Lavinia belongs to Nikki
------------------------
Severus stepped outside, sucking in the fresh air like mad. His arm was throbbing of his previous pain. He collapsed upon a bench, and rolled up his sleeve. The mark was burning a deep black now, its evil eyes glaring mockingly at Snape. He placed a hand over it, a deep growl emitting from his throat. He was helpless to the threat of Voldemort once more.
He hadn't been in the presence of the Dark Lord since his initiation to the Death Eaters, so it was easy to reject him. Yet, something about the man was tantalizing. He had a magnetic effect upon people. All that was need was a spark of wiliness within, and he could suck you into his dark world easily. Yet, his spell seemed to fade over time, thus betraying his former master was not too difficult a task. Yet, he still had doubts of how he would react if he was in Voldemort's presence once more. Would he be strong enough, as Jupiter had begged him to be? Or would he crack under an ounce of pressure?
He sighed and buried his face in his hands, breathing heavily. He was trapped in his paradox of sedition and fidelity. The burning sensation in his arm was not aiding in his thinking, reminding him every moment of what was to come. It was inevitable, yet must it happen now. Right when he had finally found a touch of happiness in his dreary existence. However, the world seemed show no mercy for the down and out, only pounding them deeper and closer toward the dirt.
Lavinia walked along the garden, shielding her eyes from the setting sun to stare up at the tall flowers. She caught a glimpse of Professor Snape, looking sour as usual. She said, "Professor, why are you looking at your arm?"
Snape looked up quickly, his dark eyes reverting toward their normal cold glare. He pulled down the sleeve of his robe and stood from his seat.
"Its nothing," He replied all too quickly. He cleared his throat gruffly, and glanced past her momentarily, a stinging sensation sparking through his skin.
"Is there something you need?" He grumbled, trying avoid the apparent pain and to wash all traces from his countenance.
Lavinia shrugged, "Not particularly. I was just taking a walk. You caught my attention...." She looked to the ground for a moment, and looked up. "I hope Jupiter is strong enough to get over you."
Severus glanced up at her, a strange emotion glazing in his ebony eyes.
"What are you talking about?" He questioned gruffly, his voice dangerously low. Was there something he didn't know about? He glanced incredulously at Lavinia, a feeling of fright rising up in his chest.
Lavinia looked him steadily in the eye, "You haven't been very good for her. And I wish she'd get over you. I'd have some choice words for you, if you weren't a professor." She stared up at him, with a blank face, somehow maintaining a look of innocence.
"You have no idea what you are talking about," Severus growled, a surge of anger washing over him. His weak feelings of anger had been magnified by the activation of the mark, hurling him toward the brink. His eyes flashed as he took a step toward the girl. What the hell was he doing? He sucked in a deep breath, attempting to quell the rising rage.
"Please, delight me with your petty comments," He said oddly, his voice a strange tone, as he looked up from the ground, directing an emotionless gaze at the girl.
"Please, enlighten me with your sorry excuses." She grinned cleverly, raising an eyebrow in jest.
Lacci walked over to the two. She had a bad habit of coming in at the wrong time. She leaned on Snape's shoulder.
"Hallo! What's going on?"
He backed away from Lacci, removing her arm from his shoulder. Something odd was happening and he felt helpless to stop it. The snide remarks from Lavinia were not aiding, either.
"Just leave me alone," He hissed, striding off into the garden. Couldn't he be alone for a few moments? The torrent of pain began to subside, and all he could do was wonder why this was happening. He needed to think and not be criticized by students for being cruel to Jupiter. He knew very well of his mistakes, yet to hear them pointed out to him every moment was too much.
Lacci looked a bit disappointed, but turned to Lavinia. "What's wrong with him?"
Lavinia mimed a twig from a tree, pointed to the sky, and then to her rear, mouthing the words "stick up ass."
Lacci didn't understand what she meant. She looked back at Snape. "Well, I'm going to follow him. I don't want him to be sad." Lacci smiled to Lavinia and dashed after Snape.
Snape walked quietly through the monstrous foliage, not granting a moment's notice to the sheer height of some of the flowers. His mind was wandering elsewhere. He was beginning to feel a tinge of guilt for running from Jupiter like that. It seemed to be his outlet nowadays, flee the scene. It was disgusting that he was allowing himself to stoop that low, but some situations called for an exit. Such as the prior one with Lavinia. He had wanted to maim her, not only a bit, he was about to before Lacci arrived, Bless her soul. He had no prior dislike for the girl, but the hateful emotions coursing throughout him were frightful. He knew very well the dark mark was the source of his troubles, yet it had never bothered him before now. He had never come so close to losing it like he did just then.
He heard a patter of footsteps behind him. If it was Lavinia, he would just dismiss her. Tell her that she could insult and criticize his actions later. He turned and saw Lacci running towards him.
"Hello, Lacci, can I help you?" He asked quietly, masking any troubles the brewed beneath his fading veneer of bitterness.
Lacci looked up at him. Her face was somehow mixed with knowing-ness and confusion at the same time.
"Snape, why is Lavinia bothering you about Jupiter? She's normally such a nice person, I don't understand how she could be mean.."
Lacci trailed off. Even she hardly knew what she was saying. She did know that Lavinia was being very rude and that Snape was having a big problem with something important.
"Why are you holding your arm like that?"
"I don't know, Lacci, I don't know what's going on anymore," He replied gravely, glancing down at his cursed arm. He could feel the pulsating quicken, it must sense other humans nearby. So this is where the Death Eaters find their rage, it's from the pain. Severus trusted Lacci, she may be a bit unreasonable at times, but she seemed to understand when situations were serious.
He rolled up his sleeve, the hideous mark glowing on his arm was shown to the night.
"It's the mark of a Death Eater, Lacci. I used to be one a long time ago," Severus explained, not wanting to scare her off.
Lacci looked at it. She recognized it. "Thren had one of those. She's hiding in the school, and it's the same color. Does that mean Whats-His-Name is nearby?"
Ah, he remembered Threndle. The child who had caused such commotion, killing the half-house elf girl. Yet, Lacci must be confused about her whereabouts, she was sent to Azkaban.
"I'm not quite sure what it means," Snape replied glancing disdainful at the evil image on his forearm. It pained him to look at it, for he knew that his death was the man the mark represented.
"How is Jupiter?" Severus asked, nonchalantly, remembering Lacci was in there when he left. He hoped she was getting the well-needed rest, and Manx wasn't keeping her awake with any excuses about his foolishness.
Lacci smiled on this simpler subject. "Oh, I was just talking to her out in the courtyard about you and Princess Babaloo. Then she fell asleep and I decided to go find you, because I saw you when I was following her. She said Princess Babaloo stepped on her foot and grabbed her hands. Poor Jupiter.."
Lacci's last words had more sorrow in them as she thought about Jupiter's bandages. She scratched her aching hands and stomped her feet on the ground.
"She what?!" Severus bellowed, turning sharply on his heels and making a beeline toward the courtyard. How could she leave? Did she have a bloody death wish? He doubled his speed, not looking back to see if Lacci was following. He would find her, take her back to her room and make her sleep if he had to. She wasn't going to recover if she tromps around, allowing that horrid girl to pick on her.
Lacci stopped for a moment. Had she just told on her sister? She scurried after Snape.
***
Severus stormed into the courtyard, spotting Jupiter laying on the grass almost instantly.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?! You should be resting, God Dammit!" He bellowed across the courtyard, as he stormed up to her, picking her up into his arms despite protestations. He didn't care if she was mad at him, she was going to get better if it killed him in the process.
He left the courtyard at a swift trot, his brow burrowed in frustration.
Jupiter was looking at the sky, thinking about her life, when she suddenly found herself being lifted by an upset Snape.
"Wait! Hold on! What are you doing? I don't want to go back to the Hospital Wing! I'm fine! Put me down!" she protested, but he showed no sign of relenting.
As he carried her off, she said reproachfully, "I was too resting..." but then she cuddled against his chest.
Lacci ran after both of them. "What about me?!" She called, about 10 feet away from them. She soon caught up and trotted alongside the two.
"Sorry Jupiter, I didn't know he'd do that."
"It's all right, Lacci."
"You're supposed to stay in the Hospital where Madam Pomfrey can watch you. It doesn't matter if you don't want to go back, it's not your choice. You're not going to get better roaming about. And you, Lacci, were supposed to watch her!" He growled in reply, as he felt her nuzzle against him. In all truth, he wasn't as angry as he came off as, yet the pains in his arm and the concern for her safety escalated the feelings.
The pains were almost intolerable as he carried Jupiter down the hallways. Yet, he took it, he couldn't very well put her down. She might harm herself in some way, he could stand a little pain for her well being. However, he began to falter in his step, as a wave of pain smashed forcefully into his brain. An ominous migraine loomed in the shadows, waiting for him to falter once more. He groaned slightly, yet continued his journey toward the Hospital Wing slowly.
Lacci saw Snape in that one moment of pain. Instead of saying something, she rushed ahead to the hospital.
Jupiter felt Snape straining, and heard him groan.
"Put me down," she said, "Really, I can walk to the Hospital Wing. It doesn't hurt that much. And if you don't set me down, I'll struggle, and then we'll both get hurt," she said matter-of-factly. She didn't want to manipulate him at all, but she didn't want him to hurt himself, and this was the fastest way toward getting what she wanted.
"No, I'm fine rea..." He paused a moment, to suck in some precious air, something he seemed to be lacking. He could put her down, what if she hurt herself?
"Don't worry about me. I'm just a little tired..." He replied. But he still set her down. He leaned against the wall for a moment, catching his breath. The headache had begun to set in, his mind was throbbing, giving little room for any sensible thought. He felt numb, yet he had to continue on. She needed care, not he.
"Let's go," He commanded weakly, starting a head of her at a slow steady pace. He didn't want her to think him weak, yet he didn't want to tell her about the mark. Not yet, at least.
Jupiter could sense something was wrong, but decided not to follow it further right now.
Jupiter pointed her wand at Snape's back and whispered "Enervate," hoping it would help him, but making sure he wouldn't hear and be embarrassed.
Then she hobbled off behind him. The bandages on her feet were beginning to fall off, and she had to hop on one foot for a moment to keep up while she desperately tried to keep the gauze on her foot. She'd been saying "ow" very quietly, but Snape turned around and saw her hopping.
She straightened up immediately and started walking normally, and he turned back around, obviously knowing she didn't want to be carried.
He felt foolish making her walk, when he should be carrying her. He wanted her to rest as much as she could, she would recover more quickly if she rested those feet. Yet, he didn't know if he had the strength within him to carry her the full length; and he knew, as well, upon touching her the pain would only increase. How the hell was he supposed to go on normally, when he felt pain when amongst any humans?
He slowed down, waiting for Jupiter to catch up. Having her in his sight made him more comfortable. Even with the small distance, he could feel the flux of pain go from bearable returning to brink of excruciating. His step began to slow once more, yet he recovered before Jupiter could notice. He scolded himself inwardly, for his weakness. She had endured more pain than he, and she was walking.
Jupiter felt an overwhelming unhappiness. She was slightly clairesentient (she could feel what other feel), and unhappiness was radiating off of him. This in itself was enough to make her sad, but she felt like it was her fault, which made her feel worse.
She walked quickly up behind him and grabbed his arm. She noticed that he winced in pain when she touched him. She began to have a glimmer of a notion. She stopped him.
"What's the matter, Severus? And don't avoid the situation," she said, a look of deep concern across her features.
Severus had an urge to pull away from her, yet he allowed her to remain her hold on him, despite the pain. His black eyes darted about, attempting the think of a way to avoid the situation. He knew she wouldn't accept any answer other than the truth however, she wasn't dumb.
"I..." He couldn't take her cool blue eyes gazing up at him. It was arousing a darker feeling within him, and he had to shake those horrid thoughts from his mind. He wanted to tell her to forget about his plight, and focus on her own injuries. He wanted to tell her loads of things, yet every time he tried to articulate thus, the words ran dry in his throat.
Instead, he rolled up his sleeve, once more showing the hideous demon the light of day. It was pulsating a different color however, a putrid green. He glanced up at her, the pain reflected fiercely in his onyx eyes.
Jupiter looked with horror at the ugly mark on Snape's arm. She covered her mouth with her hands and bit one of her fingers lightly.
"Oh Severus!" she cried. Now she knew why he flinched, why he couldn't carry her. She wished she could hug him without causing him pain...Was her vision in the Hall of Shadows prophetic? What was going on?
"When did it...?"
"About the same time the Hall of Shadows thing happened..." Severus replied, a glazed look clouding over his eyes, as he stared past Jupiter into oblivion. He shook his head, clearing his momentary lapse of time.
"We should continue towards the Hospital Wing. You should lay down," Severus stated, turning to walk on.
Jupiter was extremely concerned, but followed Snape to the Hospital Wing silently.
***
Lacci ran in ahead of Snape and Jupiter. She hoped Madam Pomfrey hadn't noticed them leave. She set the bed as well as she could, which meant the pillows were stuffed into the back of the bed and the blanket was folded neatly into a small square in the middle of the bed.
Jupiter and Snape walked into the room, and Jupiter hoisted herself, with a fair amount of difficulty, onto the bed.
Snape rolled his eyes, as Jupiter hoisted herself into the bed. He felt even more helpless then before, as he slowly leaned against the wall opposite the bed. The pain had returned to a nagging sting, yet hardly intolerable. If he stayed here, he would be able to remain in the room and keep his sanity as well.
He glanced over at Jupiter, a small smile gracing his thin lips. Despite her injuries, she still looked breathtaking, sitting up in the bed.
"See, this is better."
Jupiter sighed.
"I hate anything related to hospitals," she said quietly, but she didn't object too much to being in the room.
She was still stressed out, though...Ling knew about her and Snape...how much did she know? Snape's dark mark was active, and Jupiter kept on having flashbacks to her time in the Hall of Shadow, like her head was trying to tell her something.
Severus was just as stressed as she was. There was a sort of compression in the room, and no one spoke.
In a dark place, somewhere not too far off, something sensed that its presence was felt, and made itself scarce. This could indeed have been what cause Jupiter's immediate relief, or it could not have. In any case, Jupiter hadn't the slightest idea what had happened, but felt very lightheaded.
Severus glanced up from his thoughts, could this be true? The pain was fading. The burning light on his forearm was dimming, as well. It was a wonderful sensation to be able to stand without pain. Yet, despite the fleeting absence of the pain, he knew this was not over in the least. All he could do now was to be thankful for this brief reprieve.
"How do you feel, my dear?" Severus asked, moving closer to the bed, and sitting himself in the chair beside it.
"I'm all right..." Jupiter said, despite the intense dizzy ness she was feeling. She had been adjusting under major stress, but it had been lifted so abruptly, and it was doing a number on her head. She thought for a moment, then voiced this.
She steadied herself on her arms, and made a point of adjusting her top, which had been falling down.
Severus diverted his eyes as Jupiter adjusted her shirt. She was healing, He should be supportive. He sighed and leaned back in the chair, closing his eyes momentarily and savoring the moment of peace.
"I quite enjoy the hospital wing. It's a bit more peaceful than the rest of this school," Snape stated, in converse of her recent statement.
"Well then you can lie down in this bed and I'll go teach your class," Jupiter laughed, and poked Severus's tummy with a long fingernail.
She thought for a second how grateful she was that her nails weren't harmed in the Hall.
Severus awaited the rush of pain to wash over him at her touch, yet he was surprised that there was none.
"That wouldn't be appropriate, now would it? You need your rest, besides. Would you like me to leave?" Snape asked, his dark eyes filled with concern. He knew he wouldn't be able to get much sleep with Jupiter staring at him, perhaps she was a bit more composed than he.
"Well I'd like you to stay, because I'm not tired anymore, and I don't want to be alone, but I'll understand if you want to go..." she said, selfishly hoping he would stay.
Lacci had been sitting on the floor on the other side of the bed this entire time. She climbed under the bed and climbed out the other side. She bonked her head on the underside of the chair Snape was sitting on. "OOOOOOOOOOWWW," she yelled, and then hobbled out from beneath them. "Juppie, I can't stay. I've got to... do something.." she said airily, swaying slightly. Then she walked out of the room and down the hall.
Severus watched Lacci leave, as the smile on his face faded. He was jealous of the girl's carefree attitude toward life, something that he could never possess.
"Well, I suppose I shall stay then. I wouldn't want to anger the lady," Severus said, the timeless smirk crossing his gaunt face.
Jupiter smiled at Snape. She rolled over onto her back and put her hands on her chest. She smiled up at the ceiling as if it had just told her she was pretty. The pain was gently subsiding, the anti-curse hex must be wearing off, she thought.
She unwrapped her left hand, and shrieked. The cuts were gone, yes, but there were horrific scars on her hands. She cursed herself and her curiosity, and the Hall of Shadow, and her fear of razors, and that STUPID anti-healing hex.
She sat up, and unwrapped her other hand and both her feet to find the same on all of them. This was awful. Jupiter had always been very concerned with her image, especially her wrists and hands, and now this happened!
She put her face in her scarred hands and sighed greatly.
"Damn," was all she could say.
Severus sat forward at her scream. He had feared this would have happened, perhaps Madam could figure something out at a later date to rid the girl of the scars. Yet, at the moment it was a loss. He took Jupiter's hands in his, causing her to look up at him. He gently kissed each of her wrists, then looked up at her, his face a breath away.
"You're still beautiful, Jupiter," He said softly, releasing one of her hands to bring his own hand to her face. A gentle smile was spread across his lips, showing the sincerity of his statement.
Jupiter's heart raced. Having Snape this close to her always gave her butterflies.
On an impulse, she put her hands on his shoulders, pulled him into her and kissed him. He had such wonderfully soft lips, his scent was so intoxicating, Jupiter was flying. She was chanting in her mind, "I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you!", but she didn't dare break off their kiss to say it. She contented herself with thinking it loudly and stroking Severus's face and hair.
Madam Pomfrey walked past them with her eyes shut. She didn't see them. She made sure that she didn't see a lot of things. What did she see?
Oh look, a bed! Let's clean that bed! After all, there's definitely nothing that concerns me to my left. No, nothing at all. Let's see how that patient across the room is doing...
Severus pulled away, as he heard the door open, his cheeks reddening at the sight of Madam Pomfrey. Thankfully, she merely closed her eyes and walked out. Severus raised a hand to his brow, shaking his head.
"Perhaps, I shall make my exit," Severus stated, his cheeks still flushed. He felt quite stupid that he didn't even think of what he was doing. He wasn't worried about Madam Pomfrey telling anyone. She may yell at him a bit later, but it could have been someone else who'd seen. He heaved a sigh and glanced at Jupiter, looking for her reaction.
Jupiter felt bad for not thinking about privacy, but she had no shame. She didn't believe in being proper at all.
She hopped off the bed onto her bare feet. The scars felt strange, as if she were treading on something, but there was no pain.
"Well I could probably leave, too. After all, Manx may wonder where I've gotten to. And we both have a ball to prepare for," she smiled at him.
Yes, how could he have forgotten the wretched event. This time however, he would let someone else patrol the bushes.
"Ah, of course. I will see you later, and please, don't hurt yourself further," Severus pleaded. He was sure, however, that Manx would make sure of that. So, with a nod, he was away down the hallways, making sure to avoid Madam Pomfrey on the way out.
"Bye, love," Jupiter called softly to him as he exited.
"Well, then," she said out loud, putting her hands on her hips, "It's off to the common room, then!"
And, with that, she left.
------------------------
Severus stepped outside, sucking in the fresh air like mad. His arm was throbbing of his previous pain. He collapsed upon a bench, and rolled up his sleeve. The mark was burning a deep black now, its evil eyes glaring mockingly at Snape. He placed a hand over it, a deep growl emitting from his throat. He was helpless to the threat of Voldemort once more.
He hadn't been in the presence of the Dark Lord since his initiation to the Death Eaters, so it was easy to reject him. Yet, something about the man was tantalizing. He had a magnetic effect upon people. All that was need was a spark of wiliness within, and he could suck you into his dark world easily. Yet, his spell seemed to fade over time, thus betraying his former master was not too difficult a task. Yet, he still had doubts of how he would react if he was in Voldemort's presence once more. Would he be strong enough, as Jupiter had begged him to be? Or would he crack under an ounce of pressure?
He sighed and buried his face in his hands, breathing heavily. He was trapped in his paradox of sedition and fidelity. The burning sensation in his arm was not aiding in his thinking, reminding him every moment of what was to come. It was inevitable, yet must it happen now. Right when he had finally found a touch of happiness in his dreary existence. However, the world seemed show no mercy for the down and out, only pounding them deeper and closer toward the dirt.
Lavinia walked along the garden, shielding her eyes from the setting sun to stare up at the tall flowers. She caught a glimpse of Professor Snape, looking sour as usual. She said, "Professor, why are you looking at your arm?"
Snape looked up quickly, his dark eyes reverting toward their normal cold glare. He pulled down the sleeve of his robe and stood from his seat.
"Its nothing," He replied all too quickly. He cleared his throat gruffly, and glanced past her momentarily, a stinging sensation sparking through his skin.
"Is there something you need?" He grumbled, trying avoid the apparent pain and to wash all traces from his countenance.
Lavinia shrugged, "Not particularly. I was just taking a walk. You caught my attention...." She looked to the ground for a moment, and looked up. "I hope Jupiter is strong enough to get over you."
Severus glanced up at her, a strange emotion glazing in his ebony eyes.
"What are you talking about?" He questioned gruffly, his voice dangerously low. Was there something he didn't know about? He glanced incredulously at Lavinia, a feeling of fright rising up in his chest.
Lavinia looked him steadily in the eye, "You haven't been very good for her. And I wish she'd get over you. I'd have some choice words for you, if you weren't a professor." She stared up at him, with a blank face, somehow maintaining a look of innocence.
"You have no idea what you are talking about," Severus growled, a surge of anger washing over him. His weak feelings of anger had been magnified by the activation of the mark, hurling him toward the brink. His eyes flashed as he took a step toward the girl. What the hell was he doing? He sucked in a deep breath, attempting to quell the rising rage.
"Please, delight me with your petty comments," He said oddly, his voice a strange tone, as he looked up from the ground, directing an emotionless gaze at the girl.
"Please, enlighten me with your sorry excuses." She grinned cleverly, raising an eyebrow in jest.
Lacci walked over to the two. She had a bad habit of coming in at the wrong time. She leaned on Snape's shoulder.
"Hallo! What's going on?"
He backed away from Lacci, removing her arm from his shoulder. Something odd was happening and he felt helpless to stop it. The snide remarks from Lavinia were not aiding, either.
"Just leave me alone," He hissed, striding off into the garden. Couldn't he be alone for a few moments? The torrent of pain began to subside, and all he could do was wonder why this was happening. He needed to think and not be criticized by students for being cruel to Jupiter. He knew very well of his mistakes, yet to hear them pointed out to him every moment was too much.
Lacci looked a bit disappointed, but turned to Lavinia. "What's wrong with him?"
Lavinia mimed a twig from a tree, pointed to the sky, and then to her rear, mouthing the words "stick up ass."
Lacci didn't understand what she meant. She looked back at Snape. "Well, I'm going to follow him. I don't want him to be sad." Lacci smiled to Lavinia and dashed after Snape.
Snape walked quietly through the monstrous foliage, not granting a moment's notice to the sheer height of some of the flowers. His mind was wandering elsewhere. He was beginning to feel a tinge of guilt for running from Jupiter like that. It seemed to be his outlet nowadays, flee the scene. It was disgusting that he was allowing himself to stoop that low, but some situations called for an exit. Such as the prior one with Lavinia. He had wanted to maim her, not only a bit, he was about to before Lacci arrived, Bless her soul. He had no prior dislike for the girl, but the hateful emotions coursing throughout him were frightful. He knew very well the dark mark was the source of his troubles, yet it had never bothered him before now. He had never come so close to losing it like he did just then.
He heard a patter of footsteps behind him. If it was Lavinia, he would just dismiss her. Tell her that she could insult and criticize his actions later. He turned and saw Lacci running towards him.
"Hello, Lacci, can I help you?" He asked quietly, masking any troubles the brewed beneath his fading veneer of bitterness.
Lacci looked up at him. Her face was somehow mixed with knowing-ness and confusion at the same time.
"Snape, why is Lavinia bothering you about Jupiter? She's normally such a nice person, I don't understand how she could be mean.."
Lacci trailed off. Even she hardly knew what she was saying. She did know that Lavinia was being very rude and that Snape was having a big problem with something important.
"Why are you holding your arm like that?"
"I don't know, Lacci, I don't know what's going on anymore," He replied gravely, glancing down at his cursed arm. He could feel the pulsating quicken, it must sense other humans nearby. So this is where the Death Eaters find their rage, it's from the pain. Severus trusted Lacci, she may be a bit unreasonable at times, but she seemed to understand when situations were serious.
He rolled up his sleeve, the hideous mark glowing on his arm was shown to the night.
"It's the mark of a Death Eater, Lacci. I used to be one a long time ago," Severus explained, not wanting to scare her off.
Lacci looked at it. She recognized it. "Thren had one of those. She's hiding in the school, and it's the same color. Does that mean Whats-His-Name is nearby?"
Ah, he remembered Threndle. The child who had caused such commotion, killing the half-house elf girl. Yet, Lacci must be confused about her whereabouts, she was sent to Azkaban.
"I'm not quite sure what it means," Snape replied glancing disdainful at the evil image on his forearm. It pained him to look at it, for he knew that his death was the man the mark represented.
"How is Jupiter?" Severus asked, nonchalantly, remembering Lacci was in there when he left. He hoped she was getting the well-needed rest, and Manx wasn't keeping her awake with any excuses about his foolishness.
Lacci smiled on this simpler subject. "Oh, I was just talking to her out in the courtyard about you and Princess Babaloo. Then she fell asleep and I decided to go find you, because I saw you when I was following her. She said Princess Babaloo stepped on her foot and grabbed her hands. Poor Jupiter.."
Lacci's last words had more sorrow in them as she thought about Jupiter's bandages. She scratched her aching hands and stomped her feet on the ground.
"She what?!" Severus bellowed, turning sharply on his heels and making a beeline toward the courtyard. How could she leave? Did she have a bloody death wish? He doubled his speed, not looking back to see if Lacci was following. He would find her, take her back to her room and make her sleep if he had to. She wasn't going to recover if she tromps around, allowing that horrid girl to pick on her.
Lacci stopped for a moment. Had she just told on her sister? She scurried after Snape.
***
Severus stormed into the courtyard, spotting Jupiter laying on the grass almost instantly.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?! You should be resting, God Dammit!" He bellowed across the courtyard, as he stormed up to her, picking her up into his arms despite protestations. He didn't care if she was mad at him, she was going to get better if it killed him in the process.
He left the courtyard at a swift trot, his brow burrowed in frustration.
Jupiter was looking at the sky, thinking about her life, when she suddenly found herself being lifted by an upset Snape.
"Wait! Hold on! What are you doing? I don't want to go back to the Hospital Wing! I'm fine! Put me down!" she protested, but he showed no sign of relenting.
As he carried her off, she said reproachfully, "I was too resting..." but then she cuddled against his chest.
Lacci ran after both of them. "What about me?!" She called, about 10 feet away from them. She soon caught up and trotted alongside the two.
"Sorry Jupiter, I didn't know he'd do that."
"It's all right, Lacci."
"You're supposed to stay in the Hospital where Madam Pomfrey can watch you. It doesn't matter if you don't want to go back, it's not your choice. You're not going to get better roaming about. And you, Lacci, were supposed to watch her!" He growled in reply, as he felt her nuzzle against him. In all truth, he wasn't as angry as he came off as, yet the pains in his arm and the concern for her safety escalated the feelings.
The pains were almost intolerable as he carried Jupiter down the hallways. Yet, he took it, he couldn't very well put her down. She might harm herself in some way, he could stand a little pain for her well being. However, he began to falter in his step, as a wave of pain smashed forcefully into his brain. An ominous migraine loomed in the shadows, waiting for him to falter once more. He groaned slightly, yet continued his journey toward the Hospital Wing slowly.
Lacci saw Snape in that one moment of pain. Instead of saying something, she rushed ahead to the hospital.
Jupiter felt Snape straining, and heard him groan.
"Put me down," she said, "Really, I can walk to the Hospital Wing. It doesn't hurt that much. And if you don't set me down, I'll struggle, and then we'll both get hurt," she said matter-of-factly. She didn't want to manipulate him at all, but she didn't want him to hurt himself, and this was the fastest way toward getting what she wanted.
"No, I'm fine rea..." He paused a moment, to suck in some precious air, something he seemed to be lacking. He could put her down, what if she hurt herself?
"Don't worry about me. I'm just a little tired..." He replied. But he still set her down. He leaned against the wall for a moment, catching his breath. The headache had begun to set in, his mind was throbbing, giving little room for any sensible thought. He felt numb, yet he had to continue on. She needed care, not he.
"Let's go," He commanded weakly, starting a head of her at a slow steady pace. He didn't want her to think him weak, yet he didn't want to tell her about the mark. Not yet, at least.
Jupiter could sense something was wrong, but decided not to follow it further right now.
Jupiter pointed her wand at Snape's back and whispered "Enervate," hoping it would help him, but making sure he wouldn't hear and be embarrassed.
Then she hobbled off behind him. The bandages on her feet were beginning to fall off, and she had to hop on one foot for a moment to keep up while she desperately tried to keep the gauze on her foot. She'd been saying "ow" very quietly, but Snape turned around and saw her hopping.
She straightened up immediately and started walking normally, and he turned back around, obviously knowing she didn't want to be carried.
He felt foolish making her walk, when he should be carrying her. He wanted her to rest as much as she could, she would recover more quickly if she rested those feet. Yet, he didn't know if he had the strength within him to carry her the full length; and he knew, as well, upon touching her the pain would only increase. How the hell was he supposed to go on normally, when he felt pain when amongst any humans?
He slowed down, waiting for Jupiter to catch up. Having her in his sight made him more comfortable. Even with the small distance, he could feel the flux of pain go from bearable returning to brink of excruciating. His step began to slow once more, yet he recovered before Jupiter could notice. He scolded himself inwardly, for his weakness. She had endured more pain than he, and she was walking.
Jupiter felt an overwhelming unhappiness. She was slightly clairesentient (she could feel what other feel), and unhappiness was radiating off of him. This in itself was enough to make her sad, but she felt like it was her fault, which made her feel worse.
She walked quickly up behind him and grabbed his arm. She noticed that he winced in pain when she touched him. She began to have a glimmer of a notion. She stopped him.
"What's the matter, Severus? And don't avoid the situation," she said, a look of deep concern across her features.
Severus had an urge to pull away from her, yet he allowed her to remain her hold on him, despite the pain. His black eyes darted about, attempting the think of a way to avoid the situation. He knew she wouldn't accept any answer other than the truth however, she wasn't dumb.
"I..." He couldn't take her cool blue eyes gazing up at him. It was arousing a darker feeling within him, and he had to shake those horrid thoughts from his mind. He wanted to tell her to forget about his plight, and focus on her own injuries. He wanted to tell her loads of things, yet every time he tried to articulate thus, the words ran dry in his throat.
Instead, he rolled up his sleeve, once more showing the hideous demon the light of day. It was pulsating a different color however, a putrid green. He glanced up at her, the pain reflected fiercely in his onyx eyes.
Jupiter looked with horror at the ugly mark on Snape's arm. She covered her mouth with her hands and bit one of her fingers lightly.
"Oh Severus!" she cried. Now she knew why he flinched, why he couldn't carry her. She wished she could hug him without causing him pain...Was her vision in the Hall of Shadows prophetic? What was going on?
"When did it...?"
"About the same time the Hall of Shadows thing happened..." Severus replied, a glazed look clouding over his eyes, as he stared past Jupiter into oblivion. He shook his head, clearing his momentary lapse of time.
"We should continue towards the Hospital Wing. You should lay down," Severus stated, turning to walk on.
Jupiter was extremely concerned, but followed Snape to the Hospital Wing silently.
***
Lacci ran in ahead of Snape and Jupiter. She hoped Madam Pomfrey hadn't noticed them leave. She set the bed as well as she could, which meant the pillows were stuffed into the back of the bed and the blanket was folded neatly into a small square in the middle of the bed.
Jupiter and Snape walked into the room, and Jupiter hoisted herself, with a fair amount of difficulty, onto the bed.
Snape rolled his eyes, as Jupiter hoisted herself into the bed. He felt even more helpless then before, as he slowly leaned against the wall opposite the bed. The pain had returned to a nagging sting, yet hardly intolerable. If he stayed here, he would be able to remain in the room and keep his sanity as well.
He glanced over at Jupiter, a small smile gracing his thin lips. Despite her injuries, she still looked breathtaking, sitting up in the bed.
"See, this is better."
Jupiter sighed.
"I hate anything related to hospitals," she said quietly, but she didn't object too much to being in the room.
She was still stressed out, though...Ling knew about her and Snape...how much did she know? Snape's dark mark was active, and Jupiter kept on having flashbacks to her time in the Hall of Shadow, like her head was trying to tell her something.
Severus was just as stressed as she was. There was a sort of compression in the room, and no one spoke.
In a dark place, somewhere not too far off, something sensed that its presence was felt, and made itself scarce. This could indeed have been what cause Jupiter's immediate relief, or it could not have. In any case, Jupiter hadn't the slightest idea what had happened, but felt very lightheaded.
Severus glanced up from his thoughts, could this be true? The pain was fading. The burning light on his forearm was dimming, as well. It was a wonderful sensation to be able to stand without pain. Yet, despite the fleeting absence of the pain, he knew this was not over in the least. All he could do now was to be thankful for this brief reprieve.
"How do you feel, my dear?" Severus asked, moving closer to the bed, and sitting himself in the chair beside it.
"I'm all right..." Jupiter said, despite the intense dizzy ness she was feeling. She had been adjusting under major stress, but it had been lifted so abruptly, and it was doing a number on her head. She thought for a moment, then voiced this.
She steadied herself on her arms, and made a point of adjusting her top, which had been falling down.
Severus diverted his eyes as Jupiter adjusted her shirt. She was healing, He should be supportive. He sighed and leaned back in the chair, closing his eyes momentarily and savoring the moment of peace.
"I quite enjoy the hospital wing. It's a bit more peaceful than the rest of this school," Snape stated, in converse of her recent statement.
"Well then you can lie down in this bed and I'll go teach your class," Jupiter laughed, and poked Severus's tummy with a long fingernail.
She thought for a second how grateful she was that her nails weren't harmed in the Hall.
Severus awaited the rush of pain to wash over him at her touch, yet he was surprised that there was none.
"That wouldn't be appropriate, now would it? You need your rest, besides. Would you like me to leave?" Snape asked, his dark eyes filled with concern. He knew he wouldn't be able to get much sleep with Jupiter staring at him, perhaps she was a bit more composed than he.
"Well I'd like you to stay, because I'm not tired anymore, and I don't want to be alone, but I'll understand if you want to go..." she said, selfishly hoping he would stay.
Lacci had been sitting on the floor on the other side of the bed this entire time. She climbed under the bed and climbed out the other side. She bonked her head on the underside of the chair Snape was sitting on. "OOOOOOOOOOWWW," she yelled, and then hobbled out from beneath them. "Juppie, I can't stay. I've got to... do something.." she said airily, swaying slightly. Then she walked out of the room and down the hall.
Severus watched Lacci leave, as the smile on his face faded. He was jealous of the girl's carefree attitude toward life, something that he could never possess.
"Well, I suppose I shall stay then. I wouldn't want to anger the lady," Severus said, the timeless smirk crossing his gaunt face.
Jupiter smiled at Snape. She rolled over onto her back and put her hands on her chest. She smiled up at the ceiling as if it had just told her she was pretty. The pain was gently subsiding, the anti-curse hex must be wearing off, she thought.
She unwrapped her left hand, and shrieked. The cuts were gone, yes, but there were horrific scars on her hands. She cursed herself and her curiosity, and the Hall of Shadow, and her fear of razors, and that STUPID anti-healing hex.
She sat up, and unwrapped her other hand and both her feet to find the same on all of them. This was awful. Jupiter had always been very concerned with her image, especially her wrists and hands, and now this happened!
She put her face in her scarred hands and sighed greatly.
"Damn," was all she could say.
Severus sat forward at her scream. He had feared this would have happened, perhaps Madam could figure something out at a later date to rid the girl of the scars. Yet, at the moment it was a loss. He took Jupiter's hands in his, causing her to look up at him. He gently kissed each of her wrists, then looked up at her, his face a breath away.
"You're still beautiful, Jupiter," He said softly, releasing one of her hands to bring his own hand to her face. A gentle smile was spread across his lips, showing the sincerity of his statement.
Jupiter's heart raced. Having Snape this close to her always gave her butterflies.
On an impulse, she put her hands on his shoulders, pulled him into her and kissed him. He had such wonderfully soft lips, his scent was so intoxicating, Jupiter was flying. She was chanting in her mind, "I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you!", but she didn't dare break off their kiss to say it. She contented herself with thinking it loudly and stroking Severus's face and hair.
Madam Pomfrey walked past them with her eyes shut. She didn't see them. She made sure that she didn't see a lot of things. What did she see?
Oh look, a bed! Let's clean that bed! After all, there's definitely nothing that concerns me to my left. No, nothing at all. Let's see how that patient across the room is doing...
Severus pulled away, as he heard the door open, his cheeks reddening at the sight of Madam Pomfrey. Thankfully, she merely closed her eyes and walked out. Severus raised a hand to his brow, shaking his head.
"Perhaps, I shall make my exit," Severus stated, his cheeks still flushed. He felt quite stupid that he didn't even think of what he was doing. He wasn't worried about Madam Pomfrey telling anyone. She may yell at him a bit later, but it could have been someone else who'd seen. He heaved a sigh and glanced at Jupiter, looking for her reaction.
Jupiter felt bad for not thinking about privacy, but she had no shame. She didn't believe in being proper at all.
She hopped off the bed onto her bare feet. The scars felt strange, as if she were treading on something, but there was no pain.
"Well I could probably leave, too. After all, Manx may wonder where I've gotten to. And we both have a ball to prepare for," she smiled at him.
Yes, how could he have forgotten the wretched event. This time however, he would let someone else patrol the bushes.
"Ah, of course. I will see you later, and please, don't hurt yourself further," Severus pleaded. He was sure, however, that Manx would make sure of that. So, with a nod, he was away down the hallways, making sure to avoid Madam Pomfrey on the way out.
"Bye, love," Jupiter called softly to him as he exited.
"Well, then," she said out loud, putting her hands on her hips, "It's off to the common room, then!"
And, with that, she left.
