Snape's Secret Part VI: The Hopebringer
[ A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who has been reading this and for all of the reviews!! I am having so much fun writing this series!! I think you are all going to love what happens in this part. :) ]
" Uh... " Issabelle struggled to find the words to answer him. What if he hadn't heard? What if she had gotten lucky? " Yeah, just in thought again... "
" Oh... Well, I thought I'd check on you, I was getting kind of worried. Have you seen Severus lately? " Voldemort asked, sitting down on the swing next to hers carefully and facing her.
" No, I haven't, actually. How strange... Now I wonder what he's up to! "
" Really. You'd think he'd want to be spending the day with you. I know I would if you were my girlfriend... "
" What exactly are we doing here, Tom? " Issabelle asked, laughing softly at his last remark, " I mean, I'm kinda worried for some reason. "
" Gathering supplies and bugging the muggles, just like I said at breakfast. " Voldemort said, looking at her with a puzzled expression, " Oh, I almost forgot... Here. "
" What's this... ? Flowers... ? For me... ? "
" Yeah. I got them for you. I thought you would like them, and the lady in the shop over there said they were always your favorite when you were a kid. "
" They were... " Issabelle said, looking at the dozen pink roses and then at him.
" There's something you're not telling me, Issabelle. I can feel it. I mean, how would this lady have known that? "
" Well... " Issabelle stammered, trying to think of a way to stall the conversation and finding none, " I guess I can tell you. I mean, you have the right to know... This is my hometown. "
" Oh! " the surprise in Voldemort's voice was the last thing Issabelle had expected from him and she grew even more astounded when he stood up and took her hand, " Then I guess you'd be able to tell me best, Issie. Where should we go for lunch? "
" Who do you mean by 'we'? " Issabelle asked, " 'Cause that makes a difference on where I would suggest. "
" You and I. " He said, as they walked out of the park hand in hand.
******
Looking out of the dusty window of the old book store on main street, Snape watched Issabelle and Voldemort walk by and felt tears pricking at his eyes. Forcing himself to stop, he picked up his wand and followed them.
" How dare she! " he said bitterly under his breath, watching them enter a small restaurant and sit down at a table lit by the fireplace, " She said she loves me, yet here she is, practically eating out of the palm of his hand! Life's just not fair, dammit! James got Lily and now it looks like Lord Voldemort is trying to take Issie from me! NO! I refuse to let it happen... "
Carefully making sure that Issabelle and Voldemort did not notice him, Snape entered the restaurant and headed for a table in the upper left corner of the room which was out of their view but still close enough to overhear them. After ordering a steak and a baked potato, he prepared to find out what was really going on.
" So, " Voldemort said, once they had given there orders to the waitress, " What is it with you and potions, anyway? You are muggle-born, correct? "
" Yes, but the reason for my allergie is quite aside from that, actually. " Issabelle said quietly, taking a sip of the expersive french wine that Voldemort had insisted on buying a pitcher of, " I find that the reason is quiet personal and that is why not even Severus knew about it. Although, in that case, I completely forgot to tell him. "
" Come off it, Issabelle! I can see the way you look at him! You would have done it if it had meant your death -- which it nearly did! I can't believe you did that, Issabelle! What were you thinking? "
" Did you bring me here to scold me, Tom? " Issabelle asked, giving another soft laugh, " What was I supose to do? To my way of thinking it was the only thing I could do, because I do love him. "
" Bah! You're too young to realize what true love is supose to be like, Issabelle! " Voldemort said, taking her hand and tracing his fingers over the pale vains showing through her creamy complexion, " Were I in Severus' position, I would never have doubted you for an instant! They way you feel shows in your eyes. "
" You know, I really shouldn't be doing this with you. If Sev sees us its gonna be one big mess and that's gonna be embarrassing. "
" Oh you think so? " Voldemort asked, a sudden smirk crossing his face, " And what makes you think I wouldn't do exactly as I did last night when he showed up at the meeting? "
" I wouldn't put it passed you, now that I think of it. But I would not be very amused. He does have a right to be upset, as silly as it seems to us. He thinks you want to take me from him. What a rediculous idea! "
" No, it's not rediculous, Issabelle. Actually, its the truth, if you want to know. I like you, a lot. Snape knows that for three general reasons. One, he lived last night. Had he not brought you he would be dead. Two, I am nearly positive that there is something strange about you two being here, yet I am always nice to you. Three, I came into your room last night -- enough said. "
" He thinks that we -- "
" Yes! He does! " Voldemort said laughing aloud now, " And what he doesn't know won't hurt him. "
" How much of my little self monologue did you hear at the playground? " Issabelle asked, taking a bt of her langsaunia.
" Just that this is your hometown and that you feel confused. Why? "
" I just wondered how big a fool I made of myself back there. I was worried you might have heard me babbling forever and a day! I use to go there a lot when I needed to think. "
" So Issabelle's trying to protect me... " Snape muttered, looking at them and still wishing he was sitting with her, " I guess I'd better watch my step... I have a feeling that he is going to catch on that Issie isn't interested one of these days and then we're gonna have problems. Maybe I should pretend to break it off... Hmmm... "
******
" Are you nuts? " Issabelle shouted, sending Snape a glance so icy it could have been lethal, " Severus listen to me. That is a really clever idea, but I have figured out several things about Voldemort which tell me that your plan would not go over at all as you would expect. Firstly, I have come to the conclusion that he likes the chase. The idea that he has to "fight" you to "get" me is what is driving him this hard. Second, you're only alive 'cause I love you. He told me that one himself. Third, you try to get me to kiss him and I'll hop on my broom and go home! "
" Raise your voice a little and maybe he'll hear you clearrly. " Snape said, glaring back at her with an equally deadly look, " You went out to dinner with him! He was holding your hand! What's next? Breakfast in bed? "
" Shut up, Severus! Aren't you a little old to act so immature? "
" Well I just find it kinda funny that my girlfriend is holding onto the arm of a guy who would have killed her and not blinked twice had he not fallen head over heels prior to reading up on her background. "
" ARGH! I'm doing all of this for you, Sev! I -- "
" SOMEBODY HELP ME!!! "
" What the heck was that? " Issabelle said, suddenly standing up. She and Sev had met after her dinner with Voldemort and had snuck behind a shelve of books at the bookstore to find out how the other was doing. When Sev had told Issabelle his idea of the break up he had not expected the reaction he got. Smiling, he looked at her again, wanting to lose himself in another daydream, but that cursed scream a moment ago had forced him into the real world.
" It sounds like it came from outside. " Snape said quietly.
" Well, let's go investigate! " Issabelle said, starting to approach the edge of the bookcase.
" No! " Snape said, grabbing her and pulling her back. Issabelle struggled impulsively, but his arms were surprisingly strong and she soon realized that it was no use.
" We can't just sit here and listen to this! "
" We can and we will, unless you want to help do it! " Snape said sarcastically.
" I'll pass thanks. " Issabelle said, letting him guide her onto the ground and lying her head against him as he wrapped his trenchcoat-like cloak around her.
"NO!! PLEASE! NOT MY BABY!! "
" Hey, that's Mrs. Frost! She was the principal's daughter when I went to school here! I can't sit here and listen to this, Severus! This is getting personal! " Issabelle said, jumping up again with him following suit.
" This is your hometown?! This is a disaster!! Voldemort is up to something... "
" He knows... He heard me in the park... " Issabelle replied, her voice quivering.
" Now it all makes sense. I can't believe I didn't see all of this coming. Issabelle I am so sorry! " Snape said, taking her in his arms and hugging her tightly, " I wish there was something I could do, but we both know -- "
" That if Tom wants to do this he obviously has a very good reason. " Issabelle said, slapping togather some composure as Voldemort started walking towards them.
" What are you two doing here?! Severus, get out there and poison the drinks at the local restaurants with your most painfully deadly potion. Issabelle, come with me! " Voldemort shouted, pausing to glance over at the store owner who was eagerly looking to get away, " Avada Kedavra! "
" What did you do that for? " Issabelle asked, losing the last strand of calm she posessed and facing Voldemort furiously, " What was the point? "
" Issie, this isn't a great time for questions! " Snape warned, hastily pulling his coat on and heading out the back door. Issabelle watched him go, clenching and unclenching her hands in rhythem to each step he took.
" WHY?! " she demanded, facing Voldemort again when she was sure Snape was out of earshot.
" What difference does it make, Issabelle? Its too late to change it now anyway. Now come! We have much to do! You do have your wand with you, right? "
" Yes, of course I do. Let's go, Tom! " Issabelle said, taking his hand.
" Well that's more like it! " He replied, giving her a gentle smile and holding the door open for her.
Issabelle stepped out into the fresh moonlight and her blood ran cold. Bodies were strewn haphazardly as far as she could see. Some were obviously dead, others were shaking and moaning incoheirently under one curse or another. Issabelle felt a sharp pain cutting though her entire being and fell onto her knees, clasping her hands against her temples. Her face was transfixed in a look which portrayed the agony of all who had been attacked that night.
" Issabelle?! " Voldemort said, kneeling by her side, " Oh my god, what have I done to you? "
" Nooooo! " Issabelle cried, silver tears pouring down her cheeks and her body beginning to tremble as if she was under a curse herself. Just at that moment, Snape arrived and his face was instantly filled with hate for what Voldemort had done, but before he could do a thing to the Dark Lord, Issabelle's body was mysteriously enveloped in a silver glow and began to rise out of Voldemort's arms.
" What on earth? " Voldemort asked, watching her spread her arms at her side and take flight, her tears pouring like a magical rain on the dead and wounded. " What is she doing? "
As if in responce to his question, the victims of Auroria all slowly began to stand up and walk back to their houses as if nothing had ever hapened. Any who did see their savior could only discribe Issabelle as an angel glowing with her silvery light. When she was certain that everyone had been healed with the Hopebringer Rain, Issabelle's tranced body returned to where Voldemort and Snape were standing in disbelief and collapsed unconcious.
[ A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who has been reading this and for all of the reviews!! I am having so much fun writing this series!! I think you are all going to love what happens in this part. :) ]
" Uh... " Issabelle struggled to find the words to answer him. What if he hadn't heard? What if she had gotten lucky? " Yeah, just in thought again... "
" Oh... Well, I thought I'd check on you, I was getting kind of worried. Have you seen Severus lately? " Voldemort asked, sitting down on the swing next to hers carefully and facing her.
" No, I haven't, actually. How strange... Now I wonder what he's up to! "
" Really. You'd think he'd want to be spending the day with you. I know I would if you were my girlfriend... "
" What exactly are we doing here, Tom? " Issabelle asked, laughing softly at his last remark, " I mean, I'm kinda worried for some reason. "
" Gathering supplies and bugging the muggles, just like I said at breakfast. " Voldemort said, looking at her with a puzzled expression, " Oh, I almost forgot... Here. "
" What's this... ? Flowers... ? For me... ? "
" Yeah. I got them for you. I thought you would like them, and the lady in the shop over there said they were always your favorite when you were a kid. "
" They were... " Issabelle said, looking at the dozen pink roses and then at him.
" There's something you're not telling me, Issabelle. I can feel it. I mean, how would this lady have known that? "
" Well... " Issabelle stammered, trying to think of a way to stall the conversation and finding none, " I guess I can tell you. I mean, you have the right to know... This is my hometown. "
" Oh! " the surprise in Voldemort's voice was the last thing Issabelle had expected from him and she grew even more astounded when he stood up and took her hand, " Then I guess you'd be able to tell me best, Issie. Where should we go for lunch? "
" Who do you mean by 'we'? " Issabelle asked, " 'Cause that makes a difference on where I would suggest. "
" You and I. " He said, as they walked out of the park hand in hand.
******
Looking out of the dusty window of the old book store on main street, Snape watched Issabelle and Voldemort walk by and felt tears pricking at his eyes. Forcing himself to stop, he picked up his wand and followed them.
" How dare she! " he said bitterly under his breath, watching them enter a small restaurant and sit down at a table lit by the fireplace, " She said she loves me, yet here she is, practically eating out of the palm of his hand! Life's just not fair, dammit! James got Lily and now it looks like Lord Voldemort is trying to take Issie from me! NO! I refuse to let it happen... "
Carefully making sure that Issabelle and Voldemort did not notice him, Snape entered the restaurant and headed for a table in the upper left corner of the room which was out of their view but still close enough to overhear them. After ordering a steak and a baked potato, he prepared to find out what was really going on.
" So, " Voldemort said, once they had given there orders to the waitress, " What is it with you and potions, anyway? You are muggle-born, correct? "
" Yes, but the reason for my allergie is quite aside from that, actually. " Issabelle said quietly, taking a sip of the expersive french wine that Voldemort had insisted on buying a pitcher of, " I find that the reason is quiet personal and that is why not even Severus knew about it. Although, in that case, I completely forgot to tell him. "
" Come off it, Issabelle! I can see the way you look at him! You would have done it if it had meant your death -- which it nearly did! I can't believe you did that, Issabelle! What were you thinking? "
" Did you bring me here to scold me, Tom? " Issabelle asked, giving another soft laugh, " What was I supose to do? To my way of thinking it was the only thing I could do, because I do love him. "
" Bah! You're too young to realize what true love is supose to be like, Issabelle! " Voldemort said, taking her hand and tracing his fingers over the pale vains showing through her creamy complexion, " Were I in Severus' position, I would never have doubted you for an instant! They way you feel shows in your eyes. "
" You know, I really shouldn't be doing this with you. If Sev sees us its gonna be one big mess and that's gonna be embarrassing. "
" Oh you think so? " Voldemort asked, a sudden smirk crossing his face, " And what makes you think I wouldn't do exactly as I did last night when he showed up at the meeting? "
" I wouldn't put it passed you, now that I think of it. But I would not be very amused. He does have a right to be upset, as silly as it seems to us. He thinks you want to take me from him. What a rediculous idea! "
" No, it's not rediculous, Issabelle. Actually, its the truth, if you want to know. I like you, a lot. Snape knows that for three general reasons. One, he lived last night. Had he not brought you he would be dead. Two, I am nearly positive that there is something strange about you two being here, yet I am always nice to you. Three, I came into your room last night -- enough said. "
" He thinks that we -- "
" Yes! He does! " Voldemort said laughing aloud now, " And what he doesn't know won't hurt him. "
" How much of my little self monologue did you hear at the playground? " Issabelle asked, taking a bt of her langsaunia.
" Just that this is your hometown and that you feel confused. Why? "
" I just wondered how big a fool I made of myself back there. I was worried you might have heard me babbling forever and a day! I use to go there a lot when I needed to think. "
" So Issabelle's trying to protect me... " Snape muttered, looking at them and still wishing he was sitting with her, " I guess I'd better watch my step... I have a feeling that he is going to catch on that Issie isn't interested one of these days and then we're gonna have problems. Maybe I should pretend to break it off... Hmmm... "
******
" Are you nuts? " Issabelle shouted, sending Snape a glance so icy it could have been lethal, " Severus listen to me. That is a really clever idea, but I have figured out several things about Voldemort which tell me that your plan would not go over at all as you would expect. Firstly, I have come to the conclusion that he likes the chase. The idea that he has to "fight" you to "get" me is what is driving him this hard. Second, you're only alive 'cause I love you. He told me that one himself. Third, you try to get me to kiss him and I'll hop on my broom and go home! "
" Raise your voice a little and maybe he'll hear you clearrly. " Snape said, glaring back at her with an equally deadly look, " You went out to dinner with him! He was holding your hand! What's next? Breakfast in bed? "
" Shut up, Severus! Aren't you a little old to act so immature? "
" Well I just find it kinda funny that my girlfriend is holding onto the arm of a guy who would have killed her and not blinked twice had he not fallen head over heels prior to reading up on her background. "
" ARGH! I'm doing all of this for you, Sev! I -- "
" SOMEBODY HELP ME!!! "
" What the heck was that? " Issabelle said, suddenly standing up. She and Sev had met after her dinner with Voldemort and had snuck behind a shelve of books at the bookstore to find out how the other was doing. When Sev had told Issabelle his idea of the break up he had not expected the reaction he got. Smiling, he looked at her again, wanting to lose himself in another daydream, but that cursed scream a moment ago had forced him into the real world.
" It sounds like it came from outside. " Snape said quietly.
" Well, let's go investigate! " Issabelle said, starting to approach the edge of the bookcase.
" No! " Snape said, grabbing her and pulling her back. Issabelle struggled impulsively, but his arms were surprisingly strong and she soon realized that it was no use.
" We can't just sit here and listen to this! "
" We can and we will, unless you want to help do it! " Snape said sarcastically.
" I'll pass thanks. " Issabelle said, letting him guide her onto the ground and lying her head against him as he wrapped his trenchcoat-like cloak around her.
"NO!! PLEASE! NOT MY BABY!! "
" Hey, that's Mrs. Frost! She was the principal's daughter when I went to school here! I can't sit here and listen to this, Severus! This is getting personal! " Issabelle said, jumping up again with him following suit.
" This is your hometown?! This is a disaster!! Voldemort is up to something... "
" He knows... He heard me in the park... " Issabelle replied, her voice quivering.
" Now it all makes sense. I can't believe I didn't see all of this coming. Issabelle I am so sorry! " Snape said, taking her in his arms and hugging her tightly, " I wish there was something I could do, but we both know -- "
" That if Tom wants to do this he obviously has a very good reason. " Issabelle said, slapping togather some composure as Voldemort started walking towards them.
" What are you two doing here?! Severus, get out there and poison the drinks at the local restaurants with your most painfully deadly potion. Issabelle, come with me! " Voldemort shouted, pausing to glance over at the store owner who was eagerly looking to get away, " Avada Kedavra! "
" What did you do that for? " Issabelle asked, losing the last strand of calm she posessed and facing Voldemort furiously, " What was the point? "
" Issie, this isn't a great time for questions! " Snape warned, hastily pulling his coat on and heading out the back door. Issabelle watched him go, clenching and unclenching her hands in rhythem to each step he took.
" WHY?! " she demanded, facing Voldemort again when she was sure Snape was out of earshot.
" What difference does it make, Issabelle? Its too late to change it now anyway. Now come! We have much to do! You do have your wand with you, right? "
" Yes, of course I do. Let's go, Tom! " Issabelle said, taking his hand.
" Well that's more like it! " He replied, giving her a gentle smile and holding the door open for her.
Issabelle stepped out into the fresh moonlight and her blood ran cold. Bodies were strewn haphazardly as far as she could see. Some were obviously dead, others were shaking and moaning incoheirently under one curse or another. Issabelle felt a sharp pain cutting though her entire being and fell onto her knees, clasping her hands against her temples. Her face was transfixed in a look which portrayed the agony of all who had been attacked that night.
" Issabelle?! " Voldemort said, kneeling by her side, " Oh my god, what have I done to you? "
" Nooooo! " Issabelle cried, silver tears pouring down her cheeks and her body beginning to tremble as if she was under a curse herself. Just at that moment, Snape arrived and his face was instantly filled with hate for what Voldemort had done, but before he could do a thing to the Dark Lord, Issabelle's body was mysteriously enveloped in a silver glow and began to rise out of Voldemort's arms.
" What on earth? " Voldemort asked, watching her spread her arms at her side and take flight, her tears pouring like a magical rain on the dead and wounded. " What is she doing? "
As if in responce to his question, the victims of Auroria all slowly began to stand up and walk back to their houses as if nothing had ever hapened. Any who did see their savior could only discribe Issabelle as an angel glowing with her silvery light. When she was certain that everyone had been healed with the Hopebringer Rain, Issabelle's tranced body returned to where Voldemort and Snape were standing in disbelief and collapsed unconcious.