Destiny of Souls

Chapter 9: Chaperones

The next morning Snape sat next to her at breakfast. As he sat down he whispered into her ear. "Prixel is dead. Dumbledore got an owl this morning." He was leaning in close to her. She could feel his breath on her ear.

"Harry summoned me around 2am. He could barely walk. He saw the whole thing. Voldemort used a second-class Prixel poison," she said.

"I know. I supplied him with it," He replied with a hint of remorse in his voice.

She had so many things to say but this was clearly not the right place to say it. She wanted to scream, to yell and to hurt him. He knew exactly what was going to happen, that is why he had retrieved the last of Prixel's unpublished works from him.

The classes that day were long and difficult to bear. She ate dinner and went straight to bed. She had of Snape turning into Voldemort and killing her. She woke with a start, walked over to her cabinet and pulled out the second dose of regulated sleeping potion she had made earlier that year. The rest of the week went by slowly and then she slept in on Saturday.

She dressed in a comfortable velvet and silk robe and headed to Hogsmeade early. Her first stop was at the Magical Creatures shop. She was extremely disappointed to discover they had no mice. She would have to get them in France after all.

She stood on the train platform and Apparated back to France. When she arrived, she walked down the magical street that was hidden to the roaming eyes of Paris by a gloomy looking cafZÿ in a Paris alleyway.

She walked straight into Pritchard's apothecary with her list in hand. Her Aunt, who was behind the counter jumped out to her and hugged her tightly.

"Jeane!!!!" She yelled. "Jeane!!!! Look who is here!"

A short man in his usual robes of black and grey came from the back storeroom.

"Uncle Jeane!" Kara cried as she went up to hug him. He looked a little older, even though she had only been gone a few months.

"What brings you here Kara?" he asked, his eyes gleaming.

"Ingredients of course. British shops are just not as well stocked as Pritchard's."

"Well of course they are not!" her Aunt cried. "What will you be needing dear?"

"Well, soda squash for one. I hope you have some fresh," she said, with hope in her eyes.

"Of course! We got a new shipment in last week in fact," her Aunt said.

"Great. Everything else I can find on my own if you don't mind me in the storeroom," she said with a smile.

She gathered everything up she would need including a new solid gold 12" cauldron. The potion had called for one, and although they were expensive, she knew that Prixel wouldn't put it in the recipe if it wasn't required. She made a stop into the laboratory below. It was just as hot and smelly as usual. The wizard that had replaced her was out on an errand, but it looked the same nonetheless. Pritchard's had maintained its reputation since her departure, so she assumed he was performing his job functions just fine.

After a few long sorrowful goodbyes she stopped into Madame Puree's Magical Creature shop. The young daughter of Madame Puree was behind the counter. She simply looked at Kara with despair in her eyes.

"How many today Kara?" she asked, nearly in tears.

"Marie, don't cry please. You always make me feel so awful when I come for them." Kara said with true sorrow in her own eyes.

"Sorry Kara, it's just that they're so innocent. They've done nothing wrong. They don't even have any magical powers."

"I know dear. I will need only five today. And I promise that if I don't need to kill them, I will keep them as pets."

"You always say that but I know you. You are never wrong about how many you need." she said as she walked towards the smell cage with tiny white and black mice. "I will give you five black ones. They are my least favorite.

"Thank you Marie." she said as she put the money on the counter.

She continued walking down the street. As she was passing by the Items d'Exotica shop she spied something very familiar in the window. Singing Hourglasses. She rushed inside. They had an entire display of them. A nice woman approached her.

"Zey are just een!" she said with a heavy accent. "Zey are so much better zan de onez from long ago. Let me show you."

And she did. They had all sorts of new features. They sang of course, but they had little animals on them now. If you had the hourglass on silent mode the creature would come alive and float towards you to get your attention when the timer ran out. They had snakes, dragons of all kinds, toads, owls, and just about everything you could think of.

"Ze snake onez are strange. Zey say zat if you are a Parzeltongue, you can speak Parzeltongue to eet," the woman said.

She didn't know why, but she wanted to get Harry one. He so badly needed something cheerful in his Potions class with the way Snape treated him. He had enjoyed hers so much when he was working with it. She had heard Harry was a Parseltongue, but she also knew he had battled a Hungarian Horntail during his fourth year at the Triwizard tournament. She decided on the Dragon. "Wrap up the Hungarian Horntail. With a nice happy tune please." She said to the lady, who was obviously delighted with her choice.

She picked up the usual presents for relatives and the other Professors. She had a rather large extended family, and she was levitating a lot of packages when she was finished. She hadn't found anything suitable for Snape however, but she hadn't expected to. To return the favor of the gift he had given her earlier that week would be impossible, and to attempt to make up for it with a small token would only mock him. She would have to wait to find something better.

When she returned back to Hogwarts she took the ingredients to Snape's laboratory. They had mutually decided on a spell to protect his office that only they could use. She placed everything neatly on a shelf he wasn't using and returned to her room.

She wrapped the hourglass she had bought for Harry and wrote a note:

Dear Harry,

I know you hadn't expected anything from me for Christmas. I don't normally think it's wise for Professors to buy their students anything, however I saw this while I was in France doing my shopping. I hope it will help make your Potions classes a little more enjoyable. They had several kinds including some with snakes. Supposedly Parselmouths can speak Parseltongue to them, however I figured speaking Parseltongue in front of the fifth year Slytherins would be unwise. Not to mention that Professor Snape would have me hung from the Quidditch goal posts. Hagrid told me you had faced a Hungarian Horntail last year, and they had a very realistic one in the store. I hope you enjoy this.

Merry Christmas, Professor Lynch P.S. If Professor Snape gives you any trouble, send him my way.

* * *

Christmas Day was approaching quickly. The staff had a meeting to discuss arrangements for the ball. McGonagall was in charge.

"Flitwick, Sinistra you are responsible of course for decorations. The hall will be cleared at 9am just after breakfast. Snape, Lynch the both of you are on outdoor security to make sure the students behave themselves."

There was a bit of snickering by the Professors and Dumbledore. She looked at Snape who seemed unsurprised by this assignment and not in the least amused.

"The rest of us will be attending to logistics of the band, the feast and watching the students inside the Hall. Any questions?"

"Will there be a first dance this year? Last year the champions opened the dance." asked Professor Vector.

"I thought we would just improvise, so no there is nothing planned. If that is all, you are excused." McGonagall said.

Snape caught up to her as she left the staff room.

"We need to discuss the Yule Ball." He said as they walked toward her office. "I expect Malfoy will try something with Potter after the Feast. Keep Potter inside at all costs. If you see him come out, find a reason to make him go back inside."

There were footsteps behind them. They turned around. It was Hermione. She had heard some of their conversation.

"What is it Ms. Granger?" snapped Snape.

"What were you just saying about Malfoy and Harry?" Hermione asked.

"None of your business. What did you need?" he asked her sharply.

Hermione just glared at him. She knew something was going on.

"Hermione, did you need to ask me something? " Kara asked in a firm tone.

"Yes Professor. I needed to ask you about this essay you assigned." she said, as her eyes remained glued Snape.

"Very well. Into my office then," she said.

Snape gave her a cautious look as he headed down the hall.

Hermione came in and Kara sat down at her desk.

"What were you and Snape talking about?" she asked pointedly.

"Professor Snape you mean Hermione." She said. Hermione blushed.

"Sorry. Professor Snape."

"We were talking about some things related to the Yule Ball to keep the students out of trouble," she replied.

"I heard you talking about Harry and Malfoy. I swear if Malfoy tries one single thing we'll hex him to..." she stopped. "Sorry Professor, it's just that Malfoy is constantly trying to get Harry and Ron into trouble, always provoking them. And where Sna... Professor Snape is concerned, Malfoy is always innocent. It's very unfair."

She was on a roll. Shut her up now Kara.

"Ms. Granger, I understand your frustration. However, life is not fair. We have every intention of making sure everyone behaves. Including you. So no hexing allowed. Now what did you need to know about this essay?"

She and Hermione chatted for some time about the essay and Kara was able to return to her mounting piles of paperwork.

* * *

Christmas day came and it was soon time for the Yule Ball. It somehow was never a very festive day for Kara. She chose to wear a deep purple velvet robe and her black cloak since she would be outside most of the evening. The robe was a bit formfitting with bell shaped sleeves and the hem of her robes was was a little longer in the back and dragged on the ground. She braided her hair and wove in long ribbons of purple and silver. For the first time in a while she had no dark circles under her eyes. Her skin was a perfect and pale and her hair sleek and clean.

When she arrived at the ball, the other Professors were standing inside the Great Hall. The students had not been let in yet. It was spectacular. Flitwick and Sinistra had put up a dozen huge trees with dazzling icicles and dancing candles. The enchanted ceiling was covered in stars and you could see tiny planets if you looked closely. The lighting was dimmer and the room was separated into individual round tables and a huge dance floor. Snape floated in the room shortly after she did. He was wearing his usual black, but his robes were much more formal. He didn't take his eyes off of her as he crossed the room to where they were all standing.

The students were let in and everyone took their seats after ten minutes of commotion. She sat at a staff table with Snape, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick and Hagrid. She and Snape executed their scouting plan during dinner. They had arranged to be near a wall where they could spy on the entire room. They spotted who was with whom and noted any potential danger spots.

"Finnigan and Lavender Brown." he began to say with a sneer on his face. "I expect to destroy more than one rose bush this evening uncovering those two."

She could see what he meant. She peered over at the table they were at, with Hermione, Ron, Ginny Weasley and Harry. Lavender and Seamus were already sitting close to each other. His arm was around her shoulder.

When the feast was over, Dumbledore announced the band.

"Wizards and witches, allow me to introduce our esteemed band, the Giggling Ghoulies." Dumbledore said.

The students cheered as the band began to play. Both Kara and Snape sat with their arms crossed with the same scowling look on their faces. None of the students were dancing.

"Professor Dumbledore, I think we should probably begin dancing to encourage the students." McGonagall said.

"Great idea. Professor Sinistra, would you care to dance?" Flitwick asked.

Snape leaned over to her. "This is our cue. We should go outside."

She knew was he meant. They were about to be made to dance. They made for the door.

"Professors Snape and Lynch. Come out to dance!" exclaimed Professor Sinistra as she got up. She took hold of Kara's arm.

"No... really... we must... go outside. Really." she said as they rushed for the door like children attempting to explain why they were doing something they shouldn't.

They walked around for a bit. The students were no doubt still pondering the good versus evil points of dancing with the opposite sex. They were alone.

"Professor Snape, I was going to get you a gift. However, I found that nothing came close to what you gave me last week. I hope you don't mind if my gift this year is a bit belated," she said as they walked to the outer part of the garden.

He stopped and looked at her. He seemed so tall, so overbearing at that moment. He looked around to see that no one else was watching or listening.

"Kara, I told you already. That was a thank you from me. There is no need to repay me in any way. You did more for me that one night than you can possibly fathom." He said. His voice was silky and confident and his brow was furrowed as if he were angry at her for bringing it up. She nodded.

"I should go back inside and stick to our plan," she said as she walked off.

A lilac colored rose snapped off a bush nearby and floated to her. She took it, smelled it, attempted to regain her composure and turned around.

He had the same stern look on his face. She could tell he was doing this to make her feel better, and not out of admiration.

He walked towards her so they were only ten feet away from each other.

"At this moment, I'm glad I can still appreciate beauty Professor Lynch."

They stared for a moment and then heard the door to the outside area open.

"Be glad I didn't get you for Christmas what I got for Potter," she said as she turned around. She knew this would eat away at him all night. She put the rose in her hair and went inside.

The dance floor was full of students now. She could see Hermione and Ron, the Weasley twins, several Slytherin couples and Harry and Ginny. As long as they stayed inside she was happy. Hagrid and Professor McGonagall were dancing together quite boisterously. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.

About an hour into the dance Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson went outside. From this point on she kept a close eye on Harry. He seemed too wrapped up with Ginny on the dance floor and she only hoped they wouldn't consider going outside to find privacy. Her hopes were diminished after the current song was over. They made for her direction and made for the door.

She decided she would just follow them for now and keep them in close range of the door.

"Mr. Potter, Ms. Weasley how are you enjoying the dance?" she asked.

"It's lovely Professor Lynch." Ginny said. She was blushing furiously either from how warm it was inside, or from being with Harry. Kara couldn't tell.

"It is indeed Ginny. You look radiant this evening. Blue looks so lovely on you," she said, smiling.

"Thank you Professor Lynch," she said as he cheeks went an even more furious shade of red.

"Professor. Thank you very much for the present. I wasn't expecting that at all. The Hungarian Horntail is very realistic! It looks just like the one I fought last year. In fact when the timer is up, and silent mode is on, it actually flies up to you and hits your nose with its tail. Horntail's love to use their tail to defend themselves. It was great. Do you think Professor Snape would mind if I actually used it?" he asked tentatively.

"As long as it does not distract his class I do not think he'll say much about it. And like I said, if he does, send him my way."

Hermione and Ron were on their way out. They joined them.

"Professor Lynch, I saw the hourglass you got Harry!" Hermione said immediately. "It was fantastic! I've never seen one of those before. Where did you get it?"

"There is a little shop in Paris called Items d'Exotica. I just happened to be walking by when I spotted it." She replied. "Now you all should get back inside and enjoy the dance." she looked directly at Hermione, hoping she had heard enough of her conversation with Snape to understand she was serious.

"Yes. Harry, Ron wanted to show you a new dance move." Hermioned said as she looked at Ron who apparently didn't understand what she was talking about. Kara figured that these inner conversations between Hermione and Ron happened often, as Ron soon feigned comprehension and the four of them went inside.

She could hear rose bushes being torn apart as students shrieked and points were being taken from various houses. She turned to see Snape, wand in hand, performing his duty as chaperone quite well. Malfoy was nowhere in sight. Snape approached her.

"I saw Malfoy and Ms. Parkinson leaving quite some time ago." She said as she looked around for them. "Potter is inside. Any idea what Malfoy is up to?" she asked.

"No. I did not see them come out. I will find them if they're here though. They were doubt looking for privacy. " His eyes followed two older Hufflepuff students who were walking hand-in-hand suspiciously near the edge of the garden.

"Very well, I will check back later," she said as she went back inside.

She couldn't spot Harry or Ginny in the crowd when she returned. She spent the next half hour walking around the Great Hall speaking to various people and trying to spot them. Dumbledore pulled her into a dance reluctantly. When she managed to break free she headed toward the door to see if Harry had slipped outside. He was nowhere in sight.

All of a sudden it began; a song ringing in her ears. The familiar tune of her Ring of Epa. She jetted outside and began looking around. Snape approached her.

"What is it?" he could tell she was panicking.

She had a manic look on her face.

"The Ring. He put on the Ring."

They both ran to the bushes looking for Harry. She began calling out his name. "Mr. Potter!" She heard Ginny reply.

"Professor Lynch. Over here!"

She arrived with Snape seconds later to find Ginny on the ground. Her leg was bleeding on her robes. Draco was standing there with Pansy looking innocent while Harry was on the ground beside Ginny and had the ring on. His wand was in his hand.

Snape and Kara looked at all four students. They had planned for this situation.

"The four of you, give me your wands. " Snape barked without hesitation.

Harry hesitated.

"NOW I said," he snapped.

Three of them handed their wands over to Snape.

"Weasley, get up, give me your wand."

"I don't have it Professor. It's in my dorm," she replied timidly.

"Very well. Everyone to my office now." Snape snapped.

"Ms. Weasley can you walk?" Kara asked her.

"Yes Professor, I think so," she replied. There was still fear in her voice. Harry helped her up.

"I will meet you there," Kara said to Snape. She went off to fetch Dumbledore and McGonagall, as planned.

When the three of them arrived at Snape's office the students were all seated facing one another. Snape was standing near the fire.

Dumbledore strode over and looked at each one of their faces.

"Ginny, explain how your leg was injured." Dumbledore asked her.

"Harry and I were walking and Malfoy here jumped out in front of us, wand in hand. Harry pulled me into the rose bushes and pulled out his wand. Harry told Malfoy to back off. Malfoy kept coming at us so we went further into the bushes. I didn't have my wand with me. I'm sorry Harry," she looked at Harry with a pitiful look on her face.

"It's ok Gin. Go on," he replied trying to comfort her.

"Anyway, Malfoy began taunting Harry. Mocking him for sticking up for his poor pitiful girlfriend. " Ginny blushed furiously as she softly muttered the word girlfriend.

"Then he ran for us and as Harry was about to disarm him when my foot slipped into a hole in the ground. He leaned down to help me up and Malfoy did a Stunning Spell. Harry blocked it. And then Professor Lynch and Professor Snape arrived."

"Mr. Malfoy, do you have anything to add to that?" asked Dumbledore.

Draco turned to Snape and said. "Sir she is lying. They provoked us. We were walking on the path and Potter jumped out and scared us. Weasley hurt herself when Potter pushed her."

Snape had a stern look on his face. He had all three of their wands still in his hands.

"I would like a word with the Professors. The four of you will sit here in silence until we return. Step out of those bounds, and you will be expelled." Dumbledore said as the four adults left the room.

Kara silently put a sound barrier up so the students couldn't hear their conversation even though the door was open. She kept and eye on them and turned to Dumbledore and nodded. This was the prearranged sign that it was ok to discuss the situation.

"Malfoy is obviously lying Albus." McGonagall said. "I have never known Ginny Weasley to lie, and they have no reason to provoke Mr. Malfoy."

"We must tread lightly here, Headmaster," Snape said.

"I was hoping to avoid something like this tonight. How did you find them so quickly?" he said, a sad look on his face.

"He put on the Ring, Headmaster," she answered.

"I see. Put to good use again. Very well. Detention for all four. Harry and Ginny will serve with Minerva. It will be a light detention perhaps with Hagrid?" he said. McGonagall smiled. "Pansy and Draco will serve with Severus. We wont take any points but Draco and Pansy are not to return to the dance. They may enjoy the rest of their evening in the Slytherin common room."

Everyone agreed and they let the students in on the news and she escorted Harry and Ginny back to the ball after a quick stop to see Madame Pomfrey.

The rest of the dance was uneventful, save the virtual destruction of the rose garden.

"Professor Sprout always fixes it the next day." Was Snape's reply when she was surveying his floral achievement at the end of the evening. He walked her back to her room. She opened the door and invited him in.

They sat down together.

"You should begin work tomorrow," he said. "We're running out of time. How many tries do you think it will take?"

"Two, three at the most. I find Prixel tends to abbreviate his directions a bit. Something is always missing. The first time I tried Prixel Fury I realized he had done that. He's quite consistent about it. Speaking of which, I will make that tomorrow as well unless you want to," she said.

"No. Other things will need my attention tomorrow." He didn't elaborate. But he didn't need to. He was making poisons for Voldemort. "You found the ingredients ok?"

"Yes. Pritchard's had very little Peruvian Dragon liver left. I asked them to stock some more, in case. I will be able to work with what I have however. I picked up the mice as well. " she said. They sat in silence for a few minutes staring at the fire and each other. It was an uncomfortable silence.

He suddenly grabbed his left forearm and then pulled his sleeve up to rub it. She could see it was burning black.

"I have to go."

"Yes. I know. "

She walked him to the door. They stared at one another for a moment. He reached up and took the rose out of her hair and then left with it.