You know, this is a lot shorter than I thought it was. *shrug* Oh, well, the next part is a lot longer. I mean it. Really. ^_^ Hmm, I've discovered our theme CD for this story is the Batman Forever soundtrack. Movie aside, most of the music seems to fit my mood. Do I understand this? Not really. Ah, yes, all the standard characters belong to Lady Rowling and her Corporate Court and Tamora Pierce can be found throughout my ideas. Read her books. They're very good.

Big thanks to my reviewers so far: Beccs, Unicorn Lady (you sure you want to keep egging me on, er, encouraging me? :-P ), Diana (points to Cat for spreading my insanity!), furguspork, and Lady Elena. Domo arigatou gozaimasu!!!

Have fun!

Ladymage ; )

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Listen for My Heart

Part 4 ~ What Are You?

Any energy Eiluneth had drained out of her, leaving her feeling empty. Slowly, she moved to light the other candles and lamps in her room, only to be stopped by Snape's impatient wave, which lit them all. With a sigh, she sank into the window seat and stared out across the landscape. "Does it matter?" she asked listlessly. "You've already condemned me; what difference does it make?"

"Perhaps I like to know what I'm condemning people for," Snape remarked, his voice deceptively mild.

"Ah, well," Eiluneth murmured, "might as well, I suppose. Not likely I'll have another chance, anyways. Very well, Professor Snape. I am a hedgewitch."

"Impossible," he said flatly. "They don't exist."

"That's what my father says," Eiluneth agreed. "But there you are. I am what I am. I wish I could live up to your expectations of me, but I can't. So do as you like; there's aught I haven't heard or experienced before."

"If you are a hedgewitch," Snape pursued, "why didn't you declare yourself? The secrecy doesn't speak well for you."

"I think the question is: why would I?," she replied, turning to look up at him. "You know your history as well as I do, Professor Snape. Wizards treat the witch trials as one big joke. But who do you think took the real brunt of the viciousness? Who lived in the villages and on the outskirts because they had no place else to go? The wizarding community denied our magic and refused our plea for sanctuary. Muggles persecute us, wizards deny us--or use us if it suits their purpose. So why should I admit to something that will only bring me ridicule, hatred, and grief? Do you know what that's like, Professor Snape? To be hated, feared? Judged before you have a chance to say a single word?"

Snape stopped dead. "Yes," he said distantly, his hand absentmindedly rubbing his forearm, "Yes, I do."

"Then you understand," Eiluneth said gently. "You understand why I said nothing. Why I cannot trust wizards with what I am."

"You trust your father, your brother," Snape remarked.

"That was a private conversation," she commented neutrally. "'Twas my mother first trusted my father. I can hardly do less. And surely you remember Tom. There are no half-measures there."

True, he did remember Thomas Pierce. A sweet, sensitive, undeniably bright lad with the signature Hufflepuff loyalty in spades. Yes, Tom would be fiercely loyal to his sister, guarding her in the fashion peculiar to little brothers and keeping her secrets well. Of course, he would insist on knowing those secrets, as well.

"Why?" he demanded suddenly, startling her.

"What?"

"Why are you here?" he ground out. "From what you have told me, wizards are the last people you would seek out. Why are you living with us?"

"I-- I really shouldn't say. . ." she wavered. "But I will. I trust you."

It was Severus's turn to be surprised. "What?"

"You could have told people about your suspicions at any time, Professor. But you chose to confront me and give me a chance to defend myself. I'm grateful; it's more than anyone else would have given me." Disconcerted, Severus said nothing and Eiluneth continued. "I'm here because the Headmaster has faith in me. He discovered my talent and asked me to use it to find Lord Voldemort." She seemed oblivious to Severus's slight stiffening at the name. "I can Listen much farther than we went tonight, though I feel rather than hear as I go farther out. But I've failed." She once more turned toward the moonlit fields. "Over two months and nothing. Nothing I was able to do. I was trying again before you. . . came. . . this evening. I just don't know what I'm looking for! I thought the Earth could show me such a concentration of evil, but I have nothing! Is it that he is beyond my range, or do I continue to pass him by like some buffle-brained fool?" Eiluneth turned to see the consternation on Snape's face. She flushed a deep red. "I beg your pardon, Professor. I let myself get carried away."

"Yes. Well," Snape prevaricated. "I believe that will be all for the moment. I will, however, be taking this matter up with the Headmaster."

"Of course," she replied softly, looking just that much more exhausted.

"Good night, Miss Pierce," he said abruptly and left the room. Was it his imagination, or did he hear a soft "Good night" in reply?