Perhaps Another Time, Severus [A Severus Snape Fanfiction]

2001

2001
"My Lord, we have found their most recent Headquarters." Shaylah said, her blue eyes locked with Voldemort's reptilian ones. "We plan to attack tonight."

"Excellent! Give them no more chances, kill them all. I tire of this cat and mouse game." Voldemort said, rubbing his temple. "Send Barty this time, since Lucius failed so miserably the last time."

"Yes sir."

Lucius had been sent to lead the last party that raided the Order's Headquarters but they were ambushed much like Shaylah and her team had been when they lost Travis. The Headquarters had already been moved, nothing left but toppled furniture and broken vials, but a group of ten waited in the shadows for Lucius and his party. Brawn finally got the revenge he had sought, Lucius was the first one in and the first one down. Brawn became an unhinged war machine in the moment, taking all but two of Voldemort's own out by himself. Vex had the pleasure of finishing them and making sure they knew Cross' name before their souls left the Earth.

Severus and Shaylah had reluctantly been married in Malfoy Manor in front of the Death Eaters they so vehemently worked to destroy. They were the only ones who knew of their relationship, so they were the only ones in attendance. Though the setting was not ideal, it was worth it. There was no big ceremony, just the small gathering that marked their union.

The other members had noticed her ring but she had told them she had bought it at a shop and enchanted it to change colors. The answer seemed to sate their curiosity.

With Lucius gone, Voldemort became even more intent on wiping out the Order. The vengeance Vex and Brawn had found had now been turned on them. Headquarters was being moved almost weekly, they didn't even bother settling in anymore. All their belongings were stored in trunks, ready to move quickly.

Hutch had abandoned them a month ago, the constant threat of death became too much for him to handle. Vex made sure Hutch's memory was repaired so he could never give information on their identities.

Morgan, who's name Shaylah had finally come to remember, had been scouting new potential spots for Headquarters in her raven form, noting several at a time in advance. The Order had managed to stay ahead but the pressure continued to close in. Vex had been testing his tracking charm and the trials had proven fruitful. Shaylah refused to let him test it on her until he had created the counter spell. She didn't want her whereabouts known at any given moment.

Prix had volunteered to test Vex's tracker, she hid in the woods behind Headquarters, safely tucked in a thick shrub. Shaylah watched as the tip of Vex's wand lit and a ball of white light flew through the wall of the house as he muttered the spell. Once outside he muttered the spell again and the ball flew slowly toward the thicket of trees. As they followed, the white light became a pale orange and when it found Prix it burned a crimson red before turning into a whiff of smoke and vanishing.

Vex was satisfied with his work, but it wasn't practical for tracking someone at long distances. He was determined to perfect it. He was deep in thought when Shaylah burst in. "We have to be out before tonight! Morgan, where are we heading?"

"London, there's an empty flat I found there, the occupants just left a few days ago and the cleaning crew has already been in."

"Perfect. He's sending Barty this time. I saw Snape in Knockturn Alley and followed him."

"What were you doing in Knockturn Alley?" Vex questioned.

"Listening. You know Knockturn Alley is full of gossip." Shaylah stated dryly. "Tell the others won't you? I'm sending Brawn and the brothers to raid the house Morgan found. There are only five people in it, so it should be no trouble for them."

Vex nodded and disappeared up the stairs. "I want to stay," said Morgan. "Barty killed my sister and I want a chance to return the favor." Her striking green eyes were filled with a dark bloodlust.

"Alright, but you'll need backup. We don't know how many are coming." Said Shaylah.

Morgan found five others to stay with her and Brawn and the brothers were given the location of the house they were to raid. Vex, Shaylah and the others set out for the empty apartment which would be their next temporary Headquarters. Shaylah and Vex had brought the extra belongings of the ones who stayed behind and began to sort them into rooms.

Brawn and the brothers returned from their venture quickly. Four more cells were filled in Azkaban. One of their targets put up an intense fight but Brawn took pleasure in defeating him. He had become quite vicious since Cross' murder and even though he had avenged him, he didn't take pity on his targets. He was quick to kill if the situation called for it.

Morgan arrived not long after, alone. She squawked as she shifted, taking her human form as she flew through the door. She covered her face in her hands as she collapsed to her knees. Everyone surrounded her. "Morgan what-"

"We tried to take them by surprise but they set the house on fire and closed in around us. I only made it out because I could shift. Hobbs tried to escape out the window but they were waiting." She was doing her best to breathe between words, her sobs had become uncontrollable. "I got Barty though," Her eyes narrowed as she spoke."I got him while he laughed as the others burned. I choked him with his own tongue from across the street. He never saw it coming."

Shaylah placed a hand on Morgan's shoulder and wrapped her in a hug. Morgan continued to cry with the others gathered around her. They all shed tears for their fallen comrades. Voldemort would rejoice in the news when Shaylah was forced to jovially tell him of their demise.