A/N: Hey everyone, sorry about the slightly longer than usual wait, I
haven't been able to get at the computer as often as I'd like. Before we
begin, I want to make a brief note, which I'd actually planned to put
before chapter eleven but completely forgot to do. It's about tarantulas.
Some of you may knows this, especially if you've ever had one as a pet, and
some of you may not. I remembered it after a comment made by a reviewer
named Jessica. Tarantulas, if propelled with enough force, break apart
when they hit things or fall. Demi's a bit more resilient than your
average one, being magically inclined, but still more breakable in that
form than his human one. Having seen a tarantula 'explode' first-hand, I
can tell you that this is absolutely one-hundred percent true about them.
Now, on with the story!
The pleasant darkness of a delirious, dreamless unconsciousness, induced by pain, filled Demitrius' mind. It was abruptly shattered by a burning energy that coursed through him, jolting him awake and throwing him far from the reaches of safe, quiet darkness. He bolted upright, eyes opening quickly, and instinctively reached for his wand. Which wasn't there. Panic seeped through his body, and he jerked around. Hands grabbed his arms and shoulders. Hands which, in his newly awakened state, he threw off with a vengeance before trying to jump away.
The end result was the he knocked the couch he was lying on over, and heard a few shouts of surprise. Demi rolled to the ground, wincing as a piece of the couch's back slapped his shoulder blades, before rising swiftly to his feet. He looked around. Surrounded by faces, wands pointing at him, and... His eyes narrowed. Malfoy. Memory came rushing back to him, and he realised suddenly where he was. "Easy, easy there." A voice said, and Demitrius softened his stance, as he looked at an all too familiar face.
Potter. "Don't worry, no one's going to hurt you." He said, as though talking to a frightened animal. Demi suppressed a snort of indignation. He had to remind himself that Potter's attitude was merited, under the circumstances, and that if he were to stay true to the lies he fed Malfoy, he should not show animosity towards this man. In fact, he should look happy if anything.
Demitrius forcefully calmed his rather jangled nerves. "Where am I?" He asked carefully, looking at the aurors that surrounded him. His thoughts began to work along their normal lines once more. Aurors. Malfoy. The auror's meeting. Him, falling out the window. Crying out. They must have found him, and thus, any of them with intelligence would assume he was an animagus. Damn, that was a hell of a trick card to have to loose. Weasley was looking at him like he was the devil incarnate. And all of them knew he had rode her on Malfoy's shoe.
"You're in a safe house. I'm Auror Potter, and this is my friend, Auror Weasley." Potter said, moving his hands slowly to indicate first himself, then the lanky redhead standing next to him. Without thinking Demi shot him a withering look, which instantly halted the 'easy does it' manner Potter had taken on. The man straightened, looking at him with firm, self- righteous green eyes. 'Moron.' Demi though darkly, but kept the emotion off his face. He took a breath. 'Remember, I *like* Potter. He's my supposed father, as far as Malfoy's concerned.' Demi thought.
Malfoy.
An entire range of indescribable emotions flooded through him. Hatred and rage were there, blanketed by worry, and just a hint of panic. What should he tell these people? What should he do? Obviously, he could easily tell the truth. Malfoy had him kidnapped, and he escaped. They could even use a penseive to prove it if they wanted. Demi almost shuddered. Penseives, they were something of a personal nightmare. But, he could get Malfoy put away. Locked up in Azkaban, safe, sound, and unable to do anyone any harm.
Or impregnate his wife. "Why don't you sit down, and just explain what's going on here?" Potter said, as a few of the aurors began to right the fallen sofa, sensing no immediate threat.
"Potter, I believe I can..." Malfoy began, looking almost murderous and desperate at the same time, but he was cut off by a nearby young woman.
"Quiet, you. You'll get your chance to speak after the kid." She instructed him, holding her wand not far off from his chin. It seemed Demi wasn't the only one who had something against Malfoy. Indeed, more than three quarters of the room looked a little gleeful, no doubt fuelled by the prospect of finally getting rid of a hated fellow. Demitrius took the seat Potter offered. Yet again, Demi felt his stomach twist with nausea. This was going to be worse than saying that Potter was his father. This single, solitary act, may very well be the end of him. He looked around at all the expectant faces.
"I'm a student from Hogwarts' school of Witchcraft and Wizardry." He began, even though he knew perfectly well such words weren't necessary. A few aurors nodded, looking kind, some just continued to wait, while further back one individual muttered 'obviously' under his breath. Potter gave him an encouraging nod. Demitrius fought the urge to snap at him. "I was kidnapped by Death Eaters, and, er, Auror Malfoy-" 'Maybe I'll get lucky and be struck by lightning right now?' "-R-rescued me." 'Marcus, when you are born, you are going to owe me. Big time.' That stutter was not false. The words were so repellent, Demitrius thought he might have rather declared that Potter was his father a hundred times over than say them again.
Everyone in the room looked thunder-struck. Including Malfoy. Weasley's mouth kept opening and closing, slowly, but no sound came out. Potter looked like he had just been told Christmas was cancelled. And Malfoy... Well, he was first to recover, quickly slapping on a more relaxed look of confidence to replace the stunned-silent one he'd formerly boasted. Abruptly he pulled away from the aurors that had their wands on him, looking haughty and offended. But Demi caught the suspicious glance thrown his way.
"M-Malfoy *saved* you?!?" Weasley demanded incredulously. Demitrius nodded, his outward appearance that of a calm, somewhat rattled young man. Inwardly, he was throwing a fit. Part of him wanted nothing more than to turn Malfoy in entirely. Let him rot, and forget about Marcus. But instantly the part of him that had morals, the part which had almost gotten him into Gryffindor, bristled at the thought. There would be other chances to get Draco Malfoy. Chances that came well after Marcus was growing in his mother's womb. If only Demi could remember the boy's birthday. He was never good with dates, usually only finding out a special event was coming a day or two beforehand.
"Yes, Auror Malfoy rescued me from the Death Eaters this morning. I turned into my animagus form so he could smuggle me out, and we came here." Demitrius explained. Potter regarded him suspiciously.
"How?" He asked, his eyes thoughtful. "When only certain floo's are hooked up to this place, how?" 'Oh shit.' Demi thought. He couldn't answer that one, could he? He racked his brain carefully, looking for something, anything. Maybe they were in Malfoy's house? But then, why? And wouldn't they want to send people to check up on Malfoy's wife?
"We went to my place first, Potter, but I was worried they'd follow me so we kept going without stopping." Malfoy suddenly said in his cold, arrogant drawl. Weasley shot him a glare that was filled with daggers.
"That didn't look like a planned arrival to me." He said darkly. Demi winced, outwardly even, as he remembered his unpleasant flight through the air to land on the older man's head. And then the one took again, out the window. It had been worse than using a broom. Worse, because whereas being on a broomstick felt like little control, falling out of a window was absolutely zero control. Before he realised what was happening, Potter had placed a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. Malfoy was watching.
Demitrius fought the immediate urge to shrug it off, and instead gave Harry a very comforted look. "Thank you, Auror Potter." He said. 'You bloody moron, get your hand off me! Off!!" He thought, careful not to grit his teeth. This was like some terrible joke. Apparently, the aurors seemed to think so too, as they all looked from him to Malfoy, back to him, and then to Malfoy again. Demi cleared his throat. "You must want more details?" He said, trying to coach the room back into life. Maybe if he could get Potter and Weasley alone...
Now there was an interesting idea. Though he was under orders not to reveal the nature of the future, and it couldn't be expected that either man would easily believe Demi *was* from another time, perhaps they could be of some use. They belonged to Dumbeldore's Order. That meant they knew more about Voldemort's actions then Demi at the moment, which made them valuable. And who knew? Maybe Weasley was less of a git than Potter.
"You don't actually expect us to believe that Malfoy saved you!" The redhead declared, looking scandalous. Demi blinked. Or, he could be an even bigger git than Potter. Where on earth did his mother get her taste in friends? Henceforth, Demi decided, these two would be dubbed Dunderhead One (Potter) and Dunderhead Two (Weasley).
"Ron, calm down." Dunderhead One said, although even Demi could tell it was a fruitless action. Dunderhead Two had gone slightly red, and there was a vein throbbing near his temple, as he glared at Demitrius. Demi looked at him with innocent confusion.
"Are you mad at me Auror Weasley?" He asked nervously, putting enough of a twinge in his voice to see some of the female aurors soften a bit. Heheheh. Sometimes, Demi wondered if he was born charming, or if it was something he'd developed naturally over time. While the second theory seemed more likely, it was probably the first which was true. He'd been gifted with the ability to wrap people around his little finger for as long as he could remember.
"What? Er, well, no, of course not kid..." Dunderhead Two muttered, looking somewhere between murderous and abashed. One thing that could be said, at least neither of his mother's friends had ever taken to Malfoy, which was at least a testament to their sanity. If nothing else. Malfoy shot Demi another 'what are you up to, you little brat?' look while no one was watching.
'Wouldn't you like to know?' He though back, but kept quiet. If he couldn't throw Malfoy to the wolves he could at least keep him guessing.
The aurors asked a few more questions, and Demi lied to the best of his ability. Which was considerable. However, many seemed a little dazed, suspicious, and confused. No one took his story at face value. But, then again, they didn't have to. 'I have a hunch' didn't cut in a court of law, even in the wizarding world, and especially when a Malfoy was involved. Unless, of course, it was the Malfoy who had the hunch.
It was soon decided that the only thing to do would be to report the incident, and return Demitrius to Hogwarts. After a few of the usual tests had been performed as well. No one seemed to bring up the animagus thing. Either it had slipped their minds, or encountering an unregistered animagus wasn't all that uncommon a thing. Demitrius was the only one he'd ever known other than McGonagall.
To no one's surprise, Potter decided that he and Weasley should have a word alone with Demi, whilst making thorough checks to ensure he was, in fact, a Hogwarts student. Something Dunderhead Two seemed the most sceptical about. After the other aurors had wandered back to the Meeting Room, with a few half-heartedly muttered apologies to Malfoy, Dunderhead One had fixed him with a very curious look. It would have almost been intimidating, were it not for the fact that Harry Potter could never, ever, hope to intimidate a Snape. Ever.
"You haven't been completely honest, have you?" Potter asked suddenly, and Demitrius wondered if this was an unexpected flash of insight, or a typical interrogation method. Still, it could work to his advantage. He allowed himself a satisfied smirk.
"Trying out for the role of Dumbledore, are we, Potter?" He asked, abandoned the 'scared teenager' persona for his more typical one. That air of confidence, and smooth, uninhibited charisma. Dunderhead Two looked at Demi like the Dark Mark had just appeared on his forehead with a 'bang' and a puff of smoke to accompany it. Potter frowned at him unhappily.
"You don't need to be as great a wizard as Albus Dumbeldore to tell when someone else is lying through their teeth." Dunderhead One said, and Demitrius could see the walls stacked behind this familiar, if disliked, man's eyes. Unfortunately for Harry, Demitrius was far more experienced at reading him than vice versa.
"I expect now you'll want me to denounce Dumbeldore's power, pledge my undying allegiance to the dark, and give a rousing speech to the general tone of 'curse you Harry Potter?'" Demitrius asked, raising an eyebrow, and quirking his lips into the accustomed smirk. He got an unpleasant frown back, much to his pleasure. Son of Harry Potter indeed. Like Potter could produce anything cunning enough to survive in Slytherin House. Demi leaned forward a little in his seat. "I hate to disappoint you both, but I am a Hogwarts student, I was kidnapped, and I do not serve You-Know-Who." He said, in mockingly whispered tones, a parody of a friend confessing a great crime to his fellows. Oddly enough, he mused, everything he'd said was actually true.
Dunderhead Two snorted. "Like we're supposed to take you're word for it." He said, folding his arms and looking at Demi, as though waiting for something to happen. Demitrius turned his gaze coolly over to the other man.
"Then give me veritaserum." He challenged. Weasley was about to open his mouth, a look of annoyance on his face, when a sudden 'tap, tap' at the window drew the attention of all who were present. A little grey owl hovered just outside the glass, waiting for admittance, a message tied firmly to one of it's legs.
~
After leaving Hagrid's hut in something of a daze, Hermione made her way back inside the castle. Yet again she drew a few quizzical looks from students, as she made her way down the hall, pale-faced and with a distant look in her eyes. She managed to maintain something of herself, however, until she made her way to her quarters.
The door slid shut behind her with a 'click', and Hermione slid to the ground, her back pressed against it. Her eyes still had that far-off look to them. Sensing his mistress' unusual mood, Crookshanks made his way up to her, and brushed up against her leg. He meowed inquisitively. That interaction seemed to summon something out of Hermione. Reaching over, she scooped her familiar into her lap, and began running her fingers over his bright orange fur. He purred appreciatively, relaxing beneath her touch.
Hermione curled up her knees as she looked at the pumpkin-coloured creature. "Nobody wanted you at first, did they?" She asked. Crookshanks took no notice of her question. He simply purred as pleasantly as ever, arching his back up under the brush of her fingers. "Not 'til I found you." She added, in a voice that was more quiet this time. A murmur, really.
She thought she hated Snape. After all, everything he'd ever done lead towards such a feeling, didn't it? And one foolish little kiss couldn't change the world. But... It didn't feel like hate. And it wasn't the same feeling she had for other people she knew and cared about. But still, it definitely wasn't a normal crush, was it? "Oh Crookshanks, why in Merlin's name must I always pick the difficult ones?" She asked. All through her school days she'd traipsed around after Ron, a poor, angry young man with a lot to prove, and Harry, a boy with more 'issues' than she cared to mention. She'd helped the hopeless cause that was Neville Longbottom right through to the NEWTS. In fourth year, she started a campaign to grant rights to house elves, and dated Viktor Krum, the misunderstood Quidditch star from Durmstrang. For her familiar, she'd chosen a cat no one else had wanted, and grown to love that animal fiercely. And indeed, even in the days when she'd been sure of her dislike for Snape, she'd respected him as a teacher. Made note of his intelligence.
With a groan Hermione shifted, burying her face in Crookshanks' soft fur. Why? Why did it always have to be the difficult cases? A rough tongue tickled her cheek, and she lifted her head a little. Crookshanks nuzzled her lightly. Soft fur tickled, making her want to laugh and sneeze at the same time. Reaching over, Hermione re-position the cat so that they were regarding one another. "You know why, don't you?" She said. "It's because the difficult cases are the ones most worth-while, aren't they?"
Crookshanks didn't answer, but he looked at her with that intelligent, keen gaze, that always left her feeling like she'd found the most brilliant cat in the world. With a sigh Hermione put him down. She stood up, straightening out her robes as she did so, and running a hand through her hair. "You're not so different from Snape, you know." She mused. "And despite what Ron would probably say, I in no way mean that negatively." Hermione explained. It was true, she realised. Snape was just as alone in those dungeons, for all that he was surrounded by students and teachers, as Crookshanks had been in that pet shop, for all that he had been around other pets. 'And like me, for all that I had friends, I was always the odd one out.' Hermione thought, with a sudden burst of insight.
Still, it in no way concluded that she was in love with Severus Snape. Only that she didn't utterly despise him anymore. No, the question of 'love' was both too specific to be answered, and too big to be dismissed at the same time. So like any other inquiry, it would have to be researched. 'Provided he actually gets back in one piece.' Hermione thought, with a twinge of worry. Without thinking she began to chew at her bottom lip, as she walked over to one over her long, narrow windows. It stared out over grass, trees, and sky. Of course, Snape had done this sort of thing before. Hermione winced as she remembered the pain she'd seen in his eyes. Was it like that every time? Was that why he always looked so sick and pale, when he wasn't busy being devilishly handsome?
Hermione set her jaw firmly, resolution filling her soul in the way it can only effect a Gryffindor. She would go down to the dungeons, and prepare him something, to soothe his nerves when he got back from that meeting. And not 'if', *when*. She nodded her head to herself. Then they would sit down, and before he went to debrief himself to Dumbledore, or whoever it was he debriefed himself to, they would talk. Maybe about the kiss, maybe about him, or her, or whatever he wanted. It was the only thing she could think of to do.
Hermione was going to leave, when a though occurred to her. How long would this meeting, or summons, or whatever it was, take? She paused, her hand hovering over the doorknob. As far as she knew Snape never left a class. Which meant it wasn't likely more than a day. However, this was the weekend, and she had absolutely no idea what the man did on weekends. He didn't really seem the golfing type.
Maybe this sort of thing was normal? Did they have meetings every weekend? She shook her head. No, if that was true he wouldn't have accompanied her to Hogsmeade, would he? Still, at the very least he could be hours and hours. She frowned. Maybe she should just scrap the whole idea, pick up a good book, and get back to this tomorrow? 'That's just being a coward, and you know it!' A little voice inside her piped up. With a sigh, Hermione pulled open her door. Righ then. Down to the dungeons, whip up something pleasantly soothing that can keep warm, and wait.
Hermione wasn't sure whether she hoped the wait would be long or not.
~
The room Snape found himself in was as cold as ice, and dark, without a single torch lit or even a candle to cast shadows into the blackness. No windows. He blinked, standing as tall and unwavering as he could, trying to see through the dark. The hairs on the back of his neck stood at attention. "Ah, Severus." A familiar, sickly voice said mockingly from the dark behind Snape. The Potions Master drew his composure around him like a shield, and forced himself not to turn. To appear frantic would be foolish.
"You summoned me, my Lord?" He asked, years of practice keeping the tremor from his voice. The creature Voldemort had become with time was physically far more revolting than he had been originally. His voice, his face, his very presence had grown foul, like a body left to rot in a room with you. It perfectly reflected the Dark Lord's inner self, much more aptly than any of his other forms had. Well, except perhaps the fetal one he'd learned of from Dumbeldore. But Snape had yet to personally witness that. Nor did he want to, now that he thought of it.
A hissing sound Snape had come to understand was Voldemort's version of a laugh sounded behind him. "Always to the point, aren't we? My faithful, loyal, obedient servant." The creature, who perhaps once was a man, said. 'And you followed him once, willingly.' Snape reminded himself viciously. No one had held him down when the Dark Mark was placed on his arm.
"I would hate to think that I might suffer you my presence without due cause, my Lord." Snape said evenly, and gave his head a little bow of respect. Ever since Lucius had begun to insist upon the questionable nature of Snape's loyalty, he had tread on thin ice with Voldemort. Indeed, as his eyes adjusted to the dark, a suspicions of his was confirmed. It lodged a block of ice in his stomach. He was alone. None of the others had been summoned, and that made the occasion far more likely to turn ugly.
"You assume too much, Severus." Voldemort hissed, and this time a slight shuffle was heard, as the Dark Lord slinked around the room behind his supposed servant. "Never assume." The voice grew even more cold and vile on these words. Snape braced himself, as a sudden explosion of pain burst around him. Not the Cruciatus. No, that was far too obvious to be used on a regular basis, and besides, it had a habit of driving people insane. This spell was a lesser version. It caused pain, but only to the head. Snape winced as sparks of white light lanced across his vision, and raised a hand, gritting his teeth. Voldemort would stop if he didn't cry out. Snape learned long ago, that while some tormentors halted once they broke their victims, Voldemort only grew more intrigued. It was silence that eventually bored him into halting.
The worst part was, Snape never knew what would set him off. Yesterday, that same response might have earned him a laugh, or even praise. Tomorrow, it may well have merited a full-blown dance with the Cruciatus curse, and a few kicks for goo measure. But then, lunatics were often hard to make sense of. Voldemort laughed again. "Poor Severus." He hissed, and Snape repressed a shudder. On the Dark Lord's tongue, his name became a vile thing, whether or not that was Voldemort's intent. More shuffling, as the creature moved yet again. "Things have been going on." He said at last, spitting the words out darkly. Snape knew better than to speak. He let Voldemort continue. "Lucius' son, he's up to something. Twice in so little time a lower follower has paid him a visit."
Snape waited. So, Draco Malfoy had caught Voldemort's eye? Well, that could go either way for the man. "Find out what it is, Severus. Find out and tell me." The voice suddenly said, and Snape's eyes widened just a slight bit, for the sound came from right behind his ear. "You've always been a good little spy." The voice told him.
"As you say, my Lord." Snape managed to choke out, holding back his revulsion at the Dark Lord's proximity. He almost snapped as a cold, bony, sickly textured hand was placed against his cheek.
"I don't like secrets that aren't mine." The voice said, and this time Snape was just able to catch the glint of a shimmering, reptilian eye, before an all-too-familiar word was whispered, and he found himself on the ground, writhing in pain. And all that he could see was hideous, and all that he could hear was a cold, mocking laughter.
Then the pain stopped. Voldemort turned his ugly face away, and Snape leaned his head against the cool floor, feeling for all the world like he wanted to die. It wasn't a moment before he picked himself back up. His nerves were jangled and frayed. So, he still hadn't managed to leave without a small taste of Cruciatus then. Well, he supposed Voldemort wouldn't count one of their meetings a success unless he got someone to scream at least once. "Go."
It was all Snape needed. In a flash, he apparated away from the cold, dead room, leaving behind the monster. But sadly not the pain. And not truly the monster either, for as long as that mark burned against his skin, the monster would always be there. Eyes upon him. He appeared just a little outside of Hogsmeade, somewhere far past his intended mark. But Snape could be forgiven if his mind was not completely with him. He dropped back to the ground limply. No Voldemort to see, no colleagues to judge, just plain, open grass and dirt. And sunlight. He twitched a little, his nerves jumpy from the recent pain. Malfoy. Snape winced. This wasn't good, not at all. It was hardly likely that Demitrius' disappearance and Malfoy's strange behaviour were entirely coincidental. Snape didn't know why his former pupil hadn't gone straight to the Dark Lord with the boy from the future. Surely, it would earn him a high position, to bring such a treasure to the 'Master'. Was he going for a power-play of his own? Or was it sheer stupidity?
Either way, Snape was in shit now. He closed his eyes shut tight as he lay in the dirt, trying to ignore the twinges of his battered body and mind. It wouldn't do not to think about it. But right now, he just couldn't. Slowly his thoughts began to blur, until deep, dark unconsciousness swept over him. As his mind drifted away from the world, his last thoughts were of a pair of concerned brown eyes, and soft lips against his own...
A/N: Voila, done! Shout-outs are below. Thanks for reading, and again, sorry 'bout the delay.
Moira McDuff: Well, hmm, I don't know if you could say that Malfoy weasled his way out of that or not. :D Oh well. I'm thrilled I made you laugh, I was going for a humorous tone with that. Poor Ron. I get the feeling I'm going to be performing a bit of Weasley-torture in the next little while. Thanks for reading and reviewing! :D
Star: :D Glad you loved it, and I hope you didn't have to wait too long.
jade_dagger: Hmm, interesting, you must have woken up fairly early for that. Well, thanks for the review!
Aemos: Er, well, not as soon as I would have hoped. But, look, it's there! Sorry if I kept you waiting too long. Hope you liked this last chapter, and I'm glad you enjoyed chapter eleven!
AngelApple: Yay!!!! :D
Adriana: You're welcome, and thank you for the encouraging reviews. I'm very glad you think my characters are on target, it's something I really try to pull of. :D I'm really flattered you added my story to your favourites!
white raven: Oh wow, such high praise! Thank you very much, I'm really, truly flattered you think so highly of my story. I must confess I feel slightly evil for what I did to Ron. But, meh, it was fun, and I'm glad you liked it. Writing Demi's dialogue is an absolute treat. Thanks for the review, Ihope you liked chapter twelve. :D
moonglow11066: You got it, and thanks, I'm awfully fond of splashing dark with light.
Isa: You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed the picture and the chapter! :D
Scarlet: I hope it was, no, and thank you for reviewing. ^_^
Aqua Child: Hope I didn't disappoint, and to answer your questions, sorry, I can't answer you're questions! :D I know, I know, I'm really quite evil. Thanks for reviewing!
Potionsgurl: Glad you liked it. Draco gets more air-time soon, hope you enjoyed this latest chapter!
Echo of Silent Cries: Oooh, 'magnificent'! :D Thanks!
Mercurial: Thanks, you got it!
Beth Ann: Glad you liked it. Yup, poor Ron, I don't think it was part of his plan to become a spider landing-platform! :D Thanks for reviewing!
Landry Anne: Oooooh, favourites! Yay! ^_^ Thanks so much, glad you're enjoying it!
Draco's Angel: Ack, don't go insane! Noooooooo! Here, there, I updated!
Becca Black: Glad you liked the chapter. You've got pretty good insight, don't ya? Hope you enjoyed chapter twelve. There should be more SS/HG interactions soon, good to know you're having fun reading it. I'll keep writing, so you keep reviewing! ^_^
Sonja S.: I'll keep writing, and thanks so much for the review! To answer to of your questions, which I find fairly harmless enough to the plot to reveal, Michael is already born but still in diapers, and Demi's wand is either on Malfoy or in his Manor. I won't say which. Hope you enjoyed reading the last chapter, and that the suspense hasn't killed one of my best reviewers! ^_^
Witchy-grrl: :D Thanks for the review! Yay! Always nice to get one from you. Yup, Dumbledore can't keep his bushy beard out of anything. I'm so happy you're into my story. Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long for this chapter, and that you enjoyed it! :D
Gemz: Ah, no, please don't send me a howler! Look, see? I did it! :D Lol, thanks for the review!
hasapi: To answer your question, it would appear he gets the letter after, :D. Thanks for the reviews, and I didn't mind that you intended to do one for every chapter, or that in the end you didn't. I'm just happy getting feedback from nice people like you. Thank you very much for saying you find this story well-written. I hope you liked the last chapter! :D
Lady Knight of Kennan: Yay! ^-^ I'm glad you like it so much, and thank you very much for the long review. Yes, I am evil. Verrrrrry evil. And sorry I kept you waiting longer than I normally would prefer. It's great that you find my story entertaining and original, and I'm ultimately flattered to be on your favourites list. Hope you keep reading! :D
Jessica: Well, you have a very valid point, and one I've considered. If you haven't already please read the author's note before the chapter. But, thank you for your help. If nothing else it reminded me I had an explanation I'd forgotten. :D
revel-in-me: You're very welcome, and I hope I didn't keep you waiting long.
Jordan: You got it, thanks for the review!
Music: Okay, you didn't say that, but all the same I'm glad you did. Thanks for the comments on Malfoy, hope you liked this chapter!
Avada: Thanks, I'm working on it!
Eirete: Glad you liked the convo, and sorry to disappoint you, what with not immediately shipping Malfoy off to Azkaban. But who knows, Demi's hardly one to let this sort of thing slide, is he?
Elendil Snape: Great, I hope to keep everyone curious for as long as I possibly can, without being *too* cruel. Thanks for the compliments, hope you enjoyed chapter twelve!
Goddessnmb1: Thanks, glad you liked it! :D
kitsunelover: Thanks for the review, and I guess you've got a shot with Demi, he is available after all. ^_~. Personally I think Snape'd make a great Dad, although he'd probably be totally biased towards his kid.
The pleasant darkness of a delirious, dreamless unconsciousness, induced by pain, filled Demitrius' mind. It was abruptly shattered by a burning energy that coursed through him, jolting him awake and throwing him far from the reaches of safe, quiet darkness. He bolted upright, eyes opening quickly, and instinctively reached for his wand. Which wasn't there. Panic seeped through his body, and he jerked around. Hands grabbed his arms and shoulders. Hands which, in his newly awakened state, he threw off with a vengeance before trying to jump away.
The end result was the he knocked the couch he was lying on over, and heard a few shouts of surprise. Demi rolled to the ground, wincing as a piece of the couch's back slapped his shoulder blades, before rising swiftly to his feet. He looked around. Surrounded by faces, wands pointing at him, and... His eyes narrowed. Malfoy. Memory came rushing back to him, and he realised suddenly where he was. "Easy, easy there." A voice said, and Demitrius softened his stance, as he looked at an all too familiar face.
Potter. "Don't worry, no one's going to hurt you." He said, as though talking to a frightened animal. Demi suppressed a snort of indignation. He had to remind himself that Potter's attitude was merited, under the circumstances, and that if he were to stay true to the lies he fed Malfoy, he should not show animosity towards this man. In fact, he should look happy if anything.
Demitrius forcefully calmed his rather jangled nerves. "Where am I?" He asked carefully, looking at the aurors that surrounded him. His thoughts began to work along their normal lines once more. Aurors. Malfoy. The auror's meeting. Him, falling out the window. Crying out. They must have found him, and thus, any of them with intelligence would assume he was an animagus. Damn, that was a hell of a trick card to have to loose. Weasley was looking at him like he was the devil incarnate. And all of them knew he had rode her on Malfoy's shoe.
"You're in a safe house. I'm Auror Potter, and this is my friend, Auror Weasley." Potter said, moving his hands slowly to indicate first himself, then the lanky redhead standing next to him. Without thinking Demi shot him a withering look, which instantly halted the 'easy does it' manner Potter had taken on. The man straightened, looking at him with firm, self- righteous green eyes. 'Moron.' Demi though darkly, but kept the emotion off his face. He took a breath. 'Remember, I *like* Potter. He's my supposed father, as far as Malfoy's concerned.' Demi thought.
Malfoy.
An entire range of indescribable emotions flooded through him. Hatred and rage were there, blanketed by worry, and just a hint of panic. What should he tell these people? What should he do? Obviously, he could easily tell the truth. Malfoy had him kidnapped, and he escaped. They could even use a penseive to prove it if they wanted. Demi almost shuddered. Penseives, they were something of a personal nightmare. But, he could get Malfoy put away. Locked up in Azkaban, safe, sound, and unable to do anyone any harm.
Or impregnate his wife. "Why don't you sit down, and just explain what's going on here?" Potter said, as a few of the aurors began to right the fallen sofa, sensing no immediate threat.
"Potter, I believe I can..." Malfoy began, looking almost murderous and desperate at the same time, but he was cut off by a nearby young woman.
"Quiet, you. You'll get your chance to speak after the kid." She instructed him, holding her wand not far off from his chin. It seemed Demi wasn't the only one who had something against Malfoy. Indeed, more than three quarters of the room looked a little gleeful, no doubt fuelled by the prospect of finally getting rid of a hated fellow. Demitrius took the seat Potter offered. Yet again, Demi felt his stomach twist with nausea. This was going to be worse than saying that Potter was his father. This single, solitary act, may very well be the end of him. He looked around at all the expectant faces.
"I'm a student from Hogwarts' school of Witchcraft and Wizardry." He began, even though he knew perfectly well such words weren't necessary. A few aurors nodded, looking kind, some just continued to wait, while further back one individual muttered 'obviously' under his breath. Potter gave him an encouraging nod. Demitrius fought the urge to snap at him. "I was kidnapped by Death Eaters, and, er, Auror Malfoy-" 'Maybe I'll get lucky and be struck by lightning right now?' "-R-rescued me." 'Marcus, when you are born, you are going to owe me. Big time.' That stutter was not false. The words were so repellent, Demitrius thought he might have rather declared that Potter was his father a hundred times over than say them again.
Everyone in the room looked thunder-struck. Including Malfoy. Weasley's mouth kept opening and closing, slowly, but no sound came out. Potter looked like he had just been told Christmas was cancelled. And Malfoy... Well, he was first to recover, quickly slapping on a more relaxed look of confidence to replace the stunned-silent one he'd formerly boasted. Abruptly he pulled away from the aurors that had their wands on him, looking haughty and offended. But Demi caught the suspicious glance thrown his way.
"M-Malfoy *saved* you?!?" Weasley demanded incredulously. Demitrius nodded, his outward appearance that of a calm, somewhat rattled young man. Inwardly, he was throwing a fit. Part of him wanted nothing more than to turn Malfoy in entirely. Let him rot, and forget about Marcus. But instantly the part of him that had morals, the part which had almost gotten him into Gryffindor, bristled at the thought. There would be other chances to get Draco Malfoy. Chances that came well after Marcus was growing in his mother's womb. If only Demi could remember the boy's birthday. He was never good with dates, usually only finding out a special event was coming a day or two beforehand.
"Yes, Auror Malfoy rescued me from the Death Eaters this morning. I turned into my animagus form so he could smuggle me out, and we came here." Demitrius explained. Potter regarded him suspiciously.
"How?" He asked, his eyes thoughtful. "When only certain floo's are hooked up to this place, how?" 'Oh shit.' Demi thought. He couldn't answer that one, could he? He racked his brain carefully, looking for something, anything. Maybe they were in Malfoy's house? But then, why? And wouldn't they want to send people to check up on Malfoy's wife?
"We went to my place first, Potter, but I was worried they'd follow me so we kept going without stopping." Malfoy suddenly said in his cold, arrogant drawl. Weasley shot him a glare that was filled with daggers.
"That didn't look like a planned arrival to me." He said darkly. Demi winced, outwardly even, as he remembered his unpleasant flight through the air to land on the older man's head. And then the one took again, out the window. It had been worse than using a broom. Worse, because whereas being on a broomstick felt like little control, falling out of a window was absolutely zero control. Before he realised what was happening, Potter had placed a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. Malfoy was watching.
Demitrius fought the immediate urge to shrug it off, and instead gave Harry a very comforted look. "Thank you, Auror Potter." He said. 'You bloody moron, get your hand off me! Off!!" He thought, careful not to grit his teeth. This was like some terrible joke. Apparently, the aurors seemed to think so too, as they all looked from him to Malfoy, back to him, and then to Malfoy again. Demi cleared his throat. "You must want more details?" He said, trying to coach the room back into life. Maybe if he could get Potter and Weasley alone...
Now there was an interesting idea. Though he was under orders not to reveal the nature of the future, and it couldn't be expected that either man would easily believe Demi *was* from another time, perhaps they could be of some use. They belonged to Dumbeldore's Order. That meant they knew more about Voldemort's actions then Demi at the moment, which made them valuable. And who knew? Maybe Weasley was less of a git than Potter.
"You don't actually expect us to believe that Malfoy saved you!" The redhead declared, looking scandalous. Demi blinked. Or, he could be an even bigger git than Potter. Where on earth did his mother get her taste in friends? Henceforth, Demi decided, these two would be dubbed Dunderhead One (Potter) and Dunderhead Two (Weasley).
"Ron, calm down." Dunderhead One said, although even Demi could tell it was a fruitless action. Dunderhead Two had gone slightly red, and there was a vein throbbing near his temple, as he glared at Demitrius. Demi looked at him with innocent confusion.
"Are you mad at me Auror Weasley?" He asked nervously, putting enough of a twinge in his voice to see some of the female aurors soften a bit. Heheheh. Sometimes, Demi wondered if he was born charming, or if it was something he'd developed naturally over time. While the second theory seemed more likely, it was probably the first which was true. He'd been gifted with the ability to wrap people around his little finger for as long as he could remember.
"What? Er, well, no, of course not kid..." Dunderhead Two muttered, looking somewhere between murderous and abashed. One thing that could be said, at least neither of his mother's friends had ever taken to Malfoy, which was at least a testament to their sanity. If nothing else. Malfoy shot Demi another 'what are you up to, you little brat?' look while no one was watching.
'Wouldn't you like to know?' He though back, but kept quiet. If he couldn't throw Malfoy to the wolves he could at least keep him guessing.
The aurors asked a few more questions, and Demi lied to the best of his ability. Which was considerable. However, many seemed a little dazed, suspicious, and confused. No one took his story at face value. But, then again, they didn't have to. 'I have a hunch' didn't cut in a court of law, even in the wizarding world, and especially when a Malfoy was involved. Unless, of course, it was the Malfoy who had the hunch.
It was soon decided that the only thing to do would be to report the incident, and return Demitrius to Hogwarts. After a few of the usual tests had been performed as well. No one seemed to bring up the animagus thing. Either it had slipped their minds, or encountering an unregistered animagus wasn't all that uncommon a thing. Demitrius was the only one he'd ever known other than McGonagall.
To no one's surprise, Potter decided that he and Weasley should have a word alone with Demi, whilst making thorough checks to ensure he was, in fact, a Hogwarts student. Something Dunderhead Two seemed the most sceptical about. After the other aurors had wandered back to the Meeting Room, with a few half-heartedly muttered apologies to Malfoy, Dunderhead One had fixed him with a very curious look. It would have almost been intimidating, were it not for the fact that Harry Potter could never, ever, hope to intimidate a Snape. Ever.
"You haven't been completely honest, have you?" Potter asked suddenly, and Demitrius wondered if this was an unexpected flash of insight, or a typical interrogation method. Still, it could work to his advantage. He allowed himself a satisfied smirk.
"Trying out for the role of Dumbledore, are we, Potter?" He asked, abandoned the 'scared teenager' persona for his more typical one. That air of confidence, and smooth, uninhibited charisma. Dunderhead Two looked at Demi like the Dark Mark had just appeared on his forehead with a 'bang' and a puff of smoke to accompany it. Potter frowned at him unhappily.
"You don't need to be as great a wizard as Albus Dumbeldore to tell when someone else is lying through their teeth." Dunderhead One said, and Demitrius could see the walls stacked behind this familiar, if disliked, man's eyes. Unfortunately for Harry, Demitrius was far more experienced at reading him than vice versa.
"I expect now you'll want me to denounce Dumbeldore's power, pledge my undying allegiance to the dark, and give a rousing speech to the general tone of 'curse you Harry Potter?'" Demitrius asked, raising an eyebrow, and quirking his lips into the accustomed smirk. He got an unpleasant frown back, much to his pleasure. Son of Harry Potter indeed. Like Potter could produce anything cunning enough to survive in Slytherin House. Demi leaned forward a little in his seat. "I hate to disappoint you both, but I am a Hogwarts student, I was kidnapped, and I do not serve You-Know-Who." He said, in mockingly whispered tones, a parody of a friend confessing a great crime to his fellows. Oddly enough, he mused, everything he'd said was actually true.
Dunderhead Two snorted. "Like we're supposed to take you're word for it." He said, folding his arms and looking at Demi, as though waiting for something to happen. Demitrius turned his gaze coolly over to the other man.
"Then give me veritaserum." He challenged. Weasley was about to open his mouth, a look of annoyance on his face, when a sudden 'tap, tap' at the window drew the attention of all who were present. A little grey owl hovered just outside the glass, waiting for admittance, a message tied firmly to one of it's legs.
~
After leaving Hagrid's hut in something of a daze, Hermione made her way back inside the castle. Yet again she drew a few quizzical looks from students, as she made her way down the hall, pale-faced and with a distant look in her eyes. She managed to maintain something of herself, however, until she made her way to her quarters.
The door slid shut behind her with a 'click', and Hermione slid to the ground, her back pressed against it. Her eyes still had that far-off look to them. Sensing his mistress' unusual mood, Crookshanks made his way up to her, and brushed up against her leg. He meowed inquisitively. That interaction seemed to summon something out of Hermione. Reaching over, she scooped her familiar into her lap, and began running her fingers over his bright orange fur. He purred appreciatively, relaxing beneath her touch.
Hermione curled up her knees as she looked at the pumpkin-coloured creature. "Nobody wanted you at first, did they?" She asked. Crookshanks took no notice of her question. He simply purred as pleasantly as ever, arching his back up under the brush of her fingers. "Not 'til I found you." She added, in a voice that was more quiet this time. A murmur, really.
She thought she hated Snape. After all, everything he'd ever done lead towards such a feeling, didn't it? And one foolish little kiss couldn't change the world. But... It didn't feel like hate. And it wasn't the same feeling she had for other people she knew and cared about. But still, it definitely wasn't a normal crush, was it? "Oh Crookshanks, why in Merlin's name must I always pick the difficult ones?" She asked. All through her school days she'd traipsed around after Ron, a poor, angry young man with a lot to prove, and Harry, a boy with more 'issues' than she cared to mention. She'd helped the hopeless cause that was Neville Longbottom right through to the NEWTS. In fourth year, she started a campaign to grant rights to house elves, and dated Viktor Krum, the misunderstood Quidditch star from Durmstrang. For her familiar, she'd chosen a cat no one else had wanted, and grown to love that animal fiercely. And indeed, even in the days when she'd been sure of her dislike for Snape, she'd respected him as a teacher. Made note of his intelligence.
With a groan Hermione shifted, burying her face in Crookshanks' soft fur. Why? Why did it always have to be the difficult cases? A rough tongue tickled her cheek, and she lifted her head a little. Crookshanks nuzzled her lightly. Soft fur tickled, making her want to laugh and sneeze at the same time. Reaching over, Hermione re-position the cat so that they were regarding one another. "You know why, don't you?" She said. "It's because the difficult cases are the ones most worth-while, aren't they?"
Crookshanks didn't answer, but he looked at her with that intelligent, keen gaze, that always left her feeling like she'd found the most brilliant cat in the world. With a sigh Hermione put him down. She stood up, straightening out her robes as she did so, and running a hand through her hair. "You're not so different from Snape, you know." She mused. "And despite what Ron would probably say, I in no way mean that negatively." Hermione explained. It was true, she realised. Snape was just as alone in those dungeons, for all that he was surrounded by students and teachers, as Crookshanks had been in that pet shop, for all that he had been around other pets. 'And like me, for all that I had friends, I was always the odd one out.' Hermione thought, with a sudden burst of insight.
Still, it in no way concluded that she was in love with Severus Snape. Only that she didn't utterly despise him anymore. No, the question of 'love' was both too specific to be answered, and too big to be dismissed at the same time. So like any other inquiry, it would have to be researched. 'Provided he actually gets back in one piece.' Hermione thought, with a twinge of worry. Without thinking she began to chew at her bottom lip, as she walked over to one over her long, narrow windows. It stared out over grass, trees, and sky. Of course, Snape had done this sort of thing before. Hermione winced as she remembered the pain she'd seen in his eyes. Was it like that every time? Was that why he always looked so sick and pale, when he wasn't busy being devilishly handsome?
Hermione set her jaw firmly, resolution filling her soul in the way it can only effect a Gryffindor. She would go down to the dungeons, and prepare him something, to soothe his nerves when he got back from that meeting. And not 'if', *when*. She nodded her head to herself. Then they would sit down, and before he went to debrief himself to Dumbledore, or whoever it was he debriefed himself to, they would talk. Maybe about the kiss, maybe about him, or her, or whatever he wanted. It was the only thing she could think of to do.
Hermione was going to leave, when a though occurred to her. How long would this meeting, or summons, or whatever it was, take? She paused, her hand hovering over the doorknob. As far as she knew Snape never left a class. Which meant it wasn't likely more than a day. However, this was the weekend, and she had absolutely no idea what the man did on weekends. He didn't really seem the golfing type.
Maybe this sort of thing was normal? Did they have meetings every weekend? She shook her head. No, if that was true he wouldn't have accompanied her to Hogsmeade, would he? Still, at the very least he could be hours and hours. She frowned. Maybe she should just scrap the whole idea, pick up a good book, and get back to this tomorrow? 'That's just being a coward, and you know it!' A little voice inside her piped up. With a sigh, Hermione pulled open her door. Righ then. Down to the dungeons, whip up something pleasantly soothing that can keep warm, and wait.
Hermione wasn't sure whether she hoped the wait would be long or not.
~
The room Snape found himself in was as cold as ice, and dark, without a single torch lit or even a candle to cast shadows into the blackness. No windows. He blinked, standing as tall and unwavering as he could, trying to see through the dark. The hairs on the back of his neck stood at attention. "Ah, Severus." A familiar, sickly voice said mockingly from the dark behind Snape. The Potions Master drew his composure around him like a shield, and forced himself not to turn. To appear frantic would be foolish.
"You summoned me, my Lord?" He asked, years of practice keeping the tremor from his voice. The creature Voldemort had become with time was physically far more revolting than he had been originally. His voice, his face, his very presence had grown foul, like a body left to rot in a room with you. It perfectly reflected the Dark Lord's inner self, much more aptly than any of his other forms had. Well, except perhaps the fetal one he'd learned of from Dumbeldore. But Snape had yet to personally witness that. Nor did he want to, now that he thought of it.
A hissing sound Snape had come to understand was Voldemort's version of a laugh sounded behind him. "Always to the point, aren't we? My faithful, loyal, obedient servant." The creature, who perhaps once was a man, said. 'And you followed him once, willingly.' Snape reminded himself viciously. No one had held him down when the Dark Mark was placed on his arm.
"I would hate to think that I might suffer you my presence without due cause, my Lord." Snape said evenly, and gave his head a little bow of respect. Ever since Lucius had begun to insist upon the questionable nature of Snape's loyalty, he had tread on thin ice with Voldemort. Indeed, as his eyes adjusted to the dark, a suspicions of his was confirmed. It lodged a block of ice in his stomach. He was alone. None of the others had been summoned, and that made the occasion far more likely to turn ugly.
"You assume too much, Severus." Voldemort hissed, and this time a slight shuffle was heard, as the Dark Lord slinked around the room behind his supposed servant. "Never assume." The voice grew even more cold and vile on these words. Snape braced himself, as a sudden explosion of pain burst around him. Not the Cruciatus. No, that was far too obvious to be used on a regular basis, and besides, it had a habit of driving people insane. This spell was a lesser version. It caused pain, but only to the head. Snape winced as sparks of white light lanced across his vision, and raised a hand, gritting his teeth. Voldemort would stop if he didn't cry out. Snape learned long ago, that while some tormentors halted once they broke their victims, Voldemort only grew more intrigued. It was silence that eventually bored him into halting.
The worst part was, Snape never knew what would set him off. Yesterday, that same response might have earned him a laugh, or even praise. Tomorrow, it may well have merited a full-blown dance with the Cruciatus curse, and a few kicks for goo measure. But then, lunatics were often hard to make sense of. Voldemort laughed again. "Poor Severus." He hissed, and Snape repressed a shudder. On the Dark Lord's tongue, his name became a vile thing, whether or not that was Voldemort's intent. More shuffling, as the creature moved yet again. "Things have been going on." He said at last, spitting the words out darkly. Snape knew better than to speak. He let Voldemort continue. "Lucius' son, he's up to something. Twice in so little time a lower follower has paid him a visit."
Snape waited. So, Draco Malfoy had caught Voldemort's eye? Well, that could go either way for the man. "Find out what it is, Severus. Find out and tell me." The voice suddenly said, and Snape's eyes widened just a slight bit, for the sound came from right behind his ear. "You've always been a good little spy." The voice told him.
"As you say, my Lord." Snape managed to choke out, holding back his revulsion at the Dark Lord's proximity. He almost snapped as a cold, bony, sickly textured hand was placed against his cheek.
"I don't like secrets that aren't mine." The voice said, and this time Snape was just able to catch the glint of a shimmering, reptilian eye, before an all-too-familiar word was whispered, and he found himself on the ground, writhing in pain. And all that he could see was hideous, and all that he could hear was a cold, mocking laughter.
Then the pain stopped. Voldemort turned his ugly face away, and Snape leaned his head against the cool floor, feeling for all the world like he wanted to die. It wasn't a moment before he picked himself back up. His nerves were jangled and frayed. So, he still hadn't managed to leave without a small taste of Cruciatus then. Well, he supposed Voldemort wouldn't count one of their meetings a success unless he got someone to scream at least once. "Go."
It was all Snape needed. In a flash, he apparated away from the cold, dead room, leaving behind the monster. But sadly not the pain. And not truly the monster either, for as long as that mark burned against his skin, the monster would always be there. Eyes upon him. He appeared just a little outside of Hogsmeade, somewhere far past his intended mark. But Snape could be forgiven if his mind was not completely with him. He dropped back to the ground limply. No Voldemort to see, no colleagues to judge, just plain, open grass and dirt. And sunlight. He twitched a little, his nerves jumpy from the recent pain. Malfoy. Snape winced. This wasn't good, not at all. It was hardly likely that Demitrius' disappearance and Malfoy's strange behaviour were entirely coincidental. Snape didn't know why his former pupil hadn't gone straight to the Dark Lord with the boy from the future. Surely, it would earn him a high position, to bring such a treasure to the 'Master'. Was he going for a power-play of his own? Or was it sheer stupidity?
Either way, Snape was in shit now. He closed his eyes shut tight as he lay in the dirt, trying to ignore the twinges of his battered body and mind. It wouldn't do not to think about it. But right now, he just couldn't. Slowly his thoughts began to blur, until deep, dark unconsciousness swept over him. As his mind drifted away from the world, his last thoughts were of a pair of concerned brown eyes, and soft lips against his own...
A/N: Voila, done! Shout-outs are below. Thanks for reading, and again, sorry 'bout the delay.
Moira McDuff: Well, hmm, I don't know if you could say that Malfoy weasled his way out of that or not. :D Oh well. I'm thrilled I made you laugh, I was going for a humorous tone with that. Poor Ron. I get the feeling I'm going to be performing a bit of Weasley-torture in the next little while. Thanks for reading and reviewing! :D
Star: :D Glad you loved it, and I hope you didn't have to wait too long.
jade_dagger: Hmm, interesting, you must have woken up fairly early for that. Well, thanks for the review!
Aemos: Er, well, not as soon as I would have hoped. But, look, it's there! Sorry if I kept you waiting too long. Hope you liked this last chapter, and I'm glad you enjoyed chapter eleven!
AngelApple: Yay!!!! :D
Adriana: You're welcome, and thank you for the encouraging reviews. I'm very glad you think my characters are on target, it's something I really try to pull of. :D I'm really flattered you added my story to your favourites!
white raven: Oh wow, such high praise! Thank you very much, I'm really, truly flattered you think so highly of my story. I must confess I feel slightly evil for what I did to Ron. But, meh, it was fun, and I'm glad you liked it. Writing Demi's dialogue is an absolute treat. Thanks for the review, Ihope you liked chapter twelve. :D
moonglow11066: You got it, and thanks, I'm awfully fond of splashing dark with light.
Isa: You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed the picture and the chapter! :D
Scarlet: I hope it was, no, and thank you for reviewing. ^_^
Aqua Child: Hope I didn't disappoint, and to answer your questions, sorry, I can't answer you're questions! :D I know, I know, I'm really quite evil. Thanks for reviewing!
Potionsgurl: Glad you liked it. Draco gets more air-time soon, hope you enjoyed this latest chapter!
Echo of Silent Cries: Oooh, 'magnificent'! :D Thanks!
Mercurial: Thanks, you got it!
Beth Ann: Glad you liked it. Yup, poor Ron, I don't think it was part of his plan to become a spider landing-platform! :D Thanks for reviewing!
Landry Anne: Oooooh, favourites! Yay! ^_^ Thanks so much, glad you're enjoying it!
Draco's Angel: Ack, don't go insane! Noooooooo! Here, there, I updated!
Becca Black: Glad you liked the chapter. You've got pretty good insight, don't ya? Hope you enjoyed chapter twelve. There should be more SS/HG interactions soon, good to know you're having fun reading it. I'll keep writing, so you keep reviewing! ^_^
Sonja S.: I'll keep writing, and thanks so much for the review! To answer to of your questions, which I find fairly harmless enough to the plot to reveal, Michael is already born but still in diapers, and Demi's wand is either on Malfoy or in his Manor. I won't say which. Hope you enjoyed reading the last chapter, and that the suspense hasn't killed one of my best reviewers! ^_^
Witchy-grrl: :D Thanks for the review! Yay! Always nice to get one from you. Yup, Dumbledore can't keep his bushy beard out of anything. I'm so happy you're into my story. Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long for this chapter, and that you enjoyed it! :D
Gemz: Ah, no, please don't send me a howler! Look, see? I did it! :D Lol, thanks for the review!
hasapi: To answer your question, it would appear he gets the letter after, :D. Thanks for the reviews, and I didn't mind that you intended to do one for every chapter, or that in the end you didn't. I'm just happy getting feedback from nice people like you. Thank you very much for saying you find this story well-written. I hope you liked the last chapter! :D
Lady Knight of Kennan: Yay! ^-^ I'm glad you like it so much, and thank you very much for the long review. Yes, I am evil. Verrrrrry evil. And sorry I kept you waiting longer than I normally would prefer. It's great that you find my story entertaining and original, and I'm ultimately flattered to be on your favourites list. Hope you keep reading! :D
Jessica: Well, you have a very valid point, and one I've considered. If you haven't already please read the author's note before the chapter. But, thank you for your help. If nothing else it reminded me I had an explanation I'd forgotten. :D
revel-in-me: You're very welcome, and I hope I didn't keep you waiting long.
Jordan: You got it, thanks for the review!
Music: Okay, you didn't say that, but all the same I'm glad you did. Thanks for the comments on Malfoy, hope you liked this chapter!
Avada: Thanks, I'm working on it!
Eirete: Glad you liked the convo, and sorry to disappoint you, what with not immediately shipping Malfoy off to Azkaban. But who knows, Demi's hardly one to let this sort of thing slide, is he?
Elendil Snape: Great, I hope to keep everyone curious for as long as I possibly can, without being *too* cruel. Thanks for the compliments, hope you enjoyed chapter twelve!
Goddessnmb1: Thanks, glad you liked it! :D
kitsunelover: Thanks for the review, and I guess you've got a shot with Demi, he is available after all. ^_~. Personally I think Snape'd make a great Dad, although he'd probably be totally biased towards his kid.