Chapter Eight

Severus felt that he had barely closed his eyes when he was awakened by the tinkling chime in the air. It was time to check on Miss Borgin. He hadn't bothered to change out of his clothes, knowing he would be up and down all night. It was possible that the dressing would have be changed several times before he was sure the poison had completely left her system. If it weren't completely cleansed, if the tiniest drop were left in her veins, it would inexorably eat away at her until she died.

Madame Pomphrey had given him a searching look when she asked him if he knew of the poison. It would seem that his knowledge was at once a blessing and a curse. It implicated him as the designer (something Albus would have to smooth over), but had he not been here, Poppy would have treated the woman with any number of poison remedies, any of which would have reacted to speed the progress of the poison instead of impeding it. He had devised it to do just that in his early days as a Death Eater when creating imperceptible and quick-acting poisons had made up the bulk of his duties to the Dark Lord. Malfoy's estate was now the hiding place for most of those fiendish toxins. He scowled deeply. It seemed he was responsible for Alex's troubles in more than one way.

He padded softly to the sofa where she lay and looked down at her pale form. When he first saw her in the hospital wing, he had been astonished at how her golden skin which had positively gleamed in the sunlight had become a sickly, pasty white. As he had slept, she had regained a bit of her color, but still wore dark circles under her eyes from the stress she'd endured. Dreaming of unhappy things, she moaned and shuddered in her sleep.

"Alex. Wake up."

She sighed deeply and after a moment mumbled into her pillow, "Go away."

"I'd like nothing better than to return to bed, but it's time to redress that wound."

Her eyes opened slowly and he watched with rapt fascination as those amber orbs regarded him with simple trust, a trust he had not earned. He had never been close enough before to notice the tiny flecks of green within the warm, inviting gold; such intriguing eyes. Still, something seemed out of place. The somber expression on her face didn't seem to suit her.

"How are you feeling?"

"Better. I feel like I've been run over by the Knight Bus, but I can feel my leg again." She let out a tiny chuckle before adding, "Of course, it stings like hell, but at least I know it's there."

How she was able to maintain her sense of humor after the night she'd had was a mystery to him, but with that small smile back in place, she seemed more like herself.

"It's supposed to sting."

"Oh, joy. And, how long do I get to endure this delightful medicine of yours?"

"That is what I have come to ascertain."

As he pulled the bandage from her leg, he was greatly satisfied to see that the brilliant yellow potion on the bandage had turned a vile shade of blackish green. The poison was leaving her body more rapidly than he had hoped, but he'd need to know how much was left in her veins. As he pulled his wand from his robes, he saw her eyes widen in terror for an instant, but when they found his own, they grew instantly calm.

"What's that for?"

"I need to know how much poison in still inside you--to find out how much longer you'll need to 'endure my delightful medicine.'"

She laughed outright at the blatant sarcasm with which he quoted her, and Severus felt a swell of satisfaction. She was well on her way to a full recovery. The spell revealed that there was still a miniscule amount of poison remaining, but one more poultice should eliminate all traces of his foul concoction.

Alex watched his skilled hands as they went about their work; pouring a cleansing solution onto a clean bandage and pressing it to her leg. Despite the pain, it was delightfully erotic; his long, clever fingers touching her skin as he held the cloth in place, then rubbing gently to clean the wound. His skin was remarkably warm and his slender hands worked methodically as he spoke to her.

"Albus spoke with me after you fell asleep. He would like for you to accompany him to the Ministry in the morning and inform them of what happened."

"Who's Albus?"

"You met him a few hours ago, the older wizard."

"Oh, yeah. He's the one who ran to get you when I arrived."

"Yes. He's the Headmaster of this school."

"Well, I appreciate the rescue, Severus, but I'm not going to the authorities."

His head tilted slowly to the side as he gazed at her with great curiosity. "Why not?"

"Two reasons: Most importantly, Lucius did try to kill me, but it's a business matter. If I make it personal by going to the ministry, I'm pretty sure he'll really get nasty."

"Can he get any nastier than trying to kill you?"

"Yes," she answered flatly. "I get the impression that he can. However, if I find this scroll that he wants and hand it over to him without turning the matter over to your Ministry, I'm fairly certain he'll leave me alone."

"But if the Ministry were to make a full inquiry, he'd be sent to prison. He couldn't hurt you."

"No, Severus. That's the second reason, actually. I assure you he has an alibi, an alternate wand, and an excess of gold and influence to fill any holes in his story. Guys like Malfoy don't get sent to prison unless they're caught red-handed with a dozen witnesses. Even then, they tend to weasel their way out of doing time. I have a slim chance of getting out of this alive, and it lies in finding that item and getting it to him as soon as possible. If that doesn't work, I can sell the shop and leave the country."

Severus felt a pang of regret at those words. For the first time in decades he had the desire to get to know someone better. It figured that the person would be a target of one of the most powerful wizards in England and would likely have to leave as a result. He resolved at that moment to do whatever he could to find and destroy that scroll, no matter how badly he wanted it. He could do that much at least, then he could talk to Lucius, try to reason with him, and hope it didn't result in his being disciplined again.

'Disciplined'; it was a pretty word for petty torture. He was still aching from the discipline he had received earlier, which had been particularly vindictive, even for Malfoy. But he accepted it as he must. Lucius was one of the Dark Lord's most favored servants, and punishing the Death Eaters for their mistakes was his right. He could have left Snape's wand in his robes and he would never have drawn it, as retaliation would have resulted in his death, either from Malfoy or from the Dark Lord, himself.

"Severus?"

He shook himself from his reverie and turned his attention to Alex's face. She was staring at him with a mixture of humor and concern.

"Yes?"

"Are you alright?"

He blinked once, slowly. "I'm quite fine, just a bit tired."

She ignored the evasion. "That wasn't sleep in your eyes. What were you thinking about?"

"Nothing." He shifted his weight so that he could rise from the floor, and she placed a hand on his arm to halt him.

"Nothing?" she asked.

He raised that one brow as he had in Nina's restaurant. It was a captivating gesture. His gaze moved slowly from her hand to her eyes, questioning her motive. She revealed it to him without delay. "Can I ask you one more question?"

"If you feel you must."

Alex leaned forward and screwed up her courage to ask him what she'd been dying to ask since this morning.

"Had you?" she whispered.

"Had I what?"

"Had enough?"

The look on his face was priceless, better than she'd hoped for. It began with confusion, grew into comprehension, then resolved itself into absolute astonishment mingled with a bit of horror.

His mouth formed the word several moments before he actually spoke it. "How?"

"Sorry. Trade secret."

She was about to lean back when she realized that what she really wanted was in the opposite direction. That soft mouth was still enticingly open, his eyes still warily awaiting her reaction to his confession, and her hand closed lightly on his arm as she moved to kiss him. Before she could reach her goal, however, a soft knock sounded on the door.

Rolling his eyes at the interruption he called out irritably, "What?"

The door swung open to reveal Albus Dumbledore, dressed in a red robe emblazoned with golden stars looking as though he had slept nine hours instead of what could only have been three or four. "Good morning to you, as well, Severus." His gaze fell on the two of them and he smiled even as he blushed a bit. Modestly, he cleared his throat and lowered his eyes.

Severus wondered briefly why his Headmaster was looking as though he'd caught him in some minor indiscretion. Then he looked down to see his hand still resting on Alex's bare thigh, her hand on his arm as if pulling him back, his face mere inches from hers. It would easily seem as though they were involved in some less than decent activity. 'Well, had you given us a bit more time.' he thought in frustration.

With a look of deep regret, he pulled away. Alex smiled to herself. He wasn't quite as devilishly handsome as Lucius, but there was definitely something there, a quick mind and a trace of endearing innocence behind his angry façade. In fact, he was either a tremendous actor or he had no idea how attractive he was, how perfectly imperfect.

The headmaster settled himself into an armchair by the fire as Alex sat up against the arm of the sofa. She hadn't realized that she was very underdressed, wearing only what appeared to be a hospital gown. 'Where did I get that?' she wondered.

"Do you think there's a chance I could get my clothes back, please," she asked with a wry smile.

It was Albus who answered. "I asked Nina to drop by your home and bring something for you to wear."

"You sent her alone to the shop? Are you crazy?"

The Headmaster never batted an eye. "Some have speculated as much. However, I assure you that she was escorted by several formidable wizards of my acquaintance."

Alex blushed. "Oh. Good. Sorry."

"There's never any reason to apologize for caring," he responded gently. "She returned with your entire wardrobe and most of your personal grooming effects."

"Oh, thank Merlin. I could really use a shower."

The wizened wizard smiled warmly at her. "I'm sure you're also in need of some answers."

"Am I?"

"Perhaps we more than you, then. Would you like to tell us what happened?"

She gave a small sigh and looked away. "Not really, no. But, I will."

By the end of the story, which they allowed her tell without interruption, Dumbledore's eyes were slightly moist. "Well, Miss Borgin, you are a resourceful girl, aren't you?"

Alex smiled at the compliment. "Well, I'm not a very accomplished witch. Being resourceful is the next best thing, I guess. A girl's got to survive."

Severus who had been pacing the floor, arms folded into his robes, looking murderous spoke up. "It's a testament to your intelligence that you did."

She blushed outright as she gazed at the potions master with something more than appreciation. Albus had the grace at that moment to busy himself rising from his chair and straightening his robes rather more than was necessary. He paused briefly before he spoke. "I'm afraid that Severus and I must excuse ourselves for a little while. There's a private matter we need to discuss." He turned a fatherly smile on her before adding, "The lavatory is just through that door."

At that, he started out of the room, Severus following close behind with only a quick, curious glance in Alex's direction as if she'd become a mystery to him.

Not only was a hot shower like a luxury after what she'd been through that night, it was interesting insight into the man who had saved her life. The room was small and sparsely but tastefully decorated. The mirror was framed by gleaming, impossibly-intertwined silver snakes and was far more sarcastic than most. As she discarded what little clothing she had left, the mirror made some rather suggestive comments about certain areas of her anatomy which could be better filled out, and as she widened her eyes at this, it suggested that her face could use a bit of color, as well. She practically leaped into the shower. 'Stupid mirror,' she sulked. Then, 'I wonder what it says about Severus.' Unlike the man in question, she let her mind conjure all sorts of images of what the other would look like under all those stuffy clothes. In her mind, he undressed with agonizing slowness and climbed into a steaming bath, moaning as he sank into the water. His head fell back, drenching his black hair and exposing a tender white throat. Crawling over his naked form, she bit and licked that lovely pale neck. It was a thought that left her breathless and she thoroughly enjoyed the fantasy while she scrubbed away the memories of the previous night.

When she finally left the shower, having relieved herself of the tension that her fantasy had caused, she felt like a new woman. Crossing the office to the corner in which Nina had placed her wardrobe, she changed into some of her new, slightly more traditional clothing. She hadn't gone so far as to buy a robe which would have just been ridiculous for someone like her, but slipping into some flowing black trousers and a puffy-sleeved green blouse with an ankle-length black vest, she had to admit that she did feel a bit less like a sore thumb.

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Severus, for his part, was trying like hell to concentrate on what Dumbledore was saying to him instead of what had almost transpired in his office. The Headmaster was saying something about understanding the attraction, but focusing on one's duty to the Order. Yes, yes. Get on with it.

"Has she agreed to accompany me to the Ministry?"

Severus vacantly realized he was being questioned, but it took him a moment to assimilate the query and formulate an answer. Albus interlaced his fingers on his desk and waited patiently.

"She doesn't wish to go, Headmaster."

"Oh?" He was slightly surprised, assuming that she would want to see justice served. "Why not?"

"She has some very good reasons, most of them based in self-preservation."

He looked a tiny bit disappointed. "Please explain."

Severus recounted Alex's reason's to Dumbledore who grew more and more frustrated. "I had no idea she was so self-serving."

A small, proud smile graced the mouth of the Slytherin Head of House. "Not everyone can be a Gryffindor, Headmaster."

"So it would seem, Severus. If she will not report to the Ministry, then I would like for you to accompany her today back to her store to try and find that scroll. Destroying it is the only way to keep her safe from Lucius."

"I should inform you, Headmaster, that she has every intention of finding it and giving it to him."

Dumbledore seemed taken completely taken aback. It was several moments before he regained his composure enough to speak. "How can this be so?"

"Again, ruthless self-preservation. She's correct in assuming that if she gives him what he wants, he'll leave her alone. One can only hope that we find it before he recruits more help."

"Do you feel he'll inform Voldemort?"

"I'm afraid that he will. He's convinced that Alex is lying to him and that the scroll is hidden somewhere in the shop. Up 'till now, Lucius has avoided telling The Dark Lord of the potion because he wasn't sure that he could obtain it. It is not wise to promise him something one cannot deliver.

Presently, he'll either be more determined than ever, or he'll have given up entirely. I doubt the latter."

"Can you talk to him and find out?"

"No, Headmaster. I cannot. After my perceived 'failure' where the woman is concerned, it's likely that he'll no longer accept my assistance. I would be a fool to go to him and ask."

"We'll simply have to explain to her why it must be destroyed and hope that she does the right thing." Dumbledore rose from his desk with dignity and made his way to the revolving staircase. "Let us hope she can be reasoned with."

"The problem is that what you're asking of her is anything, but reasonable."

Without turning, the Headmaster replied. "War rarely is."

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Slate-one: I'm happy that you like my Lucius. I tried to keep him as close to character as possible as he is one of my favorites. Alex is special to me, so I am of course thrilled that you are accepting of her. By the way, you pegged her character almost exactly. As to the time period of the story, that is difficult. The bit about Lucius and Board Of Governors was a blunder on my part, nothing more. I had simply forgotten about his removal, to be honest (Lucius can do no wrong in my eyes). I had intended for the story to take place the in the summer right after GOF, but I'm not specific about it for my own personal reasons. Post OOTP is a bit frustrating for me as far as Lucius is concerned. I'm still sulking about his being caught, and as I'm also still sulking about Darth Maul biting the big one in Episode One, I don't feel that I'll get over this any time soon. Thanks for the review!

Rycca: Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. I'm honored. I'm so glad that the reopening of the wound worked so well for you. I was hoping for something along those lines, sort of a primal bonding or a rite of passage for both of them. Of course, it's also just fun to have an excuse to swear at Severus for no good reason.

Amberdulen: You're right about her calling him Sev. It's something most people couldn't away with, but she's sick and delusional and he's feeling very guilty about things. Good point about Nina conjuring a blanket. I read that in your review and did a Homer-- "Doh!" (slaps self on forehead). Interesting you should bring up the points of ellipses, I've actually written them into several chapters (including that bit), but I've noticed that when I upload my stories, they mysteriously disappear. It's most distressing. I'll try a double-hyphen next time.

J.S. Sumner: I'm glad that you're enjoying the story. I agree with you that making Severus understand the trouble that his arrogance causes is necessary sometimes. It's the first step to slipping through the chinks in our beloved potion master's armor. That's actually what I like best about a great fanfic on "Chocolate Frog" called Wicked Games. The author captured that idea perfectly. It's a great story in it's own right, by the way and I highly recommend it.