Harry Potter and the Six Founders

Chapter 5 - The Mark

Somewhere in England, late July, early morning

Severus Snape was lying, panting and in pain, on the bloody floor of a cold stone room.

At least I'm still alive, and not too damaged. For now.

Next to him Bellatrix Lestrange was whimpering. What was left of her dress, stained by blood and sweat, was matted against her body. In other circumstances he might have found it somewhat exciting.

Not a bad looking bitch, but she really can't keep silent worth a damn.

Several times during that long night, she had burst out and said something which had enraged Voldemort and caused him to lash at them with Cruciatus or blow dealing spells. Not even Vormtail had escaped his master's wrath. He lay curled up in a corner, not far from the broken remains of the young Death Eater who had made the incredibly stupid mistake of accusing Dark Lord of underestimating the Hogwarts students.

So much more unforgivable as he'd been right. Well, stupidity and insolence are a bad mix in this company.

Voldemort was the only one standing. He paced angrily across the room. Most of his rage had been spent, but he was not finished with them yet. He was now asking more precise questions to the surviving members of the ministry raid.

Now comes the really dangerous part, thought Severus. If he suspects something then what happened before will seem like a pleasant conversation between friends.

He tried to relax and regulate his breathing.

Fascinating how pain is the favorite mean of expression in these people. There must be some kind of psychological reason for it.

Over the years Severus had developed his own method of dealing with an unconformable situation. He was a Death Eater, who had turned spy for the Order of the Phoenix, and who was officially nothing more than potions master and head of House Slytherin at Hogwarts.

Taking refuge in intellectual discourse had always been his solace in a cold unfriendly world. He had few friends, Lucius Malfoy had been the closest, and fewer loves. The only person who had ever shown him genuine affection had been Dumbledore.

Damnable old man. He saved me and now I can't refuse him anything.

In truth Severus did not have any choice. He'd made the initial mistake of joining the Death Eaters, for what he now accepted to be a number of bad reasons, and there was no escaping the consequences while Voldemort was alive.

I'm trapped in this, just like that damn Potter boy. How ironic that he's possibly my only chance.

He knew that his loathing for the boy was irrational, but he was under too much pressure of guilt, pain humiliation and anger. He needed to vent it, and Potter had the misfortune of being the perfect target.

Stop that! I need to concentrate of what I must answer.

By necessity, Severus had become a master at Occlumency, the art of hiding one's thoughts and lying without detection. He wouldn't last a minute against a determined and forewarned Voldemort, but he knew that, if he kept to what the Dark Lord wanted to believe, he had a chance.

Pain was a distraction he could put aside.

"Where is Potter now?" asked Voldemort in an icy voice.

"Isn't he at his uncle's place?" replied Snape. Dumbledore had planned something for the boy but he had not confided in him as to what it was exactly - aside from that ridiculous remedial potions class that he'd forced down his throat.

"I don't think so anymore. We don't have close surveillance, but he hasn't been seen outside for several days, and there has been a reduction in the number of Aurors patrolling the area."

That was a mistake. They should have left at least a pretence of surveillance. We might have gained a few days.

"Is he at Hogwarts?" Voldemort looked directly at Snape's face.

"I haven't seen him since the students left for the end of school year," he answered truthfully.

"What about his friends?"

"On vacation here and there I suppose. The Weasley boy should be at his parents' house."

Voldemort stayed silent for a moment. It was not yet time for an assault on secondary objectives. The first goal was to regroup and rebuild his power, and he needed a plan to destroy the only wizard who could stand against him. The boy is less important in the short run. Whatever powers he has are still immature. The Headmaster however is something else.

"What do you know of Dumbledore's plans?"

"He hasn't mentioned anything to me. We haven't even talked about what happened at the Ministry."

Bellatrix choose this moment to intrude the conversation.

"You could ask him."

Voldemort raged at her.

"When I want a suggestion from you, I'll ask for it. Crucio!" The spell was directed in the witch's general direction, but Snape was caught in part of it. They writhed on the floor.

Curse that stupid woman! Does she have a brain?

Voldemort turned toward him.

"I want you to go back and to get me more precise information on Dumbledore's plans and movements. I expect to hear from you in less than a fortnight."

He tossed him a portkey and disappeared. Severus waited a moment to recover his breath, and then he clutched at the object. Immediately he was pulled into the void and found himself in a clearing near Hogwarts.

He was still in a great deal of pain. Prolonged Cruciatus caused internal damage, which needed to be healed. He had a number of potions prepared for that. All he had to do was to get back to the school and to his laboratory. Still there was almost a mile of forest to cross. And I'm not in my best condition.

He gritted his teeth, stood up and started walking.

Hogwarts

Harry and Hermione were leaving the Hogwarts library, when they spotted a huddled, bloody figure limping in the courtyard.

They had finished a general survey of the known wizard families and communities. Harry had learned more interesting facts about the origin of the school and the roles of its Founders. This morning, an appointment had been planned with Dumbledore to discuss all this.

The past few days had also been filled with advanced coaching by Remus and Tonks. Harry and Hermione now had a good enough grasp of Occlumency and Legimency to be able to practice together.

"It's Snape," gasped Hermione. "What happened to him? He looks like he's wounded. He must have been attacked."

Snape had not seen them. He was coming to the Hall's main entrance when Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey met him. He collapsed at their feet.

"Albus. I need to take him to the infirmary right now," Madam Pomfrey said, as she was running her wand over his body. A soft light engulfed the man. In several places it glowed deep red.

"In a moment Poppy," he replied. "Severus. Can you speak? Tell us what happened?"

Snape whispered a few words. Harry and Hermione couldn't hear clearly, but they saw the nurse blanch, and Dumbledore's mouth close into a hard line.

When the potion master had finished, the Headmaster waved his wand in front of his face, and Snape fell unconscious.

Dumbledore stood up and spoke to the nurse.

"You will find some anti-Cruciatus potions in his rooms. Take him there, not to the infirmary, and please be discrete. The Slytherin password is 'emerald'. He will need to rest for at least a day. Check him out fully and keep me advised."

"Albus. These people are animals! You can't let him go back there. If they can do this to him when they don't even suspect he spies on them, what will happen when they do?"

"We know that it is dangerous work. Severus knows it as well." He straightened up and touched her arm. "Please do the best you can for him."

She gave the Headmaster a hard look but didn't say anything. She levitated the unconscious form of Snape, and proceeded toward the Slytherin quarters.

Harry and Hermione waited a moment before following the Headmaster.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" asked Harry.

"I can't answer that," replied Hermione in exasperation, "since I can't read your mind. However I think he was with," she swallowed, "Voldemort, who probably was rather angry with how things are going on, and he probably made it plain to his followers. I wouldn't be surprised if other Death Eaters were also in need of medical attention." She looked at Harry, aghast.

"He used the Cruciatus," said Harry in a strangled voice. He could still remember the terrible pain. "I don't like Snape, but I would not wish that on him."

Hermione closed her eyes and pressed herself against him. The previous days had been pure happiness, and she had almost begun to consider the war as an abstract problem. Now she was trying to keep from thinking about Harry, or herself, in Snape's place. I shouldn't have forgotten what this was about.

Harry shook himself and squeezed her shoulders.

"Don't dwell on this. Let's go to see Dumbledore. Whatever happens we have things to do."

She looked at him with an anxious face.

"Are you all right?" he asked with concern.

"Yes." She took a deep breath. "Let's go."

They made their way to the Headmaster's office and called out the password he had given them. As she entered for the first time this most holy of place, Hermione couldn't help looking at some the precious books that were visible. With an effort she turned her mind to the business at hand.

Dumbledore was seated at his desk, gazing pensively at some point in space.

"Sir?"

He turned toward them.

"Harry, Hermione. Good morning. How are you?" He started to put on a smile but when he saw their serious faces, he immediately realized what they must have witnessed.

"We're fine sir," Harry responded gravely. "And how is professor Snape?"

Dumbledore noted the use of Snape's title. Not something that Harry had done frequently in the past.

"He will live, and there should not be any lasting damage," he replied. "But it has not been a very pleasant night for him I'm afraid."

Harry swallowed convulsively, and a white faced Hermione's couldn't hold back a cry. They tortured him for hours!

Dumbledore raised his hand.

"I know how horrible this feels to you. You know that professor Snape performs a valuable role for us as our agent inside the enemy's stronghold. He volunteered for this, and we agreed that he can stop it at anytime." He looked at them. "He insists that he wants to continue."

Harry knew that in Snape's place he would probably do the same. But I didn't imagine that he would.

"Professor Snape is a very strong wizard and he can survive a lot of this ... abuse," continued Dumbledore. "However there are limits to what anyone can stand. And things are further complicated by the Dark Mark which Voldemort can use to summon or torment him."

"Sir, how did professor Snape become a Death Eater?" asked Harry.

"You will have to ask him that question yourself if you want the details. However the basic truth is that he got drawn into something he did not fully measure. When he realized what it meant, he reacted in a very courageous manner and came to me."

Dumbledore paused.

"I wonder if you can understand how difficult that decision was." Harry and Hermione didn't say anything. "I looked into his soul and saw that his regrets were true, and I gave him my trust and what help I could."

He looked at Harry.

"I have never had an occasion to regret it, or to doubt the man's sincerity. I can assure you that he wants Voldemort's demise more than anyone else."

He sighed.

"Severus Snape is not the most pleasant of person, and there was a great deal of enmity between him and your father Harry, but he is not an evil man. His life has not been a happy one, and not always because of him. You should remember that."

Harry stayed silent for a while and sighed.

"Yeah. He got a raw deal." He looked at Hermione for a moment, remembering the unfair treatments Snape had given all them in classes. Part of that must have been a front for his cover. But he was also very unpleasant in private.

He was close to deciding something, but he wanted to be sure of Hermione's position. She seemed to guess his unformed question. She looked at him and then nodded briefly. It's almost like telepathy.

He turned to Dumbledore who was looking at him very closely.

"Sir?"

"Yes Harry."

"How can we make him accept our help?" Ron is going to have a fit about this, but he'll understand in the end.

Dumbledore controlled his reaction, but inwardly he felt a strong elation. He has waited for Harry to make such a proposal, but he had not expected it to come so soon. Unfortunately it would not be as easy as it should be.

"Do you understand why he might reject it?" he asked gently.

"Hatred for my father... and for Sirius."

Harry was extremely uneasy with the knowledge of what had happened between his father and Snape. His instinct was to heal that at all cost. Is that my mother's heritage speaking? But he was also beginning to learn that good feelings were not sufficient in themselves. The history of Gryffindor and Slytherin had shown him a great deal about when and how a leader could be magnanimous, and he tried to see how it could be applied to this situation. Leader? Is that what I should try to become? He didn't want the role, but it didn't look like he had a choice.

"That would be the greatest barrier yes," replied Dumbledore.

"Would it help if I ... apologized in their name?" Harry was afraid of betraying the memory of his father, but still it felt like the right thing to do.

Dumbledore nodded gravely. Once again Harry had taken a great step forward, and he was filled with joy and pride.

"Yes Harry, even though the responsibility was not all your father's, I believe that a Potter should take that first step. It will then be professor Snape's responsibility to accept it and to make peace."

"It will not be easy, and success cannot be guaranteed, but it would be a very good thing. If you agree then later on we can go and see him together."

"And then how could we help him?" asked Hermione, ever the practical one.

Harry and Dumbledore didn't have anything ready for that.

Hermione thought for a moment.

"Could we try and remove the Mark?"

Dumbledore grimaced.

"I do not know. That kind of dark magic is very difficult to counter. We looked into that at the beginning but it wasn't feasible. It could be done with enough power. I did learn some interesting techniques when we removed some of the artifacts from the Black's house." He nodded in apology to the portrait of Sirius's great grandfather, who harrumphed in distaste but said nothing.

"But I am almost sure that it would prove deadly, and I do not see how we could protect him."

Hermione's mind made connections. Protection - Harry - Grimauld Place - Committement.

"Could a formal pledge with Harry give Snape protection for that particular situation? Something like what we did at Grimauld Place?" she asked.

Dumbledore opened his mouth in surprise and forgot to close it for a long moment.

"What an extraordinary idea!" he said. "Now why didn't I think it? It is more complex than you might think but there is something..." He raised his head in the air, and mumbled absently, as if he was trying to remember something elusive. After a moment he nodded.

"We could not make it as powerful as what you did," he said. "But then we would only require something for a little time." He thought about it some more.

"I will have to discuss this with professor Flitwick," he said finally. "But I do believe that if Severus truly made his peace with you, we could use the corresponding power of commitment to protect him, and apply enough power to remove the Mark."

"We have to do it," said Harry firmly. "A lot of good would come out of it. It would improve the relations with the Slytherins, and it might even be possible to convert other Death Eaters."

Dumbledore smiled at them.

"That would indeed be a significant victory against Voldemort."

"In the meanwhile we should return to the morning's business. Please be seated."

He gestured and two comfortable chairs materialized next to them.

"I have read your report Hermione, and the book Sirius left you Harry, and I must admit that they do touch on a subject which is very relevant to our situation."

"In fact everything holds together. We have a major enemy, Tom Riddle as Voldemort, and a secondary danger, which is represented by the tensions in the wizard world. Some of these tensions take their roots in ancient rivalries, but in the end most of them hinge on the negative attitude toward the muggle world, and the wizards who originate from there." He nodded to Hermione, "Even your interest in the well being of House Elves can be considered in that light, my dear."

"Sirius's book contained a number of things I had known from elsewhere, but it is the most precise relating to date of a very important period of our history. And, if I may say so, it touches something very dear to my heart."

Harry and Hermione grinned at hearing those words. They had a good idea of what the old wizard was talking about. The unity of the Houses which composed Hogwarts.

"You guess correctly," he divined. "We do know each other well enough to anticipate some things." They looked at each other in shared complicity.

"The key events related in Sirius's book are of course the meeting between those powerful wizards, and the founding of Hogwarts, the first community explicitly created to merge independent groups of wizards, through the education of their children. It was a large success inasmuch as, for close to one hundred years, there was not a single occurrence of organized dark wizardry."

Hermione was surprised to hear that. Actually she reflected that they had learned only a little about the general subject of dark wizards. Dumbledore made it sound that it was a recurring phenomena. She voiced her question.

"Yes, few muggle born are aware of the statistics," he answered her, "and most wizards try to forget it. There have always been regular appearances of dark wizards. Only the most powerful among them develop followers which become generally known to the public, and these are the ones which are dangerous. For the individual rogues we have the Aurors, and some other organizations, which are generally capable of controlling them and protecting the rest of us."

"Now if there is one common theme, in all instances of organized dark wizardry, it is anti muggle sentiment. By reducing this, we can help insure another prolonged era of peace."

He looked at them to emphasize his argument.

"In my opinion this is as important as destroying Voldemort."

After their conversation, Dumbledore invited them to share a meal with professor McGonagall and Hagrid in one of the private dining rooms of the school.

Hagrid was of course delighted to see Harry, and when he learned that Hermione was his declared girlfriend, he jumped up and nearly smothered her in his embrace. He became so enthusiastic that Dumbledore and McGonagall had to remind him that it was a little early to compare them to James and Lily, and to talk about marriage and children, as he had been going on. Harry and Hermione laughed at his exuberance, but they exchanged embarrassed glances, and it was plain that some of those thoughts were also in their heads.

At the end of the meal, McGonagall and Hermione were discussing some delicate point of magical theory, while Harry filled Hagrid and Dumbledore about the happenings at Grimauld Place.

"I take you're comfortable there," said Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling.

"Sir, I'm having the most wonderful time of my life. We all are. I will never be able to thank you for all that you've done."

"And young Remus?" asked Hagrid innocently. "How he is?"

Harry blushed a little when he explained to new arrangements with Tonks. Hagrid however was very happy to hear the news, and Dumbledore's eyes danced even more. Professor McGonagall started to voice her opinion that perhaps the young people should be chaperoned a little more, but she reminded herself of her student days and didn't insist. Besides, she felt she could count on Hermione to impose a minimum of discipline.

Afterwards, Dumbledore took them to see professor Flitwick, so that they could discuss the matter of removing professor Snape's Dark Mark.

The two wizards exchanged complex technical arguments and obscure references. Harry was quickly over his head. Even Hermione seemed to be just hanging on to the discussion. Harry tried to follow anyway, if only because curse removal was bound to be a part of advanced Auror training.

At the end, and for their benefit, professor Flitwick explained what they would have to do. More than one wizard would be required to work the spell. At Grimauld Place, both he and Dumbledore had been needed to eliminate the hardest items such as the portrait of Sirius's mother.

"In this case we need to apply magic to both fight the curse but also protect Severus," he said. "Mister Potter, you and him will provide the basic power with your commitment. Once this is under way, Miss Granger and I will attempt to remove the Mark. The Headmaster will be responsible for protecting us from the side effects."

Hermione practiced the specific counter curse spell they would be using. It was not too difficult in itself, and she didn't have to master all of its intricacies, since she would effectively only assist the professor.

When they were ready, they made their way to Snape's rooms.

The potion master was lying on his bed but not sleeping. He answered to Dumbledore's call, but his eyes blazed with anger when he saw who was with him.

"I have no wish to see you Potter. It is bad enough that I will have to waste my time teaching you and your friends in a month's time."

Dumbledore raised a calming hand.

"Please Severus, I would ask you to listen to something important Harry has to say, and which does concern you."

Snape said nothing and fixed the Headmaster with a closed face. What crazy scheme has the old man conceived now? Can't they leave me in peace?

"Just lend us an ear Severus," continued Dumbledore. "I ask nothing more, but I fear I must insist on that."

Snape frowned. It was very rare for Dumbledore to impose something on him. Most of the time it was something unpleasant. But always there had been valid reasons.

"All right. Sir." But make it short.

He looked at Harry, taking in the subtle changes in the boy. He's certainly more confident than I've ever seen him to be. I would have expected him to be lost in depression after the Ministry fiasco.

Harry forced himself to ignore the man's animosity and concentrate on his objective, and on how he could make his case with arguments acceptable to a Slytherin. He fixed the potion master calmly.

"Professor Snape. There has been a lot of bad feeling between us, and between you and me and my friends and family. Still, all of us have parts to play in the current struggle. We have common interests in defeating Voldemort and his accomplices."

"I know that you have done a number of things for this cause, and for me. I am grateful for that, and I am aware that you pay a heavy price for it."

"I don't need your pity Potter!" snarled Snape. "My actions are my own responsibility and none of your business!"

Harry ignored the outburst.

"I do not pity you sir. I only see someone who fights the same enemy that I do, and whom I believe I can help."

"You would help me Potter?" he sneered. "Out of the goodness of your Gryffindor heart? Merlin save me from your childish delusions!"

"With all due respect sir, Gryffindor do not help Slytherins out of pure goodness," said Harry proudly. "Nor, if I understand it correctly, is it the Slytherin way to accept it. What I propose is an end to wasteful enmity between us."

"What in the world for?" Snape was openly scorning.

Harry pointed to Snape's forearm.

"To rid you of that."

Snape was shocked and speechless with fury.

"How dare you presume to be able to do anything about what you certainly do not understand!" He turned to the Headmaster. "What did you put into the boy's head this time?"

Dumbledore replied in his usual gentle voice.

"Severus, there is a real chance we could remove the Black Mark. I have thought very seriously about this and professor Flitwick agrees with me."

A number of emotions played across Snape's face as he considered what they were saying. Fools! What do they know of what might happen? The arrogance of them! Yet rising in his mind was the insane hope to be free of the awful curse placed on him so long ago. I stumbled once and was ruined, and now they propose to undo it. Is it only possible?

The hope was like the first lights of the sunrise at the end of a long night, but the fear of disappointment was terrible.

"Do you realize what you are doing to me?" he said in a toneless voice.

Hermione answered him.

"Yes sir, we are offering you the possibility of freedom at the risk of a tremendous deception, or worse, in case of failure." She inclined her head toward Harry, "There is nothing easy or trivial in this."

Snape calmed himself. He was impressed by their seriousness.

"I cannot imagine a force sufficient to remove the Dark Mark without killing the person," he said. "What is your idea?" This is utter madness.

Harry spoke tersely.

"Commitment magic. As in Privet Drive, and now Grimauld Place. In this case it would be used toward a slightly different goal."

Snape frowned. He's referring to his mother's sacrifice and the protection it generated. What exactly happened at Grimauld Place?

In a few words, Dumbledore described what had been done. Snape looked at Hermione who stood next to Harry.

"Are you suggesting we declare our love for each other Potter?" He couldn't help himself sneering.

"No sir." Harry took a deep breath and looked the potion master straight in the eyes.

"But I will sincerely apologize for anything my father, Sirius or I did against you, and I will forgive anything that you did against them or me. I will pledge to respect and stand by you as a friend."

Snape stayed silent. He would have to accept to do the same of course. He reviewed some of the worst incidents which had opposed him to the Marauders long ago. What he really felt was disgust. We were childish and stupid all of us.

Looking at Harry, he realized that the dispute with the boy's father was an abstract thing now, and his own attitude as a teacher was a minor irritant. The main guilt he felt toward Harry was that he had taunted Sirius and played some part in his death.

"Will you forgive even Sirius?" he asked softly.

"Yes," replied Harry in the same voice.

Snape realized that he was at an important point in his life. Independently of the Mark's removal, by sealing his peace with Harry, he would also lose most of the anger which protected him from the world. For a while he would be defenseless against the insults and hatred of others. He would be able to pretend of course, but, having had a taste of respect and friendship from a former enemy, he would crave it from others.

He turned to Dumbledore. The old man's face told Snape that he understood exactly what was proposed here, certainly more than these youngsters could.

Damned Gryffindors. Why don't they ever mind their own business!

He waited for him to say something, to encourage him to go through with this, but Dumbledore stayed silent.

He wants me to make my decision by myself.

Snape knew that if he refused, Dumbledore would not hold it against him. But it would always be there between them. A last chance that he had ignored.

Do I really have a choice? Yes I do. I can swallow my pride and take great gamble, or stew in my own bloody juices until an ignominious death.

He looked at Harry and couldn't escape a feeling of grudging respect for the boy. If nothing else it would be nice to stop seeing the father in him, and to cross out that part of his life.

Harry examined Snape. He felt he understood some of his teacher's turmoil. His face cracked into a devil-may-dare grin as he extended his open hand toward the older man.

Snape looked at that hand. Of course. Bodily contact would be necessary in this. He couldn't remember the last time he'd shaken hand with anybody. He looked at Harry's face and despite himself he was moved by the love of life that he saw on it. Just like Lily.

Damn it! I actually want to do it.

Severus Snape took a step toward the boy and said the necessary words.

"I accept your apology, and I extend my own for what was, and which should be forgiven and forgotten. I pledge to be your friend and teacher, for you and your friends... Harry."

He extended his arm, and Harry gripped it decisively. The sleeve of his robe pulled up to display the Dark Mark which flared at once. Harry and Severus grimaced in pain. Dumbledore, Flitwick and Hermione immediately took position and started to murmur the counter curse incantations.

The Mark pulsed like some obscene living creature, and it glowed with an ominous green light. At the same time Harry felt his scar starting to burn fiercely and he brought his other hand to his brow.

Lines of fire erupted from Flitwick and Hermione's wands toward Snape's skin. He and Harry screamed horribly, but they continued to hold each other.

Hermione was terrified by what could be happening to Harry, but she forced herself to concentrate on her task. The Mark became a twisting tentaculed thing which detached itself from Snape's arm and fought against the fire from their wands. A black blood flowed from the professor's skin.

Harry and Snape's minds were in agony. They could only vaguely see each other and were oblivious of anything else except the pain. In flashes, Harry began to experience bits of Snape's life and memories. Images of battle with his father or Sirius, visions of Lucius Malfoy, Voldemort and others. The impressions went by, too quickly to be analyzed, and he couldn't really concentrate.

It seemed to be taking much longer than Hermione would have expected. She stole an anxious glance at professor Flitwick and her fear redoubled as she saw he appeared as troubled as she was. It's not working like we hoped. My God, what can I do?

Dumbledore has his eyes closed and a golden light emanated from his hands and bathed Harry and Snape. He was extremely concentrated and trembling slightly. It's all he can do to shield them. How long can it last?

Professor Flitwick suddenly spoke up.

"We are going to try something else Miss Granger. At my signal you will launch another spell."

He explained rapidly what he wanted. She tried not to think at what Harry must be going through, or what could happen if she failed. She rehearsed mentally what she would have to do and indicated that she was ready.

She watched as the diminutive professor frowned in concentration and adjusted his own spell.

"Now!"

Hermione murmured the new incantation and the color of the fire beam from her wand changed color to take on an intense blue color. The black shape of the Mark twisted and jumped in response.

Harry was losing ground. Desperately, he tried some of the mental techniques he had been taught but to no effect. He fell back to raw willpower, but it was becoming too difficult to resist.

Suddenly the pain stopped, and his vision returned. He saw what looked like a red bubble imprisoning a dark shape floating about their clenched arms, and behind it, Snape's face, covered in sweat but with an intense expression of relief.

Their eyes met and for a moment their minds were one, and he saw himself through Snape's vision. A storm of strange thoughts overwhelmed him. It lasted a fraction of time and then the link was broken. He felt himself losing consciousness and fell forward.

Snape couldn't stay upright, he managed to fall on his knees and catch Harry's falling body. He could see the reddened but bare skin on his forearm, and he knew that it was over. That he was free. Without thinking, he cradled the boy gently and pressed his face against the unruly dark hair. He had never imagined doing such a thing. For the first time in many years he was smiling.

He raised his eyes toward an anxious Dumbledore and a terrified Hermione. He had barely enough strength to stay conscious.

"He's all right. Don't worry.... It's all right now." and then he passed out.

Hermione jumped to Harry's side. His breathing and pulse was erratic but strong and going quieter. Professor Flitwick breathed a long sigh and wiped his brow. Dumbledore patted him on the shoulder and called Madam Pomfrey. Together they installed Snape back in his quarters and they brought the unconscious boy to the infirmary.

Harry woke up to a row of concerned faces. Hermione was crying and holding his hand. They all looked somewhat disheveled, even the Headmaster.

"Did it work?" he asked.

"Yes Harry," replied Dumbledore. "Professor Snape is resting, but the Mark has been removed and destroyed. It was a bit more complicated than what we planned, but it has been done." He turned to Hermione. "You did very well both of you."

"How do you feel Harry?" asked Hermione.

He smiled at her. Exhilarated by the news of their success. For once he had taken the initiative and done something right.

"I ache all over, and I have a terrible headache but basically I'm ok. Nothing that a swim and a good night's rest can't cure."

He started to get up. Madam Pomfrey intervened to say that he should probably spend the night in observation. Harry turned a pleading face to Dumbledore who reassured him, and convinced the nurse that he did not need any special medical attention.

"Harry, if you want, you can go to the Gryffindor quarters and rest a while before you go back to Grimauld. But please notify us if you feel unwell," he said. "I am sure that Miss Granger will keep an eye on you."

The two of them took their leave and started toward the student quarters but Hermione had another idea.

"Er... Hermione, Gryffindor tower is that way," remarked a puzzled Harry.

"We're going somewhere else. Follow me and don't say anything," she answered mysteriously.

They stopped at the door of the room of Requirement.

"Harry, please close your eyes and don't think of anything until I tell you to." She closed her own eyes and concentrated for a moment. When she opened the door, it was exactly as she wanted.

"You can come in and look now," she said softly.

Harry opened his eyes. He saw that the room was now something like the private quarters of a Sultan. There was a very large bed decorated with braided pillows and veils, a big bathtub incrusted in the floor was filled with foaming and bubbling water. A soft music and sweet perfumes floated in the air. Here and there were towels and silk robes. There was even a massage table.

"Whoa!" He turned to her. "Hermione this is brilliant!"

She smiled in satisfaction at his reaction.

"I thought that student quarters would not be as comfortable. And this is more private than Grimauld Place." She looked at him and blushed.

He walked to her and gently took her face in his hands and kissed her.

"I love you," he whispered. The pain of the previous ordeal was forgotten.

She started to remove his cloak.

"Allow me?" she asked softly.

Harry found he couldn't speak anymore so he nodded as she continued with the buttons of his shirt. His hand went to her school tie and his eyes begged the question. She nodded and they both slowly undressed each other, shivering in anticipation and delighting at each gesture.

Hermione's body was as wonderful as he had imagined it.

His hand gently caressed her shoulder and descended over her bare breast. She caught her breath in pleasure. His face was beaming with pure joy and wonderment.

"You are the most beautiful girl in the world and I love you," he said simply.

Their last bits of clothing were taken off and then they were naked next to each other, with the roar of their beating hearts in their ears. They came together and kissed for a long time.

She took his hand and led him into the bath. The water was warm and soothing. They played and washed each other, delighting in the unusual activity. After a while they just soaked, snuggled against each other.

"I thing we ought to visit Hogwarts more often," he said. Hermione giggled.

"What is it?"

"I was just thinking that not a few students would like to know the secrets of this place."

"It certainly beats hiding in the owlery for snogging." He recalled some remarks from the Gryffindor boys' quarters. "Do the girls talk a lot about ... this kind of things?"

"Bloody too much! Parvati is one of the worst."

"Maybe this year you'll be more interested," he teased. "You'll be able to tell a few stories yourself."

"I would not!" She frowned at him. "Would you tell the other boys about us?"

He reassured her.

"No of course not." Certainly not in the boys' room. "I might tell Ron about this one day through."

She nodded.

"That's ok. But no one else."

"We're both going to have to take some ribbing though. You know that."

"Most famous couple in Hogwarts?"

"Yes. Before we become the most famous couple in the wizard world."

"Thinking long term, are you now?" she looked at him seriously.

He turned toward her.

"Maybe I'm not completely objective right now, but I can't conceive of living with anyone else than you."

"I can't either, but isn't it a bit too soon to talk like that?"

They looked at each other.

"We won't rush it, and we have a lot of things before us. We're in love but we've also known each other for a long time, we have a lot of respect for each other and we have common goals, and ... well, when you add up everything, it only goes one way."

Hermione nodded silently.

He grinned at her.

"Of course we should really have a major fight to test it. But I'm confident we can manage that."

"You brat!" she placed her head on his shoulder. "I'm very happy to be with you Harry," she said softly.

He held her close and they started to review what had happened with Severus. He told her that for a moment he had been inside the man's mind, and he had felt his thoughts. It was an extraordinary experience. He tried to describe it to her.

Hermione was fascinated but the whole thing had been very unpleasant for her. She hadn't expected it to be so messy and painful.

"You were screaming, it was awful."

"Every contact with dark magic is painful I guess. But the mind reading came after, when it was all over."

She nodded absently. It's like childbirth. There's pain, blood, and ... a new life.

"Do you thing it was the same for him?"

"Yes. I think it was both ways." Harry's face took on a dreamy look. "You know, he is a very hard and lonely man, but he also has a lot of integrity and principles."

"Snape? Principles? Do you remember what he did in classes?" She was outraged.

"Yes, but that was not very important to him. On other things, and for his Slytherin students, he has some very strong principles."

"Such as?"

"Slytherin house is very arrogant, and aggressive toward the outside, but between themselves they show a lot of solidarity and discipline. They work hard and the students respect him."

She didn't respond. She would need to time, and more evidence, to accept that.

"What do you think will happen now?"

"I don't know, but we have to try and integrate the four Houses together, and for all of us to accept our qualities and faults. Severus will not change completely, he'll always be a hard teacher, but I believe he will work toward this goal with us."

"We'll have to win over the other Slytherins," he said firmly.

She understood that the last events had crystallized his resolve in this. He's really going to do it. Of course she would help him.

"Some of them may be lost forever, but others will join in."

"Yes. It's not going to be easy. You heard Dumbledore. Part of it is that old wizard culture and the prejudice against muggles, even in the other Houses."

She nodded absently. She'd had her share of taunting herself. It had hurt a lot especially since she had tried so hard to fit into this world, and she thought that she deserved to be accepted. This is another thing which I fear. That I will fail in taking my place next to him in his world. He belongs by birthright and power and I don't.

Unconsciously she clung to him tighter and Harry guessed her fears.

"Hermione, love. For this we have the best possible answer."

She didn't see what he meant.

"What?"

"You," he said simply. She frowned and he continued. "You are the living proof that a muggle girl can excel in this world."

She shook her head in despair. She wanted to believe him but she didn't dare.

He held her close.

"Don't look at those you reject you. One after another, they will change. Consider those who admire and welcome you. They are the strongest and the more numerous."

"Even Severus sees you differently now." She looked up, doubting that. "He does," he insisted. "You can trust me I've been in his mind, and he values you. He's not going to kiss you every morning, but if you look behind the wall he keeps between him and the world, you will see it."

"Well of course he'll be grateful."

"No. Gratitude is not a Slytherin quality, but they appreciate power and knowledge. I'm talking about considering you as a full fledged witch."

She felt the truth in his words and it reassured her. She relaxed against him and they rested quietly in the warm water.

Severus Snape felt very strange. He'd recovered, washed up, and dressed in clean robes. Every minute or so he'd had to look at his arm, to make sure that the Mark was really gone, and then he couldn't help but smile, all the while calling himself stupid.

First Dumbledore then Potter. Will I ever escape these damn Gryffindors?

Not that he really wanted to, but he had prized his independence once.

A knock on his door announced the Headmaster.

"How are you feeling Severus?"

"Fine Sir."

Actually he still felt the remains of the night's torments, and he had a large assortment of aches and pains, but considering everything, he felt pretty good all in all.

"You must really be proud of yourself," he challenged the old wizard.

"I'm proud of Harry, and of you," came the calm rejoinder.

Severus sighed.

"Did the boy really propose this by himself?"

"Yes, he did, and it was Miss Granger who had the idea of using the occasion to remove the Mark. I'm actually quite vexed not to have planned it all along."

"Albus, I was in his mind at the end. I was wrong about him. I say it once and then never again." Severus looked defensively at the Headmaster, daring him to say anything about it.

Dumbledore smiled kindly and nodded.

"But there are some other things to clear up. We need to talk about Remus and the teaching positions."

Snape frowned.

"Do you still plan on calling him back as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?"

Dumbledore fixed him calmly.

"I will not decide on anything before you have looked at the situation," he said. "I will only remind you that I need a potion teacher, and that you have your duties as head of House, which will not be trivial this coming year. Also there is the DA group, which Harry and his friends will continue and probably step up, and finally I am concerned about the History of Magic course."

Dumbledore rapidly updated Snape about the morning's discussion concerning Wizard culture and anti muggle prejudice.

Severus refrained from saying anything unpleasant. He would take his time in considering how to educate the muggle born. Don't rush me!

"You want me to discuss this with Remus?" he said curtly.

"I would appreciate it if you would."

"All right. I will."

At that point he spotted Harry and Hermione in the doorway. The boy looked indecently happy.

"Sir?"

Snape frowned again.

"You can come in Mister Potter," he replied in a formal voice. "I hope for Merlin's sake that you will not pester me with that grin of yours every time we meet," he added.

Harry wasn't fooled one bit by Snape's tone. His smile became even more brilliant.

"No sir, only in private. I just wanted to make sure you were all right."

Snape sighted once more. How in hell did I get in such a situation? He knew he would have to get used to it, and in truth it was not so unpleasant. At least he doesn't call me Severus - yet.

"Thank you for your solicitude Mister Potter," he replied in a sarcastic tone. "Since you will be going back to Grimauld Place, could you please convey a message to Remus Lupin?"

"With pleasure sir," Harry said eagerly.

Snape grimaced and rolled his eyes.

"Tell him I will be in the Three Broomsticks at seven PM tonight, and if he could manage it, I would like to discuss some matters with him." And don't you dare thank me! He glared at the boy.

Harry paused a moment and visibly controlled his expression to Snape's relief. He nodded gravely.

"I'll tell him as soon as I come back, sir."

"Thank you. I wish you and Miss Granger a pleasant vacation." He paused. "And please accept, both of you, my most heartfelt thanks and token of respect." He bowed his head briefly.

They acknowledged silently and bowed back. Then as they turned to leave.

"Mister Potter."

"Sir?"

"I will expect you, and Mister Weasley, to be extremely well prepared for the coming potions class in a month's time."

"Yes sir!"

When they arrived at Grimauld Place, they immediately filled in their friends about the events at Hogwarts. The reaction was predictable.

"You did what with Snape?" exclaimed Ron.

"I made my peace with him and we removed the Dark Mark of the Death Eaters," confirmed Harry simply.

"You're putting me on!" he looked at them suspiciously. "This is the worst bloody joke I have ever heard in my life!"

"No it's all true," answered Hermione. "We would never make fun about such a thing."

Remus thought so too, but what they described challenged his imagination.

"You said he'll meet me in Hogsmeade tonight?"

"Yes. He didn't say why," Harry said. "We never mentioned you. I felt I could only speak for my father and Sirius. But I think he'll be more reasonable than before, even with you. It's the logical thing to do, and to themselves Slytherins are logical."

Ron looked disgusted.

"You can think like a Slytherin now?"

Ginny glowered at him.

"Slytherin thinking is what Harry needs to understand in order to bring the Houses together. And that does not mean that he'll become like the worst of them."

Harry turned to his friend.

"Ron this is an occasion that we can't pass up. We have to give Snape and the rest of the Slytherin a chance to work with us." Ron looked dubious. Harry continued. "Don't you think it would be great if the school could show a united face to the world? It doesn't mean that there wouldn't be any competition, which is a good thing actually, but we should have mutual respect and solidarity."

"Do you honestly believe we can have that?" Ron asked.

"Yes I do, and I'll work for it as much as I can," answered Harry.

"We'll work on it," corrected Hermione. Harry beamed at her.

Ron was torn between his skepticism, backed by many years of Slytherin animosity and insults, and his faith in Harry.

Harry continued.

"There'll be no question of accepting abuse from them and turning the other cheek. We'll insist on them respecting us, but we will refuse to be provoked, and we will search for friends among them."

"If we can find enough of them to accept this idea then those few who don't will not matter," added Hermione.

Ron looked at his two friends and finally nodded his acceptance.

"It's not going to be a piece of cake you know."

Hogsmeade, evening

At the arranged time, Remus transported himself to Hogsmeade and went to the Three Broomsticks tavern. Only a few people were inside, and he spotted Snape alone at a table with a pitcher and two glasses in front of him.

"Good evening Severus."

Snape looked up and gestured to a vacant seat.

"Good evening Remus. Join me?"

The two of them considered each other silently for a moment. Their relations had never been more that coldly formal, and they both were plainly unsure of how to proceed.

Snape broke the ice and gestured toward the pitcher.

"Want some?"

Remus nodded and Snape poured him a glass, and another one for himself.

Remus raised his glass in toast.

"Shall we drink to the future?"

Snape nodded and raised his own glass, and glanced toward his left arm.

Remus noted the gesture.

"I'm very glad for you Severus," he said softly.

Snape sighted. He had spent the previous minutes testing his old animosity toward Remus. Werewolf! He found that it had largely disappeared. In truth Remus' main faults had been to be a friend of James and Sirius, more than being a lycanthrope. Once the first was resolved, he was just another magical creature. The repulsion these inspired him was balanced by the fact that he was a friend of Harry.

He looked at him directly.

"As you can imagine that the present situation is very... unsettling for me. I am still trying to adapt." Remus nodded and stayed silent, Snape continued. "I have however come to the conclusion that it makes no sense to continue antagonizing each other." He paused. "I now consider myself Harry's friend." he shook his head in amazement. "And I would like to be yours as well." And of course you will accept, gallant Gryffindor that you are.

Remus slowly started to grin. He replaced his glass on the table and extended his hand.

"I would be honored to be your friend Severus."

Snape grimaced at the offered hand. He still didn't like to touch others, or be touched for that matter, but physical contact was a big thing with these people.

He extended his own and shook Remus' hand. The man was plainly enjoying his reticence.

"I don't propose that we kiss each other Severus," teased Remus.

Insufferable.

"I think this will suffice."

Remus became serious.

"These kids are incredible. Whenever we think we have the situation under control they go and change everything."

"Yes," agreed Snape. He paused, "Harry is truly going to become a very powerful wizard. He's not afraid to attempt anything, and he'll lead the others with him. In a way it's very dangerous."

Trust Severus to look at the worst case scenario, thought Remus.

"You don't think that he's becoming... unstable?"

"No. There's no sign of that yet, and he doesn't seem to crave domination, but his power is growing and he's not reticent to use it. I fear that one day he'll become... impatient with the limitations of the rest of us."

Remus though about it.

"He looks up to role models. We'll have to stay up to standards."

"Exactly, and guide the rest of the students," replied Snape. "Make no mistake. I find much to admire in the boy, but he's growing up too fast."

"Power corrupts? Is that your fear?"

"Yes, both personal power and a having great number of wizard looking up to him. A lot of good men have been ruined by this."

"There's not much that we can do about it for now."

"No." Another pause. "There is another subject I would like to discuss with you." Severus used his fingers to turn his glass between his hands, catching the lights in the crystal.

"Please go on."

"It concerns the teaching positions for this coming year." Snape was considering a particular reflection on his glass, and then he raised his gaze at Remus. "The DADA position is opened, and Dumbledore also wants to replace the History Of Magic teacher."

"Hum. And you'd like to take the DADA post?" Remus had expected to teach that course, but he certainly wouldn't push for it.

"Well, Dumbledore remarked that I have a number of other responsibilities, but he said that he would listen to a reasonable proposition." He turned glass again, flickers of multicolored lights played across his face.

"I won't insist on the DADA position Severus," Remus said softly. "I know that you are as qualified for it as I am. Actually I wouldn't mind teaching History Of Magic."

Snape permitted himself a very discrete smile. The present teacher was such a bore that Remus would have no problem dramatically improving the popularity of the course.

"What would you say to a split of the DADA course between us?" he proposed.

Remus' eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Unusual setup but it might work. I could take the first three years, we could even arrange common field classes. It's more efficient to have two teachers for practical exercises."

"I agree. I will turn over the first and second years of potion to someone else and concentrate on the older students as well." He raised his glass. "Let's drink to that then."

Remus took his own glass. They clicked and took a sip. He coughed at the burning broth. Smoke was coming out of his mouth.

"What is this?" he said in a rasping voice. Not bad but it sure packs a punch!

"Personal recipe. Think of it as improved Fire Whisky." Snape smiled at the man's face.

"And a whole pitcher of it!"

"I was thinking I needed a good drinking night." He raised an eyebrow. "Care to join me?"

Remus looked dubiously at his glass.

"I may not survive it." Then he flashed the same devil-may-dare grin Snape remembered in Harry and James. "But it will not be said that I refused a challenge."

"Spoken like a true Gryffindor."

Remus raised his glass in his turn.

"To the eternal glory of Slytherin and Gryffindor."

They finished the pitcher, and then Snape produced another one. Neither would remember much of the rest of the night, but witnesses would later tell of a memorable carousing, complete with stories and rowdy songs, and which ended in the early morning, when McGonagall and Tonks took pity on them, and transported them to their beds, instead of letting them wake up in the village road ditch where they had finally collapsed, in each other's arms.

The Mark Ch5 - 22