The Sleepers Awake

Chapter 17: Enchantments, Secrets and Lies

The foursome had one more outing planned for their last day in New York City. After a late lunch at the loft Severus was taking them to Salem Street, the American equivalent of Diagon Alley. However, with the way that Poppy was carrying on about yet more shopping he was beginning to have serious doubts.

"Oh, go on Severus," said Madam Pomfrey. "Besides, when does Albus only ever just suggest you do anything? Better find out what the reason was."

"How convenient for you Poppy," said Severus wryly.

"Well, it will be most interesting to see how the Americans do things," said Professor McGonagall. "Surely they can't have anything other their own versions of what we would get at Diagon Alley."

"What is this...Diagon Alley?" asked Erszhebet.

Professor McGonagall explained that it was where the people in their world who lived or traveled to London did their shopping and also prepared for the Hogwarts school terms. The Hogwarts Express made no other stops between London and Hogsmead, the Wizard Network Railways station for Hogwarts, even though Wizards and Witches lived all over the British Isles.

"That does not sound terribly convenient," said Erszhebet.

"With Apparating, Floo Powder or the Knight Bus it doesn't really matter," said Madam Promfrey.

"What if you can't Apparate because you do not have your license or afford costs of the powders or the bus - those things cost money, yes?" asked Erszhebet. "You have to pay administration fees for the Apparation License and it is not cheap; you definitely do in France, this I know."

Poppy looked at Erszhebet as if she were crazy. "Severina, whoever heard of such a thing?" she asked.

"That is a valid point," said Professor McGonagall. "There are just as many Wizarding families that don't have large accounts with Gringotts as there are those that do. Look at the Weasleys..."

Minerva shook her head. The Weasley family was quite well-known in certain circles for being poor.

"Gods knows how much overtime Arthur has had to do at the Ministry just to make ends meet. He was lucky enough that there was always so much going on that he could get it. There were plenty of times when they could not even afford make the trips to the Order; the Headmaster had to take care of that..."

"Really?" asked Poppy incredulously. "I knew they were...well...bad off; but I did not realise it was that bad."

Severus stayed silent. He could even begin to count the number of times Professor Dumbledore had had to help him; the Headmaster had been helping him ever since he was a student at Hogwarts.

"It's not all old wands, used books and second-hand clothes from Buggles charity shop, Poppy," said Minerva. "The basics are just as much a struggle, especially with a family that large. And if they have to use Muggle transport...well the expense of that alone could set them back...it is so expensive in Britain; especially London."

"Won't get any arguments on that!" said Poppy. "But at least the Hogwarts Express is free. School subsidises that."

"It was not always like that," said Professor McGonagall with a shake of her head. "I am proud to say that Albus had the vision of not forcing families to pay for transport on top of all the other costs that come with a Hogwarts education and we do offer bursaries and academic scholarships; the headmaster keeps that quiet - to much stigma with that you know. The notices for them get sent with the letters. The train fare alone could keep some students from coming at all in Dippet's day and prior to that. Hogwarts is not poor - the expense of the Express is negligible. Costs should not prevent a student from obtaining a sound Wizarding education."

Severus knew all too well what Minerva spoke of. It had been a struggle for him to continue year after year and he'd had to rely on a subsidy from his mothers' brother as well as Albus Dumbledore. Thank Goddess for old Uncle Julian, he thought in retrospect. Even after all these years his uncle would still enquire after Severus now and again, careful not to pry too much. Severus had never allowed himself to completely warm to his uncle or open up to him. Uncle Julian reminded him too much of his dead mother in looks and manner. Fortunately for Severus his uncle realised what the problem was and was very understanding.

"At least in France and here it is fairly economical, especially here; I think your country still regards it as sort of a luxury for the middle and upper classes rather than mass transport...as if everyone has deep pockets just to be able to go to work or do the shopping," said Erszhebet. "I have been quite astonished at how expensive it is on a daily basis to live there - even to put a basic roof over your head."

"Oh? You been to Britain then, Severina?" asked Poppy.

"Yes, quite a bit actually," said Erszhebet with a pleasant sigh. "My favourite places are around Bath, Devon and the Cotswolds. Gorgeous. Actually, I have had my eye on some property that is between Bath and Bradford-Upon-Avon in the Avon Valley. It would be great to get a place in London though - 'Up West' for when we are actually there." Erszhebet was using one of her favourite expressions from the British television series EastEnders.

"All that, this and Paris??" asked Poppy without thinking.

"Enough about what I have and don't have," said Erszhebet defensively. "I have worked very hard for it; and managed my affairs well as I have already said."

"Goodness gracious, Poppy, I think it is obvious that Severina has done well for herself with her talents. These questions about her wealth and why she does what she does are quite vulgar," said Professor McGonagall with a dark look.

"So Severus is there anything special about this place we are going?" asked Erszhebet as she changed the subject.

"The Headmaster proposed that they had something I would find it 'useful'," said Severus with a more than a hint of sarcasm. He was tired of arguing with Poppy. "Something that is not available in the British Isles just yet."

"I think it is about time we got this show on the road, as the Americans say," said Erszhebet. "Where is this place anyway?"

"1919 Mockingbird Lane; a shop with a Crescent Moon out front. It is supposed to be near here from what the Heamaster indicated," said Severus.

"1919 hmmm. Nothing goes higher than nine hundred and something both East and West in Manhattan," said Erszhebet. "Very interesting indeed. Mockingbird Lane; That is just around the corner...blink and you'd miss it. With an address like that then surely it is a Wizarding establishment of some kind?"

"'Around the corner'? Do you know about this place then Severina?" asked Professor McGonagall as she failed to hide her surprise. "These odd addresses...it is not usually how things are done in the Wizarding world; there are less intricate charms and enchantments which can be done that are just as effective."

What Professor McGonagall did not say was how interesting that two buildings within spitting distance of each other seemed to be utilising the same unusual methods of concealment. Severus had the same thought. With Dumbledore nothing was ever as straightforward as it could be. It would be interesting to see this place afteall. Very interesting indeed.

"I have walked by it Gods knows how many times," said Erszhebet. "I just never went in. I have noticed that I seem to be the only Mugissant that could see it. It took me a while, but I realised that it was some sort of Wizarding establishment. I am not in touch with anyone in the Wizarding community here; Papa T and the family are though. I keep to myself."

"Ah, it's like the Leaky Cauldron then," said Madam Pomfrey. "But you say you can see it?? I am sorry my dear, but Muggles can't see the Leaky Cauldron so it seems a bit...strange...that you can see this shop."

"Poppy I think it should be fairly obvious to even you now, if your two brain cells would stop fighting each other, that Severina is a Witch - and a very powerful one at that. She has not had the benefits of a comprehensive Wizarding education, true, and has not been immersed completely in our world. But she has been exposed to and directly affected by it; more so than one would have expected. Some unknown circumstances seem to have dictated that she be forced to live outside of our world from birth, albeit in extreme difficulties," said Severus.

"It is pointless to make a fuss over something so minor as being able to see a Wizarding establishment in the scheme of things. I would have been more surprised to find that she could not, as she to me is so clearly one of us, yet someone quite unique even in our world. If Severina is honest with herself, I think deep down she knows this too."

"No need to be so damn touchy, Severus," replied Poppy. She was accustomed to his insults and did not take him seriously.

Erszhebet looked at her partner and then looked down at her feet. It was something she really did not want to think about.

"What about this place then? As it is 1313 Christopher Street...," said Minerva. It was not strange that Erszhebet had such remarkable abilities; not strange at all she thought. Severus was closer to the truth than he realized.

They were all within a 2-minute walk to the truth. They just did not know it; least of all Erszhebet herself.

"Very powerful magic - could be Dark or it could be Light as all magic is.," said Erszhebet. "All the same it does the job."

There was stunned silence. You could hear a pin drop.

"Papa T insisted when I got this place," said Erszhebet. "He actually helped to facilitate the sale of my loft to me and he helped me to secure the rest of the building. It went through a couple of days ago; all of it belongs to me now and changes have already been made to it while you were out.

But this sort of thing, this type of magic, is one of his own specialties; he is quite a powerful Wizard in his own right. He has insisted that all of my properties be protected in this way. You see it and know to come to it because I allow it. Otherwise you would not. It was an old Wizarding chocolate factory at the turn of the 20th century. I am the only Mugissant that has ever lived here since it was redeveloped; though I am not too sure if the former owners even realise that."

"What about your post, and taxi cabs and things like that?" asked Poppy.

"Correspondence goes to my office so no problem there. Because of my work it was always better that way. With anything else people forget the minute their purpose for coming is done - then end up on the street albeit a bit confused staring at the Hudson River; unless I don't want them too," said Erszhebet. "On their own they would never find the place if they tried, no matter what they thought they recalled, even if they did get lucky with the address and had it memorised.

My friend Carol just thinks she is really forgetful about my address. She can't even write it down properly. But she has been quite a few times. We may be friends - but I have to be very careful not to compromise my security arrangements. She is a Muggle - as you say, a true Muggle in every sense of the word.

With your taxi it worked through you because I allowed it to, even though normally any New Yorker would know that there was no such address if they heard the address. The taxi driver hears it and brings you and then forgets all about it the moment the transaction is complete. Ahh, and this place also has all manner of wards, enchantments etc. the usual sort of thing you would expect as a backup. Papa T thought it very necessary..."

Severus' mind was racing. "So this is like the old Order headquarters; except more powerful and intricate apparently; because even we had no suspicion. One would never suspect that it exists uniquely in time and space...." That was saying something - because the Hogwarts colleagues all knew that it was the Headmaster who had arranged the concealment of the Order headquarters. This was something else altogether; it was a bit more than just being unplottable as even Hogwarts was.

Severus went on to explain about the magic that had been used to conceal 12 Grimmauld Place in London. The former headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix was the former home of the Black family which went to an estranged cousin when Sirius Black died. Yet another cousin who had ties to the Death Eaters. His time in Azkaban had been negligible and had caused an outcry. Black had not been astute enough to leave a will and so all Black family assets went to this cousin rather than his Godson, Harry Potter.

The Order had not been able to secure another suitable place as a base of operations and had been using a series of carefully arranged safe houses in rotation all over Britain. It was not convenient, but it was the best that could be done for the moment. No one would hear of Dumbledore spending yet more money on the Order of the Phoenix and its members.

The old Black place could not be found unless the address was known and the person came to the right spot, had memorized the address and focused their concentration on the correct address. The house would only be visible to them then; Muggles, however, would not be aware of it under any circumstances. That magic was good and served its purpose - but it was not anything like this.

"Exactly, why would you suspect anything? That was the whole point of it for Papa T. Such illusion and trickery has its uses I am sure. So far I have never been in a situation where that has been put to the test, however," replied Erszhebet. "Not that I know of anyway."

"We still have not really discussed it, and we need to, but this gives me an idea about what happened to you," said Severus thinking aloud. "Perhaps whoever it is behind it knows that physically there is no way to get to you...they know they cannot just come barging in here; geographically they might know where you are, but they do not have the finer details...and obviously they have some idea that the typical way of instigating harm would not work with you."

"So the only other choice that they have is spiritually...or psychically...," said Erszhebet quietly.

Severus nodded slowly. His gaze was so intense that Erszhebet found that she needed to look away. The warmth which she loved so much was not present at this moment. It was nothing personal however; Severus was thinking of what he would do to whoever was behind it when he worked out who it was.

"Whatever happened did not come from a stranger," said Severus. "I think it came from someone who knows you," he said taking her hands. As he rubbed them the warmth Severina loved and needed so much from him came back into his eyes. "Someone who obviously knows you, or knows of you, quite well and for whatever reason wishes you harm - extreme harm. Either that or an associate of this person. I am sorry, but if I am being truthful I think the answer is closer to home."

"Well, I guess we will find out when we get to France," said Erszhebet with a sigh. "Because this would have begun there, I would have no doubts of that if what you propose is accurate. There are a couple of possibilities...we need to discuss this with Papa T."

[[[]]]

Erszhebet had been right about Mockingbird Lane; if you blinked you would miss it was it so narrow. No sooner had the foursome rounded the corner than they found themselves standing in front of the shop. It was housed in an old 5-story building dating back to the Colonial era with its old-fashioned dark blue shutters and wood trim.

Hanging outside was a large, silvery Crescent Moon depicted with a face having a fearsome gaze which looked right through you it seemed; on the window in the same sort of silver was the shops name - which turned out to be The Crescent Moon Bed & Breakfast, Cafe and Witchcraft Emporium.

Professor McGonagall looked down the street. There were a few people about, but none of them seemed to notice her and her companions or the shop itself as they stood outside it.

"The Man in the Moon," said Erszhebet wide-eyed with a gasp as she looked up for the first time ever at the sign. She had never paid any attention whenever she had strolled by.

"What?" asked Poppy.

"Nothing," Erszhebet replied quickly as she looked through the crowded window display at the shop interior. The younger woman behind the counter was staring at her and quickly walked to the back of the shop and disappeared from view.

"It would seem we are expected," said Severus hissed in his usual whispery baritone as he cocked his left eyebrow. He made a mental note to ask Erszhebet what she had meant by that moon business later.

[[]]]

Professor McGonagall stepped in first, followed by Madam Pomfrey, then Severus and Erszhebet. Erszhebet held tightly to Severus' hand. She could not explain it; but she felt apprehensive and was not sure that it was a simple matter of being the only Mugissant in the place. The moment they stepped in the shop seemed to triple in size.

There were no other customers in the shop. To their immediate left were three large floor-to-ceiling bookcases of all manner of books both Wizarding and Muggle. There were several bulletin boards with all sorts of notices pinned, including events being held at the shop, and a besom in the corner behind the door.

To the immediate right were two long vertical counters cum display cases with a modern Muggle-style cash register on top and an assortment of witchcraft ritual tools, music, and jewelry. Further down the display case were crystal balls, crystals, pendulums and an assortment of small statuettes and other items. Next to that were two small circular brochure racks holding all sorts of small books on various Earth-based Celtic, Afro-Caribbean, Oriental, Middle Eastern and Asian spiritual traditions and spells.

Erszhebet was impressed by the amount of information readily available on Muggle spiritual traditions, particularly those of ethnic groups. Further along on the left was open shelving piled high with all sorts of candles in different colors. Some were 7-day candles encased in glass; some were in shapes of a man, a woman, a couple or a cat.

In the very back in front of a small window whose curtains were only partially open was another long case positioned horizontally. Here staff members mixed Essential Oils and crafted custom-made decorated candles for spell casting. Interesting, Severus thought as he looked at a sample candle, it looked very similar to what Erszhebet had in her bedroom back at the loft.

In the nook built into the wall down from the large counters in from were more books and pamphlets. These were about Spiritual Cleansing, Protection, Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts. On a wall were listings for Essential Oil blends and Candle work with prices. Next to this was a dark blue door. That was where the woman had disappeared to.

Professor McGonagall and Poppy looked around the front of the shop at a section of rather immense books on Notable Women of the Wizarding World Since the Beginning of Time and Jewelry. Severus and Erszhebet looked in the back at the books on Spiritual Protection and Cleansing. The ones Severus held looked old - perhaps rare editions.

"Do you think we should get those, Severus?" asked Erszhebet.

"You should, definitely, although they are very expensive" was his reply as he frowned. He could not afford to buy them himself. "I have never been able to find these in London. They are very rare."

"Not me, Severus," said Erszhebet as she kissed his cheek. "We should...ok?"

Severus gave her a look. He looked around to see that no one could see them and French-kissed her back before giving her a gentle squeeze.

"You will never allow me to get away with anything, will you Miss Bathory," he said trying not to smile.

"No, never," Erszhebet replied softly with a grin as she leaned against him. "I love you too much for that Professor Snape."

"That works both ways my Angel," he whispered silkily in her ear, smiling this time.

Just then the door behind them opened and out stepped Livia Prudence Halliwell-Munstor, the proprietress of the Crescent Moon. She had long dark hair with thick and thin bands of silvery gray winding through it and wore a floor length dark blue gown accesorised with silver and pewter jewelry including a brooch of a Crescent Moon. Her nails were painted bright red to match her lipstick. Livia looked very elegant and wore her age well. She had the same colouring as Erszhebet but amber-coloured eyes. The same amber eyes that Erszhebet's daughter had had.

Just behind Livia was her niece Marilyn. She was a pretty blonde who looked to be in her early 20s. She was dressed conservatively in sensible Muggle clothing of a calf-length dark blue pencil skirt with a wide black belt and a dark blue sweater. Like her aunt she accesorised with silver and pewter jewelry and wore a similar brooch.

Marilyn made her way to the front of the shop, locked it up for the rest of the day and then returned to stand quietly behind her aunt.

Livia introduced Marilyn and herself and then turned towards the door.

"Come," said Livia as she guided them through the door along a roomy but short passageway, through a garden and courtyard space and then into an annex of some kind. Typical of Wizarding buildings the little shop was a lot larger and spacious than it appeared to be on the outside.

"This is the B&B and Café," said Marilyn. Like Erszhebet she generally was soft-spoken, though not nearly as quiet as Erszhebet was. "It has been open since the first war of...you know." Marilyn did not like to mention Voldemort. It gave her the creeps.

Livia led them through another door, down an impressive hallway and into her elegant dining room. There was an attractive young man already seated there. Like Marilyn he too was blonde. Marilyn introduced the visitors to her husband Brian and then slid the large antique paneled Mahogany doors shut. She took her seat next to Brian and sat quietly.

"Take a seat please, everyone," said Livia.

The table was already laid out with tea, finger sandwiches and a sumptuous chocolate cake.

"Mind your manners," Professor McGonagall hissed to Poppy under her breath.

"Honestly, Minerva," hissed Poppy in return. "What do you take me for?"

"A pig as of late," replied Minerva with her usual straight and very stern face. She meant business.

Livia took her seat and waited until everyone had been served before she began.

"Well my dear, I have been wondering when you would finally come in to see us," said Livia to Erszhebet with a smile. "I have watched you, you know, over the years. Had you not come to see me I am afraid I would have had to come to see you."

Erszhebet looked alarmed and Severus gave one of her hands a squeeze under the table. He wanted her to know he was there for her. Severus did not like the way this conversation was going. The proprietress certainly did not waste time getting down to business.

"Don't worry; I know your Papa - Jacques Tritignant," said Livia. "He and Marianne are old and dear friends and Marilyn is good friends with their youngest, Céline, yes? They attended L'Institut D'or D'Aube in Paris together along with Brian."

Livia explained to the Hogwarts colleagues that the Institute of the Golden Dawn was a Wizarding institution of higher education not dissimilar in concept to Muggle universities.

"Jacques will explain when you see him. You have much to talk about. I must say, by the way, I am glad that you have been happy in my old chocolate factory and that you have cared for her so well by all accounts," said Livia. "I was more than pleased to have the sale go to you. I would not have considered anyone else as a matter of fact."

Erszhebet seemed to have lost the power of speech, like her companions, at these pronouncements.

Severus was seething at the obvious intricate weave of deception that seemed to be woven around himself and Erszhebet. Especially her, it was not fair on her, not at all. Severus could see a muscle twitching in his beloved's cheek which could only mean one of two things. Either she was going to lose her temper in spectacular fashion or she was going to cry. From the distressed look on her face it was more like the latter with a healthy dose of the former thrown in for good measure as she too realized how much her life seemed to have been manipulated very badly by those around her.

After a moments uneasy silence Professor McGonagall cleared her throat and formally introduced the little group. Madam Promfrey was staying uncharacteristically quiet. The power that seemed to course through the proprietress was almost overwhelming; as overwhelming the bomb she just dropped and Erszhebets and Severus' reaction to it. Minerva need not have gone through the trouble.

Livia knew exactly who they were.

"Ahhhh yes, well Dumbledore has told me all about you; its real pleasure to meet you at last Professor McGonagall," said Livia as she scrutinized Minerva from head to toe.

"The same to you; Albus kept me appraised of what a tremendous help you and your Temple of the Sacred Moon were to us, especially during those troubled times; please call me Minerva," said Professor McGonagall politely as she shook the hand that Livia offered and clasped it.

Minerva did not have a clue what was behind the inference in Livia's voice. She never could have dreamed that Livia knew her deepest secrets and that Professor Dumbledore had revealed them to her. She chalked it up to her role at Hogwarts and within the Order. However, Dumbledore did not have to tell her very much. Livia already had known quite enough.

"And so shall we be again," said Livia with determination. "We need each other more than ever Minerva as you know; as long as we stand united we cannot be defeated. Dumbledore was always right about that and I believe that is still very much the case."

"I am glad that you are here to help us," said Minerva. "I take it Albus has told you then."

"It was I who told him; and it is my family who are keeping him appraised," said Livia as she corrected Minerva with the same steeliness in her voice. She was quite dismissive of the notion that Albus Dumbledore would have to tell her, of all people, anything. "There will be some new reports waiting for you when you return. Most of our family is still in Transylvania where I am from...and it is not good; not good at all. But, we have advantages we have not had before...advantages which will be reviewed when the time is right."

From the moment Livia said the word 'Transylvania' she looked at Erszhebet. After all surely Erszhebet realized her name was Transylvanian in origin as well as the surname of Bathory. The Bathorys were amongst the oldest and most venerated of families. They were also feared. It was obvious by the young woman's blank expression, however, that she did not. Erszhebet sat still and wondered why she was being stared at.

"Well at least one of our party knows something of the other," said Severus with a hiss. Damn it if Dumbledore did not anger him with all this cloak-and-dagger business. He wondered what the proprietress meant by that look at Erszhebet. He knew that Erszhebet herself was not so unsettled to have not caught it.

Professor McGonagall tried not to look like what she felt at that remark and the accompanying look. She felt as though she would die of the fright and shock coursing through her veins. She was playing it safe and staying quiet. Minerva McGonagall was not one to be scared easily; she just wanted to get out of there for her own reasons.

"Professor Snape - yes, Dumbledore has told me about you too," said Livia as she regarded him with appraising eyes. "I have something which you should have. I doubt very much that you have thought of it - given the heat of other matters as of late?"

"So I have been told," replied Severus dismissively, not caring what she meant by that. Whatever it was, he was not interested.

Livia looked at Erszhebet and then came over to stand beside of her as Erszhebet remained glued to her seat from sheer fright and intimidation. She smoothed Erszhebets fringe off her forehead and looked at the scar on her forehead, the scar of the Crescent Moon. It was obvious she had been quite expecting it.

"So," Livia said softly with a look of triumph as she ran a finger along the scar, "It is you. My pleasure to meet you at last; though I always knew it would not happen until the time was right."

Livia Phoenicia Halliwell-Munstor was as cryptic as Dumbledore and Erszhebet felt a warmth surge through her at Livia's touch.

"Severina; that is what you should be known as once you marry; it is more suitable; it will also keep you safe as it has done with your rather prominent career," said Livia with a smile to Erszhebet. "Yes, I am a fan."

The older woman looked at Erszhebet for a moment as if reading her.

"Take this; it is yours to inherit," said Livia.

Livia took off the silver cuff she had been wearing, it was a silver and pewter wrist cuff which had the symbol of the Triple Goddess engraved into it; the Waxing, Full and Waning Moons connected at the edges representing Mother, Maiden and Crone. The Waxing and Waning Moons being Crescent in shape. There was another decorative design of symbols within an ornamental border, but Erszhebet did not know what they were. They were Transylvanian in origin, perhaps.

Livia took it off and extended it to Erszhebet bidding the young woman to rise.

Severus looked at the proprietress suspiciously. He knew he was in no position to speak or object as Livia was an old friend and ally of the Headmaster's. All he could do was sit and watch but inside he was seething at this set-up.

Erszhebet hesitated and looked at Severus. She knew he did not like this anymore than she did. And she too realized that she had little choice in the matter.

Severus gave a slight nod - although his face was a stone-cold mask.

"I...I couldn't," stuttered Erszhebet as she stood up shakily. Yet Erszhebet knew that was a lie; she did not know how she knew, but once she stood and faced Livia she knew that she must accept; she must for the greater good. This was Destiny; she had no choice. It would keep coming at her until she faced it.

"You must," said Livia. "You do not need me to tell you this, I think you do understand that this is Destiny at hand; but you will come to understand it in the fullness of time."

Livia took Erszhebets wrists and looked at the scars on them and momentarily ran a finger across them.

Erszhebet shuddered.

Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey were shocked yet again. How was it that although they had ministered to her and been staying with her for about a week they had never noticed these marks on her wrists? Poppy gave Minerva a dark look. It was fairly obvious what those scars were.

"Yes, it most certainly is you," said Livia as she held out the cuff to Erszhebet once more.

Erszhebet hesitated and then took the cuff in her right hand. As she clasped it images flashed rapidly before her eyes; too fast for her to make them out and a strange electrical tingling surged through her body culminating in a fearsome burst. She felt at first surrounded by a warm, bright sort of silvery glowing light. As everyone in the room watched the light went from Livia to Erszhebet and from Erszhebet to Livia, around both of them and then back again. Finally the light settled into Erszhebet.

Livia turned up Erszhebets wrists. Her scars had vanished.

The cuff was now placed over Erszhebets left wrist. Livia, Marilyn and Brian may have been unfazed; but the Hogwarts colleagues and Erszhebet were once again astonished.

What Erszhebet did not know was that Livia's maiden name was her own. It too was Bathory. Livia filled in that blank as she did not feel it was Dumbledore's place to tell her such a shocking thing. Yes, Dumbledore knew who Erszhebet was just as Livia did. Very much so indeed.

"We...we...we are related???" asked Erszhebet in deep shock.

"Erszhebet, my child, understand something. Those people in Paris were not your real family. Indeed they were not even true Bathorys. What you wished was very true. Assuming the name was not supposed to be a part of the arrangement to care for you...and in doing so brought it into disrepute with their conduct," said Livia.

"We had assurances that they were something other than what they really were. We made a grave mistake and I cannot apologise enough for that. When those people took our name for themselves they almost compromised everything we were working so hard for. I am happy to say that that particular problem at least was rectified...which is why you have been able to live your life with your name unimpeded, even though it has been at a great cost to you personally as I understand."

Erszhebet could only stare in mute horror. This could not be happening. She had been left with those foul, evil, loathsome, deviant bastards - to care for her??

"I am leaving it to your father to reveal himself to you and his purpose in consenting to those arrangements. The rationale was sound even if the execution was flawed, at a great cost to you. After all, even with Destiny you still had the freedom of choice; even though it brought you much more pain. Despite all that I am proud to say that you are my niece, Erszhebet."

Not the sound could be heard in the room.

If Erszhebet was horrified then Professor McGonagall was traumatised. She had no idea about Livia. None.

Livia continued and as she did so she reached out to touch a cheek of Erszhebets. "I want you to understand, my dear, that your father agonized over what to do. He did not go into this arrangement without a heavy heart. You are very special, and your life would have been at great risk had anyone known about you then - especially because your parentage," said Livia.

Erszhebet was willing herself almost desperately not to cry.

"You come from a long line of...highly unusual people on our side. Unfortunately some are quite infamous, especially your historical namesake for all of the wrong reasons, in the annals of history. Information is readily available to you.

I leave it to you to read what I will give you about Erzebet Bathory, The Bloody Countess; and Vlad Tepes, Vlad The Impaler; both of the Muggle Dracula legends, for yourself.

They were amongst the Darkest and Most Foul of Entities to have ever graced this earth. Many say that they themselves were the Darkest that our kind has ever known. And when I say 'our kind' I am not talking of mere of Wizards and Witches. The Bathorys are much, much more than that. The Dracula legends are not mere legends, not in the Wizarding world. You will come to understand your powers, abilities, who and what you really are once we come to see you in France and I give you some material to take to Hogwarts with you."

Severus jumped up. It all made sense to him now and only his love for Erszhebet prevented him from stalking out of the room. Her kind was amongst the most feared in the Wizarding world if not the most feared. Bathory. No wonder Erszhebets name had seemed familiar. It was a testament to how chaotic their lives had been since they met that he did not make an immediate connection. After all, he read the details of her ancestors exploits many times. It was gruesomely fascinating.

Severus had read unspeakably horrific accountings of the Bathorys misdeeds against humanity; especially on the part of these two supposed Vampires Extraordinaires, The Bloody Countess and The Impaler. It did not do them justice to label them as vampires as they were so much more than that. Much, much more. Even ordinary vampires were afraid of them.

They were the darkest of the dark according to some of the rare Wizarding texts he had in his private rooms at Hogwarts. Muggle texts looked at both almost benignly as psychotic Serial Killers. What a classic understatement Severus had thought when he read that. But that was Muggles for you.

Erszhebet started to shake uncontrollably and hyperventilate as if having another seizure. Her eyes rolld to the back of her head. Whatever was happening she could not fight it.

"PROFESSOR SNAPE," shouted Livia. "CATCH HER!"

Erszhebet crashed to the floor and Severus only just caught her as blood gushed from her nose and from her scar. It was almost as if she had died. The terror of their first morning together came flooding back to him.

[[[]]]

Severus was incandescent with rage as he carried Erszhebet and lay her down on a sofa that was in front of a bay window in the expansive dining room. 'Please don't die', he thought in a panic as he watched Livia lay her hands on Erszhebets head to heal her as Marilyn ran to get a healing potion and Brian a basin of water.

Severus could not take any more. He snapped in spectacular fashion.

"HOW COULD YOU?!" he roared at Livia. "HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO HER! THIS IS YOUR FAULT! WHAT IS IT WITH YOU, DUMBLEDORE AND THIS TRITIGNANT - TAKING LIBERTIES WITH HER AND HER LIFE IN THIS WAY?! DAMN IT TO HELL; TAKING LIBERTIES WITH MY LIFE AS WELL!! PLAYING US LIKE PAWNS IN A PATHETIC MATCH OF WIZARD'S CHESS!! NO MORE!! YOU SAY YOU ACT TO PROTECT HER AND IT IS ALWAYS HER LIFE THAT IS COMPROMISED BECAUSE OF THESE INCESSANT GAMES!!!"

Livia stood in the impressiveness of her own full height and power and it was intimidating to watch. Dumbledore was no fool; even he treaded carefully with her.

Severus Snape was not easily scared or threatened and merely looked at her with the most intense attitude of loathing and disgust as he could muster.

"Mr. Snape," said Livia icily. "It is by our efforts that Erszhebet still lives. She would have faced a grave peril from the moment of her birth had we not battled to keep her alive and innocent of who and what she really is. Her birth in and of itself could have triggered an all out war. Note that despite what has happened here she is alive; had such a thing happened as a child she would not have survived.

You of all people, having now realized what she is, should know that she did not come into the fullness of her powers until she was an adult. I know for myself what you have witnessed; your Wizarding prowess with concealment does not prevent me from accessing these details within you - without your awareness. Remember that.

It was for Erszhebet's own safety and protection that we kept her hidden as well as the knowledge of her true parentage. In doing so we kept others ignorant of her existence and she was able to survive."

Marilyn returned with several potions and some cloths. Her husband followed a moment later with an antique porcelain basin filled with warm water.

Livia continued to speak as she worked to heal Erszhebet with Marilyn and Brian assisting. They did not need to speak to each other in order to know what to do.

"Her father is formidable in his own right as are all true Bathorys - rivals to your Dumbledore and Tritignant. This is an alliance we have forged and maintained, in spite of the tremendous risks in doing so, for the greater good. It is in everyone's best interest that that alliance stays strong," said Livia.

"What we will all face soon would have come much sooner had she perished and the whole of mankind, Muggle, Wizard and otherwise, might well have paid the consequences. It was bad enough to be dealing with that Wizarding trash Grindewald and Voldemort and their vile mindless followers and others like them.

We could only face one battle at a time; one enemy at a time. All the options were carefully considered. There are several prophecies written about this, Dumbledore can appraise you.

If you want my niece to live to be your wife as I see deep inside you desperately do, bear your children and live a long life of happiness with you when this madness is over; the happiness which has unfortunately eluded her most of her life and which I know you offer her freely; then I suggest you don't make myself, Dumbledore or Tritignant your enemy.

You need us whether you accept or not. Whether you like it or not. It is not us that is the problem here; it is your ignorance which I am graciously attempting to correct. Erszhebet will need you now more than ever, whatever else you hear, whatever facts are made known to you. She herself still has much in her heart to share with you and she is frightened of losing you and her deepest desires with you. The road to your dreams is a difficult one, as you already have found for yourself."

The kid gloves were off.

"Severus, Livia is right," said Professor McGonagall carefully in a shaky voice as she tried to get herself together. "You don't have all the facts. For once in your life trust that what has been done was done with the best of intentions and let it go. Even the best intentions don't always yield exacting results. But that is just life as well you know. We can't always get it right, no matter how hard we try. This is not only about you or even just her. Much is at stake. "

"And I also suggest, Mr. Snape, that if you yourself wish to live then do not ever dare to speak to me in that way ever again. Death Eaters, former or no, do not mean anything to me!" said Livia menacingly. "Do we understand each other?!"

Severus' nostrils were flaring and his face was tinged with purple, so enraged was he.

"SEVERUS," hissed Professor McGonagall, "APOLOGISE FOR MERLIN'S SAKE!"

"I have news for you, dear lady," hissed Severus silkily to Livia, "What I do will be done for Severina and myself, not because of you. Unlike my colleagues here I do realise what you are and the Bathorys don't mean anything to me! I am not afraid of you! Severina is the innocent one caught up in this mess that you created and someone needs to stand up for and truly protect her!"

Silence.

"I cannot and will not hold this against her," said Severus. "There is no blame to be placed. We cannot choose the family we are born into. Severina cannot and must not be blamed for her suffering and for what she herself did not know. In spite of her heritage and upbringing she is good, kind, generous, forgiving and loving. That is what is important."

His beloved was everything Severus had not allowed himself to be and he did cherish those qualities in her. In spite of everything, Erszhebet was everything thaty of her notorious ancestors had definitely not been. There was no denying that.

"You say it oh so easily now, but say it and mean it later..." replied Livia. The man was just too sure of himself for someone who still had much to learn about his intended. "You may have a shared destiny and life together, but the road to get there is most assuredly a hard one as I indicated before."

It was infuriating to Severus how much knowledge that others definitely had about Erszhebet and himself and the life they would lead together.

There was a heightened sense of tension in the room.

Severus was not backing down. Apology be damned. He would apologise when rained in hell. Since everyone knew that there was no such thing as it was Muggle religious fantasy, any such apology from him would be quite a long time in coming.

"I commend you Professor; not many have dared to challenge me in the way that you have - challenge me and live...none in fact," said Livia. "Was it not because of my niece the situation might well be different for you. It must be the overconfidence of getting your leg over that fool Voldemort...I am not he I assure you."

"I will keep that in mind, shall I," Severus said sarcastically with a characteristic sneer. If looks could kill the proprietress would have been long dead.

Silence.

"Professor Snape," said Livia, "As we are to be related, I would suggest that it is in all our best interests to be the mature adults we are supposed to be and get along. If nothing else, then for Erszhebets sake. If you love her, kindly make the effort. I myself shall do the same.

I can appreciate how difficult this is. I assure you none of this has come easy to any of the parties involved. It has been agonizing for all of us - especially with what we have learned of her upbringing and troubles. Her father will spend the rest of his life trying to make amends if she allows it - as will we all who were involved.

Severus thought for a few minutes and then spoke.

"Very well," he said defensively. "I see your point and I am in agreement. Severina has been through enough. I do not wish to add to that. I agree, this is not easy; least of all for her. I would be remiss if I did not point out that we both could do without any further manipulation. We are adults, as you so aptly pointed out. All of these Secrets and lies made everything worse rather than solving a problem. I cannot and will not stand for any more machinations. It is not right that the one person who has the most to loose is completely ignorant of what she faces; of what is threatening her. What we must face together."

Severus told Livia of the psychic attack at the loft. Thank Goddess he had been there; otherwise Severina would be dead.

"I know," said Livia. It was not a surprise to her. She had anticipated something would definitely happen once there was a transfer of power from herself to Erszhebet and said so. Shifts in power did not go unnoticed or unchallenged by their kind. But she had known that Erszhebet had been a target of Dark Wizards in her past and with what was developing now she might well find herself a target even before the transfer took place.

One had nothing to do with the other. But as Erszhebet had not revealed the finer details of the identity of Caitlin's father, Livia opted to not speak on that. It was for Erszhebet to reveal her own secrets in her own time and her own way.

"I see," said Severus as he tried to keep his legendary temper under control. "As a matter of fact the Headmaster kindly sent some things along to me which proved to be what was needed. These items were carefully chosen. He seemed to already know that Severina and I had met, who she was and what was going on in that there might be very specific difficulties that we would encounter...I thought that the attack may be my fault; that it was because my past. However, as it is clearly is not, it would have been useful to have this information before anything had actually happened...we were both at risk due to our own ignorance of these matters."

"I know that too and you are right of course," said Livia. "As Minerva pointed out, the execution has been somewhat lacking. I share the blame for this as it was by my direction the Dumbledore acted. In trying to do the right thing we got it wrong. Marilyn, Brian and I will come over to see you once you are settled in the country. I think it is time that we all sat down together to talk things through and device a strategy. Mistakes such as these cannot be made again. You are right, the cost is too high."

"Stay strong and fierce, Severus, in spite of your insecurities," continued Livia as she looked at Erszhebet who had not yet regained consciousness although she was now fully healed. "You are going to need it. And she will need you; it is good that she has someone who will look after her and protect her as you do. You are the best thing to happen to her in a long time."

Severus Snape was a man of deep contradictions and complexities. Truth be told Livia admired his nerve sticking up for himself and her niece. She was not about to admit to that however. Yes. Severus Snape was much better for Erszhebet than that fool that was Caitlin's father. Always so desperate to be liked he would have put up with anything in spite of himself. Livia had no liking or respect for his kind anyway. Goodness knows her niece must have been desperately lonely to have settled for that. No wonder Erszhebet and her child had been targets. There was deep distrust in the Wizarding even about his sort. Livia was not without her own prejudices and would not apologise for them.

No, Livia thought to herself, Severus Snape was much better for Erszhebet. Besides she could see the etheric cords between them. She knew they were meant for each other the moment she saw them just from the cords alone. Livia did not need the knowledge of the prophecy to be certain of this.

Twin Souls could not avoid the irresistible desire to connect and be together. There was always some task which needed to be undertaken by them both as a couple. They did not get together temporarily for the sake of learning as some fools believed to their detriment. The people who thought that were the ones who were not willing to admit that their own relationships were not what they wanted them to be.

If a relationship was short-lived then it was just a soulmate or kindred spirit and nothing more. Soulmates could be temporary or permanent. One can have many soulmates, be they acquaintance, friend or lover; but there is only one Twin Soul. The two halves coming together to form a very special whole; each completing the other. Many spent whole lifetimes wanting and seeking this union; having the insatiable yearning to merge with the One who completes them. It was not guaranteed that a Twin Soul conn was meant in a specific lifetime. People had been known to waste their lives saving themselves for something which might not be meant for them.

Severus and Erszhebet were meant to be and nothing and no one could come between them. This is why certain matters in both their pasts were never meant to be.

Sure, they had a lot to learn as individuals and as a couple through their union. But, no matter how hard things got they would always have each other. That in and of itself was a great consolation.

Severus also thought in the silence of the moment, his gaze on Erszhebet as he did so. He noted to himself that in spite of everything that had been said, no details were given about Erszhebet's mother, whoever she was. There was obviously yet another interesting tale to come. Gods how this situation was maddeningly peculiar. Erszhebet deserved the truth and he would see to it that she got it. At least she had him no matter how painful the truth proved to be.

At last Severus looked up at Livia and gave a slight nod in agreement.

Livia extended her hand and without taking his eyes off of her Severus shook it briefly. That was as close to an apology as he was going to get.

They were all in it together now.