CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: Ice and Fire
Severus stepped smoothly out of the fireplace into the wide open lobby. A large expanse of white marble with intricately carved columns running in two rows down the centre from where the row of fireplaces sat. The walls were hung with bright tapestries that depicted the whole of the legends of King Arthur. Only these were not legends, but the actual truth of the events. The glass and crystal chandelier hanging overhead cast the only illumination. Thousands of candles floating in the air in thin silver spirals and more glass and crystal then Severus had ever seen. The dome ceiling high above was painted a purl white and seemed to glow of it's own light. An oak desk sat at the end of the long columned walkway. Narcissa, Draco, Harry and Lucius stood just a little way up from where Severus was standing observing the beauty of the entrance hall.
"Close your mouth Severus, your drooling," Narcissa teased wickedly as she watched the awe in his eyes. He wasn't the only one staring around however, Draco, Harry and to a lesser extent Lucius were taking in the beauty of the room. Severus of course hadn't actually been drooling, but something of his emotions must have breached his otherwise cold mask. He quickly made sure his face was blank before walking over to them.
"Shall we go check in? We still need to change before we can attend the ball I'm pretty sure it's definitely requiring dress robes," Severus drawled as he waved a hand carelessly towards the front desk.
"Yes of course, and Severus dear, you will wear those nice deep emerald green dress robes I got you won't you? Your always in black. It's such a depressing color!" Narcissa pressed as she led the way down towards the oak desk. Severus groaned. He knew better then to argue, but the look on his face was akin to swallowing a particularly large lemon. He was very unhappy with the idea.
"I like black," he grumbled unhappily.
"Yes yes I know," Lucius said with a wicked smile curving his lips. He laughed lightly, "you know it's pointless to argue she always wins."
"I know," Severus said resigned.
"I don't have any dress robes," Harry said shyly. He didn't even know what they were. Narcissa gave him a wide smile.
"Don't you worry Harry, I got you and Draco a set earlier," Narcissa reassured. "At the same time I picked up Severus's." She added giving him a look that spelled disaster for him if he refused to wear them. Severus sighed but gave her nod. That was the most agreement she'd get out of him.
Reaching the desk Lucius glided forwards until he stood right before it. Tapping lightly on it's edge with his cane to gain the attention of the lady who was speaking with her colleague.
"How may I help you sir?" The woman asked politely coming right over.
"Lucius Malfoy, we have reservations. For the estate off the northern path," Lucius said clearly.
"Of course Mr. Malfoy," the woman said with an even brighter smile. Bending down to pull out an ancient looking key ring. She flipped until she found the numbered key she was looking for. Slipped it off the hook and disappeared from sight again for a moment before facing Lucius again. She put the key and a stack of parchment on the desk. "I just need two signatures. One here indicating that you agree to the terms of tenancy for the duration of your stay. One here to allow the funds to be transferred directly from your vault into ours." She indicated each location on the documents before giving him a quill. Lucius read through both documents closely before signing both and handing the stack back to her. Lifting the key from the counter she handed him a map of the locations that were found at the resort and near by villages before bidding them a good stay.
Lucius opened the map until it showed the path they would need to take to their estate. With a nod he led the way. Severus enjoyed looking around as they passed through an ornate set of doors leading out onto a gorgeous winter garden. Complete with moving ice sculptures and wild vegetation growing behind ice walls. It looked astonishing and Severus slowed to truly enjoy the view. The wild roses were by far the most beautiful he'd ever seen. Everything from pure white to black roses grew in little vases of sealed glass-like-ice. In their own miniature terrariums. It was elegant and the magic that kept the space a perfect habitat fascinating.
"Oh Merlin, Lucius!" Narcissa said loudly as they were quite a ways down from where Severus stood admiring the garden before him.
"Head on over without us Cissa, I'll get Severus. You know there are only two thing the man will ever truly love: herbology and potions. I don't know how he ever gets on," Lucius said sighing annoyingly as he handed Narcissa the key. Severus just ignored them. Even though he could hear them plain as day.
"Come along boys," Narcissa said ushering the two children down the path.
"Really Sev, their just roses," Lucius said stopping to look down at what Severus was intently studying.
"That they are indeed Luc, but the magic to keep them alive trapped in ice is fascinating," Severus said softly. Having found a plaque that explained exactly how that was done not a foot from where he'd been closely observing. He stopped to read it and Lucius just looked at him.
"I swear Sev if I didn't know you were a Slytherin through and through I'd claim your a damn Ravenclaw!" Lucius declared annoyed that Sev was more interested in learning about how the flowers were kept alive in an ice sculpture then getting to their rooms. Severus ignored his comment in favour of finishing reading the plaque satisfied he turned to his irate friend. "Can we go now?" Lucius asked irritably.
"Of course," Severus said with a smirk. He knew he was annoying the other, but he didn't care. He was thinking about how to utilize a similar technique for a pet project of his.
"Really you need to get of your library and lab much more often, your unsociable!" Lucius complained critically. It was the same argument they always had.
"Luc I'm a potions master. I'm suppose to spend most of my time in my lab," Severus said exasperatedly.
"Well it wouldn't hurt to be a little more social," Lucius said as he led the man down the trail through the expanse of garden. Many more plants and even some creatures were in glass-like-ice cages and sculptures on every side of the path. The walk was not all that long and under half an hour they reached the large sweeping entrance of a two story estate house. It was gorgeous. As they entered Severus noted that the layout seemed to be of a similar style as most manor houses. Only with a smaller scale. Having no time to explore the full estate now Severus followed Lucius up the stairs and to the second floor. Lucius headed for the furthest door down the hall and Severus could hear Draco and Harry through the closed doors of the first two rooms they past. The open door to the bathroom was next to the boy's room and across the hall was two closed door. Severus selected the one right across from the children and entered. It was a spacious bedroom. He quickly pulled out the shopping from his robe pockets and unshrunk everything, including his trunk. Setting the trunk at the base of his bed. He took out his clothing and started to put it away. Leaving the presents on the bed. He walked over to Draco's room and knocked.
Draco opened the door and Severus handed him all his shopping from earlier. He then went to Harry's room and knocked. Harry opened the door and Severus gave him the bag that held all of the gifts they had picked out for Narcissa on his behalf. After a quick thank you the boy retreated back into his room to get ready. Severus waited for Narcissa to come out of her room. Not two minutes later she was sweeping towards him with an exquisite and expensive dark emerald green dress robes. The material was so dark it was almost black. Only a hint of color revealed it wasn't. He smirked. This he'd wear willingly. Thanking Narcissa he made his way back to his room.
Severus lay the dress robes onto his bed. Slowly pulling the layers apart. Once he had everything laid down on the bed. He was ready to get dressed. Stripping quickly out of his regular robes.
He put on the white undershirt made of a fine silk material. It was so soft. The three silver buttons at the throat made the collar stand up tall against his neck. Three matching buttons at the wrist had the same affect. It was tight and restrictive over his wrist, while flowing easily over the rest of him. He liked how it felt. He could get used to this. He thought absently as he pulled on a pair of black simple trousers. Tucking in the white undershirt quickly. A light and flowing underrobe went on next. A series of silver buttons fastening it tightly across his chest to his hips. The flowing material pooling around his legs open only slightly as he moved from the slit in the front where the buttons ended. This inner layer was a slightly lighter shade of dark emerald green. The hint of color he'd seen when it was draped over Narcissa's arm. The last layer was of a much stiffer and thicker material. He slipped it on over his shoulders and started in on the rows of buttons. The ones down from his elbow to his wrist tightened the material until it was fitted firmly in place. It didn't restrict movement, but it did show the shape of his arms. There was only a series of four buttons at the top that secured the material at his shoulders. The two sides falling away at sharp angles. The angles made an almost perfect upside down V starting at the centre of his chest and ending at his knees. The almost black material blending in perfectly. A hint of the lighter emerald at his wrists that flowed easily into the white. The tall white caller visible atop the dark emerald.
The more form fitting outerrobe something he wasn't really used too. He was a little uncomfortable as it revealed his physique quite clearly. Though he did rather enjoy the darkness of it. He looked into the vanity mirror and was relieved to note that his hair flowed nicely with the outfit. Satisfied he pulled on his dragon skin boots before heading out to wait for everyone. He had settled himself in the den with a book as he waited. He had barely gotten through the first two pages when Lucius entered with Narcissa. Narcissa was in a stunning blue dress accented with silver and pearls while Lucius was in dress robes of black, a deep green and silver trim. Lucius's robes were similar to Severus's except that they looked much more expensive with the silver trim. The Malfoy Crest stitched into the breast of the robes. Draco and Harry were dressed in simpler dress robes then the adults. Both boys had black dress robes accented with rich color. Draco's was green and silver while Harry was blood red and gold. Narcissa fussed over the boys who openly started at Severus. Neither of them having seen him in anything except black.
Severus rose to his full height and had every eye on him. He looked at them all and wondered just what they were staring at. "What?" He asked. None too gently either.
"Sev you really need to get out more," Lucius said with a sigh.
"Why?" Severus asked with narrowed eyes.
"You don't look like an overgrown bat sir," Draco stated finally. Evidently shocked into speaking his mind. Severus just glowered at him.
"Draco!" Narcissa chided horrified.
"Well it's true, and everyone's thinking it," Draco said defensively.
"I have a reputation to keep!" Severus groused. Though he had to admit he actually did enjoy the look of these dress robes. Maybe Narcissa had a point. Not that he would admit that out loud.
"Well now that you've mortified everyone Draco, I think it's time we head over for the dinner," Narcissa said giving her son a look. Draco grinned innocently at her. Lucius was trying hard not to laugh. Only succeeding by years of decorum and training in control. Severus just kept glaring at them all and Harry was openly laughing. The walk out into the cold slowly sobered everyone up. They had all grabbed their cloaks before heading out into the thick snow covered gardens of ice. The sun was slowly setting as they walked back into the main hall. Only this time two black doors were open on the opposite site from where they had just come from. The faint lighting and the noise of live music could clearly be heard. Narcissa and Lucius led the way in, Draco and Harry following close behind them and Severus coming in after them. They were led over to a table near the stage. From their location they had a perfect view of everything going on around them. They all took their seats. Lucius pulling out the seat for Narcissa before situation himself at her side. Draco and Harry sat together on Lucius's left and Severus took the seat to Narcissa's right. Drinks were brought to their table. Butterbeer for the two boys and firewhiskey for the adults. The table was laid with more silverware then Severus had ever seen.
He only survive the six course meal because he could remember Narcissa's long ago lessons in placing. Even then he'd had to cast glances at Lucius and Narcissa every once in a while to figure out what to use to eat his food. It was all so complicated he found it less enjoyable then if he'd been eating in a pub. Though he did enjoy the dancing and small acts that took place on the stage throughout their meal. The music always playing from the full orchestra behind the stage was also rather enjoyable. All in all Severus was simply happy to lean back in his seat after he'd finished watching the performance of a particularly complex dance number.
When the dinner finally ended the lights came back on full force and it took a moment for Severus's eyes to adjust. He blinked and looked over to Lucius who was scanning the program on the table.
"There's an amusement centre we can sign the children into if you boys don't want to come to the mixer," Lucius said over to Draco and Harry. Draco looked rather thrilled at the idea and Harry smiled happily.
"I'd rather go to the amusement centre father," Draco said.
"I'll take you boys over. Lucius why don't you and Severus head to the mixer and I'll join you in a minute," Narcissa said rising smoothly to her feet. Lucius and Severus nodded and slowly rose. Heading towards the door on the left of the dining area. The doors stood open onto a large ballroom where more live music could be heard.
"Are you enjoying the experience Severus?" Lucius asked grinning at his friend.
"Your dinners have too much cutlery for my taste, but the food was good and the entertainment better," Severus commented. Lucius laughed.
"That's because your a barbarian Sev," Lucius said teasingly.
"At least I don't need to change fork eight times to eat one meal," Severus countered lazily.
"I suppose you have a fair point," Lucius drawled conceding the light debate.
"What is our plan for tomorrow?" Severus asked lightly.
"Draco rather enjoys snowboarding. I took the liberty of purchasing the equipment for Harry. I figured the two boys can go and enjoy the slopes. Draco can teach Harry well enough. They should enjoy that. There is also a Quidditch pitch for them to enjoy if they desire. A few other things as well. I'm certain they will find more entertainment out in the mountain then anywhere else. I might join them for a bit. I've been looking forward to some skiing since Narcissa chose this place. Narcissa has appointments at the spa which she assures me will take her all day. Did you have any plans?" Lucius finished.
"I was thinking of going to see the castle. There are some interesting things said to be found in there. It's more a museum then anything else," Severus said. A rare smile forming on his lips.
"Merlin, you really need to do something other then read Severus," Lucius drawled. Not getting the appeal in the least.
"I am not strapping twigs to my feet and running down a mountain!" Severus declared adamantly.
"Then why not go for one of the hikes?" Lucius suggested.
"That would be quite enjoyable. I might just do this," Severus said simply. He added quickly before Lucius could look too triumphant. "Though I am still going to check out the museums first."
"You will never change," Lucius laughed. Narcissa soon joined them.
"Severus, change? That would be about as likely as him dating a girl," Narcissa declared as she walked up to them. Severus winced at her words.
"Cissa, let him be on that," Lucius said gently to his wife.
"Why? He could use all the help he can get in that department Luc dear, I've offered to set him up with some of my friends, but he refuses. Why is it that you always refuse Sev?" Narcissa pressed.
"I don't wish to date," Severus said lightly, trying to brush the issue aside.
"Oh nonsense. You just need to get out of that dungeon more often!" Narcissa said. "Go on find a nice girl and go dancing, live a little Sev!" Narcissa said pushing him towards the crowds. She turned to Lucius took his arm and guided him towards the dance floor. "Come I want to dance."
Severus sighed as he watched them walk away. He looked around and had no interested in 'living a little.' So he headed instead towards the table that held refreshments. He'd just taken a bottle of butterbeer when he felt someone bump him lightly.
"Sorry," slurred a sultry voice. Severus looked over at the rather drunk witch who'd bumped into him. She had long raven black hair falling down in waves to her mid back. Her eyes were large and a strange mix of green and blue. Her lips were full and bright pink. Her face softly rounded. She was tall, but not taller then him and wore a beautiful silver and green gown that contoured her curves. She looked stunning. She was also quite drunk.
"No problem, though I'd advice on skipping the firewhiskey in favour of some water," Severus said as she reached for the decanter. She paused and looked at him.
"I'm not drunk," she slurred drunkenly.
"Of course your not," Severus said sarcastically.
"I could still recite the brewing procedures of the Drought of the Living Dead, therefore not drunk," the woman said loudly. A little too loudly.
"I'm not sure that would be entirely a wise assumption," Severus declare.
"How would you know? Not like you could brew it decently, most man can't," She hiccuped.
"For one I am not most men, for two I happen to be the youngest potion master of this century," Severus declare proudly. Normally he'd have just made a snide comment, but for some reason he found her charming. Her odd sense of assumptions was endearing.
"You?" She said staring bug eyed at him.
"Yes," Severus responded. Giving her a glower. He might find her charming, but she was beginning to test his patience.
"Prove it then," she demanded boldly. Crossing her arms across her chest and glaring at him.
"How exactly would you like me to do that? Do you have a cauldron hidden somewhere amongst your robes?" He demanded sarcastically.
"I'll ask you a series of question, if you can answer then correctly then I'll believe you," she said as if this was obvious. She continued, "I'm Adeline Rose by the way. Who are you?"
"Severus Snape," Severus said lazily. He continued, "well what is your first question then?"
"What is the ideal color for the half way point of the Draught of the Living Dead?" Adeline asked Severus scrutinizing him.
"Blackcurrant," Severus said smugly, "you really need to get less juvenile with your potions."
"Well if you insist, then tell me what is the main ingredient in Veritaserum?" Adeline slurred starring blearily up at him. Severus would have rolled his eyes at the stupidity of the question.
"Jabberknoll feather," Severus sneered at her, "really this is juvenile. I've grown bored with this conversation already. If you'll excuse me." With that Severus began to walk away when a hand reached out and grabbed him. His body stilled instantly. Far too still. He barely controlled his reaction as he spun to face her. Eyes narrowed in a deadly warning. His voice cold and his tone absolutely deadly, "I will give you ten seconds to unhand me. You will not enjoy the alternative."
She hesitated, not releasing him, she looked sufficiently frightened though. "Please don't go," she whispered a second later letting her hand fall away. One step took him out of her reach.
"You are drunk, you are asking me juvenile questions any first year could answer. Why would I be interested in engaging you further in conversation? Your intellect is so far bellow the standards of what I consider decent company. It has zero appeal to me," Severus drawled. He could see the hurt his words cause flash across her eyes. Though it really was true. He gave a satisfied smirk, "now if you were to ask me to debate the uses of Anti-venoms before and after a venomous bite. I'd be inclined to engage in such intellectual conversation. Though now you are clearly not in possession of your faculties. Therefore no I won't be staying. Excuse me."
Severus strode away leaving a bewildered Adeline staring opened mouthed at him. Severus grumbled grumpily to himself about ridiculous drunk women. He glared at everyone who dare to move near him and soon found himself leaning against the far wall listening to the far too loud music in a darkened corner.
"Ugh, this place is boring. Not even a decent conversation to be had," a rich female voice drifted from the dark shadows not five feet to his left. Severus didn't react to the voice. Until it spoke again. The irritation and annoyance clear in it's tone. "What I wouldn't give to be back in my rooms with a book and maybe a cauldron. But no," she sneered heavily and then her voice went an octave higher in a far too shrill falsetto. "It's improper for a young pureblood to smell like a potion lab experiment gone wrong. Were going to one of the most expensive get away destination and we will not allow our daughter to bring shame to our home." Her voice fell away with a grumbled sigh. "As if being brilliant was a shame. Merlin I hate decorum," she ranted on. Severus had actually started listening when she'd talked at the mention of cauldrons and books. Why that had tuned him of all things was beyond him. Maybe it was the drunk woman attempting to ask him such juvenile questions when he'd thought he'd found sound intellectual conversation. It startled him when the voice spoke directly to him. "You know it's rude to just stand there and listen to my rant without actually saying anything."
"I had no wish in engaging you in a discussion about your emotions," he sneered the last word in disgust. He heard rich laughter for his troubles.
"Well good, I had no wish to talk of that rubbish either. What's your name?" She demanded.
"Severus Snape," Severus answered bored.
"The Severus T. Snape? The youngest potions master in this century? Teaches potions at Hogwarts?" She asked with a hint of interest in her tone. How the hell did she know that? Not that it wasn't something any idiot could find, but still. He just gave her a cold look. Catching dark amber eyes staring with interest at him. Meeting his black obsidian orbs without hesitation. "Damn, you wrote the secrets to proper ingredient identification," she added. She went on after only a brief pause. "Though my favourite article you wrote by far was alternative uses of monkswood."
"I am well aware of the various books and articles I have written, Mrs." Severus drawled again getting annoyed. If he wanted mindless praise he'd have asked a first year. How he loathed dunderheads.
"Name's Aeleaietta(1) Fawley and I'm not married. Call me Aelea(2)," Aeleaietta said rising so she was standing instead of sitting on the edge of the stage. She stepped out of the darkness and stood a few feet from him. He could see her better now. She had long blond hair, almost as pail as Lucius's platinum. With a tanned complexion. She was a little plumper, but just as equally stunning in her tight black dress. Her hair was done up in some sort of intricate weaving pattern and a small series of sparkling green stones were scattered across it. "Well that confirmation who you are at least. Your attitude speaks volumes," she said crossing her arms over her chest. Causing the thin dark green see through shawl to envelope her in a shimmering wave.
One raised eyebrow at her oddness was the only response she got from Severus. Beyond that he didn't move. Remaining deceptively relaxed against the back wall. His eyes half closed as he listened to the music and her dulcet tones.
"Well are you going to engage me in conversation of some intellectual nature or do I need to go back to ranting about how boring this is?" Aeleaietta demanded.
"What did you have in mind?" Severus asked mildly curious. Lucius and Narcissa were too busy dancing and talking with everyone that came within haling distance. He had to agree with the woman, it was boring as hell at these parties. He certainly didn't see the appeal.
"Well for one we could discuss something as sinister as poisons and their antidotes, or we could discuss something less sinister like the various properties of sleeping potions. Or you could tell me what your thoughts are on a stasis potion," Aeleaietta said a little too eagerly.
"What exactly do you mean by stasis potion?" Severus inquired. "There are after all several verities. "
"A potion that alters your respiratory and circulatory system," Aeleaietta stated simply.
"A Draught of the Living Dead would suffice," Severus replied again bored.
"Oh no, that wouldn't do at all. Your pulse and breathing are still detectable. Even though they are quite low to fool the eye they are not low enough to fool a diagnostic spell," Aelea responded.
"You want to make something that would entirely eliminate the traces of life while still keeping the subject alive?" Severus asked intrigued. Now this was interesting.
"That is precisely what I wish to achieve," Aelea stated, "I have tried increasing the level of Valerium root used, but the results were less then satisfactory."
"More like poison I'd say," Severus responded thoughtfully. "It would mostly require slightly increasing the strength of the ingredients not changing the number of them. Maturing the ingredients to full potency would increase the effectiveness of the draught incrementally. However, another potion would have to be utilized to further reduce the remaining life signs. Simply putting yourself in a state of living death wouldn't be completely undetectable. A slow combination of the two draughts would be required with an antidote already easily available right after consumption. As the result of any combination with Living Death would be poisonous. How one would then take the antidote to the Draught of the Living Dead would be interesting to note. Someone else would need to be involved."
"What if one were alone? Would it be possible to simulate real death without needing assistance?" Aelea asked curiously.
"Anything is possible Madam Aelea, however that doesn't mean it would be advisable," Severus responded gazing at her critically. A quirked brow, "planning on trying to fake your own death to get out of being at a pureblood function?"
"Merlin no, thought it might irritate me to no end, I rather enjoy the prestige and financial independent of my family fortunes thank you very much. I merely enjoy toying with rather complicated and nearly impossible situations," Aelea responded with a light shrug. "Tell me you've never been interested in seeing just how far you can push a particular potion?"
"I assure you I have often been tempted by just such research," Severus confirmed smirking. After all he wasn't a potion master for no reason.
"Well then, maybe..." Her words trailed off on a sigh of exasperation. She looked beyond Severus for a moment before turning back to him. Her words darkly colored with regret, "It seems I am being called over by my mother, no doubt for some inane babble. I hope to see you again Professor Snape, it has been a pleasure."
"Severus, there you are," Lucius called walking up to him a moment after Aelea had started to walk away into the crowd. "Is that a female I see leaving the dark corners where I happen to find you lurking?"
"I am neither lurking nor interested Lucius," Severus said sighing in frustration. At that exact moment a loud crash can be heard followed by a series of screams. Severus looks up in time to see fire spreading quickly towards them.
(1) Aeleaietta is pronounced: Aih-leh-et-tah
(2) Aelea is pronounced: Aih-la
Author's Note: I had fun making this outfit for Severus... Sorry if it's boring for you... I just couldn't resist. I'm not normally so into describing things, but sometimes there just some things that I really love describing... And if your laughing as hard as I am by the end of this... I have achieved my goal... my very accidental goal as I wasn't trying for funny. It just worked out.
The reach for the conversations held during the ball by Severus took a long time. Sorry for that causing delays in getting this chapter up. I spent a good part of my day researching all that potion terminology. I wanted it to be real. Hopefully my effort paid off and you liked it. And I'm not even sorry about how it all ends... though my thoughts are still Poor Sev... Can't catch a break.
Yes I'm evil for ending this on a cliff hanger. Don't kill me. I swear the next chapter will be up soon.
Also a note. According to what I read on the wiki Fawley is one of the sacred 28 pureblood families. However they are extant. Yes I know I'm breaking canon to make her pureblood, however, it's got a purpose. I don't know if it'll go anywhere, but it'll be a great source of fun for Lucius/Severus arguments...