CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

The Maze

AN: Action scenes aren't my strong suit but a necessary evil.

On the morning of the final task Sasha awoke early but had difficulty getting out of bed. Igor would be leaving soon to take his students home. Her assignment at Hogwarts would be over and she may never see Severus again. Depression kept her in bed as she tried and failed to sleep. Eventually she gave up and drug herself out of bed.

She looked out her window and watched the final preparations being made on the maze by the house elves. Mad eye was overseeing things which was a relief for Sasha. He would be sure the area was challenging but secure. She missed breakfast and lunch, and finally dinner. She took a long bath. She was ashamed at her behavior with Igor the night before and dreaded seeing him again. She should never have kissed him. He was so handsome and adoring and she was so lonely. She could still feel his strong arms around her; still feel his lips on hers and the way his beard brushed against her cheeks. It felt good to be loved even if it wasn't Severus. So she made a bad decision and kissed him back, and relished in it. Even though they weren't together, she felt like she cheated on Severus. The guilt weighed her down and despite everything she's said to Severus on the subject, she chose to wallow in it. She should never have led Igor on like that. He deserved so much better, someone who loved him. Life felt very unfair.

The bathwater began to grow cold and so she got out and slipped into her robe and then lay back down on the bed. She was still too apathetic to even go to her closet and chose which robes to wear. She used her wand to levitate various robes out of her closet and assess them. As she passed over rejected items, she moved them to her traveling trunk. It would soon be time to leave. She remembered she promised Igor to dress more like her old self and wondered if that was wise. She didn't want to lead him on but in just a few more days he would be gone and she might never see him again. She decided on the white robes she'd worn the day she arrived at Hogwarts. She wore them over white leather trousers just to spite Sirius and his ludicrous ideas about how to dress for Severus. What a ridiculous and futile quest that had been. She blushed thinking of how foolish she had been.

A couple hours prior to the scheduled start of the final task she made her way down to the maze. Severus was talking to Igor on the opposite side of the field. She noticed Igor was rubbing his arm. That couldn't be good. She dreaded facing either one of them and so decided to avoid them all together and walk the perimeter of the maze that she and Barty had spent months carefully planning before his death.

"Looking for something Miss Malfoy?" She hadn't gotten far before Alastar's gruff voice followed her.

"Oh good evening Alastar. It can't hurt to take one more walkabout can it? After what happened to Barty we should take extra care don't you think?" She continued walking, anxious to get away from him.

"I've secured the perimeter myself on Dumbledore's orders." He followed her and his tone suggested that he was protesting her involvement. Perhaps he felt she didn't trust him. She didn't. However it would do no good to have him thinking that.

"Yes but it's my responsibility. Come along with me, I'll need a second set of eyes and you have an advantage there." She smiled her most charming smile and tossed her hair for good measure. Her father always said to keep your enemies closer than your friends. Alastar scowled at her licking his lips and then obliged.

They walked around the edge of the maze reviewing security precautions. "Looks like your boyfriends were arguing over something tonight." This comment made her blood boil and she sensed that he was now trying to pick a fight.

"I don't have any boyfriends Alastar. What are you getting at? Merlin! I'm so sick of people dancing around and not saying what they're really thinking."

"Karkaroff & Snape, they've been at each other all morning. Two dark wizards conspiring no doubt. Are you saying you don't know what it's about?" He was blatantly fishing but she wasn't going to fall for it.

"Precisely what I'm saying. If you're so curious go ask them. As for the two of them being dark wizards, that's just not true and you know it. They both turned their backs on all that ages ago."

"No one stops being a dark wizard and lives to tell about it!" He looked at her with a fiery expression while licking his lips. "Perhaps you've forgotten."

Sasha's gut reaction was to stand toe to toe with him and put him in his place but something stopped her. Perhaps it was because they had walked far away from the crowd, or the way he brought up the memory of Regs like a threat. More likely it was because his lecherous expression and they way he licked his lips made him look exactly like Barty Jr. She felt a chill down her back and instantly decided to change course. She knew better than to ignore those instincts.

"Hmm, Alastar maybe you're right. There have been lots of strange things happening lately. We should get back there immediately in case you're right." He nodded and they turned and walked back to a more populated area. "Thank goodness we have you around Alastar. You look at things from every angle and know how to think like the enemy." She tried to flatter him to get back into good graces.

As they reached the maze entrance she noticed he was sweating profusely and reached into his cloak for his ever-present flask. "Good day Ms. Malfoy." With that he turned to leave taking a swig from his flask as he walked away.

He was right about one thing. Severus and Igor will still obviously in a disagreement about something though taking care not to alert others.

Igor looked so melancholy as he met her eyes. That look had become so familiar to her lately. He immediately approached her and she sighed when she saw him. He was so handsome in chocolate brown cashmere robes. He was all business in his demeanor due to the number of students present but his tone, which they couldn't hear, was adoring.

"Have I told you how incredibly beautiful you are?" He whispered near her ear.

"Everyday. My ego can barely fit through the castle gates."

"You're not wearing black, just like I asked."

"Anything for you."
He swallowed hard. "Be on alert. My mark is as dark as the day I got it. If anything happens, get out of here fast."

"What? Leave the students? I would never do that!"

He looked at his feet and she knew she had said the wrong thing. He was feeling like a coward and she had all but called him out. "Just like Regs." He smirked.

"Thank you." She bent down into his line of sight until he was forced to meet her eyes.

"Just be safe. I'll talk to you after the task is complete." He squared his shoulders and marched over to Krum.

Sasha joined Albus and the other champions for the start of the contest. She quickly reviewed the rules with all parties and then turned things over to Albus who provided his usual theatrical warnings. Filch sounded the cannon and the champions entered the maze.

The crowd noise became a low murmur as now there was nothing for them do to but wait. She found Severus near the edge of the stands and he nodded his head for her to come to him. I guess stranger things have happened, she thought. She walked immediately over to him while noting that he wore a look of deep concentration.

"Did he tell you?" He did not look at her but eyed the crowd intently.

"Yes."

"Then keep your eyes open and stay far away from both of us. We are marked men."

"Sev, you're scaring me. Don't say things like that." She tried to disguise the worry in her voice but was sure she failed.

"Shhh, speak to no one of this."

"Ok, but one thing first, watch out for Moody." She turned her back to the crowd as she said this, worried that someone might read her lips.

"Why is that?"

"I'm telling you there is something wrong with him. He's so argumentative. I feel like he's working against us. Just now when we were talking, his expression, he looked like Barty Jr. Same cold dead eyes. It gave me a chill." Severus narrowed his eyes looking very thoughtful.

"What is it? Something just occurred to you, what is it?"

"Nothing. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on him. You just keep away from Karkaroff and I.

"Yes, yes, you tell me that every other day." She waved him off exasperated.

"Sasha," his deep voice saying her name sent a rush of heat throughout her. "Please listen to me. It's for your safety." He looked at her and pleaded with only his eyes. She knew he must be seeing only Lily even as he looked at her and was remembering the pain of not being able to protect her.

"Yes Severus, I'll do as you ask." She managed a brave smile.

He exhaled deeply. "Thank you."

She nodded and assumed a position near Dumbledore which must surely be the safest place around

At that moment, everyone's world began to change for the worse.

The first sparks to shoot up over the maze were the blue for Beuxbattons. Fleur had failed. Sasha's face showed concern as she waited for the maze to remove her. She was secretly annoyed however that the only female in the contest was coming in last yet again. It gave witches a bad name. Fleur was spit out by the maze and landed on the field, stunned. Madame Maxine cursed in French at Sasha for the rough manner in which her champion was handled. The staff surrounded her as Fleur gathered her wits and began to tell her story. "It vaz Krum! He attacked me."

"Impossible! How dare you question Drumstrang's honor!" Igor was furious.

"No, no! E'z eye'z, ze were so red. E waz bewitched. I'm sure of it. Zometing was controlling him."

"Vhat kind of trick is dis?" Madame Maxine was shouting. Sasha did not answer her. There was no mechanism in the maze to cause this. Her eyes met Dumbledore's. He knew this as well.

They were interrupted by Red Sparks for Drumstrang shooting up in the air. "Damn!" Karakaroff's voice boomed above everyone. It struck Sasha as odd that he could still give a damn about the contest when Voledmort could return at any second. Viktor was promptly spit out as well but didn't look as healthy as Fleur. His eyes were glassy and he was dazed.

Karkaroff was intently asking him questions and Sasha caught bits and pieces of Krums responses. "Cursed…not in control…attacked Diggory…where is Fleur…so sorry." The imperious curse, she was sure of it.

Sasha made her way to Dumbledore's side as did Severus. "This isn't right Albus, this wasn't supposed to happen to anyone."

"I'm afraid our worst fears are about to come true. It's my guess that we'll soon see Diggory spit out of the maze and Harry, well I shudder to think what may happen next. Have your wands at the ready."

"Headmaster surely there is something we can do. We can't just stand by and wait for something evil to befoul Diggory and Potter." Severus kept his voice barely above a whisper.

"The maze is impenetrable Severus. There's nothing to do but wait." Her eyes met his and she could see his mind working quickly. He crossed the field to meet with Karkaroff with his black robes flowing in the wind.

"What should we do Albus? Should we alert the crowd?"

"No. It would cause a panic and besides what would you tell them? We don't really know what's happening in the maze. Even if we did, there is nothing we could do to stop it. I'm afraid all we can do is wait."

The next hour was an eternity. Severus paced. Albus watched everything around him with the wonder of a child. Maxine and Karkaroff tended to their students and tried to put on brave faces. Alastar sat on a bench in the corner with both hands on his cane. He looked interested but not particularly worried.

Without warning Harry and Cedric seemed to fall from the sky with Harry clutching the Tri-Wizard cup. Sasha was overjoyed and relieved but only for a moment. The band struck up a rousing tune and the students cheered but she saw Cedric's eyes wide open, not blinking. He wasn't moving. Harry was hysterical, clutching Dumbledore's robes. "He's back. Voledmort's back!" Severus was tending to Cedric, checking for a pulse, listening for a heartbeat. He reached for his wand presumably to attempt a healing spell.

"Dead, Cedric's dead." She could hear the words rippling through the crowd and heard the agonizing screams of Cedric's father.

"My son!" She thought she'd never heard a more terrible sound than the heartbroken cries of Amos Diggory. Severus lowered his wand with resignation and moved away from the body.

"Albus, there are too many people. We have to move the body." Fudge was already trying to cover his ass. She looked for Harry. She wanted to hear from him what happened. She scanned the crowd but didn't see him. Then she caught sight of Alastar walking up the hill almost to the castle. Harry was with him. She didn't waste a moment before she ran away from the crowd and followed them. Presumably they were going to the hospital wing. When she arrived at the castle she went there first but it was empty so she started towards Alastar's chambers.

She didn't bother to knock and barged right in to find Moody eye to eye with Harry and the young wizard backing up. Alastar turned when she entered and aimed his wand at her. "Expelliarmis!"

Her wand flew out of her hand. "What's the matter with you Alastar? It's just me."

"Run Professor!" Harry tried to warn her but it was too late. Moody turned his wand on the young wizard next.

"Stupefy!" Harry flew back into the wall and crumbled to the floor. Moody grabbed her throwing her into a chair.

"What's gotten into you?"

"You mean you haven't figured it out yet? Well I guess Lucius got all the brains in your family. You certainly got all the looks." He licked his lips and moved a hand over her thigh. "Still I can't believe you of all people didn't figure it out." He moved till he was inches from her face as she made an expression of disgust and tried to move away from him. "We've always had such a connection." His wand was under her chin now and he touched her cheek with his fat sweaty fingers and moved them down her neck. "I know that's why you never married no matter when face you show to the world. We could have been happy together you know. If only that gorilla Regulus hadn't ruined it."

Sasha inhaled sharply. "Barty?" She whispered his name, afraid if she said it too loudly it would be true.

"Yesss, misss me?" He hissed like a snake and kissed her hard while groping her breast hard. She tried to push him off but he was too strong. She tried to scream but it was muffled as his mouth engulfed hers. He thrust his tongue into her mouth and she bit down as hard as she could. He quickly released her, holding his mouth as blood poured out.

"Still a haughty little bitch are you?"

She picked up a nearby floor lamp and swung at his midsection like it was a sword. She never connected as he disarmed her once again. She tried to run past him towards the door but he caught her and she knew she was in trouble.

"Haha! I'd forgotten what a hot-tempered little minx you are. Still beautiful too. Do you honestly think you'll be able to deny me now that the Dark Lord has returned? I've been his most faithful servant. He'll see to it that I'm rewarded with whatever I want. And I want you." He pulled her head back by her hair and roughly kissed her again. Sasha was disgusted as his foul saliva dripped all over her cheeks.

"I'll have my pick of trophies. You'll be mine yet." He ran his lips over her neck moving towards her chest. She managed to turn towards him and kick him squarely in the stones. "Ahrg! He doubled over in pain. She ran away from him again and was almost to the door when she heard him speak again "Crucio!"

Pain ripped into her back and radiated out to every extremity. She screamed so loudly she heard the windowpanes shake as she hit the floor and writhed in pain. He kept his wand fixed on her and she could see his face through her haze of pain. His expression was twisted in a mix of cruelty and pleasure. She had no idea how long this torture lasted. It seemed like hours. Finally he lowered his wand and she lay there in a sobbing heap on the floor. "Had enough my love?" He took her hand and pulled her up. She was shaking and weak; too weak to fight back. He closed his eyes and buried his face in her hair breathing in and smelling her. "Enough pain my love. Now it's time for some pleasure."

"No" It came out as a whimper for she was too weak to speak.

He pulled her over to his desk and threw her face forward into it. He stood behind her grunting and she could hear him wrestling with his belt buckle and felt his hands moving over her backside. She knew what was coming.

"Expelliarmis!" She heard Dumbledore's voice and breathed a sigh of relief.

She saw a flash of black robes and felt Barty fall off of her and hit the floor. Severus had him. He was choking him. She'd never seen him this angry and that was saying something. Barty's or rather Alastar's stolen mad eye fell off and his other eye rolled back into his head as he began to lose consciousness.

"Severus, no! He's not worth it!" She was screaming but he didn't seem to hear her. He was a man possessed.
"Professor Snape! Stop this instant." Dumbledore was pulling the two men apart. He finally succeeded and Severus gathered Sasha into his arms.

"Are you alright? You should NEVER have come after him alone. Damnit I told you! You never listen Sasha." He clutched her head to his chest and she could feel his heavy breathing and hear his beautiful heart beating.

"Minerva, get Miss Malfoy out of here. Take her to the hospital wing immediately."

Minerva collected her from a reluctant Severus and hustled her out of the room, but Sasha refused to go to the hospital wing. She wanted to go to her room. Minerva relented sensing she was all right but only on the condition that she take a sleeping draught. She obeyed and fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.

AN: OK enough fighting, stay tuned for the good stuff