Disclaimer: I own nothing from the Harry Potter universe and I make no profit from this. I do own Alchemy however.

Chapter 4-Crucio

Alchemy sighed and threw down her quill. She needed a break from grading papers for a while.

It had been three weeks since she had been married to Severus Snape. Three weeks and she was no closer to understanding him. He was hot and cold with her. Sometimes they could sit and work together. Comfortable in the silence around them. Some nights he would even tell her about his day.

But then, at other times, he would rage at her. He acted like he wanted nothing to do with her. He would say that he didn't want a wife, that Alchemy was a distraction that he did not need. One time he had even demanded that she leave the room. She had simply ignored him and went back to the book she was reading. He never came close to harming her, he would only yell, but it was still frustrating.

She tried to point out that she was not the enemy. But it was hard to write responses quickly while he was storming around their rooms.

Every so often he would try to take his anger out on her personally. He would demand that she speak to him. He knew she could and because she wouldn't it made him temper that much worse.

A few nights ago he had collapsed into one of the chairs after a long day. She could tell he was close to losing it so she brought him a drink and sat down next to him. He paid her no mind as she pulled a piece of parchment out of her robes and handed it to him.

He looked at her suspiciously before opening it.

I want you to know something.

It began in Alchemy's slanted handwriting.

There is a good reason why I cannot speak to you; to anyone. I can't tell you why right now, but I'd like you to believe me. Voldemort tried for weeks to make me tell my secret and he failed. I know he believes you loyal and for that reason alone I can't tell you anything. So please don't think I'm doing this just to spite you Severus. You can ask Lucius Malfoy, he'll tell you. I never made a sound while I was their captive.

Severus' mouth quirked and he looked up at her.

"Through everything they put you through you never made a sound?" he asked, almost proud.

Alchemy nodded.

"Dear girl." He chuckled taking her hand and placing a quick kiss on the top.

Alchemy smiled.

"You're protecting someone, aren't you." He asked seriously.

Alchemy's smile vanished. She nodded again.

"I see. I suppose you can't tell me who it is either?"

She shook her head.

"Of course."

"I should apologize, shouldn't I? I never should have pushed you to speak to me. It's amazing the amount of self-control you employ to carry out your task. And your silent magic skills are impressive. Nearly as good as mine." He smirked.

Alchemy rolled her eyes. If anything, her husband was arrogant.

Alchemy sat up in bed. She had heard a strange noise in her sleep that had woken her up. She looked to Severus' side of the bed, it was empty. They may not be actually sleeping together but they had decided to sleep in the same bed. No, Alchemy had insisted. It would be easier to keep an eye on him that way.

Something crashed to the floor in the next room. She jumped out of bed, grabbed her wand and flung open the door. She saw Severus lying on the floor. He was shaking violently and his faced was etched with pain.

Alchemy had experience the curse enough herself to recognize the after effects of Cruciatus.

Alchemy ran to his side and kneeled down. She took his head and laid it in her lap. She began smoothing his hair from his face tying to calm him down. There wasn't much more she could do until the effects wore off. Severus started and grabbed her arm, thinking her a foe. He pulled her down quickly while reaching for his wand. His wand was at her throat when he finally looked into her face. When he recognized her his body relaxed and with a sigh he released her.

Alchemy went back to trying to soothe him. It was obvious that Voldemort's intent was to punish Severus. And Alchemy had a good idea why. It was because of her. She hadn't given Severus anymore information than she had given to him or his Death Eaters and because of that he had become angry.

It was morning before Alchemy was able to get Severus up off the floor and into bed. He fell into a fitful sleep, but it was better than nothing.

Alchemy was picking up the fallen items that Severus had knocked down when she heard a knock on the main doors to their rooms.

When she pulled the door open she saw a face that made her blood boil and run cold at the same time. Standing in front of her was Lucius Malfoy.