized that Severus truly did need a wand, as he had witnessed the first glimpse into Severus' power, not to use for magic but to harness and control the magical energy that could emit from him when in duress.

All young witches and wizards, especially those raised in the Muggle world, could make things explode, move, catch fire, before they realized their magical potential. It was a very common occurrence. But Albus had realized there was something different about Severus. He had been afraid to hope, to want it to be so and at the same time hoping against it, that Severus may just have the 'power'. It had been many years and he had not witnessed or had Severus question about strange occurrences, so Albus had dismissed his previous idea that perhaps...

The last time he had been witnessed to his office being blown apart by Severus was just before the young man had left to ally himself with Voldemort. Albus couldn't even remember why Snape had been so angry, that Snape had been shouting at him for being a Muggle loving fool that couldn't see real talent under his long nose, or something like that. Albus remembered that with each sentence something in the room had exploded, caught on fire, or turned over. Albus was more in awe in watching Severus' power than to be concerned over the young man's hurt feelings, something he regretted every night of his life since then.

'This however was not a eighteen year old wizard with hurt feelings, but a thirty-six year old Death Eater/wizard, who had seen more in a lifetime than anyone would wish to,' Albus thought apprehensively, as the windows in the room shattered, glass flying in on the two men. Dumbledore flinched as small shards pelted his body. Severus seemed not to notice as small shards stuck in his face and body.

"Severus!" Dumbledore said sharply moving over to stand over the man. "Severus I need for you to stop..." A loud crash drowned out his words as Dumbledore's desk rose up into the air and flipped over.

Dumbledore gripped Severus' shoulders and shook him. Not looking at him, Severus' mouth opened slightly and Albus was surprised to feel himself being picked up and thrown across the room. Rubbing his bruised shoulder, he almost chuckled. It had been a long time since that had happened, he thought wryly.

He approached Severus again, cautiously, not knowing exactly how to reach him. Books began flying off the various shelves around the office, and Dumbledore was extremely thankful Fawkes was safe up in his private rooms. The books twirled and twisted until they resembled a cyclone.

Flames shot out of the fireplace, turning an icy blue as they zoomed around the room, before intertwining with the circling display of books, creating a beautiful, eerie display.

"Amazing "Albus said out loud. Marveling at the energy consuming the room, he almost lost track of the task at hand. 'Like I did before,' the thought flowed over him like icy water, bringing him around. He had little doubt in his mind now, as he watched the display, that had appeared disorganized and random at first, but in reality was controlled and methodical, and though the thought thrilled him, it also terrorized him.

"Severus," he said gently then was inspired. "I really wish you would talk to me. We need to discuss how to help Miss Granger. Hermione needs us to help her."

Severus turned his head to look at the man before him. Slowly books began dropping from the air and when Snape blinked the rest crashed down in a jumbled heap, the icy blue flames slowing dying.

"Albus?" He asked confused, looking around at the room. "What has happened here?" Laughing now, Albus sat down beside Severus, rubbing his shoulder once more before placing a hand on Severus' knee. Snape glared at the man. Something had just destroyed his office and he thought it was amusing?

Dumbledore laughed until tears ran down his face. "Severus my boy," he said finally slapping Snape's knee. "We need to talk."

***

Severus sat there stunned. He had done this? This outburst of uncontrolled magic? Damn, that made him feel like a child, unable to control his magic. "I am truly sorry Albus. How foolish of me..."

"Not foolish Severus, tell me what do you know of elemental magic."

"That every wizard draws from the four elements when using magic. The forces that govern nature, also governs magic. Some wizards draw more from a certain element than another, which is why some specialize in certain fields," Severus recited, from his knowledge of a history of magic.

"Five elements Severus," Albus corrected.

Severus snorted. "Of course, the ethereal element, used by Muggles and fools like Trelawney. Really Albus, if the gods smiled down favorably on this world, would it be such a mess?"

"Don't scoff at things you don't understand," Albus chided.

Severus spread his hands in mock apology. "So what does this have to do with this mess?" He motioned to the jumble of litter in Dumbledore's office.

"Everything or nothing at all," Albus said his eyes twinkling. "I dare say you have heard of the legend of the Custosratis Elementums?"

"I have heard vaguely of the legend."

"And if I told you it wasn't a legend?"

"Then I would politely assume you had gotten hit on the head during the chaos and humor you."

"Then humor me boy. It is said that there are five Custosratis Elementums that inhabit the world at all times, though through death or other circumstances this may not always be true."

"Really Albus, don't tell me you believe this nonsense."

"Don't interrupt your elders boy. Of course, most of the time the Custosratis Elementum does not realize he or she even has been empowered with the elemental magic unique to them. It is for their protection and for the protection of the magic from those who might want to take their powers."

Severus looked at Dumbledore skeptical, wondering where this was leading.

"Have you never wondered boy, even thought about any of this?"

"Why should I? Like I said it is just legend."

"No!" Albus said angrily, "it is not a legend. What if I told you that it is real? That I know of one who is a Custosratis Elementum? That I have known others."

Severus was taken aback. "I would have to believe you sir," he said quietly, "however

I thought our concern at the moment was helping young Miss Granger."

"It is son, but this must be addressed. Poppy is examining Miss Granger at moment."

Severus flinched, remembering what Hermione had told them about the spell Draco had used on her. "Forgive me, continue Headmaster."

"Oh Severus, it is much too complicated to explain right now, but if you are willing to keep an open mind, I would very much like to show you something."

"Of course."

Albus stood up and went over to his desk. He waved his wand and flipped it upright, Severus looked ashamed. "Don't worry about," Albus laughed, "nothing that can't be righted." He tapped his wand on a drawer and pulled out a key.

Walking over to a barren section of wall, Dumbledore tapped out a complicated code on the stones there. The stones furled out revealing steps that led up. They climbed the short flight and entered into a small circular room filled with books, scrolls and various magical items.

Severus had been here only once before. He had been honored that Albus had let him see this place. It was a room of magical items and knowledge heavily warded, items that were guarded from falling into the dark order's hands. Albus had instructed if he or Hogwarts ever fell, that members of the Order were to destroy or secure these items. Only three members of the Order knew of this.

Dumbledore scanned the room, going over to a large metal box. Picking it up he held it out to Severus. "When you have time, read the volumes and notes in this box, then we will continue our conversation if you are interested," he told Severus, handing him the key that he had taken out of his desk.

Severus nodded taking them, casting a reduction spell on the box and slipping it into his robe pocket. "I do believe it is time to check on Miss Granger," Albus said quietly as they left the room.

****

Minerva and Poppy were talking quietly in a corner when they entered.

"Poppy?" Dumbledore looked at her soberly.

"I did a thorough examination of Miss Granger after Minerva explained what she had been subjected to," Poppy said, her face grim, her lips tight.

"And?" Albus asked, his voice sounding tired.

"There is scarring in her stomach, intestinal tract and most profusely in the womb. The damage in the womb being the most extensive. She will never be able to carry a child."

"I see," said Albus sadly. "Any other lasting effects?"

"Its no wonder the child has trouble keeping her food down but no; the worse of the damage was kept to the lower regions."

"We were waiting until you were here to awaken her from the Statis charm," Minerva said quietly, looking at Severus. "We wanted to be sure she is out from under the Veritaserum before Poppy gives her a dreamless sleep draught."

Severus nodded, his face impassive as he mulled over the news Poppy had told them.

Sitting on the edge of Hermione bed, he looked at Poppy, who waved her wand over Hermione releasing her from the charm. Severus gripped Hermione's chin, looking into her eyes as she came around.

Hermione struck him hard across the cheek. "You bastard!" she cried. "You made me tell, you made me tell..." She broke down sobbing hysterically, burying her face in his shoulder.

"Oh child," he said gently, holding her and rocking. She trembled violently in his arms.

"Albus can't we Obliviate her memory or something?" McGonagall asked worried.

"Not now, we need to set up a strategy for keeping her safe and her parents. She must continue as before right now."

"You are not going to let her go to that boy again?" Minerva cried in disbelief.

"No," Severus said, his voice low and deadly, "she will not be going to him ever again."

"Severus."

"I said no Albus, I will kill him first."

"You know that is not an option."

Severus glared at Dumbledore over Hermione's head. For some reason this child had touched a small part of his heart. He nodded. "Leave it to me Albus," his voice was icy and hard. It sent shivers down Minerva's spine.

****