Chapter 35

'My Lord?' Alecto stood, her eyes cast down, the very picture of demure as she awaited acknowledgement from her Lord and commander.

'Speak.' The Dark Lord smiled indulgently as he watched her jump to attention, enjoying the way she shifted uncomfortably under his red-eyed gaze before she squared her shoulders and lifted her eyes to his. Almost.

She brought her gaze to rest on the tip of his deformed, flat nose hoping that from where he sat at the head of the large banquet table on his throne he would be unable to tell she was avoiding his eyes. 'My Lord, I wish to bring to you a proposal. One of great importance to your cause.'

He tilted his head, watching as she shuffled from foot to foot under his attention for a moment before lifting a hand and gesturing for her to continue. 'Speak my child.'

'I have been thinking about your message My Lord.' Alecto let her voice take on the simpering flattery she knew appeased the Dark Lord. 'You stand to see our old-world traditions and customs upheld. The unity and sanctity of family recognized.' She swallowed then watching as the Dark Lord seemed to carefully consider her words, his interest piqued. Now, it was to be her moment, her chance to get everything she had ever dreamed of; power, esteem, a well-respected, high ranking member of the Inner Circle as her husband.

'Is there a point?' the Dark Lord frowned then, his hairless brow-ridge creasing as he glared down at the Carrow sister.

'My point, My Lord, is how do we model and instill this moral if the very person in the most position of influence is in fact defying it as we speak.' As she concluded her opening statement, she let her eyes turn to lock onto where Severus sat, face devoid of emotion, even after her brave attack on his position, his private life, his social standing. 'How are we expected to teach our children the values of family, of matrimony and of fidelity if Headmaster Snape remains the very unattached beacon of professional singledom? How are we to teach these children that they can have it all, a career, a loving spouse and children, when he in fact does not…' She paused before stressing her point. 'Have. It. All.'

'And how do you propose we rectify this situation?' The Dark Lord steepled his fingers together in front of his face as he leant forward, resting his elbows onto the table in front of him as he glared down at her. 'How do we in fact rectify this folly in my Inner Circle, my graciously and deliberately bestowed positions of power? He watched Alecto swallow slowly under his displeasure at her unintended, implied accusation. 'I suppose you have thought of situation, have you not Alecto?' His voice casual now as he watched her eyes dart towards where Severus sat, blank-faced in the very center of the Carrow storm brewing. He let his eyes drift between Alecto and Severus then, waiting for a reaction, an indication of what either were thinking.

'I have. My Lord.' She bowed her head then, the moment having played exactly where she had wanted it. 'If it pleases you My Lord, I wish to ask Severus Snape to marry me.'

Voldemort clapped his hands together in glee. 'Is that so Alecto?' He turned his serpentine gaze to Severus then. 'And what say you Severus?'

Severus felt his heart stop in his chest, a stabbing pain erupt in his temple. He schooled his features, refusing to let the mad woman's words, her suggestion visibly rattle him in front of the Dark Lord and his demon followers. He swallowed slowly as he turned his gaze away from the woman seeking to entrap him and towards the half-human despot at the end of the table. 'I would have to consult the school rules for regulations on fraternizing between staff, My Lord.'

'There are none preventing the marriage between two consenting teaching adults, My Lord. I checked.' Alecto spoke up, concealing the smile that threatened as she attempted to out manoeuver the Headmaster of Hogwarts and the Dark Lord at once.

'If I do this,' the Dark Lord nodded as he looked back at Alecto, carefully pondering his question, the possible answers she would provide, 'what benefits do you foresee?'

'Complete devotion to your cause and to my husband, My Lord.' Alecto stood taller, pushing her chest forward as she sucked her stomach in as tight as possible. 'I will be everything the Headmaster could be wanting in a wife, loyal, serving and above all else forever willing. I will bear the most glorious of children for you both.'

Severus kept his face frozen in its lankness as the Dark Lord paused for a moment as though actually considering the mad woman's proposal, as though he would give Severus himself a choice in the matter. He saw the creature's lips pull tight before they morphed into what could only be described as a nightmarish parody of a smile of pure unadulterated joy.

'It shall be done.' The Dark Lord stood then, his hands raised and spread wide. 'Within the fortnight.' He turned his gaze to meet Severus'. 'Are you not pleased Severus? Your loyalty and your devotion has been paid in full. A wife of your own. To use as you see fit.'

'Indeed my Lord.' He forced the words to sound normal, smooth as he fought the bile rising in his throat, the desire to clench his teeth together in frustration, in horror. 'I look forward to it.'

'Let it be said that the Dark Lord is indeed benevolent.' He sat with a flourish, his serpentine grin still affixed to his face. 'Lucius, come, we have a wedding to prepare.' He flicked his hand then. 'Away with the rest of you. Until Saturday, after next. When we shall feast to the fortunes of our comrades in arms as they bind themselves to the service of each other and to me.'

Severus stood then, nodding his acceptance of his fate as he also gave his silent farewell. Turning on his heel he strode from the room, determined to exit the manor, the nightmare as fast as his feet would take him to the point of apparition. He had made it to the edge of the drive, the huge iron gate the only thing between him and his refuge when his retreat was brought to a premature stop by a hand coming to rest on his forearm, the fingers tightening as they stopped his steps, as they spun him to face them. He felt his eyes narrow before he managed to school his features, his head tilted to the side as he regarded the woman who now had him his grasp, figuratively and literally. 'And how exactly may I be of service now?' He spoke with such disdain, his voice dripping ice as he stared down at her, willing her to let go of his arm, to leave him in peace.

Alecto stepped closer, her grip tightening on his forearm as she brought her other hand up to stroke down his chest before cupping him through his trousers. 'Trust me Severus when I tell you this.' She gave him a squeeze to punctuate her point. 'You will service me when I want, where I want and how I want.'

'Or?' He held her gaze, his eyes hard.

'Or, let's just say I can make your life a living hell.'

He smiled then, stepping back, freeing himself from her grip. 'You know nothing of hell Alecto. If tats the best you can do, then it is you who needs to be afraid.'

She fluttered her eyelashes as she looked him up and down rakishly. 'I am not afraid of you Headmaster.' She simpered, stepping forward once more.

'Then you are even more stupid than I thought.' Another step backwards set him outside the manor wards. 'You underestimate my capabilities.' He could feel the elements shifting with his mood, the wind rising, beginning to whip about them, pulling at their robes, his long hair. 'You think we are equal. You dare think you can control me?' He lifted a hand, watching as she recoiled slightly from him as the wind increased, the howl now audible. 'I am evil incarnate.'

'But the Dark Lord…' she began.

'Is nothing compared to what I can unleash on someone not in my favor, but in my control.' He cut her off, standing taller before letting his body fold on its self, shifting to smoke before swirling about her in the tornado he had created. After a moment he directed his energies, focusing on his chambers and the safety there.

Hermione started at the sound of breaking glass coming from the other room, from the lounge room just outside where she was sequestered. She jumped up from the bed, her book forgotten as she grabbed her wand and crept slowly towards the open door. Rounding the frame, she froze at the sight before her; Severus Snape in full Death Eater regalia destroying his living room, hurtling bottles, glasses, the lounge itself against the stone wall. He mumbled under his breath, his expression one of pure unadulterated fury, his eyes wide and bloodshot, his teeth bared in a snarl. Unconsciously she took a step backwards before straightening, shaking her head and shifting from the bedroom into the lounge, her wand raised, ready to deflect anything that may come her way. 'Severus?'

'I will not. She will not force me to do anything.' He growled, his face towards where she stood now, his eyes glazed and unseeing. 'She will not have me.'

'I don't…' she whispered, her free hand coming to her chest.

'She cannot make me.' He took a step towards where the voice was coming from. His wand hand raised. 'I will NOT marry her.' His voice increased with each word, his hand handing as he directed his anger towards her. Winds whipped about the chambers picking up debris, whirling them to directly in front of him before they hurtled towards her.

Hermione ducked, gasping as the entire shattered contents of Severus' quarters came flying at her. She closed her eyes, knowing she was no match for the fury behind the missiles, hoping his aim was either off or his intent so precise that the impact would end her before she could register the pain. She flinched hearing the sound of impact, either side of her. Slowly she opened her eyes to find Sage standing between her and the onslaught of furniture fragments, books and glass., the pieces bouncing harmlessly off the conjured shield and slamming into the walls either side of where she stood.

'You saved me. Sage.' Hermione spoke over the sound of breaking debris, over the force of the hurricane confined to Severus' chamber.

'I is not be making the shield.' Sage whispered shaking her head.

'Then who?' Hermione's eyes widened as realization dawned. 'He is. I heard him. I thought he meant this for me.'

'He is in there.' Sage spoke earnestly. 'This is not for Little Miss.' She turned to face where Severus stood, still seemingly unseeing, his eyes glazed, his body rigid, his expression once of immense pain and suffering infused with anger. 'Something terrible happened. My Severus torn. Fighting himself, For himself.'

'What can I do?' Hermione's voice caught.

'Nothing.' Sage turned to face her once more. 'But WE can do everything.' With that the small elf disappeared with pop, returning a spilt second later with Minerva and Poppy in tow.

'What in heaven's name is going on here?' Minerva asked, her face pinched before she spun to face where the onslaught was coming from, her wand lifted and ready. 'Fuck.' She took a step backwards as a small table, relatively unharmed til now shattered mere inches from her face, the wood splintering before slamming into the walls, some fragments under such velocity they lodged themselves into the stone façade.

'Well that was unexpected and uncalled for.' Poppy chastised the Scotswoman, a hand landing on her arm, steadying her.

'So was the table.' Minerva shook her head, stealing herself to deal with the fallout from Severus' latest summoning. 'Severus Snape you will stop this right now.' Minerva held her head high, her voice hard as she stepped forwards, extending the shield as she crossed the room towards the distraught figure in the center. The wind dropped slightly, the gale-force howling dropping to barely audible. 'Severus? Please?' She spoke quietly now, as the debris settled about them. She reached a hand out to touch him as he collapsed to his knees, his arms winding about her thighs his face coming to rest against her stomach. She could feel his shouldered shaking under the force of his now silent sobbing. 'It's going to be ok. Severus.' She ran a hand over his head as Poppy and Hermione approached slowly, so as not to startle him back into demolition mode.

'Nothing is ok.' He whispered, his face still pressed against her, his arms tightening.

'It will be. Trust me.' Minerva matched his volume as she continued to stroke his head. 'Tell me what has happened?'

He shook his head against her. 'Please. Don't make me do it. It's too much.' He begged.

'I can't help if you don't tell me Severus. I'm asking you to let me help.' She kept her voice steady.

He straightened then, leaning back to look at the three women and the small elf staring helplessly at him, their concern marring their features. 'Don't make me marry her.' his voice choked, his volume barely audible.

'I never…' Hermione instantly panicked, her mind flitting through their interactions, their flirting, their swimming, their incredible kiss wondering where exactly he had gotten the idea, the feeling she was making demands he couldn't keep.

'Not you.'' His eyes found hers. 'I am so sorry Hermione. I never wanted it like this.' His eyes dropped to the floor. 'I never wanted to hurt you.'

'You didn't.' She saw his face lift slightly, his eyes narrowed as though to argue. 'Ok,' she held her hands up to placate. 'The flying furniture frightened me, but you didn't let it hurt me.'

'I am going to hurt you.' He closed his eyes, turning his face back to Minerva, Poppy and Sage. 'You have to help me. You have to stop this. Or I'll stop myself.' He stood then, gaining some of his usual composure. 'I swear to you. If you make me do this. I will end it all.'

'You can't be serious.' Poppy took a step forward towards him, her eyes assessing him for damage as she steppe closer.

'I'm deadly serious.' Severus turned to face the hearth, his back rigid, his tight muscles visible under his torn and bloodied shirt, his uncontrolled fury conjured tornado having caused himself harm. 'I have a done a great many things for the greater good. I have followed every last order. I have done everything required of me. I have sacrificed so much.' He spun back to face them, his expression distraught, desolate as he implored them to understand. 'But I won't may her. I would rather die.'

'Severus I still don't…' Hermione shook her head. 'You're not making any sense. Please.'

He let his eyes drift to hers. He opened his mouth to speak, his words, his explanation cut off as the floo roared to life. He spun, his body blocking the view into his chambers, the occupants within as Filius' head appeared in the green flames.

'There you are Headmaster. I've been searching. There's been an emergency staff meeting called. Now.' His head disappeared then, as abruptly as it appeared his message delivered.

'It appears there is no rest for the wicked.' Severus let his composure settle over himself. With a flick of a wrist he was buttoned once more into his immaculate pressed frock coat, his shirt repaired to pristine. 'I believe we have a meeting to attend ladies.' He turned to Hermione then. 'I will explain it all. I promise you that.' He stepped through the still green-glowing flames, knowing the two women would follow, if not only to feed their curiosity.

Alecto smiled widely as her betrothed stepped through the floo, his presence appearing perfectly beside her, where she stood, center of attention in front of the hearth in the staffroom. 'There you are.' She placed a hand on his arm, her smug expression as she surveyed the room, slipping only slightly as Poppy and Minerva followed through the flames, their appearance making it so very obvious that they had been in his chambers, sharing his space, a space that would soon belong to her as well.

'Un hand me.' Severus spoke quietly, his demand cold and calculate and leaving no room for argument. 'You called a staff meeting?' He let his voice return neutral once his command had been followed. He stepped away from the insipid woman that was to be his wife.

'I did.' She smiled again, facing the room, nothing her brother's position leaning against the back wall, silently watching the responses of the other staff members to his sister's news, prepared to protect her with his life. 'I figured everyone might like to hear our joyful news.'

'News?' Rolonda straightened in her chair, her interest piqued now.

'Oh yes.' Alecto clapped her hands together in front of her in excitement. 'The Headmaster and I art to be married. Within the fortnight. Isn't wonderful.'

Gasps of disbelief, of horror echoed the looks of bewilderment and disgust gracing the faces of the Hogwart's staff assembled.

'It's not true?' Filius turned to face where Severus stood.

'By order of the Dark…' Alecto's words were cut off as an ungodly pop sounded in the room. An elf appeared.

'You is her. You is destroying my Severus.' Sage took a step towards where Alecto stood glaring at her. 'He is My Severus.' She pointed a bony finger at the woman threatening the life, the wellbeing of her elfling. 'I WILL NOT be letting you.'

'Severus. Control this beast.' Alecto glared at her husband to be.

'I is stopping you. Old Magics is stopping you.' Sage screamed then, running full force towards the woman standing before her, the woman threating her Severus. She closed the distance quickly, her pace never slowing until she drew level. With a quick leap Sage forced her body into Alecto's, her smaller elf body disappearing complete as she was absorbed into the Death Eater.

'I…' Alecto's eyes bulged at the addition of another body within the confines of her skin. She screamed, clawing at her abdomen trying to find the entry way to grab hold of the elf and forcibly extract it if necessary. After a brief struggle Alecto's body exploded in a spray of blood and smoke.

As the smoke dissipated Sage's bloodied body came into focus, her victorious grin lighting the room. 'My Severus.'

Amycus straightened, his wand appearing in his hand as he attempted to push himself away from the wall. 'What the hell did you do to my sis…' His words disappeared as he did, the stone castle wall pushing out to envelope the offensive man, before dragging him inside its foundation, setting back as solid as it ever had been.

'Old magics.' Sage grinned wider, if possible, her words sent towards where the Carrow brother would rest for eternity, unseen and unremembered.

'Well now that business is concluded.' Minerva turned to face Severus. 'Tea?' She spoke as though nothing out of the ordinary had just occurred.

AN/ I know it's been a VERY long time since the last update... I have been on an excursion in Italy and have only just returned.. I'd say that I'm sorry... but its Italy!

I'm hoping this feeds your soul for the new year, and that you'll forgive the absence and the errors that will undoubtedly be in this chapter as I was hurrying to publish...

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!