A/N: Sheesh, first all of you are freaking because I might have killed
Harry, and now several of you are lobbying for Harry's death. And we all
thought *I* was the Evil one.
Ten points to the houses of each of you who noticed *the* line concerning Lucius. Never fear, he will definitely be back.
Tonight's movie pondering is Gladiator…I don't really watch TV much (ever)…only when I periodically visit my parents at home and plop my laptop in front of the TV to write. Which I did this weekend. ANYWAY: Gladiator. I cower every time during Marcus Aurelius's death scene, shrieking, "YOU CAN'T KILL DUMBLEDORE!! NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!" Ha: "..and bring an old man another blanket." And socks, please.
I know, this isn't an exciting chapter, but it's important for later on…so indulge in this plot development bit. The action, and Harry, returns next chapter, which is already ¾ written.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
The Color of Crimson
By Lady of Arundel
Chapter 8: Smoke Signals
"What?"
Severus struggled to regain control over his breathing, trying to not hyperventilate and to block the pain and the energy and the memories and…
Severus swallowed hard.
"Something has happened." He pressed his eyes closed, willing himself to focus.
Albus opened his mouth to question him further but stopped himself. Instead he gently pushed aside the trembling hand still clutching at Severus's left forearm and placed his own hand in its stead. Albus gently murmured an incantation, a localized pain relieving spell he had discovered through trial and error. He could feel the younger man go limp as the tension flowed from his body.
"T-t-thank you."
"Hush, Severus. Do you think you can stand? We need to get out of the hallway. My office?" The last bit wasn't so much a question as a gentle prodding. Severus nodded and stumbled to his feet, leaning against the older wizard as they worked their way to the Headmaster's office in relatively quick time. The dizzying effect of the moving stairs very nearly undid the efforts Severus had made en route to regain control. Albus gently herded the Potions Master into the nearest overstuffed chair and took another himself.
"Why don't we take our tea a little early." Albus conjured a simmering pot and two cups.
Severus blanched.
"No, no tea, Sir. I don't think…" Despite his protests Severus found a steaming cup pressed into his hands. He wrapped his shaking hands around the cup for warmth but made no move to drink it. Small splashes of hot tea spilled from the cup but he didn't notice. Albus frowned.
"Severus, child, can you tell me what happened?" Albus's frown deepened when Severus made no movement, continuing to stare into the contents of the cup. Albus's use of the endearment "child" had never before failed to elicit some form of protest from the Potions Master. The disquieting silence continued; Albus was beginning to reconsider his decision to bring Severus to his office rather than the hospital wing when the man in question quietly spoke.
"I…I'm not sure. As you know, the pain was centered in the Dark Mark, but it wasn't a summons…" Severus still felt the periodic pain of the summons, even after this summer when…Severus stopped himself, refocusing his thoughts. "It wasn't Voldemort. I would know if it had been Voldemort's touch."
Albus sipped his tea and waited for Severus to continue.
"It wasn't one of the visions, either. I would know if it were…The pain was there but nothing else, only the pain." Overwhelming, excruciating… "Overwhelming pain, originating at the Dark Mark…" Severus lapsed into silence, again focused on the swirling liquid before him.
"Has this happened before?" Severus quickly glanced up at his mentor and then tore his eyes away.
"Not quite I…it…not with the death mark. But it was like when I was younger, when I…" Severus hesitated, almost as if out of nervousness. "Before the training."
Albus's eyes widened momentarily. "But there should be no reason for…" Severus shook his head.
Shadows of possible explanations began to form at the edges of Albus's mind but he let them be for the time being.
"How are you feeling, child. Should I call for Poppy?" Severus shook his head again.
"No, I just…if I can just sit here a moment more I –"
Severus was interrupted again for the second time within the hour, fortunately this time not by waves of debilitating agony. Albus, who had been stirring his tea, also froze.
Each man on his right ring finger wore a nearly identical ring, each consisting of a jewel set into an engraved band of gold. What appeared to be a delicate web of decorative carvings upon closer inspection appeared to be words engraved in a non-Latinate script. Albus's gem was a rich cerulean blue while Severus's was royal violet. Rather, those were the rings' normal respective colors.
Both jewels were glowing.
Sunshine yellow.
Each had first noticed the rings because of the sudden spark of heat emitted from each ring. Albus was the first to note the change in color.
"Remus."
Severus tersely nodded, considering a moment before sharply pitching forward in the chair.
"Harry."
Before the Headmaster could respond Severus had leapt to his feet and had nearly made it to the stairs before he was halted by a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Severus, you can't go." The Potions Master spun, confusion flitting across his features.
"And why the bloody not?"
"We don't know what has happened, you don't know who or what else you'll encounter once you reach them. Surely the death eaters have standing orders concerning your capture. I swore this summer that I would never send you into their hands again, Severus, and that's a promise I intend to keep. I'll go, you wait here for word."
Severus snorted. "So instead I should let the great Albus Dumbledore endanger himself on my behalf. No, Sir, no. I'm expendable, you're not. No," Severus glared, cutting off the older wizard's protests, "you know it's true. I have to go."
"Minerva-"
"Minerva can't. You know that if…that you and I are the only ones who could…please, Albus." Albus stared into pleading black eyes. He sighed wearily.
"Are you well enough to apparate?" Severus didn't bother to respond since both knew that the wizard seldom let small matters like health and safety get in his way. "Very well," he sighed, "Go. I will wait here and upon your signal I will lift the barriers on the floo system – the three of you are to floo directly to my office."
"Thank you, Sir." Severus again made to leave but paused at the door, straightening his shoulders but not turning. "Bottom right hand drawer. Password is 'Firebolt.'"
Albus eased himself into his chair. 'Bottom right hand drawer, bottom right hand –'
Severus's emergency lesson plans.
Drawn up should the Potions Master find himself unable to teach.
Albus looked up to bid his child to stay safe, but Severus was already gone.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
TBC…
A/N: HA – see, I told you that Chapter 5 wasn't just filler even though it appeared to be at the time…
*Sandrine Black: Heh, the "eep" factor. Probably not any eeps this chapter, but there will be more later on, never fear.
*Atheis: Heh, this might make the eye twitch worse…for some reason everyone gets a little antsy when I shift the scene between chapters. :-) I'm not bashing Slytherin at all…apparently I'm a Slytherin, too. :-) Never fear, there's definitely going to be SnapeAngst…even if I do keep Harry alive to torture a bit more. Thank you!
*J. Lynn: Hah, it's all about self-preservation. That, and knowledge of future cliffies ahead. :-)
*Lady FoxFire: Yaaaay!!! Another chapter! Teeehee! Yeah, I know where Sirius is but I've been waiting for a good time to start working him in…he actually shows up in Chapter 9. As for what's up with Harry and where Wormtail is, I ain't tellin'!
*Venus4280: I'm just going to smile evilly and knowingly in response your review. :-) Oh, and thank you very much.
*kIM: Heh, an extra 5 points for being the first to comment about the Lucius line. He'll explain himself in due time. Sadly, the Dursleys aren't dead…they had all left the house for the day and left Harry behind by himself, which is important point...
*Prophetess of Hearts: Hah! Well, can I have at least one leg back now?
*RJLL: Lucius did indeed have something to do with the incident at Privet Drive...this chapter isn't really longer, but hopefully the next one won't take as long to post.
*Arabwel: Heh, my Lucius is a scheming, conniving man. Keep that in mind. :- )
*Indiana Jones and Ariana Deralte: Hopefully once exams are over my posts will grow in length and/or frequency…so just a few weeks more! And update!
*Sev Rickman: evil laughter
*Silver*Chime: Aww, thanks! :-) I've reworked the next few chapters from my original plan, and I think you'll like the changes. Sev and Harry will finally be in the same scene soon…
*Allocin: Hey, posting for the sake of posting and writing is the reason to do it! :-) Curse of Guilt was a nice take on the usual Harry post-GOF guilt story (*blinks at own story and shrugs*). If you're not happy with it, rewrite! Yeah, I've also surpassed the number of chapters I've ever written for a fic…I actually created this name for the HP fandom to avoid angry readers in the West Wing fandom who are still waiting for a story that kind of died in the water January 2001…oops. I had that one all planned out but didn't write it down and forgot my innovative yet in-character plot resolution during the course of exams. Don't worry, I've made notes this time 'round!
*Canary: Yeah, a couple people have suggested that…I very well might. That, or kill Harry off later (says the author nonchalantly). :-D
*And to Saerry Snape, lulu, Luna Rose, Nicky, Phoenix, katrina, ratgirl, Relle, Lis, Natty, Mel, Anne Phoenix, and Seer of the Panther: Thank you all SO much, and hope you liked the chapter!
Ten points to the houses of each of you who noticed *the* line concerning Lucius. Never fear, he will definitely be back.
Tonight's movie pondering is Gladiator…I don't really watch TV much (ever)…only when I periodically visit my parents at home and plop my laptop in front of the TV to write. Which I did this weekend. ANYWAY: Gladiator. I cower every time during Marcus Aurelius's death scene, shrieking, "YOU CAN'T KILL DUMBLEDORE!! NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!" Ha: "..and bring an old man another blanket." And socks, please.
I know, this isn't an exciting chapter, but it's important for later on…so indulge in this plot development bit. The action, and Harry, returns next chapter, which is already ¾ written.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
The Color of Crimson
By Lady of Arundel
Chapter 8: Smoke Signals
"What?"
Severus struggled to regain control over his breathing, trying to not hyperventilate and to block the pain and the energy and the memories and…
Severus swallowed hard.
"Something has happened." He pressed his eyes closed, willing himself to focus.
Albus opened his mouth to question him further but stopped himself. Instead he gently pushed aside the trembling hand still clutching at Severus's left forearm and placed his own hand in its stead. Albus gently murmured an incantation, a localized pain relieving spell he had discovered through trial and error. He could feel the younger man go limp as the tension flowed from his body.
"T-t-thank you."
"Hush, Severus. Do you think you can stand? We need to get out of the hallway. My office?" The last bit wasn't so much a question as a gentle prodding. Severus nodded and stumbled to his feet, leaning against the older wizard as they worked their way to the Headmaster's office in relatively quick time. The dizzying effect of the moving stairs very nearly undid the efforts Severus had made en route to regain control. Albus gently herded the Potions Master into the nearest overstuffed chair and took another himself.
"Why don't we take our tea a little early." Albus conjured a simmering pot and two cups.
Severus blanched.
"No, no tea, Sir. I don't think…" Despite his protests Severus found a steaming cup pressed into his hands. He wrapped his shaking hands around the cup for warmth but made no move to drink it. Small splashes of hot tea spilled from the cup but he didn't notice. Albus frowned.
"Severus, child, can you tell me what happened?" Albus's frown deepened when Severus made no movement, continuing to stare into the contents of the cup. Albus's use of the endearment "child" had never before failed to elicit some form of protest from the Potions Master. The disquieting silence continued; Albus was beginning to reconsider his decision to bring Severus to his office rather than the hospital wing when the man in question quietly spoke.
"I…I'm not sure. As you know, the pain was centered in the Dark Mark, but it wasn't a summons…" Severus still felt the periodic pain of the summons, even after this summer when…Severus stopped himself, refocusing his thoughts. "It wasn't Voldemort. I would know if it had been Voldemort's touch."
Albus sipped his tea and waited for Severus to continue.
"It wasn't one of the visions, either. I would know if it were…The pain was there but nothing else, only the pain." Overwhelming, excruciating… "Overwhelming pain, originating at the Dark Mark…" Severus lapsed into silence, again focused on the swirling liquid before him.
"Has this happened before?" Severus quickly glanced up at his mentor and then tore his eyes away.
"Not quite I…it…not with the death mark. But it was like when I was younger, when I…" Severus hesitated, almost as if out of nervousness. "Before the training."
Albus's eyes widened momentarily. "But there should be no reason for…" Severus shook his head.
Shadows of possible explanations began to form at the edges of Albus's mind but he let them be for the time being.
"How are you feeling, child. Should I call for Poppy?" Severus shook his head again.
"No, I just…if I can just sit here a moment more I –"
Severus was interrupted again for the second time within the hour, fortunately this time not by waves of debilitating agony. Albus, who had been stirring his tea, also froze.
Each man on his right ring finger wore a nearly identical ring, each consisting of a jewel set into an engraved band of gold. What appeared to be a delicate web of decorative carvings upon closer inspection appeared to be words engraved in a non-Latinate script. Albus's gem was a rich cerulean blue while Severus's was royal violet. Rather, those were the rings' normal respective colors.
Both jewels were glowing.
Sunshine yellow.
Each had first noticed the rings because of the sudden spark of heat emitted from each ring. Albus was the first to note the change in color.
"Remus."
Severus tersely nodded, considering a moment before sharply pitching forward in the chair.
"Harry."
Before the Headmaster could respond Severus had leapt to his feet and had nearly made it to the stairs before he was halted by a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Severus, you can't go." The Potions Master spun, confusion flitting across his features.
"And why the bloody not?"
"We don't know what has happened, you don't know who or what else you'll encounter once you reach them. Surely the death eaters have standing orders concerning your capture. I swore this summer that I would never send you into their hands again, Severus, and that's a promise I intend to keep. I'll go, you wait here for word."
Severus snorted. "So instead I should let the great Albus Dumbledore endanger himself on my behalf. No, Sir, no. I'm expendable, you're not. No," Severus glared, cutting off the older wizard's protests, "you know it's true. I have to go."
"Minerva-"
"Minerva can't. You know that if…that you and I are the only ones who could…please, Albus." Albus stared into pleading black eyes. He sighed wearily.
"Are you well enough to apparate?" Severus didn't bother to respond since both knew that the wizard seldom let small matters like health and safety get in his way. "Very well," he sighed, "Go. I will wait here and upon your signal I will lift the barriers on the floo system – the three of you are to floo directly to my office."
"Thank you, Sir." Severus again made to leave but paused at the door, straightening his shoulders but not turning. "Bottom right hand drawer. Password is 'Firebolt.'"
Albus eased himself into his chair. 'Bottom right hand drawer, bottom right hand –'
Severus's emergency lesson plans.
Drawn up should the Potions Master find himself unable to teach.
Albus looked up to bid his child to stay safe, but Severus was already gone.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
TBC…
A/N: HA – see, I told you that Chapter 5 wasn't just filler even though it appeared to be at the time…
*Sandrine Black: Heh, the "eep" factor. Probably not any eeps this chapter, but there will be more later on, never fear.
*Atheis: Heh, this might make the eye twitch worse…for some reason everyone gets a little antsy when I shift the scene between chapters. :-) I'm not bashing Slytherin at all…apparently I'm a Slytherin, too. :-) Never fear, there's definitely going to be SnapeAngst…even if I do keep Harry alive to torture a bit more. Thank you!
*J. Lynn: Hah, it's all about self-preservation. That, and knowledge of future cliffies ahead. :-)
*Lady FoxFire: Yaaaay!!! Another chapter! Teeehee! Yeah, I know where Sirius is but I've been waiting for a good time to start working him in…he actually shows up in Chapter 9. As for what's up with Harry and where Wormtail is, I ain't tellin'!
*Venus4280: I'm just going to smile evilly and knowingly in response your review. :-) Oh, and thank you very much.
*kIM: Heh, an extra 5 points for being the first to comment about the Lucius line. He'll explain himself in due time. Sadly, the Dursleys aren't dead…they had all left the house for the day and left Harry behind by himself, which is important point...
*Prophetess of Hearts: Hah! Well, can I have at least one leg back now?
*RJLL: Lucius did indeed have something to do with the incident at Privet Drive...this chapter isn't really longer, but hopefully the next one won't take as long to post.
*Arabwel: Heh, my Lucius is a scheming, conniving man. Keep that in mind. :- )
*Indiana Jones and Ariana Deralte: Hopefully once exams are over my posts will grow in length and/or frequency…so just a few weeks more! And update!
*Sev Rickman: evil laughter
*Silver*Chime: Aww, thanks! :-) I've reworked the next few chapters from my original plan, and I think you'll like the changes. Sev and Harry will finally be in the same scene soon…
*Allocin: Hey, posting for the sake of posting and writing is the reason to do it! :-) Curse of Guilt was a nice take on the usual Harry post-GOF guilt story (*blinks at own story and shrugs*). If you're not happy with it, rewrite! Yeah, I've also surpassed the number of chapters I've ever written for a fic…I actually created this name for the HP fandom to avoid angry readers in the West Wing fandom who are still waiting for a story that kind of died in the water January 2001…oops. I had that one all planned out but didn't write it down and forgot my innovative yet in-character plot resolution during the course of exams. Don't worry, I've made notes this time 'round!
*Canary: Yeah, a couple people have suggested that…I very well might. That, or kill Harry off later (says the author nonchalantly). :-D
*And to Saerry Snape, lulu, Luna Rose, Nicky, Phoenix, katrina, ratgirl, Relle, Lis, Natty, Mel, Anne Phoenix, and Seer of the Panther: Thank you all SO much, and hope you liked the chapter!