Destiny of Souls

Chapter 23: Finally, some Answers.

Kara's mind woke the next morning with a sense of dread. Silently and without opening her eyes she searched for the cause of these disturbing feelings. She remembered the previous evening, the closeness she had shared with Snape and reminded herself of what they had done. She felt no shame that so intimate a moment had occurred between them. That wasn't the cause of her dread. She opened her eyes, pushed herself up onto an elbow and glanced at the clock over the mantle of the fireplace. It was still early. Her mind began racing through the deeds she had planned for the day. And then she realized why she was dreading today. She had to take Ginny Weasley to Paris.

She heard Snape inhale deeply and turned to see that his eyes were open. He was taking in the smell of what was undoubtedly the result of their love-making the evening before. Kara was still naked and it wasn't until that moment, as a sense of urgency swelled up in her, did she realize how sore she was. She groaned a little and Snape grinned slightly.

"Feeling well this morning?" he said softly.

"Feeling... different," she replied.

He sat up and leaned in to kiss her, grasping the nape of her neck with his hand.

"Not now Severus," she whispered as his other undisciplined hand moved down her body.

His eyebrows rose, asking questions for him.

"I have things that need my attention early this morning. Not to mention that I am still feeling the aftereffects of your talents last evening."

He replied using no words, simply a small arrogant smile. She returned it with one of gratitude.

* * *

She saw Snape again several hours later at breakfast as they sat with the students and the Headmaster. Ginny was noticeably late and somewhat fidgety, an abnormality in her behavior that brought questioning looks from Harry and Hermione.

"Ms. Weasley, stay a moment. I need to discuss your work today. Harry, I believe you have an understanding of your assignments. I will not be joining you," she said as the students rose from the table. Harry, Hermione and Ron left as they cast several suspicious looks back towards their Professors and Harry's young girlfriend.

"We will be leaving shortly Ms. Weasley. I would ask that you wear robes over your Muggle clothes. We will leave in fifteen minutes. Meet me back here."

Ginny nodded and scurried off to find appropriate attire. When she returned, she looked only a smidgeon better than when she had left, but at least she passed for a witch.

"Professor how are we getting to Paris?"

"Portkey. If you will Headmaster?" she directed towards Dumbledore.

Dumbledore handed them a dirty sock. Kara held back her deepest desire to roll her eyes at him. She gave a sideways glance towards Snape, who was doing the same. Dumbledore's sense of humor was tiring at times. She and Ginny grasped hold of the sock and moments later found themselves standing in the middle of the Paris wizarding sector.

Ginny's eyes were wide open as she took in the surroundings. To their left was the Items d'Exotica store where Kara had bought Harry's singing hourglass. To their right was the infamous Pritchard's Apothecary.

"We have just one objective today Ginny, and we will be traveling into the Muggle area of Paris to complete it."

"Why the Muggle part of Paris?"

"We are to buy Harry's Ring of Epa. Buying it from a Muggle store is the easiest way of ensuring that it will not have any magical properties."

"Oh! Then Professor, why am I here?" she said almost timidly.

"Chances are you will be the one wearing it some day. I figured you should be the one to pick it out," Kara said before she realized she shouldn't have said it.

"What?" Ginny gasped.

"Never mind. Walk."

They headed towards the hidden passageway that led towards the dilapidated old Cafe that opened into an unwelcoming Paris alleyway. After shedding their outer robes Ginny and Kara made their way into the shopping district. Scores of Muggles dressed in expensive clothes passed them as they stopped in the various jewelry stores. It was clear Ginny was no more acquainted with Muggle society than Kara was. She stared in awe at some of the ridiculous things that lined the streets and the clothes they wore. Ginny rejected several of Kara's suggestions of platinum and silver rings. She was going to insist on gold. They had stopped in nearly ten stores before Kara heard Ginny gasp as she peered into the glass display cases.

"That one," she said, pointing at a beautiful gold ring encrusted with emeralds and rubies.

"That one is very expensive," said a very stuck up woman from behind the counter. Ginny's face fell in disappointment. She hadn't considered how this was going to be paid for.

"Get the ring out," Kara commanded in a voice that made the woman cower. Even Ginny shuddered next to her. It was one thing for witches and wizards to fear her, it was another to see the same reaction come from Muggles.

Ginny held up the Ring for inspection as the saleswoman looked on in slight horror. Kara noticed a newfound hope and honor in being able to make this decision was firmly written on Ginny Weasley's face. She turned it over and over several times as if she was inspecting the quality of the jewels.

"Green like his eyes. Red and gold for Gryffindor," Ginny mumbled. She then turned to Kara and nodded.

"We will take this. Along with an eighteen inch gold rope chain," Kara said confidently. The woman just stared at her as if she were speaking a foreign language.

"Well?" Kara snapped. The woman ran into the back room of the store and fetched a box for the ring and then wrapped it up together with the requested chain.

Kara pulled out her moneybag and opened it. To Ginny's surprise, several thousand Francs popped out and Kara handed them to the storeowner, who took them almost reluctantly. The strangeness of the situation was lost on both Ginny and Kara. Neither of them knew that Muggles rarely walked into a store and looked at an item that expensive for just a few moments before buying it. They hadn't even tried it on to see if it was the right size for a particular finger. And to buy a chain with it, for no apparent reason seemed to disturb the sales lady.

Kara and Ginny left the store with Harry's Ring wrapped in brown paper. Ginny's behavior seemed to have changed slightly since she realized why she was in Paris today. There were of course the curious looks at the shops and the childlike behavior at seeing new things. However, she seemed more pathetic to Kara in some way. She was trying to act responsibly and maturely at the prospect of playing such a large role in picking out his Ring, but it was all overshadowed by her innocence and the fact that she was wearing the most horrid second hand clothes Kara had ever seen. How was this girl ever to find it in herself to be the companion of Harry Potter, who would grow up to be one of the most powerful Wizards in all of history. Kara shook the thoughts from her mind, it wasn't her problem to deal with.

The two made their way uneventfully back to the hidden alley lined with Wizarding shops. She left Ginny in the Items d'Exotica store as she rushed into Pritchards to pick up some fresh soda squash and cactus for Snape. When she came out, she found Ginny staring wide-eyed into Frank Porfaire's Wizarding Styles store. It was the most premier robe shop in all of Europe. Kara quietly approached Ginny and stood by her as she eyed the contents of the store.

Kara would remark later that she wasn't sure what made her do it. Despite the rebuke she would get from Snape about coddling the girl, she felt compelled and obligated in some way to make this happen for Ginny. She pushed everything into the back of her mind.

"Have you ever been in a store like this one Ginny?"

"Huh?" Ginny said dumbly, suddenly realizing Professor Lynch was standing next to her. "Oh. No. My parents are too... well we cant afford... no."

"Well. We better get on with it then," Kara opened the door with her mind and pushed a semi-reluctant Ginny inside.

There were almost twenty wizards standing in the shop talking idly when Ginny and Kara entered. The shop became quiet as soon as everyone recognized her. Kara simply held her head up high as she directed Ginny towards the back of the store where the sales clerks were. Numerous pairs of eyes were cast silently on her as several people moved towards the door of the shop to flee in fear. This was a reaction Kara hadn't expected and momentarily had to question the reason until she remembered that the Daily Prophet had run the article about her, picture included. She took a silent and deep breath as they made their way through the store.

"Kara!" cried Frank, the owner of the store. "So glad to see you again. It has been so long."

Kara preferred to shop in Frank's store. His fashions were always above reproach and he had handmade her robes since she was sixteen. All those, of course, except for the ones she bought in London to keep up with the fashion trends there.

"What can I get for you today?" he asked as he cast a disapproving look at Ginny Weasley.

"I am in search of nothing today. However, meet my young friend Ginny. She is a very close friend of the Family."

Frank cast her a knowing look and eyed the young girl. Ginny was blushing ruthlessly at the inclination she was somehow associated with Kara's family.

"A pleasure," he said as he reached for Ginny's hand and then leaned down to kiss it. Ginny blushed.

"Then what can I do for you today?"

"I want ten robes. One must be black, the rest are to be chosen according to her liking."

Ginny stared at Kara, mouth open.

"Professor... I... " but she stopped.

"What is it?" Kara snapped.

"I've no money," she whispered, trying to keep Frank out of the conversation.

Frank smiled and pulled her away towards the fitting area.

Kara sat in a high-backed chair looking on as four witches surrounded Ginny, pulled her current robes off and forced her into various fancy ones. Frank brought Kara tea.

"A friend of the Family?" Frank asked her privately.

"Yes. That is what I said. And see what you can do about her hair."

He nodded and skulked off to the back before returning with a man who had some of the most beautiful long curly locks that Kara had ever seen. He took one look at Ginny and shook his head.

"A shame to let such beautiful red hair go to waste," he said as he approached her with his wand in hand. Fifteen minutes later Ginny's hair had grown out several inches and was cut to frame her face.

"Angelic," The hairdresser proclaimed as he put the finishing touches on as he swept into the back room once again.

Ginny turned around on the stool she was standing on to look at herself in the mirror. She was dressed in a deep green velvet robe that looked almost black. The sleeves had silk lining and she was using her right hand to reach up her left sleeve to feel it. She had a small hint of embarrassment in her eyes as she reached up and felt her hair. The hairdresser had softened it and it was draped lightly around her face. For one moment Kara thought she saw Ginny near the brink of tears but then Ginny turned to face her. Kara could see she wanted to talk, but she wasn't about to in front of the clerks.

Kara stood up and walked towards Ginny. Her mere presence made the four witches working on Ginny's robe step away.

"Leave us. For a moment please," Kara demanded. She and Ginny were left alone.

"What is it Ms Weasley?"

"Professor... I can't afford these. And I can't let you pay for them."

Kara took a deep breath. She hadn't planned on Ginny protesting.

"Ms Weasley, I am going to share something with you that I've told no one, save Professor Snape. You must promise to keep it to yourself, no matter how upset or delighted you are to have the news. Do you understand?"

Ginny nodded curiously.

"You are aware that I am training Harry, are you not?"

"Yes Professor."

"The relationship between the mentor and the student in this situation is one dictated by tradition and very old Magic. I am therefore obligated to take care of all of Harry's needs including that of his family. That includes you."

"Family? But I'm not family, I'm just his... friend."

"There will be a time in your future Ginny when you will be closer than family. You will be the mother of his children."

Ginny's eyes became very wide and she fell backwards off the stool in fright. Kara caught her with her mind and eased her back onto her feet so that she wouldn't crush the velvet she was wearing. Ginny said no words, she merely gaped unattractively at Kara and then stared at the ground.

Kara approached the girl, lifted her chin with one finger and stared into her eyes.

"You never have to worry about money ever again Ms. Weasley. When my obligation is through, you will have the Gryffindor fortune. On top of that, there is an endless amount of wealth associated with my name. Chances are neither of us will be paying for these robes today."

She gave Ginny a little wink and then ushered the stitching witches back into the room.

When they were done, Ginny had ten new robes that fit her fabulously. Several shades of green, the obligatory black, red, violet, and deep blue. Her hair had been done and a magical charm was put in place that would keep it that way until she wanted to change it. The robes themselves had been charmed with Forever Grow that would enable them to resize themselves to Ginny's ever-changing body. If she kept the robes in good condition, she could wear them forever. As predicted, Frank had refused to allow Kara to pay for the robes.

They took the Portkey back to Hogwarts and Ginny set off for her rooms and Kara towards her office. Snape was there waiting for her.

"You were gone longer than expected," he said with a worried tone. Kara smiled inwardly to herself.

"We took a slight detour. Is something wrong?" she asked, changing the subject of her tardiness.

"No. The Ministry has asked for another batch of the vaccine, but I must make the Wolfsbane Potion this evening. I trust you acquired fresh cactus in Paris?"

"I did. I will join you this evening then and make the vaccine," she said as she sat at her desk and put Harry's ring in a hidden drawer. When she looked up, Snape was staring at her.

She raised her eyebrows in a questioning manner. The door to her office magically closed and locked itself. He walked over to her and pulled her out of the chair. He wrapped his arms around her waist and settled his head on her shoulder, his lips reaching her neck.

"And what is this for?" she asked as she ran her hands through his hair.

"For last evening," he replied calmly into her neck. He ran his hands down her back and pulled her hips into his. She could feel he was ready for another round.

"You're not getting a repeat performance in my office Severus," she said as she pulled away.

"We have an hour before dinner. I can give you something for the discomfort," he said anticipating her protests as he walked towards her and stared down at her from his tall height.

She looked at him incredulously.

"Absolutely not," she replied returning his cowering stare with one of her own.

* * *

That evening after dinner, she and Snape worked quietly in the confines of the laboratory in his office. He was muttering the ingredients of the Wolfsbane potion to himself and she was working on the first stages of the vaccine. Someone knocked on the door. Was it Lupin? So early? Snape walked over and unlocked the door and let the visitor in.

"What is it Potter?" he snapped.

"I wanted to speak with Professor Lynch."

"Come in Harry," she said from across the room.

Snape's potion began snapping and he quickly rushed towards his cauldron to add the final satiating ingredients.

"Oh. I hadn't realized tonight was the full moon. I can come back later if you're busy Professor."

"Not at all. What did you need to talk about?"

Harry glanced at Professor Snape and then herself and decided that his reservations about his Potions Master would just have to be put aside. He couldn't ask him to leave his own office.

"It's about Hermione."

"What about her?"

"Well. To be honest Professor she's driving me crazy."

"How so?" Kara asked as she shredded several Prixel berries.

"She is obsessed with learning everything she can about Oracles. She knows more about my powers than I do."

Snape sighed audibly and the door to the laboratory closed. Harry hadn't realized it was still open and Snape was always one for discretion.

"You trust her do you not?" Kara asked.

"Of course, it's just that... well when I'm with my friends I'd rather not think about it and it's all she wants to talk about. I shouldn't complain, I know. I'm lucky to have such understanding friends. It's just that she doesn't understand that she can't really be a part of this. Ron and Ginny can't stand her either right now."

"It is difficult for Ms. Granger to understand what you're going through. She is someone who prides herself on her intellect, not her powers per se. She has a hard time grasping the difference between the two. Thus she is attempting to intellectualize everything about your powers and your life."

Harry nodded in comprehension.

"I would suggest having a private conversation with her and calmly explain to her what you're feeling. She will be able to relate to that. She seems to really care about you and I doubt she would continue if she was aware that you didn't want to discuss it with anyone."

"Thanks Professor," Harry said as he made towards the door of Snape's office.

"Potter," Snape snapped.

"Yes Professor?"

"Lupin will be here within the hour. You may stay if you'd like."

It took every amount of bodily control that Kara had to prevent the smile that threatened to creep onto her stoic face.

"Oh. Err... Thanks," Harry replied uncomfortably and then sat on a stool next to Kara's workbench.

They sat in silence for several minutes as Harry watched her work. He no doubt had no idea what she was making. She no longer needed Prixel's book to complete the vaccine so she appeared to be working from memory.

"Professor, I've been meaning to ask you something."

"Yes?" She said casually in a non-threatening voice.

"Hermione mentioned something about Prelation. About how an Oracle only gets their powers by going through it. Will I have to do that?"

"You wont have to. You will if you find someone to perform Prelation with you and you desire to have the other powers it provides."

"So then I would have to find a girl with Inner Focus?"

"No. Women only have Inner Focus if they are Oracles, and as you know if you touch one you will die."

Harry looked distinctly uncomfortable at this thought. Kara couldn't read his mind, but she didn't have to.

"It doesn't have to be a kiss. It's simply breathing in another persons breath."

"Oh! Hermione said it had to be a kiss."

"Another reason not to listen to Ms. Granger, Potter," Snape snapped from the other side of the room. Harry gave him a reproachful look that Snape didn't see.

"She also said it was painful. Is that true?" Harry asked her.

"It is for a brief period of time, and then you sleep for about twelve hours. I don't remember how long the pain lasted."

"Ten minutes," came the silky voice from the other side of the room. Kara was somewhat astounded by this response. Not because of the length of time, or because Snape had noticed how long it took. She was surprised he'd share the fact he was her Prelate with Potter. Harry was equally shocked but tried to hide it and tried to change the subject fast.

"Professor. You said I'd be moving to a new study room. When will that be?"

"Shortly," Snape responded. "It is nearly ready."

This was the most curious attempt Severus Snape had ever made at conversation. He was clearly not enjoying it, and was forcing it with some difficulty.

"It will be in the dungeons. But of course you wont mind that Potter. You've had no trouble sneaking into the dungeons at all hours before."

Kara sighed slightly to herself, but Harry seemed to see this as an opportunity to press Snape for some answers he'd been looking for.

"I have never stolen anything from your stores, and you know it," Harry said as he approached Snape's workbench.

"You cannot prove that to me Potter as I know for a fact that you took something in your second year."

"Actually I didn't, but I know why you think I did."

"As does the Headmaster. The both of you seem quite happy to keep me in the dark on the issue. Anyway, it is taking longer than expected. I had hoped to prepare the Chamber of Secrets for this purpose, but the passageway is blocked now," he scowled. "Why the Chamber of Secrets?"

"It is where Slytherin used to study, I figured it would be appropriate. The Headmaster, of course, thought it would be too traumatic for you." Snape rolled his eyes.

"Slytherin was an Oracle?" Harry said in shock.

"Yes, as was Gryffindor," Snape replied casually. It took a few minutes for this to sink into Harry's mind.

"I'm not sure I could ever go back there, after what happened."

"That was the Headmaster's argument as well. Although there is nothing at all scary about that Chamber."

"Speak for yourself. You weren't there Tom Riddle and the basilisk were."

Snape looked at him and nearly smiled.

"Professor, why did you try to save my life the first year at the Quidditch game? Was it because of the life debt with my father?" Harry asked point blank, catching Snape off guard.

For several moments, Snape didn't answer. He seemed reluctant to satisfy Harry's curiosity. He looked at Kara momentarily, but she kept her head down and pretended to ignore the conversation that was happening on the other side of the laboratory.

"No. The life debt with your father was severed when he died."

Harry's brow furrowed. This had apparently been his long standing theory.

"Then why? I mean it doesn't make any sense, unless you were just doing it for Dumbledore."

"I was not doing it for Dumbledore, but I have no intention of sharing the reasons why with you. Ever. So if you want to remain here and wait for Lupin you will not proceed with this line of questioning," Snape said as he stirred the now calm potion in the cauldron.

"Then will you at least tell me why you hate me?"

"I do not hate you."

Harry made a noise that sounded like a half cough and a half laugh. Snape shot an angry look at him. Neither of them said anything for several minutes while Harry appeared to be thinking.

"Wait a second. If you were the one that told my parents about Voldemort, and both my parents died, but I lived because of what you did. Then I have a life debt with you. Don't I?"

Kara abandoned all her attempts to ignore the pair of wizards across from her. Her head shot up and she gasped. She hadn't even considered this notion. Had Snape been trying to save Harry's life to negate the life debt Harry had with him? That didn't seem entirely logical for Snape.

"Yes Potter. You do. But don't get any heroic ideas about saving my life. I am more than capable of doing so on my own."

"That makes perfect sense."

"What?"

"Well. I have this life debt with you and I haven't exactly been living up to that. Not to mention all the times I thought you were trying to kill me."

"Nor should you Potter. You're in no position to save my life, nor should you feel obligated to."

"You want me to forget I have a life debt with you?"

"Precisely."

Harry shook his head slightly in disbelief. He seemed almost more confused now about Snape than he had been before.

Lupin arrived a few minutes later and was surprised to see Harry waiting for him with Snape. He took his potion and then dragged Harry off to the kitchens for a snack before curfew. Kara was left alone with Snape.

She finished preparing the last bits of the Potion and threw them into the cauldron. Snape snuck up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Do I get a reward for making up with Potter?" he asked in a characteristically sarcastic tone.

"You call that making up?"

He responded by kissing her neck.

"Very well. Ten points to Slytherin for being unusually evasive and leaving him with more questions than answers," she said as she turned around in his arms.

"Now unless you want berry stains all over your beautiful black robes, you will allow me to wash my hands."

Snape let her go and she walked to the stone basin where she began to scrub the emerald green colors from her hands.

"He asked a good question though Severus. Why have you been so protective?"

"I have no intention of sharing that with him and now is not the time to discuss it," he said, further evading the question. But Kara wasn't about to let him get away with it. She had an idea of what the answer was and for her there was no better time.

"I suppose that a better time would be while we're lying in bed tonight?" This caught him off guard.

Kara couldn't see the death stares he was giving her but she had an idea they were there.

"I made a promise to Lily."

"His mother? Why?"

"Because she knew I wouldn't say no. She knew how I had felt about her, even though it wasn't reciprocated in the slightest. This was, of course, after she called me a slimey git and a traitor, and all of the other creative names they had for me at school. She was appalled I had joined Voldemort and this seemed to be a great way for her to get back at me for it."

Kara nodded as she turned around, drying her hands on a towel.

"Thank you for telling me. Now, I believe you had a certain potion to give me?" she said with a sly look on her face.

She didn't have time to think twice about her offer. He had her up against the wall kissing her passionately, one hand slipping into his robes for the bottle of said potion.