Author Diddy: This chapter is currently being beta'ed, so any mistakes belong to me alone, but I wanted to get this out here as soon as I finished writing it. My finger's almost back to normal - twas a minor fracture, annoying but true. And happily, most of the fires surrounding me in SoCal have been partially contained by this posting. I'm going to try and get another chapter up before November hits us, and with it National Novel Writing Month ( www . nanowrimo . org )- for all of you waiting for the next chapter of My Give a Damn's Busted, I haven't abandoned it! I just seem to be writing more angst than goofiness, so the next chapter is refusing to be written...

I hereby dedicate it to all of you out there who've stuck with me! I love you all!

Disclaimer: Come on, do you really think I own these characters?

:parseltongue:

Chapter 10 – My Mind Has Wandered

Dead silence filling the air I wait for Marvolo to snap and level his wand at me – after all, it was technically my fault that this was all happening. Climbing to his feet, gently setting Deo in the vacated chair he prowls to stand before me. "What did you say?"

Wince at the telltale hiss in his question, "She knows."

Seizing a fistful of my hair he peers down at the Professor sitting behind me. "Do you know Minnie? Do you really?" Free hand jerking his sunglasses from his face he stares at her with those blood filled eyes. "What are you going to do now Minnie?"

Voice shaky she murmurs, "Tom Marvolo Riddle? You're the guard he was talking about?" Quick, abrupt nod from the man holding me still. Please let her appease him, keep his temper from leaping. "And Albus just agreed to allow you to guard him. Will you be killing students this time as well?" Swallowed yelp as my head is yanked backwards. Sweet Merlin, do not anger the man. Don't drag the monster back into the light. "Since he's already disposed of your basilisk, what will you use?"

"He?"

"Damn you Tom, you once complimented me on my intelligence."

Another sharp tug on my hair, my throat bared to him. "What are you getting at little Minnie?"

"Him. Deomor," pause as he forces my head back further, "Harry."

Whimper softly as his grip tightens, "Congratulations Minnie, now the question is, what are you going to do about all of this?"

"Nothing Tom, I am going to do nothing. If no one turns up dead I will pretend that you are who you pretend to be." Those deadly fingers are loosening their grip as she adds, "How ever this came about, he is happier like this than he has been for several years. I will not take that away from him."

Hands dropping away from me he whispers her name. Frozen in the same position he left me in I close my eyes as his slide over my face. Fingers brush my cheek, making me swallow. "Lucius," caress of still familiar lips over mine, drawing an answering pressure from me, "I'm sorry." Open my eyes to find his inches from mine. Recrimination in them, he runs a thumb over my bottom lip. "I'm sorry," he repeats. Whether for his actions here, or his actions all those years ago, I know not, all I know is that the subtle pain in his voice touches me.

Framing his pale face with my hands I press my lips to his briefly. Acceptance on my tongue I pause, staring into those eyes – do you mean it? Smiling softly I press another kiss to his mouth. Second pair of arms twining around his waist I cradle the back of his head as he drops it to my chest, meeting Severus' understanding gaze over his shoulder. Moving unconsciously I brush my lips across those of my closest friend, a mutual need of reassurance sought in well worn motions.

"Marvolo, Sev, and Papa sitting in a tree," a voice sing-songs into the quiet, "K I S S I N G, first comes -"

Wriggling free of our hold Marvolo darts after a shrieking Deo, "You little brat, get back here! I'll teach you to sing disgusting muggle children's songs at me and my servants!"

Hand taking mine Severus guides me to the couch my other son occupies. "You are welcome to sit with Draco and I while those two act like snot nosed children." Ignore Draco as he settles himself comfortably beside his lover, choosing to glance at the only woman in our midst.

Amusement coloring her face she gasps, paling rapidly. Lift my chin to find that Marvolo's caught up with Deo and has locked their lips together in a heated kiss. "Possibly should have mentioned that bit," I mutter under my breath.

"Nonsense, it isn't often one can shock the old tabby like this," Severus retorts from beside me.

Breaking apart Marvolo cups a hand over Deo's cheek, "Are you alright baby?"

"Wonderful, now that you're back." Frown twisting his lips he steps back, "Where have you been for so long?"

Uncertainty flashing across his face he shrugs at McGonagall, "I had things that needed to be accomplished if there was even a chance of me being here with you."

"Oh? Do tell," Deo croons, a bitter light in his eyes.

Seeing the oncoming explosion for what it is Marvolo returns to his vacant seat. "After I left you in Draco's bed two weeks ago I Called Bella and Rodolphus to me to explain a raid I needed their help in. Along with a group of my new recruits," smirk aimed at the sullen boy, "to replace the idiots you so graciously disposed of for me, they went and tortured and killed a muggle boy you know by the name Piers. Had to get my aggressions out somehow – in fact, thanks to all of my new Death Eaters, I believe we have just about wiped out all of the boys from your cousin's little gang.

"Then there was the paperwork necessary to finalize my negotiations with both the vampires and the majority of the werewolves. Bloody irritating paperwork, if only the vampires weren't so antiquated in their ways. Not to mention the need to explain to my Inner Circle why I was possibly going to be spending the entire school year under the coot's twinkling eyes, but not kill him. Luckily for all involved, Lucius is expected to receive letters from me in regards to your health once I take up this role in earnest.

"So, you see baby, I had to organize my evil empire for a lengthy leave of absence." Beaming at McGonagall's gape mouthed expression he pulls Deo's unresisting body into his lap, planting a kiss on his temple, "I missed you horribly the entire time too, forgive me?"

"Already have."

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Slytherin mask firmly in place I walk alongside Deo as we head for the Great Hall. Bruises from his attack still littering his uncovered skin in a myriad of ill colors he holds his head high. White eyed Marvolo beside him, he turns to face me as he walks, "Do you think Blaise will give me a hand with my Astronomy? I can't seem to understand exactly what Professor Sinistra wants from us."

"He should, Blaise adores helping you brother mine," give him a light shove, "That, and it allows him to prove his mastery in at least one subject."

Quiet falling as we enter the Hall I ignore the stares, dragging Deo alongside me, spying Pansy's dark bob of hair already at the table. Moving soundlessly in our wake, Marvolo remains standing as we seat ourselves, leaning against the wall behind us.

"Is that?"

"Yes darling Pansy, that is Ra, Deo's bodyguard."

Arch of his fine lined brow Blaise begins to fill my brother's plate, "I was under the impression that the Headmaster told your father no."

Negligent wave of my knife my response Deo rolls his eyes skyward. "He was convinced otherwise in light of my recent hospital stay."

Leaning across the table Pansy cocks her head to the side in curiosity, "Speaking of that, is it true that you managed to land three Seventh Year boys in the hospital wing for a whole twenty-four hours?"

Mouth full of chicken Deo shrugs gracelessly. Catch sight of both Weasley and Granger watching out group with worry in their eyes. "In an attempt to protect himself his magic did damage three of his attackers to make that length of a stay necessary," I supply, nodding my head at the two at Gryffindor.

Seeming to gather herself, Granger sets her silver down, and closes her eyes. What in Merlin's name? Think back, wondering if we have a test on anything, why else would she be acting so nervous? Determination blatant on her face as she stands, I watch her make her way across the Hall.

Chatter quieting the closer she gets to our table I raise a brow in inquiry. Quick touch of her tongue over her lips, hands clenched tight behind her back, "I just wanted to say, that no matter what vile names you lot have called me over the past five years, I do not condone attacking someone over their name." Mouth twitching she pretends not to notice how every eye is on her. "What those idiots did was a disgusting display of prejudice, and I for one, am glad that they ended up in the hospital wing for it. They deserve expulsion for attacking you, Deomor, but I know all they'll get is a slap on the wrist and points taken." Sharp smile hardening the lines of her face she lifts a hand to fluff her hair, "At least your magic gave them what the earned."

Everyone was watching us snakes now, waiting to see how we would take this. Would we blow up? Demand that she leave our presence immediately? Or would we surprise them all, thanking her for her sentiments and invite her to join us for dessert? Flick my attention up at the Head Table; Sev was feigning surprise and disinterest, McGonagall honestly seemed to be shocked at her own student's courage, and the coot was doing a fair job at hiding his fury at her for daring to bridge the longstanding chasm between out Houses in a public setting. I guess he figured a little friendliness behind closed doors was fine, but to bring it out where everyone could wonder was unacceptable.

Lift my chin in response, motioning to an empty space beside Pansy, "Thank you Granger, you are welcome to join us for the remainder of the meal," snicker under my breath, "bravery ought to be rewarded."

Bark of laughter breaking the silence she slips onto the bench, rolling her eyes at me. "Of course you manage to insult my House in a round about fashion while still giving me what I do believe was a compliment, you are a Malfoy."

"Oh shove a tart in that mouth," Blaise quips, holding a plate of said treats in offering.

Plucking one off of the plate she nibbles on the edges, "How is it that your offer stood Malfoy?"

Nicking one of the tarts before Blaise passes them down the table Pansy knocks her elbow on the Gryffindor's arm, gaining her attention. "That which a Malfoy says is not to be contradicted," she parrots in an arrogant tone.

"Excuse me?"

Cocking his head to side at her question Deo murmurs, "Slytherin Writ; rules we all abide by, no questions asked."

"Your Writ specifically says not to disobey a Malfoy?" she stammers with a giggle.

"Yes," pause as she snorts, "and I will have you know that the Writ has not been changed since before my great grandfather's time."

Pursing her lips Hermione leans forward, "Do you really have a Writ, or are you just funning me?"

Swooping down on our table, like the great bat that he is, Severus thrusts a piece of parchment at her. "We do indeed have a Writ," glower smoothing a tad he spits out the next words as though he cannot get them out fast enough. "Should you and Mr. Weasley wish to ascertain Deomor's physical well being for yourselves, you are invited to visit with him in my chambers for an hour this evening after nine." Robes billowing behind him he exits the Hall.

"Impressive," Blaise says, "I believe you are the first Gryffindors Professor Snape has ever opened his sitting room to."

Pressure of Deo's fingers on my thigh. Slip my hand into his as I rest my chin in my other hand, "Will you be taking Professor Snape's offer?" Quick turn of her head, gaze seeking her redheaded companion at the lion's table.

Watch him nod, her eyes twisting back to bore into mine, "We shall."

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Knees to my chin I hiss:Marvolo, stop pacing behind Sev'rus and get over here.:

Crimson flickering beneath white contacts the Dark Lord quirks a smile in my direction. :Why baby?:

:I want you to hold me.: Gossamer memories dancing in the corners of my eyes I shake my head to chase them away for a breath. :I want to feel your heat against me.: Breaking free of the Potion's bat's wake he prowls up to me, leaning into my personal space, purposefully invading that bubble with a ghost of a smirk. Tangle a hand in his loose hair and tug him closer, lips moving against his. Sharp sting of pain, his teeth piercing my bottom lip. Hissing beneath the pressure of our next kiss I lift my chin, peering over his shoulder at the sound of 'Mione's voice.

"Good evening Professor Snape, thank you for the offer to visit with Deomor." Touch the tip of my tongue to my lip, coppery taste of blood filling my mouth. Allow myself to be tugged to my feet, Marvolo taking the vacated chair before drawing me into his lap, wrapping his arms around me.

Nodding his greeting Severus moves to resume his pacing only to have Draco step into his path. Closing his fists around the man's teaching robes he shifts up onto his toes, pressing a kiss to Severus' lips. Responding, arm snaking down to pull the blond closer, Severus tucks his head under his chin arching a brow as a knock sounds on his chamber door. Arms hoisting Draco onto his hip he strides to the door. Snickering under his breath Draco bursts into laughter when the door is opened to reveal a slack jawed Professor McGonagall.

Recovering her wits, Professor McGonagall enters the sitting room. "I was not aware of the fact that you coddled your students Severus," she snips, eyes trained on her colleague.

Stifle my giggle when Severus' eyes twinkle with mischief. Lean into the welcome heat behind me:he's going to do something hysterical.:

"Coddle? I will have it known that I do not coddle any of my students Minerva." Teeth flashing in a wicked grin he adds, "However, my little Dragon is not my student when not in a classroom setting."

"Oh? Then, pray tell, what is Mister Malfoy outside of the classroom?"

:His boytoy,: Marvolo quips, breath hot in my ear.

Unable to help myself I clap my hands over my mouth to stall the laughter threatening just behind my teeth. Throwing me an amused look Severus lifts a hand to tangle fingers in blond hair. Slight tilt of Draco's chin pressing their lips together, McGonagall's face paling then rapidly flushing at the implications their kiss hints at. Whispering something against the other's mouth Severus turns to smirk at the red-faced woman, "Have you figured it out yet Minerva, or shall I draw you a diagram?"

"I despise you Severus Tobias Snape," she growls, stomping over to seat herself beside the softly snickering Gryffindor pair, "And I suppose the two of you find this as amusing as these snakes do?"

Eyes bright Hermione pats her Head of House's tightly clasped hands, "To be honest Professor, we found it as," soft hum of a pause, "shocking when we first learned of the relationships twined throughout this group of snakes, but we have had a large chunk of the summer to become comfortable with them."

"You knew of Deomor before school returned to session?"

"Yes, my parents and I spent the majority of the summer within Malfoy Manor, after the Headmaster sought me out to discover if I knew anything about Harry's disappearance from the muggles' house."

Transparent people flaring to life at their mention I shake my head in denial. If I can refuse them my pain and fear they'll fade; at least, I hope they will. Lift my eyes to catch concerned looks from the entire room. "I'm fine," I mutter, a flicker of life from Severus' single portrait drawing my attention, "Something's wrong in the Den Sev'rus, Salazar is here."

Emerald gaze traveling over the gathered assemblage the founder of the House of serpents nods his head minutely, "The little speaker is correct Severus, and I would not interrupt, but I fear that without their Prince the other snakes have gotten a bit rowdy."

"Salazar -"

"There is a fight amongst the Seventh Years over the Dark Lord, and their current standings in the war."

On his feet before Salazar finishes his report Severus flicks his wand at the bookcase beside the portrait. "Are any of my serpents bleeding?"

"A few, you will have to undo several nasty hexes as well." Eyes locking on Marvolo he hisses:go with him and sort out these issues, I will not have my House torn asunder over something they should be united on.:

Inclining his head Marvolo shifts me from his lap, a quick twist of his wrist bringing one of Severus' many black cloaks gliding into his hands. "Salazar wishes that I attend with you."

Curt nod of his head Severus turns to head down the stairway revealed behind the bookcase, "Draco, Deomor, you shall come as well – Minerva, if you and yours follow, keep your tongues behind your teeth."

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Drawing the cloak's hood over my head I follow in my servant's wake, the gentle pressure of Deo's fingers around my off hand. Presence of the others behind us as we reach a barely visible door. Sharp crack of wood striking stone, Severus was angry – study the tightness of his lips, lips I had once kissed pressed thin in anger and concern. He was a good Head of House. Worried for his students just like Minnie, but refused to allow the world to see his feelings. Too much pain in his past to let everyone see his weaknesses.

"Enough!" he barks, all other sounds dying beneath the echo of his raised voice. Glancing over his shoulder I gaze at the bleeding and hexed children staring up at him with a healthy dose of fear, noting the small Second Year girl under a rather painful hex. "What is the meaning of this idiocy?" Leveling his wand at the older students he snarls, "Beginning a brawl? Endangering young ones who have no place in this sort of argument? If you wished to wail and curse about the Dark Lord, do it like civilized beings! Do not take a leaf out of history's mistakes by involving innocents!" Chest heaving he yanks at a handful of his hair, robes shifting in his emotional outburst of magic. "Do not create another Savior to act as your weapon through your stupidity!"

Breaking free of my side Deo pads up to the taut man, fingers tracing over his clenched jaw. "It wasn't your fault this happened Severus, I was forged through a series of half truths not your mistakes," sliding down the boy's body Severus clutches at his waist, face pressed into his still too thin stomach, "Let Ra handle the children while you pull yourself back together."

"Do as you will with them, only, do not kill any of my snakes," he croaks from his position on the floor. Hidden eyes meeting overly bright black I nod, taking stock of the Gryffindors standing with the young Malfoy before I push back my hood.

Still in the guise of Deo's hired guardian I sweep past him to stand before the deathly silent assembly of Slytherins. Cocking my head to the side I flick my wand at the Second Year, undoing the hex that was slowly carving a web of gashes into her skin. Another wave of my wand, soft sibilant spell stopping the bleeding. Wounds closing, leaving behind pale pink scars, I meet her shuttered gaze, "I am sorry child, but I cannot undo the scarring."

Negligent shrug of her slim shoulders, hazel eyes staring at me searchingly. Recognition flaring in them she climbs to her feet, dropping in a flawless curtsy. "It doesn't matter, you made the pain stop M'Lord." Flurry of movement as the rest of the children duck their heads she and I share a smirk.

Raising a Glamor of my serpentine self I glare at the trembling offspring of many of my servants. "Explain yoursselvess," I demand, my words heavy with a parsel accent.

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Author Thingamajig: I'm sooooooo sorry about the end of this chapter - I will really try to get another chapter out before All Hallow's Eve!!