A/N: "Qui Nullus Intereo" is a very rough Latin translation of "Let None Perish" which is the motto of the Aurors. At least in my stories it is. =P On with the story:
"Know thy lot, Know thine enemies, Know thyself. Know thy enemy and
know thy self and you will win a hundred battles."
Sun Tzu Wu
"Harry has already figured out that Severus' disappearance is somehow linked to the Dark Prince's return. But he doesn't know that I'm really an Auror." Kaiya briefed Victory as they walked to interrogate Karkaroff. "Have you heard anything from Choice?"
"Nothing."
"I see."
"But that doesn't mean…"
"Don't Vic." Kaiya warned. "Just don't. Qui Nullus Intereo."
"Aye." Victory agreed. She pushed opened the door to the infirmary and was instantly given a prompt tongue lashing by Madame Prompfrey. The venerable Auror looked embarrassed but was saved further punishment by Albus who ushered both near to a bed.
"He's coming…he's coming…him and the others…the crowns…" Igor Karkaroff was mumbling in a half-dazed stupor. "Hogwarts…not safe…"
"When?"
"Christmas…"
"You were right, Albus. I'll have Aurors on call. We'll be ready for them." Victory said thrilled. She began to dictate things to Kaiya. "Contact Gideon, and Mad Eye…pulled them back to the Ministry…Contact Laud in Dublin too." Her voice faltered when she noticed the pallor on the Headmaster's face. She glanced at the nurse and knew what was wrong.
Karkaroff was dead before she looked down. She reached down and closed his eyes for him. Then she walked around the bed and comforted him the way only a woman could comfort a man. She rested her head on his shoulder and brushed the tears from his eyes before he had a chance to cry them. Something passed between Dumbledore and Victory, something secretive and special. Even in times of war, love prevailed.
And as Kaiya watched she found herself thinking of Remus. She walked towards the window, watching. Something didn't feel right. Severus coming just to spar with her while his companion brought Karkaroff? No, it didn't make sense. No attacks had been made, nothing. Then why? The fact that Karkaroff had been there to hear plans of his attack didn't make anymore sense either. "Troll in dungeon."
"What?"
"Nothing Headmaster, just thinking to myself. If you and Hawke will excuse me, I go check on Remus."
Remus smiled when he saw her. She walked in his room when he was already undressed for bed. His shirt was off, revealing fine muscles. His lazy eyes, unruffled hair and handsome smile had her entranced. A deep, familiar longing took over again.
Had this been any other time. I could have been an innocent. I could have loved and been loved without fear. Had this been any other time, I could have been happy. I could have been a wife. Maybe even his.
"He's really gone, isn't he Remus?" She asked, suddenly feeling weak and feeling the comfort that she could be weak. She could now that she was with him. With him, she could be anything at all but most importantly, she could be Alchemy Snape.
Remus was next her before she noticed. He had his arms around her, comforting her the only way a man could comfort a woman. His arms at once strong and tender were around her, gently. She sank into his arms, not wanting anything outside of this moment to exist. He called her name and she turned her head up to listen. He leaned down and kissed her.
She was only vaguely aware of him guiding her head down to the pillow while his hands worked on getting off her shirt. She was too busy focusing on removing his trousers.
Even in times of war love prevailed.
Jacqueline waited in the cold corridor with her bodyguard hidden carefully in the shadows, away from view. She smiled as she heard the footsteps of the approaching Death Eater.
"Hello Eion." She whispered.
"Why did you call me?"
"To discuss the Dark Prince."
"What about him?"
"Severus has become weak and sloppy. He has drawn too much attention to us and frankly I think something more subtle is in order." She smiled. "Someone more clever and more ruthless."
"Who do you have in mind? You?"
"No, I'm a woman. I lack the taste for open combat but you…you could lead the Death Eaters."
"What about Voldemort?"
"What about him? It's Severus who needs to be taken care of. Voldemort is nothing more then a nightmare without his heir."
"Why me?"
"Because you have a reason to hate Severus. He led to your brother's eventual demise, didn't he?"
"And why should I trust you? You're his bitch."
"I want power. I admit it and make no apologies. If I remain with Severus, it'll be my downfall. I'm trying to stay alive."
"Of course." He smiled. "Alright, Ripper you have a deal. After he takes care of Hogwarts for us. We take care of him."
"Why wait? If he succeeds in this, Voldemort will make him untouchable. Better he never comes back."
"Remind me never to cross you."
"You don't trust Jacqueline?"
"Jacqueline is a survivor, Galen and she certainly didn't remain alive all these years by letting her emotions get in the way. Does she love me? I have no doubt about that. But, will she stay by my side? I'd sooner trust Pettigrew."
"So what are you going to do?"
"She was talking to Lucius earlier, which is why I want him as far away from my battle as possible."
"But Severus, that still doesn't tell me what you are planning to do about her."
Severus stopped and regarded Galen. The man was about his height, build and had the same color hair but that was about all they had in common. Galen was frank and trusting, and not one given to long, well drawn out plots. But he liked Galen. Further more, he trusted him. "I'll need your help."