Cassie sat in a cushioned, black, high-backed chair. The piece of furniture, gifted to her by one of her more deep-pocketed Saints, was rather ostentatious for her taste. It looked far too much like a throne. She suspected that was precisely why they had chosen it. Her followers never seemed to tire of reminding her of their devotion, even if the attention made her wholly uncomfortable.
It had become routine for one of the Saints of the Blood to introduce her at the beginning of every meeting. Cassie had argued against it initially, insisting there was no need for such theatrics. Her followers had refused to listen. They treated the opportunity to announce her presence as the highest honor they could be given.
The first time, they had introduced her simply as Lady Cassiopeia. With every subsequent meeting, however, her ceremonial titles seemed to multiply. On this humid August evening, Lachlan MacGregor had eagerly seized his opportunity.
He cleared his throat with exaggerated importance. "All kneel," he announced, "for Lady Cassiopeia Snape, Slayer of Dark Witches, Destroyer of the Krasnota, Blood of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, Heir of Salazar Slytherin, Defender of the Magical World, Keeper of the Magical Duma of the Russian Federation, Most Highly Skilled Legilimens and Parselmouth, and Protector of Innocents."
Several silent seconds ticked by. Cassie wondered how many more titles Lachlan intended to tack onto the list.
When he remained silent, she motioned for the Saints to rise. She knew she ought to thank him for the elaborate introduction.
Instead, she said, "Ah, but where is my crown?"
Lachlan stared at her. "If you wish for a crown, my lady, I will stop at nothing to procure the perfect one. Would you prefer silver or gold?"
Romily, standing beside Cassie's chair, snorted loudly enough that Cassie had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. "She is making a joke, MacGregor," the French witch said firmly.
"Oh. Really?" Lachlan's eyes darted between the two witches. "My lady, you need only say the word, and I will get one for you."
Cassie shook her head. "You have done enough. Thank you."
Lachlan finally took his place among the other Saints. Cassie deliberately avoided eye contact with Romily, afraid it would destroy what little composure she had left. Instead, she surveyed the partially rebuilt structure surrounding them.
The building had been hastily constructed on the Lestrange estate. However, Cassie had specifically instructed her followers to create something in stark contrast to the mansion that had once stood there. So far, the little one-story house resembled the first floor of the Burrow—not only in its materials, but in its overall warmth and aesthetics. Where her childhood homes had been cold and formal, this place was welcoming and cozy.
Of course, none of it was visible from outside the grounds. To any passerby, nothing remained of the Lestrange estate except the rubble Cassie had left behind after destroying it, and only she and her Saints could enter. She had borrowed the idea from Grimmauld Place and the enchantments that concealed its existence from the outside world.
The cellar contained a handful of marble coffins. Cassie expected a steady rotation of Nordic vampires to join her ranks, particularly as the war dragged on. A war the Ministry of Magic still refused to acknowledge.
Cassie abhorred the thought that her father's numbers were growing in size and strength while Fudge kept burying his head in the sand.
As the meeting progressed, Cassie was informed that the Armenian Ministry of Magic had sworn allegiance to her. She was not surprised by the development. The Armenian Minister had witnessed Gryzlov's capture at Cassie's hands only months earlier. If anything, Cassie was surprised it had taken this long to announce the allegiance formally.
"How many Aurors does Minister Vardanyan have under her command?" Cassie asked.
"Forty-seven," Diolinda replied. "She pledges five to your cause." Cassie could hear the disapproval in the stoic witch's voice.
"Five?" Cassie repeated, one eyebrow rising. "She might as well pledge none."
"I feel the same."
"Tell her that I require twenty," Cassie said. "And no less."
"If I may, my lady," Eamon Fraser interjected, "she fears that giving you more than five would severely weaken her forces if the Dark Lord attacks."
"I acknowledge her concerns." Cassie sighed. "But if I cannot keep him at bay here, then no number of wands will save her Ministry."
She paused. "If she refuses, arrange a meeting for me."
"Lady Snape," Romily said evenly, "we have discussed the dangers of continuing to meet with foreign governments. Every time you travel overseas, you risk capture. Or worse."
Cassie turned toward the brunette witch. "A necessary risk, no? I can hardly demand twenty Aurors from her while simultaneously insisting that she travel here for a simple discussion." Romily's expression remained stern, but she did not argue. She had learned when her mistress considered a topic closed. "And where do we stand with the Kinver werewolf pack?" Cassie asked.
Marek Petrov cleared his throat. "They did not receive us well. They do not approve of your alliance with the vampire clan."
"What we expected," Romily said.
Cassie nodded. "No matter." She did not say aloud that she would have to ask Remus for his help. He was already in enough danger with her father actively searching for him. Voldemort's desire to send her his head never left Cassie's mind.
The meeting continued well into the night. By the time Cassie was certain they had covered every necessary topic, a pounding headache had settled behind her eyes. She could not wait to swallow one of Severus's expertly made tonics and climb into bed.
She hoped he was already home and asleep while she dealt with magical international politics. She did not think she could bear discovering that he was once again under her father's scrutiny.
Many of the Saints remained behind to continue working on their new headquarters. Cassie thanked them profusely before making her way toward the Apparition point in the gardens with Romily.
"How is he?" Romily asked. She did not need to elaborate.
"Sirius is fine," Cassie replied. "Still a pain in the arse, but fine."
"Has he asked about me?"
Cassie sighed. "What do you think?"
Romily's face darkened. "The audacity," she snapped. "For him to wonder about my well-being after breaking up with me the way he did."
"No one is claiming that he's intelligent."
"I am certainly not," Romily declared. The two witches Apparated with a series of loud pops, reappearing in Seaton two streets away from Sirius and Remus's now-abandoned home. Nothing appeared amiss as they approached. "Has he been shoveling his oats, as he proclaimed he needed to do?"
"It's 'sowing his wild oats,'" Cassie corrected. "And if he has been, he hasn't told me about it."
Romily muttered something in her native tongue. Cassie was fairly certain it was a string of insults.
When they reached the property, Cassie slowly waved her wand toward the front door. Nothing happened. They circled the house carefully, wands lit, taking their time so they wouldn't miss anything.
When they reached the back door, Romily repeated the same wand movements Cassie had used. A swirl of shimmering red-and-black dust materialized around the doorframe. They watched as it spun tighter and tighter, forming a miniature cyclone before suddenly shooting beneath the door and into the house.
"Death Eaters?" Romily whispered. She glanced around, making sure whoever had triggered the magical warning wasn't still nearby.
"Hard to say. Could have been Aurors." Even in the darkness, Cassie caught glimpses through the windows of the whirling, shimmering tornado as it moved slowly from room to room. "Whoever it was, they searched everything." They dared not enter. If someone had left traps behind, walking through the house would be foolish.
They remained silent until they had safely Apparated to Hogsmeade. "So they'll be staying put for the time being," Cassie concluded.
"Sirius is going to hate staying in his parents' house any longer," Romily mused. Cassie did not miss the satisfaction threaded through her friend's words.
She thought of Severus's childhood home in Spinner's End. Even though it had taken some convincing to get him to sell it, he was all the better for no longer having to live among those haunted rooms. If she were forced to live in the now-destroyed Lestrange estate, she would never escape the horrible memories associated with it. She could empathize with Sirius's predicament.
Then she pushed the thought away. He had been nothing but vile toward Severus lately, and she would not stand for it. "Serves him right," Cassie said with renewed resolve. Romily said nothing, but acknowledged the sentiment with a satisfied smile before they parted ways.
Cassie was grateful to find Severus safe when she returned home. Rather than sleep, he had chosen to work in his potions laboratory.
Cassie opened the door only a crack and peered inside. He was carefully adding what she could only assume were several drops of dragon blood to the bubbling concoction before him. He corked the tiny vial of precious substance and looked up. "Were the wards activated?" he asked.
Of course. The first thing he wanted to know was whether someone was still trying to track Harry. Cassie had spent enough time with him to know that the boy's safety rarely left his mind. "Yes. We couldn't tell whether it was Death Eaters or the Ministry."
He nodded, then returned his attention to the partially finished potion. "I would be willing to wager it could be either. The Dark Lord is certain Potter and the mutts will return before summer's end."
Grimmauld Place had become an essential stronghold, not only for the Order, but for the safety of those Cassie loved. The Weasleys periodically returned to the Burrow to maintain appearances, even though they knew the Death Eaters were watching them. Cassie had already tasked a group of Saints and Nordic vampires with monitoring the property around the clock.
She loathed the thought of the day Voldemort would demand something unforgivable of Severus. A small part of her still hoped that, if ordered to harm someone from her pseudo-family, he would refuse—even if doing so meant sacrificing his position as a spy.
The subject threatened to burst from her mouth for the thousandth time. Instead, she said, "The Kinver pack has refused to discuss terms. I will have to ask Remus to go."
Severus grimaced. He always did whenever she accidentally used the werewolf's first name in his presence. The informality of it—and the ease with which the werewolf's name fell from her tongue—never failed to spark jealousy in him.
"This Wolfsbane will need to be delivered in two days," he said. "I will tell him then."
"Sev," Cassie began gently. She had not missed his visceral reaction.
"I think it would be better if I speak—"
"No," he interrupted.
Cassie blinked. "No?" She kept her voice soft, determined not to start an argument. It had been only minutes since she had allowed herself to relax at the realization that they were both home safely, when the night could have ended very differently. "It's my responsibility."
"And you are my wife," Severus said icily. He stirred the Wolfsbane clockwise three times before setting down the ladle and fixing his gaze upon her. "And therefore my responsibility. I will not allow you to interact with a werewolf who is not only infatuated with you, but is approaching the full moon. Not when I am perfectly capable of doing so on your behalf."
With all Severus's knowledge of the Dark Arts, he knew Lupin would hardly be himself as the moon cycle progressed. He had spoken before about the dangers it could pose to her, although she knew he hated even voicing the possibilities aloud. He only did so when she needed reminding of the very real risks Lupin posed.
"All right," she conceded. She made certain he was not about to add another ingredient to the all-important elixir before stepping forward and wrapping her arms around his torso. She buried her face against his chest.
Tonight, he smelled strongly of Murtlap and Hellebore. It was not a particularly pleasant combination, but she hardly cared. She melted into his embrace.
They did not argue about the subject again. Two days later, Severus traveled to London without Cassie. The Wolfsbane vials had been shrunken and carefully tucked into the pockets of his robes. After Apparating to Islington, he patted his clothing to make certain they were still intact.
A small part of him wished they had shattered. Then he would have no choice but to lock the werewolf away until the cycle passed.
As a member of the Order, Severus could enter Grimmauld Place without an invitation. The home's occupants didn't learn of his arrival until Kreacher's wheezing announcement echoed through the house. Fortunately, Molly was the first to greet him. She pulled him into one of her squeezing, all-encompassing hugs.
Alerted to the visitor by Kreacher, Hermione left the bedroom she shared with Ginny to investigate. In her opinion, it had been far too long since she had received a letter from Draco.
She hurried into the hall and gripped the banister, leaning over it to catch a glimpse of whoever had come calling. Her heart began beating wildly when she saw the Potions Master speaking quietly with Molly. He moved farther into the entryway as she gestured for him to follow.
Hermione's heart sank when she realized Cassie was not with him. There would be no letter today.
She would be returning to her parents' home in a few days. She could only hope Draco had thought to send an owl there instead.
Hermione was still staring down. Professor Snape glanced toward the staircase at the worst possible moment. She immediately straightened, and a blush crept across her cheeks. He knew far too much about Draco and her for her liking.
At least he would keep his mouth shut. Or, more accurately, she hoped he would. It would be just like the brooding Potions Master to use her secret as ammunition to embarrass her when term began.
Hermione hurried back into the bedroom. Ginny lay across her bed, paging through a Quidditch catalog. "Who was it?" she asked lazily.
"Professor Snape."
Ginny immediately sat upright. "Is Cass with him?"
"No."
The redhead fell back against her pillows. "Bugger."
Hermione felt the same disappointment, even if for an entirely different reason. She sat at the desk and opened her fourth-year Transfiguration textbook.
"That's not even what McGonagall will be teaching you this year," Ginny pointed out.
"Even so." Hermione flipped to a chapter on animal-to-animal transformations. "It doesn't hurt to brush up on the basics."
Ginny stood and leaned over her shoulder. "'Amphibian to Reptile: Theory of Wand Techniques.'" She glanced at Hermione. "Basics. Sure."
"OWLs aren't far away."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "You're impossible." She tossed the catalog onto her bed. "I'm going downstairs. Maybe Fred and George will want to try listening to whatever Snape and Mum are talking about."
Hermione didn't answer as she pretended to read. Ginny left without another word. The moment the door closed, Hermione took advantage of the privacy.
Draco's letters were tucked inside the final few chapters of the book. She carefully removed the small collection and found the most recent. She had memorized every word, but it didn't matter. Her heart still fluttered at the sight of his handwriting.
She read the letter once. Then again. She was halfway through it for a third time when the doorknob suddenly rattled.
Hermione shoved the letter back into the book. The doorknob was occasionally sticky, thanks to a carefully placed charm that had saved her from utter humiliation more than once.
Tonks pushed her way into the room. "Door handle is still wonky," the Auror announced. "Want me to look at it again?"
"It's fine." Hermione hoped Tonks wouldn't notice how red her face was.
"What are you up to?"
"Reading."
The answer came a little too quickly. Tonks raised an eyebrow. "It's summer break. Why bury your nose in a textbook?"
"OWLs."
"Ah. That's right." Tonks flopped onto Ginny's bed. She pulled the Quidditch catalog from under her and glanced at the cover. "Fifth year was a nightmare."
Hermione finally looked up. "Exactly why I've got my nose buried in a textbook."
Tonks waved dismissively. "A nightmare for most of us, Granger. You'll pass with flying colors."
She stopped talking. Hermione attempted to return to her reading, but it lasted approximately thirty seconds. Tonks began humming, completely nonsensical and spectacularly out of tune. Hermione reread the same paragraph twice. After the third time, she slammed the book shut.
She hadn't seen Tonks properly for several days. The Auror had been busy with whatever secret things the Order was currently doing. Now that Hermione had a chance to look at her, she noticed something immediately. Her usual vibrant hair was mousy brown, falling just above her shoulders. Her eyes, which normally shifted between brilliant shades like living gemstones, were a dull grey.
She looked exhausted. Defeated.
"Are you all right?" Hermione blurted. She immediately wished she hadn't. There was no polite way to tell someone they looked absolutely terrible.
Tonks grimaced as though she had expected the question. "Fine. Thanks." She kept her eyes fixed on the catalog. "Just tired."
"Okay."
Tonks opened her mouth to respond when the doorknob twisted again.
After several seconds of struggling, Ginny finally threw the door open. "Good-for-nothing wankers," she muttered.
Tonks looked up. "What's got you in such a tizzy?"
"Fred and George." Ginny dropped onto her bed beside Tonks. "We had the Extendable Ear all ready to go, right in the perfect spot, and then—"
"Trying to listen in on another meeting?" Tonks interrupted. "Were you not in enough trouble the last time you were caught?"
"It's not a meeting." Ginny crossed her arms. "It's just Snape and Lupin in the dining room."
"I'm aware." Tonks's voice sharpened. "That doesn't mean you have the right to eavesdrop." Tonks pushed herself to her feet. She needed to catch Snape before he left anyway. "Don't let me catch you trying that again."
The door closed behind her. Ginny looked at Hermione with an exasperated expression. "She's been in a sour mood lately."
"She's got a lot on her plate." Hermione's tone carried a hint of reproach. "They all do."
Downstairs, the swinging door to the dining room remained firmly shut. Had Quieting Charms not been in place, Tonks might have heard the muffled voices of the two wizards inside. Whatever they were discussing was sensitive.
She waited. After a minute or two, her impatience got the best of her. She knocked. A distinct tearing sound sounded as the Quieting Charm was removed.
"Sorry," said Tonks as she pushed the door open just enough to peek inside. Remus sat at the head of the table, pale as a ghost. Snape stood at the opposite end. Several vials of Wolfsbane rested between them. "Didn't mean to interrupt. Just wanted to make sure I caught you before you left."
"We are finished." Snape's black eyes bored into Remus, making the finality of his statement clear. The werewolf blinked several times before lowering his gaze to the vials.
Tonks wanted to ask him what was wrong. She wanted to comfort him. But she knew what would happen, so she swallowed the impulse. "Just wanted to give you a heads-up," she told Snape. "We've caught wind that Fudge plans to make an announcement regarding Crouch's death."
For several days, the Ministry had refused to believe that Barty Crouch Senior was dead. That had changed only recently when mutilated, flayed pieces of his body had begun arriving at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement in neatly wrapped, brightly colored packages.
After conducting several tests, the Ministry had finally been forced to accept the truth that Crouch was dead. And someone had gone to considerable lengths to make certain they knew it.
Snape's expression darkened. "And he plans to implicate Cassie?"
"Mad-Eye isn't certain." Tonks shook her head. "But it's more than likely."
Remus kept staring at the table. "Will he stop at nothing?" he asked softly.
Tonks, trying to lighten the mood, said, "Maybe this time he'll leave Cass alone and blame Harry instead." The sneer that appeared on Snape's face was terrifying. Tonks had long since learned that provoking him was dangerous. She also found it strangely entertaining.
"Leave it to you," he said icily, "to make a joke out of all of this."
"Take it easy, Sevvy." Tonks deliberately refused to look at Remus. "Soon enough, things will get so bad that none of us will be able to make light of it. Then you'll be wishing for my long-forgotten wisecracks."
Severus wanted to snap at her. The Ministry attempting to pin the gruesome murder of one of their own on his wife was hardly a laughing matter. But Tonks's ominous words didn't escape him. Things were going to get worse. Far worse. And there were more important things to worry about than immature, ill-timed quips.
Severus was able to leave Grimmauld Place without encountering Sirius. He was grateful for it. It had been draining enough to tell Lupin he had to negotiate with a werewolf pack that might very well maul him rather than listen to what he had to say. He had not missed the fear that flashed across his former classmate's features.
Lupin had agreed anyway.
Severus had also noticed his increasingly ragged appearance. Lupin was always more unkempt as the full moon approached. Severus had observed it too many times during his time teaching at Hogwarts. But today was different.
His pupils were unusually dark, and his movements were tense. Something almost feral flickered in his expression.
Severus had not sugar-coated his warning. Lupin was to stay away from his wife. When the werewolf attempted to play ignorant, Severus had correctly guessed the truth.
Cassie's scent on Severus was affecting him and driving him mad. Lupin did not deny it.
She was powerful. She could more than handle herself in a fight. But Severus knew his wife. She would hesitate to seriously injure a man she considered a friend—even if that man was temporarily incapable of controlling himself. And hesitation could have deadly consequences.
Severus returned to Ottery St. Catchpole with a sense of accomplishment. He had delivered Cassie's message successfully. He had warned Lupin. And, hopefully, he had taken another step toward securing the werewolf alliance Cassie needed.
More importantly, he had done what he believed necessary to protect his wife. There was no greater purpose.
When he entered the cottage and found Cassie waiting for him, he did not immediately launch into the usual debriefing. Instead, he crossed the room and pulled her into his arms. Cassie immediately relaxed against him.
For all the chaos surrounding them, this was the one place they both still felt safe.
Severus pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Neither of them knew how much longer that safety would last. But for tonight, they were together.