Disclaimer: This work is based on the J.K. Rowling's World of Harry Potter. Everything you recognize belongs to her.
Despite her frantic brewings to meet the Easter deadline, Severus did not appear that day, nor the next day, nor the next. Maerna had had it. Her heart and mind could not be rational at that moment. Before she even thought things through, she had flooed over to the Three Broomsticks and marched off to the Post. There she jotted off a quick note to say that she was coming to the castle in twenty minutes and for Severus to please be at the gate.
He did not. She paced in front of the wrought iron for thirty minutes before a large man, easily the size of three normal sized men, came up the path to the iron bars. He introduced himself as Hagrid and explained that he couldn't let her in with permission from an instructor, for safety reasons. She said that was perfectly reasonable, but could he find Professor Severus Snape and ask him to come down to the gate.
"Sorry, ma'am, but he left the castle," the friendly giant said.
"Left? How long ago?" Maerna said with suspicion.
"About twenty minutes or so," Hagrid replied.
Maerna thanked him and said no when he asked her about leaving a message. Then she turned and stomped back to Hogsmeade. "Coward," she fumed
Maerna felt like her ears were streaming flames of anger. The only way to cure this irate feeling was to hit something (like maybe a certain DADA professor) or eat chocolate. Maerna spied Honeydukes and stepped into a bustling confectionare breathing in the heavenly smell. Ten minutes later, she was still debating between Chocobars and Fudge Flies, when a rough whisper came up behind her. "And which candy is going to enjoy the pleasure of your company?"
Maerna turned around and smiled. Everytime Severus managed to irritate her, there was always kind Remus to make her laugh. "I haven't decided," she said, "but whichever one, it will be labeled-'Men are scum' before I eat it."
Remus looked offended, "husband trouble?"
Maerna rolled her eyes, "Always." Maerna looked around and noted the witches and wizards around. Some of them seemed to be staring at them with interest. They were in a public place-best to stick to safe topics. "How are you doing? Have you talked to Tonks lately?"
Sighing, Remus gave her the "get off my back" look. "Yes," he said pointedly, "and we are still friends, only friends. Stop badgering me. It would appear your own love life needs your attention more than mine."
"Sorry," Maerna smiled as she paid for her purchase.
"No, you aren't," Remus shot back.
"You're right," she said and took a big bite out of her men-are-scum chocolate.
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Three weeks later, Maerna was brewing up a batch of dittany when something triggered the wards around the cottage. Warily, Maerna crept upstairs to find two masked Death Eaters in her kitchen. "May I help you?" she replied politely. One just rolled his eyes behind the mask, but the slighter of the two pointed the wand at her, "Stupefy" came a high nasal, woman's voice. Maerna threw the cauldron in her hands at the witch. It stopped the spell but the cauldron blasted into pieces that flew across the room. Bellatrix had been so close that she assumed she wouldn't miss. She wasn't prepared for Maerna to keep running toward her with a knife close to her waist. She shoved it into Bella's stomach with one hand as she twisted Bella's wand arm with the other. Bella screamed and went down, her wand spinning under the table. Maerna was just about to reposition for a good punch when a wand poked her in the back.
"Maerna, stop this. How do you expect to win with two of us?" Severus's silky voice interrupted her.
"I was still working on that," Maerna said. "I was hoping you were Wormtail and then I might have a chance. Why didn't you just announce you were here? You walk in here with that mask on and point a wand at me, what do you expect?"
Severus snorted and offered his hand to help her up, completely ignoring the nearby Bella with an oozing stab wound. By the time, he had turned back towards her, Bella was retrieving her wand; her eyes were blazing. Severus picked up the knife and examined it. "Bella, make sure you don't put any dittany on that stab wound. It will actually makes it worse," Severus told her.
Maerna started to crack up. When both Death Eaters looked at her like she lost her mind, she gestured around the kitchen where the potion from her cauldron was all over the place, most prominently dripping on herself and Bella. "THAT was a standard size 4 cauldron full of dittany."
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The Dark Lord wanted to see Maerna, Bella announced gleefully. Maerna just nodded and collected her cloak and grabbed Severus's hand for apparition, never once looking into his eyes. Once there, she strolled purposefully into the room, surveying the scene as she went. A few new additions had been added to the group including, Maerna noted with disgust, Fenir Greyback. Remus had talked about him and she had seen his rather distinct picture on Most Wanted posters. There was also a woman with skin as pale as Severus's but hair as blonde as his was black.
Maerna beat the other two to the dias and sank to her knee like she was kneeling at Voldemort's feet but her thoughts were elsewhere. "Here we go again, God," she prayed. "Why do you want me here this time?"
Lord Voldemort didn't waste his time today. "We seem to have a little problem, Maerna. A problems with you and loyalty."
Maerna's heart beat faster, "Sir?"
He grabbed her by her hair and yanked her up hissing in her face. "You were seen with THE werewolf in Hogsmeade."
Maerna pretended to be confused "with Remus? Severus warned me that you weren't fond of half-breeds but I thought exceptions for some species were being made." She pointedly looked toward Fenir skulking in the back.
"Liar!" Voldemort yelled.
Maerna knew that she was in serious trouble and had to tread carefully. She bowed her head a bit lower and said, "Forgive me, sir. I would never presume to tell you anything, but I have happened chanced to meet him both in Hogsmeade and the woods near my house." Taking a chance, she looked up at those red slits and held the gaze thinking about only three times she had seen Remus-the first time, one other walk and Honeydukes. She prayed fervently that no other memories would slip through.
Voldemort seared into her brain. This was different than last time. He was searching. He wanted clues for deception. Finally, he dropped her to the ground and turned to Severus, "It seems your little squib has been entertaining half breeds at your house when you aren't there, Severus." Voldemort cawed with glee. "Does this make you angry?"
Maerna gave her head a quick affirmative nod, hoping Severus would see it. "It's okay. Say what you need to say. Do what you need to do to keep your place, Severus," she thought but Severus said nothing.
"My Lord," Maerna began to panic. "This interaction with werewolf is my responsibility and mine alone. I mentioned it once to Severus. He warned me to stay away, but I did not take heed. Any slight against your expectations is my responsibility."
Voldemort turned to her. "You disgust me, you filthy half-squib, conjugating with half breeds but what would I expect from someone who can't even hold a wand," he sneered. "Regardless of your freakish attractions, that's not my concern at the moment. I'm sure Severus can issue proper punishment for that. What I'm concerned about is why THAT werewolf."
"I don't understand, sir. I don't know other werewolves but how is Remus different than others," Maerna asked.
Fenir snorted from the corner. "That son," he growled "has been the biggest disappointment of all my children."
Voldemort ignored him and moved closer to the woman. "THAT werewolf is a member of the Order of the Phoenix."
"Again, I apologize, sir, but what is that?" Maerna asked.
The Dark Lord halted and stared at her with disbelief.
"My Lord," Severus cut in smoothly. "If I may add something?" He waited for permission. Voldemort waved his hand impatiently. "The woman is from American where such things are not such common knowledge. She doesn't get the Daily Prophet or converse regularly with people outside of my house. I certainly have never had a conversation with her about The Order. It is possible that it is just a coincidence. She did tell me of meeting the werewolf. She did not ever give me a name and frankly, I didn't think to ask because I assumed that she would heed my warning and end the friendship. Obviously, I was wrong and will have to deal with it accordingly when we get home." His glare directed over to Maerna; his intent clear to those in the room.
"Her grandmother tightly controlled her exposure to the wizarding world." Severus continued. "She started mixing potions at age 8, but didn't know that werewolves existed. She knew much of you and your accomplishments but had never heard of Potter." The name cause a hiss from the room and Voldemort to shift his gaze abruptly. "In short, my Lord, she is very ignorant about a vast number of topics."
"And very cunning in others," Voldemort added which Severus acknowledged with a nod. "Still I'm concerned about loyalty. You have given her too much freedom, Severus. You allowed her to wander past the wards. You have allowed her the ability to consort with others. What I need is proof of her loyalty?"
"My Lord, if will just look into my eyes, you'll know-" Severus said.
"I'm not worried about your allegiance. I'm worried about hers," Voldemort hissed. Then he turned to Maerna. "I will give you a choice, squib. Take an oath of allegiance to me or die."
Maerna took a deep breath. So this was it. This was the test. "Then I shall die," she said simply. Severus didn't say a word but she thought he twitched a bit. "Sir," she addressed Voldemort. "I do not trust you. You have given me no reason to trust you. I do fear you. Anyone who doesn't would be a fool, but I do not take an oath out of fear. The only ones in this room that I would take an oath to is Jesus Christ and Severus Snape. So you just have to ask yourself, how much do you trust them?"
Voldemort let out a roar at her declaration sending curses flying across the room. Maerna was hit with two stunning curses and fainted.
She came to a few minutes later to find herself bound with Severus standing over her-wand in hand. His expression unreadable. Voldemort's voice echoed behind him. "Do you want to see a true example of allegiance, Maerna? Then here it is," he gestured to Severus. "Did you know this man has feelings for you?" he sneered, "I saw them myself. Oh, he tried to hide them deep in his mind, but Lord Voldemort sees all. Yet, despite these feelings, his loyalty is with me and me alone. You say that you would pledge an oath to Severus. You are too late. He, long ago, pledged to loyalty, his life, his very soul. Severus, crucio.
Remorse shadowed his eyes but his face harded into stone and he pointed his wand at her.
Pain shot through her from a thousands points. Wave after wave until her body burned with fire like she was swimming in glowing charcoal until it finally died down. Maerna lay there gasping for breath, hoping for an end. "Severus," she called weakly.
"Again," Voldemort demanded.
Severus hesitated.
"Severus," she said a little stronger, "look at me."
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"Severus," she said a little stronger, "look at me."
He dared to look into those eyes of pain. What he saw however, was strength, strength and pleading, inviting him to look in. "Remember," she thought, "Remember, what I said. 'My role is to be here for you. I will never pass judgment on you, no matter what is required of you.'"
"AGAIN," Voldemort screamed pulling them from the intimacy and Severus raised his wand.
Slowly, Maerna came to. She was on the stone floor, blood dripping from her lips. Sweat caked on her brow. Pain rolled off of her as she struggled to open her eyes. Severus was backed against a wall, struggling to stay standing. Voldemort was towering over her with a mad gleam in his eye. "Do you believe me now, Maerna? Did you think that Severus would be kind to you? How foolish you are! Now, in the end, you realize that I am the only one worth bowing too." He strolled around her a few times, the long length of his robe falling across her face as he passed by. "Do you know that Severus developes spells? He's quite good at it. The one he's going to use next on you, he created when he was just sixteen. I thoroughly enjoy watching him use it on filth. Severus," he turned to the pale wizard, "your speciality, please."
Severus walked over stiffly like he was willing his legs to move."Sectumsempra," he croaked and the blood poured out. Slash upon slash on her body until the Dark Lord called for a halt. "I think she'd done," he said. Blood pooled around her body and ran like rivers to the walls. She was still alive, but everyone knew it wouldn't be for much longer. "Oh, Severus," the Dark Lord mocked him. "If she survives, she can pledge her oath of allegiance to you." With one final cackle, he stalked out the door. The others followed suit except for Severus and the blonde woman
Severus knees buckled and his wand dropped to the floor. He leaned over Maerna's body and released a torrent of anguish and tears. The woman carefully walked up and placed her hand on his shoulder. He stiffened. "What do you want, Narcissa?" he asked harshly.
"Do you love her?" Narcissa asked him?
Severus nodded. He didn't understand it. He thought that the only woman he would ever love was Lily but when he saw Maerna writhing on the floor, the life pouring out her, the agony he felt was unbearable like his heart was being ripped from his body. He had only felt this once before and just like last time, he was losing the woman he loved.
Narcissa waved her wand and murmured something while Severus looked on dully. Finally, he focused on her magic. "A stasis spell isn't going to work, Narcissa," he snapped. "She's beyond the help of healers and potions."
"You are probably right but there is a fraction of a chance." Narcissa admitted. "What are you willing to do to save her?" Severus looked up trying to register her words. "Come on," Narcissa said, "Bring her to the Manor."
Gently as possible, Severus picked her up. Her hair and clothes were drenched in blood but the stasis spell was keeping the remaining in and her heart pumping. By the type he entered Malfoy Manor, Narcissa was already striding toward the library. Severus brought her into the book laden room and set her on the sofa while Narcissa was running her fingers along a bookshelf. Gingerly, she picked out a large, heavy volume. It was very old, Severus, could tell-probably one of those that book collectors would salivate over. Narcissa brought it over to the table and carefully started turning the pages.
"Did you know I have a hobby of studying ancient magic, all types-dark and light? I came across this one years ago. and it intrigued me." She found the correct page and pushed the heavy volume toward Severus. He quickly read through the Latin before looking back at her. "A blood bond?" he inquired. He had read about them, but didn't think they had been practiced in centuries.
Narcissa nodded. "They usually require dark magic and were used to enforce treaties and contracts. What caught my interest on this one was that it's not done through dark but through love. However, there is a catch. For this to work, you have to truly love a person. I mean love her more than anyone else. Do you love her that much?"
"Love?" Severus felt like he hadn't understood anything that had happened in the last few minutes. Was it possible? Did he love her enough to make this spell work? Could he love Lily and Maerna at the same time? Maerna once said there was enough room in his heart for two woman, but he wasn't so sure. Did he love Maerna as much as he loved Lily? Did he love her more?
Severus traced his fingers on her lips. She reminded him of Lily. They were both so brave. They both had spunk and cheek that drove you crazy but you adored. They had both befriended him and loved him even when others shunned him, but Maerna went even further. Whereas Lily had given up hope on him, Maerna always believed in the goodness inside. Lily wouldn't forgive a simple slip of the tongue, but Maerna forgave him cursing her to the brink of death. If he was honest with himself, he would realize that Maerna was the woman that was meant for him. She gave him so much because she loved him. He wanted to do the same for her. Severus looked up at Narcissa. "What do I have to do?"
Narcissa gentle took off Maerna's outer-clothing until she was only clad in her undergarments while Severus disrobed. He laid down carefully beside her. Narcissa gave him a blood replenishing potion and made small cuts in his skin-not deep but just enough to let the blood flow. She removed the stasis spell from Maerna. Then she used her wand to make glowing golden strands that entwined the two and began to chant.
Sanguis enim sanguis
Amor est amor
Quid operatus sit Deus
Mors non separet
Severus pulled Maerna into his arms. He could feel the energy draining from him but then it came back in waves. It felt like a cycle of blood and of life passing between them. Over and over, Narcissa continued the chant. As he did, Severus gripped Maerna tighter and began to translate the chant in his head.
Blood for blood
Love for love
What God hath wrought
Let Death not put asunder
"What God hath wrought," Severus thought. Maerna believed in God. He was always amazed the strength that belief gave her. Maybe, it wasn't just the belief but God, himself, who gave her that strength. Narcissa continued to chant but there was no change in the woman sitting next to him. Desperately, he closed his eyes and prayed, "Dear Lord, I don't think I can do this without her. She is giving me the strength to get through the task and the future. Please send her back to me." He opened his eyes. He knew it was probably a terrible prayer but as he turned his head, he saw Maerna's chest begin to rise and fall. Her fingers moved under his hand and a small smile formed on her lips.
After a few more minutes, Narcissa removed the golden web. She had something brought up for Severus to eat while he looked upon Maerna's sleeping form. "Why did you do this, Narcissa?" he asked between sips of ale
Narcissa slowly moved a piece of fruit around on her plate. "Because I saw how much you loved her and I owe you."
"Owe me?" Severus asked.
"You took a Unbreakable Vow for me. You have been watching over Draco as best you can. He's complained to me about it." A smile played on her lips. "And when the time comes, I know you will do the job that he doesn't have the courage to do. I owe you, Severus. I owe you my son's life."
