Damaged Goods

AN/ Thank you for the lovely reviews, ye who are faithful. And a big thanks to Lorena Snape for her Beta-reading services.

Damaged Goods

Part 13

Only the dead have seen the end of war --Plato

So it had begun.

The three Death Eaters Apparated to the address they were given. Wands flicked and streetlights were extinguished in the quiet neighborhood. The house they approached was dark except for a small light on the upper floor.

"Alohomora," one intoned and the door swung upon with a slight creak. The three cloaked figures crept silently in the house.

"Lumos," the small stooped figure on Severus' right said quietly. The faint glow from the wand revealed a small sitting area with an adjoining eating area. As they neared the staircase a floorboard creaked under their weight. They paused in unison. Silence, then a movement of someone walking across the floor overhead. A door creaked open and they heard a man's voice.

"It's only the house settling love, but if you insist I will give it a look over."

The three stepped into the shadows as the wand's light was extinguished. A short gray haired man stepped into the small room, muttering about foolish women. The faint glow from the sliver of moonlight through the window shimmered off a white blank face as the man stared in horror noticing the three dark shadows in the room. "Who the bloody hell...?" A green flash of light emanating from Severus' wand silenced the man and he fell to the floor.

."Dan?" A woman's voice drifted from above.

Severus nodded at the other two and they went swiftly up the stairs. He stared at the man's lifeless form for a moment before joining them. He heard Nott's voice and saw a green flash of light followed by a soft thud.

"Well that's that then," Nott said to him as he entered the room.

"Not quite," Severus said coldly, knowing there was one more in the house.

He led them to a small bedroom. A golden haired girl lay in her crib, her thumb stuck in between the pink baby lips. Nott advanced with his wand but Severus held him back.

"I think it is his turn," he said, his eyes upon the tall thin death eater. Pale blue-grey eyes stared at him through the slits in the mask, "unless you don't have the stomach for it."

The man pulled out his wand. "No," Severus instructed, "too easy, not much fun for your first kill," his words soft and growling. He flicked his cloak open and reached into his high leather boot pulling out a nine-inch dagger.

"We don't have much time Snape," Nott objected.

"Enough for this," Severus replied, challenging the young man with his eyes. The Death Eater's eyes narrowed at the challenge and took the offered knife. Severus watched as he slit the young child's throat, thankful she had not wakened before death descended.

"Your blade Professor," said the smug voice behind the mask.

"Keep it, something to remember this night by," Severus said acidly.

They went back downstairs and he instructed them to go outside and conjure the mark while he took care of matters inside.

"What matters?" the younger man started. He was rewarded by a slap on the back of the head by Nott.

"Obey your superiors boy," Nott growled as they went outside.

Severus walked over to a small table that was covered in picture frames. He picked up one studying the smiling family. It was a Muggle picture and did not move though he knew the two sons at Hogwarts had now learned the art of taking wizarding pictures. Smashing the frame down on the table he ripped the photo out and stuffed it into his inner pocket.

Ignoring his promise to Albus about using his newfound abilities, he felt the anger well up in him. He turned his eyes towards the empty fireplace and a roaring blaze erupted. Walking to it he reached out his hands and captured a ball of glowing red flames between them. The senseless destruction that was occurring throughout the land tonight fed his fury. Voldemort was correct in thinking the Ministry would not make a big issue over a few Muggle deaths. They were as prejudiced as the Dark Lord when it came to wizarding purity.

Holding the ball of fire that was growing larger and brighter as he fed it with his anger, he thought briefly of dropping it at his feet. Walking to the front door, he turned and threw the flaming sphere into the room as he cursed.

The two Death Eaters jumped as the residence they had just left exploded in ball of flames. Shading their eyes against the bright light, they saw Snape walk out of the fire and tell them coldly it was time to leave.

****

Apparating at the manor, Severus saw that many of the number had already returned. Thirteen raids, thirteen Muggle families dead. He noticed Voldemort approaching him, his fellow Death Eaters that had been in his entourage accompanying him.

"Ah, Severus, it would seem that you will not be staying for the festivities tonight," Voldemort said, his voice full of mirth. "I suspect within the hour you will be called to a staff meeting at Hogwarts. "Poor Mudbloods, whatever shall they do when they hear the news."

Severus was glad he did not have to stay for the celebration. He noted that several of the 'victims' had been brought back with the Death Eaters. Bowing low, he spoke, "Then I shall take my leave, milord..."

"Just a moment if you will. It would seem you took it upon yourself to put one of our newest members to a small test tonight."

.Severus stood up, allowing his eyes to fall on the young man standing next to Voldemort. Even behind the mask Severus could see the man smirk. He waited.

"Most interesting indeed," Voldemort continued. "And the outcome of this?'

Severus stared into the eyes of the young man in question, daring him. "His actions were tolerable, though he still has a lot to learn."

Voldemort laughed, a high-pitched sound that sent shivers down Severus' spine. "And I trust you will be more than willing to teach him. Do not worry Severus, I have no desire to replace you at this time, though I am sure our young man here will give you a run for your money."

He can take my place gladly, in more ways than one, Severus thought bitterly. "Yes milord."

"Good, I will be calling for you soon Severus. Too bad you cannot give my regards to your Headmaster," he sniggered, leaving to examine some of the trophies brought tonight.

Severus stared at the young man as he watched him take his mask off. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes bright. "No hard feelings then, Professor," he said smiling slyly at him.

Removing his own mask, Severus gave him a deep intense look, his voice purring as he spoke. "Of course not Weasley."

***

It was a very sober staff meeting that took place at 4am in the morning at Hogwarts. Several Professors were still blowing their noses and wiping at tears. Hagrid was out and out bawling. "Those poor lil things!" he wailed. Jonathan Humphreys, the new DADA teacher, patted him on the back.

"We will have to think of the children today. Minerva, Pomona, Filius, as heads of house, you will be dealing directly with the victims' families. I want the rest of the staff to be available to answer questions and to reassure the student body," Albus instructed, his own eyes still red. "Rolanda and Jonathan will patrol the sky for Ministry owls. I do not want the students receiving any posts today from the Ministry. It will be better coming from us than the impersonal notices they would receive."

"Be sure to wear your dragon hide gloves," Madam Hooch reminded Jonathan. "You know how nasty owls can get if you get in their way, ferociously protective of their mail."

"That is all until after the students have breakfast in a few hours," Albus said somberly. "I suggest we compose ourselves. I have taken the liberty of having tea and biscuits sent up here in a few moments, if anyone feels like eating."

"What is he even doing here?" Professor Sinistra asked coldly, pointing at Severus. "Not one family in Slytherin was harmed and I can assure you none of the students of the other houses will want comforting words from him, not that he could even muster them."

"Saphina!" Albus said sharply.

Severus held up his hand. "She is right. Jonathan you stay, I will aid Rolanda with the owls."

Albus nodded, his heart aching for all the pain the night's events had caused and would cause. But he knew it was only the beginning.

"She didn't mean it you know," Rolanda said quietly as she and Severus sat on their brooms watching the sky turn a pale yellow as the dawn broke the eastern sky.

Severus snorted. "Of course she did Rolanda, she was the only one with bollocks enough to say it."

She studied him a moment. He was right. Several of the staff members were bitter about the fact that Slytherin had been untouched. It wasn't Severus' fault that the founder, Salazar Slytherin had not allowed 'Mudbloods' into his house. She turned her attention back to the sky. "Here comes the first of them," she told him. "I trust you still know how to fly."

He gave her a wry smile. "We will see."

They wrestled with the owls for the next two hours, both thankful it was Sunday and the post was light. The owls put up a terrible fight; it was their inbred nature to deliver the mail only to the one it belonged to. Nipping and clawing, they fought the two intruders as letters were wrested from their legs. One large eagle owl left a nasty claw mark down Rolanda's face.

"Damn bloody bird," she spat as she finally got the letter off of it. "A Ministry one at that. That makes thirteen."

"Still we must stop all the post," he told her, "others may have heard of the attacks and put two and two together and wrote to their children."

This was only slightly true. Secretly he wanted to stay in the air, feeling the cool breeze wafting over him. It had indeed been a long time since he had flown, but it had come back to him quickly. The quick movements needed to catch the owls had left him feeling as if he was once again on the Quidditch pitch. It had erased the pain for a time and he was reluctant to go back inside.

Finally after another half- hour had passed and they saw no signs of owls, they returned to the castle.

****

A very weary Dumbledore stood to address the meeting of the Order that afternoon. The day had been very trying. He knew his Pensive was going to be used extensively tonight as he removed the heart wrenching scenes he had witnessed today as he had addressed the children whose families had been murdered. Finding a way to protect the remainder on Voldemort's hit list was the first agenda they needed to discuss.

"So what do we do?" Arabella Figg asked. "We do not have the numbers to watch each of the Muggle families at least, not in the force needed to stop another attack of that magnitude."

"If someone were more useful in bringing news before the fact," Sirius implied, staring at Severus with disdain

"Black, don't start," Alastor Moody warned.

Sirius was not dissuaded. "What? I am just speaking the truth. Really, when was the last time Snape actually had anything to say to aid us? He is a traitor after all. Maybe he is playing both sides waiting to join the winning one?"

"As one traitor to another, I assume you speak from experience," Severus challenged.

"Enough!" Albus said angrily.

Remus shook his head, giving Sirius a disgusted look. "We need to attend to the problem at hand. If Voldemort does intend to eliminate all the Muggle students' parents before the end of the term we only have four weeks. If not, we still have to assume he will continue during the hols. Either way how will we be able to protect them?"

"As Arabella pointed out we do not have the number to watch over each household. Perhaps some protective charms can be applied and the Muggles warned." Sirius suggested.

Severus laughed dryly. "The Muggles, although some may have reluctantly accepted that their children are part of the wizarding community, will belittle the danger. Do you honestly believe they will understand how dangerous Voldemort is?"

Remus agreed with Severus, much to Sirius' chagrin. "Still it is worth a try. It may work to our advantage to explain everything to the older students. They perhaps can persuade their families better than we can."

"It seems futile, but what else can we do?" Minerva asked.

"We can let them stay here over the holidays." Severus said quietly. Everyone stared at him.

"Impossible," Minerva said still startled at the strange remark from him. "Allowing Muggles on the grounds, it just isn't done."

"Indeed, I was speaking of the students Minerva. Allow them the option of staying, it will be the best protection we can afford them."

"And what about their families?" Arabella asked angrily.

"Severus is right," Mundungus Fletcher calmly agreed. "I know I am sounding a bit like the Ministry, but isn't our first priority the wizarding world? We cannot let the future generation of wizards and witches to be eliminated even if they are 'mudbloods'. And well, we can do what we can for their families but our first concern must be our own world."

Silence filled the room.

Albus watched the group as Mundungus spoke. Torn between what was right and what needed to be done for the larger picture, he watched them struggle with their own thoughts and prejudices. The fine line between wanting to protect their world and all people was being tested.

"Albus," Minerva said breaking the silence. "You can not seriously be considering this. The students will not want to leave their families, especially if they are in danger. And how are we to protect them? It is one thing when you are here but I know there are things needed to be done, contacts in other countries you and I were to go to."

Dumbledore put the tips of his fingers together as he leaned on his elbows looking at them. "True, I will be gone, but this castle is well protected and there will always be members on the grounds. While the students are here extra members will need to be on hand, but I do believe there is no other option at the moment."

"So it is decided?" Alastor asked.

"Yes. I think that Mundungus and Severus are correct, although there will be no option given." Minerva looked shocked. "You are right, none of the children will agree to it."

"And their families? Are we simply going to tell them 'hope you don't mind but we are forcing your children to stay at school this summer against'?"

Albus chuckled though his laugh did not reach his eyes. "As Remus pointed out we have four weeks. Surely we can devise a believable reason for them before then. The students however will be informed of the truth after finals.

We will also do as Sirius suggested and place charms upon the Muggles homes that will alert us if magic is used in the vicinity. It will be a weak effort but may give us time to arrive in time to help."

"Or die," Alastor said grimly.

They went through the list of Muggleborn students dividing the households between them. While they were going through the list, suggestions were made as to why that particular student needed to stay at Hogwarts over the summer.

"Thomas Middleburn," Minerva said dryly. "That one is easy. He has failed every subject this term and we must insist he take make up classes." Remus gave her a small smile.

"Hermione Granger can stay with mum and dad over the hols," Bill Weasley suggested when Hermione's name was read. As the newest member to the group he had remained silent allowing the veterans to speak as he observed. "She and Harry usually spend part of the summer there anyway."

"Miss Granger will not be going to the Weasley household in the future," Severus said acidly, "and neither will Potter," he added as an after thought.

Bill narrowed his eyes at him. "And why not? My parents are more than able to handle things. Charlie and myself will be there for a few weeks and Percy still lives there. Though they are my family, four accomplished wizards and a witch might give the death eaters a challenge."

Severus gave him a sardonic smile. "Shall I tell him Headmaster or will you?"

Albus gave a small sigh. "Yes, we do need to discuss the disaster of the meeting you and Remus never made." He looked at Bill intently.

"As everyone knows about the raid that occurred on Amos Diggory's house, Remus has questioned why Bill and himself were thrown off track that night. Though you both are very capable wizards I have little doubt you would have been killed also. Severus informed me that twenty-four Death Eaters attacked that night. And Voldemort accompanied them."

He and Bill waited as they talked amongst themselves. They too knew the implication of this.

"As I said in my post to all of you, there is a leak in the Ministry," he looked Bill directly in the eye. "It appears your brother Percy has joined Voldemort."

"No," Minerva gasped.

Bill went pale. "That isn't true. Percy would never..."

"Turn to the darkness? Be persuaded by power?" Severus sneered. "Ah, yes he was a Gryffindor, and is a Weasley. He should be immune from such things. I should have reminded him of that last night when he carved up the little Creevy girl."

"You slimy bastard!" Sirius snarled rising to his feet. Remus stood placing himself between Sirius and Snape.

Bill was shaking. "You are a liar," he said quietly. "I don't know why you are doing this but you are lying."

Albus looked at him sadly and he realized though it seemed impossible they were not lying.

"Mum, dad...they must be warned..."

"No." Albus regarded him sternly. "It is imperative that no one knows. If Percy is exposed now Voldemort would know that it was probably Severus who betrayed the secret."

"And this a bad thing?" Sirius remarked.

"Seriously," Remus said grimly, "I think we should put you and Severus in a locked room with Voldemort. He would surrender after an hour of listening to your childish retorts to each other."

"Bill, do I have your word that there will be no mention of Percy to anyone?" Albus asked gravely.

Sighing deeply, Bill nodded, though he wondered how he was going to be able to control his disgust and temper when around his younger brother.