Chapter 7: Slayers and Watchers

Los Angeles-County Jail

"What is this?" Faith Lehane looked around at the men and woman standing before her.

The woman smiled to mask her unease, "Congratulations, Miss Lehane. You are being released."

She squinted her eyes in suspicion and crossed her arms over her chest, "What's the catch?"

"C-catch?" The man to her right twitched nervously, "There's no catch."

She snorted and rolled her eyes, "As if that's convincing."

"Listen Faith, May I call you Faith?" The woman smiled, "You're a smart girl. I think you know what this means."

"Where's B?" She demanded.

"I'm sorry," The man responded kindly, "She, apparently, met her match."

"No…no way." She denied, shaking her head at them, "B's better than that. She's not..." Faith gulped before adding in a quiet voice, "dead."

"Faith," The woman reprimanded, "You know better than anyone that no one is infallible. No one." She stressed the last two words.

There was an underlying threat to her words, Faith was sure, but for the moment she had to bide her time. Quirking her eyebrow, she regarded them. "What now?"

The woman smiled again as though nothing were wrong, "Now you head to Sunnydale. Rupert Giles has graciously agreed to take you on as his Slayer."

Somehow, Faith doubted that. After all she had done, no way would he even think about it. And what about B? Last she heard they were an item, no way would he turn his back on that, which means, the stupid Council ordered him to do it. She smirked, inwardly, well they had another thing coming. It was time to head to Angel's. Besides, who said she needed a Watcher anyways?

"Where do you think you're going?" The woman demanded.

"To see a friend." She replied without stopping.

"Don't you understand?" The man spoke sharply. Hmmm, so he does have a backbone afterall. Faith turned to face him, with hands on her hips. "Sunnydale has no guardian they need you."

"And you must comply with us." His companion added sternly.

Faith narrowed her eyes in anger. They were really starting to piss her off. "Look, lady, I'll go to Sunnydale…fight the good fight, but I'll do it on my terms, no one else's. If you can't handle that, then you and the rest of those blowhards can go to Hell." She turned on her heel and stormed away, leaving them to stare openmouthed at her retreating form.

The man found his voice first, "Can she do that? He whispered.

The woman sighed, "Looks like she just did."

Los Angeles-The Hyperion

Snape walked through the door of the Hyperion, his cape billowing behind him, to find Angel and Wes deep in conversation. They promptly stopped talking at Snape's entrance. They stared at him for nearly a minute before Wes spoke, "Professor Snape, what a…" He paused as though searching for a word, before settling on, "surprise."

They continued to watch as Spike strolled in, as though he owned the place. Angel growled, intending to launch himself at the vampire. "Stop!" Snape ordered, his wand out and aimed at Angel.

Spike smirked, "What you gonna do now, Nancy Boy?"

Snape turned angry eyes to Spike, "That goes for you, too. Just because you're here to help my niece, doesn't mean I'll protect you forever. Angelika got herself into this mess. I should let her rot."

"But you won't." Spike's grin widened.

"For now." Snape replied stonily, causing Spike to lose his grin, before turning to face Angel and Wes, "Faith's being released." He stated just as Cordelia entered the room.

Her face paled and dropped the mug she had been carrying. "What!?" She exclaimed, "Are they nuts?"

"Cordelia!" Angel snapped.

"Don't Cordelia me." She growled. Maybe Angel had trouble remembering everything the rogue Slayer had done, but she had no trouble and it set her blood boiling. In her opinion, Faith was better off in jail, she belonged there. No ifs, ands or buts about it.

"Isn't it a bit early for her parole?" Wes stepped forward, ever the voice of reason.

"Who said anything about parole? She's being released by order of the Watcher's Council."

"Where's Buffy?" Angel demanded, tired of this cryptic conversation. They were getting nowhere.

"Not guarding the Hellmouth."

"Obviously." Spike snorted at Snape's non-answer.

"What the hell does that mean?"

Snape rolled his eyes at Angel's show of dominance, clearly the vampire was trying to intimidate him and getting angrier when he'd refused to play that game. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could the doors opened emitting the rogue Slayer, herself.

"What's up guys?" She grinned at the scene before her. "Guess you got the memo huh?"

San Francisco-P3

"You know this is a club, right?" The man behind the bar pointedly asked Piper, "No one under 21 allowed." He motioned to Buffy.

Buffy was about to protest when she remembered that the spell caused her to look as though she were only ten years old. So she shut her mouth with an audible click.

"I'm fully aware of that." She replied, "however these are special circumstances."

He waited for her to offer more of an explanation but when she didn't he shrugged his shoulders, as though he could care less. "You're the boss."

"So glad of you to notice." She smiled, not like it was a happy smile. This man she had hired was turning out to be a mistake. One she would have to deal with sooner rather than later. She sighed, one crisis at a time. She scolded herself.

Beneath the streets of San Francisco

Dan cursed as he trudged through the sewers beneath San Francisco's streets This was going to be a long day, but it would be worth it in the end. Piper would finally be his. He grinned, thanking his lucky stars that he'd met the famed witch that Riley was always bragging about. What was her name? he thought back, oh, yes…Eliza… He laughed, she was certainly beautiful and certain of her ability to beguile any man she met, but he saw right through her charade. Yes, he did.

"You must be Dan," The witch grinned at him, "Riley's trusted general."

Dan smiled, liking the sound of that. "And you must be Eliza, the infamous witch."

"I much prefer the term sorceress, my dear." Her voice held a dangerous lilt to it and her smile appeared strained. Being infamous she could handle, however there were consequences for all who should dare to call her witch.

"Of course." He replied, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrents in the air.

"Eliza," Malfoy snapped, "What do you think you're doing?"

"Nothing that concerns you." She replied.

He stormed over to her, "Need I remind you that I am in charge here?"

Her eyes flashed in anger, "For now." She growled, "but things are changing and we need the charmed ones out of the way."

Malfoy cocked an eyebrow at her in disbelief, "What do they have to do with any of this?"

She sighed, as though it were terribly difficult for her to go into details. "Now that Piper is with child, it changes everything. We need her out of the way or Buffy will never submit."

Through this exchange Dan was listening silently. Piper with child? It couldn't be, could it? Slowly the wheels began to turn as he imagined himself by Piper's side with their child in his arms. This was what he was waiting for, wasn't it? To make Piper finally see that Leo was no good for her? It was time he made a stand. "I'll deal with Piper."

"Are you sure that's wise?" Eliza grinned, already knowing what he was going to say.

Dan's eyes darkened in annoyance, "Why wouldn't it be? Piper is mine, no one else's." He took a deep breath to calm his nerves. "It's time she saw that."

Thinking back, he could admit to himself, if no one else that Riley wasn't joking when he said that witch could help him, and help him she did. Now all he had to do was return the favor, set the stage for Riley to swoop in and leave with Buffy in hand.

It didn't matter that the witch thought he was just some guileless man lead by his dick. He saw right through her ruse and now it was time he proved his worth. Time to do things my way, no one else's.

Having reached his destination, Dan crept up the stairs that would lead directly to P3's storeroom, hoping he would find Piper within its depths. That would solve a lot of problems. He could whisk her away without any interruptions. Opening the door, he ducked inside, only to find it dark and empty. He growled, would nothing go right? This was ridiculous. He should just go grab her and deal with the rest later. With that in mind, he headed towards the door that would lead through to P3, only to find it slowly opening. Cursing he ducked behind a crate.

"Are you sure?" Piper demanded, turning to face the man following her.

"What kind of a question is that?" He retorted defensively, "Of course, I'm sure."

Piper sighed. This was getting tedious. Now they were losing stock, if it's not one thing it's another. Now she'd have to find out exactly what was going on in her absence. "Fine, I'll look into it." Turning back to the storeroom, she ducked inside, closing the door before he could attempt follow, which was clearly what he had in mind. Having the door shut firmly in his face, the man stormed off, sporting a scowl.

Now that she was alone, Piper felt more at ease, though her thoughts kept returning to Buffy. Things were certainly in a conundrum, weren't they? But, with any luck, Darryl will pull through and solve one of their problems. One of many, but it was a start. She sighed, now to deal with this stock issue…

"Is it true?"

Caught unawares Piper whirled around to find herself face to face with Dan. At first startled, she suddenly found herself furious, and clutching the bottle in her hand, she growled, "What the hell are you doing here?!"

He smiled, hoping to catch her off-guard, "Now, is that any way to treat a friend?" His grin widened as she narrowed her eyes in anger. Clearly she wasn't seeing the funny side of this.

"You are no friend of mine." She shook the bottle at him, tempted to launch it straight into his face. Of course there were repercussions to that sort of thing, so she'd just have to contend herself with threatening him. "And this is a restricted area. Get lost."

He dropped the grin, "Not until you answer my question."

"I have nothing to say to you." She turned her back on him, "End of story."

Moving superhumanly fast, he gripped her shoulders causing her to drop the bottle, which landed with a crash, spewing liquid and glass everywhere. "What is the matter with you?" She pushed against his chest, but he held her firmly in his grasp.

P3 Dancefloor

Back and forth, back and forth. Buffy paced. Piper should have been back by now. What could be taking so long? The more she paced the more frantic she became, certain that something had gone wrong. Jumping down from the stage, she ran in the direction that they had disappeared in only to run head first into the head bartender. Falling down butt first, she glared up at him, "Where's Piper?"

"In the back." He jabbed a finger behind himself, "and you," he pointed to Buffy, now standing before him, "are not allowed back there."

Whatever was happening, Buffy knew that she had to get past the lumbering moron blocking her way. "Just try and stop me." She challenged, quickly bypassing him only to have her arm yanked back.

"You have no idea who you're dealing with." He growled, spittle flying from his mouth.

Smirking, Buffy met his gaze before punching him in the midsection, causing him to fly across the room. Turning on her heel she darted down the hall towards the storage room. She could see that the door was slightly ajar and slowed her pace. Buffy listened intently to the whispered voices coming from within to see if any clues could be gleaned.

"It's true." He sniffed the air around Piper, "You are with child, I can smell it on you." The last was growled in Piper's ear.

Now that didn't sound good, Buffy surmised. In fact, it sounded like they were dealing with an ex of Piper's. Someone who didn't like coming in second place. With her senses on high alert, Buffy glared…something just didn't add up. Widening her eyes, it struck her right in her solar plexus. Vampire…they were dealing with a vampire…not good, especially in close quarters. Had to be a newbie, 'cause Piper sure as hell would never knowingly date a vampire. Buffy grinned, this might actually be fun after all.

"That's…" Piper gulped, "not possible." She claimed, though she didn't sound at all certain. Everyone knew that Piper wanted to have a child, though it seemed like it would never happen and now that it may have become a reality, this happened. It was just her luck, the universe must surely hate her.

Dan's grip tightened, "Don't you dare contradict me." She winced, as he grinned, "In fact, from now on you are mine. No one else's." He started dragging her to the underground entrance, while watching the storage room door.

"Get your hands off of me!" Piper started struggling in earnest. This was not happening, she had to break his hold…she had to!

Dan openly laughed at her attempts to break free. "Nice try, Piper. But I'm a different man now."

"You heard her." Dan stopped and whirled around, trying to find the person who had just spoken. "Over here, nimrod." He turned once again to find a girl standing in front of the storage room door.

Dropping his hands, he stalked towards her. "So, you're Riley's bimbo?"

His words were meant to rile her, but she couldn't seem to care. "And you must be his new lackey?" She laughed, "How's life as his slave, vampire?"

"I'll show you some respect, girl!" Forgetting his mission, he launched himself at Buffy, only to find himself knocked back by the stake that seemed to have materialize in her hand. Oh, shit… was his last thought as he burst into dust.

"Piper!" Buffy ran to her friend's side, noticing that all was not well. Piper's skin felt clammy to the touch and a sheen of sweat had broken out on her face.

"I don't…" Piper felt her forehead with her palm, to find a slick moisture there. "I…" she took a step, but had to brace herself against the wall as she stumbled. Taking a deep breath, she pushed off of the wall and promptly fainted, where she stood.

Now what? Buffy didn't know what to do, she was completely out of her depth and needed help. Fast! Think, Buffy, Think… She scolded herself, before smacking her forehead. Duh! Call Leo, stupid. She remembered Piper telling her that if she was ever in a bind to call for Leo and he would come. Feeling only slightly stupid, she called for Leo as loud as she could. Come on, come on. Please, hurry. Every passing second caused Buffy to become more panicked. Piper had to be OK, she had to.

"Buffy?" Leo shimmered into being, causing Buffy to exhale loudly as she released the breath she was holding.

"It's Piper, hurry." She grabbed his arm and tugged him to where Piper was laying.

"What happened?" He knelt by her side and reached out to touch her face. He listened as Buffy explained everything about Dan and his claim that Piper was pregnant. Picking up Piper, he took Buffy's hand and orbed out with the girls.

The Hyperion

"So that's it?" Angel growled, "There must be something we can do." He'd been like this for hours now, ever since Faith had shown up. With Buffy MIA, he was on a downward spiral and falling fast.

"It's already being done." Snape snapped, exasperated. He had really hoped his business here would be done long before now, but no such luck. Angel was being more frustrating than Ripper and that was saying something. "Now, I really must be going."

"Hold it right there, pal." Faith stood, blocking his path. "You can't just waltz in here and drop this in our laps."

"She's right, you know." Wesley calmly stated, "All you've done is give us cryptic warnings and none of it will help us right now."

"I'm not here to hold your hands." Snape was quickly losing his patience, "Just be prepared when you get that phone call. Ripper doesn't know it yet, but he will call on you. Soon." Smirking he apparated with a soft pop, leaving the Watcher, Slayer, and Vampire stunned at his prompt exit.

Giles' Flat

"I don't care how," Giles growled into the phone, "Just do it!" He slammed the phone down with an audible crash. This was getting him nowhere. He may have deciphered the prophecy, but the rest of it was proving damn near impossible to accomplish. If only his contacts had any information of real value…He cursed, hating his options.

"Um…Giles?" Willow peered around the door, "Are you alright?"

He waved her question aside, as he continued to pace. He wouldn't be alright until Buffy was found and Eliza was dealt with.

"Gee, Will, what kind of question is that?" Xander followed Willow into Giles' flat.

She flushed angrily, "I was just trying to help." She glared at him, "Which is more than I can say for you."

"Shut up, both of you." Anya snapped, "This isn't the time for your petty disagreements. We have more pressing matters to deal with."

She approached Giles and placed a gentle hand on his arm, stilling his movements. "Any news?" she asked.

"Not as of yet" He sighed with frustration, "My contacts are running ragged. There's been no sign of Ethan or Eliza, for that matter. I just don't know what to do now."

"You really think Ethan has a hand in this?" Xander asked the Watcher.

"I think…" Giles stopped to ponder the question and even though the energy shift spoke of Ethan's magick, it just didn't make sense. They had been getting along splendidly lately like old friends reacquainted. Something just didn't sit well with this, but he wouldn't know what until he found Ethan. Clearing his throat, he shook his head, "I don't think so…it just doesn't add up. Ethan's never pulled anything like this before, but the energy signature is very distinct and unmistakable."

"Perhaps Eliza's done something?" Willow suggested, "Like a spell or some king of mind control thing? What?" Willow protested at Xander's doubtful look, "It could happen!"

"Sorry, Will." He flushed guiltily, "I just can't see Ethan as anything but a bad guy." He shrugged his shoulders, as though that explained everything.

"Yes, well…" Giles stiffened his back, slightly put off by Xander stance on the matter, "We'll know as soon as we find him and we will find him. It's only a matter of time."

San Francisco, The Halliwell Manor

Piper was pacing. How could so much have changed in such a short time? She may very well be pregnant and still she had to help Buffy. It wasn't just a matter of doing what was right, she felt a connection to the other girl. A connection that couldn't be explained, but she knew that Buffy needed her, just like she knew inherently that Buffy needed her Watcher…or lover? But whatever the case, he was needed.

Creeping down the hall, she looked in on Buffy's sleeping form. She was SO exhausted, that she had fallen asleep straight away. Glancing at her cell, she called the one person who could help, luckily he answered on the first ring and hopefully he would have the information she needed.

"It wasn't easy getting this, you know?"

"I know, Darryl, I will owe you big time, but I wouldn't have asked if I couldn't have gotten this any other way."

"Have you talked to her?"

"No, and I'm not going to." Piper was adamant, "She won't call him, but he's a part of this, I know he is."

"And if she gets mad?" he chuckled, "What then?"

"She won't, trust me…" Piper whispered in response, "She needs this."

Chapter 8: Spells & Discoveries

London, England—Watchers Council

Spike leaned around the brick wall, and watched as a man exited the Watcher's Council. A man that, if he wasn't mistaken, was wearing roves. Which meant: Wizard. Now why was a wizard there, of all places? Especially in light of recent activities? Spike didn't know, but vowed to find out. Abandoning his original plan to infiltrate the council, he slowly began to follow the wizard.

Just when Spike had given up hope of recognizing the wizard, he turned, giving Spike a clear view of his face. It was that wizard from last year; what was his name? That headmaster…Dumbledore. That was it. Spike scowled. What the hell was Dumbledore doing there?

It was time to hunt Snape down. Provided he could find the stupid sod, Spike mused. It was time to get answers.

Halliwell Manor; San Francisco

Piper was pacing. Leo had stayed with her since the attack, but now he was speaking with the Elders. Hopefully they would know what was going on. Sighing she sat heavily and, once again, looked at the folder that Darryl had left for her. Despite what she had told Darryl, she had a feeling that this would go either one of two ways. It would blow up in her face or Buffy would be so relieved that it wouldn't matter to her one way or another.

"I know what you're thinking." Pru interrupted her thoughts.

"Really?" She quirked an eyebrow.

"We both do." Phoebe joined her sisters, "we just don't think it's a good idea."

"Why not?" Piper tossed the folder on the table.

"If Buffy wanted him here, she would have called him herself, don't you think?" Pru looked beseechingly at her sister, but Piper was already shaking her head.

"It's a bit more complicated than that, I think."

"How can you be so sure?" Phoebe sat beside Piper.

"I just…trust me on this, please. He needs to be here."

The Magic Box

Giles was tinkering with his guitar as he debated what his next move would be. He knew that finding Ethan was imperative, however with his feelers out there was nothing else he could do on that front. No, his priority right now had to be Buffy. He just didn't know how to find her. Perhaps he should take another look at his dream, maybe it would yield some clue as to her whereabouts…

"I know what you're thinking."

"Really?" He looked up to find Anya walking towards him.

"Yes, but you're doing all that you can." She smiled, "What else do you expect to do?"

Giles narrowed his eyes, "Anya?" She certainly wasn't acting like herself. Of course, this could just be a dream. But was it possible? Yes, he had to admit, however improbable it may be.

She openly laughed, "You think this is a dream, don't you?"

"The thought crossed my mind." He agreed, idly setting the guitar aside. "What do you think?"

Her smiled turned mischievous as she faded out to reveal a woman that he had hoped to never see again. "Eliza."

"Ru…as clever as always, I see."

"Now, what could you possibly want?" He stood to face her.

"What makes you think I want something?"

He snorted, "You're here, aren't you?"

"How observant of you. I am merely trying to offer my assistance. But if you don't want it…"

She turned to leave, when Giles spoke, stopping her mid-turn, "It was you, wasn't it?"

She chuckled, "That was rather direct, don't you think?"

He shook his head, "Doesn't matter. You played with Ethan's mind. This spell, it was all your doing. But you miscalculated."

"Oh?" She cocked an eyebrow.

"That's right. Buffy's disappearance, that was his idea. He sent her well out of your reach and for that, I'm grateful."

She shrugged, as though bored, "I've not come to argue, merely to suggest you look up an old friend. Solomon's Guide To Dark Magick will prove to be most illuminating." Her eyes flashed slightly as the phone started to ring. "Time to wake up now, Ru. Just remember what I said."

Giles woke to the phone still ringing, "Great." He sighed as he moved to answer the still ringing phone, "Another ominous warning."

San Francisco—Halliwell Manor

Piper waited, rather impatiently, as the phone continued ringing. Then she started to pace, what if he wasn't there? Then what would she do? They were running out of time, she knew they were. The spell Buffy was under had to be reversed and soon or she'd be stuck growing up all over again. Don't ask how she knew, but she did, just as she knew that Buffy's Watcher was the key, regardless of what her sisters said.

She was about to give up when a disgruntled, "Yes," was said through the phone.

Not just disgruntled though, but barked, startling Piper and causing her to nearly drop the phone. "Mr. Giles?"

He sighed, as though being put out, "This is Giles."

Not at all sure what to say and slightly intimidated by the growl, she started babbling," I hope you don't mind, but your assistant, Anya, gave me this number…or at least, I hope she gave me the right number. It sounds like she did, although she did make me jump through hoops to get it. Not literally, of course, but you know what I mean…"

"Excuse me? I don't mean to interrupt, but who are you?"

Piper could feel herself blushing, thankful that her sisters missed that display, "Sorry, I tend to babble when I'm nervous or at a loss for words. I'm Piper Halliwell…and I've called about…"

"Buffy…" He breathed, finishing her sentence. "I'm sorry," he continued, "I didn't mean to be short with you earlier, It's just been a hectic couple of days."

"I know the feeling," She grinned suddenly, "You know who I am? That'll make things a bit easier."

"Quite, Buffy's there with you?" Finally, he could feel the tension drain from his body. He would be with her soon.

"Yes, but Mr. Giles-"

"Just Giles, please. I haven't been Mr. for quite some time now. Reminds me of my father, to be honest. I wonder…"

"Giles?"

"I just…I don't understand why Buffy wouldn't call me herself."

"Personally, I think she's scared to." Piper confided, "She's been having terrible nightmares."

"Nightmares?" Giles questioned as though it were a foreign concept, though he knew from experience that that wasn't the case.

"I think she feels you'll be safer if you stay away."

"That certainly sounds like Buffy. Even if her theory is a bit unfounded."

"Meaning?"

"This is more than just the Slayer. It's bigger than that, much bigger." He explained without really explaining anything, but Piper thought she understood regardless.

"You know, don't you? About the spell?"

Ignoring the question, Giles instead asked, "You called me, remember? Why risk it?"

"I may not know much, but I do know this: Despite what Buffy thinks, she needs you. Now more than ever."

"I can leave at dawn. No sense trying to tempt fate."

Los Angeles-Hyperion Hotel

Faith strolled through the doors of the Hyperion Hotel, as though she owned the place, heedless of those present. "Wes!" she called hoping to find the ex-watcher.

"He's not here." Cordelia growled, irritated at the interruption.

"Well, where is he?"

"If he's smart…hiding." Cordelia grinned, as Faith advanced menacingly.

"What is your problem?"

"Look, little miss Slayer…he's not your Watcher. Giles is, so why don't you just go back to Sunnydale where you belong."

"So? Don't you think Giles has been through enough? Besides maybe I'm right where I need to be."

"Like you really care." Cordelia scoffed. There was no doubt in her mind that Faith would never change. They gave her numerous chances, but each time she walked all over them. Why would this time be any different? Like they always said, 'You can't change a tiger's stripes.'

Anything Faith may have said was cut off by the ringing phone. She groaned and trooped up the stairs, leaving Cordelia to answer it.

"Angel Investigations, we help-"

"Put Wes on."

"Giles?" Cordelia couldn't keep the shock from her voice. "Is that really you? I heard about-"

"I need to speak with Wes. Now." He interrupted her, knowing that time was short and he just couldn't explain.

"Fine." She groused, handing the phone to Wes on her way to the kitchen.

"Giles?" Wes hesitantly asked, "Is something the matter?"

"I need a favor." He stated without preamble.

Outside the Watcher's Council—London, England

Severus Snape was angry. No, not just angry, he was pissed. That vampire was going to ruin everything. Not to mention, the screwed up mess that he now had to clean up, all thanks to that blasted niece of his. "Well, it's about time." The vampire in question stopped pacing to face Snape.

"What in the blazes are you doing here?" Snape growled, "You're going to screw this up."

"And you're keeping secrets." Spike smirked.

"That's none of your concern." Snape turned his back signaling the end of the conversation.

Spike grabbed his arm, forcefully and launched him up against the building. "Listen, you prat, those wankers deserve everything I'm going to dish out, especially since they have my girl. Now get out of my way."

"The only thing you're going to do is die, at their hands. You're just one vampire walking into a room full of Watchers. Now start thinking with your brain…if you have one." Shrugging Spike off, he entered the Watchers Council.

Inside the Watcher's Council—London, England

"You had better have a good reason for keeping my niece captive." Snape stormed into Quentin Travers' office.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the great professor come to pay us a visit." Travers smiled, "I'm honored."

"Where is my niece?"

"That's a bit of a sticky situation, I'm afraid." Travers' grin widened, "You see, I've arrested her and she's going to be kept here until she answers for what she's done."

"You can't be serious." Snape scoffed at ludicrous notion of Angelika being a simple criminal.

"Oh…so you don't know? She's been keeping things from you, Professor, dangerous things. She might have even been working against you all these years."

"I demand to see my niece. Now!" Snape growled.

Travers sighed, unperturbed by Snape's outburst, "I'm afraid that's just not possible. Now if you'll excuse me, I have an urgent phone call I must make."

Narrowing his eyes, he regarded Travers in silence, before stalking towards the door. Turning he faced Travers once more, "I seem to recall a treaty we signed, long ago. A treaty Angelika was instrumental in forging. Don't make me regret signing that trash. Because if anything happens to my niece, you will regret it. And as we both know, your days are numbered."

Travers watched him go, his grin never faltering. That was a bluff, if ever he heard one. Well, it looked as though it was time to call his bluff. There was one thing Travers was good at and that was playing dirty. I'll just have to see if my prisoner can shed some light on Snape's movements. But first I have a little business to deal with…

"Mrs. Summers? I'm afraid I have some bad news…" He grinned thinking about how this would play out and how in the end he would come out on top.