Chapter Thirty-seven: A Debt Paid

The moment Alex's mind went blank, Rose's fury surged forward to take its place as something snapped inside the submissive little maid. She'd been through this one too many times, and as he hauled her to her knees in front of him, her hand sought an ancient musket to her left. Before he realized her intent, she'd slammed it home - once to stun him, twice to hurt him, then a third time to make a point.

He shook it off like a stubborn beast, snarling in rage.

Not believing his strength, she scrambled away, grabbed an old, heavy dagger and threw it. As a weapon it was quite useless, but a worthy distraction nonetheless, delaying his spell by the full second she needed to dive for cover. For a moment, she nearly laughed, remembering hiding behind a table in Severus' lab only a few days ago. Some of those explosive potions would come in handy now. She mentally searched her pockets. The quarters were too close for poison pellets. She had dropped both of her daggers. The Hand of Glory was useless. She, in fact, hadn't brought much here. The arrogance over dispatching four Death Eaters in one night had kept her from taking this assignment as seriously as she should have.

Good, Alex, you're going to get us both killed.

Instinctively, her hand followed the glint of metal and found the handle of a heavy mace, though she shook her head at the weight of it. If she could swing the damn thing at all, she could only manage it once. Her left hand was already closing about several small, pointy things, immediately assessing them as a good distraction. In the few seconds she'd been down, Marler had regained his feet and closed the distance. When she stood, he was directly opposite her, wand outstretched. Alex was faster and the caltrops flew first, followed closely by a nasty spell which managed to blast a few out the air before the rest fell.

They did absolutely no damage, but he did turn his head briefly, reflexively shielding his face with one arm. It was all she needed. His wand found her heart without the assistance of his eyes, and by the time his gaze met hers, half of a killing curse had escaped his lips, but the mace landed squarely on the side of his head with a sickening, wet thud, effectively cutting him off in mid-syllable, and he went down in a heap. Alex followed suit, the weight of the weapon jerking her arms, spinning her around and off her feet as the swing followed its course.

Until her breathing slowed, she could only manage to lay still on the cold stone and try to fill her uncooperative lungs with air. Now that the danger had abated, she began to realize exactly how badly she was injured. The sharp pain every time she drew a breath indicated broken ribs. Her face was sticky and wet, never a good sign, and the front of her shirt clung stubbornly to the wound at her side. But, checking everything for urgency and finding none, she pulled a bottle from a pocket and downed the contents in one gulp. The pain lessened to a tolerable ache. She would survive until she got help. Until then...

"Ennervate!" Alex spoke the spell clearly, hoping that the bastard wasn't too far gone to respond. A satisfying groan escaped his lips and he blinked several times before recognizing the smiling figure above him.

He groaned again, and she giggled, hissing at the pain the rapid movement triggered.

"Morning, Marler," she said casually. "It's about time. I do have to get to a mediwitch eventually, you know. That palliative potion won't last forever."

"What the hell are you playing at, bitch?" he growled, trying to sit up. The effort was aborted by the manacles around his wrists and ankles.

"I hope you don't mind," she responded. "I have some business to transact with you, and I feel much more comfortable with you when you're completely helpless."

He tugged angrily at the chain, his muscles bulging as he tried to break it with brute strength.

"Normally, that would've worked," she continued lightly, "I swear you're part ogre, but I reinforced the chains." She patted his bare arm. "Nice try, though."

His brow furrowed, and she waited patiently as he worked out what had just happened. "Take your time," she encouraged softly. The moment that he caught on to his state of extreme undress, eyes widening alarmingly, coaxed a much-needed laugh from her belly. "You know, you're not nearly as impressive as a man your size should be. I mean," her eyes wandered to his groin, "comparatively speaking, it's rather disappointing."

She would never be certain whether the color which spread across his cheeks was embarrassment or fury, but it didn't matter. It amused her to no end.

"What business do we have to discuss?" he grunted. "Make me an offer, and we'll get this over with."

"Oh, you mistake me completely. We just have an account to settle, you and I. You remember Rose?" The perplexed look that crossed his features betrayed that he didn't. She snorted derisively. "Of course you don't. She was nothing but another unwilling toy to you. Why devote the few brain cells you have to remembering her name?" She drew a bottle from her pocket slowly, conspicuously, and he watched with curious eyes as she placed it on the table to which he was bound. "Oh, don't mind that," she said bracingly. "That's just something I popped back home to collect while you were resting your eyes."

"Rose is Lucius Malfoy's maid," she continued, this time his eyes lit with recognition. "Oh," she purred. "Of course. Her association with Malfoy gains her merit in your eyes." She traced his torso with her dagger and was rewarded with a small shiver. "You hurt her pretty badly, didn't you? But, not as badly as you intended." He looked away, feigning boredom, and she allowed the blade to slip into the skin at his hip... just enough to get his attention. A thin trickle of blood fell over the curving flesh and onto the table. "What, pray tell, gave you the right?"

He shook his head, seeming to finally realize his danger. "I had no right. She belongs to Malfoy, and she's a pure blood. I didn't know. None of us knew."

Her heart went cold. "So, you feel you have the right to brutalize any woman who isn't pure or the property of another noble. Is that what you're telling me?"

He hesitated. "Look, Miss Borgin," he began, frustrated already. "Just tell me what you want. I'm sure we can come to an agreement."

"Me? I want revenge," she answered coolly. "for all the women you've destroyed with no better justification than the blood in their veins, and the violent thirst in your black heart." She opened the bottle on the table and placed it between his thighs, allowing the cool glass to rest on his skin. "At least Malfoy can control his need to cause pain. As a matter of fact, you might be interested to know that Rose kind of gets off on it. And, you're right about one thing - because of that, she does belong to him. Inexplicably and unexpectedly. It's a bit distressing, actually."

"How would you know that?" he bristled.

Alex hopped gracefully between his legs, grimacing a bit with the pain, and knelt there, picking up the bottle and holding it up for him to see. "Because I am Rose, you idiot." His eyes went wide. "Meaning you've pissed off the wrong woman." The bottle tilted slightly over his groin. "And, for what you did to me, you're going to scream a long, long time before you die."

Severus Snape watched the cauldron carefully, judging the potion's reaction to the new ingredient. It seemed to be reacting well, turning a silvery blue as it bubbled gently. He smiled as he stirred. If the rest went well, Alex would be free by Wednesday.

What happened after that, he didn't care to consider. It was too much to ask that she maintain an exclusive, yet dangerously secretive relationship, too much for both of them. His only hope was that Lucius would look more favorably upon her as she decimated his enemies for him. He almost hated to think that their only chance for a lasting, open relationship lay in her success as an assassin. Of course, if she failed at that, she'd die anyway. And Merlin help her if one of her targets managed to take her alive.

"Professor Snape."

He started, nearly spilling the potion. "What is it?" he snapped, his heart already pounding. If the gate guard was summoning him at this hour, something was very wrong.

"Alex Borgin requests entry," came the distant reply. "She appears to be injured."

Within half an hour, she was nestled comfortably in his bed with Poppy's attentive face leaning over her.

"The bones are mended, Severus, but I don't recommend she go anywhere for at least a full day. She's lost blood, and she needs rest."

"I have to get home," Alex stated flatly, "before sunrise if at all possible."

"That's your own lookout," Poppy answered tersely. "If you refuse to take care of yourself, then there's nothing more that I can do for you. Just don't keep waking me in the middle of the night because you've decided that wholesale slaughter is a good way to ease your conscience."

With that, she whisked away, and the room was filled with a tense silence before Severus spoke.

"I'm sorry, Alex," he sighed. "She's still grieving for her sibling, and..."

"I know," she interrupted. "It's okay. I know where she's coming from." She struggled to a sitting position. "I do have to go, though."

"I'm aware of that," he snapped as he helped her to her feet. "But, I don't like your rushing off to Merlin knows what violence Lucius has waiting for you at his manor."

"Well," she sighed, "as long as I'm in his good graces, he only hurts me when I want him to." She teetered unsteadily for a moment. Poppy had been right. She was weak. "Getting me home before he wakes up would really facilitate that."

"Agreed." He kissed her then; a gentle, but powerful act, then released her. "Drink this." He held out a bottle of golden liquid that looked suspiciously like his hangover potion.

She did as he directed, and a wave of something akin to euphoria swept over her. It's definitely not hangover potion, she thought as the pain lessened and the weakness faded. For a moment, all she could do was chuckle at how pathetic Marler had looked when she'd finally driven her blade through his heart.

"This stuff is great, Sev. We could market this and make millions!" she exclaimed, nearly hitting him in the face with a broad gesture.

"It's highly addictive," he warned in his I'm not amused in the slightest voice. "But, you'll require its stimulating effects to be any sort of a functioning human being today." He sighed deeply, brushing her face lightly with his hand. "Be careful, Alex. I don't enjoy seeing you in this state."

"I learned my lesson. I'll be more prepared next time. I promise." She wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled the soft hair draped over his shoulder. "I love you, Sev."

"And I you," he whispered, holding on just a moment longer before he had to let her go.

Lucius Malfoy awakened slowly, his awareness coming in stages, but fully responsive to the very pleasurable act that was responsible for shaking him from slumber. The warmth and tightness of her mouth as she pleased him consumed him completely as he squeezed his eyes against the agonizing sweetness of his rapidly-approaching climax. When he released, she swallowed slowly with a soft sigh, seeming to delight in the taste of him. As his breathing slowed, Rose crawled up his body, then lay down in his arms.

"Good morning, master," she whispered.

"Yes, it is," he breathed, glancing to the side and noticing that breakfast was waiting by a steaming bath. "It will be even more so when you're naked and wet."

She smiled sweetly, her head perched on her hand. "May I wash your hair?"

"If you're a good girl," he purred, drawing her out of bed and toward the bath. "Now, undress... slowly."

The morning paper did nothing to sully his good mood, though he did wince upon receiving the mediwizard's report sent to him by Severus.

"Something wrong?" Rose asked innocently, refreshing his tea with such practiced ease that she didn't even need to watch what she was doing.

"Everything is perfect, actually." He took a long sip of tea, reached for a piece of fruit, then stopped. "What the devil did he do to her?" he murmured under his breath.

"I'm sorry, sir?"

"Nothing, Rose. This would only upset you." He munched a bit of apple thoughtfully. "Then again," he reconsidered, pulling her onto his lap playfully and directing her eyes to the paper. "Do you recognize this man?"

She started, then lowered her eyes. "Yes," she answered meekly.

"Would it please you to know that he was killed last night, and that it was I who ordered his death?" he asked, carefully gauging her reaction.

She looked down, then straight into his eyes. "I haven't exactly forgiven him, and I hated seeing him again Monday."

"I could tell," he answered gently. "You did well, though. You handled yourself with a grace I didn't know you possessed."

She smiled softly, boldly running a hand through his white-blonde hair. "I was only following my master's commands."

"You're a good servant, and a good woman." He stopped her hand, and held it in his own. "There's something I wish to discuss with you."

Warning bells sounded in her head. The look on his face was one she didn't think he was capable of having; tender and a little nervous, and it unnerved her more than a little.

"Lucius." Severus' velvet voice was laced with irritation as he called through the hearth. "May I?"

Malfoy ground his teeth causing the muscle in his cheek to twitch, and sighed in irritation. He gave her an apologetic half smile. "I'm afraid it will have to wait, pet."

She slid off of his lap as Severus stepped through, and smiled in greeting as she passed.

"Severus." Lucius nodded politely, inviting him to sit with a simple gesture.

The two men settled opposite one another, and Snape began speaking immediately. "I thought you should know that Alex came to me last night."

Lucius leaned forward, eyes suddenly wide open, and full of interest.

"She was injured," Severus continued.

"Badly?" Malfoy asked fearfully. Severus nodded. "What happened?"

"She underestimated him," he answered simply. "He beat the poor girl senseless. She was bleeding from several wounds, had two broken ribs, and had swallowed far too much of a pain-killing potion when she came to me."

"Is she still there?" Lucius asked, already rising from his seat.

"No. She insisted upon leaving as soon as her injuries were healed."

Lucius settled back into his chair and sighed. "Did she explain why she tortured him?"

"Apparently, in his typical manner, he tried to take her by force when he thought he had subdued her."

"So, she burned off his manhood?" Lucius asked incredulously. "That's a bit nasty, isn't it?"

"Oh, that's not the half of it. It wasn't a quick incineration. She used an acidic potion, much like the one she threw at you, and burned it off... drop by drop." Lucius winced again, and Severus shifted uncomfortably. "She explained it to me in garish detail, and quite frankly, it was more than I needed to know."

"How precious," Lucius laughed. "Our Alex has a vicious side," he added, a pleased smile lighting his features.

Severus and Rose exchanged a look, both thinking the same thing: Our Alex?

Author's note: Okay. I'm sorry I lost my temper, actually 'had my feelings hurt' is closer to the mark. The response to my plea for mercy was overwhelming. I really appreciate the reviews. I'll be a better girl from now on, I promise.

Siverfey: Girl, you are a sweetie! Good to hear from you. You recommended my story to others? Thanks! I have fuzzies! Alex does indeed make mistakes, and getting herself enslaved at Malfoy manor definitely counts as one of her more absurd blunders. Sometimes, I wonder what that girl is thinking. I'm glad that you hate Marler. You only see the justice in his slow end if you truly despise him. In your review for 35, you mention that you see the story coming to an end soon, and that you're sad about it. Truth be told, I'm sad, too. I keep having to talk myself out of writing unnecessary chapters just so I don't have to end it so soon. But, I hope that you'll read my next story. It's a Severus/OC and I think it'll be a lot of fun to write. Hope to see you there!

Zariva: Hi! Good to hear from you! Me? Lose my temper? Never! I'm as calm and still as the open sea... during a hurricane. It's a great relief to know that, out there in reader-land, there's a person who knows me well enough to know that I'd never allow my girl to be raped. That's kind of groovy. I'm not sure my local friends know me that well. Of course, there aren't very many, and I'm rather solitary even where they're concerned. I've extended more of myself through writing than I ever have before. That's an odd feeling. Every time I post a chapter I feel raw and open and exposed, then my reviewers wrap me in a cocoon of safety and warmth with their words. You'd have to know more of my life than I'm willing to tell to understand how good that feels. Just take my word for it. By the way, I also smiled when I wrote that scene about Lucius. I like the idea of his becoming less of a pariah because Rose talks him up so much when she's out and about. And, don't feel pressured to answer that e-mail if you don't have time. Believe me, I understand. And, I hope this update was fast enough for you. One psychotic cat is about all I can handle.

Zip: Well, I'm very flattered that the person who doesn't review has chosen to do so. Thank you. Have some tea. Kick back. Stick around awhile. The viewpoint changes have bothered more than you, and I've decided that in my next story, I'll just stick to one POV. It's difficult, but I can understand how confusing that must get. As for Snape involvement, there'll be plenty next time. Hope to see you there! If you don't review, I'll just hope that you're lurking in the shadows somewhere, a silent supporter of my ongoing process to better myself through the manipulation of someone else's art.

Lady Jenilyn: Whoa! Stay away from that fried food, girl! It's deadly. I'm as southern as they come (I'm actually listening to 'Sweet Home Alabama' as I type this), and vegetarian to boot, but I still have to work out like crazy just because of cooking methods that I grew up with. It's like a sickness, I get anything (and I mean Anything) from the local organic veggie store and I'm immediately compelled to chop it up and fry it. I swear we all need a twelve-step. Sigh. At least I use virgin olive oil. See, I even babble endlessly about frying food. I need to go lie down, but first: your review. The Loaf is flattered that you like his tendency for violence. He asked me to thank you on his behalf. As for the effect of a good beating on tension, all I can say is, you'd have to try it. I can imagine that with Lucius, the effect is taken to an infinite degree. You have a good point about people being away on vacation. I forget that people have those "life" thingies. My bad. By the way, how does one get to this really cool website of yours? I'm fascinated to see your take on that subject. And, yes, the Hitchhiker's Guide rocks! I'll remember that advice. Thanks.

Queen of the Faeries: Hi. Thanks for reviewing. It would seem that you, I, and Rose share something in common. The fear of being buried alive has plagued me since childhood. My level of horror at the idea is equaled only by my fascination of why it worries me so much. I hope that you were satisfied with the level of hell Marler was given, and the degree of trouble into which Alex is capable of falling. I would hate to give anyone the impression that she's perfect. I mean, that's just so boring!

Lost Emerald: So, you like the action-y stuff, eh? I hope that the rest of the story is satisfactory. As Silverfey guessed, it's nearing its climax, therefore... well, I hope you're happy with it. Does the boggart scene signify something? Hmmm... Maybe.

PPP: You've been away on vacation, eh? I missed you. It seems to be a common theme around here. Apparently, as I mentioned to Jenilyn, you guys have these "life" thingies, and it's a real drag for me. The backup wasn't exactly that, but I hope you liked the solution, at any rate.