The Birthday Present

by Excessivelyperky

Disclaimer: All belongs to Rowling and various assigns, including Warner Brothers, Scholastic Books, and so on.

Thanks again to Snape's Night and zafaran. Just a repetition here—this story is rated M, and this chapter is one of the reasons. Includes talk of sexual activity, spying on sexual activity, and something really pervy Voldemort does with a snake.

Chapter 53: Sweets Sunday

Severus Snape

He felt more rested than he should the next morning. He decided to enjoy his improved health, even if it was only an illusion to be shattered during his next expulsion phase, whenever that would be. Severus consulted Poppy while delivering some potions to her late Saturday morning, and found her smugly triumphant as she pointed out he was now on the originally recommended dosages on the potions meant to help with the side effects of the detoxicant. As he sat in her office, he mockingly bowed his head in submission.

"Of course, this balance may not be for long," she said. "It's probably a happy accident, given the stuff your students are brewing, what you're brewing, and whatever mistakes the children have made this last week. Enjoy it while it lasts."

"I shall," he said.

"In case anyone takes a look at your chart, though, they'll see the mood enhancer is at a higher level than it actually is," she added, "though I keep the actual amounts recorded elsewhere. This will give you justification, if you need it, for all sorts of behavior."

Severus laughed. "Everyone knows Potions Masters are quite mad anyway. I must be corrupting you. Should I apologize?"

"I'm not sure," Poppy said. "But I'm glad to see you on a mood swing that goes up for a change."

"I know it won't stay there," he said, "but it's nice to spend a day or two like this." Snape even practiced on his broom for a bit just before lunch. He wanted to try out a few things for next time.

The afternoon waned. It was dinnertime all too soon. Yet he dare not count on having next week to dither, so he sent a note by Winky to his godson. It was the perfect occasion to pass on the charmed book. "I know you are still not worried enough about your aunt or her possible influence on you," Severus said as they ate from trays Winky had brought them in his quarters. "But I am. I want you to have this, and to keep this on your person, especially when the apprenticeships are changed. It's a book of potions, most of which are quite beyond your ability, so please don't try them. However, I have a sentimental attachment to the volume, or why I want to give it to you."

The young man thanked him profusely. Once Draco held the charmed volume in his hands, his face brightened. Snape felt the bond between them increase. Let me hold you in my mind the way I once held you in my arms, he thought.

His godson riffled through the pages. "It's all in Latin!" he cried in mock lament.

"So it is. Many of the classic potions still haven't been translated. A pity Muggles don't seem to learn the language any more." That ought to calm the boy's jealousy over Miss Granger. He decided not to mention that she would undoubtedly take lessons as soon as she knew she needed them, and surpass the rest as she normally did.

Draco grinned. "I suppose it couldn't hurt to review a little grammar. As for my aunt, what should I tell her?"

"Why, the same as in all your other letters to her," Snape said with a smile. "I have grown disgustingly soft this year. If confronted, I shall, of course, blame my changed attitude on the Headmaster, or on being sodden with Pomfrey's potions. Apparently she has put me on a higher than standard dose of mood enhancers to make up for the effects of the detoxicant and my normally sour disposition."

His godson looked thoughtful. "Shall I attempt to take a peek at your records the next time I do a detention in the infirmary?"

"Certainly, though do not blame me for any increase in the number of bedpans to be washed if you are caught," Severus said. "With any luck, your aunt is unaware the Dark Lord knows about both the Headmaster and the Swiss. However, your Mark may be reinforced soon, and a binding put on it from Madam Lestrange. That will likely hurt as much as it did last summer. It is also possible we may lose the connection we've had since then."

"But Weasley and Edgecombe were able to help us with the ritual when you were so badly hurt, even though they're apprentices to others."

"True." Even now it was best to keep the secret of his link to the non-Slytherins of the group. "But put away the book for now. Be sure to study it, however. Your skills may be needed sooner than you think." I will have the boy with me when I brew the Wolfsbane this time and Miss Granger the next, even if they miss classes for it. He remembered how even Dumbledore was unable to obtain the Wolfsbane Potion just before the beginning of school. He could not leave any student defenseless against their beloved DADA instructor.

As if on cue, his arm began to hurt. Snape sensed Draco's arm did as well. For a moment, the Potions Master closed his eyes and attempted to find out if he could determine who else was being summoned. Only a faint echo came back—probably Miss Edgecombe or Percy Weasley then, and given the circumstances, mostly likely the Ravenclaw.

His godson looked at him with concern when he opened his eyes again. "Put the book in your cloak pocket," Snape said. He was glad he'd had this meal early. "Bring your robe and mask, but don't put them on. I suspect only Miss Edgecombe will be coming with us, and I will tell her the same thing."

He left a note for the Headmaster. As he and Draco departed, he was reassured that they were the only Slytherins being summoned. Once outside and headed towards the Forbidden Forest, one other figure attempted to keep up with them. Despite the increasing pain in his arm, he stopped and allowed whoever it was to catch up.

It was Miss Edgecombe. "Do we put the mask and robe on now or when we get there?" she asked abruptly once she was able to speak to them. Her face was stiff with fear and her hands shook.

"Wait till we arrive," Snape said. "And be happy Miss Parkinson prevented you from destroying them. Now let us proceed. It would appear only the three of us are being called."

They went past the anti-Apparation barriers and let the Mark take them to their destination. Severus understood the girl's fear. He felt it tonight as well. He should be grateful to Flitwick for pointing out another interpretation of Trelawney's prophecy. I wanted to accept Sybil's words at face value, he thought. Oh, Merlin, if I see another Christmas I won't waste it in the dungeons. Talking with Hagrid had helped him remember some holidays that had gone well. I shall down a bucket of Pomfrey's vile brews if that's the only way I can stop wallowing in misery. Maybe I'm just delusional, but there has to be a better way to spend the rest of my life.

Of course, he had to live that long first.

After Apparating, Snape and the others found themselves in a partly ruined hall. Snape donned his mask and robe, and made sure the others did likewise. He didn't recognize the house. It could be the remains of Riddle Manor, or a Muggle place abandoned by its inhabitants. The illuminated parts looked well enough, though.

He advanced forward towards a makeshift throne where the Dark Lord sat, Nagini next to him. Pettigrew was nowhere to be seen. Only Bella Lestrange stood at Voldemort's right hand, her face half in shadow. The contrasting light and dark aged her even more than Azkaban had done. Then again, his youth was gone as well.

Snape knelt when he'd gone as close as he dared. He knew without looking that both Draco and Miss Edgecombe had done the same. When he'd been their age, being forced to hold this position for more than a minute or two drove him into a fury. I hope the boy will have more patience, he thought. He could count on the girl to want to delay this meeting as long as possible.

He waited. The Dark Lord's mind battered into his, but he remained firmly in control. Pretending to give way before the assault allowed him to keep his real thoughts behind strong, invisible walls. The Potions Master allowed part of his fear over what Flitwick had told him to escape. Voldemort would smell the emotion, but think his own mightiness the reason. Indeed, fear was one's friend in such a place. Even the Boy-Who-Lived had had the sense to panic when faced with the newly resurrected Dark Lord.

"Rise, Severus," hissed the serpentine wizard. "And you others as well. Remove your masks and robes. We know each other well here."

Snape obeyed and trusted his students to do so. "My lord, what would you have of us?" he asked.

"Come forward," Riddle commanded.

The Head of Slytherin led the other two, though he was aware how close behind him they were. It's not safe close to me, he thought. Nothing here is.

The Dark Lord smiled, then became sober. "We are here to settle this matter and create greater harmony among us, a harmony which could have been shattered by the events of two weeks ago. Macnair, come forth."

Walden Macnair emerged from behind the throne without either mask or robe of his own. He knelt, head bowed. He also kept quiet, which showed unusual intelligence from him.

"Miss Edgecombe, is this the man?" Voldemort asked.

"Yes, my lord," the girl said in a toneless voice. "I saw him very closely." Her face was deathly pale, and her eyes blank, as though she was sleepwalking.

"Crucio!" the Dark Lord snapped, as his wand flashed. Macnair fell to the ground and shuddered silently. Then Voldemort stopped the spell. "I know you have lost something precious permanently, my dear, but accept the increase in your dowry and this token in exchange."

"I do, my lord." She smiled a little, then dropped a curtsey. "I am satisfied, my lord."

Snape didn't need to use Legilimens to hear the added For now from the chit.

The Dark Lord dismissed Macnair, who left abruptly, his firm lips set in a thin line. "Now come even closer. I have heard from others that Professor Snape watched over your safety with greater care than she who is your mistress. Is this true?"

"Yes, my lord." The Ravenclaw stepped forward, though she was obviously still frightened. Yet her face was not as blank as before.

"Then he shall be your master instead. It is not right for him to shoulder the responsibility and yet not have the authority. The two should go hand in hand. Severus, bare your arm Bella, you too." Miss Edgecombe also did so without being told.

First, the Dark Lord made a motion over the woman's arm, and then the girl's. Bella wrinkled her nose, and then sighed. "Well, that's over," she said and stepped back. Snape dreaded exposure of how he had linked himself to the student last summer, but nothing was said.

Then Voldemort lay his wand on his own Mark, bringing it to painful life, and once more on Miss Edgecombe's, who bit her lip but kept quiet.

The procedure did strengthen the bond between them. Now Severus could 'feel' her presence more strongly than he did most of his Slytherins. Apparently the binding was additive.

The Dark Lord smiled again. "Now you are master and apprentice. Show yourselves worthy of the power that will someday be yours. Severus, your burden is heavy, yet I believe you will exercise your authority properly." Then he faced the girl. "Miss Edgecombe, he is your master. Your professor was once an apprentice himself, but now is part of the Inner Circle through his sacrifice and devotion to our cause. Show yourself obedient and trustworthy and you shall yet rise further than you dreamed possible."

Voldemort dismissed Miss Edgecombe and sent her to a small table over to one side of the room with food on it. "Bella, are you ready to take on a different responsibility?"

She stepped forward again. "Yes, my lord."

Snape made ready to give up the apprenticeship bond he had with his godson.

"Draco Malfoy, come forward," the Dark Lord commanded. The young man did as he was told, then bowed.

"Are you ready to be as loyal to your new mistress as you were to your current master?"

"Yes, my lord."

"It is not usual to change apprentices in this manner. Are you willing to do so?"

"Yes, my lord. The call of blood to blood is strong." The boy looked eager.

Snape felt unhappy about this. It wasn't safe for anyone to be Lestrange's apprentice, but at least the boy was sticking to the script.

Voldemort nodded, and Bella looked smug. At first, the Dark Lord repeated the procedure he'd done with the woman and Miss Edgecombe. Severus mourned the loss of his link through the Mark to Draco, and despite the cheerful look on the face of the young Slytherin, he knew the boy felt the same way. He was glad he'd reinforced the other connection between them through the charmed book tonight. Severus stepped back now.

Then Riddle spoke again. "It is hard to deny the demands of the blood, young dragon," he began. "The ancient houses of Black and Malfoy are combined in you. Try to be worthy of them." His wand dipped again and Draco went white as Voldemort muttered a spell. It was Bella's turn to look pale as the Dark Lord's wand burned her Mark nearly black.

"You are now mistress and apprentice. Each of you has responsibility to the other, one to guide and inform, the other to obey. Let the bond of blood you share reinforce your duty to each other."

Something was wrong. Breathe, Draco, breathe, Snape thought fearfully as his godson's eyes went wide and the veins on his neck stood out. Think of the book, think of the bond that still stands between us and always will. He could strangle Albus with his bare hands just now, knowing it was the Phoenix Breath reacting to the new infusion of darkness. Snape barely restrained himself from rushing over and pounding the boy on the back.

Bella did nothing, and looked equally paralyzed. Then Draco finally gasped for air and his color returned to normal. His aunt did likewise. That was odd. The Potions Master thought he understood why the boy was affected, but why his new mistress?

"I have placed a Reciprocity Charm on both of you," Voldemort said, who also seemed puzzled. "Anything that affects one will touch the other as well. Remember that, my Bella, should you lose your temper with your apprentice, or neglect him as you did the other one."

Ah. That explains it. Snape relaxed. He couldn't tell Moody about this, of course, or the Auror might consider losing Draco a fair exchange for disposing of Madam Lestrange. He also heard what the Dark Lord didn't say. Bella was now safe from him, as well.

"Let us eat to honor this ritual," his master said as he stepped down from the throne. "After all, we are a family of sorts."

It was an odd banquet, with the Dark Lord at the head of the small table, Lestrange next to him acting as hostess, and Draco next to her, while Miss Edgecombe sat next to him. Nagini was off somewhere else, or lay hidden in the shadows, while Pettigrew was nowhere to be seen. Snape did his best to gag down a few bites of the food. He noticed his new apprentice was having the same difficulty, though his godson did not, despite the hearty dinner already eaten.

Oddly enough, Voldemort picked at his plate as well. We're all playing at being a family here. From what Dumbledore has said, the Dark Lord has had less experience at it then anyone here, including me. The Potions Master showed more patience with the farce after that thought, though he wondered what Draco was whispering to his aunt.

Their master rose to show that he was finished. Naturally everyone else followed. "Severus," he said, "I won't keep the children much longer. I wish for you to stay behind, however, once I have sent these two apprentices back."

"I will gladly escort Miss Edgecombe," Draco said with a quick bow.

"Then do so." The Dark Lord placed his wand on his chest and the two students disappeared, no doubt deposited somewhere in the Forbidden Forest.

Snape bent his knee. "What would you have of me, my lord?" His blood chilled as he considered the possibilities, though he kept his face blank. He hadn't forgotten the way Voldemort had stroked his hair at an earlier meeting. Perhaps he wants Bella amused, he thought, though that could be just as bad from what he knew of her tastes.

"You now have the rest of the evening out from under the old fool's eye," the Dark Lord said. "A teacher's life is regulated, especially one who is the head of a House. It must be difficult for you to avoid temptation from the forbidden fruit around you. Earlier this year I promised you entertainment unmarred by blood or pain. It is a pity you could not have stayed later at Malfoy Manor, but Dumbledore stuck you with the werewolf for your chaperone. I do hope Mrs. Malfoy remembered to tell you about the treat I have waiting for you?"

"Yes, my lord." Snape patted the pocket where the envelope given him still lay.

"I suspect she would rather offer you more personal hospitality, but I am glad she followed my suggestion."

"She is a dear friend, and I would not think of putting her in danger through my own self-indulgence," Severus said.

"How like Lucius to stick you with the chore, knowing you can't have her," Bella said with a harsh laugh. She looked at him with a collector's eyes.

Snape remembered the rivalry between the sisters at Hogwarts, which he'd tried to watch from a safe distance, and wished himself a hundred miles from here.

"You have grown wise, Severus," Voldemort said. "Take the envelope out."

He'd touched it before with no ill effect, so that should be safe. Snape did as he was told. "I have not opened it, my lord. I suspect the paper inside is not what it seems."

"You would be right. It will take you to a place and a woman I think will suit you. I hope your health allows you to enjoy your visit."

"I shall certainly try." Snape knew he should use the paper, and then decide. The Dark Lord did not care for people who spurned his gifts.

"Then I am finished with you tonight. Enjoy yourself, my Shadow."

Severus bowed his head and hoped he would never have to repay this debt in the coin he knew his master wanted. "Thank you, my lord," he said, and ignored the contemptuous look Bella gave him. He opened the envelope, touched the piece of paper, and the hall vanished.

Suddenly he was outside the door of a dingy building close to the other end of Knockturn Alley, where it intersected with Muggle London. I could go now, he thought. I should return to the school and take up my duties. Albus will be worried, and I still want to talk to him about what nearly happened to Draco.

He almost stepped forward and knocked on the door anyway. Even if he couldn't respond, he could still enjoy a couple of hours pretending he wasn't on the chopping block. And yet…just because his godson and the Ravenclaw girl had been sent away, he dare not assume they were safe. Snape looked up and down the street. He didn't know this end of the place as well as he did the parts closer to Diagon Alley. A tavern less than a block away echoed with drunken noise. Perhaps he could hire the use of their Floo for a few moments.

Severus put the paper back into the envelope and the envelope into his cloak pocket, then ducked into the place. He ordered a Firewhiskey, though he had no intention of drinking it, then spoke to the bartender. Some coins changed hands. He was led to a back room with a fireplace and a can of powder. He put up a silencing spell around him, and said, "Headmaster's office, Hogwarts." At first the flames remained the same. Dumbledore might have retired for the night, though it was still early. Then the old wizard's face appeared.

"Severus! Is everything all right?"

"Yes, Headmaster. Have Mr. Malfoy and Miss Edgecombe returned safely? They were sent to the Forbidden Forest after the exchange of apprentices took place"

"I don't know. I will send Fawkes out to Hagrid to find out."

"While we wait, I need to tell you what happened. Mr. Malfoy, Miss Edgecombe, and I were summoned, and none of the others. I arrived in a ruined hall. The Dark Lord was there, and so was Mrs. Lestrange."

Albus interrupted. "I would rather you were here to discuss that, rather than trusting to the Floo system."

Severus felt his face grow hot. "It's just…just that if the students are safe, I would like to use a late ticket. I know it is Sunday night. If...if I must, I will return to report, but of course some emergency will undoubtedly arise, and make it impossible for me to play truant."

The Headmaster looked unhappy. "I would like to, but I don't see how. You should know by now the responsibilities of a Head of House, especially one in your situation, demand some sacrifices. If you return to make your report, make sure all is snug in Slytherin, and then still wish to go, of course I shan't stand in your way. However, it would be best if you didn't overestimate your strength. I am glad you contacted me, though, to make sure of your apprentices' welfare."

No wonder Flitwick is known to disappear twice a week like clockwork if this is the sort of answer he hears whenever he bothers to ask, Snape thought angrily. So much for the old man's promises! I could be lying naked on the floor while the Dark Lord and Bella did whatever they pleased, and that's just fine, but request something for myself and it's so hedged with conditions the permission is meaningless! He looked down at the floor. "I will do as you say, Headmaster," he replied in a dull voice. He'd use Voldemort's gift later, at a time of his choosing. All he wanted was a few hours where he could pretend to be a man. Obviously, that was too much to ask. It would be useless to tell Albus the truth about the Dark Lord's gift, as the old wizard would never believe it.

He lifted his eyes and noticed Dumbledore was turned away, as if talking to someone else. No doubt Fawkes had returned.

Albus finished his other conversation, then looked back at Snape. "Both Mr. Malfoy and Miss Edgecombe have arrived safely," he said. "Professor Flitwick has been assured of the girl's return and will look the other way as she goes back to her dormitory. Mr. Malfoy will report to me—Hagrid will bring him to me for being outdoors after hours—and you should complete your report to me once you return from your er, recreation. I apologize for forgetting my promise to you, Severus. I should not have taken undue advantage of my authority over you."

He blinked at the unexpected reprieve. "Thank you, Headmaster," he said, and cut the connection before the old wizard could change his mind again. It galled him to have to beg for something that was every man's right, but at this moment he realized he should remember he was a Slytherin. It was enough to have what he wanted this time. Flitwick could talk of contracts all he wanted, but his terms of employment were different, and always would be.

Severus canceled the silencing spell, left the private room with the Floo, threw a bit more money at the barkeeper as a aid to the man's future lack of memory, and hastened back towards the nondescript door. This time he did knock, and rather firmly, too. It opened, and he was escorted into plush surroundings that seemed half a world away from the slum outside.

"We've been expecting you, sir," said the older woman in the reception area, who seemed impressed by the envelope and the blank piece of paper. No doubt it was charmed for her eyes only, as well as being a Portkey. "Margot is resting after her previous client, but she will be glad to help you in just a little while. Please sit and have some tea."

No doubt this Margot found her work exhausting. It had been a long day, all things considered, and hers was probably just beginning. He had a sudden vision of making this unknown woman grade essays, just from pure sadism. Snape gladly accepted the hot spiced tea that had only a hint of lust potion in it. Cinnamon, he thought. Cinnamon. I remember the way Molly Weasley smelled just as she left the safe house a couple of weeks ago. It was like a burst of summer afternoon, with the sound of honeybees mixed in. Arthur is a lucky man. I hope he knows it. As he waited, he wondered what was special about this Margot.

He had just finished his tea and was beginning to feel he might not be wasting his time here after all when the older woman returned. "She's ready to see you now, sir," she said.

Snape appreciated how careful she was to use no names. Such knowledge could be deadly, and not only in Knockturn Alley. However, he suspected that if Moody went asking for a lean, hook-nosed man tomorrow morning that the Auror would not have a difficult time discovering this place. No doubt Mad-Eye had someone on watch outside already.

He smiled to himself as he stood and walked down the hall to the second door on the left. If nothing else he'd have a few pleasant hours being waited on and cosseted by a woman, even if he was too tired for anything else. Besides, he remembered Lowenstein's report. He had no desire to poison anyone, not even a whore, with his toxic emissions.

Snape briefly speculated this was all a trap, but dismissed the thought. The Dark Lord could kill him with his wand, or leave him in torment for hours, or even days. Why would he delegate the fun? Besides, as a member of the Inner Circle only Voldemort or another member would have the right to hex him anyway. Rank had some privileges.

He walked into the room, which was a lavishly appointed bedchamber that even Lucius would approve of. He felt awkward and shabby in such quarters, as he always did, but kept his composure anyway.

The nondescript woman, whose hair was so light brown and flyaway it almost had no color at all, smiled at him. "Welcome to my room, my lord," she said. "I have a selection of hairs and a vial of Polyjuice. For the next two hours I can be whatever woman you like."

He gazed at the small table in fascination. Small pictures of different women were set in a row, along with a hair that lay by each one. How in Merlin's name did someone manage to steal a hair from Narcissa Malfoy? Someone must have bribed the hairdresser. He knew which one he was supposed to choose, now. For a moment he stared at a dark-haired one, who resembled Bella when she was younger. No, he thought. He looked at the rest of them. One of the other women was red-haired—but not as plump as he would like. He suddenly remembered the single red hair that lay inside his usual outdoor cloak. "Turn your back for just a moment," he said. "It won't take me long to decide." He quickly searched inside the inner pocket, found the hair, and quickly exchanged it for the one on the table. I shouldn't do this, I shouldn't do this, but I'm going to anyway, he thought with a thrill. "Turn around now," he said, and pointed at the redhead. "This one," he said. Snape quickly reinforced the wards. If he were doing the spying, he would have charmed the mirror, so gave it an extra spell on top of the rest. This was for him, and anyone else could go hang.

Margot took the hair, dropped it into a vial, and then changed. Fortunately she was wearing only a loose wrapper, and a few moments later, a look of surprise.

"I am sorry I surprised you," Snape said, as she clearly realized she was someone different than the woman in the picture. "I also must warn you that I am on a potions regime that causes me problems that could also affect you."

"Not eating causes me more of them," she said in a close approximation of Molly's rich voice, though without the lilting accent he was used to.

He moved closer to her, glad she did not feel the need to overpower any bystanders with her perfume, and put his arms around her plump shoulders. She had red hair and freckles everywhere now, and bright blue eyes instead of hazel ones. "Molly," he whispered hoarsely.

"Happy with what you see, my lord?"

"Oh, yes," he said. "You're perfect!" He pulled her into an embrace as he would never dare with the real version.

After a moment he realized her enthusiasm was only feigned. Back to reality. He let her go and said, "Order us a big supper…and fuss over me for not eating enough." His voice shook. He could have anything he wanted here. For a moment he hesitated. Then he decided to ask anyway. She would probably think it somewhat odd, but wouldn't mind. "After we're done with that, then here's what I want you to do…"

Filius Flitwick

He ground his teeth in fury as he listened to the Headmaster and Snape talk on the Floo, while remaining out of sight himself. It was obvious the older wizard had quite forgotten everything he'd learned in the Grindelwald War.

Flitwick was just about to interrupt when Fawkes did it for him, bearing a note. Filius took the note from the phoenix, and read it for himself. Then he threw out a quick silencing spell. "First of all, the students are all right. Hagrid found them and is bringing them in. I'll speak to Miss Edgecombe tomorrow, and perhaps you should speak to Draco tonight."

Dumbledore looked puzzled. "But Snape will be able to tell me everything."

"He can do that tomorrow morning. Damn you, Albus, have you forgotten everything? He doesn't have much time. He's trying to follow your silly ass rules, and this is his reward! Give him leave now, and he'll return. Keep jerking his chain and one day he'll break it."

Flitwick cancelled the silencing spell and listened to Albus change his mind. The flames died down.

"Now explain to me why this is so important, Filius."

The smaller wizard clambered back up into the chair by the Headmaster's desk as Dumbledore wearily settled back down into his behind it. He answered the old wizard by asking a question. "What were you doing with your life when you were thirty-five?"

Albus blinked. "Pursuing a Mastery in Potions. I was married to Muriel, then, and she complained of the smell."

"Snape isn't married, and he's in danger of his life. He's just been told it may be shorter than everybody thinks. He's been laying waste to half the Forbidden Forest by way of the Room of Requirement, and he nearly won a two-on-one duel yesterday afternoon. Was it your idea for Lupin to bring Mr. Potter along?"

"No, actually, though I think it was a good one," Dumbledore said.

"Three on one, then, and at least one person that he dare not hurt. He still managed a fair fight, even the werewolf admitted that. And you have the gall to deny him a few hours of respite from all this? He has the right to them, unless his contract reads differently than mine does." Flitwick looked at the Headmaster, and wondered what was in Snape's file. "I've heard rumors from Pomfrey about Lucius Malfoy,' he said slowly. "If they're anywhere close to the truth, you have no right to say anything about Snape's personal life. Merlin knows he won't touch a student. But his time is short, and could be shorter. Press him too hard, and he might remember three of his apprentices are girls." Flitwick hated to use that threat, as he knew Snape would cut it off rather than touch a student. But something had to be done to get the Headmaster's attention. "At some point, he's going to remember that he has absolutely nothing to lose. Let's let him believe we still care about him for a while longer, shall we? Surely you can pretend for a couple of months."

"You have no right to speak to me like that." Dumbledore was furious.

"Yes, I do. I am a head of House of Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Magic, and I was inducted under the Headmastership of Armando Dippet. My contract is to the school, not you personally. I am also a member of the Order of the Phoenix, and it is my duty to speak out when something terribly wrong is about to happen. You are lucky not to be in Azkaban yourself, Headmaster, after that Imperius spell. We have only your word it was necessary to keep Snape from going mad permanently. You may think a few hours away from here are meaningless, but for Snape they could mean the difference between going to his death for the sake of the Order willingly or breaking before he can do what needs to be done. We've done damn little to make him care about us before this summer, yet he's still here. If there is anyone who could successfully run away from the Dark Lord, it would be Snape. He might have to lose his left arm to do it, but he might think it worth the cost if we don't give him reason to sacrifice himself."

He paused for a moment. Better to sugar the pill. "Albus, I know you didn't take away his lolly out of spite. I know you're worried about his health. But at some point he needs to be the best judge of that. He's not eleven years old any more, and if a few hours away keeps him better tempered, then maybe he should have kept a woman in Hogsmeade years ago." Filius braced himself for the old wizard's reaction for this next statement. "I know your sons never grew old enough to marry," he said softly. "But at some time they would have. Snape is a grown man and at some point he needs to remind himself of it."

The Headmaster visibly sagged. "Oh, Merlin," he said in a whisper. "Just last night I promised to help him find all the joy he wanted. And the first thing I do when he finally asks something for himself is to deny it. I really do need a keeper where he's concerned."

"It's not the end of the world," Flitwick assured the old man. "I doubt he'll bother telling you the next time he's out for a night on the tiles, though, and that could be a problem. You'll have to give him a way to let you know without the ability to stop him, because I very much doubt he'll trust you on that subject again. I really don't think he'd ever bother a student, but if all that sap has no place to go, he's going to start losing his temper in class again or while he's dueling, and you'll land on him for that, too. Again, he doesn't have much time. Why make what's left harder for him than it has to be?"

Albus grimaced. "You're right. We've had similar arrangements in the past when a teacher was married, but for some reason the wife or husband could not live here. By the way, how is your dear Lucille?"

Flitwick blinked. He was certain his arrangement with her for Tuesday and Thursday nights had been so discreet and his talk of other women so blatant that his secret was safe. "Er…fine. Why do you ask?"

"Don't you think it's time you made an honest woman of her? How long has it been going on now, ten or so years?"

Just when he thought he understood Dumbledore's limits, he was caught out. "She doesn't want to marry, Headmaster. Says she wants the freedom of her own shop and to ah, have other visitors if she pleases." In fact, he had rather hoped Snape would call her bluff by showing up with a bottle of apricot liqueur.

"I must admire the way you have your students organized into seminars for both nights," Albus added. "Not only does it keep them out of trouble, it improves their academic standings. I first noticed something odd when going over Filch's detention schedules. It seemed he understands you are not to be called on for those nights."

"You have me at a loss, Headmaster. However, that doesn't change Snape's situation."

"You are quite right," Dumbledore said, a sad look on his face. 'I just wanted to let you know that I am not altogether blind to that side of life, even at my age. You seem to have matters well in hand. However, if a school or Order emergency arises, you will receive an owl there and you had best respond as quickly as possible."

"Yes, Headmaster," Flitwick said crisply. "You are in the right. I have been forgetting it's wartime myself. May I open a Floo connection there? Travel time could make a difference."

"I hate to allow it, as I think there are too many ways of accessing the school already, but yes, I suppose you're right. But it must blocked whenever it's not actually in use. There are extra wards on the tunnel to Honeydukes now to block entry, though it can still be used for evacuation if necessary. What about the passageway to Flourish & Blott's from Ravenclaw?"

"Same thing, and I made sure the house elves know about it, too. I've kept the spider hall from Ravenclaw to Slytherin open, though, but I have a charm set up in case a student is in difficulty. Frankly, most students find Arbella easy enough to bribe it's not usually a problem. Miss Edgecombe may need to seek out Professor Snape, especially if she is to be his apprentice. She will not talk to me."

"We both mishandled that situation," Dumbledore said with a sigh.

"Given the rumors about what happened in the Gryffindor common room after the girl's suicide attempt, I believe Miss Granger thinks so as well. I've noticed her fellows tend to find her…intimidating. That's a situation you and Minerva will have to manage, though."

"I know." The ancient wizard looked exhausted.

"But not tonight." He heard footsteps outside—one set of huge clumps, and a patter of smaller steps. "I should leave now, Headmaster. I daresay you need to speak to Mr. Malfoy and Hagrid without my presence." Flitwick slipped out one of the back ways. A good thing Umbridge had not known of them last year!

Voldemort

The Dark Lord fumed silently as he looked into the spyglass, which was linked to the mirror in the whore's room. It had worked perfectly as first. He would give one of his eyeteeth to know whose hair Snape had substituted for the one on the table. But just as the woman began to drink the potion, his liegeman had reinforced the wards on the place, and especially on the mirror. That had turned the scene from crisp color to blurred black and white, and had distorted the sound completely. He couldn't tell what the woman's face was, only that she was plump with abundant hair, and didn't understand a word of what either one said.

Bella yawned. He knew she was only pretending to be bored. "I am sorry the woman of his dreams isn't you, my dear. But he could have chosen your sister, and didn't." He knew her secret longings.

"I'll live," she snarled. "I just want my Rodolphus back! We were married only a couple of years before we were sent to prison. We didn't even have one night together before the Ministry Raid…" She blanched as she realized the implied rebuke.

"I know, my dear. That is my fault." He gently caressed her throat with one leathery hand. "I fear I was a little overenthusiastic about that wretched prophecy. I have learned my lesson. But we are more prepared this time. The werewolves will take the brunt of the assault, while our Dementors open the way." He glanced down at the spyglass again. Now the merry couple were eating. Snape was showing much better appetite than he had here. I should feel insulted, I suppose, but no doubt he was on edge over his apprentices. That was an unusual reaction young Malfoy had, and with the Reciprocity spell it washed over to Bella. I should research the effects of changing apprentices, as it is so rare.

As he watched, he felt a stirring of jealousy that Snape was still human enough to enjoy being with a woman. His only participation in such things these days was vicariously. Macnair was his usual vessel, though unfortunately not during the last meeting. If I had been riding along, I certainly would have stopped him from raping the Edgecombe girl! Of course the idiot hadn't recognized her without a cloak or mask on.

A pity Bella ached for a man she could not have, whether her husband or the Potions Master. Snape still belonged to Lucius, though, and apparently needed any little escapades away from that bond to be with someone as different as possible. Voldemort thought that was the real reason Narcissa was so carefully guarded, despite her own obvious wishes.

Then Bella began hooting with laughter as she looked down into the glass. The Dark Lord observed with her. The woman had finished bathing Snape, had wrapped him in a robe and was apparently singing him a lullaby as she tucked him into bed.

Tom Riddle didn't think it was funny at all. "Some men like to be mothered, my dear." He turned away, consumed with envy. Dark wizards bent on world conquest could not admit weakness, not even to a woman who could be Obliviated afterwards.

"Well, he didn't have much of it from that drunken Russian whore," she said. "Snape would hex anybody who even hinted at it, but he had to have known."

Even a drunken whore was better than the orphanage. Marya Snape had found the fees for books and Hogwarts for her son while she lived, no matter how she'd done it. That idiot husband of hers had gone haring off after false recipes for the Philospher's Stone and ruined what little was left of the family fortune. Even with that unpleasant bastard across the street, Voldemort thought Snape had had the better of it compared to the orphanage. I so enjoyed killing the gin-seller, the Dark Lord thought. A pity Snape couldn't have done it, but he had to have an unbreakable alibi as he would have been the first one suspected. Even the worm's daughter was glad to see him go.

He put away the spyglass. "I've think we've seen enough."

"I know I have!" Bella laughed again. "I thought he was a man, not a baby."

"He was man enough at the last meeting," he commented mildly. That should stop her for a little while. I know what is really wrong with you. "But I have neglected you, my dear," he said, tickling her throat again with his fingers.

Her face burned red. "Oh, my lord…but I shouldn't."

"You are not betraying your husband by accepting this simple gift," he said. Voldemort hissed in Parseltongue to one of the lesser serpents that guarded this house. "Just sit in this chair. After all, you are sworn to me body and soul. It is only right I take care of your needs in this way." It made things easier to know she rarely wore knickers under her long robes. She would feel less of a traitor to her husband if things merely happened to her.

Her breathing grew faster in anticipation as he bent over from his own seat and licked her thin neck with his tongue. It had been a long time since he'd fed this way from anyone. Perhaps too long. A woman's passion tasted different than a man's, but was still as sweet.

Bella took a deep, ragged breath as she clearly felt the touch of the snake creeping up her leg. Up her thigh. And deeper. Voldemort continued licking her neck to maintain the connection between them. Warmth grew in his chest, and moved lower as he felt her growing excitement. Perhaps…perhaps this time his body would truly respond as well.

Then both of them shattered as Bella slumped in the chair and cried out loud. Riddle didn't know if the spike of joy was hers, his, or belonged to them both, and just now didn't care. Maybe it was his imagination, but was there some moisture in his groin this time? No doubt it was just sweat, but he could dream for now it was something else.

He hissed a command to the snake to withdraw. Bella lay limp on his shoulder and panted. "Oh, my lord," she said, in the sweet voice she used only when she was truly satisfied. "You are too good to me!"

No wonder Rodolphus always struggled so hard to please her, if only to hear her this way, Voldemort thought. Once recovered, he quickly spelled them both clean and fresh again. If he didn't have to look, he could pretend to himself that this body would allow him to be a man again someday. Also, he did not want his Bella harmed by the filth of the snake.

"Now, my dear," he said in a more business-like tone. "We need to talk about the assault on Azkaban."

"Yes!" Her eyes were bright and eager. "I hope it will be soon."

"I would like it to be two full moons from now. I want to try out the werewolves first, before risking them in an attack on the prison."

"But the weather, my lord—the weather is harsh there now. What will it be like in a month or so from now?"

"That part shouldn't matter. The prisoners who were there from before are recovering from being around Dementors, and will only gain strength over time. Others, like Malfoy, aren't being harshly treated anyway. They should be able to endure the place a bit longer. No, my dear, a trial run is best. We should have done as much at the Ministry."

"You're right, my lord. But I can hardly wait!"

"You will have to learn how, my dear. You are not to go on this raid. I must, to control the Dementors, and Nagini will accompany me. I shall choose a few others, perhaps. But neither you nor Snape will go."

"Why? Who better to help rescue those inside? Snape will want his Luscious Lucius, and I wish to see my husband again as soon as possible!" Her eyes flashed.

"Snape's health is not good, despite what we saw tonight. His position at Hogwarts is too valuable to risk. He is busy enough already on the guardianship case for the Potter boy. If we win that first, then we'll have everything we want. Fudge could easily be persuaded to release the prisoners if all hope for that fool Dumbledore is gone. We won't have to lift a finger. I also want the apprentices to have more training before they are blooded. Next summer will be soon enough for that. We have time, Bella. We have all the time in the world. The old fool cannot live forever, and he's beginning to fail."

"But what about me?" she asked.

"I cannot risk you. There will be some danger, of course, but I have extra wands. Once the prisoners are out of the cells, they'll be able to do their own fighting. The werewolves will distract the outside guards, while the Dementors will paralyze those inside. Bella, you have suffered enough from what those creatures have done to you. I know you would gladly go, despite the cost to yourself, but it's not necessary, the same way I shall not require it of Snape. Werewolves are to him the way Dementors are to you."

If Bella was convinced the next full moon was just a practice run, then everyone else would believe it as well. He knew there were leaks in his organization, just as there were in the Order and the Ministry. One could go mad searching for traitors, and end up killing half one's friends that way.

For a long time he had suspected Snape. Lucius could not keep his mouth shut, especially in bed. Last summer had convinced him otherwise. His Shadow's mind had nearly been torn in two between Dumbledore and himself, and still the man was loyal. Yet the old saying went, "Three may keep a secret if two are dead," although there were ways around that in the Wizarding World. Everyone had to think the next full moon was only a rehearsal. Severus would be in the hands of the Swiss, Bella would be safe here, and he would return in triumph with the freed captives. The werewolves, whether that dolt Lupin was involved or not, would receive their permanent reward at a later gathering.

"Sometimes I wish Snape couldn't persuade people the way he can," Bella grumbled. "I know we need him to present my sister's case, but it's just so annoying the way he can talk others around."

"I hope you don't include me on that list, my dear."

"Of course not, my lord! If the touch of your mind on his is like that on mine, I'm sure he can't hide anything from you."

Voldemort rewarded her with a thin smile. "As long as you remember your place, and allow me to decide how to discipline those of the Inner Circle. However, if Snape fails to win the case, do feel free to come up with something appropriate. I remind you that you may not kill him, and I shall punish you harshly if you do."

Bella grinned. "I'll think of something, my lord. Now, if I may go?"

He watched her leave the hall. This was yet another reason he didn't want her and the Potions Master in combat together. Only one was likely to return, and he needed both of them to serve him. He was well aware of Snape's personal history with werewolves and Dementors, and asking the man to fight around both of them was asking for trouble. Bella was also likely to be adversely affected by the ghostly soul-eaters, and would offer that as an excuse for curses hurled at his Shadow. I'd rather save them both for a battle that's more important.

Severus Snape

He almost whistled as he Apparated from Knockturn Alley to the edge of Hogwart's wards. Once Margot had tucked him into bed, he'd invited the woman to lie next to him, and things had turned out much better than he'd hoped. Even though she really wasn't Molly, diving into her warm flesh had been all he could wish for. It had been reassuring that his vigor hadn't been lost permanently because of what had happened, either from the potions or the sacrifice he'd had to make for the Inner Circle. He'd felt the presence of a protective spell on the woman, so hadn't worried as much as he probably ought about leaving his essence behind. It had stung a bit at his release, but Margot claimed not to feel a thing. He sighed, knowing she really hadn't, despite her feigned response to him. Fortunately the standard cleansing spell had worked on them both, since he couldn't use the regular potion for such any more.

He approached Hagrid's hut, thanked him for escorting Draco and Miss Edgecombe back, and went to the castle. Snape knew he would pay tomorrow for all this effort, but thought it was worth a few extra hours abed or lying in the reclining chair after class was over for the pleasure he'd had tonight. Some of the payment would come due now as he reported to the Headmaster.

Snape walked into the office and tried to not look quite so self-satisfied as he was invited to sit and have some tea. He hoped this would be quick—not only was he tired, but Albus looked weary as well. "Thank you for the time away," he said. If a few soft words made this meeting easier on the both of them, well, they cost him little enough.

"Er, yes," Dumbledore said. "I was not thinking properly to deny them to you in the first place. If…if you feel you must take more time for yourself in future, leave me a note where you can be contacted and go. Do try to use good judgment in choosing when, of course, and realize you may be called back for an emergency."

Severus blinked. He certainly wasn't expecting this. "Ah, thank you, sir," he said.

"We already trust you to leave and return whenever Riddle calls you. It would have been quite easy over the last year or so for you to pretend to be summoned and leave for such time as you wished. You have never done so. I should have remembered that earlier this evening."

"I…I've been tempted, Albus."

"You wouldn't have been human if you hadn't," the Headmaster said wryly. "Now, that taken care of, I have spoken with young Mr. Malfoy. Do you have anything to add to his report?"

"I worried a great deal when he started choking and couldn't breathe when his Mark was reinforced," Snape said. "I…I tried to give him strength through the other bond we have, and that apparently worked." He decided to tell all the truth about the incident. "The Dark Lord has put a Reciprocity bond between Draco and Madam Lestrange, and she began having trouble as well. Both of them were all right not long after, though. I don't think he understands what happened, which is just as well. Albus…I would rather you didn't tell Moody about that part. He might think it a fair trade. Unfortunately, this protects her as well as him."

"Oh, dear. This could be a problem. Mad-Eye may have to know, so she can be stunned rather than killed if she's in the middle of an attack."

Snape wished he'd thought of that. "You're right." He was glad now he'd been more forthcoming than usual. "Oh, and to save Moody time, the place I went was two doors down the street from the Drowned Duck on Knockturn Alley. He won't find out much from them, but I know he'll try to ask."

Albus smiled faintly. "Yes. I'm sure he will. However, I am a great deal more worried about Mr. Malfoy. He will need something he can carry about with him all the time, in case his new mistress calls him more often to his service, or she is harmed in some way."

Severus nodded. "I have the spoon that was his christening gift from me. If Flitwick could put an Affinity Charm on it as well, I could change it into a ring the boy could wear. Then he would have some protection all the time."

"Good. Well, it's been a long evening."

"Of course, Albus. You need your rest as well," he said. "I shall allow Winky to cosset me all day tomorrow between classes. Should I tell Minerva to assign an elf to you, too?"

The Headmaster smiled more happily this time. "Don't you dare. But I will rest."

There was a moment of silence. "Aren't we both terrible liars?" Snape said, finishing his tea. He'd taught on short commons before, though, and didn't mind this time.

Dumbledore laughed then. "Oh, Severus. I suppose we are. Now off to your bed and I to mine. Dream of her, whoever she was, and wake up happy."

"For once," Snape said, completing the unspoken thought. "I shall do my best." He rose from his seat and briefly embraced the old man. "Sleep well."

As he walked down to the dungeons, he knew he would.

Alastor Moody

The next morning, the retired Auror rapped at the door in Knockturn Alley just down from the tavern, like he'd been told. He doubted his reception would be as friendly as Snape's had been, but a quick display of his old Auror's sigil riveted their attention.

Then one scrawny woman with light brown hair came yawning into the reception room where the rest had gathered. "He said I was to give this note to the man with one eye and one leg," she said. "Looks to me like you're standing well enough."

"One of them is wooden," he said, and neatly rapped it.

"Oh, hard is it? You must be him, all right." She shoved a piece of paper at him.

He opened the folded note and read it.

Moody—if you're here before noon, you're an inconsiderate bastard for not letting these women have their sleep out. I tried hard enough to keep one them awake long enough! I've decided there's something to the art and science of wand-waving after all. At least leave the girl a few Galleons for waking her up. If you really insist on all the details, wait till the next meeting.

Severus Snape

Mad-Eye sighed, and pulled out his pouch. He eyed the girl and tried to think of what her specialty could be. The Potions Master liked them plump and red-headed, and now he knew about Molly Weasley, it made more sense.

"Wait a minute," he said. "You're a juicer, aren't you?"

"So what if I am?" said the girl. "How did you know?"

"Washed out look. People get like that when they Poly too much." Crouch had certainly looked like hell during the last month or so of his own captivity. "I suppose you're not going to tell me who you were last night."

"I had a few extra—Sunday night is busier than people think," she said. "None of your business anyway. Now, love, sure there isn't someone you want me to look like?"

It wouldn't work, he thought. A Metamorphagus's hair always returned to its normal color about five minutes after it was shed, and it wasn't right to think of Tonks that way, not with her so wrapped up with Kingsley. "No!" he said roughly. Besides, the girl's hair wouldn't stay bubblegum pink anyway. "Here's some money for your trouble."

"You'd be surprised who I can do," she said.

"Shut it, Margot, some of us want work too," complained one of the other girls.

"I am sorry to have bothered you," he said in an exasperated voice. "Do your hair-pulling after I'm gone." Moody slammed out of the place, disgusted with them and himself. Dirty old man, he thought. I'll be using my magical eye to peep into washrooms next. Still, if an ugly fart like Snape can have some fun, why can't I?

He might be back after all. Who knew?