On The Murder Mile
The British Museum. As Snape walked through its gates for the second time in as many days, he felt a growing sense of affection for the place. Certainly it was not the self-important neoclassical main entrance that inspired this in him. Rather, it was the ambience of the building, which wrapped around you like a thick winter cloak and was equally as comforting.
Yesterday, after finally getting away from the damned tailor in Diagon Alley, he had arrived at the museum just before it closed. Although it had been the first time in his life he had set foot inside, Snape had immediately felt an easy familiarity with it. The atmosphere was universal and unmistakable. There was concentration, study and dedication - even a certain detached and restrained passion - in the rustles and whispers and measured footsteps that formed the low and constant background hum.
A brief tour of the Europe and Roman Britain exhibitions on the Upper floors had revealed nothing, and at such a late hour he could find no member of staff to approach for information on the Ouroboros, apart from a rather surly security guard, who asked him to leave as the museum was closing.
Today, he had the entire day to immerse himself in the bliss of wandering alone and as he pleased among the exhibitions. He relished the prospect and silently thanked Dumbledore for appointing him to the task. But first, to the business in hand.
He strode from the gloom of the entrance into the bright expanse of the Great Court piazza, triangles of sunlight dappling its pale walls, and approached the curved information desk in front of the famous circular reading room. The woman sitting behind it looked up and smiled.
'Good morning,' said Snape. 'I was wondering if you might be able to assist me?'
'I'll certainly do my best,' she said brightly.
'It regards the new exhibit I read about in the newspaper yesterday - the silver serpent torq, recently discovered? I understand it is to go on display, and I was hoping you would be able to tell me when this will be?'
'Ah.' A slight frown crossed her face. 'I do know the piece you mean, but I don't know when it's being put on display. Hold on, I'll contact one of my colleagues who will be able to help you.'
She picked up the telephone and punched in a short number.
'Hi, Nina, its Carol on the Information Desk. There's a gentleman here who has an enquiry about the new exhibit that - yeah, that's right, the silver - well, yes ... oh, alright then. Are you sure you've got - ? Okay, bye.'
She looked up, a slightly puzzled expression on her face. She smoothed it away, efficiently.
'The member of staff who is handling the exhibit will see you in a moment, sir.'
'Thank you.'
He clasped his hands behind his back and moved away slightly from the desk. As he waited, he glanced up at the curved glass roof that covered the Great Court. It was beautiful in its mathematical precision, and Snape could not help but admire it.
He was still gazing at it when someone addressed him.
'Good morning.'
He looked down sharply and saw a woman in front of him.
'I'm Dr Nina Jameson, Keeper of the Department of Prehistory and Early Europe. I believe you're interested in the latest piece we're about to put on display?'
'Thomas Fairfax ... pleased to meet you.' Snape smiled stiffly and held out his hand. She shook it briefly.
He appraised her quickly. She was around his own age, he estimated. Blonde curly hair, just above shoulder length. Smart business suit. Firm handshake. She held herself well.
'Yes, that's right,' he continued. 'I was wondering when it might be possible to see it.'
'Tomorrow morning, when we open,' said Nina. 'The Department of Conservation is nearly done with it.'
'I shall look forward to it,' said Snape smoothly.
'Yes, there have been a number of people who've expressed a keen interest to view it, so I imagine we will be slightly busier than usual.'
'Really?'
'Yes, one gentleman in particular has been very ... persistent in his enquiries. I thought that you might be him, in fact.'
'I don't suppose he left his name, at all?'
Nina gave Snape an odd look.
'No, he didn't.'
'Could you describe him?'
'I'm not sure.' She frowned and moved ever so imperceptibly away.
Snape's mind raced like quicksilver down a plughole.
'Oh, I'm sorry, I know those must have sounded like strange requests ...' He smiled again, and hoped he looked slightly ... pained.
'It's just that ... I'm writing a paper on the symbolism of the Ouroboros, and I was rather hoping to be the first to publish an analysis of this particularly fascinating new find. One of my colleagues is, regrettably, rather hot on my heels.'
Academic pride. She will understand that.
She smiled. Warmth there, for the first time. Snape silently congratulated himself.
'Well, I recall he seemed to be about the same age as you, Mr Fairfax.'
'It's Professor Fairfax,' he said gently.
'Oh, I do apologize.'
'It's quite alright.' Thank you, Merlin.
'He was also dressed very smartly. His most striking feature was his hair though. It was very long, almost reaching down to the middle of his back - platinum blonde.'
Malfoy.
Snape recovered himself in a moment, but justified his slight reaction nonetheless.
'It seems my colleague is closer than I thought. Well, may the best man win.'
Truer words I am unlikely to speak this morning.
Snape smiled again. A little ... vulnerable, perhaps?
'Might it be possible to arrange a private viewing?' he asked.
'Well, perhaps we could organise something for later in the week, Professor.'
Expected. No matter. Strange emphasis on my title there. She remains to be convinced, naturally.
'We would require your request in writing, of course.'
'Of course.'
'I will look into it today when I get the chance, and let you know. Where can I contact you?'
'I'm staying at The Dorchester for the next couple of days, but I should imagine I will be here until closing time today. It has been quite a while since my last visit, and I wish to re-acquaint myself with some of the collections. Shall I enquire again at, say, 5pm?'
'Yes, OK,' said Nina. 'Goodbye for now, Professor.'
Snape watched her go for a moment before moving away himself, towards the tall, wooden double doors leading to the Egyptian exhibition.
Damn. Malfoy is here. Of course. How could I have doubted it? Never underestimate your adversary.
With that thought, Snape had a sudden realisation that made him go cold. The curator he had just spoken to, who Malfoy had obviously been harrassing, was in extreme danger.
Perhaps Malfoy plans to wait until tomorrow night though, wondered Snape. Simply Apparate in after the museum closes and remove the Ouroboros from its display case? No. He knew this would not be Malfoy's intention, because it was not his own. The Ouroboros had to be located as soon as possible. That meant finding out which behind the scenes office or deep basement it was currently kept in. To do so meant 'persuading' the curator to disclose its exact whereabouts. The only difference between the strategies of the two men would be Malfoy's willingness, if not enthusiasm, to leave a corpse in his wake.
Snape realised that, due to his tardiness, it was sheer good fortune the woman was still alive today - that, and a testament to Malfoy's sloppy workmanship. Now, even after he 'convinced' her in his own manner to tell him the location of the Ouroboros, he could not leave her on her own until tomorrow morning. He had revealed the name he was using and where he was staying in front of the receptionist at the information desk. If the curator was killed, he would be a suspect. Fool, he cursed himself. Use your discretion, Dumbledore had told him. So what had he done? Potentially led the non-magicals' police force straight to Hogwarts' Headmaster, all because he had allowed his vanity and self-importance to slip through for a moment. An adolescent attempt to impress. He doubted whether it had even worked one iota.
So how would he keep her with him? Not for a moment did he think she would stay of her own free will. He would have to use Imperius. Then in the morning, when the location of the empty Ouroboros would be evident, he would administer the permanent and irreversible Memoriadeleo - memory erasing - potion. Nothing else, not even the Obliviate charm, was strong enough to modify the memory of someone who had been subjected to one of the two non-fatal Unforgivable Curses. He had prepared a batch for such an eventuality yesterday morning, and one dose of the viscous black liquid was concealed in his jacket pocket. She would wake tomorrow with the only knowledge of who she was, and the life she had lived, being that which she could piece together from the possessions around her. A powerful and blunt instrument - but at least she would wake tomorrow.
He still had his work cut out for him though. How could he get her alone, so that he could cast the Imperius curse? Merlin's bones, potions were so much more ... prudent. Still, he had until 5pm to consider that. Snape looked up at his image, reflected in the Rosetta Stone display case, scowling back at himself. Today would not be so enjoyable, after all.
At 4.55 pm Snape was back at the information desk in the Great Court. Today there was someone there at this time in the afternoon, but not the same woman as this morning. He recounted what Nina has told him and the woman at the desk contacted her.
He waited. This time her appearance did not take him unawares. He watched her as she walked across the piazza towards him.
'Professor Fairfax'
'Dr Jameson'
They shook hands again.
'I've made some enquiries for you about a private viewing,' she began. 'It's as I thought, if you put your request in writing then it should be possible on Friday. Is that OK?'
'Very much so - thank you for your time and trouble.'
She hesitated for a moment.
'I'm sorry Professor, but your name isn't familiar to me. Do you mind if I ask at which university you lecture?'
'Not at all,' smiled Snape. 'It's actually not a university, but rather a small, private academy called The Durmstrang Institute. It's in Switzerland. It's unlikely you've encountered any of my work, as I lecture in chemistry.'
'Oh, I see.' She looked slightly surprised, and was that just a flash of - disappointment?
'But history is a passion of mine, it always has been,' he continued. 'I was very excited when I learned of the discovery of the torq, with my interest in the archetypal cross-cultural significance of the Ouroboros. I had been concentrating on the symbol in terms of the links between ancient Egyptian and Gnostic alchemical texts, and rather neglecting the considerably rarer Celtic usage of the symbol. In fact, I feel this artefact could easily warrant a paper in itself ...'
Again she smiled at him with real warmth.
'Yes, I certainly agree ...'
Now there was no artifice in Snape, only sincerity. With his fascination for the Ouroboros, brought about by studying Salazar Slytherin's journal, and related alchemical works in his own private library, he was genuinely captivated by the discussion. Although discretion tempered his enthusiasm and he was careful not to give away too much, he made references to one or two theories from works he knew Nina could not possibly have read, and put forward his own views about them. Nina appeared equally as animated, and they talked until the Great Court was almost deserted.
'... of course, ... and considering that, it is certainly surprising that Jung did not write more on the subject ...' Snape checked his watch. 'My goodness, I did not realise the time. I must apologise, Dr Jameson, for detaining you.'
He took his chance.
'Perhaps ... we might continue over a drink?'
She looked at her watch.
No wedding ring. Interesting - and convenient.
'It is a little early ... but why not? I need to go back to my office to get my bag ... you'd better come with me, otherwise security will ask you to leave.'
He walked with her across the Great Court and through security protected double doors into the 'back of house' area of the museum. They turned right up the corridor and then climbed a flight of stairs. At the first door they came to, Nina swiped her security card along the adjoining small grey box, and they entered.
'My office ...' she said, almost apologetically. That it was really quite amazing how many piles of books and periodicals she had managed to cram into such a small space was the only coherent thought Snape was able to register. He waited politely by the door as Nina retrieved her bag.
When she turned around, he was pointing his wand at her.
'What are you doing?' She sounded more confused than angry.
This must look insane to her.
'I am sorry to have to do this, please believe me.'
To have to take all that knowledge, all that learning, away from her because of this. You bastard.
'Imperio!'
The look of confusion on Nina's face was replaced by a blank, dream-like expression - but this did not last for long. After a few seconds, she frowned and held her hand up to her forehead as if she had a migraine.
'Sit down, Dr Jameson,' said Snape softly.
'What?'
A slight look of concern crossed Snape's face.
Merlin, she's fighting it!
'I said, sit down.' Slower, more of a dangerous edge to it.
She obeyed, and he relaxed slightly.
'I need you to tell me where in this building the Ouroboros torc is being kept.'
Nina stared at him.
He bent forward, bringing his face inches away from hers.
'Where is it, Dr Jameson - the Ouroboros?'
Again Nina put her hand to her head, an expression of pain crossing her face.
'It's down ... no ... why should I tell you where it ...?'
She stopped and pressed both of her hands to her temples.
Damn this esoteric wand-waving, thought Snape furiously. Potions were far more efficient. They did not rely on one's state of mind in order to be effective.
'Dr Jameson, gather yourself. Allow me to fetch you a glass of water.'
Snape walked over to the water cooler in the corner of the small room and poured a glass. Quickly, he drew the phial of Veritaserum from his concealed pocket and tapped three drops into the glass.
'Here, drink this.'
She did as he asked.
'Now, tell me again. Where is the Ouroboros being kept?'
It's downstairs in Andrew's office, Room 342, in the basement.'
'The time is ten minutes to six. Will anyone still be there?'
Nina smiled. 'No, Andrew isn't one for overtime at the moment, what with his wife just having had a baby.'
'How touching. Very well, please rise, Dr Jameson.'
Snape took her by the arm, and Dispparated ...
... Apparating to another, this time much larger and windowless, room.
Nina looked dazed and more than a little disorientated.
'What the hell happened there? How did we get here?'
'It is a little difficult to explain', said Snape. 'Are you unwell?'
'No, I'm alright, I suppose.'
'Good. Then please bring the Ouroboros to me.'
Nina hesitated ... and then pulled open a drawer and brought out a small black case. She snapped it open. Inside, lying on a bed of protective foam, was the Ouroboros torc. It gleamed in the fluorescent light. Gently, she picked it up and carried it to Snape.
He took it from her as reverently as she had picked it up. He held it at eye level and marvelled at the detail of the Celtic knotwork engraved on it.
'Exquisite ...' he breathed. He placed it on the desk in front of him and slid the tip of his forefinger inside the serpent's mouth, pressing down gently on its tongue. Finally, he had the opportunity to use the charm he had read a thousand times ...
'Benedictovitae.'
There was a small 'click'. A section of the serpent's underbelly slid open near the hinge at the back. Snape could see that there was something inside.
Nina was watching him, her mouth slightly open, mesmerised.
He teased out the contents of the compartment - a minuscule, and very fragile, leather bag. Fingers shaking slightly, Snape opened it ...
A leaf. A single bright green leaf, attached to a thorny stem. It appeared as fresh as if it had been picked that morning. Could it be ...?
'What is it?' asked Nina.
'It is of no consequence to you,' said Snape coldly.
Again, he cursed himself. Why had he not thought to bring a container? Why had he not thought before he opened his damned mouth earlier?
'Are there any specimen jars here?' he snapped. 'Anything secure to store this in?'
She shook her head.
'No, there's no need for them with the type of work that's carried out down here.'
Damn. I will have to take the torq, for now.
Snape eased the leaf back inside the leather bag, and placed that in turn into the belly of the silver serpent.
'Benedictovitae,' he whispered again as he pressed down its tongue. The panel clicked back into place, leaving no trace of its presence. Snape picked up the torq with one hand and with the other he grasped Nina's arm again, and Disapparated ...
... Apparating to a medium sized, opulently furnished room with a large, comfortable looking double bed and two equally luxurious armchairs in the corner by the window.
Gently, Snape placed the Ouroboros on the table beneath the mirror. Only then, in the security of his hotel room, did he feel his heartbeat return to something approaching a normal pace. He walked over to the window and opened it, sounds from the street below spilling suddenly into the room.
'Where am I now?' asked Nina.
'You are at The Dorchester hotel,' answered Snape. 'You are in grave danger tonight. But if you remain here until tomorrow morning, when the Ouroboros is put on display, you will be safe, I swear it. Do you understand?'
'No,' she said. 'But I believe you.'
'Please, sit down,' said Snape, gesturing to one of the armchairs.
'Is that an order or a request?' said Nina icily.
'That ... is a request.' He sighed. 'Please, Nina. May I call you Nina?'
'All right.' She sat down under the open window
Snape settled himself in the other armchair, next to the huge mahogany wardrobe. They were separated by a side table which had an extremely tasteful arrangement of fresh orchids placed on it.
They sat in silence for a time. Snape wondered just how much Nina had been able to fight the Imperius curse. It wasn't supposed to happen, especially with non-magicals. She must have an immensely strong personality.
'Nina, stand up please.'
She stood.
'Thank you. Sit down on the bed please.'
She did as he bid her.
'Why am I doing this?' she asked. 'Why am I doing everything you tell me to, answering all your questions ... wanting to, even though I can hear my own thoughts every now and again like a whisper at the back of my mind?'
'You have no choice but to obey me, Nina.' Snape arched an eyebrow. 'In theory, anyway. You fought it well back there. You seem not to have defeated it though, for which I am truly thankful. The Ouroboros must mean a lot to you, to have resisted telling me its whereabouts.'
'Yes, it does,' she said angrily. 'It is a significant find. What makes you think you have the right to take it?'
'It is more significant than you could ever know. But do not ask me about it again, I am weary.'
Snape got up and walked over to the stereo. He opened the CD tray and on it placed Mozart's Requiem Mass in D minor, one of the CD's he had bought in Piccadilly Circus last night at the astonishing time of a quarter to midnight. When the music began, he smiled to himself.
'Please excuse my lack of manners,' he said, turning round. 'Can I get anything for you - a drink, perhaps? Are you hungry?'
She shook her head.
'Can I get Room Service to bring up some newspapers? Magazines?'
'No, thank you.'
He paused.
'Perhaps ... you would like to watch some television?'
'No.'
Snape sat back down in the armchair, crossed his legs and sighed. He pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. This was going to be a long night. Perhaps he would use the remains of his Sleeping Draught on her. It would be a kindness after what he had put her through this evening. Besides, he did not require it for himself, not tonight.
'Can I do anything at all for you, Nina?' asked Snape, a little exasperated.
'Yes, ' she said. 'I'd like you to touch me. I'd like you to let me undress you, and then I would like you to make me come.'
Author's note: I've realised that as GoF is set in 1995 (I think) then the beautiful glass roof spanning the Great Court in the British Museum would not have been built, as it was opened by the Queen in December 2000. Ho Hum. It's one of the reasons I set it there, so suspend a little disbelief if you can. 'Give me an artistic licence, or I shall run mad ...' Also, if you've realised who Nina is based on, you will understand why she feels so strangely attracted to Severus.