Notes: I did not intend to get this chapter up so soon, but it basically wrote itself and I decided to post it. I have no willpower . . . I couldn't wait until tomorrow. :)
* * * *
Lupin woke slowly as something pulled him toward consciousness. He stared at the canopy over his bed, wondering what exactly had woken him up. There was nothing to indicate anyone had intentionally woke him up and he could hear nothing in his room and nothing in the hall outside. With a sigh, he turned over, prepared to go back to sleep.
"Remus."
His name was being called from somewhere outside his room and he sat up with a start, staring at his doorway. The noise didn't come again, but he was sure he hadn't imagined it. He had never heard someone sob his name like that before and it had scared him, left him shivering even after the noise had faded.
Lupin got up and dressed quickly, then tucked his wand into the pocket of his robe and opened his bedroom door quietly. The hall was empty, but somewhere in the castle he could hear footsteps, most likely a group of people rather than just one. He turned away from the noise and walked toward the area of the school where the teachers stayed. He wanted to make sure that Glory was alright before going to the Headmaster about anything.
Halfway to her room he ran into Snape. The Potions Master was still shrugged into his robes and buttoning the last buttons on his shirt, though his wand was out and ready.
"I heard something," he hissed. "Glory's room is empty. She and Lucius are gone."
"He couldn't have come into the school, could he?" Lupin asked, drawing his own wand and glancing around the hall.
Snape shook his head. "No. Voldemort cannot come onto the grounds at all. He must have sent someone back again for the both of them."
"Have you check the Slytherin dormitory?" Lupin asked.
Snape glanced at him sharply. "What exactly are you suggesting?"
Lupin sighed and took a deep breath. "Lucius was worried than his son was a Death Eater and it does seem rather suspicious that he wanted to kill her out of jealously."
"Draco?" Snape asked, shaking his head. "Never. The boy is cruel, but he isn't evil."
"You don't know him, Severus."
"I do know him and I know he is not a Death Eater."
Lupin inclined his head slightly. "If you insist."
"Do not patronize me, Lupin," Snape growled. "We go to Albus and then we find Glory and Lucius." He began to walk quickly down the hall and Lupin had to hurry to keep up with him. "I swear, if he betrayed us . . ." Snape left the threat hanging, but Lupin knew exactly what he meant. If Lucius had betrayed them and taken Glory to Voldemort, Snape would kill him instantly.
"How are we going to find them?" Lupin asked as they hurried down the hall.
Snape sighed angrily. "I know a locator spell . . . it's dark magic, but I don't know what other choice we have."
Lupin nodded, then decided not to continue speaking. The Potions Master seemed agitated enough as it was and he definitely did not want to be the one who made that worse. Within minutes they were at the Headmaster's office door and Snape stepped forward, muttering something that sounded strangely like, 'purple striped socks' and the door opened. They walked up the long flight of stairs and entered the cramped and unorganized office. Fawkes gave a whistle of recognition and a moment later, Dumbledore descended from the staircase above.
"Albus, they're gone," Snape said quickly.
"Who took them?"
"I can't be sure. There's no sign of a struggle and that can mean only two things."
"What two things?" Lupin asked.
Snape glanced at him, then back toward Dumbledore. "Either someone they trusted asked them to open the door and then put them under the Imperius curse."
"Or?" Lupin asked, when Snape didn't continue.
Snape shot Lupin a dark look, then said, "Or Lucius took her."
"Surely you don't really believe that, Severus," Dumbledore said.
"I don't know what I believe at the moment, Albus. My main concern is getting Glory back alive."
"Your main concern is making sure she doesn't spill her power over the world," Lupin corrected. When Snape opened his mouth angrily, Lupin held up his hand. "That is not a bad thing, Severus. One of us has to think in terms of the world and the other; in terms of the woman. I know how you think and I am grateful for it."
Snape lowered his eyes, then glanced at Dumbledore. "I need to do a locator spell to find them."
"Severus, are you sure?"
Snape nodded. "I need the root of asphodel and I need a map."
"A map of the country?" Dumbledore asked, rummaging through a few books on his shelves.
Snape nodded. "If Fawkes would be so kind as to lend me a tail feather I would be most appreciative."
The bird turned willingly and let Snape pluck a shimmering gold feather from his tail, before turning back to watch the spell begin. Dumbledore laid the map out on his desk, then handed Snape a jar containing a withered root of asphodel inside. Snape reached inside and took the root in his hand, squeezing it tightly into a fine powder. It crumbled in his palm when he opened it and he dipped the end of the feather into it, swirling it around in his hand.
"Blackest night," he whispered, the feather still swishing lazily through the power. "Darkest power, let me see those who I desire. Tell me where they hide and who hides them. Show me."
Lupin's eyes widened when he saw that the powder had turned into a shimmering liquid in Snape's hand. He dipped the tail feather into it, then drew a large circle around the edges of the map. The feather was dropped in the centre and a moment later the liquid had turned back into a powder. He blew this across the map, covering it with a light dusting.
"Show me," he hissed again.
Slowly, tiny gold lights appeared on the map, five of them in all. They covered a small portion of the map and it told them that they were in a small town just outside of Surrey.
"Three Death Eaters are with them," Snape muttered thoughtfully, touching the lights. "Three. It doesn't show anyone else."
"Surrey it is," Lupin said, glancing at Snape. "Shall we?"
Snape nodded, blowing over the map once more. The lights disappeared and the feather dissolved into a dust that Dumbledore shook onto the floor. Fawkes made a strange hooting noise, then tucked his head under his wing.
Snape managed to smile. "I can take a hint."
Dumbledore stared at them gravely. "Be careful. Don't do anything foolish. Bring Glory home and bring Lucius if he is still with us."
"Aren't you coming?" Lupin asked.
Dumbledore smiled gently. "I would love to help, Remus, but you know I can't leave the students here alone. The possibility of what may happen, should the two of you fail, is a very frightening reality. These children need me."
"For a man who speaks of impending doom you certainly seem calm," Lupin said.
Dumbledore's smile grew and he settled contently in his chair. "I am anything but, Remus. You should know me by now. Anything but calm." He stared at them a moment longer, then motioned to the door. "Good luck. Bring her home, if you can."
Lupin nodded, then followed Snape out of the office and back down the stairs. They walked quickly, crossing the bounds of the school, then looked at each other for a long moment.
"See you in Surrey," Snape said softly, then Apparated with a soft pop.
Lupin sighed, then took a final look at the school and followed.
* * * *
Lucius's eyes were different. She had decided that close to an hour ago when Daphne had been perched comfortably on his lap and she had been sitting across from them in a stiff, wooden chair. Glory knew him, she knew his eyes and the eyes she was studying were not the eyes of Lucius Malfoy. They had always been cold, but now they were far worse than cold. They looked almost dead, even as he focused them on her face she could see no emotion flickering behind them.
"I can't believe you fell for it," Daphne said, laughing harshly. "You, of all people. Glorificus Beckwith, world renowned Auror fell for Lucius Malfoy's little act." Her dark eyes glinted maliciously. "Did you really believe he loved you?"
Glory said nothing because she couldn't. She was still being held under the Imperius curse and she was suddenly glad that she couldn't move. Her anger might have taken over when Daphne spoke to her and there was no telling what she might do with the power now inside her.
"Take the curse off her," Daphne said sharply. "I want to hear what the little whore has to say for herself."
Tina cocked an eyebrow and glanced at Draco. He shrugged and she sighed, then flicked her wand and slowly, feeling returned to Glory's body.
"Right then," Daphne said. "Did you ever really believe in his love?"
Glory's eyes fell to the ring on her finger and she touched it gently. It was so beautiful, it looked so magical to her, a physical manifestation of everything Lucius had made her feel in the past few months. It was perfect, just like she thought their love had been.
"C'mon, love," Daphne snapped. "Answer me."
"I did," Glory said.
Daphne laughed, burying her face in Lucius's shoulder. "I can't believe you thought he would really love a filthy woman like you. Look at you, you're disgusting. That scar that disfigures your face . . . and you always thought you were so pretty, didn't you?"
Glory's hand went self consciously to the scar that marred her face, touching the smooth skin. Her ring glinted in the light and Daphne finally saw it, staring at it with hard eyes.
"That's my ring," she hissed, getting up off the couch and crossing the room. "That's the ring Lucius said he would give me when he divorced Narcissa. He said it had been in his family for years and only his true love would get it. How did you get that ring?"
When Glory didn't answer, Daphne's hand shot out and she slapped her across the face.
"How did you get that ring?" she repeated.
"He gave it to me," Glory said softly. "He asked me to marry him and he gave me the ring."
"You're a lying bitch," Daphne hissed, slapping Glory's again. "He'd never go that far. He hated you. He thought you were the most disgusting thing he'd ever laid eyes on. He told me that he washed his hands every time he had to touch you."
"I did not," a weak voice said from across the room.
"Lucius!" Glory cried, jumping up from her chair.
"Crucio," Daphne snapped and Glory fell backward, her body wracked with waves of pain. A trickle of blood escaped her mouth and a second later her nose began to bleed. She tried to scream, tried to take enough air into her lungs to scream in pain but she couldn't hitch even half a breath into her body.
"Imperio," Draco yelled, his wand pointed at his father, but Lucius fought against it and ran to Glory's side.
"You gave her my ring!" Daphne screamed. "How could you give her my ring?"
"It was never your ring," he growled, gathering Glory into his arms. "You'll be okay," he whispered softly, stroking her hair and waiting for her body to relax in his grip. Her body jerked and twitched and her hand found his, squeezing it tightly through the haze of pain.
"I wouldn't do that again," Lucius said in a warning tone. "I know Voldemort and I doubt he'll be pleased that you're trying to destroy his most powerful weapon."
Daphne took a step away and looked to Tina for approval. The other Death Eater just rolled her eyes and settled back into her chair.
"Just leave them, Daphne," she ordered. "Neither of them will be alive much longer."
Lucius pressed his lips to Glory's temple and whispered into her hair, murmuring words of comfort and encouragement. After a long moment, her body slowly began to relax and her breathing returned to normal.
"You'll be okay, love," he murmured into her hair.
"Lucius?" she asked.
He nodded. "They had me under the Imperius curse," he said softly. "Never, for a single second, believe that I wanted to hurt you. I love you."
"We're going to die, aren't we?"
Lucius smiled sadly. "It looks that way."
"Then kiss me before we do," she said, smiling gently.
He trailed his thumb across her lips, wiping away the blood that had collected there, then bent his head to kiss her softly. If he had to die, at least he would die with Glory by his side. If they both had to die, at least she knew he loved her.
* * * *
* * * *
Lupin woke slowly as something pulled him toward consciousness. He stared at the canopy over his bed, wondering what exactly had woken him up. There was nothing to indicate anyone had intentionally woke him up and he could hear nothing in his room and nothing in the hall outside. With a sigh, he turned over, prepared to go back to sleep.
"Remus."
His name was being called from somewhere outside his room and he sat up with a start, staring at his doorway. The noise didn't come again, but he was sure he hadn't imagined it. He had never heard someone sob his name like that before and it had scared him, left him shivering even after the noise had faded.
Lupin got up and dressed quickly, then tucked his wand into the pocket of his robe and opened his bedroom door quietly. The hall was empty, but somewhere in the castle he could hear footsteps, most likely a group of people rather than just one. He turned away from the noise and walked toward the area of the school where the teachers stayed. He wanted to make sure that Glory was alright before going to the Headmaster about anything.
Halfway to her room he ran into Snape. The Potions Master was still shrugged into his robes and buttoning the last buttons on his shirt, though his wand was out and ready.
"I heard something," he hissed. "Glory's room is empty. She and Lucius are gone."
"He couldn't have come into the school, could he?" Lupin asked, drawing his own wand and glancing around the hall.
Snape shook his head. "No. Voldemort cannot come onto the grounds at all. He must have sent someone back again for the both of them."
"Have you check the Slytherin dormitory?" Lupin asked.
Snape glanced at him sharply. "What exactly are you suggesting?"
Lupin sighed and took a deep breath. "Lucius was worried than his son was a Death Eater and it does seem rather suspicious that he wanted to kill her out of jealously."
"Draco?" Snape asked, shaking his head. "Never. The boy is cruel, but he isn't evil."
"You don't know him, Severus."
"I do know him and I know he is not a Death Eater."
Lupin inclined his head slightly. "If you insist."
"Do not patronize me, Lupin," Snape growled. "We go to Albus and then we find Glory and Lucius." He began to walk quickly down the hall and Lupin had to hurry to keep up with him. "I swear, if he betrayed us . . ." Snape left the threat hanging, but Lupin knew exactly what he meant. If Lucius had betrayed them and taken Glory to Voldemort, Snape would kill him instantly.
"How are we going to find them?" Lupin asked as they hurried down the hall.
Snape sighed angrily. "I know a locator spell . . . it's dark magic, but I don't know what other choice we have."
Lupin nodded, then decided not to continue speaking. The Potions Master seemed agitated enough as it was and he definitely did not want to be the one who made that worse. Within minutes they were at the Headmaster's office door and Snape stepped forward, muttering something that sounded strangely like, 'purple striped socks' and the door opened. They walked up the long flight of stairs and entered the cramped and unorganized office. Fawkes gave a whistle of recognition and a moment later, Dumbledore descended from the staircase above.
"Albus, they're gone," Snape said quickly.
"Who took them?"
"I can't be sure. There's no sign of a struggle and that can mean only two things."
"What two things?" Lupin asked.
Snape glanced at him, then back toward Dumbledore. "Either someone they trusted asked them to open the door and then put them under the Imperius curse."
"Or?" Lupin asked, when Snape didn't continue.
Snape shot Lupin a dark look, then said, "Or Lucius took her."
"Surely you don't really believe that, Severus," Dumbledore said.
"I don't know what I believe at the moment, Albus. My main concern is getting Glory back alive."
"Your main concern is making sure she doesn't spill her power over the world," Lupin corrected. When Snape opened his mouth angrily, Lupin held up his hand. "That is not a bad thing, Severus. One of us has to think in terms of the world and the other; in terms of the woman. I know how you think and I am grateful for it."
Snape lowered his eyes, then glanced at Dumbledore. "I need to do a locator spell to find them."
"Severus, are you sure?"
Snape nodded. "I need the root of asphodel and I need a map."
"A map of the country?" Dumbledore asked, rummaging through a few books on his shelves.
Snape nodded. "If Fawkes would be so kind as to lend me a tail feather I would be most appreciative."
The bird turned willingly and let Snape pluck a shimmering gold feather from his tail, before turning back to watch the spell begin. Dumbledore laid the map out on his desk, then handed Snape a jar containing a withered root of asphodel inside. Snape reached inside and took the root in his hand, squeezing it tightly into a fine powder. It crumbled in his palm when he opened it and he dipped the end of the feather into it, swirling it around in his hand.
"Blackest night," he whispered, the feather still swishing lazily through the power. "Darkest power, let me see those who I desire. Tell me where they hide and who hides them. Show me."
Lupin's eyes widened when he saw that the powder had turned into a shimmering liquid in Snape's hand. He dipped the tail feather into it, then drew a large circle around the edges of the map. The feather was dropped in the centre and a moment later the liquid had turned back into a powder. He blew this across the map, covering it with a light dusting.
"Show me," he hissed again.
Slowly, tiny gold lights appeared on the map, five of them in all. They covered a small portion of the map and it told them that they were in a small town just outside of Surrey.
"Three Death Eaters are with them," Snape muttered thoughtfully, touching the lights. "Three. It doesn't show anyone else."
"Surrey it is," Lupin said, glancing at Snape. "Shall we?"
Snape nodded, blowing over the map once more. The lights disappeared and the feather dissolved into a dust that Dumbledore shook onto the floor. Fawkes made a strange hooting noise, then tucked his head under his wing.
Snape managed to smile. "I can take a hint."
Dumbledore stared at them gravely. "Be careful. Don't do anything foolish. Bring Glory home and bring Lucius if he is still with us."
"Aren't you coming?" Lupin asked.
Dumbledore smiled gently. "I would love to help, Remus, but you know I can't leave the students here alone. The possibility of what may happen, should the two of you fail, is a very frightening reality. These children need me."
"For a man who speaks of impending doom you certainly seem calm," Lupin said.
Dumbledore's smile grew and he settled contently in his chair. "I am anything but, Remus. You should know me by now. Anything but calm." He stared at them a moment longer, then motioned to the door. "Good luck. Bring her home, if you can."
Lupin nodded, then followed Snape out of the office and back down the stairs. They walked quickly, crossing the bounds of the school, then looked at each other for a long moment.
"See you in Surrey," Snape said softly, then Apparated with a soft pop.
Lupin sighed, then took a final look at the school and followed.
* * * *
Lucius's eyes were different. She had decided that close to an hour ago when Daphne had been perched comfortably on his lap and she had been sitting across from them in a stiff, wooden chair. Glory knew him, she knew his eyes and the eyes she was studying were not the eyes of Lucius Malfoy. They had always been cold, but now they were far worse than cold. They looked almost dead, even as he focused them on her face she could see no emotion flickering behind them.
"I can't believe you fell for it," Daphne said, laughing harshly. "You, of all people. Glorificus Beckwith, world renowned Auror fell for Lucius Malfoy's little act." Her dark eyes glinted maliciously. "Did you really believe he loved you?"
Glory said nothing because she couldn't. She was still being held under the Imperius curse and she was suddenly glad that she couldn't move. Her anger might have taken over when Daphne spoke to her and there was no telling what she might do with the power now inside her.
"Take the curse off her," Daphne said sharply. "I want to hear what the little whore has to say for herself."
Tina cocked an eyebrow and glanced at Draco. He shrugged and she sighed, then flicked her wand and slowly, feeling returned to Glory's body.
"Right then," Daphne said. "Did you ever really believe in his love?"
Glory's eyes fell to the ring on her finger and she touched it gently. It was so beautiful, it looked so magical to her, a physical manifestation of everything Lucius had made her feel in the past few months. It was perfect, just like she thought their love had been.
"C'mon, love," Daphne snapped. "Answer me."
"I did," Glory said.
Daphne laughed, burying her face in Lucius's shoulder. "I can't believe you thought he would really love a filthy woman like you. Look at you, you're disgusting. That scar that disfigures your face . . . and you always thought you were so pretty, didn't you?"
Glory's hand went self consciously to the scar that marred her face, touching the smooth skin. Her ring glinted in the light and Daphne finally saw it, staring at it with hard eyes.
"That's my ring," she hissed, getting up off the couch and crossing the room. "That's the ring Lucius said he would give me when he divorced Narcissa. He said it had been in his family for years and only his true love would get it. How did you get that ring?"
When Glory didn't answer, Daphne's hand shot out and she slapped her across the face.
"How did you get that ring?" she repeated.
"He gave it to me," Glory said softly. "He asked me to marry him and he gave me the ring."
"You're a lying bitch," Daphne hissed, slapping Glory's again. "He'd never go that far. He hated you. He thought you were the most disgusting thing he'd ever laid eyes on. He told me that he washed his hands every time he had to touch you."
"I did not," a weak voice said from across the room.
"Lucius!" Glory cried, jumping up from her chair.
"Crucio," Daphne snapped and Glory fell backward, her body wracked with waves of pain. A trickle of blood escaped her mouth and a second later her nose began to bleed. She tried to scream, tried to take enough air into her lungs to scream in pain but she couldn't hitch even half a breath into her body.
"Imperio," Draco yelled, his wand pointed at his father, but Lucius fought against it and ran to Glory's side.
"You gave her my ring!" Daphne screamed. "How could you give her my ring?"
"It was never your ring," he growled, gathering Glory into his arms. "You'll be okay," he whispered softly, stroking her hair and waiting for her body to relax in his grip. Her body jerked and twitched and her hand found his, squeezing it tightly through the haze of pain.
"I wouldn't do that again," Lucius said in a warning tone. "I know Voldemort and I doubt he'll be pleased that you're trying to destroy his most powerful weapon."
Daphne took a step away and looked to Tina for approval. The other Death Eater just rolled her eyes and settled back into her chair.
"Just leave them, Daphne," she ordered. "Neither of them will be alive much longer."
Lucius pressed his lips to Glory's temple and whispered into her hair, murmuring words of comfort and encouragement. After a long moment, her body slowly began to relax and her breathing returned to normal.
"You'll be okay, love," he murmured into her hair.
"Lucius?" she asked.
He nodded. "They had me under the Imperius curse," he said softly. "Never, for a single second, believe that I wanted to hurt you. I love you."
"We're going to die, aren't we?"
Lucius smiled sadly. "It looks that way."
"Then kiss me before we do," she said, smiling gently.
He trailed his thumb across her lips, wiping away the blood that had collected there, then bent his head to kiss her softly. If he had to die, at least he would die with Glory by his side. If they both had to die, at least she knew he loved her.
* * * *