Dark Coil

Dark Coil Chapter Sixteen

After giving their names and providing proof of identification, Olivia and Remus waited as the guard phoned the Chief Prosecutor's office to announce their arrival. Hanging up the phone, the guard directed them to proceed up the stairs where he told them they would be met by Jefery Allen, assistant to the prosecutor.

Mr. Allen was less than cordial in his greeting. He shook hands briefly then turned and walked them down a long walkway, bordered on one side by a rail overlooking the first floor. Remus cast a wary glance at Olivia, who merely shrugged her shoulders. Their unfriendly guide stopped at a heavy oaken door bearing an ornate brass nameplate, "Daniel Hodge, Chief Prosecutor." Mr. Allen opened the door, then stood to one side as they entered. He followed and closed the door.

A handsome, middle aged man with graying blond hair stood up from behind a cluttered desk and came around to meet them, his hand extended in greeting. "Miss McGonagall, I hope?" he asked, taking Olivia's hand and shaking it heartily.

"Yes, and this is Mr. Remus Snape." She indicated Lupin.

The two men exchanged greetings and then the prosecutor beckoned them both to chairs. Olivia was mildly surprised when the gentleman then pulled another chair forward and joined them, rather than seating himself behind the desk, therefore putting them on more equal footing. Turning to Mr. Allen, who had remained by the door, he said, "Jef, would you be so kind as to arrange for some tea?" The assistant murmured and left the room.

"Now," the prosecutor smiled at Olivia and Remus. "Bill has told me quite a bit about you, Miss McGonagall. May I call you Olivia? I can't stand formalities."

"Please do, if I may call you Daniel," Olivia replied.

"Good!" Daniel leaned back in his chair. "Bill tells me that you spent quite a bit of time with the Ministry working in various countries as legal liaison." Olivia nodded and he continued. "So you have considerable experience with legalities in both communities?"

"I am licensed to practice law in the Muggle and wizard community, if that is what you are asking, yes," Olivia informed him. "You seem to know quite a bit about us, by which I mean the magical population. Have you worked with the Ministry before?"

"Several times. In fact...Ah, Jef." Mr. Allen had returned pushing a cart laden with cups, a large teapot and several food items. He maneuvered the cart around the group and was preparing to pour when the prosecutor stopped him. "We will serve ourselves, thank you. I will call if I have further need." Mr. Allen looked as if he would rather stay, but replied with a short, "Yes, sir," and took his leave.

"Jef is somewhat new to the department and so is not familiar with the contact of our two governments. I will want to keep him around a bit, see how he floats, before trusting him with too much information." Daniel poured tea for each of them.

"Tell me about this Mr. Snape," Daniel said, leaning back in his chair, cradling a steaming cup.

Olivia took a sip of her own tea, then sat the cup on a small side table. "Professor Snape." The prosecutor's brow rose at the title. "He is a highly respected faculty member at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You are familiar with Hogwarts?" Getting a nod of confirmation, Olivia continued. "Two nights ago, Professor Snape received information concerning a gathering of wizards and witches that, can we simply say, do not have the best interests of either of our communities at heart? What went on prior to the shooting is, at present, a mystery. It is my hope that when Professor Snape regains consciousness he will be able to fill the gaps in this story."

"I'm curious, Olivia, why Minister Fudge did not send Bill to handle this situation. He is Head of Legal Affairs. Surly, this is a matter for the Ministry." It was a statement, not a question.

Olivia nodded. "Yes, under any other circumstances. It is my opinion Minister Fudge is allowing his personal history with Professor Snape to cloud his thinking. I cannot go into the details of this history, you understand. While Minister Fudge is not withholding his government's assistance, it will not be provided unless you personally request it. In the coming days I may ask you to request assistance from Minister Fudge. I am not be in a position to go to him for aid as I am not here representing the Ministry. I have been asked by the family to represent Professor Snape and his interests in this case."

Daniel refilled his cup and raised an inquiring brow at Remus and Olivia, who both declined. As he was looking their way, his hand drifted and tea poured out onto the cart and on to the floor.

"Damn!" the older man exclaimed, sliding his shoes out of harm's way. He tossed several napkins on the floor to soak up the puddle.

"What about all this talk of Voldemort and Death Eaters? Rumor has it that your client is involved with that crowd, and deeply, I might add."

Olivia sat bolt upright. "Do you read the Daily Prophet, Daniel? If so, you should be wary of citing it as a reliable source for truth. Anyway, I am not here to prove whether or not Professor Snape is in league with Voldemort. I am here to clear his name in connection with the murder of this child."

"He was found with the body, Olivia," Daniel stated quietly.

"That proves nothing. I was sitting here when tea was poured on the floor. Does that make me guilty of the mess? I have read the police report of the incident. Several officers state that two men were seen. Only one was taken. Who was that other man? Where is he now? It is very likely the police let the real murderer get away."

"Perhaps, but what proof do you have that your professor did not kill this child and the others? Have you seen the photos? They are grisly. Those children, all girls, mind you, were not just killed. It is as if something besides their lives, was taken from them. Their bodies were reduced to dried shells. This is not the work of a--forgive my lack of eloquence--normal human being. If you understand my meaning." The elder man's face was grave.

Olivia sat quietly, gathering her thoughts, careful of her words. Finally, she spoke.

"Daniel, I ask you the same question. What proof do you have that Professor Snape committed this act? Perhaps he was trying to save her and failed. Right now, I have no answers, but Professor Snape might. As for the other girls, I will be able to provide signed affidavits from reliable sources that account for Professor Snape's whereabouts at the times of the deaths. Speaking from my own personal contact, Professor Snape has been at Hogwarts since prior to start of school term and he has not left the grounds before this time."

"Your own personal contact?" The prosecutor asked.

"Yes, I am currently employed as an instructor at Hogwarts. I teach Muggle/Wizard Law. And--" she paused; "--I knew that Professor Snape was leaving. He came to see me that evening. He wanted me to watch over his cat." She smiled sadly at the memory.

Remus chuckled. "Severus has a cat?" He asked in disbelief.

"Yes, and though Severus would die before admitting it, he is quite attached to the animal. And don't you ever tell him I said that." Olivia added with a mock glare at the grinning wizard.

She turned her attention back to Prosecutor Hodge. "Daniel, it is in the best interest of both of our communities to hunt down the ones responsible for the deaths of these children. We cannot afford to waste time while the Muggle government attempts to condemn an innocent wizard. Professor Snape may be our greatest help in this search. I am not asking you to release him blindly. I am just asking that you allow us to use what means we have to clear the professor's name and go after those who are truly guilty."

"And what means are those, may I ask?" Daniel spoke calmly.

"I am going to convince Professor Snape to use the Visium Memoria Scroll."

Lupin tensed. "Olivia, what about--" But she cut him off and continued to address Daniel.

"Are you familiar with the scroll?" she inquired.

"Yes," he replied. "I have seen its use on two or more occasions. Most impressive, though the witnesses and defendants I have observed were not exactly keen on the scroll."

"Well, yes," Olivia admitted. "The scroll, unlike the Pensieve, shows the entire event being revealed. There may be some things that others would not have us see, though the event as a whole may prove their innocence."

"Or their guilt," Daniel observed dryly.

"Yes. Or their guilt."

The room was silent for a moment. Then the prosecutor cleared his throat. "What are your plans concerning Professor Snape for the remainder of the day?"

"When I leave here, I am heading to the Royal Marsden to check on his condition. Hopefully, he will be lucid enough to answer some questions. Besides myself, the family has also called in their private physician, Dr. Pomfrey. She is with Professor Snape now, along with Remus' daughter. I would like, also, to talk with the Inspector in charge of the unit that brought Professor Snape in." She refrained from saying 'the unit that shot an unarmed man.' They needed to keep this friendly. "He may be able to remember something that could lead us to the real killer or killers."

The older man nodded agreeably. "That can be arranged. All of the officers involved in this matter are being de-briefed today and the officer who fired the weapon is arranging legal council of his own. It will most likely be tomorrow before you will be able to speak with them. How can you be contacted when a meeting has been set?"

"Remus' daughter is looking into our living arrangements, so I will contact your office by phone as soon as we know where we will be staying. May I have your card?" Olivia asked.

"Most certainly." Daniel rose and moved to his desk and returned with two small business cards, which he presented to Olivia and Remus. The older man watched, slightly amused as Remus looked it over carefully, unsure of its purpose.

Daniel reached down and tapped the cream colored paper with a finger. "Just tuck it away in a safe place for now. I am sure the lady here will show you how to use it by and by. Don't go losing it. I am the only one in this department that can offer you help right now. If you need me for anything, call that number."

Remus nodded and slipped the card into his breast pocket.

Daniel continued to look at Remus. "You don't have much to say for a man whose brother has been shot and could be tried for murder."

Remus smiled. "I have been instructed by my family attorney to keep my mouth closed. But I would like to know the whereabouts of my brother's property. His clothing, anything else he might have had on him at the time of the--ah--incident."

Daniel returned to his chair. "All of that will be in the evidence locker down at the police department. Since there was no weapon, as it were, involved, I will make sure that everything is released to you. You can just sign for it as next of kin. I will make the call as soon as you leave. It will be ready for you to pick up on your way to the hospital."

Remus nodded and smiled. "Thank you. I know my brother will rest easier knowing his things are within reach."

Olivia spoke. "Daniel, we would like to see Professor Snape now. Would you be so kind as to arrange our transportation?"

"Of course! I will have Jefery drive you."

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After a brief stop at police headquarters where Remus signed for and received Snape's property, the couple was deposited outside the shining glass doors of the Royal Marsden. They proceeded quickly to the information desk where Olivia presented her identification. "We are looking for Professor Severus Snape. He was admitted last night by police."

A middle aged man with a military bearing was seated near by and paused in his reading as he heard the name. He kept his eyes fixed on the sports section of his paper, but listened intently as Olivia was given the room number in Intensive Care and the pair was directed to a bank of elevators along one wall. As soon as the gleaming silver doors slid closed on Olivia and Remus, the man folded his paper and followed.

A dour faced matron was behind the duty station and jerked her head to the left when Olivia made her inquiry. Seated outside one of the doors was a uniformed police officer who rose to meet them as they approached. Upon checking their identification he stated, "The chief has granted you permission to visit, but in addition to the doctor, I can only allow you in one at a time. I hope you understand."

Olivia's eyes were riveted on the man she could see through the glass wall.

Snape lay on his back, his long body covered with a green sheet that reached just up over his bare abdomen. His face was turned from her, but she knew he slept. He was so still, only his chest rising and falling gently. His head rested on a pillow of the same green as the sheets and his long sooty hair hung limp. One hand, its tapered digits curled inward, lay palm up by his side. An IV needle was taped to the inner arm, and a clear tube snaked its way from Snape to a dripping bag of fluid hanging from a metal pole by the bed.

Poppy sat in a chair near the foot of the bed, reading the Daily Prophet. She noticed Olivia at the window and stood.

Olivia heard Remus answering the guard and then had to pull her eyes away from the still form on the bed as Remus called her name. "Olivia, do you wish to go in first? I could wait."

"Hm?" she responded absentmindedly, then pulled her thoughts together. "No, Remus. You go ahead, please. You are family. I will speak to Professor Snape in a moment if he is up to it. But would you please have Dr. Pomfrey step out? I would like to speak with her."

Remus nodded and released a breath he was not aware he had been holding. He pushed open the door and stepped inside. In a moment, Olivia was joined by the small mediwitch. She looped her arm through Olivia's and gently pulled her along the hall, speaking quietly and quickly.

"Severus will be fine. I must say the doctors here did an excellent job of it, considering that it is Muggle medicine after all. The wounds have been left open to drain. They are doing nicely. They are putting a potion into him now for infection, but I performed an Inficio Reversus charm, just to be on the safe side. Now, he has one of those pieces of metal still in his body--" Madam Pomfrey paused when Olivia gasped. "Now dear, the one that lodged in the shoulder could have interfered with his arm movement, so it was removed. The remaining piece is in his lung and I agree with the Muggle doctors wholeheartedly that it would do more damage than good poking around in the boy to remove it. Severus' body will form a scar tissue of sorts around about the thing and it shouldn't cause him any trouble later on. My own grandfather toted a lovely bit of Hun steel about with him after the Great War. Rest is what Severus needs now. That and being back at Hogwarts." The women had reached the end of the corridor and paused for a moment before walking back, still arm in arm.

"Poppy," Olivia began, "when do you think the Muggles will release Severus from the hospital?"

"Oh, not for at least five days, according to the gentleman I spoke to this morning. I even suggested Severus be transferred to a hospital closer to home, if you take my meaning, but that was quickly put down. No, they are not going to let him out for a bit."

Olivia digested this information. It was fine with her if the Muggle doctors wanted to keep Severus for a few days. This would give her the extra time needed to gather what information she could to clear his name. Of course, the potions master would not be pleased to find himself virtually a prisoner of the Muggles. Weak in body and facing a charge of murder, Snape would be helpless. He would have to rely on others to see him freed. No, Olivia mused. He will not be happy at all.

"Oh yes, it seems the Muggle doctors needed to give Severus a few bags of Muggle blood. He lost quite a bit due to the metal pieces and all."

"Poppy, will the presence of Muggle blood in his system alter Severus' magic?" Olivia inquired.

"Oh, I shouldn't think so," she laughed. "But how I hope to be there when he finds out he is no longer a pure-blood!"

The women had reached the door to Snape's room before Olivia thought to inquire after Hermione.

"She has called two times since leaving me here," answered Madam Pomfrey. "On that phony thing. The matron at the desk let me speak to her. Such a waste of energy if you ask me when you have a perfectly good--"

"Poppy, please. What did Miss Granger have to say?" Olivia was a bit impatient.

"Well, let me see. She went straight to Gringotts and had some of her gold exchanged for Muggle money. She also sent an owl to the headmaster telling him of our arrival and our plans so far. Oh yes, she has managed to pick up some of those phony things so that we may talk to each other and in her last call she told me she is meeting with a person about renting a flat nearby. Said she would meet us here when she has finished with everything. Very efficient, our Miss Granger," Poppy finished with a smile.

"That's wonderful. Uncle Albus did well by choosing Hermione."

Remus emerged from Snape's room. "He is still sleeping. He is very pale, but Severus has never been one to glow. He looks quite well, under the circumstances. I left something on the table for him. He will want it once he wakes. Where is Miss, ah my daughter?"

Olivia and Madam quickly informed him of Hermione's whereabouts and then the mediwitch took Olivia's hand and urged her to the door. "Come, Olivia. You should go in. He should wake soon. Severus will want to see you."

Olivia nodded, following Madam Pomfrey through the door.

The figure on the bed looked much as it had before except now one bare leg was displayed where Snape had kicked it free of the sheet.

"After the chill of the dungeons this must feel quite warm to him," Poppy whispered. "Let me show you the wounds." She directed Olivia from her contemplation of lean muscular leg to the two circular holes in Snape's upper body. As Poppy had said, the wounds were clean and open. Pulling her wand, the mediwitch glanced back at the large observation window before casting another healing charm. "I am working the healing from the inside out. I thought it would be less obvious that way. They may be backward, but some of these Muggle doctors are quite clever. Oh, let me show you this!"

Poppy led Olivia around the foot of the bed to the opposite side. "I think this is lovely!" she announced gleefully pulling up the sheet, displaying the rest of Snape to Olivia's startled eyes. Silently agreeing with Madam's assessment, but for different reasons, the younger witch averted her eyes, feeling the heat flood her face.

"It's called a catheter, " Olivia informed her in a choked voice.

"Yes, it is very clever, don't you agree? We could do away with bedpans entirely. Well, maybe not entirely, but you know what I mean." Poppy continued her observation. "You see, it drains the bladder into this little bag here and--" She finally noticed Olivia's burning cheeks and allowed the sheet to fall back into place. "Well, I suppose you don't need to know all of that." Olivia merely shook her head.

"Why don't I leave you with him then?" Madam Pomfrey said. "You won't want me around if he should wake." She winked slyly.

"Poppy, no. It's nothing like that," Olivia started to declare.

"Oh, don't give me that young lady! I've seen the way you two carry on with each other. Like flint and steel, you are! Setting sparks one off the other. He fancies you, Olivia. Anyone at the castle can tell you that." The older witch reached out and lifted a lock of black hair from Snape's cheek, tenderly tucking it behind his ear. "I've known this man from the time he was eleven years old and I've never seen him perk up like he does when you come around. Everyone has noticed it."

"Everyone?" Olivia was shocked by the news.

"Yes! Flitwick has even been taking wagers on when you two will finally get down to business. I've got thirty Galleons riding on Halloween myself," the older woman declared without shame.

Olivia felt her eyes go wide. "What would Mama say if she found out about that?"

"Oh pish-posh! Minerva has her money on Christmas. Says you two should get to know each other better. But I don't believe Severus will wait that long. Patience is not his strength." Madam moved away from the bed. "You can touch him, you know. It is fine."

Then without looking back, the little witch left the room.

Olivia's world continued to tumble and slide for a moment longer as she tried to take it all in. It was laughable, really. Wagers being placed on when she and Severus would… and not only was Minerva aware, but had even placed her bet on Christmas! Dumbledore would be kinder and aim for Spring Break, Olivia supposed.

While she had never made a secret of her attraction for the dark potions instructor, Olivia was amazed that she and Severus had gathered such a following. A bit like an on-going fan-fiction.

A stirring from the bed caught her attention. Severus was pushing at the sheet with his feet and was in danger of exposing himself further. Placing her hand at his ankle she addressed the sleeping wizard, her voice low and soothing. "Severus, easy. Are you hot? I will pull the cover back for you." Tugging the sheet free from the bottom of the mattress, Olivia exposed his other leg to the cool air. "There, that's better isn't it?" she asked without expecting an answer.

He has lovely feet, Olivia thought to herself as she slowly let her fingers move down the length of one slender sole. The toes were long and the nails carefully tended. She was not surprised that his meticulous grooming habits extended to his feet, the tops of each dusted with silky black hair, a bit curly and crisp on the toes. His skin was not as pale as she expected, but a soft gold. He would tan nicely if he ever let himself out of that dungeon, the woman decided. Olivia placed her thumbs beneath the ball of one foot and massaged gently. Her eyes moved to his face, peaceful now in sleep. Olivia moved to the other foot caressing, soothing even though Snape was unaware of her ministrations. She needed this contact, to feel his flesh beneath her hands, to know he was here with her, safe for a time.

Olivia moved to the side of the bed, her fingers trailing along his shin, the delicious sensation from the scattering of black hair tingled into her hand and up her arm. Her lungs suddenly seemed unable to fill, her breathing becoming fast and shallow. Behave! Olivia chided herself. The man is unconscious and you are contemptible!

Tender hunger caused her eyes and hand to blaze a trail up his thigh, leaping over the delightful temptations lying under the sheet until they reached his abdomen. A blaze of silky black hair snaked its way up from under the cloth in a thin line that broke and flowed around his navel, only to merge again before fanning out over the broad expanse of his chest. Olivia's hand followed the trail laid out for her. She wondered what he did to cause his muscles to remain so taut and strong. Surely, stirring a cauldron wasn't much of a workout.

Her hand reached the firm column of his neck. She paused, delighting in the steady thrum-thrum-thrum of his pulse under her fingers. He is warm, alive. Her palm cupped his cheek and jaw, her thumb gliding upwards from nostril to temple, stroking down over his ear. The lines of anger and worry she was so familiar with had been erased by what ever drug the Muggle doctors had administered. His lips, usually pressed into invisibility by irritation appeared fuller, riper. Olivia longed to taste them.

"Severus."

It was a sigh.

A lament.

She moved her hand to the wound in his shoulder. Already it looked weeks old, no longer purple and wet, but fading to reddish-pink. Here, the skin of his body was cooler. The muscles in his shoulders and arms told of wiry strength, the skin silky.

A vivid contrast.

Velvet on stone.

Olivia's hand continued on…

Down past his wrist to take his hand in her own, raising the delicate appendage to her lips, curling his fingers about her thumb as she pressed kisses along each knuckle. A tightness had built in her throat and Olivia sank to her knees by the bed, his long fingers still imprisoned in her thankful grasp.

"Severus," she whispered into his palm. "I thank whatever gods there be for keeping you safe, for bringing you alive to me."

A flickering heartbeat…

A gently sliding tear…

A grateful sigh…

Olivia felt his fingers close around her own and gasped. Looking up, she found his eyes darting hastily around the room before coming to rest on her face. He struggled to clear his throat and Olivia rose to her feet.

"Severus," she spoke his name, running her hand tenderly along one cheek.

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Thank each of you for your reviews and emails. I hope you enjoyed the little trip up Severus as much as I did. I used my husband and our experience together as a basis for this description. My husband is a lumber-jack (really he is) and he has lovely legs!

Thanks to Dr. DeWayne for the information on GSW and the standard treatments. Again, thanks to jezzi for the use of Visium Memoria. She is sooooo cool.

Luvwillie. You are too wonderful for words. Huggs and many kisses.

Have I missed anybody? If I have, it is not on purpose.

Oh, yea. I remember the guy from the lobby. I will bring him up later.

Thanks for the reviews.