Rightiho, here's the second chapter. Have no fear, a plot looms in the distance.
Disclaimer: Wow! Guess what I don't own the HP characters, but I own Sevi. He and I have good talks on the Phone you know ...
Naw, i'm kidding ...
Please enjoy and stuff.
Chapter 2: The trick is to keep breathing.
Jonathan Montague stepped out of the shadows, brown eyes shining maliciously. Severus's eyes narrowed slightly, he didn't really trust this man.
"Jonathan.."
The man opposite him smiled coldly, his black robes fluttering in the wind. He looked like some kind of Prince, with his short dark hair and handsome face he fitted the part very well.
And then there was Severus, thin, sallow skinned and hooked nose. He looked like some kind of leper.
"Yes Severus that's my name. Now what *were* you doing with a sister?"
He laughed quietly and grinned.
"She was returning my cloak, nothing more.."
Severus spat these words out like an enraged snake, fangs spitting venom in the preys direction.
"Oh, you left your cloak at her house? - he rose an eyebrow- I didn't know you were *sleeping* with her-
He was cut short my a growling Severus, shoving his wand on his temple, eyes glittering with rage.
"Your sister works for me, nothing else nothing less, and if your twisted mind says anything more on the subject I'll remove that big mouth of yours."
Jonathan struggled slightly but gave up when he felt Severus's wand tip push harder into his skull.
"All right, all right"
He took his wand away from the shorter mans head, Jonathan brushed his robs off muttering swearing magnificently. Now totally sure that his robes were spotless he began talking gain but this time in a much quieter tone.
"Do you have any messages for me?"
Question Severus, a long black eyebrow raised hopefully.
"Yes, Yes. Lucius Malfoy and the old gang are having drinks, your invited."
He grunted looking rather sulky. He smirked again, eyebrows going up and down.
"You can bring my sister along if you lik-"
Severus drew out his wand once more, eyes ablaze.
"Drop it Montague"
He gave sigh and grumbled to himself, Severus Snape always ruined his fun.
'So are you coming?"
Severus thought for a while, he really didn't feel like socialising but he might as well, he had nothing better to do."
"All right"
Jonathan clapped melodramatically.
"Well done Sevi"
Severus growled angrily and Jonathan threw up his hands in defeat.
"Tomorrow, Malfoy Manor at eight"
And with that Jonathan turned on his heel and strutted off an air of importance surrounding him.
Severus sighed, he hoped this wouldn't be like last time. Avery got so drunk he ended up dancing on the banister, and falling off.
Maybe he was getting to old. he shook his greasy head, to old at twenty-three? Hope not.
Giving the deserted street one last glare he dis-apperated into the night.
*
Kate Montague lay curled up in her blankets staring at the ceiling with utter - most concentration.
Her blue eyes where troubled as she toyed with her sheet.
But what was keeping her awake at the wee hours of the morning?
Why, Severus Snape of course!
She sighed, why couldn't she get that greasy haired basted out of her head? Her lips parted as she groaned as she threw her head under her pillow.
The only answer she got in return was the still silence that filled the small apartment. She rolled over frowning, she closed her eyes hoping tat sleep would over take her.
He was nothing to be thought about, just her boss. Nothing more. But her head refused to listen and continued bombarding her with images of Severus Snape, why?
Her scared arms pulled the pillow over her head once more, burying it deep into her face.
She did hate him, truly she did. But why was she thinking about him at three o' clock in the morning?
It was most confusing.
She turned onto her back and went over why she would be thinking about him. Okay, one I'm mad at him. Two, she wanted to kill him. Three, she er.. liked him?
No that couldn't be, I refuse to believe it! She screamed to her mind. But it still kept on humming away, Severus Snape swam before her eyes, his dark black eyes staring into space.
No! Don't think about it!, just got to sleep, peaceful sleep.
But it didn't come, muttering to herself she wrenched herself out of the warm, cosy bed and stomped into the bathroom.
Throwing open the bathroom cabinet she found what she was looking for, sleeping potion! She grabbed it hastily and closed the cabinet. The small mirror stared back at her, showing her tired reflection.
She *did* look terrible! her hair was all in disarray, eyes all gunky. Not a pretty sight. Looking away she left the bathroom. She never really liked mirrors, they reflected to much sometimes.
Some things she didn't want to see, others to see.
Jumping back into bed she gulped down the whole bottled, in no time she was fast asleep.
*
Severus pulled on his dark, black robes, yanking them over his greasy head.
Another day at the grind, he thought, narrowing his eyes distastefully. He liked the fact that he was making Potions but these simple things brought no challenge, but Lord Voldemort did.
He liked his assignments, they made him think, not like these pitfall excuses for dark Potions.
Severus pouted slightly at the thought of the time he was wasting, but Madam Zambini's did pay well.
Straightening his robes he walked into the bathroom and grabbed his toothbrush, scrubbing madly he let his mind wander.
Work, Lucius's place at eight, annoying but pretty assistant, yes he thought she was good looking but not great.
Hell, he was male he did think of woman time to time, even if it wasn't that much.
Avery seems to think he's very strange since his mind isn't thinking about woman's breasts all the time, sighs and shakes his head when he doesn't bang his fist on the table whenever some woman walks past with hardly any clothes on.
Severus shook his head and wondered what it was going to happen tonight, Avery would defiantly start bugging him about the fact that he had been girlfriendless for two years now.
He spat into the cream basin and put his toothbrush back, it was amazing how much musing one could do while scrubbing their teeth. Astounding.
Quickly checking himself in the mirror, same as always, with a disgruntled mutter about his not exactly pleasing face, he left.
Severus Snape stalked out of his old and very haunted looking house, whispering charms to keep his house and possessions safe.
He turned a dark and gloomy looking corner, his breath coming out in large, white clouds. Casting his stare across the quiet ally, the dark and grimy houses warding anyone from this dangerous place.
As the residents of Nemesis ally began to wake up Severus Dis-apperated without a trace.
*
A young woman walked quietly through Knockturn Ally her eyes fixed determinedly at the pavement. Once she came to an black door, her eyes left the pavement looking around nervously.
She reached out for the shiny silver doorknob and twisted it, the black door swung open revealing a set of stone steps leading down to who knows where. Gulping, she trudged down the dark stair way, her feet tapping on the stone steps.
Once at the bottom a well lit dungeon greeted her, nothing new here. She heard the sounds of caldrons bubbling behind a huge, wooded door. As usual she opened it up and stepped inside.
Another boring day with her venom-spitting boss that looked more vindictive everyday.
Not to mention that he looked a little less grumpy today, even happyish, well to most who hadn't spent a week and a bit with Severus Snape he would look quite unapproachable, but today the atmosphere didn't feel so tense.
What was making him like this?
"Morning Mr Snape"
He looked up from the cauldron that he was stirring.
"Morning Miss Montague"
He let his lips lift slightly at the end, god he smiled? Ehgh, this is getting weird!
But later in the day Kate was to find out tat Severus Snape's happy mood did not last very long ...
"Stupid Girl! I told you to put the frogs eyes in BEFORE the beetles, didn't I?"
Growled a spitting Severus, Kate nodded shyly diverting her blue eyes from Severus's black ones.
"Well? What do you have to say for your self?"
He zoned in, bending down so that she had to look him in the eyes.
"I-I-I'm sorry, sir."
She barley whispered her eyes locked with his. They stared into hers, glittering with fury, Kate's widened with fear, her small body cowering under his shadow.
"I expect you not to make the same mistake again, Miss Montague."
He said in his most silky voice, glaring coldly he prowled off, the cauldrons giving him a wide berth, even if they couldn't move it seemed that way.
Biting her lip she tried to fix up her Potion, avoiding Severus's piercing glare that even if her back was turned she could feel it pummelling into her backside.
She never thought she could hate anyone this much, not counting family members. Kate had reserved a special kind of hate for Severus, a growing hate that rose everytime his scathing voice echoed around the dungeon. She had learned to live with it but sometimes he overwhelmed her, pushing her sensitive mind into self hate.
It was natural for her to hate herself, being brought up in the Montague family and enduring their hate for her she was entitled to it.
But Severus made her hate, hate so much that she had to escape, the only way she knew how.
Sometimes when he wasn't glaring or being scary he was bearable, even nice, it never lasted long though.
Sighing inwardly she began to add ingredients to the bubbling cauldron.
He really is to much, Severus Snape.
*
Severus quickly exited the cold, empty dungeon. Kate had left sometime ago, she was not one to hang around when she could already leave, frankly he didn't blame her.
He wasn't exactly a social person.
"Severus? Are you leaving?"
Said a sharp, warm voice.
Severus whipped round. Madam Zambini stood in the stair way, a perfectly plucked eyebrow raised with curiosity.
"Yes"
She smiled, her grey streaked hair shining in the candlelight.
"Good, don't lock up I will be here for a while. Goodnight."
Turning on her heel she strode down a small staircase that led down to who knows where.
Once Madam Zambini had left Severus exited the Apothecary, closing the door gently behind him.
He wasn't really looking forward to this thing at Lucius's place, well technicly its called Malfoy Manor. Big, old place with hundreds of servants and allot of money, the strange thing was that no one seemed to know where that money came from.
But it was known to some that most of that money came from Lord Voldemorts hands, he needs Malfoy, he's got a respectable front at the ministry. Essential in his world take over.
Severus let out a long harrowing sigh, in the silent ally the sigh sounded like a wail. Severus really didn't want to be sociable, but he said he'd come and I suppose it won't be to bad.
He tried to reassure himself but there was this longing to go back to bed, to sleep. He really was tired though. The late nights alone in that dungeon brooding over some strange concoction were catching up on him.
Severus's black eyes roamed around the empty street, he had come to a conclusion. Knockturn Ally never changed.
After enjoying the silence for a couple of more minutes, Severus appearated.
Instantly, he appeared in Nemesis Ally, it looked ghostly at night, a mist rapping itself firmly around the each house.
There were no stars tonight, the sky was covered with grey clouds that were swirling above his head.
Tinny raindrops began to fall from the sky, but he didn't really care. Once reaching his den, he slipped inside.
His house was incredibly dark but with a well placed flick of his wand a couple of candles lit up the long hallway.
The light from the candles danced across the stalk walls and onto the polished wooden floors.
Severus prowled down the hallway and into his bedroom. Throwing off his robes he searched through his wardrobe for some clean ones. Realising that it was pitch black he pointed his wand at an empty fireplace, at once flames erupted in the stone fireplace sending rays of sharp light soaring across the room.
After that he resumed his searching, at last he came across a relatively nice looking robe, it was black, well all his robes were black. But these ones were clean and more billowy.
Pulling them over his head he looked at his watch, it was nearly eight o'clock, he had to get going!
Biting his lower lip he yanked on his boots, he didn't know why he took them off in the first place. Finally, they were on! Blowing out all the candles he apperated.
Severus Snape appeared on the lawn of Malfoy Manor. He would always be amazed at the size of this place, it was absolutely huge! At about six storeys high it towered over most trees and surrounding houses.
He began to walk towards the massive mansion. After about five minutes he finally arrived at the Malfoy's front door. It was an elaborate oak with silver handles the twisted themselves into serpents, Slytherin ones in fact.
Before he could even knock the door flew open, revealing a house elf looking up with huge, tennisball eyes.
"How may I help?"
Squeaked the elf.
"I'm here to see Lucius Malfoy"
He spat out the last name as if it were poison. The elf quailed under Severus's glare.
"Ah! Snape! I thought you'd chickened out!"
Cried a voice from behind the other door, in a flash it was pulled open. A smirking Jonathan Montague stood in the doorway, Severus's lip curled.
"Come in, its not polite to stand on the doorstep for *to* long."
Jonathan beckoned him inside, he politely followed. Once inside the elf closed the door silently behind him.
"May I take your cloak sir?'
Squeaked the elf, his eyes trying to avoid Severus's hard gaze. Nodding his head he took off his travelling cloak and handed it to the shaking elf. He quickly ran off, not daring to look behind him.
Jonathan walked on ahead, voices echoed from a room somewhere.
"So you didn't bring my sister, hmm? I thought she's love to com-"
"Once again Montague, Drop it!"
The two men strode down the huge, carpeted hallway, their feet echoing in the silence.
"Who's here?"
Severus grunted, Johnathen turned his head.
"Oh, everybody, except Crabbe, I think he probably forgot, the moron."
He drawled, Jonathan didn't really like Crabbe, his only purpose was to serve Lucius and co.
But totally useless in doing anything else.
The walls where full of paintings of past Malfoys, landscapes and another things he couldn't make out. Everything had this ancient, dark feel to it. Like if you touched something the blackness would imprint on you.
Well it felt that way to Severus. After a brief couple of minutes Jonathan halted at a dark wooden door, the sounds of people were infinitely clearer here, he could make out the people now.
With the twist of the doorhandle Johnethen and Severus stepped inside.
"Well guess who came in the end?"
Shouted Jonathan, pointing at a sullen Severus, eyes glaring at the occupants of the room.
They cheered and Lucius motion for him to sit down, obligingly he took a seat between Jonathan and Avery, stupid, stupid me, he cursed to himself. He just *had* to sit next to his least favourite people. The drunken, perverted idiot and the teasing, snobby idiot.
Just GREAT!
He looked around lazily, they are were here, the old "gang". They had all hung around in their school days then moved on to bigger and better things, to put it frankly, Lord Voldemort.
As pure blooded Slytherins they thought they had this duty to forfill, to be devious, dark wizards and Voldemort seemed to be perfect for young and hungry Slytherins, to perfect.
We all are his puppets, his manipulates, his toys. I think most of us realise this but we do it freely now, where in to deep to care and to scared to get out.
Severus looked hard at each face, there was the Lestranges, in love with themselves and Voldemort., there was Lucius, stuck up rich kid with the power and the money to get him places.
And Montague, the quick witted, teasing one. No gang would be complete with out someone like him.
Then who can forget Dion Avery? The greasy moron with nothing but Porno on his mind.
There was Crabbe as well, stupid oaf that acted as Lucius's bodyguard. Ah and Crouch, the young, loyal straw haird follower. He looks so innocent but something burns in those eyes, a hatred and yearning.
It scares us shitless.
Ah yes, Evan Rosier and Florence Wilkes, the closenit ones, don't talk much though. Been best friends since they first met, I think it goes *alot* further then that nowadays.
Severus didn't know how long he'd been musing for, to onlookers he looked like he always did.
Cold, hard and watchful. No one saw this as out of the ordinary.
Montague always notices when anyone's quiet, comments on this, tries to wind them up. Sometimes works, sometimes doesn't.
"Hey Sevi? Want some wine? To bad my sister isn't here.. you could have had allot more fu-"
"Shut UP Jonathan"
Lucius's head turned, so did Avery's.
"What's this Snape?"
Drawled Lucius, Avery leered appreciatively.
"Nothing."
Spat Severus. Lucius's eyes glittered Maliciously.
"Its not *nothing*, what did he say Jonathan?"
He said, turning his attentions to the man sitting by Severus. Jonathan's eyebrows rose in mock surprise.
"Oh, you mean about my sister and Severus..?"
Lucius's thin lips twisted into a smile.
"Your sister and Severus?"
Jonathan nodded energetically, eyes dancing. Severus Groaned and put his greasy head into his hands.
"My GOD! Him and YOUR sister, the shy blond one?"
"Montague, my sister works for me, nothing more. The way you talk about her its like she's some kind of fuck buddy"
Lucius scoffed and Avery choked on his wine. Jonathan looked incredibly shocked and stared blankly at Severus.
"What do you mean by FUCK buddy?"
Whispered Jonathan.
Severus looked mildly up at him.
"You talk about her like you want to fuck her Montague"
He face faulted.
"I do not!"
"Yes you do"
He turned away, looking disgusted.
"I do?"
He said in a strangled whisper.
Lucius stepped forward, trying not to laugh.
"Well lets put it this way Jonathan, you do."
His jaw dropped, then quickly regained his composure.
"Well I'm not the only one who'd like to be her fuck buddy, hmm Severus?"
He rose his eyebrows in Severus's direction.
"So YOU do want to fuck your sister!"
Said Avery in an excited voice.
Jonathan gaped at Avery, Lucius sniggered behind his hand.
"God, you truly are perverted Avery.."
Muttered Jonathan, shaking his head dejectedly. Avery sat back in his chair looking pleased with himself.
"Yep"
Said Avery, a smug smile plastered on his square face. Lucius sighed and poured himself another glass on wine, Raine Lestrange gave Jonathan a quizzical look but then seeing that the little feud had finished, went back to her previous conversation with her husband, Peter Lestrange.
Severus sank back in his chair, forfillment washing over him. How he loved to scare Jonathan, but to make him speechless was a miracle. Some thought it was impossible but he had known him for quite sometime and knew him better then that.
Fucking his sister was not -well- exactly something that he would like to do.
Refilling his wine glass he sipped it remorsefully, he didn't really like wine. Evan Rosier mouthed 'Fuck buddy' to Severus, a mischievous glint in his eye. Severus glared back, pointing his wand at Evan he whispered a bucking hex, in a few seconds Evan was bouncing all over the Malfoys living room.
Howls of laughter erupted from everyone as Severus simply smirked. After a few minutes of Evan bouncing and bucking Severus waved his wand and Evan fell to the floor.
He muttered under his breath and rubbed his backside gently, glaring daggers in Severus's direction.
After a couple more imitations of Evan's little show, everyone quieted down.
"So Severus, how is that little assitant of yours?"
Came a proud voice from behind Severus, he turned around slowly meeting Riane Lestrange's piercing stare.
"I wouldn't know"
She smiled coldly, her hooded eyes emitting waves of hatred.
"Well she does work with you, why *wouldn't* you know?"
His eyes narrowed.
"I am not a Montague baby-sitter Riane, why would any of this concern you?"
"Well ...
She paused.
"What I've been hearing from Jonathan it seems you two are together."
Severus snarled, teeth bared and fists clenched he managed to spit a few well chosen words out.
"I AM not going out with Jonathan's sister! If you think I am why don't you ask her?"
"Good thinking Severus, say Jonathan where does your sister live?"
Jonathan stared blankly at Riane.
"I dunno"
Riane gave an angry glare at Severus then walked over to her adoring husband, head held high like a crowned queen.
Riane's jealousy of Severus was only matched by his hatred for her. She was jealous of his high Deatheater ranking and he, well loathed her for reasons that were to complex to explain.
He watched her leave, glaring at her retreating back hoping to burn holes through it.
The bunch of young Deatheaters talked on into the night, laughing, shouting and getting very drunk.
In the wee hours of the morning Severus stumbled into the Malfoys fire place and flooed back home, smiling all the way.
*
The trick is to keep breathing, don't let it get you Kate. Just pull it across your skin, that's all.
The young woman sat in her bathroom, blond hair hiding her face from view Blood was flowing from three open wounds, laced across her pale arm.
She felt no pain, only release. It was blissful, almost addictive. Putting the knife down she sat there, eyes glazed over,
The blood dribbled off her arm and onto the bathroom floor, forming a red puddle.
She needed this, needed more then ever now, she hadn't done this for along time.
Until now.
The pain he caused was tremendous, like a huge tidal wave drowning her in a pool of blackness. It seemed the only way to get out, she wasn't dead yet, keep breathing Kate, it I'll get better.
The knife glinted, she liked knives, they were deadly, so deadly. But beautiful none the less.
They could kill her, others in one swift move but if you were careful could make the pain last so much longer.
Longer.
Gasping slightly she grabbed some plasters from the bathroom cabinet, totally oblivious to the blood that was snaking its way down her arm. Raking three plasters she placed them across the wounds.
She knew they wouldn't last long, the cuts were deep. She could have made them disappear with a simple healing charm but not now.
Not until she could think clearly. Not until the adrenaline had gone, she could see everything so much better when she waited.
So much clearer.
Always the one to drag her down.
Maybe you'll get what you want this time around.
The trick is to keep breathing.
The trick is to keep breathing.
What do you guys think? The chapter title and end lines were off Garbage's song 'the trick is to keep breathing'. They own it NOT ME.
Well I did the Deatheater scene okay, I wanted to make them more human, less evil. They are young adults, not bloody middle-aged pricks.
If you didn't like the fact that Sevi swore, deal with it. I was thinking maybe each chapter should be named after a garbage song, what do ya think? Their songs are so wonderfully depressing it would fit.
Review please! Thanks reviewers your a real help.
Disclaimer: Wow! Guess what I don't own the HP characters, but I own Sevi. He and I have good talks on the Phone you know ...
Naw, i'm kidding ...
Please enjoy and stuff.
Chapter 2: The trick is to keep breathing.
Jonathan Montague stepped out of the shadows, brown eyes shining maliciously. Severus's eyes narrowed slightly, he didn't really trust this man.
"Jonathan.."
The man opposite him smiled coldly, his black robes fluttering in the wind. He looked like some kind of Prince, with his short dark hair and handsome face he fitted the part very well.
And then there was Severus, thin, sallow skinned and hooked nose. He looked like some kind of leper.
"Yes Severus that's my name. Now what *were* you doing with a sister?"
He laughed quietly and grinned.
"She was returning my cloak, nothing more.."
Severus spat these words out like an enraged snake, fangs spitting venom in the preys direction.
"Oh, you left your cloak at her house? - he rose an eyebrow- I didn't know you were *sleeping* with her-
He was cut short my a growling Severus, shoving his wand on his temple, eyes glittering with rage.
"Your sister works for me, nothing else nothing less, and if your twisted mind says anything more on the subject I'll remove that big mouth of yours."
Jonathan struggled slightly but gave up when he felt Severus's wand tip push harder into his skull.
"All right, all right"
He took his wand away from the shorter mans head, Jonathan brushed his robs off muttering swearing magnificently. Now totally sure that his robes were spotless he began talking gain but this time in a much quieter tone.
"Do you have any messages for me?"
Question Severus, a long black eyebrow raised hopefully.
"Yes, Yes. Lucius Malfoy and the old gang are having drinks, your invited."
He grunted looking rather sulky. He smirked again, eyebrows going up and down.
"You can bring my sister along if you lik-"
Severus drew out his wand once more, eyes ablaze.
"Drop it Montague"
He gave sigh and grumbled to himself, Severus Snape always ruined his fun.
'So are you coming?"
Severus thought for a while, he really didn't feel like socialising but he might as well, he had nothing better to do."
"All right"
Jonathan clapped melodramatically.
"Well done Sevi"
Severus growled angrily and Jonathan threw up his hands in defeat.
"Tomorrow, Malfoy Manor at eight"
And with that Jonathan turned on his heel and strutted off an air of importance surrounding him.
Severus sighed, he hoped this wouldn't be like last time. Avery got so drunk he ended up dancing on the banister, and falling off.
Maybe he was getting to old. he shook his greasy head, to old at twenty-three? Hope not.
Giving the deserted street one last glare he dis-apperated into the night.
*
Kate Montague lay curled up in her blankets staring at the ceiling with utter - most concentration.
Her blue eyes where troubled as she toyed with her sheet.
But what was keeping her awake at the wee hours of the morning?
Why, Severus Snape of course!
She sighed, why couldn't she get that greasy haired basted out of her head? Her lips parted as she groaned as she threw her head under her pillow.
The only answer she got in return was the still silence that filled the small apartment. She rolled over frowning, she closed her eyes hoping tat sleep would over take her.
He was nothing to be thought about, just her boss. Nothing more. But her head refused to listen and continued bombarding her with images of Severus Snape, why?
Her scared arms pulled the pillow over her head once more, burying it deep into her face.
She did hate him, truly she did. But why was she thinking about him at three o' clock in the morning?
It was most confusing.
She turned onto her back and went over why she would be thinking about him. Okay, one I'm mad at him. Two, she wanted to kill him. Three, she er.. liked him?
No that couldn't be, I refuse to believe it! She screamed to her mind. But it still kept on humming away, Severus Snape swam before her eyes, his dark black eyes staring into space.
No! Don't think about it!, just got to sleep, peaceful sleep.
But it didn't come, muttering to herself she wrenched herself out of the warm, cosy bed and stomped into the bathroom.
Throwing open the bathroom cabinet she found what she was looking for, sleeping potion! She grabbed it hastily and closed the cabinet. The small mirror stared back at her, showing her tired reflection.
She *did* look terrible! her hair was all in disarray, eyes all gunky. Not a pretty sight. Looking away she left the bathroom. She never really liked mirrors, they reflected to much sometimes.
Some things she didn't want to see, others to see.
Jumping back into bed she gulped down the whole bottled, in no time she was fast asleep.
*
Severus pulled on his dark, black robes, yanking them over his greasy head.
Another day at the grind, he thought, narrowing his eyes distastefully. He liked the fact that he was making Potions but these simple things brought no challenge, but Lord Voldemort did.
He liked his assignments, they made him think, not like these pitfall excuses for dark Potions.
Severus pouted slightly at the thought of the time he was wasting, but Madam Zambini's did pay well.
Straightening his robes he walked into the bathroom and grabbed his toothbrush, scrubbing madly he let his mind wander.
Work, Lucius's place at eight, annoying but pretty assistant, yes he thought she was good looking but not great.
Hell, he was male he did think of woman time to time, even if it wasn't that much.
Avery seems to think he's very strange since his mind isn't thinking about woman's breasts all the time, sighs and shakes his head when he doesn't bang his fist on the table whenever some woman walks past with hardly any clothes on.
Severus shook his head and wondered what it was going to happen tonight, Avery would defiantly start bugging him about the fact that he had been girlfriendless for two years now.
He spat into the cream basin and put his toothbrush back, it was amazing how much musing one could do while scrubbing their teeth. Astounding.
Quickly checking himself in the mirror, same as always, with a disgruntled mutter about his not exactly pleasing face, he left.
Severus Snape stalked out of his old and very haunted looking house, whispering charms to keep his house and possessions safe.
He turned a dark and gloomy looking corner, his breath coming out in large, white clouds. Casting his stare across the quiet ally, the dark and grimy houses warding anyone from this dangerous place.
As the residents of Nemesis ally began to wake up Severus Dis-apperated without a trace.
*
A young woman walked quietly through Knockturn Ally her eyes fixed determinedly at the pavement. Once she came to an black door, her eyes left the pavement looking around nervously.
She reached out for the shiny silver doorknob and twisted it, the black door swung open revealing a set of stone steps leading down to who knows where. Gulping, she trudged down the dark stair way, her feet tapping on the stone steps.
Once at the bottom a well lit dungeon greeted her, nothing new here. She heard the sounds of caldrons bubbling behind a huge, wooded door. As usual she opened it up and stepped inside.
Another boring day with her venom-spitting boss that looked more vindictive everyday.
Not to mention that he looked a little less grumpy today, even happyish, well to most who hadn't spent a week and a bit with Severus Snape he would look quite unapproachable, but today the atmosphere didn't feel so tense.
What was making him like this?
"Morning Mr Snape"
He looked up from the cauldron that he was stirring.
"Morning Miss Montague"
He let his lips lift slightly at the end, god he smiled? Ehgh, this is getting weird!
But later in the day Kate was to find out tat Severus Snape's happy mood did not last very long ...
"Stupid Girl! I told you to put the frogs eyes in BEFORE the beetles, didn't I?"
Growled a spitting Severus, Kate nodded shyly diverting her blue eyes from Severus's black ones.
"Well? What do you have to say for your self?"
He zoned in, bending down so that she had to look him in the eyes.
"I-I-I'm sorry, sir."
She barley whispered her eyes locked with his. They stared into hers, glittering with fury, Kate's widened with fear, her small body cowering under his shadow.
"I expect you not to make the same mistake again, Miss Montague."
He said in his most silky voice, glaring coldly he prowled off, the cauldrons giving him a wide berth, even if they couldn't move it seemed that way.
Biting her lip she tried to fix up her Potion, avoiding Severus's piercing glare that even if her back was turned she could feel it pummelling into her backside.
She never thought she could hate anyone this much, not counting family members. Kate had reserved a special kind of hate for Severus, a growing hate that rose everytime his scathing voice echoed around the dungeon. She had learned to live with it but sometimes he overwhelmed her, pushing her sensitive mind into self hate.
It was natural for her to hate herself, being brought up in the Montague family and enduring their hate for her she was entitled to it.
But Severus made her hate, hate so much that she had to escape, the only way she knew how.
Sometimes when he wasn't glaring or being scary he was bearable, even nice, it never lasted long though.
Sighing inwardly she began to add ingredients to the bubbling cauldron.
He really is to much, Severus Snape.
*
Severus quickly exited the cold, empty dungeon. Kate had left sometime ago, she was not one to hang around when she could already leave, frankly he didn't blame her.
He wasn't exactly a social person.
"Severus? Are you leaving?"
Said a sharp, warm voice.
Severus whipped round. Madam Zambini stood in the stair way, a perfectly plucked eyebrow raised with curiosity.
"Yes"
She smiled, her grey streaked hair shining in the candlelight.
"Good, don't lock up I will be here for a while. Goodnight."
Turning on her heel she strode down a small staircase that led down to who knows where.
Once Madam Zambini had left Severus exited the Apothecary, closing the door gently behind him.
He wasn't really looking forward to this thing at Lucius's place, well technicly its called Malfoy Manor. Big, old place with hundreds of servants and allot of money, the strange thing was that no one seemed to know where that money came from.
But it was known to some that most of that money came from Lord Voldemorts hands, he needs Malfoy, he's got a respectable front at the ministry. Essential in his world take over.
Severus let out a long harrowing sigh, in the silent ally the sigh sounded like a wail. Severus really didn't want to be sociable, but he said he'd come and I suppose it won't be to bad.
He tried to reassure himself but there was this longing to go back to bed, to sleep. He really was tired though. The late nights alone in that dungeon brooding over some strange concoction were catching up on him.
Severus's black eyes roamed around the empty street, he had come to a conclusion. Knockturn Ally never changed.
After enjoying the silence for a couple of more minutes, Severus appearated.
Instantly, he appeared in Nemesis Ally, it looked ghostly at night, a mist rapping itself firmly around the each house.
There were no stars tonight, the sky was covered with grey clouds that were swirling above his head.
Tinny raindrops began to fall from the sky, but he didn't really care. Once reaching his den, he slipped inside.
His house was incredibly dark but with a well placed flick of his wand a couple of candles lit up the long hallway.
The light from the candles danced across the stalk walls and onto the polished wooden floors.
Severus prowled down the hallway and into his bedroom. Throwing off his robes he searched through his wardrobe for some clean ones. Realising that it was pitch black he pointed his wand at an empty fireplace, at once flames erupted in the stone fireplace sending rays of sharp light soaring across the room.
After that he resumed his searching, at last he came across a relatively nice looking robe, it was black, well all his robes were black. But these ones were clean and more billowy.
Pulling them over his head he looked at his watch, it was nearly eight o'clock, he had to get going!
Biting his lower lip he yanked on his boots, he didn't know why he took them off in the first place. Finally, they were on! Blowing out all the candles he apperated.
Severus Snape appeared on the lawn of Malfoy Manor. He would always be amazed at the size of this place, it was absolutely huge! At about six storeys high it towered over most trees and surrounding houses.
He began to walk towards the massive mansion. After about five minutes he finally arrived at the Malfoy's front door. It was an elaborate oak with silver handles the twisted themselves into serpents, Slytherin ones in fact.
Before he could even knock the door flew open, revealing a house elf looking up with huge, tennisball eyes.
"How may I help?"
Squeaked the elf.
"I'm here to see Lucius Malfoy"
He spat out the last name as if it were poison. The elf quailed under Severus's glare.
"Ah! Snape! I thought you'd chickened out!"
Cried a voice from behind the other door, in a flash it was pulled open. A smirking Jonathan Montague stood in the doorway, Severus's lip curled.
"Come in, its not polite to stand on the doorstep for *to* long."
Jonathan beckoned him inside, he politely followed. Once inside the elf closed the door silently behind him.
"May I take your cloak sir?'
Squeaked the elf, his eyes trying to avoid Severus's hard gaze. Nodding his head he took off his travelling cloak and handed it to the shaking elf. He quickly ran off, not daring to look behind him.
Jonathan walked on ahead, voices echoed from a room somewhere.
"So you didn't bring my sister, hmm? I thought she's love to com-"
"Once again Montague, Drop it!"
The two men strode down the huge, carpeted hallway, their feet echoing in the silence.
"Who's here?"
Severus grunted, Johnathen turned his head.
"Oh, everybody, except Crabbe, I think he probably forgot, the moron."
He drawled, Jonathan didn't really like Crabbe, his only purpose was to serve Lucius and co.
But totally useless in doing anything else.
The walls where full of paintings of past Malfoys, landscapes and another things he couldn't make out. Everything had this ancient, dark feel to it. Like if you touched something the blackness would imprint on you.
Well it felt that way to Severus. After a brief couple of minutes Jonathan halted at a dark wooden door, the sounds of people were infinitely clearer here, he could make out the people now.
With the twist of the doorhandle Johnethen and Severus stepped inside.
"Well guess who came in the end?"
Shouted Jonathan, pointing at a sullen Severus, eyes glaring at the occupants of the room.
They cheered and Lucius motion for him to sit down, obligingly he took a seat between Jonathan and Avery, stupid, stupid me, he cursed to himself. He just *had* to sit next to his least favourite people. The drunken, perverted idiot and the teasing, snobby idiot.
Just GREAT!
He looked around lazily, they are were here, the old "gang". They had all hung around in their school days then moved on to bigger and better things, to put it frankly, Lord Voldemort.
As pure blooded Slytherins they thought they had this duty to forfill, to be devious, dark wizards and Voldemort seemed to be perfect for young and hungry Slytherins, to perfect.
We all are his puppets, his manipulates, his toys. I think most of us realise this but we do it freely now, where in to deep to care and to scared to get out.
Severus looked hard at each face, there was the Lestranges, in love with themselves and Voldemort., there was Lucius, stuck up rich kid with the power and the money to get him places.
And Montague, the quick witted, teasing one. No gang would be complete with out someone like him.
Then who can forget Dion Avery? The greasy moron with nothing but Porno on his mind.
There was Crabbe as well, stupid oaf that acted as Lucius's bodyguard. Ah and Crouch, the young, loyal straw haird follower. He looks so innocent but something burns in those eyes, a hatred and yearning.
It scares us shitless.
Ah yes, Evan Rosier and Florence Wilkes, the closenit ones, don't talk much though. Been best friends since they first met, I think it goes *alot* further then that nowadays.
Severus didn't know how long he'd been musing for, to onlookers he looked like he always did.
Cold, hard and watchful. No one saw this as out of the ordinary.
Montague always notices when anyone's quiet, comments on this, tries to wind them up. Sometimes works, sometimes doesn't.
"Hey Sevi? Want some wine? To bad my sister isn't here.. you could have had allot more fu-"
"Shut UP Jonathan"
Lucius's head turned, so did Avery's.
"What's this Snape?"
Drawled Lucius, Avery leered appreciatively.
"Nothing."
Spat Severus. Lucius's eyes glittered Maliciously.
"Its not *nothing*, what did he say Jonathan?"
He said, turning his attentions to the man sitting by Severus. Jonathan's eyebrows rose in mock surprise.
"Oh, you mean about my sister and Severus..?"
Lucius's thin lips twisted into a smile.
"Your sister and Severus?"
Jonathan nodded energetically, eyes dancing. Severus Groaned and put his greasy head into his hands.
"My GOD! Him and YOUR sister, the shy blond one?"
"Montague, my sister works for me, nothing more. The way you talk about her its like she's some kind of fuck buddy"
Lucius scoffed and Avery choked on his wine. Jonathan looked incredibly shocked and stared blankly at Severus.
"What do you mean by FUCK buddy?"
Whispered Jonathan.
Severus looked mildly up at him.
"You talk about her like you want to fuck her Montague"
He face faulted.
"I do not!"
"Yes you do"
He turned away, looking disgusted.
"I do?"
He said in a strangled whisper.
Lucius stepped forward, trying not to laugh.
"Well lets put it this way Jonathan, you do."
His jaw dropped, then quickly regained his composure.
"Well I'm not the only one who'd like to be her fuck buddy, hmm Severus?"
He rose his eyebrows in Severus's direction.
"So YOU do want to fuck your sister!"
Said Avery in an excited voice.
Jonathan gaped at Avery, Lucius sniggered behind his hand.
"God, you truly are perverted Avery.."
Muttered Jonathan, shaking his head dejectedly. Avery sat back in his chair looking pleased with himself.
"Yep"
Said Avery, a smug smile plastered on his square face. Lucius sighed and poured himself another glass on wine, Raine Lestrange gave Jonathan a quizzical look but then seeing that the little feud had finished, went back to her previous conversation with her husband, Peter Lestrange.
Severus sank back in his chair, forfillment washing over him. How he loved to scare Jonathan, but to make him speechless was a miracle. Some thought it was impossible but he had known him for quite sometime and knew him better then that.
Fucking his sister was not -well- exactly something that he would like to do.
Refilling his wine glass he sipped it remorsefully, he didn't really like wine. Evan Rosier mouthed 'Fuck buddy' to Severus, a mischievous glint in his eye. Severus glared back, pointing his wand at Evan he whispered a bucking hex, in a few seconds Evan was bouncing all over the Malfoys living room.
Howls of laughter erupted from everyone as Severus simply smirked. After a few minutes of Evan bouncing and bucking Severus waved his wand and Evan fell to the floor.
He muttered under his breath and rubbed his backside gently, glaring daggers in Severus's direction.
After a couple more imitations of Evan's little show, everyone quieted down.
"So Severus, how is that little assitant of yours?"
Came a proud voice from behind Severus, he turned around slowly meeting Riane Lestrange's piercing stare.
"I wouldn't know"
She smiled coldly, her hooded eyes emitting waves of hatred.
"Well she does work with you, why *wouldn't* you know?"
His eyes narrowed.
"I am not a Montague baby-sitter Riane, why would any of this concern you?"
"Well ...
She paused.
"What I've been hearing from Jonathan it seems you two are together."
Severus snarled, teeth bared and fists clenched he managed to spit a few well chosen words out.
"I AM not going out with Jonathan's sister! If you think I am why don't you ask her?"
"Good thinking Severus, say Jonathan where does your sister live?"
Jonathan stared blankly at Riane.
"I dunno"
Riane gave an angry glare at Severus then walked over to her adoring husband, head held high like a crowned queen.
Riane's jealousy of Severus was only matched by his hatred for her. She was jealous of his high Deatheater ranking and he, well loathed her for reasons that were to complex to explain.
He watched her leave, glaring at her retreating back hoping to burn holes through it.
The bunch of young Deatheaters talked on into the night, laughing, shouting and getting very drunk.
In the wee hours of the morning Severus stumbled into the Malfoys fire place and flooed back home, smiling all the way.
*
The trick is to keep breathing, don't let it get you Kate. Just pull it across your skin, that's all.
The young woman sat in her bathroom, blond hair hiding her face from view Blood was flowing from three open wounds, laced across her pale arm.
She felt no pain, only release. It was blissful, almost addictive. Putting the knife down she sat there, eyes glazed over,
The blood dribbled off her arm and onto the bathroom floor, forming a red puddle.
She needed this, needed more then ever now, she hadn't done this for along time.
Until now.
The pain he caused was tremendous, like a huge tidal wave drowning her in a pool of blackness. It seemed the only way to get out, she wasn't dead yet, keep breathing Kate, it I'll get better.
The knife glinted, she liked knives, they were deadly, so deadly. But beautiful none the less.
They could kill her, others in one swift move but if you were careful could make the pain last so much longer.
Longer.
Gasping slightly she grabbed some plasters from the bathroom cabinet, totally oblivious to the blood that was snaking its way down her arm. Raking three plasters she placed them across the wounds.
She knew they wouldn't last long, the cuts were deep. She could have made them disappear with a simple healing charm but not now.
Not until she could think clearly. Not until the adrenaline had gone, she could see everything so much better when she waited.
So much clearer.
Always the one to drag her down.
Maybe you'll get what you want this time around.
The trick is to keep breathing.
The trick is to keep breathing.
What do you guys think? The chapter title and end lines were off Garbage's song 'the trick is to keep breathing'. They own it NOT ME.
Well I did the Deatheater scene okay, I wanted to make them more human, less evil. They are young adults, not bloody middle-aged pricks.
If you didn't like the fact that Sevi swore, deal with it. I was thinking maybe each chapter should be named after a garbage song, what do ya think? Their songs are so wonderfully depressing it would fit.
Review please! Thanks reviewers your a real help.