Chapter 12: Springing the Trap

After Severus left Alexandra, he wandered the halls struggling to get hold of his emotions.  How did I ever let this happen?  No, I don’t regret it.  I don’t regret it.  I’ve got to get control of myself.  . 

“Severus, having trouble sleeping?”  He looked up and saw Professor Dumbledore coming down the hall in his dressing gown. 

“I haven’t even tried to sleep yet, Headmaster,” he replied, immediately regretting his tense tone of voice.

“Come into my office and sit down,” said Professor Dumbledore as they approached the stone gargoyle.  “I insist, Severus.”

“Very well, Headmaster.”

Dumbledore gave the password and they went up the spiral staircase.  Dumbledore opened the door and let him in.  He pointed to a chair and Snape sat down. 

“You look very worried.  Everything is in place, Severus.  You have been very careful not to arouse Voldemort’s suspicions.  Yet I sense that you are somewhat preoccupied.”

There’s an understatement, I’d say.  How would Alexandra put it? I’m freaking!  “You read my mind again, Headmaster, and I’m sure you know why I’m concerned.”

“Yes, I have noticed that you and Alexandra have become close.  We can mask your feelings at the appropriate time,” said Dumbledore and then he walked behind his desk to retrieve a smaller version of his Pensieve from a cabinet.  “Severus, I will leave this on my desk if you would like to use it.  It is not as large as the Pensieve I use for myself, but it will do.  Goodnight.”

“Thank you, Headmaster.”

“Before I go, I must say something to you.  Many years ago I had James Potter in my office worrying about whether it was right to place Lily in danger by marrying her.  I do not know if you are contemplating such a big step, but let me assure you that Alexandra has already made her decision about you.  Do not disregard her feelings in this matter, Severus.  She deserves to make her own choice.  With that, I will leave you to your thoughts.”  Dumbledore closed the door behind him. 

My thoughts . . . And what would those be?  I’d like to run to her bedroom right now and show her exactly how I feel.  But if I went to her bed now, I might never leave.  Severus smirked and pulled out his wand.  What was it that Pettigrew wanted to know?

Severus pulled a stream of silver from his temple with his wand and placed it in the swirling mass in the bowl.  He saw Pettigrew’s face in the Pensieve.  “The Dark Lord wishes to know about Alexandra.  He wants to see her.  I must bring her to him.”  Pettigrew’s squeaky voice echoed in the bowl. 

“You will help me, Severus.  You will help me get her here.  Once I’ve done that, he’ll never doubt me again.”

“Is it wise to focus the attention of the Americans on us at this point in time?” he heard his own voice say. 

“We are strong.  Our numbers are growing, both here and in America.  Our Master believes that Michael Lennox is not prepared for us.”  Pettigrew lowered his voice and then asked, “Does she look the same?  The picture in the Daily Prophet was . . . well, interesting.”

Snape saw his own smirking face  “Oh, I see.  Is that why you want to be the one who takes her?  She is quite appealing.”

“I knew her well in the old days.  Smart girl.  She never trusted me, but I take it she still trusts you?”

“Enough,” Snape replied.

“Then you will bring her to me here in the Forbidden Forest and give her a sleeping draught.  It is what Our Master wants.”  Pettigrew is a stupid fool. I suppose he has his uses.

Severus left the Pensieve on Dumbledore’s desk and went back to his rooms.  He finally fell asleep after reading some essays.  During the night, he dreamt of Alexandra.  He didn’t remember the dream, he just remembered that she had been there and that he felt much more at peace.

The next day seemed to drag by.  Severus went through the motions of teaching his classes.  He thought the students must have noticed how distracted he was because they seemed to be giving him odd looks.  Although he did his best to ignore it, part of the jumble of emotions he was feeling was contentment.  He wasn’t used to being loved, but he was finding it easier to accept.  He felt as if he were on the verge of a big event.  He couldn’t quite tell if it was anticipation of the events to come that night or if it was anticipation of taking his relationship with Alexandra to the next step. 

After his conversation with Dumbledore the night before, he had allowed himself to think of her in those terms.  Could she be my wife someday?  When he saw her at breakfast, she didn’t just smile at him, she beamed.  Did anyone else see it? he wondered.  The reality of her love for him was sinking in.  It gave him a feeling of peace and calm.  Finally, after dinner, they spent a few minutes alone.  He knew he wouldn’t see her for a few days. 

“Severus, I checked the Gryffindor points board this morning.  That was very kind of you, darling.”

“Alexandra, I hope you realize that things are bound to get dicey after tonight.  I won’t let them off so lightly if I catch them out again.”

Alex looked at him and smiled.  He pulled her to him and kissed her.  She began to play with his hair.  “Please promise me you won’t ever cut your hair,” she said to him. 

“All right,” he said in a quiet voice. 

There was a knock at the door.  Professor Dumbledore came in and said, “It is time, if you are both ready.”

“Okay,” said Alex, laying her wand on her desk.  “Let’s go.”

***

They left the castle, trying to make idle small talk in case they were being followed.  Severus lit his wand and they walked to the Forbidden Forest.  They arrived at the appointed place.

“Severus, seeing this place reminds me of the things we used to do when we were children,” said Alex.

“I know a few other things that will remind you of the past,” said Snape

“Really?” she asked, and she turned to find herself facing Peter Pettigrew, not as she knew him, but much older looking.  He was balding and what hair he had left was very gray.  His watery eyes looked tired and sunken.  Her face registered genuine shock.

“What on earth-,” said Alex.

“Well, I can’t believe my eyes.  You were right, Snape.  She did grow up to be attractive.”  Peter walked around Alex, holding his wand out.  Ropes shot out from the end and tied her hands together.  His silver hand was gleaming in the light of Severus’ wand.

“Don’t tell me, Alexandra, that you don’t have anything to say to an old friend?” said Peter.

“Peter, we thought you were dead.  What does this mean?”

“Do I look dead to you?  Would a dead man do this?” he asked, coming close to her and putting his silver hand around her throat.  “I am going love handing you over to my master.”  He squeezed her throat and she tried to struggle.  He let her go and backed away.

“Give it to her now, Snape!”

“Give me what?” asked Alex, coughing.

“Nothing you have to worry about, just drink this.” 

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

Severus came toward her and crammed a vial into her mouth.  Alex began to cough and sputter, but did swallow some of the liquid.  She waited about thirty seconds and then felt light-headed.  She felt Snape catching her. 

Snape put her down on the ground, looked at Peter and said, “Now what?”

At that moment, everyone heard a loud bang.  It was so loud that Alex opened her eyes, even though she still couldn’t move.  She saw Severus and Peter falling to the ground.  Everything had seemed to go according to the plan.  One of the other officers propped her up and gave her something to drink.  In a minute or so, she was able to move again.

Professor Dumbledore came out into the clearing and performed the charm to prevent Peter’s transfiguration.  Peter and Severus were taken to the castle. 

Alex waited outside of the classroom where Professor Dumbledore and Colin were questioning Peter.  The door opened and Dumbledore beckoned her in.  He asked her to go and get Professor McGonagall and the Ministry officials.  Professor McGonagall came back with the Ministry Recorder and the Council member.  Dumbledore began asking questions about the Potter’s murder.

“Can you hear me, Mr. Pettigrew?” asked Dumbledore.

“Yes, I can hear you.”

“Please tell us how you came to be the Potters’ Secret-Keeper.”

“It was not my idea.  Sirius thought that I would be the safest one of us to use.  He thought that my master would seek him out, but he never believed that anyone would think of me.  Sirius didn’t know that I had been giving him information for at least a year.” 

“How did you orchestrate your death?”

“When Sirius came looking for me at the Potters’ house, I had to find a way to escape.  I knew I’d never overpower him and he’d kill me if I didn’t.  I pointed my wand behind me, and blasted into the street, making sure that everyone heard me say that Sirius had betrayed Lily and James.  Then I cut my finger off, transformed, and left.”

Pettigrew then told them that he had lived with the Weasleys for twelve years.  Being in a family connected to the Ministry of Magic permitted him to hear news of the outside world without actually risking discovery.  Then, he heard that Sirius had escaped from Azkaban shortly after he returned from Egypt, where he had been with the Weasleys. 

“What happened on the night that Sirius and Remus discovered you were here at Hogwarts?” asked Professor Dumbledore. 

“Remus had the map we created when we were in school together.  He saw that I was at the Shrieking Shack with Sirius, Harry, Ron, and the girl.  Remus and Sirius were ready to expose me, but were almost stopped by Severus Snape, who came into the Shrieking Shack.  Harry and his friends disarmed him.  Remus and Sirius finally convinced Harry and Ron to let them transform me.  They wanted to kill me, but Harry saved my life.”  Pettigrew stopped for a moment, as if contemplating what he had just said, then he continued.  “Remus and Ron tied themselves to me and were going to take me back to the castle.  We were being followed by Sirius, Harry, and the girl.  I felt Remus tensing when the moonlight struck him and I knew what would happen next.  It was my chance to get away.  Besides that, I wanted to get away from him before he became the wolf.”

He told them that he fled, looking for a place to hide.  He left the country, which is easy to do as a rat.  He had heard rumors of You-Know-Who’s location.  He communicated with other rats, who told him of a place where a being was taking over the bodies of animals.  Eventually, Pettigrew told them, he rejoined his master. 

He recounted the murders of Bertha Jorkins, the old Muggle, and the young boy who had taken the Portkey with Harry.  He told them how Voldemort came back to life completely, specifically about cutting off his own hand and cutting Harry’s arm, to complete the potion. 

“What made you try to kidnap Alexandra Lennox?” asked Dumbledore, looking at Colin Murphy. 

“My master first noticed her picture in the Daily Prophet.  He has an idea that Michael Lennox is spying on him and wants to interfere with his plans.  He thought that he might use Alexandra as a hostage.  He believes that Lennox would not allow his own sister to die and that Lennox might exchange Harry for his sister’s life.  He finds her resemblance to her grandmother, Christina Shelton, fascinating.  He knew her grandmother in school.” 

The Ministry Recorder had taken down the entire statement and the Council member was pale and drawn after it was over.  “Professor Dumbledore, I believe Fudge can no longer ignore the evidence.  Sirius Black must be exonerated right away.  I’ll send you an owl as soon as the writ is signed.”

“Very well.  Are there enough armed guards to take Pettigrew to the Ministry holding cells?”

“Yes.  We’ll take him off your hands.  We will take his accomplice as well.”

“Please allow Mr. Murphy and I to question Professor Snape before you take him.”  Alex noticed the look of surprise on the Council Member’s face.  Dumbledore continued,  “I’m sure you understand that the Federal Bureau of Magic has a very real interest in seeing that Voldemort is stopped, especially given that there has been a threat against Michael Lennox’s own sister.”

“Very well.  The Recorder will accompany you.”

Colin Murphy spoke up.  “Gentlemen, I’m sure you understand that I must accompany you to Azkaban and then visit Cornelius Fudge myself.  Mr. Lennox takes any plot against his family very seriously.  I must be permitted to see that the prisoners are delivered to Azkaban and that they are dealt with properly.” 

“Of course, Mr. Murphy, I’m sure the Ministry will accommodate you,” said Dumbledore.  The Council member simply nodded.

“Professor Dumbledore,” said Alex.  May I ask Peter a question myself?”

“Yes, of course, Miss Lennox.”

“Peter, do you know who I am?”

“Yes, Alexandra.  We were friends of the Potters.”

“Peter, if you were their friend, why did you betray them?”

“If I hadn’t done it, someone else would have eventually.  He would have killed me and they would have died anyway.  My master was taking over everywhere.  It was futile to resist.  My life was out of my control.”

Alexandra knew he would say something like that, but she had to hear it for herself.  She had always believed Peter to be vulnerable, but she didn’t know to what extent. 

“Alexandra,” said Dumbledore, “Someone is waiting to see you in my office.  I will join you when I have finished here.”

Alex walked to the spiral staircase.  She opened the door of Dumbledore’s office and saw Sirius Black, Harry , Ron, and Hermione.  She ran to Sirius and hugged him.  All the emotion and tension of the previous three hours came out at once and Alex felt her eyes tear up.  “Oh, Sirius.  I’m so sorry it took this long.  We knew you were innocent.  I’m so sorry you had to endure all of this pain.”  They held each other very close.

“There, there, Little One.  It’s over now,” he said.  He patted her head and said in a hoarse voice,  “How can I thank you, Lexy?”

“Don’t call me Lexy in front of our godson,” she said wrinkling her nose.

“All right, Miss Lennox,” he said with a smile.

“You know, this wasn’t my idea,” she said wiping her eyes dry.   “Severus arranged it all and he’s got to go to jail tonight to make it look good.  I hope the two of you can be friends now,” she said.

“One miracle at a time,” he said, eyeing her with curiosity.  “There isn’t something you want to tell me about old Snape, is there?”

“Well,” she said,  “Maybe. . . Yes, actually.”  Alex started pacing around the office. 

****

Harry sat quietly watching them together, wishing that they could have been a couple.  He noticed Ron and Hermione also looking at them with great interest. 

****

“Sit down and tell Uncle Sirius all about it,” Sirius said, sitting in a chair and patting his lap.

“You certainly haven’t changed,” she said, shaking her head.  Then she continued, “You know Severus and I were close in the old days.  Something just happened when I saw him again.  I think we just took up where we left off.”  She gave him a pleading look.  Please, Sirius, just give him a chance.

He seemed to be studying her face.  “You’ve got it bad, my dear.  Wish I could have saved you from it, but it’s too late, I’m afraid.”

“You’re right, I suppose.”  Then she turned to Harry.  She thought she saw a look of disappointment flicker across his face.  “Harry, you aren’t angry with me, are you?”

“You just saved Sirius.  How could I be angry with you?” he said.  “If you marry Professor Snape, I don’t think he’ll want to invite me to your home for the holidays though.”

“I think you’re jumping the gun a little, Harry.  I know he hasn’t tried to poison me lately, but I’m not sure that means he’s ready to get married,” she said laughing.  “Let’s talk about your plans, Sirius.  What will you do now that the Yanks have come in and saved the day?”

“I think I’m staying here to help out.  You and Severus just opened yourselves up for a lot of trouble.  I owe you all the help I can give.”

“Thank you very much, Mr. Sunshine,” she said and turned to Harry, Ron and Hermione.  “You young people can stay up late, I’m exhausted.”  Turning back to Sirius she said, “Goodnight old friend.  We’ll catch up in the morning.” Alex gave Sirius a hug and a small kiss on the cheek. 

When Alex got ready for bed, it was 12:30 and she had trouble falling asleep.  She turned out the lights and said a prayer of thanks that Sirius would be free.  She also said a prayer that for Severus.  My dear Severus has endured all those years of bitterness and loneliness.  I know what he did was wrong, but must he continue to pay the price?  Is it wrong of me to love Severus so much when circumstances could have placed him in Michael’s path when he was in the London office?  To think that the one man I’ve always loved could have met his ruin or worse at my own brother’s hand.  Thank the gods that I wasn’t old enough to have to fight him myself.