The Magic of Old

We were now on our way to France for the weekend. Snape shook his head; an uncharacteristic grin was playing on his lips.

"I guess this means I shall not be calling you 'Kinsington' any longer?"

"You can call me Mary Sue for all I care," I joked.

"Well, Mary Sue, are you going to tell me what Malfoy said to you?"

"I don't know. He is such a git, but he doesn't know any better. He asked me when everyone should expect...something that can't be," I offered sadly. He understood me perfectly.

"Malfoy truly has a way with words, doesn't he?" growled Snape. "I am very bad at giving out comfort, you know. All I can offer you, and it may not be much of a consolation, is myself," he whispered in my ear." You have me."

"I had better!" I snapped in mock annoyance. "You are all that I shall ever need, Severus."

He snorted and replied, "Lucky you."

***

The rings on our fingers were more than mere tokens of love. By blessing them with the ancient form of the Fidelius, Dumbledore had created a bond. It was a bond of trust, in its purest, most undiluted form. To understand the workings of such a spell, I feel it prudent to explain its origin.

Marriage, to both Muggles and Wizardkind alike, has long been considered sacred. Ages ago, no one knows exactly when, a secret and indissoluble ritual was added to the vows of Marriage. This was the Eternam Fidelium, or forever faithful, rite. Only two souls willingly united could share in this bond. With this bond, the partner can see directly into the mind of the other. Unlike Legilimency, however, the two can select which memories, or emotions, to pass on. These 'visions' resemble what one might find in another's Pensieve: complete thoughts, movie-like images, unfiltered emotions.

Like the Fidelius charm, no one can retrieve this information without the secret keeper's consent. Unlike the Fidelius charm, the Eternam Fidelium rite allows two secret keepers: man and wife.

Severus asked for this ceremony for a very specific reason: my love, my husband was a spy. Together, for the rest of our existence, he and I would walk a path of unfathomable danger. If Voldemort ever found out that Severus and I were passing information to Dumbledore, we would die, and we would not be blessed with a swift 'Avada Kedavra'. We would suffer through unimaginable torment.

Severus would not bear his burden alone any longer. He could pass information to me, under the guise of a conjugal interlude, and in turn, I could inform Dumbledore. Risky? Yes. Deadly? Yes. Necessary? Yes.

So, it was on our last night in France that I came to understand all this...

"There is something important we must do before we return to Hogwarts," Snape began.

"What?"

He looked at the ring on his finger. "These rings...they are more than just ordinary." He took my left hand and touched his ring to mine. I felt an odd sensation. "Have you ever used a Pensieve?"

I arched my eyebrow and replied, "A few times."

"The vows we took after Dumbledore enchanted these rings set it in stone. We can pass information to each other without speaking," he informed, looking a bit nervous. "There are things that I must show you because I cannot bear to tell you. Some are very disturbing, Ellie."

"I understand," I comforted.

"Unfortunately, you cannot understand. Do you know that I was a Dea..."

I put my finger to his lips to stop him. "Shh. Yes, I do. I may be very daft at times for such a clever girl," I intoned in my best Snape imitation, "but when I see a person naked, I see everything." I nodded to his arm where the dark mark contaminated his flesh.

"When did you notice?" he asked evenly.

"Uhm, well...I heard rumors. Americans are not nearly as uninformed as some would have you believe." I covered the mark with my hand. "I actually saw it during our lessons one night. After you, well I, spilled that acid on your robes. I was a little shocked, but I hid it well."

"That you did," he mumbled.

"I think you should just show me, Severus. We can talk later."

"All right, but why did you...I mean...how did you ever trust me after seeing this?"

"Because, I know you," I insisted gently. "I know you had your reasons."

Snape nodded at me. "I think we should sit. These rings, when placed on our temples like so..." he placed his left hand on my temple, "...allow us to, for lack of a better word, connect. We will see and feel memories from each other's point of view. It will no doubt be extremely intense. I hate to do this now, but we need to be alone without distractions the first time because it will take a long while."

"All right," I whispered.

"Do as I have done," He instructed. I put my left hand to his temple. "I will tell you everything, but I must warn you: everything you have told me will also be passed to me. From the very beginning. Do you understand?"

"I do."

"Know that I love you, no matter what you see," he pleaded. "When I say the words, it will begin. Don't pull away. Fidelio," he said and then...

I saw him as a very young boy...his father was screaming at his mother...I was in the basement and The Guardians were screaming at me...his father was killing his dog in a field while he watched...The Guardians were throwing me down the stairs...his mother was being beaten as his father laughed...I was screaming in pain as Sir snapped my arm nearly in two...he was watching his father talk to men in black robes and masks...I was playing the piano...

...he was alone in his dark room...his mother was screaming from below...Sir was coming into my basement, the smell of whiskey filled the room...he was washing the blood from his mothers face...I was looking in the mirror as blood oozed from my nose...he was packing his trunk while his mother cried...Sir was beating me as Madam watched...

...he was being sorted by the hat as it called out 'Slytherin'...I was sobbing in the dark basement as Sir was dragging me across the floor...he was talking with Lucius in Transfiguration...I was in the hospital staring blankly ahead...he was on the Hogwarts Express...I was being yelled at by Madam...

...I received my acceptance letter from Hogwarts...his father kicked him in his side...I was packing my trunk while Sir and Madam told me I was a witch...he was watching me get sorted into Gryffindor...I saw him across the Great Hall...he saw me across the Great Hall...I was writing the answers on my parchment in Charms class...he was watching me write ...

...Malfoy was yelling at me as I ran to my dorm...he was thinking about me while he studied in the library...I was talking to James as we walked into the Great Hall...he was looking at me from across the room...I was thinking about him as I went to sleep...he and Lucius were fighting with Sirius and James...we were staring at each other from across the room...I was being beaten by Sir till I went unconscious...I was in Hagrid's arms...he was watching me being carried into the castle in Hagrid's arms...I was alone in the hospital room...he was watching me through an invisibility cloak...on and on it went.

He saw everything from my eyes, every beating, every thought, and I saw everything through his eyes. We could feel the pain, see as the other saw, and feel the love growing between us...

...I was reading the letter and running into the woods...he was searching frantically for me all day...he found me face down in the gardens...I told him the lies and he watched me run away...I could feel his heart breaking...I saw him graduate...he saw the rape and the murder...I saw him with Lucius, taking the dark mark from Voldemort...he saw the doctors telling me I could never have children...

...I saw him torturing Muggles...he saw my brother tell me everything as I watched him die...I saw him begging Dumbledore for mercy...he saw me in college...I watched him tell Dumbledore what the Death Eaters were planning...he saw me running around the world searching...he watched me enter the hall as I retuned to Hogwarts... we saw everything, from the beginning to the end.

It stopped. Severus and I were drained and shaking. Imagine what it is like to see and feel someone else's life. Imagine what it is to feel everything, raw and unstoppable. We held each other closer than ever. It was as if we had become one in a way that was impossible. I hurt for him and he mourned for me.

"I did not wish to tell you," he whispered.

"I understand now why we had to do the ceremony. You can't let Voldemort know that you are a spy."

"I joined the group that helped... kill," he whispered deep with regret.

"I know, Severus, I know." I kissed him gently. "We will not let him take one more thing from us. We will see his end together. Harry will defeat him and we will see to it, no matter the cost."

"There is a large possibility that we could both die."

"Then we will die, but not as traitors. We will stand together with Dumbledore and fight to the death," I pronounced. "After everything, Voldemort will not break us. If you have to choose between my life and a chance to destroy him...you must not choose me."

"You must do the same," he replied.

We were not afraid or angry or sad; we were resolved. There was nothing between us now and no one would ever break the bond we had forged. We slept as one, knowing we would never be alone again.

***

We awakened at the same time, looking onto each other's eyes. "I love you," I crooned happily. "Are you ready to take your wife home with you?"

He replied, "Hm, I love the sound of your voice when you say 'wife,'" kissing me as he spoke. "I think I should make love to my wife right now."

"You had better!"

In the afternoon, we got into the carriage and began our journey home. "Oh... I nearly forgot. Here..." he uttered, handing me a large bar of Honeydukes Best Chocolate. "Now you have everything that you requested."

"You had better pull yourself together, man, or the students will think you've gone soft!" I teased.

"I see that you still find yourself very amusing," he grumbled.

"You are such a git. You know very well that I am." I pretended to be offended.

He nibbled my neck. "Remember what happened when we kissed at our wedding?"

"Yeah, what was that exactly?" I asked.

"I haven't a clue. I had hoped that you would inform me. Perhaps the Headmaster will know. He seems to know everything before we do." He narrowed his eyes and looked at me nastily. "I am sure our return will be dramatic," he hissed.

"I have no doubts." After a pregnant pause, I decided to share something with my new husband. "I have a feeling that Black is coming," I said seriously. "There is something missing, Severus. I just can't put my finger on it, but I think he is innocent."

"Is that what Lupin has been telling you?" he spat. "Is he hiding Black?"

"Lupin doesn't know what to believe. He is very worried about Harry, and if he was hiding Black I would know, and after last night you would too," I replied calmly. "It will happen soon. I can feel it."

"I learned long ago that you are always right about these feelings. Be careful, Ellie, your friend may betray you."

"Maybe," I agreed, "but there is something else and soon it will come to pass."

"You always were a little spooky. You could give Sybil Trelawney a lesson or two," he snapped.

"Don't you start with me! I don't need a wand to jinx you into oblivion, you conniving, hateful, loathsome Slytherin fool!"

"I love it when you talk dirty to me." He grinned maniacally.

***

When we returned to Hogwarts, our arrival at dinner was ridiculous! We were beginning to get used to thunderous applause everywhere we went. Severus just curled his lip in disgust, which was his usual behavior. After dinner we were bombarded by nearly all the students, who wanted to know where we'd been and how we were doing. We finally had to barricade ourselves in his office.

"If this continues, we shall have to hire bloody body guards!" he spat.

"Well, I have some experience with that, you know. I could get my résumé together and use Malfoy as a reference." He flashed me a look of contempt as he magically sealed the doors.

"I had the house elves move the rest of your belongings to my rooms," he thought a moment, "Well, I guess I should say 'our rooms.'"

"I hope you don't mind, I have a lot of stuff. I think we might be a bit crowded," I said.

"Let's go and have a look, shall we?" He opened the doors to his former bedroom. "Merlin's beard!" he exclaimed, awestruck. The room was jam-packed with my things.

I couldn't help but laugh as I looked at his face. "This is...this is..." I couldn't finish my sentence I was laughing so hard.

"We shall need more room. This is going to be a very long night."

"Severus, you go on and start on your lessons and I will tackle this..." I started laughing again.

"I need a drink!" he exclaimed. "Seriously, Ellie, let's have some wine."

"Excellent idea, Professor." He opened a bottle of red wine, poured us two rather large glasses, and came to meet me by the fire.

He sat in his usual chair and as I began to sit in mine he demanded, "No, sit here with me." I gave him a sexy look then sat half on the chair and half on his lap. "To my beautiful wife, Mrs. Snape," he pronounced, holding his glass to toast mine. We clicked glasses and sipped our wine.

"I can't get used to that. I wonder what my students will call me?" I wondered how long it would be before people stopped calling me 'Miss Kinsington'.

"They will address you as 'Mrs. Snape' or they shall answer to me!" He looked a bit shocked that I would assume otherwise.

"Of, course they will, I wouldn't have it any other way. Do you know how long it took to finally get that last name?" I assured him as he eyed me suspiciously. "Ellie Snape...Mrs. Ellie Snape...it is about damn time!"

He looked at me lovingly and pecked my lips. "Lupin had better keep his claws off you, and then there's that scoundrel Black!" He choked out 'Black' so nastily that I thought he might actually spit.

"Lupin wouldn't dare, and if he did I would slap him silly! As for the missing and always theatrical Sirius Black, well really, Severus, his ridiculous flirtations never interested me then, so what would make you think they would now!"

"He always desired you! How could he not? However, I know how you really feel and I will try to control my jealous tendencies," he hissed.

"Yes, you do that." I said it as if I didn't believe him. "You know you are the only scoundrel for me," I teased while I kissed his neck. "I'm a little tipsy. Can I have more?"

"I think we should finish the bottle, make love, and then get to work, unless you have any objections."

"Here, here!" I toasted.

When we had completed the first two steps of our plan, he started on his lessons for tomorrow and I went to make our bedroom look like a bedroom again. Very late, we went to bed and nearly passed out.

"Thank the gods, we are finally going to sleep," he said as I curled myself around him. "You are mine, Mrs. Snape."

Things settled down around the castle and all went back to normal, mostly. To the casual observer, or anyone else for that matter, Snape and I appeared to be the most unhappy couple ever. We were always arguing and shooting angry looks at one another, but that was our way. We were actually ridiculously blissful. I was his intellectual equal in every way and our tempers, though managed differently, were also one in the same.

I could easily ignore his scathing looks and biting remarks; in fact, I loved them. They were as much a part of Severus Snape as that deliciously enormous cock of his. Most women would scamper away with their metaphorical tails tucked between their legs at some of his terms of endearment. I, however, am not most women. We loved bating each other as much as we loved shagging the senses out of each other. Our marriage was our own private heaven and hell, each ingredient important as the other.

Time does tend to progress and so does the school year.

Late one afternoon I was walking back from Hogsmeade, enjoying the gently falling snow in the woods. I began to feel a darkness like I hadn't since I was young. There was something going on just up ahead. I saw several Dementors circling as if they were attacking something on the ground.

Sirius!?!

I held out my arms and yelled, "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" as an enormous silver dragon eagle appeared and flew to the Dementors, chasing them away. I thanked Pelly, my Patronus, as he flew back to me and disappeared.

There was no one there! What were the Dementors after?

I saw a hairy black tail disappear into the woods.

What on earth is a dog doing out here?

I walked a little faster back home.

The very next day, Gryffindor played Slytherin in a Quidditch match. As Severus and I walked to the stadium I told him flat out, "I love you, Severus, but there is no way I am routing for your house. I am going to sit with Hagrid and support my team."

"Might I remind you that marrying me made you the co-head of Slytherin house," he stated proudly. "You really aren't going to sit with me?"

"No way! I am a loyal fan! When we smear the pitch with Slytherin I don't want to be anywhere near you!" I huffed. "Now, go and join your friends and I am going to mine."

"I will make you eat those words when we have the Quidditch Cup! McGonagall shall not have it this year. It will be in my office!"

"I shall see you after the match," I said nastily and began to walk to meet Hagrid.

"Stubborn woman!" He walked to me, kissed me quickly, and then went to his side.

It was an exciting match. We were all on the edges of our seats and we were winning. I jeered at Severus, who gave me the look of death. Harry was doing so well! I thought I heard a sound from behind the stands. I turned to look and at first I saw nothing unusual, but then I saw a large black dog watching the Quidditch match! I stared at him for a while and then the dog turned and ran into the forest. I heard yelling and screaming so I turned my attention to the match. Harry was falling! Dementors were circling in the air above the pitch and Dumbledore was running out to magically break Harry's fall.

"Dementors attacked 'arry when he was up chasing the snitch!" Hagrid informed on his way out of the stands. I joined him and ran to Harry. He was unconscious but okay.

Severus came to me with a look of concern. I grabbed his arm. "What are Dementors doing at a Quidditch match? This is outrageous!" I yelled furiously.

"It must be the excitement of all these emotions. Dumbledore is outraged and is going to speak with them now," he answered. "What? There is something troubling you."

"It's Harry! Why don't they leave him be! He needs to figure out his Patronus straight away," I grumbled.

"Lupin is working on it. I have to go see Dumbledore. I want you inside immediately," he demanded.

***

The week before Christmas Holiday I was in Hogsmeade with the students. Dementors were posted everywhere throughout the town. I was patrolling the streets to make certain they didn't get out of line. Severus was back at the castle working on something for Dumbledore. I began to think about that dog. "Padfoot?" I thought out loud. I remembered that Sirius was an Animagus and that he could transform into a dog.

Could that dog be my old friend? I had never seen any of them in their animal forms, but maybe that was how he escaped. One day soon I will find out. For now I will keep this secret. Only, I can't keep secrets from Severus. If I made him promise not to tell he wouldn't be able to, I hope.

Everything went fine with the trip and no one was attacked. I went to find my husband in his office because I refused to keep this from him.

"I really need to talk to you," I stated as I entered.

He eyed me suspiciously. "What is it?"

I magically sealed the office and approached him at his desk. "Do you trust me?"

"You know that I do," he replied, looking a little more suspiciously at me.

"Then you must not say anything, even to Dumbledore. I can't keep this from you but I need to know that you trust me, Severus. I mean it, not a word just yet," I spoke very deliberately.

"All right, tell me. I trust you know what you're doing," he warned.

I placed my ring at his temple, looking him squarely in the eye and began, "Fidelio." I showed him what I had been told years ago and what my suspicions were.

"We should tell Dumbledore!"

"If it comes to that we will. No one knows this but us, not even Lupin. It is just a suspicion right now, Severus. Please wait for a while. I have a very strong feeling about this!" I begged.

"I am pleased that you are not hiding things from me. I will honor my promise to you, until you say otherwise," he assured.

"I never want to keep anything from you, not ever. We are in this together always," I insisted.

***

Christmas had arrived at last. We spent most of the day in bed together.

"Do you want your presents now?" I asked eagerly.

"You got me presents?" he pretended to be shocked. "It is a shame that I did not get you any."

"Oh, please, you can't pull that off with me! Here, you open one first!" I squealed and then said, "Accio present one." I clapped my hands and Severus rolled his eyes.

"For someone who hasn't any presents, you sure are excited," he tried to play.

"Open it, you ass, or I'll do it for you!" I demanded. He smirked and began to tear the paper.

He looked truly shocked. "Good lord... what did you do?"

I had given him a pocket watch. I knew he always wanted that did not come from a member of his family. It was a magical medal called Black Platinum. The front was engraved with the Slytherin house crest and had been enchanted to actually slither and hiss. On the inside, I had combined both our house symbols into one. The lion and snake were roaring and hissing at one another. The face of the watch was bejeweled with emeralds to mark every quarter hour. The back was engraved... 'To my love, my all, my husband.'

"Ellie...this is remarkable!"

"I had hoped you would like it. I worked very hard on it," I replied.

"It shows." He ran his hand across my face and crushed his lips to mine. He called for his first present to me. "Here you are. Open it," he whispered.

"It can't be! Severus..." It was my old journal that he had made for me when we were kids.

"You left it on the table in quite a hurry. I have had it all these years. Open it up." He had written "say 'Revealo'".

"Revealo," I whispered. "Huh!" Every word we had ever written to one another appeared, page by page. "How did you do that?" I asked amazed.

"Look at the last page," he instructed. It was a photograph of us as children. The images slowly aged and finally it was us on our wedding day.

"This is beyond words. I am...speechless."

"That is truly a first," he muttered. "I think you should open another." He called my next present and handed it to me.

It was a huge box of chocolates from around the world. In its center was a small, red leather box. It contained a stunning platinum and sapphire bracelet.

"It's gorgeous!"

He kissed my hand and then put it on for me, slipping one of the chocolates in my mouth after words.

I called for his next present. "Your turn." It was a heavy package. He opened it to reveal a large, black dragon hide book with the words, 'Potions of the Master Severus Snape', in green leather. He opened it and saw his own potions inside, complete with enchanted photos and illustrations.

"I put in a few that I knew how to make. You can make corrections, of course, by using this quill. There are hundreds of pages for you to add your latest masterpieces and the book will automatically expand, until you want to start a new volume. To do that all you have to do is say 'Multiplico' and touch your wand to the spine. Then a book identical to this will be created; only it will say volume two or twenty or whatever. I know you have been dying to have your own potions book, and now you have," I explained.

"How did you know that? I am stunned. This will be most excellent!" I had floored him.

"I know what my husband desires," I boasted flirtatiously.

"Hm, really? Then tell me, what is it that I desire right now?" he challenged.

"Lie down and I will show you, Professor," I hummed as I slinked on top of him and showed him exactly what he wanted. We opened the rest of our presents later on that night. It was the best Christmas in both our lives.

***

Students arrived on schedule after the holiday. Days went normally, except all the staff was a bit on edge about Black. Severus had kept his promise to me not to tell and I loved him for it. He really trusted me and I mentioned my suspicions to no one, not even Lupin. My classes were eager as always to learn what I had to say and finally they all got accustomed to calling me Mrs. Snape. Remus and I were spending a lot of time together as usual. Severus was taking it rather well, although I knew he was a bit jealous.

"So, Remus, how is Harry's Patronus coming along?" I asked one day, while we were working on our lessons together.

"Not bad. It still isn't corporeal but it is a bit stronger. You never told me what form your Patronus takes, Ellie. Let me guess, a unicorn?" he asked.

"Wrong as usual. Pelly is a dragon eagle," I proclaimed proudly.

"Pelly? How did you come up with that name?" he laughed.

"Oh, I don't know. He just looked like a Pelly to me, I guess. Hey, Remus, you look like crap. Have you been taking your potion? Severus is forever complaining about brewing it. I think he's going to teach me how to do it."

"Yes, I have. You should teach me how to do it when you learn. I would rather not be alone with your dear husband in his dungeons."

"I can't blame you there. He is foul to everyone as usual, except for me of course. I have a good laugh every time I think about Neville's boggart. I only wish I could have seen it," I chuckled.

"It was priceless, really," Lupin recalled. "Oh, the next time you play the piano for your class, let me know, will you? I have a fondness for Mozart and I assume you will eventually do some of his music."

"How could I not? I will inform you when I get around to it. Even Draco Malfoy behaves himself in my class, if you can believe that."

"If Draco had any clue about the things you did to and for his father, you could have him washing your laundry," he joked. "He's a nasty little git, isn't he?"

"I think he's worse than Lucius! Although, dear old dad did plant that diary in Ginny's cauldron last year. I get a sick feeling in my stomach whenever I see Lucius these days. He really went off the deep end when he graduated. I never thought he would go that far."

"I can't believe you let Severus invite him to your wedding reception."

"We have our reasons." I made him understand that this topic was forbidden. "Well, I need to go to bed and make sure Dr. Jekyll hasn't turned into Mr. Hyde while I've been out. Love you, Mooney," I said with a peck to his cheek.

"Don't forget about Mozart!" he added as I left.

***

"Can you believe this year is almost finished and Longbottom still cannot make a potion without endangering himself and the other students!" Severus spat as I entered his office. "Today, he managed to turn himself and six other students chicken-yellow, when his cauldron erupted after he turned a reviving serum into bile!"

"Did they get turned back?" I asked. He sneered.

"Madam Pomfrey is considering hiring an assistant. Neville and his escapades leave her little time to deal with the rest of the student population." He didn't answer my question. "Of course we turned him back! But I believe Creevy snapped his photo first." He seemed pleased with the idea.

"I see you've made some progress on your book," I noted, while seeing that the book I had made for him was open to page one hundred. "I think I am going to bed. I have a terrible headache and I am unusually tired."

"I wish I could join you but I have too much work. Do you want me to bring you something for that headache? This is a first, you going to bed at eight."

"I know. I am going to take a quick bath and then yes, anything you have to get rid of this pounding would be greatly appreciated," I said as I kissed him and went to the bathroom.

I had just sat down in the bath when he opened the door. "Hm," he hummed as he looked me up and down. "Here, drink this." He handed me a flask of potion and then poured something in the bath. "It should help you to relax and ease some tension. I came up with it myself," he stated proudly.

It smelled very nice and tingled a little. "What would I do without you? Thanks, Severus, I feel better already." I closed my eyes and soaked.

He bent down to kiss my head. "Don't twist up in the blankets when you get in bed. I can't sleep if I can't touch you."

My Potions master never failed me. I fell asleep with ease that night, which wasn't a thing to be taken lightly. Earlier that day, Buckbeak the hippogriff had been executed and everyone had been very upset. I had hidden myself in the castle all day to avoid this monstrous act.

That poor innocent animal. I could strangle Draco for his lies!

I was having a very unusual and vivid dream and felt out of place as if I had done this before. "The timeline!" I said as I shot up wide awake. Severus wasn't there. "Harry," I whispered terrified, then jumped out of bed and scrambled to dress.

As a Sorceress I was aware when timelines were going askew. It was part of my connection to the natural way of things. It was as if the elements were calling me, nearly whispering. I ran out into the office. Severus wasn't there either.

I had a feeling I knew where things were changing. I ran outside to the tree. The Whomping Willow was still! I ran into the tunnel and made my way to the Shrieking Shack.

I am not supposed to be here.

I had to go anyway. I was compelled by some unseen force to do it. I heard the voices from inside the room, yelling and arguing. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were in there. Lupin was talking loudly and then... "Sirius!" I gasped.

I flung open the door and saw Severus unconscious against the wall. "Keep talking, I want to hear this for myself!" I commanded as all eyes and wands pointed to me.

"What the fuck! Kinsington? My lord!" shouted Black.

"I SAID KEEP TALKING!" I shouted, raising my hand and pointing it at Sirius.

"Ellie, it's not what you think!" yelled Harry. "They were just telling us..."

"Then let them finish," I said harshly. "Lupin, Black, tell us now!" They explained it all and I had no doubts. "I knew it was Peter, I just knew it! Make him show himself! Then Kill him!"

"Harry doesn't want us to kill him," said Sirius. "He has that right."

I looked at Harry and understood. He was so much like James.

"Kinsington..." began Sirius.

"Uh...excuse me...Mr. Black," stammered Hermione. Sirius looked bewildered. "It's actually Mrs. Snape now...just thought I should point that out," she finished timidly.

He looked at Severus and than at me. "We didn't hurt him badly." Then, with a mixture of horror and disbelief he asked, "Ellie...you married Snape?"

"Not now Sirius! Just do it! Both of you, now!" I commanded, lowering my hand.

I saw Ron's rat transform into Peter before my eyes. "I'm not supposed to be here. I have to go," I said. Then Lupin, Sirius, and I embraced like the long lost friends we were. "I'll see you all later. Sirius, I knew all along," I said as I rushed to leave.

"What about Snape?" asked Hermione.

"I shouldn't interfere with this. I have to go," I said and left. I was terrified, but finally all the pieces fit.

I have to get back to bed before anything else gets interrupted.

No one saw me as I made it back to my room. I forced myself to lie down, knowing full well that I couldn't sleep. I cried for my old friend who had been imprisoned for the murder of his best friend. Sirius had looked like a ghost of himself: skinny and sallow, with dark shadows for eyes. I prayed he would be exonerated and he could get to know his godson of whom he had been robbed. Just before sunup, I fell asleep.

"Wake up!" roared Severus as he burst into the room. "Sirius Black has escaped from the north tower! He and Lupin were in their old hideout! He escaped the Dementors!" He was out of his mind with rage.

"What?" I yelled in surprise.

He escaped? Why would he need to escape? Why hadn't he been cleared? It was Peter, not him!

"Do you know how he escaped?" he accused with his eyes boring into mine. "Did you assist Potter in freeing him?" he wildly accused.

"No! I have no idea how he did it!" I wasn't lying. I had no idea what had happened after I left the shack. "Where is Dumbledore, Severus? Where is Harry?" I asked, panic stricken.

"They are with the Minister of Magic explaining what went on! Where you here the entire night?" he demanded.

I would never lie to my husband. "No, Severus, I wasn't," I replied honestly.

"You helped Black escape! How could you do this?" he yelled.

"No, I did not! I did see them all last night. I went to the shack, Severus, and you were unconscious! I saw everything! I know the truth!" I was trying to be calm.

"The truth?" he fired angrily.

"All of it. Do you want me to tell you or show you? You have to know what really happened," I pleaded. "You have it all wrong!"

"Do I?" he spat. "I was there! They jinxed me!"

"That is why you need me to show you what happened afterwards, Severus! They know you hate them and you wouldn't let them finish!" I yelled.

"LIES!" he roared. "YOU ARE MY WIFE! HOW CAN YOU LIE TO ME?"

"You know I would never lie to you!" He looked at me full of anger but knew I was right. "Come here," I said and took my hand placing it on his temple. "See what I see...Fidelio!" He saw everything as I had seen it. He saw the truth.

When it was over Snape was astounded. "Time had been altered...you knew it..." He looked at me with wonderment. "I could feel it...he's innocent!" he pronounced.

"Why wasn't he cleared?" I was very concerned. He told me everything that had happened since I returned to bed. "This isn't right, Severus. We can't do anything to change it," I sobbed.

He took me in his arms. "I am sorry that I accused you of conspiring against me," he comforted.

"I love you too, Severus. I know it was all very confusing and suspicious. I'm not at all mad at you. Please know that I would never betray you," I sobbed in his arms.

"Shh, I know. It just did not look very good. Black will be cleared in time, but we mustn't tell anyone what you just shared with me. Things are starting to turn for the worst," he said gravely. "You know what we shall have to do."

I understood that we would be spying on Voldemort's Death Eaters from now on. Danger was rearing its ugly head so I held close to my partner, knowing he and I were the only ones who would ever know what we had to face.

"I am ready," I whispered, growing strong in my convictions. We went to breakfast hand in hand. The door had been opened and evil was circling, waiting. We would not fail; we couldn't afford to.

TO BE CONTINUED...