A/N. Welcome back. Thank you to those of you who voted. You have one more chance to vote with this chapter, and the next. I'm going to tell of the roster posting in chapter 21 so there's still time to change my mind. Without further ado...chapter 19: In Which Truces are made
Chapter 19:
As soon as the five had left, the Great Hall exploded into chatter, everybody wondering just what was said and why they said it.
"What the heck was that all about?" asked Ron.
"Well, obviously, they new each other before and probably didn't part on the best of terms. It sounded like she wanted to kill him...literally!"
"What language was that in? It didn't sound like any language that I've ever heard."
"I don't know. They were speaking too fast. I couldn't figure it out...but I bet any money that he didn't learn that at Beubaxtons! (a/n: he told them he went to Beubaxtons. Why? Because they asked.)
"Uh-oh," Ron said teasingly, "Herm's got her mind on a mystery. We're in for some adventure for sure this year."
"Oh, you!" Hermione playfully slapped his arm before continuing, "I doubt that we'll get into as much trouble this year as the last few years. I am a prefect now, you know. I am granted certain privileges, like staying out late without a pass." Ron looked at her surprised.
"Why didn't you tell me this?" Hermione smirked at him.
"Because you would have abused that power for other nefarious purposes."
"So?"
"You're getting off topic..."
"So?" They both cut him off and he glared at them before going on. "There is definitely something bigger going on than we expect. I want to figure it out."
"Of course you do...and I'm going to help you." Harry turned around and smiled at his boyfriend.
"And how exactly are you going to help?" Ron asked. Draco smiled at him, nicely.
"Haven't you noticed who Pierson spends most of his time with? He's practically glued to Professor Sanpe's hip! I happen to be pretty close with Professor Snape myself. I can get the details a lot easier than you can that way."
"That's wonderful!" Hermione beamed, her eyes going unfocussed as she planned. "I can check out the library for that language and if that doesn't work..."She trailed off, concentrating on her own thoughts.
"Um...Malfoy? Not to sound rude, but why are you here? I mean, wont you get a lot of rack from your housemates by being seen with the "famous Harry Potter" and his little circle of friends?" Draco smiled at Harry.
"I have enough of a bad ass reputation as to not worry about what they say." He looked up and grinned at the ground, especially Ron. "If that doesn't work I can always say I setting you up for a great fall later."
"oh," said Ron, "You're not...are you?" Draco made a face.
"No, I'm not. But I am hungry. We'll meet later in the library, ok?
The three nodded their assent and Draco took his leave, but not without giving Harry a lingering look and a special smile. His friends never noticed.
At the Slytherin Table.
Draco sat with Crabbe on one side and Goyle n the other, completely disgusted by their lack of table manners. Their very presence disgusted him, but for the safety of all, he must keep up pretense. Blaise was speaking. (a/n: Is Blaise a girl or a boy. Everyone says something different. Could somebody please tell me?)
"...I bet she was In Gryffindor, her attacking an obvious choice for Slytherin like that-"
"Professor Pierson was not in Slytherin, nor will he be. Teachers do not get sorted. She wasn't a Gryffindor, either. She probably went to Beubaxtons, like he did. They obviously don't like each other very much, though. And neither have that accent." Blaise seemingly ignored the end of Draco's thought.
"How do you know?" Draco rolled his eyes.
"Elementary, my dear Blaise. Simple deduction. Besides, he told us he went to Beubaxtons.
"Oh yeah." Next to him Crabbe slurped loudly on his soup, spilling some on his black school robes. Draco's already meager appetite fled him.
"Your manners are deplorable. You sicken me. I shall be in my dorm and I wish to be left alone and away from you cretins." He turned and left leaving behind a confused Crabbe and Goyle. As he left he heard one ask the other;
"What does `deplorible' mean?"
"I don't know. What's a `kreten'?" Draco shook his head in wonder and disgust and left the Great Hall.
In Dumbledore's office
Dumbledore was the first to enter the office, followed by Cassandra, then Remus, then Severus, and finally, a reluctant Adam. Dumbledore went immediately to the window as the others stood uncomfortably around his desk, Adam and Cassandra as far from each other as possible. Dumbledore turned and looked at them with a sincerity on his face that was not seen in many years.
"Adam," he jumped at his name, but met Dumbledore's gaze solidly. "I want you to be Methos." Adam looked at him puzzled.
"Albus, I am Methos." He spoke as if to a small child or a crazy man.
"I know that, but we need Methos the Immortal here, not Adam Pierson, mild mannered teacher. Only he can settle this." Adam nodded and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He seemed to grow in stature and presence. When he let the breath loose, Methos opened his eyes, which had changed from Adam's green to Methos's dragon-scale green/gold/brown. Severus smiled at his lover. Remus watched in shock at a transformation almost as complete as his own. Cassandra stiffened as Methos's gaze fell upon her. She was also very surprised when his eyes clouded over and he lowered his eyes in guilt in shame.
"Well," he said, looking up once more to look at Dumbledore, his voice resonating within the room, a rich baritone. "You want me? You've got me. Now what?" His voice was calm, if a little exasperated at the end, with just a touch of cynicism showing through.
"Now we come to an understanding...between all of you." He looked at each in turn. "I know of a need for secrets, but I also know that none can exist in this school. It is best to get them out of the way now, before one of the students find out. We also need to come to an agreement of sorts...to work together and not against each other...have I made myself clear." There were nods and murmurs of ascent. "Before we begin, would anybody care for a lemon drop? They're quite good."
"Oh, yes, thank you." Methos reached over and took a candy out of the tin Dumbledore was holding out while the others declined.
"Who wants to go first?" Nobody spoke. "You realize you are not leaving this room without clearing the air." They were silent for a moment longer before Remus spoke up.
"I guess I'll go first. You probably know the least about me than anyone." He breathed deep. "This is hard. The last time I told anyone strait out was when I was a student here. Severus remembers," he grinned slightly as Severus's scowl deepened. "I have lycanthrope. I've had it since I was a child. I'm not normally dangerous, and when the moon turns I know where to lock myself up. Severus has helped my by making my wolfsbane potion, to keep the beast's mind under control while I'm shifted." He looked up at the ancients and saw surprise on Cassandra's face and only acceptance and sympathy on Methos's. "You don't seem surprised." Methos shook his head.
"To tell the truth, I had my suspicions from the beginning. You've just confirmed them. And, you're not the first werewolf I've met." Remus turned to Cassandra.
"You on the other hand..."
"You're a WEREWOLF! You didn't think to TELL me this?!"
"Well, it isn't something I like to advertise. I am an endangered species, you know."
"But...but...you're one of the good guys." Remus smiled, not at all offended. That's the type of guy he was.
"Just because I'm a werewolf don't mean I'm a bad guy. Werewolves aren't evil...just very wild. They have none of the human's emotions...just a desire to hunt, eat, and mate. Pretty simple really." Cassandra nodded. She had noting to say. Quiet reigned for a moment before Cassandra spoke.
"I guess I have acted pretty atrociously, especially given what I am. I'm sorry, and I guess it's my turn. I am immortal. I have lived on this Earth for over 3000 years and have died more times than I can count, since we can die, it just isn't permanent. I am the most famous witch-immortal, though not the only one. Also, I am a true seer, and I have often prophesized events and such." Severus snorted, not at all impressed with her divining arts. She glared at him. "You got a problem with that?" Severus glared right back.
"Not at all," he said mockingly. "I just fail to see what's so important about that secret." Cassandra smiled.
"That's not mine to tell. That's his." She pointed to Methos. He laughed in disbelief.
"It's never stopped you before." She smiled at him, sickeningly sweet. He glared in response. Severus interrupted.
"I'll go next." Methos shot him a grateful look, wanting to put this off as long as possible. "My name is Severus Snape and I...I am...an alcoholic-" Methos burst out in surprised laughter. Severus smirked at him.
"Wrong meeting Sev. That one isn't until next week."
"And you're leading it, I wager."
"Nope."
"No?"
"Minerva is." Methos smiled wickedly and Severus laughed.
"Anyway, all laughing aside..." he turned to look at Dumbledore, as if to reassure himself that this is what Dumbledore wanted. He took a deep breath and rolled up his sleeve to show the Dark Mark. "I am a spy. I have been since about two months after I joined. I wont go into the details, but essentially I realized I had made a mistake and came to Dumbledore for help. I began my new life as a double agent the very next day. I have been ever since." Remus nodded. He knew about this from the last time he had taught here, as Severus had known about his own problem. Cassandra looked shell-shocked, but quickly composed herself. Methos put a reassuring hand of Severus's shoulder and Severus reached up to clasp it, gripping it like a lifeline.
"I guess I'm the only one left and, well, Remus, you're the only one who doesn't know who or what I really am. My name is Methos. I, like Cassandra, am immortal. I am 5000 years old." He paused, his voice taking on a deeper, scratchier timbre. "I have been many things. Lately, though I have been healers, scholars, military officers, teachers, or police officers. Back in the bad old days, however, my jobs were not so...peaceful. I was a mercenary, a blacksmith, a warrior, a trainer, and a thousand other things. But most importantly, I was Death; Death on a pale horse, as written in the Bible. I had three brothers, Kronos, Caspian, and Silas, and we ruled with terror for over a thousand years. I will not go into details of what we did, but oft times it was worse than what I heard of Voldemort. It was the darkest time of my life and the part that comes back to haunt me the most, no matter how hard I try to escape."
"You can't escape justice, Methos. Nor Revenge."
"Oh, I don't know. I've done a pretty good job so far." The mask was back up, and the cynical humor was once again making its presence known. Cassandra made an exasperated noise folder her arms across her chest. He smirked at her before sobering and continuing.
"I've murdered men, women, and children, burned villages, destroyed crops, taken slaves, raped women, and made a pretty nasty image for myself." He looked at Cassandra who was pointedly ignoring him. "I really don't blame her for hating me. I hate myself for what I did, and what I did to her."
"I was one of them."
"The first immortal woman I ever took...and the last."
"Tell them." Cassandra's voice was a whisper, but Methos heard it as if it was thunder.
"She was a priestess, revered and pure. Then the Horsemen came. We destroyed her village and I took her and killed her and raped her and made her my slave. She had the most spirit I had seen in a woman in a very long time and I reveled in it, even as I tried to break her. I never truly did, and I am thankful for that." Cassandra snorted, then took over the narration.
"I hated and loved him. Then Kronos came and took me. Then, all I could feel was hate for him. I escaped that night."
"And I let her go, watching as she disappeared into the woods. I left the Horsemen soon after, and I've been on the run ever since."
"I was too, for a while. Then I got a little more confident and believed that they were dead. I was wrong. I was visiting a friend one day and he showed up. I tired to take his head then but her ran."
"I like living. I don't want to die." Cassandra ignored him.
"And he ran strait back to the Horsemen, who were all still very alive. They were reunited and tried to bring about the apocalypse."
"This was all after your war with Voldemort. We didn't succeed, obviously. Mac killed Kronos and Caspian, and I killed Silas, my favorite of the brothers. If any could see that what we were doing was wrong it could have been him...but it was too late." HE laughed humorlessly. "In fact, the only reason that I'm still alive is that Mac asked her to leave me alive." Cassandra turned to look at him, and for the first time that evening he looked her in the eyes. "He's witnessed my nightmares, Cassandra. He knows I'm being punished, and I have been since before I left." Cassandra spoke in a whisper.
"nightmares..."
"Images of blood and body parts. Darkness is everywhere, tainting everything. I turn and see myself, as I was then. I never remember the end of this dream, but I never wake up. I revive." Her eyes widened in surprise and sympathy, before remembering who she was talking to. She set her jaw.
"All right. I'll accept you apology, for now. I'll even go so far as to give you a second chance at being a human being, but...I still don't like you. However, I won't seek your head if you make no extra effort to talk to me. When I am convinced you and I are ready I will approach you. Is that acceptable?" Methos nodded.
"Perfectly." He stuck out his hand, and after a moment's hesitation Cassandra took it and they shook, solidifying the truce.
"I will be watching, Methos," Cassandra suddenly whispered in Sumerian. One false move and I will not hesitate to take your head. Got it?"
"Got it, however...I will not be an easy target, and I will fight back as hard as I can. I have a new reason for living and I don't want to leave him yet...ever if I can help it. Just remember that." He dropped her hand, and turned to look at those assembled who were watching them curiously. "It's late and this has been a draining meeting. Goodnight." With one last meaningful look at Severus he left the office. The three sat there for a moment, Dumbledore staring intently at Cassandra, before suddenly smiling.
"I believe I, too, will call it an early night. Would anyone care for a lemon drop before you retire? No? Oh well. Goodnight, all." They said their goodnights and left the office. Once out of the office Severus turned to Cassandra.
"If I find that you have hurt one hair on his head, I will take yours myself. Am I clear?" Cassandra nodded once, turning red, before running off to the astronomy tower for who knows what.
"A little protective, Severus?" Severus bristled, but before he could speak, Remus continued. "I know you two are together, and really, I think you two are good for each other and I wish you the best of luck. However, I do not think he's the type of man who wants his battles fought for him." Severus smiled ruefully at that.
"I know. I can't help it if I'm protective of things that I love." Remus smiled back.
"I know what you mean. I am the exact same way when it comes to my loved one. Though...you have an easier time at it. You don't have to fight the wizarding government...and your lover's tendency to jump in head first without testing the water, if you catch my drift."
"That sounds like you were describing Black."
"I was. Goodnight Severus." He left Severus staring after him, mouth a little open in surprise. Well, he HAD always thought that those two were closer than just friends, but to have it confirmed...wait a minute. Who was he to say anything about this? With an anticipatory smile he headed to his lover's rooms to fulfill all those promises in that look.
TBC.
Ok. Sorry it took so long. I have an excuse! HOMEWORK!!! The fact that I was recently diagnosed with ADD and being OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE has nothing to do with it. I can't focus on my stories as much anymore. That's why longer chapters take a ridiculously long time to write. Anyway...I'm gonna write a lemon slash story (for those of you who requested a little more action) as a little extra scene in this chapter. Specifically...what happens when Severus gets to Methos's room. Next chapter has tryouts (I promise) and a little something extra. I'm not telling what it is!!! I'll also do a valentines story spin-off, which will be posted (guess when!) on Valentines Day. It'll have P/O, H/D, M/S, R/H and a SECRET VALENTINE!!! Wish me luck!
Vampire Child - I have had that archive on my bookmarks since before I found this site. It's absolutely fantastic, and the first thing I did when I found it was read all the Methos Stories. (I am obsessed. It's wonderful!) Good Luck this semester!
Xelle - I hope you know that if you hadn't said something I would have never thought to write the student's reactions. Thank you.
Trippinwithcats - ok. I think I will.
Lurae - no, all of you rock for reviewing so diligently. Your votes have been noted. (You can vote twice if you want or put in extra characters, you know) It's Angelina! I thought it was Angela. Thanks.
Tea - Power to ya. You're right. Methos is gorgeous.
Lady Cinnibar - thanks for voting! Yes...I completely agree. Thanks for reviewing my other stories as well, unlike some people (*glares, but then ducks as broken bottles and rotten tomatoes are thrown. Why do people always seem to have rotten tomatoes to throw? Where do they keep them?*) the CMs should be updated in the next few days and the SG-1/HL should be up tonight or tomorrow. I have ecolea's stories under my favorites and I recommend them to anyone who likes Methos and SG-1. They are excellent!
CyanideQueen - I've read like that. That's why I need glasses now, too. That and reading in the car. Thanks for reviewing.
Golden Dragoness - all right already, here it is!
SilverCatofBast - I know you got your info. I'm sorry about the slower rate of these stories. The chapters are getting longer and I have less time. I'll try to write more, but I also have five other stories to write, so it may be a while till an update.
Arabwel - I'm glad you like it. I would be honored if you would beta it...but I've never had a beta before so I don't really know how it works. My e-mail is on my author profile...at least if should be if it ain't, it's [1]methos5k@optonline.net. Send me details. Mech/usage has always been a problem for me, so this would be a godsend. So Draco is believable. I had worried about that. grins I had fun writing that scene. I'm glad it's liked.
WyldeHorse - thanks for the input...but what bout the other positions? I'm glad you like.
Vertigo - thanks for voting. I'm glad you like the new improved `pantsed' Methos...wait that sounds wrong. I don't know...I always prefer Methos with no pants, but that's just me cheesy grin
READ MY OTHER STORIES! REVIEW THEM! PLEASE!!!! CHECK OTHER CHAPTERS FOR TITLES...it's late and I'm too tired to write them. I hope you liked this chapter. Till next time...
References
1. mailto:methos5k@optonline.net
Chapter 19:
As soon as the five had left, the Great Hall exploded into chatter, everybody wondering just what was said and why they said it.
"What the heck was that all about?" asked Ron.
"Well, obviously, they new each other before and probably didn't part on the best of terms. It sounded like she wanted to kill him...literally!"
"What language was that in? It didn't sound like any language that I've ever heard."
"I don't know. They were speaking too fast. I couldn't figure it out...but I bet any money that he didn't learn that at Beubaxtons! (a/n: he told them he went to Beubaxtons. Why? Because they asked.)
"Uh-oh," Ron said teasingly, "Herm's got her mind on a mystery. We're in for some adventure for sure this year."
"Oh, you!" Hermione playfully slapped his arm before continuing, "I doubt that we'll get into as much trouble this year as the last few years. I am a prefect now, you know. I am granted certain privileges, like staying out late without a pass." Ron looked at her surprised.
"Why didn't you tell me this?" Hermione smirked at him.
"Because you would have abused that power for other nefarious purposes."
"So?"
"You're getting off topic..."
"So?" They both cut him off and he glared at them before going on. "There is definitely something bigger going on than we expect. I want to figure it out."
"Of course you do...and I'm going to help you." Harry turned around and smiled at his boyfriend.
"And how exactly are you going to help?" Ron asked. Draco smiled at him, nicely.
"Haven't you noticed who Pierson spends most of his time with? He's practically glued to Professor Sanpe's hip! I happen to be pretty close with Professor Snape myself. I can get the details a lot easier than you can that way."
"That's wonderful!" Hermione beamed, her eyes going unfocussed as she planned. "I can check out the library for that language and if that doesn't work..."She trailed off, concentrating on her own thoughts.
"Um...Malfoy? Not to sound rude, but why are you here? I mean, wont you get a lot of rack from your housemates by being seen with the "famous Harry Potter" and his little circle of friends?" Draco smiled at Harry.
"I have enough of a bad ass reputation as to not worry about what they say." He looked up and grinned at the ground, especially Ron. "If that doesn't work I can always say I setting you up for a great fall later."
"oh," said Ron, "You're not...are you?" Draco made a face.
"No, I'm not. But I am hungry. We'll meet later in the library, ok?
The three nodded their assent and Draco took his leave, but not without giving Harry a lingering look and a special smile. His friends never noticed.
At the Slytherin Table.
Draco sat with Crabbe on one side and Goyle n the other, completely disgusted by their lack of table manners. Their very presence disgusted him, but for the safety of all, he must keep up pretense. Blaise was speaking. (a/n: Is Blaise a girl or a boy. Everyone says something different. Could somebody please tell me?)
"...I bet she was In Gryffindor, her attacking an obvious choice for Slytherin like that-"
"Professor Pierson was not in Slytherin, nor will he be. Teachers do not get sorted. She wasn't a Gryffindor, either. She probably went to Beubaxtons, like he did. They obviously don't like each other very much, though. And neither have that accent." Blaise seemingly ignored the end of Draco's thought.
"How do you know?" Draco rolled his eyes.
"Elementary, my dear Blaise. Simple deduction. Besides, he told us he went to Beubaxtons.
"Oh yeah." Next to him Crabbe slurped loudly on his soup, spilling some on his black school robes. Draco's already meager appetite fled him.
"Your manners are deplorable. You sicken me. I shall be in my dorm and I wish to be left alone and away from you cretins." He turned and left leaving behind a confused Crabbe and Goyle. As he left he heard one ask the other;
"What does `deplorible' mean?"
"I don't know. What's a `kreten'?" Draco shook his head in wonder and disgust and left the Great Hall.
In Dumbledore's office
Dumbledore was the first to enter the office, followed by Cassandra, then Remus, then Severus, and finally, a reluctant Adam. Dumbledore went immediately to the window as the others stood uncomfortably around his desk, Adam and Cassandra as far from each other as possible. Dumbledore turned and looked at them with a sincerity on his face that was not seen in many years.
"Adam," he jumped at his name, but met Dumbledore's gaze solidly. "I want you to be Methos." Adam looked at him puzzled.
"Albus, I am Methos." He spoke as if to a small child or a crazy man.
"I know that, but we need Methos the Immortal here, not Adam Pierson, mild mannered teacher. Only he can settle this." Adam nodded and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He seemed to grow in stature and presence. When he let the breath loose, Methos opened his eyes, which had changed from Adam's green to Methos's dragon-scale green/gold/brown. Severus smiled at his lover. Remus watched in shock at a transformation almost as complete as his own. Cassandra stiffened as Methos's gaze fell upon her. She was also very surprised when his eyes clouded over and he lowered his eyes in guilt in shame.
"Well," he said, looking up once more to look at Dumbledore, his voice resonating within the room, a rich baritone. "You want me? You've got me. Now what?" His voice was calm, if a little exasperated at the end, with just a touch of cynicism showing through.
"Now we come to an understanding...between all of you." He looked at each in turn. "I know of a need for secrets, but I also know that none can exist in this school. It is best to get them out of the way now, before one of the students find out. We also need to come to an agreement of sorts...to work together and not against each other...have I made myself clear." There were nods and murmurs of ascent. "Before we begin, would anybody care for a lemon drop? They're quite good."
"Oh, yes, thank you." Methos reached over and took a candy out of the tin Dumbledore was holding out while the others declined.
"Who wants to go first?" Nobody spoke. "You realize you are not leaving this room without clearing the air." They were silent for a moment longer before Remus spoke up.
"I guess I'll go first. You probably know the least about me than anyone." He breathed deep. "This is hard. The last time I told anyone strait out was when I was a student here. Severus remembers," he grinned slightly as Severus's scowl deepened. "I have lycanthrope. I've had it since I was a child. I'm not normally dangerous, and when the moon turns I know where to lock myself up. Severus has helped my by making my wolfsbane potion, to keep the beast's mind under control while I'm shifted." He looked up at the ancients and saw surprise on Cassandra's face and only acceptance and sympathy on Methos's. "You don't seem surprised." Methos shook his head.
"To tell the truth, I had my suspicions from the beginning. You've just confirmed them. And, you're not the first werewolf I've met." Remus turned to Cassandra.
"You on the other hand..."
"You're a WEREWOLF! You didn't think to TELL me this?!"
"Well, it isn't something I like to advertise. I am an endangered species, you know."
"But...but...you're one of the good guys." Remus smiled, not at all offended. That's the type of guy he was.
"Just because I'm a werewolf don't mean I'm a bad guy. Werewolves aren't evil...just very wild. They have none of the human's emotions...just a desire to hunt, eat, and mate. Pretty simple really." Cassandra nodded. She had noting to say. Quiet reigned for a moment before Cassandra spoke.
"I guess I have acted pretty atrociously, especially given what I am. I'm sorry, and I guess it's my turn. I am immortal. I have lived on this Earth for over 3000 years and have died more times than I can count, since we can die, it just isn't permanent. I am the most famous witch-immortal, though not the only one. Also, I am a true seer, and I have often prophesized events and such." Severus snorted, not at all impressed with her divining arts. She glared at him. "You got a problem with that?" Severus glared right back.
"Not at all," he said mockingly. "I just fail to see what's so important about that secret." Cassandra smiled.
"That's not mine to tell. That's his." She pointed to Methos. He laughed in disbelief.
"It's never stopped you before." She smiled at him, sickeningly sweet. He glared in response. Severus interrupted.
"I'll go next." Methos shot him a grateful look, wanting to put this off as long as possible. "My name is Severus Snape and I...I am...an alcoholic-" Methos burst out in surprised laughter. Severus smirked at him.
"Wrong meeting Sev. That one isn't until next week."
"And you're leading it, I wager."
"Nope."
"No?"
"Minerva is." Methos smiled wickedly and Severus laughed.
"Anyway, all laughing aside..." he turned to look at Dumbledore, as if to reassure himself that this is what Dumbledore wanted. He took a deep breath and rolled up his sleeve to show the Dark Mark. "I am a spy. I have been since about two months after I joined. I wont go into the details, but essentially I realized I had made a mistake and came to Dumbledore for help. I began my new life as a double agent the very next day. I have been ever since." Remus nodded. He knew about this from the last time he had taught here, as Severus had known about his own problem. Cassandra looked shell-shocked, but quickly composed herself. Methos put a reassuring hand of Severus's shoulder and Severus reached up to clasp it, gripping it like a lifeline.
"I guess I'm the only one left and, well, Remus, you're the only one who doesn't know who or what I really am. My name is Methos. I, like Cassandra, am immortal. I am 5000 years old." He paused, his voice taking on a deeper, scratchier timbre. "I have been many things. Lately, though I have been healers, scholars, military officers, teachers, or police officers. Back in the bad old days, however, my jobs were not so...peaceful. I was a mercenary, a blacksmith, a warrior, a trainer, and a thousand other things. But most importantly, I was Death; Death on a pale horse, as written in the Bible. I had three brothers, Kronos, Caspian, and Silas, and we ruled with terror for over a thousand years. I will not go into details of what we did, but oft times it was worse than what I heard of Voldemort. It was the darkest time of my life and the part that comes back to haunt me the most, no matter how hard I try to escape."
"You can't escape justice, Methos. Nor Revenge."
"Oh, I don't know. I've done a pretty good job so far." The mask was back up, and the cynical humor was once again making its presence known. Cassandra made an exasperated noise folder her arms across her chest. He smirked at her before sobering and continuing.
"I've murdered men, women, and children, burned villages, destroyed crops, taken slaves, raped women, and made a pretty nasty image for myself." He looked at Cassandra who was pointedly ignoring him. "I really don't blame her for hating me. I hate myself for what I did, and what I did to her."
"I was one of them."
"The first immortal woman I ever took...and the last."
"Tell them." Cassandra's voice was a whisper, but Methos heard it as if it was thunder.
"She was a priestess, revered and pure. Then the Horsemen came. We destroyed her village and I took her and killed her and raped her and made her my slave. She had the most spirit I had seen in a woman in a very long time and I reveled in it, even as I tried to break her. I never truly did, and I am thankful for that." Cassandra snorted, then took over the narration.
"I hated and loved him. Then Kronos came and took me. Then, all I could feel was hate for him. I escaped that night."
"And I let her go, watching as she disappeared into the woods. I left the Horsemen soon after, and I've been on the run ever since."
"I was too, for a while. Then I got a little more confident and believed that they were dead. I was wrong. I was visiting a friend one day and he showed up. I tired to take his head then but her ran."
"I like living. I don't want to die." Cassandra ignored him.
"And he ran strait back to the Horsemen, who were all still very alive. They were reunited and tried to bring about the apocalypse."
"This was all after your war with Voldemort. We didn't succeed, obviously. Mac killed Kronos and Caspian, and I killed Silas, my favorite of the brothers. If any could see that what we were doing was wrong it could have been him...but it was too late." HE laughed humorlessly. "In fact, the only reason that I'm still alive is that Mac asked her to leave me alive." Cassandra turned to look at him, and for the first time that evening he looked her in the eyes. "He's witnessed my nightmares, Cassandra. He knows I'm being punished, and I have been since before I left." Cassandra spoke in a whisper.
"nightmares..."
"Images of blood and body parts. Darkness is everywhere, tainting everything. I turn and see myself, as I was then. I never remember the end of this dream, but I never wake up. I revive." Her eyes widened in surprise and sympathy, before remembering who she was talking to. She set her jaw.
"All right. I'll accept you apology, for now. I'll even go so far as to give you a second chance at being a human being, but...I still don't like you. However, I won't seek your head if you make no extra effort to talk to me. When I am convinced you and I are ready I will approach you. Is that acceptable?" Methos nodded.
"Perfectly." He stuck out his hand, and after a moment's hesitation Cassandra took it and they shook, solidifying the truce.
"I will be watching, Methos," Cassandra suddenly whispered in Sumerian. One false move and I will not hesitate to take your head. Got it?"
"Got it, however...I will not be an easy target, and I will fight back as hard as I can. I have a new reason for living and I don't want to leave him yet...ever if I can help it. Just remember that." He dropped her hand, and turned to look at those assembled who were watching them curiously. "It's late and this has been a draining meeting. Goodnight." With one last meaningful look at Severus he left the office. The three sat there for a moment, Dumbledore staring intently at Cassandra, before suddenly smiling.
"I believe I, too, will call it an early night. Would anyone care for a lemon drop before you retire? No? Oh well. Goodnight, all." They said their goodnights and left the office. Once out of the office Severus turned to Cassandra.
"If I find that you have hurt one hair on his head, I will take yours myself. Am I clear?" Cassandra nodded once, turning red, before running off to the astronomy tower for who knows what.
"A little protective, Severus?" Severus bristled, but before he could speak, Remus continued. "I know you two are together, and really, I think you two are good for each other and I wish you the best of luck. However, I do not think he's the type of man who wants his battles fought for him." Severus smiled ruefully at that.
"I know. I can't help it if I'm protective of things that I love." Remus smiled back.
"I know what you mean. I am the exact same way when it comes to my loved one. Though...you have an easier time at it. You don't have to fight the wizarding government...and your lover's tendency to jump in head first without testing the water, if you catch my drift."
"That sounds like you were describing Black."
"I was. Goodnight Severus." He left Severus staring after him, mouth a little open in surprise. Well, he HAD always thought that those two were closer than just friends, but to have it confirmed...wait a minute. Who was he to say anything about this? With an anticipatory smile he headed to his lover's rooms to fulfill all those promises in that look.
TBC.
Ok. Sorry it took so long. I have an excuse! HOMEWORK!!! The fact that I was recently diagnosed with ADD and being OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE has nothing to do with it. I can't focus on my stories as much anymore. That's why longer chapters take a ridiculously long time to write. Anyway...I'm gonna write a lemon slash story (for those of you who requested a little more action) as a little extra scene in this chapter. Specifically...what happens when Severus gets to Methos's room. Next chapter has tryouts (I promise) and a little something extra. I'm not telling what it is!!! I'll also do a valentines story spin-off, which will be posted (guess when!) on Valentines Day. It'll have P/O, H/D, M/S, R/H and a SECRET VALENTINE!!! Wish me luck!
Vampire Child - I have had that archive on my bookmarks since before I found this site. It's absolutely fantastic, and the first thing I did when I found it was read all the Methos Stories. (I am obsessed. It's wonderful!) Good Luck this semester!
Xelle - I hope you know that if you hadn't said something I would have never thought to write the student's reactions. Thank you.
Trippinwithcats - ok. I think I will.
Lurae - no, all of you rock for reviewing so diligently. Your votes have been noted. (You can vote twice if you want or put in extra characters, you know) It's Angelina! I thought it was Angela. Thanks.
Tea - Power to ya. You're right. Methos is gorgeous.
Lady Cinnibar - thanks for voting! Yes...I completely agree. Thanks for reviewing my other stories as well, unlike some people (*glares, but then ducks as broken bottles and rotten tomatoes are thrown. Why do people always seem to have rotten tomatoes to throw? Where do they keep them?*) the CMs should be updated in the next few days and the SG-1/HL should be up tonight or tomorrow. I have ecolea's stories under my favorites and I recommend them to anyone who likes Methos and SG-1. They are excellent!
CyanideQueen - I've read like that. That's why I need glasses now, too. That and reading in the car. Thanks for reviewing.
Golden Dragoness - all right already, here it is!
SilverCatofBast - I know you got your info. I'm sorry about the slower rate of these stories. The chapters are getting longer and I have less time. I'll try to write more, but I also have five other stories to write, so it may be a while till an update.
Arabwel - I'm glad you like it. I would be honored if you would beta it...but I've never had a beta before so I don't really know how it works. My e-mail is on my author profile...at least if should be if it ain't, it's [1]methos5k@optonline.net. Send me details. Mech/usage has always been a problem for me, so this would be a godsend. So Draco is believable. I had worried about that. grins I had fun writing that scene. I'm glad it's liked.
WyldeHorse - thanks for the input...but what bout the other positions? I'm glad you like.
Vertigo - thanks for voting. I'm glad you like the new improved `pantsed' Methos...wait that sounds wrong. I don't know...I always prefer Methos with no pants, but that's just me cheesy grin
READ MY OTHER STORIES! REVIEW THEM! PLEASE!!!! CHECK OTHER CHAPTERS FOR TITLES...it's late and I'm too tired to write them. I hope you liked this chapter. Till next time...
References
1. mailto:methos5k@optonline.net