Chapter Six: CargoShipment
Silence, something Katherine needed to become use to. Living with Snape would mean majority of the time he would be gone. Making the arrange marriage seem possible to achieve.
He would be gone for the rest of the year, including Christmas. The letter he sent to inform her of the decision laid on her pillow. She hoped to be out of this hell and living with Harry far away around the holiday. Giving the child a Christmas, he deserved.
Georgia never showed up within the last week, she knew the ingredients would not be easy for the elf to find. A potion Charity did not know she was planning to do.
She had to do it. It was the only way.
I can do this, Katherine tried to assure herself.
The young witch walked toward Snape's bedroom door. Never being inside his room she was hesitant. Lowering her body to the ground she looked at the locked doorknob. Katherine allowed her finger to enter her mouth, gently biting on it with her front teeth, being in a deep thought trance. To enter the door would be easy with a spell, but knowing Snape, he would guard his private rooms.
Asking Charity to charm the door would not be a wise idea. The only way to enter would be the muggle way, Katherine wished she was more rounded in the gift. Knowing she needed something pointy and sharp, digging around her hair for a bobby-pin. The small item would be perfect.
Hoping for the best she bent the first one before sticking it into the hole. Twisting and turning, her arm began to ache in the same position. Katherine refused to stop before hearing the satisfying sound.
Click.
She was in.
The door creaked with her hand pushing the door forward. Katherine looked inside for the first time, her husbands' room.
Everything was placed perfect, simple, but dark. Looking around she noticed a small picture flipped over on the black nightstand. On the opposite side, a tall slim bookshelf was filled with brown leather notebooks, every spine of the book was perfectly placed. Nothing was out of place. Wanting to dig deeper into his bind, she had to control herself from running to the shelf and read all his notes. Needing to find the ingredients for the Polyjuice potion was important.
The picture seemed harmless to flip over and observe.
It was her.
Katherine slowly allowed herself to sit on Snape's firm bed. Holding the picture in her hand.
She was beautiful. The silver dress complimented her fair skin, making Lily look like the goddess James swore she was. Photo Lily twirled around smiling at her.
She was happy that night. It was such a special moment for Lily that day.
Katherine didn't want to know how he had this picture. She knew the picture was taken by Charity; Charity took all the photos at the Gala. It was a dance Hogwarts hosted for the pupils at the end of the year.
If the photo reminded her of this night, she couldn't imagine the pain Snape relived everyday if he looked at the picture. That night wasnt special to Snape.
No wonder he hates me, Katherine felt stupid. Holding her breath refusing to allow herself to pity the man, she placed the picture back, flipping it over.
Wishing she never touched it.
"He loved you Lily, everyone loved you." Katherine whispered.
No one knew the love Snape held for that girl. Not even Lily herself. Katherine had figured it out, it wasn't hard, yet she longed as a young girl to be wanted by him. The mysterious, smart, cunning boy held her attention. He didn't fear her brother like most boys', he wasn't scared even when James was immature toward him. At times Katherine wondered if Snape was a target because of their friendship, if she was the reason James and his friends went after the boy.
She wiped her hands together as if she was wiping the memories, she had of him away.
If only it was that simple.
She locked eyes on the arch opening, slowly walking to the entrance.
It was his closet, the clothes were missing but the ingredients placed in a brown cabinet with glass on the doors, making the view of the items visible to her blue eyes. She had it, it would all fall into play. Just needing Georgia to arrive with her ingredients for the other potion.
The plan will work.
Katherine entered the pub, Tom watched her with worry eyes, he wanted to give her a few weeks off after the mirror incident. Shaking her head assuring him she was meeting with someone, still taking the break. A break she was thankful for, it gave her time to continue with her plan. The figure she was walking toward stood in the corner, shadow casting on him, making her vision strain.
"Remus." Katherine whispered once she stood in front her brother's friend.
His eyes didn't light up with joy but instead she watched them fill with sorrow. "Do not pity me, I am not a broken a girl." She added.
Trying to give the man a small smile, but it was hard. He was the only one left of the four friends. Peter and James, dead, Sirius locked away for his crime and Lupin, alone.
Alone like her.
"I'm glad Charity said you wanted to see me, she was suppose to be here but I guess being busy with her job." Lupin's eyes never left Katherine's face as he trailed off.
Charity was busy with finding information on Lovegood, something she didn't wish to tell Lupin, yet.
Her brother's friend looked shabby and worn down, knowing the reason why. Katherine was glad that tonight was not a full moon, knowing she didn't have to worry about him running off and not able to finish the conversation. Even with his shabby clothes and body that looked worn down, he was not a weak wizard in Katherine's opinion. He was capable of producing strong defense spells against dark arts.
Lupin suggested they mingle around his favorite place, Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. He led the way, as they engaged in one another's company. Glancing toward Knockturn Alley, Katherine couldn't help but think of the recent memory. Where Lupin was one of the men that came to her rescue. Feeling his warm hands pull her closer to his body, his smell was relaxing. Wilderness and earthy, he smelled like nature with a hint of coffee. Katherine couldn't hide the smile on her face, while they walked deeper into Diagon Alley.
Lupin pulled a chair for Katherine after the pair ordered each an ice-cream.
"How have you been?" Katherine asked before her tongue pressed against the strawberry ice-cream.
Lupin shook his head, trying to swallow the bit he had taken a bite of, "busy, I'm sure you heard about my new job. Cargoshipment."
The name instantly was a reminder of Samuel's shirt he wore the other day. Katherine nodded, she knew and it would be foolish to pretend that she wasn't aware of the obvious.
"Do you know everyone you work with, like the muggles?" Katherine query.
"I try to stay alone, it's been going well so far. You?"
"The pub is interesting." Katherine emphasized on the last word.
She went on to explain but the pair were interrupted by a large man. He beamed at both of them, Katherine recognized him immediately. From the information Dumbledore had sent her, she knew Cornelius Fudge was Junior Minister in the department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. His hand went straight to Lupin, ready to shake hands. Glancing at Katherine, giving her a small wink.
"Cornelius Fudge, would you and your wife be interested in listening to the new beginning idea I have in mind for the Wizarding world." His tone held such confidence. Katherine tilted her head in awe, he winked but never fully addressed her. Only focusing on the man at the table. Lupin had shaken his hand but unsure on what to respond.
Katherine cleared her throat, resting her elbow on the table, while head playfully landed on her hand "We are not married, but maybe another time, we are two old friends, who would love to catch up and chat in private." She faked a smile, but her eyes narrowed. Katherine adored Millicent Bagnold. Millicent had her issues but she fought to have Death Eater's away, with her not being a fan of Malfoy was another reason she adored the woman. The man before her was known for being in Malfoy's pocket. Fudge was uncomfortable as Lupin covered his smirk, watching the man before them leave.
His confidence was fake, Katherine assumed.
Charity pushed pass Fudge, not caring he was a fellow colleague.
Katherine giggled from her friend's excitement.
"Hey! Sorry I'm late, muggle stuff." She was out of breath before plopping down near Lupin, nearly falling on top of him.
Cornelius was now chatting with another group of Witches and Wizards. Thankfully away from their table, Katherine was relieved.
"I see you met Fudge, he's trying hard to get a good following, he plans to run for office after Bagnold retires, putting her out early in my opinion. Did you hear his motto?" She waited for Lupin and Katherine to shake their heads. "His motto is" she lifted two fingers on each hand to give air quotations "new beginning, the rainbow after the storm." Sticking her tongue out as she pretended to gag herself.
Katherine covered her mouth with her hand laughing, her head falling back. If he came into office Katherine knew that it would be a mess. Everyone adored Albus Dumbledore and Barty Crouch. Rumors of Crouch were starting to circulate, information about his son. The wizarding world loved gossip, and his information was intrersting.
Following Lupin's gaze, she noticed he was starring at the black diamond ring on her finger, the ring she couldn't get off without it digging into her skin. The pain it caused was unbearable that she left it.
"That's your ring." Lupin stated.
Katherine realized he seemed annoyed, unsure if it was with her and the ring or himself. Exchanging looks with Charity trying to see if her friend knew what it was, Charity shook her head.
"I've tried to take it off but it's painful, the band pierces my skin like thorns." Katherine whispered. Looking at the beautiful jewelry. It was an extravagant ring. Unlike the necklace on her neck, she wanted the ring off.
"It's a bonding ring, you won't be able to take it off. It bonds you, the person who placed it on your finger, he is the only one who can take it off." Lupin explained.
He knew more about the ring then she did. Katherine didn't understand how he knew about the object, Snape had never explained much about it. She asked him once but he ignored her.
"Bonds, like a tracking spell?" Her question filled with annoyance. Did Snape plan to keep her not only locked in his home but on leash by a ring?
"Different, it bonds you in a different way, you could use it to track, but its every emotion you feel, they can tell. So, if you are in danger, it gives them a sense and they can come. Most death eaters gave it to their wives, with them being at risk, it was a way to know that they are safe."
Lupin reached for Katherine's hand. He examined the ring closely, nodding to himself. Wondering if Narcissa had a ring similar to hers. She never thought much of it until now.
"How do you know so much about it?" Charity asked the question that Katherine was thinking.
"James had me look into it" Lupin answered, turning his attention back to Katherine "he wanted it off your finger, but" he trailed off. Katherine wasn't sure if Lupin was ashamed or sad. "He was murdered before I could inform him of what I knew. That's before we knew Snape was on our side."
Neither of them was eating their ice-cream. Katherine stared at the pink liquid in her clear cup. She wondered if Lupin thought she chose to marry Snape. Knowing most people thought she married Snape out of love, especially the ones who went to Hogwarts anytime the pair were attending. It wasn't an odd pairing, it made sense to others. As if Voldemort knew to make them a realistic pair to marry off. She didn't understand why Voldemort would do this to her, none of it made sense to Katherine. Lupin was just adding more things for her to worry about, if her ring bonded her with Snape would he be able to find her when she had Harry.
Losing a finger was not part of the plan. Her stomach started to do flips from the anxiety building up, her chest tightened.
"So are you able to load the cargo on your own, without help." Charity pipped up. Looking toward her friend, she was thankful for a change of topic, a topic to help with the main focus. The focus on getting Harry. Feeling Charity's gentle squeeze on her knee cap, she allowed her lips to slowly curl upward.
Lupin nodded. His explanation of how the shipment works, the trail to America. How wizards were even sending magical goods on some compartments, it was how he received the position. He knew a lot about the trade, it would be a perfect way out if she could convince Lupin to join them in on the plan. Hoping his morals would not cause him to be against the idea.
Katherine and Lupin were walking in the dark sky, the shine of the crescent moon rested on both of their skin. He was leading her out of Diagon Alley and out into the muggle world. Linking her arm with his.
Charity had retuned home.
"I use to fear the darkness, but James always told me that darkness is scared of light. He would put a Lumos spell on my teddy to make it glow, like the moon." Katherine whispered.
"Your brother cared about you, a lot." Lupin added. She felt his gaze on her, she never looked up as they continued to walk.
"And you, my family would have done anything for you." Katherine said. Words were true, her parents loved Lupin and his family. Even if her parents would have found out the truth, she knew that they would have never casted judgment on him. Taking her eyes off the nature before them, she looked up. Lupin's face was covered with a secret. He knew that Katherine had knowledge of him being a werewolf, but it was something different.
"I know." His tone was filled with shame. Katherine didn't want to probe but pulled him closer, gently squeezing his arm. "I really am happy you reached out. You remind me of him." Lupin finished.
"I'm nothing like James" Katherine corrected him.
James was a hero.
Katherine felt like runner.
"We can agree to disagree on that one Kat, tell me. Are you happy?"
What is happiness, Katherine thought.
She couldn't help but chuckle "Happiness is an emotion I don't think I deserve to feel. I lost my family and I don't remember much of my past. It makes me wonder if I did anything to deserve this."
The truth was hard to say, it felt like bile leaving her tongue.
"I ask for your forgiveness, I once thought you were the mole, but James refused to think it. I even told Sirius that you were it. He denied the allegations, I thought it was because he loved you."
Hearing Black's name didn't make her cringe.
But the word love did.
love?
Before he became the known traitor and murder, he was a player with the ladies. They were never an item.
Her brows furrowed, her walking stopped. The fact that Lupin thought she was the traitor made the wind from her lungs escape. Releasing his arm, Katherine waited for an explanation.
"We all knew how much Sirius adored you, James and him would disagree on the matter. James would tell him he was too immature. Then we heard the news that you would marry Snape, I remember James regretted not allowing Sirius to have a relationship with you. But then the rumors came to the Order that it was because of, You Know Who. I question myself now, was it because Sirius had a school boy crush. Was he responsible for you to marry James enemy so he could be the hero to rescue you after James's death?" Lupin pinched the bridge of his nose. "Or did you really marry the man that you loved, we all knew how much you liked Snape, even after the incident. Lily told us you ran away because your heart was broken. It's clear that Snape was trying to protect you, in my opinion."
Katherine didn't want to hear this mad idea. To think a man who liked her, a man she had no idea felt that way, a man that was like family could ruin her life and betray his friend. She refused to cry, sucking in as much air as possible she pushed back the tears. Needing something to numb the pain that Lupin's theory was causing her.
"Well, I need a drink." Biting her bottom lip, she turned away. Pulling her white cloak tighter around her. Feeling Lupin's hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't of. Forgive me again." His whisper on her ears. Katherine needed him, knowing that she had to forgive his words, she nodded in agreement.
A drink, that's all Katherine could think of after the stroll with Lupin.
She convinced the man to take her to HogsHead, a pub within Hogsmeade. The cold night air still sent chills down her spine while her tongue craved for the bitter taste of wine.
No, something stronger.
Lupin didn't wish to enter the pub, but not wanting to leave her alone.
Katherine convinced him she would be fine, but needed a bit of self-care.
Sitting on the stool near the bar she ordered two glasses of brandy, not her usual taste.
Even with the shots she was taking the thought of everything happening because of a school boy crush wasn't being erased from her mind. The warmth from the drinks caused her cheeks to feel warm while her body swayed side to side.
Being intoxicated, the power of alcohol was over her, but her mind still thought about the situation. Instead of numbing the pain, it felt enhanced.
A large hand pressed on her shoulder. Causing her to jump from the gesture. The scent of musk stung her nose.
The owner of the smell was a large Wizard. His shirt was drenched from alchohol he spilled from drinking. Katherine rose a brow moving her body from his touch, he sat next to her.
"Well hello baby" he belched.
His deep voice made Katherine shiver in disgust.
Feeling her stool being pulled closer toward him, she couldn't help but use her cloak as a shield over her body. Knowing she was alone and it was late, not knowing what to say without being the one to cause a scene.
To cause a scene or to be silent, Katherine debated.
"Would you like another drink, on me of course." He reached to brush her cheek, invading her personal space. Moving backwards, not having a wand didn't make it easy, physically she knew that she couldn't overpower him.
"No." Katherine snapped; eyes narrowed on the drunken man.
"Don't be a prude, come on little lady." He grinned.
Katherine held her breath, the man slammed his hand on the wooden bar, waiting for her to agree to drink. To others it was simple gesture to buy her a drink but Katherine didn't want company, she didn't want to deal with the opposite gender.
The presence of someone standing behind her while here eyes stayed locked on the drunken man. Slowly he removed his hand from the counter, looking beyond her view.
"Leave her alone." Malfoy seethed.
Thankful that the man behind her was scarring the guy away, but scared for what was to come.
She had to catch herself from grabbing the drunk, wanting him to leave but not wanting to be left alone with Malfoy.
Katherine spun in her chair, instantly regretting as the view of the blonde man seemed to be a double. Squinting her eyes, she realized he wasn't alone. Ryder, stood with the blonde man. Ryder was the opposite of Lucius in looks, dark hair and eyes, but they both shared the same sadistic smirk.
Ryder slowly walked to the stool where the previous man sat. Lucius stayed in the same spot, causing her to put her full attention on a person at a time. A trick she knew Malfoy was great at, a mind game on where to look.
Malfoy held his two black gloved fingers up to the bartender, she knew and placed two brandy glasses down. Katherine watched as Lucius took her empty glass away and placed the full one in front of her. Arrogance radiated from the man.
"Its nice to see you out, feeling lonely since your husband is away," his blue eyes glanced toward the crowd of men. "I don't think he would want you to mingle with a group of men behind his back," Malfoy taunted.
Liquor courage filled her throat "what do you want," Katherine snapped. Turning toward Ryder, she didn't like not being able to keep her attention on both men at the same time.
Lucius was quick as he grabbed her left hand, forcing her to turn her body toward him. He looked down at the ring and then back at Katherine.
She felt pressure on her stool from Ryder, keeping it down so she wouldn't fall. Lucius was smart, making a scene to cause others to intervene would not look good for his image. Dropping her hand, she noticed his eyes flickered to the drink then to her, a subtle command for her to drink. Katherine never moved to grab it.
"Just keeping an eye on you. Rumors are spreading that you had a melt down at the Cauldron." Lucius continued.
He lifted the glass off the table, placing it near her mouth, Katherine was quick to grab the glass before Lucius released it. Small specks of liquid fell on her lap, he was willing to drop the glass on her. Downing the substance, she harshly placed the glass on the table, making a loud noise.
Lucius poured the second drink in her glass.
Katherine refused to drink another, her vision was already spinning.
"Scared that I may just learn why my body recoils when you look at me, learn the truth?" Katherine spat.
At first, she didn't realize the words left her mouth, she was thinking it but the deed was done. Malfoy sent Ryder away, with a simple wave.
He leaned forward, his nose nearly touching hers.
"Honestly your screams sound like a lullaby to my ears when I fall asleep, I truly wish you remembered. But then it gives me a reason to seek out fear in your blue eyes again, make you beg for me to stop."
Katherine stood, her hand went for his neck but Lucius gripped her wrist, pulling her body closer. She could feel his body heat thru his cloak.
"Does Narcissa know what kind of sick bastard you are?"
Lucius rose his hand, Katherine flinched, instead of hitting her he moved his blonde strand from his face, laughing. He was laughing at her reaction.
Katherine hated that she flinched, her body betrayed her.
"Don't bring my wife in this Katherine, we all know you are not ready to play against me." He chuckled, as his blue eyes danced around her.
One thing she was learning, his wife was his weak spot.
She struggled to get her wrist free, but he refused to release her, squeezing tighter. "I hope when you get locked up in Azkaban, I'm there when they handcuff you," Katherine hissed.
She kept tugging her wrist away, his grip was firm.
"Sweetheart, if I go down, I'm brining you with me. And that's a promise." He raised the wrist he held to his mouth, kissing her hand.
Without hesitation she backhanded him with her free hand, the ring cutting his cheek.
The blood slowly escaped the cut.
Katherine felt her cheeks tug upward, she couldn't help but smile at her action.
Lucius pushed her down on to the floor near his feet, "you will regret this Sweetheart. You were always a pawn, learn your role." He scoffed before leaving the pub.
Katherine would have stood but the fast reaction of being pushed down, caused her mind to spin, feeling the bubbles in her stomach wanting to escape. Her skin began to sweat.
Katherine struggled to gain her control over her legs, wobbling toward the exit. She needed the cold air, the bile in her throat burned.
The swaying of her body made the world spin faster.
She gagged until everything inside her stomach was out.
The taste of her vomit made it worst, eyes stinging from her makeup mixing with her tears.
Katherine went to wipe the snot from her nose but couldnt stop her body from swaying more. The ground seemed closer than before.
Nearly falling on the pavement, she felt hands grab her, preventing her from hitting the ground.
"Katherine, Snape is going to kill me if I walk in his office with you drunk." Lupin whispered. Feeling him lift her feet off the ground, everything became dark.
Her head pounded.
The light was bright. Everything was hurting on her body.
Katherine couldn't help but groan while turning to her side.
Keeping her eyes shut. Katherine realized the the bed was firm.
It wasn't hers. Her bed at Snape's house was soft. She lived to sleep on soft things. This bed was the opposite.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly opened her eyes. Looking around the room she wasn't familiar with it, the light was coming from a small window above. Many books placed perfectly on shelves; it was a brown leather notebook that gave it away.
Instantly realizing who's bed she was in.
She was in Snapes bed at Hogwarts.
Quickly, she looked down and was relieved that she was in the same clothes as last night.
"My lady." Georgia whispered.
The small elf stood in the shadows as if she was waiting for her the entire time, the little elf held a clear skinny glass flask, filled with a green liquid.
Katherine knew that Georgia did it. She found the ingredients and took it upon herself to make the potion.
The forbidden sleeping potion.
Thank you all for reading, I know this chapter had a long break, went on Holiday.
Reviews are appreciated.
Chapter Seven: Blood Magic- Coming April 27th