"And how long ago did you say it happened, Hagrid?" – Minerva McGonagall asked worriedly, pulling her tartan coat over her nightgown as she closed the door to her office behind her.

"'Bout an hour ago, if I'm not wrong." Hagrid replied, frowning. – "I was a bit drunk; yeh know, the holidays comin'; when the elf appeared, I thought I was goin' bonkers".

"Are you sure it mentioned Professor Snape?"

"O' course, she said Snape 'ad sent her, that she should hurry. So, I wen' looking for one of the thestrals and she disappeared with it. She gave no further explanation".

"I wasn't aware that Snape was out tonight. Go to the grounds and stay put in case something else happens. I will go to the dungeons to confirm if Snape is not there."

"Right away, professor."

"What a night for Dumbledore to leave. This school is going from bad to worse." -McGonagall whispered as she headed toward Professor Snape's office. It didn't take long for her to realize that, indeed, Severus had left the school without notifying anyone.

Laurel regained consciousness from time to time. She was able to perceive the familiar sensation of flying, but her eyes registered only the complete darkness of the night sky and the ethereal glow of the stars. However, she could feel the softness of a silky mane under her cheek and the flapping of enormous wings. She thought that she had died, that some winged psychopomp was taking her to a place where she no longer had to suffer the pain of the bites that now felt strangely distant, muffled by the stupor of blood loss. She blacked out before she realised the thestral was gliding over the towers of an ancient castle.

"Hagrid, there! It's coming!"

"Gallopin' gargoyles! Is that a woman?"

The thestral landed silently in front of them, shaking its head and staring with its white eyes at its back, nudging the unconscious woman with its nose, drawn in with the blood that soaked her. Hagrid approached her first and cut the ties that held her, lifting her into his arms.

"Well, it's certainly a dispatch from Professor Snape." – McGonagall commented, examining the woman's body under the light of her wand, noting the black robes that covered her. – "It appears she has been attacked, Hagrid".

"Tortured, those neck wounds weren't made by any creature, they were made by a human being".

They both rushed back to the castle, waking Madam Pomfrey with a knock on the infirmary door.

"Excuse us Poppy, but this is an urgent case".

"But... she's not a student..." – Madam Pomfrey said, stepping forward and indicating an available bed where they could leave the woman. She examined her quickly, removing the bandages that had become useless to stop the bleeding. - "God, what happened to her?"

"We have no idea but judging by the amount of blood it is a miracle that she is still alive".

Madam Pomfrey pointed her wand, expecting the blood would clear and she could get a better view of the wounds, but the scarlet liquid was still there. She waved her wand once more, thinking that perhaps she was still a little sleepy, but for the second time, there was no effect. Madam Pomfrey's jaw dropped, her eyes darting between her wand and the passed-out girl.

"Merlin's beard..."

"Poppy? What's wrong?" – McGonagall looked at her in surprise.

"Can't you see?!" – She answered aloud. – "She is a soulless one!"

"Of course not" – McGonagall said, shaking her head and letting out a little noise of impatience. – "There have been no records of Akardos in over a hundred years in the British Isles, the possibility that one has reached Hogwarts... well it's just laughable. You must be a little tired Poppy, let me try".

"Well, go ahead." Madam Pomfrey answered, her cheeks flushed.

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, and focusing a little more than she normally would to perform such a simple spell, she spoke in a clear voice:

"Tergeo".

She was speechless when she saw how the spell had no effect on the woman's body.

"Tonight bringin' ton of surprises, innit? Professor Snape really gave us a handful. Big mess, le' me tell yeh".

"Snape? Oh, Merlin's beard, Dark magic stuff, I don't want to know". – Said Madam Pomfrey, shaking her head and summoning a first aid kit from one of the cabinets. – "I will do what I can to fix her, I never thought I will have to resort to muggle methods".

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

Laurel opened her eyes, the throbbing pain in her head keeping her from focusing her sight. She was extremely thirsty; her sore and dry throat was crying out for a glass of water. She had no idea where she was, the last thing she remembered was Narcissa Malfoy's face and then just darkness. She tried to get up, but it made her dizzy and she gasped when she felt a sudden stabbing pain in her abdomen. All the images of what had happened came back to her memory instantly.

"Don't get up, Laurel. It is not good to strain after having lost so much blood".

The woman realized then that someone was accompanying her, a tall and thin old man, with a long silver beard and crystal blue eyes, he was looking at her with a friendly smile, sitting in a chair next to the bed. His clothing was quite eccentric, his sky-blue robe, embroidered with silver stars and moons, was very different from the usual muted colours that Death Eaters wore. He was what might be called, the quintessential fairy tale sorcerer. Her thirst was forgotten in an instant.

"You are Dumbledore." — Laurel whispered in a raspy voice. — "I'm... I'm at..."

"At Hogwarts." - Dumbledore said pouring some water from a pitcher into a pewter cup. - "It seems that Severus has already done the honours to tell you about me".

"Where is Severus?"

"We don't hear from him yet, Laurel. The night you were attacked ... "

"But he was here, he should be at Hogwarts. He wasn't at the manor when Greyback attacked me".

"So, it was Greyback, my suspicion was right". — Dumbledore said. — "Severus was tipped off by a house-elf from the Malfoy family. It is he who has brought you to safety, sending you to Hogwarts with a thestral. We haven't heard from him since then, I assume he must still be at the manor, answering to Voldemort".

Dumbledore stared at her for a moment, noticing how her brown eyes turned red and glassy, the way her flaky lips trembled. The woman lowered her head and looked at her hands for a moment. Her physical pain dissipating, being replaced by a worse sensation: Anguish and worry filled her chest.

"How do you know?" - She asked looking up again. - "How do you know about me... About Severus' work with the Dark Lord?".

"You mean, his spy job?" — Dumbledore smiled, offering her the cup that he held in one curiously blackened hand. — "Oh, Severus is quite the mysterious man, isn't he? I suppose you have realized that he is not like the other Death Eaters".

"In fact, I always wondered that. He is so swee... good. To me". — Laurel took a sip of the water, trying to conceal the slip of her tongue. — "He has always looked so out of place there".

"And he looks very out of place here too". — He said with a twinkle in his eyes. — "He is one of us, Laurel, but one of them too. I am sure you understand".

"He is a double agent..."

"Our most valuable spy, no one is closer to Voldemort."

"Then help him. Rescue him. He must be in great danger now, he has done something foolish, get me out of there... he will be punished... and I cannot even imagine..." — Laurel started sobbing, the headache increased exponentially. She lost the grip on the pewter cup and the water spilled onto her lap, but she didn't even notice. Her eyes burned from the lack of tears, and she had to put her hands to her face trying to appease the headache that was splitting her skull.

"Settle down, dear. I thought you trusted Severus". — Dumbledore dried the damp quilt with a wave of his wand. — "He's not the kind of man to do foolish things."

Laurel giggled interspersed with her crying, remembering those same words coming out of Severus' mouth.

"So he says, yet, here we are".

"Then trust me when I say, there is no one better to rescue Severus, than Severus himself".

"Are you going to let him deal with the Dark Lord on his own? He has risked too much by doing your bidding, by trying to protect me. He deserves your help. He is your spy; he is your servant... "

Dumbledore put a hand up, quieting the raspy grumble of the woman, his eyes piercing into her. His voice, clear and severe:

"First, I consider Severus being much more than a spy, definitely not a servant. He is my friend, my colleague, I took him under my wing during his worst times. So, I want to make it clear that Severus' safety is of upmost importance for me as it is for you". — Dumbledore's voice veered back to his usual amiable tone when he offered another water cup to Laurel. — "Second, I can see now that you show the same care for him as he shows for you. A rather surprising fact, I thought Severus would never develop this sort of... feeling, ever again".

"I do care for him". — Laurel answered. — "That is why I am begging you, don't abandon him now, please".

"You should have more faith in him, my dear. He has gotten out of worse before. He is a brave and cunning man. You will see".

"I know, I know that he is". — She said, a tiny squeal scaping for her throat when she thought about what Severus' might be facing right now. She gulped down the water and turned a thankful gaze at Dumbledore. — "I appreciate you letting me stay at your school".

"Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it". — Dumbledore winked at her. — "You must thank Severus for asking".

Laurel nodded and squeezed the empty cup in her hands. Something else was gnawing her insides: Greyback had hurt her in a savage way, the sharp pain of his bites tearing at her skin was fresh in her memory, as was the fetid stench of his mouth. But there was something that made her feel so much worse: For a very brief moment, Laurel could feel his rough fingers groping her under her robe and she couldn't help but shrink a little, close her eyes, and drown that sensation deep within her soul. She wanted to convince herself that it had never happened. It had only been a nightmare, Greyback had only bit her, the same way a wolf bites a sheep, nothing more had happened... Nothing more...

"Laurel". — Dumbledore's voice was a small light in the ocean of darkness that she had sunk into. — "Is there anything else you want to tell me?"

"No". — She answered automatically, only to take it back an instant later. — "Yes... Sir, I would like to ask you, since Greyback is a werewolf and has bitten me, does that mean that I will transform into one too?"

"I don't think so Laurel, Greyback wasn't transformed when he bit you. It is not at all common for something like this to happen. Werewolves do not tend to attack in their human form, Fenrir Greyback is a unique case". — He replied, leaning toward her, pointing out her bandages. — "Your Akardos condition has caused your wounds to heal with astonishing speed. A miracle, if we think that lycanthrope bites never fully heal. Of course, we will have to wait a couple more days and see how your body reacts to the full moon, but I wouldn't worry much".

"It's a relief to know". — She whispered, playing nervously with the cup. — "Greyback said we were very much the same, both scum in the eyes of the wizards... But I couldn't imagine being able to do what that beast has done to me, I... I'd rather die than be like him".

Something crossed Dumbledore's face. Not for long. Not for more than a second. A flash and then it was gone.

"Not every werewolf is like him, Laurel. There are many suffering this curse, a disease they cannot get rid of, but when I look at you, when I think about what your blood may be able to do for them... well, it may bring hope to those who need it".

"You mean, that silvery potion that Severus has been working on?"

"Yes, the silvery potion that, I'm afraid, Severus has forgotten to investigate further by turning his attention to other matters. I hope you put the invisibility cloak to good use. Was Severus able to get you out?".

Laurel was sure that the little blood that had remained in her body had all gathered on her face. Was there something that was not known to Dumbledore?"

"He meant no harm. He only did it to help my family. Just for a day".

"I always knew that under that layer of bitterness and coldness was a kind man. However, it is of the utmost importance that Severus devotes all his efforts to continue his investigations, Laurel, and you are his most important supporter. Many lives will depend on what he can do with your blood. Make sure you keep him focused. No more distractions".

Laurel felt his eyes pressing down on her. She has never felt more constricted, more hemmed in by the stern tone in his voice, she almost felt she was under enchantment because despite not fully agreeing to his orders, she was forced to quickly nod her head in agreement.

"Very well". — Dumbledore suddenly smiled as he stood up and gave her a handshake. — "You are now an honorary member of the Order of the Phoenix, a very special one, I must say".

And seeing Laurel's confused face, he added:

"Severus will explain everything to you when he returns".

Laurel looked at him stunned, maybe it was true what Draco said, Albus Dumbledore did seem a bit nutty.

"Do you really trust that Severus will return soon?" — She asked frowning, the anguish in her chest overflowing again.

"Of course. He is Severus Snape, after all".

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

Fenrir had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb

Fenrir had a little lamb; her skin was red with blood.

Fenrir had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb

Fenrir had a little lamb; he'll kill that sluttish whore.

Laurel was back there, her body lying on the suite's four-poster bed. Greyback on top of her, singing happily through his sharp and bloody teeth, tearing her clothes with her long fingernails. Shreds of clothing hung in the air like coloured streamers. Laurel sank lower and lower on the mattress, unable to feel, unable to breathe. The werewolf put his hands around her neck and was squeezing hard.

"Sing with me, bitch".

She tried to take one last breath before letting herself die.

Laurel woke up choking on her own saliva. She coughed and swallowed hard, terrified, trying to ease the burning in her throat. Her headache had not subsided, and she felt the burning heat of fever all over her face and body. She shifted in bed, wanting to free herself from the quilt that covered her

"Shh." — Laurel felt the contact of a cold hand on her sweaty forehead. — "Careful, Laurel, you could open your wounds".

She froze, trying to adjust her eyes to the darkness of the infirmary. That voice, she was sure to whom it belonged.

"Severus!" — She exclaimed with a trembling voice, taking his hand. —"Severus, you are here, are you okay?"

Her blurry vision barely allowed her to see the pale features of his face framed by the lanky hair, but it was not an impediment to feel his lips on her forehead, his hands, caressing her head. His ragged, brittle breathing told her that he must have been crying.

Suddenly, the light of a candle moved towards them and Severus immediately pulled away from her.

"I would like a moment alone, Poppy". — He said, clearing his throat.

The candlelight faded again, and Severus used his wand to move the screens, keeping them out of sight.

"Muffliato". – He whispered, before sitting on the bed, in front of Laurel.

"You're burning in a fever". — He added a few drops of a potion to a bowl of water and moistened a towel in it.

"Does it remind you of something?" — He said with a nervous giggle as he applied the cold compress, giving her light touches on her forehead and on her cheeks.

Laurel felt there was something wrong with him, as if it weren't the same Severus she had spoken to last time. The assurance in his voice, the customary cold tone, gone. This Severus moved in a twitchy, hesitant way.

"Severus". — She said with the strongest voice she was capable. — "Something is not right. Why don't you light a candle? I would like to see you".

"It is not necessary for now." – He answered. — "Try to sleep".

"I don't want to sleep". — Laurel sit down on the bed, ignoring her many pains.

She grabbed Severus's face and pulled him closer. It was then that she realized the terrible state he was in. His pale skin, which had taken on a sickly greenish hue, was lined with burst blood vessels and his eyes were completely red and swollen. Laurel put his hands to her mouth, her eyes wide.

"What have they done to you?"

"They have punished me". — He murmured. — "The cruciatus conjured by Bellatrix are among the most powerful on record. A three-hour session is not a laughing matter,".

"But you are alive... Thank heavens you are alive!" — Laurel said, sobbing. — "So has the Dark Lord forgive you?"

"After the torture and when I was weak enough, I was sent to him for an interview. A nice way to say I was tormented non-stop with Legilimency, he couldn't find anything in my mind to indicate that I was betraying him, he never does. He can only see my complete worship for him and his ways. The Dark Lord is of the opinion that the closer I stay to Dumbledore, the better for him. So, he doesn't care too much where I keep my 'lab rat'"— He said, as he timidly pinched her chin. — "Honestly, I think he has lost interest in the project. He is like a child; he gets bored with his new toys quickly".

"But still, he has punished you."

"Of course. I have taken a decision without his consent. I acted without permission. A punishment more than well deserved... but it was worth it, if you ask me. You are safe now".

"Severus... God, I am so sorry". — She cried. — "Why did you do it? You should have left me there".

Severus expression darkened, recovering suddenly the sombre demeanour that characterised him.

"Leave you there? So Greyback could keep doing whatever he wanted? Leave you there, locked up, getting insane? I need you safe, I need you healthy, I need you near me, Laurel. Do you understand?" — He grabbed her shoulders, bringing her closer, drying her tears with his hand. — "If someone needs to apologise, it is me. I took you there, I listened to your silly words and took you back to that shithole. I couldn't control Greyback. I just made it all worse when I retaliate against him. I was arrogant enough not to listen to Lupin when he warned me. Greyback wanted to have you and he wanted revenge on me. I was stupid not to realise the failure on my warding spells... that tiny little house-elf... I am an absolute idiot".

Severus lost any self-control, he angrily struck the bowl of water, throwing it to the ground and making a loud noise. He sat back again in the bed, tangling his hands in his hair, pulling it.

"You did the best you could. Without you, I wouldn't have survived the first day with the Death Eaters. Severus, listen to me". —Laurel took his hands, resting her forehead against his. - "You. Have. Done. Nothing. Wrong".

"Can you forgive me?" — He asked, looking up at her. — "For all the harm and pain? I... I understand if you hate me... I would hate myself too".

"But you have done nothing of that. You have protected me time after time, how could I hate you for that? I would never hate you".

She smiled at him and stroked the clammy skin of his face with her thumbs. He stared at her for a moment, then he stood up, pulling something out of his vest pocket. The medallion shone, even in the very dim light of the infirmary. Severus approached her, gently placing it around her neck.

"I think my mother's necklace should be returned to its rightful owner. You don't have to wear it, but it will make me happy to know you have it"