A/N: Thanks to everyone who found this story and read and reviewed! Let me know what you think!
Chapter 2: Snape's fate
Severus paced back and forth in front of Narcissa, who was sitting on the couch in her sitting room, drinking tea, watching his nervous pacing.
"Why hasn't he said anything?" he finally stopped and turned to her. "It's been days"
"To make you do this as you very well know" Narcissa retorted. "He likes these psychological torture games. And he is the expert at it"
"Or maybe he is waiting until she is stronger to invade her mind" Severus twined his fingers together, "and then without her being able to occlude it properly, he'll know everything"
"Everything?" Narcissa placed her teacup on the table next to her and stood up, "You told her everything? Why would you do such a thing when we didn't know the outcome of the war?"
"I had little choice" Severus said, "I had to get Potter to sacrifice himself...for what purpose now, I do not know"
"All of the horcurxes are gone...including Nagini" Narcissa said, walking over to Sev and putting a hand on his shoudler, "It was not for nothing"
"And she is unresponsive and Potter is dead and soon he will know everything...my true allegiance"
"He will kill you for certain then" Narcissa said.
"I know" Severus shuddered, grimly.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Narcissa insisted.
"I didn't want to worry you, Cissy"
"Well, I am worried" she frowned. "What are we going to do?"
"There is nothing we can do, except wait for the Dark Lord to decide my fate"
"We could wipe that part of her memory" Narcissa suggested.
"How?" Severus asked, looking at her, "He won't let any of us near her and that blasted mediwitch is with her and her room is being guarded"
"Leave it to me" Narcissa said, "If he finds out the whole truth, your life is forefeit. If he finds out the partial truth of your affection and protection towards Sarah, then he will torture, but he will not kill"
Severus was grateful. "You are a good friend to me, Cissy"
Narcissa leaned over and kissed his cheek affectionately, "You would do the same for me"
"Of course I would"
"And it is entirely self serving" she told him with a playful tilt of her head, "I like having you around"
"Is that so?" For the first time, Severus's eyes flickered with emotion other than worry...his look was almost affectionate.
"It is" Narcissa said.
"That's good" Severus retorted, dryly, "Because I like being around"
"Well, now that is clear, I have to go pay a visit to Kreacher"
"Are you going to trust him?"
She nodded, "He's loyal to Potter who is loyal to Sarah...and he is Sarah's houseelf since she inherited the Black estate. He's just the one for this task. I would say Wiggles, but the Dark Lord would be suspicious of your house elf attending to Sarah"
"I agree, that could work" Severus nodded, "Thank you, Narcissa"
"You're welcome, Sev"
"If you invade her mind now" Mediwitch Gibbon's voice was low, "you will significantly compromise her recovery, my Lord"
"I have waited long enough"
"My Lord, I still would caution you not to do this. Give her a few more days."
"I want her secrets before I punish Severus. Do not question me. I healed her. I expect you to keep her alive. Now leave us"
Gibbon left without another word.
Sarah groaned, her body feeling so heavy as she flitted in and out of consciousness.
Voldemort sat on the bed next to her, his fingers on her temples, applying a firm pressure to them. "Can you hear me, Sarah?"
She grunted in response.
"Good, now don't fight me" he massaged her temples, "the damage you will do if you do will affect your recovery beyond repair"
She moaned.
"I want to know it all, Sarah. Every little detail of these past seven years- not just the facts, but your feelings, your emotions, your thoughts. I want all of you"
He took out his wand and pointed it towards her, "Legilimens"
She felt powerless as he invaded her mind...powerless to protect Snape...powerless to protect Draco...from what she was sure would incite his wrath against them both.
"Hello Severus" Voldemort entered the library where Narcissa and Severus were talking to each other in low tones.
They both rose. "My Lord" their heads were bowed.
"Narcissa" Voldemort gestured to her, "Come, my dear"
Narcissa glanced at Severus and moved gracefully to the Dark Lord's side, "Yes, my Lord?"
"Will you ensure we are not interrupted?"
"Of course, my Lord" she murmured.
She moved away but he clasped her arm and pulled her back close to his side, "Tell me" he studied her closely, "Did you know of Severus's affection for his niece?"
She didn't falter. "I did, my Lord" her voice was smooth.
"Yes you did" his eyes were on her, "You even took her shopping"
"Severus is hopeless in picking out a teenage girl's wardrobe, my Lord" Narcissa said, somewhat haughtily. "Do you know what he would have dressed the poor girl in? I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy"
"I can only imagine" Voldemort chuckled.
"He needed my expertise and I wanted to help him. You know how fond I am of Severus. After all, he is my child's godfather"
He reached to pat her face, "I do know all of that. Still, you failed to keep information from me and were an accessory to their duplicity"
"I didn't see it like that" Narcissa told him, honestly. "Does it matter that Severus cares about the girl? His care for her and his instruction has built her into the woman she has become. Without him, I doubt you would have even given her a second glance and certainly not picked her to carry your children"
"Hum" Voldemort frowned at her, taking in the truth of her words. He saw in Sarah's memories how crucial Severus was to her becoming the skilled and determined witch that she is today. "We will talk more about this tonight. I have things to discuss alone with Severus"
She didn't provide the hint of a reaction only to say, "When tonight, my Lord?"
"Half past nine. Do not be late"
"And is this meeting for...what, my Lord, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Are you worried I am going to punish you for your role in all of this?"
"Not worried. If you feel like I am deserving of punishment..." Narcissa titled her head up, gracefully, "then you will do as you wish. There is no use worrying myself over something I am powerless to change"
He smiled at her. "After I deal with your wayward friend, I'll be in a certain mood if you can't my meaning. Your sister is dead and I've tried other women, but they are so tiresome"
"And I am not?"
"No, you are special as well. There is something about Black women, Narcissa, that I find quite enticing. So, I will see you tonight. And better not mention this to Lucius. He's become sensitive to sharing you, but I'm sure that is only his pride. After all, as you know, he has been known to stray often" he told her bluntly.
"Of course, my Lord. I won't say anything that might cause discord. You know I can be discreet" She caught Severus's eye only briefly and she saw the slightest glimpse of a flinch at the implication that she would have sex with Voldemort tonight.
And for the first time since Voldemort arrived in the study, her composure left her briefly.
"Narcissa" Voldemort, prompted.
"I'm sorry, my Lord" she pulled herself back, "I will ensure you are not interrupted". She gave another brief glance at Severus before leaving him alone with Voldemort.
"She's charming" Voldemort commented, lightly.
"She is" Severus concurred, his face blank.
"Do you find her charming as well?"
"Quite"
"She likes you, Severus" Voldemort commented, "Quite a bit if she risked so much to keep your secret"
"We have formed a life-long friendship, my Lord. That is no secret"
"Just a friendship?" he asked.
"I'm not sure what you mean" Severus questioned.
"I mean, does it bother you that I am taking Narcissa to my bed tonight?"
"It is not my place to be bothered, my Lord" Severus said, "I am not her husband"
"I saw your flinch, Severus. Always so controlled in your emotions. You flinched at the thought. You had more composure when you were facing your death, than you just did a few moments ago"
"I don't deny it surprised me. You haven't called on Narcissa in quite a few months. Even after Bellatrix's death"
"Soon I won't have to" Voldemort said, bluntly, "I'll have your daughter. I'm assuming the thought of a sexual relationship between Sarah and myself bothers you as well"
"It bothers me to think of my daughter having a sexual relationship with any one, my Lord" Severus answered, smoothly.
Voldemort twirled his wand between his hands, "I was quite shocked by what I saw in Sarah's memories. I did not know, Severus, that you are so... gifted... with children"
"I'd hardly call me gifted with children" Severus said, his voice even, "my record as a professor can attest to that. However, as you know well, Sarah is special"
"The cuddles were especially touching"
"She responds well to that sort of thing and given that she is my niece, I thought it appropriate to demonstrate some affection towards her"
"Indeed" Voldemort titled his head, "I will have to keep that in mind where Sarah is concerned"
Severus remained quiet, not taking his bait.
"You disciplined her when she was going astray" Voldemort began to pace in front of him, "you taught her more than what she learned in school, you comforted her when she was upset, took care of her when she was ill." He stopped pacing abruptly to turn to him, "You were her father in every way"
"I was" Severus said. "I still am"
"And you did everything in your power to protect her...from me... from us...at times"
"Yes"
"Then this question still remains: where exactly, Severus, does your true allegiance lie?"
"With you, my Lord" Severus said, his tone steady. "Always with you"
"Why should I believe you?"
"You saw Sarah's memories. Even she did not know my true allegiance...although she might have hoped one way. There were times that she was fearful of the darkness I follow and where it would lead us. If I was loyal to the Order, I would have told Sarah. The fact that I have not, must lead you to deduce that I have been loyal to you this entire time, my Lord"
"Except when it interferes with Sarah's best interest"
"She is my daughter"
"My other death eaters would sacrifice their well-being of their children for me"
"Would they?" he asked, his tone neutral, "Who have you asked to do that?"
"Lucius"
"And that has been a mistake, my Lord. Draco was forced to grow up all too quickly. He couldn't handle the various pressures this life entails"
"And so you stepped in for him as well. Saved him by killing the old fool yourself"
"He is my godson. You know I care for the boy. He has spent a few weeks with me almost every summer since he was a young boy. It is how he and Sarah formed such a close bond after I took guardianship of her."
"I saw that too" Voldemort said, "she wasn't happy about it at first, was she?"
"She turned around. Sarah likes to see the best in people"
"Honestly, Severus...all this is quite shocking" Voldemort folded his arms, "I thought you stronger than this. This love for Sarah...this love for Draco, it makes you weak. It was the same with the mudblood you loved"
"Perhaps. But it is not like Lily Potter who I can replace with another woman. Sarah is my niece. She is my only living relation, my Lord. She is my heir. I have a vested interest in her survival. She is the lone branch in our family tree now"
"Unless you decide to procreate"
"Doubtful" Severus said.
"You are apparently so good with children"
"Not any child" Severus retorted. "Sarah. You know how special she is"
"I do" Voldemort said, slowly, "I can understand you wanting to protect her, but why not come to me and explain the situation?"
"My Lord, she was Potter's best friend. The enemy. And given my precarious position as a spy, this seemed the most prudent course. I didn't think you or my colleagues would be so generous to the one who tried to thwart you so many times. And I could not knowingly bring her harm. She was punished appropriately each time for her role in those times she and Potter thwarted you"
"But was she punished for thwarting me or putting herself in harm's way?"
"She was punished for putting herself in harm's ways and sticking her nose in matters that do not concern her" Severus said. "I cannot force her to chose our way"
"But I can"
"Yes, my Lord. You can" Severus said, quietly.
"And I will"
"As you wish"
"I have to admit your words make sense. Still the duplicity is something I cannot so easily forgive...that is without proper punishment to motivate you to refrain from doing so in the future...and enough to show Sarah that I will not tolerate deception in the future...no matter what the cause of said deception"
"I understand" Severus said, smoothly.
"But after proper punishment, I will forgive you. I can believe you wanted to act only in her best interest, which is something I desire as well. Narcissa was correct in her assessment. If Sarah did not have you behind her, teaching her, perhaps she would not be the woman she is today...a woman I desire to become mine...more than any other. So perhaps after this nasty business of punishment is finished, I should thank you"
Severus swallowed hard. "That will not be necessary" he practically grunted out.
Voldemort chuckled, "It does bother you immensely. Sarah and I." He pointed his wand at him, "Ready yourself"
And Severus knew this would not be easy.
Two torturous hours later, Severus was crumpled up on the floor, his muscles flinching, bones broken, blood splaying from various wounds.
"Just finish what you started and kill me already" Severus grunted. The assault on his mind was also great, but Voldemort still failed to recover Snape's darkest secrets.
"Severus, I have never heard you beg for death" Voldemort leaned down to kneel beside him, "You must be stronger than that" he chided.
"Yes, my Lord" he murmured.
"And I am fond of you, my friend" Voldemort said, reaching to pat his shoulder, "You will make an excellent grandfather to my children. Now, I'm apparating you to your room. I assume your house elf will tend to you until I can part with Narcissa. Your recovery might take a while and when it is over, I want you to stay away from Sarah, until I tell you that you can see her. Do you understand?"
"Please...don't..." Severus gasped, wheezing for air, "hurt her"
"Now, Severus, you know I must" Voldemort said, his hand still on his shoulder, "but I will give you this. It will nearly be this bad. Actually, I will be, all things considered, quite lenient with her even though she killed one of my most trusted followers...a woman I was quite taken with"
"Why?" Severus's intake of breath was sharp.
"I'll let you in on a little secret I uncovered from Sarah's mind" Voldemort leaned closer to him, "that moment she decided to kill Bellatrix, she heard a voice in her head guiding her...propelling her further into action. Do you want to know whose voice that was?"
Snape grunted. "Yours, I presume"
"Yes, mine" Voldemort smiled, "You see there is hope for your daughter after all"
With that announcement, Severus blessedly lost consciousness.
~'
When he came to, Wiggles was attending to him.
"How long have I been out?" he murmured.
"A few hours, Master Sev" Wiggles said, sorrowfully, "I did the best I can, but we need Mistress Malfoy"
"I'm sure she will be here soon" Severus said, trying to keep his voice comforting, knowing how sensitive his house elf was. "Thank you for all your help, Wiggles"
His muscles convulsed and he groaned out in pain.
"Maybe I could get Master Draco?"
"No" Severus gasped. "Not Draco. He shouldn't have to see this"
There was a knock on the door and without waiting for permission, Narcissa swept into his room, in her dressing robe, her wand in her hand.
"Severus, I came as soon as I could" she sat down on the bed next to him, "He was rough on you, wasn't he?" she began running diagnostic charms. "Wiggles did the best she can, but you need more healing spells and potions"
"Does he know you are here?" Severus asked, watching her wave her wand in concentration.
"Hush" Narcissa said as she continued to work.
A grueling half an hour later of spells and potions, Severus felt less like he wanted to die and more like he had been run over by a dozen hyppogriffs.
"I'm putting you to sleep" Narcissa said, "Rest is what you need now"
Narcissa reached for the dreamless sleep potion to give it to him, but Severus reached for her other hand.
"Does he know you are here?"
"Yes" Narcissa said, her voice strained, "I was so worried about you, Sev. The entire time. He told me to come to you afterwards. He wants you alive" She sniffled and tears pooled in her eyes, much to Severus's surprise. She was usually so strong and composed.
"Cissy, don't cry" Severus entreated, his voice hoarse. "I'll be fine"
"I know you will" She leaned over and kissed his cheek, fondly, "I will make sure of it"
Severus shifted and then groaned again in pain. "Did you find out how Sarah is?"
"Sev" Narcissa bit her lip, "I heard talk while you were with the Dark Lord. Mediwitch Gibbon was quite beside herself. But then I confirmed it with the Dark Lord. He readily admits it"
"Admits what?"
"He set back her recovery by aggressively invading her mind"
"How much?" Severus struggled to sit up, but Narcissa held a firm hand on his shoulder, pushing him down.
"She was going in and out of consciousness before, but all the diagnostic tests now indicate..."
"Indicate what exactly?" Severus struggled again to sit up but Narcissa held him fast, able to do so by his weakened state.
"She is now in a coma. Hopefully with potions and spells, they can bring her out of it. They are acting positive, but I'm not sure if that is a ruse to calm the Dark Lord"
"She needs me. She needs her father"
"Severus, darling" Narcissa took his hand, "You need to take this potion and focus on your recovery. Even if you were in the state to help, which you are not, he will not let you near her. Not yet"
"Losing her would be unfathomable" his voice broke, "But I fear I have lost her already"
"I know" Cissy soothed, "Take your medicine and rest. I'll spell it in if I need to"
"That will not be necessary" Severus said, resigned. "I know when I am beat"
He took the potion without another word and fell into a deep sleep.
A/N2: please review
