The Secret Family No More

ArcticSeasons

Story Summary:
Severus Snape kept his personal life a secret to most people for almost twenty years. On a cold night in late December, his most guarded secrets are revealed to the Dark Lord and the Order of the Phoenix. To what end will the Order of the Phoenix protect Severus and his family from the Dark Lord, the other Death Eaters, and the Ministry of Magic.

Chapter 01 - The Dark Lord Knows

Posted:
04/07/2010
Hits:
269
Author's Note:
The warnings for this story are out of character, slash, mpreg, mentioned rape, torture, violence, bad language, character death, and alternative universe after OotP.


The warnings for this story are out of character, slash, mpreg, mentioned rape, torture, violence, bad language, character death, and alternative universe after OotP.

()~()~()~()~()

Chapter One: The Dark Lord Knows

Slipping through the staff's door in the Great Hall, Severus Snape took his customary seat next to Albus Dumbledore. He scanned the hall to see that Harry Potter and his two cohorts were leaving after finishing up their breakfasts. By now most of the students had arrived for the last breakfast before the winter holidays started later that day. Severus was just glad that the term was finally ending. Being a double spy for the Dark Lord and Albus Dumbledore was taking its toll on him. He also had to deal with dunderheaded students and his duties with the school on a daily basis, and that didn't help him any with his stress either. At least he wouldn't have any school duties during the holidays this year since all the students were ordered to go home for the holidays for their own protection. Hopefully, the Dark Lord wouldn't be calling him to a Death Eater meeting until after the students got back, so he could finally have a visit with his family.

After scanning the hall, Severus started eating what was placed in front of him for breakfast. Most of the staff knew not to talk to Severus until he had his first cup of coffee in the morning. So when he was about finished with his food and coffee, Dumbledore decided to greet Severus.

"Good morning, my boy. How are you on this fine sunny day?" Dumbledore asked happily.

Taking his last sip of coffee, Severus replied, "Fine, Albus. Just fine."

"That's good to hear. Remember that you and Minerva are to assist the students to Hogsmeade Station for their departure home at eleven," Albus said.

"I haven't forgotten, Albus," Severus stated curtly as he looked at Albus for the first time that morning.

"Good. Good. Oh look, it seems that Demitrius has a letter for you," Albus said as he pointed to a black colored owl that was circling around the hall.

Sure enough there was a letter, so Severus whistled the bird down. Demitrius landed on Severus' outstretched arm and held his foot out so Severus could take the letter. After untying the letter carrier from his bird, Demitrius took off to the dungeons for a well deserved rest. Severus took the letter out of the container, and he saw it was the letter that he was waiting for. Checking his pocket watch, Severus saw that he had some time before he needed to be in the Slytherin common room, so he bid Dumbledore good-bye. He headed for his quarters to read his letter.

()~()~()~()~()

Sitting down on his sofa by the fire, Severus closed his eyes to enjoy the quiet of the evening, and he also replayed the day's events through his head at the same time. Severus was thankful that his holidays had finally started. After reading his letter from his family that morning, he went to the Slytherin common room to make sure all his little snakes were ready for the train ride back to King's Cross Station. Glad that all the Slytherins were waiting for him, he helped them to get to Hogsmeade Station and assisted Minerva with the other students. After coming back from Hogsmeade, Severus spent the rest of the day brewing potions for the Hospital Wing, so he wouldn't have to do it when the new term started.

Severus opened his eyes once again when the Floo Network flared to life, and Kingsley Shacklebolt walked out of the fireplace. Spotting Severus on the sofa, Kingsley walked over to him, and he planted a passionate kiss on Severus' lips. Severus responded to the kiss by deepening it until both had to pull away to catch their breaths.

When Kingsley was breathing easily again, he sat on the sofa with Severus and said, "Hello, love. How was your week?"

"Tiring. I'm glad the term is finally over. The dunderheads were too wound up to do any decent brewing the last few days, so I had to give out plenty of detentions to be served once the new term starts again," Severus replied.

"Poor them," Kingsley stated as he put his arms around Severus.

"Oh, yes, my heart bleeds for them," Severus said sarcastically as he enjoyed Kingsley's arms around him.

"So how was your week since I told you how mine went?" Severus asked after a few minutes of silence.

"Better than the week before. We didn't get any calls that the Death Eaters were torturing any Muggles. Did He call you at all?" Kingsley asked, savoring having his husband in his arms once again.

"No, maybe we will get lucky for once, and the Dark Lord will not call any meetings or revels until after the holidays are over with," Severus said. "We got a letter from Ana and my mother this morning. Your mother is staying with them until they all take the Portkey on Christmas Eve."

"That's good to hear. I don't want her alone at this time of year since she gets so depressed easily ever since Dad died. Anyways, it's been too long since all of us have been together for the holidays," Kingsley said just before he gave a huge yawn.

"You're tired and so am I. Maybe we should make it an early night and get some sleep," Severus said as he untangled himself from Kingsley and got up from the sofa.

"Maybe you're right. It would be nice to get some shut eye at the moment," Kingsley replied as he grabbed Severus' hand that was extended to him.

Severus helped Kingsley to his feet, and they walked to Severus' bedroom. When they got into the room, Severus hissed and held his left arm to his chest. The Dark Lord was calling.

"Fuck! He's calling. I need to go. He's very angry tonight," Severus said as he went to his wardrobe. He got out his Death Eater robe and his Death Mask.

Severus put on the robe, put the mask in his robe pocket, and walked back over to Kingsley to give him a kiss good-bye. Kingsley deepened the kiss for several seconds before pulling away. Putting his forehead with Severus', Kingsley said, "Stay safe. If something goes wrong, please use the emergency Portkey and get out of there. I don't know what I would do if you died."

"I'll try. Please tell Albus what's going on for me," Severus said as he pulled away from Kingsley and left his quarters.

"Yes, love. I'll go right now," Kingsley stated to an empty room. He prayed that Severus would come back safe as he left Severus' quarters to head to the Headmaster's office.

()~()~()~()~()

Once Severus left the warmth of the castle, he noticed how cold it had gotten since being out earlier in the day. Severus assumed it would start snowing soon and possibly before the Death Eater meeting was over with. He was just glad it wasn't windy since he needed to run as fast as he could into the Forbidden Forest, where there were no Anti-Apparation wards. When Severus was just outside of the Anti-Apparation wards, he came to a halt, got his Death Mask out of his pocket, put that god awful mask on, and Apparated to Riddle Manor. That was where the Dark Lord was waiting for his faithful followers.

Landing just outside the main door of the manor, Severus went into the manor to the ballroom. That was where the Dark Lord always held court. He noticed that he was not as late as he thought he was. It seemed that only half of the Death Eaters were present so far. He joined the ones present by kneeling in his spot meant just for him. While waiting for the rest to come, Severus noticed how impatient the Dark Lord was getting just sitting on his throne. Something must have upset the Dark Lord greatly, if his eyes were glowing the way they were. Whoever was last to arrive for the meeting would pay dearly for being late.

The last Death Eater to arrive was Draco Malfoy. Severus felt bad for the boy since he too was a spy for the Order of the Phoenix. Before his seventeenth birthday, Draco went to Albus Dumbledore and told him how Lucius Malfoy was forcing him to take the Dark Mark. Knowing he couldn't get out of not taking it, Draco offered to spy on the Dark Lord and the Death Eaters if, once the war was over, Albus would give evidence that Draco was a spy to help keep him out of Azkaban. Albus agreed knowing that having another spy in Voldemort's ranks would help the Light win the war. So here they both were, six months later, waiting for the Dark Lord to start another meeting.

Seeing that the last Death Eater had finally arrived, the Dark Lord said, "Draco Malfoy, come forward."

Draco left the security of the others and came forward to bow before his master.

"What do you say for yourself for being late and keeping me waiting?" the Dark Lord irritably asked.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, My Lord. Mother seems to have fallen ill, and I needed to call for a healer to see her. Ever since Father died, almost two months ago, she has not been taking care of herself," Draco responded.

"I don't care if your mother is dying or if you are on fire. When I call you, you come quickly, no ifs, ands, or buts about it," the Dark Lord exclaimed, raising his wand to Draco. "Crucio."

Draco hit the ground and writhed on the marble floor. The Dark Lord kept using the Unforgiveable at five second intervals until a full minute passed. Draco started to scream halfway through. The Dark Lord was pleased immensely.

Once Draco's punishment was over, the Dark Lord commanded him to get back with the others and kneel once again.

"Now, my faithful followers," the Dark Lord stated, getting up from his throne and started to pace in front of them, "I was informed tonight that there is a traitor in our ranks. This person has been part of the Death Eaters for over twenty years. I thought I could trust him explicitly since he is also one of only seven that are part of the Inner Circle."

The Dark Lord stopped talking, but he kept pacing in front of them. Severus was getting nervous. He knew his time as a spy was coming to a close. He just hoped the Dark Lord wouldn't find out about Ana and Kingsley. He prayed that he would be able to escape before the Dark Lord killed him.

After what seemed like forever, the Dark Lord stopped abruptly in front of Severus.

"Severus Snape, is what I heard tonight true? Are you the traitor working with that old coot Dumbledore? ANSWER ME!" the Dark Lord asked furiously as he carelessly took off the Death Mask from Severus' face and threw it to the ground. Then he threw a spell at Severus to bind him, so he couldn't get away from them.

Shit! Times up. How am I going to lie about this to save my life? Severus thought while trying to get unbound but with little success. The Dark Lord then lifted his chin to look into his eyes.

All of the sudden something was wrong with Severus. Severus felt himself going into a daze like state like he was under the influence of Veritaserum. His eyes widened as he realized the Dark Lord must have used the new type of Veritaserum on him. It was in lotion form, which meant that it could be applied anywhere, and worked just as quickly and effectively as the old version. But this new version had no antidote to make sure no one could lie while under the influence of it, and it lasted up to one hour without having to be reapplied.

"YES, Severus, I used that new Veritaserum on you. I put some on my gloved left hand before I Summoned everyone here tonight. Rookwood was gracious enough to get some from the Ministry this past week, and you know that there is no antidote for it, so you will have to answer truthfully. Won't you, my dear Severus," the Dark Lord proclaimed.

"Yes, My Lord," Severus said as he was cursing himself for his foolishness. He was the one to create that new version of Veritaserum. When the Ministry came to ask if he would create it, he should have declined the offer, but they were paying a hefty price for him to create it. The Galleons he got for it went to Ana and his mother for their personal expenses.

"Now, is what I heard tonight true? Are you the traitor working with Dumbledore?" the Dark Lord asked.

"Yes, it is true," Severus replied, knowing what was to come.

The Dark Lord pointed his wand at Severus and said, "Crucio."

Severus toppled over onto the floor with excruciating pain radiating throughout his body. He bit his lip to try to not scream as the Dark Lord continued to curse him with the spell. Once the Dark Lord was ready to ask his next question, he took the spell off Severus. Severus was helped back up on his knees, and he was panting and waiting for the next question to be asked to him.

"Are there any other secrets that you are hiding from me?" the Dark Lord asked. He was ready to curse Severus once again, if the answer turn out to be 'yes.'

"Y-yes," Severus grounded out as he closed his eyes as he realized that Ana and Kingsley would be known to Him now.

"Crucio," said the Dark Lord as he cursed Severus with the Cruciatus Curse once again.

Severus dropped to the floor and writhed while trying not to scream out. Once the Dark Lord was satisfied with his results, he took off the curse, and he let one of his Death Eaters get Severus back on his knees once again.

"How many secrets do you have, and what are they?" the Dark Lord asked tersely.

"There are...two secrets," Severus gasped out. After getting his breath back, he continued saying, "The first is that I have been married to Kingsley Shacklebolt, an Auror, for almost sixteen years now. The other is you do have a daughter. Her name is Anastasia. I lied to you about having a miscarriage the night I returned to you after the Triwizard Tournament."

"I'm disappointed in you, Severus. You lied to me about our daughter. I could have taught her all about our cause and how to become part of the Inner Circle. I guess it's still not too late to do that once she is brought to me," the Dark Lord said as he tapped his wand on his left palm.

"I'm also surprised that you are married to an Auror. I wouldn't have thought of you marrying an Auror with your past and our association," the Dark Lord said as he pointed his wand to Severus once again. "Oh, and Severus, Crucio."

Severus toppled over onto the floor once again, but this time he couldn't keep from screaming.

"I finally got you screaming, Severus. Good!" said the Dark Lord gleefully as he stopped the spell. "Now, my last question. Where is Anastasia?"

"She lives with...my mother...in the wizarding community...outside of Boston in...the United States," Severus gasped out, lying on the floor still.

"Yaxley, you're in charge since you know the area. Take Rodolphus, Rabastan, and Dolohov with you and set out immediately to Boston. I want my daughter brought back here at once," the Dark Lord ordered.

The four Death Eaters left the meeting to do their lord's bidding.

"Now, it's time to make an example out of you, my dear Severus," the Dark Lord proclaimed as he went back to his throne and sat down. "I want the rest of us to have some fun with our traitor before I send him back to Dumbledore alive and with a message."

Severus saw the Dark Lord laughing at him while sitting back on his throne. He knew the next hours would be the worst of his life. He only hoped Yaxley and the others would have some troubles getting to Ana before he had a chance to tell Dumbledore what was going on.

()~()~()~()~()

Kingsley was pacing in front of Albus feeling apprehensive. It had been several hours since Severus left for the Death Eater meeting, and they were still waiting for him to come back. He had this god awful feeling, like a premonition, that something ghastly had happen to Severus at that meeting tonight. Albus tried, with all his might, to placate his fears but to no avail.

When the Floo Network activated, Kingsley stopped his pacing, and he looked to see who was contacting Albus. Remus Lupin's face was in the green flames. He looked worried and concerned as he asked, "Albus, are you here?"

"Yes, Remus. What seems to be the problem?" Albus replied, hearing the distress in Remus' voice.

"Albus, Draco has brought Severus back here to Grimmauld Place from a Death Eater meeting," Remus said as he saw Kingsley come to stand near Albus. "Draco says that Severus has been found out as a spy. You-Know-Who had him tortured. The Death Eaters did a numb--"

Remus got cut off as Kingsley said, "Move out of the way, Remus. I'm coming over."

Remus was a little shocked by Kingsley's outburst, but he did as he was told as Kingsley went over to the fireplace. Kingsley threw some Floo Powder in the grate, called his destination, and went over to Grimmauld Place.

Exiting the Floo Network, Kingsley asked, "Remus, where's Severus?"

"He's in the drawing room," Remus replied as he watched Kingsley leave the kitchen and head for the first floor.

Moments later, Albus came through the Floo Network. He saw Remus and said, "Please, tell me where Severus is."

"He's in the drawing room, Albus," Remus stated before asking, "I don't want to sound rude, but what's up with Kingsley? He's never seemed too concerned with Severus getting injured before. Why now?"

Albus sighed before replying, "It's a long story, Remus, which will have to be explained later. Right now let's find out how Severus is doing."

Albus left the kitchen with Remus right behind him. They went up the main staircase to the first floor. When they got to the landing, they heard Kingsley and Healer Adrian Lancaster's voices from the drawing room. Kingsley was trying with all his might to keep Severus conscious while the healer did his best to stabilize him. Severus was going into shock and fading fast. If Albus didn't enter the drawing room soon, then there would be no hope in saving Ana.

The only other person to know what was going to happen to Ana was too having difficulties of his own. Once Draco laid Severus on the transfigured bed in the drawing room, he ran straight to the nearest bathroom and locked himself in. He was vomiting and crying at the same time. The Golden Trio and Ginny were trying to coax him into opening the door. They wanted to help him, but Draco would not allow it.

Albus and Remus finally entered the drawing room. What Albus saw made his insides churn. Severus was all bloodied and battered, and he had large gashes and gouges littered all over his body. When Albus came closer to Severus, he saw what looked like to be a note cut into Severus' torso by a sharp object, most likely a blood quill. Albus read the note.

See what happened to your precious spy. The next traitor I find will not be so privileged.

Severus was now having difficulty breathing and looked like death warmed over him. When Albus was by his side, Severus looked at him and gasped out, "He...knows...about Ana. He sent...Death Eaters. Please...save my...baby."

Once Severus spoke his last word, his eyes rolled back into his head, and he fell into oblivion.

TBC...