Dark Coil

Olivia put the heels of her hands over her eyes, pressing hard. Drawing a deep, steadying breath and exhaling slowly, she lowered her hands. Her voice was steady and sure when she spoke.

"Uncle Albus, tell me everything Fudge said. Word for word. I need to know what I am up against here." Olivia fixed her attention on Dumbledore.

"I was doing a bit of reading, waiting for Severus to return. He usually comes to see me directly after a summoning. The Floo bell rang and there was Minister Fudge. He was quite jolly. That should have warned me right off. He said he had some important news. And...and then...he told me. You are familiar with the many deaths of Muggles in the London area?"

Olivia nodded and motioned for the old man to continue.

"Whoever had been disposing of the bodies had lately ceased taking them to the local waste dumps and has been tossing the poor things in the river. It seems the Muggle police decided to watch certain points along the river way and tonight…" Dumbledore wiped his wrinkled hand across his face and stared into the fireplace.

"Tonight, a particular unit of Muggles surprised two wizards supposedly attempting to dump the body of a young Muggle child into the river. One wizard managed to flee. I suppose he was able to Apparate. Severus was shot two times. He has been 'arrested?' Is that the word Fudge used? Ah me, I seem to have misplaced my glasses. Do you see them anywhere, my dear?"

Olivia tenderly took the half-moon glasses from the side table and handed them to her uncle. She noticed the tremor in Dumbledore's pale hands as he pulled the curved wire over each ear and adjusted the glasses on his nose. "Yes, that's better. Thank you."

"Uncle," Olivia began, "did Fudge mention the name of the other wizard?"

"No, I asked him that myself. Said he assumed it was another Death Eater and it was a pity the Muggles didn't get that one, too. Fudge seemed to think it was funny that Severus was shot due to his wand. Seems the Muggles mistook it for a gun. Well, should he survive, he will be charged in the murders of several Muggles. If we are going to do anything for him, we must act quickly."

Already Olivia's mind was working, planning ahead. Who was in the Prosecutor's Office nowadays? She wondered if Bill Lewis was still heading up WLA (Wizard Legal Affairs). He would be her first contact once she hit London.

"I'm going after him, Uncle," Olivia told the headmaster firmly. "This is my arena. I will leave as soon as I am packed." Olivia jumped up to go, but found her hand trapped by Dumbledore's.

"You must not go alone. Think Olivia! If Voldemort were to learn of your existence, he would claim you." The elderly wizard's voice shook. "I would not lose you, too. And what would your mother say?" This last said half jokingly.

"Uncle Albus, Voldemort has been aware of my existence since the night in the forest. He felt my coming. Yes, Hogwarts is safe, but not for much longer. I may be Severus' only hope. I will take someone with me, but it must be done quickly." Olivia was moving to the door, thinking out loud.

"I want to take Poppy along for a bit. She will need to check Severus. See if he can be safely moved. I don't know how long it will take to get this cleared up, so I need another person to--" She whirled back to Dumbledore. "Who here knows the Muggle world well and can be trusted with this information? I will need someone to act as my assistant. Someone I can trust to get the job done right while I am focusing of other matters."

Dumbledore gazed at his niece blankly for a second, then raising his index finger to his nose, he smiled. "I think I know just the person." He waved his frail looking hands in a shooing manner. "Go. Prepare yourself. Meet me back here as soon as you are able."

Olivia fairly flew back to her chambers.

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The sun had just begun to paint the sky in pearl-like hues when Olivia returned to Dumbledore's chambers. She was not surprised to see her mother and Madam Pomfrey, but the other two people in the room shocked her and then flooded her mind with relief.

Remus Lupin pulled his tall lanky form out of the deep chair cushions and crossed the room to enfold her in a warm embrace. "Olivia," he spoke in his quiet, melodious way. "While I am glad to see you again, I do wish it were under better circumstances." After pressing a chaste kiss to her forehead Lupin backed away slightly and looked deeply into her eyes. "You are sure about going after him? You realize the danger involved, not only to you, but to the rest of us should you be taken? I could do this alone. I--"

Olivia cut him off. "Remus you have no experience in these matters. I appreciate your concern, but you will have the job of keeping me safe. I would find no better protector."

Then she turned to the remaining member of their group.

"Miss Granger, has Uncle Albus explained the situation to you?"

Hermione nodded her head gravely. "Yes, I am to assist you in all things Muggle and report back to the Headmaster any news." Though facing a daunting task, Hermione's voice and manner were calm and steady. She turned her face to Dumbledore as he placed his hand upon her shoulder.

"Miss Granger, as you have heard many times before, you are a remarkable young witch. Your familiarity with the Muggle world will prove invaluable to this mission. You are yet young to have such a task laid on you, but I believe you will be up to the test." He smiled fondly at the young woman and then turned to address the group.

"I have been in touch with the Ministry of Magic and the latest news on Professor Snape is that his condition remains perilous. Your mission is to secure his safe release and return him to Hogwarts. This must be accomplished without damage to his ah… standing in certain circles." Miss Granger's brows lifted at this statement and she glanced quizzically at the others who were nodding their heads in understanding. Wisely she decided later would be a better time for questions.

"Now, Poppy," Dumbledore continued. "You are to be the personal physician to the Snape family. You have been called by the family to consult with hospital staff. We are hoping that we may get Professor Sanpe transferred to a medical facility closer to home, as it were. If possible, heal him without raising undue questions. You know what to do. I can hardly lecture you on technique." Some of the humor had returned to Dumbledore's eyes now that a rescue was underway. "Do you have everything you require?"

"Yes, headmaster." Madam Pomfrey replied briskly. "I worked a shrinking spell on my pharmacy and it is all tucked safely inside my little black bag." She patted the leather satchel she carried.

"Good. Let us know what else you may require and we will get it to you. Now Remus,"

Here Dumbledore addressed the tall graying young wizard. "You are Professor Snape's brother." Lupin huffed then smiled abashed, at the headmaster's lowering brows. "Yes,"

Dumbledore continued. "Yes, you and your niece, Miss Granger have arrived to see to the welfare of your dear brother and uncle. They will not be able to deny direct family contact, if I have my information correct." He turned to Olivia, who nodded. "Remus, you will need to be constantly vigilant. Olivia must never be left alone in the company of other wizards, even if Muggles are present. Voldemort would not hesitate to kill a few more Muggles if it means having Olivia in his control.

"Olivia, yours will be the most difficult task of all. I am sure you know what must be done." He met her eyes and held them firmly. "Bring him back to us, Olivia."

Moving briskly to the fireplace, Dumbledore removed a covered jar from the mantle. "You will travel by Floo Powder to the Ministry Offices. You will be met there by a Mr. William Lewis. He is head of Legal Affairs with the Ministry. Minister Fudge is not happy with our involvement, but he is cooperating with our effort to gain Professor Snape's release. He will offer no assistance, so do not expect any. But neither will he stand in your way. You have my promise on that." This last statement was delivered with such force that Olivia raised a questioning brow. Dumbledore waved a dismissive hand. "Let's just say I called in some old favors and leave it at that."

The wise old wizard looked at each member of the team. He knew their strengths and their weaknesses. They would do. They would do well. He beckoned them all forward.

Olivia turned and pulled Minerva into a tight hug. "It will be okay, Mama. Try not to worry too much. We will bring Severus back and you can rail at him all you like." Kissing the wrinkled cheek, Olivia quickly moved to her place by the fire. Minerva pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed the tears from her eyes.

"Ready?" Dumbledore inquired. They all nodded. "Good. Your trunks will be sent along directly in the same manner. Send an owl as soon as you arrive. May the gods smile on this venture and bring you all safely home again."

This said, the headmaster tossed a pinch of sparkling dust into the flames. Immediately the fire roared higher and turned a brilliant shade of green.

"You first, Remus," declared Dumbledore.

Stepping into the flames and calling in a loud voice, "Legal Affairs Office," Lupin whirled and disappeared.

"Miss Granger, if you please." Hermione pressed a quick kiss on Dumbledore's cheek before she too disappeared in the flames.

Madam Pomfrey was next.

As Olivia made to step into the fire, Dumbledore took her hand and pressed it to his heart. He spoke no words, just looked at her with fierce love and pride. Her eyes blurring with tears, Olivia kissed the wrinkled cheek and gave his fingers a gentle squeeze. Then, she too, was gone.

Dumbledore stared at the dying flames until all traces of green were burnt away. He felt Professor McGonagall's approach and when she slipped her arms around his waist his hands gripped her tightly. Minerva lay her graying head on Albus' shoulder and the two old people stood for a long time in each other's arms.

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Ok, I know this is a short chapter. Sometimes you have to have some filler, just to keep the thing from falling apart later. The story goes on. The Calvary is coming!! Hang in there Severus.

Don't you think Albus and Minerva make a sweet couple?