"You are the stupidest girl I have ever met.", Severus greeted her. She was soaking wet as she hadn't been prepared for an English summer. She had been gone without a trace for over five years now. So why did that stupid woman come back? Why would she risk such a thing? These were all questions Severus didn't ask himself that night. Part of the reason might have been the time of 3.00 AM. "Yes, I, too, am happy to see you all alive and in one piece.", she spit. "Why the harsh tone? You should be praising me for not calling Him." Severus explained. She cocked her head and if looks could've killed, he'd be twice dead, brought back again, just to burn in the fires of hell once more. Oh, her infamous look of hate! He had almost missed it. "May I come in?" "Of course." He opened the door a little further, so she could slip in. His apartment was dark but clean. He guided her into the living room which was quite dark as well. With a flick of his wand he lit some candles. The Bordeaux-coloured curtains threw shadows on the wall, black dancers, that made her feel uncomfortably watched. "Have a seat.", he offered, gesturing at the sofa. "Do you want some wine? I still have some left..." "Are you drinking, Severus?" "No. Should I be?" She flashed a smile and leaned back. It felt more comfortable than anything else she'd slept on in the past four months. Severus himself took a seat on the opposite armchair. "I believe they are not searching for me anymore?" Jade finally asked after staying silent for a while. In Severus' voice was little excitement, though some curiosity did show. "They are not. But if there will be any sign of your return, they'll be at your throat immediately. Which brings me to my question: Why did you come back? I thought you were past the state of pre-pubertal stupidity when The Dark Lord took you in." "They picked up my trace a few months ago, in Russia. I had escape plans for Italy, Los Angeles and Zimbabwe but somehow they... occupied all those places. To really get rid of them once again, I needed to go where they wouldn't expect me to go." "Back to hell." She nodded. "Exactly. I just need to stay for a while-" "You do remember," Severus interrupted her, slightly warning her, "that I have to tell him. In about a week." She nodded and suddenly she looked very tired and old. Older than he remembered her. Then again, five years were a long time. "But you will let me stay?" "Of course.", he mumbled. "Although I do not appreciate of you showing upon my doorstep at three in the morning. Without any warning." "I couldn't risk being tracked by some stupid letter." "And instead you risked me reporting you." "I was fairly certain you wouldn't." "How come?" Her eyelids fluttered and her head fell back. "Difficulties to stay awake?" "No. No, I'm fine.", she quickly assured. "I'm just... never mind. Anyway, I trusted you because we worked together for... how long, two years? I helped you to get over Lily. No, not get over her. Cope with her dead. And I know that you are even more shady than Lucius, which provides me with quite a powerful knowledge." "You would've blackmailed me?" "Never and you should know that. After all, we almost consider ourselves friends, don't we?" "Friends!", he snorted, somewhat mocking. "Partners in crime would be exaggerated. I do not think I can even remotely imagine you as a friend." Her voice lowered and became somewhat bitter as she spoke. "There are few people you hold dear. I know I am one of them. You once needed me, I was everything that kept you alive after she-" "Kept me alive? You dragged me back every time I was about to cross the threshold to death! You forced me, to live!" "And was it not a good thing? You would've lost nothing if you'd done it while I was away. Nothing, Severus, and still you are here. Here with me, as I might point out. Me, who dragged you out of bed at three in the morning, me, who I am one of the most wanteds on the Dark Lord's list and me, whose staying here brings you into lethal danger. I am here and so are you. You are helping me and I can say for sure that you would not take that risk for many other people. So do not tell me I wasn't your friend!" Severus arose with a swift move and flashed a smug smile. "And if you are my so dear friend, Jade, tell me one thing: How dare you showing up on my doorstep in the middle of the night and risk my life in such manner?" Her eyes showed a very pensive look as she went pale, considering what she hadn't considered before: She was risking his life without his agreement and still dared to call herself his friend. Then he left her with those disturbing realization.
It was quite early, when Severus awoke. The sun was just rising, it was rather cold outside and thin fog covered the streets. He got dressed and was reminded of his visitor when he entered the living room. She had curled up on the couch, her face buried underneath a pillow. Severus decided not to wake her and instead talk to her later. He would have to get some groceries, now that there were two mouths to feed. Fortunately, much unlike many of his fellow wizards, he had a rather large amount of muggle clothing in his wardrobe, so that he was able to freely move in the non-wizard society without being called a freak. He'd been called a freak often enough, so no more as long as he could prevent it.
After he'd got dressed, Severus snatched some muggle-money and shortly considered leaving her a note. No, no need for that. She would be fine. And after all, it'd be best if he'd cause no traces at all. Not even a note.
The air was cold and his breath left small clouds in the air. He pulled his coat closer for it was way cooler than he'd expected.
Januaray evening. It was rather warm for this time of the year.
"If he's letting us wait for just one more minute, I swear to god-" Jade bridled low voiced. "Jadyn, please. No harsh words." Lucius greeted her as he opened the door. "Come on in, my dear. Severus. Nice to see you, too." "The pleasure is all mine, Lucius. How is your dear wife?" "Pregnant.", the blonde sighed as Jade and her companion stepped in. "Emotionally unstable. She turns from the loveliest wife one has ever encountered to the most fearsome being I have ever met. The Dark Lord has nothing on her! And back to my dear Narcissa, all in one sentence. It is very straining.", he explained while guiding them to the sitting room. "May I offer you a glass of wine? Or a coffee, perhaps?" Severus took his seat next to Narcissa, greeting her cordially but distanced. It was just that distance for which Jade hd always admired him. "A glass of wine will do just fine, thank you." "Dobby! Get our guests some wine. The good one, we are celebrating!" Jade wandered the room, fleetingly stroking the spines of some books before she strode on. Every now and then she would take a book from the shelf and skim through it. She had always admired the Malfoys' collection of unique and rare, precious and valuable books. "Jade. Come and meet my wife." Lucius grabbed her elbow rather roughly and guided her to the table. Narcissa made an attempt to get up but Jade denied: "Do not bother to get up for me, Misses Malfoy." She shook the lady's hand. "It is my honor to meet you." She gave her big belly a glance. "And my congratulations on your child. Are you happy with it?" "That is a very rude question to ask!", Narcissa insecurely stated. Jade smiled gently and nodded. "I do not mean to offend you. If I did, know that I am dearly sorry. But I have met people who were not happy at all with the child they beared. Going by your reaction I judge that you are more than happy." She looked up to Lucius as she took her seat just a few chairs from Narcissa. "And so is your husband. It is always nice to see how much happiness a child brings." "Have one yourself then?" A voice screeched from behind her. Surprised she turned around. Bellatrix. Lucius smirked. This was going to be fun. Bella always tried to have Jade lose her control, go mental on her so she could report her to th Dark Lord. And Jade always fought for just that last bit of self control. "I see my brother-in-law could not resist the temptation to invite you." "It's not like I begged for it." "No, you didn't. Never begged for anything, now did you? Never would, either, right?" "Bella, please.", Severus admonished. "Do not start that fight now." She laughed maniacally and sat next to Jade. "You did ave t choose that place, did you not?", she murmured, rather annoyed. Bella was just about to answer when HE entered. Maybe he had been there the whole time, but fairly certainly he did not have to knock anyway when he wanted to enter Malfoy Manor. "Ladies, Gentlemen. Good evening." Everybody quickly arose again, greeting him. "Have a seat milord. Would you care for a glass of wine?", Lucius quickly offered. Of course, that Dark Lord denied. He always did. Yet, to keep it polite, Lucius offered him wine every time. "Narcissa.", the mighty wizard cooed. "How are you?" "Fine, milord, thank you." He nodded before he scanned the other guests. "Lucius, where are Greyback and the Crouchs'?" "I am afraid the can not attend tonight. Greyback for.. Obvious resons. It is full moon." "I know, you do not have to remind me." The Dark Lord tapped his finger on the table quite impatiently. Dobby entered with the wine. Finally. Lucius handed glasses to everyone and filled them. "Cheers, my guests." "Cheers." "And where are the others?" "The Crouchs' have a funeral to attend to I am afraid." "A funeral." The Lord repeated hoarsely. "Indeed.", Lucius confirmed as he too his seat next to his master. The Dark Lord turned to Jade. "Now, Jadyn. Do you have what I asked from you?" "Indeed. But Iam afraid it is not complete yet." "What is missing?" "The lowest floor, east wing. It was altered just two days ago and I did not yet have a chance to have a look at it." She drew a map from her sleeve and handed it him. He opened it and studied it carefully. "This will do just fine." Severus gave her a glance and saw her exhaling in relief. Though she had incredible faith I her abilities, she was always scared that her master might not be happy with what her results were. The Dark Lord then handed the map to Dobby. "Store that for me. And I dare you to damage it in any way...!" "Yes, Sir. Dobby will store this. Do not worry. Map will be fine, Sir. Dobby hurries." "Shut up and move, you stupid piece of-" "Bella.", Narcissa warned and gently touched her arm. "Now, Severus, Lucius, any news on the minister's assistant?" "His daughter will attend Hogwarts." Severus announced. A pleased smile tugged at the corner of the Dark Lord's lips. "Brilliant. Anything else?" "No, master." Lucius admitted. He didn't seem too happy that he had nothing more to add. "Very well then. Shall we now begin celebrating that our fellow, Greyback, became leader of his pack?"
It had been a very amusing night, with a lot of wine, especially Bella might even have had a bit too much. And Jade had gotten on good terms with the Dark Lord, a chance that Bellatrix missed out on entirely due to the fact that she... well, she was busy drinking the wine and trying to talk having that 'bastard' out of Narcissa. Needless to say, she had failed but enjoyed that argument with her sister to no end. Lucius and Severus withdrew into another corner of the room while they were chatting about Lucius becoming father and Severus' new job in Hogwarts. Every now and then they would review their Death Eater actions, why they had failed or succeeded. Just now, remembering this night, Severus noticed just how much the Dark Lord had changed in the past six, seven years. He had been so much more human when they had celebrated Greyback's success in becoming the leader of a werewolf pack. Not as human as any of his followers, but still more human than the monster he was now.
A burning sensation on his left forearm dragged the potions master back into reality. He was calling. A picture flashed before Severus eyes; a luxury mansion, covered in shadows. That was where he needed to go, now. Severus shot a quick look at his pocket watch: It was barely 8.00AM. So what could possibly be so important that the Dark Lord called him now?