The Unicorn and the Snape

The Wizard strode up to the castle, entering from a side entrance from the east. He bypassed the ghosts and Argus Filch on the main floor, heading toward the dungeons. Down the stairs into the depths of the dungeons he walked, and into a section of the Hogwarts Potions Master's private quarters.

"Lumos," murmured the Wizard, and the candles blazed to life, casting eerie shadows along the walls. The fireplace roared to life with the simple incantation. He walked over to the back wall of the room and laid his precious bundle on the velvety soft black divan. He checked for injuries that he might have missed, having being preoccupied with the battle. He noted with relief that her breathing was even and unlabored. He quickly examined the rest of her, checking for broken bones or scrapes. Her right wrist looked badly scratched, but other than that, she seemed in fine shape. The cloak covered her with the barest modesty, leaving her long white limbs exposed to his gaze. The Wizard shifted his gaze to her face to find her lips full and soft looking, almost inviting. A snort of self disgust left the Wizard's mouth before he walked over to the fire place. He looked over the mantle before seeing the bag that he wanted. Withdrawing a handful of colored sand from the bag, he threw it into the fire.

"Albus Dumbledore!" said the Wizard. A tall, elderly, and wizened gentleman's head appeared in the fire. Perched on his head was a purple velvet nightcap with silver bells hanging off the top point. Wiry hair stuck out from under the cap at odd angles, indicating that the gentleman might have only just risen. A white beard trailed down his chest until it was clouded over by flames. His tired blue eyes brightened considerably upon seeing his summoner.

"Severus! I hope things went well tonight. The fire isn't being monitored so you can give me your report," said Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts and leader of the spectacular Order of the Phoenix.

"Actually, Headmaster, the evening was uneventful until I arrived at the castle grounds. It seems Voldemort is in need of a fresh infusion of unicorn blood and he sent the Hunter to the Forbidden Forest," replied Severus Snape, Head of Slytherin House and Potions Professor at Hogwarts.

"Good Heavens, Severus! I will be down to join you shortly; he must not get his hands on the Unicor--", began Dumbledore worriedly. He partially turned away from the fire.

"Headmaster, I have already intercepted the Hunter and prevented him from killing the Unicorn. However my methods were accomplished in haste and I'm afraid it may bring dire consequences," interrupted Snape with a sour twist to his expression.

"Meet me in my office, then," replied Dumbledore, and his image faded from the fireplace. Snape looked down upon the woman on the divan, and conjured up a blanket to keep her warm. As he exited the dungeons, he placed a ward on the doors and continued on his way.

* * * *

The Unicorn awoke to amber light and the feel of something very soft beneath her cheek. She took unsteadily to her feet, leaning upon the divan for support and looked around in awe. Hurt wrist forgotten for the moment, she took an opportunity to look around her new surroundings. A large lit fireplace dominated the room, its two side pillars decorated with sinuous dragons wrapped around rowan trees. The light from the flames spilled out into the room which had iron candelabra in all four corners. A thick carpet covered the floor between the fireplace and the divan. An oak table with two chairs stood off the right side, a chess battle incomplete sitting on top. She moved toward the table running her delicate fingers over the ivory playing pieces, marveling at their appearance. They look like Brownies though, she thought. I don't remember Brownies with miniature horses or knight's armor in all my years in the forest. Her hand brushed a castle-like figure, and it clattered on to its side, startling her. To the left side, a secretariat and chair stood next to a table will with all forms of pots, pans, liquid jars and bubbling concoctions. One of them was a dazzling green, and she awkwardly ventured over to the table to stare at the bubbles and their fragile popping noises. She bent closer to sniff but was repelled by the odor and turned her head away. She found herself facing the fire place.

She stood spellbound in wonder at her image suspended above the mantle. She walked closer to it and saw herself in the mirror do the same. Before the mirror stood she stood as a young woman, tall, with skin like fine porcelain, blue veins delicately visible here and there, trembling like a leaf in the autumn wind. Long-- almost floor length raven black hair fell in waves along her shoulders to just above her knees. She had arms and legs and all the other parts of a mortal woman. It was the eyes though, that belied her mortal state, for they contained the light of the stars in the heavens against a midnight blue backdrop. Her lips were petal pink, full and beckoning with invitation. She touched them softly, feeling the sensation burn into her memory. Upon her forehead lay a dark star, smooth where her horn should be. Then, like a roaring tide, memories of the pool, the early morning, the Hunter, falling, hurting, white light and a man's face, a confusing jumble of unexpected emotions caused her to whirl around looking for the nearest exit. She saw the door behind her and headed straight for it her hands tingling as she grasped the door handle before wrenching it open and fleeing into the castle.

* * * *

Snape walked through the corridors toward Dumbledore's office. His mind was very jumbled and confused. He felt guilty and victorious. He felt responsible for the fragile creature slumbering in his rooms. He was certain that he had tampered with something that he should not have. Not that he regretted saving her, but his method could have been a little more refined. It IS my fault. I should have thought of another way to save the Unicorn. Now she's...I don't know what she is anymore. Snape sighed to himself inside. No use recriminating myself, it's not like I haven't done worse than transfigure someone. Except she isn't just someone. She's supposed to be the embodiment of grace, hope, protection, and all that is good in the world, untouched and without flaw. At least that is what all the legends say. And by making her human and mortal I've made her vulnerable and...flawed, like any muggle or wizard. Snape snapped out of his reverie as he arrived at the Gargoyle. "Marmalade Toffee Treats", said Snape with a curl to his thin lips. He really hated those passwords. And up he went.

* * * *

She ran through many corridors and stairways that were filled with strange things, and strange beings. The stones beneath her unshod feet were rough and she was breathing hard. She stopped to collect her thoughts. She felt off-kilter. She wasn't used to running on two legs. And the more she ran, the more lost she became until she didn't even think she could find the room she woke up in. She tried to invoke some of her innate magic, to calm herself down and get a clear idea of what was going on with her. Nothing happened when she called it. It felt like it was locked away, for it had fled when she lost her immortality. She leaned against the wall for support as much as to catch her breath. Now that she had time to reflect on her mad dash, she found it one of the most foolish things to do. Only a newborn colt would be so foolhardy, she thought. I am much wiser individual than that.

"Hey you! Hey there!" said a voice. "I've never seen you before... how did you get in?" The Unicorn looked around but saw no one. Only an empty corridor filled with paintings met her gaze in front of her and an equally empty stairwell behind her.

"Up here! Up more, a little to the right...There! See me waving?" asked the voice. The Unicorn pinpointed the voice to a painting with a man in bright armor waving at her. He was inside the painting, actually. A knight in a painting was waving at her and talking to her. She felt bewildered because she couldn't even figure out if he was magical or just a hallucination. Her sense felt deadened.

"I'm sorry, I don't understand everything yet. Are you a painting? A mortal portrait?" asked the Unicorn. He seemed to be hopping from painting to painting.

"Well, yes I am, but I'm also the brave and honorable Sir Cadogan, Guardian of Hogwarts!" announced Sir Cadogan. "And it remains to be seen who YOU are. You had better not be up to no good or I shall have to challenge you to a duel!"

"Ah, well, Sir Cadogan, you see, I'm a bit lost. I am not trying to cause trouble. I don't wish to duel you and I could really use some help," replied the Unicorn. She gripped the cloak and blanket tighter around herself. She prepared to bolt at the least sign of provocation.

"Oh my, are you a genuine Damsel-In-Distress? Indeed, I can see that you are my fair maiden. Fear not, I, Sir Cadogan, am on the Quest. Just tell me, fair lady, whether I may escort you," gushed Sir Cadogan. Sir Cadogan was very excited by the prospect of having his own adventure. He had always envisioned himself as a hero ever since he substituted for the Fat Lady of Gryffindor Tower.

"Well, this is the castle on the edge of the Forest, I assume?" asked the Unicorn. In a moment of lucidity, for she was feeling very confused, she recognized the Knight-In-Shining-Armor Syndrome, and relaxed.

"Indeed my lady, this is THE Hogwarts by the Forbidden Forest, lead by the most brilliant wizard alive, Albus Dumbledore!" exclaimed Sir Cadogan. "In fact, I can lead you straight to his office, my lady." He straightened his posture and secretly wished he still had Charger, his noble steed.

"Is he the elderly gentleman that likes candied sweets and wears colorful clothing all the time?" asked the Unicorn. The Unicorn felt certain it was the same Albus she was acquainted with.

"Indeed he is! The very same," said Sir Cadogan. "If anyone can help you, miss, it would be Albus Dumbledore!"

"Then by all means, Sir Cadogan, please lead on. I am in dire need and I must see him," said the Unicorn. She really did think the knight in the painting was a kindly gentleman. Or is it kindly portrait? She thought to herself.

"Follow me, my lady, and I shall protect you along the way; you must stay close," said Sir Cadogan. He began to flit from picture to picture, making his way along the walls of the castle, the Unicorn right beside him.

* * * *

"That is quite a story, Severus." said Dumbledore. "How did you know to go into the Forest in the first place?" Dumbledore's voice held a note of query. He considered the disheveled young wizard now running his hands over his face removing a blur charm. Dumbledore had to make several decisions at once, and none of them were going to please the younger man.

"I overheard Voldemort talking to Pettigrew about his new shipment of immortality and that Pettigrew was to make certain he was on hand to receive it. He added that it would be a creature most dear to you and it would wound you if he managed to get it from right under your nose. He mentioned his operative had last contacted him from Hogsmeade," said Severus. "Obviously, I wasn't meant to hear that conversation, so I stayed to allay any suspicions, and then Apparated to the gates. I decided to have a look around in the forest, though I hadn't ever remembered a Unicorn dwelling there for some time. Not since Quirrell, in fact, I assumed Voldemort had hunted them all down when he had the chance. There was no harm in investigating however, so in I went. I was just going to leave the forest when I heard a commotion from deeper in and discovered the Dark Lord's Hunter giving chase to the Unicorn. He was about to kill her, and I intervened," explained Severus.

Dumbledore sat in his office chair, absently stroking Fawkes, his phoenix and longtime companion. He was dressed in a cheery yellow silk smoking jacket that went splendidly with his purple velvet nightcap and matching night shirt. Snape was his customary, fashionable self, draped in all black, ensconced in a chair in front of Dumbledore's desk. His robes were dusty from his earlier scuffle. He sat hunched in the chair, his black lanky hair in over his face. The beginnings of a truly heinous Snape Scowl were forming on his face. Indeed, Harry, Ron, and Hermione would have recognized that look, having been on the receiving end of it the last five years.

"And it is a good thing that you did," said Dumbledore with an approving nod. "She is the last in the Forbidden Forest, indeed the last in all Northern Britain, since Voldemort hunted down the others of her kind to stay alive," he added sadly. He conjured himself up some tea, and began to serve himself.

"Forgive my impertinence, but don't you think you should have told the staff about her existence?" asked Snape irritably. "You've lead us to believe there were none left in these parts since we unmasked Quirrell. We could have taken better precautions; we could have prevented this from happening at all!" Snape began angrily. He shifted awkwardly. He wasn't used to feeling so accountably guilty. Guilt wasn't part of being a top notch Slytherin. It belonged to those who could afford to look and act the fool. Gryffindors, for example, could be counted on to make absolute cakes of themselves and enjoy it, in Snape's opinion.

"I'm sorry, Severus, but I thought it best that she remain lost in knowledge. I have known her for a good portion of my life and I do care much for her well being. I did everything I could to hide her presence. I led her to the deepest parts of the Forest myself; she should never have been discovered by the Hunter," said Dumbledore. "Tea?" he asked. Dumbledore settled back into his chair with a sigh as Snape shook his head in negation. "How would you like cookies No, crackers? No, what about a nice muffin or biscuit?"

"No thank you, Headmaster, I prefer coffee. If you are interested in what I do like, I'll tell you. Instead of all the wonderful pleasantries we are currently exchanging, could we please return to the topic of how to fix the Unicorn's predicament?" answered Snape in acid tones. "She seemed less than thrilled at being rescued."

"It would be a simple matter to transfigure her back," said Dumbledore. "When she wakes up, just bring her to me. We have managed to keep Firenze situated satisfactorily and I daresay we could make her quite comfortable until we apprehend the Hunter. Maybe she can give Hagrid a hand with Care of Magical Creatures." There was a definite twinkle in the Headmaster's eye at the thought.

"That's not going to be possible," said Snape crossly, growing even more ill-tempered at the thought of that ridiculous Giant-kin using the Unicorn in a teaching lesson. "She won't transfigure back. I changed it to a Geas-Spell to prevent the Hunter or anyone else from changing her back until certain--requirements are met." Snape leveled his gaze at the Headmaster, who had suddenly grown very quiet, his eyes narrowing.

"Severus, what have you done?" whispered the Headmaster, considering the younger man seated before him.

"What I thought would save her," he answered tiredly.

* * * *

"Right here, my lady," said Sir Cadogan cheerfully. "Safe and sound at the Headmaster's Office." They stood before a large stone gargoyle at the base of one of the towers on the second floor. Or at least the Unicorn was. Sir Cadogan rested in a painting on the opposite wall of the Gargoyle. The Unicorn had a hard time following him, for he seemed to only glide along portraits and the staircases and corridors were in constant motion. One could get easily lost, she thought.

"Thank you, Sir Cadogan," replied the Unicorn. "But where is the door handle?" she asked. All she saw was a stone statue of a Gargoyle who might or might not be real.

"Oh, it's a secret door, you know," said Sir Cadogan airily, waving his hand about. "Need to know the password to go in or you'll be out here all day." He shifted from foot to foot in the portrait frame along the wall of, thankfully for his rather fragile courage, a landscape. He had been afraid that she would notice that he avoided the more aggressive paintings. "You do know the password, don't you?" he asked, looking worried. Indeed, the knight had a bit of time to study his Damsel. He noticed her ragged state of clothing. Merlin, was she wearing a SLYTHERIN cape? She had a patchy knowledge of the castle, indeed of everything they talked about. He also noticed she wasn't carrying a wand like most wizards. She was in a word, peculiar.

"I'm afraid I don't," said the Unicorn. "Do you not know it?" She looked imploringly at the portrait of the knight who was shifting from foot to foot.

"I--I----," he stuttered. "I don't, but I know who does, and let me tell you, there is no greater hero than Harry Potter. Well, except for myself, of course. Stay right here, my lady, I shall fetch him for you." The knight began to zoom down the corridor portraits.

"Wait!" she cried. But the knight was already gone. She turned around and began to contemplate the gargoyle. Who in the WORLD is Harry Potter, she thought.

* * * *

It was Harry, Ron's and Hermione's 6^th year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It was in fact, their first day of class, and they were getting ready to go down to the Great Hall for breakfast when they heard a commotion at the front door to the Gryffindor common room. Over the summer, Harry had grown four inches, although he was still thin and lanky for a young man of 16. His eyes though... in those green depths lay the experiences of a much older individual. Pain, loss and suffering chiseled his features as if they were carved from stone. His hair remained problematic; never tamable, it stuck out all over the place. Ron, however, was the most changed from over the summer. His red hair smoothed out to a warm copper, and his freckles have had mostly disappeared, except for a few that marched along the bridge of his nose like a line of tin soldiers. Those attributes, along with a considerable gain in height and a spot on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, already have had a number of fourth and fifth year girls sighing in his direction. Hermione, however, hadn't grown a single inch over the summer, poor girl. She had, thanks to beauty tips from Lavender and Parvarti, tamed her hair to a manageable amount of waviness with honey accents. She finally was also able to regulate her old braces and retainer to the farthest corner of her bathroom cabinet. Her brown eyes were alight with excitement and pleasure to begin the new school term. Both Ron and Hermione were busily pinning themselves with their Prefect badges. They had responsibilities to uphold.

"What in the world is all that racket?" noticed Ron. At the moment, it was only he, Harry and Hermione in the common room, and the escalating sounds of an argument were permeating through the door.

"I have no idea," said Hermione, turning her ear toward the sounds.

"It sounds like-," began Harry, starting toward the door.

"I say, you old bat, open this door!" yelled a strident voice full of bellicose purpose. "I have an URGENT quest to complete for my lady and YOU are in the way!" All three students looked at each other questioningly, before recogniztion dawned.

"Sir Cadogan," they said in unison. They walked toward portrait hole, opening it and looked at the portrait's side. There they saw the Fat Lady and Sir Cadogan embroiled in a face-to-face scuffle across the painting. Closing the door, they spread out facing the portrait, bewildered by the sight of their beloved Tower Guardian and the Knight of Hogwarts hurling epithets at each other.

"What's going on?" asked Harry. "Sir Cadogan, why are you fighting with the Fat Lady?" He stood between the other two, eyes full of concern, observing the fight. Sir Cadogan disengaged himself from the melee and faced Harry. He was flushed in the face, and breathing rather hard. The Fat Lady moved a bit over to the side of the painting, grumbling as she did so.

"Harry! Harry Potter!" exclaimed the knight. "I have a lady in need of assistance. She needs to see the Headmaster but she doesn't know the password. I thought a smart fellow like you would know. Besides I know you're chummy with Dumbledore."

"Maybe the Headmaster didn't send for her if she doesn't know the password," said Hermione forthrightly. "He's a very busy man, Sir Cadogan, and if it's a student they really should go to their Head of House," she finished.

"I don't think she's a student, Miss Granger; she's looks a bit old to be one," explained Sir Cadogan. "She's also barefoot, in nothing but a cloak and blanket, and no one seems to know where she came from, she just appeared."

"But no one can Apparate into Hogwarts," said Ron. "Everyone knows that. It's just not done." Ron's stomach gave a small protest at not being fed immediately upon wakening.

"I didn't say she Apparated," said the knight. "She just came streaking down a hallway from who knows where, she's confused, and well, doesn't seem to be all there in the wits department, and she really, really wants to speak to the Headmaster."

"I suppose we should investigate this and perhaps go help her out," said Harry. "Lead on, Sir Cadogan." Harry was wildly curious about this young woman. Here was something vaguely heroic that didn't include dueling with Voldemort.

"But we'll miss breakfast!" exclaimed Ron. His stomach growled again. "And I'm HUNGRY." He turned a surly look toward a retreating Sir Cadogan. "Can't it wait? Or maybe she can wait for the Headmaster to come down." He looked toward his two friends who were at the moment following the knight along the walls. Hermione looked back and pinned him with a withering look that clearly stated that 'insensitive git' was tattooed on his forehead. "All right then, wait up, I'm coming."

The trio arrived at the Gargoyle of Dumbledore's office, Sir Cadogan leading the way. They stopped to stare at the Unicorn, who was busy muttering odd things under her breath toward the statue. She stood tall, wearing a long black cloak skimming to her ankles. A black blanket covered her shoulders secured with her left hand. Her feet were bare, and she was chewing on her bottom lip. Her long black hair reached her knees and shimmered with each shake of her head. Harry was struck mute for a second. Ron gaped like a fish. Hermione with her usual sensible self studied the woman intently.

"Sprinkled Stars. No that's not it. Stone Wizard. Forbidden Forest. No not those. Daylight, Dark Night, Evil's Bane, Glorious Winter, Withered Summer, Magical Something-or-Other!" exclaimed the Unicorn, her voice raising and rising tears of frustration in her eyes. She turned to her left, aware of the newcomers.

"My lady, my lady, I've brought some help. This is Mr. Harry Potter, Mr. Ronald Weasley, and Miss Hermione Granger," introduced Sir Cadogan, indicating each person. "They are excellent friends of Dumbledore and will take good care of you. Now I must be off to my own portrait, it wouldn't do to be absent too long from it." Sir Cadogan began to drift back the way he came. The three students looked at the Unicorn, noting her appearance, the black star upon her forehead, and became stock still as they beheld her star filled eyes. It was Ron who noticed what she was wearing.

"That's Snape's cloak." He pointed toward the emblem of Slytherin House on the right shoulder. "What are you doing in that?" He eyed her suspiciously. Anyone associated with the slimy git in Ron's opinion was up to no good. No matter how good looking she was.

"Oh, for Merlin's sake, Ron, don't be thick," began Hermione. "It's obvious she's wearing that cloak because he rescued her from one of the Death Eater raids or some such. Isn't that what's he supposed to do, in addition to spying?" She tilted her head to the side examining the woman from head to toe. Hermione wasn't sure if the older woman had ulterior motives or not. She was going to study her until she came to a definite conclusion, though.

"I doubt he did it out of sympathy," said Harry tightly. He still hadn't forgiven Snape for his part in Sirius's death. He came forward laid a hand on the Unicorn's shoulder. "Is that what happened ma'am? Did Snape rescue you from the Death Eaters?" he asked

"I--I--I don't know what a Death Eater is," began the Unicorn, feeling uncomfortable under their intense gazes. "I'm from what the wizards call the Forbidden Forest, and I was attacked. A wizard in black robes saved me from the Hunter. But I fainted and woke up here. I'm not myself though, I'm not myself. I'm not supposed to have two legs and I need to stay hidden from the world, and my thoughts won't stay straight. I feel like I have too many thoughts in my head. The only person who can help me is a wizard named Albus. Please help me reach him, please," she begged them. She looked from one face to another, pleading with her eyes, her very posture.

"It is going to be all right," said Hermione. "We'll help you." She gave a look to the two boys as she approached the Unicorn. "Just tell us why you need help; maybe we can do something to help you as well." She laid her hand on the Unicorn's other shoulder.

The Unicorn shuddered from the sensation and said, "Because I am not the woman you see, I am a Unicorn, and if I do not return to my form, I fear for my sanity and well-being." The Unicorn looked at each face registering the shock that appeared on each of their faces. "The man in dark robes and dark hair changed me I think, while I was being hunted," she started to explain. "I woke up here and I must talk to Albus." The Unicorn held on to that thought like a lifeline in a sea of new thoughts and sensation.

"Well," said Harry grimly. "Why don't we go see the Headmaster now? I wonder how that bloody bastard is going to explain this away." And he stood in front of the Gargoyle. Harry was feeling the familiar hatred that had kept him going through his confinement at the Dursley's during the summer holidays

"But Harry, she's balmy!" said Ron. "What she said can't be true. That story makes Loony Lovegood sound like she spews the gospel truth!" But Harry had already made up his mind and was leading the Unicorn up the revealed stairway. Ron sighed and followed him up.

"Harry..." said Hermione warningly. "Listen to Ron; he is making sense for once." But Harry had already said 'Marmalade Toffee Treats, and was traveling up the stair case, Ron and Unicorn in tow. So she brought up the rear.

* * * *

"So as you can see, we have to remove the threat of the Hunter before we can change her back," explained Severus. He was irritated, tired, and he had to teach his first class soon if the clock in Dumbledore's office was actually telling time. He pinched the bridge of his nose to alleviate the oncoming headache pressure. A long night coupled with an exhaustive interview was sapping his patience.

"I see," began Dumbledore. "Well, as term has started, how do you plan to go about it, I ask? You certainly cannot go off into the Forest every day to search him out. You have classes. And now you have blown your cover with the Dark Lord because his agent SAW you!" he thundered. Albus Dumbledore did not become angry often. He did not become angry lightly. So when Dumbledore finally did become angry, it was like being in the middle of thunderstorm complete with bright lightning. If Snape had been less irritated and angry himself, he would have been fully able to appreciate this fact.

"The Hunter will not contact Voldemort until the deed is done for fear of the risk of alerting you," retorted Snape with not so little heat in his words. "I heard as much from the conversation I eavesdropped on. Not to mention that I did use a blurring charm to disguise myself. Now if you will excuse me, I have breakfast and classes to prepare for." Snape stood up, and stopped as a knock sounded on the door. Dumbledore sighed. "Come in," he said. The wooden door opened revealing Harry, Ron, Hermione...and the Unicorn. Harry looked at the rumpled Potions Master with thinly veiled hostility before plunging into his story immediately.

"Professor Dumbledore, Sir Cadogan found her trying to get to you, but he didn't know the password so he came to Ron, Hermione and I, and well, we talked to her and led her up here," said Harry hurriedly, shooting a nasty look at Snape. Snape hadn't moved since the door opened. He barely registered Harry's words or the tone of his voice.

"I hope it's all right that we did," added Hermione hurriedly. "We really didn't know what to do".

"Nothing except embroil yourselves in other people's business as usual," snarled Snape, coming to his senses. "Can't live without some kind of glory, eh?" If looks could kill, the Dream Team would be six feet under. The Unicorn looked at the tall man, a memory tugging at her brain. Recollection finally hit as she matched his current face to the one from the forest.

"You!" she accused. The Unicorn strode forward into the room, more at ease on two legs. She kept a finger pointed at Snape, advancing on the rapidly paling man. "You are the one who changed me, the one from the forest. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?" She pinned him with the force of her gaze. Snape was wincing with each word that passed her lips. Dumbledore motioned for Harry, Ron and Hermione to leave. Harry opened his mouth to argue, but a look from the powerful Headmaster silenced him. Hermione and Ron dragged him off to the Great Hall.

"Shining One," began Dumbledore, addressing the Unicorn. The Unicorn looked at him. "You have known this was a possibility since the day I came to you and implored you to hide. I warned you that the Dark Lord would hunt you down to slay you for your life's blood. It just happened with less forewarning than I thought possible." He held both hands out to the Unicorn, who turned from him. She couldn't bear what she had become. She looked around the room, distracted, seeing it in the shape of the circle. There was another door at the far end of the room, behind a large desk at which Dumbledore was standing behind. A Phoenix sat on a perch examining her with keen interest. On the desk were dozens of sheets of paper held down by whizzing silver instruments. A cabinet stood off to one side, the door slightly ajar, revealing a soft silver light, emanating. On the wall behind the desk was mounted an impressive sword, ancient and with power. It brought to her attention all the living portraits along the walls up to the ceiling, all gazing down at the melodrama unfolding in vivid interest.

"You have to change me back, this is not normal for myself," said the Unicorn, looking from one man to the other. "I'm filled with unfamiliar sensations. My mind is confused and clouded. It is difficult to concentrate like I am used to. My magical senses are blunted and dull and I cannot feel a thing in those ways. Other abilities lay dormant and do not respond to my invocations." Tears filled her eyes and began to trail her downy cheeks to fall to the floor. Snape rubbed his chest where a sudden tightening, almost to pain, presented itself.

"We cannot change you back. The spell requires the Hunter to be apprehended first for that to happen," explained Dumbledore. "Until then, though, we will take care of you as best we can. And we will research ways of helping you cope with your new found humanity. Now let us fix your attire." With a swish and flick of his wand, along with a minor incantation, Dumbledore conjured a long black velvet gown appearing on the Unicorn. It clung slightly off the shoulders with gold braid trim at the top, at the tip of long sleeves and the bottom of the hem. Black heeled slippers appeared on her feet. Her long hair plaited itself, resting along her back and a thick golden circlet appeared hiding the night star upon her forehead.

"When--when will that happen?" asked the Unicorn. She rubbed her hands along her arms to warm herself up just a bit. She liked the feel of the velvet. It was soft and warm. She was still clutching the cloak though.

"I don't know, Shining One," replied Dumbledore. "I leave that task to Severus, who has asked for it. It should not be too long though. The Hunter cannot hide from us." He looked at her, aching from the bottom of his soul. To see such a creature suffering, confused and in pain made him feel so very inadequate. "But we will do everything we can."

The Unicorn whirled to look towards Snape. "You should have let me die, Wizard," she said with despairingly. "Better to be dead, to have let the Hunter take me, than to be here, like this, in this dying body." Snape flinched under her tear stained regard. He couldn't think of a single word to say to her. He had never been at a loss for words save for a few times in his youth, but nothing came to mind. In that moment, he hated her, hated everything she represented. She was too busy wallowing in self-pity about her lost purity or spirit. Someone else would be sacrificed to keep her hands clean. Someone else would have to bear the burden. He wished he had killed her. Shame filled him at the thought. It was a familiar felling so he let it stay.

The Unicorn looked down at the body and mind that was not her own and screamed in protest of the pain of her loss. "End it!" she sobbed, sliding to the floor, face in her hands. "I can not stay like this," she whispered. Dumbledore toward Snape, who knelt beside her, taking her hands in his own. He lifted his right hand to her cheek and turned it face to him. He was humbled by the swirling emotions swimming in her eyes. He had to say something. He forced the words out of his strangled throat.

"I cannot grant your wish. Ask me anything and I will do it, but never that," Snape said fiercely. "I will not let you die. I have seen much that is dark and ugly. I have done unspeakable things. You are like a beautiful light that lives to counters that. I will not see another dark deed flourish over the death of something decent and good. I will not rest until I have brought the Hunter down. You will see the forest again and you will run through its hollows. That is my vow to you." Snape looked into her eyes almost forgetting to breathe. "Trust me," he said softly. The Unicorn nodded in agreement. He helped her to her feet. They both looked over to the Headmaster, still holding hands.

"Well, I'm glad that's settled," said Dumbledore cheerily. "Now where are we to keep you? There is some room in the Astronomy Tower, a store room we can convert to house you in the interim." The Unicorn interrupted.

"If you please, somewhere along the ground," she said. "I seem to have a fear of high places. I found this out when Sir Cadogan lead me across a balcony, and one of the higher staircases, and one--" she faltered, not knowing the name of the object.

"Oh I see, well, I'll have to ask Minerva about rooms on the ground floor, I suppose," mused Dumbledore. He swished his wand about himself and was instantly attired in heavy silk maroon robes with white lacing and a matching cap, the point hanging over his right ear.

"What about the room or place that I woke up in?" inquired the Unicorn. "It seemed very close to the ground."

"Those are part of my private rooms and the dungeons to start with," informed Snape. "You cannot stay there. I won't permit it." He seemed embarrassed over his earlier words and was back to being cross. He was planning on becoming a good deal more cross as soon as he reached his classroom.

"Now Severus, that's very unkind," said Dumbledore knowingly, "Is there no way you can see to preparing even one of the rooms for her private use. There are so many rooms in the dungeons."

"Please," asked the Unicorn, looking at Snape imploringly. "Please let me stay, Severus." His gut tightened upon hearing his name on her lips. Looking at her was a mistake he knew, but he did it anyway. In less than a second, like a besotted fool, he found himself agreeing. Merlin's Beard, I must be guilt ridden, he thought to himself.

"I'm sure I can create suitable accommodations, especially with some help from those lazy house-elves you insist on keeping out of clothes," Snape said, scowling. He was already beginning to regret his decision. The Unicorn leaned up to nuzzle his cheek with hers in thanks. It was the Unicorn's way of thanks. Severus stood stock still, rigid. He felt his heart speed up and something close to electric shock ripple through his body. He decided to label it a pseudo-heart attack and leave it at that.

"Thank you," she said softly.

"My pleasure, I assure you, after all, it is my fault you are in this predicament and it is only just that I should help you get acclimated to your new surroundings," answered Snape, taking a step back from her and dropping her hands. Yes, thought Snape, just look at it like a new responsibility. "What happened to your hands?" Snape snatched her hands back up, ignoring her sound of protest. He found livid welt marks along her palms, red and angry marks that must be causing considerable pain.

"Iron," she gasped in discomfort, explaining. "Your doors contain iron handles, and they will pain a fey creature such as myself. I cannot heal wounds of iron very quickly." She tried to tug her hands away but Snape held firm. He could also see the wrist injury he had noted earlier.

"I will take you straight to our resident school nurse, Madame Pomfrey. She will help you out as best she can," said Snape. He changed his grip to her left wrist and began to lead her toward the door.

"Severus," called Dumbledore. He got an impatient look from Snape for his trouble. "One last thing; we cannot go around introducing her as the Shining One or Unicorn. She will need a name. I was thinking...Griselda Albia would sound nice." He beamed at the scowling younger man.

"That is an absolutely horrid name," said Snape with disgust. Dumbledore chuckled with mirth. "It doesn't fit her at all." He looked down at the Unicorn, who was looking up at him.

"Then what would you suggest, dear boy?" asked the Headmaster, eyeing him with some question. Dumbledore thought it would be good for Snape to immerse himself in a project that didn't force him to witness or participate in horrid acts of violence. Indeed this might remind Severus what the Order was fighting for.

"She has the favored look of an aunt of mine; her name was Isabella Stornet," replied Snape. "Isabel Solus is an adequate derivative. I think that will do just fine." He noticed the Unicorn nodding as if in agreement.

"I like it very much. Thank you," Isabel said, smiling up at him.