7.
AN: Fair warning, this chapter jumps ahead of the story timeline, but the next chapter will go back.. if that makes any sense;)
Severus stared at Albus as if he had suddenly grown a third head and sprouted purple wings. Although that would have been more understandable than what the older wizard had just said. Severus' well-trained mind spun wildly into action as he thought of every possible scenario. Albus simply sat in Severus' dark leather chair, patiently sipping his tea as he waited for the young man before him to speak.
"You… want me.." Severus trailed off as he pushed his hair out of his face. Taking a deep breathe he restarted. "You want me to… Murder you?"
"Well," Albus began, setting his empty teacup on the mahogany table. "It sounds worse when you say it like that."
Severus stared into his full cup of tea and suddenly didn't feel thirsty anymore.
"I-I don't think I can do that," Severus said slowly, glancing up at Albus as he did so. Albus sighed and leaned forward, placing his blackened hand on Severus' knee.
"I understand why this may be difficult for you-"
"May?" Severus shouted. "May be difficult? Of course it's going to be difficult. Albus, I can't kill you!"
"But you can. Two small words…"
"But you have to mean them!"
"Then mean them Severus. I was awful to you when you were young, when you needed me. I turned my back on you the moment you turned your back on the light. When you say those words remember that." Severus stood, eyes wildly looking around the room, for an exit. An escape from Albus' horrid words.
"I can't," came Severus' strangled reply. 'You don't understand, you did so much for me. Gave me things I've never had; love, a family, a friend,' Severus wanted to scream but knew it would be futile.
"Severus… Please," Severus sank back to his chair and dropped his head in his hands.
"Please don't make me do this." His hands muffled his voice but Albus still heard it clearly. "Please, please, please don't. I can't. Please."
Albus leaned onto his knees, pulled Severus off the chair, and held him to his chest. He had never seen the man beg before; he was sure he hadn't even to the Dark Lord, yet here he was. Groveling with Albus.
"I'm sorry, my son. You must be brave, it will be okay," Albus said softly, as if talking to a wounded animal.
"There must be another way; another answer. You always say there are two solutions to every problem. Give me another solution!"
"The only other solution would to have Draco Malfoy do the deed and have his soul permanently impaired or you, yourself, could do it and spare the young Malfoy from a crime he doesn't want to commit."
"And what about me Albus? I don't want to do this either! You can't make me!" The childish reply came tumbling off his tongue before he could stop it.
"You're completely right. I can't make you, only you know if you can live with the fact that you're making your godson a murder," Albus felt awful guilting Severus as he was. However, he knew it was the only way.
Severus managed to pull himself together and looked Albus in the eye, black meeting an icy blue.
"That's unfair. This is unfair. My life is unfair!" Severus shouted at the ceiling then turned back to Albus.
"Fine!" he snarled and Albus saw his blank eyes and knew he was going to release his emotions later tonight, perhaps while in bed, preparing for sleep that surely wouldn't come. "Fine, I'll do it!" Albus swallowed hard.
"Thank you," Albus saw the familiar expressionless face and pulled Severus close, wishing he could prevent the torment going on in the deep recesses of his mind. He ran his good fingers through Severus' black hair in attempt to soothe the man. "When Draco is finished with whatever task he is occupied with will be when it needs to be done."
With an imperceptible nod, Severus agreed. Albus pushed Severus back, holding him by the shoulders.
"I apologize this topic had to come about on your birthday. I know you haven't had very many pleasant ones; but here is your gift." Albus pulled out a small box from his cloak and enlarged it. Severus really felt like throwing it against the wall but knew it would hurt Albus more than any words he said. Gently he unwrapped the box and stared at the thick traveling cloak lying within it.
"Thank you Albus," Severus said, picking up the cloak that had silver lining and soft green velvet on the inside.
"You are most welcome. I'm afraid I must retire. Good night."
Severus sat, in the floor holding the traveling cloak in tightly clinched fists. As the clock struck midnight Severus stood, joints cracking loudly, and walked to his bed chamber. He climbed into bed, fully clothed, not feeling the need to change, and wrapped his gift tightly around him. Sobs, silent but gradually growing louder, wracked his body and he cried out at his misfortune.
"I don't want to do this!" He screamed at his wall, "Don't make me! I want to leave! Let me out! Please…Please…" And that night as Severus fell asleep he realized what he wants still doesn't matter.
AN: I really liked this ending for some odd reason. I was struggling to find a way to have this rule "break" but then I realized this rule doesn't get broken. It really doesn't matter what Severus wants in the books because what he wants gets over-ruled by what needs to be done.. But anywho's, there's only one more chapter to go! And 5 more days until HARRY POTTER PART 2! WOO HOO