Author's Note: Ta da! I updated! Isn't that a kick in the head? Please forgive me for taking so long but my first semester of college is over and I'm alive to tell the tale. Anyways, many thanks to my Beta reader, Amissa and alas dear dear evil muse Megan (I suck at names! I told you I did!) who actually wrote the great Sirius/Snape argument in this chapter. You know the drill, read and review.

The sky over Hecate Compound was pale blue as the sun began its slow rise into the sky. Severus Snape pulled his black cloak closer to him and kept his face cold. He hadn't been to Hecate in almost twenty years, since the Day of the Dead when he brought the Aurors to their knees and ransomed his soul. He hadn't been there since he chose his fate: killing Alexander Rouge and creating the Dark Prince. Now he prayed to whoever would listen, pleading that this moment could change.

In front of him, Kaiya Alchemy was running toward the Academy, panic stricken and wide-eyed. He couldn't blame her; he was feeling the same way. He just had more practice hiding it. His ears were still ringing with the short conversation he had with Chandra a few moments ago.

"Severus!"

"Chandra?!? What's the matter? Why are you crying…Chandra? Answer me!"

"Severus…they…he…"

"Chandra, where's Gideon?"

"You need to come to Hecate, Severus. He's…bring Kaiya."

"I'm on my way…"

He had dressed hastily, called Kaiya, and used the Floo to get to Fenrir's office. Hecate Compound was a sprawling world in itself: the orphanage and Wizardry school were connected to the Auror training wings. But the Auror Academy itself, along with its dormitories and other Ministry offices were closed away. The cemetery flanked the Academy.

And Severus hated it more with every step that took him closer to his past, to the grave of Sydney Van Ness, and Jude Remington. Before Van Ness' final resting place was a memorial stone- a marker over an empty grave for Billy Moore; after Remington's was one for a forgotten Auror named Alexander Rouge. He knew in his heart where the markers were, every day he thought about them but he never allowed himself to visit. He didn't think he'd care to see them today either.

"Oh Severus, thank God you're here!" It was Chandra Firestone running to greet him. She threw herself into his arms and he, despite lack of practice, held the crying woman tightly.

"Severus, Severus…they can't…" She trailed off then shook her head, another wave of despair just about to break. "They can't untie him."

"What are you talking about?" He asked but his voice was drowned out by a sharp, piercing scream coming from Kaiya. He jerked away from Chandra and ran toward where Kaiya was looking. She was looking at the cemetery.

She was looking at Gideon.

"No." Severus whispered. "Please, no…"

Gideon Mallory's back was to him and Snape recoiled when he saw it. Most of the skin was gone, and he could see past the blood to where white bone was showing. He recognized the torture right away. It was the Judas Judgment. As Snape walked closer, he could tell Gideon was still alive, but barely. People, including Auror, Charm Breaker and Medics, surrounded him, studying his posturing and talking among themselves. Snape inched closer, pushing past the people to see him fully. He winced aloud when he saw the extent of it.

Gideon was tied across three gravestones. He was on his knees, resting his stomach against one, while his arms were slung over the grave marker on either side of him. A charm had his wrists bound to the markers with what looked like glowing gold barbwire. Snape could see that the wire was biting into Gideon's wrists, almost severing the hands from the rest of the arm.

"Can you break the charm?" He asked the nearest man.

The Auror shook his head. "They've been planning it all morning but every time they try something, the wire tightens. The medics are saying that if the Charm breakers keep trying, he's going to lose both his hands."

"If you leave him there, he'll die."

He nodded. "There's the problem."

"What are you doing here?"

Snape closed his eyes and exhaled tiredly. He knew that voice and hated it with as much passion as he hated Sirius'. "Now is not the time, Chastity."

"Why not? He's there because of you!"

"What are you talking about?"

"Look at the graves."

Snape obeyed. The graves were marked Billy Moore, and Jude Remington, Snape could only assume that the grave that supported Gideon was that of his squad leader, Sydney Van Ness. He licked his lips, biting back the unease and returned his attention to his friend, blocking out Chastity all together. Chastity Remington and he had a history Snape didn't care to recall at this moment. He kneeled down beside Gideon and brushed some of his blood-soaked hair away from his face. "Gideon? Gideon, look at me."

Gideon looked up and met Snape's eyes. "Didn't think it would be this way," He whispered softly, voice choking and body shaking. "Thought I'd die on my feet."

"You'll die an old man, warm in your bed." He whispered. "But first, we need to get you out of this."

The main Charm breaker was reaching down, studying the arms. He glanced up and looked up. "Alexander, do think you can hold him?"

Snape glanced up. "I have him."

"Just watch his wrists."

Snape nodded, eyes focused on Gideon. Chastity shifted, entranced by the grisly scene and pressed closer to Gideon's partner, Desmond Moody. Kaiya was keeping Chandra at bay. Snape brushed Gideon's face again, resting his hand on his cheek. He smiled softly. "Head up high, Gideon, you're pureblood."

Mallory nodded. "It's good to you again, Rouge."

The Charm breakers stood one on each side, wand pointed at his wrists. The Medics stood behind them, waiting. Snape forced himself to keep eye contact. The Charm breaker looked to Gideon. "Are you ready, sir?"

"Do it."

And the scream that pierced Hecate's serene sky shook even the Dark Prince's soul.

"Harry! Harry wake up!" Ron jostled Harry from a lovely Saturday afternoon nap.

Harry opened his eyes and stared at Ron. "What's wrong?"

"Get up, now." Ron strained. His eyes were darting around the empty room, as if afraid to be caught. As soon as Harry was up, Ron jumped up, going directly to his chest. He rummaged through the chest until he pulled out a gossamer cloak, shaking it and smoothing it out. Harry frowned, watching Ron as he threw the Invisibility Cloak at him.

"Ron, Ron," Harry yelped. "What's going on?"

"I can't tell you." Ron muttered, as he guided Harry out of the Tower. They were leaving the classrooms, and the dormitories toward another part of the castle. The hall was becoming less ornate, softer, simpler, and very unwelcoming. Harry tilted his head, and studied the walls around him. "Where are we going?"

Ron glanced back. "Staff quarters."

"And why…"

"Do you trust me Harry?" Ron suddenly stopped, pivoting on his heels and staring into Harry's eyes. He looked pained, confused and nervous. His voice was still and on the verge of breaking. Harry was confused and reached out to touch Ron's shoulder but the boy flinched and looked away. "I asked if you trusted me, do you?"

"Of course, I trust you Ron."

He searched Harry's eyes, a battle written over his face. Then slowly, he nodded and smiled sheepishly. "Then come on."

They stopped in front of a simple, unmarked door near the end of the hall. Ron pulled his wand and touched the top of the door, the base, and each side from left to right. The woodwork began to swirl and formed ancient glyphs forming an enchantment used for the protection. Ron muttered something under his breath and the glyphs scattered, opening the door.

The residence looked distinctly aristocratic despite it's sparse furnishing. It was a relatively small apartment, bedroom, bathroom and a door hidden in the corner, behind the wardrobe. A large canopy bed, wardrobe and desk made up the only furniture. The desk was cluttered with papers, with a photo-book opened and there was clothing sprawled over the floor. The bed was the only thing untouched, with the curtains pulled around it.

"Ron…this is Snape's room."

"That's very good, Mr. Potter." Purred a voice from the bed. He saw a woman's hand reach out and pull back the curtain. The woman slipped from the bed and stood her full height and smiled.

"You're the lady in the picture with my father…" She smiled, glanced at Ron and nodded curtly. Ron was gone when Harry looked back. She stalked towards him; arm raised, and pushed him into a corner.

"Put your cloak on and stay there."

"But what…why…"

"Stay there." She repeated, throwing the cloak over him. She barely swept toward the hidden door, to hide herself, before the main door opened, revealing an irate Snape.

He slammed his coat off, showing off a white shirt that was covered with dank rust. His hands were also crusty with blood. He was shaking uncontrollably, looking around panicking. He looked near collapse. "James, Sydney…I could use some help here, you have no idea…"

"Who'd you kill this time?"

"What are you doing here?" Snape tried to scream, although it came out as more a gasp. Then he nodded, composing himself and adding annoyance to his voice. The change Snape underwent was lightening fast and stunned Harry. Snape turned from human to vicious in half a second. "I should have known."

"Hey now, Severus. We're on the same side now. Remember? We're supposed to be friends." Sirius' voice was low and menacing. "At least, I'm willing to be so. Personally, I think you're full of it but Dumbledore believes your lies, so I won't kill you."

"Are you in any state in question someone else's loyalty, Black? You're still a convict, all you'll ever be."

"Learn that in Azkaban, Severus?"

"I served my time."

Harry gulped and fell from his squat, lowering himself so that his back was against the wall. He readjusted the cloak, not because part of him was showing, just because of a desire to feel safe, and repeat to the line he had just heard. Snape had been in Azkaban? It explained a lot, like perhaps the reason Snape had a cold stare and harsh terms. Could he have crumbled in that prison? Sirius had been there for nearly thirteen years and they had not broke him. Sirius could still feel, despite all the nightmares. Snape was something different. He was purely sinister, and Harry concluded that he had always been so, and always would be. Nothing could change that, and those few brief moments that Harry had though he had seen a glimmer of humanity shine through Snape's exterior, he knew better than to believe those moments were real.

"You know I was innocent, Snape. I know that might be a foreign word for you. Your vocabulary lacks some basics, like innocence or bravery, love…" His voice turned cold. "Loyalty."

"You're searching, Black. I believe you're losing your touch…" Snape smiled. "And I'm the epitome of bravery."

"That a fact, Alexander?" Sirius' head lolled from one side to the other, "All I see is a boy who betrayed his friends, cowering behind a big black cloak to hide the fact he's trembling, afraid someone knows he's weak."

What's the importance of the name Alexander? Harry thought to himself. Sirius, like James' diary and Kaiya, seemed to section off Severus from Alexander as if he were two different people.

"Don't call me Alexander." Severus said, standing and crossing to Sirius. His eyes were ablaze and voice deadly.

"Why not? That's what James called you. Remember James? There was your loyalty at its finest. You betrayed him; killed him. Was it fun for you to watch your former friend suffer?"

It clicked. The picture. James and Snape as kids. They looked happy. Harry didn't understand what happened to Snape. No, that wasn't right. What happened to Alexander? He must have been a good kid with a strong heart who must have been a true friend. His father's friend had disappeared inside cold eyes, a pale face and greasy hair. As much as he hated Snape, Harry couldn't help wondering if somewhere in that sea of black, Alex was still there, struggling to survive.

"I didn't kill James." Snape said, calmly. "You did. It was your fault that James died. Your fault your godson spent sixteen years abused and starved."

"That's not my fault." Sirius said more to reassure himself than to counter Snape. "And what about Harry, and Lily. What did you have against them? You barely knew Lily! Why were they attacked? James loved her." The voice turned distant, and pained. "I never saw a couple more in love. I thought Lily and Remus were cute but they were nothing compared to her and James. You never even saw them together…you gave up on James too early- it wasn't worth it. You were the fucking Morning Star, too damn powerful to care for friends. Well, at least you got your power…only where is it? Taking off house points because it's the only thing you can control…" Sirius scoffed. "But James loved you. I never understood why. I knew what you were back then…you didn't deserve James' friendship."

Snape licked his lips to speak.

"Can it, I'm talking. How dare you interrupt me when I'm talking about James? Give him at least that respect. Give the woman he loved that respect…" Sirius glanced at Snape and began to pace. "Course, it wasn't the first time he loved…there was that one woman. He was defiantly in love with her. Course, it might have been the sex, which he told me, was amazing."

"Who?"

"Why do you care, Snape, you gave up on James, remember? Besides it was after Hogwarts."

"Her name, Black."

"Jacqueline Eames."