Snape was sitting on a small ledge, leaning against the stone with his eyes closed. He felt tired and exhausted and right now he wanted to do nothing but sleep for about a week. Or maybe just fall over and die. But he knew that neither offered an acceptable solution. The water had been colder and more furious than he had expected, swimming back to the shore had drained all his strength. Still he couldn't just sit here, they definitely were already searching for him by now. At least he had an advantage over them because he knew his way around here. He struggled to get up from the ground and started to walk along the narrow ledge, always keeping very close to the cliffs to make sure he couldn't be seen from above. It must have been forever since he had last been out here. He hoped he would find the cave where he expected it to be.


A few minutes later he had found the crack in the rocks. He had never showed any signs of being claustrophobic but this really looked smaller than he remembered. He squeezed himself through the narrow opening, stood in complete darkness and wished once more he still had his wand. Or maybe at least a match or some other stupid muggle invention.

If only I could see a damn thing I might actually know if this is the right way... He muttered under his breath, carefully walking on while keeping his hands at the cave walls. Then again, I've never been any good when it comes to remembering ways and directions... He whispered. Now listen to that, you're talking to yourself. You're obviously losing your mind.

A few minutes later he stopped, leaned against the wall, took a deep breath and immediately regretted this when he felt the pain in his chest again. He muttered some curse words and walked on. It took him longer than he had expected but then he reached the wall at the end of the cave. He touched the cold stone and smiled when he felt the narrow opening he had been searching for. He put both of his hands inside and pushed against the rock. Very slowly and reluctantly it started to move and finally there was an opening in the wall wide enough for him to get through and inside the house.

He was moving very carefully along the corridor, trying not to make a sound. Although he was convinced most of the dark wizards were outside and searching for him he didn't want to risk anything. When he reached the corner he stopped to listen. He could hear footsteps. So there still was someone down here to guard Lupin. All he could do was to hope there was only one, he wouldn't be able to deal with two of them. He knew he still had one corner between him and the place where he expected the Death Eater to be so he slowly walked on, keeping close to the wall, hidden in the shadows. At the next corner he stopped again and risked a quick glance into the brightly illuminated section of the corridor. There he was, slowly pacing up and down in front of the cellar door, twirling his wand around between his fingers. At least it was only one. Snape held his breath and listened to the footsteps. He heard him walk towards him, stop, turn around again and that was the moment Snape jumped forward out of the shadow and grabbed the man from behind, putting one arm around his shoulders and the other one around his head. Before the Death Eater could say a word Snape gave his head a quick turn. All that could be heard was a low sickening crunch and the man's body fell to the ground. Snape took the wand from his hand, stepped over the lifeless body and walked towards the door. With a few standard spells he destroyed the magical seals and the door swung open.

What took you so long? Lupin greeted him with a smile and jumped up from the ground. Standing in front of him he gave Snape a scrutinizing look. You're not looking good.

Thank you very much. Snape replied. We should be going. He walked over towards the stairs and Lupin followed him but hesitated when he saw the Death Eater on the ground.

Is he dead? He asked.

With his neck broken, yes, he should be. Snape replied dryly. Lupin was still staring down at the dead man. Snape could tell he wouldn't have thought him capable of doing something like that, although he should have known better. Lupin, if you want my advice... never pull your punches when fighting them. If you get the chance to kill one of them, do it. They would do the same.

Lupin took his eyes off the body and followed his colleague up the stairs. They stopped when they reached the door that lead out into the entrance hall.

They should still be out there searching for you. Lupin whispered.

I hope they know I'm too selfish to come back here for you. Snape replied.

Severus... Malfoy is here.

Snape muttered. Anyway, I suppose we should give it a try. Ready?

Whenever you are.

Slowly Snape pushed the door open and stepped into the hall, keeping Lupin behind him. He didn't really feel like he was able to protect him from anything but after all he still was the one having a wand with him. The hall was empty so they quickly moved on to the corridor and outside through the entrance doors.

The weather had calmed down by now and the night seemed quiet and peaceful. Do you think you can apparate with that wand? Lupin asked in a low voice.

Not a chance. Snape replied. We'll have to walk, through the woods.

So let's go. Lupin said and they both set off towards the trees.

Snape recognized the voice immediately. He stopped dead and slowly turned around. Lucius Malfoy was stepping out of the shadows, his arm raised with his wand in his hand.

He replied calmly, looking straight into his eyes.

Drop that wand, please. Malfoy said in a soft voice and Snape let go off the wand. They stood in silence for a moment, looking at each other. What are you doing, Severus... Malfoy said and slowly stepped towards him. It's not too late yet, you know?

It is. Snape replied. Lupin didn't move, he just stood and stared at them.

He'd hate to lose you. Malfoy said, looking at Snape with an almost sad expression. You've always been one to bend with the wind, he knows that too. You still have the chance to return.

A small smile crossed Snape's face. The winds will change, Lucius.

But in whose favour we cannot know. Malfoy replied.

Snape nodded. Well, so this is the time, is it? If you have to kill me, get over with it. He said calmly.

They looked at each other for a long time without saying anything. Suddenly Lucius Malfoy turned away from them and started to walk slowly across the black meadow. Good luck, my friend. He whispered without looking back.

Lupin stared at him blankly. This was something he wouldn't have expected. No, this was something he would have thought to be impossible. Snape whirled around, grabbed his colleague by the arm and dragged him along towards the forest.





Again, thank you for your reviews :) There will be one more chapter after this one and I will upload it within this week.

B-Elanna: sorry to disappoint you but it's not going to be slash.