~ A Perfect Heir ~

"Sit down Harry, you're driving me insane" Ron said as Harry paced in front of the fireplace in the Gryffindor common room. He had been doing it for a while and even Hermione had gone to the library to get away from him. Harry couldn't help that he was nervous. They were holding the final try-out sessions for the exhibition teams today.

The past two months had been nerve-wracking. It was bad enough that they were preparing for their O.W.L.s, Voldemort was still running around, and Hagrid had to leave again on an errand for Dumbledore; this Quidditch thing on top of all of that was making Harry Potter a walking bundle of nervous energy.

"Ron, I don't know about this. Even though he's not being as nasty as he was, I still think that Snape hates me completely." Harry sat down next to Ron and propped his chin in his hand. "I know that Madam Hooch is the one who chooses based on playing ability, but Snape is reviewing the academic qualifications and I just know he's going to find a reason to make me miserable."

Ron looked over at Harry and tried to ease his mind "Really Harry, he's acting ALMOST human now. I think that you're safe." Ron lowered his voice, "I wonder if it's true about him and Professor Vexus?"

Harry just groaned. It was a topic of endless speculation by all the students. Particularly Harry, Ron and Hermione. They knew that she was Lord Voldemort's daughter. Even though she had been honest with them, and seemed to be on the level the thought of the Daughter of the Dark One and the Potions Master together made Harry nervous.

Despite Harry's expression Ron went on "Can you image if they had children? Instead of a bundle of joy, it'd probably be a bundle of pure evil." He screwed up his face in an imitation of Snape and sneered "Baby! Ten points off for crying!!"

Despite himself Harry laughed.

"You two are so mean." Hermione had approached behind them; she had caught the end of the conversation and Ron's impression. She flounced down on the little sofa next to them "Professor Vexus is nice and even though he's mean Snape has been helping Professor Dumbledore. He's helped you too Harry." She pointed out. Ron just rolled his eyes and Harry studied the floor. Hermione continued "Speaking of them," She paused as both boys heads snapped up "I happened to be in the library."

"Fancy that!" interrupted Ron. Hermione shot him a mean look and went on "I was in the library and overheard the most interesting conversation."

She stopped talking and waited. Ron couldn't stand it and burst out "WELL? 'Mione, don't do that. What was it?"

She smiled sweetly and leaned forward, taking her cue Harry and Ron leaned in closer too "I heard what sounded just like Madam Pomfrey talking to Professor Vexus." she whispered.

Ron sat back and wrinkled his brow "So? What does that have to do with anything?"

Hermione sighed and muttered something that sounded like "Boys!" She motioned for him to lean over again "It sounded like Vexus has been feeling a little ill lately, specifically in the mornings. Seems she can't get out of bed with out needing to throw up. She's supposed to see Madam Pomfrey tomorrow morning if it doesn't stop."

Harry's eyes widened and he spoke "Hermione, you don't think?"

Ron looked from one to the other "What? Think what?"

"Honestly, Ron. You mother had SEVEN children and you don't have a clue?"

Turning red Ron let his mouth fall open. "No way!"

Hermione sat back smugly "They last thing I heard was Madam Pomfrey say that worst case scenario, it should wear off in about nine months or so and Vexus laughed."

"Bloody hell," breathed Ron. Harry stood and started pacing again. "Great, just great,"

Later that afternoon at the try-outs Harry noticed Vexus sitting by Snape and he swore he saw Snape take her hand after she sat down. He shook his head and tried to concentrate on what he needed to do. The try-outs were open to the school and there was a good-sized crowd gathered in the stands. This was the final round and all Harry had to do was catch the snitch, twice, and it would be over.

"Potter," yelled a cold voice "Don't fall off your broom!"

Harry turned around to face Draco, "If that's the best insult you've got, I think you should just not say any thing at all."

The blonde boy narrowed his eyes and taunted "No that's not the best one for you, Potter. It's just the most relevant."

Harry turned back around and ignored Malfoy's last sentence. He had to concentrate and Draco was not going to mess this up for him. Harry looked up and saw Madam Hooch approaching.

"Good afternoon. Here's how this is going to work. You four are our finalists for the two available seeker positions. In order to make the teams you must catch the Golden Snitch twice, the first two who do get to start. The other two will be the reserves. Understand?"

The four players before her nodded. It was no surprise that the four finalists happened to be the four house team seekers. Harry stole a glance at Cho Chang who smiled at him. Madam Hooch was talking again and Harry pulled his attention back to what she was saying. "To make things interesting and to make this a real test our beaters will be playing as well. There will only be the two starters playing but that should be enough to make it a challenge. Ready?"

They nodded and mounted their brooms. As one the four players took off and made a lap around the stadium. They came back to the center and were joined by the two beaters. Madam Hooch blew her whistle and opened the trunk. The bludgers went right for them and they had to scatter. The snitch wasn't far behind and Harry flew after it. He noticed Malfoy and Cho behind him. It was always the same. The other seekers watched him and when Harry took off after the snitch they just followed. Leaning forward he increased his speed and saw the snitch ahead. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a bludger hurtling towards him and ducked to avoid being hit. The bludger veered back towards Malfoy and Cho who had to dodge it. That allowed Harry to shake both of them. The Snitch was just in front of him and he reached his arm out. He felt his fingers close around the snitch and landed. 'That was easy' he thought.

Madam Hooch took the snitch and Harry kicked off to hover above her. Once the players had gathered again she released the snitch once more. This time it was Draco who got it, he nearly ran Harry into the stands to do it though. If it had been a real match there would've been a foul.

Hooch released the snitch a third time and soon Draco and Harry were side-by-side racing after the snitch again. Draco pulled away slightly and them rammed into Harry, who hit him right back. The snitch took off straight up in the air and both boys went after it.

"Give up Potter!" Shouted Malfoy. "You're not going to beat me!"

Harry didn't respond he kept his eyes on the snitch, which suddenly decided to go in the opposite direction. Draco hadn't seen it and was surprised when Harry went into a steep dive. Malfoy's hesitation was just enough that Harry got to the snitch first. Triumphantly holding it up he landed amid cheers from the Gryffindors. Madam Hooch approached and took the snitch. "Good Job! You may go change. You made it." After thanking her Harry went and changed, by the time he had finished the session was over. Cho had caught the next one, then Malfoy. So it would be Harry and Draco to start and the other two for reserves. Harry hoped that Cho would be the back up for his team.

That evening at dinner the three of them resumed their discussion about Snape and Vexus. Ron looked up at the professors and shook his head "That is really just sick, you know. I mean Vexus is all right, even kinda pretty" Hermione shot him a look that he missed,

He kept talking "But Snape, eww. I bet he hasn't seen the sun in a decade. And his hair. Ugh."

Hermione had finished eating and smiled "I think it's terribly romantic. Think about it. Mean old Snape, finding love at last. What about you Harry?"

He hadn't looked at the staff table yet and didn't now "I don't like it. We all know that it is never that simple. He used to be a Death Eater; you know how he acted towards Sirius and Professor Lupin. It doesn't fit. It would almost be better if he was running around singing love songs and all that, but he's still Snape. I'd bet that she hasn't told him yet. About" he blushed "you-know-what."

"Even if she hasn't, I'm sure she will." Hermione crossed her arms and glared at Ron who was making gagging sounds.

That night Vexus lay against him, as she had every night since the first time. She could feel his breath in her hair and she put her hand on his chest. She could feel his heartbeat. It was a steady rhythm that was like a lullaby to her. But there was a problem now; she had another heartbeat on her mind. One much smaller and not yet fully formed. She moved her hand to her abdomen. Her stomach was still smooth and it would be several months before onlookers noticed anything. She quietly got up off the bed and dressed. Tonight they were in her chambers, some nights it was his rooms. It just depended on who led the way. She pulled on her heavy robes as it was December and quite cold in the school. Leaving Snape asleep on the bed she slipped out of the room and made her way to Peregrine's chambers. She knocked on the door and it was only a moment before it was opened. Vexus entered the room and sat down in a deep crimson armchair.

"Vexus, are you all right?" Peregrine sat down in the opposite chair and studied Vexus' face. 

Vexus smiled wanly and took a deep breath "Peregrine, what was it for you?"

Peregrine didn't answer immediately; instead she studied a large painting on the wall behind Vexus. Vexus turned around to look as well. It was a beautiful portrait of three handsome young men. Vexus recognized them, The Wulf brothers: Morion, Nikkor, and Rotorus, all three in Azkaban as Death Eaters. She turned back to Peregrine and saw that the woman's eyes were moist. Feeling Vexus' gaze Peregrine shook her head and answered. "They were so young. I was the oldest in our family. They didn't know what they were doing. They didn't even receive the Mark until two weeks before the incident with Potter. Not one of them ever hurt a soul. That bastard Malfoy set them up to take credit for things he had done." She looked back at the painting, at the smiling faces she had painted so many years before. Sixteen years to be exact, after all that time in Azkaban she doubted they even slightly resembled the men she knew. Morion with his long black hair falling around his face and icy blue eyes. Nikkor, lavender eyes that were softer than his brother's and black hair held back in a ponytail. And Rotorus, the baby brother, he kept his hair cut shorter than any of the others. He wasn't tall as Peregrine. His eyes were so beautiful, even in the portrait their midnight blue depths revealed a formidable intelligence. Peregrine smiled at the memory of the day she painted it.

With a sigh she went on, "I wasn't one of them then, I just was in the middle, not really on one side or the other. But now, I can't afford that. I had to choose. And once the Dark Lord is in control again I have assurance that they will be released."

"We all have our reasons don't we? Not like it used to be when everyone just followed him for the power. Now we all have a want, a specific need that we think he can give us." Vexus looked at the fire and watched the flames dance.

"What about you?" asked Peregrine.

"Me? Well, it's obvious isn't it?" Vexus dodged the question. Wulf considered her momentarily.

"No it's not obvious anymore. It used to be. Now I wonder, you've got Severus, don't you? Are you still loyal to the Dark Lord?"

Vexus glared at her "You're right, I've got Severus. Father will be pleased. And I don't think that we need to start questioning each other's loyalties." Vexus stood up to pace it helped her think. "When is the next meeting? I haven't heard anything."

Peregrine's eyes followed her as she crossed back and forth, "it's next week. Thursday. All of us are to attend. Even Severus will need to be there. I think that he will have some suspicion removed from his name now that you two are doing what He wants."

"Good, Severus is as loyal as the rest of us, his position makes it hard for him to be as forthcoming with it as he would like to be."

Peregrine narrowed her eyes "Really?"

"Of course, why else would I have gone through with this thing? I don't want any more children. But Father desires an heir and I am going to do my best to get him one." She sat back down in the chair and went on "Severus is as strong a wizard as there is and pureblooded too. If we do manage a child it will be a true heir for Father. It is unfortunate I was a girl. I think that was the problem to begin with..." she trailed off and looked up at Peregrine.

"Do you love him?" asked the other Professor

Vexus laughed harshly "Who needs love to make a child. I don't have the time or interest for such nonsense. Neither does Severus. We've discussed it, not the part about a baby, but the rest. He just thinks it's a perk for bringing me to Voldemort in the first place." Vexus stood up and walked to the door. "I need to go now. He still doesn't know about you. I decided that it would be better to keep some things secret."

Peregrine stood up too and smiled at Vexus "Good idea. I'll talk to you again before Thursday. 'Night."

"Goodnight Peregrine."

Snape awoke with Vexus curled up next to him. Her back was to him and he lay there watching her body move as she breathed. 'How much longer can this last? How much time are we going to be able to steal?' he mused 'One day we're going to be forced to pay for it, I know it.' he put his hand on her shoulder. Vexus turned over and stretched. "Good Morning." She sat up and yawned.

Severus watched her cross the room and get dressed. He had noticed that she spent a lot of time in the bathroom in the mornings lately, but he didn't think much of it. Fully dressed now she looked back at him "I have something to do this morning, I'll see you at breakfast?"

"Of course." said Snape. Vexus went to the bed and gave him a long kiss. She slid her hands under the blankets and felt him jump, as her hands were ice cold. She stood up and left him alone to get dressed.

"I have good news!" Madam Pomfrey smiled brightly at Vexus as she came back into her office. Vexus had only been waiting about 5 minutes and couldn't believe how nervous she was. She had actually jumped when the door opened.

"You were right. Congratulations!" Poppy was beaming at Vexus "Are you alright?"

Vexus smiled back at her "yes, I'm fine. I just didn't think that I'd ever have anymore children after the twins." She looked down at her hands and Madam Pomfrey's voice took on a sad note when she spoke again "There, there, you'll be fine. And I am sure that Severus will take it well."

Poppy had never exactly liked the Potions Master, far too many students came to her from mishaps in his class and every year there was at least two or three who were so stressed out and scared of him that she had to give them sedatives. But she loved babies, and maybe having a family would give the dark professor whatever it was that he was missing.

Vexus looked up at her "Would you please keep this to yourself for the moment? I need to decide how I am going to tell him and I don't think that the whole school knowing about it before he does would be helpful."

Madam Pomfrey smiled again "of course. Not a soul will know but you and I until you decide otherwise."

Rising Vexus straightened her robes and looked at Poppy again "Tell me, what do you think the due date will be?"  

Turning to look at a large calendar behind her desk Poppy thought for a moment. "Judging by what you've told me I think it'll be about August twelfth, or thereabouts."

"Thank you. I'll see you again once I've told Severus." Vexus left the office and as she made her way to the Great Hall something occurred to her. 'August 12th, that means it'll be a Leo.' she repressed the urge to laugh. 'The Lion, a perfect heir for the Snake.'  She was still smiling when she sat down next to Snape who gave her a puzzled look.

Peregrine and Vexus met up later in the week as planned and decided that Peregrine would remain masked during the meeting. Afterwards Vexus left her and went to locate Snape. She found him in his office preparing for the next day's lesson, "Professor Snape, may I have a word with you?" she noticed that there were three students that she knew to be fourth year Hufflepuffs in the office cleaning up the shelves 'probably detention.' she thought. He looked up and motioned for her to approach his desk "What do you want Professor?" He was careful to maintain a formal tone as all three of the students were listening. Vexus walked up to the desk and picked up his quill. She spoke as she scribbled on a scrap piece of parchment. "Here is that information that you asked for. It's very important so I'd commit it to memory."

She wrote: Meeting. Thursday. He wants all of us to attend.

Snape read it and nodded "Thank you Professor."

Vexus left the room and Snape noticed the students staring after her "Back to work, all of you. Unless you want two more days of detention and to lose twenty points."

That night Severus made his way to her chambers and entered. He looked around the room and didn't see her anywhere, "Vexus?"

"In here!" She called out from the bathroom. He pushed the door open and saw her sitting in the tub. "Would you like to join me?" she flashed a wicked grin at him. Snape considered for a moment then began to disrobe. Vexus moved for him to sit in front of her and he sank down into the hot water. Sitting back he felt her arms go around him. This type of intimacy was not the usual routine for them. They had consummated their relationship but they were still the same people. Severus was sure that somehow he was a little better than he had been, but not so much that he was all roses and candy. The same was true for Vexus. Sometimes their nights together were downright painful. Seeming to have read his mind Vexus asked, "Do you think we'd ever be able to be like this all the time?"

Snape leaned his head back against her and responded "No. We'd hate each other if we were."

"Hmmmm, guess you're right." she murmured into his ear. They sat there until the water got cold, then got out and lay down on the bed wrapped up together in the sheets.

When Thursday came Vexus and Snape left the school together. They had briefed Albus and had reviewed what information they were going to give out. As they walked along the grounds to the gate so they could go to the meeting Snape asked Vexus again "Are you sure about this?"

Vexus kicked at a rock in her path "He expects us to be together, and you can't deny that we are. So the best thing to do is act like it."

When they arrived at the appointed place they entered the house and took stock of the other Death Eaters present. Albus had asked them to confirm who had rejoined Voldemort. Vexus saw Peregrine sitting in a corner with her mask on. When Voldemort entered the room they got to business. They had received the details of the Quidditch goings on and this meeting was to assign tasks for getting at Potter. Vexus knew how they had the information and listened quietly as the plan was outlined. 'He would've been an excellent actor' thought Vexus as she stole a glance at Snape.

It was an amazingly simple plan really. On the day after he exhibition match there was sure to be a celebration, and it was a Hogsmead weekend for the students. Only Crabbe needed it explained. Surely Potter would be in the village and with so many people there for the National Team try-outs it would be easy to get him away from the crowd. He would be taken back to Voldemort who would kill him properly this time.

It was for Vexus and Snape to inform them of the time and where Potter would be. Then Goyle and Malfoy would grab him. Once delivered to Voldemort the others would leave and go back to the village. After all if they were seen in Hogsmead, no one could suspect them of any wrongdoing.

Vexus knew that the next thing was to get rid of Dumbledore; once those two were dead there would be nothing to stop Voldemort from taking over.

Once they had been dismissed Voldemort called out to Vexus "Come here."

She obediently crossed the room to stand before him; Severus left the room and waited outside.

"I am pleased to see that you and Severus have begun work on the new line of wizards." Vexus turned red, and nodded. Voldemort went on "Are you with child yet?"

"No" Vexus lied. Voldemort looked down at her and waved her off. "Inform me when it happens. I do not wish to know any more than that. Leave."

Upon their return to the school they went directly to Albus. He old wizard listened to the information and nodded "I'll contact the Ministry and tell them to have extra people in the crowd in Hogsmead. When they attempt to implement the plan we'll be able to get some of them."

Vexus was sitting in one of the chairs while Severus paced the floor behind her. "Professor" she began, "I think that it may be prudent to enhance the charms that protect the school. Just to be safe. I know that this is one of the safest places a person can go, but even Sirius was able to sneak in."

Dumbledore answered, "I agree, in the morning we'll decide what we're going to do. I am sure that the evening's events have had a toll on you both. Go to bed and we'll talk at lunch tomorrow."

When Vexus stood up to leave she paused and looked at Snape "Severus, I need to have a word with the Headmaster. Will you excuse us?"

He looked a little surprised but left the room without protest. Vexus sat back down and slouched down in the chair. "Albus, are you aware of the extent of mine and Severus' relationship?"

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled and he smiled at her "Yes, I have noticed that he seems, more at ease lately. And you too. I assumed that the natural thing had happened."

" 'The natural thing'?"  She sat up and raised her eyebrows.

The headmaster chuckled "I think that you two were made for each other, why you fought it for so long had been a mystery to me."

"But the Mark...we couldn't" she stammered "I mean, we tried, I think, years ago, when we touched the Mark burned." Dumbledore came around the desk to stand before her.

"Yes I know about that. Every worthwhile relationship has at least one major obstacle to overcome. That was yours."

Vexus put her hand to her forehead and then looked up at him. "Do you know about my, er, condition, at the moment?" she felt her cheeks starting to heat up and knew she was blushing. 'Bloody-hell! When did I become so easily embarrassed?' was her thought.

"I assume it's a delicate one." Albus conjured up a basin of water and a washcloth. He wet the cloth, wrung it out and handed it to Vexus to wipe her face. She had to laugh at his expression. He looked so concerned and she realized that he had every right to be. Vexus stood up to put the cloth back into the bowl of water. "Don't worry about me, Albus, worry about Severus. He'll need it more than I." She bid him farewell and headed to the dungeons.

She had a feeling that Snape would want his chambers tonight and it was fine with her. She went directly there, she had clothes in his rooms as he had clothes in hers.

She entered the darkened chamber and saw Snape sitting in the armchair next to the (empty) fireplace. She slipped off the outer robes and crossed the room to him. Kneeling she put her head in his lap and felt his hands letting her hair out of the bun she had done it up in that morning. "Severus, I want you to know something."

"What" his voice was soft. To the students he sounded like all their worst fears come to life, to Vexus it was soothing.

She stood up and took him by the hand. She led him to the huge bed and began unbuttoning his clothes. She spoke as she worked "No matter what happens, no matter what you see or think I want you to know that I love you." She had become quite adept at the task and soon had his coat undone. She bent down to work on the buttons on his trousers. Starting at the bottom and working her way up she continued, "I won't say it again, so remember it." She finished and stood up. Meeting his dark eyes, she took his arm and worked on the buttons there.

Snape nodded gravely. Vexus took his other arm and went on as she worked her way up the sleeve. "Sometimes life presents us with that options that, when taken advantage of, are no longer conscious decisions. They become part of our destiny. I know that such on option will be presented to me one day. I have no choice but to follow the path that life has set for me. On the day I have to decide to follow that path I hope that you recognize my choice for what it is." She raised her head to look him in the eye, "It won't be free-will, it'll be an affirmation of what I was put here to do."

Severus looked puzzled 'What's brought that out?' he wondered. Vexus stretched up kiss him, and stopped any questions he might've asked.