Hey everybody, I'm back again!!!
I'm sorry that it took so long to update, I know I promised to hurry up with this chapter - but that was before OotP. *sigh* Oh, and for everyone who isn't done with the book yet or didn't start: THIS IS A SPOILER!
Just wanted to warn you. I was so utterly shattered when I finished OotP. I couldn't believe she did that. Why the hell did she have to kill Sirius? There was no need for it at all, it was simply a senseless muder! Oh well, I guess I should rant somewhere else about that, you surely want to read something else. But I simply needed to say that.
Anyway, I pondered the book a long time, and I pondered my own story even longer. And in the ned I decided to simply ignore the fact, that Sirius died in the books. In my stories he will live on, so you can make yourself warm for a flood of Sirius-centric AUs.
Ok, now I really want to thank you for your reviews, you've no idea how much they helped me to go on!
noraseyes: I don't know if I already commented your review, but Thanks anyway! I hope you'll read on!
Lisande: Thank you! I'm glad you like it, 'cause I plan to write some more of it. This chapter contains some (very poor) attempts at mental Remus- torture, but I'll write more soon, promise! Well, you already know what I think about OotP . . . When comes your next chapter?
Sylvia: Thanks for your review! It got you confused? Good, I hoped it would! *grins* But don't worry, he'll be rescued soon, and then I plan LOTS of Siri-Remy-friendship fluff! He'll get his break and a fair share of petting-on-the-head!!!
A.Dee: Thank you for reviewing! Yes, I am a big Padfoot-fan and I took OotP VERY bad. To be honest I still think it was the worst HP-book I read so far. J.K. really disappointed me. But I will not let this happen to Siri in my story, he'll live on!!!
Zephelia: Thanks so much for reviewing! It's always nice to see a new name on the list! ;)
Someone Reading: Thanks for your review! And no, I won't follow OotP, don't worry. I feel the same way you do, poor Siri . . .
SnuffSnuff: Thanks! I'm really trying to stay good, and I hope you still like it. See ya in the next Angst fic! ;)
karno-L: Thanks very much! I'll try, thanks for the tip!
mette: Thank you! I'm really glad you liked it. I hope you like this chapter, too!
All right, now enjoy the next chapter:
Worrisome
"Ah, Severus! I'm delighted to see that you eventually decided to follow my call."
The high-pitched voice rang in his ears and his heart began to thump faster. He stepped in front of the throne Voldemort was occupying, fell to one knee and bowed deeply. Then he inched forward and kissed the hem of his master's robes. He didn't dare to look up until a dismissal "Stand up!" bristled over him.
"I'm deeply sorry for my late arrival, My Lord, but I was not able to leave Hogwarts until now. I beg you to forgive my belateness, Master.", he murmured quietly. Red orbs where looming at him dangerously as Voldemort narrowed his eyes at him.
"I do not forgive, Severus. And I do not forget. But I might be willing to accept."
Snape knew what the words meant. 'Work hard, don't make mistakes and show me your loyality.' He felt cold sweat sliding down his neck. Voldemort was still staring at him unblinkingly, but then he waved his hand impatiently to the other Death Eaters in the room. The scurried out as fast as their legs would carry them.
Slowly Voldemort rose to his feet, towering over Snape threatingly, like a hawk ready to attack. One of his white, spider-like hands reached into the folds of his cloak and, red glowing eyes not leaving the Potions Master's face, he pulled out his wand. Snape gulped.
With a swish of his wand the entrances leading into the room shut with a booming noise. Silence followed. The snake-like face was still turned on him and now the wand rose until it was looming over the black-haired man's head.
"I do not forgive, Severus. And here I thought you learned you lesson fourteen years ago.", he whispered softly, the words sweeping over the professor like an icy-cold winter breeze.
"Crucio!"
Pain exploded inside his body; he lost all controll as his knees buckled under him. He hit the floor and a screaching cry of pain ripped from his throat. He writhed on the ground, as white-hot daggers seemed to sink into every inch of his skin. He was dying; he was burning. 'STOP!', his mind screamed in agony.
And suddenly it was over. He lay panting at Voldemort's feet, trying to get himself under controll. Standing up on shaky legs he forced himself to meet the crimson eyes again. Voldemort was smiling cruelly at him.
"Now, that we are done with the diciplinary measures we may as well start on important matters. What did you find?" The freezing smile was still present in the corners of his mouth. Snape cleared his throat silently.
"I found a formula of a potion that's imitating the effect of Dementors, but it doesn't last long, ten minutes at the most. Then there's an old prescription for a potion called 'Cold-heart Draught', it lessens the effect Dementors have on humans, but not much. -"
Voldemort cut him off impatiently.
"Is that all?"
The Potions master took a deep breath. "A solution that erases negative memories, but only temporarily. Demetor scales are one of the main ingredients."
Voldemort was watching him like a hunter his prey. Snape's lips refused to part, but he didn't have anything else to say anyway. He could practically feel how the red orbs burnt into him.
"Nothing else?" The voice sounded threating. The professoe felt his heart leap into his throat. He forced a shake of his head.
"No Sire, nothing else.", he croaked with a voice hihger than usual, disgusted by his own weakness.
Voldemort didn't say anything but motioned Snape to follow him. He marched after the Dark Lord silently, trying to make his steps firm and confident. The thought that he was doing this because of Black made cold fury flare up in his chest. That idiot would kill them all!
They passed a few other Death Eaters, which bowed and murmured in shushed voices. The Potions master didn't recognize one of them under their masks, but by the way they quivered and trembled at the sight of the snake-like face belonging to their master, he was sure most of them were new recruites.
They went down another dark hall and with an impatient wave of his skelettal hand Voldemort shooed the two Death Eaters standing near the wall away. Now alone he tapped his wand on one stone in the solid brickwall. Like the gate leading to Diagon Alley the stones parted and formed a passageway.
Voldemort stepped inside and Snape braced himself to follow. As he entered his eyes fell in a corner of the damp cell. He bit back a gasp of horror.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Remus was sitting on the window still and gazed down to the dark school grounds. He could see the lake, the dark water glittering on its smooth surface as a crescent moon cast milky light over it. A howling sound could be heard from the Forbidden Forest.
His mind however, was far away. The werewolf hadn't been able to sleep for the past two days, and tonight was no exception. Sirius. His friend was the only thing he'd been able to think about and worryhad become his constant shadow.
He felt useless. There was nothing he could do, except waiting for Snape to bring information in what shape Sirius was and if there was any chance to free him. Remus was sure there was and it made him angry that they hadn't found it yet.
His thoughts drifted to the night when the Animagus had come to him after alarming the old crowd of Voldemort's rebirth. Covered in dirt, half- starved and nearly asleep on his feet. Remus had pulled him in before he could faint on his doorstep.
Half an hour later he had his friend fed, bathed and tugged in bed, earning a grateful smile and whispered thanks before the black-haired wizard slipped off to sleep. He remembered being shocked at the news Sirius had brought, although he had expected Peter to return to his old master after the fiasco in the Shrieking Shack.
The news of Cedric's death had weighted heavy onto his stomach and he didn't sleep that night. Which maybe was lucky, cause it was then, that Sirius' nightmares started. He'd heard soft cries from the bedroom and bedclothes rustling.
When he'd entered the room his friend was tossing and turning, his forehead shiny with cold sweat, muttering silent pleas for his imaginair torturer to stop and leave him alone. Remus had rushed over to him and shaken him awake.
Confused and scared as he was Sirius lashed out and tried to scramble away, resulting in boxing Remus' ears and tumbling out of bed himself. The werewolf's surprised cry and the pain shooting through his back had brought him back to reality and for a moment he simply stared into his friend's eyes, not knowing what to say.
Remus had come around the bed to look if he was all right, and Sirius had quickly cast his eyes to the floor and mumbled an apology. His face had been crimson with shame and Remus had the impression that he wanted to crawl under the nearest stone and hide there for the rest of his live. It had taken the werewolf a good hour to get him back to sleep and asure him to think nothing of the incident.
The scene had repeated itself regulary since then, Sirius waking from a nightmare, bathed in cold sweat and sometimes so sickened by his dreams that he would bring his dinner back up. Remus had comforted him, trying to help him, supporting him until sleep and exhausition took over again. The bad dreams had not lessened much in the six months his friend had living with him.
But it had brought the two closer together. Remus knew what his friend needed after the nightmares or when depression took hold of him. Sirius had tried everything to show how grateful he was for the friendship and support he was offered, returning care and affection whenever he could.
With a sigh Remus got up and started pacing the dark room again. Half an hour ago he had sent Sparky away and off to bed or what ever those house- elves did at night. The big, shiny eyes, drenched with sympathy, had followed him around the whole afternoon and at some point past ten the werewolf simply lost his calmness and pleaded the house-elf to leave him alone.
He wondered what Sirius was doing right now. If he was able to do anything at all. Was he scared? Did he hurt? Did he think nobody was looking for him? Was he waiting to be rescued or had he simply lost it all together, just wishing himself dead? Was he dead?
Remus shook his head firmly, willing those dark thoughts away. Sirius wasn't dead. He couldn't be. 'It's stupid to kill him - yet. And Voldmort isn't stupid.', he explained to himself. The thouhgt seemed rational and it was enough to hold on until he knew more.
'Sirius will be all right. We will find a way to rescue him. He surrived Azkaban for twelve years, he can do this.'
He tried to keep thinking in this direction. But pictures from Sirius crossed his mind, pushing away his self-reasurances. He saw Sirius, waking from a nightmare. Sirius huddled in a cell in Azkaban. Sirius sitting alone in a dark cave, shivering from cold.
With a wolf-like whine Remus put his hands over his ears and tried hard to conentrate on good thoughts. 'Sirius will be all right, we will rescue him, we will take care of him. He will be ok -' But it didn't help.
The pictures kept coming back and he found himself unable to keep his dark thoughts at bay. It was all his fault. He had believed Sirius guilty of the murder of Lily and James. He had been sure Sirius had slaughtered all those muggles in the street. He had thought Sirius deserved Azkaban.
If it hadn't been for him, Sirius would be free now. They would have sent Wormtail to Azkaban, Voldemort would have never returned, all these senseless murders would have never happened. If Sirius thought he was at fault, Remus was ten times guiltier.
Mute tears slid down his cheeks and the werewolf sank onto a chair. His chest was tight and felt like it was going to burst. He tried to stop the tears in vain; his conscience went on sending pictures, memories and visions through his head, one more disturbing than the other.
Remus didn't move from the chair for the rest of the night. The crescent moon slowly made it's way across the dark sky, before the clouds in the east began to turn pale blue and pink. It seemed to watch the man with a bitter look of sympathy, until it vanished into the upcoming daylight.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"You see, my supposotion was right indeed. The blood shows remarkable effects." The cold voice echoed through the cell and it made the Potions master shiver. His eyes though were still glued to the farest corner of the small room. It was occupied by their lost madman - but unlike normal Snape didn't smirk at his own joke.
Black looked up at him. The pale eyes were bruised and bloodshot but the look they had made a cold shudder run down his spine. They were dead. No expression, no sparkle of mischief, no intelligent lustre, not even something like anger or fear. Nothing at all.
He forced himself to look away and found Voldemort staring at him. Trying not to let any emotion he might feel show he nodded and took a few steps towards the man on the ground, as if interested.
Black was curled up in a tight ball, his knees pressed to his chest uncomfortably. He was cold, Snape could see him tremble slightly. He craddled his right arm against his belly, pressing his dirt- and blood- starined robe against it. He was breathing very slowly
Still Voldemort didn't move, and Snape recognized the sign. He clutched the stone in his pocket and lowly crouched down to examine Black's arm, feeling very light-headed. The Animagus was staring at him, his face still blank of any emotion.
With a swift motion he reached out and grabbed the emaciated arm, ignoring Black's flinch, as pain soared up his arm. The other man turned away from him and as Snape grabbed his shoulder to force him still he dropped the stone behind Black's back. The Animagus looked up at him with blank gaze, but the Potions master was sure that he'd noticed.
He kept his face an icy mask. Showing emotion now under the eyes of the Dark Lord himself would be a sure death sentence, and Dumbledore couldn't afford loosing his spy. Black tried to pull away again, but Snape gave his arm a merciless jerk and twisted his own, so his elbow pressed the man's upper arm down.
Unable to move, Black quitted his silent protests, the dead look in his eyes more pronounced than ever. Snape though didn't pay attention to his face anymore he stared at the wound. It was covered in dirty blisters; blood and pus seeping from the open skin. It's edges were growing black, probably with dirt and dead tissue.
He noticed how cold the Black's skin was, as if there was no bodyheat at all. He looked up at the Animagus, trying to ignore the staring gaze as he reached up and felt his forehead, making sure the other man's head cracked against the wall behind them. There was a small whimper, but it died quickly in Black's throat.
He was cold there, too; it was as if Snape was examining a corpse. And the way the prisoner kept staring at him didn't make it better. He let go of him and stood up again, sneering down at Black with disgust.
"Yes, they are remarkable. Your idea is that of a genius, My Lord." He hesitated a moment before asking the next question, being well aware that, if Voldmort interpreted it wrong, he was as good as dead.
"How will we use the blood, Sire?"
Voldemort gave a soft laugh, high-pitched and cold. Black flinched, but idn't react further. He was curled up again, his eyes closed tightly. The Dark Lord took a step forward and with a swift flick of his wand, his prisoner was lifted up, chains rattling, until their faces were on the same height.
The Animagus hadn't given any sound of pain or fear. Slowly, as if with great effort, he lifted his head and stared Voldemort right in the eye. For a moment there was something like defiance shimmering in his hollow orbs, but then his gaze closed up again. Snape had to admit, that he was impressed by the courage Black showed.
Voldemort seemed rather unimpressed, but amused by the man's attitude. He reached out a spidery white hand and gently lifted Black's chin towards him. Pain flickered through the dark-haired man's features at the contact though the rest of his body didn't react.
"Look into those eyes, Severus. He's trying hard to withstand. He's not broken yet. I have to admit that I'm slightly impressed by his persistence. But we have time.", he added lazily, in a mocking tone as he stared into Black's eyes.
Suddenly he turned away, letting go of his prisoner and the Animagus crashed to the ground with a sickening 'Thud!' He made a chocking noise as he supressed a cry of pain, and now Snape saw clearly how pure hatred flashed in his eyes. It was gone the next second.
He silently pondered how long Black would be able to resist. Or better to survive. His bodily shape was bad enough and if he didn't get any water and food soon that would likely be the case.
He tore his eyes away from the crumpled man and turned around as well. Without looking back he followed Voldemort out of the cell. Snape flinched slightly as the stonewall shut itself with soft clicking noises.
A/N: Ok, that was chapter 18. And I really worked hard to get it out, so now I would like to know what you're thinking. Personelly I think I screwed up at the Remus-scene. I'll try to be better next time!
So if there was anything you liked, didn't like (like my spelling, for example ;) ), hated, laughed at and so on - PLEASE TELL ME; I NEED TO KNOW!!!
All right, I'll go on and write the next chapter, see you there! Oh, I nearly forgot: Check out my new fic "Runaway". It's about the night Sirius ran away from his parents and I'd really like to know what you think about it.
lara
I'm sorry that it took so long to update, I know I promised to hurry up with this chapter - but that was before OotP. *sigh* Oh, and for everyone who isn't done with the book yet or didn't start: THIS IS A SPOILER!
Just wanted to warn you. I was so utterly shattered when I finished OotP. I couldn't believe she did that. Why the hell did she have to kill Sirius? There was no need for it at all, it was simply a senseless muder! Oh well, I guess I should rant somewhere else about that, you surely want to read something else. But I simply needed to say that.
Anyway, I pondered the book a long time, and I pondered my own story even longer. And in the ned I decided to simply ignore the fact, that Sirius died in the books. In my stories he will live on, so you can make yourself warm for a flood of Sirius-centric AUs.
Ok, now I really want to thank you for your reviews, you've no idea how much they helped me to go on!
noraseyes: I don't know if I already commented your review, but Thanks anyway! I hope you'll read on!
Lisande: Thank you! I'm glad you like it, 'cause I plan to write some more of it. This chapter contains some (very poor) attempts at mental Remus- torture, but I'll write more soon, promise! Well, you already know what I think about OotP . . . When comes your next chapter?
Sylvia: Thanks for your review! It got you confused? Good, I hoped it would! *grins* But don't worry, he'll be rescued soon, and then I plan LOTS of Siri-Remy-friendship fluff! He'll get his break and a fair share of petting-on-the-head!!!
A.Dee: Thank you for reviewing! Yes, I am a big Padfoot-fan and I took OotP VERY bad. To be honest I still think it was the worst HP-book I read so far. J.K. really disappointed me. But I will not let this happen to Siri in my story, he'll live on!!!
Zephelia: Thanks so much for reviewing! It's always nice to see a new name on the list! ;)
Someone Reading: Thanks for your review! And no, I won't follow OotP, don't worry. I feel the same way you do, poor Siri . . .
SnuffSnuff: Thanks! I'm really trying to stay good, and I hope you still like it. See ya in the next Angst fic! ;)
karno-L: Thanks very much! I'll try, thanks for the tip!
mette: Thank you! I'm really glad you liked it. I hope you like this chapter, too!
All right, now enjoy the next chapter:
Worrisome
"Ah, Severus! I'm delighted to see that you eventually decided to follow my call."
The high-pitched voice rang in his ears and his heart began to thump faster. He stepped in front of the throne Voldemort was occupying, fell to one knee and bowed deeply. Then he inched forward and kissed the hem of his master's robes. He didn't dare to look up until a dismissal "Stand up!" bristled over him.
"I'm deeply sorry for my late arrival, My Lord, but I was not able to leave Hogwarts until now. I beg you to forgive my belateness, Master.", he murmured quietly. Red orbs where looming at him dangerously as Voldemort narrowed his eyes at him.
"I do not forgive, Severus. And I do not forget. But I might be willing to accept."
Snape knew what the words meant. 'Work hard, don't make mistakes and show me your loyality.' He felt cold sweat sliding down his neck. Voldemort was still staring at him unblinkingly, but then he waved his hand impatiently to the other Death Eaters in the room. The scurried out as fast as their legs would carry them.
Slowly Voldemort rose to his feet, towering over Snape threatingly, like a hawk ready to attack. One of his white, spider-like hands reached into the folds of his cloak and, red glowing eyes not leaving the Potions Master's face, he pulled out his wand. Snape gulped.
With a swish of his wand the entrances leading into the room shut with a booming noise. Silence followed. The snake-like face was still turned on him and now the wand rose until it was looming over the black-haired man's head.
"I do not forgive, Severus. And here I thought you learned you lesson fourteen years ago.", he whispered softly, the words sweeping over the professor like an icy-cold winter breeze.
"Crucio!"
Pain exploded inside his body; he lost all controll as his knees buckled under him. He hit the floor and a screaching cry of pain ripped from his throat. He writhed on the ground, as white-hot daggers seemed to sink into every inch of his skin. He was dying; he was burning. 'STOP!', his mind screamed in agony.
And suddenly it was over. He lay panting at Voldemort's feet, trying to get himself under controll. Standing up on shaky legs he forced himself to meet the crimson eyes again. Voldemort was smiling cruelly at him.
"Now, that we are done with the diciplinary measures we may as well start on important matters. What did you find?" The freezing smile was still present in the corners of his mouth. Snape cleared his throat silently.
"I found a formula of a potion that's imitating the effect of Dementors, but it doesn't last long, ten minutes at the most. Then there's an old prescription for a potion called 'Cold-heart Draught', it lessens the effect Dementors have on humans, but not much. -"
Voldemort cut him off impatiently.
"Is that all?"
The Potions master took a deep breath. "A solution that erases negative memories, but only temporarily. Demetor scales are one of the main ingredients."
Voldemort was watching him like a hunter his prey. Snape's lips refused to part, but he didn't have anything else to say anyway. He could practically feel how the red orbs burnt into him.
"Nothing else?" The voice sounded threating. The professoe felt his heart leap into his throat. He forced a shake of his head.
"No Sire, nothing else.", he croaked with a voice hihger than usual, disgusted by his own weakness.
Voldemort didn't say anything but motioned Snape to follow him. He marched after the Dark Lord silently, trying to make his steps firm and confident. The thought that he was doing this because of Black made cold fury flare up in his chest. That idiot would kill them all!
They passed a few other Death Eaters, which bowed and murmured in shushed voices. The Potions master didn't recognize one of them under their masks, but by the way they quivered and trembled at the sight of the snake-like face belonging to their master, he was sure most of them were new recruites.
They went down another dark hall and with an impatient wave of his skelettal hand Voldemort shooed the two Death Eaters standing near the wall away. Now alone he tapped his wand on one stone in the solid brickwall. Like the gate leading to Diagon Alley the stones parted and formed a passageway.
Voldemort stepped inside and Snape braced himself to follow. As he entered his eyes fell in a corner of the damp cell. He bit back a gasp of horror.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Remus was sitting on the window still and gazed down to the dark school grounds. He could see the lake, the dark water glittering on its smooth surface as a crescent moon cast milky light over it. A howling sound could be heard from the Forbidden Forest.
His mind however, was far away. The werewolf hadn't been able to sleep for the past two days, and tonight was no exception. Sirius. His friend was the only thing he'd been able to think about and worryhad become his constant shadow.
He felt useless. There was nothing he could do, except waiting for Snape to bring information in what shape Sirius was and if there was any chance to free him. Remus was sure there was and it made him angry that they hadn't found it yet.
His thoughts drifted to the night when the Animagus had come to him after alarming the old crowd of Voldemort's rebirth. Covered in dirt, half- starved and nearly asleep on his feet. Remus had pulled him in before he could faint on his doorstep.
Half an hour later he had his friend fed, bathed and tugged in bed, earning a grateful smile and whispered thanks before the black-haired wizard slipped off to sleep. He remembered being shocked at the news Sirius had brought, although he had expected Peter to return to his old master after the fiasco in the Shrieking Shack.
The news of Cedric's death had weighted heavy onto his stomach and he didn't sleep that night. Which maybe was lucky, cause it was then, that Sirius' nightmares started. He'd heard soft cries from the bedroom and bedclothes rustling.
When he'd entered the room his friend was tossing and turning, his forehead shiny with cold sweat, muttering silent pleas for his imaginair torturer to stop and leave him alone. Remus had rushed over to him and shaken him awake.
Confused and scared as he was Sirius lashed out and tried to scramble away, resulting in boxing Remus' ears and tumbling out of bed himself. The werewolf's surprised cry and the pain shooting through his back had brought him back to reality and for a moment he simply stared into his friend's eyes, not knowing what to say.
Remus had come around the bed to look if he was all right, and Sirius had quickly cast his eyes to the floor and mumbled an apology. His face had been crimson with shame and Remus had the impression that he wanted to crawl under the nearest stone and hide there for the rest of his live. It had taken the werewolf a good hour to get him back to sleep and asure him to think nothing of the incident.
The scene had repeated itself regulary since then, Sirius waking from a nightmare, bathed in cold sweat and sometimes so sickened by his dreams that he would bring his dinner back up. Remus had comforted him, trying to help him, supporting him until sleep and exhausition took over again. The bad dreams had not lessened much in the six months his friend had living with him.
But it had brought the two closer together. Remus knew what his friend needed after the nightmares or when depression took hold of him. Sirius had tried everything to show how grateful he was for the friendship and support he was offered, returning care and affection whenever he could.
With a sigh Remus got up and started pacing the dark room again. Half an hour ago he had sent Sparky away and off to bed or what ever those house- elves did at night. The big, shiny eyes, drenched with sympathy, had followed him around the whole afternoon and at some point past ten the werewolf simply lost his calmness and pleaded the house-elf to leave him alone.
He wondered what Sirius was doing right now. If he was able to do anything at all. Was he scared? Did he hurt? Did he think nobody was looking for him? Was he waiting to be rescued or had he simply lost it all together, just wishing himself dead? Was he dead?
Remus shook his head firmly, willing those dark thoughts away. Sirius wasn't dead. He couldn't be. 'It's stupid to kill him - yet. And Voldmort isn't stupid.', he explained to himself. The thouhgt seemed rational and it was enough to hold on until he knew more.
'Sirius will be all right. We will find a way to rescue him. He surrived Azkaban for twelve years, he can do this.'
He tried to keep thinking in this direction. But pictures from Sirius crossed his mind, pushing away his self-reasurances. He saw Sirius, waking from a nightmare. Sirius huddled in a cell in Azkaban. Sirius sitting alone in a dark cave, shivering from cold.
With a wolf-like whine Remus put his hands over his ears and tried hard to conentrate on good thoughts. 'Sirius will be all right, we will rescue him, we will take care of him. He will be ok -' But it didn't help.
The pictures kept coming back and he found himself unable to keep his dark thoughts at bay. It was all his fault. He had believed Sirius guilty of the murder of Lily and James. He had been sure Sirius had slaughtered all those muggles in the street. He had thought Sirius deserved Azkaban.
If it hadn't been for him, Sirius would be free now. They would have sent Wormtail to Azkaban, Voldemort would have never returned, all these senseless murders would have never happened. If Sirius thought he was at fault, Remus was ten times guiltier.
Mute tears slid down his cheeks and the werewolf sank onto a chair. His chest was tight and felt like it was going to burst. He tried to stop the tears in vain; his conscience went on sending pictures, memories and visions through his head, one more disturbing than the other.
Remus didn't move from the chair for the rest of the night. The crescent moon slowly made it's way across the dark sky, before the clouds in the east began to turn pale blue and pink. It seemed to watch the man with a bitter look of sympathy, until it vanished into the upcoming daylight.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"You see, my supposotion was right indeed. The blood shows remarkable effects." The cold voice echoed through the cell and it made the Potions master shiver. His eyes though were still glued to the farest corner of the small room. It was occupied by their lost madman - but unlike normal Snape didn't smirk at his own joke.
Black looked up at him. The pale eyes were bruised and bloodshot but the look they had made a cold shudder run down his spine. They were dead. No expression, no sparkle of mischief, no intelligent lustre, not even something like anger or fear. Nothing at all.
He forced himself to look away and found Voldemort staring at him. Trying not to let any emotion he might feel show he nodded and took a few steps towards the man on the ground, as if interested.
Black was curled up in a tight ball, his knees pressed to his chest uncomfortably. He was cold, Snape could see him tremble slightly. He craddled his right arm against his belly, pressing his dirt- and blood- starined robe against it. He was breathing very slowly
Still Voldemort didn't move, and Snape recognized the sign. He clutched the stone in his pocket and lowly crouched down to examine Black's arm, feeling very light-headed. The Animagus was staring at him, his face still blank of any emotion.
With a swift motion he reached out and grabbed the emaciated arm, ignoring Black's flinch, as pain soared up his arm. The other man turned away from him and as Snape grabbed his shoulder to force him still he dropped the stone behind Black's back. The Animagus looked up at him with blank gaze, but the Potions master was sure that he'd noticed.
He kept his face an icy mask. Showing emotion now under the eyes of the Dark Lord himself would be a sure death sentence, and Dumbledore couldn't afford loosing his spy. Black tried to pull away again, but Snape gave his arm a merciless jerk and twisted his own, so his elbow pressed the man's upper arm down.
Unable to move, Black quitted his silent protests, the dead look in his eyes more pronounced than ever. Snape though didn't pay attention to his face anymore he stared at the wound. It was covered in dirty blisters; blood and pus seeping from the open skin. It's edges were growing black, probably with dirt and dead tissue.
He noticed how cold the Black's skin was, as if there was no bodyheat at all. He looked up at the Animagus, trying to ignore the staring gaze as he reached up and felt his forehead, making sure the other man's head cracked against the wall behind them. There was a small whimper, but it died quickly in Black's throat.
He was cold there, too; it was as if Snape was examining a corpse. And the way the prisoner kept staring at him didn't make it better. He let go of him and stood up again, sneering down at Black with disgust.
"Yes, they are remarkable. Your idea is that of a genius, My Lord." He hesitated a moment before asking the next question, being well aware that, if Voldmort interpreted it wrong, he was as good as dead.
"How will we use the blood, Sire?"
Voldemort gave a soft laugh, high-pitched and cold. Black flinched, but idn't react further. He was curled up again, his eyes closed tightly. The Dark Lord took a step forward and with a swift flick of his wand, his prisoner was lifted up, chains rattling, until their faces were on the same height.
The Animagus hadn't given any sound of pain or fear. Slowly, as if with great effort, he lifted his head and stared Voldemort right in the eye. For a moment there was something like defiance shimmering in his hollow orbs, but then his gaze closed up again. Snape had to admit, that he was impressed by the courage Black showed.
Voldemort seemed rather unimpressed, but amused by the man's attitude. He reached out a spidery white hand and gently lifted Black's chin towards him. Pain flickered through the dark-haired man's features at the contact though the rest of his body didn't react.
"Look into those eyes, Severus. He's trying hard to withstand. He's not broken yet. I have to admit that I'm slightly impressed by his persistence. But we have time.", he added lazily, in a mocking tone as he stared into Black's eyes.
Suddenly he turned away, letting go of his prisoner and the Animagus crashed to the ground with a sickening 'Thud!' He made a chocking noise as he supressed a cry of pain, and now Snape saw clearly how pure hatred flashed in his eyes. It was gone the next second.
He silently pondered how long Black would be able to resist. Or better to survive. His bodily shape was bad enough and if he didn't get any water and food soon that would likely be the case.
He tore his eyes away from the crumpled man and turned around as well. Without looking back he followed Voldemort out of the cell. Snape flinched slightly as the stonewall shut itself with soft clicking noises.
A/N: Ok, that was chapter 18. And I really worked hard to get it out, so now I would like to know what you're thinking. Personelly I think I screwed up at the Remus-scene. I'll try to be better next time!
So if there was anything you liked, didn't like (like my spelling, for example ;) ), hated, laughed at and so on - PLEASE TELL ME; I NEED TO KNOW!!!
All right, I'll go on and write the next chapter, see you there! Oh, I nearly forgot: Check out my new fic "Runaway". It's about the night Sirius ran away from his parents and I'd really like to know what you think about it.
lara