Author's Note: First off you know Snape, Dumbledork or any other true Harry Potter character isn't mine. Jacqueline and the others are...yadda yadda...making no money, etc. Secondary, this story has gone through major revamping so forgive. So please enjoy and r/r.

Counting Crows

by: Lady Erised


"Here in your arms where the world is impossibly still
With a million dreams to fulfill
And a matter of moments until the dancing ends
Here in your arms when everything seems to be clear
Not a solitary thing do I fear
Except when this moment comes near the dancing's end."
-- Until, by Sting

It was through the plumes of opium smoke that Jacqueline first caught sight of the Dark Prince's infidelity. It was at a party being hosted by Silas Malfoy and as usual with Silas' galas illegal drugs flowed as freely as the expensive wine. Sweet opium smoke wafted through the air creating a surreal haze that made the senses lie and as much she wanted to believe, she knew she couldn't.

It had happened very quickly. The Dark Prince had entered the room with blood on his mask. He had pulled off his mask and threw it at Silas who caught it, laughing. Severus had smiled weakly and thanked Jacqueline for the brandy she brought him. He walked straight up to Voldemort and collapsed next to his master.

Voldemort had been handsome and alive at that time and he leaned down and patted Severus' on his shoulder. "Hail the conquering hero."

"I'm tired milord." Severus deadpanned, keeping his eyes on the beautiful woman around Voldemort. They were the Valkyries, Voldemort's personal detail of bodyguards/ lovers. His eyes lingered on Voldemort's Filipino lover, Melanie Reyes for a moment longer. "Please my I retire early?"

Voldemort nodded. Severus smiled and rose, his hands falling to his sides lazily. As he passed Melanie, she reached out and brushed it. Their eyes met as he walked away. A moment later, Melanie excused herself and followed him.

Jacqueline watched all this and chewed on her lip, thinking. She had created Severus but was she powerful enough to destroy him?

------ Twenty Years Later---

It was called the list. Sometimes it was long; other times it had only a handful of names. Once it had over fifty names on it on one day and on another day there had been only one name. But everyday the list came out, the list of those wounded, killed or missing in action. It was published every morning in the Daily Prophet and posted by Professor McGonagall on the doors of the Great Hall. The children were always the first to flock to the list scanning the names for names that sounded familiar. Teachers usually crept up to the list searched for love ones when they were sure no one was looking.

Today there was one name on the list everyone in Hogwarts was saying: Harrison Delacroix, Slytherin Prefect and seventh year. He had been Cedric's best friend. Murdered by the Dark Prince while trying to defend his family, according to the papers. Severus Snape had addressed his House and they were excused from classes for the day. Potions had also been cancelled although no one could enjoy it. Draco Malfoy seemed to be most affected by Harrison's death considering Delacroix came from a fine, long stock. He even stopped teasing the Gryffindor students.

Snape was in his classroom, sitting at one of the benches peeling roots for classes next week. They needed to be soaked two days before the new moon, during it and two days after. The small paring knife he used was almost hidden in his hand. He was staring hard into the root, slicing at it with sheer energy devoid of his usual skill he exercised with even the most trivial chore. He sliced down hard and took some skin with it.

"Devil, take it all!" He cursed, recoiling. He was watching the blood slip over his fingers when he heard someone laugh. He turned and glared.

Astra Sinistra leaned against the doorway and smiled slightly. She didn't ask him if he was ok because she knew better. If Severus wanted to share, he would, in his time, in his way and not a second before. Taking a cue from his silence, Astra walked into the classroom and straight to his first aid kit. She instructed him to sit while she tended to his cut. He surrendered to her care without words, allowing himself another silent reflection. She bandaged his index finger and kissed it.

Snape ran his hands over his hair then over to his chin where he was nursing a beard, trying not to look embarrassed. She liked his goatee and his shyness. It was sexy. She sat down next to him and picked up a knife. Severus looked at her and smiled. He picked up his knife again and started to peel.

"This is a private party?" Remus Lupin asked as he entered.

Snape looked up and motioned to a root. "Grab a knife and start peeling."

The Defense against the Dark Arts teacher complied. Together the trio peeled roots for about two hours content to be in each other's presence. Then finally Snape spoke.

"I knew people would die, just not him…" He suddenly deadpanned. "I remember him coming to me asking permission to leave school to attend Marcella Fudge's memorial. He had to get permission from me because Dumbledore wouldn't allow it unless I gave my blessing. We had a argument." He smiled slightly. "Harrison was the first Prefect in years willing to fight with me. I was furious at him. He was trying to enter Holm College of Apothecary- he was so talented. I told him in his final year getting behind in his studies would be suicide. He told me some things were more important, like being with Minister Fudge during this hard time."

There was a longer silence. "Voldemort called for the attack. I tried to convince him it was ludicrous. I had brought the Ministry to its knees in 45 minutes. I had started a war for him. But he was persistence. I refused and paid for my refusal. He sent them out and attacked Harrison as he slept." He looked tired, very tired. "But I didn't kill him."

"We know Severus." Remus whispered. "We all know."

"He was just a boy- stupid, arrogant but still…" He inhaled quickly, swearing he wouldn't break down. Not here, not now, not ever. He was the Dark Prince and nothing could defeat him.

After all, he was God. Isn't that how the story went?

And then he heard it. It was a clear and crisp as it had been those years ago. He knew that voice, had yearned for it, had loved it, and kept it hidden. Now it filled the hall outside his classroom and he stood and ran to greet the voice.

"Daddy! Daddy, come and get me, come and hide me from mommy!"

"Dora!" He called, running into the hall to see her, ignoring the fact she had been dead for years now. He heard her laughing down the hall and caught the back of her dress at it swished out of view. He smiled. "I'm coming, Dora."

"Severus!" Someone caught his arm and for a second he expected to see the face of Billy Moore, his partner. He was surprised to see Remus.

Remus was looking at him strangely. "Severus…who are you calling to?"

Severus smiled. "Dora, my goddaughter, she's playing hide-n-seek again. She loves that game…" His smile faded as time and the past caught up with him. The realization of where he was and with whom filled him. He looked down the hall, broke away from Remus and turned it, expecting…what? Of course the hall was empty; Gryffindor and Ravenclaw were facing off for the Quidditch Cup. The Slytherin team had suffered with Snape's absent. He frowned. He knew he hadn't been hearing things but he also knew with the same resolve that Pandora Snape was dead. He had carried out her body himself.

"Severus?" Astra's voice was filled with uncertainty and fear. "Severus…no one's here."

"I heard her." He said dumbly. "I know I heard her…I saw her running away."

"Sure you did, Severus." Remus was saying in a tone he knew and didn't trust. "Let's go find her."

Snape spun and glared at him. "Don't humor me, Lupin." He hissed. "It couldn't have been her…but…"