A/N: This contains Snape's most OOC moment, in my opinion. However, I
couldn't resist that . . . It was just too cute!! ^_^ Also.. Lark brings
another meaning to the word 'mudblood' . . .
~*~ A Day in Hogsmeade ~*~
"O look," some kid said to another as Lark passed them in the corridors, "it's the Slytherin ssssslut. How much is it, then, Windsong? Three sickles a snog and up from there to go below?"
"That's was crass, as well as ill-timed." Snape's voice greeted the three before Lark could reply to the offending youths. "I thought Ravenclaws were supposed to be clever . . . No matter though. You're still in trouble – that's 10 points from your House."
"I told you we shouldn't have said anything. You know Snake the prefect is always hanging around the corner." The second boy told the one who'd spoken the jibe. They were walking away, thinking that Snape hadn't heard them.
"Dig your grave deeper, Malloy, 5 more points!" Snape growled, knowing his voice carried when the two boys all but ran away from them then. He turned his face to Lark, who was watching him with a little disdain.
"Couldn't let me handle them on my own, hmm?" She asked, looking offended.
"And let you get yourself expelled . . . I think not." Severus replied. He was glad to be rewarded with her smile. They then began to walk together, heading for lunch in the Great Hall. "So, are you ready for Hogsmeade tomorrow?"
"As ready as ever. I'm hoping that WhisperQuills will have that book in. You know, the one that I ordered at the beginning of the year?"
"Yes, I do remember it. You were going to make something for me to help me figure out Lupin's 'ailment'." Severus smirked. "I've narrowed it down even further, the list. Lily dropped hints without even knowing it. I swear, I think she has a liking towards Lupin that competes with her feelings for Potter. Regardless of it all though, it's too bad she can't stand in my way anymore, isn't it?"
"I thought you said . . ."
"I said that I was going to figure it out and she wouldn't know I did, that's all. I never said that I'd not do something with the information. Now, I have every intention of using what ever I find against him, since I have no scruples of morality concerning the Marauders or their red haired tag along."
"You are a wicked creature." Lark smiled slyly.
"Thank you for the compliment, midear." Severus smirked proudly in return.
"So, care to tell me what you've narrowed it down to?"
"Lycanthropy, Diana's Soul Syndrome or Lunaciticy."
"And my idea will narrow it down further then." Lark smirked, making Snape raise an elegant eyebrow. Before he voiced his question, she stated : "You'll see what I mean, just be patient. It is after all, a virtue you have."
"Not when you're teasing me." He replied sharply, following her to the table where Narcissa, Lucius and Guenivere already sat waiting.
~~
WhisperQuills was Hogsmeade's old book store. Lark smiled whenever she walked into it, as it was her favorite place to visit. The shop owner had a penchant for old books that the Ministry had no clue existed, (had they known, the books would have been outlawed), as well as for books that ranged from cooking spells to muggle fairy tells. If it had been written and wasn't yet outlawed, you were most likely to find it in that store. The bookshop was at the very edge of the town, out of the way of all the other buildings which were nicer to look at. Still, the book store was much more interesting than the other places in Hogsmeade – except for the Shrieking Shack, that was. The shack was solitary as well, the origins of screaming that made the public stay away and only watch it with some concern. It had been built a few years ago, right around the time that the current 6th years had began school at Hogwarts. Lark always walked by it when she was in the general direction. That particular day, with Severus with her as she read the book she'd ordered months ago, they went to it's front yard and stood in it.
"I have my doubts about this place." Severus told her, his voice low. "It isn't old enough to be haunted without a known reason. Really, it's younger than we are –and even Peeves and the Bloody Baron are afraid of this place."
"I agree, I'm rather suspicious of it as well –and definitely not afraid of it."
"Dumbledore supports the misgivings though." Snape stated. "So, he must know what goes on . . ."
"Then maybe you should leave it to Dumbledore to worry about?" Another voice broke in. The two Slytherins whipped around to look at the new comer, Lark shutting her book as she did. Standing there, just outside the yard, was Remus Lupin. He looked a bit healthier than he had in ages, despite his graying hair and ragged robes. "After all, he must know what he's doing."
"What gives you the right to butt into our conversation?" Severus hissed in return. "We were not addressing you, Lupin." Then, a hint of something sparked in his black gaze, remembering how Lupin disappeared on occasion. "Or were we talking of something that does involve you?"
"You're talking in riddles, what was that Snape?" Remus raised his eyebrow, looking at Severus as though he were insane.
"Can the three of you just stay out of each other's way?" Another voice came once more. They were then joined by Guenivere, who took Lupin's arm. "I mean, really . . . all anyone does anymore is fuss, fuss, fuss over silly things that doesn't concern them at all. Like this . . . shack, for instance. It's none of our business."
"Or is it?" Severus smirked, his sly eyes locking onto Lupin. Then, he shrugged and gave Guenivere a horrible smile. "But, then, let's pursue your subject, Guenivere. Something which concerns… AH! Mandrake, what makes you so close to Lupin? I do think that's at least Lark's business . . . as your cousin is one of her best friends, and I'm sure Narcissa would love to know about this little . . . closeness?"
"Narcissa knows, Snake." Guenivere hissed. "She doesn't agree, but she knows. Besides, what can you say over it. . . so what if he's Gryffindor and I'm a Slytherin? It didn't matter with Sirius and Lark, did it? Nor did it matter with you and Lily being friends. So, why should it matter with Remus and myself?"
"Because . . ." Severus was cut off by Lark nailing him in the shin with her pointed boot. "Audrey, that bloody hurt!"
"Go on, it doesn't matter. Just don't let Malfoy see you." Lark smiled at Remus and Guenivere, ignoring Snape's mutterings at her side. When they were gone, she turned to Severus, who was glaring at her.
"She bloody well can't . . . we weren't serious with . . . and she. . . " He growled back, but was once more stopped by her. This time, her hand over his mouth gently stopped his flow of speech. Lark smiled at him, her eyes narrowing some as she did.
"She 'bloody' well can, I believe." Then, she uncovered his mouth. "She won't suspect that we are trying to figure him out, if we are nice about the relationship. After all, she's right about our pasts, even if they were slightly different. However, if they are really close . . . she already knows. We'll have to be careful."
"Or, she'll find out that we're going to play him something cruel when we figure it out." Severus nodded in agreement. "Audrey, your method of thinking is a constant form of delight for me."
~~
The day was almost over, and the near end of their time in Hogsmeade found Lark sitting with Narcissa and Malfoy in the Three Broomsticks while Severus went to get their drinks. While the two blondes made out in front of her, Lark began to read again, trying to memorize the ingredients she needed to make the little 'test' for Snape to use in his study of Lupin's troubles. He's taking a long time to get back with the butterbeer, Lark thought to herself after a bit of reading. She looked up from the text to see Lupin walking by with James and Lily, the latter two of the three giving her looks. O, just grow up, her mind hissed at them. Guenivere was talking with some other girls from Slytherin in a corner, giggling over some wizard that had come into the place. As for Snape . . . Ah, she thought, spotting him, there he is. She let her worry subside as he approached them, the drinks in his long hands.
"What took so long?" Lark asked as he sat and passed out the mugs.
"Nothing. Rosmerta was just slow, that's all." Severus smiled at her. For some reason, she just didn't believe him. Then, Sirius Black passed their table, coming from the same general direction that Snape had appeared from. Lark's mind pitched into complete worry, but Severus just took a gulp of his drink and asked Malfoy and Narcissa about their days.
~*~ Vendetta ~*~
Her lips were engorged, her breathing still rather rapid . . . but she was calming. He just stared at her in silence, his dark eyes sparkling with something she'd never seen in them before. Pure satisfaction which mixed with possessiveness and power. Spirits know you have such power of me, Sevvie.. damn you. They lay upon his bed, limbs entangled and bodies still slick with sweat. A silencing charm had muted them to the world outside his doorway, and would stay in use for another few hours so they could talk in private. Lark stared at the ceiling as Severus' eyes scanned her. He dislodged an arm from the knot which they made, and his long fingers began to caress her cheek, then her bite and kiss swollen lips. Electrical currents ran through her, even though her lust had been quelled for the time being. It was more than lust, this fire in his touch. It was so much more.
"I hope," Snape began, a small smirk in his voice, "that you didn't call out my name that many times with Black."
"Very creative way to ask after your performance." Lark teased in return, opening her eyes to see them reflected in his onyx gaze. He snorted at her, rolled his eyes. She smiled at him, turned in his arms so they were chest to chest. "Black is lacking -very- lacking in his sexual talents. Don't envy him that."
"Of course not." Very cruel grin slipped over Snape's face. "Why would I want to suck at shagging?" They both laughed a little bit at that, then Severus grew very serious. "I do envy him something, though." He kissed her forehead. Silence hung thick in the air.
"And who do I have to thank for this experienced lover?" Her question was gentle as she cut the tension only to multiply it, her gaze turned down. He didn't answer for a long moment. "O, come on . . . You know who popped mine . . ."
"Ah, but no one had anything to 'pop' for me." He smirked, making her glower at him.
"You know what I mean. That wasn't book learned."
"Not all of it."
"Damn it, Severus . . ."
"Her name was Mallehea. She was a. . . Hmm, how to put it. She knew my father well, and he passed along the acquaintance."
"When?"
"About two hours after Malfoy had her." He smirked again. She gave him a look that could have turned him to stone had her name been Medusa, and he sighed. "It was over the summer."
They lay silently for a few moments, their breathing at the same pace. Lark felt a little bit unnerved at the moment, but she had asked him after all. Besides, she told herself, the woman was a whore –nothing special. . and this seemed to be ritualistic for males . . .
"So, did she say anything about Malfoy?" Lark asked, once again breaking the silence that had descended. The smile on her face told him the subject had been declared safe –for the moment at least.
"I'm sure Narcissa will complain to you sooner or later." Severus grinned, trying to contain his laughter, but not doing a good job at it. Lark burst out in giggles over what that comment indicated he'd been told by this 'friend' of his father's.
"Speaking of complaining, and going back to another subject . . ." She watched him look at her with curiosity, his fingers brushing back astray lock of her hair. "Did Sirius Black say anything to you today in Hogsmeade?"
"No." He replied. She nodded, though her suspicions were still there. Then, he changed the subject. "So, tell me . . . what exactly are you going to cook up for me to use as a test against Lupin and his 'condition' - whatever it may be?"
~~
Monday was dragging out, or so it seemed for her. Potions had been nothing but a bother, though Sirius had stayed quiet most of the time and hadn't tried to sabotage their daily work like he usually did. Something was up, Lark knew it . . . but she just couldn't put her finger on what it was. Severus continued to swear up and down that he and Black had not conversed in a civil fashion at all –their only communications being the usual insults in the hall. Not to mention all of that, but Narcissa was starting to act rather oddly around her. She sometimes felt that the blond was watching her a lot –but not just in the way that a friend watches a friend. Narcissa was looking at her the way Severus did, the way Black used to. Lark found, after thinking it over, that she really didn't mind it much either. Still, she wasn't going to broach the subject unless Narcissa did first – it could have only been her imagination, after all.
~~
The common room was pretty full that evening. Guenivere was sitting by the fire, reading and ignoring the silent bickering of the 'Serpent's Coil' where Malfoy was taking the role of leader as of late. Lark sat with Cora and Narcissa, the three of them going over an advanced transfiguration lesson they'd had together that day. Her mind wasn't on the notes, though, nor upon the idol gossip of her friend and peer. Lark's mind was on Severus- on the fact that he was missing. Maybe he's in his rooms, looking over that chart again, she thought to herself. What is tonight anyway? Full moon? Hmmm . . . maybe he's out trying to figure out where Lupin goes again . . .
"What is it, can't you see we're busy?" Narcissa snapped. She usually got like that when they were studying, though there were those who were taken aback by the pure fact that Narcissa cared about her grades after all. This intruder, however, seemed unfazed by the sharpness in the blond girl's voice.
"It's important, I promise." Stated Guenivere. "Lark, I need to talk to you."
"What about?" the girl in question replied, finally coming out of her thoughts.
"It's about . . . Lupin." She whispered her boyfriend's last name into Lark's ear. Then, she stood up to her full height and let her eyes do most of her emphasis on the danger of the situation. "Severus overheard something from Sirius about him. It wasn't an accident, not on Black's part."
"What do you mean?" Lark was standing then, leading Guenivere away from the common room crowd so they could talk in private. The others took it, to her surprise, with ease and stayed out of their business.
~~
She was running through the hallways with little care that she could possibly be out after curfew. That didn't matter at the moment, getting to Snape on time to save him from his damned curiosity was what mattered then. Lark could feel her heart in her throat, feel her lungs as they seemed to be torn with the rushing of air, but her legs only carried her faster. If anything happens to him . . .
The whomping willow was still, and Severus Snape stood beneath it, his eyes wide at was revealed to him. He was frozen with something he hadn't felt in ages – pure terror. Before him was a lit tunnel . . . in the tunnel, was the shape of something he'd been dreading ever to see. A werewolf. I know Lupin's secret . . . as if that thought had been audible, the werewolf turns towards him, or so he can tell by the silhouette. His eyes widen more, hearing the low growl sound out it's threat . . . then, suddenly, someone pushes him out of the lit tunnel and he's seems to be flying through the air. . . The tunnel closes, locking the monster in it's confines and out of site. Above him, the whomping willow was flaying it's branches . . . and one was heading his way.
James Potter had saved Severus' life – and they had just barely missed the branches of the willow when it's come back to it's barbaric senses. She watched from the shadows as the two boys made their way back, both in silence. Lark was inside Hogwarts before either of them noticed. After all, Severus was safe . . . that was made sure of. He would be on his way to the Headmaster, that was to be sure as well . . . and she had someone to see herself. Before she had gone back inside, she had bent down to the ground, and caked her hands in the mud made from the rain they'd had earlier. As she walked towards where she knew Sirius Black liked to hide while his more dangerous pranks played out, she took out her knife and cut her hand just a bit. She was weaving together a spell from Earth magic. She had a vendetta to make even.
~~
Sirius' back was to the wall after a very strong force knocked him against it, winding him for a second. Looking down, he saw Lark Windsong, her hands covered in bloodied mud. Her green eyes were large, and she was muttering something under her breath. He couldn't move, he could barely breath. What is she doing?
Lark smeared the crimson dashed earth over Black's face in a quick, very well placed pattern. As she did, she sung a spell :
"By blood, For the horror you gave me, I curse you. By Earth, For betraying your friend, I curse you. By Blood, For nearly destroying the joy in my life, I curse you. By the Earth, I curse you to see horrors you will beg your Gods never to allow another to see. By my blood I bind you to pain and misery for a youth's lifetime. Now writhe when your time comes." Then, she let him go, allowing her binding of him to wear off in its own time – Dumbledore, when he came looking for the boy, would find him there. Lark did not wonder if he would recognize the markings of her curse, nor did she care. She backed away from him, gave him a small smile as she went. Then, she walked into the darkness. "Have a good life, Sirius Black . . ." She called to the boy behind her in the shadows.
Her bare feet carried her back to Slytherin house. She would wait in Severus' room – he would have need of her to talk to when he returned.
~*~ The Wreckage ~*~
Lark found herself in Dumbledore's office, sitting next to Severus. On the other side of the room, as far away from them as he could get, sat Sirius Black. At his side was James Potter, as well as Remus Lupin. The Headmaster was in the room as well, but he was standing, studying each student in turn. The hostility between certain members of this motley party laced the air with it's potency, making Albus feel slightly unnerved. Still, a great number of mishaps had gone on under his nose, none of which he had really noticed until now, that they were thrust into his face without a blink it seemed. Not to happen again, of course . . . and now he had to deal with these teenagers, each so promising with their talents, each so clever and strong. None of them would leave this school before they'd graduated from it, of that he was already sure – but something had to be thought up. The happenings could not go unchecked and unpunished. Especially not the actions of Black and Windsong, who were then glaring at one another with such fierceness he could feel it. Sirius' face was still streaked with dirt and blood, something that Miss Windsong had explained as 'marking him for what he was, nothing more, it will bring him no physical harm'. She'd put a spell on him that was born of the Earth, that was obvious –and none of that magic was illegal or used for great evil as he remembered Lark's grandmother telling him during the conference he'd had with her. It was however, used as retribution. Dumbledore sighed in Black's direction, shook his head. And Sirius, sitting there watching with hate towards the two Slytherins, had tried to kill Severus Snape, or possibly have him turned into a werewolf, by the unwitting tool of Remus Lupin, who was –if Dumbledore remembered and saw correctly now- supposed to be one of Black's best friends. And James had been there to stop it, and Lark had gone to try. Finally, Dumbledore nodded.
The group left, but in sections of their houses. Severus and Lark were the first to leave, knowing the other three would be sent out after them once they'd been given time to clear the hall. House points had been taken away, as had some of Snape's and Lupin's prefect privileges. The groups were to avoid one another as much as possible, and the two Slytherins had to keep Lupin's 'condition' a complete secret.
"So," Severus began, as they headed back towards their house hideaway, "what type of hex did you place on Black? He was found gibbering like a complete idiot in some hole in the wall, and he can't wash that dirt off his face."
"He won't be able to wash it off for awhile. It will leave him sooner or later. As for the spell, it wasn't a hex. It was justice for what he tried to do." Lark replied. "It will harvest itself in his life within time, nothing deadly though."
"That's a pity." Snape mumbled, coaxing a small smile from her.
"What's the really pitiful part of this whole thing is that we now know what Lupin's problem is, and we can't use it against him."
"Not yet at least." He seemed to be cheered by that thought, she noticed. "There will be other opportunities, I'm sure. For, as great as Dumbledore is, he does not hold true authority outside of this school -and we won't be students forever."
"You thrive on revenge, don't you?"
"Have you room to talk?"
"No." Lark smirked, taking his arm in her own. They walked the rest of the way in a comfortable silence.
~~
Severus was asleep, and her mood was restless. Lark's mind was on Narcissa at the moment, as the girl had been acting strangely all the past week. Lucius had been acting just as oddly, but he was still a blatant ass about everything he did. They probably had a fight, that's all – Lark told herself, curling up against Snape. He shifted a bit, but stayed asleep. He looked almost angelic, and very peaceful. She gave him a gentle smile, tucked a few stray strands of his long hair (which had grown down to his mid back that year) behind his ears. A contented look passed over his face, and his arms automatically tightened around her. Protective even in sleep, she smirked to herself, feeling as he buried his face against her neck. His breath was warm and inviting – and far too adept at tempting her into waking him up most rudely. Not that it was a bad idea, another round might tire her out more – but he had been in worse shape than she'd been in that evening, and he needed his sleep more than she did. His insomnia had been catching up with him again, had been since mid term. Yes, he needs to sleep . . . let him too it, she nodded to herself. She lay still in his arms, listening to his gentle breathing, feeling his heart beating against her. It was very calming, but her mind was far too awake to be soothed to slumber by his body rhythms. After awhile, he loosened his hold on her, and turned slightly away. Seeing her chance to get free without disturbing Severus, Lark hopped out of his bed and caught up her nightgown from the floor. She pulled the long, comfortable garment over her head and decided to head towards her own room for her dressing gown. The air was cold in the Slytherin house corridors, the floor was icy under her feet, but she liked it. Lark kept to the shadows as she crept silently down the stairs from the boy's dormitory hall towards the girls'. As she approached the room she shared with the other 6th year girls, she noticed the door open on it's own accord. A figure –clearly not female – slipped out, brushing by her without a second glance. She knew that silver-blond hair anywhere though. Malfoy had been in their dorm room –surprise, surprise. It was common for the older teens to slip into one anothers room, after all . . . and besides, Malfoy and Narcissa were a known couple. It was as expected of them, this behavior, as it was in Lark and Severus (though they were known to be merely 'friends with benefits') She rolled her eyes at that last little detail. She'd have to rat that secret out of Snape sooner or later, or press him into letting her see other people, as their 'public image' allowed her to do. After all, if he was going to make her suffer with not telling her something –and he knew she suffered from not knowing all he knew –then she was well in her rights to make him suffer with flaunting another bed partner in front of him. He'd writhe deliciously at that, I dare say. A catty grin crossed her face on those thoughts, and she was soon inside her dorm room. As she entered, someone already in the room started.
"Lumos." Called Narcissa in a hushed voice. Why does she have her wand ready in her hand? Lark asked herself. Then, those thoughts were knocked away by the sight of tears on the blond girl's face. No one else was in the room with them, she noted, before locking eyes with her female best friend. "Lark . . . I HATE him."
"Who?"
"Who the bloody hell do you think?" Narcissa hissed. "The fucking prat named Malfoy, that's who." Then, she burst into tears again. Lark was at her side in seconds, holding her gently as sobs racked her thin, tall frame. "You must promise to hex him, Lark . . . and get Severus to help you."
~*~ Malfoy's Baaaaahd Day ~*~
Potions class was finally sorted out the following day, after all . . . with what had happened, it was only wise. Malfoy sat with Severus, Narcissa with Lark. Sirius was paired with Potter, and they were getting along spectacularly – even if they'd melted their cauldron while not paying attention earlier. Lark paid no mind to the two Gryffindor boys, instead, her attention was split between her class project with Narcissa, and the sight of Malfoy's back. After what Narcissa had told her about him, what he had said to her friend, she thought it only becoming of the situation that he should somehow suffer. Now, she just had to figure it out, what this punishment should be. Lark hadn't told Severus what had been said to Narcissa, nor did she have any wish too. Had Severus heard, he would have scoffed at the situation and told her to let it lay between Malfoy and the girl. It was, she could hear him say, Narcissa and Malfoy's problem to work out between them. Well, according to how her mind worked, if it had been said to Narcissa, it was meant for her ears also. And what she had heard she did not like. Own a woman indeed, her mind growled as she worked. Who the bloody hell does that wanker think he is? So what if his last name is Malfoy? She'd still make him suffer for that low life idea he had in his head about his 'girlfriend and those like her'. So what if he was betrothed to Narcissa, that doesn't give him the right to call her 'his property', nor to lay hand upon her when she didn't wish it. Lark was twisting something in her hand then, and she heard a loud pop. Looking down, she saw that she'd snapped the four thick roots she'd been holding in half.
"I wish that were his neck." She heard Narcissa mutter at her side. Lark looked up at her and nodded, then began to cut up the roots. "Any ideas yet?"
"Nothing yet." She stated, thwacking away at the roots. Then, she noticed as Lucius brushed his hand through his hair and admired himself in the clean reflection of their ladle before Snape jerked the instrument away from him with a growl of annoyance. Leave it to Sevvie to stomp out that prat's vani . . . A smile cut off that thought. "Actually, I do have some thoughts. We'll use his vanity against him."
"How?" Narcissa asked.
"Leave it to me, 'Cissa dear. Just leave it to me."
~~
Their common room was emptying out for the evening, as it was growing late and the weekend was another half week away. Soon, only a few of the sixth and seventh years were left. Among them were Narcissa, Malfoy, Lark, Severus, Crabbe and Goyle.
"So, Snape . . ." Malfoy began, interrupting the game of chess that was being played out by the youth in question and Lark. "What's the plans for this summer? Getting dragged about the countryside again with the rest of us?"
" Ugh, don't remind us." Crabbe began, sounding disgusted. Obviously, it was a group trip.
"Yeah," Goyle agreed, his ugly features turning grotesque as he twisted is face in annoyance, "it's like school away from school."
"And obviously you learn nothing." Lucius rolled his eyes at the two youths who flanked him at most given times.
"Malfoy, must you always be such an arse?" Severus questioned. He was studying the board. "Besides, You're breaking my concentration."
"Keep talking, Lucius." Lark quipped before she noticed it, making Snape snort at her.
"As if that'd help your cause in this game. You're fate is sealed already, you're trapped." Severus pointed out, then made the move to prove it to her. She hadn't noticed that possibility.
"Damn you, Lucius. You're such a little lamb." Lark hissed at the blond youth, who was looking at her oddly. So was Snape for that matter.
"Lamb . . .?" Severus began, his eyebrow raised. "Whatever happened to arse?"
"Being an arse is too good for him, you know that. Besides it was getting redundant. He's a sheep. A little black lamb to be exact." Lark smirked, her eyes shifting sideways to Narcissa who was trying to control her face from breaking into a mischievous grin. Snape was catching on, which wasn't good. He could stop the prank before it even started, with a few choice words.
"Yes, laugh at my expense!" Lucius growled, walking away. Goyle and Crabbe tailed him, as always.
Yeah, go and run to the comfort of your mirror, you disgusting excuse for a . . . Lark's thoughts were broken by a yell. That sounded like Goyle being surprised. Must've worked faster than I thought, she smirked as she thought.
"Merlin's bloody BEARD!" And that was Crabbe. Now where was Malfoy? As if to answer her joke of an inquiring thought, they heard the bleating of a lamb. It was loud and helpless sounding. Severus stopped with packing up the chess board and looked at her.
"What on Earth did you do now?" He hissed. Narcissa busted out laughing as they heard the bleating continue. A second passed and they were joined by Crabbe, Goyle and a very small black lamb, which was still bleating with a vengeance.
"He looked in his mirror, it turned bright purple and he turned into this . . ." Goyle began, obviously not wanting to be taken as the culprit. Severus just kept glowering at Lark, who was smirking in return.
"O, this is rich, Audrey." Snape muttered, trying to control his own laughter then, as he looked at the sheep.
"Bah, bah, black sheep, have you any wool?" Narcissa sang.
"Yes, sir, yes sir, three bags full!" Severus answered in return, his voice as sing-song as the girl's. Lark burst out laughing after the recital of the nursery rhyme that was known both by magic folk and muggles, and Crabbe and Goyle just looked as clueless as ever. The lamb which was Malfoy continued to bleat, totally annoyed with the whole situation.
~~
Lucius, who had turned back to normal after two hours in his sheepish state, was not talking to them the next morning. Not that any of them cared, though. Lark was somewhat over the pride she'd had the evening before, but Narcissa was still making sheep jokes. Severus had a small smirk on his face that wouldn't vanish through breakfast. Her thoughts were on him then. On what he did during the summer before, and what he would be doing in the vacation soon to come. Being dragged around the country side with the rest of them, Malfoy had said. The rest of who, exactly . . . and why? Those were her main questions. She knew Severus would never answer them though. She'd tried to ask that evening, when they'd gone to bed together, but he just said it was a huge gathering of his parent's friends and their families going about together like common vagabonds on some 'adventurous escapade'. OK, Sevvie, she thought, so why did Goyle mention something like a school? Was it a part of what he was trying to protect her from? It seemed so, as he kept from the subject in such a manner.
~~
Snape was in his Transfiguration classes while Lark had her break. She was sitting in the common room, reading. The afternoon was nearing it's height, and classes would be over for the day within the next two hours. Malfoy was still no where to be seen, which made her very pleased. The absence of his prattling was much appreciated by most of their house, and the 'Serpent's Coil' seemed to be enjoying his hushed state as much as the others. That came as a bit of a shock for her, but then . . . not really. For, who could really tolerate Malfoy for so long without it being compulsory to be around him? She let a smirk creep over her face as she read, soon becoming lost in the book. Lark didn't sense Narcissa's presence until the girl was right at her side.
"I wanted to thank you." The girl began, as she took the book from Lark.
"You already did." Lark smiled.
"No, not the way I've been wanting to." Narcissa leaned down then, and kissed her hungrily on the mouth. Their lips stayed locked for a moment, then they broke away and stared at one another.
~~
Lark sat on the bed, the sheets wrapped around her as she smiled down at Narcissa, who was catching her breath, her body underneath the blanket. She traced her hands over the outline of the taller girl's leg, then grew serious as she began to think of the repercussions this incident could have.
"This shall be interesting to explain to Severus when he sniffs it out." Lark muttered.
"No," the silken voice cut in from the door way. "He understands totally, been expecting it actually." He shut the door, then came forward. His voice took on a teasing tone. "He only asks that he gets to watch next time."
"How did you . . .?" Narcissa began.
"Logical signs. The way you two look at one another, so on and so forth. I'd have been blind not to notice." Snape smirked. Then, he grew serious. "Besides, the rest of the House has been whispering suspicion for weeks. All accounts being noted- this is a good thing, considering our 'beneficial friendship', Audrey. We have proof of 'other interests' now –at least on your part."
"Great, I guess they'll be calling me the 'Whore of Slytherin' now." Lark muttered darkly. Snape sat down on the bed beside her, being careful not to get too near to Narcissa. (He'd never truly found the blond girl desirable at all, and didn't want his teasing taken seriously. It was his belief that sex was two player game.)
"Actually, only the Gryffindors call you that." He held up his hand before she could bite his head off in some remark. "As for the Slytherins, well . . . most of us respect a woman who knows what she wants and takes it, as we aren't as . . . closed minded as the others are."
"And sod the ones who don't like it." Narcissa added.
"Sod them all." Lark nodded, smiling.
It seemed her life was beginning to work out again, as though her path was beginning to ease up. If only she had seen what was to come next . . .
~*~ A Day in Hogsmeade ~*~
"O look," some kid said to another as Lark passed them in the corridors, "it's the Slytherin ssssslut. How much is it, then, Windsong? Three sickles a snog and up from there to go below?"
"That's was crass, as well as ill-timed." Snape's voice greeted the three before Lark could reply to the offending youths. "I thought Ravenclaws were supposed to be clever . . . No matter though. You're still in trouble – that's 10 points from your House."
"I told you we shouldn't have said anything. You know Snake the prefect is always hanging around the corner." The second boy told the one who'd spoken the jibe. They were walking away, thinking that Snape hadn't heard them.
"Dig your grave deeper, Malloy, 5 more points!" Snape growled, knowing his voice carried when the two boys all but ran away from them then. He turned his face to Lark, who was watching him with a little disdain.
"Couldn't let me handle them on my own, hmm?" She asked, looking offended.
"And let you get yourself expelled . . . I think not." Severus replied. He was glad to be rewarded with her smile. They then began to walk together, heading for lunch in the Great Hall. "So, are you ready for Hogsmeade tomorrow?"
"As ready as ever. I'm hoping that WhisperQuills will have that book in. You know, the one that I ordered at the beginning of the year?"
"Yes, I do remember it. You were going to make something for me to help me figure out Lupin's 'ailment'." Severus smirked. "I've narrowed it down even further, the list. Lily dropped hints without even knowing it. I swear, I think she has a liking towards Lupin that competes with her feelings for Potter. Regardless of it all though, it's too bad she can't stand in my way anymore, isn't it?"
"I thought you said . . ."
"I said that I was going to figure it out and she wouldn't know I did, that's all. I never said that I'd not do something with the information. Now, I have every intention of using what ever I find against him, since I have no scruples of morality concerning the Marauders or their red haired tag along."
"You are a wicked creature." Lark smiled slyly.
"Thank you for the compliment, midear." Severus smirked proudly in return.
"So, care to tell me what you've narrowed it down to?"
"Lycanthropy, Diana's Soul Syndrome or Lunaciticy."
"And my idea will narrow it down further then." Lark smirked, making Snape raise an elegant eyebrow. Before he voiced his question, she stated : "You'll see what I mean, just be patient. It is after all, a virtue you have."
"Not when you're teasing me." He replied sharply, following her to the table where Narcissa, Lucius and Guenivere already sat waiting.
~~
WhisperQuills was Hogsmeade's old book store. Lark smiled whenever she walked into it, as it was her favorite place to visit. The shop owner had a penchant for old books that the Ministry had no clue existed, (had they known, the books would have been outlawed), as well as for books that ranged from cooking spells to muggle fairy tells. If it had been written and wasn't yet outlawed, you were most likely to find it in that store. The bookshop was at the very edge of the town, out of the way of all the other buildings which were nicer to look at. Still, the book store was much more interesting than the other places in Hogsmeade – except for the Shrieking Shack, that was. The shack was solitary as well, the origins of screaming that made the public stay away and only watch it with some concern. It had been built a few years ago, right around the time that the current 6th years had began school at Hogwarts. Lark always walked by it when she was in the general direction. That particular day, with Severus with her as she read the book she'd ordered months ago, they went to it's front yard and stood in it.
"I have my doubts about this place." Severus told her, his voice low. "It isn't old enough to be haunted without a known reason. Really, it's younger than we are –and even Peeves and the Bloody Baron are afraid of this place."
"I agree, I'm rather suspicious of it as well –and definitely not afraid of it."
"Dumbledore supports the misgivings though." Snape stated. "So, he must know what goes on . . ."
"Then maybe you should leave it to Dumbledore to worry about?" Another voice broke in. The two Slytherins whipped around to look at the new comer, Lark shutting her book as she did. Standing there, just outside the yard, was Remus Lupin. He looked a bit healthier than he had in ages, despite his graying hair and ragged robes. "After all, he must know what he's doing."
"What gives you the right to butt into our conversation?" Severus hissed in return. "We were not addressing you, Lupin." Then, a hint of something sparked in his black gaze, remembering how Lupin disappeared on occasion. "Or were we talking of something that does involve you?"
"You're talking in riddles, what was that Snape?" Remus raised his eyebrow, looking at Severus as though he were insane.
"Can the three of you just stay out of each other's way?" Another voice came once more. They were then joined by Guenivere, who took Lupin's arm. "I mean, really . . . all anyone does anymore is fuss, fuss, fuss over silly things that doesn't concern them at all. Like this . . . shack, for instance. It's none of our business."
"Or is it?" Severus smirked, his sly eyes locking onto Lupin. Then, he shrugged and gave Guenivere a horrible smile. "But, then, let's pursue your subject, Guenivere. Something which concerns… AH! Mandrake, what makes you so close to Lupin? I do think that's at least Lark's business . . . as your cousin is one of her best friends, and I'm sure Narcissa would love to know about this little . . . closeness?"
"Narcissa knows, Snake." Guenivere hissed. "She doesn't agree, but she knows. Besides, what can you say over it. . . so what if he's Gryffindor and I'm a Slytherin? It didn't matter with Sirius and Lark, did it? Nor did it matter with you and Lily being friends. So, why should it matter with Remus and myself?"
"Because . . ." Severus was cut off by Lark nailing him in the shin with her pointed boot. "Audrey, that bloody hurt!"
"Go on, it doesn't matter. Just don't let Malfoy see you." Lark smiled at Remus and Guenivere, ignoring Snape's mutterings at her side. When they were gone, she turned to Severus, who was glaring at her.
"She bloody well can't . . . we weren't serious with . . . and she. . . " He growled back, but was once more stopped by her. This time, her hand over his mouth gently stopped his flow of speech. Lark smiled at him, her eyes narrowing some as she did.
"She 'bloody' well can, I believe." Then, she uncovered his mouth. "She won't suspect that we are trying to figure him out, if we are nice about the relationship. After all, she's right about our pasts, even if they were slightly different. However, if they are really close . . . she already knows. We'll have to be careful."
"Or, she'll find out that we're going to play him something cruel when we figure it out." Severus nodded in agreement. "Audrey, your method of thinking is a constant form of delight for me."
~~
The day was almost over, and the near end of their time in Hogsmeade found Lark sitting with Narcissa and Malfoy in the Three Broomsticks while Severus went to get their drinks. While the two blondes made out in front of her, Lark began to read again, trying to memorize the ingredients she needed to make the little 'test' for Snape to use in his study of Lupin's troubles. He's taking a long time to get back with the butterbeer, Lark thought to herself after a bit of reading. She looked up from the text to see Lupin walking by with James and Lily, the latter two of the three giving her looks. O, just grow up, her mind hissed at them. Guenivere was talking with some other girls from Slytherin in a corner, giggling over some wizard that had come into the place. As for Snape . . . Ah, she thought, spotting him, there he is. She let her worry subside as he approached them, the drinks in his long hands.
"What took so long?" Lark asked as he sat and passed out the mugs.
"Nothing. Rosmerta was just slow, that's all." Severus smiled at her. For some reason, she just didn't believe him. Then, Sirius Black passed their table, coming from the same general direction that Snape had appeared from. Lark's mind pitched into complete worry, but Severus just took a gulp of his drink and asked Malfoy and Narcissa about their days.
~*~ Vendetta ~*~
Her lips were engorged, her breathing still rather rapid . . . but she was calming. He just stared at her in silence, his dark eyes sparkling with something she'd never seen in them before. Pure satisfaction which mixed with possessiveness and power. Spirits know you have such power of me, Sevvie.. damn you. They lay upon his bed, limbs entangled and bodies still slick with sweat. A silencing charm had muted them to the world outside his doorway, and would stay in use for another few hours so they could talk in private. Lark stared at the ceiling as Severus' eyes scanned her. He dislodged an arm from the knot which they made, and his long fingers began to caress her cheek, then her bite and kiss swollen lips. Electrical currents ran through her, even though her lust had been quelled for the time being. It was more than lust, this fire in his touch. It was so much more.
"I hope," Snape began, a small smirk in his voice, "that you didn't call out my name that many times with Black."
"Very creative way to ask after your performance." Lark teased in return, opening her eyes to see them reflected in his onyx gaze. He snorted at her, rolled his eyes. She smiled at him, turned in his arms so they were chest to chest. "Black is lacking -very- lacking in his sexual talents. Don't envy him that."
"Of course not." Very cruel grin slipped over Snape's face. "Why would I want to suck at shagging?" They both laughed a little bit at that, then Severus grew very serious. "I do envy him something, though." He kissed her forehead. Silence hung thick in the air.
"And who do I have to thank for this experienced lover?" Her question was gentle as she cut the tension only to multiply it, her gaze turned down. He didn't answer for a long moment. "O, come on . . . You know who popped mine . . ."
"Ah, but no one had anything to 'pop' for me." He smirked, making her glower at him.
"You know what I mean. That wasn't book learned."
"Not all of it."
"Damn it, Severus . . ."
"Her name was Mallehea. She was a. . . Hmm, how to put it. She knew my father well, and he passed along the acquaintance."
"When?"
"About two hours after Malfoy had her." He smirked again. She gave him a look that could have turned him to stone had her name been Medusa, and he sighed. "It was over the summer."
They lay silently for a few moments, their breathing at the same pace. Lark felt a little bit unnerved at the moment, but she had asked him after all. Besides, she told herself, the woman was a whore –nothing special. . and this seemed to be ritualistic for males . . .
"So, did she say anything about Malfoy?" Lark asked, once again breaking the silence that had descended. The smile on her face told him the subject had been declared safe –for the moment at least.
"I'm sure Narcissa will complain to you sooner or later." Severus grinned, trying to contain his laughter, but not doing a good job at it. Lark burst out in giggles over what that comment indicated he'd been told by this 'friend' of his father's.
"Speaking of complaining, and going back to another subject . . ." She watched him look at her with curiosity, his fingers brushing back astray lock of her hair. "Did Sirius Black say anything to you today in Hogsmeade?"
"No." He replied. She nodded, though her suspicions were still there. Then, he changed the subject. "So, tell me . . . what exactly are you going to cook up for me to use as a test against Lupin and his 'condition' - whatever it may be?"
~~
Monday was dragging out, or so it seemed for her. Potions had been nothing but a bother, though Sirius had stayed quiet most of the time and hadn't tried to sabotage their daily work like he usually did. Something was up, Lark knew it . . . but she just couldn't put her finger on what it was. Severus continued to swear up and down that he and Black had not conversed in a civil fashion at all –their only communications being the usual insults in the hall. Not to mention all of that, but Narcissa was starting to act rather oddly around her. She sometimes felt that the blond was watching her a lot –but not just in the way that a friend watches a friend. Narcissa was looking at her the way Severus did, the way Black used to. Lark found, after thinking it over, that she really didn't mind it much either. Still, she wasn't going to broach the subject unless Narcissa did first – it could have only been her imagination, after all.
~~
The common room was pretty full that evening. Guenivere was sitting by the fire, reading and ignoring the silent bickering of the 'Serpent's Coil' where Malfoy was taking the role of leader as of late. Lark sat with Cora and Narcissa, the three of them going over an advanced transfiguration lesson they'd had together that day. Her mind wasn't on the notes, though, nor upon the idol gossip of her friend and peer. Lark's mind was on Severus- on the fact that he was missing. Maybe he's in his rooms, looking over that chart again, she thought to herself. What is tonight anyway? Full moon? Hmmm . . . maybe he's out trying to figure out where Lupin goes again . . .
"What is it, can't you see we're busy?" Narcissa snapped. She usually got like that when they were studying, though there were those who were taken aback by the pure fact that Narcissa cared about her grades after all. This intruder, however, seemed unfazed by the sharpness in the blond girl's voice.
"It's important, I promise." Stated Guenivere. "Lark, I need to talk to you."
"What about?" the girl in question replied, finally coming out of her thoughts.
"It's about . . . Lupin." She whispered her boyfriend's last name into Lark's ear. Then, she stood up to her full height and let her eyes do most of her emphasis on the danger of the situation. "Severus overheard something from Sirius about him. It wasn't an accident, not on Black's part."
"What do you mean?" Lark was standing then, leading Guenivere away from the common room crowd so they could talk in private. The others took it, to her surprise, with ease and stayed out of their business.
~~
She was running through the hallways with little care that she could possibly be out after curfew. That didn't matter at the moment, getting to Snape on time to save him from his damned curiosity was what mattered then. Lark could feel her heart in her throat, feel her lungs as they seemed to be torn with the rushing of air, but her legs only carried her faster. If anything happens to him . . .
The whomping willow was still, and Severus Snape stood beneath it, his eyes wide at was revealed to him. He was frozen with something he hadn't felt in ages – pure terror. Before him was a lit tunnel . . . in the tunnel, was the shape of something he'd been dreading ever to see. A werewolf. I know Lupin's secret . . . as if that thought had been audible, the werewolf turns towards him, or so he can tell by the silhouette. His eyes widen more, hearing the low growl sound out it's threat . . . then, suddenly, someone pushes him out of the lit tunnel and he's seems to be flying through the air. . . The tunnel closes, locking the monster in it's confines and out of site. Above him, the whomping willow was flaying it's branches . . . and one was heading his way.
James Potter had saved Severus' life – and they had just barely missed the branches of the willow when it's come back to it's barbaric senses. She watched from the shadows as the two boys made their way back, both in silence. Lark was inside Hogwarts before either of them noticed. After all, Severus was safe . . . that was made sure of. He would be on his way to the Headmaster, that was to be sure as well . . . and she had someone to see herself. Before she had gone back inside, she had bent down to the ground, and caked her hands in the mud made from the rain they'd had earlier. As she walked towards where she knew Sirius Black liked to hide while his more dangerous pranks played out, she took out her knife and cut her hand just a bit. She was weaving together a spell from Earth magic. She had a vendetta to make even.
~~
Sirius' back was to the wall after a very strong force knocked him against it, winding him for a second. Looking down, he saw Lark Windsong, her hands covered in bloodied mud. Her green eyes were large, and she was muttering something under her breath. He couldn't move, he could barely breath. What is she doing?
Lark smeared the crimson dashed earth over Black's face in a quick, very well placed pattern. As she did, she sung a spell :
"By blood, For the horror you gave me, I curse you. By Earth, For betraying your friend, I curse you. By Blood, For nearly destroying the joy in my life, I curse you. By the Earth, I curse you to see horrors you will beg your Gods never to allow another to see. By my blood I bind you to pain and misery for a youth's lifetime. Now writhe when your time comes." Then, she let him go, allowing her binding of him to wear off in its own time – Dumbledore, when he came looking for the boy, would find him there. Lark did not wonder if he would recognize the markings of her curse, nor did she care. She backed away from him, gave him a small smile as she went. Then, she walked into the darkness. "Have a good life, Sirius Black . . ." She called to the boy behind her in the shadows.
Her bare feet carried her back to Slytherin house. She would wait in Severus' room – he would have need of her to talk to when he returned.
~*~ The Wreckage ~*~
Lark found herself in Dumbledore's office, sitting next to Severus. On the other side of the room, as far away from them as he could get, sat Sirius Black. At his side was James Potter, as well as Remus Lupin. The Headmaster was in the room as well, but he was standing, studying each student in turn. The hostility between certain members of this motley party laced the air with it's potency, making Albus feel slightly unnerved. Still, a great number of mishaps had gone on under his nose, none of which he had really noticed until now, that they were thrust into his face without a blink it seemed. Not to happen again, of course . . . and now he had to deal with these teenagers, each so promising with their talents, each so clever and strong. None of them would leave this school before they'd graduated from it, of that he was already sure – but something had to be thought up. The happenings could not go unchecked and unpunished. Especially not the actions of Black and Windsong, who were then glaring at one another with such fierceness he could feel it. Sirius' face was still streaked with dirt and blood, something that Miss Windsong had explained as 'marking him for what he was, nothing more, it will bring him no physical harm'. She'd put a spell on him that was born of the Earth, that was obvious –and none of that magic was illegal or used for great evil as he remembered Lark's grandmother telling him during the conference he'd had with her. It was however, used as retribution. Dumbledore sighed in Black's direction, shook his head. And Sirius, sitting there watching with hate towards the two Slytherins, had tried to kill Severus Snape, or possibly have him turned into a werewolf, by the unwitting tool of Remus Lupin, who was –if Dumbledore remembered and saw correctly now- supposed to be one of Black's best friends. And James had been there to stop it, and Lark had gone to try. Finally, Dumbledore nodded.
The group left, but in sections of their houses. Severus and Lark were the first to leave, knowing the other three would be sent out after them once they'd been given time to clear the hall. House points had been taken away, as had some of Snape's and Lupin's prefect privileges. The groups were to avoid one another as much as possible, and the two Slytherins had to keep Lupin's 'condition' a complete secret.
"So," Severus began, as they headed back towards their house hideaway, "what type of hex did you place on Black? He was found gibbering like a complete idiot in some hole in the wall, and he can't wash that dirt off his face."
"He won't be able to wash it off for awhile. It will leave him sooner or later. As for the spell, it wasn't a hex. It was justice for what he tried to do." Lark replied. "It will harvest itself in his life within time, nothing deadly though."
"That's a pity." Snape mumbled, coaxing a small smile from her.
"What's the really pitiful part of this whole thing is that we now know what Lupin's problem is, and we can't use it against him."
"Not yet at least." He seemed to be cheered by that thought, she noticed. "There will be other opportunities, I'm sure. For, as great as Dumbledore is, he does not hold true authority outside of this school -and we won't be students forever."
"You thrive on revenge, don't you?"
"Have you room to talk?"
"No." Lark smirked, taking his arm in her own. They walked the rest of the way in a comfortable silence.
~~
Severus was asleep, and her mood was restless. Lark's mind was on Narcissa at the moment, as the girl had been acting strangely all the past week. Lucius had been acting just as oddly, but he was still a blatant ass about everything he did. They probably had a fight, that's all – Lark told herself, curling up against Snape. He shifted a bit, but stayed asleep. He looked almost angelic, and very peaceful. She gave him a gentle smile, tucked a few stray strands of his long hair (which had grown down to his mid back that year) behind his ears. A contented look passed over his face, and his arms automatically tightened around her. Protective even in sleep, she smirked to herself, feeling as he buried his face against her neck. His breath was warm and inviting – and far too adept at tempting her into waking him up most rudely. Not that it was a bad idea, another round might tire her out more – but he had been in worse shape than she'd been in that evening, and he needed his sleep more than she did. His insomnia had been catching up with him again, had been since mid term. Yes, he needs to sleep . . . let him too it, she nodded to herself. She lay still in his arms, listening to his gentle breathing, feeling his heart beating against her. It was very calming, but her mind was far too awake to be soothed to slumber by his body rhythms. After awhile, he loosened his hold on her, and turned slightly away. Seeing her chance to get free without disturbing Severus, Lark hopped out of his bed and caught up her nightgown from the floor. She pulled the long, comfortable garment over her head and decided to head towards her own room for her dressing gown. The air was cold in the Slytherin house corridors, the floor was icy under her feet, but she liked it. Lark kept to the shadows as she crept silently down the stairs from the boy's dormitory hall towards the girls'. As she approached the room she shared with the other 6th year girls, she noticed the door open on it's own accord. A figure –clearly not female – slipped out, brushing by her without a second glance. She knew that silver-blond hair anywhere though. Malfoy had been in their dorm room –surprise, surprise. It was common for the older teens to slip into one anothers room, after all . . . and besides, Malfoy and Narcissa were a known couple. It was as expected of them, this behavior, as it was in Lark and Severus (though they were known to be merely 'friends with benefits') She rolled her eyes at that last little detail. She'd have to rat that secret out of Snape sooner or later, or press him into letting her see other people, as their 'public image' allowed her to do. After all, if he was going to make her suffer with not telling her something –and he knew she suffered from not knowing all he knew –then she was well in her rights to make him suffer with flaunting another bed partner in front of him. He'd writhe deliciously at that, I dare say. A catty grin crossed her face on those thoughts, and she was soon inside her dorm room. As she entered, someone already in the room started.
"Lumos." Called Narcissa in a hushed voice. Why does she have her wand ready in her hand? Lark asked herself. Then, those thoughts were knocked away by the sight of tears on the blond girl's face. No one else was in the room with them, she noted, before locking eyes with her female best friend. "Lark . . . I HATE him."
"Who?"
"Who the bloody hell do you think?" Narcissa hissed. "The fucking prat named Malfoy, that's who." Then, she burst into tears again. Lark was at her side in seconds, holding her gently as sobs racked her thin, tall frame. "You must promise to hex him, Lark . . . and get Severus to help you."
~*~ Malfoy's Baaaaahd Day ~*~
Potions class was finally sorted out the following day, after all . . . with what had happened, it was only wise. Malfoy sat with Severus, Narcissa with Lark. Sirius was paired with Potter, and they were getting along spectacularly – even if they'd melted their cauldron while not paying attention earlier. Lark paid no mind to the two Gryffindor boys, instead, her attention was split between her class project with Narcissa, and the sight of Malfoy's back. After what Narcissa had told her about him, what he had said to her friend, she thought it only becoming of the situation that he should somehow suffer. Now, she just had to figure it out, what this punishment should be. Lark hadn't told Severus what had been said to Narcissa, nor did she have any wish too. Had Severus heard, he would have scoffed at the situation and told her to let it lay between Malfoy and the girl. It was, she could hear him say, Narcissa and Malfoy's problem to work out between them. Well, according to how her mind worked, if it had been said to Narcissa, it was meant for her ears also. And what she had heard she did not like. Own a woman indeed, her mind growled as she worked. Who the bloody hell does that wanker think he is? So what if his last name is Malfoy? She'd still make him suffer for that low life idea he had in his head about his 'girlfriend and those like her'. So what if he was betrothed to Narcissa, that doesn't give him the right to call her 'his property', nor to lay hand upon her when she didn't wish it. Lark was twisting something in her hand then, and she heard a loud pop. Looking down, she saw that she'd snapped the four thick roots she'd been holding in half.
"I wish that were his neck." She heard Narcissa mutter at her side. Lark looked up at her and nodded, then began to cut up the roots. "Any ideas yet?"
"Nothing yet." She stated, thwacking away at the roots. Then, she noticed as Lucius brushed his hand through his hair and admired himself in the clean reflection of their ladle before Snape jerked the instrument away from him with a growl of annoyance. Leave it to Sevvie to stomp out that prat's vani . . . A smile cut off that thought. "Actually, I do have some thoughts. We'll use his vanity against him."
"How?" Narcissa asked.
"Leave it to me, 'Cissa dear. Just leave it to me."
~~
Their common room was emptying out for the evening, as it was growing late and the weekend was another half week away. Soon, only a few of the sixth and seventh years were left. Among them were Narcissa, Malfoy, Lark, Severus, Crabbe and Goyle.
"So, Snape . . ." Malfoy began, interrupting the game of chess that was being played out by the youth in question and Lark. "What's the plans for this summer? Getting dragged about the countryside again with the rest of us?"
" Ugh, don't remind us." Crabbe began, sounding disgusted. Obviously, it was a group trip.
"Yeah," Goyle agreed, his ugly features turning grotesque as he twisted is face in annoyance, "it's like school away from school."
"And obviously you learn nothing." Lucius rolled his eyes at the two youths who flanked him at most given times.
"Malfoy, must you always be such an arse?" Severus questioned. He was studying the board. "Besides, You're breaking my concentration."
"Keep talking, Lucius." Lark quipped before she noticed it, making Snape snort at her.
"As if that'd help your cause in this game. You're fate is sealed already, you're trapped." Severus pointed out, then made the move to prove it to her. She hadn't noticed that possibility.
"Damn you, Lucius. You're such a little lamb." Lark hissed at the blond youth, who was looking at her oddly. So was Snape for that matter.
"Lamb . . .?" Severus began, his eyebrow raised. "Whatever happened to arse?"
"Being an arse is too good for him, you know that. Besides it was getting redundant. He's a sheep. A little black lamb to be exact." Lark smirked, her eyes shifting sideways to Narcissa who was trying to control her face from breaking into a mischievous grin. Snape was catching on, which wasn't good. He could stop the prank before it even started, with a few choice words.
"Yes, laugh at my expense!" Lucius growled, walking away. Goyle and Crabbe tailed him, as always.
Yeah, go and run to the comfort of your mirror, you disgusting excuse for a . . . Lark's thoughts were broken by a yell. That sounded like Goyle being surprised. Must've worked faster than I thought, she smirked as she thought.
"Merlin's bloody BEARD!" And that was Crabbe. Now where was Malfoy? As if to answer her joke of an inquiring thought, they heard the bleating of a lamb. It was loud and helpless sounding. Severus stopped with packing up the chess board and looked at her.
"What on Earth did you do now?" He hissed. Narcissa busted out laughing as they heard the bleating continue. A second passed and they were joined by Crabbe, Goyle and a very small black lamb, which was still bleating with a vengeance.
"He looked in his mirror, it turned bright purple and he turned into this . . ." Goyle began, obviously not wanting to be taken as the culprit. Severus just kept glowering at Lark, who was smirking in return.
"O, this is rich, Audrey." Snape muttered, trying to control his own laughter then, as he looked at the sheep.
"Bah, bah, black sheep, have you any wool?" Narcissa sang.
"Yes, sir, yes sir, three bags full!" Severus answered in return, his voice as sing-song as the girl's. Lark burst out laughing after the recital of the nursery rhyme that was known both by magic folk and muggles, and Crabbe and Goyle just looked as clueless as ever. The lamb which was Malfoy continued to bleat, totally annoyed with the whole situation.
~~
Lucius, who had turned back to normal after two hours in his sheepish state, was not talking to them the next morning. Not that any of them cared, though. Lark was somewhat over the pride she'd had the evening before, but Narcissa was still making sheep jokes. Severus had a small smirk on his face that wouldn't vanish through breakfast. Her thoughts were on him then. On what he did during the summer before, and what he would be doing in the vacation soon to come. Being dragged around the country side with the rest of them, Malfoy had said. The rest of who, exactly . . . and why? Those were her main questions. She knew Severus would never answer them though. She'd tried to ask that evening, when they'd gone to bed together, but he just said it was a huge gathering of his parent's friends and their families going about together like common vagabonds on some 'adventurous escapade'. OK, Sevvie, she thought, so why did Goyle mention something like a school? Was it a part of what he was trying to protect her from? It seemed so, as he kept from the subject in such a manner.
~~
Snape was in his Transfiguration classes while Lark had her break. She was sitting in the common room, reading. The afternoon was nearing it's height, and classes would be over for the day within the next two hours. Malfoy was still no where to be seen, which made her very pleased. The absence of his prattling was much appreciated by most of their house, and the 'Serpent's Coil' seemed to be enjoying his hushed state as much as the others. That came as a bit of a shock for her, but then . . . not really. For, who could really tolerate Malfoy for so long without it being compulsory to be around him? She let a smirk creep over her face as she read, soon becoming lost in the book. Lark didn't sense Narcissa's presence until the girl was right at her side.
"I wanted to thank you." The girl began, as she took the book from Lark.
"You already did." Lark smiled.
"No, not the way I've been wanting to." Narcissa leaned down then, and kissed her hungrily on the mouth. Their lips stayed locked for a moment, then they broke away and stared at one another.
~~
Lark sat on the bed, the sheets wrapped around her as she smiled down at Narcissa, who was catching her breath, her body underneath the blanket. She traced her hands over the outline of the taller girl's leg, then grew serious as she began to think of the repercussions this incident could have.
"This shall be interesting to explain to Severus when he sniffs it out." Lark muttered.
"No," the silken voice cut in from the door way. "He understands totally, been expecting it actually." He shut the door, then came forward. His voice took on a teasing tone. "He only asks that he gets to watch next time."
"How did you . . .?" Narcissa began.
"Logical signs. The way you two look at one another, so on and so forth. I'd have been blind not to notice." Snape smirked. Then, he grew serious. "Besides, the rest of the House has been whispering suspicion for weeks. All accounts being noted- this is a good thing, considering our 'beneficial friendship', Audrey. We have proof of 'other interests' now –at least on your part."
"Great, I guess they'll be calling me the 'Whore of Slytherin' now." Lark muttered darkly. Snape sat down on the bed beside her, being careful not to get too near to Narcissa. (He'd never truly found the blond girl desirable at all, and didn't want his teasing taken seriously. It was his belief that sex was two player game.)
"Actually, only the Gryffindors call you that." He held up his hand before she could bite his head off in some remark. "As for the Slytherins, well . . . most of us respect a woman who knows what she wants and takes it, as we aren't as . . . closed minded as the others are."
"And sod the ones who don't like it." Narcissa added.
"Sod them all." Lark nodded, smiling.
It seemed her life was beginning to work out again, as though her path was beginning to ease up. If only she had seen what was to come next . . .