Chapter Seventeen

Severus Snape was a patient man. Staring for hours, even days at a time into a cauldron was one of the most stimulating activities in the world to him. The meticulous cutting and grinding, contemplating the potions within potions, understanding the exact behavior of each ingredient, sometimes hundreds in a complex brew, was necessary to achieving the level of proficiency that he had attained.

Despite all of this, his patience with Alex Borgin had come to an abrupt halt. He could acknowledge his partial responsibility for the trouble she was in, but he would not be held responsible for her lack of ability to extricate herself. Since his last visit to Malfoy Manor, he had not been able to eradicate from his mind the picture of Alex's body entwined with Malfoy's; her voice rang in his ears, breathlessly moaning his rival's name. These had begun to burn inside him, driving him mad. She could use that lithe body to get herself out of this mess, and more power to her.

He would no longer be plagued with her. After the anger he had allowed himself to show tonight, she would be certain to despise him. Maybe now that he no longer had to be bothered with seeing her he could finally get some work done. It was time to lock her memory away in a remote corner of his mind and get on with his life---such as it was.

Lucius was expecting him in an hour to discuss his personal meeting with their master. Malfoy seemed to think it was a wonderful honor that the Dark Lord held private audience with him. Severus was quite happy to leave him to that privilege. The less he saw of that abomination, the better.

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Lucius was acting strangely for having just bedded an attractive woman. He seemed tense, distracted, almost angry; Severus would have to be careful tonight. He sat quietly and watched the man pace the room like a great cat, taking the measure of his mood. It was normal to need time to settle one's feelings after meeting with the Dark Lord. Severus had been known to spend days at a time staring at the ceiling from his reading chair, trying to quiet his mind. Their master specialized in causing disquiet, seemed to feed off of turmoil.

Finally, Malfoy took his customary seat and turned a wary glare on Snape. Severus began counting the measure of his breath to steady his nerves. Had they found him out? No. Voldemort himself would want to be present if that were the case. He would never allow someone else the pleasure of killing a turncoat, even Malfoy. Relax. His face a perfect mask, he met his old friend's gaze, determined to hold his peace until the other let him in on his thoughts. He didn't have long to wait.

"Your lover is a difficult woman." Malfoy's tone was cold, carefully reserved.

A single black brow raised. Maybe Lucius didn't like it rough. Insipid weakling. "Former lover. She's your charge, now. I have work to return to."

"Ah, yes. Your---work." Idly, he toyed with an emerald ring on his hand. "How is your work coming?"

Severus was mystified. He had not come from his dungeon for idle chitchat about next year's lesson plan, and he'd never known Lucius to beat about the proverbial bush. He clenched his teeth to keep back the sharp retort that had formed on his tongue. "Lucius, I am anxious for word from our Master."

The fair-haired wizard rose from his chair and began pacing the room again. "Tell me what you know of Miss Borgin, on a---personal level."

"That would take a great deal of telling. Is there something specific---"

"Severus, just start talking. Tell me everything."

It was a long tale, and he left nothing out, not even the slaying of her father's murderer. Keeping her secrets was no longer worth the risk of withholding information. Again, he found himself pushing aside remorse for his behavior. This was no time to wax sentimental about keeping promises. When he reached the end, both wizards kept their silence for several minutes, Severus with increasing discomfort, and Malfoy with the assimilation of new knowledge. Snape knew the glint in his eyes meant that he was feeling pleased about something.

"Why didn't you tell me before that she had taken a life? I thought that the woman was too harmless for such tactics. Once again, it would seem that the Dark Lord has a better measure of Miss Borgin than I."

"Oh?"

"Our master has seen fit to invite our lady friend to join the ranks of the honored Death Eaters." Severus was suddenly very thankful that he had been too preoccupied to eat today as his stomach lurched at the thought. "However, as is customary, she will need to perform a small task to prove her worth."

"Such as?"

"As our Lord feels that her stealth and resourcefulness are perfect assets for an assassin, he has graced her with the task of killing Arthur Weasley. I had hoped for the pleasure of having his blood on my hands, but it would, of course, be too suspicious. I'm certain Alexandria will be up to the task, and I will revel in being rid of that troublesome, muggle-loving fool."

Severus clamped his considerable will down on the need to roll his eyes. If he had to listen to one more speech about the sanctity of magical blood, he was going to drink his own poison. Instead he decided to try to gently coax some information out of Malfoy.

"I assume, then , that you were able to persuade Miss Borgin without any trouble?"

Lucius clenched his teeth and averted his eyes in obvious disgust. "That uncooperative witch had better be thankful that our master has plans for her," was the only response he would give.

It was enough to cause Snape's blood to warm if only by a few degrees. He could easily ascertain what caused such animosity. Lucius may have had his way, but Alex had at least given him hell. Despite his best effort, he could not withhold a silent congratulations.

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Alex was completely inconsolable. When she entered Nina's the next morning with baggy gym clothes and stringy, unwashed hair, the older witch rushed to her side.

"Alex, dear, what happened?"

Alex let out a great sigh and pushed her mop-like hair out of her face. The circles under her eyes evidenced that she had not slept a wink. "I really don't want to talk about it, Nina."

"Of course you don't, my dear." She placed a strong arm around her shoulders and led her a corner booth in the back. "Now, you just relax here and I'll bring some strawberry muffins. They're just out of the ovens. Goodness, you're early!"

A minute later, the two were snuggled into the booth, Nina sitting across from Alex looking frightfully worried; and Alex looking simply frightful, with her hands wrapped around a mug of coffee and her head resting on the table between her arms. Occasionally, she brought a hand to her face to wipe away the tears that escaped her eyes. "I was really trying to do everything right, this time, Nina."

"Of course you were."

"I had a great first week, and then everything went straight to hell." She sniffled. "Sorry."

"I've heard worse from my own mouth, dear. You just let it out."

Alex was fighting hard to keep what little composure she had left. "I can't believe that I'm in trouble already. I flew straight, this time, I swear. I didn't ask for any of this."

"Can you tell me what happened, dearie?"

Alex sniffed again. "Not without involving you. It's not worth the risk. These people are dangerous." She raised her head to sip from her steaming mug. "I'm afraid I might have to leave, Nina."

"Oh, my dear, surely that won't be necessary. Whatever it is, we can set it right."

"I don't think so. I really love it here. It's the first place I've ever felt at home." Tears began to flow unchecked now, and Nina handed over the cloth napkin from the tray.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No. Nothing."

Nina leaned over and graced her friend's forehead with a kiss. "If there is anything at all that I can do to help you, my dear, you will come to me straightaway. Won't you??"

Alex sat back in her seat, vacant eyes not really seeing the food in front of her. Risking Nina's safety just wasn't an option. She was on her own. "Of course, Nina."

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The three broomsticks was more crowded than usual and that factored well into Alex's plans. She'd pulled herself together since her breakfast with Nina, at which she'd eaten nothing. Now, dressed and groomed, she waited in a back corner of the restaurant, looking up expectantly when a large shadow fell across her. "Hi, Simon," she began as the husky thief took the seat opposite her. "Look, I know it's short notice. I really appreciate this."

"It's no problem, Alex. What did you need?"

Alex took a deep breath before stating quietly, "I need a bag of tricks, subtle and quiet, but powerful."

The big wizard's eyes widened momentarily before his usual expression of boredom was back in place. "Just can't stay away from the game, can you?"

Alex laughed lightly. "No, I guess I can't."

"Don't you go taking all the good marks from the locals, now. We're liable to get restless."

"Don't worry. This is a one-shot deal. But it's a really big deal. I need some good tricks, nothing short of magical miracles. Got it?"

"I got it."

"But, can you get it?"

"I can get it." He answered with a wide smile. "But, it's gonna cost ya."

"You just get the tricks. I'll be as fair as I've always been. Thief's honor."

Simon laughed heartily at that. "Oh, right. Honor. Got it."

"I gotta go, Simon. I have to open the shop back up. I'll need it as soon as possible. OK? This can't wait."

"Three days, tops."

She considered this for a moment. "Make it two and I'll double what it's worth. I'll see you."

With mutual nods, they parted.

Back at the shop, Alex sailed through the day, barely taking notice of anything she did, most of her mind occupied with getting her affairs settled for fight or flight. Shortly after she locked up, a handsome eagle owl deposited a letter on her counter.

Dearest Alexandria,

Having had time to consider the offer you made last night, I find myself in the position of not being able to refuse. You make a good case for our association without liaison, and I am willing to accept your offer to prove yourself to me. Please access the floo network to Malfoy Manor tomorrow night at seven o'clock, and we can discuss the matter over a glass of red wine from my private stock.

Warmest regards,

Lucius Malfoy

"So, it's into the den of vipers, is it?" Alex smiled grimly as she tossed the letter into the hearth. Malfoy's owl was still sitting on her counter, preening as if it planned to stay all day. "Not leaving without a response, eh?" she placed a finger on the bird's chest to stroke it and received a sharp bite for her ministrations. "You're definitely Malfoy's bird. Come on upstairs. You can grab a few of Zepher's treats while he's out."

Sitting at her desk, she racked her brain to come up with a suitable response.

Honored Lord Malfoy,

You flatter me with your invitation. I would be most pleased to visit your home and discuss an arrangement with you. Perhaps you'd allow me to view the private collection which my Celtic torque formerly occupied. As your good taste is obvious, I'd be fascinated to know what other items of interest you have acquired. Perhaps you'd be willing to barter a few? I shall arrive at seven sharp, as requested. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Alex Borgin

Seven o'clock could not get here fast enough. Alex had been dressed for two hours and pacing the floor nervously ever since. She had chosen to again cater to the pride of a former Slytherin (according to Severus) and select a tight, emerald green bodice and a black velvet split skirt. It was the closest most would ever come to seeing her in a dress. A pity Lucius would never know what it was costing her to wear this around him. She felt all-too-feminine under his gaze most of the time, and tonight, she would likely feel completely naked with her shoulders bared, hair pulled away from her face in a twist, and the newly-polished Celtic torque encircling her throat . But, if it would distract him from searching her mind for her future plans, then it would be worth the trouble.

Finally, after at least a hundred glances in the mirror, and the same number of safety checks for her wand which was tucked into a garter around her thigh, it was time to go. Tossing floo powder into the hearth, she spoke the words that would take her to Malfoy Manor, and with a prayer to whomever was listening, she was off.

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Snapekisser: Yes, Snape can really be a little monster when he wants to be. I feel a little sorry for him though as he really didn't mean for any of this to happen. Being a bastard is kind of a self-defense mechanism for him, I think. As for Lucius, I'm hoping to delve into his evil side a bit more deeply in coming chapters. So, his fineness will have to sustain your tolerance for his bad-boy nature. Sorry. Thanks for keeping up with things!

Siverfey: Hmm--- Kill Alex before seeing her with his hated rival. There's some possibility in that. He is as possessive as they come, but the last person he'll admit that to is himself. Yes. She kept the torque. I'm hoping to use it as a kick start in a couple of chapters. (sorry, baby spoiler)

arwen 78: Thank goodness?! Geez, I'd give my eyes for a night with Lucius! I guess it would be a bad call on her part, right now, though. She had to put her foot down and prove that she had some self-respect. I'm glad you liked Severus' reaction. I love to write him like that. You see him in a fury so often in the books that it seems a natural to let his temper flare.

amsev: You love this story? That is music to my ears. That will keep me writing.

Fleur K: Yeah. I agree with you. I kinda felt sorry for Alex in Nina's diner in this chapter, but I can't have too much pity. Like I said, I'd give my eyes for either one of these guys!