Severus panted heavily, preparing himself for the long walk back up to the castle. His ribs were almost definitely broken and aftershocks of pain washed over him in waves, leaving him trembling after each one. The night air, even in mid-summer, seemed chilly and caused him to shiver painfully.
Voldemort had summoned him. He and the other Death Eaters had stood in a circle around their master to hear what he would say. Fenrir Greyback had been there as well, even though he wasn't technically a Death Eater, he would never be one, his blood was no longer pure and they would not accept him. But Fenrir was stupid, and he wouldn't realize his mistake until it was too late.
Severus had been forced from his thoughts then; he'd cursed himself to dwell on the mutt. His lord had addressed him, asking about Amanda.
"This girl, Amanda McGonagall," he said quietly, "She is a pureblood?"
"Yes, my lord." He'd answered. Fenrir Greyback was paying rapt attention now, curiosity shining in his eyes.
"What chance is there of recruiting her to our cause?"
"Very little, my lord," he'd said, hating himself for even talking about her in front of the Dark Lord, possibly turning her into a target. "She is very close to Dumbledore, and she would never betray her mother."
Some within the circle had hissed when he'd mentioned Dumbledore, even more snickered when he'd mentioned her loyalty to her mother.
"A pity," the Dark Lord said, "we could have used someone that close to the old fool." Lord Voldemort's eyes flickered around, resting on Fenrir. "You have something to say, Greyback." It wasn't a question, the Dark Lord knew.
"My lord," Fenrir had gasped, "I know this girl, I have seen her. Almost two years ago, I thought that I had killed her."
Amanda had been attacked by a werewolf, and she had been kidnapped by someone who obviously had wanted her body. Fenrir fit both descriptions easily. Severus felt a sudden rush of rage welling in him, like a beast waiting to get out, to kill Greyback.
"And what use is this information to me?"
"My lord, this girl, she must be a werewolf now, it is the only way she could have survived."
A red light shone in the Dark Lords eyes. It wasn't a twinkle, not the way Dumbledore's always shone. The word twinkle could be applied to these eyes the same way you could call a porcupine soft. The Dark Lord looked pleased, in a way that only meant someone else was going to be sorry.
"You turned a pureblood into a werewolf, Greyback?"
"My lord, it was a- an accident, my lord."
He was groveling now, realizing that things were mot going to go well for him. And they had not; things had not gone well for any of them. The Dark Lord had punished them, all of them, he wanted them to know that pure blood should never be wasted; they would need it in his new empire.
After the Dark Lord had dismissed them Severus had followed Fenrir, ignoring the pain in his ribs. It had been easy to knock him unconscious and then use Legilimency to break into the werewolf's mind. He had searched Fenrir's mind frantically; looking for the memories he'd wanted, then let himself sink into them.
It was a small city, made up of mostly muggles. And then he'd seen her. She was dressed in muggle jeans and a dark blue shirt. Her dark hair was put into a high pony tail that flared out and bounced in gravity defying ways. Her wand could be seen sticking out of her back pocket, within easy reach of her hands. She was still healthy, Severus noted, her skin was a healthy pink, there were no bags under her eyes, and she was not the skeleton she had been when he had seen her during the tournament.
Fenrir had growled, he wanted her, she smelled so delicious. But she had a wand; she would not be easy prey. He found a wizard, one who knew him well and was afraid. Together they had followed her, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Severus followed them as they followed her all day, watching her stop in various bookshops, looking for something but not finding it in any of them. It was obvious she was growing frustrated, and then, at the end of the day, she tried one more store.
She was victorious, walking out with a large, leather bound book. Amanda had promptly disappeared down a nearby alley, a perfect place to Apparate. They followed her in, and the wizard raised his wand. Severus wanted to shout, warn her of what was coming, but he was just an observer in a memory he hadn't had.
Even without his warning Amanda seemed to realize that something was wrong, she whipped around, her hand clutching around her wand. She hadn't stood a chance.
"Stupefy!" The wizard had shouted.
Amanda had fallen, a shocked expression on her face. Fenrir had promptly scooped her up, tossing her over his shoulder and telling the wizard to get lost, – he'd only been too happy to comply – and walking away, Amanda's body hanging limply over his shoulder.
Severus skipped ahead to later that day, it was almost night. Fenrir was watching her, staring at her as if she were a piece of meat. Amanda was tied to a radiator by the wrists, her arms held above her head by ropes so tight bruises had already formed around them. Fenrir moved forward until he was right above her and reached down, stroking her cheek. His hand moved lower, caressing her neck and sliding over her shoulders. Amanda's eyelids fluttered. Fenrir moved closer, he was straddling her now, and his hands moved over her stomach and waist. His long nails left little scratches in her skin when he touched her. Her eyes flew open and she gasped slightly. Fenrir grinned.
"Hello dear," he said, his voice husky. Amanda tried to lower her arms, quickly realizing the situation she was in. "No, no," he taunted, "you're my new pet, and you can't leave unless I say so."
"What do you want?"
His fist slammed down across her face and she gasped slightly. Fenrir lowered himself so that he was right above her face, his body pressing hers into the ground and his smell filing her nostrils.
"You do as I say now, and I haven't told you to speak yet."
She looked panicked and her eyes were darting around the room. Fenrir chuckled quietly.
"No one will hear you if you scream," he said, his foul breath wafting over her neck. "And no one will care to come looking for trash like you."
Severus saw the hopelessness flash through her eyes before anger replaced it.
"So that makes you the garbage man?"
Fenrir growled and grabbed her hair, ripping her hair forcefully upwards. She gave a small cry and instant tears sprang to her eyes. Her face was turned, so Fenrir couldn't see the expression on Amanda's face, but Severus could see how terrified she was. The werewolf let his hands wander over her body again and Amanda squirmed under his touch. He growled and reached up, pulling her hair back and under. She whimpered softly, barely audible.
"Don't move," he growled.
Amanda screwed up her eyes and tensed. Fenrir groped her, reaching under her shirt and planting kisses on her face and neck. She whimpered again and a tear leaked from under her eyelashes. "So easy…" he murmured, running his hands over her body. One had reached under her and squeezed her thigh while the other was busy groping her breasts.
"You know," he said, smiling cruelly, "this is probably going to hurt a lot."
His hands moved down to her pants, unzipping them and sliding them down over her hips. Another whimper escaped Amanda and Fenrir smirked again. "So easy…" he repeated.
Fenrir shifted slightly, moving so he could pull her pants down even further. Amanda took advantage of his momentary imbalance; with his weight removed from her legs one of them shot up, catching him in the groin. He cried out and doubled over, momentarily forgetting the girl under him. She pulled her leg in close to her body and lashed out again, shoving him off her so hard that his head crashed into a wooden crate against the wall. The world seemed to shift and Severus knew the hit had affected the wolf man.
Still watching her, Severus saw Amanda slip into wolf form and escape her bonds, before slipping back out while Fenrir was still unaware of his surroundings. Amanda slid past him, grabbing her wand and racing out the door, only to find herself in a hallway with more then one door leading out of it.
She saw a staircase and made for it. Fenrir was right behind her, stumbling slightly because of his head. He caught up to her and lunged, just barely managing to catch her leg before she disappeared down the stairs.
Amanda tumbled down the stairs, landing at the bottom in a twisted heap, blood pooling around her head. She didn't move, and a moment later Fenrir too passed out.
The memories shifted and Severus had to search again to find the next set. They were buried deep in Fenrir's unconscious and he doubted even Fenrir had access to these memories. The werewolf had transformed.
Fenrir lifted his nose, keeping his body low to the ground, and sniffed the air, turning immediately to face the unconscious woman at the bottom of the stairs. He climbed down slowly, sniffing around constantly. The wolf man pressed his snout into the blood that had pool slightly around Amanda and inhaled deeply, before reaching out a paw. It hovered above her shoulder, claws out.
Amanda groaned slightly, making the paw shoot back and the werewolf growl. Her eyes snapped open and she turned towards it, looking surprised. Fenrir lunged, teeth snapping, but this time, Amanda was ready for him, she transformed in an instant and twisted to be above him on the stairs, avoiding his teeth and latching onto his shoulder from behind. The wolf howled in pain and snapped around, barley missing her as she soared over him.
It was obvious Amanda was trying not to get bit. The great white wolf stood tall, its muzzle twisted into a snarl and blood dripping down her head as she faced the werewolf. He lunged again, and she avoided him, reaching up to claw his face and leaving four gashes on his neck. They met again in a snarling and snapping of teeth, neither gaining much leverage. Fenrir slashed at her sides, leaving shallow bloody gashes and Amanda managed to hook her claws into his already torn shoulder and bring them down, ripping the wound further.
He howled loudly in pain and stumbled, making Amanda lose her balance. That was all the time the werewolf needed to get a clear shot. His claws dug in, slightly below her left shoulder and ripped down to the bone, sliding down across the rib cage, pulling several of them out of their places, and across her stomach, stopping just above her right hind leg.
Her desperate howl of pain turned into a frightful scream as Amanda was forced to transform back into a woman. Blood gushed from her wound as Amanda tried to curl up and steam the flow of blood, crying out at the movement in her ribs. Fenrir had no chance to gloat, however, as a large crash signaled that someone had heard and come to investigate. The werewolf fled the scene. The last image Severus saw of Amanda was of her lying in a pool of her own blood, with it trickling down from her lips and her hands covered in it from trying to steam the flow from her stomach and chest, before Fenrir was gone and the memory ended.
Pulling from Fenrir's mind, Severus found himself panting in anger. He lashed out, kicking Fenrir again and again, taking out his anger. How dare the werewolf do that to his Amanda? He didn't stop kicking until he'd collapsed, coughing and his ribs burning. He coughed up a small ball of blood and grimaced, his ribs were definitely broken. He panted heavily, preparing to move. The world turned, and with a sharp 'crack' he was gone.
Severus saw the gates and staggered forwards, stumbled, and fell, the world turning black around him.
Amanda stared around at her new room, it was smaller then her one at Beauxbatons, but, somehow, it seemed more fitting. Dumbledore had given her one of the small towers that lined Hogwarts; it had three rooms and a bathroom. The front room was the largest, it had one straight wall, with a door leading out and into a spiral staircase, another leading into her bedroom, and a third leading to a bathroom. The rest of the walls were actually just part of a large half circle. She had made liberal use of rugs to cover the floor; cold stone under bare feet was just plain annoying. The rugs were all black; it had been easiest to keep them matching that way. A large stained glass window let in light and cast colorful shadows about the room. She had covered nearly every available space of wall with bookshelves. A small fireplace was inset in one wall and she had place two comfy armchairs there, they were rather large, she had gotten used to Madame Maxime sized furniture. A small alcove led into another, triangular, room.
The smallish triangular room made a small kitchen; it had a small stove and cabinet, with tea and sugar already supplied. Another stain glass window brightened this room; it depicted a scene of two small wolf cubs playing along with a young unicorn, still the golden color of youth.
Her bedroom looked much the same as the front room, with a large circular wall surrounding it. A huge painting filled a large portion of the wall, it had been painted by one of her previous students and would never move, as it was completely muggle, but she liked it. It depicted an unknown castle on a mountain top, but if one looked at it the right way, you could almost see people inlaid into the building itself. It was like a giant I-Spy. Behind the painting was a hidden door, it lead to another circular staircase and beyond that was the roof of the tower, she would have a spectacular view of the Forbidden Forest and the lake from up there.
She was well pleased, Dumbledore had certainly picked a grand place for her to live in, at least while she was still there. Amanda shook her head, there was no point worrying about it now, she would just have to enjoy what time she had left of the summer before it would be time to put their plan into action.
Amanda slid down the stairs, riding the rail all the way to the bottom. She stepped out into a hallway and watched the wall close behind her, a small statue of a dragon unfurled itself and looked at her, waiting for her to pick a new password.
"A duck," she said, in all seriousness. The small dragon blinked once at her before curling back up and closing its eyes. Amanda skipped off down the halls, not really sure what to do.
She'd been here for a grand total of six days. She'd visited Gryis and Firenze in the forest, she'd spent several hours each day with Carlisle, and she'd even made a few lesson plans for charms, even though in all likelihood she wouldn't be around to teach them. She'd even taken time to explore the Ravenclaw dormitories, since she was going to be Head of Ravenclaw after she replaced Flitwick. But now she was bored.
At Beauxbatons she'd always left for the summer, going to visit various small villages of muggles and selling them healing potions at a very low price, it might not be exactly within the law but it wasn't exactly breaking it either. But she couldn't leave here, she had to stick around and be ready.
Peeves floated past.
"Looky, its Amy wamy unless my eyeses are playin tricks on mes again."
"Hello, Peeves," she said, ignoring the weird way he talked, "It's good to see you again."
"The Bloody Baron sir will be most pleased to sees you again."
"Then I shall make a point to speak with him, the next time I see him."
Their conversation was cut short by angry yelling.
"Peeves!" the voice shouted, "I'll get you for this!" Peeves zoomed off, cackling all the way and Amanda sighed, again, she was bored.
Amanda, it was the voice of Carlisle, entering her mind even though he could be miles away. He sounded grave. I think you should come out here; there is someone at the gates, he needs help.
I'm on my way, she sent back, now sprinting towards the main entrance. She wondered who could be out there.
Outside the air was cool and crisp and the stars twinkled merrily in the skies above her. But Amanda missed all of this, intent as she was on getting to the gates and helping the figure that was beyond them. She wouldn't have even seen the figure on the ground if Carlisle wasn't standing over him.
She bent down to check for a pulse and gasped, Severus. He was wearing a Death Eater mask and robes. But Amanda ignored that, Dumbledore surely knew where Severus had been and she trusted his judgment enough not to dwell on it for the moment.
Underneath the robes Severus shivered violently, his breathing was ragged, and when Amanda tried to lift him he recoiled in pain. She ran her wand over his body, checking for broken bones and grimaced, ribs were nasty.
She lifted him into the air with her wand, holding him as steady as possible and carrying him up to the castle. Amanda doubted very much that Severus would want to go to the hospital wing, dressed as he was, and instead took him down to the dungeons, to his room. The room was cold and Amanda shivered as she laid him as gently as possible onto the bed, but she ignored it for the moment, removing has mask and then searching his cupboard for the potions he would need. She found them immediately; it seemed Severus had been prepared to take care of himself.
Amanda started a fire, making sure it would last for awhile before returning to him, he looked a little more relaxed now but was obviously still in pain. She tilted his head up and poured potion after potion down his throat, numbing the pain and speeding his bodies recovery time. She unbuttoned his shirt to get at his chest and tried not to look over his toned abs, it was rather difficult. She spread a cream over the large bruised area around his ribs, applying it liberally.
She had just finished re-buttoning his shirt when his eyes snapped open. His hands flew to her wrists and he latched on with an iron grip. Amanda gasped in surprise and looked at him, he looked angry, was he angry at her? He pulled her down and closer to him.
"Don't leave," he whispered hoarsely. Amanda was confused, what did he mean? She wasn't going anywhere. He repeated himself, "don't leave, promise."
"I'm right here; I'll stay if you want." Severus seemed to relax a little at her words, his eyes closed and he fell into a dreamless sleep, the sleeping potion having finally taken effect. Amanda tried to stand up but Severus's grip hadn't loosened, she couldn't get free. No matter how hard she pulled he wouldn't let go.
Amanda sighed and knelt next to the bed, it was the only place she could go, to get on the bed she would have to climb over him and she didn't want to do that while he was in such a state. She rested her hands on his stomach and laid her head on the bed, somehow managing to fall asleep despite the awkward position.
Severus awoke with a start and looked around. He was in his own room, how had that happened? Then he remembered, Amanda, she must have carried him up. He looked down and saw her kneeling against the bed, worn out and fast asleep. His hands were wrapped tightly around her wrists, preventing movement. Severus cringed and let go, her wrists were red, but there wasn't any sign of bruising. He was glad; he didn't want to be reminded of what had happened to her like that.
He pulled her limp form on the bed, lifting her easily over him. She immediately snuggled into his side for warmth and her eyes opened slightly.
"Sev…"
"Shhh…" he said softly, kissing her forehead. "Go back to sleep."
"Severus, what were you talking about earlier?"
He cringed, he didn't want to think about it, and he definitely didn't want to tell her what he had seen right now.
"Go back to sleep, I will tell you later." She sighed and closed her eyes, burying herself back into his side. She jerked back suddenly.
"Sorry, I forgot about your ribs –" He cut her off, pulling her tight against him.
"I can't feel it," he murmured, rubbing her shoulder.
Amanda leaned up and planted a small kiss on his cheek before resting once again on his chest and quickly falling asleep. Severus's mind was in too much turmoil to follow her. He shouldn't have attacked Fenrir, that had been stupid. But it had felt so right. He had been so angry for what the wolf had done to Amanda, for what he had tried to do. When he'd woken up with her above him his only thought had been to keep her close, where he could protect her.
Severus pulled a blanket over them both, kissing the top of Amanda's head once again before he too fell into a deep slumber, content to hold Amanda against him forever.
Forever ended all too soon. Amanda awoke, feeling happy and safe, but then something in the back of her mind burned. Dumbledore. He was telling her that it was time, she had to leave now. It looked like she wouldn't be able to keep her promise to Severus after all.
She disentangled herself from Severus's arms and stood on shaky legs, she didn't want to do this. She didn't want to enter Voldemorts mind and see the horror he inflicted on others, she didn't want to risk getting caught and killed, and she definitely didn't want to leave Severus. He groaned and reached out, looking for her. A frown graced his features when he realized she wasn't next to him and his eyes opened. Amanda moved back and leaned over him.
"Go back to sleep, I promise I'll explain, but I have to go now."
Severus frowned. He reached up and cupped her chin, bringing her down to meet him, and gave her a soft kiss. Amanda blinked and leaned forward to capture his lips in a stronger kiss, she needed him right now. She released him and he lay back on the bed, quickly falling back asleep. She shuddered, that hadn't been a good idea, it only made her want to stay longer. She grabbed a piece of parchment from a nearby table and quickly scribbled him a note, weighing it down with her necklace. Then she walked out, and she was gone, again.
Severus woke up feeling better then he had in a long time. He remembered what Amanda had said before she left and wondered where she had had to go so suddenly. She had said she would tell him though so he didn't think much of it. He got up and dressed for the day, he had just finished when something glittered on his desk. Her necklace, why had she left it? She had told him last year that she never took it off. He lifted it into his hand, fingering the gem, and snatched up the note, reading it quickly. It read:
Sorry I had to leave; I didn't think that I would be called away tonight. I don't know what Dumbledore will tell you about it, but I will be back to tell you the rest. I trust you'll watch this for me. –love always, Amy
Severus scowled and set the note down, dropping the necklace in his pocket and storming from the room to find Dumbledore. He strode darkly towards the Headmaster's office and barked the password, "Honey Suckle." The ride to the top seemed to take forever and he burst in without knocking, Dumbledore didn't look surprised to see him.
"Where is she?" he demanded, not giving the old Professor time to speak.
"Ah, Severus, always a pleasure. Please, sit."
"Where is she?" he repeated.
"I do not know exactly," Dumbledore said.
"How can you not know where she is?" he seethed, fighting to keep his voice under control.
"I have sent her to fetch something for me, it will take her a fair amount of time and she will be moved to many different places."
"What," he hissed, "is she looking for?"
Dumbledore sighed and stood up.
"I am afraid," he said, "that we cannot help her, Amy is the only one who can get it. And I'm afraid that is also all I can tell you."
Severus turned, seething, and strode from the office, his cloak flapping wildly behind him.
Here you are, and I apologize for the lack of chapters this weekend, I was out of town. Thank you all so much for your reviews! I got so many I can't even address you all individually. That or I'm just too tired to do it tonight…. It's probably the second one. In any case, thank you all again, and I hope you liked this one… it was weird to write though.