Edit: 9/15 . 12/16

Always nice to see those numbers going up. Helps the psyche'. Thank you to those who liked, followed and/or reviewed and a thank you to those who hopefully will in the future.. I'm happy your all enjoying the story, lets get to it!

Your Venom Laced Smile

"We're all mad here,

I'm mad

You're mad

You must be or you wouldn't have come here." - Alice in Wonderland

Kayne:

Kayne's body twitched against her sweat drenched mattress, and a hard pang shoots through her gut making her kneels curl up to her chest in pained discomfort. Her eyes are closed in slumber as she lays in fetal, her body shivering through sweat drenched clothes and sheets, all as tears escaped from her eyes.

The world was darkening around her as she stands alone in the silence where crickets sing the moons foretold arrival. The sky above is stained like blood and she rises off a steel built bed, standing on the grounds of a once beautiful, flourishing field, now charred away by plague and decay that spans the hills until the world fades from view.

The sound of slow motion stampeding thunders in her ears as visions of nine heavily cloaked and armored men and women, ride tall on mountainous steeds wearing dark colored medieval era armor, their spears and swords pointed upwards towards the sky in travel pose. She sees them passing through her mind like a lightening strike that has her stumbling slightly. In their wake, she sees a giant army rising from their horses dust, their warriors faces twisted into fearless features with sharp angry eyes under heavy armored helmets.

The horses race across the barren land, their riders summoning the darkest forces in their ashy, dusty wake.

Her body twitches as her mind flashes the continuing vision.

Stepping back from the dirt path, she watches the riders slowly stamped past in slow motion that distorts the sound of galloping steeds that she hears at normal speed. She notices that there is a light that flashes from behind a distant mountain, an image that comes from between the riders that is still there after they have passed. This twitching brightness takes her attention in a moment and her head cocks as shes tries to gain a clear view. Her view is quickly distorted though, because from the rising dust, figures form that block her view. Soldiers all in single step march, their faces held ahead of them.

She can not hear the winnying of the horses that have been slowed and whipped around, nor can she hear the clatter of it's armor. The nine riders hold their horses back and face their trail in coordinated unison as their each line of soldiers freeze as one, standing motionless as stone. Kayne notes how they never break eye contact from the helmet in front of them.

The only noise was the sound of her own breathing against the barren landscape. A sensation that made her feel small and weak.

In a flash, a figure dropped before her, jumping her back into the cold steel bed. From it's cloud, a large pair of black bat skin wings fold into a back that straightens up revealing a thick cloaked being that stood at it's full, terrorizing height of Godly proportions. She feels it's eyes burn into her mind and chest from under the shadow casting hood that only shone a male, pale white chin with a blood red tattoo that ran down the bottom of his lip to his chin. As and the first steps were taken by the warrior, the soldiers in the way tactically moved creating a path that ran right to her. The creature continued it's approach and looked down at Kayne as armor protected fingers pulled back the deep maroon hood, showing it's self as a very muscular and tall man, whose armor and riches lay exposed over his chest, and covered his hands and body with a sharp, dragonscaled fashion. He had a clean shaven face and dark tribal markings that designed his face and masked his already blacked eyes. His hip length black hair was tied back, it's silver tips waved elegantly in the rising breeze.

There was a godly feeling about him, and she noticed the beauty in which the black of his hair danced into the space behind him.

Tensing now, her body freezes as a slight moan escapes her lips.

Her breath is caught in her throat as the man who is now grinning has exposed a set of retractable fangs that slowly cap over the tops of his normal eye teeth. Kayne now notices the horses and troops had fanned out and were creating a wall around them, blocking any way out or chance of escape.

She cries weakly and gives another violent twitch, kicking her leg which removes the blanket and brings up a sharp shiver to her damp skin.

Staring at her with cosmo dancing eyes on pale and tattoo'd skin, he touches his cased finger tips to the side of her neck and Kayne feels a familiar twitch and warmth erupt from the spot as she felt his thumb spark against her skin. Feeling uncomfortable by the gentleness in which the roguish man with silver pointed fingers touched her, she tried to step back but noticed her feet had somehow sunk into the dirt while she wasn't paying attention by roots that had secured her ankles and slowly moved up her legs. Panicking, she looks back at the silent man as the energy picks up under his touch and the horses began rearing and shaking their halters and reigns. But she can only see this, their world is silent. His fingers travel upwards, his thumb now pressing, leaving a thin trail of cut skin she can't feel breaking, but is bleeding. When his finger touches her temple and that blood that runs from it seeps into his glove, her world blackens as her head ignites in agony. She let out a loud scream that would travel far past the dream realm in which she stands.

Kayne's eye's flash open and she launches herself at the figure she felt that was over her. The rewarding feeling of her fist making contact brought a momentary solace before the intruder made their mastery show. Before Kayne could comprehend what room she was in, her fighting shoulder was forced into an extremely painful twist, her body was flipped over onto her stomach and two fingers pushed sharply into the pressure point on the back of her neck bringing clarity to the nightmare stricken women.

A gasp escaped Kayne as reality fell into place around her and as her body relaxed so does the fight of her capture who was quick to release at the first signs of her consciousnesses. Turning over, she looked up to meet Severus backing away, his fingers rubbing a darkening bruise under his cheek, his eyes dark, leering at her angrily.

"I'm so sorry." She huffed out in between her catching breath and Severus dipped his head and leaned against the bureau across the room from her.

This happened a few times a year every year since she could remember since that night... It was a sensation that would begin to grow days before, and she acted in a routine Severus was quick to catch on too. She would almost completely stop eating, become sight sensitive to light, and her attitude would turn quiet and pulled back from those around her. Her dreams would become more and more vivid, and on the final night, she would go through a severe sickness, followed by a dream with the eerie galaxy eye'd man. Always random and few, only one night always held the same event and it was always Devil's night. The night where the world favored it's darker children and those in roaming in shadows.

"Severus?" Her voice whispered over the silence between them.

"We're fine." He replied quietly, grabbing the empty glass next to him that was full when passed to her. From the edge of the bed he passed to her, which made her sit up and reach.

He watched her sweat drenched skin glisten in the low candle light as she took the glass, before starting his retreating steps back into the shadow.

"Go back to sleep." His voice whispers in the dark, before slipping from her room and Kayne felt her eyes fight their final blink as she was still, if not more exhausted than before. She would slipped away quickly without realizing Severus has stalled until her mind returned her to the barren world of the dream warrior with his hair like the night sky and eyes full of glittering stars that were still watching her as if she never left.

She couldn't and wouldn't complain, and never did or would she. The week and it's violent sickness was a sacrifice for power, and for every dream, she was always gifted when she woke up in the morning. When she would awake and recovered through the next couple days, she would notice in this time the magic left a trace in the form of black lined veins that detailed her wrist and ran up past each knuckle while lining most of the length of her thumb, giving a root like style look to her hand. He would tell her to see Minerva and Albus, and until further instruction she was fitted with a black, fabric finger less glove to cover the markings. Severus also pushed for control classes with her that would pick up until the gift was understood and she held basic control of whatever power the gift would grant.

Kayne lay on the couch in the Potion's Master office. Throwing a ball up and down much to Vex's clear irritation. She had made it through another Devils Night, but was only able to stay less than halfway through the feast before returning to her bed. Three days had passed and Kayne had finally recovered and was anxious to go outside but, instead of doing what she wanted, she was laying in his always deary office, on his leather couch, waiting for him to finish the school day. The day was littered with excited chatter about the Hogsmade trip that she was excited for, the candy rushes, the shops and pretty bows and packages that held closed mysteries.

Severus had limped his way home a the night prior. His knee viciously disconnected which resulted in a brace and a limp. An injury that kept him in the dungeons and sitting behind his desk. This made classes less frightening and corners less foreboding, but, today had been promised to Kayne, a promise he was going to keep, and Merlin above knew she' wouldn't let him break it.

As current protocol, Severus and Kayne could be seen together as they wished, but in professional manner and setting. She would leave him to his duties in the town and spend the time staying clear of his pinpoint radar. But, later that day, in a dusty corner booth of familiar pub, Severus would allow time for a drink with his favorite student; under correct circumstances of course.

Him going wasn't his idea though. After days of Kayne's annoying behavior, The Professor had irritably agreed to chaperon the trip, and it was agreed they would meet after the students were let free and his conversations finished. The clock chimed time, and Severus put down his quill and met eyes with Kayne who had already bounced to her feet.

"You." His voice strict and stone. "Abide to the rules and remain anonymous... Go ahead now. I'll meet you in an hour or so." He tossed out her release listlessly, giving a wave with his hand that opened his door. Before anything could be added or changed, Kayne had grabbed her robe and hurried off, pulling Vex out the portrait door behind her by his leash.

He watched the portrait swing shut after her, and once alone with his silence, he placed his fingers over the bridge of his nose and sighed. Taking a moment for himself, he rose from the chair and grabbed his warmer hooded cloak, and gave one last look around his office before stepping into the chilly hallway. Soon he left the darkness of his second home and silently moved to the courtyard to meet the students and fellow staff.

First, she explored the shops, smiling at nervous shop keepers that were warded by her hound and were to afraid to bring the no pet policy up. Later on she smiled and waved at George and Fred who were outside a Quittach store counting coins. Quickly she disappeared into a crowd and set her dog at heel before beginning a leisurely, people watching stroll.

A corner turn and she almost immediately noticed Severus standing under an awning and speaking with Minerva, who held her own newly purchased boxes. Without breaking composure or speech, his eyes flashed to the right meeting her attention immediately. his eyes scanning her intentions thoroughly. Only allowing seconds to pass and low wine from her dog, she dropped eye contact and made a quick turn directing the two of them straight back where they came.

He was odd like that, and she never fully understood why or how he became that sensitive, but even in a hectic crowd of near insanity clashing energy, he felt her even from so far away, and all it took was the moment her eyes landed on his form. He called his personal wards life experience to those who commented, while she called it trauma to only those who would understand the darker truth behind the potions master.

She strolled awhile longer before finding herself at the front door of the Three Broomsticks and looked down at her companion before ordering him to wait. Vex was not allowed inside and, as history would go to prove, it didn't matter how many times Severus would demand from Rosmerta, Vex never would be. Feeling disconnected and slightly alone, she pushed the door open and stepped inside the warm, cheerful and crowded pub. Quickly finding Madam Rosmerta, she was shown her table in the back, and chose the seat with her back to the room in preparation of Severus's arrival. Kayne ordered her drink, and began the waiting game.

Time passed and Kayne had slipped into the warmth and comfort of her drink and the environment and she physically flinched in surprise when she a spine chilling hiss of a pompous blond snake slithered from over her shoulder.

"Why hello, Kayne."

Kayne swallowed down her stomach as the warming that once soothed her back and neck, became cold in realization of the grey eyes that prodded her spine the entire time.

"Mr. Malfoy what an unexpected surprise." Kayne's voice wavered more than desired as she looked behind her and up at the lavish man who had suddenly appeared only steps from behind her chair.

"Indulge me," he began darkly and approaching slowly, "what would someone like you, be doing alone, here?"

His voice mocked concern as he looked around uninterested, his eyebrow curved sarcastically. Kayne turned away from Lucius and focused on the wall in front of her..

"Well, I had plans with friends but they fell through," She answered truthfully thinking to her friend Brittany who wanted to talk about the markings before her meeting with Snape, but had to cancel last minute.

"How unfortunate." Lucius's mockery dripped with venom.

"Is it?"

She had snaked her voice the best he taught her from time, and had slowly turned back around to her table, pulling up bravery to face her back to Lucius.

Kayne felt a weight on her shoulder as Lucius Malfoy's cane hand slowly came to a rest, the fang of the silver snake head held loosely between gloved fingers and gently slid against her cheek as it dropped. The staff laid its self against the inside of her shoulder, holding her against the seat.

Kayne cursed herself inwardly for sitting facing a wall. In retrospect she was very stupid. She didn't think about people recognizing her through her energy or the dog outside being a sign, and thought her drawn hood and anti-social behavior would be enough to drive on lookers away. Severus's lessons waved through her mind, and she realized for a man like Lucius Malfoy, a man of threat, her exact behavior was a social soar that stuck out and drew cause of elongated attention. The proper thing would have been to sit in the outside chair and watching the crowd, and moving to the face the wall when Severus, who never liked keeping his back to activity, would show.

Severus had insisted on the seat placement and told her that her first "test" she was to trust him watching the room for both of them.

She had successfully dodged any sort of conversation with Draco outside of pleasantries and small talk for the past few weeks, though Draco had been getting brave with the conversations he attempted to start with her. She intended on speaking with Draco about Pansy and everything, but every chance she could she ended up making some sort of excuse and running off or changing the topic. Her luck had finally run it's course, and as she sat with Lucius's concealed wand pressing against her throat, she would give anything to go back and talk with Draco instead.

A sudden intense pang hit Kayne's skull and alarms in her body went off throwing out threat and erupting inner walls. It was Lucius, and she felt the burn of his eye's boaring into the back of her head in an attempt to force his violating connection. Kayne noticed quickly that Lucius occlumacy had grown stronger since their last silent battle and he had built his own walls thicker than before. Little did he know his strength could never over come her tainted ability, no matter how advanced he pushed himself. The silver fang had slid it's way to her jawline and ran its point against her skin leaving a thin white scratch on her skin.

"What about it my pet? Why are you here?"

A harsh throat clearing pulled the attention of the two and set their eyes on one dark looking, Professor Snape.

"Ah! Severus my friend!" Lucius gave Kayne's nape sharp squeeze as he turned to greet Severus, returning the walking stick to his side.

"Lucius" Severus gave an introductory smirk as the two snakes played their game. "How unlike you to desire a step into a place such as this."

"Draco informed me of the field trip and I agreed to meet with him." Lucius placed his gaze downwards onto Kayne for a moment.

"I think I'm going to move on." Kayne interrupted the men's talk as she stood slowly.

"Why ever do you want to go, you haven't even enjoyed your drink yet?" Lucius's eye's flashed to the half empty mug.

Kayne slid off the seat and stood to her feet. "I have warmed up enough, thank you. It was great seeing you Mr. Malfoy, and we should do this again sometime." Kayne referenced Lucius most recent defeat at mind invading. The jab was rewarded with a sneer.

"Yes, perhaps one night you are not busy. Narcissa remarked on how much she misses your presence only a few days ago, it would be nice for you to see her. And Severus," Lucius looked up at the scowling man, "if you would like to accompany our dear, Kayne, Nars has some matters she would like your opinion on as well. "

Kayne's name was acid on his voice and she turned and left the pub, leaving Severus to sit and allow Lucius to take her place in conversation at the small round table.

Severus didn't hate Lucius, not by a long shot. He had told her that plenty of times before. Severus just hated who his old friend became. Unlike Severus, Lucius dedicated his life to darkness from an extremely early age only loosing himself completely when he was granted his first big reward from the Dark Lord. His permanent, tenure, ministry job. Securing the man and his family for many generations to follow and upholding the luxurious name of Malfoy until his son took his place.

Lucius intentions were and had always been for good. It was true, and Kayne knew that in the end, all Lucius wanted the best for his little family, and the best was given more to him by evil than good. She couldn't blame him, and that part of him had her hating his overall existence less.

Kayne made her way back to Hogwarts to wait in her room for Severus to return, shuffling her feet along the leafy ground she took her time and tossed the ball she nearly always had in her pocket a few times for Vex as she walked. In passing she would look up and examine beautiful fire colored leaves that hung low on trees and littered the path that she kicked up with her toe. A smile broke and soon she was trying to make O's with her breath and even jumped into a few leaf piles and wrestled with Vex.

Autumn always held a magic of wakening for Kayne's soul. Her mind was active, and her body felt numb to the chill. Her power that burned and bubbled in her soul and the new found power that warmed her newly marked hard, brought her only wanting to run like a wild animal.