Part 9:
Summer Break:
Septina finished packing her bags and miniaturized them, putting them in her pocket. She then walked into the common room, looking around for her brother. Rosier looked up when she walked in and she nodded at him. "Have you seen my brother?"
The sixth year nodded, pointing towards the boys' dorm.
"Thank you." Walking briskly up the stairs, she entered the room without knocking. "Are you done?"
"Give me a moment." He snapped, glaring at her. "I had a little problem with Lucius." Flinging down his formal Slytherin robe, he sat down heavily on the bed.
"He's still behaving like a scorned lover?" She asked, picking the robe up and smoothing it before folding it neatly for packing.
"Yes." He sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Why doesn't he get over it already?"
"Because he's Lucius. He was raised to serve someone like Voldemort. You know his family would consider it a great honor to be in the company of him." She said, tossing a scarf at him. "Get up and help me, you oaf."
Sighing again, he rose and handed her his items. "What are we going to do about him?"
"What can we do? No matter what we do, he will always be Lucius." It was a calm, reasonable reply that said more by its brevity.
It wasn't what Sev wanted to hear at that moment though. "That isn't good enough. If we don't do something and soon, he will."
And that was a most frightening thought. Lucius had a lot of clout in their world and lately he'd been hanging out with a rougher crowd of Slytherins. He'd been distant and unapproachable. Both twins had begun to feel the sting of his scorn. And the Slytherins had begun to follow his lead and withdraw from them. There was a disdain in their eyes and actions that hadn't existed before.
It wasn't obvious to outside eyes but there was a chill in the house now. "Sev, calm down. We have all summer to come up with a way to retaliate. Lucius won't come out and hurt us until he knows he'll get what he wants."
Shrinking his stuff down, he pocketed it. "It's his obtaining it that worries me, Sept. Voldemort would love someone like him working on his side. And Lucius has more power to betray us than anyone else." He stated, frustrated because what she said made sense.
Their cousin may be head strong and spoiled but he was not a fool. He would not take a definite stand against them until he had attained what he wanted. And then only if he knew that he would not lose that which he coveted.
Quietly, they walked out into the yard. "Hey, you two. I wondered when you were going to show up."
Startled, they looked around, they saw that the voice belonged to their only real friend. Walking over to her, Sev nodded, "See you next term, Lily."
"Are you sure you two won't ride with us?" She asked, sounding a little sad.
"Lil, we've already told you, we're not taking the train. We're being met in Hogsmead." Sev shifted from one foot to the other restlessly. Something was wrong, he could feel it.
Lily nodded slowly. "That's right. They allow that?"
With an innocent expression on his face, the question went unanswered. Lily shivered, feeling the answer in that look. The trio stood in silence for a while before Septina moved, breaking the mood.
"Be seeing you, Lil." She waved and the duo went off, being careful to avoid further detection. Once they were clear of the school and well on their way, she glanced up at him. "What ever made you decide to say nothing? And with such a look on you face?"
He slowed his steps, falling behind her. They stopped, staring at each other. "In all honesty, I don't know. There's something about Lily that compels me to speak the truth. Since we can't always do that, I remain silent."
"I find that implied threats work better than saying the words." She studied him, idly noticing that his features were changing. They were losing the softness and becoming more sharp and angular. "I see. Are you falling for her?"
"No!" He started walking away from her quickly. Then he stopped, turning around to face her. "At least, I don't think I am. What do you think?"
She was quiet as they walked, thinking about her answer. "If the conventional signs of a person in love are accurate, then I would say no because you had them before you met her."
"Sept, this isn't helping." He said.
"Well, I am sorry. But I don't know. I may be your mirror image but I am not you." They were silent, listening to the sounds around them. "Do you think about her a lot?"
"Not really. I think about her when she's around. But other than that, she doesn't enter my mind that much." They cleared the woods and walked down one of the streets. "Don't get me wrong, I do care about her. I just don't obsess about her."
"Then what is it?"
They walked into a small establishment that was hidden in a little corner of the town. "How are you doing, Daffodil?" He asked the proprietor when she looked up at them from her desk.
"Mr. Snape, Miss. Snape." She greeted them with a smile. "I do very well, thank you. Your normal rooms are ready. Will you be needing anything else?"
"Not right now, thanks, Daf. We'll let you know if anything comes up." He replied, tipping her over her quiet protests. Together they walked into the room and took off their coats, hanging them on the coat rack in the corner. He sat down in a chair, crossing his legs at the ankles. "I'm not sure, sis. I just have the feeling that something is wrong with Lily. You must have seen that she wasn't too thrilled about going home." He finally answered her question.
The dark head slowly bowed in acknowledgment of his words. "She's not our problem now, Sev."
"I realize that." He was tense, the feeling wouldn't go away. It just settled inside his gut to stay.
She sat down on the footstool, studying him again. "Then let it go. If something is truly bothering her, she'll tell Potter."
"Maybe." He was not as sure as he'd like to be, even if he saw the logic in her words. Deep down, he knew she wasn't as sure as she'd like him to believe. Shaking off the melancholic mood, he smiled. "Are you ready for tomorrow?"
"More than ready. I have been aching for this trip to begin for a long time." The tones in her voice shifted. "And I cannot wait for these blasted changes to be finished. They are ruining my indomitable facade."
"At least your voice doesn't crack. You experience only minor discomfort. Try being me." He shot back. "And try putting someone down, only to have your voice squeak! It is most humiliating."
"I can just imagine." Dead pan.
"I'm sure you can." They smirked at each other, then started their summer course work.
Suddenly, she spoke into the stillness of the room. "Listen to this:
Divination is the serious
study of the stars and
their influence in our
lives. As this coming
year progresses, we will
learn how they work and
why our true star sign
develops our fates."
She snorted. "Does she actually believe such tripe?"
"From all I've heard of her, I would have to answer in the affirmative." Severus was calm as he studied her scornful face. Like Septina had earlier, he noticed the changes in her features. "And she expects all of her students to be show the same dedication."
"Oh, of all the luck." She glared at the paper, unconcerned when it began to burn. "That's how I feel about such garbage. It isn't even worth the cost of the paper it's written on."
Sev quickly put out the flames and restored the paper. "You can't be setting your work ablaze." He pointed out reasonably. "If it really bothers you so much, why not withdrawal from the class?"
That earned him a scornful look. "And let the Gryffindors think that I couldn't handle this class? I think not."
"Then toughen up." He was blunt.
With a huffy sigh, she went back to work. It was quite late when they finished their work. Severus stretched and gathered up the work, placing a lock and binding spell on it. "I'll give these to Daffodil for safe keeping."
She nodded. It had been their custom to leave their stuff here over the summer holidays. Daffodil was a trusted companion of their father's, though there was something unsettling about her.
When he returned, she was curled up in front of the windows. Resting on her lap was a book their mother had sent them to study. She felt that the school wasn't challenging them enough and had decided to give them more study work. Her brow was puckered in confusion over something she was reading.
"May I offer my assistance?" He asked quietly, not wanting to startle her. He'd been watching her struggle for a while and was worried about it. Their mother was stricter with Septina than she was with him.
"It's this blasted Latin passage!" Slamming the book down, she paced the room restlessly. "Mother requires a 2 scroll report on it."
Picking up the book, he perused it with a frown. A 2 scroll paragraph on this? Sounds like mother is setting someone up for a fall, he thought. Anger shot through him at the through and he barked at her. "Sit down, Miss. Snape."
Startled, she dropped onto the couch. Dark eyes focused on him as he began to lecture her.
"You have decided to pursue one of the world's most complex languages. It is a tough language and highly lyrical. Now, I want you to clear your mind of all thoughts. Listen to me. Focus on me alone. Until I release you, your mind and soul are mine. I will teach this language to you and you will understand it. You will be able to speak it. You will be able to translate it. Before this night is done, this passage will be a small pittance in your vast store of the Latin tongue. Unless you are becoming as useless as a Gryffindor. In which case, I suggest you request a transfer from Slytherin."
He was not joking. Verbs, nouns, tenses, and other things were flung at her in lightening rapidity.
She responded, paling when he snapped at her for an error. Flushing with pride when she earned his meager praise. Whenever she started to droop, to lose her energy, he got in her face and made her angry. Her feelings carried her through the increasingly difficult lesson. In her mind, he had become the enemy. He was no longer her brother-he was a vicious, sarcastic, biting, sadist.
Daffodil suddenly knocked on the door and peered around it. "Light's out, you two." Her lively blue eyes watched them curiously. Her rose pink hair was pulled up under a night cap.
"Give us a few more minutes." He asked.
"Just five more." She agreed, closing the door behind her.
Once the door had closed, he shoved the book into her hands. "Read this if you can, lazy girl. Or get out of Slytherin." It was a definite challenge.
Taking it from him, she looked at him defiantly. In as clear and confident a voice as she could muster, she did what he commanded-perfectly. "Well?" She snapped, slamming the book shut.
"10 points to Slytherin. I was beginning to fear you really were turning into a Gryffindor." He smirked, faking a shudder at the thought. "Bed time, Sept."
"You really are evil, Severus." She commented, reluctantly smiling at him. "Good night, heir to father's evil."
"Perish the thought."
After spending a few days in Hogsmead, the duo left the small building to finish gathering supplies for their trip. Sev suddenly felt a strong pull towards the opposite part of town-what some had begun to consider Voldemort's. "Be careful, Sev." She said as they parted in front of a bookstore.
He nodded and disappeared into the crowd. Septina found a corner in the shop and curled up in one of the big chairs. With a large book of flowers on her lap as a cover, she looked down and closed her eyes, pulling inside herself. Using her inner eye, she searched for her brother. Under normal circumstances, she never would've done this without feeling guilty. But ever since Voldemort had entered their lives forcefully, the old standard no longer fit.
It was hazy and unclear around the edges first, giving her a head-ache. Taking deep breathes, she forced herself to focus on the dark head of her brother. He was moving with a definite purpose towards one of the darker corners of town. A gasp escaped as she suddenly saw who he had been seeking, destroying her concentration and the vision.
It couldn't be, she thought in disbelief. Blinking rapidly, she glanced around to see if anyone had noticed her distraction. With relief, she saw that no one was paying her the slightest attention and chewed on a fingernail nervously. Once she realized what she was doing, her fingers were hidden from sight.
Closing her eyes again, she relaxed into the comfortable darkness for a moment. After regaining her strength, she sought out her brother and the one he sought again.
Severus:
The dark haired youth made his way swiftly through the crowd, following the pull. As he drew closer to the seedier districts, he felt the agony growing stronger. With relief, he also felt his sister's presence with him. He shook of the hands that tried to reach for him, focusing only on the one who'd been calling out to him.
Reaching out very gently, he touched the shaking shoulder. Only to jerk back in surprise when emerald eyes met his. The connection with his sister dropped at the same moment. In seconds, he was bereft of all feeling. "Lily?" He spoke softly, reaching out again.
Her dirty hand grabbed his, pleading in those eyes. Without question, he pulled her to her feet and wrapped his cloak around her. His arm lay across her shoulders and he turned her carefully towards the opening of the alleyway. "Come on." They started to walk away, her relaxing under his protective arm.
A dirty hand grabbed onto him and yanked. "That's my property you have there." Severus found himself looking up into very angry gray eyes. The man was taller than he by a foot and had more muscle than he did.
"Oh, really?" He felt his sister return and give his voice strength. The words were full of leashed menace. "I was under the impression that she was a student of Hogwarts." Casually, he shrugged off the hand and caught it with his own, squeezing it hard enough to break the bones.
The man flushed angrily. "You smart mouthed kid. Who do you think you are?"
"That is none of your dubious business." It was a collected, calm response. A fist flew at him and he caught it with his free hand, releasing the other one. In one swift move, he bent and flipped the man over his body. Then he placed his boot against the throat. "Give me one reason I shouldn't crush the life out of you."
His captive was shaking in fear and Severus relished the results of his labor. Adding just a tad of pressure against his throat, he whispered to him. "Just one." It was a malicious challenge, almost impossible to meet and they both knew it.
Lily stood transfixed, huddled in his cloak. This was a side to Severus she'd never seen. The evil side that Sirius and James had warned her about. She hadn't believed it-hadn't wanted to believe that it existed. Even now, she was trying to rationalize it away. He wasn't bad. If he was, he would not give that scum a chance to keep his life.
A part of her wished he'd just kill the man and she hated herself for it. This was no game, there was no changing it if he did. There was a man's life at stake. It scared her that she wanted him to die, that she didn't care if he died. She looked at her friend, chilled by the cold look on his face. All she wanted was to be somewhere safe and to get clean.
Unable to hold back any longer, a cry escaped her.
Severus didn't break away from the man, though he was worried about her. He wouldn't give him the chance to attack him. Only after whispering a spell to erase the man's memory and bind him until they could get away, did he move towards Lily. A gentle hand moved under her elbow and guided her away from the scene and out into the sunlight.
Septina was waiting for them and she moved to Lily's other side. Sneaking into Daffodil's was no easy feat, but somehow they managed it. While Lily was taking a bath, Severus told her what happened to the man.
"You just left him? I would have turned him into a woman and made him experience the hell he put her through." She punched the pillow viciously.
"If there had been a way to do it without leaving my signature, I would have."
"Well, it's done now." She sighed, rubbing her head. "What are we going to do about her? Daffodil can't know, she'd tell father."
Severus thought, glancing at her nails to see that they were chewed away. "We could always sneak into Hogwarts. The Baron owes us a few favors."
"Sev, every time we set foot upon Hogwarts, Fawkes knows about it. She always comes out to greet you and sticks around. Then we have an impossible time getting her to leave."
"You come up with a plan then."
"I'm sorry to be such trouble. I should go." She was looking better after her shower, though she was still pale. On shaky legs, she walked towards the door.
"Sit down, Lily Evans." Severus ordered, though he was startled by her appearance. "Trouble from you is something we don't mind."
She sat down by him and rested her head on his shoulder. "Thank you for coming for me."
"You're welcome." He said, running his hand through her tangled hair. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not much to tell. I got off the train and he was with Narcissa. She pointed towards me, I started to run. I don't know where I thought I could go, I just knew I had to get away. But Lucius was waiting with his friends. They grabbed me and held me until that guy came for me. That's how I ended up here." She choked, hiding in his shoulder.
"Lily, I want you to listen to me very carefully." Septina knelt down and turned Lily's face towards hers with careful hands. "No matter what happened, it isn't your fault. The fault lies with others, you are innocent in all of this. There was nothing you could've done that you didn't do."
Though Lily's head nodded, she didn't believe her. What happened had to be her fault. If she'd been stronger or faster, it never would've happened.
Severus rested his hands on her shoulders, talking in the same soft voice his sister used. "I know you can't bring yourself to accept the truth, but you are not at fault. Don't blame yourself. They are the guilty ones, not you."
Lily was quiet, but she let them continue to hold her.
Finally, Septina asked. "Shall we write and ask your parents to come for you?"
"They're on a business trip."
"Your sister? Or maybe the Potters?"
"She's away with her boyfriend." She studied her hands. "I don't want to bother James. He's been acting odd around me lately."
He's acting like a man who really likes you, Lil. Can't you see that? Severus thought idly. "What about contacting Remus or Peter?"
"We're not close enough for me to stay with them during the summer holidays." She was reluctant.
"Then were you planning on staying with the Blacks?" Septina asked, careful to keep the disgust from her voice.
"No. I was planning to stay with you guys." She was quiet. "My parents had given their okay on the plan before I knew that you had other plans."
"I see. Why didn't you tell us about this?"
She finally looked at them. "I was going to, Sept. But then you told me what you were doing and I couldn't."
"Lily, we would have made alternate arrangements. You are welcome to join us in Cair Anuach."
"We just have to find a way to get you there safely." Severus added. "Coming back won't be a problem as we have other plans."
"Why don't I take her through now, then come back and we'll go together in front of Daffodil? If she asks, we'll say that I went through to take some of our supplies through so our trip will be safer."
Severus examined the plan for any flaws, smiling when he found none. "That will work."
Almost without her knowing how it had happened, Lily found herself traveling through air waves with the Slytherin girl. They touched down on a little hill in front of a middle sized cottage. "Do you have your things or should Severus get them?"
For the first time, Lily smiled. "I have them right here." She picked up an ugly necklace and shook it, giggling as it jangled. "Before I boarded the train, I shrunk my things. This wasn't taken because they thought it wasn't good for anything."
"Clever." Septina complimented her. "Go on in. We'll be here shortly. And don't worry, Lil, nothing can harm you here. Nothing." The last word was emphasized. Then she was gone.
When Daffodil came into the room, she studied the two through suspicious eyes. "I thought you weren't supposed to do that without supervision."
"We aren't. I watched as Septina went ahead to drop off some of our things so the travel would be less dangerous." Severus answered, gesturing around the room. While before the room had a lot of their things, now there was a small amount of supplies. "We didn't want to risk any miscalculations on this trip, what with our changes occurring at inopportune times."
"If you say so." She was still suspicious but let it slide, for the moment. "Are you ready to go?"
They nodded and placed the rest of their things in their travel robes. "Make sure you close the window behind us and destroy our trail once we're clear."
"Of course, Mr. Snape. Don't I always?" She asked rhetorically, an ironic smile on her face. She watched as the duo departed with a sigh. "Forever running from your paths, why won't you give in?" It was said softly, then she did as he'd asked.
"They wouldn't be my children if they did that." Sauron said, appearing behind them. "Daffodil, you have honored their request for anonymity, haven't you?"
"I have, lord." She bowed and stayed there until he raised her.
He gave her a rare smile. "I appreciate that. They deserve it."
"What about the girl?" She asked.
"I find her to be immaterial. She does them no harm." He answered. "I must be going back soon. The pull has gotten stronger."
"I have felt it as well. I fear what it means for you."
He turned to face her, the knowledge of it resting in his eyes. "It means my death."
"Then why go?"
"Because I will become more powerful in death than I ever was in life." He turned and began to walk away. "Tea? I need my strength before I talk to the mother of my children."
"As you wish."
***
Voldemort tensed, feeling the change in the air. He shivered in reaction to it even as he welcomed it with open arms.
***
"All right, Fawkes. You were right about them. Happy?" Albus asked, waving his wand over the mirror he'd been watching them through.
The phoenix chirped happily in his ear.
"I just wish I knew where they had gone. There's something about all of this that I do not like." He stroked the feathers softly, feeling the peace enter his body. "At least, Lily's safe."
***
The twins sighed happily as they landed, taking a moment to enjoy the peace in the air. After turning around a few times to enjoy the view, they walked into their home. The fire was going and Lily was sitting on a chair in front of it.
"Hi." She blinked up at them sleepily. Already the place was working its magic upon her soul.
"I see you've made yourself at home." It was quietly sarcastic. Severus pulled off his jacket and accepted Septina's, hanging them in the closet by the front door.
"What are you going to do about it?"
"Nothing." He responded, smiling at her. "This place is too peaceful to indulge in the petty warfare that happens at school."
"And we plan to enjoy this time." Septina added, walking into the kitchen.
Outside the storm clouds gathered around the community of wizards. But those in the cottage, while aware of the coming darkness, relaxed in the sheltered area.
Summer Break:
Septina finished packing her bags and miniaturized them, putting them in her pocket. She then walked into the common room, looking around for her brother. Rosier looked up when she walked in and she nodded at him. "Have you seen my brother?"
The sixth year nodded, pointing towards the boys' dorm.
"Thank you." Walking briskly up the stairs, she entered the room without knocking. "Are you done?"
"Give me a moment." He snapped, glaring at her. "I had a little problem with Lucius." Flinging down his formal Slytherin robe, he sat down heavily on the bed.
"He's still behaving like a scorned lover?" She asked, picking the robe up and smoothing it before folding it neatly for packing.
"Yes." He sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Why doesn't he get over it already?"
"Because he's Lucius. He was raised to serve someone like Voldemort. You know his family would consider it a great honor to be in the company of him." She said, tossing a scarf at him. "Get up and help me, you oaf."
Sighing again, he rose and handed her his items. "What are we going to do about him?"
"What can we do? No matter what we do, he will always be Lucius." It was a calm, reasonable reply that said more by its brevity.
It wasn't what Sev wanted to hear at that moment though. "That isn't good enough. If we don't do something and soon, he will."
And that was a most frightening thought. Lucius had a lot of clout in their world and lately he'd been hanging out with a rougher crowd of Slytherins. He'd been distant and unapproachable. Both twins had begun to feel the sting of his scorn. And the Slytherins had begun to follow his lead and withdraw from them. There was a disdain in their eyes and actions that hadn't existed before.
It wasn't obvious to outside eyes but there was a chill in the house now. "Sev, calm down. We have all summer to come up with a way to retaliate. Lucius won't come out and hurt us until he knows he'll get what he wants."
Shrinking his stuff down, he pocketed it. "It's his obtaining it that worries me, Sept. Voldemort would love someone like him working on his side. And Lucius has more power to betray us than anyone else." He stated, frustrated because what she said made sense.
Their cousin may be head strong and spoiled but he was not a fool. He would not take a definite stand against them until he had attained what he wanted. And then only if he knew that he would not lose that which he coveted.
Quietly, they walked out into the yard. "Hey, you two. I wondered when you were going to show up."
Startled, they looked around, they saw that the voice belonged to their only real friend. Walking over to her, Sev nodded, "See you next term, Lily."
"Are you sure you two won't ride with us?" She asked, sounding a little sad.
"Lil, we've already told you, we're not taking the train. We're being met in Hogsmead." Sev shifted from one foot to the other restlessly. Something was wrong, he could feel it.
Lily nodded slowly. "That's right. They allow that?"
With an innocent expression on his face, the question went unanswered. Lily shivered, feeling the answer in that look. The trio stood in silence for a while before Septina moved, breaking the mood.
"Be seeing you, Lil." She waved and the duo went off, being careful to avoid further detection. Once they were clear of the school and well on their way, she glanced up at him. "What ever made you decide to say nothing? And with such a look on you face?"
He slowed his steps, falling behind her. They stopped, staring at each other. "In all honesty, I don't know. There's something about Lily that compels me to speak the truth. Since we can't always do that, I remain silent."
"I find that implied threats work better than saying the words." She studied him, idly noticing that his features were changing. They were losing the softness and becoming more sharp and angular. "I see. Are you falling for her?"
"No!" He started walking away from her quickly. Then he stopped, turning around to face her. "At least, I don't think I am. What do you think?"
She was quiet as they walked, thinking about her answer. "If the conventional signs of a person in love are accurate, then I would say no because you had them before you met her."
"Sept, this isn't helping." He said.
"Well, I am sorry. But I don't know. I may be your mirror image but I am not you." They were silent, listening to the sounds around them. "Do you think about her a lot?"
"Not really. I think about her when she's around. But other than that, she doesn't enter my mind that much." They cleared the woods and walked down one of the streets. "Don't get me wrong, I do care about her. I just don't obsess about her."
"Then what is it?"
They walked into a small establishment that was hidden in a little corner of the town. "How are you doing, Daffodil?" He asked the proprietor when she looked up at them from her desk.
"Mr. Snape, Miss. Snape." She greeted them with a smile. "I do very well, thank you. Your normal rooms are ready. Will you be needing anything else?"
"Not right now, thanks, Daf. We'll let you know if anything comes up." He replied, tipping her over her quiet protests. Together they walked into the room and took off their coats, hanging them on the coat rack in the corner. He sat down in a chair, crossing his legs at the ankles. "I'm not sure, sis. I just have the feeling that something is wrong with Lily. You must have seen that she wasn't too thrilled about going home." He finally answered her question.
The dark head slowly bowed in acknowledgment of his words. "She's not our problem now, Sev."
"I realize that." He was tense, the feeling wouldn't go away. It just settled inside his gut to stay.
She sat down on the footstool, studying him again. "Then let it go. If something is truly bothering her, she'll tell Potter."
"Maybe." He was not as sure as he'd like to be, even if he saw the logic in her words. Deep down, he knew she wasn't as sure as she'd like him to believe. Shaking off the melancholic mood, he smiled. "Are you ready for tomorrow?"
"More than ready. I have been aching for this trip to begin for a long time." The tones in her voice shifted. "And I cannot wait for these blasted changes to be finished. They are ruining my indomitable facade."
"At least your voice doesn't crack. You experience only minor discomfort. Try being me." He shot back. "And try putting someone down, only to have your voice squeak! It is most humiliating."
"I can just imagine." Dead pan.
"I'm sure you can." They smirked at each other, then started their summer course work.
Suddenly, she spoke into the stillness of the room. "Listen to this:
Divination is the serious
study of the stars and
their influence in our
lives. As this coming
year progresses, we will
learn how they work and
why our true star sign
develops our fates."
She snorted. "Does she actually believe such tripe?"
"From all I've heard of her, I would have to answer in the affirmative." Severus was calm as he studied her scornful face. Like Septina had earlier, he noticed the changes in her features. "And she expects all of her students to be show the same dedication."
"Oh, of all the luck." She glared at the paper, unconcerned when it began to burn. "That's how I feel about such garbage. It isn't even worth the cost of the paper it's written on."
Sev quickly put out the flames and restored the paper. "You can't be setting your work ablaze." He pointed out reasonably. "If it really bothers you so much, why not withdrawal from the class?"
That earned him a scornful look. "And let the Gryffindors think that I couldn't handle this class? I think not."
"Then toughen up." He was blunt.
With a huffy sigh, she went back to work. It was quite late when they finished their work. Severus stretched and gathered up the work, placing a lock and binding spell on it. "I'll give these to Daffodil for safe keeping."
She nodded. It had been their custom to leave their stuff here over the summer holidays. Daffodil was a trusted companion of their father's, though there was something unsettling about her.
When he returned, she was curled up in front of the windows. Resting on her lap was a book their mother had sent them to study. She felt that the school wasn't challenging them enough and had decided to give them more study work. Her brow was puckered in confusion over something she was reading.
"May I offer my assistance?" He asked quietly, not wanting to startle her. He'd been watching her struggle for a while and was worried about it. Their mother was stricter with Septina than she was with him.
"It's this blasted Latin passage!" Slamming the book down, she paced the room restlessly. "Mother requires a 2 scroll report on it."
Picking up the book, he perused it with a frown. A 2 scroll paragraph on this? Sounds like mother is setting someone up for a fall, he thought. Anger shot through him at the through and he barked at her. "Sit down, Miss. Snape."
Startled, she dropped onto the couch. Dark eyes focused on him as he began to lecture her.
"You have decided to pursue one of the world's most complex languages. It is a tough language and highly lyrical. Now, I want you to clear your mind of all thoughts. Listen to me. Focus on me alone. Until I release you, your mind and soul are mine. I will teach this language to you and you will understand it. You will be able to speak it. You will be able to translate it. Before this night is done, this passage will be a small pittance in your vast store of the Latin tongue. Unless you are becoming as useless as a Gryffindor. In which case, I suggest you request a transfer from Slytherin."
He was not joking. Verbs, nouns, tenses, and other things were flung at her in lightening rapidity.
She responded, paling when he snapped at her for an error. Flushing with pride when she earned his meager praise. Whenever she started to droop, to lose her energy, he got in her face and made her angry. Her feelings carried her through the increasingly difficult lesson. In her mind, he had become the enemy. He was no longer her brother-he was a vicious, sarcastic, biting, sadist.
Daffodil suddenly knocked on the door and peered around it. "Light's out, you two." Her lively blue eyes watched them curiously. Her rose pink hair was pulled up under a night cap.
"Give us a few more minutes." He asked.
"Just five more." She agreed, closing the door behind her.
Once the door had closed, he shoved the book into her hands. "Read this if you can, lazy girl. Or get out of Slytherin." It was a definite challenge.
Taking it from him, she looked at him defiantly. In as clear and confident a voice as she could muster, she did what he commanded-perfectly. "Well?" She snapped, slamming the book shut.
"10 points to Slytherin. I was beginning to fear you really were turning into a Gryffindor." He smirked, faking a shudder at the thought. "Bed time, Sept."
"You really are evil, Severus." She commented, reluctantly smiling at him. "Good night, heir to father's evil."
"Perish the thought."
After spending a few days in Hogsmead, the duo left the small building to finish gathering supplies for their trip. Sev suddenly felt a strong pull towards the opposite part of town-what some had begun to consider Voldemort's. "Be careful, Sev." She said as they parted in front of a bookstore.
He nodded and disappeared into the crowd. Septina found a corner in the shop and curled up in one of the big chairs. With a large book of flowers on her lap as a cover, she looked down and closed her eyes, pulling inside herself. Using her inner eye, she searched for her brother. Under normal circumstances, she never would've done this without feeling guilty. But ever since Voldemort had entered their lives forcefully, the old standard no longer fit.
It was hazy and unclear around the edges first, giving her a head-ache. Taking deep breathes, she forced herself to focus on the dark head of her brother. He was moving with a definite purpose towards one of the darker corners of town. A gasp escaped as she suddenly saw who he had been seeking, destroying her concentration and the vision.
It couldn't be, she thought in disbelief. Blinking rapidly, she glanced around to see if anyone had noticed her distraction. With relief, she saw that no one was paying her the slightest attention and chewed on a fingernail nervously. Once she realized what she was doing, her fingers were hidden from sight.
Closing her eyes again, she relaxed into the comfortable darkness for a moment. After regaining her strength, she sought out her brother and the one he sought again.
Severus:
The dark haired youth made his way swiftly through the crowd, following the pull. As he drew closer to the seedier districts, he felt the agony growing stronger. With relief, he also felt his sister's presence with him. He shook of the hands that tried to reach for him, focusing only on the one who'd been calling out to him.
Reaching out very gently, he touched the shaking shoulder. Only to jerk back in surprise when emerald eyes met his. The connection with his sister dropped at the same moment. In seconds, he was bereft of all feeling. "Lily?" He spoke softly, reaching out again.
Her dirty hand grabbed his, pleading in those eyes. Without question, he pulled her to her feet and wrapped his cloak around her. His arm lay across her shoulders and he turned her carefully towards the opening of the alleyway. "Come on." They started to walk away, her relaxing under his protective arm.
A dirty hand grabbed onto him and yanked. "That's my property you have there." Severus found himself looking up into very angry gray eyes. The man was taller than he by a foot and had more muscle than he did.
"Oh, really?" He felt his sister return and give his voice strength. The words were full of leashed menace. "I was under the impression that she was a student of Hogwarts." Casually, he shrugged off the hand and caught it with his own, squeezing it hard enough to break the bones.
The man flushed angrily. "You smart mouthed kid. Who do you think you are?"
"That is none of your dubious business." It was a collected, calm response. A fist flew at him and he caught it with his free hand, releasing the other one. In one swift move, he bent and flipped the man over his body. Then he placed his boot against the throat. "Give me one reason I shouldn't crush the life out of you."
His captive was shaking in fear and Severus relished the results of his labor. Adding just a tad of pressure against his throat, he whispered to him. "Just one." It was a malicious challenge, almost impossible to meet and they both knew it.
Lily stood transfixed, huddled in his cloak. This was a side to Severus she'd never seen. The evil side that Sirius and James had warned her about. She hadn't believed it-hadn't wanted to believe that it existed. Even now, she was trying to rationalize it away. He wasn't bad. If he was, he would not give that scum a chance to keep his life.
A part of her wished he'd just kill the man and she hated herself for it. This was no game, there was no changing it if he did. There was a man's life at stake. It scared her that she wanted him to die, that she didn't care if he died. She looked at her friend, chilled by the cold look on his face. All she wanted was to be somewhere safe and to get clean.
Unable to hold back any longer, a cry escaped her.
Severus didn't break away from the man, though he was worried about her. He wouldn't give him the chance to attack him. Only after whispering a spell to erase the man's memory and bind him until they could get away, did he move towards Lily. A gentle hand moved under her elbow and guided her away from the scene and out into the sunlight.
Septina was waiting for them and she moved to Lily's other side. Sneaking into Daffodil's was no easy feat, but somehow they managed it. While Lily was taking a bath, Severus told her what happened to the man.
"You just left him? I would have turned him into a woman and made him experience the hell he put her through." She punched the pillow viciously.
"If there had been a way to do it without leaving my signature, I would have."
"Well, it's done now." She sighed, rubbing her head. "What are we going to do about her? Daffodil can't know, she'd tell father."
Severus thought, glancing at her nails to see that they were chewed away. "We could always sneak into Hogwarts. The Baron owes us a few favors."
"Sev, every time we set foot upon Hogwarts, Fawkes knows about it. She always comes out to greet you and sticks around. Then we have an impossible time getting her to leave."
"You come up with a plan then."
"I'm sorry to be such trouble. I should go." She was looking better after her shower, though she was still pale. On shaky legs, she walked towards the door.
"Sit down, Lily Evans." Severus ordered, though he was startled by her appearance. "Trouble from you is something we don't mind."
She sat down by him and rested her head on his shoulder. "Thank you for coming for me."
"You're welcome." He said, running his hand through her tangled hair. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not much to tell. I got off the train and he was with Narcissa. She pointed towards me, I started to run. I don't know where I thought I could go, I just knew I had to get away. But Lucius was waiting with his friends. They grabbed me and held me until that guy came for me. That's how I ended up here." She choked, hiding in his shoulder.
"Lily, I want you to listen to me very carefully." Septina knelt down and turned Lily's face towards hers with careful hands. "No matter what happened, it isn't your fault. The fault lies with others, you are innocent in all of this. There was nothing you could've done that you didn't do."
Though Lily's head nodded, she didn't believe her. What happened had to be her fault. If she'd been stronger or faster, it never would've happened.
Severus rested his hands on her shoulders, talking in the same soft voice his sister used. "I know you can't bring yourself to accept the truth, but you are not at fault. Don't blame yourself. They are the guilty ones, not you."
Lily was quiet, but she let them continue to hold her.
Finally, Septina asked. "Shall we write and ask your parents to come for you?"
"They're on a business trip."
"Your sister? Or maybe the Potters?"
"She's away with her boyfriend." She studied her hands. "I don't want to bother James. He's been acting odd around me lately."
He's acting like a man who really likes you, Lil. Can't you see that? Severus thought idly. "What about contacting Remus or Peter?"
"We're not close enough for me to stay with them during the summer holidays." She was reluctant.
"Then were you planning on staying with the Blacks?" Septina asked, careful to keep the disgust from her voice.
"No. I was planning to stay with you guys." She was quiet. "My parents had given their okay on the plan before I knew that you had other plans."
"I see. Why didn't you tell us about this?"
She finally looked at them. "I was going to, Sept. But then you told me what you were doing and I couldn't."
"Lily, we would have made alternate arrangements. You are welcome to join us in Cair Anuach."
"We just have to find a way to get you there safely." Severus added. "Coming back won't be a problem as we have other plans."
"Why don't I take her through now, then come back and we'll go together in front of Daffodil? If she asks, we'll say that I went through to take some of our supplies through so our trip will be safer."
Severus examined the plan for any flaws, smiling when he found none. "That will work."
Almost without her knowing how it had happened, Lily found herself traveling through air waves with the Slytherin girl. They touched down on a little hill in front of a middle sized cottage. "Do you have your things or should Severus get them?"
For the first time, Lily smiled. "I have them right here." She picked up an ugly necklace and shook it, giggling as it jangled. "Before I boarded the train, I shrunk my things. This wasn't taken because they thought it wasn't good for anything."
"Clever." Septina complimented her. "Go on in. We'll be here shortly. And don't worry, Lil, nothing can harm you here. Nothing." The last word was emphasized. Then she was gone.
When Daffodil came into the room, she studied the two through suspicious eyes. "I thought you weren't supposed to do that without supervision."
"We aren't. I watched as Septina went ahead to drop off some of our things so the travel would be less dangerous." Severus answered, gesturing around the room. While before the room had a lot of their things, now there was a small amount of supplies. "We didn't want to risk any miscalculations on this trip, what with our changes occurring at inopportune times."
"If you say so." She was still suspicious but let it slide, for the moment. "Are you ready to go?"
They nodded and placed the rest of their things in their travel robes. "Make sure you close the window behind us and destroy our trail once we're clear."
"Of course, Mr. Snape. Don't I always?" She asked rhetorically, an ironic smile on her face. She watched as the duo departed with a sigh. "Forever running from your paths, why won't you give in?" It was said softly, then she did as he'd asked.
"They wouldn't be my children if they did that." Sauron said, appearing behind them. "Daffodil, you have honored their request for anonymity, haven't you?"
"I have, lord." She bowed and stayed there until he raised her.
He gave her a rare smile. "I appreciate that. They deserve it."
"What about the girl?" She asked.
"I find her to be immaterial. She does them no harm." He answered. "I must be going back soon. The pull has gotten stronger."
"I have felt it as well. I fear what it means for you."
He turned to face her, the knowledge of it resting in his eyes. "It means my death."
"Then why go?"
"Because I will become more powerful in death than I ever was in life." He turned and began to walk away. "Tea? I need my strength before I talk to the mother of my children."
"As you wish."
***
Voldemort tensed, feeling the change in the air. He shivered in reaction to it even as he welcomed it with open arms.
***
"All right, Fawkes. You were right about them. Happy?" Albus asked, waving his wand over the mirror he'd been watching them through.
The phoenix chirped happily in his ear.
"I just wish I knew where they had gone. There's something about all of this that I do not like." He stroked the feathers softly, feeling the peace enter his body. "At least, Lily's safe."
***
The twins sighed happily as they landed, taking a moment to enjoy the peace in the air. After turning around a few times to enjoy the view, they walked into their home. The fire was going and Lily was sitting on a chair in front of it.
"Hi." She blinked up at them sleepily. Already the place was working its magic upon her soul.
"I see you've made yourself at home." It was quietly sarcastic. Severus pulled off his jacket and accepted Septina's, hanging them in the closet by the front door.
"What are you going to do about it?"
"Nothing." He responded, smiling at her. "This place is too peaceful to indulge in the petty warfare that happens at school."
"And we plan to enjoy this time." Septina added, walking into the kitchen.
Outside the storm clouds gathered around the community of wizards. But those in the cottage, while aware of the coming darkness, relaxed in the sheltered area.