Severus and Remus studied the chess board between them. For the first time, Remus was actually winning but that was only because Severus seemed preoccupied. He kept on gazing out the windows, bringing his attention back to the board only when he was called. Dinner had been grand and filling but there was a coolness in the air that was inescapable. Remus could smell the fear on Snape and couldn't understand why. Snape was not one to fear anything. Not even death.
"They'll catch the Prince, Severus."
Severus nodded, unbelievingly.
"Severus is there something you're not telling us?"
There was a knock on the door. No, it was more of the slamming of the large doors as they were forced opened. It echoed through the house loudly, causing both men to jump. Severus was the first to compose himself, pulling his wand and running to the main hall.
A dead House elf laid at the feet of the figure dressed in black. He looked up and they saw a pale ivory mask with three gold lines adorning it's left side.
"The Prince." Remus said, pulling his wand out.
"No." Severus muttered. "It can't be..."
"Ah, the Prodigal son can't believe his eyes." The Prince laughed. "I certainly bring back old times for you, don't I Severus?"
Snape pointed his wand and screamed a curse. But the Prince was quicker. His words rang out in the clear air. Snape was sent flying as his back slammed against the wall. He felt bones breaking. The Prince smiled and began to wave his wand like conducting a symphony.
"Ladies and Gentlemen may I direct you attention to the middle of the center ring where stands the accused." He swept his wand towards the center of the hall and Severus was sent flying there where he landed. Hard. "Today, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you will hear of a most heinous crime by this criminal. It is the most unforgivable crime imaginable. Treason. He has not only betrayed his name, family and duty but he also betrayed the very kingdom he gained from it! He betrayed his noblesse oblige but he betrayed his brethren." The Prince turned around just as Remus sent a well placed curse straight at his chest.
The Prince laughed as his body absorbed it. "Gentlemen, I must ask that you keep seated during this process." He sent Remus colliding with a suit of armor. "My dear guests I ask you to forgive this shaggy Lycanthrope we haven't gotten him flea dipped yet. Speaking of which, where are my guests?"
He waved his hand again and ghostly images of people began to appear, filling the walls like moving black and white photographs. "That's better."
"Severus!"
Severus Snape looked up. "Kaiya, get back!"
"Kaiya....Kaiya." The Prince began to laugh again and turned towards the stairs, at the teenager before him. "Kaiya Akemi. Severus' conscience." He pointed his wand and waved it dramatically. "Crucio!"
The girl, a pretty thing really, if you liked the plain working type girl, fell to the floor screaming in pain.
"God I love my job!" The Prince laughed. He swung around and pointed at Severus. "Now Ladies and Gentlemen may I present to you: Severus..." Snape jolted to his knees, against his will. "Alexander..." He jolted to one knee. "Snape!" He stood.
The Prince walked towards him. "So Mr. Severus Alexander Snape. How do you plea?"
"Go to hell."
"Already been there, now its your turn." He stepped closer to Snape and leaned forward, his mask barely brushed against Severus' skin. "Take a good look at me, Severus. Its like looking into a mirror isn't it?"
Severus looked at the Prince. "I don't know who you are...but I'm talking to a dead man."
"Reverting back to threats Severus?" The Prince asked coyly. "That can't be good." He leaned over again. "Poor Severus...it's time to pay the piper."