Title: The Rising Phoenix. Chapter: 20 – Escape!
Main Characters: Harry Potter, Ginny Potter nee Weasley
Author's Note: Haha! I'm on time this week! lol This chapter is mostly from Snape's POV. And the next chapter will pick up where the last one left off at.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the original characters!
Severus was walking through the Entrance Hall on his way to what used to be the Slytherin Common Room and dorms. Now it was the Dark Lord's private suite. Severus had been there a few times before, all of the members of the Inner Circle had been at least twice, but rarely did one get called to a meeting with the Dark Lord there. When it happened, everyone knew that it was important business that the Dark Lord had for you. The kind where if you failed, you were dead. Many of the other Death Eaters were jealous of the fact that Severus had been called down there now. They thought that the Dark Lord had a grand assignment for him and they wanted it instead of him, besides, what could a potions master do that they couldn't?
Severus didn't bother to correct them that he had actually requested the audience and that the Dark Lord had seen fit to grant it in his private suite as Severus had requested that there be no others present. Now as he was walking towards the stairs that lead down towards the dungeons, the doors from the grounds of Hogwarts slammed open. Severus paused and looked behind him his sharp rebuke for the noise dying in his throat as he realized what was happening.
Frenir Greyback, Morrow, and Crouch were coming inside with a bound and trussed figure. The fact that two Death Eaters were entering the castle with a bound victim was not something new and normally Severus wouldn't pay much mind, but the trussed figure being dragged by Greyback was familiar. That familiarity caused Severus to look closer and that was when he realized that the bound victim was a man dressed in black dueling robes with chocolate brown trimmings. Severus didn't have to see his face to know who it was. Somehow, the three Death Eaters had Remus Lupin with them.
Time seemed to slow down as Severus realized what was happening. They dumped Remus into a heap on the floor as they talked amongst each other. Remus' eyes were moving fast, Severus noted with interest. The werewolf's eyes landed on Severus who was still not yet noticed by the other Death Eaters. Severus' eyes met Remus' and they both looked uneasy for a moment. Severus knew what was happening even if his brain hadn't caught up yet. Remus quickly realized that Severus hadn't been noticed and yet looked away least he draw attention to him.
Severus studied the man on the floor apprehensively. Remus was bloody and ragged. Likely the Death Eaters had been causing him an inordinate pain as they transported him to Hogwarts. Remus had the body language of someone who was completely defeated and had given up, but as Severus watched him, Remus' eyes kept flicking around the hall and at his captors. Severus would have smiled ruefully if he could have; Remus had far from given up. Likely as not, he would be causing the three overconfident Death Eaters some trouble very soon. Not a few seconds after the thought crossed Severus' mind, it happened. Greyback was leaning down towards Remus to pick him up when Remus managed to slam his head into the other werewolf's head. It was hard enough to send Greyback reeling backwards. As the other two Death Eaters started reacting, Remus was already on his feet and plowing Morrow into the hard stone wall. Severus heard a crunch and winced as he imagined a rib had broken from the impact.
Morrow sank down to the floor, holding his hand to his side, a little dazed as his head had also managed to hit the wall with a resounding thunk. Remus wheeled to face Crouch who had managed to get his wand out. Remus sidestepped the curse and was on Crouch before the Death Eater could send another one. Remus, his hands still securely bound behind his back, managed to launch himself at Crouch, snarling like the wolf he changed into every month. Crouch fell to the floor under Remus' weight and Severus heard the sound of a skull cracking against the floor. Cringing, not because of the injuries his fellow Death Eaters had sustained but because of what he was about to do, Severus raised his wand.
"Flipendo!" Severus called making sure to add satisfaction to his tone. He watched as his spell hit Remus in the center of his chest. The bloody and bound werewolf was thrown backwards a good ten feet before he came to rest on his back. Severus approached as the Death Eaters slowly stood, wand still out but at his side.
Greyback had been the first to recover and went straight to Remus, kicking him viciously in the side. "You fucking animal!" He yelled as he punctuated each word with a vicious kick. It was his favorite jibe to anyone he approached that pissed him off. He thought that all wizards considered him an animal, so for him to call a wizard an animal, it made Greyback feel powerful.
"Isn't that a bit of an ironic statement coming from you?" Severus asked mildly and moving closer to the group.
Greyback stopped his actions as he looked at Severus confused. "What?"
"You are an animal yourself are you not?" Severus asked, his lip curling as he gazed at the Dark Lord's pet werewolf.
"You fucking asshole," Greyback growled and started towards Severus, his hand curling into fists and raising as if Greyback was getting ready to pummel him.
Severus raised his wand warningly but Greyback only stopped when Morrow and Crouch started to laugh.
"Ha! Good one Snape!" They chuckled in appreciation and Severus couldn't resist the small cruel smile that crossed his face. Greyback may be a Death Eater, but he was not respected by any of the others and he was not of the Inner Circle. The Dark Lord used him to his advantage in the war but once it was over, Greyback had lost most of his usefulness as many werewolves had been killed or broke off from the Dark Lord's forces and went into hiding. Now, Greyback was just an enforcer for the Dark Lord, his role one of support to the other Death Eaters. As such, he had no right to do anything to any of the other Death Eaters, especially one of the Inner Circle like Severus.
"Stand down Greyback," Crouch ordered healing his own injuries as he did so.
Greyback looked at Crouch with frustration before huffing and turning away from Severus.
"I see that the Dog has finally learned to take orders." Severus commented quietly but still loud enough that everyone heard him. Greyback turned to face him, his face beet red in anger. Severus just raised an eyebrow inviting him to try something. He wouldn't of course, unless he wanted to get blasted by a couple spells first.
"No, not quite," Morrow commented shaking his head. He had also healed his injuries. "He has to relearn who gives orders and who takes them." Morrow's eyes narrowed dangerously at Greyback. The two quickly started to argue and knowing that the distraction wouldn't last for long, Severus' eyes quickly found Remus' again.
Remus still lay on the floor, but he had pulled himself into a sitting position to watch everything. He had quieted as soon as Severus had used his spell on him and while he was looking angrily at Severus, like they still had a past grudge, he was actually watching with interest at the exchange between Greyback and the other Death Eaters. Severus was evaluating how Remus looked but his eyes held a question. Remus didn't even hesitate, he just nodded once, discretely, but Severus got the message.
"As much as I love to hear you two bickering," Severus interrupted, "perhaps you should get on with moving this filth to his destination?"
"You're right Snape," Crouch agreed hauling Remus to his feet. "We are going to present our prize to the King at dinner."
"Why do you think that the Dark Lord would want your piece of trash?" Severus asked arching an eyebrow in query even though he knew perfectly well why. But he wanted to find out how much these dunderheaded Death Eaters knew.
"Snape!" Morrow cried indignantly, "don't you recognize the designs on his clothes?" He gestured at Remus. "He's a Phoenix!"
Severus pretended to study Remus' outfit for a moment before looking at Morrow. "Are you sure? Do you know his name? Do you know that he is truly a part of the organization?"
"Well, no we don't know his identity," Morrow conceded looking incredibly frustrated. Now at least Severus knew why Remus was so bruised and bloody. There was also the fact that Remus' cowl and mask were still in place. This alone probably pissed them off because they couldn't lower or remove them. As Severus knew, the charms kept them in place and only Remus could lower his hood or remove the mask. It definitely wasn't something that he would be doing anytime soon. "But the robes are the same design as the others we've encountered! This is a Phoenix! I'm sure of it!"
"You better be," Severus commented idly. "Because if you are wrong and you waste the Dark Lord's time, well…" Severus shrugged as he trailed off leaving Morrow to imagine what would be happening.
Morrow looked over at Crouch who was also looking a little apprehensive at their plan. They looked at Greyback together and Greyback, sensing something was about to go wrong for him, raised his hands and took a step back so he could keep both Death Eaters in his eyesight. "What?" He asked gruffly but cautiously.
"Well if he's a fake we can say the Dog was the one who swore he was a member," Crouch said softly and in contemplation.
"Hold on just a minute!" Greyback shouted in objection.
"Yes, yes, that would work. The Dog will take the blame if it goes bad." Morrow agreed as he eyed the objecting werewolf.
As Greyback sputtered at the two Death Eaters, Severus knew that Greyback had no way out of this situation. He knew it wouldn't happen but if Remus was found out to be an imposter, Greyback would be blamed. If he turned out to be the real thing, Greyback would receive none of the credit for capturing him. Only Morrow and Crouch would receive that honor. The werewolf could plead all he wanted to the Dark Lord, but Severus knew that his social standing in the Dark Lord's court was so low that nothing would bring him up. He would do better to leave the Dark Lord's service, but if he did that he would be hunted like the other werewolves that weren't part of the Dark Lord's standing army. It was a catch 22 and Severus enjoyed knowing that the cruel man was finally nearing the end of his usefulness.
"May I suggest that if you are going to bring the trophy out at dinner you bring him to the dungeons now? That way you won't ruin the surprise and you won't have another Death Eater try to claim your credit." Severus suggested silkily to Morrow and Crouch.
They nodded and started pulling Remus that way. Greyback was sent outside, not allowed to be inside the castle anyway, and Severus followed Morrow, Crouch, and Remus for a time before he broke off on the hallway that led to the Dark Lord's chambers. As soon as he was clear of the other Death Eaters, Severus mind was churning. He had precious little time if he was going to come up with something that would save Remus.
Remus had been something of a quandary to Severus up until a few years ago. The werewolf was smart, logical, and practical. However, he was one of the Marauders, the group that made Severus' life a living hell at Hogwarts. For the first three years of Hogwarts, Severus didn't have much hatred towards Remus. He did nothing to him, unlike his two best friends, and he usually left him alone if they saw each other when they were alone. The last few years of Hogwarts, Severus had learned what Remus was after Sirius' dangerous and foolhardy prank on him and he resented that he could make friends when he, Severus, had trouble. Then his anger that Remus, James, or Sirius had not been punished for the prank compounded the frustration he had initially felt towards Remus. The last two years of Hogwarts, Severus had absolutely hated Remus because he had never done anything to stop his friends from picking on him.
It was only after Lily had been attacked and he and James had reached a civil understanding that Remus approached Severus with an olive branch of peace. He had apologized for what had happened in Hogwarts and soon enough, the two were on civil terms with each other. Remus treated Severus with respect and accordingly, Severus did the same until he found that he actually liked to talk with the werewolf. Remus wasn't as good a friend as James surprisingly had become, but he was a friend nonetheless. Severus knew what was in store for Remus if he did nothing. He stopped in front of the hidden wall that marked the Dark Lord's chambers and felt a little queasy. Severus steeled his mind for the coming encounter. He now faced a choice, a choice he hadn't wanted to acknowledge yet. The choice he was about to make would have ramifications not only for him in the future but for the Phoenixes as well.
Severus let out a deep breath and then knocked on the wall. It had been modified so that only the Dark Lord could open it, whether he was outside or inside. The wall shimmered a moment and then slid aside, revealing the entrance to the Dark Lord's private chambers. Severus stepped inside quickly, the door sliding closed behind him. In front of him was the old Slytherin Common Room as Severus remembered it from his days at Hogwarts. Except, it was different. The Dark Lord had made changes that left the former common room a shell of its former glory. In front of the ornate fireplace, which had been transfigured to appear as a large serpent's mouth instead of the usual stone fireplace, were two chairs. One was larger than the other, obviously the one that the Dark Lord sat in, and it was the only area that could be considered cozy. The couches that Severus fondly remembered had been removed. What used to be the girl's dorm was untouched for, try as the Dark Lord might, he had never been able to overcome the charm that kept boys out of the dormitory. The boy's dorm had been converted to his personal library which took up the first and second floor dorms. The middle three dorms were empty, the beds moved to the other dorms for any students to sleep in. The dorm at the top of the stairs had been converted to the Dark Lord's sleeping area. No Death Eater had been allowed past the common room when they were bidden to enter here, and Severus had no desire to go any farther than this room.
"Ah Severus, I must admit that I am surprised that you asked for a private audience." The Dark Lord was standing between the two chairs by the fire. The rest of the common room was bare and cold except for the few portraits that the Dark Lord had left. They were the informants of the castle, keeping the Dark Lord apprised of what happened inside the castle concerning his Death Eaters. They stared down at Severus now, some pretending to be asleep, others blatantly showing themselves so Severus knew they were listening.
"I wanted to speak to you without fear of someone overhearing my lord," Severus answered bowing to the Dark Lord.
The Dark Lord motioned for Severus to rise. "None but you and I will be privy to this conversation. Now speak."
Severus rose and started talking. He had made his choice, now he just hoped that he could be convincing. "My lord, I am pleased to report some progress."
"Some progress?" The Dark Lord asked in surprise. "On what exactly?"
"On infiltrating this group called the Phoenix Flame."
Now the Dark Lord became very interested in what Severus had to say. He straightened up and looked at his favorite Death Eater in surprise and pride. "Really? Who is their leader? Where are their headquarters at? How did you get in?"
"My lord," Severus waited for him to finish his questions before speaking knowing it was never a good idea to interrupt him. "I do not know the answer to any of those questions, yet." Severus made sure to emphasis the yet. "However, I have a plan that will allow me to get those answers soon."
The Dark Lord looked at him with calculating eyes. "How can you have some progress when you do not have the answers to my questions? Your fellow Death Eaters have just as much information as you."
"Yes my lord," Severus agreed knowing that agreeing with him was usually the best course of action. "However, they do not have the same contacts as I."
"True." The Dark Lord allowed but still expected an answer.
"I have managed to contact the Potters," Severus told the Dark Lord and allowed images of James to come to his mind when he had fist encountered him before their son had been killed. He felt the mental probe at the same time and willingly showed him the memory he had conjured it, tweaking it so that it was closer to the correct time. "But they are not too pleased to see or hear from me I'm afraid. They don't trust me." Severus went on knowing that it would have been true if their lives had taken a different path. "However, the leader of the organization has started to toy with the idea of letting me in to their organization as a spy on you my lord."
The Dark Lord studied Severus for a moment and suddenly realized why the potions master wanted a private conference. If Severus got his approval, he would start acting a little suspicious as he became a double agent. It would be an advantage to only have a select few know about Severus' true leanings for if the Phoenixes got another spy into his organization, Severus would be able to alert him to who it was and it would be taken care of swiftly. "This is good." The Dark Lord said finally.
Severus inclined his head in recognition of the praise and pressed on. He now had the opening he needed to take care of Remus. "My lord, I do not wish to spoil the surprise that Morrow and Crouch have planned for dinner, but…" Severus trailed off in a pause as the Dark Lord looked at him with an eyebrow raised.
"You think I don't know already that two of my Inner Circle have managed to capture a supposed Phoenix and plan on presenting me with him at dinner?" The Dark Lord asked with a hint of ridicule and humor in his cold voice.
"Not at all my lord," Severus replied shaking his head. Of course he would already know about it, as Severus had known he would. The portraits didn't hang around in his private quarters all day after all.
"You have a plan, something to do with this prisoner." The Dark Lord surmised as he looked at Severus.
"Yes my lord." Severus agreed. "I suggest that instead of trying to get answers out of him by allowing your Death Eaters to torture him, you consider an …alternative."
"What alternative do you suggest Severus?" The Dark Lord asked not moving from his position by the fire but looking over his shoulder.
"You allow him to escape," Severus said after a heartbeat. The Dark Lord turned to look at him in surprise and suspicion and Severus plunged on, clinching his fate. "…With my help," Severus added sounding just as confident and calm as before but inside he was a mess of emotions.
The Dark Lord considered Severus' words for a long time. Severus kept his gaze on the Dark Lord's serpent like face, his heart beating its calm rhythm and his demeanor betraying no sign of his anxiety. "You want us to allow the prisoner to escape after everything that happened to get him here in the first place?"
"It would help me gain a position in their ranks my lord," Severus pointed out praying that the Dark Lord would follow his logic. "And if I were to gain that position, I would be able to tell you who commands them, who these so called Heirs are, and be trusted among them to find out their plans. You would know everything you need to know to wipe them out."
"I shall think about it Severus." The Dark Lord finally said and turned back to his fireplace. Severus recognized that as his dismissal and he quickly left he chambers. There was nothing more he could do now until the Dark Lord made a decision and knowing him, it wouldn't come until dinner. Severus settled in to wait, gaining no appetite at all as he thought of a way to get Remus out of here, each new scenario more extraordinary and fruitless than the last. Suddenly Severus realized he was being stupid. He had to inform the others, they might not know yet.
He quickly activated his bracelet before striding to his desk and took out the special two way parchment that Harry had given him. He wet his pen with ink and quickly started writing.
Ghost, Boy Scout is here in the castle. Something must have gone wrong in Paris.
He had to wait a few moments before Harry wrote back. He had probably had to get to his parchment from wherever he was.
It did. We know he was captured but I didn't expect the Death Eaters to get him to Hogwarts so fast. Do you know what the Dark Lord plans to do with him Gambit? came Harry's reply. Severus saw the code name and realized he still wasn't used to it. Lily had come up with it and amid peals of laughter from Lauren, Minnie, and Lily, and it had stuck. He still didn't know why it was so funny to the girls, but did he like the sound of it. Have you seen him? Is he alright?
He is as alright as one can expect being in the company of three of the most bloodthirsty Death Eaters there are, was Severus' reply to Harry. I have seen him. Hopefully, I'll be able to get him out of here soon.
Don't take any unnecessary risks.Harry directed and Severus could see the stern gaze the younger man was probably directing at the parchment. What is this plan you are concocting?
I will only take the necessary risks, came Severus' snarky reply. But we are going to have to meet soon. I fear I may have played a hand too early in order to help Scout.
What happened? And what's the plan?
This parchment isn't that safe… Severus trailed off not sure if he should reveal his plan that might not even work to Harry. He didn't want him to get his hopes up. There was a chance still that the Dark Lord would not follow his plan.
Damnit gambit! Tell me what you are talking about!
Severus sighted before he put quill to paper. I told Him that I may have an in to get into your good graces and become a part of the organization.
How? I thought he wanted you to befriend Lily again?
Let's face reality here,Severus wrote and his sarcasm was evident even though he was writing, even if I were to actually make contact with Lily, if things had happened the way He believes, she wouldn't want to see, let alone speak, to me.
Silence for a moment before Harry replied. I see your point. So what did you tell Him?
That if we allow Scout to escape and I help him to do so, I would be invited to join your organization. That you would be more likely to trust me and I could get the answers to his questions.
There was silence on Harry's end for a few moments as he thought about the new twist. Well I guess we'll have to start giving you information to relay back to Him. Sorry you have to become the double spy again.
As long as it helps bring him down, Severus reassured Harry while grimly smiling to himself. He was not looking forward to this new but familiar, path he had started down - again. He would have to be extra careful from now on; watching his movements, words, and even actions.
When will we be hearing from Him about Scout?
Soon I imagine. I have to go, dinner is coming and I'm expected. Severus wrote as the dinner bell chimed throughout the castle.
Good luck. Harry's writing appeared for a moment before Severus whipped it clean and quickly put it away.
Severus splashed his face with cold water before heading up to dinner. He was going to need all his wits about him if he was going to be able to save Remus. He entered the Great Hall and took his normal seat by the other members of the Inner Circle. Morrow and Crouch's seats were vacant, they were probably getting Remus from whatever hole they had stuck him in. The Dark Lord entered and took his place and only then did everyone sit down. Everyone ate, talking and laughing. Severus would almost enjoy the atmosphere if the jokes weren't so dark and dirty, the laughter about what horrors the Death Eaters had done to a Muggle or Muggleborn. Severus managed take a few bites of his dinner before the Great Hall doors opened. Morrow and Crouch came walking in, their strides and attitude proudly proclaiming that they had done something important. They dragged Remus in with them, each with a handful of his robes.
Severus watched as they deposited Remus in front of the Dark Lord. The two Death Eaters bowed and Morrow started talking as the Dark Lord looked at Remus intently. "My lord," Morrow started in a self satisfied tone. "We managed to bring you a trophy."
"We captured him during our recent raid into France."
"After you left my lord." Morrow clarified.
The Dark Lord gazed at Remus for some time, taking in his appearance and his robes. He could tell from the blood and bruises on Remus that his Death Eaters had tried to get information from him. "Did you learn his name? Are you certain he's a member of the Phoenixes?" The Dark Lord's tone was soft.
"He will not speak my lord. And we cannot reveal his face. We have tried multiple ways but his hood seems to be charmed this way."
"And he hasn't spoken a word, even when you obviously asked him so nicely?" Riddle asked. His question was directed at the Death Eaters but his cold gaze was directed at Remus.
"No my lord. A few screams of …pleasure." Morrow replied, his lip twitching in amusement, satisfaction and cruelty.
"Hmm…" Riddle pointed his wand at Remus "Tell me who you are little Phoenix and I'll make your death quick."
Remus just looked up at him and sneered. The Dark Lord wouldn't let that pass and Severus watched with detached emotion as Remus was tortured by the Dark Lord. Remus screamed in pain as the Dark Lord's Crutacious curse took its toll. Severus' face was calm and collected, but inside he was alive with worry. He still had no idea if the Dark Lord would follow his plan or not. Plus he was worried about what would happen when the Dark Lord failed to discover anything from Remus.
Several spells later, Remus was no more than a heap on the floor. Remus had been subjected to the Aegrum spell which made him feel like he was in the midst of a very painful disease. It faded after a time but Remus would need potions that would reverse the damage. He had the choking curse put on him several times and also felt the effects of the stretching curse. Remus took it all and never broke. With everything he was being hit with, Severus was worried that he might be on the verge of losing his mind to the pain curses. The Dark Lord must have thought the same for he gestured to Morrow and Crouch. Morrow pulled Remus up and held him against his chest to keep him level while Crouch opened Remus' eyes.
"Hold him level." The Dark Lord ordered like it was the first time this routine was being done and not closer to the fiftieth.
"Yes my lord," Morrow replied adjusting his grip on Remus so that he wouldn't slip and accidentally break the eye contact between Remus and the Dark Lord.
"You should have just answered my questions," the Dark Lord murmured moving closer and raising his wand. "I will not be gentle now. Legilmens!"
Severus watched anxiously for a time as the Dark Lord searched Remus' mind for the answers he so desperately sought. Severus, who had often been at the receiving end of the Dark Lord's mind probes, kept his face impassive but winced internally. He knew how harsh the Dark Lord could be when he was mad, and right now, the Dark Lord was definitely pissed. It was not a good combination, being pissed off and rummaging around in one's mind, it could be a recipe for disaster. Finally the Dark Lord blinked and lowered his wand. Recognizing the signs of the spell being ended, Crouch released Remus, looking at his hands as if he now had un-washable filth there as Morrow threw the werewolf from him with a scowl and expression of distaste on his face.
"What did you find out my lord? Who is he?" Bellatrix asked immediately. She approached the unmoving Remus and prodded him with her toe. Remus let out a low moan and Severus felt his chest loosen just a little. He was still alive at least. But as to his mental state, well, the only person who knew that right now was the Dark Lord and he probably didn't care.
"He is the werewolf Remus Lupin." The Dark Lord announced but Severus noticed his tone was colored with annoyance.
"The werewolf?" Belatrix exclaimed in surprise. She looked down at Remus and rolled him over with the toe of her boot. The hood and mask were still in place but it was hard to tell. "Are you sure?" She asked before she could stop herself. She paled immediately and the Dark Lord frowned at her.
"Crucio!" He yelled and Bellatrix sank to her knees, screaming in agony as the curse took its toll. When the Dark Lord let it up, she was panting heavily and was hugging herself. "Of course I'm sure! I'm competent with that spell after all!" The Dark Lord screamed and then motioned to Lucius and Young. "You two, get him out of here."
"My lord? Shouldn't we kill him here and now?" Lucius asked uncertainly.
"He will provide us with the answers we seek," the Dark Lord spat at Lucius and raised his wand again. "I thought I told you what happens when you question me?"
Lucius suffered a bout from the Crutacious for his question. Severus allowed a frown to appear on his face. It would be interpreted as a sign of displeasure that Death Eaters were asking questions of their leader but in reality it meant something different. Severus knew that something that happened during the mind probe, but he wasn't sure what it was. Whatever it was, it hadn't been good. Lucius and Young grabbed Remus none too gently and dragged him out of the hall.
The Dark Lord looked deep in thought for several minutes and everyone watched him with baited breath. No one was sure what to do next. They knew that if they asked a question, they would suffer a bout of the Crutacious but they wanted to know why the Dark Lord had sent the werewolf away when in the past they would have just killed him. Usually the Dark Lord mind raped his victims and then killed them once he found what he wanted to know. This was not a usual case.
"Severus," The Dark Lord's voice was soft and his gaze fell on Severus. Severus stood and bowed to the Dark Lord.
"Yes my lord?"
"We will follow your plan."
"Yes my lord." Severus heaved a sigh of relief – internally. "I'll get started on the preparations."
"What plan? What plan do you speak of?" Bellatrix asked right away.
Severus scowled at her. If it were up to him, he wouldn't tell any of the Death Eaters what he was planning on doing but it was ultimately up to the Dark Lord to make that decision.
"Severus here has a way to get into the good graces of this annoying Phoenix Flame," the Dark Lord said smiling.
"What are you going to do Snape?" Bellatrix asked turning to face him. Her eyes were wild and Severus could see the thoughts flying around in her head.
With a look and a nod from the Dark Lord, Severus rolled his eyes at her. "Obviously, I'm going to let him escape." Severus intoned like it was the most logical answer in the world.
"What? Escape! But, surely there is a potion!" She sputtered in anger.
"Unfortunately we do not have one that will be ready in time. The sooner the little bird goes to its nest, the better. We don't want them moving if they think their precious pet isn't coming back." The Dark Lord told her as he sat down.
"Yes my lord," Bellatrix agreed but she looked incensed she was doing so.
"If you'll excuse me my lord," Severus bowed to the Dark Lord again and moved to leave the hall.
"Just a moment Severus!" He called and Severus froze and suddenly realized what he had done wrong. He should have waited to be dismissed. He turned to look at the Dark Lord. "You need to be reminded of your place in my order." Severus paled as he mentally kicked himself. "You do not dictate actions here. Crucio!"
~RP~
Severus opened the heavy and dirty door. It was the entrance to the deepest, darkest, and most foul hole in the deep dungeons of Hogwarts. It was never used when the school was in session besides keeping some of the more dangerous cleaning supplies, potion supplies, and at one time, the House Elves' bedrooms. They hadn't been used in that capacity in generations, at least until the Dark Lord took over. The House Elves had been relegated back down here and now they were dropping like flies. The Death Eaters treated them like trash and they were expected to make everything perfect. A House Elf only thrived if they had respect and a healthy relationship with their family and households. The Hogwarts House Elves had none of that. As such, they were dropping like flies these days. Severus had been forced to give a few some potions but it only extended their miserable lives by a few days, weeks at best. He usually gave them something to numb the pain and ease their passing instead.
One of the House Elves appeared before him now. "Master Severus sir!"
"What is it?" Severus snapped but it lacked his usual sharpness.
"Your friend is dying sirs! Yous must be helping him!"
Severus knew that there must not be a Death Eater or portrait anywhere in the castle that could hear him or else the House Elf would not refer to Remus in such a way. "Where is he? Malfoy was not specific." Severus asked and the annoyance at his fellow Death Eater colored his tone easily. Severus could literally search the rooms down here for hours.
"Two cells down on the left sir," the elf squeaked and pointed. "He is not moving since he was left there by master Malfoy."
"Thank you Dobby." Severus thanked the over eager House Elf. He had been a gift to Severus when Lucius grew tired of the odd House Elf. He now served Severus with pride and knew all his secrets and was able to help him when he needed it. "Please stay with me, you may need to get some extra potions for me."
"Yes master Severus." He answered nodding furiously.
Severus made his way to the correct door and paused for a moment before opening it. He took a moment to gather himself and then undid the locking spell. Pushing the door open, he saw Remus curled up in a ball on the cold stone floor. He was covered with dirt, grime, and looked like he had been doused with water by one of the Death Eaters. With the torture he had undergone earlier, the water made it a deadly combination.
Quickly drying and casting a warming charm on Remus, Severus hunched down beside him and checked his friend's vitals. They were there, but slow and thready. Severus pulled a few potions out of his pocket and went to uncork it. As he did so, his hand shook so much that he spilt half of the precious liquid. "Fuck!" Severus swore than closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath before speaking again. "Dobby, you'll need to fetch another for me."
"Yes master Snape." Dobby was gone in a flash and then back before Severus could clean the potion. The Elf handed Severus the correct potion and Severus handed the little elf a different one.
"Please give these to Remus." He directed handing the elf another three vials. The Elf quickly bent down and fed them to Remus before spelling the empty vials back to Severus' quarters. "Thank you Dobby."
"Dobby is just doing as master wishes." Dobby reminded Severus softly. His eyes were trained on Severus' shaking hands and shoulders. Truthfully, Severus' whole body was being attacked by tremors. The prolonged exposure of the Crutacious curse was playing havoc with his nerves. He needed a potion that would help, but he had no time to get it for himself. He had also given the last of his stores to Remus. The man needed it more than Severus did and he could wait the extra day that the potion needed to brew. Severus directed his attention to Remus who was pushing himself up into a sitting position.
"Severus?" He asked looking, and sounding, a little worse for wear.
"Do you still feel any pain?" Severus asked immediately.
"It's bearable," Remus answered looking at his hands with a curious expression on his face. "Shouldn't I?"
"The potions should be taking away the worst of it." Severus replied then looked at Dobby. "You may go Dobby. Please look after Tabby for me."
"Yes master," Dobby bowed, his nose nearly brushing the floor.
Remus watched him go with a frown on his face. "Why don't you just have him get us out of here?"
"Not part of the plan." Severus replied. He stood up and extended a hand to Remus.
Remus eyes focused on the tremors running down his arm making him a bit unsteady but wisely didn't comment. He grasped Severus' hand and the potions master helped him stand. Despite the calming effects and pain numbing of the potions Severus had given him, Remus found that he was also a bit unsteady on his feet. "So what is the plan?" Remus asked softly once he was reasonably sure he wasn't going to immediately fall over.
"I managed to convince the Dark Lord that it would be beneficial to him if we were to allow you to escape with my help." Severus answered pushing open the door and gazing outside.
"Which would give you a favorable position with the Phoenixes and give Riddle a spy." Remus surmised moving to follow Severus.
"Exactly. Now we shouldn't face any opposition. The Dark Lord ordered all the Death Eaters to let us be."
"But you never know for sure." Remus said softly.
Severus just nodded in agreement as he and Remus slowly walked down the hallway towards he stairs that would lead up to the entrance hall. "Oh, I almost forgot." Severus pulled Remus' wand out of his robe pocket.
"Where did you get this?"
"Morrow was going to keep it as a souvenir," Severus answered continuing towards the stairs. "But I convinced him that it would be better suited to my purposes."
Remus said nothing as he felt the familiar warmth and weight of his wand. "I'm glad you are on our side Severus." He murmured quietly, aware that any Death Eater could surprise them now that they were on their way out of the castle.
"I need you to lean on me." Severus told Remus before they reached the bottom of the stairs. There were no portraits this far down in the dungeons, but they would soon encounter the first and Severus knew that Riddle would be using them as his spies to make sure the plan was going accordingly. Remus had to seem more dependent on Severus than he really was if they wanted this to work.
As Severus pulled one of his arms over his head to rest on his shoulder, Remus understood. He quickly made a show of appearing to be only just able to walk. His wand was stuck in his pocket hurriedly in a spot that was easily accessible should the need arise, but he knew that Severus should have it under control. Surprisingly, no Death Eater tried to impede their so called escape. It unnerved Remus and also set Severus a little on edge. He had expected Bellatrix to try something against him, either through a junior Death Eater or some sort of booby trap. Thankfully nothing happened. Severus figured that the Death Eaters were too scared of the Dark Lord to get in the way of this plan. It was really the only one that had any chance of getting the Dark Lord the information he wanted about the Phoenixes, or so he thought.
They got outside and Remus resisted the urge to pull his arm from Severus and bolt for the gates. He knew that they were probably still being watched by someone or something. He dared not make any move until Severus indicated that it was safe to do so. Severus himself didn't want to risk any sign of familiarity between himself and Remus and had the werewolf lean on him the whole way down the path to the gate. Once they were outside, he let Remus slide to the ground and squatted in front of him, blocking him from any view of the castle or watchers nearby.
"Do you still have your portkey?" Severus asked softly while pretending to fumble with some potion vials.
"Yes." Remus answered just as softly.
"Good. But we aren't going to be using it today."
"Why not?"
"There's a good chance that the Dark Lord or one of the Death Eaters might try something foolish." Severus replied. "We're going to Godric's Hollow first."
"Good idea." Remus nodded in grim acceptance. "Apparating?"
"Are you up to it?" Severus asked genuinely concerned.
"I don't have much choice do I?" Remus asked philosophically.
Severus shrugged and helped the other stand. He offered his arm and Remus flashed him a quick smile of thanks. He wasn't up to apparating on his own but a side along would be easier on him. Remus gripped Severus' arm tightly. When Severus was sure he would be alright, he twisted and a moment later they were gone.