Disclaimer: Here we go again *sighs* I don't own anything except Katya and the plot so don't sue me!!!!

~ Curiosity Killed the Cat ~

Severus slowly walked to the headmaster's office. He stopped at the statue of a gargoyle.

"Sugar quills" he said in a cold voice. Stepping onto the moving staircase he pondered how he was going to tell the headmaster the task he'd been given by Voldemort.

Knocking on the door he entered the round office.

"Ah, Severus," Dumbledore greeted from his desk, "To what do I owe this visit?"

"Good evening Albus, Fawkes," he nodded his head at the phoenix who instantly burst into flames. It was very disconcerting when he did that. Turning to Dumbledore he said, "Voldemort has given me an assignment."

"And what is it?"

Severus took a deep breath, "I am to bring him Potter on the fifth of May. There he will be tortured and killed by Voldemort."

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, "Well this is definitely not good." Albus mused over the possibilities of getting out of this difficult situation. "I think we had better contact Moody," he finally said. After some extensive psychotherapy, requiring a bit of memory altering, the old man had returned to the life of an auror and was now head of his department.

"But what about Fudge?" Snape asked, "He won't be too happy about us dragging the Ministry into this."

"You forget Severus. After that attack on a muggle village last summer Fudge was forced to recognize the fact that Voldemort has risen again."

Severus nodded, "Yes, perhaps we had better call Moody. And Fudge."

"I'll owl them and let you know as soon as I get a reply," Dumbledore promised.

Nodding Severus left.

* * *

Katya was worried. She had been with Severus for four months now and she was afraid he was getting tired of her. Though it didn't happen often, there were times when he would make up some lame excuse and leave in a hurry. What was going on? Then there were all those meetings he had with Dumbledore that he refused to talk to her about. Not that it was any of her business, but he didn't have to be so short with her when she asked. Then there was the love thing. She had only told him she loved him a few times, but each time she did he would react the same way he had the first time. He'd kiss her, but he never said, "I love you" back. At first she had assumed it was just hard for him to say it and that was what his kisses meant. It was his silent way of letting her know he felt the same way. But now she wasn't so sure. This idea had been on her mind for some time but she had pushed it away. Now he had left her again using his arm as an excuse and the thoughts had returned with more force. Merlin! You'd think he'd at least come up with a different excuse once in a while instead of being so transparent.

Katya's head was beginning to hurt and she was getting angry. Standing up she decided to get some fresh air. Leaving the castle she headed for the lake. As she walked she tried to think of other things besides Severus. It didn't work, in fact, it made her more annoyed. Reaching the lake she began to throw rocks into it with all her might. The giant octopus waved its tentacles in her direction in protest but Katya ignored it. She continued to throw.

"You know, you can pull a muscle that way," a familiar voice said.

Trying to calm herself she turned to face him. "What's going on Sev?"

He looked confused. "What are you talking about?"

"I mean why do you constantly leave me with a lame excuse? If you're sick of me just tell me and I'll leave you alone." She lowered her head.

Severus wasn't sure what to do. He hadn't seen Katya look this vulnerable since her first day of teaching. Putting his hands on her shoulders said, "Darling, I could never get sick of you. I . . ." He stopped himself. He had nearly told her he loved her. Merlin this is so hard. His hesitation didn't go unnoticed by Katya.

"You what?" she asked suspiciously.

To hell with this. Throwing caution to the winds he finished, "I love you."

Katya's face lit up and she looked at him. "You do?"

"Yes, I thought you knew"

"Well I hoped, but you never confirmed it."

"Now I have"

"Yes, you have" Pulling his face down to hers she kissed him. When they broke apart she said, "But saying you love me doesn't answer my question. What's going on?"

Severus let go of her and took a step back. "Nothing you need to worry about, darling. It's something between Dumbledore and me."

"Okay, I'll drop it this time but I'm not making any promises for next time."

He caressed her cheek, "I guess that'll have to do."

Suddenly a stone came flying out of the air and landed next to them with a thud. Looking in the direction of the lake they spotted the giant octopus shaking it's tentacle at them.

"We'd better get to dinner before we're attacked with more rocks," Katya said, "Besides, if we come in even two minutes late there will be rumors all over the school about what we were doing."

"I thought you didn't care what anyone thought."

"I don't. I thought you did."

"No I don't"

"Oh, well let's go anyway. I'm starving," as if in agreement her stomach rumbled. Severus laughed and, taking her hand, they walked back to the castle.

* * *

Two days went by when Snape received an owl at breakfast. Recognizing the handwriting he looked questioningly at the headmaster. Dumbledore gave him a small smile before returning to his sausage.

Professor Snape,

I wasn't sure when I'd get the chance to talk to you so I wrote you a note. The Minister of Magic and Moody will be here at 2:30 this afternoon. Please come up to my office at that time.

Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Severus turned to Dumbledore, who was looking at him, and nodded.

"Good morning Sev," Katya said as she sat down next to him.

"Morning Kat, sleep in again?"

She made a face at him, "For your information I was trying to make myself look presentable for today."

"What's today?"

Katya pouted at him, "It's our four-month anniversary as a couple."

"So?"

"So! Don't tell me you forgot! It's not hard to remember when we got together seeing as it was on Christmas Day!"

Realizing his mistake Severus hurried to explain himself, "What I meant, darling, was that we've never celebrated our one, two, and three-month anniversaries. What's so special about the fourth?"

Katya rolled her eyes, "Nothing, but it's the first anniversary that has also fallen on a Hogsmeade weekend. I thought we were going to spend the day together shopping and go out to dinner."

Curses! I completely forgot about our plans! And we made them when? Last night! My memory seems to be disappearing more everyday.

"I'm sorry darling, but I have a meeting with Dumbledore today."

"Oh," she said looking away. She was obviously trying to hide her disappointment, "Okay"

"I really do want to spend the day with you Kat," he reassured.

"I know"

"I tell you what. My meeting isn't until 2:30. How about I go shopping with you for a few hours, come back here for the meeting, and meet you back in Hogsmeade for dinner?"

"I don't want to be a burden."

"I don't mind at all," he said taking both her hands under the table. She turned to look at him. "I'll take you dancing after dinner."

A smile spread across her face, "Well when you put it that way . . ."

Realizing that it was nearly 11:00 Severus suggested that they get going. In Hogsmeade they stopped at the apothecary to visit Cordelia. The old woman was extremely happy to find out they were dating. Afterwards they went to The Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer. After polishing off two apiece Katya dragged him to a robes shop insisting that she absolutely needed a new blue robe. At 2:00 Severus was waiting impatiently outside a dressing room inside Magical Apparel.

"Katya," he said, "It's nearly time for me to go. Haven't you found a robe yet?"

"I only have one more to try on Sev," her voice came through the door. Severus shook his head. Women.

The door opened, "What do you think?"

He looked up to see Katya wearing a sky blue robe with small silver stars embroidered on it. It brought out her eyes, but so had the other twenty-eight robes she'd tried on. (Yes, he was keeping count.)

"You look beautiful," he said.

"Thank you, but that doesn't help much. You've said the same thing to every single one I've tried on."

Severus looked around and his eyes fell on a navy blue robe hanging on a nearby rack. Walking over to it he pulled it off the rack. "What about this one?"

Katya's eyes lit up, "It's beautiful. Bring it here."

She emerged from the dressing room a few minutes later. She looked stunning. The robe was a solid, dark navy color that fit in all the right places. He couldn't help but stare,

"Well?" she said beginning to feel uncomfortable under his gaze.

"You look stunning."

"It's a step up from beautiful," she smirked, "I think I'll get this one." She twirled around and then went back into the dressing room. A quick change and fourteen galleons later they were leaving the dress shop. It was 2:18.

"Just think," Katya joked, "All that time would have been saved if you had helped out sooner."

"I've got to go darling," he said ignoring her comment.

"Okay, I'll meet you at Pierre's Cafe at 4:30 right?" They had decided that an early dinner would be best if they wanted to go dancing afterwards.

"Yes, I'll see you later Kat," he gave her a quick kiss.

"Bye"

Katya watched him walk away. So Katya, what are you going to do for the next two hours? She asked herself. Absentmindedly she began to play with the necklace around her neck. Looking down she realized it was her gift from Severus. After he'd put it on her neck she'd never taken it off and had eventually forgotten she was wearing it. She smiled; she knew how she was going to spend her time alone.

* * *

"Sorry I'm late," Severus said as he entered Dumbledore's office.

"It's quite all right Severus," Dumbledore said in his soft voice, "I've just finished telling these gentlemen your assignment. We were just coming up with a plan."

"We've decided to let you take the boy," Moody said.

"I beg your pardon?" Severus asked in disbelief.

"It's perfect Professor Snape," Dumbledore interjected, "You take Potter and Voldemort will think you're loyal. Thus proving your loyalty and keeping you out of alive."

"You just need to give me the location of the meeting," Moody said, "We'll have aurors arrive soon after you deliver Potter to Voldemort."

"And what if you're too late?" he asked, "Understand that I'll do everything in my power to keep him safe but all it takes are one curse from Voldemort and I'm done."

"We'll just have to make sure we're there before it's too late," Moody said.

"And what if Potter doesn't agree to this?" Snape questioned.

"He will," Dumbledore said, "He's a brave boy. He won't let us down."

"Perhaps we should ask what our esteemed Minister of Magic thinks of all this," Severus said turning to Fudge who had remained silent throughout the entire conversation.

"I think it's the best plan we're going to come up with. Dumbledore, why don't you call for Harry? Tell him the plan."

Dumbledore nodded. Throwing some floo powder into the fireplace he stuck his head in and said, "Gryffindor Common Room"

"Is Harry in here?" they heard him say, "Will you please tell him I would like to see him in my office now? Thank you." He pulled his head out of the fireplace. "He should be here any minute," he said brushing soot out of his beard. "Cornelius, will you please go wait for him since he doesn't know the password?"

Fudge nodded and left. A few moments later he returned with Harry close behind.

"Harry, have a seat," the headmaster invited. He sat. "Lemon drop?" he offered. Harry declined. Deciding not to postpone further the four men swore him to secrecy and quickly explained the situation and plan to him. Harry sat there staring at the floor for a few moments considering the idea. It'll be a lot safer situation than some of the others I've been in. There'll be aurors all over the place. Looking up he said, "I'll do it."

* * *

Katya stopped in front of a shop and read the sign.

Matkins and Roberts Magical Jewels

Bringing enchanted jewelry to witches and wizards everywhere since 583 A.D.

Pushing the door open she stepped inside. She was immediately dazzled with an assortment of jewels.

"Can I help you?" a short man asked.

"Yes, I'm looking for one of the owners."

"Well you found one. Ernest Matkins at your service," he said extending his hand.

"Katya Poiston," she said shaking his hand.

"How can I help you?"

"I have a few questions concerning this," she indicated the necklace.

"Oh, yes, the coiled snake and acronium set. One of a kind; nothing else like it. Do you enjoy it?"

"Yes, it's beautiful. I was just wondering about the stone."

"The stone" he repeated.

"Yes, my boyfriend gave it to me as a gift and mentioned something about it warning me when a loved one's in danger."

Ernest nodded, "Yes, the acronium has special magical properties that allow someone to charm it with an alerting love spell that will notify the wearer of an endangered loved one. Did he tell you it'll take you to them?"

"Yes he did. What I want to know is, is it true? And, if so, how does it alert me and how do I make it take me to the loved one?"

"Yes, it is very true."

"But my boyfriend said that no one has had enough power to perform the charm since the founders of Hogwarts."

"You mean you don't know?"

"Know what?"

"We don't just sell modern jewelry here, Miss Poiston, we also sell ancient jewelry. Salazar Slytherin made that necklace you're wearing. It was a gift to his wife on their tenth anniversary."

"Are you sure?"

"As sure as I'm standing here. I got the necklace from my father who got it from Salazar's daughter. I never intended to sell it. But when the man I'm assuming is your boyfriend came in something told me to offer him this."

"So, how does it alert and take me to my loved one?"

"It depends on the type of love," he explained, "If it were, let's say, a sibling the stone will flash red. If it's a boyfriend or a husband it will glow red constantly until they are safe. In order for it to take you to the person you simply say, 'adducere ego.' It'll apparate you there. You can apparate right?"

"Yes"

"Then that's all there is to it."

"addu . . . addu . . . do you think you could write it down for me?"

* * *

It was 10:00 at night on May fifth. Severus and Harry were preparing to leave for the death eater meeting. Severus felt like his insides were twisting and he had broken into a sweat. This was the most dangerous thing he had ever done. Looking over at Potter's pale face he realized that Harry must be having the same thoughts.

"Remember Potter," he said, "You need to struggle. Make it look like I kidnapped you."

"Yes professor," he muttered.

They had reached the hill where Snape had previously hid a portkey. Together they picked up the tattered blanket. Snape felt the familiar tug in his belly and they were off. They came tumbling into the center of circle of death eaters.

"Well done Severus," Voldemort hissed when he saw who they were, "You have proven yourself loyal. But just as an extra precaution . . . petrificus totalus! Take away both their wands," Snape went rigid and fell over. "Now," Voldemort said turning to Harry who was clutching his scar, "it's your turn. You have no idea how long I've waited for this. Crucio!"

Harry fell to the ground writhing in pain.

"Master!" a deatheater who had been on guard came running to them.

"What is it Goyle?" he asked annoyed; his wand still pointing at Harry.

"Aurors," he panted, "in the forest . . . hundreds . . . two death eaters . . . arrested. . . five . . . dead!"

"What?!" he shrieked dropping his arm. Harry immediately stood up and made a lunge for Voldemort's wand. But the dark lord noticed the movement. "Stupefy!" Harry fell to the ground.

"You!" Voldemort yelled turning to the immobile Snape. "You betrayed me! Now you will pay. "Interfectio accuro!"

* * *

Katya sat up in bed. She wiped her hand across her forehead. It came back covered in sweat. It had been such a horrible dream. Severus being killed by Voldemort. Wait, what was that red glow? Looking down she saw her necklace. The snake's red eye was glowing, not flashing. Severus! Jumping out of bed she grabbed the first robe she saw out of the closet and put it on. It was the blue one she'd bought in Hogsmeade two weeks ago. Grabbing her wand she cried, "Adducere ego!" her surroundings went dark and she felt herself twirling through the air. She noticed the snake floating in front of her as if leading the way. Closing her eyes she let the necklace take her to Severus. She landed in a bush in an unfamiliar place. Untangling herself from the bush she stood up. She heard someone screaming in the distance. Her head told her to stay where she was, out of harm's way, but her heart told her the screaming was coming from Severus. Curiosity and worry overcame her. Staying low to the ground she followed the screaming. Soon she spotted a clearing full of wizards in black robes standing in a circle. In the center was a tall, snakelike wizard with his wand pointed at the ground. A death eater moved and she caught a glimpse of Severus on the ground screaming and writhing in pain. Harry was lying unconscious behind the circle. At least she hoped he was only unconscious. The tall man raised his wand.

"This will teach you to betray the Dark Lord! Avada . . ." Katya realized what was going on.

"No! Severus!" She cried bursting from her hiding place.

Severus turned his head. Katya? She reached him just as Voldemort finished his curse.

"Kedavra!" Severus watched in horror as Katya's body crumpled to the ground.

"Katya! NO! Not my Katya! Katya don't leave me!" He cried lifting himself off the ground and cradling her head in his lap. "Katya, what were you doing? Katya you can't die! Kat!" Tears began fall down his cheeks and his body heaved with quiet sobs. The necklace was still glowing.

"Fool!" Voldemort said to the dead witch, "You thought you could save him. Sorry to break it to you, dearie, but you only ended up getting yourself killed for nothing!" Raising his wand he prepared to kill Snape. Severus looked at him with hollow eyes. It didn't matter if Voldemort killed him. Katya was dead; life wasn't worth living anymore. Out of the corner of his eye he saw movement. The aurors had arrived, but they were too late.

"Avada Kedavra!" There was a burst of green light and then everything erupted in chaos. Aurors ambushed the death eaters arresting as many as possible and killing the rest. Voldemort lay motionless on the ground. His body was quickly set on fire. After it was over Severus slowly stood. On the other side of the clearing he saw a couple mediwizards reviving Harry.

"Well done Severus," Moody said.

"Katya," was his reply, "Get Katya"

"I'll take care of her Severus," Dumbledore said. That was the last thing he heard before he fell unconscious.

A/N: Look at the bright side, Voldie's gone. Please don't hate me for killing Katya. This isn't the last chapter. There's one more and an epilogue. I promise you you will want to read the next chapter. I already have it written. I'm considering waiting a while before posting it just to let you all stew, but I will definitely put it up within the next couple days if not today. Please review. I want to see your reaction! *grins evilly*