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Shattered	By : Adriana Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 11986 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Shattered

by Adriana

trixielou60@hotmail.com

*********************************

Turn out the light

just say goodnight,

to yourself

may I remind you

when you find

you're all alone is

when you've

got to be strong

cause that's when

they call you,

in the night

he's got your

picture in his mind

he's got your number

on a paper at his

disposal anytime

~From the song, "Save Yourself" by Sense Field

************************************

Chapter 13: Save

Albus adjusted his spectacles and made note of the expectant faces peering at
him from around the room. Everybody was present for the meeting, except for
Severus, who was still recovering from the effects of the poison. He fervently
hoped that this gathering would go better than the last one. He chuckled to
himself, remembering Hermione bolting from the room with Severus hot on her
heels. Who would have thought that Hermione Granger, of all people, could
produce such an unexpected reaction in his Potions Master? While, in many ways,
Severus was still a mystery to the Headmaster, one thing was obvious. He had
deep feelings for the girl, no matter how hard he tried to hide them.

"Albus. You're daydreaming again," said Minerva accusingly. "Are
we going to have this meeting or not?"

"Trust you to cut to the chase, my dear," said Albus. He looked at
them from above his crescent lenses. "By now, you all know about Taryn
Butler. As Mr. Weasley here, has been in charge of security, I'll let him fill
you in on what's going on."

Ron cleared his throat nervously and his freckles seemed to stand out even more
than usual. He had been a little apprehensive about coming to this meeting and
facing Severus Snape, but to his relief, their confrontation would have to wait
for another day. "Butler has been in interrogation all night with Ministry
Aurors, and they were very successful in obtaining vital information from
her," he announced.

�You mean, she was very susceptible to Ministry torturers,� ventured Draco with
a knowing look. �Tell me, did you call in the Torture Twins? What are their
names? Hansel and Gretel?�

�I take it you're referring to our top Ministry Interrogators," Ron said,
looking put out. "And for your information, Malfoy, it's Hans and
Greta."

"Whatever," Draco muttered. "They're a scary pair, those two."

Ron chose to ignore him. "Butler told us that Voldemort's been very ill.
From bits and pieces she was able to gather, she believes that he plans to use
Hermione to heal himself."

Hermione frowned thoughtfully. "That doesn't make sense," she said.
"Voldemort has plenty of Healers amongst his ranks. Thelonius Sleazard
turned to the Dark Side years ago and he was a Master Healer, in his day. Why
is Voldemort interested in me?"

Ron looked anxious. "Well now, there's the rub. Upon further, erm,
'questioning', the Aurors learned that Voldemort has been reading a very rare
book. It's called, 'Arcanus Sentiens' and from Butler's description, it looks
very, very old. We've tried to find the book, but so far, we've been
unsuccessful. There are only three copies that we know of, and one of them is
apparently buried somewhere in the Sahara. We don't know where the other one
is."

Draco had been listening quietly to what was being said, and noticed that upon
mention of the title of the book, Hermione stiffened suddenly and her face went
very pale. It was subtle, but Draco was willing to bet that she knew something
about the importance of the book. Years of watching body language as a spy told
him that Hermione was very troubled by what Ron was saying, but for some reason,
she chose to stay silent.

Interesting.

Albus cleared his throat. "I think that I may be able to help with finding
the book. I've got some underground sources, which, for obvious reasons, don't
want Ministry Aurors poking about. I may be able to open some doors, but I'm
afraid I'll have to keep identities a secret." He turned to Ron. "I
trust you'll help keep the Aurors out of it?"

Ron nodded. "I think I can pacify them. They're really just interested in
obtaining the book. If that means sources are kept from them, I believe they'll
accept that. No choice, really. My colleagues are a practical bunch."

Remus spoke up. " 'Arcanus Sentiens' means 'Sentient Secret'. Obviously,
this has to do with Hermione's status as a Sentient. Do you know anything about
this book, Hermione?"

"Only rumors, really. I do know that it addresses how a Sentient obtains
his or her powers. Other than that, I really don't know."

"She's lying," thought Draco. "The question is,
why?"

Albus seemed satisfied with her answer, though. "Don't worry, Hermione.
We'll figure it out," he said smoothly. He got up from his chair to stroke
Fawkes' tail feathers before continuing. "So now, the question becomes,
what to do with Miss Butler? I believe it prudent that Voldemort thinks she's dead.
Otherwise, he'll know that she's been questioned. Any suggestions?"

Draco grinned suddenly. "I think that we should tell people that she and
Uncle Severus killed each other during sex. It would do wonders to enhance his
reputation," he added.

"You're disgusting, you know that?" Harry couldn't keep the amusement
from creeping into his voice.

"Thank you, Potter. That's what I was aiming for."

Albus shook his head and brought them back to the original question. "Erm,
interesting suggestion, Mr. Malfoy, but I don't think your uncle would be as
appreciative as you think. No, we need something else."

"Well," ventured Minerva tentatively. "What if we say they died
in a potions accident? I know that Severus wouldn't like the implication that
he'd made a fatal mistake, but even a Potions Master has his bad days,"
she added dryly.

"That seems reasonable," said Albus. "But we'll have to produce
a body for Taryn Butler. And it would have to be convincing. Anyone?"

There was silence for a few moments, then Minerva spoke again, "I have
read of a transfiguration technique." She was twisting her hands nervously
in her lap. "It involves the use of Dark Magic," she said in a grim
tone. "A large animal is used, usually a bear or perhaps a buck. We would
then poison it with a botched potion and once the animal was dead, I could
transform it into the likeness of Miss Butler. We could hide the magic from
close scrutiny, at least long enough for her family to claim her. It's a good
thing that our tradition is such that the body must be buried within
twenty-four hours. If we're lucky, her family will opt for cremation, so there
would definitely be no trace."

"How do you feel about using Dark Magic, Minerva?" asked Remus.
"Are you sure you can emotionally handle it?"

Minerva nodded her head vigorously. "If it meant the end of Voldemort, I
would do anything."

"So, it's settled then," said Albus. "Now the question becomes,
what do we do with Severus?"

"I can answer that," said a familiar, velvet voice. "I must
leave Hogwarts. Immediately."

Startled, everyone turned around to look at the Potions Master. He was dressed
in his usual black robes, his pale skin standing out in even greater contrast
than usual. He was leaning against the doorframe, arms folded across his chest,
and it was obvious he was still very weak.

"Severus," Hermione's voice was firm. "You should be resting in
bed." She refused to acknowledge what he'd just said.

"Later," he growled. "I have some unfinished business."
Turning to Ron, he withdrew his wand.

Ron's eyes widened, and for a moment, the only thing he could do was to quickly
screw his eyes shut to brace him against the inevitable. It came fast and
furiously. An angry, jagged red energy shot from Severus' wand and before
anybody could blink, the tall, lanky frame of Ron Weasley was instantly
transformed.

Sitting in his place was a small green newt. The only thing identifying it as
Ron Weasley was a wiry tuft of red hair perched on its homely, little head.

"A distinct improvement," said the Potions Master, happily.

************************************************

After Ron was turned into a newt, all semblance of order was lost from the
meeting. Harry jumpedto sto shout at Severus and Remus had to prevent him from
hexing the Potions Master into oblivion. Albus called for order, but it was a
futile gesture. Everyone was talking at once, except for Draco, who'd been
reduced to hysterical laughter at the sight of Ron Weasley. "It's not easy
being green!" he hooted, gleefully.

Ron the Newt, on the other hand, had the presence of mind to
look embarrassed before Professor McGonagall took pity on him and turned him
back into a human.

During the chaos, Severus had quietly slipped from the room, and now he was
nowhere to be found. Hermione suspected that he'd made his way back to his
chambers, to lick his wounds in quiet solitude. She was anxious for the meeting
to adjourn so she could interrogate him about his little announcement.

When things finally quieted down, Albus once again focused their attention to
topitopic at hand. "There's one more thing on the agenda," he said.
Searching the faces around the room he said, "Severus is right. It's too
much of a risk to have him here at Hogwarts. We are going to be announcing his
death to the school this morning. No doubt, the news is going to be shocking to
the students --"

"But happiness will reign supreme, especially amongst the
Gryffindors," added Draco, truthfully. Hermione shot him a dirty look.
"Well, it's true," he said to her, defensively.

She sighed. "I know. He can be a real bastard sometimes, but to be glad
he's dead is appalling."

"Yes, but think of the sympathy factor for me," said Draco
cheerfully. "After all, he was my uncle. If I play the part of
grieving nephew, the girls will be swarming me." He beamed with happiness
at the thought.

Hermione rolled her eyes ahookhook her head at him.

"Be that as it may," said the Headmaster, "I've been thinking
about this all night and I've come up with a way to hide Severus until it's
time for the final confrontation with Voldemort. For everyone's protection, and
for the sake of security, I think it best if his whereabouts are kept
secret."

"Even from me?" asked Hermione.

"Especially from you, my dear. It's not safe for you to know. In fact,
it's paramount that nobody know of his whereabouts." Albus looked
sympathetic. "You'll have time to say goodbye to him, but not much. It's
important that we do this quickly."

Hermione's lower lip trembled and she looked to be on the verge of tears. Draco
found himself uncharacteristically putting a comforting arm around her.

Albus continued. "My team has been working on the Soul Shattering Spell
and that will continue, of course. We're making very good progress. Severus
will be able to continue work on the potion and although you won't be there to
help him physically, Hermione, I can act as a go-between while you complete it.
I know it's not the same thing as being there, but we've no choice, really.
Severus will be supplied with a state-of-the-art potions lab and he tells me
that he's learned enough from your notes and sessions together to finish what
you've both started.&quor>
r>

He paused. "I know there's a lot to think about, we've much to do.
Minerva, please come with me so we can begin the transfiguration process to
simulate the body of Taryn Butler. I'm sure Hagrid can help us find the
appropriate animal; although we mustn'tl hil him the reason we need it. He's
terrible with secrets. I'm sure he'll understand our deception, once this is
all over."

Minerva was thoughtful. "I'll need to thoroughly examine Taryn Butler for
any marks or scars she may have on her body. It's important that the
transformation be completely accurate."

Draco perked up. "You're going to examine a naked Taryn Butler? Can I
help? I'm an expert in the field of female anatomy," he added, in what he
hoped was a wheedling, persuasive tone.

"No!" shouted McGonagall.

Draco looked crestfallen.

"And on that note, I'd say the meeting is over," said the Headmaster
drolly.

Hermione bolted from the room.

*******************************************

Draco entered the Library of Malfoy Manor, whistling a bawdy tune to himself.
He'd spent the night Hogwarts and hadn't seen his father in several days. It
was easy to get lost in that monstrosity of a house. If Lucius asked on his
whereabouts, Draco would inform him that he'd spent the night in Hermione
Granger's bed. He could just picture the look of distaste on his father's face.
"It's a dirty job, father, but somebody has to do it," he planned on
saying.

The library was dark, and the only light illuminating the room came from a cold
fire from the fireplace. Lucius' favorite chair was facing away from him, but
Draco could see his father's arm, draped elegantly on the armrest.

"Hello, father dearest," said Draco cheerfully. He noticed Lucius'
hand clenching before he got up and faced his son.

His face looked like thunder. "You fucking son of a bitch!" he
roared. Before Draco could react, his father pointed his wand at him. A thick
black energy shot out and the end of it formed a huge fist. It slammed into
Draco's face and he went reeling across the floor. He was speechless in
astonishment.

"What the hell was that all about?" he shouted. Lucius walked briskly
to him and shoved his wand under Draco's chin.

"You think you can betray our Lord and get away with it?" he growled
with menace. "I know everything, you stupid, stupid boy. The question is,
what do I do with you? I may be merciful and ask you your preference on how you
want to die. If you beg me."

"Oh shit," thought Draco. His mind whirled quickly, assessing
his situation and instantaneously coming up with a plan of action. Before
Lucius had a chance to notice, Draco's eyes had narrowed and he revealed his
wand, which he'd been hiding from behind his back.

"Turbotumesco!" he shouted, pointing the wand at his father.

A whirling blue light flew from his wand tip and hit Lucius square in the
chest. The older man was lifted from the floor and his body began to swirl like
a spinning top. Throwing his weight into the motion, Draco flicked his wand and
his father slammed against the stone wall of the library.

"Consisto!" Draco said with quiet menace and Lucius was pinned to the
wall, his long hair swirling around his face.

"Where the hell did you learn that?" his father managed to utter.

"From 'The How To Be Evil Handbook' . . . Volume Two. Remember that
Christmas present you gave me two years ago? I've been practicing." Draco
gave him a superior smirk.

He sarcastically continued. "Do you really think I'd betray the Dark Lord?
Despite our gene pool, I'm not that stupid. I gave up Taryn Butler for a reason
. . . for a much greater purpose. The members of the Order of the Phoenix have
completely accepted me and have taken me into their confidence. They think I've
turned against you. The good news is that I know now what they have planned for
Voldemort. If you're a good little daddy, I'll share the secret with you. But
first, Expelliarmus!" Lucius' wand flew into Draco's hand. "Not that
I don't trust you or anything," he murmured.

Lucius rubbed his jaw. "Why didn't you come to me with this in the first
place?"

"A spy never gives up his secrets unless forced . . . you know that,
father. Besides, it wasn't until this morning that I learned of the true extent
of their plans," he lied. He leaned forward and with calculated effect he
said quietly. "They've come up with a potion and a spell to kill
Voldemort. And they're almost ready to use it," he added.

Lucius was instantly interested. "What kind of spell and potion?"

"One that is designed to shatter his soul, father. And I'm coming up with
a plan to prevent it from happening. Would you like to help?"

Lucius looked so relieved that he didn't see the brief look of anxiety flicker
across his son's face.

"Gods, how am I ever going to save The Plan?" thought Draco.

This was going to change everything.

To be continued . . .

*****************************************************

Author's notes: I got the idea for the Torture Twins from the cancelled TV show
"La Femme Nikita". It was one of my favorite programs, in its day. I
don't remember the names of the Torture Twins, but I do remember they were
German.
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