He led her to the fireplace, where a small blaze was kindled. Grabbing a small jar off the mantle, he offered it to her. Dazedly, Cassie took a pinch of the floo powder and tossed it onto the flames. Speaking her address in a slightly shaky voice, she stepped into the fireplace…and after the whirlwind disorientation that always came of traveling by floo powder, found herself in the cold grating of her own fireplace. Moving away and brushing herself off, she glanced up to find Sirius emerging in the same manner. Barely waiting for him to straighten, she strode up and wrapped her arms around his neck, drawing him into another breathtaking kiss and pressing her body tightly against his. He responded passionately, one hand twined in her hair and the other running up and down her back in a tantalizing rhythm.
Finally, was Cassie's last coherent thought before her world narrowed to include only the man in her arms.
Breathless, Cassie reluctantly allowed her eyes to drift open. Smiling softly at Sirius as he lay deep in slumber beside her, she quietly slid off the bed and reached for her robe. As she dressed, she felt a twinge of regret at leaving so soon. Still, it was either leave before he awoke, or wait for him to wake and say goodbye—for she knew he'd be leaving. They both had a job, and neither was willing to sacrifice duty for pleasure.
Running a comb through her hair, she glanced around the room one more time before she Apparated to a point just outside the Hogwarts grounds. Whistling, she took a few steps towards the castle—and promptly fell to the ground, unconscious.
A cloaked man stepped out of a clump of trees wearing a satisfied smirk. "This ought to please the Dark Lord," he murmured as he hoisted her limp form and Disapparated.
This is becoming a habit I could easily do without, was Cassie's first thought upon rejoining the land of the living. Opening her eyes, she started to sit up, when she realized she was bound hand and foot. Whoever had caught her had failed to gag her, which meant they were either careless, or she was too far from help for it to matter. She got the dismal impression it was the latter.
Abruptly, the silence was broken by an amused voice. "So, the Sleeping Beauty awakes…only a matter of time until Prince Charming shows up."
Irritably, she spat, "When you're through with the fairy tale metaphors, do me a favor and tell me where I am."
"But of course," the voice responded with mock deference. "You're a prisoner of Lord Voldemort—but where you are hardly matters, since I doubt you'll be leaving alive."
Despite the terror that threatened to seize her, she managed one small piece of sarcasm. "Try the other chain, it's got bells attached."
She couldn't see him, but his tone suggested a smirk. "What an inspiring show of bravado…perhaps you'll sober up once I explain the situation. You see, the Dark Lord has no real use for you—but you happen to possess certain qualities that make you the perfect bait for the man he desires to catch: Sirius Black."
The words were like an injection of ice in Cassie's bloodstream. Clearly her captor was aware of the affect his discourse was having, because he continued with relish: "The Dark Lord even has a special fate prepared for your lover…I believe it involves a kiss from some old friends of Black."
Dementors. Biting her tongue to hold back the sob that threatened to break out, she closed her eyes. She couldn't panic…she had to remain calm…and warn Sirius.
Papers flew across Snape's field of vision as his quill skimmed each one, the final grade depending thirty percent on the name, thirty percent on his present mood, and forty percent on the actual work. The name Longbottom appeared, at the head of an untidy scrawl of a paper. It received bottom marks and joined the rest of the graded papers.
Suddenly, his hands fell upon a piece of paper that was most definitely not homework. Turning the envelope over with narrowed eyes, he wondered how it had found its way onto his desk without his noticing. It was plain, un-addressed, and by the feel contained only a single scrap of parchment. Opening it carefully, he removed the paper and quickly scanned the line on it. Starting, he read again…and again. Finally convinced that he'd read it right, he allowed a frown to settle in. Inwardly, worry tugged at his nerves…as well it should, considering the contents of the note:
Tell Black that his lover is now in the hands of the Dark
Lord.
He couldn't fathom it. If the trap was for Black, why not tell him directly? And if the trap was for him…why involve Chrichton? He pulled out his wand impatiently and set the note aflame. Much as he hated it, he supposed he should inform Black what had happened…no doubt he would end up having to help him. Distasteful, but there was little choice.
An hour later, Snape was wishing he'd forgotten about the note as soon as he'd burned it. His wand had long since been knocked away, and now he was being pinned against the wall, Sirius' hands locked around his throat.
"You slimy son of a bitch—where is she?"
"For the last time," Snape managed to hiss out, "I have no idea where Lord Voldemort has her held."
Remus shook his head, brows furrowed in worry. "Sirius…let him go."
With extreme reluctance, Sirius released the potions master, who paused for a quick glare before bending to recover his wand.
"Now…in my present…capacity…I may have an idea where to find her." He made no effort to repress the venom in his voice. "I hardly like the idea of assisting you, of all people…but technically," as per Dumbledore's orders, he thought sourly, "we are on the same side."
The haunted look that had followed him since Azkaban was particularly clear on Sirius' features. "Agreed."
Snape nodded curtly. "Therefore…I'll help you rescue her."
"Then let's get ready."
Preparing turned out to be somewhat less complicated than Severus would have hoped or liked—they were on the outskirts of a Death Eater hideout within two hours. In the end, Remus had elected to come along—if for no other reason than to keep his companions from ripping each other to pieces. They were both so busy glaring that they would have walked right past the area, had not Lupin held them back.
"There," he said quietly, nodding towards the slimmest of cracks in the cliff face opposite the glade. "What makes you think she's here, Severus?"
Snape sneered—more out of habit than actual distaste, although both were powerful motivators. "I happened to learn that this is currently one of the more…favored holding areas. They've taken to seizing people without warning, putting them under the Imperius Curse and releasing them again."
Sirius stared intently at the rock face. "Now what?" he muttered anxiously.
Pausing, Severus Snape considered simply walking in openly. No, that would never work—if only because they had no idea what numbers they were against. Nor could they go in singly. Only one entrance was apparent—this was going to be a challenge. He smiled faintly.
"Conceivably, we could attempt to lure out as many as possible, then enter the cave to determine if she really is being held here. One of us would need to remain outside to maintain the diversion."
"I'll stay," Remus offered.
Frowning, Sirius nodded. "Suppose she's not there?"
The smile returned, colder this time. "If she isn't here, then by the time we find her again it will be far too late for her anyway." Snape drew in a breath. "Come," he snapped out to Sirius before gliding silently around the outskirts of the grove and towards the cliff.
Cassie's head snapped up so fast she nearly gave herself whiplash. She would never have heard it, had the silence not been so complete since her tormentor had run out of the cave at the sound of screams—she heard footsteps, stealthy ones. Her captors would never walk so quietly, therefore it could only mean one thing: Sirius was finally here. Someone else, too…there was a second, smoother sounding footfall accompanying him.
She was not kept long in suspense, as Sirius quickly rounded the corner—with Snape. Now, however, was not the time for petty distaste. As soon as the gag was removed, she whispered frantically: "Sirius, get out of here now, it's a trap—"
Severus paled as the pieces fell into alarming place. He knew why they had sent him the note: the Dark Lord was out to kill two—possibly three—birds with one stone. He knew for fact he was wanted dead, and no doubt Sirius was less than a favorite of the Dark Side. Of course, Sirius' capture had double value—he could be used as a lure for the Potter boy.
Drawing his wand and snapping Cassie's bonds cleanly, he spoke in low urgent tones. "Come, both of you, now—before we're all caught."
No time was wasted as all three made their way outside and ran for the woods. Still, the speed was not enough as a thin, dark skinned man burst into the clearing, hot on Remus Lupin's heels, flinging hexes wildly. He wasn't alone, either. Cloaked wizards were rapidly apparating all over the place, hemming the would-be rescuers and Cassie in. But there was one last chance, and Snape saw it.
"Avada Kedavra!" he snarled, taking out the closest Death Eater. Grabbing Cassie by the arm, he made a break for it, followed closely by Sirius and Remus.
"Apparate!" he hissed—remembering too late that Sirius had no wand. Wait—he did now, as he straightened from the body of the man Snape had just cut down. Now, another voice cried out—not the killing curse, but quick enough. As he vanished, Severus thanked whatever gods he believed in and some he didn't that it had gone wild…
…only, it hadn't. Almost simultaneously they appeared at the edge of Hogwarts grounds…and Cassie collapsed. Sirius was instantly on his knees beside her, but Severus stood still. He'd heard the curse. There was no help to be had…a few more breaths, and she would be gone.
Weakly, the rapidly paling woman smiled up at Sirius, who was now cradling her body in his arms. Clenching his jaw, he resolved not to cry—not yet. She didn't need his tears right now, and he could hold them in a few moments.
"Promise…me…"
He bent closer to catch the whispered words. "Anything," he murmured, voice cracking slightly.
"…forget me."
He was so shocked he almost lost the next words…the last words.
Breathing shallow and ragged, Cassie gathered the last of her strength, raising her hand to touch his face one last time. "You…deserve better…anyway."
Her arm fell as her eyes drifted shut. As the echo of her final breath faded, silence descended over the three men…one of whom could no longer control the bitter tears raining down upon the body of the girl he'd loved so very briefly.