Swept From the Past

Chapter 41: The Mother-in-law -- part three

Harry couldn't concentrate in Transfigurations class. Ron sat next to him, his nose buried in his book. Harry had never seen him so studious. Ron hadn't uttered a word since Harry had seen him a few hours ago. Harry felt that his friend was hiding something from him. In contrast, Hermione's attitude seemed completely normal. She sat at the front table near Neville, her hand raised to answer McGonagall's questions. Maybe she was even more assiduous than usual. She raised her hand for the twentieth time. But Ron hadn't complained or even grimaced. He ignored her.

Harry was determined to know why Ron acted so strangely. But first, he had to make a decision. Should he invite Ginny or Hermione? He definitely wanted to invite Ginny, but she could refuse. He would blush, stutter, and feel ridiculous. And he felt remorse for Hermione. He didn't want her to be sad. But if he invited her, Harry felt it was unfair to him. Although Hermione was one of his best friends, Ginny... was Ginny.

Harry sighed. Hermione had helped him to understand many things about Snape, Burns, and Sirius... He had shared the secret of the Prophecy with her. He couldn't let her miss the Ball. After what Malfoy had said to her, would the other boys invite her? Few people wanted Malfoy as an enemy.

Harry fought with his consciousness for the whole hour. Then he made his decision, remembering how sad Hermione had been when she'd entered the Gryffindor common room. He had to invite her.

"Potter!" McGonagall said in a testy voice.

Harry jumped in his seat. McGonagall glared at him, more stern than ever. He gulped. The whole class stared at him.

"What did I just say?" McGonagall asked.

"Er..." Harry replied. "I... don't know."

"N.E.W.T.s are important," McGonagall replied. "You'd better work hard instead of daydreaming."

"Yes, Professor," Harry responded.

Professor McGonagall turned to the class and continued the lesson.

Harry sighed. Had McGonagall ever daydreamed? Had she ever been invited to a Ball? Had Transfigurations' class ever been so boring? The boy checked his watch and sighed again, wishing he had a Time Turner to get rid of his classes.

Later, Harry left the Transfigurations' classroom and waited for Hermione outside. Ron had already left, mumbling something that Harry hadn't understood. Harry had a lump in his throat, but he tried to convince himself that inviting Hermione was the best thing to do. After all, going to the Ball with her wouldn't be that bad. And Ginny wouldn't have agreed to go with him anyway. No need to be so disappointed...

"Hermione," Harry said when she left the room. "Can I talk to you?"

"Sure," Hermione replied. "We can talk on the way to the library."

"Er," Harry responded awkwardly. "Can't we talk somewhere else? It's too crowded in the corridors."

Harry was ill at ease at the idea of inviting Hermione with all the noisy students around. He needed fresh air and calm.

"Can we go outside?" he asked.

Hermione nodded.

They both walked the corridors without speaking. Harry was tense. He knew that he was going to the point of no-return. When he'd ask Hermione, his hopes about Ginny would be over.

Harry and Hermione left the castle and sat on a bench, away from the agitation of the school.

"So?" Hermione asked. "What's the matter?"

"Hermione," Harry said without looking at her, "will you go to the Ball with me?"

Hermione didn't reply. Then she laughed.

Harry jumped and stared at her with questioning eyes. What was so funny?

"What are you playing at?" Hermione asked when her laughter died down.

"Er," Harry responded, "what do you mean? I'm not playing at anything..."

"Come on, Harry," Hermione said, "don't you want to go with Ginny?"

Ginny? Harry blushed.

"Why... why would I want that?" he replied. He was puzzled. Damn that sudden flush on his cheeks!

"Because you have a big crush on her," Hermione responded.

Naked. Harry felt completely naked. How had Hermione noticed that? Did everyone know? Did Ginny know?

"I think she likes you too, you know," Hermione said.

"No," Harry grumbled. "She likes Alphonso."

"His Veela charm only," Hermione replied. "Ask her to the Ball. I'm sure that she'll go with you."

"But you...?" Harry asked. What was Hermione thinking now? That she'd been a second choice? Somehow, it was true.

"Why did you invite me?" Hermione questioned. "It was obvious to me that you would ask her."

Harry felt very embarrassed. He had to reveal that he had seen Hermione crying.

"Er," he said, "I... Neville told me what had happened with Malfoy, and... I saw you crying. I was in the common room when you came back. I didn't want you to be sad about the Ball."

"Sad about the Ball?" Hermione repeated. "What do you mean?" A line appeared on her forehead.

"Because you've not been invited yet," Harry said. He paused. "Malfoy is an awful prat!"

Hermione's features softened. "That's okay," she said quietly. "Half of the girls in the school haven't been invited yet. And it's just a Ball..." She shrugged her shoulders. "Honestly, I'm more anxious about the next exams."

"But," Harry said, puzzled by her reaction. "Why were you crying?"

Hermione didn't reply. Her features hardened again.

"For nothing," she said. "Girls' stuff. But it doesn't matter anymore now. I'm okay!" She looked at her watch. "Oh," she exclaimed, standing up. "I should go now! I have lots of work to do and the library closes in six hours!"

"Don't forget to eat," Harry said teasingly. Hermione had really a strange sense of emergency.

"Don't forget to talk to Ginny," Hermione replied before leaving.

Harry sighed, relieved. Hermione was right. He'd ask Ginny to the Ball. So... Hermione thought that Ginny 'liked him too?' Harry grinned.

***

Severus Snape impatiently entered Dumbledore's office and sat. The Headmaster was sitting quietly on his golden chair, an irritating smile on his lips. Severus looked at Dumbledore sternly. He hadn't forgotten about the trick Dumbledore had played on him. And he hated being manipulated. Who did the Headmaster think he was?

"So, Severus," Dumbledore said. "How did your meeting with Professor Burns end? Did you manage to invite her to the Ball? I was busy talking with Alastor and I did not notice that you had left."

"In your opinion, Headmaster," Severus retorted. "How did our meeting end?"

Had Dumbledore expected Burns to accept the invitation? Foolish man!

"I do not have any idea," Dumbledore replied.

"Well," Severus whispered under his breath, "clearly, Professor Burns' response was negative." He glared at the Headmaster. Dumbledore's little games were pathetic.

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled. "Hmmm," he said, "did Professor Burns have a crisis when you asked her?"

"Yes," Severus hissed.

"Perfect," Dumbledore responded.

Severus screwed up his eyes. "What?" he exclaimed, standing up and leaning over the table. How could it be perfect? Burns was very ill and Dumbledore found it perfect? Did he want her to die?

"Calm down, Severus," Dumbledore said. Severus saw the commanding look in Dumbledore's eyes, an unspoken order to sit down.

Severus controlled himself and obeyed reluctantly.

"I suppose that Professor Burns managed to calm her crisis," the Headmaster continued. "Did she drink Firewhisky?"

Severus didn't reply immediately. He didn't want to mention the kiss. He wanted to keep that information private. Some part of him didn't trust Dumbledore anymore. What if Burns' death was good for the Order?

"She didn't manage to take her bottle," Severus said. "I grabbed her hand instead."

"What happened when she calmed down?" Dumbledore asked.

"She threw me out," Severus snapped. "What do you think that she did? Offer me tea?"

The Headmaster raised an eyebrow. Then he conjured two steaming teacups. "I think that you should relax," he said. He grabbed his teacup and took sips.

Severus stared at his teacup. He didn't like Dumbledore's sense of humour.

"The Grindelwalds have a powerful will," Dumbledore said. "They are very stubborn, I would say. As stubborn as they are powerful."

"And their powers are based on vengeance," Severus continued with irritation. "I remember this part."

"Who said that their powers are based on vengeance?" Dumbledore asked.

"That's what Burns said to the Dark Lord," the Potions master replied. What was Dumbledore playing at?

"Professor Burns does not know all about her powers," the Headmaster replied. "I even think that Voldemort ignores a few things too."

What did Dumbledore mean?

"The Barrier Keeper was meant to protect the school," Dumbledore continued. "Such powers are not based on vengeance."

Severus didn't understand anything. "But Salazar Slytherin..." he said.

"Salazar Slytherin was a clever wizard," Dumbledore replied. "He gave the other founders of Hogwarts what they wanted. The Barrier Keeper acquired a great power. Great, but frail." He paused. "Vengeance is the result, not the cause."

"But," Severus said, "what--"

"This is all that I can tell you," Dumbledore interrupted.

Severus frowned. "What do mean by 'this is all you can tell me?'" he hissed. "You have to tell me!"

"Things must follow their logical course," Dumbledore replied. "I told you what you had to know."

Severus was so enraged that he stood up and left without a word. He couldn't bear that discussion anymore. He returned to his quarters, removing points from every student that crossed his paths.

Damn Dumbledore! How could the old fool understand the nightmare Severus was living in? The Potions master didn't have time. How could he save Burns if he didn't know all about her powers and her disease? Why was he the only one able to have physical contact with her? And why had she returned his kiss?

***

Professor Burns sat in her office, busy correcting the students' works.

"No, Master Roberts," she said out loud, reading the comment she had made on the piece of parchment, "I assure you that the Yeti doesn't come to London, even on holiday. Your brothers only played a trick on you..." She paused, thinking of what she would write next. "Or maybe your aunt needs a good Shaving Spell." She continued to write, trying not to focus on what was really bothering her. "I don't think that the Yeti wears kilts either, and... Damn! Why did I kiss him?"

She let go of her quill and sighed deeply from irritation. She was more than embarrassed. More than shocked. Why the hell had she kissed that bastard? She felt disgusted. Her chest ached. She took a drink of Firewhisky... again.

She couldn't even get rid of that memory. Snape would bother her with that -- he liked to torture her -- which meant she would know about the kiss anyway. And she needed her last strength to sort out her memories for Harry.

She snapped her fingers and Apparated in her quarters. The parchments would wait. She wasn't in the mood to correct them. The Yeti wearing a kilt... She rolled her eyes.

She sat on the bed in front of her Pensieves and checked the following memory...

***

Snape Manor, end of February, third year of Katarina's Auror's training.

Katarina and Severus stood in front of Snape Manor. Time to meet her future mother-in-law. Katarina was very apprehensive. Severus remained stoic, but Katarina knew he was anxious too.

Snape Manor was an immense mansion, much bigger than Katarina's parents' residence, and much scarier. Two statues, looking like devils, framed the iron entrance gate. A few terrifying gargoyles stood near the roof of the house. Katarina shivered. When they arrived at the main door, she noticed the symbol of a scorpion engraved on the handle.

"The armorials of the Snapes," Severus whispered under his breath. He stood motionless in front of the door, without moving his arm to the bell.

"Are you all right, Honey?" she asked.

Severus stared at her. "I hate this place," he said.

"So do I," Katarina replied. "I must admit it's creepy. But you're not alone now. Let's go and speak to your mother. Then we'll leave this place forever."

"Er..." he whispered. "If my mother offers you something to drink or eat... please... refuse..."

"Do you think she'll try to poison me?" Katarina asked. She knew Severus' mother was awful, but...

"Maybe," Severus replied. His stare bored in hers. "Just be careful," he said softly. "My mother is crafty. She knows how to manipulate people. To penetrate their minds." Severus sighed. "I hope you won't decide to leave me after meeting her."

"Severus," Katarina replied gently, "do you see this ring?" She raised her left hand to let Severus see her engagement ring. "Do you think I would have accepted this, if I didn't want to marry you? I don't care if your mother is an old shrew. I'm in love with her son. Not with her."

She caressed his cheek.

"Can I have an encouraging kiss?" Severus asked.

"I'm wearing lipstick," Katarina replied.

"It usually doesn't bother you," Severus said. He arched an eyebrow.

"It's just that..." Katarina whispered, "...I don't think that seeing her son with big lipstick marks on his mouth will please your mother. Just a thought."

Severus considered her a minute. "May I have a slight kiss then?"

"Can't your mother see us from here?" Katarina asked.

"No," Severus replied. "Her apartments are situated on the other side of the house. She has a view over the lake." Severus looked at Katarina expectantly.

"All right," Katarina replied. Severus' lips touched hers delicately. However, he gripped her suddenly by her waist and deepened the kiss. Their lips parted after several long and delicious seconds.

"Cheater!" Katarina exclaimed, pretending to be offended. "That wasn't a slight kiss!"

Severus cast her a victorious glance. His upper lip curled.

"You're lucky I have handkerchiefs in my bag," Katarina replied gently. She took a handkerchief and removed the lipstick from Severus' mouth. With a flick of her wand, she transfigured a second handkerchief into a little mirror. She levitated the object in front of her face and arranged her make-up.

"So," she said, facing Severus. "Am I presentable now? Is my lipstick still smudged?"

"No," Severus replied. "But the second we leave this house, it will be."

"I hope so," Katarina retorted with a slight smile. She put the mirror and the lipstick back in her bag. Then she moved her eyes from Severus to the door. "The sooner we enter, the sooner we leave," she said.

"All right," Severus said.

He rang the bell. An old house-elf opened the door.

"Freaky," Severus said, "tell Mrs. Agrippina Snape that her son, Severus Snape, requests an audience."

The elf let them enter. He closed the door behind them and left. He didn't even bother to lead them to the lounge. Severus moved there with a gait more jerky than usual. He let Katarina enter first. Then he followed her and closed the door.

"Your house-elf is called Freaky?" Katarina asked. It was a little odd, even for a house-elf. But curiously, not very strange from Severus' family.

"I guess Mother called him that," Severus replied. His features hardened.

They both sat onto the settee.

"It will be alright, Darling," she said. How strange that Severus had to ask for an audience with his own mother. But after all, he had said that Mrs. Snape was awful.

The door opened. Katarina hardly breathed. But it was just Freaky, who came back.

"Mistress Snape asks why Master Snape is bothering her in the middle of the afternoon," Freaky said. "Mistress wonders why Master didn't warn her he would come. Mistress also wants to know who that person with Master Snape is."

"Tell Mother that she'll only know when she receives us," Severus hissed.

Freaky left.

"You didn't tell your mother we were coming?" Katarina whispered.

"No," Severus replied. "It's best not to give her too much warning. Or time to prepare her poisons."

Katarina remained speechless. Several minutes later, Freaky came back again.

"Mistress says she will receive you," Freaky said.

Severus and Katarina stood up. They followed the elf along the dark and cold corridors. Then they arrived at a great door. They entered and found themselves in a waiting room. There was another door in front of them.

"Mother's private lounge," Severus murmured. Katarina took a deep breath. She had the impression that a fierce beast lived behind the door, ready to jump on them and devour them. Severus moved to the door and knocked.

"Come in," a husky voice said.

Severus opened the door. For once, he entered first. Katarina was grateful to him for that. She entered too. Severus closed the door behind her.

A tall, skinny woman, about fifty years old, sat erect in an armchair, so straight on her seat that her body looked rigid. Seeing the immaculate, dark gown she wore, she was probably very meticulous. Her black hair had turned grey in places and was pulled back in a high-bun. Her eyes were black too. The same as Severus'. Except that Severus stared at Katarina warmly, and not crossly. Mrs. Snape had regular features. Some might consider her attractive, but for the aura of nastiness that accompanied her stiff posture and superior expression. Katarina didn't know how to explain the feeling she had when she was in Mrs. Snape's presence. But she knew that the woman in front of her was mean. Mrs. Snape looked at Katarina from head to foot. Katarina didn't like her stare. She saw disdain in it.

"Mother," Severus said coldly.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Snape," Katarina said politely.

"Who are you?" Mrs. Snape asked sharply.

"My name is Katarina Burns," Katarina replied kindly.

"Sit!" Mrs. Snape ordered.

Katarina obeyed without a word. She was confused, but she wanted to observe Severus' mother better. Severus sat at her side.

"It's not polite to visit people without an invitation," Mrs. Snape snapped. "Especially when you come empty-handed."

"Actually," Kat replied, "I have brought something."

She pulled a box of chocolates out of her bag. In other circumstances, she'd have probably offered something personal. But for Severus' mother, something neutral was better. Katarina had asked Severus' opinion, and he had said it would probably do. Katarina was not reassured.

Mrs. Snape looked at the box reluctantly. Katarina laid it on the coffee table. The woman moved her eyes from the box to Katarina. Then she stared at Severus. "Who is she?" she asked icily.

Katarina cast Severus a quick stare. He looked at his mother impassively.

"My fiancée," Severus said softly.

Mrs. Snape's eyebrows arched. "Your fiancée?" she asked sharply. "You didn't waste time, Severus." She moved her eyes back to Katarina. "Are you pregnant?" she asked abruptly.

"No," Katarina replied, with an offended voice. Jesus! Severus was right. What an old shrew!

A heavy silence followed. Mrs. Snape continued to observe Katarina.

"Katarina Burns..." Mrs. Snape said, "hmmm, never heard of you. Especially not from my stupid son," she snapped. "Katarina..." she hissed, "hmmm, that's a Russian name. Do you have Russian origins?"

"I don't think so," Katarina replied. She didn't like the way that horrible woman was speaking to her and Severus.

"Because I hate Russians!" Mrs. Snape added crossly. "Where does your name come from?"

"I think it was my grandmother's second n--" Katarina responded.

"Yes," Mrs. Snape interrupted sharply, to show she didn't care. Katarina kept silent.

Mrs. Snape stared at Severus. "So," she said, "if she's not pregnant, why do you want to marry her?"

"Because I have a... special attachment to her," Severus whispered under his breath.

Mrs. Snape laughed. "A special attachment? And you expect her to feel the same? For you? Come down to earth, Severus!"

What a cruel woman! Katarina was shocked.

"A special attachment?" Mrs. Snape repeated in laughter. "Haven't you remembered anything I taught you? Love will never make a marriage last!"

"And according to you," Katarina said icily, "what is the best way to make it last?" She was so infuriated that she clenched the fabric of her dress between her fingers.

Mrs. Snape stopped laughing. Her eyes flew open wide. She stared at Katarina as if she had been insulted. But Katarina wasn't afraid of Mrs. Snape. She was too angry for that. She noticed Severus blanched.

"How dare you interrupt me, little girl?" Mrs. Snape snapped.

"I didn't interrupt you," Katarina replied. "You had finished your sentence."

Mrs. Snape's eyes narrowed. Katarina heard Severus gasp. Mrs. Snape looked at her straight in the eye. Her stare bored into hers. Katarina felt the woman wanted to penetrate her mind. However, Katarina maintained her gaze. She wouldn't let that awful, old hag win. She wasn't only defending herself. She was also defending her fiancé.

Since the second year of her Auror training, she had learnt the rudiments of Dark Arts. Enough to recognise their use and fight them. Enough to understand that Mrs. Snape was trying to hypnotise her. But Katarina knew what to do.

She stayed motionless. She didn't blink. Eye-contact shouldn't be broken. Otherwise, Mrs. Snape would intrude on her thoughts and control her. Katarina recited an incantation silently in her head. It would create a mental barrier to prevent Mrs. Snape from entering her mind. The old shrew tried to penetrate her defences. Katarina understood the old, heartless dragon, wouldn't give up. The only way to make her stop was to penetrate her own mind. To hypnotise her, like she wanted to do to Katarina. The young woman had never done that. They had never taught that in class. However, she knew how to do it. She felt that she could do it. That she had to do it. That she wanted to do it.

Katarina's eyes opened wider. She crooked her right hand. Her forefinger and middle finger were raised up, hooked. Her thumb was extended. She slowly put her hand in front of her face, her palm facing Mrs. Snape. Katarina placed her forefinger and her middle finger in front of her eyes. She created another barrier, more powerful that the first one. The eye-contact was not broken, but replaced by another link.

Katarina quickly made three circular movements with her hand, clockwise. She pierced Mrs. Snape's own defences and controlled her mind. Katarina moved her hand from right to left and left to right, slowly. Mrs. Snape's eyes also moved, staring at the hand. Then her whole body followed the movement. She was hypnotised.

Katarina stopped moving her hand. Mrs. Snape stayed motionless. Katarina slowly closed her fist and brought her hand back to her. Mrs. Snape's stare remained fixed on the place where Katarina's hand had been a few seconds earlier. Then Katarina snapped her fingers.

Mrs. Snape jumped. She cast a quick glance all around. Her face whitened. She looked at Katarina, bewildered.

"Nice try," Katarina said. "And I am not a little girl," she snapped. She stared at Severus. He looked puzzled too, even scared. But his fear was quickly replaced by an expression of delight. He looked jubilant.

"Who are you?" Mrs. Snape asked. There was anguish in her voice.

"An Auror," Katarina retorted coldly. "Soon. And your son's wife. Soon."

Mrs. Snape didn't reply right away. She hardly breathed.

"Did he pay you?" Mrs. Snape asked briskly after several seconds.

"For what?" Katarina asked. "Loving him? I don't need to be paid for that."

"Are you rich?" Mrs. Snape said sharply. "Because I warn you! I will never let my son marry someone beneath him! You will never have our fortune!" she snarled.

"I don't care about your money!" Katarina responded icily. "I just care about your son! Keep your Galleons, I have mine!"

"How long have you been seeing each other?" Mrs. Snape asked Severus suddenly.

"Almost three and a half years," Severus replied softly.

Mrs. Snape's eyes flew open wide again. "WHAT?" she yelled, "THREE YEARS AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME?! WHERE DID YOU MEET HER?"

"At Hogwarts, Moth--" Severus said.

"Hogwarts? In which house was she?" his mother interrupted.

"Gryffindor..." Severus whispered so low that even Katarina could barely hear him.

"GRYFFINDOR!!!" Mrs. Snape barked. "YOU WANT TO MARRY A GRYFFINDOR!!!" she yelled.

"We are not in Hogwarts anymore, Mother," Severus snapped. "And I did not come here to get your consent. Just to introduce you to my fiancée, for convention's sake."

Katarina knew it was difficult for Severus. She took his hand in hers. Severus gently squeezed her hand in his.

Mrs. Snape stared at their joined hands. Then she looked at Katarina. "Why do you want to marry my son?" she added with a softer voice.

Katarina didn't like the change in her voice. She felt it was a trap. Mrs. Snape looked much too calm. Almost kind. There sweetness in her voice. Something poisoned.

"As I said," Kat responded, "I love Severus. I think this is a good reason to marry him."

"Come on, Miss Burns," Mrs. Snape continued, "you are rich, you are pretty, avow the truth. Give me the real reason. Why do you want to marry him? You are too good for him!"

Katarina saw that Severus looked away. She felt infuriated. "How can a mother speak of her son like that?" she asked. "How can you say that? In front of him? You don't know me. You don't even know him." She paused. "I won't try to convince you I love him. How could you understand something you have obviously never felt?"

Mrs. Snape looked at her with a murderous expression. Then she stared at Severus. "I don't like her," she hissed.

"I'm glad you don't, Mother," Severus replied. "Really glad." He stood up, Katarina's hand still in his. Katarina got up too. "We are leaving now," he said. "Goodbye, Mother." Katarina and Severus went to the door.

"I forbid you to marry her!" Mrs. Snape snarled. "I disapprove of this marriage! I warn you, I will not come!"

"Is that a promise?" Severus replied coldly without turning back.

Katarina and Severus went out of the room. Katarina didn't say anything. She felt Severus was tense. Maybe he didn't want to speak. His features were hard. They went along the corridors without a word.

Katarina knew Severus hated his mother, but the young woman felt guilty. After all, Mrs. Snape was her future mother-in-law. And Katarina had 'slightly' insulted her. Katarina had not been polite. The conventions had not been respected. She should have been less aggressive with Mrs. Snape, although the woman was really an old hag. Mrs. Snape had said awful things to Severus, and he had managed to stay relatively calm, unlike Katarina. She wondered if it would be prejudicial for Severus.

Severus opened the main door. They got out, and he closed the door again.

"Severus," Katarina said, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that to your mother. I broke all the rules of politeness wh--"

Severus clutched her waist and kissed her fiercely.

"If we weren't already engaged," Severus whispered, "I would ask you again to marry me." He had an expression of delight on his face. And he looked at her with a devouring stare. "You gave the old shrew the lesson of her life," he continued. "Father and I were the only ones able to resist her. How did you manage to hypnotise her like that?"

"I don't know," Katarina replied. "I used my Auror's knowledge and I... improvised." In a certain way, that was true.

"I can't believe you managed to do that," Severus replied. He kissed her again. "I'm really, really impressed, courageous girl. You faced the beast without showing fear."

"I would have probably been scared," Katarina replied, "if I hadn't been so furious."

Severus smiled slightly. Then a scared expression passed over his eyes. He grabbed Katarina's shoulders and looked her straight in the eye. "Promise you'll never do that again," he said, almost sharply. "Dark Magic is very dangerous. Aurors are not meant to use it."

Katarina was surprised by Severus' sudden reaction. He'd looked so delighted a few seconds before, and now he seemed so frightened! And Katarina was scared too. So she had used Dark Magic? She felt guilty. Mad-Eye Moody would be disappointed if he heard she'd practised the Dark Arts. If he found out, she could be expelled from the Aurors' program. She had made a huge error today.

"I... I didn't realise I would use... Dark Magic," Katarina responded sadly. "I just wanted to protect my mind. I couldn't bear hearing her insult you."

"I know," Severus said softly. "The old hag deserved it. But you must never do it again. Do you understand, Katarina? Never." He paused. "Nowadays, Dark Wizards are brought to Azkaban. Swear that you'll never do that again." He stared at her insistently. Katarina could see how worried he was.

"I swear it," Katarina replied truly. "Never again."

Severus' scared expression disappeared. He embraced her.

"My mother would have loved you," Katarina said.

Severus smirked. "Can we leave now, Mrs. Snape?" he asked.

Katarina grimaced. "Oh God!" she said. "I had forgotten I would be called like her!"

***

Burns sneered. The old Mrs. Snape. It had been a long time... Was the awful dragon still alive? When Burns had stood in front of Mrs. Black's portrait, she had thought of Mrs. Snape. She hadn't remembered the moment they had met, since it was enclosed in the Pensieve. But she had felt awful sensations, like when she had thought of Narcissa Black.

Now that she had checked the memory, she knew that Mrs. Snape was worse than she had thought. But Burns was glad to see that Katarina had humiliated the old shrew.

Snivellus had made Katarina promise she would never use Dark Magic? Of course, he knew how powerful she could be. He wanted to limit her practice of Dark Magic. He knew that the Dark Arts would have helped her if she'd been attacked by Death Eaters. But he hadn't known how powerful she was.

***

Severus Snape was lying on his bed, thinking of the same memory. The day Katarina had met his mother... He had been so delighted when Katarina had given a lesson to the old hag. He had felt a great feeling of revenge. His mother, who had hated him and treated him badly since he was born, had failed in controlling Katarina's mind. All her techniques of manipulation hadn't worked.

And Katarina had fought for him. Defending him in front of his mother was something that no one had ever done. Agrippina Snape had never insulted him in his father's presence, but she kept saying nasty things about Severus when she could do it. Severus had learnt to ignore her, but deep inside, every comment hurt.

When he had seen Katarina respond to his mother, Severus had been scared. He had been terrified when Agrippina Snape had used Dark Magic, and even more terrified when he'd realised that Katarina had hypnotised her. But he had also felt a rush of love and pride for his fiancée. He'd been so impressed that he had almost forgotten how dangerous it was for Katarina to use such powerful magic.

But when they had left the mansion, Severus had realised what it would mean... Her powers had grown up. Not enough to be mature, maybe. But soon...

He had realised that if she tried again, the Dark Lord's spies would report it to their master. Panic had come over to him. He had made her promise not to use Dark Magic again. He knew that his mother wouldn't have mentioned what had happened to anyone. She couldn't say in good society that she had practised -- or been the victim of -- the Dark Arts. And she hated Death Eaters.

Dark Magic... The Dark Lord had said that 'she was not powerful enough to recreate the Barrier. That Katarina had lost that ability when she'd turned to the Dark Arts.' But when she had met Severus' mother, she had used Dark Magic. Had she lost her abilities so early? No, probably not. Dumbledore would have mentioned it at the time. The Headmaster had said that Katarina shouldn't use Dark Magic again because of the Dark Lord. He hadn't said anything else... Katarina had used Dark Magic occasionally, so turning to the Dark Arts had not been enough. No... She had lost this ability later... On Hallowe'en.

Severus sighed. He remembered the last time he had seen his mother. He had wished that she would die. Many years later, when she'd been poisoned by her new husband, Severus hadn't come to the burial. That woman had only spoiled his life, adding to his burden...

***

Hogwarts, February, Severus' third year as a Potions assistant.

Severus Snape sat at his desk in his chambers, busy working, a pile of parchments next to him. Professor Blazy had given him the first years' Potions essays to correct.

Blazy... Severus always worried that the Potions master would not believe him. He'd lied so much, and Blazy was not an idiot. As planned, Severus had said that Katarina pestered him about being married, and that he'd reluctantly agreed. He had used the pretext that few people started to be suspicious, especially Dumbledore. He had also added that it didn't change anything. That he would make her drink potions to think the marriage had been consummated. Of course, all that was a lie. Especially the part concerning the wedding night. Four years of waiting was really enough.

Severus heard a knock at the door. He raised his head. Who could bother him now? He didn't want to be disturbed. He felt angry.

"Come in," he said sharply. He didn't even get up. That was probably a house-elf. The door opened. Severus looked up from his papers and gasped. Mrs. Snape, the old, awful, stern dragon, stood in front of him on her high-heels. That was a shock. He felt like a scared, little boy in front of her.

"Mother," he whispered.

"Severus," his mother said coldly. "I came to warn you. Don't marry that girl."

"I will marry her," Severus replied. "With your consent or not. As strange as it seems, she loves me."

"I don't doubt she does," Mrs. Snape retorted icily.

Severus raised an eyebrow. What did it mean? Did his mother accept that Katarina loved him? That's not what she had said.

"Seeing the way she looks at you," Mrs. Snape continued, "the Love Philtre you used on her worked."

Severus blanched. He didn't reply. What could he say? The truth? No. Not to that old shrew.

"This is none of your business, Mother," he responded coldly.

Mrs. Snape's stared at him hatefully. "You are like your father," she hissed. "Do you know what he did to me? He bought me from my father, paid for me. I married him against my will. Then he forced me to give him an heir. I didn't want to carry you! The best part of my pregnancy was when I delivered and when you were taken away from me!" She spat.

Severus was used to hearing things like that. He knew his parents had never loved each other. Claudius Snape hit Agrippina sometimes. But Severus didn't know his mother had been forced to marry his father.

"Do you really think I don't know who you are?" Mrs. Snape said. "What you wear on your arm?" she snarled. "The symbol of traitors. The symbol of cowards. Exactly like your good-for-nothing father! Imagine the scandal when people find out what you are? Good society will turn from me. Our name will be tarnished! Do you know how much I will have to pay for your acquittal? To keep up appearances?"

What a disgusting woman. Even now, she didn't care about him. She just cared about her reputation.

"No one will know," Severus snapped.

"Oh?" Mrs. Snape said ironically. "And what will your 'fiancée,'" she said disdainfully, "say when she sees it? A future Auror... Do you believe she won't tell anyone? Because you made her drink a Love Philtre? At the beginning, probably. But there are things more powerful than Love Philtres. Family ties for example. I wonder how she would react if she learnt certain secrets?"

Family ties? Secrets? What did she mean? Severus felt ill at ease. What would she reveal to him? Mrs. Snape seemed delighted.

"Do you think she will still love you," Mrs. Snape continued, "when she knows who killed her mother?"

Severus gasped inwardly. Who... who killed her mother? Was it possible that...?

"Do you think I have never heard the girl's name?" Mrs. Snape said. She smiled sadistically. "Burns? The Burnses who were killed by an attack of Death Eaters? Yes, I heard your father talk about that. He and Blazy made them a little visit one day. Blazy killed her father, and your father killed her mother."

Severus tried to stay as calm as possible. But he was shocked.

"Don't try to hide your emotions from me," Mrs. Snape said coldly. "I saw you kissing her when you left the house. Who would have believed that? You have fallen in love with her!" She laughed.

Severus was terrified. The old hag knew he was in love with Katarina!

"So tell her the truth," Mrs. Snape said, "and you will see if she still loves you! Maybe I could tell her for you!"

"No!" Severus snapped. He was frantic. "I warn you," he hissed, "if you dare approach her, you'll regret it!"

"Oh," Mrs. Snape said, "and what will you do?"

"The Dark Lord gave me a mission," Severus snarled, "renounce your plans, or I'll tell him you're a menace."

Mrs. Snape's eyes flew open wide. "You would have your own mother killed?" she hissed.

"Mind your own business, Mother," Severus continued, "or I swear I will. And unlike you, I won't need poison."

Mrs. Snape gasped. She took a few steps backwards.

"Leave now," Severus ordered. "I never want to see you again. Go back to the Manor and forget about me. Act as if you never had a son, like you've done for all these years."

Mrs. Snape didn't reply. She stared at him one last time and left the room. Severus saw her disappear behind the door. Then he sat on his bed and took his head in his hands. He repressed a sob. His father had killed Kat's mother. Claudius Snape and Blazy had made her an orphan. And Severus had never known...

He felt as if he was responsible. He realised the damage his family had caused to her. What the Death Eaters had done to her. Would she ever forgive him for that? Could his situation get any worse? He was terrified. Katarina would consider him a monster. She would hate him.

***

Yes, she hated him. The Potions master knew how much she loved her parents. How much she had loved him until she had realised who he was.

How could he hope that she would forgive him now? To love him again? He was just a fool. As silly as Dumbledore.

***

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