The Games They Play

Chapter 38

"You are keeping yourself rather busy," Severus commented from the door of the Defence classroom. Stepping inside, he closed the door and flung up a silencing spell out of sheer habit. "What is bothering you?" he questioned, gliding through the room and sitting on one of the student chairs facing Blake. It didn't take a genius to figure out what exactly was wrong with the wizard. He too had a tendency to work harder when he had troubles. Except he was so overworked these days that he didn't need to hide behind his work.

Blake arched an eyebrow, "What makes you think something is bothering me?" slightly surprised to see Severus here, he shouldn't be he supposed. Out of anyone, the spy would be the one to notice slight changes in his character.

Severus gave him a look that suggested he was beginning to suspect he was insane. "What is going on in that head of yours?" he asked instead of replying to that rather weak question. Blake was a smart wizard, there was little point to that weak reply.

"It's of little consequence, it changes nothing," Blake stated, and that was true, he was still going to do what he had originally came back to do. Truthfully though, he had intended to just go out and hunt Voldemort down, end him quickly and quietly. He had never intended to get attached to anyone, let alone allow someone to become dependant on him.

"Whether it changes anything or not, it's still a distraction you can ill afford," Severus pointed out, crossing his arms as he observed Blake seriously. "I'm assuming it's something to do with Harry?" he asked astutely. Judging by the flash of surprise that flittered through those strong green eyes – so different from Lily and Harry – he was quite correct in his assumption.

"It is," Blake conceded, realizing that Severus wasn't going to give up and stop digging. It truly was inconsequential, it didn't change their plans, it just made them a little difficult, at least on the emotional scale. He thought he had bled out those emotions a long time ago, so to have them appearing now of all times was rather daunting.

"Well?" Severus stated, demanding an explanation.

"You realize of course, my coming here was an accident, I was grievously injured at first…I made many decisions during that time." Blake sighed, pushing the homework he had been grading aside. "I originally intended to just hunt Voldemort down and defeat him, he's still slightly weakened by his return, it would have been easy…after I had the Horcruxes of course…but so much could go wrong, I had only one shot of this so I had to be careful."

"Which is when you decided to get your younger self involved, forewarned is forearmed," Severus finished his thoughts, it's the sort of thing he would have done.

"I didn't want to," Blake corrected him, "I needed to, I had to plan accordingly,"

"And what has happened that you did not foresee?" Severus questioned shrewdly, it was enough to play on Blake's mind, he suspected

"Harry getting attached," Blake said wryly, he had wished to help him becoming independent, and he was, for the most part, but not with him. As time went on, he had noticed it, but it wasn't until recently when he noticed how worried Harry was that it dawned on him.

"He isn't the only one is he?" Severus pointed out, sympathy playing across his face. How long until he came back had it been since Blake had stability and safety? Where he could go anywhere he pleased without worries and fears of being found out? The world he was from sounded dreadful, and he honestly couldn't contemplate what his life was like. The last war was bad, but the Dark Lord hadn't managed to successfully take over…it seemed however, that Blake's past – the possible future without him – he had won.

Blake remained silent for some time, thinking on everything from the moment he had seen his 'younger self' at the Ministry during his trial to the last training session they had. "No, he isn't the only one, but I had intended to make him stronger, independent, but I am afraid I may have made him dependant on me," his scowl was impressive, it made Severus' look weak by comparison. The knowledge pissed him off, but it would change nothing if he got annoyed enough to try and do something about it.

"That is expected," Severus said slowly, measuring his words carefully, "He's never had stability before, someone to answer to, whom will not let him away with the shenanigans he gets up to here at Hogwarts. Which I am grateful for personally, it makes keeping him safe much easier."

"It wasn't solely Harry's fault," Blake sighed, slumping, suddenly looking for all the world like he hadn't slept in a week. "But you're right, I didn't think of these things before I claimed his guardianship, if I had…I wouldn't change a thing." He couldn't bring himself to lie, not to Severus and not to himself.

"You're worried about the outcome," Severus stated, it was natural, he too was worried about it. This was the Dark Lord they were talking about, one who had surpassed even Grindelwald on the death and evil scales. There was no guarantee they could thwart him, it was just the way it was. They were good, yes, but that was no assurance they'd come out on top.

"Aren't you?" Blake asked Severus blunt as always.

"I am," Severus confessed, he might not speak about his feelings, but he did not make a habit of lying either. Admitting something that could result in both of their deaths wasn't exactly brain science, Blake was bound to know whether or not he reveals it. He had been personally taught by the Dark Lord himself, he had seen him duel, he knew what they were getting into. He had a feeling the same went for Blake, who he was sure had fought the Dark Lord in his own time.

"Yeah," Blake murmured grimly.

"That's not all," Severus observed, something else was bothering him.

Blake pursed his lips, "I've researched everything possible about time-travel, what happened to me shouldn't have been possible. Once he's defeated…the timeline I come from will be gone for good. There may be a chance I could fade from existence after the duel. I will no longer exist since that timeline will not." And he couldn't say that it didn't scare the crap out of him. To fade out of existence? To have his life just gone just like that?

Sure he had changed small things coming back, but the reality was, his future could still come to fruition at the end of the day. Once he destroys the Horcruxes and defeat Voldemort – if he succeeds – that future will completely disappear. It will be a whole knew world, one with peace and prosperity, one that he had never known.

Severus swallowed thickly, he hadn't thought of that, he should have and he could honestly kick himself for not thinking of it sooner. The thought of losing Blake didn't sit well with him, yet what could he do to prevent it? There wasn't a damn thing, he couldn't condemn the world in order to keep Blake…although the selfish part of him would do it in a heartbeat. Just take Harry and Blake and go abroad, leave Britain to its fate.

What if he was destined to lose Blake? Was he even really his to lose? He didn't even have the guts to state how he felt. He never had, he feared rejection more than anything else in the world. The world might think him an unfeeling bastard but the truth was…he was human, just like everyone else with pain and fear as part of that.

He hadn't even known him long, the last time it had taken years for such feelings to creep up, admittedly he had been too young to realize what it was. Too young to truly be in love. Not that he was in love, he just cared a great deal, and it could become more if he would just open his mouth.

He did not of course.

"I almost want to change you as my second, have someone else step in," Blake spoke, his voice subdued, "So that I know Harry will have at least one of us to get him the hell out of here if it all goes wrong." Not that he had anyone else who could be his second, and he had to have one it was an official duel.

"And will you?" Severus asked, with deceptive mildness, tensely coiled like a spring.

"No," Blake replied immediately, "There is nobody else I'd trust to have my back, except of course Harry," he said with a wry smirk, chuckling at his own joke.

"I see," Severus answered, relaxing fully at those reassuring words. He didn't think he would have been able to forgive Blake if he had retracted his word.

"It's not been easy these few months…even though I've had more freedom than I have had in years," Blake admitted, leaning back against his chair, forcing his body to relax. He was tired, not just physically but mentally too. He had so many worries on his shoulders that it was honestly unreal.

Severus snorted, "Indeed," shaking his head, "I will admit knowing there might be an end in sight does help," he offered his own version of a consolation. It probably wasn't much in the way of reassurance but it was all he had to offer. He wasn't one for offering empty platitudes, especially against such dire straits. He was stressed, busier than normal, feeling as though he was being pulled at all ends. Yet, as he'd stated, he did feel a sense of peace knowing a path was available to him.

"Yes," Blake mused, "That is true," for good or ill the end was in sight, one way or another he was in for a fight of his life.

"When do you intend to challenge him to the duel?" Severus asked, how long did he have before everything changed? Went unasked.

"Today," Blake replied grimly, the students were all in Hogsmeade, well, those thirteen and above. The first and second years will most likely be in their common rooms or in the library. "I'm thinking of having the duel within Hogwarts grounds, no matter what I try to do, word is going to get out and people will turn up to see it. At least within Hogwarts grounds they'll be at least slightly more protected than anywhere else. That and the seventh years wont sneak out to see it, they can watch it from the castle at a safe distance."

Severus rolled his eyes, "You need to make up your mind," Blake didn't often change his mind, but when he did it was rather annoying, it made their change of plans difficult to enact to say the least.

"If I am to do this…I want to go at the only place that's ever been a home to me," Blake replied, showing there was actual emotion behind his decision and not just logic.

A deep seated understanding washed over Severus, "That I understand," the more than you can fathom remained unsaid, there was no way Blake and he could consider his thoughts 'more than you can fathom' they'd been through hell and truly, Hogwarts was their only home. Spinners End held too many bad memories to be considered home. Harry's cottage though…he rather liked it there, secluded, beautiful, peaceful and just downright tranquil, a change of pace from the hustle and bustle.

Blake just nodded curtly, just once, yes, he wasn't surprised that Severus understood that.

"Would you like something to eat?" Blake asked, changing the subject completely.

"I wouldn't mind," Severus replied, glancing at his watch, he had another forty-five minutes until his meeting with Dumbledore. Joy, if he could have gotten out of it he would have, but the only way he could conceive getting out of the meeting would be if he was called…so perhaps not. The Dark Lord's moods were extremely negative as of late.

For the rest of their time together they spent it speaking about the students, Hogwarts, the new books that had been released, as well as discussing potions and defence. The Dark Lord, Dumbledore and Harry weren't brought up again as they just enjoyed each other's time.

During that time they kept their feelings tightly contained as they grew fonder for one another.

Severus' good mood abruptly plummeted as he made his way towards the Headmasters' office. It was so rare for his mood to be a good one, he wished to hang onto it for as long as possible. Regretfully, just thinking about the old fool was enough to sour his mood. He had genuinely enjoyed spending time with Blake that had nothing to do with Horcruxes, plans or the Dark Lord. It didn't happen often, their plans were the most important thing right now, so they tended to focus on that most of the time.

With a glower on his face, he stepped on the gargoyle and let it lead him to Dumbledore's office. He honestly wished he didn't need to be here. He knew every single one of the questions the old man was going to propose towards him, he knew because he'd already asked them dozens of times in the past few weeks. Which might be a slight exaggeration, but not by much.

Opening the door, observing his surroundings, "Albus," he said, in his usual voice, giving none of his thoughts and feelings away as he glided into the room and claimed a seat.

"Ah, Severus, prompt as always," Albus said, beaming at Severus as if he was delighted to see him.

Severus just arched and eyebrow and waited.

He didn't need to wait long.

"Have you found out anything about him?" Albus asked, it was the same question he asked all the time.

"Albus," Severus sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "Blake Slytherin is not your enemy," the fact he was using him to spy on not only the Dark Lord but assuming he'd spy on Blake was extremely insulting and annoying.

"Just because he's not a Death Eater does not make him someone dangerous," Albus stated chidingly. "He has the child you've sworn to protect in his care…his rather dubious care." He of course ignored absolutely everything that was better about Harry since Blake took over his guardianship. Well, ignore was the wrong word, everything about Harry was alarming him, he was too independent, didn't depend on him anymore, did not rely on him or listen to him and those were things that needed to happen in order for Harry to go through with his plans to defeat Voldemort once and for all.

"You and I obviously see two different things," Severus pointed out blithely. "The boy has actually grown properly, no longer looks thin, he's become confident, and actually focuses on his academics for the first time in four years." Judging by the look on Dumbledore's face those were the things he hated above all else. Those were true facts, regardless of what Dumbledore felt. The changes he'd seen in the young boy was…mind-blowing, incredible really, how a change in guardianship could cause so many positive reactions from one child in the short time he'd been in his life, the summer holidays. Just one summer.

"He's an unknown wizard, we do not know where his allegiances lie," Albus chided yet again.

Severus opened his mouth to reply when a voice – Blake's voice – surrounded the room, as if he had cast a Sonorous on himself.

'To Tom Marvolo Riddle, otherwise known as the Dark Lord Voldemort, I, Blake Slytherin herby challenge you to a duel. The duel will take place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at nine AM in two days' time. The duel will be to the death with seconds, as a Slytherin challenging, to forfeit is to lose your magic'

"I believe you have your answer, Albus," Severus said, his voice slightly hoarse in surprise. He had not expected to actually hear Blake's challenge.

Albus himself was paler than a ghost, sitting in his chair completely stunned, honestly, a feather could have caused him to crumble.

"I knew I liked him for a reason," Phineas said with a smirk.

"Why use a Sonorous charm? The Dark Lord will not hear him from here," Severus spoke the words without being consciously aware until they were already out of his mouth.

"All challenges are heard by all wizards and witches in the British Isles the Muggles won't hear it," Phineas patiently answered, "Official ones especially, and he made it official, nobody and nothing can interfere with the duel now," it had been generations since such a duel had been called up, it was both a blast from the past and a welcoming change. It was just a shame that those fighting were the last two remaining Slytherins from the Slytherin line.

Severus closed his eyes, "I'm going to assume the students all heard that as well?" something Blake had not wanted, at all.

"Everyone," Phineas said emphatically, not staring at Severus anymore, but rather at a dumbfounded Dumbledore.

"Albus?" Severus questioned, his tone sharper than intended, but judging by Dumbledore's glazed eyes it was going to take some sharp retorts to get him out of his state.

"Severus, we have to stop this duel," Albus rasped out, still extraordinary pale and shaken by what he had just heard.

"How so?" Severus questioned, playing ignorant, he knew the reason why Dumbledore was acting so upset. All his plans were falling into ruins, the question remained how far he would go to see that his 'plans' were not disturbed in any way. The only reason he hadn't tried so hard to get Blake gone was because of his foolhardy belief that the Defence position was in any way really cursed.

"It's vitally important," Albus informed him imperiously, sitting straighter, refusing as always to share his plans or his reasoning behind anything unless it suited him. Even then it was usually riddles upon riddles that were difficult to decipher with only 'It's for the greater good' to top it off.

"Nobody can interfere with a duel," Severus pointed out.

"That is correct, there are dire consequences to those who attempt to." Phineas commented, his amusement obvious to all there. Many of the portraits had vacated the room, in order to gossip about this newest development that had occurred. "There has even been reports of deaths due to disastrous attempts to circumvent a challenge."

Albus paused at that, any action he could feasible take would be attempts at circumventing the duel. Even getting someone else to act on his behalf could be seen as the same thing. His death was not on the cards at the moment, and he did not want it to be. He had much to do, to see over, to ensure happens.

"What are the chances of Slytherin being able to best Tom?" Albus asked worriedly, he was rather betting on Voldemort winning to be frank. If Voldemort was 'killed' in the duel who knew how long it would take for him to be reborn so to speak? He was already having to ensure that this all ended within two years…so that it ended while the boy was under his guidance and not out in the world where he could freely gain independence and a rebellious nature that came with being famous. No, Voldemort's death would not do. The thought of trying to reign in Harry when he was older, an adult, was quite frankly tedious to think about.

No, Blake had to lose the duel, he just had it. It would also ensure Harry was firmly planted back where he belonged, under him. His control where he belonged. So he had to do something…but what? He couldn't interfere with the duel, perhaps a potion that would weaken him before the duel?

Here we go! Sorry its a little short! well, half of what I usually post! but it was stubborn! I wanted to show a bit of Blake and Severus actually talking about things but nothing would come to mind...fortunately some feels got in there :) will they confess before the duel? or will they have a rather...public display after the duel? Will Dumbledore try and interfere and lose his magic? Lose his Headmastership or will he let things run their course? Is there anyone's reaction you want to see before I move on to the duel? Voldemort's reaction is a given in the next chapter :D in two chapters I reckon we will see the duel! ugh I'm getting close to two major duels in my stories Lord Of Time and This! Duelling is never fun to write! maybe I should read the final duel at Hogwarts the book of course - to see if that helps me! Read and Review please!