Chapter 10: Setting the Trap

“He would,” said Hermione.  “I think he would for the right person.”

“Hermione, when are you ever going to stop sticking up for Snape?”  Asked Ron.

“Oh, Ron, it’s just logical.  We don’t know how Professor Snape would behave with a woman he cared for because we’ve never seen him with a woman before.”

“That’s because no woman’s been brave or stupid enough to fancy him until now.”

Harry, who had been quietly watching Alex’s face as she untied the note from the twelfth owl’s leg, read it, and beamed, said something so amazing that Ron was speechless for a moment.  “I hope they are from him.  It shows that he might actually be good enough for her after all.”

Ron looked at Harry with a very puzzled expression on his face.  “You can’t possibly mean that she loves him and that it’s okay with you,” said Ron. 

“She told me she does,” said Harry.  “She told me that they were good friends in school.  I didn’t really understand it, but she said something about how they know each other so well that they have nothing to hide, and they trust each other completely.”

Ron blurted out, “Well, if that’s all it takes, then I guess one of us will have to marry Hermione in a few years.”  Then, realizing what he had just said, he looked at Hermione and went bright red.

Hermione looked a little shocked, but regained her composure quickly.  “Ron, I don’t think complete trust is such a small achievement,” said Hermione.  She tried to look very serious, but Harry thought he detected the slightest bit of a smile on her lips, as well as a bit of extra color on her cheeks.

Just then Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle came over and sneered.  “I’d watch my step if I were Miss Lennox,” said Malfoy.  “She may think he loves her, but well, you don’t want to know.”

“Shut up, Malfoy.  You don’t know anything about her,” said Harry. 

“I wouldn’t be too sure about that.  I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s not around for much longer.”  Malfoy gave Harry an evil grin and stalked off with his large pals in tow.

Hermione looked at Harry.  “What do you think that was all about?”

“Dunno,” said Harry.  He watched Alex get up and leave with her flowers.  He was worried.  Could someone be trying to get to Alex?  Are they so sure that Snape can be trusted?

“It just confirms that I’m right about Snape.  I hope she’s not stupid enough to leave the castle with him again,” said Ron.

“Harry,” said Hermione.  “Do you think you should tell Professor Dumbledore?  He’d be the logical one to protect her.”

Harry, who had never been one to sound the alarm unless he was sure he had a good reason, said, “I think I’ll tell Sirius for now.”  And, I think I’ll keep an eye on her myself.

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A couple of days after Severus returned from his meeting with the Death Eaters, Alex got a call on her bewitched telephone from her old partner in the FBM, Colin Murphy. 

“Lex, it’s Murph.  Listen, I need to see you.  Can you meet me in Hogsmeade at the FBM house?”

“Sure.  Is it time?”

“Yeah.  I don’t want to talk now.  Meet me there tonight at 8:00.  We’ve got to sweep the place first, Okay?”

“Right,” she said.

Oh, man, she thought, It’s been a while.  I wonder if Sev knows anything about it?

Her question was answered by a knock at the door of her office.  It was Severus. 

“Alexandra, will you come with me to Professor Dumbledore’s office?  He has something to discuss with you.”

Well, I guess I’ll find out what’s up now.  She followed Severus up the spiral staircase.  He gave her a worried look and took her hand.  She smiled at him.

Severus opened the door to Dumbledore’s office.

“Good morning, Alexandra.  Sit down, please,” said Dumbledore, pointing at a chair.  “Alexandra, it appears that you have caught Lord Voldemort’s attention, as well as that of Peter Pettigrew.  Of course, Voldemort cannot have failed to notice your striking resemblance to your grandmother, Christina Shelton.”  Dumbledore picked up a picture of Alex’s grandmother.  She had been Head Girl in her seventh year.  “I remember her well.  She was a very good student, but not so high-spirited as you were, I think.”

“Well, you can’t have everything, Professor,” said Alex.

“Alexandra,” began Severus,  “Pettigrew has promised Lord Voldemort that he will kidnap you.  He believes that this will solidify his position of power with Voldemort.  He has asked me to help him and I cannot say no, so this is it.  We will have to capture him now.”

“What do I have to do?” she asked.

“I’m supposed to lure you out of the castle and take you into the Forbidden Forest, where he will be waiting.  The plan is for him to take you back to Voldemort by giving you a strong potion.  That, of course, is supposed to be my end of it.  Naturally, I won’t be giving you the kind of potion he expects.  It will just look as if I have.  You will be rendered immobile for a short time, but you won’t be unconscious.”

“Thanks, I can do without losing consciousness after the last potion I drank,” she smiled at him and then turned to Dumbledore.  “I take it you plan to have Ministry people there too?”

“Yes,” said Dumbledore.  “Your brother also insisted that we place at least two of his own officers there as well.”  Why so many people, I wonder?

“That explains the call I got from my old partner.  I’m meeting him tonight to get the logistics down,” said Alex.

“I will be there as well, after you have had time to inspect the house,” said Dumbledore.

“When will all of this happen?”

“Sooner than later, I’m afraid,” said Dumbledore.  “Severus will send a message to Pettigrew tonight and it will happen tomorrow night.”

“Alexandra,” Snape began in a worried tone,  “I’m supposed to be sure that you are not armed.”

“Not a problem,” she said and noted the uncertain look on his face.

“Well then,” said Dumbledore.  “Leave the rest to us, Severus.”

“I’ve got to get to class now,” said Severus.  He stopped and took her hand on the way out, giving it a squeeze.

Professor Dumbledore smiled at Alexandra.  “I did hear about the roses from Professor McGonagall.  I am very pleased, Alexandra.”

Alexandra smiled and said, “Does Sirius know yet about the plan?”

“I have not told him in case there is a problem, but I have asked him to be here tomorrow night.  I have not told Harry either, but I will summon him when it is over.” 

“I wonder what Sirius will make of it when he finds that Severus was involved in exposing Peter and freeing him.”  Alex smiled at Dumbledore and shook her head.

“I suspect the two of them will reach an understanding eventually.  We need only be patient.”  Dumbledore looked very grave all of a sudden.  “There is something I have to tell you.  When it happens tomorrow night, Severus will have to be arrested and taken to Azkaban as well.”

“I thought that might be the case,” she said, in a slightly unhappy tone of voice.  “Otherwise, he won’t be viable anymore.”

“Yes.  The plan is to send him there for three days for questioning and then get him released, saying that he acted under the Imperious Curse.”

“Does he know?”

“He suggested it, Alexandra.  He wanted me to tell you because he thought it would upset you.”

“You know, sometimes you just have to suck it up and deal,” she said resolutely.

Dumbledore looked at her with a puzzled look on his face.  “I mean,” she said, “That one does one’s duty when called upon.”

“Ah, yes, well, back to our normal business,” he said with a smile.  “I understand that you and the Weasley twins are putting together your Muggle studies lecture on music?”

“Yes, and with your permission, I’d like to start working on some music with them, maybe get a band together.  Those two need an outlet for their energy and I hear there are some talented musicians in this school.”

“Very good, I think we all need diversions.”

“I’ll be in my office, Professor Dumbledore, if you need me.”  Alex got up and left.

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

That night, Harry went to Alex’s room.  “Harry, I’m sorry, I can’t talk right now, I have to meet a friend in Hogsmeade.  In fact, I’m leaving in a few minutes.” 

“All right.  See you later.”  He left and went straight back to Gryffindor Tower.

He told Ron and Hermione.  “Oooh, Harry.  You’re not thinking of following her, are you?” asked Hermione.

“As a matter of fact, I came back for the invisibility cloak.”

“We’re going with you, then,” said Ron.  “You never know what you’ll meet up with.”

They got the cloak on and went out to find her.  They all looked at each other when they realized that she wasn’t taking the car.  They followed quickly behind as she reached the wrought-iron gates.  Suddenly, she turned around and flashed a light at them, holding her wand in the other hand.  It looked like an ordinary Muggle torch, but it was able to penetrate the Invisibility Cloak. 

“All right, you three.  What do you think you’re doing?  You’re lucky I didn’t blast you.” 

After they closed their mouths, Harry said, “I can’t let you go alone.  Malfoy said something that made me think you’re in danger.”

“Did he?  Well, his father may be getting a big surprise soon.  Listen guys, you have to go back to the castle.  Dumbledore will be along any minute and you’re going to get into trouble.”

“But, Alex!”  All three of them protested.

She looked at them and smiled.  “Let me show you something.  Harry, point your wand at me and try to curse me, just any old curse.  Come on, I don’t have much time and I want to prove you that I’ll be OK.” 

Harry pointed his wand at her and said,  “Rictusempra!”   

The light that shot from his wand dissipated as it hit a barrier around her body. 

“What the-,” said Ron. 

“It’s invisible body armor, isn’t it?” asked Hermione.  “I’ve read about it in Spying For The Ministry.”

“Somehow, Hermione, I knew you had,” said Alex looking at her with admiration.   “I’m what your Ministry calls an Auror.  We call ourselves the Keepers of the Light in the U.S.  We’re part of the Security and Law Enforcement Division of the FBM. I’ve got all kinds of protection.  Some of the stuff we have, Mad-Eye Moody hasn’t even heard of yet.  Now go back to the castle before Dumbledore catches you.  You can wait for me if you want, but inside the castle.” 

“All right, Alex,” said Harry. 

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She watched them go back and then left the school grounds.  She Apparated in front of a large house in Hogsmeade.  I wonder why we have to bother using this place. I can’t shake the feeling that I’m being followed.   Colin was waiting for her on the porch. 

“Lex, how are you?” he asked giving her a hug.

“Fine.  Let’s get this over with,” she said and they each pulled what resembled a pair of night vision goggles out of the pockets of their robes.  Of course, these were not the kind of night vision goggles used by Muggles.  These were charm detectors.  They used these goggles to sweep around the perimeter of the house.  Then, Colin unlocked the door and they went in.  They divided the house and went through, looking for Snooping Charms.  They didn’t find any, so they went into the front parlor to wait for Dumbledore. 

“Lex, I’ve got something to tell you.  Dwayne Welsh called me before I came here.”

“No kidding.  I thought he was still in the joint.  Are the feds giving them private wizarding phones in their cells now?” she asked.

Colin smirked.  “No, he’s been on parole for a couple of months.”

“Damn! They’ll let anybody out of prison these days,” she said shaking her head.  “So, what did the little twit have to say for himself?  Has he had any more visions of Lord Voldemort?”  He was a great informant, but I always hated it when he made predictions.  His predictions had a way of coming true.  She remembered that Welsh had told her about Lord Voldemort’s return and had predicted the timing with incredible accuracy.

“He’s working for Reisling now.  He called and said he’s worried about you.  He said the guy with the silver hand wants to snatch you, but he’s not nearly as dangerous as his boss.  He called him the snake man and said something like -and this is a quote- ‘the snake man is going to be really pissed if she marries that Professor.’”

“What?” she said and felt herself beginning to blush.

“Yeah, he said you’re going to marry this guy soon.  I take it he means Snape?”

“It’s your story, Murph,” she said as calmly as she could.  That would be an unexpected happy ending.

“Welsh said something like the union of the scarlet and the green will make it harder for the snake man to take over.  He also said to tell you to be careful about having a baby.”

“Whoa, boy.  I ain’t even been down that road- ”

Alexandra’s protestations were interrupted by a knock at the door.  She opened the door and let Dumbledore in.  “Professor Dumbledore, please come in.”  Alex led him to the front room.  “Professor, this is Colin Murphy, the head of our London office.”

Colin had a look of awe on his face.  Dumbledore was something of a legend in the U.S.  “It’s an honor, sir,” he said, as they shook hands.

Dumbledore smiled.  “The pleasure is mine, Mr. Murphy.  Do you have a map of the Forbidden Forest to show me?”

“Yes, sir.”  Murphy tossed up a small sphere that projected a relief map of the Forbidden Forest.  He touched the map with his wand and a certain section was magnified.  Dumbledore seemed to know exactly where it was.

Murphy began his explanation.  “Pettigrew wants Snape to lead you here.  Snape’s supposed to make it look like you’re just taking a walk.  Pettigrew wants him to bring a sleeping draught.  Once Snape gets you to that location, Pettigrew will show himself and they will restrain you.  Then Snape is supposed to give you the potion.  Pettigrew doesn’t strike me as much of a man, but you still have to watch out for his right hand.  It’s abnormally strong.”

“I’m prepared, Murph.  I still have the device.”

Dumbledore gave her a questioning look. 

“Professor Dumbledore, have you ever noticed that I always wear this bracelet on my right wrist?”  Alex said, removing the beaded velvet bracelet.  “It’s actually a short-range wand.  It’s not as precise as a regular wand, but at close range, it gets the job done.  It definitely helps focus your spells.”

“Ingenious.” 

Murphy then told them where each officer would be positioned.  He told them that Snape would give them the signal and they would move in.  “Of course, you understand, Snape is likely to be the first to get blasted, right?”

“Got it,” said Alex.  Damn it, Murphy.  I think you’re enjoying this a little too much.

Professor Dumbledore then spoke up.  “I will be there to see that Pettigrew is secured and to perform a charm that will prevent him from transfiguring into a rat.  Once he and Severus are carried to the castle, I will administer the Veritaserum to Pettigrew.  Mr. Murphy and I will question him privately and then we will bring in the Ministry officials.  I will have to question Professor Snape as well.  He will be sent to Azkaban with Pettigrew.” 

Dumbledore told them that Arthur Weasley had called in a few favors at the Ministry and had secured the presence of a member of the Council of Magical Law and a Ministry Recorder.  An official recording would be taken so that there would be no question as to the veracity of their claims that Black is innocent.  “Faced with the overwhelming evidence that Sirius was wrongfully imprisoned, Fudge will have no choice but to release him.  This is a delicate matter with Fudge, but we believe that Fudge is less likely to reject evidence gathered by your government, particularly evidence of a plot to kidnap Michael Lennox’s sister.  However, whatever public statements are made by Fudge will not be likely to contain information that Lord Voldemort is back.”

“One step at a time, Professor.  If all goes according to plan, Fudge won’t have a choice,” said Murphy.  Then he looked at the clock and said, “I guess we’re ready then.”  

“I will depart first,” said Dumbledore.  “Good night, Mr. Murphy.  Alexandra, I will see you back at the castle.”

After Dumbledore Disapparated, Murphy looked at Alex and said, “Dumbledore has quite a presence.”

“That he does.”

“So does Snape, Lex.  Still going for the heroes, eh?”  He smiled at her and said, “I know it’s none of my business since we’re not partners anymore, but if he asks you, are you going to do it?”

“Get married?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

“What do you think, Murph?”

“You could do worse.”

“That’s a pretty major endorsement coming from you, Murph,” said Alex with a smile.  “Speaking of getting married, are you and Regina-?”

“Didn’t work out, I’m afraid.  She wasn’t too happy with my job.”

“Murph, I’m so sorry.”  Alex gave him a hug.

“I’ll find someone else.  I always do,” he said with a wink and a smile on his boyish face.  I bet Regina’s kicking herself now.  Colin is pure Irish charm.  See you tomorrow night, Lex.  Get some rest.”

“As if.”  Alex Disapparated and Apparated near the school grounds.