A/N: Yes, I'm cutting right to the fifth year. What? I got bored! Also,
still hope the Iitalics/I and all are working right. If not, please
tell me how to do this right. . . . please! Um, and, I really hope no one
thinks that Audrey is a Mary Sue. Believe me, when you see what I have in
store for her . . . erm, well… let me put it this way – I don't think a
Mary Sue would scalp someone for fun and spit their blood out at the Dark
Lord's face for kicks, do you? ^_^ Hope ya'll like her though. She's
been floating in my head for years, and she and the Snape muse seem to get
along….
Key: "Lakota"
b-The Fifth Year-/b
~*~ 1.1.1.1 Remains to be Seen ~*~
The summer following her fourth year at Hogwarts had been spent in America with her Grandmother and the rest of her Father's family while Mother had been on urgent business. The Hidden People had honored her fifteenth birthday ritually, celebrating her past as a child and looking forward to her life as an adult. She, to the minds of the Hidden People, was a woman then – and with that she was granted the gift to use Earth magic when she needed it, but not to teach it to anyone outside of their tribe – for it was sacred to their people, and something of great secret, for it was very potent magic, and if fallen to the wrong hands – could cause much catastrophe. After weeks in the midst of her Father's people, and a time of blooming, she went back to England several weeks before school began again. Her destination was her friend Narcissa's family estate –where she would be staying until Mother came to collect her, or until it was time to go back to Hogwarts.
Lark's entrance went unnoticed by most of the household, other than Narcissa who was overjoyed to see her. The girl's parents were used to having visitors, and one of her daughters friend was no circumstance for pomp – after all, about half the Slytherins from their year seemed to be staying there that month. Truth be told, the presence of so many 15 year olds were grating on their nerves, but they weren't going to tell their very spoiled daughter that –and besides, they were starting to disappear more often than not themselves –so they left the concern and the baby sitting to the house elves for the better part of the time.
"You've grown some over these last weeks, I dare say." The voice belonged to Lucius, who had walked into the front hall from the parlor after Narcissa when she'd gone to greet her best friend. Still blessed with silken blond hair and clear, well chiseled features, he had grown some, and was beginning to look more masculine. He was looking at Lark with something very unsettling in his eyes, something that she tried very hard to ignore. His eyes were practically raking her body, learning the curves that had formed so quickly since last they'd seen one another –which hadn't been long ago. Though she still had more 'growing' to do, she was still very voluptuous already –and it seemed the whole world knew it. Save herself.
"Shut up and go find Severus. He'll be glad to see Lark." Narcissa snapped, allowing her jealousy of the attention to show in her voice. Then, she turned back to the girl as house elves took the guest's bags and carried them to the room already prepared for her stay. "He's in the gardens, reading I'm sure. We didn't tell him you were coming. Wanted to surprise him." I Was that a wink Narcissa just gave me? /I Lark thought bewilderedly. "You know, you're all he talks about most of the time –when he does talk." Then, a devilish smile crossed the blond girl's face as she imitated Snape's deepening voice. "Audrey is so brilliant, she'll be among the greatest witches ever. Audrey could kill you with a word, Lucius, and you'd never know it . . . Audrey, Audrey, Audrey."
"That's ridiculous Narcissa. I'm sure your lying." Lark rolled her eyes.
"I assure you I am not." The girl replied, raising her nose in the air. Then, her shrewd eyes took hold of her friend once more. "Well, let's forget it all . . . until he comes to greet you. We can go into the parlor. O, and you know, we have the run of the house most of the time here. . . . Mother and Father are off on some very odd adventures, I think . . . second honey moon sort of thing, I'm sure." Narcissa shuddered on that one. "Not that it sounds pleasant, of course."
"Of course." Lark smirked, allowing herself to be sat down on a black velvet chase lounge. She then felt Narcissa's eyes studying her body too.
"Lucius is right, you know . . . you're going to be a knock out when your older."
"You've both gone insane then." Lark muttered, making her friend crack an evil grin.
"Think whatever you want, Lark darling." Then, she went on. "You know -if you can believe it that is – Severus has gotten even taller! He towers over everyone! But, he's still skinny as a rail."
"As always, Narcissa, your comparisons are Iever/I so Iflattering/i." Came a silken, sarcastic voice from the parlor's side door. The monotone tendency was long gone, Lark remembered happily. She loved his voice, with the way it washed over the listener. Both of the girls looked there to find Severus Snape watching them, his face even more hawkish and defined than ever. He looked like a born aristocrat, and his face was not as pale as it had been last year. His skin was clear, his raven black hair a bit longer – touching just below his shoulders then. And those shoulders, to oppose Narcissa's comparison, were broader than Lucius'. Severus was leaned against the door ( and he was dressed in a black suit that reminded Lark of clothes from the muggle Victorian era) a closed book in his hands, his head slightly bowed as his obsidian eyes had reached then to Lark. "Audrey . . . Lucius was right –for once –you have grown some."
"Don't tell her that, Severus . . . she's bound to claw your eyes out." Narcissa smirked, making Lark shake her head. "She doesn't see what we do. Personally, I think she needs a new mirror – I'd be grateful to have a body like . . ."
"Narcissa!" Lark was a bright shade of red as Severus laughed gently in the door way, his eye not leaving the tawny skinned girl.
~~
A little while later, they found themselves out in the gardens, alone together. Narcissa had wondered off to find Lucius and her cousin, Guenivere Mandrake, another Slytherin 5th year who had been self ostracized from the group until their 4th year, when she'd finally come out of her shell. Lark didn't mind her, in fact, she found her presence a lot more comfortable than that of Cora or any of the other girls Narcissa kept company with. Everyone knew whom Lark preferred, and the mere fact she liked being around boys better – they were more practical (well, other than Lucius and his two goons) was still no reason for the other girls to compete for her notice. They vied for her friendship at times, because of what family she came from, and for the mere fact that she was one of the smartest students in the school. But, she wasn't thinking of all that brow nosing from those falsities at the moment. Her attention was on her best friend in the world, and his was on the bright blue skies over their heads.
"What are you thinking?" Lark asked, her voice even and whispering.
"Why did you try it?" He questioned back, still not looking at her.
"Try what?"
"The Dark Arts, Avada Kedavra. Why, Audrey?" He was looking at her then, and his deep eyes were brimming with a haunted glimmer. He was whispering too. She knew the tones he used. Some of his whispers could attract attention from a crowded room of people, and be heard above all the noise they could make, and then there were some, like the one he was using now, that could only be heard by whom they were meant for. "Tell me."
"Is it important?" She asked, raising an eyebrow at his serious expression.
"To me, yes."
"Why?"
"I just want to know . . ."
"Very important there, Sevvie."
"Audrey . . . I'm not playing a game." He shook his head. "Tell me."
"Very well. I learned them because they were interesting, because they were there to learn. They were more fun than anything else I'd used –and they were something that I had that my parents didn't." Then, she took a deep breath so she could get the words out quickly. "And I killed the dog by accident."
He nodded, and stayed quiet. "And yourself?"
"My parents cared what I did when I learned them." He replied, looking back up at the sky. "They had pride that I could kill so young, even if it were just small animals. . . ."
"And?"
"I liked it." His eyes were gleaming in the sun. "The killings didn't matter – the animals were going to die soon anyway. The cat was very old, the squirrels were rabid. Still, I liked it. Liked the power. And, it impressed my parents – made them actually smile at me. It made me glad to see them actually acknowledge me. How pathetic is that?"
"Not pathetic at all." Lark stated, her hand on his arm. He looked into her eyes, and she knew he was losing himself in their emerald depths.
"That remains to be seen, I think." He sighed. "I still see the pride in their soulless eyes when we speak of such things, and it warms me. But that isn't all. I still relish it. Do you? Relish the power you hold, the knowledge of what you can do?" He watched her nod. He bowed his head back. There was an understanding between them, as always, where secrets were concerned. Then, his face brightened. "So, did your ceremony go well?"
"Without a hitch."
"Smashing." He nodded pleasurably. "And, did you get the book you were looking for?"
"Mhmm." She smiled. "And, I picked up a copy for you as well, since you dropped that little hint to me when you found out I was going home for the summer. Had a horrid time hiding them both, though."
"Ah, thank you." He smirked in return. He watched her get up and begin her way to the room that Narcissa had given to her during her stay there. Then, he followed her. And, if it wasn't her imagination, his eyes stayed on her the whole time they walked to the room for the book.
~*~ 1.1.1.2 The Express ~*~
"I'm still slightly surprised that I was made a prefect." Severus stated. He and Lark were walking a bit far behind the others, who were mostly grouped together talking and laughing as they carted their belongings to the barrier that would portal them to Platform 9 ¾. All of them were dressed in muggle clothing so not to draw attention, a usual ritual for them, even if they were pure bloods. "And, I also want to know why you weren't made one too. After all, I'm not Azrael's only shinning star."
"Actually, it makes perfect sense. Professor Azrael pulled some strings, and he didn't have enough to cover me too –as I was probably the little 'yank scape goat' for most of what we've done." Lark replied with a smile, pushing her baggage cart at the same pace as he pushed his. "After all, McGonagall made that Lupin a prefect, and he's with the 'Marauders'." She'd not spared the last word a mocking tone, making Severus snigger lightly. "And, she also got that Evans girl as one too – but then, she was never connected to them, so of course it was okayed by the rest of the staff with no problem."
"Ah yes, Potter's little . . ."
"Snake, if you want to keep that suite clean, you'll go no further than that 'little'. . ." It was the voice of Sirius Black that threatened them from behind. Severus didn't turn, but Lark noticed as his eyebrow raised and his lips curled into a sneer.
"Would you really attack me – a prefect - from behind, Black? After all, it would show your true colors to the rest of your house. And, what would all the ickle Gryffindors think of that? Especially your friends!" The mockery was clear in his voice, and they both could feel the heat of anger generating from Black.
"I think his friends would cheer him on." That was Potter's voice. "As for the prefect thing, how do you know it wasn't all a mistake?"
"James, I don't think Professor Dumbledore would allow a mistake to happen where prefects are concerned. Snape is a prefect." It was Lupin who interceded then, before Snape could even turn around. "And therefore, he is to be respected for the authority he is in the school."
"In the school…" Black growled. "Not here."
"And, he can't use magic here . . ." Potter nodded. At those words, Lark felt a fight coming on. She turned around, her hand on the knife hidden under her black cardigan, up against her purple summer dress. She revealed the hilt of it to them, her eyes narrowed.
"I don't think that'll be a problem for any of us." Her whisper was more like a hiss. She caught Black's eyes, which were widened at the sight of her weapon. "Well," she continued, "not for me anyway."
"We don't have time for this." Lupin stated, his voice harsh. He dare not look at Lark, it was like he understood her somehow, and wasn't going to push her further.
"He's right, Audrey –let's go . . . we have a train to catch, and it won't wait for us." Severus' eyes shot around at their opponents. "Any of us." With that, he pushed his cart off, and Lark followed – all be it a bit slowly. It also took her a few minutes to turn away from Black and Potter, but soon enough, she was on her way to the train. They caught it right on time.
~~
Their compartment was silent for a long while. Severus was reading the book she'd gotten him, and she was looking out the window at the landscapes that were whizzing endlessly by.
"That was completely un-called for." Severus finally stated, snapping the book shut as he looked up at her.
"What was? Defending you?" Lark asked.
"The defense was no problem for me, after all, I have no pride in my abilities for physical combat. The drawing of your knife is what bothered me." He replied curtly. "If Lupin sees fit, he can report that. I simply won't believe you don't know what that will end with."
"You're not so much as angry, but worried." She nodded, relieved. "And, he won't tell. I've noticed that with him in the station. He wouldn't look at me – and he won't repeat what he didn't see."
"I hope that much is true."
"I believe it is. Don't worry."
"It's my prerogative – to worry, as I am the only one of us who seems to have that part of their mind intact." Actually, he was mad at her, but she knew he wasn't going to tell her in detail. She knew how insane she could make him. There was one time in 3rd year, when they didn't talk for 4 weeks over a disagreement they'd had. In the 5th week of it, they'd both come to their senses – but neither of them apologized. They just didn't touch the subject again –and Lark, for the life of her, couldn't remember what the subject had been. That was something she didn't want to have happen again, nor did he, but there were intervals when it did. She knew he was hoping to see that this one didn't become like that.
"Touché." Lark smirked. Severus just gave her an annoyed look and went back to his reading. Then, she went back to looking out the window – until her stomach growled. "I'm going to go hunt down the goodie cart. Want anything?"
"A chocolate frog." He stated, again his tone of voice being very curt.
"Severus . . ."
"Hmm?"
"Come off it." With that, she turned out of the compartment and went about her task. As she left though, she heard him laugh gently. That was the first time she'd ever used British slang.
~~
"Well, well, well . . . The Gruesome Twosome is now only one for the moment." Black's mocking voice met her back as she went, on her search for the chubby witch with the goodie cart. "Where's that scarecrow of a prefect at?"
"Black, your knack with meaningful descriptions never ceases to amaze my little feminine, stupid mind." Lark hissed back with sarcasm, not stopping to turn towards him. She wasn't in the mood for the idiot –and she wouldn't be so for a while –well, at least not in the mood to where she could hear him without her hands itching to move to her knife. Keep moving girl, keep moving. He's right behind her, moving at her own pace. I Oh spirit of Earth, why do you compel that fool to follow?/I She turned then, to be face to neck with the boy. "You really don't know how to take a hint now do you?"
"Obviously not." He smirked, humor playing his eyes the same way it was written over his face. He was handsome . . . Ibut, he was also a class A idiot, not to mention a complete jerk./I "So where are you going, yank?"
"Flattery will get you no where." She spat at him, turning away once more. Then, he made a very big mistake. He'd grabbed her arm to stop her. Someone has a death wish. . . Next thing he knew, he was flying up against the side of the train, but there was no force of magic issuing from her wand. She'd thrown him. She stood down the aisle from him, her green eyes glaring holes right into him. "Leave. Me. Alone." And then, she'd disappeared from that section, not giving him even the slightest chance to get up. She also didn't hear him say 'Wow, what a girl' as she left him there, sprawled on the floor.
Of course, that incident would never be reported. The part of the train they'd been in had been empty at the moment.
~~
When she got back to the compartment she shared with Severus, he was still reading. Sensing that she was there, he looked up from the book at her.
"Problem on the way?" He asked, eyebrow raising.
"No, of course not. Why would you ask?" Lark handed him the chocolate frog he'd asked for, then she sat down and opened her purchase of Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Beans.
"Oh, no real reason." She saw the gilt of his humor in those dark eyes again as he scanned her. "Only that you're just about as pale as Narcissa or myself – save for your cheeks. They're about the color of fire."
"I had to run to catch up the lady with the cart." She stated, looking into the box of candy, avoiding his eyes. She heard his sniggering. Of course he didn't believe her. "Well, I did!"
"I wasn't opposing the fact." He smirked, opening up the candy she'd gotten for him as he held his book open flat against his lap with his elbow. When he'd gotten it open, he ate with one hand and held the book with the other. After he was quiet for a few moments, Lark dared a look up at him. For a moment she studied him, the way the shadows played with his features. He was very handsome. As was Black – but they were both unique in their appearance, even if some of their features were the same. She liked Severus' looks better though, there was just something she understood there, something that was in his eyes. IAm I falling in love with my best friend? /I She thought to herself. IAnd if so, then why did Black give me such a start?/I Her cheeks were warming.
And Severus looked up again. "Audrey, is there something you need?"
"N-no. I'm f-fine." She stumbled across the words. IO spirits, his eyes are so beautiful . . . /I
"Somehow, I think that's a lie." The smirk played his face again, and she had to look away or she'd jump on him for sure and possibly, possibly. . .
"No, really, Severus, I'm fine." She replied once more, luckily her voice was in it's whole and usual tone.
"Very well then." He nodded. His eyes flickered over her again. Was that longing they both saw from one another? The dark eyes left her and went back down to the page he was reading. But only for a second. He was looking at her again. "Would you like a book?"
"Yes, thank you." She nodded, though her mind was on a completely different level. Sevvie, I'd like more than a book . . .
"Are you sure you're okay?" He asked, handing her the book he'd fished out of one of his bags.
"Positive, Severus." Her eyes went sharp. "And please don't ask again, I highly doubt my answer will change in the next five minutes."
"Audrey . . I . . ." Then, he caught himself, the light in his eyes went dim as he nodded. "Yes, I agree. It's highly doubtful."
Quiet resumed as they read –neither really understanding the emotions and feelings that were and had been blooming inside them for awhile there. IWould they ever?/I
~*~ 1.1.1.3 The Game ~*~
The Slytherin common room was as it usually was –sensual in a sinister way. A dozen flames were dancing wildly in the serpentine fire place, warming the lot of those in the room as winter began a heavy set in outside their windows. The fire was also silhouetting Lucius and his circle of whispering friends in their chairs before it. However, Severus and Lark weren't paying attention to the secretive group – instead, they were having a game of wizard's chess as Narcissa and her cousin, Guenivere, watched from their chairs beside the table. Lark was losing miserably –as always- but, she was studying the board with a hopeful eye, though Snape's lips were curled into a nasty grin towards his best friend.
"Go ahead, Audrey, make your move." He said, his voice teasing and already tasting his triumph. No one had ever beaten him in chess, and the way it was going, no one ever would for that matter.
"Give her a minute, would you?" Guenivere snapped at him, her eyes flashing at him. They hadn't been getting along for a while then, and neither of them were none to quiet over the fact.
"I've given her 15, Mandrake." Snape replied, rolling his eyes while relaxing in his high backed chair. "She knows she's trapped, so she's going to stall as long as she can."
"Your faith in my abilities to destroy you in this game astounds me." Lark muttered darkly at him, making him smile even more.
"It's what keeps me winning, those abilities of yours."
"That was low even for you, Snape." Guenivere's voice rang in his ears.
"Honesty is crass, isn't it Mandrake?" His eyes were narrowed, and he wasn't paying any attention to Lark or the board. "Maybe that's why so many of your mirrors end up broken, hmm?"
"Sod off, you nasty git." Was Guenivere's growled reply. He loved to distort her vanity. But then, she had a reason to be vain. She was very lovely – or maybe the majority of the boys who'd been drooling over her all term were nutters. That she really doubted though.
"Articulate comeback there, sweetings." Severus sniggered, making the girl stew even more. He could feel Narcissa glaring at him as he watched Lark make her move on the board. "Very good Audrey, it'll all be over in a minute."
"Has anyone ever told you what a pompous ass you are?" The losing girl asked as she watched Snape's piece delivered the fatal blow to her own.
"Daily." She could feel the grin in his voice. A few moments later, and they were clearing the table of the board. "So, what's on for this winter?" Everyone knew that question was for Lark to answer.
"Same as always, I believe. I'll be staying here, Mother has already written that she'll be off and about all Holiday. You?"
"My parents told me before they sent me to Narcissa's – don't bother coming home until 6th year, they won't be about at all 'til then. Lovely hmm?" His pain was hidden in his sarcasm for no one but his best friend to notice. She knew that as much as he hated them, Severus' one wish was to have his parent's affection as his own – no matter how little they had left to give. She grieved for that fact in him, but she'd never let him see it. His loyalty to the family which he hated wouldn't allow him to tolerate it –especially not from her.
"Where do they all go anyway?" Narcissa asked, coming into the conversation finally. It was a record for her to be silent as long as she had. "My parents have been going off now as well, so have the Malfoy's. It's getting rather strange, in my opinion."
"Well, knowing it's a common occurrence for Mrs. Windsong and my parents, I'm not going to question any of it." Severus stated, getting up out of his chair to quickly stretch out his long body. Then, as he sat back down, his eyes took on a haunted look that only Lark noticed. "I learned better a long time ago."
"You're right – I'm sure they all of good reasons to act that way –and they owe us no acknowledgment of their whereabouts. After all –we are their children, not the other way around." Narcissa stretched lazily in her chair, then yawned. "Well, I'm off to bed."
"I'm going to do the same." Guenivere agreed, getting up to follow her cousin to the fifth year dorm. Other students were doing the same, and soon enough, Snape and Lark were among the last left. One of the 7th years had fallen asleep in the chair where he sat, while Lucius and the girl prefect, Myra Lilitu still sat whispering away next to the fire with two of 7th year boys.
"Audrey." Severus had moved to the chair that Narcissa had abandoned. He was right next to her then, and he was whispering in her ear.
"Hmm?" She leaned nearer to his mouth, wondering what he was going to do.
"As you know, I hate dances and the such – but, we prefects are under obligation to go to the Yule Ball. I was wondering . . . um . . ."
"I'll go with you." She nodded, trying not to smile as much as she wanted to. He made a sound of relief, and she could have sworn he was blushing.
"Thank you." He whispered again. Then, he stood up and stretched once more. "Well, I think I may retire as well. Goodnight Audrey."
"Goodnight Severus." Audrey watched him go, then settled back into her chair with a grin on her face. It may have been a friendly request – but she would swear to the great spirit that there had been more than mere friendliness in his eyes when she said she'd go with him.
~~
The next day, after her Transfiguration class, Lark was going quickly to meet up with Severus in their usual place so they could walk to Potions together. Her heart was skipping beats, not only because of the dreams she'd had that passed night, but because of the way he'd been looking at her during breakfast that morning. He'd been studying her again –every aspect of her, and he'd faintly blushed when she'd seen him. She'd been catching him doing the same thing since they'd met up at Narcissa's before the school year had began, and now as the time for the Yule Ball was closing in, he was watching her more and more. That could mean only one thing to her, but she wasn't going to really say anything unless he did. After all, romance was a game to her and most people her age. It was exciting and breathtaking, with little clue at the complete miseries it could cause –what it would cause for her soon enough.
~*~ 1.1.1.4 The Serpentine Kiss ~*~
She looked in the mirror one final time, making sure everything was right. Her hair was down, brushed out a thousand times so that her thick curls showed with luster. She'd lined her eyes with a touch of black koal borrowed from Narcissa, and her lips wore a bit of gloss on them –but that is the extent of the makeup she'd applied. Around her throat was a necklace her grandmother had given her over the summer. It is a triple choker made of linked small, blackened bones and glossy green beads, the coloration stark against one another, as well as her skin and the dress robes she wore. The robes were given to her by her Aunt Winter on her birthday. Winter, who had never been one for traditional clothing, had been working on them for ages, sewing everything together by hand. The robes were made of black velvet and were lined with peacock feathers. There was a green and blue gauze sash that tied loosely around her waist so that it hung over her left hip in a charmingly lazy fashion. Grandmother hated it, but it was made with great love, so it was acceptable to wear them and not feel shame for her family. However, they were half a world away, and nothing could make her feel shame for wearing something so lovely. After all, she'd dressed like her mother's people since she'd been 11. Lark shook her head at how traditional her grandmother was, but then again – Grandmother was steeped in the ways of the Hidden People and always would be. Nothing to laugh at really. . . Lark knew her grandmother would be a dire match for any powerful European wizard or witch, and then she'd probably blacken the ground with their dust before she'd finished with them. A smile crossed her face as she wiggled her toes in the soft, black beadless moccasins she'd been given by her Uncle Rattle. These were the only type of shoes she'd ever liked. Roomy moccasins that Rattle had made. He was her favorite Uncle, though he never said much. He was a gentle spirit, with lots of wisdom. Grandmother's oldest son – the one everyone said should have been born a girl. No one minded his femininity though, Rattle was simply Rattle – loving, gentle Rattle, who'd listen to any secrets you had to tell, and who'd never repeat them to another soul. He knew all about Severus, and was probably more than hinted to the fact of something that Lark herself hadn't even noticed until she'd gone back to England, to Narcissa's house. Her mind went to Severus then, and she took a deep breath as she turned from her mirror.
"Have fun, deary." The crackle voice came from the glass.
"I think I will." She replied, not turning back to the mirror as she left the room. She met Narcissa, who was decked out in bright blue robes, pearls and glossy heals, halfway down the wall.
"I was wondering when you were coming down! Really, Lark, you have Severus sweating brooms!" Narcissa stated, almost annoyed. Then, a smile slipped over her face and she pulled her friend close to her. "You do look lovely though," she whispered in her ear, "I think he'll faint with joy when he sees you. Or ravish you in the middle of the room . . ."
"Narcissa." Lark warned, cutting her friend off mid sentence.
"I was only saying . . ." Narcissa giggled, throwing up her hands. Then, she calmed after a second, and took Lark's arm in her own. She kissed her on the cheek, then stated: "Let's away. We'll blind them all, the two of us together."
"You'll outshine me." Lark stated, shaking her head.
"Don't start with all that, I'll not hear it tonight. You are a knock out –believe it, at least just this once." Narcissa had never pleaded with her before, and they were stopped in the hall again.
"Very well – but just this once." Lark said, her voice both stoic and gentle at the same time. She felt Narcissa's lips on her cheek once more.
"Thank you." The bell like voice whispered faintly in her ear. Then, they had began to walk again. Soon, they were down the stairs and in the common room. Most of the kids from the 4th year to the 7th stood in the common room, many of them with dates and some going stag to the ball. Among the small throng of people was Lucius, and with him was Severus, neither of them looking up at their dates' arrival in the common room, but rather conversing on a matter that was making Severus shake his head slowly with some disdain. After a moment, Lucius saw them on the stairs and jabbed Snape in the ribs. Severus looked up at Lark and his eyes widened. In an instant, the two boys were across the room and at the sides of their dates. And, at the moment that Severus took her hand, the world around Lark disappeared –and they were the only two people in existence. She looked into his deep black eyes and smiled at him, having the expression returned to her within the breath of a second.
"You look radiant, Audrey." He whispered to her with his silken voice.
"And you look brilliant as well." She returned the silent appraisal. It was true, her words. His hair was loose as always, framing his face perfectly. His dress robes were of well cut, black silk and lined in small, intricate silver spider web patterns. The robes were bottomed off with black, pointed boots which were rather shiny. On the index finger of his left hand was an armor ring that was long and shaped like a talon. Embedded in it's center, beneath the bottom joint, was a piece of obsidian that matched his eyes perfectly. On his left hand's index finger was a ring of silver and emerald. Lark recognized it immediately as his newest poison ring. He had quite a few of them, though he didn't wear them much. The armor ring however, was an addition to his collection that she'd not yet seen. Then she remembered the little box he'd picked up at the jewelers in Hogsmeade last weekend. Obviously that mystery was solved.
"Audrey, we need to go now. . ." Severus whispered in her ear, his tone and breath teasing her in two different ways. He was right of course . . . it seemed the room chose that moment to come back into her perception –and all of the other students (including Narcissa and Lucius, who were already arguing about something or other as always) were on their way to the Great Hall. Lark nodded, and then soon enough, they were following the others. Their arms were interlocked, which was rather awkward at first due to the difference in height, but soon enough they had their arms situated so it was comfortable and not odd looking at all. When they got to the 'receiving area' outside the great hall –where some of the people whom had dates outside their houses were going to meet and the other students would wait along with them – they brushed up against Sirius Black and his date, a Gryffindor girl by the name of Willow Parkinson. It was quite by accident, of course, and they were all rather thankful that nothing but a few growls and snarls came of the event. Lark, however, did feel Black's eyes on her for a few minutes afterwards . . . and then the doors to the Great Hall were opened, and Severus led her inside.
As they entered, a wave of white light washed over them, for the whole of the Great Hall was magically crystallized – save for the floor, the center of which had been cleared of all tables (the tables were at the sides, out of the way of where the actual dancing would be, of course); the ceiling made to look as though outside were actually in (snow was falling over Hogwarts and the half moon was smiling down at them like a Cheshire Cat) and the candles which burned brightly and reflected off the crystallized room. Garlands of emeralds and rubies had been wrapped around every pillars, and around all the rafters as well. Snow flakes hung suspended in the air over the tables sat aside for that evening's feast, and off to the side was a fantastically tall Christmas tree covered in snow and glowing with magical blue lights. At the front of the room sat the teachers in their usual places, all of them decked out in their finest robes – Dumbledore in the middle, with a huge smile on his old face and his eyes twinkling behind his glasses. Lark and Severus, like the rest of the students, were too over taken with the decorations to really listen to anything Dumbledore was talking about. Then, within seconds and with no real introduction, a stage popped out of no where, appearing next to the over sized Christmas Tree and there was a musical group of three wizards who were playing muggle inspired 'rock music' for the gathering of teenagers. Like many others who weren't familiar with the music style –even if it was catchy- , Snape and Windsong took claim on half a table at the sidelines of the cleared floor – plates of food and silver goblets of butter beer appearing when they sat down. Narcissa and Lucius soon claimed the other half of the table, and nearby them they could hear the Marauders and their dates take up a few tables while laughing about some stupid argument that Potter and Black were having over Quidditch.
~~
The night, and the lights for that matter, were winding down. The music being played could be likened to muggle classical, gentle and sensual but with a very sophisticated charm that both Lark and Severus enjoyed. They had been dancing for a bit, slowly, like the music and the others around them. They'd not had a real conversation since earlier in the night, when they'd discussed how neither of them liked to dance. It was Narcissa who'd dragged Lark to the floor first, and then Severus had gone out to save her – but the floor of other students had blocked their path back to the tables, and they'd been stranded - so they decided to actually give it a half hearted try. Then, they'd found they actually enjoyed it – at least the slow dancing, and the 'ball room' type dancing that Professor McGonagall and the Headmaster had demonstrated –all be it with the laughter from the students, they'd put on a good example. As for the faster paced stuff that the Marauders seemed to enjoy, they'd escaped the floor successfully after the first time trying that. Soon, the current song ended, and a new one was beginning – one of the such with a fast beat and an odd form of dancing –what was it called. . . desk-co?
"Would you like to go outside for a walk?" Snape asked, seeing that the path to the tables were blocked, but not the way to the doors that were left open so the students could get some air if they wanted to.
"Wouldn't mind at all." Lark replied.
The night was clear of the falling snow by then, and the land around them was pearled under the still smiling moon which was half hidden behind fluffed clouds. Arms linked as they had them when they'd entered the hall, they walked out past some other students down the path that had been cleared by the grounds keeper when the snow had stopped falling. Around them, behind the bushes, they heard the soft sounds of whispers and hushed giggles and lips meeting.
"You seem to be having a good time." Severus murmured. She didn't look up at him, because she could feel him studying her intently in the moonlight.
"You don't seem to be suffering either." She stated back, suppressing a laugh.
"Well, I'm in good company. Should have thought of this last year, asking you to this . . . dance. After all, you're the only person alive I'd hate to see dead." His voice was perfectly serious. "Everyone else can sod it for all I care."
"Blatant honesty. One of the many things I adore about you, Sevvie." She whispered aloud, not even noticing it.
"What was that?" He asked, voice teasing her. "Did I hear you say adore?"
"No, you didn't. How much butter beer did you drink tonight?" She quipped. He only shook his head and smirked down at her, their eyes catching on one another. Then, very slowly, she leaned back into his arms, and he leaned down to her lips. Mouths touched, lips parted –and fire works lit the skies of Lark's world.
"I adore you too, Audrey." He replied. "And I meant what I said earlier. My best friend – my only real friend." Then, he kissed her gently on the ear. "Just don't let that get out –or that's the end of our reputations as the soulless Slytherins."
"Won't breath a word, Severus." She whispered back. And with another kiss, they joined arms once more, and returned to their table inside. The school would catch on eventually, of course . . . but, that was no end to their reputations. . .
~*~ 1.1.1.5 Words Are Not Enough ~*~
The days passed lazily by, and the other students from their house were gone, as was a majority of the rest of the school. Christmas was a few days away, and the 'relationship' that Lark had with Severus was shyly cultivating itself –as he seemed somewhat reluctant with the way their friendship was going. Lark, however, was thrilled with it. She found his behavior a slight bit perplexing though, until it hit her that boys reacted differently to things like that than girls did. I Elementary,/I she told herself as she sat up the night the 5th year girl's dorm was empty save for herself, Ihe's still seeing me in the light of best friend rather than girl friend. Or at least, until he kisses me . . . then he has no trouble with the change at all. But that's probably any boy for you. /I
"Well, Corbin, what do you think of it all?" She asked, looking at the hawk which was getting slightly along in it's age. It tilted it's head at her and gave out a cry as it set on it's perch at the foot of her bed. "I wouldn't suspect you'd have an opinion." Lark smiled at the bird, soon receiving what seemed to be a hawk's version of rolling one's eyes at someone. Then, Corbin left his perch, and flew out of the window. "Abandon me then." With that, she got off her bed and walked out of the room, on her way to the common room. She knew Severus would be there, sitting in front of a burned out fire, reading. He never noticed things around him when he read – a war could break out around him, and he'd never know it unless someone walked over to him and snatched the book away. Such an action, of course, would be the end of that person's life. She found him exactly where she thought she would - only he had fallen asleep in the chair, the fire at his side slowly fizzing out. What I wouldn't give for a camera right now. And on that thought, his eyes opened.
"I know exactly what you were thinking." He said, narrowing his freshly opened eyes at her.
"What makes you so sure?"
"I know an 'Aww, that so cute what he's doing right now' look on you when I see one."
"You were asleep!" She exclaimed.
"I was resting my eyes." He combated with a smirk. "And the camera wouldn't have survived this long."
"How did you . . ." She pointed at him, a lost expression on her face. He sniggered gently, then got up and stretched.
"Hungry? I'm famished. They should be serving lunch now. . . shall we go?"
"Fine." She crossed her arms and huffed gently, allowing him to lead her out of the room, up out of the trap door and into the corridors that would take them to their destination.
~~
The Hall was practically deserted, save for about the 14 other students and the several teachers that had stayed behind over the holiday. Severus and Lark chose the far end of the table, away from where the remaining Marauders were already sitting. Again, Potter, Black and Lupin had stayed behind, as had Evans and another girl that neither of the Slytherin pair recognized the name of. Her face they knew –she was very quiet, all be it slightly nosy, but she stayed invisible to their house for most of the time.
"It's cold in here." Potter stated. He was looking over at the two students who'd just arrived. "Anyone feel a draft?"
"Yeah, blew right by me a few minutes ago." Black replied, pretending to shake.
"That's enough, both of you. It's warm in here, you know it." It was the silent warning from Evans, who shot a look over at Severus and Lark. She gave them a smile, and in return she got two icy gazes. After a moment, her warm smile not breaking, she turned back to her friends. The Professors seemed not to notice any of this. Snape looked down at Lark, shook his head and went to eating the food he'd just put in his own plate. She followed his lead silently, her eyes drifting over to Black from time to time. He was watching her in return, though they both would look away when they realized it. The meal went quietly for the two Slytherin students while the rest of the table buzzed along delightedly with one another. About midway through the meal, the chatter was broken by a tempest following the arrival of an owl. It was a large, dark tawny colored – it had a letter of course, nothing unusual at all. No one really paid attention to the bird as it dropped the parchment into Lark's emptied plate. Well, no one save for Severus and Dumbledore. Lark picked it up and turned from the table, guarding it with a little concern. Owls never came to her . . . only Corbin –and he was out in the trees, most likely hunting mice that were foraging in the snow. And that explained why Severus was watching her as she read. However, she didn't know if she wanted him to know or not, and, feeling his eyes over her shoulder, she stood up finally.
"If you'll excuse me." She muttered, leaving the gathering without a second glance. She knew Severus had stood up to follow her, for she heard Dumbledore tell him to sit back down , for him to let Lark alone if she needed it. He could go to her in a few moments. A few laughs issued behind her – the sounds she knew well, the joking voices. The Marauders had cracked some cruel ones on Severus, but they were hushed immediately by the Headmaster –and he'd not sounded pleased. Even that could not quell what was rising inside her. The worry, the fear. She didn't open the letter again until she's reached the common room and it's still fizzling fire. Little warmth it gave, their hearth, but she didn't care for it at the moment. Her mind was on the letter. Again, she unfolded it and began reading the words she'd missed while trying to guard it from her friend's eyes. It was from the Ministry of Magic. It was about her mother, the auror. . . . Her mother was an auror . . . Her mother had been killed . . . There had been a sign over the place she'd been killed . . . It was the group that was going purists against muggles and mudbloods, with their sign of the snake and the skull in the air. . . Mother had gone to fight them, she'd gotten word of their next attacks . . . and mother was dead . . . Avada Kedavra. . . mother was dead.
A scream issued from her throat, echoing through the common room and out of it, booming down the dungeons. Around her, things flew from their shelves, some glass shattered nearby, and she paid it no heed, for she knew she'd subconsciously done it. And she continued to scream . . . until her hand felt her knife at her side. She knew what she had to do.
~~
When Severus found her, he did not let her see the horror of his confusion. She was in ritualized mourning, she'd sawed off her hair so that it hung almost to her shoulders, and the majority lay around her on the floor. Her head and upper body were covered in soot from the fire . . . her arms were bleeding from gashes she'd made in them, just below the bend of her elbow, on the fronts of her forearms. And she was chanting in a broken voice . . . going into low tones, then pitching high ones . . . a few muffled sobs, then she was chanting again. And all of this had happened in the last ten minutes?
~~
Lark felt as he'd picked her up, knew that she had gone limp when he'd barely even touched her. She'd stared up into his eyes as he carried her to the medwitch. He was worried, he was scared . . . she saw it all. He loved her more than anything in the world, and he thought she had gone beyond the mourning ways of her people –thought that she'd dipped right into the heady rush of pure insanity and he was damned if he was going to let her sink into it for eternity. He was running by the time he'd gotten out of the dungeons. The blood from her arms was trickling down his robes, running the green into a purplish tint as it soaked into the fabric. Have I cut too deeply? She didn't think she had . . . but then, then . . . it was getting so dark. Lark had passed out just as Severus reached the nurse.
~~
She woke up to Dumbledore sitting next to her in the bed she'd been laid in. Severus was no where around, and her head felt like it was going to crack open.
"Glad to see you're with us again." The Headmaster smiled down at her.
"I made a fool of myself, I cut too deeply." She whispered. "How could I do that?"
"It seems you wanted to." Dumbledore said, his voice gentle though disappointed. "Sorrow can do that to a person."
"She's gone." Lark sighed, closing her eyes tightly. "With Father . . . Oh, what was I thinking, they don't want me to die from a blunder with a blade. . ."
"I'm sure they both want you to live out your life as fully as possible." The Headmaster nodded.
"Yes." She agreed. "But, why did they keep their lives secret from me?"
"If I had an answer, child . . . I'd tell you." Dumbledore's voice was gentle. "However, I think that is something you will have to figure out on your own." She merely nodded at his words. They stayed quiet for a few moments.
"Where's Severus?"
"I sent him to bed." The Headmaster's eyes had a slight twinkle to them again. "He stayed here with you after he brought you here, and wouldn't leave until you were stable again. I don't think he made the medwitch very happy or comfortable while he was shouting orders at her for which things to use to help you. Very good with potions, that one . . ."
"Yes, he is." Lark nodded. "Professor?"
"Hmm?"
"Can I please leave and go to my room now? This bed is horribly uncomfortable."
"Yes, if you can walk there steadily. I'll go along with you to the dungeons, to make sure." He smiled at her.
~~
The common room was dark and quiet when she reached it. Dumbledore had vanished after she'd made it to the trap door that led to her house, and she went in without a sound after giving the password. Her feet, however, did not carry her to the girl's 5th years dorm. Instead, she went up the boy's stair case, to his room. She knew exactly where it was, what the password into it was. This room was a usual place of visitation during the day when they needed to talk alone and the common room seemed like it would never empty. She gave the gargoyle that guarded the door the word, then entered in silently. Severus was asleep, the candle at the bedside flickering gently. Lark bent down, blew it out and climbed into his bed with him. As she curled up against his chest, he woke up. No words were spoken. He only wrapped his arms around her, concealing her in the warmth of his body. And she cried against him until she fell asleep.
~*~ 1.1.1.6 Her Path Begins ~*~
Her life seemed to be in a haze for weeks after that. She would barely be able to recall her Mother's funeral for years after it had happened, though she knew that a few minute things happened there that would affect the outcome of her future – or at least that's what her family told her after awhile. She remembered that they had come over for the funeral, and that many people from the wizarding community showed up, as did most of the staff at Hogwarts. Professor Azrael had cried over her Mother's grave, if she remembered correctly. She wasn't really sure if she did though. Lark knew that Severus, Narcissa and Guenivere had been there, giving her support and meeting the American branch of her family for the first time. Lucius had not attended– nor had his parents. . . or Narcissa's . . . or the Snapes. They weren't really missed either. Lark's memories also told her that when her Mother's casket had been lowered into the ground, she had began singing in Lakota – she had sung of a bird taking flight. Grandmother had been at her side, holding her shoulders gently while she had cried out the song and Uncle Rattle's voice had joined her own sometime before she'd finished. And then, suddenly, they were back at Hogwarts, her Grandmother had taken Severus aside and they'd spoken. . . most likely about Lark, but she really never found out. Grandmother had a strict look about her face though, and Severus had nodded a lot. Uncle Rattle and Aunt Winter had taken Lark aside long before the conversation had finished though, and then Grandmother had gone to talk to Dumbledore, and Severus wouldn't answer any questions about the talk Grandmother had given him. And then, Grandmother had come and taken her into another room, so they could talk.
"You will not be coming away from Europe until you finish here with school." Grandmother had told her in that very frank way she had. Nothing shocking really. "It isn't safe for you anywhere else – not even at home. Besides, you're path is here for now . . . There are things here that I feel are not finished with you."
"Being cryptic as always Grandmother?" Lark had raised a weary eyebrow as she'd sat down. They were in McGonagall's office. She remembered how odd it felt to be talking in the language she'd always thought of as her main tongue – frightening how fast English could catch on a person. Not that she told Grandmother that.
Our Audrey, I am very serious. No joking now, none at all. Both your Mother and your Father died to protect life and light. . . the ones who killed them wanted nothing from them, and they destroyed them without a thought. You, however. . . in you there is something that these Dark Ones can use, and I'm afraid of what they'll have ready for you if you refuse them. And I know you will, I see you." Grandmother had looked ready to cry. "Your path is set, and though it is one of greatness . . . it is also one of pain."
"Did you see it all already?" Lark whispered. Dreams brought things to the old wise woman, this she had learned long ago. When her Father had died –possibly as an auror like her Mother – Grandmother had screamed for hours in her sleep . . . and those hours had been before he'd been found. Divination among the Hidden People was a lot stronger than with the European Wizards.
"I've seen many things for you in my sight. Many things." Grandmother nodded. Then, she'd switched to English. "Not all, though, I'm afraid. Oh, darling one, I am afraid."
"Then my own path does begin."
"Yes, but you aren't alone." A secretive smile passed over Grandmother's thin lips. "Never that . . not here."
"Does this relate to what you told Severus?"
"That's for his own knowledge, our Audrey . . . leave him to it. I was, however, very interested in meeting him. I like that one, well . . . the one he keeps within him." She shakes her head. "He'll not walk an easy path either . . . not when he finds his true way."
"Severus is an enigma wrapped in three mysteries." Lark cracked her first real smile that day.
"That's all men." Grandmother'd rolled her eyes. Then, she smiled too. "Well, except for Rattle and his type. They are our familiars."
~~
She'd been sad to see Grandmother, Rattle and Winter leave . . . but they did have to go home. After all, it was time for her to grow up some. Lark's path was set, after all. And she had to follow it's twists . . . and not mourn after the way she'd left. And of course, school was going to start again in the next few days. She had to get ready for that, didn't she? Her mind was set to the tasks that lay ahead . . . to completing her life here. When that was done, she could go home . . . when the path here was ended.
~~
Her mind seemed to clear with the return of classes and order. However, her life was beginning to show signs of difference now that it was known what her Mother had been . . . how her Mother had died. While Severus, Narcissa, Guenivere and a few others kept loyally at her side, most of her fellow Slytherins had begun to avoid her like the Black Plague - though they kept respect for her, for who she was and what she could do. Lucius, however, was beginning to seem as though he found it amusing to walk on thin ice. He tried to insult her mother on any chance he got, even though at first he kept it on a very low level – like his normal teasing. Severus would watch her reactions – hold up his hand in silence to tell her to let it alone, to ignore Malfoy's swaggering. However, Snape's way of having her deal with Lucius was not something that ended up working.
It happened finally when Lark and Severus were playing their usual game of chess in the evening. Again, Narcissa and Guenivere were watching them –well, watching Lark steadily lose as always, that was – and they were baiting Severus into snapping at them every ten seconds, trying to get his attnetion away from the board – and they were losing at that. There was a fire snapping comfortably in the fire place, in front of which Lucius sat, talking with some of his friends. The 'Serpent's Coil' - as the little group of Lucius lovers were beginning to call themselves – were talking rather loudly about heritage and blood lines. Narcissa was steadily rolling her eyes, even though she was concerned with getting Severus to muck up his game plan . . . and then Malfoy had brought up the subject of Lark's mother.
"Well, I wonder if the dirty little Heathen will make a better choice than her inbred Monroyael mother did." He had smiled as he watched Lark go ridged. She had looked at Severus first, and he had not looked away from the board. A small smile slipped across her own face. He'd had enough of Malfoy . . . just like she had. What's more . . . she had his permission –as the only present prefect at the moment – to shred the one who was bothering her so much. Malfoy, however, didn't realize this. Instead, he'd looked over at Lark again. "So, yank, what'll it be, where do your loyalties lay? In the grave with that joke of a woman?"
Her knife was drawn in an instant, and once again, a scene close to what had happened on their first train ride together seemed to replay. Lark was on the table in front of him, her feet slamming his shoulders to chair he sat in. Her hands were gripping his hair, pulling his head back to meet the top of his back and her knife was poised over his gapping mouth.
"You will take that back now, Lucius." She'd growled. Around her, no one moved. They knew better. After all, in Slytherin house, you solved your own problems . . . and like hell if you'd summon up one you couldn't handle. Obviously, the whole room knew Malfoy had gone too far. Even Narcissa was watching with anticipation.
"And if I don't?" He dared to whisper to her. A hateful smile slipped once more cross her face as she leaned down next to his ear.
"You'll be going to the hospital wing to re-grow your tongue. . . not to mention three lower appendages . . . as they will be in the digestive juices of some less picky scavenger when I'm finished with you. So, what'll it be, Lucius my dear?" She moved the knife down to his lap. "Take your pick. Three words will tell me what I want to hear." The air was thick with bloodlust then, most of the other students leering at the pair caught up in this dangerous dance. Severus, however, was still looking at the board, pondering it. He wouldn't look up until she'd returned to the game.
"I am sorry." Lucius groveled after a few moments of the intense silence. Lark was off him in an instant, crossing the room back to the table. However, before she reached her chair across from Severus, she turned back to Lucius and launched her knife at him. It embedded himself next to his head, just barely missing his ear.
"You'll get yours, devil." She'd hissed in Lakota, then opened her hand for the return of her knife, which was already wriggling it's way free from the chair where the young man sat ready to piss himself. Finally, she was watching Severus make his move.
"Snape!" Lucius screeched. "Tell me you saw that!"
"Saw what, Malfoy?" Severus turned to him, almost laughing at his pale, sneering face. "I was playing chess."
"Windsong attacked me." Lucius growled. "Come on, you had to have seen it."
"As I said, I was playing chess, Lucius." Severus shock his head with a disappointed look. "I saw nothing. I'm sorry."
With that, Lucius had stormed out of the common room. It would be the last time he verbally attacked Lark . . . well, for the time being at least. Malfoy had other plans for her , after all. And for them to happen, he had to stay alive, and in her half way good graces. If not, well, it could be himself in the boiling pot, and that wasn't something he wanted to have happen. As he left, the 'Serpent's Coil' followed him. Narcissa, however, stayed and watched the game between Severus and Lark.
Key: "Lakota"
b-The Fifth Year-/b
~*~ 1.1.1.1 Remains to be Seen ~*~
The summer following her fourth year at Hogwarts had been spent in America with her Grandmother and the rest of her Father's family while Mother had been on urgent business. The Hidden People had honored her fifteenth birthday ritually, celebrating her past as a child and looking forward to her life as an adult. She, to the minds of the Hidden People, was a woman then – and with that she was granted the gift to use Earth magic when she needed it, but not to teach it to anyone outside of their tribe – for it was sacred to their people, and something of great secret, for it was very potent magic, and if fallen to the wrong hands – could cause much catastrophe. After weeks in the midst of her Father's people, and a time of blooming, she went back to England several weeks before school began again. Her destination was her friend Narcissa's family estate –where she would be staying until Mother came to collect her, or until it was time to go back to Hogwarts.
Lark's entrance went unnoticed by most of the household, other than Narcissa who was overjoyed to see her. The girl's parents were used to having visitors, and one of her daughters friend was no circumstance for pomp – after all, about half the Slytherins from their year seemed to be staying there that month. Truth be told, the presence of so many 15 year olds were grating on their nerves, but they weren't going to tell their very spoiled daughter that –and besides, they were starting to disappear more often than not themselves –so they left the concern and the baby sitting to the house elves for the better part of the time.
"You've grown some over these last weeks, I dare say." The voice belonged to Lucius, who had walked into the front hall from the parlor after Narcissa when she'd gone to greet her best friend. Still blessed with silken blond hair and clear, well chiseled features, he had grown some, and was beginning to look more masculine. He was looking at Lark with something very unsettling in his eyes, something that she tried very hard to ignore. His eyes were practically raking her body, learning the curves that had formed so quickly since last they'd seen one another –which hadn't been long ago. Though she still had more 'growing' to do, she was still very voluptuous already –and it seemed the whole world knew it. Save herself.
"Shut up and go find Severus. He'll be glad to see Lark." Narcissa snapped, allowing her jealousy of the attention to show in her voice. Then, she turned back to the girl as house elves took the guest's bags and carried them to the room already prepared for her stay. "He's in the gardens, reading I'm sure. We didn't tell him you were coming. Wanted to surprise him." I Was that a wink Narcissa just gave me? /I Lark thought bewilderedly. "You know, you're all he talks about most of the time –when he does talk." Then, a devilish smile crossed the blond girl's face as she imitated Snape's deepening voice. "Audrey is so brilliant, she'll be among the greatest witches ever. Audrey could kill you with a word, Lucius, and you'd never know it . . . Audrey, Audrey, Audrey."
"That's ridiculous Narcissa. I'm sure your lying." Lark rolled her eyes.
"I assure you I am not." The girl replied, raising her nose in the air. Then, her shrewd eyes took hold of her friend once more. "Well, let's forget it all . . . until he comes to greet you. We can go into the parlor. O, and you know, we have the run of the house most of the time here. . . . Mother and Father are off on some very odd adventures, I think . . . second honey moon sort of thing, I'm sure." Narcissa shuddered on that one. "Not that it sounds pleasant, of course."
"Of course." Lark smirked, allowing herself to be sat down on a black velvet chase lounge. She then felt Narcissa's eyes studying her body too.
"Lucius is right, you know . . . you're going to be a knock out when your older."
"You've both gone insane then." Lark muttered, making her friend crack an evil grin.
"Think whatever you want, Lark darling." Then, she went on. "You know -if you can believe it that is – Severus has gotten even taller! He towers over everyone! But, he's still skinny as a rail."
"As always, Narcissa, your comparisons are Iever/I so Iflattering/i." Came a silken, sarcastic voice from the parlor's side door. The monotone tendency was long gone, Lark remembered happily. She loved his voice, with the way it washed over the listener. Both of the girls looked there to find Severus Snape watching them, his face even more hawkish and defined than ever. He looked like a born aristocrat, and his face was not as pale as it had been last year. His skin was clear, his raven black hair a bit longer – touching just below his shoulders then. And those shoulders, to oppose Narcissa's comparison, were broader than Lucius'. Severus was leaned against the door ( and he was dressed in a black suit that reminded Lark of clothes from the muggle Victorian era) a closed book in his hands, his head slightly bowed as his obsidian eyes had reached then to Lark. "Audrey . . . Lucius was right –for once –you have grown some."
"Don't tell her that, Severus . . . she's bound to claw your eyes out." Narcissa smirked, making Lark shake her head. "She doesn't see what we do. Personally, I think she needs a new mirror – I'd be grateful to have a body like . . ."
"Narcissa!" Lark was a bright shade of red as Severus laughed gently in the door way, his eye not leaving the tawny skinned girl.
~~
A little while later, they found themselves out in the gardens, alone together. Narcissa had wondered off to find Lucius and her cousin, Guenivere Mandrake, another Slytherin 5th year who had been self ostracized from the group until their 4th year, when she'd finally come out of her shell. Lark didn't mind her, in fact, she found her presence a lot more comfortable than that of Cora or any of the other girls Narcissa kept company with. Everyone knew whom Lark preferred, and the mere fact she liked being around boys better – they were more practical (well, other than Lucius and his two goons) was still no reason for the other girls to compete for her notice. They vied for her friendship at times, because of what family she came from, and for the mere fact that she was one of the smartest students in the school. But, she wasn't thinking of all that brow nosing from those falsities at the moment. Her attention was on her best friend in the world, and his was on the bright blue skies over their heads.
"What are you thinking?" Lark asked, her voice even and whispering.
"Why did you try it?" He questioned back, still not looking at her.
"Try what?"
"The Dark Arts, Avada Kedavra. Why, Audrey?" He was looking at her then, and his deep eyes were brimming with a haunted glimmer. He was whispering too. She knew the tones he used. Some of his whispers could attract attention from a crowded room of people, and be heard above all the noise they could make, and then there were some, like the one he was using now, that could only be heard by whom they were meant for. "Tell me."
"Is it important?" She asked, raising an eyebrow at his serious expression.
"To me, yes."
"Why?"
"I just want to know . . ."
"Very important there, Sevvie."
"Audrey . . . I'm not playing a game." He shook his head. "Tell me."
"Very well. I learned them because they were interesting, because they were there to learn. They were more fun than anything else I'd used –and they were something that I had that my parents didn't." Then, she took a deep breath so she could get the words out quickly. "And I killed the dog by accident."
He nodded, and stayed quiet. "And yourself?"
"My parents cared what I did when I learned them." He replied, looking back up at the sky. "They had pride that I could kill so young, even if it were just small animals. . . ."
"And?"
"I liked it." His eyes were gleaming in the sun. "The killings didn't matter – the animals were going to die soon anyway. The cat was very old, the squirrels were rabid. Still, I liked it. Liked the power. And, it impressed my parents – made them actually smile at me. It made me glad to see them actually acknowledge me. How pathetic is that?"
"Not pathetic at all." Lark stated, her hand on his arm. He looked into her eyes, and she knew he was losing himself in their emerald depths.
"That remains to be seen, I think." He sighed. "I still see the pride in their soulless eyes when we speak of such things, and it warms me. But that isn't all. I still relish it. Do you? Relish the power you hold, the knowledge of what you can do?" He watched her nod. He bowed his head back. There was an understanding between them, as always, where secrets were concerned. Then, his face brightened. "So, did your ceremony go well?"
"Without a hitch."
"Smashing." He nodded pleasurably. "And, did you get the book you were looking for?"
"Mhmm." She smiled. "And, I picked up a copy for you as well, since you dropped that little hint to me when you found out I was going home for the summer. Had a horrid time hiding them both, though."
"Ah, thank you." He smirked in return. He watched her get up and begin her way to the room that Narcissa had given to her during her stay there. Then, he followed her. And, if it wasn't her imagination, his eyes stayed on her the whole time they walked to the room for the book.
~*~ 1.1.1.2 The Express ~*~
"I'm still slightly surprised that I was made a prefect." Severus stated. He and Lark were walking a bit far behind the others, who were mostly grouped together talking and laughing as they carted their belongings to the barrier that would portal them to Platform 9 ¾. All of them were dressed in muggle clothing so not to draw attention, a usual ritual for them, even if they were pure bloods. "And, I also want to know why you weren't made one too. After all, I'm not Azrael's only shinning star."
"Actually, it makes perfect sense. Professor Azrael pulled some strings, and he didn't have enough to cover me too –as I was probably the little 'yank scape goat' for most of what we've done." Lark replied with a smile, pushing her baggage cart at the same pace as he pushed his. "After all, McGonagall made that Lupin a prefect, and he's with the 'Marauders'." She'd not spared the last word a mocking tone, making Severus snigger lightly. "And, she also got that Evans girl as one too – but then, she was never connected to them, so of course it was okayed by the rest of the staff with no problem."
"Ah yes, Potter's little . . ."
"Snake, if you want to keep that suite clean, you'll go no further than that 'little'. . ." It was the voice of Sirius Black that threatened them from behind. Severus didn't turn, but Lark noticed as his eyebrow raised and his lips curled into a sneer.
"Would you really attack me – a prefect - from behind, Black? After all, it would show your true colors to the rest of your house. And, what would all the ickle Gryffindors think of that? Especially your friends!" The mockery was clear in his voice, and they both could feel the heat of anger generating from Black.
"I think his friends would cheer him on." That was Potter's voice. "As for the prefect thing, how do you know it wasn't all a mistake?"
"James, I don't think Professor Dumbledore would allow a mistake to happen where prefects are concerned. Snape is a prefect." It was Lupin who interceded then, before Snape could even turn around. "And therefore, he is to be respected for the authority he is in the school."
"In the school…" Black growled. "Not here."
"And, he can't use magic here . . ." Potter nodded. At those words, Lark felt a fight coming on. She turned around, her hand on the knife hidden under her black cardigan, up against her purple summer dress. She revealed the hilt of it to them, her eyes narrowed.
"I don't think that'll be a problem for any of us." Her whisper was more like a hiss. She caught Black's eyes, which were widened at the sight of her weapon. "Well," she continued, "not for me anyway."
"We don't have time for this." Lupin stated, his voice harsh. He dare not look at Lark, it was like he understood her somehow, and wasn't going to push her further.
"He's right, Audrey –let's go . . . we have a train to catch, and it won't wait for us." Severus' eyes shot around at their opponents. "Any of us." With that, he pushed his cart off, and Lark followed – all be it a bit slowly. It also took her a few minutes to turn away from Black and Potter, but soon enough, she was on her way to the train. They caught it right on time.
~~
Their compartment was silent for a long while. Severus was reading the book she'd gotten him, and she was looking out the window at the landscapes that were whizzing endlessly by.
"That was completely un-called for." Severus finally stated, snapping the book shut as he looked up at her.
"What was? Defending you?" Lark asked.
"The defense was no problem for me, after all, I have no pride in my abilities for physical combat. The drawing of your knife is what bothered me." He replied curtly. "If Lupin sees fit, he can report that. I simply won't believe you don't know what that will end with."
"You're not so much as angry, but worried." She nodded, relieved. "And, he won't tell. I've noticed that with him in the station. He wouldn't look at me – and he won't repeat what he didn't see."
"I hope that much is true."
"I believe it is. Don't worry."
"It's my prerogative – to worry, as I am the only one of us who seems to have that part of their mind intact." Actually, he was mad at her, but she knew he wasn't going to tell her in detail. She knew how insane she could make him. There was one time in 3rd year, when they didn't talk for 4 weeks over a disagreement they'd had. In the 5th week of it, they'd both come to their senses – but neither of them apologized. They just didn't touch the subject again –and Lark, for the life of her, couldn't remember what the subject had been. That was something she didn't want to have happen again, nor did he, but there were intervals when it did. She knew he was hoping to see that this one didn't become like that.
"Touché." Lark smirked. Severus just gave her an annoyed look and went back to his reading. Then, she went back to looking out the window – until her stomach growled. "I'm going to go hunt down the goodie cart. Want anything?"
"A chocolate frog." He stated, again his tone of voice being very curt.
"Severus . . ."
"Hmm?"
"Come off it." With that, she turned out of the compartment and went about her task. As she left though, she heard him laugh gently. That was the first time she'd ever used British slang.
~~
"Well, well, well . . . The Gruesome Twosome is now only one for the moment." Black's mocking voice met her back as she went, on her search for the chubby witch with the goodie cart. "Where's that scarecrow of a prefect at?"
"Black, your knack with meaningful descriptions never ceases to amaze my little feminine, stupid mind." Lark hissed back with sarcasm, not stopping to turn towards him. She wasn't in the mood for the idiot –and she wouldn't be so for a while –well, at least not in the mood to where she could hear him without her hands itching to move to her knife. Keep moving girl, keep moving. He's right behind her, moving at her own pace. I Oh spirit of Earth, why do you compel that fool to follow?/I She turned then, to be face to neck with the boy. "You really don't know how to take a hint now do you?"
"Obviously not." He smirked, humor playing his eyes the same way it was written over his face. He was handsome . . . Ibut, he was also a class A idiot, not to mention a complete jerk./I "So where are you going, yank?"
"Flattery will get you no where." She spat at him, turning away once more. Then, he made a very big mistake. He'd grabbed her arm to stop her. Someone has a death wish. . . Next thing he knew, he was flying up against the side of the train, but there was no force of magic issuing from her wand. She'd thrown him. She stood down the aisle from him, her green eyes glaring holes right into him. "Leave. Me. Alone." And then, she'd disappeared from that section, not giving him even the slightest chance to get up. She also didn't hear him say 'Wow, what a girl' as she left him there, sprawled on the floor.
Of course, that incident would never be reported. The part of the train they'd been in had been empty at the moment.
~~
When she got back to the compartment she shared with Severus, he was still reading. Sensing that she was there, he looked up from the book at her.
"Problem on the way?" He asked, eyebrow raising.
"No, of course not. Why would you ask?" Lark handed him the chocolate frog he'd asked for, then she sat down and opened her purchase of Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Beans.
"Oh, no real reason." She saw the gilt of his humor in those dark eyes again as he scanned her. "Only that you're just about as pale as Narcissa or myself – save for your cheeks. They're about the color of fire."
"I had to run to catch up the lady with the cart." She stated, looking into the box of candy, avoiding his eyes. She heard his sniggering. Of course he didn't believe her. "Well, I did!"
"I wasn't opposing the fact." He smirked, opening up the candy she'd gotten for him as he held his book open flat against his lap with his elbow. When he'd gotten it open, he ate with one hand and held the book with the other. After he was quiet for a few moments, Lark dared a look up at him. For a moment she studied him, the way the shadows played with his features. He was very handsome. As was Black – but they were both unique in their appearance, even if some of their features were the same. She liked Severus' looks better though, there was just something she understood there, something that was in his eyes. IAm I falling in love with my best friend? /I She thought to herself. IAnd if so, then why did Black give me such a start?/I Her cheeks were warming.
And Severus looked up again. "Audrey, is there something you need?"
"N-no. I'm f-fine." She stumbled across the words. IO spirits, his eyes are so beautiful . . . /I
"Somehow, I think that's a lie." The smirk played his face again, and she had to look away or she'd jump on him for sure and possibly, possibly. . .
"No, really, Severus, I'm fine." She replied once more, luckily her voice was in it's whole and usual tone.
"Very well then." He nodded. His eyes flickered over her again. Was that longing they both saw from one another? The dark eyes left her and went back down to the page he was reading. But only for a second. He was looking at her again. "Would you like a book?"
"Yes, thank you." She nodded, though her mind was on a completely different level. Sevvie, I'd like more than a book . . .
"Are you sure you're okay?" He asked, handing her the book he'd fished out of one of his bags.
"Positive, Severus." Her eyes went sharp. "And please don't ask again, I highly doubt my answer will change in the next five minutes."
"Audrey . . I . . ." Then, he caught himself, the light in his eyes went dim as he nodded. "Yes, I agree. It's highly doubtful."
Quiet resumed as they read –neither really understanding the emotions and feelings that were and had been blooming inside them for awhile there. IWould they ever?/I
~*~ 1.1.1.3 The Game ~*~
The Slytherin common room was as it usually was –sensual in a sinister way. A dozen flames were dancing wildly in the serpentine fire place, warming the lot of those in the room as winter began a heavy set in outside their windows. The fire was also silhouetting Lucius and his circle of whispering friends in their chairs before it. However, Severus and Lark weren't paying attention to the secretive group – instead, they were having a game of wizard's chess as Narcissa and her cousin, Guenivere, watched from their chairs beside the table. Lark was losing miserably –as always- but, she was studying the board with a hopeful eye, though Snape's lips were curled into a nasty grin towards his best friend.
"Go ahead, Audrey, make your move." He said, his voice teasing and already tasting his triumph. No one had ever beaten him in chess, and the way it was going, no one ever would for that matter.
"Give her a minute, would you?" Guenivere snapped at him, her eyes flashing at him. They hadn't been getting along for a while then, and neither of them were none to quiet over the fact.
"I've given her 15, Mandrake." Snape replied, rolling his eyes while relaxing in his high backed chair. "She knows she's trapped, so she's going to stall as long as she can."
"Your faith in my abilities to destroy you in this game astounds me." Lark muttered darkly at him, making him smile even more.
"It's what keeps me winning, those abilities of yours."
"That was low even for you, Snape." Guenivere's voice rang in his ears.
"Honesty is crass, isn't it Mandrake?" His eyes were narrowed, and he wasn't paying any attention to Lark or the board. "Maybe that's why so many of your mirrors end up broken, hmm?"
"Sod off, you nasty git." Was Guenivere's growled reply. He loved to distort her vanity. But then, she had a reason to be vain. She was very lovely – or maybe the majority of the boys who'd been drooling over her all term were nutters. That she really doubted though.
"Articulate comeback there, sweetings." Severus sniggered, making the girl stew even more. He could feel Narcissa glaring at him as he watched Lark make her move on the board. "Very good Audrey, it'll all be over in a minute."
"Has anyone ever told you what a pompous ass you are?" The losing girl asked as she watched Snape's piece delivered the fatal blow to her own.
"Daily." She could feel the grin in his voice. A few moments later, and they were clearing the table of the board. "So, what's on for this winter?" Everyone knew that question was for Lark to answer.
"Same as always, I believe. I'll be staying here, Mother has already written that she'll be off and about all Holiday. You?"
"My parents told me before they sent me to Narcissa's – don't bother coming home until 6th year, they won't be about at all 'til then. Lovely hmm?" His pain was hidden in his sarcasm for no one but his best friend to notice. She knew that as much as he hated them, Severus' one wish was to have his parent's affection as his own – no matter how little they had left to give. She grieved for that fact in him, but she'd never let him see it. His loyalty to the family which he hated wouldn't allow him to tolerate it –especially not from her.
"Where do they all go anyway?" Narcissa asked, coming into the conversation finally. It was a record for her to be silent as long as she had. "My parents have been going off now as well, so have the Malfoy's. It's getting rather strange, in my opinion."
"Well, knowing it's a common occurrence for Mrs. Windsong and my parents, I'm not going to question any of it." Severus stated, getting up out of his chair to quickly stretch out his long body. Then, as he sat back down, his eyes took on a haunted look that only Lark noticed. "I learned better a long time ago."
"You're right – I'm sure they all of good reasons to act that way –and they owe us no acknowledgment of their whereabouts. After all –we are their children, not the other way around." Narcissa stretched lazily in her chair, then yawned. "Well, I'm off to bed."
"I'm going to do the same." Guenivere agreed, getting up to follow her cousin to the fifth year dorm. Other students were doing the same, and soon enough, Snape and Lark were among the last left. One of the 7th years had fallen asleep in the chair where he sat, while Lucius and the girl prefect, Myra Lilitu still sat whispering away next to the fire with two of 7th year boys.
"Audrey." Severus had moved to the chair that Narcissa had abandoned. He was right next to her then, and he was whispering in her ear.
"Hmm?" She leaned nearer to his mouth, wondering what he was going to do.
"As you know, I hate dances and the such – but, we prefects are under obligation to go to the Yule Ball. I was wondering . . . um . . ."
"I'll go with you." She nodded, trying not to smile as much as she wanted to. He made a sound of relief, and she could have sworn he was blushing.
"Thank you." He whispered again. Then, he stood up and stretched once more. "Well, I think I may retire as well. Goodnight Audrey."
"Goodnight Severus." Audrey watched him go, then settled back into her chair with a grin on her face. It may have been a friendly request – but she would swear to the great spirit that there had been more than mere friendliness in his eyes when she said she'd go with him.
~~
The next day, after her Transfiguration class, Lark was going quickly to meet up with Severus in their usual place so they could walk to Potions together. Her heart was skipping beats, not only because of the dreams she'd had that passed night, but because of the way he'd been looking at her during breakfast that morning. He'd been studying her again –every aspect of her, and he'd faintly blushed when she'd seen him. She'd been catching him doing the same thing since they'd met up at Narcissa's before the school year had began, and now as the time for the Yule Ball was closing in, he was watching her more and more. That could mean only one thing to her, but she wasn't going to really say anything unless he did. After all, romance was a game to her and most people her age. It was exciting and breathtaking, with little clue at the complete miseries it could cause –what it would cause for her soon enough.
~*~ 1.1.1.4 The Serpentine Kiss ~*~
She looked in the mirror one final time, making sure everything was right. Her hair was down, brushed out a thousand times so that her thick curls showed with luster. She'd lined her eyes with a touch of black koal borrowed from Narcissa, and her lips wore a bit of gloss on them –but that is the extent of the makeup she'd applied. Around her throat was a necklace her grandmother had given her over the summer. It is a triple choker made of linked small, blackened bones and glossy green beads, the coloration stark against one another, as well as her skin and the dress robes she wore. The robes were given to her by her Aunt Winter on her birthday. Winter, who had never been one for traditional clothing, had been working on them for ages, sewing everything together by hand. The robes were made of black velvet and were lined with peacock feathers. There was a green and blue gauze sash that tied loosely around her waist so that it hung over her left hip in a charmingly lazy fashion. Grandmother hated it, but it was made with great love, so it was acceptable to wear them and not feel shame for her family. However, they were half a world away, and nothing could make her feel shame for wearing something so lovely. After all, she'd dressed like her mother's people since she'd been 11. Lark shook her head at how traditional her grandmother was, but then again – Grandmother was steeped in the ways of the Hidden People and always would be. Nothing to laugh at really. . . Lark knew her grandmother would be a dire match for any powerful European wizard or witch, and then she'd probably blacken the ground with their dust before she'd finished with them. A smile crossed her face as she wiggled her toes in the soft, black beadless moccasins she'd been given by her Uncle Rattle. These were the only type of shoes she'd ever liked. Roomy moccasins that Rattle had made. He was her favorite Uncle, though he never said much. He was a gentle spirit, with lots of wisdom. Grandmother's oldest son – the one everyone said should have been born a girl. No one minded his femininity though, Rattle was simply Rattle – loving, gentle Rattle, who'd listen to any secrets you had to tell, and who'd never repeat them to another soul. He knew all about Severus, and was probably more than hinted to the fact of something that Lark herself hadn't even noticed until she'd gone back to England, to Narcissa's house. Her mind went to Severus then, and she took a deep breath as she turned from her mirror.
"Have fun, deary." The crackle voice came from the glass.
"I think I will." She replied, not turning back to the mirror as she left the room. She met Narcissa, who was decked out in bright blue robes, pearls and glossy heals, halfway down the wall.
"I was wondering when you were coming down! Really, Lark, you have Severus sweating brooms!" Narcissa stated, almost annoyed. Then, a smile slipped over her face and she pulled her friend close to her. "You do look lovely though," she whispered in her ear, "I think he'll faint with joy when he sees you. Or ravish you in the middle of the room . . ."
"Narcissa." Lark warned, cutting her friend off mid sentence.
"I was only saying . . ." Narcissa giggled, throwing up her hands. Then, she calmed after a second, and took Lark's arm in her own. She kissed her on the cheek, then stated: "Let's away. We'll blind them all, the two of us together."
"You'll outshine me." Lark stated, shaking her head.
"Don't start with all that, I'll not hear it tonight. You are a knock out –believe it, at least just this once." Narcissa had never pleaded with her before, and they were stopped in the hall again.
"Very well – but just this once." Lark said, her voice both stoic and gentle at the same time. She felt Narcissa's lips on her cheek once more.
"Thank you." The bell like voice whispered faintly in her ear. Then, they had began to walk again. Soon, they were down the stairs and in the common room. Most of the kids from the 4th year to the 7th stood in the common room, many of them with dates and some going stag to the ball. Among the small throng of people was Lucius, and with him was Severus, neither of them looking up at their dates' arrival in the common room, but rather conversing on a matter that was making Severus shake his head slowly with some disdain. After a moment, Lucius saw them on the stairs and jabbed Snape in the ribs. Severus looked up at Lark and his eyes widened. In an instant, the two boys were across the room and at the sides of their dates. And, at the moment that Severus took her hand, the world around Lark disappeared –and they were the only two people in existence. She looked into his deep black eyes and smiled at him, having the expression returned to her within the breath of a second.
"You look radiant, Audrey." He whispered to her with his silken voice.
"And you look brilliant as well." She returned the silent appraisal. It was true, her words. His hair was loose as always, framing his face perfectly. His dress robes were of well cut, black silk and lined in small, intricate silver spider web patterns. The robes were bottomed off with black, pointed boots which were rather shiny. On the index finger of his left hand was an armor ring that was long and shaped like a talon. Embedded in it's center, beneath the bottom joint, was a piece of obsidian that matched his eyes perfectly. On his left hand's index finger was a ring of silver and emerald. Lark recognized it immediately as his newest poison ring. He had quite a few of them, though he didn't wear them much. The armor ring however, was an addition to his collection that she'd not yet seen. Then she remembered the little box he'd picked up at the jewelers in Hogsmeade last weekend. Obviously that mystery was solved.
"Audrey, we need to go now. . ." Severus whispered in her ear, his tone and breath teasing her in two different ways. He was right of course . . . it seemed the room chose that moment to come back into her perception –and all of the other students (including Narcissa and Lucius, who were already arguing about something or other as always) were on their way to the Great Hall. Lark nodded, and then soon enough, they were following the others. Their arms were interlocked, which was rather awkward at first due to the difference in height, but soon enough they had their arms situated so it was comfortable and not odd looking at all. When they got to the 'receiving area' outside the great hall –where some of the people whom had dates outside their houses were going to meet and the other students would wait along with them – they brushed up against Sirius Black and his date, a Gryffindor girl by the name of Willow Parkinson. It was quite by accident, of course, and they were all rather thankful that nothing but a few growls and snarls came of the event. Lark, however, did feel Black's eyes on her for a few minutes afterwards . . . and then the doors to the Great Hall were opened, and Severus led her inside.
As they entered, a wave of white light washed over them, for the whole of the Great Hall was magically crystallized – save for the floor, the center of which had been cleared of all tables (the tables were at the sides, out of the way of where the actual dancing would be, of course); the ceiling made to look as though outside were actually in (snow was falling over Hogwarts and the half moon was smiling down at them like a Cheshire Cat) and the candles which burned brightly and reflected off the crystallized room. Garlands of emeralds and rubies had been wrapped around every pillars, and around all the rafters as well. Snow flakes hung suspended in the air over the tables sat aside for that evening's feast, and off to the side was a fantastically tall Christmas tree covered in snow and glowing with magical blue lights. At the front of the room sat the teachers in their usual places, all of them decked out in their finest robes – Dumbledore in the middle, with a huge smile on his old face and his eyes twinkling behind his glasses. Lark and Severus, like the rest of the students, were too over taken with the decorations to really listen to anything Dumbledore was talking about. Then, within seconds and with no real introduction, a stage popped out of no where, appearing next to the over sized Christmas Tree and there was a musical group of three wizards who were playing muggle inspired 'rock music' for the gathering of teenagers. Like many others who weren't familiar with the music style –even if it was catchy- , Snape and Windsong took claim on half a table at the sidelines of the cleared floor – plates of food and silver goblets of butter beer appearing when they sat down. Narcissa and Lucius soon claimed the other half of the table, and nearby them they could hear the Marauders and their dates take up a few tables while laughing about some stupid argument that Potter and Black were having over Quidditch.
~~
The night, and the lights for that matter, were winding down. The music being played could be likened to muggle classical, gentle and sensual but with a very sophisticated charm that both Lark and Severus enjoyed. They had been dancing for a bit, slowly, like the music and the others around them. They'd not had a real conversation since earlier in the night, when they'd discussed how neither of them liked to dance. It was Narcissa who'd dragged Lark to the floor first, and then Severus had gone out to save her – but the floor of other students had blocked their path back to the tables, and they'd been stranded - so they decided to actually give it a half hearted try. Then, they'd found they actually enjoyed it – at least the slow dancing, and the 'ball room' type dancing that Professor McGonagall and the Headmaster had demonstrated –all be it with the laughter from the students, they'd put on a good example. As for the faster paced stuff that the Marauders seemed to enjoy, they'd escaped the floor successfully after the first time trying that. Soon, the current song ended, and a new one was beginning – one of the such with a fast beat and an odd form of dancing –what was it called. . . desk-co?
"Would you like to go outside for a walk?" Snape asked, seeing that the path to the tables were blocked, but not the way to the doors that were left open so the students could get some air if they wanted to.
"Wouldn't mind at all." Lark replied.
The night was clear of the falling snow by then, and the land around them was pearled under the still smiling moon which was half hidden behind fluffed clouds. Arms linked as they had them when they'd entered the hall, they walked out past some other students down the path that had been cleared by the grounds keeper when the snow had stopped falling. Around them, behind the bushes, they heard the soft sounds of whispers and hushed giggles and lips meeting.
"You seem to be having a good time." Severus murmured. She didn't look up at him, because she could feel him studying her intently in the moonlight.
"You don't seem to be suffering either." She stated back, suppressing a laugh.
"Well, I'm in good company. Should have thought of this last year, asking you to this . . . dance. After all, you're the only person alive I'd hate to see dead." His voice was perfectly serious. "Everyone else can sod it for all I care."
"Blatant honesty. One of the many things I adore about you, Sevvie." She whispered aloud, not even noticing it.
"What was that?" He asked, voice teasing her. "Did I hear you say adore?"
"No, you didn't. How much butter beer did you drink tonight?" She quipped. He only shook his head and smirked down at her, their eyes catching on one another. Then, very slowly, she leaned back into his arms, and he leaned down to her lips. Mouths touched, lips parted –and fire works lit the skies of Lark's world.
"I adore you too, Audrey." He replied. "And I meant what I said earlier. My best friend – my only real friend." Then, he kissed her gently on the ear. "Just don't let that get out –or that's the end of our reputations as the soulless Slytherins."
"Won't breath a word, Severus." She whispered back. And with another kiss, they joined arms once more, and returned to their table inside. The school would catch on eventually, of course . . . but, that was no end to their reputations. . .
~*~ 1.1.1.5 Words Are Not Enough ~*~
The days passed lazily by, and the other students from their house were gone, as was a majority of the rest of the school. Christmas was a few days away, and the 'relationship' that Lark had with Severus was shyly cultivating itself –as he seemed somewhat reluctant with the way their friendship was going. Lark, however, was thrilled with it. She found his behavior a slight bit perplexing though, until it hit her that boys reacted differently to things like that than girls did. I Elementary,/I she told herself as she sat up the night the 5th year girl's dorm was empty save for herself, Ihe's still seeing me in the light of best friend rather than girl friend. Or at least, until he kisses me . . . then he has no trouble with the change at all. But that's probably any boy for you. /I
"Well, Corbin, what do you think of it all?" She asked, looking at the hawk which was getting slightly along in it's age. It tilted it's head at her and gave out a cry as it set on it's perch at the foot of her bed. "I wouldn't suspect you'd have an opinion." Lark smiled at the bird, soon receiving what seemed to be a hawk's version of rolling one's eyes at someone. Then, Corbin left his perch, and flew out of the window. "Abandon me then." With that, she got off her bed and walked out of the room, on her way to the common room. She knew Severus would be there, sitting in front of a burned out fire, reading. He never noticed things around him when he read – a war could break out around him, and he'd never know it unless someone walked over to him and snatched the book away. Such an action, of course, would be the end of that person's life. She found him exactly where she thought she would - only he had fallen asleep in the chair, the fire at his side slowly fizzing out. What I wouldn't give for a camera right now. And on that thought, his eyes opened.
"I know exactly what you were thinking." He said, narrowing his freshly opened eyes at her.
"What makes you so sure?"
"I know an 'Aww, that so cute what he's doing right now' look on you when I see one."
"You were asleep!" She exclaimed.
"I was resting my eyes." He combated with a smirk. "And the camera wouldn't have survived this long."
"How did you . . ." She pointed at him, a lost expression on her face. He sniggered gently, then got up and stretched.
"Hungry? I'm famished. They should be serving lunch now. . . shall we go?"
"Fine." She crossed her arms and huffed gently, allowing him to lead her out of the room, up out of the trap door and into the corridors that would take them to their destination.
~~
The Hall was practically deserted, save for about the 14 other students and the several teachers that had stayed behind over the holiday. Severus and Lark chose the far end of the table, away from where the remaining Marauders were already sitting. Again, Potter, Black and Lupin had stayed behind, as had Evans and another girl that neither of the Slytherin pair recognized the name of. Her face they knew –she was very quiet, all be it slightly nosy, but she stayed invisible to their house for most of the time.
"It's cold in here." Potter stated. He was looking over at the two students who'd just arrived. "Anyone feel a draft?"
"Yeah, blew right by me a few minutes ago." Black replied, pretending to shake.
"That's enough, both of you. It's warm in here, you know it." It was the silent warning from Evans, who shot a look over at Severus and Lark. She gave them a smile, and in return she got two icy gazes. After a moment, her warm smile not breaking, she turned back to her friends. The Professors seemed not to notice any of this. Snape looked down at Lark, shook his head and went to eating the food he'd just put in his own plate. She followed his lead silently, her eyes drifting over to Black from time to time. He was watching her in return, though they both would look away when they realized it. The meal went quietly for the two Slytherin students while the rest of the table buzzed along delightedly with one another. About midway through the meal, the chatter was broken by a tempest following the arrival of an owl. It was a large, dark tawny colored – it had a letter of course, nothing unusual at all. No one really paid attention to the bird as it dropped the parchment into Lark's emptied plate. Well, no one save for Severus and Dumbledore. Lark picked it up and turned from the table, guarding it with a little concern. Owls never came to her . . . only Corbin –and he was out in the trees, most likely hunting mice that were foraging in the snow. And that explained why Severus was watching her as she read. However, she didn't know if she wanted him to know or not, and, feeling his eyes over her shoulder, she stood up finally.
"If you'll excuse me." She muttered, leaving the gathering without a second glance. She knew Severus had stood up to follow her, for she heard Dumbledore tell him to sit back down , for him to let Lark alone if she needed it. He could go to her in a few moments. A few laughs issued behind her – the sounds she knew well, the joking voices. The Marauders had cracked some cruel ones on Severus, but they were hushed immediately by the Headmaster –and he'd not sounded pleased. Even that could not quell what was rising inside her. The worry, the fear. She didn't open the letter again until she's reached the common room and it's still fizzling fire. Little warmth it gave, their hearth, but she didn't care for it at the moment. Her mind was on the letter. Again, she unfolded it and began reading the words she'd missed while trying to guard it from her friend's eyes. It was from the Ministry of Magic. It was about her mother, the auror. . . . Her mother was an auror . . . Her mother had been killed . . . There had been a sign over the place she'd been killed . . . It was the group that was going purists against muggles and mudbloods, with their sign of the snake and the skull in the air. . . Mother had gone to fight them, she'd gotten word of their next attacks . . . and mother was dead . . . Avada Kedavra. . . mother was dead.
A scream issued from her throat, echoing through the common room and out of it, booming down the dungeons. Around her, things flew from their shelves, some glass shattered nearby, and she paid it no heed, for she knew she'd subconsciously done it. And she continued to scream . . . until her hand felt her knife at her side. She knew what she had to do.
~~
When Severus found her, he did not let her see the horror of his confusion. She was in ritualized mourning, she'd sawed off her hair so that it hung almost to her shoulders, and the majority lay around her on the floor. Her head and upper body were covered in soot from the fire . . . her arms were bleeding from gashes she'd made in them, just below the bend of her elbow, on the fronts of her forearms. And she was chanting in a broken voice . . . going into low tones, then pitching high ones . . . a few muffled sobs, then she was chanting again. And all of this had happened in the last ten minutes?
~~
Lark felt as he'd picked her up, knew that she had gone limp when he'd barely even touched her. She'd stared up into his eyes as he carried her to the medwitch. He was worried, he was scared . . . she saw it all. He loved her more than anything in the world, and he thought she had gone beyond the mourning ways of her people –thought that she'd dipped right into the heady rush of pure insanity and he was damned if he was going to let her sink into it for eternity. He was running by the time he'd gotten out of the dungeons. The blood from her arms was trickling down his robes, running the green into a purplish tint as it soaked into the fabric. Have I cut too deeply? She didn't think she had . . . but then, then . . . it was getting so dark. Lark had passed out just as Severus reached the nurse.
~~
She woke up to Dumbledore sitting next to her in the bed she'd been laid in. Severus was no where around, and her head felt like it was going to crack open.
"Glad to see you're with us again." The Headmaster smiled down at her.
"I made a fool of myself, I cut too deeply." She whispered. "How could I do that?"
"It seems you wanted to." Dumbledore said, his voice gentle though disappointed. "Sorrow can do that to a person."
"She's gone." Lark sighed, closing her eyes tightly. "With Father . . . Oh, what was I thinking, they don't want me to die from a blunder with a blade. . ."
"I'm sure they both want you to live out your life as fully as possible." The Headmaster nodded.
"Yes." She agreed. "But, why did they keep their lives secret from me?"
"If I had an answer, child . . . I'd tell you." Dumbledore's voice was gentle. "However, I think that is something you will have to figure out on your own." She merely nodded at his words. They stayed quiet for a few moments.
"Where's Severus?"
"I sent him to bed." The Headmaster's eyes had a slight twinkle to them again. "He stayed here with you after he brought you here, and wouldn't leave until you were stable again. I don't think he made the medwitch very happy or comfortable while he was shouting orders at her for which things to use to help you. Very good with potions, that one . . ."
"Yes, he is." Lark nodded. "Professor?"
"Hmm?"
"Can I please leave and go to my room now? This bed is horribly uncomfortable."
"Yes, if you can walk there steadily. I'll go along with you to the dungeons, to make sure." He smiled at her.
~~
The common room was dark and quiet when she reached it. Dumbledore had vanished after she'd made it to the trap door that led to her house, and she went in without a sound after giving the password. Her feet, however, did not carry her to the girl's 5th years dorm. Instead, she went up the boy's stair case, to his room. She knew exactly where it was, what the password into it was. This room was a usual place of visitation during the day when they needed to talk alone and the common room seemed like it would never empty. She gave the gargoyle that guarded the door the word, then entered in silently. Severus was asleep, the candle at the bedside flickering gently. Lark bent down, blew it out and climbed into his bed with him. As she curled up against his chest, he woke up. No words were spoken. He only wrapped his arms around her, concealing her in the warmth of his body. And she cried against him until she fell asleep.
~*~ 1.1.1.6 Her Path Begins ~*~
Her life seemed to be in a haze for weeks after that. She would barely be able to recall her Mother's funeral for years after it had happened, though she knew that a few minute things happened there that would affect the outcome of her future – or at least that's what her family told her after awhile. She remembered that they had come over for the funeral, and that many people from the wizarding community showed up, as did most of the staff at Hogwarts. Professor Azrael had cried over her Mother's grave, if she remembered correctly. She wasn't really sure if she did though. Lark knew that Severus, Narcissa and Guenivere had been there, giving her support and meeting the American branch of her family for the first time. Lucius had not attended– nor had his parents. . . or Narcissa's . . . or the Snapes. They weren't really missed either. Lark's memories also told her that when her Mother's casket had been lowered into the ground, she had began singing in Lakota – she had sung of a bird taking flight. Grandmother had been at her side, holding her shoulders gently while she had cried out the song and Uncle Rattle's voice had joined her own sometime before she'd finished. And then, suddenly, they were back at Hogwarts, her Grandmother had taken Severus aside and they'd spoken. . . most likely about Lark, but she really never found out. Grandmother had a strict look about her face though, and Severus had nodded a lot. Uncle Rattle and Aunt Winter had taken Lark aside long before the conversation had finished though, and then Grandmother had gone to talk to Dumbledore, and Severus wouldn't answer any questions about the talk Grandmother had given him. And then, Grandmother had come and taken her into another room, so they could talk.
"You will not be coming away from Europe until you finish here with school." Grandmother had told her in that very frank way she had. Nothing shocking really. "It isn't safe for you anywhere else – not even at home. Besides, you're path is here for now . . . There are things here that I feel are not finished with you."
"Being cryptic as always Grandmother?" Lark had raised a weary eyebrow as she'd sat down. They were in McGonagall's office. She remembered how odd it felt to be talking in the language she'd always thought of as her main tongue – frightening how fast English could catch on a person. Not that she told Grandmother that.
Our Audrey, I am very serious. No joking now, none at all. Both your Mother and your Father died to protect life and light. . . the ones who killed them wanted nothing from them, and they destroyed them without a thought. You, however. . . in you there is something that these Dark Ones can use, and I'm afraid of what they'll have ready for you if you refuse them. And I know you will, I see you." Grandmother had looked ready to cry. "Your path is set, and though it is one of greatness . . . it is also one of pain."
"Did you see it all already?" Lark whispered. Dreams brought things to the old wise woman, this she had learned long ago. When her Father had died –possibly as an auror like her Mother – Grandmother had screamed for hours in her sleep . . . and those hours had been before he'd been found. Divination among the Hidden People was a lot stronger than with the European Wizards.
"I've seen many things for you in my sight. Many things." Grandmother nodded. Then, she'd switched to English. "Not all, though, I'm afraid. Oh, darling one, I am afraid."
"Then my own path does begin."
"Yes, but you aren't alone." A secretive smile passed over Grandmother's thin lips. "Never that . . not here."
"Does this relate to what you told Severus?"
"That's for his own knowledge, our Audrey . . . leave him to it. I was, however, very interested in meeting him. I like that one, well . . . the one he keeps within him." She shakes her head. "He'll not walk an easy path either . . . not when he finds his true way."
"Severus is an enigma wrapped in three mysteries." Lark cracked her first real smile that day.
"That's all men." Grandmother'd rolled her eyes. Then, she smiled too. "Well, except for Rattle and his type. They are our familiars."
~~
She'd been sad to see Grandmother, Rattle and Winter leave . . . but they did have to go home. After all, it was time for her to grow up some. Lark's path was set, after all. And she had to follow it's twists . . . and not mourn after the way she'd left. And of course, school was going to start again in the next few days. She had to get ready for that, didn't she? Her mind was set to the tasks that lay ahead . . . to completing her life here. When that was done, she could go home . . . when the path here was ended.
~~
Her mind seemed to clear with the return of classes and order. However, her life was beginning to show signs of difference now that it was known what her Mother had been . . . how her Mother had died. While Severus, Narcissa, Guenivere and a few others kept loyally at her side, most of her fellow Slytherins had begun to avoid her like the Black Plague - though they kept respect for her, for who she was and what she could do. Lucius, however, was beginning to seem as though he found it amusing to walk on thin ice. He tried to insult her mother on any chance he got, even though at first he kept it on a very low level – like his normal teasing. Severus would watch her reactions – hold up his hand in silence to tell her to let it alone, to ignore Malfoy's swaggering. However, Snape's way of having her deal with Lucius was not something that ended up working.
It happened finally when Lark and Severus were playing their usual game of chess in the evening. Again, Narcissa and Guenivere were watching them –well, watching Lark steadily lose as always, that was – and they were baiting Severus into snapping at them every ten seconds, trying to get his attnetion away from the board – and they were losing at that. There was a fire snapping comfortably in the fire place, in front of which Lucius sat, talking with some of his friends. The 'Serpent's Coil' - as the little group of Lucius lovers were beginning to call themselves – were talking rather loudly about heritage and blood lines. Narcissa was steadily rolling her eyes, even though she was concerned with getting Severus to muck up his game plan . . . and then Malfoy had brought up the subject of Lark's mother.
"Well, I wonder if the dirty little Heathen will make a better choice than her inbred Monroyael mother did." He had smiled as he watched Lark go ridged. She had looked at Severus first, and he had not looked away from the board. A small smile slipped across her own face. He'd had enough of Malfoy . . . just like she had. What's more . . . she had his permission –as the only present prefect at the moment – to shred the one who was bothering her so much. Malfoy, however, didn't realize this. Instead, he'd looked over at Lark again. "So, yank, what'll it be, where do your loyalties lay? In the grave with that joke of a woman?"
Her knife was drawn in an instant, and once again, a scene close to what had happened on their first train ride together seemed to replay. Lark was on the table in front of him, her feet slamming his shoulders to chair he sat in. Her hands were gripping his hair, pulling his head back to meet the top of his back and her knife was poised over his gapping mouth.
"You will take that back now, Lucius." She'd growled. Around her, no one moved. They knew better. After all, in Slytherin house, you solved your own problems . . . and like hell if you'd summon up one you couldn't handle. Obviously, the whole room knew Malfoy had gone too far. Even Narcissa was watching with anticipation.
"And if I don't?" He dared to whisper to her. A hateful smile slipped once more cross her face as she leaned down next to his ear.
"You'll be going to the hospital wing to re-grow your tongue. . . not to mention three lower appendages . . . as they will be in the digestive juices of some less picky scavenger when I'm finished with you. So, what'll it be, Lucius my dear?" She moved the knife down to his lap. "Take your pick. Three words will tell me what I want to hear." The air was thick with bloodlust then, most of the other students leering at the pair caught up in this dangerous dance. Severus, however, was still looking at the board, pondering it. He wouldn't look up until she'd returned to the game.
"I am sorry." Lucius groveled after a few moments of the intense silence. Lark was off him in an instant, crossing the room back to the table. However, before she reached her chair across from Severus, she turned back to Lucius and launched her knife at him. It embedded himself next to his head, just barely missing his ear.
"You'll get yours, devil." She'd hissed in Lakota, then opened her hand for the return of her knife, which was already wriggling it's way free from the chair where the young man sat ready to piss himself. Finally, she was watching Severus make his move.
"Snape!" Lucius screeched. "Tell me you saw that!"
"Saw what, Malfoy?" Severus turned to him, almost laughing at his pale, sneering face. "I was playing chess."
"Windsong attacked me." Lucius growled. "Come on, you had to have seen it."
"As I said, I was playing chess, Lucius." Severus shock his head with a disappointed look. "I saw nothing. I'm sorry."
With that, Lucius had stormed out of the common room. It would be the last time he verbally attacked Lark . . . well, for the time being at least. Malfoy had other plans for her , after all. And for them to happen, he had to stay alive, and in her half way good graces. If not, well, it could be himself in the boiling pot, and that wasn't something he wanted to have happen. As he left, the 'Serpent's Coil' followed him. Narcissa, however, stayed and watched the game between Severus and Lark.