Chapter Text
Severus woke up with a jolt and in his haste, knocked quite a few things off his desk in the process. The books falling onto the floor with a resounding thud. He swore loudly.
For a moment, he was a bit puzzled as to where he was and how long he had been asleep. Unfortunately, being in the dungeons left him at a disadvantage at trying to guess what time it was as there were no windows in his quarters.
He cast a Tempus and was surprised to see how late it was, but then his mind circled back to why he woke up so suddenly in the first place, Potter.
Potter had used the crystal, signifying he was in danger or merely decided to give the professor a heart attack at 2am. Snape concluded it was most likely the former, given the boy's penchant for attracting trouble.
In two long strides, he reached the other side of the room for the potions cabinet, grabbing a few potions he may or may not need. He internally cursed himself for not having the foresight of adding a location charm to the necklace, he would be sure to correct that egregious error soon.
He grabbed one of everything, Blood replenisher, Wiggenweld, Calming draught, Bruise Balm, and against his better judgment, polyjuice.
His hand lingered on the polyjuice bottle, it was one of the prebrewed ones he had made previously, with the final step being adding the hair. Given his position, he kept a few bottles prepared if he ever went to garner information disguised.
Considering most of Wizard society would be attending the Cup such as the Malfoys and Ministry employees, it would not bode well for Severus if he were to be seen as himself, especially with the Boy-who-lived. It would raise unnecessary suspicion as to why he was there and make their plans to conceal Potter's living arrangements much more difficult.
Making up his mind, he grabbed the bottle, grabbing a hair he had nicked from passing muggles and stored it with the rest of the potions.
Once he had everything he may need, Snape rushed over to the floo, attempting to fire call Mrs. Weasley.
He waited a few moments, but the call didn't go through. He tried again, then again. The seconds seeped into minutes, further putting him on edge. He was even considering sending a patronus, much to his inner conflict of not wanting to reveal what form his patronus took. His dilemma came to an end when Mrs. Weasley finally allowed the call through. He placed his head into the flames.
Molly appeared disheveled, her hair a mess as it looked like she woke up mere seconds ago. She let out a yawn as her eyes squinted looking at the flames, "Severus, what seems to be the matter? Is something going on?" She asked.
"Molly, I need to step through. This is urgent, I will explain further once you allow me entry." He urged, concern seeping into his voice.
Mrs. Weasley seemed to grasp the urgency of the situation and lowered her wards to allow Severus through. Now seeming a bit more awake than she had moments ago.
Snape removed his head from the floo before grabbing some floo powder and flooing the Burrow. It felt strange to see the house so eerily quiet and empty.
His eyes then darted to his right, where Mrs. Weasley stood with her arms crossed, anxiousness seeming to bleed through her face. "What is going on? Has something come up?" She cautiously asked.
He let out a deep breath, Severus lingered for a moment before answering, hesitant in divulging on how he obtained this information. It would garner the impression he was some sort of worried involved parent. So, he decided to keep his answer vague and impassive, "Potter and I have a means of communication where I am notified if he is in danger. A few minutes ago, he has used that means to let me know he is currently requiring assistance." He noticed the shocked look on Molly's face then shift with concern. He continued to explain, "Arthur told me the other day he would be taking Potter and the others to the Quidditch cup from your home, so where exactly is the event being held?"
"I-I don't know Severus, all I know is that he left this morning and headed past the village of Ottery St. Catchpole because that was where the portkey was." Worry bleeding through her voice, "Other than that, I don't have any other information." She affirmed. Molly placed her palm on her forehead as if trying to rack her brain for answers.
"What?" He asked quite crossly, he expelled his breath through pursed lips. Attempting to keep his impatience at bay for a while longer. "Surely you must have heard something." He accused.
Molly roughly ran a hand through her hair, frustrated, "No I don't! I have told you all that I know." She defended.
Severus began to pace, if he took the information he had at his disposal, which was that they headed towards the village, he could try finding where they went. However, the risk would be that he would waste time in searching the bloody forest practically guessing which item the Ministry fancied to use as a portkey. He muttered under his breath, "This is getting us nowhere."
Molly attempted to placate him, "Perhaps it is a false alarm. It is a Ministry held event, I reckon it should be safe."
Severus glowered in her direction, "Yes, as we all know the Ministry is so infallible." He said sardonically. "It is not as if just last term, they decided to place dementors at a school, for safety." He spat out the last part of the sentence with more anger than he had intended to.
Molly cocked her head as she crossed her arms across her chest, "Severus, do see reason." She pleaded, "I know that you're worried about Harry and that's perfectly nor-"
Snape coldly cut her off, "Do not mistake my concerns for sentimentality, " He stated, his voice controlled, "I am merely acting what is expected of me as the boy is now my resp-"
Severus never finished his sentence as the front door suddenly swung open with an unceremonious bang! The two adults quickly drew out their wands in the direction of the sound but instead of intruders they found three Weasleys out of breath. The twins along with the youngest Weasley. Their eyes frantically darted across the room, their eyes lingering between Molly and Severus. Confusion on their faces.
They both lowered their wands and Mrs. Weasley rushed forward to greet her children. Her eyes darting between the three of them, searching for any visible injuries before embracing them. "What has happened? Why are you in such a state?"
The Weasleys seemed to have questions themselves, most likely about why he was currently in an argument with their mother at the early hours of the morning. They seemed to push their curiosity aside as they seemed to have something more urgent to say. Ginny was the first to speak, her hands still on her knees as she still tried to regain her breath, "Death Eaters." She informed between sharp intakes of breaths, "They're at the Cup."
No.
The potions master felt himself go cold, no….it couldn't be. His eyes flickered to his left arm, the dark mark had not yet been fully restored, therefore the Dark Lord remained at bay. Which seemed to beg the question, why were Death Eaters at the Cup in the first place? The Dark Lord himself stated that he would not make any movements until after the Cup, therefore this was someone acting of their own accord. He froze for a moment before moving to action, rapidly approaching the young Weasleys with questions. He noticed that the three Weasleys came alone, the rest of the Weasleys along with Granger and Potter were noticeably absent.
"Where is Potter?" He scrutinised.
Fred spoke quickly, "He is still back there along with Ron and Hermione, they went to go look for Harry." He looked between Molly and Severus, splitting his attention between the two of them. "We got separated."
Severus felt his temper bubble over, "Then why on earth are you here without them?" He asked sharply, his eyes narrowing in contempt.
George answered him defensively, "We needed to get Ginny safe first, we were planning on doubling back once we got her back home." At this, Ginny shot reproachful looks at her older brothers, "I told you we should have gone back! I can handle myself just fine!" She huffed.
"How did you make it back here? I thought the Portkeys were on strict times." Molly asked them.
George shrugged, "I don't know, we touched it and it let us through. They seem to be running now." He figured.
"They may have lifted the restrictions due to the panic." Snape suggested as he looked to the twin menaces, "You will stay here, I will go fetch them. Where is the portkey?" He pressed.
Fred answered, "It's on Stoatshead Hill, a few minutes walk from here south, it's an old mangy boot."
With that, Snape headed his way to the front door. He discarded his outer robe and took one of Arthur Weasley's coats that hung on the coat hanger. After all, it wouldn't make sense for a random stranger to be wearing Professor Snape's clothes. He silently thanked himself for bringing the polyjuice he had with him, it would not have ended well had he gone as himself, especially with Death Eaters about.
He ran towards Stoatshead Hill, determination fueling his pace. After a few minutes with a lumos to illuminate the way did he spot the mangy boot that sat at the very top of the hill.
Severus pulled out the polyjuice potion and consumed it. Once the potion had taken effect he grabbed the portkey and disappeared.
He felt the unpleasant pull of traveling by portkey, he spun and spun until he let go of the boot and landed in a large field.
It was a mess, dozens if not hundreds of empty tents filled the field but debris lay among them. The lights were nearly all extinguished, plunging the area in darkness with nothing but the moonlight lighting the path. Only a few families were left, all rushing out.
As Severus approached the tents, he spotted the Death Eaters in the distance. He quickly cast a disillusionment spell on his person and continued to look among the tents for Potter.
His mind was filled with thoughts on who exactly was to blame for this disaster. Which of the former Death Eaters suddenly fancied a trip down memory lane? The Dark Lord had not yet risen, his faded tattoo was proof of that, despite it growing clearer the past few days.
He heard shouts and spell casting in the Death Eaters direction, the Ministry must be trying to apprehend them while attempting to lower the floating muggle family down safely.
Severus continued searching the scene, he had not yet spotted Potter nor Granger and Weasley. His stomach churned with unease.
He veered left and his eyes then landed on an unconscious body, his eyes flickered with recognition as he identified it to be one Harry Potter.
The potions master immediately filled with dread as he hastily went in his direction, he dropped the disillusionment charm and pressed a finger to the boy's neck, he was still breathing. He let himself exhale with relief. Snape quickly pulled out his wand.
"Rennervate."
Harry woke up with a gasp, his eyes fluttering open as he took in his surroundings. A man with dark blonde hair loomed over him.
"W-who are you? Whats 'appened?" He groggily asked as he looked around, the rushing panicked crowd from earlier was no where to be seen.
"I should be asking you that question, Potter." The man replied with an emphasis on his last name.
Something about the disgruntled tone was familiar to Harry, was this Snape? Or did he hit his head harder than he thought.
"Professor?" Harry quietly asked, unsure of his own response.
A flicker of surprise filled the man's face, "You are more perceptive than you look." He said flatly, confirming Harry's suspicions since he managed to both insult and compliment him in the span of a single sentence. He helped Harry to his feet, his eyes seeming to search for any injuries.
"Potter, explain how you came to be in this state." He demanded as he grabbed Harry's arm, looking for any wounds or cuts. Once satisfied, he then would repeat the same process with his other arm.
"I got separated from the group and got pushed around in the crowd." He absentmindedly rubbed the back of his head, "I figured I fell and hit my head hard enough to knock me out."
At the mention of his head, Snape let go of the arm he was currently inspecting and grabbed his chin to turn his face left and right, his face grimacing at the sight of the bruise on his face.
Harry seemed to have enough of Snape's impromptu examination, "Professor I'm fine, can you stop fussing?" He said sourly, taking a step back.
Snape let go but when Harry met his eyes, the professor looked infuriated. The corners of his mouth curling into a sneer.
Perhaps those were not the best choice of words. Harry bitterly realized.
"I do not, fuss." Snape fumed. He pulled something from his bag and thrust it in Harry's direction, "Apply it above your left eye."
Harry looked and he recognized it as Bruise Balm. " Oh. Uh, thank you sir." He said a bit surprised at the gesture.
Harry genuinely had not expected for Snape to come fetch him. When the man had given him the crystal as a means of communication, Harry couldn't fathom the idea of the professor going out of his way to help him. He always expected himself to be considered as an afterthought in these types of situations and not a priority.
"I would like for the balm to be used today Potter!" Snape said petulantly, making Harry realize he had gotten lost in his contemplation.
Harry fumbled with the tin and opened it, applying the balm where Snape said to, as he closed the tin with the intention of handing it back to Snape. He suddenly heard shouts behind him.
"Harry!"
Harry snapped his head around but was pushed behind Snape who had his wand drawn. Harry tried to get his own wand but his hand found nothing in his pockets. His wand was gone.
"Sir, I think I lost my wand." He said as he continued to search his pockets and the rucksack that he was carrying earlier.
"What?" Snape spat, only briefly turning to glare at Harry but focused his attention on the approaching figures in the Dark.
"Harry, are you alright?" came a familiar voice. As the two figures stepped into the moonlight, Harry recognized them to be Ron and Hermione.
Snape gradually lowered his wand as Harry rushed to greet his friends.
"Mate, are you alright? We've been looking all over for you!" Ron said in a worried tone.
"I'm all right guys, don't worry." Harry assured them but then he noticed his friends seemed to look over his shoulder, their eyes brimming with questions.
"Whose that?" Ron bluntly asked. Snape seemed to attempt to shoot him a glare but it didn't seem as intimidating enough when worn on another man's face.
"It's Snape, he found me and-"
Ron and Hermione answered in unison "What?" Ron then whispered in hushed tones, "What's he doing 'ere? How did he-"
Ron didn't finish his sentence as a fifth voice cut the air.
"Morsmordre!"
Everyone's eyes looked up and found a sickly green light filled the night sky, forming a skull. A snake emerging from it's mouth. Snape seemed to blanch.
"We need to get out of here, now!" The professor bellowed.
Snape quickly grabbed Harry's upper arm and pushed him forward, Ron and Hermione following suit without argument. They only got a few feet when suddenly figures surrounded them.
"Stupefy!" The figures shouted.
The trio instinctively ducked but Snape moved faster. He cast a nonverbal Protego, causing him to stumble back a little from the excessive force.
"That's my son!" Harry heard Mr. Weasley shout, pushing one of the Ministry officials out of the way.
Arthur approached the four of them, "Ron, Hermione, Harry, are you all right?" He asked. His eyes swept over them, but then landed on Snape, or rather disguised Snape.
"Out of the way Arthur." Came the voice of Mr. Crouch, his finger pointing to the three of them. "Which one of you conjured it? Hmm?" He asked accusingly.
"We didn't conjure anything!" Ron defended. Hermione spoke as well, "We weren't the ones who conjured it."
Crouch's gaze then landed on Harry and Snape, giving a distrustful look, "What about you two? I heard you try to flee seconds ago, trying to flee from the scene of the crime?" He looked to Harry.
A ministry official whispered in Crouch's ear, "Sir, these are just kids." Crouch remained undeterred however.
"Are you as daft as you look?" Snape said acidly. "I know the Ministry these days have lost their touch but this is absurd."
Harry shot the man a glare but Snape continued, "Do you have any idea who you're accusing? Look at him."
Harry felt Crouch's gaze linger on him for a moment, his eyes darting to the scar. Recognition dawned on his face.
"Well then, if he didn't do it, then who did? Who are you?" Crouch urged.
Hermione quickly chimed in, "He is a friend of the Weasleys." Ron quickly nodded but Arthur seemed confused. It was only when no one was looking that Harry mouthed the word 'Snape' did he play along.
Amos Diggory's voice then emerged behind them, "We caught someone with the stunning spell!"
Crouch along with the other Ministry employees followed behind him and found an unconscious elf, wand in hand.
Harry recognized the unconscious elf to be Winky, Crouch's house elf, Diggory cast a Rennervate and she soon woke.
After a harsh interrogation, it was discovered that Harry's wand was used to cast the Mark. Winky seemed to be the prime culprit, though, the trio declared it was a human voice they heard that cast it. It did not seem to make much a difference, as the elf was given clothes for 'disobeying' Crouch's orders to stay put. That, along with being found with a wand which was forbidden.
"Sir it is unfair! She is terrified of heights, who wouldn't run after seeing what the Death Eaters were doing to those muggles?" Hermione defended.
"I have no use of a servant who is quick to disobey her master." Crouch coldly replied.
The scene was heartbreaking to witness, Winky's cries and begging was something Harry nor the others would forget easily that night.
After Harry collected his wand, he and the others returned back to the portkey. Percy, Bill, and Charlie soon joining them.
Hermione's anger at the mistreatment about Winky left her quite upset. When she informed Percy of the events, she nearly lost her temper with him as he continued to ardently defend Crouch's actions.
The whole walk back to the portkey was mostly in silence, Arthur Weasley seemed to be more on alert. Snape, however, refused to leave Harry's side, much to his irritation.
After a disorienting trip via portkey, the group arrived to the Burrow. One frantic Molly Weasley rushed to embrace her husband and kids.
It wasn't until the trio stepped inside that Harry let out breath he didn't know he was holding. There was an ominous feeling about these events, the dark wizards, the vision, and now the Dark Mark.
He noticed Snape's appearance then shift back to his usual sour self. He quickly ditched the coat he was wearing and donned his original black cloak that Harry noticed was hung on the coat hanger.
Snape seemed to approach Mrs. Weasley and Harry tried to overhear their conversation but was called back by Hermione and Ron, who wanted to discuss the events at the Cup.
Severus approached Molly, his pace lessened as he drew near, "May I have a word?"
Mrs. Weasley agreed and they both walked to a corner of the house where they would not be overheard.
"I would like to……apologize for my behavior earlier." He admitted, practically through gritted teeth but progress he supposed.
Molly seemed unbothered and dismissed the apology, "It is understandable, Severus. Any concerned pare-"
"Guardian." Snape bitterly reminded.
"Yes, my apologies, guardian." The professor noticed there was no real apologetic look in her eyes, "As I said, any concerned guardian would have acted the same." She reasoned.
Before Severus could dissuade any impression that he was such a thing, Mr. Weasley came to their direction. "I know it's late but would you like some tea? I don't think I am falling asleep quite soon."
Severus then looked at the hour and it was quite late. "No I will have to pass. I believe I will be taking Potter back with me."
Arthur and Molly nodded and headed back into the living room where the children were. Molly muttering something about waiting til dawn to contact the Grangers to let them know what has transpired.
Severus approached the couch where Potter sat, in active discussion with the other two Gryffindors. Upon seeing him approach, they quieted.
"Potter, fetch your things, we will be leaving."
Potter paused for a moment before nodding his head in agreement. As he grabbed the rucksack from earlier, he quickly hugged Granger and Weasley before joining Severus near the fireplace. "I'll see you when school starts." Potter told them.
After their farewells, both Snape and Potter flooed back to Spinner's end. The boy seemed quite exhausted by the events and without complaint, headed upstairs to bed. It was only when Potter was asleep that Snape sent a quick missive to Albus via floo about the recent events at the Cup, as the Daily Prophet would most likely not send out an article until morning. That's if they got all the facts straight.
With that, Snape finally allowed himself to rest, though his mind seemed to be anxious as to what all these events could be leading too. He had a feeling that this year would be anything but uneventful.