Author's Note #1: ' mind speak' mostly used by Septina and Severus. But it also signifies any conversation that takes place between two minds.
Part Two:
One Month Later:
Sirius paced at the foot of the bed. Something was terribly wrong. It was late, later than any meeting Septina had attended since they had arrived. A floorboard creaked and he changed forms. His eyes turned to the door, which slowly opened.
Septina entered and leaned against the closed door with a deep, drawn-out sigh. Things had not gone well. Pushing away, she protected the door and went to the bathroom. Sirius whimpered, looking to her for answers.
Turning towards the sound, her head shook. "Not now, Grim." The door closed with a sharp click behind her and he was left unsatisfied for the moment.
After a shower, she emerged and fell onto the bed. Recognizing the defeated posture, he leapt onto the bed and transformed. "What happened?"
"Bellatrix returned," she spoke dully. "Voldemort couldn't be happier."
"I can just imagine," his reply was dry. Bellatrix Lestrange was one woman he remembered all to well from his days as an auror.
"Bellatrix and I have never gotten along. She believes that I never had to work for or suffer after I recieved my mark. She's positively gleeful that I've been humbled." There was a pause, he got the feeling he wasn't going to like what he heard next. "She wants to meet you, give you some award for keeping me humbled."
He was right. "I can't. She has seen me transform, she knows me."
"You haven't much choice in the matter, unless you want to leave. Voldemort thinks it's a splendid idea and gave the order, for you to be at tomorrow's gathering."
Sirius flinched. From her tone and the cold look on her face, she expected him to flee. His spine straightened and he glared, though he knew she couldn't see it. How dare she condemn him out of hand? "I'll be there, Septina."
Echoes of Lily, the dark haired Slytherin mused. "I believe you. Really. Just try to reign in the conceit."
He flushed, "anything else?"
"Narcissa took me aside and regaled me with tales about her bonding with her son. I need to find out what she's up to, Severus is having no luck. He also feels a change in Draco. Draco's become more erratic, less reliable. In fact, he's gotten himself into more trouble since his father's death than he has during his first six years there."
"She's probably trying to remake Lucius in Draco," Sirius remarked offhandedly.
"What?" she whispered, her hand clutching the sheet.
Startled, he elaborated. "It makes sense. The resemblance between the two is uncanny. And sons usually take after their fathers. May be the feel of his father's life slipping through his hands was to much for him," Sirius stopped, suddenly aware of the implications. He cursed.
"Indeed," she quickly rose and filled a bowl with water. Recasting the protection spell, she elongated it to cover the entire room and a bit into the hallway. Slicing her hand open, she let the blood flow into the bowl and swirl around. When it changed from clear to a deep red, she chanted in a language Sirius didn't recognize.
Shimmering for a moment, the blood red water dissolved and turned in a hard mirror. A familiar form turned towards it, "Severus?" It was uncertain, this mode of communication was something they rarely tried and never with much success.
"Septina," the relief was evident in him. They hadn't come into contact since the night she'd been called. "You look terrible. Is everything okay?"
"No." It was blunt. "For once Sirius Black came up with the solution to our Malfoy drama. He thinks that Narcissa may be trying to revive Lucius in Dray."
"The mutt has brains after all."
Sirius bristled at their words but forced himself to retain control of himself. He was beginning to recognize certain defensive patterns in their behaviors. They were like snakes, coiled and ready to strike at anything that came their way. To prevent harm before any threat harmed them.
It was a brilliant tactic, if terribly lonely.
"He isn't much. But I've come to tolerate him." Septina's voice was mild, "he's not that bad really."
Severus shook his head, "Any ideas on how to handle Dray?"
"No. You?"
"I don't. As odd as this may seem, Hermione is the only one who gets through to him these days."
"Like Lily, is she?" She shrewdly guessed, still knowing she needed to meet the girl.
"Very much so," his voice was soft.
"Put her on alert. And find out her line of magic." It was a semi-order, if she knew her brother-and she did-he had already done so.
"Did that. While not in the line of the dragon, some were women of Avalon."
She whistled, "things are beginning to turn back the clock."
"Let's just hope that doors which shouldn't be opened, remain so." It was a grim warning.
"Acknowledged."
She heard Severus rustling as he turned around to talk to someone. When he faced her again, he seemed resigned. "Lily says to come home to Hogwarts. There's much to be done to restore her to life."
"I will. If she can think of a reason Voldemort will let me return." She felt a change inside, "she already has, hasn't she?"
"It all hinges on whether or not Sirius Black is ready to face Voldemort. As himself," he added.
The sentence abruptly brought him out of his thoughts. Their eyes stared at him and he gulped nervously. Now what were the Snape twins expecting him to do?
"Are you?" She asked, poking him in the side. "Ready to face Voldemort?"
Slowly he nodded, feeling the dread already settle and explode in his belly But he knew it was time. One tanned hand clutched his left arm, "will I?"
"Be expected to take the mark?" She finished, shaking her head, "no. Voldemort may not all there but even he knows that Harry Potter can feel the dark mark if there are more than two in an area. If I'm not mistaken, he'll want you to bring the boy to him."
"I see." The prospect should've frightened him. It should've bothered him more. In some ways, it did but not as much as it once would have.
"Septina, I have to go."
"I know. Please, get some rest, you sound terrible."
"There wasn't enough time." He spoke softly, as though afraid to disrupt things.
Her nod reassured him and he knew that she felt the lack as well.
"Fare thee well, sister mine." He ended the conversation and rose wearily. Rising, he turned and stopped, startled by the sight that met his eyes. "Why are you in my bed?"
A laugh echoed lightly in the room, "the question, dearest Severus, should by why aren't you in bed?"
"Work. Some of us are required to do so in order to provide the things we need to sustain life."
"But, if I recall, sleep is one of those things." Lily chided, indicating that he should join her, "come on. You know me. I don't bite. Hard." She ended with a mischievous smile when he leapt back.
"Lily, I do not find this situation even remotely amusing." He said repressively.
"Sev, you rarely do nowadays. It seems that I shall have to remind you." She rose gracefully.
"Don't bother."
Clicking her tongue, she watched him. "What happened to you?"
Black eyes met hers frankly. "Voldemort stole my soul. Lucius stole my heart."
A slow smile curved her lips, "Well, you heart should be coming back soon, if I've calculated old Roldie-rot's reaction to Sirius correctly."
Gliding towards him, she rested a ghostly palm on him chest. "As for the soul, that will have to wait until I'm more corporeal."
He swallowed, unable to move back any farther.
"I let you go almost 20 years ago. Do not think that you will escape me so easily this time, Severus Snape."
There was no mistaking that threatening promise in her voice.
"I will claim what is mine." Green eyes flashed a promise, then she pulled back. "Have a pleasant night. Do think of me, won't you?"
She was gone, leaving him much like he'd been for sixteen long years. In a cold room. Alone.
***
Severus nodded tightly at Bellatrix, watching the door anxiously. He no longer cared what anyone thought about him. In just a few minutes he'd be seeing his sister. Being led in by a dog, as though she was unable to find her way around unaided. And not just any dog. Sirius Black.
The irony of the situation did not escape him.
Soft footfalls, but confident ones, reached his ears. It was all he could do to remain calm when she entered the room. Like the others, Septina had on the robe of a death eater. But the mask was missing. Voldemort didn't want them to cover their faces any longer, he felt there was no longer a reason for it. Don't you dare mess this up, he seemed to be saying when he met Black's eyes.
"Attention, my fellow children," Voldemort's voice cracked as it carried out over the hushed voices. He cleared it irritably as they waited expectantly. "As you can see, our little seer has brought a friend to meet us. Septina, bring your guest forward that all may see and marvel at him."
The two walked forward, Septina's expressionless face froze the catcalling cold. Sirius steeled himself for the moment to come. His eyes searched out Bellatrix and studied her. She seemed...colder somehow and less like the one he knew.
Narcissa stood beside her. Coldly beautiful and proud. These two, he knew, were to be feared more than all the others. Even Voldemort had none of the hardened cruelty he could sense coming off the women in waves.
He knew the moment Bellatrix saw him. She stiffened, staring at him, puzzled. Could it be possible that she didn't recognize him?
"My Lord Voldemort," she spoke sharply, dropping to her knees before continuing. "That is no ordinary dog. It is the Grim!"
"I know. It seems that death leads death well," Voldemort was disappointed by her reaction. He was expecting more from her, not this superstitious fear of the Grim's reputation. "Rise, if you have nothing further to say, woman."
She flushed at the sharp tone in his voice. Glaring hatefully at the pair, Bellatrix stayed where she was.
He flinched back. The dog in him couldn't prevent the low growl that rumbled in his throat. Nor could he stop from moving to protect Septina from this preserved threat. Septina didn't know if she should be offended or amused by this behavior, so she remained silent.
'Sept, what is he doing?'
'Protecting me, I guess.'
'Hmmm...well, we better think of something fast because Bellatrix's lack of answer has changed things.
'Not entirely. She's only made one comment and hasn't risen yet. But if she doesn't say anything, what of your connection with Dumbledore?'
'He won't involve himself in this. Moody is wondering and pressing him for information about what's changed. He's reluctant to mention your return.'
'I see.'
There was a movement from the kneeling death eater. For a moment and they held their breath, waiting, then released it in disappointment when all she did was stand up.
"I apologize for my comment. It was inconsiderate of me to waste your time, lord." Bellatrix spoke, her head bowed.
"It was," Voldemort agreed, looking bored. "Septina, return with you r brother. I need another pair of eyes-I mean, senses-at Hogwarts."
"Yes, lord," she spoke through teeth that longed to clench together. Mocking laughter filled the room as she stiffly walked to her brother.
"And Septina?" he added sweetly. "Try to gain the Potter boy's confidence."
"How? I'm a Slytherin, the very incarnation of evil. I am also a Snape."
"He is a boy. Boys like dogs. You do the calculation." He spoke to her condescendingly, affectionately stroking the snake that curled into his lap.
"I understand, lord." Ignoring everyone, she stood by Severus proudly. Without thought, their hands sought each other and held. The very feel of their power moving between them silenced the room. Sirius winced away from it even as he was drawn towards it.
Voldemort's eyes narrowed and he stared hard at them. When nothing happened, he relaxed.
'You pushed to hard,' Nagini hissed, turning away from the sight.
He did not acknowledge her words, truthful though they were. Instead he concentrated on reintroducing terror to the world. "We have been much to quiet. Skulking in dark corners and hiding ourselves away as if there was nothing to celebrate. But I have returned. Wouldn't you say that that is cause for celebration?"
He paused, watching as his words sunk in. The dark wizard kept a careful eye on the twins, Bellatrix, and Narcissa-his problem children. As usual, he couldn't read the twins' expressions but the women were another matter. If such a response would not be seen a juvenile, they would've been rubbing their hands gleefully. "Therefore, I suggest that we take in a few operas and bring them to stunning life for the muggles."
"Delicious." Bellatrix purred, giving into impulse. "I heard that VonFloris' "Bacchanalia" is playing. It should be most appropriate as most people die in painful-and mystical-ways. In my opinion, it is one of his finest works. A joyous celebration of vampires and their ways of creating death and destruction. How do you come up with such brilliant plans?"
Voldemort smirked, "it's a gift. Since you know so much of it, why don't you lead the operation?"
"I would be honored. Of course, I hope that you'll join me." It was a semi-question.
"Sadly, no. I want to pay a visit to the ministry. After Lucius' death, Minister Fudge has been seeking counsel from Frumblefore. I feel the need to remove a few things that Lucius stored there for safe keeping." He didn't look all that regretful, which meant he was planning a few other surprises.
"If I may speak, lord?" Narcissa's smooth voice spoke up, "I have his ear, may be I could persuade him to seek clearer sight that that of a doddering old fool's?"
Voldemort smiled, a cold light in his eyes. "I thought you'd never ask. Do as you will, Narcissa. But," he added, "remember who you answer to."
She bowed gracefully, hiding her confusion under a curtain of hair. "Of course, lord. I am ever you obedient servant."
"See that you remain so," It was more than a chilly reminder for her. Glowing red eyes stared at them all before he dismissed them.
***
A.N. #2: As far as I know, no such composer exists. Or does such an opera. If I am wrong, let me know that I may correct my error. Thank you.
Part Two:
One Month Later:
Sirius paced at the foot of the bed. Something was terribly wrong. It was late, later than any meeting Septina had attended since they had arrived. A floorboard creaked and he changed forms. His eyes turned to the door, which slowly opened.
Septina entered and leaned against the closed door with a deep, drawn-out sigh. Things had not gone well. Pushing away, she protected the door and went to the bathroom. Sirius whimpered, looking to her for answers.
Turning towards the sound, her head shook. "Not now, Grim." The door closed with a sharp click behind her and he was left unsatisfied for the moment.
After a shower, she emerged and fell onto the bed. Recognizing the defeated posture, he leapt onto the bed and transformed. "What happened?"
"Bellatrix returned," she spoke dully. "Voldemort couldn't be happier."
"I can just imagine," his reply was dry. Bellatrix Lestrange was one woman he remembered all to well from his days as an auror.
"Bellatrix and I have never gotten along. She believes that I never had to work for or suffer after I recieved my mark. She's positively gleeful that I've been humbled." There was a pause, he got the feeling he wasn't going to like what he heard next. "She wants to meet you, give you some award for keeping me humbled."
He was right. "I can't. She has seen me transform, she knows me."
"You haven't much choice in the matter, unless you want to leave. Voldemort thinks it's a splendid idea and gave the order, for you to be at tomorrow's gathering."
Sirius flinched. From her tone and the cold look on her face, she expected him to flee. His spine straightened and he glared, though he knew she couldn't see it. How dare she condemn him out of hand? "I'll be there, Septina."
Echoes of Lily, the dark haired Slytherin mused. "I believe you. Really. Just try to reign in the conceit."
He flushed, "anything else?"
"Narcissa took me aside and regaled me with tales about her bonding with her son. I need to find out what she's up to, Severus is having no luck. He also feels a change in Draco. Draco's become more erratic, less reliable. In fact, he's gotten himself into more trouble since his father's death than he has during his first six years there."
"She's probably trying to remake Lucius in Draco," Sirius remarked offhandedly.
"What?" she whispered, her hand clutching the sheet.
Startled, he elaborated. "It makes sense. The resemblance between the two is uncanny. And sons usually take after their fathers. May be the feel of his father's life slipping through his hands was to much for him," Sirius stopped, suddenly aware of the implications. He cursed.
"Indeed," she quickly rose and filled a bowl with water. Recasting the protection spell, she elongated it to cover the entire room and a bit into the hallway. Slicing her hand open, she let the blood flow into the bowl and swirl around. When it changed from clear to a deep red, she chanted in a language Sirius didn't recognize.
Shimmering for a moment, the blood red water dissolved and turned in a hard mirror. A familiar form turned towards it, "Severus?" It was uncertain, this mode of communication was something they rarely tried and never with much success.
"Septina," the relief was evident in him. They hadn't come into contact since the night she'd been called. "You look terrible. Is everything okay?"
"No." It was blunt. "For once Sirius Black came up with the solution to our Malfoy drama. He thinks that Narcissa may be trying to revive Lucius in Dray."
"The mutt has brains after all."
Sirius bristled at their words but forced himself to retain control of himself. He was beginning to recognize certain defensive patterns in their behaviors. They were like snakes, coiled and ready to strike at anything that came their way. To prevent harm before any threat harmed them.
It was a brilliant tactic, if terribly lonely.
"He isn't much. But I've come to tolerate him." Septina's voice was mild, "he's not that bad really."
Severus shook his head, "Any ideas on how to handle Dray?"
"No. You?"
"I don't. As odd as this may seem, Hermione is the only one who gets through to him these days."
"Like Lily, is she?" She shrewdly guessed, still knowing she needed to meet the girl.
"Very much so," his voice was soft.
"Put her on alert. And find out her line of magic." It was a semi-order, if she knew her brother-and she did-he had already done so.
"Did that. While not in the line of the dragon, some were women of Avalon."
She whistled, "things are beginning to turn back the clock."
"Let's just hope that doors which shouldn't be opened, remain so." It was a grim warning.
"Acknowledged."
She heard Severus rustling as he turned around to talk to someone. When he faced her again, he seemed resigned. "Lily says to come home to Hogwarts. There's much to be done to restore her to life."
"I will. If she can think of a reason Voldemort will let me return." She felt a change inside, "she already has, hasn't she?"
"It all hinges on whether or not Sirius Black is ready to face Voldemort. As himself," he added.
The sentence abruptly brought him out of his thoughts. Their eyes stared at him and he gulped nervously. Now what were the Snape twins expecting him to do?
"Are you?" She asked, poking him in the side. "Ready to face Voldemort?"
Slowly he nodded, feeling the dread already settle and explode in his belly But he knew it was time. One tanned hand clutched his left arm, "will I?"
"Be expected to take the mark?" She finished, shaking her head, "no. Voldemort may not all there but even he knows that Harry Potter can feel the dark mark if there are more than two in an area. If I'm not mistaken, he'll want you to bring the boy to him."
"I see." The prospect should've frightened him. It should've bothered him more. In some ways, it did but not as much as it once would have.
"Septina, I have to go."
"I know. Please, get some rest, you sound terrible."
"There wasn't enough time." He spoke softly, as though afraid to disrupt things.
Her nod reassured him and he knew that she felt the lack as well.
"Fare thee well, sister mine." He ended the conversation and rose wearily. Rising, he turned and stopped, startled by the sight that met his eyes. "Why are you in my bed?"
A laugh echoed lightly in the room, "the question, dearest Severus, should by why aren't you in bed?"
"Work. Some of us are required to do so in order to provide the things we need to sustain life."
"But, if I recall, sleep is one of those things." Lily chided, indicating that he should join her, "come on. You know me. I don't bite. Hard." She ended with a mischievous smile when he leapt back.
"Lily, I do not find this situation even remotely amusing." He said repressively.
"Sev, you rarely do nowadays. It seems that I shall have to remind you." She rose gracefully.
"Don't bother."
Clicking her tongue, she watched him. "What happened to you?"
Black eyes met hers frankly. "Voldemort stole my soul. Lucius stole my heart."
A slow smile curved her lips, "Well, you heart should be coming back soon, if I've calculated old Roldie-rot's reaction to Sirius correctly."
Gliding towards him, she rested a ghostly palm on him chest. "As for the soul, that will have to wait until I'm more corporeal."
He swallowed, unable to move back any farther.
"I let you go almost 20 years ago. Do not think that you will escape me so easily this time, Severus Snape."
There was no mistaking that threatening promise in her voice.
"I will claim what is mine." Green eyes flashed a promise, then she pulled back. "Have a pleasant night. Do think of me, won't you?"
She was gone, leaving him much like he'd been for sixteen long years. In a cold room. Alone.
***
Severus nodded tightly at Bellatrix, watching the door anxiously. He no longer cared what anyone thought about him. In just a few minutes he'd be seeing his sister. Being led in by a dog, as though she was unable to find her way around unaided. And not just any dog. Sirius Black.
The irony of the situation did not escape him.
Soft footfalls, but confident ones, reached his ears. It was all he could do to remain calm when she entered the room. Like the others, Septina had on the robe of a death eater. But the mask was missing. Voldemort didn't want them to cover their faces any longer, he felt there was no longer a reason for it. Don't you dare mess this up, he seemed to be saying when he met Black's eyes.
"Attention, my fellow children," Voldemort's voice cracked as it carried out over the hushed voices. He cleared it irritably as they waited expectantly. "As you can see, our little seer has brought a friend to meet us. Septina, bring your guest forward that all may see and marvel at him."
The two walked forward, Septina's expressionless face froze the catcalling cold. Sirius steeled himself for the moment to come. His eyes searched out Bellatrix and studied her. She seemed...colder somehow and less like the one he knew.
Narcissa stood beside her. Coldly beautiful and proud. These two, he knew, were to be feared more than all the others. Even Voldemort had none of the hardened cruelty he could sense coming off the women in waves.
He knew the moment Bellatrix saw him. She stiffened, staring at him, puzzled. Could it be possible that she didn't recognize him?
"My Lord Voldemort," she spoke sharply, dropping to her knees before continuing. "That is no ordinary dog. It is the Grim!"
"I know. It seems that death leads death well," Voldemort was disappointed by her reaction. He was expecting more from her, not this superstitious fear of the Grim's reputation. "Rise, if you have nothing further to say, woman."
She flushed at the sharp tone in his voice. Glaring hatefully at the pair, Bellatrix stayed where she was.
He flinched back. The dog in him couldn't prevent the low growl that rumbled in his throat. Nor could he stop from moving to protect Septina from this preserved threat. Septina didn't know if she should be offended or amused by this behavior, so she remained silent.
'Sept, what is he doing?'
'Protecting me, I guess.'
'Hmmm...well, we better think of something fast because Bellatrix's lack of answer has changed things.
'Not entirely. She's only made one comment and hasn't risen yet. But if she doesn't say anything, what of your connection with Dumbledore?'
'He won't involve himself in this. Moody is wondering and pressing him for information about what's changed. He's reluctant to mention your return.'
'I see.'
There was a movement from the kneeling death eater. For a moment and they held their breath, waiting, then released it in disappointment when all she did was stand up.
"I apologize for my comment. It was inconsiderate of me to waste your time, lord." Bellatrix spoke, her head bowed.
"It was," Voldemort agreed, looking bored. "Septina, return with you r brother. I need another pair of eyes-I mean, senses-at Hogwarts."
"Yes, lord," she spoke through teeth that longed to clench together. Mocking laughter filled the room as she stiffly walked to her brother.
"And Septina?" he added sweetly. "Try to gain the Potter boy's confidence."
"How? I'm a Slytherin, the very incarnation of evil. I am also a Snape."
"He is a boy. Boys like dogs. You do the calculation." He spoke to her condescendingly, affectionately stroking the snake that curled into his lap.
"I understand, lord." Ignoring everyone, she stood by Severus proudly. Without thought, their hands sought each other and held. The very feel of their power moving between them silenced the room. Sirius winced away from it even as he was drawn towards it.
Voldemort's eyes narrowed and he stared hard at them. When nothing happened, he relaxed.
'You pushed to hard,' Nagini hissed, turning away from the sight.
He did not acknowledge her words, truthful though they were. Instead he concentrated on reintroducing terror to the world. "We have been much to quiet. Skulking in dark corners and hiding ourselves away as if there was nothing to celebrate. But I have returned. Wouldn't you say that that is cause for celebration?"
He paused, watching as his words sunk in. The dark wizard kept a careful eye on the twins, Bellatrix, and Narcissa-his problem children. As usual, he couldn't read the twins' expressions but the women were another matter. If such a response would not be seen a juvenile, they would've been rubbing their hands gleefully. "Therefore, I suggest that we take in a few operas and bring them to stunning life for the muggles."
"Delicious." Bellatrix purred, giving into impulse. "I heard that VonFloris' "Bacchanalia" is playing. It should be most appropriate as most people die in painful-and mystical-ways. In my opinion, it is one of his finest works. A joyous celebration of vampires and their ways of creating death and destruction. How do you come up with such brilliant plans?"
Voldemort smirked, "it's a gift. Since you know so much of it, why don't you lead the operation?"
"I would be honored. Of course, I hope that you'll join me." It was a semi-question.
"Sadly, no. I want to pay a visit to the ministry. After Lucius' death, Minister Fudge has been seeking counsel from Frumblefore. I feel the need to remove a few things that Lucius stored there for safe keeping." He didn't look all that regretful, which meant he was planning a few other surprises.
"If I may speak, lord?" Narcissa's smooth voice spoke up, "I have his ear, may be I could persuade him to seek clearer sight that that of a doddering old fool's?"
Voldemort smiled, a cold light in his eyes. "I thought you'd never ask. Do as you will, Narcissa. But," he added, "remember who you answer to."
She bowed gracefully, hiding her confusion under a curtain of hair. "Of course, lord. I am ever you obedient servant."
"See that you remain so," It was more than a chilly reminder for her. Glowing red eyes stared at them all before he dismissed them.
***
A.N. #2: As far as I know, no such composer exists. Or does such an opera. If I am wrong, let me know that I may correct my error. Thank you.