1 A/n: usual disclaimer, etc. etc.. I'd also like to think some of the
other writers at fanfiction.net for all their great stories. You guys keep
up the great work!!! Some of the other stories I've read have given me a
lot of inspiration on the following chapters. If anything seems 'stolen'
or what not, please site it to me and I'll make the proper amends!
---2
3
4 ~ The Sixth Year ~
4.1.1.1.1.1 ~*~ A Small Shift ~*~
That was the year that things began to change. Severus went to his parent's home for the whole summer vacation, strange as it was. As for Lark, her summer had been spent away from her friends - at Hogwarts, unusual though that was. Even stranger however, was the fact that Narcissa's parents had requested her out more than once – though Dumbledore told them that Lark's grandmother had given strict orders she was to stay there, under their supervision, and not to go with strangers.
"But my parents aren't strangers!" Narcissa's argument was loudly heard in the Great Hall the very first day back. Lark was between her and Severus as always. "You've met them, you even stayed at our house last summer. What's so wrong with them wanting to take you?"
"Narcissa, what ever it is . . ." Severus began, his tone at a warning level . . . "Whatever it was is most likely over now, just like summer. Now, I'd advise you – come off it."
"Think you'll be able to stay for Christmas?" Narcissa, of course ignored him. Even Lucius groaned at the persistence.
"Not to be impertinent, but . . . don't you think it's odd that your parents are paying attention to her when she was invisible to them before?" Lucius snapped at her harshly. He matched the glowering look she gave him, knowing that her confusion was hidden behind the look of steel. His own look told of things he knew, Making the mystery even more interesting. Lark was watching Lucius then, her eyes boaring into him.
"What do you mean, Lucius? They have concern for her. My mother knows what it is to lose both parents as a child." Narcissa hissed. "I think there is nothing else to imply."
"Think what you will." He'd grumbled back.
"Can it be you're growing a mind that actually understands subterfuge?" Severus came back into it, his curling smile directed at Lucius. "Or are you just getting antsy?" He had to divert the attention from this, or so that was what Lark gathered from the light playing in his eyes. Snape knows something, her insides told her. But he isn't going to tell you. Trust him though, you know he cares for you.
"What's there to be antsy about my parents for?" Narcissa nearly screamed.
"Where's Professor Azrael?" Malfoy broke in, looking up at the teacher's table. A woman with dark red hair and pale blue eyes had taken the place of the Potions Professor they'd had since their first year. He then looked at Lark. "You were here all summer, when'd he go off?"
"He was honorably dismissed sometime last month, something about the Ministry. I'm sure you'll hear for yourself when Dumbledore gives his welcome speech." Lark replied. She was the only one who had noticed the fact that McGonagall, calling the students to be sorted, was glaring at them. "Now, all of you, shut – up."
~~
As it turned out, the woman's name was Alexandria Goldenriegh. She was a former Gryffindor, and was taking the Potions position while Azrael had joined the Ministry upon their request. Azrael, as it turned out, was also an auror. Lucius was not happy with these revelations, Narcissa didn't really care . . . and Severus was showing nothing of his opinion. Not even to Lark. Something's up with him, has to be. What did his parents do to him over the summer? She'd been pondering that in the common room that evening, as they played their first game of chess to bring in the new school year. He isn't even looking me in the eye half the time. Something has happened, and it isn't good.
"Are you going to actually look at the board tonight Audrey?" His silken voice cut through her thoughts.
"She's just glad she can stare into your eyes again." Guenivere giggled. He sneered at her, then his eyes went back to Lark. Well, she thought, at least now he's eye to eye to me, and he has a smile on his face.
"Is that it now?" He joked gently, making her look down. Her eyes went back down to the board. Then she blinked with disbelief.
"Nope, just didn't want you to see this. . ." She smirked as she sent her piece to win the game. He was glowering at the board as it happened . . . like he hadn't seen it. When their eye met again, he mouthed 'very good' to her as Narcissa and Guenivere cheered her win. His defeat was taken in silence by the two played though, and he simply watched her. After awhile, the two girls interests in the fact Lark had stomped Snape into the ground at chess had dimmed, and everyone was getting tired.
"You let me win." Lark stated as she and Severus were walking to other seats, nearer to the dying fire.
"I have no clue what you're talking about." He replied, his eyes sparkling gently at her as they sat across from one another before the fire. What are you hiding from me, she asked in her mind, what are you trying to keep me from? "I lost, simply as you always do."
"That was harsh." She smirked. Then, she felt a brush of his lips against her own.
"There are things in life, Audrey, that are much harsher." A sad look crept into his face as he stood over her, gazing into her eyes. "I'm to bed though."
"Goodnight then, Severus."
"Goodnight, Audrey." He then leaned down and his lips grazed her ear. "I've missed you too."
And then he swept out of the common room, that haunted and sad look still on his face.
~~
First class brought with it another surprise. As always, it was a doubles class –Slytherin with Gryffindor. When they arrived, however, Professor Goldenriegh told them all to stand in front of the room.
"I'm giving you all a seating chart." She informed them, a smile across her face. The smile was answered with looks of utter horror. "And, I'll be mixing the houses."
"But, that's absurd!" Leave it to Malfoy to voice his disgust with the idea. However, he wasn't the only on with this though. Most of the other students –from either house –were making noises to acknowledge their agreement.
"Nonsense!" Goldenriegh stated, her voice raising to silence the students. Then, she smiled at them. "Of course, if any of you want to argue with my authority, we can take this to the Headmaster."
That shut them up.
"Now, let's begin. I'll call your names, and you'll take the seat I indicate." Her smile stayed cheerful, though after a while, she was getting some pretty murderous looks. Some of the pairings were done right ridiculous. Such as Malfoy and Potter, Guenivere and Lupin, Narcissa and Willow Parkinson. After a bit, the numbers had dwindled down . . . and only four were left.
"Snape and Evans!" Goldenriegh pointed them to a station near the front.
"Black and Windsong!" Lark found herself walking to where they were being pointed, not looking at the boy who would partner her for the whole following year. They were across from Severus and Lily Evans –neither of them looking to comfortable either. Severus shot Lark a look, both of them sharing the same thought.
This can't be happening.
~*~ First Hints ~*~
Severus was being very silent that evening, his eyes flickering up to her more than once or twice like usual when he was reading. He'd been studying her when he thought she hadn't been looking, and he always had that haunted look of worry. She knew him well enough to recognize the very feel of his looks, for his gazes had a way of making themselves seem almost tangible.
"You want to talk, Severus? Talk then." She stated, looking up at him quickly when she'd finally had enough of his secretive watching of her.
"Audrey, you're becoming as paranoid as Lucius." Snape smirked, his eyes focusing on his own book.
"And you're losing you knack at lying." She shot back, knowing he was about to glare at her. Instead, he looked up slowly and shook his head.
"I don't remember ever lying to you." He whispered gently. "So, I must be correct," the smirk came back, and steel covered that ghostly look in his dark eyes. (Stop hiding from me, Sevvie, she thought.) "You're picking up that trait up from Lucius."
"Or you're hiding something and you just don't want to admit it." She'd hissed back, knowing he was trying to bait her with the comparison to Malfoy. It's working, Sevvie, only because I'm letting it– I'm not playing this though.
"Very well then, let's hear this conspiracy I'm planning." He teased.
"I never said I thought it was a conspiracy you were hiding from me." I'm not in the mood for chess now, thank you.
"Then this conversation has resolved itself with my answer in the right, hasn't it, Miss Malfoy?"
"Tread lightly." She growled. He merely smirked at her. What game are you playing then? No, it seems you have a reason for not letting me know, and you wouldn't bait me without a reason.. not with that little 'Miss Malfoy' jibe just now anyway. We are on ice, aren't we? Get us across, Sevvie, I trust you.
"Audrey," He was locking eyes with her then, and she knew he was guessing her last thoughts, "I'm always cautious." Then, he went back to reading his book, leaning into his seat as he did. His brow was still furrowed, and it wasn't the words he was concentrating on – he was worried. She wasn't going to push him further though. She knew something was up –and that seemed all he was going to let her know. At least she knew how his mind worked . . . he was her constant in life, after all. But still, something told her to watch him. . .
~~
And watch him she did. And while she did, she felt another pair of eyes on her. That pair belonged to one young man by the name of Sirius Black. Lark wasn't sure of him, even if he did make it a point that they had a truce when in class so that they could actually pass the course that year. However, that seemed to be the situation with the rest of the students in that certain Potions class. Even Severus was being compliant to Lily Evans and vice versa, which was good – though, in the pit of her stomach, Lark didn't like it. Even as she was starting to like the fact that Black was sneaking looks at her when he thought she was concentrating on the ingredients. There were, however, a few problems within the mixed setting – and that problem came in pairing the likes of Malfoy and James Potter together. By the end of the third session, however, Professor Goldenriegh had fixed that little inconvenience. Potter and Malfoy had been given the option of working on their own for that year, and both had taken it without a second thought. After that, Potions seemed as though it would be a very civil class – and it gave no hint to the battle ground it would one day become. . .
~~
Severus was sitting in the common room after hours, something he usually only did when studying for exams or tests they'd been told were important. However, the charts that he had scattered around him were nothing included in any of his classes that year. Also, he didn't even look up when Lark plopped down in the chair in front of his place on the floor.
"What are you doing?"
"Picking up an old hobby." He replied, giving her a little smirk as he finally looked up. He then picked up a notebook he had beside him. "Read through these, it will give you a hint."
"The days Lupin came in looking more haggard that usual?" She questioned. In fact, it had told her outright what it was, and her question was rhetorical. The one following, however, wasn't. "You've been making a record on him all these years?"
"I told you I was going to. What, didn't take me seriously?"
"Personally, I thought it would bore the living hell out of you."
"Patience is a virtue, Audrey." Severus smirked. "And, it pays off splendidly."
"Then, what have you found out?"
"Suspicions, but no conclusions. He's hiding more than a simple case of lunaritis though. That's what I thought it was at first."
"Really?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, and the list of other possibilities is on the next page of that notebook." He stated, watching her flip the page seconds after being told.
"Lycanthropy, Mild Lunaciticy – everything involving the full moon." She murmured. "His charts are that precise?"
"Yes. Intriguing isn't it? And all those things listed have the same side affects –his lack of energy, his shabbiness, his graying hair . . ."
"What made you cross out lunaritis?" She was kneeling by him then, looking down at the mess of charts he had scattered over the floor.
"Audrey, really . . . He'd be dead by now. The full moon sucks the life right out of people with that condition." Severus stated, almost laughing at her. He then tilted his head as he watched her look over the charts. Long fingers reached out and gently twisted up one of her curls. That sad look came back into his eyes again, and for a minute he looked like he was going to say something along the lines of what was bothering him.
"Something you want?" She asked gently, leaning towards him.
"It will stay a dream." He replied, then he caressed her face. "It has to."
"What has to and why?" Lark's concern was rising, and him looking away was not helping at all.
"Audrey . . . I . . ." Then, he began to gather up the charts and notes. "No, no – not that now." He looked back up at her. "We should go to our beds now – mornings have the tendency to come quickly to those who are tired."
"What's wrong with me?" She asked, still sitting with her knees curled under her on the cold stone floor as he stood looking down at her.
"Nothing, Audrey." He whispered. "Nothing at all." Then, he turned from the room. "Sleep well."
"No, I don't think I will." She whispered, still not moving. He loves me, but he's holding back . . . why? WHY?
Lark moved only after another ten minutes of thinking, not noticing that Severus had come back into the room and hid in the shadows to watch her until she left.
~*~ The Masquerade Begins ~*~
Lark nudged him in the ribs to get his attention.
"Hmm?" Severus asked absently, his attention still not her. It was not on his breakfast either; he was staring at something across the hall. She followed his gaze . . . To the Gryffindor tables?
"What on earth has your attention Severus?" Lark asked, her eyes trying to pick out the answer.
"Nothing has my attention, I was just thinking – that's all, Audrey. That's hardly a cause for you to sound as though I've done something to get thrown in Azkaban for."
"Then what were you thinking of?" She smirked, watching as his attention went back from whence it came.
"Hmm?"
"Nevermind," she growled, "I'm going to Potions. Sirius Black might be a more interesting conversationalist than you're being today." He did not even flinch at those words –well, outwardly at least. What was he looking at so intently? Her eyes went back to the Gryffindor table, following her best friend's gaze once more. Standing up, she scanned the tables and cleared her head of the annoyance he was causing her. And then she saw what his attention was on. He was following the subject's movements, mimicking the subject ever so slightly – like he did not know what he was doing. Her eyes shot back down to the top of his head. Her blood was boiling, her heart was screaming and her soul was crying. Then, the subject moved. The subject got up and left, with James Potter at her side and Sirius Black and Remus Lupin following them, all of them talking – none of them even realizing that Severus Snape had been staring at . . . practically drooling over . . . LILY EVANS?
"Audrey. Aren't you going to class?" Severus was standing then too, and his attention was centered on her again, now that Evans was gone from view. Lark looked up into those deep black eyes, and saw something she did not really understand. He knew she'd seen him, like he'd wanted her to know. And he looked hurt? He looked away then, and walked past her. "Come on, we'll be late."
"What are you thinking?" She hissed, following him quickly. They were alone in the corridors together, walking towards their class. "What was with that little show you put on during breakfast?"
"Audrey, I have no clue of what you're talking about. What show? I was thinking, I told you that already."
"Thinking about James Potter's girlfriend?" She stopped then, and he did as well. Severus turned to look at her, and she saw a small glimmer of sorrow right before he wiped his face clean of emotions.
"Have you gone mad? What would I look at that . . . that . . . mudblood for?"
"That's exactly my question. Why would you look at her, when you know she has Potter . . . and when . . . when . . ."
"When, what?" He asked, his voice so cold and distant.
"I thought you loved me!" She nearly screamed. Then, she covered her mouth and looked up at him. His eyes again let his emotions show through for a split second – he was in shock, in turmoil. He loved her, she gathered that, but he would not let himself follow through on it. Then, the mask slipped down again, and he just tilted his head at her.
"I do. Just not in the way I thought I did last year." His voice was so gentle, so calm. Spirits, why did you make him such a good actor! Her mind screamed. "And as for Lil – As for Evans . . . can I help it if she's pretty? Or for the fact that she has a very bright mind?"
"O what, and I'm some idiotic troll?" Her arms were crossed then, and she was glaring at him with all the fury building up inside her small body.
"No." He told her, reaching out to her. His hand was on her shoulder. "I just don't see you as anything other than . . . well, I think of you as a sister, Audrey."
"Liar!" She screamed. "I see you! I see through that mask of yours-why are you hiding from your heart?!" And, before she could control herself, she was running away from him – and she hid in a place she knew he would never find her. Not a girl's bathroom, she was not like the others. No, she went to a place that not many other people could get to –and how she got up into the exposed rafters was something beyond even herself. She was in the ceiling of the dungeons, curled up over head only a short walk from the Potions class.
~~
He wasn't in the common room that evening, and she was glad he wasn't. She had skipped Potions, but had wandered late into the class after that, being very glad that she didn't have to see him there. He was his other Transfiguration class, trying to force himself to get better at that. After all, it was his weak point – and he was always up to tackling challenges. Which is why she was wondering about why he was acting like this, pretending to like Lily Evans. Or was he pretending? Was it genuine? It didn't feel like it. But still, he did compliment the girl –and not even he would say things like that if he didn't mean them. She curled into the chair she sat in, deep in the corner of the room and far away from the fire. She'd be alone here, left to think. And then, then there was someone at her side. Lark felt her body freeze up in the presence – bracing herself for whoever it was.
"What happened?" Narcissa asked, kneeling by her chair.
"I don't really know anymore." She replied, her voice soft and full of the confusion she was feeling. "He said he thought of me as a sister."
"Oh, please . . . that old line?" Narcissa snorted, annoyed. "He's a bloody fool." Lark raised her eyebrow as she looked at her friend. "Well, if he thinks that you'd believe that he is."
"I don't."
"I know. But, you're still feeling his words. You're going to. So, that's why you play his game right along with him."
"Narcissa, stop acting like Grandmother –don't be so cryptic."
"Show him you don't need him – like he wants you to." An evil smile slipped across her face. "There are other boys who like you, after all."
"There are other boys here?" Lark asked, looking away from her friend.
"Lark, listen to me. He's keeping something from you by playing this. To find out what it is, play his own game against him. If –and there is the chance- you drive him to an end, you'll never find out –which is what he wants. But," her voice lowered to a whisper even Severus wouldn't detect. "if you play the game right –and you play it like it should be played, you can manipulate him into showing his true feelings. Or, at least get him to stop acting like a bloody idiot."
"You have my attention."
"And you have that of a certain young man who sits and works with you, in Potions."
"Sirius Black?" She hissed, lowly. "You've got to be kidding!"
"I'm not."
"Even if he does. . . . like me . . .He'd never admit to it!"
"He will if you play it right, well, at least to the right people. And, Severus will notice it – I assure you. Even if the rest of the House doesn't. I'll help you both on that end." Narcissa had by then pulled her up from the chair and was leading her to their empty dorm room. "After all . . . he's playing with a Gryffindor pawn . . . why can't you have your own?"
"Narcissa. . ."
"Hmmm?"
"Continue." Lark sat down on the edge of her own bed as Narcissa shut the door.
~*~ Bait ~*~
Breakfast found her sitting beside Severus as usual… but neither of them really spoke for a long while. Not until after the owls arrived, and everyone else was sorting through their mail.
"Where did you go?" He asked casually, trying to hide his worry behind his customary calm demeanor.
"My brother is not my keeper." She replied curtly, still twirling her spoon in the oatmeal she was (not) eating.
"Audrey," he sighed.
"Severus, really. We'll have it your way – but don't think for a moment we will talk about what happened."
"I suppose that is to be expected. After all . . ."
"Just shut up about it. Okay?" With that, she left the table and stormed out of the room and into the corridors. As though that would be the end of it. Snape followed her, but only after a few minutes –and he was walking very slowly as he traced her running foot falls. They were almost back to the common room when he finally stopped her. "What?!"
"I didn't mean to keep on the subject, Audrey." He replied after a moment of staring at her, looking away. "However, I just want to say . . ."
"What?" Her eyes drilled into his, and she saw his mask fall again for only a second. He was in pain, great pain . . . but then, so was she -and if she had to suffer for some reason he wasn't going to explain to her –well, he could just sod it and bare through it all too.
"Nothing at all." He said, brushing by her quickly to the trap door to Slytherin House. She didn't turn, only heard him give the word. Then, she heard the closing and she walked away from the entrance to the common room. She did, after all, have some explaining to do before Professor Goldenriegh. It had come to great relief to her to hear from Narcissa that they'd had no homework because some idiot had blown up their cauldron and gotten class dismissed.
~~
She was watching Severus and Evans work on their potion, the two of them talking – Snape flirting – oh, she wanted to kill at that moment, but that wouldn't get her anywhere, now would it? No! Remember what Narcissa told you, she commanded herself, unaware of the looks that the rest of the class members were giving Severus and Evans. Potter looked like Lark felt, but he too stayed quiet. The rest of the Gryffindors were acting with high suspicion and the Slytherins were wondering what Severus was planning. After all, this was Severus Snape –wasn't he always planning something? They didn't care that he was drooling over some Gryffindor girl –well, at least the boys didn't care. The girls, however, were rather riled up about it. After all, Lark had always had her silent claim on him – and now . . . now that was being challenged? Lark turned her mind from that then, her head beginning to hurt from all of the access information that showed through the eyes of those who had absolutely no business with having an opinion on her love life –or lack there of. Her eyes flashed to her partner for that year, and he just looked back at her with . . . well…. She couldn't quite figure out how he was looking at her. Then, the eye contact was broken and Sirius went back to chopping up the spider legs they were going to be using. Lark looked down at his hands – he had long fingers, but they were wide and inelegant. Clumsy looking, almost – but he was handling their ingredients well. At least he had something that could resemble skill . . . and he did have a gentleness about him. Stop it, he's just your toy –girl. Lark warned herself. After all, look at all the other girls he's played. He needs a taste of his own medicine, him with his flavors of the week. She looks back up to Severus and casts her eyes towards her own cauldron when he sees her watching him. Lark saw the pain in him just the same though. . . Severus, we're playing your game – don't act so childish about it. We're Slytherins, our actions have meanings –and I'm going to learn yours if it destroys me. She begins to stir the mixture she and Black were working on automatically as he added different components.
"You're supposed to stir it the other way now." Black said, his voice low but still harsh.
"Not until you add the dragon's blood." Lark reprimanded. He let out a small growl but did what she said. Lark then began to stir counter clockwise. "Now, the wintergreen."
"I know how to read, thank you." He hissed.
"Could've fooled me." She nearly yawned. Then, she remembered her mission. A small smile spread across her lips and she tried to catch her eye.
"What, did you somehow turn my hair blue?"
"No."
"Then what in Merlin's name are you smiling at, Ice Princess?"
"Back to that old title, are we?" Maybe she should find another target. Then, she saw him trying to sneak a glance down her robes. Maybe not then. He kept his attention half on her and half on the rest of the task. "See something you like?" She finally whispered.
"We're getting the Potion right, aren't we?"
"Of course." Her smirk conveying her flirtatious attitude. He was still watching her when they were cleaning up. Then, as class ended, his attention was finally taken away by James and Remus, who were all whispering among themselves and shooting looks back over to where Severus and Lily were talking silently as they packed up to leave. As Sirius got up from the station, something fell out of his open pack – and no but Lark noticed it. When he was at the door, she bent down quickly and snatched the scroll of paper up. Not unrolling it, she stuffed it into her own things and walked silently out, meeting up with Severus on the way.
"I'm sorry about earlier." She stated gently, placing her hand on his arm.
"You're not the one who should feel sorry, Audrey." He replied, looking down at her with wary eyes.
"Let's just not talk about it all anymore. There are other things in life, after all." How very strange that he didn't recognize that as the war cry it was. Then, a faint smile spread on her lips. "Any more research on Lupin, or do your feelings for the lovely Lily keep you at bay."
"Audrey, my dearest – nothing keeps my curiosity at bay. She just won't find out." He smirked back down at her.
"Does she know you feel for her?"
"I thought we weren't going to talk about this?"
"No, we're not going to talk about us – or what happened –not til the time for it comes. Now, does she know?"
"I'm not sure –and I'd rather be cautious about it." He replied.
"As natural for you." She nodded. "Be careful of Potter though."
"Don't worry – I will be."
"Good. So, how do you excuse your games with the girl to the house?"
"Let them make their own assumptions. They will anyway."
"Very true. But Severus. . ."
"Hmm?"
"Your secret is safe with me." She smiled, then, she stopped at the corridor's turn, the usual place for their first separation of the day. "Have a good day."
"You too, Audrey."
"O," she stated as he went down the corridor away from her, "I think I shall do just that."
~~
She was holed up in a small nook of a hallway in the dungeons, examining the piece of parchment that Black had dropped. She had unrolled it, tapped it with her wand a few times and gotten very lewd remarks about her figure.
"What are you up to?" Narcissa questioned, poking her head around into the nook. She'd always known about Lark's secret little hiding places –even a few that Severus didn't even begin to guess at. Windsong was good at finding places to hide –it had become a hobby over the years. Narcissa was just glad she hadn't worked her way into the ceilings again.
"I solemnly swear," Lark began, her wand accidentally tapping the parchment, " that I'm up to no good."
"Narcissa, come on, we have ten minutes until curfew! If Lark is anywhere, she'll come in for the night, now stop worrying!" That was Lucius' voice.
"I'll be along in a second." Narcissa called. Then, before she left she mouthed 'come on, detention will do neither of us any good'.
"I'll be right behind you." Lark whispered back. When Narcissa had gone, her attention went back to the map –which her friend hadn't even noticed –and she let out a soft gasp at what she saw. It was a map . . . and on it, little dots with names, moving about the castle. "Well, well, well, what do we have here, Sirius Black?" She breathed. A catty smile slipped over her face. With that, she rolled up the map –not knowing or wanting to get rid of the image at the moment- and left her hiding place. Lark got to the common room just in time, though she paid no mind to her near chance at detention. Her thoughts were centered around baiting Sirius Black with the little piece of parchment she'd 'picked up' from him. How very, very convenient. . . . she thought, sitting down to the chess board that Severus had set up for them when he saw her enter.
"You look very pleased with yourself." He stated, eyeing her carefully as she stretched in the chair.
"Hmm. . ." she replied.
"You're going to be a causality tonight." He informed her with a sharp smile. She saw the jealous glint to his eyes right as it was being covered up. "and I'm not going to be gentle."
"Is that a threat?" She smirked, finally making her presence of mind known. He only bowed his head at her.
The game begins Severus, she thought with a gentle smirk, and this time – I'll win on my own. The thought, however, was not centered upon the chess tournament at hand.
~*~ Willing Prey ~*~
She watched him out the corner of her eyes as she spoke to Severus at breakfast the next morning. The owls had just dropped the post over the dinning children and teens, and Sirius Black's eyes were scanning silver words on a certain piece of black parchment she'd sent him. Of course, he didn't know it was from her, as she hadn't signed it. The letter told him to meet her in the far dungeon corridor at midnight, to come alone – no Potter under an invisibility cloak, either, for she'd see him - because she had something of his that might be in his interest to have returned to him. After he finished reading, he blanched for a minute – obviously a sign that he'd realized he'd dropped that scroll of his and that had to be the bargaining tool mentioned. He looked around cautiously, his eyes meeting her own eventually. She sneered at him in disdain and went back to speaking with Severus –their subject being what was ailing Remus Lupin. She smiled and nodded at what Snape was saying, very satisfied that her bait was laid and she could go about the day planning for the trap.
"You're planning something." Severus said, raising an eyebrow at her as they walked through the dungeons later, on their way to Potions. "That grin gives you away."
"Grin, what grin?" She asked, just then noticing she was grinning like a Cheshire Cat. She pulled her face straight, then looked up at him. "And I'm not planning anything, Mr. Malfoy."
"Steal my jibe why don't you?" He asked saucily, smirking down at her. She could tell he was admiring her, wanting her and he was fighting himself over those feelings. You love me, Sevvie, she thought, you love me. . . I know you do, you can't hide from me. I just wish I knew why you hide it from yourself. . .
"So, how are things between you and Evans?"
"James Potter is alive and well." Severus grumbled. "So, they –they meaning said things between Lily and myself- are lacking in even being in existence. But, I do have her confidence –and we're studying together in the library today, I believe –while young Mr. Potter is away at Quidditch practice."
"Quidditch practice? That's right, he's the Gryffy seeker . . ." Lark wasn't one for Quidditch at all. Neither was Severus . . . he however, hated James Potter for his seeker prowess. It was a Slytherin male thing, that hate, Snape wasn't the only one with it. Men, thought Lark, they were so very odd! "Hmm . . . maybe you'll get lucky and he'll get killed by a freak accident with a bludger! Hint hint."
"Don't tempt me." With that from Severus, they walked into Potions together and took their separate seats, Lark despairing over the one she loved even as she laughed at his plotting to get another guy's girlfriend. She kept her eyes on Severus, and her thoughts to herself as the rest of the class filed in after a few moments. Lark really didn't notice as Sirius Black took his place at her side, not until he flicked her shoulder lightly and asked her if they'd had any homework the night before for the Arithmancy class they shared, for he'd forgotten. He didn't seem concerned with the note he'd gotten at breakfast, but then, that was no surprise. Of course he wouldn't look concerned. She sometimes wondered why wasn't in Slytherin –Remus Lupin right along with him – for he was a very secretive person who could cover his feelings well. Lark answered his question with a negative –they'd had no homework. He looked relieved at that reply, then he ignored her and went about shouting something to Potter until their Professor entered the room and class began.
~~
The common room was completely empty, much to her relief, as she left that evening at 11:50. Lark's heart was calm, but she still felt somewhat nervous as she clutched the rolled up map in the pocket of her robes. She made her way silently to the meeting place she had designated – far from the Slytherin's trap door and Goldenriegh's offices. This would not be something that they could interrupt, especially if it went bottom up on it's own –which she was half sure it could. Settling herself in the shadows, she took a deep breath and waited, keeping her eyes wide open as she stood, watching for him. He came right on time, hidden beneath the invisibility cloak that belonged to his best friend. She could see him perfectly though, as it was that she had no eyes for falsehoods in her surroundings. It was a gift she'd always cherished –being able to see through illusions.
"I thought maybe you'd keep me waiting." Lark began, not giving him time to pull off the cloak, her eyes focused upon his exact location. "But, your punctuality has been noted and is appreciated." He got a surprised look on his face under his concealing garment, and that made her smile. "Come out of that thing, Black, and then we'll talk about your little . . . piece of paper."
"I don't believe you have it." He stated, pulling the cloak off. "And I think you have some goons of yours waiting around to jump me."
"What is this with everyone confusing my methods with Malfoy's?" She asked with a snide laugh, drawing the map out of her robes. "I suppose this is what you believe I don't have."
"So, maybe I'm wrong." Then, a harsh smirk came over his face. "So, what price are you asking for the map?"
"Nothing much. Just a little kiss." He looked at her with a mix of thoughts in his eyes. The deal seemed odd to him, but tempting. "And, if we like that –we can go further." Then she stopped. Then, she flicked the map closed and began to send it back to her pocket. "I'll tell Dumbledore all about it if you don't agree to it. I have a copy made already, so he will believe me."
"How . . ." his eyes narrowed. "That isn't possible. We have all sorts of . . ."
"Concealment charms, and a wide array of other little dandies, right? Really, Black, you forget whom you're dealing with." The grin of the Cheshire Cat crossed her face once more. "So, what will it be, Black . . . a snog with a snake –and a real kiss, no two second pecks, mind you –or a trip to the Headmaster in the morning – your friends with you?"
"I'll take your deal." He stated, then, he was taking her in his arms before she could reply. His lips were warm over her own, the kiss deep and hungry and real. She broke away from him, but he had other ideas. "One good turn deserves another." He breathed, taking her and kissing her again.
---2
3
4 ~ The Sixth Year ~
4.1.1.1.1.1 ~*~ A Small Shift ~*~
That was the year that things began to change. Severus went to his parent's home for the whole summer vacation, strange as it was. As for Lark, her summer had been spent away from her friends - at Hogwarts, unusual though that was. Even stranger however, was the fact that Narcissa's parents had requested her out more than once – though Dumbledore told them that Lark's grandmother had given strict orders she was to stay there, under their supervision, and not to go with strangers.
"But my parents aren't strangers!" Narcissa's argument was loudly heard in the Great Hall the very first day back. Lark was between her and Severus as always. "You've met them, you even stayed at our house last summer. What's so wrong with them wanting to take you?"
"Narcissa, what ever it is . . ." Severus began, his tone at a warning level . . . "Whatever it was is most likely over now, just like summer. Now, I'd advise you – come off it."
"Think you'll be able to stay for Christmas?" Narcissa, of course ignored him. Even Lucius groaned at the persistence.
"Not to be impertinent, but . . . don't you think it's odd that your parents are paying attention to her when she was invisible to them before?" Lucius snapped at her harshly. He matched the glowering look she gave him, knowing that her confusion was hidden behind the look of steel. His own look told of things he knew, Making the mystery even more interesting. Lark was watching Lucius then, her eyes boaring into him.
"What do you mean, Lucius? They have concern for her. My mother knows what it is to lose both parents as a child." Narcissa hissed. "I think there is nothing else to imply."
"Think what you will." He'd grumbled back.
"Can it be you're growing a mind that actually understands subterfuge?" Severus came back into it, his curling smile directed at Lucius. "Or are you just getting antsy?" He had to divert the attention from this, or so that was what Lark gathered from the light playing in his eyes. Snape knows something, her insides told her. But he isn't going to tell you. Trust him though, you know he cares for you.
"What's there to be antsy about my parents for?" Narcissa nearly screamed.
"Where's Professor Azrael?" Malfoy broke in, looking up at the teacher's table. A woman with dark red hair and pale blue eyes had taken the place of the Potions Professor they'd had since their first year. He then looked at Lark. "You were here all summer, when'd he go off?"
"He was honorably dismissed sometime last month, something about the Ministry. I'm sure you'll hear for yourself when Dumbledore gives his welcome speech." Lark replied. She was the only one who had noticed the fact that McGonagall, calling the students to be sorted, was glaring at them. "Now, all of you, shut – up."
~~
As it turned out, the woman's name was Alexandria Goldenriegh. She was a former Gryffindor, and was taking the Potions position while Azrael had joined the Ministry upon their request. Azrael, as it turned out, was also an auror. Lucius was not happy with these revelations, Narcissa didn't really care . . . and Severus was showing nothing of his opinion. Not even to Lark. Something's up with him, has to be. What did his parents do to him over the summer? She'd been pondering that in the common room that evening, as they played their first game of chess to bring in the new school year. He isn't even looking me in the eye half the time. Something has happened, and it isn't good.
"Are you going to actually look at the board tonight Audrey?" His silken voice cut through her thoughts.
"She's just glad she can stare into your eyes again." Guenivere giggled. He sneered at her, then his eyes went back to Lark. Well, she thought, at least now he's eye to eye to me, and he has a smile on his face.
"Is that it now?" He joked gently, making her look down. Her eyes went back down to the board. Then she blinked with disbelief.
"Nope, just didn't want you to see this. . ." She smirked as she sent her piece to win the game. He was glowering at the board as it happened . . . like he hadn't seen it. When their eye met again, he mouthed 'very good' to her as Narcissa and Guenivere cheered her win. His defeat was taken in silence by the two played though, and he simply watched her. After awhile, the two girls interests in the fact Lark had stomped Snape into the ground at chess had dimmed, and everyone was getting tired.
"You let me win." Lark stated as she and Severus were walking to other seats, nearer to the dying fire.
"I have no clue what you're talking about." He replied, his eyes sparkling gently at her as they sat across from one another before the fire. What are you hiding from me, she asked in her mind, what are you trying to keep me from? "I lost, simply as you always do."
"That was harsh." She smirked. Then, she felt a brush of his lips against her own.
"There are things in life, Audrey, that are much harsher." A sad look crept into his face as he stood over her, gazing into her eyes. "I'm to bed though."
"Goodnight then, Severus."
"Goodnight, Audrey." He then leaned down and his lips grazed her ear. "I've missed you too."
And then he swept out of the common room, that haunted and sad look still on his face.
~~
First class brought with it another surprise. As always, it was a doubles class –Slytherin with Gryffindor. When they arrived, however, Professor Goldenriegh told them all to stand in front of the room.
"I'm giving you all a seating chart." She informed them, a smile across her face. The smile was answered with looks of utter horror. "And, I'll be mixing the houses."
"But, that's absurd!" Leave it to Malfoy to voice his disgust with the idea. However, he wasn't the only on with this though. Most of the other students –from either house –were making noises to acknowledge their agreement.
"Nonsense!" Goldenriegh stated, her voice raising to silence the students. Then, she smiled at them. "Of course, if any of you want to argue with my authority, we can take this to the Headmaster."
That shut them up.
"Now, let's begin. I'll call your names, and you'll take the seat I indicate." Her smile stayed cheerful, though after a while, she was getting some pretty murderous looks. Some of the pairings were done right ridiculous. Such as Malfoy and Potter, Guenivere and Lupin, Narcissa and Willow Parkinson. After a bit, the numbers had dwindled down . . . and only four were left.
"Snape and Evans!" Goldenriegh pointed them to a station near the front.
"Black and Windsong!" Lark found herself walking to where they were being pointed, not looking at the boy who would partner her for the whole following year. They were across from Severus and Lily Evans –neither of them looking to comfortable either. Severus shot Lark a look, both of them sharing the same thought.
This can't be happening.
~*~ First Hints ~*~
Severus was being very silent that evening, his eyes flickering up to her more than once or twice like usual when he was reading. He'd been studying her when he thought she hadn't been looking, and he always had that haunted look of worry. She knew him well enough to recognize the very feel of his looks, for his gazes had a way of making themselves seem almost tangible.
"You want to talk, Severus? Talk then." She stated, looking up at him quickly when she'd finally had enough of his secretive watching of her.
"Audrey, you're becoming as paranoid as Lucius." Snape smirked, his eyes focusing on his own book.
"And you're losing you knack at lying." She shot back, knowing he was about to glare at her. Instead, he looked up slowly and shook his head.
"I don't remember ever lying to you." He whispered gently. "So, I must be correct," the smirk came back, and steel covered that ghostly look in his dark eyes. (Stop hiding from me, Sevvie, she thought.) "You're picking up that trait up from Lucius."
"Or you're hiding something and you just don't want to admit it." She'd hissed back, knowing he was trying to bait her with the comparison to Malfoy. It's working, Sevvie, only because I'm letting it– I'm not playing this though.
"Very well then, let's hear this conspiracy I'm planning." He teased.
"I never said I thought it was a conspiracy you were hiding from me." I'm not in the mood for chess now, thank you.
"Then this conversation has resolved itself with my answer in the right, hasn't it, Miss Malfoy?"
"Tread lightly." She growled. He merely smirked at her. What game are you playing then? No, it seems you have a reason for not letting me know, and you wouldn't bait me without a reason.. not with that little 'Miss Malfoy' jibe just now anyway. We are on ice, aren't we? Get us across, Sevvie, I trust you.
"Audrey," He was locking eyes with her then, and she knew he was guessing her last thoughts, "I'm always cautious." Then, he went back to reading his book, leaning into his seat as he did. His brow was still furrowed, and it wasn't the words he was concentrating on – he was worried. She wasn't going to push him further though. She knew something was up –and that seemed all he was going to let her know. At least she knew how his mind worked . . . he was her constant in life, after all. But still, something told her to watch him. . .
~~
And watch him she did. And while she did, she felt another pair of eyes on her. That pair belonged to one young man by the name of Sirius Black. Lark wasn't sure of him, even if he did make it a point that they had a truce when in class so that they could actually pass the course that year. However, that seemed to be the situation with the rest of the students in that certain Potions class. Even Severus was being compliant to Lily Evans and vice versa, which was good – though, in the pit of her stomach, Lark didn't like it. Even as she was starting to like the fact that Black was sneaking looks at her when he thought she was concentrating on the ingredients. There were, however, a few problems within the mixed setting – and that problem came in pairing the likes of Malfoy and James Potter together. By the end of the third session, however, Professor Goldenriegh had fixed that little inconvenience. Potter and Malfoy had been given the option of working on their own for that year, and both had taken it without a second thought. After that, Potions seemed as though it would be a very civil class – and it gave no hint to the battle ground it would one day become. . .
~~
Severus was sitting in the common room after hours, something he usually only did when studying for exams or tests they'd been told were important. However, the charts that he had scattered around him were nothing included in any of his classes that year. Also, he didn't even look up when Lark plopped down in the chair in front of his place on the floor.
"What are you doing?"
"Picking up an old hobby." He replied, giving her a little smirk as he finally looked up. He then picked up a notebook he had beside him. "Read through these, it will give you a hint."
"The days Lupin came in looking more haggard that usual?" She questioned. In fact, it had told her outright what it was, and her question was rhetorical. The one following, however, wasn't. "You've been making a record on him all these years?"
"I told you I was going to. What, didn't take me seriously?"
"Personally, I thought it would bore the living hell out of you."
"Patience is a virtue, Audrey." Severus smirked. "And, it pays off splendidly."
"Then, what have you found out?"
"Suspicions, but no conclusions. He's hiding more than a simple case of lunaritis though. That's what I thought it was at first."
"Really?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, and the list of other possibilities is on the next page of that notebook." He stated, watching her flip the page seconds after being told.
"Lycanthropy, Mild Lunaciticy – everything involving the full moon." She murmured. "His charts are that precise?"
"Yes. Intriguing isn't it? And all those things listed have the same side affects –his lack of energy, his shabbiness, his graying hair . . ."
"What made you cross out lunaritis?" She was kneeling by him then, looking down at the mess of charts he had scattered over the floor.
"Audrey, really . . . He'd be dead by now. The full moon sucks the life right out of people with that condition." Severus stated, almost laughing at her. He then tilted his head as he watched her look over the charts. Long fingers reached out and gently twisted up one of her curls. That sad look came back into his eyes again, and for a minute he looked like he was going to say something along the lines of what was bothering him.
"Something you want?" She asked gently, leaning towards him.
"It will stay a dream." He replied, then he caressed her face. "It has to."
"What has to and why?" Lark's concern was rising, and him looking away was not helping at all.
"Audrey . . . I . . ." Then, he began to gather up the charts and notes. "No, no – not that now." He looked back up at her. "We should go to our beds now – mornings have the tendency to come quickly to those who are tired."
"What's wrong with me?" She asked, still sitting with her knees curled under her on the cold stone floor as he stood looking down at her.
"Nothing, Audrey." He whispered. "Nothing at all." Then, he turned from the room. "Sleep well."
"No, I don't think I will." She whispered, still not moving. He loves me, but he's holding back . . . why? WHY?
Lark moved only after another ten minutes of thinking, not noticing that Severus had come back into the room and hid in the shadows to watch her until she left.
~*~ The Masquerade Begins ~*~
Lark nudged him in the ribs to get his attention.
"Hmm?" Severus asked absently, his attention still not her. It was not on his breakfast either; he was staring at something across the hall. She followed his gaze . . . To the Gryffindor tables?
"What on earth has your attention Severus?" Lark asked, her eyes trying to pick out the answer.
"Nothing has my attention, I was just thinking – that's all, Audrey. That's hardly a cause for you to sound as though I've done something to get thrown in Azkaban for."
"Then what were you thinking of?" She smirked, watching as his attention went back from whence it came.
"Hmm?"
"Nevermind," she growled, "I'm going to Potions. Sirius Black might be a more interesting conversationalist than you're being today." He did not even flinch at those words –well, outwardly at least. What was he looking at so intently? Her eyes went back to the Gryffindor table, following her best friend's gaze once more. Standing up, she scanned the tables and cleared her head of the annoyance he was causing her. And then she saw what his attention was on. He was following the subject's movements, mimicking the subject ever so slightly – like he did not know what he was doing. Her eyes shot back down to the top of his head. Her blood was boiling, her heart was screaming and her soul was crying. Then, the subject moved. The subject got up and left, with James Potter at her side and Sirius Black and Remus Lupin following them, all of them talking – none of them even realizing that Severus Snape had been staring at . . . practically drooling over . . . LILY EVANS?
"Audrey. Aren't you going to class?" Severus was standing then too, and his attention was centered on her again, now that Evans was gone from view. Lark looked up into those deep black eyes, and saw something she did not really understand. He knew she'd seen him, like he'd wanted her to know. And he looked hurt? He looked away then, and walked past her. "Come on, we'll be late."
"What are you thinking?" She hissed, following him quickly. They were alone in the corridors together, walking towards their class. "What was with that little show you put on during breakfast?"
"Audrey, I have no clue of what you're talking about. What show? I was thinking, I told you that already."
"Thinking about James Potter's girlfriend?" She stopped then, and he did as well. Severus turned to look at her, and she saw a small glimmer of sorrow right before he wiped his face clean of emotions.
"Have you gone mad? What would I look at that . . . that . . . mudblood for?"
"That's exactly my question. Why would you look at her, when you know she has Potter . . . and when . . . when . . ."
"When, what?" He asked, his voice so cold and distant.
"I thought you loved me!" She nearly screamed. Then, she covered her mouth and looked up at him. His eyes again let his emotions show through for a split second – he was in shock, in turmoil. He loved her, she gathered that, but he would not let himself follow through on it. Then, the mask slipped down again, and he just tilted his head at her.
"I do. Just not in the way I thought I did last year." His voice was so gentle, so calm. Spirits, why did you make him such a good actor! Her mind screamed. "And as for Lil – As for Evans . . . can I help it if she's pretty? Or for the fact that she has a very bright mind?"
"O what, and I'm some idiotic troll?" Her arms were crossed then, and she was glaring at him with all the fury building up inside her small body.
"No." He told her, reaching out to her. His hand was on her shoulder. "I just don't see you as anything other than . . . well, I think of you as a sister, Audrey."
"Liar!" She screamed. "I see you! I see through that mask of yours-why are you hiding from your heart?!" And, before she could control herself, she was running away from him – and she hid in a place she knew he would never find her. Not a girl's bathroom, she was not like the others. No, she went to a place that not many other people could get to –and how she got up into the exposed rafters was something beyond even herself. She was in the ceiling of the dungeons, curled up over head only a short walk from the Potions class.
~~
He wasn't in the common room that evening, and she was glad he wasn't. She had skipped Potions, but had wandered late into the class after that, being very glad that she didn't have to see him there. He was his other Transfiguration class, trying to force himself to get better at that. After all, it was his weak point – and he was always up to tackling challenges. Which is why she was wondering about why he was acting like this, pretending to like Lily Evans. Or was he pretending? Was it genuine? It didn't feel like it. But still, he did compliment the girl –and not even he would say things like that if he didn't mean them. She curled into the chair she sat in, deep in the corner of the room and far away from the fire. She'd be alone here, left to think. And then, then there was someone at her side. Lark felt her body freeze up in the presence – bracing herself for whoever it was.
"What happened?" Narcissa asked, kneeling by her chair.
"I don't really know anymore." She replied, her voice soft and full of the confusion she was feeling. "He said he thought of me as a sister."
"Oh, please . . . that old line?" Narcissa snorted, annoyed. "He's a bloody fool." Lark raised her eyebrow as she looked at her friend. "Well, if he thinks that you'd believe that he is."
"I don't."
"I know. But, you're still feeling his words. You're going to. So, that's why you play his game right along with him."
"Narcissa, stop acting like Grandmother –don't be so cryptic."
"Show him you don't need him – like he wants you to." An evil smile slipped across her face. "There are other boys who like you, after all."
"There are other boys here?" Lark asked, looking away from her friend.
"Lark, listen to me. He's keeping something from you by playing this. To find out what it is, play his own game against him. If –and there is the chance- you drive him to an end, you'll never find out –which is what he wants. But," her voice lowered to a whisper even Severus wouldn't detect. "if you play the game right –and you play it like it should be played, you can manipulate him into showing his true feelings. Or, at least get him to stop acting like a bloody idiot."
"You have my attention."
"And you have that of a certain young man who sits and works with you, in Potions."
"Sirius Black?" She hissed, lowly. "You've got to be kidding!"
"I'm not."
"Even if he does. . . . like me . . .He'd never admit to it!"
"He will if you play it right, well, at least to the right people. And, Severus will notice it – I assure you. Even if the rest of the House doesn't. I'll help you both on that end." Narcissa had by then pulled her up from the chair and was leading her to their empty dorm room. "After all . . . he's playing with a Gryffindor pawn . . . why can't you have your own?"
"Narcissa. . ."
"Hmmm?"
"Continue." Lark sat down on the edge of her own bed as Narcissa shut the door.
~*~ Bait ~*~
Breakfast found her sitting beside Severus as usual… but neither of them really spoke for a long while. Not until after the owls arrived, and everyone else was sorting through their mail.
"Where did you go?" He asked casually, trying to hide his worry behind his customary calm demeanor.
"My brother is not my keeper." She replied curtly, still twirling her spoon in the oatmeal she was (not) eating.
"Audrey," he sighed.
"Severus, really. We'll have it your way – but don't think for a moment we will talk about what happened."
"I suppose that is to be expected. After all . . ."
"Just shut up about it. Okay?" With that, she left the table and stormed out of the room and into the corridors. As though that would be the end of it. Snape followed her, but only after a few minutes –and he was walking very slowly as he traced her running foot falls. They were almost back to the common room when he finally stopped her. "What?!"
"I didn't mean to keep on the subject, Audrey." He replied after a moment of staring at her, looking away. "However, I just want to say . . ."
"What?" Her eyes drilled into his, and she saw his mask fall again for only a second. He was in pain, great pain . . . but then, so was she -and if she had to suffer for some reason he wasn't going to explain to her –well, he could just sod it and bare through it all too.
"Nothing at all." He said, brushing by her quickly to the trap door to Slytherin House. She didn't turn, only heard him give the word. Then, she heard the closing and she walked away from the entrance to the common room. She did, after all, have some explaining to do before Professor Goldenriegh. It had come to great relief to her to hear from Narcissa that they'd had no homework because some idiot had blown up their cauldron and gotten class dismissed.
~~
She was watching Severus and Evans work on their potion, the two of them talking – Snape flirting – oh, she wanted to kill at that moment, but that wouldn't get her anywhere, now would it? No! Remember what Narcissa told you, she commanded herself, unaware of the looks that the rest of the class members were giving Severus and Evans. Potter looked like Lark felt, but he too stayed quiet. The rest of the Gryffindors were acting with high suspicion and the Slytherins were wondering what Severus was planning. After all, this was Severus Snape –wasn't he always planning something? They didn't care that he was drooling over some Gryffindor girl –well, at least the boys didn't care. The girls, however, were rather riled up about it. After all, Lark had always had her silent claim on him – and now . . . now that was being challenged? Lark turned her mind from that then, her head beginning to hurt from all of the access information that showed through the eyes of those who had absolutely no business with having an opinion on her love life –or lack there of. Her eyes flashed to her partner for that year, and he just looked back at her with . . . well…. She couldn't quite figure out how he was looking at her. Then, the eye contact was broken and Sirius went back to chopping up the spider legs they were going to be using. Lark looked down at his hands – he had long fingers, but they were wide and inelegant. Clumsy looking, almost – but he was handling their ingredients well. At least he had something that could resemble skill . . . and he did have a gentleness about him. Stop it, he's just your toy –girl. Lark warned herself. After all, look at all the other girls he's played. He needs a taste of his own medicine, him with his flavors of the week. She looks back up to Severus and casts her eyes towards her own cauldron when he sees her watching him. Lark saw the pain in him just the same though. . . Severus, we're playing your game – don't act so childish about it. We're Slytherins, our actions have meanings –and I'm going to learn yours if it destroys me. She begins to stir the mixture she and Black were working on automatically as he added different components.
"You're supposed to stir it the other way now." Black said, his voice low but still harsh.
"Not until you add the dragon's blood." Lark reprimanded. He let out a small growl but did what she said. Lark then began to stir counter clockwise. "Now, the wintergreen."
"I know how to read, thank you." He hissed.
"Could've fooled me." She nearly yawned. Then, she remembered her mission. A small smile spread across her lips and she tried to catch her eye.
"What, did you somehow turn my hair blue?"
"No."
"Then what in Merlin's name are you smiling at, Ice Princess?"
"Back to that old title, are we?" Maybe she should find another target. Then, she saw him trying to sneak a glance down her robes. Maybe not then. He kept his attention half on her and half on the rest of the task. "See something you like?" She finally whispered.
"We're getting the Potion right, aren't we?"
"Of course." Her smirk conveying her flirtatious attitude. He was still watching her when they were cleaning up. Then, as class ended, his attention was finally taken away by James and Remus, who were all whispering among themselves and shooting looks back over to where Severus and Lily were talking silently as they packed up to leave. As Sirius got up from the station, something fell out of his open pack – and no but Lark noticed it. When he was at the door, she bent down quickly and snatched the scroll of paper up. Not unrolling it, she stuffed it into her own things and walked silently out, meeting up with Severus on the way.
"I'm sorry about earlier." She stated gently, placing her hand on his arm.
"You're not the one who should feel sorry, Audrey." He replied, looking down at her with wary eyes.
"Let's just not talk about it all anymore. There are other things in life, after all." How very strange that he didn't recognize that as the war cry it was. Then, a faint smile spread on her lips. "Any more research on Lupin, or do your feelings for the lovely Lily keep you at bay."
"Audrey, my dearest – nothing keeps my curiosity at bay. She just won't find out." He smirked back down at her.
"Does she know you feel for her?"
"I thought we weren't going to talk about this?"
"No, we're not going to talk about us – or what happened –not til the time for it comes. Now, does she know?"
"I'm not sure –and I'd rather be cautious about it." He replied.
"As natural for you." She nodded. "Be careful of Potter though."
"Don't worry – I will be."
"Good. So, how do you excuse your games with the girl to the house?"
"Let them make their own assumptions. They will anyway."
"Very true. But Severus. . ."
"Hmm?"
"Your secret is safe with me." She smiled, then, she stopped at the corridor's turn, the usual place for their first separation of the day. "Have a good day."
"You too, Audrey."
"O," she stated as he went down the corridor away from her, "I think I shall do just that."
~~
She was holed up in a small nook of a hallway in the dungeons, examining the piece of parchment that Black had dropped. She had unrolled it, tapped it with her wand a few times and gotten very lewd remarks about her figure.
"What are you up to?" Narcissa questioned, poking her head around into the nook. She'd always known about Lark's secret little hiding places –even a few that Severus didn't even begin to guess at. Windsong was good at finding places to hide –it had become a hobby over the years. Narcissa was just glad she hadn't worked her way into the ceilings again.
"I solemnly swear," Lark began, her wand accidentally tapping the parchment, " that I'm up to no good."
"Narcissa, come on, we have ten minutes until curfew! If Lark is anywhere, she'll come in for the night, now stop worrying!" That was Lucius' voice.
"I'll be along in a second." Narcissa called. Then, before she left she mouthed 'come on, detention will do neither of us any good'.
"I'll be right behind you." Lark whispered back. When Narcissa had gone, her attention went back to the map –which her friend hadn't even noticed –and she let out a soft gasp at what she saw. It was a map . . . and on it, little dots with names, moving about the castle. "Well, well, well, what do we have here, Sirius Black?" She breathed. A catty smile slipped over her face. With that, she rolled up the map –not knowing or wanting to get rid of the image at the moment- and left her hiding place. Lark got to the common room just in time, though she paid no mind to her near chance at detention. Her thoughts were centered around baiting Sirius Black with the little piece of parchment she'd 'picked up' from him. How very, very convenient. . . . she thought, sitting down to the chess board that Severus had set up for them when he saw her enter.
"You look very pleased with yourself." He stated, eyeing her carefully as she stretched in the chair.
"Hmm. . ." she replied.
"You're going to be a causality tonight." He informed her with a sharp smile. She saw the jealous glint to his eyes right as it was being covered up. "and I'm not going to be gentle."
"Is that a threat?" She smirked, finally making her presence of mind known. He only bowed his head at her.
The game begins Severus, she thought with a gentle smirk, and this time – I'll win on my own. The thought, however, was not centered upon the chess tournament at hand.
~*~ Willing Prey ~*~
She watched him out the corner of her eyes as she spoke to Severus at breakfast the next morning. The owls had just dropped the post over the dinning children and teens, and Sirius Black's eyes were scanning silver words on a certain piece of black parchment she'd sent him. Of course, he didn't know it was from her, as she hadn't signed it. The letter told him to meet her in the far dungeon corridor at midnight, to come alone – no Potter under an invisibility cloak, either, for she'd see him - because she had something of his that might be in his interest to have returned to him. After he finished reading, he blanched for a minute – obviously a sign that he'd realized he'd dropped that scroll of his and that had to be the bargaining tool mentioned. He looked around cautiously, his eyes meeting her own eventually. She sneered at him in disdain and went back to speaking with Severus –their subject being what was ailing Remus Lupin. She smiled and nodded at what Snape was saying, very satisfied that her bait was laid and she could go about the day planning for the trap.
"You're planning something." Severus said, raising an eyebrow at her as they walked through the dungeons later, on their way to Potions. "That grin gives you away."
"Grin, what grin?" She asked, just then noticing she was grinning like a Cheshire Cat. She pulled her face straight, then looked up at him. "And I'm not planning anything, Mr. Malfoy."
"Steal my jibe why don't you?" He asked saucily, smirking down at her. She could tell he was admiring her, wanting her and he was fighting himself over those feelings. You love me, Sevvie, she thought, you love me. . . I know you do, you can't hide from me. I just wish I knew why you hide it from yourself. . .
"So, how are things between you and Evans?"
"James Potter is alive and well." Severus grumbled. "So, they –they meaning said things between Lily and myself- are lacking in even being in existence. But, I do have her confidence –and we're studying together in the library today, I believe –while young Mr. Potter is away at Quidditch practice."
"Quidditch practice? That's right, he's the Gryffy seeker . . ." Lark wasn't one for Quidditch at all. Neither was Severus . . . he however, hated James Potter for his seeker prowess. It was a Slytherin male thing, that hate, Snape wasn't the only one with it. Men, thought Lark, they were so very odd! "Hmm . . . maybe you'll get lucky and he'll get killed by a freak accident with a bludger! Hint hint."
"Don't tempt me." With that from Severus, they walked into Potions together and took their separate seats, Lark despairing over the one she loved even as she laughed at his plotting to get another guy's girlfriend. She kept her eyes on Severus, and her thoughts to herself as the rest of the class filed in after a few moments. Lark really didn't notice as Sirius Black took his place at her side, not until he flicked her shoulder lightly and asked her if they'd had any homework the night before for the Arithmancy class they shared, for he'd forgotten. He didn't seem concerned with the note he'd gotten at breakfast, but then, that was no surprise. Of course he wouldn't look concerned. She sometimes wondered why wasn't in Slytherin –Remus Lupin right along with him – for he was a very secretive person who could cover his feelings well. Lark answered his question with a negative –they'd had no homework. He looked relieved at that reply, then he ignored her and went about shouting something to Potter until their Professor entered the room and class began.
~~
The common room was completely empty, much to her relief, as she left that evening at 11:50. Lark's heart was calm, but she still felt somewhat nervous as she clutched the rolled up map in the pocket of her robes. She made her way silently to the meeting place she had designated – far from the Slytherin's trap door and Goldenriegh's offices. This would not be something that they could interrupt, especially if it went bottom up on it's own –which she was half sure it could. Settling herself in the shadows, she took a deep breath and waited, keeping her eyes wide open as she stood, watching for him. He came right on time, hidden beneath the invisibility cloak that belonged to his best friend. She could see him perfectly though, as it was that she had no eyes for falsehoods in her surroundings. It was a gift she'd always cherished –being able to see through illusions.
"I thought maybe you'd keep me waiting." Lark began, not giving him time to pull off the cloak, her eyes focused upon his exact location. "But, your punctuality has been noted and is appreciated." He got a surprised look on his face under his concealing garment, and that made her smile. "Come out of that thing, Black, and then we'll talk about your little . . . piece of paper."
"I don't believe you have it." He stated, pulling the cloak off. "And I think you have some goons of yours waiting around to jump me."
"What is this with everyone confusing my methods with Malfoy's?" She asked with a snide laugh, drawing the map out of her robes. "I suppose this is what you believe I don't have."
"So, maybe I'm wrong." Then, a harsh smirk came over his face. "So, what price are you asking for the map?"
"Nothing much. Just a little kiss." He looked at her with a mix of thoughts in his eyes. The deal seemed odd to him, but tempting. "And, if we like that –we can go further." Then she stopped. Then, she flicked the map closed and began to send it back to her pocket. "I'll tell Dumbledore all about it if you don't agree to it. I have a copy made already, so he will believe me."
"How . . ." his eyes narrowed. "That isn't possible. We have all sorts of . . ."
"Concealment charms, and a wide array of other little dandies, right? Really, Black, you forget whom you're dealing with." The grin of the Cheshire Cat crossed her face once more. "So, what will it be, Black . . . a snog with a snake –and a real kiss, no two second pecks, mind you –or a trip to the Headmaster in the morning – your friends with you?"
"I'll take your deal." He stated, then, he was taking her in his arms before she could reply. His lips were warm over her own, the kiss deep and hungry and real. She broke away from him, but he had other ideas. "One good turn deserves another." He breathed, taking her and kissing her again.